bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The trade policy effect in international trade: case of Pakistan
Authors: Yeo Alassane D. , Deng Aimin
Published: December 2019

The debate on free trade and protectionism is ravaging in recent years. The industrialized countries are losing more and more market to the benefit of emerging countries. Liberals worry about new tariff barriers, while protectionists fear that unevenly distributed losses and gains will lead to significant economic dislocation of workers in import-competing industries. The economic policy of restricting imports and the economic policy of opening exports remain two critical measures of international trade. This study uses the gravity model to investigate the impacts of trade policy measures on trade flows between Pakistan and its dominant trading pattern for the period 2006 to 2015. The findings revealed the statistically significant correlation of trade policy variables on exports and imports. The study extended the analysis by examining four specificities groups of trade policy and continuing the analysis by estimating different country groups according to geographical or organizational clusters. The findings indicated that the specificities of trade policy have a statistically significant effect on exports and imports. Moreover, the signs of the coefficients are opposite in both models. The main political implication is that the proliferation of free trade agreements can have a positive impact on international trade.
THE impact of remittance inflows on poverty in Botswana: an ARDL approach
Authors: Musakwa Mercy. T. , Odhiambo N. M.
Published: December 2019

The growing pressure on governments to reduce poverty among other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through harnessing domestic and foreign sources has motivated studies on the relationship between poverty and different economic variables in many developing countries. This study investigates the impact of remittance on poverty in Botswana, employing time-series data from 1980 to 2017. The study employs two poverty proxies—household consumption expenditure and infant mortality rate to capture poverty in its multidimensional form and improve the robustness of the results. Using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach, the study finds that remittance inflows reduce poverty in Botswana—both in the short run and in the long run when infant mortality rate is used as a proxy. However, when poverty is measured by household consumption expenditure, remittance was found to have no impact on poverty in the short run and in the long run. The study, therefore, concludes that remittance inflows play a crucial role in reducing poverty and that Botswana can benefit immensely from the surge in remittance inflows by putting in place policies and structures that support remittance inflow.
Fine mapping of genomic regions associated with female fertility in Nellore beef cattle based on sequence variants from segregating sires
Authors: Oliveira Júnior Gerson A. , Santos Daniel J. A. , Cesar Aline S. M. , Boison Solomon A. , Ventura Ricardo V. , Perez Bruno C. , Garcia José F. , Ferraz José Bento S. , Garrick Dorian J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Impaired fertility in cattle limits the efficiency of livestock production systems. Unraveling the genetic architecture of fertility traits would facilitate their improvement by selection. In this study, we characterized SNP chip haplotypes at QTL blocks then used whole-genome sequencing to fine map genomic regions associated with reproduction in a population of Nellore (Bos indicus) heifers.

Methods

The dataset comprised of 1337 heifers genotyped using a GeneSeek® Genomic Profiler panel (74677 SNPs), representing the daughters from 78 sires. After performing marker quality control, 64800 SNPs were retained. Haplotypes carried by each sire at six previously identified QTL on BTAs 5, 14 and 18 for heifer pregnancy and BTAs 8, 11 and 22 for antral follicle count were constructed using findhap software. The significance of the contrasts between the effects of every two paternally-inherited haplotype alleles were used to identify sires that were heterozygous at each QTL. Whole-genome sequencing data localized to the haplotypes from six sires and 20 other ancestors were used to identify sequence variants that were concordant with the haplotype contrasts. Enrichment analyses were applied to these variants using KEGG and MeSH libraries.

Results

A total of six (BTA 5), six (BTA 14) and five (BTA 18) sires were heterozygous for heifer pregnancy QTL whereas six (BTA 8), fourteen (BTA 11), and five (BTA 22) sires were heterozygous for number of antral follicles’ QTL. Due to inadequate representation of many haplotype alleles in the sequenced animals, fine mapping analysis could only be reliably performed for the QTL on BTA 5 and 14, which had 641 and 3733 concordant candidate sequence variants, respectively. The KEGG “Circadian rhythm” and “Neurotrophin signaling pathway” were significantly associated with the genes in the QTL on BTA 5 whereas 32 MeSH terms were associated with the QTL on BTA 14. Among the concordant sequence variants, 0.2% and 0.3% were classified as missense variants for BTAs 5 and 14, respectively, highlighting the genes MTERF2, RTMB, ENSBTAG00000037306 (miRNA), ENSBTAG00000040351, PRKDC, and RGS20. The potential causal mutations found in the present study were associated with biological processes such as oocyte maturation, embryo development, placenta development and response to reproductive hormones.

Conclusions

The identification of heterozygous sires by positionally phasing SNP chip data and contrasting haplotype effects for previously detected QTL can be used for fine mapping to identify potential causal mutations and candidate genes. Genomic variants on genes MTERF2, RTBC, miRNA ENSBTAG00000037306, ENSBTAG00000040351, PRKDC, and RGS20, which are known to have influence on reproductive biological processes, were detected.
A community-based comprehensive intervention to reduce syphilis infection among low-fee female sex workers in China: a matched-pair, community-based randomized study
Authors: Dong Wei , Zhou Chu , Rou Ke-Ming , Wu Zun-You , Chen Jun , Scott Sarah Robbins , Jia Man-Hong , Zhou Yue-Jiao , Chen Xi
Published: December 2019

Background

Low-fee female sex workers (FSWs) are at high risk of acquiring and spreading human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in China. There is an urgent need to develop comprehensive intervention measures targeted towards low-fee FSWs to reduce HIV/STD infections. Thus, this study aimed to reduce HIV/STD infections among low-fee FSW through a matched-pair, community-based randomized intervention trial carried out in 12 cities in three provinces in China.

Methods

Four cities from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, four from Yunnan Province, and four from Hunan Province were paired and participants received either the intervention package (including condom promotion, HIV and syphilis testing, reimbursement for syphilis treatment costs, and free anti-retroviral therapy or the current standard of care. Venue-based, convenience sampling was used to recruit FSWs. A face-to-face interview and HIV and syphilis blood testing was conducted at baseline and follow-up intervals of 24 months. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were used to evaluate the effect of the intervention package on reducing HIV/STD infection in the FSWs.

Results

A total of 1024 eligible FSWs were enrolled in the baseline survey and 843 in the follow-up. GLMM results showed that syphilis infection was reduced by 49% in the intervention group compared to the current standard of care group (P = 0.0378, OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27–0.96). FSWs aged 35 years or older were 2.38 times more likely to get syphilis infection compared to those younger than 35 years old (P <  0.0001, OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.55–3.65). The risk of syphilis infection among more educated FSWs was 0.43 times less than those with lower levels of education (P <  0.05, OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.63–0.93).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that comprehensive interventions can lead to significant declines in syphilis infection amongst low-tier FSWs. Integrating both behavioral and biomedical intervention measures should be considered when developing programs for low-fee FSWs.

Trial registration

CHiCTR-TRC-12002655.
Attenuation of neuroinflammation reverses Adriamycin-induced cognitive impairments
Authors: Allen Barrett D. , Apodaca Lauren A. , Syage Amber R. , Markarian Mineh , Baddour Al Anoud D. , Minasyan Harutyun , Alikhani Leila , Lu Celine , West Brian L. , Giedzinski Erich , Baulch Janet E. , Acharya Munjal M.
Published: December 2019

Numerous clinical studies have established the debilitating neurocognitive side effects of chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer, often referred as chemobrain. We hypothesize that cognitive impairments are associated with elevated microglial inflammation in the brain. Thus, either elimination of microglia or restoration of microglial function could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction. Using a rodent model of chronic Adriamycin (ADR) treatment, a commonly used breast cancer chemotherapy, we evaluated two strategies to ameliorate chemobrain: 1) microglia depletion using the colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitor PLX5622 and 2) human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia (iMG)-derived extracellular vesicle (EV) treatment. In strategy 1 mice received ADR once weekly for 4 weeks and were then administered CSF1R inhibitor (PLX5622) starting 72 h post-ADR treatment. ADR-treated animals given a normal diet exhibited significant behavioral deficits and increased microglial activation 4–6 weeks later. PLX5622-treated mice exhibited no ADR-related cognitive deficits and near complete depletion of IBA-1 and CD68+ microglia in the brain. Cytokine and RNA sequencing analysis for inflammation pathways validated these findings. In strategy 2, 1 week after the last ADR treatment, mice received retro-orbital vein injections of iMG-EV (once weekly for 4 weeks) and 1 week later, mice underwent behavior testing. ADR-treated mice receiving EV showed nearly complete restoration of cognitive function and significant reductions in microglial activation as compared to untreated ADR mice. Our data demonstrate that ADR treatment elevates CNS inflammation that is linked to cognitive dysfunction and that attenuation of neuroinflammation reverses the adverse neurocognitive effects of chemotherapy.
A comparative assessment of clinical efficiency between premium heat-activated copper nickel-titanium and superelastic nickel-titanium archwires during initial orthodontic alignment in adolescents: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Atik Ezgi , Gorucu-Coskuner Hande , Akarsu-Guven Bengisu , Taner Tulin
Published: December 2019

Background

To compare the clinical efficiency of premium heat-activated copper nickel-titanium (Tanzo Cu-NiTi) and NT3 superelastic NiTi during initial orthodontic alignment.

Subject and methods

A total of 50 patients were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 different archwire types (group 1, Tanzo Cu-NiTi; group 2, NT3 superelastic NiTi). Eligibility criteria included Class I or Class II malocclusion, moderate maxillary anterior crowding, and healthy periodontal condition. Impressions of the upper arches were taken before archwire placement (T0) and at every 4 weeks (T1, T2, T3, and T4). For T1 and T2 stages, 0.014-in., and for T3 and T4 stages, 0.018-in. archwires were used. The primary outcome was the alignment efficiency assessed using Little’s irregularity index. The secondary outcomes were arch width and incisor inclination changes. Data were analyzed using independent samples t test, repeated measures ANOVA, and Mann-Whitney U test. Marginal models were established for the estimation of coefficients.

Results

The anterior irregularity index reduction was mostly observed between T0 and T2 periods, which were respectively − 7.40 ± 0.50 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, − 8.94, − 5.85) and − 6.80 ± 0.55 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, − 8.49, − 5.12) for groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.001). With both wires, Little’s irregularity index decreased over time, and the difference between the groups was not significant (p = 0.581; estimated effect size, 0.011). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of intercanine and intermolar width and incisor inclination changes.

Conclusion

There were no significant between-group differences in alignment efficiency, arch width, and incisor inclination change. There was an increased alignment with 0.014-in. compared with 0.018-in. diameter archwire.
A novel approach for big data processing using message passing interface based on memory mapping
Authors: Dheyab Saad Ahmed , Abdullah Mohammed Najm , Abed Buthainah Fahran
Published: December 2019

The analysis and processing of big data are one of the most important challenges that researchers are working on to find the best approaches to handle it with high performance, low cost and high accuracy. In this paper, a novel approach for big data processing and management was proposed that differed from the existing ones; the proposed method employs not only the memory space to reads and handle big data, it also uses space of memory-mapped extended from memory storage. From a methodological viewpoint, the novelty of this paper is the segmentation stage of big data using memory mapping and broadcasting all segments to a number of processors using a parallel message passing interface. From an application viewpoint, the paper presents a high-performance approach based on a homogenous network which works parallelly to encrypt-decrypt big data using AES algorithm. This approach can be done on Windows Operating System using .NET libraries.
Enhanced renal clearance and impact on vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters in patients with hemorrhagic stroke
Authors: Morbitzer Kathryn A. , Rhoney Denise H. , Dehne Kelly A. , Jordan J. Dedrick
Published: December 2019

Background

The majority of patients with hemorrhagic stroke experience enhanced renal clearance or augmented renal clearance (ARC). The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of enhanced renal clearance or ARC on vancomycin pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of a prospective study of adult patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) admitted to the neurosciences intensive care unit who received vancomycin. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) was measured and also estimated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. Predicted PK parameters were compared with calculated PK parameters using serum peak and trough concentrations.

Results

Seventeen hemorrhagic stroke patients met inclusion criteria. All patients experienced enhanced renal clearance on the day that the vancomycin concentrations were obtained, and 12 patients (71%) experienced ARC. The mean calculated elimination rate constant was significantly higher than the predicted value (0.141 ± 0.02 vs. 0.087 ± 0.01 h−1; p = 0.004) and the mean calculated half-life was significantly lower than the predicted half-life (6.5 ± 0.9 vs. 8.7 ± 0.6 h; p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Patients with hemorrhagic stroke and enhanced renal clearance displayed PK alterations favoring an increased elimination of vancomycin than expected. This may result in underexposure to vancomycin, leading to treatment failure.
Non-convulsive seizures in the encephalopathic critically ill cancer patient does not necessarily portend a poor prognosis
Authors: Gutierrez Cristina , Chen Merry , Feng Lei , Tummala Sudhakar
Published: December 2019

Background

Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is present in 10–30% of ICU patients with altered mental status (AMS) and is associated to poor outcomes. To our knowledge, there is no data describing the prevalence and outcomes of critically ill cancer patients with AMS associated to non-convulsive seizures (NCS) or NCSE. We aim to describe the outcomes and risk factors of critically ill cancer patients with encephalopathy associated with non-convulsive seizures (NCS).

Methods

This is a 3-year prospective observational study in a mixed oncological ICU at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Data of ICU patients with moderate to severe encephalopathy (Glasgow Coma Score < 13) that underwent EEG monitoring to rule out NCS were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors and outcomes.

Results

Of the 317 patients with encephalopathy who underwent EEG monitoring, 14.5% had NCS. Known risk factors such as sepsis, CNS infection, antibiotics, and cardiac arrest were not associated with increased risk of NCS. Patients with NCS were more likely to have received recent chemotherapy (41.3% vs 21.4%; p = 0.0036), have a CNS disease (39% vs 24.4%; p = 0.035), and abnormal brain imaging (60.9% vs 44.6%; p = 0.041). Patients with lower SOFA scores, normal renal function, and absence of shock were likely to have NCS as the cause of their encephalopathy (p < 0.03). After multivariate analysis, only abnormal brain imaging and absence of renal failure were associated with NCS. Mortality was significantly lower in patients with non-convulsive seizures when compared to those without seizures (45.7% vs 64%; p = 0.022); however, there was no significant association of seizures and mortality on a multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

NCS in critically ill cancer patients is associated with abnormalities on brain imaging and lower prevalence of organ failure. Diagnosis and treatment of NCS should be a priority in encephalopathic cancer patients, as they can have lower mortality than non-seizing patients. Opposite to other populations, NCS should not be considered a poor prognostic factor in critically ill encephalopathic cancer patients as they reflect a reversible cause for altered mentation.
Monitoring of muscle mass in critically ill patients: comparison of ultrasound and two bioelectrical impedance analysis devices
Authors: Nakanishi Nobuto , Tsutsumi Rie , Okayama Yoshihiro , Takashima Takuya , Ueno Yoshitoyo , Itagaki Taiga , Tsutsumi Yasuo , Sakaue Hiroshi , Oto Jun
Published: December 2019

Background

Skeletal muscle atrophy commonly occurs in critically ill patients, and decreased muscle mass is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Muscle mass can be assessed using various tools, including ultrasound and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). However, the effectiveness of muscle mass monitoring is unclear in critically ill patients. This study was conducted to compare ultrasound and BIA for the monitoring of muscle mass in critically ill patients.

Methods

We recruited adult patients who were expected to undergo mechanical ventilation for > 48 h and to remain in the intensive care unit (ICU) for > 5 days. On days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10, muscle mass was evaluated using an ultrasound and two BIA devices (Bioscan: Malton International, England; Physion: Nippon Shooter, Japan). The influence of fluid balance was also evaluated between each measurement day.

Results

We analyzed 93 images in 21 patients. The age of the patients was 69 (interquartile range, IQR, 59–74) years, with 16 men and 5 women. The length of ICU stay was 11 days (IQR, 9–25 days). The muscle mass, monitored by ultrasound, decreased progressively by 9.2% (95% confidence interval (CI), 5.9–12.5%), 12.7% (95% CI, 9.3–16.1%), 18.2% (95% CI, 14.7–21.6%), and 21.8% (95% CI, 17.9–25.7%) on days 3, 5, 7, and 10 (p <  0.01), respectively, with no influence of fluid balance (r = 0.04, p = 0.74). The muscle mass did not decrease significantly in both the BIA devices (Bioscan, p = 0.14; Physion, p = 0.60), and an influence of fluid balance was observed (Bioscan, r = 0.37, p <  0.01; Physion, r = 0.51, p <  0.01). The muscle mass assessment at one point between ultrasound and BIA was moderately correlated (Bioscan, r = 0.51, p <  0.01; Physion, r = 0.37, p <  0.01), but the change of muscle mass in the same patient did not correlate between these two devices (Bioscan, r = − 0.05, p = 0.69; Physion, r = 0.23, p = 0.07).

Conclusions

Ultrasound is suitable for sequential monitoring of muscle atrophy in critically ill patients. Monitoring by BIA should be carefully interpreted owing to the influence of fluid change.

Trial registration

UMIN000031316. Retrospectively registered on 15 February 2018.
Perceptions of students after implementing peer instruction in an introductory physics course
Authors: Budini Nicolás , Marino Luis , Carreri Ricardo , Cámara Cristina , Giorgi Silvia
Published: December 2019

In the present work we carried out a qualitative educational research to assess the perceptions of a group of students that attended (weekly and non-mandatory) complementary classes of a physics course during 2017. In these classes the teaching method called peer instruction (PI) was implemented, which involves collaborative learning among students. From the students’ responses to a simple questionnaire we assessed some basic aspects of these classes from which we can conclude that, in the first place, students considered that PI had positively influenced their comprehension of physical concepts and that, secondly, they positively valued the activities performed and the dynamics of these classes. These results, which are part of a series of previous works that have been published elsewhere, are relevant in a context were active and collaborative learning strategies are practically non-existent and push us to continue and broaden the implementation of this and other active learning methods in physics courses.
Potential deployment of offshore bottom pressure gauges and adoption of data assimilation for tsunami warning system in the western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Heidarzadeh Mohammad , Wang Yuchen , Satake Kenji , Mulia Iyan E.
Published: December 2019

Western Mediterranean Basin (WMB) is among tsunamigenic zones with numerous historical records of tsunami damage and deaths. Most recently, a moderate tsunami on 21 May 2003 offshore Algeria, North Africa, was a fresh call for strengthening tsunami warning capabilities in this enclosed water basin. Here, we propose to deploy offshore bottom pressure gauges (OBPGs) and to adopt the framework of a tsunami data assimilation (TDA) approach for providing timely tsunami forecasts. We demonstrate the potential enhancement of the tsunami warning system through the case study of the 2003 Algeria tsunami. Four scenarios of OBPG arrangements involving 10, 5, 3 and 2 gauges are considered. The offshore gauges are located at distances of 120–300 km from the North African coast. The warning lead times are 20, 30, 48 and 55 min for four points of interest considered in this study: Ibiza, Palma, Sant Antoni and Barcelona, respectively. The forecast accuracies are in the range of 69–85% for the four OBPG scenarios revealing acceptable accuracies for tsunami warnings. We conclude that installation of OBPGs in the WMB can be helpful for providing successful and timely tsunami forecasts. We note that the OBPG scenarios proposed in this study are applicable only for the case of the 2003 Algeria tsunami. Further studies including sensitivity analyses (e.g., number of OBPG stations; earthquake magnitude, strike, epicenter) are required in order to determine OBPG arrangements that could be useful for various earthquake scenarios in the WMB.
Uncertainty in hourly mean data from classical magnetometers
Authors: Curto J. J.
Published: December 2019

Hourly mean values obtained from analog magnetometers in what can be considered the “classical” period constitute the largest quantity of data we have on the evolution of the Earth’s magnetic field. They are used for a wide variety of applications such as estimating long-term solar–terrestrial interactions, the production of magnetic indices, or studying geomagnetic secular variation originated in the Earth’s core. However, these data do not have an associated uncertainty that would allow us to quantify the final uncertainty of the results of these models. Hence, our study tries to assess the degree of uncertainty that these data actually have. In this paper, using Ebro Observatory classical instrumentation, we work out these uncertainties by estimating the particular uncertainties of each significant variable involved in the measuring procedure. Although the study is implemented for Ebro, the method can be applied to any other observatory. We found that, in general, uncertainties vary from one magnetic component to another, depending on the nature of the instruments that were used. In each component, we identified the weakest points where the biggest part of the error resides. With our results we can state that total uncertainties ranged from 1 to 4 nT.
Selenium and hydrogen selenide: essential micronutrient and the fourth gasotransmitter?
Authors: Kuganesan Mathun , Samra Kavitej , Evans Eloise , Singer Mervyn , Dyson Alex
Published: December 2019

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient required by organisms of diverse lineage. Dietary Se is converted to hydrogen selenide either enzymatically or by endogenous antioxidant proteins. This convergent biochemical step crucially underlies the subsequent biological activity of Se and argues for inclusion of hydrogen selenide as the fourth endogenous gasotransmitter alongside nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide.

Endogenously generated hydrogen selenide is incorporated into numerous ‘selenoprotein’ oxidoreductase enzymes, essential for maintaining redox-status homeostasis in health and disease. Direct effects of endogenous hydrogen selenide on cellular and molecular targets are currently unknown. Given exogenously, hydrogen selenide acts as a modulator of metabolism via transient inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase. Here we provide an overview of Se biology, its impact on several physiological systems (immune, endocrine, cardiovascular and metabolic) and its utility as a supplement in acute and critical illness states. We further explore the evidence base supporting its role as the fourth gasotransmitter and propose a strategic case towards generation of novel selenomimetic therapeutics.
An intelligent shopping support robot: understanding shopping behavior from 2D skeleton data using GRU network
Authors: Islam Md Matiqul , Lam Antony , Fukuda Hisato , Kobayashi Yoshinori , Kuno Yoshinori
Published: December 2019

In supermarkets or grocery, a shopping cart is a necessary tool for shopping. In this paper, we have developed an intelligent shopping support robot that can carry a shopping cart while following its owners and provide the shopping support by observing the customer’s head orientation, body orientation and recognizing different shopping behaviors. Recognizing shopping behavior or the intensity of such action is important for understanding the best way to support the customer without disturbing him or her. This system also liberates elderly and disabled people from the burden of pushing shopping carts, because our proposed shopping cart is essentially a type of autonomous mobile robots that recognizes its owner and following him or her. The proposed system discretizes the head and body orientation of customer into 8 directions to estimate whether the customer is looking or turning towards a merchandise shelf. From the robot’s video stream, a DNN-based human pose estimator called OpenPose is used to extract the skeleton of 18 joints for each detected body. Using this extracted body joints information, we built a dataset and developed a novel Gated Recurrent Neural Network (GRU) topology to classify different actions that are typically performed in front of shelves: reach to shelf, retract from shelf, hand in shelf, inspect product, inspect shelf. Our GRU network model takes series of 32 frames skeleton data then gives the prediction. Using cross-validation tests, our model achieves an overall accuracy of 82%, which is a significant result. Finally, from the customer’s head orientation, body orientation and shopping behavior recognition we develop a complete system for our shopping support robot.
Development of a blood sample detector for multi-tracer positron emission tomography using gamma spectroscopy
Authors: Velasco Carlos , Mota-Cobián Adriana , Mateo Jesús , España Samuel
Published: December 2019

Background

Multi-tracer positron emission tomography (PET) imaging can be accomplished by applying multi-tracer compartment modeling. Recently, a method has been proposed in which the arterial input functions (AIFs) of the multi-tracer PET scan are explicitly derived. For that purpose, a gamma spectroscopic analysis is performed on blood samples manually withdrawn from the patient when at least one of the co-injected tracers is based on a non-pure positron emitter. Alternatively, these blood samples required for the spectroscopic analysis may be obtained and analyzed on site by an automated detection device, thus minimizing analysis time and radiation exposure of the operating personnel. In this work, a new automated blood sample detector based on silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) for single- and multi-tracer PET imaging is presented, characterized, and tested in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The detector presented in this work stores and analyzes on-the-fly single and coincidence detected events. A sensitivity of 22.6 cps/(kBq/mL) and 1.7 cps/(kBq/mL) was obtained for single and coincidence events respectively. An energy resolution of 35% full-width-half-maximum (FWHM) at 511 keV and a minimum detectable activity of 0.30 ± 0.08 kBq/mL in single mode were obtained. The in vivo AIFs obtained with the detector show an excellent Pearson’s correlation (r = 0.996, p < 0.0001) with the ones obtained from well counter analysis of discrete blood samples. Moreover, in vitro experiments demonstrate the capability of the detector to apply the gamma spectroscopic analysis on a mixture of 68Ga and 18F and separate the individual signal emitted from each one.

Conclusions

Characterization and in vivo evaluation under realistic experimental conditions showed that the detector proposed in this work offers excellent sensibility and stability. The device also showed to successfully separate individual signals emitted from a mixture of radioisotopes. Therefore, the blood sample detector presented in this study allows fully automatic AIFs measurements during single- and multi-tracer PET studies.
Reproducibility of compartmental modelling of 18F-FDG PET/CT to evaluate lung inflammation
Authors: Vass Laurence D. , Lee Sarah , Wilson Frederick J. , Fisk Marie , Cheriyan Joseph , Wilkinson Ian
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Compartmental modelling is an established method of quantifying 18F-FDG uptake; however, only recently has it been applied to evaluate pulmonary inflammation. Implementation of compartmental models remains challenging in the lung, partly due to the low signal-to-noise ratio compared to other organs and the lack of standardisation. Good reproducibility is a key requirement of an imaging biomarker which has yet to be demonstrated in pulmonary compartmental models of 18F-FDG; in this paper, we address this unmet need.

Methods

Retrospective subject data were obtained from the EVOLVE observational study: Ten COPD patients (age =66±9; 8M/2F), 10 α1ATD patients (age =63±8; 7M/3F) and 10 healthy volunteers (age =68±8; 9M/1F) never smokers. PET and CT images were co-registered, and whole lung regions were extracted from CT using an automated algorithm; the descending aorta was defined using a manually drawn region. Subsequent stages of the compartmental analysis were performed by two independent operators using (i) a MIAKATTM based pipeline and (ii) an in-house developed pipeline. We evaluated the metabolic rate constant of 18F-FDG (Kim) and the fractional blood volume (Vb); Bland-Altman plots were used to compare the results. Further, we adjusted the in-house pipeline to identify the salient features in the analysis which may help improve the standardisation of this technique in the lung.

Results

The initial agreement on a subject level was poor: Bland-Altman coefficients of reproducibility for Kim and Vb were 0.0031 and 0.047 respectively. However, the effect size between the groups (i.e. COPD, α1ATD and healthy subjects) was similar using either pipeline. We identified the key drivers of this difference using an incremental approach: ROI methodology, modelling of the IDIF and time delay estimation. Adjustment of these factors led to improved Bland-Altman coefficients of reproducibility of 0.0015 and 0.027 for Kim and Vb respectively.

Conclusions

Despite similar methodology, differences in implementation can lead to disparate results in the outcome parameters. When reporting the outcomes of lung compartmental modelling, we recommend the inclusion of the details of ROI methodology, input function fitting and time delay estimation to improve reproducibility.
A Nordic survey of CT doses in hybrid PET/CT and SPECT/CT examinations
Authors: Bebbington Natalie A. , Haddock Bryan T. , Bertilsson Henrik , Hippeläinen Eero , Husby Ellen M. , Tunninen Virpi I. , Söderberg Marcus
Published: December 2019

Background

Computed tomography (CT) scans are routinely performed in positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) examinations globally, yet few surveys have been conducted to gather national diagnostic reference level (NDRL) data for CT radiation doses in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). In this first Nordic-wide study of CT doses in hybrid imaging, Nordic NDRL CT doses are suggested for PET/CT and SPECT/CT examinations specific to the clinical purpose of CT, and the scope for optimisation is evaluated. Data on hybrid imaging CT exposures and clinical purpose of CT were gathered for 5 PET/CT and 8 SPECT/CT examinations via designed booklet. For each included dataset for a given facility and scanner type, the computed tomography dose index by volume (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) was interpolated for a 75-kg person (referred to as CTDIvol,75kg and DLP75kg). Suggested NDRL (75th percentile) and achievable doses (50th percentile) were determined for CTDIvol,75kg and DLP75kg according to clinical purpose of CT. Differences in maximum and minimum doses (derived for a 75-kg patient) between facilities were also calculated for each examination and clinical purpose.

Results

Data were processed from 83 scanners from 43 facilities. Data were sufficient to suggest Nordic NDRL CT doses for the following: PET/CT oncology (localisation/characterisation, 15 systems); infection/inflammation (localisation/characterisation, 13 systems); brain (attenuation correction (AC) only, 11 systems); cardiac PET/CT and SPECT/CT (AC only, 30 systems); SPECT/CT lung (localisation/characterisation, 12 systems); bone (localisation/characterisation, 30 systems); and parathyroid (localisation/characterisation, 13 systems). Great variations in dose were seen for all aforementioned examinations. Greatest differences in DLP75kg for each examination, specific to clinical purpose, were as follows: SPECT/CT lung AC only (27.4); PET/CT and SPECT/CT cardiac AC only (19.6); infection/inflammation AC only (18.1); PET/CT brain localisation/characterisation (16.8); SPECT/CT bone localisation/characterisation (10.0); PET/CT oncology AC only (9.0); and SPECT/CT parathyroid localisation/characterisation (7.8).

Conclusions

Suggested Nordic NDRL CT doses are presented according to clinical purpose of CT for PET/CT oncology, infection/inflammation, brain, PET/CT and SPECT/CT cardiac, and SPECT/CT lung, bone, and parathyroid. The large variation in doses suggests great scope for optimisation in all 8 examinations.
Fine tuning of the default depth and rate of ablation of the epithelium in customized trans-epithelial one-step superficial refractive excimer laser ablation
Authors: Goggin Michael , Stewart Peter , Andersons Vikija , Criscenti Giuseppe
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To fine tune the default depth and rate of ablation of the epithelium in cTen™ customized trans-epithelial one-step superficial refractive surgery by the comparison between the attempted post-operative ideal corneal shape and the achieved corneal shape.

Methods

88 consecutive eyes in 64 patients undergoing trans-epithelial superficial excimer ablation using the iVis laser Suite for either myopic/astigmatic or hyperopic/astigmatic refractive error. Each patient had at least 3 months of post-operative follow-up. Topographic examination of all eyes was carried out pre-operatively and at least 3 months post-operatively using the Precisio™ surgical topographer. The comparison of these two measurements yielded values for depth, volumes and rates of ablated corneal tissue. By determining the different ablation rates of stroma and epithelium, a refinement of the depth of epithelium to be removed and a refinement of the stromal ablation were calculated.

The mathematical model was applied on each one of the 88 clinical cases and the parameters for the fine tuning of the default depth and rate of ablation of the epithelium were determined using the least squares method.

Results

The calculated pure stromal ablation rate was less than the average epithelium/stroma ablation rate used in planning the treatments by a factor of 0.96. The epithelial thickness predefined ablation assumption used to plan removal of the epithelium was adjusted considering the measured ablation and a radial adjustment function established for the fine tuning of the laser radial efficiency and allowing for the normal thickening of the epithelium in the peripheral cornea. From a clinical point of view, this methodology produces an improvement of the efficacy and a reduction of the variance of the clinical results.

Conclusion

Comparison of accurately measured pre and postoperative topographies yields accurately established ablation rates of stroma and epithelium in trans-epithelial one step superficial ablation.
One-year outcome of coenzyme Q10 supplementation in ADCK3 ataxia (ARCA2)
Authors: Schirinzi Tommaso , Favetta Martina , Romano Alberto , Sancesario Andrea , Summa Susanna , Minosse Silvia , Zanni Ginevra , Castelli Enrico , Bertini Enrico , Petrarca Maurizio , Vasco Gessica
Published: December 2019

Background

The recessive ataxia ARCA2 is a rare disorder characterized by Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency due to biallelic mutations in ADCK3 gene. Despite the pathophysiological role, available data are not univocal on clinical efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation in ARCA2. Here we described the long-term motor outcome of 4 untreated ARCA2 patients prospectively followed-up for one year after starting CoQ10 oral supplementation (15 mg/kg/day).

Methods

Clinical rating scales (SARA; 9 holes peg test; 6 min walking test; Timed 25-Foot Walk) and videoelectronic gait analysis were performed at baseline and every 6 months (T0, T1, T2) to evaluate the motor performances. Since two patients discontinued the treatment at the 7th month, we could provide comparative analysis between longer and shorter supplementation.

Results

At T2, the gait speed (Timed 25-Foot Walk test) significantly differed between patients with long and short treatment; overall, the clinical condition tended to be better in patients continuing CoQ10.

Conclusions

Although preliminarily, this observation suggests that only prolonged and continuous CoQ10 supplementation may induce mild clinical effects on general motor features of ARCA2. Dedicated trials are now necessary to extend and validate such observation.
Saliva proteomics updates in biomedicine
Authors: Katsani Katerina R. , Sakellari Dimitra
Published: December 2019

In the years of personalized (or precision) medicine the ‘omics’ methodologies in biomedical sciences—genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics—are helping researchers to detect quantifiable biological characteristics, or biomarkers, that will best define the human physiology and pathologies. Proteomics use high throughput and high efficiency approaches with the support of bioinformatic tools in order to identify and quantify the total protein content of cells, tissues or biological fluids. Saliva receives a lot of attention as a rich biological specimen that offers a number of practical and physiological advantages over blood and other biological fluids in monitoring human health. The aim of this review is to present the latest advances in saliva proteomics for biomedicine.
The Challenge of Applying and Undertaking Research in Female Sport
Authors: Emmonds Stacey , Heyward Omar , Jones Ben
Published: December 2019

In recent years there has been an exponential rise in the professionalism and success of female sports. Practitioners (e.g., sport science professionals) aim to apply evidence-informed approaches to optimise athlete performance and well-being. Evidence-informed practices should be derived from research literature. Given the lack of research on elite female athletes, this is challenging at present. This limits the ability to adopt an evidence-informed approach when working in female sports, and as such, we are likely failing to maximize the performance potential of female athletes. This article discusses the challenges of applying an evidence base derived from male athletes to female athletes. A conceptual framework is presented, which depicts the need to question the current (male) evidence base due to the differences of the “female athlete” and the “female sporting environment,” which pose a number of challenges for practitioners working in the field. Until a comparable applied sport science research evidence base is established in female athletes, evidence-informed approaches will remain a challenge for those working in female sport.
Detection of Salmonella-specific antibody in swine oral fluids
Authors: Atkinson Briony M. , Bearson Bradley L. , Loving Crystal L. , Zimmerman Jeffrey J. , Kich Jalusa D. , Bearson Shawn M. D.
Published: December 2019

Salmonellais a leading cause of bacterial foodborne-related illness and pork products are a food-associated source. With > 50% of U.S. swine herds testing positive forSalmonella, asymptomatic carrier pigs that shedSalmonellain their feces are a food safety and environmental contamination issue. Herd level surveillance ofSalmonellashedding status is useful, but collection of feces and culture methods forSalmonelladetection are laborious and time-consuming. Surveillance forSalmonella-exposure through detection ofSalmonella-specific serum antibody is a reliable method, but presents labor and animal-welfare issues. Oral fluids are a reliable, antemortem sample with proven utility for surveillance in the swine industry. We tested oral fluid samples as a potential non-invasive, repeatable sample type for the presence ofSalmonella-specific antibodies. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detected anti-SalmonellaIgG, IgM, and predominantly IgA in oral fluids fromSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium-exposed pigs. Furthermore, with minor modifications, a commercial ELISA-based kit also detectedSalmonella-specific antibodies in oral fluids. Collectively, oral fluids may serve as a prospective surveillance tool for herd level monitoring ofSalmonellaexposure.
Field evaluation of the safety and compatibility of a combined vaccine against porcine parvovirus 1 and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in breeding animals
Authors: Garcia-Morante Beatriz , Noguera Marta , Kraft Christian , Bridger Philip
Published: December 2019

Background

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine parvovirus 1 (PPV1) are two common causes of reproductive failure. ReproCyc® ParvoFLEX is a novel subunit vaccine based on the protective viral protein (VP) 2 of PPV1 that has been recently licensed in the European (EU) market, whereas ReproCyc® PRRS EU is a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) modified live virus (MLV) vaccine authorized in 2015. The present work sought to evaluate the safety and compatibility of the combined administration of the abovementioned vaccines in target animals under the context of a field PRRSV (experiment A) and PPV1 (experiment B) infection. To achieve this objective, safety and lack of vaccines’ antigen interference were established according to the absence of significant differences between the combined vaccinated animals (PPRSV+PPV1) and the single vaccinated animals against PRRSV or PPV1. In both experiments, gilts and sows were evaluated for local and systemic reactions after vaccination as well as for reproductive and productive performance. In addition, tissues from abortions, mummified fetuses and stillborn piglets were analyzed for the presence of PRRSV and PPV1. Lastly, serology and viremia were determined in experiment B.

Results

No relevant differences in terms of safety, reproductive and productive performance between the single vaccinated and the combined vaccinated animals in either experiment were observed.

Conclusions

ReproCyc® PRRS EU mixed with ReproCyc® ParvoFLEX can be used as a safe method of protection against the detrimental effects of PRRSV and PPV1 infections in breeding female pigs in one single injection. The present results also open up opportunities to tackle reproductive problems as a whole by combining control programs against swine reproductive pathogens.
A virtual reality intervention for fear of movement for Veterans with chronic pain: protocol for a feasibility study
Authors: Fowler Christopher A. , Ballistrea Lisa M. , Mazzone Kerry E. , Martin Aaron M. , Kaplan Howard , Kip Kevin E. , Murphy Jennifer L. , Winkler Sandra L.
Published: December 2019

Background

A key concern for people with chronic pain is experiencing increased pain and/or re-injury. Consequently, individuals with chronic pain can develop a maladaptive fear of movement that leads to adverse functional consequences. A primary goal of chronic pain rehabilitation is re-engagement in feared movements through exposure. This is often challenging since safe movement can be uncomfortable. Virtual environments provide a promising opportunity to safely and gradually expose Veterans to movements that are avoided in the real world. The current study will utilize multiple virtual reality (VR) applications (APPs) of varying the intensity levels ranging from passive distraction from pain to active exposure to feared movement. The primary aims of this pilot are to examine VR as an adjunctive nonpharmacological intervention to assist with the adoption and implementation of skills to decrease fear of movement and increase overall functioning among Veterans with chronic pain. Second, to build a hierarchy of VR APPs to assist in gradual exposure to feared movements.

Methods

This study will be conducted in the Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program (CPRP) at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, a unique inpatient program within the VA system. Participants will include up to 20 Veterans who receive a VR intervention as part of their physical therapy. A rating form containing qualitative and quantitative experiences will be administered following each VR session to assess feasibility and to provide descriptive information for the proposed hierarchy. Effect sizes will be calculated from intake and discharge measures for the primary outcome fear of movement and secondary pain and functional outcomes.

Discussion

This study will inform the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial examining the clinical utility of using VR to reduce fear of movement and increase function among Veterans with chronic pain. VR has the advantage of being easily implemented both within VA healthcare settings as well as in Veterans’ own residences, where engagement in ongoing self-management approaches is often most challenging. Presumably, VR that is matched to patient needs, progresses in intensity, immerses Veterans in the applications, and is perceived positively by Veterans, will result in positive functional outcomes.