bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conversational speech levels and signal-to-noise ratios in realistic acoustic conditions
Authors: Weisser Adam , Buchholz Jörg M.
Published: January 2019

Estimating the basic acoustic parameters of conversational speech in noisy real-world conditions has been an elusive task in hearing research. Nevertheless, these data are essential ingredients for speech intelligibility tests and fitting rules for hearing aids. Previous surveys did not provide clear methodology for their acoustic measurements and setups, were opaque about their samples, or did not control for distance between the talker and listener, even though people are known to adapt their distance in noisy conversations. In the present study, conversations were elicited between pairs of people by asking them to play a collaborative game that required them to communicate. While performing this task, the subjects listened to binaural recordings of different everyday scenes, which were presented to them at their original sound pressure level (SPL) via highly open headphones. Their voices were recorded separately using calibrated headset microphones. The subjects were seated inside an anechoic chamber at 1 and 0.5 m distances. Precise estimates of realistic speech levels and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were obtained for the different acoustic scenes, at broadband and third octave levels. It is shown that with acoustic background noise at above approximately 69 dB SPL at 1 m distance, or 75 dB SPL at 0.5 m, the average SNR can become negative. It is shown through interpolation of the two conditions that if the conversation partners would have been allowed to optimize their positions by moving closer to each other, then positive SNRs should be only observed above 75 dB SPL. The implications of the results on speech tests and hearing aid fitting rules are discussed.
Systemic analysis of tyrosine kinase signaling reveals a common adaptive response program in a HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Schwill Martin , Tamaskovic Rastislav , Gajadhar Aaron S. , Kast Florian , White Forest M. , Plückthun Andreas
Published: January 2019

Analysis of adaptive kinome activity reveals paths of drug resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer.
Illuminating the dark phosphoproteome
Authors: Needham Elise J. , Parker Benjamin L. , Burykin Timur , James David E. , Humphrey Sean J.
Published: January 2019

Identifying the targets of “dark” kinases will provide new biological and disease insights.
Why geneticists stole cancer research even though cancer is primarily a signaling disease
Authors: Yaffe Michael B.
Published: January 2019

Technological advances in protein detection will enable breakthroughs in precision cancer medicine.
Molecular Epidemiology of Emerging Carbapenem Resistance in
Acinetobacter nosocomialis
and
Acinetobacter pittii
in Taiwan, 2010 to 2014
Authors: Chen Feng-Jui , Huang Wei-Cheng , Liao Yu-Chieh , Wang Hui-Ying , Lai Jui-Fen , Kuo Shu-Chen , Lauderdale Tsai-Ling , Sytwu Huey-Kang
Published: January 2019

This study investigated the molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter nosocomialis
and
Acinetobacter pittii
(ANAP). Clinical isolates of
Acinetobacter
spp.
Synergistic Antifungal Effect of Amphotericin B-Loaded Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles and Ultrasound against Candida albicans Biofilms
Authors: Yang Min , Du Kaiyue , Hou Yuru , Xie Shuang , Dong Yu , Li Dairong , Du Yonghong
Published: January 2019

Candida albicans
is a human opportunistic pathogen that causes superficial and life-threatening infections. An important reason for the failure of current antifungal drugs is related to biofilm formation, mostly associated with implanted medical devices.
DS86760016, a Leucyl-tRNA Synthetase Inhibitor with Activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Rao Madhvi , Purnapatre Kedar P. , Barman Tarani Kanta , Joshi Vattan , Kashyap Amuliya , Chaira Tridib , Bambal Ramesh B. , Pandya Manisha , Khodor Souhaila Al , Upadhyay Dilip J. , Masuda Nobuhisa
Published: January 2019

DS86760016 is a new leucyl-tRNA-synthetase inhibitor at the preclinical development stage. DS86760016 showed potent activity against extended-spectrum multidrug-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolated from clinical samples and
in vitro
biofilms.
Novel Polymyxin Combination with the Antiretroviral Zidovudine Exerts Synergistic Killing against NDM-Producing Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Lin Yu-Wei , Abdul Rahim Nusaibah , Zhao Jinxin , Han Mei-Ling , Yu Heidi H. , Wickremasinghe Hasini , Chen Ke , Wang Jiping , Paterson David L. , Zhu Yan , Rao Gauri G. , Zhou Qi Tony , Forrest Alan , Velkov Tony , Li Jian
Published: January 2019

Polymyxins are used as a last-line therapy against multidrug-resistant (MDR) New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. However, polymyxin resistance can emerge with monotherapy; therefore, novel strategies are urgently needed to minimize the resistance and maintain their clinical utility.
Effect of Macrolide and Rifampin Resistance on the Fitness of Rhodococcus equi
Authors: Willingham-Lane Jennifer M. , Berghaus Londa J. , Berghaus Roy D. , Hart Kelsey A. , Giguère Steeve
Published: January 2019

This work advances our understanding of the opportunistic environmental pathogenRhodococcus equi, a disease agent affecting horses and immunocompromised people.R. equiis one of the most common causes of severe pneumonia in young horses. For decades, the standard treatment forR. equipneumonia in horses has been dual antimicrobial therapy with a macrolide and rifampin; effective alternatives to this combination are lacking. The World Health Organization classifies these antimicrobial agents as critically important for human medicine. Widespread macrolide and rifampin resistance inR. equiisolates is a major emerging problem for the horse-breeding industry and might also adversely impact human health if resistant strains infect people or transfer resistance mechanisms to other pathogens. This study details the impact of antimicrobial resistance onR. equifitness, a vital step for understanding the ecology and epidemiology of resistantR. equiisolates, and will support development of novel strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cytosolic Thioredoxins Control Glycolysis, Lipid Metabolism, and Protein Biosynthesis under Wine-Making Conditions
Authors: Picazo Cecilia , McDonagh Brian , Peinado José , Bárcena José A. , Matallana Emilia , Aranda Agustín
Published: January 2019

Oxidative stress is a common hazardous condition that cells have to face in their lifetime. Oxidative damage may diminish cell vitality and viability by reducing metabolism and eventually leading to aging and ultimate death. Wine yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
also faces oxidative attack during its biotechnological uses. One of the main yeast antioxidant systems involves two small proteins called thioredoxins. When these two proteins are removed, wine yeast shows diminished growth, protein synthesis, and sugar metabolism under wine-making conditions, and amino acid and lipid metabolism are also affected. Altogether, our results indicate that proper redox regulation is a key factor for metabolic adaptations during grape juice fermentation.
Shiga Toxin Type 1a (Stx1a) Reduces the Toxicity of the More Potent Stx2a
In Vivo
and
In Vitro
Authors: Petro Courtney D. , Trojnar Eszter , Sinclair James , Liu Zhi-Mei , Smith Mark , O’Brien Alison D. , Melton-Celsa Angela
Published: January 2019

Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) causes foodborne outbreaks of bloody diarrhea. There are two major types of immunologically distinct Stxs: Stx1a and Stx2a.
Contributions of TolC Orthologs to
Francisella tularensis
Schu S4 Multidrug Resistance, Modulation of Host Cell Responses, and Virulence
Authors: Kopping Erik J. , Doyle Christopher R. , Sampath Vinaya , Thanassi David G.
Published: January 2019

Francisella tularensis
is a Gram-negative, facultative intracellular pathogen and the causative agent of tularemia. Previous studies with the attenuated live vaccine strain (LVS) identified a role for the outer membrane protein TolC in modulation of host cell responses during infection and virulence in the mouse model of tularemia.
RNase HIII Is Important for Okazaki Fragment Processing in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Randall Justin R. , Nye Taylor M. , Wozniak Katherine J. , Simmons Lyle A.
Published: January 2019

All cells are required to resolve the different types of RNA-DNA hybrids that form
in vivo
. When RNA-DNA hybrids persist, cells experience an increase in mutation rate and problems with DNA replication. Okazaki fragment synthesis on the lagging strand requires an RNA primer to begin synthesis of each fragment. The mechanism of RNA removal from Okazaki fragments remains unknown in bacteria that lack RNase HI. We examined Okazaki fragment processing
in vitro
and found that RNase HIII in conjunction with DNA polymerase I represent the most efficient repair pathway. We also assessed the contribution of YpcP and found that YpcP is a 5′ to 3′ exonuclease that prefers RNA substrates with activity on Okazaki and flap substrates
in vitro
.
Retrospective Analysis of False-Positive and Disputed Rifampin Resistance Xpert MTB/RIF Assay Results in Clinical Samples from a Referral Hospital in Hunan, China
Authors: Hu Peilei , Zhang Hongtai , Fleming Joy , Zhu Guofeng , Zhang Shuai , Wang Yaguo , Liu Fengping , Yi Songlin , Chen Zhongnan , Chen Zhenhua , Liu Binbin , Gong Daofang , Wan Li , Wang Xingyun , Tan Yunhong , Bai Liqiong , Bi Lijun
Published: January 2019

Concerns about the specificity of the Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assay have arisen, as false-positive errors in the determination of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) infection and rifampin (RIF) resistance in clinical practice have been reported. Here, we investigated 33 cases where patients were determined to be RIF susceptible using the Bactec MGIT 960 (MGIT) culture system but RIF resistant using the Xpert assay.
HoxA10 Facilitates SHP-1-Catalyzed Dephosphorylation of p38 MAPK/STAT3 To Repress Hepatitis B Virus Replication by a Feedback Regulatory Mechanism
Authors: Yang Qingyu , Zhang Qi , Zhang Xuewu , You Lei , Wang Wenbiao , Liu Weiyong , Han Yang , Ma Chunqiang , Xu Wei , Chen Junbo , Yang Hua , Wan Pin , Zhou Yao , Liu Yingle , Wu Kailang , Yang Ziwen , Wu Jianguo
Published: January 2019

Two billion people have been infected with HBV worldwide; about 240 million infected patients developed chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and 650,000 die each year from liver cirrhosis (LC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This work elucidates a mechanism underlying the control of HBV replication. HBV infection activates HoxA10, a regulator of cell differentiation and cancer progression, in human cells and patients with CHB and HCC. HoxA10 subsequently inhibits HBV replication in human tissue culture cells and mice. Additionally, HoxA10 interacts with p38 MAPK to repress the activation of p38 MAPK and STAT3 and recruits and facilitates SHP-1 to catalyze the dephosphorylation of p38 MAPK and STAT3. Moreover, HoxA10 competes with STAT3 for binding of the HBV X promoter to repress HBV transcription. Thus, this work reveals a negative regulatory mechanism underlying the control of HBV replication and provides new insights into the development of potential agents to control HBV infection.
Pathogenesis, Host Innate Immune Response, and Aerosol Transmission of Influenza D Virus in Cattle
Authors: Salem Elias , Hägglund Sara , Cassard Hervé , Corre Tifenn , Näslund Katarina , Foret Charlotte , Gauthier David , Pinard Anne , Delverdier Maxence , Zohari Siamak , Valarcher Jean-François , Ducatez Mariette , Meyer Gilles
Published: January 2019

Influenza D virus (IDV), a new genus of the
Orthomyxoviridae
family, has a broad geographical distribution and can infect several animal species. Cattle are so far considered the primary host for IDV, but the pathogenicity and the prevalence of this virus are still unclear. We demonstrated that under experimental conditions (in a controlled environment and in the absence of coinfecting pathogens), IDV is able to cause mild to moderate disease and targets both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The virus can transmit by direct as well as aerosol contacts. While this study evidenced overexpression of pathogen recognition receptors and chemokines in the lower respiratory tract, IDV-specific IgG1 production as early as 10 days postchallenge, and likely both Th1 and Th2 responses, further studies are warranted to better understand the immune responses triggered by IDV and its role as part of the bovine respiratory disease complex.
Effective Suppression of HIV-1 Replication by Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Specific for Pol Epitopes in Conserved Mosaic Vaccine Immunogens
Authors: Zou Chengcheng , Murakoshi Hayato , Kuse Nozomi , Akahoshi Tomohiro , Chikata Takayuki , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Oka Shinichi , Hanke Tomáš , Takiguchi Masafumi
Published: January 2019

It is likely necessary for an effective AIDS vaccine to elicit CD8
+
T cells with the ability to recognize circulating HIV-1 and suppress its replication. We recently developed novel bivalent mosaic T-cell vaccine immunogens composed of conserved regions of the Gag and Pol proteins matched to at least 80% globally circulating HIV-1 isolates. Nevertheless, it remains to be proven if vaccination with these immunogens can elicit T cells with the ability to suppress HIV-1 replication. It is well known that Gag-specific T cells can suppress HIV-1 replication more effectively than T cells specific for epitopes in other proteins. We recently identified 5 protective Gag epitopes in the vaccine immunogens. In this study, we identified T cells specific for 6 Pol epitopes present in the immunogens with strong abilities to suppress HIV-1
in vivo
and
in vitro
. This study further encourages clinical testing of the conserved mosaic T-cell vaccine in HIV-1 prevention and cure.
16S rRNA Amplicon Profiling of Cranberry (
Vaccinium macrocarpon
Ait.) Flower and Berry Surfaces
Authors: Ebadzadsahrai Ghazal , Soby Scott
Published: January 2019

Bacterial populations associated with the surfaces of cranberry flowers and early fruits in wetlands bogs in Eastern Massachusetts were examined using pyrosequencing. The composition of bacterial populations was highly dependent on sample site, but the dominant phyla on both flower and berry surfaces were
Proteobacteria
,
Firmicutes
,
Actinobacteria,
and
Bacteroidetes.
Draft Genome Sequence of Arthrobacter oryzae TNBS02, a Bacterium Containing Heavy Metal Resistance Genes, Isolated from Soil of Antarctica
Authors: Cho Yong-Joon , Cho Ahnna , Hong Soon Gyu , Choi Han-Gu , Kim Ok-Sun
Published: January 2019

Arthrobacter oryzae
TNBS02 was isolated from soil at Terra Nova Bay of Victoria Land, Antarctica. The genome consists of a chromosome with 4,248,670 bp which contains a total of 3,994 genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Thalassotalea euphylliae Strain H2
Authors: Summers Stephen , Freckelton Marnie L. , Nedved Brian T. , Rice Scott A. , Hadfield Michael G.
Published: January 2019

A bacterial isolate of
Thalassotalea euphylliae
H2 was collected from the coral
Montipora capitata
. MinION long reads were employed for scaffolding and complemented with short-read MiSeq sequences to permit complete genome assembly.
Genome Sequence of a Lethal Vascular Wilt Fungus, Verticillium nonalfalfae, a Biological Control Used Against the Invasive Ailanthus altissima
Authors: Kasson Matt T. , Kasson Lindsay R. , Wickert Kristen L. , Davis Donald D. , Stajich Jason E.
Published: January 2019

Verticillium nonalfalfae
, a cosmopolitan soil-borne phytopathogen, causes vascular wilt in agricultural crops and perennial woody plants. Select strains of
V. nonalfalfae
can cause lethal disease in the invasive tree
Ailanthus altissima
and several have since been utilized as a biological control (biocontrol) against this widespread invader.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain JMUB3031, Isolated from a Patient with Fatal Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Cui Bintao , Watanabe Shinya , Sato’o Yusuke , Nihashi Fumiya , Aiba Yoshifumi , Kiga Kotaro , Sasahara Teppei , Tan Xin-Ee , Kawauchi Moriyuki , Boonsiri Tanit , Thitiananpakorn Kanate , Taki Yusuke , Li Feng-Yu , Imokawa Shiro , Cui Longzhu
Published: January 2019

Severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is relatively rare and is usually associated with rapid progression to death. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the MRSA strain JMUB3031, which was isolated from a patient with fatal CAP.
Wood-Derived Dietary Fibers Promote Beneficial Human Gut Microbiota
Authors: La Rosa Sabina Leanti , Kachrimanidou Vasiliki , Buffetto Fanny , Pope Phillip B. , Pudlo Nicholas A. , Martens Eric C. , Rastall Robert A. , Gibson Glenn R. , Westereng Bjørge
Published: January 2019

The architecture of the gut bacterial ecosystem has a profound effect on the physiology and well-being of the host. Modulation of the gut microbiota and the intestinal microenvironment via administration of prebiotics represents a valuable strategy to promote host health. This work provides insights into the ability of two novel wood-derived preparations, AcGGM and AcAGX, to influence human gut microbiota composition and activity. These compounds were selectively fermented by commensal bacteria such as
Bifidobacterium
,
Bacteroides
-
Prevotella
,
F. prausnitzii
, and clostridial cluster IX spp. This promoted the microbial synthesis of acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which are beneﬁcial to the microbial ecosystem and host colonic epithelial cells. Thus, our results demonstrate potential prebiotic properties for both AcGGM and AcAGX from lignocellulosic feedstocks. These findings represent pivotal requirements for rationally designing intervention strategies based on the dietary supplementation of AcGGM and AcAGX to improve or restore gut health.
Phenytoin-induced hypothermia
Authors: Watters Marianne , Wilson Hilary , Everitt Pamela
Published: January 2019

A 60-year-old man with cerebral palsy and epilepsy was admitted with acute lethargy and deterioration in coordination. He was noted to be hypothermic at 35°C on admission. Routine work-up revealed toxic levels of phenytoin. No cause of hypothermia could be identified but as his phenytoin levels normalised, his body temperature also improved. There are three other reported cases of phenytoin- induced hypothermia in the literature. Could this be a rare cause of hypothermia?
Primary isolated hepatosplenic sarcoidosis mimicking malignancy and causing symptomatic hypercalcaemia
Authors: Haykal Tarek , Sundus Saira , Bachuwa Ghassan , Danish Rizwan
Published: January 2019

This is a case of a 67-year-old woman, known to have multiple medical problems, mainly papillary thyroid cancer status post-total thyroidectomy and cervical neck dissection in addition to radioactive iodine currently in remission for 1 year, who presented to the hospital with severe weakness and fatigue. The initial workup showed significant hypercalcaemia and suppressed Parathyroid hormone (PTH). The patient was treated with hydration and pamidronate and her hypercalcaemia and symptoms improved. The differential was wide, however, a CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis did show multiple liver and splenic nodular lesions; therefore, malignancy was the highest possible diagnosis. Biopsy of the splenic lesion confirmed the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with primary isolated nodular hepatosplenic sarcoidosis mimicking malignancy and causing significant symptomatic hypercalcaemia.
Rare case report of idiopathic gingival fibromatosis in childhood and its management
Authors: Rahul Morankar , Gauba Krishan , Gorwade Nitin , Kumar Aman
Published: January 2019

Idiopathic gingival fibromatosis (GF), also known as gingivomatosis, is a rare condition in childhood, with an unknown aetiology. The oral manifestations of the condition are varied and depend on the severity and age of involvement. This paper describe the case of a 5-year-old male child with extensive gingival enlargement covering almost all the maxillary and mandibular teeth resulted in difficulty with speech, mastication and poor aesthetics. Clinical and radiographic examination along with haematological investigations ruled out any systemic association. The case was managed with conventional scalpel blade surgery along with electrocautery under general anaesthesia yielding good results without any recurrence after a 12-month follow-up. The results revealed that the oral manifestations of GF depend on its severity and the age of onset. Timely intervention can help to prevent associated complications in a growing child.
Rare cutaneous myiasis of the face due to Lund’s fly (Cordylobia rodhaini) in a British traveller returning from Uganda
Authors: Wade Nicola , Shahi Farah , Mawer Damian , Brown Nicholas
Published: January 2019

We present a rare cause for cutaneous furuncular myiasis in a 55-year-old British traveller returning from Uganda. Initially presenting with what appeared to be a cellulitic furuncle on her forehead, she returned to the emergency department 3 days later with extensive preseptal periorbital swelling and pain. Occlusive treatment with petroleum jelly was applied and one larva manually extracted and sent to London School of Tropical Medicine for examination. It was identified as Lund’s Fly (Cordylobia rodhaini), a rare species from the rainforests of Africa with only one other case reported in the UK since 2015. Ultrasound imaging identified another larva, necessitating surgical exploration and cleaning. The lesion subsequently healed completely and the patient remains well.
Hearing Norton Sound: mixed methods protocol of a community randomised trial to address childhood hearing loss in rural Alaska
Authors: Emmett Susan D , Robler Samantha Kleindienst , Gallo Joseph J , Wang Nae-Yuh , Labrique Alain , Hofstetter Philip
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Childhood hearing loss has implications for school achievement, economic outcomes and quality of life. This study will engage rural Alaska communities in research to improve the school hearing screening and referral process, partnering with stakeholders to develop a locally derived, evidence-based solution to improve timely identification and treatment of childhood hearing loss.

Methods and analysis

Mixed methods community randomised trial in 15 communities in the Norton Sound region of northwest Alaska. Data collection will span from April 2017 until February 2020. Qualitative and mixed methods components are described in this protocol and the community randomised trial in the companion protocol. Focus groups and community events will be held leading up to the randomised trial to obtain community perspectives on childhood hearing loss in Alaska and elicit community input during trial protocol refinement (exploratory sequential stage). Stakeholder groups, including parents, children, teachers, school administrators and community health aides, will participate, along with community leaders, tribal leaders and community members. The randomised trial will be combined with qualitative, semi-structured interviews to elicit stakeholder perspectives on the intervention (explanatory sequential stage). The five stakeholder groups described above will participate in interviews. The study will conclude with additional focus groups and community events to discuss results and provide community insight for future implementation. Concluding focus groups will include policymakers, healthcare administrators, and tribal and community leaders in addition to the stakeholder groups. Informed consent and child assent will be required. Recordings will be transcribed and deidentified, with only stakeholder group recorded. Analyses will include categorical coding as well as narrative and thematic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The Hearing Norton Sound study has been approved by the Institutional Review Boards of Alaska Area, Norton Sound, and Duke University, with trial registration on clinicaltrials.gov. Study results will be distributed with equal emphasis on scientific and community dissemination.

Trial registration number

NCT03309553; Results.
Incidence, risk factors and economic burden of fall-related injuries in older Chinese people: a systematic review
Authors: Peng Ke , Tian Maoyi , Andersen Melanie , Zhang Jing , Liu Yishu , Wang Qilong , Lindley Richard , Ivers Rebecca
Published: January 2019

Objective

China’s population is ageing and fall-related injury in older Chinese people is a growing public health concern. This review aims to synthesise existing evidence on the incidence, risk factors and economic burden of fall-related injury among older Chinese people to inform health service planning.

Methods

A systematic search of literature on falls and injury among older people living in China was performed in six electronic databases including both English and Chinese databases. Results were combined using narrative synthesis due to the heterogeneity of included studies.

Results

A total of 93 studies from Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong were included in this review. Most of these studies were descriptive; 82 reported the incidence of fall-related injury among older Chinese people, 7 studies examined the risk factors for fall-related injury and 22 studies described the economic burden of fall-related injury. The incidence of fall-related injury reported among older Chinese people ranged from 0.6% to 19.5%. Risk factors significantly associated with fall-related injury among older Chinese included older age, female sex, walking aid use, living environments, chronic disease, medication usage, visual impairment and a fall direction other than forward. The cost of fall-related injury among older Chinese people ranged from US$16 to US$3812 per person per fall.

Conclusion

Falls-related injuries are a significant public health issue for older Chinese people. Further studies using prospective design to identify risk factors and the economic burden of fall-related injuries are needed.
Introductory remarks
Authors: Ivers Rebecca Q , Duan Leilei
Published: January 2019

Click here to listen to the Podcast
Face and construct validity of TU-Delft epidural simulator and the value of real-time visualization
Authors: Zivkovic Nenad , van Samkar Ganapathy , Hermanns Henning , Lirk Philipp , Hollmann Markus W , van den Dobbelsteen John J , van Gerwen Dennis J , Stevens Markus F
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives

Learning epidural anesthesia traditionally involves bedside teaching. Visualization aids or a simulator can help in acquiring motor skills, increasing patient safety and steepening the learning curve. We evaluated the face and construct validity of the TU-Delft Epidural Simulator and the effect of needle visualization.

Methods

Sixty-eight anesthesiologists, anesthesia residents, and final-year medical students tested the epidural simulator. Participants performed six epidural simulations with and six without needle visualization. We tested face validity on a Likert scale questionnaire. We collected data with the simulator software (spinal taps, dura contacts, bone contacts, attempts, and time) and tested for correlation with the performer’s experience (construct validity). A visualization aid was tested in a randomized crossover design.

Results

Face validity as rated by the participants was above average, with a mean of 3.7 (2.0–4.8) on a 5-point scale. Construct validity was indicated by significantly more spinal taps (0.4 [0–4) vs 0.07 [0–2], p=0.04) and more dura contacts (0.58 [0–6] vs 0.37 [0–3], p=0.002) by the inexperienced group compared with the expert group. The visualization aid improved performance by reducing the number of bone contacts and the number of attempts, and by decreasing the procedure time. Prior visualization training reduced the total procedure time from 279 s (69–574) to 180 s (53–605) (p=0.01) for the “blind” procedure.

Conclusions

The TU-Delft Epidural Simulator is a useful tool for teaching motor skills during epidural needle placement. Prior use of a visualization tool improves performance even without visual support during consequent simulations.
Evolution of psoriatic arthritis study patient population characteristics in the era of biological treatments
Authors: Vandendorpe Ann-Sophie , de Vlam Kurt , Lories Rik
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the musculoskeletal system. It can include arthritis, spondylitis, dactylitis and enthesitis, and is strongly associated with the presence of psoriasis. The introduction of biological therapies as a treatment option has brought a significant improvement in disease control for patients with psoriatic arthritis. Here, we aimed to detect emerging differences in demographic and clinical characteristics of the psoriatic arthritis patient study population since the introduction of biologicals. We hypothesised that evolving views on control of disease activity and increased experience in the management of psoriatic arthritis have affected the patient population considered for clinical trials and that this may serve as a proxy for changes in clinical practice.

Methods

We systematically searched for and selected 12 phase II and phase III trials and divided them into three treatment periods based on different time periods and working mechanisms of the particular biologicals. We made a selection of patient and disease parameters for which data were available in all three periods, calculated those data per period and looked for statistically significant differences between the treatment periods.

Results

Statistical analysis showed significant differences in patient characteristics, disease characteristics, disease activity, disease effects and use of prior treatments between the patient populations of the three periods.

Conclusion

This study shows a clear evolution of the patient population considered for clinical trials since the introduction of biologicals. Further research is needed to see if those changes can be detected in the daily clinical practice.
Cotreatment with methotrexate in routine care patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving biological treatment yields better outcomes over time
Authors: Boone Niels W. , Sepriano Alexandre , van der Kuy Paul-Hugo , Janknegt Rob , Peeters Ralph , Landewé Robert B. M.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the effects of methotrexate (MTX) comedication added to biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD) on disease activity measures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in routine care.

Methods

Patients with RA on treatment with either bDMARDs or conventional synthetic DMARDs were included in this prospective cohort study. The effect of (time-varying) combination therapy with bDMARD and MTX compared with bDMARD monotherapy was tested in longitudinal generalised estimating equation models using as outcomes: (1) the likelihood to be in remission according to the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (<2.6) and to the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) (0–30; ≤3), a patient-reported outcome measure about RA symptoms; and (2) DAS28-ESR and RAPID3 as continuous variables. All models were adjusted for potential confounders: age, gender, drugs for comorbidities (yes/no), oral steroids (yes/no) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (yes/no).

Results

In total, 330 patients were included (mean (SD) follow-up; 10.7 (9.7) months). Compared with bDMARD monotherapy, MTX combination therapy was significantly associated with a 55% higher likelihood to be in DAS28 remission, but not RAPID3 remission, over time. Combination therapy resulted in slightly, but statistically significant, lower levels of DAS28-ESR over time (β=−0.42 (95% CI −0.67 to − 0.17)), but not RAPID3 (β=−0.58 (95% CI −0.65 to 0.49)). The effect on DAS28-ESR was entirely explained by lower swollen joint counts and was persistent after correction for confounders.

Conclusion

These results give support to the policy that MTX should be continued in routine care patients with RA on biological therapy since this leads to better objective but not subjective clinical outcomes
Knockdown of RNF2 enhances the radiosensitivity of squamous cell carcinoma in lung
Authors: Yang Jie , Yu Fan , Guan Jinlei , Wang Tao , Liu Changjiang , Wang Yuxiang , Liu Guangjie , Zhu Shuchai
Published: January 2019

A previous study has reported that knockdown of RING finger protein 2 (RNF2) increases the radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. However, the effect of RNF2 knockdown on radiosensitivity in squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) remains unknown. For this, NCI-H226 and SK-MES-1 cells were exposed to X-ray irradiation and then RNF2 levels were determined. RNF2 was knocked-down and stable transfectants were selected. Radiosensitivity, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and γ-H2AX foci formation were evaluated. Interaction among ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM), mediator of DNA damage checkpoint 1 (MDC1), and H2AX were examined. Xenograft models were used to explore the effect of RNF2 knockdown on radiosensitivity in vivo. The results showed that RNF2 expression was significantly increased by X-ray irradiation. RNF2 knockdown combined with X-ray irradiation markedly inhibited cell proliferation, caused cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, and induced cell apoptosis. In addition, RNF2 knockdown enhanced the radiosensitivity of SqCC cells, inhibited irradiation-induced γ-H2AX foci formation, and impaired the interactions among ATM, MDC1, and H2AX. Furthermore, combination of RNF2 knockdown and X-ray irradiation suppressed tumor growth and promoted tumor cell apoptosis in vivo. RNF2 may be a new therapeutic target to enhance the radiosensitivity of SqCC cells in lung.
Dynamic response of soft soils in high-speed rail foundation: in situ measurements and time domain finite element method model
Authors: Tang Yiqun , Yang Qi , Ren Xingwei , Xiao Siqi
Published: January 2019

The dynamic response of soil to vibrations induced by moving trains has been widely studied using in situ measurements. However, few in situ tests have been conducted to measure the resulting vibration of foundation soils, especially for the foundation of high-speed rail (HSR) in a soft area. In this study, a number of field experiments were conducted on Shanghai–Hangzhou HSR in a suburb of Shanghai, China. The testing instruments were installed in foundation soils just beneath the HSR track to measure the vibration induced by trains moving at different speeds. Test results show the frequencies of foundation soil vibration are characterized by the train speed and geometrical features of the trains and slab track. In the frequency domain, the dominant frequency bands for vertical acceleration, velocity, and displacement of foundation soil decrease successively. In the time domain, the magnitudes of vibration levels at different locations in a soil foundation decrease gradually with increasing distance from the track. Furthermore, higher train speed can result in higher vibration level. Based on the field conditions, a three-dimensional dynamic finite–infinite element model is developed in the time domain. It shows the model is capable of capturing the primary characteristics of train-induced vibration in the field.
Life in captivity: varied behavioural responses to novel setting and food types in first-generation hybrids of farmed and wild juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Authors: Janisse Kevyn , Capelle Pauline M. , Heath John W. , Dender Mitchel G. , Heath Daniel D. , Semeniuk Christina A.D.
Published: January 2019

Aquaculture practices continuously seek to improve efficiency to produce larger fish at lower cost. Selective breeding within brood stocks can result in undesirable effects, promoting hatcheries to use outbreeding to increase or maintain genetic diversity. This practice however, could result in the introduction of wild behavioural phenotypes unable to adapt to captive-living conditions. Using four hatchery first-generation hybrid crosses and two fully domesticated stocks of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in British Columbia, we examined behavioural responses to common aquaculture practices such as abrupt environmental change and novel feed types in juvenile fish. Controlling for mass, we found crosses varied in their behaviours to a novel setting and preferences for natural versus commercial diets. These differences were furthermore associated with rearing environment and stock-level growth rate and body size. Our results suggest selecting for phenotypes that behaviourally exhibit better coping mechanisms and greater flexibility in response to change is possible, and when in combination with growth metrics, should be an integral part of producing the desired farmed fish. Behaviours that allow commercial anadromous fish to easily transition to captive environmental conditions can benefit production and also animal welfare.
Melatonin protects against COPD by attenuating apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress via upregulating SIRT1 expression in rats
Authors: He Baimei , Zhang Wenxuan , Qiao Jianfeng , Peng Zhenyu , Chai Xiangping
Published: January 2019

The apoptosis of bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells plays a key role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by cigarette smoke contributes to apoptosis. Previous studies demonstrated that melatonin prevented the development of COPD. In addition, silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) had a protective effect against COPD. However, it remains unclear whether SIRT1 is involved in the protection of melatonin against COPD. In this study, 32 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: Control, COPD, COPD + Mel, and COPD + Mel + EX527. Rats were challenged with cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide with or without melatonin or EX527 (a selective inhibitor of SIRT1). The lung histopathology, apoptotic index, as well as the protein expressions of cleaved caspase-3, SIRT1, C/EBP homologous protein, and caspase-12 in the lung tissues were measured. These results demonstrated that melatonin attenuated apoptosis and ER stress in the lung tissues of rats with COPD. In addition, melatonin increased SIRT1 expression in lung tissues of rats with COPD, while inhibition of SIRT1 by EX527 upregulated ER stress and abolished the protective effect of melatonin against apoptosis. In conclusion, these findings suggested that melatonin protected against COPD by attenuating apoptosis and ER stress via upregulating SIRT1 expression in rats.
The effect of cannabinoid receptor 1 blockade on adipokine and proinflammatory cytokine concentration in adipose and hepatic tissue in mice with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Jorgačević Bojan , Vučević Danijela , Vesković Milena , Mladenović Dušan , Vukićević Dušan , Vukićević Rada Ješić , Todorović Vera , Radosavljević Tatjana
Published: January 2019

In high-fat diet (HFD) induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), there is an increase in the endocannabinoid system activity, which significantly contributes to steatosis development. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of cannabinoid receptor type 1 blockade on adipokine and proinflammatory cytokine content in adipose and hepatic tissue in mice with NAFLD. Male mice C57BL/6 were divided into a control group fed with a control diet for 20 weeks (C, n = 6) a group fed with a HFD for 20 weeks (HF, n = 6), a group fed with a control diet and treated with rimonabant after 18 weeks (R, n = 9), and a group fed with HFD and treated with rimonabant after 18 weeks (HFR, n = 10). Rimonabant significantly decreased leptin, resistin, apelin, visfatin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) concentration in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue in the HFR group compared to the HF group (p < 0.01). Rimonabant reduced hepatic IL-6 and IFN-γ concentration as well as plasma glucose and insulin concentration and the homeostatic model assessment index in the HFR group compared to the HF group (p < 0.01). It can be concluded that the potential usefulness of CB1 blockade in the treatment of HFD-induced NAFLD is due to modulation of the adipokine profile and proinflammatory cytokines in both adipose tissues and liver as well as glucose metabolism.
Open quantum random walks, quantum Markov chains and recurrence
Authors: Dhahri Ameur , Mukhamedov Farrukh
Published: January 2019

In the present paper, we construct QMCs (Quantum Markov Chains) associated with Open Quantum Random Walks such that the transition operator of the chain is defined by OQRW and the restriction of QMC to the commutative subalgebra coincides with the distribution [Formula: see text] of OQRW. This sheds new light on some properties of the measure [Formula: see text]. As an example, we simply mention that the measure can be considered as a distribution of some functions of certain Markov processes. Furthermore, we study several properties of QMC and associated measures. A new notion of [Formula: see text]-recurrence of QMC is studied, and the relations between the concepts of recurrence introduced in this paper and the existing ones are established.
Chaotic Oscillator Based on Fractional Order Memcapacitor
Authors: Akgul Akif
Published: January 2019

Many literatures have discussed fractional order memristor and memcapacitor-based chaotic oscillators but the entire oscillator model is considered to be of fractional order. My interest is to propose a nonlinear oscillator with considering only the memcapacitor element of fractional order. Hence, I propose a fractional order memcapacitor (FMC)-based novel chaotic oscillator. The complete mathematical model for the proposed oscillator is derived and presented in this paper. The dimensionless state equations are then analyzed by using the equilibrium points and their stability, Eigen values, Kaplan–Yorke dimensions and Lyapunov exponents. To understand the complete dynamical behavior, bifurcation graphs are obtained and presented. Finally, the proposed fractional memcapacitor oscillator is implemented by using the shelf components.
Automatic Test Pattern Generation Through Boolean Satisfiability for Testing Bridging Faults
Authors: Mokhtarnia Hossein , Borujeni Shahram Etemadi , Ehsani Mohammad Saeed
Published: January 2019

Automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) is one of the important issues in testing digital circuits. Due to considerable advances made in the past two decades, the ATPG algorithms that are based on Boolean satisfiability have become an integral part of the digital circuits. In this paper, a new method for ATPG for testing bridging faults is introduced. First of all, the application of Boolean satisfiability to circuit modeling is explained. Afterwards, a new method of testing the nonfeedback bridging faults in the combinational circuits is proposed based on Boolean satisfiability. In the proposed method, the faulty circuit is obtained by injecting the faulty gate into the main circuit. Afterwards, the final differential circuit is prepared by using the fault-free and the faulty circuits. Finally, using the resulting differential circuit, the testability of the fault is assessed and the input pattern for detecting the fault in the main circuit is derived. The experimental results presented at the end of this paper indicate the effectiveness and usefulness of this method for testing the bridging faults.
A Constrained Energy Minimum Approach to Modal Dynamic Control of Vibrations in Ancient Nonlinear Structures
Authors: Corbi Ileana , Corbi Ottavia , Li Haitao
Published: January 2019

In the paper, the dynamic control of structural vibrations in ancient constructions is considered. Since the constituent material of the structure exhibits poor tensile resistance, an effective performance of the algorithm requires the nonlinearity of the structure to be considered at the very first stage of the design of the control algorithm. Inclusion of the material nonlinearity of the structure into the design of the control mathematical rule presents a number of issues of high complexity either from the theoretical or computational aspects, which make the topic poorly treated in literature, in particular through full mathematical approaches. In the first part of this paper, one sets up a full model for analysis of the spatial masonry constructions with holonomic plasticity taken into account, and, in the second part, one formulates an algorithm aimed at mitigating the dynamic effects on the structure. The implementation of the control algorithm, the development of original calculus codes and the numerical investigations show the high potential of the proposed approach in significantly improving the performance of the structure.
Porphyrinoids in photodynamic diagnosis and therapy of oral diseases
Authors: Glowacka-Sobotta Arleta , Wrotynski Maciej , Kryjewski Michal , Sobotta Lukasz , Mielcarek Jadwiga
Published: January 2019

Photodynamic methods have found application not only in the treatment process as photodynamic therapy but also for the early detection of neoplastic lesions and tumors as photodynamic diagnosis. Early detection of the disease allows not only to avoid the patient’s lifetime risk but also significantly reduce the costs of anticancer therapy, which are increasing every year. There is a constant search for new and more effective photosensitizers which will provide safety in therapy while maintaining efficiency. This paper summarizes recent reports focused on the photodynamic diagnosis of oral cancers. Moreover, it shows methods of the photodynamic treatment of oral verrucous hyperplasia, erythroleukoplakia, and oral leukoplakia. The treatment of choice for these diseases is a surgical excision, which always leads to scar formation. Photodynamic therapy provides a new scar-less tool for the treatment.
β-Octaalkoxyporphyrins: Versatile fluorometric sensors towards nitrated explosives
Authors: Rana Anup , Sahoo Sipra Sucharita , Panda Pradeepta K.
Published: January 2019

Real time detection of explosive residues is important to mitigate increasing security threats. Therefore, systematic studies are essential to optimize the performance of sensors. In this work, we have explored β-octamethoxyporphyrin and β-octabutoxyporphyrin to evaluate the effect of alkoxy groups in solution and in vapor phase sensing of nitrated explosives. Our systematic studies revealed a marked difference in sensitivity of these free-base porphyrins in solution state and vapor phase sensing of nitrated explosives simply by modulation of alkyl chain lengths. Alkoxyporphyrins exhibit very good sensitivity towards not only nitro aromatics but also alkyl nitro explosive taggants compared to β-octaethylporphyrin. Therefore, alkoxyporphyrins may act as versatile fluorescence turn-off based chemical sensors for nitrated explosives.
Buckling capacity of functionally graded beams: A comparative study of different shear deformation beam theories
Authors: Selmi Abdellatif
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates the postbuckling response of simply supported functionally graded beams under axial loading using several beam theories; classical beam theory, CBT, Timoshenko beam theory, TBT and parabolic shear deformation beam theory, PSDBT. Hamilton’s principle is used to derive the governing equations which are solved by closed-form method. It is assumed that the Young’s modulus is varying continuously in the thickness direction according to power-law form while all other material properties are taken to be constant. The effects of the reinforcement distribution, the beam edge-to-thickness ratio and the phase contrast (ratio of the reinforcement Young’s modulus to the matrix Young’s modulus) on the postbuckling behavior and critical buckling load of functionally graded beam are studied. Results demonstrate the important contribution of the shear effect to both the buckling and postbuckling behaviors. Finally, the combinations of reinforcement distribution, beam edge-to-thickness ratio and phase contrast that correspond to the highest and the lowest buckling capacities are identified.