bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexed radiographic angles for determination of atlantoaxial instability in dogs
Authors: White Dana A. , Renberg Walter C. , Roush James K. , Hallman Mackenzie R. , Mauler Daniela A. , Milliken George A.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To determine a flexed position for radiographic diagnosis of atlantoaxial instability (AAI) and to identify radiographic measurement cutoffs to differentiate affected dogs from neurologically healthy toy breeds.

Study design

Retrospective case series and prospective case controls.

Animals

Thirty‐nine client‐owned toy breed dogs in which AAI had been diagnosed and 20 neurologically healthy client‐owned toy breed dogs.

Methods

Medical records from three institutions were retrospectively reviewed to identify dogs affected with AAI. Flexed lateral images were reviewed, and measurements were obtained by using anatomic landmarks. Radiography was performed with control dogs to obtain the same measurements.

Results

Flexed lateral radiographs of thirty dogs affected with AAI were found to be positioned at a mean of 51° flexion. When flexed lateral radiographs were evaluated with a cutoff value for atlas to axis angle (AAA) >10°, evaluation of all breeds represented revealed a 90% sensitivity and 90% specificity. When this cutoff was evaluated in Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, and mixes of these breeds, the sensitivity was 92%, and the specificity was 92%. When the control sample was positioned at 51° ± 10°, only two of the dogs were within the AAA cutoff value of >10°. There was no difference between the measurements obtained by using the flexed lateral view (mean = 50.9°) and the exaggerated flexed lateral view (mean = 38.9°) in the control sample.

Conclusion

This study established objective measurements for the positioning and diagnosis of AAI on flexed lateral radiographs in toy breed dogs.

Clinical significance

Atlantoaxial instability can be objectively diagnosed in sedated or anesthetized toy breed dogs when applying 51° flexion to cervical radiographs.
Room temperature atomic layer deposition of niobium oxide using plasma excited humidified argon and its application to anticorrosion to hydrochloric acid
Authors: Yoshida Kazuki , Tokoro Kentaro , Kanomata Kensaku , Miura Masanori , Saito Kentaro , Ahmmad Bashir , Kubota Shigeru , Hirose Fumihiko
Published: September 2019

Room temperature (RT) atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Nb2O5 is developed using (tert-butylimido)tris(ethylmethylamido)niobium and a plasma excited humidified Ar. To design the process condition, an in situ monitoring system of IR absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) is utilized to observe the surface saturation of precursors. Based on the saturation characteristics of precursors measured from IRAS, the gas injection condition and oxidization time are determined, where the RT Nb2O5 deposition with a growth per cycle of 0.11 nm is confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The RT deposited Nb2O5 film exhibits clear anticorrosion to hydrochloric acid. The reaction mechanism of ALD growth and the applicability of anticorrosion film with RT deposited N2O5 are discussed in this paper.
Off-target toxicity is a common mechanism of action of cancer drugs undergoing clinical trials
Authors: Lin Ann , Giuliano Christopher J. , Palladino Ann , John Kristen M. , Abramowicz Connor , Yuan Monet Lou , Sausville Erin L. , Lukow Devon A. , Liu Luwei , Chait Alexander R. , Galluzzo Zachary C. , Tucker Clara , Sheltzer Jason M.
Published: September 2019

CRISPR reveals that many cancer drug targets are dispensable for cell proliferation and identifies CDK11 as the target of one mischaracterized agent.
Bimodal Response to Shiga Toxin 2 Subtypes Results from Relatively Weak Binding to the Target Cell
Authors: Cherubin Patrick , Fidler Dennis , Quiñones Beatriz , Teter Ken
Published: September 2019

There are two major antigenic forms of Shiga toxin (Stx), Stx1 and Stx2, which bind the same receptor and act on the same target but nonetheless differ in potency. Stx1a is more toxic to cultured cells, but Stx2 subtypes are more potent in animal models. To understand this phenomenon in cultured cells, we used a system that combines flow cytometry with a fluorescent reporter to monitor the Stx-induced inhibition of protein synthesis in single cells.
PQS Signaling for More than a Quorum: the Collective Stress Response Protects Healthy Pseudomonas aeruginosa Populations
Authors: van Kessel Julia C.
Published: September 2019

In this issue, Bru et al. connect
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PQS signaling secretion during stress response to swarming behavior (J.-L. Bru, B. Rawson, C. Trinh, K. Whiteson, et al., J Bacteriol 201:e00383-19, 2019,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00383-19
).
Know Thyself: RIG-I-Like Receptor Sensing of DNA Virus Infection
Authors: Zhao Yang , Karijolich John
Published: September 2019

The RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) are double-stranded RNA-binding proteins that play a role in initiating and modulating cell intrinsic immunity through the recognition of RNA features typically absent from the host transcriptome. While they are initially characterized in the context of RNA virus infection, evidence has now accumulated establishing the role of RLRs in DNA virus infection.
Complete Genome Sequence of Citricoccus sp. Strain SGAir0253, Isolated from Indoor Air in Singapore
Authors: Chandrasekaran Lakshmi , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Uchida Akira , Purbojati Rikky W. , Wong Anthony , Kushwaha Kavita K. , Putra Alexander , Gaultier Nicolas E. , Premkrishnan Balakrishnan N. V. , Heinle Cassie E. , Vettath Vineeth Kodengil , Junqueira Ana Carolina M. , Schuster Stephan C.
Published: September 2019

Citricoccus
sp. strain SGAir0253 was isolated from indoor air collected in Singapore. Its genome sequence was assembled using single-molecule real-time sequencing. It comprises one chromosome of 3.32 Mb and two plasmids of 137 kb and 99 kb. The genome consists of 2,950 protein-coding genes, 49 tRNAs, and 9 rRNAs.
Whole-Genome Sequence of
Enterobacter
sp. Strain MF024, Isolated from Soil in Shanghai, China
Authors: Rong Shaofeng , Wu Jin , Li Qianqian , Zhang Shuo , Cai Baoguo , Guan Shimin
Published: September 2019

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Enterobacter
sp. strain MF024, a bacterium that can biosynthesize 2-phenylethanol through both the Ehrlich pathway and a
de novo
pathway. It has potential use for the production of 2-phenylethanol.
Complete Genome Sequence of Rhodobacter sphaeroides Strain HJ, a Purple Nonsulfur Bacterium with the Ability To Produce High Levels of Hydrogen from Acetate
Authors: Kobayashi Jyumpei , Kondo Akihiko
Published: September 2019

Previously,
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
strain HJ was isolated to obtain a purple nonsulfur bacterium with the ability to produce high levels of hydrogen from acetate. However, the genome of this strain has not been previously sequenced. Therefore, the complete genome sequence of
R. sphaeroides
strain HJ is presented in this report.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Little Cherry Virus-2 Isolate from Sweet Cherry in China
Authors: Zhu Dongzi , Wang Jiawei , Zong Xiaojuan , Tan Yue , Wei Hairong , Hammond Rosemarie W. , Liu Qingzhong
Published: September 2019

The first complete genome sequence of a little cherry virus-2 (LChV-2-TA) isolate from China was determined using small RNA deep sequencing combined with overlapping reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that LChV-2-TA grouped in a well-supported cluster with members of the genus
Ampelovirus
with close relationships to previously reported LChV-2 isolates.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycolicibacterium sp. Strain CH28, a Potential Degrader of Diisopropyl Ether, Isolated from Pharmaceutical Wastewater
Authors: Zsilinszky Ingrid , Gyula Péter , Bihari Zoltán , Fehér Balázs , Szabó Zsolt
Published: September 2019

Mycolicibacterium
sp. strain CH28 is a novel bacterial isolate belonging to a group of rapidly growing mycobacteria. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of strain CH28 and provide insights into the genetic background of its potential diisopropyl ether-degrading capability.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Phreatobacter
sp. Strain NMCR1094, a Formate-Utilizing Bacterium Isolated from a Freshwater Stream
Authors: Baek Kiwoon , Choi Ahyoung
Published: September 2019

Phreatobacter
sp. strain NMCR1094 was isolated from a freshwater stream. In this study, we report the complete genome sequence of strain NMCR1094, which contains 4,974,952 bp with 65.8% G+C content and 4,701 predicted coding sequences. In particular, the
Phreatobacter
sp. NMCR1094 genome contains a formate dehydrogenase region.
Draft Genome Sequences of Six Lactobacillus gasseri and Three
Lactobacillus paragasseri
Strains Isolated from the Female Bladder
Authors: Putonti Catherine , Akhnoukh Virina , Anagnostopoulos Zoe , Bilek Maria , Colgan John , El Idrissi Samir , Magnuszewski Karolina , Marino Steven , Szymulewski Matthew , Tyahla Megan , Yanchuk Viktoriya , Miller-Ensminger Taylor , Batrich Mary , Brassil Bridget , Mormando Rita , Johnson Genevieve , Wolfe Alan J.
Published: September 2019

Lactobacilli are dominant members of the healthy female bladder microbiota. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of six
Lactobacillus gasseri
and three
Lactobacillus paragasseri
strains isolated from catheterized urine samples. These
L. paragasseri
genomes are the first publicly available sequences of the species from the bladder.
IgG4-related lymphadenopathy masquerading as Hodgkin lymphoma: lessons from a pathologist’s desk
Authors: Jinkala Sree Rekha , Srinivas Bheemanathi Hanuman , Priyamvada Puthenpurackal Sivanpillai , Basu Debdatta
Published: September 2019

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic fibroinflammatory disorder affecting multiple organ systems. The awareness of this disease has tremendously increased over the last decade leading to effective treatment and decreased morbidity to the patients. Histopathology plays an important role in the diagnosis of IgG4-RD, and definite histologic criteria are proposed in clinically suspected patients. We report a patient with multiple organ system involvements of the salivary gland, lymph node and kidney. IgG4-related lymphadenopathy (IgG4-RL) in this patient was misdiagnosed as nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NLPHL). Refractoriness to treatment for NLPHL and subsequent manifestations of renal involvement lead us to the correct diagnosis of this potentially treatable condition. IgG4-RL can mimic reactive proliferation as well as lymphomas. We report the clinical presentation and discuss the problems faced by pathologists in diagnosing IgG4-RL. We believe that awareness of this rare presentation will enhance the knowledge in diagnosing IgG4-RD.
Caecal duplication cyst leading to intussusception in an adult
Authors: Al-Shaibi Maha A , Raniga Sameer B , Asghar Abdul N M , Al Tubi Ikhtiyar S
Published: September 2019

Colonic duplication cyst is an uncommon cause of intussusception in adults. We report a case of caecal duplication cyst in a 24-year-old adult with a 3-year history of recurrent abdominal pain mainly in the periumbilical region. CT and MRI of the abdomen showed a lesion suggesting an caecal duplication cyst within an intussuception. The patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and was found to have a caecal duplication cyst acting as a lead point for the intusseception for which laparoscopic-assisted resection was performed. The histological examination confirmed the presence of intestinal duplication cyst without any underlying malignancy.
Thrombocytopaenia: a serious side effect of diazoxide
Authors: Thus Kirsten A , den Boogert Wilhelmina J , van der Heyden Josefine C
Published: September 2019

A 2.5-year-old boy with a history of (transient) congenital hyperinsulinism was admitted to the paediatric ward with recurrent hypoglycaemia. Diazoxide 5 mg/kg/day and hydrochlorothiazide 2 mg/kg/day were initiated. After increasing the dose of diazoxide to 10 mg/kg/day, the child developed mild rectal bleeding, petechiae, epistaxis and haematemesis. Blood screening showed severe thrombocytopaenia. Diazoxide and hydrochlorothiazide were stopped, and his platelet count normalised. Drug rechallenge was positive. Drug-induced immune thrombocytopaenia was diagnosed.
Comparison of vascular–function and structure–function correlations in glaucomatous eyes with high myopia
Authors: Lee Seung Hyen , Lee Eun Ji , Kim Tae-Woo
Published: September 2019

Background/aims

To determine the usefulness of peripapillary retinal vessel density (VD) measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography (OCTA) in the evaluation of glaucomatous visual field damage in highly myopic eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study enrolled a total of 124 myopic POAG eyes consisting of 40 eyes showing a segmentation error (SE) in OCT scans and 84 eyes without an SE. The peripapillary retinal VD, circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) and visual field sensitivity loss (VFSL) were assessed using OCTA, spectral-domain OCT and standard automated perimetry, respectively. The topographical correlations between the VD and VFSL, and between the RNFLT and VFSL were determined in subgroups divided according to the presence of an SE.

Results

The peripapillary retinal VD showed significant topographical correlation with VFSL both in the highly myopic POAG eyes without an SE globally (R=0.527, p<0.001), and in temporal (R=0.593), temporal-superior (R=0.543), nasal-inferior (R=0.422) and temporal-inferior sectors (R=0.600, all p<0.001), and in those with an SE globally (R=0.343, p=0.030), and in temporal (R=0.494, p=0.001), temporal-superior (R=0.598, p<0.001), and temporal-inferior sectors (R=0.424, p=0.006). The correlation with VFSL did not differ between the VD and RNFLT in the eyes without an SE

Conclusion

Peripapillary VD as measured with OCTA showed a topographical correlation with VFSL in highly myopic POAG eyes regardless of the presence of an OCT SE OCTA may be a useful adjunct for evaluating glaucomatous visual field damage in high myopia, where the OCT results are frequently confounding.
Evaluating the implications of Brexit for research collaboration and policy: a network analysis and simulation study
Authors: Garas George , Cingolani Isabella , Patel Vanash M , Panzarasa Pietro , Darzi Ara , Athanasiou Thanos
Published: September 2019

Objective

To evaluate the role of the European Union (EU) as a research collaborator in the UK’s success as a global leader in healthcare research and innovation and quantify the impact that Brexit may have.

Design

Network and regression analysis of scientific collaboration, followed by simulation models based on alternative scenarios.

Setting

International real-world collaboration network among all countries involved in robotic surgical research and innovation.

Participants

772 organisations from industry and academia nested within 56 countries and connected through 2397 collaboration links.

Main outcome measures

Research impact measured through citations and innovation value measured through the innovation index.

Results

Globally, the UK ranks third in robotic surgical innovation, and the EU constitutes its prime collaborator. Brokerage opportunities and collaborators’ geographical diversity are associated with a country’s research impact (c=211.320 and 244.527, respectively; p<0·01) and innovation (c=18.819 and 30.850, respectively; p<0·01). Replacing EU collaborators with US ones is the only strategy that could benefit the UK, but on the condition that US collaborators are chosen among the top-performing ones, which is likely to be very difficult and costly, at least in the short term.

Conclusions

This study suggests what has long been argued, namely that the UK-EU research partnership has been mutually beneficial and that its continuation represents the best possible outcome for both negotiating parties. However, the uncertainties raised by Brexit necessitate looking beyond the EU for potential research partners. In the short term, the UK’s best strategy might be to try and maintain its academic links with the EU. In the longer term, strategic relationships with research powerhouses, including the USA, China and India, are likely to be crucial for the UK to remain a global innovation leader.
Evaluating the endometabolic and bone health effects of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Balakumaran Janatani , Birk Tanisha , Golemiec Breanne , Helmeczi Wryan , Inkaran Jeyanth , Kao Yun-ya , Leigh Jennifer , Saliba Sarah , Sharma Rishi , Spatafora Laura , Wright Kristin , Yao William , Hillis Christopher , Banfield Laura , Thabane Lehana , Athale Uma , Samaan M Constantine
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) constitutes 15% of new adult leukaemia cases as well as 2%–3% of leukaemia in children under 15% and 9% of leukaemias in adolescents 15–19 years of age annually. The introduction of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI) therapy has dramatically improved survival in these patients, yet the off-target effects of this treatment may have long-term health impacts on CML survivors. The risk of adverse health outcomes is especially important in children, where TKI exposure may occur during critical windows of growth and puberty, and patients require treatment for prolonged periods of time. The aim of this systematic review protocol is to report on the methods used to conduct a systematic review to investigate the endometabolic and bone health effects of TKI therapy in CML.

Methods and analysis

Searches will be conducted in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE and MEDLINE from inception on August 1st, 2019. Searches may be updated while performing the systematic review to ensure new evidence is included if applicable. Grey literature search will include ClinicalTrials.gov and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses A&I. We will perform a meta-analysis if there are at least two studies reporting similar populations, interventions, methods and tracking the same outcome measures. The studies should also have similar age and sex distributions.

Ethics and dissemination

As this is a systematic review protocol, it does not include patient data; therefore, Research Ethics Board approval is not indicated. The systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018091175.
Fatigue, quality of life and metabolic changes in men treated with first-line enzalutamide versus abiraterone plus prednisolone for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (HEAT): a randomised trial protocol
Authors: Kvorning Ternov Klara , Sønksen Jens , Fode Mikkel , Lindberg Henriette , Kistorp Caroline Michaela , Bisbjerg Rasmus , Palapattu Ganesh , Østergren Peter Busch
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Enzalutamide and abiraterone acetate plus prednisolone (AAP) are used in combination with androgen-deprivation therapy to further suppress the androgen stimulation of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). First-line mCRPC treatment with enzalutamide and AAP yields similar overall survival and radiographic progression-free survival in phase III trials. Thus, treatment selection relies on patient choice, cost and side effects. The aim of this randomised trial is to investigate differences in fatigue, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and metabolic side effects in men with mCRPC treated with first-line enzalutamide versus AAP.

Methods and analysis

In this ongoing open-label randomised (1:1) clinical trial, enzalutamide is compared with AAP as first-line treatment for men with mCRPC. The primary endpoint is fatigue assessed with the questionnaire Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue version 4. Secondary endpoints are changes in body composition (ie, fat mass, visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue and lean body mass assessed with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), glucose metabolism assessed with a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, serum lipids, blood pressure and HRQoL assessed with the questionnaire Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P). All study endpoints are assessed at baseline and 12-week postintervention. Blood and urine samples are collected at baseline and at time of progression on allocated treatment for future investigation of predictive and prognostic biomarkers in prostate cancer treatment. The planned sample size is 170 participants. All participants are recruited from Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Denmark. Estimated last patient’s last visit is February 2020.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received project approval from the National Committee on Health Research Ethics and Danish Data Protection Agency and Danish Medicines Agency (EudraCT no.: 2017-000027-99). The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed international journals and will be presented at national and international conferences and symposiums.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrialsregister.eu (2017-000099-27).
Informed health choices intervention to teach primary school children in low-income countries to assess claims about treatment effects: process evaluation
Authors: Nsangi Allen , Semakula Daniel , Glenton Claire , Lewin Simon , Oxman Andrew D , Oxman Matt , Rosenbaum Sarah , Dahlgren Astrid , Nyirazinyoye Laetitia , Kaseje Margaret , Rose Christopher James , Fretheim Atle , Sewankambo Nelson K
Published: September 2019

Background

We developed the informed health choices (IHC) primary school resources to teach children how to assess the trustworthiness of claims about the effects of treatments. We evaluated these resources in a randomised trial in Uganda. This paper describes the process evaluation that we conducted alongside this trial.

Objectives

To identify factors affecting the implementation, impact and scaling up of the intervention; and potential adverse and beneficial effects of the intervention.

Methods

All 85 teachers in the 60 schools in the intervention arm of the trial completed a questionnaire after each lesson and at the end of the term. We conducted structured classroom observations at all 60 schools. For interviews and focus groups, we purposively selected six schools. We interviewed district education officers, teachers, head teachers, children and their parents. We used a framework analysis approach to analyse the data.

Results

Most of the participants liked the IHC resources and felt that the content was important. This motivated the teachers and contributed to positive attitudes. Although some teachers started out lacking confidence, many found that the children’s enthusiasm for the lessons made them more confident. Nearly everyone interviewed thought that the children learnt something important and many thought that it improved their decision-making. The main barrier to scaling up use of the IHC resources that participants identified was the need to incorporate the lessons into the national curriculum.

Conclusion

The mostly positive findings reflect the trial results, which showed large effects on the children’s and the teachers’ critical appraisal skills. The main limitations of this evaluation are that the investigators were responsible for both developing and evaluating the intervention.
Interventions and practice models for improving health and psychosocial outcomes of children and young people in out-of-home care: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Galvin Emma , O'donnell Renée , Skouteris Helen , Halfpenny Nick , Mousa Aya
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Children and young people placed in out-of-home care (OoHC) are often affected by a history of trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Trauma in early childhood can impact on children’s health and psychosocial development, whereas early interventions can improve children’s development and placement stability. Although several interventions and practice models have been developed to improve health and psychosocial outcomes for children and young people in OoHC, there remains a lack of rigorous research examining the impact of these interventions in OoHC settings, as there are no systematic reviews examining the impact these interventions and practice models have on the children and young people they serve. We aim to conduct a comprehensive systematic review to examine the effectiveness of interventions and practice models for improving health and psychosocial outcomes in children and young people living in OoHC and to identify relevant knowledge gaps.

Methods and analysis

Major electronic databases including Medline, Medline in-process and other non-indexed citations, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycInfo, Sociological Abstracts and all Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews incorporating: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, American College of PhysiciansJournal Club, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CochraneMethodology Register, Health Technology Assessment and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database, will be systematically searched for any studies published between 2008 and 2018 of interventions and practice models developed to improve health and psychosocial outcomes for children and young people in OoHC. Two independent reviewers will assess titles and abstracts for eligibility according to prespecified selection criteria and will perform data extraction and quality appraisal. Meta-analyses and/or metaregression will be conducted where appropriate.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will not collect primary data and formal ethical approval is therefore not required. Findings from this systematic review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019115082.
Reduction in hospitalisations for acute gastroenteritis-associated childhood seizures since introduction of rotavirus vaccination: a time-series and change-point analysis of hospital admissions in England
Authors: Hungerford Daniel James , French Neil , Iturriza-Gómara Miren , Read Jonathan M , Cunliffe Nigel A , Vivancos Roberto
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The incidence of severe childhood diarrhoea has fallen substantially following the introduction of rotavirus vaccine in the UK in July 2013. Since children with rotavirus infection may experience febrile and afebrile seizures, we evaluated the impact of rotavirus vaccination on seizure hospitalisations in children in England.

Methods

Using data from Hospital Episode Statistics, we employed interrupted time-series analyses to assess changes in monthly hospital admissions for seizures among children aged <5 years from July 2000 to June 2017. Outcome measures comprised all seizures and febrile seizures, with and without a co-diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Models were adjusted for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) introduction. Change-point analysis was used to independently identify step-changes in the time-series.

Results

Among hospitalised children aged <5 years, the incidence of any seizures and febrile seizures with AGE decreased post-vaccine introduction by 23% (95% CI: 11% to 33%) and 31% (95% CI: 19% to 41%), respectively. For febrile seizures with AGE, a single change-point was identified in July 2013 (95% CI: June 2013 to December 2013). Reductions in seizure incidence were higher during the rotavirus season (49%, 95% CI: 37% to 58%) compared with out-of-season (13%, 95% CI: −4 to 28%) and showed no relation to PCV introduction. There were small reductions in any seizures with any co-diagnosis (4%, 95% CI: 0% to 8%) and in febrile seizures with any co-diagnosis (10%, 95% CI: 2% to 16%).

Conclusion

Rotavirus vaccination has reduced hospitalisations for seizures associated with AGE in England, providing additional evidence of population-level impact of rotavirus vaccination on seizure incidence in high-income countries.
Germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing for breast cancer survivors
Authors: Wiggins Jennifer , McLoughlin Anne , George Angela , Ring Alistair , Kemp Zoe
Published: September 2019

Background For patients with early breast cancer, knowledge of germline BRCA1/2 status increasingly influences management as well as informing future cancer risk for patients and their families. As access to germline testing expands, it is important that this benefit is extended to survivors as well as to the newly diagnosed.

Methods In collaboration with our breast unit colleagues and by embedding a Senior Genetic Counsellor in the virtual multidisciplinary meeting, we identified patients suitable for genetics review 5 years after their breast cancer diagnosis.

Results Between May 2015 and December 2018, 2044 patients were discussed, of whom 769 patients were identified for notes review by Genetics. Of these, 275 had already undergone testing and 47 had confirmed germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2. A further 463 were recommended for referral. One hundred and eighty patients were subsequently offered testing with 161 accepting (161/180, 89%). Nine patients were found to harbour pathogenic variants in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 (9/161, 6%). Of the initial 2044 patients reviewed, 2.7% (56/2044) are now known to carry germline pathogenic variants.

Conclusion The survivorship setting provides an opportunity for genetic review underpinned by collaborative working between cancer specialists and the genetics team.
Seasonality and global public interest in psoriasis: an infodemiology study
Authors: Wu Qian , Xu Zhiwei , Dan Yi-Lin , Zhao Chan-Na , Mao Yan-Mei , Liu Li-Na , Pan Hai-Feng
Published: September 2019

Objective

Although patients with psoriasis frequently report seasonal changes in their symptoms, the seasonality of psoriasis has rarely been explored. This study aims to investigate the seasonal pattern of and global public interest in psoriasis using Google search data.

Methods

Internet search data were collected from Google Trends. Data on the relative search volume (RSV) from January 2004 to December 2018 were retrieved using the term psoriasis. Cosinor analyses were conducted to examine the seasonality of psoriasis using data from two southern hemisphere countries (Australia and New Zealand) and four northern hemisphere countries (USA, Canada, UK and Ireland).

Results

Overall, searches for psoriasis steadily decreased between 2004 and 2010, and then rose from 2011 to 2018. On cosinor analyses, RSV of ‘psoriasis’ displayed a significant seasonal variation worldwide (p<0.025). Further analyses confirmed the seasonality of psoriasis-related RSV in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK and Ireland (p<0.025 for all), with peaks in the late winter/early spring months and troughs in the late summer/early autumn months. The top 11 rising topics were calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate, ustekinumab, apremilast, shampoo, eczema, guttate psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, dermatitis, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis and arthritis.

Conclusion

There was a significant seasonal pattern for psoriasis, with peaks in the late winter/early spring and troughs in the late summer/early autumn. Further studies are warranted to confirm the seasonal pattern of psoriasis using clinical data and to explore the underlying mechanisms.
Healthcare providers and community perspectives on expedited partner therapy (EPT) for use with gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men
Authors: Gamarel Kristi E , Mouzoon Raha , Rivas Alejandro , Stephenson Rob , Mmeje Okeoma
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is an effective strategy to reduce rates of chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection and ensure sexual partners are treated. Currently, EPT is provided to heterosexual patients; however, EPT is not routinely recommended for use with gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) because of concerns about HIV coinfection. The objective of the qualitative study was to understand provider and community views on the use of EPT with GBMSM.

Methods

Using convenience sampling methods, we recruited a sample of 18 healthcare providers and 21 GBMSM to participate in in-depth, semistructured interviews. Interviews were conducted over the phone and included questions about knowledge, experiences and potential barriers and facilitators to the use of EPT with GBMSM.

Results

Most providers wanted to provide EPT to GBMSM and believed that the potential barriers and concerns to EPT use were not unique to a patient’s sexual orientation. Several providers noted that they were currently providing EPT to GBMSM as part of HIV prevention services. Community members were generally unaware of EPT as a service and most indicated that they would only use EPT if they were in a committed relationship. Barriers included partner allergies and resistance, pharmacy protocols, structural concerns (eg, insurance coverage, pharmacists onsite and transportation) and potential disclosure issues. Facilitators included cultural humility and telemedicine with patients’ partners to overcome these barriers.

Conclusions

Acceptability of EPT use for both chlamydia and gonorrhoea was high among providers and community members. Barriers to EPT use, including concerns about patients’ partners’ allergies and resistance, disclosure concerns and linkage to HIV prevention services can be overcome through cultural humility trainings and telemedicine. Changing EPT recommendations at the national level to be inclusive of GBMSM is critical to curtail the rising STI and HIV epidemic.
Conditioning equine athletes on water treadmills significantly improves peak oxygen consumption
Authors: Greco‐Otto Persephone , Bond Stephanie , Sides Raymond , Bayly Warwick , Leguillette Renaud
Published: September 2019

Equine water treadmills (WT) were initially designed for rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, but are also commonly used for conditioning sport horses, however the effects are not well documented. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of an 18‐day WT conditioning programme on peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak). Nine unfit Thoroughbreds were used in a randomised controlled trial. Six horses worked daily for 18 days in stifle‐height water (WT group), while 3 control horses worked without water (dry treadmill group (DT)). Preconditioning and postconditioning maximal exercise racetrack tests (800 m) were performed using a portable ergospirometry system. Measured outcomes were V̇O2, tidal volume, minute ventilation, breathing frequency, heart rate, blood lactate and instantaneous and average speed. The workload as assessed by V̇O2was 21.7 per cent of preconditioning V̇O2peak values for WT horses. V̇O2peak on the racetrack increased by 16.1 per cent from preconditioning to postconditioning in the WT horses (P=0.03), but did not change in the DT horses. Therefore, exercising horses in high water heights may improve conditioning.
The first rolling load simulator (ROLLS) for testing bridges in Canada and its application on a full-scale precast box girder
Authors: Fam Amir , Brennan Dustin
Published: September 2019

This paper describes the development of a unique rolling load simulator (ROLLS) for testing bridge superstructure with a footprint up to 4 m ×17 m, and its first application to test a full-scale 1220 mm ×900 mm ×16000 mm B900 prestressed concrete box girder. This facility at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, is the first of its kind in Canada. ROLLS can apply cyclic loading in a controlled laboratory environment, under realistic highway scale ‘rolling wheel loads’, in lieu of the conventional ‘pulsating stationary loads’. It has two half-axles of a large tandem, each comprising a dual 1140 mm diameter air-inflated tires spaced at either 1.2 or 2.4 m. Each half-axle can apply up to 125 kN, representing the heaviest half-axle load of the CL-625 design truck of the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC). The maximum travel range and speed are 14.9 m and 6 m/s, respectively. A case study involving analysis of a bridge with eight adjacent B900 box girders of 27.6 m span was carried out prior to experimentally testing one of the girders using ROLLS. Load distribution analyses were conducted using both (i) a finite element model of the full bridge under various CL-625 truck loading configurations and (ii) the CHBDC load distribution method, and both agreed well. Scaling analysis of the girder load share was then conducted to account for shortening it to 16 m to fit in the laboratory, resulting in two-115 kN ROLLS design loads, 1.2 m apart. Multiple passes were conducted at various loads of 40%–100% of the design load, at speeds of 1–5 m/s to examine the machine and girder behaviours. It was found that the applied load fluctuates by less than 10% of full capacity and a 0.13 s/cycle time lag occurs. The measured girder deflection and elastic strains were 11%–20% lower than predicted theoretically. With the two half-axles assembly spaced at 1.2 m, the apparatus has the ability to complete three million cycles in approximately 4.5 months if ran continuously at 5 m/s.
Statistical properties of thermally expandable particles in soft-turbulence Rayleigh-Bénard convection
Authors: Alards Kim M. J. , Kunnen Rudie P. J. , Clercx Herman J. H. , Toschi Federico
Published: September 2019

The dynamics of inertial particles in Rayleigh-Bénard convection, where both particles and fluid exhibit thermal expansion, is studied using direct numerical simulations (DNS) in the soft-turbulence regime. We consider the effect of particles with a thermal expansion coefficient larger than that of the fluid, causing particles to become lighter than the fluid near the hot bottom plate and heavier than the fluid near the cold top plate. Because of the opposite directions of the net Archimedes’ force on particles and fluid, particles deposited at the plate now experience a relative force towards the bulk. The characteristic time for this motion towards the bulk to happen, quantified as the time particles spend inside the thermal boundary layers (BLs) at the plates, is shown to depend on the thermal response time, $ \tau_{T}$τT, and the thermal expansion coefficient of particles relative to that of the fluid, $ K = \alpha_{p}/\alpha_{f}$K=αp/αf. In particular, the residence time is constant for small thermal response times, $ \tau_{T} \lesssim 1$τT≲1, and increasing with $ \tau_{T}$τT for larger thermal response times, $ \tau_{T} \gtrsim 1$τT≳1. Also, the thermal BL residence time is increasing with decreasing K. A one-dimensional (1D) model is developed, where particles experience thermal inertia and their motion is purely dependent on the buoyancy force. Although the values do not match one-to-one, this highly simplified 1D model does predict a regime of a constant thermal BL residence time for smaller thermal response times and a regime of increasing residence time with $ \tau_{T}$τT for larger response times, thus explaining the trends in the DNS data well.

Graphical abstract
Effects of bosonic and fermionic q-deformation on the entropic gravity
Authors: Kibaroğlu Salih , Senay Mustafa
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we study thermodynamical contributions to the theory of gravity under the q-deformed boson and fermion gas models. According to Verlinde’s proposal, the law of gravity is not based on a fundamental interaction but it emerges as an entropic force from the changes of entropy associated with the information on the holographic screen. In addition, Strominger shows that the extremal quantum black holes obey neither boson nor fermion statistics, but they obey deformed statistic. Using these notions, we find q-deformed entropy and temperature functions. We also present the contributions that come from the q-deformed model to the Poisson equation, Newton’s law of gravity and Einstein’s field equations.
The “17 + 1” Mechanism
Authors: Brînză Andreea
Published: September 2019

The second decade of the 21st century has been marked by rising tensions between the United States and China, with the European Union caught between the two powers in an era of strategic competition. The “[Formula: see text]” mechanism, which focuses on economic cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, is not spared from the U.S.-China economic confrontation. The United States has launched a political and public campaign against China’s telecommunication giant Huawei in the CEE region, where most countries are U.S. allies. Since its establishment as “[Formula: see text]” in 2012, the mechanism has made slow progress in generating expected benefits to CEE countries, as many of China’s investments are under negotiation, delayed, or even canceled. The case of Romania indicates that CEE countries’ engagement in “[Formula: see text]” depends heavily on the changing priorities of their political leadership, which adds much uncertainty to the future development of the mechanism. Besides, there is lingering EU concern that the mechanism may divide the Union. To enhance its status as a strong and responsible partner with CEE countries and the EU, China needs to reform “[Formula: see text]” into a more transparent, effective and inclusive regional mechanism that engages all interested countries.
Evaluating Domain Ontologies
Authors: McDaniel Melinda , Storey Veda C.
Published: September 2019

The number of applications being developed that require access to knowledge about the real world has increased rapidly over the past two decades. Domain ontologies, which formalize the terms being used in a discipline, have become essential for research in areas such as Machine Learning, the Internet of Things, Robotics, and Natural Language Processing, because they enable separate systems to exchange information. The quality of these domain ontologies, however, must be ensured for meaningful communication. Assessing the quality of domain ontologies for their suitability to potential applications remains difficult, even though a variety of frameworks and metrics have been developed for doing so. This article reviews domain ontology assessment efforts to highlight the work that has been carried out and to clarify the important issues that remain. These assessment efforts are classified into five distinct evaluation approaches and the state of the art of each described. Challenges associated with domain ontology assessment are outlined and recommendations are made for future research and applications.
Unlocking Personalized Biomedicine and Drug Discovery with Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Cardiomyocytes: Fit for Purpose or Forever Elusive?
Authors: de Korte Tessa , Katili Puspita A. , Mohd Yusof Nurul A.N. , van Meer Berend J. , Saleem Umber , Burton Francis L. , Smith Godfrey L. , Clements Peter , Mummery Christine L. , Eschenhagen Thomas , Hansen Arne , Denning Chris
Published: September 2019

In recent decades, drug development costs have increased by approximately a hundredfold, and yet about 1 in 7 licensed drugs are withdrawn from the market, often due to cardiotoxicity. This review considers whether technologies using human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) could complement existing assays to improve discovery and safety while reducing socioeconomic costs and assisting with regulatory guidelines on cardiac safety assessments. We draw on lessons from our own work to suggest a panel of 12 drugs that will be useful in testing the suitability of hiPSC-CM platforms to evaluate contractility. We review issues, including maturity versus complexity, consistency, quality, and cost, while considering a potential need to incorporate auxiliary approaches to compensate for limitations in hiPSC-CM technology. We give examples on how coupling hiPSC-CM technologies with Cas9/CRISPR genome engineering is starting to be used to personalize diagnosis, stratify risk, provide mechanistic insights, and identify new pathogenic variants for cardiovascular disease.
Revisiting the roles of protein synthesis during skeletal muscle hypertrophy induced by exercise
Authors: Figueiredo Vandré Casagrande
Published: September 2019

Protein synthesis is deemed the underpinning mechanism enhancing protein balance required for skeletal muscle hypertrophy in response to resistance exercise. The current model of skeletal muscle hypertrophy induced by resistance training states that the acute increase in the rates of protein synthesis after each bout of resistance exercise is the basis for muscle growth. Within this paradigm, each resistance exercise session would add a specific amount of muscle mass; therefore, muscle hypertrophy could be defined as the result of intermittent and short-lived increases in muscle protein synthesis rates following each resistance exercise session. Although a substantial amount of data has accumulated in the last decades regarding the acute changes in protein synthesis (or translational efficiency) following resistance exercise, considerable gaps on the mechanism of muscle growth still exist. Ribosome biogenesis and translational capacity have emerged as important mediators of skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Recent advances in the field have demonstrated that skeletal muscle hypertrophy is associated with markers of translational capacity and long-term changes in protein synthesis under resting conditions. This review will discuss the caveats of the current model of skeletal muscle hypertrophy induced by resistance training while proposing a working model that takes into consideration the novel data generated by independent laboratories utilizing different methodologies. It is argued, herein, that the role of protein synthesis in the current model of muscle hypertrophy warrants revisiting.
Danshenol A Alleviates Hypertension-Induced Cardiac Remodeling by Ameliorating Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Suppressing Reactive Oxygen Species Production
Authors: Chen Kai , Guan Yiqing , Ma Yunci , Quan Dongling , Zhang Jingru , Wu Shaoyu , Liu Xin , Lv Lin , Zhang Guohua
Published: September 2019

Current therapeutic approaches have a limited effect on cardiac remodeling, which is characteristic of cardiac fibrosis and myocardial hypertrophy. In this study, we examined whether Danshenol A (DA), an active ingredient extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Radix Salviae, can attenuate cardiac remodeling and clarified the underlying mechanisms. Using the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) as a cardiac remodeling model, DA ameliorated blood pressure, cardiac injury, and myocardial collagen volume and improved cardiac function. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that DA might attenuate cardiac remodeling through modulating mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species. DA repaired the structure/function of the mitochondria, alleviated oxidative stress in the myocardium, and restored apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by angiotensin II. Besides, DA inhibited mitochondrial redox signaling pathways in both the myocardium and cardiomyocytes. Thus, our study suggested that DA attenuates cardiac remodeling induced by hypertension through modulating mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species.