bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Better outcome from arthroscopic partial meniscectomy than skin incisions only? A sham-controlled randomised trial in patients aged 35–55 years with knee pain and an MRI-verified meniscal tear
Authors: Roos Ewa M , Hare Kristoffer Borbjerg , Nielsen Sabrina Mai , Christensen Robin , Lohmander L Stefan
Published: February 2018

Objective

Compare arthroscopic partial meniscectomy to a true sham intervention.

Methods

Sham-controlled superiority trial performed in three county hospitals in Denmark comparing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy to skin incisions only in patients aged 35–55 years with persistent knee pain and an MRI-confirmed medial meniscus lesion. A computer-generated table of random numbers generated two comparison groups. Participants and outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation. Exclusions were locking knees, high-energy trauma or severe osteoarthritis. Outcomes were collected at baseline, 3 and 24 months. We hypothesised no difference between groups. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in change from baseline to 2 years in the mean score across all five normalised Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales (KOOS5).

Results

Forty-four patients (of the estimated 72) underwent randomisation; 22 in each group. Sixteen participants (36%) were non-blinded and eight participants (36%) from the sham group crossed over to the surgery group prior to the 2-year follow-up. At 2 years, both groups reported clinically relevant improvements (surgery 21.8, skin incisions only 13.6), the mean difference between groups was 8.2 in favour of surgery, which is slightly less than the cut-off of 10 prespecified to represent a clinically relevant difference; judged by the 95% CI (−3.4 to 19.8), a possibility of clinically relevant difference could not be excluded. In total, nine participants experienced 11 adverse events; six in the surgery group and three in the skin-incisions-only group.

Conclusion

We found greater improvement from arthroscopic partial meniscectomy compared with skin incisions only at 2 years, with the statistical uncertainty of the between-group difference including what could be considered clinically relevant. Because of the study being underpowered, nearly half in the sham group being non-blinded and one-third crossing over to surgery, the results cannot be generalised to the greater patient population.

Trial registration number

NCT01264991.
Using confirmatory factor analysis to explore associated factors of intimate partner violence in a sample of Chinese rural women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hou Fengsu , Cerulli Catherine , Wittink Marsha N, , Caine Eric D. , Qiu Peiyuan
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among a sample of rural Chinese women and to explore associated factors.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Rural areas of Guangyuan City, Sichuan, China.

Participants

We recruited 1501 women, aged 16 years and older, who had been living locally for at least 2 years and reported being married or in a relationship during the past 12 months. They were among a sample of 1898 potential participants from our larger parent study on the prevalence of depressive-distress symptoms.

Methods

Participants completed demographic and social economic measures, the Short Form of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale and the Duke Social Support Index. We applied χ2test, analysis of variance and confirmatory factor analysis for analysis.

Results

The overall prevalence of IPV in the past 12 months was 29.05%; the prevalence of physical, psychological and sexual violence was 7.66%, 26.58% and 3.20%, respectively. The overall prevalence was highest among women aged 16–29 years, and was more common among those without a high school diploma and who saw their family’s financial status as very poor or stagnant. Women who were not victims of IPV had higher levels of social support. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the total effects of social support on physical, psychological and sexual violence were −0.12, –0.35 and −0.12, respectively. The indirect effects of objective economic status on physical, psychological and sexual violence were −0.047, –0.014 and −0.047, respectively, but the total effect was not significant. The indirect effect of education on psychological violence was −0.056.

Conclusion

IPV is common in rural Guangyuan. Our data are comparable with the findings from north-west of China. Social support is an important protective factor. Future work is needed to develop, test and later disseminate potential IPV interventions, with a focus on building actual and perceived supportive social networks.
Tonicity-responsive enhancer-binding protein promotes hepatocellular carcinogenesis, recurrence and metastasis
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Suh Jae Hee , Choi Soo Youn , Kang Hyun Je , Lee Hwan Hee , Ye Byeong Jin , Lee Gap Ryol , Jung Seok Won , Kim Chang Jae , Lee-Kwon Whaseon , Park Jiyoung , Myung Kyungjae , Park Neung Hwa , Kwon Hyug Moo
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer with high rate of recurrence and mortality. Diverse aetiological agents and wide heterogeneity in individual tumours impede effective and personalised treatment. Tonicity-responsive enhancer-binding protein (TonEBP) is a transcriptional cofactor for the expression of proinflammatory genes. Although inflammation is intimately associated with the pathogenesis of HCC, the role of TonEBP is unknown. We aimed to identify function of TonEBP in HCC.

Design

Tumours with surrounding hepatic tissues were obtained from 296 patients with HCC who received completion resection. TonEBP expression was analysed by quantitative reverse transcription–quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and immunohfistochemical analyses of tissue microarrays. Mice with TonEBP haplodeficiency, and hepatocyte-specific and myeloid-specific TonEBP deletion were used along with HCC and hepatocyte cell lines.

Results

TonEBP expression is higher in tumours than in adjacent non-tumour tissues in 92.6% of patients with HCC regardless of aetiology associated. The TonEBP expression in tumours and adjacent non-tumour tissues predicts recurrence, metastasis and death in multivariate analyses. TonEBP drives the expression of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) by stimulating the promoter. In mouse models of HCC, three common sites of TonEBP action in response to diverse aetiological agents leading to tumourigenesis and tumour growth were found: cell injury and inflammation, induction by oxidative stress and stimulation of the COX-2 promoter.

Conclusions

TonEBP is a key component of the common pathway in tumourigenesis and tumour progression of HCC in response to diverse aetiological insults. TonEBP is involved in multiple steps along the pathway, rendering it an attractive therapeutic target as well as a prognostic biomarker.
Estimating the international burden of sport-related death: a review of data sources
Authors: Kucera Kristen L , Fortington Lauren V , Wolff Catherine S , Marshall Stephen W , Finch Caroline F
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Despite detailed recommendations for sports injury data capture provided since the mid-1990s, international data collection efforts for sport-related death remains limited in scope. The purpose of this paper was to review the data sources available for studying sport-related death and describe their key features, coverage, accessibility and strengths and limitations.

Methods

The outcomes of interest for this review was death occurring as a result of participation in organised sport-related activity. Data sources used to enumerate death in sport were identified, drawing from the authors’ knowledge/experience and review of key references from international organisations. The general purpose, case identification, structure, strengths and limitations of each source in relation to collection of data for sport-related death were summarised, drawing on examples from the international published literature to illustrate this application.

Results

Seven types of resources were identified for capturing deaths in sport. Data sources varied considerably in their ability to identify: participant status, sport relatedness of the death, types of sport-related deaths they capture, level of detail provided about the circumstances and medical care received. The most detailed sources were those that were dedicated to sports surveillance. Sport relatedness and type of sport may not be reliably captured by systems not dedicated to sports injury surveillance. Only one source permitted international comparisons and was limited to one sport (soccer).

Conclusion

Data on sport-related death are currently collected across a wide variety of data sources. This review highlights the need for robust, comprehensive approaches with standardised methodologies enabling linkage between sources and international comparisons.
Associations between socioeconomic status and chronic kidney disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Xiaoxi , Liu Jing , Tao Sibei , Hong Hyokyoung G , Li Yi , Fu Ping
Published: February 2018

Background

Socioeconomic status (SES) has long been conjectured to be associated with the incidence and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but few studies have examined this quantitatively. This meta-analysis aims to fill this gap.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed using Medline and EMBASE to identify observational studies on associations between SES and incidence and progression of CKD, published between 1974 and March 2017. Individual results were meta-analysed using a random effects model, in line with Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines.

Results

In total, 43 articles met our inclusion criteria. CKD prevalence was associated with several indicators of SES, particularly lower income (OR 1.34, 95% CI (1.18 to 1.53), P<0.001; I2=73.0%, P=0.05); lower education (OR 1.21, 95% CI (1.11 to 1.32), P<0.001; I2=45.20%, P=0.034); and lower combined SES (OR 2.18, 95% CI (1.64 to 2.89), P<0.001; I2=0.0%, P=0.326). Lower levels of income, occupation and combined SES were also significantly associated with progression to end-stage renal disease (risk ratio (RR) 1.24, 95% CI (1.12 to 1.37), P<0.001; I2=66.6%, P=0.006; RR 1.05, 95% CI (1.01 to 1.09), P=0.012; I2=0.0%, P=0.796; and RR 1.39, 95% CI (1.09 to 1.79), P=0.009; I2=74.2%, P=0.009). Subgroup analyses generally confirmed these results, except in a few cases, such as an inverse association related to particular socioeconomic backgrounds and where results were adjusted by more disease-related risk factors.

Conclusion

Lower income was most closely associated with prevalence and progression of CKD, and lower education was significantly associated with its prevalence. Evidence for other indicators was inconclusive.
Chronic kidney disease mortality trends in selected Central America countries, 1997–2013: clues to an epidemic of chronic interstitial nephritis of agricultural communities
Authors: Ordunez Pedro , Nieto F Javier , Martinez Ramon , Soliz Patricia , Giraldo Gloria P , Mott Susan Anne , Hoy Wendy E
Published: February 2018

Background

In Central America, chronic interstitial nephritis of agricultural communities (CINAC) has reached epidemic proportions. Clusters of cases have been described in several farming communities. Its aetiology remains uncertain and a controversy exists on its key triggers, among them the heat stress–dehydration mechanism and the toxic exposure to agrochemicals.

Methods

This study analysed the mortality pattern and trend of chronic kidney disease code N18 (CKD-N18) according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-10th Revision, the proxy and the underlying cause of death, in four selected Central American countries from 1997 to 2013. In addition, we used exponential regression to retrospectively model the likely onset and prior trajectory of the epidemic.

Results

Between 1997 and 2013, CKD-N18 mortality accounting 47 885 deaths (31% were female), 19 533 of which occurred below 60 years of age (26% female). The excess of mortality starts as early as 10–14 years of age for both boys and girls. El Salvador and Nicaragua, with mortality rates between 9-fold and 12-fold higher than reference countries, were the most affected. Statistical modelling suggests that the epidemic commenced around the mid-1970s, coinciding with important changes in modes of agricultural production.

Conclusions

This study provides the most comprehensive mortality analysis of this epidemic published to date and confirms an excess of CKD-N18 mortality and its relation with the epidemic of CINAC. The overall trends and the mortality pattern among women, children and adolescents suggest that the heat stress–dehydration hypothesis cannot fully explain this epidemic and that other environmental factors, more likely agricultural practices and agrochemicals, may be causally involved.
Associations of dyslipidaemia and lipid-lowering treatment with risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feinkohl Insa , Winterer Georg , Pischon Tobias
Published: February 2018

Background

Lipid imbalance is linked to age-related cognitive impairment, but its role in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is unknown. Here, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis on dyslipidaemia, lipid-lowering treatment and POCD risk.

Methods

PubMed, Ovid SP and Cochrane databases were searched for longitudinal studies that reported on associations of any measure of dyslipidaemia and/or lipid-lowering treatment with POCD as relative risks (RRs) or ORs. Fixed-effects inverse variance models were used to combine effects.

Results

Of 205 articles identified in the search, 17 studies on 2725 patients (grand mean age 67 years; mean age range 61–71 years) with follow-up periods of 1 day to 4 years (median 7 days; IQR 1–68 days) were included. Studies focused almost exclusively on hypercholesterolaemia as a measure of dyslipidaemia and on statins as lipid-lowering treatment. Across 12 studies on hypercholesterolaemia, we found no association with POCD risk (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.08; P=0.34). Statin use before surgery was associated with a reduced POCD risk across eight studies (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.98; P=0.03), but data on treatment duration were lacking.

Conclusion

Statin users appear to be at reduced risk of POCD although hypercholesterolaemia per se may not be associated with POCD risk. Trial studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of statins in POCD prevention.
Sodium pump alpha-2 subunit (ATP1A2) alleviates cardiomyocyte anoxia–reoxygenation injury via inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related apoptosis
Authors: Hu Yulong , Wang Zheng , Ge Nannan , Huang Ting , Zhang Mingchao , Wang Hegui
Published: February 2018

Previous studies have found decreased functional capacity of the sodium pump (Na+-K+-ATPase) alpha and beta subunits and recovery of Na+-K+-ATPase activity significantly decreased myocyte apoptosis in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the potential role of the Na+-K+-ATPase α-2 subunit (ATP1A2) in cardiomyocyte anoxia–reoxygenation (A/R) injury has not been elucidated. Rat myocardial cells were subjected to siRNA transfection followed by A/R injury. Apoptosis and expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress proteins CHOP, GRP78, and caspase-12 were detected in 4 groups of cells: ATP1A2 siRNA + A/R, control siRNA + A/R, control, and A/R injury model. We found that apoptosis was significantly elevated in the ATP1A2 siRNA + A/R group as compared with control siRNA + A/R, control, and A/R injury model groups (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05). Furthermore, expression of CHOP, GRP78, and caspase-12 were significantly elevated in the ATP1A2 siRNA + A/R group as compared with control siRNA + A/R, control, and A/R injury model groups (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that cardiomyocyte ATP1A2 is a target of A/R injury, and its cardioprotective function may be mediated via inhibiting the ER-stress-related apoptosis.
Influence of 5′-flanking sequence on 4.5SI RNA gene transcription by RNA polymerase III
Authors: Gogolevskaya Irina K. , Stasenko Danil V. , Tatosyan Karina A. , Kramerov Dmitri A.
Published: February 2018

Short nuclear 4.5SI RNA can be found in three related rodent families. Its function remains unknown. The genes of 4.5SI RNA contain an internal promoter of RNA polymerase III composed of the boxes A and B. Here, the effect of the sequence immediately upstream of the mouse 4.5SI RNA gene on its transcription was studied. The gene with deletions and substitutions in the 5′-flanking sequence was used to transfect HeLa cells and its transcriptional activity was evaluated from the cellular level of 4.5SI RNA. Single-nucleotide substitutions in the region adjacent to the transcription start site (positions −2 to −8) decreased the expression activity of the gene down to 40%–60% of the control. The substitution of the conserved pentanucleotide AGAAT (positions −14 to −18) could either decrease (43%–56%) or increase (134%) the gene expression. A TATA-like box (TACATGA) was found at positions −24 to −30 of the 4.5SI RNA gene. Its replacement with a polylinker fragment of the vector did not decrease the transcription level, while its replacement with a GC-rich sequence almost completely (down to 2%–5%) suppressed the transcription of the 4.5SI RNA gene. The effect of plasmid sequences bordering the gene on its transcription by RNA polymerase III is discussed.
Thermoelectric properties of Tl and I dual-doped Bi2Te3-based alloys
Authors: Wu Fang , He Qinglin , Tang Mingsheng , Song Hongzhang
Published: February 2018

Tl[Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text]I[Formula: see text] (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2) flower-like nanopowders were prepared successfully by the hydrothermal method. Then, the synthesized nanoparticles were pressed into bulks by hot-pressing. The thermoelectric (TE) properties of the Tl[Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text]I[Formula: see text] bulk samples were investigated and discussed. The results showed that the influences of Tl doping on the electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficients of the Bi2Te3 is over that of I doping. Thus, the power factors of the dual-doped bulks are all less than that of the Bi2Te3 bulk. The thermal conductivities of the Tl[Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text]I[Formula: see text] bulk samples also remain at lower values. As a result, the ZT value of the optimized doped bulk Tl[Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text]I[Formula: see text] attains a value of 1.1 at 398 K.
Telling apartFelidaeandUrsidaefrom the distribution of nucleotides in mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Rovenchak Andrij
Published: February 2018

Rank–frequency distributions of nucleotide sequences in mitochondrial DNA are defined in a way analogous to the linguistic approach, with the highest-frequent nucleobase serving as a whitespace. For such sequences, entropy and mean length are calculated. These parameters are shown to discriminate the species of the Felidae (cats) and Ursidae (bears) families. From purely numerical values we are able to see in particular that giant pandas are bears while koalas are not. The observed linear relation between the parameters is explained using a simple probabilistic model. The approach based on the non-additive generalization of the Bose distribution is used to analyze the frequency spectra of the nucleotide sequences. In this case, the separation of families is not very sharp. Nevertheless, the distributions for Felidae have on average longer tails comparing to Ursidae.
Matter-wave soliton buffer realized by a tailored one-dimensional lattice
Authors: Fan Zhiwei , Mai Jianming , Chen Zhaopin , Xie Maobin , Luo Zhihuan
Published: February 2018

By introducing the attractive dipole–dipole interaction, we provide a proposal to buffer the matter-wave soliton in a one-dimensional discrete lattice, which is divided into three parts with different local potentials produced by the external field modulation. Our study shows that, for sufficiently small initial phase tilt of the matter wave and deep enough potential well, the soliton will be trapped in the lattice. Otherwise, the soliton will propagate through the lattice. It appears that under certain conditions such a condensate system acts as a buffer, which can be used to temporarily store the matter wave. Meanwhile, in this buffer, the matter-wave soliton performs an unidirectional propagation, which makes it serve as a matter wave diode. The norm distribution in the lattice with respect to the initial phase tilt of the input wave is discussed, and it suggests there exists a critical phase tilt, below which the soliton will be trapped in the lattice.
Numerical treatment for solving two-dimensional space-fractional advection–dispersion equation using meshless method
Authors: Cheng Rongjun , Sun Fengxin , Wei Qi , Wang Jufeng
Published: February 2018

Space-fractional advection–dispersion equation (SFADE) can describe particle transport in a variety of fields more accurately than the classical models of integer-order derivative. Because of nonlocal property of integro-differential operator of space-fractional derivative, it is very challenging to deal with fractional model, and few have been reported in the literature. In this paper, a numerical analysis of the two-dimensional SFADE is carried out by the element-free Galerkin (EFG) method. The trial functions for the SFADE are constructed by the moving least-square (MLS) approximation. By the Galerkin weak form, the energy functional is formulated. Employing the energy functional minimization procedure, the final algebraic equations system is obtained. The Riemann–Liouville operator is discretized by the Grünwald formula. With center difference method, EFG method and Grünwald formula, the fully discrete approximation schemes for SFADE are established. Comparing with exact results and available results by other well-known methods, the computed approximate solutions are presented in the format of tables and graphs. The presented results demonstrate the validity, efficiency and accuracy of the proposed techniques. Furthermore, the error is computed and the proposed method has reasonable convergence rates in spatial and temporal discretizations.
An Efficient Image Retrieval System Based on Multi-Scale Shape Features
Authors: Arjun P. , Mirnalinee T. T.
Published: February 2018

This paper describes a multi-scale feature integration framework using angular pattern (AP), binary AP (BAP) and sequential backward selection (SBS) algorithms. These angular descriptors are represented by multi-scale features from which the best subsets of the scales are chosen using five-fold cross-validation technique along with SBS algorithm for efficient image retrieval. The SBS algorithm reduces the dimensionality of feature space which in turn reduces the matching time complexity. The extracted AP and BAP features are represented in histograms and are compared by the Chi-square distance metric. The experimental analysis is performed on the MPEG-7 CE-1 Part-B dataset images to demonstrate the effectiveness of multi-scale feature integration using SBS algorithm. The image retrieval performance of this framework is compared with state-of-the-art shape descriptors. Being multi-scale global shape descriptors, the proposed framework captures complete information about the shape and are invariant to scaling and rotation transformations.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN TWO OLS-BASED APPROACHES TO ESTIMATING URBAN MULTIFRACTAL PARAMETERS
Authors: HUANG LIN-SHAN , CHEN YAN-GUANG
Published: February 2018

Multifractal theory provides a new spatial analytical tool for urban studies, but many basic problems remain to be solved. Among various pending issues, the most significant one is how to obtain proper multifractal dimension spectrums. If an algorithm is improperly used, the parameter spectrums will be abnormal. This paper is devoted to investigating two ordinary least squares (OLS)-based approaches for estimating urban multifractal parameters. Using empirical study and comparative analysis, we demonstrate how to utilize the adequate linear regression to calculate multifractal parameters. The OLS regression analysis has two different approaches. One is that the intercept is fixed to zero, and the other is that the intercept is not limited. The results of comparative study show that the zero-intercept regression yields proper multifractal parameter spectrums within certain scale range of moment order, while the common regression method often leads to abnormal multifractal parameter values. A conclusion can be reached that fixing the intercept to zero is a more advisable regression method for multifractal parameters estimation, and the shapes of spectral curves and value ranges of fractal parameters can be employed to diagnose urban problems. This research is helpful for scientists to understand multifractal models and apply a more reasonable technique to multifractal parameter calculations.
Measurement-device-independent semiquantum key distribution
Authors: He Jinjun , Li Qin , Wu Chunhui , Chan Wai Hong , Zhang Shengyu
Published: February 2018

Semiquantum key distribution (SQKD) allows two parties to share a common string when one of them is quantum and the other has rather limited quantum capability. Almost all existing SQKD protocols have been proved to be robust in theory, namely that if an eavesdropper tries to gain information, he will inevitably induce some detectable errors. However, ideal devices do not exist in reality and their imperfection may result in side-channel attacks, which can be used by an adversary to get some information on the secret key string. In this paper, we design a measurement-device-independent SQKD protocol for the first time, which can remove the threat of all detector side-channel attacks and show that it is also robust. In addition, we discuss the possible use of the proposed protocol in real-world applications and in QKD networks.
Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine is a better biomarker of aging in non-smokers
Authors: Zhao Zhengxiao , Gong Weiyi , Liu Lumei , Wang Meng , Tang Zihui , Mohammadtursun Nabijan , Lu Linwei , Liu Jiaqi , Li Mihui , Lv Yibao , Mo Shuming , Ma Wenjuan , Dong Jingcheng
Published: February 2018

Objective: The aim of this study is finding an optimal and convenient aging marker.

Method: The information of participants’ occupation, family background, life style, physical condition, etc. was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. Spot urine and saliva samples were collected during the early morning after fasting overnight. 8-hydroxydeoxygunaosine (8-OHdG), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2[Formula: see text] (8-isoPGF2[Formula: see text]), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), and dehydroepian drosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured by ELISA.

Results: Around 112 non-smokers (males/females [Formula: see text] 61/51; mean age [Formula: see text] 44.9 years) were eligible and analyzed in this study. The mean urinary 8-OHdG level was [Formula: see text] (ng/mmol, creatinine) and mean 8-isoPGF2[Formula: see text] level was [Formula: see text] (pg/mmoL, creatinine). In saliva, the mean level of AOPPs, MDA, and DHEA-S was [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]mol/L), [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]mol/L) and [Formula: see text] (ng/mL), respectively. After analysis in multiple regression model, urinary 8-OHdG was influenced by age and tea consumption ([Formula: see text]); urinary 8-isoPGF2[Formula: see text] level was correlated with gender ([Formula: see text]); salivary DHEA-S was related to gender ([Formula: see text]) and marital status ([Formula: see text]); AOPPs and MDA in saliva presented no relationships with those factors.

Conclusion: Among healthy non-smokers, urinary 8-OHdG is the best aging biomarker comparing to other markers.
Providing SLO Compliance on NVMe SSDs Through Parallelism Reservation
Authors: Huang Sheng-Min , Chang Li-Pin
Published: February 2018

Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) is a specification for next-generation solid-state disks (SSDs). Benefited from the massive internal parallelism and the high-speed PCIe bus, NVMe SSDs achieve extremely high data transfer rates, and they are an ideal solution of shared storage in virtualization environments. Providing virtual machines with Service Level Objective (SLO) compliance on NVMe SSDs is a challenging task, because garbage collection activities inside of NVMe SSDs globally affect the I/O performance of all virtual machines. In this study, we introduce a novel approach, called parallelism reservation, which is inspired by the rich internal parallelism of NVMe SSDs. The degree of parallelism stands for how many flash chips are concurrently active. Our basic idea is to reserve sufficient degrees of parallelism for read, write, and garbage collection operations, making sure that an NVMe SSD delivers stable read and write throughput and reclaims free space at a constant rate. The stable read and write throughput are proportionally distributed among virtual machines for SLO compliance. Our experimental results show that our parallelism reservation approach delivered satisfiable throughput and highly predictable response to virtual machines.
Determining Resilience Gains From Anomaly Detection for Event Integrity in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Illiano Vittorio P. , Paudice Andrea , Muñoz-González Luis , Lupu Emil C.
Published: February 2018

Measurements collected in a wireless sensor network (WSN) can be maliciously compromised through several attacks, but anomaly detection algorithms may provide resilience by detecting inconsistencies in the data. Anomaly detection can identify severe threats to WSN applications, provided that there is a sufficient amount of genuine information. This article presents a novel method to calculate an assurance measure for the network by estimating the maximum number of malicious measurements that can be tolerated. In previous work, the resilience of anomaly detection to malicious measurements has been tested only against arbitrary attacks, which are not necessarily sophisticated. The novel method presented here is based on an optimization algorithm, which maximizes the attack’s chance of staying undetected while causing damage to the application, thus seeking the worst-case scenario for the anomaly detection algorithm. The algorithm is tested on a wildfire monitoring WSN to estimate the benefits of anomaly detection on the system’s resilience. The algorithm also returns the measurements that the attacker needs to synthesize, which are studied to highlight the weak spots of anomaly detection. Finally, this article presents a novel methodology that takes in input the degree of resilience required and automatically designs the deployment that satisfies such a requirement.
Protein Quality Control of the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Ubiquitin–Proteasome-Triggered Degradation of Aberrant Proteins: Yeast Pioneers the Path
Authors: Berner Nicole , Reutter Karl-Richard , Wolf Dieter H.
Published: February 2018

Cells must constantly monitor the integrity of their macromolecular constituents. Proteins are the most versatile class of macromolecules but are sensitive to structural alterations. Misfolded or otherwise aberrant protein structures lead to dysfunction and finally aggregation. Their presence is linked to aging and a plethora of severe human diseases. Thus, misfolded proteins have to be rapidly eliminated. Secretory proteins constitute more than one-third of the eukaryotic proteome. They are imported into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where they are folded and modified. A highly elaborated machinery controls their folding, recognizes aberrant folding states, and retrotranslocates permanently misfolded proteins from the ER back to the cytosol. In the cytosol, they are degraded by the highly selective ubiquitin–proteasome system. This process of protein quality control followed by proteasomal elimination of the misfolded protein is termed ER-associated degradation (ERAD), and it depends on an intricate interplay between the ER and the cytosol.
Perspective on Circulating Tumor Cell Clusters: Why It Takes a Village to Metastasize
Authors: Giuliano Mario , Shaikh Anum , Lo Hin Ching , Arpino Grazia , De Placido Sabino , Zhang Xiang H. , Cristofanilli Massimo , Schiff Rachel , Trivedi Meghana V.
Published: February 2018

Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters may represent one of the key mechanisms initiating the metastasis process. However, the series of pathophysiologic events by which CTC clusters originate, enter the circulation, and reach the distant sites remain to be identified. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that provide survival advantage for CTC clusters during the transit in the blood stream are also still largely unknown. Understanding the biology of CTC clusters is critical to assess this unified scheme employed by cancer and to device strategies to overcome key pathways responsible for their improved metastatic potential. CTC clusters remain an underdeveloped area of research begging the attention of multidisciplinary cancer research teams. Here, we provide insight on existing preclinical evidence on the potential mechanisms leading to CTC cluster formation and dissemination and on processes that may offer survival advantage. We also offer our perspective on future directions to delineate the role of CTC clusters in metastatic cascade and discuss their clinical significance. Cancer Res; 78(4); 845–52. ©2018 AACR.
Oxidative Phosphorylation as an Emerging Target in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ashton Thomas M. , McKenna W. Gillies , Kunz-Schughart Leoni A. , Higgins Geoff S.
Published: February 2018

Cancer cells have upregulated glycolysis compared with normal cells, which has led many to the assumption that oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is downregulated in all cancers. However, recent studies have shown that OXPHOS can be also upregulated in certain cancers, including leukemias, lymphomas, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, high OXPHOS subtype melanoma, and endometrial carcinoma, and that this can occur even in the face of active glycolysis. OXPHOS inhibitors could therefore be used to target cancer subtypes in which OXPHOS is upregulated and to alleviate therapeutically adverse tumor hypoxia. Several drugs including metformin, atovaquone, and arsenic trioxide are used clinically for non-oncologic indications, but emerging data demonstrate their potential use as OXPHOS inhibitors. We highlight novel applications of OXPHOS inhibitors with a suitable therapeutic index to target cancer cell metabolism. Clin Cancer Res; 24(11); 2482–90. ©2018 AACR.
The Combined Effects of Genetic Variation in the CNDP1 and CNDP2 Genes and Dietary Carbohydrate and Carotene Intake on Obesity Risk
Authors: Yamakawa-Kobayashi Kimiko , Otagi Eri , Ohhara Yuya , Goda Toshinao , Kasezawa Nobuhiko , Kayashima Yasunari
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: It is possible that carnosinase (CNDP1) and cellular nonspecific dipeptidase (CNDP2) have important roles in protecting cells and tissues against the damage of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and subsequent inflammation are key factors in the development of common chronic metabolic diseases, such as obesity. We aimed to investigate the combined effects of genetic variations in CNDP1 and CNDP2 and dietary carbohydrate and carotene intake on obesity risk. Methods: A total of 1,059 Japanese men were randomly selected from participants who visited a medical center for routine medical checkups. We analyzed the relationships between the genotypes of 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs12605520, rs7244647, rs4891558, and rs17089368) in the CNDP1/CNDP2 locus and body mass index or prevalence of obesity/overweight taking into account dietary carbohydrate and carotene intake. Results: We found that 2 SNPs (rs7244647 in CNDP1 and rs4891558 in CNDP2) were associated with obesity risk. In addition, these associations were observed only in the group with high carbohydrate and low carotene intake but not in the group with low carbohydrate and high carotene intake. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the combination of genetic variations in CNDP1 and CNDP2 and dietary carbohydrate/carotene intake modulate obesity risk.
Repeated Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Oedema Unresponsive to Anti-VEGF Therapy: Outcome and Predictive SD-OCT Features
Authors: Hatz Katja , Ebneter Andreas , Tuerksever Cengiz , Pruente Christian , Zinkernagel Martin
Published: February 2018

Purpose: To investigate dexamethasone intravitreal implant 0.7 mg (DEX implant) for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME) refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy and evaluate predictive factors. Methods: Two-centre retrospective interventional case series, including 40 eyes of 31 patients treated with DEX implant for at least 2 consecutive cycles. Results: Mean ± SD intervals from implantation to recurrence in the first (4.2 ± 1.0 months) and second cycles (4.0 ± 0.9 months) were not significantly different. Best corrected visual acuity improved significantly (p < 0.001) by 7.0 ± 8.4 letters from baseline to month 2, and by 5.1 ± 6.9 letters between the first and second cycles. Central retinal thickness reduction 2 months after implantation was greater after the first (–194 ± 172 µm) than the second cycle (–134 ± 150 µm). Ellipsoid zone-external limiting membrane (EZ-ELM) disruption score decreased from 1.39 ± 1.16 at baseline to 1.24 ± 1.16 (p = 0.0832) after cycle 1 and remained stable 2 months after cycle 2. Eyes with persisting severe EZ-ELM disruption (score >2, n = 10) 2 months after the first DEX implant showed significantly (p = 0.0153) smaller visual acuity (VA) gains than eyes with less severe (score ≤2) EZ-ELM disruption. Conclusion: Repeated intravitreal DEX injections with average intervals of 4 months are valuable in patients with DME refractory to anti-VEGF therapy. Disorganization of outer retinal layers (EZ-ELM) may predict smaller VA gains if evaluated after initial reduction of macular oedema.
Interaction of Vitamin E Intake and Pro12Ala Polymorphism of PPARG with Adiponectin Levels
Authors: Campos-Perez Wendy , Torres-Castillo Nathaly , Perez-Robles Mariana , Muñoz-Valle Jose Francisco , Vizmanos-Lamotte Barbara , Martinez-Lopez Erika
Published: February 2018

Background/Aim: One of the beneficial effects associated with vitamin E intake is the enhancement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) activity and the consequent upregulation of adiponectin expression. The aim of this study was to analyze the adiponectin levels in subjects with the Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPARG according to vitamin E intake. Methods: A total of 283 subjects were enrolled. Total vitamin E intake was estimated based on a validated 3-day food consumption record and analyzed using Nutritionist ProTM software. The Pro12Ala polymorphism (rs1801282) was determined by allelic discrimination. The adiponectin levels were measured by an ELISA assay. Results: Vitamin E intake was deficient in all subjects (1.50 ± 1.78 mg/day). Subjects with higher vitamin E intake levels and the Pro12Ala/Ala12Ala genotype had statistically significant higher levels of serum adiponectin than subjects with the Pro12Pro genotype (4.4 [3.2–5.7] vs. 2.7 [2.0–3.5] μg/mL; p = 0.024). Conclusions: Our results suggest that increased consumption of vitamin E should be encouraged since it has been reported that vitamin E promotes adiponectin expression via PPARγ activation. Subjects with Pro12Pro genotype had lower serum adiponectin levels than subjects with Pro12Ala/Ala12Ala genotype; therefore, they might be at higher risk of developing metabolic complications.
Comparative Analysis of miRNA Expression Profiles of Multiple Myeloma with 1q21 Gains and Normal FISH
Authors: Cui Yushan , Liu Yang , Wang Danyang , Liu Yuzhang , Liu Lina , Fang Baijun
Published: February 2018

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) with 1q21 gains invariably has a poor prognosis. Many recent studies have reported the relationship between micro (mi)RNA expression and MM prognosis. However, there is little information on the association between miRNA alterations and 1q21 gains. Methods: We compared the miRNA expression profiles of MM with 1q21 gains and MM with normal fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) by gene expression array. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified using Affymetrix TAC software. Thresholds were defined as a false discovery rate <0.05, p value <0.05, and n-fold change >2. Results: Six miRNAs (let-7f-5p and -7g-5p, and miR-29a-3p, -29b-1-5p, -331-3p, and -223-3p) were downregulated and 4 (miR-30e-5p, -17-3p, -18b-5p, and -19a-3p) were upregulated in MM with 1q21 gains relative to MM with normal FISH. Conclusions: The identified set of miRNAs can serve as biomarkers for distinguishing MM with 1q21 gains from MM with normal FISH.
The Effects of Heat Exposure on Vaginal Smooth Muscle Cells: Elastin and Collagen Production
Authors: Kozma Bence , Candiotti Keith , Póka Róbert , Takács Péter
Published: February 2018

Aims: To evaluate smooth muscle cells (SMCs) proliferation and elastin and collagen production after heat exposure (65°C). Methods: Samples were taken from the anterior vaginal wall, SMCs were cultured, and heated to 65°C for 30 and 60 s. Cell proliferation was assessed; tropoelastin and collagen production was measured. Results: Heat does not affect SMC proliferation at 65°C neither at 30 nor at 60 s. Surface-deposited elastin level was significantly increased after heat exposure (mean ± SD, 30 s 155 ± 5% of control [p < 0.01] and 60 s 516 ± 40% of control [p < 0.01]). Tropoelastin levels in the culture media were significantly lower after 60 s of heat exposure (mean ± SD, 30 s 102 ± 5% of control [p = ns] and 60 s 70 ± 2% of control [p = 0.04]). Significant increase in surface-deposited collagen production was found (mean ± SD, 30 s 170 ± 6% of control [p < 0.01] and 60 s 123 ± 6% of control [p < 0.01]), but no such elevation was measured in the media after heat exposure (mean ± SD, 30 s 120 ± 20% of control [p = ns] and 60 s 100 ± 20% of control [p = ns]). Conclusion: When SMCs are exposed to heat there is significant elevation in collagen and elastin production. Changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix after heat exposure may contribute to vaginal wall remodeling.
ENSINO DE PROJETO DE ARQUITETURA EM AMBIENTE DIGITAL: UMA EXPERIÊNCIA NA FACULDADE DE ARQUITETURA DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DA BAHIA
Authors: Maciel Sérgio Dias , Amorim Arivaldo Leão de , Checcucci Érica De Sousa
Published: February 2018

Este trabalho apresenta e discute a experiência vivenciada na disciplina ARQ016 – Ateliê I, ofertada para alunos ingressantes do curso de graduação em Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade Federal da Bahia durante o ano letivo de 2016. A proposta pedagógica desenvolvida partiu do pressuposto de que a plena utilização dos recursos computacionais desde o início do curso pode oferecer melhores resultados de aprendizagem, desde que aplicados de forma adequada, do que o simples uso dos recursos tradicionais de desenho. O método empregado teve como foco os seguintes aspectos: reduzido número de aulas expositivas e apresentação gradual do conteúdo programático; pesquisa orientada sobre as atividades projetuais; realização de vários exercícios de complexidade crescente; concepção projetual por meio de croquis e modelagem geométrica; apresentação e discussão dos exercícios através de seminários, com participação dos alunos e orientações coletivas, e, por fim, confecção de pranchas técnicas em nível de estudo preliminar. Todas as atividades foram realizadas com a ampla utilização dos recursos computacionais como principal ferramenta de apoio, seja para as pesquisas de referências, a concepção e o desenvolvimento da solução, seja ainda para a representação gráfica da proposta projetual. Os resultados obtidos foram considerados muito significativos e puderam refletir o desenvolvimento, amadurecimento e a autonomia dos alunos frente às atividades solicitadas e a organização dos conhecimentos necessários.
ANÁLISE QUANTIQUALITATIVA DA NORMA DE DESEMPENHO (NBR Nº 15.575/2013) E PRINCIPAIS DESAFIOS DA IMPLANTAÇÃO DO NÍVEL SUPERIOR EM EDIFICAÇÃO RESIDENCIAL DE MULTIPAVIMENTOS
Authors: Souza Jonas Leonardo Pessanha de , Kern Andrea Parisi , Tutikian Bernardo Fonseca
Published: February 2018

Com o objetivo de melhorar o desempenho das edificações, seguindo tendência mundial, a NBR 15.575/2013, conhecida como norma de desempenho (ND), define critérios mínimos, intermediários e superiores e métodos de avaliação do desempenho das edificações habitacionais. Este artigo aborda as principais partes e aspectos da norma de desempenho identificadas na implantação do nível superior da ND em uma edificação habitacional, através de um estudo de caso realizado em uma edificação em construção na cidade de Novo Hamburgo/RS. O método de pesquisa consistiu em uma análise quali-quantitativa da ND em relação à edificação estudada, buscando identificar relações entre aspectos e partes da norma que possuem critérios mais difíceis de serem atendidos. Os resultados apontam que na parte da Norma sobre requisitos gerais, os aspectos relacionados com segurança contra incêndio, desempenho térmico e durabilidade e manutenibilidade são mais relevantes, assim como: a parte da ND sobre sistemas estruturais com aspectos de desempenho estrutural e durabilidade e manutenibilidade; a parte da ND relativa aos sistemas de pisos com os aspectos de desempenho estrutural, segurança contra incêndio, desempenho acústico e durabilidade e manutenibilidade e a parte sobre sistemas de vedação com os aspectos de desempenho estrutural, segurança contra incêndio, estanqueidade, desempenho térmico, acústico e durabilidade e manutenibilidade.
Incorporating genomic methods into contact networks to reveal new insights into animal behaviour and infectious disease dynamics
Authors: Gilbertson Marie L.J. , Fountain-Jones Nicholas M. , Craft Meggan E.
Published: February 2018

Utilization of contact networks has provided opportunities for assessing the dynamic interplay between pathogen transmission and host behaviour. Genomic techniques have, in their own right, provided new insight into complex questions in disease ecology, and the increasing accessibility of genomic approaches means more researchers may seek out these tools. The integration of network and genomic approaches provides opportunities to examine the interaction between behaviour and pathogen transmission in new ways and with greater resolution. While a number of studies have begun to incorporate both contact network and genomic approaches, a great deal of work has yet to be done to better integrate these techniques. In this review, we give a broad overview of how network and genomic approaches have each been used to address questions regarding the interaction of social behaviour and infectious disease, and then discuss current work and future horizons for the merging of these techniques.
Similarities in spatial cognition in sister species of the striped mouse Rhabdomys originating from different ecological contexts
Authors: Mackay M.K. , Pillay N.
Published: February 2018

Variation in spatial cognition is correlated with differences in the environments where animals originate, such that different environments might select for different cognitive ability. We investigated whether three sister species of the striped mouse genus Rhabdomys differed in their spatial cognition. The species originated from three locations across a rainfall gradient in southern Africa, which vary in habitat complexity. We tested individuals in a modified Barnes maze and asked whether the species had different spatial memory and navigation and whether these differences were related to their geographic location. We showed that the species had similar spatial memory and cue use, differing only when external cues were initially removed and during the first probe test of spatial memory. The similarities suggest that the environment of origin is not associated with spatial cognition in Rhabdomys, and that spatial cognition is phylogenetically constrained or there might be similar selection pressures across the distribution.