bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pursuit disorder and saccade dysmetria after caudal fastigial inactivation in the monkey
Authors: Bourrelly Clara , Quinet Julie , Goffart Laurent
Published: July 2018

The caudal fastigial nuclei (cFN) are the output nuclei by which the medio-posterior cerebellum influences the production of saccadic and pursuit eye movements. We investigated the consequences of unilateral inactivation on the pursuit eye movement made immediately after an interceptive saccade toward a centrifugal target. We describe here the effects when the target moved along the horizontal meridian with a 10 or 20°/s speed. After muscimol injection, the monkeys were unable to track the present location of the moving target. During contralesional tracking, the velocity of postsaccadic pursuit was reduced. This slowing was associated with a hypometria of interceptive saccades such that gaze direction always lagged behind the moving target. No correlation was found between the sizes of saccade undershoot and the decreases in pursuit speed. During ipsilesional tracking, the effects on postsaccadic pursuit were variable across the injection sessions, whereas the interceptive saccades were consistently hypermetric. Here also, the ipsilesional pursuit disorder was not correlated with the saccade hypermetria either. The lack of correlation between the sizes of saccade dysmetria and changes of postsaccadic pursuit speed suggests that cFN activity exerts independent influences on the neural processes generating the saccadic and slow eye movements. It also suggests that the cFN is one locus where the synergy between the two motor categories develops in the context of tracking a moving visual target. We explain how the different fastigial output channels can account for these oculomotor tracking disorders.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Inactivation of the caudal fastigial nucleus impairs the ability to track a moving target. The accuracy of interceptive saccades and the velocity of postsaccadic pursuit movements are both altered, but these changes are not correlated. This absence of correlation is not compatible with an impaired common command feeding the circuits producing saccadic and pursuit eye movements. However, it suggests an involvement of caudal fastigial nuclei in their synergy to accurately track a moving target.
Identification of 170 New Long Noncoding RNAs in Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Oliveira Victor F. , Moares Lauro A. G. , Mota Ester A. , Jannotti-Passos Liana K. , Coelho Paulo M. Z. , Mattos Ana C. A. , Couto Flávia F. B. , Caffrey Brian E. , Marsico Annalisa , Guerra-Sá Renata
Published: July 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts generally longer than 200 nucleotides with no or poor protein coding potential, and most of their functions are also poorly characterized. Recently, an increasing number of studies have shown that lncRNAs can be involved in various critical biological processes such as organism development or cancer progression. Little, however, is known about their effects in helminths parasites, such as Schistosoma mansoni. Here, we present a computational pipeline to identify and characterize lncRNAs from RNA-seq data with high confidence from S. mansoni adult worms. Through the utilization of different criteria such as genome localization, exon number, gene length, and stability, we identified 170 new putative lncRNAs. All novel S. mansoni lncRNAs have no conserved synteny including human and mouse. These closest protein coding genes were enriched in 10 significant Gene Ontology terms related to metabolism, transport, and biosynthesis. Fifteen putative lncRNAs showed differential expression, and three displayed sex-specific differential expressions in praziquantel sensitive and resistant adult worm couples. Together, our method can predict a set of novel lncRNAs from the RNA-seq data. Some lncRNAs are shown to be differentially expressed suggesting that those novel lncRNAs can be given high priority in further functional studies focused on praziquantel resistance.
Permethrin Susceptibility for the Vector Culex tarsalis and a Nuisance Mosquito Aedes vexans in an Area Endemic for West Nile Virus
Authors: Vincent Geoffrey P. , Davis Justin K. , Wimberly Michael C. , Carlson Christopher D. , Hildreth Michael B.
Published: July 2018

In 2016, we compared susceptibility to the insecticide, permethrin, between the West Nile virus vector, Culex tarsalis Coquillett, and a major nuisance mosquito, Aedes vexans (Meigen), using baseline diagnostic dose and time values determined using the CDC bottle bioassay protocol. Mosquitoes were collected in the wild in Brookings County, South Dakota, situated in the Northern Great Plains of the USA. The determined diagnostic dose and time were then used in 2017 to validate these measurements for the same 2 mosquito species, collected at a second location within Brookings County. The diagnostic dose was determined for multiple time periods and ranged from 27.0 µg/ml at 60 min to 38.4 µg/ml at 30 min. There was no significant difference detected in mortality rates between Cx. tarsalis and Ae. vexans for any diagnostic time and dose. For practical purposes, mosquitoes in 2017 were tested at 38 µg/ml for 30 min; expected mortality rates were 93.38% for Cx. tarsalis and 94.93% for Ae. vexans. Actual 2017 mortality rates were 92.68% for Cx. tarsalis and 96.12% for Ae. vexans, validating the usefulness of this baseline at an additional location and year.
Peripheral Cone Dystrophy: Expanded Clinical Spectrum, Multimodal and Ultrawide-Field Imaging, and Genomic Analysis
Authors: Sisk Robert A. , Hufnagel Robert B. , Laham Ailee , Wohler Elizabeth S. , Sobreira Nara , Ahmed Zubair M.
Published: July 2018

Purpose. To present new clinical features, multimodal and ultrawide-field imaging characteristics of peripheral cone dystrophy (PCD), and results of laboratory and genetic investigation to decipher the etiology. Methods. Retrospective observational case-series. Results. Three patients with PCD presented with bilateral paracentral scotomas and a mean visual acuity of 20/25. All exhibited confluent macular hyperautofluorescence with a central bull’s eye lesion. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed loss of outer retinal elements, particularly the inner segment ellipsoid band and external limiting membrane, within the area of macular hyperautofluorescence. This area corresponded with a lightened fundus appearance and variable retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormalities. Full field and multifocal electroretinography distinguished PCD from other photoreceptor dystrophies. Ultrawide-field imaging revealed irregular peripheral retinal lesions in a distribution greater nasally than temporally and not contiguous with the macular lesion. Functional and anatomic testing remained stable over a mean follow-up of 3 years. Laboratory investigation for causes of uveitis was negative. Whole exome sequencing identified rare variants in genes associated with macular or cone dystrophy or degeneration. Conclusions. In contrast to the original description, the funduscopic and fluorescein angiographic appearance of PCD is abnormal, although the defects are subtle. Peripheral lesions may be observed in some patients. Bilateral, symmetric, macular hyperautofluorescence associated with outer retinal atrophy that spares the fovea is a characteristic of PCD. Pathogenic variants in the same gene were not shared across the cohort, suggesting genetic heterogeneity. Further evaluation is warranted.
The All-Cause Mortality and a Screening Tool to Determine High-Risk Patients among Prevalent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Bujang Mohamad Adam , Kuan Pei Xuan , Tiong Xun Ting , Saperi Fatin Ellisya , Ismail Mastura , Mustafa Feisul Idzwan , Abd Hamid Abd Muneer
Published: July 2018

Aims. This study aims to determine the all-cause mortality and the associated risk factors for all-cause mortality among the prevalent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients within five years’ period and to develop a screening tool to determine high-risk patients. Methods. This is a cohort study of T2DM patients in the national diabetes registry, Malaysia. Patients’ particulars were derived from the database between 1st January 2009 and 31st December 2009. Their records were matched with the national death record at the end of year 2013 to determine the status after five years. The factors associated with mortality were investigated, and a prognostic model was developed based on logistic regression model. Results. There were 69,555 records analyzed. The mortality rate was 1.4 persons per 100 person-years. The major cause of death were diseases of the circulatory system (28.4%), infectious and parasitic diseases (19.7%), and respiratory system (16.0%). The risk factors of mortality within five years were age group (p<0.001), body mass index category (p<0.001), duration of diabetes (p<0.001), retinopathy (p=0.001), ischaemic heart disease (p<0.001), cerebrovascular (p=0.007), nephropathy (p=0.001), and foot problem (p=0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of the proposed model was fairly strong with 70.2% and 61.3%, respectively. Conclusions. The elderly and underweight T2DM patients with complications have higher risk for mortality within five years. The model has moderate accuracy; the prognostic model can be used as a screening tool to classify T2DM patients who are at higher risk for mortality within five years.
Fresh-Keeping Effort and Channel Performance in a Fresh Product Supply Chain with Loss-Averse Consumers’ Returns
Authors: Gu Bojun , Fu Yufang , Li Yanling
Published: July 2018

We consider a fresh product supply chain consisting of one fresh product supplier and one e-tailer. Supplier sells fresh products through e-tailer in an online market, and the e-tailer offers a full-refund return policy to loss-averse consumers and exerts a fresh-keeping effort to keep the product at the optimum freshness level. By developing an analytical model, we derive the optimal price, quantity, and fresh-keeping effort jointly and verify that it is unique in the centralized setting. Based on the comparison, we demonstrate that the e-tailer’s profit is greater with fresh-keeping effort than without it; therefore, the e-tailer has an incentive to engage in fresh-keeping effort. We also show that the return rate is independent of the fresh-keeping effort and consumers’ loss aversion. In the decentralized setting, we first characterize the optimal wholesale price by the numerical study and then find that although the buyback contract still works, the revenue-sharing contract fails to achieve channel coordination under our model formulation. Furthermore, we develop a revenue- and cost-sharing contract that can coordinate the supply chain by designing a new contractual mechanism. Our numerical studies offer the Pareto improvement regions under the buyback and revenue- and cost-sharing contracts in which the supplier and e-tailer can earn more expected profits compared with being under wholesale price contract.
A Study on the Application of Coordinated TOPSIS in Evaluation of Robotics Academic Journals
Authors: Yu Liping , Yang Wenhua , Duan Yunlong , Long Xinwen
Published: July 2018

While TOPSIS is a widely used evaluation method, it lacks evaluation from the perspective of indicator coordination. Based on the analysis of TOPSIS evaluation methods, this paper proposes a new assessment method, coordinated TOPSIS, which takes into account the advantages of TOPSIS evaluation methods and the coordination level of evaluation indicators. Taking the robotics academic journals as an example, the TOPSIS evaluation and the coordinated TOPSIS evaluation results are compared. The research shows that the weights of the coordinated TOPSIS method can be manually adjusted according to the purpose of evaluation and have a good flexibility; the TOPSIS evaluation results and coordinated TOPSIS evaluation results have a high degree of correlation, but the difference from the perspective of the ranking is big; the coordinated TOPSIS is very suitable for evaluation field that needs to consider the coordinated development, and it can be replicated.
Angle-Scanning Surface Plasmon Resonance System with 3D Printed Components for Biorecognition Investigation
Authors: Zhang ChenGuang , Chen Ching-Jung , Settu Kalpana , Liu Jen-Tsai
Published: July 2018

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a real-time, label-free, and high-sensitive detection technology. SPR has been widely used in many applications such as biomolecular interaction analysis, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostics. However, conventional SPR sensor systems usually require expensive equipment and complicated optics. In this paper, we have demonstrated a rapid prototyping of angle-scanning SPR for bioanalytical investigation. Rapid prototyping was attained by utilizing the FDM (fused deposition modeling) based 3D (three-dimensional) printing technology. Two rotating platforms were employed to drive the laser source and photodiode, respectively. A temperature regulation unit was incorporated to maintain the system temperature in order to reduce the temperature effect. The proposed SPR rapid prototyping yielded a refractive index resolution of 6.4×10−6 RIU (refractive index unit), and the biotin-avidin system validated the kinetics parameters measurement capability. The obtained results indicated that the FDM 3D printing has great potential for developing rapid-prototyping SPR system.
Antipleuritic and Vascular Permeability Inhibition of the Ethyl Acetate-Petroleum Ether Stem Bark Extract ofMaerua angolensisDC (Capparaceae) in Murine
Authors: Ampadu Felix Agyei , Boakye-Gyasi Eric , Osafo Newman , Benneh Charles Kwaku , Ekuadzi Edmund , Woode Eric
Published: July 2018

Maerua angolensishas been used traditionally in the management of pain, arthritis, and rheumatism in Ghana and Nigeria but no scientific evidence is currently available to give credence to its folkloric use. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of a stem bark extract ofMaerua angolensisDC (MAE) in acute inflammatory models. The effects of MAE (30-300 mg kg−1) on neutrophil infiltration, exudate volume, and endogenous antioxidant enzymes in lung tissues and lung morphology were evaluated with the carrageenan induced pleurisy model in Sprague Dawley rats. The effects of MAE (30-300 mg kg−1) on vascular permeability were also evaluated in the acetic acid induced vascular permeability in ICR mice. MAE significantly reduced neutrophil infiltration, exudate volume, and lung tissue damage in carrageenan induced pleurisy. MAE increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in lung tissues. The extract was also able to reduce myeloperoxidase activity and lipid peroxidation in lung tissues in carrageenan induced rat pleurisy. Vascular permeability was also attenuated by the extract with marked reduction of Evans blue dye leakage in acetic acid induced permeability assay. The results indicated thatMaerua angolensisis effective in ameliorating inflammation induced by carrageenan and acetic acid. It also has the potential of increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes.
Release Kinetic Studies of Stevia rebaudiana Extract Capsules from Sodium Alginate and Inulin by Ionotropic Gelation
Authors: Quintal Martínez Juan Pablo , Ruiz Ruiz Jorge Carlos , Segura Campos Maira Rubí
Published: July 2018

This study was oriented towards encapsulation of S. rebaudiana extract and the study of its release kinetics. The desired encapsulation was achieved by the ionotropic gelation method using sodium alginate and inulin of polymeric constituents. Characterization of the capsules was performed by micrometric properties, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro extract release analysis, and biological activity of released extract. The in vitro release profiles from different capsules were applied on different kinetic models. The prepared capsules were found spherical in shape with diameters ranging from 2.07 to 2.63 mm, having the encapsulation efficiencies of 43.77% and 56.53% for phenolic compounds and steviol glycosides, respectively. The best‐fit model with the highest correlation coefficient was observed in the Ritger–Peppas model, indicating diffusion controlled principle. The release exponent n value obtained from the Korsmeyer–Peppas model varied between 0.2273 and 1.1719, confirming that the mechanism of S. rebaudiana extract bioactive compounds release was diffusion controlled.
Heart in Acromegaly: The Echocardiographic Characteristics of Patients Diagnosed with Acromegaly in Various Stages of the Disease
Authors: Popielarz-Grygalewicz Agata , Gąsior Jakub S. , Konwicka Aleksandra , Grygalewicz Paweł , Stelmachowska-Banaś Maria , Zgliczyński Wojciech , Dąbrowski Marek
Published: July 2018

To determine whether the echocardiographic presentation allows for diagnosis of acromegalic cardiomyopathy. 140 patients with acromegaly underwent echocardiography as part of routine diagnostics. The results were compared with the control group comprising of 52 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Patients with acromegaly presented with higher BMI, prevalence of arterial hypertension, and glucose metabolism disorders (i.e., diabetes and/or prediabetes). In patients with acromegaly, the following findings were detected: increased left atrial volume index, increased interventricular septum thickness, increased posterior wall thickness, and increased left ventricular mass index, accompanied by reduced diastolic function measured by the following parameters: E’med., E/E’, and E/A. Additionally, they presented with abnormal right ventricular systolic pressure. All patients had normal systolic function measured by ejection fraction. However, the values of global longitudinal strain were slightly lower in patients than in the control group; the difference was statistically significant. There were no statistically significant differences in the size of the right and left ventricle, thickness of the right ventricular free wall, and indexed diameter of the ascending aorta between patients with acromegaly and healthy volunteers. None of 140 patients presented systolic dysfunction, which is the last phase of the so-called acromegalic cardiomyopathy. Some abnormal echocardiographic parameters found in acromegalic patients may be caused by concomitant diseases and not elevated levels of GH or IGF-1 alone. The potential role of demographic parameters like age, sex, and/or BMI requires further research.
The Dimensionless Squared Jerk: An Objective Parameter That Improves Assessment of Hand Motion Analysis during Simulated Shoulder Arthroscopy
Authors: Kholinne Erica , Gandhi Maulik J. , Adikrishna Arnold , Hong Hanpyo , Kim Haewon , Hong Jaesung , Jeon In-Ho
Published: July 2018

Purpose. Attempts to quantify hand movements of surgeons during arthroscopic surgery faced limited progress beyond motion analysis of hands and/or instruments. Surrogate markers such as procedure time have been used. The dimensionless squared jerk (DSJ) is a measure of deliberate hand movements. This study tests the ability of DSJ to differentiate novice and expert surgeons (construct validity) whilst performing simulated arthroscopic shoulder surgical tasks. Methods. Six residents (novice group) and six consultants (expert group) participated in this study. Participants performed three validated tasks sequentially under the same experimental setup (one performance). Each participant had ten performances assessed. Hand movements were recorded with optical tracking system. The DSJ, time taken, total path length, multiple measures of acceleration, and number of movements were recorded. Results. There were significant differences between novices and experts when assessed using time, number of movements with average and minimal acceleration threshold, and DSJ. No significant differences were observed in maximum acceleration, total path length, and number of movements with 10m/s2 acceleration threshold. Conclusion. DSJ is an objective parameter that can differentiate novice and expert surgeons’ simulated arthroscopic performances. We propose DSJ as an adjunct to more conventional parameters for arthroscopic surgery skills assessment.
Discovery of Novel Caeridins from the Skin Secretion of the Australian White’s Tree Frog, Litoria caerulea
Authors: Li Lei , Wu Qing , Wang Xi , Lu Huimin , Xi Xinping , Zhou Mei , Watson Chris J. , Chen Tianbao , Wang Lei
Published: July 2018

Abundant biologically active peptides have been discovered from frog skin secretions, a rich natural source of bioactive compounds with great potential in drug discovery. In this study, three Caeridin peptides, namely, Caeridin-1, S5-Caeridin-1, and Caeridin-a1, were discovered from the skin secretion of the Australian White’s tree frog, Litoria caerulea, for the first time, by means of combining transcriptomic and peptidomic analyses. It also represents the first report on bioactive Caeridins since this family of peptides was initially studied 20 years ago. Chemically synthetic versions of each natural Caeridin demonstrated promising bioactivities either on rat smooth muscles or against microbial growth. Specifically, Caeridin-1 produced contraction of rat bladder smooth muscle, while S5-Caeridin-1 induced relaxation of rat ileum smooth muscle, both at nanomolar concentrations. Moreover, Caeridin-a1 was shown to potently inhibit the growth of the planktonic Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), the Gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and the yeast, Candida albicans (C. albicans). The discovery of these Caeridins may induce further intensive and systematic studies of frog skin peptides to promote the discovery of natural templates as lead compounds for drug discovery and therapeutic application.
Appropriateness of Pharmacologic Prophylaxis against Deep Vein Thrombosis in Medical Wards of an Ethiopian Referral Hospital
Authors: Ayalew Mohammed Biset , Horsa Boressa Adugna , Zeleke Meseret Tilahun
Published: July 2018

Background. Most of hospitalized patents are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The use of pharmacological prophylaxis significantly reduces the incidence of thromboembolic events in high risk patients. The aim of this study was to assess appropriateness of DVT prophylaxis in hospitalized medical patients in an Ethiopian referral hospital. Methods. Cross-sectional study design was employed. Patients with a diagnosis of DVT, taking anticoagulant therapy, and those who refused to participate were excluded from the study. Two hundred and six patients were included in the study using simple random sampling method. Modified Padua Risk Assessment Model was used to determine the risk of thromboembolism. SPSS (version 21) was used for analysis. Result. The total risk score for the study subjects ranged from 0 to 11 with a mean score of 3.41 ± 2.55. Nearly half (47.6%) of study participants had high risk to develop thromboembolism. Thrombocytopenia (platelets < 50 billion/L) or coagulopathy, active hemorrhage, and end stage liver disease (INR > 1.5) were the frequently observed absolute contraindications that potentially prevent patients from receiving thromboprophylaxis. Thromboprophylaxis use in nearly one-third (31.6%) of patients admitted in the medical ward of UoGRH was irrational. Patients who had high risk for thromboembolism are more likely to be inappropriately managed for their risk of thromboembolism and patients with thrombocytopenia or coagulopathy were more likely to be managed appropriately. Conclusion. There is underutilization of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis in medical ward patients. Physicians working there should be aware of risk factors for DVT and indications for pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis and should adhere to guideline recommendations.
Relation between Level of Serum Transferrin and Postoperative Wound Drainage in Closed Long Bone Fractures
Authors: Bhimani Rohan , Bhimani Fardeen , Singh Preeti
Published: July 2018

Objective. To report association between the serum transferrin level and postoperative wound drainage in closed long bone fractures. Summary of Background Data. There is an old association between the serum transferrin level and wound drainage leading to peri-implant infection. There is no literature available on the ideal treatment for wound drainage. In the majority of the cases, wound drainage usually stops in 3–5 days postoperatively. However, very few cases have been described in the literature about wound drainage following closed long bone fractures. Methods. A prospective review of the patient’s serum transferrin levels and postoperative wound drainage is done. Results. We reviewed records of 100 patients in whom levels of serum transferrin were checked preoperatively and correlated with postoperative wound discharge. Out of the 100 patients whose serum transferrin levels were checked, 23 patients had low serum transferrin levels and 19 patients had postoperative wound discharge. Out of these 19 patients, 16 patients had low serum transferrin levels. Thus, sensitivity of the test was 84.2% and specificity was 91.3%. In addition, the positive predictive value was 70% and negative predictive value was 96%. Conclusion. We report that preoperative serum transferrin levels can be used as a good marker to judge postoperative wound drainage in closed long bone fractures.
Ectopic Papillary Thyroid Cancer with Distant Metastasis
Authors: Vázquez Oscar R. , Silva Frieda , Acosta-Pumarejo Eduardo , Marín Maria L.
Published: July 2018

Ectopic thyroid tissue is a rare clinical entity wherein malignant lesions may arise, the most common one being papillary carcinoma. We present a case of a 68-year-old female who presented with a growing mass in the right clavicle. An MR of the shoulder showed a soft tissue mass arising from the anterior margin of the right distal clavicle. A fine needle aspiration of the mass showed papillary thyroid carcinoma. PET/CT confirmed the clavicular and mediastinal mass. Excision of the clavicular mass and total thyroidectomy with modified right neck dissection were performed. Pathology revealed no evidence of malignancy in the thyroid; lymph nodes were positive for metastatic thyroid carcinoma. Postsurgery CT showed the superior mediastinal mass with surrounding adenopathy; radioiodine (RAI) treatment with dose of 142.1 mCi [5257.7 MBq] was recommended. Posttherapy whole-body scan (WBS) showed RAI avid tissue in the neck and superior mediastinum. Follow-up chest CT revealed pulmonary nodules that increased in number and size; a second RAI therapeutic dose was given. The posttherapy RAI WBS was negative. Repeat PET/CT showed multiple hypermetabolic lesions in the mediastinum, neck, lymph nodes, pulmonary nodes, and right shoulder. The FDG avid lesions with no RAI uptake suggested tumor dedifferentiation.
Formaldehyde Vapor Concentration in Electronic Cigarettes and Health Complaints of Electronic Cigarettes Smokers in Indonesia
Authors: Lestari Kusuma S. , Humairo Mika Vernicia , Agustina Ukik
Published: July 2018

Electronic cigarettes regulation in Indonesia has not been set yet. In the last 4 years the electronic cigarettes have been widely distributed and used in Indonesia. Electronic cigarettes contain nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerol, liquid flavors, etc. All ingredients produce vapor when heated. Vapor and particles from electronic cigarettes affect the human health. Formaldehyde is known as a product of propylene glycol and glycerol vapor degradation. Formaldehyde is one of the chemical agents categorized as carcinogen. The aim of the research was to analyze the identification of formaldehyde vapor concentration and health complaint of electronic cigarettes smoker. The research was conducted in Surabaya city, Indonesia, from October 2015 to December 2016. The research used cross-sectional approach. Sample was obtained by purposive sampling that fulfilled samples inclusion criteria. The variables were the onset of smoking electronic cigarettes, smoking frequency of electronic cigarettes, formaldehyde vapor concentration, cotinine urine, and health complaint of electronic cigarettes smoker. The result showed that formaldehyde concentration in six vapors varied while cotinine urine mostly was positive. It is suggested to educate people about hazard of electronic cigarettes and to conduct further research to identify chemical agent in electronic cigarettes.
Effects of Various Processing Methods on the Ultrastructure of Tendon Collagen Fibrils from Qinchuan Beef Cattle Observed with Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Li Guixia , Wan Yunfei , Song Xuan , Wang Ying , Zan Linsen , Zhu Jie
Published: July 2018

Atomic force microscopy was utilized to study the effects of ultrasound oscillation, microwave heating, water bath cooking, and acid-base soaking on the ultrastructure of collagen fibrils of Qinchuan beef cattle tendons. D-spacing length and roughness of collagen fibrils always showed a 1.02% increment in the group which was processed for 20 min rather than for 10 min under different ultrasound frequencies. Microwave heating had a slight impact on D-spacing length and roughness at lower power (140–560 W), and collagen fibrils always showed a 1.02% increment for 20 min. Then, visible changes were noted with increasing power and time. D-spacing length reduced by 1.01% at 50°C for treatment periods of 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min, and there was no obvious change at 60°C; the periodic structure disappeared after cooking for 20 min, when fibrils had become gelatinized at 70°C. Collagen fibrils became disorganized at pH 3, following acid-base soaking. The present study indicated that acid-base soaking had an outstanding effect on the ultrastructure of collagen fibrils, especially in an acidic environment in consideration of the special structure of collagen.
MACE for the Diagnosis of Dementia and MCI: 3-Year Pragmatic Diagnostic Test Accuracy Study
Authors: Williamson John C. , Larner Andrew J.
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: The Mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (MACE) is a relatively new short cognitive screening instrument for the detection of patients with dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Few studies of the MACE have been reported hitherto. The aim of this study was to undertake a pragmatic diagnostic test accuracy study of MACE in a large cohort of patients seen in a dedicated cognitive disorders clinic. Methods: MACE was administered to consecutive patients referred to a neurology-led Cognitive Function Clinic over the course of 3 years to assess its performance for the diagnosis of dementia and MCI using various test metrics. Results: In a cohort of 599 patients, the prevalence of dementia and MCI by criterion diagnosis was 0.17 and 0.29, respectively. MACE had a high sensitivity (> 0.9) and negative predictive values (> 0.8) with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d > 1) for the diagnosis of both dementia and MCI but a low specificity (< 0.5) and positive predictive values (≤0.5). Conclusion: MACE is an acceptable test for the assessment of cognitive complaints in a secondary care setting with good metrics for identifying cases of both dementia and MCI.
Risk Factors for Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Prospective Multicenter Case-Control Study
Authors: Berkhout Daniel J.C. , Klaassen Patrick , Niemarkt Hendrik J. , de Boode Willem P. , Cossey Veerle , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Hulzebos Christiaan V. , Andriessen Peter , van Kaam Anton H. , Kramer Boris W. , van Lingen Richard A. , Vijlbrief Daniel C. , van Weissenbruch Mirjam M. , Benninga Marc , de Boer Nanne K.H. , de Meij Tim G.J.
Published: July 2018

Background: The identification of independent clinical risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) may contribute to early selection of infants at risk, allowing for the development of targeted strategies aimed at the prevention of NEC. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify independent risk factors contributing to the development of NEC in a large multicenter cohort. Methods: This prospective cohort study was performed in 9 neonatal intensive care units. Infants born at a gestational age ≤30 weeks were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected daily until day 28 postnatally. Factors predictive of the development of NEC were identified using univariate and multivariable analyses in a 1: 5 matched case-control cohort. Results: In total, 843 infants (56 NEC cases) were included in this study. In the case-control cohort, univariate analysis identified sepsis prior to the onset of NEC and formula feeding to be associated with an increased risk of developing NEC, whereas the administration of antibiotics directly postpartum was inversely associated with NEC. In a multivariable logistic regression model, enteral feeding type and the number of days parenterally fed remained statistically significantly associated with NEC, whereas the administration of antibiotics directly after birth was associated with a lower risk of developing NEC. Conclusions: Formula feeding and prolonged (duration of) parenteral feeding were associated with an increased risk of NEC. Contrary to expectations, the initiation of treatment with antibiotics within 24 h after birth was inversely associated with NEC.
Assessment of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Effects on the Electrophysiological Properties of the Ulnar Nerve: A Nerve Conduction Study
Authors: Chan Sónia , Ferreira Sérgio , Ramos Bruno , Santos Maria João , Matos Luís Carlos , Machado Jorge
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Acupuncture and moxibustion, when used together, have act mechanically and thermally on treated reflexological areas. The main goal of this work was to evaluate the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on the electrophysiological properties of the ulnar nerve. Methods: Electrical stimulation was applied to the ulnar nerve above the epi­condyle of 28 volunteers. A 20-V potential was applied, and after each 10 impulses it was increased by 10 V, up to a maximum of 80 V. At 20 and 80 V, the participants were asked to rate the discomfort from 0 to 10 on a Numeric Rating Scale for pain. After the first stimulation and data collection, the control group rested for 6 min, while the intervention group was submitted to acupuncture and moxibustion on Lingdao (HT 4). Following this period of time, a second electrical stimulation was performed on both groups. Results: The discomfort was greater in the intervention group during the second stimulation. The stimulus required to achieve the maximum amplitude decreased, but the changes were only statistically significant in the intervention group (p = 0.006). An increase in latency and a decrease in reaction velocity were noticed between the first and the second stimulation for both groups; however, only the control group presented statistically significant differences (p = 0.018 and p = 0.022, respectively). Conclusions: Acupuncture and moxibustion on HT 4 increased the electrical sensitivity, decreased the stimulus intensity to achieve the maximum amplitude, and avoided a significant increase in latency and decrease in reaction velocity in two consecutive electrical stimulations.
Ventilator-Induced Kidney Injury: Are Novel Biomarkers the Key to Prevention?
Authors: Hepokoski Mark L. , Malhotra Atul , Singh Prabhleen , Crotty Alexander Laura E.
Published: July 2018

Mechanical ventilation is associated with significant increases in the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). The rate of AKI due to mechanical ventilation and the associated mortality remain unacceptably high. Preventative and therapeutic strategies are clearly lacking. Ventilator-induced kidney injury is believed to occur due to changes in hemodynamics that impair renal perfusion, neurohumoral-mediated alterations in intra-renal blood flow, and systemic inflammatory mediators generated by ventilator-induced lung injury. The risk of injury to the kidney by these mechanisms may be modified by open lung protective ventilation with low tidal volumes and high positive end expiratory pressure. However, these strategies may also increase the risk of injury in some settings, and clinicians have limited means to identify the optimal ventilator strategy for each specific patient. Novel urinary biomarkers have demonstrated the ability to predict AKI prior to classic clinical signs such as decreased urine output and increased creatinine. These biomarkers may serve as an early indication to intensivists of an injurious ventilator strategy and failure of traditional management.
Blocking Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Alleviates Neuropathic Pain Induced by Chemotherapeutic Bortezomib
Authors: Duan Zongsheng , Li Jing , Pang Xiaochuan , Wang Hushan , Su Zhenbo
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Bortezomib (BTZ) is largely used as a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer. However, one of the significant limiting complications of BTZ is painful peripheral neuropathy during BTZ therapy. Drugs preventing and/or treating the painful symptoms induced by BTZ are lacking since the underlying mechanisms leading to neuropathic pain remain largely unclear. The purposes of this study were to examine 1) the effects of blocking mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) on mechanical pain and cold hypersensitivity evoked by BTZ and 2) the underlying mechanisms responsible for the role of mTOR in regulating BTZ-induced neuropathic pain. Methods: Behavioral test was performed to determine mechanical pain and cold sensitivity in a rat model. Western blot analysis and ELISA were used to examine expression of mTOR and phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K) signals, and the levels of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Results: Systemic injection of BTZ significantly increased mechanical pain and cold sensitivity as compared with control animals (P< 0.05 vs. control rats). The expression of p-mTOR, mTOR-mediated phosphorylation of p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase 1 (p-S6K1), 4E–binding protein 4 (p-4E-BP1) as well as p-PI3K was amplified in the dorsal horn of spinal cord of BTZ rats as compared with control rats. Blocking mTOR by intrathecal infusion of rapamycin attenuated mechanical pain and cold hypersensitivity. Blocking PI3K signal also attenuated activities of mTOR, which was accompanied with decreasing neuropathic pain. Inhibition of either mTOR or PI3K blunted enhancement of the spinal substance P and CGRP in BTZ rats. Conclusions: The data for the first time revealed specific signaling pathways leading to BTZ-induced peripheral neuropathic pain, including the activation of mTOR and PI3K. Inhibition of these signal pathways alleviates pain. Targeting one or more of these signaling molecules may present new opportunities for treatment and management of peripheral painful neuropathy observed during chemotherapeutic application of BTZ.
Data-Driven Approach to Identify Subgroups of Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction Patients With Different Prognoses and Aldosterone Antagonist Response Patterns
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Duarte Kevin , McMurray John J.V. , Pitt Bertram , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Vincent John , Ahmad Tariq , Tromp Jasper , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez
Published: July 2018

Background:

Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction have a poor prognosis. The identification of subgroups with different outcomes and treatment response patterns may help to tailor strategies to each individual patient. We present an exploratory study of patients enrolled in the EMPHASIS-HF trial (Eplerenone in Patients With Systolic Heart Failure and Mild Symptoms) using latent class analysis with validation using the EPHESUS trial (Eplerenone, a Selective Aldosterone Blocker, in Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Myocardial Infarction) to identify subgroups of patients with different prognosis and response to eplerenone therapy.

Methods and Results:

Latent class analysis identifies mutually exclusive groups of individuals maximizing within-group similarities and between-group differences. In the EMPHASIS-HF trial, 2279 heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients were randomized to eplerenone or placebo and were characterized according to 18 clinical features. Subgroup definitions were applied to 6472 patients enrolled in the EPHESUS trial to validate observations. Event-free survival and effect of eplerenone on the composite of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization were determined for each subgroup. Four subgroups were identified with significant differences in event-free survival (
P
=0.002). The subgroup C had the worst event-free survival in both studies and was characterized by older age, lower body mass index, worse renal function, higher baseline potassium levels, high prevalence of anemia, diabetes mellitus, previous revascularization and higher rates of eplerenone discontinuation, and hyperkalemia during follow-up. Two subgroups (B and C) showed a poorer response to eplerenone in both studies and these groups shared common features such as lower body mass index and high prevalence of anemia. Clinical profiles, prognosis, and treatment response patterns of the 4 subgroups applied in EPHESUS trial presented similarities to those observed in EMPHASIS.

Conclusions:

Using a data-driven approach, we identified heart failure with reduced ejection fraction subgroups with significantly different prognoses and potentially different responses to eplerenone. However, these data should be regarded as hypothesis-generating and prospective validation is warranted, to assess the potential clinical implications of these subgroups.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00232180.
The Application of the Pilot Judgment Procedure and Other Forms of Handling Large-Scale Dysfunctions in the Case Law of the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Czepek Jakub
Published: July 2018

Over the years, the Pilot Judgment Procedure has become a common element of the Strasbourg landscape. Since the first pilot judgment in the case of Broniowski v. Poland in 2004, the procedure is now a well-recognised mechanism for solving systemic and structural problems. Nevertheless, it is not the only measure of solving large-scale dysfunctions arising from the legal systems of States Parties to the European Convention on Human Rights. The European Court of Human Rights (ECrtHR) has developed several mechanisms designed to eradicate systemic and structural problems, such as: Quasi-Pilot Judgments, Third Tier Judgments, Simplified Committee Procedure, Grouped Judgments, Joined Judgments, Judgments of Principle, and other methods, concerning mostly effective “Case-Management”. This article presents and analyses these methods used by the ECrtHR in order to eliminate structural and systemic problems and dysfunctions.
Reply to “Comments on ‘Revisiting the Balanced and Unbalanced Aspects of Tropical Cyclone Intensification’”
Authors: Heng Junyao , Wang Yuqing , Zhou Weican
Published: July 2018

In their comment, Montgomery and Smith critique the recent study of Heng et al. that revisited the balanced and unbalanced aspects of tropical cyclone (TC) intensification based on diagnostics of a full-physics model simulation using the Sawyer–Eliassen equation. Heng et al. showed that the balanced dynamics reproduced to a large extent the secondary circulation in the full-physics model simulation and concluded that balanced dynamics can well explain TC intensification in their full-physics model simulation. Montgomery and Smith suspect the balanced solution in Heng et al. because the basic-state vortex is not exactly in thermal wind balance in the boundary layer and possibly a too-large diffusivity in the numerical model was used. In this reply, we first indicate that the boundary layer spinup mechanism proposed by Smith et al. is a fast response of the TC boundary layer to surface friction and should not be a major mechanism of TC intensification. We then evaluate the possible effect of imbalance in the basic state in the boundary layer on the balanced solution. The results show that although the removal of the imbalance in the boundary layer leads to about a one-third reduction in the maximum inflow near the surface in the inner-core region, the overall effect on the tangential wind budget is marginal because of other compensations. We also show that both the horizontal and vertical diffusivities in the model used in Heng et al. are reasonable based on previous observational studies. Therefore, we conclude that all results in Heng et al. are valid. Some related issues are also discussed.
The Influence of CO2Forcing on North American Monsoon Moisture Surges
Authors: Pascale Salvatore , Kapnick Sarah B. , Bordoni Simona , Delworth Thomas L.
Published: July 2018

Widespread multiday convective bursts in the southwestern United States during the North American monsoon are often triggered by Gulf of California moisture surges (GoC surges). However, how GoC surges, and the amount and intensity of associated precipitation, will change in response to CO2-induced warming remains little known, not least because the most widely available climate models do not currently resolve the relevant mesoscale dynamics because of their coarse resolution (100 km or more). In this study, a 50-km-resolution global coupled model is used to address this question. It is found that the mean number of GoC surge events remains unchanged under CO2doubling, but intermediate-to-high intensity surge-related precipitation tends to become less frequent, thus reducing the mean summertime rainfall. Low-level moisture fluxes associated with GoC surges as well as their convergence over land to the east of the GoC intensify, but the increases in low-level moisture are not matched by the larger increments in the near-surface saturation specific humidity because of amplified land warming. This results in a more unsaturated low-level atmospheric environment that disfavors moist convection. These thermodynamic changes are accompanied by dynamic changes that are also detrimental to convective activity, with the midlevel monsoonal ridge projected to expand and move to the west of its present-day climatological maximum. Despite the overall reduction in precipitation, the frequency of very intense, localized daily surge-related precipitation in Arizona and surrounding areas is projected to increase with increased precipitable water.