bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Musculoskeletal examination in young athletes and non-athletes: the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) study
Authors: Toivo Kerttu , Kannus Pekka , Kokko Sami , Alanko Lauri , Heinonen Olli J , Korpelainen Raija , Savonen Kai , Selänne Harri , Vasankari Tommi , Kannas Lasse , Kujala Urho M , Villberg Jari , Parkkari Jari
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To determine the inter-rater repeatability of a musculoskeletal examination and to compare findings between adolescent athletes and non-athletes in Finland.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a musculoskeletal examination assessing posture, mobility and movement control was carried out by a sports and exercise medicine physician on 399 athletes aged 14–17 years and 177 non-athletes. Within 2 weeks another sports and exercise medicine physician repeated the examination for 41 adolescents to test the inter-rater repeatability.

Results

In total, 10 of the 11 tests performed had at least moderate inter-rater reliability (κ ≥0.4 or percentage agreement >80%). Athletes more often than non-athletes had one shoulder protruded (8.0% vs 4.0%, OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.16 to 6.81). Forty-six per cent of athletes had good knee control in the two-legged vertical drop jump test compared with 32% of non-athletes (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.29 to 3.06). Athletes had better core muscle control with 86.3% being able to remain in the correct plank position for 30 s compared with 68.6% of non-athletes (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.67 to 4.36). In the deep squat test, good lumbar spine control was maintained only by 35.8% of athletes and 38.4% of non-athletes.

Conclusion

A basic musculoskeletal examination is sufficiently reliable to be performed by trained physicians as a part of a periodic health evaluation. Shortfalls in mobility, posture and movement control are common in both athletes and non-athletes. These deficits could have been caused by sedentary behaviour, monotonous training, or both.
Association between birth weight and educational attainment: an individual-based pooled analysis of nine twin cohorts
Authors: Jelenkovic Aline , Mikkonen Janne , Martikainen Pekka , Latvala Antti , Yokoyama Yoshie , Sund Reijo , Vuoksimaa Eero , Rebato Esther , Sung Joohon , Kim Jina , Lee Jooyeon , Lee Sooji , Stazi Maria A , Fagnani Corrado , Brescianini Sonia , Derom Catherine A , Vlietinck Robert F , Loos Ruth J F , Krueger Robert F , McGue Matt , Pahlen Shandell , Nelson Tracy L , Whitfield Keith E , Brandt Ingunn , Nilsen Thomas S , Harris Jennifer R , Cutler Tessa L , Hopper John L , Tarnoki Adam D , Tarnoki David L , Sørensen Thorkild I A , Kaprio Jaakko , Silventoinen Karri
Published: May 2018

Background

There is evidence that birth weight is positively associated with education, but it remains unclear whether this association is explained by familial environmental factors, genetic factors or the intrauterine environment. We analysed the association between birth weight and educational years within twin pairs, which controls for genetic factors and the environment shared between co-twins.

Methods

The data were derived from nine twin cohorts in eight countries including 6116 complete twin pairs. The association between birth weight and educational attainment was analysed both between individuals and within pairs using linear regression analyses.

Results

In between-individual analyses, birth weight was not associated with educational years. Within-pairs analyses revealed positive but modest associations for some sex, zygosity and birth year groups. The greatest association was found in dizygotic (DZ) men (0.65 educational years/kg birth weight, p=0.006); smaller effects of 0.3 educational years/kg birth weight were found within monozygotic (MZ) twins of both sexes and opposite-sex DZ twins. The magnitude of the associations differed by birth year in MZ women and opposite-sex DZ twins, showing a positive association in the 1915–1959 birth cohort but no association in the 1960–1984 birth cohort.

Conclusion

Although associations are weak and somewhat inconsistent, our results suggest that intrauterine environment may play a role when explaining the association between birth weight and educational attainment.
Bedside risk score for prediction of acute kidney injury after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Zivkovic Nevena , Elbaz-Greener Gabby , Qiu Feng , Arbel Yaron , Cheema Asim N , Dvir Danny , Fefer Paul , Finkelstein Ariel , Fremes Stephen E , Radhakrishnan Sam , Rodés-Cabau Josep , Shuvy Mony , Wijeysundera Harindra C
Published: May 2018

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) complication associated with a poor prognosis. We sought to create a risk calculator using information that would be available during the work-up period.

Methods

Data were obtained from a multicentre TAVR registry (n=1993) with cases from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2015. We used logistic regression to create a risk calculator to predict AKI as defined by the Valve Academic Research Consortium Guidelines. We internally validated our risk calculator using bootstrapping, and evaluated model discrimination and calibration.

Results

A simple risk score was derived with six variables, including New York Heart Association functional classification class 4, non-femoral access site, valve-in-valve procedure, haemoglobin, creatinine clearance and weight in kilograms. The score was able to predict the absolute risk of AKI from 1% to 72%. The model showed good discrimination with c-statistic 0.713, with good agreement between predicted and observed AKI rates across quintiles of risk.

Conclusions

This is the first risk calculator to assess post-TAVR risk of AKI. We found that information known pre-procedurally can be used to predict AKI. This may allow for more informed decision-making as well as identifying high-risk patients.
Variations in institutional review board processes and consent requirements for trauma research: an EAST multicenter survey
Authors: Nahmias Jeffry , Grigorian Areg , Brakenridge Scott , Jawa Randeep S , Holena Daniel N , Agapian John Varujan , Bruns Brandon , Chestovich Paul J , Chung Bruce , Nguyen Jonathan , Schulman Carl I , Staudenmayer Kristan , Dixon Rachel , Smith Jason W , Bernard Andrew C , Pascual Jose L
Published: May 2018

Oversight of human subject research has evolved considerably since its inception. However, previous studies identified a lack of consistency of institutional review board (IRB) determination for the type of review required and whether informed consent is necessary, especially for prospective observational studies, which pose minimal risk of harm. We hypothesized that there is significant inter-institution variation in IRB requirements for the type of review and necessity of informed consent, especially for prospective observational trials without blood/tissue utilization. We also sought to describe investigators’ and IRB members’ attitudes toward the type of review and need for consent. Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) and IRB members were sent an electronic survey on IRB review and informed consent requirement. We performed descriptive analyses as well as Fisher’s exact test to determine differences between EAST and IRB members’ responses. The response rate for EAST members from 113 institutions was 13.5%, whereas a convenience sample of IRB members from 14 institutions had a response rate of 64.4%. Requirement for full IRB review for retrospective studies using patient identifiers was reported by zero IRB member compared with 13.1% of EAST members (p=0.05). Regarding prospective observational trials without blood/tissue collection, 48.1% of EAST members reported their institutions required a full IRB review compared with 9.5% of IRB members (p=0.01). For prospective observational trials with blood/tissue collection, 80% of EAST members indicated requirement to submit a full IRB review compared with only 13.6% of IRB members (p<0.001). Most EAST members (78.6%) stated that informed consent is not ethically necessary in prospective observational trials without blood/tissue collection, whereas most IRB members thought that informed consent was ethically necessary (63.6%, p<0.001). There is significant variation in perception and practice regarding the level of review for prospective observational studies and whether informed consent is necessary. We recommend future interdisciplinary efforts between researchers and IRBs should occur to better standardize local IRB efforts.

Level of evidence

IV.
The apoptotic effect of midazolam on the salivary gland of rats and the reversal effect by pilocarpine
Authors: Rinaldi Mariana , Johann Aline Cristina Batista Rodrigues , Bettega Patrícia Vida Cassi , Rocha Fábio , Ignácio Sérgio Aparecido , Rosa Edvaldo Antônio Ribeiro , Alanis Luciana Reis Azevedo , Althobaiti Yusuf , Sapelli Silvana da Silva , Hardy Ana Maria Trindade Grégio
Published: May 2018

To evaluate the apoptosis in parotid glands of rats treated with midazolam associated or not with pilocarpine, 60 Wistar rats were assigned to 6 groups: control groups received saline solution for 30 days (S30) and 60 days (S60) and the other groups received pilocarpine for 60 days (P60), midazolam for 30 days (M30), midazolam for 30 days and 30 days of saline (M30+ S30), and finally midazolam for 30 days and 30 days of midazolam and pilocarpine (M30+ MP30). Histological sections were subjected to the TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick and labeling technique. The number of positive and negative cells was quantified, calculating the apoptotic index. ANOVA at 2 criteria and Tukey’s test were used. A greater apoptotic index was observed in the M30(52.79 ± 9.01) and M30+ S30(62.43 ± 8.52) groups when compared with the S30(37.94 ± 5.94) and S60(31.85 ± 9.18) groups, respectively (p < 0.05). There was no difference between M30+ MP30(30.98 ± 6.19) and S60 (31.85 ± 9.18) groups regarding apoptotic index. Chronic administration of midazolam has been shown to increase the number of apoptotic cells in the parotid glands of rats. However, pilocarpine inhibited this effect, thus inhibiting the apoptosis.
Effects of CO2 water-bath treatment on blood flow and angiogenesis in ischemic hind limb of diabetic rat
Authors: Xu Yan-Jun , Elimban Vijayan , Bhullar Sukhwinder K. , Dhalla Naranjan S.
Published: May 2018

The effects of CO2 water-bath therapy on the hind limb of diabetic animals with or without peripheral ischemia were examined. Diabetes was induced in rats by administering streptozotocin (65 mg·kg−1), and the animals were then divided into 3 groups. After 4 weeks, peripheral ischemia was induced by ligation of the femoral artery for 2 weeks in 2 groups (diabetic ischemic) of diabetic rats, whereas the femoral artery was not occluded in the third group (diabetic). All these animals were subjected to water-bath therapy (with or without CO2 mixing; 20 min·day−1 for 5 days·week−1) for a period of 4 weeks. Both peak and mean flows, unlike minimal flow, in diabetic ischemic limbs were increased about a twofold by CO2 water-bath treatment. Morphological examination of hind limb tissue sections revealed about a twofold increase in the small artery count in diabetic ischemic animals upon CO2 water-bath treatment. These results indicate that CO2 water-bath therapy augments the blood flow and development of angiogenesis in the skeletal muscle of diabetic ischemic animals and thus may be of some benefit for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease in diabetes.
Chaotic Dynamics in the Planar Gravitational Many-Body Problem with Rigid Body Rotations
Authors: Kwiecinski James A. , Kovacs Attila , Krause Andrew L. , Planella Ferran Brosa , Van Gorder Robert A.
Published: May 2018

The discovery of Pluto’s small moons in the last decade has brought attention to the dynamics of the dwarf planet’s satellites. With such systems in mind, we study a planar [Formula: see text]-body system in which all the bodies are point masses, except for a single rigid body. We then present a reduced model consisting of a planar [Formula: see text]-body problem with the rigid body treated as a 1D continuum (i.e. the body is treated as a rod with an arbitrary mass distribution). Such a model provides a good approximation to highly asymmetric geometries, such as the recently observed interstellar asteroid ‘Oumuamua, but is also amenable to analysis. We analytically demonstrate the existence of homoclinic chaos in the case where one of the orbits is nearly circular by way of the Melnikov method, and give numerical evidence for chaos when the orbits are more complicated. We show that the extent of chaos in parameter space is strongly tied to the deviations from a purely circular orbit. These results suggest that chaos is ubiquitous in many-body problems when one or more of the rigid bodies exhibits nonspherical and highly asymmetric geometries. The excitation of chaotic rotations does not appear to require tidal dissipation, obliquity variation, or orbital resonance. Such dynamics give a possible explanation for routes to chaotic dynamics observed in [Formula: see text]-body systems such as the Pluto system where some of the bodies are highly nonspherical.
Basins of Convergence in the Circular Sitnikov Four-Body Problem with Nonspherical Primaries
Authors: Zotos Euaggelos E. , Satya Satyendra Kumar , Aggarwal Rajiv , Suraj Sanam
Published: May 2018

The Newton–Raphson basins of convergence, related to the equilibrium points, in the Sitnikov four-body problem with nonspherical primaries are numerically investigated. We monitor the parametric evolution of the positions of the roots, as a function of the oblateness coefficient. The classical Newton–Raphson optimal method is used for revealing the basins of convergence, by classifying dense grids of initial conditions in several types of two-dimensional planes. We perform a systematic and thorough analysis in an attempt to understand how the oblateness coefficient affects the geometry as well as the basin entropy of the convergence regions. The convergence areas are related with the required number of iterations and also with the corresponding probability distributions.
A New 7D Hyperchaotic System with Five Positive Lyapunov Exponents Coined
Authors: Yang Qigui , Zhu Daoyu , Yang Lingbing
Published: May 2018

This paper reports the finding of a new seven-dimensional (7D) autonomous hyperchaotic system, which is obtained by coupling a 1D linear system and a 6D hyperchaotic system that is constructed by adding two linear feedback controllers and a nonlinear feedback controller to the Lorenz system. This hyperchaotic system has very simple algebraic structure but can exhibit complex dynamical behaviors. Of particular interest is that it has a hyperchaotic attractor with five positive Lyapunov exponents and a unique equilibrium in a large range of parameters. Numerical analysis of phase trajectories, Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation, power spectrum and Poincaré projections verifies the existence of hyperchaotic and chaotic attractors. Moreover, stability of the hyperbolic equilibrium is analyzed and a complete mathematical characterization for 7D Hopf bifurcation is given. Finally, circuit experiment implements the hyperchaotic attractor of the 7D system, showing very good agreement with the simulation results.
Multiscale System for Environmentally-Driven Infectious Disease with Threshold Control Strategy
Authors: Sun Xiaodan , Xiao Yanni
Published: May 2018

A multiscale system for environmentally-driven infectious disease is proposed, in which control measures at three different scales are implemented when the number of infected hosts exceeds a certain threshold. Our coupled model successfully describes the feedback mechanisms of between-host dynamics on within-host dynamics by employing one-scale variable guided enhancement of interventions on other scales. The modeling approach provides a novel idea of how to link the large-scale dynamics to small-scale dynamics. The dynamic behaviors of the multiscale system on two time-scales, i.e. fast system and slow system, are investigated. The slow system is further simplified to a two-dimensional Filippov system. For the Filippov system, we study the dynamics of its two subsystems (i.e. free-system and control-system), the sliding mode dynamics, the boundary equilibrium bifurcations, as well as the global behaviors. We prove that both subsystems may undergo backward bifurcations and the sliding domain exists. Meanwhile, it is possible that the pseudo-equilibrium exists and is globally stable, or the pseudo-equilibrium, the disease-free equilibrium and the real equilibrium are tri-stable, or the pseudo-equilibrium and the real equilibrium are bi-stable, or the pseudo-equilibrium and disease-free equilibrium are bi-stable, which depends on the threshold value and other parameter values. The global stability of the pseudo-equilibrium reveals that we may maintain the number of infected hosts at a previously given value. Moreover, the bi-stability and tri-stability indicate that whether the number of infected individuals tends to zero or a previously given value or other positive values depends on the parameter values and the initial states of the system. These results highlight the challenges in the control of environmentally-driven infectious disease.
Matlab Code for Lyapunov Exponents of Fractional-Order Systems
Authors: Danca Marius-F. , Kuznetsov Nikolay
Published: May 2018

In this paper, the Benettin–Wolf algorithm to determine all Lyapunov exponents for a class of fractional-order systems modeled by Caputo’s derivative and the corresponding Matlab code are presented. First, it is proved that the considered class of fractional-order systems admits the necessary variational system necessary to find the Lyapunov exponents. The underlying numerical method to solve the extended system of fractional order, composed of the initial value problem and the variational system, is the predictor-corrector Adams–Bashforth–Moulton for fractional differential equations. The Matlab program prints and plots the Lyapunov exponents as function of time. Also, the programs to obtain Lyapunov exponents as function of the bifurcation parameter and as function of the fractional order are described. The Matlab program for Lyapunov exponents is developed from an existing Matlab program for Lyapunov exponents of integer order. To decrease the computing time, a fast Matlab program which implements the Adams–Bashforth–Moulton method, is utilized. Four representative examples are considered.
A hybrid solver for protein multiple sequence alignment problem
Authors: Chaabane Lamiche
Published: May 2018

In this work, a novel hybrid model called PSOSA for solving multiple sequence alignment (MSA) problem is proposed. The developed approach is a combination between particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and simulated annealing (SA) technique. In our PSOSA approach, PSO is exploited in global search, but it is easily trapped into local optimum and may lead to premature convergence. SA is incorporated as local improvement approach to overcome local optimum problem and intensify the search in local regions to improve solution quality. Numerical results on BAliBASE benchmark have shown the effectiveness of the proposed method and its ability to achieve good quality solutions when compared with those given by other existing methods.
Computational prediction of antifungal peptides via Chou’s PseAAC and SVM
Authors: Mousavizadegan Maryam , Mohabatkar Hassan
Published: May 2018

With the increase in immunocompromised patients in the recent years, fungal infections have emerged as new and serious threat in hospitals. This, and the insufficiency of current antifungal therapies alongside their toxic effects on patients, has led to the increased interest in seeking new antifungal peptides. In the present study, we have developed a prediction method for screening of antifungal peptides. For this, we have chosen Chou’s pseudo amino acid composition (PseAAC) to translate peptide sequences into numeric values. Thus, the SVM classifier was performed for binomial classification of antifungal peptides. The performance of the classifier was evaluated via ten-fold cross-validation and an independent dataset. For further validation of the model developed, 22 P24-derived peptides were predicted using the classifier and in vitro assays were performed on the three peptides with the highest prediction score. The results showed that the PseAAC [Formula: see text] SVM method is able to predict AFPs with ACC of 94.76%. In vitro results also validate the SEN and SPC of the classifier. The results suggest that the computational approach used in this study is highly efficient for prediction of antifungal peptides, which can save time and money in AFP screening and synthesis of novel peptides.
Testing a Model of User Resistance Towards Technology Adoption in Construction Organizations
Authors: Ishak Siti Salwa Mohd , Newton Sidney
Published: May 2018

Drawing upon diffusion of innovation (DoI) theory, technology acceptance models (TAMs), social network perspective and resistance literature, the study developed and tested a model, named integrated resistance factor model (IRFM), which integrates four key elements i.e. resistance indicators, support network factors, experience and disposition factors and the integration and accessibility factors. The study investigated if the model applies in a selected technology, namely online project information management systems (OPIMS). The IRFM was tested with partial least square (PLS) techniques and results from the [Formula: see text] analysis of the whole PLS structural model were significant and the data were coherence with the proposed model [Formula: see text]. These results indicated that user resistance to technology innovation can be predicted using the IRFM.
Some anisotropic planar stellar models
Authors: Yousaf Z. , Zaeem-ul-Haq Bhatti M.
Published: May 2018

The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of expansion-free condition and cosmological constant in the modeling of planar relativistic self-gravitating objects. For this purpose, we have considered a non-static diagonally oriented planar geometry that is coupled with locally anisotropic non-radiating matter configurations. Firstly, we have explored the factor responsible for maintaining conformal flat state by relating tidal forces with matter dynamical variables. Then, we have smoothly joined our relativistic interior with the exterior one through Darmois junction conditions in the [Formula: see text]-dominated epoch. We have also shown that the well-known perfect fluid Skripkin model has disobeyed matching conditions for the case of planar system with cosmological constant. Lastly, we have inspected family of exact analytical solutions of Einstein-[Formula: see text] field equations with various backgrounds, like, an/isotropic matter, separable energy density and barotropic equation of state.
Assessment the Bond Strength of Ceramic Brackets to CAD/CAM Nanoceramic Composite and Interpenetrating Network Composite after Different Surface Treatments
Authors: Özarslan Mustafa Mehmet , Üstün Özlem , Buyukkaplan Ulviye Sebnem , Barutcigil Çağatay , Türker Nurullah , Barutcigil Kubilay
Published: May 2018

Adult orthodontics may confront problems related to the bonding performance of orthodontic brackets to new generation restorative materials used for crown or laminate restorations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the shear bond strength of ceramic brackets to two new generation CAD/CAM interpenetrating network composite and nanoceramic composite after different surface treatments. Er,Cr:YSGG Laser, hydrofluoric acid (9%), sandblasting (50 μm Al2O3), and silane were applied to the surfaces of 120 CAD/CAM specimens with 2 mm thickness and then ceramic brackets were bonded to the treated surfaces of the specimens. Bond strength was evaluated using the shear bond strength test. According to the results, CAD/CAM block types and surface treatment methods have significant effects on shear bond strength. The lowest bond strength values were found in the specimens treated with silane (3.35 ± 2.09 MPa) and highest values were found in the specimens treated with sandblast (8.92 ± 2.77 MPa). Sandblasting and hydrofluoric acid surface treatment led to the most durable bonds for the two types of CAD/CAM blocks in the present study. In conclusion, different surface treatments affect the shear bond strength of ceramic brackets to CAD/CAM interpenetrating network composite and nanoceramic composite. Among the evaluated treatments, sandblasting and hydrofluoric acid application resulted in sufficient bonding strength to ceramic brackets for both of the CAD/CAM materials.
Use of Quantitative Morphological and Functional Features for Assessment of Axillary Lymph Node in Breast Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Fusco Roberta , Sansone Mario , Granata Vincenza , Di Bonito Maurizio , Avino Franca , Catalano Orlando , Botti Gerardo , Petrillo Antonella
Published: May 2018

Background. Axillary lymph-node assessment is considered one of the most important prognostic factors concerning breast cancer survival. Objective. We investigated the discriminative power of morphological and functional features in assessing the axillary lymph node. Methods. We retrospectively analysed data from 52 consecutive patients who undergone DCE-MRI and were diagnosed with primary breast carcinoma: 94 lymph nodes were identified. Per each lymph node, we extracted morphological features: circularity, compactness, convexity, curvature, elongation, diameter, eccentricity, irregularity, radial length, entropy, rectangularity, roughness, smoothness, sphericity, spiculation, surface, and volume. Moreover, we extracted functional features: time to peak (TTP), maximum signal difference (MSD), wash-in intercept (WII), wash-out intercept (WOI), wash-in slope (WIS), wash-out slope (WOS), area under gadolinium curve (AUGC), area under wash-in (AUWI), and area under wash-out (AUWO). Selection of important features in predicting metastasis has been done by means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Performance of linear discriminant analysis was analysed. Results. All morphological features but circularity showed a significant difference between median values of metastatic lymph nodes group and nonmetastatic lymph nodes group. All dynamic parameters except for MSD and WOS showed a statistically significant difference between median values of metastatic lymph nodes group and nonmetastatic lymph nodes group. Best results for discrimination of metastatic and nonmetastatic lymph nodes were obtained by AUGC (accuracy 75.8%), WIS (accuracy 71.0%), WOS (accuracy 71.0%), and AUCWO (accuracy 72.6%) for dynamic features and by compactness (accuracy 82.3%), curvature (accuracy 71.0%), radial length (accuracy 71.0%), roughness (accuracy 74.2%), smoothness (accuracy 77.2%), and speculation (accuracy 72.6%) for morphological features. Linear combination of all morphological and/or of all dynamic features did not increase accuracy in metastatic lymph nodes discrimination. Conclusions. Compactness as morphological feature and area under time-intensity curve as dynamic feature were the best parameters in identifying metastatic lymph nodes on breast MRI.
Microscopic Understanding of the Carrier Transport Process in Ge Nanocrystals Films
Authors: Shan Dan , Wang Hongyu , Tang Mingjun , Xu Jun
Published: May 2018

Hydrogenated amorphous germanium (a-Ge:H) films were prepared by a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique. Ge nanocrystals (Ge NCs) films were obtained by thermal annealing of the as-deposited samples at various temperatures. P-type behavior in Ge NCs films without any external doping was attributed to the holes accumulation caused by acceptor-like surface states. It can be found that the dark conductivity and Hall mobility reached as high as 25.6 S/cm and 182 cm2/V·s in the Ge NCs film annealed at 500°C, which were increased by over four and three orders of magnitude higher than that of the as-deposited film (1.3 × 10-3 S/cm and 0.14 cm2/V·s, resp.). Carrier transport mechanisms of Ge NCs films association with the microstructural characteristics were investigated. Three kinds of temperature-dependent conductivity behaviors, which exhibit the linear relationships of ln⁡σ versus T-1/4, T-1/2, and T-1, respectively, were observed in the temperature regions from 10 K to 500 K, showing different microscopic mechanisms governing carrier transport in Ge NCs film.
EGF-Mediated Overexpression of Myc Attenuates miR-26b by Recruiting HDAC3 to Induce Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Lens Epithelial Cells
Authors: Dong Ning , Xu Bing , Xu Jingmei
Published: May 2018

The previous study has demonstrated that epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling plays a critical role in the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) through regulating lens epithelial cells (LECs) proliferation. Recent studies have suggested that the residual LECs undergo proliferation and migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the important cause of PCO formation after cataract surgery. EMT of LECs is considered to be playing a central role in the pathogenesis of PCO. In the present study, we investigated whether and how EGF may regulate EMT of LECs. First, we demonstrated that EGF and EGFR signaling induces Myc overexpression in primary human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). In turn, Myc overexpression could inhibit miR-26b by recruitment of HDAC3. Consequently, the downregulated expression of miR-26b increased the expression of EZH2 in primary HLECs. Mechanistically, miR-26b directly controls EZH2 expression by targeting its 3′-UTR in HLECs by luciferase reporter assays. Finally, we demonstrated that EGF induces the expression of EMT markers in primary HLECs via a miR-26b-dependent mechanism. In summary, EGF activated Myc and Myc overexpression inhibited miR-26b by recruitment of HDAC3, which in turn induced the expression of EZH2 and promoted the progression of EMT in HLECs.
Ingestion of Exopolymers from Aureobasidium pullulans Reduces the Duration of Cold and Flu Symptoms: A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Intervention Study
Authors: Lim Jong-Min , Do Eunju , Park Dong-Chan , Jung Go-Woon , Cho Hyung-Rae , Lee Seo-Young , Shin Jae Wook , Baek Kyung Min , Choi Jae-Suk
Published: May 2018

Aim. The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of exopolymers from Aureobasidium pullulans (EAP) on the incidence of colds and flu in healthy adults. Methods. We conducted a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study at the onset of the influenza season. A total of 76 subjects (30–70 years of age) were recruited from the general population. The subjects were instructed to take one capsule per day of either EAP or a placebo for a period of 8 weeks. The duration of cold and flu symptoms, a primary variable in assessing effectiveness, and serum cytokine levels as well as WBC counts as secondary variables were also evaluated. Results. EAP was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the duration of cold and flu symptoms, a primary variable in assessing effectiveness. Although cold and flu symptom levels were not significantly different at a significance level of 5%, the cold and flu symptom levels of the EAP group were less severe compared to the placebo group. No statistically significant changes of serum cytokine levels as well as WBC counts were observed. Conclusion. The results showed that EAP is a useful pharmaceutical and functional food material for preventing and treating colds and flu.
Prostate-Derived Ets Factor (PDEF) Inhibits Metastasis by Inducing Epithelial/Luminal Phenotype in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Fengtian , Koul Sweaty , Shanmugam Prakash S.T. , Dong Qin , Koul Hari K.
Published: May 2018

Metastasis is the primary cause of prostate cancer morbidity and mortality. Our previous studies revealed that Sam pointed domain ETS transcription factor, a.k.a. prostate-derived ETS factor (SPDEF/PDEF), inhibits prostate cancer metastasis. However, the mechanism is still unclear. In this study, using microarray and gene set enrichment analysis, we discovered that PDEF upregulated epithelial/luminal differentiation-related genes while it suppressed stemness and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition–related genes, especially Twist1. We also observed loss of PDEF and gain of Twist1 expression during prostate cancer progression in the TRAMP mouse model. Moreover, Twist1 knockdown resulted in upregulation of PDEF expression, suggesting a reciprocal regulation between PDEF and Twist1. Mechanistically, our ChIP-seq analysis revealed that PDEF directly regulated cytokeratin 18 (CK18) transcription through the GGAT motif within its putative promoter region. CK18 knockdown resulted in increased expression of Twist1, suggesting that PDEF regulated Twist1 in part via CK18. Our analysis of multiple clinical prostate cancer cohorts revealed an inverse relationship between PDEF expression and tumor grade, tumor metastasis, and poor patient survival. Furthermore, a two-gene signature of low PDEF and high Twist1 can better predict poor survival in prostate cancer patients than either gene alone. Collectively, our findings demonstrate PDEF inhibits prostate tumor progression, in part, by directly regulating transcription of CK18, and that PDEF/Twist1 expression could help distinguish between lethal and indolent prostate cancer.

Implications: This study reports the novel findings that PDEF suppresses Twist1 partly via CK18 and that PDEF/Twist1 could help distinguish between lethal and indolent prostate cancer.

Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/16/9/1430/F1.large.jpg. Mol Cancer Res; 16(9); 1430–40. ©2018 AACR.
Acute Opioid-Induced Myoclonic Reaction after Use of Fentanyl as an Anesthetic Drug for an Emergency Cesarean Section
Authors: Almedallah Dana Khaled , Alshamlan Dana Yousef , Shariff Erum Mubbashir
Published: May 2018

Myoclonus is an abnormal involuntary movement that has been previously reported with administration of high doses of opioids for prolonged periods of time. In this case, however, we report an acute myoclonic reaction and review the literature on the possible causative pathophysiology. We report the case of a 24-year-old woman who was admitted for postdated cesarean section. She started to have abnormal involuntary movements after administration of an epidural anesthesia containing 700 μg of fentanyl with 115 mL (0.5) bupivacaine and 40 mL (2%) lidocaine. Upon examination, the patient was conscious, alert, and oriented. Her vital signs were stable. Her movements can be described as generalized, sudden, involuntary, jerking movements, involving the upper limbs, head, torso as well as the lower limbs. The frequency of these jerks was about every 1–2 min lasting for 10 s. There was no change in level of consciousness during these abnormal movements. The rest of the neurological examination was normal. Laboratory values showed normoglycemia and normal serum biochemistry. A routine electroencephalogram showed no epileptiform activity. Brain imaging was normal. Based on history, examination, and laboratory findings, we made the diagnosis of drug-induced myoclonus, which in this clinical scenario was secondary to fentanyl. We discontinued fentanyl and, gradually, the intensity and frequency of the abnormal movements decreased and disappeared after a few hours. A clear definitive explanation of the acute effect of opioids is still to be reached. It involves an interaction of complex neuroanatomical pathways and neurophysiological receptors. Nonetheless, a unanimous effort is needed to raise awareness about the role of opioids in the development of abnormal movements and their clinical management, to insure that they do not go unnoticed in the clinical scenarios, and to further add more scientific content that could help in reaching an explanatory theory.
Diets Supplemented with 1% Egg White Induce Oral Desensitization and Immune Tolerance in an Egg White-Specific Allergic Mouse Model
Authors: Maeta Akihiro , Matsushima Marin , Katahira Risako , Sakamoto Natsumi , Takahashi Kyoko
Published: May 2018

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the required concentration of egg white (EW) in the diet to induce oral desensitization and/or immune tolerance within 4 weeks of oral immunotherapy (OIT) in an EW allergic mouse model. Methods: Female BALB/c mice were systemically sensitized to EW by intraperitoneal injections and subsequently subjected to oral allergen gavage. Sensitized mice were provided 4 weeks of OIT by supplementing with 0 (non-OIT), 0.01, 0.1, or 1% EW in a 20% casein diet. Nonsensitized mice served as the nonallergy group. We performed oral and intraperitoneal EW challenges, assessed vascular permeability in the dorsal skin, and measured allergic biomarkers. Results: The change in rectal temperature after oral challenge was not significantly different between the nonallergy and 1% EW groups, and the frequency of diarrhea in the 1% EW group was lower than that in the non-OIT group. The levels of plasma ovomucoid-specific IgE, IgA, and IgG2a in the 1% EW group at the study endpoint were significantly lower than those in the non-OIT group. IFN-γ and IL-10 secretions of spleen lymphocytes in the 1% EW group were significantly higher than those in the non-OIT group, and the percentage of CD4+Foxp3+ cells in the 1% EW group was higher than that in the non-OIT group. Conclusion: These results suggested that diet supplemented with 1% EW can induce oral desensitization and immune tolerance in the EW allergic mouse model.
Lymphovascular Invasion Increases the Risk of Nodal and Distant Recurrence in Node-Negative Stage I–IIA Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sung Soo Yoon , Kwak Yoo-Kang , Lee Sea-Won , Jo In Young , Park Jae Kil , Kim Kyung Soo , Lee Kyo Young , Kim Yeon-Sil
Published: May 2018

Objectives: Despite complete surgical resection, 30–40% of patients with stage I–IIA non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have recurrences. We aimed to elucidate the effect of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) on the prognosis and patterns of recurrence in patients with pathologically confirmed T1–2N0 NSCLC. Methods: We evaluated 381 patients who underwent complete resection and were diagnosed with pathologic T1–2N0 NSCLC between March 2000 and January 2012. Local recurrence, nodal recurrence, and distant metastasis were defined and analyzed. Results: LVI was present in 72 patients (18.9%). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) for all patients was 69.9%. Patients with LVI showed a significant decrease in 5-year DFS (47.3 vs. 74.4%, p < 0.001). LVI was a significant prognostic predictor in multivariate analysis (p = 0.003). The patients with LVI showed a significantly increased 5-year cumulative incidence of nodal recurrence (22.5 vs. 8.7%, p < 0.001) and distant metastasis (30.4 vs. 14.9%, p = 0.004). However, no difference was shown between the two groups in the 5-year cumulative incidence of local recurrence (p = 0.416). Conclusions: LVI is a negative prognostic factor in patients with stage I–IIA NSCLC. The presence of LVI significantly increases the risk of nodal and distant recurrence.
Impact of Obesity and Ozone on the Association Between Particulate Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Mortality Among US Adults
Authors: Mazidi Mohsen , Speakman John R.
Published: May 2018

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (
CVDs
) and stroke are the highest and third highest causes of death, respectively, in the whole United States. It is well established that both long‐ and short‐term exposure to particulate air pollution (particulate matter with diameters <2.5 μm [
PM
2.5
]) increases the risks of both
CVD
and stroke mortality.

Methods and Results

We combined county‐level data for
CVD
and stroke mortality, and prevalence of hypertension and obesity, with spatial patterns of
PM
2.5
and ozone in a cross‐sectional ecological study. We found significant positive associations between both
CVD
(β=15.4,
P
<0.001) and stroke (β=2.7,
P
<0.001) mortality with
PM
2.5
. Ozone had significant link with just
CVD
(β=1372.1,
P
<0.001). Once poverty, ethnicity, and education were taken into account, there were still significant positive associations between
PM
2.5
and both
CVD
(β=1.2,
P
<0.001) and stroke (β=1.1,
P
<0.001) mortality. Moreover, the association between
CVD
and ozone remained after adjustment for these factors (β=21.8,
P
<0.001).
PM
2.5
and ozone were independent risk factors. The impact of
PM
2.5
on
CVD
and stroke mortality was strongly dependent on the prevalence of obesity. Hypertension partially mediated the associations of
PM
2.5
and mortality from
CVD
and stroke.

Conclusions

There was a spatial association between
PM
2.5
exposure and the leading causes of death and disability in United States. The effect of
PM
2.5
was considerably greater in areas where obesity is more prevalent. Hypertension is a possible mediator of the association of
PM
2.5
and both
CVD
and stroke.
Risk Prediction of Atrial Fibrillation Based on Electrocardiographic Interatrial Block
Authors: Skov Morten W. , Ghouse Jonas , Kühl Jørgen T. , Platonov Pyotr G. , Graff Claus , Fuchs Andreas , Rasmussen Peter V. , Pietersen Adrian , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Hansen Steen M. , Olesen Morten S. , Haunsø Stig , Køber Lars , Gerds Thomas A. , Kofoed Klaus F. , Svendsen Jesper H. , Holst Anders G. , Nielsen Jonas B.
Published: May 2018

Background

The electrocardiographic interatrial block (
IAB
) has been associated with atrial fibrillation (
AF
). We aimed to test whether
IAB
can improve risk prediction of
AF
for the individual person.

Methods and Results

Digital ECGs of 152 759 primary care patients aged 50 to 90 years were collected from 2001 to 2011. We identified individuals with P‐wave ≥120 ms and the presence of none, 1, 2, or 3 biphasic P‐waves in inferior leads. Data on comorbidity, medication, and outcomes were obtained from nationwide registries. We observed a dose‐response relationship between the number of biphasic P‐waves in inferior leads and the hazard of
AF
during follow‐up. Discrimination of the 10‐year outcome of
AF
, measured by time‐dependent area under the curve, was increased by 1.09% (95% confidence interval 0.43–1.74%) for individuals with cardiovascular disease at baseline (
CVD
) and 1.01% (95% confidence interval 0.40–1.62%) for individuals without
CVD
, when
IAB
was added to a conventional risk model for
AF
. The highest effect of
IAB
on the absolute risk of
AF
was observed in individuals aged 60 to 70 years with
CVD
. In this subgroup, the 10‐year risk of
AF
was 50% in those with advanced
IAB
compared with 10% in those with a normal P‐wave. In general, individuals with advanced
IAB
and no
CVD
had a higher risk of
AF
than patients with
CVD
and no
IAB
.

Conclusions

IAB
improves risk prediction of
AF
when added to a conventional risk model. Clinicians may consider monitoring patients with
IAB
more closely for the occurrence of
AF
, especially for high‐risk subgroups.
Trends in Healthcare Expenditures Among US Adults With Hypertension: National Estimates, 2003–2014
Authors: Kirkland Elizabeth B. , Heincelman Marc , Bishu Kinfe G. , Schumann Samuel O. , Schreiner Andrew , Axon R. Neal , Mauldin Patrick D. , Moran William P.
Published: May 2018

Background

One in 3
US
adults has high blood pressure, or hypertension. As prior projections suggest hypertension is the costliest of all cardiovascular diseases, it is important to define the current state of healthcare expenditures related to hypertension.

Methods and Results

We used a nationally representative database, the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, to calculate the estimated annual healthcare expenditure for patients with hypertension and to measure trends in expenditure longitudinally over a 12‐year period. A 2‐part model was used to estimate adjusted incremental expenditures for individuals with hypertension versus those without hypertension. Sex, race/ethnicity, education, insurance status, census region, income, marital status, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and year category were included as covariates. The 2003–2014 pooled data include a total sample of 224 920 adults, of whom 36.9% had hypertension. Unadjusted mean annual medical expenditure attributable to patients with hypertension was $9089. Relative to individuals without hypertension, individuals with hypertension had $1920 higher annual adjusted incremental expenditure, 2.5 times the inpatient cost, almost double the outpatient cost, and nearly triple the prescription medication expenditure. Based on the prevalence of hypertension in the United States, the estimated adjusted annual incremental cost is $131 billion per year higher for the hypertensive adult population compared with the nonhypertensive population.

Conclusions

Individuals with hypertension are estimated to face nearly $2000 higher annual healthcare expenditure compared with their nonhypertensive peers. This trend has been relatively stable over 12 years. Healthcare costs associated with hypertension account for about $131 billion. This warrants intense effort toward hypertension prevention and management.
Computational Stylometric Approach to the Dead Sea Scrolls
Authors: Van Hecke Pierre
Published: May 2018

The question of how to classify the different texts of the Dead Sea Scrolls is a central issue in scholarship. There is little agreement or even little reflection, however, on the methodology with which these classifications should be made.

This article argues that recent developments in computational stylometry address these methodological issues and that the approach therefore constitutes a necessary addition to existing scholarship. The first section briefly introduces the recent developments in computational stylometry, while the second tests the feasibility of a stylometric approach for research on the Scrolls. Taking into account the particular challenges of the corpus, an exploratory methodology is described, and its first results are presented. In the third and final section, directions for future research in the field are articulated.
Prisoners’ Perceptions of Legitimacy of Prison Staff in Slovenia
Authors: Hacin Rok
Published: May 2018

This paper focuses on prisoners’ perceptions of legitimacy of prison staff in Slovenian prisons and the influence of progressiveness of the prison regime on these perceptions. The purpose of the study is to identify those factors that influence prisoners’ perceptions of legitimacy of the prison staff and to test different models of studying legitimacy in the post-socialist prison environment. Possible differences in prisoners’ perceptions of legitimacy in different prison regimes in Slovenia will be explored. Results of regression analyses highlighted the fact that procedural justice, distributive justice, trust in authority, effectiveness of the prison staff, prison regime, age, relations with prisoners, relations with the prison staff, and obligation to obey, all predict prisoners’ perceptions of legitimacy. Results of discriminant analysis revealed the differences between prisoners in open, semi-open, and closed departments. The implications of these findings are discussed in the conclusion.
Reading Karl Barth in Indonesia: Retrospect and Prospect
Authors: Saragih Denni Boy
Published: May 2018

The paper explores the reception of Karl Barth’s theology in Indonesia by engaging with select theologians who wrote introductions to his theology in the local language. It argues that Barth’s theology can contribute fruitfully to local conversations only if more patience and understanding are reflected in the theological engagement. However, this is not yet the case, as exemplified in several select theologians, who are introduced and assessed in a retrospective evaluation of local reception. Despite some hopeful recent developments, more serious engagements need to be done before his theology could meaningfully interact with local questions and insights. In prospect, the paper suggests several theological loci that are potentially insightful for future conversations.