bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute kidney injury with consumption of raw gall bladder of Indian carp fish (Labeo rohita): A single center study from India
Authors: Krishna Amresh , Singh Prit P , Vardhan Harsh , Kumar Om , Prasad Govind
Published: November 2017

Aim

This retrospective study examined the clinical presentation and outcome of all patients who presented with acute kidney injury (AKI) following consumption of uncooked fish gallbladder as folk medicine.

Methods

We reviewed all cases admitted at our institute between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2016 following ingestion of fish gallbladder (Indian carp/Labeo rohita).

Results

A total 32 of patients were included, with a male: female ratio of 3:1 and mean age 44.34 ± 13.33 years. The mean number of gall bladder consumed was 4.59 ± 4.75. All 32 patients presented with hepatic and renal failure. The mean duration of onset of symptoms following ingestion was 6.47 ± 2.84 h. At the time of admission, urine output was 187.9 ± 141 mL/24 h, serum creatinine 11.66 ± 2.50 mg/dL, serum bilirubin 6.14 ± 3.91 mg/dL, serum glutamate‐pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) 687 ± 458 IU/L and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) 188 ± 181 IU/L. All but one patient required haemodialysis. Twenty‐seven patients were discharged with recovering acute kidney injury while five patients died. Mean duration of hospital stay was 12.94 ± 8.31 days. Mean number of haemodialysis sessions received by patients was 4.59 ± 3.12. Interval between consumption and onset of symptoms, serum bilirubin and SGPT were found to be significantly different between those who survived and died.

Conclusion

Acute kidney injury associated with ingestion of raw fish gallbladder is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Acid hydrolysis reveals a low but constant level of pheomelanin in human black to brown hair
Authors: Ito Shosuke , Miyake Shiho , Maruyama Shoji , Suzuki Itaru , Commo Stéphane , Nakanishi Yukiko , Wakamatsu Kazumasa
Published: November 2017

We previously reported a constant ratio of the benzothiazole pheomelanin marker thiazole‐2,4,5‐tricarboxylic acid (TTCA) to the eumelanin marker pyrrole‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (PTCA) in eumelanic, black human hair. A constant level (20%–25%) of benzothiazole‐type pheomelanin was recently demonstrated in human skin with varying concentrations of melanin. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the origin of pheomelanin markers in black to brown human hair by developing a method to remove protein components from hair by heating with 6 M HCl at 110°C for 16 hr. For comparison, synthetic melanins were prepared by oxidizing mixtures of varying ratios of dopa and cysteine with tyrosinase. Hair melanins and synthetic melanins were subjected to acid hydrolysis followed by alkaline H2O2 oxidation. The results show that the hydrolysis leads to decarboxylation of the 5,6‐di‐hydroxyindole‐2‐carboxylic acid moiety in eumelanin and the benzothiazole moiety in pheomelanin and that eumelanic human hair contains 11%–17% benzothiazole‐type pheomelanin.
Metastasis‐specific patterns of response and progression with anti‐PD‐1 treatment in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Lee Jenny H. J. , Lyle Megan , Menzies Alexander M. , Chan Matthew M. K. , Lo Serigne , Clements Arthur , Carlino Matteo S. , Kefford Richard F. , Long Georgina V.
Published: November 2017

This study evaluated patterns of response as discerned by comprehensive metastasis‐specific analysis in metastatic melanoma patients receiving anti‐PD‐1 antibodies. Bi‐dimensional measurements of every metastasis in patients enrolled in the KEYNOTE‐001 trial at a single institution were obtained at baseline and throughout treatment. Twenty‐seven evaluable patients had 399 baseline metastases measurable on CT imaging. Complete response (CR) which occurred in 52.6% of metastases was smaller (mean 223 mm2 versus 760 mm2, p < .01) and occurred more frequently in the lungs (65% versus 39.4%, p < .01). Response was heterogenous (new/progressing metastases alongside CR metastases) at first assessment in 4/14 patients with objective response (OR) as opposed to 7/13 patients with non‐OR. CR of individual metastases is common and influenced by site and size. Most patients with OR demonstrate homogenous regression in all metastases at the first assessment. In contrast, patients with early heterogeneity had a poor outcome.
Regulation of cell proliferation in the retinal pigment epithelium: Differential regulation of the death‐associated protein like‐1 DAPL1 by alternative MITF splice forms
Authors: Ma Xiaoyin , Hua Jiajia , Zheng Guoxiao , Li Fang , Rao Chunbao , Li Huirong , Wang Jing , Pan Li , Hou Ling
Published: November 2017

Vertebrate eye development and homoeostasis critically depend on the regulation of proliferation of cells forming the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Previous results indicated that the death‐associated protein like‐1 DAPL1 cell autonomously suppresses RPE proliferation in vivo and in vitro. Here, we show in human RPE cell lines that the pigment cell transcription factor MITF regulates RPE cell proliferation by upregulating DAPL1 expression. DAPL1 regulation by MITF is, however, mediated predominantly by (−) MITF, one of two alternative splice isoforms of MITF that lacks six residues located upstream of the DNA‐binding basic domain. Furthermore, we find that the regulation of DAPL1 by MITF is indirect in that (−) MITF stimulates the transcription of Musashi homolog‐2 (MSI2), which negatively regulates the processing of the anti‐DAPL1 microRNA miR‐7. Our results provide molecular insights into the regulation of RPE cell proliferation and quiescence and may help us understand the mechanisms of normal RPE maintenance and of eye diseases associated with either RPE hyperproliferation or the lack of regenerative proliferation.
Schistosoma mansoni‐specific immune responses and allergy in Uganda
Authors: Nkurunungi G. , Kabagenyi J. , Nampijja M. , Sanya R. E. , Walusimbi B. , Nassuuna J. , Webb E. L. , Elliott A. M. ,   the LaVIISWA study team
Published: November 2017

Low allergy‐related disease (ARD) prevalence in low‐income countries may be partly attributed to helminth infections. In the Schistosoma mansoni (Sm)‐endemic Lake Victoria islands (Uganda), we recently observed positive helminth‐allergy associations, despite low ARD prevalence. To understand how Sm‐induced cytokine and antibody profiles might influence allergic response profiles in this population, we assessed Schistosoma worm (SWA)‐ and egg antigen (SEA)‐specific Th1 (IFN‐γ), Th2 (IL‐5, IL‐13) and regulatory (IL‐10) cytokine profiles (n = 407), and total (n = 471), SWA‐, SEA‐ and allergen (house dust mite [HDM] and cockroach)‐specific (as)IgE and IgG4 profiles (n = 2117) by ELISA. Wheeze was inversely associated with SWA‐specific IFN‐γ (P < .001) and IL‐10 (P = .058), and SEA‐specific IL‐5 (P = .004). Conversely, having a detectable asIgE response was positively associated with SWA‐specific IL‐5 (P = .006) and IL‐10 (P < .001). Total, SWA‐, SEA‐ and allergen‐specific IgE and IgG4 responses were higher among Sm Kato‐Katz positive (SmKK+) and skin prick test (SPT)+ individuals compared to SmKK‐ and SPT‐ individuals. However, total and asIgG4/IgE ratios were lower among SPT+ and wheezing individuals. We conclude that, in this population, helminth‐induced antibody and cytokine responses may underlie individual positive helminth‐atopy associations, while the overall IgG4‐IgE balance may contribute to the low overall prevalence of clinical allergies in such settings.
Can labor provisions in trade agreements promote gender equality? Empirical evidence from Cambodia
Authors: López Mourelo Elva , Samaan Daniel
Published: November 2017

In recent years, an increasing number of regional and bilateral trade agreements have emerged that include provisions on labor standards. The claimed purpose of these labor provisions is to improve working conditions in developing and emerging economies. However, little is known about whether such provisions actually do impact working conditions. This paper conducts an econometric study on the effectiveness of labor provisions in trade agreements. In particular, we evaluate the impact of the 1999 Bilateral Textile Agreement between Cambodia and the United States (CUSBTA) on both the gender wage gap and discrimination. The agreement combined the incentive of higher exports with the obligation of textile manufacturers to comply with international core labor standards, which include the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. Using data from the Cambodia Socioeconomic Survey and applying a difference‐in‐difference estimation, we find a statistically significant reduction of the gender wage gap in the textile sector that can be attributed to the CUSBTA.
Warm white LED lighting in museums: Ageing effects on terpenoid resins assessed through Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Osticioli I. , Ciofini D. , Mencaglia A. A. , Siano S.
Published: November 2017

In this work, warm white (3,000 K) LEDs were used for investigating accelerated ageing of different classes of natural terpenoid compounds. In particular, colophony, sandarac, shellac, and mastic resins were considered. Maximum total irradiance of 80 Mlxh was used, which can be compared to about 130 years of exposure in recommended museum conditions. Moreover, another set of the same resins was kept in darkness conditions in order to assess kinetic differences. Raman spectroscopy was employed to assess molecular changes occurring in resins structures during both dark and light ageing. Spectroscopic information was achieved through a portable Raman scanner provided with a narrow‐band CW diode‐pumped Nd:YAG (1,064 nm) laser and an NIR spectrometer equipped with an InGaAs linear array. Vis‐LED light appears to be suitable to avoid yellowing in the case of mastic and colophony resins suggesting that it is advisable to use this light with respect to traditional halogen lamps for illuminating museums and art galleries. Conversely, the ageing process of sandarac and shellac appears not to be particularly affected by the UV radiation. Raman spectroscopy in combination with multivariate analysis (principal component analysis) was able to provide information about the ageing process of colophony both in light and dark conditions.
Deterministic Phonon Transport Predictions of Thermal Conductivity in Uranium Dioxide With Xenon Impurities
Authors: Harter Jackson R. , Oliveira Laura de Sousa , Truszkowska Agnieszka , Palmer Todd S. , Alex Greaney P.
Published: November 2017

We present a method for solving the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) for phonons by modifying the neutron transport code Rattlesnake which provides a numerically efficient method for solving the BTE in its self-adjoint angular flux (SAAF) form. Using this approach, we have computed the reduction in thermal conductivity of uranium dioxide (UO2) due to the presence of a nanoscale xenon bubble across a range of temperatures. For these simulations, the values of group velocity and phonon mean free path in the UO2 were determined from a combination of experimental heat conduction data and first principles calculations. The same properties for the Xe under the high pressure conditions in the nanoscale bubble were computed using classical molecular dynamics (MD). We compare our approach to the other modern phonon transport calculations, and discuss the benefits of this multiscale approach for thermal conductivity in nuclear fuels under irradiation.
Design and Performance Evaluation of Constructal Microchannel Network Heatsinks
Authors: Lugarini Alan , Franco Admilson T. , Errera Marcelo R.
Published: November 2017

This work presents the development and analysis of constructal microchannel network architectures for heat dissipation. The network configurations are characterized by multiple flow ramifications and changes in length and hydraulic diameter scales through each ramification level. Architectures investigated experimentally in the past years have adopted constant scaling rules throughout their ramification levels. In this study, constructal theory inspires the design of network architectures with variable scaling rules and up to three ramification levels (N). As a result, it was verified that constructal networks allowed thermal resistance reduction of 15% (N = 2) and 42% (N = 3) for a micro heat sink at a characteristic operational regime. Architecture's selection criterion using performance curves is proposed and it was also demonstrated that the bifurcated network with diameter ratio according to Hess–Murray law is not appropriate for heat dissipation purposes in miniaturized devices.
Characterizing the Effects of Multiple Analogs and Extraneous Information for Novice Designers in Design-by-Analogy
Authors: Song Hyeon Ik , Lopez Ricardo , Fu Katherine , Linsey Julie
Published: November 2017

This study examines how the quantity of ideas and analog transfer in design-by-analogy (DbA) are affected by multiple analogs and extraneous information, or noise, using a between-subjects, factorial experiment. To evaluate the effects of multiple analogs and noise on ideation, the study uses two metrics in conjunction with one another; namely, number of ideas (most typical in engineering design) and recognition of high-level principle (more common in psychology). The quantity analysis included three components: number of ideas generated, number of ideas that use example products (analogs and noise stimuli), and number of ideas that use analogs. The results indicate two important findings: (1) providing multiple analogs during ideation had a positive impact on ideation quantity and analog transfer. Specifically, the number of analog-based ideas increased with increasing number of analogs but eventually reached a “saturation point”; (2) introducing extraneous information (noise) diminished the successful mapping of analogs to design solutions. The presence of extraneous information did not significantly affect student designers' ability to identify high-level principles in analogs. The study demonstrated that some extraneous information was perceived as surface similar analogs. Any design analog retrieval method or automated tool will produce extraneous information, and more work is needed to understand and minimize its impact.
A Novel Method for Producing a Conical Skiving Tool With Error-Free Flank Faces for Internal Gear Manufacture
Authors: Shih Yi-Pei , Li Yun-Jun
Published: November 2017

Power skiving for internal gears has drawn increased industry attention in recent years because it has higher precision and productivity than gear shaping or broaching. Yet even though the commonly adopted conical skiving tool has better wear resistance than the cylindrical one, when known design methods are used, the tool geometry is still subject to profile errors. This paper therefore proposes a novel design method for the conical skiving tool and establishes a mathematical model of error-free flank faces. These faces are formed by conjugating the cutting edges on the rake faces—derived from a group of generating gears with progressively decreasing profile-shifted coefficients—with the work gear. A mathematical model of the work gear tooth surfaces produced by the cutting edges (over flank faces) of tool at different resharpened depths is then adopted to examine the tooth surface deviations produced with their theoretical equivalents. The results verify the correctness of the mathematical models.
Design and Implementation of a Multisensor Coaxial Monitoring System With Correction Strategies for Selective Laser Melting of a Maraging Steel
Authors: Gökhan Demir Ali , De Giorgi Chiara , Previtali Barbara
Published: November 2017

Development of monitoring devices becomes crucially important in selective laser melting (SLM) due to the high process complexity and the high value of the products obtained. This work discusses the design of a coaxial monitoring system for SLM using multiple sensors. In particular, an optical model is developed for the propagation of the process emission from the workpiece to the monitoring module. The model is used to determine the field of view (FOV) around the monitored zone. The lens arrangements and the optical filters are chosen according to the model results. They were implemented to construct a monitoring module consisting of two cameras viewing visible and near-infrared wavelength bands, as well as a photodiode viewing the back-reflected laser emission, all integrated in a coaxial configuration. The system functionality is tested with a prototype SLM machine during the processing of 18Ni300 maraging steel, a material known to be prone to porosity. In particular, different remelting strategies were employed as possible correction strategies to reduce porosity. The signals were interpreted as being indicators of the change in absorptivity of the laser light by the powder bed, of the plasma and molten pool, as well as of the evolution of the temperature field.
The Added Value of Infrared Thermography to Assess the Impact Performance of Composites
Authors: Boccardi Simone , Boffa Natalino D. , Carlomagno Giovanni M. , Meola Carosena , Ricci Fabrizio , Russo Pietro , Simeoli Giorgio
Published: November 2017

Composite materials are becoming ever more popular in an increasing number of applications. This because of their many advantages, amongst others the possibility to create a new material of given characteristics in a quite simple way by changing either the type of matrix, or reinforcement, and/or rearranging the reinforcement in a different way. Of course, once a new material is created, it is necessary to characterize it to verify its suitability for a specific exploitation. In this context, infrared thermography (IRT) represents a viable means since it is noncontact, nonintrusive, and can be used either for nondestructive evaluation to detect manufacturing defects, or fatigue-induced degradation, or else for monitoring the inline response to applied loads. In this work, IRT is used to investigate different types of composite materials, which involve carbon fibers embedded in a thermoset matrix and either glass or jute fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, which may be neat, or modified by the addition of a percentage of a specific compatibilizing agent. IRT is used with a twofold function. First, for nondestructive evaluation, with the lock-in technique, before and after loading to either assure absence of manufacturing defects, or discover the damage caused by the loads. Second, for visualization of thermal effects, which develop when the material is subjected to impact. The obtained results show that it is possible to follow inline what happens to the material (bending, delamination, and eventual failure) under impact and get information, which may be valuable to deepen the complex impact damaging mechanisms of composites.
Time and motion studies of National Health Service cataract theatre lists to determine strategies to improve efficiency
Authors: Roberts Harry W , Myerscough James , Borsci Simone , Ni Melody , O’Brart David P S
Published: November 2017

Aim

To provide a quantitative assessment of cataract theatre lists focusing on productivity and staffing levels/tasks using time and motion studies.

Methods

National Health Service (NHS) cataract theatre lists were prospectively observed in five different institutions (four NHS hospitals and one private hospital). Individual tasks and their timings of every member of staff were recorded. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate possible associations between individual timings and tasks.

Results

140 operations were studied over 18 theatre sessions. The median number of scheduled cataract operations was 7 (range: 5–14). The average duration of an operation was 10.3 min±(SD 4.11 min). The average time to complete one case including patient turnaround was 19.97 min (SD 8.77 min). The proportion of the surgeons’ time occupied on total duties or operating ranged from 65.2% to 76.1% and from 42.4% to 56.7%, respectively. The correlations of the surgical time to patient time in theatre was R2=0.95. A multiple linear regression model found a significant association (F(3,111)=32.86, P<0.001) with R2=0.47 between the duration of one operation and the number of allied healthcare professionals (AHPs), the number of AHP key tasks and the time taken to perform these key tasks by the AHPs.

Conclusions

Significant variability in the number of cases performed and the efficiency of patient flow were found between different institutions. Time and motion studies identified requirements for high-volume models and factors relating to performance. Supporting the surgeon with sufficient AHPs and tasks performed by AHPs could improve surgical efficiency up to approximately double productivity over conventional theatre models.
Effect of a population-level performance dashboard intervention on maternal-newborn outcomes: an interrupted time series study
Authors: Weiss Deborah , Dunn Sandra I , Sprague Ann E , Fell Deshayne B , Grimshaw Jeremy M , Darling Elizabeth , Graham Ian D , Harrold JoAnn , Smith Graeme N , Peterson Wendy E , Reszel Jessica , Lanes Andrea , Walker Mark C , Taljaard Monica
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To assess the effect of the Maternal Newborn Dashboard on six key clinical performance indicators in the province of Ontario, Canada.

Design

Interrupted time series using population-based data from the provincial birth registry covering a 3-year period before implementation of the Dashboard and 2.5 years after implementation (November 2009 through March 2015).

Setting

All hospitals in the province of Ontario providing maternal-newborn care (n=94).

Intervention

A hospital-based online audit and feedback programme.

Main outcome measures

Rates of the six performance indicators included in the Dashboard.

Results

2.5 years after implementation, the audit and feedback programme was associated with statistically significant absolute decreases in the rates of episiotomy (decrease of 1.5 per 100 women, 95% CI 0.64 to 2.39), induction for postdates in women who were less than 41 weeks at delivery (decrease of 11.7 per 100 women, 95% CI 7.4 to 16.0), repeat caesarean delivery in low-risk women performed before 39 weeks (decrease of 10.4 per 100 women, 95% CI 9.3 to 11.5) and an absolute increase in the rate of appropriately timed group B streptococcus screening (increase of 2.8 per 100, 95% CI 2.2 to 3.5). The audit and feedback programme did not significantly affect the rates of unsatisfactory newborn screening blood samples or formula supplementation at discharge. No statistically significant effects were observed for the two internal control outcomes or the four external control indicators—in fact, two external control indicators (episiotomy and postdates induction) worsened relative to before implementation.

Conclusion

An electronic audit and feedback programme implemented in maternal-newborn hospitals was associated with clinically relevant practice improvements at the provincial level in the majority of targeted indicators.
Social media and the intrauterine device: a YouTube content analysis
Authors: Nguyen Brian T , Allen Allison J
Published: November 2017

Background

YouTube’s online archive of video testimonials related to health information are more commonly viewed than those developed by clinicians and professional groups, suggesting the importance of the patient experience to viewers. We specifically sought to examine the accuracy of information on, and projected acceptability of, the intrauterine device (IUD) from these YouTube testimonials.

Methods

We searched YouTube for videos about individual uploaders’ IUD experiences, using the search terms ‘intrauterine device’, ‘IUD’, ‘Mirena’ and ‘Paragard’. Given interest in user testimonials, we excluded professional and instructional videos belonging to commercial or non-profit entities. Two reviewers independently analysed the videos using a structured guide, with attention to inaccurate information.

Results

Of 86 identified videos, four videos featured clinicians and were excluded; 62 met inclusion criteria. Interrater agreement on IUD portrayal was good (K=0.73). Young (mean age 25, range 19–38, years), white (75%), nulliparous (61%) women primarily uploaded content. Most described placement of the LNG-IUS (65%), were posted within 1 month of insertion (45%), and mentioned side effects (66%) – bleeding, pain, and partner sensation of the strings. About one-third of videos contained inaccurate information (34%) and were thought to project an overall negative experience (30%). Videos portraying IUDs negatively were associated with inaccurate information and/or mention of side effects.

Conclusion

While one-third of IUD user testimonials on YouTube contained inaccurate information, the majority of IUD experiences were perceived by our study viewers to be positive.
The feasibility of an interactive voice response system (IVRS) for monitoring patient safety after discharge from the ED
Authors: Calder Lisa A , Cwinn A Adam , Gatien Mathieu , Gee Andrew , Larocque Natasha , Calder-Sprackman Samantha , De Gorter Ria , Zlepnig Jennifer , Stiell Ian G , Forster Alan J
Published: November 2017

Background

Return ED visits are frequent and may be due to adverse events: adverse outcomes related to healthcare received. An interactive voice response system (IVRS) is a technology that translates human telephone input into digital data. Use of IVRS has been explored in many healthcare settings but to a limited extent in the ED. We determined the feasibility of using an IVRS to assess for adverse events after ED discharge.

Methods

This before and after study assessed detection of adverse events among consecutive high-acuity patients discharged from a tertiary care ED pre-IVRS and post-IVRS over two 2-week periods. The IVRS asked if the patient was having a health problem and if they wanted to speak to a nurse. Patients responding yes received a telephone interview. We searched health records for deaths, admissions to hospital and return ED visits. Three trained emergency physicians independently determined adverse event occurrence. We analysed the data using descriptive statistics.

Results

Of 968 patients studied, patients’ age, sex, acuity and presenting complaint were comparable pre-IVRS and post-IVRS. Postimplementation, 393 (81.7%) of 481 patients had successful IVRS contact. Of these, 89 (22.6%) wanted to speak to a nurse. A total of 37 adverse events were detected over the two periods: 10 patients with 10 (6.5%) adverse events pre-IVRS and 16 patients with 27 (16.9%) adverse events post-IVRS. In the postimplementation period, the adverse events of seven patients were detected by the IVRS and five patients spontaneously requested assistance navigating post-ED care.

Conclusions

This was a successful proof-of-concept study for applying IVRS technology to assess patient safety issues for discharged high-acuity ED patients.
Investigating associations between the built environment and physical activity among older people in 20 UK towns
Authors: Hawkesworth Sophie , Silverwood Richard J , Armstrong Ben , Pliakas Triantafyllos , Nanchalal Kiran , Jefferis Barbara J , Sartini Claudio , Amuzu Antoinette A , Wannamethee S Goya , Ramsay Sheena E , Casas Juan-Pablo , Morris Richard W , Whincup Peter H , Lock Karen
Published: November 2017

Background

Policy initiatives such as WHO Age Friendly Cities recognise the importance of the urban environment for improving health of older people, who have both low physical activity (PA) levels and greater dependence on local neighbourhoods. Previous research in this age group is limited and rarely uses objective measures of either PA or the environment.

Methods

We investigated the association between objectively measured PA (Actigraph GT3x accelerometers) and multiple dimensions of the built environment, using a cross-sectional multilevel linear regression analysis. Exposures were captured by a novel foot-based audit tool that recorded fine-detail neighbourhood features relevant to PA in older adults, and routine data.

Results

795 men and 638 women aged 69–92 years from two national cohorts, covering 20 British towns, were included in the analysis. Median time in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was 27.9 (lower quartile: 13.8, upper quartile: 50.4) minutes per day. There was little evidence of associations between any of the physical environmental domains (eg, road and path quality defined by latent class analysis; number of bus stops; area aesthetics; density of shops and services; amount of green space) and MVPA. However, analysis of area-level income deprivation suggests that the social environment may be associated with PA in this age group.

Conclusions

Although small effect sizes cannot be discounted, this study suggests that older individuals are less affected by their local physical environment and more by social environmental factors, reflecting both the functional heterogeneity of this age group and the varying nature of their activity spaces.
Diabetes and Pre-Eclampsia Affecting Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kalagiri Ram R , Vora Niraj , Wilson Jessica L , Afroze Syeda H , Raju Venkata N , Govande Vinayak , Beeram Madhava R , Kuehl Thomas J , Uddin Mohammad Nasir
Published: November 2017

The interaction between pre-eclampsia and diabetes mellitus (DM) is far from being completely understood. In this study, we compared normal pregnancies with those complicated with pre-eclampsia, gestational DM, and/or pre-existing diabetes to assess the effects of hyperglycemia on placental development. AnInstitutional Review Board (IRB) approved retrospective cross-sectional study with 621 subjects was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using Duncan's post hoc test and analysis of variance. Regardless of diabetes status, patients with pre-eclampsia delivered prematurely. Patients in the group with pre-eclampsia and pregestational diabetes delivered much earlier, at 35.0±0.4 weeks, when compared with the patients that had pre-eclampsia with gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia with no diabetes (*P<0.05 for each). Additionally, patients with pre-existing diabetes who developed pre-eclampsia delivered smaller babies than those with pre-existing diabetes without pre-eclampsia (1.00±0.03, P<0.05 for each). Pre-existing diabetes with added insult of pre-eclampsia led to fetal growth restriction. This outcome validates the understanding that elevated glucose earlier in pregnancy alters placentogenesis and leads to fetal growth restriction.
Trajectories of Prostate-Specific Antigen after Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wu Ziyue , Aslan Mihaela , Lin Haiqun , Ko John , Radhakrishnan Krishnan , Wells Carolyn K , Uchio Edward , Concato John
Published: November 2017

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurements after primary treatment reflect residual tumor burden among men with prostate cancer. Using a mixture model analysis, we identified distinct trajectories of post-treatment PSA measurements and evaluated their associations with prostate cancer mortality. The study sample included 623 US Veterans treated for prostate cancer with curative intent during 1991–1995; 225 men received surgery and 398 men received radiation therapy. Post-treatment PSA measurements over a 2-year period for each patient were evaluated in latent class mixture models using the SAS TRAJ procedure, and groups of men with distinct trajectories of PSA were identified. These groups were then assessed for associations with 10-year prostate cancer mortality using proportional hazards analysis. Analyses identified three distinct groups—representing patterns of both initial values and changes in PSA over time—after surgery (n=172/31/14) and radiation therapy (n=253/103/22). Men in groups with patterns of higher (compared with the group with lowest) PSA values tended to have worse survival experience: HRs for prostate cancer mortality were 3.45 (P=0.18) and 22.7 (P<0.001) for surgery, and 2.70 (P=0.005) and 18.1 (P<0.001) for radiation therapy. The results indicate that PSA measurements after surgery or radiation therapy with curative intent include groups of men with a diverse spectrum of prognosis for prostate cancer mortality. Although contemporary PSA levels are lower than those observed in the study sample, the corresponding trajectory patterns may become evident shortly after the time of diagnosis and treatment.
Decreasing sprint duration from 20 to 10 s during reduced-exertion high-intensity interval training (REHIT) attenuates the increase in maximal aerobic capacity but has no effect on affective and perceptual responses
Authors: Nalçakan Gulbin R. , Songsorn Preeyaphorn , Fitzpatrick Ben L. , Yüzbasioglu Yasin , Brick Noel E. , Metcalfe Richard S. , Vollaard Niels B.J.
Published: November 2017

Recent studies have demonstrated that modifying the “classic” 6 × 30-s “all-out” sprint interval training protocol by incorporating either shorter sprints (6 × 10-s or 15-s sprints) or fewer sprints (e.g., 2 × 20-s sprints; reduced-exertion high-intensity interval training (REHIT)) does not attenuate the training-induced improvements in maximal aerobic capacity. The aim of the present study was to determine if reducing the sprint duration in the REHIT protocol from 20 s to 10 s per sprint influences acute affective responses and the change in maximal aerobic capacity following training. Thirty-six sedentary or recreationally active participants (17 women; mean ± SD; age: 22 ± 3 years; body mass index: 24.5 ± 4.6 kg·m−2; maximal aerobic capacity: 37 ± 8 mL·kg−1·min−1) were randomised to a group performing a “standard” REHIT protocol involving 2 × 20-s sprints or a group who performed 2 × 10-s sprints. Maximal aerobic capacity was determined before and after 6 weeks of 3 weekly training sessions. Acute affective responses and perceived exertion were assessed during training. Greater increases in maximal aerobic capacity were observed for the group performing 20-s sprints (2.77 ± 0.75 to 3.04 ± 0.75 L·min−1; +10%) compared with the group performing 10-s sprints (2.58 ± 0.57 vs. 2.67 ± 3.04 L·min−1; +4%; group × time interaction effect: p < 0.05; d = 1.06). Positive affect and the mood state vigour increased postexercise, while tension, depression, and total mood disturbance decreased, and negative affect remained unchanged. Affective responses and perceived exertion were not altered by training and were not different between groups. In conclusion, reducing sprint duration in the REHIT protocol from 20 s to 10 s attenuates improvements in maximal aerobic capacity, and does not result in more positive affective responses or lower perceived exertion.
Characterizing EEG Cortical Dynamics and Connectivity with Responses to Single Pulse Electrical Stimulation (SPES)
Authors: Alarcón Gonzalo , Jiménez-Jiménez Diego , Valentín Antonio , Martín-López David
Published: November 2017

Objectives: To model cortical connections in order to characterize their oscillatory behavior and role in the generation of spontaneous electroencephalogram (EEG). Methods: We studied averaged responses to single pulse electrical stimulation (SPES) from the non-epileptogenic hemisphere of five patients assessed with intracranial EEG who became seizure free after contralateral temporal lobectomy. Second-order control system equations were modified to characterize the systems generating a given response. SPES responses were modeled as responses to a unit step input. EEG power spectrum was calculated on the 20[Formula: see text]s preceding SPES. Results: 121 channels showed responses to 32 stimulation sites. A single system could model the response in 41.3% and two systems were required in 58.7%. Peaks in the frequency response of the models tended to occur within the frequency range of most activity on the spontaneous EEG. Discrepancies were noted between activity predicted by models and activity recorded in the spontaneous EEG. These discrepancies could be explained by the existence of alpha rhythm or interictal epileptiform discharges. Conclusions: Cortical interactions shown by SPES can be described as control systems which can predict cortical oscillatory behavior. The method is unique as it describes connectivity as well as dynamic interactions.
A Symmetric Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers for Separable Nonconvex Minimization Problems
Authors: Wu Zhongming , Li Min , Wang David Z. W. , Han Deren
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we propose a symmetric alternating method of multipliers for minimizing the sum of two nonconvex functions with linear constraints, which contains the classic alternating direction method of multipliers in the algorithm framework. Based on the powerful Kurdyka–Łojasiewicz property, and under some assumptions about the penalty parameter and objective function, we prove that each bounded sequence generated by the proposed method globally converges to a critical point of the augmented Lagrangian function associated with the given problem. Moreover, we report some preliminary numerical results on solving [Formula: see text] regularized sparsity optimization and nonconvex feasibility problems to indicate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Determination of epidemic parameters from early phase fatality data: A case study of the 2009 A (H1N1) pandemic in Europe
Authors: Bilge Ayse Humeyra , Samanlioglu Funda
Published: November 2017

This paper demonstrates that the susceptible-infected-removed (SIR) model applied to the early phase of an epidemic can be used to determine epidemic parameters reliably. As a case study, the SIR model is applied to the fatality data of the 2009 fall wave cycle of the A(H1N1) pandemic in 12 European countries. It is observed that the best estimates of the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] and the mean duration of the infection period [Formula: see text] lie on a curve in the scatterplots, indicating the existence of a nearly-invariant quantity which corresponds to the duration of the epidemic. Spline interpolation applied to the early phase of the epidemic, an approximately 10-week period, together with a future control point in the stabilization region, is sufficient to estimate model parameters. The SIR model is run over a wide range of parameters and estimates of [Formula: see text] in the range 1.2–2.0 match the values in the literature. The duration of the infection period, [Formula: see text] is estimated to be in the range 2.0–7.0 days. Longer infection periods are tied to spatial characteristics of the spread of the epidemic.
Improved quantification of the porosity–permeability relationship of limestones using petrographical texture
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Lu Peng , Cantrell Dave , Zaretskiy Yan , Jobe Dawn , Agar Susan M.
Published: November 2017

The relationship between porosity and permeability in limestones is a fundamental constitutive equation in subsurface fluid flow modelling, and is essential in quantifying a range of geological processes. For a given porosity, the permeability of limestones varies over a range of up to five orders of magnitude. Permeability of a given rock sample depends on the total amount of pore space, characterized by porosity, as well as how the pore space is distributed within the rock, which can be expressed as a probability density function of pore sizes. We investigate in this study whether the information about pore-size distribution can be sufficiently captured by the bulk petrographical properties extracted from thin sections. We demonstrate that most of the uncertainty can be explained by variations in texture, which is defined by the mud content (mass fraction of particles less than 0.06 mm in diameter). Using mud content as a quantitative texture descriptor, we used multivariable regression and neural network models to predict permeability from porosity. For a given porosity, inclusion of mud content reduces the uncertainty in permeability prediction from five to two orders of magnitude.
Urinary Disorders and Marfan Syndrome: A Series of 4 Cases
Authors: Hentzen Claire , Turmel Nicolas , Chesnel Camille , Le Breton Frederique , Sheikh Ismael Samer , Amarenco Gérard
Published: November 2017

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disease responsible for causing cardiovascular, eye and musculoskeletal damages. Urinary disorders are not common. We present 4 cases of chronic urinary tract symptoms, with 2 different pathophysiological processes. Three patients presented with spinal cord infarct following aortic dissection surgery. They were affected by an overactive bladder with detrusor overactivity and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. One patient complained of voiding dysfunction, possibly related to dural ectasia. Although a rare outcome, urinary disorders may appear in Marfan syndrome, by the occurrence of surgical complications in aortic surgery or possibility of sacral nerve root compression. If so, medical care is necessary to prevent uro-nephrological complications.
Differential Expression Profiles of the Transcriptome in Breast Cancer Cell Lines Revealed by Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: Shi Yu , Ye Peng , Long Xinghua
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: As MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells are the typical cell lines of two clinical breast tumour subtypes, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the transcriptome differences between MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Methods: The mRNA, miRNA (MicroRNA) and lncRNA (Long non-coding RNA) expression profiles were examined using NGS (next generation sequencing) instrument Illumina HiSeq-2500. GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analyses were performed to identify the biological functions of differentially expressed coding RNAs. Subsequently, we constructed an mRNA-ncRNA (non-coding RNA) targeting regulatory network. Finally, we performed RT-qPCR (real-time quantitative PCR) to confirm the NGS results. Results: There are sharp distinctions of the coding and non-coding RNA profiles between MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Among the mRNAs and ncRNAs with the most differential expression, SLPI, SOD2, miR-7, miR-143 and miR-145 were highly expressed in MCF-7 cells, while CD55, KRT17, miR-21, miR-10b, miR-9, NEAT1 and PICSAR were over-expressed in MDA-MB-231 cells. Differentially expressed mRNAs are primarily involved in biological processes of locomotion, biological adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction pathway and focal adhesion. In the targeting regulatory network of differentially expressed RNAs, mRNAs and miRNAs are primarily associated with tumour metastasis, but the functions of lncRNAs remain uncharacterized. Conclusion: These results provide a basis for future studies of breast cancer metastasis and drug resistance.
CCL2 is Upregulated by Decreased miR-122 Expression in Iron-Overload-Induced Hepatic Inflammation
Authors: Tang Yuxiao , Jia Wentao , Niu Xiaowen , Wu Lusha , Shen Hui , Wang Lina , Qi Ruirui , Ling Changquan , Li Min
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Iron overload (IO) is accompanied by hepatic inflammation. The chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) mediates inflammation, and its overexpression is associated with IO. However, whether IO results in CCL2 overexpression in the liver and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Methods: We subjected mice to IO by administering intraperitoneal injections of dextran-iron or by feeding mice a 3% dextran-iron diet to observe the effects of IO on miR-122/CCL2 expression through real-time qPCR and Western blot analysis. We also used indicators, including the expression of the inflammatory cytokine, the inflammation score based on H&E staining and the serum content of ALT and AST to evaluate the effects of IO on hepatic inflammation. Meanwhile, we observed the effects of vitamin E on IO-induced hepatic inflammation. In cells, we used 100 µΜ FeSO4 or 30 µΜ Holo-Tf to produce IO and observed the roles of miR-122 in regulating CCL2 expression by using miR-122 mimics or inhibitors to overexpress or inhibit miR-122. Then, we used a dual-luciferase reporter assay to prove that miR-122 regulates CCL2 expression through direct binding to its complementary sequence in the CCL2 mRNA 3’UTR. Results: IO induces the downregulation of miR-122 and the upregulation of CCL2, as well as inflammatory responses both in vitro and in vivo. Although IO-induced oxidative stress is eliminated by the antioxidant vitamin E, IO-induced hepatic inflammation still exists, which probably can be explained by the fact that vitamin E has no effects on the miR-122/CCL2 pathway. In in vitro experiments, the overexpression and inhibition of miR-122 significantly reduced and increased CCL2 expression, respectively. The dual-luciferase reporter assay indicates that miR-122 binds CCL2 mRNA 3’UTR. Conclusion: We propose the roles of miR-122/CCL2 in IO-induced hepatic inflammation. Our studies should provide a new clue for developing clinical strategies for patients with IO.
Protective Effects of Antimuscarinics on the Bladder Remodeling After Bladder Outlet Obstruction
Authors: Liu Qiang , Luo Deyi , Yang Tongxin , Liao Banghua , Li Hong , Wang Kun-Jie
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Overactive bladder associated with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is a highly prevalent condition, which is usually treated with antimuscarinics. However, the potential effects of antimuscarinics on the structure and function of bladder have not been investigated thus far. Methods: Sprague-Dawley(R) rats accepted bladder neck obstruction surgery or sham surgery, and then received treatment of three different antimuscarinics (Solifenacin, Darifenacin, and Tolterodine) or vehicle. After 3, 6 and 12 weeks, the bladder function and structure were measured. The effect of antimuscarinics on cellular alteration in vitro was observed under mechanical stimulation. Bladder morphology were examined by immunohistochemistry, and the bladder function were investigated by cystometry and strip contractility test. The expression of muscarinic receptors and inflammatory cytokines were measured by PCR and Western blotting. Results: Here we demonstrate, both in vitro and in vivo, that antimuscarinics are protective regulators for the bladder structure and function. Antimuscarinics decrease the weight of bladders with BOO. Antimuscarinics improve the voiding parameter and enhance the contraction of bladder smooth muscle. The results also show that antimuscarinics inhibit the proliferation of bladder smooth muscle cells both in vivo and in vitro, it can reduce the collagen deposition and inflammatory cytokines in bladders with BOO. During this process, the expression of M2 and M3 receptors was altered by antimuscarinics. Conclusion: Antimuscarinics could reverse the structural and functional changes of BOO bladder wall at cellular and tissue level, and the alteration of M2 and M3 receptors may be involved in this biological process.
Livestock markets play an important role in the cattle movement network in Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Silva Júnior José Lopes , Almeida Erivânia Camelo , Corrêa Fabíola Nascimento , Lima Paula Regina Barros , Ossada Raul , Marques Fernando Silveira , Dias Ricardo Augusto , Ferreira Fernando , Ferreira Neto José Soares , Grisi-Filho José Henrique Hildebrand , Amaku Marcos , Manso Filho Hélio Cordeiro , Silva Jean Carlos Ramos
Published: November 2017

O comércio de animais é um importante fator de risco para a disseminação de doenças entre animais e rebanhos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar a rede de movimentação de bovinos em Pernambuco, com base nas guias de trânsito animal (GTAs) de 2012 a 2013, e identificar a intensidade da relação comercial entre os estabelecimentos. Foram analisadas 737.950 GTAs emitidas, e as movimentações de bovinos totalizaram 3.481.185 animais (1.688.585 em 2012 e 1.792.600 em 2013). Um percentual de 52,57% (1.829.907/3.481.185) das movimentações de bovinos envolveu entrada ou saída de feiras de gado, indicando que as feiras desempenharam um papel importante na rede. Aproximadamente 20% dos estabelecimentos mais conectados foram responsáveis por aproximadamente 87% das movimentações relacionadas às vendas, e 95% das movimentações, relacionadas às compras. Considerando o importante papel das feiras e o intenso comércio de bovinos entre as propriedades, medidas de vigilância e controle podem ser mais eficientes se aplicadas em feiras e estabelecimentos altamente conectados, para prevenir a propagação de doenças infecciosas.