bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of epidemiology, treatments and outcomes of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction between young and elderly patients
Authors: Pek Pin Pin , Zheng Huili , Ho Andrew Fu Wah , Wah Win , Tan Huay Cheem , Foo Ling Li , Ong Marcus Eng Hock
Published: March 2018

Background

With an ageing population, there is a need to understand the relative risk/benefit of interventions for elderly ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. The primary aim of this study was to compare epidemiology, treatments and outcomes between young and elderly STEMI patients. Our secondary aim was to determine the cut-off age when the benefits of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were less pronounced.

Methods

Data were collected by the Singapore Myocardial Infarction Registry. Patients were categorised into young (age <65 years) and elderly STEMI (age ≥65 years) patients.

Results

We analysed 14 006 STEMI cases collected between January 2007 and December 2014; 33.9% were elderly STEMI patients. Elderly STEMI patients had longer median door to balloon (73 vs 64 min, P<0.001) time and were less likely to receive PCI (proportion difference=−23.6%, 95% CI −25.3 to −22.0). In the absence of PCI, elderly STEMI patients had a higher mortality within 30 days (elderly: HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.99, P<0.001; young: HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.54, P=0.573) and 1 year (elderly: HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.57 to 2.14, P<0.001; young: HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.83, P=0.009) of admission. The 1 year survival benefit of PCI started to decline after the age of 65 years.

Conclusion

Elderly STEMI patients were less likely to receive PCI and had longer door to balloon times. Survival benefit of PCI decreased after the age of 65 years, with the decline most evident from age 85 years onwards. The risks of PCI need to be weighed carefully against its benefits, especially in very elderly patients.
Modelling attending physician productivity in the emergency department: a multicentre study
Authors: Joseph Joshua W , Davis Samuel , Wilker Elissa H , Wong Matthew L , Litvak Ori , Traub Stephen J , Nathanson Larry A , Sanchez Leon D
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Emergency physician productivity, often defined as new patients evaluated per hour, is essential to planning clinical operations. Prior research in this area considered this a static quantity; however, our group’s study of resident physicians demonstrated significant decreases in hourly productivity throughout shifts. We now examine attending physicians’ productivity to determine if it is also dynamic.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study, conducted from 2014 to 2016 across three community hospitals in the north-eastern USA, with different schedules and coverage. Timestamps of all patient encounters were automatically logged by the sites’ electronic health record. Generalised estimating equations were constructed to predict productivity in terms of new patients per shift hour.

Results

207 169 patients were seen by 64 physicians over 2 years, comprising 9822 physician shifts. Physicians saw an average of 15.0 (SD 4.7), 20.9 (SD 6.4) and 13.2 (SD 3.8) patients per shift at the three sites, with 2.97 (SD 0.22), 2.95 (SD 0.24) and 2.17 (SD 0.09) in the first hour. Across all sites, physicians saw significantly fewer new patients after the first hour, with more gradual decreases subsequently. Additional patient arrivals were associated with greater productivity; however, this attenuates substantially late in the shift. The presence of other physicians was also associated with slightly decreased productivity.

Conclusions

Physician productivity over a single shift follows a predictable pattern that decreases significantly on an hourly basis, even if there are new patients to be seen. Estimating productivity as a simple average substantially underestimates physicians’ capacity early in a shift and overestimates it later. This pattern of productivity should be factored into hospitals’ staffing plans, with shifts aligned to start with the greatest volumes of patient arrivals.
Matthaeus Stöber
Authors: Porter Alastair , Barr Frances , Weaver David
Published: March 2018

A distinguished veterinary clinician, author and teacher in the field of bovine medicine, who also devoted much of his time to European veterinary affairs.
Extracellular galectin-1 enhances adhesion to and invasion of oral epithelial cells by Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Tamai Riyoko , Kobayashi-Sakamoto Michiyo , Kiyoura Yusuke
Published: March 2018

Galectin-1 and galectin-3 are C-type lectin receptors that bind to lipopolysaccharide in the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we investigated the effects of galectin-1 and galectin-3 on adhesion to and invasion of the human gingival epithelial cell line Ca9-22 by Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontal pathogenic gram-negative bacterium. Recombinant galectin-1, but not galectin-3, enhanced P. gingivalis adhesion and invasion, although both galectins bound similarly to P. gingivalis. Flow cytometry also revealed that Ca9-22 cells express low levels of galectin-1 and moderate levels of galectin-3. Ca9-22 cells in which galectin-3 was knocked-down did not exhibit enhanced P. gingivalis adhesion and invasion. Similarly, specific antibodies to galectin-1 and galectin-3 did not inhibit P. gingivalis adhesion and invasion. These results suggest that soluble galectin-1, but not galectin-3, may exacerbate periodontal disease by enhancing the adhesion to and invasion of host cells by periodontal pathogenic bacteria.
Identification and comparison of individual chromosomes of three accessions ofHordeum chilense,Hordeum vulgare, andTriticum aestivumby FISH
Authors: Rey María-Dolores , Moore Graham , Martín Azahara C.
Published: March 2018

Karyotypes of three accessions of Hordeum chilense (H1, H16, and H7), Hordeum vulgare, and Triticum aestivum were characterized by physical mapping of several repetitive sequences. A total of 14 repetitive sequences were used as probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with the aim of identifying inter- and intraspecies polymorphisms. The (AG)12and 4P6 probes only produced hybridization signals in wheat, the BAC7 probe only hybridized to the centromeric region of H. vulgare, and the pSc119.2 probe hybridized to both wheat and H. chilense, but not to H. vulgare. The remaining repetitive sequences used in this study produced a hybridization signal in all the genotypes. Probes pAs1, pTa-535, pTa71, CCS1, and CRW were much conserved, showing no significant polymorphism among the genotypes studied. Probes GAA, (AAC)5, (CTA)5, HvT01, and pTa794 produced the most different hybridization pattern. We identified large polymorphisms in the three accessions of H. chilense studied, supporting the proposal of the existence of different groups inside species of H. chilense. The set of probes described in this work allowed the identification of every single chromosome in all three species, providing a complete cytogenetic karyotype of H. chilense, H. vulgare, and T. aestivum chromosomes, which could be useful in wheat and tritordeum breeding programs.
Two component boson–fermion plasma at finite temperature
Authors: Fantoni Riccardo
Published: March 2018

We discuss thermodynamic stability of neutral real (quantum) matter from the point of view of a computer experiment at finite, nonzero, temperature. We perform (restricted) path integral Monte Carlo simulations of the two component plasma where the two species are both bosons, both fermions, and one boson and one fermion. We calculate the structure of the plasma and discuss about the formation of binded couples of oppositely charged particles. The purely bosonic case is thermodynamically unstable. In this case we find an undetermined size-dependent contact value unlike partial radial distribution function. For the purely fermionic case, we find a demixing transition with binding also of like species.
Kinetic evolution and correlation of fluctuations in an expanding quark gluon plasma
Authors: Sarwar Golam , Alam Jan-e
Published: March 2018

Evolution of spatially anisotropic perturbation created in the system formed after Relativistic Heavy Ion Collisions has been studied. The microscopic evolution of the fluctuations has been examined within the ambit of Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE) in a hydrodynamically expanding background. The expansion of the background composed of quark gluon plasma (QGP) is treated within the framework of relativistic hydrodynamics. Spatial anisotropic fluctuations with different geometries have been evolved through Boltzmann equation. It is observed that the trace of such fluctuation survives the evolution. Within the relaxation time approximation, analytical results have been obtained for the evolution of these anisotropies. Explicit relations between fluctuations and transport coefficients have been derived. The mixing of various Fourier (or k) modes of the perturbations during the evolution of the system has been explicitly demonstrated. This study is very useful in understanding the presumption that the measured anisotropies in the data from heavy ion collisions at relativistic energies imitate the initial state effects. The evolution of correlation function for the perturbation in pressure has been studied and shows that the initial correlation between two neighbouring points in real space evolves to a constant value at later time which gives rise to Dirac delta function for the correlation function in Fourier space. The power spectrum of the fluctuation in thermodynamic quantities (like temperature estimated in this work) can be connected to the fluctuation in transverse momentum of the thermal hadrons measured experimentally. The bulk viscous coefficient of the QGP has been estimated by using correlations of pressure fluctuation with the help of Green–Kubo relation. Angular power spectrum of the anisotropies has been estimated in the appendix.
Spectral weight of resonant inelastic X-ray scattering in doped cuprates: Effect of core-hole lifetime
Authors: Tohyama Takami , Tsutsui Kenji
Published: March 2018

We examine the effect of core-hole lifetime on the spectral weight of resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) in hole-doped cuprates. We calculate the spectral weight by using the exact diagonalization technique for a 4 × 4 doped Hubbard lattice and find that the spin-flip channel detecting single-magnon excitation is less sensitive to the core-hole lifetime while in the non-spin-flip channel the spectral weight is strongly dependent on the lifetime. In the latter, charge and two-magnon excitations predominately contribute to RIXS for short and long core-hole lifetimes, respectively. For a realistic value of the core-hole lifetime in cuprates, both the charge and two-magnon excitations are expected to contribute to the non-spin-flip channel in RIXS when the incident-photon energy is tuned to the main peak of X-ray absorption spectrum.
Effect of the external pressure at the crossover between magnetism and superconductivity in LnFeAsO1−xFx (Ln = La0.7Y0.3, Ce) superconductors
Authors: Sanna S. , Prando G. , Khasanov R. , Carretta P. , Amato A. , Luetkens H. , Putti M. , Martinelli A. , De Renzi R.
Published: March 2018

The interplay between magnetism and superconductivity is tuned as a function of the external pressure in LnFeAsO[Formula: see text]Fx at [Formula: see text] values close to the appearance of superconductivity for lanthanide ion Ln=La[Formula: see text]Y[Formula: see text] and Ce. The results show that in these compounds, both superconductivity and magnetism are reinforced by pressure. Furthermore, muon spin rotation and relaxation measurements reveal qualitative remarkable differences among the samples: Ln=Ce displays nanoscopic coexistence of magnetism and superconductivity in the same volume fraction while Ln=La[Formula: see text]Y[Formula: see text] shows macroscopic phase separation. The Ln-dependent results can be due to a complex combination of the external and chemical pressure, the latter being driven by the different average ionic Ln radius.
Structural and electronic response of overexpanded superconducting fullerides close to the Mott insulator boundary
Authors: Menelaou M. , Takabayashi Y. , Okur H. E. , Zadik R. H. , Prassides K.
Published: March 2018

The ternary fulleride, Rb[Formula: see text]Cs[Formula: see text]C[Formula: see text], is the most expanded member of the family of face-centered cubic (fcc) structured superconducting fullerides ever accessed with superconductivity surviving at ambient pressure closest to the Mott insulator boundary. Here, we study the evolution of its structural and electronic properties with temperature. At ambient temperature, Rb[Formula: see text]Cs[Formula: see text]C[Formula: see text] lies in the Mott–Jahn–Teller (MJT) insulating part of the phase diagram. High-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction shows that its structure remains strictly cubic at all temperatures, but the transition to the metallic state at [Formula: see text] 50 K — evident in the evolution of the magnetic susceptibility with temperature — is accompanied by a lattice collapse, [Formula: see text]V/V0 of [Formula: see text]. Bulk superconductivity then emerges on further cooling with a T[Formula: see text] of 25.9 K. The results permit the extension of the electronic phase diagram of A3C[Formula: see text] fullerides as close as possible to the metal–insulator (M–I) crossover.
Effects of noise on fidelity in spin–orbit qubit transformations
Authors: Ulčakar L. , Ramšak A.
Published: March 2018

We analyze nonadiabatic non-Abelian holonomic transformations of spin-qubits confined to a linear time-dependent harmonic trap with time-dependent Rashba interaction. For this system, exact results can be derived for spin-rotation angle which also enables exact treatment of white gate-noise effects. We concentrate, in particular, on the reliability of cyclic transformations quantified by fidelity defined by the probability that the qubit after one full cycle remains in the ground-state energy manifold. The formalism allows exact analysis of spin transformations that optimize final fidelity. Various examples of time-dependent fidelity probability distributions are presented and discussed.
Multi-Objective Optimization Design of Functionally Graded Foam-Filled Graded-Thickness Tube Under Lateral Impact
Authors: Yin Hanfeng , Dai Jinle , Wen Guilin , Tian Wanyi , Wu Qiankun
Published: March 2018

Foam-filled thin-walled structure has been widely used in vehicle engineering due to its highly efficient energy absorption capacity and lightweight. Unlike the existing foam-filled thin-walled structures, a new foam-filled structure, i.e., functionally graded foam-filled graded-thickness tube (FGFGT), which had graded foam density along the transverse direction and graded wall thickness along the longitudinal direction, was first studied in this paper. Two FGFGTs with different gradient distributions subjected to lateral impact were investigated using nonlinear finite element code through LS-DYNA. According to the parametric sensitivity analysis, we found that the two design parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], which controlled the gradient distributions of the foam density and the tube wall thickness, significantly affected the crashworthiness of the two FGFGTs. In order to seek for the optimal design parameters, two FGFGTs were both optimized using a meta-model-based multi-objective optimization method which employed the Kriging modeling technique as well as the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II. In the optimization process, we aimed to improve the specific energy absorption and to reduce the peak crushing force simultaneously. The optimization results showed that the FGFGT had even better crashworthiness than the traditional uniform foam-filled tube with the same weight. Moreover, the graded wall thickness and graded foam density can make the design of the FGFGT flexible. Due to these advantages, the FGFGT was an excellent energy absorber and had potential use as the side impact absorber in vehicle body.
The Gribov problem in noncommutative gauge theory
Authors: Kurkov Maxim , Vitale Patrizia
Published: March 2018

After reviewing Gribov ambiguity of non-Abelian gauge theories, a phenomenon related to the topology of the bundle of gauge connections, we show that there is a similar feature for noncommutative QED over Moyal space, despite the structure group being Abelian, and we exhibit an infinite number of solutions for the equation of Gribov copies. This is a genuine effect of noncommutative geometry which disappears when the noncommutative parameter vanishes.
Effects of Oil Wettability on the Performance of a Cyclone-Type Oil Separator
Authors: Ahn Joon , Jang Seongil
Published: March 2018

The effects of oil wettability on the performance of a cyclone-type oil separator was studied through in situ experimentation and in a real refrigeration system. Based on previous research, the geometry of the oil separator in the present study was designed with an oil recovery device installed at its bottom to mount it on the actual refrigerator. The performance of the oil separator without surface treatment was predicted by applying design correlations proposed in the open literature, which were then compared with the experimental data. Through surface treatment, oleophilic or oleophobic properties were given to the inner wall and helix of the oil separator, and its performance was measured in a real refrigeration system. Oil wettability had a great effect on the performance of the oil separator, and in order to obtain high separation efficiency, oleophilic properties were found to be advantageous not only in the inner wall but also in the helix.
Data mining in the Dutch Oil and Gas Portal: a case study on the reservoir properties of the Volpriehausen Sandstone interval
Authors: van Kempen B. M. M. , Mijnlieff H. F. , van der Molen J.
Published: March 2018

This paper presents the results of a data mining exercise on core measurements and reports of the Triassic Lower Volpriehausen Sandstone Member (RBMVL) in The Netherlands. The availability of a large accurate online dataset via the Dutch Oil and Gas Portal (NLOG) enables the definition of general reservoir property trends on a regional–subregional scale. Accurately defined trends are capable of restricting the uncertainty range of key parameters in exploration studies (e.g. porosity and permeability), and thus of reducing risk. Plotting core porosity v. core permeability resulted in a curved data cloud on a log-normal plot. Although porosity–permeability relationships are often defined by straight lines, the dataset in this study shows that a curved relationship results in a better fit with permeability measurements over the entire porosity range. Two methods were applied to define a porosity–depth relationship for sandstones of the RBMVL. The results of both methods confirm, and enable quantification of, the well-known trend of decreasing porosity with depth. By assigning grain density attributes to the core measurements, the dependency of the porosity–depth relationship on sedimentary facies and diagenesis type/grade could be determined. This case study demonstrates the power of this free online dataset in understanding reservoir quality.
Oscillometry and pulmonary MRI measurements of ventilation heterogeneity in obstructive lung disease: relationship to quality of life and disease control
Authors: Young Heather M. , Guo Fumin , Eddy Rachel L. , Maksym Geoffrey , Parraga Grace
Published: March 2018

Ventilation heterogeneity is a hallmark finding in obstructive lung disease and may be evaluated using a variety of methods, including multiple-breath gas washout and pulmonary imaging. Such methods provide an opportunity to better understand the relationships between structural and functional abnormalities in the lungs, and their relationships with important clinical outcomes. We measured ventilation heterogeneity and respiratory impedance in 100 subjects [50 patients with asthma, 22 ex-smokers, and 28 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)] using oscillometry and hyperpolarized 3He magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and determined their relationships with quality of life scores and disease control/exacerbations. We also coregistered MRI ventilation maps to a computational airway tree model to generate patient-specific respiratory impedance predictions for comparison with experimental measurements. In COPD and asthma patients, respectively, forced oscillation technique (FOT)-derived peripheral resistance (5–19 Hz) and MRI ventilation defect percentage (VDP) were significantly related to quality of life (FOT: COPD ρ = 0.4, P = 0.004; asthma ρ = −0.3, P = 0.04; VDP: COPD ρ = 0.6, P = 0.003; asthma ρ = −0.3, P = 0.04). Patients with poorly controlled asthma (Asthmatic Control Questionnaire >2) had significantly increased resistance (5 Hz: P = 0.01; 5–19 Hz: P = 0.006) and reactance (5 Hz: P = 0.03). FOT-derived peripheral resistance (5–19 Hz) was significantly related to VDP in patients with asthma and COPD patients (asthma: ρ = 0.5, P < 0.001; COPD: ρ = 0.5, P = 0.01), whereas total respiratory impedance was related to VDP only in patients with asthma (resistance 5 Hz: ρ = 0.3, P = 0.02; reactance 5 Hz: ρ = −0.5, P < 0.001). Model-predicted and FOT-measured reactance (5 Hz) were correlated in patients with asthma (ρ = 0.5, P = 0.001), whereas in COPD patients, model-predicted and FOT-measured resistance (5–19 Hz) were correlated (ρ = 0.5, P = 0.004). In summary, in patients with asthma and COPD patients, we observed significant, independent relationships for FOT-measured impedance and MRI ventilation heterogeneity measurements with one another and with quality of life scores.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In 100 patients, including patients with asthma and ex-smokers, 3He MRI ventilation heterogeneity and respiratory system impedance were correlated and both were independently related to quality of life scores and asthma control. These findings demonstrated the critical relationships between respiratory system impedance and ventilation heterogeneity and their role in determining quality of life and disease control. These observations underscore the dominant role that abnormalities in the lung periphery play in ventilation heterogeneity that results in patients’ symptoms.
Effect of contractile activity on PGC-1α transcription in young and aged skeletal muscle
Authors: Carter Heather N. , Pauly Marion , Tryon Liam D. , Hood David A.
Published: March 2018

Mitochondrial impairments are often noted in aged skeletal muscle. The transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is integral to maintaining mitochondria, and its expression declines in aged muscle. It remains unknown whether this is due to a transcriptional deficit during aging. Our study examined PGC-1α transcription in muscle from young and old F344BN rats. Using a rat PGC-1α promoter-reporter construct, we found that PGC-1α transcription was reduced by ∼65% in aged TA muscle, accompanied by decreases in PGC-1α mRNA and transcript stability. Altered expression patterns in PGC-1α transcription regulatory factors, including nuclear respiratory factor 2, upstream transcription factor 1, activating transcription factor 2, and yin yang 1, were noted in aged muscle. Acute contractile activity (CA) followed by recovery was employed to examine whether PGC-1α transcription could be activated in aged muscle similar to that observed in young muscle. AMPK and p38 signaling was attenuated in aged muscle. CA evoked an upregulation of PGC-1α transcription in both young and aged groups, whereas mRNAs encoding PGC-1α and cytochrome oxidase subunit IV were induced during the recovery period. Global DNA methylation, an inhibitory event for transcription, was enhanced in aged muscle, likely a result of elevated methyltransferase enzyme Dnmt3b in aged muscle. Successive bouts of CA for 7 days to evaluate longer-term consequences resulted in a rescue of PGC-1α and downstream mRNAs in aged muscle. Our data indicate that diminished mitochondria in aged muscle is due partly to a deficit in PGC-1α transcription, a result of attenuated upstream signaling. Contractile activity is an appropriate countermeasure to restore PGC-1α expression and mitochondrial content in aged muscle.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY PGC-1α is a regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis in muscle. We demonstrate that PGC-1α expression is reduced in aging muscle due to decreases in transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. The transcriptional deficit is due to alterations in transcription factor expression, reduced signaling, and DNA methylation. Acute exercise can initiate signaling to reverse the transcriptional defect, restoring PGC-1α expression toward young values, suggesting a mechanism whereby aged muscle can respond to exercise for the promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis.
The Effect of Perioperative Fluid Management on Intraocular Pressure during Gynecologic Laparoscopic Pelvic Surgery
Authors: Alexander Izakson , Ahmad Sindawi , Inbar Ben Shachar , Joseph Pikkel
Published: March 2018

Purpose. Visual loss is a devastating perioperative complication that can result from elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The Trendelenburg position during surgery increases IOP. The purpose of this study was to quantify IOP changes in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy, at different time points and body positions throughout the procedure, and to compare fluctuations of IOP during the perioperative period according to two fluid management protocols.Methods. Thirty women scheduled to undergo elective gynecologic laparoscopic pelvic surgery were randomly allocated to receive a liberal or restrictive fluid management protocol. IOP, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, exhaled tidal volume, end-tidal CO2, and ocular perfusion pressure were assessed prior, during, and postsurgery, at 8 time points altogether.Results. Mean changes in IOP were similar for the two protocols; the peak IOP was at the steep (peak) Trendelenburg position. For each protocol, IOP correlated positively with mean arterial pressure, and mean blood pressure correlated with ocular perfusion pressure.Conclusion. IOP was elevated during laparoscopic pelvic surgery and particularly at the steep Trendelenburg position. No differences were found in any of the parameters examined according to a liberal or restrictive fluid management protocol.
Inhibitory Effects of iPSC-MSCs and Their Extracellular Vesicles on the Onset of Sialadenitis in a Mouse Model of Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Hai Bo , Shigemoto-Kuroda Taeko , Zhao Qingguo , Lee Ryang Hwa , Liu Fei
Published: March 2018

No effective treatment for Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting mainly salivary and lacrimal glands, is available now. Systemic infusion of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from tissues such as bone marrow (BM) alleviated SS in mouse models and a small clinical trial, but further research and application of this MSC therapy were hindered by limited expandability, significant donor variations, and safety concerns of tissue-derived MSCs. To circumvent these issues, we derived MSCs from human iPSCs using an optimized protocol that can be easily scaled up to produce a huge amount of standardized MSCs. Our iPSC-MSCs inhibited the onset of lymphocyte infiltration into salivary glands in the NOD mouse model of SS in the same way as BM-MSCs. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry bioactive molecules in the same way as their originating cells and are more stable and considered much safer than cells for therapies. We found that EVs derived from BM-MSCs and iPSC-MSCs suppressed activation of immune cells and expression of proinflammation factors essential for SS progression in vitro and that infusion of iPSC-MSC EVs at the predisease stage decreased the lymphocyte infiltration in salivary glands and serum autoantibody levels in the same way as infusion of BM-MSCs and iPSC-MSCs. These data suggested that iPSC-MSC EVs have the potential to prevent the progression of SS before the onset of sialadenitis.
New In Situ Synthesis Method for Fe3O4/Flake Graphite Nanosheet Composite Structure and Its Application in Anode Materials of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Qian Chenhao , He Ziyang , Liang Chen , Ji Weixi
Published: March 2018

High-pressure torsion (HPT), a severe plastic deformation (SPD) method, is rarely used in the manufacturing process of functional materials. In the present work, the authors creatively proposed using HPT as an alternative method an approach for high energy ball-milling in the preparation of an Fe3O4 and lamellar graphite nanosheet (GNS) composite material. The corresponding electrochemical experiments verified that the in situ synthesized Fe3O4/GNS composite material has good lithium-storage performance and that it can retain good capacity (548.2 mA h g−1) even after several hundred cycles with high current density (8 C). Meanwhile, this performance has directly confirmed that SPD technique has great potential for the preparation of anode materials of lithium-ion batteries, especially in manufacturing metallic functional nanomaterials.
Acute Parotitis after Lower Limb Amputation: A Case Report of a Rare Complication
Authors: Avgerinos Konstantinos Ioannis , Degermetzoglou Nikolaos , Theofanidou Sofia , Kritikou Georgia , Bountouris Ioannis
Published: March 2018

Background. Postoperative parotitis is a rare complication that occurs usually after abdominal surgery. Parotitis has never been described as a complication of vascular operations, in literature. In the present article, we describe a case of a postamputation parotitis along with its management and its possible pathogenesis. Case Report. An 83-year-old diabetic man was emergently admitted to hospital because of gangrene below the right ankle and sepsis. The patient underwent a lower limb amputation above the knee. On the 5th postoperative day, he was diagnosed with right parotitis probably because of dehydration, general anesthesia, and immunocompromisation. A CT scan confirmed the diagnosis. He received treatment with antibiotics and fluids. His condition gradually improved, and he was finally discharged on 15th postoperative day. Conclusions. Postoperative parotitis can possibly occur after any type of surgery including vascular. Clinicians should be aware of this complication although it is rare. Several risk factors such as dehydration, general anesthesia, drugs, immunocompromisation, head tilt during surgery, and stones in Stensen’s duct may predispose to postoperative parotitis. Treatment consists of antibiotics and hydration.
The Roles of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 mRNA-Binding Protein 2 in Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Cao Junguo , Mu Qingchun , Huang Haiyan
Published: March 2018

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) mediate the localization, stability, and translation of the target transcripts and fine-tune the physiological functions of the proteins encoded. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 2 mRNA-binding protein (IGF2BP, IMP) family comprises three RBPs, IGF2BP1, IGF2BP2, and IGF2BP3, capable of associating with IGF2 and other transcripts and mediating their processing. IGF2BP2 represents the least understood member of this family of RBPs; however, it has been reported to participate in a wide range of physiological processes, such as embryonic development, neuronal differentiation, and metabolism. Its dysregulation is associated with insulin resistance, diabetes, and carcinogenesis and may potentially be a powerful biomarker and candidate target for relevant diseases. This review summarizes the structural features, regulation, and functions of IGF2BP2 and their association with cancer and cancer stem cells.
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Innovative Training Approach for Nurse-Midwives in High Prevalent Settings
Authors: Kimani Samuel , Esho Tammary , Kimani Violet , Muniu Samuel , Kamau Jane , Kigondu Christine , Karanja Joseph , Guyo Jaldesa
Published: March 2018

Background. Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) has no medical benefits and is associated with serious health complications. FGM/C including medicalization is illegal in Kenya. Capacity building for nurse-midwives to manage and prevent FGM/C is therefore critical. Objective. Determine the current FGM/C knowledge and effect of training among nurse-midwives using an electronic tool derived from a paper-based quiz on FGM/C among nurse-midwives. Methods. Nurse-midwives n=26 were assessed pre- and post-FGM/C training using a quiz comprising 12 questions. The quiz assessed the following factors: definition, classification, determining factors, epidemiology, medicalization, prevention, health consequences, and nurse-midwives’ roles in FGM/C prevention themes. The scores for individuals and all the questions were computed and compared using SPSS V22. Results. The mean scores for the quiz were 64.8%, improving to 96.2% p<0.05 after training. Before the training, the following proportions of participants correctly answered questions demonstrating their knowledge of types of cutting (84.6%), link with health problems (96.2%), FGM/C-related complications (96.2%), communities that practice FGM/C (61.5%), medicalization (43.6%), reinfibulation (46.2%), dissociation from religion (46.2%), and the law as it relates to FGM/C (46.2%). The participants demonstrated knowledge of FGM/C-related complications with the proportion of nurse-midwives correctly answering questions relating to physical impact (69.2%), psychological impact (69.2%), sexual impact (57.7%), and social impact (38.5%). Additionally, participant awareness of NM roles in managing FGM/C included the following: knowledge of the nurse-midwife as counselor (69.2%), advocate (80.8%), leader (26.9%), role model (42.3%), and caregiver (34.6%). These scores improved significantly after training. Conclusion. Substantial FGM/C-related knowledge was demonstrated by nurse-midwives. They, however, showed challenges in preventing/rejecting medicalization of FGM/C, and there were knowledge gaps concerning sexual and social complications, as well as the specific roles of NM. This underscores the need to implement innovative FGM/C training interventions to empower health professionals to better respond to its management and prevention.
Optimism, Positive and Negative Affect, and Goal Adjustment Strategies: Their Relationship to Activity Patterns in Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Esteve Rosa , López-Martínez Alicia E. , Peters Madelon L. , Serrano-Ibáñez Elena R. , Ruiz-Párraga Gema T. , Ramírez-Maestre Carmen
Published: March 2018

Objective. Activity patterns are the product of pain and of the self-regulation of current goals in the context of pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between goal management strategies and activity patterns while taking into account the role of optimism/pessimism and positive/negative affect. Methods. Two hundred and thirty-seven patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain filled out questionnaires on optimism, positive and negative affect, pain intensity, and the activity patterns they employed in dealing with their pain. Questionnaires were also administered to assess their general goal management strategies: goal persistence, flexible goal adjustment, and disengagement and reengagement with goals. Results. Structural equation modelling showed that higher levels of optimism were related to persistence, flexible goal management, and commitment to new goals. These strategies were associated with higher positive affect, persistence in finishing tasks despite pain, and infrequent avoidance behaviour in the presence or anticipation of pain. Conclusions. The strategies used by the patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain to manage their life goals are related to their activity patterns.
Modelling and Analysis of Nonstationary Vehicle‐to‐Infrastructure Channels with Time‐Variant Angles of Arrival
Authors: Pätzold Matthias , Gutierrez Carlos A.
Published: March 2018

In mobile radio channel modelling, it is generally assumed that the angles of arrival (AOAs) are independent of time. This assumption does not in general agree with real‐world channels in which the AOAs vary with the position of a moving receiver. In this paper, we first present a mathematical model for the time‐variant AOAs. This model serves as the basis for the development of two nonstationary multipath fading channels models for vehicle‐to‐infrastructure communications. The statistical properties of both channel models are analysed with emphasis on the time‐dependent autocorrelation function (ACF), time‐dependent mean Doppler shift, time‐dependent Doppler spread, and the Wigner‐Ville spectrum. It is shown that these characteristic quantities are greatly influenced by time‐variant AOAs. The presented analytical framework provides a new view on the channel characteristics that goes well beyond ultra‐short observation intervals over which the channel can be considered as wide‐sense stationary.
A Misdiagnosed Complication of a Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Djebara Az-Eddine , Joseph Cédric , Rousseau Florence , Brunschweiler Benoit , Mertl Patrice
Published: March 2018

Introduction. The enterobacterial genus Yersinia includes a number of human pathogens. Large-diameter, metal-on-metal prostheses are no longer used because of their high failure rate. Here, we describe the first case of Yersinia enterocolitica infection of a metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty. Clinical Examination. A metal-on-metal prosthesis failed ten years after implantation. After surgical revision, bacteriological testing revealed the presence of a pathogenic strain of Yersinia enterocolitica. Combination antibiotic therapy resulted in a favorable clinical outcome. Discussion. Three cases of hip arthroplasty infected with Yersinia enterocolitica have been described in the literature. The present case is the first infection of a metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty. We suggest that the risk of infection is increased by the release of metal wear particles and their influence on the surrounding tissue. Conclusion. When a large-diameter, metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty fails, the known complications associated with this type of prosthesis should not deter the physician from screening for an infectious process that requires specific treatment.
Conventional-Dose versus High-Dose Chemotherapy for Relapsed Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: McHugh Deaglan J. , Feldman Darren R.
Published: March 2018

The majority of metastatic germ cell tumors (GCTs) are cured with cisplatin-based chemotherapy, but 20–30% of patients will relapse after first-line chemotherapy and require additional salvage strategies. The two major salvage approaches in this scenario are high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) or conventional-dose chemotherapy (CDCT). Both CDCT and HDCT have curative potential in the management of relapsed/refractory GCT. However, due to a lack of conclusive randomized trials, it remains unknown whether sequential HDCT or CDCT represents the optimal initial salvage approach, with practice varying between tertiary institutions. This represents the most pressing question remaining for defining GCT treatment standards and optimizing outcomes. The authors review prognostic factors in the initial salvage setting as well as the major studies assessing the efficacy of CDCT, HDCT, or both, describing the strengths and weaknesses that formed the rationale behind the ongoing international phase III “TIGER” trial.
Instability Process Model Test for Bedding Rock Slope with Weak Interlayer under Different Rainfall Conditions
Authors: He Zhongming , Wang Baolin
Published: March 2018

The instability process of bedding rock slope with weak interlayer may be induced under rainfall infiltration conditions. Due to this, we conducted a research of model test for the instability process, based on the similarity theory. With use of the recent 50 years’ rainfall data of Changsha, China, we analyzed the seepage characteristics, mechanical characteristics, and deformation laws of the slope under the conditions of long‐time heavy rain and short‐time rainstorm, respectively. The test results show that the original seepage characteristics of the slope were changed by the existence of weak interlayer, presented the “double seepage” effect, resulted in the seepage characteristics of rock and soil in the shallow layer and weak interlayer of the slope showed a sickle “Γ” distribution, and the adjacent rock layer presented a curve‐type “S” distribution. With the increase of rainfall duration, the weak interlayer gradually became muddy and softened, and then the plastic flow zone was formed locally. The stress concentration phenomenon was gradually generated in the weak interlayer due to the influence of the gravitational field of the upper rock mass. The large infiltration of rainwater led to the phenomenon of plastic flow extrusion of the slope at the weak interlayer extrusion. With the further penetration of the tensile cracks in the upper part of the weak interlayer, the slope had a large settlement displacement and gradually formed sliding shear deformation along the weak structural plane. Under the condition of equal rainfall amount, the condition of long‐time heavy rain has a greater influence on the stability of the bedding rock slope with weak interlayer than that of short‐time rainstorm. The failure form of slope could be divided into four stages: prechange stage, interlayer extrusion stage, slip‐pull‐fracture stage and plastic flow‐shear failure stage.
A Study of the Relationship between the Stress State and Failure Mode of Concrete Specimens
Authors: Liang Xinyu , Dang Faning
Published: March 2018

An investigation of concrete specimen’s strength and its changing mechanism based on numerical simulation of the failure process of axis‐stressed concrete specimens with different aspect ratios was described. The state of internal stress and growth of crack of axis‐stressed concrete specimens, as well as the changing mechanism of specimen strength under different ambient pressure values, were investigated. The results revealed that specimen strength and failure surface decreased as the aspect ratio is increased. The specimen strength is dependent on the state of internal stress and decreased with decreasing ambient pressure. Additionally, the failure mode shifted from shear failure to tensile failure gradually.
Noninferiority of99mTc-Ethylenedicysteine-Glucosamine as an Alternative Analogue to18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose in the Detection and Staging of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Dai Dong , Rollo F. David , Bryant Jerry , Kim E. Edmund
Published: March 2018

Objective.99mTc-ethylenedicysteine-glucosamine (99mTc-EC-G) was developed as a potential alternative to18F-FDG for cancer imaging. A Phase 2 study was conducted to compare18F-FDG PET/CT and99mTc-EC-G SPECT/CT in the detection and staging of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study was aimed to demonstrate that99mTc-EC-G SPECT/CT was not inferior to18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with confirmed NSCLC.Methods.Seventeen patients with biopsy proven NSCLC were imaged with99mTc-EC-G and18F-FDG to detect and stage their cancers. Imaging with PET/CT began 45–60 minutes after injection of18F-FDG. Imaging with99mTc-EC-G began at two hours after injection (for 5 patients) or three hours (for 12 patients). SPECT/CT imaging devices from the three major vendors of SPECT/CT systems were used at 6 participating study sites. The image sets were blinded to all clinical information and interpreted by independent PET and SPECT expert readers at a central independent core laboratory.Results.100% concordance between99mTc-EC-G and18F-FDG for primary lesion detection, lesion location and size, and confidence that the biopsied lesion was malignant. There was 70% agreement between99mTc-EC-G and18F-FDG for metastatic lesion detection, location and size, and confidence that the suspicious lesions were malignant.Conclusions.Evaluation of primary and suspicious metastatic lesions detected by99mTc-EC-G and18F-FDG on 17 patients resulted in excellent agreement for detection of primary and metastatic lesions. The study results indicated that99mTc-EC-G SPECT/CT has the potential to be a clinically viable alternative to18F-FDG PET/CT and99mTc-EC-G is not inferior to18F-FDG PET/CT.
FEM Design of a Cutting-Edge Support System for Micro-GT
Authors: Stefani Fabrizio , Francesconi Ramon , Perrone Andrea
Published: March 2018

The design of the support system (shaft, bearings, and mechanical coupling devices) of the rotor plays a key role in the development of efficient micro-gas turbines (micro-GTs) for distributed power generation. Foil air bearings are the most widespread technical solution well suited to design a reliable support system, although they cannot withstand a large number of start-stop cycles of the units. In order to overcome such limitation, we have recently proposed an innovative support system that takes advantage of spline couplings and two bearing types (e.g., air and rolling-element bearings). The devised support system employs splines as both convenient coupling systems and actuators for the load partition between the two bearing types. In the present work, the helical spline coupling is studied by means of structural FEM analyses including contact simulation in order to design the support system. Numerical results confirm previous findings in that the load transfer through the spline coupling is mainly a function of the helix angle. In addition, friction factor and structural stiffness cannot be neglected in the accurate design of the spline coupling. Such design parameters are now included in the proposed design procedure, which formerly assumed frictionless contact and rigid bodies.
Tabetri™ (Tabebuia avellanedaeEthanol Extract) Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms in Mice
Authors: Park Jae Gwang , Yi Young-Su , Han Sang Yun , Hong Yo Han , Yoo Sulgi , Kim Eunji , Jeong Seong-Gu , Aravinthan Adithan , Baik Kwang Soo , Choi Su Young , Kim Jung-Il , Son Young-Jin , Kim Jong-Hoon , Cho Jae Youl
Published: March 2018

Tabebuia avellanedaehas been traditionally used as an herbal remedy to alleviate various diseases. However, the plant’s pharmacological activity in allergic and inflammatory diseases and its underlying mechanism are not fully understood. Therefore, we investigated the pharmacological activity of Tabetri (T. avellanedaeethanol extract (Ta-EE)) in the pathogenesis of AD. Its underlying mechanism was explored using an AD mouse model and splenocytes isolated from this model. Ta-EE ameliorated the AD symptoms without any toxicity and protected the skin of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene- (DNCB-) induced AD mice from damage and epidermal thickness. Ta-EE reduced the secreted levels of allergic and proinflammatory cytokines, including histamine, immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin- (IL-) 4, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in the DNCB-induced AD mice. Ta-EE suppressed the mRNA expression of T helper 2-specific cytokines, IL-4 and IL-5, and the proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γin the atopic dermatitis skin lesions of AD mice. Moreover, Ta-EE suppressed the mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, and another proinflammatory cytokine, IL-12, in the Con A-stimulated splenocytes. It also suppressed IL-12 and IFN-γin the LPS-stimulated splenocytes. Taken together, these results suggest that Ta-EE protects against the development of AD through the inhibition of mRNA expression of T helper 2-specific cytokines and other proinflammatory cytokines.
Asma y limitación crónica del flujo aéreo: un desafío para el médico general
Authors: Lisboa Basualto Carmen
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Fisiopatología de la obstrucción bronquial difusa
Authors: Moreno Bolton Rodrigo
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Diagnóstico diferencial de la obstrucción bronquialdifusa en el adulto
Authors: Cruz Mena Edgardo
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Asma en el niño
Authors: Sanchez Diaz Ignacio
Published: March 2018

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Asma en situaciones especiales
Authors: Beroiza Williamson Teresa
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Evaluación funcional y tratamiento de la obstrucción bronquial crónica en etapa estable
Authors: Pertuze Rivera Julio
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Tratamiento de las descompensaciones de los pacientes con limitación crónica del flujo aéreo
Authors: Saldias Peñafiel Fernando
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen