bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting Physical Activity Using the Internet: Is It Feasible and Acceptable for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Bronchiectasis?
Authors: Liacos Athina , Burge Angela T. , Cox Narelle S. , Holland Anne E.
Published: September 2017

Older people with chronic lung diseases and with low physical activity participation rates are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a purpose-designed Internet-based program (ActivOnline) to monitor and encourage exercise and physical activity. Twelve participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or bronchiectasis were recruited (54–84 years). Primary outcome measures were feasibility measured by frequency of program access, and acceptability measured by semistructured interview, system usability scores, and participant perception of benefit. The results suggest regular participation in physical activity and exercise during the 8-week study period and high usability scores (mean = 90% ± 9%). Major themes were the importance of regular exercise and how sustained lifestyle changes were essential to be physically active, regular contact with clinicians assisted with motivation, and aspects of ActivOnline facilitated individual behavior change and confidence to continue exercising. Most participants (82%) reported a benefit from using ActivOnline, and 55% wished to remain on the program indefinitely.
Subsymptomatic Aerobic Exercise for Patients With Postconcussion Syndrome: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Ritter Katrina G. , Hussey Matthew J. , Valovich McLeod Tamara C.
Published: September 2017

Clinical Scenario:Patients who experience prolonged concussion symptoms can be diagnosed with postconcussion syndrome (PCS) when those symptoms persist longer than 4 weeks. Aerobic exercise protocols have been shown to be effective in improving physical and mental aspects of health. Emerging research suggests that aerobic exercise may be useful as a treatment for PCS, where exercise allows patients to feel less isolated and more active during the recovery process.Clinical Question:Is aerobic exercise more beneficial in reducing symptoms than current standard care in patients with prolonged symptoms or PCS lasting longer than 4 weeks?Summary of Key Findings:After a thorough literature search, 4 studies relevant to the clinical question were selected. Of the 4 studies, 1 study was a randomized control trial and 3 studies were case series. All 4 studies investigated aerobic exercise protocol as treatment for PCS. Three studies demonstrated a greater rate of symptom improvement from baseline assessment to follow-up after a controlled subsymptomatic aerobic exercise program. One study showed a decrease in symptoms in the aerobic exercise group compared with the full-body stretching group.Clinical Bottom Line:There is moderate evidence to support subsymptomatic aerobic exercise as a treatment of PCS; therefore, it should be considered as a clinical option for reducing PCS and prolonged concussion symptoms. A previously validated protocol, such as the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill test, Balke protocol, or rating of perceived exertion, as mentioned in this critically appraised topic, should be used to measure baseline values and treatment progression.Strength of Recommendation:Level C evidence exists that the aerobic exercise protocol is more effective than the current standard of care in treating PCS.
The Effect of Fibular Reposition Taping on Postural Control in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Jackson Bradley C. , Medina Robert T. , Clines Stephanie H. , Cavallario Julie M. , Hoch Matthew C.
Published: September 2017

Clinical Scenario: History of acute ankle sprains can result in chronic ankle instability (CAI). Arthrokinematic changes resulting from CAI may restrict range of motion and contribute to postural control deficits. Mulligan or fibular reposition taping (FRT) has been suggested as a means to realign fibular positional faults and may be an effective way to improve postural control and balance in patients with CAI. Clinical Question: Is there evidence to suggest that FRT will improve postural control for patients with CAI in the affected limb compared with no taping? Summary of Key Findings: Three of the 4 included studies found no significant difference in postural control in patients receiving FRT compared with sham or no tape. Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate evidence refuting the use of FRT to improve postural control in patients with CAI. Strength of Recommendation: There is grade B evidence to support that FRT does not improve postural control in people with CAI.
The Effects of Early Physical Activity Compared to Early Physical Rest on Concussion Symptoms
Authors: Lempke Landon , Jaffri Abbis , Erdman Nicholas
Published: September 2017

Clinical Scenario:Currently, rest following concussion serves as the keystone of concussion treatment, but substantial evidence to support it is lacking. Recent literature suggests that early physical activity may be beneficial in reducing concussion symptoms which may influence clinical recovery time.Clinical Question:Does early physical activity decrease postconcussion symptoms compared to physical rest following concussion?Summary of Key Findings:A total of 5 articles were included that examined symptom duration changes at multiple time points. All 5 studies utilized follow-up time points compared to initial examination, but there was variance in the specific time points reported. Two studies employed control groups and compared strict or recommended rest to early activity or limited rest. Three studies were observational studies that directly compared baseline measurements to follow-up assessments.Clinical Bottom Line:Current evidence suggests that early physical activity in the acute phase following a concussion may decrease the time needed for symptom resolution compared to immediate rest.Strength of Recommendation:Using Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 level 3 evidence and higher, the results suggest that early physical activity during the acute phase of a concussion may decrease symptom duration; however, a lack of high-quality studies and inconsistent interventions are limitations to this recommendation.
Human pluripotent stem cell–derived erythropoietin-producing cells ameliorate renal anemia in mice
Authors: Hitomi Hirofumi , Kasahara Tomoko , Katagiri Naoko , Hoshina Azusa , Mae Shin-Ichi , Kotaka Maki , Toyohara Takafumi , Rahman Asadur , Nakano Daisuke , Niwa Akira , Saito Megumu K. , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Nishiyama Akira , Osafune Kenji
Published: September 2017

iPSC-derived cells can secrete functional erythropoietin in a physiological manner and ameliorate renal anemia in a mouse model.
A game of thrones and broken bones
Authors: Jewell Christopher M.
Published: September 2017

Repair of cranial bone trauma with degradable magnesium implants could reduce complications and eliminate the need for implant removal.
Genomics are CReePing up on inflammation in PTSD
Authors: Michopoulos Vasiliki
Published: September 2017

Posttraumatic stress disorder is linked to increased blood and genetic and epigenetic markers of C-reactive protein.
Foe becomes friend as Zika joins the fight against cancer
Authors: Venere Monica
Published: September 2017

Zika virus preferentially targets cancer stem cells in glioblastoma, resulting in reduced tumor growth.
Bacterial Whack-a-Mole: Reconsidering the Public Health Relevance of Using Carbadox in Food Animals
Authors: Price Lance B.
Published: September 2017

Carbadox is an antibiotic used to control dysentery and promote growth in swine in the United States; however, the drug also causes tumors and birth defects in laboratory animals. Despite this and because the drug has no analogs in human medicine, it is not considered “medically important” and can be used in livestock without veterinarian oversight. In their recent study, T. A. Johnson et al. (mBio 8:e00709-17, 2017,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00709-17
) demonstrated that carbadox has profound effects on the swine gut microbiome, including the induction of transducing phage carrying tetracycline, aminoglycoside, and beta-lactam resistance genes. In swine production, carbadox can be used in conjunction with other antibiotics (e.g., oxytetracycline) that could fuel the emergence of strains carrying phage-encoded resistance determinants. Johnson et al.’s findings underscore the potential unforeseen consequences of using antibiotics in livestock production and call into question our current methods for classifying whether or not a veterinary drug has relevance to human health.
The Induction of Oxalate Metabolism
In Vivo
Is More Effective with Functional Microbial Communities than with Functional Microbial Species
Authors: Miller Aaron W. , Dale Colin , Dearing M. Denise
Published: September 2017

Oxalate is a central component in 80% of kidney stones. While mammals do not possess the enzymes to degrade oxalate, many gastrointestinal bacteria are efficient oxalate degraders. We examined the role of cohesive microbial networks for oxalate metabolism, using Sprague-Dawley rats as a model host. While the transplantation of oxalate-degrading bacteria alone to the Sprague-Dawley hosts did increase oxalate metabolism, fecal transplants from a wild mammalian herbivore,
Neotoma albigula
, had a significantly greater effect. Furthermore, the boost for oxalate metabolism persisted only in animals that received fecal transplants. Animals receiving fecal transplants had a more diverse and cohesive network of bacteria associated with the
Oxalobacteraceae
, a family known to consist of specialist oxalate-degrading bacteria, than did animals that received oxalate-degrading bacteria alone. Our results indicate that fecal transplants are more effective at transferring specific functions than are microbial specialists alone, which has broad implications for the development of bacteriotherapies.
Clinical characteristics of antimitochondrial antibody-positive patients at a safety net health care system in Arizona
Authors: Tan Susanna , Ayutyanont Napatkamon , Bhattarai Bikash , Movahedi Zohreh , Jayaram Lakshmi , Gish Robert , Nadir Abdul
Published: September 2017

Background and aims

To assess whether aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels can predict the diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) or any other diagnoses and whether PBC occurs either simultaneously or independently of other liver diseases among antimitochondrial antibody (AMA)-positive patients.

Methods

Demographic and clinical variables were assessed in 90 AMA-positive patients with and without liver biopsies. These patients were further categorised as having a diagnosis of PBC, overlap syndrome or ‘not established with a diagnosis of PBC’. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine the thresholds of liver enzymes that predict these three diagnoses.

Results

The 48 patients with liver biopsies were more frequently female and had significantly higher AP levels compared with the non-liver biopsy group. Based on liver biopsy findings, 12, 12 and 22 patients were assigned a diagnosis of PBC, overlap syndrome with autoimmune hepatitis and PBC and ‘not established diagnosis of PBC’, respectively. Seven of 12 patients classified as PBC had AP level of ˂200 IU. AST, ALT and AP levels were significant predictors of a diagnosis of overlap syndrome compared with the rest of the patients; however, these tests were not discriminatory between diagnoses of PBC and ‘not established with PBC’. Findings of fatty liver and bile duct injury on liver biopsies were not significantly associated with any liver test pattern.

Conclusions

As the liver test pattern did not correlate with the liver biopsy findings of PBC or other non-PBC diagnoses in AMA-positive patients at risk for other disease, a liver biopsy and/or non-invasive liver assessment along with serum liver tests should be interpreted to complete liver evaluation.
Sex practices and awareness of Ebola virus disease among male survivors and their partners in Guinea
Authors: Kondé Mandy Kader , Diop Moustapha Keita , Curtis Marie Yvonne, , Barry Abdoulaye , Kouyaté Saidou , Ghilardi Ludovica , Kouyaté Sékou , Diallo Aissatou Malal , Magassouba N’faly , Quick Isadora , Keïta Mory , Carroll Miles W , Jansa Josep , Subissi Lorenzo
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Towards the end of the 2013–2016 West African outbreak, sexually-transmitted Ebola virus re-emerged from Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors in all three hardest hit countries. We explore sex practices and awareness of the risk of Ebola virus transmission among EVD survivors and their partners.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we recruited a convenience sample of study participants aged >15 years who were male EVD survivors, their sexual partners and a comparison group. We administered a questionnaire to all respondents, estimated self-reported sexual practices and risk awareness and conducted in-depth interviews.

Results

We recruited 234 EVD survivors, 256 sexual partners of survivors and 65 individuals in the comparison group from five prefectures in Guinea. The prevalence of safe sexual behaviour (regular condom use or sexual abstinence >12 months) and regular condom use in EVD survivors was 38% (95% CI 31% to 44%) and 21% (95% CI 16% to 27%), respectively. Among partners, these prevalences were lower (11%, 95% CI 7% to 15% and 9%, 95% CI 5% to 12%, respectively). EVD survivors were more than five times as likely to engage in safe sexual behaviour compared with the comparison group (aOR 5.59, 95% CI 2.36 to 13.2). One-hundred and thirty one EVD survivors (57%) and 94 partners (37%) were aware of the risk of Ebola virus re-emergence associated with having unsafe sex. Partners who reported not being informed by their husband/boyfriend (EVD survivor) were more likely to be unaware of this risk (aOR 20.5, 95% CI 8.92 to 47.4).

Conclusions

We disclose here a need to improve knowledge of the disease and close the gap between knowledge and practice found in EVD survivors and their partners. Current and future survivors’ follow-up programmes should include partners and be more effective at communicating sex-related risks. Community-level fears and attitudes that enable stigmatisation should be addressed. Safe sex interventions targeting EVD survivors and their partners should be prioritised.
Initial assessment of device mechanism of action and patient acceptance of a novel medical device: feasibility study of vaginal bowel control therapy for the treatment of faecal incontinence
Authors: Sokol Eric R
Published: September 2017

Background

Successful development of a novel medical device requires an early understanding of anatomical feasibility and acceptance by both patient and clinician. In the absence of acceptable artificial anatomical test models, short-term evaluation with controlled observation in a small number of patients can be pursued to demonstrate initial feasibility. The vaginal bowel control (VBC) system, a non-surgical device for faecal incontinence (FI), is difficult to evaluate in artificial models. In-person usage was required to understand the potential for a vaginal insert to provide comfortable, dynamic rectal occlusion.

Methods

This prospective, open-label study was conducted at a single urogynaecology practice at an academic medical centre with 13 female subjects ≥18 years with self-reported FI. The VBC therapy consists of a vaginal insert and pressure-regulated pump. The vaginal insert includes a balloon that, when inflated, creates an occlusion of the rectum. Subjects’ FI symptoms were collected in a baseline questionnaire. The investigator fitted subjects with multiple sizes of VBC inserts and evaluated the fit, position and degree of rectal occlusion. Subject comfort levels were assessed throughout the fitting process with a verbal response and on a subject questionnaire using a 10-point scale (1=no discomfort, 10=extremely uncomfortable). The insert was returned at the end of the study visit.

Results

The majority of the rectum was occluded in 77% of patients. Furthermore, comfort scores during insertion (2.1±2.0), inflation (3.3±2.6) and ambulation (2.6±2.0) states indicated minor discomfort with 42% of women indicating no discomfort in any states. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Pilot evaluation of an early VBC system design and its delivery during a single study visit provided evidence for effectiveness, patient comfort and ease of use of a novel VBC for FI in women. This first-in-woman study confirmed feasibility of VBC and informed continued product development and subsequent clinical research.
Suitability of a three-dimensional model to measure empathy and its relationship with social and normative adjustment in Spanish adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Herrera-López Mauricio , Gómez-Ortiz Olga , Ortega-Ruiz Rosario , Jolliffe Darrick , Romera Eva M.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

(1) To examine the psychometric properties of the Basic Empathy Scale (BES) with Spanish adolescents, comparing a two and a three-dimensional structure;(2) To analyse the relationship between the three-dimensional empathy and social and normative adjustment in school.

Design

Transversal and ex post facto retrospective study. Confirmatory factorial analysis, multifactorial invariance analysis and structural equations models were used.

Participants

747 students (51.3% girls) from Cordoba, Spain, aged 12–17 years (M=13.8; SD=1.21).

Results

The original two-dimensional structure was confirmed (cognitive empathy, affective empathy), but a three-dimensional structure showed better psychometric properties, highlighting the good fit found in confirmatory factorial analysis and adequate internal consistent valued, measured with Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega. Composite reliability and average variance extracted showed better indices for a three-factor model. The research also showed evidence of measurement invariance across gender. All the factors of the final three-dimensional BES model were direct and significantly associated with social and normative adjustment, being most strongly related to cognitive empathy.

Conclusions

This research supports the advances in neuroscience, developmental psychology and psychopathology through a three-dimensional version of the BES, which represents an improvement in the original two-factorial model. The organisation of empathy in three factors benefits the understanding of social and normative adjustment in adolescents, in which emotional disengagement favours adjusted peer relationships. Psychoeducational interventions aimed at improving the quality of social life in schools should target these components of empathy.
When is a randomised controlled trial health equity relevant? Development and validation of a conceptual framework
Authors: Jull J , Whitehead M , Petticrew M , Kristjansson E , Gough D , Petkovic J , Volmink J , Weijer C , Taljaard M , Edwards S , Mbuagbaw L , Cookson R , McGowan J , Lyddiatt A , Boyer Y , Cuervo L G , Armstrong R , White H , Yoganathan M , Pantoja T , Shea B , Pottie K , Norheim O , Baird S , Robberstad B , Sommerfelt H , Asada Y , Wells G , Tugwell P , Welch V
Published: September 2017

Background

Randomised controlled trials can provide evidence relevant to assessing the equity impact of an intervention, but such information is often poorly reported. We describe a conceptual framework to identify health equity-relevant randomised trials with the aim of improving the design and reporting of such trials.

Methods

An interdisciplinary and international research team engaged in an iterative consensus building process to develop and refine the conceptual framework via face-to-face meetings, teleconferences and email correspondence, including findings from a validation exercise whereby two independent reviewers used the emerging framework to classify a sample of randomised trials.

Results

A randomised trial can usefully be classified as ‘health equity relevant’ if it assesses the effects of an intervention on the health or its determinants of either individuals or a population who experience ill health due to disadvantage defined across one or more social determinants of health. Health equity-relevant randomised trials can either exclusively focus on a single population or collect data potentially useful for assessing differential effects of the intervention across multiple populations experiencing different levels or types of social disadvantage. Trials that are not classified as ‘health equity relevant’ may nevertheless provide information that is indirectly relevant to assessing equity impact, including information about individual level variation unrelated to social disadvantage and potentially useful in secondary modelling studies.

Conclusion

The conceptual framework may be used to design and report randomised trials. The framework could also be used for other study designs to contribute to the evidence base for improved health equity.
Prevalence of and factors associated with adopting bone health promoting behaviours among people with osteoporosis in Taiwan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Po-Han , Lin Ming-Shyan , Huang Tung-Jung , Chen Mei-Yen
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To detect osteopenia, osteoporosis, treatments received and bone health promoting behaviours early among postmenopausal women and elderly men, and to explore the associated factors.

Design

A community-based cross-sectional study.

Settings

Two rural townships in Yunlin County, Taiwan.

Participants

A total of 941 adults including 651 postmenopausal women and 290 elderly men aged >65 years.

Outcome measures

Bone mineral density was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Adults with a T-score <−1.0 for bone mineral density were classified as having osteopenia, and those with a T-score <−2.5 as having osteoporosis. The main outcome measures were prevalence of osteopenia, osteoporosis, receiving medication and bone health promoting behaviours. A logistic regression model was used to analyse the factors associated with adopting bone health promoting behaviours.

Results

Across both genders, 63.7% of participants were identified as having osteopenia (46.9%) or osteoporosis (16.8%). A high proportion of participants reported never or seldom performing regular exercise, or having sunlight exposure, a diet containing calcium/vitamin D or taking medications/supplements for bone health. Although 34.8% reported taking supplements, 92.4% were inadequate. The logistic regression model indicated that older age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05, p=0.006) and a high education level (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.11, p<0.001) were significant factors associated with bone health promoting behaviours.

Conclusion

The prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis among postmenopausal women and elderly men is worryingly high and most of them receive inadequate treatment and perform few bone health promoting behaviours. Interventions are therefore urgently required to address the right methods for delaying osteoporosis among postmenopausal women and elderly men in rural areas.
Factors associated with the uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination in older and younger adults: a large, population-based survey in Beijing, China
Authors: Wu Shuangsheng , Su Jianting , Yang Peng , Zhang Haiyan , Li Hongjun , Chu Yanhui , Hua Weiyu , Li Chao , Tang Yaqing , Wang Quanyi
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The present study aimed to estimate the influenza vaccination coverage rate in Beijing, China, and identify its determinants in older and younger adults.

Methods

A survey was conducted among Chinese adults using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire in May–June 2015. The main outcome was seasonal influenza vaccination uptake. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to identify factors associated with uptake.

Results

A total of 7106 participants completed the questionnaire. The overall coverage rate was 20.6% (95% CI 19.7% to 21.5%) in the 2014/2015 influenza season. Lower education (older adults: OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.1; younger adults: OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.4 to 2.6), having a chronic illness (older adults: OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.5 to 2.4; younger adults: OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2 to 1.7) and recommendations from healthcare workers (older adults: OR 5.4; 95% CI 3.9 to 7.4; younger adults: OR 4.5; 95% CI 3.7 to 5.4) were positively associated with uptake; perceived side effects of vaccination had a negative impact (older adults: OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4 to 0.7; younger adults: OR 0.8; 95% CI 0.7 to 1.0). Perceived susceptibility to influenza (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.0) and awareness of the free influenza vaccine policy (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.9) were only associated with vaccine uptake in older adults, while perceived effectiveness of vaccination (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.7 to 2.8) was only a predictor for younger adults. Older adults were more likely to receive recommendations from healthcare professionals and perceive the severity of seasonal influenza, and less likely to worry about side effects of vaccination.

Conclusion

The influenza vaccination coverage rate was relatively low in Beijing. Apart from free vaccinations for older adults, age disparity in the rate between older and younger adults (48.7% vs 16.0%) may be explained by differing professional recommendations and public perceptions. Vaccination campaigns targeting increasing professional recommendations and public perceptions should be implemented in the coming years.
Qualitative interviews with healthcare staff in four European countries to inform adaptation of an intervention to increase chlamydia testing
Authors: McNulty Cliodna , Ricketts Ellie J , Fredlund Hans , Uusküla Anneli , Town Katy , Rugman Claire , Tisler-Sala Anna , Mani Alix , Dunais Brigitte , Folkard Kate , Allison Rosalie , Touboul Pia
Published: September 2017

Objective

To determine the needs of primary healthcare general practice (GP) staff, stakeholders and trainers to inform the adaptation of a locally successful complex intervention (Chlamydia Intervention Randomised Trial (CIRT)) aimed at increasing chlamydia testing within primary healthcare within South West England to three EU countries (Estonia, France and Sweden) and throughout England.

Design

Qualitative interviews.

Setting

European primary healthcare in England, France, Sweden and Estonia with a range of chlamydia screening provision in 2013.

Participants

45 GP staff, 13 trainers and 18 stakeholders.

Interviews

The iterative interview schedule explored participants’ personal attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural controls around provision of chlamydia testing, sexual health services and training in general practice. Researchers used a common thematic analysis.

Results

Findings were similar across all countries. Most participants agreed that chlamydia testing and sexual health services should be offered in general practice. There was no culture of GP staff routinely offering opportunistic chlamydia testing or sexual health advice, and due to other priorities, participants reported this would be challenging. All participants indicated that the CIRT workshop covering chlamydia testing and sexual health would be useful if practice based, included all practice staff and action planning, and was adequately resourced. Participants suggested minor adaptations to CIRT to suit their country’s health services.

Conclusions

A common complex intervention can be adapted for use across Europe, despite varied sexual health provision. The intervention (ChlamydiA Testing Training in Europe (CATTE)) should comprise: a staff workshop covering sexual health and chlamydia testing rates and procedures, action planning and patient materials and staff reminders via computer prompts, emails or newsletters, with testing feedback through practice champions. CATTE materials are available at: www.STItraining.eu.
Quantification of large and middle proteins of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) as a novel tool for the identification of inactive HBV carriers
Authors: Pfefferkorn Maria , Böhm Stephan , Schott Tina , Deichsel Danilo , Bremer Corinna M , Schröder Kathrin , Gerlich Wolfram H , Glebe Dieter , Berg Thomas , van Bömmel Florian
Published: September 2017

Objective

Among individuals with chronic hepatitis B, those with hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis (CHB) can be difficult to distinguish from those with HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection, also referred to as inactive HBV carriers (ICs), but both require different medical management. The level of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) has been proposed as a marker to discriminate between chronic infection and hepatitis stages. HBsAg consists of large, middle and small HBs. The aim of this study was to determine whether the composition of HBsAg improved the identification of ICs among HBsAg-positive subjects with different phases of HBV infections.

Design

HBV large surface proteins (LHBs) and HBV middle surface proteins (MHBs) were quantified in serum samples from 183 clinically well-characterised untreated patients with acute (n=14) HBV infection, ICs (n=44), CHBs (n=46), chronic HBeAg-positive phase (n=68) and hepatitis delta coinfection (n=11) using an ELISA, with well-defined monoclonal antibodies against the preS1 domain (LHBs) and the preS2-domain (MHBs). A Western blot analysis was used to verify the quantitation of the components of HBsAg. Total HBsAg was quantified using a modified commercially available assay (HBsAg V.6.0, Enzygnost, Siemens, Erlangen).

Results

The composition of HBsAg showed specific patterns across different phases of hepatitis B. Individuals in the IC phase had significantly lower proportions of LHBs and MHBs than patients in acute or chronic phases irrespective of their HBV e-antigen status (p<0.0001) or HBsAg level. Both LHBs and MHBs ratios better predicted the IC phase than total HBsAg levels.

Conclusion

Quantification of MHBs, particularly LHBs represents a novel tool for the identification of the IC stage.
Effects of dopaminergic depletion and brain atrophy on neuropsychiatric symptoms in de novo Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ye Byoung Seok , Jeon Seun , Yoon Sohoon , Kang Seong Woo , Baik KyoungWon , Lee Yoonju , Chung Su Jin , Oh Jungsu S , Moon Hyojeong , Kim Jae Seung , Lee Phil Hyu , Sohn Young Ho
Published: September 2017

Background

Neuropsychiatric symptoms impact the patients’ quality of life and caregivers’ burdens in Parkinson’s disease (PD). We aimed to investigate the effects of striatal dopaminergic depletion and brain atrophy on the neuropsychiatric symptoms of patients with PD.

Methods

Two hundred and seven patients with de novo drug-naïve PD underwent dopamine transporter (DAT) positron emission tomography and brain MRI scanning. In addition, the patients were assessed with caregiver-administered neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) questionnaires. To evaluate the effects of DAT uptake, subcortical volume and cortical thinning on the patients’ neuropsychiatric symptoms, we performed logistic regression and negative binomial regression analyses on the NPI data after controlling for possible confounders.

Results

Frontal cortical thinning was associated with the presence of nighttime behaviour and irritability, and the thinning correlated with the severity of the nighttime behaviour. Temporal cortical thinning was associated with the presence of aggression/agitation, and it correlated with the severity of the aggression/agitation. Subcortical atrophy in the accumbens was associated with the presence of disinhibition and correlated with the severity of the disinhibition. Putamen atrophy and insular thinning were independently associated with the presence of apathy, but only insular thinning correlated with the severity of the apathy. Of the predictors, only frontal cortical thinning correlated with the total NPI score.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggested that accumbens atrophy and frontotemporal cortical thinning, especially frontal cortical thinning, independently contributed to neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with PD, while DAT uptake did not affect the neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Arteriovenous fistulae of the filum terminale
Authors: Giordan Enrico , Brinjikji Waleed , Ciceri Elisa , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: September 2017

Filum terminale arteriovenous fistulae are a rare type of arteriovenous shunt generally characterized by a single direct communication between the artery of the filum terminale and a single draining vein. These intradural arteriovenous shunts are three times more common in men than women (mean age 55 years). Symptoms are related to venous congestion, vascular hypertension, and a putative chronic steal phenomenon which result in spinal cord ischemia and myelopathy. Interestingly, hemorrhage has never been reported as a mode of presentation. MRI demonstrates increased flow voids and T2 changes involving the conus and the lower spinal cord, and these findings are not dissimilar from those seen with the more common type 1 spinal dural arteriovenous fistulae. Thus conventional spinal angiography is necessary for a definitive diagnosis and to localize exactly the site of the fistula. Both surgical interruption of the fistula and endovascular embolization are safe and effective therapeutic modalities. However, because of the very small caliber of the feeding artery, endovascular therapy is often not feasible; and thus, surgery remains the method more commonly utilized for their treatment. Definitive treatment consists of obliteration of the direct arteriovenous shunt. In this review, we describe the anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, imaging, and treatment options of these less common intradural arteriovenous shunts.
Effects of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy and physical exercise on sick leave and employment in primary care patients with depression: two subgroup analyses
Authors: Kaldo Viktor , Lundin Andreas , Hallgren Mats , Kraepelien Martin , Strid Catharina , Ekblom Örjan , Lavebratt Catharina , Lindefors Nils , Öjehagen Agneta , Forsell Yvonne
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Depression can negatively impact work capacity, but treatment effects on sick leave and employment are unclear. This study evaluates if internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) or physical exercise (PE), with already reported positive effects on clinical outcome and short-term work ability, has better effects on employment, sick leave and long-term work ability compared with treatment as usual (TAU) for depressed primary care patients (German clinical trials: DRKS00008745).

Methods

After randomisation and exclusion of patients not relevant for work-related analysis, patients were divided into two subgroups: initially unemployed (total n=118) evaluated on employment, and employed (total n=703) evaluated on long-term sick leave. Secondary outcomes were self-rated work ability and average number of sick days per month evaluated for both subgroups. Assessments (self-reports) were made at baseline and follow-up at 3 and 12 months.

Results

For the initially unemployed subgroup, 52.6% were employed after 1 year (response rate 82%). Both PE (risk ratio (RR)=0.44; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.87) and ICBT (RR=0.37; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.84) showed lower rates compared with TAU after 3 months, but no difference was found after 1 year (PE: RR=0.97; 95% CI 0.69 to 1.57; ICBT: RR=1.23; 95% CI 0.72 to 2.13). For those with initial employment, long-term sick leave (response rate 75%) decreased from 7.8% to 6.5%, but neither PE (RR=1.4; 95% CI 0.52 to 3.74) nor ICBT (RR=0.99; 95% CI 0.39 to 2.46) decreased more than TAU, although a temporary positive effect for PE was found. All groups increased self-rated work ability with no differences found.

Conclusions

No long-term effects were found for the initially unemployed on employment status or for the initially employed on sick leave. New types of interventions need to be explored.
Literature Review: Herbal Medicine Treatment after Large-Scale Disasters
Authors: Takayama Shin , Kaneko Soichiro , Numata Takehiro , Kamiya Tetsuharu , Arita Ryutaro , Saito Natsumi , Kikuchi Akiko , Ohsawa Minoru , Kohayagawa Yoshitaka , Ishii Tadashi
Published: September 2017

Large-scale natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons, occur worldwide. After the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami, our medical support operation’s experiences suggested that traditional medicine might be useful for treating the various symptoms of the survivors. However, little information is available regarding herbal medicine treatment in such situations. Considering that further disasters will occur, we performed a literature review and summarized the traditional medicine approaches for treatment after large-scale disasters. We searched PubMed and Cochrane Library for articles written in English, and Ichushi for those written in Japanese. Articles published before 31 March 2016 were included. Keywords “disaster” and “herbal medicine” were used in our search. Among studies involving herbal medicine after a disaster, we found two randomized controlled trials investigating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), three retrospective investigations of trauma or common diseases, and seven case series or case reports of dizziness, pain, and psychosomatic symptoms. In conclusion, herbal medicine has been used to treat trauma, PTSD, and other symptoms after disasters. However, few articles have been published, likely due to the difficulty in designing high quality studies in such situations. Further study will be needed to clarify the usefulness of herbal medicine after disasters.
Are there discrete symmetries in relativistic quantum mechanics?
Authors: Ni Guang-Jiong , Cheung Izzy Pikting
Published: September 2017

Since the CPT theorem was introduced in the 20th century, it has been one of the most important ongoing projects in particle physics. The CPT invariance helps to indicate if there are discrete symmetries in relativistic quantum mechanics (RQM), the answer to this question is ambiguous. This paper will mainly explain the answers via the timeline and point out misnomers and some missing concepts. We claim the answer to Are There Discrete Symmetries in Relativistic Quantum Mechanics is “yes, but no, no and yes again”. The most recent experiment shows the violation of CPT invariance is only [Formula: see text].
Monte-Carlo modeling and simulation of neutrons detection process using Boron-10
Authors: Benzaid D. , Seghour A. , Borras A.
Published: September 2017

The interaction of a mono-energetic neutron beam with a target layer of Boron-10 is studied to characterize the behavior of neutrons and produced charged particles inside the layer. The detection system is modeled through a Monte-Carlo simulation. The quality of the simulation method and controlling parameters is assessed with the response function. The Von Neumann rejection sampling method is used to model the interaction process. The obtained results show high agreement with previous results.
Uncertainty Analysis on Vehicle-Bridge System with Correlative Interval Variables Based on Multidimensional Parallelepiped Model
Authors: Truong Van Huy , Liu Jie , Meng Xianghua , Jiang Chao , Nguyen Trong Tien
Published: September 2017

For vehicle-bridge system, structural uncertainties, especially the interval variables with correlation, have a great influence on dynamic response. Therefore, this paper proposes an effective uncertainty analysis method for vehicle-bridge system based on multidimensional parallelepiped (MP) model, which can reasonably deal with the correlation of interval variables. First, the vehicle-bridge system is simplified as a four degrees-of-freedom mass-spring vehicle model running on a simply supported beam. MP model is adopted to describe the uncertainties of all the interval variables. Second, via affine coordinate system transform, the interval variables with correlation are transformed as the independent variables, which is very convenient for uncertainty analysis. Finally, the uncertain dynamic response is approximated through the first-order Taylor interval expansion, and the upper and lower bounds can be calculated using the dynamic response at midpoints and the partial difference multiplied by interval radius. Because the correlation is sufficiently considered, the uncertainty analysis results on vehicle–bridge interaction system will be much more accurate than the traditional interval analysis method (IAM). Numerical example demonstrates the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method.
A new S.D.E. and instantaneous mean reversion rate formula (presented via a numerical empirical model comparison)
Authors: Rabinovitz Yedidya
Published: September 2017

A new short-rate model and a new explicit instantaneous mean reversion formula are introduced. The introduction is presented via a comparison of various short-rate one factor models, which are calibrated and analyzed numerically via a Monte Carlo simulation. Two variance reduction techniques, Stratified Sampling and the Sobol Algorithm, are compared. An empirical comparison is constructed using criteria of goodness-of-fit, in five exchange rates. The data is ex-ante ultimately measuring the predictability of the stochastic models and variance reduction.
Game options approach in company radical technological innovation with generalized poisson jump process
Authors: El Hajaji A. , Serghini A. , Mokhlis K. , Hilal K. , Mermri E. B.
Published: September 2017

This paper presents the Generalized Poisson Jump Process to describe the effect of radical technological innovation on the market. It defines the market impact index of radical technological innovation, and constructs a real option game model for radical technological innovation. Besides, this paper develops a numerical method in the model to show that the market impact index of radical technological innovation and the Generalized Poisson Process parameter both have a good influence on both the investment value and investment limit.
Introducing an analytical solution and an improved one-factor gaussian copula model for the pricing of heterogeneous CDOs
Authors: Gao Xin , Wu Binlin , Schäfer Tobias
Published: September 2017

This paper introduced an analytical solution and improved one-factor Gaussian copula models to the pricing of tranches of a Collateralized debt obligations (CDO) portfolio. Prices of CDO tranches are calculated and compared using the analytical model and different one-factor Gaussian copula models including a two-category heterogeneous model and a completely heterogeneous model that uses individual rate parameter and correlation coefficient for each reference entity in a CDO portfolio. When correlation among reference entities is low, the price calculated from the analytical model matches very well with the one-factor Gaussian copula models. However, as the correlation among reference entities increases, prices calculated using both the analytical solution and the homogeneous or two-category one-factor Gaussian copula models significantly deviate from the completely heterogeneous one-factor Gaussian copula model. This result verifies our belief that uniform parameters cannot completely capture all the heterogeneities in a CDO portfolio. Completely heterogeneous one-factor Gaussian copula model using individual rate parameters and correlation coefficients for each reference entities provides more reliable and accurate prices for structured securities.
Internet advertising
Authors: Wicker Stephen B. , Karlsson Kolbeinn
Published: September 2017

Exploring the technical and ethical issues surrounding Internet advertising and ad blocking.
Multi-objective parametric query optimization
Authors: Trummer Immanuel , Koch Christoph
Published: September 2017

We propose a generalization of the classical database query optimization problem: multi-objective parametric query (MPQ) optimization. MPQ compares alternative processing plans according to multiple execution cost metrics. It also models missing pieces of information on which plan costs depend upon as parameters. Both features are crucial to model query processing on modern data processing platforms.

MPQ generalizes previously proposed query optimization variants, such as multi-objective query optimization, parametric query optimization, and traditional query optimization. We show, however, that the MPQ problem has different properties than prior variants and solving it requires novel methods. We present an algorithm that solves the MPQ problem and finds, for a given query, the set of all relevant query plans. This set contains all plans that realize optimal execution cost tradeoffs for any combination of parameter values. Our algorithm is based on dynamic programming and recursively constructs relevant query plans by combining relevant plans for query parts. We assume that all plan execution cost functions are piecewise-linear in the parameters. We use linear programming to compare alternative plans and to identify plans that are not relevant. We present a complexity analysis of our algorithm and experimentally evaluate its performance.
Mobile Agents System Security
Authors: Bagga Pallavi , Hans Rahul
Published: September 2017

A pivotal cause for the boom of Mobile Agent paradigm relies on the competence to ward off security attacks. This article surveys the prevalent attacks on the mobile agents and the agent platforms; the existing countermeasures and their curbs, catering threefold benefaction: First, to acquaint the researchers with numerous security requirements and the objectives. Second, to analyze the different detection and prevention mechanisms mitigating the security bottlenecks in Mobile Agents System. Third, to address the future security challenges. In a nutshell, this survey hands over a key to researchers who primarily target the security concerns of the mobile agent-based applications.
Structural XML Query Processing
Authors: Bača Radim , Krátký Michal , Holubová Irena , Nečaský Martin , Skopal Tomáš , Svoboda Martin , Sakr Sherif
Published: September 2017

Since the boom in new proposals on techniques for efficient querying of XML data is now over and the research world has shifted its attention toward new types of data formats, we believe that it is crucial to review what has been done in the area to help users choose an appropriate strategy and scientists exploit the contributions in new areas of data processing. The aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive study of the state-of-the-art of approaches for the structural querying of XML data. In particular, we start with a description of labeling schemas to capture the structure of the data and the respective storage strategies. Then we deal with the key part of every XML query processing: a twig query join, XML query algebras, optimizations of query plans, and selectivity estimation of XML queries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that provides such a detailed description of XML query processing techniques that are related to structural aspects and that contains information about their theoretical and practical features as well as about their mutual compatibility and general usability.