bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
48 Junior doctors and end of life care: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Bharmal Aamena , Morgan Tessa , Barclay Stephen
Published: August 2018

Background

Nearly 50% of all deaths in the UK occur in hospitals.1The majority of these patients die in a generalist setting2where their medical care is predominately provided by junior doctors. There is a growing recognition of a need to embed palliative care into doctors’ training.3

Little evidence exists, however, concerning junior doctors’ current experiences of palliative care.

Aims

To review the empirical literature between 2000 and 2018 concerning junior doctors experience of and preparation for palliative and end of life care.

Methods

Systematic review and narrative synthesis of qualitative and quantitative studies within six databases to find empirical studies on junior doctors experience of adult palliative care in inpatient hospital or hospice settings.

Results

From the initial 6308 titles identified, 32 studies met the inclusion criteria with a further five identified from reference searching.

Three key themes were identified:

‘Significance of death and dying’

‘Thrown into the deep end’

‘Addressing the gaps’. All the studies provided evidence that junior doctors care for many dying patients very early in their career. Junior doctors do not feel adequately prepared to care for dying patients and feel unsupported when doing so. Junior doctors report emotional distress when caring for their first few dying patients, memories of which continue to affect them throughout their careers. Their attitudes towards end–of–life care varied: some reported it as a privilege while others associated it with a culture of disengagement that stigmatised dying patients.

Conclusions

Junior doctors need further support, education and preparation for their exposure to palliative care. Experiential learning, reflective practice and role modelling are described as the most effective ways to learn palliative care and this also teaches them other transferrable skills such as communication, teamwork and professionalism that are vital for their future careers.

References

. Office for National Statistics Deaths Registered in England and Wales2016.

. Gomes B, Higginson I. Where people die (1974–2030): Past trends, future projections and implications for care.Palliative Med2008;22:33–41.

. General Medical Council.Tomorrow’s doctors: Recommendations on undergraduate medical education2002 (2nd ed.). London: GMC.
5 What needs to change to better support carers at end of life? a multi-perspective mixed methods study to identify recommendations for change in organisational structures and processes
Authors: Ewing Gail , Grande Gunn
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Carers play a vital role in supporting patients at end-of-life (EOL). EOL care policy promotes comprehensive person-centred assessment/support for carers but without a clear implementation strategy this will only remain an aspiration.

Aim

To develop recommendations for organisational structures/processes required for implementation of comprehensive person-centred comprehensive assessment/support for carers in EOL practice.

Methods

Secondary analysis of qualitative data on implementation in 36 services to identify factors facilitating/hindering implementation

Expert consultation (focus groups with 19 lead practitioners/hospice managers) to review Stage–1 findings and develop draft recommendations

Wider stakeholder consultation–two professional workshops (23 participants: hospice hospital community policy and academics) online survey (62 participants) and two carer workshops (nine participants) to finalise recommendations.

Results

Comprehensive person-centred carer assessment/support requires whole-systems change; a cultural shift at practitioner and organisational level. 10 recommendations identify key structures and processes not normally met by current provision:

Consistent identification of carers within the care setting

Demographic and contextual data on who the carer is and their situation

A method/protocol for assessing carers and responding to assessment

A recording system for carer information (separate from patient data)

A process for training staff about carer assessment/support

Available time/workload capacity for carer assessment/support

Support from senior managers

Role models/champions

Pathways for communication about carer assessment/support

Procedures for monitoring/auditing processes and outcomes of carer assessment/support.

Conclusions

Comprehensive person-centred carer support requires radical change at different organisational levels. Carers’ fit within service provision also urgently needs clarification. Our 10 recommendations outline necessary building blocks to achieve this change.

Funder

Hospice UK and CLAHRC Greater Manchester
52 Drug therapy for delirium in terminally ill adults: a cochrane systematic review
Authors: Finucane A , Jones L , Leurent B , Sampson E , Stone P , Tookman A , Candy B
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Delirium is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome common in palliative care occurring in up to 88% of patients in the weeks or hours preceding death. Our Cochrane review on drug therapy for delirium in 2012 identified one trial (Candyet al.2012). New trials have been conducted and an updated review is now recognised as a Cochrane priority.

Aim

To evaluate the evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effectiveness and safety of drug therapies to treat delirium in adults with a terminal illness.

Methods

We searched for RCTs comparing any drug treatment with any other treatment for delirium in terminally ill adults. Primary outcomes included delirium symptoms at 24 hours and between 24–48 hours; and adverse events. Risk of bias assessment was conducted; we assessed overall quality of evidence using GRADE.

Results

We retrieved 9431 citations. Four studies were included in the final review. All trials were vulnerable to bias most commonly due to small sample size or incomplete outcome data. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the mean difference between trial arms at 24 hours and between 24–48 hours respectively. Three studies reported adverse events revealing mixed results.

Abstract 52 Figure 1Abstract 52 Figure 2

Conclusion

This review identified four trials. It found low quality evidence examining the impact of drug therapy on delirium symptoms and adverse events in terminally ill adults. Results for each comparison were based on single studies. Undertaking trials on delirium in this patient group is methodologically complex. Only one study compared drug therapy with placebo. This limited our ability to answer our review questions.

Reference

. Candy B, Jackson KC, Jones L, Leurent B, Tookman A, King M. Drug therapy for delirium in terminally ill adult patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews2012;(11). Art. No. CD004770. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004770.pub2
Implication of end restraint in triaxial tests on the derivation of stress–dilatancy rule for soils having high compressibility
Authors: Muraro S. , Jommi C.
Published: August 2018

Constitutive models for soils are developed and validated against laboratory tests assuming these give representative information on the true material behaviour. However, data from standard laboratory tests reflect the sample response rather than the true material behaviour, due to nonuniformities in stresses and strains generated over the experimental test. The work examines the implications of end restraint on the definition of the stress–dilatancy rule of highly compressible soils with a finite element numerical approach. The numerical model replicates a reconstituted peat, typically characterized by a combination of high compressibility and high friction angle, which increases the severity of end restraint effects. Simulated results show that the global measurements from standard triaxial tests with rough end platens would not give the proper stress–dilatancy rule, if they were interpreted as the response of a single soil element at the constitutive level. Both overestimation and underestimation of the true dilatancy compared to the material response can be observed, depending on the deformation mode. To support the validity of the numerical results, experimental findings from drained triaxial tests on reconstituted peat are presented. Practical indications are given on how the standard interpretation of drained triaxial tests data on peats can be improved.
Biotelemetry informing management: case studies exploring successful integration of biotelemetry data into fisheries and habitat management
Authors: Brooks J.L. , Chapman J.M. , Barkley A.N. , Kessel S.T. , Hussey N.E. , Hinch S.G. , Patterson D.A. , Hedges K.J. , Cooke S.J. , Fisk A.T. , Gruber S.H. , Nguyen V.M.
Published: August 2018

Biotelemetry data have been successfully incorporated into aspects of fishery and fish habitat management; however, the processes of knowledge mobilization are rarely published in peer-reviewed literature but are valuable and of interest to conservation scientists. Here, we explore case examples from the Ocean Tracking Network (OTN), including Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) in British Columbia, Canada; Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in Cumberland Sound, Canada; and lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) in Florida, USA, to document key processes for science integration. Typical recommendations documented in the literature (e.g., co-production of knowledge, transdisciplinary methodologies, applied research questions) were recorded to have had successful fisheries management integration, although we documented some exceptions. In each case, it was early, active, and ongoing communication outside of traditional science communication and the visual evidence of fish movement that were critical in engaging all parties with a vested interest. Networks offer forums for knowledge sharing on lessons learned and development of skills to engage in active communication. Greater investments and attention to develop these skills are needed to foster positive and active relationships that can impart real change in management and conservation.
Migratory birds along the Mediterranean – Black Sea Flyway as carriers of zoonotic pathogens
Authors: Najdenski Hristo , Dimova Tanya , Zaharieva Maya M. , Nikolov Boris , Petrova-Dinkova Gergana , Dalakchieva Svetla , Popov Konstantin , Hristova-Nikolova Iva , Zehtindjiev Pavel , Peev Strahil , Trifonova-Hristova Anetka , Carniel Elisabeth , Panferova Yulia A. , Tokarevich Nikolay K.
Published: August 2018

At the crossroad between Europe, Asia, and Africa, Bulgaria is part of the Mediterranean – Black Sea Flyway (MBSF) used by millions of migratory birds. In this study, bird species migrating through Bulgaria were investigated as carriers of zoonotic pathogens. In total, 706 birds belonging to 46 species were checked for the presence of various bacterial pathogens (Campylobacter, Yersinia, Salmonella, Listeria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Brucella spp.). From 673 birds we investigated fecal samples, from the remaining 33, blood samples. We detected Campylobacter 16S rDNA gene in 1.3% of birds, but none were of pathogenic Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli species. Escherichia coli 16S rDNA gene was found in 8.8% of the birds. Out of 34 birds that transported Yersinia enterocolitica strains (5.05%), only 1 carried a pathogenic isolate. Three birds (0.4%) were carriers of nonpathogenic Salmonella strains. Four avian samples (0.6%) were positive for Listeria monocytogenes and 1 (0.15%) was positive for Brucella spp. None of the birds tested carried the tick-borne pathogens C. burnetii or B. burgdorferi sensu lato. Antibiotic-resistant strains were detected, suggesting that migratory birds could be reservoirs and spreaders of bacterial pathogens as well as antibiotic resistance genes.
Response of sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) to varying seeding rates and nitrogen fertilizer rates in a no-till cropping system in Saskatchewan
Authors: May W.E. , Dawson M.P. , Lyons C.L.
Published: August 2018

In the past, most sunflower research was conducted in tilled cropping systems and was based on wide row configurations established using precision planters. Little agronomic information is available for the no-till systems predominant in Saskatchewan, where crops are typically seeded in narrow rows using an air drill. Two studies were conducted in Saskatchewan to determine the optimum seeding and nitrogen (N) rates for short-season sunflowers in a no-till cropping system. The N rate study used 5 N rates (10, 30, 50, 70, and 90 kg N ha−1) with the hybrid 63A21. The seeding rate study used 7 seeding rates (37 000, 49 000, 61 000, 74 000, 86 000, 98 000, and 111 000 seeds ha−1) with two cultivars, AC Sierra (open pollinated) and 63A21 (hybrid). There was a linear yield increase as the N rate increased from 10 to 90 kg N ha−1. Based on the N rates tested in this study and current N fertilizer costs below $1 kg−1, sunflower yields and gross returns were most favorable at 90 kg N ha−1. Future N response research with a wider range of N rates is warranted to best determine the optimum N rate. The optimum seeding rate was between 98 000 and 111 000 seeds ha−1 for AC Sierra and between 74 000 and 86 000 seeds ha−1 for 63A21. The optimum plant density, approximately 70 000 to 75 000 plants ha−1, was similar for both cultivars. These results are higher than the current recommended seeding rates for wide-row precision planting systems in areas with a longer growing season.
Pleistocene glacial cycles and physical barriers influence phylogeographic structure in Black-capped Chickadees (Poecileatricapillus), a widespread North American passerine
Authors: Hindley J. , Graham B.A. , Burg T.M.
Published: August 2018

The nonmigratory Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus (Linnaeus, 1766)) has a continent-wide distribution extending across large parts of North America. To investigate the phylogeographic structure and verify possible refugia during the last glacial maximum, we sequenced a 678 bp region of the mitochondrial control region from 633 Black-capped Chickadees at 35 sites across North America and performed paleoecological distribution modeling. Two genetically distinct groups were found using multiple analyses: one in Newfoundland (Canada) and a widespread continental group, with additional substructure evident in western continental populations. While gene flow is low throughout the range, it is especially low in peripheral populations. The Newfoundland population has remained isolated from continental populations for at least 65 000 years and contains a number of fixed nucleotide differences. Within the continental populations, Black-capped Chickadees are subdivided into Pacific Coast, Alaska (USA), southeast Rockies, and main-northeast groups consistent with late Pleistocene vicariance events. Evidence of secondary contact was identified between Pacific and main-northeast populations in northwest British Columbia (Canada) and between southeast Rockies and main-northeast groups in Montana (USA). Paleoecological distribution modeling predicted suitable habitat in Alaska, off the coast of Newfoundland, and several locations across the southern United States during the last glacial maximum, whereas suitable habitat during the last interglacial was more similar to the contemporary distribution.
Charged hadron fragmentation functions from collider data
Authors: Bertone V. , Hartland N. P. , Nocera E. R. , Rojo J. , Rottoli L.
Published: August 2018

We present NNFF1.1h, a new determination of unidentified charged-hadron fragmentation functions (FFs) and their uncertainties. Experimental measurements of transverse-momentum distributions for charged-hadron production in proton-(anti)proton collisions at the Tevatron and at the LHC are used to constrain a set of FFs originally determined from electron–positron annihilation data. Our analysis is performed at next-to-leading order in perturbative quantum chromodynamics. We find that the hadron-collider data is consistent with the electron–positron data and that it significantly constrains the gluon FF. We verify the reliability of our results upon our choice of the kinematic cut in the hadron transverse momentum applied to the hadron-collider data and their consistency with NNFF1.0, our previous determination of the FFs of charged pions, kaons, and protons/antiprotons.
Organelle Formation in Bacteria and Archaea
Authors: Grant Carly R. , Wan Juan , Komeili Arash
Published: August 2018

Uncovering the mechanisms that underlie the biogenesis and maintenance of eukaryotic organelles is a vibrant and essential area of biological research. In comparison, little attention has been paid to the process of compartmentalization in bacteria and archaea. This lack of attention is in part due to the common misconception that organelles are a unique evolutionary invention of the “complex” eukaryotic cell and are absent from the “primitive” bacterial and archaeal cells. Comparisons across the tree of life are further complicated by the nebulous criteria used to designate subcellular structures as organelles. Here, with the aid of a unified definition of a membrane-bounded organelle, we present some of the recent findings in the study of lipid-bounded organelles in bacteria and archaea.
Using Genomic Data to Infer Historic Population Dynamics of Nonmodel Organisms
Authors: Beichman Annabel C. , Huerta-Sanchez Emilia , Lohmueller Kirk E.
Published: August 2018

Genome sequence data are now being routinely obtained from many nonmodel organisms. These data contain a wealth of information about the demographic history of the populations from which they originate. Many sophisticated statistical inference procedures have been developed to infer the demographic history of populations from this type of genomic data. In this review, we discuss the different statistical methods available for inference of demography, providing an overview of the underlying theory and logic behind each approach. We also discuss the types of data required and the pros and cons of each method. We then discuss how these methods have been applied to a variety of nonmodel organisms. We conclude by presenting some recommendations for researchers looking to use genomic data to infer demographic history.
Cardiac rhythm dance protocol: a smartphone-assisted, hands-on activity to introduce concepts of cardiovascular physiology and scientific methodology
Authors: Monteferrante Gabriela Aprigia , Cruz Maysa Mariana , Mogadouro Guilherme , Fantini Victoria de Oliveira , Castro Patrícia Oliveira , Halpin Patricia Anne , Lellis-Santos Camilo
Published: August 2018

Physiology teaching resources have advanced to include innovative pedagogical approaches that meet the learning expectations of the current generation of students, while at the same time ensuring content delivery is accurate and the use of technologies is appropriate. We developed a quick experimental assay protocol to introduce the basic concepts of cardiac rhythms, and to demonstrate simultaneously that smartphone applications are a reliable and cost-effective tool for data collection in teaching the scientific method and performing physiology activities. The cardiac rhythm dance (CRD) protocol engages students in dancing a cardiac cyclelike movement to the rhythm of classical, pop, and samba music, and measuring their own cardiac frequency. Students collected their own data using the app Instant Heart Rate (Azumio). The CRD protocol allowed students to conclude that cardiac cycle-like movements paced by a pop song could represent the normal cardiac rhythm, whereas a classical song induced a significant reduction of heart rate, and the samba song significantly increased heart rate compared with the pop song. After group discussion, students considered that the pop rhythm is more realistic of day-by-day movement rhythms and is equivalent to the steady state of daily cardiac rhythms. Students considered the bradycardic and tachycardic movements to the dancing performed to the classical and samba rhythms, respectively. Thus the CRD protocol provides a multiple sensory-based and active learning resource that can engage students in learning cardiovascular physiology and recognizes smartphones as scientific instruments for collecting data during hands-on activities.
Early airway microbial metagenomic and metabolomic signatures are associated with development of severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Lal Charitharth Vivek , Kandasamy Jegen , Dolma Kalsang , Ramani Manimaran , Kumar Ranjit , Wilson Landon , Aghai Zubair , Barnes Stephen , Blalock J Edwin , Gaggar Amit , Bhandari Vineet , Ambalavanan Namasivayam
Published: August 2018

The pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is not well understood. We previously identified differences in the airway microbiome at birth between preterm infants who were BPD predisposed versus those who were BPD resistant. In this study, we attempted to identify mechanisms by which the airway microbiome could modify the risk for BPD. We used a software-based method to predict the metagenome of the tracheal aspirate (TA) microbiome from 16S rRNA sequencing data in preterm infants and to identify functional ortholog genes that were differentially abundant in BPD-predisposed and BPD-resistant infants. We also identified metabolites that were differentially enriched in these samples by use of untargeted mass spectrometry and mummichog to identify the metabolic pathways involved. Microbial metagenome analysis identified specific pathways that were less abundant in the functional metagenome of the microbiota of BPD-predisposed infants compared with BPD-resistant infants. The airway metabolome of BPD-predisposed infants was enriched for metabolites involved in fatty acid activation and androgen and estrogen biosynthesis compared with BPD-resistant infants. These findings suggest that in extremely preterm infants the early airway microbiome may alter the metabolome, thereby modifying the risk of BPD. The differential enrichment of sex steroid metabolic pathways supports previous studies suggesting a role for sexual dimorphism in BPD risk. This study also suggests a role for metabolomic and metagenomic profiles to serve as early biomarkers of BPD risk.
Umbilical cord blood metabolomics reveal distinct signatures of dyslipidemia prior to bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: La Frano Michael R. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Grapov Dmitry , Pedersen Theresa L. , Newman John W. , Fiehn Oliver , Underwood Mark A. , Mestan Karen , Steinhorn Robin H. , Wedgwood Stephen
Published: August 2018

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common consequence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and remains a primary contributor to increased morbidity and mortality among preterm infants. Unfortunately, at the present time, there are no reliable early predictive markers for BPD-associated PH. Considering its health consequences, understanding in utero perturbations that lead to the development of BPD and BPD-associated PH and identifying early predictive markers is of utmost importance. As part of the discovery phase, we applied a multiplatform metabolomics approach consisting of untargeted and targeted methodologies to screen for metabolic perturbations in umbilical cord blood (UCB) plasma from preterm infants that did ( n = 21; cases) or did not ( n = 21; controls) develop subsequent PH. A total of 1,656 features were detected, of which 407 were annotated by metabolite structures. PH-associated metabolic perturbations were characterized by reductions in major choline-containing phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins, indicating altered lipid metabolism. The reduction in UCB abundances of major choline-containing phospholipids was confirmed in an independent validation cohort consisting of UCB plasmas from 10 cases and 10 controls matched for gestational age and BPD status. Subanalyses in the discovery cohort indicated that elevations in the oxylipins PGE1, PGE2, PGF2a, 9- and 13-HOTE, 9- and 13-HODE, and 9- and 13-KODE were positively associated with BPD presence and severity. This expansive evaluation of cord blood plasma identifies compounds reflecting dyslipidemia and suggests altered metabolite provision associated with metabolic immaturity that differentiate subjects, both by BPD severity and PH development.
Muscle type-specific RNA polymerase II recruitment during PGC-1α gene transcription after acute exercise in adult rats
Authors: Masuzawa Ryo , Konno Ryotaro , Ohsawa Ikumi , Watanabe Atsuya , Kawano Fuminori
Published: August 2018

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression differs between fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscles in adult rats, although the precise mechanisms are still unknown. The present study investigates the differences in responses of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and histone acetylation during transcriptional activation in the plantaris and soleus muscles of adult rats after acute treadmill running. We targeted the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) gene to analyze epigenomic changes by chromatin immunoprecipitation. The mRNA expression of the PGC-1α-b isoform was significantly upregulated in both plantaris and soleus muscles 2 h after acute running, although the magnitude of the upregulation was more pronounced in the plantaris muscle. The sequences of proximal exons of the PGC-1α locus were expressed more in the plantaris muscle after acute running. Accumulation of Pol II was noted near the alternative exon 1 in both plantaris and soleus muscles in association with the enhanced distribution of acetylated histone 3. Accumulation of Pol II was also observed at the transcription start site, exon 2, and exon 3 in the plantaris muscle, but not the soleus muscle. It was noted that in the soleus muscle, acetylation of histone 3 at lysine 27 was enhanced throughout the PGC-1α locus in response to transcriptional activation, suggesting that elongating Pol II was capable of traveling through to the end of the locus. These results indicate that the mobility of Pol II during PGC-1α transcription differed between fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscles, affecting the strength of the transcriptional activity.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscles have distinct characteristics in both force production and metabolism. Epigenetic regulations also largely differ in these muscles. Here we show that RNA polymerase II is distributed extensively at the proximal regions downstream of transcription start site during the transcriptional activation of PGC-1α in fast-twitch muscles, but it accumulates at the first exon in slow-twitch muscles. These findings will provide a basis to understand type-specific mechanisms in skeletal muscle.
Association of physical activity with age-related changes in muscle echo intensity in older adults: a 4-year longitudinal study
Authors: Fukumoto Yoshihiro , Yamada Yosuke , Ikezoe Tome , Watanabe Yuya , Taniguchi Masashi , Sawano Shinichiro , Minami Seigo , Asai Tsuyoshi , Kimura Misaka , Ichihashi Noriaki
Published: August 2018

Ultrasonic echo intensity (EI), an easy-to-use measure of intramuscular fat and fibrous tissues, is known to increase with aging. However, age-related changes in EI have not been examined in a longitudinal design. The objective of this study was to investigate 4-yr longitudinal changes in the EI of the quadriceps femoris in older adults, based on difference in physical activity (PA). This study included 131 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 72.9 ± 5.2 yr. Subcutaneous fat thickness (FT), muscle thickness (MT), and EI of the quadriceps femoris were measured by ultrasound. Isometric knee extensor strength was also measured. PA was assessed using a questionnaire at baseline, and participants were classified into the high or low PA groups. In 4 yr, a significant decrease in FT, MT, and strength was observed in both groups ( P < 0.05), whereas a significant decrease in EI was observed only in the high PA group ( P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the difference in PA was a significant predictor of 4-yr changes in MT (β = 0.189, P = 0.031) and EI (β = −3.145, P = 0.045) but not in the body mass index, FT, or strength adjusted for potential confounders. The present findings suggest that greater PA has a positive effect on longitudinal changes in the MT and EI of the quadriceps femoris in older adults. In addition, greater PA may contribute to a future decrease in EI, and an increase in EI may not occur in 4 yr, even in older adults with lesser PA.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our results suggest that greater physical activity (PA) may mitigate future changes in muscle thickness and echo intensity (EI). A decrease in EI over 4 yr was observed in older adults with greater PA, and an increase in EI was not observed, even in older adults with smaller PA. Several cross-sectional studies demonstrated an increase in EI with aging. Additionally, the results of our longitudinal study suggest that an age-related increase in EI may be moderated after the old-age period.
A Tuned Mass Damper with Nonlinear Magnetic Force for Vibration Suppression with Wide Frequency Range of Offshore Platform under Earthquake Loads
Authors: Wu Qiong , Zhao Wei , Zhu Weiguo , Zheng Rencheng , Zhao Xilu
Published: August 2018

Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) are applied to ensure the safety and stability of offshore platforms; however, linear dampers are effective for a single resonance frequency, providing vibration suppression only within a narrow frequency band. Therefore, this paper proposed a magnetic TMD with two pairs of permanent magnets on both sides of the structures, which can generate a nonlinearly repulsive force, making the magnetic TMD reliable and robust in damping the oscillations of structures with wide frequency range under seismic excitations. A comprehensively numerical and experimental study was processed to investigate the dynamic performances of the proposed magnetic TMD, by application of a 1 : 200‐scale prototype of the offshore platform. The results verified that the performance of the magnetic TMD can be significantly improved than that of the linear TMD, meanwhile maintaining high‐speed response characteristics. The experimental results indicated that the displacement, acceleration, and frequency responses of the offshore platform can be significantly reduced; furthermore, the evaluation indices showed that the magnetic TMD system is credible in reducing the overall vibration levels and maximum peak values.
Cytotoxic Effect of Thymoquinone‐Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (TQ‐NLC) on Liver Cancer Cell Integrated with Hepatitis B Genome, Hep3B
Authors: Haron Aminah Suhaila , Syed Alwi Sharifah Sakinah , Saiful Yazan Latifah , Abd Razak Rohaina , Ong Yong Sze , Zakarial Ansar Fatin Hannani , Roshini Alexander Henna
Published: August 2018

Thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive compound found in Nigella sativa, cannot be orally consumed due to its lipophilicity. In order to overcome this low bioavailability, TQ is loaded into a colloidal drug carrier known as a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC). This study aims to determine the antiproliferative effects of TQ and TQ‐NLC on liver cancer cells integrated with the hepatitis B genome, Hep3B. The Hep3B was treated with TQ or TQ‐NLC for 24, 48, and 72 hours via MTT assay. The results confirm that TQ or TQ‐NLC inhibited the growth of Hep3B at IC50 <16.7 μM for 72 hours. TQ was also found to induce cell cycle arrest at the G1 checkpoint while TQ‐NLC induced non‐phase‐specific cell cycle arrest. Further analysis using Annexin V staining confirmed the apoptotic induction of TQ or TQ‐NLC via activation of caspases‐3/7. In ROS management, TQ acted as a prooxidant (increased the level of ROS), while TQ‐NLC acted as an antioxidant (reduced the level of ROS). Molecular analysis demonstrated that the GSH system and the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway in Hep3B influenced the differential responses of the cells towards TQ or TQ‐NLC. Hence, this study demonstrated that TQ and TQ‐NLC have in vitro anticancer effects on the Hep3B.
Uterine Artery Doppler in Pregnancy: Women with PCOS Compared to Healthy Controls
Authors: Stridsklev Solhild , Salvesen Øyvind , Salvesen Kjell Åsmund , Carlsen Sven M. , Vanky Eszter
Published: August 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate possible differences in uterine artery pulsatility index (UtAPI) between pregnant women with PCOS and healthy controls and to explore possible effects of metformin on UtAPI. Material and Methods. The study was conducted in a tertiary center. Forty-eight pregnant women diagnosed with PCOS before pregnancy and 124 healthy pregnant women were included. Women with PCOS were randomly assigned to metformin 2000 mg daily or a placebo. UtAPI was measured five times during 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy in women with PCOS and four times in healthy controls. Results. There was no difference in UtAPI between PCOS women and healthy controls at any point in time (p=0.34–0.77). In women with PCOS, randomly assigned to metformin 2000 mg or placebo, UtAPI was unaffected by metformin two hours after intake of the first dose of study medication (p=0.34). All PCOS women, regardless of randomization, had higher UtAPI two hours after intake of study medication and a meal compared to before a meal (p=0.02). Conclusions. In the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, there was no difference in UtAPI between women with PCOS and healthy controls. Metformin had no immediate effect on the UtAPI. Interestingly, blood flow decreased after a meal, suggesting that time since last meal should be taken into consideration when interpreting the results of UtAPI measurements in pregnancy. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00466622) Metformin in Pregnant PCOS women (PregMet) (NCT00159536).
Changes in Liver Gene Expression and Plasma Concentration of Rbp4, Fetuin-A, and Fgf21 in Sprague-Dawley Rats Subjected to Different Dietary Interventions and Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Stygar Dominika , Pigłowski Wojciech , Chełmecka Elżbieta , Skrzep-Poloczek Bronisława , Sawczyn Tomasz , Garłowski Wojciech , Jochem Jerzy , Karcz Konrad Wojciech
Published: August 2018

Purpose. To study the effect of duodenal-jejunal omega switch (DJOS) in combination with different dietary patterns on the retinol-binding protein (RBP4), fetuin-A, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) plasma levels and their hepatic gene expressions in rats. Methods. A high-fat diet (HF) was given to 28 rats and 28 more were fed with a control diet (CD) for 2 months. After that, half of each group underwent either DJOS or SHAM surgery. For the next 2 months, half of the animals in each operation group were kept on the same diet as before and half of them had the diet changed. After 16 weeks of the experiment RBP4, fetuin-A, and FGF21 plasma levels as well as liver Rbp4, Ahsg, and Fgf21 gene expressions were measured. Results. DJOS had a reductive impact on plasma levels of RBP4, fetuin-A, and FGF21 and Rbp4, Ahsg, and Fgf21 relative gene expression in the liver when compared to SHAM. The HF/HF group expressed significantly higher RBP4 and fetuin-A plasma levels in comparison to the control. The HF diet used before and/or after surgery led to upregulation of Rbp4, Ahsg, and Fgf21 relative gene expression. The lowest levels of analyzed parameters were observed in the CD/CD group. Conclusions. The efficiency of DJOS surgery, measured by hepatokines’ plasma levels and their gene expressions in the liver, depends on the type of diet applied before and after surgery. Manipulation of dietary patterns can lead to marked improvements in metabolic profile after DJOS surgery.
Streptococcus pyogenesPericarditis with Resultant Pulmonary Trunk Compression Secondary to Mycotic Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Fry E. , Urbanczyk J. , Price J. , Digiovanni R. , Jepson M. , Gantt D.
Published: August 2018

Purulent pericarditis is a rare disease in the era of antibiotics, withStreptococcus pyogenesbeing a possible, though uncommon etiology. Even more uncommon are mycotic aneurysms secondary to group A strep purulent pericarditis and bacteremia. We report a case of an 18-year-old female with a history of strep pharyngitis developStreptococcus pyogenespurulent pericarditis with subsequent ventricular fibrillation (VF). Following initial stabilization, she ultimately developed a 4.8 cm mycotic aneurysm of the ascending aorta, with resultant compression of the pulmonary trunk and right pulmonary arteries.
Difference between Right and Left Facial Surface Electromyography in Healthy People
Authors: Kim Bo-Hyun , Kim Kyeong Han , Kim Lak-Hyung , Kim Jong-Uk , Yook Tae-Han
Published: August 2018

Introduction. The study was to see whether there were differences in values of facial surface electromyography in subjects of good heath by muscles, age, and sex. Methods. It draws ratio between lower value and higher value (R‐LV/HV) and asymmetry index (AI), based on root mean square (RMS) from measurement of facial surface electromyography (sEMG) in 154 people of healthy people (male:female = 70:84) aging between more than 20 and less than 70. Results. For R‐LV/HV, it averages 81.70±14.60% on frontalis muscle, 73.74±19.12% on zygomaticus muscle, and 79.72±14.77% on orbicularis oris muscle. With analysis of the AI average was 10.87±10.14% on frontalis muscle, 16.71±14.79% on zygomaticus muscle, and 12.10±10.05% on orbicularis oris muscle. Both values were statistically significant in three parts of muscles as shown. Both of R‐LV/HV and AI show no statistically significant difference on age and sex (p>0.05). Conclusions. It could provide basic data for the future diagnosis of facial nerve palsy patients by measuring facial sEMG values for healthy people.
Histomorphometrical Study on Regional Variation in Distribution of Sweat Glands in Buffalo Skin
Authors: Debbarma Debajit , Uppal Varinder , Bansal Neelam , Gupta Anuradha
Published: August 2018

The study was conducted on skin of 24 buffaloes collected from slaughter house. The skin tissues were collected from dorsal, lateral, and ventral parts of head, neck, thorax, abdomen, and tail regions and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. The tissues were processed for paraffin blocks preparation by acetone benzene schedule. The paraffin sections of 5-6 μm were cut with rotary microtome and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The sweat glands in buffaloes were of saccular and simple coiled tubular type. Most of the sweat glands were associated with hair follicles and consisted of a coiled secretory portion (body) and a straight duct. The secretory portion was made up of glandular tubules, myoepithelium, and basement membrane. The duct portion had a narrow lumen and was lined by simple cuboidal epithelium. The glandular epithelium was simple squamous, simple cuboidal, or low columnar type depending upon their stage of secretary activity. Two types of sweat glands were observed, i.e., apocrine and merocrine. Large number of blood vessels and nerve fibers were observed in the vicinity of the sweat glands. In head, neck, and tail regions the maximum number of sweat glands/mm2 was observed in dorsal side which did not vary significantly (p<0.05) from lateral and ventral side. In abdomen region the number of sweat glands/mm2 was maximum on lateral region which varied significantly from ventral region (p<0.05). Overall, the maximum number of sweat glands/mm2 was in head region followed by abdomen, thorax, neck, and tail but without any significant (p<0.05) difference. Maximum sweat gland diameter was found in abdomen region followed by thorax, head, neck, and tail region.
Automatic Variable Selection for Partially Linear Functional Additive Model and Its Application to the Tecator Data Set
Authors: Hu Yuping , Feng Sanying , Xue Liugen
Published: August 2018

We introduce a new partially linear functional additive model, and we consider the problem of variable selection for this model. Based on the functional principal components method and the centered spline basis function approximation, a new variable selection procedure is proposed by using the smooth-threshold estimating equation (SEE). The proposed procedure automatically eliminates inactive predictors by setting the corresponding parameters to be zero and simultaneously estimates the nonzero regression coefficients by solving the SEE. The approach avoids the convex optimization problem, and it is flexible and easy to implement. We establish the asymptotic properties of the resulting estimators under some regularity conditions. We apply the proposed procedure to analyze a real data set: the Tecator data set.
Reperfusion Activates AP-1 and Heat Shock Response in Donor Kidney Parenchyma after Warm Ischemia
Authors: Reznik Alexandr , Plotnikova Olga , Skvortsov Andrey , Skoblov Mikhail , Reznik Oleg , Baranova Ancha
Published: August 2018

Utilization of kidneys from extended criteria donors leads to an increase in average warm ischemia time (WIT), which is associated with larger degrees of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Kidney resuscitation by extracorporeal perfusion in situ allows up to 60 minutes of asystole after the circulatory death. Molecular studies of kidney grafts from human donors with critically expanded WIT are warranted. Transcriptomes of two human kidneys from two different donors were profiled after 35-45 minutes of WIT and after 120 minutes of normothermic perfusion and compared. Baseline gene expression patterns in ischemic grafts display substantial intrinsic differences. IRI does not lead to substantial change in overall transcription landscape but activates a highly connected protein network with hubs centered on Jun/Fos/ATF transcription factors and HSP1A/HSPA5 heat shock proteins. This response is regulated by positive feedback. IRI networks are enriched in soluble proteins and biofluids assayable substances, thus, indicating feasibility of the longitudinal, minimally invasive assessmentin vivo. Mapping of IRI related molecules in ischemic and reperfused kidneys provides a rationale for possible organ conditioning during machine assisted ex vivo normothermic perfusion. A study of natural diversity of the transcriptional landscapes in presumably normal, transplantation-suitable human organs is warranted.
Ibrutinib Treatment through Nasogastric Tube in a Comatose Patient with Central Nervous System Localization of Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Alsuliman Tamim , Belghoul Maifa , Choufi Bachra
Published: August 2018

Nowadays, mantle cell lymphoma is considered to have one of the worst prognostic profiles among lymphoid malignancies. Mantle cell lymphoma rarely affects the central nervous system (CNS) as it represents about 0.9% of diagnosis and 4% among recurrent cases. Here, we present the case of a 69-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma in 2006. The patient relapsed three times, without affecting the CNS, then was treated accordingly, and achieved complete remission three times. Four years after his last complete remission, upon receiving his last dose of treatment, the medical team noted a rapid worsening of the patient’s neurological status followed by a deep coma state causing MCL neurological recurrence by exclusion diagnosis. The patient then received ibrutinib via a nasogastric tube at a dose of 560 mg daily. Two days after receiving his last dose of ibrutinib, the patient regained full consciousness, and 10 days later, he was discharged from the hospital. The patient achieved complete remission and showed no signs of neurological damages for 24 months following his ibrutinib treatment. We believe that the administration of ibrutinib through the nasogastric tube was a determinant factor in this patient’s remission and survival.
The Impact of Moderate Chronic Hypoxia and Hyperoxia on the Level of Apoptotic and Autophagic Proteins in Myocardial Tissue
Authors: Gyongyosi Alexandra , Terraneo Laura , Bianciardi Paola , Tosaki Arpad , Lekli Istvan , Samaja Michele
Published: August 2018

The redox imbalance and the consequent oxidative stress have been implicated in many pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. The lack or the excess of O2 supply can alter the redox balance. The aim of the present study was to understand the heart responses to prolonged hypoxia or hyperoxia and how such situations may activate survival mechanisms or trigger cell death. Seven‐week‐old Foxn1 mice were exposed to hypoxia (10% O2), normoxia (21% O2), or hyperoxia (30% O2) for 28 days, then the heart tissue was excised and analyzed. The alterations in redox balance, housekeeping protein levels, and autophagic and apoptotic process regulation were studied. The D‐ROM test demonstrated an increased oxidative stress in the hypoxic group compared to the hyperoxic group. The level of hypoxia inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1α) was increased by hypoxia while HIF‐2α was not affected by treatments. Chronic hypoxia activated the biochemical markers of autophagy, and we observed elevated levels of Beclin‐1 while LC3B‐II and p62 were constant. Nevertheless, we measured significantly enhanced number of TUNEL‐positive cells and higher Bax/Bcl2 ratio in hyperoxia with respect to hypoxia. Surprisingly, our results revealed alterations in the level of housekeeping proteins. The expression of α‐tubulin, total‐actin, and GAPDH was increased in the hypoxic group while decreased in the hyperoxic group. These findings suggest that autophagy is induced in the heart under hypoxia, which may serve as a protective mechanism in response to enhanced oxidative stress. While prolonged hypoxia‐induced autophagy leads to reduced heart apoptosis, low autophagic level in hyperoxia failed to prevent the excessive DNA fragmentation.
Interleukin 6 and 10 Serum Levels and Genetic Polymorphisms in Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Mattos Marlon Fraga , Biselli-Chicote Patrícia Matos , Biselli Joice Matos , da Silva Assembleia Thiago Luís , Goloni-Bertollo Eny Maria , Pavarino Érika Cristina
Published: August 2018

Immunological impairment is a condition that is often observed in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The immune response is modulated by pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines whose expressions could be influenced by genetic polymorphisms. The present study was aimed at evaluating the frequencies of -174G>C, -572G>C, and -597G>A polymorphisms in the interleukin 6 (IL-6) gene and -592C>A, -1082A>G, and -819C>T polymorphisms in the IL-10 gene and the IL-6 and IL-10 serum levels in healthy individuals with and without DS. The authors also aimed to investigate the impact of the genotypes on the interleukin concentrations. The genetic polymorphisms were investigated in 200 DS individuals and 200 controls without DS. The serum measurement of IL-6 and IL-10 was performed in a subgroup (54 cases and 54 controls) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The frequencies of the polymorphisms and haplotypes evaluated were not different between individuals with and without DS. IL-10 concentration was higher in DS children but was not influenced by IL-10 gene polymorphisms. IL-6 genotypes had no influence on IL-6 serum levels. The IL-10 serum levels are increased in DS individuals, but IL-10 polymorphisms are not the main factors that influence the IL-10 expression in DS.