bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of fesoterodine treatment for overactive bladder symptoms in elderly women with and without hypertension
Authors: Yokoyama Osamu , Yamagami Hidetomi , Hiro Shintaro , Hotta Shinichi , Yoshida Masaki
Published: December 2017

Objective

To assess fesoterodine treatment in elderly women with overactive bladder with and without hypertension.

Methods

Data for 2527 elderly women with overactive bladder symptoms, including urgency urinary incontinence, were pooled from 10 double‐blind, placebo‐controlled fesoterodine studies.

Results

A total of 1523 elderly women (60.3%) had a history of hypertension, and 1004 women (39.7%) had no hypertension history. Overactive bladder symptoms, mean bodyweight and mean body mass index at baseline were significantly higher in women with overactive bladder and hypertension versus those without hypertension (P < 0.05). Statistically significant improvements in overactive bladder symptoms at week 12 were observed for fesoterodine treatment versus placebo in women with hypertension and those without (P < 0.05). The diary‐dry rate (no urgency urinary incontinence episodes), the proportion with less than eight micturitions/24 h, overactive bladder symptom bother and health‐related quality of life were also statistically significantly improved by fesoterodine treatment in both populations. Incidence of treatment‐related adverse events with fesoterodine was similar in women with hypertension (39.3%) and without hypertension (44.6%). Dry mouth and constipation were the most common treatment‐related adverse events with fesoterodine in women with hypertension (26.2% and 5.2%, respectively) and without hypertension (30.5% and 8.0%).

Conclusions

A relationship among the severity of overactive bladder symptoms, hypertension and obesity in elderly women is suggested. Fesoterodine provides significantly greater improvements in overactive bladder symptoms and health‐related quality of life versus placebo in women with or without hypertension. Hypertension does not appear to affect the efficacy and safety of fesoterodine in elderly women with overactive bladder symptoms, including urgency urinary incontinence.
Prognostic factors of prostate cancer mortality in a Finnish randomized screening trial
Authors: Neupane Subas , Steyerberg Ewout , Raitanen Jani , Talala Kirsi , Pylväläinen Juho , Taari Kimmo , Tammela Teuvo LJ , Auvinen Anssi
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To identify the prognostic factors of prostate cancer death among patients enrolled in a Finnish prostate cancer screening trial.

Methods

Data on TNM stage, Gleason score, serum prostate‐specific antigen at diagnosis, comorbidity and primary treatment were collected from medical records, as well as date and cause of death from Statistics Finland. Four prognostic risk groups were defined based on TNM stage, Gleason score and prostate‐specific antigen at diagnosis. Hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals for prostate cancer death were calculated using Cox regression and competing‐risk analysis with follow up from randomization. The differences in the effects of prognostic factors were assessed using interaction terms.

Results

The 15‐year survival was significantly lower among cases in the control arm compared with the screening arm (0.90 vs 0.92). However, the survival advantage was limited to screen‐detected cases (0.94 vs 0.91 in cases detected outside screening). The prognostic risk group was the strongest factor predicting survival in the control arm, but weaker in screen‐detected cases. Advanced disease was associated with substantially poorer outcome in cases detected outside screening than in screen‐detected disease. Primary treatment had a similar effect in all groups. Comorbidity had a small prognostic effect in the control arm only.

Conclusions

Prognostic factors had a different effect on the outcome of cases detected through screening as those diagnosed otherwise. A high diagnostic prostate‐specific antigen and advanced disease carried a poor prognosis, especially among the cases detected outside screening, even when lead‐time was eliminated. This shows that the screening resulted in earlier treatment among the cases in the screening arm.
SIRCLE: a randomised controlled cost comparison of self‐administered short‐course isoniazid and rifapentine for cost‐effective latent tuberculosis eradication
Authors: Denholm Justin T. , McBryde Emma S. , Eisen Damon , Street Alan , Matchett Elizabeth , Chen Caroline , Shultz Thomas , Biggs Beverly , Leder Karin
Published: December 2017

Background

Currently, treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in Australia consists most commonly of a 9‐month course of isoniazid (9H). A 3‐month course of weekly isoniazid and rifapentine (3HP) has been shown to be as effective as 9 months of daily isoniazid, and associated with less hepatotoxicity; however, rifapentine is not currently available in Australia. Introduction of this regimen would have apparent advantages for people with LTBI in Victoria by safely shortening duration of LTBI therapy. However, the cost benefit of this new therapeutic approach is uncertain.

Aim

Cost‐analysis of standard and short‐course therapy for LTBI in an Australian context.

Methods

Single‐centre randomised controlled trial conducted between December 2013‐March 2016. Participants underwent 1:1 randomisation to either a 9‐month course of daily isoniazid or a 12‐week course of weekly isoniazid and rifapentine. The primary outcome measure was total healthcare system costs (in Australian dollars; AUD) per completed course of LTBI therapy. Secondary cost analyses were performed to consider varying assumptions regarding commercial cost of rifapentine.

Results

Overall, 34 of 40 (85%) participants in the 9H group and 36/40 (90%) in the 3HR group completed therapy. One patient in the 3HP group was hospitalised for a febrile illness; no hospitalisations were recorded in the 9H group. The cost per completed course of 9H was 601 AUD, while that of 3HP was significantly lower at 511 AUD (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study provides cost analysis evidence to support the use of 3HP for the treatment of LTBI in Australia.
Medication reconciliation at two teaching hospitals in Australia: a missed opportunity?
Authors: Athuraliya Nimmi , Sarunac Jasminka , Robertson Jane
Published: December 2017

Medication reconciliation prevents medication related harm at patient hospitalisation. This cross‐sectional study demonstrated that the Hunter New England Health Admission Medication History Form that supports the two processes is underutilised in two hospitals in New South Wales with many doctors unaware of the form and pharmacists facing understaffing and time constraints for completing it. Triaging of patients and, more collaboration between doctors and pharmacists are required for efficient in‐hospital medication reconciliation.
Acute kidney injury is under‐recognised and under‐reported in hospitalised patients in Australia
Authors: Mitchell Tim , Feher Elisabeth , Mitchell Gillian , Chakera Aron
Published: December 2017

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalised patients is associated with adverse outcomes; however, it remains unrecognised and under‐reported. A total of 48 045 serum creatinine results from 8129 tertiary hospital inpatients were reviewed. The prevalence of AKI was 4.33%. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with AKI (16.76%) compared to those without AKI (1.88%, P < 0.001). Documentation of AKI in discharge summaries was poor.
Interpreting insulin immunoassays during investigation of apparent spontaneous hypoglycaemia and insulin overdose
Authors: Chemmanam Julie , Isaacs Michelle , Jones Graham R. , Greenfield Jerry R. , Burt Morton G.
Published: December 2017

We report two cases of hypoglycaemia; one with apparently spontaneous hypoglycaemia and one with presumed insulin overdose. In both cases insulin concentration was normal when measured with the Roche immunoassay, but elevated when remeasured with the Advia Centaur immunoassay and a diagnosis of hypoglycaemia secondary to insulin analogue administration was made. These cases highlight that physicians need to understand the binding characteristics of the insulin immunoassay they use.
Circadian peak dopaminergic activity response at the biological clock pacemaker (suprachiasmatic nucleus) area mediates the metabolic responsiveness to a high‐fat diet
Authors: Luo S. , Zhang Y. , Ezrokhi M. , Li Y. , Tsai T.‐H. , Cincotta A. H.
Published: December 2017

Among vertebrate species of the major vertebrate classes in the wild, a seasonal rhythm of whole body fuel metabolism, oscillating from a lean to obese condition, is a common biological phenomenon. This annual cycle is driven in part by annual changes in the circadian dopaminergic signalling at the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), with diminution of circadian peak dopaminergic activity at the SCN facilitating development of the seasonal obese insulin‐resistant condition. The present study investigated whether such an ancient circadian dopamine‐SCN activity system for expression of the seasonal obese, insulin‐resistant phenotype may be operative in animals made obese amd insulin resistant by high‐fat feeding and, if so, whether reinstatement of the circadian dopaminergic peak at the SCN would be sufficient to reverse the adverse metabolic impact of the high‐fat diet without any alteration of caloric intake. First, we identified the supramammillary nucleus as a novel site providing the majority of dopaminergic neuronal input to the SCN. We further identified dopamine D2 receptors within the peri‐SCN region as being functional in mediating SCN responsiveness to local dopamine. In lean, insulin‐sensitive rats, the peak in the circadian rhythm of dopamine release at the peri‐SCN coincided with the daily peak in SCN electrophysiological responsiveness to local dopamine administration. However, in rats made obese and insulin resistant by high‐fat diet (HFD) feeding, these coincident circadian peak activities were both markedly attenuated or abolished. Reinstatement of the circadian peak in dopamine level at the peri‐SCN by its appropriate circadian‐timed daily microinjection to this area (but not outside this circadian time‐interval) abrogated the obese, insulin‐resistant condition without altering the consumption of the HFD. These findings suggest that the circadian peak of dopaminergic activity at the peri‐SCN/SCN is a key modulator of metabolism and the responsiveness to adverse metabolic consequences of HFD consumption.
Assessment of Bone Dimensions in the Anterior Maxilla: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study
Authors: AlTarawneh Sandra , AlHadidi Abeer , Hamdan Ahmad AS , Shaqman Murad , Habib Emad
Published: December 2017

Purpose

To evaluate labial and palatal bone thickness at the maxillary anterior teeth as well as distance from cemento‐enamel junction (CEJ) to bone crest using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods

Measurements were obtained for maxillary anterior teeth of 120 subject CBCT volumes including thickness of labial and palatal plates of bone (coronal, middle, and apical thirds), and distance between CEJ and alveolar bone crest mid‐labially, mesially, and distally.

Results

The mean value of bone thickness at coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the labial side for central incisor roots were respectively: 0.73, 0.69, 0.60 (mm), for lateral incisors: 0.70, 0.61, 0.49 (mm), and for canines: 0.74, 0.53, 040 (mm). The thickness of palatal bone was significantly larger. The mean distance between CEJ and mid‐labial bone crest for all sites was 2.16 mm.

Conclusion

Labial bone thickness is thin in the vast majority of maxillary anterior teeth. Use of CBCT facilitates planning for immediate implant placement and is helpful in the decision‐making process when further bone augmentation is needed.
Longitudinal Trajectory of the Relationship Between Self‐Esteem and Substance Use From Adolescence to Young Adulthood
Authors: Lee Chung Gun , Seo Dong‐Chul , Torabi Mohammad R. , Lohrmann David K. , Song Tae Min
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

We examined the longitudinal trajectory of substance use (binge drinking, marijuana use, and cocaine use) in relation to self‐esteem from adolescence to young adulthood.

METHODS

Generalized estimating equation models were fit using SAS to investigate changes in the relation between self‐esteem and each substance use (binge drinking, marijuana use, and cocaine use) from adolescence to young adulthood. Data were drawn from the 3 waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative sample of middle and high school students in the United States (N = 6504).

RESULTS

Self‐esteem was a significant predictor for the use of all 3 substances at 15 years of age (ps < .001). However, at age 21, self‐esteem no longer predicted binge drinking and marijuana use in the controlled model.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that self‐esteem loses its protective role against substance use except cocaine use as adolescents transition to young adulthood.
Altering the School Breakfast Environment Reduces Barriers to School Breakfast Participation Among Diverse Rural Youth
Authors: Hearst Mary O. , Shanafelt Amy , Wang Qi , Leduc Robert , Nanney Marilyn S.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

The purpose is to determine if altering school breakfast policies and the school breakfast environment will positively impact adolescent beliefs of the barriers and benefits of eating breakfast.

METHODS

There were 904 adolescents from 16 rural high schools, Minnesota, in the BreakFAST Study who reported eating breakfast fewer than 4 times per week at baseline. Schools were randomized to intervention (N = 8 schools) or delayed intervention (N = 8) condition. The intervention lasted 1 school year. Students completed an online survey of beliefs of barriers and benefits to eating breakfast at baseline and follow‐up. Summative scales were created. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression, accounting for clustering by school, was performed using SAS. Sex interaction was tested. Models tested the effect of the intervention on change in summative scales from baseline to follow ‐up.

RESULTS

Participants were 54% female, 69.1% white, 36.6% eligible for free or reduced‐price meals (FRM) and 13.1% of families received public assistance. The change in reported barriers was significantly different in intervention versus control schools (Net difference = 1.0, p = .03). There was no intervention effect of perceived benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

A school‐based policy and environmental change intervention can successfully reduce perceived barriers to eating school breakfast.
Exploring the Associations Among Nutrition, Science, and Mathematics Knowledge for an Integrative, Food‐Based Curriculum
Authors: Stage Virginia C. , Kolasa Kathryn M. , Díaz Sebastián R. , Duffrin Melani W.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Explore associations between nutrition, science, and mathematics knowledge to provide evidence that integrating food/nutrition education in the fourth‐grade curriculum may support gains in academic knowledge.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of a quasi‐experimental study. Sample included 438 students in 34 fourth‐grade classrooms across North Carolina and Ohio; mean age 10 years old; gender (I = 53.2% female; C = 51.6% female). Dependent variable = post‐test‐nutrition knowledge; independent variables = baseline‐nutrition knowledge, and post‐test science and mathematics knowledge. Analyses included descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

The hypothesized model predicted post‐nutrition knowledge (F(437) = 149.4, p < .001; Adjusted R = .51). All independent variables were significant predictors with positive association.

CONCLUSIONS

Science and mathematics knowledge were predictive of nutrition knowledge indicating use of an integrative science and mathematics curriculum to improve academic knowledge may also simultaneously improve nutrition knowledge among fourth‐grade students. Teachers can benefit from integration by meeting multiple academic standards, efficiently using limited classroom time, and increasing nutrition education provided in the classroom.
Why and How Schools Make Nutrition Education Programs “Work”
Authors: Porter Kathleen J. , Koch Pamela A. , Contento Isobel R.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

There are many potential health benefits to having nutrition education programs offered by expert outside sources in schools. However, little is known about why and how schools initiate, implement, and institutionalize them. Gaining this understanding may allow the impact and reach of nutrition and other health education programs in schools to be extended.

METHODS

A total of 22 school community members from 21 purposefully selected New York City public elementary schools were interviewed using a semistructured interview protocol about their schools' experiences initiating, implementing, and institutionalizing nutrition education programs. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Chronological narratives were written detailing each school's experience and passages highlighting key aspects of each school's experience were identified. These passages (N = 266) were sorted into domains and themes which were regrouped, resorted, and adjusted until all researchers agreed the domains and themes represented the collective experiences of the schools.

RESULTS

The interviews elicited 4 broad domains of action: building motivation, choosing programs, developing capacity, and legitimizing nutrition education. Within each domain, themes reflecting specific actions and thoughts emerged.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified domains of action and their themes highlight specific, practical actions that school health advocates can use to initiate, implement, and institutionalize nutrition education programs in schools.
Measuring School Functioning in Students With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tollit Michelle , Politis Jennifer , Knight Sarah
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

It is often surmised that school functioning is significantly impacted in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS); however, how this phenomenon manifests itself has rarely been characterized.

METHODS

This systematic review synthesized and critically appraised methods, constructs, and instruments used to assess school functioning in students with CFS. Searches were conducted in electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, ERIC, and PsycINFO) to locate empirical studies that measured school functioning in children and adolescents with CFS.

RESULTS

A total of 36 papers met the inclusion criteria. By far the most commonly reported school functioning construct measured related to school attendance. This was followed by academic functioning, achievement motivation, and educational services received. Little consistency was found in the measurement of these constructs across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The current review revealed that the school experiences of children and adolescents with CFS have rarely been characterized beyond school absenteeism. Improvements in current assessment methods are required to comprehensively understand the impact of CFS on school functioning. Completely understanding the multiple aspects of school functioning will help to inform targeted strategies to optimize educational outcomes for students with CFS.
Chronic Pain in the School Setting: The Teachers' Point of View
Authors: Solé Ester , Castarlenas Elena , Sánchez‐Rodríguez Elisabet , Galán Santiago , de la Vega Rocío , Jensen Mark P. , Miró Jordi
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to (1) examine the reactions of teachers and student teachers to children experiencing pain, (2) identify the most common challenges and potential resources that are associated to dealing with them, and (3) examine whether their responses differed as a function of their experience or sex.

METHODS

Forty teachers and 318 student teachers completed a survey which included descriptive information, a questionnaire that assesses different responses of participants to children who experience pain, and provides a list of problems and resources that participants might encounter and implement, respectively, when dealing with these children.

RESULTS

The study participants most often endorsed use of coping and health‐promoting responses. Experienced teachers endorsed solicitous responses significantly more often than student teachers. Women reported responding more with solicitous responses than men. Absenteeism and the negative effect of pain on the ability of students to engage in school activities were the most common pain‐related challenges mentioned by the study participants overall.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings emphasize (1) the need for developing guidelines to help teachers to help students experiencing chronic pain, and (2) the importance of including information about pediatric chronic pain in teachers training.
Echocardiographic Estimates of Right Ventricular Systolic Function in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Chapel E.H. , Scansen B.A. , Schober K.E. , Bonagura J.D.
Published: December 2017

Background

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction independently predicts outcomes in human myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). There is limited information regardingRVsystolic function in dogs withMMVD.

Hypothesis

Right ventricular systolic function differs among stages of disease, decreasing in decompensatedMMVD.

Animals

Thirty‐sixclient‐owned dogs withMMVDnot receiving oral cardiovascular medications.

Methods

Prospective clinical study. Dogs were categorized according to disease severity asACVIMStage B1, B2, or C. Seven echocardiographic indices ofRVsystolic function were measured. Groups were compared by 1‐wayANOVAand Tukey'sHSDtest. Frequencies of cases with cardiac remodeling falling outside previously established reference intervals were compared using Fisher's exact test. Intra‐ and interobserver measurement variability was calculated for eachRVfunction index.

Results

The indicesTAPSE(P= 0.029),RVStL(P= 0.012), andRVStRL(P= 0.041) were significantly different between groups. A greater proportion of B2 dogs (7 of 12) hadTAPSEvalues above reference intervals compared with B1 (2 of 12) or C (2 of 12) dogs (P= 0.027). Measurement variability ofTAPSE,RVS', andRVStGwas clinically acceptable.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Right ventricular systolic function differs between stages ofMMVD, increasing in stage B2, and declining in stage C. The prognostic importance ofRVfunction indices, particularlyTAPSE, might be worth evaluating in dogs withMMVD.
Search for sulfates on the surface of Ceres
Authors: Bu C. , Rodriguez Lopez G. , Dukes C. A. , Ruesch O. , McFadden L. A. , Li J.‐Y.
Published: December 2017

The formation of hydrated salts is an expected consequence of aqueous alteration of Main Belt objects, particularly for large, volatile‐rich protoplanets like Ceres. Sulfates, present on water‐bearing planetary bodies (e.g., Earth, Mars, and carbonaceous chondrite parent bodies) across the inner solar system, may contribute to Ceres’ UV and IR spectral signature along with phyllosilicates and carbonates. We investigate the presence and stability of hydrated sulfates under Ceres’ cryogenic, low‐pressure environment and the consequent spectral effects, using UV–Vis–IR reflectance spectroscopy. H2O loss begins instantaneously with vacuum exposure, measured by the attenuation of spectral water absorption bands, and a phase transition from crystalline to amorphous is observed for MgSO4·6H2O by X‐ray powder diffraction. Long‐term (>40 h), continuous exposure of MgSO4·nH2O (n = 0, 6, 7) to low pressure (10−3–10−6 Torr) causes material decomposition and strong UV absorption below 0.5 μm. Our measurements suggest that MgSO4·6H2O grains (45–83 μm) dehydrate to 2% of the original 1.9 μm water band area over ~0.3 Ma at 200 K on Ceres and after ~42 Ma for 147 K. These rates, inferred from an Avrami dehydration model, preclude MgSO4·6H2O as a component of Ceres’ surface, although anhydrous and minimally hydrated sulfates may be present. A comparison between Ceres emissivity spectra and laboratory reflectance measurements over the infrared range (5–17 μm) suggests sulfates cannot be excluded from Ceres’ mineralogy.
Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in the maxillofacial region detected by cone beam CT
Authors: Missias EM , Nascimento EHL , Pontual MLA , Pontual AA , Freitas DQ , Perez DEC , Ramos‐Perez FMM
Published: December 2017

Objective

To determine the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans with different fields of view (FOV) and to assess its relation with the clinical relevance of the CBCT findings.

Material and Methods

One thousand CBCT scans were grouped according to FOV's size and region scanned (MX‐FOV, maxilla; MD‐FOV, mandible; and MM‐FOV, maxilla/mandible) and evaluated for the presence of soft tissue calcifications. Laterality and length of the elongated styloid processes (ESP) were also assessed.

Results

Eight hundred and eighty‐two soft tissue calcifications were detected in 626 (62.6%) patients. MM‐FOV presented the highest prevalence (76.8%), followed by MD‐FOV (60.6%) and MX‐FOV (57.2%). ESP and tonsillolith were the most frequent calcifications. Calcifications requiring treatment or not and those in need of follow‐up accounted for 6.9%, 92.7%, and 0.3% of cases, respectively. There was no association between calcifications and subjects’ gender or age (p > .05). Most cases of ESP occurred bilaterally and were longer in males (p < .05).

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in CBCT, and ESP and tonsilloliths are the most common types in all evaluated FOVs. While most cases do not require treatment, we emphasize the importance of detailed CBCT assessment for its diagnosis.
Allele exchange at the EPSPS locus confers glyphosate tolerance in cassava
Authors: Hummel Aaron W. , Chauhan Raj Deepika , Cermak Tomas , Mutka Andrew M. , Vijayaraghavan Anupama , Boyher Adam , Starker Colby G. , Bart Rebecca , Voytas Daniel F. , Taylor Nigel J.
Published: December 2017

Effective weed control can protect yields of cassava (Manihot esculenta) storage roots. Farmers could benefit from using herbicide with a tolerant cultivar. We applied traditional transgenesis and gene editing to generate robust glyphosate tolerance in cassava. By comparing promoters regulating expression of transformed 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS) genes with various paired amino acid substitutions, we found that strong constitutive expression is required to achieve glyphosate tolerance during in vitro selection and in whole cassava plants. Using strategies that exploit homologous recombination (HR) and nonhomologous end‐joining (NHEJ) DNA repair pathways, we precisely introduced the best‐performing allele into the cassava genome, simultaneously creating a promoter swap and dual amino acid substitutions at the endogenous EPSPS locus. Primary EPSPS‐edited plants were phenotypically normal, tolerant to high doses of glyphosate, with some free of detectable T‐DNA integrations. Our methods demonstrate an editing strategy for creating glyphosate tolerance in crop plants and demonstrate the potential of gene editing for further improvement of cassava.
Plant‐expressed Fc‐fusion protein tetravalent dengue vaccine with inherent adjuvant properties
Authors: Kim Mi Young , Copland Alastair , Nayak Kaustuv , Chandele Anmol , Ahmed Muhammad S. , Zhang Qibo , Diogo Gil R. , Paul Matthew J. , Hofmann Sven , Yang Moon‐Sik , Jang Yong‐Suk , Ma Julian K‐C. , Reljic Rajko
Published: December 2017

Dengue is a major global disease requiring improved treatment and prevention strategies. The recently licensed Sanofi Pasteur Dengvaxia vaccine does not protect children under the age of nine, and additional vaccine strategies are thus needed to halt this expanding global epidemic. Here, we employed a molecular engineering approach and plant expression to produce a humanized and highly immunogenic poly‐immunoglobulin G scaffold (PIGS) fused to the consensus dengue envelope protein III domain (cEDIII). The immunogenicity of this IgG Fc receptor‐targeted vaccine candidate was demonstrated in transgenic mice expressing human FcγRI/CD64, by induction of neutralizing antibodies and evidence of cell‐mediated immunity. Furthermore, these molecules were able to prime immune cells from human adenoid/tonsillar tissue ex vivo as evidenced by antigen‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell proliferation, IFN‐γ and antibody production. The purified polymeric fraction of dengue PIGS (D‐PIGS) induced stronger immune activation than the monomeric form, suggesting a more efficient interaction with the low‐affinity Fcγ receptors on antigen‐presenting cells. These results show that the plant‐expressed D‐PIGS have the potential for translation towards a safe and easily scalable single antigen‐based tetravalent dengue vaccine.
A histopathological classification system of Tyr::NRASQ61Kmurine melanocytic lesions: A reproducible simplified classification
Authors: Sohier Pierre , Legrand Léa , Aktary Zackie , Grill Christine , Delmas Véronique , Bernex Florence , Reyes‐Gomez Edouard , Larue Lionel , Vergier Béatrice
Published: December 2017

Genetically engineered mouse models offer essential opportunities to investigate the mechanisms of initiation and progression in melanoma. Here, we report a new simplified histopathology classification of mouse melanocytic lesions in Tyr::NRASQ61Kderived models, using an interactive decision tree that produces homogeneous categories. Reproducibility for this classification system was evaluated on a panel of representative cases of murine melanocytic lesions by pathologists and basic scientists. Reproducibility, measured as inter‐rater agreement between evaluators using a modified Fleiss’kappastatistic, revealed a very good agreement between observers. Should this new simplified classification be adopted, it would create a robust system of communication between researchers in the field of mouse melanoma models.
Geometry, distribution and fill of erosional scours in a heterolithic, distal lower shoreface sandstone reservoir analogue: Grassy Member, Blackhawk Formation, Book Cliffs, Utah,USA
Authors: Onyenanu God'spower I. , Jacquemyn Carl E. M. M. , Graham Gavin H. , Hampson Gary J. , Fitch Peter J. R. , Jackson Matthew D.
Published: December 2017

Many shoreface sandstone reservoirs host significant hydrocarbon volumes within distal intervals of interbedded sandstones and mudstones. Hydrocarbon production from these reservoir intervals depends on the abundance and proportion of sandstone beds that are connected by erosional scours, and on the lateral extent and continuity of interbedded mudstones. Cliff‐face exposures of the Campanian ‘G2’ parasequence, Grassy Member, Blackhawk Formation in the Book Cliffs of east‐central Utah,USA, allow detailed characterization of 128 erosional scours within such interbedded sandstones and mudstones in a volume of 148 m length, 94 m width and 15 m height. The erosional scours have depths of up to 1·1 m, apparent widths of up to 15·1 m and steep sides (up to 35°) that strike approximately perpendicular (N099 ± 36°) to the local north–south palaeoshoreline trend. The scours have limited lateral continuity along strike and down dip, and a relatively narrow range of apparent aspect ratio (apparent width/depth), implying that their three‐dimensional geometry is similar to non‐channelized pot casts. There is no systematic variation in scour dimensions, but ‘scour density’ is greater in amalgamated (conjoined) sandstone beds over 0·5 m thick, and increases upward within vertical successions of upward‐thickening conjoined sandstone beds. There is no apparent organization of the overall lateral distribution of scours, although localized clustering implies that some scours were re‐occupied during multiple erosional events. Scour occurrence is also associated with locally increased amplitude and laminaset thickness of hummocky cross‐stratification in sandstone beds. The geometry, distribution and infill character of the scours imply that they were formed by storm‐generated currents coincident with riverine sediment influx (‘storm floods’). The erosional scours increase the vertical and lateral connectivity of conjoined sandstone beds in the upper part of upward‐thickening sandstone bed successions, resulting in increased effective vertical and horizontal permeability of such intervals.
Mesozoic and Cenozoic thermal history of the Western Reguibat Shield (West African Craton)
Authors: Gouiza Mohamed , Bertotti Giovanni , Andriessen Paul A. M.
Published: December 2017

Using low‐temperature thermochronology on apatite and zircon crystals, we show that the western Reguibat Shield, located in the northern part of the West African Craton, experienced significant cooling and heating events between Jurassic and present times. The obtained apatite fission track ages range between 49 and 102 Ma with mean track lengths varying between 11.6 and 13.3 μm and Dpar values between 1.69 and 3.08 μm. Zircon fission track analysis yielded two ages of 159 and 118 Ma. Apatite (U–Th)/He uncorrected single‐grain ages range between 76 and 95 Ma. Thermal inverse modelling indicates that the Reguibat Shield was exhumed during the Early Cretaceous, Late Cretaceous, Palaeocene–Eocene and Quaternary. These exhumation events were coeval with regional tectonic and geodynamic events, and were probably driven by a combined effect of plate tectonics and mantle dynamics.
Intensive and extensive margins of exports: What can India learn from China?
Authors: Veeramani Choorikkad , Aerath Lakshmi , Gupta Prachi
Published: December 2017

We decompose India's export performance in manufactured products during 2000–15 into changes at the intensive and extensive margins. India's performance, along different margins, is compared and contrasted with that of China. The results show that while China outperforms India at both the margins, the gap is particularly wide at the intensive margin. Decomposition of intensive margin along quantity and price margins shows that Chinese products are generally sold cheaper than Indian products. Higher price margin, however, has not translated into high intensive margin for India due to its abysmally low quantity margin. We examine different explanations for China's superior performance relative to India, along different margins, using a gravity model. Our results suggest that China's exchange rate policy was not the prime reason for its export success. Neither do we find that FDI inflows were significant in explaining the export performance gap between them. The results show that China's export relationship bias towards high‐income partner countries holds the key in understanding its superior performance. This bias is a natural consequence of China's high degree of specialization in labor‐intensive activities. India, by contrast, due to an idiosyncratic pattern of specialisation, has failed to exploit its export potential in high income countries.
EGGSHELL COATED GREY CAST IRON FOR CORROSION APPLICATIONS
Authors: Abu Bakar Tuty Asma , Rosly Muhammad Fadzli , Mohamad Jafar Nur Syairahtul Ain
Published: December 2017

In many years, corrosion has been such issues for carbon steel. Eggshell waste is believed to be a potential coating material for carbon steel in many applications. This paper introducing the use of eggshell waste which contents a source of calcium carbonate as corrosion prevention coating material on the grey cast iron by utilizing electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method. Eggshell consisted of 94-95 % of calcium carbonate in the form of calcite and others. Thus, calcium carbonate precipitation can serve as naturally formed coating on the cast iron pipe and prevent diffusion of oxygen that can direct to corrosion. Besides, this method will also prevent the lengthy and complex corrosion control piping system. In this study, the eggshell has been successfully coated on the grey cast iron substrate with optimum condition of 80 V for 1 minute deposition time at the sintering temperature of 600°C. From the preliminary work, thin and uniform coating thickness were produced at 1 minute deposition time and moderate voltage values of 60 – 80V.
OXIDATIVE TORREFACTION FOR PULVERIZED PALM BIOMASS USING AIR
Authors: Adnan Mohamad Aiman , Mohd Fuad Muhammad Ariff Hanaffi , Hasan Mohd Faizal
Published: December 2017

Torrefaction is one of the promising ways to utilize abundant amount of empty fruit bunch (EFB) and palm kernel shell (PKS) while upgrading the combustion properties of both types of palm biomass. However, the supply of costly inert gas during torrefaction process such as nitrogen in large industrial sector may not be economical. Therefore, in the present study, air is used instead of nitrogen for the torrefaction process. The EFB and PKS were torrefied separately in a 60 mm diameter and 300 mm length of horizontal tubular reactor under various temperatures of 150°C to 190°C and 210°C to 250°C, respectively for 30 minutes using air. The torrefaction with nitrogen was also performed for comparison purpose. At the respective maximum temperature, energy yields of the torrefied EFB for the case of oxidative (air) torrefaction and nitrogen torrefaction are around 95% and 88%, respectively while energy yields of PKS for the case of oxidative(air) and nitrogen torrefaction are around 69% and 83%, respectively due to the weight loss after removal of volatile matter during torrefaction process. Besides that, the calorific values are enhanced after being torrefied with air (mere 4% for EFB and 18% for PKS when the respective maximum temperature was used).
SIMULATION ANALYSIS OF SPARK IGNITION ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE
Authors: Khairuddin Muhammad Hariz , Shamsul Bahri Muhammad Fitri , Dahlan Afiq Aiman , Mohammad Mahadhir , Muhamad Said Mohd Farid
Published: December 2017

Intake manifold system is one of the important component in the engine system which functions to evenly distribute the air flows into every cylinder of the engine. With the restricted air intake rule regulation, the intake air system for a car must be properly design in order to minimize the performance dropped caused by the restrictor. The paper presents the study on the effects of intake design parameter towards the performance of the engine and then improves the performance of previous intake manifold system. This study starts with the development of Honda CBR 600RR engine model and intake manifold system model using GT-Power engine simulation software to be used for the simulation purposes. After developing the reference engine model, the parametric study was carried out to study the effect of the intake manifold parameter design on the engine performance. The optimization process was then performed to achieve the target of improvement which has already been set prior to performing the optimization. The final results show an increase up to 4.83% and 4.45% of torque and air flow rate respectively at the desired operating range of engine speed.
SIMULATION OF AUTOMOTIVE EXHAUST MUFFLER FOR TAIL PIPE NOISE REDUCTION
Authors: Mohammad Mahadhir , Buang Megat Muhammad Asyraf , Dahlan Afiq Aiman , Khairuddin Muhammad Hariz , Muhamad Said Mohd Farid
Published: December 2017

Automotive muffler is a component used to reduce the noise of high pressure exhaust gases that are produced from the internal combustion engine. The main objective of this study is to analyse the effect of the muffler parameter to the sound pressure level (SPL) at the tail pipe noise using GT-Power simulation software. The muffler runs with a Proton Iriz engine model at engine speed from 1000 RPM to 6000 RPM at full load condition. The parameter of each muffler model was compared to determine the most suitable model to reduce the noise at tail pipe with lower backpressure difference. The results obtained was compared with those from previous research as a means of benchmarking. The muffler model should not produce a backpressure difference of more than 5% from the benchmark systems. It is found that the most suitable model in reducing the tail pipe noises is Model B, which manage to reduce the noise by 3.07% (average) of the sound pressure level with backpressure difference of 0.35% only by only reducing the perforates number and shorten the perforates length.
SIMULATION OF INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVE TIMING ON INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
Authors: Dahlan Afiq Aiman , Shahrafi Mohamad , Muhamad Said Mohd Farid
Published: December 2017

Internal combustion engine in automotive industry is widely researched to increase its efficiency and power output. Valve system in modern internal combustion engine control the opening and closing timing of intake and exhaust stroke. Its duration affects the performance of the engine at both power output and fuel efficiency. Therefore, this study discusses about the Miller cycle concept that alter the duration of both intake and exhaust valve opening and closing characteristics. The study focusses mainly on finding the optimum timing characteristics on Proton Iriz gasoline engine. A 1-dimensional model has been built using a commercial software called GT-POWER for engine simulation purpose. The engine is then calibrated with the simulation model. The optimization was run in this software to find the best optimum timing of intake and exhaust valve for two categories which are targeting performance and fuel consumption. The results show positive trends in the BSFC results with the maximum percentage difference of 26.27% at 6,250 rpm. The average percentage difference in the BSFC results is 14.12%. For targeting performance, the overall results show an increasing trend in the brake torque curves with maximum percentage difference is 9.83%. The average percentage difference in brake torque is found to be 3.12%. Therefore, this paper concludes that Miller cycle implementation give minimal performance increment. The targeting performance and fuel consumption optimization can also be implement for changing mode of driving. However, the increase compression ratio would also give adverse effects on engine performance and endurance. The Miller cycle is also more suitable to be implement on force induction system.
TRIBOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF PALM KERNEL OIL ADDED WITH NANOPARTICLE COPPER OXIDE USING FOURBALL TRIBOTESTER
Authors: Zulhanafi P. , S. Syahrullail, , Faridzuan M. M.
Published: December 2017

The remaining base stock of mineral oil resources is drawing attention to the researchers all over the world as the technology development is keep increasing over the years. Researchers also keep trying to figure out this issue by diverting the attention to other resources such as vegetable oil. This study is focusing on using palm oil based as lubricant with addition of nanoparticles copper oxide to improve the tribological behavior. There are 3 types of lubricant being used in this study which are mineral based engine oil (SAE 40), palm kernel oil (PKO) and palm kernel oil added with nanoparticle copper oxide (PKO+CuO). Fourball tribotester machine was used and the experiment was conducted by following the ASTM D4172 standard. The result analysis was focusing on coefficient of friction, wear scar diameter, surface roughness as well as wear worn observation. It was found that, PKO+CuO exhibited 20.12% and 8.73% lower coefficient of friction compared to SAE 40 and PKO respectively. However, PKO+CuO represented 10.13% and 1.74% higher wear scar diameter compared to SAE 40 and PKO respectively. The physical appearances of wear worn were observed and further discussed in this present study.
EFFECTS OF HELICOPTER HORIZONTAL TAIL CONFIGURATIONS ON AERODYNAMIC DRAG CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: Ishak Iskandar Shah , Mougamadou Zabaroulla Muhammad Fitri
Published: December 2017

Experimental aerodynamic investigations remain the subject of interest in rotorcraft community since the flow around the helicopter is dominated by complex aerodynamics and flow interaction phenomena. The objective of this study is to determine the aerodynamic drag characteristics of helicopter horizontal tail by conducting wind tunnel tests. To fulfil the objective, three of the most common helicopter horizontal tail configurations namely Forward Stabilizer, Low-aft Stabilizer and T-tail Stabilizer, were fabricated as a simplified scaled-down wind tunnel model mated with a standard ellipsoidal fuselage. The test wind speed for this experimental work was 30 m/s, determined from Reynolds sweep, which was corresponding to Reynolds number of 2.8 x 105. Wind tunnel tests were performed at variations angle of attack ranging from -15O to 15O with 5O interval. The results tell that at zero yaw and zero pitch angles, Forward Stabilizer contributed the least drag coefficient at 0.277 implying the configuration could be the best for cruising flight segment. Contrarily to T-tail Stabilizer, this configuration contributed the most drag coefficient at 0.303, which was 9% higher than the former. The T-tail Stabilizer was also found to be the most sensitive to the change of angle of attack where the drag was drastically increased up to 131.35% at -15O angle of attack compares to at zero angle of attack. These findings had successfully testified that the type of stabilizer configuration does significantly influencing the aerodynamic drag characteristics of helicopter. Subsequently, the selection of stabilizer must wisely be done to have the best aerodynamic efficiency and performance for the helicopter.
Urine lipoarabinomannan glycan in HIV-negative patients with pulmonary tuberculosis correlates with disease severity
Authors: Paris Luisa , Magni Ruben , Zaidi Fatima , Araujo Robyn , Saini Neal , Harpole Michael , Coronel Jorge , Kirwan Daniela E. , Steinberg Hannah , Gilman Robert H. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Nisini Roberto , Luchini Alessandra , Liotta Lance
Published: December 2017

The
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
–specific antigen lipoarabinomannan measured in the urine of HIV-negative, pulmonary TB-infected patients correlates with disease severity.
Targeted apoptosis of myofibroblasts with the BH3 mimetic ABT-263 reverses established fibrosis
Authors: Lagares David , Santos Alba , Grasberger Paula E. , Liu Fei , Probst Clemens K. , Rahimi Rod A. , Sakai Norihiko , Kuehl Tobias , Ryan Jeremy , Bhola Patrick , Montero Joan , Kapoor Mohit , Baron Murray , Varelas Xaralabos , Tschumperlin Daniel J. , Letai Anthony , Tager Andrew M.
Published: December 2017

ABT-263 blocks BCL-X
L
to induce apoptosis in human dermal fibroblasts from patients with scleroderma and in myofibroblasts in mice, reversing dermal fibrosis.
Novel ITS1 Fungal Primers for Characterization of the Mycobiome
Authors: Usyk Mykhaylo , Zolnik Christine P. , Patel Hitesh , Levi Michael H. , Burk Robert D.
Published: December 2017

The mycobiome constitutes all the fungal organisms within an environment or biological niche. The fungi are eukaryotes, are extremely heterogeneous, and include yeasts and molds that colonize humans as part of the microbiome. In addition, fungi can also infect humans and cause disease. Characterization of the bacterial component of the microbiome was revolutionized by 16S rRNA gene fragment amplification, next-generation sequencing technologies, and bioinformatics pipelines. Characterization of the mycobiome has often not been included in microbiome studies because of limitations in amplification systems. This report revisited the selection of PCR primers that amplify the fungal ITS1 region. We have identified primers with superior identification of fungi present in the database. We have compared the new primer sets against those previously used in the literature and show a significant improvement in read count and taxon identification. These primers should facilitate the study of fungi in human physiology and disease states.