bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological Properties of Tocotrienols: Evidence in Human Studies
Authors: Meganathan Puvaneswari , Fu Ju-Yen
Published: October 2016

Vitamin E has been recognized as an essential vitamin since their discovery in 1922. Although the functions of tocopherols are well established, tocotrienols have been the unsung heroes of vitamin E. Due to their structural differences, tocotrienols were reported to exert distinctive properties compared to tocopherols. While most vegetable oils contain higher amount of tocopherols, tocotrienols were found abundantly in palm oil. Nature has made palm vitamin E to contain up to 70% of total tocotrienols, among which alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienols are the major constituents. Recent advancements have shown their biological properties in conferring protection against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, oxidative stress and immune regulation. Preclinical results of these physiological functions were translated into clinical trials gaining global attention. This review will discuss in detail the evidence in human studies to date in terms of efficacy, population, disease state and bioavailability. The review will serve as a platform to pave the future direction for tocotrienols in clinical settings.
The Control of Calcium Metabolism in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Lin Chia-Hao , Hwang Pung-Pung
Published: October 2016

Zebrafish is an emerging model for the research of body fluid ionic homeostasis. In this review, we focus on current progress on the regulation of Ca2+ uptake in the context of Ca2+ sensing and hormonal regulation in zebrafish. Na+-K+-ATPase-rich cells (NaRCs), the specialized ionocytes in the embryonic skin and adult gills, play a dominant role in Ca2+ uptake in zebrafish. Transepithelial Ca2+ transport in NaRC, through apical epithelial Ca2+ channels (ECaC), basolateral plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA), and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), is analogous to mammalian renal and intestinal Ca2+-absorption cells. Several hormones were demonstrated to differentially regulate Ca2+ uptake through modulating the expression of Ca2+ transporters and/or the proliferation/differentiation of NaRC in zebrafish. In addition, the counterbalance among these hormones is associated with the maintenance of body fluid Ca2+ homeostasis. Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is expressed in several hormone-secreting tissues in zebrafish, and activated CaSR differentially controls calciotropic hormones. The major principles of Ca2+ transport and the hormonal control appear to be conserved from zebrafish to other vertebrates including mammals. The new knowledge gained from zebrafish studies provides new insights into the related issues in vertebrates.
Investigation on the Regional Loss Factor and Its Anisotropy for Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Shahmansouri Nastaran , Alreshidan Mohammed , Emmott Alexander , Lachapelle Kevin , El-Hamamsy Ismaïl , Cartier Raymond , Leask Richard , Mongrain Rosaire
Published: October 2016

An aortic aneurysm is a lethal arterial disease that mainly occurs in the thoracic and abdominal regions of the aorta. Thoracic aortic aneurysms are prevalent in the root/ascending parts of the aorta and can lead to aortic rupture resulting in the sudden death of patients. Understanding the biomechanical and histopathological changes associated with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (ATAAs), this study investigates the mechanical properties of the aorta during strip-biaxial tensile cycles. The loss factor—defined as the ratio of dissipated energy to the energy absorbed during a tensile cycle—the incremental modulus, and their anisotropy indexes were compared with the media fiber compositions for aneurysmal (n = 26) and control (n = 4) human ascending aortas. The aneurysmal aortas were categorized into the aortas with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) and tricuspid aortic valves (TAV). The strip-biaxial loss factor correlates well with the diameter of the aortas with BAV and TAV (for the axial direction, respectively, R2 = 0.71, p = 0.0022 and R2 = 0.54, p = 0.0096). The loss factor increases significantly with patients’ age in the BAV group (for the axial direction: R2 = 0.45, p = 0.0164). The loss factor is isotropic for all TAV quadrants, whereas it is on average only isotropic in the anterior and outer curvature regions of the BAV group. The results suggest that loss factor may be a useful surrogate measure to describe the histopathology of aneurysmal tissue and to demonstrate the differences between ATAAs with the BAV and TAV.
Selective Flotation of Calcite from Fluorite: A Novel Reagent Schedule
Authors: Gao Zhiyong , Gao Yuesheng , Zhu Yiyang , Hu Yuehua , Sun Wei
Published: October 2016

Fluorite is an important strategic mineral. In general, fluorite ores will contain a certain amount of calcite gangue mineral. Thus, they need to be separated from each other. For an economic separation, a reverse flotation process is used to float calcite gangue from fluorite. However, little information on the separation is available. In this study, a novel reagent schedule using citric acid (CA) as the depressant, sodium fluoride (NaF) as the regulator and sulfoleic acid (SOA) as the collector, was developed to separate calcite from fluorite. The results demonstrated a high selectivity for the flotation of calcite from fluorite using this new reagent schedule. The best selective separation for a single mineral and mixed binary minerals was obtained when 200 mg/L of NaF, 50 mg/L of CA, and 6 mg/L of SOA were used at pH 9. In addition, a batch flotation experiment was carried out using a run-of-mine feed material. Selective separation was achieved with 85.18% calcite removal while only 11.2% of fluorite was lost. An attempt was made to understand the effect of the new reagent schedule on the flotation of calcite. The results from both microflotation and bench scale flotation demonstrated a great potential for industrial application using this novel reagent schedule to upgrade fluorite ore.
Synthesis and the Biological Activity of Phosphonylated 1,2,3-Triazolenaphthalimide Conjugates
Authors: Głowacka Iwona , Gulej Rafał , Grzonkowski Piotr , Andrei Graciela , Schols Dominique , Snoeck Robert , Piotrowska Dorota
Published: October 2016

A novel series of diethyl {4-[(5-substituted-1,3-dioxo-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)-yl)-methyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl}alkylphosphonates designed as analogues of amonafide was synthesized. All phosphonates were assessed for antiviral activity against a broad range of DNA and RNA viruses and several of them showed potency against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) [EC50 (50% effective concentration) = 27.6–91.5 μM]. Compound 16b exhibited the highest activity against a thymidine kinase-deficient (TK−) VZV strain (EC50 = 27.59 μM), while 16d was the most potent towards TK+ VZV (EC50 = 29.91 μM). Cytostatic properties of the compounds 14a–i–17a–i were studied on L1210, CEM, HeLa and HMEC-1 cell lines and most of them were slightly cytostatic for HeLa [IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) = 29–130 µM] and L1210 cells [IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) = 14–142 µM].
Effect of the Aged Garlic Extract on Cardiovascular Function in Metabolic Syndrome Rats
Authors: Pérez-Torres Israel , Torres-Narváez Juan , Pedraza-Chaverri José , Rubio-Ruiz María , Díaz-Díaz Eulises , Del Valle-Mondragón Leonardo , Martínez-Memije Raúl , Varela López Elvira , Guarner-Lans Verónica
Published: October 2016

The antioxidant properties of aged garlic extract (AGE) on cardiovascular functioning (CF) in metabolic syndrome (MS) remains poorly studied. Here we study the AGE effects on CF in a rat model of MS. Control rats plus saline solution (C + SS), MS rats (30% sucrose in drinking water from weaning) plus saline solution (MS + SS), control rats receiving AGE (C + AGE 125 mg/Kg/12 h) and MS rats with AGE (MS + AGE) were studied. MS + SS had increased triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, insulin, leptin, HOMA index, and advanced glycation end products. AGE returned their levels to control values (p < 0.01). Cholesterol was decreased by AGE (p = 0.05). Glutathion and GPx activity were reduced in MS + SS rats and increased with AGE (p = 0.05). Lipid peroxidation was increased in MS + SS and AGE reduced it (p = 0.001). Vascular functioning was deteriorated by MS (increased vasocontraction and reduced vasodilation) and AGE improved it (p = 0.001). Coronary vascular resistance was increased in MS rats and AGE decreased it (p = 0.001). Cardiac performance was not modified by MS but AGE increased it. NO measured in the perfusate liquid from the heart and serum citrulline, nitrites/nitrates were decreased in MS and AGE increased them (p < 0.01). In conclusion, AGE reduces MS-induced cardiovascular risk, through its anti-oxidant properties.
Properties of Manganese(III) Ferrocenyl-β-Diketonato Complexes Revealed by Charge Transfer and Multiplet Splitting in the Mn 2p and Fe 2p X-Ray Photoelectron Envelopes
Authors: Buitendach Blenerhassitt , Erasmus Elizabeth , Niemantsverdriet J. , Swarts Jannie
Published: October 2016

A series of ferrocenyl-functionalized β-diketonato manganese(III) complexes, [Mn(FcCOCHCOR)3] with R = CF3, CH3, Ph (phenyl) and Fc (ferrocenyl) was subjected to a systematic XPS study of the Mn 2p3/2 and Fe 2p3/2 core-level photoelectron lines and their satellite structures. A charge-transfer process from the β-diketonato ligand to the Mn(III) metal center is responsible for the prominent shake-up satellite peaks of the Mn 2p photoelectron lines and the shake-down satellite peaks of the Fe 2p photoelectron lines. Multiplet splitting simulations of the photoelectron lines of the Mn(III) center of [Mn(FcCOCHCOR)3] resemble the calculated Mn 2p3/2 envelope of Mn3+ ions well, indicating the Mn(III) centers are in the high spin state. XPS spectra of complexes with unsymmetrical β-diketonato ligands (i.e., R not Fc) were described with two sets of multiplet splitting peaks representing fac and the more stable mer isomers respectively. Stronger electron-donating ligands stabilize fac more than mer isomers. The sum of group electronegativities, ΣχR, of the β-diketonato pendant side groups influences the binding energies of the multiplet splitting and charge transfer peaks in both Mn and Fe 2p3/2 photoelectron lines, the ratio of satellite to main peak intensities, and the degree of covalence of the Mn–O bond.
Molecular Mechanism of the Flavonoid Natural Product Dryocrassin ABBA against Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A
Authors: Zhang Bing , Wang Xiyan , Wang Lin , Chen Shuiye , Shi Dongxue , Wang Hongsu
Published: October 2016

The intractability of bacterial resistance presents a dilemma for therapies against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection. Effective anti-virulence strategies are urgently needed, reflecting the proliferation of resistant strains. Inhibitors of sortase A (SrtA), enzymes that anchor virulence-related surface proteins, are regarded as promising candidates for countermeasures against bacterial infections. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of dryocrassin ABBA (ABBA) against SrtA and its molecular basis has been examined. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays were used to determine the inhibitory activity of ABBA against SrtA. To identify the mechanism underlying this activity, molecular dynamics simulations and mutagenesis assays were applied, and the results revealed that the direct engagement of SrtA via ABBA through binding to V166 and V168 significantly attenuated the catalytic activity of SrtA. Taken together, these findings indicated that ABBA is a potential novel antimicrobial agent for S. aureus infection via targeting SrtA.
A Combined Molecular Cloning and Mass Spectrometric Method to Identify, Characterize, and Design Frenatin Peptides from the Skin Secretion of Litoria infrafrenata
Authors: Wu Di , Gao Yitian , Wang Lei , Xi Xinping , Wu Yue , Zhou Mei , Zhang Yingqi , Ma Chengbang , Chen Tianbao , Shaw Chris
Published: October 2016

Amphibian skin secretions are unique sources of bioactive molecules, particularly bioactive peptides. In this study, the skin secretion of the white-lipped tree frog (Litoria infrafrenata) was obtained to identify peptides with putative therapeutic potential. By utilizing skin secretion-derived mRNA, a cDNA library was constructed, a frenatin gene was cloned and its encoded peptides were deduced and confirmed using RP-HPLC, MALDI-TOF and MS/MS. The deduced peptides were identified as frenatin 4.1 (GFLEKLKTGAKDFASAFVNSIKGT) and a post-translationally modified peptide, frenatin 4.2 (GFLEKLKTGAKDFASAFVNSIK.NH2). Antimicrobial activity of the peptides was assessed by determining their minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) using standard model microorganisms. Through studying structure–activity relationships, analogues of the two peptides were designed, resulting in synthesis of frenatin 4.1a (GFLEKLKKGAKDFASALVNSIKGT) and frenatin 4.2a (GFLLKLKLGAKLFASAFVNSIK.NH2). Both analogues exhibited improved antimicrobial activities, especially frenatin 4.2a, which displayed significant enhancement of broad spectrum antimicrobial efficiency. The peptide modifications applied in this study, may provide new ideas for the generation of leads for the design of antimicrobial peptides with therapeutic applications.
Water and Beverage Consumption: Analysis of the Australian 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey
Authors: Sui Zhixian , Zheng Miaobing , Zhang Man , Rangan Anna
Published: October 2016

Background: Water consumption as a vital component of the human diet is under-researched in dietary surveys and nutrition studies. Aim: To assess total water and fluid intakes and examine demographic, anthropometric, and dietary factors associated with water consumption in the Australian population. Methods: Dietary intake data from the 2011 to 2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey were used. Usual water, fluid and food and nutrient intakes were estimated from two days of dietary recalls. Total water includes plain drinking water and moisture from all food and beverage sources; total fluids include plain drinking water and other beverages, but not food moisture. Results: The mean (SD) daily total water intakes for children and adolescents aged 2–18 years were 1.7 (0.6) L for males and 1.5 (0.4) L for females, and for adults aged 19 years and over were 2.6 (0.9) L for males and 2.3 (0.7) L for females. The majority of the population failed to meet the Adequate Intake (AI) values for total water intake (82%) and total fluids intake (78%) with the elderly at highest risk (90%–95%). The contributions of plain drinking water, other beverages and food moisture to total water intake were 44%, 27%, and 29%, respectively, among children and adolescents, and 37%, 37% and 25% among adults. The main sources of other beverages were full-fat plain milk and regular soft drinks for children and adolescents, and tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks for adults. For adults, higher total water intake was associated with lower percent energy from fat, saturated fat, and free sugars, lower sodium and energy-dense nutrient poor food intakes but higher dietary fibre, fruit, vegetable, caffeine, and alcohol intakes. No associations were found between total water consumption and body mass index (BMI) for adults and BMI z-score for children and adolescents. Conclusion: Reported water consumption was below recommendations. Higher water intakes were suggestive of better diet quality.
Homo Technologicus: Threat or Opportunity?
Authors: Warwick Kevin
Published: October 2016

Homo sapiens is entering a vital era in which the human-technology link is an inexorable trend. In this paper a look is taken as to how and why this is coming about and what exactly it means for both the posthuman species Homo technologicus and its originator Homo sapiens. Clearly moral and ethical issues are at stake. Different practical experimentation results that relate to the theme are described and the argument is raised as to why and how this can be regarded as a new species. A picture is taken of the status of cyborgs as it stands today but also how this will change in the near future, as the effects of increased technological power have a more dramatic influence. An important ultimate consideration is whether Homo technologicus will act in the best interests of Homo sapiens or not. This paper concludes that the answer is clear.
Deployment Environment for a Swarm of Heterogeneous Robots
Authors: Abukhalil Tamer , Patil Madhav , Patel Sarosh , Sobh Tarek
Published: October 2016

The objective of this work is to develop a framework that can deploy and provide coordination between multiple heterogeneous agents when a swarm robotic system adopts a decentralized approach; each robot evaluates its relative rank among the other robots in terms of travel distance and cost to the goal. Accordingly, robots are allocated to the sub-tasks for which they have the highest rank (utility). This paper provides an analysis of existing swarm control environments and proposes a software environment that facilitates a rapid deployment of multiple robotic agents. The framework (UBSwarm) exploits our utility-based task allocation algorithm. UBSwarm configures these robots and assigns the group of robots a particular task from a set of available tasks. Two major tasks have been introduced that show the performance of a robotic group. This robotic group is composed of heterogeneous agents. In the results, a premature example that has prior knowledge about the experiment shows whether or not the robots are able to accomplish the task.
Development and Experimental Comparison of Low-Cost, Reliable Capacitive Touch Sensing Boards
Authors: Akkoç Ferat , Şahin Özge
Published: October 2016

In this study, two types of direct interface capacitive sensors, self- and mutual-capacitance, were developed and compared experimentally. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) tests—International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61000-4-3, IEC 61000-4-4, IEC 61000-4-6—were applied in an accredited laboratory to measure the immunity of the sensors against radiated and conducted interference. The frequency hopping algorithm could be implemented for the mutual-capacitance sensor without using any particular circuit. The effects of EMC disturbance were detected by means of a new noise detection algorithm and when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) became lower, the operation frequency of the sensors switched to an undisturbed frequency to ensure safe operation. For this purpose, a new noise detection algorithm was developed and frequency hopping was performed with a standard controller. Both cards were tested under several conditions and their performances compared.
Preparation, Characterization and Activity of a Peptide-Cellulosic Aerogel Protease Sensor from Cotton
Authors: Edwards J. , Fontenot Krystal , Prevost Nicolette , Pircher Nicole , Liebner Falk , Condon Brian
Published: October 2016

Nanocellulosic aerogels (NA) provide a lightweight biocompatible material with structural properties, like interconnected high porosity and specific surface area, suitable for biosensor design. We report here the preparation, characterization and activity of peptide-nanocellulose aerogels (PepNA) made from unprocessed cotton and designed with protease detection activity. Low-density cellulosic aerogels were prepared from greige cotton by employing calcium thiocyanate octahydrate/lithium chloride as a direct cellulose dissolving medium. Subsequent casting, coagulation, solvent exchange and supercritical carbon dioxide drying afforded homogeneous cellulose II aerogels of fibrous morphology. The cotton-based aerogel had a porosity of 99% largely dominated by mesopores (2–50 nm) and an internal surface of 163 m2·g−1. A fluorescent tripeptide-substrate (succinyl-alanine-proline-alanine-4-amino-7-methyl-coumarin) was tethered to NA by (1) esterification of cellulose C6 surface hydroxyl groups with glycidyl-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (FMOC), (2) deprotection and (3) coupling of the immobilized glycine with the tripeptide. Characterization of the NA and PepNA included techniques, such as elemental analysis, mass spectral analysis, attenuated total reflectance infrared imaging, nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy and bioactivity studies. The degree of substitution of the peptide analog attached to the anhydroglucose units of PepNA was 0.015. The findings from mass spectral analysis and attenuated total reflectance infrared imaging indicated that the peptide substrate was immobilized on to the surface of the NA. Nitrogen adsorption revealed a high specific surface area and a highly porous system, which supports the open porous structure observed from scanning electron microscopy images. Bioactivity studies of PepNA revealed a detection sensitivity of 0.13 units/milliliter for human neutrophil elastase, a diagnostic biomarker for inflammatory diseases. The physical properties of the aerogel are suitable for interfacing with an intelligent protease sequestrant wound dressing.
Human Factors in Green Office Building Design: The Impact of Workplace Green Features on Health Perceptions in High-Rise High-Density Asian Cities
Authors: Xue Fei , Gou Zhonghua , Lau Stephen
Published: October 2016

There is a growing concern about human factors in green building, which is imperative in high-rise high-density urban environments. This paper describes our attempts to explore the influence of workplace green features (such as green certification, ventilation mode, and building morphology) on health perceptions (personal sensation, sensorial assumptions, healing performance) based on a survey in Hong Kong and Singapore. The results validated the relationship between green features and health perceptions in the workplace environment. Remarkably, participants from the air-conditioned offices revealed significant higher concerns about health issues than those participants from the mixed-ventilated offices. The mixed-ventilation design performs as a bridge to connect the indoor environment and outdoor space, which enables people to have contact with nature. Additionally, the preferred building morphology of the workplace is the pattern of a building complex instead of a single building. The complex form integrates the configuration of courtyards, podium gardens, green terrace, public plaza, and other types of open spaces with the building clusters, which contributes to better health perceptions. This research contributes to the rationalization and optimization of passive climate-adaptive design strategies for green buildings in high-density tropical or subtropical cities.
Collaborative Spectrum Sensing Algorithm Based on Exponential Entropy in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Ye Fang , Zhang Xun , Li Yibing
Published: October 2016

Traditional detectors for spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks always become disabled when noise uncertainty is severe. Shannon entropy-based detection methods have aroused widespread attention in recent years due to the characteristics of effective anti-noise uncertainty. However, in existing entropy-based sensing schemes, the uniform quantization method cannot guarantee the maximum entropy distribution when primary users do not exist, and cannot effectively distinguish between two hypotheses, which severely limits the promotion of detection performance. Moreover, the Shannon entropy-based sensing schemes are prone to misconvergence occurring when estimating entropy values, thus causing failure detection, which leads to system detection inefficiency and resource waste. These are the two major serious defects in Shannon entropy-based detectors, which restrict the performance improvement. In this paper, a novel non-uniform quantized exponential entropy-based (NQEE) detector is proposed for local sensing to deal with the problems of maximum entropy distribution and detection failure. To further improve the reliability of the detection, a collaborative spectrum sensing algorithm based on an NQEE detector with multiple fusion rules is presented. Simulation results verify that the detection performance of the improved local entropy-based detector is superior to the existing Shannon entropy-based detectors and is proved to be robust to noise power uncertainty. In addition, the novel collaborative detection algorithm outperforms the traditional collaborative spectrum detection method to a great degree.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Groundwater Drought and Its Response to Meteorological Drought in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Liu Bo , Zhou Xiangqian , Li Wei , Lu Chengpeng , Shu Longcang
Published: October 2016

In this study, the temporal and spatial variations of groundwater drought using a Standardized Groundwater Level Index (SGI) were analyzed based on 40 monthly groundwater level observation wells from 1989 to 2012 in Jiangsu Province, China. Meteorological drought, calculated by the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), was also included to reveal its propagation and impact on the groundwater drought process. Results showed that the southern region of Jiangsu faced more frequent groundwater droughts and lower intensity, while the northern region faced less frequent groundwater drought with higher intensity. Furthermore, the cross-correlation between the spatial average of SGI and SPI for SPI accumulation periods of q = 1 to 12 was computed. The relationship between SGI and SPI varied in different regions. Detailed analysis of the characteristics of groundwater and meteorological drought for each region showed that meteorological droughts happened more frequently than groundwater drought in Jiangsu Province during the study period, while the mean duration and mean magnitude of groundwater droughts were longer and larger than those of meteorological droughts. It is expected that this study will provide useful information for drought monitoring and mitigation in Jiangsu and similar areas.
Implications of Human Activities, Land Use Changes and Climate Variability in Mediterranean Lakes of Greece
Authors: Stefanidis Konstantinos , Kostara Aikaterini , Papastergiadou Eva
Published: October 2016

Lakes in the Mediterranean climate zone experience high variation in rainfall and are vulnerable to changes in climate, land cover and anthropogenically induced effects on water level and salinity. This paper presents the results from the analyses of spatiotemporal changes of land cover/uses at catchment scale of two connected lakes in Greece that have recently exhibited a dramatic loss of water volume, and investigates the potential role of climate change as a main driver of the lake water loss. The classification of the historical land cover/uses was based on a series of LANDSAT images from 1972 to 2011. Changes in the landscape structure were assessed using landscape metrics that were calculated with FRAGSTATS software. Climate data and temporal series of water level, conductivity and chloride concentration, were analyzed to investigate the potential role of climate variability to the lake hydrology and water quality. The results showed that between 1972 and 2011 almost 28% of Lake Vegoritis and 13% of Lake Petron were replaced by cultivations and reed beds. Landscape metrics showed that the lake catchment’s area is highly fragmented, indicating a heterogeneous spatial pattern and degradation of the rural habitats. Regarding the climatic factors, it appears that precipitation follows a declining trend correlating with water level fluctuations. The water level in Lake Vegoritis also correlated with the conductivity and chloride concentration, indicating a relationship between hydrological alteration and water quality. Overall, a combined effect of climate- and human-induced land cover changes appeared to be responsible for the drastic environmental changes that urge the need for implementing effective restoration and mitigation measures.
Development of a Standardized Rating Tool for Drug Alerts to Reduce Information Overload
Authors: Pfistermeister Barbara , Sedlmayr Brita , Patapovas Andrius , Suttner Gerald , Tektas Ozan , Tarkhov Aleksey , Kornhuber Johannes , Fromm Martin , Bürkle Thomas , Prokosch Hans-Ulrich , Maas Renke
Published: October 2016

Background: A well-known problem in current clinical decision support systems (CDSS) is the high number of alerts, which are often medically incorrect or irrelevant. This may lead to the so-called alert fatigue, an over -riding of alerts, including those that are clinically relevant, and underuse of CDSS in general.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to develop and to apply a standardized tool that allows its users to evaluate the quality of system-generated drug alerts. The users’ ratings can subsequently be used to derive recommendations for developing a filter function to reduce irrelevant alerts.

Methods: We developed a rating tool for drug alerts and performed a web-based evaluation study that also included a user review of alerts. In this study the following categories were evaluated: “data linked correctly”, “medically correct”, “action required”, “medication change”, “critical alert”, “information gained” and “show again”. For this purpose, 20 anonymized clinical cases were randomly selected and displayed in our customized CDSS research prototype, which used the summary of product characteristics (SPC) for alert generation. All the alerts that were provided were evaluated by 13 physicians. The users’ ratings were used to derive a filtering algorithm to reduce overalerting.

Results: In total, our CDSS research prototype generated 399 alerts. In 98 % of all alerts, medication data were rated as linked correctly to drug information; in 93 %, the alerts were assessed as “medically correct”; 19.5 % of all alerts were rated as “show again”. The interrater-agreement was, on average, 68.4 %. After the application of our filtering algorithm, the rate of alerts that should be shown again decreased to 14.8 %.

Conclusions: The new standardized rating tool supports a standardized feedback of user-perceived clinical relevance of CDSS alerts. Overall, the results indicated that physicians may consider the majority of alerts formally correct but clinically irrelevant and override them. Filtering may help to reduce overalerting and increase the specificity of a CDSS.
Combined Sorafenib and Yttrium-90 Radioembolization for the Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Salman A. , Simoneau E. , Hassanain M. , Chaudhury P. , Boucher L.M. , Valenti D. , Cabrera T. , Nudo C. , Metrakos P.
Published: October 2016

Background and Aims: In this pilot study, we assessed the safety and tolerability of combining sorafenib with 90Y radioembolization for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: The study, conducted prospectively during 2009–2012, included eligible patients with unresectable HCC and a life expectancy of at least 12 weeks. Each patient received sorafenib (400 mg twice daily) for 6–8 weeks before 90Y treatment. Safety and tolerability were assessed. Results: Of the 40 patients enrolled, 29 completed treatment (combined therapy). In the initial cohort, the most common cause of HCC was hepatitis C (32.5%), and most patients were staged Child A (82.5%). The 29 patients who completed the study had similar baseline characteristics. Grades 1 and 2 toxicities accounted for 77.8% of all adverse events reported. The most common toxicities reported were fatigue (19.0%), alteration in liver function (7.9%), and diarrhea (6.3%). There were 12 grade 3 and 2 grade 4 toxicity events reported. One patient died of liver failure within 30 days after treatment. During the study, the sorafenib dose was reduced in 6 patients (20.7%), and sorafenib had to be interrupted in 4 patients (13.8%) and discontinued in 4 patients (13.8%). The disease control rate was 72.4% per the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, and tumour necrosis was observed in 82.8% of patients. Overall survival in patients undergoing combined therapy was 12.4 months. Conclusions: Preliminary results demonstrate the safety and tolerability of combining 90Y radioembolization and sorafenib for advanced HCC. A larger prospective study is needed to determine the extent of the survival benefit.
Reoperation Costs in Attempted Breast-Conserving Surgery: A Decision Analysis
Authors: Pataky R.E. , Baliski C.R.
Published: October 2016

Background: Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is the preferred surgical approach for most patients with early-stage breast cancer. Frequently, concerns arise about the pathologic margin status, resulting in an average reoperation rate of 23% in Canada. No consensus has been reached about the ideal reoperation rate, although 10% has been suggested as a target. Upon undergoing reoperation, many patients choose mastectomy and breast reconstruction, which add to the morbidity and cost of patient care. We attempted to identify the cost of reoperation after BCS, and the effect that a reduction in the reoperation rate could have on the B.C. health care system. Methods: A decision tree was constructed to estimate the average cost per patient undergoing initial BCS with two reoperation frequency scenarios: 23% and 10%. The model included the direct medical costs from the perspective of the B.C. health care system for the most common surgical treatment options, including breast reconstruction and postoperative radiation therapy. Results: Costs ranged from a low of $8,225 per patient with definitive BCS [95% confidence interval (CI): $8,061 to $8,383] to a high of $26,026 for reoperation with mastectomy and delayed reconstruction (95% CI: $23,991 to $28,122). If the reoperation rate could be reduced to 10%, the average saving would be $1,055 per patient undergoing attempted BCS (95% CI: $959 to $1,156). If the lower rate were to be achieved in British Columbia, it would translate into a savings of $1.9 million annually. Summary: The implementation of initiatives to reduce reoperation after BCS could result in significant savings to the health care system, while potentially improving the quality of patient care.
Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen as a Tumour Marker in Patients with Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Hashiguchi Y. , Kasai M. , Fukuda T. , Ichimura T. , Yasui T. , Sumi T.
Published: October 2016

Background: No potential tumour markers have been validated for prognosis in endometrial cancer. However, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is one of the most widely used tumour markers in various types of cancer. Although CEA expression in endometrial cancer has been investigated, its prognostic value remains controversial, and no studies have investigated serum CEA levels in large case series. In the present study, we investigated diagnostic and prognostic applications of serum CEA for endometrial cancer. Methods: This prospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. Between January 2006 and December 2012, serum CEA was measured prospectively in 215 patients with endometrial cancer and was subsequently measured during treatment and at scheduled follow-up examinations in patients with elevated baseline serum CEA. Results: During the study period, 215 patients (142 stage I, 19 stage II, 32 stage III, 22 stage IV) were treated for endometrial cancer. By the time of last follow-up, 52 had relapsed (24.2%), and the median follow-up duration was 45 months (range: 1–95 months). Elevated serum CEA was identified in 25 patients (11.6%) and was associated with histologic type (p = 0.04), histologic grade (p = 0.03), and myometrial invasion depth (p = 0.01). Elevated serum CEA was not related to clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, age, menopausal status, or body mass index. Relapse of disease was related to elevated serum CEA (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Serum CEA is a potential prognostic indicator for endometrial cancer.
Bioelectrical Impedance Phase Angle as a Prognostic Indicator of Survival in Head-and-Neck Cancer
Authors: Władysiuk M.S. , Mlak R. , Morshed K. , Surtel W. , Brzozowska A. , Małecka-Massalska T.
Published: October 2016

Background: Phase angle could be an alternative to subjective global assessment for the assessment of nutrition status in patients with head-and-neck cancer. Methods: We prospectively evaluated a cohort of 75 stage IIIB and IV head-and-neck patients treated at the Otolaryngology Department, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, Poland. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed in all patients using an analyzer that operated at 50 kHz. The phase angle was calculated as reactance divided by resistance (Xc/R) and expressed in degrees. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate survival. Results: Median overall survival in the cohort was 32.0 months. At the time of analysis, 47 deaths had been recorded in the cohort (62.7%). The risk of shortened overall survival was significantly higher in patients whose phase angle was less than 4.733 degrees than in the remaining patients (19.6 months vs. 45 months, p = 0.0489; chi-square: 3.88; hazard ratio: 1.8856; 95% confidence interval: 1.0031 to 3.5446). Conclusions: Phase angle might be prognostic of survival in patients with advanced head-and-neck cancer. Further investigation in a larger population is required to confirm our results.
Sunrise in Gagliato
Authors: Wald H.S.
Published: October 2016

Sunrise in Gagliato, [...]
Use of Low-Value Radiotherapy Practices in Canada: An Analysis of Provincial Cancer Registry Data
Authors: Tran K. , Rahal R. , Brundage M. , Fung S. , Louzado C. , Milosevic M. , Xu J. , Bryant H. ,   Technical Working Group
Published: October 2016

Background: As part of Choosing Wisely Canada (a national campaign to encourage patient–provider conversations about unnecessary medical tests, treatments, and procedures), a list of ten oncology practices that could be low-value in some instances was developed. Of those practices, two were specific to radiation therapy (rt): conventional fractionation as part of breast-conserving therapy (bct) for women with early-stage breast cancer, and multifraction radiation for palliation of uncomplicated painful bone metastases. Here, we report baseline findings for the current utilization rates of those two rt practices in Canada. Results: The use of conventional fractionation as part of bct varied substantially from province to province. Of women 50 years of age and older, between 8.8% (Alberta) and 36.5% (Saskatchewan) received radiation in 25 fractions (excluding boost irradiation) as part of bct. The use of hypofractionated rt (that is, 16 fractions excluding boost irradiation)—a preferred approach for many patients—was more common in all 6 reporting provinces, ranging from 43.2% in Saskatchewan to 94.7% in Prince Edward Island. The use of multifraction rt for palliation of bone metastases also varied from province to province, ranging from 40.3% in British Columbia to 69.0% in Saskatchewan. The most common number of fractions delivered to bone metastases was 1, at 50.2%; the second most common numbers were 2–5 fractions, at 41.7%. Conclusions: Understanding variation in the use of potentially low-value rt practices can help to inform future strategies to promote higher-value care, which balances high-quality care with the efficient use of limited system resources. Further work is needed to understand the factors contributing to the interprovincial variation observed and to develop benchmarks for the appropriate rate of use of these rt practices.
Corrigendum: Did the Addition of Concomitant Chemotherapy to Radiotherapy Improve Outcomes in Hypopharyngeal Cancer? A Population-Based Study
Authors: Hall S.F. , Griffiths R.
Published: October 2016

The ledfs was 37.8% before 2000 (all patients treated with rt).[...]
Optimized R functions for analysis of ecological community data using the R virtual laboratory (RvLab)
Authors: Varsos Constantinos , Patkos Theodore , Oulas Anastasis , Pavloudi Christina , Gougousis Alexandros , Ijaz Umer , Filiopoulou Irene , Pattakos Nikolaos , Vanden Berghe Edward , Fernández-Guerra Antonio , Faulwetter Sarah , Chatzinikolaou Eva , Pafilis Evangelos , Bekiari Chryssoula , Doerr Martin , Arvanitidis Christos
Published: October 2016

Parallel data manipulation using R has previously been addressed by members of the R community, however most of these studies produce ad hoc solutions that are not readily available to the average R user. Our targeted users, ranging from the expert ecologist/microbiologists to computational biologists, often experience difficulties in finding optimal ways to exploit the full capacity of their computational resources. In addition, improving performance of commonly used R scripts becomes increasingly difficult especially with large datasets. Furthermore, the implementations described here can be of significant interest to expert bioinformaticians or R developers. Therefore, our goals can be summarized as: (i) description of a complete methodology for the analysis of large datasets by combining capabilities of diverse R packages, (ii) presentation of their application through a virtual R laboratory (RvLab) that makes execution of complex functions and visualization of results easy and readily available to the end-user.

In this paper, the novelty stems from implementations of parallel methodologies which rely on the processing of data on different levels of abstraction and the availability of these processes through an integrated portal. Parallel implementation R packages, such as the pbdMPI (Programming with Big Data – Interface to MPI) package, are used to implement Single Program Multiple Data (SPMD) parallelization on primitive mathematical operations, allowing for interplay with functions of the vegan package. The dplyr and RPostgreSQL R packages are further integrated offering connections to dataframe like objects (databases) as secondary storage solutions whenever memory demands exceed available RAM resources.

The RvLab is running on a PC cluster, using version 3.1.2 (2014-10-31) on a x86_64-pc-linux-gnu (64-bit) platform, and offers an intuitive virtual environmet interface enabling users to perform analysis of ecological and microbial communities based on optimized vegan functions.

A beta version of the RvLab is available after registration at: https://portal.lifewatchgreece.eu/
Micro-CTvlab: A web based virtual gallery of biological specimens using X-ray microtomography (micro-CT)
Authors: Keklikoglou Kleoniki , Faulwetter Sarah , Chatzinikolaou Eva , Michalakis Nikitas , Filiopoulou Irene , Minadakis Nikos , Panteri Emmanouela , Perantinos George , Gougousis Alexandros , Arvanitidis Christos
Published: October 2016

During recent years, X-ray microtomography (micro-CT) has seen an increasing use in biological research areas, such as functional morphology, taxonomy, evolutionary biology and developmental research. Micro-CT is a technology which uses X-rays to create sub-micron resolution images of external and internal features of specimens. These images can then be rendered in a three-dimensional space and used for qualitative and quantitative 3D analyses. However, the online exploration and dissemination of micro-CT datasets are rarely made available to the public due to their large size and a lack of dedicated online platforms for the interactive manipulation of 3D data. Here, the development of a virtual micro-CT laboratory (Micro-CTvlab) is described, which can be used by everyone who is interested in digitisation methods and biological collections and aims at making the micro-CT data exploration of natural history specimens freely available over the internet.

The Micro-CTvlab offers to the user virtual image galleries of various taxa which can be displayed and downloaded through a web application. With a few clicks, accurate, detailed and three-dimensional models of species can be studied and virtually dissected without destroying the actual specimen. The data and functions of the Micro-CTvlab can be accessed either on a normal computer or through a dedicated version for mobile devices.
Attitudes des étudiants hétérosexuels envers le mariage des personnes de même sexe et l’homoparentalité en France
Authors: Vecho Olivier , Gross Martine , Gratton Emmanuel , D’Amore Salvatore , Green Robert-Jay
Published: October 2016

La France a connu en 2013 une longue période de débats dans le cadre du projet de loi d’ouverture du mariage et de l’adoption aux couples de même sexe, et des opinions très marquées se sont exprimées dans les médias et dans la rue. Peu d’études ont exploré les attitudes envers le mariage entre personnes de même sexe et l’homoparentalité en France. Pour combler cette lacune, une enquête européenne sous forme de questionnaires a été élaborée et réalisée. En France, 1416 étudiants hétérosexuels majeurs y ont répondu. Les résultats révèlent que les attitudes envers l’homosexualité, les idéologies religieuses et politiques, le genre et l’adhésion aux rôles traditionnels de genre entretiennent des liens significatifs avec les attitudes envers le mariage et l’homoparentalité. Les résultats soulignent également le rôle modérateur de la religiosité sur les liens entre ces attitudes et, d’une part l’orientation politique, et et d’autre part les préjugés sexuels.
La conception et l’usage de la méthode des scénarios
Authors: Gueroui Fatima
Published: October 2016

Cet article a pour but d’apporter une meilleure compréhension du positionnement théorique et pratique de la méthodologie basée sur les scénarios. Nous présentons cette démarche méthodologique novatrice afin d’apporter un canevas et guide utiles pour les chercheurs qui envisagent les scénarios pour répondre à leurs interrogations de recherche. En effet, l’une des plus grandes difficultés lors de l’usage de ce type de méthodes réside dans le manque d’écrits académiques didactiques quant à sa conception, ses avantages/inconvénients ainsi que ses procédures de validation spécifiques.
La contribution des ressources humaines à la compétitivité territoriale des filiales étrangères
Authors: Le Gall Sébastien
Published: October 2016

La compréhension des sources locales de l’avantage concurrentiel revêt un enjeu majeur au regard des problématiques soulevées par la dynamique de mondialisation. L’objectif de l’article est de mesurer précisément la contribution des ressources humaines à la compétitivité territoriale des filiales étrangères. Si les résultats mettent en évidence le rôle essentiel des aptitudes des ressources humaines développées en local, ils témoignent de la nécessaire prise en compte des facteurs liés à la stratégie de localisation de la filiale étrangère.
ERP et profil d’activités du contrôleur de gestion : une évolution par paliers ?
Authors: Mawadia Anass , Chapellier Philippe , Eggrickx Ariel
Published: October 2016

Cet article étudie l’ évolution du profil d’activités des contrôleurs de gestion après la mise en place d’un ERP ( Enterprise Resource planning ). Il s’appuie sur le modèle de Besson (1999) qui dresse les profils d’activités des contrôleurs de gestion avant et après la mise en place d’un ERP. Une enquête a été réalisée par questionnaire, puis par entretiens directs, dans une entreprise multinationale ayant mis en place l’ERP JD Edwards. Si l’ERP participe à l’évolution du profil d’activités du contrôleur de gestion, la mutation du métier vers un rôle de support au pilotage suppose une double condition : la mise en place d’outils de business intelligence et une volonté forte de la direction.
La nouvelle délégation parlementaire au renseignement va-t-elle améliorer l’efficacité des services ?
Authors: Junghans Pascal
Published: October 2016

Depuis une loi du 9 octobre 2007, les services de renseignement des ministères de la Défense, de l’Intérieur, de l’Économie et des Finances sont suivis par une délégation parlementaire au renseignement. Cette délégation pourrait améliorer l’efficacité des services. Toutefois, comme dans les autres pays démocratiques qui en disposent, ce « contrôle » parlementaire peut engendrer de redoutables dérives.
Remote Video Monitoring: A Novel Approach in Fall Prevention
Authors: Bradley Kenesha
Published: October 2016

Adequate fall prevention interventions are a challenge that nurses continue to endure. Remote video monitoring can be used in conjunction with other fall prevention interventions. This article describes remote video monitoring technology and the benefits and challenges associated with its implementation.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2016;47(11):484–486.