bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of interthalamic adhesion size as an indicator of brain atrophy in dogs with and without cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Noh Daji , Choi Sooyoung , Choi Hojung , Lee Youngwon , Lee Kija
Published: July 2017

Interthalamic adhesion thickness has been previously described as a parameter for quantifying canine brain atrophy and hypothesized to correlate with brain height or ventricular size. However, studies testing this hypothesis are lacking. This retrospective cross‐sectional study aimed to compare interthalamic adhesion thickness, interthalamic adhesion thickness/brain height ratio, and interthalamic adhesion thickness/brain height ratio/lateral ventricle to brain height ratio values in dogs with and without cognitive dysfunction. Medical records for dogs meeting the following inclusion criteria were retrieved from two hospitals: available brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) studies, no cerebral parenchymal lesions, and no prior neurological treatment. For each included dog, values of interthalamic adhesion thickness, interthalamic adhesion thickness/brain height ratio, and interthalamic adhesion thickness/brain height ratio/lateral ventricle to brain height ratio were measured by one observer from transverse CT or MRI images and a consensus was reached. A total of 113 dogs met inclusion criteria. Dogs were divided into three groups based on the following criteria: Young group (no cognitive dysfunction, <9‐year‐old, n = 43), Aging group (no cognitive dysfunction, ≥9‐year‐old, n = 61), and Dementia group (n = 9). All three parameters were significantly lower in the dementia group than in the Young and Aging groups. In the Young and Aging groups, there was significant negative correlation of all three parameters with age and positive correlation of interthalamic adhesion thickness and interthalamic adhesion thickness/brain height ratio/lateral ventricle to brain height ratio with body weight, while there was no correlation of interthalamic adhesion thickness/brain height ratio with body weight (P < 0.05). There were no differences in all three parameters according to skull type or gender. Findings from the current study supported the use of interthalamic adhesion thickness, interthalamic adhesion thickness/brain height ratio, and interthalamic adhesion thickness/brain height ratio/lateral ventricle to brain height ratio for quantifying brain atrophy in dogs with cognitive dysfunction.
Assessing Online Asynchronous Communication Strategies Designed to Enhance Large Student Cohort Engagement and Foster a Community of Learning
Authors: Kebble Paul G
Published: July 2017

With the increasing diversity of pedagogic models of delivery in higher education, universities are continually exploring practises of learning and teaching designed to enhance student experience and retention. The number of courses provided online continues to grow through, among other reasons, an escalation of higher education (HE) students requiring flexible approaches to learning and learner engagement. However, HE Students participating in online courses can experience a sense of physical isolation which, if allowed to escalate, can lead to reduced performance and potential withdrawal from courses. Creating an online learning environment that fosters a sense of connection and assimilation should enhance an individual’s learning experience and engagement. This enquiry, conducted through a two-cycle participatory action research approach, was designed to explore possible strategies to enhance learner engagement. Elaborations introduced in cycle two, and the construct of recommendations, were based upon the analysis of data collected through online interactions between students and lecturer, appraisal of online student communications, and the utilisation of an online questionnaire. Participants were 2nd year undergraduate Bachelor of Education students following a Design and Technology in Education course, with cohorts of 131 and 124 respectively. The research process included assessing the effectiveness of weekly newsletters and group discussion board summaries utilising student quotes, along with supporting practises, for promoting a sense of inclusion and improving interactions within online learning communities. The research concludes by providing a list of suggested strategies shown through this research to have enhanced large student cohort engagement and foster a community of learning and learners having shared values and aspirations, and willing to learn through engagement with others.
Identical parallel machine scheduling with nonlinear deterioration and multiple rate modifying activities
Authors: Öztürkoğlu Ömer
Published: July 2017

This study focuses on identical parallel machine scheduling of jobs with deteriorating processing times and rate-modifying activities. We consider non linearly increasing processing times of jobs based on their position assignment. Rate modifying activities are also considered to recover the increase in processing times of jobs due to deterioration. We also propose heuristics algorithms that rely on ant colony optimization and simulated annealing algorithms to solve the problem with multiple RMAs in a reasonable amount of time. Finally, we show that ant colony optimization algorithm generates close optimal solutions and superior results than simulated annealing algorithm.
A modified quadratic hybridization of Polak-Ribiere-Polyak and Fletcher-Reeves conjugate gradient method for unconstrained optimization problems
Authors: Kaelo Pro , Narayanan Sindhu , Thuto M.V.
Published: July 2017

This article presents a modified quadratic hybridization of the Polak–Ribiere–Polyak and Fletcher–Reeves conjugate gradient method for solving unconstrained optimization problems. Global convergence, with the strong Wolfe line search conditions, of the proposed quadratic hybrid conjugate gradient method is established. We also report some numerical results to show the competitiveness of the new hybrid method.
A numerical treatment based on Haar wavelets for coupled KdV equation
Authors: Oruç Ömer , Bulut Fatih , Esen Alaattin
Published: July 2017

In this paper, numerical solutions of one dimensional coupled KdV equation has been investigated by Haar Wavelet method. Time derivatives given in this equation are discretized by finite differences and nonlinear terms appearing in the equations are linearized by some linearization techniques and space derivatives are discretized by Haar wavelets. For examining the performance of the proposed method, single soliton solution and conserved quantities of some test problems are used. Also, error analysis of numerical scheme is investigated and numerical results are compared with some results already existing in the literature.
Photocatalytic performance of TiVOx/TiO2 thin films prepared by bipolar pulsed magnetron sputter deposition
Authors: Weng Ko-Wei , Han Sheng
Published: July 2017

TiO2 films were formed by sputtering, and TiVOx films were deposited by bipolar pulsed magnetron sputtering with pure Ti and V metal targets. The sputtering of V on Ti oxide had little effect on the orientation of the TiO2 (101) plane of the specimen assemblies. The main varying parameter was the vanadium pulse power. Sputtered V is supposed to undergo resputtering, favoring a low deposition rate and small thickness. TiO2 films that were sputtered with a vanadium pulse power of 150 W were most effective in the photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue solution.
Emergent cellular self-organization and mechanosensation initiate follicle pattern in the avian skin
Authors: Shyer Amy E. , Rodrigues Alan R. , Schroeder Grant G. , Kassianidou Elena , Kumar Sanjay , Harland Richard M.
Published: July 2017

Mechanics of follicle patterning in skin

Studies of skin organogenesis have presupposed that a periodic molecular prepattern is responsible for the initiation of a periodic pattern of hair or feathers. To date, however, these initiating molecules have remained elusive. Using chicken skin as a model system, Shyer
et al.
found that the periodic spacing of feathers is triggered by mechanical rather than molecular events (see the Perspective by Grill). Furthermore, these mechanical events shape both the structure of prefeathers and their molecular identity.

Science
, this issue p.
811
; see also p.
750
Large-amplitude transfer motion of hydrated excess protons mapped by ultrafast 2D IR spectroscopy
Authors: Dahms Fabian , Fingerhut Benjamin P. , Nibbering Erik T. J. , Pines Ehud , Elsaesser Thomas
Published: July 2017

Accumulating evidence for the Zundel motif

In recent years, vibrational spectroscopy has been homing in on how water accommodates dissolved protons in acidic solution. Most such studies have examined adjacent stretching or bending modes. Dahms
et al.
pinpoint the vibrational dynamics of the acidic proton itself, which is sandwiched between two water molecules in a so-called Zundel motif. Comparing spectra in bulk water and in acetonitrile (a known Zundel host) revealed the persistence of this motif in aqueous acid on a subpicosecond time scale. Persistence is sustained by the hydrogen-bonding network among the surrounding water molecules.

Science
, this issue p.
491
Draft Genome Sequences of 256 Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Enteritidis Strains Isolated from Humans, Food, Chickens, and Farm Environments in Brazil
Authors: Campioni Fábio , Cao Guojie , Kastanis George , Sanchez Leon Maria , Bergamini Alzira Maria Morato , Rodrigues Dália dos Prazeres , Allard Marc William , Falcão Juliana Pfrimer
Published: July 2017

Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Enteritidis emerged in the late 1980s as the most isolated
Salmonella
serovar worldwide. Here, we report the draft genomes of 256
S
. Enteritidis strains isolated from humans, food, chickens, and farm environments in Brazil. These draft genomes will help enhance our understanding of this serovar in Brazil.
Genome Sequences of Five
Streptomyces
Bacteriophages Forming Cluster BG
Authors: Donegan-Quick Richard , Gibbs Zane A. , Amaku Patricia O. , Bernal Joshua T. , Boyd Dana A. M. , Burr Angela R. , Coelho Rainna E. , Dossou Akpedje S. , Henry Ryan M. , Huynh Mai , Kanani-Hendijani Thalia A. , Martinez Guillermina , McClendon-Moss Tianeaka O. , Orozco Sergio , San Martin Johnny M. , Stoddart Kaitlyn E. , Stringer Madison M. , Villegas Rachel L. , Nayek Subhayu , Suri Nikita , Garlena Rebecca A. , Russell Daniel A. , Hughes Lee E.
Published: July 2017

Cluster BG of the actinobacteriophage was formed upon discovery of five novel bacteriophages isolated by enrichment from their host,
Streptomyces griseus
subsp.
griseus
strain ATCC 10137. Four members of this cluster (BabyGotBac, Maih, TP1605, and YDN12) share over 89% average nucleotide identity, while the other (Xkcd426) has only 72% similarity to other cluster members.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three
Actinobacteria
Strains Presenting New Candidate Organisms with High Potentials for Specific P450 Cytochromes
Authors: Grumaz Christian , Vainshtein Yevhen , Kirstahler Philipp , Luetz Stephan , Kittelmann Matthias , Schroer Kirsten , Eggimann Fabian K. , Czaja Rico , Vogel Andreas , Hilberath Thomas , Worsch Anne , Girhard Marco , Urlacher Vlada B. , Sandberg Marcel , Sohn Kai
Published: July 2017

The three
Actinobacteria
strains
Streptomyces platensis
DSM 40041,
Pseudonocardia autotrophica
DSM 535, and
Streptomyces fradiae
DSM 40063 were described to selectively oxyfunctionalize several drugs. Here, we present their draft genomes to unravel their gene sets encoding promising cytochrome P450 monooxygenases associated with the generation of drug metabolites.
Genome Sequence of
Micromonospora
sp. NBS 11-29, an Antibiotic and Hydrolytic Enzyme Producer, Isolated from River Sediment in Brazil
Authors: Ichiwaki Simone , Costa Aline C. M. M. , Silva Eliane G. , Rada Lina R. M. , Lima Felipe R. , Ortíz-Vera Mabel P. , Garrido Leandro M. , Sato Maria Inês Z. , Araújo Welington L. , Padilla Gabriel
Published: July 2017

The genus
Micromonospora
comprises actinomycetes with high biotechnological potential, due to their ability to produce secondary metabolites and enzymes. In this study, we report the draft genome sequence of
Micromonospora
sp. NBS 11-29, which showed antibacterial, cellulolytic, and xylanolytic activities under
in vitro
conditions.
De Novo
Whole-Genome Sequencing of the Wood Rot Fungus
Polyporus brumalis
, Which Exhibits Potential Terpenoid Metabolism
Authors: Lee Su-Yeon , An Ji-eun , Ryu Sun-Hwa , Kim Myungkil
Published: July 2017

Polyporus brumalis
is able to synthesize several sesquiterpenes during fungal growth. Using a single-molecule real-time sequencing platform, we present the 53-Mb draft genome of
P. brumalis
, which contains 6,231 protein-coding genes. Gene annotation and isolation support genetic information, which can increase the understanding of sesquiterpene metabolism in
P. brumalis
.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Xanthomonas citri Strains from Texas
Authors: Munoz Bodnar Alejandra , Santillana Gem , Mavrodieva Vessela , Liu Zhaowei , Nakhla Mark , Gabriel Dean W.
Published: July 2017

The complete genome sequences of three
Xanthomonas citri
strains isolated from lime trees in Texas were found to belong to the A
w
group. All carried nearly identical large plasmids with similarity to those of a citrus canker strain from India and to xanthomonads from Africa and Colombia. All three strains harbored unusual
pthA
homologs.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Plasmodium gonderi
, a Malaria Parasite of African Old World Monkeys
Authors: Honma Hajime , Kawai Satoru , Motooka Daisuke , Nakamura Shota , Tougan Takahiro , Horii Toshihiro , Arisue Nobuko
Published: July 2017

Plasmodium gonderi
is a primate parasite whose natural host is the African Old World monkeys. Here, we report the draft genome sequence for
P. gonderi
. The data are useful not only for understanding the evolution of malaria but also for allowing the comparative genomics of malaria parasites.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Mycobacterium bovis Strains Isolated from Beef Cattle in Paraguay
Authors: Sanabria Lidia , Lagrave Lorena , Nishibe Christiane , Ribas Augusto C. A. , Zumárraga Martín J. , Almeida Nalvo F. , Araújo Flábio R.
Published: July 2017

This work reports the draft genome sequences of the
Mycobacterium bovis
strains M1009 and M1010, isolated from the lymph nodes of two infected cows on a beef farm in Paraguay. Comparative genomics between these strains and other regional strains may provide more insights regarding
M. bovis
epidemiology in South America.
Draft Genome Sequences of Pseudoalteromonas tetraodonis CSB01KR and Pseudoalteromonas lipolytica CSB02KR, Isolated from the Gut of the Sea Cucumber
Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Jo Jihoon , Choi Hyunjun , Lee Sung-Gwon , Oh Jooseong , Lee Hyun-Gwan , Park Chungoo
Published: July 2017

We present here the complete genome sequences of two newly isolated
Pseudoalteromonas tetraodonis
and
Pseudoalteromonas lipolytica
strains, isolated from the gut of the sea cucumber
Apostichopus japonicus
, to provide a useful means for facilitating the study of antibacterial, bacteriolytic, agarolytic, and algicidal activities of marine
Pseudoalteromonas
species.
Complete Genome Sequences of Lactococcus lactis subsp.
lactis
bv. diacetylactis FM03 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides FM06 Isolated from Cheese
Authors: van Mastrigt Oscar , Abee Tjakko , Smid Eddy J.
Published: July 2017

Here, the genome sequences of
Lactococcus lactis
subsp.
lactis
bv. diacetylactis FM03 and
Leuconostoc mesenteroides
FM06, both isolated from cheese, are presented. FM03 and FM06 contain 7 and 3 plasmids, respectively, that carry genes encoding functions important for growth and survival in dairy fermentations.
Constrictive pericarditis from an endocardial pacemaker lead
Authors: Agarwal Nayan , Mojadidi Mohammad Khalid , Ahmed Mustafa
Published: July 2017

Constrictive pericarditis secondary to endocardial pacemaker inflammation, without associated pericardial effusion or infection, has yet to be described in the literature. We present a case of a 42-year-old man who developed recurrent ascites from regional constrictive pericarditis following pacemaker implant. Symptoms resolved after pericardiectomy.
Ruxolitinib treatment in an infant with JAK2+ polycythaemia vera-associated Budd-Chiari syndrome
Authors: Coskun Mehmet Enes , Height Sue , Dhawan Anil , Hadzic Nedim
Published: July 2017

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is caused by hepatic venous outflow obstruction commonly seen with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Polycythaemia vera (PV) is a very rare MPN in childhood. This is the youngest reported patient diagnosed with PV and BCS secondary toJAK V617Fmutation.

A 26-month-old girl was admitted with a 5-month history of abdominal distension, hepatosplenomegaly and ascites. Imaging studies revealed occlusion of the right hepatic vein and marked attenuation of the middle and left hepatic veins. BCS was diagnosed after excluding other causes of chronic liver disease. Mandatory prothrombotic workup revealed underlying PV.

Partial recanalisation of hepatic veins occurred following anticoagulation therapy and PV was well controlled by pegylated interferon and hydroxycarbamide until she developed nephrotic syndrome, likely secondary to pegylated interferon. Therefore, treatment was modified to ruxolitinib, a novel-JAK-2 inhibitor; the therapy has been effective for almost 20 months with a good response and has no side effects.
Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to implement and evaluate national surgical planning
Authors: Saluja Saurabh , Silverstein Allison , Mukhopadhyay Swagoto , Lin Yihan , Raykar Nakul , Keshavjee Salmaan , Samad Lubna , Meara John G
Published: July 2017

The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery defined six surgical indicators and a framework for a national surgical plan that aimed to incorporate surgical care as a part of global public health. Multiple countries have since begun national surgical planning; each faces unique challenges in doing so. Implementation science can be used to more systematically explain this heterogeneous process, guide implementation efforts and ultimately evaluate progress. We describe our intervention using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. This framework requires identifying characteristics of the intervention, the individuals involved, the inner and outer setting of the intervention, and finally describing implementation processes. By hosting a consultative symposium with clinicians and policy makers from around the world, we are able to specify key aspects of each element of this framework. We define our intervention as the incorporation of surgical care into public health planning, identify local champions as the key individuals involved, and describe elements of the inner and outer settings. Ultimately we describe top-down and bottom-up models that are distinct implementation processes. With the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we are able to identify specific strategic models that can be used by implementers in various settings. While the integration of surgical care into public health throughout the world may seem like an insurmountable challenge, this work adds to a growing effort that seeks to find a way forward.
Rationale and protocol for the After Diabetes Diagnosis REsearch Support System (ADDRESS): an incident and high risk type 1 diabetes UK cohort study
Authors: Walkey Helen C , Kaur Akaal , Bravis Vassiliki , Godsland Ian F , Misra Shivani , Williams Alistair J K , Bingley Polly J , Dunger David B , Oliver Nick , Johnston Desmond G
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Type 1 diabetes is heterogeneous in its presentation and progression. Variations in clinical presentation between children and adults, and with ethnic group warrant further study in the UK to improve understanding of this heterogeneity. Early interventions to limit beta cell damage in type 1 diabetes are undergoing evaluation, but recruitment is challenging. The protocol presented describes recruitment of people with clinician-assigned, new-onset type 1 diabetes to understand the variation in their manner of clinical presentation, to facilitate recruitment into intervention studies and to create an open-access resource of data and biological samples for future type 1 diabetes research.

Methods and analysis

Using the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network, patients >5 years of age diagnosed clinically with type 1 diabetes (and their siblings) are recruited within 6 months of diagnosis. Participants agree to have their clinical, laboratory and demographic data stored on a secure database, for their clinical progress to be monitored using information held by NHS Digital, and to be contacted about additional research, in particular immunotherapy and other interventions. An optional blood sample is taken for islet autoantibody measurement and storage of blood and DNA for future analyses. Data will be analysed statistically to describe the presentation of incident type 1 diabetes in a contemporary UK population.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the independent NHS Research Ethics Service. Results will be presented at national and international meetings and submitted for publication to peer-reviewed journals.
Evaluating the importance of policy amenable factors in explaining influenza vaccination: a cross-sectional multinational study
Authors: Wheelock Ana , Miraldo Marisa , Thomson Angus , Vincent Charles , Sevdalis Nick
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Despite continuous efforts to improve influenza vaccination coverage, uptake among high-risk groups remains suboptimal. We aimed to identify policy amenable factors associated with vaccination and to measure their importance in order to assist in the monitoring of vaccination sentiment and the design of communication strategies and interventions to improve vaccination rates.

Setting

The USA, the UK and France.

Participants

A total of 2412 participants were surveyed across the three countries.

Outcome measures

Self-reported influenza vaccination.

Methods

Between March and April 2014, a stratified random sampling strategy was employed with the aim of obtaining nationally representative samples in the USA, the UK and France through online databases and random-digit dialling. Participants were asked about vaccination practices, perceptions and feelings. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with past influenza vaccination.

Results

The models were able to explain 64%–80% of the variance in vaccination behaviour. Overall, sociopsychological variables, which are inherently amenable to policy, were better at explaining past vaccination behaviour than demographic, socioeconomic and health variables. Explanatory variables included social influence (physician), influenza and vaccine risk perceptions and traumatic childhood experiences.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that evidence-based sociopsychological items should be considered for inclusion into national immunisation surveys to gauge the public’s views, identify emerging concerns and thus proactively and opportunely address potential barriers and harness vaccination drivers.
Ventilatory function as a predictor of mortality in lifelong non-smokers: evidence from large British cohort studies
Authors: Gupta Ramyani P , Strachan David P
Published: July 2017

Background

Reduced ventilatory function is an established predictor of all-cause mortality in general population cohorts. We sought to verify this in lifelong non-smokers, among whom confounding by active smoking can be excluded, and investigate associations with circulatory and cancer deaths.

Methods

In UK Biobank, among 149 343 white never-smokers aged 40–69 years at entry, 2401 deaths occurred over a mean of 6.5-year follow-up. In the Health Surveys for England (HSE) 1995, 1996, 2001 and Scottish Health Surveys (SHS) 1998 and 2003 combined, there were 500 deaths among 6579 white never-smokers aged 40–69 years at entry, followed for a mean of 13.9 years. SD (z) scores for forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were derived using Global Lung Initiative 2012 reference equations. These z-scores were related to deaths from all causes, circulatory disease and cancers using proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, height, socioeconomic status, region and survey.

Results

In the HSE–SHS data set, decreasing z-scores for FEV1 (zFEV1) and FVC (zFVC) were each associated to a similar degree with increased all-cause mortality (hazard ratios per unit decrement 1.17, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.25 for zFEV1 and 1.19, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.28 for zFVC). This was replicated in Biobank (HRs 1.21, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.26 and 1.24, 1.19 to 1.29, respectively). zFEV1 and zFVC were less strongly associated with mortality from circulatory diseases in HSE–SHS (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.40 for zFVC) than in Biobank (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.35 to 1.60 for zFVC). For cancer mortality, HRs were more consistent between cohorts (for zFVC: HRs 1.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.24 in HSE–SHS and 1.10, 1.05 to 1.15 in Biobank). The strongest associations were with respiratory mortality (for zFVC: HRs 1.61, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.08 in HSE–SHS and 2.15, 1.77 to 2.61 in Biobank).

Conclusions

Spirometric indices predicted mortality more strongly than systolic blood pressure or body mass index, emphasising the importance of promoting lung health in the general population, even among lifelong non-smokers.
Cross-sectional study of the hospital management of adult patients with a suspected seizure (EPIC2)
Authors: Dickson Jon Mark , Dudhill Hannah , Shewan Jane , Mason Sue , Grünewald Richard A , Reuber Markus
Published: July 2017

Objective

To determine the clinical characteristics, management and outcomes of patients taken to hospital by emergency ambulance after a suspected seizure.

Design

Quantitative cross-sectional retrospective study of a consecutive series of patients.

Setting

An acute hospital trust in a large city in England.

Participants

In 2012–2013, the regions’ ambulance service managed 605 481 emergency incidents, 74 141/605 481 originated from Sheffield (a large city in the region), 2121/74 141 (2.9%) were suspected seizures and 178/2121 occurred in May 2012. We undertook detailed analysis of the medical records of the 91/178 patients who were transported to the city's acute hospital. After undertaking a retrospective review of the medical records, the best available aetiological explanation for the seizures was determined.

Results

The best available aetiological explanation for 74.7% (68/91) of the incidents was an epileptic seizure, 11.0% (10/91) were psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and 9.9% (9/91) were cardiogenic events. The epileptic seizures fall into the following four categories: first epileptic seizure (13.2%, 12/91), epileptic seizure with a historical diagnosis of epilepsy (30.8%, 28/91), recurrent epileptic seizures without a historical diagnosis of epilepsy (20.9%, 19/91) and acute symptomatic seizures (9.9%, 9/91). Of those with seizures (excluding cardiogenic events), 2.4% (2/82) of patients were seizing on arrival in the Emergency Department (ED), 19.5% (16/82) were postictal and 69.5% (57/82) were alert. 63.4% (52/82) were discharged at the end of their ED attendance and 36.5% (19/52) of these had no referral or follow-up.

Conclusions

Most suspected seizures are epileptic seizures but this is a diagnostically heterogeneous group. Only a small minority of patients require emergency medical care but most are transported to hospital. Few patients receive expert review and many are discharged home without referral to a specialist leaving them at risk of further seizures and the associated morbidity, mortality and health services costs of poorly controlled epilepsy.
Low-value clinical practices in injury care: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Moore Lynne , Boukar Khadidja Malloum , Tardif Pier-Alexandre , Stelfox Henry T , Champion Howard , Cameron Peter , Gabbe Belinda , Yanchar Natalie , kortbeek John , Lauzier François , Légaré France , Archambault Patrick , Turgeon Alexis F
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Preventable injuries lead to 200 000 hospital stays, 60 000 disabilities, and 13 000 deaths per year in Canada with direct costs of $20 billion. Overall, potentially unnecessary medical interventions are estimated to consume up to 30% of healthcare resources and may expose patients to avoidable harm. However, little is known about overuse for acute injury care. We aim to identify low-value clinical practices in injury care.

Methods and analysis

We will perform a scoping review of peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed literature to identify research articles, reviews, recommendations and guidelines that identify at least one low-value clinical practice specific to injury populations. We will search Medline, EMBASE, COCHRANE central, and BIOSIS/Web of Knowledge databases, websites of government agencies, professional societies and patient advocacy organisations, thesis holdings and conference proceedings. Pairs of independent reviewers will evaluate studies for eligibility and extract data from included articles using a prepiloted and standardised electronic data abstraction form. Low-value clinical practices will be categorised using an extension of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality conceptual framework and data will be presented using narrative synthesis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required as original data will not be collected. This study will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal, international scientific meetings, and to knowledge users through clinical and healthcare quality associations. This review will contribute new knowledge on low-value clinical practices in acute injury care. Our results will support the development indicators to measure resource overuse and inform policy makers on potential targets for deadoption in injury care.
Mechanical thrombectomy of M1 and M2 middle cerebral artery occlusions
Authors: Salahuddin Hisham , Ramaiah Guru , Slawski Diana E , Shawver Julie , Buehler Mark , Zaidi Syed F , Jumaa Mouhammad
Published: July 2017

Background

Over half of patients who receive intravenous tissue plasminogen activator for middle cerebral artery division (MCA-M2) occlusion do not recanalize, leaving a large percentage of patients who may need mechanical thrombectomy (MT). However, the outcomes of MT for M2 occlusion have not been well characterized.

Objective

To determine if MT of M2 occlusion is as safe and efficacious as current standard-of-care MT for M1 occlusions.

Methods

With institutional review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed records of 212 patients undergoing MT for isolated MCA M1 or M2 occlusions during a 36-month period (Sept 2013 to Sept 2016) at two centres. Treatment variables, clinical outcomes, and complications in each group were recorded.

Results

There were 153 M1 MCA occlusions and 59 M2 MCA occlusions. No statistically significant difference was found in the rate of mortality (20% in M1 vs 13.6% in M2, p=0.32), excellent (34.5% vs 37.3%, p=0.75) or good (51% vs 55.9%, p=0.54) clinical outcomes between the two groups. Infarct volumes (48.4 mL vs 46.2 mL, p=0.62) were comparable between the two groups, as were the rates of hemorrhagic (3.3% vs 3.4%, p=1.0) and procedural complications (3.3% vs 5.1%, p=0.69).

Conclusion

Our data on MT targeting M2 occlusions demonstrates reasonable safety and functional outcomes. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to clarify which patients may benefit from MT for M2 occlusions.
The SiNx films process research by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition in crystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Chen Bitao , Zhang Yingke , Ouyang Qiuping , Chen Fei , Zhan Xinghua , Gao Wei
Published: July 2017

SiNx thin film has been widely used in crystalline silicon solar cell production because of the good anti-reflection and passivation effect. We can effectively optimize the cells performance by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method to change deposition conditions such as temperature, gas flow ratio, etc. In this paper, we deposit a new layer of SiNx thin film on the basis of double-layers process. By changing the process parameters, the compactness of thin films is improved effectively. The NH3passivation technology is augmented in a creative way, which improves the minority carrier lifetime. In sight of this, a significant increase is generated in the photoelectric performance of crystalline silicon solar cell.
The effective Tolman temperature in curved spacetimes
Authors: Kim Wontae
Published: July 2017

We review a recently proposed effective Tolman temperature and present its applications to various gravitational systems. In the Unruh state for the evaporating black holes, the free-fall energy density is found to be negative divergent at the horizon, which is in contrast to the conventional calculations performed in the Kruskal coordinates. We resolve this conflict by invoking that the Kruskal coordinates could be no longer proper coordinates at the horizon. In the Hartle–Hawking–Israel state, despite the negative finite proper energy density at the horizon, the Tolman temperature is divergent there due to the infinite blueshift of the Hawking temperature. However, a consistent Stefan–Boltzmann law with the Hawking radiation shows that the effective Tolman temperature is eventually finite everywhere and the equivalence principle is surprisingly restored at the horizon. Then, we also show that the firewall necessarily emerges out of the Unruh vacuum, so that the Tolman temperature in the evaporating black hole is naturally divergent due to the infinitely blueshifted negative ingoing flux crossing the horizon, whereas the outgoing Hawking radiation characterized by the effective Tolman temperature indeed originates from the quantum atmosphere, not just at the horizon. So, the firewall and the atmosphere for the Hawking radiation turn out to be compatible, once we discard the fact that the Hawking radiation in the Unruh state originates from the infinitely blueshifted outgoing excitations at the horizon. Finally, as a cosmological application, the initial radiation energy density in warm inflation scenarios has been assumed to be finite when inflation starts. We successfully find the origin of the nonvanishing initial radiation energy density in the warm inflation by using the effective Tolman temperature.
Dynamical system analysis of dark energy models in scalar coupled Metric-Torsion theories
Authors: Bhatia Arshdeep Singh , Sur Sourav
Published: July 2017

We study the phase-space dynamics of cosmological models in the theoretical formulations of nonminimal metric-torsion couplings with a scalar field, and investigate in particular the critical points (CPs) which yield stable solutions exhibiting cosmic acceleration driven by the dark energy (DE). The latter is so defined that it effectively has no direct interaction with the cosmological fluid, although in an equivalent scalar–tensor cosmological setup, the scalar field interacts with the fluid (which we consider to be the pressureless dust). Determining the conditions for the existence of the stable CPs, we check their physical viability in both Einstein and Jordan frames. We also verify that in either of these frames, the evolution of the universe at the corresponding stable points matches with that given by the respective exact solutions we have found in an earlier work [S. Sur and A. S. Bhatia, arXiv:1611.00654 [gr-qc]]. We not only examine the regions of physical relevance in the phase-space when the coupling parameter is varied, but also demonstrate the evolution profiles of the cosmological parameters of interest along fiducial trajectories in the effectively noninteracting scenarios, in both Einstein and Jordan frames.
Entropy of Uncertain Random Variables wi h Application to Minimum Spanning Tree Problem
Authors: Sheng Yuhong , Shi Gang , Ralescu Dan A.
Published: July 2017

Entropy is a measure of the uncertainty associated with a variable whose value cannot be exactly predicted. Based on the notion of chance measure, a concept of uncertain random entropy is introduced and used to provide a quantitative measurement of the uncertainty associated with uncertain random variables and its properties are studied in this paper. Relative entropy is a measure of the difference between two distribution functions. In order to deal with the divergence of uncertain random variables via chance distributions, this paper proposes also the relative entropy for uncertain random variables, as well as it investigates some mathematical properties of this concept. As an application, a model is presented to formulate a minimum spanning tree problem with uncertain random edge weights involving a relative entropy chance distribution. Finally, a numerical example of an uncertain random network is put forward to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model.
MODELING HEART TISSUE AS A MICROMORPHIC MEDIUM: A NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION
Authors: THURIEAU NICOLAS , JEHL JEAN-PHILIPPE , NJIWA RICHARD KOUITAT , TRAN NGUYEN , MAUREIRA PABLO
Published: July 2017

Recent years have seen a renewed interest in the theories of extended continuum mechanics. These allow for a finer and relatively simple modeling of physical phenomena occurring on the microscopic level. The Eringen’s micromorphic medium belongs to this class and allows accounting for the material microstructure. A subclass of this model was applied to model the mechanical behavior of cardiac tissue. With the aid of a specifically developed numerical tool, the validity of the approach is demonstrated using different myocardial infarct scenario.
Fuzzy AHP Analysis of Firm-Level Knowledge Accumulation
Authors: Ly Pham Thi Minh , Lai Wen-Hsiang
Published: July 2017

Knowledge is considered to be a useful tool for a firm's competitiveness and sustainability. There is considerable evidence confirming that firm-level knowledge (FLK) accumulation provides a competitive advantage for firms, through innovation. Therefore, most knowledge-intensive firms accumulate FLK via exploitative practices to prevent deterioration of their innovation performance. This study adopts methods including expert interviews, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy set theory to analyse the FLK accumulation in firms. This study proposes that three influential factors for FLK accumulation are knowledge integration (KI), knowledge absorption (KA) and knowledge sharing (KS). This study reveals that KI is the most influential factor of a firm's FLK accumulation, and the sub-factor of “Integration Ability” plays the most critical role of KI in FLK accumulation.
Loss of nitric oxide-mediated inhibition of purine neurotransmitter release in the colon in the absence of interstitial cells of Cajal
Authors: Durnin Leonie , Lees Andrea , Manzoor Sheerien , Sasse Kent C. , Sanders Kenton M. , Mutafova-Yambolieva Violeta N.
Published: July 2017

Regulation of colonic motility depends on the integrity of enteric inhibitory neurotransmission mediated by nitric oxide (NO), purine neurotransmitters, and neuropeptides. Intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-IM) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α-positive (PDGFRα+) cells are involved in generating responses to NO and purine neurotransmitters, respectively. Previous studies have suggested a decreased nitrergic and increased purinergic neurotransmission in KitW/KitW-v ( W/Wv) mice that display lesions in ICC-IM along the gastrointestinal tract. However, contributions of NO to these phenotypes have not been evaluated. We used small-chamber superfusion assays and HPLC to measure the spontaneous and electrical field stimulation (EFS)-evoked release of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)/ADP-ribose, uridine adenosine tetraphosphate (Up4A), adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), and metabolites from the tunica muscularis of human, monkey, and murine colons and circular muscle of monkey colon, and we tested drugs that modulate NO levels or blocked NO receptors. NO inhibited EFS-evoked release of purines in the colon via presynaptic neuromodulation. Colons from W/Wv, Nos1−/−, and Prkg1−/− mice displayed augmented neural release of purines that was likely due to altered nitrergic neuromodulation. Colons from W/Wv mice demonstrated decreased nitrergic and increased purinergic relaxations in response to nerve stimulation. W/Wv mouse colons demonstrated reduced Nos1 expression and reduced NO release. Our results suggest that enhanced purinergic neurotransmission may compensate for the loss of nitrergic neurotransmission in muscles with partial loss of ICC. The interactions between nitrergic and purinergic neurotransmission in the colon provide novel insight into the role of neurotransmitters and effector cells in the neural regulation of gastrointestinal motility.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study investigating the role of nitric oxide (NO) and intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-IM) in modulating neural release of purines in colon. We found that NO inhibited release of purines in human, monkey, and murine colons and that colons from KitW/KitW-v ( W/Wv) mice, which present with partial loss of ICC-IM, demonstrated augmented neural release of purines. Interactions between nitrergic and purinergic neurotransmission may affect motility in disease conditions with ICC-IM deficiencies.
A comparison of passive hindlimb cycling and active upper-limb exercise provides new insights into systolic dysfunction after spinal cord injury
Authors: DeVeau Kathryn M. , Harman Kathryn A. , Squair Jordan W. , Krassioukov Andrei V. , Magnuson David S. K. , West Christopher R.
Published: July 2017

Active upper-limb and passive lower-limb exercise are two interventions used in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population. Although the global cardiac responses have been previously studied, it is unclear how either exercise influences contractile cardiac function. Here, the cardiac contractile and volumetric responses to upper-limb (swim) and passive lower-limb exercise were investigated in rodents with a severe high-thoracic SCI. Animals were divided into control (CON), SCI no exercise (NO-EX), SCI passive hindlimb cycling (PHLC), or SCI swim (SWIM) groups. Severe contusion SCI was administered at the T2 level. PHLC and SWIM interventions began on day 8 postinjury and lasted 25 days. Echocardiography and dobutamine stress echocardiography were performed before and after injury. Cardiac contractile indexes were assessed in vivo at study termination via a left ventricular pressure-volume conductance catheter. Stroke volume was reduced after SCI (91 µl in the NO-EX group vs. 188 µl in the CON group, P < 0.05) and was reversed at study termination in the PHLC (167 µl) but not SWIM (90 µl) group. Rates of contraction were reduced in NO-EX versus CON groups (6,079 vs. 9,225 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.05) and were unchanged by PHLC and SWIM training. Similarly, end-systolic elastance was reduced in the NO-EX versus CON groups (0.67 vs. 1.37 mmHg/µl, respectively, P < 0.05) and was unchanged by PHLC or SWIM training. Dobutamine infusion normalized all pressure indexes in each SCI group (all P < 0.05). In conclusion, PHLC improves flow-derived cardiac indexes, whereas SWIM training displayed no cardiobeneficial effect. Pressure-derived deficits were corrected only with dobutamine, suggesting that reduced β-adrenergic stimulation is principally responsible for the impaired cardiac contractile function after SCI.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first direct comparison between the cardiac changes elicited by active upper-limb or passive lower-limb exercise after spinal cord injury. Here, we demonstrate that lower-limb exercise positively influences flow-derived cardiac indexes, whereas upper-limb exercise does not. Furthermore, neither intervention corrects the cardiac contractile dysfunction associated with spinal cord injury.
TGF-β inhibits alveolar protein transport by promoting shedding, regulated intramembrane proteolysis, and transcriptional downregulation of megalin
Authors: Mazzocchi Luciana C. , Vohwinkel Christine U. , Mayer Konstantin , Herold Susanne , Morty Rory E. , Seeger Werner , Vadász István
Published: July 2017

Disruption of the alveolar-capillary barrier is a hallmark of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that leads to the accumulation of protein-rich edema in the alveolar space, often resulting in comparable protein concentrations in alveolar edema and plasma and causing deleterious remodeling. Patients who survive ARDS have approximately three times lower protein concentrations in the alveolar edema than nonsurvivors; thus the ability to remove excess protein from the alveolar space may be critical for a positive outcome. We have recently shown that clearance of albumin from the alveolar space is mediated by megalin, a 600-kDa transmembrane endocytic receptor and member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor superfamily. In the currents study, we investigate the molecular mechanisms by which transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a key molecule of ARDS pathogenesis, drives downregulation of megalin expression and function. TGF-β treatment led to shedding and regulated intramembrane proteolysis of megalin at the cell surface and to a subsequent increase in intracellular megalin COOH-terminal fragment abundance resulting in transcriptional downregulation of megalin. Activity of classical protein kinase C enzymes and γ-secretase was required for the TGF-β-induced megalin downregulation. Furthermore, TGF-β-induced shedding of megalin was mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2, -9, and -14. Silencing of either of these MMPs stabilized megalin at the cell surface after TGF-β treatment and restored normal albumin transport. Moreover, a direct interaction of megalin with MMP-2 and -14 was demonstrated, suggesting that these MMPs may function as novel sheddases of megalin. Further understanding of these mechanisms may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of ARDS.
Oxygen metabolism and innate immune responses in the gut
Authors: Colgan Sean P. , Campbell Eric L.
Published: July 2017

Epithelial cells of the mucosa provide a first line of defense to prevent the inappropriate translocation of luminal antigens, and therefore contribute significantly to nonspecific innate immunity. In the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, barrier is provided by multiple components of the mucosa, including mucus production, epithelial junctional complexes, and the production of antimicrobial molecules. In recent years, it is better appreciated that tissue oxygen metabolism is key to homeostasis in the mucosa. The intestine, for example, maintains a low baseline Po2level due to high rates of metabolism, countercurrent blood flow, and the presence of a steep oxygen gradient across the luminal aspect of tissue surface. As a result, hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-dependent signaling exists even in the healthy, unperturbed intestinal mucosa. In a number of examples, HIF has been demonstrated both to promote barrier function during homeostasis and to promote resolution of active inflammation. Hypoxia-elicited factors that contribute to innate responses in the mucosa include the transcriptional regulation of mucin genes, junction proteins, and autophagic flux. Here, we review current literature related to hypoxia and innate immunity in health and during mucosal inflammation.