bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of exercise testing and laryngeal auscultation for grading brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in pugs, French bulldogs, and English bulldogs by using whole‐body barometric plethysmography
Authors: Riggs Julia , Liu Nai‐Chieh , Sutton Dawn R. , Sargan David , Ladlow Jane F.
Published: January 2019

Objective

To determine whether the sensitivity of clinical examination for assessing upper airway disease severity in 3 breeds of brachycephalic dogs can be improved by incorporating an exercise test (ET) or by auscultation of a laryngeal stridor to predict laryngeal collapse.

Study design

Prospective clinical study.

Animals

Client‐owned brachycephalic dogs (n = 44 ET; n = 57 laryngeal stridor assessment).

Methods

In the first part of the study, clinical examinations were performed at rest and after 5‐minute walk and 3‐minute trot tests, and a grade reflective of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) severity was assigned. Whole‐body barometric plethysmography was used as a comparative, objective measure of disease severity. In the second part of the study, the degree of laryngeal collapse present in dogs undergoing BOAS surgery was compared to pre‐exercise and postexercise laryngeal stridor detected during functional testing.

Results

The sensitivity of clinical examination for BOAS diagnosis was 56.7% pre‐ET, 70% after a 5‐minute walk test, and 93.3% after a 3‐minute trot test. The sensitivity of laryngeal stridor as a predictor of laryngeal collapse was improved after exercise (70%) compared with before exercise (60%). Specificity of laryngeal stridor for laryngeal collapse was 100% (pre‐exercise and postexercise).

Conclusion

The sensitivity of clinical examination for BOAS diagnosis was improved by inclusion of an ET, particularly the 3‐minute trot test. Audible laryngeal stridor was highly specific but only moderately sensitive for laryngeal collapse.

Clinical significance

Inclusion of a 3‐minute trot test and careful auscultation for laryngeal stridor are recommended during BOAS assessment of brachycephalic dogs.
COMPARISON OF HEAT EXCHANGER DESIGNS FOR SHIP BALLAST WATER HEAT TREATMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Balaji Rajoo , Yaakob Omar , King Koh Kho , Adnan Faizul Amri , Ismail Nasrudin , Ahmad Badruzzaman , Ismail Mohd Arif , Ru Vern Yiow
Published: January 2019

Sterilisation by heat can be a capital treatment for ballast water and waste heat from ship’s engines will be a good resource. Based on the waste heat availability on an operational tanker, a ballast water treatment system was envisaged including a shipboard heat exchanger for waste heat recovery. To verify the heat availability and the species’ mortalities, test rigs were arranged similar to shipboard arrangement. For assessing the smaller heat exchangers for the tests, designs were developed using Bell-Delaware approaches based on the shipboard heat exchanger design. The thermodynamic and geometric values were computed and the features of the commercially available and fitted heat exchangers were compared with the developed designs. Two commercially procured heat exchangers fitted on two separate engine test rigs were used for tests. The designs of commercially procured heat exchangers were close to the developed designs and were found to be suitable for the tests planned.
FLOW FIELD ANALYSIS OF AN AUTOMOTIVE MIXED FLOW TURBOCHARGER TURBINE
Authors: Padzillah M. H. , Rajoo S. , Martinez-Botas R. F.
Published: January 2019

Traditionally, the turbocharger has been an essential tool to boost the engine power especially the diesel engine. However, in recent years it is seen as an enabling technology for engine downsizing of all internal combustion engines. The use of mixed flow turbine as replacement for radial turbine in an automotive turbocharger has been proven to deliver better efficiency at high loading conditions. Furthermore, the use vanes that match the geometrical properties at the turbine leading edge could further increase its performance. However, improvement on the overall turbocharger performance is currently limited due to lack of understanding on the flow feature within the turbine stage. Therefore, the use of validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in resolving this issue is necessary. This research attempts to provide description of flow field within the turbocharger turbine stage by plotting velocity and pressure contours at different planes. To achieve this aim, a numerical model of a full stage turbocharger turbine operating at 30000rpm under its optimum condition (pressure ratio of 1.3) is developed and validated. Results indicated strong tip-clearance flow downstream of the turbine mid-chord. Evidence of flow separations at the turbine leading edge are also seen despite turbine operating at its optimum condition.
PARAMETRIC STUDY ON AIR BRAYTON CYCLE AS AN EXHAUST ENERGY RECOVERY METHOD
Authors: Edward Teo Aaron , Rajoo Srithar , Soon Chiong Meng , Paramasivam Kishokanna , Tan Fengxian
Published: January 2019

Exhaust energy recovery is one of the ways to improve engine’s fuel utilization. Parametric study of Air Brayton Cycle (ABC) as an exhaust energy recovery was done to see its feasibility. Parameters such as the mass flow rate, heat exchanger effectiveness, compressor and turbine efficiencies and heat exchanger pressure drop were analyzed to see their effects. It was found that the ABC can extract up to 3-4 kW of energy from the exhaust of a 5.9 liter diesel engine. This translates to about 3-4% of Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) improvement. Careful integration of the main components is crucial to the success of the ABC as an exhaust energy recovery.
DESIGN OF COMBUSTOR FOR MICRO GAS TURBINE TEST RIG AND ITS PERFORMANCE PREDICTION
Authors: Xian Tan Feng , Rajoo Srithar , Soon Chiong Meng , Tung Chong Cheng , Romagnoli Alessandro , Ochiai Masayuki , Paramasivam Kishokanna , Edward Teo Aaron
Published: January 2019

Stringent emission rules, air pollution, fluctuation of fuel price and depletion of fossil fuel resources are driving the industry to seek for better alternative of power generation. Micro gas turbine (MGT) provides a promising potential to solve the facing problems. MGT could be used in many applications such as in range extender vehicle, auxiliary power generator, power backup system, combine heat and power system, etc. Combustor plays a very crucial role in MGT system as its performance directly affects the emission quality, power output and fuel consumption of the entire system. This paper demonstrates the literature review, design methodology and performance prediction of the combustor designed for a 14.5kW MGT test rig.
Thermal study of multilayer resistive random access memories based on HfO2 and Al2O3 oxides
Authors: Cazorla Manuel , Aldana Samuel , Maestro Marcos , González Mireia Bargalló , Campabadal Francesca , Moreno Enrique , Jiménez-Molinos Francisco , Roldán Juan Bautista
Published: January 2019

An in-depth analysis including both simulation and experimental characterization of resistive random access memories (RRAMs) with dielectric stacks composed of two layers of HfO2 and Al2O3 stacked in different orders is presented. The simulator, which includes the electrodes in the simulation domain, solves the 3D heat equation and calculates the device current. The results are employed to analyze thermal effects in bilayer HfO2 and Al2O3-based RRAMs with electrodes of Ni and Si-n+ during resistive switching (RS) operation. According to simulations and the experimental data, the narrow part of the conductive filaments (CF) is formed in the HfO2 layer in all the cases, and, therefore, no important differences are found in terms of reset voltage if the oxide stack order is changed with respect to the electrodes. This result is attributed to the fact that the heat flux in Al2O3 is higher than in the HfO2 layer and this determines the thermal behavior and RS operation. The heat transfer rate from the conductive filament to the electrodes and the surrounding oxide has been analyzed. The lateral heat flux component from the CF to the oxide is shown to be important with respect to the vertical component (from the CF to the electrodes).
Unusual behavior of cuprates explained by heterogeneous charge localization
Authors: Pelc D. , Popčević P. , Požek M. , Greven M. , Barišić N.
Published: January 2019

A phenomenological model comprehensively captures the defining features of the cuprate high-temperature superconductors.
An experimental quantum Bernoulli factory
Authors: Patel Raj B. , Rudolph Terry , Pryde Geoff J.
Published: January 2019

Quantum coherence and entanglement offer a quantum advantage, over classical physics, in a randomness processing task.
Nonequilibrium strongly hyperuniform fluids of circle active particles with large local density fluctuations
Authors: Lei Qun-Li , Ciamarra Massimo Pica , Ni Ran
Published: January 2019

Dynamic hierarchical structures with strong hyperuniformity are found in chiral active matter systems.
Anti-fatigue-fracture hydrogels
Authors: Lin Shaoting , Liu Xinyue , Liu Ji , Yuk Hyunwoo , Loh Hyun-Chae , Parada German A. , Settens Charles , Song Jake , Masic Admir , McKinley Gareth H. , Zhao Xuanhe
Published: January 2019

Nanocrystalline domains can be used to create robust anti-fatigue-fracture hydrogels for artificial cartilages and soft robots.
Probing the dynamics of nanoparticle formation from a precursor at atomic resolution
Authors: Gao Wenpei , Tieu Peter , Addiego Christopher , Ma Yanling , Wu Jianbo , Pan Xiaoqing
Published: January 2019

The chemical reaction of K
2
PtCl
4
reducing into Pt and the formation of nanoparticles are captured in solid phase at atomic resolution.
Etching gas-sieving nanopores in single-layer graphene with an angstrom precision for high-performance gas mixture separation
Authors: Zhao J. , He G. , Huang S. , Villalobos L. F. , Dakhchoune M. , Bassas H. , Agrawal K. V.
Published: January 2019

High-density nanopores with a size resolution of 1 Å were etched on graphene by decoupled defect nucleation and pore expansion.
Influence of significant others on work participation of individuals with chronic diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Snippen Nicole C , de Vries Haitze J , van der Burg-Vermeulen Sylvia J , Hagedoorn Mariët , Brouwer Sandra
Published: January 2019

Objective

It is widely recognised that significant others (SOs), such as a partner, family member or friend, can influence health outcomes of individuals with a chronic disease. However, not much is known about which specific cognitions (ie, illness perceptions and expectation of work ability) and behaviours (eg, emotional and practical support) of SOs influence work participation. Therefore, we aimed to identify cognitions and behaviours of SOs that are related to work participation of individuals with a chronic disease.

Design

A systematic review and thematic synthesis.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, SocINDEX and Web of Science were searched until 28 March 2017.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included studies reporting on cognitions and behaviours of SOs related to work participation in populations with various chronic diseases.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted the data and performed a quality assessment using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies from the Effective Public Health Practice Project 2007 and a checklist for assessment of qualitative studies derived from the Cochrane Supplemental Handbook Guidance. Evidence was thematically synthesised.

Results

Out of 5168 articles, 18 were included (15 qualitative and 3 quantitative) of moderate to high quality. Studies were on cancer, chronic pain, brain injuries and mental health disorders. After thematic synthesis 27 factors could be distinguished. Consistent evidence was found that SOs’ positive and encouraging attitudes regarding work participation, encouragement and motivating behaviour and open communication with patients are facilitators for work participation. Consistently reported barriers were SOs’ positive attitudes towards sickness absence and advise, encouragement or pressure to refrain from work.

Conclusions

Our findings show that several cognitions and behaviours of SOs can facilitate or hinder work participation of individuals with a chronic disease. Intervening on these factors by involving SOs in disability prevention and return to work intervention strategies may be beneficial. More prognostic studies are needed, as the current evidence is mostly based on qualitative studies.
Cohort profile: the SHoT-study, a national health and well-being survey of Norwegian university students
Authors: Sivertsen Børge , Råkil Hege , Munkvik Espen , Lønning Kari Jussie
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The SHoT study was set up as a national student health survey for higher education in Norway, conducted at 4-year intervals. The dataset comprises a wide range of self-reported data covering information on mental and physical health, quality of life, health-related behaviours as well as more specific study-related information.

Participants

The SHoT studies conducted so far in 2010, 2014 and 2018, included 6053, 13 525 and 50 054 fulltime students (aged 18–35), respectively.

Findings to date

The main results from the first two waves have been published in three comprehensive Norwegian reports, with the most important finding being an increase in mental health problems (HSCL-score ≥2.0) among Norwegian college students from 2010 (16%) to 2014 (21%) to 2018 (29%).

Future plans

The next SHoT study will be conducted in 2022, 2026 and so on. Starting from 2018-study, the survey data can also be linked to several national registers.
Systematic review protocol examining the effectiveness of hospital clowns for symptom cluster management in paediatrics
Authors: Lopes-Júnior Luís Carlos , Lima Regina Aparecida Garcia , Olson Karin , Bomfim Emiliana , Neves Eliane Tatsch , Silveira Denise Sayuri Calheiros da , Nunes Michelle Darezzo Rodrigues , Nascimento Lucila Castanheira , Pereira-da-Silva Gabriela
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Clown intervention may playing an important complementary role in paediatric care and recovery. However, data on its utility for symptom cluster management of hospitalised children and adolescents in acute and chronic disorders are yet to be critically evaluated. As clinicians strive to minimise the psychological burden during hospitalisation, it is important that they are aware of the scientific evidences available regarding clown intervention for symptom management. We aim to provide quality evidence for the effectiveness of clown intervention on symptom cluster management in paediatric inpatients, both in acute and chronic conditions.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised controlled trials (NRCTs) will be conducted. MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS and SciELO databases will be searched from January 2000 to December 2018. Primary outcomes will include measures related with the effect of clown intervention on symptom cluster of paediatric inpatients (anxiety, depression, pain, fatigue, stress and psychological, emotional responses and perceived well-being). Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and the methodological appraisal of the studies will be assessed by the Jadad Scale as well as Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for RCTs, and Risk-of-Bias In Non-Randomized Studies Tool for NRCTs. A narrative synthesis will be conducted for all included studies. Also, if sufficient data are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted. The effect sizes will be generated using Hedges’ g score for both fixed and random effect models. I2statistics will be used to assess heterogeneity and identify their potential sources.

Ethics and dissemination

As it will be a systematic review, without human beings involvement, there will be no requirement for ethical approval. Findings will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publication and in various media, for example, conferences, congresses or symposia.

Trial registration number

CRD42018107099.
Vitamin B12deficiency and hyperhomocysteinaemia in outpatients with stroke or transient ischaemic attack: a cohort study at an academic medical centre
Authors: Ahmed Shamon , Bogiatzi Chrysi , Hackam Daniel G , Rutledge Angela C , Sposato Luciano A , Khaw Alexander , Mandzia Jennifer , Azarpazhoo Mahmoud Reza , Hachinski Vladimir , Spence J David
Published: January 2019

Objective

We sought to assess the current magnitude of the opportunity for secondary stroke prevention with B vitamins.

Design

A cohort study.

Setting

The Urgent TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack) Clinic at an academic medical centre.

Main outcome measures

We assessed the prevalence of biochemical vitamin B12deficiency (B12Def, serum B12<156 pmol/L), hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy; plasma total homocysteine [tHcy] >14 µmol/L) and metabolic B12deficiency (MetB12Def, serum B12<258 pmol/L and HHcy) between 2002 and 2017, by age group and by stroke subtype.

Results

Data were available in 4055 patients. B12Def was present in 8.2% of patients overall; it declined from 10.9% of patients referred before 2009 to 5.4% thereafter (p=0.0001). MetB12Def was present in 10.6% of patients, and HHcy was present in 19.1% of patients. Among the patients aged ≥80 years, MetB12Def was present in 18.1% and HHcy in 35%. Among the 3410 patients whose stroke subtype was determined, HHcy was present in 18.4% of patients: 23.3% of large artery atherosclerosis, 18.1% of cardioembolic, 16.3% of small vessel disease, 10.8% of other unusual aetiologies and 13.6% of undetermined subtypes (p=0.0001).

Conclusions

Despite a decline in our referral area since 2009, B12Def, MetB12Def and HHcy remain common in patients with stroke/TIA. Because these conditions are easily treated and have serious consequences, all patients with stroke/TIA should have their serum B12and tHcy measured.
Patient-reported complications related to peripherally inserted central catheters: a multicentre prospective cohort study
Authors: Krein Sarah L , Saint Sanjay , Trautner Barbara W , Kuhn Latoya , Colozzi John , Ratz David , Lescinskas Erica , Chopra Vineet
Published: January 2019

Objective

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are frequently used to deliver medical therapies, but our knowledge regarding PICC-related complications remains incomplete. The objective of this study was to systematically elicit and characterise PICC-related complications as experienced by patients during and after hospitalisation.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Inpatient medical units at four US hospitals in two states.

Participants

Consecutive sample of patients who had a new PICC placed during a hospital stay between August 2015 and May 2017.

Main outcome(s)

Patient-reported signs and symptoms of a possible PICC-related complication or functional issues.

Results

Of the 438 patients in the analytic cohort (91.4% of those consented), two-thirds were male with a mean age of 56 years. The most common reason for PICC placement was long-term antibiotic therapy (43.4%). During the 70-day follow-up period, 61.4% of patients reported signs of at least one complication, including potentially serious complications, such as bloodstream infection (17.6%) and deep vein thrombosis (30.6%). Correspondence of these reported events with medical record documentation of the complication was generally low. More than one-quarter (27.9%) of patients reported minor complications, such as insertion site redness, discomfort or difficult removal. While the PICC was in place, 26.0% reported restrictions in activities of daily living, 14.4% social activity restrictions and 19.2% had difficulty with flushing or operating the PICC.

Conclusion

Over 60% of patients report signs or symptoms of a possible complication or adverse effect after PICC placement. Bothersome complications from the patient perspective are clearly more common than those that typically rise to the level of healthcare provider attention or concern. Understanding the patient experience is critical for providing safe and effective care.
Considering new lessons about the use of IL-6 inhibitors in arthritis
Authors: Takeuchi Tsutomu , Smolen Josef S , Choy Ernest H , Aletaha Daniel , McInnes Iain , Jones Simon A
Published: January 2019

Interleukin (IL)−6 represents one of several possible targets for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs targeting IL-6 can be divided into monoclonal antibodies against IL-6 itself and monoclonal antibodies against the IL-6 receptor. Both types of agent inhibit both classical signalling through membrane­-bound IL-6 receptor, and trans-signalling via formation of a complex between IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor. The IL-6 receptor blockers tocilizumab and sarilumab inhibit the low affinity binding of IL-6 to its receptor. The anti-IL-6 agents clazakizumab and vobarilizumab also block binding of IL-6 to the receptor, while olokizumab blocks the higher affinity interaction of the IL-6-receptor complex with gp130. The doses and dosing intervals of the biologics targeting different elements vary, but no major differences in efficacy or safety have yet been seen between the two approaches, although more studies are needed in this area. In addition to the different blocking actions of monoclonal antibodies, we consider therapeutic strategies including the timing of IL-6 blockade and the use of monotherapy versus the addition of methotrexate.
Targeting IL-6: A review of data
Authors: Smolen Josef S , Aletaha Daniel , Choy Ernest H , Jones Simon A , Takeuchi Tsutomu , McInnes Iain
Published: January 2019

Compounds that target interleukin (IL)−6 pathways include antibodies against the IL-6 receptor or ligand, and inhibitors of IL-6 signal transduction. The anti-IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) monoclonal antibody tocilizumab has been licensed for several years; data from multiple studies demonstrate its efficacy and tolerability in rheumatoid arthritis as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate. In addition, another anti-IL-6R monoclonal antibody, sarilumab, has recently been approved in both the US and EU. Anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibodies include olokizumab and clazakizumab, which both have data from phase II studies, as well as sirukumab which has completed phase III trials but may not be brought to the market. Comparative data for olokizumab versus tocilizumab intervention in rheumatoid arthritis suggest no difference in efficacy between blocking the receptor or the ligand. Head-to-head studies are needed to determine whether inhibition of the Janus kinase pathway is similar in its overall efficacy to direct inhibition of IL-6 or its receptor. The IL-6 inhibitors appear to be more effective when combined with methotrexate. However, they have shown superiority to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors when used as monotherapy, and may have an advantage in patients who cannot use methotrexate or any other conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug. Regarding disease activity assessment, CDAI is a more appropriate measure than DAS28 when looking at the effect of IL-6 inhibition, as these agents interfere with the acute phase response, which is heavily weighted in the formula of DAS28.
Breast specimen handling and reporting in the post-neoadjuvant setting: challenges and advances
Authors: Mrkonjic Miralem , Berman Hal K , Done Susan J , Youngson Bruce , Mulligan Anna Marie
Published: January 2019

Neoadjuvant systemic therapy is becoming more commonly used in patients with earlier stages of breast cancer. To assess tumour response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, pathological evaluation is the gold standard. Depending on the treatment response, the pathological examination of these specimens can be quite challenging. However, a uniform approach to evaluate post-neoadjuvant-treated breast specimens has been lacking. Furthermore, there is no single universally accepted or endorsed classification system for assessing treatment response in this setting. Recent initiatives have attempted to create a standardised protocol for evaluation of post-neoadjuvant breast specimens. This review outlines the necessary information that should be collected prior to macroscopic examination of these specimens, the recommended and most pragmatic approach to tissue sampling for microscopic examination, describes the macroscopic and microscopic features of post-therapy breast specimens, summarises two commonly used systems for classifying treatment response and outlines the critical variables that should be included in the final pathology report.
Impact of a youth-led social marketing intervention run by adolescents to encourage healthy lifestyles among younger school peers (EYTO-Kids project): a parallel-cluster randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Tarro Lucia , Llauradó Elisabet , Aceves-Martins Magaly , Moriña David , Papell-Garcia Ignasi , Arola Lluis , Giralt Montse , Solà Rosa
Published: January 2019

Background

Encouraging healthy lifestyles in children is a challenge. This project aimed to improve lifestyles of younger peers by engaging adolescent creators (ACs) to design and implement peer-led and social marketing (SM) health-promoting activities.

Methods

A 10-month parallel-cluster randomised controlled school-based pilot study was performed in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Reus (Spain) spanning two academic years (2015–2016/2016–2017). Eight primary schools (n=375 children) and four high schools (n=94ACs) were randomly placed in the intervention group. The 94 ACs (12–14 years) designed and implemented four SM activities for their younger peers (9–11 years). Eight primary schools (n=327 children) and three high schools (n=98 adolescents) served as the control group and received no intervention. Primary (physical activity and fruit consumption) and secondary outcomes (screen time, vegetables, soft drinks, sweets and fast food consumptions) were assessed with validated questionnaires at baseline and at the end of the study.

Results

After 10 months, fruit consumption and physical activity were maintained in the children who consumed ≥1 fruit/day and spent ≥6 hours/week physical activity. However, compared with the controls, the intervention significantly increased the physical activity of girls to 15.6 min/week, whereas the percentage of girls who consumed sweets, soft drinks and fast food decreased significantly by 8.4%, 14.5% and 5.9%, respectively. Additionally, the percentage of ≥2 hour/weekday of screen time by boys decreased significantly by 8.2%.

Conclusion

The European Youth Tackling Obesity-Kids, SM and peer-led intervention, effectively increased physical activity hours/week in girls, but was not effective in improving the percentage of children who consumed the recommended fruit. Moreover, the percentages of girls who consumed sweets, soft drinks and fast food and boys screen time decreased.

Trial registration number

NCT02702336; Pre-results.
Diagnosis of ‘possible’ mitochondrial disease: an existential crisis
Authors: Parikh Sumit , Karaa Amel , Goldstein Amy , Bertini Enrico Silvio , Chinnery Patrick F , Christodoulou John , Cohen Bruce H , Davis Ryan L , Falk Marni J , Fratter Carl , Horvath Rita , Koenig Mary Kay , Mancuso Michaelangelo , McCormack Shana , McCormick Elizabeth M , McFarland Robert , Nesbitt Victoria , Schiff Manuel , Steele Hannah , Stockler Silvia , Sue Carolyn , Tarnopolsky Mark , Thorburn David R , Vockley Jerry , Rahman Shamima
Published: January 2019

Primary genetic mitochondrial diseases are often difficult to diagnose, and the term ‘possible’ mitochondrial disease is used frequently by clinicians when such a diagnosis is suspected. There are now many known phenocopies of mitochondrial disease. Advances in genomic testing have shown that some patients with a clinical phenotype and biochemical abnormalities suggesting mitochondrial disease may have other genetic disorders. In instances when a genetic diagnosis cannot be confirmed, a diagnosis of ‘possible’ mitochondrial disease may result in harm to patients and their families, creating anxiety, delaying appropriate diagnosis and leading to inappropriate management or care. A categorisation of ‘diagnosis uncertain’, together with a specific description of the metabolic or genetic abnormalities identified, is preferred when a mitochondrial disease cannot be genetically confirmed.
Hippocampal subfield atrophy of CA1 and subicular structures predict progression to dementia in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Low Audrey , Foo Heidi , Yong Ting Ting , Tan Louis C S , Kandiah Nagaendran
Published: January 2019

Background

Global hippocampal atrophy is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s dementia and has been similarly reported in Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). However, there is limited literature on the differential involvement of hippocampal subfields in predicting conversion to PDD. This study is an extension of previous findings on progression to mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods

This cohort study recruited 73 non-demented participants with idiopathic PD (age 65.80±8.17, 75.3% male) from an outpatient neurology clinic. All participants underwent clinical assessment, neuropsychological testing and 3T MRI scans at baseline and 18 months while on prescribed dopaminergic medication. Hippocampal subfield volumes were obtained using automatic segmentation in FreeSurfer V.6.0. Participants who progressed to PDD and those who did not were compared on hippocampal subfield atrophy and cognitive change (episodic memory, attention, executive functions, language, visuospatial abilities). Subfields were further examined for their abilities to predict PDD conversion and distinguish PDD from non-demented PD using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

Smaller baseline global hippocampal volume, cornu ammonis (CA) subfield CA1, subiculum and presubiculum volumes were observed in participants who went on to develop dementia, and predicted PDD conversion. Those who progressed to PDD saw greater decline in global hippocampal volume, granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, presubiculum, parasubiculum and fimbria. Decline in subiculum and fimbria volume corresponded to cognitive decline in attention and executive functions, respectively.

Conclusions

Early atrophy of CA1, subiculum and presubiculum preceded, and predicted, PDD conversion. Differential patterns of subfield atrophy were also observed among those who progressed to PDD and were associated with impaired executive functions.
Primary membranous nephropathy: comprehensive review and historical perspective
Authors: Keri Krishna C , Blumenthal Samuel , Kulkarni Varsha , Beck Laurence , Chongkrairatanakul Tepsiri
Published: January 2019

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in non-diabetic Caucasian adults over 40 years of age. It has an estimated incidence of 8–10 cases per 1 million. Fifty per cent of patients diagnosed with primary MN continue to have nephrotic syndrome and 30% of patients may progress to end-stage renal disease over 10 years. Although it was recognised as a distinct clinic-pathological entity in 1940s by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy, the pathogenesis and treatment have become more apparent only in the last decade. Discovery of M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibodies and thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing 7A antibodies has given new perspectives in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease process. Anti-PLA2R antibody is the first serologic marker that has promising evidence to be used as a tool to prognosticate the course of the disease. More importantly, therapeutic agents such as rituximab and adrenocorticotropic hormone analogues are the newer therapeutic options that should be considered in the therapy of primary MN.
Novel chiral proline-based organocatalysts with amide and thiourea–amine units for highly efficient asymmetric aldol reaction in saturated brine without additives
Authors: Xu En-Jie , Song Yan , Wei Zhong-Lin , Wang Rui , Duan Hai-Feng , Lin Ying-Jie , Yang Qing-Biao , Li Yao-Xian
Published: January 2019

A series of novel proline-based organocatalysts with amide and thiourea-amine units (7a–7f) were developed and evaluated in the asymmetric aldol reaction of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde with cyclohexanone. The organocatalyst (7c or 7d, 5 mol%) exhibited efficient catalytic activity to afford aldol products in high diastereoselectivity (up to >99:1), enantioselectivity (up to >99%), and yield (up to >96%) at 0 °C in saturated brine without adding an acid. Aldol products of benzaldehyde derivatives almost universally provide high diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity.
DFT study of SmXO3 (X = Al and Co) for elastic, mechanical and optical properties
Authors: Afaq A. , Bakar Abu , Anwar Sajid , Anwar Waheed , Fazal-e-Aleem
Published: January 2019

The first-principles study of cubic perovskites SmXO3 (X = Al and Co) for elastic, mechanical and optical properties is done in the framework of density functional theory (DFT). Optimized structural parameters are obtained first to find mechanical and optical properties of the materials. These obtained structural parameters are in accordance with the published data. The cubic elastic parameters C[Formula: see text], C[Formula: see text] and C[Formula: see text] are then calculated by using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) as an exchange correlation functional in Kohn–Sham equations. Poisson’s ratio, shear modulus, Young’s modulus and anisotropic factor are deduced from these elastic parameters. These compounds are found to be elastically anisotropic and SmAlO3 is brittle while SmCoO3 is ductile. Their covalent nature is also discussed by using Poisson’s ratio. In addition, optical properties like absorption coefficient, extinction coefficient, energy loss function, dielectric function, refractive index, reflectivity and optical conductivity are studied. This study predicts that SmAlO3 and SmCoO3 are suitable for optoelectronic devices.
To logconcavity and beyond
Authors: Ishige Kazuhiro , Salani Paolo , Takatsu Asuka
Published: January 2019

In 1976, Brascamp and Lieb proved that the heat flow preserves logconcavity. In this paper, introducing a variation of concavity, we show that it preserves in fact a stronger property than logconcavity and we identify the strongest concavity preserved by the heat flow.
Generalized principal eigenvalues for heterogeneous road–field systems
Authors: Berestycki Henri , Ducasse Romain , Rossi Luca
Published: January 2019

This paper develops the notion and properties of the generalized principal eigenvalue for an elliptic system coupling an equation in a plane with one on a line in this plane, together with boundary conditions that express exchanges taking place between the plane and the line. This study is motivated by the reaction–diffusion model introduced by Berestycki, Roquejoffre and Rossi [The influence of a line with fast diffusion on Fisher–KPP propagation, J. Math. Biol. 66(4–5) (2013) 743–766] to describe the effect on biological invasions of networks with fast diffusion imbedded in a field. Here we study the eigenvalue associated with heterogeneous generalizations of this model. In a forthcoming work [Influence of a line with fast diffusion on an ecological niche, preprint (2018)] we show that persistence or extinction of the associated nonlinear evolution equation is fully accounted for by this generalized eigenvalue. A key element in the proofs is a new Harnack inequality that we establish for these systems and which is of independent interest.
Long-time asymptotics for a 1D nonlocal porous medium equation with absorption or convection
Authors: Feo Filomena , Huang Yanghong , Volzone Bruno
Published: January 2019

In this paper, the long-time asymptotic behaviors of one-dimensional porous medium equations with a fractional pressure and absorption or convection are studied. In the parameter regimes when the nonlocal diffusion is dominant, the entropy method is adapted to derive the exponential convergence of relative entropy of solutions in similarity variables.
Some q-transformation formulas and Hecke type identities
Authors: Wang Chun , Chern Shane
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we establish certain transformations on basic hypergeometric series. Some applications of these transformation formulas to Hecke type identities will be discussed. We also study other [Formula: see text]-series transformations that may lead to certain Rogers–Ramanujan type identities.
Biofilm in Genital Ecosystem: A Potential Risk Factor for Chlamydia trachomatis Infection
Authors: Filardo Simone , Di Pietro Marisa , Tranquilli Giulia , Sessa Rosa
Published: January 2019

In healthy women, the cervicovaginal microbiota is mostly populated by Lactobacillus spp., the main host defense factor of the female genital tract. In addition to Lactobacilli, other microorganisms populate the cervicovaginal microbiota, like Candida spp. and Gardnerella vaginalis. The overgrowth of Candida spp. or G. vaginalis, known as biofilm-producing microorganisms in the genital ecosystem, may lead to microbial dysbiosis that increases the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, like Chlamydia trachomatis. C. trachomatis, the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, is still considered an important public health problem worldwide because of the impact of asymptomatic infections on long-term reproductive sequelae, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. The aim of our study was to investigate the interaction between C. trachomatis and the biofilm produced by Candida albicans or Gardnerella vaginalis, evaluating whether the biofilm can harbor C. trachomatis and influence its survival as well as its infectious properties. In order to do so, we developed an in vitro coculture transwell-based biofilm model. Our findings proved, for the first time, that C. trachomatis, an intracellular obligate pathogen, survived, for up to 72 hours after exposure, inside the biofilm produced by C. albicans or G. vaginalis, retaining its infectious properties, as evidenced by the typical chlamydial inclusions observed in the cell monolayer (chlamydial inclusion-forming units at 72 h: 9255 ± 1139 and 9873 ± 1015, respectively). In conclusion, our results suggest that the biofilm related to Candida or Gardnerella genital infections may act as a reservoir of C. trachomatis and, thus, contribute to the transmission of the infection in the population as well as to its dissemination into the upper genital tract, increasing the risk of developing severe reproductive sequelae.
A Comparison of Pain between Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple System Atrophy: A Clinical Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: You He-Yang , Wu Lei , Yang Hai-Ting , Yang Chen , Ding Xiao-Ling
Published: January 2019

Background. Pain is frequent in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Parkinson-plus syndrome. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, characteristics, therapy (especially the effect of dopaminergic therapy), and associated symptoms of pain in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients. Methods. Seventy-one PD patients, sixty-five MSA patients, and forty age-matched healthy controls were enrolled and evaluated by using the German pain questionnaire and visual analogue scale (VAS). In addition, the influence of pain in PD patients on anxiety, depression, and the quality of life was assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Results. Compared to that of the healthy controls, the PD and MSA patients had a significantly higher presence of pain (P<0.01, P<0.01). PD patients had a higher presence of pain than MSA patients (P=0.007). No difference in VAS scores was observed between the PD and MSA patients (P=0.148). A total of 21 PD patients (42.85%) with pain and 13 MSA patients (43.33%) with pain received treatment. A total of 13 PD patients with pain and 6 MSA patients with pain had an improved pain intensity after using dopaminergic medication. The differences in the disease duration, Hoehn and Yahr stages, and scores on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor score, HAD-D, HAD-A, and PDQ-39 were significant between the PD patients with and without pain. Conclusion. PD and MSA patients are prone to pain with insufficient treatment. Pain interventions should be provided as soon as possible to improve the patient’s life.
Feasibility and Performance of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Decentralized Settings in Eastern China
Authors: Wang Zhongdong , Sun Haiyan , Ren Zhisheng , Xue Bai , Lu Jie , Zhang Huaqiang
Published: January 2019

Early diagnosis is essential for the control and prevention of tuberculosis (TB). The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility and performance of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB in county-level microscopy centers in Qingdao, Eastern China. A total of 523 presumptive TB patients were consecutively recruited between July 2017 and April 2018, and 22 patients were excluded from the analysis. Of 102 culture-positive cases, TB-LAMP identified 91 cases, demonstrating a sensitivity of 89.2%. In comparison, the sensitivity of routine smear microscopy was 69.6% (71/102), which was significantly lower than that of TB-LAMP (P=0.001). In addition, TB-LAMP sensitivities in smear-positive and smear-negative samples were 98.6% and 67.7%, respectively. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that TB-LAMP outperforms conventional smear microscopy in TB diagnosis, which could be used as an alternative method for smear microscopy in resource-limited settings in China.
The Evidence Paradox of the Effectiveness between the Paediatric and Adult Stone-Forming Population: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bourdoumis Andreas , Durner Leopold , Füllhase Claudius , Dräger Desiree , Hakenberg Oliver W. , Buchholz Noor
Published: January 2019

Aim/Objective: To identify trends in the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of using α-blockers in children versus adults and compare outcomes. Methods: A literature search up using the key words including urolithiasis/renal/ureteric stone in children/paediatric population, medical expulsive treatment (MET), α-blocker/alfuzosin/tamsulosin/doxazosin. Included were randomized or controlled clinical trials in paediatric stone formers (aged ≤18 years). Outcome measures for assessment included the overall stone expulsion rate, expulsion time, the number of pain episodes and adverse drug effects and/or reactions. Further comparison of efficacy levels using respective studies from the adult population was performed in order to identify trends, similarities and differences. Results: A total of 8,259 articles were identified. Full text evaluation was possible for 28 articles. Although the picture is clearer in the paediatric group, the lack of reproducible results in adults certainly poses serious questions about data collection, analysis and interpretation in each individual study. The apparent paradox is due to the methodological differences between studies. Conclusion: The effectiveness of α-blockers and other medication as MET needs to be studied in multi-institutional, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that would aim to prove superiority to placebo in contemporary clinical situations, with realistic end points and standardized outcome measure determination.
Comparison of SureSelect and Nextera Exome Capture Performance in Single-Cell Sequencing
Authors: Huss Wendy J. , Hu Qiang , Glenn Sean T. , Gangavarapu Kalyan J. , Wang Jianmin , Luce Jesse D. , Quinn Paul K. , Brese Elizabeth A. , Zhan Fenglin , Conroy Jeffrey M. , Paragh Gyorgy , Foster Barbara A. , Morrison Carl D. , Liu Song , Wei Lei
Published: January 2019

Background: Advances in single-cell sequencing provide unprecedented opportunities for clinical examination of circulating tumor cells, cancer stem cells, and other rare cells responsible for disease progression and drug resistance. On the genomic level, single-cell whole exome sequencing (scWES) started to gain popularity with its unique potentials in characterizing mutational landscapes at a single-cell level. Currently, there is little known about the performance of different exome capture kits in scWES. Nextera rapid capture (NXT; Illumina, Inc.) has been the only exome capture kit recommended for scWES by Fluidigm C1, a widely accessed system in single-cell preparation. Results: In this study, we compared the performance of NXT following Fluidigm’s protocol with Agilent SureSelectXT Target Enrichment System (AGL), another exome capture kit widely used for bulk sequencing. We created DNA libraries of 192 single cells isolated from spheres grown from a melanoma specimen using Fluidigm C1. Twelve high-yield cells were selected to perform dual-exome capture and sequencing using AGL and NXT in parallel. After mapping and coverage analysis, AGL outperformed NXT in coverage uniformity, mapping rates of reads, exome capture rates, and low PCR duplicate rates. For germline variant calling, AGL achieved better performance in overlap with known variants in dbSNP and transition-transversion ratios. Using calls from high coverage bulk sequencing from blood DNA as the golden standard, AGL-based scWES demonstrated high positive predictive values, and medium to high sensitivity. Lastly, we evaluated somatic mutation calling by comparing single-cell data with the matched blood sequence as control. On average, 300 mutations were identified in each cell. In 10 of 12 cells, higher numbers of mutations were identified using AGL than NXT, probably caused by coverage depth. When mutations are adequately covered in both AGL and NXT data, the two methods showed very high concordance (93–100% per cell). Conclusions: Our results suggest that AGL can also be used for scWES when there is sufficient DNA, and it yields better data quality than the current Fluidigm’s protocol using NXT.
Cerebral Blood Flow Measured by Phase-Contrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Preterm and Term Neonates
Authors: Wagenaar Nienke , Rijsman Lucas H. , Nieuwets Astrid , Groenendaal Floris ,   NeoQflow Study Group
Published: January 2019

Background: Preterm infants show a decreased tortuosity in all proximal segments of the cerebral vasculature at term-equivalent age (TEA). Recently MRI techniques were developed to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) based on phase-contrast images. Objectives: We hypothesized that arterial CBF corrected for brain size differs between full-term and preterm infants at TEA. Methods: 344 infants without major brain abnormalities had a cranial MRI for clinical reasons including phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography (PC-MRA) around TEA (mean 41.1 ± SD 1.2 weeks). This cohort consisted of 172 preterm infants (gestational age at birth 24.1–31.9 weeks) and 172 term-born infants (gestational age at birth 37.0–42.6 weeks). The total CBF in milliliters/minute was calculated by adding the blood flow of the carotid and basilar arteries, and compared to age at scan, body weight, and several parameters of estimated brain size. Results: After logarithmic transformation, total CBF was associated with body weight, estimated brain weight, head circumference, and 2D brain surface measurements at TEA. Total CBF was significantly (9–12%) higher in term compared to preterm infants after correction for 2D brain surface measurements, head circumference or postmenstrual age at MRI (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Total CBF as measured by PC-MRA was associated with body and (estimated) brain weight and 2D brain surface measurements and was higher in term compared to preterm born infants.