bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the Japanese version of the Quality of Life in Late‐stage Dementia Scale
Authors: Nagata Yuma , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Ishimaru Daiki , Uematsu Masayasu , Naito Yasuo , Nishikawa Takashi
Published: February 2018

Aim

Until now, there has been no instrument to measure the quality of life (QoL) of patients with severe dementia in Japan. The purpose of this study was to translate the Quality of Life in Late‐stage Dementia Scale and to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Japanese version (QUALID‐J).

Methods

We translated the Quality of Life in Late‐stage Dementia into Japanese with permission from the original authors. We assessed a total of 70 dementia patients (14 men, 56 women; mean age: 87.4 ± 7.9 years) with the QUALID‐J.

Results

The test–retest and inter‐rater reliability of the QUALID‐J was significant. With regard to the criterion‐related validity, the correlation coefficient for the total score between the QUALID‐J and Quality of Life for Alzheimer’s Disease was −0.287 (P < 0.05). With regard to the construct validity, the QUALID‐J total score was significantly correlated with the Mini‐Mental State Examination (ρ = −0.346, P < 0.01), the Cognitive Test for Severe Dementia (ρ = −0.323, P < 0.01), the Neuropsychiatry Inventory‐Nursing Home version (ρ = 0.386, P < 0.01), the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (ρ = 0.262, P < 0.05), the Physical Self‐Maintenance Scale (ρ = −0.283, P < 0.05), and the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (ρ = 0.530, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that the QUALID‐J is a reliable and valid quality of life scale for severe dementia. This scale finally enables an adequate assessment of the quality of life of patients with severe dementia in Japan, which has not been possible until now.
Fatigue in Parkinson's disease: concepts and clinical approach
Authors: Nassif Daniel V. , Pereira João S.
Published: February 2018

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by a large number of motor and non‐motor features. Fatigue is one of the most common and most disabling symptoms among patients with PD, and it has a significant impact on their quality of life. Although fatigue has been recognized for a long time, its pathophysiology remains poorly understood, and there is no evidence to support any therapeutic approach in PD patients. Expert consensus on case definition and diagnostic criteria for PD‐related fatigue have been recently published, and although they still need to be adequately validated, they provide a great step forward in the study of fatigue. The goal of this article is to provide relevant information for the identification and management of patients with fatigue.
Cultural Marxism: A survey
Authors: Jamin Jérôme
Published: February 2018

This paper examines Cultural Marxism as a regular theory in social sciences with its own history, and as a global conspiracy theory. It tries to locate and identify the exact moment the theory changed itself from a regular and well‐known knowledge in the field of cultural studies towards a key element used in multiple books and articles to explain the so‐called destruction of Western traditions and values. This paper also scrutinizes various usages of this conspiracy theory in politics, which is found more commonly within radical groups' speeches, rather than in mainstream conservative rhetoric's.
The Unforeseen Consequences of Interacting With Non‐Native Speakers
Authors: Lev‐Ari Shiri , Ho Emily , Keysar Boaz
Published: February 2018

Sociolinguistic research shows that listeners' expectations of speakers influence their interpretation of the speech, yet this is often ignored in cognitive models of language comprehension. Here, we focus on the case of interactions between native and non‐native speakers. Previous literature shows that listeners process the language of non‐native speakers in less detail, because they expect them to have lower linguistic competence. We show that processing the language of non‐native speakers increases lexical competition and access in general, not only of the non‐native speaker's speech, and that this leads to poorer memory of one's own speech during the interaction. We further find that the degree to which people adjust their processing to non‐native speakers is related to the degree to which they adjust their speech to them. We discuss implications for cognitive models of language processing and sociolinguistic research on attitudes.
The 1990s trade and wages debate in retrospect
Authors: Wood Adrian
Published: February 2018

This paper revisits the trade and wages debate of the 1990s in the light of widespread concern that, contrary to the consensus from that debate, the costs of globalisation to less‐skilled workers in developed countries have been an important cause of the recent rise of populism. The 1990s debate stimulated a new and now large field of economic research, but in hindsight it suffered from errors of omission on both sides, and from an academic perspective it ended prematurely. Even now, the available evidence does not permit any firm conclusion about the contribution of globalisation to the rise in inequality in developed countries over the past few decades. The economic consensus at the end of the debate also fostered unwarranted political complacency about the social costs of globalisation.
Exploring an alternative approach to Lyme disease surveillance in Maryland
Authors: Rutz H. , Hogan B. , Hook S. , Hinckley A. , Feldman K.
Published: February 2018

In Maryland, Lyme disease (LD) is a reportable disease and all laboratories and healthcare providers are required to report to the local health department. Given the volume of LD reports and effort required for investigation, surveillance for LD is burdensome and subject to underreporting. We explored the utility of International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (administrative) codes for use with LD surveillance. We aimed to collect the administrative codes for a 10% sample of 2009 LD reports (n = 474) from 292 facilities stratified by case classification (confirmed, probable, suspected and not a case). Sixty‐three per cent (n = 184) of facilities responded to the survey, and 341 different administrative codes were obtained for 91% (n = 430) of sampled reports. The administrative code for Lyme disease (088.81) was the most commonly reported code (133/430 patients) among sampled reports; while it was used for 62 of 151 (41%) confirmed cases, it was also used for 48 of 192 (25%) not a case reports (sensitivity 41% and specificity 73%). A combination of nine codes was developed with sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 37% when compared to not a case reports. We conclude that the administrative code for LD alone has low ability to identify LD cases in Maryland. Grouping certain codes improved sensitivity, but our results indicate that administrative codes alone are not a viable surveillance alternative for a disease with complex manifestations such as LD.
Phytochemicals and cognitive/behavioral function in patients with Alzheimer's disease: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Brown Darla Rose , Martin Tina
Published: February 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to explore the existing literature related to phytochemicals and cognitive/behavioral function in patients with Alzheimer's disease, to examine and conceptually map the evidence, and to identify any gaps.

The question of this review is: what is the evidence on phytochemicals and cognitive/behavioral function in patients with Alzheimer's disease?
Sexuality and intimacy among people with serious mental illness in hospital and community settings: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: McCann Edward , Donohue Grainne , de Jager Jose , van Os Jim , Nugter Annet , Stewart Jessica , Eustace-Cook Jessica
Published: February 2018

Review question/objective:

The aim of this review is to synthesize the best available qualitative evidence on the experiences and support needs of people with serious mental illness (SMI) regarding sexuality and intimacy within hospital and community settings. The objectives of the present study are:

To explore intimate relationship experiences of people with SMI

To explore specific issues related to sexuality important to people with SMI

To uncover potential obstacles to the expression of sexuality

To present recommendations for mental health policy, education, research and practice.
Effects of Externally Mounted Store on the Nonlinear Response of Slender Wings
Authors: Xu Yuqian , Cao Dengqing , Shao Chonghui , Lin Huagang
Published: February 2018

The nonlinear characteristics of slender wings have been studied for many years, and the influences of the geometric structural nonlinearity on the postflutter responses of the wing have been received significant attention. In this paper, the effects of the external store on the nonlinear responses of the slender wing will be discussed. Based on the Hodges–Dowell beam model, the dynamical equations of the wing which include the geometric structural nonlinearity and store effects are constructed. The unsteady aerodynamic loading of the wing will be calculated by employing Wagner function and strip theory. The slender body theory is adopted to get the aerodynamic forces of the store. The Galerkin method is used to obtain the state equations of the system and the appropriate mode combination is obtained for the cases studied in this paper. Numerical simulations are given to show that the store spanwise position and the distance between the store mass center and the elastic center of the wing are two important factors which will affect the nonlinear characteristics of the wing. These two parameters will induce the occurrence of quasi-periodic motion and branch structure in bifurcation diagrams to the system. The peak of postflutter response is also related to these parameters and the lower response peak can be obtained when the store mass center is in front of the elastic center. The models and results are helpful to the design procedure of the slender wing with store in the preliminary stage.
Feedforward Feedback Linearization Linear Quadratic Gaussian With Loop Transfer Recovery Control of Piezoelectric Actuator in Active Vibration Isolation System
Authors: Wang Shuai , Chen Zhaobo , Liu Xiaoxiang , Jiao Yinghou
Published: February 2018

Hysteresis exists widely in intelligent materials, such as piezoelectric and giant magnetostrictive ones, and it significantly affects the precision of vibration control when a controlled object moves at a range of micrometers or even smaller. Many measures must be implemented to eliminate the influence of hysteresis. In this work, the hysteresis characteristic of a proposed piezoelectric actuator (PEA) is tested and modeled based on the adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). A linearization control method with feedforward hysteresis compensation and proportional–integral–derivative (PID) feedback is established and simulated. A linear quadratic Gaussian with loop transfer recovery (LQG/LTR) regulator is then designed as a vibration controller. Verification experiments are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the control method in vibration isolation. Experiment results demonstrate that the proposed vibration control system with a feedforward feedback linearization controller and an LQG/LTR regulator can significantly improve the performance of a vibration isolation system in the frequency range of 5–200 Hz with low energy consumption.
On the Approximation of Two-Dimensional Transient Pipe Flow Using a Modified Wave Propagation Algorithm
Authors: Mahdizadeh Hossein , Sharifi Soroosh , Omidvar Pourya
Published: February 2018

In this study, a second-order accurate Godunov-type finite volume method is used for the solution of the two-dimensional (2D) water hammer problem. The numerical scheme applied here is well balanced and is able to treat the unsteady friction terms, together with the convective terms, within the differences between fluxes of neighboring computational cells. In order to consider the effect of unsteady friction terms during the water hammer process, k−ε and k−ω turbulence models are employed. The performance of the proposed method with the choice of different turbulence models is evaluated using experimental data obtained from one low and one high Reynolds-number turbulent test cases. In addition to velocity and pressure distributions, the turbulence characteristics of each variant of the model, including eddy viscosity, dissipation rate, and turbulent kinetic energy during the water hammer process are fully analyzed. It is found that the inclusion of the convective inertia terms leads to more accurate pressure profiles. The results also show that using a relatively high Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) number close to unity, the introduced numerical solver with both choices of turbulence models provides reasonable and acceptable predictions for the studied flows.
Prediction and Mitigation of Vertical Cracking in High-Temperature Transient Liquid Phase Sintered Joints by Thermomechanical Simulation
Authors: Greve Hannes , Ali Moeini S. , McCluskey Patrick , Joshi Shailesh
Published: February 2018

Transient liquid phase sintering (TLPS) is a novel high-temperature attach technology. It is of particular interest for application as die attach in power electronic systems because of its high-melting temperature and high thermal conductivity. TLPS joints formed from sinter pastes consist of metallic particles embedded in matrices of intermetallic compounds (IMCs). Compared to conventional solder attach, TLPS joints consist to a considerably higher percentage of brittle IMCs. This raises the concern that TLPS joints are susceptible to brittle failure. In this paper, we describe and analyze the cooling-induced formation of vertical cracks as a newly detected failure mechanism unique to TLPS joints. In a power module structure with a TLPS joint as interconnect between a power device and a direct bond copper (DBC) substrate, cracks can form between the interface of the DBC and the TLPS joint when large voids are located in the proximity of the DBC. These cracks do not appear in regions with smaller voids. A method has been developed for the three-dimensional (3D) modeling of paste-based TLPS sinter joints, which possess complex microstructures with heterogeneous distributions of metal particles and voids in IMC matrices. Thermomechanical simulations of the postsintering cooling process have been performed and the influence of microstructure on the stress-response within the joint and at the joint interfaces have been characterized for three different material systems (Cu + Cu6Sn5, Cu + Cu3Sn, Ni + Ni3Sn4). The maximum principal stress within the assembly was found to be a poor indicator for prediction of vertical crack formation. In contrast, stress levels at the interface between the TLPS joint and the power substrate metallization are good indicators for this failure mechanism. Small voids lead to higher joint maximum principal stresses, but large voids induce higher interfacial stresses, which explain why the vertical cracking failure was only observed in joints with large voids.
Dimensionless Scaling Parameters During Thermal Flooding Process in Porous Media
Authors: Enamul Hossain M.
Published: February 2018

The scaling concept is important, effective, and consistent in any application of science and engineering. Scaled physical models have inimitable advantages of finding all physical phenomena occurring in a specific process by transforming parameters into dimensionless numbers. This concept is applicable to thermal enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes where continuous alteration (i.e., memory) of reservoir properties can be characterized by various dimensionless numbers. Memory is defined as the continuous time function or history dependency which leads to the nonlinearity and multiple solutions during modeling of the process. This study critically analyzed sets of dimensionless numbers proposed by Hossain and Abu-Khamsin in addition to Nusselt and Prandtl numbers. The numbers are also derived using inspectional and dimensional analysis (DA), while memory concept is used to develop some groups. In addition, this article presents relationships between different dimensionless numbers. Results show that proposed numbers are measures of thermal diffusivity and hydraulic diffusivity of a fluid in a porous media. This research confirms that the influence of total absolute thermal conductivities of the fluid and rock on the effective thermal conductivity of the fluid-saturated porous medium diminishes after a certain local Nusselt number of the system. Finally, the result confirms that the convective ability of the fluid-saturated porous medium is apparently more pronounced than its conductive ability. This study will help to better understand the modeling of the EOR process thus improving process design and performance prediction.
Swirl Injector for Premixed Combustion of Hydrogen–Methane Mixtures
Authors: Carlanescu Razvan , Prisecaru Tudor , Prisecaru Malina , Soriga Iuliana
Published: February 2018

In the field of combustion, a special attention was given lately especially to the search for new, greener and more efficient fuels. Among them, hydrogen is intensely studied worldwide as a possible alternative fuel since new ways for producing and transporting it developed lately. Different studies are trying to confirm the possibility of the hydrogen transport using the existing natural gas distribution network, by mixing the two gases. Because the properties of the new mixture influence the combustion parameters, using the existing equipment would face new problems, like the risk of flashback, the effects of higher temperatures, and the modification of the flame front. Hence, new solutions are needed. In this context, this paper presents a newly developed and patented type of injector, designated for the combustion of the premixed hydrogen–methane fuel in various proportions. Based on the characteristics and dimensions of an existing combustion chamber of a gas turbine, different types of injectors were numerically simulated and compared. After the analysis of the results, the preliminary conclusions lead to a first swirl injector made from titanium alloy. The new type of swirled injector was tested on a cheap, simplified low pressure rig, designed to have similar dimensions to the initial combustion chamber, for preliminary validation of the main characteristics and of the stability of the new injector. The experiments indicated good lean blowout characteristics, and the promising results are encouraging for more future tests on a complex experimental setup, for optimizing the final solution.
Effects of Hydrothermal Modification on Sulfur Release of Low-Quality Coals During Thermal Transformation Process
Authors: Li Qian , Wang Zhihua , Lin Zhenmin , He Yong , Zhang Kang , Kumar Sunel , Cen Kefa
Published: February 2018

In this paper, the effects of hydrothermal modification on sulfur-containing pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbonyl sulfide (COS), during coal pyrolysis and combustion, have been investigated. Three typical Chinese low-quality coals, Zhundong, Yimin, and Zhaotong coal (ZT), have been treated by hydrothermal modification at final modification temperatures of 200 °C, 250 °C, and 300 °C. Coal pyrolysis and combustion experiments using raw coal and modified coals were performed using a tube furnace. Results showed that SO2 and COS emission were suppressed after hydrothermal modification in the pyrolysis process. Lower emission of both SO2 and COS were also achieved when final hydrothermal modification was increased, this was attributed to the loss of aliphatic sulfur, e.g., sulfoxide, sulfone, and thiother, during the modification process. For ZT, hydrothermal modification also caused a delay in the release of sulfur-containing gases. In combustion experiments, hydrothermal modification reduced the SO2 emission for Yimin coal, but for ZT, the SO2 release amount almost doubled, and for Zhundong coal (ZD), it also increased, after hydrothermal modification. Hydrothermal modification also caused a delay in peak SO2 emission during the combustion of ZT; this is attributed to conversion of sulfur containing structures to stable aromatic compounds through hydrothermal modification.
Sand Transport in Slightly Upward Inclined Multiphase Flow
Authors: Dabirian Ramin , Mohan Ram , Shoham Ovadia , Kouba Gene
Published: February 2018

In order to assess the critical sand deposition condition, a unique 4-in ID test facility was designed and constructed, which enables the pipe to be inclined 1.5 deg upward. Experiments were conducted with air–water-glass beads at low sand concentrations (< 10,000 ppm), and the air and water flow rates were selected to ensure stratified flow regime along the pipe. At constant superficial liquid velocity, the gas velocity was reduced to find the critical sand deposition velocity. Six sand flow regimes are identified, namely, fully dispersed solid flow, dilute solids at the wall, concentrated solids at the wall, moving dunes, stationary dunes, and stationary bed. The experimental results reveal that sand flow regimes under air–water stratified flow are strong functions of phase velocities, particle size, and particle concentration. Also, the results show that air–water flow regime plays an important role in particle transport; slug flow has high capability to transport particles at the pipe bottom, while the stratified flow has high risk of sand deposition. As long as the sand dunes are observed at the pipe bottom, the critical sand deposition velocities slightly increase with concentrations, while for stationary bed, the critical velocity increases exponentially with concentration.
Numerical study of the influence of the convective heat transport on acoustic streaming in a standing wave
Authors: Červenka Milan , Bednařík Michal
Published: February 2018

Within this work, acoustic streaming in an air-filled cylindrical resonator with walls supporting a temperature gradient is studied by means of numerical simulations. A set of equations based on successive approximations is derived from the Navier-Stokes equations. The equations take into account the acoustic-streaming-driven convective heat transport; as time-averaged secondary-field quantities are directly calculated, the equations are much easier to integrate than the original fluid-dynamics equations. The model equations are implemented and integrated employing commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics. Numerical calculations are conducted for the case of a resonator with a wall-temperature gradient corresponding to the action of a thermoacoustic effect. It is shown that due to the convective heat transport, the streaming profile is considerably distorted even in the case of weak wall-temperature gradients. The numerical results are consistent with available experimental data.
Action, Movement, and Culture: Does Culture Shape Movement?
Authors: Bril Blandine
Published: February 2018

What any traveler can definitely notice is the incredible diversity of everyday skills due to the cultural diversity of tools, raw materials, physical environments, or local postural habits that set up the conditions for performing tasks. Do cultural environments influence motor skills? Are there “motor styles” common to members of a given cultural group? Focusing on instrumental everyday actions from a functional perspective, we propose four cases to illustrate in detail cultural variations in motor behavior. The first example explores the movement repertoire of expert potters from two cultural backgrounds when asked to produce pots of the same shape. A second example analyzes how a dance figure based on the same mechanical principles gives rise to different cultural aesthetics. The third example questions the adaptation of metabolic processes while performing the same load-carrying task in various physical environments. The last example brings up the issue of cultural choices of working and resting postures. Each case refers to a critical dimension of what generates the cultural diversity of motor skills: operational equivalence of movements, variation in the “weighing” of the parameters of the action, adaptation of metabolic processes, and adaptive benefit of specific posture. We conclude that if the countless diversity of cultural contexts and tasks give rise to an enormous diversity of movements and postures, this diversity is anchored in the many degrees of freedom of the organism. It is this profusion of degrees of freedom that sustains the endless variations of cultural motor skills giving ways to infinite manners of using one’s own body.
High Rate of Association of 16S rRNA Methylases and Carbapenemases in Enterobacteriaceae Recovered from Hospitalized Children in Angola
Authors: Poirel Laurent , Goutines Juliette , Aires-de-Sousa Marta , Nordmann Patrice
Published: February 2018

Acquired 16S rRNA methylases (RMTases) conferring pan-drug resistance to aminoglycosides were searched among enterobacterial isolates recovered in Angola. A total of 36 hospitalized children were screened for rectal colonization using the Superaminoglycoside selective medium. Twenty-two pan-aminoglycoside-resistant enterobacterial isolates were recovered, all of which produced RMTases, i.e., RmtB, ArmA, and RmtC. Highly diverse genetic backgrounds were identified for
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates, most of which coproduced carbapenemases NDM-1 or NDM-5, respectively.
In Vitro
Activity of Lascufloxacin against Streptococcus pneumoniae with Mutations in the Quinolone Resistance-Determining Regions
Authors: Murata Mika , Kosai Kosuke , Yamauchi Shunsuke , Sasaki Daisuke , Kaku Norihito , Uno Naoki , Morinaga Yoshitomo , Hasegawa Hiroo , Miyazaki Taiga , Izumikawa Koichi , Mukae Hiroshi , Yanagihara Katsunori
Published: February 2018

Lascufloxacin showed potent activity against
Streptococcus pneumoniae
with a GyrA or ParC mutation (first-step mutant). The frequency of selecting resistant strains tended to be lower for lascufloxacin than for levofloxacin and garenoxacin after drug exposure in first-step mutants but was similar in the comparison between lascufloxacin and moxifloxacin. The increase in MIC was smaller for lascufloxacin than for levofloxacin, garenoxacin, and moxifloxacin when clinical strains with only ParC mutations were exposed to the corresponding drug.
Species Identification and
In Vitro
Antifungal Susceptibility of Aspergillus terreus Species Complex Clinical Isolates from a French Multicenter Study
Authors: Imbert S. , Normand A. C. , Ranque S. , Costa J. M. , Guitard J. , Accoceberry I. , Bonnal C. , Fekkar A. , Bourgeois N. , Houzé S. , Hennequin C. , Piarroux R. , Dannaoui E. , Botterel F.
Published: February 2018

Aspergillus
section
Terrei
is a species complex currently comprised of 14 cryptic species whose prevalence in clinical samples as well as antifungal susceptibility are poorly known. The aims of this study were to investigate
A. Terrei
clinical isolates at the species level and to perform antifungal susceptibility analyses by reference and commercial methods. Eighty-two clinical
A. Terrei
isolates were collected from 8 French university hospitals. Molecular identification was performed by sequencing parts of beta-tubulin and calmodulin genes. MICs or minimum effective concentrations (MECs) were determined for 8 antifungal drugs using both EUCAST broth microdilution (BMD) methods and concentration gradient strips (CGS). Among the 79
A. Terrei
isolates,
A. terreus stricto sensu
(
n
= 61),
A. citrinoterreus
(
n
= 13),
A. hortai
(
n
= 3), and
A. alabamensis
(
n
= 2) were identified. All strains had MICs of ≥1 mg/liter for amphotericin B, except for two isolates (both
A. hortai
) that had MICs of 0.25 mg/liter. Four
A. terreus
isolates were resistant to at least one azole drug, including one with pan-azole resistance, yet no mutation in the
CYP51A
gene was found. All strains had low MECs for the three echinocandins. The essential agreements (EAs) between BMD and CGS were >90%, except for those of amphotericin B (79.7%) and itraconazole (73.4%). Isolates belonging to the
A
. section
Terrei
identified in clinical samples show wider species diversity beyond the known
A. terreus sensu stricto
. Azole resistance inside the section
Terrei
is uncommon and is not related to CYP51A mutations here. Finally, CGS is an interesting alternative for routine antifungal susceptibility testing.
Draft Genome Sequence of Anaerobic Fermentative Bacterium
Anaeromicrobium sediminis
DY2726D
Authors: Zhang Jing , Hu Junxi , Zhang Xiaobo , Zeng Xiang
Published: February 2018

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Anaeromicrobium sediminis
DY2726D, isolated from a west Pacific Ocean sediment sample. The genome comprises 4,710,590 bp in 56 contigs, with a G+C content of 31.2%. A total of 3,811 protein-coding sequences were predicted. The genome annotation revealed that DY2726D may represent a marine type of
Clostridiaceae
.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Recombinant NADC30-Like Strain, SCnj16, of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in Southwestern China
Authors: Zhou Long , Kang Runmin , Xie Bo , Tian Yiming , Yang Xin , Yu Jifeng , Wang Hongning
Published: February 2018

The NADC30-like strains of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) are characterized by a 131-amino-acid deletion in nonstructural protein 2 (NSP2). Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a recombinant NADC30-like PRRSV strain, SCnj16, that exhibits the molecular marker of the Chinese highly pathogenic PRRSV (HP-PRRSV) in NSP2.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Siderophore-Degrading Soil Bacterium
Mesorhizobium loti
Strain LU
Authors: Castignetti Domenic , Polley Nathaniel , Putonti Catherine
Published: February 2018

Here, we present the draft genome of
Mesorhizobium loti
strain LU, a soil bacterium capable of degrading the trihydroxamate siderophore deferrioxamine B to its constituent monohydroxamic acids. Genome size was 6,399,828 bp, with a GC content of 61.5%. This draft genome consists of 35 scaffolds, with an
N
50
of 389,921 bp.
Genomic Sequence of a Swine Pasivirus Type 1 Strain Identified in U.S. Swine
Authors: Guo Baoqing , Kim Hanjun , Zheng Ying , Shen Huigang , Pogranichniy Roman M. , Schwartz Kent J. , Li Ganwu , Yoon Kyoung-Jin
Published: February 2018

We report for the first time in the United States the identification of a swine pasivirus (SPaV) strain with a genomic sequence identity of less than 80% to other SPaVs reported in Europe and China, using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique in sow tissues collected from an animal study conducted in 2001, suggesting virus circulation in domestic swine.
High versus standard dose caffeine for apnoea: a systematic review
Authors: Vliegenthart Roos , Miedema Martijn , Hutten Gerard J , van Kaam Anton H , Onland Wes
Published: February 2018

Background

Placebo-controlled trials have shown that caffeine is highly effective in treating apnoea of prematurity and reduces the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI).

Objective

To identify, appraise and summarise studies investigating the modulating effect of different caffeine dosages.

Methods

A systematic review identified all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a high versus a standard caffeine treatment regimen in infants with a gestational age <32 weeks, by searching the main electronic databases and abstracts of the Pediatric Academic Societies. Studies comparing caffeine to placebo or theophylline only were excluded. Primary outcomes were BPD and mortality at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. Secondary key-outcome was neurodevelopmental outcome at 12 and 24 months corrected age. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3.

Results

Six RCTs including 620 infants were identified. Meta-analysis showed a significant decrease in BPD, the combined outcome BPD or mortality, and failure to extubate in infants allocated to a higher caffeine dose. No differences were found in mortality alone and NDI. The quality of the outcome measures were deemed low to very low according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines.

Conclusions

Although this review suggests that administering a higher dose of caffeine might enhance its beneficial effect on death or BPD, firm recommendations on the optimal caffeine dose cannot be given due to the low level of evidence. A large RCT is urgently needed to confirm or refute these findings and determine the optimal dose of caffeine.
Transfemoral thrombectomy in the cavernous sinus and superior ophthalmic vein
Authors: Bauer Justin , Kansagra Kartik , Chao Kuo H , Feng Lei
Published: February 2018

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare condition that can cause death, neurologic disability, and visual loss. A pre-teen with septic CST leading to ocular hypertension and acute visual loss was treated at our institution with thrombectomy and thrombolysis of the cavernous sinuses and superior ophthalmic veins. Successful recanalization of the bilateral cavernous sinuses and superior ophthalmic veins was achieved in two separate procedures without complication. The patient showed immediate symptomatic relief. He was neurologically intact without visual deficits at the 2 month follow-up. This is the first report in the literature showing the feasibility of cavernous sinus thrombectomy using current devices and techniques. Early endovascular therapy may help preserve vision in patients with acute CST.
Evaluation of a hub-and-spoke model for the delivery of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery within the context of a large randomised controlled trial
Authors: Roberts Harry W , Wagh Vijay K , Mullens Isabella J M , Borsci Simone , Ni Melody Z , O’Brart David P S
Published: February 2018

Aims

To test a hypothesis that cataract operating room (OR) productivity can be improved with a femtosecond laser (FL) using a hub-and-spoke model and whether any increase in productivity can offset additional costs relating to the FL.

Methods

400 eyes of 400 patients were enrolled in a randomised-controlled trial comparing FL-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) with conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS). 299 of 400 operations were performed on designated high-volume theatre lists (FLACS=134, CPS=165), where a hub-and-spoke FLACS model (1×FL, 2×ORs=2:1) was compared with independent CPS theatre lists. Details of operative timings and OR utilisation were recorded. Differences in productivity between hub-and-spoke FLACS and CPS sessions were compared using an economic model including testing hypothetical 3:1 and 4:1 models.

Results

The duration of the operation itself was 12.04±4.89 min for FLACS compared with CPS of 14.54±6.1 min (P<0.001). Total patient time in the OR was reduced from 23.39±6.89 min with CPS to 20.34±5.82 min with FLACS (P<0.001)(reduction of 3.05 min per case). There was no difference in OR turnaround time between the models. Average number of patients treated per theatre list was 9 for FLACS and 8 for CPS. OR utilisation was 92.08% for FLACS and 95.83% for CPS (P<0.001). Using a previously established economic model, the FLACS service cost £144.60 more than CPS per case. This difference would be £131 and £125 for 3:1 and 4:1 models, respectively.

Conclusion

The FLACS hub-and-spoke model was significantly faster than CPS, with patients spending less time in the OR. This enabled an improvement in productivity, but insufficient to meaningfully offset the additional costs relating to FLACS.
Association of the PAX6 gene with extreme myopia rather than lower grade myopias
Authors: Tang Shu Min , Ma Li , Lu Shi Yao , Wang Yu Meng , Kam Ka Wai , Tam Pancy O S , Young Alvin L , Pang Chi Pui , Yam Jason C S , Chen Li Jia
Published: February 2018

Aims

To investigate the association of the paired box gene 6 (PAX6) with different severities of myopia.

Methods

A total of four haplotype-tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs2071754, rs3026354, rs3026390 and rs628224) and two previously reported SNPs (rs644242 and rs662702) in the PAX6 gene were analysed in a Hong Kong Chinese cohort of 1288 myopia subjects (including 252 extreme myopia, 277 high myopia, 393 moderate myopia and 366 mild myopia) and 791 no myopia controls. Allelic association analyses were performed for individual SNPs in different subgroups of myopia and in combined myopia, followed by a meta-analysis of our current data with reported data on PAX6 in myopia.

Results

The association of tagging SNPs rs2071754 and rs644242 with extreme myopia could not withstand multiple correction (rs2071754: OR=1.25, P value=0.031; rs644242: OR=1.33, P value=0.032). In the meta-analysis, rs644242 showed an enhanced, significant association with extreme myopia (OR=1.27, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.46, P value=0.001; I2=0%). In contrast, there was no significant association between the PAX6SNPs and high, moderate or mild myopia. No linear correlation was found between the PAX6SNPs and axial length.

Conclusion

This study provides additional evidence suggesting that the PAX6 SNP rs644242 is associated with extreme myopia but not lower grade myopia. Thus, PAX6 may be implicated in the development or progression into severe myopia. Further longitudinal studies are warranted.
Relative efficacy and safety of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies
Authors: Zeng Chao , Wei Jie , Persson Monica S M , Sarmanova Aliya , Doherty Michael , Xie Dongxing , Wang YiLun , Li Xiaoxiao , Li Jiatian , Long Huizhong , Lei Guanghua , Zhang Weiya
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and safety of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including salicylate, for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from 1966 to January 2017. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing topical NSAIDs with placebo or each other in patients with OA and observational studies comparing topical NSAIDs with no treatment or each other irrespective of disease were included. Two investigators identified studies and independently extracted data. Bayesian network and conventional meta-analyses were conducted. The primary outcomes were pain relief for RCTs and risk of adverse effects (AEs) for observational studies.

Results

43 studies, comprising 36 RCTs (7 900 patients with OA) and seven observational studies (218 074 participants), were included. Overall, topical NSAIDs were superior to placebo for relieving pain (standardised mean difference (SMD)=−0.30, 95% CI −0.40 to –0.20) and improving function (SMD=−0.35, 95% CI −0.45 to –0.24) in OA. Of all topical NSAIDs, diclofenac patches were most effective for OA pain (SMD=−0.81, 95% CI −1.12 to –0.52) and piroxicam was most effective for functional improvement (SMD=−1.04, 95% CI −1.60 to –0.48) compared with placebo. Although salicylate gel was associated with higher withdrawal rates due to AEs, the remaining topical NSAIDs were not associated with any increased local or systemic AEs.

Conclusions

Topical NSAIDs were effective and safe for OA. Diclofenac patches may be the most effective topical NSAID for pain relief. No serious gastrointestinal and renal AEs were observed in trials or the general population. However, confirmation of the cardiovascular safety of topical NSAIDs still warrants further observational study.
Agalsidase alfa versus agalsidase beta for the treatment of Fabry disease: an international cohort study
Authors: Arends Maarten , Biegstraaten Marieke , Wanner Christoph , Sirrs Sandra , Mehta Atul , Elliott Perry M , Oder Daniel , Watkinson Oliver T , Bichet Daniel G , Khan Aneal , Iwanochko Mark , Vaz Frédéric M , van Kuilenburg André B P , West Michael L , Hughes Derralynn A , Hollak Carla E M
Published: February 2018

Background

Two recombinant enzymes (agalsidase alfa 0.2 mg/kg/every other week and agalsidase beta 1.0 mg/kg/every other week) have been registered for the treatment of Fabry disease (FD), at equal high costs. An independent international initiative compared clinical and biochemical outcomes of the two enzymes.

Methods

In this multicentre retrospective cohort study, clinical event rate, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), antibody formation and globotriaosylsphingosine (lysoGb3) levels were compared between patients with FD treated with agalsidase alfa and beta at their registered dose after correction for phenotype and sex.

Results

387 patients (192 women) were included, 248 patients received agalsidase alfa. Mean age at start of enzyme replacement therapy was 46 (±15) years. Propensity score matched analysis revealed a similar event rate for both enzymes (HR 0.96, P=0.87). The decrease in plasma lysoGb3 was more robust following treatment with agalsidase beta, specifically in men with classical FD (β: −18 nmol/L, P<0.001), persisting in the presence of antibodies. The risk to develop antibodies was higher for patients treated with agalsidase beta (OR 2.8, P=0.04). LVMI decreased in a higher proportion following the first year of agalsidase beta treatment (OR 2.27, P=0.03), while eGFR slopes were similar.

Conclusions

Treatment with agalsidase beta at higher dose compared with agalsidase alfa does not result in a difference in clinical events, which occurred especially in those with more advanced disease. A greater biochemical response, also in the presence of antibodies, and better reduction in left ventricular mass was observed with agalsidase beta.
Subthalamic stimulation and neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: results from a long-term follow-up cohort study
Authors: Abbes Marie , Lhommée Eugénie , Thobois Stéphane , Klinger Hélène , Schmitt Emmanuelle , Bichon Amélie , Castrioto Anna , Xie Jing , Fraix Valérie , Kistner Andrea , Pélissier Pierre , Seigneuret Éric , Chabardès Stéphan , Mertens Patrick , Broussolle Emmanuel , Moro Elena , Krack Paul
Published: February 2018

Background

Reports on behavioural outcomes after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease are controversial and limited to short-term data. Long-term observation in a large cohort allows a better counselling and management.

Methods

To determine whether a long-term treatment with subthalamic stimulation induces or reduces impulse control behaviours, neuropsychiatric fluctuations and apathy, 69 patients treated with subthalamic stimulation are prospectively and retrospectively assessed using Ardouin Scale of Behavior in Parkinson’s Disease before and after 3–10 years of stimulation.

Results

At a mean follow-up of 6 years, all impulse control disorders and dopaminergic addiction were significantly decreased, apart from eating behaviour and hypersexuality. Neuropsychiatric fluctuations also significantly improved (ON euphoria: 38% of the patients before surgery and 1% after surgery, P<0.01; OFF dysphoria: 39% of the patients before surgery and 10% after surgery, P<0.01). However, apathy increased (25% of the patients after surgery and 3% before, P<0.01). With the retrospective analysis, several transient episodes of depression, apathy, anxiety and impulse control disorders occurred.

Conclusions

Bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation was overall very effective in improving impulse control disorders and neuropsychiatric fluctuations in parkinsonian patients in the long term despite a counteracting frequent apathy. Transient episodes of impulse control disorders still occurred within the follow-up. These findings recommend a close follow-up in parkinsonian patients presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms before deep brain stimulation surgery.

Clinical trial registration

NCT01705418;Post-results.
Differences in experiences of barriers to STI testing between clients of the internet-based diagnostic testing service GetCheckedOnline.com and an STI clinic in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Gilbert Mark , Thomson Kimberly , Salway Travis , Haag Devon , Grennan Troy , Fairley Christopher K , Buchner Chris , Krajden Mel , Kendall Perry , Shoveller Jean , Ogilvie Gina
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Internet-based STI testing programmes may overcome barriers posed by in-clinic testing, though uptake could reflect social gradients. The role these services play in comparison to clinical testing services is unknown. We compared experiences of testing barriers between STI clinic clients to clients of GetCheckedOnline.com (GCO; where clients take a printed lab form to a lab).

Methods

Our 10-month cross-sectional study was conducted after GCO was promoted to STI clinic clients and men who have sex with men (MSM). Clinic and GCO clients completed an online survey assessing testing barriers and facilitators; responses were compared using bivariate analysis (level of significance P<0.01; significant results below).

Results

Compared with 321 clinic clients, the 73 GCO clients were more likely to be older (median 35 vs 30 years), MSM (45% vs 16%), be testing routinely (67% vs 39%), have delayed testing for any reason (76% vs 54%) and due to clinic distance (28% vs 9%), report delays due to wait times (50% vs 17%), embarrassment with testing (16% vs 6%), discomfort discussing sexual health where they usually go for testing (39% vs 22%), as well as discomfort discussing sexual history with (19% vs 5%) and fearing judgement from (30% vs 15%) any healthcare provider. GCO clients were less likely to have found clinic hours convenient (59% vs 77%) and clinic appointments easy to make (49% vs 66%), and more likely to report long wait times (50% vs 17%). We found no differences in technology skills/use.

Conclusions

In this urban setting, an internet-based testing service effectively engaged individuals experiencing testing barriers, with few social gradients in uptake. While some testing barriers could be addressed through increasing access to clinical services, others require social and structural changes, highlighting the importance of internet-based STI testing services to increasing test uptake.
Bifunctional fusion proteins containing the sequence of the bradykinin homologue maximakinin: activities at the rat bradykinin B2 receptor
Authors: Charest-Morin Xavier , Lodge Robert , Marceau François
Published: February 2018

To support bradykinin (BK) B2 receptor (B2R) detection and therapeutic stimulation, we developed and characterized fusion proteins consisting of the BK homolog maximakinin (MK), or variants, positioned at the C-terminus of functional proteins (enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), the peroxidase APEX2, or human serum albumin (HSA)). EGFP-MK loses its reactivity with anti-BK antibodies and molecular mass as it progresses in the endosomal tract of cells expressing rat B2Rs (immunoblots, epifluorescence microscopy). APEX2-(NG)15-MK is a bona fide agonist of the rat, but not of the human B2R (calcium and c-Fos signaling) and is compatible with the cytochemistry reagent TrueBlue (microscopy), a luminol-based reagent, or 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (luminescence or colourimetric B2R detection, cell well plate format). APEX2-(NG)15-MK is a non-isotopic ligand suitable for drug discovery via binding competition. Affinity-purified secreted forms of HSA fused with peptides possessing the C-terminal MK or BK sequence failed to stimulate the rat B2R in the concentration range of 50–600 nmol/L. However, the non-secreted construction myc-HSA-MK is a B2R agonist, indicating that protein denaturation made the C-terminal sequence available for receptor binding. Fusion protein ligands of the B2R are stable but subjected to slow intracellular inactivation, strong species specificity, and possible steric hindrance between the receptor and large proteins.