bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 is inversely associated with liver fibrotic markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Miyauchi Shozo , Miyake Teruki , Miyazaki Masumi , Eguchi Toru , Niiya Tetsuji , Yamamoto Shin , Senba Hidenori , Furukawa Shinya , Matsuura Bunzo , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: December 2018

Aims/Introduction

Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) regulates mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, inflammation, stellate cells and insulin sensitivity in the liver, and it might be associated with liver fibrosis from non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. In contrast, type 2 diabetes mellitus is closely associated with the progression from non‐alcoholic fatty liver to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis, so careful evaluation of liver fibrosis is required for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, we examined the relationship between IGF‐1 and liver fibrosis markers in type 2 diabetes patients without obvious alcoholic consumption and determined whether IGF‐1 is associated with fibrosis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Materials and Methods

We selected 415 patients with type 2 diabetes without obvious alcohol consumption, who were admitted to Uwajima City Hospital between May 2013 and December 2016. We collected and analyzed clinical data to determine correlations between IGF‐1 or IGF‐1 standard deviation score and fibrosis‐4 index or 7S domain of type IV collagen.

Results

Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the fibrosis‐4 index was inversely correlated with IGF‐1 and IGF‐1 standard deviation score. Furthermore, the 7S domain of type IV collagen was also inversely correlated with IGF‐1 and IGF‐1 standard deviation score.

Conclusions

IGF‐1 was inversely correlated with liver fibrosis markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without obvious alcoholic consumption. Measuring serum IGF‐1 levels might help clinicians to identify type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with advanced non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis.
The “Paper Case”: Evidence and Narrative of a Terrorism Trial in Delhi
Authors: Suresh Mayur
Published: December 2018

Through an ethnography of a terrorism trial that followed bomb-blasts in Delhi in 2008, this article seeks to understand the centrality of files and documentary practices to the production of legal truth. By following key documents regarding the case against one man I call Fahad, I argue that the truth produced in a trial crucially depends a chain of seemingly insignificant certificatory practices-the signatures, countersignatures, stamps, and seals that appear on documents. What emerges in the account I provide is that juridical truth is less a matter of finding ‘what really happened,’ and more about the competition between narratives that depend on the certificatory correctness of humble sheets of paper.
Assent to Faith, Theology and Scientia in Aquinas
Authors: Van Nieuwenhove Rik
Published: December 2018

This paper revisits Aquinas's understanding of theology as a science based on a participation in the divine scientia. Our modern presuppositions (in terms of “autonomous” reason and philosophy as a discipline utterly separate from theology) often appear to render Aquinas's claims implausible. In this contribution it is argued that (a) all sciences are fiduciary in the broad sense (with the exception of those that rely on principles per se nota) and (b) that first principles can only be accepted or rejected, but not refuted or demonstrated within the relevant discipline. From this, two conclusions can be drawn: first, despite its reliance on revelation theology's case is, therefore, not as peculiar as modern readers might initially assume: every discipline operates with key assumptions it simply accepts. Secondly, given the role of first principles, to characterise Aquinas's account of the assent of faith as fideist or voluntarist is beside the point, for you can only accept or reject first principles. The contribution ends by suggesting that assent to the articles of faith is not an extraneous acquiescence in assertions of divine authority either, as a reading of the first question of the Secunda Secundae makes clear. Indeed, the paper hints that we should not read the first question of the Prima Pars without engaging with the first questions of the Secunda Secundae.
A case of neuralgic amyotrophy presented Vernet syndrome and suprascapular nerve palsy
Authors: Iino Akira , Sugeno Naoto , Namatame Chihiro , Nishiyama Ayumi , Kuroda Hiroshi , Misu Tatsuro , Aoki Masashi
Published: December 2018

A 54 year‐old‐man had pain and stiffness at the left hind neck. One month later, dysphagia, hoarseness, atrophy, and weakness of left shoulder muscles appeared. Neurological and neurophysiological examination revealed left IX, X, XI cranial (Vernet syndrome) and ipsilateral suprascapular nerves were disabled. Major causes of Vernet syndrome, jugular foramen lesions, were not identified by comprehensive imaging studies. VZV and other infectious diseases were excluded by serological tests. Immunotherapy alleviated the large part of his symptoms including supra/infraspinatus muscle strength. Although brachial plexus involvement was minimal, this case was consistent with neuralgic amyotrophy. We would suggest examining the ipsilateral limb and girdle muscles of a patient in Vernet syndrome with the unknown cause.
Coordinating Transitional Justice
Authors: Seul Jeffrey R.
Published: December 2018

Conflict resolution professionals sometimes differ from human rights professionals about the best approaches to transitional justice, particularly with regard to the scope, conditions, and timing of possible amnesties from prosecution for perpetrators of war crimes and human rights abuses. When human rights and conflict resolution professionals work at cross‐purposes, they may work less effectively to end conflict, abuses, and crimes, and to implement peace accords. A consensus among conflict resolution and human rights scholars about which legal norms should govern post‐conflict amnesty programs appears to be developing. Against this emerging legal framework, human rights and conflict resolution professionals should, I argue, develop processes for working together more effectively in the design and implementation of context‐sensitive approaches to transitional justice. These process principles should address the entire conflict period, from escalation through resolution to post‐conflict reconstruction. In this article, I describe a tentative, general framework for coordinating the development of transitional justice programs. This proposed framework is intended to stimulate and guide discussion of these issues among conflict resolution and human rights professionals and scholars.
Dexmedetomidine protects rats from postoperative cognitive dysfunction via regulating the GABABR‐mediated cAMP‐PKA‐CREB signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Yun‐Sheng , Xiong Ying‐Fen , Luo Fo‐Quan , Min Jia
Published: December 2018

This work attempts to discuss whether dexmedetomidine (Dex) can protect rats from postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) through regulating the γ‐aminobutyric acid‐B receptor (GABABR)‐mediated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) – protein kinase A (PKA) – cAMP‐response element binding (cAMP‐PKA‐CREB) signaling pathway. Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into a non‐surgical group (Control), a surgical group (Model), a surgical group treated with Dex (Model + Dex), a surgical group treated with GABABR antagonist (Model + CGP 35348) and a surgical group treated with Dex and GABABR agonist (Model + Dex + Baclofen). Cognitive and memory functions were evaluated by Y‐maze test and open‐field test. The neuronal morphology of the hippocampus was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and neuronal apoptosis was by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick‐end labeling method. Inflammatory factors and cAMP levels were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay while expressions of GABABR and PKA‐CREB pathway‐related molecules by Western blot. Compared with control rats, the model rats exhibited reduced alternation rates with a prolonged time spent in the central zone; meanwhile, levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β and the apoptotic index, as well as GABABR1 and GABABR2 expressions were increased in the model rats, but the cAMP‐PKA‐CREB pathway was inhibited (all P < 0.05). When treated with either Dex or CGP 35348, the surgical rats displayed an opposite tendency concerning the above factors as compared to the model rats (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, Baclofen, the agonist of GABABR, could reverse the protective effect of Dex against POCD in rats. Dex protects rats from POCD possibly via suppressing GABABR to up‐regulate the cAMP‐PKA‐CREB signaling pathway, thereby alleviating the hippocampal inflammation caused by surgical trauma.
Relationship between social capital and happiness in a Japanese community: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tsuruta Kurumi , Shiomitsu Tomoko , Hombu Amy , Fujii Yoshinori
Published: December 2018

The influence of social capital on happiness is attracting attention around the world. Many studies that investigated the relationship between social capital and happiness suggest that happiness correlates to a positive social environment. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between social capital and happiness in a community with the lowest National Health Insurance expenditures in Miyazaki Prefecture (Japan). This cross‐sectional study targeted 2730 residents in the community aged 40–75 years who were covered by National Health Insurance in 2015. A self‐administered questionnaire consisting of questions focusing on demographic characteristics, happiness, and social capital was sent to the residents, and 1106 of them (40.5%) returned the questionnaires by the deadline. The analysis of responses indicated a positive relationship between social capital and happiness with regard to all three factors of social capital (trust, connections and interaction, and social participation). Evaluating the relationship between social capital and health in terms of happiness is important to creating a lively society in which citizens support one another, in addition to promoting physical and mental well‐being.
Patient involvement and institutional logics: A discussion paper
Authors: Beedholm Kirsten , Frederiksen Kirsten
Published: December 2018

The research into patient involvement is seldom concerned with the significance of cultural and structural factors. In this discussion paper, we illustrate our considerations on some of the challenges in implementing the ideal of patient involvement by showing how such factors take part in shaping the ways in which the intentions to involve patients are converted to practical interventions. The aim was to contribute to the approach dealing with contextual and structural factors of significance for patient involvement. With the idea of “institutional logics,” borrowed from the Danish scholar, Erik Riiskjær, we first demonstrate, with examples from our own research, how patient involvement is interpreted differently within the different logics. Then, we show how the different interpretations of patient involvement meet and conflict in mutual competition as the ideals are sought to be converted to practical interventions. At last, we argue that an adequate theoretical model for the development in the future health care system should be expanded with a “patient logic.”
Impact of oral potentially malignant disorder subtypes on all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in males
Authors: Yen Amy Ming‐Fang , Wang Sen‐Te , Peng Bou‐Yue , Cheng Ya‐Chung , Siewchaisakul Pallop , Hsu Chen‐Yang , Chen Sam Li‐Sheng
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To quantify the effect of oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) subtypes on mortality from oral cancer and type 2 diabetes among areca nut chewers and/or cigarette smokers.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort design was devised to follow 14,749 men attending community‐based screening program for oral cancer between 1998 and 2000 and followed until 2010. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied to assess the effect of OPMD on death.

Results

A total of 1,291(8.75%) patients were detected as OPMD. Among those free of T2DM at baseline, the elevated risk for death from T2DM was noted for OSF (aHR = 3.62, 95% CI: 1.25–10.51) and erythroplakia (aHR = 5.01, 95% CI: 1.17–21.45). The elevated risk for all‐cause death for OPMD was mainly explained by deaths from oral cancer and T2DM but not other causes of death.

Conclusions

Oral potentially malignant disorder, particularly OSF and erythroplakia, in male cigarette smokers and/or areca nut chewers led to an incremental elevated risk of T2DM mortality in the way of being distal to the occurrence of T2DM, implying that early detection and prevention of OPMD may not only reduce oral cancer mortality but also result in the reduction of T2DM mortality.
Resilience in children and their parents enduring pediatric medical traumatic stress
Authors: Isokääntä Siiri , Koivula Krista , Honkalampi Kirsi , Kokki Hannu
Published: December 2018

Due to the general lack of familiarity with the concept in the medical field, resilience is rarely considered in pediatric medical traumas. Resilience is an ability that enables recovery after adversities such as traumas, surgeries, serious health problems, or social issues. Stress from medical traumas encompasses both the psychological and physical responses of children and their families. Lack of resilience in children with medical traumatic stress may contribute to poor adjustment, slow recovery, disruptive behaviors, and psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, persistent parental distress increases the child's risk of low resilience. Consequently, these patients and their parents require early identification. This is achievable using a common stress measure such as the Perceived Stress Scale. Moreover, health care providers can screen patients’ risks for low resilience, which include few social contacts, poor family functioning, and low cohesion among family members. Findings from the stress scale and screened risks could indicate the need for additional psychosocial support at the time of diagnosis of a serious illness, soon after injuries, and before and after operations. Such interventions can include decreasing distress, counseling children and their parents, and enabling strong connections to health care providers. Health care providers can help parents to minimize distress and adjust to their child's illness, thereby supporting the child's resilience, adjustment, and recovery.
Effect of Titanium Dioxide Film Thickness on Photocatalytic and Bactericidal Activities Against Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Barthomeuf Marion , Castel Xavier , Le Gendre Laurent , Louis Justine , Denis Martine , Pissavin Christine
Published: December 2018

Structural, microstructural and bactericidal surface properties of TiO2‐coated glass substrates elaborated by reactive Radiofrequency sputtering are investigated. As pathogenic bacteria in biofilms are a major concern in food industries due to their growing resistance to cleaning and sanitizing procedures, the development of photoactive surfaces exhibiting bactericidal properties is acknowledged as an effective approach to tackle bacterial contaminations. Our principal aim concerns the study of the photoactive top‐layer thickness impact (from 80 nm to ~500 nm) on Listeria monocytogenes. Structural characterization of the TiO2 layers demonstrates that anatase and rutile phases are both present, depending on the film thickness. Photocatalytic activity of the samples has been evaluated through the degradation of aqueous methylene blue (MB) solutions under UVA light illumination for various time periods. The results show an efficiency rating increase according to TiO2 film thickness up to a threshold value close to 400 nm. Moreover, a significant decrease of the adherent bacteria number is observed after 20 min of UVA illumination. The quantitative study of the bactericidal activity associated with scanning electron microscopy observations of the postprocess bacteria damaged cells demonstrates the efficiency of the 240‐nm‐thick TiO2 coating sample. The results are correlated with the production of hydroxyl radicals during the process of photocatalysis.
Parent‐reported experience of using a real‐time text messaging service for dental appointments for children and young people with autism spectrum conditions: A pilot study
Authors: Holt Samantha , Parry Jennifer Ann
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Children and young people (CYP) with autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) and their parents/carers find dental appointments stressful. Consultation with parents of CYP with ASC identified time spent in dental waiting areas as contributing to dental anxiety. Parents proposed waiting outside the dental practice until the clinician was ready could help mitigate anxiety.

Aims

To evaluate a real‐time text messaging service (RTMS) to improve dental attendance experience for CYP with ASC.

Methods

An RTMS was developed for use in the dental clinic. Parents/carers of 17 CYP with ASC (4 to 20 years) attending a Special Care Dental service were invited to share their dental experience and the impact of using the RTMS.

Results

Parent experience suggests that time in waiting areas can increase anxiety in CYP with ASC. All parents viewed the RTMS as having a positive impact on CYP dental attendance experience. The majority believed that it reduced anxiety and enabled CYP to be more accepting of dental treatment.

Discussion

Many CYP with ASC have dental anxiety exacerbated by the use of waiting areas. Findings demonstrate the importance of considering and developing a range of approaches that respond to the needs of CYP with ASC and their families to improve dental attendance experience.
Two signal half‐century: From negative selection of self‐reactivity to positive selection of near‐self‐reactivity
Authors: Forsdyke Donald R.
Published: December 2018

With the emergence of clonal selection ideas in the 1950s, the development of immune cell repertoires was seen to require the negative selection of self‐reacting cells, with surviving cells exhibiting a broad range of specificities. Thus, confronting a universe of not‐self‐antigens, a potential host organism spread its resources widely. In the 1960s, the two signal hypothesis showed how this might work. However, in the 1970s an affinity/avidity model further proposed that anticipating a pathogen strategy of exploiting “holes” in the repertoire created by negative selection, hosts should also positively select near‐self‐reacting cells. A microbe mutating an antigen from a form foreign to its host to a form resembling that host should prevail over host defences with respect to that antigen. By mutating a step towards host self, along the path from non‐self to self, it should come to dominate the microbe population. By progressive stepwise mutations, such microbes would become better adapted, to the detriment of their hosts. But they would lose this advantage if, as they mutated closer to host self, they encountered progressively stiffer host defences. Thus, as described in the affinity/avidity model, positive selection of lymphocytes for specificities that were very close to, but not quite, anti‐self (ie, “anti‐near‐self”) should be an important host adaptation. While positive selection affects both B and T cells, mechanisms are uncertain. Converging evidence from studies of lymphocyte activation, either polyclonally (with lectins as “antigen‐analogs”) or monoclonally (by specific antigen), supports the original generic affinity/avidity model for countering mutations towards host self.
A Bourdieusian analysis of employment services workers in an era of Workfirst
Authors: Casey Simone
Published: December 2018

This article draws on qualitative research which focused on worker experiences of Workfirst activation during the Job Services Australia (JSA) contract of employment services. The Workfirst orientation of Australian labour market programmes created imperatives for activation workers to monitor job seeker compliance with activity tests. As part of the broader cohort interviewed in the study, activation workers were interviewed about the way sanctions were used to discipline job seekers in street‐level exchanges. These workers had experienced the transition from the Job Network to JSA and had observed how a shift to Workfirst became institutionalised in organisational practices and culture.

Concepts from Bourdieu's field theory are used to situate activation workers in the employment services field that became more managerial during the transition to Workfirst and where sanction‐based practice was mainstreamed. Drawing also on Peillon's sociology of welfare, employment services are described as part of the welfare field in which the activation workers experienced the misrecognition associated with Workfirst, which is described as a structure of domination. The analysis employs the concept of intersubjective recognition to draw attention to the subjective and objective co‐construction of street‐level interactions. This study has implications for understanding how welfare reforms affect activation workers, the contributors to the erosion of employment services capability, and the need for investment in workforce development in the employment services sector.
Has past climate change affected cold‐specialized species differentially through space and time?
Authors: Schoville Sean D. , Bougie Tierney C. , Dudko Roman Y. , Medeiros Matthew J.
Published: December 2018

Quaternary climate change has been strongly linked to distributional shifts and recent species diversification. Montane species, in particular, have experienced enhanced isolation and rapid genetic divergence during glacial fluctuations, and these processes have resulted in a disproportionate number of neo‐endemic species forming in high‐elevation habitats. In temperate montane environments, a general model of alpine population history is well supported, where cold‐specialized species track favourable climate conditions downslope during glacial episodes and upslope during warmer interglacial periods, which leads to a climate‐driven population or species diversification pump. However, it remains unclear how geography mediates distributional changes and whether certain episodes of glacial history have differentially impacted rates of diversification. We address these questions by examining phylogenomic data in a North American clade of flightless, cold‐specialized insects, the ice crawlers (Insecta: Grylloblattodea: Grylloblattidae: Grylloblatta). These low‐vagility organisms have the potential to reveal highly localized refugia and patterns of spatial recolonization, as well as a longer history of in situ diversification. Using continuous phylogeographic analysis of species groups, we show that all species tend to retreat to nearby low‐elevation habitats across western North America during episodes of glaciation, but species at high latitude exhibit larger distributional shifts. Lineage diversification was examined over the course of the Neogene and Quaternary periods, with statistical analysis supporting a direct association between climate variation and diversification rate. Major increases in lineage diversification appear to be correlated with warm and dry periods, rather than with extreme glacial events. Finally, we identify substantial cryptic diversity among ice crawlers, leading to high endemism across their range. This diversity provides new insights into highly localized glacial refugia for cold‐specialized species across western North America.
Conference report: International Haemovigilance Seminar and the SHOT Annual Symposium, 10–12 July 2018
Authors: Bolton‐Maggs P.H.B.
Published: December 2018

The Annual SHOT Report was published on July 12 at the Annual Symposium. This was preceded by a 2‐day meeting of the International Haemovigilance Network (IHN). The IHN meeting provides an opportunity for haemovigilance experts to network with one another and share presentations, which this year included those from China and Taiwan. Reviews of pulmonary complications were highlighted since the definitions of both transfusion‐related acute lung injury and transfusion‐associated circulatory overload are undergoing revision. The seminar provided an opportunity to present some UK data to an international group (the INTERVAL donor study, the value of big data and work on genomics and human factors).

SHOT reports for incidents reported in 2017 demonstrate that, overall, 85·5% are caused by errors. Key recommendations from SHOT are: (i) All staff involved in transfusion must be trained in and know ABO group compatibility. Clinical staff must not just rely on the laboratory staff to get this right. (ii) IT systems have the potential to increase transfusion safety by minimising human factors and should be considered for all transfusion steps. (iii) A formal risk assessment for transfusion‐associated circulatory overload should be undertaken wherever possible.
Evaluating safety and cost‐effectiveness of platelets stored in additive solution (PAS‐F) as a hemolysis risk mitigation strategy
Authors: Pagano Monica B. , Katchatag Brennan L. , Khoobyari Shiva , Van Gerwen Mark , Sen Nina , Rebecca Haley N. , Gernsheimer Terry B. , Hess John R. , Metcalf Ryan A.
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Platelet inventory constraints can result in minor ABO incompatibility and possible hemolysis. The aims of this study were to determine the reduction of isoagglutinin in titers of platelets stored in additive solution (PAS) and compare its safety, efficiency, and cost‐effectiveness with full‐volume and plasma‐reduced platelets.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Isoagglutinin titers were performed in paired whole blood donor samples and apheresis platelets collected in PAS (PAS‐PLT) aliquot samples by the tube method.

RESULTS

A total of 149 pairs of donor/platelet samples were tested: 75 group O, 59 group A, and 15 group B. For group O donor samples, the median anti‐A IgG and IgM were 64 and 16, respectively, and the median anti‐B IgG and IgM were 64 and 16, respectively. For group O PAS‐PLT samples the mean anti‐A IgG and IgM, and anti‐B IgG and IgM were 32 and 8, and 16 and 8, respectively. For group A donor samples, the mean anti‐B IgG and IgM was 8 in both cases; and both titers decreased to 2 in PAS‐PLT. For group B donor samples, mean anti‐A IgG and IgM was 16 in both cases; and both titers decreased to 4 in PAS‐PLT. PAS‐PLT demonstrated a net reduction in cost and improved efficiency when compared to plasma reduction. The use of PAS‐PLT resulted in a 40% reduction of allergic transfusion reactions.

CONCLUSION

The use of PAS decreases plasma isoagglutinin titers, transfusion reactions, and is cost‐effective when compared to routine plasma reduction as a strategy to mitigate hemolysis risk from minor incompatible platelet transfusion.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Johnson Patricia
Published: December 2018

Studies in Media and Communication (SMC) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether SMC publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 2 Andreas Veglis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GreeceAslı Sezgin, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, TurkeyBernard Naledzani Rasila, University of Venda, South AfricaCamelia Cmeciu, Danubius University of Galati, RomaniaDiego Santos Vieira de Jesus, International Relations, BrazilGholamreza Azarbouyehdinaki, Shiraz Art University, AustraliaJavier Serrano Puche, University of Navarra, SpainMaría José Serrano, Universidad de La Laguna, SpainNuran E. Isik, Izmir University of Economics, TurkeyRefat Aljumily, Newcastle University, UKYoung Joon Lim, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, USAYuan Gao, Curtin University, Australia                                                                                                                                                       Patricia JohnsonEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Studies in Media and CommunicationRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://smc.redfame.com
Continuous-Scan Phased Array Measurement Methods for Turbofan Engine Acoustic Testing
Authors: Shah Parthiv N. , White Andrew , Hensley Dan , Papamoschou Dimitri , Vold Håvard
Published: December 2018

Imaging of aeroacoustic noise sources is routinely accomplished with geometrically fixed phased arrays of microphones. Several decades of research have gone into improvement and optimization of sensor layouts, selection of basis models, and deconvolution algorithms to produce sharper and more localized images of sound-producing regions in space. This paper explores an extension to conventional phased array measurements that uses slowly, continuously moving microphone arrays with and without coupling to rigid fixed arrays to improve image quality and better describe noise mechanisms on turbofan engine sources such as jet exhausts and turbomachinery components. Three approaches are compared in the paper: fixed receiver beamforming (FRBF), continuous-scan beamforming (CSBF), and multireference CSBF (MRCSBF). The third takes advantage of transfer function matrices formed between fixed and moving sensors to achieve effective virtual arrays with spatial density one to two orders of magnitude higher, with practical sensor budgets and scan speeds. The MRCSBF technique produces array sidelobe rejection that approaches the theoretical array pattern of a continuous two-dimensional (2D) aperture. The implications of this finding are that better source localization may be achieved with conventional delay and sum (DAS) beamforming (BF) with practical sensor budgets, and that an improved starting image of the sound source can be provided to deconvolution algorithms. These findings are demonstrated on analytical and experimental examples from a low-cost rotating phased array using point sound sources, as well as linear scanning array experiments of an impinging jets point source and a near-sonic jet nozzle exhaust.
Stratified Two-Phase Flow in Annular Seals
Authors: Grimaldi Gioacchino , Pascazio Giuseppe , Vannini Giuseppe , Afferrante Luciano
Published: December 2018

The present study concerns the leakage predictions in pressure annular centered seals operating in a two-phase (gas–liquid) smooth stratified flow pattern. In such systems, the liquid experiences centrifugal forces typically 3–4 orders of magnitude larger than the standard earth gravity. Consequently, it is reasonable to assume the liquid is centrifuged toward the stator, leaving the rotor in contact only with the gas. This specific flow configuration is difficult to investigate experimentally, being the rotor–stator clearance of the order of 100 μm. For this reason, a new bulk model based on a two-phase smooth-stratified flow is proposed for leakage predictions. The (external) liquid flow and the (internal) gas one are assumed in laminar and turbulent regime, respectively. The results show that for convenient values of the inlet and outlet pressure loss coefficients, the stratified model predicts mass flow rates in better agreement with experimental data than a standard homogeneous multiphase bulk model.
Influence of discretization error on instability of cochlear model
Authors: Murakami Yasuki
Published: December 2018

The instability derived from the cochlear model is a phenomenon used to characterize its active processing, which is one of the fundamentals of hearing. This processing relates to the activities of outer hair cells (OHCs) lining in the cochlea. The decline of this processing function is accounted for by the spatially irregular activities of OHCs. Current cochlear models show excessive instability when cochlea containing the irregular activity of the OHCs is simulated. To explain this phenomenon, there are two possibilities. First, excessive instability may be essential to the model. Second, discretized errors may affect the instability of the model in numerical calculation. To investigate these possibilities, a state space model of two-dimensional cochlear mechanics is developed and applied to a high-accuracy scheme of numerical calculation. As a result of this simulation, the basilar membrane responses include the discretization error, which depends on the modeling accuracy. Furthermore, the transfer function and the temporal response show more instability with higher modeling accuracy, with the irregularity of the feedback gain corresponding to the activities of the OHCs. Therefore, when the discretization error is large, the instability is weakened. Consequently, this paper concludes that excessive instability is an essential feature of the cochlear model.
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: complication of a vaccine preventable disease
Authors: Banerjee Arundhati , Suthar Renu , Vyas Sameer , Singh Mini P
Published: December 2018

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare inflammatory-demyelinating disease of central nervous system. Several viral infections and vaccines act as precipitating factor for ADEM. We report an 8-year-old girl presenting with acute-onset flaccid paraparesis and bilateral painless vision loss. MRI brain showed extensive multifocal patchy demyelination and she made good clinical recovery with steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. She had history of bilateral parotid swelling before the onset of neurological symptoms and diagnosis of mumps was confirmed by positive ELISA in serum. Mumps, usually a benign and self-limited viral infection, rarely can cause severe neurological complications. Hence, we report this case to emphasise the importance of mumps vaccination and the need to strengthen the health policy system for the prevention of disease.
Painful rash with hoarseness: an atypical presentation of syphilis
Authors: Hanlon Courtney L , Galoosian Artin , Ali Saima , Edson Randall S
Published: December 2018

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can affect multiple organ systems, with central nervous system involvement at any stage. We present a 53-year-old woman with an unusual truncal rash with painful anogenital lesions, accompanied by patchy alopecia, oral lesions, photophobia and hoarseness. She was found to have positive serological tests for syphilis with cerebrospinal fluid findings suggestive of neurosyphilis. She underwent a 14-day course of intravenous penicillin G and exhibited successful resolution of painful anogenital lesions as well as marked improvement in dermatological, oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and neurological symptoms.
Risk factors for mental workload: influence of the working environment, cardiovascular health and lifestyle. A cross-sectional study
Authors: López-López María Luisa , Balanza-Galindo Serafín , Vera-Catalán Tomás , Gallego-Gómez Juana Inés , Rodríguez González-Moro María Teresa , Rivera-Caravaca José Miguel , Simonelli-Muñoz Agustín Javier
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Mental workload is a condition which can negatively influence the overall health of workers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the risk factors for the onset of mental workload, including working conditions, cardiovascular comorbidities and lifestyle habits, in a working population.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study including 408 workers from a risk prevention service of small/medium companies in Murcia (Spain). Workers from the secondary and tertiary sectors or primary/secondary sectors with administrative management tasks who underwent a routine medical examination between 1 January 2017 and 31 April 2017 were included. Workers from the primary sector and construction were excluded to avoid a sex and age bias.

Results

From 408 workers, 206 (50.5%) were females; with mean age 36.8±10.4 years. 164 (40.2%) workers had a moderate to significant risk of mental workload. Based on multivariate logistic regression analyses, independent predictors of mental workload were age ≥30 years (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.22 to 4.80; p=0.012), working in tertiary (OR 7.89, 95% CI 3.59 to 17.31; p<0.001) or administrative sectors (OR 87.57, 95% CI 35.22 to 217.79; p<0.001) and alcohol consumption (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.16 to 3.73; p=0.014). Smoking habit (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.85; p=0.012) was found as a protective variable so non-smoking was considered as a risk factor.

Conclusion

In the present study from a risk prevention service including workers of small/medium companies from the secondary and tertiary sectors and workers with administrative tasks, the labour sector, age, alcohol consumption and smoking habits, are independently associated with a higher risk of developing moderate to significant mental workload.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of drug therapies for macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Qian Tianwei , Zhao Mengya , Wan Yongjing , Li MengXiao , Xu Xun
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents and corticosteroids for the treatment of macular oedema (ME) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

Design

Systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Participants

Patients from previously reported randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing anti-VEGF and corticosteroids for the treatment of ME secondary to CRVO.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov until March 2017. Therapeutic effects were estimated using the proportions of patients gaining/losing ≥15 letters, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT). Treatment safety was estimated using the proportions of adverse events, namely increased intraocular pressure (IOP), cataracts, vitreous haemorrhage (VH) and retinal tear. The software ADDIS (V.1.16.8) was used for analysis. Treatment effect and safety of different drugs could be ranked based on simulation.

Results

Eleven RCTs comprising 2060 patients were identified. Regarding patients gaining ≥15 letters, aflibercept and ranibizumab were significantly more effective than sham/placebo at 6 months. Regarding patients losing ≥15 letters at 6 months, ranibizumab showed significant improvement compared with dexamethasone. Aflibercept, bevacizumab or ranibizumab showed greater improvements in BCVA than sham/placebo at 6 months. Intravitreal ranibizumab injection demonstrated greater CRT reduction than both sham and dexamethasone did. Dexamethasone had a higher risk of increased IOP than aflibercept and ranibizumab. Ranibizumab demonstrated a greater risk of cataracts than dexamethasone. Aflibercept and ranibizumab demonstrated low incidence of VH and retinal tear, respectively. Aflibercept had a slight advantage over ranibizumab as assessed by benefit–risk analysis.

Conclusions

Anti-VEGF agents have advantages in the treatment of ME secondary to CRVO. Aflibercept and ranibizumab showed marked BCVA improvement and CRT reduction. Aflibercept may have a slight advantage over ranibizumab. The results of this study can serve as a reference for clinicians to provide patient-tailored treatment.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017064076.
Protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of treatment success rate among adult patients with tuberculosis in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Izudi Jonathan , Semakula Daniel , Sennono Richard , Tamwesigire Imelda K , Bajunirwe Francis
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of mortality globally. Despite being curable, treatment success rates (TSRs) among adult patients with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB (BC-PTB) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) differ considerably. This protocol documents and presents an explicit plan of a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarise TSR among adult patients with BC-PTB in SSA.

Methods and analysis

Two reviewers will search and extract data from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Ovid, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Web of Science electronic databases. Observational and interventional studies published between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2018, involving adult patients with BC-PTB will be eligible. Data abstraction disagreements will be resolved by consensus with a third reviewer, while percentage agreement computed with kappa statistics. TSR will be computed with Metaprop, a Stata command for pooling proportions using DerSimonian and Laird random effects model and presented in a forest plot with corresponding 95% CIs. Heterogeneity between included studies will be assessed with Cochran’s Q test and quantified with I-squared values. Publication bias will be evaluated with funnel plots and tested with Egger’s weighted regression. Time trends in TSR will be calculated with cumulative meta-analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval will be needed because data from previous published studies in which informed consent was obtained by primary investigators will be retrieved and analysed. We will prepare a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and present the results at conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018099151.
Effects of multiparity on left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in women: cross-sectional study of the KoRean wOmen’S chest pain rEgistry (KoROSE)
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jin , Kim Myung-A , Kim Hack-Lyoung , Shim Wan Joo , Park Seong Mi , Kim Mina , Yoon Hyun Ju , Shin Mi Seung , Hong Kyung-Soon , Shin Gil Ja , Kim Yong-Hyun , Na Jin Oh , Jeong Jin-Ok
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To investigate the association between left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and multiparity in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Linked secondary and tertiary care records from 29 cardiac centres which participated in KoRean wOmen’S chest pain rEgistry.

Participants

960 women with suspected CAD who underwent invasive coronary angiography from February 2011 to May 2017. The patients were classified by parity number, as follows: low-parity, 0 to <3; multiparity, ≥3 pregnancies.

Main outcome measure

Prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction.

Results

There were 302 and 658 low-parity and multiparity patients, respectively. The prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction was significantly higher in the multiparity than in the low-parity group. The multiparity group had significantly lower E and e´ septal velocities and E/A ratio, and had a significantly higher E/e´ ratio and right ventricular systolic pressure, which are parameters of LV diastolic dysfunction, than the low-parity group. The prevalence of CAD was significantly higher in the multiparity than in the low-parity group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified a parity of 2.5 as the cut-off for predicting LV diastolic dysfunction (area under the curve, 0.66; sensitivity, 74.1%; specificity, 52.0%; 95% CI 0.607 to 0.706; p<0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors, multivariate regression analysis showed that multiparity had a 1.80-fold increased risk for LV diastolic dysfunction (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.053 to 3.081, p=0.032).

Conclusions

The prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction was higher in multiparity than in low-parity women with suspected CAD. Multiparity was an independent risk factor for LV diastolic dysfunction. LV diastolic dysfunction should be evaluated in multiparous women for the risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease and facilitate the initiation of appropriate treatment.
Collaborative sensorimotor intelligence: the scrum as a model
Authors: Wang Danping , Mahe Gaël , Fang Junying , Piscione Julien , Couvet Serge , Retiere Didier , Laporte Sébastien , Vidal Pierre-Paul
Published: December 2018

Aim

Using M-Rex, a rugby scrum simulator, we developed tools to describe scrummaging forces and to prevent accident.

Methods

We tested three groups of frontliners at national level. The simulator was passive or responded to the player(s) to simulate the reaction of opposite players. Sensors in the beam measured the force exerted by each of the players. Their movements were recorded with a Codamotion system.

Results

The force signals exhibited two phases: a transient phase, similar to a damped sinusoid with a dominant frequency around 5 Hz when the players scrummaged alone and with a wider range when playing together; then, a sustained phase could be decomposed in two components: a DC component remained stable whether frontliners played alone or together. In contrast, its variability decreased when the frontliners played together compared with when they played alone. As for the oscillations, the frontliners exhibited a large variability in their ability to synchronise their efforts during the sustained phase. The synchronisation between the hooker and the props was quite efficient, while it was always missing between two props. Finally, we were able to study postural readjustments and their synchronisation among players during the sustained phase.

Conclusion

This study shows that by using adequate methods, it is possible to assess the frontline collective intelligence. These findings may pave the way for innovative methods of training to improve players’ collective behaviour.
Bone health in elite Norwegian endurance cyclists and runners: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Klomsten Andersen Oddbjørn , Clarsen Benjamin , Garthe Ina , Mørland Morten , Stensrud Trine
Published: December 2018

Background

Athletes who compete in non-weight-bearing activities such as swimming and cycling are at risk of developing low bone mineral density (BMD). Athletes in long-distance running are at risk of low BMD.

Objective 

(1) To evaluate the bone health in Norwegian male and female national elite road cyclists and middle-distance and long-distance runners, and to identify cases of low BMD. (2) To identify possible risk factors associated with low BMD.

Methods

Twenty-one runners (11 females and 10 males) and 19 road cyclists (7 females and 12 males) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurement of BMD in total body, femoral neck and lumbar spine was measured. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding training, injuries, calcium intake and health variables.

Results

The cyclists had lower BMD for all measured sites compared with the runners (p≤0.05). Ten of 19 cyclists were classified as having low BMD according to American College of Sports Medicine criteria (Z-score ≤−1), despite reporting to train heavy resistance training on the lower extremities. Low BMD was site specific having occurred in the lumbar spine and the femoral neck and was not confined to females. Type of sport was the only factor significantly associated with low BMD.

Conclusion

National elite Norwegian road cyclists had lower BMD compared with runners, and a large proportion was classified as having low BMD, despite having performed heavy resistance training. Interventions to increase BMD in this population should be considered.