bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing, synthesis and characterization of 2-aminothiazole-4-carboxylate Schiff bases; antimicrobial evaluation against multidrug resistant strains and molecular docking
Authors: Ejaz Saima , Nadeem Humaira , Paracha Rehan Zafar , Sarwar Sadia , Ejaz Sadaf
Published: September 2019

Background

2-Aminothiazoles are significant class of organic medicinal compounds utilized as starting material for the synthesis of diverse range of heterocyclic analogues with promising therapeutic roles as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-HIV, antioxidant, antitumor, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory & analgesic agents.

Experimental

Eight compounds 1a, 2a–2g were synthesized and characterized by FTIR and NMR (1H and13C). Evaluation of antibacterial potential against multi-drug resistant clinical isolates was performed and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined. Antifungal activity was also performed. Protein–ligand interactions of compounds with target enzyme were evaluated through docking studies.

Results

Resistance profiling of bacterical clinical isolates (MDRs) depicted that some standard drugs used were not active against these MDRs while our synthesized compounds showed good MIC values. Among all the synthesized compounds, 2a and 2b showed significant antibacterial potential towards gram-positiveStaphylococcus epidermidisand gram-negativePseudomonas aeruginosaat MIC 250 µg/mL and 375 µg/mL respectively. Likewise, compound 2d and 2g exhibited inhibitory potential against gram-positiveStaphylococcus aureusand gram-negativeEscherichia coliat MIC values of 250 and 375 µg/mL respectively. Compound 2b showed maximum antifungal potential againstCandida glabrata(ATCC 62934) with a zone of inhibition 21.0 mm as compared to the reference drug nystatin which showed lesser antifungal potential with a zone of inhibition of 19.1 mm.Candida albicans(ATCC 60387) showed maximum sensitivity to compound 2a with a zone of inhibition 20.0 mm. Its antifungal activity is more in comparison to reference drug nystatin with exhibited the zone of inhibition of 19.3 mm. Designed compounds were docked with the target enzyme UDP-N-acetylmuramate/l-alanine ligase. The compound 2b showed highest binding affinity (− 7.6 kcal/mol).

Conclusions

The synthesized compounds showed moderate to significant antibacterial and antifungal potential. It is clear from the binding affinities that compounds having hydroxyl group substituted on benzene ring possess strong binding affinity as compared to other analogues. These designed compounds could be considered to act as antagonists against target UDP-N-acetylmuramate/l-alanine ligase.
Cost-effectiveness of two long-lasting insecticidal nets delivery models in mass campaign in rural Mozambique
Authors: Arroz Jorge A. H. , Candrinho Baltazar , Mendis Chandana , Lopez Melanie , Martins Maria do Rosário O.
Published: September 2019

Objective

The aim is to compare the cost-effectiveness of two long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) delivery models (standard vs. new) in universal coverage (UC) campaigns in rural Mozambique.

Results

The total financial cost of delivering LLINs was US$ 231,237.30 and US$ 174,790.14 in the intervention (302,648 LLINs were delivered) and control districts (219,613 LLINs were delivered), respectively. The average cost-effectiveness ratio (ACER) per LLIN delivered and ACER per household (HH) achieving UC was lower in the intervention districts. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per LLIN and ICER per HH reaching UC were US$ 0.68 and US$ 2.24, respectively. Both incremental net benefit (for delivered LLIN and for HHs reaching UC) were positive (intervention deemed cost-effective). Overall, the newer delivery model was the more cost-effective intervention. However, the long-term sustainability of either delivery models is far from guaranteed in Mozambique’s current economic context.
Deficiency in the double-stranded RNA binding protein HYPONASTIC LEAVES1 increases sensitivity to the endoplasmic reticulum stress inducer tunicamycin in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hirata Rikako , Mishiba Kei-ichiro , Koizumi Nozomu , Iwata Yuji
Published: September 2019

Objective

microRNA (miRNA) is a small non-coding RNA that regulates gene expression by sequence-dependent binding to protein-coding mRNA in eukaryotic cells. In plants, miRNA plays important roles in a plethora of physiological processes, including abiotic and biotic stress responses. The present study was conducted to investigate whether miRNA-mediated regulation is important for the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response in Arabidopsis.

Results

We found that hyl1 mutant plants are more sensitive to tunicamycin, an inhibitor of N-linked glycosylation that causes ER stress than wild-type plants. Other miRNA-related mutants, se and ago1, exhibited similar sensitivity to the wild-type, indicating that the hypersensitive phenotype is attributable to the loss-of-function of HYL1, rather than deficiency in general miRNA biogenesis and function. However, the transcriptional response of select ER stress-responsive genes in hyl1 mutant plants was indistinguishable from that of wild-type plants, suggesting that the loss-of-function of HYL1 does not affect the ER stress signaling pathways.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Childhood nosocomial viral acute respiratory tract infections in teaching hospital Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Authors: Sampath Jayaweera Jayaweera Arachchige Asela , Reyes Mohammed
Published: September 2019

Objectives

We have assessed the risk factors for the occurrence of hospital-acquired (HA) and community-acquired (CA) viral acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in children. Children (1–60 months) who were having ARTI on admission (CA) and develops ARTI following 48 h after admission or 3 days of discharge (HA) were included. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was performed and multivariable analyses were done to determine the risk factors for the development of viral CA and HA-ARTI.

Results

Total of 818 with ARTIs, 226 (27.6%) RSV cases were detected. Out of 226, 86 (38.0%) HA-RSV cases were detected. CA-viral-ARTI was significantly high (p < 0.05). Compared to CA-RSV-ARTI immunodeficiency, seizures, trisomy-21 and congenital heart disease (CHD) were having 2.3, 3.2, 1.8- and 2.2-times risk for acquiring HA-RSV respectively. The number of deaths was significantly high following HA-RSV. The associated burden was significant following HA-RSV and it was 429.77 disability-adjusted life years. Children who are having immunodeficiency, CHD, seizure episodes and trisomy 21 would lead to the acquisition of nosocomial RSV infections in great. Adherence to meticulous infection control practices will be helpful to minimize the HA-viral ARTIs in great.
Endo-lysosomal proteins and ubiquitin CSF concentrations in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sjödin Simon , Brinkmalm Gunnar , Öhrfelt Annika , Parnetti Lucilla , Paciotti Silvia , Hansson Oskar , Hardy John , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Brinkmalm Ann
Published: September 2019

Background

Increasing evidence implicates dysfunctional proteostasis and the involvement of the autophagic and endo-lysosomal system and the ubiquitin-proteasome system in neurodegenerative diseases. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), there is an accumulation of autophagic vacuoles within the neurons. In Parkinson’s disease (PD), susceptibility has been linked to genes encoding proteins involved in autophagy and lysosomal function, as well as mutations causing lysosomal disorders. Furthermore, both diseases are characterized by the accumulation of protein aggregates.

Methods

Proteins associated with endocytosis, lysosomal function, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system were identified in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and targeted by combining solid-phase extraction and parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry. In total, 50 peptides from 18 proteins were quantified in three cross-sectional cohorts including AD (N = 61), PD (N = 21), prodromal AD (N = 10), stable mild cognitive impairment (N = 15), and controls (N = 68).

Results

A pilot study, including subjects selected based on their AD CSF core biomarker concentrations, showed increased concentrations of several targeted proteins in subjects with core biomarker levels indicating AD pathology compared to controls. Next, in a clinically characterized cohort, lower concentrations in CSF of proteins in PD were found compared to subjects with prodromal AD. Further investigation in an additional clinical study again revealed lower concentrations in CSF of proteins in PD compared to controls and AD.

Conclusion

In summary, significantly different peptide CSF concentrations were identified from proteins AP2B1, C9, CTSB, CTSF, GM2A, LAMP1, LAMP2, TCN2, and ubiquitin. Proteins found to have altered concentrations in more than one study were AP2B1, CTSB, CTSF, GM2A, LAMP2, and ubiquitin. Interestingly, given the genetic implication of lysosomal function in PD, we did identify the CSF concentrations of CTSB, CTSF, GM2A, and LAMP2 to be altered. However, we also found differences in proteins associated with endocytosis (AP2B1) and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (ubiquitin). No difference in any peptide CSF concentration was found in clinically characterized subjects with AD compared to controls. In conclusion, CSF analyses of subjects with PD suggest a general lysosomal dysfunction, which resonates well with recent genetic findings, while such changes are minor or absent in AD.
CSF evidence of pericyte damage in Alzheimer’s disease is associated with markers of blood-brain barrier dysfunction and disease pathology
Authors: Miners J. S. , Kehoe P. G. , Love S. , Zetterberg H. , Blennow K.
Published: September 2019

Background

We aimed to assess the relationship between levels of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) marker of pericyte damage, soluble platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (sPDGFRβ) and CSF markers of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity (CSF albumin and CSF/serum albumin ratio) and disease pathology (reduced CSF Aβ42 and elevated CSF total and phosphorylated tau) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods

sPDGFRβ and albumin were measured by sandwich ELISA in ante-mortem CSF from 39 AD and 39 age-matched controls that were grouped according to their biomarker profile (i.e. AD cases t-tau > 400 pg/mL, p-tau > 60 pg/mL and Aβ42 < 550 pg/mL). sPDGFRβ was also measured in matched serum and CSF samples (n = 23) in a separate neurologically normal group for which the CSF/serum albumin ratio had been determined.

Results

CSF sPDGFRβ level was significantly increased in AD (p = 0.0038) and correlated positively with albumin (r = 0.45, p = 0.007), total tau (r = 0.50, p = 0.0017) and phosphorylated tau (r = 0.41, p = 0.013) in AD but not in controls. CSF sPDGFRβ did not correlate with Aβ42. Serum and CSF sPDGFRβ were positively correlated (r = 0.547, p = 0.0085) in the independent neurologically normal CSF/serum matched samples.

Conclusions

We provide further evidence of an association between pericyte injury and BBB breakdown in AD and novel evidence that a CSF marker of pericyte injury is related to the severity of AD pathology.
Targeting senescence improves angiogenic potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in patients with preeclampsia
Authors: Suvakov Sonja , Cubro Hajrunisa , White Wendy M. , Butler Tobah Yvonne S. , Weissgerber Tracey L. , Jordan Kyra L. , Zhu Xiang Y. , Woollard John R. , Chebib Fouad T. , Milic Natasa M. , Grande Joseph P. , Xu Ming , Tchkonia Tamara , Kirkland James L. , Lerman Lilach O. , Garovic Vesna D.
Published: September 2019

Background

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder characterized by impaired angiogenesis. We postulate that senescence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), multipotent cells with pro-angiogenic activities, is one of the mechanisms by which systemic inflammation exerts inhibitory effects on angiogenesis in preeclampsia.

Methods

MSC were isolated from abdominal fat tissue explants removed during medically indicated C-sections from women with preeclampsia (PE-MSC, n = 10) and those with normotensive pregnancies (NP-MSC, n = 12). Sections of the frozen subcutaneous adipose tissue were assessed for inflammation by staining for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1. Viability, proliferation, and migration were compared between PE-MSC vs. NP-MSC. Apoptosis and angiogenesis were assayed before and after treatment with a senolytic agent (1 μM dasatinib) using the IncuCyte S3 Live-Cell Analysis System. Similarly, staining for senescence-associated beta galactosidase (SABG) and qPCR for gene expression of senescence markers, p16 and p21, as well as senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) components, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and PAI-1, were studied before and after treatment with dasatinib and compared between PE and NP.

Results

After in vitro exposure to TNF-alpha, MSC demonstrated upregulation of SASP components, including interleukins-6 and -8 and MCP-1. Staining of the subcutaneous adipose tissue sections revealed a greater inflammatory response in preeclampsia, based on the higher levels of both TNF-alpha and MCP-1 compared to normotensive pregnancies (p < 0.001 and 0.024, respectively). MSC isolated from PE demonstrated a lower percentage of live MSC cells (p = 0.012), lower proliferation (p = 0.005), and higher migration (p = 0.023). At baseline, PE-MSC demonstrated a senescent phenotype, reflected by more abundant staining for SABG (p < 0.001), upregulation of senescence markers and SASP components, as well as lower angiogenic potential (p < 0.001), compared to NP-MSC. Treatment with dasatinib increased significantly the number of apoptotic PE-MSC compared to NP-MSC (0.011 vs. 0.093) and decreased the gene expression of p16 and six SASP components. The mechanistic link between senescence and impaired angiogenesis in PE was confirmed by improved angiogenic potential of PE-MSC (p < 0.001) after dasatinib treatment.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that MSC senescence exerts inhibitory effects on angiogenesis in preeclampsia. Senolytic agents may offer the opportunity for mechanism-based therapies.
Immunohistochemical phenotyping of T cells, granulocytes, and phagocytes in the muscle of cancer patients: association with radiologically defined muscle mass and gene expression
Authors: Anoveros-Barrera Ana , Bhullar Amritpal S. , Stretch Cynthia , Dunichand-Hoedl Abha R. , Martins Karen J. B. , Rieger Aja , Bigam David , McMullen Todd , Bathe Oliver F. , Putman Charles T. , Field Catherine J. , Baracos Vickie E. , Mazurak Vera C.
Published: September 2019

Background

Inflammation is a recognized contributor to muscle wasting. Research in injury and myopathy suggests that interactions between the skeletal muscle and immune cells confer a pro-inflammatory environment that influences muscle loss through several mechanisms; however, this has not been explored in the cancer setting. This study investigated the local immune environment of the muscle by identifying the phenotype of immune cell populations in the muscle and their relationship to muscle mass in cancer patients.

Methods

Intraoperative muscle biopsies were collected from cancer patients (n = 30, 91% gastrointestinal malignancies). Muscle mass was assessed histologically (muscle fiber cross-sectional area, CSA; μm2) and radiologically (lumbar skeletal muscle index, SMI; cm2/m2 by computed tomography, CT). T cells (CD4 and CD8) and granulocytes/phagocytes (CD11b, CD14, and CD15) were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Microarray analysis was conducted in the muscle of a second cancer patient cohort.

Results

T cells (CD3+), granulocytes/phagocytes (CD11b+), and CD3−CD4+ cells were identified. Muscle fiber CSA (μm2) was positively correlated (Spearman’s r = > 0.45; p = < 0.05) with the total number of T cells, CD4, and CD8 T cells and granulocytes/phagocytes. In addition, patients with the smallest SMI exhibited fewer CD8 T cells within their muscle. Consistent with this, further exploration with gene correlation analyses suggests that the presence of CD8 T cells is negatively associated (Pearson’s r = ≥ 0.5; p = <0.0001) with key genes within muscle catabolic pathways for signaling (ACVR2B), ubiquitin proteasome (FOXO4, TRIM63, FBXO32, MUL1, UBC, UBB, UBE2L3), and apoptosis/autophagy (CASP8, BECN1, ATG13, SIVA1).

Conclusion

The skeletal muscle immune environment of cancer patients is comprised of immune cell populations from the adaptive and innate immunity. Correlations of T cells, granulocyte/phagocytes, and CD3−CD4+ cells with muscle mass measurements indicate a positive relationship between immune cell numbers and muscle mass status in cancer patients. Further exploration with gene correlation analyses suggests that the presence of CD8 T cells is negatively correlated with components of muscle catabolism.
Neimark–Sacker bifurcation of a chemotherapy treatment of glioblastoma multiform (GBM)
Authors: Bozkurt F. , Yousef A.
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we propose a system of differential equations with piecewise constant arguments to describe the growth of GBM under chemotherapeutic treatment and the interaction among the glial cells, the cancer cells, and the chemotherapeutic agents. In this work, the cancer cells are considered as two populations: the sensitive cancer cells and the resistant cancer cells. The sensitive tumor cells produce a population that is known as the resistant cell population, where this population has more resistance to the drug treatment than the sensitive tumor cell population. We analyze at first the local and global stability of the positive equilibrium point by considering the Schur–Cohn criteria and constructing a suitable Lyapunov function, respectively. Moreover, we use the center manifold theorem and bifurcation theory to show that the model undergoes Neimark–Sacker bifurcation. To investigate the case for the extinction of the tumor population, we consider the Allee threshold at time t. Simulation results support the theoretical study.
Efficiently counting complex multilayer temporal motifs in large-scale networks
Authors: Boekhout Hanjo D. , Kosters Walter A. , Takes Frank W.
Published: September 2019

This paper proposes novel algorithms for efficiently counting complex network motifs in dynamic networks that are changing over time. Network motifs are small characteristic configurations of a few nodes and edges, and have repeatedly been shown to provide insightful information for understanding the meso-level structure of a network. Here, we deal with counting more complex temporal motifs in large-scale networks that may consist of millions of nodes and edges. The first contribution is an efficient approach to count temporal motifs in multilayer networks and networks with partial timing, two prevalent aspects of many real-world complex networks. We analyze the complexity of these algorithms and empirically validate their performance on a number of real-world user communication networks extracted from online knowledge exchange platforms. Among other things, we find that the multilayer aspects provide significant insights in how complex user interaction patterns differ substantially between online platforms. The second contribution is an analysis of the viability of motif counting algorithms for motifs that are larger than the triad motifs studied in previous work. We provide a novel categorization of motifs of size four, and determine how and at what computational cost these motifs can still be counted efficiently. In doing so, we delineate the “computational frontier” of temporal motif counting algorithms.
A Nationwide multicenter registry and biobank program for deep phenotyping of idiopathic and hereditary pulmonary arterial hypertension in Korea: the PAH platform for deep phenotyping in Korean subjects (PHOENIKS) cohort
Authors:   for the PHOENIKS Investigators, Jang Albert Youngwoo , Kim Sungseek , Park Su Jung , Choi Hanul , Oh Pyung Chun , Oh Seyeon , Kim Kyung-Hee , Kim Kye Hun , Byun Kyunghee , Chung Wook-Jin
Published: September 2019

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, chronic disease without curative treatment. Large registry data of these patient populations have been published, although, phenotypic variants within each subtype of PAH have not been elucidated. As interest towards personalized medicine grows, the need for a PAH cohort with a comprehensive understanding of patient phenotypes through multiomics approaches, called deep phenotyping, is on the rise. The PAH Platform for Deep Phenotyping in Korean Subjects (PHOENIKS) cohort is designed to collect clinical data as well as biological specimens for deep phenotyping in patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and heritable PAH (HPAH) in Korea.

Methods

A total of 17 regional hospitals are currently working on enrolling up to 100 consecutive IPAH/HPAH patients for obtaining clinical data and biological specimens across Korea. The diagnosis of PAH is based on right heart catheterization. All clinical data is stored in a government-based online database. Each participating hospitals collect a whole blood sample from each patient, through which DNA, RNA, serum, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells will be extracted from the buffy coat layer for further multiomics analysis.

Results

Not applicable.

Conclusions

The PHOENIKS cohort is enrolling IPAH and HPAH patients across Korea to determine the prognosis and drug response in different phenotypic variant. The data generated by this cohort are expected to open new doors for personalized medicine in PAH patients of South Korea.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03933579. Registered on May 1st, 2019.
Assessment of the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in peritoneal dialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis on clinical trials
Authors: Ito Minoru , Saka Yosuke , Kuroki Yusuke , Yasuda Kaoru , Tsujimoto Hiraku , Tsujimoto Yasushi , Yuasa Hidemichi , Ryuzaki Munekazu , Ito Yasuhiko , Nakamoto Hidetomo
Published: September 2019

Background

Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs), either angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, are widely used in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease, as a renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade has renoprotective effects. Several studies show that preserving residual renal function is important for a better prognosis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Here, we systematically reviewed the beneficial or harmful effects of RAS blockade in PD patients.

Methods

PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, the Ichushi web databases, and other resources were selected to search clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials (RCT) published before April 14, 2017, using “peritoneal dialysis,” “angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors,” “angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers,” and “randomized controlled trial” as keywords. Desired results were total mortality, technical survival, urine volume, residual renal function calculated byglomerular filtration rate(GFR), cardiovascular events, and anuria progression rate. The study protocol is registered in PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) under the registration number CRD42018104106.

Results

Of a total of 339 studies, eight were identified as suitable for the analysis. Only one study was blinded, whereas the other seven studies were open-label. RASI appeared to preserve residual renal function, GFR (4 studies, 163 participants, mean difference [MD] 0.97 mL/min/1.73 m2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–1.44), and urine volume (6 studies, 194 participants, MD 142.56 mL 95% CI 25.42–259.69), although there were no beneficial effects of RASI on total mortality, technical survival, cardiovascular events, and anuria rate.

Conclusions

Our analysis found that RASIs contribute to preserving GFR and urine volume in PD patients. As the number of study participants is small, further studies with a larger sample size are required.
Structured additive distributional hurdle Poisson modelling of individual fertility levels in Nigeria
Authors: Somo-Aina Omodolapo , Gayawan Ezra
Published: September 2019

Fertility is one of the dynamic components of population and has been modelled through children ever born per woman, which is a count variable that can be characterized with excessive zeros origination from women without any births. In order to examine the spatial variation across states of Nigeria, we proposed the use of hurdle models that classifies the data into a truncated count and point mass of zeros. We adopt distributional regression model that allows all parameters of the hurdle model to be linked to covariates of different types so as to allow for accessing the spatial variations and nonlinear forms of metrical covariates on the level of fertility and in the likelihood of having no child. Data was sourced from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. Findings reveal the existence of north-south divide in the average level of fertility and in the likelihood of a woman not giving birth to any child. Women with higher level of education and those from richer or richest households have higher likelihood of having no child, but this is not the case for women with primary or secondary education, users of traditional or modern contraceptive, ever-married women and those working. There is therefore the need to strengthen family planning policies so that investment in contraceptive would yield the expected results in Nigeria.
Translation and validation of two disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures (Bladder Cancer Index and FACT-Bl-Cys) in Dutch bladder cancer patients
Authors: Michels Charlotte T. J. , Wijburg Carl J. , Abma Inger L. , Witjes J. Alfred , Grutters Janneke P. C. , Rovers Maroeska M.
Published: September 2019

Background

The Bladder Cancer Index (BCI) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bladder-Cystectomy (FACT-Bl-Cys) were developed to measure disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in bladder cancer patients and patients treated with radical cystectomy, respectively. Both patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are frequently used in clinical practice, but are not yet validated according to the COSMIN criteria and not yet available in Dutch. Therefore, the aim of this study was to translate the BCI and FACT-Bl-Cys into Dutch and to evaluate their measurement properties according to the COSMIN criteria.

Methods

The BCI and FACT-Bl-Cys were translated into Dutch using a forward-backward method, and subsequently administered at baseline (pre-operatively) and 3 months post-operatively in bladder cancer patients who received a radical cystectomy. Validity (content and construct), reliability (internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement error), floor and ceiling effects, and responsiveness were assessed according to the COSMIN criteria.

Results

Forward-backward translation encountered no particular linguistic problems. In total 260 patients completed the baseline measurement, while 182 patients completed the three-month measurement. Only a ceiling effect was identified for the BCI. Hypotheses testing for construct validity was satisfying, as 67% and 92% of the hypothesized correlations were confirmed. Structural validity was moderate for both measures, as confirmatory factor analyses showed limited fit. Reliability of both PROMs was good. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the BCI domains ranged from 0.47 to 0.93, minimal value of Cronbach’s α was 0.70, smallest detectable change on group level (SDC group) ranged from 1.9 to 8.6. The ICC of the FACT-Bl-Cys domains ranged from 0.43 to 0.83, minimal value of Cronbach’s α was 0.77, SDC group was around 1. Only the FACT-Bl-Cys total score was found to be responsive to changes in generic quality of life.

Conclusions

The Dutch versions of the BCI and FACT-Bl-Cys were shown to be reliable and have good content validity. Structural validity was limited for both measures. Only the FACT-Bl-Cys total score was responsive to changes in generic HRQOL. Despite some limitations, both PROMs seem suitable for use in clinical practice and research.
Accuracy of the cutoff value of the third molar maturity index: an Egyptian study
Authors: El-Bakary Amal A. , El-Azab Somaia M. , Abou El Atta Heba M. , Palacio Luz Andrea Velandia , Cameriere Roberto
Published: September 2019

Background

This study aimed to test the sensitivity and specificity of the third molar maturity index (I3M) cutoff value to discriminate between individuals above and below 18 years of age in an Egyptian sample.

Material and methods

Digital images of 247 orthopantographs (97 boys and 150 girls) were evaluated. The cutoff value of I3Mobtained from the results of Cameriere et al. (Int J Legal Med 122:493–497, 2008) was evaluated in both girls and boys.

Results

Sensitivity (the proportion of individuals being 18 years of age or older) was 95% and 73% in boys and girls, respectively. Meanwhile, specificity (the proportion of individuals younger than 18) was 100% in boys and 97% in girls. The proportion of correctly classified boys was 97% while it was 59% in girls.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the third molar maturity index can discriminate between individuals who are 18 years and over and those under 18 with higher accuracy in boys.
Seismic simultaneous inversion using a multidamped subspace method
Authors: Liu Jinyue , Wang Yanghua
Published: September 2019

Seismic inversion of amplitude variation with offset (AVO) plays a key role in seismic interpretation and reservoir characterization. The AVO inversion should be a simultaneous inversion that inverts for three elastic parameters simultaneously: the P-wave impedance, S-wave impedance, and density. Using only seismic P-wave reflection data with a limited source-receiver offset range, the AVO simultaneous inversion can obtain two elastic parameters reliably, but it is difficult to invert for the third parameter, usually the density term. To address this difficulty in the AVO simultaneous inversion, we used a subspace inversion method in which we partitioned the elastic parameters into different subspaces. We parameterized each single elastic parameter with a truncated Fourier series and inverted for the Fourier coefficients. Because the Fourier coefficients of different wavenumber components have different sensitivities, we grouped the Fourier coefficients of low-, medium-, and high-wavenumber components into different subspaces. We further assigned different damping factors to the Hessian matrix corresponding to different wavenumber components within each subspace. This inversion scheme is referred to as a multidamped subspace method. Synthetic and field seismic data examples confirmed that the AVO simultaneous inversion with this multidamped subspace method is capable of producing reliable estimation of the three elastic parameters simultaneously.
Application of perfectly matched layers in 3D transient controlled-source electromagnetic modeling by the rapid expansion method
Authors: Liu Yikuo
Published: September 2019

I have developed an extension of the rapid expansion method (REM) for 3D time-domain controlled-source electromagnetic modeling that includes perfectly matched layers (PMLs) as the absorbing boundary. The REM solves the time-domain electric field by a weighted summation of the Chebyshev polynomials. The results are free of temporal dispersion and accurate to the Nyquist frequency, yet the domain of Chebyshev polynomials lacks an accurate absorbing boundary. I find that by introducing a fictitious magnetic field in the Chebyshev domain, the recursion of the Chebyshev polynomials obeys a discrete coupled wave equation, which shares a similarity with the propagation of EM waves in a lossless medium. The time and frequency components in the Chebyshev domain are derived based on the eigenvalues of the propagation matrix, and the PML theory designed for EM waves can be extended to the Chebyshev domain in a straightforward way. Numerical tests against analytical solution and spectral methods show an excellent agreement after PML solves the boundary problem in the Chebyshev domain, which demonstrates the accuracy of the REM algorithm and the usefulness of the PML absorbing boundary.
Probabilistic moveout analysis by time warping
Authors: Sripanich Yanadet , Fomel Sergey , Trampert Jeannot , Burnett William , Hess Thomas
Published: September 2019

Parameter estimation from reflection moveout analysis represents one of the most fundamental problems in subsurface model building. We have developed an efficient moveout inversion method based on the process of automatic flattening of common-midpoint (CMP) gathers using local slopes. We find that as a by-product of this flattening process, we can also estimate reflection traveltimes corresponding to the flattened CMP gathers. This traveltime information allows us to construct a highly overdetermined system and subsequently invert for moveout parameters including normal-moveout velocities and quartic coefficients related to anisotropy. We use the 3D generalized moveout approximation (GMA), which can accurately capture the effects of complex anisotropy on reflection traveltimes as the basis for our moveout inversion. Due to the cheap forward traveltime computations by GMA, we use a Monte Carlo inversion scheme for improved handling of the nonlinearity between the reflection traveltimes and moveout parameters. This choice also allows us to set up a probabilistic inversion workflow within a Bayesian framework, in which we can obtain the posterior probability distributions that contain valuable statistical information on estimated parameters such as uncertainty and correlations. We use synthetic and real data examples including the data from the SEAM Phase II unconventional reservoir model to demonstrate the performance of our method and discuss insights into the problem of moveout inversion gained from analyzing the posterior probability distributions. Our results suggest that the solutions to the problem of traveltime-only moveout inversion from 2D CMP gathers are relatively well constrained by the data. However, parameter estimation from 3D CMP gathers associated with more moveout parameters and complex anisotropic models are generally nonunique, and there are trade-offs among inverted parameters, especially the quartic coefficients.
Adaptive estimation of the upgoing wavefield from a variable-depth recording in the case of a dynamic sea surface
Authors: Vrolijk Jan-Willem , Blacquière Gerrit
Published: September 2019

The estimation of the upgoing wavefield based on a ghost model is well-known as receiver deghosting. The shape of the rough and dynamic (time-varying) sea surface and the varying receiver depth should be included to carry out this step correctly. However, the exact shape of the dynamic sea surface is not commonly measured. Therefore, the ghost model is often inaccurate, introducing artifacts in the deghosted result. We have developed a data-driven, iterative, receiver deghosting method that includes the estimation of the dynamic shape of the sea surface and the varying receiver depth. The deghosting algorithm is based on, respectively, wavefield propagation from the varying receiver level up to the dynamic sea surface and wavefield propagation from the dynamic sea surface down to the varying receiver level. The depth of the receivers relative to the height of the dynamic sea surface is estimated and updated at each iteration. We validate the deghosting method on 2D simulated data recorded on a variable depth and 2D simulated data recorded with a dynamic sea surface. Our deghosting method gives a significant uplift on the simulated data given that the initial ghost model is inaccurate. On the field data, recorded with a midwater, quasistationary cable, our deghosting method is able to correct the receiver depth and provides an accurate deghosting result. The performance of the deghosting method is similar to the performance of a multicomponent decomposition method in this realistic scenario.
Fractional Laplacians viscoacoustic wavefield modeling with k-space-based time-stepping error compensating scheme
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhu Tieyuan , Zhou Hui , Chen Hanming , Zhao Xuebin , Tian Yukun
Published: September 2019

The spatial derivatives in decoupled fractional Laplacian (DFL) viscoacoustic and viscoelastic wave equations are the mixed-domain Laplacian operators. Using the approximation of the mixed-domain operators, the spatial derivatives can be calculated by using the Fourier pseudospectral (PS) method with barely spatial numerical dispersions, whereas the time derivative is often computed with the finite-difference (FD) method in second-order accuracy (referred to as the FD-PS scheme). The time-stepping errors caused by the FD discretization inevitably introduce the accumulative temporal dispersion during the wavefield extrapolation, especially for a long-time simulation. To eliminate the time-stepping errors, here, we adopted the [Formula: see text]-space concept in the numerical discretization of the DFL viscoacoustic wave equation. Different from existing [Formula: see text]-space methods, our [Formula: see text]-space method for DFL viscoacoustic wave equation contains two correction terms, which were designed to compensate for the time-stepping errors in the dispersion-dominated operator and loss-dominated operator, respectively. Using theoretical analyses and numerical experiments, we determine that our [Formula: see text]-space approach is superior to the traditional FD-PS scheme mainly in three aspects. First, our approach can effectively compensate for the time-stepping errors. Second, the stability condition is more relaxed, which makes the selection of sampling intervals more flexible. Finally, the [Formula: see text]-space approach allows us to conduct high-accuracy wavefield extrapolation with larger time steps. These features make our scheme suitable for seismic modeling and imaging problems.
A Safe Method for Performing an Epidural Blood Patch in a Pediatric Patient Requiring Deep Sedation for Epidural Catheter Placement: A Case Report
Authors: Heine Christopher L. , Furse Cory M.
Published: September 2019

A 17-year-old boy developed postdural puncture headache after several lumbar punctures (LPs) for intrathecal chemotherapy. The pediatric anesthesiology service was consulted for an epidural blood patch (EBP). Sedation was required for the LPs, which made performing an EBP problematic because of the need for the patient to be conscious and able to report symptoms during injection of blood. An epidural catheter was placed after the next LP while the patient was sedated. After he woke up, blood was injected through the catheter and the headache resolved. This technique can be used in pediatric patients requiring deep sedation for an EBP.
Individualized Relative-Intensity Physical Activity Accelerometer Cut Points
Authors: SIDDIQUE JUNED , AABY DAVID , MONTAG SAMANTHA E. , SIDNEY STEPHEN , STERNFELD BARBARA , WELCH WHITNEY A. , CARNETHON MERCEDES R. , LIU KIANG , CRAFT LYNETTE L. , PETTEE GABRIEL KELLEY , BARONE GIBBS BETHANY , REIS JARED P. , FREEDSON PATTY
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Physical activity (PA) intensity is expressed as either absolute or relative intensity. Absolute intensity refers to the energy required to perform an activity. Relative intensity refers to a level of effort that takes into account how hard an individual is working relative to their maximum capacity. We sought to develop methods for obtaining individualized relative-intensity accelerometer cut points using data from a maximal graded exercise treadmill test (GXT) so that each individual has their own cut point.

Methods

A total of 2363 men and women 38 to 50 yr old from the CARDIA fitness study wore ActiGraph 7164 accelerometers during a maximal GXT and for seven consecutive days in 2005–2006. Using mixed-effects regression models, we regressed accelerometer counts on heart rate as a percentage of maximum (%HRmax) and on RPE. Based on these two models, we obtained a moderate-intensity (%HRmax = 64% or RPE = 12) count cut point that is specific to each participant. We applied these subject-specific cut points to the available CARDIA accelerometer data.

Results

Using RPE, the mean moderate-intensity accelerometer cut point was 4004 (SD = 1120) counts per minute. On average, cut points were higher for men (4189 counts per minute) versus women (3865 counts per minute) and were higher for Whites (4088 counts per minute) versus African Americans (3896 counts per minute). Cut points were correlated with body mass index (rho = −0.11) and GXT duration (rho = 0.33). Mean daily minutes of absolute- and relative-intensity moderate to vigorous PA were 34.1 (SD = 31.1) min·d−1 and 9.1 (SD = 18.2) min·d−1, respectively. RPE cut points were higher than those based on %HRmax. This is likely due to some participants ending the GXT before achieving their HRmax.

Conclusions

Accelerometer-based relative-intensity PA may be a useful measure of intensity relative to maximal capacity.
Effects of Exercise on Plantar Pressure during Walking in Children with Overweight/Obesity
Authors: MOLINA-GARCIA PABLO , MIRANDA-APARICIO DAMIAN , MOLINA-MOLINA ALEJANDRO , PLAZA-FLORIDO ABEL , MIGUELES JAIRO H. , MORA-GONZALEZ JOSE , CADENAS-SANCHEZ CRISTINA , ESTEBAN-CORNEJO IRENE , RODRIGUEZ-AYLLON MARIA , SOLIS-URRA PATRICIO , VANRENTERGHEM JOS , ORTEGA FRANCISCO B.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To investigate the effect of a 13-wk exercise program, based on “movement quality” and “multigames” work, on plantar pressure during walking in children with overweight/obesity (OW/OB).

Method

Seventy children (10.8 ± 1.2 yr, 58.5% girls) with OW/OB, as defined by the World Obesity Federation, were assigned to either a 13-wk exercise program (intervention group [EG]; n = 39), or to a usual lifestyle control group (CG) (n = 31). Children underwent assessments of basic anthropometry (weight and height) and plantar pressure during walking before and after the intervention period, recording plantar surface area (cm2), maximum force (N), and force–time integrals (N·s−1).

Results

After the 13-wk intervention period, the EG participants showed no significant change in total plantar surface area, while the CG participants experienced an increase in this variable (small effect size, −2.5 SD; P = 0.015). Compared with the GC participants, the EG participants showed a greater increase in the maximum force supported beneath the forefoot during walking at the end of the intervention period (small effect size, 0.33 SD; P = 0.012), specifically under the lateral and medial forefoot (both P < 0.05). Force–time changed similarly in both groups by the end of the intervention period (all regions P > 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest the exercise program led to positive structural and functional changes in plantar pressure during walking. The increase in maximum force supported by the forefoot in the EG children might indicate a change toward a more normal foot rollover pattern and a more adult gait.
The Anthropometry of Economical Running
Authors: BLACK MATTHEW I. , ALLEN SAM J. , FORRESTER STEPH E. , FOLLAND JONATHAN P.
Published: September 2019

The influence of anthropometry and body composition on running economy is unclear, with previous investigations involving small relatively homogeneous groups of runners and limited anthropometric/composition measurements.

Purpose

To comprehensively investigate the relationships of anthropometry and body composition with running economy within a large heterogeneous sample of runners.

Methods

Eighty-five runners (males [M],n= 45; females [F],n= 40), of diverse competitive standard, performed a discontinuous protocol of incremental treadmill running (4-min stages, 1 km·h−1increments) to establish locomotory energy cost (LEc) of running at submaximal speeds (averaged across 10–12 km·h−1; the highest common speed < lactate turnpoint). Measurements of anthropometry, including segment lengths, perimeters, masses and moments of inertia, and body composition were obtained using tape-based measurements and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

Results

Absolute LEc (ABSLEc, kcal·km−1) was positively correlated with 21 (of 27) absolute anthropometric variables in both male and female cohorts. Multiple-regression analyses revealed that one variable (mean perimeterzscore) explained 49.4% (M) and 68.9% (F) of the variance inABSLEc. Relative LEc (RELLEc, kcal·kg−1·km−1) was also correlated with five (M) and seven (F) normalized anthropometric variables, and regression analyses explained 31.6% (M; percentage bone mass and normalized hip perimeter) and 33.3% (F, normalized forearm perimeter) of the variance inRELLEc.

Conclusions

These findings provide novel and robust evidence that anthropometry and body composition variables, predominantly indicative of relative slenderness, explain a considerable proportion of the variance in running economy (i.e., more slender, lower energy cost). We, therefore, recommend that runners and coaches are attentive to relative slenderness in selecting and training athletes with the aim of enhancing running economy, and improving distance running performance.
Exercise Core Temperature Response with a Simulated Burn Injury: Effect of Body Size
Authors: CRAMER MATTHEW N. , MORALEZ GILBERT , HUANG MU , KOUDA KEN , POH PAULA Y. S. , CRANDALL CRAIG G.
Published: September 2019

Although the severity of a burn injury is often associated with the percentage of total body surface area burned (%TBSA), the thermoregulatory consequences of a given %TBSA injury do not account for the interactive effects of body morphology and metabolic heat production (H
prod).

Purpose

Using a simulated burn injury model to mimic the detrimental effect of a 40% TBSA injury on whole-body evaporative heat dissipation, core temperature response to exercise in physiologically uncompensable conditions between morphologically disparate groups were examined at (i) an absolute H
prod (W), and (ii) a mass-specific H
prod (W·kg−1).

Methods

Healthy, young, nonburned individuals of small (SM, n = 11) or large (LG, n = 11) body size cycled for 60 min at 500 W or 5.3 W·kg−1 of H
prod in 39°C and 20% relative humidity conditions. A 40% burn injury was simulated by affixing a highly absorbent, vapor-impermeable material across the torso (20% TBSA), arms (10% TBSA), and legs (10% TBSA) to impede evaporative heat loss in those regions.

Results

Although the elevation in core temperature was greater in SM compared with LG at an H
prod of 500 W (SM, 1.69°C ± 0.26°C; LG, 1.05°C ± 0.26°C; P < 0.01), elevations in core temperature were not different at an H
prod of 5.3 W·kg−1 between groups (SM, 0.99°C ± 0.32°C; LG, 1.05°C ± 0.26°C; P = 0.66).

Conclusions

These data suggest that among individuals with a 40% TBSA burn injury, a smaller body size leads to exacerbated elevations in core temperature during physical activities eliciting the same absolute H
prod (non–weight-bearing tasks) but not activities eliciting the same mass-specific H
prod (weight-bearing tasks).