bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term outcomes of melody valve‐in‐valve implantation for bioprosthetic mitral valve dysfunction
Authors: Joseph Timothy A. , Eleid Mackram F. , Cabalka Allison K. , Maalouf Joseph F. , Rihal Charanjit S.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

This study reports long‐term outcomes percutaneous Melody valve (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) valve‐in‐valve therapy in patients with prosthetic valve dysfunction.

Background

Repeat valve surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Transcatheter mitral valve‐in‐valve is a promising alternative in patients at high‐risk for cardiac surgery.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 13 patients who underwent Melody valve‐in‐valve for bioprosthetic dysfunction from July 2011 to October 2013.

Results

Mean age was 74.4 years, 46% male, and STS score 13.5 ± 6.8%. All patients had NYHA class 3 or 4 symptoms with improvement to class 1 or 2 in 82% post procedure. Median follow‐up was 4.5 years with longest follow‐up of 5.5 years. Thirty‐day mortality was 15.4% with 1‐year mortality of 25% and no other reported deaths until 4.5 years. 76.9% of patients had mitral gradient of 5 mmHg or less immediately postprocedure. One patient required repeat valve procedure for structural deterioration at 4.4 years. At 1, 3, and 5 year follow‐ups 75% of patients were NYHA class 1 or 2, mean gradients were 4.5 ± 0.6, 6.8 ± 0.5, and 7.5 ± 0.7, respectively. Using 4‐point scale, mitral regurgitation postprocedure was 0.8 ± 0.6. At 1, 3, and 5 years this increased to 1.0 ± 1.1, 1.3 ± 1.3, and 2.5 ± 2.1, respectively.

Conclusions

Melody valve‐in‐valve therapy was effective with 1‐year symptomatic improvement. Prosthesis deterioration requiring repeat intervention was observed in one patient. Larger cohorts with multicenter registries are needed to determine the role of this percutaneous valve‐in‐valve therapy as valve technology and procedural techniques improve.
Complication of solar branding: Report of a case and the review of the literature
Authors: Asif Mohammed , Quiroga Luis , Sabo Anthony , Caffrey Julie
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical Message

Branding is a type of scarification, a body modification that permanently transforms the skin by causing a visible scar. For centuries, it has been used on the skin of animals and slaves as well as criminals to convey ownership and also as a proof of guilt. More recently (in the 20th and 21st centuries), branding has become a symbol of personal identity, rites of passage, spiritual beliefs, and body decoration in some particular microcultures. Different means have been classically used to perform the desired branding designs including electrocautery, laser, chemicals, freezing, or a heated metal stencil. Solar branding is a new concept that involves using a focusing lens and a light source, usually the sunlight, to induce thermal injury. It is an emerging technique to perform body modifications and tattooing. As with other types of branding, solar branding also has its complications which may require surgical excision and grafting. We present a case of an acute skin infection following solar branding body modification, which to our knowledge is the first case reported in the literature.
Superior vena cava obstruction post laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A case report
Authors: Mungazi Simbarashe Gift , Gwini Rudo , Magara Munyaradzi S
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical Message

Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion of superior vena cava obstruction in a patient presenting with painful lateral neck and ipsilateral chest swelling post laparoscopic procedures. High doses of Clexane can be used as a substitute for thrombolytic therapy where it is contraindicated.
Advanced ZnSnS3@rGO Anode Material for Superior Sodium‐Ion and Lithium‐Ion Storage with Ultralong Cycle Life
Authors: Jia Hao , Dirican Mahmut , Sun Na , Chen Chen , Yan Chaoyi , Zhu Pei , Dong Xia , Du Zhuang , Cheng Hui , Guo Jiansheng , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: November 2018

A novel and facile approach has been utilized to synthesize zinc tin sulfide@reduced graphene oxide (ZnSnS3@rGO) through aqueous reaction of Na2SnO3 and Zn(CH3COO)2, combined with a subsequent solvothermal reaction and an annealing process. The as‐prepared ZnSnS3@rGO nanocomposite exhibited an excellent sodium‐ and lithium‐ion‐storage performance with large specific capacity, high rate capability, and ultralong cycle life. When used in Na‐ion cells, the ZnSnS3@rGO nanocomposite delivered a capacity of 472.2 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and retained a specific capacity of 401.2 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles. In Li‐ion cells, the ZnSnS3@rGO nanocomposite delivered a capacity of 959.2 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 and maintained a specific capacity of 551.3 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 1 A g−1 upon 500 cycles. The electrochemical performance results reveal that the integration of uniformly dispersed metal elements and an interconnected carbon matrix could help release the stress of volumetric excursion and provide fast electron/ion transport, leading to a remarkable electrochemical performance.
Loudspeaker triplet selection based on low distortion within head for multichannel conversion of smart 3D home theater
Authors: Li Dengshi , Hu Ruimin , Wang Xiaochen , Tu Weiping
Published: November 2018

In recent years, with the vigorous development of 3D film industry, the demand for 3D Smart Home Theater, based on Internet of Things (IoT), continues to grow. Theaters are populated with a large number of loudspeakers for more realistic 3D sound effects. However the number of loudspeakers in home is limited. Therefore, multichannel conversion is required to achieve theater 3D sound effects in home. Traditionally, the replaced loudspeaker signal of the original system is assigned to a “loudspeaker triplet” of the converted system. A large amount of subjective evaluations is necessary to judge the consistency of the replaced loudspeaker position with the “phantom source” positions reconstructed by loudspeaker triplets. In this study, after calculating the least‐squares errors of the reproduced sound field within a given region, we explore the constraint between the low distortion of the reproduced sound field and the loudspeaker triplet positions. Using this constraint rule, we present a new loudspeaker triplet selection criteria that can greatly reduce the number and time of subjective evaluations for selecting the optimal loudspeaker triplet. Simulation and subjective evaluation experiments indicate that the proposed selection method outperforms the traditional method, and that the proposed method can be successfully applied to multichannel conversion.
Identifiability of Biologicals in Adverse Drug Reaction Reports Received From European Clinical Practice
Authors: Vermeer Niels S. , Giezen Thijs J. , Zastavnik Sofia , Wolff‐Holz Elena , Hidalgo‐Simon Ana
Published: November 2018

Biologicals are established treatment options that require pharmacovigilance adapted to their specific nature, including the need for products to be identifiable up to the specific manufacturer in reports of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This study explored the identifiability of 10 classes of similar and related biologicals up to the level of the manufacturer in ADR reports received from European clinical practice between 2011 and June 2016. Adequate identifiers were reported for 96.7% of the suspected biologicals, ranging from 89.5% for filgrastim to 99.8% for interferon beta‐1a. The product identifiability remained consistently high over time for classes of biologicals for which biosimilars were introduced during follow‐up. The overall batch traceability was, however, only ensured for 20.5% of the suspected biologicals and needs further improvement. This study shows that the European system for identification of ADRs to the level of the manufacturer is robust, allowing for the timely detection of potential product‐specific safety signals for biologicals.
Direct Growth of MoO2/Reduced Graphene Oxide Hollow Sphere Composites as Advanced Anode Materials for Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Cailing , Luo Shaohua , Huang Hongbo , Zhai Yuchun , Wang Zhaowen
Published: November 2018

Hollow MoO2/reduced graphene oxide (MoO2/rGO) sub‐microsphere composites have been fabricated through a simple hydrothermal approach followed by a heat treatment process. When employed as an anode material for potassium‐ion batteries, the as‐synthesized MoO2/rGO composite can deliver an initial charge specific capacity of 367.2 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1, and its reversible capacity is 218.9 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles. Even when cycled at 500 mA g−1, a high charge specific capacity of 104.2 mAh g−1 is achieved after 500 cycles. The excellent cycling capability and rate performance may be ascribed to the synergistic effects of the reduced graphene oxide and the hollow MoO2 spheres, which can increase the electrical conductivity of the composite, as well as resisting the strain arising from the repeated discharge–charge processes. These results indicate that the MoO2/rGO hollow sphere composites are promising negative electrode materials for potassium‐ion batteries.
The diagnostic value of parathyroid hormone washout in primary hyperparathyroidism patients with negative or equivocal 99 m Tc‐MIBI results
Authors: Aydın Cevdet , Polat Sefika Burcak , Dellal Fatma Dilek , Kaya Cafer , Dogan Hayriye Tatlı , Turkolmez Seyda , Kılıç Mehmet , Ersoy Reyhan , Çakır Bekir
Published: November 2018

Background and objectives

The accurate identification of hyper functioning parathyroid gland is needed for definitive surgical treatment in primary hyperparathyroidism. Ultrasonography and 99mTechnetium sestamibi scintigraphy are the two most used methods with varying sensitivities. This study aimed to assess the value of parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay in preoperative ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (FNA)‐PTH washout fluid to verify the correct localisation of lesions with negative or inconclusive scintigraphy results.

Methods

We evaluated data of 28 lesions in 21 patients who underwent US‐guided parathyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) with PTH washout, retrospectively. The PTH washout results and the reports of parathyroid surgery and imaging studies were reviewed.

Results

Of operated 28 lesions 23 had positive and 5 had negative washout results. The median FNA‐PTH washout was 2315.5 pg/ ml (min–max: 12.3‐6978 pg/ ml). The calculated sensitivity of FNA‐PTH washout was 85.7% and the specifity was 28.6%. The positive and negative predictive values were 78.3% and 40.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

FNA‐PTH can be used to establish the nature of the lesion, discriminate parathyroid gland from thyroid lesions or cervical lymph nodes, improving the surgical outcomes. It can be used to localise parathyroid lesions preoperatively when negative or discordant ultrasound and scintigraphy findings are obtained.
Cadherin‐7 mediates proper neural crest cell–placodal neuron interactions during trigeminal ganglion assembly
Authors: Wu Chyong‐Yi , Taneyhill Lisa A.
Published: November 2018

The cranial trigeminal ganglia play a vital role in the peripheral nervous system through their relay of sensory information from the vertebrate head to the brain. These ganglia are generated from the intermixing and coalescence of two distinct cell populations: cranial neural crest cells and placodal neurons. Trigeminal ganglion assembly requires the formation of cadherin‐based adherens junctions within the neural crest cell and placodal neuron populations; however, the molecular composition of these adherens junctions is still unknown. Herein, we aimed to define the spatio‐temporal expression pattern and function of Cadherin‐7 during early chick trigeminal ganglion formation. Our data reveal that Cadherin‐7 is expressed exclusively in migratory cranial neural crest cells and is absent from trigeminal neurons. Using molecular perturbation experiments, we demonstrate that modulation of Cadherin‐7 in neural crest cells influences trigeminal ganglion assembly, including the organization of neural crest cells and placodal neurons within the ganglionic anlage. Moreover, alterations in Cadherin‐7 levels lead to changes in the morphology of trigeminal neurons. Taken together, these findings provide additional insight into the role of cadherin‐based adhesion in trigeminal ganglion formation, and, more broadly, the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate the cellular interactions essential for cranial gangliogenesis.
Decreasing brown bear (Ursus arctos) habitat due to climate change in Central Asia and the Asian Highlands
Authors: Su Junhu , Aryal Achyut , Hegab Ibrahim M. , Shrestha Uttam Babu , Coogan Sean C. P. , Sathyakumar Sambandam , Dalannast Munkhnast , Dou Zhigang , Suo Yila , Dabu Xilite , Fu Hongyan , Wu Liji , Ji Weihong
Published: November 2018

Around the world, climate change has impacted many species. In this study, we used bioclimatic variables and biophysical layers of Central Asia and the Asian Highlands combined with presence data of brown bear (Ursus arctos) to understand their current distribution and predict their future distribution under the current rate of climate change. Our bioclimatic model showed that the current suitable habitat of brown bear encompasses 3,430,493 km2 in the study area, the majority of which (>65%) located in China. Our analyses demonstrated that suitable habitat will be reduced by 11% (378,861.30 km2) across Central Asia and the Asian Highlands by 2,050 due to climate change, predominantly (>90%) due to the changes in temperature and precipitation. The spatially averaged mean annual temperature of brown bear habitat is currently −1.2°C and predicted to increase to 1.6°C by 2,050. Mean annual precipitation in brown bear habitats is predicted to increase by 13% (from 406 to 459 mm) by 2,050. Such changes in two critical climatic variables may significantly affect the brown bear distribution, ethological repertoires, and physiological processes, which may increase their risk of extirpation in some areas. Approximately 32% (1,124,330 km2) of the total suitable habitat falls within protected areas, which was predicted to reduce to 1,103,912 km2 (1.8% loss) by 2,050. Future loss of suitable habitats inside the protected areas may force brown bears to move outside the protected areas thereby increasing their risk of mortality. Therefore, more protected areas should be established in the suitable brown bear habitats in future to sustain populations in this region. Furthermore, development of corridors is needed to connect habitats between protected areas of different countries in Central Asia. Such practices will facilitate climate migration and connectivity among populations and movement between and within countries.
Persistence at the final stage of volcanic island ontogeny: Abiotic predictors explain native plant species richness on 111 remote Pacific atolls
Authors: Larrue Sébastien , Butaud Jean‐François , Daehler Curtis C. , Ballet Stéphane , Chadeyron Julien , Oyono Roger
Published: November 2018

Aim

The final island ontogeny of the general dynamic model (GDM) (i.e., before island submergence) in tropical oceans corresponds to the coral atoll stage. Here, we examined whether the species richness of native vascular plants (indigenous and endemic species) on atolls is controlled by spatial and/or physical processes. We also predicted that atolls strongly affected by anthropogenic disturbance would have lower native species richness than predicted by spatial and physical processes.

Location

Marshall Islands, Kiribati Islands, Nauru, Niue, Johnston, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Pitcairn Islands (Pacific Ocean).

Taxon

Native vascular plants.

Methods

We used stepwise regression to test the relative influence of five biogeographic variables on native species richness. Relationships were assessed for the full set of 111 Pacific coral atolls, as well as for atoll subsets ranging from 9 to 45 atolls. An index of human impact was then estimated, and residuals in the regression model predicting species richness from biogeographic variables were compared with the level of human impact.

Results

A regression model including atoll area, highest atoll elevation, the stepping stone distances from the nearest raised atoll and volcanic island explained native species richness on the 111 Pacific coral atolls. Regression models for different archipelagos and atoll subsets were also significant. Endemic species richness was significantly linked with highest atoll elevation and the stepping stone distances from the nearest raised atoll. Residuals in the biogeographic regression model were barely related to human impact across the 111 atolls but were significantly related to human impact in the Kiribati atolls.

Main conclusions

Native species richness on atolls is mainly controlled by physical and spatial characteristics. However, anthropogenic disturbances have altered the predicted pattern of native species richness leading to a lower model fit in some atoll subsets.
Variation in mandible development and its relationship to dependence on parents across burying beetles
Authors: Benowitz Kyle M. , Sparks Madeline E. , McKinney Elizabeth C. , Moore Patricia J. , Moore Allen J.
Published: November 2018

Background

In species with parental care, there is striking variation in offspring dependence at birth, ranging from feeding independence to complete dependency on parents for nutrition. Frequently, highly dependent offspring further evolve reductions or alterations of morphological traits that would otherwise promote self‐sufficiency. Here, we examine evidence for morphological evolution associated with dependence in burying beetles (Nicrophorusspp.), in which dependence upon parents appears to have several independent origins. In many species, precocial first instar larvae can survive without parenting, but several altricial species die at this stage on their own. We focused specifically on the mandibles, which are expected to be related to feeding ability and therefore independence from parents.

Results

We find no evidence that the size of the mandible is related to dependence on parents. However, we do find a developmental and phylogenetic correlation between independence and the presence of serrations on the inner edge of the mandible. Mandibles of independent species bear serrations at hatching, whereas dependent species hatch with smooth mandibles, only developing serrations in the second instar when these larvae gain the ability to survive on their own. Phylogenetic evidence suggests that serrations coincide with independence repeatedly. We note a single exception to this trend, a beetle with a serrated mandible that cannot survive without parents. However, this exception occurs in a species that has recently evolved the loss of independence.

Conclusions

We argue that the absence of mandible serrations occurs due to alternative selection pressures incurred in larvae dependent upon parents to survive. We suggest that this may have led to a variable function for mandibles, perhaps related to increased competitive ability among siblings or increased efficiency in receiving nutrition from parents. Furthermore, we propose that the phylogenetic pattern we see is consistent with the long‐held evolutionary hypothesis that evolutionary change in behavior and physiology precede morphological change.
Transient flow in wellbores and phase transition of CO2 during formation supercritical CO2 invasion
Authors: Dou Liangbin , Zhang Ming , Bi Gang , Li Tiantai
Published: November 2018

CO2 reservoirs and high CO2 content gas reservoirs in marine sediments generally have complex pressure system, which usually encounters supercritical CO2(SC‐CO2) invasion into the wellbore during drilling process. The wellbore transient flow and phase transition along the wellbore during the drilling process has not been thoroughly investigated, because the CO2 physical properties and the reservoirs petrophysical properties could affect the transient flow of mixed fluid and phase transition of CO2 along the well. A numerical model is presented in this research to analyze the transient flow in wellbores and to predict phase transition of CO2 during formation SC‐CO2 invasion in the drilling process. The main considerations were the following: multiphase transient flow in wellbores was coupled with the non‐Darcy flow through the formation; wellbore temperature, pressure and the mixture of drilling fluid and SC‐CO2 were calculated in the method of coupling; the invaded SC‐CO2 could affect the mixed fluid physical properties in the annulus; the change of physical properties of CO2 (eg, solubility, phase transition) was considered and integrated. The research results indicate that as the mixture of drilling fluid and SC‐CO2 flows from the bottom to the surface, the invaded CO2 is difficult to be detected at the early invasion stage because of high CO2 density and solubility; the CO2 would change from supercritical to gas phase and the dissolved quantity and density of CO2 rapidly decrease near the wellhead, and further cause well‐control issues. Furthermore, the bottom‐hole pressure (BHP) would decrease and could not provide sufficient balance to the formation pressure, which could significantly increase the risk of well blowout. Sensitivity analysis was utilized to evaluate the effects of the choke pressure, drilling fluid pumping rate, initial pressure difference, reservoir permeability, and drilled reservoir thickness on the BHP and the depth of phase transition of CO2.
Unmet supportive care needs in patients treated with total laryngectomy and its associated factors
Authors: Jansen Femke , Eerenstein Simone Elisabeth Jacoba , Lissenberg‐Witte Birgit Ilja , van Uden‐Kraan Cornelia Foekje , Leemans Charles René , Verdonck‐de Leeuw Irma Maria
Published: November 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate unmet supportive care needs in patients treated with total laryngectomy and its associated factors.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 283 patients who underwent total laryngectomy completed questions on supportive care needs (Supportive Care Needs Survey [SCNS]). Median time since total laryngectomy surgery was 7 years (range 0‐37 years). The prevalence of unmet supportive care needs and its associated factors were investigated using logistic regression analyses.

Results

Unmet supportive care needs were highest for the head and neck cancer‐specific functioning domain (53%), followed by the psychological (39%), physical and daily living (37%), health system, information, and patient support (35%), sexuality (23%), and lifestyle (5%) domains. Seventy‐one percent reported at least one low, moderate, or high unmet need. Female sex, living alone, and having a voice prosthesis were positively associated with unmet needs on 1 domain (P < .05). A worse health‐related quality of life was associated with unmet needs on all domains.

Conclusion

The majority of patients who underwent total laryngectomy report at least one low, moderate, or high unmet supportive care need.
The non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium induces abnormal embryogenesis and delayed lethal effects in early life stage zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Horie Yoshifumi , Yamagishi Takahiro , Yagi Ayano , Shintaku Yoko , Iguchi Taisen , Tatarazako Norihisa
Published: November 2018

Diclofenac sodium, a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug widely used in both human and veterinary medicine, has been detected in aquatic environments; therefore, its ecotoxicological effects on aquatic organisms need to be clarified. Recently, toxicity testing using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos has been recommended from the point of view of animal welfare; therefore, we investigated the suitability of using sub‐lethal endpoints observed during embryogenesis for predicting lethal effects in early life stage zebrafish exposed to diclofenac sodium. After exposure to diclofenac sodium (0.4‐7.0 mg/L) from 2 hours post‐fertilization to 30 days post‐hatching, abnormal embryogenesis, characterized by the presence of edema and body curvature, was observed in the 7.0 mg/L exposure group but not in any other groups including controls. The body curvature was found to be the result of abnormal development of the spine. All abnormal embryos hatched without delay, but died within 1 week after hatching, suggesting that the combination of the sub‐lethal endpoints of edema and abnormal development of the spine during embryogenesis may predict lethal effects in early life stage zebrafish exposed to diclofenac sodium. Further investigations to verify these findings are needed. The value of the no observed effect concentrations for the embryogenesis, survival and growth endpoints were 3.5, 1.8 and >3.5 mg/L, respectively.
Circulating CEA‐dNLR score predicts clinical outcome of metastatic gallbladder cancer patient
Authors: Du Jing‐Hui , Lu Jun
Published: November 2018

Background

Cancer‐related inflammation promotes gallbladder tumorigenesis and metastasis of gallbladder cancer (mGBC). The levels of circulating inflammatory‐related cell and protein as well as the ratios of them may imply the severity of chronic inflammation in GBC patients, and all of them are candidate prognostic biomarkers for mGBC.

Materials and methods

In our study, pre‐treatment circulating immune cell, fibrinogen (Fib), albumin (Alb), and pre‐albumin (pAlb) were detected in 220 mGBC patients, and we calculated neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Alb‐to‐Fib ratio (AFR), and Fib‐to‐pAlb ratio (FPR) replying on the detection. Three years’ follow‐up was carried out in those patients, and we investigated the possible associations between those biomarkers and three years’ overall survival (OS) of these patients using X‐tile software, Kaplan‐Meier curve, Cox regression, and time‐dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC).

Results

Our results showed that OS of the patients with high pAlb and LMR was significantly superior to the cases with the low biomarkers, respectively. However, survival of the cases with high CEA, dNLR, and FPR was significantly inferior to the patients with low levels of those biomarkers. Area under the curve (AUC) of time‐dependent ROC of CEA and dNLR was higher than pAlb, LMR, and FPR, respectively. Additionally, higher CEA‐dNLR score (adjusted HR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.01‐4.51 for the score one; adjusted HR = 4.99, 95% CI = 2.32‐7.21 for the score two) was significantly associated with reduced survival of the patients, and AUC of the score for predicting clinical outcome of mGBC patients was 0.756, and it was significantly higher than the single CEA and dNLR, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings implied that pretreatment CEA‐dNLR score was superior to the other biomarkers to predict OS of mGBC patients, and it was an independent prognostic factor for the disease.
Evaluation of biological variation of glycated hemoglobin and glycated albumin in healthy Chinese subjects
Authors: Liang Libo , He He , Zeng Yuping , Zhang Mei , Wang Xia , Li Xiaoling , Liang Shanshan , An Zhenmei , Huang Hengjian
Published: November 2018

Background

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and glycated serum albumin (GSA) are used to evaluate the mean blood glucose levels. To ensure safe clinical application of HbA1c and GSA, reliable biological variation (BV) data are required. The aim of this research was to define the BV of HbA1c and GSA employing stringent rules.

Methods

Blood samples were drawn from 19 healthy subjects (10 females, nine males) once per week for 5 weeks. All samples were analyzed using enzymatic method for GSA and HPLC for HbA1c. The data were assessed for outliers, normality and variance homogeneity, and coefficient of variation (by ANOVA) for BV. Sex‐stratified BV including within‐subject (CVI) and between‐subject (CVG) was defined for HbA1c and GSA.

Results

The following estimates for BV values for CVI and CVG, respectively, were GSA: 1.23% and 4.67%, Alb: 0.75% and 3.18%, and HbA1c: 0.12% and 2.91%. The RCV of GSA was 3.61%, and HbA1c was 1.41%. And the II was 0.26 for GSA, and 0.07 for HbA1c, both of them less than 0.6. According to the 95% CI, the CVI of HbA1c was statistically different between females and males. And both the CVG of HbA1c and GSA were statistically different between females and males.

Conclusion

All CVI and CVG estimates were lower than those reported in the online BV database. And there is a significant difference between males and females. Analytical performance specifications derived from BV of this research can be applied internationally.
Prevalence of food‐allergen and aeroallergen sensitization among people in Sichuan, Western China: An 8‐year observational study
Authors: Huang Zhuochun , Feng Weihua , Wei Wei , Yang Bin , Wang Lanlan
Published: November 2018

Background

Identifying the distribution of allergens is invaluable to effective diagnosis and treatment of allergic disease. The present study aims to analyze the epidemiology of allergens in Sichuan, Western China.

Methods

A total of 14 030 participants including 8031 men and 5999 women were enrolled in this study during 2007‐2014 in West China Hospital. An assay testing for the presence of allergen‐specific IgE was used to identify highly immunogenic allergens.

Results

Of the 14 030 total participants, 3470 (24.72%) were sensitive to at least one of tested allergens. The most immunogenic allergens were mite mix (1876, 13.38%), crab (876, 6.24%), sea‐fish mix (865, 6.16%), house dust (355, 2.54%), and cockroach (292, 2.08%). The differences between population of participants who were sensitive to food allergens and aeroallergens were statistically significant in 0 to 10, 11 to 20, 21 to 30, 41 to 50, and 51 to 60 year‐old age‐groups (all P < 0.05). Distributions of three food allergens and two aeroallergens were significantly different between male and female participants. There was also an increase in sensitization to cow's milk, mutton, sea‐fish, and mould that was observed in the 71 to 90 year‐old group.

Conclusion

The most common allergens presented in Sichuan were observed to be mites, crab, sea‐fish, and house dust. There was an observable difference in sensitivity to five allergens between males and females. Additionally, aeroallergens appeared to have a greater immunogenic effect in younger populations while the elderly presented with increased sensitization to specific allergens, suggesting that specific allergens' immunogenicity was age‐dependent.
Expression pattern and histone acetylation of energy metabolic genes in Xenopus laevis liver in response to diet statuses
Authors: Tamaoki Keiji , Ishihara Akinori , Yamauchi Kiyoshi
Published: November 2018

Amphibians can survive without food for relatively longer periods by reducing the locomotor activity and metabolic rate and can recover quickly with refeeding from a dormant state. To clarify the molecular mechanism underlying this survival strategy, we investigated serum biochemical parameters, the transcript levels of energy metabolic genes, and global and gene‐specific histone modifications in the liver of adult male Xenopus laevis, which were fed, fasted, or refed after fasting. Glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and free fatty–acid levels in sera decreased with fasting for 22 days, with only glucose levels recovered with 1 day of refeeding. The transcript levels of two‐thirds of energy metabolic genes tested decreased with fasting for 22 days and partially recovered with 1 day of refeeding. The transcript levels of gluconeogenesis and lipid catabolism genes did not increase with fasting for 22 days. The Western blot analysis revealed no significant differences in the amounts of acetylated and methylated histones in the liver among the three groups on Day 22. The amounts of acetylated histone H4 did not change in diet‐response genes, although the transcript levels of these genes quickly responded to fasting and refeeding. Our results indicate that
Xenopus liver may respond to fasting toward an overall decrease in transcriptional activity and to refeeding toward quick recovery, despite no significant changes in histone acetylation level. This unusual unresponsiveness of histone acetylation to diet conditions may serve as an effective adaptation strategy to minimize energy demands during fasting and to quickly respond to refeeding.
T wave oversensing in subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator secondary to hematoma formation: A potential cause of early postimplantation inappropriate shocks
Authors: Halawa Ahmad , Gautam Sandeep
Published: November 2018

T wave oversensing (TWOS) is the most common cause of inappropriate shocks in subcutaneous cardioverter‐defibrillators (S‐ICD). We are presenting a patient with severe ischemic cardiomyopathy who received a S‐ICD while on antiplatelets therapy. Pressure dressing was applied due to significant bleeding. On the first postoperative day, the device delivered 26 inappropriate shocks after removal of the pressure dressing. Interrogation revealed new TWOS, likely related to changes in the sensing vectors after hematoma formation.
Simultaneous leadless pacemaker and subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation—When vascular options have run out
Authors: Ng Jit Beng , Chua Kelvin , Teo Wee Siong
Published: November 2018

An end‐stage renal failure patient who was planned for a left brachioaxillary arteriovenous graft required an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator for secondary prevention of ventricular tachycardia and a pacemaker for complete heart block but was found to have a right subclavian venous occlusion. Due to the lack of vascular access, we performed a successful subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) and leadless pacemaker implantation. There was no interaction between the devices at the time of implantation, during defibrillation testing and following an appropriate defibrillation therapy.
Implantable loop recorder in clinical practice
Authors: Bisignani Antonio , De Bonis Silvana , Mancuso Luigi , Ceravolo Gianluca , Bisignani Giovanni
Published: November 2018

The implantable loop recorder (ILR), also known as insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) is a subcutaneous device used for diagnosing heart rhythm disorders. These devices have been strongly improved and miniaturized during the last years showing several reliable features along with the availability of remote monitoring which improves the diagnostic timing and the follow‐up strategy with a potential reduction of costs for health care. The recent advent of injectable ILRs makes the procedure even easier and more tolerated by patients. ILR allows the investigation of unexplained recurrent syncope with uncertain diagnosis, revealing a possible relationship with cardiac arrhythmias. In addition, it has recently been equipped with sophisticated algorithms able to detect atrial fibrillation episodes. This new opportunity may provide to the physicians systematic heart rhythm screening with possible effects on patient antiarrhythmic and anticoagulant therapy management. The use of such devices will surely increase, since they may be helpful to diagnose a wide range of disorders and pathologies. Indeed, further studies should be performed in order to identify all the potentialities of these tools.
Quality control and homogenization of monthly extreme air temperature of Ukraine
Authors: Skrynyk Oleg , Aguilar Enric , Skrynyk Olesya , Sidenko Vladyslav , Boichuk Dmytro , Osadchyi Volodymyr
Published: November 2018

Digital databases of monthly means of daily extreme, minimum (Tn) and maximum (Tx) air temperature collected in Ukraine were created. The databases contain temperature records of 371/340 (Tn/Tx) climatological stations which recorded data on the territory of Ukraine anytime during 1881–2015. The significant part of the data sets (~48/47%) was obtained after conducting a data rescue process, recovering historical paper records. Due to a great deal of missing data during World War I and II, homogenization was possible to perform only for 178 time series covering the period of 1946–2015. A homogenization procedure, conducted by means of the HOMER software, revealed 323 break points for minimum temperature (~1.8 breaks per station) and 310 for maximum temperature (~1.7 breaks per station). Approximately 37/33% (Tn/Tx) of the breaks can be explained by metadata. Shift amplitudes in Tn time series ranged between −1.18 and 1.71 °C, while for maximum temperature the range was slightly less from −0.99 to 1.15 °C. For both temperatures, mean values of shift amplitudes were near zero (−0.04/−0.05 °C). To validate the homogenization results, several statistical procedures were performed to compare inhomogeneous and homogeneous time series. The conducted statistical calculations provide the proofs that inhomogeneity of the Ukrainian extreme air temperature data should be taken into account when analysing regional climate change and variability.
Impacts of the combined modes of the tropical Indo‐Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies on the tropical cyclone genesis over the western North Pacific
Authors: Liu Yong , Huang Ping , Chen Guanghua
Published: November 2018

This work presents two combined modes of the summer sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the tropical Indo‐Pacific Ocean during 1979–2015 and investigates their influences on the tropical cyclone (TC) genesis frequency (TCGF) over the western North Pacific (WNP). The first mode (referred to as ENSO‐IODM) features Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) SSTAs in the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) and El Niño‐like SSTAs in the tropical Pacific Ocean (TPO) and often appears during the ENSO phase persistence summers. It usually triggers an anomalous cyclone and more TCs over the southeastern WNP together with an anomalous anticyclone and fewer TCs over the northwestern WNP. These are primarily attributed to the effect of the El Niño‐like SSTAs over the TPO. The second mode (referred to as ENM‐IOBM) is characterized by Indian Ocean basin (IOB) positive SSTAs in the TIO and La Niña Modoki‐like (ENSO Modoki; ENM) SSTAs in the TPO and often presents during the ENSO phase transition summers. The combined effects of the IOBM and ENM SSTAs induce an anomalous anticyclone over the WNP that significantly suppresses TC genesis over the central WNP.

The impacts of the two combined modes on the WNP TCGF also reveal inter‐decadal changes with significant weakening of the ENSO‐IODM and strengthening of the ENM‐IOBM around the early 1990s. These are attributed to the weakened variability of the ENSO‐IODM and intensified variability of the ENM‐IOBM around the early 1990s, and show largely association with the changes in the ENSO cycle. Most of the ENSO events prior to the early 1990s show a long decaying phase with persistence features but exhibit a short decaying phase even with phase transition after the early 1990s. This brings more ENSO‐IODM structures in the summer TIPO SSTAs before the early 1990s and more ENM‐IOBM structures during the latter period, and thereby results in such above inter‐decadal changes.
Biologically guided implant therapy: A diagnostic and therapeutic strategy of conservation and preservation based on periodontal staging and grading
Authors: Greenwell Henry , Wang Hom‐Lay , Kornman Kenneth S. , Tonetti Maurizio S.
Published: November 2018

Biologically guided implant therapy is based on the new periodontitis classification system recently released by the American Academy of Periodontology and the European Federation of Periodontology that uses staging and grading for the diagnosis of periodontitis. This paper proposes that periodontitis staging and grading should be used in dental implant therapy as a means to ensure maximum conservation of teeth and maximum preservation of alveolar bone. These biologic principles should guide the treatment planning process and supersede a mechanically based, restoratively driven rationale that should be secondary to the biologic principles of conservation and preservation but part of the collaborative treatment planning process. And treatment alternatives throughout the patient's lifetime should be provided for in case of prosthesis loss due to peri‐implantitis. The use of grading will help with recognition of systemic aspects that can have a negative impact.
Long‐term fertilization effects on 13C natural abundance, soil aggregation, and deep soil organic carbon sequestration in an Alfisol
Authors: Ghosh Avijit , Bhattacharyya Ranjan , Agarwal Binay Kumar , Mahapatra Prabhakar , Shahi Dhirendra Kumar , Singh Geeta , Agnihorti Rajesh , Sawlani Ravi , Sharma Chhemendra
Published: November 2018

Although the 13C (13Carbon) natural abundance method is used to study soil C dynamics, scanty information is available on long‐term fertilization effects on soil C sequestration rates along with δ13C in surface (0–30 cm) and deep (30–90 cm) soil layers and their relationships with crop productivities in subtropics. Hence, soil aggregation, δ13C in bulk soils and aggregates, C pools, and sequestration rates were studied in an Indian Alfisol under a 43‐year old wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)‐based cropping system. Treatments were as follows: no mineral fertilizer and no manure (unfertilized control), 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (N), 100% N and 100% recommended phosphorus (NP), 100% N, 100% P, and 100% recommended potassium (NPK), NPK + lime (NPKL), 150% recommended NPK (1.5NPK), and NPK + farmyard manure at 10 Mg ha−1 (NPKF). Plots with NPKF contained 50% higher soil organic C than NPKL in surface soil (0–15‐cm layer). In the 0–90‐cm profile, soil organic C accumulation and sequestration rates in NPKF were ~0.15 and 0.11 Mg ha−1 yr−1 higher than NPKL plots, respectively. The NPKF plots had higher glomalin‐related soil protein and greater recalcitrant C than NPKL, 1.5NPK, and NPK in surface soil. The NPKF plots had higher δ13C values within bulk soils and their aggregates than NPKL and NPK. There were significant correlations between deep soil C sequestration rates with mean crop productivities and δ13C with deep soil C sequestration rates. Overall, NPKF application had the largest surface and deep soil C sequestration with highest crop productivity and hence is recommended.
Infertility in a man with oligoasthenozoospermia associated with mosaic chromosome 22q11 deletion
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Zhu Hongmei , Zhang Xuan , Hu Ting , Zhang Zhu , Wang Jing , Lai Yi , Zheng Jiemei , Xie Dan , Xia Bei , Qin Li , Xie Liangyu , Liu Shanling , Wang He , Sun Huaqin
Published: November 2018

Background

A 30‐year‐old oligoasthenozoospermia man was found to have unbalance mosaic translocation between chromosome 22 and four other chromosomes (5, 6, 13, and 15) during the investigations for a couple with infertility for 3 years, which is a rare event in human pathology.

Methods

Classical cytogenetics analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and chromosome microarray analyses (CMA) were performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes; copy number variation sequencing (CNV‐Seq) analysis was performed on sperm DNA.

Results

Classical cytogenetics analysis showed the presence of six cell lines on peripheral blood lymphocytes: 45, XY, der (13) t(13;22),‐22[10]/46, XY, t(13;22)[6]/45, XY, der(15)t(15;22),‐22[4]/46, XY, t(13;22)[1]/45, XY, der(5)t(5;22),‐22[1]/45, XY, der(6)t(6;22)[1]. FISH and CMA performed on peripheral blood cells showed the presence of a 6.9 Mb mosaic 22q11 deletion (approximately 50% of cells); it is unexpected that the phenotypes of this man were merely oligoasthenozoospermia, mild bradycardia, and mild tricuspid regurgitation. CNV‐Seq analysis performed on sperm DNA revealed the rate of 22q11 deletion cells was obviously lower compared with peripheral blood cells. And the frequency of gametes exhibiting a normal or balance chromosomal equipment was above 80% in sperm samples.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first case of a de novo gonosomal mosaic of chromosome 22q11 deletion just associated with male infertility.
The impact of genetic variants in IL1R2 on cervical cancer risk among Uygur females from China: A case–control study
Authors: Niu Fanglin , Wang Tianchang , Li Jing , Yan Mengdan , Li Dianzhen , Li Bin , Jin Tianbo
Published: November 2018

Background

Disordered inflammation and immune response is an acknowledged risk factor for cervical cancer development. Interleukin‐1 receptor type 2 (IL1R2) is a decoy receptor for IL‐1 cytokines and involved in host inflammatory and immune progression which could lead to the lesion and neoplasia of cervix. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationships between IL1R2 polymorphisms and cervical cancer risk in Uygur females from China.

Methods

In this case–control study, genotypes of six selected variants (rs11674595, rs4851527, rs719250, rs3218896, rs3218977, and rs2072472) distributed in IL1R2 were detected among 247 cervical cancer patients and 286 healthy controls with the usage of an Agena MassARRY method. Furthermore, Genetic models and haplotype analyses were conducted to estimate the associations of IL1R2 polymorphisms with cervical cancer risk.

Results

After statistical analyses, rs719250 (odd ratio [OR] = 1.436, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.079–1.911, p = 0.013) and rs3218896 (OR = 1.552, 95% CI = 1.080–2.229, p = 0.017) showed obvious evidence in correlation to cervical cancer susceptibility owing to the surviving significant differences between cases and controls in allele model. Genetic model analyses also revealed significant associations of rs719250 and rs3218896 with cervical cancer risk in the codominant model, the dominant model and the log‐additive model even after adjustment for age (p < 0.05). Moreover, haplotype “T/A” of rs11674595/rs4851527 (adjusted OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.54–0.98, p = 0.037) and “T/C” of rs719250/rs3218896 (adjusted OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.10–2.36, p = 0.015) exhibited protective and risky effects for Uygur individuals on cervical cancer development, respectively.

Conclusion

Our data first shed the new light on the associations of IL1R2 polymorphisms with cervical cancer susceptibility among Uygur females. These results are supposed to facilitate the tumorigenesis genetic research among Chinese minorities.
Simple empirical formulas to estimate the dielectric constant and conductivity of concrete
Authors: Jin Xiaohua , Ali Mohammod
Published: November 2018

Knowing the frequency‐dependent and moisture‐dependent relative permittivity and conductivity values of concrete is critical to develop a variety of future wireless and radar technologies including sensing, wireless power transfer, and radar imaging. Due to their continuity of two parameters (frequency and moisture content) and based on the existing measurement results of concrete dielectric constant and conductivity in the literature several simple mathematical expressions are developed to estimate the dielectric constant and conductivity of concrete. These formulas can be used to estimate the dielectric constant and conductivity of concrete from just a few MHz to 2 GHz with moisture content varying from 0 % to 10%.