bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial diseases and status epilepticus
Authors: Rahman Shamima 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThis narrative review focuses on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of status epilepticus in the context of primary mitochondrial disease. Epilepsy is common in mitochondrial disease, reported in >20% of adult cases and 40%‐60% of pediatric cohorts. Status epilepticus is less frequently reported and appears to be associated with particular subgroups of mitochondrial disorders, namely defects of the mitochondrial DNA and its maintenance, and disorders of mitochondrial translation and dynamics. Mechanisms underlying mitochondrial status epilepticus are incompletely understood, and may include bioenergetic failure, oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and impaired mitochondrial dynamics. Treatments tried in mitochondrial status epilepticus include antiepileptic drugs, anesthetic agents, magnesium, high‐dose steroids, immune globulins, vagus nerve stimulation, and surgical procedures, all with variable success. The outcome of mitochondrial status epilepticus is extremely poor, and effective therapeutic options have not been reported. Improved understanding of the mechanisms underpinning mitochondrial status epilepticus is needed in order to develop more effective treatments.
Risk score predictive of mortality in status epilepticus according to a national database
Authors: Tiamkao Somsak , Buranakul Nattakarn , Saybungkla Pawinee , Sirikarn Prapassara , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak ,   of Integrated Epilepsy Research Group
Published: August 2018

SummaryStatus epilepticus (SE) is a serious neurologic condition with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to develop and validate a risk score that is predictive of mortality in patients with SE using clinical factors without electrocardiography. The inclusion criteria of this study were all patients diagnosed with SE and treated between 2005 and 2015. We retrospectively searched for eligible patients using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD‐10) code for SE (G41) in the national Universal Health Coverage database. The outcome was death at discharge or within 30 days after discharge. Factors‐associated death was analyzed using stepwise logistic regression analysis. Risk scores were developed based on the final logistic regression model. The final model was also validated. There were 10 924 patients used for model development and 10 808 used for model validation. The formula to determine the risk score for SE mortality was 5 × shock + 4 × age over 60 years old + 3.5 × heart diseases + 3 × acute renal failure + 3 × septicemia + 2.5 × central nervous system infection + 2.5 × age 41‐60 years old + 2 × cancer + 2 × chronic renal failure + 1.5 × age 21‐40 years old + 1 × pneumonia + 1 × respiratory failure + 1 × anemia. The risk scores of greater than 4 indicated risk for mortality with a sensitivity of 78.20% and specificity of 75.38%. The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve for death in the final model was 83.59%. The area under the ROC curve for the model validation group was 83.52%. SE patients who had a risk score of 4 or more were at high risk for death. Physicians should be aware of the high mortality rate in these particular patients.
Complication Burden Index—A tool for comprehensive evaluation of the effect of complications on functional outcome after status epilepticus
Authors: Kämppi Leena , Ritvanen Jaakko , Strbian Daniel , Mustonen Harri , Soinila Seppo 
Published: August 2018

SummarySystemic complications are common in status epilepticus. We have no tools to evaluate total burden of complications and its effect on the outcome of status epilepticus. For Complication Burden Index (CBI) a patient is assessed for 13 complication categories: respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, renal, hepatic, coagulation, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems, electrolyte/acid‐base balance, infection, hypo‐/hyperglycemia, skin/allergic reactions, and mental condition. Maximum CBI is 13. CBI was internally validated in a retrospective cohort of 70 consecutive adult patients with generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) treated in a tertiary hospital over a period of 2 years. Functional outcome at discharge was defined Poor for Glascow Outcome Scale (GOS) 1‐3 or worse‐than‐baseline condition and Good for GOS >3 or return to baseline condition. Relative risks (RRs) and receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) ‐curves were calculated to obtain optimal cutoff. Functional outcome was poor in 40% and worse‐than‐baseline in 59%. In‐hospital mortality was 7%. Average CBI was 3.8 (range 0‐10, median 3). Cutoff value predicting poor functional outcome was a CBI >3 (GOS 1‐3 RR 1.84, P = .045, 95% confidence interval [CI 1.01‐3.33; ROC‐AUC [area under the curve] 0.687, P = .008, sensitivity 64%, specificity 61%; worse‐than‐baseline condition RR 1.52, P = .04, 95% CI 1.02‐2.26; ROC‐AUC 0.662, P = .022, sensitivity 56%, specificity 69%). CBI with cutoff >3 and as a continuous variable was associated with GOS1‐3 (P = .046, P = .002) and with worse‐than‐baseline condition (P = .041, P = .004). CBI is a novel tool for comprehensive assessment of status epilepticus complications predicting poor/worse‐than‐baseline functional outcome with cutoff >3.
Etiologies and characteristics of refractory status epilepticus cases in different areas of the world: Results from a global audit
Authors: Ferlisi Monica , Hocker Sara , Trinka Eugen , Shorvon Simon ,   the International Steering Committee of the StEp Audit
Published: August 2018

SummaryTo describe the demographics, etiologies, types of status epilepticus (SE), and outcomes in people with refractory and super‐refractory SE from around the world, we prospectively collected cases of refractory SE (RSE) treated with continuous intravenous anesthetic drugs in an intensive care unit setting through online questionnaires using “active surveillance.” We collected information about 776 cases of RSE in 50 countries over 4 years. Control of SE was achieved in 74% of the cases. Neurologic outcomes were poor in 41% of patients, and 24% died. Good outcome was associated with younger age and a history of epilepsy. Etiology strongly influenced the outcome. Patients from Asia were younger, more frequently presented with convulsive SE, and were more frequently affected by infectious etiologies when compared with patients from Europe and the Americas. Despite these differences, outcomes were similar in all countries. Demographics of patients with RSE in a global audit are similar to those in prior single center series, providing evidence of generalizability of those studies. Important differences exist among patients with RSE from different regions of the world, but these do not seem to significantly influence patient outcomes.
Intestinal probiotics restore the ecological fitness decline of Bactrocera dorsalis by irradiation
Authors: Cai Zhaohui , Yao Zhichao , Li Yushan , Xi Zhiyong , Bourtzis Kostas , Zhao Zheng , Bai Shuai , Zhang Hongyu 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe sterile insect technique (SIT) as an eco‐friendly and reliable strategy has been used to control populations of insect pests of agricultural, veterinary and human health importance. Successful applications of SIT rely on the high‐level ecological fitness of sterile males. A suitable and stable gut microbiome can contribute to the ecological fitness of insect by influencing their physiology, biochemistry and development processes. Here, we show that a shift in the gut bacterial composition and structure by sterilizing irradiation, characterized by a decrease in the major gut microbiota community Enterobacteriaceae, an expansion of the minor members (e.g., Bacillaceae) and a higher richness and diversity, is tightly linked to radiation‐induced ecological fitness (male mating competitiveness, flight capacity, survival rate and life span) decline in Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) sterile males. Function prediction of gut microbiota indicated that changes in microbiome taxonomy tend to drive microbiome functional shifts. A higher nutrient consumption of the flourishing minor gut microbiota may cause a decline in nutrients and energy metabolic activity of host and then result in the reduced ecological fitness of irradiated flies. Furthermore, we found that a gut bacterial strain Klebsiella oxytoca (BD177) can restore ecological fitness by improving food intake and increasing haemolymph sugar and amino acid levels of irradiated B. dorsalis flies. Our findings suggest that gut symbiont‐based probiotics can be used as agents for reversing radiation‐induced ecological fitness decrease.
Clodronate improves lameness in horses without changing bone turnover markers
Authors: Mitchell A. , Wright G. , Sampson S. N. , Martin M. , Cummings K. , Gaddy D. , Watts A. E. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundClodronate is prescribed to performance horses with lameness. Despite its clinical popularity, little research has been done to understand the effects of clodronate in the horse.ObjectivesOur objective was to determine if a single treatment with clodronate at the clinically approved dose altered bone remodelling, bone cell recruitment or lameness in the horse.Study designTwelve university‐owned equestrian team competition horses with a history of forelimb lameness due to navicular syndrome were randomised to receive either 1.4 mg/kg clodronate (CLODn = 6) or an equivalent volume ofLRS(CONT; n = 6) in a blinded manner.MethodsBlood was evaluated weekly for 8 weeks before and after drug administration (clodronate or placebo) for bone turnover markersCTX‐I and osteocalcin. Lameness evaluations were performed to assess for change in lameness 1 week before and 1, 2, 3 and 8 weeks after drug administration. Coach questionnaires were performed to assess for change in ridden performance 1, 2, 3 and 8 weeks after drug administration. Bone cell recruitment was evaluated in vitro 2 weeks before and after drug administration.ResultsThere were no differences in in vitro bone cell recruitment from whole bone marrow or in bone turnover markersCTX‐I or osteocalcin. A small but significant decrease in forelimb lameness was detected inCLODtreated horses 1 week after treatment (P = 0.005). There were no significant differences in hindlimb lameness. Coaches identified an improvement in performance significantly more often inCLODvs.CONT(P = 0.01) at week 8.Main limitationsTwoCONThorses received intra‐articular anti‐inflammatory medication after treatment, which may have altered lameness results.ConclusionsA single dose of clodronate appears to reduce lameness without producing detectable effects on bone turnover markers. Due to the long half‐life of a bisphosphonate drug, the effect of multiple doses on bone remodelling and lameness should be investigated.The Summary is available in Portuguese ‐ see Supporting Information
Job shop planning and scheduling for manufacturers with manual operations
Authors: Yang Longzhi , Li Jie , Chao Fei , Hackney Phil , Flanagan Mark 
Published: August 2018

AbstractJob shop scheduling systems are widely employed to optimise the efficiency of machine utilisation in the manufacturing industry, by searching the most cost‐effective permutation of job operations based on the cost of each operation on each compatible machine and the relations between job operations. Such systems are paralysed when the cost of operations are not predictable led by the involvement of complex manual operations. This paper proposes a new genetic algorithm‐based job shop scheduling system by integrating a fuzzy learning and inference subsystem in an effort to address this limitation. In particular, the fuzzy subsystem adaptively estimates the completion time and thus cost of each manual task under different conditions based on a knowledge base that is initialised by domain experts and then constantly updated based on its built‐in learning ability and adaptability. The manufacturer of Point of Sale and Point of Purchase products has been utilised in this paper as an example case for both theoretical discussion and experimental study. The experimental results demonstrate the promising of the proposed system in improving the efficiency of manual manufacturing operations.
Mean stress and plasticity effect prediction on notch fatigue and crack growth threshold, combining the theory of critical distances and multiaxial fatigue criteria
Authors: Benedetti Matteo , Santus Ciro 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn the present work, we propose a robust calibration of some bi‐parametric multiaxial fatigue criteria applied in conjunction with the theory of critical distances (TCD). This is based on least‐square fitting fatigue data generated using plain and sharp‐notched specimens tested at two different load ratios and allows for the estimation of the critical distance according to the point and line method formulation of TCD. It is shown that this combination permits to incorporate the mean stress effect into the fatigue strength calculation, which is not accounted for in the classical formulation of TCD based on the range of the maximum principal stress. It is also shown that for those materials exhibiting a low fatigue‐strength‐to‐yield‐stress ratio σfl,R = −1/σYS, such as 7075‐T6 (σfl,R = −1/σYS = 0.30), satisfactorily accurate predictions are obtained assuming a linear‐elastic stress distribution, even at the tip of sharp notches and cracks. Conversely, for any materials characterized by higher values of this ratio, as quenched and tempered 42CrMo4 (σfl,R = −1/σYS = 0.54), it is recommended to consider the stabilized elastic‐plastic stress/strain distribution, also for plain and blunt‐notched samples and even in the high cycle fatigue regime still with the application of the TCD.
Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and methane from food waste and cow slurry: Comparison of biogas and VFA fermentation processes
Authors: Tampio Elina A. , Blasco Lucia , Vainio Markku M. , Kahala Minna M. , Rasi Saija E. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe potential of various biomasses for the production of green chemicals is currently one of the key topics in the field of the circular economy. Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are intermediates in the methane formation pathway of anaerobic digestion and they can be produced in similar reactors as biogas to increase the productivity of a digestion plant, as VFAs have more varying end uses compared to biogas and methane. In this study, the aim was to assess the biogas and VFA production of food waste (FW) and cow slurry (CS) using the anaerobic biogas plant inoculum treating the corresponding substrates. The biogas and VFA production of both biomasses were studied in identical batch scale laboratory conditions while the process performance was assessed with chemical and microbial analyses. As a result, FW and CS were shown to have different chemical performances and microbial dynamics in both VFA and biogas processes. FW as a substrate showed higher yields in both processes (435 ml CH4/g VSfed and 434 mg VFA/g VSfed) due to its characteristics (pH, organic composition, microbial communities), and thus, the vast volume of CS makes it also a relevant substrate for VFA and biogas production. In this study, VFA profiles were highly dependent on the substrate and inoculum characteristics, while orders Clostridiales and Lactobacillales were connected with high VFA and butyric acid production with FW as a substrate. In conclusion, anaerobic digestion supports the implementation of the waste management hierarchy as it enables the production of renewable green chemicals from both urban and rural waste materials.
Trace Element Characterisation of MAD‐559 Zircon Reference Material for Ion Microprobe Analysis
Authors: Coble Matthew A. , Vazquez Jorge A. , Barth Andrew P. , Wooden Joseph , Burns Dale , Kylander‐Clark Andrew , Jackson Simon , Vennari Cara E. 
Published: August 2018

We document the composition of a natural zircon gemstone sourced from Madagascar, MAD‐559 – a new reference material for calibrating trace element mass fractions in zircon measured by SIMS. The composition of MAD‐559 was quantified by calibration relative to the well‐documented zircon reference material 91500, for which we compiled existing published data (Mg, Al, Y, rare earth elements, Hf, U, Th) and performed new measurements to characterise the mass fraction of less commonly measured elements (Li, Be, B, F, Na, P, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, Fe, Nb). Measurement results of SL13, CZ3 and MAD‐1 zircons and NIST SRM glasses were performed as quality control materials to test measurement bias and repeatability. We show the intermediate precision for most trace element measurement results of MAD‐559 to be between ± 3% and ± 5% RSD based on 139 measurements by SIMS on twenty‐five individual polished zircon chips measured during a 24‐h period, as well as repeat measurements performed over five separate analytical sessions. Trace element mass fractions were also measured by LA‐ICP‐MS in two different laboratories, and major element compositions measured by electron microprobe, to compare with results measured by SIMS. Based on laser Raman and hyperspectral cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, we show MAD‐559 to have high crystal disorder due to radiation damage relative to crystalline zircon (e.g., SL13 and 91500 zircon). Although the high cumulative alpha dose of MAD‐559 zircon makes it a poor reference material for geochronology, the consistency of the trace element mass fraction results measured in multiple sessions and by various measurement methods shows that it is an ideal reference material for microanalytical trace element mass fraction quantification of zircon.
A GIS‐Based GOD Model and Hazard Index Analysis: The Quaternary Coastal Collo Aquifer (NE‐Algeria)
Authors: Boulabeiz Mahrez , Klebingat Stefan , Agaguenia Siham 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe quaternary coastal Collo aquifer in northeast Algeria (NE Algeria) marks an important local water resource supporting domestic, industrial and agricultural activities. The aquifer shows signs of contamination due to the existence of various pollution sources, especially nitrogen compounds. Focusing the local identification of key vulnerable zones and related main hazard types for wise future water management, the present study highlights results from a coupled analysis of the well‐established Geographical Information System (GIS)‐based GOD (groundwater occurrence, overall aquifer class, depth to groundwater) hazard index analysis and the COST Action 620 plan. Most prevalent hazard types in the study area were identified as the urban/residential areas without public sewage systems, landfill and agricultural/pasturing areas. Regarding the vulnerability analysis particularly the northern aquifer region is endangered, dominated by high (22.4%) and moderate (27.4%) vulnerability classes. Central, western and southern aquifer regions are characterized by low (23.3%) and very low (26.9%) vulnerability classes. Overall, these GOD‐derived results are in good agreement with earlier results obtained by the more complex DRASTIC approach. Final risk assessment and validation related to 2014/2015 nitrate sampling campaigns indicate that “high risk” and “very high risk” classes only apply to a small part of the study area in the northern sector (8%), whereas the main part (>60%) broadly affecting the central, western and southern sector only bears a low to very low risk of water pollution. Apart from a future‐oriented groundwater abstraction strategy it is recommended to update the evaluation regularly to effectively consider dynamic changes of local anthropogenic activities and hazards.
Symptoms of Autonomic Dysfunction Among Those With Persistent Posttraumatic Headache Attributed to Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Comparison to Migraine and Healthy Controls
Authors: Howard Levi , Dumkrieger Gina , Chong Catherine D. , Ross Katherine , Berisha Visar , Schwedt Todd J. 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundMost persistent posttraumatic headaches (PPTH) have a phenotype that meets diagnostic criteria for migraine or probable migraine. Although symptoms of autonomic dysfunction have been well described among those with migraine, the presence and relative severity of such symptoms among those with PPTH have yet to be reported.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess and compare symptoms of autonomic dysfunction among those with PPTH attributed to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) vs migraine vs healthy controls using Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS‐31) questionnaire scores.MethodsIndividuals with PPTH (n = 56) (87.5% of whom had a migraine/probable migraine phenotype), migraine (n = 30), and healthy controls (n = 36) were prospectively assessed in this cross‐sectional cohort study using the COMPASS‐31 questionnaire. Total COMPASS‐31 scores and individual domain scores (bladder, gastrointestinal, orthostatic intolerance, pupillomotor, secretomotor, vasomotor) were compared between subject groups.ResultsCOMPASS‐31 mean total weighted score was 37.22 ± 15.44 in the PPTH group, 27.15 ± 14.37 in the migraine group, and 11.67 ± 8.98 for healthy controls. COMPASS‐31 mean weighted total scores were significantly higher in those with PPTH vs migraine (P = .014), for PPTH vs healthy controls (P = .001), and for migraine vs healthy controls (P = .001). Those with PPTH had numerically higher scores for all COMPASS‐31 domains compared to those with migraine, and the domain scores were significantly higher for orthostatic intolerance (PPTH = 4.80 ± 2.47 vs migraine = 3.33 ± 2.31, P = .027) and bladder (PPTH = 1.14 ± 1.45 vs migraine = 0.47 ± 0.73, P = .020). Among individuals with PPTH, post hoc correlations indicated a positive association between number of total lifetime TBIs with total weighted COMPASS‐31 scores (rho = 0.32, P = .020), between years lived with headache and vasomotor domain subscores (rho = 0.27; P = .044), and between headache frequency with vasomotor domain subscores (rho = 0.27; P = .041).ConclusionsSymptoms of autonomic dysfunction were greatest among those with PPTH compared to migraine and healthy controls. Among individuals with PPTH, number of lifetime TBIs was associated with greater symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, while greater headache burden was associated with higher vasomotor domain autonomic dysfunction subscores, potentially indicating that PPTH patients with higher disease burden have an increased risk for having autonomic dysfunction. Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction should be ascertained during the clinical management of patients with PPTH and might be a characteristic that helps differentiate PPTH from migraine.