bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐invasive ventilation versus oxygen therapy in cystic fibrosis: A 12‐month randomized trial
Authors: Milross Maree A. , Piper Amanda J. , Dwyer Tiffany J. , Wong Keith , Bell Scott C. , Bye Peter T.P. ,   for the Non‐Invasive Ventilation in Cystic Fibrosis (NIVCF) Study Group
Published: June 2019

Background and objective

No published studies have examined the long‐term effects of non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) in cystic fibrosis (CF). Our primary aim was to determine if adults with CF and sleep desaturation were less likely to develop hypercapnia with NIV ± O2 compared to low‐flow oxygen therapy (LFO2) or meet the criteria for failure of therapy over 12 months. We studied event‐free survival, hospitalizations, lung function, arterial blood gases (ABG), sleep quality and health‐related quality of life.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, parallel group study in adult patients with CF and sleep desaturation was conducted, comparing 12 months of NIV ± O2 to LFO2. Event‐free survival was defined as participants without events. Events included: failure of therapy with PaCO2 > 60 mm Hg, or increase in PaCO2 > 10 mm Hg from baseline, increases in TcCO2 > 10 mm Hg, lung transplantation or death. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months, including lung function, ABG, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), SF36 and hospitalizations.

Results

A total of 29 patients were randomized to NIV ± O2 (n = 14) or LFO2 (n = 15) therapy for 12 months. Of the 29 patients, 18 met the criteria for event‐free survival over 12 months. NIV ± O2 group had 33% (95% CI: 5–58%) and 46% (95% CI: 10–68%) more event‐free survival at 3 and 12 months than LFO2 group. No statistically significant differences were seen in spirometry, ABG, questionnaires or hospitalizations.

Conclusion

NIV ± O2 during sleep increases event‐free survival over 12 months in adults with CF. Further studies are required to determine which subgroups benefit the most from NIV.
Impact of oral health and body image in school bullying
Authors: Veiga da Silva Siqueira Daniele , dos Santos Isadora Menezes , Pereira Luanderson Lopes , Leal Tosta dos Santos Simone Cristina , Cristino Patricia Suguri , Pena Messias de Figueiredo Filho Carlos Eduardo , Figueiredo Andreia Leal
Published: June 2019

Objective

To identify the association between perception of body image and oral health in school bullying among adolescents of an urban locality in Brazil.

Methods

A self‐questionnaire was applied on 381 students from public school between 12 and 15 years old. The variables studied were sex, age, schooling, school bullying events, and perception about their oral health and body image. The prevalence of bullying was 29.6%. The multivariate analysis showed that those who indicated that they were criticized due to the condition of their teeth had 4.37 more chance of victimization (oral 4371 CI 2325‐8218). Those who felt that oral health had little effect on their relationship with other people had 2.2 times more chance to suffer from bullying (oral 2204 CI 1031‐4708) than those who did not. Among adolescents who were not satisfied with their body image, 46.7% had more chance to be a victim of bullying (oral 2467 CI 1373‐4431).

Conclusion

A high prevalence of students affected by bullying was observed. It was possible to observe an association between bullying and dissatisfaction with oral health and body image. It is important to implement and evaluate public policies on oral health, expanding access to and improving these public services offered to the population.
The history of ideas of Nordic midwives’ excursions from the early 19th century to the millennium
Authors: Honkavuo Leena
Published: June 2019

The midwifery art has emphasised the uniqueness of human beings throughout its Nordic history. The educated Nordic midwife has in the last decade celebrated several hundred years of memories. This article studies how the key ideas of the midwifery art and patterns of ideas become evident in the zeitgeist from the beginning of the 19th century to the millennium in the Nordic countries. The legacy and pattern of ideas of the art of midwifery are interpreted in relation to the texts of the selected historical sources and based on Ricoeur's phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach to the text and further to the dedication of understanding and interpretation. The historical sources refer to unprinted primary sources from historical archives and printed secondary and tertiary sources. The patterns of ideas include a tripartite whole: the true cultivation of the head, the philosophy and aesthetics of the hand, the strength of the heart and the drive of calling. These ideas open for unique visions and attest to the evident in modern midwives. Today's midwives have academic training with examinations, and the education is based on scientific evidence. The midwife profession is authorised by the state and supervised by the authorities.
The association between physical fitness level and number and severity of injury and illness in youth elite athletes
Authors: Moseid Christine Holm , Myklebust Grethe , Slaastuen Marit Kyte , Bar‐Yaacov Jonathan Brun , Kristiansen Aase Helen , Fagerland Morten Wang , Bahr Roald
Published: June 2019

Youth elite athletes often double their training and competition load after enrollment into specialized sport academy high school programs. The least fit athletes may be exposed to an excessive and too rapid increase in training load, with negative adaptations such as injury and illness as a consequence. In this study, our aim was to determine whether these least fit athletes were at greater risk of injury or illness during their first school year. Participants were 166 youth elite athletes (72% boys) from a variety of team, technical, and endurance sports newly enrolled into specialized sport academy high schools. The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems was used to self‐report injuries and illnesses weekly for 26 weeks. Athletes completed the Ironman Jr physical fitness test battery at baseline, evaluating endurance, strength, agility, and speed properties. We ranked the athletes based on their combined test scores and identified the least fit quartile. The main outcome was the number and severity of health problems, comparing the least fit quartile of athletes to the rest of the cohort. Overall, the least fit quartile of athletes did not report more health problems (mean 3.7, 95% CI 3.0‐4.4) compared with the rest of the cohort (3.6, 3.2‐3.9). In conclusion, we demonstrated no association between low physical fitness level and number and severity of injury and illness in youth elite athletes after enrollment into a specialized sport academy high school program.
Identification of the novel HLA‐A*30:01:13 allele in a volunteer donor from the China Marrow Donor Program
Authors: Zhang Li‐Qun , Xiao Yao , Zhou Xiao‐Yang , Cui Ju , Li Jin , Cai Jian‐Ping
Published: June 2019

HLA‐A*30:01:13 differs from HLA‐A*30:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 756.
The Effect of the First Goal on Match Score in Football for the Home Field Advantage
Authors: Inan Tuğbay , Cetin Beyza , Gungorur Ozge
Published: June 2019

The interest in sports in the world is increasing in parallel with the developments in communication technology, . As a result of this increase, the number of researches conducted on sports industry and sport management has also showed an increase. The field of sport that attracts the most attention worldwide is football. Data analysis and statistical research are also included in football researches in this field of sports that intertwines with different fields of science such as football management, finance and sports industry. In addition to the econometric measurement methods on the related researches, the variables affecting the results of the competition and the statistical analyzes that determine the impact strength of these variables are more abundant in the literature. As a result of the competitions, the variables affecting the results of a competition attract the attention of football players, technical team, fans, media organizations and sports managers. When it comes to this study,  it was planned to statistically determine the effect of the first goal in the European football leagues on the results of the match. From 5 countries in Europe Spain, France, Germany, England and Italy in particular, data belonging to the matches of the teams in which they were the home team between 2014-2017 seasons was used. A total of 5478 matches were analyzed in which 1140 matches were from Spain,  918 from Germany, 1140 from France, 1140 from England and 1140 from Italy. The relationship between the first goal and the match result was determined by the chi-square independence test. SPSS 24.0 package program was used in the analysis. The first goal independent variable in the study was examined and it was found that there was a relationship between the first goal and the match results (p <0.05). As far as  results of the research data are concerned, it was found that there was a relationship between the first goal scored and the match results  of the 5 major European  football leagues when the teams were the home teams  during the three seasons. Accordingly, the importance of the first goal was demonstrated by this study.
Solar-Assisted Liquid Desiccant Dehumidification Using Hollow-Fiber and Parallel-Plate Membrane Dehumidifiers: Comparative Analysis
Authors: Bahaidaraha Haitham M. , Mohamed Mohand H. , Mokheimer Esmail M. A.
Published: June 2019

In hot and humid climates, air conditioning is an energy-intensive process due to the latent heat load. A unitary air conditioner system is proposed, here, to reduce the latent heat of the humid air using a liquid desiccant followed by an evaporative cooling system. The heat liberated by the desiccant is removed by a solution to the solution heat exchanger. To restore the concentration of the liquid desiccant, the desiccant solution is regenerated by any low-temperature heat source such as solar energy. In order to make the system compact, the membrane heat exchanger is used for the dehumidifier and regenerator. This paper presents the numerical investigation of heat and mass transfer characteristics of a selected membrane dehumidifier under different climatic parameters. Membrane-based parallel-plate and hollow-fiber exchangers are used for this application. A parallel-plate heat-and-mass exchanger (contactor) is composed of a series of plate-type membrane sheets to form channels. On the other hand, hollow-fiber membranes are packed in a shell to form a shell-and-tube heat-and-mass exchanger. The two streams of both contactors are in a counter parallel flow, separated by micro-porous semi-permeable hydrophobic membranes. In this research, the equations governing the transport of heat and mass between the two streams along with the membrane effect in both contactors are solved numerically. The results are compared at different number-of-transfer units (NTU) on the airside and thermal capacity ratios. It is found that the hollow fiber is more efficient than the parallel plate.
Design and Analysis of a Novel Integrated Wind-Solar-OTEC Energy System for Producing Hydrogen, Electricity, and Fresh Water
Authors: Ishaq Haris , Siddiqui Osamah , Dincer Ibrahim
Published: June 2019

A new energy system for power, hydrogen and fresh water production is proposed. The environmentally benign ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), wind and solar energy resources are utilized. The hybrid thermochemical CuCl cycle is used for hydrogen production, and the reverse osmosis (RO) desalination system is incorporated for producing fresh water. The presently developed system is analyzed through thermodynamic energy and exergy approaches. The energetic efficiency of the integrated trigeneration system is determined to be 45.3%, and the exergetic efficiency is found to be 44.9%. In addition to this, the energy efficiency of the OTEC power generation cycle is 4.5% while the exergy efficiency is found to be 12.9%. Furthermore, the CuCl hydrogen production cycle is examined to have exergetic and energetic efficiencies of 36% and 35.2%, respectively. Also, numerous parametric studies are performed to analyze the system performance at different operating parameters.
Viscoelastic Snapping Metamaterials
Authors: Dykstra David M. J. , Busink Joris , Ennis Bernard , Coulais Corentin
Published: June 2019

Mechanical metamaterials are artificial composites with tunable advanced mechanical properties. Particularly, interesting types of mechanical metamaterials are flexible metamaterials, which harness internal rotations and instabilities to exhibit programable deformations. However, to date, such materials have mostly been considered using nearly purely elastic constituents such as neo-Hookean rubbers. Here, we experimentally explore the mechanical snap-through response of metamaterials that are made of constituents that exhibit large viscoelastic relaxation effects, encountered in the vast majority of rubbers, in particular, in 3D printed rubbers. We show that they exhibit a very strong sensitivity to the loading rate. In particular, the mechanical instability is strongly affected beyond a certain loading rate. We rationalize our findings with a compliant mechanism model augmented with viscoelastic interactions, which qualitatively captures well the reported behavior, suggesting that the sensitivity to the loading rate stems from the nonlinear and inhomogeneous deformation rate, provoked by internal rotations. Our findings bring a novel understanding of metamaterials in the dynamical regime and open up avenues for the use of metamaterials for dynamical shape-changing as well as vibration and impact damping applications.
Determination of an Interaction Network between an Extracellular Bacterial Pathogen and the Human Host
Authors: Griesenauer Brad , Tran Tuan M. , Fortney Kate R. , Janowicz Diane M. , Johnson Paula , Gao Hongyu , Barnes Stephen , Wilson Landon S. , Liu Yunlong , Spinola Stanley M.
Published: June 2019

Dual RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) offers the promise of determining an interactome at a transcriptional level between a bacterium and the host but has yet to be done on any bacterial infection in human tissue. We performed dual RNA-seq and metabolomics analyses on wounded and infected sites following experimental infection of the arm with
H. ducreyi
. Our results suggest that
H. ducreyi
survives in an abscess by utilizing
l
-ascorbate as an alternative carbon source, possibly taking advantage of host ascorbic acid recycling, and that
H. ducreyi
also adapts by upregulating genes involved in anaerobic metabolism and inorganic ion and nutrient transport. To our knowledge, this is the first description of an interaction network between a bacterium and the human host at a site of infection.
Investigation of Genetic Susceptibility to Blastomycosis Reveals Interleukin-6 as a Potential Susceptibility Locus
Authors: Merkhofer Richard M. , O’Neill Mary B. , Xiong Donny , Hernandez-Santos Nydiaris , Dobson Hannah , Fites J. Scott , Shockey Abigail C. , Wuethrich Marcel , Pepperell Caitlin S. , Klein Bruce S.
Published: June 2019

Blastomycosis is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by the fungus
Blastomyces dermatitidis
. As with related fungal diseases, blastomycosis is noted to affect some populations more than others. These patterns of illness are often not related to predisposing conditions or exposure risks; thus, genetic differences are thought to underlie these health disparities. People of Hmong ancestry in Wisconsin are at elevated risk of blastomycosis compared to the general population. We studied the genetic codes of Hmong blastomycosis patients and identified candidate sites in their genomes that may explain their susceptibility to this infection. We further studied one particular region of the genome that is involved with the immune processes that fight
B. dermatitidis
. Our work revealed population differences in the response to fungi. A better understanding of the genetic underpinnings of susceptibility to infectious diseases has broader implications for community health, especially in the paradigm of personalized medicine.
Tad Pili Play a Dynamic Role in Caulobacter crescentus Surface Colonization
Authors: Sangermani Matteo , Hug Isabelle , Sauter Nora , Pfohl Thomas , Jenal Urs
Published: June 2019

Bacteria are able to colonize surfaces in environmental, industrial, and medical settings, where they form resilient communities called biofilms. In order to control bacterial surface colonization, microbiologists need to gain a detailed understanding of the processes that bacteria use to live at the liquid-surface interface and that allow them to adhere to and move on surfaces and eventually grow and persist on solid media. To facilitate these processes, bacteria are equipped with adhesive structures such as flagella and pili and with matrix components such as exopolysaccharides. How these cellular organelles are coordinated to optimize surface processes is currently subject to intense investigations. Here we used the model organism
Caulobacter crescentus
to demonstrate that polar pili are highly dynamic structures that are functionally interconnected with the flagellar motor to mediate surface sensing, thereby enforcing rapid and permanent surface attachment. These studies provide an entry point for an in-depth molecular analysis of bacterial surface colonization.
A Novel Cys2His2 Zinc Finger Homolog of AZF1 Modulates Holocellulase Expression in
Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Antonieto Amanda Cristina Campos , Nogueira Karoline Maria Vieira , de Paula Renato Graciano , Nora Luísa Czamanski , Cassiano Murilo Henrique Anzolini , Guazzaroni Maria-Eugenia , Almeida Fausto , da Silva Thiago Aparecido , Ries Laure Nicolas Annick , de Assis Leandro Jose , Goldman Gustavo Henrique , Silva Roberto Nascimento , Silva-Rocha Rafael
Published: June 2019

In this work, we used a systems biology approach to map new regulatory interactions in
Trichoderma reesei
controlling the expression of genes encoding cellulase and hemicellulase. By integrating transcriptomics related to complex biomass degradation, we were able to identify a novel transcriptional regulator which is able to activate the expression of these genes in response to two different cellulose sources.
In vivo
experimental validation confirmed the role of this new regulator in several other processes related to carbon source utilization and nutrient transport. Therefore, this work revealed novel forms of regulatory interaction in this model system for plant biomass deconstruction and also represented a new approach that could be easy applied to other organisms.
Bedding-parallel stylolites as a tool to unravel maximum burial depth in sedimentary basins: Application to Middle Jurassic carbonate reservoirs in the Paris basin, France
Authors: Beaudoin N. , Gasparrini M. , David M.-E. , Lacombe O. , Koehn D.
Published: June 2019

In recent years stylolites, which are rough dissolution surfaces commonly found in carbonates, have been used for paleopiezometry estimates. The Stylolite Roughness Inversion Technique (SRIT) applied on sedimentary bedding-parallel stylolites (BPS) grants access to the maximum principal vertical stress experienced by the host carbonates and thus to their maximum burial paleo-depth. This study reports the results of SRIT applied to a BPS population hosted in carbonate platform reservoirs of the Paris basin sub-surface (France). Middle Jurassic carbonates from two well cores from the depocenter and margin of the basin, for which the burial and thermal history are known, based on a thermally calibrated 3-D basin model, were analyzed. By defining a consistency criterion and using two signal treatment methods, we propose a new approach to select which BPS can be reliably used to reconstruct the maximum vertical stress undergone by the host carbonates, which then can be converted into maximum burial depth. The study of a BPS population shows that there is a control operated by the host rock texture and the stylolite morphology on the burial depth recorded. Especially suture and sharp peak BPS are better suited to estimate the real maximum depth, whereas seismogram pinning BPS record preferentially intermediate depths. Median values of maximum depth derived from our data set (1300 and 1650 m for the margin and depocenter cores, respectively) are in line with maximum burial estimates provided by conventional basin modeling (1450 and 1800 m, respectively), thus showing that SRIT is a standalone robust depth gauge in sedimentary basins, provided sample selection and data treatment are carried out in a rigorous and thoughtful manner.
Rethinking health systems in the context of urbanisation: challenges from four rapidly urbanising low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Elsey Helen , Agyepong Irene , Huque Rumana , Quayyem Zahidul , Baral Sushil , Ebenso Bassey , Kharel Chandani , Shawon Riffat Ara , Onwujekwe Obinna , Uzochukwu Benjamin , Nonvignon Justice , Aryeetey Genevieve Cecilia , Kane Sumit , Ensor Tim , Mirzoev Tolib
Published: June 2019

The world is now predominantly urban; rapid and uncontrolled urbanisation continues across low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Health systems are struggling to respond to the challenges that urbanisation brings. While better-off urbanites can reap the benefits from the ‘urban advantage’, the poorest, particularly slum dwellers and the homeless, frequently experience worse health outcomes than their rural counterparts. In this position paper, we analyse the challenges urbanisation presents to health systems by drawing on examples from four LMICs: Nigeria, Ghana, Nepal and Bangladesh. Key challenges include: responding to the rising tide of non-communicable diseases and to the wider determinants of health, strengthening urban health governance to enable multisectoral responses, provision of accessible, quality primary healthcare and prevention from a plurality of providers. We consider how these challenges necessitate a rethink of our conceptualisation of health systems. We propose an urban health systems model that focuses on: multisectoral approaches that look beyond the health sector to act on the determinants of health; accountability to, and engagement with, urban residents through participatory decision making; and responses that recognise the plurality of health service providers. Within this model, we explicitly recognise the role of data and evidence to act as glue holding together this complex system and allowing incremental progress in equitable improvement in the health of urban populations.
Association between family history of diabetes and clusters of adherence to healthy behaviors: cross-sectional results from the Health Examinees-Gem (HEXA-G) study
Authors: Choi Jaesung , Choi Ji-Yeob , Lee Sang-Ah , Lee Kyoung-Mu , Shin Aesun , Oh Juhwan , Park JooYong , Song Minkyo , Yang Jae Jeong , Lee Jong-koo , Kang Daehee
Published: June 2019

Objectives

This study evaluated whether individuals with affected family member adhered to healthy behaviours.

Design and setting

This was a cross-sectional study of participants selected from health examinees who underwent the national health check-up programme of Korea in 39 centres between 2004 and 2013.

Participants

The baseline data of 128 520 participants enrolled in the Health Examinees-Gem study were used for analysis.

Main outcomes and measures

Associations of family history of diabetes with adherence to regular exercise, healthy diet and body composition, and clusters of healthy behaviours were evaluated while adjusting for potential confounders selected by a directed acyclic graph.

Results

Participants with a family history of diabetes were more likely to adhere to a regular exercise regimen (OR=1.12, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.18 for men and OR=1.10, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.14 for women) and healthy diet (OR=1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.12 for men and OR=1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.12 for women) but were less likely to have a normal body composition (OR=0.83, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.87 for men and OR=0.83, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.86 for women). These associations were strengthened when the affected family members were siblings, the number of affected members was increased or the age at diagnosis of the affected member was younger than 50 years. In men and women, having a normal body composition is important in determining the cluster of behaviours, and those with a family history of diabetes were less likely to adhere to the normal body composition cluster.

Conclusions

The group with high risk of diabetes showed healthy behaviors, but they did not have a normal body composition. Policies and campaigns targeting integrated health behaviors will be needed to reduce the burden of diseases and improve public health.
Comparison of autoregressive integrated moving average model and generalised regression neural network model for prediction of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in China: a time-series study
Authors: Wang Ya-wen , Shen Zhong-zhou , Jiang Yu
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a serious threat to public health in China, accounting for almost 90% cases reported globally. Infectious disease prediction may help in disease prevention despite some uncontrollable influence factors. This study conducted a comparison between a hybrid model and two single models in forecasting the monthly incidence of HFRS in China.

Design

Time-series study.

Setting

The People’s Republic of China.

Methods

Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, generalised regression neural network (GRNN) model and hybrid ARIMA-GRNN model were constructed by R V.3.4.3 software. The monthly reported incidence of HFRS from January 2011 to May 2018 were adopted to evaluate models’ performance. Root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) were adopted to evaluate these models’ effectiveness. Spatial stratified heterogeneity of the time series was tested by month and another GRNN model was built with a new series.

Results

The monthly incidence of HFRS in the past several years showed a slight downtrend and obvious seasonal variation. A total of four plausible ARIMA models were built and ARIMA(2,1,1) (2,1,1)12model was selected as the optimal model in HFRS fitting. The smooth factors of the basic GRNN model and the hybrid model were 0.027 and 0.043, respectively. The single ARIMA model was the best in fitting part (MAPE=9.1154, MAE=89.0302, RMSE=138.8356) while the hybrid model was the best in prediction (MAPE=17.8335, MAE=152.3013, RMSE=196.4682). GRNN model was revised by building model with new series and the forecasting performance of revised model (MAPE=17.6095, MAE=163.8000, RMSE=169.4751) was better than original GRNN model (MAPE=19.2029, MAE=177.0356, RMSE=202.1684).

Conclusions

The hybrid ARIMA-GRNN model was better than single ARIMA and basic GRNN model in forecasting monthly incidence of HFRS in China. It could be considered as a decision-making tool in HFRS prevention and control.
Observational cohort study investigating cognitive outcomes, social networks and well-being in older adults: a study protocol
Authors: Siette Joyce , Georgiou Andrew , Westbrook Johanna
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Social networks play a role in slowing the development of dementia. However, there is a need for further investigation of the effects of improving social networks on health-related quality of life and cognitive performance. Targeted community aged care services are a central strategy for supporting older adults to initiate and maintain their social engagement with other individuals at all stages of later life. This protocol describes a prospective observational cohort study aimed at (1) characterising interpersonal relationships in older adults receiving community care services, (2) assessing the relationship social networks and health-related quality of life and cognition and (3) identifying the association between community care use, social networks and cognition. The findings will contribute to our understanding of how specific social network structures and social support services can maintain cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, observational cohort study of 201 older Australians residing in the community and receiving care services from one of three aged care organisations. Clients with a history of neurological injury will be excluded. Participants will undergo baseline measures of social networks, health-related quality of life and cognitive function, and a follow-up at 6 months. Service use and sociodemographic variables will also be collected. The primary outcome is cognitive function, and secondary outcomes include social networks and health-related quality of life. Multivariable linear regression will test the hypothesis that increased social networks are associated with an increase in cognitive function.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval of the study by Macquarie University Research Ethics Committee (reference number 5201831394062) has been obtained. This work will be disseminated by publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentations in abstract form at scientific meetings and results will be made available to home and community-based care older adults and care staff of the involved organisations.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12618001723279; Pre-results.
Gene expression analysis of conjunctival epithelium of patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome in the chronic stage
Authors: Ueta Mayumi , Sotozono Chie , Nishigaki Hiromi , Ohsako Suzuko , Yokoi Norihiko , Mizushima Katsura , Naito Yuji , Kinoshita Shigeru
Published: June 2019

Objective

To investigate the pathology underlying the ocular surface complications of patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) in the chronic stage.

Methods and analysis

Using oligonucleotide microarrays, we performed comprehensive gene expression analysis of the conjunctival epithelium of patients with SJS in the chronic stage (n=3). The controls were patients with conjunctival chalasis (n=3). We confirmed the downregulation and upregulation of transcripts of interest by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) assay. The expression of ocular surface protein with significantly upregulated transcripts was assessed immunohistochemically.

Results

Compared with the controls, in the conjunctival epithelium of patients with SJS, 50 transcripts were downregulated by less than one-tenth (analysis of variance (ANOVA) p<0.05). Transcripts MUC7, PIGR, HEPACAM2, ADH1C and SMR3A were downregulated by less than one-fiftieth. 65 transcripts were upregulated more than 10- fold; the difference between patients with SJS and the controls was significant (ANOVA p<0.05). There were 14 transcripts that were upregulated more than 50-fold; they were SERPINB4, KRT1, KRTDAP, S100A7, SBSN, KLK6, SERPINB12, PNLIPRP3, CASP14, ODZ2, CA2, CRCT1, CWH43 and FLG. Quantitative RT-PCR of conjunctival epithelium samples from 11 patients with SJS and 26 controls showed that the gene expression of PIGR, HEPACAM2 and ADH1C was significantly downregulated while the gene expression of ODZ2 (teneurin-2) was significantly upregulated in patients with SJS. We document that teneurin-2 protein can be expressed in human conjunctival epithelium.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the downregulation of PIGR, HEPACAM2 and ADH1C and upregulation of teneurin-2 expression contribute to the pathology of the ocular surface in patients with SJS in the chronic stage.
Constant expression of somatostatin receptor 2a in minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules
Authors: Tao LiLi , Chen Yaoli , Huang Qitao , Yong Juanjuan , Yan ShuMei , Huang Yuhua
Published: June 2019

Aims

Although ultrastructural studies showed that minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules (MPMNs) cells closely resembled meningothelial cells, their immunophenotype has not been well characterised, partly due to their rarity.

Methods

Somatostatin receptor 2a (SSTR2a) and other markers of meningioma, including epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), progesterone receptor (PR) and S100, were analysed retrospectively in 19 MPMN cases from two institutions in China.

Results

The median age of patients with MPMNs was 62.5 years (32–73 years), with a male-to-female ratio of 1:8.5. Most (15/19) patients with MPMNs had coexisting diseases, including adenocarcinomas (12 cases), bronchiectasis (1 case) and tuberculosis (2 cases). Just over half of the cases (10/19) were multifocal lesions (2–5 lesions). An additional 53 cases with 123 lesions from the literature were reviewed with reported immunophenotype information. In total, 162 lesions were included in the analysis. The size of nodules was 1–4 mm. All MPMN lesions (39/39) in the 19 cases showed strong and diffuse cytoplasmic expression of SSTR2a. The expression rate of SSTR2a was higher than that of conventional markers of meningioma, including EMA (86/138), PR (32/68) and S100 (1/125).

Conclusions

Our observations expand the spectrum of recognised SSTR2a-positive lesions and once again demonstrated that MPMNs show immunohistochemical characteristics similar to meningothelial cells.
Low hydroxychloroquine blood levels in patients who have had gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Thomas Donald E , Lyons Jonathan S , Greene Barry S , Petri Michelle A
Published: June 2019

Gastric bypass surgery, also called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), can result in the malabsorption of medications, requiring the use of higher than usual doses in order to achieve a therapeutic effect. We describe the results of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) blood levels in three patients with systemic autoimmune disease taking standard HCQ doses and their associated disease activity levels. This is a retrospective review of all patients who had undergone RYGB and were taking HCQ in a rheumatology community-based practice. Two patients with SLE and one patient with primary Sjogren’s syndrome had previously undergone RYGB. All three had subtherapeutic HCQ blood levels and active disease. Increasing their HCQ doses above the recommended 400 mg a day dosing resulted in therapeutic HCQ levels in all three patients and better disease control in two of the three patients. RYGB patients may not absorb HCQ adequately, resulting in subtherapeutic HCQ blood levels and inadequate disease control. Patients who have undergone RYGB and are taking HCQ should have drug levels monitored. RYGB patients may require higher than recommended doses of HCQ in order to achieve better disease control and avoid unneeded additional immunosuppressive agents.
Advantages of second-order work as a rational safety factor and stability analysis of a reinforced rock slope
Authors: Hu Jie , Li Zhaohua , Darve Félix , Feng Jili
Published: June 2019

Landslides can be considered as a static–dynamic transition with the sudden release of kinetic energy. The sharp vanishing of the second-order work is also linked to this phenomenon. In this study, the relation between the second-order work and the kinetic energy is reviewed, and five advantages of the normalized global second-order work (D2Wn) as a factor of safety (FOS) are proposed and discussed, comparing this FOS with the one based on the strength reduction method. The D2Wn is considered in the explicit algorithm of the finite difference method, and its mesh-independence is numerically checked by a series of triaxial compression tests. By simulating the excavations of a reinforced rock slope, the stability analyses are performed using the D2Wn and the traditional FOS. The D2Wn is proven completely independent of the convergence criterion and more sensitive to the global failure. Finally, a recently developed energy-absorbing cable is considered for supporting the studied rock slope. Its supporting effect is compared with that of traditional cables.
The behavior of gravitational force at small scales
Authors: Piva Marco
Published: June 2019

We point out the idea that, at small scales, gravity can be described by the standard degrees of freedom of general relativity, plus a scalar particle and a degree of freedom of a new type: the fakeon. This possibility leads to fundamental implications in understanding gravitational force at quantum level as well as phenomenological consequences in the corresponding classical theory.
Polarization of neural rings
Authors: Güntürkün Sema , Jeffries Jack , Sun Jeffrey
Published: June 2019

Neural rings and ideals, as introduced by Curto, Itskov, Veliz-Cuba, and Youngs, are useful algebraic tools for organizing the combinatorial information of neural codes. However, they are neither graded nor local, and consequently, many algebraic approaches to understanding such rings fail. In this paper, we introduce an operation, called “polarization,” that allows us to relate neural ideals with squarefree monomial ideals, which are very well studied and known for their nice behavior in commutative algebra. We use this notion of polarization to construct free resolutions of neural ideals. We also relate the structure of polarizations of neural ideals to combinatorial properties of codes.
A Self-Adaptive FCM for the Optimal Fuzzy Weighting Exponent
Authors: Ren Min , Wang Zhihao , Jiang Jirong
Published: June 2019

Fuzzy weighting exponent [Formula: see text] is an important parameter of fuzzy [Formula: see text]-means (FCM), closely related to the performance of the algorithm. First, an improved fuzzy correlation degree was put forward to measure the relevance between the clusters, based on which a new cluster validity function was defined to evaluate the quality of the fuzzy partition. Then a self-adaptive FCM for the optimal value of [Formula: see text] was proposed with the aid of the global search ability of improved particle swarm algorithm to find out both the final clustering centroids and the optimal value of fuzzy weighting exponent automatically. The improved particle swarm algorithm updated the speed and the position based on dynamic inertia weight and learning factors, and introduced mutation of genetic algorithm to keep the diversity of the particles, preventing premature convergence. The experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm automatically calculated the optimal value of [Formula: see text] and meanwhile achieved better clustering results.
Energy storage properties of surface-modified BaTiO3 ceramic films for multilayer capacitors applications
Authors: Wang Hongxian , Zeng Chunyan , Liu Baibo , Wang Xiaohui
Published: June 2019

Surface-modified BaTiO3 of 230[Formula: see text]nm average grain size were synthesized by coating BaTiO3 particles with 3[Formula: see text]wt.% Al2O3 and 1[Formula: see text]wt.% SiO2. Ceramic films of different thicknesses were prepared via tape casting and laminating processes followed by two-steps sintering method. After sintering, the average grain size of Surface-modified BaTiO3 ceramic slightly increased to 275[Formula: see text]nm, and great enhancement of AC breakdown strength (BDS) from 184[Formula: see text]kV/cm to 665[Formula: see text]kV/cm was obtained as the thickness of ceramic films decreased from 63[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m to 12[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, resulting in improvement of discharge energy density from 1.14[Formula: see text]J/cm3to 4.06[Formula: see text]J/cm3. Because of their low-cost, easily fabrication, lead-free, improved AC BDS and discharge energy density, surface-modified BaTiO3 ceramic films appeared promising for applications in multilayer energy storage capacitors.
Taking State-Capacity Research to the Field: Insights from Collaborations with Tax Authorities
Authors: Pomeranz Dina , Vila-Belda José
Published: June 2019

No modern state can exist in the long term without effective taxation. Recent research emerging from close collaboration of academics with tax authorities has shed new light on how states can build such tax capacity. Using both randomized and natural experiments, these partnerships have not only opened access to new types of data but have also stimulated new perspectives and research questions. While much of research in public finance has historically assumed that a tax in the law is a tax that is collected, exciting new research takes an empirical look inside the black box of tax administration. It addresses issues ranging from the role of information and digitalization to taxpayer behavior or to the link between taxation and citizens’ relationship to the state. This article provides a brief overview of some of this research, as well as practical advice for those interested in implementing research in partnership with tax authorities or other large public entities.
Update on the Animal Models and Underlying Mechanisms for ZIKV-Induced Microcephaly
Authors: Xu Dan , Li Cui , Qin Cheng-Feng , Xu Zhiheng
Published: June 2019

The circulation of Zika virus (ZIKV) in nearly 80 countries and territories poses a significant global threat to public health. ZIKV is causally linked to severe developmental defects in the brain, recognized as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), which includes microcephaly and other serious congenital neurological complications. Since the World Health Organization declared the ZIKV outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, remarkable progress has been made in the generation of different ZIKV infection animal models to gain insight into cellular targets and pathogenesis and to explore the associated underlying mechanisms. Here we focus on summarizing our current understanding of the effects of ZIKV on mammalian brain development in different developmental stages and discuss the potential underlying mechanisms of ZIKV-induced CZS, as well as future perspectives.
Imaging of Internal Defects of Polymer-Modified Wood Using Total Focusing Method
Authors: Sun Liping , Zhou Hongju , Zhou Hongwei , Jiao Guizhong , Ma Ling
Published: June 2019

Polymer modification can improve the stability and corrosion resistance of wood, but it could create defects inside wood during the modification processing. Detection of defects inside polymer-modified wood can reduce wood losses and prevent the occurring of defects. Data simulation and tomographic imaging of polymer-modified wood internal defects were carried out using electromagnetic waves with nondestructive testing. This study constructed the polymer-modified wood models, simulated the electromagnetic scattering wave, and used the total focusing method to perform tomography of the defects in the polymer-modified wood. By analyzing the imaging characteristics of different types of defects, the effectiveness of electromagnetic waves in the detection of internal defects of polymer-modified wood was proved. This method can be extended to test internal defects of other high molecular polymers.
Calciphylaxis: Successful Management of a Rare Complication of Chronic Kidney Disease in Two Patients
Authors: Fares Ibtissam , Bouattar Tarik , Kone Hadja Moussokoro , Benzouina Hajar , Benbella Meryem , Ouzeddoun Naima , Bayahia Rabia , Benamar Loubna
Published: June 2019

Calciphylaxis, or calcification uremic arteriolopathy, is a rare disease thought to occur due to arteriolar calcifications of the dermis and is responsible for ischemia with cutaneous necrosis and painful panniculitis. Its mechanism remains poorly understood which makes its management challenging and difficult to standardize. We report our management of two patients diagnosed with calciphylaxis. In one patient, calciphylaxis was mentioned upon admission given the context of preexisting secondary hyperparathyroidism and the existence of multiple risk factors. In both patients, the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. Our two observations highlight the difficulty of the diagnosis and the complexity of the therapeutic management that has been personalized according to patient characteristics and clinical evolution. Several therapeutic means can be implemented once the diagnosis is made; nevertheless, its prognosis remains pejorative despite the therapeutic advances. Broad debridement, good phosphocalcic balance control, and the correction of the risk factors top the list of any therapeutic strategy. One of the major challenges of the therapy is normalizing the calcium-phosphate balance. Thus, Cinacalcet and sodium thiosulfate appear to be promising treatments.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Thermal Behavior of Nanoparticles of Mg(OH)2 to Be Used as Flame Retardants
Authors: Hanna A. A. , Abdelmoaty A. S. , Sherief M. A.
Published: June 2019

To study the effects of the precursor materials on the structure, the morphology, and the thermal stability of Mg(OH)2 particles, five samples were prepared by using the same method. The produced powder was characterized by using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM, and the thermal stability was studied by using the thermogravimetric analysis. This study aims to use the advantage prepared material as a flame-retardant for the polymeric materials. The characterization of the obtained samples shows that Mg(OH)2 is formed in hexagonal phase and arranged in different shapes. The analysis of the data obtained from the TGA shows that Mg(OH)2 in general decomposed in three steps, the first one due to the water content and the other volatile materials, the second step represents the decomposition of Mg(OH)2 to produce MgO, and the third step represents the conversion of MgO to glassy layer. The samples prepared in presence of the surfactants gave a higher value for the formation of the glassy layer so that it is recommended to use this sample as flame retardant for the polymeric materials.
Mesangial Cells Exhibit Features of Antigen-Presenting Cells and Activate CD4+ T Cell Responses
Authors: Yu Hongyu , Cui Shaoyuan , Mei Yan , Li Qinggang , Wu Lingling , Duan Shuwei , Cai Guangyan , Zhu Hanyu , Fu Bo , Zhang Li , Feng Zhe , Chen Xiangmei
Published: June 2019

Background.Mesangial cells play a prominent role in the development of inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders of the kidney. Mesangial cells perform the essential functions of helping to ensure that the glomerular structure is stable and regulating capillary flow, and activated mesangial cells acquire proinflammatory activities. We investigated whether activated mesangial cells display immune properties and control the development of T cell immunity.Methods.Flow cytometry analysis was used to study the expression of antigen-presenting cell surface markers and costimulatory molecules in mesangial cells. CD4+ T cell activation induced by mesangial cells was detected in terms of T cell proliferation and cytokine production.Results.IFN-γ-treated mesangial cells express membrane proteins involved in antigen presentation and T cell activation, including MHC-II, ICAM-1, CD40, and CD80. This finding suggests that activated mesangial cells can take up and present antigenic peptides to initiate CD4+ T cell responses and thus act as nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells. Polarization of naïve CD4+ T cells (Th0 cells) towards the Th1 phenotype was induced by coculture with activated mesangial cells, and the resulting Th1 cells showed increased mRNA and protein expression of inflammation-associated genes.Conclusion.Mesangial cells can present antigen and modulate CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation. Interactions between mesangial cells and T cells are essential for sustaining the inflammatory response in a variety of glomerulonephritides. Therefore, mesangial cells might participate in immune function in the kidney.