bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Evaluation of a Subject-Specific Lower Limb Model With an Eleven-Degrees-of-Freedom Natural Knee Model Using Magnetic Resonance and Biplanar X-Ray Imaging During a Quasi-Static Lunge
Authors: Dejtiar David Leandro , Dzialo Christine Mary , Pedersen Peter Heide , Jensen Kenneth Krogh , Fleron Martin Kokholm , Andersen Michael Skipper
Published: July 2019

Musculoskeletal (MS) models can be used to study the muscle, ligament, and joint mechanics of natural knees. However, models that both capture subject-specific geometry and contain a detailed joint model do not currently exist. This study aims to first develop magnetic resonance image (MRI)-based subject-specific models with a detailed natural knee joint capable of simultaneously estimating in vivo ligament, muscle, tibiofemoral (TF), and patellofemoral (PF) joint contact forces and secondary joint kinematics. Then, to evaluate the models, the predicted secondary joint kinematics were compared to in vivo joint kinematics extracted from biplanar X-ray images (acquired using slot scanning technology) during a quasi-static lunge. To construct the models, bone, ligament, and cartilage structures were segmented from MRI scans of four subjects. The models were then used to simulate lunges based on motion capture and force place data. Accurate estimates of TF secondary joint kinematics and PF translations were found: translations were predicted with a mean difference (MD) and standard error (SE) of 2.13 ± 0.22 mm between all trials and measures, while rotations had a MD ± SE of 8.57 ± 0.63 deg. Ligament and contact forces were also reported. The presented modeling workflow and the resulting knee joint model have potential to aid in the understanding of subject-specific biomechanics and simulating the effects of surgical treatment and/or external devices on functional knee mechanics on an individual level.
A Global Correction Process for Flat Optics With Patterned Polishing Pad
Authors: Li Weisi , Zhou Ping , Geng Zhichao , Yan Ying , Guo Dongming
Published: July 2019

To improve the efficiency of flat optics fabrication, a global correction method with the patterned polishing pad is developed in this paper. Through creating grooves on a polishing pad, the contact pressure distribution on the optics surface can be adjusted to change the material removal rate (MRR) distribution during polishing. Using the patterned pad, the selective removal ability of the polishing process is greatly enhanced. The predictability and stability of the MRR distribution are the preconditions to efficiently implement the proposed global correction method. Relying on the MRR distribution prediction method proposed and validated in this paper, the pad pattern can be designed based on the original surface figure of the workpieces. The designed groove pattern is created on the polishing pad using the custom-developed equipment. Then, the optical glass is polished on the designed pad with the optimized polishing time. A flat optical glass sample (Φ 100 mm) is polished with the global correction method to show its feasibility and advantage. The correction instance shows that the peak-to-valley (PV) value of the surface profile (with 3 mm edge exclusion) dropped from 1.17 µm to 0.2 µm in 14 min using a polyurethane pad with two ring grooves. Comparing with the conventional polishing process, which usually takes hours or days, the global correction method proposed in this paper can improve the efficiency of the optics manufacturing significantly.
New In Situ Imaging-Based Methodology to Identify the Material Constitutive Model Coefficients in Metal Cutting Process
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Ming , Zhang Ke , Zhang Dong , Outeiro Jose , Ding Han
Published: July 2019

A great challenge of metal cutting modeling is the ability of the material constitutive model to describe the mechanical behavior of the work material under the deformation conditions that characterizes this process. In particular, metal cutting generates a large range of state of stresses, as well as strains and strain rates higher than those generated by conventional mechanical tests, including the Split-Hopkinson pressure bar tests. A new hybrid analytical–experimental methodology to identify the material constitutive model coefficients is proposed. This methodology is based on an in situ high-resolution imaging and digital image correlation (DIC) technique, coupled with an analytical model of orthogonal cutting. This methodology is particularly suitable for the identification of the constitutive model coefficients at strains and strain rates higher than those found in mechanical tests. Orthogonal cutting tests of nickel aluminum bronze alloy are performed to obtain the strains and strain rates fields in the cutting zone, using DIC technique. Shear forces derived from stress integrations are matched to the measured ones. Then, the constitutive model coefficients can be determined, which is performed by solving a sequential optimization problem. Verifications are made by comparing the strain, strain rate, and temperature fields of cutting zone from experiments against those obtained by finite element simulations using the identified material constitutive model coefficients as input.
Globally Approximate Gaussian Processes for Big Data With Application to Data-Driven Metamaterials Design
Authors: Bostanabad Ramin , Chan Yu-Chin , Wang Liwei , Zhu Ping , Chen Wei
Published: July 2019

We introduce a novel method for Gaussian process (GP) modeling of massive datasets called globally approximate Gaussian process (GAGP). Unlike most large-scale supervised learners such as neural networks and trees, GAGP is easy to fit and can interpret the model behavior, making it particularly useful in engineering design with big data. The key idea of GAGP is to build a collection of independent GPs that use the same hyperparameters but randomly distribute the entire training dataset among themselves. This is based on our observation that the GP hyperparameter approximations change negligibly as the size of the training data exceeds a certain level, which can be estimated systematically. For inference, the predictions from all GPs in the collection are pooled, allowing the entire training dataset to be efficiently exploited for prediction. Through analytical examples, we demonstrate that GAGP achieves very high predictive power matching (and in some cases exceeding) that of state-of-the-art supervised learning methods. We illustrate the application of GAGP in engineering design with a problem on data-driven metamaterials, using it to link reduced-dimension geometrical descriptors of unit cells and their properties. Searching for new unit cell designs with desired properties is then achieved by employing GAGP in inverse optimization.
Influence of Oxidation on Estimation of Long-Term Creep Rupture Strength of 2.25Cr–1Mo Steel by Larson–Miller Method
Authors: Abe Fujio
Published: July 2019

The influence of oxidation on the estimation of long-term creep rupture strength is investigated for 2.25% chromium (Cr)–1% molybdenum (Mo) steel specified as JIS STBA 24, JIS SCMV 4 NT, and ASTM A542/A542M by the Larson–Miller method using creep rupture data in the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) Creep Data Sheets at 450–650 °C for up to 313,000 h. The creep rupture data exhibit a change in slope of the stress versus time to rupture curves due to oxidation in air during 600 °C creep tests at 15,000–40,000 h and 650 °C tests at 2000–3500 h for different size specimens, which indicates degradation in creep life by the oxidation. The estimated 100,000 h creep rupture strength using regression analysis is increased by the elimination of long-term data degraded by the oxidation. Several metallurgical factors, such as the initial strength represented by the 0.2% proof stress at the creep test temperature and the concentration of aluminum (Al) impurity, also affect the creep life of the tested steel.
Cognitive factors contribute to speech perception in cochlear-implant users and age-matched normal-hearing listeners under vocoded conditions
Authors: O'Neill Erin R. , Kreft Heather A. , Oxenham Andrew J.
Published: July 2019

This study examined the contribution of perceptual and cognitive factors to speech-perception abilities in cochlear-implant (CI) users. Thirty CI users were tested on word intelligibility in sentences with and without semantic context, presented in quiet and in noise. Performance was compared with measures of spectral-ripple detection and discrimination, thought to reflect peripheral processing, as well as with cognitive measures of working memory and non-verbal intelligence. Thirty age-matched and thirty younger normal-hearing (NH) adults also participated, listening via tone-excited vocoders, adjusted to produce mean performance for speech in noise comparable to that of the CI group. Results suggest that CI users may rely more heavily on semantic context than younger or older NH listeners, and that non-auditory working memory explains significant variance in the CI and age-matched NH groups. Between-subject variability in spectral-ripple detection thresholds was similar across groups, despite the spectral resolution for all NH listeners being limited by the same vocoder, whereas speech perception scores were more variable between CI users than between NH listeners. The results highlight the potential importance of central factors in explaining individual differences in CI users and question the extent to which standard measures of spectral resolution in CIs reflect purely peripheral processing.
How the peak glottal area affects linear predictive coding-based formant estimates of vowels
Authors: Birkholz Peter , Gabriel Falk , Kürbis Steffen , Echternach Matthias
Published: July 2019

The estimation of formant frequencies from acoustic speech signals is mostly based on Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) algorithms. Since LPC is based on the source-filter model of speech production, the formant frequencies obtained are often implicitly regarded as those for an infinite glottal impedance, i.e., a closed glottis. However, previous studies have indicated that LPC-based formant estimates of vowels generated with a realistically varying glottal area may substantially differ from the resonances of the vocal tract with a closed glottis. In the present study, the deviation between closed-glottis resonances and LPC-estimated formants during phonation with different peak glottal areas has been systematically examined both using physical vocal tract models excited with a self-oscillating rubber model of the vocal folds, and by computer simulations of interacting source and filter models. Ten vocal tract resonators representing different vowels have been analyzed. The results showed that F1 increased with the peak area of the time-varying glottis, while F2 and F3 were not systematically affected. The effect of the peak glottal area on F1 was strongest for close-mid to close vowels, and more moderate for mid to open vowels.
Photoactivation of
Drosophila melanogaster
cryptochrome through sequential conformational transitions
Authors: Berntsson Oskar , Rodriguez Ryan , Henry Léocadie , Panman Matthijs R. , Hughes Ashley J. , Einholz Christopher , Weber Stefan , Ihalainen Janne A. , Henning Robert , Kosheleva Irina , Schleicher Erik , Westenhoff Sebastian
Published: July 2019

Time-resolved x-ray scattering reveals light-induced signal transduction in insect cryptochromes.
Comment on “PP2A inhibition sensitizes cancer stem cells to ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors in BCR-ABL human leukemia”
Authors: Perrotti Danilo , Agarwal Anupriya , Lucas Claire M. , Narla Goutham , Neviani Paolo , Odero Maria D. , Ruvolo Peter P. , Verrills Nicole M.
Published: July 2019

LB100 does not sensitize CML stem cells to tyrosine kinase inhibitor–induced apoptosis.
A live-attenuated RhCMV/SIV vaccine shows long-term efficacy against heterologous SIV challenge
Authors: Hansen Scott G. , Marshall Emily E. , Malouli Daniel , Ventura Abigail B. , Hughes Colette M. , Ainslie Emily , Ford Julia C. , Morrow David , Gilbride Roxanne M. , Bae Jin Y. , Legasse Alfred W. , Oswald Kelli , Shoemaker Rebecca , Berkemeier Brian , Bosche William J. , Hull Michael , Womack Jennie , Shao Jason , Edlefsen Paul T. , Reed Jason S. , Burwitz Ben J. , Sacha Jonah B. , Axthelm Michael K. , Früh Klaus , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Picker Louis J.
Published: July 2019

Highly attenuated pp71-deleted RhCMV/SIV vectors elicit immune responses that stringently protect 59% of vaccinated monkeys from SIV challenge.
Upregulation of PBP1B and LpoB in
cysB
Mutants Confers Mecillinam (Amdinocillin) Resistance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Thulin Elisabeth , Andersson Dan I.
Published: July 2019

Mecillinam (amdinocillin) is a β-lactam antibiotic that inhibits the essential penicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP2). In clinical isolates of
Escherichia coli
from urinary tract infections, inactivation of the
cysB
gene (which encodes the main regulator of cysteine biosynthesis, CysB) is the major cause of resistance. How a nonfunctional CysB protein confers resistance is unknown, however, and in this study we wanted to examine the mechanism of resistance.
Draft Genome Sequences of 16 Strains of Escherichia Cryptic Clade II Isolated from Intertidal Sediment in Hong Kong
Authors: Shen Zhiyong , Koh Xiu Pei , Yu Yanping , Woo Chun Fai , Tong Yigang , Lau Stanley C. K.
Published: July 2019

The genus
Escherichia
includes several cryptic clades. Among them, the members of cryptic clade II have rarely been found, and their genome sequences remain largely uninvestigated. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of 16 strains of
Escherichia
cryptic clade II that were isolated from intertidal sediment in Hong Kong.
Full Genome Sequence of pT3, a Multiresistant Plasmid Carrying the
mcr-3.5
Colistin Resistance Gene, Recovered from an Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolate from Crickets Sold as Food
Authors: Zurfluh Katrin , Stevens Marc J. A. , Bucher Melissa , Poirel Laurent , Nordmann Patrice , Stephan Roger
Published: July 2019

Here, we sequenced multidrug resistance plasmid pT3, which encodes
mcr
-
3.5
and other resistance genes. The cooccurrence of
mcr
genes and other resistance genes on a single plasmid is of concern.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Buttiauxella
sp. Strain A111, Which Converts 2-Azahypoxanthine to 2-Aza-8-Oxohypoxanthine
Authors: Choi Jae-Hoon , Moriuchi Ryota , Sukprasitchai Apirati , Tokuyama Shinji , Kawagishi Hirokazu , Dohra Hideo
Published: July 2019

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Buttiauxella
sp. strain A111, isolated on the basis of bioconversion activity of the plant growth-regulating compound 2-azahypoxanthine to 2-aza-8-oxohypoxanthine. The genome contains 4,388 protein-coding sequences, including several genes possibly involved in the metabolism of the plant growth-regulating compound.
Draft Genome Sequence of Geotoga petraea Strain HO-Geo1, Isolated from a Petroleum Reservoir in Russia
Authors: Grouzdev Denis S. , Semenova Ekaterina M. , Sokolova Diyana S. , Tourova Tatiyana P. , Poltaraus Andrey B. , Nazina Tamara N.
Published: July 2019

The draft genome sequence of
Geotoga petraea
strain HO-Geo1, a bacterium isolated from production water of the Vostochno-Anzirskoe petroleum reservoir in Russia, is presented. The genome of strain HO-Geo1 is annotated for elucidation of the metabolic potential and its possible function in the subsurface microbial community and biotechnological application.
Draft Genome Sequences of Six Bacteria Isolated from the Benham Bank, Philippine Rise, Philippines
Authors: Rojas Saul M. , Rosana Albert Remus R. , Montecillo Andrew D. , Arboleda Mark Dondi M. , Nacorda Hildie Maria E. , Lantican Nacita B.
Published: July 2019

We report here the draft genome sequences of six bacteria isolated from the near-bottom waters and surface sediments of the Benham Bank, Philippine Rise, Philippines. These genome sequences represent candidate novel species and/or strains from the families
Flavobacteriaceae
and
Dermacoccaceae
and the genera
Idiomarina
,
Bacillus
, and
Vibrio
.
A rare case of long-term paraesthesia diagnosed as a paraneoplastic syndrome by anti-SOX1 antibody determination
Authors: Mirallas Oriol , Rial Nuria , Martín-Cullell Berta , Recio-Iglesias Jesus
Published: July 2019

Paraneoplastic syndromes (PS) are a rare presentation of cancer, most commonly associated with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), breast cancer and haematologic malignancies. The diagnosis of PS is challenging because it could affect multiple organ systems and it may present before the tumour is visible by imaging. We report a malignant tumour diagnosed in a male patient who referred long-term paraesthesia and proximal muscle strength loss. After ruling out common causes of polyneuropathy, the anti-SOX1 antibody gave light to the diagnosis. A pulmonary opacity in the upper right lobe was observed in the chest X-ray and a pulmonary tumour was later confirmed by CT scan. The biopsy of the cervical lymphadenopathy determined an SCLC, which caused a PS called Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). Our case raises awareness of a rare PS presentation, which can be diagnosed by specific antibodies, allowing early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
Are CAR-T therapies living up to their hype? A study using real-world data in two cohorts to determine how well they are actually working in practice compared with bone marrow transplants
Authors: Schulthess Duane , Gassull Daniel , Makady Amr , Ludlow Anna , Rothman Brian , Have Pieter ten , Wu Yiyang , Ekstrom Leeland , Minnema Monique , Jagasia Madan
Published: July 2019

With the increasing use of new regulatory tools, like the Food and Drug Administration’s breakthrough designation, there are increasing challenges for European health technology assessors (HTAs) to make an accurate assessment of the long-term value and performance of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, particularly for orphan conditions, such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The aim of this study was to demonstrate a novel methodology harnessing longitudinal real-world data, extracted from the electronic health records of a medical centre functioning as a clinical trial site, to develop an accurate analysis of the performance of CAR-T compared with the next-best treatment option, namely allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). The study population comprised 43 subjects in two cohorts: 29 who had undergone HCT treatment and 14 who had undergone CAR-T therapy. The 3-year relapse-free survival probability was 46% (95% CI: 08% to 79%) in the CAR-T cohort and 68% (95% CI: 46% to 83%) in the HCT cohort. To explain the lower RFS probability in the CAR-T cohort compared with the HCT cohort, the authors hypothesised that the CAR-T cohort had a far higher level of disease burden. This was validated by log-rank test analysis (p=0.0001) and confirmed in conversations with practitioners at the study site. The authors are aware that the small populations in this study will be seen as limiting the generalisability of the findings to some readers. However, in consultation with many European HTAs and regulators, there is broad agreement that this methodology warrants further investigation with a larger study.
How did the tobacco ban increase inmates’ body weight during incarceration in Canadian federal penitentiaries? A cohort study
Authors: Johnson Claire , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Diasparra Maikol , Richard Catherine , Dubois Lise
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study aimed to determine how inmates’ body weight changed during incarceration in Canadian federal penitentiaries, based on their history of tobacco use. Since tobacco was banned from all Canadian federal penitentiaries in 2008, little is known about the unintended health consequences of this ban, especially on inmates’ body weight.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Participants were male and female inmates incarcerated for at least 6 months in Canadian federal penitentiaries. We collected data from 10 institutions in two Canadian regions (Ontario and Atlantic).

Participants

We collected data from 754 inmates who volunteered to participate in the study.

Intervention

This study examined weight change in relation to a history of tobacco use. In 2016–2017, anthropometric data were collected and compared with recorded anthropometric data at the beginning of incarceration (mean follow-up of 5.0±8.3 years). Self-reported data on tobacco and substance use were collected. Weight change was compared between inmates with and without a history of tobacco use.

Outcomes

The main outcome measures were body weight change (kg), body mass index (BMI) change (kg/m2), annual weight change (kg/year), and BMI and waist circumference (cm) at the time of the interview.

Results

During incarceration, ex-smokers gained more than twice the amount of weight compared with non-smokers (7.5 kg weight gain for smokers vs 3.7 kg weight gain for non-smokers). Once adjusted for covariates in a regression analysis, for inmates who gained the most weight (75th and 90th percentiles), non-smokers had, respectively, 1.64 and 2.3 lower BMI points than ex-smokers.

Conclusions

During incarceration in Canadian federal penitentiaries, inmates with a history of tobacco use gained significantly more weight than non-smokers. This put them at increased risk of developing obesity-related health problems. This information is important for the prison setting when planning related programmes and regulation.
Sex disparities in premature adult mortality in Estonia 1995–2016: a national register-based study
Authors: Rahu Kaja , Rahu Mati , Zeeb Hajo
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To quantify sex disparities in cause-specific premature adult mortality in Estonia, to determine the causes of death with the largest differences, to provide insight into related behaviours and to offer some guidance to public health policy-makers based on the results of the study.

Design

A national register-based study.

Setting

Estonia.

Data

Individual records of deaths at ages 20–69 years in 1995–2016 from the Estonian causes of death register; data on tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption in the adult population in 1996–2016 from the biennial postal survey of health behaviour.

Main outcome measures

Overall and cause-specific age-standardised mortality rates, average annual percentage changes in mortality, and cause-specific men-to-women mortality rate ratios were calculated. In addition, the age-standardised prevalence proportions of tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption and men-to-women prevalence rate ratios were determined.

Results

Overall premature adult mortality decreased considerably during 1995–2016, but no reduction was observed with respect to the large relative sex disparities. In circulatory disease mortality, the disparities widened significantly over time. Extremely high mortality rate ratios were observed for cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract and for lung cancer. There was a stable, more than fivefold male excess mortality from external causes. A fourfold male disadvantage was evident for alcohol poisoning, mental disorders due to alcohol and alcohol-related degeneration of the nervous system as a group. The prevalence of tobacco smoking and harmful alcohol consumption among men exceeded that among women by factors of two and six, respectively.

Conclusions

Even though premature adult mortality has markedly decreased over time, there has been no success in diminishing the large sex differences in the mortality patterns, mostly associated with smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, both more prevalent among men. Estonia needs a comprehensive and consistent alcohol policy while maintaining and further developing antitobacco measures.
Telehealth and texting intervention to improve HIV care engagement, mental health and substance use outcomes in youth living with HIV: a pilot feasibility and acceptability study protocol
Authors: Wootton Angie R , Legnitto Dominique A , Gruber Valerie A , Dawson-Rose Carol , Neilands Torsten B , Johnson Mallory O , Saberi Parya
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Youth and young adults living with HIV (YLWH) experience worse clinical outcomes than adults and high rates of behavioural health challenges that impact their engagement in care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. This study in the San Francisco Bay area aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary clinical outcomes of a 12-session telehealth counselling series provided to 80 YLWH, including education, motivational enhancement and problem-solving around HIV care, mental health, substance use and other challenges. Findings will provide information about benefits and challenges of telehealth counselling for YLWH and will guide the development of new technology-based strategies for care.

Methods and analysis

The Youth to Telehealth and Text to Improve Engagement in Care study is a pilot randomised, crossover trial examining the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth counselling intervention consisting of twelve 20–30 min weekly sessions focused on identifying and problem-solving around barriers to HIV care access and adherence and on addressing mental health, substance use and/or other issues. Participants also receive text messages for check-ins, appointment reminders and to improve engagement. Participants complete quantitative online surveys at baseline, 4 and 8 months and qualitative exit interviews. Clinical outcomes, including plasma HIV RNA and CD4+ cell count, are collected from medical records. Study staff will explore outcomes of the intervention using quantitative and qualitative methods.

Ethics and dissemination

This study and its protocols have been approved by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Institutional Review Board. Study staff will work with the UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies’ Community Engagement Core and the Youth Advisory Panel to disseminate results to the community, participants and the academic community.

Trial registration

NCT03681145.
Association between alcohol consumption and impaired work performance (presenteeism): a systematic review
Authors: Thørrisen Mikkel Magnus , Bonsaksen Tore , Hashemi Neda , Kjeken Ingvild , van Mechelen Willem , Aas Randi Wågø
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The aim of this review was to explore the notion of alcohol-related presenteeism; that is, whether evidence in the research literature supports an association between employee alcohol consumption and impaired work performance.

Design

Systematic review of observational studies.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, AMED, Embase and Swemed+ were searched through October 2018. Reference lists in included studies were hand searched for potential relevant studies.

Eligibility criteria

We included observational studies, published 1990 or later as full-text empirical articles in peer-reviewed journals in English or a Scandinavian language, containing one or more statistical tests regarding a relationship between a measure of alcohol consumption and a measure of work performance.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted data. Tested associations between alcohol consumption and work performance within the included studies were quality assessed and analysed with frequency tables, cross-tabulations and χ2tests of independence.

Results

Twenty-six studies were included, containing 132 tested associations. The vast majority of associations (77%) indicated that higher levels of alcohol consumption were associated with higher levels of impaired work performance, and these positive associations were considerably more likely than negative associations to be statistically significant (OR=14.00,phi=0.37, p<0.001). Alcohol exposure measured by hangover episodes and composite instruments were over-represented among significant positive associations of moderate and high quality (15 of 17 associations). Overall, 61% of the associations were characterised by low quality.

Conclusions

Evidence does provide some support for the notion of alcohol-related presenteeism. However, due to low research quality and lack of longitudinal designs, evidence should be characterised as somewhat inconclusive. More robust and less heterogeneous research is warranted. This review, however, does provide support for targeting alcohol consumption within the frame of workplace interventions aimed at improving employee health and productivity.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017059620.
Impact of clinical posting in psychiatry on the attitudes towards psychiatry and mental illness in undergraduate medical students
Authors: Desai Rishi , Panchal Bharat , Vala Ashok , Ratnani Imran Jahangirali , Vadher Sneha , Khania Pushpa
Published: July 2019

Background

A major public health problem around the world today is mental illness. Although there are several studies on the topic, it is rarely conducted in the context like the current study.

Aims

This study aims to find out the attitudes of medical students towards psychiatry and mental illness as a clinical medicine major and evaluate the effects of clinical posting on their attitudes towards psychiatry and mental illness.

Methods

This is a longitudinal study of 6 months’ duration conducted with students in their fifth semester of medical college in Western India during the academic year of 2016–2017. The participants were assessed by pro forma containing demographic details, and the questionnaires—Attitude Towards Psychiatry-30 items (ATP-30) scale and Mental Illness Clinician’s Attitude (MICA) scale, which were presented to the students at the beginning and at the end of their psychiatry clinical posting. The statistical analysis was done with GraphPad, InStat V.3.06. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The students’ attitudes towards psychiatry were neutral at the beginning of the psychiatry clinical posting, and improved significantly at the end of the posting on both scales: ATP-30 (p=0.002) and MICA (p=0.048). The students became more positive towards the subject and mental illness in general, negative attitudes also reduced but the change was not statistically significant (p=0.058). We found significant improvement in students’ thinking towards being a psychiatrist in the future post-term (p=0.0002). The changes in attitude in terms of gender were equivocal, with an increase in positive attitude and reduction in negative attitude post-term in both sexes.

Conclusion

Psychiatry clinical posting aids in cultivating positive attitude towards psychiatry and mental illness and reduces the stigma associated with the students of this major and psychiatric patients.
Medium-term systemic blood pressure after stenting of aortic coarctation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Meijs Timion A , Warmerdam Evangeline G , Slieker Martijn G , Krings Gregor J , Molenschot Mirella M C , Meijboom Folkert J , Sieswerda Gertjan T , Doevendans Pieter A , Bouma Berto J , de Winter Robbert J , Mulder Barbara J M , Voskuil Michiel
Published: July 2019

Objective

Long-term prognosis of patients with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is impaired due to the high prevalence of hypertension and consequent cardiovascular complications. Although stent implantation results in acute anatomical and haemodynamic benefit, limited evidence exists regarding the late clinical outcome. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the medium-term effect of stent placement for CoA on systemic blood pressure (BP).

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for non-randomised cohort studies addressing systemic BP ≥12 months following CoA stenting. Meta-analysis was performed on the change in BP from baseline to last follow-up using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted to identify sources of heterogeneity between studies.

Results

Twenty-six studies with a total of 1157 patients and a median follow-up of 26 months were included for final analysis. Meta-analysis showed a 20.3 mm Hg (95% CI 16.4 to 24.1 mm Hg; p<0.00001) reduction in systolic BP and an 8.2 mm Hg (12 studies; 95% CI 5.2 to 11.3 mm Hg; p<0.00001) reduction in diastolic BP. A concomitant decrease in the use of antihypertensive medication was observed. High systolic BP and peak systolic gradient at baseline and stenting of native CoA were associated with a greater reduction in systolic BP at follow-up.

Conclusions

Stent implantation for CoA is associated with a significant decline in systolic and diastolic BP during medium-term follow-up. The degree of BP reduction appears to be dependent on baseline systolic BP, baseline peak systolic gradient, and whether stenting is performed for native or recurrent CoA.
Detection of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) DNA in endocervical samples from a positive and negative HPV woman of Córdoba, Argentina
Authors: Biganzoli Patricia , Frutos María Celia , Venezuela Fernando , Mosmann Jessica , Kiguen Ana , Pavan Jorge , Ferreyra Leonardo , Cuffini Cecilia
Published: July 2019

Aims

The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the presence of human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A), HHV-6B and HHV-7 in samples of the uterine cervix through detection of viral DNA. We analysed normal tissues, samples with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). We correlated the presence of HHV-6 and HHV-7 with the finding of human papillomavirus (HPV) in mucosal samples.

Methods

Cervical samples were examined and grouped as follows: group 1 (n=29), normal cytology; group 2 (n=61), samples with LSIL; group 3 (n=35), samples with HSIL. Molecular biology examinations were performed in all samples to detect HHV-6, HHV-7 and HPV DNA and to typify HHV-6 species.

Results

Group 1: normal cytology and HPV (−): HHV-6: 6.8% (2/29), HHV-7: 79.3% (23/29); group 2: LSIL and HPV (−): HHV-6: 93.1% (27/29), HHV-7: 96.5% (28/29); LSIL and HPV (+): HHV-6: 0% (0/32), HHV-7: 90.6% (29/32); group 3: HSIL and HPV (−): HHV-6: 20% (2/10), HHV-7: 70% (7/10); HSIL HPV (+): HHV-6: 12% (3/25), HHV-7: 68% (17/25). HHV-6A DNA was not detected in any samples.

Conclusions

(1) Both HHV-6 and HHV-7 infect the mucosal cells of the cervix with higher prevalence of HHV-7. (2) The higher prevalence of HHV-6 in LSIL HPV (−) samples compared with those with normal cytology indicates that it constitutes a possible risk factor for atypia production. (3) The presence of HHV-7 in all samples questions its role in the production of atypia. (4) The finding of HHV-6 and HHV-7 suggests that the cervical mucosa is a possible transmission pathway for these viruses.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation and therapeutic inhibitors
Authors: Kerr Jonathan R
Published: July 2019

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human virus which infects almost all humans during their lifetime and following the acute phase, persists for the remainder of the life of the individual. EBV infects B lymphocytes leading to their immortalisation, with persistence of the EBV genome as an episome. In the latent phase, EBV is prevented from reactivating through efficient cytotoxic cellular immunity. EBV reactivates (lytic phase) under conditions of psychological stress with consequent weakening of cellular immunity, and EBV reactivation has been shown to occur in a subset of individuals with each of a variety of cancers, autoimmune diseases, the autoimmune-like disease, chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalitis and under other circumstances such as being an inpatient in an intensive care unit. Chronic EBV reactivation is an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of many such diseases, yet is rarely tested for in immunocompetent individuals. This review summarises the pathogenesis of EBV infection, EBV reactivation and its role in disease, and methods which may be used to detect it. Known inhibitors of EBV reactivation and replication are discussed, including drugs licensed for treatment of other herpesviruses, licensed or experimental drugs for various other indications, compounds at an early stage of drug development and nutritional constituents such as vitamins and dietary supplements.
Residential mobility and socioemotional and behavioural difficulties in a preschool population cohort of New Zealand children
Authors: Nathan Kim , Robertson Oliver , Atatoa Carr Polly , Howden-Chapman Philippa , Pierse Nevil
Published: July 2019

Background

Findings regarding early residential mobility and increased risk for socioemotional and behavioural (SEB) difficulties in preschool children are mixed, with some studies finding no evidence of an association once known covariates are controlled for. Our aim was to investigate residential mobility and SEB difficulties in a population cohort of New Zealand (NZ) children.

Methods

Data from the Integrated Data Infrastructure were examined for 313 164 children born in NZ since 2004 who had completed the Before School Check at 4 years of age. Residential mobility was determined from address data. SEB difficulty scores were obtained from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire administered as part of the Before School Check.

Results

The prevalence of residential mobility was 69%; 12% of children had moved ≥4 times. A linear association between residential mobility and increased SEB difficulties was found (B=0.58), which remained robust when controlling for several known covariates. Moves >10 km and moving to areas of higher socioeconomic deprivation were associated with increased SEB difficulties (B=0.08 and B=0.09, respectively), while residential mobility before 2 years of age was not. Children exposed to greater residential mobility were 8% more likely to obtain SEB difficulties scores of clinical concern than children exposed to fewer moves (adjusted OR 1.08).

Conclusion

This study found a linear association between residential mobility and increased SEB difficulties in young children. This result highlights the need to consider residential mobility as a risk factor for SEB difficulties in the preschool years.
Lipoprotein(a) and coronary artery disease in Chinese postmenopausal female patients: a large cross-sectional cohort study
Authors: Liu Shuo-Lin , Wu Na-Qiong , Guo Yuan-Lin , Zhu Cheng-Gang , Gao Ying , Sun Jing , Xu Rui-Xia , Liu Geng , Dong Qian , Li Jian-Jun
Published: July 2019

Background

It has been reported that lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease. The present study aimed to examine the association of Lp(a) levels with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in female patients.

Methods

A total of 3712 female patients who received coronary angiography were consecutively enrolled. The levels of Lp(a) were measured and compared among patients with or without CAD, myocardial infarction and menopause. Spearman correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to examine the association of Lp(a) with the presence of CAD and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis assessed by Gensini score (GS).

Results

The average of Lp(a) levels was elevated as age increased in female subjects. Notably, women after menopause had higher Lp(a) levels compared with that before menopause (16.8 mg/dL (IQR 7.54–41.12 mg/dL) vs 14.7 mg/dL (IQR 6.72–30.82 mg/dL), p=0.002). Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis identified that Lp(a)>30 mg/dL was an independent risk factor of CAD in the postmenopausal females (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.63, p=0.007). Finally, Lp(a) had a positive correlation with GS (r=0.11, p<0.001), and Lp(a)>30 mg/dL was an independent risk factor for high GS (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.79, p=0.02) in the postmenopausal females.

Conclusion

Circulating Lp(a) levels were independently associated with the presence and severity of CAD in the postmenopausal females, suggesting that Lp(a) may be useful for prevention and risk-stratification of CAD in female individuals.
Modelling the effects of climate on site productivity of white pine plantations
Authors: Sharma Mahadev , Parton John
Published: July 2019

Ninety-three dominant or co-dominant white pine (Pinus strobus L.) trees were sampled from 93 plots (one tree per plot) in even-aged monospecific plantations at 31 sites (three plots per site) across Ontario, Canada. Stem analysis data collected from these trees were used to develop and evaluate stand height models. The effects of site and climate on site productivity were examined by incorporating site and climate variables into a stand height model. Including climate variables improved the fit statistics of the stand height model for white pine. A covariance structure (AR(1)) was used to address autocorrelation in the data. Similarly, a variance function was used to account for heteroscedasticity. Stand heights were predicted for four areas (middle, easternmost, westernmost, and southernmost parts of Ontario where white pine were sampled) for the period 2021 to 2080 under two emissions trajectories known as representative concentration pathways (RCPs), with each reflecting different levels of heat at the end of the century (i.e., 2.6 and 8.5 W·m–2). At the end of the 2021 to 2080 growth period, projected heights were shorter by 7% for the southern parts and taller by 9.8% for the middle parts of Ontario under both climate change scenarios compared with those under a no change scenario. However, there was no pronounced difference in projected heights under both climate change scenarios and the no change scenario for the other two areas evaluated. The resulting height growth models can be used to estimate stand heights for white pine plantations in a changing climate. Using the same model, the site index of a plot or stand can be estimated by calculating height at a given base (index) age. In the absence of climatic data, the model fitted without climate variables can be used to estimate stand heights and site indices.
On the Feynman path integral for the magnetic Schrödinger equation with a polynomially growing electromagnetic potential
Authors: Ichinose Wataru
Published: July 2019

The Feynman path integrals for the magnetic Schrödinger equations are defined mathematically, in particular, with polynomially growing potentials in the spatial direction. For example, we can handle electromagnetic potentials [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] “a polynomial of degree [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]” [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are polynomials of degree [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. The Feynman path integrals are defined as [Formula: see text]-valued continuous functions with respect to the time variable.
Anti-Oxidant in China: A Thirty-Year Journey
Authors: Liu Zai-Qun
Published: July 2019

Anti-oxidant refers to such a kind of endogenous or exogenous compound that is able to retard or even prohibit in vivo or in vitro oxidation with only small amount being used. The study of anti-oxidants starts nearly 30 years ago, and the research on this topic in China almost begins simultaneously with that in the world. Gratifyingly, contributions on anti-oxidants from China researchers have rapidly increased in the recent decade as anti-oxidants have become a hot topic in biochemistry, pharmacology, food science, chemistry as well as other related disciplines. Anti-oxidants provide a specific viewpoint for clarifying pharmacological effects of Chinese medicinal herbs. For example, as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer is found to be a natural anti-oxidant resource. Meanwhile, some signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-[Formula: see text]B (NF-[Formula: see text]B), nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1) are regarded to play an important role in anti-oxidant responses. These findings provide a substantial basis for understanding the pharmacological behaviors of Chinese medicinal herbs in view of regulating the aforementioned signaling pathways. Moreover, inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by supplementation of anti-oxidant becomes a popularly accepted idea in keeping health and treating diseases. Isolations of antio-xidative ingredients from medicinal herbs and foods lead to set up a large range of anti-oxidative compound libraries, and intake of anti-oxidants from foods may be the most efficient way for supplementing exogenous anti-oxidants. On the other hand, designing anti-oxidants with novel structures motivates organic and medicinal chemists to explore the structure–activity relationship, and then, to find novel structural features with anti-oxidative properties. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that China researchers will donate more endeavors to obtain more achievements on anti-oxidants in the future.
Influences of second-order and third-order dispersion on spectral properties of mid-infrared wavelength conversion in silicon nitride waveguides
Authors: Xie Peng , Liu Jiarui , Wen Yu , Wan Zishen , Wang Yishan
Published: July 2019

The influences of second-order dispersion (SOD) and third-order dispersion (TOD) on spectral properties of wavelength conversion based on FWM at mid-infrared region (mid-IR) are theoretically investigated in a silicon nitride waveguide. It is found that the SOD and TOD can affect the frequency shift and temporal profiles of idler pulses. Moreover, the temporal and frequency spectrum of output signal are also discussed with different SODs and TODs. Meanwhile, the numerical simulation results imply that the efficiency of FWM process will be reduced and the wavelength range of phase-match will be shifted due to the change of SOD or TOD.
STUDY OF A PREDATOR–PREY MODEL WITH PEST MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
Authors: MANDAL DIBYENDU SEKHAR , SAMANTA SUDIP , ALZAHRANI ABDULLAH KHAMES , CHATTOPADHYAY JOYDEV
Published: July 2019

Recently, pest control has become a very interesting research topic because it is closely associated with agricultural and economic loss. Empirical evidence shows that pest insects are responsible for lower crop production and many other adverse effects on the farming sector. There are several biological, physical and chemical control mechanisms. However, the biological control of pest populations by using natural enemies is one of the most important ecosystem services adopted in agriculture around the world. In the present study, we consider an ecological model consisting of prey (pest) and its natural enemy as the predator. Different system equilibria are obtained, their stability is analyzed, and Hopf bifurcation of the system around the interior equilibrium is discussed. The sufficient permanence criteria of the system are also derived. Moreover, we perform bifurcation analysis to explore the existence of limit cycle. We also investigate the stability property of the positive periodic solution when the interior equilibrium loses its stability. Our analytical results are further verified through numerical simulations. Our findings suggest that, in the absence of a super predator, pest and natural enemy show stable coexistence. However, in the presence of super predator, if the natural enemy is killed at a lower rate, both pest and natural enemy coexist. Finally, above a threshold value, the natural enemy is eradicated from the system and pest outbreak occurs.