bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cohort profile: The MULTI sTUdy Diabetes rEsearch (MULTITUDE) consortium
Authors: Pino Elizabeth C , Zuo Yi , Maciel De Olivera Camila , Mahalingaiah Shruthi , Keiser Olivia , Moore Lynn L , Li Feng , Vasan Ramachandran S , Corkey Barbara E , Kalesan Bindu
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Globally, the age-standardised prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has nearly doubled from 1980 to 2014, rising from 4.7% to 8.5% with an estimated 422 million adults living with the chronic disease. The MULTI sTUdy Diabetes rEsearch (MULTITUDE) consortium was recently established to harmonise data from 17 independent cohort studies and clinical trials and to facilitate a better understanding of the determinants, risk factors and outcomes associated with T2DM.

Participants

Participants range in age from 3 to 88 years at baseline, including both individuals with and without T2DM. MULTITUDE is an individual-level pooled database of demographics, comorbidities, relevant medications, clinical laboratory values, cardiac health measures, and T2DM-associated events and outcomes across 45 US states and the District of Columbia.

Findings to date

Among the 135 156 ongoing participants included in the consortium, almost 25% (33 421) were diagnosed with T2DM at baseline. The average age of the participants was 54.3, while the average age of participants with diabetes was 64.2. Men (55.3%) and women (44.6%) were almost equally represented across the consortium. Non-whites accounted for 31.6% of the total participants and 40% of those diagnosed with T2DM. Fewer individuals with diabetes reported being regular smokers than their non-diabetic counterparts (40.3% vs 47.4%). Over 85% of those with diabetes were reported as either overweight or obese at baseline, compared with 60.7% of those without T2DM. We observed differences in all-cause mortality, overall and by T2DM status, between cohorts.

Future plans

Given the wide variation in demographics and all-cause mortality in the cohorts, MULTITUDE consortium will be a unique resource for conducting research to determine: differences in the incidence and progression of T2DM; sequence of events or biomarkers prior to T2DM diagnosis; disease progression from T2DM to disease-related outcomes, complications and premature mortality; and to assess race/ethnicity differences in the above associations.
Effectiveness of extrinsic feedback for management of non-specific low back pain: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ribeiro Daniel Cury , Mącznik Aleksandra Katarzyna , Milosavljevic Stephan , Abbott J Haxby
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Low back pain is the greatest cause of years lived with disability worldwide and is linked with high societal and economic burden. Neuromuscular control impairments are a common clinical presentation in patients with non-specific low back pain. Musculoskeletal physiotherapists commonly use feedback as a part of the management of low back disorders. This systematic review will aim to assess the effectiveness of extrinsic biofeedback for reducing pain, disability and recurrence of pain in patients with non-specific low back pain.

Methods and analysis

Systematic searches will be performed in CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, Scopus and Web of Science. We will include randomised controlled trial studies, if the study recruited patients with non-specific low back pain; compared extrinsic feedback versus either placebo or control; another intervention; or in addition to an intervention versus that intervention alone; and have used pain, disability scores or low back pain recurrence as outcome measures. We will exclude studies with designs other than randomised controlled trials. We will assess the risk of bias within included studies using the PEDro scale, and the strength of evidence using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval and patient consent are not required since this is a systematic review based on published studies. The results of this study will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017077888
Lung volumes identify an at-risk group in persons with prolonged secondhand tobacco smoke exposure but without overt airflow obstruction
Authors: Arjomandi Mehrdad , Zeng Siyang , Geerts Jeroen , Stiner Rachel K , Bos Bruce , van Koeverden Ian , Keene Jason , Elicker Brett , Blanc Paul D , Gold Warren M
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is associated with occult obstructive lung disease as evident by abnormal airflow indices representing small airway disease despite having preserved spirometry (normal forced expiratory volume in 1 s-to-forced vital capacity ratio, FEV1/FVC). The significance of lung volumes that reflect air trapping in the presence of preserved spirometry is unclear.

Methods

To investigate whether lung volumes representing air trapping could determine susceptibility to respiratory morbidity in people with SHS exposure but without spirometric chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, we examined a cohort of 256 subjects with prolonged occupational SHS exposure and preserved spirometry. We elicited symptom prevalence by structured questionnaires, examined functional capacity (maximum oxygen uptake, VO2max) by exercise testing, and estimated associations of those outcomes with air trapping (plethysmography-measured residual volume-to-total lung capacity ratio, RV/TLC), and progressive air trapping with exertion (increase in fraction of tidal breathing that is flow limited on expiration during exercise (per cent of expiratory flow limitation, %EFL)).

Results

RV/TLC was within the predicted normal limits, but was highly variable spanning 22%±13% and 16%±8% across the increments of FEV1/FVC and FEV1, respectively. Respiratory complaints were prevalent (50.4%) with the most common symptom being ≥2 episodes of cough per year (44.5%). Higher RV/TLC was associated with higher OR of reporting respiratory symptoms (n=256; r2=0.03; p=0.011) and lower VO2max(n=179; r2=0.47; p=0.013), and %EFL was negatively associated with VO2max(n=32; r2=0.40; p=0.017).

Conclusions

In those at risk for obstruction due to SHS exposure but with preserved spirometry, higher RV/TLC identifies a subgroup with increased respiratory symptoms and lower exercise capacity.
A social change perspective on injury prevention in China
Authors: Ozanne-Smith Joan , Li Qingfeng
Published: May 2018

Introduction

China has undergone massive social change over the past four decades. Since national estimates became available in 1987, the overall fatal injury rate has decreased. This paper investigates targeted interventions and sociodemographic factors that may have contributed to fatal injury rate changes particularly for road traffic fatality (RTF), suicide and drowning.

Aims

(1) To review the recent epidemiology of injury in China.

(2)To investigate factors influencing trends in overall and specific cause injury mortality rates.

Methods

Published injury mortality statistics and related literature were reviewed. Factors potentially influencing trends were investigated in the context of rapid development based on literature reviews of targeted interventions, macrolevel and microlevel contextual factors and changes specific to RTF, suicide and drowning.

Results

Overall estimated national injury mortality rates in China decreased between 1987 and 2015, despite a rapid rise in RTF. Suicide and drowning rates decreased significantly and falls displaced drowning among the leading causes. The higher female to male suicide ratio reversed. Differences were observed in frequencies and proportions of deaths by major cause by age group and over time.

Discussion

Economic and structural development and related social change in this period include: urbanisation, changes in demographics, life choices (eg, internal migration), education, poverty alleviation, health insurance and relevant regulations/legislation. These factors potentially explain much of the change in fatal injury rates in China. Data limitations persist. Increased investment in data and research would provide realistic opportunities for accelerated progress in implementing effective targeted interventions to further reduce China’s injury burden.
Performance of point of care assays for hepatitis B and C viruses in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Barbosa Jakeline Ribeiro , Cortes Vanessa Faria , Portilho Moyra Machado , Miguel Juliana Custódio , Marques Vanessa Alves , Bezerra Cristianne Sousa , de Souza Natalia Vasconcelos , Lima Danielle Malta , Colares Jeová Keny Baima , Lewis-Ximenez Lia Laura , Lampe Elisabeth , Villar Livia Melo
Published: May 2018

Aims

Point of care testing (POCT) has been used for hepatitis B and C diagnosis in general population, but little is known about the influence of clinical conditions in the accuracy of these assays. This study aims to evaluate the performance of POCTs for detection of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus (anti-HCV) in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients.

Methods

A total of 286 subjects were included in this study. HBsAg and anti-HCV were detected using commercial EIAs and four POCTs: HBsAg (WAMA Imuno-Rápido HBsAg and VIKIA HBsAg) and anti-HCV (DOLES HCV teste rápido and WAMA Imuno-Rápido anti-HCV) in serum and whole blood.

Results

Using EIA, HBsAg and anti-HCV prevalence was 4.5% and 16.1% in CKD patients. HBsAg and anti-HCV POCTs had sensitivities from 92.3% to 100% and 84.8% to 89.1% while specificities were 99.3% to 100% and 99.2% to 99.6%, respectively. POCT using serum samples performed well compared with whole blood samples and true positive samples of POCTs had high optical density to cut-off (OD/CO) values compared with EIA.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates good performance of HBsAg and anti-HCV POCTs in CKD patients, especially in serum samples indicating low interference of this disease in the performance of these assays. POCTs could be an important tool for HBV and HCV screening in high-risk populations.
Evaluation of polygenic risk scores for ovarian cancer risk prediction in a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Xin , Leslie Goska , Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Ryan Andy , Intermaggio Maria , Lee Andrew , Kalsi Jatinderpal K , Tyrer Jonathan , Gaba Faiza , Manchanda Ranjit , Pharoah Paul D P , Gayther Simon A , Ramus Susan J , Jacobs Ian , Menon Usha , Antoniou Antonis C
Published: May 2018

Background

Genome-wide association studies have identified >30 common SNPs associated with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We evaluated the combined effects of EOC susceptibility SNPs on predicting EOC risk in an independent prospective cohort study.

Methods

We genotyped ovarian cancer susceptibility single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a nested case–control study (750 cases and 1428 controls) from the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening trial. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) were constructed and their associations with EOC risk were evaluated using logistic regression. The absolute risk of developing ovarian cancer by PRS percentiles was calculated.

Results

The association between serous PRS and serous EOC (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.58, p=1.3×10–11) was stronger than the association between overall PRS and overall EOC risk (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.45, p=5.4×10–10). Women in the top fifth percentile of the PRS had a 3.4-fold increased EOC risk compared with women in the bottom 5% of the PRS, with the absolute EOC risk by age 80 being 2.9% and 0.9%, respectively, for the two groups of women in the population.

Conclusion

PRSs can be used to predict future risk of developing ovarian cancer for women in the general population. Incorporation of PRSs into risk prediction models for EOC could inform clinical decision-making and health management.
Симультанні хірургічні втручання
Authors: Halei M. M.
Published: May 2018

Жовчнокам’яна хвороба (ЖКХ) є дуже поширеною хірургічною патологією та часто комбінується з іншими захворюваннямихірургічного профілю. Тактика лікування у випадку комбінованої чи поєднаної патології залежить від багатьох обставин, аленайбільш доцільно провести одноетапне лікування. Пріоритетним є використання техніки ендовідеохірургії. Огляд різних дже-рел дозволяє провести мета-аналіз. Висновки однозначні – симультанні операційні втручання не несуть додаткових ризиків,збільшують ефективність лікування, зменшують ризик післяопераційних внутрішньогоспітальних ускладнень.
Sexual Function Is an Indicator of Central Arterial Stiffness and Arterial Stiffness Gradient in Japanese Adult Men
Authors: Kumagai Hiroshi , Yoshikawa Toru , Myoenzono Kanae , Kosaki Keisei , Akazawa Nobuhiko , Asako Zempo‐Miyaki , Tsujimoto Takehiko , Kidokoro Tetsuhiro , Tanaka Kiyoji , Maeda Seiji
Published: May 2018

Background

As arterial stiffness increases in the absence of subjective symptoms, a personal indicator that reflects increased risk of cardiovascular disease is necessary. Penile erection is regulated by vascular function, and atherosclerosis affects the penile artery earlier than it affects the coronary and carotid arteries. Therefore, we hypothesized that deterioration of erectile function could be a marker of increased risk for cardiovascular disease. To test our hypothesis, we assessed erectile function and arterial stiffness in a cross‐sectional study.

Methods and Results

Carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), brachial‐ankle PWV, femoral‐ankle PWV, and arterial stiffness gradient (PWV ratio: carotid‐femoral PWV/femoral‐ankle PWV) were measured as indexes of central, systemic, and peripheral arterial stiffness and peripheral organ damage, respectively, in 317 adult men. In addition, erectile function was assessed by using the questionnaire International Index of Erectile Function 5 (a descending score indicates worsening of erectile function). The scores of male sexual function were inversely correlated with carotid‐femoral PWV (
r
s
=−0.41), brachial‐ankle PWV (
r
s
=−0.35), femoral‐ankle PWV (
r
s
=−0.19), and PWV ratio (
r
s
=−0.33). Furthermore, multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that International Index of Erectile Function 5 scores were significantly associated with carotid‐femoral PWV (β=−0.22) and PWV ratio (β=−0.25), but not with brachial‐ankle PWV and femoral‐ankle PWV.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that erectile function is independently associated with central arterial stiffness and peripheral organ damage. These findings suggest that male sexual function could be an easily identifiable and independent marker of increased central arterial stiffness and peripheral organ damage.
Treatment Receipt and Outcomes of Self‐Reported Voice Problems in the US Population Aged ≥65 Years
Authors: Marmor Schelomo , Misono Stephanie
Published: May 2018

Objectives

(1) Characterize the US population aged ≥65 years with self‐reported voice problems, (2) describe voice treatment characteristics in this group, and (3) identify factors associated with self‐reported voice improvement.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Population‐based cross‐sectional US national survey sample.

Subjects and Methods

We identified a cohort of adults aged ≥65 years from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, a population‐based US national survey. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were performed.

Results

The prevalence of self‐reported voice problems in this cohort was 10%. Of those, 44% reported voice problems for >1 month. The strongest predictor of reporting voice improvement was receipt of voice treatment (odds ratio, 3.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.36‐9.00), after adjusting for sex, age, race, education, and health status. Eleven percent reported voice treatment, which included 20% of those with moderate or worse voice problem severity. Female sex and worse health status were associated with reporting voice treatment. Among those with voice treatment, 38% reported “better,” 33% “same,” and 29% “worse” voice symptoms over the past year, compared to 17%, 67%, and 16%, respectively, among those without treatment. Health status influenced likelihood of reporting voice improvement but not universally.

Conclusions

We observed a significant self‐reported burden of voice problems in the US population aged ≥65 years. Most are untreated and thus not well represented in the current literature. Vocal improvement was strongly associated with treatment. Further investigation is needed to clarify patient and treatment characteristics most associated with vocal improvement.
Effects of p-Synephrine and Caffeine Ingestion on Substrate Oxidation during Exercise
Authors: GUTIÉRREZ-HELLÍN JORGE , DEL COSO JUAN
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Caffeine and p-synephrine are substances usually included in commercially available products for weight loss because of their purported thermogenic effects. However, scientific information is lacking about the effects of combining these substances on substrate oxidation during exercise. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the isolated and combined effects of p-synephrine and caffeine on fat oxidation rate during exercise.

Methods

In a double-blind randomized experiment, 13 healthy subjects participated in four experimental trials after the ingestion of a capsule containing a placebo, 3 mg·kg−1 of caffeine, 3 mg·kg−1 of p-synephrine, or the combination of these doses of caffeine and p-synephrine. Energy expenditure and substrate oxidation rates were measured by indirect calorimetry during a cycle ergometer ramp test from 30% to 90% of V˙O2max.

Results

In comparison with the placebo, the ingestion of caffeine, p-synephrine, or p-synephrine + caffeine did not alter total energy expenditure or heart rate during the whole exercise test. However, the ingestion of caffeine (0.44 ± 0.15 g·min−1, P = 0.03), p-synephrine (0.43 ± 0.19 g·min−1, P < 0.01), and p-synephrine + caffeine (0.45 ± 0.15 g·min−1, P = 0.02) increased the maximal rate of fat oxidation during exercise when compared with the placebo (0.30 ± 0.12 g·min−1). The exercise intensity that elicited maximal fat oxidation was similar in all trials (~46.2% ± 10.2% of V˙O2max).

Conclusion

Caffeine, p-synephrine, and p-synephrine + caffeine increased the maximal rate of fat oxidation during exercise compared with a placebo, without modifying energy expenditure or heart rate. However, the coingestion of p-synephrine and caffeine did not present an additive effect to further increase fat oxidation during exercise.
Nitrate Supplement Benefits Contractile Forces in Fatigued but Not Unfatigued Muscle
Authors: TILLIN NEALE A. , MOUDY SARAH , NOURSE KIRSTY M. , TYLER CHRISTOPHER J.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Evidence suggests dietary nitrate supplementation enhances low-frequency (≤20 Hz) involuntary, but not voluntary, forces in unfatigued human muscle. We investigated the hypotheses that nitrate supplementation would also attenuate low-frequency fatigue and the loss of explosive voluntary forces in fatigued conditions.

Methods

In a counterbalanced double-blinded order, 17 male participants completed two experimental trials after 7 d of dietary supplementation with either nitrate-rich (NIT) or nitrate-depleted (PLA) beetroot juice. Each trial consisted of measuring isometric knee extension forces during a series of explosive maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and involuntary tetanic contractions (at 10, 20 50, and 100 Hz) in unfatigued conditions, followed by a fatigue protocol of 60 MVC and a repeat of the tetanic contractions immediately after the 60 MVC.

Results

In unfatigued conditions, there was no effect of NIT on any of the measured dependent variables, including maximal voluntary force, explosive impulse, and tetanic peak forces or peak rate of force developments at any frequency. In contrast, the percentage decline in explosive voluntary impulse from the first to the last 6 MVC in the fatigue protocol was lower in NIT (51.1% ± 13.9%) than in PLA (57.3% ± 12.4%; P = 0.039; d = 0.51). Furthermore, low-frequency fatigue determined via the percentage decline in the 20/50-Hz ratio was attenuated in NIT for tetanic peak force (NIT: 12.3% ± 12.0% vs PLA: 17.0% ± 10.1%; P = 0.110; d = 0.46) and tetanic peak rate force development (NIT: 12.3% ± 10.4% vs PLA: 20.3% ± 9.5%; P = 0.011; d = 0.83).

Conclusions

Nitrate supplementation reduced the decline in explosive voluntary forces during a fatiguing protocol and attenuated low-frequency fatigue, likely due to reduced disruption of excitation–contraction coupling. However, contrary to previous findings, nitrate supplementation had no effect on contractile performance in unfatigued conditions.
Using Ethnotaxonomy to Assess Traditional Knowledge and Language Vitality: A Case Study with the Vaie People of Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Hidayati Syafitri , Abdul Ghani Bibi Aminah , Giridharan Beena , Hassan Mohd Zafri , Franco F. Merlin
Published: May 2018

This article demonstrates the potential of using ethnotaxonomy and nomenclature to assess the vitality status of indigenous languages and traditional knowledge at the ecosystem level. We collaborated with the Vaie people of Sarawak, Malaysia, applying a mixed methodology approach that relies on free-listing to a large extent. We applied the Traditional Knowledge and Language Vitality (TraLaVi) index to assess traditional knowledge and language vitality against five major parameters, specifically: language priority, retrieval of information, knowledge erosion, lexical recognition, and social support for exchange of traditional knowledge.  The results show that with a TraLaVi score of 0.84, the Vaie language can be considered “safe”. Individuals practicing the traditional occupation of fishing fared better (mean=0.90) than those of the non-fishermen group (mean=0.77). However, when the language vitality was assessed using the Language Vitality and Endangerment assessment tool of UNESCO, the results indicate that the Vaie language could potentially be in the “unsafe” zone, highlighting the differences between the ecosystem based approach of the TraLaVi and the macro-approach of UNESCO. However, these approaches can be applied in a complementary manner to generate a more accurate portrayal of the language vitality scenario.
Ethno-Ornithology of the Mushere of Nigeria: Children's Knowledge and Perceptions of Birds
Authors: Pam Grace Alheri-Bulus , Zeitlyn David , Gosler Andrew
Published: May 2018

Mushere children’s ethno-ornithology was surveyed from October to November 2015 to find out their level of bird knowledge—as well as whether and how children valued and learned about birds—in order to determine the potential role such knowledge might play in Mushere biodiversity conservation. Methods included picture elicitation exercises, free-listing, and semi-structured interviews. Our results revealed a limited knowledge of birds in Mushere children, and that bird knowledge was gendered. Girls learned through observation, while boys learned through practical bird-related activities. Learning was mostly horizontal for boys but vertical and/or oblique for girls; the most reported learning mode was through oral tradition. Farmland and garden birds were the most common groups, with birds in the families Columbidae and Estrildidae having the highest salience and frequency of mention. We suggest that this reflects the importance of ecological salience, since both groups are relatively locally abundant. The children also had a limited knowledge of cultural beliefs and uses of the birds, but valued birds as important. We argue that how much children will know and learn about any biological domain will be determined by the cultural attitudes and perceptions of that domain, and the cultural importance attached to it. We conclude that the limited knowledge of birds in Mushere children reflects Mushere cultural indifference (ornithoapatheia) to birds. We suggest that a consistent and deliberate conservation education program that will work towards encouraging ornithophilia, the love of birds, and biophilia, the love of nature, in Mushere children could be beneficial.
What is Your “Phytolith Load”? An Examination of the Potential for Cross-Contamination During Phytolith Extraction
Authors: Buffington Abigail Francesca , Weiland Andrew , Arnold Julia , Arbogast Drew
Published: May 2018

Phytoliths—amorphous opal silica bodies that form in living plant tissues—are assumed to be stable components of a soil matrix, minimally impacted by normal physical forces. This stability enables archaeologists to access an archive of prior vegetative landscapes when discrete horizons are recovered. However, there is a small chance of phytoliths moving in a laboratory setting via aeolian forces, especially after they have been isolated from other materials such as clay, organics, and carbonates, and when multiple samples are being processed simultaneously. As a result, an assessment of contamination risk on sample extraction is necessary for interpreting the results of phytolith analyses. We designed a study to test the potential for contamination on slides in two different locations of the phytolith laboratory. The results of our study inform how we can improve on phytolith processing protocols and analyses to reduce the potential effect of cross-contamination between samples.
Hepatic Tuberculosis of Pseudotumor Form
Authors: Meriam Sabbah , Norsaf Bibani , Dorra Trad , Asma Ouakaa , Hela Elloumi , Dalila Gargouri , Ahlem Lahmar , Jamel Kharrat
Published: May 2018

Tuberculosis involving the liver in the absence of active pulmonary tuberculosis is very rare. The inflammatory pseudotumoral form is an entity difficult to diagnose. We report a case of an inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver due to tuberculosis, who didn’t underwent hepatectomy because of the size of the tumor. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was made on biopsy and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
A new species of Synchonnus (Coleoptera: Lycidae) from New Guinea, with an identification key to the Papuan species
Authors: Kusy Dominik
Published: May 2018

The Papuan fauna of Synchonnus Waterhouse, 1879 contains only four species distributed in Mysool, Japen, and New Guinea and is less diversified than those of the continental Australia where 16 species have been recorded. Synchonnus occurs in lowlands and in lower mountain forests. A new species, Synchonnus etheringtoni sp. nov., is described from New Guinea, and S. testaceithorax Pic, 1923 is redescribed. All Papuan species are keyed.
Possibilities of Satisfying the Energy Needs of Rural Community Residents with Renewable Energy Sources – the Case of Poland
Authors: Bernaciak Anna , Bernaciak Arnold , Zasada Klaudia , Lis Aleksandra
Published: May 2018

The historical, economic and legal conditions of the Polish energy supply system differ from other European countries. The share of renewable energy sources in the overall energy balance is still limited. The main purpose of this study is to investigate whether it is possible to meet the energy needs of the basic unit of the territorial organization in Poland, i.e. a commune, exclusively from renewable sources. The main emphasis was put on the methods of estimating the demand of the inhabitants of a commune for energy and the possibility of producing it in an alternative way. The presented considerations could be used as a support for decision makers on the regional and local level in Poland and other European countries, who face the same challenges in energy supply.
Laboratory sample stability. Is it possible to define a consensus stability function? An example of five blood magnitudes
Authors: Gómez Rioja Rubén , Martínez Espartosa Débora , Segovia Marta , Ibarz Mercedes , Llopis María Antonia , Bauça Josep Miquel , Marzana Itziar , Barba Nuria , Ventura Monserrat , García del Pino Isabel , Puente Juan José , Caballero Andrea , Gómez Carolina , García Álvarez Ana , Alsina María Jesús , Álvarez Virtudes
Published: May 2018

Background:

The stability limit of an analyte in a biological sample can be defined as the time required until a measured property acquires a bias higher than a defined specification. Many studies assessing stability and presenting recommendations of stability limits are available, but differences among them are frequent. The aim of this study was to classify and to grade a set of bibliographic studies on the stability of five common blood measurands and subsequently generate a consensus stability function.

Methods:

First, a bibliographic search was made for stability studies for five analytes in blood: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose, phosphorus, potassium and prostate specific antigen (PSA). The quality of every study was evaluated using an in-house grading tool. Second, the different conditions of stability were uniformly defined and the percent deviation (PD%) over time for each analyte and condition were scattered while unifying studies with similar conditions.

Results:

From the 37 articles considered as valid, up to 130 experiments were evaluated and 629 PD% data were included (106 for ALT, 180 for glucose, 113 for phosphorus, 145 for potassium and 85 for PSA). Consensus stability equations were established for glucose, potassium, phosphorus and PSA, but not for ALT.

Conclusions:

Time is the main variable affecting stability in medical laboratory samples. Bibliographic studies differ in recommedations of stability limits mainly because of different specifications for maximum allowable error. Definition of a consensus stability function in specific conditions can help laboratories define stability limits using their own quality specifications.
Diagnostics of Track Quality of Ballastless Track and Transition Areas in Vicinity of Portals of Tunnel Turecky vrch
Authors: Šmalo Michal
Published: May 2018

The paper deals with the partial results of diagnostics of experimental sections of ballastless track Rheda 2000® and transition areas between ballastless and ballasted track structure around portals of tunnel Turecky vrch after six measurement cycles. The paper presents differences between each operational measurement and the measurement before putting sections into operation, which indicates a development of track geometry quality.
Assessment of azadirachtin-A, a neem tetranortritarpinoid, on rat spermatozoa during in vitro capacitation
Authors: Katte Teesta V. , Rajyalakshmi Malempati , Aladakatti Ravindranath H.
Published: May 2018

Background:

The exploration of the biological assessment of technical azadirachtin, a tetranortritarpinoid from the neem seed kernel, was reviewed. The present study was, therefore, designed to evaluate the dose-dependent in vitro effects of azadirachtin-A, particularly on the functional studies and determination of molecular events, which are critical in the process of sperm capacitation.

Methods:

To assess the effects of the azadirachtin-A on the functional studies, sperm capacitation, the total sperm adenosine triphosphate levels, acrosome reaction (AR), the sperm-egg interaction and the determination of molecular events like cyclic adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate and calcium levels, the appropriate volumes of the sperm suspension were added to the medium to a final concentration of 1×106 sperm/mL and incubated in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air at 37°C. The increasing quantities 0.5–2.0 mM/mL and the equivalent volumes of 50% dimethyl sulfoxide were added to the control dishes prior to the addition of spermatozoa and then observed at various time-points for motility and other analyses.

Results:

Results revealed the dose- and time-dependent decrease in the functional consequence of capacitation, i.e. the percentage of motile spermatozoa, motility score and sperm motility index, levels of molecular events in spermatozoa, followed by declined spontaneous AR leading to lesser binding of the cauda epididymal sperm to the Zona pellucida.

Conclusions:

The findings confirm the inhibition of rat sperm motility by blocking some biochemical pathways like energy utilization. They also demonstrate that sperm capacitation is associated with the decrease in AR and that the levels of molecular events in spermatozoa can guide us towards the development of a new male contraceptive constituent.
What Do We Mean By EU Tort Law?
Authors: Giliker Paula
Published: May 2018

This article will examine what we mean by the term ‘EU tort law’ and why it is important to recognise EU tort law both as a concept providing remedies to citizens in EU and national courts, but also as an area of law which, notably in the context of national courts, is under-theorised and in danger, therefore, of being incorrectly applied. EU tort law is a sub-set of a broader category which may be termed ‘European tort law’. It crosses sectors as diverse as consumer, employment, competition and financial services law. It provides citizens with rights, often to compensatory damages, for breach of interests protected by EU law. Fundamentally, it plays a vital role in ensuring the effectiveness of EU law. It will be submitted that only by focussing on what we actually mean by EU tort law will we gain an understanding of its content and rules and be able to address problems in its application.
The Recognition of Punitive Damages in Italy: A commentary on Cass Sez Un 5 July 2017, 16601, AXO Sport, SpA v NOSA Inc
Authors: Venchiarutti Angelo
Published: May 2018

Following the decision of the First Division of the Court of Cassation issued on May 16, 2016, the United Section of the Italian Court of Cassation delivered a very important ruling on 5 July 2017 deciding – for the very first time – in favour of the enforceability of US punitive damages in Italy.The decision of the Joint Divisions of the Court of Cassation was based on the following arguments: a) more than one provision of the Italian legislative framework already attributes to damage compensation a scope that goes far beyond the mere restoration of the prejudice suffered by the victim; b) recent case law on the matter excludes the incompatibility of the punitive scope of civil liability with the Italian legal system; and c) several doctrinal contributions have promoted the possibility of granting the injured party the right to obtain compensation, beyond the patrimonial loss suffered, assuming that civil liability may also have a deterrent effect.On these premises, the Plenary Session of the Italian Court of Cassation recognised that civil liability may serve different functions: it primarily grants compensation to the injured party, in line with the previous connotation of civil liability as restoration of patrimonial loss, but it may also ensure deterrence and sanction the wrongdoing of the tortfeasor.Given this comprehensive nature of civil liability, the decision stated that foreign decisions granting punitive damages are not against public policy in principle and, thus, can be enforced in Italy, but only under certain preconditions.A foreign ruling providing the payment of punitive damages may be executed in Italy only in the case where foreign legislative provisions, or equivalent sources, grant the competent judge the power to award punitive damages based on typical and predictable circumstances. Moreover, the amount of punitive damages due shall be limited.A decision of the Joint Divisions of the Italian Court of Cassation—which is entitled to provide an uniform interpretation of the law— represents a significant precedent, which lower courts and subsequent judgments are likely to follow, in terms of which courts will be required to recognise and enforce foreign decisions implying a compensation of punitive damages.
Brown adipose tissue in young adults who were born preterm or small for gestational age
Authors: Kistner Anna , Rydén Henric , Anderstam Björn , Hellström Ann , Skorpil Mikael
Published: May 2018

Background:

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is present and functions to dissipate energy as heat in young adults and can be assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to estimate the voxel fat fraction, i.e. proton density fat fraction (PDFF). It is hypothesized that subjects born preterm or small for gestational age (SGA) may exhibit disrupted BAT formation coupled to metabolic factors. Our purpose was to assess the presence of BAT in young adults born extremely preterm or SGA in comparison with controls.

Methods:

We studied 30 healthy subjects (median age, 21 years): 10 born extremely preterm, 10 full term but SGA and 10 full term with a normal birth weight (controls). We utilized an MRI technique combining multiple scans to enable smaller echo spacing and an advanced fat-water separation method applying graph cuts to estimate B0 inhomogeneity. We measured supraclavicular/cervical PDFF, R2*, fat volume, insulin-like growth factor 1, glucagon, thyroid stimulating hormone and the BAT-associated hormones fibroblast growth factor 21 and irisin.

Results:

The groups did not significantly differ in supraclavicular/cervical PDFF, R2*, fat volume or hormone levels. The mean supraclavicular/cervical PDFF was equivalent between the groups (range 75–77%).

Conclusions:

Young adults born extremely preterm or SGA show BAT development similar to those born full term at a normal birth weight. Thus, the increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in these groups is not due to the absence of BAT, although our results do not exclude possible BAT involvement in this scenario. Larger studies are needed to understand these relationships.
The Database of Eurasian Phonological Inventories: a research tool for distributional phonological typology
Authors: Nikolaev Dmitry
Published: May 2018

The paper presents an overview of The Database of Eurasian Phonological Inventories—a new information resource and analytical tool for research in the field of distributional phonological typology, theoretical phonology, and areal linguistics.
A note on the uniqueness of 2D elastostatic problems formulated by different types of potential functions
Authors: Guerrero José Luis Morales , Vidal Manuel Cánovas , Nicolás José Andrés Moreno , López Francisco Alhama
Published: May 2018

New additional conditions required for the uniqueness of the 2D elastostatic problems formulated in terms of potential functions for the derived Papkovich-Neuber representations, are studied. Two cases are considered, each of them formulated by the scalar potential function plus one of the rectangular non-zero components of the vector potential function. For these formulations, in addition to the original (physical) boundary conditions, two new additional conditions are required. In addition, for the complete Papkovich-Neuber formulation, expressed by the scalar potential plus two components of the vector potential, the additional conditions established previously for the three-dimensional case in z-convex domain can be applied. To show the usefulness of these new conditions in a numerical scheme two applications are numerically solved by the network method for the three cases of potential formulations.
On the conservation laws and solutions of a (2+1) dimensional KdV-mKdV equation of mathematical physics
Authors: Motsepa Tanki , Masood Khalique Chaudry
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we study a (2+1) dimensional KdV-mKdV equation, which models many physical phenomena of mathematical physics. This equation has two integral terms in it. By an appropriate substitution, we convert this equation into two partial differential equations, which do not have integral terms and are equivalent to the original equation. We then work with the system of two equations and obtain its exact travelling wave solutions in form of Jacobi elliptic functions. Furthermore, we employ the multiplier method to construct conservation laws for the system. Finally, we revert the results obtained into the original variables of the (2+1) dimensional KdV-mKdV equation.
Physicochemical and Microbiological Stability of a New Oral Clonidine Solution for Paediatric Use
Authors: Verlhac Camille , Lannoy Damien , Bourdon Florence , Titecat Marie , Frealle Emilie , Nassar Carole , Berneron Christophe , Odou Pascal
Published: May 2018

Background

As many drugs are unavailable for paediatric use, hospital pharmacies are often required to develop suitable formulations themselves. Clonidine is commonly used in paediatrics (in severe hypertension, in opiate withdrawal syndrome, in tics and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome or in anaesthetic premedication) but no appropriate formulation has been drawn up. The aims of this work were to develop an oral solution of clonidine dedicated to children and to assess its physicochemical and microbiological stability.

Methods

Formulation of an oral solution of clonidine hydrochloride suitable for neonates and paediatrics was developed using the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), with as few excipients as possible and without any complex excipient vehicle. A stability study was made according to GERPAC-SFPC guidelines. At each point in time (D0, D1, D7, D15, D29, D60 and D90), visual aspect (limpidity), pH and osmolality were established. Clonidine concentration was quantified using a stability-indicating HPLC-UV-DAD method previously developed from a forced degradation study and validated according to SFSTP Pharma. Microbiological stability was also tested according to the European Pharmacopeia monograph with the best adapted method (by comparing membrane filtration and inclusion). Solutions were stored in amber glass bottles with an oral adapter for up to 3 months in two different conditions: 5 °C +/– 3 °C and at 25 °C +/– 2 °C with 60 % residual humidity (climatic chamber).

Results

The formulated oral solution is composed of API at a concentration of 10 µg/mL and of potassium sorbate (0.3 %), citric acid, potassium citrate (pH 5 buffer) and sodium saccharine (0.025 %). Forced degradation highlighted six degradation products and the method was validated in the acceptance limits of ± 5 %. On D29, the mean percentages of the initial clonidine concentrations (+/–standard deviation) were 92.95+/–1.28 % in the solution stored at 25 °C +/– 2 °C and 97.44+/–1.21 % when stored at 5 °C +/– 3 °C. On D90, means were respectively 81.82+/–0.41 % and 93.66+/–0.71 %. The visual aspect did not change. Physical parameters remained stable during the study: pH varied from 4.94 to 5.09 and osmolality from 82 to 92 mOsm/kg in the two conditions tested here. Membrane filtration appeared to be the more sensitive method. Whatever the storage conditions,<1 micro-organism/mL was identified (only environmental) with no detected E.coli.

Conclusions

This formulation is stable for at least 3 months at 5 °C +/– 3 °C in amber glass bottles and for one month when stored at room temperature. Microbiological stability was proven in accordance with the European Pharmacopeia.
Development and Preparation of Oral Suspensions for Paediatric Patients – a Challenge for Pharmacists
Authors: Bruns Cornelia , Ober Michael
Published: May 2018

The preparation of liquid oral dosage forms for paediatric patients may pose a challenge on pharmacies. Marketed ready-to-use suspension vehicles do have advantages and disadvantages. In order to overcome the disadvantages a dedicated suspension vehicle, which can be prepared by every pharmacy, was cooperatively developed by pharmacist specialists on a national level in Germany. Marketed as well as pharmacy prepared suspension vehicles provide added value for pharmacy preparations for the special need of paediatric patients of different age groups.
CD200-, CX3CL1-, and TREM2-mediated neuron-microglia interactions and their involvements in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhang Lihang , Xu Juan , Gao Jinchao , Wu Yuncheng , Yin Ming , Zhao Wenjuan
Published: May 2018

Neurons and microglia are two major components in the central nervous system (CNS). The interactions between them play important roles in maintaining homeostasis of the brain. In recent years, substantial studies have focused on the interactions between neurons and microglia, revealing that microglia become reactive when the interactions are pathophysiologically interfered, usually accompanying neuronal injury, which is a common feature for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Many molecules and factors participate in these physiological and pathological processes, either in a contact-dependent or a contact-independent manner. Accumulating studies have revealed that in the CNS, cluster of differentiation-200 (CD200) and fractalkine (CX3CL1) expressed mainly on neurons and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) expressed mainly on microglia. These molecules can mediate neuron-microglia interactions in a contact-dependent manner and contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. Here, we review the expression, distribution, and function of CD200, CX3CL1, and TREM2 in regulating neuron-microglia interactions under physiological conditions as well as in AD.
Material Selection: Balancing Sustainability and Resilience
Authors: Middleton George
Published: May 2018

Understanding sustainability includes three interdependent aspects: environmental, economic, and social. All three should be considered in balance when selecting construction materials. Design professionals must also think about resilience, a measure of the ability of cities, buildings, people, and institutions to spring back into shape, survive, and adapt, regardless of the shock or stress to which they are exposed. Facilitating resilience means considering many potential stressors and responses, including both shock and chronic events and those that are expected and unexpected. Stressors can be products of natural or technological causation. Not all stressors are equal, so the relative importance of stressor events should be evaluated in terms of risks and hazards. There are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ materials; there are only more- or less-sustainable ways of using materials to solve design problems while protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Materials used in buildings and infrastructure should be selected on a comprehensive life-cycle assessment basis, using design methods that also minimize stressor impacts. Ultimately, resilience, when related to the discussion of products made from any material, should be considered as a complex response to these stressors and not simply as resistance to destructive forces. Today’s architects are expected to know more about materials, and design professionals must practice in an era when understanding traditional materials used a century ago is no longer sufficient. Currently, plastics are the most intensively engineered materials, and they can be used to illustrate the useful sustainability and resilience criteria applicable to all materials. Example products in this material category with favorable stressor response attributes include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, used in durable water distribution systems. Vinyl cladding is resistant to all but the most extreme weather. PVC membrane roofing, noted for its solar reflectivity, reduces air conditioning loads and energy consumption. PVC wire and cable insulation makes the Internet possible, enabling a resilient global digital economy. Cleanable products facilitate healthcare and disease control by managing infection, and blood bags make a safe blood storage system possible. When considering economic and social factors of resilience, material manufacturing can have many positive effects on local communities.
Optimal Plans of Constant-Stress Accelerated Life Tests for Extension of the Exponential Distribution
Authors: Abd El-Raheem A. M.
Published: May 2018

In this article, the optimal plans for a k-level constant-stress accelerated life test are presented for extension of the exponential failure data under complete sampling. According to the log-linear life-stress relationship, the optimal proportion of test units allocated to each stress level is determined under D- and C-optimality criteria. Moreover, a real data set is analyzed to illustrate the proposed procedures. Furthermore, the real data set is used to show that extension of the exponential (EE) distribution can be a better model than both Weibull distribution and generalized exponential distribution. In addition, numerical examples are used to illustrate the proposed procedures and to compare between the D-optimal plan and C-optimal plan through asymptotic variance of maximum likelihood estimators. Finally, some interesting conclusions are obtained.