bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a Standards-Based Methodology for Extending Manufacturing Process Models for Sustainability Assessment
Authors: Shankar Raman Arvind , Haapala Karl R. , Morris K. C.
Published: September 2018

Over the past decade, several efforts have characterized manufacturing processes from a sustainability perspective. In addition, frameworks, methodologies, and standards development for characterizing and linking unit manufacturing process (UMP) models to construct manufacturing system models for supporting sustainability assessment have been pursued. In this paper these research efforts are first briefly reviewed, and then, ASTM standards derived from this work are described and built upon. The contribution of this research is to demonstrate how more formalization of these prior efforts will facilitate systematic reuse of developed models by encapsulating different aspects of complex processes into reusable building blocks. The research proposes a methodology to define template UMP information models, which can further be abstracted and customized to represent an application-specific, upgraded manufacturing process. The methodology developed is based on the ASTM standards of characterizing manufacturing process for sustainability characterization. The approach is demonstrated for analyzing manual and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining processes.
Five-Axis Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing of Silicone 3D Contour Nonwoven Fabrics
Authors: Li Dian-Ru , Tian Xiaoqing , Wang Hongjun , Plott Jeffrey , Shih Albert
Published: September 2018

This study investigates the extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM) of silicone 3D contour nonwoven fabrics by liquid rope coiling. Customized contour fabrics are ideal for wearable devices for individualized fit and comfort in contact. The AM using silicone liquid rope coiling can fabricate the porous and 3D contour nonwoven fabrics with enhanced breathability and comfortability. The key challenge in the proposed fabrication is the inability to generate consistent coiling pattern because the nozzle orientation deviates from the surface normal vector. A five-axis machine for silicone extrusion AM of nonwoven fabrics was developed to continuously align the nozzle orientation continuously with the surface normal vector. Three cases of silicone printing by coiling were investigated: 1) 3-axis printing, 2) 4-axis printing with nozzle axis normal to the tangent of the toolpath, and 3) 5-axis printing with nozzle axis parallel to the base surface normal. The coiling pattern and geometrical accuracy of the contour fabrics are studied. Results show that the 5-axis AM can generate the consistent coiling pattern and the desired contour geometry to fabricate the silicone 3D contour nonwoven fabrics.
In situ femtosecond pulse laser ablation for large volume 3D analysis in scanning electron microscope systems
Authors: Randolph Steven Jeffrey , Filevich Jorge , Botman Aurelien , Gannon Renae , Rue Chad , Straw Marcus
Published: September 2018

The authors have developed a system combining a 220 fs pulse focused laser beam operating at 1030 or 515 nm, a Xe+ plasma source focused ion beam, and a Schottky source focused electron beam, all coincident at the sample. They present on results and applications for in situ micro device characterization and large volume 3D analysis.
Assessment of Quality Indicators for Appropriate Antibiotic Use
Authors: Arcenillas Paula , Boix-Palop Lucía , Gómez Lucía , Xercavins Mariona , March Pablo , Martinez Laura , Riera Montserrat , Madridejos Rosa , Badia Cristina , Nicolás Jordi , Calbo Esther
Published: September 2018

One of the critical elements of antimicrobial stewardship programs is the ability to measure the quality of antibiotic prescriptions. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the performance properties of a set of previously developed quality indicators (QIs) and to identify the potential room for improvement in antibiotic use in our setting.
Predicting the Outcomes of New Short-Course Regimens for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Using Intrahost and Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling
Authors: Doan Tan N. , Cao Pengxing , Emeto Theophilus I. , McCaw James M. , McBryde Emma S.
Published: September 2018

Short-course regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) are urgently needed. Limited data suggest that the new drug bedaquiline (BDQ) may have the potential to shorten MDR-TB treatment to less than 6 months when used in conjunction with standard anti-TB drugs.
Heterogeneity of Ly6G+Ly6C+Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Infiltrates during Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Infection
Authors: Heim Cortney E. , West Sean C. , Ali Hesham , Kielian Tammy
Published: September 2018

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature monocytes and granulocytes. While neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMNs]) are classically identified as highly differentiated cells specialized for antimicrobial defense, our laboratory has reported minor contributions of PMNs to the immune response duringStaphylococcusaureusbiofilm infection.
Antagonistic Pleiotropy in the Bifunctional Surface Protein FadL (OmpP1) during Adaptation of Haemophilus influenzae to Chronic Lung Infection Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Moleres Javier , Fernández-Calvet Ariadna , Ehrlich Rachel L. , Martí Sara , Pérez-Regidor Lucía , Euba Begoña , Rodríguez-Arce Irene , Balashov Sergey , Cuevas Ester , Liñares Josefina , Ardanuy Carmen , Martín-Santamaría Sonsoles , Ehrlich Garth D. , Mell Joshua Chang , Garmendia Junkal
Published: September 2018

Nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
is an important pathogen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To elucidate the bacterial pathways undergoing
in vivo
evolutionary adaptation, we compared bacterial genomes collected over time from 13 COPD patients and identified recurrent genetic changes arising in independent bacterial lineages colonizing different patients. Besides finding changes in phase-variable genes, we found recurrent loss-of-function mutations in the
ompP1
(
fadL
) gene. We show that loss of OmpP1/FadL function reduces this bacterium’s ability to infect cells via the hCEACAM1 epithelial receptor but also increases its resistance to bactericidal fatty acids enriched within the COPD lung, suggesting a case of antagonistic pleiotropy that restricts Δ
fadL
strains’ niche. These results show how
H. influenzae
adapts to host-generated inflammatory mediators in the COPD airways.
CdrA Interactions within the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Matrix Safeguard It from Proteolysis and Promote Cellular Packing
Authors: Reichhardt Courtney , Wong Cynthis , Passos da Silva Daniel , Wozniak Daniel J. , Parsek Matthew R.
Published: September 2018

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
forms multicellular aggregates or biofilms using both exopolysaccharides and the CdrA matrix adhesin. We showed for the first time that
P. aeruginosa
can use CdrA to build biofilms that do not require known matrix exopolysaccharides. It is appreciated that biofilm growth is protective against environmental assaults. However, little is known about how the interactions between individual matrix components aid in this protection. We found that interactions between CdrA and the exopolysaccharide Psl fortify the matrix by preventing CdrA proteolysis. When both components—CdrA and Psl—are part of the matrix, robust aggregates form that are tightly packed and protease resistant. These findings provide insight into how biofilms persist in protease-rich host environments.
Chlorate Specifically Targets Oxidant-Starved, Antibiotic-Tolerant Populations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms
Authors: Spero Melanie A. , Newman Dianne K.
Published: September 2018

The anaerobic growth and survival of bacteria are often correlated with physiological tolerance to conventional antibiotics, motivating the development of novel strategies targeting pathogens in anoxic environments. A key challenge is to identify drug targets that are specific to this metabolic state. Chlorate is a nontoxic compound that can be reduced to toxic chlorite by a widespread enzyme of anaerobic metabolism. We tested the antibacterial properties of chlorate against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, a pathogen that can inhabit hypoxic or anoxic microenvironments, including those that arise in human infection. Chlorate and the antibiotic tobramycin kill distinct metabolic populations in
P. aeruginosa
biofilms, where chlorate targets anaerobic cells that tolerate tobramycin. Chlorate is particularly effective against
P. aeruginosa
lasR
mutants, which are frequently isolated from human infections and more resistant to some antibiotics. This work suggests that chlorate may hold potential as an anaerobic prodrug.
The Cost of Metabolic Interactions in Symbioses between Insects and Bacteria with Reduced Genomes
Authors: Ankrah Nana Y. D. , Chouaia Bessem , Douglas Angela E.
Published: September 2018

Current understanding of many animal-microbial symbioses involving unculturable bacterial symbionts with much-reduced genomes derives almost entirely from nonquantitative inferences from genome data. To overcome this limitation, we reconstructed multipartner metabolic models that quantify both the metabolic fluxes within and between three xylem-feeding insects and their bacterial symbionts. This revealed near-complete metabolic segregation between cooccurring bacterial symbionts, despite extensive metabolite exchange between each symbiont and the host, suggestive of strict host controls over the metabolism of its symbionts. We extended the model analysis to investigate metabolic costs. The positive relationship between symbiont genome size and the metabolic cost incurred by the host points to fitness benefits to the host of bearing symbionts with small genomes. The multicompartment metabolic models developed here can be applied to other symbioses that are not readily tractable to experimental approaches.
Bacterial Noncoding RNAs Excised from within Protein-Coding Transcripts
Authors: Dar Daniel , Sorek Rotem
Published: September 2018

Bacteria and archaea utilize regulatory small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) to control the expression of specific genetic programs. These ncRNAs are almost exclusively encoded within intergenic regions and are independently transcribed. Here, we report on a large set ncRNAs that are “carved out” from within the protein-coding regions of
Escherichia coli
mRNAs by cellular RNases. These protected mRNA fragments fold into energetically stable RNA structures, reminiscent of those of intergenic regulatory ncRNAs. In addition, a subset of these ncRNAs coprecipitate with the major ncRNA chaperones Hfq and ProQ and display evolutionarily conserved sequences and conserved expression patterns between different bacterial species. Our data suggest that protein-coding genes can potentially act as a reservoir of regulatory ncRNAs.
Formate Promotes
Shigella
Intercellular Spread and Virulence Gene Expression
Authors: Koestler Benjamin J. , Fisher Carolyn R. , Payne Shelley M.
Published: September 2018

Shigella
is an intracellular pathogen that invades the human host cell cytosol and exploits intracellular nutrients for growth, enabling the bacterium to create its own metabolic niche. For
Shigella
to effectively invade and replicate within the host cytoplasm, it must sense and adapt to changing environmental conditions; however, the mechanisms and signals sensed by
S. flexneri
are largely unknown. We have found that the secreted
Shigella
metabolism by-product formate regulates
Shigella
intracellular virulence gene expression and its ability to spread among epithelial cells. We propose that
Shigella
senses formate accumulation in the host cytosol as a way to determine intracellular
Shigella
density and regulate secreted virulence factors accordingly, enabling spatiotemporal regulation of effectors important for dampening the host immune response.
Sizing Up the Uncultured Microbial Majority
Authors: Hug Laura A.
Published: September 2018

Predicting the total number of microbial cells on Earth and exploring the full diversity of life are fundamental research concepts that have undergone paradigm shifts in the genomic era. In this issue, Lloyd and colleagues (K.
Barriers to healthcare for female patients in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Klaver Robin , Coe Jennifer Ruth
Published: September 2018

A 25-year-old woman presented to hospital in the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG) with a 3-year history of increasing abdominal distension, amenorrhoea and syncope. Ultrasound showed a large unilocular ovarian cyst. During her work-up, she was found to be HIV positive. She was treated with antiretroviral therapy, and once her CD4 count improved, she underwent a laparotomy and removal of the ovarian cyst with immediate improvement in symptoms. PNG has high levels of HIV particularly in young women and children.1 This is partly due to a lack of screening and treatment facilities and partly due to significant gender discrimination. PNG is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world for females; women are treated as second-class citizens with few human rights or access to services such as healthcare.2 Rape, sexual assault and domestic violence are common, and their lives are dictated to them by their husbands or male relatives.2 3 The lack of healthcare resources and significant levels of gender discrimination meant that this patient had a delayed presentation resulting in potentially grave complications.
Expand the differential…think beyond rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Schwartz Cody , Taylor Altelisha , Zaidi Zareen
Published: September 2018

A 31-year-old male patient with severe, migratory arthralgias presented to our academic medical centre after being erroneously diagnosed and treated for rheumatoid arthritis for over 1 year. Multiple immunomodulatory therapies for rheumatoid arthritis were attempted with no relief of symptoms. Eventually, the pain was so bothersome that the patient became bedridden for 1 month prior to presenting to our facility. Our assessment revealed that the patient met the diagnostic criteria, known as the Yamaguchi criteria, needed to diagnose adult-onset Still’s disease. Yamaguchi criteria include migratory inflammatory arthritis, quotidian fevers, leucocytosis and a salmon-coloured maculopapular rash. These signs and symptoms may go unnoticed or overlooked if adult-onset Still’s disease is not considered. The patient was treated with anakinra (a recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist) and had rapid improvement in his symptoms, with the restoration of mobility.
Novel mutation in the CHST14 gene causing musculocontractural type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Sandal Sapna , Kaur Anupriya , Panigrahi Inusha
Published: September 2018

Musculocontractural type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (MC-EDS) is a recently recognised connective tissue disorder. MC-EDS is caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutation in the carbohydrate sulfotransferase 14 (CHST14) gene on chromosome 15q15. Herein, we report a case of a 3-year-old boy with MC-EDS in whom a novel mutation in the CHST14 gene was discovered. Besides being the second report of this rare disorder from India, the child till 3 years has not had any bleeding tendency as described in the earlier reports of this disorder.
Prevalence of depression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Spain (the DIADEMA Study) : results from the MADIABETES cohort
Authors: Salinero-Fort Miguel Angel , Gómez-Campelo P , San Andrés-Rebollo F Javier , Cárdenas-Valladolid Juan , Abánades-Herranz Juan C , Carrillo de Santa Pau Enrique , Chico-Moraleja Rosa M , Beamud-Victoria Domingo , de Miguel-Yanes Jose M , Jimenez-Garcia Rodrigo , López-de-Andres Ana , Ramallo-Fariña Yolanda , De Burgos-Lunar Carmen
Published: September 2018

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of depression in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to identify sociodemographic, clinical and psychological factors associated with depression in this population. Additionally, we examine the annual incidence rate of depression among patients with T2DM.

Methods

We performed a large prospective cohort study of patients with T2DM from the Madrid Diabetes Study. The first recruitment drive included 3443 patients. The second recruitment drive included 727 new patients. Data have been collected since 2007 (baseline visit) and annually during the follow-up period (since 2008).

Results

Depression was prevalent in 20.03% of patients (n=592; 95% CI 18.6% to 21.5%) and was associated with previous personal history of depression (OR 6.482; 95% CI 5.138 to 8.178), mental health status below mean (OR 1.423; 95% CI 1.452 to 2.577), neuropathy (OR 1.951; 95% CI 1.423 to 2.674), fair or poor self-reported health status (OR 1.509; 95% CI 1.209 to 1.882), treatment with oral antidiabetic agents plus insulin (OR 1.802; 95% CI 1.364 to 2.380), female gender (OR 1.333; 95% CI 1.009 to 1.761) and blood cholesterol level (OR 1.005; 95% CI 1.002 to 1.009). The variables inversely associated with depression were: being in employment (OR 0.595; 95% CI 0.397 to 0.894), low physical activity (OR 0.552; 95% CI 0.408 to 0.746), systolic blood pressure (OR 0.982; 95% CI 0.971 to 0.992) and social support (OR 0.978; 95% CI 0.963 to 0.993). In patients without depression at baseline, the incidence of depression after 1 year of follow-up was 1.20% (95% CI 1.11% to 2.81%).

Conclusions

Depression is very prevalent among patients with T2DM and is associated with several key diabetes-related outcomes. Our results suggest that previous mental status, self-reported health status, gender and several diabetes-related complications are associated with differences in the degree of depression. These findings should alert practitioners to the importance of detecting depression in patients with T2DM.
Lessons learnt during the implementation of a web-based triage tool for Dutch intensive care follow-up clinics
Authors: van Beusekom Ilse , Bakhshi-Raiez Ferishta , de Keizer Nicolette F , Dongelmans Dave A , van der Schaaf Marike
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Screening for symptoms of postintensive care syndrome is based on a long list of questionnaires, filled out by the intensive care unit (ICU) survivor and manually reviewed by the health professional. This is an inefficient and time-consuming process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a web-based triage tool and to compare the outcomes from web-based questionnaires to those from paper-based questionnaires.

Design

A mixed-methods study.

Setting

Nine Dutch ICU follow-up clinics.

Participants

221 ICU survivors and 14 health professionals.

Interventions

A web-based triage tool was implemented by nine ICU follow-up clinics. End users, that is, health professionals were interviewed in order to evaluate the feasibility of the triage tool. ICU survivors were invited to fill out web-based questionnaires 3 months after hospital discharge.

Primary outcomes

Outcomes of the questionnaires were merged with clinical data from a national quality registry to assess the differences in outcomes between paper-based and web-based questionnaires.

Results

221 ICU survivors received an invitation to fill out questionnaires, 93 (42.1%) survivors did not respond to the invitation. Respondents to the web-based questionnaires (n=54) were significantly younger and had a significantly longer ICU stay than those who preferred the paper-based questionnaires (n=74). The prevalence of mental, physical and nutritional problems was high, although comparable between the groups. Health professionals’ interviews revealed that the software was complex to use (n=8) and although emailing survivors is very convenient, not all survivors have an email address (n=7).

Conclusions

Web-based screening software has major benefits compared with paper-based screening. However, implementation has shown to be rather difficult and there are important barriers to consider. Although different in age, the health status is comparable between the users of the web-based questionnaire and paper-based questionnaire.
Effectiveness and acceptability ofmyo-inositol nutritional supplement in the prevention of gestational diabetes (EMmY): a protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trial
Authors: Amaefule Chiamaka Esther , Drymoussi Zoe , Dodds Julie , Sweeney Lorna , Pizzo Elena , Daru Jahnavi , Robson John , Poston Lucilla , Khalil Asma , Myers Jenny , Harden Angela , Hitman Graham A , Khan Khalid , Zamora Javier , Huda Mohammed S B , Thangaratinam Shakila
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Gestational diabetes increases maternal and offspring complications in pregnancy and cardiovascular complications in the long term. The nutritional supplementmyo-inositol may prevent gestational diabetes; however, further evaluation is required, especially in multiethnic high-risk mothers. Our pilot trial onmyo-inositol to prevent gestational diabetes will evaluate trial processes, assess acceptability to mothers and obtain preliminary estimates of effect and cost data prior to a large full-scale trial.

Methods and analysis

EMmY is a multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind, pilot, randomised trial, with qualitative evaluation. We will recruit pregnant women at 12–15+6weeks’ gestation, with gestational diabetes risk factors, from five maternity units in England between 2018 and 2019. We will randomise 200 women to take either 2 g ofmyo-inositol powder (intervention) or placebo, twice daily until delivery. We will assess rates of recruitment, randomisation, adherence to intervention and follow-up. Gestational diabetes will be diagnosed at 24–28 weeks as per the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) criteria (fasting plasma glucose: ≥5.6 mmol/L and 2-hour plasma glucose: ≥7.8 mmol/L). We will assess the effects ofmyo-inositol on glycaemic indices at 28 weeks and on other maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes at postnatal discharge. Qualitative evaluation will explore the acceptability of the trial and the intervention among women and healthcare professionals. Cost data and health-related quality of life measures will be captured. We will summarise feasibility outcomes using standard methods for proportions and other descriptive statistics, and where appropriate, report point estimates of effect sizes (eg, mean differences and relative risks) and associated 95% CIs.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained through the London Queen Square Research Ethics Committee (17/LO/1741). Study findings will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Newsletters will be made available to participants, healthcare professionals and members of Katie’s Team (a patient and public advisory group) to disseminate.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN48872100.

Protocol version and date

Version 4.0, 15 January 2018.
Acceptability of a German multicentre healthcare research study: a survey of research personnels’ attitudes, experiences and work load
Authors: Blecha Sebastian , Brandstetter Susanne , Dodoo-Schittko Frank , Brandl Magdalena , Graf Bernhard M , Bein Thomas , Apfelbacher Christian
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The DACAPO study as a multicentre nationwide observational healthcare research study investigates the influence of quality of care on the quality of life in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the acceptability to the participating research personnels by assessing attitudes, experiences and workload associated with the conduct of the DACAPO study.

Design, setting and participants

A prospective anonymous online survey was sent via email account to 169 participants in 65 study centres. The questionnaire included six different domains: (1) training for performing the study; (2) obtaining informed consent; (3) data collection; (4) data entry using the online documentation system; (5) opinion towards the study and (6) personal data. Descriptive data analysis was carried out.

Results

A total of 78 participants took part (46%) in the survey, 75 questionnaires (44%) could be evaluated. 51% were senior medical specialists. 95% considered the time frame of the training as appropriate and the presentation was rated by 93% as good or very good. Time effort for obtaining consent, data collection and entry was considered by 41% as a burden. Support from the coordinating study centre was rated as good or very good by more than 90% of respondents. While the DACAPO study was seen as scientifically relevant by 81%, only 45% considered the study results valuable for improving patient care significantly.

Conclusion

Collecting feedback on the acceptability of a large multicentre healthcare research study provided important insights. Recruitment and data acquisition was mainly performed by physicians and often regarded as additional time burden in clinical practice. Reducing the amount of data collection and simplifying data entry could facilitate the conduct of healthcare research studies and could improve motivation of researchers in intensive care medicine.

Trial registration number

NCT02637011; Pre-results.
Fever is associated with higher morbidity and clot burden in patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Saad Muhammad , Shaikh Danial H , Mantri Nikhitha , Alemam Ahmed , Zhang Aiyi , Adrish Muhammad
Published: September 2018

Background

Fever is considered as a presenting symptom of pulmonary embolism (PE). We aim to evaluate the association between PE and fever, its clinical characteristics, outcomes and role in prognosis.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients who were hospitalised with the diagnosis of acute PE was conducted. Patients in whom underlying fever could also be attributable to an underlying infection were also excluded.

Results

A total of 241 patients met the study criteria. 63 patients (25.7%) had fever within 1 week of diagnosis of PE of which four patients had fever that could be due to underlying infection and were excluded. Patients in PE with fever group were younger compared with PE without fever group (52.52 vs 58.68, p=0.012) and had higher incidence of smoking (44.1% vs 20.9%, p<0.001). Patients in PE with fever group were more likely to require intensive care admission (69.5% vs 35.7%, p<0.001), had a longer hospital length of stay (19.80 vs 12.20, p<0.001) and higher requirement of mechanical ventilation (30.5% vs 6.6%, p<0.001) compared with those without fever. PE with fever group were more likely to have massive and submassive PE (55.9% vs 36.8%, p=0.015) and had higher incidence of deep vein thrombosis (33.3% vs 17.4%, p=0.0347) compared with PE without fever. In a univariate model, there was higher likelihood of in-hospital mortality in PE with fever group compared with PE without fever (22.0% vs 10.4%, p=0.039).

Conclusion

Patients with acute PE and fever have higher morbidity and clot burden.
Guideline-defined futility or patient-reported outcomes to assess treatment success after TAVI: what to use? Results from a prospective cohort study with long-term follow-up
Authors: van Mourik Martijn Stefan , Vendrik Jeroen , Abdelghani Mohammad , van Kesteren Floortje , Henriques Jose P S , Driessen Antoine H G , Wykrzykowska Joanna J , de Winter Robbert J , Piek Jan J , Tijssen Jan G , Koch Karel T , Baan Jan , Vis M Marije
Published: September 2018

Objective

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) provides a significant symptom relief and mortality reduction in most patients; however, a substantial group of patients does not experience the same beneficial results according to physician-determined outcomes.

Methods

Single-centre prospective design; the population comprises all consecutive patients undergoing TAVI in 2012–2017. TAVI futility was defined as the combined endpoint of either no symptomatic improvement or mortality at 1 year. We actively gathered telephone follow-up using a predefined questionnaire.

Results

Guideline defined TAVI futility was present in 212/741 patients. Multivariate regression showed lower albumin and non-transfemoral approach to be predictive for futility. In addition to these, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, atrial fibrillation, low-flow–low-gradient aortic stenosis and lower Body Mass Index were predictive for 1-year mortality. Patients who showed symptomatic benefit estimated the percentage in which their symptoms were remedied higher than patients who did not (80% vs 60%, p<0.001). Guideline-defined TAVI futility occurs frequently, contrasting with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The vast majority in both groups would again choose for TAVI treatment.

Conclusion

Lower albumin and non-transfemoral access route were predictors for guideline-defined TAVI futility, defined as mortality within 1 year or no objective symptomatic improvement in New York Heart Association class. Futility according to this definition occurred frequently in this study, contrasting with much more positive PROMs. The majority of patients would undergo a TAVI again, underlining the patients’ experienced value of TAVI and putting the definition of TAVI futility further on debate. In the near future, less-strict criteria for TAVI futility, that is, using a shorter warranted life expectancy and incorporating patients’ perceived outcomes, should be used.
Oxidative stress, inflammation, psychological status, and severity of respiratory infections are negatively affected during the pre-contest period in amateur bodybuilders
Authors: de Moraes Wilson Max Almeida Monteiro , de Moura Felipe Carmo , da Costa Moraes Thamires Cristina , Oliveira de Sousa Luís Gustavo , dos Santos Rosa Thiago , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Machado Maia Fernanda Maria , Prestes Jonato
Published: September 2018

We examined whether off-season (OffS) and pre-contest (PreC) periods affect blood oxidative stress, inflammatory, immunological, and psychological markers in 20 bodybuilders. The athletes recorded their food intake (3-day record), physical activities, mood states (Profile of Mood States, POMS), recovery-stress (Recovery–Stress Questionnaire for Athletes, RESTQ-Sport), and upper respiratory symptoms (Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey, WURSS-21), and blood was obtained for biochemical analysis. Almost all athletes were in positive energy balance during OffS, while bodybuilders presented markedly restricted energy intake (∼45%) leading to loss of weight (–9%) and fat mass (–45%) with preservation of fat-free mass in PreC. Protein intake was high during both periods, while lipid and carbohydrate intakes were reduced ∼50% in PreC. Almost all athletes consumed 100% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for micronutrients in OffS, while 45% and 75% of the athletes had intakes below the RDA for vitamins A and E in PreC. Oxidative damage to lipids (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS), protein carbonyls, and the TBARS/total antioxidant capacity ratio increased in PreC (32%, 27%, 60%), as did plasma tumor necrosis factor α (4-fold) and WURSS-21 scores (25%). There were no significant changes in serum catalase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase activities nor in interleukin 1β and immunoglobulins. In PreC, POMS showed negative changes in vigor (–20%), fatigue (23%), and total mood disturbance (35%), and RESTQ-Sport showed alterations for general and sport stress (34% and 50%, respectively) and sport recovery (–23%). Thus, PreC negatively affects nutrient intake, which may worsen oxidative stress, inflammation, psychological status, and the severity of respiratory infections in bodybuilders.
Adequate vitamin B12and riboflavin status from menus alone in residential care facilities in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia
Authors: Whitfield Kyly C. , da Silva Liz , Feldman Fabio , Singh Sonia , McCann Adrian , McAnena Liadhan , Ward Mary , McNulty Helene , Barr Susan I. , Green Tim J.
Published: September 2018

Older adults have potential increased risk of nutrient deficiencies because of age-related decreased dietary intake and malabsorption; it is important to ensure nutrient needs are met to avoid adverse health outcomes. B vitamins are of particular interest: vitamin B12deficiency can cause irreversible neurodegeneration; there is mandatory folic acid fortification in Canada; and suboptimal riboflavin status has been reported among older adults in the United Kingdom. In this exploratory secondary analysis study we assessed vitamin B12and riboflavin biochemical status (via microparticle enzyme immunoassay and erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity coefficient (EGRac), respectively), and the vitamin B12, riboflavin, and folate content of menus served to a convenience sample of older adults (≥65 years) from 5 residential care facilities within the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. Diet was assessed from customized 28-day cycle meal plans. Participants (n = 207; 53 men and 154 women) were aged 86 ± 7 years, largely of European descent (92%), and nonsmokers (95%). The menus served had a low prevalence of inadequacy for vitamin B12and riboflavin (only 4% and 1% of menus contained less than the estimated average requirement (EAR), respectively), but 93% contained less than the EAR for folate. Mean ± SD serum total vitamin B12concentration was 422 ± 209 pmol/L, and EGRac was 1.30 ± 0.19. The majority of older adults in residential care were provided with adequate vitamin B12and riboflavin menu amounts, and only 5% were vitamin B12deficient (<148 pmol/L). However, 26% were riboflavin deficient (EGRac ≥ 1.4), which may warrant further investigation.
Effects of order of resistance training exercises on muscle hypertrophy in young adult men
Authors: Avelar Ademar , Ribeiro Alex Silva , Nunes João Pedro , Schoenfeld Brad Jon , Papst Rafael Raul , Trindade Michele Caroline de Costa , Bottaro Martim , Cyrino Edilson Serpeloni
Published: September 2018

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effects of the order of resistance training (RT) exercises on hypertrophy in young adult men. Thirty-six young adult men (age, 21.9 ± 2.5 years; body mass, 72.6 ± 12.1 kg, height, 176.9 ± 7.4 cm; body mass index, 23.1 ± 3.3 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 training groups that performed a 6-week RT program in either (i) a traditional approach starting with multi-joint (MJ) exercises followed by single-joint exercises (SJ) (MJ-SJ, n = 19) or (ii) in reverse order (SJ-MJ, n = 17). Muscle thickness of the biceps brachii and mid-thigh were assessed by ultrasound. Lean soft tissue (LST) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Both groups similarly increased (P < 0.05) biceps brachii thickness (MJ-SJ = +14.2%, SJ-MJ = +13.8%). Alternatively, only the MJ-SJ group presented an increase in mid-thigh thickness from pre- to post-training (MJ-SJ = +7.2%, SJ-MJ = +3.9%). Upper limb LSTs (MJ-SJ = +5.2%, SJ-MJ = +7.5%) were statistically similar between conditions, and a trend for significance (P = 0.07) was found for trunk LST (MJ-SJ = +7.2%, SJ-MJ = +1.7%). Nonsignificant pre- to post-training changes were observed for lower limb LSTs (MJ-SJ = +0.7%, SJ-MJ = +1.8%). Our data suggest that both sequences are effective for increasing muscle hypertrophy over a short-term RT period; there may be a potentially beneficial hypertrophic effect for the mid-thigh by performing exercises in a manner that progresses from MJ to SJ exercises.
Horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in clinical environments
Authors: Lerminiaux Nicole A. , Cameron Andrew D.S.
Published: September 2018

A global medical crisis is unfolding as antibiotics lose effectiveness against a growing number of bacterial pathogens. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) contributes significantly to the rapid spread of resistance, yet the transmission dynamics of genes that confer antibiotic resistance are poorly understood. Multiple mechanisms of HGT liberate genes from normal vertical inheritance. Conjugation by plasmids, transduction by bacteriophages, and natural transformation by extracellular DNA each allow genetic material to jump between strains and species. Thus, HGT adds an important dimension to infectious disease whereby an antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) can be the agent of an outbreak by transferring resistance to multiple unrelated pathogens. Here, we review the small number of cases where HGT has been detected in clinical environments. We discuss differences and synergies between the spread of plasmid-borne and chromosomal ARGs, with a special consideration of the difficulties of detecting transduction and transformation by routine genetic diagnostics. We highlight how 11 of the top 12 priority antibiotic-resistant pathogens are known or predicted to be naturally transformable, raising the possibility that this mechanism of HGT makes significant contributions to the spread of ARGs. HGT drives the evolution of untreatable “superbugs” by concentrating ARGs together in the same cell, thus HGT must be included in strategies to prevent the emergence of resistant organisms in hospitals and other clinical settings.
Chaos Synchronization of the Distributed-Order Lorenz System via Active Control and Applications in Chaotic Masking
Authors: Chen Jiyang , Li Chuandong , Yang Xujun
Published: September 2018

This article has been retracted due to partial plagiarism. A notice of retraction is published in Vol 28 No.12
Mathematical Analysis of Peculiar Behavior by Chaotic, Fractional and Strange Multiwing Attractors
Authors: Doungmo Goufo Emile Franc
Published: September 2018

Strange attractors are fascinating not only for the fractal structure most of them display, but also for the freakish chaotic and multiscroll trajectories they portray. In this paper, Haar wavelet numerical method is used to address the solvability of the 3D Lu–Chen model combined with the classical Caputo fractional differentiation. The full model, named Caputo–Lu–Chen model is solved analytically and a complete error analysis is performed to test the convergence of the method. It reveals that the error made using such a technique is negligible. Numerical simulations, performed in pure fractional and standard integer cases, show that the Caputo–Lu–Chen system maintains its status of strange, chaotic and multiscroll attractor. The graphics in both cases present similar features characterized by attractors with many scrolls. Hence, the Caputo derivative order when introduced as parameter in the Lu–Chen system does not remove the multiscroll property of generated attractors; it even becomes an important control parameter able to change the dynamics of the whole system. This result can be very important in control theory.
The Effects of Correlated Noise on Bifurcation in Birhythmicity Driven by Delay
Authors: Ning Lijuan , Ma Zhidan
Published: September 2018

We consider bifurcation regulations under the effects of correlated noise and delay self-control feedback excitation in a birhythmic model. Firstly, the term of delay self-control feedback is transferred into state variables without delay by harmonic approximation. Secondly, FPK equation and stationary probability density function (SPDF) for amplitude can be theoretically mapped with stochastic averaging method. Thirdly, the intriguing effects on bifurcation regulations in a birhythmic model induced by delay and correlated noise are observed, which suggest the violent dependence of bifurcation in this model on delay and correlated noise. Particularly, the inner limit cycle (LC) is always standing due to noise. Lastly, the validity of analytical results was confirmed by Monte Carlo simulation for the dynamics.
ECCENTRIC DISTANCE SUM OF SIERPIŃSKI GASKET AND SIERPIŃSKI NETWORK
Authors: CHEN JIN , HE LONG , WANG QIN
Published: September 2018

The eccentric distance sum is concerned with complex networks. To obtain the asymptotic formula of eccentric distance sum on growing Sierpiński networks, we study some nonlinear integral in terms of self-similar measure on the Sierpiński gasket and use the self-similarity of distance and measure to obtain the exact value of this integral.
Optimal asset allocation for a bank under risk control
Authors: Perera Ryle S. , Sato Kimitoshi
Published: September 2018

Motivated by the Basel III requirement we analyze an optimal Capital Adequacy Ratio subject to foreclosure risk exposure. We assume that the banker invests in treasuries, a stock index and a loan portfolio, where he/she wishes to maximize his/her expected utility of terminal wealth by selecting optimal investment and risk control strategies. The dynamics of the stock index and the banker’s risk exposure towards foreclosure is modeled as two independent compensated pure jump Lévy Processes. By applying the martingale approach we obtain a closed form solution for this optimization problem under a quadratic utility function. A negative correlation between the banker’s foreclosure risk and the price dynamics of stock index will result in a reduced amount invested in stock index fund while a positive correlation between the banker’s foreclosure risk and the price dynamics of stock index will increase the amount invested in stock index fund.
Who would invest only in the risk-free asset?
Authors: Azevedo N. , Pinheiro D. , Xanthopoulos S. Z. , Yannacopoulos A. N.
Published: September 2018

Within the setup of continuous-time semimartingale financial markets, we show that a multiprior Gilboa–Schmeidler minimax expected utility maximizer forms a portfolio consisting only of the riskless asset if and only if among the investor’s priors there exists a probability measure under which all admissible wealth processes are supermartingales. Furthermore, we show that under a certain attainability condition (which is always valid in finite or complete markets) this is also equivalent to the existence of an equivalent (local) martingale measure among the investor’s priors. As an example, we generalize a no betting result due to Dow and Werlang.
3D morphology and timing of the giant fossil pockmark of Beauvoisin, SE Basin of France
Authors: Gay Aurélien , Lopez Michel , Potdevin Jean-Luc , Vidal Valérie , Varas German , Favier Alexiane , Tribovillard Nicolas
Published: September 2018

The resolution of data acquired over modern seafloors does not allow imaging of the inner features of a fluid seep structure, particularly in the shallow subsurface. In the SE Basin of France (Drôme), fossil cold seep structures comprising fossil-rich carbonate lenses were identified about 30 years ago within the Oxfordian (Late Jurassic) Terres Noires Formation. These structures were first interpreted as pseudo-bioherms related to hydrothermal activity, but comparison with active seep sites on modern margins, together with isotopic analyses, led to a reinterpretation involving cold fluids instead. To date, all seep sites have generally been studied individually without considering any link to neighbouring or more distant sites. Based on 23 high-resolution stratigraphic logs within the structure coupled to mosaicked aerial photographs from a drone survey, 19 fluid seep events were correlated in the area, including two new sites exposed as a result of weathering. We have shown that each identified sub-site is composed of subvertically stacked fossil-rich carbonate lenses interbedded with marls, which developed in smooth, 4–6 m deep depressions beneath the local seabed. The nodules present within the depressions are of primary importance as they mark the area of active seeping. This general organization is very similar to the modern Regab giant pockmark in the Lower Congo Basin where only a few sub-sites are active at the same time. A spatio-temporal 3D reconstruction of the position of these sub-sites shows that the carbonate lenses are organized into clusters comprising up to seven sub-sites grouped together in the same stratigraphic interval and the same geographical zone. A sandbox experiment where gas is injected at constant flow rate at the base of a box filled with a matrix of water-saturated grains displays a pattern consisting of disturbed sediments inside a parabolic-shaped area. This parabolic shape was also identified on a seismic profile across the Regab giant pockmark, suggesting that the processes are similar for the Beauvoisin and Regab seep areas. The laboratory experiments also show that the seeping conduit is stable during a given period of time and suddenly shifts laterally. This is mainly as a result of the collapse of the conduit, the lateral migration and the reopening at a new position. The general log obtained in the Beauvoisin seep area suggests a similar pattern with periods of seeping alternating with periods of quiescence, each of which is
c
. 200 kyr. Even if a pockmark seems to have been inactive for a long period of time, this could be due to the lateral shift of the feeder conduit, meaning that the sub-seafloor is still charged with gas. This is of primary importance for risk assessment, hydrocarbon exploration and general understanding of geobiology at seafloor seeps.
Overthickening of sedimentary sequences by igneous intrusions
Authors: Mark Niall , Schofield Nick , Gardiner David , Holt Liam , Grove Clayton , Watson Douglas , Alexander Andy , Poore Heather
Published: September 2018

The identification of extensive intrusive igneous complexes in both subsurface data and field studies has led to the quantification of the volumes of igneous material present within sedimentary sequences. Despite this research, however, little connection has been established between the amount of igneous material intruded into a basin and its effect on subsequent basin evolution in terms of burial and loading. We used subsurface data from the Faroe–Shetland Basin to investigate igneous intrusions with the aim of understanding how additional igneous material influences basin evolution. We found that the total estimated thickness of Cretaceous sediments is likely to be an overestimate because the sedimentary fill consists of significant quantities of igneous material emplaced during the Paleocene (56–54 Ma). This additional igneous material has not previously been accounted for in estimates of sedimentation rates and the burial history of the Faroe–Shetland Basin. Petroleum system modelling to understand the generation and expulsion of hydrocarbons benefits from correct estimates of basin fill. The overthickening of basins by igneous material will affect the timing of hydrocarbon generation and therefore the correct evaluation of exploration targets. The volume of igneous material and the time at which this material was emplaced must be acknowledged and considered in order to fully understand basin evolution.
“Wear It Loud”
Authors: Profita Halley P. , Stangl Abigale , Matuszewska Laura , Sky Sigrunn , Kushalnagar Raja , Kane Shaun K.
Published: September 2018

We investigate the role of aesthetic customization in managing sociocultural issues of assistive technology (AT) use. First, we examined an online forum dedicated to customized hearing aids and cochlear implants to understand the breadth of activity occurring in this space. Next, we conducted a series of interviews to understand motivational factors and sociocultural outcomes related to expressive AT. We found that community members discussed customization tools and techniques, shared their customizations, and provided each other with encouragement and support. Community members customized their devices as a means of self-expression that demonstrated the wearer's fashion sense, revealed favorite sports teams and characters, and marked holidays and personal milestones. We also found that aesthetic customization worked on multiple levels to create personal and meaningful relationships with one's AT and with other AT users, and also to manage societal expectations regarding hearing loss. Our findings may inform the design of assistive technologies that better support personalization, customization, and self-expression.