bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capsid-Labelled HIV To Investigate the Role of Capsid during Nuclear Import and Integration
Authors: Zurnic Bönisch Irena , Dirix Lieve , Lemmens Veerle , Borrenberghs Doortje , De Wit Flore , Vernaillen Frank , Rocha Susana , Christ Frauke , Hendrix Jelle , Hofkens Johan , Debyser Zeger
Published: January 2020

HIV-1 capsid protein (CA) builds a conical shell protecting viral genomic RNA inside the virus particles. Upon entry into host cells, this shell disassembles in a process of uncoating, which is coordinated with reverse transcription of viral RNA into DNA. After uncoating, a portion of CA remains associated with the viral DNA and mediates its nuclear import and, potentially, integration into host DNA. In this study, we tagged CA with eGFP to follow its trafficking in host cells and address potential CA roles in the nucleus. We found that while functional viruses import the tagged CA into the nucleus, this capsid protein is not part of integration-competent complexes. The roles of nuclear CA thus remain to be established.
Association between muscle strength and health-related quality of life in a Chinese rural elderly population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yang Shanshan , Li Tianzhi , Yang Hongbing , Wang Jianhua , Liu Miao , Wang Shengshu , He Yao , Jiang Bin
Published: January 2020

Objective

To investigate the relationship between upper and lower limb muscle strength and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of a Chinese rural, elderly population.

Design

A population-based, cross-sectional study.

Setting

Miyun, Beijing, China.

Participants

The participants of this study were 2083 (834 men and 1249 women) older adults from a rural area, (average age of ≥60 years), living in Miyun county, located on the outskirts of Beijing. Data were collected between May and October 2014. Handgrip strength and timed up and go tests (TUGT) were conducted to measure the muscle strength of their upper and lower limbs, respectively. The Euro Quality of Life (Euroqol) (EQ-5D)-Visual Analogue Scale was used to evaluate participants’ HRQoL.

Results

A significant association between handgrip strength and the EQ-5D index (β=0.015 per SD, 95% CI: 0.008 to 0.023, p<0.001) was discovered, following adjustments. The association between handgrip strength and the EQ-5D index in the ≥80 years group was found to be stronger than that of the 60–79 years group, following adjustment (β per SD: 0.013 vs 0.035). Similar results were observed when comparing the non-chronic disease group, in terms of TUGT time, against those with chronic diseases.

Conclusions

There was a significant relationship between muscle strength (measured via handgrip strength and TUGT time) and HRQoL (measured via EQ-5D index and VAS score) in the Chinese rural elderly population. Furthermore, this relationship was stronger in the older population (aged ≥80 years), and in those participants diagnosed with chronic diseases.
Evaluation of the WHO/CDC Syphilis Serology Proficiency Programme to support the global elimination of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis: an observational cross-sectional study, 2008–2015
Authors: Hopkins André O , Trinh Thuy , Fakile Yetunde F , Pillay Allan , Taylor Melanie M , Kersh Ellen , Kamb Mary
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Syphilis morbidity is high among pregnant women in lower income countries with limited laboratory capacity. We evaluated a long-standing global Syphilis Serology Proficiency Programme (SSPP) that supports testing quality in national reference laboratories to determine if participation affects congenital syphilis elimination strategies.

Design

In this observational cross-sectional study, we calculated coverage on type, frequency and quality of syphilis testing reported by laboratories enrolled in the SSPP from 2008 to 2015. We used country-reported data to WHO on four congenital syphilis (CS) indicators and World Bank country economic data to compare coverage and completeness of reporting of indicators in lower income countries with and without an SSPP-enrolled laboratory.

Participants

From 2008–2015, 78 laboratories from 51 countries participated in>1 SSPP evaluation; 56% were national reference laboratories, of which most (93%) participated for>3 years and 11 (22%) in all 24 cycles.

Results

Median proficiency performance score was >95% regardless of test conducted. Of the 51 countries with an SSPP-enrolled laboratory, 22 (43%) were lower-income countries, of which 21 reported CS data during 2008–2015. Comparing CS data from 87 (90% of total) lower income countries with and without an SSPP-enrolled laboratory, countries with an SSPP-laboratory had stronger reporting on antenatal syphilis testing (p=0.04). For 2015, an estimated 74% of prenatal syphilis tests and 63% of positive tests reported to WHO from countries with an SSPP-enrolled laboratory.

Conclusion

The SSPP has focused well on national reference laboratories, but has been only partially successful in recruiting laboratories from lower income countries. The finding that over half of syphilis infections in pregnant women living in countries with SSPP-enrolled laboratories suggests wide reach of the current quality assurance programme. However, reach could expand with focussed recruitment of laboratories from lower income countries.
‘Not clinically effective but cost-effective’ - paradoxical conclusions in randomised controlled trials with ‘doubly null’ results: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Raftery James , Williams HC , Clarke Aileen , Thornton Jim , Norrie John , Snooks Helen , Stein Ken
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Randomised controlled trials in healthcare increasingly include economic evaluations. Some show small differences which are not statistically significant. Yet these sometimes come to paradoxical conclusions such as: ‘the intervention is not clinically effective’ but ‘is probably cost-effective’. This study aims to quantify the extent of non-significant results and the types of conclusions drawn from them.

Design

Cross-sectional retrospective analysis of randomised trials published by the UK’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme. We defined as ‘doubly null’ those trials that found non-statistically significant differences in both primary outcome and cost per patient. Paradoxical was defined as concluding in favour of an intervention, usually compared with placebo or usual care. No human participants were involved. Our sample was 226 randomised trial projects published by the Health Technology Assessment programme 2004 to 2017. All are available free online.

Results

The 226 projects contained 193 trials with a full economic evaluation. Of these 76 (39%) had at least one ‘doubly null’ comparison. These 76 trials contained 94 comparisons. In these 30 (32%) drew economic conclusions in favour of an intervention. Overall report conclusions split roughly equally between those favouring the intervention (14), and those favouring either the control (7) or uncertainty (9).

Discussion

Trials with ‘doubly null’ results and paradoxical conclusions are not uncommon. The differences observed in cost and quality-adjustedlife year were small and non-statistically significant. Almost all these trials were also published in leading peer-reviewed journals. Although some guidelines for reporting economic results require cost-effectiveness estimates regardless of statistical significance, the interpretability of paradoxical results has nowhere been addressed.

Conclusions

Reconsideration is required of the interpretation of cost-effectiveness analyses in randomised controlled trials with ‘doubly null’ results, particularly when economics favours a novel intervention.
Protocol for a prospective evaluation of postpartum engagement in HIV care among women living with HIV in South Africa
Authors: Psaros Christina , Stanton Amelia M , Bedoya C Andres , Mosery Nzwakie , Evans Shannon , Matthews Lynn Turner , Haberer Jessica , Vangel Mark , Safren Steven , Smit Jennifer A
Published: January 2020

Introduction

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa (SA) has the highest prevalence of pregnant women living with HIV in the world. Pregnancy and the postpartum period offer opportunities to engage women in HIV care, to prevent perinatal transmission and to optimise maternal and infant well-being. However, research suggests that remaining engaged in HIV care during this time can be challenging.

Methods and analysis

We are conducting a 5-year prospective cohort study among pregnant women living with HIV in KZN to estimate the rates and factors associated with attrition from HIV care during this critical period. To determine who is most likely to fall out of care, we are examining a range of relevant variables informed by a socioecological model of HIV care, including individual, relational, community and healthcare system variables. We are enrolling 18–45-year-old women, at 28 weeks or more of pregnancy, who are living with HIV and currently taking antiretroviral therapies. Participants complete quantitative assessments at baseline (pregnancy) and at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months postpartum. A subset of women and their partners are invited to complete qualitative interviews to further explore their experiences in HIV care. The main study outcomes are suppressed HIV RNA and retention in care at each study assessment. Our understanding of the factors that drive postpartum attrition from HIV care will ultimately inform the development of interventions to facilitate continued engagement in postpartum HIV care.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (Medical) at The University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg, SA) and the Partners Human Research Committee at Partners HealthCare (Boston, Massachusetts, USA). Site support and approval were obtained from the District Hospital and the KZN Provincial Department of Health. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts, reports and both local and international presentations (Ethics Registration #170 212).
Coronary slow flow is associated with a worse clinical outcome in patients with Takotsubo syndrome
Authors: Montone Rocco A , Galiuto Leonarda , Meucci Maria Chiara , Del Buono Marco Giuseppe , Vergni Federico , Camilli Massimiliano , Sanna Tommaso , Pedicino Daniela , Buffon Antonino , D'Amario Domenico , Giraldi Luca , Trani Carlo , Liuzzo Giovanna , Rebuzzi Antonio G , Niccoli Giampaolo , Crea Filippo
Published: January 2020

Objective

Patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) present an acute microvascular dysfunction that leads to an impaired myocardial perfusion and, in more severe forms, an impaired epicardial flow. However, clinical relevance of a delayed coronary flow, the coronary slow flow (CSF), has never been investigated. We studied the prognostic value of CSF occurring in the acute phase of TTS.

Methods

This cohort study prospectively evaluated patients with a diagnosis of TTS. CSF was defined as angiographically non-obstructive coronary arteries with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction-2 flow. The incidence of overall mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), defined as the composite of TTS recurrence, cardiac rehospitalisation, cerebrovascular events and mortality, was assessed at follow-up.

Results

We enrolled 101 patients (mean age 71.0±11.1 years, 86 (85.1%) female); CSF occurred in 18 (17.8%) patients. At admission, patients with CSF presented more frequently with Killip class III/IV, moderate-to-severe left ventricle systolic dysfunction and right ventricle dysfunction. During the index admission, patients with CSF had a higher rate of intrahospital complications (12 (66.7%) vs 28 (33.7%), p=0.01). At long-term follow-up, patients with CSF had a significantly higher occurrence of overall mortality (9 (50%) vs 19 (22.9%), p=0.011), mainly due to non-cardiac causes (89.3%), and a higher rate of MACE (10 (55.5%) vs 27 (32.5%), p=0.06). At multivariable Cox regression, CSF was independently associated with death from any causes.

Conclusions

Patients with TTS presenting with CSF have a worse clinical presentation with a higher rate of intrahospital complications and a poor long-term clinical outcome.
Disparity in implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy among minority South Asians in the United Kingdom
Authors: Mistry Amar , Vali Zakariyya , Sidhu Bharat , Budgeon Charley , Yuyun Matthew F , Pooranachandran Vivetha , Li Xin , Newton Michelle , Watts Jamie , Khunti Kamlesh , Samani Nilesh J , Ng G Andre
Published: January 2020

Objective

There are large geographical differences in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation rates for reasons not completely understood. In an increasingly multiethnic population, we sought out to investigate whether ethnicity influenced ICD implantation rates.

Methods

This was a retrospective, cohort study of new ICD implantation or upgrade to ICD from January 2006 to February 2019 in recipients of Caucasian or South Asian ethnicity at a single tertiary centre in the UK. Data were obtained from a routinely collected local registry. Crude rates of ICD implantation were calculated for the population of Leicestershire county and were age-standardised to the UK population using the UK National Census of 2011.

Results

The Leicestershire population was 980 328 at the time of the Census, of which 761 403 (77.7%) were Caucasian and 155 500 (15.9%) were South Asian. Overall, 2650 ICD implantations were performed in Caucasian (91.9%) and South Asian (8.1%) patients. South Asians were less likely than Caucasians to receive an ICD (risk ratio (RR) 0.43, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.49, p<0.001) even when standardised for age (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.75, p<0.001). This remained the case for primary prevention indication (age-standardised RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.91, p<0.001), while differences in secondary prevention ICD implants were even greater (age-standardised RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.50, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Despite a universal and free healthcare system, ICD implantation rates were significantly lower in the South Asian than the Caucasian population residing in the UK. Whether this is due to cultural acceptance or an unbalanced consideration is unclear.
Similar progression of carotid intima–media thickness in 7-year surveillance of patients with mild SLE and controls, but this progression is still promoted by dyslipidaemia, lower HDL levels, hypertension, history of lupus nephritis and a higher prednisolone usage in patients
Authors: Ajeganova Sofia , Gustafsson Thomas , Lindberg Linnea , Hafström Ingiäld , Frostegård Johan
Published: January 2020

Objective

To compare progression of subclinical atherosclerosis and factors promoting it in patients with SLE and controls.

Methods

Consecutive patients with SLE and age-matched, sex-matched population controls from the SLEVIC cohort were assessed at inclusion and after 7 years with standardised data collection and carotid ultrasound. Effect of risk factors on carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) progression was examined with adjusted linear mixed models.

Results

A total of 77 patients and 74 controls, 68% and 61% of the original cohort, completed follow-up. The patients were (mean) 47 years old, 90% were women, and controls were 51 years old, 92% women. Patients had disease duration of (mean) 11 years, mild disease activity and low severity at both assessments. Baseline cIMT did not differ between the groups. An average absolute cIMT progression was 0.009 mm/year in patients and 0.011 mm/year in controls, intergroup difference p=0.9.

Of factors at inclusion, dyslipidaemia, lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and carotid plaque in patients and controls, and higher systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol:HDL and LDL:HDL ratios and triglycerides in patients were associated with cIMT progression. Of factors at follow-up, hypertension and blood lipids in patients and HDL in controls were significantly associated with cIMT progression. History of lupus nephritis and a higher average dose of prednisolone used since diagnosis were associated with cIMT progression in patients. Associations of risk factors with cIMT progression were stronger in presence of plaques.

Conclusion

We observed a statistically comparable progression of cIMT in patients with mild SLE and controls over 7 years, which implies that progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in some patients with SLE could follow that of the general population. Traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, history of lupus nephritis and higher use of corticosteroids promote cIMT progression in SLE. Detection of carotid plaque may add to CV risk stratification.
Methiin as a nematode attractant inAllium sativum
Authors: Takada Noboru , Sutoh Sayaka , Toyota Masuru , Yamazaki Yoshihisa , Kitano-Yamashita Nozomi , Ushida Chisato , Yamashita Kazuo
Published: January 2020

Damage to garlic (Allium sativum L.) caused by nematodes (Ditylenchus destructor Thorne) is becoming a serious agricultural hazard, leading to a great loss in garlic production. Once the garlic bulbs are invaded, the pathogenic nematode drastically increases in number along with the rotting of bulbs. It was therefore conceived that nematode attractants are present in the bulbs. Based on this hypothesis, chemical investigations were performed to explore a nematode attractant in A. sativum bulbs, which resulted in the identification of methiin (S-methyl-l-cysteine S-oxide) as an attractant. Bioassay and quantification experiments of methiin in extracts of A. sativum bulb led to the conclusion that methiin possesses sufficient potential to attract D. destructor into A. sativum bulbs. Moreover, an activity comparing study of methiin with its analogs showed that the sulfoxide functionality is essential for attractant activity. Moreover, methiin was revealed to attract Caenorhabditis elegans. Further investigation of methiin will help to elucidate the neuronal system of D. destructor.
Pratiques locales et gouvernance forestière : Enjeux de la légalité du bois des forêts communautaires de l’Est Cameroun
Authors: FAPA NANFACK Rodrigue , Gélinas Nancy , Bobo Kadiri Serge , Asselin Hugo , Hiol Hiol François , KOMBOU Eunice TIETCHOU
Published: January 2020

Au Cameroun, les pratiques locales forestières sont parfois en contradiction avec les exigences légales de commercialisation du bois des forêts communautaires (FC). La présente étude visait à évaluer les pratiques locales en fonction des exigences de la grille de légalité N°6 de l’APV FLEGT (Accord de partenariat volontaire ‒ Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade). Des groupes de discussion, des entretiens individuels et des observations terrain ont permis de montrer que les pratiques locales forestières dans les FC pourraient être compatibles avec les exigences de la grille. Toutefois, certaines pratiques contribuent à compromettre la mise en œuvre de l’APV FLEGT dans les FC. Une des options pour réduire les écarts entre les pratiques locales et les vérificateurs de la grille de légalité consisterait à modifier la grille pour mieux distinguer les responsabilités des communautés, des sous-traitants et de l’administration des forêts. Cela permettrait d’amender la loi forestière pour éviter de surcharger les communautés. Une autre option serait de mettre en place une stratégie de commercialisation du bois légal des FC. Les résultats de cette étude pourraient trouver des applications dans les autres pays qui ont mis en œuvre ou qui négocient des APV FLEGT en Afrique, en Asie, en Amérique centrale et en Amérique du Sud.
Fallacies on pairing symmetry and intrinsic electronic Raman spectrum in high-Tc cuprate superconductors
Authors: Kim Hyun-Tak
Published: January 2020

Certain significant fallacies are involved in discussions of the high-[Formula: see text] mechanism unsolved for over 30 years in cuprate superconductors. These fallacies are explored with the aim of unraveling this mechanism. Moreover, using polarized electronic Raman scattering in inhomogeneous underdoped cuprate superconductors, the intrinsic nonlinear Raman spectrum is obtained by subtracting the pseudogap characteristic of a nonlinear from the linear Raman spectrum measured in the [Formula: see text] mode of the node area below the critical temperature. The intrinsic nonlinear behavior implies the existence of the nodal superconducting gap denying [Formula: see text]-wave pairing symmetry. An origin of the nodal superconducting gap is discussed.
Chapter 7 Småland lithotectonic unit dominated by Paleoproterozoic (1.8 Ga) syn-orogenic magmatism, Svecokarelian orogen
Authors: Wahlgren Carl-Henric , Stephens Michael B.
Published: January 2020

The Småland lithotectonic unit in the 2.0−1.8 Ga Svecokarelian orogen, southeastern Sweden, is dominated by a
c.
1.81−1.77 Ga alkali–calcic magmatic suite (the Transscandinavian Igneous Belt or TIB-1). At least in its central part, the TIB-1 suite was deposited on, or emplaced into,
c.
1.83–1.82 Ga calc-alkaline magmatic rocks with base metal sulphide mineralization and siliciclastic sedimentary rocks (the Oskarshamn–Jönköping Belt). Ductile deformation and metamorphism under low- to medium-grade conditions affected the Oskarshamn–Jönköping Belt prior to
c.
1.81 Ga. Both suites were subsequently affected by low-grade ductile deformation, mainly along steeply dipping, east–west to NW–SE shear zones with dip-slip and dextral strike-slip displacement. Sinistral strike-slip NE–SW zones are also present. In the northern part of the lithotectonic unit, 1.9 Ga magmatic rocks,
c.
1.87–1.81 Ga siliciclastic sedimentary rocks and basalt, and
c.
1.86–1.85 Ga granite show fabric development, folding along steep NW–SE axial surfaces and medium- or high-grade metamorphism prior to
c.
1.81 Ga and, at least partly, at
c.
1.86–1.85 Ga; base metal sulphide, Fe oxide and U or U–REE mineralizations also occur. Magmatism and siliciclastic sedimentation along an active continental margin associated with subduction-related, accretionary tectonic processes is inferred over about 100 million years.
Chapter 9 Continental magmatic arc and siliciclastic sedimentation in the far-field part of a 1.7 Ga accretionary orogen
Authors: Ripa Magnus , Stephens Michael B.
Published: January 2020

Trachyandesitic to trachybasaltic lavas, interlayered siliciclastic sedimentary rocks and subaerial ignimbrites with a rhyolitic to trachydacitic composition lie unconformably above metamorphic rocks in west-central Sweden. These volcanic rocks erupted at 1711 + 7/−6 to 1691 ± 5 Ma and belong to a high-K, calc-alkaline to shoshonitic suite deposited in a continental arc setting. Positive ɛ
Nd
values and Nb/Yb ratios in the trachyandesitic to trachybasaltic rocks indicate an enriched mantle source. Coeval, 1710 ± 11 to 1681 ± 16 Ma plutonic and subvolcanic rocks are mainly granitic or quartz syenitic in composition. Subordinate components include quartz monzonite, quartz monzodiorite and monzogabbro or gabbro. ɛ
Nd
values in the range −1.0 to + 1.1 overlap with those in the inferred 1.9–1.8 Ga source rocks. All these rocks belong to the youngest phase of the lithodemic unit referred to as the Transscandinavian Igneous Belt. This magmatic province extends in a roughly NNW direction for at least 900 km, variably deformed and metamorphosed equivalents occurring inside and beneath younger orogenic belts to the south (Sveconorwegian) and north (Caledonian). The part of the province in west-central Sweden addressed here represents a far-field and shallow crustal component in this 1.7 Ga accretionary orogenic system.
Influence of Nesting Characteristics on Health of Wild Bee Communities
Authors: Harmon-Threatt Alexandra
Published: January 2020

Nest site availability and quality are important for maintaining robust populations and communities of wild bees. However, for most species, nesting traits and nest site conditions are poorly known, limiting both our understanding of basic ecology for bee species and conservation efforts. Additionally, many of the threats commonly associated with reducing bee populations have effects that can extend into nests but are largely unstudied. In general, threats such as habitat disturbances and climate change likely affect nest site availability and nest site conditions, which in turn affect nest initiation, growth, development, and overwintering success of bees. To facilitate a better understanding of how these and other threats may affect nesting bees, in this review, I quantify key nesting traits and environmental conditions and then consider how these traits may intersect with observed and anticipated changes in nesting conditions experienced by wild bees. These data suggest that the effects of common threats to bees through nesting may strongly influence their survival and persistence but are vastly understudied. Increasing research into nesting biology and incorporating nesting information into conservation efforts may help improve conservation of this declining but critical group.
Economic Development and Democracy: Predispositions and Triggers
Authors: Treisman Daniel
Published: January 2020

Scholars continue to disagree about the relationship between economic development and democracy. I review the history of the debate and summarize patterns visible in data available today. I find a strong and consistent relationship between higher income and both democratization and democratic survival in the medium term (10–20 years), but not necessarily in shorter time windows. Building on several recent studies, I sketch out a new conditional modernization theory, which can account for such lags. The key idea is that the effect of development on democracy is triggered by disruptive events such as economic crises, military defeats, or—most generally—leader change. Political outcomes depend on both the development level and, at intermediate income ranges, how citizens coordinate. Waves of leader turnover in autocracies correlate with temporarily stronger links between income and democratization, which, in turn, coincide with the first two waves of democracy.
Review—Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Optical Sensors for Biological Applications
Authors: Hofferber Eric M. , Stapleton Joseph A. , Iverson Nicole M.
Published: January 2020

Since the discovery of the band gap fluorescence from single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) many advancements have been made towards the use of these unique fluorophores as optical biosensors in vitro, ex vivo in vivo. Attention has been given to these pure carbon structures due to their photostability, tunable properties, and bright near infrared emission that falls in the tissue transparency window. This review highlights some of the major advancements in the field of SWNT biosensors over the last two decades with a focus given to recent advances in biological applications.
Comparative quantification of primary mitral regurgitation by computer modeling and simulated echocardiography
Authors: Mao Wenbin , Caballero Andrés , Hahn Rebecca T. , Sun Wei
Published: January 2020

Clinical investigations have demonstrated that mitral regurgitation (MR) quantification using echocardiography (echo) may significantly underestimate or overestimate the regurgitant volume, especially for two-dimensional (2D) echo. Computer modeling and simulated echo were conducted to evaluate the fundamental assumptions in the echo quantification of primary MR that is due to posterior mitral leaflet prolapse. The theoretical flaw of the proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method originates from the assumption that the MR flow rate is the product of the isovelocity surface area and aliasing velocity, which is only valid when the velocity vectors are perpendicular to the isovelocity surface. Other factors such as the Doppler angle effect, the view planes of 2D echo, and the single time instant of PISA were also analyzed. We find that the hemielliptic PISA method gives the smallest error for moderate and severe MR cases compared with other PISA methods. Compared with the PISA method, the volumetric technique (VT) is theoretically more robust. By considering correction factors that are caused by nonflat velocity profiles and the closing volume of the aortic valve, the accuracy of the VT method can be significantly improved. The corrected volumetric technique provides more accurate results compared with the PISA methods, especially for mild MR.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We evaluate the accuracy of common echocardiography techniques for the quantification of primary mitral regurgitations using computer modeling. The hemielliptic proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method gives the smallest error (within 15%) for moderate and severe mitral regurgitation cases compared with other PISA methods. The volumetric method is theoretically more robust than the PISA method. The accuracy of the volumetric method can be improved by a correction factor around 0.7 because of the nonflat velocity profiles and the closing volume of the aortic valve.
Comparison of hemodynamics, cardiac electrophysiology, and ventricular arrhythmia in an open- and a closed-chest porcine model of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Lubberding Anniek F. , Sattler Stefan M. , Flethøj Mette , Tfelt-Hansen Jacob , Jespersen Thomas
Published: January 2020

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) during acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is an important contributor to sudden cardiac death. Large animal models are widely used to study AMI-induced arrhythmia, but the mode of AMI induction ranges from thoracotomy and surgical ligation of a coronary vessel (open chest) to minimally invasive techniques, including balloon occlusion (closed chest). How the choice of induction affects arrhythmia development is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare an open-chest and a closed-chest model with regard to hemodynamics, electrophysiology, and arrhythmia development. Forty-two female Danish Landrace pigs (20 open chest, 22 closed chest) were anesthetized, and occlusion of the mid-left anterior descending coronary artery was performed for 60 min. Opening the chest reduced blood pressure and cardiac output (Δ −22 mmHg, Δ −1.5 L/min from baseline, both P < 0.001 intragroup). Heart rate decreased with opening of the chest but increased with balloon placement ( P < 0.001). AMI-induced ST elevation was lower in the open-chest group ( P < 0.001). Premature ventricular contractions occurred in two distinct phases (0–15 and 15–40 min), the latter of which was delayed in the open-chest group ( P = 0.005). VF occurred in 7 out of 20 and 12 out of 22 pigs in the open-chest and closed-chest groups, respectively ( P = 0.337), with longer time-to-VF in the open-chest group (23.4 ± 1.2 min in open chest and 17.8 ± 1.4 min in closed chest; P = 0.007). In summary, opening the chest altered hemodynamic parameters and delayed the onset of ventricular arrhythmias. Hence, in the search for mechanisms and novel treatments of AMI-induced arrhythmia, caution should be taken when choosing between or comparing the results from these two models.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrated pronounced differences in hemodynamic parameters and time course of ventricular arrhythmias in regard to mode of infarct induction. Inducing myocardial infarction by thoracotomy and subsequent ligation decreased blood pressure and cardiac output and delayed the onset of ventricular arrhythmia, whereas balloon occlusion resulted in higher heart rates during infarct.
Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors negatively regulate respiration in isolated rodent cardiac and brain mitochondria
Authors: Sakamuri Siva S. V. P. , Sperling Jared A. , Evans Wesley R. , Dholakia Monica H. , Albuck Aaron L. , Sure Venkata N. , Satou Ryousuke , Mostany Ricardo , Katakam Prasad V. G.
Published: January 2020

Nitric oxide (NO) is known to exert inhibitory control on mitochondrial respiration in the heart and brain. Evidence supports the presence of NO synthase (NOS) in the mitochondria (mtNOS) of cells; however, the functional role of mtNOS in the regulation of mitochondrial respiration is unclear. Our objective was to examine the effect of NOS inhibitors on mitochondrial respiration and protein S-nitrosylation. Freshly isolated cardiac and brain nonsynaptosomal mitochondria were incubated with selective inhibitors of neuronal (nNOS; ARL-17477, 1 µmol/L) or endothelial [eNOS; N5-(1-iminoethyl)-l-ornithine, NIO, 1 µmol/L] NOS isoforms. Mitochondrial respiratory parameters were calculated from the oxygen consumption rates measured using Agilent Seahorse XFe24 analyzer. Expression of NOS isoforms in the mitochondria was confirmed by immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis. In addition, we determined the protein S-nitrosylation by biotin-switch method followed by immunoblotting. nNOS inhibitor decreased the state IIIu respiration in cardiac mitochondria and both state III and state IIIu respiration in brain mitochondria. In contrast, eNOS inhibitor had no effect on the respiration in the mitochondria from both heart and brain. Interestingly, NOS inhibitors reduced the levels of protein S-nitrosylation only in brain mitochondria, but nNOS and eNOS immunoreactivity was observed in the cardiac and brain mitochondrial lysates. Thus, the effects of NOS inhibitors on S-nitrosylation of mitochondrial proteins and mitochondrial respiration confirm the existence of functionally active NOS isoforms in the mitochondria. Notably, our study presents first evidence of the positive regulation of mitochondrial respiration by mitochondrial nNOS contrary to the current dogma representing the inhibitory role attributed to NOS isoforms.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Existence and the role of nitric oxide synthases in the mitochondria are controversial. We report for the first time that mitochondrial nNOS positively regulates respiration in isolated heart and brain mitochondria, thus challenging the existing dogma that NO is inhibitory to mitochondrial respiration. We have also demonstrated reduced protein S-nitrosylation by NOS inhibition in isolated mitochondria, supporting the presence of functional mitochondrial NOS.
Construction of 3D Creep Model of Landslide Slip‐Surface Soil and Secondary Development Based on FLAC3D
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Shimei , Li Gao , Wang Lin
Published: January 2020

Landslide deformations have predictable rheological properties, but, when using finite element analysis, only the elastoplastic constitutive equation of soil is considered. Soil creep properties are not considered, often rendering inaccurate results. In this paper, the three‐dimensional state equation of the extended Burgers model is derived based on the creep test results of slip‐surface soil and the Mohr–Coulomb elastoplastic model. This paper uses FLAC3D, a finite‐element software platform, for secondary development and to verify the accuracy of the model and program. A strength reduction method that considers rheological properties is proposed. A numerical simulation of rheological properties is conducted on a landslide and compared with conventional viscoelastic constitutive results. It can be found that the landslide displacement calculation is significantly smaller when the rheological properties are not considered. The stability coefficient of the landslide calculated by the strength reduction method, considering the rheological properties, is smaller than the coefficient calculated without considering rheological properties.
Alterations in Parafoveal and Optic Disc Vessel Densities in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Ucak Turgay , Unver Ethem
Published: January 2020

Purpose. To analyze the effects of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on ocular parameters and determine the alterations in macular vasculature by optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A) in patients with different stages of OSAS. Methods. All the participants underwent a full ophthalmological examination. Using the macular OCT-A scans, the retinal peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), and superficial and deep vessel densities were recorded. Results. A total of 77 patients (154 eyes) with OSAS and 27 control cases (54 eyes) were included in this prospective study. Of the OSAS patients, 27 had mild, 24 had moderate, and 26 had severe disease. The intraocular pressure (IOP) values were significantly higher in the severe OSAS group than the control cases (p=0.001). The average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and the RNFL thickness of the temporal and inferior quadrants were significantly lower in the severe OSAS group compared with the control cases (p<0.05). There was a significant decrease in the mean RPCP values with a significant increase in the FAZ values of OSAS patients compared with the control group (p=0.001). Both the superficial and deep vascular densities were significantly decreased in OSAS patients, being the lowest in the severe OSAS group. Conclusions. Decreased vascular structures and increased FAZ may also be associated with the disease severity in OSAS and may be the main pathophysiological mechanisms in ocular alterations, which should be investigated in further studies.
Roof Movement and Failure Behavior When Mining Extra‐Thick Coal Seams Using Upward Slicing Longwall‐Roadway Cemented Backfill Technology
Authors: Deng Xuejie , Yuan Zongxuan , Lan Lixin , de Wit Benjamin , Zhang Junwen
Published: January 2020

A novel and environmental‐friendly backfill mining method known as upward slicing longwall‐roadway cemented backfill (USLCB) technology has recently been proposed and successfully applied in mines extracting extra‐thick coal seams located under sensitive areas. This paper studies the effects USLCB had on roof movement and failure behavior using the mechanical analysis approach. The application of USLCB in the Gonggeyingzi Mine is taken as a case study with roof movement behavior being monitored over a single mining cycle, as well as over multiple mining cycles of different coal slices. In addition, backfill performance requirements to prevent roof failures where USLCB is implemented are studied. The results show that the deflection curves of the roof at the end of each mining cycle during mining the first and the six slices are symmetrical, but they change from asymmetrical to symmetrical during the mining progresses of the second slice to the fifth slice. The final state of roof movement after the first slice, and through to the fifth slice, displays an obvious “flat bottom” pattern in the middle of the deflection curve. The roof movement during the removal of the top slice is noticeably different from other slices. The results also show that the requirements of the elastic modulus, as well as the strength of the backfill, increase as the number of mined slices increases from 1 to 5, but the requirements drop sharply for mining the top slice.
Intravascular Lymphoma with Progressive CNS Hemorrhage and Multiple Dissections
Authors: Chen Ricky , Singh Gurjeet , McNally J. Scott , Palmer Cheryl A. , de Havenon Adam
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Intravascular lymphoma (IVL) is an uncommon and often fatal disease characterized by intraluminal proliferation of lymphomatous cells within blood vessels. Because of a heterogeneous clinical presentation and lack of sensitive diagnostic protocols, diagnosis of IVL is most often made at autopsy. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate chemotherapy, the prognosis is greatly improved and complete remission is possible. In order to broaden the possible presentations of IVL, we present a patient with an atypical manifestation of biopsy-proven intravascular large B-cell lymphoma who suffered dissections of both intracranial and extracranial arteries in addition to progressive intracranial hemorrhages. Case Report. A 47-year-old woman presented with unilateral paresthesias. She developed progressive multifocal infarcts and hemorrhage with dissections of both intracranial and extracranial arteries, resulting in coma. Brain biopsy revealed IVL. She received aggressive chemotherapy and remains in complete remission with good neurologic recovery. Conclusion. IVL is known to exert its pathology on small arteries and capillaries, but is not known to cause dissections of large vessels. The diagnosis should be considered in cases with unexplained arterial dissections and progressive strokes. Early diagnosis with appropriate laboratory screening and tissue confirmation by biopsy can lead to greatly improved outcomes.
On a Partial q-Analog of a Singularly Perturbed Problem with Fuchsian and Irregular Time Singularities
Authors: Malek Stephane
Published: January 2020

A family of linear singularly perturbed difference differential equations is examined. These equations stand for an analog of singularly perturbed PDEs with irregular and Fuchsian singularities in the complex domain recently investigated by A. Lastra and the author. A finite set of sectorial holomorphic solutions is constructed by means of an enhanced version of a classical multisummability procedure due to W. Balser. These functions share a common asymptotic expansion in the perturbation parameter, which is shown to carry a double scale structure, which pairs q-Gevrey and Gevrey bounds.
Lifestyle and Sociodemographic and Economic Characteristics of Patients with Lung Cancer in Morocco
Authors: Harkati Imane , Hilali Mohamed Kamal , Oumghar Nezha , Khouchani Mouna , Loukid Mohamed
Published: January 2020

Background. Lifestyle maintenance is a crucial condition before and after lung cancer disease. According to the previous research in the scientific databases, the effect of the interaction between socioeconomic and demographic factors on the lifestyle of lung cancer patients in Southern Morocco regions remains unexamined. Accordingly, this study was designed to examine the relationship between socioeconomic factors, demographic factors, and the lifestyle of lung cancer patients. Methods. A total of 133 patients with lung cancer were divided into 103 men and 30 women with a sex ratio of 3.43 and ages varying between 28 and 82 years, and they served as informants for the study and filled in a questionnaire to provide information on their sociodemographic background, various economic characteristics, and their lifestyle. These patients have also been submitted to an anthropometric examination following the standardized procedure recommended by the World Health Organization. The survey was conducted from July 2013 to March 2015 at the Oncology and Radiotherapy Department, at Mohammed VI Hospital Center in Marrakech, Morocco. Results. The preliminary results showed that the average age of patients was 59 ± 9 years. A proportion of 81% lived in the Marrakech-Safi region and 19% lived in four other southern regions. Among the patients, 6% were smokers, while 14% were nonsmokers and 80% were ex smokers. Following the discovery of the disease, 26% revealed that they had sleep disorders and 98% were reported to have a lack of appetite. Obesity, normal weight, and underweight were also taken as criteria to categorize the patients; thus, obese informants represented 23% of the total number, those having normal weight reached 67% and the patients having underweight represented 10%. Conclusion. Sociodemographic variables and various economic characteristics were shown to have a negative impact on the lifestyle of lung cancer patients.
Wheel/Rail Adhesion State Identification of Heavy-Haul Locomotive Based on Particle Swarm Optimization and Kernel Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Liu Jianhua , Liu Linfan , He Jing , Zhang Changfan , Zhao Kaihui
Published: January 2020

The traction performance of heavy-haul locomotive is subject to the wheel/rail adhesion states. However, it is difficult to obtain these states due to complex adhesion mechanism and changeable operation environment. According to the influence of wheel/rail adhesion utilization on locomotive control action, the wheel/rail adhesion states are divided into four types, namely normal adhesion, fault indication, minor fault, and serious fault in this work. A wheel/rail adhesion state identification method based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) is proposed. To this end, a wheel/rail state identification model is constructed using KELM, and then the regularization coefficient and kernel parameter of KELM are optimized by using PSO to improve its accuracy. Finally, based on the actual data, the proposed method is compared with PSO support vector machines (PSO-SVM) and basic KELM, respectively, and the results are given to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
Probabilistic Multiple Pedestrian Walking Force Model including Pedestrian Inter‐ and Intrasubject Variabilities
Authors: Muhammad Zandy O. , Reynolds Paul
Published: January 2020

A probabilistic walking load model that accounts for inter‐ and intrasubject variabilities has been developed to generate synthetic vertical load waveforms induced by pedestrians. The mathematical model is based on a comprehensive database of continuously recorded pedestrian walking forces on an instrumented treadmill, having a wide range of walking frequencies. The proposed model is able to replicate temporal and spectral features of real walking forces, which is a significant advantage over conventional Fourier series models. The load model results in more realistic force time histories than previous models, since it incorporates significant components of the spectra that are omitted in Fourier series approaches. The proposed mathematical model can be implemented in vibration serviceability assessment of civil engineering structures, such as building floors and footbridges, to estimate more realistically dynamic structural responses due to people walking.
A Clinical Comparison of Failure Rates of Metallic and Ceramic Brackets: A Twelve‐Month Study
Authors: Ogiński Tomasz , Kawala Beata , Mikulewicz Marcin , Antoszewska-Smith Joanna
Published: January 2020

Objective. Clinical comparison of the survival rates between stainless steel and ceramic brackets over a 12‐month period. Materials and Methods. The study involved 20 consecutive patients with diagnosed malocclusion that required two‐arch fixed appliance treatment. The participants were randomly divided into two 10‐member groups. Group 1 was treated with Abzil Agile (3M Unitek) stainless steel brackets; group 2 was treated with Radiance (American Orthodontics) monocrystalline ceramic brackets. All the brackets were bonded by the same operator. Over the next 12 months, all bracket failures were recorded with each appointment. The received data were processed statistically using the Mantel–Cox test, Kaplan–Meier method, and Cox hazard model. Results. A total of 381 brackets were bonded, 195 of which were metallic brackets and 186 were ceramic ones. In the 12‐month observation period, there were 14 metal (7.2%) and 2 ceramic bracket (1.1%) failures. The overall failure rate was 4.2% (n = 16). The majority of failures (14 brackets; 87.5%) occurred during the first 6 months of the experiment, 12 (83%) of which were metal brackets and 2 (100%) were ceramic brackets. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Metal brackets demonstrated significantly higher failure rates than ceramic brackets for both 6‐ and 12‐month observation periods (p < 0.05). The 6% difference between the brackets is clinically significant as it corresponds to one additional failure within 12 months.