bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Balance Coexists With Disproportionate Macronutrient Consumption Across Pretraining, During Training, and Posttraining Among Indian Junior Soccer Players
Authors: Cherian Keren Susan , Sainoji Ashok , Nagalla Balakrishna , Yagnambhatt Venkata Ramana
Published: September 2018

Purpose: To evaluate energy expenditure, energy intake, and nutrient adequacy of Indian junior soccer players. Method: Forty junior national-level soccer players (Under-12 and Under-16 age groups) were assessed for 3-day weighed food records and 3-day energy expenditure. Energy and nutrient intake was analyzed from food records, and energy expenditure was measured using a portable metabolic analyzer and activity records. Nutrient adequacy was determined by comparing intake with prevailing recommendations. Results: Players exhibited no significant difference between energy intake (boys = 3062 [340.9] and girls = 2243 [320.3] kcal·d−1) and expenditure (boys = 2875 [717.3] and girls = 2442 [350.3] kcal·d−1). Across age groups, the Under-12 boys showed positive energy balance as against energy deficits in Under-16. Girls showed energy deficits, although not significant. There were 58% of girls showing energy availability <30 kcal·kg−1 fat-free mass, of which 37% were Under-16 players. Carbohydrates contributed to >60% of energy expenditure among 95.2% boys and 73.7% girls. Among 52.4% boys and 47.4% girls, <25% of energy expenditure was contributed by fat. More than 95% players consumed <1 g·kg−1 carbohydrates pretraining and 100% of them consumed >1.2 g·kg−1 carbohydrates posttraining. Conclusion: Junior soccer players consumed more than recommended carbohydrates in the diet, although not aligning with the pretraining, during training, and posttraining meal requirements. Considering the energy deficits observed among Under-16 players, a suitable dietary modification is warranted.
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors of Children in Family Child Care Homes: Are There Opportunities for Improvement?
Authors: Mazzucca Stephanie , Neshteruk Cody , Burney Regan , Vaughn Amber E. , Hales Derek , Østbye Truls , Ward Dianne
Published: September 2018

Purpose: Many children attend family child care homes (FCCHs), an important setting to influence children’s physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). This study assessed children’s PA and SB while in FCCHs, characteristics of the FCCH PA environment, and relationships between the environment and child PA and SB. Method: Children ages 1.5–4.0 years (n = 495) were recruited from 165 FCCHs in North Carolina. Children’s moderate to vigorous PA and SB were measured via accelerometry for 3 days. FCCH PA environments were assessed over 2 days using the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation for FCCHs. Ten subscores and an overall PA environment score (possible range: 0–30) were calculated; higher scores indicate better quality. Results: Children accumulated 30 (13) minutes of moderate to vigorous PA and 143 (42) minutes of SB in FCCHs daily. FCCHs scored low on the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation for FCCHs, with an average overall score of 13 (2). FCCHs scored highest on screen time and screen time practices subscores, and lowest on PA education/professional development and PA policy subscores. Although no statistically significant associations were observed, some large Cohen d effect sizes were noted (eg, outdoor playtime subscore and moderate to vigorous PA). Conclusions: This study highlights opportunities to improve FCCHs and increase children’s behaviors (eg, providing adequate time and outdoor play spaces).
Nitrogen isotope signature evidences ammonium deprotonation as a common transport mechanism for the AMT-Mep-Rh protein superfamily
Authors: Ariz Idoia , Boeckstaens Mélanie , Gouveia Catarina , Martins Ana Paula , Sanz-Luque Emanuel , Fernández Emilio , Soveral Graça , von Wirén Nicolaus , Marini Anna M. , Aparicio-Tejo Pedro M. , Cruz Cristina
Published: September 2018

Natural nitrogen isotopic signature reveals deprotonation during ammonium transport across living organisms.
A comprehensive portrait of the venom of the giant red bull ant,
Myrmecia gulosa
, reveals a hyperdiverse hymenopteran toxin gene family
Authors: Robinson Samuel D. , Mueller Alexander , Clayton Daniel , Starobova Hana , Hamilton Brett R. , Payne Richard J. , Vetter Irina , King Glenn F. , Undheim Eivind A. B.
Published: September 2018

Characterization of the venom of an ant reveals a diverse and multifunctional hymenopteran toxin superfamily.
Thrombopoietin receptor–independent stimulation of hematopoietic stem cells by eltrombopag
Authors: Kao Yun-Ruei , Chen Jiahao , Narayanagari Swathi-Rao , Todorova Tihomira I. , Aivalioti Maria M. , Ferreira Mariana , Ramos Pedro M. , Pallaud Celine , Mantzaris Ioannis , Shastri Aditi , Bussel James B. , Verma Amit , Steidl Ulrich , Will Britta
Published: September 2018

Eltrombopag stimulates multilineage hematopoiesis through intracellular iron chelation.
A database of tissue-specific rhythmically expressed human genes has potential applications in circadian medicine
Authors: Ruben Marc D. , Wu Gang , Smith David F. , Schmidt Robert E. , Francey Lauren J. , Lee Yin Yeng , Anafi Ron C. , Hogenesch John B.
Published: September 2018

Bioinformatic analyses of human tissue samples were used to build a database of rhythmically expressed genes across the body.
Phage-Antibiotic Synergy via Delayed Lysis
Authors: Kim Minjin , Jo Yunyeol , Hwang Yoon Jung , Hong Hye Won , Hong Sung Sik , Park Kwangseo , Myung Heejoon
Published: September 2018

Phage-antibiotic synergy (PAS) has been reported for a decade, but the underlying mechanism has never been vigorously investigated. This study shows the presence of PAS from a variety of phage-bacterium-antibiotic pairings. We show that increased phage production resulted directly from a lysis delay caused by the relative shortage of holin in filamented bacterial hosts in the presence of sublethal concentrations of stress-inducing substances, such as antibiotics and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Heterogeneity in FoxP3- and GARP/LAP-Expressing T Regulatory Cells in an HLA Class II Transgenic Murine Model of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections by Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Nookala Suba , Mukundan Santhosh , Fife Alexander , Alagarsamy Jeyashree , Kotb Malak
Published: September 2018

Invasive group A streptococcus (GAS) infections include necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). We have previously shown that host HLA class II allelic variations determine the risk for necrotizing fasciitis (NF), a dominant subgroup of NSTI, and STSS by modulating responses to GAS superantigens (SAgs).
Complete Genome Sequence of Houston Virus, a Newly Discovered Mosquito-Specific Virus Isolated from Culex quinquefasciatus in Mexico
Authors: Cigarroa-Toledo Nohemi , Baak-Baak Carlos M. , Cetina-Trejo Rosa C. , Cordova-Fletes Carlos , Martinez-Nuñez Mario A. , Talavera-Aguilar Lourdes G. , Garcia-Rejon Julian E. , Torres-Chable Oswaldo M. , Suzan Gerardo , Blitvich Bradley J. , Machain-Williams Carlos
Published: September 2018

We fully sequenced the genome of Houston virus, a recently discovered mosquito-associated virus belonging to the newly established family
Mesoniviridae
. The isolate was recovered from
Culex quinquefasciatus
in southern Mexico, which shows that the geographic range of Houston virus is not restricted to the United States in North America.
Draft Genome Sequences of Mycolicibacter senuensis Isolate GF74 and Mycobacterium colombiense Isolates GF28 and GF76 from a Swine Farm in Japan
Authors: Ito Toshihiro , Sawai Kotaro , Kawai Mikihiko , Nozaki Keiko , Otsu Keiko , Fukushi Hideto , Ohya Kenji , Maruyama Fumito
Published: September 2018

Several nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) occasionally infect humans and animals. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of
Mycolicibacter senuensis
isolate GF74 (4,792,997 bp) and
Mycobacterium colombiense
isolates GF28 and GF76 (5,473,554 bp and 5,426,852 bp, respectively) isolated from a swine farm in Japan.
Genome Sequence of the Probiotic Strain Bacillus velezensis Variant polyfermenticus GF423
Authors: Jeong Haeyoung , Kim JungAe , Choi Soo-Keun , Pan Jae-Gu
Published: September 2018

The genome sequence of the commercial probiotic strain “
Bacillus polyfermenticus
” GF423 was determined. Comparison of the 4.1-Mb genome sequence revealed
Bacillus
velezensis
FZB42 as its closest relative.
Draft Genome Sequences of the 1,2-Dichloropropane-Respiring Dehalococcoides mccartyi Strains RC and KS
Authors: Higgins Steven A. , Padilla-Crespo Elizabeth , Löffler Frank E.
Published: September 2018

Dehalococcoides mccartyi
strains RC and KS respire toxic 1,2-dichloropropane to environmentally benign propene. Their genomes were sequenced with Ion Torrent technology, assembled, and annotated.
Randomised trial of cord clamping and initial stabilisation at very preterm birth
Authors: Duley Lelia , Dorling Jon , Pushpa-Rajah Angela , Oddie Sam J , Yoxall Charles William , Schoonakker Bernard , Bradshaw Lucy , Mitchell Eleanor J , Fawke Joe Anthony
Published: September 2018

Objectives

For very preterm births, to compare alternative policies for umbilical cord clamping and immediate neonatal care.

Design

Parallel group randomised (1:1) trial, using sealed opaque numbered envelopes.

Setting

Eight UK tertiary maternity units.

Participants

261 women expected to have a live birth before 32 weeks, and their 276 babies.

Interventions

Cord clamping after at least 2 min and immediate neonatal care with cord intact, or clamping within 20 s and immediate neonatal care after clamping.

Main outcome measures

Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), death before discharge.

Results

132 women (137 babies) were allocated clamping ≥2 min and neonatal care cord intact, and 129 (139) clamping ≤20 s and neonatal care after clamping; six mother-infant dyads were excluded (2, 4) as birth was after 35+6 weeks, one withdrew (death data only available) (0, 1). Median gestation was 28.9 weeks for those allocated clamping ≥2 min, and 29.2 for those allocated clamping ≤20 s. Median time to clamping was 120 and 11 s, respectively. 7 of 135 infants (5.2%) allocated clamping ≥2 min died and 15 of 135 (11.1%) allocated clamping ≤20 s; risk difference (RD) −5.9% (95% CI −12.4% to 0.6%). Of live births, 43 of 134 (32%) had IVH vs 47 of 132 (36%), respectively; RD −3.5% (−14.9% to 7.8%). There were no clear differences in other outcomes for infants or mothers.

Conclusions

This is promising evidence that clamping after at least 2 min and immediate neonatal care with cord intact at very preterm birth may improve outcome; a large trial is urgently needed.

Trial registration

ISRCTN 21456601.
Tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs during pregnancy and risk of neuroblastoma: systematic review
Authors: Müller-Schulte Eloise , Kurlemann Gerhard , Harder Anja
Published: September 2018

Objective

To determine whether prenatal and perinatal maternal consumption of alcohol, tobacco and/or illicit drugs is associated with risk of neuroblastoma.

Data sources

Medline and Embase (both from inception to February 2017), and reference lists of included studies.

Study selection

To be eligible, a study had to be an original report including data on intake of alcohol, tobacco smoking and/or consumption of illicit drugs during pregnancy and risk of neuroblastoma in the child.

Data extraction

From eligible studies, data study characteristics as well as effect measures and confounders were extracted. We assessed unadjusted and confounder-adjusted estimates, performed risk of bias analysis, constructed random-effects models and assessed heterogeneity.

Results

We identified 14 case–control studies (1987–2016) involving a total of 3114 children with neuroblastoma. Meta-analysis of unadjusted estimates showed an association between alcohol (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.49), tobacco (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.44) and illicit drug consumption during pregnancy and risk of neuroblastoma during childhood, with illicit drug consumption showing the strongest association (OR 3.26; 95% CI 1.36 to 7.86). However, adjusted estimates were highly heterogeneous.

Limitations

All studies were at high risk of bias.

Conclusions

Smoking, alcohol or illicit drugs during pregnancy might play a role in the development of neuroblastoma. However, well-designed studies are needed to assess whether these exposures are causal and whether time period during pregnancy, dose or co-consumption of substances is critical.

Trial registration number

Registration number CRD42016036165.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma in a pregnant Filipino woman successfully treated with prepartum and postpartum chemotherapy
Authors: Amante Madelaine Amurao , Galagnara Sharon Jane Pingol , Ignacio Jorge
Published: September 2018

Diagnosis of a malignancy during pregnancy presents a dilemma regarding the work-up and treatment of the patient. This report presents a 42-year-old woman on her 23rd week of pregnancy with multiple enlarging fungating violaceous skin masses. Biopsy of the dominant mass revealed anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Due to the progressive enlargement and increase in number of the masses, the patient was given two cycles of chemotherapy (doxorubicin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and prednisone) before delivering a live baby boy via spontaneous vaginal delivery, Apgar 9.9, at 37 4/7 weeks. After delivery, she completed four more cycles of treatment. A full-body positron emission tomography scan done 2 months after the last chemotherapy showed no evidence of disease. The patient is doing well with no evidence of disease 9 months after treatment. Her baby is thriving and has no gross deformities and no developmental delays.
Invasive mediastinal aspergillosis presenting as superior vena cava syndrome in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Rahim Yasmin , Memon Aisha , Khan Javaid Ahmed
Published: September 2018

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a disease of the immunocompromised with a predilection for the lungs, although dissemination to all organs is possible. Its diagnosis remains a challenge due to the absence of specific clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. In most cases, diagnosis is eventually made via invasive methods. It carries with it a high mortality due to late diagnosis and delayed treatment. Here, we report a fascinating case of a young, otherwise healthy, immunocompetent patient that presented to us with superior vena cava syndrome and a mediastinal mass. It was anticipated that a malignancy would be found on further workup but, in fact, what was eventually discovered was a case of IA. Our report accentuates the significance of including IA as a differential while diagnosing a mediastinal mass in an immunocompetent host as patient outcome is determined by timely diagnosis and treatment.
Status dystonicus: a diagnosis delayed
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Fahad , Ahmad Ehtasham , Biddanda Aiyappa Nanjappa , Sharif Muhammad
Published: September 2018

Status dystonicus, also known as the dystonic storm or dystonic crisis, is rare but may prove fatal due to respiratory and bulbar complications. In adults, the condition is rare and possibly under-reported. The lack of awareness of this condition among emergency and acute physicians may lead to an incorrect or delayed diagnosis, which should be avoided. We report a case of a 23-year-old man with athetoid cerebral palsy who presented to a district general hospital with uncontrolled dystonic movements, which were diagnosed as status dystonicus. This was successfully treated with intravenous clonidine, with full recovery returning to baseline functional state.
Prevalence and causes of vision loss in South-east Asia and Oceania in 2015: magnitude, temporal trends and projections
Authors: Keeffe Jill Elizabeth , Casson Robert J , Pesudovs Konrad , Taylor Hugh R , Cicinelli Maria Vittoria , Das Aditi , Flaxman Seth R , Jonas Jost B , Kempen John H , Leasher Janet , Limburg Hans , Naidoo Kovin , Silvester Alexander J , Stevens Gretchen A , Tahhan Nina , Wong Tien Yin , Resnikoff Serge , Bourne Rupert R A
Published: September 2018

Background

To assess prevalence and causes of vision impairment in South-east Asia and Oceania regions from 1990 to 2015 and to forecast the figures for 2020.

Methods

Based on a systematic review of medical literature, prevalence of blindness (presenting visual acuity (PVA) <3/60 in the better eye), moderate and severe vision impairment (MSVI; PVA <6/18 but ≥3/60), mild vision impairment (PVA <6/12 but ≥6/18) and near vision impairment (>N5 or N8 in the presence of normal vision) were estimated for 1990, 2010, 2015 and 2020.

Results

The age-standardised prevalence of blindness for all ages and both genders was higher in the Oceania region but lower for MSVI when comparing the subregions. The prevalence of near vision impairment in people≥50 years was 41% (uncertainty interval (UI) 18.8 to 65.9). Comparison of the data for 2015 with 2020 predicts a small increase in the numbers of people affected by blindness, MSVI and mild VI in both subregions. The numbers predicted for near VI in South-east Asia are from 90.68 million in 2015 to 102.88 million in 2020. The main causes of blindness and MSVI in both subregions in 2015 were cataract, uncorrected refractive error, glaucoma, corneal disease and age-related macular degeneration. There was no trachoma in Oceania from 1990 and decreasing prevalence in South-east Asia with elimination predicted by 2020.

Conclusions

In both regions, the main challenges for eye care come from cataract which remains the main cause of blindness with uncorrected refractive error the main cause of MSVI. The trend between 1990 and 2015 is for a lower prevalence of blindness and MSVI in both regions.
Use of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) contaminated valsartan products and risk of cancer: Danish nationwide cohort study
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Kristensen Kasper Bruun , Ernst Martin Thomsen , Johansen Nanna Borup , Quartarolo Pierre , Hallas Jesper
Published: September 2018

Objective

To perform an expedited assessment of cancer risk associated with exposure to N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) through contaminated valsartan products.

Design

Nationwide cohort study.

Setting

Danish health registries on individual level prescription drug use, cancer occurrence, and hospital diagnoses.

Participants

5150 Danish patients with no history of cancer, aged 40 years or older, and using valsartan at 1 January 2012 or initiating use between 1 January 2012 and 30 June 2017. Participants were followed from one year after cohort entry (lag time period) until experiencing a cancer outcome, death, migration, or end of study period (30 June 2018). Each participant’s exposure to NDMA (ever exposure and predefined categories of cumulative valsartan exposure) was mapped out as a time varying variable while also applying a one year lag.

Main outcome measures

Association between NDMA exposure and a primary composite endpoint comprising all cancers except non-melanoma skin cancer, estimated using Cox regression. In supplementary analyses, the risk of individual cancers was determined.

Results

The final cohort comprised 5150 people followed for a median of 4.6 years. In total, 3625 cohort participants contributed 7344 person years classified as unexposed to NDMA, and 3450 participants contributed 11 920 person years classified as ever exposed to NDMA. With 104 cancer outcomes among NDMA unexposed participants and 198 among exposed participants, the adjusted hazard ratio for overall cancer was 1.09 (95% confidence interval 0.85 to 1.41), with no evidence of a dose-response relation (P=0.70). For single cancer outcomes, increases in risk were observed for colorectal cancer (hazard ratio 1.46, 95% confidence interval 0.79 to 2.73) and for uterine cancer (1.81, 0.55 to 5.90), although with wide confidence intervals that included the null.

Conclusions

The results do not imply a markedly increased short term overall risk of cancer in users of valsartan contaminated with NDMA. However, uncertainty persists about single cancer outcomes, and studies with longer follow-up are needed to assess long term cancer risk.
Cardiovascular risk model performance in women with and without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Dam Veerle , Onland-Moret N Charlotte , Verschuren W M Monique , Boer Jolanda M A , Benschop Laura , Franx Arie , Moons Karel G M , Boersma Eric , van der Schouw Yvonne T
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Compare the predictive performance of Framingham Risk Score (FRS), Pooled Cohort Equations (PCEs) and Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) model between women with and without a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (hHDP) and determine the effects of recalibration and refitting on predictive performance.

Methods

We included 29 751 women, 6302 with hHDP and 17 369 without. We assessed whether models accurately predicted observed 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk (calibration) and whether they accurately distinguished between women developing CVD during follow-up and not (discrimination), separately for women with and without hHDP. We also recalibrated (updating intercept and slope) and refitted (recalculating coefficients) the models.

Results

Original FRS and PCEs overpredicted 10-year CVD risks, with expected:observed (E:O) ratios ranging from 1.51 (for FRS in women with hHDP) to 2.29 (for PCEs in women without hHDP), while E:O ratios were close to 1 for SCORE. Overprediction attenuated slightly after recalibration for FRS and PCEs in both hHDP groups. Discrimination was reasonable for all models, with C-statistics ranging from 0.70-0.81 (women with hHDP) and 0.72–0.74 (women without hHDP). C-statistics improved slightly after refitting 0.71–0.83 (with hHDP) and 0.73–0.80 (without hHDP). The E:O ratio of the original PCE model was statistically significantly better in women with hHDP compared with women without hHDP.

Conclusions

SCORE performed best in terms of both calibration and discrimination, while FRS and PCEs overpredicted risk in women with and without hHDP, but improved after recalibrating and refitting the models. No separate model for women with hHDP seems necessary, despite their higher baseline risk.
Learning curves in surgery: variables, analysis and applications
Authors: Valsamis Epaminondas Markos , Chouari Tarak , O’Dowd-Booth Christopher , Rogers Benedict , Ricketts David
Published: September 2018

Learning curves graphically represent the relationship between learning effort and learning outcome. Learning curves are increasingly used in research, the design of randomised controlled trials, the assessment of competency, healthcare education and training programme design. In this review we have outlined the principles behind plotting learning curves, described the common methods used to analyse learning curves, how to interpret learning curves, the multitude of learning models, their applications and potential pitfalls, and the importance of a mathematically rigorous approach to learning curve analytics.
Light and mild redux: heated tobacco products’ reduced exposure claims are likely to be misunderstood as reduced risk claims
Authors: Popova Lucy , Lempert Lauren Kass , Glantz Stanton A
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are being marketed in several countries around the world with claims that they are less harmful than combusted cigarettes, based on assertions that they expose users to lower levels of toxicants. In the USA, Philip Morris International (PMI) has submitted an application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016 seeking authorisation to market its HTPs, IQOS, with reduced risk and reduced exposure claims.

Methods

We examined the PMI’s Perception and Behavior Assessment Studies evaluating perceptions of reduced risk claims that were submitted to the FDA and made publicly available.

Results

Qualitative and quantitative studies conducted by PMI demonstrate that adult consumers in the USA perceive reduced exposure claims as reduced risk claims.

Conclusion

The data in the PMI modified risk tobacco product IQOS application do not support reduced risk claims and the reduced exposure claims are perceived as reduced risk claims, which is explicitly prohibited by the FDA. Allowing PMI to promote IQOS as reduced exposure would amount to a legally sanctioned repeat of the ‘light’ and ‘mild’ fraud which, for conventional cigarettes, is prohibited by the US law and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Isolation of RNA from a mixture and its detection by utilizing a microgel-based optical device
Authors: Islam Molla R. , Azimi Shakiba , Teimoory Faranak , Loppnow Glen , Serpe Michael J.
Published: September 2018

In this investigation, we show that RNA can be separated from a solution containing DNA and RNA and the isolated RNA can be detected using poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-(3-aminopropyl) methacrylamide hydrochloride) microgel-based optical devices (etalons). The isolation of RNA was accomplished by using hairpin-functionalized magnetic beads (MMPDNA) and differential melting, based on the fact that the DNA–RNA hybrid duplex is stronger (i.e., high melting temperature) than the DNA–DNA duplex (i.e., low melting temperature). By performing concurrent etalon sensing and fluorescent studies, we found that the MMPDNA combined with differential melting was capable of selectively separating RNA from DNA. This selective separation and simple colorimetric detection of RNA from a mixture will help lead to future RNA-based disease diagnostic devices.
Structural and metamorphic evolution of the Karakoram and Pamir following India–Kohistan–Asia collision
Authors: Searle M. P. , Hacker B. R.
Published: September 2018

Following the
c.
50 Ma India–Kohistan arc–Asia collision, crustal thickening uplifted the Himalaya (Indian Plate), and the Karakoram, Pamir and Tibetan Plateau (Asian Plate). Whereas surface geology of Tibet shows limited Cenozoic metamorphism and deformation, and only localized crustal melting, the Karakoram–Pamir show regional sillimanite- and kyanite-grade metamorphism, and crustal melting resulting in major granitic intrusions (Baltoro granites). U/Th–Pb dating shows that metamorphism along the Hunza Karakoram peaked at
c.
83–62 and 44 Ma with intrusion of the Hunza dykes at 52–50 Ma and 35 ± 1.0 Ma, and along the Baltoro Karakoram peaked at
c.
28–22 Ma, but continued until 5.4–3.5 Ma (Dassu dome). Widespread crustal melting along the Baltoro Batholith spanned 26.4–13 Ma. A series of thrust sheets and gneiss domes (metamorphic core complexes) record crustal thickening and regional metamorphism in the central and south Pamir from 37 to 20 Ma. At 20 Ma, break-off of the Indian slab caused large-scale exhumation of amphibolite-facies crust from depths of 30–55 km, and caused crustal thickening to jump to the fold-and-thrust belt at the northern edge of the Pamir. Crustal thickening, high-grade metamorphism and melting are certainly continuing at depth today in the India–Asia collision zone.
Recent Advances in Behavioral (Epi)Genetics in Eusocial Insects
Authors: Opachaloemphan Comzit , Yan Hua , Leibholz Alexandra , Desplan Claude , Reinberg Danny
Published: September 2018

Eusocial insects live in societies in which distinct family members serve specific roles in maintaining the colony and advancing the reproductive ability of a few select individuals. Given the genetic similarity of all colony members, the diversity of morphologies and behaviors is surprising. Social communication relies on pheromones and olfaction, as shown by mutants of orco, the universal odorant receptor coreceptor, and through electrophysiological analysis of neuronal responses to pheromones. Additionally, neurohormonal factors and epigenetic regulators play a key role in caste-specific behavior, such as foraging and caste switching. These studies start to allow an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying social behavior and provide a technological foundation for future studies of eusocial insects. In this review, we highlight recent findings in eusocial insects that advance our understanding of genetic and epigenetic regulations of social behavior and provide perspectives on future studies using cutting-edge technologies.
Aging in a Dish: iPSC-Derived and Directly Induced Neurons for Studying Brain Aging and Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Mertens Jerome , Reid Dylan , Lau Shong , Kim Yongsung , Gage Fred H.
Published: September 2018

Age-associated neurological diseases represent a profound challenge in biomedical research as we are still struggling to understand the interface between the aging process and the manifestation of disease. Various pathologies in the elderly do not directly result from genetic mutations, toxins, or infectious agents but are primarily driven by the many manifestations of biological aging. Therefore, the generation of appropriate model systems to study human aging in the nervous system demands new concepts that lie beyond transgenic and drug-induced models. Although access to viable human brain specimens is limited and induced pluripotent stem cell models face limitations due to reprogramming-associated cellular rejuvenation, the direct conversion of somatic cells into induced neurons allows for the generation of human neurons that capture many aspects of aging. Here, we review advances in exploring age-associated neurodegenerative diseases using human cell reprogramming models, and we discuss general concepts, promises, and limitations of the field.
MicroRNA-488 inhibits progression of colorectal cancer via inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by targeting claudin-2
Authors: Wang Yong-Bing , Shi Quan , Li Gang , Zheng Jun-Hua , Lin Jie , Qiu Wei
Published: September 2018

Colorectal cancer (CRC) affects people globally, and lymph node metastasis (LNM) is an important indicator of poor clinical outcome in CRC. The current study aims to evaluate the role of microRNA-448 (miR-488) and claudin-2 (CLDN2) in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and LNM of CRC through the MAPK signaling pathway. First, microarray analysis indicated that miR-488 was poorly expressed in CRC, whereas CLDN2 was highly expressed. Additionally, the bioinformatics website MicroRNA.org and the dual luciferase reporter gene assay found that CLDN2 was a target gene of miR-488. Next, the results for the correlations between expression of miR-488 and clinicopathological characteristics of CRC indicated that the expression of miR-488 was closely associated with differentiation degree, LNM, and Dukes stages in CRC patients. Moreover, overexpression of miR-488 inhibited the activation of the MAPK signal transduction pathway. Notably, loss- and gain-of-function experiments demonstrated that upregulation of miR-488 suppressed SW480 cell viability, invasion, and migration and promoted apoptosis in SW480 cells. Finally, overexpression of miR-488 inhibited LNM, microlymphatic vessel density, and tumor growth in nude mice. We conclude that overexpression of miR-488 could suppress the cell proliferation, EMT, and LNM of CRC cells via inhibition of the CLDN2-mediated MAPK signaling pathway, which could be a new molecular therapy target for CRC.
Toughening of Poly(L-lactide) with Blends of Poly(ε-caprolactone-co-L-lactide) in the Presence of Chain Extender
Authors: Srisuwan Yaowalak , Baimark Yodthong , Suttiruengwong Supakij
Published: September 2018

A poly(ε-caprolactone-co-L-lactide) copolyester was synthesized and employed to toughen poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) by reactive melt blending in the presence of an epoxy-based chain extender. The effects of chain extension reaction and copolyester content on properties of PLLA-based blends were studied. The chain extension reaction reduced crystallinity and melt flow index of PLLA/copolyester blends. Meanwhile the copolyester blending improved the crystallinities of the chain-extended PLLA up to 20 wt% copolyester. The phase compatibility between PLLA matrix and dispersed copolyester phases was enhanced by the chain extension reaction. The impact strength of chain-extended PLLA increased with the contents of copolyester and chain extender.
Cisplatin-Induced Rodent Model of Kidney Injury: Characteristics and Challenges
Authors: Perše Martina , Večerić-Haler Željka
Published: September 2018

Cisplatin is an antitumor drug used in the treatment of a wide variety of malignancies. However, its primary dose-limiting side effect is kidney injury, which is a major clinical concern. To help understand mechanisms involved in the development of kidney injury, cisplatin rodent model has been developed. Given the complex pathogenesis of kidney injury, which involves both local events in the kidney and interconnected and interdependent systemic effects in the body, cisplatin rodent model is indispensable in the investigation of underlying mechanisms and potential treatment strategies of both acute and chronic kidney injury. Cisplatin rodent model is well appreciated and widely used model due to its simplicity. It has many similarities to human cisplatin nephrotoxicity, which are mentioned in the paper. In spite of its simplicity and wide applicability, there are also traps that need to be taken into account when using cisplatin model. The present paper is aimed at giving a concise insight into the complex characteristics of cisplatin rodent model and heterogeneity of cisplatin dosage regimens as well as outlining factors that can severely influence the outcome of the model and the study. Challenges for future research are also mentioned.
Reduction of Electromagnetic Reflections in 3D Airborne Transient Electromagnetic Modeling: Application of the CFS-PML in Source-Free Media
Authors: Ji Yanju , Zhao Xuejiao , Gu Jiayue , Li Dongsheng , Guan Shanshan
Published: September 2018

To solve the problem of electromagnetic reflections caused by the termination of finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) grids, we apply the complex frequency-shifted perfectly matched layer (CFS-PML) to airborne transient electromagnetic (ATEM) modeling in a source-free medium. To implement the CFS-PML, two important aspects are improved. First, our method adopts the source-free Maxwell’s equations as the governing equations and introduces the divergence condition, consequently, the discrete form of Maxwell’s third equation is derived with regard to the CFS-PML form. Second, because our method adopts an inhomogeneous time-step, a recursive formula composed of convolution items based on a nonuniform time-step is proposed. The proposed approach is verified via a calculation of the electromagnetic response using homogeneous half-space models with different conductivities. The results show that the CFS-PML can reduce a 60 dB relative errors in late times. Moreover, this approach is also applied to 3D anomalous models; the results indicate that the proposed method can reduce reflections and substantially improve the identification of anomalous bodies. Consequently, the CFS-PML has good implications for ATEM modeling in a source-free medium.
Health Care Resource Utilization and Costs among Adult Patients with Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Retrospective Medical Record Review in the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and France
Authors: Mytelka Daniel S. , Nagar Saurabh P. , D’yachkova Yulia , La Elizabeth M. , Kaye James A. , Candrilli Sean D. , Kasper Bernd , Lopez-Martin Jose Antonio , Lorenzo Maria
Published: September 2018

Objective. To describe health care resource utilization and costs for patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in the United Kingdom (UK), Spain, Germany, and France. Methods. Physicians abstracted data for adult patients with a diagnosis of advanced STS (other than Kaposi’s sarcoma or gastrointestinal stromal tumor) who received ≥1 lines of systemic therapy. Health care resource utilization related to advanced STS treatment was recorded; associated costs were estimated by applying unit costs. Results. A total of 130 physicians provided data for 807 patients (UK: 199; Spain: 203; Germany: 204; and France: 201). The site of care during active treatment varied based on differences in the health care systems of these four countries. Total mean per-patient health care cost in the UK was £19,457; in Spain, €26,814; in Germany, €20,468; and in France, €24,368. Advanced STS-related systemic treatment costs were driven primarily by drug acquisition and administration costs. Treatment-related costs increased during later lines of therapy for all countries except France, where they decreased after first-line therapy. Pain control and antiemetics were the most common supportive care medications. Conclusions. This study provides real-world data on resource utilization and estimated costs in advanced STS and could inform policymakers about treatment burden.
OSU-T315 as an Interesting Lead Molecule for Novel B Cell-Specific Therapeutics
Authors: Van Belle Kristien , Herman Jean , Waer Mark , Sprangers Ben , Louat Thierry
Published: September 2018

B cells are pathogenic in various disease processes and therefore represent an interesting target for the development of novel immunosuppressants. In the search for new therapeutic molecules, we utilized an in vitro B cell activation assay with ODN2006-stimulated Namalwa cells to screen a chemical library of small molecules for B cell modulating effects. OSU-T315, described as an inhibitor of integrin-linked kinase (ILK), was hereby identified as a hit. On human and murine primary B cells, OSU-T315 potently suppressed the proliferation and the production of antibodies and cytokines upon stimulation, suggesting that ILK could be a promising target in the modulation of B cell activity. Mice with B cell-specific knockout of ILK were generated. Surprisingly, knockout of ILK in murine B cells did not affect B cell function as assessed by several in vivo and ex vivo B cell assays and did not alter the B cell immunosuppressive activity of OSU-T315. In conclusion, OSU-T315 displays potency as B cell modulator, probably through a mechanism of action independent of ILK, and might serve as lead drug molecule for the development of novel B cell-selective drugs.
Enhancing Matrix Completion Using a Modified Second-Order Total Variation
Authors: Wang Wendong , Wang Jianjun
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we propose a new method to deal with the matrix completion problem. Different from most existing matrix completion methods that only pursue the low rank of underlying matrices, the proposed method simultaneously optimizes their low rank and smoothness such that they mutually help each other and hence yield a better performance. In particular, the proposed method becomes very competitive with the introduction of a modified second-order total variation, even when it is compared with some recently emerged matrix completion methods that also combine the low rank and smoothness priors of matrices together. An efficient algorithm is developed to solve the induced optimization problem. The extensive experiments further confirm the superior performance of the proposed method over many state-of-the-art methods.
Multiphysics Coupling Model of Rock Mass considering Damage and Disturbance and Its Application
Authors: Wang Wei , Luo Zhouquan , Qin Yaguang , Xiang Jun , Wen Lei , Ma Shaowei
Published: September 2018

Aiming at the deficiency of the conventional multiphysics coupling model, the deterioration of strength parameters was considered by defining elastoplastic damage variables, and the heterogeneity of strength parameters was expressed by the Weibull distribution function. In addition, the relation between effective stress and the anisotropic permeability matrix was established, and the blast was transformed into a load boundary condition. On this basis, an improved multiphysics coupling model that considered damage and disturbance was constructed, while a corresponding finite element calculation program was developed. Taking an excavation stope as the object, the characteristics of the mining‐induced stress, seepage, and failure were analyzed by an improved multiphysics coupling model and compared with actual detection data. The results show that the improved model reflects the extent and range of mining‐induced failure more accurately and fits well with the actual detection. These results are compared to the conventional multiphysics coupling model and a single physics model. It is indicated that the improved multiphysics coupling model and corresponding calculation program are effective and rational.
Pencil-on-Paper Sensor for Water Detection
Authors: Zhu Zhiyuan , Xia Kequan , Xu Zhiwei , Zhang Hongze
Published: September 2018

This paper sets out a simple and affordable method for the manufacture of a water sensor involving drawing marks on paper using a flexible pencil. The sensor indicates flexible endurance variations upon exposure to water or a drying surface. It can be employed for the detection of water substances in ethanol. In addition, an experiment suggests the usefulness of the sensor for the sensing of breath. This shows the immense potential applications of the sensor for wearable and also health-inspecting electronic gadgetry.
Strategic Improvement for Quality and Satisfaction of Hospital Information Systems
Authors: Kuo Kuang-Ming , Liu Chung-Feng , Talley Paul C. , Pan Su-Ya
Published: September 2018

The purpose of our study aimed to identify attributes capable of improving physicians’ satisfaction levels with the use of a hospital information system (HIS). A model inclusive of system quality, information quality, and service quality related to an HIS is used to form antecedents of user satisfaction. Survey methodology was used to collect an attributive set representing the system quality, information quality, and service quality made available from 150 physicians at a large health-care system in southern Taiwan. Responses were segmented into low and high satisfaction and analyzed with partial least squares and importance-performance analysis. The results reveal that system quality, information quality, and service quality may be used to significantly predict physicians’ satisfaction. Two system quality attributes (reliability and response time) were identified as the highest priorities for intervention by low- and high-satisfaction users. Low-satisfaction users further expect improvement of the HIS service quality to take place. The subject health-care system should produce coping interventions for those high priorities to enhance the satisfaction of physicians.
Efficient Training Data Generation for Reduced-Order Modeling in a Transonic Flight Regime
Authors: Liu Haojie , Zhao Yonghui
Published: September 2018

In this study, a time-dependent surrogate approach is presented to generate the training data for identifying the reduced-order model of an unsteady aerodynamic system with the variation of mean angle of attack and Mach number in a transonic flight regime. For such a purpose, a finite set of flight samples are selected to cover the flight range of concern at first. Subsequently, the unsteady aerodynamic outputs of the system under given inputs of filtered white Gaussian noise at these flight samples are simulated via CFD technique which solves Euler equations. The unsteady aerodynamic outputs, which are viewed as a time-dependent function of flight parameters, can be approximated via the Kriging technique at each time step. By this way, the training data for any combination of flight parameters in the range of concern can be obtained without performing any further CFD simulations. To illustrate the accuracy and validity of the training data generated via the proposed approach, the constructed data are used to identify the reduced-order aerodynamic models of a NACA 64A010 airfoil via a robust subspace identification algorithm. The unsteady aerodynamics and aeroelastic responses under various flight conditions in a transonic flight regime are computed. The results agree well with those obtained by using the training data of CFD technique.
A Filtering Method for Identification of Significant Target mRNAs of Coexpressed and Differentially Expressed MicroRNA Clusters
Authors: Lee Su Yeon , Shin Soo-Yong , Yoon Young Jo , Park Yu Rang
Published: September 2018

MicroRNA (miRNA) binding is primarily based on sequence, but structure-specific binding is also possible. Various prediction algorithms have been developed for predicting miRNA target genes; the results, however, have relatively high levels of false positives, and the degree of overlap between predicted targets from different methods is poor or null. We devised a new method for identifying significant miRNA target genes from an extensive list of predicted miRNA target gene relationships using hypergeometric distributions. We evaluated our method in statistical and semantic aspects using a common miRNA cluster from six solid tumors. Our method provides statistically and semantically significant miRNA target genes. Complementing target prediction algorithms with our proposed method may have a significant synergistic effect in finding and evaluating functional annotation and enrichment analysis for miRNA.
Jaw Exercise Therapy and Psychoeducation to Reduce Oral Parafunctional Activities for the Management of Persistent Dentoalveolar Pain
Authors: Makino Izumi , Arai Young-Chang , Aono Shuichi , Inoue Masayuki , Sakurai Hiroki , Ohmichi Yusuke , Shimo Kazuhiro , Nishihara Makoto , Sato Jun , Hatakeyama Noboru , Matsubara Takako , Ikemoto Tatsunori , Ushida Takahiro
Published: September 2018

Objective. To retrospectively analyze the effects of our original combination therapy treatment on patients with nonodontogenic persistent dentoalveolar pain.Methods. Twenty-one patients suffering from persistent dentoalveolar pain (nineteen females and two males; mean age ± standard deviation: 55.7 ± 19.6 years) participated in this study. They were treated with a therapy combination of jaw exercise and psychoeducation to reduce oral parafunctional activities every month. The intensity of pain in these subjects was evaluated using a numerical rating scale (NRS) before and after treatment.Results. The NRSs at the baseline ranged from 5 to 10 (median, 8), from 0 to 10 (median, 2) at one month after treatment, from 0 to 10 (median, 1) at three months after treatment, and from 0 to 10 (median, 0) at the end of treatment. Pain intensity after treatment improved significantly.Conclusion. There was a significant reduction in pain after our combination of therapies as nonpharmacological treatments, and therefore this treatment could be useful in the management of NPDP patients.
Illness-Death Model in Chronic Disease Epidemiology: Characteristics of a Related, Differential Equation and an Inverse Problem
Authors: Brinks Ralph
Published: September 2018

Chronic diseases impose a huge burden for mankind. Recently, a mathematical relation between the incidence and prevalence of a chronic disease in terms of a differential equation has been described. In this article, we study the characteristics of this differential equation. Furthermore, we prove the ill-posedness of a related inverse problem arising in chronic disease epidemiology. An example application for the inverse problem about type 1 diabetes in German women aged up to 35 years is given.
Blow-Up Analysis for the Periodic Two-Component μ-Hunter-Saxton System
Authors: Guo Yunxi , Xiong Tingjian
Published: September 2018

The two-component μ-Hunter-Saxton system is considered in the spatially periodic setting. Firstly, a wave-breaking criterion is derived by employing the localization analysis of the transport equation theory. Secondly, several sufficient conditions of the blow-up solutions are established by using the classic method. The results obtained in this paper are new and different from those in previous works.