bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective monitoring of health problems among recreational runners preparing for a half marathon
Authors: Hollander Karsten , Baumann Antje , Zech Astrid , Verhagen Evert
Published: January 2018

Objectives

While the health benefits of running are legitimately advocated, participation in running can also lead to health problems. There is a high range of reported prevalence rates especially of running-related overuse injuries in high-level athletes and during competition. Little consensus exists for acute injuries and illnesses especially in recreational runners. Therefore, the aim of this study was to record the prevalence of health problems in recreational long-distance runners preparing for an event.

Methods

Recreational runners aged 18–65 years who were registered 13 weeks prior to a half-marathon running event were invited to take part in this study. Participants were prospectively monitored weekly over 13 weeks by applying a standardised surveillance system for injuries and illnesses (Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire). From this, prevalence and severity of acute and overuse injuries, as well as illnesses, were calculated.

Results

We received 3213 fully answered questionnaires from 327 participants (40.7% female, 40.9±11.7 years of age, 31.5±21.1 km weekly mileage, 8.3±7.8 years of running experience). At any point in time over the preparation phase, 37.3% of the participants had health problems. Overuse injuries were the major burden (18%). They were followed by illnesses (14.1%) and acute injuries (7.9%). The median weekly severity score was 56.5 (IQR 37.0–58.0).

Conclusion

The high prevalence of health problems in our cohort suggests that future efforts are needed to further specify the underlying mechanism and develop adequate prevention strategies for recreational runners.
Experiential learning to increase palliative care competence among the Indigenous workforce: an Australian experience
Authors: Shahid Shaouli , Ekberg Stuart , Holloway Michele , Jacka Catherine , Yates Patsy , Garvey Gail , Thompson Sandra C
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Improving Indigenous people’s access to palliative care requires a health workforce with appropriate knowledge and skills to respond to end-of-life (EOL) issues. The Indigenous component of the Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA) includes opportunities for Indigenous health practitioners to develop skills in the palliative approach by undertaking a supervised clinical placement of up to 5 days within specialist palliative care services. This paper presents the evaluative findings of the components of an experiential learning programme and considers the broader implications for delivery of successful palliative care education programme for Indigenous people.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with PEPA staff and Indigenous PEPA participants. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and key themes identified.

Results

Participants reported that placements increased their confidence about engaging in conversations about EOL care and facilitated relationships and ongoing work collaboration with palliative care services. Management support was critical and placements undertaken in settings which had more experience caring for Indigenous people were preferred. Better engagement occurred where the programme included Indigenous staffing and leadership and where preplacement and postplacement preparation and mentoring were provided. Opportunities for programme improvement included building on existing postplacement and follow-up activities.

Conclusions

A culturally respectful experiential learning education programme has the potential to upskill Indigenous health practitioners in EOL care.
Systematic review of general practice end-of-life symptom control
Authors: Mitchell Geoffrey K , Senior Hugh E , Johnson Claire E , Fallon-Ferguson Julia , Williams Briony , Monterosso Leanne , Rhee Joel J , McVey Peta , Grant Matthew P , Aubin Michèle , Nwachukwu Harriet TG , Yates Patsy M
Published: January 2018

Background

End of life care (EoLC) is a fundamental role of general practice, which will become more important as the population ages. It is essential that general practice’s role and performance of at the end of life is understood in order to maximise the skills of the entire workforce.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive description of the role and performance of general practitioners (GPs) and general practice nurses (GPNs) in EoLC symptom control.

Method

Systematic literature review of papers from 2000 to 2017 were sought from Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Joanna Briggs Institute and Cochrane databases.

Results

From 6209 journal articles, 46 papers reported GP performance in symptom management. There was no reference to the performance of GPNs in any paper identified. Most GPs expressed confidence in identifying EoLC symptoms. However, they reported lack of confidence in providing EoLC at the beginning of their careers, and improvements with time in practice. They perceived emotional support as being the most important aspect of EoLC that they provide, but there were barriers to its provision. GPs felt most comfortable treating pain, and least confident with dyspnoea and depression. Observed pain management was sometimes not optimal. More formal training, particularly in the use of opioids was considered important to improve management of both pain and dyspnoea.

Conclusions

It is essential that GPs receive regular education and training, and exposure to EoLC from an early stage in their careers to ensure skill and confidence. Research into the role of GPNs in symptom control needs to occur.
IMPLSE course: a near-peer simulation course
Authors: Collinson Joseph W , Brown Thomas , Chalmers Louis A , Gales Alistair , Shepherd Laura
Published: January 2018

Background

Near-peer teaching is recognised for its benefit to both students and facilitators when used as an adjunct to traditional teaching. Simulation is an effective tool for teaching acute management. There are currently no published long-term objective data of the efficacy of near-peer simulation teaching.

Methods

We designed the ‘Immediate Management: Peer Led Simulated Emergencies’ course, a near-peer simulation course for medical students run by junior doctors covering common medical and surgical emergencies. Participants and teachers were objectively tested before and after sessions, and participant confidence in various areas was self-assessed. Participants were followed up at 18 months with both repeat testing and analysis of finals examination results.

Results

Participants’ mean test scores improved significantly postcourse and remained significantly higher than baseline at 18-month follow-up. There was no difference between participants’ and non-participants’ final examination performance. Participant confidence increased in all areas immediately and at 18-month follow-up. Junior doctor facilitator test scores significantly improved after teaching on the course.

Conclusions

Near-peer simulation courses can be effectively designed and run by junior doctors and our results suggest that they result in long-term improvement in test scores. Larger studies with randomised control groups are required to confirm the efficacy of such teaching.
Ward calls not so scary for medical students after interprofessional simulation course: a mixed-methods cohort evaluation study
Authors: Jowsey Tanisha , Yu Tsu-Chieh Wendy , Ganeshanantham Gihan , Torrie Jane , Merry Alan F , Bagg Warwick , Bacal Kira , Weller Jennifer
Published: January 2018

Background

An interprofessional simulation ‘ward call’ course—WardSim—was designed and implemented for medical, pharmacy and nursing students. We evaluated this intervention and also explored students’ experiences and ideas of both the course and of ward calls.

Methods

We used a mixed-methods cohort study design including survey and focus groups. Descriptive statistical analysis and general purpose thematic analysis were undertaken.

Results

Survey respondents who participated in WardSim subsequently attended more ward calls and took a more active role than the control cohort, with 34% of the intervention cohort attending ward calls under indirect supervision, compared with 15% from the control cohort (P=0.004). Focus group participants indicated that the situation they were most anxious about facing in the future was attending a ward call. They reported that their collective experiences on WardSim alleviated such anxiety because it offered them experiential learning that they could then apply in real-life situations. They said they had learnt how to work effectively with other team members, to take on a leadership role, to make differential diagnoses under pressure and to effectively communicate and seek help.

Conclusions

An interprofessional, simulated ward call course increased medical students’ sense of preparedness for and participation in ward calls in the next calendar year.
A concept mapping approach to identifying the barriers to implementing an evidence-based sports injury prevention programme
Authors: Donaldson Alex , Callaghan Aisling , Bizzini Mario , Jowett Andrew , Keyzer Patrick , Nicholson Matthew
Published: January 2018

Background and aim

Understanding the barriers to programme use is important to facilitate implementation of injury prevention programmes in real-word settings. This study investigated the barriers to coaches of adolescent female soccer teams, in Victoria, Australia, implementing the evidence-based FIFA 11+ injury prevention programme.

Methods

Concept mapping with data collected from 19 soccer coaches and administrators.

Results

Brainstorming generated 65 statements as barriers to 11+ implementation. After the statements were synthesised and edited, participants sorted 59 statements into groups (mean, 6.2 groups; range, 3–10 groups). Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis identified a six-cluster solution: Lack of 11+ knowledge among coaches (15 statements), Lack of player enjoyment and engagement (14), Lack of link to football-related goals (11), Lack of facilities and resources (8), Lack of leadership (6) and Lack of time at training (5). Statements in the ‘Lack of 11+ knowledge among coaches’ cluster received the highest mean importance (3.67 out of 5) and feasibility for the Football Federation to address (3.20) rating. Statements in the ‘Lack of facilities and resources’ cluster received the lowest mean importance rating (2.23), while statements in the ‘Lack of time at training’ cluster received the lowest mean feasibility rating (2.19).

Conclusions

A multistrategy, ecological approach to implementing the 11+—with specific attention paid to improving coach knowledge about the 11+ and how to implement it, linking the 11+ to the primary goal of soccer training, and organisational leadership—is required to improve the uptake of the 11+ among the targeted coaches.
New WHO Violence Prevention Information System, an interactive knowledge platform of scientific findings on violence
Authors: Burrows Stephanie , Butchart Alexander , Butler Nadia , Quigg Zara , Bellis Mark A , Mikton Christopher
Published: January 2018

Scientific information on violence can be difficult to compile and understand. It is scattered across websites, databases, technical reports and academic journals, and rarely addresses all types of violence. In response, in October 2017 WHO released the Violence Prevention Information System or Violence Info, an online interactive collection of scientific information about the prevalence, consequences, risk factors and preventability of all forms of interpersonal violence. It covers homicide, child maltreatment, youth violence, intimate partner violence, elder abuse and sexual violence.
Receptor Signaling and Neutral Endopeptidase are Involved in the Resistance of C-Type Natriuretic Peptide to Human Mesangial Proliferation and Collagen-Iv Expression
Authors: Luo Huang Huang , Wu Cheng , Hu Peng , Wu Yang Fang , Zhang Dong Dong , Liu Si Yan , Jiang Guang Mei , Xu Yao , Wu Yue , Wang Jing Jing , Liu Fei Fei , Wei Wei , Hu Bo
Published: January 2018

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is regarded as a local, paracrine hormone to regulate vascular tone and cell proliferation. Although several in vivo studies have documented that CNP exerts the inhibitory effects on mesangial cells (MCs) proliferation and collagen production, a limited number of studies exist about the resistance of CNP to MCs proliferation in vitro. Besides, whether its receptor signaling and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) are involved remains unclear. In the present study, human MCs were incubated in serum-containing medium in the absence or presence of CNP (0, 10 and 100 pM) for 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. CNP administration significantly suppresses MCs proliferation and collagen-IV (Col-IV) expression in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. As a down-stream signal molecule of CNP activation, the expressions of natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR)-B, cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinases II and NPR-C were obviously augmented, whereas NEP expression was significantly decreased after CNP treatment. In conclusion, receptor signaling and NEP are involved in the resistance of CNP to human mesangial proliferation and Col-IV expression.
Trainee Leadership Board: learning about NHS leadership
Authors: Stegen Gerti , Leveson Daniel , Llewelyn Susan , De Giorgi Riccardo
Published: January 2018

Introduction

The development of a new generation of clinical leaders in the NHS has been increasingly endorsed by most recent literature in medical leadership and management. Despite providing academic rationale and argument, however, current training programmes fail to integrate the theoretical and practical aspects of clinical leadership and to implement them in practice within medical training curricula.

Methods

In Oxford Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, a Trainee Leadership Board programme was offered to a small group of next-generation clinical leaders as an opportunity to learn about current leadership and management in the Trust. This programme provided insights and practical experiences through an integrated educational and experiential approach in resolving a real issue facing the Trust.

Results and conclusion

Overall, the programme proved successful in creating a culture of increased interest and promoting change in attitude and behaviour around leadership and management. Time constraints and implementation of change represented significant challenges for the Trainee Leadership Board. However, the programme holds promise for its diffusion across the country.
Effects of disease severity distribution on the performance of quantitative diagnostic methods and proposal of a novel ‘V-plot’ methodology to display accuracy values
Authors: Petraco Ricardo , Dehbi Hakim-Moulay , Howard James P , Shun-Shin Matthew J , Sen Sayan , Nijjer Sukhjinder S , Mayet Jamil , Davies Justin E , Francis Darrel P
Published: January 2018

Background

Diagnostic accuracy is widely accepted by researchers and clinicians as an optimal expression of a test’s performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of disease severity distribution on values of diagnostic accuracy as well as propose a sample-independent methodology to calculate and display accuracy of diagnostic tests.

Methods and findings

We evaluated the diagnostic relationship between two hypothetical methods to measure serum cholesterol (Cholrapidand Cholgold) by generating samples with statistical software and (1) keeping the numerical relationship between methods unchanged and (2) changing the distribution of cholesterol values. Metrics of categorical agreement were calculated (accuracy, sensitivity and specificity). Finally, a novel methodology to display and calculate accuracy values was presented (the V-plot of accuracies).

Conclusion

No single value of diagnostic accuracy can be used to describe the relationship between tests, as accuracy is a metric heavily affected by the underlying sample distribution. Our novel proposed methodology, the V-plot of accuracies, can be used as a sample-independent measure of a test performance against a reference gold standard.
Early versus newer generation devices for transcatheter aortic valve implantation in routine clinical practice: a propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Pilgrim Thomas , Lee Joe K T , O’Sullivan Crochan J , Stortecky Stefan , Ariotti Sara , Franzone Anna , Lanz Jonas , Heg Dik , Asami Masahiko , Praz Fabien , Siontis George C M , Vollenbroich René , Räber Lorenz , Valgimigli Marco , Roost Eva , Windecker Stephan
Published: January 2018

Aim

Contemporary data comparing early versus newer generation transcatheter heart valve (THV) devices in routine clinical practice are lacking. We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of early versus newer generation THVs in unselected patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods and results

We performed a propensity score matched analysis of patients undergoing transfemoral TAVI at a single centre with early versus newer generation devices between 2007 and 2016. Patients were matched for balloon-expandable versus self-expandable valves and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score. The primary end point was the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-2 early safety composite end point at 30 days. Among the 391 matched pairs, no differences between early (21.2%) and newer generation (20.8%) THVs regarding the early safety composite end point (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.33, P=0.88) were observed. The rates of valve embolisation (0.8% vs 4.2%, P=0.005), bleeding events (24.8% vs 32.0%, P=0.028) and moderate-to-severe paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) (3.1% vs 12.1%, P<0.001) were lower among patients receiving newer generation devices. Conversely, patients treated with early generation THVs less frequently experienced annulus rupture (0% vs 2.0%, P=0.008).

Conclusion

Newer compared with early generation THV devices were associated with a lower rate of valve embolisation, PVR and bleeding events.
Protocol for a randomized trial of the effect of timing of cholecystectomy during initial admission for predicted mild gallstone pancreatitis at a safety-net hospital
Authors: Mueck Krislynn M , Wei Shuyan , Liang Mike K , Ko Tien C , Tyson Jon E , Kao Lillian S
Published: January 2018

Background

There is evidence-based consensus for laparoscopic cholecystectomy during index admission for predicted mild gallstone pancreatitis, defined by the absence of organ failure and of local or systemic complications. However, the optimal timing for surgery within that admission is controversial. Early cholecystectomy may shorten hospital length of stay (LOS) and increase patient satisfaction. Alternatively, it may increase operative difficulty and complications resulting in readmissions.

Methods

This trial is a single-center randomized trial of patients with predicted mild gallstone pancreatitis comparing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) at index admission within 24 hours of presentation versus after clinical resolution on clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The primary endpoint is 30-day LOS (hours) after initial presentation, which includes the index admission and readmissions. Secondary outcomes are conversion to open, complications, time from admission to cholecystectomy, initial hospital LOS, number of procedures within 30 days, 30-day readmissions, and PROs (change in Gastrointestinal Quality-of-Life Index).

Discussion

The primary goal of this research is to obtain the least biased estimate of effect of timing of cholecystectomy for mild gallstone pancreatitis on clinical and PROs; the results of this trial will be used to inform patient care locally as well as to design future multicenter effectiveness and implementation trials. This trial will provide data regarding PROs including health-related quality of life that can be used in cost-utility and cost-effectiveness analyses.

Trial registration number

NCT02806297, ClinicalTrials.gov.
Occurrence of preterm calving in Great Britain and associations with milk production and reproductive performance in dairy cattle
Authors: Damaso Angela Filipa , Velasova Martina , Van Winden Steven , Chang Yu‐mei , Guitian Javier
Published: January 2018

This study describes the occurrence of preterm calving in Great Britain and evaluates its associations with subsequent milk production and reproductive performances and survival on farm of dairy cows. A total of 53 British dairy farms and 5759 animals with detailed breeding and milk recording data available were used to form two study groups: preterm calving (calving occurring between days 266 and 277 of gestation) and full‐term calving (calving occurring at 278 days of gestation and over). Mixed effects models were implemented to compare milk production, clinical cases of mastitis and number of services per conception between groups. Kaplan‐Meier curves and Cox regression analyses compared time from calving to conception, calving interval and survival on farm between groups. Preterm calving cows showed significantly lower milk yield (P<0.01) and butter fat per cent (P=0.02), increased milk protein per cent (P=0.01), longer survival on farm (P<0.01), and a tendency for shorter calving to conception intervals and fewer services per conception, although other factors were involved in the reproduction outcomes. Experiencing a preterm calving is associated with lower milk production and longer survival times on farm. Potential risk factors for preterm calving, such as infectious diseases, diet and husbandry practices, should be further investigated.
Preplant followed by postemergence herbicide programs and biologically effective rate of metribuzin for control of glyphosate-resistant common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) in soybean
Authors: Byker Holly P. , Van Wely Annemarie C. , Jhala Amit J. , Soltani Nader , Robinson Darren E. , Lawton Mark B. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: January 2018

With no new herbicides with a novel mode of action in the marketplace in corn–soybean cropping systems, control of glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds requires the re-evaluation of existing herbicides. This necessitates a renewed focus on using herbicide tank-mixes and sequential herbicide programs while also striving to minimize the environmental impact of weed management. Preliminary research identified four preplant (PP) herbicides (2,4-D, saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P, linuron, and metribuzin) and one postemergence (POST) herbicide (fomesafen) that provided good but inconsistent control of GR common ragweed when applied alone in soybean. The objectives of this study were to determine the biologically effective rate of metribuzin and evaluate PP followed by POST herbicide programs for control of GR common ragweed in soybean. The aforementioned PP herbicides reduced GR common ragweed density and aboveground biomass by 82%–94% and 55%–89%, respectively. In contrast, a PP herbicide followed by fomesafen applied POST decreased common ragweed densities and aboveground biomass by 97%–99% and 93%–98%, respectively. Metribuzin applied at 824 and 1015 g a.i. ha−1 controlled GR common ragweed 90% at 4 and 8 wk after application, respectively. This study concludes that GR common ragweed can be controlled with a PP followed by POST herbicide program and metribuzin has potential for control of GR common ragweed in soybean.
Research on improved edge extraction algorithm of rectangular piece
Authors: He Yi-Bin , Zeng Ya-Jun , Chen Han-Xin , Xiao San-Xia , Wang Yan-Wei , Huang Si-Yu
Published: January 2018

Traditional edge detection operators such as Prewitt operator, LOG operator and Canny operator, etc. cannot meet the requirements of the modern industrial measurement. This paper proposes a kind of image edge detection algorithm based on improved morphological gradient. It can be detect the image using structural elements, which deals with the characteristic information of the image directly. Choosing different shapes and sizes of structural elements to use together, the ideal image edge information can be detected. The experimental result shows that the algorithm can well extract image edge with noise, which is clearer, and has more detailed edges compared with the previous edge detection algorithm.
Witnessing matrix identities and proof complexity
Authors: Li Fu , Tzameret Iddo
Published: January 2018

We use results from the theory of algebras with polynomial identities (PI-algebras) to study the witness complexity of matrix identities. A matrix identity of [Formula: see text] matrices over a field [Formula: see text]is a non-commutative polynomial (f(x1, …, xn)) over [Formula: see text], such that [Formula: see text] vanishes on every [Formula: see text] matrix assignment to its variables. For every field [Formula: see text]of characteristic 0, every [Formula: see text] and every finite basis of [Formula: see text] matrix identities over [Formula: see text], we show there exists a family of matrix identities [Formula: see text], such that each [Formula: see text] has [Formula: see text] variables and requires at least [Formula: see text] many generators to generate, where the generators are substitution instances of elements from the basis. The lower bound argument uses fundamental results from PI-algebras together with a generalization of the arguments in [P. Hrubeš, How much commutativity is needed to prove polynomial identities? Electronic colloquium on computational complexity, ECCC, Report No.: TR11-088, June 2011].

We apply this result in algebraic proof complexity, focusing on proof systems for polynomial identities (PI proofs) which operate with algebraic circuits and whose axioms are the polynomial-ring axioms [P. Hrubeš and I. Tzameret, The proof complexity of polynomial identities, in Proc. 24th Annual IEEE Conf. Computational Complexity, CCC 2009, 15–18 July 2009, Paris, France (2009), pp. 41–51; Short proofs for the determinant identities, SIAM J. Comput. 44(2) (2015) 340–383], and their subsystems. We identify a decrease in strength hierarchy of subsystems of PI proofs, in which the [Formula: see text]th level is a sound and complete proof system for proving [Formula: see text] matrix identities (over a given field). For each level [Formula: see text] in the hierarchy, we establish an [Formula: see text] lower bound on the number of proof-steps needed to prove certain identities.

Finally, we present several concrete open problems about non-commutative algebraic circuits and speed-ups in proof complexity, whose solution would establish stronger size lower bounds on PI proofs of matrix identities, and beyond.
A Liouville theorem for the higher-order fractional Laplacian
Authors: Zhuo Ran , Li Yan
Published: January 2018

We study Navier problems involving the higher-order fractional Laplacians. We first obtain nonexistence of positive solutions, known as the Liouville-type theorems, in the upper half-space [Formula: see text] by studying an equivalent integral form of the fractional equation. Then we show symmetry for positive solutions on [Formula: see text] through a delicate iteration between lower-order differential/pseudo-differential equations split from the higher-order equation.
Substitution of an amino acid residue axially coordinating to the heme molecule in hexameric tyrosine-coordinated hemoprotein to enhance peroxidase activity
Authors: Mashima Tsuyoshi , Oohora Koji , Hayashi Takashi
Published: January 2018

To convert an originally tyrosine-coordinated heme to histidine-coordinated heme in hexameric tyrosine-coordinated hemoprotein, HTHP, Tyr45, a residue coordinating to the heme cofactor, and Arg25 located in the distal site are replaced with Phe45 and His25, respectively in each of the subunits of the protein. The obtained HTHP mutant (HTHP[Formula: see text] was characterized by SDS-PAGE, ESI-TOF MS, dynamic light scattering measurements and size exclusion chromatography. These analyses indicate that HTHP[Formula: see text] maintains its stable hexameric structure with the altered ligation of each of the heme cofactors. Comparison of UV-vis absorption spectra of the ferric-, ferrous-, CO- and CN-forms of HTHP[Formula: see text] with those of several well-known His-ligated hemoproteins indicates that heme is coordinated by the His25 residue. The reaction of HTHP[Formula: see text] with cumene hydroperoxide produces both cumyl alcohol and acetophenone in a 2.3:1 ratio, indicating that heterolytic O–O bond cleavage dominantly occurs to form the two-electron oxidized species known as compound I. Peroxidase activity of HTHP[Formula: see text] is found to follow Michaelis–Menten kinetics. The [Formula: see text] values of HTHP[Formula: see text] for H[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text]-dependent oxidation of ABTS and guaiacol are 10- and 100-fold higher, respectively, than those of wild type HTHP (HTHP[Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] values of HTHP[Formula: see text] for both substrates are increased 30-fold relative to that of HTHP[Formula: see text]. Moreover, HTHP[Formula: see text] is capable of promoting catalytic sulfoxidation of thioanisole with H[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] with a turnover number ca. 2-fold higher than that of HTHP[Formula: see text]. The present findings demonstrate that proximal His ligation to the heme is significantly effective to increase the peroxidase activity in the HTHP matrix.
The spectral characterizations of the connected multicone graphs Kw ▽ LHS and Kw ▽ LGQ(3,9)
Authors: Abdian Ali Zeydi , Mirafzal S. Morteza
Published: January 2018

In the past decades, graphs that are determined by their spectrum have received much more and more attention, since they have been applied to several fields, such as randomized algorithms, combinatorial optimization problems and machine learning. An important part of spectral graph theory is devoted to determining whether given graphs or classes of graphs are determined by their spectra or not. So, finding and introducing any class of graphs which are determined by their spectra can be an interesting and important problem. The main aim of this study is to characterize two classes of multicone graphs which are determined by their adjacency, Laplacian and signless Laplacian spectra. A multicone graph is defined to be the join of a clique and a regular graph. Let [Formula: see text] denote a complete graph on [Formula: see text] vertices. In the paper, we show that multicone graphs [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are determined by both their adjacency spectra and their Laplacian spectra, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] denote the Local Higman–Sims graph and the Local [Formula: see text] graph, respectively. In addition, we prove that these multicone graphs are determined by their signless Laplacian spectra.
The signed total Roman domatic number of a digraph
Authors: Amjadi J.
Published: January 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite simple digraph with vertex set [Formula: see text]. A signed total Roman dominating function (STRDF) on a digraph [Formula: see text] is a function [Formula: see text] such that (i) [Formula: see text] for every [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] consists of all inner neighbors of [Formula: see text], and (ii) every vertex [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text] has an inner neighbor [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text]. The weight of an STRDF [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]. The signed total Roman domination number [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is the minimum weight of an STRDF on [Formula: see text]. A set [Formula: see text] of distinct STRDFs on [Formula: see text] with the property that [Formula: see text] for each [Formula: see text] is called a signed total Roman dominating family (STRD family) (of functions) on [Formula: see text]. The maximum number of functions in an STRD family on [Formula: see text] is the signed total Roman domatic number of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we initiate the study of signed total Roman domatic number in digraphs and we present some sharp bounds for [Formula: see text]. In addition, we determine the signed total Roman domatic number of some classes of digraphs.
Humification and Humic Acid Composition of Suspended Soil in Oligotrophous Environments in South Vietnam
Authors: Abakumov E. V. , Rodina O. A. , Eskov A. K.
Published: January 2018

Humification is considered to be a global process that is implemented in soils and organic sediments and also in natural water and air. The term “suspended soils” has become increasingly common in recent years. Suspended soils are defined as the part of the organic matter that has not undergone the full decomposition process and has not turned into the humus of terrestrial soils. Suspended soils were shown to contain higher total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents than the forest soil, but the moisture content in suspended soils was significantly lower. Our study of the structural composition of humic substances in suspended soils was conducted with an aim of evaluating the humification rates and structural composition of humic acids in the suspended soil in tropical forests of South Vietnam. Soil samples from three selected areas were investigated: the soil under phorophytes (mineral soil presented by samples of topsoil of the typical dry savanna landscape) and two soils from epiphytous formations. Samples were collected from savanna-type sparse communities, located on oligotrophous plains in Phú Quốc Island (South Vietnam) in 2015. General properties of the soil and the elemental composition of suspended soils were determined, and the humic substance chemical composition was evaluated using solid state 13C-NMR. Data obtained showed that the pH of the soils under phorophytes was higher than in the suspended soils; basal respiration did not tend to change indices between soils under phorophytes and suspended soils, but the suspended soil was less enriched by nitrogen than the soil under phorophytes. This can be related to the total amount of organic matter exposed to humification in various soils and to the presence of an essential portion of mineral particles in the soil under phorophytes. Data on elemental composition of the humic acids (HAs) indicated that one method of humification is implemented in all three soils that were investigated. The humic acids of the phorophyte soil showed the same content of aromatic fraction as the suspended soil. The most comparable soil type in terms of humic substance composition is Cambisols from humid forests of subboreal and subtropical zones. The humification process implemented in suspended soils showed the absence of mineral compounds or mineral fine earth, which indicated that humification in conditions of pure organic substrates can result in formation of deep humified organic matter, as shown by humic acids with an essential aromatic fraction content.
Cholecystoduodenal Stenting: An Option in Complicated Acute Calculous Cholecystitis in the Elderly Comorbid Patient
Authors: Bonner Brady Chapman , Brown Nicholas I. , Joseph Varghese Pynadath , Chandrasegaram Manju Dashini
Published: January 2018

We describe the course of an 84-year-old lady with acute calculous cholecystitis. She was unable to have a cholecystectomy due to multiple comorbidities including morbid obesity, type 2 diabetes, Guillain–Barrè syndrome, chronic sacral pressure ulcer, and severe cardiac disease. Conservative treatment with intravenous antibiotics was initially successful; however, she subsequently re-presented with an empyema of the gallbladder. She was readmitted for further intravenous antibiotics and underwent percutaneous gallbladder drainage. The patient did not want a permanent catheter for drainage, nor the prospect of repeat drainage procedures in the future for recurrent cholecystitis. Following a discussion of the rationale and risks involved with other minimally invasive techniques, she underwent cholecystoduodenal stent placement following disimpaction and removal of cystic duct stones. The procedure restored antegrade gallbladder drainage, and at 18 months she remains symptom-free from her gallbladder. Long-term management of recurrent cholecystitis in elderly comorbid patients commonly includes permanent cholecystostomy or repeated percutaneous gallbladder drainage, both of which can be poorly tolerated. Permanent cholecystoduodenal stenting is a reasonable alternative in carefully considered patients in whom the benefits outweigh the risks. We describe our experience with cholecystoduodenal stenting and discuss some of the concerns and considerations with this technique.
Efficacy of Bilateral Transversus Abdominis Plane and Ilioinguinal-Iliohypogastric Nerve Blocks for Postcaesarean Delivery Pain Relief under Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Ahemed Seid Adem , Denu Zewditu Abdissa , Getinet Kassahun Habtamu , Yilikal Fentie Demeke
Published: January 2018

Background. Caesarean delivery can be associated with considerable postoperative pain. While the benefits of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) and ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric (II-IH) nerve blocks on pain after caesarean delivery via Pfannenstiel incision have been demonstrated, no enough investigations on the comparison of these blocks on pain after caesarean delivery have been conducted in our setup. Method. An institutional-based prospective observational cohort study was conducted to compare the analgesic efficacy of those blocks. We observed 102 postoperative parturients. The outcome measure was the severity of pain measured using a numeric rating scale. Result. Twenty-four hours after surgery, the NRS score at rest was (0.90 ± 0.80) versus (0.67 ± 0.58) and at movement (1.2 ± 1.07) versus (0.88 ± 0.76) for the TAP and II-IH groups, respectively. Twenty-four hours after surgery, the mean tramadol consumption was (55.45 ± 30.51) versus (37.27 ± 27.09) mg in TAP and II-IH groups, respectively (p = 0.009). The mean first analgesic requirement time was also prolonged in the II-IH group. Conclusion and Recommendations. There was no statically significant difference between TAP and II-IH blocks regarding postoperative pain score, but the II-IH block significantly reduced the total tramadol consumption and prolonged the time to first analgesic request than TAP. Thus, we recommend the II-IH nerve block.
Mechanical Properties and Durability of Latex‐Modified Fiber‐Reinforced Concrete: A Tunnel Liner Application
Authors: Lee Joo-Ha , Kim Hwang-Hee , Park Sung-Ki , Oh Ri-On , Kim Hae-Do , Park Chan-Gi
Published: January 2018

This study assessed the mechanical properties and durability of latex‐modified fiber‐reinforced segment concrete (polyolefin‐based macrosynthetic fibers and hybrid fiber‐macrosynthetic fiber and polypropylene fiber) for a tunnel liner application. The tested macrosynthetic fiber‐reinforced concrete has a better strength than steel fiber‐reinforced concrete. The tested concrete with blast furnace slag has a higher chloride ion penetration resistance (less permeable), but its compressive and flexural strengths can be reduced with blast furnace slag content increase. Also, the hybrid fiber‐reinforced concrete has higher compressive strength, flexural strength, chloride ion water permeability resistance, impact resistance, and abrasion resistance than the macrosynthetic fiber‐reinforced concrete. The modified fiber improved the performance of concrete, and the hybrid fiber was found to control the formation of micro‐ and macrocracks more effectively. Therefore, overall performance of the hybrid fiber‐reinforced concrete was found superior to the other fiber‐reinforced concrete mixes tested for this study. The test results also indicated that macrosynthetic fiber could replace the steel fiber as a concrete reinforcement.
What Factors Guide the Selection of Medicinal Plants in a Local Pharmacopoeia? A Case Study in a Rural Community from a Historically Transformed Atlantic Forest Landscape
Authors: Silva Taline Cristina da , Silva Josilene Marinho da , Ramos Marcelo Alves
Published: January 2018

The criteria that local people use for selecting medicinal plants have been a recurrent topic in pharmacology and ethnobotany. Two of the current hypotheses regarding this phenomenon, ecological apparency and diversification, attempt to explain the inclusion of “apparent” and “non‐apparent” and native and exotic taxa, respectively, in local pharmacopoeia. This study addresses the following questions: Do “apparent” and “non‐apparent” medicinal plants have the same importance in local pharmacopoeia? Do “non‐apparent” plants occupy more local categories of diseases than “apparent” plants? Do native and exotic medicinal plants have the same importance? Do exotic and native plants occupy different local categories of diseases? This study was conducted with householders of a community from Northeastern Brazil. Out of the 66 plant species cited, most were herbs (39 species), followed by trees and shrubs (27). Herbaceous species also occupied more local categories of diseases (51) than tree and shrub species (28). Furthermore, most of the species cited by the informants were exotic (42). Out of the 94 therapeutic applications cited in this research, 65 were treated with exotic species and 29 with native species, distributed among 13 body systems. These results support both the hypotheses of ecological apparency and diversification.
Mesoporous Silica Loaded with Molybdenum Phosphide Nanoparticles for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Keliang , Jiang Chan , Chen Zhouyang , Ma Shaojie
Published: January 2018

A mesoporous silica loaded with molybdenum phosphide nanoparticles (MoP@MSN) was synthesized using Pluronic F‐127 as a hard template. Using the method of XRD and HRTEM, the crystallinity, the phase structure, and the morphologies of the MoP@MSN were investigated. The results showed that the MoP@MSN were composed of nanoflakes with approximately 100 nm. Through the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), the Tafel slopes of 100 and 341 mV were yielded for MoP@MSN and pure MoP, respectively, meaning that the composite of MSN can significantly improve the conductivity of the products. Meanwhile, the mesoporous MoP@MSN presented excellent electrochemical activity and stability toward hydrogen evolution compared with those of bulk MoP nanoparticles, showing a promising prospect in hydrogen production.
Application of Federal Kalman Filter with Neural Networks in the Velocity and Attitude Matching of Transfer Alignment
Authors: Song Lijun , Duan Zhongxing , He Bo , Li Zhe
Published: January 2018

The centralized Kalman filter is always applied in the velocity and attitude matching of Transfer Alignment (TA). But the centralized Kalman has many disadvantages, such as large amount of calculation, poor real‐time performance, and low reliability. In the paper, the federal Kalman filter (FKF) based on neural networks is used in the velocity and attitude matching of TA, the Kalman filter is adjusted by the neural networks in the two subfilters, the federal filter is used to fuse the information of the two subfilters, and the global suboptimal state estimation is obtained. The result of simulation shows that the federal Kalman filter based on neural networks is better in estimating the initial attitude misalignment angle of inertial navigation system (INS) when the system dynamic model and noise statistics characteristics of inertial navigation system are unclear, and the estimation error is smaller and the accuracy is higher.
Ceramide and Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: He Xingxuan , Schuchman Edward H.
Published: January 2018

Ceramide, a bioactive membrane sphingolipid, functions as an important second messenger in apoptosis and cell signaling. In response to stresses, it may be generated by de novo synthesis, sphingomyelin hydrolysis, and/or recycling of complex sphingolipids. It is cleared from cells through the activity of ceramidases, phosphorylation to ceramide-1-phosphate, or resynthesis into more complex sphingolipids. Ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury occurs when oxygen/nutrition is rapidly reintroduced into ischemic tissue, resulting in cell death and tissue damage, and is a major concern in diverse clinical settings, including organ resection and transplantation. Numerous reports show that ceramide levels are markedly elevated during IR. Mitochondria are major sites of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and play a key role in IR-induced and ceramide-mediated cell death and tissue damage. During the development of IR injury, the initial response of ROS and TNF-alpha production activates two major ceramide generating pathways (sphingomyelin hydrolysis and de novo ceramide synthesis). The increased ceramide has broad effects depending on the IR phases, including both pro- and antiapoptotic effects. Therefore, strategies that reduce the levels of ceramide, for example, by modulation of ceramidase and/or sphingomyelinases activities, may represent novel and promising therapeutic approaches to prevent or treat IR injury in diverse clinical settings.
Association of Dietary Habits and Interest for Food and Science versus Weight Status in Children Aged 8 to 18 Years
Authors: Vanderhulst Els , Faik Aicha , Vansintejan Johan , Van Rossem Inès , Devroey Dirk
Published: January 2018

Introduction. This study aims to describe the association between dietary habits and weight status and the interest in food and science. Methods. We examined in a cross-sectional study 525 children aged between 8 and 18 years, who attended the Brussels Food Fair or the Belgian Science Day in 2013. They were divided into three groups: special interest in science, special interest in food, and a general control group. They completed a questionnaire, and body parameters were measured. The weight status of the children was identified using the growth charts and the calculated BMI. Results. In total, 525 children were included: 290 children in the reference group, 194 in the food group, and 41 in the science group. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 28% in the general control group, 14% in the food group, and 15% in the science group. Breakfast and dinner were skipped more often by children with overweight or obesity. Children from the food and science groups had more sweets and meat, had less fruit, and skipped less meals. Conclusion. In our study, 28% of the reference group had overweight or obesity. The children with special interest in food or science differed from the control group.
Candidate Urine Peptide Biomarkers for IgA Nephropathy: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Marek-Bukowiec Karolina , Konieczny Andrzej , Ratajczyk Krzysztof , Witkiewicz Wojciech
Published: January 2018

Early detection, prognosis, and management of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) remain a challenge. Histological examination of renal tissue still comprises the only way to confirm an IgAN diagnosis. It is of great importance to establish noninvasive diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers that would improve the clinical care and outcome of patients suffering from IgAN. This review summarises the findings from previous mass spectrometry- (MS-) based studies dedicated to the discovery of urinary peptide profiles specific to IgAN. There is a substantial number of urinary peptides that have been discovered to date, which show promise as biomarkers of IgAN; however, all of them require further, rigorous validation in well-planned studies, involving a large number of subjects who represent diverse and numerous populations.