bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Compact Load Cell Using Multiwall Carbon Nanotube/Cotton Composites and Its Application to Human Health and Activity Monitoring
Authors: Momin Md. Abdul , Rahman Mohammad Jellur , Mieno Tetsu
Published: April 2019

Compact load cells have been developed using multiwall carbon nanotube/cotton (MWCNT/cotton) composites, whose performance has been optimized by varying the concentration of MWCNTs and the thickness of the composite. The sensitivity of the load cell, which is defined as the ratio of the change in the relative electric resistance to the change in applied pressure, is measured to be in the range of 180-0.20 kPa-1 for applied pressures of 8.84 Pa-884 kPa (F=1.0 mN-100 N). The load cells show a rapid response in situations with a frequently changing force, with response times τ1/2 of 4.5 and 5.0 ms for the application and release of load, respectively. The load cell demonstrates high reproducibility in tests involving more than 11,200 compression/relaxation cycles. It also has high reproducibility in different harsh environments and has a good electric-conductance recovery property. The load cell is successfully used to monitor the time-varying center of gravity of a human foot, which can be applied to the diagnosis of sick and healthy people. The MWCNT/cotton load cells can be used as wearable and flexible devices for monitoring human health.
Analysis of Genetic Variation in CD40 and CD40L: Relationship with mRNA Relative Expression and Soluble Proteins in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Martínez-Fernández D. E. , Padilla-Gutiérrez J. R. , Casillas-Muñoz F. , Valdés-Alvarado Emmanuel , Parra-Reyna Brenda , Aceves-Ramírez Maricela , Muñoz-Valle J. F. , Zalapa Flores U. , Chávez Herrera J. C. , Valle Y.
Published: April 2019

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) can be triggered by the presence of inflammatory factors which promote the activation of immune cells by costimulatory molecules such as CD40 and its ligand CD40L. Environmental and genetic factors are involved in the etiology of the ACS. The aim of this study was to explore the gene and protein expression associated withCD40andCD40Lgenetic variants in ACS patients from the western Mexican population. A total of 620 individuals from western Mexico were recruited: 320 ACS patients and 300 individuals without a history of ischemic cardiopathy were evaluated. The genotype was determined using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays.CD40andCD40Lexpressions at the mRNA level were quantified using TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. Soluble protein isoforms were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We did not find evidence of association betweenCD40(rs1883832, rs4810485, and rs11086998) andCD40L(rs3092952 and rs3092920) genetic variants and susceptibility to ACS, although rs1883832 and rs4810485 were significantly associated with high sCD40 plasma levels. Plasma levels of sCD40L can be affected by gender and the clinical spectrum of acute coronary syndrome. Our results do not suggest a functional role ofCD40andCD40Lgenetic variants in ACS. However, they could reflect the inflammatory process and platelet activation in ACS patients, even when they are under pharmacological therapy. Due to the important roles of the CD40-CD40L system in the pathogenesis of ACS, longitudinal studies are required to determine if soluble levels of CD40 and CD40L could be clinically useful markers of a recurrent cardiovascular event after an ACS.
Biodistribution of [11C]-Metformin and mRNA Expression of Placentae Metformin Transporters in the Pregnant Chinchilla
Authors: Overgaard Maria Dahl , Duvald Christina Søndergaard , Vendelbo Mikkel Holm , Pedersen Steen Bønløkke , Jakobsen Steen , Alstrup Aage Kristian Olsen , Mikkelsen Emmeli , Ovesen Per Glud , Pedersen Michael
Published: April 2019

Background. While metformin is the first-line pharmacological treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2, this drug is not considered safe to use in pregnant women because of its unknown consequences for the fetus. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biodistribution of metformin in the pregnant chinchilla, a species exhibiting placental characteristics comparable with the pregnant woman. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the expression of metformin transporters in humans and chinchillas, respectively, in order to evaluate the pregnant chinchilla as a novel animal model for the use of metformin in pregnancy. Methods. Three chinchillas in the last part of gestation were injected with [11C]-metformin and scanned by PET/CT for 70 minutes to visualize the distribution. To investigate the difference in expression of placenta transporters between humans and chinchillas, PCR was performed on samples from five chinchilla placentae and seven human placentae. Results. Dynamic PET with [11C]-metformin showed that the metformin distribution in chinchillas was similar to that in nonpregnant humans, with signal from kidneys, liver, bladder, and submandibular glands. Conversely, no radioactive signal was observed from the fetuses, and no metformin was accumulated in the chinchilla fetus when measuring the SUV. PCR of placental mRNA showed that the human placentae expressed OCT3, whereas the chinchilla placentae expressed OCT1. Conclusion. Since metformin did not pass the placenta barrier in the pregnant chinchilla, as it is known to do in humans, we do not suggest the chinchilla as a future animal model of metformin in pregnancies.
Internal Biomechanical Study of a 70-Year-Old Female Human Lumbar Bi-Segment Finite Element Model and Comparison with a Middle-Aged Male Model
Authors: Wu Hequan , Peng Jinping , Jin Xin
Published: April 2019

The main purpose of this article is to study the biomechanics of spine tissue in elderly female. In this study, the L3-L5 lumbar bi-segmental finite element model for elderly female was obtained from the Advanced Human Modeling Laboratory of the Bioengineering Center at Wayne State University. The effects of flexion and extension on bone geometry, distribution of ligament fibers, location of nucleus, and changes in intervertebral disc height were studied by comparing the results obtained before and after the update of older female and middle-aged male models. For the purpose of comparing the calculated range of motion (ROM) with the experimental data, additional calculations for axial rotation and lateral bending were performed. The study found that the parameters of the model affected the deformation of the disc herniation, ligament and intervertebral disc, and the axial force carrying capacity of the model. The three predicted ROMs are usually similar to the experimental results. Only the older female model has a slightly larger ROM. Therefore, older women are more vulnerable to lumbar spine injuries than men.
MTAP Loss Promotes Stemness in Glioblastoma and Confers Unique Susceptibility to Purine Starvation
Authors: Hansen Landon J. , Sun Ran , Yang Rui , Singh Simranjit X. , Chen Lee H. , Pirozzi Christopher J. , Moure Casey J. , Hemphill Carlee , Carpenter Austin B. , Healy Patrick , Ruger Ryan C. , Chen Chin-Pu J. , Greer Paula K. , Zhao Fangping , Spasojevic Ivan , Grenier Carole , Huang Zhiqing , Murphy Susan K. , McLendon Roger E. , Friedman Henry S. , Friedman Allan H. , Herndon James E. , Sampson John H. , Keir Stephen T. , Bigner Darell D. , Yan Hai , He Yiping
Published: April 2019

Homozygous deletion of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) is one of the most frequent genetic alterations in glioblastoma (GBM), but its pathologic consequences remain unclear. In this study, we report that loss of MTAP results in profound epigenetic reprogramming characterized by hypomethylation of PROM1/CD133–associated stem cell regulatory pathways. MTAP deficiency promotes glioma stem-like cell (GSC) formation with increased expression of PROM1/CD133 and enhanced tumorigenicity of GBM cells and is associated with poor prognosis in patients with GBM. As a combined consequence of purine production deficiency in MTAP-null GBM and the critical dependence of GSCs on purines, the enriched subset of CD133+ cells in MTAP-null GBM can be effectively depleted by inhibition of de novo purine synthesis. These findings suggest that MTAP loss promotes the pathogenesis of GBM by shaping the epigenetic landscape and stemness of GBM cells while simultaneously providing a unique opportunity for GBM therapeutics.

Significance:

This study links the frequently mutated metabolic enzyme MTAP to dysregulated epigenetics and cancer cell stemness and establishes MTAP status as a factor for consideration in characterizing GBM and developing therapeutic strategies.
LKB1 and KEAP1/NRF2 Pathways Cooperatively Promote Metabolic Reprogramming with Enhanced Glutamine Dependence in KRAS-Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Galan-Cobo Ana , Sitthideatphaiboon Piyada , Qu Xiao , Poteete Alissa , Pisegna Marlese A. , Tong Pan , Chen Pei-Hsuan , Boroughs Lindsey K. , Rodriguez Mirna L.M. , Zhang Winter , Parlati Francesco , Wang Jing , Gandhi Varsha , Skoulidis Ferdinandos , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Minna John D. , Heymach John V.
Published: April 2019

In KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma, tumors with LKB1 loss (KL) are highly enriched for concurrent KEAP1 mutations, which activate the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway (KLK). Here, we investigated the biological consequences of these cooccurring alterations and explored whether they conferred specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. Compared with KL tumors, KLK tumors exhibited increased expression of genes involved in glutamine metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the redox homeostasis signature. Using isogenic pairs with knockdown or overexpression of LKB1, KEAP1, and NRF2, we found that LKB1 loss results in increased energetic and redox stress marked by increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and decreased levels of ATP, NADPH/NADP+ ratio, and glutathione. Activation of the KEAP1/NRF2 axis in LKB1-deficient cells enhanced cell survival and played a critical role in the maintenance of energetic and redox homeostasis in a glutamine-dependent manner. LKB1 and the KEAP1/NRF2 pathways cooperatively drove metabolic reprogramming and enhanced sensitivity to the glutaminase inhibitor CB-839 in vitro and in vivo. Overall, these findings elucidate the adaptive advantage provided by KEAP1/NRF2 pathway activation in KL tumors and support clinical testing of glutaminase inhibitor in subsets of KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma.

Significance:

In KRAS-mutant non–small cell lung cancer, LKB1 loss results in enhanced energetic/redox stress, which is tolerated, in part, through cooccurring KEAP1/NRF2–dependent metabolic adaptations, thus enhancing glutamine dependence and vulnerability to glutaminase inhibition.
Super-Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Reduces the Incidence of Postoperative Adverse Events in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yuan Dongbo , Zhang Wei , Zhan Xiong , Su Jiaming , Wang Wei , Luan Boshi , Xiao Shiwei , Chen Weihong , Sun Zhaolin , An Nini , Zhu Jianguo
Published: April 2019

Objective: To assess the safety of the super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP) versus the minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in the treatment of pediatric renal calculus. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic records of pediatric patients who underwent treatment for renal stones by either SMP or MPCNL from May 2015 to May 2016. We compared the safety of the 2 surgical procedures in the treatment of renal calculus in children by using the generalized estimating equation (GEE) multivariate regression analysis, in which the exposures are the surgical procedures and postoperative adverse events (postoperative complications, fever, and WBC counts) are set as outcome variables. Results: The study included 39 patients (26 boys and 13 girls), of which 22 underwent MPCNL and 17 underwent SMP, with a mean age of 110.05 ± 45.01 and 93.18 ± 41.72 months, respectively. In the univariate logistic regression model, the surgical procedures showed no significant association with postoperative complications (95% CI 0.0–1.5), fever (95% CI 0.1–2.1), postoperative peripheral WBC (95% CI 0.1–2.2). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, there was an insignificant association between surgical methods and postoperative complications (95% CI 0.28–1.1), fever (95% CI 0.1–1.2), and postoperative peripheral WBC (95% CI 0.03–1.8). While using GEE with multiple dependent variables and MPCNL as a reference, the OR of adverse events was 0.15 and the 95% CI were 0.04–0.55. Conclusions: Compared to MPCNL, SMP has a lower incidence of postoperative complications and appears to be a safer treatment for children with kidney stones.
Increased Plasma VEGF Levels in Patients with Cerebral Large Artery Disease Are Associated with Cerebral Microbleeds
Authors: Ogata Toshiyasu , Dohgu Shinya , Takano Koichi , Inoue Tooru , Arima Hisatomi , Takata Fuyuko , Kataoka Yasufumi , Tsuboi Yoshio
Published: April 2019

Background/Purpose: Because atherosclerotic factors and antithrombotic agents sometimes induce cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), patients with cerebral large artery disease (CLAD) tend to have more CMBs than control subjects. On the other hand, VEGF contributes to the disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and it may induce parenchymal edema and bleeding. We conducted a study to evaluate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the occurrence of CMBs in patients with CLAD. Methods: CLAD is defined as stenosis or occlusion of either the carotid artery or the middle cerebral artery of 50% or more. We prospectively registered patients with CLAD who were hospitalized in our neurocenter. Biological backgrounds, atherosclerotic risk factors, administration of antithrombotics before hospitalization, and levels of cytokines and chemokines were evaluated. Susceptibility-weighted imaging or T2*-weighted MR angiography was used to evaluate CMBs. The Brain Observer MicroBleed Scale (BOMBS) was used for CMB assessments. Images were analyzed with regard to the presence or absence of CMBs. We also examined plasma VEGF concentrations using a commercial ELISA kit. Because more than half showed plasma VEGF levels below assay detection limits (3.2 pg/mL), the patients were dichotomized by plasma VEGF levels into two groups (above and below the detection limit). After univariate analyses, logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors associated with the CMBs after adjustment for age, sex, the presence of hypertension, and administration of antithrombotic agents. A similar analysis with CMBs separated by location (cortex, subcortex, or posterior circulation) was also conducted. Results: Sixty-six patients (71.1 ± 8.9 years, 53 males and 13 females) were included in this study. Plasma VEGF levels were not correlated with age, sex, and atherosclerotic risk factors; however, patients with VEGF levels >3.2 pg/mL tended toward more frequent CMBs (60.0 vs. 32.6%, in the presence and absence of CMBs, p = 0.056). With regard to the location of CMBs, those in the cortex and/or at the gray-white junction were observed more frequently in the patients with VEGF levels >3.2 pg/mL after multivariable analyses (odds ratio: 3.80; 95% confidence interval: 1.07–13.5; p = 0.039). Conclusions: In patients with CLAD, elevated plasma VEGF might be associated with CMBs, especially those located in the cortex and/or at the gray-white junction.
Silencing of Forkhead Box M1 Reverses Transforming Growth Factor-β1-Induced Invasion and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Endometriotic Epithelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Xu Zhiming , Dai Hongying , Zhao Jing , Liu Tingting , Zhang Guiping
Published: April 2019

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) in endometriosis and determine FoxM1’s possible effects on endometriotic epithelial cells (EECs) invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods: The expression of FoxM1 and E-cadherin in endometrium and ectopic tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was added to induce EMT of EECs, which were purified from ectopic tissues. The Short hairpin RNA (ShRNA) intervention technique was used to silence FoxM1. The morphological changes of EECs were observed by microscope. The invasion ability of EECs was determined by transwell invasion assay. The expression of FoxM1 and EMT-related gene (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and Snail) in EECs was detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Results: FoxM1 expression was significantly increased, while E-cadherin expression was significantly decreased in ectopic tissues than that in endometrium tissues. After TGF-β1 treatment, EECs showed a transformation from an epithelial sheet-like structure to a mesenchymal fibroblastic spindle shape; EECs invasion ability was enhanced; the level changes of EMT-related molecule also indicated an EMT phenotype of EECs. After FoxM1-shRNA intervention, TGF-β1-induced changes of EECs in morphology, invasion ability and EMT-related molecule expressions were partially reversed. Conclusions: Silencing of FoxM1 could reverse TGF-β1-induced invasion and EMT of EECs.
Atypical Lyme Neuroborreliosis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome or Conversion Disorder: Differential Diagnosis of Unusual Neurological Presentations
Authors: Teodoro Tomás , Oliveira Renato , Afonso Pedro
Published: April 2019

Nervous system Lyme disease and Guillain-Barré syndrome are common neurological conditions that may present with unusual symptoms rendering differential diagnosis difficult. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman presenting with asymmetrical tetraparesis and hyporeflexia. Initially the presumed diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome with a possible functional component was suspected and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin was initiated. Due to partial response to therapy and further test results including positive serologies and cerebrospinal fluid antibodies for Borrelia, the diagnosis of neuroborreliosis was considered. Further exploring revealed the possibility of exposure to ticks although there was no report of typical skin lesions. Daily physical therapy and appropriate antibiotic treatment with parenteral ceftriaxone resulted in significant improvement of motor symptoms and functional status. The patient was discharged with marked functional improvement and indication for further physical rehabilitation.
Identifying the Infarct-Related Artery in Patients With Non–ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Heitner John F. , Senthilkumar Annamalai , Harrison J. Kevin , Klem Igor , Sketch Michael H. , Ivanov Alexandr , Hamo Carine , Van Assche Lowie , White James , Washam Jeffrey , Patel Manesh R. , Bekkers Sebastiaan C.A.M. , Smulders Martijn W. , Sacchi Terrence J. , Kim Raymond J.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Determining the infarct-related artery (IRA) in non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (MI) can be challenging. Delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (DE-CMR) can accurately identify small MIs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether DE-CMR improves the ability to identify the IRA in patients with non–ST-segment–elevation MI.

Methods and Results:

In this 3-center, prospective study, we enrolled 114 patients presenting with their first MI. Patients underwent DE-CMR followed by coronary angiography. The interventional cardiologist was blinded to the DE-CMR results. Later, coronary angiography and DE-CMR images were reviewed independently and blindly for identification of the IRA. The pattern of DE-CMR hyperenhancement was also used to determine whether there was a nonischemic pathogenesis for myocardial necrosis. The IRA was not identifiable by coronary angiography in 37% of patients (n=42). In these, the IRA or a new noncoronary artery disease diagnosis was identified by DE-CMR in 60% and 19% of patients, respectively. Even in patients with an IRA determined by coronary angiography, a different IRA or a noncoronary artery disease diagnosis was identified by DE-CMR in 14% and 13%, respectively. Overall, DE-CMR led to a new IRA diagnosis in 31%, a diagnosis of nonischemic pathogenesis in 15%, or either in 46% (95% CI, 37%–55%) of patients. Of 55 patients undergoing revascularization, 27% had revascularization solely to nonculprit coronary artery territories as determined by DE-CMR.

Conclusions:

Identification of the IRA by coronary angiography can be challenging in patients with non–ST-segment–elevation MI. In nearly half, DE-CMR may lead to a new IRA diagnosis or elucidate a nonischemic pathogenesis. Revascularization solely of coronary arteries that are believed to be nonculprit arteries by DE-CMR is not uncommon.
Spatially Specific Attention Mechanisms Are Sensitive to Competition during Visual Search
Authors: Yeh Lu-Chun , Yeh Yei-Yu , Kuo Bo-Cheng
Published: April 2019

Extensive studies have focused on selection mechanisms during visual search. One important influence on these mechanisms is the perceptual characteristics of the stimuli. We investigated the impact of perceptual similarity between targets and nontargets (T-N similarity) in a visual search task using EEG. Participants searched for a predefined target letter among five nontargets. The T-N similarity was manipulated with three levels: high, middle, and low. We tested for the influences of T-N similarity on an ERP (e.g., N2pc) and alpha oscillations. We observed a significant N2pc effect across all levels of similarity. The N2pc amplitude was reduced and occurred later for high similarity relative to low and middle similarities. We also showed that the N2pc amplitude was inversely correlated with the RTs across all similarities. Importantly, we found a significant alpha phase adjustment about the same time as the N2pc for high similarity; by contrast, no such effect was observed for middle and low similarities. Finally, we showed a positive correlation between the phase-locking value and the N2pc—the stronger the alpha phase-locking value, the larger the N2pc, when the T-N similarity was high. In conclusion, our results provide novel evidence for multiple competitive mechanisms during visual search.
Taxonomic status of the amphi-Atlantic species Plesionika acanthonotus (Caridea: Pandalidae): a multi-locus and morphological approach
Authors: CARDOSO IRENE A. , RODRÍGUEZ-REY GHENNIE T. , TEROSSI MARIANA , BARTILOTTI CÁTIA , SEREJO CRISTIANA S.
Published: April 2019

Deep-sea shrimps of the species Plesionika acanthonotus (Smith, 1882) and P. holthuisi Crosnier & Forest, 1968 are morphologically similar and exhibit overlapping amphi-Atlantic distributions. In the literature, through morphological studies, there are reports of doubts about the validity of P. holthuisi and some authors believe that the eastern and western Atlantic populations of P. acanthonothus could represent two distinct species. The objective of the present study was to use molecular data to elucidate the taxonomic status of the two populations of P. acanthonothus. DNA sequences of two mitochondrial genes (16S rDNA and Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I) and a nuclear gene (Histone 3) were obtained for both species and for both populations of P. acanthonotus. The sequences were also obtained from Genbank for comparison. The trees (separate and multi-locus/partitioned genes) were generated by Bayesian Inference analyzes, and genetic divergence (Kimura-2-parameters) was also calculated. All specimens that had their DNA sequenced were examined morphologically to confirm their identification; morphological variations were noted. The genetic data showed that Plesionika holthuisi is closely related to P. acanthonotus, but clearly separated, indicating that P. holthuisi is a valid species. In the multi-locus analysis, the P. acanthonothus specimens were divided into two clades, one with the eastern Atlantic specimens and another with the western Atlantic specimens. However, this genetic separation was considered to be a population structuring for three reasons: (1) the genetic divergences of the two mitochondrial genes between these two groups (eastern Atlantic X western Atlantic) were smaller than the interspecific divergence for Plesionika; (2) the P. acanthonothus sequences of the Histone 3 gene showed no genetic variation; (3) in the analyzed individuals, no valid morphological character was found to support this separation. Thus, the conclusion of this study is that P. holthuisi probably is a valid species and P. acanthonothus presents two populations with mitochondrial divergences that could be in the process of speciation, but which currently represent only one species.
Predictors of quality of life among community psychiatric patients in a peri-urban district of Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Mapatwana Dumakazi , Tomita Andrew , Burns Jonathan K , Robertson Lesley J
Published: April 2019

Background:

Few studies on quality of life (QoL) among people with mental illness have been conducted in South Africa, and none in community dwelling individuals. However, a greater understanding of subjective QoL may inform community-based medical, psychotherapeutic, or social interventions. This study examined the QoL, clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of psychiatric patients attending community mental health clinics in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.

Methods:

A cross sectional interview-based study was conducted with 121 adult patients attending community psychiatric clinics. To reduce the impact of acute psychiatric symptoms on subjective QoL, only clinically stable patients were included. Sociodemographic details and clinical characteristics were recorded. Subjective QoL was assessed using the World Health Organization QOL-Bref scale (WHOQOL-Bref), and severity of psychiatric illness measured with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, expanded version 4.0 (BPRS-E).

Results:

Just over half of the sample rated their overall QoL as good or very good. Residual psychiatric symptomatology was the strongest predictor of a poor QoL in all four domains of the WHOQOL-Bref. The most severe BPRS scores were for the symptoms of depression, anxiety and somatic concern. Perceived social support significantly predicted a better QoL in the psychological, social relationships and environmental domains.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the negative impact of residual psychiatric symptoms on subjective QoL and the importance of social support in enhancing QoL.
Self-Expression While Drinking Alcohol: Alcohol Influences Personality Expression During First Impressions
Authors: Orehek Edward , Human Lauren J. , Sayette Michael A. , Dimoff John D. , Winograd Rachel P. , Sher Kenneth J.
Published: April 2019

People are motivated to be perceived both positively and accurately and, therefore, approach social settings and adopt means that allow them to reach these goals. We investigated whether alcohol consumption helps or hinders the positivity and accuracy of social impressions using a thin-slicing paradigm to better understand the effects of alcohol in social settings and the influence of alcohol on self-expression. These possibilities were tested in a sample of 720 participants randomly assigned to consume an alcohol, placebo, or control beverage while engaged in conversation in three-person groups. We found support for the hypothesis that alcohol (compared with placebo or control) increased the positivity of observers’ personality expression, but did not find support for the hypothesis that alcohol increased the accuracy of personality expression. These findings contribute to our understanding of the social consequences of alcohol consumption, shedding new light on the interpersonal benefits that alcohol can foster.
Cost-efficacy of Knee Cartilage Defect Treatments in the United States
Authors: Everhart Joshua S. , Campbell Andrew B. , Abouljoud Moneer M. , Kirven J. Caid , Flanigan David C.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Multiple knee cartilage defect treatments are available in the United States, although the cost-efficacy of these therapies in various clinical scenarios is not well understood.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to determine cost-efficacy of cartilage therapies in the United States with available mid- or long-term outcomes data. The authors hypothesized that cartilage treatment strategies currently approved for commercial use in the United States will be cost-effective, as defined by a cost <$50,000 per quality-adjusted life-year over 10 years.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A systematic search was performed for prospective cartilage treatment outcome studies of therapies commercially available in the United States with minimum 5-year follow-up and report of pre- and posttreatment International Knee Documentation Committee subjective scores. Cost-efficacy over 10 years was determined with Markov modeling and consideration of early reoperation or revision surgery for treatment failure.

Results:

Twenty-two studies were included, with available outcomes data on microfracture, osteochondral autograft, osteochondral allograft (OCA), autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and matrix-induced ACI. Mean improvement in International Knee Documentation Committee subjective scores at final follow-up ranged from 17.7 for microfracture of defects >3 cm2 to 36.0 for OCA of bipolar lesions. Failure rates ranged from <5% for osteochondral autograft for defects requiring 1 or 2 plugs to 46% for OCA of bipolar defects. All treatments were cost-effective over 10 years in the baseline model if costs were increased 50% or if failure rates were increased an additional 15%. However, if efficacy was decreased by a minimum clinically important amount, then ACI (periosteal cover) of femoral condylar lesions ($51,379 per quality-adjusted life-year), OCA of bipolar lesions ($66,255) or the patella ($66,975), and microfracture of defects >3 cm2 ($127,782) became cost-ineffective over 10 years.

Conclusion:

Currently employed treatments for knee cartilage defects in the United States are cost-effective in most clinically acceptable applications. Microfracture is not a cost-effective initial treatment of defects >3 cm2. OCA transplantation of the patella or bipolar lesions is potentially cost-ineffective and should be used judiciously.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Enhances Tendon-to-Bone Healing in a Rat Rotator Cuff Repair of Chronic Tears
Authors: Yonemitsu Ryuji , Tokunaga Takuya , Shukunami Chisa , Ideo Katsumasa , Arimura Hitoshi , Karasugi Tatsuki , Nakamura Eiichi , Ide Junji , Hiraki Yuji , Mizuta Hiroshi
Published: April 2019

Background:

The effects of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) on healing after surgical repair of chronic rotator cuff (RC) tears remain unclear.

Hypothesis:

FGF-2 enhances tenogenic healing response, leading to biomechanical and histological improvement of repaired chronic RC tears in rats.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 117) underwent unilateral surgery to refix the supraspinatus tendon to its insertion site 3 weeks after detachment. Animals were assigned to either the FGF-2 group or a control group. The effects of FGF-2 were assessed via biomechanical tests at 3 weeks after detachment and at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively and were assessed histologically and immunohistochemically for proliferating cell nuclear antigen and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)–related markers at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. The expression of tendon/enthesis-related markers, including SRY-box 9 (Sox9), scleraxis (Scx), and tenomodulin (Tnmd), were assessed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. The effect of FGF-2 on comprehensive gene expressions at the healing site was evaluated by microarray analysis.

Results:

The FGF-2 group showed a significant increase in mechanical strength at 6 and 12 weeks compared with control; the FGF-2 group also showed significantly higher histological scores at 12 weeks than control, indicating the presence of more mature tendon-like tissue. At 12 weeks, Scx and Tnmd expression increased significantly in the FGF-2 group, whereas no significant differences in Sox9 were found between groups over time. At 2 weeks, the percentage of positive cells expressing MSC-related markers increased in the FGF-2 group. Microarray analysis at 2 weeks after surgery showed that the expression of several growth factor genes and extracellular matrix–related genes was influenced by FGF-2 treatment.

Conclusion:

FGF-2 enhanced the formation of tough tendon-like tissues including an increase in Scx- or Tnmd-expressing cells at 12 weeks after surgical repair of chronic RC tears. The increase in mesenchymal progenitors and the changes in gene expression upon FGF-2 treatment in the early phase of healing appear to be related to a certain favorable microenvironment for tenogenic healing response of chronic RC tears.

Clinical Relevance:

These findings may provide advantages in therapeutic strategies for patients with RC tears.
Costing a Maternity Leave Cash Transfer to Support Breastfeeding Among Informally Employed Mexican Women
Authors: Vilar-Compte Mireya , Teruel Graciela , Flores Diana , Carroll Grace J. , Buccini Gabriela S. , Pérez-Escamilla Rafael
Published: April 2019

Background:

Investing in maternity protection for working women is an important social equity mechanism. Addressing the maternity leave needs of women employed in the informal sector economy should be a priority as more than half of women in Latin America, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa are employed in this sector.

Objective:

To develop a costing methodology framework to assess the financial feasibility, at the national level, of implementing a maternity cash transfer for informally employed women.

Methods:

A World Bank costing methodology was adapted for estimating the financial need to establish a maternity cash transfer benefit. The methodology estimates the cash transfer’s unitary cost, the incremental coverage of the policy in terms of time, the weighted population to be covered, and the administrative costs. The 6-step methodology uses employment and sociodemographic data that are available in many countries through employment and demographic surveys and the population census. The methodology was tested with data for Mexico assuming different cash transfer unitary costs and the benefit’s time coverage.

Results:

The methodological framework estimated that the annual financial needs of setting up a maternity cash transfer for informally working women in Mexico ranges between US$87 million and US$280 million.

Conclusions:

A pragmatic methodology for assessing the costs of maternity cash transfer for informally employed women was developed. In the case of Mexico, the maternity cash transfer for women in the informal sector is financially feasible.
Racial Disparities in Public Meeting Participation? Examining Past Evidence and Nationally Representative Data
Authors: Hoang Bai Linh
Published: April 2019

Are there racial/ethnic disparities in local public meeting participation? To date, very few studies investigating this question centrally or peripherally have relied on nationally representative data. Thus, in this research note, I discuss some of the limitations associated with previous studies that have examined the characteristics of public meeting participants. More importantly, I analyze data provided by the American National Election Studies (ANES) to investigate the extent to which group disparities, especially racial/ethnic disparities, exist in public meeting participation. The analysis of pooled data from the ANES does not reveal, on a general level, racial/ethnic group differences in public meeting participation, but it does suggest that such differences may exist among the economically vulnerable. I conclude with proposals of how to move forward with conducting research on public meeting participation.
Effect of fuel composition on properties of particles emitted from a diesel–natural gas dual fuel engine
Authors: Momenimovahed Ali , Liu Fengshan , Thomson Kevin A , Smallwood Gregory J , Guo Hongsheng
Published: April 2019

The effective density and mixing state of particles emitted from a natural gas–diesel dual fuel engine are investigated. Measurements were conducted at three different fuel compositions including 100% diesel fuel (0% NG), 75% diesel–25% natural gas (25% NG) and 50% diesel–50% NG (50% NG). The particle effective density was measured using a differential mobility analyzer in series with a centrifugal particle mass analyzer. A catalytic stripper at 350 °C was employed upstream of the centrifugal particle mass analyzer in order to remove the semi-volatile material from the solid particles to measure the effective density of non-volatile particles as well as the particle mixing state. A scanning mobility particle sizer was used to measure the particle size distribution. The particle mass concentration was also measured using several techniques including cavity-attenuated phase-shift particulate matter single-scattering albedo, laser-induced incandescence, thermal-optical analysis, photoacoustic spectroscopy, and integrated particle size distribution. The semi-volatile number and mass fractions are found to be lower than 15%. The effective density functions of particles at 0% and 25% NG are within 6% of each other; however, the effective density values of particles at 50% NG are lower than those of the 0% NG by up to 35%. The mass-mobility exponent varies in the range of 2.42–2.51 and 2.38–2.54 for undenuded and denuded particles, respectively. For the mass concentration measurements, photoacoustic spectroscopy agrees with thermal-optical analysis within 5%, while all the other techniques measure up to 50% deviations relative to thermal-optical analysis.
Diabetic Foot Infection: Causative Pathogens and Empiric Antibiotherapy Considerations—The Experience of a Tertiary Center
Authors: Neves José Miguel , Duarte Bruno , Pinto Margarida , Formiga Ana , Neves José
Published: April 2019

Most moderate-to-severe diabetic foot infections (DFIs) require hospitalization with urgent surgical approach and administration of empiric antibiotherapy. To ensure optimal antibiotic coverage, regular microbiological background updates are imperative. The purpose is to characterize the microbiological profile and the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the DFI causative pathogens isolated within a specialized DFI unit of a tertiary hospital, in order to establish evidence-based policies regarding empirical antibiotic use. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Microbiological cultures and corresponding antibiotic sensitivity tests collected from moderate-to-severe DFIs as a first approach to the hospitalized patient were retrieved and analyzed during a 12-month period. Two groups were analyzed: inpatients that had been previously followed at the diabetic foot clinic of the hospital and inpatients without a previous contact with the hospital services. A total of 125 isolates obtained from 87 patients were deemed for analysis. Globally, a predominance of Gram-positive bacteria was observed (60%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen. The global ratio of methicillin-sensitive S aureus to methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) was 1.3:1, with similar findings in both groups. According to the antibiotic sensitivity test results, and within the recommended empiric antibiotic regimens for DFI, piperacillin/tazobactam seems to be the most suitable option. Gram-positive bacteria prevail as the main isolates in DFIs. Screening for MRSA-specific risk factors is mandatory. When going for a first empiric therapy, piperacillin/tazobactam is recommended in this institution, and an anti-MRSA agent should be added early, if necessary. We encourage continuous monitoring for the bacterial prevalence in Portuguese diabetic foot centers as it is paramount for the decision making regarding DFI protocols.
Analysis method of dynamic response in the whole process of the vehicle bump test of simply supported bridge
Authors: Tan Guojin , Kong Qingwen , Wu Chunli , Wang Shurong , Ma Guirong
Published: April 2019

For medium- and small-span bridges, the vehicle bump test is one of the most commonly used excitation methods, dynamic response of which can provide theoretical support for the dynamic load test. This article presents a dynamic response analysis method for the whole process of the vehicle bump test. First, the process of vehicle bump is divided into three stages based on transformation of the vehicle–bridge contact condition, including the static state before vehicle bump, the process of vehicle bump, and the free-decay vibration after vehicle bump. Second, the vibration equations of each stage are established, respectively, on the basis of the characteristics of vehicle–bridge coupling vibration. Then, the starting time and initial conditions of each stage are determined and the dynamic response is estimated by the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. Finally, a field experiment is carried out; the error of the maximum strain value between the proposed method and the test method is less than 15%, which perfectly verifies the reliability of the method. The dynamic response of a T-shaped simply supported bridge of the whole vehicle bump process is solved by numerical simulation which indicates that the proposed method can provide theoretical basis for the choice of vehicle bump height.
A study on aerodynamic characteristics and visualization of flow field of lift-drag combined starter
Authors: Feng Fang , Li Yan , Bai Yuedi , Tong Guoqiang , Dong Xiaoyu
Published: April 2019

This study refers to the modification of the aerodynamic characteristics of the starter for the lift-type vertical axis wind turbine, the structure of the traditional drag starter was improved, and the lift-drag combined starter model was proposed. Based on the CFD numerical simulation and the particle image velocimetry visualization test, the aerodynamic characteristics of the lift-drag combined starter model and the drag starter model are studied, and the reasons for the regular variation of the flow field are explained. The results show that the lift-drag combined starter has obvious advantages over the traditional drag starter in both static start-up characteristics and dynamic output characteristics. The average static torque coefficient of the lift-drag combined starter is increased by 8% compared to that of the drag starter after one revolution. The increasing percentage of the maximum dynamic moment coefficient of the lift-drag combined starter is 89% compared to the drag starter, and the decreasing percentage of the minimum is only 30%.
Dynamic surface control–based adaptive neural tracking for full-state constrained omnidirectional mobile robots
Authors: Zheng Wenhao , Ito Takao
Published: April 2019

This article studies the neural network–based adaptive dynamic surface control for trajectory tracking of full-state constrained omnidirectional mobile robots. The barrier Lyapunov function method is adopted to handle the full-state constraints of the omnidirectional mobile robot, and thus state variables will never violate the restrictions. Then, the neural network is used to approximate the uncertain system dynamics, and the adaptive law is proposed to adjust the weights. Moreover, the dynamic surface control is adopted to avoid the derivation of virtual variables, and the complexity of the controller can be simplified in comparison with the classical backstepping technique. The auxiliary system is proposed as the compensator to address the input saturation of omnidirectional mobile robots. All signals including tracking errors, state variables, adaptive parameters, and control inputs in the closed-loop system are proved to be uniformly bounded, while the control gains are chosen properly. Numerical simulations are tested to validate the effectiveness and advancements of the given control strategy.
Prediction of orthographic information during listening comprehension: A printed-word visual world study
Authors: Ito Aine
Published: April 2019

Two visual world eye-tracking experiments examined the role of orthographic information in the visual context in pre-activation of orthographic and phonological information using Japanese. Participants heard sentences that contained a predictable target word and viewed a display showing four words in a logogram, kanji (Experiment 1) or in a phonogram, hiragana (Experiment 2). The four words included either the target word (e.g., 魚 /sakana/; fish), an orthographic competitor (e.g., 角 /tuno/; horn), a phonological competitor (e.g., 桜 /sakura/; cherry blossom), or an unrelated word (e.g., 本 /hon/; book), together with three distractor words. The orthographic competitor was orthographically or phonologically dissimilar to the target in hiragana. In Experiment 1, target and orthographic competitor words attracted more fixations than unrelated words before the target word was mentioned, suggesting that participants pre-activated orthographic form of the target word. In Experiment 2, target and phonological competitor words attracted more predictive fixations than unrelated words, but orthographic competitor words did not, suggesting a critical role of the visual context. This pre-activation pattern does not fit with the pattern of lexical activation in auditory word recognition, where orthography and phonology interact. However, it is compatible with the pattern of lexical activation in spoken word production, where orthographic information is not automatically activated, in line with production-based prediction accounts.
Diagnostic yield of the Japan NBI Expert Team (JNET) classification for endoscopic diagnosis of superficial colorectal neoplasms in a large‐scale clinical practice database
Authors: Kobayashi Shunsuke , Yamada Masayoshi , Takamaru Hiroyuki , Sakamoto Taku , Matsuda Takahisa , Sekine Shigeki , Igarashi Yoshinori , Saito Yutaka
Published: April 2019

Background

Magnifying Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) during colonoscopy is a reliable method for differential and depth diagnoses of colorectal lesions. This study examined the diagnostic yield of magnifying NBI based on the Japan NBI Expert Team (JNET) classification in a clinical setting using a large‐scale clinical practice database. Types 1, 2A, 2B and 3 correspond to the histopathological classifications of hyperplastic polyp/sessile‐serrated polyp, low‐grade intramucosal neoplasia, high‐grade intramucosal neoplasia/shallow submucosal invasive cancer, and deep submucosal invasive cancer, respectively.

Methods

The prospective records of colonoscopy reports and pathological data of 1558 consecutive superficial colorectal lesions removed by colonoscopy were retrospectively analysed. After excluding 156 lesions, the documented JNET classifications of the remaining 1402 colorectal lesions were analysed. Diagnostic yield was analysed and also compared between expert endoscopists and nonexpert endoscopists.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy were respectively 75%, 96%, 74%, 96% and 93% for type 1; 91%, 70%, 92%, 67% and 87% for type 2A; 42%, 95%, 26%, 98% and 93% for type 2B; and 35%, 100%, 93%, 98% and 98% for type 3. Nonexpert and expert endoscopists alike had specificity, NPV and accuracy >90% for types 1, 2B and 3, and a sensitivity and PPV >90% for type 2A. Type 2B had a low sensitivity of 42% because it included various histological features.

Conclusions

The JNET classification proved useful in a clinical setting both for expert and nonexpert endoscopists, as was expected from the original JNET definition, but type 2B requires further investigation using pit pattern diagnosis.