bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability of unipodal and bipodal counter movement jump landings in a recreational male population
Authors: Schwartz Cédric , Forthomme Bénédicte , Paulus Julien , Kaux Jean‐François , Brüls Olivier , Denoël Vincent , Croisier Jean‐Louis
Published: August 2017

Movement patterns during landing have been suggested to be related to injury risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the inter‐session reliability of kinematic variables and ground reaction forces during landing in a population of male recreational athletes after a counter movement jump. Both unipodal and bipodal landings were evaluated. Furthermore, the possibility to improve landing reliability with a verbal instruction was also studied. Twenty‐four male volunteers with no history of lower extremity trauma were randomly assigned to two groups (with and without verbal landing instruction). An optoelectronic 3D system and force plates were used to measure the lower limb joint angles and the ground reaction forces during landing. Intraclass correlation values show moderate to excellent inter‐session reliability for the bipodal task (ICC average: 0.80, range: 0.46–0.97) and poor to excellent reliability for the unipodal task (ICC average: >0.75, range: 0.20–0.95). However, large standard errors of measurement values at the ankle joint at impact (27.6 ± 11.5°) and for the vertical ground reaction forces (394 ± 1091 N) show that some variables may not be usable in practice. The verbal instruction had a negative effect on the reliability of unipodal landing but improved the reliability of bipodal landing. These findings show that the reliability of a landing task is influenced by its motor complexity as well as the instruction given to the subject.
Influence of the Neonicotinoid Insecticide Thiamethoxam on miRNA Expression in the Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Shi Teng-Fei , Wang Yu-Fei , Liu Fang , Qi Lei , Yu Lin-Sheng
Published: August 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding single-stranded RNAs regulating gene expression in eukaryotes. They play important roles in regulating caste differentiation, behavior development, and immune defences in the honey bee, Apis mellifera (Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Apidae). In this study, we explored the effect of the neonicotinoid insecticide, thiamethoxam, on miRNA expression in this species using deep small RNA sequencing. The results showed that seven miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed (q-value <0.01 and |log2(fold-change)| >1) upon exposure to 10 ppb thiamethoxam over 10 d. Some candidate target genes were related to behavior, immunity, and neural function. Several miRNAs, including ame-miR-124, ame-miR-981, ame-miR-3791, and ame-miR-6038, were selected and further validated using real-time quantitative PCR analysis. The findings expand our understanding of the effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on honey bees at the molecular level.
Anisotropic Cellular Mechanoresponse for Radial Size Maintenance of Developing Epithelial Tubes
Authors: Hirashima Tsuyoshi , Adachi Taiji
Published: August 2017

Cellular behaviors responding to mechanical forces control the size of multicellular tissues as demonstrated in isotropic size maintenance of developing tissues. However, how mechanoresponse systems work to maintain anisotropic tissue size including tube radial size remains unknown. Here we reveal the system underlying radial size maintenance of the murine epididymal tubule by combining quantitative imaging, mathematical modeling, and mechanical perturbations. We found that an oriented cell intercalation making the tubule radial size smaller counteracts a cell tension reduction due to neighbor cell division along the tubule circumferential axis. Moreover, we demonstrated that the tubule cells enhance actomyosin constriction driving the cell intercalation in response to mechanical forces anisotropically applied on the cells. Our results suggest that epididymal tubule cells have endogenous systems for responding as active cell movement to mechanical forces exclusively along the circumferential axis, and the anisotropic cellular mechanoresponse spontaneously controls the tubule radial size.
Alien plant invasions in European woodlands
Authors: Wagner Viktoria , Chytrý Milan , Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja , Pergl Jan , Hennekens Stephan , Biurrun Idoia , Knollová Ilona , Berg Christian , Vassilev Kiril , Rodwell John S. , Škvorc Željko , Jandt Ute , Ewald Jörg , Jansen Florian , Tsiripidis Ioannis , Botta‐Dukát Zoltán , Casella Laura , Attorre Fabio , Rašomavičius Valerijus , Ćušterevska Renata , Schaminée Joop H. J. , Brunet Jörg , Lenoir Jonathan , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Kącki Zygmunt , Petrášová‐Šibíková Mária , Šilc Urban , García‐Mijangos Itziar , Campos Juan Antonio , Fernández‐González Federico , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Onyshchenko Viktor , Pyšek Petr
Published: August 2017

Aim

Woodlands make up a third of European territory and carry out important ecosystem functions, yet a comprehensive overview of their invasion by alien plants has never been undertaken across this continent.

Location

Europe.

Methods

We extracted data from 251,740 vegetation plots stored in the recently compiled European Vegetation Archive. After filtering (resulting in 83,396 plots; 39 regions; 1970–2015 time period), we analysed the species pool and frequency of alien vascular plants with respect to geographic origin and life‐forms, and the levels of invasion across the European Nature Information System (EUNIS) woodland habitats.

Results

We found a total of 386 alien plant species (comprising 7% of all recorded vascular plants). Aliens originating from outside of and from within Europe were almost equally represented in the species pool (192 vs. 181 species) but relative frequency was skewed towards the former group (77% vs. 22%) due, to some extent, to the frequent occurrence of Impatiens parviflora (21% frequency among alien plants). Phanerophytes were the most species‐rich life‐form (148 species) and had the highest representation in terms of relative frequency (39%) among aliens in the dataset. Apart from Europe (181 species), North America was the most important source of alien plants (109 species). At the local scale, temperate and boreal softwood riparian woodland (5%) and mire and mountain coniferous woodland (<1%) had the highest and lowest mean relative alien species richness (percentage of alien species per plot), respectively.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that European woodlands are prone to alien plant invasions especially when exposed to disturbance, fragmentation, alien propagule pressure and high soil nutrient levels. Given the persistence of these factors in the landscape, competitive alien plant species with a broad niche, including alien trees and shrubs, are likely to persist and spread further into European woodlands.
An island view of endemic rarity—Environmental drivers and consequences for nature conservation
Authors: Irl Severin D. H. , Schweiger Andreas H. , Medina Félix M. , Fernández‐Palacios José M. , Harter David E. V. , Jentsch Anke , Provenzale Antonello , Steinbauer Manuel J. , Beierkuhnlein Carl
Published: August 2017

Aim

Rarity—an important measure for conservation biogeography—can vary over many orders of magnitude. However, it is unclear which regional‐scale abiotic conditions drive processes affecting rarity of endemic species on islands. To support conservation efforts, we (1) assess the main abiotic drivers of endemic rarity, (2) determine how well existing protected areas (PAs) coincide with hotspots of endemic rarity and (3) introduce and evaluate a new hypervolume‐based rarity estimator.

Location

La Palma (Canary Islands).

Methods

We recorded all present endemic vascular plant species in 1,212 plots covering the entire island. We calculated endemic rarity (corrected range‐rarity richness for endemics) using a rarity estimation approach based on kernel density estimations (hypervolume approach). We performed a sensitivity analysis based on multiple linear regressions and relative importance estimations of environmental drivers to estimate the performance of the hypervolume‐based rarity estimation compared to standard methods (occurrence frequency, convex hulls, alpha hulls).

Results

Climate variables (mean annual temperature, climatic rarity, precipitation variability) best explained archipelago endemic (AE) and single‐island endemic (SIE) rarity. Existing PAs covered the majority of AE and SIE rarity, especially national and natural parks as well as the Natura 2000 sites. In our study system, hypervolumes performed better than standard measures of range size.

Main conclusion

Both AE and SIE rarity on La Palma show a clear spatial pattern, with hotspots of endemic rarity found at high elevations and in rare climates, presumably owing to geographical and climatic constraints and possibly anthropogenic pressure (e.g., land use, introduced herbivores, fire). Areas of high rarity estimates coincide with the distribution and extent of PAs on La Palma, especially since the recent addition of the Natura 2000 sites. The hypervolume approach is a promising tool to estimate species range sizes, and can be applied on all scales where point/plot data are available.
Rhododendron diversity patterns and priority conservation areas in China
Authors: Yu Fangyuan , Skidmore Andrew K. , Wang Tiejun , Huang Jihong , Ma Keping , Groen Thomas A.
Published: August 2017

Aim

To predict Rhododendron diversity patterns and identify Rhododendron hotspots and priority areas for their conservation.

Location

China.

Methods

We predicted the distribution of 212 Rhododendron species by applying a spatially explicit species assemblage modelling (SESAM) framework on a 10 × 10 km grid across China. We evaluated Rhododendron diversity based on species richness, β‐diversity and weighted endemism (also known as range‐size rarity), and then identified hotspots formed by the top 1%, 5%, 25% and 50% of record‐containing grid cells for each diversity metric separately and for the combination of the three diversity metrics. We determined the priority conservation areas for Rhododendrons by overlaying the hotspots with the map of the 2139 nature reserves existing in China, and calculated the percentage of hotspots that is protected. The same analysis was also applied to threatened Rhododendron species.

Results

Rhododendron species richness, β‐diversity and weighted endemism decrease within China from the south‐west to the north‐east, mainly along mountain ranges. In total, 12 general hotspots for Rhododendron species are detected, covering 1.4% of China's land area. Five separately discerned hotspots (i.e. southern Chongqing, south‐eastern Tibet, north‐western Yunnan, south‐western Sichuan and northern Guangdong) comprising threatened Rhododendron species largely overlap (86.3%) with the general hotspots, and form priority areas for conservation. However, the remaining hotspots, especially southern Zhejiang and north‐eastern Guizhou, need more protection.

Main conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of Rhododendron diversity patterns across the whole of China in terms of species richness, β‐diversity and weighted endemism, thereby offering a sound basis for the conservation of Rhododendrons in China. We demonstrate that as much attention should be paid to the small hotspots in south‐western and south‐eastern China, as to the largest hotspot (i.e. Mt Hengduan), to achieve conservation of Rhododendrons.
Ageing successfully with haemophilia: A multidisciplinary programme
Authors: Boccalandro E. , Mancuso M. E. , Riva S. , Pisaniello D. M. , Ronchetti F. , Santagostino E. , Peyvandi F. , Solimeno L. P. , Mannucci P. M. , Pasta G.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Persons with haemophilia (PWH) born before the middle 1970s have spent a substantial part of their lives without the benefits of replacement therapy, that became available on a relative large scale only during the 1970s. As a consequence, this group of PWH, although still relatively young, suffers from musculoskeletal and functional problems that are typical of old people.

Methods

We report herewith the short‐term results of a project based upon a multidisciplinary training programme led by a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist, that was implemented over a period of 12 months in 40 patients with severe or moderate hemophilia A or B born before the middle 1970s and regularly followed‐up at a comprehensive haemophilia treatment centre in Italy. The project was aimed to provide information and skills in order to empower the older PWH carrying physical handicaps and functional limitations that had resulted from the inadequate management in their early ages, and to enable them to cope more efficiently with their crippling disease and prevent further disabilities.

Results and Conclusions

The comparison of the data obtained before and after the 12‐month programme found marginal improvements, but the purpose of this programme was indeed to offer a blueprint for the future. In this respect, the level of satisfaction for the programme was very high and we expect that it will be implemented long‐term by our older PWH.
Subcutaneous diphtheria and tetanus vaccines in children with haemophilia: A pilot study and review of the literature
Authors: Schaefer B. A. , Gruppo R. A. , Mullins E. S. , Tarango C.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Subcutaneous (SQ) vaccination has emerged as standard of care in children with severe bleeding disorders to reduce unnecessary factor exposure and avoid provoking an intramuscular bleed, but little is known about comparative immunogenicity to intramuscular (IM) vaccination.

Aim

To confirm immunogenicity of Diphtheria Tetanus acellular Pertussis (DTaP) vaccines administeredSQto individuals <6 years old with haemophilia.

Methods

We performed a retrospective and prospective pilot study of tetanus and diphtheria antibody titres among patients evaluated at our Haemophilia Treatment Centre between 2015‐2016. Children with haemophilia who had received three to four doses ofDTaP containing vaccine administeredSQwere eligible.

Results

Eight children met inclusion criteria. The mean age at the time of diphtheria and tetanus antibody testing was 21.1±17.8 months. All children who receivedSQdiphtheria and tetanus developed a positive antibody titre to both antigens. There was no statistically significant difference in distribution of titre values. The average time between the last dose of vaccine and antibody testing was 6.6±3.9 months amongSQvaccinated subjects. Minor injection site reactions were common withSQvaccines.

Conclusion

SQadministration of diphtheria and tetanus vaccination appears to be immunogenic in a pilot study of Haemophilia patients and supports this practice as the standard of care for this population.
Prophylaxis use among males with haemophilia B in the United States
Authors: Ullman M. , Zhang Q. C. , Grosse S. D. , Recht M. , Soucie J. M. ,   the Hemophilia Treatment Center Network Investigators
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Prophylaxis is considered the optimal treatment for persons with moderate to severe haemophilia (factor activity between 1‐5% of normal and <1% of normal respectively) in countries where safe factor concentrates are available and economically feasible. Historically, prophylactic treatment has not been well studied in the haemophilia B (HB) population due to difficulties in obtaining a sufficiently large sample.

Aim

This study examines the prevalence of prophylaxis use among a robust sample of persons with HB in the United States and its association with specific demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods

Using data collected between 1998 and 2011 for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Universal Data Collection project, we analysed data on 2428 males with moderate to severe HB aged 2‐79 years who were seen at 135 federally funded haemophilia treatment centres.

Results

Prevalence of prophylactic treatment in our sample was 35% among children and youth (ages 2‐19) and 14% among adults (age 20 and older). Increased HB prophylaxis use was significantly associated with younger age (<40 years), Hispanic ethnicity, severe disease and self‐infusion, while decreased use was associated with above‐normal body mass index (BMI) in adults. Health care coverage was vital, although type of coverage did not appear to influence access.

Conclusions

Our analysis confirms previous reports of lower prevalence of prophylaxis use among individuals with HB compared to those with haemophilia A and adds to the body of knowledge regarding treatment patterns among a historically understudied population.
MiR‐139‐5p inhibits the tumorigenesis and progression of oral squamous carcinoma cells by targeting HOXA9
Authors: Wang Kai , Jin Jun , Ma Tengxiao , Zhai Hongfeng
Published: August 2017

Our study sought to clarify the effects of microRNA‐139‐5p (miR‐139‐5p) in the tumorigenesis and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by regulating HOXA9. MiR‐139‐5p and HOXA9 expression in OSCC tissues, tumour adjacent tissues, OSCC cells and normal cells were tested by qRT‐PCR. SAS and CAL‐27 cell lines were selected in among four OSCC cell lines and then transfected with miR‐139‐5p mimics, pEGFP‐HOXA9 and cotransfected with miR‐139‐5p mimics + pEGFP‐HOXA9. We used MTT, colony formation, transwell and wound healing assays to analyse cell viability, proliferation, invasion and migration. The target relationship between miR‐139‐5p and HOXA9 was verified by luciferase reporter assay and Western blot, respectively. MiR‐139‐5p was down‐regulated, whereas HOXA9 was up‐regulated in OSCC tissues and cells. The proliferation, invasion and migration ability of SAS and CAL‐27 cells in miR‐139‐5p mimics group were significantly weaker than those in the control group and the miR‐NC group (P < 0.01). MiR‐139‐5p can negatively regulate HOXA9. The proliferation, invasion and migration of SAS and CAL‐27 cells in the miR‐139‐5p mimics + pEGFP‐HOXA9 group were not significantly different from those in the blank control and negative control groups (P > 0.05). Our results indicated that miR‐139‐5p could directly inhibit HOXA9, which might be a potential mechanism in inhibiting the proliferation, invasiveness and migration of OSCC cells.
Adaptive functioning and its associated factors among girl children residing in slum areas of Bhubaneswar, India
Authors: Panigrahi Ansuman , Das Sai C , Sahoo Prabhudarsan
Published: August 2017

Aim

Adaptive functioning develops throughout early childhood, and its limitation is a reflection that the child has developmental or emotional problems or even mental retardation. Little is known about the adaptive functioning or developmental status of slum children. The present cross‐sectional study was undertaken during the year 2014 to assess the status of adaptive functioning among girl children aged between 3 and 9 years residing in slum areas of Bhubaneswar and to explore the factors associated with poor adaptive functioning.

Methods

Stratified multi‐stage cluster random sampling technique was used to select the study population; 256 mother–child pairs from 256 households in selected slum areas were studied. Demographic information was collected, and adaptive functioning was assessed using the modified Vineland Social Maturity Scale. Univariate and multivariate analyses was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.

Results

One‐fifth (54, 21%) of the girls sampled had poor adaptive functioning, and 44 (17%) had poor cognitive functioning. Multivariate analysis revealed that the age of the child, parents’ education, presence of stunting in children and attending school/early childhood centre were strong predictors of adaptive functioning in slum children.

Conclusion

One‐fifth of girls from slums are developmentally vulnerable; parental education, stunting and early childhood education or exposure to schooling are modifiable factors influencing children's adaptive functioning. Health, education and welfare sectors need to be aware of this so that a multi‐pronged approach can be planned to properly address this issue in one of the most disadvantaged sections of the society.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Sulfuriferula
sp. Strain AH1, a Sulfur-Oxidizing Autotroph Isolated from Weathered Mine Tailings from the Duluth Complex in Minnesota
Authors: Jones Daniel S. , Roepke Elizabeth W. , Hua An An , Flood Beverly E. , Bailey Jake V.
Published: August 2017

We report the closed and annotated genome sequence of
Sulfuriferula
sp. strain AH1. Strain AH1 has a 2,877,007-bp chromosome that includes a partial Sox system for inorganic sulfur oxidation and a complete nitrogen fixation pathway. It also has a single 39,138-bp plasmid with genes for arsenic and mercury resistance.
Neonatal management and outcome after thoracoamniotic shunt placement for fetal hydrothorax
Authors: Witlox Ruben S G M , Klumper Frans J C M , te Pas Arjan B , van Zwet Erik W , Oepkes Dick , Lopriore Enrico
Published: August 2017

Aim

To evaluate the short-term neonatal outcome after fetal thoracoamniotic shunt placement for isolated hydrothorax.

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of infants with isolated hydrothorax treated with thoracoamniotic shunt placement at our fetal therapy centre between 2001 and 2016.

Results

In total 48 fetuses were treated with a thoracoamniotic shunt. All fetuses had signs of hydrops at the time of intervention. Median (IQR) gestational age at shunting was 28.7 (24.4–31.3) weeks. Forty-one of 48 (85%) fetuses were born alive at a median (IQR) gestational age of 34.4 (31.1–36.7) weeks. In one child the course of disease after birth was unknown (this child was excluded from further analyses). After birth, 24/40 (60%) children had signs of pleural effusion and 12/40 (30%) needed a thoracic shunt for continuous pleural drainage. Twenty-one (53%) children required mechanical ventilation, of whom 13 (33%) needed high-frequency ventilation as rescue therapy. Overall 30/40 (75%) infants survived the neonatal period. Neonatal survival rate was significantly higher when infants were born ≥32 weeks’ gestation as compared with <32 weeks: 93% (26/28) versus 33% (4/12), p<0.01.

Conclusion

Postnatal course of hydropic fetuses treated with thoracoamniotic shunt for isolated hydrothorax is often complicated by respiratory failure and persistent pleural effusions. Neonatal survival is good provided delivery occurs at or after 32 weeks’ gestation.
Perinatal risk factors for neonatal encephalopathy: an unmatched case-control study
Authors: Tann Cally J , Nakakeeto Margaret , Willey Barbara A , Sewegaba Margaret , Webb Emily L , Oke Ibby , Mutuuza Emmanuel Derek , Peebles Donald , Musoke Margaret , Harris Kathryn A , Sebire Neil J , Klein Nigel , Kurinczuk Jennifer J , Elliott Alison M , Robertson Nicola J
Published: August 2017

Objective

Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is the third leading cause of child mortality. Preclinical studies suggest infection and inflammation can sensitise or precondition the newborn brain to injury. This study examined perinatal risks factor for NE in Uganda.

Design

Unmatched case–control study.

Setting

Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

210 term infants with NE and 409 unaffected term infants as controls were recruited over 13 months. Data were collected on preconception, antepartum and intrapartum exposures. Blood culture, species-specific bacterial real-time PCR, C reactive protein and placental histology for chorioamnionitis and funisitis identified maternal and early newborn infection and inflammation. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations with NE.

Results

Neonatal bacteraemia (adjusted OR (aOR) 8.67 (95% CI 1.51 to 49.74), n=315) and histological funisitis (aOR 11.80 (95% CI 2.19 to 63.45), n=162) but not chorioamnionitis (aOR 3.20 (95% CI 0.66 to 15.52), n=162) were independent risk factors for NE. Among encephalopathic infants, neonatal case fatality was not significantly higher when exposed to early neonatal bacteraemia (OR 1.65 (95% CI 0.62 to 4.39), n=208). Intrapartum antibiotic use did not improve neonatal survival (p=0.826). After regression analysis, other identified perinatal risk factors (n=619) included hypertension in pregnancy (aOR 3.77), male infant (aOR 2.51), non-cephalic presentation (aOR 5.74), lack of fetal monitoring (aOR 2.75), augmentation (aOR 2.23), obstructed labour (aOR 3.8) and an acute intrapartum event (aOR 8.74).

Conclusions

Perinatal infection and inflammation are independent risk factors for NE in this low-resource setting, supporting a role in the aetiological pathway of term brain injury. Intrapartum antibiotic administration did not mitigate against adverse outcomes. The importance of intrapartum risk factors in this sub-Saharan African setting is highlighted.
Fifteen-minute consultation: A structured approach to the management of chronic cough in a child
Authors: Alviani Cherry , Ruiz Gary , Gupta Atul
Published: August 2017

Coughing is a primary pulmonary defence mechanism that enhances clearance of secretions and particles from the airways and protects against aspiration of foreign materials. Coughing may affect 30% of children at any given time (1). Many are healthy children but some may have serious underlying disease. Childhood cough accounts for a large number of consultations and 80% of families who are referred to a paediatric respiratory clinic for chronic cough have sought medical advice five times or more (2). The majority of childhood coughs are secondary to an acute respiratory tract infection and will improve once the infection resolves, usually within 1 to 3 weeks. With pre-school children who may experience between 6 and 10 respiratory infections a year differentiating acute recurrent cough from chronic cough is key (Table 1). Chronic cough can significantly impact a family’s quality of life, as it affects the child’s sleep, school attendance and play. Parents experience distress and anxiety, worrying that the cough may lead to long-term chest damage or even death (3). This article aims to guide clinicians through the assessment of the child with a chronic cough. It will discuss identifying causes, use of first line investigations, initiating appropriate management and addressing parental anxiety and exacerbating factors (4,5).
Can an observational pain assessment tool improve time to analgesia for cognitively impaired older persons? A cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fry Margaret , Chenoweth Lynn , Arendts Glenn
Published: August 2017

Objective

The primary objective of the study was to measure the impact of an observational pain assessment dementia tool on time from ED arrival to first dose of analgesic medicine.

Methods

A multisite cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted to test the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) tool. Patients aged 65 years or older suspected of a long bone fracture were screened for cognitive impairment using the Six-Item Screening (SIS) tool. Patients scoring 4 or less on SIS (intervention sites) were assessed for pain using PAINAD. Control sites, assessed pain using standard methods. The primary outcome was time to first dose of analgesia and was analysed on an intention-to-treat basis with a sensitivity analysis.

Results

We enrolled 602 patients, of which 323 (54%) were at intervention sites (n=4). The median time to analgesia was 82 min (IQR 45–151 min). There was no statistically significant difference in median time to analgesia for intervention 83 (IQR 48–158 min) and non-intervention 82 min (IQR 41–147 min) sites (p=0.414). After adjusting for age, fracture type, arrival mode and triage category, there remained no significant difference in time to analgesia (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.17, p=0.74). Of the 602 patients enrolled, 273 actually had cognitive impairment. A sensitivity analysis demonstrated patients at intervention sites received analgesia 13 min sooner (90 vs 103 min, p=0.91).

Conclusion

Use of the PAINAD was not associated with a shorter time to analgesia, although there was a clinically important but non-significant improvement in the cognitively impaired patient group. Further research is needed to address this clinically important and complex issue.
Reassessing the value of gastroscopy for the investigation of dyspepsia
Authors: Ching Hey-Long , Hale Melissa F , Sidhu Reena , McAlindon Mark E
Published: August 2017

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic yield of investigating dyspepsia with oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) with or without mucosal biopsy.

Design

Retrospective service evaluation study.

Setting

Two teaching hospitals: The Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Northern General Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK.

Patients

500 patients, 55 years of age and over, who underwent OGD to investigate dyspepsia were included. The study period included a 3-month window. All OGDs were performed on an outpatient basis.

Interventions

Data were extracted from electronic OGD records within the study period.

Main outcome measures

Diagnostic yield provided by endoscopic examination and histological assessment.

Results

378 patients (75.6%) were reported to have some form of endoscopic abnormality, and 417 patients (83.4%) had biopsies taken. The most common findings at OGD were gastritis (47.2%) and oesophagitis (24.4%). Oesophagogastric malignancy was seen in 1%. Diagnoses made endoscopically or histologically that would not have been appropriately managed by empirical therapies were seen in 16.2%.

Conclusion

OGD in dyspepsia influences patient management in approximately one-sixth of cases. However, the majority of patients are sufficiently managed withHelicobacter pyloritesting and eradication and/or a trial of proton pump inhibitor therapy. Further non-invasive approaches are needed to identify patients who need endoscopy for biopsy or therapy.
The concordance between component tests and clinical history in British adults with suspected pollen-food syndrome to peanut and hazelnut
Authors: Beck Sarah C , Huissoon Aarnoud P , Collins Donna , Richter Alex G , Krishna Mamidipudi T
Published: August 2017

Background

Mild oropharyngeal symptoms to peanut/hazelnut occur in ~30% of patients with pollen-food syndrome (PFS). Component tests are considered a useful adjunct to the diagnosis and may help differentiate PFS from those at a risk of anaphylaxis due to storage protein/lipid transfer protein (LTP) sensitisation.

Aims

To assess concordance between component tests and clinical history in suspected PFS to peanut/hazelnut in a specialist clinic.

Methods

Adult patients were classified into PFS (group 1, n=69) and PFS with mild systemic symptoms (group 2, n=45) based on clinical history. Specific IgE (sIgE) of ≥0.35 kUA/L was considered positive as per manufacturers’ recommendation. Kappa (κ) inter-rater agreement was calculated for concordance between clinical classification and test profiles.

Results

Group 1 hazelnut: 85% monosensitised to Cor a1, 12% to storage protein/s or LTP and 3% negative to all components. Group 1 peanut: 41% monosensitised to Ara h8, 44% to storage protein/s or ±LTP and 15% negative to all components. Group 2 hazelnut: 67% monosensitised to Cor a1, 16% sensitised to storage protein/s and 17% negative to all components. Group 2 peanut: 19% monosensitised to Ara h8, 62% sensitised to storage protein/s and/or LTP and 19% negative to all components.

SIgE to Ara h8 and Cor a1 were greater in group 1 versus group 2: (median (IQR) kUA/L; hazelnut: 12.1 (7.8-25.2) vs 2.4 (0.36-6.3), p<0.001; peanut: 2.4 (0.10-21.1) vs 0.3 (0-3), p<0.01)).

Conclusion

Concordance between component tests and clinical history for adults with PFS was good for hazelnut (κ=0.63) but poor for peanut (κ=−0.12). Food challenges are warranted in discordant cases for an accurate diagnosis.
Assessment of orientation practices for ethics consultation at Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals
Authors: Zaidi Danish , Kesselheim Jennifer C
Published: August 2017

Background

Few studies have been conducted to assess the quality of orientation practices for ethics advisory committees that conduct ethics consultation. This survey study focused on several Harvard teaching hospitals, exploring orientation quality and committee members’ self-evaluation in the American Society of Bioethics and Humanities (ASBH) ethics consultation competencies.

Methods

We conducted a survey study that involved 116 members and 16 chairs of ethics advisory committees, respectively (52% and 62.5% response rates). Predictor variables included professional demographics, duration on committees and level of training. Outcome variables included familiarity with and preparedness in the ASBH competencies and satisfaction with orientations. We hypothesised that responses would be associated with both the aforementioned predictors and whether or not participants had encountered the ASBH competencies in training.

Results

A majority of respondents found their orientation curricula to be helpful (62%), although a significant portion of respondents did not receive any orientation (24%) or were unsatisfied with their orientation (14%). Familiarity with ASBH competencies was a statistically significant predictor of respondents’ self-evaluation in particular categories (54% had heard of the competencies). Standard educational materials were reported as offered during orientation, such as readings (50%) and case studies (41%); different medium resources were less evidenced such as videos on ethics consultation (19%).

Conclusions

Institutions should re-evaluate orientation practices for ethics committee members that perform ethics consultation. Integrating ASBH competencies and useful methods into a resourceful pedagogy will help improve both member satisfaction with orientation and preparation in consultation.
Medical students’ perceptions of professional misconduct: relationship with typology and year of programme
Authors: Zulkifli Juliana , Noel Brad , Bennett Deirdre , O’Flynn Siun , O’Tuathaigh Colm
Published: August 2017

Aim

To examine the contribution of programme year and demographic factors to medical students’ perceptions of evidence-based classification categories of professional misconduct.

Methods

Students at an Irish medical school were administered a cross-sectional survey comprising 31 vignettes of professional misconduct, which mapped onto a 12-category classification system. Students scored each item using a 5-point Likert scale, where 1 represents the least severe form of misconduct and 5 the most severe.

Results

Of the 1012 eligible respondents, 561 students completed the survey, providing a response rate of 55%. Items pertaining to disclosure of conflict of interest were ranked as the least severe examples of professional misconduct, and this perception was highest among finalyear students. While ratings of severity declined for items related to ‘inappropriate conduct not in relation to patient’ and ‘inappropriate use of social media’ between years 1 and 3, ratings for both categories increased again among clinical cycle (fourth and final year) students.

Conclusions

Increased clinical exposure during years 4 and 5 of the undergraduate programme was associated with better recognition of the importance of selected professional domains. Disclosure of conflict of interest is identified as an area of medical professionalism that requires greater emphasis for students who are at the point of transition from student to doctor.
Late mortality after acute hypoxic respiratory failure
Authors: Prescott Hallie C , Sjoding Michael W , Langa Kenneth M , Iwashyna Theodore J , McAuley Daniel F
Published: August 2017

Background

Acute hypoxic respiratory failure (AHRF) is associated with significant acute mortality. It is unclear whether later mortality is predominantly driven by pre-existing comorbid disease, the acute inciting event or is the result of AHRF itself.

Methods

Observational cohort study of elderly US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) participants in fee-for-service Medicare (1998–2012). Patients hospitalised with AHRF were matched 1:1 to otherwise similar adults who were not currently hospitalised and separately to patients hospitalised with acute inciting events (pneumonia, non-pulmonary infection, aspiration, trauma, pancreatitis) that may result in AHRF, here termed at-risk hospitalisations. The primary outcome was late mortality—death in the 31 days to 2 years following hospital admission.

Results

Among 15 075 HRS participants, we identified 1268 AHRF and 13 117 at-risk hospitalisations. AHRF hospitalisations were matched to 1157 non-hospitalised adults and 1017 at-risk hospitalisations. Among patients who survived at least 30 days, AHRF was associated with a 24.4% (95%CI 19.9% to 28.9%, p<0.001) absolute increase in late mortality relative to adults not currently hospitalised and a 6.7% (95%CI 1.7% to 11.7%, p=0.01) increase relative to adults hospitalised with acute inciting event(s) alone. At-risk hospitalisation explained 71.2% of the increased odds of late mortality, whereas the development of AHRF itself explained 28.8%. Risk for death was equivalent to at-risk hospitalisation beyond 90 days, but remained elevated for more than 1 year compared with non-hospitalised controls.

Conclusions

In this national sample of older Americans, approximately one in four survivors with AHRF had a late death not explained by pre-AHRF health status. More than 70% of this increased risk was associated with hospitalisation for acute inciting events, while 30% was associated with hypoxemic respiratory failure.
Magnitude of reactive thrombocytosis and associated clinical conditions in dogs
Authors: Athanasiou Labrini V , Polizopoulou Zoe S , Papavasileiou Eleftheria G , Mpairamoglou Efstathios L , Kantere Maria C , Rousou Xanthi A
Published: August 2017

Previous studies on the underlying causes of thrombocytosis have raised scientific interest in its clinical relevance in dogs. The purpose of this study was: (1) to explore the clinical conditions associated with thrombocytosis; (2) to compare platelet counts among these conditions; and (3) to identify possible interactions with other haematological variables and associated conditions. Medical records of 195 dogs with thrombocytosis (platelet count >500×103/μL) were reviewed for signalment, complete blood count results and definitive diagnosis. The prevalence of thrombocytosis was 6.02%. All cases included had reactive thrombocytosis, with non‐neoplastic, non‐inflammatory underlying conditions in 48.2%, inflammatory processes in 34.4% and neoplastic processes in 17.4%. Haemoglobin and white blood cell counts were negatively and positively associated with platelet count, respectively. This study revealed that mean platelet count in dogs with neoplasia and a packed cell volume of 35% or below was significantly higher than that for dogs with other disease categories. Therefore, for dogs with marked thrombocytosis and anaemia, it is recommended that neoplasia should be included in the list of differential diagnoses.
Differences in gastrointestinal lesions in different horse types
Authors: Dunkel Bettina , Buonpane Alexandra , Chang Yu‐Mei
Published: August 2017

Clinical impression suggests that some gastrointestinal lesions are more common in certain horse types. The study tested the hypothesis that relative prevalence of acute gastrointestinal lesions differs between equid types. In a retrospective caseâ€“control study, records (2010â€“2015) were reviewed for equids with acute gastrointestinal disease. Signalment, details of gastrointestinal lesions and diagnoses were recorded. Animals were categorised as miniature type, pony, Arabian, light breed or draft type. Exclusion criteria were no recorded breed/size/diagnosis, age less than one year and donkeys. Using binary logistic regression the influence of type, sex and age on lesion location, nature and diagnoses were investigated. 575 animals (33 miniature types, 136 ponies, 335 light breed types, 17 Arabians and 54 draft types) were included. Using light breed types as reference, ponies (including miniatures) had decreased odds of colon displacements (OR 0.11; 95 per cent CI 0.05 to 0.24; P<0.001) and ponies alone had increased odds of strangulation of the small intestine by lipomas (OR 2.3; 95 per cent CI 1.3 to 4.1; P=0.004). Miniature types had decreased odds of strangulating small intestinal lesions (OR 0.1; 95 per cent CI 0.01 to 0.83; P=0.033) and draft types had increased odds of caecal conditions (OR 9.0; 95 per cent CI 2.3 to 34.8; P<0.001). In conclusion, equid type influences development of gastrointestinal lesions.
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTING AND MECHANISM OF OXYGEN-DEFICIENT TIN OXIDE FILMS DEPOSITED BY RF MAGNETRON SPUTTERING AT VARIOUS O2/Ar RATIOS
Authors: WANG QI , WANG CHENGBIAO , LV CHANGCHUN , WANG YANG , PENG ZHIJIAN , FU XIULI
Published: August 2017

Oxygen-deficient tin oxide thin films were prepared by radiofrequency magnetron sputtering with a sintered non-stoichiometric tin oxide ceramic target under an atmosphere of various ratios of O2/Ar from pure Ar to 1:1. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the thin films were polycrystalline with relatively strong (1 1 0), (1 0 1) and (2 1 1) diffraction peaks. Scanning electron microscopy observation revealed that the thin films prepared at different O2/Ar ratios were all of relatively dense and homogeneous structure. With increasing O2/Ar ratio, the grain size of the films decreased slightly, and their chemical composition became close to the stoichiometric SnO2; but the deposition rate as well as film thickness increased first and then decreased sharply. It was revealed that the main defect in obtained films was oxygen vacancy (VO), and as the O2/Ar ratio increased, the concentration of VO fell down monotonously, which would lead to an increased electrical resistivity.
Nonclassical properties of the Arik–Coon q−1-oscillator coherent states on the noncommutative complex plane ℂq
Authors: Fakhri H. , Sayyah-Fard M.
Published: August 2017

This work has focused on the violation of uncertainty relation, squeezing effect, photon antibunching and sub-Poissonian statistics for the Arik–Coon [Formula: see text]-oscillator coherent states associated with the noncommutative complex plane [Formula: see text]. It is shown that one has to use a generalized definition for the covariance between the operators [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text], Heisenberg's inequality violation with two different behaviors related to the role of the deformation parameter [Formula: see text] on the variances of the position and momentum operators is illustrated. We conclude that both weak and strong squeezing effects are exhibited by the [Formula: see text]-coherent states. In particular, strong squeezing effect is a direct consequent of the violation of Heisenberg's inequality. Moreover, the photon antibunching and sub-Poissonian photon statistics are two features of the [Formula: see text]-coherent states which are realized simultaneously with the squeezing effects. Clearly, the three later behaviors are different from their corresponding counterparts in the Arik–Coon [Formula: see text]-oscillator coherent states associated with a commutative complex plane.
Einstein-like warped product manifolds
Authors: Mantica Carlo Alberto , Shenawy Sameh
Published: August 2017

In this paper, it is proved that the fiber manifold [Formula: see text] of a warped product manifold [Formula: see text] inherits the Einstein-like class type of [Formula: see text] whereas the base manifold does under some conditions. Some related results are considered.
Developing a Distributed Consensus-Based Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control System for Heterogeneous Vehicles with Predecessor Following Topology
Authors: Wang Ziran , Wu Guoyuan , Barth Matthew J.
Published: August 2017

Connected and automated vehicle (CAV) has become an increasingly popular topic recently. As an application, Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) systems are of high interest, allowing CAVs to communicate with each other and coordinating their maneuvers to form platoons, where one vehicle follows another with a constant velocity and/or time headway. In this study, we propose a novel CACC system, where distributed consensus algorithm and protocol are designed for platoon formation, merging maneuvers, and splitting maneuvers. Predecessor following information flow topology is adopted for the system, where each vehicle only communicates with its following vehicle to reach consensus of the whole platoon, making the vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication fast and accurate. Moreover, different from most studies assuming the type and dynamics of all the vehicles in a platoon to be homogenous, we take into account the length, location of GPS antenna on vehicle, and braking performance of different vehicles. A simulation study has been conducted under scenarios including normal platoon formation, platoon restoration from disturbances, and merging and splitting maneuvers. We have also carried out a sensitivity analysis on the distributed consensus algorithm, investigating the effect of the damping gain on convergence rate, driving comfort, and driving safety of the system.
Platelet-Rich Plasma as an Autologous and Proangiogenic Cell Delivery System
Authors: Zahn Jessica , Loibl Markus , Sprecher Christoph , Nerlich Michael , Alini Mauro , Verrier Sophie , Herrmann Marietta
Published: August 2017

Angiogenesis is a key factor in early stages of wound healing and is crucial for the repair of vascularized tissues such as the bone. However, supporting timely revascularization of the defect site still presents a clinical challenge. Tissue engineering approaches delivering endothelial cells or prevascularized constructs may overcome this problem. In the current study, we investigated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gels as autologous, injectable cell delivery systems for prevascularized constructs. PRP was produced from human thrombocyte concentrates. GFP-expressing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were encapsulated in PRP gels in different proportions. The formation of cellular networks was assessed over 14 days by time-lapse microscopy, gene expression analysis, and immunohistology. PRP gels presented a favorable environment for the formation of a three-dimensional (3D) cellular network. The formation of these networks was apparent as early as 3 days after seeding. Networks increased in complexity and branching over time but were only stable in HUVEC-MSC cocultures. The high cell viability together with the 3D capillary-like networks observed at early time points suggests that PRP can be used as an autologous and proangiogenic cell delivery system for the repair of vascularized tissues such as the bone.
Versatile Optochemical Quantification with Optical Mouse
Authors: Fakki Altamash , Ahmed Salahaldein , Park Jongwon , Kim Chang-Soo
Published: August 2017

There is an ever increasing need for simple, low-cost instruments for ubiquitous medical and environmental measurements in conjunction with networks and Internet-of-things. This work demonstrates that the optical mouse, one of the most common optoelectronic computer peripherals, can be used for chemical quantification. Particularly, we explore the feasibility of using the preassembled optical platform of mouse for oxygen and pH quantification. The image sensor and the light-emitting diode (LED) serve as photodetector and excitation/illumination light source, respectively, while the preinstalled microoptics (e.g., lens and waveguide) provide a fixed optical arrangement convenient for sample analysis. This novel, cost-effective approach demonstrates the potential application of optical mouse for bioanalytical devices in conjunction with commercial sensor strips or simple microfluidic elements. This is one viable option for seamless integration of bioanalytical capability into existing personal computers and associate networks without significant additional hardware.