bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simplistic approach to detect health anomalies at a regional level using shrimp production data
Authors: Muniesa Ana , Cabanillas‐Ramos Julio , Ruiz‐Zarzuela Imanol , Magallón‐Barajas Francisco J. , de Blas Ignacio
Published: November 2017

The global production and yield of shrimp ponds depend on multiple factors, and an unexpected variation in production parameters could be an indicator of pathological events such as white spot disease (WSD) outbreaks in a syndromic surveillance system. Using the production data from 7139 production cycles at farm level collected at two Mexican states (Sonora and Sinaloa) from 2004 to 2011, an ecological survey (also called correlational study) has been carried out summarizing data for year and oceanic basin. The production results had been analysed looking for significant association (P < 0.050) using correlation and linear regression. The average yield at harvest was not correlated with the frequency of WSD outbreaks. However, four strong and significant relationships were observed as follows: the total stocked area depends on previous total stocked area, the weight at harvest depends on the length of cycle, the yield at harvest depends on the harvest density and the stocking density depends on previous average stocking density. Within these associations, some observed results differed significantly from expected values, and these may be related to changes in production management or undetected pathological events. The analysis of significant deviations from predictions of regression analysis could provide additional evidence of changes in the production system, and in some cases could be an early indicator of subclinical and/or emergent diseases.
Facies model of a mixed clastic–carbonate, wave‐dominated open‐coast tidal flat (Tithonian–Berriasian, north‐east Spain)
Authors: Bádenas Beatriz , Aurell Marcos , Gasca José M.
Published: November 2017

Detailed logging and analysis of the facies architecture of the upper Tithonian to middle Berriasian Aguilar del Alfambra Formation (Galve sub‐basin, north‐east Spain) have made it possible to characterize a wide variety of clastic, mixed clastic–carbonate and carbonate facies, which were deposited in coastal mudflats to shallow subtidal areas of an open‐coast tidal flat. The sedimentary model proposed improves what is known about mixed coastal systems, both concerning facies and sedimentary processes. This sedimentary system was located in an embayed, non‐protected area of a wide C‐shaped coast that was seasonally dominated by wave storms. Clastic and mixed clastic–carbonate muds accumulated in poorly drained to well‐drained, marine‐influenced coastal mudflat areas, with local fluvial sandstones (tide‐influenced fluvial channels and sheet‐flood deposits) and conglomerate tsunami deposits. Carbonate‐dominated tidal flat areas were the loci of deposition of fenestral‐laminated carbonate muds and grainy (peloidal) sediments with hummocky cross‐stratification. Laterally, the tidal flat was clastic‐dominated and characterized by heterolithic sediments with hummocky cross‐stratification and local tidal sandy bars. Peloidal and heterolithic sediments with hummocky cross‐stratification are the key facies for interpreting the wave (storm) dominance in the tidal flat. Subsidence and high rates of sedimentation controlled the rapid burial of the storm features and thus preserved them from reworking by fair‐weather waves and tides.
Multi‐basin depositional framework for moisture‐balance reconstruction during the last 1300 years at Lake Bogoria, central Kenya Rift Valley
Authors: De Cort Gijs , Verschuren Dirk , Ryken Els , Wolff Christian , Renaut Robin W. , Creutz Mike , Van der Meeren Thijs , Haug Gerald , Olago Daniel O. , Mees Florias
Published: November 2017

Multi‐proxy analysis of sediment cores from five key locations in hypersaline, alkaline Lake Bogoria (central Kenya Rift Valley) has allowed reconstruction of its history of depositional and hydrological change during the past 1300 years. Analyses including organic matter and carbonate content, granulometry, mineralogical composition, charcoal counting and high‐resolution scanning of magnetic susceptibility and elemental geochemistry resulted in a detailed sedimentological and compositional characterization of lacustrine deposits in the three lake basins and on the two sills separating them. These palaeolimnological data were supplemented with information on present‐day sedimentation conditions based on seasonal sampling of settling particles and on measurement of physicochemical profiles through the water column. A new age model based on 210Pb, 137Cs and 14C dating captures the sediment chronology of this hydrochemically complex and geothermally fed lake. An extensive set of chronological tie points between the equivalent high‐resolution proxy time series of the five sediment sequences allowed transfer of radiometric dates between the basins, enabling interbasin comparison of sedimentation dynamics through time. The resulting reconstruction demonstrates considerable moisture‐balance variability through time, reflecting regional hydroclimate dynamics over the past 1300 years. Between ca 690 and 950 AD, the central and southern basins of Lake Bogoria were reduced to shallow and separated brine pools. In the former, occasional near‐complete desiccation triggered massive trona precipitation. Between ca 950 and 1100 AD, slightly higher water levels allowed the build‐up of high pCO2 leading to precipitation of nahcolite still under strongly evaporative conditions. Lake Bogoria experienced a pronounced highstand between ca 1100 and 1350 AD, only to recede again afterwards. For a substantial part of the time between ca 1350 and 1800 AD, the northern basin was probably disconnected from the united central and southern basins. Throughout the last two centuries, lake level has been relatively high compared to the rest of the past millennium. Evidence for increased terrestrial sediment supply in recent decades, due to anthropogenic soil erosion in the wider Bogoria catchment, is a reason for concern about possible adverse impacts on the unique ecosystem of Lake Bogoria.
Culturing with modified EGM2 medium enhances porcine neonatal islet‐like cell clusters resistance to apoptosis in islet xenotransplantation
Authors: Ma Xiaoqian , Yang Cejun , Zhang Juan , Wang Jia , Li Wei , Xu Chang , Rong Pengfei , Ye Bin , Wu Minghua , Jiang Jianhui , Yi Shounan , Wang Wei
Published: November 2017

Background

Neonatal pig islet‐like cell clusters (NICC) are an attractive source of insulin‐producing tissue for potential transplantation treatment of type 1 diabetic patients. However, a considerable loss of NICC after their transplantation due to apoptosis resulted from islet isolation and instant blood‐mediated inflammatory reaction remains to be overcome.

Methods

EGM2 medium depleted with hydrocortisone and supplemented with 50 mmol/L isobutylmethylxanthine, 10 mmol/L nicotinamide, and 10 mmol/L glucose was used to culture NICC at day 1, the day after isolation and changed every other day. NICC cultured with EGM2 or control Ham's F‐10 medium were collected at day 7 of culture for the following assays. The viability of NICC was evaluated by AO/EB staining and FACS. Static assay and oxygen consumption rate analysis were performed to assess the function of NICC. Insulin and glucagon gene expression were measured by real‐time PCR. Tubing loops model and TUNEL assay were performed to confirm the apoptosis‐resistant ability of NICC cultured with modified EGM2 medium. Serum starvation and hypoxia treatment were used to test the tolerant capability of NICC in the microenvironment of hypoxia/nutrient deficiency in vitro. The molecules involved in apoptosis pathways in NICC were analyzed by Western blotting.

Results

Compared with Ham's F‐10 medium, culturing NICC with EGM2 medium led to increased number and viability of NICC with higher stimulation index, upregulated gene expression of both insulin and glucagon, and enhanced mitochondria function. Furthermore, fewer modified EGM2 medium cultured NICC were found under apoptosis when evaluated in an in vitro tubing loop model of IBMIR. Moreover, EGM2 medium cultured NICC demonstrated much less apoptotic cells under either serum starvation or hypoxia condition than their Ham's F‐10 medium cultured counterparts. The enhanced capability of EGM2 cultured NICC to resist apoptosis was associated with their elevated protein levels of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family member Mcl‐1.

Conclusion

Culturing NICC with EGM2 provides a simple and effective approach not only to increase NICC yield, viability, and maturation but also to enhance their resistance to apoptosis to preserve the initial graft mass for successful islet xenotransplantation.
The effect of epitope‐based ligation of ICAM‐1 on survival and retransplantation of pig islets in nonhuman primates
Authors: Lee Jae‐Il , Kim Jiyeon , Choi Yun‐Jung , Park Hi‐Jung , Park Hye‐Jin , Wi Hae Joo , Yoon Sunok , Shin Jun‐Seop , Park Jin Kyun , Jung Kyeong Cheon , Lee Eun Bong , Kang Hee Jung , Hwang Eung Soo , Kim Sang‐Joon , Park Chung‐Gyu , Park Seong Hoe
Published: November 2017

Background

Pig islet xenotransplantation is a promising alternative to allogeneic transplantation. However, the wide immunologic barrier between pigs and primates limits the long‐term survival of the graft. MD‐3, a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes a particular epitope of human ICAM‐1, can render T cells tolerant to a xenograft by arresting dendritic cell maturation. We report the long‐term survival of adult wild‐type pig islets and successful retransplantation in nonhuman primates using a protocol comprising induction with MD‐3 mAb and maintenance with anti‐CD154 mAb and sirolimus.

Methods

Eleven rhesus monkeys were assigned to three groups. Group 1 (n = 4) involved treatment with MD‐3 induction, short‐term (<4 months) administration of anti‐CD154 mAb, and maintenance therapy with sirolimus. Group 2 (n = 4) involved treatment with MD‐3 induction and long‐term maintenance therapy with anti‐CD154 mAb and sirolimus. Group 3 (n = 3) involved only maintenance therapy with anti‐CD154 mAb and sirolimus. Diabetes was induced in monkeys by streptozotocin, and pig islets (61 000‐112 000 IEQ/kg for each transplant; up to 280 000 IEQ/kg per recipient) were infused through the portal vein. The in vivo functional potency of the isolated islets was tested by minimal model transplant in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic NOD/SCID mice, and the mean AUC of blood glucose level divided by the number of follow‐up days was calculated.

Results

The islet grafts survived more than 6 months (between 225 and 727 days) in nine of 12 transplants of MD‐3‐treated groups 1 and 2, whereas in the absence of MD‐3 mAb, survival was <40 days. In three transplants of the MD‐3‐treated Group 2, functional graft survival was only for 104, 125, and 154 days. In these cases, a retrospective analysis suggested that the relatively short survival duration was associated with the relatively high AUC value in the NOD/SCID bioassay. Notably, when retransplantation was performed in Group 3, blood glucose control was extended up to 956 days, which was supported by MD‐3 mAb‐based suppression of adaptive immunity. No replication of cytomegalovirus genes was observed.

Conclusions

Long‐term survival of pig islet xenografts and successful retransplantation were achieved with MD‐3 mAb‐based immunosuppression regimen in this pig‐to‐monkey transplantation model. It should be emphasized that these encouraging results were achieved following the transplantation of islets from pigs that had not been genetically modified. Considering that it is possible to further substantially reduce the destruction of grafted islet using genetically modified pig islet, the islet requirement could be reduced and much longer graft survival can be achieved.
Cophylogenetic analysis of lice in theColpocephalumcomplex (Phthiraptera: Amblycera)
Authors: Catanach Therese A. , Valim Michel P. , Weckstein Jason D. , Johnson Kevin P.
Published: November 2017

The chewing louse genusColpocephalumparasitizes nearly a dozen distantly related orders of birds. Such a broad host distribution is relatively unusual in lice. However, the monophyly of the genusColpocephalumhas never been tested using molecular characters. Using one nuclear and one mitochondrial gene, we inferred a phylogeny for 54 lice from the genusColpocephalumand other morphologically similar genera. The resulting phylogeny demonstrates thatColpocephalumitself is not monophyletic. However, these data support the existence of aColpocephalumcomplex within which several lineages are restricted to particular host orders. These lineages corresponded to previously described genera, some of which are morphologically distinct and currently considered subgenera. Maddison–Slatkin tests were performed on the resulting phylogeny and showed that host order, host family and biogeographic region had significant phylogenetic signal when mapped onto theColpocephalumcomplex phylogeny. APARAFITanalysis comparing the overallColpocephalumcomplex phylogeny to a host phylogeny revealed significant congruence between host and parasite trees. We also compared the cophylogenetic history ofColpocephalumand their hosts to that of a second distantly related feather louse genus,Degeeriella, which also infests diurnal birds of prey. UsingPARAFITto identify individual host–parasite links that contributed to overall congruence, there was no evidence of correlated cophylogenetic patterns between these two louse groups, suggesting that their host distribution patterns have been shaped by different evolutionary processes.
ANALYSIS OF UNSATURATED SOIL PARAMETERS AS SLOPE STABILITY MITIGATION
Authors: Putra Heriansyah , Rifa`i Ahmad , Sujono Joko , Silarukmi Alfira
Published: November 2017

The pore water pressure is the essential factor and plays a key role in the unsaturated soil parameters. Experimental works and numerical analysis were conducted to determine the critical condition of the slope stability due to the evolution of shear strength parameters. The effect of infiltration on the pore water pressure was evaluated. The filter paper method was conducted to obtain the matric suction in various degrees of saturation. The mechanical properties of the undisturbed samples were examined through triaxial and permeability test, respectively. WRPLOT ViewTM was adopted to assess the intensity and duration of the actual rainfall. The applicability of the psycho-empirical method in SOILVISION Database to fit Soil Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC) was studied. GEO-SLOPE was used to assess the evolution of the pore water pressure and its effect on the safety factor of the slope. The evolution of pore water pressure induced the infiltration influenced the shear strength parameters and reduced the safety factor. The reduction 20% of cohesion was obtained and hence, the safety factor decrease to 1.0. The infiltration at the beginning of the wet season is the most critical condition that increases the soil moisture significantly.
Liver X receptor activation inhibits SGLT2‐mediated glucose transport in human renal proximal tubular cells
Authors: Chonlaket Pattira , Wongwan Teerasak , Soodvilai Sunhapas
Published: November 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The liver X receptor (LXR) has been reported to regulate several membrane transporters. It is imperative to investigate whether LXR activation regulates SGLT2‐mediated glucose transport in human renal proximal tubular cells.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Liver X receptor activation inhibits SGLT2 transport function in normal and high‐glucose conditions via reduction of SGLT2 protein expression.

Liver X receptors (LXRs) are members of a nuclear receptor family consisting of two isoforms, LXRα and LXRβ. They play a major role in energy metabolism, including lipid and glucose metabolism. Recent studies reported that LXRs regulate plasma glucose, although the mechanism is still uncertain. The present study investigated whether LXR activation regulates sodium glucose cotransporter2 (SGLT2) in human renal proximal tubular cells. LXR agonists, T0901317 and GW3965, inhibited SGLT2‐mediated glucose uptake in a concentration‐dependent manner. The effect of T0901317 and GW3965 was attenuated by a LXR antagonist, fenofibrate. Activation of the retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist, bexarotene, potentiates the inhibitory effect of these ligands. Thus, the inhibitory effect of LXR agonists on SGLT2 was mediated and facilitated by LXR and RXR activation, respectively. In addition, the inhibitory effect of LXR agonists was not mediated by cytotoxicity. Exposing HK‐2 cells, a renal proximal tubular cell line, to LXR agonists significantly reduced the maximal transport rate of SGLT2 without any effect on transporter affinity. Western blot analysis revealed that LXR activation significantly decreased protein expression of SGLT2 with no change in mRNA level. In addition, LXR activation inhibited canagliflozin‐sensitive short‐circuit current, which represents SGLT2‐mediated glucose transport in a polarized human renal proximal tubular cell monolayer. Furthermore, LXR activation inhibited the transport function of SGLT2 in hyperglycaemic conditions. As such, this study represents evidence for the inhibitory effect of LXR activation on glucose transport in human renal proximal tubular cells.
UBC‐Nepal expedition: acclimatization to high‐altitude increases spinal motoneurone excitability during fatigue in humans
Authors: Ruggiero Luca , Yacyshyn Alexandra F. , Nettleton Jane , McNeil Chris J.
Published: November 2017

Key points

Acute exposure and acclimatization to hypoxia are associated with an impairment and partial recovery, respectively, of the capability of the central nervous system to drive muscles during prolonged efforts.

Motoneurones play a vital role in muscle contraction and in fatigue, although the effect of hypoxia on motoneurone excitability during exercise has not been assessed in humans.

We studied the impact of fatigue on motoneurone excitability in normoxia, acute and chronic exposure (5050 m) to hypoxia.

Performance was worse in acute hypoxia but recovered to the normoxic standard in chronic hypoxia, in parallel with an increased excitability of the motoneurones compared to acute exposure to hypoxia.

These findings reveal that prolonged hypoxia causes a heightened motoneurone responsiveness during fatiguing exercise; such an adaptation might favour the restoration of performance where low pressures of oxygen are chronically present.

The fatigue‐induced failure of the motor cortex to drive muscles maximally increases in acute hypoxia (AH) compared to normoxia (N) but improves with acclimatization (chronic hypoxia; CH). Despite their importance to muscle output, it is unknown how locomotor motoneurones in humans are affected by hypoxia and acclimatization. Eleven participants performed 16 min of submaximal [25% maximal torque (maximal voluntary contraction, MVC)] intermittent isometric elbow flexions in N, AH (environmental chamber) and CH (7–14 days at 5050 m) (PIO2 = 140, 74 and 76 mmHg, respectively). For each minute of the fatigue protocol, motoneurone responsiveness was measured with cervicomedullary stimulation delivered 100 ms after transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) used to transiently silence voluntary drive. Every 2 min, cortical voluntary activation (cVA) was measured with TMS. After the task, MVC torque declined more in AH (∼20%) than N and CH (∼11% and 14%, respectively, P < 0.05), with no differences between N and CH. cVA was lower in AH than N and CH at baseline (∼92%, 95% and 95%, respectively) and at the end of the protocol (∼82%, 90% and 90%, P < 0.05). During the fatiguing task, motoneurone excitability in N and AH declined to ∼65% and 40% of the baseline value (P < 0.05). In CH, motoneurone excitability did not decline and, late in the protocol, was ∼40% higher compared to AH (P < 0.05). These novel data reveal that acclimatization to hypoxia leads to a heightened motoneurone responsiveness during fatiguing exercise. Positive spinal and supraspinal adaptations during extended periods at altitude might therefore play a vital role for the restoration of performance after acclimatization to hypoxia.
Scanning wave photopolymerization enables dye-free alignment patterning of liquid crystals
Authors: Hisano Kyohei , Aizawa Miho , Ishizu Masaki , Kurata Yosuke , Nakano Wataru , Akamatsu Norihisa , Barrett Christopher J. , Shishido Atsushi
Published: November 2017

Liquid crystals are 2D patterned with nonpolarized light by a new dye-free photoalignment method.
Self-organization of helium precipitates into elongated channels within metal nanolayers
Authors: Chen Di , Li Nan , Yuryev Dina , Baldwin J. Kevin , Wang Yongqiang , Demkowicz Michael J.
Published: November 2017

Helium bubbles in metals spontaneously form networks of interconnected channels.
Efficacy of Tilorone Dihydrochloride against Ebola Virus Infection
Authors: Ekins Sean , Lingerfelt Mary A. , Comer Jason E. , Freiberg Alexander N. , Mirsalis Jon C. , O'Loughlin Kathleen , Harutyunyan Anush , McFarlane Claire , Green Carol E. , Madrid Peter B.
Published: November 2017

Tilorone dihydrochloride (tilorone) is a small-molecule, orally bioavailable drug that is used clinically as an antiviral outside the United States. A machine-learning model trained on anti-Ebola virus (EBOV) screening data previously identified tilorone as a potent
in vitro
EBOV inhibitor, making it a candidate for the treatment of Ebola virus disease (EVD). In the present study, a series of
in vitro
ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) assays demonstrated the drug has excellent solubility, high Caco-2 permeability, was not a P-glycoprotein substrate, and had no inhibitory activity against five human CYP450 enzymes (3A4, 2D6, 2C19, 2C9, and 1A2). Tilorone was shown to have 52% human plasma protein binding with excellent plasma stability and a mouse liver microsome half-life of 48 min. Dose range-finding studies in mice demonstrated a maximum tolerated single dose of 100 mg/kg of body weight. A pharmacokinetics study in mice at 2- and 10-mg/kg dose levels showed that the drug is rapidly absorbed, has dose-dependent increases in maximum concentration of unbound drug in plasma and areas under the concentration-time curve, and has a half-life of approximately 18 h in both males and females, although the exposure was ∼2.5-fold higher in male mice. Tilorone doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg proved efficacious in protecting 90% of mice from a lethal challenge with mouse-adapted with once-daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) dosing for 8 days. A subsequent study showed that 30 mg/kg/day of tilorone given i.p. starting 2 or 24 h postchallenge and continuing through day 7 postinfection was fully protective, indicating promising activity for the treatment of EVD.
Mutations in Gene
fusA1
as a Novel Mechanism of Aminoglycoside Resistance in Clinical Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bolard Arnaud , Plésiat Patrick , Jeannot Katy
Published: November 2017

Resistance of clinical strains of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
to aminoglycosides can result from production of transferable aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes, of 16S rRNA methylases, and/or mutational derepression of intrinsic multidrug efflux pump MexXY(OprM). We report here the characterization of a new type of mutant that is 4- to 8-fold more resistant to 2-deoxystreptamine derivatives (e.g., gentamicin, amikacin, and tobramycin) than the wild-type strain PAO1. The genetic alterations of three
in vitro
mutants were mapped on
fusA1
and found to result in single amino acid substitutions in domains II, III, and V of elongation factor G (EF-G1A), a key component of translational machinery. Transfer of the mutated
fusA1
alleles into PAO1 reproduced the resistance phenotype. Interestingly,
fusA1
mutants with other amino acid changes in domains G, IV, and V of EF-G1A were identified among clinical strains with decreased susceptibility to aminoglycosides. Allelic-exchange experiments confirmed the relevance of these latter mutations and of three other previously reported alterations located in domains G and IV. Pump MexXY(OprM) partly contributed to the resistance conferred by the mutated EF-G1A variants and had additive effects on aminoglycoside MICs when mutationally upregulated. Altogether, our data demonstrate that cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF strains of
P. aeruginosa
can acquire a therapeutically significant resistance to important aminoglycosides via a new mechanism involving mutations in elongation factor EF-G1A.
Differentiation of quantitative CT imaging phenotypes in asthma versus COPD
Authors: Choi Sanghun , Haghighi Babak , Choi Jiwoong , Hoffman Eric A , Comellas Alejandro P , Newell John D , Wenzel Sally E , Castro Mario , Fain Sean B , Jarjour Nizar N , Schiebler Mark L , Barr R Graham , Han MeiLan K , Bleecker Eugene R , Cooper Christopher B , Couper David , Hansel Nadia , Kanner Richard E , Kazerooni Ella A , Kleerup Eric A C , Martinez Fernando J , O’Neal Wanda K , Woodruff Prescott G , Lin Ching-Long
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Quantitative CT (QCT) imaging-based metrics have quantified disease alterations in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respectively. We seek to characterise the similarity and disparity between these groups using QCT-derived airway and parenchymal metrics.

Methods

Asthma and COPD subjects (former-smoker status) were selected with a criterion of post-bronchodilator FEV1<80%. Healthy non-smokers were included as a control group. Inspiratory and expiratory QCT images of 75 asthmatic, 215 COPD and 94 healthy subjects were evaluated. We compared three segmental variables: airway circularity, normalised wall thickness and normalised hydraulic diameter, indicating heterogeneous airway shape, wall thickening and luminal narrowing, respectively. Using an image registration, we also computed six lobar variables including per cent functional small-airway disease, per cent emphysema, tissue fraction at inspiration, fractional-air-volume change, Jacobian and functional metric characterising anisotropic deformation.

Results

Compared with healthy subjects, both asthma and COPD subjects demonstrated a decreased airway circularity especially in large and upper lobar airways, and a decreased normalised hydraulic diameter in segmental airways. Besides, COPD subjects had more severe emphysema and small-airway disease, as well as smaller regional tissue fraction and lung deformation, compared with asthmatic subjects. The difference of emphysema, small-airway disease and tissue fraction between asthma and COPD was more prominent in upper and middle lobes.

Conclusions

Patients with asthma and COPD, with a persistent FEV1<80%, demonstrated similar alterations in airway geometry compared with controls, but different degrees of alterations in parenchymal regions. Density-based metrics measured at upper and middle lobes were found to be discriminant variables between patients with asthma and COPD.
Conference presentation in palliative medicine: predictors of subsequent publication
Authors: Hanchanale Sarika , Kerr Maria , Ashwood Paul , Curran Emily , Ekstrom Magnus , Allen Sharon , Currow David , Johnson Miriam J
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Concerns have been raised about poor-quality palliative care research and low publication rate from conference abstracts. The study objectives: to estimate the publication rate for European Association for Palliative Care research conference abstracts (2008) and explore associated characteristics and to understand reasons for non-publication.

Methods

Full published papers were searched to March 2015 (Medline; Pubmed; Google Scholar) and data extracted: country of origin, study design/population/topic. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of publication.

Members of two different palliative care associations were surveyed to understand reasons for non-publication. χ2statistic was used to explore associations with publication.

Results

Overall publication rate of the 445 proffered abstracts was 57%. In the final model, publication was more likely for oral presentations (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.28 to 3.55; P=0.003), those from Europe (3.24; 1.09 to 9.56; P=0.033) and much less likely for non-cancer topics (0.21; 0.07 to 0.64; P=0.006). Funding status, academic unit or study design were not associated with publication.

Survey

407/1546 (26.3%) physicians responded of whom 254 (62%) had submitted a conference abstract. Full publication was associated with: oral presentation (P<0.001), international conference abstracts (P=0.01) and academic clinicians versus clinicians (P<0.001). Reasons for non-publication included: low priority for workload (53%) and time constraints (43%).

Conclusions

The publication rate was similar to 2005 clinical conference. Probable quality markers were associated with publication: oral presentations selected by conference committee, international conference abstracts and abstracts from those with an academic appointment. Publication was given a low priority among clinical time pressures.
Validation of an ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM map to AIS 2005 Update 2008
Authors: Glerum Kimberly M , Zonfrillo Mark R
Published: November 2017

Although the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) is the most widely used severity scoring system for traumatic injuries, hospitals are required to document and bill based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). An expert panel recently developed a map between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM to AIS 2005 Update 2008. This study aimed to validate the recently developed map using a large trauma registry. The map demonstrated moderate to substantial agreement for maximum AIS (MAIS) scores per body region based on expert chart review versus map-derived values (range: 44%–86%). Injury Severity Scores (ISSs) calculated from expert coders versus map-derived values were also compared and demonstrated moderate agreement (ICD-9-CM: 48%, ICD-10-CM: 54%). Although not a perfect conversion tool, the new ICD-AIS map provides a systematic method to assign injury severity for datasets with only ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes available and can be used for future injury-related research and data analysis.
Microcatheter contrast injection in stent retriever neurothrombectomy is safe and useful: insights from SWIFT PRIME
Authors: Raychev Radoslav , Jahan Reza , Saver Jeffrey L , Nogueira Raul G , Goyal Mayank , Pereira Vitor M , Levy Elad , Yavagal Dileep R , Cognard Christophe , Liebeskind David
Published: November 2017

Microcatheter contrast injection (MCI) prior to stent retriever deployment for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke may be useful for evaluation of distal anatomy and flow patterns beyond the occlusion. However, prior data from intra-arterialthrombolysis suggested that MCI increases the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The safety and utility of MCI has not been investigated in the setting of thrombectomy.

Methods

We analyzed the Solitaire With the Intention For Thrombectomy as Primary Endovascular Treatment (SWIFT PRIME) trial to correlate pre-intervention MCI flow with collateral flow, and to investigate its impact on ICH and clinical outcome after thrombectomy with the Solitaire device.

Results

MCI was noted in 52% (n=51) of patients with a prevalence for the M2 location of 71% (n=36). Dichotomized correlation demonstrated a strong inverse relationship for partial collaterals with good MCI flow (p=0.004; OR 8.25). None of the MCI variables (presence, number, or grades) correlated with ICH and clinical outcome. The most significant predictors of non-disabled outcome were higher Alberta Stroke Program early CT Score (ASPECTS) (OR 1.61; p=0.0361) and younger age (OR 0.922; p = 0.0109). Higher ASPECTS was also a strong predictor of lower ICH risk (OR 0.501, p=0.0078).

Conclusions

Collateral flow inversely correlated with MCI flow in the endovascular arm of the SWIFT PRIME trial. This finding warrants further validation in larger cohorts as MCI may be influenced by individual operator’s technique and choice of syringe size. Evaluation of flow and distal anatomy with MCI prior to stent retriever deployment is safe with no evidence of an impact on ICH or clinical outcome.

Clinical trial registration

NCT01657461: Post- results
Dump the pump: manual aspiration thrombectomy (MAT) with a syringe is technically effective, expeditious, and cost-efficient
Authors: Gross Bradley A , Jadhav Ashutosh P , Jovin Tudor G , Jankowitz Brian Thomas
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Syringe aspiration for manual aspiration thrombectomy (MAT) is a cost- and time-efficient alternative to an aspiration pump with likely similar efficacy. It is counterintuitive to expect the pump to perform better than direct vacuum with a syringe, as the pump must deliver vacuum additionally through a canister and meters of tubing.

Objective

To present in vitro and clinical results of MAT with a syringe.

Methods

An in vitro analysis was performed comparing vacuum pressures generated by syringe aspiration and with pump aspiration. This was then complemented with prospective clinical data providing details of angiographic and clinical outcomes for syringe MAT.

Results

The in vitro analysis demonstrated that equal to slightly greater vacuum pressures were generated by a 60 cc syringe as compared with the pump in both static and partial flow conditions. In our clinical series, 106/113 acute stroke thrombectomies over a 6-month period were performed with syringe MAT on the first pass. Syringe usage instead of pump tubing and a canister led to a total savings of $58 300. The rate of Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b/3 recanalization was 93%. Adjunctive stentriever usage was performed in 23% of cases. Median puncture to reperfusion time was 25 min; mean change in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 hours was an improvement of 5.1 (median 6). The in-hospital mortality rate was 10%. Seventy percent of patients were discharged to home (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2) or a rehabilitation facility (mRS score 2–4).

Conclusion

MAT using a syringe is a safe, fast, and more cost-effective approach than using an aspiration pump.
Calanoid copepods in central Chilean and Chilean Patagonian lakes (33-55°S, Chile), probable ecological key role in pelagic environments
Authors: De los Ríos Escalante Patricio R. , Kies Fatima
Published: November 2017

The Patagonian lakes (38-55°S) are characterized by their marked oligotrophy, low number of species of crustacean zooplankton, and a marked predominance of calanoid copepods. Within this context, we considered that a review about the ecology of the zooplankton in central and southern Chilean lakes would be useful, aiming to understand the ecological importance of this group. Data obtained from the literature for freshwater bodies in central and southern Chilean lakes were analysed. In addition, data from various bays with widely differing trophic status in Llanquihue Lake were examined. The results revealed the existence of originally pristine and oligotrophic sites, all with a low number of species and marked calanoid dominance. However, in northern Patagonia there are many lakes in which human intervention has caused an increase in phytoplankton activity, with a consequent replacement of calanoid copepods by daphniid cladocerans. Other important factors that could affect the zooplankton community would be fish predation, which is due to generate a decrease in large-bodied groups of zooplankton; and stress due to exposure to natural ultraviolet radiation. Ecological, biogeographical, and evolutionary topics are discussed within the framework described.
Endodontic treatment of canine teeth in a cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Facchini Caterina , Iacopetti Ilaria , Gaudio Eugenio , Zotti Alessandro , Boldrin Massimo , Fante Fabio , Mutinelli Franco , Cozzi Emanuele , De Benedictis Giulia Maria
Published: November 2017

A case of bilateral superior canine tooth pulp necrosis in an 18-year-old male Macaca fascicularis is described . A skull computed tomography scan was performed to confirm the diagnostic suspicion. A successful bilateral endodontic treatment with coronotomy was performed using rotary nickel-titanium instruments. Post-operative dental radiographs confirmed the correct positioning of the sealant. A rapid and excellent clinical recovery was obtained after each surgery. This innovative approach may contribute to improving the quality of root canal treatments provided to non-human primates.
A method for body posture classification of three-dimensional body models in the sagittal plane
Authors: Mahnic Naglic Maja , Petrak Slavenka
Published: November 2017

The main purpose of this research was to develop a method for the classification of body posture types, using a three-dimensional body scanner and data on anthropometric measurement. A sample of 102 male test subjects, aged from 20 to 30 years, and without structural deformities of the locomotor system, were scanned. Anthropometric body measurement was performed and 16 measurements were selected to calculate upper and lower body curve angles as a set of posture indicators. The number of maximally different groups of test subjects was determined using k-means cluster analysis and factor analysis of established posture indicators. The sampling into three upper and three lower posture types showed the largest statistically significant differentiation, comparing the results of variance analysis between and within the obtained groups, which confirmed three main components extracted by factor analysis. Discriminant analysis used in order to determine differences between posture types showed which indicators are the most important when classifying test subjects belonging to a particular upper or lower posture type. Classification functions were defined based on discrimination functions and their factor loadings, and used to calculate a matrix of correctly classified test subjects. The classification matrix showed very high prediction possibility of established posture indicators and the proposed method for body posture classification.
Influence of diffusion behavior of disperse dye ink on printing accuracy for warp-knitted polyester fabrics
Authors: Zhao Ying , Li Min , Zhang Liping , Tian Anli , Zhang Yi , Fu Shaohai
Published: November 2017

The diffusion behavior of disperse dye ink on untreated warp-knitted polyester (WKP) fabric for ink-jet printing was investigated. The results showed that disperse dye ink diffused along the yarn, and the loops and underlap structure of WKP fabric had a significant influence on printing accuracy. The effect of ink volume on the diffusion shape of ink on pretreated fabrics using a cationic modification agent (B-1), sodium alginate (SA), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was also investigated. It could be observed that ink volume and pretreatment agents had a great influence on the diffusion shape and printing accuracy. The diffuse width of disperse dye ink on WKP fabric in the wale direction was wider than that in the course direction when the droplet size was less than 0.2 µL, whereas the ink diffused mainly along the course direction. Moreover, the diffuse width of ink on B-1 pretreated fabric was smaller than that on the fabric pretreated with SA or PVA for the thick fabric (230 g/m2). Compared with the untreated and pretreated fabrics using SA or PVA, the color strength ( K/ S) and saturation ( C*) value of the B-1 pretreated fabric increased. However, the diffuse width of ink on SA pretreated fabric was smaller than that on the fabric pretreated with B-1 or PVA for the thin fabric (110 g/m2).
Tlingipino Bingo, settler colonialism and other futures
Authors: Johnston Caleb , Pratt Geraldine
Published: November 2017

We present an analysis of Tlingipino Bingo, which is the latest iteration of our on-going experiment to work with performance as a means of translating and transforming scholarly work to generate more informed and nuanced public debate about migrant labour. Tlingipino Bingo was a collaboration between white settler academics and Filipino and Tlingit artists in Whitehorse Canada, created in a context of rapid Filipino migration and racialised tensions between Filipino migrants and First Nations peoples in Whitehorse. It brought the communities together to participate in an interactive bingo game and to exchange stories of disparate but resonate experiences of colonialism. We document the public event of Tlingipino Bingo to interrogate how deeply settler colonialism burrows into everyday life, including practices of racialised immigrants, the ways that a model minority discourse functions within state multiculturalism, and to imagine other futures beyond settler colonialism, which could possibly include white settlers as allies. We venture that the performance might also help to think strategically about critical responses to contemporary claims of dispossession by white citizens in Canada and elsewhere, as well as their destructive nostalgia for a lost national time of whiteness.
Cycle of Violence in Schools: Longitudinal Reciprocal Relationship Between Student’s Aggression and Teacher’s Use of Corporal Punishment
Authors: Choi Boungho
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study is to examine the longitudinal reciprocal relationship between student’s aggression and teacher’s use of corporal punishment. An autoregressive cross-lagged model was analyzed with the data drawn from 4,051 Korean secondary students (male = 2,084, female = 1,967), in Gyeonggi Education Panel Study for three waves (seventh-ninth grades). Results revealed that student’s aggression provoke teacher’s use of corporal punishment and also teacher’s use of corporal punishment provokes student’s aggression. It is important in that it suggests the cycle of violence with the reciprocal relationship between student’s aggression and teacher’s use of corporal punishment, rather than positing the unidirectional effects. Practically, teachers should keep in mind that corporal punishments, which are at least partially attributable to student’s aggression, actually worsen the problem and lead to a cycle of violence in schools. Accordingly, they should instead respond with alternative disciplinary strategies or direct interventions dealing with the causes of aggression.
Gender-Based Violence-Supportive Cognitions in Adolescent Girls and Boys: The Function of Violence Exposure and Victimization
Authors: Debowska Agata , Boduszek Daniel , Jones Adele D. , Willmott Dominic , Sherretts Nicole
Published: November 2017

Violence against women and girls is widespread in the Caribbean, which may be due to heightened acceptance of such acts in this specific social context. In spite of this, studies investigating attitudes toward violence and their correlates among participants drawn from the region are missing. To address this void in the literature, we examined associations between violence exposure and victimization and two gender-based violence-related cognitions (attitudes toward male physical domestic violence and social norms regarding physical violence against girls) as well as general beliefs about violence using structural equation modeling. Participants were a sample of adolescent girls ( n = 661; M age = 13.15) and boys ( n = 639; M age = 13.22) from two Eastern Caribbean countries, Barbados and Grenada, recruited from 10 primary schools, nine secondary schools, and two youth offender centers. In considering that girls and boys were previously demonstrated to differ in their experiences as well as tolerance of violence, structural models were specified and tested separately for the two sexes. Results indicated that violence victimization was positively strongly associated with attitudes toward male physical domestic violence and social norms regarding physical violence against girls among boys. Increased violence victimization among girls, in turn, correlated with increased acceptance of social norms regarding physical violence against girls, but this relationship was weak. Violence exposure did not have any significant associations with any of the attitudinal variables included in the study. We discuss the importance of these findings for the development of appropriate gender-based violence prevention strategies for youths from the Eastern Caribbean.
Modeling Valued Organizational Communication Networks Using Exponential Random Graph Models
Authors: Pilny Andrew , Atouba Yannick
Published: November 2017

For years, organizational communication scholars have been interested in the mechanisms that influence the formation of communication networks. One way to gain a deeper insight into the factors that shape such networks is to model them using exponential random graph modeling (ERGM). However, ERGM has only been applicable to binary networks, reducing communication to something that is either present or not. This article illustrates valued ERGM for organizational communication networks that have a weight associated with each tie. Using a data set on friendship strength between collaborative scientists, results show there are important differences when the network is modeled as binary versus when modeled as valued. In particular, the valued model showed that scientists are more selective regarding friendship (less outdegree activity). Moreover, there were several differences regarding how popular certain disciplines were over others. An online appendix with the R code and data is also included.
A novel tripped rollover prevention system for commercial trucks with air suspensions at low speeds
Authors: Ding Haitao , Khajepour Amir , Huang Yanjun
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a novel system to avoid tripped rollovers at low-speed operations for commercial vehicles with air suspension systems. This is of particular significance since truck rollovers have become a serious road safety problem, which usually lead to severe injuries and fatalities. Several active anti-rollover systems have been proposed in the past two decades; however, most of them focus on untripped rollover prevention instead of the tripped rollovers. Up to now, very few pieces of literature discuss the approaches that are used to avoid tripped rollovers of trucks. Furthermore, the air suspension is widely used for commercial vehicles, thus it provides an opportunity to prevent rollovers when properly manipulated. Therefore, a novel tripped rollover prevention system is proposed for trucks at low-speed operations with air suspensions. A roll dynamics model with an air spring is built to investigate the dynamic behavior and the time response of the whole system. More importantly, the feasibility of this new anti-rollover system is discussed and verified by the co-simulations in TruckSim and MATLAB/Simulink under two possible tripped rollover conditions.