bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen plasma skin regeneration for the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate periorbital wrinkles: A prospective, randomized, controlled evaluator‐blinded trial
Authors: Theppornpitak Naphatsanan , Udompataikul Montree , Chalermchai Thep , Ophaswongse Suwirakorn , Limtanyakul Piyakan
Published: August 2018

Background

Nitrogen plasma skin regeneration is a novel device that produces heat to the skin, resulting in the production of new collagen. Because of lower energy with safer skin damage and lesser adverse effects who have high Fitzpatrick's skin type especially Thais, this technique is very interesting for clinical application for skin esthetic treatment. However, this treatment has yet been empirically studied as the treatment for mild‐to‐moderate periorbital wrinkles.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate clinical efficacy of nitrogen plasma for the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate periorbital wrinkles.

Methods

Eighteen volunteers were enrolled. Each volunteer was randomized to receive nitrogen plasma treatment on one side of periorbital wrinkles with three sessions at a three‐week interval and compared with contralateral side without treatment. Photographic examination, skin wrinkle (SEw) score, melanin index, patients' satisfaction score, side effect, and pain score were reported.

Results

At over fourteen weeks, all volunteers completed the study. Treatment with nitrogen plasma group had significantly better improvement for periorbital wrinkles score by Lemperle scale, skin wrinkle (SEw) score by Visioscan® VC 98, and the melanin index by Mexameter® than the control groups (P = 0.004, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). This study also showed significantly greater satisfaction score to favor the nitrogen plasma treatment group than the control group (P < 0.001). The short‐term adverse effects included erythema, scaling, temporary hyperpigmentation, pruritus, and dryness.

Conclusion

Nitrogen plasma skin regeneration is effective and safe for the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate periorbital wrinkles and darkening.
Environmental lead effects on gene expression in oral epithelial cells
Authors: Peyyala Rebecca , Emecen‐Huja Pinar , Ebersole Jeffrey L.
Published: August 2018

Background and Objective

Host responses in periodontitis span a range of local and emigrating cell types and biomolecules. Accumulating evidence regarding the expression of this disease across the population suggests some component of genetic variation that controls onset and severity of disease, in concert with the qualitative and quantitative parameters of the oral microbiome at sites of disease. However, there remains little information regarding the capacity of accruing environmental stressors or modifiers over a lifespan at both the host genetic and microbial ecology levels to understand fully the population variation in disease. This study evaluated the impact of environmental lead exposure on the responses of oral epithelial cells to challenge with a model pathogenic oral biofilm.

Methods and Results

Using NanoString technology to quantify gene expression profiles of an array of 511 host response‐associated genes in the epithelial cells, we identified an interesting primary panel of basal responses of the cells with numerous genes not previously considered as major response markers for epithelial cells, eg, interleukin (IL)‐32, CTNNB1, CD59, MIF, CD44 and CD99. Even high levels of environment lead had little effect on these constitutive responses. Challenge of the cells with the biofilms (Streptococcus gordonii/Fusobacterium nucleatum/Porphyromonas gingivalis) resulted in significant increases in an array of host immune‐related genes (134 of 511). The greatest magnitude in differential expression was observed with many genes not previously described as major response genes in epithelial cells, including IL‐32, CD44, NFKBIA, CTSC, TNFAIP3, IL‐1A, IL‐1B, IL‐8 and CCL20. The effects of environmental lead on responses to the biofilms were mixed, although levels of IL‐8, CCL20 and CD70 were significantly decreased at lead concentrations of 1 and/or 5 μmol/L.

Conclusion

The results provided new information on a portfolio of genes expressed by oral epithelial cells, targeted substantial increases in an array of immune‐related genes post‐biofilm challenge, and a focused impact of environmental lead on these induced responses.
Shifting laxative dosing schedule to an earlier time improves refractory constipation in Parkinson's disease: A case series
Authors: Neshige Shuichiro , Neshige Ryuji
Published: August 2018

Given the slow‐colonic transit, typical dosing schedule (bedtime administration) of laxative may be unreasonable for treating Parkinson's disease (PD)‐related constipation, that is, to have morning defecations, bedtime administration might be too late for the drug to reach the large intestine during sleep (high colonic motility due to parasympathetic dominance). Shifting laxative dosing schedule to earlier times may help the drug to reach the large intestine during sleep. Here, we reported 21 PD patients with refractory constipation, whose bowel movements were significantly improved, and PD‐related symptoms (such as wearing off and hallucinations) were substantially improved after the shift of laxatives dosing schedule to an earlier time. Because of the simplicity and effectiveness, this strategy might be widely used in treating PD‐related constipation. This retrospective observational case series study was, however, limited in the uncontrolled study design, small sample size, and subjective data sources. A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial is warranted to confirm our results.
A case of aspergillotic orbital apex syndrome diagnosed by an additional intraorbital biopsy after nasal endoscopy
Authors: Matsumoto Namiko , Sato Kota , Tadokoro Koh , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Yunoki Taijun , Takemoto Mami , Hishikawa Nozomi , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Fujii Kentaro , Ichikawa Tomotsugu , Date Isao , Abe Koji
Published: August 2018

The prompt and accurate diagnosis of orbital apex syndrome (OAS) is very important because of its fatality. Here we report an old man with aspergillotic OAS diagnosed after two biopsies by nasal endoscopy and craniotomy. Only craniotomy leads to the appropriate diagnosis, suggesting an immediate need of additional biopsy for the accurate diagnosis and saving the patient.
Association of genetic risk score and chronic kidney disease in a Japanese population
Authors: Fujii Ryosuke , Hishida Asahi , Nakatochi Masahiro , Furusyo Norihiro , Murata Masayuki , Tanaka Keitaro , Shimanoe Chisato , Suzuki Sadao , Watanabe Miki , Kuriyama Nagato , Koyama Teruhide , Takezaki Toshiro , Shimoshikiryo Ippei , Arisawa Kokichi , Katsuura‐Kamano Sakurako , Takashima Naoyuki , Turin Tanvir C , Kuriki Kiyonori , Endoh Kaori , Mikami Haruo , Nakamura Yohko , Oze Isao , Ito Hidemi , Kubo Michiaki , Momozawa Yukihide , Kondo Takaaki , Naito Mariko , Wakai Kenji
Published: August 2018

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem worldwide including Japan. Recent genome‐wide association studies have discovered CKD susceptibility variants. We developed a genetic risk score (GRS) based on CKD‐associated variants and assessed a possibility that the GRS can improve the discrimination capability for the prevalence of CKD in a Japanese population. The present study consists of 11 283 participants randomly selected from 12 Japan Multi‐Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study sites. Individual GRS was constructed combining 18 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms identified in a Japanese population. Participants with eGFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 was defined as case (stage 3 CKD or higher) in this study. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between the GRS and CKD risk with adjustment for sex, age, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The frequency of individuals with CKD was 8.3%, which was relatively low compared with those previously reported in a Japanese population. The odds ratio of having CKD was 1.120 (95% confidence interval: 1.042–1.203) per 10 GRS increment in the fully adjusted model (P = 0.002). The C‐statistic was significantly increased in the model with the GRS, comparing with the model without the GRS (0.720 vs 0.719, Pdifference = 0.008). Increment of the GRS was associated with increased risk of CKD. Additionally, the GRS significantly improved the discriminatory ability of CKD prevalence in a Japanese population; however, the improvement of discriminatory ability brought about by the GRS seemed to be small compared with that of non‐genetic CKD risk factors.
Is arterial calcification in children and adolescents with end‐stage renal disease a rare finding?
Authors: de Menezes Fernanda L , Koch‐Nogueira Paulo C , do Val Maria L.D.M. , Pestana José O.M. , Jorgetti Vanda , dos Reis Marlene A , dos Reis Monteiro Maria L.G. , Leite Heitor P
Published: August 2018

Aim

To investigate if calcification and intimal media thickness (IMT) of arteries are present in children and adolescents with end‐stage renal disease and to describe the risk factors associated with these alterations.

Methods

In an observational, cross‐sectional prospective study, 68 patients were evaluated at the time of renal transplantation. A fragment of the inferior epigastric artery was removed during surgery for histopathological analysis to verify the presence or not of arterial calcification. Two outcomes were considered: the presence of calcium deposition and the measurement of the IMT of the artery. The potential exposure variables were: age, chronic kidney disease aetiology, diagnosis time, systolic blood pressure (SBP), use of oral active vitamin D, homocysteine and C‐reactive protein.

Results

No arterial calcification was observed in the studied sample. The median value of the IMT of the inferior epigastric artery was 166 μm (interquartile range = 130–208). SBP standard deviation score and age were the only factors associated with this outcome. There was no statistical interaction between SBP and age with the IMT (P = 0.280).

Conclusion

Arterial calcification is rare in children and adolescents with end‐stage renal disease. The factors associated with IMT were age and SBP.
Infectious complications in the Southern Tasmanian kidney transplant population
Authors: Abeysekera Natasha , Graver Alison , Cooley Louise , Kirkland Geoff , Jose Matthew D
Published: August 2018

Aim

Examine the incidence of suspected and proven infections, the range of infections, antimicrobial use and hospital admissions in kidney transplant recipients (KTx) in southern Tasmania.

Methods

An audit of the medical records of KTx managed by the Royal Hobart Hospital for the period 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016. Data were collected on positive microbiological investigations, antimicrobial use and hospital admissions.

Results

Of the 151 evaluable KTx, there were 339 episodes of suspected infection in 95 (63%) patients with a preponderance of urinary tract infections. Overall, these 95 KTx received a total of 249 courses of antimicrobials, with predominantly monotherapy (n = 101, 65%). There were 11 vaccine preventable infections, including herpes zoster (n = 7), Influenza A (n = 3) and invasive pneumococcal disease (n = 1). Hospitalization was required for 50 infectious episodes, for a total of 227 admitted bed days (median 4; interquartile range 2–7; range 1–18 days).

Conclusion

In conclusion, episodes of infection, hospitalization, antimicrobial use and development of multi‐resistant organisms are common following kidney transplantation in this southern Tasmanian cohort. This study has identified several areas of focus for improved patient care including antimicrobial management of urinary tract infections, implementation of programmes to vaccinate KTx prior to transplantation, and development of transplantation specific antimicrobial stewardship programmes.
Development of a method for protonema proliferation of peat moss (Sphagnum squarrosum) through regeneration analysis
Authors: Zhao Wenqian , Li Zeling , Hu Yongyue , Wang Min , Zheng Shirui , Li Qiuping , Wang Youfang , Xu Lin , Li Xiaofang , Zhu Ruiliang , Reski Ralf , Sun Yue
Published: August 2018

The moss Sphagnum (peat moss) is ecologically and economically important. There is a paucity of physiological and developmental studies on Sphagnum because of the lack of an axenic culture system for its whole life cycle. A culture system has been established for the Sphagnum gametophore, but not the protonema (juvenile vegetative stage after spore germination). Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a protonema culture system for Sphagnum.

Sphagnum squarrosum gametophore tissue was disrupted and then cultured in liquid Knop medium. The regeneration of protonemata from the gametophore fragments was analyzed in detail by microscopy.

We observed a developmental balance between filamentous and thalloid protonemata, and growth competition between the thalloid protonema and the gametophore. On the basis of these findings, we established a relatively stable peat moss protonema proliferation method. Using this method, all the developmental stages of peat moss vegetative growth could be obtained through differentiation or regeneration.

The method can provide abundant homogeneous Sphagnum materials at desired stages for physiological and developmental studies, and will be useful for large‐scale Sphagnum vegetative proliferation. The regeneration analysis method will be useful for establishing protonema proliferation systems for other mosses.
Thiamine deficiency disorders: diagnosis, prevalence, and a roadmap for global control programs
Authors: Whitfield Kyly C. , Bourassa Megan W. , Adamolekun Bola , Bergeron Gilles , Bettendorff Lucien , Brown Kenneth H. , Cox Lorna , Fattal‐Valevski Aviva , Fischer Philip R. , Frank Elizabeth L. , Hiffler Laurent , Hlaing Lwin Mar , Jefferds Maria Elena , Kapner Hallie , Kounnavong Sengchanh , Mousavi Maral P.S. , Roth Daniel E. , Tsaloglou Maria‐Nefeli , Wieringa Frank , Combs Gerald F.
Published: August 2018

Thiamine is an essential micronutrient that plays a key role in energy metabolism. Many populations worldwide may be at risk of clinical or subclinical thiamine deficiencies, due to famine, reliance on staple crops with low thiamine content, or food preparation practices, such as milling grains and washing milled rice. Clinical manifestations of thiamine deficiency are variable; this, along with the lack of a readily accessible and widely agreed upon biomarker of thiamine status, complicates efforts to diagnose thiamine deficiency and assess its global prevalence. Strategies to identify regions at risk of thiamine deficiency through proxy measures, such as analysis of food balance sheet data and month‐specific infant mortality rates, may be valuable for understanding the scope of thiamine deficiency. Urgent public health responses are warranted in high‐risk regions, considering the contribution of thiamine deficiency to infant mortality and research suggesting that even subclinical thiamine deficiency in childhood may have lifelong neurodevelopmental consequences. Food fortification and maternal and/or infant thiamine supplementation have proven effective in raising thiamine status and reducing the incidence of infantile beriberi in regions where thiamine deficiency is prevalent, but trial data are limited. Efforts to determine culturally and environmentally appropriate food vehicles for thiamine fortification are ongoing.
The detrimental effects of luxury goods consumption on socially excluded groups
Authors: Chan Kenneth , Hazari Bharat , Mohan Vijay
Published: August 2018

This paper examines the impact of luxury goods consumption by the wealthy on the welfare of socially excluded groups. We find that a deterioration in the luxury goods terms‐of‐trade or an increase in the capital used to produce nonluxury traded goods have the consequence of increasing the welfare of the wealthier sections of society at the expense of the socially excluded groups.
Dirichlet Process Mixtures of Order Statistics with Applications to Retail Analytics
Authors: Pitkin James , Ross Gordon , Manolopoulou Ioanna
Published: August 2018

The rise of ‘big data’ has led to the frequent need to process and store data sets containing large numbers of high dimensional observations. Because of storage restrictions, these observations might be recorded in a lossy-but-sparse manner, with information collapsed onto a few entries which are considered important. This results in informative missingness in the observed data. Our motivating application comes from retail analytics, where the behaviour of product sales is summarized by the price elasticity of each product with respect to a small number of its top competitors. The resulting data are vectors of order statistics, because only the top few entries are observed. Interest lies in characterizing the behaviour of a product's competitors, and clustering products based on how their competition is spread across the market. We develop non-parametric Bayesian methodology for modelling vectors of order statistics that utilizes a Dirichlet process mixture model with an exponentiated Weibull kernel. Our approach allows us added flexibility for the distribution of each vector, while providing parameters that characterize the decay of the leading entries. We implement our methods on a retail analytics data set of the cross-elasticity coefficients, and our analysis reveals distinct types of behaviour across the different products of interest.
Decreased regulatory function of CD4+CD25+CD45RA+ T cells and impaired IL‐2 signalling pathway in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sheikh Vida , Zamani Alireza , Mahabadi‐Ashtiyani Elham , Tarokhian Hanieh , Borzouei Shiva , Alahgholi‐Hajibehzad Mahdi
Published: August 2018

In this study, the frequency and function of CD4+CD25+CD45RA+ regulatory T cells (Treg) and intracellular IL‐2 signalling molecules in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were investigated. Tregs and responder T cells (Tresp, CD4+CD25− T cells) were sorted and suppression assays were performed using flow cytometry. Phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription‐5 (pSTAT5) were assessed using flow cytometry. Gene expression of FOXP3 was performed with the SYBR green Real Time PCR method. Production of IL‐2 from cultured cells was assessed using ELISA. We observed a functional defect of CD4+CD25+CD45RA+ Tregs in T2DM patients with higher proliferation of Tresp cells, in response to anti‐CD3 and anti CD28 stimulation in the presence of Tregs in vitro. The results showed that the proliferation of Tresps in the absence of Treg cells was higher in T2DM patients than in healthy controls. Decreased FOXP3 mRNA expression and pSTAT5 were observed within the Tregs of the patients, whereas the level of secreted IL‐2 from PBMCs culture was not statically different between T2DM patients and healthy individuals. Changes in intracellular IL‐2 pathways and FOXP3 gene expression may contribute to the defect of Tregs in T2DM patients. These findings indicating that the purified CD4+CD25+CD45RA+ Treg cells have reduced functional capacity together with impaired IL‐2 pathway in T2DM, and the Tregs could be used for a potential novel therapeutic target.
Impaired neutrophil extracellular traps and inflammatory responses in the peritoneal fluid of patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Agraz‐Cibrián Juan Manuel , Delgado‐Rizo Vidal , Segura‐Ortega Jorge Enrique , Maldonado‐Gómez Héctor Alfredo , Zambrano‐Zaragoza José Francisco , Durán‐Avelar Ma. de Jesus , Vibanco‐Perez Norberto , Fafutis‐Morris Mary
Published: August 2018

Liver cirrhosis (LC) is an inflammatory process associated with impaired functions in adaptive and innate immune responses at both systemic and local levels, also referred as Cirrhosis‐Associated Immune Dysfunction. In this study, we evaluated the functionality of neutrophils from ascitic fluid (AF) of patients with hepatic cirrhosis by testing their ability to generate neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in vitro. To further determine the activation state of neutrophils, expression of the activation markers CD66b, CD69, and CD80 on these cells was analysed by flow cytometry. The inflammatory environment in AF was assessed by measured concentration of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Samples were collected from 40 patients with LC, 20 of them with uncomplicated ascites (ASC) and 20 with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Peripheral blood (PB) neutrophils from healthy individuals were used as control (HC). Our results revealed a significant decrease in the release of NETs in neutrophils from the SBP group compared with HC. Low expression of CD69 and CD80 on neutrophils from AF of SBP patients was also observed. Comparisons of inflammatory cytokine levels in AF from the different study groups (SBP and ASC) revealed significant differences. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the development of complications, such as SBP, increases initially the inflammatory status, but chronically results in impaired neutrophil function as demonstrated by the decreased capability of NETs formation. There is also an increase in both pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, thus predisposing for new episodes of SPB and increasing morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients.
Audit Publicity and Tax Compliance: A Natural Experiment
Authors: Battiston Pietro , Duncan Denvil , Gamba Simona , Santoro Alessandro
Published: August 2018

We use confidential data on value‐added tax payments at the sector level, in two large Italian cities, to estimate the effect of audit publicity on the tax compliance of local sellers. By employing a difference‐in‐differences identification strategy, we find that such publicity has a positive effect on fiscal declarations made shortly thereafter. The results suggest that increasing awareness on future audits via the media can be an important instrument in the hands of tax authorities.
Full Meta Object profiling for flexible geoprocessing workflows
Authors: Rosser Julian F. , Jackson Mike , Leibovici Didier G.
Published: August 2018

The design and running of complex geoprocessing workflows is an increasingly common geospatial modelling and analysis task. The Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) standard, which provides a graphical representation of a workflow, allows stakeholders to discuss the scientific conceptual approach behind this modelling while also defining a machine‐readable encoding in XML. Previous research has enabled the orchestration of Open Geospatial Consortium Web Processing Services (WPS) with a BPMN workflow engine. However, the need for direct access to predefined data inputs and outputs results in a lack of flexibility during composition of the workflow and of efficiency during execution. This article develops metadata profiling approaches, described as two possible configurations, which enable workflow management at the meta‐level through a coupling with a metadata catalogue. Specifically, a WPS profile and a BPMN profile are developed and tested using open‐source components to achieve this coupling. A case study in the context of an event mapping task applied within a big data framework and based on analysis of the Global Database of Event Language and Tone database illustrates the two different architectures.
A Not-Motorized Implantable Device for Partial Circulatory Support: A Proof of Concept Experiment
Authors: Martinelli Gian Luca , Barbieri Galdino , Caimmi Philippe
Published: August 2018

A fully implantable circulatory assistance device without external connection and lifetime energy supply can eliminate a significant source of morbidity and mortality for patients. Here, we present and discuss concept and preliminary results of an original project for a not-motorized, fully implantable circulatory assistance device. The not-motorized implantable circulatory assistance device (NICA) has been tested into a cardiac simulator that was conceived according to the FDA and ISO standards. The instrumentation incorporated to the cardiac simulator includes probes for the aortic pressure (AoP) proximally to the device, a temperature control system, and one electromagnetic flowmeter to acquire the flow rate (AoF) proximally to the device. A control software allows to modulate the drive parameters such as velocity, acceleration, number of revolutions, the stroke volume, and the heart rate. Experiments have been performed with three different circuit resistances: 2100 dyn s/cm5, 1400, and 700. The AoF increased in the assisted cycles: 71% at 2100 dyn s/cm5, 67% at 1400 dyn s/cm5, and 25% at 700 dyn s/cm5. NICA performs a partial but significant support of AoF without energy supply. The improvement of AoF increases with the increasing of vascular resistances. The feedback received by this preliminary bench experiment acted as a preliminary proof of concept of this new device.
Recent Development of Visceral Leishmaniasis Treatments: Successes, Pitfalls, and Perspectives
Authors: Alves Fabiana , Bilbe Graeme , Blesson Séverine , Goyal Vishal , Monnerat Séverine , Mowbray Charles , Muthoni Ouattara Gina , Pécoul Bernard , Rijal Suman , Rode Joelle , Solomos Alexandra , Strub-Wourgaft Nathalie , Wasunna Monique , Wells Susan , Zijlstra Eduard E. , Arana Byron , Alvar Jorge
Published: August 2018

Research in visceral leishmaniasis in the last decade has been focused on how better to use the existing medicines as monotherapy or in combination. Systematic research by geographical regions has shown that a universal treatment is far from today's reality.
STAMP: a continuous improvement approach to improve paediatric prescribing and medication safety
Authors: Styles Katherine , Trivedi Ashifa , Bate Tristan , Ajitsaria Richa
Published: August 2018

We describe an ongoing quality improvement project focusing on paediatric prescribing and medication safety for medical, surgical and oncology patients in a district general hospital. The project is called STAMP—Safe Treatment and Administration of Medicine in Paediatrics. The project has been running continuously for 24 months. No one factor has been identified to sustain a reduction in prescribing error rates. However, we have improved the quality and frequency of feedback to prescribers following errors. We believe that this ongoing project is changing the local prescribing culture, and with further Plan–Do–Study–Act cycles we hope to see improvement in prescribing error rates.
Risk of reoperation in bioprosthetic valve patients with indication for long-term anticoagulation. Results from the observational retrospective multicentre PLECTRUM study
Authors: Poli Daniela , Antonucci Emilia , Pengo Vittorio , Grifoni Elisa , Maggini Niccolò , Testa Sophie , Lodigiani Corrado , Insana Antonio , Marongiu Francesco , Barcellona Doris , Paparo Carmelo , Bucherini Eugenio , Pignatelli Pasquale , Palareti Gualtiero
Published: August 2018

Objective

Several factors should be considered when a prosthetic heart valve, bioprosthetic valve (BV) or mechanical valve is to be implanted: thrombogenicity, life expectancy and the risk of reoperation.

Methods

We conducted an observational retrospective multicentre study among Italian Thrombosis Centers on patients with BV on long-term vitamin K antagonist (VKA) treatment to evaluate the risk of reoperation and the rate of bleeding and thrombotic events.

Results

We analysed 612 patients (median age 71.8 years) with BV on long-term VKA treatment for the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) (78.4%) or other indications (21.6%). Thirty-four major bleeding events (rate 1.1×100 patient-years) and 29 thromboembolic events (rate 0.9×100 patient-years) were recorded, and 46 patients (rate 1.5×100 patient-years) underwent reoperation. The rate of reoperation was higher among younger patients: 32.9% in patients <60 years and 3.9% in patients ≥60 years (relative risk (RR) 3.8, 95% CI 2.1 to 7.2; p=0.0001). When patients were analysed according to age <65 or ≥65 years and <75 or ≥70 years, younger patients still were at higher risk for reoperation (RR 3.1, 95% CI 1.7 to 6.0 and 3.7, 95% CI 1.7 to 8.6, respectively).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the threshold of 65 years for implanting a BV should be carefully evaluated, considering the high risk for reoperation and the high risk of AF occurrence with persisting need for long-term anticoagulation. The high risk for reoperation of young patients implanted with BV and the availability of a safer and easier way to conduct VKA treatment, such as the use of point-of-care devices, should be considered when the type of valve must be chosen.
Incidental abnormal CT scan findings during transcatheter aortic valve implantation assessment: incidence and implications
Authors: Patel Akshay , Mahendran Kajan , Collins Michael , Abdelaziz Mahmoud , Khogali Saib , Luckraz Heyman
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The aim of this retrospective series is to describe the prevalence and clinical significance of the incidental findings found during pre–transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) work-up and to ascertain the clinical course of such patients.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing TAVI from 2013 to 2015 where a TAVI CT assessment was performed (n=138) were included in the study. All incidental findings that were not expected from the patient’s history were discussed at the TAVI multidisciplinary meeting in order to ascertain the clinical significance of said findings and whether they would alter the proposed course of treatment. Mortality data were determined by careful retrospective case note and follow-up appointment analysis.

Results

Seventy-eight patients (57%) were found to have incidental findings on pre-TAVI CT scan. The majority of patients had benign pathology with high incidence in particular of diverticular disease, pleural effusions, gallstones, hiatus hernia and degenerative spinal disease. Vascular pathology such as superior mesenteric, renal and iliac artery stenoses and abdominal aortic aneurysm was detected in seven patients. In terms of long-term mortality data, we found no significant difference between those with incidental findings and those without (p=0.48). Survival as assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference between those with and without incidental abnormal CT scan findings (p=0.98).

Conclusions

Incidental findings with potential for malignancy are common in an elderly, comorbid population. Ultimately, clinical correlation and prognosis must be swiftly ascertained in order to streamline the patients down the appropriate management pathway while avoiding unnecessary delay for treatment of their aortic stenosis.
Evaluation and management of adult idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Mollan Susan P , Hornby Catherine , Mitchell James , Sinclair Alexandra J
Published: August 2018

This paper summarises the first consensus guidelines for idiopathic intracranial hypertension as an infographic. Following a systematic literature review, a multidisciplinary specialist interest group met and established questions relating to population, interventions, controls and outcomes (PICO). A survey was sent to doctors who manage idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) regularly. Statements were reviewed by national professional bodies, specifically the Association of British Neurologists, British Association for the Study of Headache, the Society of British Neurological Surgeons and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and by international experts. Key areas are represented based on the guideline, namely: (1) investigation of papilloedema and diagnosis of IIH; (2) management strategies; and (3) investigation and management of acute exacerbation of headache in established IIH. We present an infographic as an aide-mémoire of the first consensus guidelines for IIH.
Total energy expenditure in elite open-water swimmers
Authors: Sagayama Hiroyuki , Mimura Kosuke , Toguchi Makiko , Yasukata Jun , Tanaka Hiroaki , Higaki Yasuki
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to examine the total energy expenditure (TEE) and physical activity level (PAL) of elite open-water swimmers. Our study group included 5 world-class competitive open-water swimmers. TEE was measured using the doubly labeled water method for 1 week. The TEE was 4549 ± 1185 kcal/day. The PAL was 3.22 ± 0.46. Our results may provide a reference to optimize energy requirement support.
Endozoochory by granivorous rodents in seed dispersal of green fruits
Authors: Yang Yueqin , Zhang Yihao , Deng Yinhua , Yi Xianfeng
Published: August 2018

Although the role of frugivores in seed dispersal has attracted scientific attention, it remains unclear whether granivorous rodents can act as frugivores to interact mutualistically with fruit-producing plants, especially those bearing green fruits inconspicuous to avian frugivores. In this study, we tracked fruit removal of the tara vine (Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. Ex Miq.) and variegated kiwi vine (Actinidia kolomikta (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim.) in a temperate forest and presented fruits to the granivorous rodents Siberian chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus (Laxmann, 1769)), Korean field mouse (Apodemus peninsulae (Thomas, 1907)), and gray red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rufocanus (Sundevall, 1846) = Myodes rufocanus (Sundevall, 1846)) in the laboratory to answer this question. Seeds were collected from rodent feces to see the effects of gut passage on seed germination to determine the role of granivorous rodents in endozoochory of A. arguta and A. kolomikta. We presented clear evidence of endozoochory by granivorous rodents in seed dispersal of the two Actinidia species. Rodents appeared to play an alternative role in dispersing plants bearing green fruits. Moreover, we observed increased germination rates after gut ingestion by the granivorous rodents. Our study evidenced endozoochory of granivorous rodents and provided new insight into the mutualist interactions between rodents and plant species bearing fleshy fruits containing tiny seeds. We suggest future studies pay more attention to endozoochory of rodents and establish their mutualistic relationship with fruit-bearing plants in temperate forests.
Effects of parental and nest-site characteristics on nestling quality in the Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
Authors: Griebel Ilsa A. , Fairhurst Graham D. , Marchant Tracy A. , Clark Robert G.
Published: August 2018

Natal environment and parental quality can influence offspring phenotype, including physiological and morphological traits. We investigated how offspring morphology and feather corticosterone (CORTf; a physiological index of allostatic load) may be related to nest environment and parental characteristics by cross-fostering 3-day-old nestling Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor (Vieillot, 1808)) between quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and plywood nest boxes that differed in microclimate. We evaluated the relative importance of natal influences, common rearing environment, and nest-box environment on nestling quality. Nestlings raised in quaking aspen boxes tended to have lower CORTf, although this result only approached significance. Nestling body mass was best predicted by the biological mother’s mass and random effects of natal and rearing nest identity, wing length was best predicted by random effects of rearing nest, and head–bill length was best predicted by random effects of natal nest. Therefore, nest microclimate was more important than maternal characteristics in predicting nestling physiology (CORTf), while nestling morphology was influenced by maternal morphology, as well as natal and rearing nest environments. Our study provides important information about how environmental and parental influences affect nestling phenotype and will help future studies interpret similar morphological and physiological indices of nestling quality.
Performance of a Darrieus turbine on the roof of a building
Authors: Victor Samson , Paraschivoiu Marius
Published: August 2018

Various efforts have been made to introduce micro wind turbines in urban areas. Their onsite wind generation can be beneficial, but general rules about their ideal placement in terms of energy extraction need to be identified. This paper investigates the performance of a Darrieus turbine when installed on the roof of a building and offers a rare analysis of the synergy between the turbine and the building. This study focuses on computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis of a vertical-axis wind turbine mounted on the upstream edge of a building. The CFD methodology is validated by comparing the calculated performance with experimental data. Three different turbine positions at different heights are investigated to capture the Cp–λ curve sensitivity. Positions 1 and 2 are at the edge of the building, whereas position 3 is a few meters away from the edge, directed towards the geometric center of the building. To simulate realistic atmospheric wind conditions, an atmospheric boundary layer is imposed at the inlet. The results show that the power coefficient is higher compared with a standalone turbine and that the location of the turbine on the building clearly affects the value of the tip-speed ratio at maximum power coefficient.
Comments on the adiabatic theorem
Authors: Trunin Dmitrii A.
Published: August 2018

We consider the simplest example of a nonstationary quantum system which is quantum mechanical oscillator with varying frequency and [Formula: see text] self-interaction. We calculate loop corrections to the Keldysh, retarded/advanced propagators and vertices using Schwinger–Keldysh diagrammatic technique and show that there is no physical secular growth of the loop corrections in the cases of constant and adiabatically varying frequency. This fact corresponds to the well-known adiabatic theorem in quantum mechanics. However, in the case of nonadiabatically varying frequency we obtain strong IR corrections to the Keldysh propagator which come from the “sunset” diagrams, grow with time indefinitely and indicate energy pumping into the system. It reveals itself via the change in time of the level population and of the anomalous quantum average.
Impact of the top quark cross-section data on parton distribution functions
Authors: Azizi M. , Khorramian A. , Abdolmaleki H. , Mehdiabadi S. Paktinat
Published: August 2018

Recent measurements of top quark pair production cross-section, which is performed at the LHC and the Tevatron collider, are studied using Hessian profiling technique to obtain their impact on the parton distribution functions (PDFs). The top quark production data covers different center-of-mass energies [Formula: see text], 5.02, 7, 8 and 13 TeV in either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] collisions. It is explained how the Hessian profiling method may be used to assess the impact of these new data on PDFs and consequently on their predictions. In this research, the impact of recent measurements of top quark pair cross-sections on different CT14, MMHT2014 and NNPDF3.0 PDF sets is investigated. The analysis results show that the recent top quark production at the LHC and Tevatron data provide significant constraints in particular on the central value, relative uncertainties or both for the [Formula: see text]-quark distribution and the gluon PDFs in both CT14 and MMHT2014 PDF sets and are insensitive to valence-quark PDFs. A small constraint on the [Formula: see text]-sea quark distribution for CT14 PDF is also observed. There is no impact on the NNPDF3.0 PDF set in presence of these data.
The design and characterization of high photon detection efficiency CMOS single-photon avalanche diode
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Ting , He Yongchun , Huang Mengjia , Yang Hao , Wang Guanyu , Yang Zhenglin , Yuan Jun
Published: August 2018

The high photon detection efficiency (PDE) single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) designed with a low voltage standard 0.18 [Formula: see text]m CMOS process is investigated in detail. The proposed CMOS SPAD is with P+/N-well junction structure, and its multiplication region is surrounded by a virtual guard ring, with which the premature edge avalanche breakdown can be prevented. The analytical and simulation results show that the CMOS SPAD has a uniform electric field distribution in P+/N-well junction, and the breakdown voltage is as low as 8.2 V, the PDE is greater than 40% at the wavelength range of 650–950 nm, at a low excess bias voltage (light intensity is about 0.001 W/cm2), and the peak PDE at 800 nm is about 48%, the relatively low dark count rate (DCR) of 1.4 KHz is obtained.
The coexisting of insulating and metallic/superconducting phases and their competing effects in various underdoped cuprates
Authors: Dzhumanov S. , Kurbanov U. T.
Published: August 2018

We show that the unconventional electron–phonon interactions and polaronic effects, charge inhomogeneity and charge ordering in underdoped cuprates result in the nanoscale phase separation and the occurrence of competing and coexisting of insulating and metallic/superconducting phases. We identify possible types of localized and mobile charge carriers in these systems, which segregate into insulating (carrier-poor) and metallic/superconducting (carrier-rich) regions as a result of their specific ordering. We found that the coexistence of two competing insulating and metallic phases can persist in the lightly doped cuprates on a local scale, while the coexistence of three competing insulating, metallic and superconducting phases is expected in the underdoped cuprates on a global scale. We demonstrated that the competing effects of these coexisting insulating and metallic/superconducting phases are manifested in the unusual temperature dependences of the magnetic susceptibility and resistivity and in the suppression of superconductivity in various underdoped cuprates.
Study on the arc behaviors under the condition of argon and helium supply alternately
Authors: Dai Hongbin , Wang Haoran , Shen Xiuqiang , Lin Sanbao
Published: August 2018

In this paper, a solenoid valve control system was used to supply argon and helium alternately to the welding torch, under the frequency of 1 Hz and 4 Hz. The radial distribution of arc pressure was measured by the water-cooled copper plate with holes, and the arc shape was recorded by high-speed photography. The results indicated the arc produced an obvious effect of pulsed pressure, due to the argon-arc and helium-arc stroked in turn in the process of argon and helium supply alternately at 1 Hz frequency. It produced a strong impact and stirring effect on the metal of molten pool, leading to the improvement of weld penetration and width, and the weld surface presented the typical distribution pattern of fish scale.
K-theory of coherent rings
Authors: Swan Richard G.
Published: August 2018

We show that some basic results on the K-theory of noetherian rings can be extended to coherent rings.
Picket fence porphyrin challenges. Unexpected atropisomerism
Authors: Wang Haimang , Li Jianfeng , Scheidt W. Robert
Published: August 2018

The synthesis and structural analysis of two new bis imidazole-ligated iron(II) porphyrinates are reported. The reacting porphyrin used in the studies was the four-coordinate [Formula: see text] atropisomer of [Fe(TpivPP)] (picket fence porphyrin); the axial ligands are 2-methylimidazole and 1,2-dimethylimidazole. Crystal structure analysis revealed that the [Fe(TpivPP)(2-MeHIm)[Formula: see text]] complex had a strongly ruffled porphyrin core that accommodated the hindered ligands on both the picket side and the open face of the porphyrin. Reaction with 1,2-dimethylimidazole with the four-coordinate [Fe(TpivPP)] starting material led to an isomerized form of the picket fence porphyrin. The structure analysis showed that the product obtained was the [Formula: see text] atropisomer. Strong ruffling caused by the bulky 1,2-dimethylimidazole ligand must allow the requisite rotation about the methine carbon to phenyl carbon single bond and yields what is probably the most stable form of the complex. The relative orientation of the two axial ligands in both complexes are approximately perpendicular to each other. Other structural parameters are in general accord with six-coordinate iron(II) porphyrinates.
Optically Actuated Carbon Nanocoils
Authors: Wang Peng , Pan Lujun , Li Chengwei , Zheng Jia
Published: August 2018

Optical manipulation on microscale and nanoscale structures opens up new possibilities for assembly and control of microelectromechanical systems and nanoelectromechanical systems. Static optical force induces constant displacement while changing optical force stimulates vibration of a microcantilever/nanocantilever. The vibratory behavior of a single carbon nanocoil cantilever under optical actuation is investigated. A fitting formula to describe the laser-induced vibration characteristics is deduced based on a classical continuum model, by which the resonance frequency of the carbon nanocoil can be determined directly and accurately. This optically actuated vibration method could be widely used in stimulating quasi-1D micro/nanorod-like materials, and has potential applications in micro-/nano-opto-electromechanical systems.
Mathematical analysis of a two-sex Human Papillomavirus (HPV) model
Authors: Omame A. , Umana R. A. , Okuonghae D. , Inyama S. C.
Published: August 2018

A two-sex deterministic model for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that assesses the impact of treatment and vaccination on its transmission dynamics is designed and rigorously analyzed. The model is shown to exhibit the phenomenon of backward bifurcation, caused by the imperfect vaccine as well as the re-infection of individuals who recover from a previous infection, when the associated reproduction number is less than unity. Analysis of the reproduction number reveals that the impact of treatment on effective control of the disease is conditional, and depends on the sign of a certain threshold unlike when preventive measures are implemented (i.e. condom use and vaccination of both males and females). Numerical simulations of the model showed that, based on the parameter values used therein, a vaccine (with 75% efficacy) for male population with about 40% condom compliance by females will result in a significant reduction in the disease burden in the population. Also, the numerical simulations of the model reveal that with 70% condom compliance by the male population, administering female vaccine (with 45% efficacy) is sufficient for effective control of the disease.
Free deterministic equivalent Z-scores of compound Wishart models: A goodness of fit test of 2D ARMA models
Authors: Hayase Tomohiro
Published: August 2018

We introduce a new method to qualify the goodness of fit parameter estimation of compound Wishart models. Our method is based on the free deterministic equivalent [Formula: see text]-score, which we introduce in this paper. Furthermore, an application to two-dimensional autoregressive moving-average model is provided.

Our proposed method is a generalization of statistical hypothesis testing to one-dimensional moving average model based on fluctuations of real compound Wishart matrices by Hasegawa et al. [A. Hasegawa, N. Sakuma and H. Yoshida, Fluctuations of Marchenko–Pastur limit of random matrices with dependent entries, Statist. Probab. Lett. 127 (2017) 85–96].