bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MSX1 gene polymorphisms and non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without palate (NSCL/P): A meta‐analysis
Authors: Tasanarong Parinda , Pabalan Noel , Tharabenjasin Phuntila , Jarjanazi Hamdi
Published: May 2019

Objective

Non‐syndromic cleft lip, with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P), is a common craniofacial birth defect, the risk of which is influenced from multiple genetic loci. Association study outcomes between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the muscle segment homeobox gene 1 (MSX1) and NSCL/P have been inconsistent. This compels a meta‐analysis to obtain more precise estimates.

Methods

From 15 publications, we examined 12 SNPs under six groups (SG), based on linkage disequilibrium. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated under the standard genetic models. The pooled effects were subjected to subgroup, outlier, sensitivity, and funnel plot (publication bias) analyses.

Results

Three of the six SGs showed significant associations. SG1 and SG4 effects indicated reduced risks. SG1 outcomes were attributed to outlier treatment, which the Asian outcomes validated. In contrast, increased risks were observed in SG3. All these significant outcomes were deemed robust by sensitivity analysis with no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusions

Our study shows eight MSX1 SNPs associated with risk of NSCL/P. SG1 and SG4 carriers are protected (up to 23%), but SG3 carriers are 1.3‐fold susceptible. Outlier treatment unmasked the significant associations in SG1. Non‐heterogeneity and robustness helped elevate the level of evidence in our significant findings.
Bilateral anterior elevation prosthesis boosts chondrocytes proliferation in mice mandibular condyle
Authors: Liu Qian , Yang Hong‐xu , Duan Jing , Zhang Hong‐yun , Xie Mian‐jiao , Ren Hao‐tian , Zhang Mian , Zhang Jing , Lu Lei , Liu Xiao‐dong , Yu Shi‐bin , Wang Mei‐qing
Published: May 2019

Objective

We aimed to develop a mouse model predominating in a proliferative response in the articular cartilage of the temporomandibular joints.

Materials and Methods

Bilateral anterior elevation of occlusion was developed by installing metal tubes onto the incisors of mice with edge‐to‐edge relation to prevent tooth wear, leading to an increase in the vertical height of the dental occlusion with time. Morphological changes and expression changes in Cyclin D1, Aggrecan, and type II and type X collagen in the mandibular condylar cartilage were detected. In addition, cells were isolated from the mandibular condylar cartilage and exposed to cyclic tensile strain (CTS).

Results

Compared with age‐matched controls, the tooth length was longer at 3 weeks, 7 weeks, and 11 weeks in BAE mice (p < 0.05), with increased condylar cartilage thickness, matrix amount, and cell number (p < 0.05). Compared with the deep zone cells, CTS stimulated the superficial zone cells to express a higher level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Cyclin D1, Aggrecan, and type II collagen but a lower level of type X collagen and alkaline phosphatase.

Conclusion

Bilateral anterior elevation stimulated the proliferative response in the mandibular condylar cartilage, offering a new therapeutic strategy for cartilage degeneration.
Resting metabolic rate in migratory and non‐migratory geese following range expansion: go south, go low
Authors: Eichhorn Götz , Enstipp Manfred R. , Georges Jean‐Yves , Hasselquist Dennis , Nolet Bart A.
Published: May 2019

While many species suffer from human activities, some like geese benefit and may show range expansions. In some cases geese (partially) gave up migration and started breeding at wintering and stopover grounds. Range expansion may be facilitated and accompanied by physiological changes, especially when associated with changes in migratory behaviour. Interspecific comparisons found that migratory tendency is associated with a higher basal or resting metabolic rate (RMR). We compared RMR of individuals belonging to a migratory and a sedentary colony of barnacle geeseBranta leucopsis. The migratory colony is situated in the traditional arctic breeding grounds (Russia), whereas the sedentary colony has recently been established in the now shared wintering area (the Netherlands). We measured RMR by oxygen consumption () during two ontogenetic phases (juvenile growth and adult wing moult). We also investigated juvenile growth rates and adult body mass dynamics.

Mass‐independentwas 13.6% lower in goslings from the sedentary colony than in goslings from the migratory colony. Similarly, in adult geese, mass‐independentwas 15.5% lower in sedentary than in migratory conspecifics. Goslings in the Netherlands grew 36.2% slower than goslings in Russia, while we found no differences in body dimensions in adults. Adult geese from both colonies commenced wing moult with similar body stores, but whereas Russian barnacle geese maintained this level throughout moult, body stores in geese from the Netherlands fell, being 8.5% lower half‐way through the moult.

We propose that the colony differences in resting metabolic rate, growth rate and body mass dynamics during moult can be explained by environmental and behavioural differences. The less stringent time constraints combined with poorer foraging opportunities allow for a smaller ‘metabolic machinery’ in non‐migratory geese. Our analysis suggests that range expansion may be associated with changes in physiology, especially when paired with changes in migratory tendency.
Changes in Alignment of Ipsilateral Knee on Computed Tomography after Total Hip Arthroplasty for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Yu De‐gang , Zhang Jing‐wei , Xu Chen , Xu Jia‐wei , Li Hui‐wu , Zhu Zhen‐an , Liu Feng‐xiang , Mao Yuan‐qing
Published: May 2019

Objective

To assess the changes in alignment of ipsilateral knee joint after total hip arthroplasty (THA) for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Methods

Thirty‐four patients with DDH (38 hips) who underwent THA between February and December 2008 were included in the study: 4 men and 30 women with a mean age of 56.2 years. According to Crowe classification, 11 patients were grade I, 12 were grade II, 9 were grade III, and 6 were grade IV. Computed tomography scans were performed from the anterior superior iliac spine to the tibial tubercle before surgery and at last follow‐up. Femoral anteversion angle, leg lengthening, and knee alignment, including patellar tilt angle, lateral patellar displacement, and tibiofemoral rotation angle, were measured on computed tomography scans, and their relationships were analyzed.

Results

The mean follow‐up period was 51.5 months (range, 39–70 months). There were no intraoperative fractures, and no infections occurred during the follow‐up period. One patient developed deep venous thrombosis and another suffered from femoral nerve palsy. The mean preoperative Harris Hip Score was 48.9 ± 7.5 and improved to 91.2 ± 8.3 by the last follow‐up (P < 0.001). There was no sign of prosthetic loosening in all hips. Postoperatively, mean leg lengthening was 26.08 ± 21.81 mm (P < 0.001), femoral anteversion decreased 9.03° ± 12.80° (P < 0.001), and patellar tilt, lateral patellar displacement, and tibiofemoral rotation increased by 3.58° ± 4.96° (P < 0.001), 1.78 ± 3.36 mm (P = 0.002), and 2.56° ± 3.37° (P < 0.001), respectively. Postoperative increase in patellar tilt and lateral patellar displacement had significant linear relationships with the decrease in femoral anteversion (r = 0.621, P < 0.001 and r = 0.437, P = 0.0037, respectively). These results revealed that patellofemoral alignment would change more with the decrease in femoral anteversion. Postoperative increase in external rotation of the tibia had significant positive linear relationships with leg lengthening (r = 0.34, P = 0.037) and the decrease in femoral anteversion (r = 0.693, P < 0.001). These results revealed that the external rotation of the proximal tibia would increase with the leg lengthening or the decrease of femoral anteversion. Postoperative changes in patellar tilt and lateral patellar displacement had no significant linear relationships with leg lengthening (P = 0.795 and P = 0.082, respectively).

Conclusions

Total hip arthroplasty for DDH could induce changes in alignment of ipsilateral patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joints, with increases in patellar tilt and displacement, and increases in external rotation of the tibia. These secondary alterations still existed at medium‐term follow‐up after surgery, which should be considered during THA for patients with DDH. Extended follow‐up is necessary to evaluate long‐term changes in the knee joint.
Genome of the Malawi golden cichlid fish (Melanochromis auratus) reveals exon loss of oca2 in an amelanistic morph
Authors: Kratochwil Claudius F. , Urban Sabine , Meyer Axel
Published: May 2019

The tropical freshwater fish family Cichlidae is famous for its record‐breaking rates of speciation and diversity in colors and color patterns. Here, we sequenced the genome of the Lake Malawi cichlid Melanochromis auratus to study the genetic basis of an amelanistic morph of this species that lacks the typical melanic stripes and markings. Genome sequencing of the amelanistic and wild‐type morph revealed the loss of the second exon of the known pigmentation gene oculocutaneous albinism II (oca2), also known as p(ink‐eyed dilution) gene or melanocyte‐specific transporter gene. Additional genotyping confirms the complete association with this recessive Mendelian phenotype. The deletion results in a shorter transcript, lacking an acidic di‐leucine domain that is crucial for trafficking of the Oca2 protein to melanosomes. The fact that oca2 is involved in a wide range of amelanistic morphs across vertebrates demonstrates its highly conserved function.
Indicators of unresponsiveness after initial i.v. immunoglobulin treatment in acute Kawasaki disease
Authors: Hashimoto Ikuo
Published: May 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to identify the indicators of unresponsiveness to initial i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment for Kawasaki disease (KD).

Methods

One hundred and forty‐five patients with KD, who had received initial treatment consisting of a single IVIG dose (1 g/kg or 2 g/kg) and oral aspirin (30 mg/kg), were studied. Laboratory parameters, including C‐reactive protein (CRP) and serum sodium (Na), were measured before and after IVIG treatment, and during the convalescent phase, and the laboratory data compared with regards to IVIG response. Multiple logistic regression models, which included laboratory data obtained immediately after the IVIG treatment, were constructed to determine the indicators of IVIG unresponsiveness immediately after the completion of the initial treatment.

Results

On logistic regression analysis, serum Na after IVIG treatment was the only independent factor related to initial IVIG unresponsiveness (β = 0.53, P < 0.01; OR, 1.69; 95%CI: 1.15–2.49). On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal serum Na cut‐off immediately after IVIG treatment was 135.5 mEq/L with a sensitivity of 0.75, and a specificity of 0.79.

Conclusions

Prolonged hyponatremia after completion of the initial IVIG therapy was an indicator of the need for subsequent IVIG therapy. Treatment plans should be established for patients with acute KD that pay particular attention to prolonged hyponatremia.
Identification and pathogenicity of Fusarium species associated with pokkah boeng of sugarcane in Brazil
Authors: Costa M. M. , Melo M. P. , Guimarães E. A. , Veiga C. M. O. , Carmo Sandin F. , Moreira G. M. , Costa S. S. , Pfenning L. H.
Published: May 2019

Brazil is the world’s biggest producer of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids). Pokkah boeng is an important fungal disease in this crop caused by members of the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) and characterized by deformation of the aerial part of the plant and stem rot. While the occurrence of symptoms has been reported in plantations in Brazil, no official reports of the disease exist. In this study, species of the FFSC were identified that are associated with sugarcane plants with symptoms of pokkah boeng in Brazil. This was achieved using two‐loci molecular phylogeny, sexual compatibility and analysis of morphological markers. The ability of strains to cause disease in plants of sugarcane, maize, sorghum and millet was also evaluated. The 39 isolates studied were identified as F. sacchari, F. proliferatum and another, still unknown, phylogenetic lineage that is sister to F. andiyazi. Crossing field isolates of F. sacchari and F. proliferatum with their respective tester strains produced fertile perithecia and viable ascospores. All three species induced symptoms of pokkah boeng on inoculated sugarcane plants and caused stem rot in maize, sorghum and millet. Symptoms on sugarcane are chlorosis and necrosis of leaves, punctured lesions, twisted leaves, reduction of the total leaf area, death of the top of the plant and stalk rot. The findings confirmed the aetiology of the disease in Brazil, generated basic knowledge for the development of strategies for diagnosis and monitoring of the disease and support breeding programmes for selecting resistant germplasm.
Placental abruption and long‐term neurological hospitalisations in the offspring
Authors: Pariente Gali , Wainstock Tamar , Walfisch Asnat , Landau Daniella , Sheiner Eyal
Published: May 2019

Background

Placental abruption is a major determinant of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, often related to asphyxia and preterm birth. However, the impact of abruption on the long‐term morbidity of the offspring is less investigated.

Methods

We designed a hospital‐based cohort study, in which the incidence of long‐term neurology‐related hospitalisations of offspring to women with and without placental abruption was assessed. All singleton deliveries between 1991 and 2014 were included in the study. Congenital anomalies, perinatal mortality, and multifetal pregnancies were excluded from the analyses. We compared cumulative morbidity incidence using Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and estimated the risk for long‐term neurological hospitalisations from Cox proportional hazards models after adjustment for putative including maternal age, parity, hypertensive disorders, pre‐gestational and gestational diabetes, gender, ethnicity, and year of birth.

Results

Over the 22‐year period, 2 202 269 person‐years of follow‐up, there were 217 910 deliveries of which 0.5% (n = 1003) were complicated with placental abruption. The median (interquartile range) follow‐up of children in the abruption and non‐abruption groups was 10.3 (4.6, 15.9) and 12.0 (6.3, 16.5) years, respectively. The cumulative incidence of total neurological hospitalisations was comparable between abruption (3.32 per 1000 person‐years) and non‐abruption (3.16 per 1000 person‐years). Abruption was associated with increased rates of cerebral palsy (hazard ratio [HR] 6.71, 95% CI 3.32, 13.58) and developmental disorders (HR 3.36, 95% CI 1.38, 8.13), but not for total neurology‐related hospitalisations (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.78, 1.49).

Conclusion

Placental abruption is associated with increased rate of cerebral palsy and developmental disorders in the offspring later in life. This study may define risk factors for childhood neuropsychiatric disorders, enabling early diagnosis and intervention in children with such disorders, and perhaps improving their prognosis.
A free and simple computerized screening test for visual field defects
Authors: Nordfang Maria , Uhre Valdemar , Robotham Ro Julia , Kerry Sheila J. , Frederiksen Jette Lautrup , Starrfelt Randi
Published: May 2019

About 30–40% of stroke patients suffer from visual field defects following injury. These can interfere with the standard neuropsychological assessment and complicate the interpretation of tests that use visual materials. However, information about the integrity of a patient's central visual field is often unavailable. We, therefore, designed a screening tool, the computerized visual field test (c‐VFT), specifically targeted at providing easily available, but rough, information about patients' central visual field. c‐VFT was tested in two samples of stroke patients. Eleven patients were tested on c‐VFT and on the Esterman test. Five patients were tested on c‐VFT and the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer (HFA), central 10‐2. Criterion validity of the c‐VFT was investigated by calculating quadrantwise intraclass correlation for both comparisons. For the HFA comparison, we also calculated point‐to‐point intraclass correlation, sensitivity, and specificity. Analyses revealed moderately good correspondence between c‐VFT and the Esterman test, and between c‐VFT and HFA 10‐2, respectively. When looking specifically at test points within one degree of visual angle apart in the two tests, intraclass correlation increased. For these points, the sensitivity of c‐VFT was 0.89 and specificity was 0.97. While the c‐VFT is not designed to be diagnostic nor to replace the detailed visual field analysis, this study shows that it provides a reasonable screening of the central visual field. The test can easily be used and will be made freely available to neuropsychological clinicians and researchers.
Horizontal force production and multi‐segment foot kinematics during the acceleration phase of bend sprinting
Authors: Judson Laura J. , Churchill Sarah M. , Barnes Andrew , Stone Joseph A. , Brookes Ian G. A. , Wheat Jon
Published: May 2019

This paper investigated horizontal force production, foot kinematics, and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint push‐off axis use during acceleration in bend (anti‐clockwise) and straight‐line sprinting. It was hypothesized that bend sprinting would cause the left step push‐off to occur about the oblique axis, resulting in a decrease in propulsive force. Three‐dimensional kinematic and ground reaction force data were collected from nine participants during sprinting on the bend (36.5 m radius) and straight. Antero‐posterior force was reduced at 38%‐44% of stance during bend sprinting compared with the straight. This coincided with an increase in mediolateral force for the majority of the stance phase (3%‐96%) on the bend compared with the straight. In addition, a lower propulsive impulse was reported on the bend compared with the straight. Analysis of multi‐segment foot kinematics provides insight into the possible mechanisms behind these changes in force production. Mean mediolateral center of pressure position was more lateral in relation to the second metatarsal head in the left step on the bend compared with the straight, indicating the oblique axis was used for push‐off at the MTP joint. Greater peak joint angles of the left foot were also reported, in particular, an increase in left step midfoot eversion and internal ankle rotation. It is possible these changes in joint kinematics are associated with the observed decrease in propulsive force. Therefore, practitioners should seek to strengthen muscles such as tibialis posterior in frontal and sagittal planes and ensure specificity of training which may aid in addressing these force reductions.
Kelch 13 propeller gene polymorphism among Plasmodium falciparum isolates in Lagos, Nigeria: Molecular Epidemiologic Study
Authors: Igbasi Uche , Oyibo Wellington , Omilabu Sunday , Quan Hong , Chen Shen‐Bo , Shen Hai‐Mo , Chen Jun‐Hu , Zhou Xiao‐Nong
Published: May 2019

Objective

To assess polymorphism in Kelch 13 gene of Plasmodium falciparum isolates in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods

195 Plasmodium falciparum‐positive dried blood spots collected from individuals that accessed diagnostic care at some health facilities and during community surveys across several Local Government Areas of Lagos State, Nigeria, were investigated for the presence of mutations in the K13 gene by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using haplotype‐specific probes and sequencing.

Results

Three mutant genotypes of K13 gene were observed: A578S in 0.5%, D464N in 0.5% and Q613H in 1.5%. The frequency of K13 polymorphism was 3.1%, while the remaining parasite population had the wild K13 propeller genes.

Conclusion

No validated Kelch 13 polymorphism associated with artemisinin resistance was seen among P. falciparum isolates from Lagos, Nigeria. As no clinical study was done, this could not be correlated with artemisinin sensitivity.
The Construction of Femininity in Shopping
Authors: Huang Yan
Published: May 2019

In different historical stages, the nature of women has been explained from the religious myth, the moral principles, the scientific rationality and the psychological analysis. In the consumer society, the widespread consumption not only changes people’s daily life but also their social relations, world views and values. Men and women with the effect of commodities show different characteristics. The consumption generalization is the basic fact in the consumer society. Women, as the important consuming power, become the key target group for enterprises and media. In order to correspond with the commercial operation, the mass media guides women and constructs a femininity to serve for the commercial profits.Generally speaking, consumption culture constructs femininity from the following two aspects: on the one side, it constructs a modern female beauty standard—young, beautiful and sexy. Women thus become a huge consuming group of hairdressing and fashion. On the other side, it still advocates the traditional image of good housewives. Female consumers are oriented as the agent purchasers for the whole family. It demonstrates in this paper that shopping is sexual consuming. Woman’s beautiful image and good housewives image presents on their “agent purchasers” role in shopping.
Intracranial calcifications and dystonia associated with a novel deletion of chromosome 8p11.2 encompassingSLC20A2andTHAP1
Authors: Mu Weiyi , Tochen Laura , Bertsch Caroline , Singer Harvey S , Barañano Kristin W
Published: May 2019

Several genes located within the chromosome 8p11.21 region are associated with movement disorders includingSLC20A2andTHAP1. SLC20A2is one of four genes associated with primary familial brain calcification, a syndrome that also includes movement disorders, cognitive decline and psychiatric issues.THAP1is associated with dystonia type 6, a dominantly inherited dystonia with variable expression. In addition, several reports in the French-Canadian population have described microdeletions within the 8p11.2 region presenting with dystonia-plus syndromes including brain calcifications. This case report describes a 12-year-old boy with brain calcifications and generalised dystonia associated with a deletion in the 8p11.2 region detected via single nucleotide polymorphism microarray. This report emphasises the importance of obtaining a microarray analysis in diagnosing movement disorders and suggests that this copy number variant may be an under-recognised cause of dystonia and brain calcifications.
A not so happy ending: coital cephalgia resulting from an acute non-traumatic intraparenchymal haemorrhage in a female with no comorbidities
Authors: Abdullah Hafez Mohammad Ammar , Khan Uzma Ikhtiar , Tariq Ezza , Omar Muhammad
Published: May 2019

A sexual headache or coital cephalgia is a headache associated with sexual activity and is a well-recognised condition. It is usually benign, primary and self-limiting. However, occasionally sexual headaches can result from more sinister causes. Intraparenchymal and subdural haemorrhages have been reported as secondary causes of sexual headaches. We present the case of a 61-year-old woman with no comorbidities who presented acutely with a sexual headache and vision loss, and was found to have an occipital and parietal intraparenchymal haemorrhage. She was normotensive and after extensive workup was found to have no predisposing condition for her haemorrhage. The patient had an uneventful recovery with physical rehabilitation and had regular follow-ups, with no residual weakness. She was in a completely normal state of health 1 year after her event, and continued to be off any medications.
Teenage kicks: splenic rupture secondary following infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Gilmartin Stephen , Hatton Stephen , Ryan John
Published: May 2019

A 16-year-old man was brought to the emergency department by his father with apparent alcohol intoxication. While in the department, it was noted that the patient had ongoing tachycardia, hypotension and abdominal pain. His recent medical history included a self-resolving illness of fatigue, muscle aches and sore throat. A CT scan of his abdomen revealed an enlarged spleen with a splenic infarct and rupture, likely secondary to infectious mononucleosis. The patient was treated conservatively for 12 days.
Native joint septic arthritis withVeillonellaspecies
Authors: Shah Syed , Havlichek Daniel
Published: May 2019

Septic arthritis usually presents as subacute monoarticular inflammation. Majority of the cases in healthy adults are caused by methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus,streptococciand certain gram-negative organisms, mostly in the setting of extremes of ages, trauma or immunosuppression. This is a case of a healthy adult with a sudden onset of inflammation of the knee joint, being diagnosed with septic arthritis of the left knee withVeillonellasp. growing from the joint aspirate on two successive cultures. The patient was treated with 6 weeks of oral metronidazole and 4 weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone in addition to arthroscopic drainage and irrigation. Rare causes of septic arthritis should be considered even in healthy adults with native joints. Closer follow-up might be needed to ensure successful treatment.
Sodium content in sauces—a major contributor of sodium intake in Malaysia: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Shahar Suzana , You Yee Xing , Zainuddin NurZetty Sofia , Michael Viola , Ambak Rashidah , Haron Hasnah , He Feng J , MacGregor Graham A
Published: May 2019

Objective

To investigate the sodium content in sauces sold in Malaysian supermarkets.

Methods

A cross-sectional market survey was conducted in 2017 of 233 sauces sold in Malaysian supermarkets. Information on the sodium content was collected from the product packaging and nutrient information panels of the sauces sold in the seven top supermarkets in the capital of Malaysia.

Results

Of the 233 sauces surveyed, 116 did not include sodium content information on the nutrient information panel (49.8%). Soy sauce (particularly sweet soy sauce) and ketchup (particularly chilli sauce) were found to be the highest number of products surveyed in the analysis (N=54 and N=48, respectively). The highest sodium content information was displayed by fish/prawn sauce (budu/cencalok) (5192±3228 mg/100 g) which was followed by the light/thin soy sauce (5116±2084 mg/100 g), and followed by salty soy sauce (4780±988 mg/100 g). The sodium content information of the imported sauces was higher compared with local products produced in Malaysia. However, for sweet soy sauce, the sodium content information of the local products was higher compared with the imported products. Of the 116 sauces which displayed information regarding their sodium content, only 18.2% of the salty soy sauce and 25% of the light/thin soy sauce were found to be below the 2017 Malaysian sodium guidelines. Furthermore, only 21.7% of chilli ketchup and no tomato ketchup were below the 2017 UK salt guidelines.

Conclusions

Almost half of the sauces surveyed did not include sodium content information on the nutrient information panel. It is recommended that sodium content information is provided on all sauces sold in Malaysia. Also, manufacturers should be urged to reduce the sodium content level of their sauces to a minimum of 5%.
Real-world ethics in palliative care: protocol for a systematic review of the ethical challenges reported by specialist palliative care practitioners in their clinical practice
Authors: Schofield Guy , Brangan Emer , Dittborn Mariana , Huxtable Richard , Selman Lucy
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Ethical issues arise daily in the delivery of palliative care. Despite much (largely theoretical) literature, evidence from specialist palliative care practitioners (SPCPs) about real-world ethical challenges has not previously been synthesised. This evidence is crucial to inform education and training and adequately support staff. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise the evidence regarding the ethical challenges which SPCPs encounter during clinical practice.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review with narrative synthesis of empirical studies that use inductive methods to describe the ethical challenges reported by SPCPs. We will search multiple databases (MEDLINE, Philosopher’s Index, EMBASE, PsycINFO, LILACS, WHOLIS, Web of Science and CINAHL) without time, language or geographical restrictions. Keywords will be developed from scoping searches, consultation with information specialists and reference to key systematic reviews in palliative care and bioethics. Reference lists of included studies will be hand-searched. 10% of retrieved titles and abstracts will be independently dual screened, as will all full text papers. Quality will be dual assessed using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (2018). Narrative synthesis following Popayet al(2006) will be used to synthesise findings. The strength of resulting recommendations will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach for qualitative evidence (GRADE-CERQual).

Ethics and dissemination

As this review will include only published data, no specific ethical approval is required. We anticipate that the systematic review will be of interest to palliative care practitioners of all backgrounds and educators in palliative care and medical ethics. Findings will be presented at conferences and published open access in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

CRD42018105365.
Pilot observational prospective cohort study on the use of a novel home-based urinary pregnanediol 3-glucuronide (PDG) test to confirm ovulation when used as adjunct to fertility awareness methods (FAMs) stage 1
Authors: Leiva Rene , McNamara-Kilian Marie , Niezgoda Helen , Ecochard René , Bouchard Thomas
Published: May 2019

Rationale

Ovulation confirmation is a fundamental component of the evaluation of infertility.

Purpose

To inform the design of a larger clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of a new home-based pregnanediol glucuronide (PDG) urine test to confirm ovulation when compared with the standard of serum progesterone.

Methods

In this observational prospective cohort study (single group assignment) in an urban setting (stage 1), a convenience sample of 25 women (aged 18–42 years) collected daily first morning urine for luteinisinghormone (LH), PDG and kept a daily record of their cervical mucus for one menstrual cycle. Serum progesterone levels were measured to confirm ovulation. Sensitivity and specificity were used as the main outcome measures. Estimation of number of ultrasound (US)-monitored cycles needed for a future study was done using an exact binomial CI approach.

Results

Recruitment over 3 months was achieved (n=28) primarily via natural fertility regulation social groups. With an attrition rate of 22%, specificity of the test was 100% for confirming ovulation. Sensitivity varied depending on whether a peak-fertility mucus day or a positive LH test was observed during the cycle (85%–88%). Fifty per cent of participants found the test results easy to determine. A total of 73 US-monitored cycles would be needed to offer a narrow CI between 95% and 100%.

Conclusion

This is first study to clinically evaluate this test when used as adjunct to the fertility awareness methods. While this pilot study was not powered to validate or test efficacy, it helped to provide information on power, recruitment and retention, acceptability of the procedures and ease of its use by the participants. Given this test had a preliminary result of 100% specificity, further research with a larger clinical trial (stage 2) is recommended to both improve this technology and incorporate additional approaches to confirm ovulation.

Trial registration number

NCT03230084
Effectiveness of a new one-hour blood pressure monitoring method to diagnose hypertension: a diagnostic accuracy clinical trial protocol
Authors: González-de Paz Luis , Kostov Belchin , Alvira-Balada Maria del Carme , Colungo Cristina , García Noemí , Roura Silvia , Blat Esther , Sierra-Benito Cristina , Sotoca-Momblona Josep Miquel , Benavent-Areu Jaume , Sánchez Eva , Sisó-Almirall Antoni
Published: May 2019

Introduction

24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is the gold standard diagnostic method for hypertension, but has some shortcomings in clinical practice while clinical settings often lack sufficient devices to accommodate all patients with suspected hypertension. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) and office blood pressure monitoring (OBPM) also have shortcomings, such as the white coat effect or a lack of accuracy. This study aims to study the validity of a new method of diagnosing hypertension consisting of monitoring blood pressure (BP) for 1 hour and comparing it with OBPM and HBPM and examining the sensitivity and specificity of this method compared with 24-hour ABPM. The patient experience will be examined in each method.

Methods and analysis

A minimum sample of 214 patients requiring a diagnostic test for hypertension from three urban primary healthcare centres will be included. Participants will undergo 24-hour ABPM, 1-hour BP measurement (1-BPM), OBPM for three consecutive weeks and HBPM. Patients will follow a random sequence to first receive 24-hour ABPM or 1-hour ABPM. Daytime 24-hour ABPM records will be compared with the other monitoring methods using the correlation coefficient and Bland Altman plots. The kappa concordance index and the sensitivity and specificity of the methods will be calculated. The patient’s experience will be studied, with selected indicators of efficiency and satisfaction calculated using parametric tests.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol has been authorised by the research ethics committee of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (Ref. HCB/2014/0615): protocol details and amendments will be recorded and reported to ClinicalTrials.com. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed literature, and to policy makers and healthcare partners.

Trial registration

NCT03147573; Pre-results.
Estimation of spatiotemporal transmission dynamics and analysis of management scenarios for sea lice of farmed and wild salmon
Authors: Peacock Stephanie J. , Krkošek Martin , Bateman Andrew W. , Lewis Mark A.
Published: May 2019

Parasite transmission between farmed and wild salmon affects the sustainability of salmon aquaculture in Pacific Canada. Understanding and managing parasites in aquaculture is challenged by spatial and temporal variation in transmission dynamics. We developed a mechanistic model that connects sea louse (Lepeoptheirus salmonis) outbreak and control on farmed salmon (Salmo salar) to spatiotemporal dynamics of sea lice on migrating wild juvenile salmon (Oncorhynchus keta and Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). We fitted the model to time series of sea lice on farmed salmon and spatial surveys of juvenile wild salmon in the Broughton Archipelago. We used the parameterized model to evaluate alternative management scenarios based on the resulting sea louse infestations and predicted mortality of wild salmon. Early and coordinated management of sea lice on salmon farms was most effective for controlling outbreaks in wild salmon, while uncoordinated treatments led to a resurgence of sea lice on salmon farms during the juvenile salmon migration. This study highlights the importance of incorporating spatiotemporal variability when considering infectious disease dynamics shared by farmed and wild hosts, particularly when migratory wildlife are involved.
Recent advances in understanding the environmental footprint of trawling on the seabed
Authors: Kaiser Michel J.
Published: May 2019

Bottom trawling accounts for nearly a quarter of wild-capture seafood production, but it is associated with physical disturbance of the seabed leading to changes in benthic abundance, habitat structure, and biogeochemical processes. Understanding the processes of benthic depletion and recovery in relation to different types of fishing gears, and in different seabed types, is an important pre-requisite to inform appropriate management measures to limit or reduce the effects of trawling on the seabed. The combined approaches of meta-analysis and modelling that link fishing-gear penetration of the seabed to benthic depletion, and recovery to taxon longevity, have enabled the development of a modelling framework to estimate relative benthic status in areas subject to trawling. Such estimations are highly sensitive to the spatial resolution at which fishing footprint (trawl track) data are aggregated, and this leads to overinflated estimates of fishing impacts on benthos when coarse-level aggregation is applied. These approaches present a framework into which other “sustainability” criteria can be added, e.g., the consideration of carbon footprints of fishing activities.
High temperature reduces peel color in eggplant (Solanum melongena) as revealed by RNA-seq analysis
Authors: Lv Ling Ling , Feng Xue Feng , Li Wei , Li Ke
Published: May 2019

To acquire the eggplant transcriptome under high temperature stress, 18 cDNA libraries were constructed and sequenced. A total of 136.31 Gb of clean data was obtained, and 88.86%–92.35% of the clean reads were mapped to the eggplant reference genome. Under high temperature, the number of down-regulated genes was more than that of up-regulated genes and there were more differentially expressed genes on the 10th day after flowering than on the 15th and 20th days after flowering. On the 10th day after flowering, the key genes CHI, 3GT, F3′5′H, DFR2, ANS, and F3H in anthocyanin synthetic pathway and most ERF, WRKY, bHLH, and MYB transcription factors were all down-regulated. High temperature significantly decreased the total anthocyanin content in peels. The results showed that at the early stage of peel coloring, high temperature inhibited the expressions of key genes in anthocyanin biosynthetic pathways through the regulation of transcription factors, leading to a significant decrease in total anthocyanin content, which might reduce the peel color in eggplant.
Quantum dialogue protocol based on Grover’s search algorithms
Authors: Yin Aihan , He Kemeng , Fan Ping
Published: May 2019

Among many classic heuristic search algorithms, the Grover quantum search algorithm (QSA) can play a role of secondary acceleration. Based on the properties of the two-qubit Grover QSA, a quantum dialogue (QD) protocol is proposed. In addition, our protocol also utilizes the unitary operations and single-particle measurements. The transmitted quantum state (except for the decoy state used for detection) can transmit two-bits of security information simultaneously. Theoretical analysis shows that the proposed protocol has high security.
Electroweak phase transition with three phases in the SU(2)1 ⊗ SU(2)2 ⊗ U(1)Y model
Authors: Phong Vo Quoc , Nguyen Minh Anh
Published: May 2019

Our analysis shows that SM-like electroweak phase transition (EWPT) in the [Formula: see text] (2-2-1) model is a first-order phase transition at the 200 GeV scale (the SM scale). Its strength [Formula: see text] is about 1–2.7 and the masses of new gauge bosons are larger than 1.7 TeV when the second VEV is larger than 535 GeV in a three-stage EWPT scenario and the coupling constant of [Formula: see text] group must be larger than 2. Therefore, this first-order EWPT can be used to fix VEVs and the coupling constant of the gauge group in electroweak models.
Note on nonlinear Schrödinger equation, KdV equation and 2D topological Yang–Mills–Higgs theory
Authors: Nian Jun
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we discuss the relation between the [Formula: see text]D nonlinear Schrödinger equation and the KdV equation. By applying the boson/vortex duality, we can map the classical nonlinear Schrödinger equation into the classical KdV equation in the small coupling limit, which corresponds to the UV regime of the theory. At quantum level, the two theories satisfy the Bethe ansatz equations of the spin-[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] chain and the [Formula: see text] chain in the continuum limit, respectively. Combining these relations with the dualities discussed previously in the literature, we propose a duality web in the UV regime among the nonlinear Schrödinger equation, the KdV equation and the 2D [Formula: see text] topological Yang–Mills–Higgs theory.
Scalable Anomaly Detection for Large-Scale Heterogeneous Data in Cloud Using Optimal Elliptic Curve Cryptography and Gaussian Kernel Fuzzy C-Means Clustering
Authors: Santhosh Kumar P. , Parthiban Latha
Published: May 2019

In most systems, a smart functionality is enabled through an essential vital service such as detecting anomalies from complex, large-scale and dynamic data. However, ensuring the privacy and security for the cloud data is the most crucial and challenging task in the present world. Moreover, it is important to safeguard the security of sensitive data and its privacy from unauthorized parties who are trying to access the data. Therefore, to accomplish this task, several encryption, decryption and key generation mechanisms were introduced in the existing works for privacy preserving in cloud platform. But, there still remain open issues such as increased communication overhead, reduced security and increased time consumption. Also, these existing works followed the symmetric key cryptographic mechanism for privacy preservation of data; hence, a single secret key is shared by several users for accessing the original data. Due to this fact, a high security risk arises and it allows unauthorized parties to access the data. Thus, this work introduces a cloud-based privacy preserving model for offering a scalable and reliable anomaly detection service for sensor data through holding the benefits of cloud resources. Also, this paper aims to impose a newly developed Elliptic Curve Cryptography-based Collective Decision Optimization (ECDO) approach over the proposed framework for improving the privacy and security of the data. Furthermore, to perform the data clustering computation we used the Gaussian kernel fuzzy [Formula: see text]-means clustering (GKFCM) algorithm within the cloud platform, especially for data partitioning and to classify the anomalies. Thus, the computational difficulties are limited by adopting this suitable privacy preserving model which collaborates a private server and a set of public servers through a cloud data center. Moreover, on encrypted data the granular anomaly detection operations are performed by the virtual nodes executed over public servers. Experimental validation was performed on four datasets resulting from Intel Labs publicly available sensor data. The experimental outcomes demonstrate the ability of the proposed framework in providing high anomaly detection accuracy without any degradation in data privacy.
Remarks on Suzuki’s knot epimorphism number
Authors: Hoste Jim , Mercado Joshua Ocana , Shanahan Patrick D.
Published: May 2019

A partial order on prime knots can be defined by declaring [Formula: see text], if there exists an epimorphism from the knot group of [Formula: see text] onto the knot group of [Formula: see text]. Suppose that [Formula: see text] is a 2-bridge knot that is strictly greater than [Formula: see text] distinct, nontrivial knots. In this paper, we determine a lower bound on the crossing number of [Formula: see text] in terms of [Formula: see text]. Using this bound, we answer a question of Suzuki regarding the 2-bridge epimorphism number [Formula: see text] which is the maximum number of nontrivial knots which are strictly smaller than some 2-bridge knot with crossing number [Formula: see text]. We establish our results using techniques associated with parsings of a continued fraction expansion of the defining fraction of a 2-bridge knot.
How to hide a cosmological constant
Authors: Carlip Steven
Published: May 2019

Naive calculations in quantum field theory suggest that vacuum fluctuations should induce an enormous cosmological constant. What if these estimates are right? I argue that even a huge cosmological constant might be hidden in Planck-scale fluctuations of geometry and topology — what Wheeler called “spacetime foam” — while remaining virtually invisible macroscopically.
THE STUDY ON THE O2 PLASMA TREATMENT FOR BONDING OF SU-8 LAYERS
Authors: YANG XUE , JIANG XINYAN , YIN ZHIFU , WANG DONG F. , YU TENGFEI , SUN LEI , ZOU HELIN
Published: May 2019

SU-8 is becoming increasingly important for fabrication of lab-on-a-chip devices due to its excellent chemical stability, mechanical, and optical properties. To form a complete SU-8 device, O2 plasma-assisted thermal bonding has been used to bond SU-8 layers. O2 plasma treatment is critical and has a significant influence on the fabrication quality of SU-8 devices. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no work which analyzed O2 plasma treating process for SU-8 material in depth and systematically. In this study, the influence of O2 plasma treatment on the water contact angle and bonding strength for both un-crosslinked and crosslinked SU-8 layer was investigated in detail. The etching effect of SU-8 layer was also studied. The leakage test demonstrated that there is no gas leakage in the bonded SU-8 layer up to 0.65[Formula: see text]Mpa which indicates the practicability of the proposed SU-8 bonding method.
Dynamic Response of 3D Surface/Embedded Rigid Foundations of Arbitrary Shapes on Multi-Layered Soils in Time Domain
Authors: Han Zejun , Zhou Mi , Zhou Xiaowen , Yang Linqing
Published: May 2019

Significant differences between the predicted and measured dynamic response of 3D rigid foundations on multi-layered soils in the time domain were identified due to the existence of uncertainties, which makes the issue a complicated one. In this study, a numerical method was developed to determine the dynamic responses of 3D rigid surfaces and embedded foundations of arbitrary shapes that are bonded to a multi-layered soil in the time domain. First, the dynamic stiffness matrices of the rigid foundations in the frequency domain are calculated via integral domain transformation. Secondly, a dynamic stiffness equation for rigid foundations in the time domain is established via the mixed variables formulation, which is based on the discrete dynamic stiffness matrices in the frequency domain. The proposed method can be applied to the treatment of systems with multiple degrees of freedom without losing the true information that concerns the coupling characteristics. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method for predicting the horizontal, vertical, rocking, and torsional vibrations. Further, a parametric study was carried out to provide insight into the dynamic behavior of the soil–foundation interaction (SFI) while considering soil nonhomogeneity. The results indicate that the elastic modulus of the soil has a significant impact on the dynamic responses of the rigid foundation. Finally, a numerical example of a rigid foundation resting on a six-layered, semi-infinite soil demonstrates that the proposed method can be used to deal with multi-layered media in the time domain in a relatively easy way.