bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlates to concussion recovery in college athletes: prospective evaluation of pre-injury modifiers and post-injury clinical and neuropsychological assessments
Authors: Putukian Margot , Kaitlin Riegler , Stephanie Amalfe , Ruben Echemendia , Frisina Pasquale G.
Published: November 2017

Objective

valuate relationships among pre-injury modifiers and post-injury assessments on sport-related concussion (SRC) recovery.

Design

Prospective-correlational.

Setting

Single University.

Participants

208 SRCs; 173 athletes (males=132, females=41).

Assessment of risk factors

Baseline modified sideline concussion assessment tool (m-SCAT):symptom checklist, Standardised Assessment of Concussion (SAC), modified-Balance Error Scoring System (m-BESS), Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and history of concussion, learning disorder (LD), headaches/migraines, and depression/anxiety. m-SCAT and hybrid neuropsychological tests 48-hours post-injury

Outcome measures

Days to symptom free (DSF) and return to full play (DFP).

Main results

Expected concussion modifiers, (gender, prior concussion, LD, headaches/migraines, depression/anxiety, PHQ-9 or GAD-7) were NOT significantly associated with DSF or DFP (p >.05). Although males (M=9.83, SD=12.22) became SF sooner (1.75 days) than females (M=11.58, SD=9.79), Mann-Whitney test indicated that differences for gender were not statistically significant, U=1249, p=0.11 and males (M=21.20,SD=20.75) and females (M=17.33, SD=14.86) didn’t differ significantly on DFP, U=613, p=0.25. ≤48-hours m-SCAT performance Athletes reporting more symptoms and higher symptom-severity score, took more DSF (rs=0.32, p<0.01, rs=0.35, p<0.01, respectively) and DFP (rs=0.19, p<0.05, rs=0.20, p<0.05, respectively). No statistically significant relationship between SAC or m-BESS and recovery existed. Four symptoms positively and significantly correlated with number of DSF and DFP: headache (SF:rs=0.27, p<0.01; FP:rs=0.23, p<0.05), neck-pain (SF:rs=0.36, p<0.05; FP, rs=0.38, p<0.05), feeling slowed down (SF:rs=0.21, p<0.01; FP:rs=0.19, p<0.05), and nervous/anxious (SF:rs=0.28, p<0.01; FP:rs=0.21, p<0.05). Athletes with slower RT on ImPACT took more DSF (rs=0.27, p<0.01) and DFP (rs=0.25, p<0.01). Athletes scoring lower/worse on ImPACT visual-motor speed composite had higher DSF (rs=-0.24, p<0.01) and DFP (rs=-0.35, p<0.01).

Conclusions

While pre-injury “modifiers” aren’t correlated with clinical recovery, acute assessments after SRC may indicate prolonged recovery.

Competing interests

None.
Effect of sub-concussive impacts sustained throughout a contact-sport season on quiet stance centre of pressure
Authors: Smirl Jonathan D , Dierijck Jill K , Wright Alexander D , Bryk Kelsey , Donkelaar Paul van
Published: November 2017

Objective

To examine how sub-concussive head trauma throughout a contact-sport season affects quiet stance centre of pressure (COP) sway

Design

Prospective cohort

Setting

Laboratory

Participants: Twenty-four elite male football players (age range 18–22) were recruited for the study

Intervention

Quiet stance data was collected at the start and at the end of the competitive season. One-minute trials were performed with eyes-open and eyes-closed on a force plate (NDI True Impulse) with feet hip-width apart and hands-on-hips. Biomechanical head-impact exposure was indexed using the xPatch (X2 Biosystems)

Outcome measures

COP measures: Anterior/posterior (AP) and medial/lateral (ML) root-mean-square displacement (RMSd) and mean velocity. Biomechanical head-impact data: For hits above 20g, peak linear acceleration (PLA), and peak rotational acceleration (PRAwere estimated across the competitive season. Independent variables included time (2) and condition (2)

Results

RM-ANOVA reveal an effect of condition (eyes-open vs eyes-closed) in AP-RMSd (p=0.035, 95% CI: 0.006, 0.159), ML-RMSd (p<0.0001, CI: 0.083, 0.250), and ML mean velocity (p<0.0001, 95% CI: 0.111, 0.308). However, despite exposure to a cumulative 8147.2±6215.5 g in linear acceleration and 34.5 x 106 ± 59.0x106 rad/s2 in rotational acceleration, there were no significant differences between conditions for COP measures at post-season

Conclusions

In contrast to the prolonged COP alterations observed following acute concussions, there were no discernable effects of sub-concussive trauma on COP sway during quiet stance in the same population. This is an important finding as it reveals that participation in contract-sport does not impair quiet stance balance

Competing interests

None.
Epidemiology of athletic trainer services for concussions among us high school student-athletes
Authors: Wasserman Erin B , Kerr Zachary Y , Dompier Thomas P
Published: November 2017

Objective

This study examined athletic trainer (AT) services for sports-related concussion among high school (HS) student-athletes during the 2011/12–2013/14 academic years.

Design

Descriptive epidemiology.

Setting

Concussion data originated from the National Athletic Trainers Injury and Outcomes Network (NATION), a US-wide surveillance program comprised of a convenience sample of 127 HS. All concussions were diagnosed and reported by ATs.

Participants

Our sample included 1662 concussions with service data among HS student-athletes from 22 sports; 48.0% were in football; 8.2% were recurrent. Of 607 concussions in sex-comparable sports, 52.7% were among females.

Assessment of risk factors

We examined outcome measures by sport (American football vs. non-football), sex, and whether the concussion was reported as recurrent.

Outcome measures

ATs reported the number and types of AT room visits and services. We compared the means of these measures by sport, sex, and recurrence using independent samples t-tests.

Main results

There were 15,698 AT room visits reported (mean=9.5 per concussion; Standard Deviation [SD]=7.4). ATs provided an average 1.2 (SD=0.3) services per visit. No differences existed by sport or recurrence. In sex-comparable sports, females had a mean 12.2 (SD=10.5) visits compared to 9.5 (SD=7.0) among males (p<0.001). No sex differences existed in services per visit.

Conclusions

There are more AT room visits per concussion among females than males in sex-comparable sports. This is likely related to previous research finding symptom resolution time is longer in females than males. Identifying concussions that will require more AT services may help with resource allocation and planning for ATs.

Competing interests

This project was funded by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Research and Education Foundation (NATAREF), and the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) Foundation in cooperation with BioCrossroads. The content of this report is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the NATAREF, CICP Foundation or BioCrossroads.
A graded exercise protocol with added cognitive load: a standardised approach for assessing symptom responses following a sports related concussion?
Authors: S John Sullivan , Alla Sridhar , Hale Leigh , Lee Hopin , McCrory Paul
Published: November 2017

Objective

To examine the self-reported concussion symptoms provoked with a controlled sub-maximal exercise protocol, incorporating a cognitive load, in athletes recovering from a sports-related concussion.

Design

A three group repeated measures study with follow-up.

Setting

University laboratory.

Participants

University aged athletes (12 males, 3 females) with a recent (<14 days) sports-related concussion and 30 (24 males and 6 females) matched recreationally active, non-concussed persons.

Intervention

Three groups: Concussed (Con), Control+exercise+cognitive load (CECL); and Control+exercise (CE) undertook a 19 min standardised sub-maximal progressive exercise protocol. The Con and CECL groups simultaneously completed a package of reaction time tasks (cognitive load).The Con group completed an identical protocol on a subsequent visit. Participants were instructed to “stop” the test any time they wished.

Outcome measures

The symptom severity score (SSS) obtained from the SCAT2 post-concussion symptom scale was determined prior to, immediately following, and 15 min aftercompleting the exercise protocol.

Main results

The groups X time interaction (F4,84=31.9, p<001)indicated that the Con group was different from both control groups at all 3 time intervalswith differences between the time points for the Con group, but not for the others.Three members from the Con group did not complete the protocol. A significant visit X time interaction (F1,9=56.04) was seen for the Con group which completed the protocol on 2 occasions.

Conclusions

The protocoldifferentially provoked symptoms in recently concussed athletes suggesting its potential in standardising assessment procedures to inform return to play decisions.

Competing interests

Paul McCrory is a co-investigator, collaborator, or consultant on grants relating to mild TBI funded by several governmental organisations. He is Co-Chair of the Australian Centre for Research into Sports Injury and its Prevention (ACRISP), supported by the IOC. He has been reimbursed by the government, professional scientific bodies, and sporting bodies for presenting research relating to mild TBI and sport-related concussion at meetings, scientific conferences, and symposiums. He received support since 2001 from CogState Inc for research costs and the development of educational material. He does not hold any individual shares in any company related to concussion or brain injury assessment or technology.

None.
Acute sport-related concussion induces transient impairment in dynamic cerebral auto regulation that is related to scat3 performance
Authors: Wright Alexander D , Smirl Jonathan D , Bryk Kelsey , Fraser Sarah K , Grewal Harjas S , Jakovac Michael , Dierijck Jill , Donkelaar Paul van
Published: November 2017

Objective

Examine how the frequency-dependent relationship between blood pressure (BP) and cerebral blood velocity (CBV) is affected by acute sport-related concussion.

Design

Prospective Cohort.

Setting

Laboratory.

Participants:

136 male contact-sport athletes (19.1±1.4 years) recruited, subset of 14 sustained concussions (19±1.4 years).

Intervention

Participants completed baseline (T0) and post-injury testing at 72-hours (T1), 2-weeks (T2), and 1-month (T3). BP was monitored via finger photoplethysmography, and transcranial Doppler ultrasound indexed CBV in the middle cerebral artery. Squat-stand manoeuvers were performed at 0.05 and 0.10Hz to enhance BP variation. RM-ANOVA independent variables included time (4) and frequency (2).

Outcome measures

Transfer function analysis point estimates quantified coherence (correlation), phase (synchronisation) and gain (amplitude buffer) metrics between BP and CBV waveforms.

Results

Significant frequency-time interactions for phase (p=0.007) and gain (p=0.049). Simple effects analysis revealed time effects for phase at 0.10 Hz, indicating reductions at T1 (95% CI: 0.033 – 0.24 rads, p=0.008) and T2 (95% CI: 0.014–0.196 rads, p=0.02) compared to T0. On average, return-to-play occurred at T2 (median 14 days). Phase reductions at T1 were correlated with Standardised Assessment of Concussion performance (r=0.659, p=0.02).

Conclusions

These results reveal transient post-concussion impairments in the capacity of the cerebrovasculature to buffer BP oscillations, which exceeded clinical recovery duration. Phase reductions at 0.10Hz suggest the presence of a cerebrovascular autonomic dysregulation, which could leave the brain less protected to BP surges. This key finding may help explain why the brain is more vulnerable to additional trauma during the post-injury recovery period.

Competing interests

None.
What domains of clinical function should be assessed after sport-related concussion? A systematic review
Authors: Feddermann-Demont Nina , Echemendia Ruben J , Schneider Kathryn J , Solomon Gary S , Hayden K Alix , Turner Michael , Dvořák Jiří , Straumann Dominik , Tarnutzer Alexander A
Published: November 2017

Background

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a clinical diagnosis made after a sport-related head trauma. Inconsistency exists regarding appropriate methods for assessing SRC, which focus largely on symptom-scores, neurocognitive functioning and postural stability.

Design

Systematic literature review.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane-DSR, Cochrane CRCT, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus (accessed July 9, 2016).

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Original (prospective) studies reporting on postinjury assessment in a clinical setting and evaluation of diagnostic tools within 2 weeks after an SRC.

Results

Forty-six studies covering 3284 athletes were included out of 2170 articles. Only the prospective studies were considered for final analysis (n=33; 2416 athletes). Concussion diagnosis was typically made on the sideline by an (certified) athletic trainer (55.0%), mainly on the basis of results from a symptom-based questionnaire. Clinical domains affected included cognitive, vestibular and headache/migraine. Headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and dizziness were the symptoms most frequently reported. Neurocognitive testing was used in 30/33 studies (90.9%), whereas balance was assessed in 9/33 studies (27.3%).

Summary/conclusions

The overall quality of the studies was considered low. The absence of an objective, gold standard criterion makes the accurate diagnosis of SRC challenging. Current approaches tend to emphasise cognition, symptom assessment and postural stability with less of a focus on other domains of functioning. We propose that the clinical assessment of SRC should be symptom based and interdisciplinary. Whenever possible, the SRC assessment should incorporate neurological, vestibular, ocular motor, visual, neurocognitive, psychological and cervical aspects.
Mortality in dementia with Lewy bodies compared with Alzheimer’s dementia: a retrospective naturalistic cohort study
Authors: Price Annabel , Farooq Redwan , Yuan Jin-Min , Menon Vandana B , Cardinal Rudolf N , O’Brien John T
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To use routine clinical data to investigate survival in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) compared with Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). DLB is the second most common dementia subtype after AD, accounting for around 7% of dementia diagnoses in secondary care, though studies suggest that it is underdiagnosed by up to 50%. Most previous studies of DLB have been based on select research cohorts, so little is known about the outcome of the disease in routine healthcare settings.

Setting

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, a mental health trust providing secondary mental health care in England.

Sample

251 DLB and 222 AD identified from an anonymised database derived from electronic clinical case records across an 8-year period (2005–2012), with mortality data updated to May 2015.

Results

Raw (uncorrected) median survival was 3.72 years for DLB (95% CI 3.33 to 4.14) and 6.95 years for AD (95% CI 5.78 to 8.12). Controlling for age at diagnosis, comorbidity and antipsychotic prescribing the model predicted median survival for DLB was 3.3 years (95% CI 2.88 to 3.83) for males and 4.0 years (95% CI 3.55 to 5.00) for females, while median survival for AD was 6.7 years (95% CI 5.27 to 8.51) for males and 7.0 years (95% CI 5.92 to 8.73) for females.

Conclusion

Survival from first presentation with cognitive impairment was markedly shorter in DLB compared with AD, independent of age, sex, physical comorbidity or antipsychotic prescribing. This finding, in one of the largest clinical cohorts of DLB cases assembled to date, adds to existing evidence for poorer survival for DLB versus AD. There is an urgent need for further research to understand possible mechanisms accounting for this finding.
Prognostic value of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in follicular lymphoma: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Shing Fung , Luque-Fernandez Miguel Angel
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The clinical course and prognosis of follicular lymphoma (FL) are diverse and associated with the patient’s immune response. We investigated the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as prognostic factors in patients with FL, including those receiving radiotherapy.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Regional cancer centre in Hong Kong.

Participants

88 patients with histologically proven FL diagnosed between 2000 and 2014.

Materials and methods

The best LMR and NLR cut-off values were determined using cross-validated areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves. The extent to which progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival differed by NLR and LMR cut-off values was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank tests. A Cox proportional hazards model was fitted to adjust for confounders.

Results

The best cut-off values for LMR and NLR were 3.20 and 2.18, respectively. The 5-year PFS was 73.6%. After multivariate adjustment, high LMR (>3.20) at diagnosis was associated with superior PFS, with a HR of 0.31 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.71), whereas high NLR at relapse was associated with poorer postprogression survival (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.49).

Conclusions

Baseline LMR and NLR at relapse were shown to be independent prognostic factors in FL. LMR and NLR are cheap and widely available biomarkers that could be used in combination with the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index by clinicians to better predict prognosis.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in Denmark: a nationwide register-based study of mortality, prevalence and incidence
Authors: Vaeth Signe , Vaeth Michael , Andersen Henning , Christensen Rikke , Jensen Uffe Birk
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common inherited disorder of the peripheral nervous system, yet no studies have compared the mortality in patients with CMT with that of the general population, and prevalence estimates vary considerably. We performed a nationwide register-based study to investigate the prevalence, incidence and mortality of CMT in Denmark.

Design

We used the Danish National Patient Registry to select all records with primary diagnostic codes for CMT between 1977 and 2012 given at a neurological, neurophysiological, paediatric or clinical genetic clinic. The prevalence was estimated by 31 December 2012, and the incidence rate was calculated based on data from 1988 to 2012. We calculated a standardised mortality ratio (SMR) and an absolute excess mortality rate (AER) stratified according to age categories and disease duration.

Results

A total of 1534 patients (652 women) were identified. The prevalence proportion was 22.5 per 100 000 (95% CI 21.2 to 23.7) and the incidence rate was 0.98 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.04) per 100 000 person-years. The SMR was 1.36 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.53), and the AER was 4.87 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 2.77 to 6.96). We found a significantly higher SMR in cases below 50 years of age, and in cases with disease duration of more than 10 years.

Conclusions

We found a reduced life expectancy among patients diagnosed with CMT. To our knowledge, this is the first study of CMT to use nationwide register-based data, and the first to report an SMR and an AER.
How guiding coalitions promote positive culture change in hospitals: a longitudinal mixed methods interventional study
Authors: Bradley Elizabeth H , Brewster Amanda L , McNatt Zahirah , Linnander Erika L , Cherlin Emily , Fosburgh Heather , Ting Henry H , Curry Leslie A
Published: November 2017

Background

Quality collaboratives are widely endorsed as a potentially effective method for translating and spreading best practices for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) care. Nevertheless, hospital success in improving performance through participation in collaboratives varies markedly. We sought to understand what distinguished hospitals that succeeded in shifting culture and reducing 30-day risk-standardised mortality rate (RSMR) after AMI through their participation in the Leadership Saves Lives (LSL) collaborative.

Procedures

We conducted a longitudinal, mixed methods intervention study of 10 hospitals over a 2-year period; data included surveys of 223 individuals (response rates 83%–94% depending on wave) and 393 in-depth interviews with clinical and management staff most engaged with the LSL intervention in the 10 hospitals. We measured change in culture and RSMR, and key aspects of working related to team membership, turnover, level of participation and approaches to conflict management.

Main findings

The six hospitals that experienced substantial culture change and greater reductions in RSMR demonstrated distinctions in: (1) effective inclusion of staff from different disciplines and levels in the organisational hierarchy in the team guiding improvement efforts (referred to as the ‘guiding coalition’ in each hospital); (2) authentic participation in the work of the guiding coalition; and (3) distinct patterns of managing conflict. Guiding coalition size and turnover were not associated with success (p values>0.05). In the six hospitals that experienced substantial positive culture change, staff indicated that the LSL learnings were already being applied to other improvement efforts.

Principal conclusions

Hospitals that were most successful in a national quality collaborative to shift hospital culture and reduce RSMR showed distinct patterns in membership diversity, authentic participation and capacity for conflict management.
Is quality important to our patients? The relationship between surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction
Authors: Lobo Prabhu Kristel , Cleghorn Michelle C , Elnahas Ahmad , Tse Alvina , Maeda Azusa , Quereshy Fayez A , Okrainec Allan , Jackson Timothy D
Published: November 2017

Background

With greater transparency in health system reporting and increased reliance on patient-centred outcomes, patient satisfaction has become a priority in delivering quality care. We sought to explore the relationship between patient satisfaction and short-term outcomes in patients undergoing general surgical procedures.

Methods

Satisfaction surveys were distributed to patients following discharge from the general surgery service at an academic hospital between June 2012 and March 2015. Short-term clinical outcomes were obtained from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients rated their level of satisfaction on a 5-point Likert scale, and ordered logistic regression model was used to determine predictors of high patient satisfaction.

Results

757 patient satisfaction surveys were completed. The mean age of patients surveyed was 52.2 years; 60.0% of patients were female. The majority of patients underwent a laparoscopic procedure (85.9%) and were admitted as inpatients following surgery (72%). 91.5% of patients rated satisfaction of 4–5, and 95.0% said they would recommend the service. The odds of overall satisfaction were lower in patients who had complications (OR: 0.52, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.87) and 30-day readmission (OR: 0.35, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.70). Having elective surgery was associated with higher odds of satisfaction (OR: 1.62, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.47).

Conclusions

We found a significant association between patient satisfaction and both 30-day readmission and the occurrence of postoperative surgical complications. Given this association, further study is warranted to evaluate patient satisfaction as a healthcare quality indicator.
Phenotype-genotype correlations in Leigh syndrome: new insights from a multicentre study of 96 patients
Authors: Sofou Kalliopi , de Coo Irenaeus F M , Ostergaard Elsebet , Isohanni Pirjo , Naess Karin , De Meirleir Linda , Tzoulis Charalampos , Uusimaa Johanna , Lönnqvist Tuula , Bindoff Laurence Albert , Tulinius Már , Darin Niklas
Published: November 2017

Background

Leigh syndrome is a phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous mitochondrial disorder. While some genetic defects are associated with well-described phenotypes, phenotype-genotype correlations in Leigh syndrome are not fully explored.

Objective

We aimed to identify phenotype-genotype correlations in Leigh syndrome in a large cohort of systematically evaluated patients.

Methods

We studied 96 patients with genetically confirmed Leigh syndrome diagnosed and followed in eight European centres specialising in mitochondrial diseases.

Results

We found that ataxia, ophthalmoplegia and cardiomyopathy were more prevalent among patients with mitochondrial DNA defects. Patients with mutations in MT-ND and NDUF genes with complex I deficiency shared common phenotypic features, such as early development of central nervous system disease, followed by high occurrence of cardiac and ocular manifestations. The cerebral cortex was affected in patients with NDUF mutations significantly more often than the rest of the cohort. Patients with the m.8993T>G mutation in MT-ATP6 gene had more severe clinical and radiological manifestations and poorer disease outcome compared with patients with the m.8993T>C mutation.

Conclusion

Our study provides new insights into phenotype-genotype correlations in Leigh syndrome and particularly in patients with complex I deficiency and with defects in the mitochondrial ATP synthase.
Superficial white matter damage in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis
Authors: Phillips Owen Robert , Joshi Shantanu H , Narr Katherine L , Shattuck David W , Singh Manpreet , Di Paola Margherita , Ploner Christoph J , Prüss Harald , Paul Friedemann , Finke Carsten
Published: November 2017

Background

Clinical brain MRI is normal in the majority of patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. However, extensive deep white matter damage wasrecently identifiedin these patients using diffusion weighted imaging. Here, our aim was to study a particularly vulnerable brain compartment, the late myelinating superficial white matter.

Methods

Forty-six patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were included. Ten out of these were considered neurologically recovered (modified Rankin scale of zero), while 36 patients were non-recovered. In addition, 30 healthy controls were studied. MRI data were collected from all subjects and superficial white matter mean diffusivity derived from diffusion tensor imaging was compared between groups in whole brain, lobar and vertex-based analyses. Patients underwent comprehensive cognitive testing, and correlation analyses were performed between cognitive performance and superficial white matter integrity.

Results

Non-recovered patients showed widespread superficial white matter damage in comparison to recovered patients and healthy controls. Vertex-based analyses revealed that damage predominated in frontal and temporal lobes. In contrast, the superficial white matter was intact in recovered patients. Importantly, persistent cognitive impairments in working memory, verbal memory, visuospatial memory and attention significantly correlated with damage of the superficial white matter in patients.

Conclusions

Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is associated with extensive superficial white matter damage in patients with incomplete recovery. The strong association with impairment in several cognitive domains highlights the clinical relevance of white matter damage in this disorder and warrants investigations of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
Autoimmune-autoinflammatory rheumatoid arthritis overlaps: a rare but potentially important subgroup of diseases
Authors: Savic Sinisa , Mistry Anoop , Wilson Anthony G , Barcenas-Morales Gabriela , Doffinger Rainer , Emery Paul , McGonagle Dennis
Published: November 2017

At the population level, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is generally viewed as autoimmune in nature with a small subgroup of cases having a palindromic form or systemic autoinflammatory disorder (SAID) phenotype. Herein, we describe resistant cases of classical autoantibody associated RA that had clinical, genetic and therapeutic responses indicative of coexistent autoinflammatory disease. Five patients with clinically overlapping features between RA and SAID including polysynovitis and autoantibody/shared epitope positivity, and who had abrupt severe self-limiting attacks including fevers and serositis, are described. Mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms in recognised autoinflammatory pathways were evident. Generally, these cases responded poorly to conventional Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) treatment with some excellent responses to colchicine or interleukin 1 pathway blockade. A subgroup of RA cases have a mixed autoimmune-autoinflammatory phenotype and genotype with therapeutic implications.
Content analysis of e-cigarette products, promotions, prices and claims on Internet tobacco vendor websites, 2013–2014
Authors: Williams Rebecca S , Derrick Jason , Liebman Aliza K , LaFleur Kevin
Published: November 2017

Objective

To identify the population of Internet e-cigarette vendors (IEVs) and conduct content analysis of products sold and IEVs’ promotional, claims and pricing practices.

Methods

Multiple sources were used to identify IEV websites, primarily complex search algorithms scanning over 180 million websites. In 2013, 32 446 websites were manually screened, identifying 980 IEVs, with the 281 most popular selected for content analysis. This methodology yielded 31 239 websites for manual screening in 2014, identifying 3096 IEVs, with 283 selected for content analysis.

Results

While the majority of IEVs (71.9%) were US based in 2013, this dropped to 64.3% in 2014 (p<0.01), with IEVs located in at least 38 countries, and 12% providing location indicators reflecting two or more countries, complicating jurisdictional determinations.

Reflecting the retail market, IEVs are transitioning from offering disposable and ‘cigalike’ e-cigarettes to larger tank and “mod” systems. Flavored e-cigarettes were available from 85.9% of IEVs in 2014, with fruit and candy flavors being most popular. Most vendors (76.5%) made health claims in 2013, dropping to 43.1% in 2014. Some IEVs featured conflicting claims about whether or not e-cigarettes aid in smoking cessation. There was wide variation in pricing, with e-cigarettes available as inexpensive as one dollar, well within the affordable range for adults and teens.

Conclusions

The number of Internet e-cigarette vendors grew threefold from 2013 to 2014, far surpassing the number of Internet cigarette vendors (N=775) at the 2004 height of that industry. New and expanded regulations for online e-cigarette sales are needed, including restrictions on flavors and marketing claims.
PERCEPTION TYPES OF HOME BUYERS BY Q METHODOLOGY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HONG KONG, TAIWAN, AND THE USA
Authors: LIU CHUNG-CHU , CHEN JASON C. H. , POON CHE-CHEONG
Published: November 2017

It is commonly accepted that purchasing a home is one of the most important decisions that people can make in their lifetimes, and that perception types of home-buying decisions are critical constructs in housing market research. However, despite the large body of extant literature that has examined objective factors determining housing demand, few have analyzed home-purchase intention from a subjective perspective using a cross-sectional approach. To fill this research gap, this paper aims to distinguish and compare different perception types of home buying in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the USA by using Q methodology, which utilizes subjective views and perceptions to capture general responses to a phenomenon. After analyzing the 30 samples of home buyers selected from each of these three areas being surveyed, the research results demonstrate that most home buyers in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the USA are aggressive investors, pragmatists and lifelong financial planners, respectively.
On the violation of the invariance of the light speed in theoretical investigations
Authors: Chubykalo A. , Espinoza A. , Gonzalez-Sanchez A. , Gutiérrez Rodríguez A.
Published: November 2017

In this review, we analyze some of the most important theoretical attempts to challenge the invariance of the light speed postulated by the Special Theory of Relativity (STR). Most of those studies, however, show that STR has great stability with respect to various kinds of modifications in its axioms. This stability probably is due to the fact that in these modifications there is no so much a violation of the physical postulate of the invariance of the speed of light, as its mathematical expansion in the form of making resort to a more general affine space. In these modifications, we refer to more general transformation groups, including scale transformation of the speed of light and time [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text].
OPINION DIFFUSION ON MULTILAYER SOCIAL NETWORKS
Authors: HU HAI-BO , LI CANG-HAI , MIAO QING-YING
Published: November 2017

In this paper, to reveal the influence of multilayer network structure on opinion diffusion in social networks, we study an opinion dynamics model based on DeGroot model on multilayer networks. We find that if the influence matrix integrating the information of connectedness for each layer and correlation between layers is strongly connected and aperiodic, all agents’ opinions will reach a consensus. However, if there are stubborn agents in the networks, regular agents’ opinions will finally be confined to the convex combinations of the stubborn agents’. Specifically, if all stubborn agents hold the same opinion, even if the agents only exist on a certain layer, their opinions will diffuse to the entire multilayer networks. This paper not only characterizes the influence of multilayer network topology and agent attribute on opinion diffusion in a holistic way, but also demonstrates the importance of coupling agents which play an indispensable role in some social and economic situations.
Reactivity of phosphorus mononitride and interstellar formation of molecules containing phospazo linkage: A computational study on the reaction between HSi (X2Π) and PN (X1Σ+)
Authors: Bhasi Priya , Nhlabatsi Zanele P. , Sitha Sanyasi
Published: November 2017

Phosphorus mononitride (PN) shows some interesting chemistry due to its low dissociation energy (compared to N2) and small dipole moment (zero dipole moment for N2). In this work, a reaction between HSi ([Formula: see text]) and PN ([Formula: see text]) has been studied using various computational methods. Analysis of the doublet surface of the [Formula: see text] reaction indicates that the reaction is exothermic in nature leading to the formation of various products. In view of the barrierless association of the reactants and exothermic nature for the product formation, it is suggested that species like HPNSi, cyclic-SiN(H)P (these two most stable isomers have phosphazo linkage) and HSiNP (third most stable isomer has phosphdiazo linkage) can possibly be detected in the interstellar medium. In view of the potential applications of phosphazo compounds in amide synthesis and pervasive nature of amide linkages in the nature, possible interstellar prebiotic applications can be advocated for these compounds.
MAMMOTh: A new database for curated mathematical models of biomolecular systems
Authors: Kazantsev Fedor , Akberdin Ilya , Lashin Sergey , Ree Natalia , Timonov Vladimir , Ratushny Alexander , Khlebodarova Tamara , Likhoshvai Vitaly
Published: November 2017

Motivation: Living systems have a complex hierarchical organization that can be viewed as a set of dynamically interacting subsystems. Thus, to simulate the internal nature and dynamics of the entire biological system, we should use the iterative way for a model reconstruction, which is a consistent composition and combination of its elementary subsystems. In accordance with this bottom-up approach, we have developed the MAthematical Models of bioMOlecular sysTems (MAMMOTh) tool that consists of the database containing manually curated MAMMOTh fitted to the experimental data and a software tool that provides their further integration.

Results: The MAMMOTh database entries are organized as building blocks in a way that the model parts can be used in different combinations to describe systems with higher organizational level (metabolic pathways and/or transcription regulatory networks). The tool supports export of a single model or their combinations in SBML or Mathematica standards. The database currently contains 110 mathematical sub-models for Escherichia coli elementary subsystems (enzymatic reactions and gene expression regulatory processes) that can be combined in at least 5100 complex/sophisticated models concerning more complex biological processes as de novo nucleotide biosynthesis, aerobic/anaerobic respiration and nitrate/nitrite utilization in E. coli. All models are functionally interconnected and sufficiently complement public model resources.

Availability: http://mammoth.biomodelsgroup.ru
The Kinematic and Dynamic Analysis of Hydraulic Control System Based on the Lagrangian Force Method
Authors: Ta Thi-Na , Tran Cao-Sang , Hwang Yunn-Lin
Published: November 2017

In this paper, the hydraulic control system design and dynamic analysis are considered in superior calculation efficiency based on Lagrangian method and fundamental laws for getting control algorithms to investigate about hydraulic system how to control hydraulic system and take hydraulic controller to the optimization. The systems built in dynamical parameters are associated hydraulic control system achieved with control parameters. And then, an interface is achieved. The relations between control parameters are obtained. The numerical tools are going to determine all kinematic parameters of bodies such as displacement, velocities, accelerations as well as reaction forces are responded. The AMESim and RecurDyn are used such Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) techniques to solve the numerical examples in this paper. Those examples will imply that the equation of motion based on Euler–Lagrange equation and characteristic effect of force is executable. Through results, we could achieve control improvement at different hydraulic systems.
Gravitationally influenced particle creation models and late-time cosmic acceleration
Authors: Pan Supriya , Kumar Pal Barun , Pramanik Souvik
Published: November 2017

In this work, we focus on the gravitationally influenced adiabatic particle creation process, a mechanism that does not need any dark energy or modified gravity models to explain the current accelerating phase of the universe. Introducing some particle creation models that generalize some previous models in the literature, we constrain the cosmological scenarios using the latest compilation of the Type Ia Supernovae data only, the first indicator of the accelerating universe. Aside from the observational constraints on the models, we examine the models using two model independent diagnoses, namely the cosmography and [Formula: see text]. Further, we establish the general conditions to test the thermodynamic viabilities of any particle creation model. Our analysis shows that at late-time, the models have close resemblance to that of the [Formula: see text]CDM cosmology, and the models always satisfy the generalized second law of thermodynamics under certain conditions.
Monotone domain decomposition iterative technique for boundary value problems of a nonlinear fractional differential equation
Authors: Rim Myong-Gil , Choe Chol-Guk
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we present a monotone domain decomposition iterative technique for boundary value problems of a nonlinear fractional differential equation. We construct two monotone domain decomposition sequences of upper and lower solutions which converge uniformly to the actual solution of the problem. The accuracy and efficiency of our new approach are demonstrated through two examples.
Iso-retractable modules and rings
Authors: Chaturvedi A. K.
Published: November 2017

The modules which are isomorphic to their non-zero submodules are known as iso-retractable. We characterize simple modules in terms of iso-retractable modules. We provide several sufficient conditions for iso-retractable modules to be simple. We show that if the endomorphism ring of an iso-retractable module is von-Neumann regular then [Formula: see text] is a simple module. In general, iso-retractable modules need not be projective (injective) and vice versa. We investigate some properties of iso-retractable modules with projectivity as well as injectivity. Finally, we provide some open problems.
A note on identities for elementary symmetric and power sum polynomials
Authors: Boklan Kent D.
Published: November 2017

We provide a lightweight algorithm to express each of the elementary symmetric polynomials as a linear combination of (products of) power sum symmetric polynomials and, also, the power sums purely in terms of the elementary symmetric polynomials. Our method does not use Newton’s identities, which give such relations only implicitly. Each identity in the sequence is generated through a single differentiation.
Trajectory Planning and Control of a Quadrotor Choreography for Real-Time Artist-in-the-Loop Performances
Authors: El-Jiz Michael , Rodrigues Luis
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a systematic methodology for the guidance, control, and navigation of a quadrotor to perform a choreographed dance in real-time as a function of, and interacting with, the music performed by an artist-in-the-loop. This methodology allows for a real-time interaction with improvized music by an artist based on the pitch of the acoustic signal being played without prior knowledge of the music. The four main components of a human choreography (namely, the notions of space, shape, time and structure) are analyzed and mathematically formulated for a robotic performance. A new approach for mapping music features to trajectory parameters is proposed, as well as the design of a trajectory shaping filter based on two coefficients that are set in real-time by an artist through a MIDI foot-pedal board. The proposed approach maps motion parameters and the music to trajectory motifs that are then switched in harmony with the chord structure. The overall system is validated in a hardware-in-the-loop simulation where the hardware will consist of the musical instrument and the foot pedals. In the simulation, the trajectory generator system is inverted to generate a sequence of music pitches from the actual trajectory of the quadrotor. The music generated by the quadrotor is then played back to the musician allowing for real-time interaction. The simulation results show that the proposed methodology yields an effective performance for a quadrotor choreography based on the real-time interaction with a musician. The proposed system was successfully used by an artist as can be seen in a video link to the work described in this paper and listed in the conclusions.
Novel Latency Reversal Agents for HIV-1 Cure
Authors: Spivak Adam M. , Planelles Vicente
Published: November 2017

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has rendered HIV-1 infection a treatable illness; however, ART is not curative owing to the persistence of replication-competent, latent proviruses in long-lived resting T cells. Strategies that target these latently infected cells and allow immune recognition and clearance of this reservoir will be necessary to eradicate HIV-1 in infected individuals. This review describes current pharmacologic approaches to reactivate the latent reservoir so that infected cells can be recognized and targeted, with the ultimate goal of achieving an HIV-1 cure.
Nutritional Interventions for Mitochondrial OXPHOS Deficiencies: Mechanisms and Model Systems
Authors: Kuszak Adam J. , Espey Michael Graham , Falk Marni J. , Holmbeck Marissa A. , Manfredi Giovanni , Shadel Gerald S. , Vernon Hilary J. , Zolkipli-Cunningham Zarazuela
Published: November 2017

Multisystem metabolic disorders caused by defects in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) are severe, often lethal, conditions. Inborn errors of OXPHOS function are termed primary mitochondrial disorders (PMDs), and the use of nutritional interventions is routine in their supportive management. However, detailed mechanistic understanding and evidence for efficacy and safety of these interventions are limited. Preclinical cellular and animal model systems are important tools to investigate PMD metabolic mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. This review assesses the mechanistic rationale and experimental evidence for nutritional interventions commonly used in PMDs, including micronutrients, metabolic agents, signaling modifiers, and dietary regulation, while highlighting important knowledge gaps and impediments for randomized controlled trials. Cellular and animal model systems that recapitulate mutations and clinical manifestations of specific PMDs are evaluated for their potential in determining pathological mechanisms, elucidating therapeutic health outcomes, and investigating the value of nutritional interventions for mitochondrial disease conditions.
Analysis of the Ocular Refractive State in Fighting Bulls: Astigmatism Prevalence
Authors: Bueno Juan M. , Lo Sapio Matteo , Sanes J. Manuel , Seva Juan
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to describe the ocular refractive state (ORS) of fighting bulls. The study consisted of 90 ophthalmological healthy animals (85 inpost-mortemand 5 in living conditions, resp.). The ORS of the eyes (2 per animal) was determined using streak retinoscopy.In vivoanimals were assessed at a fighting bull farm facility.Post-mortemmeasurements were carried out at a local arena. The ORS along the horizontal meridian ranged between −1.00 and +2.50 diopters (D), with a mean of +0.66±0.85 D inpost-mortemanimals. Values forin vivoconditions were similar (+0.75±0.46 D). Left and right eyes were highly correlated in both sets (p<0.001). A fairly good correlation was also observed when comparing living andpost-mortemeyes in the same animals. Anisometropia ≥ 1.00 D was diagnosed in 3 animals. Astigmatism (≥+0.5 D) was detected in 93% of the eyes. To our knowledge, the ORS of the fighting bull has been reported for the first time. Although values vary among individuals, all eyes presented a marked astigmatism. Whereas the horizontal meridian was slightly hyperopic, the vertical meridian was always closer to emmetropia. These results represent a starting point to understand the ocular optics of this kind of animals, which might benefit the selection of animals at the farm before being sent to the bullfighting arena.
Legume Consumption and All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality
Authors: Li Hua , Li Jinmeng , Shen Yegen , Wang Jie , Zhou Depu
Published: November 2017

Background. Legume consumption is suggested to have protective effects against cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in the general population, but the results have been equivocal. We conducted a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to assess the association between legume consumption and risk of CVD mortality and all-cause mortality.Methods and Results. Medline (via Ovid) and EMBASE (via Ovid) databases were searched through April 2017 to identify eligible studies. The two authors independently extracted the data and the adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled by using a random-effects model. A total of 6 studies were identified, including the sizes of participants ranging from 23,601 to 59,485 with a sum of 21,8997. Comparing the highest category with the lowest, the pooled RR (95% CI) was 0.96 (0.86–1.06) for CVD mortality and 0.93 (0.87–0.99) for all-cause mortality.Conclusions. Results from the current study show that high legume intakes are associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality. In consideration of the small number of studies, the evidence for assessing relationship between legumes intake and risk of all-cause mortality remains inclusive and warrants further study in the future. Further, consuming legumes does not increase the risk of CVD mortality.