bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between childhood allergic diseases, educational attainment and occupational status in later life: systematic review protocol
Authors: von Kobyletzki Laura Beate , Beckman Linda , Smeeth Liam , McKee Martin , Quint Jennifer K , Abuabara Katrina , Langan Sinead
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Childhood allergic diseases may prevent affected children from achieving their academic potential. Potential mechanisms include absence from school due to illness and medical appointments. Experience of symptoms in classes or leisure time, and stigma associated with visible signs and symptoms, including skin disease, requirements for medication during school time or the need for specific diets, may also contribute to reduced educational attainment. Studies have investigated the association between specific allergic diseases and educational attainment. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature on allergic diseases, educational attainment and occupational status, and if possible, calculate meta-analytic summary estimates for the associations.

Methods

Systematic electronic searches in Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO and education Resources Information Center (ERIC); hand search in reference lists of included papers and conference reports; search for unpublished studies in clinical trial registers and the New York Academy of Medicine Grey Literature Report; data extraction; and study quality assessment (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) will be performed.

Analysis

Data will be summarised descriptively, and meta-analysis including meta-regression to explore sources of heterogeneities will be performed if possible.

Ethics and dissemination

Dissemination in a peer-reviewed, open-access, international scientific journal is planned.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017058036.
Family attitudes, actions, decisions and experiences following implementation of deemed consent and the Human Transplantation (Wales) Act 2013: mixed-method study protocol
Authors: Noyes Jane , Morgan Karen , Walton Phillip , Roberts Abigail , Mclaughlin Leah , Stephens Michael
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The Human Transplantation (Wales) Act 2013 (the Act) introduced a ‘soft opt-out’ system of organ donation on 1 December 2015. Citizens are encouraged to make their organ donation decision known during their lifetime. In order to work, the Act and media campaign need to create a context, whereby organ donation becomes the norm, and create a mechanism for people to behave as intended (formally register their decision; consider appointing a representative; convey their donation decision to their families and friends or do nothing—deemed consent). In addition, family members/appointed representatives need to be able to put their own views aside to support the decision of their loved one. The aim of this study is to evaluate initial implementation, outcomes and impact on families and appointed representatives who were approached about organ donation during the first 18 months.

Methods and analysis

Prospective mixed-method coproductive study undertaken with National Health Service Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), and multiple patient/public representatives. The study is designed to collect information on all cases who meet specified criteria (≥18 years, deceased person voluntarily resident in Wales and died in Wales or England) whose family were approached between 1 December 2015 and 31 June 2017). Data for analysis include: NHSBT routinely collected anonymised audit data on all cases; Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation (SNOD) completed anonymised form for all cases documenting their perception of the families’ understanding of the Act, media campaign and outcome of the donation approach; questionnaires and depth interviews with any family member or appointed representative (minimum 50 cases). Additional focus groups and interviews with SNODs. Anonymised donation outcomes and registration activity reports for Wales provide additional context.

Ethics and dissemination

Approved by NHSBT Research, Innovation and Technology Advisory Group on 23 October 2015; Wales Research Ethics Committee 5 (IRAS190066; Rec Reference 15/WA/0414) on 25 November 2015 and NHSBT R&D Committee (NHSBT ID: AP-15–02) on 24 November 2015.

Registration

The protocol is registered on the Health and Care Research Wales Clinical Research Portfolio. Study ID number 34396, www.ukctg.nihr.ac.uk
Investigating Canadian parents' HPV vaccine knowledge, attitudes and behaviour: a study protocol for a longitudinal national online survey
Authors: Shapiro Gilla K , Perez Samara , Naz Anila , Tatar Ovidiu , Guichon Juliet R , Amsel Rhonda , Zimet Gregory D , Rosberger Zeev
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, can cause anogenital warts and a number of cancers. To prevent morbidity and mortality, three vaccines have been licensed and are recommended by Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunisation (for girls since 2007 and boys since 2012). Nevertheless, HPV vaccine coverage in Canada remains suboptimal in many regions. This study will be the first to concurrently examine the correlates of HPV vaccine decision-making in parents of school-aged girls and boys and evaluate changes in parental knowledge, attitudes and behaviours over time.

Methods and analysis

Using a national, online survey utilising theoretically driven constructs and validated measures, this study will identify HPV vaccine coverage rates and correlates of vaccine decision-making in Canada at two time points (August–September 2016 and June–July 2017). 4606 participants will be recruited to participate in an online survey through a market research and polling firm using email invitations. Data cleaning methods will identify inattentive or unmotivated participants.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received research ethics board approval from the Research Review Office, Integrated Health and Social Services University Network for West-Central Montreal (CODIM-FLP-16–219). The study will adopt a multimodal approach to disseminate the study’s findings to researchers, clinicians, cancer and immunisation organisations and the public in Canada and internationally.
A multicentre randomised controlled trial assessing whether MRI-targeted biopsy is non-inferior to standard transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy for the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer in men without prior biopsy: a study protocol
Authors: Kasivisvanathan Veeru , Jichi Fatima , Klotz Laurence , Villers Arnauld , Taneja Samir S , Punwani Shonit , Freeman Alex , Emberton Mark , Moore Caroline M
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The classical pathway for the diagnosis of prostate cancer is transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy of the prostate initiated on the basis of a raised prostate-specific antigen (PSA). An alternative pathway is to perform multi-parametricMRI (MPMRI) to localise cancer and to use this information to influence the decision for, and conduct of, a subsequent biopsy, known as an MPMRI-targeted biopsy. An MPMRI pathway has been shown to detect a similar or greater amount of clinically significant cancer as TRUS biopsy but has several advantages, including the potential to biopsy fewer men with fewer cores.

Methods

This is a pragmatic, international, multicentre, parallel group randomised study in which men are allocated in a 1:1 ratio to an MPMRI or TRUS biopsy pathway. This study will assess whether an MPMRI-targeted biopsy approach is non-inferior to a standard TRUS biopsy approach in the diagnosis of clinically significant cancer.

Men in the MRI arm will undergo targeted biopsy of suspicious areas only and no biopsy will be carried out if the MRI is non-suspicious. Men in the TRUS biopsy will undergo a standard 10–12-core TRUS biopsy. The main inclusion criteria are a serum PSA ≤20 ng/mL, a digital rectal examination finding of T2 or less and no prior prostate biopsy.

The primary outcome is the proportion of men with clinically significant cancer detected. A sample size of at least 470 patients is required. Key secondary outcomes include the proportion of clinically insignificant cancer detected.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the National Research Ethics Committee East Midlands, Leicester (15/EM/0188). Results of this study will be disseminated through national and international papers. The participants and relevant patient support groups will be informed about the results of the study.

Registration details

NCT02380027; Pre-results
Validity and reliability of the Fitbit Zip as a measure of preschool children’s step count
Authors: Sharp Catherine A , Mackintosh Kelly A , Erjavec Mihela , Pascoe Duncan M , Horne Pauline J
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Validation of physical activity measurement tools is essential to determine the relationship between physical activity and health in preschool children, but research to date has not focused on this priority. The aims of this study were to ascertain inter-rater reliability of observer step count, and interdevice reliability and validity of Fitbit Zip accelerometer step counts in preschool children.

Methods

Fifty-six children aged 3–4 years (29 girls) recruited from 10 nurseries in North Wales, UK, wore two Fitbit Zip accelerometers while performing a timed walking task in their childcare settings. Accelerometers were worn in secure pockets inside a custom-made tabard. Video recordings enabled two observers to independently code the number of steps performed in 3 min by each child during the walking task. Intraclass correlations (ICCs), concordance correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plots and absolute per cent error were calculated to assess the reliability and validity of the consumer-grade device.

Results

An excellent ICC was found between the two observer codings (ICC=1.00) and the two Fitbit Zips (ICC=0.91). Concordance between the Fitbit Zips and observer counts was also high (r=0.77), with an acceptable absolute per cent error (6%–7%). Bland-Altman analyses identified a bias for Fitbit 1 of 22.8±19.1 steps with limits of agreement between −14.7 and 60.2 steps, and a bias for Fitbit 2 of 25.2±23.2 steps with limits of agreement between −20.2 and 70.5 steps.

Conclusions

Fitbit Zip accelerometers are a reliable and valid method of recording preschool children’s step count in a childcare setting.
Golimumab: early experience and medium-term outcomes from two UK tertiary IBD centres
Authors: Samaan Mark A , Pavlidis Polychronis , Digby-Bell Jonathan , Johnston Emma L , Dhillon Angad , Paramsothy Ramesh , Akintimehin Abisoye O , Medcalf Lucy , Chung-Faye Guy , DuBois Patrick , Koumoutsos Ioannis , Powell Nick , Anderson Simon H C , Sanderson Jeremy , Hayee Bu’ Hussain , Irving Peter M
Published: October 2017

Objective

To gain an understanding of the effectiveness of golimumab in a ‘real-world’ setting.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using prospectively maintained clinical records.

Setting

Two UK tertiary IBD centres.

Patients

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) were given golimumab at Guy’s & St Thomas and King’s College Hospitals between September 2014 and December 2016.

Intervention

Golimumab, a subcutaneously administered antitumour necrosis factor agent.

Main outcome measures

Clinical disease activity was assessed at baseline and at the first clinical review following induction therapy using the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI). Response was defined as an SCCAI reduction of 3 points or more. Remission was defined as an SCCAI of less than 3.

Results

Fifty-seven patients with UC completed golimumab induction therapy. Paired preinduction and postinduction SCCAI values were available for 31 patients and fell significantly from 7 (2–19) to 3 (0–11) (p<0.001). To these 31, an additional 13 patients who did not have paired SCCAI data but stopped treatment due to documented ‘non-response’ in the opinion of their supervising clinician, were added. Among this combined cohort, 23/44 (52%) had a clinical response, 15/44 (34%) achieved remission and 13/44 (30%) achieved corticosteroid-free remission.

Faecal calprotectin and CRP fell (FC: pre-induction: 1096 (15-4800) μg/g, post-induction: 114 (11-4800) μg/g, p = 0.011; n = 20; CRP: pre-induction: 4 (1-59) mg/L, post-induction: 2 (1-34) mg/L, p = 0.01 for n = 43). Post-induction endoscopy was carried out in 23 patients and a mucosal healing (Mayo 0 or 1) rate of 35% was observed.

Conclusions

Our experience mirrors previously reported real-world cohorts and demonstrates similar outcomes to those observed in randomised controlled trials. These data demonstrate a meaningful reduction in clinical, biochemical and endoscopic disease activity as well as a steroid-sparing effect in patients with previously refractory disease.
Incompletely obliterated cranial arteriovenous fistulae are safely and effectively treated with adjuvant ε-aminocaproic acid
Authors: Howard Brian M , Grossberg Jonathan A , Prater Adam , Cawley C Michael , Dion Jacques E , Tong Frank C
Published: October 2017

Background

Administration of ε-aminocaproic acid (εACA), as adjuvant therapy following incompletely embolized cranial dural arteriovenous (dAVFs) and direct carotid artery to cavernous sinus fistulae (CCFs), is a strategy to promote post-procedural thrombosis. However, the efficacy of εACA to treat incompletely obliterated dAVFs and CCFs has not been published. The purpose of this study was to determine if administration of εACA following incomplete embolization of cranial dAVFs or CCFs was associated with an increased likelihood of cure on follow-up imaging compared with patients not given adjuvant εACA.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed. All patients who underwent treatment of a dAVF or CCF at our institution between 1998 and 2016 were reviewed (n=262). Patients with residual shunting following the first attempted endovascular embolization were included in the analysis (n=52). The study groups were those treated with εACA following incomplete obliteration of the fistula and those who were not. The primary outcome was obliteration of the fistula on initial follow-up imaging. Complication rates between cohorts were compared.

Results

20 (38%) patients with incompletely obliterated fistulae were treated with adjuvant εACA. A trend towards an improved rate of complete obliteration on initial follow-up imaging was observed in the group treated with εACA (55% vs 34% in the group not treated with εACA, p=0.14). No difference in clinical outcomes or thromboembolic complications was observed between the groups.

Conclusions

In summary, these data suggest that administration of εACA is a safe adjuvant therapy in the management of cranial dAVFs and CCFs that are incompletely treated endovascularly.
Effects of long-term exposures to low iron and branched-chain amino acid containing diets on aging skeletal muscle of Fisher 344 × Brown Norway rats
Authors: Kim Yuho , Men Sok Sambo , Liang Chen , Receno Candace N. , Brutsaert Tom D. , Korol Donna L. , Heffernan Kevin S. , DeRuisseau Keith C.
Published: October 2017

Aging skeletal muscle displays an altered iron status that may promote oxidative stress and sarcopenia. A diet containing low iron (LI) could reduce muscle iron status and attenuate age-related muscle atrophy. Supplemental branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) may also alleviate sarcopenia by promoting muscle protein synthesis and iron status improvement. This study examined individual and combined effects of LI and BCAA diets on anabolic signaling and iron status in skeletal muscle of aging rats. Twenty-nine-month-old male Fisher 344 × Brown Norway rats consumed the following control-base diets: control + regular iron (35 mg iron/kg) (CR; n = 11); control + LI (∼6 mg iron/kg) (CL; n = 11); 2×BCAA + regular iron (BR; n = 10); and 2×BCAA + LI (BL; n = 12) for 12 weeks. Although LI and/or 2×BCAA did not affect plantaris muscle mass, 2×BCAA groups showed lower muscle iron content than did CR and CL groups (P < 0.05). p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase phosphorylation was greater in 2×BCAA and LI animals compared with CR animals (P < 0.05). Interactions between IRON and BCAA were observed for proteins indicative of mitochondrial biogenesis (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha) and oxidative capacity (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 and citrate synthase) (P < 0.05) wherein the combined diet (BL) negated potential benefits of individual diets. Antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, and oxidative injury (3-nitrotyrosine, protein carbonyls, and 4-hydroxynonenal) were similar between groups. In conclusion, 12 weeks of LI and 2×BCAA diets showed significant impacts on increasing anabolic signaling as well as ameliorating iron status; however, these interventions did not affect muscle mass.
Eurasian tench (Tinca tinca): the next Great Lakes invader
Authors: Avlijaš Sunčica , Ricciardi Anthony , Mandrak Nicholas E.
Published: October 2017

A globally invasive fish, Eurasian tench (Tinca tinca) is spreading through the St. Lawrence River and poses an imminent invasion threat to the Great Lakes. Following its illegal release into a tributary of the St. Lawrence River in 1991, tench has spread throughout the river’s main stem over the past decade, and its abundance in commercial fishing bycatch in the river has grown exponentially. The tench is a generalist benthic consumer with largely undocumented ecological impacts in North America. Reports from other invaded regions indicate that it can compete with other benthic fishes, host a diverse assemblage of parasites and pathogens, degrade water clarity in shallow lakes, limit submerged macrophyte growth, reduce gastropod populations, and promote benthic algal growth through top-down effects. Risk assessments and climate-match models indicate that the Great Lakes are vulnerable to tench invasion, and they signal the need for timely comprehensive actions, including development and implementation of monitoring and rapid-response protocols, including prevention or slowing of natural dispersal through canals.
FRACTAL-BASED ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF MUSIC ON HUMAN RESPIRATION
Authors: REZA NAMAZI H.
Published: October 2017

An important challenge in respiration related studies is to investigate the influence of external stimuli on human respiration. Auditory stimulus is an important type of stimuli that influences human respiration. However, no one discovered any trend, which relates the characteristics of the auditory stimuli to the characteristics of the respiratory signal. In this paper, we investigate the correlation between auditory stimuli and respiratory signal from fractal point of view. We found out that the fractal structure of respiratory signal is correlated with the fractal structure of the applied music. Based on the obtained results, the music with greater fractal dimension will result in respiratory signal with smaller fractal dimension. In order to verify this result, we benefit from approximate entropy. The results show the respiratory signal will have smaller approximate entropy by choosing the music with smaller approximate entropy. The method of analysis could be further investigated to analyze the variations of different physiological time series due to the various types of stimuli when the complexity is the main concern.
DEVELOPMENT OF BALLOON-BASED ORGAN RETRACTOR FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY
Authors: KONDO YOSHIHIRO , TANIGUCHI DAISUKE , MATSUMOTO KEITARO , NAGAYASU TAKESHI , LAWN MURRAY JOHN , YAMAMOTO IKUO
Published: October 2017

Effective organ retraction is essential to ensure safe and efficient surgery, in the case of laparoscopic surgery, organ retraction is particularly difficult to achieve. Currently such as cherry dissectors are used for retraction, however the small size results in excessive stress on the organ being retracted. Therefore, we are developing a balloon-based retractor that provides similar functionality as the cherry dissector, particularly being able to pass through a small port, yet being expandable to provide a much greater contact area as well as improved traction, thus providing increased operating efficiency and improved safety in organ retraction. In this paper, the relative merits and demerits of a number of currently available retractors are compared. Parameters under consideration include shape, size, effective traction (coefficient of friction), type of actuation and ease of use. While parameters such as pressure distribution and effective traction have been objectively measured, other attributes unique to the individual mechanisms are discussed, and finally feedback is provided from surgeons regarding the respective retractor’s ease of use and perceived efficacy.
THORAX INJURY CRITERIA ASSESSMENT THROUGH NON-LETHAL IMPACT USING AN ENHANCED BIOMECHANICAL MODEL
Authors: BODO MICHÈLE , BRACQ ANTHONY , DELILLE REMI , MARECHAL CHRISTOPHE , ROTH SÉBASTIEN
Published: October 2017

Ballistic injury refers to the interaction of a projectile and the human body, resulting in penetration or blunt trauma. In order to consider both consequences, a hydrodynamic elastoplastic constitutive law was implemented in a numerical FE model of the human torso to simulate soft tissues behavior and to evaluate their injury risk. This law, derived from 20% ballistic gelatin, was proven to be very efficient and biofidelic for penetrating ballistic simulation in soft tissues at very high velocity. In this study, the ability of the hydrodynamic law to simulate blunt ballistic trauma is evaluated by the replication of Bir et al.’s (2004) experiments, which is a reference test of the literature for nonpenetrating ballistic impact. Lung injury criteria were also investigated through the Bir et al.’s experiments numerical replication. Human responses were evaluated in terms of mechanical parameters, which can be global (acceleration of the body, viscous criteria and impact force) or local (stress, pressure and displacement). Output results were found to be in experimental corridors developed by Bir et al., and the maximum pressure combined with the duration of the peak of pressure in the lungs seems to be a good predictor for lung injury.
CHANGES IN INSTABILITY AND IRREGULARITY OF THE ELDERLY DUE TO DIFFERENT BALANCE ABILITY
Authors: KANG DONG WON , SEO JEONG WOO , KIM TAE HO , CHO HAE MI , CHOI JIN SEUNG , TACK GYE RAE
Published: October 2017

Older adults with a balance-related neurological disease or who have experienced previous falling incidents tend to show increase in instability and changes in irregularity of postural control. This study analyzed the impact of differences in balance ability on the instability and irregularity of postural control in older adults without neurological disease and previous fall experiences. The 49 subjects were older adults aged 65 years and above who did not have neurological disease and prior falling incidents during the previous year. The subjects were classified into two groups of 27 healthy (Berg score [Formula: see text]) and 22 balance-impaired older adults (Berg score [Formula: see text]) according to the Berg balance scale. Each subject was asked to hold in the standing position with eyes closed and with eyes open for one minute. Postural sway was measured along with acceleration using an inertial sensor attached to the subject’s waist. The measured postural sway was calculated using linear measures (95% confidence ellipse area, root mean square) that represented instability and nonlinear measures (sample, multi-scale and composite multi-scale entropy) that represented irregularity. All linear measures showed an increase in the average value in the balance-impaired older adult group’ as well as significant differences between the two groups, whereas the nonlinear measures did not show any differences. These findings indicated that differences in instability were not necessarily accompanied by irregularity changes, and the similarities in irregularity were assumed to be the result of the postural control mechanisms of the subjects without neurological diseases and prior fall incidents being similar to those of subjects with physical injuries.
Operational Models for Piecewise-Smooth Systems
Authors: Sogokon Andrew , Ghorbal Khalil , Johnson Taylor T.
Published: October 2017

In this article we study ways of constructing meaningful operational models of piecewise-smooth systems (PWS). The systems we consider are described by polynomial vector fields defined on non-overlapping semi-algebraic sets, which form a partition of the state space. Our approach is to give meaning to motion in systems of this type by automatically synthesizing operational models in the form of hybrid automata (HA). Despite appearances, it is in practice often difficult to arrive at satisfactory HA models of PWS. The different ways of building operational models that we explore in our approach can be thought of as defining different semantics for the underlying PWS. These differences have a number of interesting nuances related to phenomena such as chattering, non-determinism, so-called mythical modes and sliding behaviour.
Managing the Performance/Error Tradeoff of Floating-point Intensive Applications
Authors: Medhat Ramy , Lam Michael O. , Rountree Barry L. , Bonakdarpour Borzoo , Fischmeister Sebastian
Published: October 2017

Modern embedded systems are becoming more reliant on real-valued arithmetic as they employ mathematically complex vision algorithms and sensor signal processing. Double-precision floating point is the most commonly used precision in computer vision algorithm implementations. A single-precision floating point can provide a performance boost due to less memory transfers, less cache occupancy, and relatively faster mathematical operations on some architectures. However, adopting it can result in loss of accuracy. Identifying which parts of the program can run in single-precision floating point with low impact on error is a manual and tedious process. In this paper, we propose an automatic approach to identify parts of the program that have a low impact on error using shadow-value analysis. Our approach provides the user with a performance/error tradeoff, using which the user can decide how much accuracy can be sacrificed in return for performance improvement. We illustrate the impact of the approach using a well known implementation of Apriltag detection used in robotics vision. We demonstrate that an average 1.3x speedup can be achieved with no impact on tag detection, and a 1.7x speedup with only 4% false negatives.
Computing undetectable attacks on power grids
Authors: Bienstock Daniel , Escobar Mauro
Published: October 2017

We consider combined data and physical attacks on power grids, motivated by recent events and research. We consider a setting where an attacker may alter the topology of a power grid by removing lines and may also alter the load (demand) of some nodes; simultaneously the attacker interdicts data flowing to the control center. We use the PMU model of data that provides high-fidelity AC power flow data (voltages and currents) The goal of the attacker is to provide data that paints a completely safe picture for the grid which is consistent with the net load change, while at the same time disguising large line overloads, a fundamentally dangerous situation that may lead to a cascading failure. We provide a computational procedure that efficiently computes sparse attacks even on cases of large grids.
Chloride Channels Take Center Stage in Acute Regulation of Excitability in Skeletal Muscle: Implications for Fatigue
Authors: Bækgaard Nielsen Ole , de Paoli Frank Vincenzo , Riisager Anders , Pedersen Thomas Holm
Published: October 2017

Initiation and propagation of action potentials in muscle fibers is a key element in the transmission of activating motor input from the central nervous system to their contractile apparatus, and maintenance of excitability is therefore paramount for their endurance during work. Here, we review current knowledge about the acute regulation of ClC-1 channels in active muscles and its importance for muscle excitability, function, and fatigue.
Lactic Acid: No Longer an Inert and End-Product of Glycolysis
Authors: Sun Shiren , Li Heng , Chen Jianghua , Qian Qi
Published: October 2017

For decades, lactic acid has been considered a dead-end product of glycolysis. Research in the last 20+ years has shown otherwise. Through its transporters (MCTs) and receptor (GPR81), lactic acid plays a key role in multiple cellular processes, including energy regulation, immune tolerance, memory formation, wound healing, ischemic tissue injury, and cancer growth and metastasis. We summarize key findings of lactic acid signaling, functions, and many remaining questions.
A Novel Phosphorylation Site-Kinase Network-Based Method for the Accurate Prediction of Kinase-Substrate Relationships
Authors: Wang Minghui , Wang Tao , Wang Binghua , Liu Yu , Li Ao
Published: October 2017

Protein phosphorylation is catalyzed by kinases which regulate many aspects that control death, movement, and cell growth. Identification of the phosphorylation site-specific kinase-substrate relationships (ssKSRs) is important for understanding cellular dynamics and provides a fundamental basis for further disease-related research and drug design. Although several computational methods have been developed, most of these methods mainly use local sequence of phosphorylation sites and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) to construct the prediction model. While phosphorylation presents very complicated processes and is usually involved in various biological mechanisms, the aforementioned information is not sufficient for accurate prediction. In this study, we propose a new and powerful computational approach named KSRPred for ssKSRs prediction, by introducing a novel phosphorylation site-kinase network (pSKN) profiles that can efficiently incorporate the relationships between various protein kinases and phosphorylation sites. The experimental results show that the pSKN profiles can efficiently improve the prediction performance in collaboration with local sequence and PPI information. Furthermore, we compare our method with the existing ssKSRs prediction tools and the results demonstrate that KSRPred can significantly improve the prediction performance compared with existing tools.
Gastric and Rectal Metastases from Malignant Melanoma Presenting with Hypochromic Anemia and Treated with Immunotherapy
Authors: Genova Pietro , Sorce Maria , Cabibi Daniela , Genova Gaspare , Gebbia Vittorio , Galanti Daniela , Ancona Chiara , Valerio Maria Rosaria
Published: October 2017

The authors present a case of an 80-year-old Caucasian male with multiple gastric and rectal metastases from malignant melanoma presenting with hypochromic anemia as the sole symptom of disease without evidence of cutaneous and ocular tumor localization. The patient had a medical history positive for malignant lentigo melanoma of the occipital region of the scalp and early stage laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and prostatic carcinoma treated with radiation therapy. The authors make some considerations on intestinal involvement by metastatic melanoma and discuss the choice of not treating with endoscopic procedures the gastric metastatic lesions most likely responsible for the clinical sign present at diagnosis. The patient was referred to clinical oncologists and received immunotherapy with ipilimumab and pembrolizumab.
Mediastinal Tracheostoma for Treatment of Tracheostenosis after Tracheostomy in a Patient with Mucopolysaccharidosis-Induced Tracheomalacia
Authors: Chikaishi Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Kenichi , Shinohara Shuichi , Taira Akihiro , Nabe Yusuke , Shinohara Shinji , Kuwata Taiji , Takenaka Masaru , Oka Soichi , Hirai Ayako , Yoneda Kazue , Kuroda Koji , Imanishi Naoko , Ichiki Yoshinobu , Tanaka Fumihiro
Published: October 2017

Background. Treatment of tracheostenosis after tracheostomy in pediatric patients is often difficult. Mucopolysaccharidosis is a lysosomal storage disease that may induce obstruction of the airways. Case Presentation. A 16-year-old male patient underwent long-term follow-up after postnatal diagnosis of type II mucopolysaccharidosis. At 11 years of age, tracheostomy was performed for mucopolysaccharidosis-induced laryngeal stenosis. One week prior to presentation, he was admitted to another hospital on an emergency basis for major dyspnea. He was diagnosed with tracheostenosis caused by granulation. The patient was then referred to our institution. The peripheral view of his airway was difficult because of mucopolysaccharidosis-induced tracheomalacia. For airway management, a mediastinal tracheostoma was created with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. To maintain the blood flow, the skin incision for the mediastinal tracheal hole was sharply cut without an electrotome. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was weaned from the ventilator on postoperative day 19. He was discharged 1.5 months postoperatively. Although he was referred to another institution because of respiratory failure caused by his primary disease 6 months postoperatively, his airway management remained successful for 1.5 years postoperatively. Conclusion. Mediastinal tracheostomy was useful for treatment of tracheostenosis caused by granulation tissue formation after a tracheostomy.
A Robust Optimization Based Energy-Aware Virtual Network Function Placement Proposal for Small Cell 5G Networks with Mobile Edge Computing Capabilities
Authors: Blanco Bego , Taboada Ianire , Fajardo Jose Oscar , Liberal Fidel
Published: October 2017

In the context of cloud-enabled 5G radio access networks with network function virtualization capabilities, we focus on the virtual network function placement problem for a multitenant cluster of small cells that provide mobile edge computing services. Under an emerging distributed network architecture and hardware infrastructure, we employ cloud-enabled small cells that integrate microservers for virtualization execution, equipped with additional hardware appliances. We develop an energy-aware placement solution using a robust optimization approach based on service demand uncertainty in order to minimize the power consumption in the system constrained by network service latency requirements and infrastructure terms. Then, we discuss the results of the proposed placement mechanism in 5G scenarios that combine several service flavours and robust protection values. Once the impact of the service flavour and robust protection on the global power consumption of the system is analyzed, numerical results indicate that our proposal succeeds in efficiently placing the virtual network functions that compose the network services in the available hardware infrastructure while fulfilling service constraints.
A Nearly Lethal Screw: An Unusual Cause of Recurrent Bradycardia and Asystole Episodes after Fixation of the Cervical Spine
Authors: Frenkel Amit , Binyamin Yair , Brotfain Evgeni , Koyfman Leonid , Roy-Shapira Aviel , Shelef Ilan , Klein Moti
Published: October 2017

We present a case of a 51-year-old man who was injured in a bicycle accident. His main injury was an unstable fracture of the cervical and thoracic vertebral column. Several hours after his arrival to the hospital the patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the cervical and thoracic spine. The patient was hospitalized in our critical care unit for 99 days. During this time patient had several episodes of severe bradycardia and asystole; some were short with spontaneous return to sinus and some required pharmacological treatment and even Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Initially, these episodes were attributed to the high cervical spine injury, but, later on, CT scan suggested that a fixation screw abutted on the esophagus and activated the vagus nerve by direct pressure. After repositioning of the cervical fixation, the bradycardia and asystole episodes were no longer observed and the patient was released to a rehabilitation ward. This case is presented in order to alert practitioners to the possibility that, after operative fixation of cervical spine injuries, recurrent episodes of bradyarrhythmia can be caused by incorrect placement of the fixation screws and might be confused with the natural history of the high cervical cord injury.
What Do Anesthesiologists Know about p Values, Confidence Intervals, and Correlations: A Pilot Survey
Authors: Schober Patrick , Bossers Sebastiaan M. , Dong Phi-Vu , Boer Christa , Schwarte Lothar A.
Published: October 2017

Background. Statistical methods form the basis for clinical decision-making in evidence-based anesthesia. Data on the knowledge of anesthesiologists about statistics are lacking. This pilot study aims to provide a first impression of the anesthesiologists’ understanding of commonly used concepts in statistics. Methods. A cross-sectional pilot survey was performed at a major international anesthesia conference. The questionnaire consisted of three basic multiple-choice questions on the topics “p value,” “confidence interval,” and “correlation.” Results of the questions are reported as percentage of correct answers (95% confidence interval). Results. 65 questionnaires were analyzed. Forty participants were male, and mean age was 40 (standard deviation: 10) years. The question addressing the p value was correctly answered by 15% (95% CI: 8 to 27%) of respondents. The question concerning the 95% confidence interval was answered correctly by 28% (95% CI: 18 to 40%) of participants. For the question about correlation, a correct answer was given by 52% (95% CI: 40 to 64%). None of the participants answered all questions correctly, and 19 participants provided a wrong answer to all questions. Conclusions. Anesthesiologists seem to demonstrate a poor understanding of statistical key concepts. Further studies are needed to address statistical knowledge gaps among anesthesiologists more comprehensively.
Zinc-Containing Hydroxyapatite Enhances Cold-Light-Activated Tooth Bleaching Treatment In Vitro
Authors: Li Yi , Shi Xinchang , Li Wei
Published: October 2017

Cold-light bleaching treatment has grown to be a popular tooth whitening procedure in recent years, but its side effect of dental enamel demineralization is a widespread problem. The aim of this study was to synthesize zinc-substituted hydroxyapatite as an effective biomaterial to inhibit demineralization or increase remineralization. We synthesized zinc-substituted hydroxyapatite containing different zinc concentrations and analysed the product using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The biological assessment of Zn-HA was conducted by CCK-8 assay and bacterial inhibition tests. pH cycling was performed to estimate the effect of Zn-HA on the enamel surface after cold-light bleaching treatment. The XRD, FTIR, and EDS results illustrated that zinc ions and hydroxyapatite combined in two forms: (1) Zn2+ absorbed on the surface of HA crystal and (2) Zn2+ incorporated into the lattice of HA. The results indicated that 2% Zn-HA, 4% Zn-HA, and 8% Zn-HA effectively inhibited the growth of bacteria yet showed poor biocompatibility, whereas 1% Zn-HA positively affected osteoblast proliferation. The XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that the use of Zn-HA in pH cycling is obviously beneficial for enamel remineralization. Zinc-substituted hydroxyapatite could be a promising biomaterial for use in cold-light bleaching to prevent enamel demineralization.
Quality Comparison of Hawthorn Wines Fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae with and without Pulp Contact and Pectase Treatment
Authors: Zhang Wenye , Chi Lei , Wu Yan , Zhang Lei , Xu Chunping
Published: October 2017

This study evaluated the chemical and volatile composition of hawthorn wines fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae A3.12 with and without pulp contact and pectase treatment during fermentation. The results indicated that the addition of pectase was in favor of pH decrease and clarification. The pectase-treated wines had significantly higher concentrations of acetic acid, ethyl octanoate, and isoamyl acetate than the non-enzyme-treated wines. Furthermore, the nonextracted wines had significantly higher concentrations of isoamyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, ethyl lactate, and isoamyl acetate than the extracted wines. The first principal component separated the wine from the nonextracted juice with pectase from other samples based on the higher concentrations of isoamyl acetate (0.14 μg/g), diethyl butanedioate (0.07 μg/g), 2-phenylethyl acetate (0.23 μg/g), and acetoin (1.47 μg/g). The wine from nonextracted pulpy juice with pectase was significantly more aromatic than the others and 26.2% of the consumers were found to be willing to purchase this product.
Dynamic of Friction Coupling Independently Rotating Wheels for High Speed
Authors: Shi Yan , Li Miao , Ma Weihua , Chen Kang
Published: October 2017

A new lateral coupling structure with independently rotating wheels (IRW) is proposed, and longitudinal creepage is obtained by replacing the gear pair with the friction pair to synchronize the rotation speed of left and right wheels. The auxiliary wheelset made up of two friction wheels can be placed either under the primary suspension or on the frame. Vehicles dynamics models with three different kinds of bogies are developed, including friction coupling bogie with independently rotating wheels (FCIRW-bogie), bogie with independently rotating wheels (IRW-bogie), and bogie with rigid wheelsets, and their guiding and resetting capability when negotiating large-radius curves are compared and analyzed. Results show that FCIRW has the advantages of both IRW and rigid wheelset. On the straight track, FCIRW has sufficient wheel-rail longitudinal creep force to assist the reset; its critical speed is much higher than that of the rigid wheelset. On the curved track, the whole vehicle wear power of FCIRW-bogie vehicle is about 2/3 of the rigid axle level.
Comparative Metagenomic Analysis of Electrogenic Microbial Communities in Differentially Inoculated Swine Wastewater-Fed Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Khilyas Irina V. , Sorokin Anatoly A. , Kiseleva Larisa , Simpson David J. W. , Fedorovich V. , Sharipova Margarita R. , Kainuma Mami , Cohen Michael F. , Goryanin Igor
Published: October 2017

Bioelectrochemical systems such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are promising new technologies for efficient removal of organic compounds from industrial wastewaters, including that generated from swine farming. We inoculated two pairs of laboratory-scale MFCs with sludge granules from a beer wastewater-treating anaerobic digester (IGBS) or from sludge taken from the bottom of a tank receiving swine wastewater (SS). The SS-inoculated MFC outperformed the IGBS-inoculated MFC with regard to COD and VFA removal and electricity production. Using a metagenomic approach, we describe the microbial diversity of the MFC planktonic and anodic communities derived from the different inocula. Proteobacteria (mostly Deltaproteobacteria) became the predominant phylum in both MFC anodic communities with amplification of the electrogenic genusGeobacterbeing the most pronounced. Eight dominant and three minor species ofGeobacterwere found in both MFC anodic communities. The anodic communities of the SS-inoculated MFCs had a higher proportion ofClostridiumandBacteroidesrelative to those of the IGBS-inoculated MFCs, which were enriched withPelobacter. The archaeal populations of the SS- and IGBS-inoculated MFCs were dominated byMethanosarcina barkeriandMethanothermobacter thermautotrophicus, respectively. Our results show a long-term influence of inoculum type on the performance and microbial community composition of swine wastewater-treating MFCs.
An Approach for Understanding and Promoting Coal Mine Safety by Exploring Coal Mine Risk Network
Authors: Deng Yongliang , Song Liangliang , Zhou Zhipeng , Liu Ping
Published: October 2017

Capturing the interrelations among risks is essential to thoroughly understand and promote coal mining safety. From this standpoint, 105 risks and 135 interrelations among risks had been identified from 126 typical accidents, which were also the foundation of constructing coal mine risk network (CMRN). Based on the complex network theory and Pajek, six parameters (i.e., network diameter, network density, average path length, degree, betweenness, and clustering coefficient) were employed to reveal the topological properties of CMRN. As indicated by the results, CMRN possesses scale-free network property because its cumulative degree distribution obeys power-law distribution. This means that CMRN is robust to random hazard and vulnerable to deliberate attack. CMRN is also a small-world network due to its relatively small average path length as well as high clustering coefficient, implying that accident propagation in CMRN is faster than regular network. Furthermore, the effect of risk control is explored. According to the result, it shows that roof collapse, fire, and gas concentration exceeding limit refer to three most valuable targets for risk control among all the risks. This study will help offer recommendations and proposals for making beforehand strategies that can restrain original risks and reduce accidents.
Synthesis of Isoxazolopyridines and Spirooxindoles under Ultrasonic Irradiation and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Pelit Emel
Published: October 2017

New polycyclic-fused isoxazolo[4,5-e]pyridines and spirooxindoles were obtained via multicomponent reaction of 5-amino-3-methylisoxazole, indan-1,3-dione, and aromatic aldehydes and reaction of 5-amino-3-methylisoxazole, isatin, and β-diketones in the presence of (±)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid as an effective and nontoxic organocatalyst under ultrasound-promoted conditions. The antioxidant activity of the novel synthesized compounds was studied.
Time-Varying Wind Load Identification Based on Minimum-Variance Unbiased Estimation
Authors: Xue Huili , Lin Kun , Luo Yin , Liu Hongjun
Published: October 2017

A minimum-variance unbiased estimation method is developed to identify the time-varying wind load from measured responses. The formula derivation of recursive identification equations is obtained in state space. The new approach can simultaneously estimate the entire wind load and the unknown structural responses only with limited measurement of structural acceleration response. The fluctuating wind speed process is investigated by the autoregressive (AR) model method in time series analysis. The accuracy and feasibility of the inverse approach are numerically investigated by identifying the wind load on a twenty-story shear building structure. The influences of the number and location of accelerometers are examined and discussed. In order to study the stability of the proposed method, the effects of the errors in crucial factors such as natural frequency and damping ratio are discussed through detailed parametric analysis. It can be found from the identification results that the proposed method can identify the wind load from limited measurement of acceleration responses with good accuracy and stability, indicating that it is an effective approach for estimating wind load on building structures.