bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lenalidomide maintenance for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients responding to R‐CHOP: quality of life, dosing, and safety results from the randomised controlled REMARC study
Authors: Thieblemont Catherine , Howlett Susannah , Casasnovas René‐Olivier , Mounier Nicolas , Perrot Aurore , Morschhauser Franck , Fruchart Christophe , Daguindau Nicolas , van Eygen Koen , Obéric Lucie , Bouabdallah Reda , Pica Gian Matteo , Nicolas‐Virezelier Emmanuelle , Abraham Julie , Fitoussi Olivier , Snauwaert Sylvia , Eisenmann Jean‐Claude , Lionne‐Huyghe Pauline , Bron Dominique , Tricot Sabine , Deeren Dries , Gonzalez Hugo , Costello Régis , Le Du Katell , da Silva Maria Gomes , Grosicki Sebastian , Trotman Judith , Catalano John , Caballero Dolores , Greil Richard , Cohen Amos M. , Gaulard Philippe , Roulin Louise , Takeshita Kenichi , Casadebaig Marie‐Laure , Tilly Hervé , Coiffier Bertrand
Published: November 2019

Lenalidomide maintenance therapy prolonged progression‐free survival (PFS) versus placebo in elderly patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) responding to induction chemotherapy in the phase 3 REMARC study. This subpopulation analysis assessed the impact of lenalidomide maintenance and treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). Global health status (GHS), and physical functioning and fatigue subscales were evaluated in patients who completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality‐of‐life questionnaire‐C30 v3.0. The impact of TEAEs classified post hoc as subjective (patients can feel) or observable (only measurable by physicians) on dose reductions and discontinuations was assessed. Among 457 patients (lenalidomide, n = 229; placebo, n = 228), mean (standard deviation) GHS was similar between treatment arms [68·2 (20·7) Versus 72·0 (17·8)] at randomisation and remained similar during maintenance. Patients receiving lenalidomide experienced no meaningful changes in GHS, physical functioning, or fatigue. Observable TEAEs were more common (81·1% Versus 66·3%) and more likely to lead to dose reductions, than subjective TEAEs in both arms. PFS was superior in the lenalidomide arm regardless of dose reduction. Lenalidomide maintenance prolonged PFS and did not negatively impact HRQOL in patients with DLBCL despite TEAEs being more common, when compared with placebo.
Relationship between conservation biology and ecology shown through machine reading of 32,000 articles
Authors: Hintzen Rogier E. , Papadopoulou Marina , Mounce Ross , Banks‐Leite Cristina , Holt Robert D. , Mills Morena , T. Knight Andrew , Leroi Armand M. , Rosindell James
Published: November 2019

Conservation biology was founded on the idea that efforts to save nature depend on a scientific understanding of how it works. It sought to apply ecological principles to conservation problems. We investigated whether the relationship between these fields has changed over time through machine reading the full texts of 32,000 research articles published in 16 ecology and conservation biology journals. We examined changes in research topics in both fields and how the fields have evolved from 2000 to 2014. As conservation biology matured, its focus shifted from ecology to social and political aspects of conservation. The 2 fields diverged and now occupy distinct niches in modern science. We hypothesize this pattern resulted from increasing recognition that social, economic, and political factors are critical for successful conservation and possibly from rising skepticism about the relevance of contemporary ecological theory to practical conservation.
IntelliHome: An internet of things‐based system for electrical energy saving in smart home environment
Authors: Paredes‐Valverde Mario A. , Alor‐Hernández Giner , García‐Alcaráz Jorge L. , Salas‐Zárate María del Pilar , Colombo‐Mendoza Luis O. , Sánchez‐Cervantes José L.
Published: November 2019

Despite there has been an increasing energy price due to factors such as supply, demand, government regulation, among others, users do not like to spend their time to analyze their power consumption and establish actions to save money. Hence, there is a need for smart solutions that help users to save energy at home in an easy way. The smart home concept is attracting the attention of both academia and industry to address this need. Nowadays, high volumes of data are available in the smart home context, facilitated by the growth of internet of things (IoT)‐based devices and advanced sensing infrastructure. Therefore, it is necessary to automatically extract useful knowledge from this information to cost‐effective use of energy at home. In this sense, this work presents IntelliHome, a smart‐home system that aims to reduce electrical energy consumption at home. To this end, IntelliHome uses big data analytics technologies and Machine Learning and statistical techniques to provide users with a meaningful perspective of their electricity consumption habits aiming to actively involve them in the energy‐saving process through real‐time information and energy‐saving recommendations. This work also discusses a case study and an evaluation aligned with the objectives of this work. The obtained results verify the effectiveness of the proposed system regarding electrical energy saving.
Using elephant movements to assess landscape connectivity under Peninsular Malaysia's central forest spine land use policy
Authors: de la Torre J. Antonio , Lechner Alex M. , Wong Ee P. , Magintan David , Saaban Salman , Campos‐Arceiz Ahimsa
Published: November 2019

One of the most vital and urgent global conservation challenges is to deal with the loss and fragmentation of wildlife habitats, particularly for large‐bodied and wide‐ranging terrestrial megafauna. The Central Forest Spine Master Plan for Ecological Linkages (CFS) was developed by the Malaysian Federal Government in 2010 to protect biodiversity and ecosystem services by securing landscape connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia's main forest blocks. Here we present an evaluation of the effectiveness of the CFS master plan to promote functional connectivity for Asian elephants, one of its focal species. The specific objectives of our study were to identify the most critical forest patches to maintain connectivity for elephants in Peninsular Malaysia, assess functional connectivity within the CFS ecological linkages, and identify alternative corridors where appropriate to enhance CFS effectiveness. We used the largest animal movement dataset in Peninsular Malaysia (220,000 GPS locations from 53 elephants) to develop models of elephant movement probability and to estimate landscape resistance using step selection functions based on landscape characteristics. According to our evaluation of 28 linkages, 57% of them provided high functional connectivity, 28% provided acceptable connectivity, and 14% provided low to no connectivity. A very important and positive finding is that the CFS linkages with the highest centrality values (i.e., the most important to maintain overall connectivity in Peninsular Malaysia) also score highly in functional connectivity (i.e., they are actually effective corridors for elephant movement). This means that an adequate CFS implementation can lead to high levels of functional connectivity among Peninsular Malaysia's main forest blocks. Based on our assessment, we recommend to conduct some revisions on the CFS plan to ensure its effectiveness.
Orchestrating institutional complexity and performance management in the performing arts
Authors: Knardal Per Ståle
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates the integration between institutional complexity and performance management in the field of performing arts. Prior research has documented tension related to how performance measures and management tools are used in arts organizations, and the conflict is often explained as being a result of the intrusion of business‐like accounting tools into the exercise of the arts. Drawing on the concept of institutional logics, the findings of the current study suggest that a diversity of logics is salient in this organizational field. The performance measurement system is confronted with multiple logics, and the study shows how the role of performance management is shaped by this institutional complexity.
Reducing transaction costs of tradable permit schemes using Blockchain smart contracts
Authors: Shahab Sina , Allam Zaheer
Published: November 2019

Tradable permit schemes (TPS) are market‐based policy instruments, which are claimed to be more statically and dynamically efficient in achieving their policy objectives compared to the traditional regulatory instruments. However, some researchers argue that the high level of transaction costs associated with these policy instruments might undermine their efficiency. This paper addresses this issue through exploring the use of Blockchain technology in order to lower transaction costs that arise from TPS transactions. More specifically, it identifies the benefits of using Blockchain smart contracts in implementing TPS that include: increasing the amount of relevant information available to interested actors thus reducing uncertainties; reducing the amount of irrelevant information available to interested actors thus decreasing complexities; correcting information asymmetries among the actors involved thus limiting opportunistic behaviours; lowering the need for the involvement of intermediaries thus decreasing direct monetary costs; and facilitating the linkage between buyers and sellers thus improving trading quality. These potential benefits can increase the efficiency of TPS by decreasing policy‐related transaction costs.
Fabrication and properties of a dense SiC NWs‐toughened α‐Si3N4 composite coating on porous Si3N4 ceramics
Authors: Shangguan Duandan , Wang Binglei , Wang Chao , Zhang Fan , Bai Yu , Wang Zhanjie , Lu Xuefeng
Published: November 2019

A dense SiC nanowires‐toughened α‐Si3N4 coating was prepared using a two‐step technique for protecting porous Si3N4 ceramic against mechanical damage, and effect of SiC nanowires content on microstructures and properties of the coating were investigated. XRD, SEM and TEM analysis results revealed that as‐prepared coatings consisted of α‐Si3N4, O'‐Sialon, SiC nanowires and Y–Al–Si–O–N glass phase. Furthermore, Vickers hardness of the coated porous Si3N4 ceramics increased gradually with the increasing SiC nanowires content from 0 to 10 wt%, which is attributed to the gradual improvement in intrinsic elastic modulus (E), hardness (H) and H3/E2 of the coatings. But, when the SiC nanowires content was 15 wt%, the thickness of the coating became relatively thinner, so that its protective ability was weakened and Vickers hardness started to decrease accordingly. Meanwhile, the assistance of SiC nanowires enhanced fracture toughness of the coatings obviously because SiC nanowires in the coatings can produce various toughening mechanisms during mechanical damage. When the SiC nanowires content was 10 wt%, its fracture toughness reached the maximum value, which was 6.27 ± 0.05 MPa·m1/2.
Innate immune molecule surfactant protein D attenuates sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury through modulating apoptosis and NFκB‐mediated inflammation
Authors: Lu Shi‐Jun , Xu Jian‐Hua , He Zhao‐Feng , Wu Peng , Ning Chao , Li Hai‐Yan
Published: November 2019

The objective of this study is to investigate the mechanism whereby innate immune molecule surfactant protein D (SP‐D) attenuates sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI) through modulating apoptosis and nuclear factor kappa‐B (NFκB)‐mediated inflammation. In the present study, a mouse sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and puncture in SP‐D knockout (KO) mice and wild‐type (WT) mice. A sham‐operated group was included as the control. The experimental materials were extracted 6 and 24 hours postoperatively. The plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and MCP‐1 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Apoptosis was measured by double staining with Annexin V/propidium iodide and flow cytometry. The levels of NFκB in renal tissues were measured by ELISA and Western blotting assay. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assays. There were no significant differences in plasma TNF‐α levels between the WT sham group and the KO sham group at 6 and 24 hours postoperatively (P < .05), but the levels of TNF‐α in the WT sepsis and KO sepsis groups were significantly higher than those in controls (P < .05). The levels of TNF‐α in the KO sepsis group were significantly higher than those of the WT sepsis group (P < .05). TNF‐α levels in the WT sepsis group and the KO sepsis group at 24 hours postoperatively were significantly higher than those at 6 hours postoperatively (P < .05). The levels of MCP‐1 in the WT sepsis group and the KO sepsis group at 6 and 24 hours postoperatively were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < .05), and MCP‐1 levels in the KO sepsis group were significantly higher than those in the WT sepsis group (P < .05). MCP‐1 levels in the WT sepsis group and the KO sepsis group at 24 hours postoperatively were significantly higher than those at 6 hours postoperatively (P < .05). The expression of SP‐D in WT kidneys was significantly lower at 6 and 24 hours postoperatively (P < .05). The number of TUNEL‐positive cells in the kidneys from septic SP‐D KO mice was significantly higher (P < .05). The levels of NFκB in septic mice were significantly increased at 6 and 24 hours after induction of sepsis compared with the sham‐operated group compared with those of septic SP‐D KO mice and WT mice (P < .05). Innate immune molecule SP‐D significantly decreased plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines in mice and attenuated sepsis‐induced AKI by inhibiting NFκB activity and apoptosis.
The pro‐inflammatory effect of NR4A3 in osteoarthritis
Authors: Ma Chiyuan , Wu Lingyun , Song Lu , He Yuzhe , Adel Abdo Moqbel Safwat , Yan Shigui , Sheng Kunkun , Wu Haobo , Ran Jisheng , Wu Lidong
Published: November 2019

NR4A3 is a member of nuclear receptor subfamily 4, which is an important regulator of cellular function and inflammation. In this study, high expression of NR4A3 in human osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage was firstly observed. To explore the relationship between NR4A3 and OA, we used a lentivirus overexpression system to simulate its high expression and study its role in OA. Additionally, siRNA‐mediated knockdown of NR4A3 was used to confirm the findings of overexpression experiments. The results showed the stimulatory effect of IL‐1β on cartilage matrix‐degrading enzyme expression such as MMP‐3, 9, INOS and COX‐2 was enhanced in NR4A3‐overexpressed chondrocytes and decreased in NR4A3‐knockdown chondrocytes at both mRNA and protein levels, while IL‐1β‐induced chondrocyte‐specific gene (collagen 2 and SOX‐9) degradation was only regulated by NR4A3 at protein level. Furthermore, overexpression of NR4A3 would also enhance EBSS‐induced chondrocytes apoptosis, while knockdown of NR4A3 decreased apoptotic level after EBSS treatment. A pathway study indicated that IL‐1β‐induced NF‐κB activation was enhanced by NR4A3 overexpression and reduced by NR4A3 knockdown. We suggest that NR4A3 plays a pro‐inflammatory role in the development of OA, and we also speculate that NR4A3 mainly regulates cartilage matrix‐degrading gene expression under inflammatory conditions via the NF‐κB pathway.
Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of host‐derived salivary biomarkers in periodontal disease amongst adults: Systematic review
Authors: KC Sukriti , Wang Xiaozhe Z. , Gallagher Jennifer E.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To systematically assess the diagnostic value of host‐derived salivary biomarkers based on their reported sensitivity and specificity in relation to clinical parameters of periodontal disease diagnosis in adults.

Materials and Methods

Comprehensive search of PubMed, Nature, Cochrane and OVID (Embase, MEDLINE [R] and PsycINFO) was conducted up to 1 August 2018, using key terms relevant to the research questions and Cochrane methodology, supplemented by a grey literature search. The revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS‐ 2) tool was used to assess the methodological quality of all included studies.

Results

Seven studies were included in the review. Macrophage inflammatory protein‐1αlpha (MIP‐1α), interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) were identified as diagnostically acceptable biomarkers for periodontal disease. Overall, the combination of IL‐6 and MMP‐8 showed best diagnostic performance. Also, a combination of the four key biomarkers (IL‐1β, IL‐6, MMP‐8 and MIP‐1α) showed promising results for distinction between gingivitis and periodontitis, as well as for periodontitis compared with gingival health. Results are interpreted with caution due to limitations in the number of studies included and their quality.

Conclusion

Certain salivary biomarkers can potentially be useful in combination and singularly for the diagnosis of periodontal disease. However, further methodically robust research is required to validate these biomarkers.
Mentalization‐based treatment in groups for adolescents with borderline personality disorder: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Beck Emma , Bo Sune , Jørgensen Mie Sedoc , Gondan Matthias , Poulsen Stig , Storebø Ole Jakob , Fjellerad Andersen Christian , Folmo Espen , Sharp Carla , Pedersen Jesper , Simonsen Erik
Published: November 2019

Background

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) typically onsets in adolescence and predicts later functional disability in adulthood. Highly structured evidence‐based psychotherapeutic programs, including mentalization‐based treatment (MBT), are first choice treatment. The efficacy of MBT for BPD has mainly been tested with adults, and no RCT has examined the effectiveness of MBT in groups (MBT‐G) for adolescent BPD.

Method

A total of 112 adolescents (111 females) with BPD (106) or BPD symptoms ≥4 DSM‐5 criteria (5) referred to child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinics were randomized to a 1‐year MBT‐G, consisting of three introductory, psychoeducative sessions, 37 weekly group sessions, five individual case formulation sessions, and six group sessions for caregivers, or treatment as usual (TAU) with at least 12 monthly individual sessions. The primary outcome was the score on the borderline personality features scale for children (BPFS‐C); secondary outcomes included self‐harm, depression, externalizing and internalizing symptoms (all self‐report), caregiver reports, social functioning, and borderline symptoms rated by blinded clinicians. Outcome assessments were made at baseline, after 10, 20, and 30 weeks, and at end of treatment (EOT). The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT02068326.

Results

At EOT, the primary outcome was 71.3 (SD = 15.0) in the MBT‐G group and 71.3 (SD = 15.2) in the TAU group (adjusted mean difference 0.4 BPFS‐C units in favor of MBT‐G, 95% confidence interval −6.3 to 7.1, p = .91). No significant group differences were found in the secondary outcomes. 29% in both groups remitted. 29% of the MBT group completed less than half of the sessions compared with 7% of the control group.

Conclusions

There is no indication for superiority of either therapy method. The low remission rate points to the importance of continued research into early intervention. Specifically, retention problems need to be addressed.
Thirty‐day readmission, length of stay and self‐management behaviour among patients with acute coronary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A scoping review
Authors: Tang Liya , Li Kun , Wu Chiung‐Jung (Jo)
Published: November 2019

Aims and Objectives

To summarise the current evidence on comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) related to 30‐day readmission and hospital length of stay (LOS) among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and evidence on the effectiveness of self‐management programmes for patients with both conditions.

Background

Acute coronary syndrome and T2DM remain two major diseases leading to serious consequences. Thirty‐day readmission and LOS were considered indicators of the quality of care, with the understanding that the potential significant effects of these outcomes could be varied.

Design

This scoping review followed the methodology described by Arksey and O'Malley.

Methods

Five databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched, and a total of 20 articles involving 913,807 patients were included. Results were reported in accordance with PRISMA‐ScR guidelines.

Results

The results indicated that patients with both ACS and T2DM have prolonged LOS and increased 30‐day readmission rates. The findings supported that improvements in patient self‐management behaviour for optimal health outcomes were partially successful by effective self‐management programmes; however, few articles on intervention programmes specifically designed for patients with two conditions were found.

Conclusion

Prolonged LOS and increased 30‐day readmission rates are found among patients with ACS and T2DM. Based on few pilot studies building on each other, the effectiveness of self‐management programmes in promoting self‐care behaviour, self‐efficacy and knowledge for patients with ACS and T2DM cannot be concluded.

Relevance to clinical practice

Findings from this review provide valuable information on and a better understanding of readmissions and LOS among patients with ACS and T2DM for healthcare providers. Future developments and implementations of effective self‐management programmes should target patients with dual diagnoses to improve health behaviour and reduce readmission and LOS.
The association between oral bacteria, the cough reflex and pneumonia in patients with acute stroke and suspected dysphagia
Authors: Perry Sarah E. , Huckabee Maggie‐Lee , Tompkins Geoffrey , Milne Trudy
Published: November 2019

Objective

To establish how oral bacteria are related to cough sensitivity and pneumonia in a clinical stroke population.

Background

Stroke patients are at risk of colonisation by respiratory pathogens due, in part, to sudden discontinuation of effective oral hygiene. When combined with reduced cough reflex sensitivity, aspiration of contaminated oropharyngeal contents and can lead to pneumonia. Relationships between oral bacteria, cough sensitivity and pneumonia have not been established.

Materials and methods

A total of 102 patients with acute stroke underwent saliva sampling and cough reflex testing at admission to hospital, discharge and one month. A qPCR assay compared levels of bacteria in saliva. Pneumonia events were recorded.

Results

Relative levels of bacteria were lowest at admission to hospital (6.04 × 10−6). There was a slight (non‐significant) increase in bacterial levels at discharge (1.69 × 10−2, P = .73). By one month, bacterial levels had significantly increased (9.17 × 10−2) relative to admission [P < .001] and discharge [P < .001]. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli are not typically found in healthy mouths, yet were detected in 22% of patients during hospitalisation. Combined bacterial levels measured at one month was associated with pneumonia (P = .004) but there was no relationship to cough sensitivity.

Conclusion

Acute stroke patients were at increased risk of colonisation from respiratory pathogens throughout their recovery. The presence of these pathogens in saliva at one month was associated with adverse respiratory events. Data support the development of protocols to explore risk factors and sequelae of microbiological changes in stroke.
Optimal equilibria for time‐inconsistent stopping problems in continuous time
Authors: Huang Yu‐Jui , Zhou Zhou
Published: November 2019

For an infinite‐horizon continuous‐time optimal stopping problem under nonexponential discounting, we look for an optimal equilibrium, which generates larger values than any other equilibrium does on the entire state space. When the discount function is log subadditive and the state process is one‐dimensional, an optimal equilibrium is constructed in a specific form, under appropriate regularity and integrability conditions. Although there may exist other optimal equilibria, we show that they can differ from the constructed one in very limited ways. This leads to a sufficient condition for the uniqueness of optimal equilibria, up to some closedness condition. To illustrate our theoretic results, a comprehensive analysis is carried out for three specific stopping problems, concerning asset liquidation and real options valuation. For each one of them, an optimal equilibrium is characterized through an explicit formula.
Review: Danon disease: Review of natural history and recent advances
Authors: Cenacchi G. , Papa V. , Pegoraro V. , Marozzo R. , Fanin M. , Angelini C.
Published: November 2019

Danon disease is a severe multisystem disorder clinically characterized by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy and mental retardation in male patients, and by a milder phenotype (predominantly involving cardiac muscle) in female patients. The disease is inherited as an X‐linked dominant trait. The primary deficiency of lysosome‐associated membrane protein‐2 (LAMP‐2) causes disruption of autophagy, leading to an impaired fusion of lysosomes to autophagosomes and biogenesis of lysosomes. We surveyed over 500 Danon disease patients reported in the literature from the first description to the present, in order to summarize the clinical, pathological and molecular data and treatment perspectives. An early molecular diagnosis is of crucial importance for genetic counselling and for therapeutic interventions: in male patients, the prognosis is poor due to rapid progression towards heart failure, and only heart transplantation modifies the disease course.
One‐stage Debridement via Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion Corridor Combined with Posterior Pedicle Screw Fixation in Treating Spontaneous Lumbar Infectious Spondylodiscitis: A Case Series
Authors: Tong Yong‐jun , Liu Jun‐hui , Fan Shun‐wu , Zhao Feng‐dong
Published: November 2019

Objective

Surgery is indicated when antibiotic treatment fails in pyogenic spondylodiscitis, which is caused by pathogens such as the Staphylococcus species. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) corridor approach combined with posterior pedicle screw fixation for treating pyogenic spondylodiscitis.

Methods

This was a retrospective case series study. A total of 11 patients with an average age of 60.7 years (range, 40–70 years; 10 males and 1 females) with lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis who underwent single‐stage debridement and reconstruction using the OLIF corridor combined with posterior pedicle screw fixation were recruited in our study from June 2016 to July 2017. All patients had single‐level pyogenic spondylodiscitis between T12 and L5. The baseline data, perioperative outcomes (operative time, intra‐operative blood loss, and intra‐operative complication), postoperative laboratory tests (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C‐reactive protein [CRP], white blood count [WBC], and tissue culture results), long‐term complications (recurrence, fixation failure, and bony non‐fusion rates), and duration of antibiotic administration were reviewed. Outcomes evaluated using a variety of scales including visual analog scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI), were compared pre‐operatively and post‐operatively.

Results

The mean follow‐up period of time was 18.3 months. The average operative time and intra‐operative blood loss were 217.0 ± 91.91 min and 220.9 ± 166.10 mL, respectively. There were no intra‐operative complications, except in 1 patient who encountered somatosensory evoked potentials changes and 1 patient who had motor evoked potentials changes, both without post‐surgery neurological deficits. Causative organisms were identified in 4 patients: Staphylococcus aureus in 1 patient and Streptococcus in 3 patients. At approximately 8.8 weeks after surgery, WBC, CRP, and ESR had returned to normal levels. All patients were pain free with no recurring infection. There was no fixation failure during follow up. Solid bony fusions were observed in all cases within 6 months. At the final follow up, the mean VAS (0.6 ± 0.69) and ODI (14.4 ± 4.27) were significantly lower than those before surgery (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

One‐stage debridement with autogenous iliac bone graft through the OLIF corridor combined with posterior pedicle screw fixation is effective and safe for single‐level spontaneous lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis after antibiotic treatment fails.
Implantation of subcutaneous defibrillator is feasible and safe with monitored anesthesia care
Authors: Afzal Muhammad R. , Okabe Toshimasa , Koppert Tanner , Tyler Jaret , Houmsse Mahmoud , Augostini Ralph S. , Hummel John D. , Kalbfleisch Steven J. , Iyer Manoj H. , Flores Antolin S. , Bhandary Sujatha , Dimitrova Galina , Elsayed‐Awad Hamdy , Fiorini Kasey , Gorelik Leonid , Perez William , Saklayen Samiya , Stein Erica , Turner Katja , Franklin Nicholas P. , Ryu Jasmine N. , Bhatt Amar , Weiss Raul , Daoud Emile G. , Essandoh Michael
Published: November 2019

Background

The perioperative anesthesia care during subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) implantation is still evolving.

Objective

To assess the feasibility and safety of S‐ICD implantation with monitored anesthesia care (MAC) versus general anesthesia (GA) in a tertiary care center.

Methods

This is a single‐center retrospective study of patients undergoing S‐ICD implantation between October 2012 and May 2019. Patients were categorized into MAC and GA group based on the mode of anesthesia. Procedural success without escalation to GA was the primary endpoint of the study, whereas intraprocedural hemodynamics, need of pharmacological support for hypotension and bradycardia, length of the procedure, stay in the post‐anesthesia care unit, and postoperative pain were assessed as secondary endpoints.

Results

The study comprises 287 patients with MAC in 111 and GA in 176 patients. Compared to MAC, patients in GA group were younger and had a higher body mass index. All patients had successful S‐ICD implantation. Only one patient (0.9%) in the MAC group was converted to GA. Despite a similar baseline heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in both groups, patients with GA had significantly lower HR and MAP during the procedure and more frequently required pharmacological hemodynamic support. Length of the procedure, stay in the postanesthesia care unit, and postoperative pain was similar in both groups.

Conclusion

This retrospective experience suggests that implantation of S‐ICD is feasible and safe with MAC. Use of GA is associated with more frequent administration of hemodynamic drugs during S‐ICD implantation.
Extending Processing Toolbox for assessing the logical consistency of OpenStreetMap data
Authors: Sehra Sukhjit Singh , Singh Jaiteg , Rai Hardeep Singh , Anand Sarabjot Singh
Published: November 2019

OpenStreetMap (OSM) produces a huge amount of labeled spatial data, but its quality has always been a deep concern. Numerous quality issues have been discussed in the vast literature, while the fitness of OSM for road navigability is only partly explored. Navigability depends on logical consistency, which focuses on the existence of logical contradictions within a data set. Researchers have discussed the insufficiency of established methods and the lack of a computational paradigm to assess the quality of the OSM data. To address the research gaps, the current work extended the capabilities of the Quantum GIS Processing Toolbox for assessment of spatial data. The models and scripts developed are able to assess logical consistency based on geographical topological consistency, semantic information, and morphological consistency. The established and proxy indicators are selected for measuring the logical consistency of OSM data for navigability. For empirical validation, OSM Punjab data are compared with authoritative data from HERE (proprietary) and the Remote Sensing Centre (RSC), Punjab, India. The results conclude that even the proprietary road data sets are not free from logical inconsistencies and data contributed by the masses are credible and navigable. OSM has produced better results than the RSC, but needs more crowd contributions to improve its quality.
Personalized Fiber-Reinforcement Networks for Meniscus Reconstruction
Authors: Patel Jay M. , Brzezinski Andrzej , Ghodbane Salim A. , Tarapore Rae , Lu Tyler M. , Gatt Charles J. , Dunn Michael G.
Published: November 2019

The menisci are fibrocartilaginous tissues that are crucial to the load-sharing and stability of the knee, and when injured, these properties are compromised. Meniscus replacement scaffolds have utilized the circumferential alignment of fibers to recapitulate the microstructure of the native meniscus; however, specific consideration of size, shape, and morphology has been largely overlooked. The purpose of this study was to personalize the fiber-reinforcement network of a meniscus reconstruction scaffold. Human cadaveric menisci were measured for a host of tissue (length, width) and subtissue (regional widths, root locations) properties, which all showed considerable variability between donors. Next, the asymmetrical fiber network was optimized to minimize the error between the dimensions of measured menisci and predicted fiber networks, providing a 51.0% decrease (p = 0.0091) in root-mean-square (RMS) error. Finally, a separate set of human cadaveric knees was obtained, and donor-specific fiber-reinforced scaffolds were fabricated. Under cyclic loading for load-distribution analysis, in situ implantation of personalized scaffolds following total meniscectomy restored contact area (253.0 mm2 to 488.9 mm2, p = 0.0060) and decreased contact stress (1.96 MPa to 1.03 MPa, p = 0.0025) to near-native values (597.4 mm2 and 0.83 MPa). Clinical use of personalized meniscus devices that restore physiologic contact stress distributions may prevent the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis following meniscal injury.
Multistability and Stochastic Phenomena in the Distributed Brusselator Model
Authors: Kolinichenko Alexander , Ryashko Lev
Published: November 2019

An influence of random disturbances on the pattern formation in reaction–diffusion systems is studied. As a basic model, we consider the distributed Brusselator with one spatial variable. A coexistence of the stationary nonhomogeneous spatial structures in the zone of Turing instability is demonstrated. A numerical parametric analysis of shapes, sizes of deterministic pattern–attractors, and their bifurcations is presented. Investigating the corporate influence of the multistability and stochasticity, we study phenomena of noise-induced transformation and generation of patterns.
Dynamic Analysis of Gear–Shaft–Bearing Coupled System Considering Bearing Waviness Defect
Authors: Bai Huan , Song Chaosheng , Zhu Caichao , Tan Jianjun , Li Xinzi
Published: November 2019

Using finite element and lumped parameter methods, a gear–shaft–bearing coupled vibration model was developed for a single-stage gear transmission system considering bearing waviness, bearing clearance, time-varying transmission error excitation, and shaft flexibility. Runge–Kutta algorithm was applied for solving the dynamic response of the coupled model. The influences of rotational speed, the number, and amplitude of bearing waviness on the dynamics were studied. Results show that any change in the number of bearing waviness has an obvious impact on the dominant frequency component of the dynamic transmission error. When the number of bearing waviness is equal to the number or multiples of the rolling element, the dynamic mesh force occurs peak response and the system vibrates violently. At low and medium speeds range, the gear transmission system with bearing waviness has larger vibrational energy than the gear transmission system without bearing waviness, leading to unstable dynamic response, which would potentially cause a significant chaotic response. The dominant frequencies of the dynamic transmission error for the gear transmission system with bearing waviness are the ball passage frequency (BPF) and its harmonic frequency. At high speeds range, the main excitation is the transmission error both for the gear transmission systems with and without bearing waviness. In addition, the increasing amplitude of bearing waviness would enlarge the dynamic mesh force and decrease the number of loaded rolling elements.
Experimental Study on the Fractal Pattern of a Coal Body Pore Structure Around a Water Injection Bore
Authors: Liu Zhen , Wang Wenyu , Yang He , Yu Shijian , Xin Lin
Published: November 2019

In order to enhance the disaster prevention effect of coal seam water injection technology, in this paper, the structural characteristics of the coal sample under the true mechanical environment of coal seam water injection are measured via nuclear magnetic resonance technology, and the quantitative relation between the theoretical and the experimental pore volume fractal dimension is analyzed based on fractal geometrical theory. The results show that there is a large difference between the porosity of seepage pores and absorption pores, 1.345–2.818% and 6.840–7.940%, respectively, indicating obvious inhomogeneity of the internal structure development. However, their porosities’ overall change with pore water pressure and confining pressure is consistent, that is, increasing confining pressure decreases porosity, while for increasing pore water pressure it is the opposite, and confining pressure and pore water pressure have a greater impact on the seepage pores’ porosity; meanwhile, based on the pore size distribution curves, it can be found that pore water pressure can enlarge pore volume, and confining pressure can reduce pore volume. In addition, seepage pores’ experimental and theoretical fractal dimension values are between 2.920–2.968 and 2.0737–2.2327, respectively, and adsorption pores’ experimental and theoretical fractal dimensions are between 2.296–2.343 and 2.4146–2.4471 respectively. The quantitative relation between theoretical and experimental fractal dimensions is established to achieve a common characterization of the pore structure of a coal body under load via both the theoretical and experimental fractal dimensions.
Ultrasonographic detection, definition and quantification of soft tissue oedema in psoriatic dactylitis
Authors: Tinazzi Ilaria , Idolazzi Luca , Zabotti Alen , Arancio Luisa , Batticiotto Alberto , Caimmi Cristian , De Lucia Orazio , Fassio Angelo , Girolimetto Nicolò , Macchioni Pierluigi , Murgo Antonella , Sakellariou Garifallia , Iagnocco Annamaria
Published: November 2019

Aim: To define and score finger soft tissue oedema in psoriatic dactylitis by ultrasound.Material and methods: A systematic literature review (SLR) on ultrasound-detected finger soft tissue oedema was performed. Subsequently, based on the SLR, a Delphi survey was developed and circulated among a group of 13 expert sonographers, in order to obtain agreement on detection, definition and scoring of finger oedema by B-mode and power Doppler ultrasound. Agreement was considered achieved when each statement was approved by >75% of participants.Results: At the first Delphi round, 91 % agreement was obtained for the scanning technique to adopt, including the most appropriate area to evaluate. At the second round, 76% agreement was achieved on the definition of soft tissue finger oedema. At the third round, 76% agreement was obtained for B-mode and power Doppler scores. The volar aspect of the finger and comparisons with the contralateral side were agreed to be the most appropriate in terms of scanning technique. Agreed ultrasound definition of finger soft tissue oedema was “abnormal hypoechoic/anechoic areas, diffused or localized within the subcutaneous tissue between the epidermidis and the tendon-related anatomic structures (i.e. flexor tendon sheath, peritenonium, tendon pulleys), with local thickening, with or without local abnormal Doppler signal, visualised in two perpendicular planes and not evident on the contralateral side”. Semiquantitative (0-3) scores for both B-mode and power Doppler were agreed to be the most appropriate to be used.Conclusion: Our work produced, for the first time, technical indications, definition and scoring for the ultrasound assessment of soft tissue oedema in psoriatic dactylitis
The Effectiveness of the Mézières Method in Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics Athletes With Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lena Orges , Todri Jasemin , Todri Ardita , Gil José Luis Martínez , Gallego Maria Gomez
Published: November 2019

Context: One of the main reasons why athletes with a high physical condition suffer from low back pain disease is because they often participate in sports that involve disc compression movements during flexion, lifting loads, or torsion movement. Objectives: This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the postural treatment of the Mézières method on elite rhythmic gymnastics athletes with low back pain. Design: Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Setting: The sports hall of “Puente Tocinos,” Murcia, Spain. Participants: Ninety gymnastics athletes were randomized into 2 parallel groups (intervention: n = 39; control: n = 51), of whom 98.9% were women (women = 89; man = 1). Intervention: The Mézières method postural therapy was implemented. It lasted about 60 minutes in repeated sessions of 2 to 3 meetings per week by counting in overall 60 sessions during a 24-week period. Main Outcome Measures: Visual analog scale of pain, sit and reach flexibility test, Runtastic (pedometer performance android application), Roland–Morris Questionnaire for the physical disability, and the Health Status Questionnaire were used. Results: The univariate analysis of variance and independent sample t test revealed a significant improvement in the intervention group concerning the visual analog scale pain assessment scale (P < .05, ), and, also, the between-groups effect size was high during the 24 sessions of treatment (d > 0.8) compared with the control one. The same situation persists even for Roland–Morris Questionnaire (P < .05, ), physical score (P < .05, ), mental score (P < .05, ), sit and reach flexibility test (P < .05, ), and Runtastic performance (P < .05, ), where the between-groups effect size was high during the 24 sessions of treatment (d > 0.8). Conclusion: The Mézières method treatment performed on athletes with low back pain has caused positive effects on all the outcomes analyzed compared with the ones of control group.
Next-generation artificial vision comes into view
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: November 2019

Researchers hone techniques to restore sight by stimulating the retina or brain.
Rare case offers clues to staving off Alzheimer's
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: November 2019

Unusual mutation in a known Alzheimer's risk gene points to potential treatments.
Comment on “Protein assemblies ejected directly from native membranes yield complexes for mass spectrometry”
Authors: Hirst Judy , Kunji Edmund R. S. , Walker John E.
Published: November 2019

Chorev
et al
. (Reports, 16 November 2018, p. 829) describe mass spectrometry on mitochondrial membrane proteins ionized directly from their native environment. However, the assignments made to measured masses are incorrect or inconclusive and lack experimental validation. The proteins are not in their “native” condition: They have been stripped of tightly bound lipids, and the complexes are fragmented or in physiologically irrelevant oligomeric states.
Probing gravity by holding atoms for 20 seconds
Authors: Xu Victoria , Jaffe Matt , Panda Cristian D. , Kristensen Sofus L. , Clark Logan W. , Müller Holger
Published: November 2019

Trapped atoms to probe gravity

Exploiting the wave nature of atoms in an interferometer setup can be used to provide a precise measure of gravity. The precision is limited to the time scale of the interferometric measurement, which in turn is limited to the distance that the atoms drop, typically just over a couple of seconds for a 10-meter drop tower. Xu
et al.
describe a trapped atom interferometer in which the interrogation time of the interferometric measurements can be extended to 20 seconds. The new interferometer design and subsequent improved precision can be used to make fundamental tests of general relativity as well as precision measurements of other potentials.

Science
, this issue p.
745
Ancient Rome: A genetic crossroads of Europe and the Mediterranean
Authors: Antonio Margaret L. , Gao Ziyue , Moots Hannah M. , Lucci Michaela , Candilio Francesca , Sawyer Susanna , Oberreiter Victoria , Calderon Diego , Devitofranceschi Katharina , Aikens Rachael C. , Aneli Serena , Bartoli Fulvio , Bedini Alessandro , Cheronet Olivia , Cotter Daniel J. , Fernandes Daniel M. , Gasperetti Gabriella , Grifoni Renata , Guidi Alessandro , La Pastina Francesco , Loreti Ersilia , Manacorda Daniele , Matullo Giuseppe , Morretta Simona , Nava Alessia , Fiocchi Nicolai Vincenzo , Nomi Federico , Pavolini Carlo , Pentiricci Massimo , Pergola Philippe , Piranomonte Marina , Schmidt Ryan , Spinola Giandomenico , Sperduti Alessandra , Rubini Mauro , Bondioli Luca , Coppa Alfredo , Pinhasi Ron , Pritchard Jonathan K.
Published: November 2019

A 10,000-year transect of Roman populations

Rome wasn't built (or settled) in a day. Antonio
et al.
performed an ancestral DNA analysis to investigate the genetic changes that occurred in Rome and central Italy from the Mesolithic into modern times. By examining 127 Roman genomes and their archaeological context, the authors demonstrate a major ancestry shift in the Neolithic between hunter gatherers and farmers. A second ancestry shift is observed in the Bronze Age, likely coinciding with trade and an increased movement of populations. Genetic changes track the historical changes occurring in Rome and reflect gene flow from across the Mediterranean, Europe, and North Africa over time.

Science
, this issue p.
708
Cas12a/Guide RNA-Based Platform for Rapid and Accurate Identification of Major
Mycobacterium
Species
Authors: Xiao Guohui , He Xing , Zhang Su , Liu Yaya , Liang Zhihang , Liu Houming , Zhang Juanjuan , Ou Min , Cai Shuhao , Lai Wenjie , Zhang Tianyu , Ren Lili , Zhang Guoliang
Published: November 2019

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infection and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections exhibit similar clinical symptoms; however, the therapies for these two types of infections are different. Therefore, the rapid and accurate identification of
M. tuberculosis
and NTM species is very important for the control of tuberculosis and NTM infections. In the present study, a Cas12a/guide RNA (gRNA)-based platform was developed to identify
M. tuberculosis
and most NTM species.