bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ectopic medullary (C cell) thyroid carcinoma in a dog with pericardial effusion
Authors: Hamilton‐Elliott Julie , Finotello Riccardo , Murgia Daniela , Blundell Richard , Dukes‐McEwan Joanna
Published: October 2018

A six‐year‐old, female, neutered crossbreed was presented to the University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital for evaluation of pericardial effusion. Diagnostic imaging confirmed pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade in addition to a mass located at the heart base. Thoracic CT revealed a strongly contrast‐enhancing soft‐tissue mass right lateral to the ascending aorta and ventral to the cranial vena cava with no evidence of metastatic disease. Subsequently, a subtotal pericardectomy was performed, and the mass was incompletely excised. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed the mass to be an ectopic thyroid carcinoma of medullary (C cell) origin. The patient was treated with adjunctive chemotherapy (toceranib phosphate). Repeat staging two months later revealed no evidence of macroscopic tumour recurrence or metastatic disease. The patient was subsequently euthanased two months later due to complications of concurrent but unrelated hepatic disease.
Ivor Reginald Waddelow
Authors: Jones Ronald , Richards Peter , Waddelow John
Published: October 2018

A conscientious veterinary surgeon and a devout Christian. After retiring from veterinary practice he was ordained as a Baptist minister.
Route guidance during evacuations integrated with perimeter control strategy in large-scale mixed traffic flow networks
Authors: Liu Mianfang , Han Dongchu , Li Dongmei , Wang Ming
Published: October 2018

Recent efficient monitoring and traffic management of large-scale mixed traffic networks still remain a challenge for both traffic researchers and practitioners. The difficulty in modeling route guidance evacuation of pedestrian-vehicle mixed flow lies in mixed flow and uneven or heterogeneous network flow. Existing studies have demonstrated that multi-region control can display different layers of traffic state measurement and control, and incorporate heterogeneity effect in the large-scale network dynamics. The optimal perimeter control can manipulate the percentages of flows that transfer between two regions, offering real-time traffic management strategies to improve the network performance. However, the effect of route guidance evacuation integrated with perimeter control strategies in case of heterogeneous traffic networks is still unexplored. The paper advances in this direction by firstly extending route choice behavior aggregation with perimeter control. For an evacuation study, we consider a campus and its surrounding traffic network that can be classified into two types of networks: the first includes emergency areas that involve a large number of evacuees, and the second includes roads that lead to different destinations. The second network consists of some regions with different evacuation directions. Based on the configuration, this paper proposes a route evacuation guidance control strategy that addresses traffic flow first assignment between regions by controlling perimeter flow with the help of Macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD) representation and to guide evacuates’ route choice at intersections by LOGIT model in regions. In addition, comparison results show that the proposed route guidance strategy has considerable potential to improve performances and equilibrium conditions (i.e. system optimum and user equilibrium) on the overall network.
Tensions in the ΛCDM and vacuum dynamics
Authors: Solà Peracaula Joan
Published: October 2018

Recent analyses of modern cosmological data show that the [Formula: see text] hypothesis, despite being the canonical framework, might well not be the most favored one from the phenomenological point of view. A number of persisting tensions with the observations (particularly with the data on structure formation and the local measurements of the Hubble parameter) indicate that the concordance or [Formula: see text]CDM model of cosmology might be in trouble. The combined fit to SNIa+BAO+H(z)+LSS+BBN+CMB observables shows that the performance of the [Formula: see text]CDM is not as good as could be expected, and in fact it may lag behind the fitting outcome from dynamical dark energy (DDE) models. A simple XCDM parameterization seems to perform better than the [Formula: see text]CDM. Furthermore, the running vacuum model (RVM) could also be superior in fitting the overall data and in smoothing out some of the mentioned tensions.
Neutron to dark matter decay in neutron stars
Authors: Motta T. F. , Guichon P. A. M. , Thomas A. W.
Published: October 2018

Recent proposals have suggested that a previously unknown decay mode of the neutron into a dark matter particle could solve the long lasting measurement problem of the neutron decay width. We show that, if the dark particle in neutron decay is the major component of the dark matter in the universe, this proposal is in disagreement with modern astrophysical data concerning neutron star masses.
Unrestricted wreath products and sofic groups
Authors: Arzhantseva Goulnara , Berlai Federico , Finn-Sell Martin , Glebsky Lev
Published: October 2018

We show that the unrestricted wreath product of a sofic group by an amenable group is sofic. We use this result to present an alternative proof of the known fact that any group extension with sofic kernel and amenable quotient is again a sofic group. Our approach exploits the famous Kaloujnine–Krasner theorem and extends, with an additional argument, to hyperlinear-by-amenable groups.
Review of Compact Data Structures - a practical approach by Gonzalo Navarro
Authors: Kozma László
Published: October 2018

The book studies fundamental data structures and representations of combinatorial objects, including arrays, bitvectors, permutations, trees, graphs, etc. There are, of course, a great number of existing textbooks and lecture notes about data structures. The perspective of this book is, however, different from the usual presentations. In some sense, this book starts exactly where others leave off saying "we omit the low-level details of representation", and concerns itself mostly with the low-level representation. Specifically, it looks at how to organize and store data structures using as little space as possible while supporting efficient queries and operations. For the considered structures, the book explores the trade-off between reduced space and speed of operation. The analyses of the presented solutions go beyond the usual asymptotics, and also consider exact constant factors (particularly for the leading term of the space complexity); useful practical considerations are also discussed.
Probability and Computing
Authors: Srinivasan Aravind
Published: October 2018

The power of randomization in the computational context is one of the fundamental discoveries of computer science; furthermore, statistical and probabilistic reasoning is indispensable for modern-day data analysis and data science. In this significantly-expanded second edition, the authors (continuing to assume exposure to just basic discrete probability) present a unified treatment of probabilistic concepts useful for modern computer science and data science.
SIGACT News Complexity Theory Column 99
Authors: Hemaspaandra Lane A.
Published: October 2018

To call these papers in uential would be a comic understatement. In fact, what these papers did is to help set the framework in which theoretical computer science would grow. Reductions are perhaps the most central way in which theoretical computer science relates one problem's complexity to another, and these two papers largely sculpted and powerfully explored the landscape of both polynomial-time and logspace reductions.
The Changing Nature of Employee and Labor-Management Relationships
Authors: Kochan Thomas A. , Riordan Christine A. , Kowalski Alexander M. , Khan Mahreen , Yang Duanyi
Published: October 2018

This article reviews work and employment research, paying particular attention to theory and applications by scholars in organizational psychology and organizational behavior (OP/OB) and employment or industrial relations (ER), with the objective of better understanding employee and labor-management relationships. Our animating premise is that juxtaposing these two research traditions provides a stronger basis for analyzing these relationships today. OP/OB offer micro- and meso-level focuses, whereas ER focuses on organizations, collective actors, and labor markets, with an emphasis on historical context. We hope this review motivates efforts to think about and build new social and psychological contracts that are attuned to the evolving dynamics present in the economy, workforce, and society. To this end, we look to the future and propose ways of deepening, broadening, and accelerating the pace of research that might lead to useful changes in practices, institutions, and public policies.
Clinical Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for Pathogen Detection
Authors: Gu Wei , Miller Steve , Chiu Charles Y.
Published: October 2018

Nearly all infectious agents contain DNA or RNA genomes, making sequencing an attractive approach for pathogen detection. The cost of high-throughput or next-generation sequencing has been reduced by several orders of magnitude since its advent in 2004, and it has emerged as an enabling technological platform for the detection and taxonomic characterization of microorganisms in clinical samples from patients. This review focuses on the application of untargeted metagenomic next-generation sequencing to the clinical diagnosis of infectious diseases, particularly in areas in which conventional diagnostic approaches have limitations. The review covers ( a) next-generation sequencing technologies and common platforms, ( b) next-generation sequencing assay workflows in the clinical microbiology laboratory, ( c) bioinformatics analysis of metagenomic next-generation sequencing data, ( d) validation and use of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for diagnosing infectious diseases, and ( e) significant case reports and studies in this area. Next-generation sequencing is a new technology that has the promise to enhance our ability to diagnose, interrogate, and track infectious diseases.
RNA Binding Proteins and the Pathogenesis of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
Authors: Hofmann Jeffrey W. , Seeley William W. , Huang Eric J.
Published: October 2018

Frontotemporal dementia is a group of early onset dementia syndromes linked to underlying frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) pathology that can be classified based on the formation of abnormal protein aggregates involving tau and two RNA binding proteins, TDP-43 and FUS. Although elucidation of the mechanisms leading to FTLD pathology is in progress, recent advances in genetics and neuropathology indicate that a majority of FTLD cases with proteinopathy involving RNA binding proteins show highly congruent genotype–phenotype correlations. Specifically, recent studies have uncovered the unique properties of the low-complexity domains in RNA binding proteins that can facilitate liquid–liquid phase separation in the formation of membraneless organelles. Furthermore, there is compelling evidence that mutations in FTLD genes lead to dysfunction in diverse cellular pathways that converge on the endolysosomal pathway, autophagy, and neuroinflammation. Together, these results provide key mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of FTLD.
Cardiorespiratory responses in different types of squats and frequencies of whole body vibration in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Lage Vanessa K. S. , Lacerda Ana Cristina R. , Neves Camila D. C. , Chaves Maria Gabriela A. , Soares Aline A. , Lima Liliana P. , Matos Mariana A. , Leite Hércules R. , Fernandes José Sebastião C. , Oliveira Vinicius Cunha , Mendonça Vanessa A.
Published: October 2018

This study aims to investigate the cardiorespiratory responses to different vibration frequencies to characterize the intensity of exercise, as well as to compare the effect of two types of squatting exercises (static and dynamic) on the whole body vibration (WBV) exercise in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twenty-six subjects were divided and paired into healthy and COPD groups that performed static squatting associated with WBV (frequencies: 30, 35, and 40 Hz; amplitude: 2 mm) and dynamic squatting associated with WBV (frequency: 35 Hz; amplitude 2 mm) on a vertical vibration platform. Oxygen consumption (V̇o2), heart rate (HR), minute ventilation (V̇e), ratio of minute ventilation to oxygen production (V̇e/V̇o2), ratio of minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production (V̇e/V̇co2), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and rating of perceived exertion were measured. For both groups, there was a decrease in V̇e/V̇o2 and V̇e/V̇co2 ratios during static and dynamic squats, as well as an increase in other cardiorespiratory parameters, and no significant difference existed between them. There was an effect of the type of squat on the HR variation; the values in the static squat were higher than those of the dynamic squat in both groups. There was a significant difference with a reduction in SpO2 at 40 Hz frequency when compared with 30 Hz in the COPD group. The other variables behaved similarly between the frequencies. The WBV exercise, regardless of the frequencies used, represented a mild effort that promoted cardiorespiratory response in COPD, with greater responses in the static squat and no adverse effect.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study showed that an acute session of light exercise of whole body vibration (WBV) can increase the cardiorespiratory responses in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), reaching values similar to that of the control group. The results might contribute, therefore, to the elaboration of exercise protocols with WBV for the treatment of patients with COPD during rehabilitation. Thus, future studies referring to training on the vibratory platform could use these exercise parameters and demonstrate possible long-term benefits.
Physiologic and histopathologic effects of targeted lung denervation in an animal model
Authors: Hummel James P. , Mayse Martin L. , Dimmer Steve , Johnson Philip J.
Published: October 2018

Parasympathetic efferent innervation of the lung is the primary source of lung acetylcholine. Inhaled long-acting anticholinergics improve lung function and symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Targeted lung denervation (TLD), a bronchoscopic procedure intended to disrupt pulmonary parasympathetic inputs, is an experimental treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The physiologic and histologic effects of TLD have not previously been assessed. Eleven sheep and two dogs underwent circumferential ablation of the main bronchi with simultaneous balloon surface cooling using a lung denervation system (Nuvaira, Inc., Minneapolis, MN). Changes in pulmonary air flow resistance were monitored before and following TLD. Four animals were assessed for the presence or abolishment of the sensory axon-mediated Hering-Breuer reflex before and following TLD. Six sheep were histologically evaluated 30 days post-TLD for the extent of lung denervation (axonal staining) and effect on peribronchial structures near the treatment site. No adverse clinical effects were seen in any treated animals. TLD produced a ~30% reduction in pulmonary resistance and abolished the sensory-mediated Hering-Breuer reflex. Axonal staining was consistently decreased 60% at 30 days after TLD. All treated airways exhibited 100% epithelial integrity. Damage to other peribronchial structures was minimal. Tissue 1 cm proximal and distal to the treatment was normal, and the esophagus and periesophageal vagus nerve branches were unaffected. TLD treatment effectively denervates the lung while protecting the bronchial epithelium and minimizing effects on peribronchial structures.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The feasibility of targeted lung denervation, a new minimally invasive therapy for obstructive lung disease, has been demonstrated in humans with preliminary clinical studies demonstrating improvement in symptoms, pulmonary function, and exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This preclinical animal study demonstrates the ability of targeted lung denervation to disrupt vagal inputs to the lung and details its physiologic and histopathologic effects.
Acute Brucellosis Presenting as an Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Meena Durga Shankar , Sonwal Vikram Singh , Rohila Amit Kumar , Meena Vasudha
Published: October 2018

Brucellosis is one of the most widespread zoonosis in the world. Hematological complications in brucellosis usually present as mild anemia, leukopenia, or pancytopenia. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in brucellosis is rarely reported. Here, we report an 18-year-old female presented to us with progressive fatigue, jaundice, and fever. Hematological investigations revealed hemolytic anemia. Direct Coombs test was positive. Further evaluation showed positive serology and culture for Brucella. The patient was diagnosed with brucellosis with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. She was put on rifampicin and doxycycline along with corticosteroids. After 6 weeks, the patient was symptomatically improved with complete remission of hemolytic anemia. The possibility of brucellosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, especially those living in the endemic areas.
Road-Feature-Based Multiparameter Road Complexity Calculation Model of Off-Road Environment
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Li Zhiwei , Gao Li , Xiong Jian
Published: October 2018

To promote the development of unmanned ground vehicle technologies, it is necessary to design a scientific and reasonable test method. Road is an important part of test environmental elements, and different road conditions can examine the adaptability of unmanned ground vehicles to the environment. Therefore, the scientific calculation of road complexity is of great importance. Previous studies on road are mainly based on the concept of road roughness; however due to the unicity of road feature indicators, road complexity can only be reflected to a certain extent. This paper proposes a new road-feature-based multiparameter road complexity calculation model of off-road environment to show the complexity of road more comprehensively. First, a multi-sensor-based data acquisition mobile platform is established to obtain more complete road data. Then, based on the analysis of road feature, road indicators like three-dimensional scale, average slope, and adhesion characteristics of travelable area are obtained. According to the analysis methods of road roughness, the principle of analytic hierarchy process, and the data collected from off-road environment, the calculation model of road complexity is determined. Finally, by calculating complexities of several cross-country roads, the feasibility of this model is verified, which provides a theoretical support for the scientific calculation and quantitative analysis of different road complexities.
Shielding IoT against Cyber‐Attacks: An Event‐Based Approach Using SIEM
Authors: Díaz López Daniel , Blanco Uribe María , Santiago Cely Claudia , Vega Torres Andrés , Moreno Guataquira Nicolás , Morón Castro Stefany , Nespoli Pantaleone , Gómez Mármol Félix
Published: October 2018

Due to the growth of IoT (Internet of Things) devices in different industries and markets in recent years and considering the currently insufficient protection for these devices, a security solution safeguarding IoT architectures are highly desirable. An interesting perspective for the development of security solutions is the use of an event management approach, knowing that an event may become an incident when an information asset is affected under certain circumstances. The paper at hand proposes a security solution based on the management of security events within IoT scenarios in order to accurately identify suspicious activities. To this end, different vulnerabilities found in IoT devices are described, as well as unique features that make these devices an appealing target for attacks. Finally, three IoT attack scenarios are presented, describing exploited vulnerabilities, security events generated by the attack, and accurate responses that could be launched to help decreasing the impact of the attack on IoT devices. Our analysis demonstrates that the proposed approach is suitable for protecting the IoT ecosystem, giving an adequate protection level to the IoT devices.
Neuroinflammatory Cytokines Induce Amyloid Beta Neurotoxicity through Modulating Amyloid Precursor Protein Levels/Metabolism
Authors: Alasmari Fawaz , Alshammari Musaad A. , Alasmari Abdullah F. , Alanazi Wael A. , Alhazzani Khalid
Published: October 2018

Neuroinflammation has been observed in association with neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In particular, a positive correlation has been documented between neuroinflammatory cytokine release and the progression of the AD, which suggests these cytokines are involved in AD pathophysiology. A histological hallmark of the AD is the presence of beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles. Beta-amyloid is generated by the sequential cleavage of beta (β) and gamma (γ) sites in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β- and γ-secretase enzymes and its accumulation can result from either a decreased Aβ clearance or increased metabolism of APP. Previous studies reported that neuroinflammatory cytokines reduce the efflux transport of Aβ, leading to elevated Aβ concentrations in the brain. However, less is known about the effects of neuroinflammatory mediators on APP expression and metabolism. In this article, we review the modulatory role of neuroinflammatory cytokines on APP expression and metabolism, including their effects on β- and γ-secretase enzymes.
Croatian National Data and Comparison with European Practice: Data from the Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Survey II Multicenter Registry
Authors: Brusich Sandro , Zeljković Ivan , Pavlovic Nikola , Anić Ante , Jurišić Zrinka , Židan David , Klasan Marina , Čubranić Zlatko , Dickstein Kenneth , Linde Cecilia , Normand Camilla , Manola Sime
Published: October 2018

Aims. The Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) Survey II was conducted between October 2015 and December 2016 and included data from 11088 CRT implantations from 42 countries. The survey’s aim was to report on current European CRT practice. The aim of this study was to compare the Croatian national CRT practice with the European data. Methods. Five centres from Croatia recruited consecutive patients, in a 15-month period, who underwent CRT implantation, primary or an upgrade. Data were collected prospectively by using online database. Results. A total of 115 patients were included in Croatia, which is 33.2% of all CRT implants in Croatia during the study period (total n=346). Median age of the study population was 67 (61–73) years, and 21.2% were women. Primary heart failure (HF) aetiology was nonischemic in 61.1% of patients, and HF with wide QRS was the most common indication for the implantation (73.5%). 80% of patients had complete left bundle branch block, and over two-third had QRS ≥150 ms. Device-related adverse events were recorded in 4.3% of patients. When compared with European countries, Croatian patients were significantly younger (67 vs. 70 years, p=0.012), had similar rate of comorbidities with the exception of higher prevalence of hypertension. Croatian patients significantly more often received CRT-pacemaker when compared with European population (58.3 vs. 29.9%, OR 3.27, 95%CI 2.25–4.74, p<0.001). Conclusion. Our data indicate strict selection of patients among HF population and adherence to guidelines with exception of higher proportion of CRT-pacemaker implantation. This is likely to be influenced by healthcare organization and reimbursement issues in Croatia.
Increased Autophagy Enhances the Resistance to Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis Human Fibroblast-Like Synovial Cell
Authors: Dai Yujie , Ding Jingjing , Yin Wen , He Yuzhu , Yu Fei , Ye Cong , Hu Shaoxian , Yu Yikai
Published: October 2018

Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) was reported to increase autophagy in rheumatoid arthritis human fibroblast-like synovial cell (RA-HFLS). We investigated different levels of TNF-α exposed to RA-HFLS by focusing on the relationship of autophagy and apoptosis. RA-HFLS and normal human fibroblast-like synovial cell (HFLS) were stimulated by TNF-α in the presence or the absence of 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or chloroquine (CQ). Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Autophagy was determined through the expression levels of LC3, Beclin1, and P62 measured by Western Blot analysis as well as Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. The basal autophagy level was significantly higher in RA-HFLS than in HFLS. Autophagy was enhanced both in RA-HFLS and HFLS when they were treated with TNF-α. With the treatment of TNF-α, a slightly higher autophagy level was found in RA-HFLS than in HFLS, without a dose dependent effect. When autophagy was inhibited by 3-MA or CQ, apoptosis increased in both groups. With the stimulation of different doses TNF-α, apoptosis was much higher in HFLS group than in RA-HFLS. Autophagy is a protection mechanism when treated by TNF-α in RA-HFLS.
Emergency Trench Shoring and Rescue: A Simplified Method for Calculating Lateral Earth Pressures
Authors: Taylor Oliver-Denzil S. , LaBaw S. Marie
Published: October 2018

Emergency trench shoring design for rescue operations has no reliable standard to determine lateral earth pressures. As a result, the first responder community is forced either to rely predominantly on either “rule‐of‐thumb” methods or similarly to assume the OSHA 29 CFR for Type C soil to determine a “worst‐case scenario.” However, the use of generalized methods, i.e., the C‐80, is not officially supported by OSHA standards, which are overly conservative and do not reflect the observations of actual trench surface failures. Additionally, the shoring system requirements can be unnecessarily prohibitive in short‐term emergency operations. The current “rule‐of‐thumb” method used by first responders underestimates braced earth pressures for weak sandy soils and is not recommended for continued use. Therefore, a simplified soil mechanics‐based lateral earth pressure framework, the “T‐L method,” that accurately represents actual earth pressures based on the in situ soil failure conditions, is presented. The T‐L method is validated against Coulomb earth pressure theories and braced excavation thrust pressures for Type C soils. The results indicate a significant reduction in estimated lateral earth pressures which are typically required for a standard construction shoring system design, while providing an adequate and safe emergency rescue shoring standard for first responders.
A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, Parallel-Group Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Curene® versus Placebo in Reducing Symptoms of Knee OA
Authors: Panda Sanjib kumar , Nirvanashetty Somashekara , Parachur Vivek A. , Mohanty Nilima , Swain Tathastu
Published: October 2018

Background. Curene® is a bioavailable formulation of turmeric  Curcucma longa extract comprising naturally derived curcuminoids formulated with proprietary Aquasome® technology. Curcuminoids were found to have anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme and hence have potential application in the treatment of Osteoarthritis (OA). To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Curene® a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, parallel-group study was conducted in subjects with knee OA. Significant improvements in clinical endpoints were observed during the trial along with excellent safety profile. Methods. Fifty (50) subjects aged between 40 and 75 years who were suffering from unilateral or bilateral OA of the knee for greater than 3 months according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were enrolled. They were randomized into two treatment groups; one group received Curene® 500 mg once daily and the other group received placebo. Efficacy was evaluated using change from baseline in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score. Biochemical and hematological parameters including urine analysis were performed to evaluate the safety of Curene® in OA patients. Result. Forty-six (46) subjects completed the study. The reduction from baseline in total WOMAC score (also subscale scores) and VAS score resulted in statistically significant difference when compared to placebo. It was also found to be safe and well tolerated as there was no incidence of treatment related AEs. Conclusion. Curene® results in statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in pain, stiffness, and improvement in physical functioning in subjects suffering from knee OA. Curene® also demonstrates excellent safety profile during the study. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with Clinical Trial Registry, India, CTRI/2017/07/009044, registered on 14th July 2017, http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/showallp.php?mid1=19264&EncHid=&userName=ocius%20life%20sciences.
10 Fr S-Type Plastic Pancreatic Stents in Chronic Pancreatitis Are Effective for the Treatment of Pancreatic Duct Strictures and Pancreatic Stones
Authors: Ito Ken , Okano Naoki , Hara Seiichi , Takuma Kensuke , Yoshimoto Kensuke , Iwasaki Susumu , Kishimoto Yui , Igarashi Yoshinori
Published: October 2018

Aim. Endoscopic pancreatic stenting for refractory pancreatic duct strictures associated with impacted pancreatic stones in chronic pancreatitis cases has yielded conflicting results. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of endoscopic treatment in chronic pancreatitis patients with pancreatic duct strictures. Methods. Pancreatic sphincterotomy, dilatation procedures, pancreatic brush cytology, and pancreatic juice cytology were routinely performed, and malignant diseases were excluded. After gradual dilatation, a 10 Fr plastic pancreatic stent was inserted. The stents were replaced every 3 months and removed after the strictures were dilated. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the risk of main pancreatic duct restenosis. Results. Endoscopic pancreatic stents were successfully placed in 41 of a total of 59 patients (69.5%). The median duration of pancreatic stenting was 276 days. Pain relief was obtained in 37 of 41 patients (90.2%). Seventeen patients (41.5%) had recurrence of main pancreatic duct stricture, and restenting was performed in 16 patients (average placement period 260 days). During the follow-up period, pancreatic cancer developed in three patients (5.1%). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of remnant stones after stenting treatment was significantly associated with a higher rate of main pancreatic duct restenosis (p=0.03). Conclusion. The use of 10 Fr S-type plastic pancreatic stents with routine exchange was effective for both short-term and long-term outcomes in chronic pancreatitis patients with benign pancreatic duct strictures and impacted pancreatic stones.
Effect of Genetic and Laboratory Findings on Clinical Course of Antisynthetase Syndrome in a Hungarian Cohort
Authors: Szabó Katalin , Bodoki Levente , Nagy-Vincze Melinda , Vincze Anett , Zilahi Erika , Szodoray Peter , Dankó Katalin , Griger Zoltán
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical, serological, and genetic features of anti-Jo-1 positive antisynthetase patients followed by a Hungarian single centre to identify prognostic markers, which can predict disease phenotypes and disease progression. It was a retrospective study using clinical database of 49 anti-Jo-1 positive patients. 100% of patients exhibited myositis, 73% interstitial lung disease, 88% arthritis, 65% Raynaud’s phenomenon, 43% fever, 33% mechanic’s hand, and 12% dysphagia. We could detect significant correlation between anti-Jo-1 titer and the CK and CRP levels at disease onset and during disease course. HLA DRB1⁎03 positivity was present in 68.96% of patients, where the CK level at diagnosis was significantly lower compared to the HLA DRB1⁎03 negative patients. HLA DQA1⁎0501-DQB1⁎0201 haplotype was found in 58.62% of patients, but no significant correlation was found regarding any clinical or laboratory features. Higher CRP, ESR level, RF positivity, and the presence of fever or vasculitic skin lesions at the time of diagnosis indicated a higher steroid demand and the administration of higher number of immunosuppressants during the follow-up within anti-Jo-1 positive patients. The organ involvement of the disease was not different in HLA-DRB1⁎0301 positive or negative patients who were positive to the anti-Jo-1 antibody; however, initial CK level was lower in HLA-DRB1⁎0301 positive patients. Distinct laboratory and clinical parameters at diagnosis could be considered as prognostic markers.
Eosinophils Target Therapy for Severe Asthma: Critical Points
Authors: Brussino L. , Heffler E. , Bucca C. , Nicola S. , Rolla G.
Published: October 2018

Asthma is a chronic and heterogeneous disease, which is defined as severe disease whenever it requires treatment with a high dose of inhaled corticosteroids plus a second controller and/or systemic corticosteroids to prevent it from becoming ‘‘uncontrolled’’ or if it remains ‘‘uncontrolled’’ despite this therapy. Severe asthma is a heterogeneous condition consisting of phenotypes such as eosinophilic asthma, which is characterized by sputum eosinophilia, associated with mild to moderate increase in blood eosinophil count, frequently adult-onset, and associated with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in half of the cases. Eosinophilic asthma is driven by T2 inflammation, characterized, among the others, by interleukin-5 production. IL-5 plays a key role in the differentiation, survival, migration, and activation of eosinophils, and it has become an appealing therapeutic target for eosinophilic asthma. In recent years two monoclonal antibodies (mepolizumab and reslizumab) directed against IL-5 and one monoclonal antibody directed against the alpha-subunit of the IL-5 receptor (benralizumab) have been developed. All these IL-5 target drugs have been shown to reduce the number of exacerbation in patients with severe asthma selected on the basis of peripheral blood eosinophil count. There are still a number of unresolved issues related to the anti-IL5 strategy in eosinophilic asthma, which are here reviewed. These issues include the effects of such therapy on airway obstruction and asthmatic symptoms, the level of baseline eosinophils that predicts a response to treatment, the relationship between blood and airway eosinophilia, and, perhaps most importantly, how to elucidate the pathogenetic role played by eosinophils in the individual patient with severe eosinophilic asthma.
Combined Effect of Vertical and Horizontal Ground Motions on Failure Probability of RC Chimneys
Authors: Guo Xuan , Chen Wei , Yu Jianbing
Published: October 2018

Previous earthquake events have shown that chimneys are one of the most fragile structures. Studies have focused on the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) chimney structures subjected to earthquake load only along the horizontal direction. However, the vertical component of strong ground motion has been proven to damage or completely destroy civil structures. Therefore, it is essential to determine the failure probability of RC chimneys under both horizontal and vertical directions. In this study, the seismic behavior of an RC chimney was studied through seismic fragility analysis, wherein a fragility model based on the intensity ratio between the vertical and horizontal components was proposed. In the fragility analysis, different intensity ratios of near‐fault ground motions (NFGMs) between the vertical and horizontal components were considered. The findings indicate that the NFGMs along the vertical and horizontal directions significantly affect the failure probability if the intensity of the horizontal component is above a certain threshold. Moreover, the failure probability increases with the intensity of the vertical and horizontal ground motions. Therefore, the influence of the combination of the vertical and horizontal components of the NFGMs should be considered in the safety evaluation of RC chimney structures.
Combined Growth Factor and Gene Therapy: An Approach for Hair Cell Regeneration and Hearing Recovery
Authors: Mahmoudian-Sani Mohammad-Reza , Jamshidi Mohammad , Asgharzade Samira
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Fibroblast growth factor, nerve growth factor neurotrophins, and insulin-like growth factor 1 are considered 3 families of growth factors that can be involved in the process of otic neurogenesis. In this respect, otic neurons can also be connected with mechanoreceptors in the ear, the hair cells (HCs), as well as the central nervous system. As a growth factor is combined with gene transfer technology, it can be used for hair cell regeneration. Gene therapy can be similarly employed to introduce genes into a system in order to induce the expression of genes for therapeutic agents, to replace defective genes, or to re-program supporting or surrounding cells to acquire the phenotype of lost or damaged cells in order to repair or regenerate the damaged tissue. Objective: The purpose of this review article was to investigate the epigenetic and growth factors involved in the differentiation pathway of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into HCs and auditory neurons (ANs). Methods: To this end, the databases of Directory of Open Access Journals, Google Scholar, PubMed (NLM), LISTA (EBSCO), as well as Web of Science were searched. Results: Given the results available in the related literature, the differentiation efficacy of ESCs toward the ANs and the HCs, the important role of growth factors, and 3 different strategies of application of miRNA, epigenetic regulation, and preparation of three-dimensional (3D) environments were suggested to be taken into consideration in order to improve these studies in the future. Furthermore, the role of epige­netic mechanisms and miRNA in this differentiation process became quite obvious; hence, the utilization of such procedures in the near future would be significant. Conclusion: Combining several techniques with a synergic effect (such as growth factor gene therapy and 3D environments) seemed to lead to obtaining the best results as a therapeutic strategy.
Instrumented Trail-Making Task: Application of Wearable Sensor to Determine Physical Frailty Phenotypes
Authors: Zhou He , Razjouyan Javad , Halder Debopriyo , Naik Anand D. , Kunik Mark E. , Najafi Bijan
Published: October 2018

Background: The physical frailty assessment tools that are currently available are often time consuming to use with limited feasibility. Objective: To address these limitations, an instrumented trail-making task (iTMT) platform was developed using wearable technology to automate quantification of frailty phenotypes without the need of a frailty walking test. Methods: Sixty-one older adults (age = 72.8 ± 9.9 years, body mass index [BMI] = 27.4 ± 4.9 kg/m2) were recruited. According to the Fried Frailty Criteria, 39% of participants were determined as robust and 61% as non-robust (pre-frail or frail). In addition, 17 young subjects (age = 29.0 ± 7.2 years, BMI = 26.2 ± 4.6 kg/m2) were recruited to determine the healthy benchmark. The iTMT included reaching 5 indexed circles (including numbers 1-to-3 and letters A&B placed in random orders), which virtually appeared on a computer-screen, by rotating one’s ankle-joint while standing. By using an ankle-worn inertial sensor, 3D ankle-rotation was estimated and mapped into navigation of a computer-cursor in real-time (100 Hz), allowing subjects to navigate the computer-cursor to perform the iTMT. The ankle-sensor was also used for quantifying ankle-rotation velocity (representing slowness), its decline during the test (representing exhaustion), and ankle-velocity variability (representing movement inefficiency), as well as the power (representing weakness) generated during the test. Comparative assessments included Fried frailty phenotypes and gait assessment. Results: All subjects were able to complete the iTMT, with an average completion time of 125 ± 85 s. The iTMT-derived parameters were able to identify the presence and absence of slowness, exhaustion, weakness, and inactivity phenotypes (Cohen’s d effect size = 0.90–1.40). The iTMT Velocity was significantly different between groups (d = 0.62–1.47). Significant correlation was observed between the iTMT Velocity and gait speed (r = 0.684 p < 0.001). The iTMT-derived parameters and age together enabled significant distinguishing of non-robust cases with area under curve of 0.834, sensitivity of 83%, and specificity of 67%. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a non-gait-based wearable platform to objectively quantify frailty phenotypes and determine physical frailty, using a quick and practical test. This platform may address the hurdles of conventional physical frailty phenotypes methods by replacing the conventional frailty walking test with an automated and objective process that reduces the time of assessment and is more practical for those with mobility limitations.
Survival and Clinical Outcomes of Tunneled Central Jugular and Femoral Catheters in Prevalent Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Guillermo-Corpus Gerardo , Ramos-Gordillo Jesus Manolo , Peña-Rodríguez José Carlos
Published: October 2018

Background: The literature on the outcomes of tunneled femoral catheters compared to that of jugular catheters is scarce and derived mainly from small cohorts. Material and Methods: Seven hundred and sixty six catheters were placed in 673 hemodialysis patients, 622 in the jugular/subclavian veins and 144 in the femoral veins. Patients were followed prospectively for 36 months. Results: The survival of the tunneled catheters was 771 days 95% CI (737–805) for jugular and 660 days 95% CI (582–739) for femoral veins. Blood flow (0.292 ± 0.003 L/min) and infection rate (0.25 × 1,000 days/catheter) were similar for upper and lower extremities vascular accesses. Factors including sex, age, diabetes and previous catheters did not affect the outcome. Conclusions: Femoral catheters provide outstanding vascular access with excellent, function and low risk of infection.
Virulence of entomopathogenic nematodes against developmental stages of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) — effect of exposure time
Authors: Eivazian Kary Naser , Chahardoli Samira , Mohammadi Davoud , Dillon Aoife B.
Published: October 2018

The virulence of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora was evaluated against the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. The results revealed that diamondback moth mortality was affected by its developmental stage. For both Steinernema species, diamondback moth larval mortality peaked at 18 infective juveniles (IJ) larva−1; similar results were recorded for H. bacteriophora, with mortality peaking at 20 IJ larva−1. Mortality of pre-pupa exposed to Steinernema species increased up to 35 IJ pre-pupa−1; in S. feltiae a decreasing trend was recorded at higher concentrations of IJ. A negative correlation was recorded between LC50 and ln ET values; S. carpocapsae appeared as the most virulent EPN against larvae (6.5 IJ larva−1) and H. bacteriophora was an effective EPN against pre-pupae (6.5 IJ pre-pupa−1). EPN virulence at dose levels was evaluated by plotting LC50 against ln exposure time, and in the majority of data sets deviations from a linear model were observed and data were statistically fitted by a two-stage phase.
Bursaphelenchus michalskii sp. n. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), a nematode associate of the large elm bark beetle, Scolytus scolytus Fabr. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Dutch elm disease-affected elm, Ulmus laevis Pall.
Authors: Tomalak Marek , Filipiak Anna
Published: October 2018

Bursaphelenchus michalskii sp. n. is described from the bark of the European white elm, Ulmus laevis. All propagative stages of the nematode were found in larval galleries of the large elm bark beetle, Scolytus scolytus, and in overlapping gallery systems of this species and the small European elm bark beetle, S. multistriatus. Dauer juveniles of the new nematode are transmitted to new breeding trees under elytra of adult S. scolytus. Bursaphelenchus michalskii sp. n. is characterised by the female body length of 953 (838-1108) μm and male body length of 893 (811-971) μm, very slender body (a = 53.9 (46.1-58.5) and 60.9 (52.2-72.0) in female and male, respectively), lateral fields with three incisures (two bands), excretory pore usually located anterior to the median bulb, lack of vulval flap, long post-uterine sac, relatively small spicules 12.3 (10.8-13.3) μm long with no cucullus and with distinct, somewhat thorn-like, dorsally bent or reflexed condylus and a conical or digitate rostrum, and the arrangement of the seven male caudal papillae (i.e., a single precloacal ventromedian papilla (P1), one pair of adcloacal ventrosublateral papillae (P2) at or just anterior to cloacal slit, one ventrosublateral, postcloacal pair (P3) located at ca 60% of the tail length, posterior to cloacal slit, and one pair (P4) of ventrosublateral papillae located near the base of the bursa). The newly described species shares most of the key morphological characters with members of the eremus-group (sensu Braasch et al., 2009). However, B. michalskii sp. n. is unique amongst Bursaphelenchus species by a combination of female tail and spicule shape, excretory pore position, and other morphometric characters. These findings were confirmed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 18S and 28S rDNA regions and by the unique molecular profile of the ITS region (ITS-RFLP).
A Revolution for Empire: Ideas of Empire and the Making of the Constitution, 1787–8
Authors: Flanagan Christopher
Published: October 2018

This article argues that early American political elites had no viable competing model for a successful polity other than an empire. It emphasises that this group’s recognition of the need for power in a competitive Atlantic world, expressed through the institutions of an empire, forced them to reconsider their ideas of what forms a republic could take. The article focuses on the ratification of the Constitution as a key moment when elites from across the United States laid out their competing visions of the polity. It argues that despite differences in preferred forms of government institutions, the overwhelming majority of elites shared a common goal of expressing power across the North American continent, and even beyond. It suggests that the Constitution should be seen as an inherently imperial document, reconciling the ambiguous ideal of a free republic with the inescapable need to utilise power in imperial ways