bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional examination of extrapyramidal side effects in a specialist palliative care inpatient unit
Authors: O'Brien Hannah , Kiely Fiona , Barry Aileen , Meaney Sarah
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Extrapyramidal side effects (EPSEs) are serious potentially reversible side effects of antipsychotic and other medications that can cause distress for patients. A core principle of palliative care involves optimising quality of life. If side effects of medications are burdensome, it is imperative that we address this issue. The aim of the study was to determine and describe the burden of EPSEs in a specialist inpatient unit.

Methods

Consenting patients who met inclusion criteria were assessed for EPSE with two validated screening tests, the Modified Simpson-Angus Scale (MSAS) and Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS). Additional demographic data were collected including medications associated with EPSE, previous history of EPSE and known risk factors that may predispose a patient to EPSE.

Results

43% inpatients met inclusion criteria. At least 66% of patients were taking regular medications associated with EPSE. Of those, 25% were taking ≥2 medications associated with EPSE. The MSAS revealed 50% scored <3, 44% scored 3–5% and 6% scored 6–11. Seven patients had at least one ‘not rateable score’. In the BARS (sitting±standing), 94% scored 0/5 and 6% scored 1/5. 12.5% of participants were able to stand for 2 min to complete the BARS.

Conclusions

50% screened positive for EPSE. The complete BARS was unsuitable for most participants. The MSAS, while allowing a not rateable score, may underestimate EPSE. The frailty of an inpatient unit population impacts on applicability of screening tools and may therefore underestimate the burden of the problem in this population. Development of a population-specific screening tool warrants further investigation.
Development and clinical validation of the Genedrive point-of-care test for qualitative detection of hepatitis C virus
Authors: Llibre Alba , Shimakawa Yusuke , Mottez Estelle , Ainsworth Shaun , Buivan Tan-Phuc , Firth Rick , Harrison Elliott , Rosenberg Arielle R , Meritet Jean-François , Fontanet Arnaud , Castan Pablo , Madejón Antonio , Laverick Mark , Glass Allison , Viana Raquel , Pol Stanislas , McClure C Patrick , Irving William Lucien , Miele Gino , Albert Matthew L , Duffy Darragh
Published: October 2018

Objective

Recently approved direct acting antivirals provide transformative therapies for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The major clinical challenge remains to identify the undiagnosed patients worldwide, many of whom live in low-income and middle-income countries, where access to nucleic acid testing remains limited. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a point-of-care (PoC) assay for the qualitative detection of HCV RNA.

Design

We developed a PoC assay for the qualitative detection of HCV RNA on the PCR Genedrive instrument. We validated the Genedrive HCV assay through a case–control study comparing results with those obtained with the Abbott RealTime HCV test.

Results

The PoC assay identified all major HCV genotypes, with a limit of detection of 2362 IU/mL (95% CI 1966 to 2788). Using 422 patients chronically infected with HCV and 503 controls negative for anti-HCV and HCV RNA, the Genedrive HCV assay showed 98.6% sensitivity (95% CI 96.9% to 99.5%) and 100% specificity (95% CI 99.3% to 100%) to detect HCV. In addition, melting peak ratiometric analysis demonstrated proof-of-principle for semiquantification of HCV. The test was further validated in a real clinical setting in a resource-limited country.

Conclusion

We report a rapid, simple, portable and accurate PoC molecular test for HCV, with sensitivity and specificity that fulfils the recent FIND/WHO Target Product Profile for HCV decentralised testing in low-income and middle-income countries. This Genedrive HCV assay may positively impact the continuum of HCV care from screening to cure by supporting real-time treatment decisions.

Trial registration number

NCT02992184.
Contrasted trends in health-related quality of life across gender, age categories and work status in France, 1995–2016: repeated population-based cross-sectional surveys using the SF-36
Authors: Clause-Verdreau Anne-Caroline , Audureau Étienne , Leplège Alain , Coste Joël
Published: October 2018

Background

Interest in monitoring health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in general populations has increased in the past 20 years, reinforced by population ageing and repeated economic crises. This study aims to identify temporal trends in HRQoL in France between 1995 and 2016 and to assess disparities according to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.

Methods

Data from repeated population-based cross-sectional surveys conducted in 1995, 2003 and 2016 were used. HRQoL was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire.

Results

A substantial decrease in score was observed between 1995 and 2016 for both genders in almost all subscales of the SF-36, with the largest decrease being in the mental health dimension for men. However, the age group 18–54 years were the most affected with persistent negative or even worsening trends in HRQoL. The largest decreases were among men aged 45–54 years and women aged 35–44 years in most dimensions, and among the age group 18–24 years in vitality. Conversely, an overall improvement was noted among the age group 65–84 years. People in employment were more affected than the unemployed by the decline in several HRQoL dimensions.

Conclusion

A general decline in HRQoL was found between 1995 and 2016 in the French population, but with wide disparities in trends between age groups. Young and especially middle-aged, employed people exhibited persistent negative and worsening trends. Consistent with evidence from traditional mental health morbidity and mortality indicators, our findings raise questions about the potential influence of macro-socioeconomic factors, especially the 2008 crisis; these observations deserve special attention from health policy-makers.
Overstory density, short growing seasons, and moisture limit Engelmann spruce establishment over time in high-elevation managed stands
Authors: Hill Edward , Ex Seth , Aldridge Cameron , Prolic Curtis
Published: October 2018

For tree species with narrow ranges of climate suitability for regeneration such as Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.), understanding biophysical influences on juvenile establishment over time is crucial for supporting silvicultural practices responsive to climate change. We developed count-based models to identify abiotic and biotic variables explaining annual spruce establishment over 20–30 years following silvicultural regeneration treatments across 24 spruce stands in Colorado. Covariates retained in our final model encompassed information on climate, physiography, stand structure, and time. Establishment was positively related to germination- and second-year frost-free period beginning dates, indicating that moisture limitations at early life stages may be alleviated by longer retention of snowpack. Yet, recruits were positively influenced by both lengthier frost-free periods and lower heat–moisture indices, suggesting a tension between growing-season length and moisture limitations for physiological maturation, lasting 5 years after germination. Establishment was also limited by higher elevations and lower solar radiation, further suggesting cold limitations in these stands. Moreover, overstory basal area negatively influenced recruitment, suggesting an inhibitive effect on light and precipitation availability for seedlings. Our findings extend similar conclusions from harsher treeline environments to high-elevation managed stands but illustrate stronger relative effects of overstory density and cold-related limitations and suggest transitions in climate effects with life stages.
Study on creep performance of launch canister under long-term storage
Authors: Yu Cun-Gui , Sun Tong-Sheng , Xiao Guang-Yuan
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the creep performance of a multi-barrel rocket launch canister under long-term stacking storage is studied. Based on the Bailey–Norton model, a creep model for the frame material of a launch canister was established. Constant stress tensile creep tests under different stress levels at room temperature were carried out on the frame materials of the launch canister and the creep model parameters were obtained by test data fitting. The three-dimensional finite element model of the launch canister was established in the ABAQUS software environment and the creep deformation of the launch canister after long-term stacking storage was studied. The results indicated that the bottom layer of the launch canister frame presented an extended residual deformation when the stacking storage solution with the original support pad was used. Therefore, a position adjustment program of the support pad was put forward. The residual deformation of the launch canister frame after long-term storage could be significantly reduced, thus the performance requirements for the launch canister are guaranteed.
Nonlinear dynamics analysis of rotor-brush seal system
Authors: Wei Yuan , Liu Shulin
Published: October 2018

When a gas turbine is working under high temperature, high pressure, and high velocity conditions, complex dynamic behavior and faults arise. These can seriously affect the security and reliability of the system, so it is important to further study nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the rotor-seal system. The seal force model of a brush seal was proposed, considering the interactions among bristle pack, flow force, and rotor, and a nonlinear dynamic model of the rotor-seal system was established. The influences of different geometries and operation parameters, such as rotor speed, installation spacing, damping, and rotor mass on the nonlinear characteristics of the system were discussed. The bifurcation scenario, vibration response, and stability of the rotor-seal system were analyzed by bifurcation diagram, time history, axis orbit, phase portrait, phase trajectory, Poincaré map, and frequency spectrum. The results showed that with a seal force the critical speed was greater than that without seal force conditions. The vibration amplitude of the rotor decreased with increase of damping and installation spacing. When the mass of the rotor increased, the vibration amplitude decreased significantly, which added stability to the rotor.
Beneficial Effects of Korean Red Ginseng in the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis via FABP4 Modulation
Authors: Jeong Hyeneui , Kim Jong-Won , Yang Myeon-Sik , Park Chul , Kim Jong Hoon , Lim Chae Woong , Kim Bumseok
Published: October 2018

Korean red ginseng (KRG) is a traditional herbal medicine used to prevent several geriatric diseases due to its therapeutic effects on metabolic disorder, including type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. In this study, we investigated the effects of KRG on the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in mice. NASH was induced by feeding a methionine- and choline-deficient high-fat or high-fat/high-sucrose diet for 6 or 13 weeks, respectively. Each diet group was also orally administered saline (group G0) or KRG extract (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg/day; groups G1, G2, and G4, respectively). KRG showed anti-inflammatory and antifibrogenic effects in the diet-induced NASH models. Furthermore, the expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes were markedly decreased with KRG treatment in both diet-induced NASH groups. We next confirmed the expression levels of FABP4 in the liver and its ability to regulate inflammation and/or oxidative stress. We observed decreased levels of FABP4 mRNA and protein in the KRG-treated groups indicating that KRG affects the pathogenesis of NASH-related inflammatory responses by modulating FABP4 expression. Results of in vitro experiments showed similar patterns in cells treated with KRG, indicating that KRG treatment regulates the expression of FABP4 and subsequently reduces NASH related inflammation. Our findings suggest a novel role of KRG in NASH-related inflammatory responses via modulation of FABP4 expression in the liver. KRG may be a safe alternative therapy to prevent NASH progression.
Lorentz-violating extension of the spin-one Duffin–Kemmer–Petiau equation
Authors: Belich H. , Passos E. , de Montigny M. , Santos E. S.
Published: October 2018

We investigate the breaking of Lorentz symmetry caused by the inclusion of an external four-vector via a Chern–Simons-like term in the Duffin–Kemmer–Petiau Lagrangian for massless and massive spin-one fields. The resulting equations of motion lead to the appearance of birefringence, where the corresponding photons are split into two propagation modes. We discuss the gauge invariance of the extended Lagrangian. Throughout the paper, we utilize projection operators to reduce the wave functions to their physical components, and we provide many new properties of these projection operators.
A Low-Power Low-Distortion 20-GS/s Flash Analog-to-Digital Converter for Coherent Optical Receiver in 0.13-μm SiGe BiCMOS
Authors: Li Jiquan , Chen Yingmei , Tang Pan , Zhang Zhen , Wang Hui , Huang Hao
Published: October 2018

High-speed, low-power analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is a critical element for 5-GBd, 20-Gb/s digital signal processing (DSP)-based coherent optical communication receiver. To satisfy high data transmission rate requirement of optical receiver, a single-core and open-loop flash ADC with a new proposed multiplexer-based encoder is presented in this paper. Compared with conventional encoder topology, the new proposed topology achieves the fastest encoding speed and lowest power consumption. The optimized distortion is achieved by utilizing a leakage current compensation technique and a local negative feedback method in switched-buffer track-and-hold amplifier (THA). Strict synchronization is obtained for clock signals by careful designing of layout in tree-based clock networks. Furthermore, a master–slave comparator incorporated with a preamplifier reduces signal-dependent kickback noise as well as offset voltage. By using master–slave comparators and proposed encoders, the sampling rate is up to 21.12[Formula: see text]GS/s. The 4-bit, 20-GS/s flash ADC is realized in 0.13-[Formula: see text]m SiGe BiCMOS technology and it only occupies 1.05[Formula: see text]mm[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]1.46[Formula: see text]mm chip area. With a power consumption of 1.831[Formula: see text]W from 4-V supply, the ADC achieves an effective number of bits (ENOB) of 2.5 at 15[Formula: see text]GS/s.
Design of a Tri-Band Doherty Amplifier Based on Generalized Impedance Inverter
Authors: Shi Weimin , He Songbai
Published: October 2018

This paper introduces a methodology for implementing multi-band Doherty power amplifiers. Traditionally, a 90∘ impedance inverter line is required in Doherty architecture. In this contribution, a generalized impedance inverter line is utilized to construct multi-band Doherty power amplifiers. A tri-band Doherty power amplifier operating at 1.15, 1.85 and 2.55[Formula: see text]GHz is designed to validate the proposed method. Measurement results show the fabricated Doherty power amplifier achieves 6[Formula: see text]dB output back-off drain efficiencies of 62.3%, 49.3% and 50.5% at 1.15, 1.85 and 2.55[Formula: see text]GHz, respectively. The peaking output power of the fabricated tri-band Doherty power amplifier is 43.2, 43.7 and 43.8[Formula: see text]dBm with drain efficiencies of 64.5%, 62.2% and 64.5% at three working frequency points, respectively. Furthermore, when the designed Doherty power amplifier is driven by a 20[Formula: see text]MHz wideband LTE signal with peak-to-average-power ratio of 6.4[Formula: see text]dB, adjacent channel power ratios of [Formula: see text]29.4 and [Formula: see text]57.1[Formula: see text]dBc are achieved before and after digital pre-distortion at 1.85[Formula: see text]GHz.
China’s Assertive Relational Strategies: Engagement, Boycotting, Reciprocation, and Pressing
Authors: WANG HUNG-JEN
Published: October 2018

In the past decade, observers in Western countries have been increasingly challenged to describe China’s rising power in one of two ways: as contributing to established world systems, or as a growing threat fulfilling certain predictions made at the end of the Cold War. For some, perceptions of increasingly assertive regional behaviors confirm that China’s self-proclaimed policy of pacifism is being used to cloak selfish national interest and power goals. The current international relations (IR) literature tends to treat China’s assertiveness as evidence that it is indeed a threat, with few attempts to conceptualize assertiveness as a relational strategy. In this paper, the author uses eight current and historical cases involving four relational strategies — engagement, boycotting, reciprocation, and pressing — to examine conventional assessments of assertiveness that focus solely on perceptions of and responses to threatening statements and behaviors made in defense of Chinese national interests. In the end, this paper tries to contribute to the general IR literature that has tended to misinterpret China’s assertiveness, which is actually an identity issue regarding bilateral relationality instead of power or interest calculations.
Movement and Demography of At-Risk Butterflies: Building Blocks for Conservation
Authors: Schultz Cheryl B. , Haddad Nick M. , Henry Erica H. , Crone Elizabeth E.
Published: October 2018

The number of insect species at risk of population decline and extinction is increasing rapidly. Yet we know almost nothing about the ecology of these species, except for at-risk butterflies. A growing body of literature shows how butterfly vital rates, including demography and movement, are essential for guiding conservation and recovery. History has shown us that without these data, conservation decisions often weaken, rather than enhance, population viability. This is especially true in changing landscapes. We review knowledge of vital rates across all at-risk butterflies. We have information on movement for 17 of 283 butterfly species and information on demography for 19 species. We find that habitat-specific movement behavior is key to understanding how to connect populations, and habitat-specific demography is central to managing habitats. Methods and analyses worked out for butterflies can provide a scaffold around which to build studies for the conservation of other at-risk insects.
Diagnosing the Causes of Failure in the Construction Sector Using Root Cause Analysis Technique
Authors: Al-Zwainy Faiq M. S. , Mohammed Ibrahim A. , Varouqa Ibrahim F.
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study is identifying and diagnosing the causes of construction project failure by using different project management process groups. These groups were initiation process group, planning process group, design process group, contract process group, executing and monitoring process group, and close process group. Also, the relative importance of the causes of construction project failure was investigated. Three techniques were used in this study: Ishikawa diagrams, Pareto diagrams, and 5-why techniques. The results were generally identified and diagnosed thirty-five causes of the construction project failure; however, only twenty-three of the causes were the most important. The majority of causes (thirteen causes) were obtained by using executing and monitoring project management process group. Seven causes were obtained by using contract project management process group. In addition, fewer causes (only three causes) were obtained by using initiation project management process group.
An Evolutionary Computation Based Feature Selection Method for Intrusion Detection
Authors: Xue Yu , Jia Weiwei , Zhao Xuejian , Pang Wei
Published: October 2018

As the important elements of the Internet of Things system, wireless sensor network (WSN) has gradually become popular in many application fields. However, due to the openness of WSN, attackers can easily eavesdrop, intercept, and rebroadcast data packets. WSN has also faced many other security issues. Intrusion detection system (IDS) plays a pivotal part in data security protection of WSN. It can identify malicious activities that attempt to violate network security goals. Therefore, the development of effective intrusion detection technologies is very important. However, many dimensions of the datasets of IDS are irrelevant or redundant. This causes low detection speed and poor performance. Feature selection is thus introduced to reduce dimensions in IDS. At the same time, many evolutionary computing (EC) techniques were employed in feature selection. However, these techniques usually have just one Candidate Solution Generation Strategy (CSGS) and often fall into local optima when dealing with feature selection problems. The self-adaptive differential evolution (SaDE) algorithm is adopted in our paper to deal with feature selection problems for IDS. The adaptive mechanism and four effective CSGSs are used in SaDE. Through this method, an appropriate CSGS can be selected adaptively to generate new individuals during evolutionary process. Besides, we have also improved the control parameters of the SaDE. The K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) is used for performance assessment for feature selection. KDDCUP99 dataset is employed in the experiments, and experimental results demonstrate that SaDE is more promising than the algorithms it compares.
Optimal Routing of Solid Waste Collection Trucks: A Review of Methods
Authors: Sulemana Alhassan , Donkor Emmanuel A. , Forkuo Eric K. , Oduro-Kwarteng Sampson
Published: October 2018

This paper reviews the effect of applying optimization methods on the collection process of solid waste, with particular interest in mathematical programming and geographic information system approaches in developing countries. Mathematical programming approaches maximize or minimize an objective function for improvement in procedure, to ensure operational efficiency and also serve as decision support tools. They however provide partial solutions when implemented in reality and cannot fully handle road network constraints. Geographic information system approaches allow processing of additional considerations, often ignored in other methods, such as the street network modeling. Incorporating environmental pollution consideration is very challenging in this approach, the vehicle routing problem solver encountering limits for large data. For enhanced efficiency of the vehicle routing systems, studies should further focus on incorporating all network constraints, environmental pollution considerations, and impact of land use changes on routing.
Wind‐Induced Response of Inclined and Yawed Ice‐Accreted Stay Cable Models
Authors: Cao Songyu , Jalali Himan Hojat , Dragomirescu Elena
Published: October 2018

During the past decades, wind‐induced vibrations of bridge stay cables were reported to occur under various incipient conditions. The ice formation on stay cables is one of these conditions, which causes the ice‐accreted stay cables to alter their cross section geometry, thus modifying their aerodynamic characteristics. Wind tunnel tests and several CFD simulations were performed for ice‐accreted inclined bridge stay cables with two ice‐accretion profiles dimensions, 0.5D and 1D, where D is the diameter of the cable. Wind‐induced vibrations were analyzed experimentally for cable models with yaw inclination angles of 0°, 30°, and 60° and vertical inclination angles of 0° and 15°, for Reynolds numbers of up to 4 × 105. The aerodynamic drag and lift coefficients of the cable models and the pressure coefficients were determined from the CFD‐LES simulations. The experimental results indicated that the vertical and torsional vibrations of the ice‐accreted stay cables increased with the increase of the vertical and yaw angles. Also, higher vertical and torsional vibration amplitudes were measured for the case with larger ice thickness, indicating the effect of the ice accretion profile on the cable wind‐induced response.
A p53-Responsive miRNA Network Promotes Cancer Cell Quiescence
Authors: La Ting , Liu Guang Zhi , Farrelly Margaret , Cole Nicole , Feng Yu Chen , Zhang Yuan Yuan , Sherwin Simonne K. , Yari Hamed , Tabatabaee Hessam , Yan Xu Guang , Guo Su Tang , Liu Tao , Thorne Rick F. , Jin Lei , Zhang Xu Dong
Published: October 2018

Cancer cells in quiescence (G0 phase) are resistant to death, and re-entry of quiescent cancer cells into the cell-cycle plays an important role in cancer recurrence. Here we show that two p53-responsive miRNAs utilize distinct but complementary mechanisms to promote cancer cell quiescence by facilitating stabilization of p27. Purified quiescent B16 mouse melanoma cells expressed higher levels of miRNA-27b-3p and miRNA-455-3p relative to their proliferating counterparts. Induction of quiescence resulted in increased levels of these miRNAs in diverse types of human cancer cell lines. Inhibition of miRNA-27b-3p or miRNA-455-3p reduced, whereas its overexpression increased, the proportion of quiescent cells in the population, indicating that these miRNAs promote cancer cell quiescence. Accordingly, cancer xenografts bearing miRNA-27b-3p or miRNA-455-3p mimics were retarded in growth. miRNA-27b-3p targeted cyclin-dependent kinase regulatory subunit 1 (CKS1B), leading to reduction in p27 polyubiquitination mediated by S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2). miRNA-455-3p targeted CDK2-associated cullin domain 1 (CAC1), which enhanced CDK2-mediated phosphorylation of p27 necessary for its polyubiquitination. Of note, the gene encoding miRNA-27b-3p was embedded in the intron of the chromosome 9 open reading frame 3 gene that was transcriptionally activated by p53. Similarly, the host gene of miRNA-455-3p, collagen alpha-1 (XXVII) chain, was also a p53 transcriptional target. Collectively, our results identify miRNA-27b-3p and miRNA-455-3p as important regulators of cancer cell quiescence in response to p53 and suggest that manipulating miRNA-27b-3p and miRNA-455-3p may constitute novel therapeutic avenues for improving outcomes of cancer treatment.

Significance:

Two novel p53-responsive microRNAs whose distinct mechanisms of action both stabilize p27 to promote cell quiescence and may serve as therapeutic avenues for improving outcomes of cancer treatment.
Transcription Factor Myeloid Zinc-Finger 1 Suppresses Human Gastric Carcinogenesis by Interacting with Metallothionein 2A
Authors: Lin Shuye , Wang Xiaoyue , Pan Yuanming , Tian Rongmeng , Lin Bonan , Jiang Guosheng , Chen Keqiang , He Yuqi , Zhang Lulu , Zhai Wanli , Jin Peng , Yang Lang , Li Guoqiang , Wu Yun , Hu Jiang , Gong Wanghua , Chang Zhijie , Sheng Jian-qiu , Lu Youyong , Wang Ji Ming , Huang Jiaqiang
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

Metallothionein 2A (MT2A) suppresses the progression of human gastric cancer potentially through an “MT2A–NF-κB pathway” with unclear mechanisms. This study explored the role of a transcription factor, myeloid zinc-finger 1 (MZF1), in MT2A-NF-κB pathway and its clinical significance in gastric cancer.

Experimental Design:

MZF1 expression and function in gastric cancer were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The relationship between MZF1 and MT2A was determined by gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays in gastric cancer cells and an immortalized gastric cell line GES-1. The prognostic value of MZF1 expression in association with MT2A was evaluated using IHC in two cohorts.

Results:

MZF1 was epigenetically silenced in human gastric cancer cell lines and primary tumors. Overexpression of MZF1 in gastric cancer cells suppressed cell proliferation and migration, as well as the growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice. Knocking-down of MZF1 transformed GES-1 cells into a malignant phenotype characterized by increased cell growth and migration. Mechanistically, MZF1 was upregulated in both GC and GES-1 cells by MT2A ectopically expressed or induced upon treatment with a garlic-derived compound, diallyl trisulfide (DATS). MZF1 associated with MT2A was colocalized in the nuclei of GES-1 cells to target the promoter of NF-κB inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA). Clinically, MT2A and MZF1 were progressively downregulated in clinical specimens undergoing gastric malignant transformation. Downregulation of MT2A and MZF1 was significantly correlated with poorer patient prognosis.

Conclusions:

MT2A exerts its anti-gastric cancer effects by complexing with MZF1 to target NFKBIA. MT2A/MZF1 may serve as a valuable prognostic marker and a novel therapeutic target for human gastric cancer.
Intertumoral Heterogeneity of CD3+ and CD8+ T-Cell Densities in the Microenvironment of DNA Mismatch-Repair–Deficient Colon Cancers: Implications for Prognosis
Authors: Yoon Harry H. , Shi Qian , Heying Erica N. , Muranyi Andrea , Bredno Joerg , Ough Faith , Djalilvand Azita , Clements June , Bowermaster Rebecca , Liu Wen-Wei , Barnes Michael , Alberts Steven R. , Shanmugam Kandavel , Sinicrope Frank A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

Colorectal cancers with deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) are presumed to uniformly have dense lymphocytic infiltration that underlies their favorable prognosis and is critical to their responsiveness to immunotherapy, as compared with MMR-proficient (pMMR) tumors. We examined T-cell densities and their potential heterogeneity in a large cohort of dMMR tumors.

Experimental Design:

CD3+ and CD8+ T-cell densities were quantified at the invasive margin (IM) and tumor core (CT) in 561 stage III colon cancers (dMMR, n = 278; pMMR, n = 283) from a phase III adjuvant trial (N0147). Their association with overall survival (OS) was determined using multivariable Cox analysis.

Results:

Although CD3+ and CD8+ T-cell densities in the tumor microenvironment were higher in dMMR versus pMMR tumors overall, intertumoral heterogeneity in densities between tumors was significantly higher by 30% to 88% among dMMR versus pMMR cancers (P < 0.0001 for all four T-cell subtypes [CD3+IM, CD3+CT, CD8+IM, CD8+CT]). A substantial proportion of dMMR tumors (26% to 35% depending on the T-cell subtype) exhibited T-cell densities as low as that in the bottom half of pMMR tumors. All four T-cell subtypes were prognostic in dMMR with CD3+IM being the most strongly prognostic. Low (vs. high) CD3+IM was independently associated with poorer OS among dMMR (HR, 4.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.43–15.87; P = 0.0019) and pMMR tumors (P = 0.0103).

Conclusions:

Tumor-infiltrating T-cell densities exhibited greater intertumoral heterogeneity among dMMR than pMMR colon cancers, with CD3+IM providing robust stratification of both dMMR and pMMR tumors for prognosis. Potentially, lower T-cell densities among dMMR tumors may contribute to immunotherapy resistance.
Cortical Processing of Frequency Changes Reflected by the Acoustic Change Complex in Adult Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Liang Chun , Houston Lisa M. , Samy Ravi N. , Abedelrehim Lamiaa Mohamed Ibrahim , Zhang Fawen
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine neural substrates of frequency change detection in cochlear implant (CI) recipients using the acoustic change complex (ACC), a type of cortical auditory evoked potential elicited by acoustic changes in an ongoing stimulus. A psychoacoustic test and electroencephalographic recording were administered in 12 postlingually deafened adult CI users. The stimuli were pure tones containing different magnitudes of upward frequency changes. Results showed that the frequency change detection threshold (FCDT) was 3.79% in the CI users, with a large variability. The ACC N1’ latency was significantly correlated with the FCDT and the clinically collected speech perception score. The results suggested that the ACC evoked by frequency changes can serve as a useful objective tool in assessing frequency change detection capability and predicting speech perception performance in CI users.
Balance Control during Stance and Gait after Cochlear Implant Surgery
Authors: Stieger Christof , Siemens Xenia , Honegger Flurin , Roushan Kourosh , Bodmer Daniel , Allum John
Published: October 2018

Background: After cochlear implant (CI) surgery, some patients experience vertigo, dizziness and/or deficits in vestibulo-ocular reflexes. However, little is known about the effect of CI surgery on balance control. Therefore, we examined differences in stance and gait balance control before versus after CI surgery. Methods: Balance control of 30 CI patients (mean age 59, SD 15.4 years), receiving a first unilateral CI surgery, was measured preoperatively and postoperatively 1 month after the initial implant stimulation (2 months after surgery). Trunk sway was measured during 14 stance and gait tests using an angular-velocity system mounted at lumbar vertebrae 1–3. Results: For pre- versus postoperative comparisons across all 30 patients, a nonsignificant worsening in balance control was observed. Significant changes were, however, found within subgroups. Patients younger than 60 years of age had a significant worsening of an overall balance control index (BCI) after CI surgery (p = 0.008), as did patients with a normal BCI preoperatively (p = 0.005). Gait task measures comprising the BCI followed a similar pattern, but stance control was unchanged. In contrast, patients over 60 years or with a pathological BCI preoperatively showed improved tandem walking postoperatively (p = 0.0235). Conclusion: Across all CI patients, CI surgery has a minor effect on balance control 2 months postoperatively. However, for patients younger than 60 years and those with normal balance control preoperatively, balance control worsened for gait indicating the need for preoperative counseling.
To Wash or Not to Wash? Comparison of Patient Outcome after Infusion of Cryopreserved Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cells before and after the Replacement of Manual Washing by Bedside Thawing
Authors: Halldorsdottir Anna Margret , Atladottir Sveinlaug , Thorsteinsdottir Margret A. , Arnason Niels A. , Runarsson Gudmundur , Jonsson Torbjorn  , Sigurjonsson Olafur E. , Reykdal Sigrun 
Published: October 2018

Background: Prior to infusion, cryopreserved autologous peripheral blood stem cell (auto-PBSC) grafts can either be thawed at the bedside or thawed and washed at the laboratory. At our center, manual washing of grafts prior to infusion was discontinued in April 2012 and bedside thawing was implemented. Methods: This study compares the outcomes of two patient groups who received auto-PBSC either after post-thaw washing (n = 84) or bedside thawing (n = 83). Results: No life-threatening infusion-related side effects were reported in either group. There was no significant difference in the mean CD34+ cells/kg dose of infused auto-PBSC in the two groups (p = 0.41), nor in the number of days to neutrophils > 0.5 × 109/L (p = 0.14), days to platelets > 20 × 109/L (p = 0.64), or days to platelets > 50 × 109/L (p = 0.62) after transplant. There was also no difference in the number of days on total parenteral nutrition (p = 0.69), days on G-CSF therapy (p = 0.48), or days with fever (p = 0.73). Finally, there was no significant difference in the number of red cell units transfused (p = 0.32), or platelet units transfused (p = 0.94) after the transplant. One-hundred-day mortality was identical in the two groups (2.4%). Conclusion: Both thawing procedures are safe and result in acceptable engraftment and patient outcomes.
The Impact of Using Measurements of Electrodermal Activity in the Assessment of Problematic Behaviour in Dementia
Authors: Melander Catharina A. , Kikhia Basel , Olsson Malin , Wälivaara Britt-Marie , Sävenstedt Stefan
Published: October 2018

Background: A major and complex challenge when trying to support individuals with dementia is meeting the needs of those who experience changes in behaviour and mood. Aim: To explore how a sensor measuring electrodermal activity (EDA) impacts assistant nurses’ structured assessments of problematic behaviours amongst people with dementia and their choices of care interventions. Methods: Fourteen individuals with dementia wore a sensor that measured EDA. The information from the sensor was presented to assistant nurses during structured assessments of problematic behaviours. The evaluation process included scorings with the instrument NPI-NH (Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home version), the care interventions suggested by assistant nurses to decrease problematic behaviours, and the assistant nurses’ experiences obtained by focus group interviews. Results: The information from the sensor measuring EDA was perceived to make behavioural patterns more visual and clear, which enhanced assistant nurses’ understanding of time-related patterns of behaviours. In turn, this enhancement facilitated timely care interventions to prevent the patterns and decrease the levels of problematic behaviour. Conclusion: With the addition of information from the sensor, nursing staff could target causes and triggers in a better way, making care interventions more specific and directed towards certain times throughout the day to prevent patterns of problematic behaviours.
Older Adults’ Attitudes towards Cognitive Testing: Moving towards Person-Centeredness
Authors: Wong Sara , Jacova Claudia
Published: October 2018

Background: Research on person-centered cognitive testing is beginning to emerge. The current study is the first to focus on eliciting concrete preferences around the test experience. Methods: Adults ≥50 years old completed the Attitudes Around Cognitive Testing (AACT) questionnaire on mturk.com. AACT elicits preferences for cognitive tests, the importance attributed to having choices, and willingness to engage in testing. Results: Data are reported for 289 respondents. The proportion of participants expressing preferences varied by domain (modality [49.5%], location [47.2%], company [80.1%], result delivery [78.3–89.7%]). Importance ratings for all domains had a median of 4 and a range of 1–5 using a Likert scale of agreement. Most participants (85.5%) were willing to engage in testing. Conclusion: Older adults have preferences for cognitive tests, especially with delivery of results.
Перспективи використання жирового тіла щоки для закриття дефектів альвеолярних відростків щелеп
Authors: Ruzhytska O. V.
Published: October 2018

Резюме. В сучасній хірургічній стоматологічній практиці лікарі часто стикаються з необхідністю закриття дефектів м’яких тканин ротової порожнини. Дослідження останніх років спрямовані на розробку таких методів операції, які б забезпечували санацію запального вогнища, відродження фізіологічних процесів на місці дефекту м’яких тканин, або ж створювали умови для їх відновлення і забезпечували б повноцінну функцію. Мета дослідження – проаналізувати і вивчити літературні дані різних методів застосування жирового тіла щоки (ЖТЩ) для аутотрансплантації при закритті дефектів щелепно-лицевої ділянки порівняно з використанням інших трансплантатів. За останні роки великого поширення набули методи реконструктивної пластики шляхом використання аутотранс­плантатів. У літературі є дані про позитивні результати хірургічного закриття дефектів тканин за допомогою аутотрансплантації жирової тканини і, зокрема, жирового тіла щоки. Жирове тіло щоки має власну сполучнотканинну капсулу та добре розвинену судинну сітку, що забезпечує живлення трансплантата і швидке загоєння післяопераційної рани; не потребує попередньої підготовки та адаптації до реципієнтного ложа. Це дозволяє використовувати його у щелепно-лицевій хірургії для закриття дефектів верхньої щелепи, усунення орально-антрального з’єднання, при реконструкції інтраоральних дефектів, таких, як орально-антральна фістула, при втраті кісткової маси нижньої щелепи у ділянках молярів та премолярів, для усунення дефектів при онкологічних патологіях обличчя. Вигідне анатомічне розташування, добре кровопостачання і практично повна відсутність іннервації жирового тіла щоки полегшує завдання хірурга і дає кращі результати операцій. Дослідження доводять процес епітелізації ран на один тиждень після операційного втручання і стабільний клінічний перебіг без ускладнень у віддалені терміни спостереження, що є актуальним у використанні жирового тіла щоки у сучасній щелепно-лицевій хірургії з метою удосконалення існуючих та розробки нових методів аутотрансплантації.
Роль клітинної ланки адаптивного імунітету в розвитку хронічного генералізованого пародонтиту у хворих із поєднаним перебігом цукрового діабету 2 типу
Authors: Balitska O. Yu. , Bondarenko Yu. I. , Gabor H. H.
Published: October 2018

Резюме. У механізмах розвитку запальних процесів ротової порожнини важливу роль відіграють імунні реакції місцевого та системного характеру, особливо на тлі інших поєднаних патологій.

Мета дослідження – з’ясувати характер змін та дати оцінку показникам клітинної ланки адаптивного імунітету при хронічному генералізованому пародонтиті, цукровому діабеті 2 типу та при їх поєднанні.

Матеріали і методи. Проведено обстеження 20 практично здорових осіб (контрольна група), 36 хворих із клінічно встановленим діагнозом цукрового діабету 2 типу (ЦД), 32 пацієнтів із підтвердженим діагнозом хронічного генералізованого пародонтиту (ХГП) і 32 хворих із поєднаним ЦД і ХГП (четверта група). Дослідження клітинного імунітету проводили на проточному цитофлюориметрі Epics-XL виробництва «Beckman Coulter» (США).

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. У пацієнтів із ЦД 2 типу, ХГП та їх поєднанням достовірно зменшувався рівень СD3+ і СD4+ – Т-лімфоцитів відносно контролю.  Найнижчі рівні СD3+ і CD4+  – Т-лімфоцитів виявлялися у пацієнтів із ХГП на тлі ЦД 2 типу. При цьому вміст їх у крові  зменшувався відповідно у 2,3 і в 1,4 раза (р<0,001). Розвиток клітинноопосередкованої імуносупресії в пацієнтів із ХГП у поєднанні з ЦД 2 типу підтверджується також зниженням імунорегуляторного індексу (СD4+/СD8+) у крові хворих на ЦД 2 типу (на 15,0 %) і у хворих із поєднанням діабету і пародонтиту (на 13,4 %) (р<0,05). Зменшення активності природних кілерів свідчить про зниження захисних функцій системи клітинного імунітету у хворих на ХГП на тлі ЦД 2 типу.

Висновки. Розвиток хронічного генералізованого пародонтиту на тлі цукрового діабету 2 типу супроводжується дисбалансом субпопуляцій Т- і В-лімфоцитів зі зниженням вмісту основних популяцій лімфоцитів із фенотипом CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ і підвищенням з фенотипом CD22+.
Клінічна ефективність застосування полібіолін-куріозинової суміші для лікування альвеоліту
Authors: Nahirnyi Ya. P. , Gutor N. S.
Published: October 2018

Резюме. Екстракція зуба є найчастішим оперативним втручанням в амбулаторній практиці хірурга-стоматолога. У більшості випадків загоєння післяопераційної рани проходить без ускладнень. Однак у частини пацієнтів перебіг загоєння ускладнюється гострим запальним процесом – альвеолітом, частота виникнення якого зростає у міру росту травматичності оперативного втручання. 

Мета дослідження – вивчити клінічну ефективність застосування полібіолін-куріозинової суміші для лікування гострого  альвеоліту.

Матеріали і методи. Обстежено 35 хворих віком від 37 до 52 років із гострим   альвеолітом, яких поділили на 2 групи: дослідну (25 осіб) і контрольну (15 осіб). Після встановлення діагнозу під провідниковим знеболюванням розчином ультракаїну проводили видалення кюретажною ложкою залишків розпаду згустка крові. Далі лунку промивали декасаном. Відповідно до подальшої тактики, хворих поділили на дві групи. Пацієнтам дослідної групи (25 осіб) лунку після обробки заповнювали полібіолін-куріозиновою сумішшю, на лунку накладали антисептичну пов’язку, яку пацієнти утримували впродовж години. Рекомендували споживати їжу через 5–6 год. Пацієнтам контрольної групи (15 осіб) лунку зуба тампонували йодоформною марлею.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. При проведенні місцевої терапії динаміка згасання клінічних проявів альвеоліту в порівнюваних групах була різною. У хворих дослідної групи больові відчуття при серозному альвеоліті тривали (3,1±0,2) дня, тоді як у пацієнтів контрольної  групи вони були тривалішими – (4,7±0,3) дня. Середня тривалість набряку слизової оболонки ясен навколо лунок видалених зубів у пацієнтів дослідної групи при серозному альвеоліті становила (3,7±0,3) дня, а у хворих контрольної групи вона була тривалішою — (4,2±0,2) дня. Середній показник тривалості інфільтрації перехідної складки в ділянці альвеоли видалених зубів у пацієнтів дослідної групи склав (3,1±0,8) дня, у хворих контрольної – (3,9±0,5) дня. У пацієнтів дослідної групи вже на 3–5 дні лікування в альвеолі з’явились грануляції, тоді як у хворих контрольної групи лише на 6–7 дні. Подальший клінічний перебіг в обох дослідних групах не відрізнявся.

Висновки. Згідно з даними, отриманими в дослідженнях, лікування серозного альвеоліту із застосуванням полібіолін-куріозинової суміші дозволяє зменшити прояви запальної реакції,  сприяє загоєнню альвеоли.
América Latina em conflito: arte e enunciados
Authors: Lourenço Maria Cecília França
Published: October 2018

Deseja-se indagar a edição e difusão de dada História inscrita em marcos, a fundar sutil escrita. Arte em local projetado labora como uma fábula, a ser vincada em jovens, a par de definir ideologias. Convocam-se artistas para erigir fatos em formas, elevados à categoria - memória/ patrimônio. Por vezes cumprem função delatória ante supressão de dado recente, sendo preciso analisar fricções. Obra no espaço urbano, não raro, fixa-se como única ao transeunte. Então por que vem sendo atacada? Ato simbólico borraria limites entre espaços em conflito?
Characteristics of Scar-Related Ventricular Tachycardia Circuits Using Ultra-High-Density Mapping
Authors: Martin Ruairidh , Maury Philippe , Bisceglia Caterina , Wong Tom , Estner Heidi , Meyer Christian , Dallet Corentin , Martin Claire A. , Shi Rui , Takigawa Masateru , Rollin Anne , Frontera Antonio , Thompson Nathaniel , Kitamura Takeshi , Vlachos Konstantinos , Wolf Michael , Cheniti Ghassen , Duchâteau Josselin , Massoulié Grégoire , Pambrun Thomas , Denis Arnaud , Derval Nicolas , Hocini Mélèze , Della Bella Paolo , Haïssaguerre Michel , Jaïs Pierre , Dubois Rémi , Sacher Frédéric
Published: October 2018

Background:

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) with structural heart disease is dependent on reentry within scar regions. We set out to assess the VT circuit in greater detail than has hitherto been possible, using ultra-high-density mapping.

Methods:

All ultra-high-density mapping guided VT ablation cases from 6 high-volume European centers were assessed. Maps were analyzed offline to generate activation maps of tachycardia circuits. Topography, conduction velocity, and voltage of the VT circuit were analyzed in complete maps.

Results:

Thirty-six tachycardias in 31 patients were identified, 29 male and 27 ischemic. VT circuits and isthmuses were complex, 11 were single loop and 25 double loop; 3 had 2 entrances, 5 had 2 exits, and 15 had dead ends of activation. Isthmuses were defined by barriers, which included anatomic obstacles, lines of complete block, and slow conduction (in 27/36 isthmuses). Median conduction velocity was 0.08 m/s in entrance zones, 0.29 m/s in isthmus regions (
P
<0.001), and 0.11 m/s in exit regions (
P
=0.002). Median local voltage in the isthmus was 0.12 mV during tachycardia and 0.06 mV in paced/sinus rhythm. Two circuits were identifiable in 5 patients. The median timing of activation was 16% of diastole in entrances, 47% in the mid isthmus, and 77% in exits.

Conclusions:

VT circuits identified were complex, some of them having multiple entrances, exits, and dead ends. The barriers to conduction in the isthmus seem to be partly functional in 75% of circuits. Conduction velocity in the VT isthmus slowed at isthmus entrances and exits when compared with the mid isthmus. Isthmus voltage is often higher in VT than in sinus or paced rhythms.