bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetes, mortality and glucose monitoring rates in the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database Low Intensity Transfer (TAHOD‐LITE) study
Authors: Bijker R , Kumarasamy N , Kiertiburanakul S , Pujari S , Sun L Penh , Ng OT , Lee MP , Choi JY , Nguyen KV , Chan YJ , Merati TP , Do CD , Ross J , Law M ,   the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD) of the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Asia‐Pacific group
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Diabetes is a growing cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). We investigated the association between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and mortality, and factors associated with FPG monitoring rates in Asia.

Methods

Patients from the Therapeutics Research, Education, and AIDS Training in Asia (TREAT Asia) HIV Observational Database Low Intensity Transfer (TAHOD‐LITE) cohort were included in the present study if they had initiated ART. Competing risk and Poisson regression were used to analyse the association between FPG and mortality, and assess risk factors for FPG monitoring rates, respectively. FPG was categorized as diabetes (FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L), prediabetes (FPG 5.6–6.9 mmol/L) and normal FPG (FPG < 5.6 mmol/L).

Results

In total, 33 232 patients were included in the analysis. Throughout follow‐up, 59% had no FPG test available. The incidence rate for diabetes was 13.7 per 1000 person‐years in the 4649 patients with normal FPG at ART initiation. Prediabetes [sub‐hazard ratio (sHR) 1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.64] and diabetes (sHR 1.90; 95% CI 1.52–2.38) were associated with mortality compared to those with normal FPG. FPG monitoring increased from 0.34 to 0.78 tests per person‐year from 2012 to 2016 (P < 0.001). Male sex [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.08; 95% CI 1.03–1.12], age > 50 years (IRR 1.14; 95% CI 1.09–1.19) compared to ≤ 40 years, and CD4 count ≥ 500 cells/μL (IRR 1.04; 95% CI 1.00–1.09) compared to < 200 cells/μL were associated with increased FPG monitoring.

Conclusions

Diabetes and prediabetes were associated with mortality. FPG monitoring increased over time; however, less than half of our cohort had been tested. Greater resources should be allocated to FPG monitoring for early diabetic treatment and intervention and to optimize survival.
Measuring the restrictiveness of Portuguese residential care for children and youth
Authors: Rauktis Mary Elizabeth , Rangel Henriques Margarida , Acciaiuoli Barbosa‐Ducharne Maria , Cruz Orlanda , Lemos Marina S. , Lee Julia
Published: July 2019

Restriction of living environment refers to limits, rules, and structures in place in an out‐of‐home residential placement for children/youth. This article describes the process of revising a measure of out‐of‐home living restrictiveness to be culturally congruent for Portugal, providing preliminary data on validity and reliability, and discusses the feasibility of using this measure in Portugal. The findings suggest that the Portuguese language version has acceptable reliability. The interviewers identified several additional content areas to increase coverage of the construct. Additional validity analyses are needed, but the preliminary findings suggest that measuring the restriction of living environment could provide a concise youth‐informed perspective of living environment not currently being obtained in Portugal.

Key Practitioner Message: • Measuring restriction of living environment is crucial to understanding the milieu of the residential home.
Take a Risk
Authors: Harkness Timandra
Published: July 2019

Can a stage show about risk be both funny and thought-provoking? Timandra Harkness is betting on it
What Does it all Mean?
Authors: Sheldon Neil
Published: July 2019

The misunderstanding of “significance” is part of a wider problem with the way statistical language is used – and a change is long overdue, says Neil Sheldon
Surface damage and threshold determination of Ge–As–Se glasses in femtosecond pulsed laser micromachining
Authors: Ma Wenqiang , Wang Leilei , Zhang Peiqing , Xu Yinsheng , Zhu Liang , Xu Peipeng , Chen Feifei , Dai Shixun
Published: July 2019

Ge–As–Se chalcogenide glasses were prepared and the surface damage characteristics under femtosecond laser irradiation were experimentally investigated. Femtosecond laser beams with different power intensities, focusing depths, pulse repetition rates, and pulse numbers were employed to determine the damage thresholds of the samples. The surface morphologies and feature sizes of the damage craters were studied with regard to laser energy density to evaluate the damage circumstances of the glasses. The generation of the surface damage was also recorded by using different numbers of pulses. Results showed that the damage area increased monotonically with the laser power at low energy density and tended to saturation when reaching a critical value. According to the linear circumstances of laser energy density on the damage crater area, the average damage thresholds of the Ge–As–Se glasses with different repetition rates and pulse numbers were obtained. Results showed that the damage threshold decreased with the increase in pulse repetition rate and number of pulse.
Application of fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy for the detection of historical glass deterioration
Authors: Zaleski Stephanie , Montagnino Elizabeth , Brostoff Lynn , Muller Isabelle , Buechele Andrew , Lynn Ward‐Bamford Carol , France Fenella , Loew Murray
Published: July 2019

Historical alkali silicate glass is prone to deterioration over time due to the uptake of atmospheric water and subsequent hydrolysis of the silicate matrix. Recent studies of historical glass have provided insight into the mechanism of alteration; however, few techniques can assess early onset glass alteration noninvasively. Herein, we present fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS) as an invaluable tool to analyze historical glass alteration. We study a series of artificially aged model potash glasses and assess the nature of the alkali‐depleted alteration layer by microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and FORS. We find that the model glass FORS spectra demonstrate peaks associated with hydroxide, liquid‐like water, and bound water. FORS was able to detect an alteration layer as thin as 0.66 µm. The model glass data were then used to generate a hydration thickness prediction curve in order to predict the alteration layer thickness of twenty‐one 19th‐century glass flutes of similar composition. In the one case that an actual flute sample was available, the predicted value was in good agreement with previous SEM measurement. The results indicate the ability of FORS to noninvasively assess glass deterioration and to understand the nature of absorbed water in historical glass objects.
Heterogeneous multilayer dielectric ceramics enabled by ultralow‐temperature self‐constrained sintering
Authors: Hao Jianyu , Yao Fang‐Zhou , Yuan Qibin , Xu Xinwei , Yao Bin , Dong Jiufeng , Guo Jing , Wang Hong
Published: July 2019

In the present work, heterogeneous multilayer ceramics based on two representative dielectrics, low‐K Li2MoO4 (LM) and high‐K [(Li0.5Bi0.5)xBi1−x][MoxV1−x]O4 (LBMV), are successfully acquired using a convenient approach of self‐constrained sintering at an ultralow temperature of 600°C. These two materials with proximate but distinct sintering temperature ranges mutually act as constrained layers to each other in the process of densification, yielding significantly suppressed in‐plane shrinkage of the LM/LBMV heterogeneous multilayer ceramics. Moreover, the dense heterostructures are endowed with decent mechanical and microwave dielectric properties. This work offers a new paradigm for facilely integrating heterogeneous dielectric materials for ultralow‐temperature co‐fired ceramics applications.
Bodyweight threshold for sudden onset of ketosis might exist in ketosis‐prone type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Satomura Atsushi , Oikawa Yoichi , Haisa Akifumi , Inoue Ikuo , Noda Mitsuhiko , Shimada Akira
Published: July 2019

Ketosis‐prone type 2 diabetes is recognized as atypical diabetes. These patients are often male, characterized by obesity, sudden onset of ketosis and a transient decrease in insulin secretion capacity that can be recovered with temporal insulin therapy. Here, we report a male patient with ketosis‐prone type 2 diabetes who was followed up for 8 years. During the follow‐up period, his bodyweight fluctuated and he experienced four episodes of critical ketosis recurrence in association with bodyweight gain. He discontinued insulin therapy after each ketosis episode within the first 4 years, but thereafter, he had to continue insulin therapy because of decreased insulin secretion capacity. Interestingly, his peak bodyweight just before the repeated ketosis episode gradually decreased, and the insulin secretion capacity after the recovery from repeated ketosis decreased in parallel with his peak bodyweight. This long‐term clinical course might be a clue to understand the pathophysiology of ketosis‐prone type 2 diabetes.
Some International Evidence for Keynesian Economics Without the Phillips Curve
Authors: Farmer Roger E.A. , Nicolò Giovanni
Published: July 2019

Farmer and Nicolo (2018)… show that the Farmer Monetary (FM)‐model outperforms the three‐equation New Keynesian (NK)‐model in post‐war U.S. data. In this paper, we compare the marginal data density of the FM‐model with marginal data densities for determinate and indeterminate versions of the NK‐model for three separate samples using U.S., U.K. and Canadian data. We estimate versions of both models that restrict the parameters of the private sector equations to be the same for all three countries. Our preferred specification is the constrained version of the FM‐model which has a marginal data density that is more than 40 log points higher than the NK alternative. Our findings also demonstrate that cross‐country macroeconomic differences are well explained by the different shocks that hit each economy and by differences in the ways in which national central banks reacted to those shocks.
A unique stroke case with contralateral sulcal hyperintensity on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery image changed to linear serpiginous structures
Authors: Osakada Yosuke , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Sato Kota , Shang Jingwei , Takemoto Mami , Hishikawa Nozomi , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Abe Koji
Published: July 2019

An 83‐year‐old man developed acute ischemic stroke. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed ischemic stroke in the left parietal lobe gyri, but fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) showed hyperintensity in the contralateral right temporal‐occipital lobe sulci. Follow‐up FLAIR image showed the gradual disappearance of the sulcal hyperintensity in the sulci and changed to linear serpiginous structures. This is a unique stroke case showing transitioned FLAIR findings suggesting that the sulcal hyperintensity findings are more severe and an earlier ischemic condition than the linear serpiginous structures.
Secretion of high amounts of hepatocyte growth factor is a characteristic feature of cancer‐associated fibroblasts with EGFR‐TKI resistance‐promoting phenotype: A study of 18 cases of cancer‐associated fibroblasts
Authors: Suzuki Erika , Yamazaki Shota , Naito Tomoyuki , Hashimoto Hiroko , Okubo Satoshi , Udagawa Hibiki , Goto Koichi , Tsuboi Masahiro , Ochiai Atsushi , Ishii Genichiro
Published: July 2019

Humoral factors from cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) reportedly affect epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI) resistance in cancer cells with EGFR mutations. The aim of this study was to identify the robust humoral factors secreted from CAFs that induce the primary resistance to EGFR‐TKI. We evaluated the EGFR‐TKI sensitivity of EGFR‐mutant lung adenocarcinoma cell line (PC‐9) treated with condition media (CM) from 18 cases of CAFs and matched non‐cancerous‐tissue‐associated fibroblasts (NCAFs). We measured the expression levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin‐6, fibroblast growth factor‐2, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, and vascular endothelial growth factor‐A in CAFs and NCAFs. We examined whether HGF neutralizing antibody could annul the EGFR‐TKI resistance induced by CM from CAFs. Compared to CM from NCAFs, CM from CAFs increased the resistance of PC‐9 cells to EGFR‐TKI in five out of 18 cases. Relative expression ratio of HGF messenger RNA was significantly higher in these five CAFs compared to others (P = 0.0013), whereas other cytokines were not. In four of these five cases, the addition of HGF neutralizing antibody significantly decreased the survival ratio of PC‐9 cells. This study suggests that the secretion of higher amounts of HGF is the robust feature of EGFR‐TKI resistance‐promoting CAFs.
Expression and localization of adiponectin and its receptors in ovarian follicles during different stages of development and the modulatory effect of adiponectin on steroid production in water buffalo
Authors: Gupta Mahesh , Bahiram Krushna Bibichand , Sardar Vikas Muralidhar , Korde Jayant Pandurang , Magar Swapnil P. , Bonde Sachin Wasudeorao , Kurkure Nitin Vasantrao
Published: July 2019

Adiponectin is an adipocyte‐derived hormone regulating energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity and recently found to regulate reproduction. The current study was carried out to investigate gene and protein expression, immunolocalization of adiponectin and its receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in ovarian follicles of different developmental stages in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and to investigate the effect of adiponectin on steroid production in cultured bubaline granulosa cells. qPCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were applied to demonstrate mRNA expression, protein expression and immunolocalization, respectively. The results indicate that adiponectin, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 were present in granulosa cells (GC) and theca interna (TI) of ovarian follicles and the expression of adiponectin, AdipoR1, AdipoR2 in GC and AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in TI increased with increase in follicle size (p < .05). Expression of adiponectin was high in small and medium size follicles in TI. The adiponectin and its receptors were immunolocalized in the cytoplasm of GC and TI cells. Further, in the in‐vitro study, GCs were cultured and treated with recombinant adiponectin each at 0, 1 and 10 µg/ml alone or with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) at 30 ng/ml) or Insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) at 10 ng/ml for 48 hr after obtaining 75%–80%s confluency. Adiponectin at 10 µg/ml increased IGF‐I‐induced estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) secretion and FSH‐induced E2 secretion from GC and also increased the abundance of factors involved in E2 and P4 production (cytochrome P45019A1 [CYP19A1] and 3‐beta‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [3β‐HSD]). In conclusion, this study provides novel evidence for the presence of adiponectin and its receptors in ovarian follicles and modulatory role of adiponectin on steroid production in buffalo.
Comparison of pre‐ and post‐bronchodilator lung function as predictors of mortality: The HUNT Study
Authors: Bhatta Laxmi , Leivseth Linda , Carslake David , Langhammer Arnulf , Mai Xiao‐Mei , Chen Yue , Henriksen Anne H. , Brumpton Ben M.
Published: July 2019

Background and objective

Post‐bronchodilator (BD) lung function is recommended for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, often only pre‐BD lung function is used in clinical practice or epidemiological studies. We aimed to compare the discrimination ability of pre‐BD and post‐BD lung function to predict all‐cause mortality.

Methods

Participants aged ≥40 years with airflow limitation (n = 2538) and COPD (n = 1262) in the second survey of the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT2, 1995–1997) were followed up until 31 December 2015. Survival analysis and time‐dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were used to compare the discrimination ability of pre‐BD and post‐BD lung function (percent‐predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (ppFEV1), FEV1 z‐score, FEV1 quotient (FEV1Q), modified Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) categories or GOLD grades).

Results

Among 2538 participants, 1387 died. The AUC for pre‐BD and post‐BD ppFEV1 to predict mortality were 60.8 and 61.8 (P = 0.005), respectively, at 20 years' follow‐up. The corresponding AUC for FEV1 z‐score were 58.5 and 60.4 (P < 0.001), for FEV1Q were 68.7 and 70.1 (P = 0.002) and for modified GOLD categories were 62.3 and 64.5 (P < 0.001). Among participants with COPD, the AUC for pre‐BD and post‐BD ppFEV1 were 57.0 and 58.8 (P < 0.001), respectively. The corresponding AUC for FEV1 z‐score were 53.1 and 55.8 (P < 0.001), for FEV1Q were 63.6 and 65.1 (P = 0.037) and for GOLD grades were 56.0 and 57.0 (P = 0.268).

Conclusion

Mortality was better predicted by post‐BD than by pre‐BD lung function; however, they differed only by a small margin. The discrimination ability using GOLD grades among COPD participants was similar.
Cooling during exercise enhances performances, but the cooled body areas matter: A systematic review with meta‐analyses
Authors: Douzi Wafa , Dugué Benoit , Vinches Ludwig , Al Sayed Chady , Hallé Stéphane , Bosquet Laurent , Dupuy Olivier
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Hyperthermia during exercise induces central and peripheral fatigue and impairs physical performance. To facilitate heat loss and optimize performance, athletes can hasten body cooling prior (pre‐cooling) or during (per‐cooling) exercise. However, it is unclear whether per‐cooling effect is the same on ‘aerobic’ and ‘anaerobic’ types of exercise (duration <75 and >76 seconds, respectively, according to Gastin [Sports Med 2001;31:725‐741]) and whether the body area that is cooled makes a difference.

Methods

A literature search led to the identification of 1582 potential studies. Included studies had to include physical exercise with sufficient details on the type, duration, intensity, and provide valid performance measures and a cooling intervention administered during exercise with sufficient details on the type and site of application.

Results

Forty‐five studies were included. Per‐cooling provides a performance benefit during ‘aerobic’ (standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.60, P < .001) and ‘anaerobic’ exercises (SMD = 0.27, P < .02). The effects were greater during aerobic compared to anaerobic exercises (P < .01). Internal cooling (cold fluid ingestion such as cold water and ice slurry/menthol beverage) and external cooling (face, neck, and torso) provide the greatest performance benefit for ‘aerobic’ performance with a moderate to large effect (0.46 < SMD < 1.24). For ‘anaerobic’ exercises, wearing a whole‐body cooling garment is the best way to enhance exercise performance (SMD = 0.39, P < .01).

Conclusion

Per‐cooling improves ‘aerobic’ and ‘anaerobic’ exercise performance with a greater benefit for ‘aerobic’ exercise. The magnitude of the effect depends on the type and site of the cooling application.
Neurologic patients and therapeutic plasma exchange: experience of one centre in Iran
Authors: Chegini Azita , Moghadami Mehran , Seraji Behnaz , Maghari Amirhossein
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is one of the effective methods of treating various diseases. This study is aimed at discerning the most prevalent TPE indications and accessing the effectiveness of TPE in curing neurological patients.

Materials and Methods

During one year (2014‐2015), all referred neurologic patients, that is 250 cases, in this study had undergone therapeutic plasma exchange and were evaluated and the outcome (death or remission) was observed. We used comparison analysis, variance analysis of variables, t‐test (t‐student), chi‐square (chi‐two) and logistic regression. Statistical analysis performed with IBM statistics SPSS (ver.21).

Results

Out of these 250 neurologic patients, 118 (47·2%) were men, and 132 (52·8%) were women. 236 (94·4%) patients were cured: 111(47%) men and 125(53%) women. The most common diseases in our study were Guillain‐Barre syndrome (GBS) with 86 (34·4%) cases, Myasthenia gravis (MG) with 80 (32%) cases, Multiple sclerosis (MS) with 35 (14%) cases, respectively. Statistically, age is one of the effective variables in clinical improvement (P < 0·001). Admission in the intensive care unit (P = 0·001), level of consciousness (P = 0·001), requiring mechanical ventilation and respiratory conditions (P = 0·001) were also effective in recovery.

Conclusion

The most common disease in our study was Guillain‐Barre syndrome (GBS). 33·6% (i.e. 84) of all patients were bedridden admitted in ICU who had 10 times less chance of recovery than patients admitted in the ward (P = 0·001). Among these neurologic patients, age, admission in intensive care unit, level of consciousness, requiring mechanical ventilation and respiratory conditions were significant in the treatment, statistically.
Platelet functionality in cold‐stored whole blood
Authors: Kristoffersen Einar K. , Apelseth Torunn Oveland
Published: July 2019

Whole blood is currently being reintroduced as a blood product to be used in massive bleeding situations because it affords plasma, red cells and platelets in a balanced ratio and in a logistical advantageous way. Questions concerning the haemostatic potential of the platelets have arisen, especially in cold‐stored whole blood, as this is the major whole blood product in use. When reviewing current knowledge on this, there is an abundance of publications demonstrating that in vitro, platelets in cold‐stored whole blood have a haemostatic capacity up to 14 days, and even after 21 and 35 days of storage depending on type of additive solution. There is a paucity of data on clinical trials of cold‐stored platelets, whereas there is an abundance of previous clinical experience with whole blood, both cold‐stored and fresh, as an efficacious and safe product for use in pre‐ and in‐hospital patients with life‐threatening bleeding.
The Effects of Recreational and Sportive Activities on the Quality of Life of Mothers with Autistic Children’s
Authors: Alp Hulusi
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of recreational activities and sports on the quality of life of the mothers of autistic children. The population of this study is the mothers of autistic children living in Isparta. A total of twenty (20) mothers were chosen using random sampling method and split into control and application groups with equal number of samples (10). Mothers in the application group attended a fifteen (15) days program with 8 hours of specially planned activities per day. The activities consisted of nature walks, trips to historical and artistic sites and social tours (zoo, historical ruins, picnic etc.) as well as sportive activities (swimming). WHOQOL-BREF (TR) Quaility of Life Assessment Instrument was used as a pre-test before the study and as a post-test after the study for evaluating the results of the study. Results were analyzed using SPSS statistical analysis software. Mean rank differences of independent variables between groups and mean differences within groups were compared using a non-parametric test. The alpha level for Type 1 errors was 0.05 (α=0.05). The results revealed a statistically significant difference between the mothers of autistic children in the control and the application groups and the quality of life of the mothers in the application group increased (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in quality of life of the mothers in the control group (p>0.05). Therefore, specially planned recreational and sportive activities improved the quality of life of the mothers with autistic children. The fact that no significant difference was observed in the control group can be due to the community of the mothers’ daily workload.
Toward Automatically Assessing the Novelty of Engineering Design Solutions
Authors: Siddharth L. , Madhusudanan N. , Chakrabarti Amaresh
Published: July 2019

We propose to automate the assessment of novelty during the early design stages, where the number of solution alternatives is high, and these alternatives are flexible. The novelty of a solution is measured as its distance from a reference product database. The distance is calculated by comparing the solution and a reference at different levels of abstraction, as defined by a casuality model called SAPPhIRE. The fundamental instrument of this comparison is a text similarity metric, which is integrated with the novelty score, a support for which is developed as an Android application, named IdeA-Novelty. The application of the algorithm upon 20 solutions reveals that the measurement is computationally expensive. The expert's ratings for the same solution set seem to vary drastically. We take this observation as the basis for an extensive discussion on novelty, an operational definition for which is proposed toward the end.
Multi-Fidelity Modeling and Adaptive Co-Kriging-Based Optimization for All-Electric Geostationary Orbit Satellite Systems
Authors: Shi Renhe , Liu Li , Long Teng , Wu Yufei , Gary Wang G.
Published: July 2019

All-electric geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite systems design is a challenging multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) problem, which is computation-intensive due to the employment of expensive simulations. In this paper, the all-electric GEO satellite MDO problem with multi-fidelity models is investigated. The MDO problem involving six inter-coupled disciplines is formulated to minimize the total mass of the satellite system subject to a number of engineering constraints. To reduce the computational cost of the multidisciplinary analysis (MDA) process, multi-fidelity transfer dynamics models and finite element analysis (FEA) models are developed for the geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) and structure disciplines, respectively. To effectively solve the all-electric GEO satellite MDO problem using multi-fidelity models, an adaptive Co-Kriging-based optimization framework is proposed. In this framework, the samples from a high-fidelity MDA process are integrated with those from a low-fidelity MDA process to create a Co-Kriging metamodel with a moderate computational cost for optimization. Besides, for refining the Co-Kriging metamodels, a multi-objective adaptive infill sampling approach is developed to produce the infill sample points in terms of the expected improvement (EI) and the probability of feasibility (PF) functions. Optimization results show that the proposed optimization framework can significantly reduce the total mass of satellite system with a limited computational budget, which demonstrates the effectiveness and practicality of the multi-fidelity modeling and adaptive Co-Kriging-based optimization framework for all-electric GEO satellite systems design.
Sensitivity Analysis and Interval Multi-Objective Optimization for an Occupant Restraint System Considering Craniocerebral Injury
Authors: Liu Qiming , Wu Xingfu , Han Xu , Liu Jie , Zhang Zheyi , Guo Shijie
Published: July 2019

In vehicle collision accidents, an occupant restraint system (ORS) is crucial to protect the human body from injury, and it commonly involves a large number of design parameters. However, it is very difficult to quantify the importance of design parameters and determine them in the ORS design process. Therefore, an approach of the combination of the proposed approximate sensitivity analysis (SA) method and the interval multi-objective optimization design is presented to reduce craniocerebral injury and improve ORS protection performance. First, to simulate the vehicle collision process and obtain the craniocerebral injury responses, the integrated finite element model of vehicle-occupant (IFEM-VO) is established by integrating the vehicle, dummy, seatbelt, airbag, etc. Then, the proposed approximate SA method is used to quantify the importance ranking of design parameters and ignore the effects of some nonessential parameters. In the SA process, the Kriging metamodel characterizing the relationships between design parameters and injury responses is fitted to overcome the time-consuming disadvantage of IFEM-VO. Finally, according to the results of SA, considering the influence of uncertainty, an interval multi-objective optimization design is implemented by treating the brain injury criteria (BRIC, BrIC) as the objectives and regarding the head injury criterion (HIC) and the rotational injury criterion (RIC) as the constraints. Comparison of the results before and after optimization indicates that the maximum values of the translational and rotational accelerations are greatly reduced, and the ORS protection performance is significantly improved. This study provides an effective way to improve the protection performance of vehicle ORS under uncertainty.
Denoising of cross-spectral matrices using canonical coherence
Authors: Hald Jørgen
Published: July 2019

Disturbing noise in microphone signals is an often occurring problem. The present paper has a main focus on measurements with microphone arrays in wind tunnels, where flow noise will be generated in the individual microphones. Considering stationary operational conditions, the cross-spectral matrix (CSM) is first averaged. Subsequently it is applied for aerodynamic noise-source mapping on a vehicle in the flow using one of several possible array processing algorithms. Several methods exist to suppress the flow-noise effects. Long-time averaging will gradually concentrate the flow-noise contributions on the CSM diagonal, and some array processing algorithms can avoid use of the diagonal. Other algorithms need the diagonal. Denoising methods that subtract a maximum of signal power from the diagonal, while retaining all off-diagonal elements unchanged and the matrix positive semidefinite, have been shown to be limited by remaining off-diagonal flow-noise contributions. A couple of algorithms exist that can overcome that limitation by supporting modifications outside the diagonal, but these methods seem to be limited by high computational cost or difficult parameter selection. The present paper introduces a unique canonical-coherence-based method, which is computationally very fast and with automated parameter selection. The performance is investigated through simulated and real measurements.
Ω76: A designed antimicrobial peptide to combat carbapenem- and tigecycline-resistantAcinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Nagarajan Deepesh , Roy Natasha , Kulkarni Omkar , Nanajkar Neha , Datey Akshay , Ravichandran Sathyabaarathi , Thakur Chandrani , T. Sandeep , Aprameya Indumathi V. , Sarma Siddhartha P. , Chakravortty Dipshikha , Chandra Nagasuma
Published: July 2019

Ω76 is a promising drug with remarkably low toxicity, which may be used in the future for treating highly resistant infections.
The gut microbiota influences skeletal muscle mass and function in mice
Authors: Lahiri Shawon , Kim Hyejin , Garcia-Perez Isabel , Reza Musarrat Maisha , Martin Katherine A. , Kundu Parag , Cox Laura M. , Selkrig Joel , Posma Joram M. , Zhang Hongbo , Padmanabhan Parasuraman , Moret Catherine , Gulyás Balázs , Blaser Martin J. , Auwerx Johan , Holmes Elaine , Nicholson Jeremy , Wahli Walter , Pettersson Sven
Published: July 2019

Transplanting the gut microbiota of pathogen-free mice into germ-free mice improves skeletal muscle mass and strength.
The 1918 influenza pandemic: 100 years of questions answered and unanswered
Authors: Taubenberger Jeffery K. , Kash John C. , Morens David M.
Published: July 2019

This Review summarizes key findings about the “Spanish” influenza pandemic and addresses implications for current pandemic response and control, including vaccination optimization.
Managing All the Genotypic Knowledge: Approach to a Septic Patient Colonized by Different
Enterobacteriales
with Unique Carbapenemases
Authors: Park Stacy C. , Wailan Alexander M. , Barry Katie E. , Vegesana Kasi , Carroll Joanne , Mathers Amy J. , Miller William R. , Munita Jose M.
Published: July 2019

The recent development of new antimicrobials active against carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacteriales
(CPE) has brought new hope for the treatment of infections due to these organisms. However, the evolving epidemiology of bacteria with carbapenemases may complicate management, as providers are faced with treating patients colonized by bacteria producing multiple carbapenemases.
Amphotericin B Induction with Voriconazole Consolidation as Salvage Therapy for
FKS
-Associated Echinocandin Resistance in Candida glabrata Septic Arthritis and Osteomyelitis
Authors: Wright William F. , Bejou Nika , Shields Ryan K. , Marr Kieren , McCarty Todd P. , Pappas Peter G.
Published: July 2019

We report the case of a 61-year-old female with Crohn’s disease dependent on total parenteral nutrition who developed a central venous catheter bloodstream infection and septic arthritis, complicated further by osteomyelitis and persistent
Candida glabrata
fungemia. Fluconazole treatment led to persistent infection, and micafungin therapy failed with development of
FKS
-associated resistance. Infection responded after initiation of amphotericin B plus voriconazole.
Evaluation of the Gradient Concentration Strip Method for Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Isavuconazole and Comparators for
Mucorales
Species
Authors: Vidal Pauline , Schwarz Patrick , Dannaoui Eric
Published: July 2019

MIC values for amphotericin B and three azoles determined by the EUCAST reference technique and by gradient concentration strips were compared for 30
Mucorales
isolates belonging to clinically important species. Essential agreement (EA) within ±2 dilution steps at 24 hours between the techniques was 83.3% for isavuconazole. EAs for itraconazole, amphotericin B, and posaconazole were 86.7%, 73.3%, and 56.7%, respectively.
A Parasite Biomarker Set for Evaluating Benznidazole Treatment Efficacy in Patients with Chronic Asymptomatic Trypanosoma cruzi Infection
Authors: Egui Adriana , Thomas M. Carmen , Fernández-Villegas Ana , Pérez-Antón Elena , Gómez Inmaculada , Carrilero Bartolomé , del Pozo Ángel , Ceballos Maialen , Andrés-León Eduardo , López-Ruz Miguel Ángel , Gainza Eusebio , Oquiñena Enrique , Segovia Manuel , López Manuel Carlos
Published: July 2019

One of the current greatest challenges of Chagas disease is the establishment of biomarkers to assess the efficacy of drugs in a short period of time. In this context, the reactivity of sera from 66 adults with chronic indeterminate Chagas disease (IND) for a set of four
Trypanosoma cruzi
antigens (KMP11, PFR2, HSP70, and 3973
d
) was analyzed before and after benznidazole treatment.
The Complete Genome of the Atypical Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Archetype Isolate E110019 Highlights a Role for Plasmids in Dissemination of the Type III Secreted Effector EspT
Authors: Hazen Tracy H. , Rasko David A.
Published: July 2019

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) is a leading cause of moderate to severe diarrhea among young children in developing countries, and EPEC isolates can be subdivided into two groups. Typical EPEC (tEPEC) bacteria are characterized by the presence of both the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) and the plasmid-encoded bundle-forming pilus (BFP), which are involved in adherence and translocation of type III effectors into the host cells.
Interferon-Inducible MicroRNA miR-128 Modulates HIV-1 Replication by Targeting TNPO3 mRNA
Authors: Bochnakian Aurore , Zhen Anjie , Zisoulis Dimitrios G. , Idica Adam , KewalRamani Vineet N. , Neel Nicholas , Daugaard Iben , Hamdorf Matthias , Kitchen Scott , Lee KyeongEun , Pedersen Irene Munk
Published: July 2019

HIV-1 is the causative agent of AIDS. During HIV-1 infection, type I interferons (IFNs) are induced, and their effectors limit HIV-1 replication at multiple steps in its life cycle. However, the cellular targets of INFs are still largely unknown. In this study, we identified the interferon-inducible microRNA (miR) miR-128, a novel antiviral mediator that suppresses the expression of the host gene TNPO3, which is known to modulate HIV-1 replication. Notably, we observe that anti-miR-128 partly neutralizes the IFN-mediated block of HIV-1. Elucidation of the mechanisms through which miR-128 impairs HIV-1 replication may provide novel candidates for the development of therapeutic interventions.
Pharmacologic Activation of Lytic Epstein-Barr Virus Gene Expression without Virion Production
Authors: Lee Jaeyeun , Kosowicz John G. , Hayward S. Diane , Desai Prashant , Stone Jennifer , Lee Jae Myun , Liu Jun O. , Ambinder Richard F.
Published: July 2019

Epstein-Barr virus is associated with many different cancers. In these cancers the viral genome is predominantly latent; i.e., most viral genes are not expressed, most viral proteins are not synthesized, and new virions are not produced. Some strategies for treating these cancers involve activation of lytic viral gene expression. We identify an antibacterial antibiotic, clofoctol, that is an activator of EBV lytic RNA and protein expression but that does not lead to virion production.
Nearly Complete Genome Sequence of a Serotype 1 Fowl Adenovirus Strain Isolated in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Zhang Mengdi , Hu Yage , Zhang Chengcheng , Guo Mengjiao , Cao Yongzhong , Zhang Xiaorong , Wu Yantao
Published: July 2019

Here, we report the nearly complete genome sequence of nonpathogenic serotype 1 fowl adenovirus (FAdV) strain JS2017, which was isolated in Jiangsu Province of China. The JS2017 genome is 43,681 bp long. We propose that this virus could serve as a viral vector for future poultry vaccine research.
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Annotation of Clostridium tyrobutyricum Strain Cirm BIA 2237, Isolated from Silage
Authors: Munier Edouard , Licandro-Séraut Hélène , Achilleos Christine , Cachon Rémy , Beuvier Eric
Published: July 2019

Clostridium tyrobutyricum
is the main bacterial species leading to the late blowing defect, a major cause of spoilage in semihard and hard cheeses. This study reports the complete genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation of
C. tyrobutyricum
strain Cirm BIA 2237, formerly called CNRZ 608, isolated from silage.
Complete Genome Sequence of Duncaniella muris Strain B8, Isolated from the Feces of C57/BL6 Mice
Authors: Miyake Sou , Ding Yichen , Soh Melissa , Seedorf Henning
Published: July 2019

Here, the complete genome sequence of
Duncaniella muris
strain B8 is presented. The anaerobic strain was isolated from the feces of C57/BL6 mice and is closely related to
D. muris
strain DSM 103720, which is the type strain of the recently proposed genus
Duncaniella
of the
Muribaculaceae
.
Persistent physical symptoms reduction intervention: a system change and evaluation (PRINCE)—integrated GP care for persistent physical symptoms: protocol for a feasibility and cluster randomised waiting list, controlled trial
Authors: Patel Meenal , James Kirsty , Moss-Morris Rona , Husain Mujtaba , Ashworth Mark , Frank Philipp , Ferreira Nicola , Mosweu Iris , McCrone Paul , Hotopf Matthew , David Anthony , Landau Sabine , Chalder Trudie
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Persistent physical symptoms (PPS), also known as medically unexplained symptoms are associated with profound physical disability, psychological distress and high healthcare costs. England’s annual National Health Service costs of attempting to diagnose and treat PPS amounts to approximately £3 billion. Current treatment relies on a positive diagnosis, life-style advice and drug therapy. However, many patients continue to suffer from ongoing symptoms and general practitioners (GPs) are challenged to find effective treatments. Training GPs in basic cognitive behavioural skills and providing self-help materials to patients could be useful, but availability in primary care settings is limited.

Methods and analysis

A cluster randomised waiting list, controlled trial will be conducted to assess the feasibility of an integrated approach to care in general practice. Approximately 240 patients with PPS will be recruited from 8 to 12 GP practices in London. GP practices will be randomised to ‘integrated GP care plus treatment as usual’ or waiting list control. Integrated GP care plus treatment as usual will include GP training in cognitive behavioural skills, GP supervision and written and audio visual materials for both GPs and participants. The primary objectives will be assessment of trial and intervention feasibility. Secondary objectives will include estimating the intracluster correlation coefficient for potential outcome measures for cluster effects in a sample size calculation. Feasibility parameters and identification of suitable primary and secondary outcomes for future trial evaluations will be assessed prerandomisation and at 12 and 24 weeks’ postrandomisation, using a mixed-methods approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by the Camberwell St Giles Ethics Committee. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. This trial will inform researchers, clinicians, patients and healthcare providers about the feasibility and potential cost-effectiveness of an integrated approach to managing PPS in primary care.

Trial registration number

NCT02444520; Pre-results.
Never events in general practice: a focus group study exploring the views of English and Scottish general practitioners of ‘never events’
Authors: Morris Rebecca L , Cheraghi-Sohi Sudeh , Bowie Paul , Esmail Aneez , de Wet Carl , Campbell Stephen M
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To examine general practitioner (GP) understanding of the never event (NE) concept in general practice, and to identify potential enablers and barriers to implementation in UK general practice.

Design

Qualitative study using focus groups. The data were analysed thematically and were informed by the normalisation process theory.

Setting

General practice in Northwest England and Southwest Scotland.

Participants

25 GPs took part in five focus groups. 13 GPs were female and 12 male with an age range of 28–60.

Results

The NE approach of avoiding serious preventable adverse outcomes from healthcare fitted with participants expectations of the delivery of care but the implementation of strategies to prevent the specific NE was considered complex and variable. The main themes identified participants’ understandings and perceived limitations of the NE concept; the embedded layers of responsibility to implement NE within practices and the work required for implementation within general practices. Participants’ accounts highlighted the differential nature of work in general practice and that the implementation of initiatives to address specific NE should be situated within a learning and systems approach to implementation. Some NEs were considered more relevant and amenable to simple solutions than others which could influence implementation.

Conclusions

The NE concept was considered overall an important approach to help address key primary care patient safety issues. The utility of individual NEs may vary depending on the complexity of the initiatives that would be needed to manage related risks to as low as reasonably practicable.
Editors’ and authors’ individual conflicts of interest disclosure and journal transparency. A cross-sectional study of high-impact medical specialty journals
Authors: Dal-Ré Rafael , Caplan Arthur L , Marusic Ana
Published: July 2019

Objective

To assess the fulfilment of authors’ and editors’ individual disclosure of potential conflicts of interest in a group of highly influential medicine journals across a variety of specialties.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis.

Setting and participants

Top-ranked five journals as per 2017 Journal Citation Report impact factor of 26 medical, surgery and imaging specialties.

Interventions

Observational analysis.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Percentage of journals requiring disclosure of authors’ and editors’ individual potential conflicts of interest (CoI). Journals that were listed as followers of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) Recommendations, members of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and linked to a third party (ie, college, professional association/society, public institution).

Results

Although 99% (129/130) of journals required author’s CoI disclosure, only 12% (16/130) reported individual editors’ potential CoIs. Forty−five per cent (58/130) of journals were followers of the ICMJE Recommendations, and 73% (95/130) were COPE members. Most (69%; 90/130) were linked to a college, professional society/association or public institution. Only one journal did not have policies on individual authors’ and editors’ CoI disclosure.

Conclusion

Very few high-impact medical journals disclosed their editorial teams’ individual potential CoIs—conversely, almost all required disclosure of authors’ individual CoIs. Journal followers of the ICMJE Recommendations should regularly disclose the editors’ individual CoIs, as this is the only legitimate way to ask the same transparency of authors.
Predicting patient-reported and objectively measured functional outcome 6 months after ankle fracture in people aged 60 years or over in the UK: prognostic model development and internal validation
Authors: Keene David J , Vadher Karan , Willett Keith , Mistry Dipesh , Costa Matthew L , Collins Gary S , Lamb Sarah E
Published: July 2019

Objective

To predict functional outcomes 6 months after ankle fracture in people aged ≥60 years using post-treatment and 6-week follow-up data to inform anticipated recovery, and identify people who may benefit from additional monitoring or rehabilitation.

Design

Prognostic model development and internal validation.

Setting

24 National Health Service hospitals, UK.

Methods

Participants were the Ankle Injury Management clinical trial cohort (n=618) (ISRCTN04180738), aged 60–96 years, 459/618 (74%) female, treated surgically or conservatively for unstable ankle fracture. Predictors were injury and sociodemographic variables collected at baseline (acute hospital setting) and 6-week follow-up (clinic). Outcome measures were 6-month postinjury (primary) self-reported ankle function, using the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), and (secondary) Timed Up and Go (TUG) test by blinded assessor. Missing data were managed with single imputation. Multivariable linear regression models were built to predict OMAS or TUG, using baseline variables or baseline and 6-week follow-up variables. Models were internally validated using bootstrapping.

Results

The OMAS baseline data model included: alcohol per week (units), postinjury EQ-5D-3L visual analogue scale (VAS), sex, preinjury walking distance and walking aid use, smoking status and perceived health status. The baseline/6-week data model included the same baseline variables, minus EQ-5D-3L VAS, plus five 6-week predictors: radiological malalignment, injured ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion range of motion, and 6-week OMAS and EQ-5D-3L. The models explained approximately 23% and 26% of the outcome variation, respectively. Similar baseline and baseline/6 week data models to predict TUG explained around 30% and 32% of the outcome variation, respectively.

Conclusions

Predictive accuracy of the prognostic models using commonly recorded clinical data to predict self-reported or objectively measured ankle function was relatively low and therefore unlikely to be beneficial for clinical practice and counselling of patients. Other potential predictors (eg, psychological factors such as catastrophising and fear avoidance) should be investigated to improve predictive accuracy.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN04180738; Post-results.