bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population dynamics of the main phytophagous and predatory mites associated with rubber tree plantations in the State of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Castro Elizeu , Nuvoloni Felipe , Feres Reinaldo
Published: August 2018

Rubber trees, Hevea brasiliensis, are the main source of latex in the world, being cultivated in several states in Brazil. Calacarus heveae Feres and Tenuipalpus heveae Baker are considered the main pest mites of this crop. In this study, we evaluated the population dynamics of these two phytophagous species and of the most common predatory species during a one-year period on crops of rubber tree clones FDR 5788, CDC 312 and PMB 01, located in Igrapiúna, State of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. The results indicate that outbreaks of C. heveae and T. heveae occur from January to May. Population densities vary among clones, being lower on FDR 5788. Amblyseius perditus Chant and Baker (Phytoseiidae), Parapronematus sp. (Iolinidae) and Agistemus pallinii Matioli, Tavares and Pallini (Stigmaeidae) were the most abundant and frequently encountered predacious species. The population dynamics of these predatory species were related to the abundance of the phytophagous mites. However, the efficacy of these predators to mitigate infestations of phytophagous mites under natural conditions is unresolved due to the high reproductive rate of the phytophagous species.
A model and experimental approach to the middle ear transfer function related to hearing in the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Authors: Tubelli Andrew A. , Zosuls Aleksandrs , Ketten Darlene R. , Mountain David C.
Published: August 2018

At present, there are no direct measures of hearing for any baleen whale (Mysticeti). The most viable alternative to in vivo approaches to simulate the audiogram is through modeling outer, middle, and inner ear functions based on the anatomy and material properties of each component. This paper describes a finite element model of the middle ear for the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) to calculate the middle ear transfer function (METF) to determine acoustic energy transmission to the cochlea. The model was developed based on high resolution computed tomography imaging and direct anatomical measurements of the middle ear components for this mysticete species. Mechanical properties for the middle ear tissues were determined from experimental measurements and published values. The METF for the humpback whale predicted a better frequency range between approximately 15 Hz and 3 kHz or between 200 Hz and 9 kHz based on two potential stimulation locations. Experimental measures of the ossicular chain, tympanic membrane, and tympanic bone velocities showed frequency response characteristics consistent with the model. The predicted best sensitivity hearing ranges match well with known vocalizations of this species.
Ultrabroadband photosensitivity from visible to terahertz at room temperature
Authors: Wu Dong , Ma Yongchang , Niu Yingying , Liu Qiaomei , Dong Tao , Zhang Sijie , Niu Jiasen , Zhou Huibin , Wei Jian , Wang Yingxin , Zhao Ziran , Wang Nanlin
Published: August 2018

A 1T-TaS
2
CDW system offers ultrabroadband and high photosensitivity from visible to terahertz wavelengths at room temperature.
The origin of RNA precursors on exoplanets
Authors: Rimmer Paul B. , Xu Jianfeng , Thompson Samantha J. , Gillen Ed , Sutherland John D. , Queloz Didier
Published: August 2018

Researchers identify an “abiogenesis zone,” outside of which the building blocks of life cannot form photochemically.
The dual role of Amazonian rivers in the generation and maintenance of avian diversity
Authors: Naka Luciano N. , Brumfield Robb T.
Published: August 2018

We use comparative phylogeography to investigate the role of Amazonian rivers in the origin and maintenance of avian diversity.
Chiral switching in biomineral suprastructures induced by homochiral
l
-amino acid
Authors: Jiang Wenge , Pacella Michael S. , Vali Hojatollah , Gray Jeffrey J. , McKee Marc D.
Published: August 2018

We report a chiral switching mechanism for calcium carbonate hierarchical structure regulated by a single amino acid enantiomer.
CMPK2 and BCL-G are associated with type 1 interferon–induced HIV restriction in humans
Authors: El-Diwany Ramy , Soliman Mary , Sugawara Sho , Breitwieser Florian , Skaist Alyza , Coggiano Candelaria , Sangal Neel , Chattergoon Michael , Bailey Justin R. , Siliciano Robert F. , Blankson Joel N. , Ray Stuart C. , Wheelan Sarah J. , Thomas David L. , Balagopal Ashwin
Published: August 2018

We identified two genes induced by type 1 interferon in activated CD4
+
T cells that are associated with HIV restriction in humans.
BioBits™ Explorer: A modular synthetic biology education kit
Authors: Huang Ally , Nguyen Peter Q. , Stark Jessica C. , Takahashi Melissa K. , Donghia Nina , Ferrante Tom , Dy Aaron J. , Hsu Karen J. , Dubner Rachel S. , Pardee Keith , Jewett Michael C. , Collins James J.
Published: August 2018

We present a low-cost kit based on freeze-dried, cell-free reactions to illustrate synthetic and molecular biology concepts.
BioBits™ Bright: A fluorescent synthetic biology education kit
Authors: Stark Jessica C. , Huang Ally , Nguyen Peter Q. , Dubner Rachel S. , Hsu Karen J. , Ferrante Thomas C. , Anderson Mary , Kanapskyte Ada , Mucha Quinn , Packett Jessica S. , Patel Palak , Patel Richa , Qaq Deema , Zondor Tyler , Burke Julie , Martinez Thomas , Miller-Berry Ashlee , Puppala Aparna , Reichert Kara , Schmid Miriam , Brand Lance , Hill Lander R. , Chellaswamy Jemima F. , Faheem Nuhie , Fetherling Suzanne , Gong Elissa , Gonzalzles Eddie Marie , Granito Teresa , Koritsaris Jenna , Nguyen Binh , Ottman Sujud , Palffy Christina , Patel Angela , Skweres Sheila , Slaton Adriane , Woods TaRhonda , Donghia Nina , Pardee Keith , Collins James J. , Jewett Michael C.
Published: August 2018

We report portable, user-friendly reagents and equipment for visual, hands-on biology activities with supporting curriculum.
Electrochemical oxidative oxysulfenylation and aminosulfenylation of alkenes with hydrogen evolution
Authors: Yuan Yong , Chen Yixuan , Tang Shan , Huang Zhiliang , Lei Aiwen
Published: August 2018

This work describes the oxidative oxysulfenylation and aminosulfenylation of alkenes using an electrochemical protocol.
Wealthy countries dominate industrial fishing
Authors: McCauley Douglas J. , Jablonicky Caroline , Allison Edward H. , Golden Christopher D. , Joyce Francis H. , Mayorga Juan , Kroodsma David
Published: August 2018

Five wealthy nations control most of the world’s industrial, affecting the future of food, health, and poverty.
Production and transplantation of bioengineered lung into a large-animal model
Authors: Nichols Joan E. , La Francesca Saverio , Niles Jean A. , Vega Stephanie P. , Argueta Lissenya B. , Frank Luba , Christiani David C. , Pyles Richard B. , Himes Blanca E. , Zhang Ruyang , Li Su , Sakamoto Jason , Rhudy Jessica , Hendricks Greg , Begarani Filippo , Liu Xuewu , Patrikeev Igor , Pal Rahul , Usheva Emiliya , Vargas Grace , Miller Aaron , Woodson Lee , Wacher Adam , Grimaldo Maria , Weaver Daniil , Mlcak Ron , Cortiella Joaquin
Published: August 2018

Nanoparticle delivery of growth factors promotes capillary development in bioengineered lungs during bioreactor culture and transplantation in a pig model.
Self-sustained seizure inhibition
Authors: Andreae Laura C.
Published: August 2018

Gene therapy with a glutamate-sensitive chloride channel allows effective local inhibition of focal seizures without affecting normal brain function in rats.
Drug smuggling microparticles play dress-up
Authors: Au Sam H.
Published: August 2018

Hemolysate coating prolongs circulation of red blood cell–shaped microparticles.
Outer Membrane Iron Uptake Pathways in the Model Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803
Authors: Qiu Guo-Wei , Lou Wen-Jing , Sun Chuan-Yu , Yang Nina , Li Zheng-Ke , Li Ding-Lan , Zang Sha-Sha , Fu Fei-Xue , Hutchins David A. , Jiang Hai-Bo , Qiu Bao-Sheng
Published: August 2018

Cyanobacteria are globally important primary producers and contribute about 25% of global CO
2
fixation. Low Fe bioavailability in surface waters is thought to limit the primary productivity in as much as 40% of the global ocean. The Fe acquisition strategies that cyanobacteria have evolved to overcome Fe deficiency remain poorly characterized. We experimentally characterized the key players and the cooperative work mode of two Fe uptake pathways, including an active uptake pathway and a passive diffusion pathway in the model cyanobacterium
Synechocystis
sp. PCC 6803. Our finding proved that cyanobacteria use ferri-siderophore transporters to take up Fe′, and they shed light on the adaptive mechanisms of cyanobacteria to cope with widespread Fe deficiency across aquatic environments.
HIV/AIDS: A Case-Based Learning Module for First-Year Medical Students
Authors: Bauler Timothy J. , Cole Shanna , Gibb Tyler , Van Enk Richard , Lutwick Larry , Dickinson Bonny L.
Published: August 2018

In medical and healthcare-related education, case-based learning (CBL) is a teaching strategy that uses clinical cases to engage students in active learning using course concepts to solve important problems. Here we describe the design and implementation of a CBL module to teach first year medical students about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acute retroviral syndrome, clinical progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, HIV diagnostics, assays used to assess stage of disease and response to antiretroviral treatment, and highly active antiretroviral therapy. A team of basic science and clinical faculty in the disciplines of microbiology, immunology, infection prevention and control, clinical medicine, pharmacology, and medical ethics collaboratively designed the CBL module. The results of a questionnaire indicated that the students found the CBL case interesting, engaging, and a useful educational strategy for linking basic science concepts to important clinical problems. In our experience, the CBL promoted student synthesis of basic science concepts across disciplines and engaged learners in the application of basic science knowledge to address significant real-world clinical problems.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Clinical Isolates from Uruguay
Authors: Cordeiro Nicolás F. , D’Alessandro Bruno , Iriarte Andrés , Pickard Derek , Yim Lucía , Chabalgoity José Alejandro , Betancor Laura , Vignoli Rafael
Published: August 2018

Multidrug-resistant
Salmonella enterica
isolates are an increasing problem worldwide; nevertheless, the mechanisms responsible for such resistance are rarely well defined. Multidrug-resistant
S. enterica
serovar Typhimurium isolates ST3224 and ST827 were collected from two patients.
Relationship between hospital performance measures and outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Xinmiao , Li Zixiao , Zhao Xingquan , Xian Ying , Liu Liping , Wang Chunxue , Wang Chunjuan , Li Hao , Prvu Bettger Janet , Yang Qing , Wang David , Jiang Yong , Bao Xiaolei , Yang Xiaomeng , Wang Yilong , Wang Yongjun
Published: August 2018

Objective

Evidence-based performance measures have been increasingly used to evaluate hospital quality of stroke care, but their impact on stroke outcomes has not been verified. We aimed to evaluate the correlations between hospital performance measures and outcomes among patients with acute ischaemic stroke in a Chinese population.

Methods

Data were derived from a prospective cohort, which included 120 hospitals participating in the China National Stroke Registry between September 2007 and August 2008. Adherence to nine evidence-based performance measures was examined, and the composite score of hospital performance measures was calculated. The primary stroke outcomes were hospital-level, 30-day and 1-year risk-standardised mortality (RSM). Associations of individual performance measures and composite score with stroke outcomes were assessed using Spearman correlation coefficients.

Results

One hundred and twenty hospitals that recruited 12 027 patients with ischaemic stroke were included in our analysis. Among 12 027 patients, 61.59% were men, and the median age was 67 years. The overall composite score of performance measures was 63.3%. The correlation coefficients between individual performance measures ranged widely from 0.01 to 0.66. No association was observed between the composite score and 30-day RSM. The composite score was modestly associated with 1-year RSM (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.34; p<0.05). The composite score explained only 2.53% and 10.18% of hospital-level variation in 30-day and 1-year RSM for patients with acute stroke.

Conclusions

Adherence to evidence-based performance measures for acute ischaemic stroke was suboptimal in China. There were various correlations among hospital individual performance measures. The hospital performance measures had no correlations with 30-day RSM rate and modest correlations with 1-year RSM rate.
Insurance status and 1-year outcomes of stroke and transient ischaemic attack: a registry-based cohort study in China
Authors: Gu Hong-Qiu , Li Zi-Xiao , Zhao Xing-Quan , Liu Li-Ping , Li Hao , Wang Chun-Juan , Yang Xin , Rao Zhen-Zhen , Wang Chun-Xue , Pan Yue-Song , Wang Yi-Long , Wang Yong-Jun
Published: August 2018

Objective

Although more than 95% of the population is insured by urban or rural insurance programmes in China, little research has been done on insurance-related outcome disparities for patients with acute stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA). This study aimed to examine the relationship between insurance status and 1-year outcomes for patients with stroke and TIA.

Methods

We abstracted 24 941 patients with acute stroke and TIA from the China National Stroke Registry II. Insurance status was categorised as Urban Basic Medical Insurance Scheme (UBMIS), New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NRCMS) and self-payment. The relationship between insurance status and 1-year outcomes, including all-cause death, stroke recurrence and disability, was analysed using the shared frailty model in the Cox model or generalised estimating equation with consideration of the hospital’s cluster effect.

Results

About 50% of patients were covered by UBMIS, 41.2% by NRCMS and 8.9% by self-payment. Compared with patients covered by UBMIS, patients covered by NRCMS had a significantly higher risk of all-cause death (9.7% vs 8.6%, adjusted HR: 1.32 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.48), p<0.001), stroke recurrence (7.2% vs 6.5%, adjusted HR: 1.12 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.37), p<0.001) and disability (32.0% vs 26.3%, adjusted OR: 1.29 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.39), p<0.001). Compared with patients covered by UBMIS, self-payment patients had a similar risk of death and stroke recurrence but a higher risk of disability.

Conclusions

Patients with stroke and TIA demonstrated differences in 1-year mortality, stroke recurrence and disability between urban and rural insurance groups in China.
Effect of skin-to-skin contact on parents’ sleep quality, mood, parent-infant interaction and cortisol concentrations in neonatal care units: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Angelhoff Charlotte , Blomqvist Ylva Thernström , Sahlén Helmer Charlotte , Olsson Emma , Shorey Shefaly , Frostell Anneli , Mörelius Evalotte
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Separation after preterm birth is a major stressor for infants and parents. Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is a method of care suitable to use in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to minimise separation between parents and infants. Less separation leads to increased possibilities for parent-infant interaction, provided that the parents’ sleep quality is satisfactory. We aimed to evaluate the effect of continuous SSC on sleep quality and mood in parents of preterm infants born <33 weeks of gestation as well as the quality of parent-infant interaction and salivary cortisol concentrations at the time of discharge.

Methods and analysis

A randomised intervention study with two arms—intervention versus standard care. Data will be collected from 50 families. Eligible families will be randomly allocated to intervention or standard care when transferred from the intensive care room to the family-room in the NICU. The intervention consists of continuous SSC for four consecutive days and nights in the family-room. Data will be collected every day during the intervention and again at the time of discharge from the hospital. Outcome measures comprise activity tracker (Actigraph); validated self-rated questionnaires concerning sleep, mood and bonding; observed scorings of parental sensitivity and emotional availability and salivary cortisol. Data will be analysed with pairwise, repeated measures, Mann Whitney U-test will be used to compare groups and analysis of variance will be used to adjust for different hospitals and parents’ gender.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the Regional Research Ethics Board at an appropriate university (2016/89–31). The results will be published in scientific journals. We will also use conferences and social media to disseminate our findings.

Trial registration number

NCT03004677.
Trends in avoidable mortality over the life course in Mexico, 1990–2015: a cross-sectional demographic analysis
Authors: Aburto José Manuel , Riffe Tim , Canudas-Romo Vladimir
Published: August 2018

Objective

To analyse average lifespan and quantify the effect of avoidable/amenable mortality on the difference between state-specific mortality and a low-mortality benchmark in Mexico during 1990–2015.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional demographic analysis using aggregated data.

Setting

Vital statistics from the Mexican civil registration system.

Participants

Aggregated national data (from 91.2 million people in 1995 to 119.9 in 2015) grouped in 64 populations (32 Mexican states (including Mexico City) by sex) with cause-of-death data.

Main outcome measures

Cause-specific contributions to the gap in life expectancy with a low-mortality benchmark in three age groups (0–14, 15–49 and 50–84 years).

Results

Infants and children under the age of 15 years show improvements towards maximal survival in all states. However, adult males aged 15 to 49 years show deterioration after 2006 in almost every state due to increasing homicides, and a slow recovery thereafter. Out of 35 potential years, females and males live on average 34.57 (34.48 to 34.67) and 33.80 (33.34 to 34.27), respectively. Adults aged 50 to 84 years show an unexpected decrease in the low mortality benchmark, indicating nationwide deterioration among older adults. Females and males in this age group show an average survival of 28.59 (27.43 to 29.75) and 26.52 (25.33 to 27.73) out of 35 potential years, respectively. State gaps from the benchmark were mainly caused by ischaemic heart diseases, diabetes, cirrhosis and homicides. We find large health disparities between states, particularly for the adult population after 2005.

Conclusions

Mexico has succeeded in reducing mortality and between-state inequalities in children. However, adults are becoming vulnerable as they have not been able to reduce the burden of violence and conditions amenable to health services and behaviours, such as diabetes, ischaemic heart diseases and cirrhosis. These trends have led to large health disparities between Mexican states in the last 25 years.
Third-wave cognitive behaviour therapies for weight management: systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Lawlor Emma R , Islam Nazrul , Griffin Simon J , Hill Andrew J , Hughes Carly A , Ahern Amy L
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Behavioural and cognitive behavioural programmes are commonly used to assist with weight management, but there is considerable scope to improve their effectiveness, particularly in the longer term. Third-wave cognitive behaviour therapies (CBTs) have this potential and are increasingly used. This systematic review will assess the effect of third-wave CBTs for weight management on weight, psychological and physical health outcomes in adults with overweight or obesity.

Methods and analysis

The systematic review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidance. We will include studies of any third-wave CBTs focusing on weight loss or weight maintenance for adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25kg/m2. Eligible study designs will be randomised control trials, non-randomised trials, prospective cohort and case series. Outcomes of interest will be body weight/BMI, psychological and physical health, and adherence. We will search the following databases from inception to 16 January 2018: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane database (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, AMED, ASSIA and Web of Science. The search strategy will be based on the concepts: (1) third-wave CBTs and (2) overweight, obesity or weight management. No restrictions will be applied. We will search reference lists of relevant reviews and included articles. Two independent reviewers will screen articles for eligibility using a two-stage process. Two independent reviewers will extract data, assess risk of bias using Risk of Bias 2.0, Risk of Bias in Non-randomised studies of Interventions or Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Exposures checklist and assess quality using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool. A random-effects network meta-analysis of outcomes, and sub-group analyses and meta-regression will be conducted, where data permit. If not appropriate, a narrative synthesis will be undertaken.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as no primary data will be collected. The completed systematic review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal, presented at conferences and used to inform the development of a weight management programme.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018088255.
Heterozygous carriage of the alpha1-antitrypsin Pi*Z variant increases the risk to develop liver cirrhosis
Authors: Strnad Pavel , Buch Stephan , Hamesch Karim , Fischer Janett , Rosendahl Jonas , Schmelz Renate , Brueckner Stefan , Brosch Mario , Heimes Carolin V , Woditsch Vivien , Scholten David , Nischalke Hans Dieter , Janciauskiene Sabina , Mandorfer Mattias , Trauner Michael , Way Michael J , McQuillin Andrew , Reichert Matthias C , Krawczyk Marcin , Casper Markus , Lammert Frank , Braun Felix , von Schönfels Witigo , Hinz Sebastian , Burmeister Greta , Hellerbrand Claus , Teufel Andreas , Feldman Alexandra , Schattenberg Joern M , Bantel Heike , Pathil Anita , Demir Muenevver , Kluwe Johannes , Boettler Tobias , Ridinger Monika , Wodarz Norbert , Soyka Michael , Rietschel Marcella , Kiefer Falk , Weber Thomas , Marhenke Silke , Vogel Arndt , Hinrichsen Holger , Canbay Ali , Schlattjan Martin , Sosnowsky Katharina , Sarrazin Christoph , von Felden Johann , Geier Andreas , Deltenre Pierre , Sipos Bence , Schafmayer Clemens , Nothnagel Michael , Aigner Elmar , Datz Christian , Stickel Felix , Morgan Marsha Yvonne , Hampe Jochen , Berg Thomas , Trautwein Christian
Published: August 2018

Objective

Homozygous alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency increases the risk for developing cirrhosis, whereas the relevance of heterozygous carriage remains unclear. Hence, we evaluated the impact of the two most relevant AAT variants (‘Pi*Z’ and ‘Pi*S’), present in up to 10% of Caucasians, on subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or alcohol misuse.

Design

We analysed multicentric case–control cohorts consisting of 1184 people with biopsy-proven NAFLD and of 2462 people with chronic alcohol misuse, both cohorts comprising cases with cirrhosis and controls without cirrhosis. Genotyping for the Pi*Z and Pi*S variants was performed.

Results

The Pi*Z variant presented in 13.8% of patients with cirrhotic NAFLD but only in 2.4% of counterparts without liver fibrosis (p<0.0001). Accordingly, the Pi*Z variant increased the risk of NAFLD subjects to develop cirrhosis (adjusted OR=7.3 (95% CI 2.2 to 24.8)). Likewise, the Pi*Z variant presented in 6.2% of alcohol misusers with cirrhosis but only in 2.2% of alcohol misusers without significant liver injury (p<0.0001). Correspondingly, alcohol misusers carrying the Pi*Z variant were prone to develop cirrhosis (adjusted OR=5.8 (95% CI 2.9 to 11.7)). In contrast, the Pi*S variant was not associated with NAFLD-related cirrhosis and only borderline with alcohol-related cirrhosis (adjusted OR=1.47 (95% CI 0.99 to 2.19)).

Conclusion

The Pi*Z variant is the hitherto strongest single nucleotide polymorphism-based risk factor for cirrhosis in NAFLD and alcohol misuse, whereas the Pi*S variant confers only a weak risk in alcohol misusers. As 2%–4% of Caucasians are Pi*Z carriers, this finding should be considered in genetic counselling of affected individuals.
Review of diagnostic error in anatomical pathology and the role and value of second opinions in error prevention
Authors: Peck Martyn , Moffat David , Latham Bruce , Badrick Tony
Published: August 2018

Aims

Diagnostic/interpretative accuracy can be challenging in anatomical pathology due to the subjective element of the diagnostic process. This can lead to false-negative or false-positive diagnoses of malignancy, variations in grading and diagnostic misclassification of a condition.

It is imperative that an accurate diagnosis is achieved so that an appropriate and timely treatment is administered to the patient, for example, the success of targeted molecular therapeutic options for treatment of cancer is dependent on accurate anatomical pathology diagnoses being issued.

Methods

A literature review of diagnostic accuracy in selected specimen categories was undertaken and was compared with data on metropolitan and regional pathologist diagnostic proficiency performance in an external quality assurance programme from surveys provided 2015–2017. For each specimen category, cases having attracted a diagnostic inaccuracy (ie, major discordance) of ≥20% and cases attracting a combined error rate (ie, major and minor discordance) of ≥30% are reviewed and discussed.

Results

The rate of inaccurate diagnoses (assessed as a major discordance) ranged from 3% to 9% among the different specimen groups, with highest mean percentage of inaccurate diagnoses in gynaecology, dermatopathology and gastrointestinal specimens.

Conclusions

It was possible to ascertain that gynaecology, dermatopathology and gastrointestinal specimens had presented the greatest diagnostic challenge to the participant pathologists, determined as highest rate of diagnostic inaccuracy, that is, major discordance with respective case target diagnoses.

Through a combination of routine second opinions, directed retrospective peer review and participation in appropriate external quality assurance schemes, the risk associated with these diagnoses can be minimised.
Measuring the impact of genetic knowledge on intentions and attitudes of the community towards expanded preconception carrier screening
Authors: Ong Royston , Howting Denise , Rea Alethea , Christian Hayley , Charman Pauline , Molster Caron , Ravenscroft Gianina , Laing Nigel George
Published: August 2018

Background

Preconception carrier screening (PCS) provides the potential to empower couples to make reproductive choices before having an affected child. An important question is what factors influence the decision to use or not use PCS.

Methods

We analysed the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and intentions to participate in PCS using logistic regression in 832 participants in Western Australia.

Results

Two-thirds of participants said they would take the test, with 92% of these supporting screening for diseases reducing the lifespan of children and infants. Those who had good genetic knowledge were seven times more likely to intend to use PCS (p≤0.001), while those with high genetic knowledge were four times more likely to (p=0.002) and raised concerns such as insurance and confidentiality.

Decreasing genetic knowledge correlated positively with religiosity and apprehension (p≤0.001), which correlated negatively with intention to use PCS (p≤0.001). Increasing genetic knowledge correlated positively with factors representing positive attitudes (p≤0.001), which correlated positively with intention to use PCS (p≤0.001). Many participants with good genetic knowledge nevertheless answered questions that tested understanding incorrectly.

80% of participants stated they would prefer to access the test through their general practitioners and 30% would pay up to $A200.

Conclusions

Knowledge is instrumental in influencing participation. Having good genetic knowledge may not be enough to understand core concepts of PCS and may impact informed decision-making. This study recommends that continuous education of health professionals and thus the community, in PCS is crucial to reduce misconceptions.
Development of a portable blood salvage and autotransfusion technology to enhance survivability of personnel requiring major medical interventions in austere or military environments
Authors: Gourlay Terence , Simpson C , Robertson C A
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Uncontrolled haemorrhage is the leading cause of death on the battlefield, and two-thirds of these deaths result from non-compressible haemorrhage. Blood salvage and autotransfusion represent an alternative to conventional blood transfusion techniques for austere environments, potentially providing blood to the casualty at point of injury. The aim of this paper is to describe the design, development and initial proof-of-concept testing of a portable blood salvage and autotransfusion technology to enhance survivability of personnel requiring major medical interventions in austere or military environments.

Method

A manually operable, dual-headed pump was developed that removes blood from site of injury to a collection reservoir (upper pump) and back to casualty (lower pump). Theoretical flow rate calculations determined pump configuration and a three-dimensionally printed peristaltic pump was manufactured. Flow rates were tested with fresh bovine blood under laboratory conditions representative of the predicted clinical environment.

Results

Mathematical modelling suggested flow rates of 3.6 L/min and 0.57 L/min for upper and lower pumps. Using fresh bovine blood, flow rates produced were 2.67 L/min and 0.43 L/min. To mimic expected battlefield conditions, upper suction pump flow rate was calculated using a blood/air mixture.

Conclusion

The authors believe that this technology can potentially enhance survivability for casualties in austere and deployed military settings through autotransfusion and cell concentration. It reduces negative effects of blood donation on the conventional donor pool, and potentially negates the logistical constraints associated with allogenic transfusions.
Periprocedural heparin use in acute ischemic stroke endovascular therapy: the TREVO 2 trial
Authors: Winningham Melanie J , Haussen Diogo C , Nogueira Raul G , Liebeskind David S , Smith Wade S , Lutsep Helmi L , Jovin Tudor G , Xiang Bin , Nahab Fadi
Published: August 2018

Background

The use of periprocedural heparin has previously been reported to be safe and potentially beneficial during thrombectomy with older generation devices. We aimed to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of heparin use in the stent retriever era.

Methods

A post hoc analysis of the TREVO 2 trial was performed comparing baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes between patients who received (HEP+) and those who did not receive periprocedural heparin (HEP−) while undergoing MERCI or TREVO clot retrieval.

Results

Of 173 patients, 58 (34%) received periprocedural heparin including 40 who received one preprocedural bolus (median 3000 units). Baseline characteristics among HEP+ and HEP− patients were similar except HEP+ patients had a lower NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (17 vs 19; p=0.04), lower IV tissue plasminogen activator use (38% vs 64%; p<0.01), and a higher median ASPECTS score (8.0 vs 7.0; p=0.02). HEP+ patients were more likely to have vertebrobasilar and middle cerebral artery (MCA)-M1 occlusions but less likely to have internal carotid artery and MCA-M2 occlusions (p=0.04). Time from symptom onset to puncture was similar in the two groups while procedure duration was longer in HEP+ patients (99 vs 83 min; p<0.01). Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b–3 reperfusion rates, embolization to unaffected territories, access site complications, and intracranial hemorrhages were similar between the groups. In multivariable logistic regression, a good outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) was independently associated with heparin bolus use (OR 5.30; 95% CI 1.70 to 16.48), TICI 2b–3 reperfusion (OR 6.56; 95% CI 2.29 to 18.83), stent retriever use (OR 3.54; 95% CI 1.38 to 9.03) and inversely associated with intubation (OR 0.10; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.33), diabetes (OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.39), NIHSS (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.75 to 0.93), time from symptom onset to puncture (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.89), and heart failure (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.83).

Conclusions

The use of periprocedural heparin in stent retriever thrombectomy is associated with a good clinical outcome at 90 days and similar rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Further studies are warranted.

Clinical trial registration

URL:http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier:NCT01270867; Post-results.
Neither repetition duration nor number of muscle actions affect strength increases, body composition, muscle size, or fasted blood glucose in trained males and females
Authors: Carlson Luke , Jonker Brandon , Westcott Wayne L. , Steele James , Fisher James P.
Published: August 2018

A key variable within resistance training (RT) is that of repetition duration: the time (seconds) taken to perform the concentric and eccentric muscle actions of a repetition. Research has produced equivocal results with regard to strength and muscle mass increases; many studies have created parity in the number of repetitions, but there has been disparity in the load used and the time under load (TUL). The purpose of this study was to compare load- and TUL-matched groups performing resistance exercise using different repetition durations. Fifty-nine male and female participants were randomized into 3 groups: 2s:4s (n = 18), 10s:10s (n = 20), or a group that performed 30 s of eccentric, 30 s of concentric, and 30 s of eccentric muscle actions (e.g., 1.5 repetitions; n = 21). Participants were supervised in one-on-one RT sessions 2 days/week for 10 weeks. Outcomes were 10 repetitions maximum (RM) and predicted 1RM for chest press, leg press, and pulldown exercises, as well as body composition, upper arm and thigh muscle mass, and fasted blood glucose. Analyses revealed significant increases in strength for all exercises but no between-group differences and no statistically significant time course changes for the other variables. Repetition duration does not affect the increases in strength in trained participants when exercise is performed to momentary failure. Because time constraints and perceived difficulty are often cited as barriers to exercise, it is important to recognize that the low-volume (single-set), machine-based protocol employed herein produced worthwhile strength increases in trained participants.
FISH analysis of Zanthoxylum armatum based on oligonucleotides for 5S rDNA and (GAA)6
Authors: Luo Xiaomei , Liu Juncheng , Wang Jingyan , Gong Wei , Chen Liang , Wan Wenlin
Published: August 2018

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using oligonucleotide probes for (GAA)6 (18 bp) and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) (5S rDNA, 41 bp) was applied to analyse Zanthoxylum armatum. (GAA)6 loci were detected on the pericentromeric regions of five chromosome pairs, and 5S rDNA loci were also detected on the pericentromeric regions of another two chromosome pairs. The densities and locations of (GAA)6 and 5S rDNA signals varied between individual chromosomes. High-intensity (GAA)6 signals were detected at the centromeres of two large and two smaller metacentric chromosomes. Relatively strong (GAA)6 signals were detected at the centromeres of two relatively small metacentric chromosomes, although strong 5S rDNA signals were detected at the centromeres of two additional smaller metacentric chromosomes. Weak (GAA)6 signals were detected at the centromeres of four large metacentric chromosomes, whereas weak 5S rDNA signals were detected at the centromeres of two smaller metacentric chromosomes. The remaining chromosomes exhibited no signals. Zanthoxylum armatum had 2n = ∼128. The lengths of the mitotic metaphase chromosomes ranged from 1.22 to 2.34 μm. Our results provide information that may be beneficial for future cytogenetic studies and could contribute to the physical assembly of the Zanthoxylum genome.
Hydrogen energy-level shifts induced by the atom motion: Crossover from the Lamb shifts to the motion-induced shifts
Authors: Agafonov A. I.
Published: August 2018

When the hydrogen atom moves, the proton current generates a magnetic field which interacts with the hydrogen electron. A simple analysis shows that for the hydrogen velocity [Formula: see text] the dominant interaction between the hydrogen momentum and the electron is of order of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the fine structure constant, v is the atom velocity, c is the speed of light and m is the electron mass. Using the Bethe–Salpeter equation, the two velocity-dependent operators of this order are derived. As is well known, the degeneracy of the energy levels with the same principal quantum number, n, and the same quantum number of the total angular momentum, j, but the different orbital angular momenta [Formula: see text] is removed by the radiative corrections (the Lamb shift) that are proportional to [Formula: see text]. It is shown that the velocity-dependent perturbation interactions remove this degeneracy as well. There is, however, an important difference between the Lamb shifts and the energy-level shifts induced by the atom motion. The Lamb shift is the diagonal correction to the energy separately for each of the degenerate states. The velocity-dependent perturbation interactions result in the off-diagonal energy corrections between the mutually degenerate states. The joint effect of these two perturbations, which are essentially different in their origin, is analyzed. Given their order of magnitude, the crossover from the Lamb shifts to the motion-induced shifts should occur at the atom velocity [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a numerical factor dependent on n and j. An experiment using the orbital motion of the Earth is proposed to test the developed theory.
A generalized Noetherian condition for Lie algebras
Authors: Aldosray Falih A. M. , Stewart Ian
Published: August 2018

A Lie algebra (over any field and of any dimension) is Noetherian if it satisfies the maximal condition on ideals. We introduce a new and more general class of quasi-Noetherian Lie algebras that possess several of the main properties of Noetherian Lie algebras. This class is shown to be closed under quotients and extensions. We obtain conditions under which a quasi-Noetherian Lie algebra is Noetherian. Next, we consider various questions about locally nilpotent and soluble radicals of quasi-Noetherian Lie algebras. We show that there exists a semisimple quasi-Noetherian Lie algebra that is not Noetherian. Finally, we consider some analogous results for groups and prove that a quasi-Noetherian group is countably recognizable.
New LCD MDS codes constructed from generalized Reed–Solomon codes
Authors: Shi Xueying , Yue Qin , Yang Shudi
Published: August 2018

Maximum distance separable codes with complementary duals (LCD MDS codes) are very important in coding theory and practice, and have attracted a lot of attention. In this paper, we focus on LCD MDS codes constructed from generalized Reed–Solomon (GRS) codes over a finite field with odd characteristic. We detail two constructions of new LCD MDS codes, using invertible matrices and the roots of three classes of polynomials, respectively.
A PHONOCARDIOGRAM-BASED NOISE-ROBUST REAL-TIME HEART RATE MONITORING ALGORITHM FOR OUTPATIENTS DURING NORMAL ACTIVITIES
Authors: NAM KYOUNG WON , AHN JI MIN , HWANG YOUNG JUN , JEON GYE ROK , JANG DONG PYO , KIM IN YOUNG
Published: August 2018

For outpatients who need continuous monitoring of heart rate (HR) variation, it is important that HR can be monitored during normal activities such as speaking and walking. In this study, a noise-robust real-time HR monitoring algorithm based on phonocardiogram (PCG) signals is proposed. PCG signals were recorded using an electronic stethoscope; electrocardiogram (ECG) signals were recorded simultaneously with HR references. The proposed algorithm consisted of pre-processing, peak/nonpeak classification, voice noise processing, walking noise processing, and HR calculation. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated using PCG/ECG signals from 11 healthy participants. For comparison, the absolute errors between manually extracted ECG-based HR values and automatically calculated PCG-based HR values were calculated for the proposed algorithm and the comparison algorithm in two different test protocols. Experimental results showed that the average absolute errors of the proposed algorithm were 72.03%, 22.92%, and 36.39% of the values of the comparison algorithm for resting-state, speaking-state, and walking-state data, respectively, in protocol-1. In protocol-2, the average absolute error was 36.99% of that of the comparison algorithm. A total of 1102 cases in protocol-1 and 783 in protocol-2 had an absolute error [Formula: see text] beats per minute (BPM) using the comparison algorithm and an absolute error [Formula: see text] BPM using the proposed algorithm. On the basis of these results, we anticipate that the proposed algorithm can potentially improve the performance of continuous real-time HR monitoring during activities of normal life, thereby improving the safety of outpatients with cardiovascular diseases.
BUCKLING AND FAILURE ANALYSIS OF BONES IN HIP JOINT
Authors: MADETI BHASKAR KUMAR , SRINIVASA RAO CHALAMALASETTI , PRIYA GUGULOTHU SUMA
Published: August 2018

Free body diagram is drawn to compute the various forces and torques acting on hip joint. The FEA models for hip joint and acetabular cup are drawn with the help of CT Scan reports. The stress distribution and deformations are then obtained by using finite element analysis. Contact stresses, contact area radius and maximum pressure are obtained. Modeling of the hip joint and acetabular cup was done and stress distribution was also determined. Since the thigh bone is slender, it was analyzed both manually and through software for buckling. This analysis is performed in order to predict the failure of bones in the hip joint.
Public Interest Immersed in the Field of Information Environment: How has Japanese Interest in Energy and Environmental Problems Varied?
Authors: Ohnishi Teruaki , Shimano Keiji
Published: August 2018

We studied the relevance of the secular variation of Japanese interest in energy and environmental problems to the information primarily released by the news media. From the investigation of the extent of public interest in three matters, the global warming, the energy saving and nature, all indicated by opinion surveys, the number of newspaper articles and the frequency of Internet retrieval search, we proposed a model such that the public interest along with the acquired public knowledge were given as a function of public memory of the information primarily provided by the news media. The society was assumed here to be immersed in a virtual field of information environment, which induced the collective interest of the public and was proportional in strength to the extent of the public memory with oblivion. Introducing two types of oblivion function, we found the model to well reproduce the real time-variation of the Japanese interest, except for the case of nature, almost irrespective to the form of the function. Some comments were made on the attenuation of the public interest that occurred when the field became weakened.
Potential role of LSD1 inhibitors in the treatment of sickle cell disease: a review of preclinical animal model data
Authors: Rivers Angela , Jagadeeswaran Ramasamy , Lavelle Donald
Published: August 2018

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by a mutation of the β-globin gene (Ingram VM. Nature 180: 326–328, 1957), which triggers the polymerization of deoxygenated sickle hemoglobin (HbS). Approximately 100,000 SCD patients in the United States and millions worldwide (Piel FB, et al. PLoS Med 10: e1001484, 2013) suffer from chronic hemolytic anemia, painful crises, multisystem organ damage, and reduced life expectancy (Rees DC, et al. Lancet 376: 2018–2031, 2010; Serjeant GR. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 3: a011783, 2013). Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be curative, but the majority of patients do not have a suitable donor (Talano JA, Cairo MS. Eur J Haematol 94: 391–399, 2015). Advanced gene-editing technologies also offer the possibility of a cure (Goodman MA, Malik P. Ther Adv Hematol 7: 302–315, 2016; Lettre G, Bauer DE. Lancet 387: 2554–2564, 2016), but the likelihood that these strategies can be mobilized to treat the large numbers of patients residing in developing countries is remote. A pharmacological treatment to increase fetal hemoglobin (HbF) as a therapy for SCD has been a long-sought goal, because increased levels of HbF (α2γ2) inhibit the polymerization of HbS (Poillin WN, et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 90: 5039–5043, 1993; Sunshine HR, et al. J Mol Biol 133: 435–467, 1979) and are associated with reduced symptoms and increased lifespan of SCD patients (Platt OS, et al. N Engl J Med 330: 1639–1644, 1994; Platt OS, et al. N Engl J Med 325: 11–16, 1991). Only two drugs, hydroxyurea and l-glutamine, are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of SCD. Hydroxyurea is ineffective at HbF induction in ~50% of patients (Charache S, et al. N Engl J Med 332: 1317–1322, 1995). While polymerization of HbS has been traditionally considered the driving force in the hemolysis of SCD, the excessive reactive oxygen species generated from red blood cells, with further amplification by intravascular hemolysis, also are a major contributor to SCD pathology. This review highlights a new class of drugs, lysine-specific demethylase (LSD1) inhibitors, that induce HbF and reduce reactive oxygen species.
Acid-base regulation in the renal proximal tubules: using novel pH sensors to maintain homeostasis
Authors: Rajkumar Premraj , Pluznick Jennifer L.
Published: August 2018

The kidneys play a critical role in precisely regulating the composition of the plasma to maintain homeostasis. To achieve this, the kidneys must be able to accurately determine or “sense” the concentration of a wide variety of substances and to make adjustments accordingly. Kidneys face a key challenge in the arena of pH balance, as there is a particularly narrow range over which plasma pH varies in a healthy subject (7.35–7.45) and this pH must constantly be protected against a variety of onslaughts (changes in diet, activity, and even elevation). The proximal tubule, the first segment to come into contact with the forming urine, plays an important role in helping the kidneys to maintain pH homeostasis. Recent studies have identified a number of novel proximal tubule proteins and signaling pathways that work to sense changes in pH and subsequently modulate renal pH regulation. In this review, we will highlight the role of novel players in acid-base homeostasis in the proximal tubule.