bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of Arabidopsis GGLT1 affects growth by reducing the L‐galactose content and borate cross‐linking of rhamnogalacturonan‐II
Authors: Sechet Julien , Htwe Soe , Urbanowicz Breeanna , Agyeman Abigail , Feng Wei , Ishikawa Toshiki , Colomes Marianne , Kumar Kavitha Satish , Kawai‐Yamada Maki , Dinneny José R. , O'Neill Malcolm A. , Mortimer Jenny C.
Published: September 2018

Boron is a micronutrient that is required for the normal growth and development of vascular plants, but its precise functions remain a subject of debate. One established role for boron is in the cell wall where it forms a diester cross‐link between two monomers of the low‐abundance pectic polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan‐II (RG‐II). The inability of RG‐II to properly assemble into a dimer results in the formation of cell walls with abnormal biochemical and biomechanical properties and has a severe impact on plant productivity. Here we describe the effects on RG‐II structure and cross‐linking and on the growth of plants in which the expression of a GDP‐sugar transporter (GONST3/GGLT1) has been reduced. In the GGLT1‐silenced plants the amount of L‐galactose in side‐chain A of RG‐II is reduced by up to 50%. This leads to a reduction in the extent of RG‐II cross‐linking in the cell walls as well as a reduction in the stability of the dimer in the presence of calcium chelators. The silenced plants have a dwarf phenotype, which is rescued by growth in the presence of increased amounts of boric acid. Similar to the mur1 mutant, which also disrupts RG‐II cross‐linking, GGLT1‐silenced plants display a loss of cell wall integrity under salt stress. We conclude that GGLT1 is probably the primary Golgi GDP‐L‐galactose transporter, and provides GDP‐L‐galactose for RG‐II biosynthesis. We propose that the L‐galactose residue is critical for RG‐II dimerization and for the stability of the borate cross‐link.
Current practices for viability testing of cryopreserved cord blood products: an international survey by the cellular therapy team of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative
Authors: Takanashi Minoko , Selogie Eileen , Reems Jo‐Anna , Stroncek David , Fontaine Magali J. , Girdlestone John , Garritsen Henk S. P. , Young Pampee , McKenna David H. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. ,   for the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Viability testing is a common practice in laboratories. The goal of this study was to ascertain current laboratory practices internationally for performing viability testing for cryopreserved cord blood (CB) products and glean information about how to standardize the method to improve interlaboratory reproducibility.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A survey to evaluate current laboratory practices for viability testing was designed and distributed internationally. The question topics included sampling and testing methods, responses to unexpected results, and the rating of the reliability of the CB quality tests, together with expectations for standardization.

RESULTS

There were 32 respondents to the survey, of whom 28 responded to the more detailed questionnaire about viability methods. Overall, responses indicated that various stains were used among the laboratories, and when multiple sites used the same viability stain the methods differed. The majority of the respondents were in favor of standardizing the viability testing methods. A wide variety of preferences were communicated about how to standardize the method, but a majority did advocate the use of 7‐aminoactinomycin D (7‐AAD) with flow cytometry.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey results revealed a variety of tests and inconsistent interlaboratory practices for performing the viability assay. Flow cytometry with a 7‐AAD dye was suggested as a first step toward standardization.
Phthiracarus species (Acari, Oribatida, Phthiracaridae) from Northeast China with descriptions of two new species and a key to Chinese species
Authors: Xu Nuoran , Pan Xue , Liu Dong
Published: September 2018

Phthiracarus is the second largest genus of ptyctimous mites with nearly cosmopolitan distribution. In the present study, two new species, Phthiracarus cristatus sp. nov. and Phthiracarus brevicarinatus sp. nov., are described from Northeast China. An identification key to all known Chinese species of the genus Phthiracarus is provided.
New faunistic and taxonomic data on oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) of Ethiopia
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Rybalov Leonid B.
Published: September 2018

The present study is based on oribatid mite material (Acari, Oribatida) collected from six localities in Ethiopia during 2013. A list of identified taxa, including 60 species from 45 genera and 30 families, is provided; of these, eight species are recorded in the fauna of this country for the first time, and one species is recorded in the Ethiopian region for the first time. A new species of the genus Wallworkoppia (Oppiidae) is described from litter and fallen leaves in a Juniperus forest; W. tetraciliata Ermilov sp. nov. differs from W. secata (Mahunka, 1999), W. parasensilla (Mahunka, 1999), W. tuberosa (Mahunka, 1988) and W. vibrissa (Mahunka, 1983) by the rounded rostrum (versus tripartite rostrum). An identification key to known species of Wallworkoppia is updated.
Acoustic scattering comparison of Kirchhoff approximation to Rayleigh-Fourier method for sinusoidal surface waves at low grazing angles
Authors: Richards Edward L. , Song H. C. , Hodgkiss W. S.
Published: September 2018

The Fourier series method for implementing the Rayleigh hypothesis [Rayleigh-Fourier method (RFM)] is used as a reference solution to assess the Kirchhoff approximation of the Helmholtz integral [Helmholtz-Kirchhoff approximation (HKA)] for modeling broadband scatter from sinusoidal surfaces at low grazing angles. The HKA is a valuable solution because it has an eigen-ray interpretation without unbounded caustic amplitudes and discontinuous shadow zones. Plane wave studies of the HKA, however, show it becomes inaccurate at low grazing angles. This study quantifies how this limitation manifests with increasing transmission distance for time domain scattering simulations. Scattering results are compared over a complete surface wave cycle with parameters modeling sea surface-swell. The HKA agrees reasonably well with the RFM in point source calculations for limited extensions of transmission distances beyond where plane wave comparisons begin to diverge. Past these distances, HKA solutions begin to show significant over-prediction of the acoustic amplitude around late arrivals. This over-prediction is frequency dependent and eigen-ray interference offers an explanation of this behavior. Further extending the transmission range leads to a significant HKA error, and a range is found at which flat surface reflections have less error.
Interactions of azimuthal acoustic modes with an unsteady heat source in an annular duct
Authors: Li Lei
Published: September 2018

The interactions of azimuthal acoustic modes with an unsteady heat source in an annular duct is studied in the present paper. Based on a linear analysis, two methods are given. One is the untruncated low order method in which the linear equations with full terms are solved. Another is the truncated low order method in which terms of order O(M) or higher are neglected, where M denotes the mean flow Mach number. From investigations, the quantities of disturbances, including reflected, transmitted acoustic waves, generated entropy waves, and vorticity waves are calculated. Results show that the amplitudes of reflected and transmitted acoustic waves dramatically depend on the temperature ratio across the heat source and the non-dimensional frequencies of incident acoustic waves. Furthermore, mean flow effects are investigated. The flow Mach number has significant effects on flow disturbances, especially on vorticity waves. Based on analytical results, the energy fluxes of disturbances are investigated. It is found that the energy flux contributed from an entropy fluctuation is much higher than the acoustic energy flux. The energy flux associated with a vortical mode becomes comparable with the acoustic energy flux only when the flow Mach number is large.
Contextually dependent cue realization and cue weighting for a laryngeal contrast in Shanghai Wu
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yan Hanbo
Published: September 2018

Phonological categories are often differentiated by multiple phonetic cues. This paper reports a production and perception study of a laryngeal contrast in Shanghai Wu that is not only cued in multiple dimensions, but also cued differently on different manners (stops, fricatives, sonorants) and in different positions (non-sandhi, sandhi). Acoustic results showed that, although this contrast has been described as phonatory in earlier literature, its primary cue is in tone in the non-sandhi context, with vowel phonation and consonant properties appearing selectively for specific manners of articulation. In the sandhi context where the tonal distinction is neutralized, these other cues may remain depending on the manner of articulation. Sonorants, in both contexts, embody the weakest cues. The perception results were largely consistent with the aggregate acoustic results, indicating that speakers adjust the perceptual weights of individual cues for a contrast according to manner and context. These findings support the position that phonological contrasts are formed by the integration of multiple cues in a language-specific, context-specific fashion and should be represented as such.
Determining the Relationship Between Internal Load Markers and Noncontact Injuries in Young Elite Soccer Players
Authors: Raya-González Javier , Nakamura Fabio Yuzo , Castillo Daniel , Yanci Javier , Fanchini Maurizio
Published: September 2018

Purpose: To examine the association and predictive ability of internal load markers with regard to noncontact injuries in young elite soccer players. Methods: Twenty-two soccer players (18.6 [0.6] y) who competed in the Spanish U19 League participated in the study. During a full season, noncontact injuries were recorded and, using session rating of perceived exertion, internal weekly load (sum of load of all training sessions and matches for each week) and acute:chronic workload ratio (typically, acute = current week and chronic = rolling 4-wk average) were calculated. A generalized estimating equation analysis was used to examine the association of weekly and acute:chronic load-ratio markers with a noncontact injury in the subsequent week. Load variables were also analyzed for predictive ability with receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve. Results: No association was found for weekly load (odds ratio = 1.00; 90% confidence interval, 0.99–1.00) and acute:chronic load ratio (odds ratio = 0.16; 90% confidence interval, 0.01–1.84) with respect to injury occurrence. In addition, the analyzed load markers showed poor ability to predict injury occurrence (area under the curve < .50). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that internal load markers are not associated with noncontact injuries in young soccer players and present poor predictive capacity with regard to the latter.
The Effectiveness of Two Interventions on Fundamental Movement Skill Proficiency Among a Cohort of Irish Primary School Children
Authors: Bolger Lisa E. , Bolger Linda A. , O’Neill Cian , Coughlan Edward , O’Brien Wesley , Lacey Seán , Burns Con
Published: September 2018

This study examined the effectiveness of a physical activity (Year 1) and a multicomponent fundamental movement skill (FMS) (Year 2) intervention on primary school children’s FMS proficiency. Data were collected from 6- and 10-year-old cohorts from two intervention schools and age-matched groups from one control school, in south Ireland. In Year 1 (N = 187), intervention (n = 96) and control (n = 91) groups were children from senior infant (6-year-old cohort) and 4th class (10-year-old cohort). In Year 2 (N = 357), intervention (n = 195) and control (n = 162) groups were children from senior infant and 1st class (6-year-old cohort) and 4th and 5th classes (10-year-old cohort). FMS assessment was conducted across both academic years, using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. Linear mixed models were used to investigate the effectiveness of each intervention, adjusting for age group. Following Year 1, the intervention group significantly improved locomotor proficiency (p < .05), with no changes in object-control or overall proficiency. No group-time interactions were found. Following Year 2, the intervention group significantly improved locomotor, object-control, and overall proficiency (p < .001). Group-time interaction effects were found for both subsets and overall FMS in favor of the intervention group (p < .001). FMS proficiency among primary school children was significantly greater following the multicomponent FMS intervention.
HSV-1 deamidates cGAS
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: September 2018

An HSV-1 enzyme represses innate immune responses by deamidating the cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS.
Transfer of Enteric Viruses Adenovirus and Coxsackievirus and Bacteriophage MS2 from Liquid to Human Skin
Authors: Pitol Ana K. , Bischel Heather N. , Boehm Alexandria B. , Kohn Tamar , Julian Timothy R.
Published: September 2018

Enteric viruses (viruses that infect the gastrointestinal tract) are responsible for most water-transmitted diseases. They are shed in high concentrations in the feces of infected individuals, persist for an extended period of time in water, and are highly infective. Exposure to contaminated water directly (through ingestion) or indirectly (for example, through hand-water contacts followed by hand-to-mouth contacts) increases the risk of virus transmission. The work described herein provides a quantitative model for estimating human-pathogenic virus retention on skin following contact with contaminated water. The work will be important in refining the contribution of indirect transmission of virus to risks associated with water-related activities.
Coordinated Biosynthesis of the Purine Nucleoside Antibiotics Aristeromycin and Coformycin in Actinomycetes
Authors: Xu Gudan , Kong Liyuan , Gong Rong , Xu Liudong , Gao Yaojie , Jiang Ming , Cai You-Sheng , Hong Kui , Hu Youcai , Liu Peng , Deng Zixin , Price Neil P. J. , Chen Wenqing
Published: September 2018

ARM and COF are well known for their prominent biological activities and unusual chemical structures; however, the logic of their biosynthesis has long been poorly understood. Actually, the new insights into the ARM and COF pathway will not only enrich the biochemical repertoire for interesting enzymatic reactions but may also lay a solid foundation for the combinatorial biosynthesis of this group of antibiotics via a target-directed genome mining strategy.
Clinical and Analytical Evaluation of the Anyplex II HPV HR Detection Assay within the VALGENT-3 Framework
Authors: Oštrbenk Anja , Xu Lan , Arbyn Marc , Poljak Mario
Published: September 2018

In 2012, VALidation of human papillomavirus (HPV) GENotyping Tests (VALGENT) was initiated to provide a formalized and uniform study framework for comparison and validation of HPV assays with genotyping capability. In VALGENT-3, the clinical and analytical performance of Anyplex II HPV HR detection (Anyplex) was compared to that of the Hybrid Capture 2 HPV DNA test (hc2) and the cobas 4800 HPV test (cobas).
Intracranial bleeding (ICB) as a catastrophic complication of Streptococcus gordonii infective endocarditis (IE) in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Pairan Mohd Shakirin , Mohammad Nurashikin , Abdul Halim Sanihah , Wan Ghazali Wan Syamimee
Published: September 2018

We present an interesting case of late-onset intracranial bleeding (ICB) as a complication of Streptococcus gordonii causing infective endocarditis. A previously healthy young woman was diagnosed with infective endocarditis. While she was already on treatment for 2 weeks, she had developed seizures with a localising neurological sign. An urgent non-contrasted CT brain showed massive left frontoparietal intraparenchymal bleeding. Although CT angiogram showed no evidence of active bleeding or contrast blush, massive ICB secondary to vascular complication of infective endocarditis was very likely. An urgent decompressive craniectomy with clot evacuation was done immediately to release the mass effect. She completed total 6 weeks of antibiotics and had postoperative uneventful hospital stay despite having a permanent global aphasia as a sequel of the ICB.
Systematic debriefing after qualitative encounters: an essential analysis step in applied qualitative research
Authors: McMahon Shannon A , Winch Peter J
Published: September 2018

Conversations regarding qualitative research and qualitative data analysis in global public health programming often emphasize the product of data collection (audio recordings, transcripts, codebooks and codes), while paying relatively less attention to the process of data collection. In qualitative research, however, the data collector’s skills determine the quality of the data, so understanding data collectors’ strengths and weaknesses as data are being collected allows researchers to enhance both the ability of data collectors and the utility of the data. This paper defines and discusses a process for systematic debriefings. Debriefings entail thorough, goal-oriented discussion of data immediately after it is collected. Debriefings take different forms and fulfill slightly different purposes as data collection progresses. Drawing from examples in our health systems research in Tanzania and Sierra Leone, we elucidate how debriefings have allowed us to: enhance the skills of data collectors; gain immediate insights into the content of data; correct course amid unforeseen changes and challenges in the local context; strengthen the quality and trustworthiness of data in real time; and quickly share emerging data with stakeholders in programmatic, policy and academic spheres. We hope this article provides guidance and stimulates discussion on approaches to qualitative data collection and mechanisms to further outline and refine debriefings in qualitative research.
Neighbourhood deprivation and lung cancer risk: a nested case–control study in the USA
Authors: Sanderson Maureen , Aldrich Melinda C , Levine Robert S , Kilbourne Barbara , Cai Qiuyin , Blot William J
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To examine the association between neighbourhood deprivation and lung cancer risk.

Design

Nested case–control study.

Setting

Southern Community Cohort Study of persons residing in 12 states in the southeastern USA.

Participants

1334 cases of lung cancer and 5315 controls.

Primary outcome measure

Risk of lung cancer.

Results

After adjustment for smoking status and other confounders, and additional adjustment for individual-level measures of socioeconomic status (SES), there was no monotonic increase in risk with worsening deprivation score overall or within sex and race groups. There was an increase among current and shorter term former smokers (p=0.04) but not among never and longer term former smokers. There was evidence of statistically significant interaction by sex among whites, but not blacks, in which the effect of worsening deprivation on lung cancer existed in males but not in females.

Conclusions

Area-level measures of SES were associated with lung cancer risk in current and shorter term former smokers only in this population.
Optimal duration of prone positioning in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-regression analysis
Authors: Kamo Tetsuro , Aoki Yoshitaka , Fukuda Tatsuma , Kurahashi Kiyoyasu , Yasuda Hideto , Sanui Masamitsu , Nango Eishu , Abe Takayuki , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Hashimoto Satoru
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have demonstrated that prolonged (≥16 hours) prone positioning can reduce the mortality associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the effectiveness and optimal duration of prone positioning was not fully evaluated. To fill these gaps, we will first investigate the effectiveness of prone positioning compared with the conventional management of patients with ARDS, regarding outcomes using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Second, if statistical heterogeneity in effectiveness with regard to short-term mortality (intensive care unit death or ≤30-day mortality) is shown, we will conduct a meta-regression analysis to explore the association between duration and effectiveness, and determine the optimal duration of prone positioning.

Method and analysis

Relevant studies are collected using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the WHO International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal. Randomised controlled trials comparing prone and supine positioning in adults with ARDS will be included in the meta-analysis. Two independent investigators will screen trials obtained by search eligibility and extract data from selected studies to standardised data recording forms. For each selected trial, the risk of bias and quality of evidence will be evaluated using the GRADE system. Meta-regression analyses will be performed to identify the most important factors associated with short-term mortality, and subgroup analysis will be used to analyse the following: duration of mechanical ventilation in the prone position per day, patient severity, tidal volume and cause of ARDS. If heterogeneity or inconsistency among the studies is detected, subgroup analysis will be conducted on factors that may cause heterogeneity.

Ethics and dissemination

This study requires no ethical approval. The results obtained from this systematic review and meta-analysis will be disseminated through international conference presentations and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017078340.
Do statins improve outcomes for patients with non-small cell lung cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Li Feng , Liu Guangyu , Roudi Raheleh , Huang Qi , Swierzy Marc , Ismail Mahmoud , Zhao Song , Rueckert Jens-Carsten
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Lung cancer is the most common neoplasm and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for 85% of all lung cancer cases, is frequently diagnosed at an advanced and metastatic stage. In addition, survival of patients with NSCLC has not improved significantly over the recent decades. Statins are used as a cholesterol-lowering agent, but recently preclinical and clinical studies have revealed their anticancer effects. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to clarify whether statins improve the prognosis of patients with NSCLC.

Methods and analysis

We will search MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov with no restriction on language. Both randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational cohort studies evaluating the prognostic role of statins in patients with NSCLC will be included. The primary outcome will be overall survival, and the secondary outcomes will include cancer-specific survival, disease-free survival and cancer recurrence. Two assessors will assess the RCTs using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool and the observational cohort studies according to ROBINS-I. Publication bias will be assessed by funnel plot using the STATA software v.13.1.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical issues are predicted. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to describe the prognostic effects of statins in patients with NSCLC, which would help clinicians to optimise treatment for patients with NSCLC. These findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016047524.
A mixed-methods study to explore opinions of research translation held by researchers working in a Centre of Research Excellence in Australia
Authors: Lynch Elizabeth A , Ramanathan Shanthi A , Middleton Sandy , Bernhardt Julie , Nilsson Michael , Cadilhac Dominique A
Published: September 2018

Objective

There is a growing need for researchers to demonstrate impact, which is reliant on successful research translation. The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council funded a Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery (CRE-Stroke) to enhance collaborations between researchers conducting different types of stroke rehabilitation research. The purpose of this study was to explore opinions about research translation held by CRE-Stroke researchers conducting preclinical and clinical research, in terms of scope, importance, responsibility and perceived skills and knowledge.

Design

Mixed-methods study, comprising a paper-based survey and semistructured interviews. Interview data were inductively coded and thematically analysed. Survey and interview data were compared and synthesised.

Participants

55 (7 preclinical, 48 clinical) researchers attending a CRE-Stroke research forum completed a paper-based survey. Semistructured interviews with 22 CRE-Stroke (5 preclinical, 17 clinical) researchers were conducted.

Results

Research translation was described as translating to other research and translating to clinical practice and policy. Most researchers (n=54, 98%) reported that research translation was important, particularly in terms of generating research impact, but the most common sign of project completion reported by researchers (n=7, 100% preclinical; n=37, 77% clinical) was publication. Most researchers (preclinical n=4, 57%; clinical n=37, 77%) reported having responsibility for translating research, but less than half reported having the necessary skills (n=1, 14% preclinical; n=17, 35% clinical) and knowledge (n=3, 43% preclinical; n=19, 40% clinical). Differing opinions about who should be responsible for translating findings to clinical practice were expressed.

Conclusions

Stroke rehabilitation researchers appear confident to translate their research via the traditional mechanism of publications. To optimise impact, clarity is needed regarding who is best placed to translate research findings to clinical practice and policy. Education and skills development to apply broader translation processes are needed to maximise the use of research at all stages.
Can occupational therapist-led home environmental assessment prevent falls in older people? A modified cohort randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Cockayne Sarah , Pighills Alison , Adamson Joy , Fairhurst Caroline , Drummond Avril , Hewitt Catherine , Rodgers Sara , Ronaldson Sarah J , Lamb Sarah E , Crossland Shelley , Boyes Sophie , Gilbody Simon , Relton Clare , Torgerson David J
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Falls and fall-related injuries are a serious cause of morbidity and cost to society. Environmental hazards are implicated as a major contributor to falls among older people. A recent Cochrane review found an environmental assessment, undertaken by an occupational therapist, to be an effective approach to reducing falls. However, none of the trials included a cost-effectiveness evaluation in the UK setting. This protocol describes a large multicentre trial investigating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of environmental assessment and modification within the home with the aim of preventing falls in older people.

Methods and analysis

A two-arm, modified cohort randomised controlled trial, conducted within England, with 1299 community-dwelling participants aged 65 years and above, who are at an increased risk of falls. Participants will be randomised 2:1 to receive either usual care or home assessment and modification. The primary outcome is rate of falls (falls/person/time) over 12 months assessed by monthly patient self-report falls calendars. Secondary self-reported outcome measures include: the proportion of single and multiple fallers, time to first fall over a 12-month period, quality of life (EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L) and health service utilisation at 4, 8 and 12 months. A nested qualitative study will examine the feasibility of providing the intervention and explore barriers, facilitators, workload implications and readiness to employ these interventions into routine practice. An economic evaluation will assess value for money in terms of cost per fall averted.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol (including the original application and subsequent amendments) received a favourable ethical opinion from National Health Service West of Scotland REC 3. The trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and at conference presentations. A summary of the findings will be sent to participants.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN22202133; Pre-results.
The Pain Divide: a cross-sectional analysis of chronic pain prevalence, pain intensity and opioid utilisation in England
Authors: Todd Adam , Akhter Nasima , Cairns Joanne-Marie , Kasim Adetayo , Walton Nick , Ellison Amanda , Chazot Paul , Eldabe Sam , Bambra Clare
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Our central research question was, in England, are geographical inequalities in opioid use driven by health need (pain)? To answer this question, our study examined: (1) if there are regional inequalities in rates of chronic pain prevalence, pain intensity and opioid utilisation in England; (2) if opioid use and chronic pain are associated after adjusting for individual-level and area-level confounders.

Design

Cross-sectional study design using data from the Health Survey for England 2011.

Setting

England.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Chronic pain prevalence, pain intensity and opioid utilisation.

Participants

Participant data relating to chronic pain prevalence, pain intensity and opioid usage data were obtained at local authority level from the Health Survey for England 2011; in total, 5711 respondents were included in our analysis.

Methods

Regional and local authority data were mapped, and a generalised linear model was then used to explore the relationships between the data. The model was adjusted to account for area-level and individual-level variables.

Results

There were geographical variations in chronic pain prevalence, pain intensity and opioid utilisation across the English regions—with evidence of a ‘pain divide’ between the North and the South, whereby people in the North of England more likely to have ‘severely limiting’ or ‘moderately limiting’ chronic pain. The intensity of chronic pain was significantly and positively associated with the use of opioid analgesics.

Conclusions

There are geographical differences in chronic pain prevalence, pain intensity and opioid utilisation across England—with evidence of a ‘pain divide’. Given the public health concerns associated with the long-term use of opioid analgesics—and their questionable activity in the management of chronic pain—more guidance is needed to support prescribers in the management of chronic pain, so the initiation of opioids can be avoided.
Phenomenology and its relevance to medical humanities: the example of Hermann Schmitz’s theory of feelings as half-things
Authors: Wirth Mathias
Published: September 2018

One leitmotif that medical humanities shares with phenomenology and most contemporary medical ethics is emphasising the importance of appreciating the patient as a whole person and not merely as an object. With this also comes a focus on marginalisation and invisibility. However, it is not entirely clear what exactly patient-centred care means. What both phenomenology and medical humanities contribute to a ‘more humane health-care encounter’ (Goldenberg 2010, p 44) is offering not only a first-person perspective, but a dialogue between the third-person perspective and evidence-based medicine. Therefore, one main aim of medical humanities and phenomenology is to pay attention to the lived body (Leib) while adding this to the science of the objective body (Körper). In this study, I will discuss this connection through the lens of Hermann Schmitz’s phenomenology. Finally, in light of this dialogue between phenomenology and medical humanities some proposals for medical practice shall be suggested.
Mortality after admission for heart failure in the UK compared with Japan
Authors: Nagai Toshiyuki , Sundaram Varun , Rothnie Kieran , Quint Jennifer Kathleen , Shoaib Ahmad , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Kohsaka Shun , Piper Susan , McDonagh Theresa A , Hardman Suzanna Marie C , Goda Ayumi , Mizuno Atsushi , Kohno Takashi , Rigby Alan S , Yoshikawa Tsutomu , Clark Andrew L , Anzai Toshihisa , Cleland John G F
Published: September 2018

Objective

Mortality amongst patients hospitalised for heart failure (HHF) in Western and Asian countries may differ, but this has not been investigated using individual patient-level data (IPLD). We sought to remedy this through rigorous statistical analysis of HHF registries and variable selection from a systematic literature review.

Methods and results

IPLD from registries of HHF in Japan (n=3781) and the UK (n=894) were obtained. A systematic literature review identified 23 models for predicting outcome of HHF. Five variables appearing in 10 or more reports were strongly related to prognosis (systolic blood pressure, serum sodium concentration, age, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine). To compare mortality in the UK and Japan, variables were imputed in a propensity model using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and IPTW with logistic regression (doubly robust IPTW). Overall, patients in the UK were sicker and in-patient and post-discharge mortalities were greater, suggesting that the threshold for hospital admission was higher. Covariate-adjusted in-hospital mortality was similar in the UK and Japan (IPTW OR: 1.14, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.86), but 180-day postdischarge mortality was substantially higher in the UK (doubly robust IPTW OR: 2.33, 95% CI 1.58 to 3.43).

Conclusions

Despite robust methods to adjust for differences in patient characteristics and disease severity, HHF patients in the UK have roughly twice the mortality at 180 days compared with those in Japan. Similar analyses should be done using other data sets and in other countries to determine the consistency of these findings and identify factors that might inform healthcare policy and improve outcomes.
Comparative early outcomes of tricuspid Valve repair versus replacement for secondary tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Alkhouli Mohamad , Berzingi Chalak , Kowatli Amer , Alqahtani Fahad , Badhwar Vinay
Published: September 2018

Background

Comparative outcome data on tricuspid valve repair (TVr) versus tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) for severe secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are limited.

Methods

We used a national inpatient sample to assess in-hospital morbidity and mortality, length of stay and cost in patients with severe secondary TR undergoing isolated TVr versus TVR.

Results

A total of 1364 patients (national estimate=6757) underwent isolated tricuspid valve surgery during the study period, of whom 569 (41.7%) had TVr and 795 (58.3%) had TVR. There was no difference in the prevalence of major morbidities between the two groups, except for liver disease and hepatic cirrhosis, which were more common in the TVR group. Before propensity matching, in-hospital mortality was similar between patients who underwent isolated TVr and TVR (8.1% vs 10.8%, p=0.093), but the incidence of postoperative morbidities differed: TVR was associated with higher rates of permanent pacemaker implantation and blood transfusion, while TVr was associated with more acute kidney injury. After rigorous propensity score matching, TVR was associated with significantly higher rates of in-hospital death (12% vs 6.9%, p=0.009) and permanent pacemaker implantation (33.7% vs 11.2%, p<0.001). Postoperative morbidities and length of stay, however, were not different between the two groups. Nonetheless, cost of hospitalisation was 16% higher in the TVr group.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing isolated surgery for secondary TR, TVR is associated with higher in-hospital mortality and need for permanent pacemaker compared with TVr. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of the type of surgery on the short-term and long-term mortality in this complex undertreated population.
Desmopressin acetate-induced water intoxication in a dog with psychogenic polydipsia
Authors: Plickert Hanna Dorothee , Pagitz Maximilian , Luckschander-Zeller Nicole
Published: September 2018

A 21-month-old male Border Collie presented to emergency service after a generalised tonic–clonic seizure. He received desmopressin acetate (1-Desamino-8-D-Arginin-Vasopressin, DDAVP) intraconjunctivally and intranasally for treatment of suspected central diabetes insipidus (DI) for a year, but water intake had recently increased again to 120–150 ml/kg/day. History, physical examination and clinicopathological findings, especially marked hyponatraemia, were consistent with water intoxication. The condition was stabilised by discontinuation of DDAVP and fluid restriction. Hyponatraemia resolved with frequent adjustments of fluid management according to physical parameters and electrolyte status. After exclusion of other causes for polyuria and polydipsia (PD), a modified water deprivation test led to diagnosis of psychogenic PD. Long-term outcome was excellent with water restriction and intensified dog training.
Juvenile hyperthyroidism in a dog
Authors: Maunder Christina , Friend Ed J , Day Michael , Warren-Smith Christopher
Published: September 2018

Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrinopathy in cats, and most cases are caused by multinodular hyperplasia or follicular cell adenoma, although thyroid carcinomas occur infrequently. Hyperthyroidism is rare in dogs, and most cases are caused by functional thyroid carcinomas. There are case reports of canine hyperthyroidism secondary to exogenous sources, and rarely thyrotoxicosis can be seen with therapeutic doses of levothyroxine prescribed for hypothyroidism. A case of juvenile hyperthyroidism has been reported in a cat and a histopathological diagnosis of diffuse thyroid hyperplasia was made. This is the first reported case of functional eutopic thyroid tissue in a young dog. Histopathological examination reported bilateral hyperplastic change in the thyroid glands, similar to the case of feline juvenile hyperthyroidism.
Vitamin D potentiates anti-tumor activity of 5-fluorouracil via modulating caspase-3 and TGF-β1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma-induced in rats
Authors: R Ebrahim Amal , El-Mesery Mohamed , El-Karef Amro , Eissa Laila A.
Published: September 2018

We investigated the role of vitamin D (Vit D) alone and in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. Fifty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into a control group and 4 groups that received TAA (200 mg/kg, i.p.) twice per week for 16 weeks. These 4 groups were further divided as follows: HCC group; 5-FU group (75 mg/kg, i.p., once weekly for 3 weeks starting from the 12th week); Vit D group (200 IU/kg daily by oral tube for 16 weeks); and 5-FU + Vit D group (received the previously mentioned dosage regimens of 5-FU and Vit D). HCC was detected by histopathological changes in liver sections and the elevation of serum α-fetoprotein (AFP). Treatment with 5-FU + Vit D significantly decreased gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NrF2) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) at both the gene and protein level and serum AFP concentrations in comparison with their corresponding monotherapy. Moreover, 5-FU + Vit D treatment enhanced apoptosis by increasing caspase-3 gene and protein expression. Conclusively, Vit D enhances antitumor activity of 5-FU in an HCC-induced model and improves liver function of treated animals. Combination therapy in a TAA-induced HCC rat model was more effective than 5-FU or Vit D through the modulation of TGF-β1, caspase-3, and NrF2 expressions.
Postharvest quality implications of preharvest treatments applied to enhance Ambrosia™ apple red blush colour at harvest
Authors: Toivonen Peter M.A. , Lu Changwen , Stoochnoff Jared
Published: September 2018

Two approaches for enhancing red blush in Ambrosia™ apple were evaluated: (i) reflective row covers or (ii) application of foliar phosphorus-rich sprays, both applied several weeks before anticipated harvest. Two experiments were conducted, the first to evaluate a white reflective row cover versus foliar phosphorus spray, and the second to evaluate two types of reflective row cover, one made of a woven white polyethylene sheet and the other a solid silvered Mylar®. The comparative effects of these preharvest treatments on at-harvest fruit quality and quality after storage were assessed in both experiments. It was determined that foliar phosphorus sprays or one of the two types of reflective row covers resulted in similar enhancement of red blush colour, with no negative effects on at-harvest quality. However, in the first experiment it was found that after 8 mo of controlled-atmosphere storage (1 kPa O2 + 1 kPa CO2 at 0.5 °C), apples from the phosphorus foliar spray treatment developed greasiness and sooty blotch compared with those from the reflective row cover or control treatments. In the second experiment, after 5 mo of air storage at 0.5 °C, the apples from the silvered Mylar® reflective row cover treatment developed severe soft scald and soggy breakdown compared with the control and white reflective row cover treatments, which developed lower or very slight incidence of soft scald, respectively, and no soggy breakdown. These results indicate that when preharvest treatments are applied to apples, post-storage quality effects should be evaluated.
Anisotropic cosmological reconstruction in f(R, T) gravity
Authors: Mishra B. , Tarai Sankarsan , Tripathy S. K.
Published: September 2018

Anisotropic cosmological models are constructed in f(R, T) gravity theory to investigate the dynamics of universe concerning the late time cosmic acceleration. Using a more general and simple approach, the effect of the coupling constant and anisotropy on the cosmic dynamics have been investigated. In this study, it is found that cosmic anisotropy substantially affects cosmic dynamics.
Watershed Algorithm for Medical Image Segmentation Based on Morphology and Total Variation Model
Authors: Liang Yingbo , Fu Jian
Published: September 2018

The traditional watershed algorithm has the limitation of false mark in medical image segmentation, which causes over-segmentation and images to be contaminated by noise possibly during acquisition. In this study, we proposed an improved watershed segmentation algorithm based on morphological processing and total variation model (TV) for medical image segmentation. First of all, morphological gradient preprocessing is performed on MRI images of brain lesions. Secondly, the gradient images are denoised by the all-variational model. While retaining the edge information of MRI images of brain lesions, the image noise is reduced. And then, the internal and external markers are obtained by forced minimum technique, and the gradient amplitude images are corrected by using these markers. Finally, the modified gradient image is subjected to watershed transformation. The experiment of segmentation and simulation of brain lesion MRI image is carried out on MATLAB. And the segmentation results are compared with other watershed algrothims. The experimental results demonstrate that our method obtains the least number of regions, which can extract MRI images of brain lesions effectively. In addition, this method can inhibit over-segmentation, improving the segmentation results of lesions in MRI images of brain lesions.
Nondestructive Visual Inspection Method of Double-Yolked Duck Egg
Authors: Li Li , Wang Qiaohua , Weng Fujiong , Yuan Cheng
Published: September 2018

Duck eggs are rich in good protein and deeply favored by consumers. Among them, double-yolked duck eggs have high commercial value but are not easy to incubate, so they are often picked out by inspection before processing, circulation or being incubated in egg products industry. This paper used the computer vision technology on single- and double-yolked duck eggs with similar shape and size that were hard to distinguish merely by their external characteristics, studied the effective image processing algorithm and built a cognition model. Then, we collected duck eggs’ transmission light color image, extracted B channel image, carried out iterative morphological open reconstruction and threshold segmentation to acquire yolk area, used convexity defects to identify double-yolked eggs and finally utilized watershed and ellipse fitting to separate yolk. Through inspection, 150 single- and double-yolked eggs were distinguished by using this method, with correct recognition rate reaching to 99% and 100%, respectively. The experimental results indicate that this method has a high accuracy in recognizing double-yolked duck eggs and can provide technical support in nondestructive identification of double-yolked duck egg.
A duality between curvature and torsion
Authors: Khanapurkar Swanand , Singh Tejinder P.
Published: September 2018

Compton wavelength and Schwarzschild radius are considered here as limiting cases of a unified length scale. Using this length, it is shown that the Dirac equation and the Einstein equations for a point mass are limiting cases of an underlying theory which includes torsion. We show that in this underlying theory, the gravitational interaction between small masses is weaker than in Newtonian gravity. We explain as to why the Kerr–Newman black hole and the electron both have the same nonclassical gyromagnetic ratio. We propose a duality between curvature and torsion and show that general relativity and teleparallel gravity are respectively the large mass and small mass limit of the ECSK theory. We demonstrate that small scale effects of torsion can be tested with current technology.
New sources of gravitational wave signals: The black hole graviton laser
Authors: Dupuis Éric , Paranjape M. B.
Published: September 2018

A graviton laser works, in principle, by the stimulated emission of coherent gravitons from a lasing medium. For significant amplification, we must have a very long path length and/or very high densities. Black holes and the existence of weakly interacting sub-eV dark matter particles (WISPs) solve both of these obstacles. Orbiting trajectories for massless particles around black holes are well understood [C. Misner, K. Thorne and J. Wheeler, Gravitation (W. H Freeman, 1973)]1 and allow for arbitrarily long graviton path lengths. Superradiance from Kerr black holes of WISPs can provide the sufficiently high density [A. Arvanitaki, M. Baryakhtar and X. Huang, Phys. Rev. D 91 (2015) 084011, arXiv:1411.2263 ]2. This suggests that black holes can act as efficient graviton lasers. Thus directed graviton laser beams have been emitted since the beginning of the universe and give rise to new sources of gravitational wave signals. To be in the path of particularly harmfully amplified graviton death rays will not be pleasant.
Correlation study in high energy interaction of muon with Ag and Br nuclei
Authors: Hussein M. T. , Ghoneim M. T. , Othman S. M.
Published: September 2018

In this work, we present the study of emissions of light fragments produced in interactions of 160 GeV muons with emulsion nuclei. A total of 820 interactions with emulsion nuclei were collected. Thickness, coordinate and range of each track were measured. Charges of emitted fragments were identified and the corresponding energies were calculated. Multiplicity, total particle production cross-sections and angular distribution of particles (P, He, Li, Be and B) were presented. Forward–backward–angular correlations were measured for the emitted alpha particles. Short and long range correlation among pairs of Alfa particles were observed at specific angular intervals. The experimental data and the results of the angular correlation were used to find the probable mechanism of producing alpha particles and to reveal the dynamic characteristics of the reactions.