bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effectiveness of lectures based on problems and traditional lectures in physiology teaching in Sudan
Authors: Alaagib Nouralsalhin Abdalhamid , Musa Omer Abdelaziz , Saeed Amal Mahmoud
Published: September 2019

Background

Lectures are one of the most common teaching methods in medical education. Didactic lectures were perceived by the students as the least effective method. Teaching methods that encourage self-directed learning can be effective in delivering core knowledge leading to increased learning. Problem based learning has been introduced as an active way of learning but it has some obstacles in developing countries where the intake is huge with minimum resources. This study introduces a new teaching approach: lectures based on problems (LBP) and evaluates their effectiveness compared to traditional lectures (TL) in physiology teaching.

Methods

LBP and TL were applied in physiology teaching of medical students at University of Science and Technology during their study of introduction to physiology and respiratory physiology courses. Equal number of lectures was given as LBP and as TL in each course. Students were given quizzes at the end of each course which were used to compare the effectiveness of the two types of lectures. A questionnaire was used to assess students’ satisfaction about LBP and the perceived effects of the two methods on the students’ attitude and practice towards learning physiology.

Results

In LBP the students have better attention (P = 0.002) and more active role (P = 0.003) than in TL. Higher percentage of students think that LBP stimulated them to use references more (P = 0.00006) and to use the lecture time more effectively (P = 0.0001) compared to TL. However, there was no significant difference between LBP and TL in the awareness of the learning objectives. About 64% of students think that LBP is more enjoyable and it improved their understanding of physiology concepts. Comparison of the students’ quiz marks showed that the means of the students’ marks in the introduction to physiology and respiratory courses were higher in the quizzes of LBP than in TL with a significant difference between them ((P = .000), (P = .006) respectively.

Conclusions

LBP improved students’ understanding of physiology concepts and increased students’ satisfaction about physiology learning. LBP achieved some of the objectives of PBL with the minimum resources and it can be used to improve the effectiveness of the lectures.
Preparation, optimization and in vitro–in vivo evaluation of Shunxin sustained release granules
Authors: Dou Yinghuan , Li Xuefeng , Shi Yanbin , Zhang Jiaying , Yuan Yang , Zhou Mengru , Wei Xiangxiang , Zhang Xiaoying
Published: September 2019

Background

Shunxinzufang decoction is tutors, empirical formula and has been used in Chinese patients of HFpEF for several years. The aim of this study was to make into sustained release granules and select the best formula for the preparation of Shunxin sustained release granules and to evaluate its in vivo and in vitro drug release behavior.

Methods

Response surface methodology and Center composite design were applied to screen the optimal formula of Shunxin sustained release granules. HPLC was used to detect indicative ingredients—paeoniflorin, calycosin-7-glucoside and ferulic acid in Shunxin sustained release granules. The in vitro sustained release character of indicative ingredients was investigated in simulated digestive fluids. In-vivo process of active components was studied through pharmacokinetics.

Results

The optimal formula of Shunxin sustained release granules consisted of 35% shunxinzufang extract and 65% HPMC/starch (HPMC/starch ratio = 2:1). Three indicative components can be separated well under selected HPLC conditions. Compared with Shunxinzufang extract, the active components of Shunxin sustained release granules have obvious sustained-release character and improved bioavailability.

Conclusion

Shunxin sustained release granules has obvious sustained-release character and improved bioavailability.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and regulatory roles on epithelial–mesenchymal transitions
Authors: Bai Jing , Kwok Wee Chiew , Thiery Jean-Paul
Published: September 2019

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical biological process allowing epithelial cells to de-differentiate into mesenchymal cells. Orchestrated signaling pathways cooperatively induce EMT and effect physiological, sometimes pathological outcomes. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been clinically prescribed for thousands of years and recent studies have found that TCM therapies can participate in EMT regulation. In this review, the historical discovery of EMT will be introduced, followed by a brief overview of its major roles in development and diseases. The second section will focus on EMT in organ fibrosis and tissue regeneration. The third section discusses EMT-induced cancer metastasis, and details how EMT contribute to distant dissemination. Finally, new EMT players are described, namely microRNA, epigenetic modifications, and alternative splicing. TCM drugs that affect EMT proven through an evidence-based research approach will be presented in each section.
Anti-inflammatory activities of Sigesbeckia glabrescens Makino: combined in vitro and in silico investigations
Authors: Zhong Zhangfeng , Zhang Qianru , Tao Hongxun , Sang Wei , Cui Liao , Qiang Wenan , Cheang Wai San , Hu Yuanjia , Yu Hua , Wang Yitao
Published: September 2019

Background

Sigesbeckia glabrescensMakino (SG) is one of the important plant origins of Sigesbeckiae herba and has been widely used for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases in China. However, the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism of SG is rarely investigated and reported. There are more than 40 kinds of chemical constituents in SG, but the action of the bioactive compounds of SG is still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to systemically investigate the mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory properties of SG by combining in vitro and in silico investigations.

Methods

Cytotoxicity was measured using the 3-[4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Nitric oxide (NO) release was detected using the Griess assay. The secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the expression of relevant proteins were assessed using ELISA kits and Western blots, respectively. Molecular docking was performed and scored using AutoDock via a comparison with the molecular docking ofN-acetyl-d-glucosamine (NAG).

Results

In lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, SG significantly inhibited NO, MCP-1, and IL-6 secretion; iNOS expression; and NF-κB activation but did not significantly affect MAPK signalling (p38, ERK, and JNK). Moreover, the results from the molecular docking prediction suggested that over 10 compounds in SG could likely target TLR4, p105, and p65.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of SG are highly related to the inactivation of NF-κB. Moreover, this study provides a novel approach to investigate the effects of herbal medicine using combined in vitro and in silico investigations.
The relationship between air quality and respiratory pathogens among children in Suzhou City
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Li Yuqin , Chen Qiu , Jiang Yanqun , Chu Chu , Ding Ying , Yu Yixue , Fan Yujie , Shi Jinjin , Luo Yali , Zhou Weifang
Published: September 2019

Objective

We studied the short-term effects of air pollutant concentrations in Suzhou City on respiratory infections in children of different age groups.

Methods

We employed clinical data from children hospitalized with respiratory infections at the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University during 2014–2016, and air quality for Suzhou City covering the same period.We investigated the relationships between the air pollutant concentrations and respiratory tract infections in children by causative pathogen using time series models with lagged effects.

Results

The results of single-pollutant models showed that PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2 and CO had statistically significant associations with respiratory tract infections in children under 3 years, with the largest effect sizes at a lag of 3 weeks. Notably, the multi-pollutant model found PM2.5 was significantly associated with viral respiratory in children under 7 months, and bacterial respiratory infections in other age groups, while PM10 concentrations were associated with viral infections in preschool children.

Conclusion

PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 are the main atmospheric pollutants in Suzhou. The associations between pollutant concentrations and viral and bacterial respiratory infections were stronger among children under 3 years than for older age group.s PM2.5 had the strongest influence on viral and Mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory infections when multiple pollutants were tested together.
Collaborative health education for Somali Bantu refugee women in Kansas City
Authors: Mulcahy Ellyn R. , Buchheit Carla , Max Elyse , Hawley Suzanne R. , James Aimee S.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To partner with and understand the health of Somali Bantu refugee women, small group sessions were designed and conducted using a community-based collaborative action research (CBCAR) approach. Health topics identified by this community were presented in 42 sessions with eleven women. Follow-up individual interviews with the women were used to ask questions about health experiences and plan for future health education. The objective of this qualitative study was to provide refugee women with knowledge to help them adjust to new health challenges in the United States, and to share personal narratives in a safe environment.

Results

The process of sharing health information with the women resulted in a collaborative exchange of culture and community. Individual interviews allowed women to voice their opinions outside of the influence of their community elders. CBCAR is an effective tool to involve refugee communities, and other populations small in number, in addressing their unique health challenges. Results from this study demonstrated that small group sessions and a CBCAR approach can be effective in sharing knowledge within small communities of refugee women. Findings from the study will assist in the future planning of health education programs for refugee women and their families in this community.
Nursing documentation practice and associated factors among nurses in public hospitals, Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Tasew Hagos , Mariye Teklewoini , Teklay Girmay
Published: September 2019

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate documentation practice and factors affecting documentation practice among nurses working in public hospital of Tigray region, Ethiopia.

Results

In this study, there were 317 participants with 99.7% response rate. The result of this study shows that practice nursing care documentation was inadequate (47.8%). Inadequacy of documenting sheets AOR = 3.271, 95% CI (1.125, 23.704), inadequacy of time AOR = 2.205, 95% CI (1.101, 3.413) and with operational standard of nursing documentation AOR = 2.015, 95% CI (1.205, 3.70) were significantly associated with practice of nursing care documentation. To conclude, more than half of nurses were not documented their nursing care. Employing institutions should provide training on documentation of nursing care to enhance knowledge and create awareness on nurses’ documentation to nursing directors and chief executive officer to access adequate documenting supplies besides employing more nurses.
NLGP counterbalances the immunosuppressive effect of tumor-associated mesenchymal stem cells to restore effector T cell functions
Authors: Ghosh Tithi , Nandi Partha , Ganguly Nilanjan , Guha Ipsita , Bhuniya Avishek , Ghosh Sarbari , Sarkar Anirban , Saha Akata , Dasgupta Shayani , Baral Rathindranath , Bose Anamika
Published: September 2019

Background

A dynamic interaction between tumor cells and its surrounding stroma promotes the initiation, progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance of solid tumors. Emerging evidences suggest that targeting the stromal events could improve the efficacies of current therapeutics. Within tumor microenvironment (TME), stromal progenitor cells, i.e., MSCs, interact and eventually modulate the biology and functions of cancer and immune cells. Our recent finding disclosed a novel mechanism stating that tumor-associated MSCs inhibit the T cell proliferation and effector functions by blocking cysteine transport to T cells by dendritic cells (DCs), which makes MSCs as a compelling candidate as a therapeutic target. Immunomodulation by nontoxic neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP) on dysfunctional cancer immunity offers significant therapeutic benefits to murine tumor host; however, its modulation on MSCs and its impact on T cell functions need to be elucidated.

Methods

Bone marrow-derived primary MSCs or murine 10 T1/2 MSCs were tumor-conditioned (TC-MSCs) and co-cultured with B16 melanoma antigen-specific DCs and MACS purified CD4+and CD8+T cells. T cell proliferation of T cells was checked by Ki67-based flow-cytometric and thymidine-incorporation assays. Cytokine secretion was measured by ELISA. The expression of cystathionase in DCs was assessed by RT-PCR. The STAT3/pSTAT3 levels in DCs were assessed by western blot, and STAT3 function was confirmed using specific SiRNA. Solid B16 melanoma tumor growth was monitored following adoptive transfer of conditioned CD8+T cells.

Results

NLGP possesses an ability to restore anti-tumor T cell functions by modulating TC-MSCs. Supplementation of NLGP in DC-T cell co-culture significantly restored the inhibition in T cell proliferation and IFNγ secretion almost towards normal in the presence of TC-MSCs. Adoptive transfer of NLGP-treated TC-MSC supernatant educated CD8+T cells in solid B16 melanoma bearing mice resulted in better tumor growth restriction than TC-MSC conditioned CD8+T cells. NLGP downregulates IL-10 secretion by TC-MSCs, and concomitantly, pSTAT3 expression was downregulated in DCs in the presence of NLGP-treated TC-MSC supernatant. As pSTAT3 negatively regulates cystathionase expression in DCs, NLGP indirectly helps to maintain an almost normal level of cystathionase gene expression in DCs making them able to export sufficient amount of cysteine required for optimum T cell proliferation and effector functions within TME.

Conclusions

NLGP could be a prospective immunotherapeutic agent to control the functions and behavior of highly immunosuppressive TC-MSCs providing optimum CD8+T cell functions to showcase an important new approach that might be effective in overall cancer treatment.
Modulation of osmotic stress-induced TRPV1 expression rescues human iPSC-derived retinal ganglion cells through PKA
Authors: Hsu Chih-Chien , Chien Ke-Hung , Yarmishyn Aliaksandr A. , Buddhakosai Waradee , Wu Wen-Ju , Lin Tai-Chi , Chiou Shih-Hwa , Chen Jiann-Torng , Peng Chi-Hsien , Hwang De-Kuang , Chen Shih-Jen , Chang Yuh-Lih
Published: September 2019

Background

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), recognized as a hyperosmolarity sensor, is a crucial ion channel involved in the pathogenesis of neural and glial signaling. Recently, TRPV1 was determined to play a role in retinal physiology and visual transmission. In this study, we sought to clarify the role of TRPV1 and the downstream pathway in the osmotic stress-related retina ganglion cell (RGC) damage.

Methods

First, we modified the RGC differentiation protocol to obtain a homogeneous RGC population from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Subsequently, we induced high osmotic pressure in the hiPSC-derived RGCs by administering NaCl solution and observed the behavior of the TRPV1 channel and its downstream cascade.

Results

We obtained a purified RGC population from the heterogeneous retina cell population using our modified method. Our findings revealed that TRPV1 was activated after 24 h of NaCl treatment. Upregulation of TRPV1 was noted with autophagy and apoptosis induction. Downstream protein expression analysis indicated increased phosphorylation of CREB and downregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, hyperosmolarity-mediated defective morphological change and apoptosis of RGCs, CREB phosphorylation, and BDNF downregulation were abrogated after concomitant treatment with the PKA inhibitor H89.

Conclusion

Collectively, our study results indicated that the TRPV1–PKA pathway contributed to cellular response under high levels of osmolarity stress; furthermore, the PKA inhibitor had a protective effect on RGCs exposed to this stress. Therefore, our findings may assist in the treatment of eye diseases involving RGC damage.
Role of tissue factor in the procoagulant and antibacterial effects of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells during pneumosepsis in mice
Authors: Perlee Desirée , de Vos Alex F. , Scicluna Brendon P. , Maag Anja , Mancheño Pablo , de la Rosa Olga , Dalemans Wilfried , Florquin Sandrine , van’t Veer Cornelis , Lombardo Eleuterio , van der Poll Tom
Published: September 2019

Background

Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) improve the host response during experimental sepsis in animals. MSCs from various sources express a procoagulant activity that has been linked to the expression of tissue factor. This study sought to determine the role of tissue factor associated with adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) in their procoagulant and antibacterial effects during pneumonia-derived sepsis.

Methods

Mice were infused intravenously with ASCs or vehicle after infection with the common human pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae via the airways.

Results

Infusion of freshly cultured or cryopreserved ASCs induced the expression of many genes associated with tissue factor signaling and coagulation activation in the lungs. Freshly cultured and cryopreserved ASCs, as well as ASC lysates, exerted procoagulant activity in vitro as determined by a fibrin generation assay, which was almost completely inhibited by an anti-tissue factor antibody. Infusion of cryopreserved ASCs was associated with a rise in plasma thrombin-antithrombin complexes (indicative of coagulation activation) and formation of multiple thrombi in the lungs 4 h post-infusion. Preincubation of ASCs with anti-tissue factor antibody prior to infusion prevented the rise in plasma thrombin-antithrombin complex concentrations but did not influence thrombus formation in the lungs. ASCs reduced bacterial loads in the lungs and liver at 48 h after infection, which was not influenced by preincubation with anti-tissue factor antibody. At this late time point, microthrombi in the lungs were not detected anymore.

Conclusion

These data indicate that ASC-associated tissue factor is responsible for systemic activation of coagulation after infusion of ASCs but not for the formation of microthrombi in the lungs or antibacterial effects.
An overview on small molecule-induced differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into beta cells for diabetic therapy
Authors: Pavathuparambil Abdul Manaph Nimshitha , Sivanathan Kisha N. , Nitschke Jodie , Zhou Xin-Fu , Coates Patrick T. , Drogemuller Christopher John
Published: September 2019

The field of regenerative medicine provides enormous opportunities for generating beta cells from different stem cell sources for cellular therapy. Even though insulin-secreting cells can be generated from a variety of stem cell types like pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells, the ideal functional cells should be generated from patients’ own cells and expanded to considerable levels by non-integrative culture techniques. In terms of the ease of isolation, plasticity, and clinical translation to generate autologous cells, mesenchymal stem cell stands superior. Furthermore, small molecules offer a great advantage in terms of generating functional beta cells from stem cells. Research suggests that most of the mesenchymal stem cell-based protocols to generate pancreatic beta cells have small molecules in their cocktail. However, most of the protocols generate cells that mimic the characteristics of human beta cells, thereby generating “beta cell-like cells” as opposed to mature beta cells. Diabetic therapy becomes feasible only when there are robust, functional, and safe cells for replacing the damaged or lost beta cells. In this review, we discuss the current protocols used to generate beta cells from mesenchymal cells, with emphasis on small molecule-mediated conversion into insulin-producing beta cell-like cells. Our data and the data presented from the references within this review would suggest that although mesenchymal stem cells are an attractive cell type for cell therapy they are not readily converted into functional mature beta cells.
Enhancement of therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Park Kyong-Su , Bandeira Elga , Shelke Ganesh V. , Lässer Cecilia , Lötvall Jan
Published: September 2019

After the initial investigations into applications of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cell therapy, there was increased interest in their secreted soluble factors. Following studies of MSCs and their secreted factors, extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from MSCs have emerged as a new mode of intercellular crosstalk. MSC-derived EVs have been identified as essential signaling mediators under both physiological and pathological conditions, and they appear to be responsible for many of the therapeutic effects of MSCs. In several in vitro and in vivo models, EVs have been observed to have supportive functions in modulating the immune system, mainly mediated by EV-associated proteins and nucleic acids. Moreover, stimulation of MSCs with biophysical or biochemical cues, including EVs from other cells, has been shown to influence the contents and biological activities of subsequent MSC-derived EVs. This review provides on overview of the contents of MSC-derived EVs in terms of their supportive effects, and it provides different perspectives on the manipulation of MSCs to improve the secretion of EVs and subsequent EV-mediated activities. In this review, we discuss the possibilities for manipulating MSCs for EV-based cell therapy and for using EVs to affect the expression of elements of interest in MSCs. In this way, we provide a clear perspective on the state of the art of EVs in cell therapy focusing on MSCs, and we raise pertinent questions and suggestions for knowledge gaps to be filled.
Weighted norm inequality for bilinear Calderón–Zygmund operators on Herz–Morrey spaces with variable exponents
Authors: Wang Shengrong , Xu Jingshi
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we obtain a weighted norm inequality of bilinear Calderón–Zygmund operators in Herz–Morrey spaces with variable exponents and weight in the variable Muckenhoupt class.
Solvability of integral boundary value problems at resonance in $R^{n}$
Authors: Song Shiying , Meng Shuman , Cui Yujun
Published: September 2019

Under a resonance condition involving integral boundary value problems for a second-order nonlinear differential equation in $\mathbb{R}^{n}$

R
n

, we show its solvability by using the coincidence degree theory of Mawhin and the theory of matrix diagonalization in linear algebra.
Existence theory and numerical simulation of HIV-I cure model with new fractional derivative possessing a non-singular kernel
Authors: Aliyu Aliyu Isa , Alshomrani Ali Saleh , Li Yongjin , Inc Mustafa , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: September 2019

In this research work, a mathematical model related to HIV-I cure infection therapy consisting of three populations is investigated from the fractional calculus viewpoint. Fractional version of the model under consideration has been proposed. The proposed model is examined by using the Atangana–Baleanu fractional operator in the Caputo sense (ABC). The theory of Picard–Lindelöf has been employed to prove existence and uniqueness of the special solutions of the proposed fractional-order model. Further, it is also shown that the non-negative hyper-plane $\mathbb{R}_{+}^{3}$

R
+
3

is a positively invariant region for the underlying model. Finally, to analyze the results, some numerical simulations are carried out via a numerical technique recently devised for finding approximate solutions of fractional-order dynamical systems. Upon comparison of the numerical simulations, it has been demonstrated that the proposed fractional-order model is more accurate than its classical version. All the necessary computations have been performed using MATLAB R2018a with double precision arithmetic.
Experimental assessment of the viability of using ground penetrating radar for metal wire-snare detection
Authors: Borrion Hervé , Amiri Amin , Delpech Dorothea , Lemieux A. M.
Published: September 2019

Wildlife crime is an international issue with the illicit trade of flora and fauna estimated to be worth several billion dollars. In national parks, the problem can often be summarised as an arms race, with poachers trying to remain undetected by park rangers and other security personnel that are trying to protect the natural habitat and species from exploitation. Within this context, the detection of wire snares is a critical step. Not only can it reduce the number of animals caught by poachers but it can also help rangers develop better situation awareness and, in turn, improve patrolling strategies. To address the practical challenge of wire-snare detection across wide areas, this article examines the capacity of ground penetrating radar (GPR). Using two snares of small and medium sizes, the experiment confirmed the promising role of this technology, even if poachers attempt to conceal the snares underneath small tree branches and roots.
Drawing on nature: a vision of an urban residential street adapted for biodiversity in architectural drawings
Authors: Moxon Siân
Published: September 2019

Cities are becoming more built up and less hospitable to wildlife, which is in alarming global decline. Consequently, cities are becoming worse for their human inhabitants, who benefit from contact with nature, and losing out on the vital ecosystem services that urban greenery provides. This is a particular issue in residential streets, as domestic gardens offer significant potential for greenspace and wildlife habitat, but their value is misunderstood and their management is largely unregulated. Visual communication techniques are effective at engaging residents in city planning and could therefore offer a solution by inspiring community action to rewild urban streets. The article argues, with reference to an urban rewilding campaign created to support London becoming a National Park City, that visualisation can be used as part of an agenda to reverse biodiversity loss, and make cities healthier, more sustainable places to live and work. The case study uses architectural drawings of a residential street adapted to enhance its greenspace and biodiversity to encourage residents to transform their homes, gardens and streets. The study found architectural drawings have the potential to inspire and empower people to make changes to their neighbourhood by communicating an aspirational vision, depicting a cohesive proposal at a whole-street scale, and organising practical information and guidance. The case study provides a model for London and other cities to use vision drawings as a catalyst to increase their greenspace and biodiversity, creating a worldwide network of National Park cities.
Primary research on the bronze technology of Lower Xiajiadian Culture in northeastern China
Authors: Li Chenyuan , Li Yanxiang , Wang Lixin , Chen Kunlong , Liu Siran
Published: September 2019

The site of Habaqila is located in the area between Inner Mongolia and Liaoning provinces and dated to the 13th–11th centuries BC. It was identified as a metal production workshop of the Lower Xiajiadian Culture and revealed abundant metallurgical remains, including ore fragments, slags, technical ceramics, and stone implements. Scientific analyses demonstrated that polymetallic ores were smelted to produce tin bronze and arsenical copper. Perforated furnaces might have been employed in this process. The site also revealed the first known field evidence of tin smelting in a Bronze Age site of northern China. Systematic investigation of this site increases our understanding of metallurgical processes of Bronze Age culture in northern China.
Microbond fibre bundle pullout technique to evaluate the interfacial adhesion of polyethylene and polypropylene self reinforced composites
Authors: Sharan Chandran M. , Padmanabhan K.
Published: September 2019

Self reinforced polymer composites possess a comparable shear and tensile strength unlike the glass or carbon fibre reinforced composites. Important deciding factors of overall efficiency of composite materials are the interfacial adhesion properties between the fibre and the matrix. Structural properties and processability of composite materials are also dependent on adhesion between the fibre and the matrix. Polypropylene and polyethylene self-reinforced composites are the systems investigated here for the purpose of analyzing the interfacial properties of these systems. Multiple fibre pullout test is an alternate method for single fibre pullout test with added advantages of more reliable statistically averaged data with less standard deviation and minimized chances for fibre breakage during testing. This test can also be verified for various volume fractions unlike single fibre pullout test. Micro bonds of matrix materials are cured on a bundle of fibres and by using a micro vise as an additional fixture, the interfacial strength and other interfacial properties are evaluated through fibre pullout. Surface tension between the fibre and the matrix plays an important role in this test. Thus from the contact angle and the frictional properties of the interface, the interface properties are evaluated. Interface properties obtained from this meso-mechanical semi empirical method are also compared with the properties evaluated from micromechanical formulations. Spectroscopic studies revealed the bonding characteristics during the interface formation and after failure. Fractography reveals the cause and nature of failure and substantiate the analysis.
Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis after laparoscopic dialysis catheter implantation: a single-center experience
Authors: Toda Naohiro , Yanagita Motoko , Yokoi Hideki
Published: September 2019

Background

Appropriate timing of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter implantation and PD initiation is important. Several guidelines suggest starting PD at least 2 weeks after PD catheter implantation. Recently, urgent-start PD is widespread throughout the world. However, the ideal time to start PD after laparoscopic catheter implantation is not known. We investigated the safety and feasibility of early initiation (within 7 days) PD following laparoscopic peritoneal catheter implantation.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent laparoscopic PD catheter implantation at the Kyoto University Hospital from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2016. Based on when PD was initiated, the patients were divided into two groups, namely, early group, ≤ 7 days and late group, > 7 days after catheter implantation. Catheter-related complications and catheter survival were analyzed.

Results

We analyzed 29 and 26 patients in early and late groups, respectively. The age, sex, the incidence of diabetes and APD, and the follow-up period were not significantly different between the two groups. The interval from catheter implantation to the start of PD was 4.28 ± 1.83 and 162 ± 157.8 days in the early and late groups, respectively (P < 0.01). In a late group, 17 patients (65.4%) underwent catheter implantation using the Moncrief–Popovich technique. The use of bridge hemodialysis was higher in the early group (P < 0.01). No patients developed dialysate leakage in both groups, and no significant differences were observed for catheter malfunction (24.1% vs. 19.2%, P = 0.66), exit-site infection (ESI, 24.1% vs. 28%, P = 0.87), and peritonitis (7.14% vs. 8.0%, P = 0.91) within 6 months. Furthermore, early initiation of PD did not increase the risk of ESI, peritonitis, and PD withdrawal at 1, 2, and 5 years compared to that in the late group.

Conclusions

Urgent-start of PD with laparoscopic catheter implantation did not increase infection-related complications and PD withdrawal. Laparoscopic PD catheter implantation may allow the initiation of PD earlier than 7 days after implantation.
Examining the effects of passive and active strategies on behavior during hybrid visual memory search: evidence from eye tracking
Authors: Madrid Jessica , Hout Michael C.
Published: September 2019

Hybrid search requires observers to search both through a visual display and through the contents of memory in order to find designated target items. Because professional hybrid searchers such as airport baggage screeners are required to look for many items simultaneously, it is important to explore any potential strategies that may beneficially impact performance during these societally important tasks. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role that cognitive strategies play in facilitating hybrid search. We hypothesized that observers in a hybrid search task would naturally adopt a strategy in which they remained somewhat passive, allowing targets to “pop out.” Alternatively, we considered the possibility that observers could adopt a strategy in which they more actively directed their attention around the visual display. In experiment 1, we compared behavioral responses during uninstructed, passive, and active hybrid search. We found that uninstructed search tended to be more active in nature, but that adopting a passive strategy led to above average performance as indicated by a combined measure of speed and accuracy called a balanced integration score (BIS). We replicated these findings in experiment 2. Additionally, we found that oculomotor behavior in passive hybrid search was characterized by longer saccades, improved attentional guidance, and an improved ability to identify items as targets or distractors (relative to active hybrid search). These results have implications for understanding hybrid visual search and the effect that strategy use has on performance and oculomotor behavior during this common, and at times societally important, task.
Face search in CCTV surveillance
Authors: Mileva Mila , Burton A. Mike
Published: September 2019

Background

We present a series of experiments on visual search in a highly complex environment, security closed-circuit television (CCTV). Using real surveillance footage from a large city transport hub, we ask viewers to search for target individuals. Search targets are presented in a number of ways, using naturally occurring images including their passports and photo ID, social media and custody images/videos. Our aim is to establish general principles for search efficiency within this realistic context.

Results

Across four studies we find that providing multiple photos of the search target consistently improves performance. Three different photos of the target, taken at different times, give substantial performance improvements by comparison to a single target. By contrast, providing targets in moving videos or with biographical context does not lead to improvements in search accuracy.

Conclusions

We discuss the multiple-image advantage in relation to a growing understanding of the importance of within-person variability in face recognition.
Artefact and ablation performance of an MR-conditional high-power microwave system in bovine livers: an ex vivo study
Authors: Grimm Antonia , Winkelmann Moritz , Weiß Jakob , Gohla Georg , Blumenstock Gunnar , Nikolaou Konstantin , Clasen Stephan , Hoffmann Rüdiger
Published: September 2019

Background

We evaluated a magnetic resonance (MR)-conditional high-power microwave ablation system.

Methods

An exvivo 1.5-T evaluation was conducted by varying the sequence (T1-weighted volume interpolated breath-hold examination, T1w-VIBE; T1-weighted fast low-angle shot, T1w-FLASH; T2-weighted turbo spin-echo, T2w-TSE), applicator angulation to B0 (A-to-B0), slice orientation, and encoding direction. Tip location error (TLE) and artefact diameters were measured, and influence of imaging parameters was assessed with analysis of variance and post hoc testing. Twenty-four exvivo ablations were conducted in three bovine livers at 80 W and 120 W. Ablation durations were 5, 10, and 15 min. Ablation zones were compared for short-axis diameter (SAD), volume, and sphericity index (SI) with unpaired t test.

Results

The artefact pattern was similar for all sequences. The shaft artefact (4.4 ± 2.9 mm, mean ± standard deviation) was dependent on the sequence (p = 0.012) and the A-to-B0 (p < 0.001); the largest shaft diameter was measured with T1w-FLASH (6.3 ± 3.4 mm) and with perpendicular A-to-B0 (6.7 ± 2.4 mm). The tip artefact (1.6 ± 0.7 mm) was dependent on A-to-B0 (p = 0.001); TLE was -2.6 ± 1.0 mm. Ablation results at the maximum setting (15 min, 120 W) were SAD = 42.0 ± 1.41 mm; volume = 56.78 ± 3.08 cm3, SI = 0.68 ± 0.05. In all ablations, SI ranged 0.68–0.75 with the smallest SI at 15 min and 120 W (p = 0.048).

Conclusion

The system produced sufficiently large ablation zones and the artefact was appropriate for MR-guided interventions.
Deep learning to convert unstructured CT pulmonary angiography reports into structured reports
Authors: Spandorfer Adam , Branch Cody , Sharma Puneet , Sahbaee Pooyan , Schoepf U. Joseph , Ravenel James G. , Nance John W.
Published: September 2019

Background

Structured reports have been shown to improve communication between radiologists and providers. However, some radiologists are concerned about resultant decreased workflow efficiency. We tested a machine learning-based algorithm designed to convert unstructured computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) reports into structured reports.

Methods

A self-supervised convolutional neural network-based algorithm was trained on a dataset of 475 manually structured CTPA reports. Labels for individual statements included “pulmonary arteries,” “lungs and airways,” “pleura,” “mediastinum and lymph nodes,” “cardiovascular,” “soft tissues and bones,” “upper abdomen,” and “lines/tubes.” The algorithm was applied to a test set of 400 unstructured CTPA reports, generating a predicted label for each statement, which was evaluated by two independent observers. Per-statement accuracy was calculated based on strict criteria (algorithm label counted as correct if the statement unequivocally contained content only related to that particular label) and a modified criteria, accounting for problematic statements, including typographical errors, statements that did not fit well into the classification scheme, statements containing content for multiple labels, etc.

Results

Of the 4,157 statements, 3,806 (91.6%) and 3,986 (95.9%) were correctly labeled by the algorithm using strict and modified criteria, respectively, while 274 (6.6%) were problematic for the manual observers to label, the majority of which (n = 173) were due to more than one section being included in one statement.

Conclusion

This algorithm showed high accuracy in converting free-text findings into structured reports, which could improve communication between radiologists and clinicians without loss of productivity and provide more structured data for research/data mining applications.
Using Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing to Review and Classify the Medical Literature on Cancer Susceptibility Genes
Authors: Bao Yujia , Deng Zhengyi , Wang Yan , Kim Heeyoon , Armengol Victor Diego , Acevedo Francisco , Ouardaoui Nofal , Wang Cathy , Parmigiani Giovanni , Barzilay Regina , Braun Danielle , Hughes Kevin S.
Published: September 2019

PURPOSE

The medical literature relevant to germline genetics is growing exponentially. Clinicians need tools that help to monitor and prioritize the literature to understand the clinical implications of pathogenic genetic variants. We developed and evaluated two machine learning models to classify abstracts as relevant to the penetrance—risk of cancer for germline mutation carriers—or prevalence of germline genetic mutations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted literature searches in PubMed and retrieved paper titles and abstracts to create an annotated data set for training and evaluating the two machine learning classification models. Our first model is a support vector machine (SVM) which learns a linear decision rule on the basis of the bag-of-ngrams representation of each title and abstract. Our second model is a convolutional neural network (CNN) which learns a complex nonlinear decision rule on the basis of the raw title and abstract. We evaluated the performance of the two models on the classification of papers as relevant to penetrance or prevalence.

RESULTS

For penetrance classification, we annotated 3,740 paper titles and abstracts and evaluated the two models using 10-fold cross-validation. The SVM model achieved 88.93% accuracy—percentage of papers that were correctly classified—whereas the CNN model achieved 88.53% accuracy. For prevalence classification, we annotated 3,753 paper titles and abstracts. The SVM model achieved 88.92% accuracy and the CNN model achieved 88.52% accuracy.

CONCLUSION

Our models achieve high accuracy in classifying abstracts as relevant to penetrance or prevalence. By facilitating literature review, this tool could help clinicians and researchers keep abreast of the burgeoning knowledge of gene–cancer associations and keep the knowledge bases for clinical decision support tools up to date.
Experimental Reproduction of Dynamic Fluctuation of TSH Receptor–Binding Antibodies Between Stimulation and Inhibition
Authors: Tagami Tetsuya , Hiroshima-Hamanaka Kaho , Umakoshi Hironobu , Tsuiki-Naruse Mika , Kusakabe Toru , Satoh-Asahara Noriko , Shimatsu Akira , Moriyama Kenji
Published: September 2019

Context

Hyperthyroidism in Graves disease (GD) is caused by autoantibody stimulation of the TSH receptor (TSHR). TSHR autoantibody (TSHR-Ab) activity is measured routinely by inhibition of labeled ligand (TSH or M22) binding to the TSHR [TSH-binding inhibitory immunoglobulins (TBIIs)] or by stimulation of cAMP production in isolated cells [TSH receptor–stimulating antibodies (TSAbs)]. Usually, measurements of TSHR-Abs by TBIIs agree reasonably well with TSAb values at least in the setting of hyperthyroidism, and both measurements tend to change in parallel during treatment with some exceptions. In this study, we describe three unusual cases, which illustrate nearly pure stimulating, blocking, or neutral properties of TSHR-Abs.

Objective

Whether patient serum TSHR-Abs can be reproduced by mixtures of human monoclonal autoantibodies to the TSHR was studied because the sera in most patients show moderate properties having both of TBII and TSAb activities.

Design

We compared the TBII and TSAb activities of serum from four unusual patients in detail with mixtures of human monoclonal TSHR-Abs (mAbs) M22 (stimulating), K1-18 (stimulating), and K1-70 (blocking).

Results

Characteristic of a patient’s serum was similar to M22 or K1-18, another was similar to K1-70, whereas another was similar to a mixture of K1-70 and M22 (or K1-18). Additionally, some patients seemed to have neutral TSHR-Abs in their sera.

Conclusions

Our studies suggest that the characteristics of TSHR-Abs in the patient serum can be mimicked by mixtures of human mAbs to the TSHR, stimulating, blocking, and neutral if any.
Tepahtihquetl pan ce pilaltepetzin / A Village Healer
Authors: de la Cruz Sabina Cruz , Dufendach Rebecca
Published: September 2019

Sabina Cruz de la Cruz presents an auto-ethnohistory, an account written in her native language of Nahuatl based on her community experiences with illness and curing in the Huasteca region of Veracruz, Mexico. She documents her work with two curanderos to improve her poor health. The article is an invaluable record of contemporary, indigenous healing dialogue and traditions, some of which have similarities with colonial-era practices. It is an example of a collaboration between an ethnohistorian and an indigenous scholar writing her own history, and such collaborations will strengthen the field of ethnohistory.
BioHackathon series in 2013 and 2014: improvements of semantic interoperability in life science data and services
Authors: Katayama Toshiaki , Kawashima Shuichi , Micklem Gos , Kawano Shin , Kim Jin-Dong , Kocbek Simon , Okamoto Shinobu , Wang Yue , Wu Hongyan , Yamaguchi Atsuko , Yamamoto Yasunori , Antezana Erick , Aoki-Kinoshita Kiyoko F. , Arakawa Kazuharu , Banno Masaki , Baran Joachim , Bolleman Jerven T. , Bonnal Raoul J. P. , Bono Hidemasa , Fernández-Breis Jesualdo T. , Buels Robert , Campbell Matthew P. , Chiba Hirokazu , Cock Peter J. A. , Cohen Kevin B. , Dumontier Michel , Fujisawa Takatomo , Fujiwara Toyofumi , Garcia Leyla , Gaudet Pascale , Hattori Emi , Hoehndorf Robert , Itaya Kotone , Ito Maori , Jamieson Daniel , Jupp Simon , Juty Nick , Kalderimis Alex , Kato Fumihiro , Kawaji Hideya , Kawashima Takeshi , Kinjo Akira R. , Komiyama Yusuke , Kotera Masaaki , Kushida Tatsuya , Malone James , Matsubara Masaaki , Mizuno Satoshi , Mizutani Sayaka , Mori Hiroshi , Moriya Yuki , Murakami Katsuhiko , Nakazato Takeru , Nishide Hiroyo , Nishimura Yosuke , Ogishima Soichi , Ohta Tazro , Okuda Shujiro , Ono Hiromasa , Perez-Riverol Yasset , Shinmachi Daisuke , Splendiani Andrea , Strozzi Francesco , Suzuki Shinya , Takehara Junichi , Thompson Mark , Tokimatsu Toshiaki , Uchiyama Ikuo , Verspoor Karin , Wilkinson Mark D. , Wimalaratne Sarala , Yamada Issaku , Yamamoto Nozomi , Yarimizu Masayuki , Kawamoto Shoko , Takagi Toshihisa
Published: September 2019

Publishing databases in the Resource Description Framework (RDF) model is becoming widely accepted to maximize the syntactic and semantic interoperability of open data in life sciences. Here we report advancements made in the 6th and 7th annual BioHackathons which were held in Tokyo and Miyagi respectively. This review consists of two major sections covering: 1) improvement and utilization of RDF data in various domains of the life sciences and 2) meta-data about these RDF data, the resources that store them, and the service quality of SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language (SPARQL) endpoints. The first section describes how we developed RDF data, ontologies and tools in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, glycomics and by literature text mining. The second section describes how we defined descriptions of datasets, the provenance of data, and quality assessment of services and service discovery. By enhancing the harmonization of these two layers of machine-readable data and knowledge, we improve the way community wide resources are developed and published.  Moreover, we outline best practices for the future, and prepare ourselves for an exciting and unanticipatable variety of real world applications in coming years.
Human respiratory syncytial virus methyl transferase: a potential antiviral target?
Authors: Kalkeri Raj , Bhisetti Govinda , Mani Nagraj
Published: September 2019

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) causes bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The role of methyltransferase (MTase) activity of HRSV polymerase in viral replication is unknown. Literature reviews of similar viral MTases and homology- modeling of RSV MTase bound to GTP and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) have shown sequence similarity and the conserved catalytic residues (K-D-K-E) and the SAM-binding (GXGXG) domain. Combined with the recent reports of the importance of 2’O methylation of viral RNAs in the host innate immune response evasion, and its proposed role in viral replication, HRSV MTase holds promise as a potential antiviral target. Further biological validation of HRSV MTase could facilitate the discovery of novel HRSV antivirals targeting MTase enzyme activity.