bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guerrero-Morelos carbonate platform response to the Caribbean-Colombian Cretaceous large igneous province during Cenomanian–Turonian oceanic anoxic event 2
Authors: Bomou* Brahimsamba , Adatte Thierry , Arnaud-Vanneau Annie
Published: November 2019

The Guerrero-Morelos carbonate platform (southwestern Mexico) is one of the rare platforms that persisted throughout the Cenomanian–Turonian oceanic anoxic event 2 (OAE 2). Two sections from this carbonate platform exhibit the typical δ13C positive excursion characterizing the OAE 2. This enables the precise distribution of larger benthic foraminifers and their biotic response to paleoenvironmental changes to be characterized during this event. At Axaxacualco, oligotrophic conditions prevailed during the δ13C positive excursion in the distal part of the carbonate platform. In the more proximal part, at Barranca del Cañon, OAE 2 impact was more significant and is marked by thick laminated microbialite deposition, indicating mesotrophic conditions. Low phosphorus and trace-element contents confirm the persistence of oligotrophic to mesotrophic conditions throughout OAE 2 in the Central Mexico carbonate platform despite the proximity of the Caribbean-Colombian oceanic plateau. Before the δ13C positive excursion, which characterizes the OAE 2, the microfauna assemblage was well diversified, including corals, rudists, and large benthic foraminifera (Pseudorhapydionina chiapanensis, Pseudorhapydionina dubia, Cuneolina parva, Dicyclina sp., Chrysalidina gradata, and large miliolids). During the δ13C positive excursion, significant biotic changes occurred, with increasing dominance of organisms adapted to high-stress conditions. Endobenthic assemblages such as Nezzazatinella sp. and Nezzazata sp. were still present. The green symbiotic benthic foraminifera nearly disappeared, except C. parva and Dicyclina sp. During the basal Turonian, the carbonate platform returned to a more open and oxygenated environment, with the reappearance of pre-OAE microfauna, but without the large benthic foraminifera, which did not survive. The definitive drowning of the Guerrero-Morelos carbonate platform took place after the early Turonian, well above the end of the δ13C shift. The deposition of black shale and turbidites, which indicate deeper, anoxic environments, precluded large benthic foraminifera reestablishment. Correlation with the pelagic environments of the Eastbourne section (UK) reveals a synchronicity of biotic responses between basin and platform environments. Low-oxygen conditions are marked by multiple blooms of Heterohelix species in the basin, corresponding to an assemblage dominated by ?Decastronema, Thaumatoporella, and Istriloculina on the carbonate platforms.
Somatic symptom disorder: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Dunphy Louise , Penna Marta , EL-Kafsi Jihene
Published: November 2019

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a diagnosis that was introduced with publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) in 2013. It eliminated the diagnoses of somatisation disorder, undifferentiated somatoform disorder, hypochondriasis and pain disorder; most of the patients who previously received these diagnoses are now diagnosed in DSM-5 with SSD. The main feature of this disorder is a patient’s concern with physical symptoms for which no biological cause is found. It requires psychiatric assessment to exclude comorbid psychiatric disease. Failure to recognise this disorder may lead the unwary physician or surgeon to embark on investigations or diagnostic procedures which may result in iatrogenic complications. It also poses a significant financial burden on the healthcare service. Patients with non-specific abdominal pain have a poor symptomatic prognosis with continuing use of medical services. Proven treatments include cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness therapy and pharmacological treatment using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants. The authors describe the case of a 31-year-old woman with an emotionally unstable personality disorder and comorbid disease presenting to the emergency department with a 3-week history of left-sided abdominal and leg pain. Despite a plethora of investigations, no organic cause for her pain was found. She was reviewed by the multidisciplinary team including surgeons, physicians, neurologists and psychiatrists. A diagnosis of somatoform symptom disorder was subsequently rendered. As patients with SSD will present to general practice and the emergency department rather than psychiatric settings, this case provides a cautionary reminder of furthering the need for appropriate recognition of this condition.
Association between area deprivation and major depressive disorder in British men and women: a cohort study
Authors: Remes Olivia , Lafortune Louise , Wainwright Nick , Surtees Paul , Khaw Kay-Tee , Brayne Carol
Published: November 2019

Objective

Studies have shown area-level deprivation can increase the risk for mental disorders over and above individual-level circumstances, such as education and social class. The objective of this study is to determine whether area deprivation is associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) in British women and men separately while adjusting for individual-level factors.

Design

Large, population study.

Setting

UK population-based cohort.

Participants

30 445 people from the general population aged 40 years and older and living in England consented to participate at study baseline, and of these, over 20 000 participants completed a structured Health and Life Experiences Questionnaire used to capture MDD. Area deprivation was measured in 1991 using Census data, and current MDD was assessed in 1996–2000. 8236 men and 10 335 women had complete data on all covariates.

Primary outcome measure

MDD identified according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV).

Results

In this study, 3.3% (339/10 335) of women and 2.1% (177/8236) of men had MDD. Men living in the most deprived areas were 51% more likely to have depression than those living in areas that were not deprived (OR=1.51, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.24; p=0.043), but the association between deprivation and MDD was not statistically significant in women (OR=1.24, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.65; p=0.143).

Conclusion

This study shows that the residential environment differentially affects men and women, and this needs to be taken into account by mental health policy-makers. Knowing that men living in deprived conditions are at high risk for having depression helps inform targeted prevention and intervention programmes.
Social capital and the health of left-behind older adults in rural China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ke Yan , Jiang Junfeng , Chen Yu
Published: November 2019

Objective

To examine the association between social capital and the health of male and female left-behind older adults in rural China.

Study design

This cross-sectional study among the left-behind older adults aged 60 and older and with all their children working outside of Hubei, Shaanxi and Guangdong provinces in China was conducted in 2017–2018. A total of 1106 questionnaires were collected (participation rate=100.0%), and questionnaires from 1016 participants were used (effective rate=91.9%).

Methods

An ordinary least squares model was used to evaluate the association between social capital and health. Social capital included family trust, friend/neighbour trust, stranger trust, social participation, and network size and density. Health outcomes included basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADL and IADL) and depression.

Results

Elevated family trust, friend/neighbour trust, stranger trust, high-level participation and middle-level network density were associated with reduced depression (b=−3.23, p<0.001; b=−0.41, p<0.001; b=−0.76, p<0.01; b=−1.04, p<0.05; b=−0.74, p<0.05, respectively). High-level participation and network density were also associated with elevated BADL (b=0.16, p<0.05; b=0.24, p<0.05, respectively). Elevated family trust (b=−2.86, p<0.05 in men; b=−3.86, p<0.001 in women), stranger trust (b=−0.68, p<0.05 in men; b=−0.80, p<0.05 in women) and high-level participation (b=−0.92, p<0.05 in men; b=−1.22, p<0.01 in women) were associated with reduced depression in both sexes. By contrast, elevated friend/neighbour trust was associated with reduced depression (b=−0.56, p<0.001) in women, high-level participation was associated with elevated BADL (b=0.19, p<0.05) and IADL (b=0.43, p<0.05) in men, and high-level network density was associated with elevated BADL (b=0.44, p<0.05) and IADL (b=0.57, p<0.05) and reduced depression (b=−1.05, p<0.05) in women.

Conclusions

Social capital is closely related to left-behind older adults’ health in rural China. More attention should be paid to increasing the stock of social capital in this special population, with a particular focus on the sex disparity.
Urban scaling of health outcomes: a protocol for a scoping review
Authors: McCulley Edwin M , Mullachery Pricila , Rodriguez Daniel , Diez Roux Ana V , Bilal Usama
Published: November 2019

Introduction

With most of the world’s population living in urban areas, it is important to understand the health effects of city living. Precise descriptions of the relations of city size and growth with population health metrics have not been systematically described. Describing these relationships can provide clues regarding the factors driving differences in health across cities.

Objective

The goal of this scoping review is to map the existing evidence regarding the scaling properties of health outcomes, with a special emphasis on city size and growth.

Method and analysis

We will conduct this scoping review based on a structured search of a combination of keywords for the exposures that aim to capture the population growth and size of cities along with degree of urbanisation, for health-related outcomes regardless of their type (incidence or prevalence of diseases and injuries and mortality). We will search the MEDLINE and Latin American & Caribbean Health Sciences Literature databases from inception for studies in English, Spanish or Portuguese and perform manual searches of references and citations in the included studies. The search will be conducted from April 2019 to September 2019. We will report results using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. This review aims to inform future research on the role of increasing levels of urbanisation on health outcomes, provide clues into what city level factors may drive patterns of urban health and lead to the design and implementation of policies that promote sustainable growth and improved health.

Ethics and dissemination

This review will not collect any primary data and will rely on published articles. The findings of this review will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Prevalence and determinants of cigarette smoking relapse among US adult smokers: a longitudinal study
Authors: Alboksmaty Ahmed , Agaku Israel Terungwa , Odani Satomi , Filippidis Filippos T
Published: November 2019

Objectives

This research project aims at estimating the prevalence of cigarette smoking relapse and determining its predictors among adult former smokers in the USA.

Setting

This research analysed secondary data retrieved from the Tobacco Use Supplement-Current Population Survey 2010–2011 cohort in the USA.

Participants

Out of 18 499 participants who responded to the survey in 2010 and 2011, the analysis included a total sample size of 3258 ever smokers, who were living in the USA and reported quitting smoking in 2010. The survey’s respondents who never smoked or reported current smoking in 2010 were excluded from the study sample.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Smoking relapse was defined as picking up smoking in 2011 after reporting smoking abstinence in 2010. The prevalence of relapse over the 12-month follow-up period was estimated among different subgroups. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to determine factors associated with relapse.

Results

A total of 184 former smokers reported smoking relapse by 2011 (weighted prevalence 6.8%; 95% CI 5.7% to 8.1%). Prevalence and odds of relapse were higher among young people compared with elders. Former smokers living in smoke-free homes (SFHs) had 60% lower odds of relapse compared with those living in homes that allowed smoking inside (adjusted OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.64). Regarding race/ethnicity, only Hispanics showed significantly higher odds of relapse compared with Whites (non-Hispanics). Odds of relapse were higher among never married, widowed, divorced and separated individuals, compared with the married group. Continuous smoking cessation for 6 months or more significantly decreased odds of relapse.

Conclusions

Wider health determinants, such as race and age, but also living in SFHs showed significant associations with smoking relapse, which could inform the development of more targeted programmes to support those smokers who successfully quit, although further longitudinal studies are required to confirm our findings.
Safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid in paediatric cardiac surgery: study protocol for a double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Yu , Jia Yuan , Shi Jia , Yuan Su , Wang Rong , Zhang Zhe , Wang Xu , Liu Jinping , Ran Jun , Zhao Yuchen , Hua Zhongdong , Yan Jun , Li Shoujun , Zheng Zhe , Hu Shengshou , Wang Yang , Yan Fuxia
Published: November 2019

Introduction

An initial retrospective study suggested that tranexamic acid (TXA) administration increased the incidence of seizures in paediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, the efficacy of TXA in paediatric cardiac surgery remains unclear owing to the small sample sizes of the studies. Therefore, this study will investigate the efficacy and safety of TXA in paediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We hypothesised that TXA may increase the incidence of postoperative seizures with no effect on postoperative allogeneic transfusion in paediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The pragmatic study will provide important implications for paediatric cardiac surgery.

Methods and analysis

This will be a single-centre prospective, double-blind randomised controlled trial. The plan is to enrol in the study 2090 paediatric patients aged 31 days to 7 years who will be undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). All eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the TXA or placebo group by using a Web-based randomisation service in a 1:1 ratio. The primary safety end point will be postoperative seizures until hospital discharge, and the primary efficacy end point will be the volume of allogeneic red blood cell transfusion after termination of CPB. All patients will be followed up for 1 year postdischarge. All data will be analysed in accordance with the intention-to-treat principle.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the institutional review board of Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (No 20191195). Written informed consent will be obtained from the parents/legal guardian of each patient because all participants will be <18 years of age. The results of the trial will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR1900024131).
Variation in survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between receiving hospitals in Japan: an observational study
Authors: Koyama Satoshi , Gibo Koichiro , Yamaguchi Yutaka , Okubo Masashi
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Patient outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) varies at multilevel (geographical regions, emergency medical service agencies and receiving hospitals) in the USA. However, it remains unclear whether there is a variation in patient outcomes after OHCA between relevant units of the healthcare system such as receiving hospitals in Japan. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the variation in patient outcomes after OHCA between receiving hospitals in Japan.

Design

Secondary analysis of the prospective multicentre OHCA registry.

Setting

The Japan Association for Acute Medicine OHCA Registry, a prospective multicentre OHCA registry, including 73 medical institutions in Japan.

Participants

9303 adults (≥18 years old) with OHCA of medical origin, treated at 67 hospitals from June 2014 to December 2015.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was 1-month survival after OHCA. The secondary outcome was favourable functional status at 1 month, defined as cerebral performance category scale 1 or 2. We constructed a series of multivariable hierarchical logistic regression models predicting outcomes, accounting for patient-level variables and clustering of patients within hospitals. We evaluated the adjusted 1-month survival and functional outcome for each hospital, ranked hospitals for each outcome and calculated median ORs (MORs) to quantify the between-hospital variation in outcomes.

Results

The prevalence of 1-month survival after OHCA was 7.1% (663/9303) and that of favourable functional outcome was 3.6% (331/9303). After adjustment for patient-level factors, we observed variations in 1-month survival (range, 1.6%–13.8%; adjusted MOR 1.34; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.67) and favourable functional outcome (range, 0.7%–7.3%; adjusted MOR 1.53; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.24) between hospitals.

Conclusions

We found substantial variations in patient outcomes after OHCA within a large group of hospitals in Japan, despite adjustment for patient factors that are known to be associated with different outcomes.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) functionality: patient and family information for advanced decision-making
Authors: Hill Loreena Michelle , McIlfatrick Sonja , Taylor Brian , Dixon Lana , Fitzsimons Donna
Published: November 2019

As the number of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) implanted continues to rise, there is a growing challenge to ensure patients and family members are adequately equipped for involvement in future end-of-life decisions concerning their device.

Objective

To explore patients’, family members’ and professionals’ attitudes and understanding towards discussing ICD deactivation.

Methods

Case study approach using qualitative interviews and framework analysis. A total of 29 qualitative interviews were undertaken, involving patients with a device, family members and healthcare professionals. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using framework analysis. Data were triangulated with information obtained from the patients’ medical records (n=10).

Results

Three main themes: (1) Professionals were reluctant to engage in conversations concerning deactivation, particularly prior to implantation, believing this was in the patient’s best interest. (2) Patients and family members had limited understanding of the implanted device and its functions. It was frequently perceived as ‘life-saving’ with any negativity of the shock experience seen as acceptable. (3) All patients wanted the opportunity to discuss deactivation when death was imminent, but were indecisive whether family members should be involved. Similarly, some patients felt the decision to deactivate rested solely with the medical profession while others felt it should be a joint decision between patient, family and clinical team.

Conclusions

Patients and family members require improved communication and information concerning their future treatment plan and functionality of an ICD. A proactive approach to discuss deactivation would enable shared clinical decision-making in the advanced stages of illness.
4D-CT angiography versus 3D-rotational angiography as the imaging modality for computational fluid dynamics of cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Cancelliere Nicole M , Najafi Mehdi , Brina Olivier , Bouillot Pierre , Vargas Maria I , Lovblad Karl-Olof , Krings Timo , Pereira Vitor M , Steinman David A
Published: November 2019

Background and purpose

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can provide valuable information regarding intracranial hemodynamics. Patient-specific models can be segmented from various imaging modalities, which may influence the geometric output and thus hemodynamic results. This study aims to compare CFD results from aneurysm models segmented from three-dimensional rotational angiography (3D-RA) versus novel four-dimensional CT angiography (4D-CTA).

Methods

Fourteen patients with 16 cerebral aneurysms underwent novel 4D-CTA followed by 3D-RA. Endoluminal geometries were segmented from each modality using an identical workflow, blinded to the other modality, to produce 28 'original' models. Each was then minimally edited a second time to match length of branches, producing 28 additional 'matched' models. CFD simulations were performed using estimated flow rates for 'original' models (representing real-world experience) and patient-specific flow rates from 4D-CTA for 'matched' models (to control for influence of modality alone).

Results

Overall, geometric and hemodynamic results were consistent between models segmented from 3D-RA and 4D-CTA, with correlations improving after matching to control for operator-introduced variability. Despite smaller 4D-CTA parent artery diameters (3.49±0.97 mm vs 3.78±0.92 mm for 3D-RA; p=0.005) and sac volumes (157 (37–750 mm3) vs 173 (53–770 mm3) for 3D-RA; p=0.0002), sac averages of time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), oscillatory shear (OSI), and high frequency fluctuations (measured by spectral power index, SPI) were well correlated between 3D-RA and 4D-CTA 'matched' control models (TAWSS, R2=0.91; OSI, R2=0.79; SPI, R2=0.90).

Conclusions

Our study shows that CFD performed using 4D-CTA models produces reliable geometric and hemodynamic information in the intracranial circulation. 4D-CTA may be considered as a follow-up imaging tool for hemodynamic assessment of cerebral aneurysms.
Review of ecological mercury and arsenic bioaccumulation within historical gold mining districts of Nova Scotia
Authors: LeBlanc Molly E. , Parsons Michael B. , Chapman E. Emily V. , Campbell Linda M.
Published: November 2019

Gold mining in Nova Scotia dates back to the mid-1800s. Historical industrial practices generated over 3 000 000 tonnes of finely ground mine wastes (tailings), the majority of which were deposited into lakes, streams, wetlands, and low-lying areas close to the mill sites. These legacy tailings typically contain high concentrations of mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) and continue to impact downstream environments to this day. The objective of this review is to critically examine and summarize existing knowledge on the transfer and bioaccumulation of Hg and As in aquatic and terrestrial organisms exposed to legacy gold mine tailings in Nova Scotia. This review reveals that as of mid-2019, 23 previous studies have been completed on this subject. Several of these studies were based on small sample sizes, or had other limitations, such as missing identification of biological species. Despite these limitations, the data in these publications clearly indicate that both Hg and As from abandoned gold mine sites in Nova Scotia are bioaccumulating in plants, fungi, freshwater and terrestrial invertebrates, marine mollusks, amphibians, fish, and mammals. In many cases, concentrations of MeHg exceed Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment safety guideline values for consumption of wildlife; however, no guideline values are in place for either total Hg or As. No studies were found examining tailings-related Hg or As accumulation in lichen, reptiles, birds, or large mammals. This review concludes that further research on bioaccumulation and biomagnification of tailings-related Hg and As is needed to understand the overall impact of historical tailings on the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and species of Nova Scotia. More detailed studies are vital for guiding risk-management decisions and future land-use practices for these contaminated sites.
Electronic and elastic properties of AIIB2IIIC4VI defect-chalcopyrite semiconductors
Authors: Chandra S. , Sinha Anita , Kumar V.
Published: November 2019

The electronic and elastic properties of [Formula: see text] defect-chalcopyrite semiconductors have been studied using first-principle density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The lattice constants, energy band gap, elastic stiffness constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus, shear anisotropy factor, Young’s modulus, Debye temperature, Poisson’s ratio and B/G ratio have been computed. The values of elastic constants of 14 defect-chalcopyrites and Debye temperature for 18 compounds have been reported for the first time. The obtained results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental values in few cases where experiments are performed and reported values.
Quantum coherence versus nonclassical correlations in optomechanics
Authors: Lahlou Y. , Amazioug M. , El Qars J. , Habiballah N. , Daoud M. , Nassik M.
Published: November 2019

Coherence arises from the superposition principle, where it plays a central role in quantum mechanics. In Phys. Rev. Lett. 114, 210401 (2015), it has been shown that the freezing phenomenon of quantum correlations beyond entanglement is intimately related to the freezing of quantum coherence (QC). In this paper, we compare the behavior of entanglement and quantum discord with quantum coherence in two different subsystems (optical and mechanical). We use respectively the entanglement of formation (EoF) and the Gaussian quantum discord (GQD) to quantify entanglement and quantum discord. Under thermal noise and optomechanical coupling effects, we show that EoF, GQD and QC behave in the same way. Remarkably, when entanglement vanishes, GQD and QC remain almost unaffected by thermal noise, keeping nonzero values even for high-temperature, which is in concordance with Phys. Rev. Lett. 114, 210401 (2015). Also, we find that the coherence associated with the optical subsystem is more robust — against thermal noise — than those of the mechanical subsystem. Our results confirm that optomechanical cavities constitute a powerful resource of QC.
Helpfulness Assessment of Online Reviews
Authors: Kang Yin , Zhou Lina
Published: November 2019

Effective use of online consumer reviews is hampered by uncertainty about their helpfulness. Despite a growing body of knowledge on indicators of review helpfulness, previous studies have overlooked rich semantic information embedded in review content. Following design science principles, this study introduces a semantic hierarchy of product features by probing the review text. Using the hierarchical framework as a guide, we develop a research model of review helpfulness assessment. In the model, we propose and conceptualize three new factors—breadth, depth, and redundancy, by building on and/or extending product uncertainty, information quality, signaling, and encoding variability theories. The model-testing results lend strong support to the proposed effects of those factors on review helpfulness. They also reveal interesting differences in the effects of redundancy and readability between different types of products. This study embodies knowledge moments of multiple genres of inquiry in design science research, which have multifold research and practical implications.
Container-based real-time scheduling in the Linux kernel
Authors: Abeni Luca , Balsini Alessio , Cucinotta Tommaso
Published: November 2019

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in supporting component-based software development of complex real-time embedded systems. Techniques such as machine virtualisation have emerged as interesting mechanisms to enhance the security of these platforms, while real-time scheduling techniques have been proposed to guarantee temporal isolation of different virtualised components sharing the same physical resources. This combination also highlighted criticalities due to overheads introduced by hyper-visors, particularly for low-end embedded devices. This led to the need of investigating deeper into solutions based on lightweight virtualisation alternatives, such as containers. In this context, this paper proposes to use a real-time deadline-based scheduling policy built into the Linux kernel to provide temporal scheduling guarantees to different co-located containers. The proposed solution extends the SCHED_DEADLINE scheduling policy to schedule Linux control groups, allowing user threads to be scheduled with fixed priorities inside the control group scheduled by SCHED_DEADLINE. The proposed mechanism can be configured via control groups, and it is compatible with commonly used tools such as LXC, Docker and similar. This solution is compatible with existing hierarchical real-time scheduling analysis, and some experiments demonstrate consistency between theory and practice.
Regulation and adaptation of endocrine axes at high altitude
Authors: Keenan Daniel M. , Pichler Hefti Jacqueline , Veldhuis Johannes D. , Von Wolff Michael
Published: November 2019

As a model of extreme conditions, eight healthy women, part of a 40-member Nepal mountain-climbing expedition, were monitored for dynamic endocrine adaptations. Endocrine measurements were made at frequent intervals over a 6–10-h period at four altitudes: 450 m, 4,800 m (base camp), 6,050 m, and again at 4,800 m (on descent) after an acclimatization (A) period (4,800 mA). Quantified hormones were growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PROL), cortisol (Cort), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and free thyroxine. These hormones are important to the anabolic/catabolic balance of the body, and are vital to growth, homeostasis, hypothalamic inhibition, regulation of stress, and metabolism. A key secondary question was the degree to which acclimatization can stabilize hormonal disruption. On the basis of statistical false discovery rates, the present analyses unveil marked adaptive changes in the thyroid axis at the level of pulsatile secretion of the pituitary hormone TSH and its downstream product, free thyroxine; strong effects on the mass of GH, TSH, Cort, and PROL secretion per burst; and prominent pulsatile frequency disruption and recovery for PROL and Cort. Because pulsatility changes reflect de facto perturbations in hypothalamo-pituitary control mechanisms, the present data introduce the concept of both frequency- and amplitude-dependent adaptive control of brain-pituitary neuroendocrine signals under conditions of extreme altitude exertion and exposure.
The Nod2 Agonist Muramyl Dipeptide Cooperates with the TLR4 Agonist Lipopolysaccharide to Enhance IgG2b Production in Mouse B Cells
Authors: Lee Sang-Hoon , Park Jong-Hwan , Park Seok-Rae
Published: November 2019

Many studies have shown that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and Nod-like receptors (NLRs) were expressed in B cells and their signaling affects B cell functions. Nonetheless, the roles played by these receptors in B cell antibody (Ab) production have not been completely elucidated. In the present study, we examined the effect of the Nod2 agonist muramyl dipeptide (MDP) in combination with the TLR4 agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a well-known B cell mitogen, on B cell viability, proliferation, and activation, and Ab production by in vitro culture of purified mouse spleen resting B cells. MDP combined with LPS to reinforce B cell viability, proliferation, and activation. Moreover, MDP enhanced LPS-induced IgG2b production, germlineγ2b transcript (GLTγ2b) expression, and surface IgG2b expression. In an experiment with Nod2- and TLR4-deficient mouse B cells, we observed that the combined effect of MDP and LPS is dependent on Nod2 and TLR4 receptors. Furthermore, the combined effect on B cell viability and IgG2b switching was not observed in Rip2-deficient mouse cells. Collectively, this study suggests that Nod2 signaling enhances TLR4-activated B cell proliferation, IgG2b switching, and IgG2b production.
The Role of PathogenicE. coliin Fresh Vegetables: Behavior, Contamination Factors, and Preventive Measures
Authors: Luna-Guevara J. J. , Arenas-Hernandez M. M. P. , Martínez de la Peña C. , Silva Juan L. , Luna-Guevara M. L.
Published: November 2019

Many raw vegetables, such as tomato, chili, onion, lettuce, arugula, spinach, and cilantro, are incorporated into fresh dishes including ready-to-eat salads and sauces. The consumption of these foods confers a high nutritional value to the human diet. However, the number of foodborne outbreaks associated with fresh produce has been increasing, withEscherichia colibeing the most common pathogen associated with them. In humans, pathogenicE. colistrains cause diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and other indications. Vegetables can be contaminated withE. coliat any point from pre- to postharvest. This bacterium is able to survive in many environmental conditions due to a variety of mechanisms, such as adhesion to surfaces and internalization in fresh products, thereby limiting the usefulness of conventional processing and chemical sanitizing methods used by the food industry. The aim of this review is to provide a general description of the behavior and importance of pathogenicE. coliin ready-to-eat vegetable dishes. This information can contribute to the development of effective control measures for enhancing food safety.
A Two-Layer Task Assignment Algorithm for UAV Swarm Based on Feature Weight Clustering
Authors: Fu Xiaowei , Feng Peng , Li Bin , Gao Xiaoguang
Published: November 2019

For the large-scale operations of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm and the large number of UAVs, this paper proposes a two-layer task and resource assignment algorithm based on feature weight clustering. According to the numbers and types of task resources of each UAV and the distances between different UAVs, the UAV swarm is divided into multiple UAV clusters, and the large-scale allocation problem is transformed into several related small-scale problems. A two-layer task assignment algorithm based on the consensus-based bundle algorithm (CBBA) is proposed, and this algorithm uses different consensus rules between clusters and within clusters, which ensures that the UAV swarm gets a conflict-free task assignment solution in real time. The simulation results show that the algorithm can assign tasks effectively and efficiently when the number of UAVs and targets is large.
Shared Aperture Multibeam Forming of Time‐Modulated Linear Array
Authors: Sun Li-juan , Zhang Zhen-kai , Najafabadi Hamid Esmaeili
Published: November 2019

A novel technique is proposed in this paper for shared aperture multibeam forming in a complex time‐modulated linear array. First, a uniform line array is interleaved randomly to form two sparse array subarrays. Subsequently, the theory of time modulation for linear arrays is applied in the constructed subarrays. In the meantime, the switch‐on time sequences for each element of the two subarrays are optimized by an optimized differential evolution (DE) algorithm, i.e., the scaling factor of the sinusoidal iterative chaotic system and the adaptive crossover probability factor are used to enhance the diversity of the population. Lastly, the feasibility of the new technique is verified by the comparison between this technique and the basic multibeam algorithm in a shared aperture and the algorithm of iterative FFT. The results of simulations confirm that the proposed algorithm can form more desired beams, and it is superior to other similar approaches.
Etiology of Renal Replacement Therapy in Iran
Authors: Morovatdar Negar , Tayebi Nasrabad Gholamreza , Tsarouhas Konstantinos , Rezaee Ramin
Published: November 2019

Introduction. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is one of the most common life-threatening diseases. In the past two decades, several factors were held responsible as the cause of this condition. The present study aimed to determine the causes of ESRD in the province of Khorasan Razavi, Iran. Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2404 ESRD patients who referred to 39 hemodialysis centers in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran, and were registered in the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), between 2000 and December 2018. Sociodemographic data and causes of ESRD were extracted from data registry. Results. The mean age at onset of hemodialysis for 2404 patients was 52.8 ± 16.4 years, and 57.1% of the patients were male. Clinical profile of hypertension (28.3%) and diabetes mellitus (24.8%) were the most common known causes of ESRD in our patients. Hypertension was more prevalent in male patients compared with females (30 vs 25%, respectively) while diabetes was more prevalent in females compared with males (25.4 vs 24.4%, respectively), p=0.009. Educational level was significantly associated with the cause of ESRD (p<0.001). Age of onset of ESRD in hypertensive patients was significantly lower compared with diabetic patients (51.5 ± 16.3 vs 58.28 ± 12.9 years, respectively; p<0.001). Conclusions. In the current study, the most common causes of ESRD were hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Primary prevention of hypertension and diabetes and proper treatment must be considered to reduce the burden of ESRD in Iran.
Two Cases of the MYH9 Disorder Fechtner Syndrome Diagnosed from Observation of Peripheral Blood Cells before End-Stage Renal Failure
Authors: Teshirogi Shin , Muratsu Jun , Kasahara Hidenori , Terashima Ken , Miki Sho , Minami Tomohiro , Okute Yujiro , Yoneda Suguru , Morishima Atsuyuki , Kunishima Shinji , Sakaguchi Katsuhiko
Published: November 2019

As a MYH9 disorder, Fechtner syndrome is characterized by nephritis, giant platelets, granulocyte inclusion bodies (Döhle-like bodies), cataract, and sensorineural deafness. Observation of peripheral blood smear for the presence of thrombocytopenia, giant platelets, and granulocyte inclusion bodies (Döhle-like bodies) is highly important for the early diagnosis of MYH9 disorders. In our two cases, sequencing analysis of the MYH9 gene indicated mutations in exon 24. Both cases were diagnosed as the MYH9 disorders Fechtner syndrome before end-stage renal failure on the basis of the observation of peripheral blood smear.
Tazarotene-Induced Gene 1 (TIG1) Interacts with Serine Protease Inhibitor Kazal-Type 2 (SPINK2) to Inhibit Cellular Invasion of Testicular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Shyu Rong-Yaun , Wang Chun-Hua , Wu Chang-Chieh , Wang Lu-Kai , Chen Mao-Liang , Kuo Chan-Yen , Lee Ming-Cheng , Lin Yi-Ying , Tsai Fu-Ming
Published: November 2019

Tazarotene-induced gene 1 (TIG1) encodes a protein that is a retinoid-regulated tumor suppressor. TIG1 is expressed in most normal tissues, and downregulation of TIG1 expression in multiple cancers is caused by promoter hypermethylation. Kazal-type serine protease inhibitor-2 (SPINK2) is a serine protease inhibitor, and the SPINK protein family has been shown to inhibit the expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). In addition, increased levels of uPA and the uPA receptor were observed in testicular cancer tissues. This study demonstrated that TIG1 interacts with SPINK2 in NT2/D1 testicular carcinoma cells. TIG1 and SPINK2 were highly expressed in normal testis tissues, while low expression levels of TIG1 and SPINK2 were found in testicular cancer tissues. TIG1 inhibited cell invasion, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of NT2/D1 cells. SPINK2 enhanced TIG1-regulated uPA activity and EMT suppression, while silencing SPINK2 alleviated TIG1-mediated EMT regulation, cell migration, and invasion. Therefore, the results suggest that the interaction between TIG1 and SPINK2 plays an important role in the inhibition of testicular cancer cell EMT, and suppression is mediated through downregulation of the uPA/uPAR signaling pathway.
Development of a Diagnostic Questionnaire for Damp Phlegm Pattern and Blood Stasis Pattern in Coronary Heart Disease Patients (CHD-DPBSPQ)
Authors: Fang Ge , Zhang Ling-lin , Ren Qi , Zhou Xiao-wen , Wang Bin , Zhou Xuan , Liu Xiao-qi , Peng Dan-hong , Chen Xin-lin , Li Xian-tao
Published: November 2019

Background. The aim was to develop a diagnostic questionnaire for damp phlegm pattern and blood stasis pattern in coronary heart disease patients (CHD-DPBSPQ). Methods. The standard procedures of questionnaire development were carried out to develop and assess CHD-DPBSPQ. The patients were assessed using the CHD-DPBSPQ, CHD-DPPQ, and CHD-BSPQ. Four methods were used to select the items on the CHD-DPBSPQ in a pilot study based on data from a Guizhou tertiary grade A hospital. Cronbach’s alpha and the split-half reliability, test-retest reliability, content validity, criterion validity, construct validity, and convergent validity were determined in a validation study using a nationwide sample. Results. After item selection, the CHD-DPBSPQ contained 15 items in two domains: the phlegm domain (9 items) and the blood stasis domain (6 items). For the CHD-DPBSPQ, the alpha coefficient was 0.88, the split-half coefficient was 0.90, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.83. The range of the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) was 0.71 to 1.0 and that of the scale-level content validity index/average (Scale-CVI/Ave) was 0.97. The domain scores on the CHD-DPBSPQ were in close relation to the scores on a questionnaire for damp phlegm pattern in coronary heart disease patients (CHD-DPPQ) and a questionnaire for blood stasis pattern in coronary heart disease patient (CHD-BSPQ) (P<0.01). The root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was equal to 0.05 (90% CI: 0.044, 0.059). Convergent validity was demonstrated with a moderate correlation. Conclusion. The CHD-DPBSPQ is a reliable and valid instrument.
Study on Performance of Mesoscopic Impactor Filters for Aerosol Removal
Authors: Zhang Wei , Niu Fenglei , Wang Shiji , Wang Haonan , Guo Zhangpeng
Published: November 2019

The mesoscopic impactor filter is designed to filtrate aerosols in the containment, which has not only high collection efficiency but also small flow resistance. In this paper, the influence of structural parameters and working parameters of the inertial impactor on collection performance is studied by the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method. Under the small Reynolds number, the laminar model is used to simulate the continuous phase, and the discrete phase model (DPM) is used to track the trajectory of the particle. Based on the response surface methodology (RSM), the prediction model of collection efficiency and pressure drop is obtained, which will provide a reference for the design and manufacture of the filter in the future.
The Case Study of Pseudoexcitation Method Combining Self‐Adaptive Gauss Integration in Random Vibration Analysis
Authors: Chen Ning , Zhu Siyu , Li Yongle
Published: November 2019

The pseudoexcitation method (PEM) can improve efficiency of random vibration analysis. However, for large‐sized structures with wide frequency range of response, the workload of calculation is heavy if conventional integration methods, such as trapezoidal integration, are used to combine with the PEM to calculate structural response. In such case, self‐adaptive technology is induced to combine with the PEM to form an efficient method for solving random vibration. During calculation, this method can realize the adaptability of random excitation to actual structural response, identify automatically critical frequency intervals of random excitation, and process intelligently the identified critical frequency intervals and noncritical frequency intervals. Based on the identified frequency intervals, Gauss integration is carried out to obtain response results with random characteristics. The computational efficiency and accuracy of PEM‐SGI are verified by wind‐induced performance of the slender bridge tower. Finally, the influence of damping ratio of the bridge structure and train marshalling on vehicle‐bridge coupled system is investigated to further verify the application of the proposed method. Results show that the efficiency of solving random vibration can be improved by the present method.
Role of Metformin on Osteoblast Differentiation in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Jiating Lin , Buyun Ji , Yinchang Zhang
Published: November 2019

Metformin, an effective hypoglycemic, can modulate different points of malignant mass, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, and nerve regeneration. Recently, the effect of metformin on bone metabolism has been analyzed. Metformin relies on organic cation transporters (OCT1), a polyspecific cell membrane of the solute carrier 22A (SLC22A) gene family, to facilitate its intracellular uptake and action on complex I of the respiratory chain of mitochondria. These changes activate the cellular energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Thus, the increased cellular AMP/ATP ratio causes a dramatic and progressive activation of insulin and lysosomes, resulting in a decrease in intracellular glucose level, which promotes osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. AMPK also phosphorylates runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) at S118, the lineage-specific transcriptional regulators, to promote osteogenesis. Metformin phosphorylates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), stimulates endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases (e/iNOS), inhibits the GSK3β/Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and promotes osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts. The effect of metformin on hyperglycemia decreases intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in collagen, and reduced serum levels of insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1) were beneficial for bone formation. Metformin has a certain effect on microangiopathy and anti-inflammation, which can induce osteoporosis, activate the activity of osteoclasts, and inhibit osteoblast activity, and has demonstrated extensive alteration in bone and mineral metabolism. The aim of this review was to elucidate the mechanisms of metformin on osteoblasts in insulin-deficient diabetes.
The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Scheau Cristian , Badarau Ioana Anca , Costache Raluca , Caruntu Constantin , Mihai Gratiela Livia , Didilescu Andreea Cristiana , Constantin Carolina , Neagu Monica
Published: November 2019

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a transformation process mandatory for the local and distant progression of many malignant tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play significant roles in cellular regeneration, programmed death, angiogenesis, and many other essential tissular functions, involved in the normal development and also in pathological processes, such as the EMT. This paper reviews the roles of MMPs in the EMT involved in HCC invasion, as well as the ancillary roles that MMP cross-activation and tissue inhibitors play in modulating this process. While gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 are the MMPs commonly cited in the EMT of HCC, MMPs belonging to other classes have been proven to be involved in this process, favoring not only invasion and metastasis (MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-10, MMP-11, MMP-13, MMP-14, MMP-16, MMP-26, and MMP-28) but also angiogenesis (MMP-8 and MMP-10). There is also data suggesting that other MMPs with a suspected or demonstrated role in the EMT of other cancers may also have some degree of involvement in HCC. The auto- and cross-activation of MMPs may complicate this issue, as pinpointing the extent of implication of each MMP may be extremely difficult. The homeostasis between MMPs and their tissue inhibitors is essential in preventing tumor progression, and the disturbance of this stability is another entailed factor in the EMT of HCC, which is addressed herein.