bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Right Dose Right Now: bedside data-driven personalized antibiotic dosing in severe sepsis and septic shock — rationale and design of a multicenter randomized controlled superiority trial
Authors: Roggeveen Luca F. , Fleuren Lucas M. , Guo Tingjie , Thoral Patrick , de Grooth Harm Jan , Swart Eleonora L. , Klausch Thomas L. T. , van der Voort Peter H. J. , Girbes Armand R. J. , Bosman Rob J. , Elbers Paul W. G.
Published: December 2019

Background

Antibiotic exposure is often inadequate in critically ill patients with severe sepsis or septic shock and this is associated with worse outcomes. Despite markedly altered and rapidly changing pharmacokinetics in these patients, guidelines and clinicians continue to rely on standard dosing schemes. To address this challenge, we developed AutoKinetics, a clinical decision support system for antibiotic dosing. By feeding large amounts of electronic health record patient data into pharmacokinetic models, patient-specific predicted future plasma concentrations are displayed graphically. In addition, a tailored dosing advice is provided at the bedside in real time. To evaluate the effect of AutoKinetics on pharmacometric and clinical endpoints, we are conducting the Right Dose Right Now multicenter, randomized controlled, two-arm, parallel-group, non-blinded, superiority trial.

Methods

All adult intensive care patients with a suspected or proven infection and having either lactatemia or receiving vasopressor support are eligible for inclusion. Randomization to the AutoKinetics or control group is initiated at the bedside when prescribing at least one of four commonly administered antibiotics: ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, meropenem and vancomycin. Dosing advice is available for patients in the AutoKinetics group, whereas patients in the control group receive standard dosing.

The primary outcome of the study is pharmacometric target attainment during the first 24 h. Power analysis revealed the need for inclusion of 42 patients per group per antibiotic. Thus, a total of 336 patients will be included, 168 in each group. Secondary pharmacometric endpoints include time to target attainment and fraction of target attainment during an entire antibiotic course. Secondary clinical endpoints include mortality, clinical cure and days free from organ support. Several other exploratory and subgroup analyses are planned.

Discussion

This is the first randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and safety of bedside data-driven automated antibiotic dosing advice. This is important as adequate antibiotic exposure may be crucial to treat severe sepsis and septic shock. In addition, the trial could prove to be a significant contribution to clinical pharmacometrics and serve as a stepping stone for the use of big data and artificial intelligence in the field.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register (NTR), NL6501/NTR6689. Registered on 25 August 2017.

European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT), 2017-002478-37. Registered on 6 November 2017.
Behavioral and psychological impact of returning breast density results to Latinas: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Patel Bhavika K. , Ridgeway Jennifer L. , Ghosh Karthik , Rhodes Deborah J. , Borah Bijan , Jenkins Sarah , Suman Vera J. , Norman Aaron , Jewett Matt , Singh Davinder , Vachon Celine M. , Radecki Breitkopf Carmen
Published: December 2019

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer mortality among Latinas. As more is learned about the association between mammographic breast density (MBD) and breast cancer risk, a number of U.S. states adopted legislation and now a federal law mandates written notification of MBD along with mammogram results. These notifications vary in content and readability, though, which may limit their effectiveness and create confusion or concern, especially among women with low health literacy or barriers to screening. The purpose of this study is to determine whether educational enhancement of MBD notification results in increased knowledge, decreased anxiety, and adherence to continued mammography screening among Latina women in a limited-resources setting.

Methods

Latinas LEarning About Density (LLEAD) is a randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing the impact of three notification approaches on behavioral and psychological outcomes in Latina women. Approximately 2000 Latinas undergoing screening mammography in a safety-net community clinic will be randomized 1:1:1 to mailed notification (usual care); mailed notification plus written educational materials (enhanced); or mailed notification, written educational materials, plus verbal explanation by a promotora (interpersonal). The educational materials and verbal explanations are available in Spanish or English. Mechanisms through which written or verbal information influences future screening motivation and behavior will be examined, as well as moderating factors such as depression and worry about breast cancer, which have been linked to diagnostic delays among Latinas. The study includes multiple psychological measures (anxiety, depression, knowledge about MBD, perceived risk of breast cancer, worry, self-efficacy) and behavioral outcomes (continued adherence to mammography). Measurement time points include enrollment, 2–4 weeks post-randomization, and 1 and 2 years post-randomization. Qualitative inquiry related to process and outcomes of the interpersonal arm and cost analysis related to its implementation will be undertaken to understand the intervention’s delivery and transferability.

Discussion

Legislation mandating written MBD notification may have unintended consequences on behavioral and psychological outcomes, particularly among Latinas with limited health literacy and resources. This study has implications for cancer risk communication and will offer evidence on the potential of generalizable educational strategies for delivering information on breast density to Latinas in limited-resource settings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02910986. Registered on 21 September 2016.

Items from the WHO Trial Registration Data Set can be found in this protocol.
Proteomic analysis of the second-generation merozoites of Eimeria tenella under nitromezuril and ethanamizuril stress
Authors: Li Xue-Yan , Liu Li-Li , Zhang Min , Zhang Li-Fang , Wang Xiao-Yang , Wang Mi , Zhang Ke-Yu , Liu Ying-Chun , Wang Chun-Mei , Xue Fei-Qun , Fei Chen-Zhong
Published: December 2019

Background

Eimeria tenella is a highly pathogenic coccidian that causes avian coccidiosis. Both nitromezuril (NZL) and ethanamizuril (EZL) are novel triazine compounds with high anticoccidial activity, but the mechanisms of their action are still unclear. This study explored the response of E. tenella to NZL and EZL by the study of changes in protein composition of the second-generation merozoites.

Methods

Label-free quantification (LFQ) proteomics of the second-generation merozoites of E. tenella following NZL and EZL treatment were studied by LC-MS/MS to explore the mechanisms of action. The identified proteins were annotated and analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks analysis.

Results

A total of 1430 proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS, of which 375 were considered as differential proteins in response to drug treatment (DPs). There were 26 only found in the NZL treatment group (N-group), 63 exclusive to the EZL treatment group (E-group), and 80 proteins were present in both drug groups. In addition, among the DPs, the abundant proteins with significantly altered expression in response to drug treatment (SDPs) were found compared with the C-group, of which 49 were upregulated and 51 were downregulated in the N-group, and 66 upregulated and 79 downregulated in the E-group. Many upregulated proteins after drug treatment were involved in transcription and protein metabolism, and surface antigen proteins (SAGs) were among the largest proportion of the downregulated SDPs. Results showed the top two enriched GO terms and the top one enriched pathway treated with EZL and NZL were related, which indicated that these two compounds had similar modes of action.

Conclusions

LFQ proteomic analysis is a feasible method for screening drug-related proteins. Drug treatment affected transcription and protein metabolism, and SAGs were also affected significantly. This study provided new insights into the effects of triazine anticoccidials against E. tenella.
The immune system in sporadic inclusion body myositis patients is not compromised by blood-flow restricted exercise training
Authors: Jensen Kasper Yde , Jacobsen Mikkel , Schrøder Henrik Daa , Aagaard Per , Nielsen Jakob Lindberg , Jørgensen Anders Nørkær , Boyle Eleanor , Bech Rune Dueholm , Rosmark Sofie , Diederichsen Louise Pyndt , Frandsen Ulrik
Published: December 2019

Background

Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is clinically characterised by progressive proximal and distal muscle weakness and impaired physical function while skeletal muscle tissue displays abnormal cellular infiltration of T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Only limited knowledge exists about the effects of low-load blood flow restriction exercise in sIBM patients, and its effect on the immunological responses at the myocellular level remains unknown. The present study is the first to investigate the longitudinal effects of low-load blood flow restriction exercise on innate and adaptive immune markers in skeletal muscle from sIBM patients.

Methods

Twenty-two biopsy-validated sIBM patients were randomised into either 12 weeks of low-load blood flow restriction exercise (BFRE) or no exercise (CON). Five patients from the control group completed 12 weeks of BFRE immediately following participation in the 12-week control period leading to an intervention group of 16 patients. Muscle biopsies were obtained from either the m. tibialis anterior or the m. vastus lateralis for evaluation of CD3-, CD8-, CD68-, CD206-, CD244- and FOXP3-positive cells by three-colour immunofluorescence microscopy and Visiopharm-based image analysis quantification. A linear mixed model was used for the statistical analysis.

Results

Myocellular infiltration of CD3−/CD8+ expressing natural killer cells increased following BFRE (P < 0.05) with no changes in CON. No changes were observed for CD3+/CD8− or CD3+/CD8+ T cells in BFRE or CON. CD3+/CD244+ T cells decreased in CON, while no changes were observed in BFRE. Pronounced infiltration of M1 pro-inflammatory (CD68+/CD206−) and M2 anti-inflammatory (CD68+/CD206+) macrophages were observed at baseline; however, no longitudinal changes in macrophage content were observed for both groups.

Conclusions

Low-load blood flow restriction exercise elicited an upregulation in CD3−/CD8+ expressing natural killer cell content, which suggests that 12 weeks of BFRE training evokes an amplified immune response in sIBM muscle. However, the observation of no changes in macrophage or T cell infiltration in the BFRE-trained patients indicates that patients with sIBM may engage in this type of exercise with no risk of intensified inflammatory activity.
Robustness of zero-augmented models over generalized linear models in analysing fertility data in Nigeria
Authors: Kareem Yusuf Olushola , Morhason-Bello Imran O. , Adebowale Ayo Stephen , Akinyemi Joshua Odunayo , Yusuf Oyindamola Bidemi
Published: December 2019

Objective

Fertility is a count data usually rightly skewed and exhibiting large number of zeros than the distributional assumption of the generalized linear models (GLMs). This study examined the robustness of zero-augmented models over GLMs to fit fertility data across regions in Nigeria. The 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data were used. The fertility models fitted included: Poisson, negative binomial, zero-inflated Poisson, zero-inflated negative binomial, hurdle Poisson and hurdle negative binomial. Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC) were used to identify the model with best fit (α = 0.05).

Results

The percentage of zero count in the fertility responses were 21.3, 23.9, 31.1, 30.7, 37.6 and 42.4 in North West, North East, North Central, South West, South South and South East regions respectively. In all the six regions in Nigeria, the zero-augmented models were better than the generalized linear models except for North Central. Extensively, the zero-augmented negative binomial based models were of better fit than their Poisson based counterparts; or in rare cases maybe indistinguishable. However, specific family of zero-augmented model is recommended for each region in Nigeria.
Co-exposure to lipopolysaccharide and desert dust causes exacerbation of ovalbumin-induced allergic lung inflammation in mice via TLR4/MyD88-dependent and -independent pathways
Authors: Ren Yahao , Ichinose Takamichi , He Miao , Youshida Seiichi , Nishikawa Masataka , Sun Guifan
Published: December 2019

Background

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) often presents in high concentrations in particulate matter (PM), few studies have reported the enhancing effects of both LPS and PM on airway inflammation in mice and the role of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in this process. Asian sand dust (ASD) is observed most frequently during the spring. This study aimed to clarify the role of TLRs in murine lung eosinophilia exacerbated by ASD and LPS.

Methods

The effects of LPS and ASD co-treatment on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced lung eosinophilia were investigated using wild-type (WT), TLR2−/−, TLR4−/−, and adaptor protein myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)−/− BALB/c mice. ASD was heated (H-ASD) to remove the toxic organic substances. WT, TLR2−/−, TLR4−/− and MyD88−/− BALB/c mice were intratracheally instilled with four different combinations of LPS, H-ASD and OVA treatment. Subsequently, the pathological changes in lungs, immune cell profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inflammatory cytokines/chemokines levels in BALF and OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) in serum were analyzed.

Results

In WT mice, H-ASD + LPS exacerbated OVA-induced lung eosinophilia. This combination of treatments increased the proportion of eosinophils and the levels of IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin in BALF, as well as the production of OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 in serum compared to OVA treatment alone. Although these effects were stronger in TLR2−/− mice than in TLR4−/− mice, the expression levels of IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin were somewhat increased in TLR4−/− mice treated with OVA + H-ASD + LPS. In MyD88−/− mice, this pro-inflammatory mediator-induced airway inflammation was considerably weak and the pathological changes in lungs were negligible.

Conclusions

These results suggest that LPS and H-ASD activate OVA-induced Th2 response in mice, and exacerbate lung eosinophilia via TLR4/MyD88, TLR4/TRIF and other TLR4-independent pathways.
Development of the Stanford Social Dimensions Scale: initial validation in autism spectrum disorder and in neurotypicals
Authors: Phillips Jennifer M. , Uljarević Mirko , Schuck Rachel K. , Schapp Salena , Solomon Elizabeth M. , Salzman Emma , Allerhand Lauren , Libove Robin A. , Frazier Thomas W. , Hardan Antonio Y.
Published: December 2019

Background

The aim of this paper was to provide an initial validation of a newly developed parent questionnaire—the Stanford Social Dimensions Scale (SSDS), designed to capture individual differences across several key social dimensions including social motivation in children and adolescents with and without psychiatric disorders.

Methods

The initial validation sample was comprised of parents of 175 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (35 females, 140 males;Mage= 7.19 years,SDage= 3.96) and the replication sample consisted of 624 parents of children who were either typically developing or presented with a range of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders (302 females, 322 males;Mage= 11.49 years, SDage= 4.48). Parents from both samples completed the SSDS and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2).

Results

Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling indicated that a 5-factor model provided adequate to excellent fit to the data in the initial ASD sample (comparative fit index [CFI] = .940, Tucker-Lewis Index [TLI] = .919, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = .048, standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = .038). The identified factors were interpreted as Social Motivation, Social Affiliation, Expressive Social Communication, Social Recognition, and Unusual Approach. This factor structure was further confirmed in Sample 2 (CFI = 946, TLI = .930, RMSEA = .044, SRMR = .026). Internal consistency for all subscales was in the good to excellent range across both samples as indicated by Composite Reliability scores of ≥ .72. Convergent and divergent validity was strong as indexed by the pattern of correlations with relevant SRS-2 and Child Behavior Checklist domains and with verbal and non-verbal intellectual functioning scores in Sample 1 and with the Need to Belong Scale and Child Social Preference Scale scores in Sample 2. Across both samples, females had higher social motivation and expressive social communication scores. Discriminant validity was strong given that across all SSDS subscales, the ASD sample had significantly higher impairment than both the typically developing group and the group with other clinical conditions, which in turn, had significantly higher impairment than the typically developing group.

Conclusions

Our findings provide initial validation of a new scale designed to comprehensively capture individual differences in social motivation and other key social dimensions in ASD.
Assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma treatment response with LI-RADS: a pictorial review
Authors: Voizard Nicolas , Cerny Milena , Assad Anis , Billiard Jean-Sébastien , Olivié Damien , Perreault Pierre , Kielar Ania , Do Richard K. G. , Yokoo Takeshi , Sirlin Claude B. , Tang An
Published: December 2019

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play critical roles for assessing treatment response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after locoregional therapy. Interpretation is challenging because posttreatment imaging findings depend on the type of treatment, magnitude of treatment response, time interval after treatment, and other factors. To help radiologists interpret and report treatment response in a clear, simple, and standardized manner, the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) has developed a Treatment Response (LR-TR) algorithm. Introduced in 2017, the system provides criteria to categorize response of HCC to locoregional treatment (e.g., chemical ablation, energy-based ablation, transcatheter therapy, and radiation therapy). LR-TR categories include Nonevaluable, Nonviable, Equivocal, and Viable. LR-TR does not apply to patients on systemic therapies. This article reviews the LR-TR algorithm; discusses locoregional therapies for HCC, treatment concepts, and expected posttreatment findings; and illustrates LI-RADS treatment response assessment with CT and MRI.
Microvesicles isolated from 5-azacytidine-and-resveratrol-treated mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of suspensory ligament injury in horse—a case report
Authors: Kornicka-Garbowska Katarzyna , Pędziwiatr Rafał , Woźniak Paulina , Kucharczyk Katarzyna , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: December 2019

Background

In athlete horses, suspensory ligament (SL) injuries are the most common cause of lameness. Healing of SL injury is still problematic, and even proper rehabilitation and pharmacological therapy do not guarantee returning to the initial performance level. In our previous studies, we have shown that a combination of 5-azacytidine (AZA) and resveratrol (RES) exerts beneficial, rejuvenating effects on metabolic syndrome derived adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). Thus, in the presented research, we investigate whether not only rejuvenated ASC but also microvesicles (MVsAZA/RES) secreted by them possess enhanced regenerative properties in SL injury.

Methods

In the presented study, a 6-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, working in jumping, was diagnosed with SL injury using ultrasonography, Doppler, real-time elastography and thermography. As a therapeutic strategy, the affected animal was treated with extracellular microvesicles derived from ASC treated with the combination of 5-azacytydine (AZA) and resveratrol (RES) (MVsAZA/RES).

Results

First, anti-apoptotic effects of MVsAZA/RES were tested in co-culture with metabolic syndrome derived ASC. The proliferation of cells and expression of pro-apoptotic genes were investigated. Then, MVsAZA/RES were injected directly into the injured SL of the Dutch Warmblood gelding. In vitro assays revealed that MVsAZA/RES enhance the proliferation of ASC and exert an anti-apoptotic effect. In the affected horse, the application of MVsAZA/RES resulted in increased lesion filling and improvement of angiogenesis and elasticity in injured tissue.

Conclusions

As MVsAZA/RES mimic several of the biological actions exerted by ASC, they have become an alternative for stem cell-based therapies and can be effectively applied for the treatment of SL injury in horses.
Multi-security-level cloud storage system based on improved proxy re-encryption
Authors: Shen Jinan , Deng Xuejian , Xu Zhenwu
Published: December 2019

Based on the characteristics and data security requirements of the cloud environment, we present a scheme for a multi-security-level cloud storage system that is combined with AES symmetric encryption and an improved identity-based proxy re-encryption (PRE) algorithm. Our optimization includes support for fine-grained control and performance optimization. Through a combination of attribute-based encryption methods, we add a fine-grained control factor to our algorithm in which each authorization operation is only valid for a single factor. By reducing the number of bilinear mappings, which are the most time-consuming processes, we achieve our aim of optimizing performance. Last but not least, we implement secure data sharing among heterogeneous cloud systems. As shown in experiment, our proposed multi-security-level cloud storage system implements services such as the direct storage of data, transparent AES encryption, PRE protection that supports fine-grained and ciphertext heterogeneous transformation, and other functions such as authentication and data management. In terms of performance, we achieve time-cost reductions of 29.8% for the entire process, 48.3% for delegation and 47.2% for decryption.
The scale of neurodegeneration in moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Sharma Bhanu , Changoor Alana T. , Monteiro Leanne , Colella Brenda , Green Robin E. A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Our understanding of recovery after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) has shifted. Until recently, it was presumed that following a period of acute neurological vulnerability, the brain remained stable in the chronic stages of injury. However, recent research has shown neurodegeneration in the chronic stages of moderate-to-severe TBI, challenging the assumption of neurological stability. While there is extensive evidence that neurodegeneration occurs, debate remains regarding the scale and timing. This systematic review will evaluate the scale and timelines of neurodegeneration in adult patients with moderate-to-severe TBI.

Methods

Literature searches will be conducted in six electronic databases (from inception onwards), including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SportDiscus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We will include observational studies that examine neurodegenerative changes within a single sample of TBI patients or studies that compare neuroimaging outcomes between TBI patients and healthy controls. Our primary outcome is structural neuroimaging, and our secondary outcome is diffusion tensor imaging for detection of post-injury white matter changes. All screening, data extraction, and study quality appraisal will be performed independently by the same two study members. It is expected that a narrative summary of the literature will be produced. If feasible, we will conduct a random-effects meta-analysis. However, given the expected heterogeneity between studies (with respect to, for example, timing of imaging, regions imaged) we do not expect to perform a meta-analysis; rather, a narrative synthesis of our findings is expected to be performed.

Discussion

Understanding the scale and timelines of neurodegeneration in moderate-to-severe TBI (as well as which brain areas are most vulnerable to chronic declines) can inform intervention research designed to offset such changes. This may help improve patient outcome following moderate-to-severe TBI and, in turn, reduce the burden of the injury.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42019117548
Periodic averaging method for impulsive stochastic dynamical systems driven by fractional Brownian motion under non-Lipschitz condition
Authors: Khalaf Anas Dheyab , Abouagwa Mahmoud , Wang Xiangjun
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the periodic averaging principle for impulsive stochastic dynamical systems driven by fractional Brownian motion (fBm). Under non-Lipschitz condition, we prove that the solutions to impulsive stochastic differential equations (ISDEs) with fBm can be approximated by the solutions to averaged SDEs without impulses both in the sense of mean square and probability. Finally, an example is provided to illustrate the theoretical results.
Crop diversification analysis on red pepper dominated smallholder farming system: evidence from northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Dessie Abebe Birara , Abate Tadie Mirie , Mekie Taye Melese , Liyew Yigrem Mengist
Published: December 2019

Background

Ethiopia is the homeland of various crops due to its diverse and suitable agro-ecological zones. As a result, smallholder farmers grow multiple crops on a small piece of land both for consumption and commercial purposes in different portions of Ethiopia, including the northwestern part of the country. However, crop diversification status and extent of farmers were not well understood. Therefore, this study examined determinants of crop diversification in a pepper-dominated smallholder farming system in northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

Primary data was collected through a semi-structured interview schedule administered on 385 crop producers selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Moreover, the survey was supplemented by using secondary data, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Methods such as the descriptive, inferential statistics, and econometrics model were used for analyzing the data.

Results

The average crop diversification index was 0.77, and most smallholder farmers (92.46%) used crop diversification as a strategy for risk reduction, nutritional improvement, consumption, and commercial needs. Moreover, the Tobit model result revealed that the status and intensity of crop diversification were significantly influenced by farmland, sex, age, land fragmentation, distance to development center, market distance, and non-/off-farm income participation.

Conclusion

Generally, most farm households used crop diversification as a norm and best strategy for minimizing risk, income source, nutritional and livelihood improvement. Therefore, crop producers, agricultural experts, the Ethiopian government, and partner organizations should give special attention to extension service, market, and infrastructure development to enhance the role of agricultural diversification for households.
Identification of subgroups of terror attacks with shared characteristics for the purpose of preventing mass-casualty attacks: a data-mining approach
Authors: Singer Gonen , Golan Maya
Published: December 2019

Security and intelligence agencies around the world invest considerable resources in preventing terrorist attacks, as these may cause strategic damage, national demoralization, infringement of sovereignty, and government instability. Recently, data-mining techniques have evolved to allow identification of patterns and associations in criminal data that were not apparent using traditional analysis. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how to use interpretable classification algorithms to identify subgroups (“patterns”) of terrorist incidents that share common characteristics and that result in mass fatalities. This approach can produce insights far beyond those of conventional macro-level studies that use hypothesis-testing and regression models. In addition to this methodological contribution, from a practical perspective, exploring the characteristics identified in the “patterns” can lead to prevention strategies, such as alteration of the physical or systemic environment. This is in line with situational crime prevention (SCP) theory. We apply our methodology to the Global Terrorism Database (GTD). We present three examples in which terror attacks that are described by a particular pattern (set of characteristics) resulted in a high probability of mass casualties, while attacks that differ in just one of these characteristics (i.e., month of attack, geographical area targeted, or type of attack) resulted in far fewer casualties. We propose exploration of the differentiating characteristic as a means of reducing the probability of mass-fatality terrorist incidents.
Arboreal route navigation in a Neotropical mammal: energetic implications associated with tree monitoring and landscape attributes
Authors: de Guinea Miguel , Estrada Alejandro , Nekaris K. Anne-Isola , Van Belle Sarie
Published: December 2019

Background

Although navigating along a network of routes might constrain animal movement flexibility, it may be an energetically efficient strategy. Routinely using the same route allows for visually monitoring of food resources, which might reduce the cognitive load and as such facilitate the process of movement decision-making. Similarly, locating routes in areas that avoid costly landscape attributes will enhance their overall energy balance. In this study we determined the benefits of route navigation in an energy minimiser arboreal primate, the black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra).

Methods

We monitored five neighbouring groups of black howler monkeys at Palenque National Park, Mexico from September 2016 through August 2017. We recorded the location of the focal group every 20 m and mapped all travel paths to establish a route network (N = 1528 travel bouts). We constructed linear mixed models to assess the influence of food resource distribution (N = 931 trees) and landscape attributes (slope, elevation and presence of canopy gaps) on the location of routes within a route network.

Results

The number of food trees that fell within the visual detection distance from the route network was higher (mean: 156.1 ± SD 44.9) than randomly simulated locations (mean: 121.9 ± SD 46.4). Similarly, the number of food trees found within the monkey’s visual range per meter travelled increased, on overage, 0.35 ± SE 0.04 trees/m with increasing use of the route. In addition, route segments used at least twice were more likely to occur with increasing density of food resources and decreasing presence of canopy gaps. Route segments used at least four times were more likely to occur in elevated areas within the home ranges but only under conditions of reduced visual access to food resources.

Conclusions

Route navigation emerged as an efficient movement strategy in a group-living arboreal primate. Highly used route segments potentially increased visual access to food resources while avoiding energetically costly landscape features securing foraging success in a tropical rainforest.
Use of percutaneous microwave ablation for the treatment of bone tumors: a retrospective study of clinical outcomes in 47 patients
Authors: Wu Min-hao , Xiao Ling-fei , Yan Fei-fei , Chen Shi-Liang , Zhang Chong , Lei Jun , Deng Zhou-ming
Published: December 2019

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate the short-term clinical performance and safety of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) techniques for the treatment of bone tumors.

Methods

This single-institution retrospective study investigated 47 cases of bone tumors treated by MWA from June 2015 to June 2018. The study included 26 patients (55.3%) with benign bone tumors and 21 patients (44.7%) with malignant bone tumors. The tumors were located in the spine or sacrum (15, 31.9%), the upper extremities (6, 12.8%), the lower extremities (17, 36.2%) and the pelvis (9, 19.1%). Outcomes regarding clinical efficacy, including pain relief, quality of life, and intervention-related complications, were evaluated before and after MWA using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scoring system.

Results

Of the 47 patients included in this study, all of them completed follow-up examinations, with a mean follow-up duration of 4.8 ± 1.6 months (range, 2–9 months). Significantly improved VAS and SF-36 scores were recorded after the initial treatment (P<0.001), suggesting that almost 100% of patients experienced pain relief and an improved quality of life following surgery. No major intervention-related complications (e.g., serious neurovascular injury or infection) occurred during or after the treatment. We recorded only three minor posttreatment complications (6.4%, 3/47), which were related to thermal injury that caused myofasciitis and affected wound healing.

Conclusion

In our study, the short-term efficacy of MWA was considerably favorable, with a relatively low rate of complications. Our results also showed that MWA was effective for pain relief and improved patients’ quality of life, making it a feasible treatment alternative for bone tumors.
Spatial change detection using normal distributions transform
Authors: Katsura Ukyo , Matsumoto Kohei , Kawamura Akihiro , Ishigami Tomohide , Okada Tsukasa , Kurazume Ryo
Published: December 2019

Spatial change detection is a fundamental technique for finding the differences between two or more pieces of geometrical information. This technique is critical in some robotic applications, such as search and rescue, security, and surveillance. In these applications, it is desirable to find the differences quickly and robustly. The present paper proposes a fast and robust spatial change detection technique for a mobile robot using an on-board range sensors and a highly precise 3D map created by a 3D laser scanner. This technique first converts point clouds in a map and measured data to grid data (ND voxels) using normal distributions transform. The voxels in the map and the measured data are then compared according to the features of the ND voxels. Three techniques are introduced to make the proposed system robust for noise, that is, classification of point distribution, overlapping of voxels, and voting using consecutive sensing. The present paper shows the results of indoor and outdoor experiments using an RGB-D camera and an omni-directional laser scanner mounted on a mobile robot to confirm the performance of the proposed technique.
Life-threatening bleeding with intussusception due to gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report
Authors: Kim Min Sung , Woo In Teak , Jo Young Min , Lee Jin Hyung , Park Byung Sam
Published: December 2019

Background

Massive intraluminal bleeding requires urgent intervention and management. However, the source of bleeding on the small intestine is difficult to determine. Intestinal tumor with intussusception is a rare and normally not an urgent condition. Herein, we present a rare case of intestinal intussusception with massive bleeding due to jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) that required emergency surgical treatment.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain and acute hematochezia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy could not determine the source of the bleeding site. Abdominal pelvic computed tomography (AP-CT) revealed GIST with intussusception, strongly suggestive of distal jejunal bleeding. Unresponsive transfusion with low blood pressure and continuous hematochezia led to emergency laparotomy. GIST, which was the leading point for intussusception, was located in the jejunum and showed mucosal ulceration of approximately 3.5 cm in diameter. Following resection and functional anastomosis, histology revealed a GIST with low mitotic count (< 5 per 50HPF). Moreover, immunochemical analysis revealed positivity for c-kit (CD117) and DOG-1. There were no complications 2 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Intussusception associated with GIST is a rare finding that can be life-threatening if it occurs with an ulcer. This case showed that the early detection of bleeding and emergency surgery could prevent severe complications.
In vivo and in silico evaluation of analgesic activity of Lippia alba
Authors: Aziz Md. Abdullah , Mehedi Manna , Akter Mst. Irin , Sajon Sadiur Rahman , Mazumder Kishor , Rana Md. Sohel
Published: December 2019

Background

This study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic activity of different extracts of Lippia alba (L. alba) along with in silico evaluation of analgesic activity of the isolated compounds from L. alba against cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme and ADME/T analysis of isolated compounds.

Method

In vivo analgesic activity of different extracts of L. alba was evaluated by acetic acid-induced writhing, tail immersion and hot plate on Swiss albino mice of either sex. In silico activity of the isolated compounds and ADME/T analysis were performed by Schrödinger-Maestro (Version 10.1) and OSIRIS Data warrior (version 4.6.1) softwares.

Results

Three different extracts (Methanolic extract: ME; Petroleum ether extract: PEE; Dichloromethane extract: DCME) of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg doses were used in the experiments to evaluate analgesic activity. In acetic acid-induced writhing test, significant results were seen for PEE (500 mg/kg) and DCME (500 mg/kg), which were 53.09 ± 2.87 & 50.09 ± 4.24%, respectively. In tail immersion test, the best latency time was found at + 60 min for PEE (500 mg/kg) which is (5.65 ± 0.25) sec. For hot plate test, DCME at a dose 500 mg/kg showed the highest increase in latency time, which was 13.48 ± 0.33 s. In the case of in silico evaluation of analgesic activity, the compounds such as geranial, neral, (E)-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, mussaenide, and 8-epi-loganin meet the condition of Lipinski’s rule of five. Among these safe compounds, 8-epi-loganin showed the best docking score of − 8.17 kcal/mol against cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (PDB ID: 6COX), which was almost similar to that of the standard drug, Celecoxib (− 11.11 kcal/mol).

Conclusion

In conclusion, L. alba can be a potent source of analgesic medicine and further modification and simulation studies are required to establish the effectiveness of 8-epi-loganin.
Morphology of powerful suction organs from blepharicerid larvae living in raging torrents
Authors: Kang Victor , Johnston Richard , van de Kamp Thomas , Faragó Tomáš , Federle Walter
Published: December 2019

Background

Suction organs provide powerful yet dynamic attachments for many aquatic animals, including octopus, squid, remora, and clingfish. While the functional morphology of suction organs from some cephalopods and fishes has been investigated in detail, there are only few studies on such attachment devices in insects. Here we characterise the morphology and ultrastructure of the suction attachment organs of net-winged midge larvae (genusLiponeura; Diptera: Blephariceridae) – aquatic insects that live on rocks in rapid alpine waterways where flow speeds can reach 3 m s− 1– using scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and X-ray computed micro-tomography (micro-CT). Furthermore, we study the function of these organs in vivo using interference reflection microscopy.

Results

We identified structural adaptations important for the function of the suction attachment organs inL. cinerascensandL. cordata. First, a dense array of spine-like microtrichia covering each suction disc comes into contact with the substrate upon attachment, analogous to hairy structures on suction organs from octopus, clingfish, and remora fish. These spine-like microtrichia may contribute to the seal and provide increased shear force resistance in high-drag environments. Second, specialised rim microtrichia at the suction disc periphery were found to form a continuous ring in close contact and may serve as a seal on a variety of surfaces. Third, a V-shaped cut on the suction disc (“V-notch“) is actively opened via two cuticular apodemes inserting on its flanks. The apodemes are attached to dedicated V-notch opening muscles, thereby providing a unique detachment mechanism. The complex cuticular design of the suction organs, along with specialised muscles that attach to them, allows blepharicerid larvae to generate powerful attachments which can withstand strong hydrodynamic forces and quickly detach for locomotion.

Conclusion

The suction organs fromLiponeuraare underwater attachment devices specialised for resisting extremely fast flows. Structural adaptations from these suction organs could translate into future bioinspired attachment systems that perform well on a wide range of surfaces.
Application of botulinum toxin in maxillofacial field: Part III. Ancillary treatment for maxillofacial surgery and summary
Authors: Kwon Kyung-Hwan , Shin Kyung Su , Yeon Sung Hee , Kwon Dae Gun
Published: December 2019

Botulinum toxin (BTX) has various therapeutic indications: bruxism, square jaw, facial wrinkle, oral ulcer and maxillofacial pain, etc. In this paper, we will discuss the effectiveness of using BTX in dental implant surgery and orthognathic and orthodontic treatment. We summarized the clinical application of botulinum toxin in the maxillofacial field at the finale.
Post mortem coronary angiography in a preemie heart – a case report
Authors: Qasim Amna , Balaguru Duraisamy , Aly Ashraf M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Postmortem coronary angiography has been used in forensic medicine for several decades but its use has never been documented in neonatal hearts. The objective of this case is to report the use of postmortem coronary angiography as a diagnostic modality for neonates suspected to have complex congenital heart anomalies.

Case presentation

A 36-week-old female infant required extracorporeal membranous oxygenation for persistent hypotension on day 1 of life. A congenital echocardiogram (ECHO) on day 3 of life revealed multiple anomalous vascular structures within the interventricular septum. The infant passed away on day 4 of life after the parents elected to withdraw support. A consent for autopsy was taken from the parents and a postmortem coronary angiography was performed. The coronary vessels were injected with Iodixanol contrast via a 24 G angiocath under fluoroscopy. The anomalous septal vessels were identified as dilated coronary artery and vein. No other anomalies were identified.

Conclusion

Postmortem coronary angiography complements other imaging procedures in understanding the nature of some complex congenital heart defects and in determining the cause of death in such neonates.
Spiculosiphon oceana (foraminifera) and its affinity to intermediate stress conditions in the Panarea hydrothermal complex (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Esposito Valentina , Canese Simonepietro , Scotti Gianfranco , Bo Marzia , De Vittor Cinzia , Andaloro Franco , Romeo Teresa
Published: December 2019

Spiculosiphon oceana Maldonado, López-Acosta, Sitjà, Aguilar, García & Vacelet, 2013 is a Mediterranean endemic giant stalked foraminifer described as a potential bio-indicator of acidic environments, thanks to its ability to cope with stressful chemical conditions. Here, we present the first record and the first video images of living specimens of this giant foraminifera in the Panarea Volcanic Complex (PVC; southern Tyrrhenian Sea), representing the third discovery worldwide. Specimens of S. oceana were identified through microscopic and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) image analyses, in two different areas characterised by water column physico-chemical parameters typical of the non-vented areas, but with some evidence of hydrothermal alteration. This new finding enhances knowledge on the ecology of S. oceana, enlarges its known spatial distribution, and corroborates its affinity to intermediate stress conditions related to hydrothermal activity.
Multiparametric quantitative and texture 18F-FDG PET/CT analysis for primary malignant tumour grade differentiation
Authors: Novikov Mykola
Published: December 2019

Background

18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is a successfully used imaging modality in oncology. The aim of the study was to investigate a connection of epithelial tumour differentiation grade with both semiquantitative and quantitative metabolic PET data focusing on creation of multiparametric model of tumour grade prediction utilising both standardised uptake value-based and texture-based 18F-FDG PET parameters and to investigate an influence of different image segmentation techniques on these parameters and modelling.

Methods

18F-FDG PET/CT data from 84 patients with epithelial malignant tumours was retrospectively analysed to create sets of both conventional semiquantitative (based on standardised uptake values), volumetric, and quantitative texture metabolic parameters of primary tumours with four different segmentation techniques.

Results

Most of the calculated volumetric and texture parameters showed to be influenced by segmentation technique. There was no significant difference in values of only three parameters, in all four segmentation methods: homogeneity, energy, and sphericity. Almost every extracted parameter in all segmentation technique subsets showed significant ability to discriminate individual tumour grade versus the subset of remaining two tumour grades. No parameters were able to discriminate all three tumour grades separately simultaneously or without the overlapping of threshold values. Group method of data handling (GMDH) modelling included all the above-mentioned extracted parameters. The highest value to discriminate tumour grade was achieved using ITK-SNAP segmentation, with an accuracy ranging from 91 to 100%.

Conclusions

Multiparametric modelling with GMDH utilising both semiquantitative and quantitative texture metabolic PET parameters seems to be an interesting tool for non-invasive malignant epithelial tumours grade differentiation.