bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An assessment of KIR channel function in human cerebral arteries
Authors: Sancho Maria , Gao Yuan , Hald Bjorn O. , Yin Hao , Boulton Melfort , Steven David A. , MacDougall Keith W. , Parrent Andrew G. , Pickering J. Geoffrey , Welsh Donald G. 
Published: January 2019

In the rodent cerebral circulation, inward rectifying K+ (KIR) channels set resting tone and the distance over which electrical phenomena spread along the arterial wall. The present study sought to translate these observations into human cerebral arteries obtained from resected brain tissue. Computational modeling and a conduction assay first defined the impact of KIR channels on electrical communication; patch-clamp electrophysiology, quantitative PCR, and immunohistochemistry then characterized KIR2.x channel expression/activity. In keeping with rodent observations, computer modeling highlighted that KIR blockade should constrict cerebral arteries and attenuate electrical communication if functionally expressed. Surprisingly, Ba2+ (a KIR channel inhibitor) had no effect on human cerebral arterial tone or intercellular conduction. In alignment with these observations, immunohistochemistry and patch-clamp electrophysiology revealed minimal KIR channel expression/activity in both smooth muscle and endothelial cells. This absence may be reflective of chronic stress as dysphormic neurons, leukocyte infiltrate, and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression was notable in the epileptic cortex. In closing, KIR2.x channel expression is limited in human cerebral arteries from patients with epilepsy and thus has little impact on resting tone or the spread of vasomotor responses. NEW & NOTEWORTHY KIR2.x channels are expressed in rodent cerebral arterial smooth muscle and endothelial cells. As they are critical to setting membrane potential and the distance signals conduct, we sought to translate this work into humans. Surprisingly, KIR2.x channel activity/expression was limited in human cerebral arteries, a paucity tied to chronic brain stress in the epileptic cortex. Without substantive expression, KIR2.x channels were unable to govern arterial tone or conduction.
Host Immunity Following Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy Is Enhanced with PD-1 Checkpoint Blockade to Eradicate Established Antigenic Tumors
Authors: Nagaya Tadanobu , Friedman Jay , Maruoka Yasuhiro , Ogata Fusa , Okuyama Shuhei , Clavijo Paul E. , Choyke Peter L. , Allen Clint , Kobayashi Hisataka 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) induces immunogenic cell death but has mostly failed to induce durable antitumor responses in syngenic tumor mouse models. We hypothesized that adaptive immune resistance could be limiting durable responses after treatmemt with NIR-PIT. We investigated the effects of combining NIR-PIT targeting cell-surface CD44 and PD-1 blockade in multiple syngeneic tumor models. In two of three models, NIR-PIT monotherapy halted tumor growth, enhanced dendritic cell tumor infiltration, and induced de novo tumor antigen–specific T-cell responses absent at baseline. The addition of PD-1 blockade reversed adaptive immune resistance, resulting in both enhanced preexisting tumor antigen–specific T-cell responses and enhanced de novo T-cell responses induced by NIR-PIT. Enhanced immune responses correlated with shared tumor antigen expression, suggesting that antigenicity is a major determinant of response to combination NIR-PIT and PD-1 blockade. Combination treatment induced complete rejection of MC38 tumors treated with NIR-PIT, as well as untreated, distant tumors. Accordingly, tumor antigen–specific T-cell responses were measured in both treated and untreated tumors, validating the development of systemic antitumor immunity. Mice that cleared tumors resisted subsequent tumor challenge, indicating the presence of systemic immune memory. Cumulatively, these results demonstrate reversal of adaptive immune resistance following induction of innate and adaptive immunity by NIR-PIT, resulting in high rates of tumor rejection and/or significant tumor growth control in antigenic syngeneic models of cancer.
OFCS: Optimized Framework of Compressive Sensing for Medical Images in Bottleneck Network Condition
Authors: M Lakshminarayana , Sarvagya Mrinal 
Published: January 2019

Compressive sensing is one of teh cost effective solution towards performing compression of heavier form of signals. We reviewed the existing research contribution towards compressive sensing to find that existing system doesnt offer any form of optimization for which reason the signal are superiorly compressed but at the cost of enough resources. Therefore, we introduce a framework that optimizes the performance of the compressive sensing by introducing 4 sequential algorithms for performing Random Sampling, Lossless Compression for region-of-interest, Compressive Sensing using transform-based scheme, and optimization. The contribution of proposed paper is a good balance between computational efficiency and quality of reconstructed medical image when transmitted over network with low channel capacity. The study outcome shows that proposed system offers maximum signal quality and lower algorithm processing time in contrast to existing compression techniuqes on medical images.
Eccentric operation of STATCOM using Predictive Controller
Authors: Varalakshmi K. , R.L. Narasimham , Ramdas G. Tulasi 
Published: January 2019

<p>The impact of multilevel converter STATCOM in transmission and distribution system is given high importance. Increment of number of switches in multi-level cascaded H-bridge converter, made it more vulnerable to open circuit and short circuit faults. To reduce the effect of faults on line voltage magnitude, in this paper an advanced improved predictive controller is used to generate PWM pulses for the power electronic devices. A Cascaded H-bridge STATCOM, interconnected to a distribution system with linear and non-linear loads. The feedback control structure of STATCOM has an advantage of reducing THD and controllable reactive power. A switch fault detection and elimination method is proposed with a bypass switch connected to each H-bridge to surpass the faulty H-bridge. The complete analysis with all control structures is designed in MATLAB/Simulink representing dynamic graphs and feasibility of proposed method is verified.</p>
Geriatric Dysphonia: Characteristics of Diagnoses in Age-Based Cohorts in a Tertiary Voice Clinic
Authors: Applebaum Jeremy , Harun Aisha , Davis Ashley , Hillel Alexander T. , Best Simon R. A. , Akst Lee M. 
Published: January 2019

Objective: An aging population has increased focus on geriatric otolaryngology. Those ≥65 years old are not a uniform population, however, and recent gerontology literature recognizes important physiologic differences between the young-old (ages 65-74 years), middle-old (75-84), and old-old (≥85). This study evaluates differences within these groups among dysphonia patients ≥65 years relative to diagnosis and voice-related quality of life (V-RQOL). Methods: Chart review of all new patients ≥65 years presenting to the Johns Hopkins Voice Center between April 2015 and March 2017 identified chief complaint, diagnosis, and self-reported voice handicap. Etiology of dysphonia diagnoses were classified. Diagnostic categories and V-RQOL were evaluated as functions of patient age and gender. Results: Of 839 new patients ≥65 years, 463 (55.2%) reported chief complaint of dysphonia, with the most common etiologies being vocal fold immobility (28.3%) and atrophy (21.6%). Younger cohorts were more likely to present with benign vocal fold lesion and vocal fold immobility, while older cohorts were more likely to present with atrophy ( P = .016). The odds of having a diagnosis of vocal fold atrophy increased 7% with each year of life (odds ratio = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.11). V-RQOL scores were similar across gender and age categorization. Conclusion: Dysphonia patients ≥65 years are not a uniform group, and important differences exist in terms of diagnosis as a function of age. Knowledge of these differences may inform further investigations in the growing field of geriatric otolaryngology.
Pure Tone Audiometry Threshold Changes for 10 Years in the Same Individuals of General Population: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Hantai , Ha Jungho , Park Hun Yi 
Published: January 2019

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to measure the changes in hearing thresholds in the same individuals during a period of 10 years and suggest a clinical reference for the threshold changes by aging. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we used regular health checkup data including 2 pure tone audiometry results with a 10-year interval in the same individuals from 1288 subjects. The subjects’ data including demographics, smoking habits, and the diagnosis of chronic diseases were used. Results: Age, male gender, smoking, and osteoporosis were identified as factors affecting age-related hearing loss (ARHL). The sole effect of aging on ARHL for 10 years according to age groups and genders was as follows: a loss of 1.4 dB in 20s, 4.0 dB in 30s, 5.0 dB in 40s, 8.2 dB in 50s, and 11.2 dB in 60s of males compared to a loss of 2.3 dB in 20s, 2.9 dB in 30s, 5.1 dB in 40s, 6.5 dB in 50s, and 9.4 dB in 60s of females. Conclusions: We could demonstrate the actual effect of aging on ARHL, and it can be used as a clinical reference. Hearing ability decreases more in males than females but seems to decrease exponentially with age in both males and females.
Clustering Mixed Datasets Using Homogeneity Analysis with Applications to Big Data
Authors: Sambasivan Rajiv , Das Sourish 
Published: January 2019

Datasets with a mixture of numerical and categorical attributes are routinely encountered in many application domains. Such datasets do not have a direct representation in Euclidean space. As a consequence, dissimilarity measures such as the Gower distance are used when partitioning clustering approaches are used with such datasets. Homogeneity analysis (HA) can be used to determine a Euclidean representation of mixed datasets. Such a representation can be analysed by leveraging the large body of tools and techniques for data with a Euclidean representation. The utility of the representation obtained from HA is not limited to clustering. This representation can be used to visualize mixed datasets and generate succinct numerical summaries. Such summaries can yield clues about associations between variables which may be difficult to discover otherwise. AMS Classification Code: 62-07
Test–retest reliability and limits of agreement of the Six-Spot Step Test in people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Brincks John , Callesen Jacob , Dalgas Ulrik , Johnsen Erik 
Published: January 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the within-day and day-to-day agreement and reliability of the Six-Spot Step Test in mild to moderately disabled people with Parkinson’s disease. Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Setting: Outpatient clinics. Subjects: Forty-four people with Parkinson’s disease. Main measure: The Six-Spot Step Test was completed twice on day 1. Two days later, the Six-Spot Step Test was completed again. The agreement was estimated by Bland–Altman statistics with 95% limits of agreement, and reliability was estimated by the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: Subjects had a mean (SD) age of 67.8 (6.8) years, a median (range) Hoehn and Yahr score of 2.5 (1–4) and a mean (SD) Six-Spot Step Test score of 8.1 (1.8), 7.6 (1.7) and 7.6 (1.6) seconds on test occasions 1 to 3. An agreement for within-day and day-to-day of ±1.8 (±23.7%) and ±2.2 (±26.7%) seconds was found, respectively. The reliability was 0.81 and 0.76 within-day and day-to-day, respectively. A small learning effect was observed ( P < 0.05) between the first and second Six-Spot Step Test, but there was no learning between the second and third occasions. Conclusion: The Six-Spot Step Test has an acceptable within-day and day-to-day agreement and reliability in mild to moderately disabled people with Parkinson’s disease. A change of 2.2 seconds can be regarded as a true change. To minimize learning effects, test trials of the Six-Spot Step Test are recommended before use.
Detecting recurrent ovarian cancer: revisit the values of whole-body CT and serum CA 125 levels
Authors: Wang Pieh-Hsu , Huang Yu-Ting , Ng Koon-Kwan , Chou Hung-Hsueh , Lu Hsin-Ying , Ng Shu-Hang , Lin Gigin 
Published: January 2019

Background Computed tomography (CT) has served as the first-line imaging modality but its role for detecting recurrent ovarian cancer should be revisited in the era of whole-body CT. Purpose To study anatomical distributions and imaging patterns of recurrent ovarian epithelial cancer through whole-body CT and their associations with serum cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) levels. Material and Methods This retrospective study approved by the institutional review board comprised a cohort of 497 patients with ovarian cancer. The specific anatomical locations and imaging features of recurrent lesions on CT at the time of recurrence were analyzed. Results Fifty-nine patients had ovarian cancer recurrence. The median time from diagnosis to recurrence was 17 months (range = 8–51). Among the 144 recurrent lesions, the leading recurrent sites were the intraperitoneal cavity and lymph nodes. Cystic lesions were significantly more frequently located intraperitoneally ( P = 0.026), in particular with locoregional recurrence ( P = 0.006). Serum CA 125 levels in the patients were significantly higher in the presence of peritoneal metastases ( P = 0.010), locoregional lesions at the cul-de-sac or vaginal stump ( P = 0.002), and metastases to infradiaphragmatic organs ( P = 0.013). Among the 18 patients with CA 125 levels ≤ 35 U/mL at recurrence, 10 patients had supradiaphragmatic lesions in the lung and brain. None of the studied patients had bony metastasis at recurrence. Conclusion In patients with suspected recurrence, extended-field CT to cover the thoracic region might be useful during follow-up of patients with ovarian cancer, regardless of CA 125 levels.
Protective role of arnebin-1 in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yang Weijia , Yang Minchun , Yao Hui , Ma Yelin , Ren Xuanxuan , Teng Long , Wang Tao 
Published: January 2019

Objective To examine the effects of arnebin-1 on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed an HFD for 10 weeks and then treated with arnebin-1 at a dose of 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg/day by gavage for a further 12 weeks of a 22-week HFD. Peripheral blood and liver tissues were collected for biochemical and histopathological examination. The mechanisms of arnebin-1 on liver fibrosis and insulin resistance (IR) were determined by Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Arnebin-1 treatment attenuated the increase of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in serum and lipid accumulation in the livers of HFD-fed rats. Furthermore, arnebin-1 abrogated HFD-induced liver fibrosis and the increase of fibrotic biomarkers. The HFD-induced decrease of hepatic proliferator-activated receptor γ and pro-matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 levels and the increase of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) levels were reversed after arnebin-1. Arnebin-1 attenuated IR through activating the insulin receptor substrate-1/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. Conclusion This study demonstrated that arnebin-1 ameliorates NAFLD, in part, by attenuating hepatic fibrosis and IR, suggesting that arnebin-1 may be a therapeutic agent for NAFLD treatment.
Whole-exome sequencing as a powerful tool for identifying genetic causes in a patient with POLG-related disorders and phenylketonuria
Authors: Li Lin , Zhao Jin-Qi , Wang Chengrong , Yang Nan , Gong Li-Fei , Yang Hai-He , Yin Chenghong , Kong Yuan-Yuan 
Published: January 2019

Objective This study’s aim was to identify the genetic causes in a patient with phenylketonuria and hearing loss, liver disease, developmental and mental retardation, hypotonia, and external ophthalmoplegia. Methods Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing analysis were used to determine the genetic causes of manifestations in a young boy with hearing loss, liver disease, develop-mental and mental retardation, hypotonia, and external ophthalmoplegia. Results We found that the child harbored polymerase gamma ( POLG) compound heterozygous mutations, c.2617G>A (p.E873K) and c.3550G>A (p.D1184N), and phenylalanine hydroxylase ( PAH) compound heterozygous mutations, c.721C>T (p.R241C) and c.728G>A (p.R243Q). Among them, the POLG p.E873K mutation is a novel mutation and is not present in the Exome Aggregation Consortium database, Genome Aggregation database, and 1000 Genomes database. The two heterozygous mutations were each inherited from both of the child’s parents. This finding suggested that the phenotype and the genotype were segregated. Conclusion Using whole-exome sequencing, we not only identified PAH mutations causing phenylketonuria, but also identified the genetic cause of the mitochondrial disease and found a novel POLG mutation. Our findings could be useful in helping future parents obtain healthy embryos through assisted reproductive technology.
Low vision rehabilitation services: Perceived barriers and facilitators to access for older adults with visual impairment
Authors: Kaldenberg Jennifer 
Published: January 2019

Introduction The aim of this study is to describe the barriers and facilitators to accessing low vision rehabilitation services in Massachusetts, USA, and determine differences between communities with and without existing low vision rehabilitation services for older adults with visual impairment. Method A sample of older adults with visual impairment ( n = 64) from both communities participated in the study. Barriers and facilitators to accessing the services were explored through focus groups and prioritized during one-on-one interviews, which allowed for comparison between communities. Results Twelve themes were identified: (a) bureaucracy and funding (public policy); (b) public awareness and stigma (community); (c) services available, knowledge of providers, care coordination, transportation (organizational); (d) people and lack of awareness of family/friends (interpersonal); and (e) income, health status, knowledge, self-advocacy, and time (individual). Conclusion This study provides insights into the perceived barriers and facilitators of accessing low vision rehabilitation services for older adults with vision impairment living in Massachusetts, USA. Key findings indicate the need for improved awareness of these services at the provider and consumer level, coordinated care, increased education on the efficacy of occupational therapy low vision rehabilitation services, client-centered care provided when the client is ready to accept services, and service provision that addresses sociodemographic factors.
Occupational therapy international undergraduate students’ perspectives on the purpose of practice education and what contributes to successful practice learning experiences
Authors: Lalor Aislinn , Yu Mong-Lin , Brown Ted , Thyer Laura 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionPractice placements (also referred to as fieldwork) are a significant component of occupational therapy education. For international students enrolled in occupational therapy education programmes outside their own country, completing practice placements can be challenging. There is scarce literature that examines the perspectives of international students undertaking practice placements. The study’s aim was to understand international students’ perceptions, what they believe to be the purpose of practice placements and what attributes contribute to successful practice education.MethodQualitative, semi-structured interviews were used to elicit the perspectives of seven fourth-year international undergraduate occupational therapy students enrolled at an Australian university.ResultsThematic analysis identified two key themes: ‘the purpose of practice placements’ (sub-themes: translating knowledge into practice, adapting to real life experiences and building our communication skills), and ‘a successful practice placement’ (sub-themes: the environment, the clinical educator and my responsibilities).ConclusionFindings identified what international occupational therapy students believed to contribute to a positive and quality practice placement. All students valued the opportunities that practice education afforded, including developing communication skills and integrating theory into practice. These findings will assist academic and practice educators in the delivery of high quality practice education placement learning experiences for international students.
A Comparison of Fifteen Pulse Oximeters. Part I: A Clinical Comparison; Part II: A Test of Performance under Conditions of Poor Perfusion
Authors: Morris R. W. , Nairn M. , Torda T. A. 
Published: January 2019

Fifteen pulse oximeters were compared. Their physical characteristics, price, warranty, information handling and displays were catalogued. Times for changes in data display and susceptibility to interference were assessed. A model for comparison of oximeters under conditions of poor perfusion was developed using a tourniquet to progressively diminish limb perfusion pressure (systolic minus tourniquet pressure). The oximeters evidenced a wide variety of features and performance in poor perfusion states. Instruments lacking a beep varying in pitch with saturation or a waveform/pulse bar display of plethysmograph signal were considered less satisfactory. The majority of instruments, with some notable exceptions, performed remarkably well in a state of diminished perfusion. The study demonstrates that purchasers of pulse oximeters need to exercise care in assessing the suitability of particular instruments to their specific requirements.
Patient-Administered Anxiolysis — A Pilot Study
Authors: Galletly D. C. , Short T. G. , Forrest P. 
Published: January 2019

The feasibility of self-premedication with intravenous diazepam was examined in an open study of 50 preoperative patients. Using a Bard ‘Harvard PCA’ patient-controlled analgesia system, patients were instructed to deliver the drug in a dose sufficient to remove their anxiety for the scheduled surgical procedure. Aliquots of diazepam 2 mg were delivered on demand up to a total dose of 20 mg over a 30 minute premedication period. The mean dose administered was 8.1 mg (range 0-16 mg) producing a highly significant reduction in both patient- and anaesthetist-assessed anxiety rating. Neither the patient's sex nor the nature of the surgical procedure influenced the dose administered. Although poor, the best predictor of self-premedicating dose was the patient's own preoperative anxiety rating with the anaesthetist's assessment of patient anxiety not correlating with the dose administered. No patient was considered excessively sedated by the premedication. Patient-administered anxiolysis is suggested as a useful research tool in the examination of anxiety and of value in premedicating patients with high preoperative anxiety levels.