bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When is it best to discontinue diazoxide in children with persistent hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia and negative genetics for KATP channel gene variants?
Authors: Güemes Maria , Kostopoulou Eirini , AlYahyaei Mouza , Gilbert Clare , Shah Pratik
Published: August 2021

Diazoxide is the first‐line treatment in children with hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH); however, limited information is available on the duration of diazoxide treatment in children who require over 2 years of it. Hence, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical and biochemical aspects, as well as the duration of therapy and neurodevelopmental assessment, in genetically uncharacterised diazoxide‐responsive HH patients admitted to a tertiary hospital over the last 16 years, who had successfully discontinued diazoxide and remained euglycaemic. To exclude transient HH forms, only patients that required diazoxide for over 2 years were studied. We identified a total of 17 patients (70% males), in whom HH was diagnosed between 1 day and 18 months of age, and 88% were born at term with a median birth weight of 3.79 kg. All children responded to diazoxide at a median dose of 11.5 mg/kg/day, and it was stopped at a median age of 8.5 years, with a median duration of therapy of 7.25 years. The cases that required diazoxide the longest manifested no specific biochemical or clinical characteristics. Fasting tests performed after diazoxide discontinuation showed no longer requirement of diazoxide in all the cases. A total of 64.7% of the children showed mild to moderate developmental delay. Therefore, it seems that long‐term resolution of HH in children with negative genetics for KATP channel genes who required diazoxide for over 2 years will ensue, and thus regular evaluation is crucial. The possible molecular mechanisms involved are unclear.
Post‐transplantation erythrocytosis in kidney transplant recipients—A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hofstetter Liron , Rozen‐Zvi Benaya , Schechter Amir , Raanani Pia , Itzhaki Oranit , Rahamimov Ruth , Gafter‐Gvili Anat
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To characterize risk factors for the development of post‐transplant erythrocytosis (PTE), and its long‐term effect on mortality, graft failure, and thrombosis.

Methods

Retrospective study including all kidney transplant recipients in Rabin Medical Center (RMC) during the years 2005‐2014. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of all‐cause mortality or graft failure at the end of follow‐up. Secondary outcomes included death censored graft loss, venous thromboembolism, major adverse cardiovascular events, and mortality. A matched control group was also evaluated. Univariate and multivariate time‐varying Cox model analyses were conducted for outcome evaluation.

Results

A total of 1304 patients were included, 169 of whom were diagnosed with PTE (12.9%). PTE was associated with male gender, higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and polycystic kidney disease. PTE was found to be associated with a reduced risk of the primary outcome (HR 0.355, CI 95% 0.151‐0.89, P = .027) in a univariate time‐varying Cox analysis, but was not associated with the composite outcome in a multivariate analysis. There was no difference in the primary outcome when the PTE group was compared with the matched control.

Conclusion

PTE was not found to be associated with long‐term outcomes of graft failure and poor survival.
Investigating the effects of market segmentation on firm survival and their heterogeneities in China
Authors: Li Peixin , Li Lixia , Xie Yichun , Zhang Xueliang
Published: August 2021

The paper uses the hazards model to estimate how market segmentation affects firm survival and accompanied resource allocation efficiency in China based on the manufacturing firm's data in 1998–2007 from the Annual Survey of Industrial Firms, considering the time‐varying and heterogeneous effect with the dynamics and characteristics of enterprises. According to the results, although firms benefit from market segmentation in the inauguration period, the protection diminishes afterwards and eventually becomes a hazard to the firm survival. This paper also takes one step further in finding that market segmentation may distort the resource allocation by protecting low‐productivity and low‐profitability firms from exiting the market. The findings suggest that local governments should strengthen cooperation to break administrative barriers and promote regional integrated development in order to realize the benefits of the domestic super‐large‐scale market.
Maternal prenatal mood problems and lower maternal emotional availability associated with lower quality of child's emotional availability and higher negative affect during still‐face procedure
Authors: Korja Riikka , McMahon Catherine
Published: August 2021

Our aim was to study the effects of maternal perinatal mood and maternal emotional availability on child emotional availability and negative affect during the still‐face procedure (SFP). The sample included 214 women who participated in a prospective study. We assessed maternal mood problems using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and PRAQ questionnaire during pregnancy and using STAI and EPDS questionnaires during pregnancy and at 6 months after delivery. Maternal and child emotional availability were studied using the Emotional Availability Scales during the SFP at 6 months. We observed and quantified child's negative affect during SFP episodes. We found that mothers with maternal mood problems (anxiety and/or depression) during pregnancy, but not postnatally, showed less optimal maternal structuring during the SFP, and the children showed lower involvement and responsiveness during interactions with their mothers. Furthermore, lower maternal emotional availability was related to the child's higher negative affect during the SFP. Our findings underline the independent roles of both prenatal stress exposure and maternal caregiving behavior in a child's socioemotional development.
Impaired function of epithelial plakophilin‐2 is associated with periodontal disease
Authors: Yu Ning , Zhang Jinmei , Phillips Sherill T. , Offenbacher Steven , Zhang Shaoping
Published: August 2021

Background and objectives

Plakophilin‐2 (PKP2) is an intracellular desmosomal anchoring protein that has been implicated in a genome‐wide association study, in which genetic variants of PKP2 are associated with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.gingivalis) ‐dominant periodontal dysbiosis. In this study, we compared the ex vivo PKP2 expression in periodontitis gingival biopsies to periodontitis‐free subjects and assessed the in vitro role of PKP2 in gingival epithelial barrier function and the mechanism by which P.gingivalis modulates PKP2 expression.

Material and methods

Using reverse transcription quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR), we determined PKP2 mRNA expression levels in gingival biopsies collected from 11 periodontally healthy, 10 experimental gingivitis, and 10 chronic periodontitis subjects. PKP2 protein expression in gingival biopsies was detected by immunohistochemistry. We then challenged primary gingival epithelial cells with bacteria including P.gingivalis, Campylobacter rectus, and various Toll‐like receptor agonists. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect protein expression. Inhibitors blocking proteases pathways were tested for P.gingivalis‐mediated PKP2 protein degradations. We also knocked down endogenous epithelial PKP2 using lentiviral short‐hairpin RNA (shRNA) and evaluated cell proliferation, spreading, and barrier function.

Results

Periodontitis gingival biopsies had approximately twofold less PKP2 mRNA than did healthy controls (p < .05). PKP2 protein was predominantly expressed in gingival epithelium. In primary gingival epithelial cells, P.gingivalis challenge increased PKP2 mRNA levels, while protein expression decreased, which suggests that P.gingivalis has a protein degradation mechanism. Cysteine proteases inhibitors greatly attenuated P.gingivalis‐mediated PKP2 protein degradation. Epithelial cells with deficient PKP2 exhibited inhibited cell proliferation and spreading and failed to form monolayers. Finally, P.gingivalis impaired gingival epithelial barrier function.

Conclusions

PKP2 appears to be critical in maintaining gingival epithelial barrier function and is susceptible to degradation by cysteine proteases produced by P.gingivalis. Our findings have identified a mechanism by which P.gingivalis impairs epithelial barrier function by promoting PKP2 degradation.
Cannibalism and synchrony in seabird egg‐laying behavior
Authors: Nurhan Yosia I. , Henson Shandelle M.
Published: August 2021

During years of high sea surface temperature, food resources for glaucous‐winged gulls (Larus glaucescens) are scarce. In response, male gulls cannibalize the eggs of neighbors. When this occurs, female gulls in dense areas of the colony adopt a tactic of egg‐laying synchrony, in which they lay eggs synchronously on an every‐other‐day schedule. Field observations show that the first‐laid egg of each clutch is the most likely to be cannibalized. In this paper, we analyzed a discrete‐time model of egg‐laying behavior that tracks egg order in the nest. Using Jury conditions, we found that the equilibrium destabilizes into a two‐cycle as colony density (nests per unit area) increases through a critical value, and that the two‐cycle becomes increasingly synchronous as density increases further. We demonstrated that more eggs survive cannibalism in synchronous colonies than in nonsynchronous colonies.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

In colonial gulls, increased egg cannibalism and every‐other‐day egg‐laying synchrony are two behavioral consequences of rising sea surface temperature.

As nest density (nests per unit area) increases, equilibrium egg laying destabilizes into increasingly synchronous two‐cycles.

More eggs survive cannibalism in synchronous colonies than in nonsynchronous colonies.
Association of reduced maternal sHLA‐G5 isoform levels and elevated TNF‐α/IL‐4 cytokine ratio with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A study on South Indian women
Authors: Madduru Dhatri , Dirsipam Kethora , Goli Mahalakshmi , Ramana Devi Venkata , Jahan Parveen
Published: August 2021

Inflammation is of critical importance in successful implantation during pregnancy. However, the establishment of maternal immune tolerance towards semi‐allograft foetus is more exigent and is achieved predominantly by human leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) isoforms with a special emphasis on soluble HLA‐G5 (sHLA‐G5). Constant inflammation and lack of resolution by anti‐inflammatory milieu, due to aberrant expression of critical immunoregulatory molecules such as sHLA‐G5 and dysfunctional T helper cells 1 and 2 (Th1‐Th2) cytokine shift, can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes including recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Serum samples of 270 pregnant women (135 healthy parous and 135 with a history of RPL) were evaluated for the concentrations of sHLA‐G5, interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) using sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and found elevated levels of sHLA‐G5 and IL‐4 in controls and higher TNF‐α levels and TNF‐α:IL‐4 ratio in patients (P < .05). Stratified data analysis based on the time of sample collection, that is the first and second trimesters exhibited higher sHLA‐G5 and IL‐4 in both first and second trimesters in controls than patients, while they displayed lower levels concerning TNF‐α and TNF‐α:IL‐4 ratio (P < .05). However, within patients and controls in the first or second trimesters, there was a significant variation concerning sHLA‐G5 alone. Further, the outcome of pregnancies studied in the present investigation revealed a significant elevation in sHLA‐G5 levels among women with successful pregnancies compared with women who experienced pregnancy loss, therefore, concluding the potential application of sHLA‐G5 isoform as a marker in assisting improved pregnancy outcomes.
Volatile terpenes – mediators of plant‐to‐plant communication
Authors: Rosenkranz Maaria , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhu Peiyuan , Vlot A. Corina
Published: August 2021

Plants interact with other organisms employing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The largest group of plant‐released VOCs are terpenes, comprised of isoprene, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. Mono‐ and sesquiterpenes are well‐known communication compounds in plant–insect interactions, whereas the smallest, most commonly emitted terpene, isoprene, is rather assigned a function in combating abiotic stresses. Recently, it has become evident that different volatile terpenes also act as plant‐to‐plant signaling cues. Upon being perceived, specific volatile terpenes can sensitize distinct signaling pathways in receiver plant cells, which in turn trigger plant innate immune responses. This vastly extends the range of action of volatile terpenes, which not only protect plants from various biotic and abiotic stresses, but also convey information about environmental constraints within and between plants. As a result, plant–insect and plant–pathogen interactions, which are believed to influence each other through phytohormone crosstalk, are likely equally sensitive to reciprocal regulation via volatile terpene cues. Here, we review the current knowledge of terpenes as volatile semiochemicals and discuss why and how volatile terpenes make good signaling cues. We discuss how volatile terpenes may be perceived by plants, what are possible downstream signaling events in receiver plants, and how responses to different terpene cues might interact to orchestrate the net plant response to multiple stresses. Finally, we discuss how the signal can be further transmitted to the community level leading to a mutually beneficial community‐scale response or distinct signaling with near kin.
Observer-Based Stabilization of Linear Discrete Time-VaryingDelay Systems
Authors: Venkatesh M. , Patra Sourav , Ray Goshaidas
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the design of an observer-based stabilizing controller for linear discrete-time systems subject to interval time-varying state-delay. In this work, the problem has been formulated in convex optimization framework by constructing a new Lyapunov–Krasovskii (LK) functional to derive delay-dependent stabilization criteria. The summation inequality and the extended reciprocally convex inequality are exploited to obtain a less conservative delay upper bound in linear matrix inequality (LMI) framework. The derived stability conditions are delay-dependent and thus ensure global asymptotic stability in presence of any time-delay less than the obtained delay upper bound. Numerical examples are included to demonstrate the usefulness of the developed results.
A Numerical Model for the Analysis of the Locomotion of a Cownose Ray
Authors: Bianchi Giovanni , Cinquemani Simone , Schito Paolo , Resta Ferruccio
Published: August 2021

Among all aquatic species, mantas and rays swim by flapping their pectoral fins; this motion is similar to other fishes in terms of efficiency, but it gives better maneuverability and agility in turning. The fin's motion is featured by a traveling wave going opposite to the forward motion, producing a force thanks to momentum conservation. This article aims at understanding the swimming dynamics of rays, focusing on energy efficiency. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the swimming motion of a cownose ray has been implemented in openfoam, simulating the acceleration of the fish from still to the steady-state velocity using an overset mesh. In this analysis, the one degree-of-freedom dynamics of forward swimming is solved together with the fluid velocity and pressure. The effect of frequency and wavelength of fin motion on thrust, power, and velocity has been investigated and an analysis of the vortices in the wake showed has been performed. The energy efficiency of a self-propelled body has been defined in a novel way and it has been calculated for different motion conditions. The results showed that batoid fishes swim with high energy efficiency and that they are a promising source of inspiration for biomimetic autonomous underwater vehicles.
Flow and Energy Loss Downstream of Rectangular Sharp-Crested Weirs for Free and Submerged Flows
Authors: Amin Mahmud R. , Rajaratnam Nallamuthu , Zhu David Z.
Published: August 2021

This work presents an analytical study of the flow and energy loss immediately downstream of rectangular sharp-crested weirs for free and submerged flows, using the theory of plane turbulent jets and the analysis of some relevant studies. The flow regimes downstream of the sharp-crested weir is characterized as the impinging jet and surface flow regimes. Based on the flow characteristics and the downstream tailwater depths, each flow regime is further classified, and the relative energy loss equation is developed. It is found that significant energy loss occurs for the regime of supercritical flow and the upper stage of impinging jet flow. The energy loss for the submerged flow regime is minimal.
Rheological and Biophysical Properties of Living Fluids Under Shear: Active Suspensions ofSynechocystissp. CPCC 534
Authors: Mehdizadeh Allaf Malihe , Habib Zahra , de Bruyn John R. , DeGroot Christopher T. , Peerhossaini Hassan
Published: August 2021

In this study, we focus on the response of biological, rheological, and physical properties of dilute suspensions of cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. CPCC 534 to shear induced by stirring. Experiments were carried out at three different stirring rates in well-controlled conditions, and the results are compared with stationary conditions where only molecular diffusion and cell motility govern the transport phenomena and cell growth. Our results show that the growth, biomass, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid production of Synechocystis sp. under various shear conditions were improved significantly, and the yield was nearly doubled. The viscosity of Synechocystis suspensions, subjected to different shear rates, was also measured. The data showed Newtonian behavior for suspensions at different cell concentrations. Cell concentration showed a noticeable increase in the viscosity of suspensions. However, we observed that this increase was smaller than the one predicted for a suspension of hard spheres. Addition of shear to the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. culture demonstrated a positive impact on the production of value-added products from the micro-organism. The obtained results can be used to improve the bioreactor design for better productivity.
Establishing an Acceptance Criteria for Assessing Fatigue of Additive Repair Processes
Authors: Scott-Emuakpor Onome , Sheridan Luke , Beck Joseph , Runyon Brian , George Tommy
Published: August 2021

Criteria for assessing high cycle fatigue (HCF) capability is important for transitioning additive repair technologies to turbine engine applications. By studying the fatigue results of two laser directed energy deposition additive manufacturing repairs on airfoil representative Titanium 6Al-4V coupons, acceptable HCF results for repairs can be determined by observing the confidence in predicted values and the reliability of the empirical data compared to baseline results. The following document details the steps and philosophies behind fabricating coupons that capture the repair capability. Furthermore, regression analysis as well as investigations of dataset distribution, fractography, and microscopy are necessary for instilling confidence in the understanding of repair fatigue behavior. The findings in this work provide a decision gate with quantifiable metrics for advancing novel repair techniques.
A Novel Package-Integrated Cyclone Cooler for the Thermal Management of Power Electronics
Authors: Miorini Rinaldo , Sharar Darin , Gowda Arun , Hoel Cathleen , Whalen Bryan , de Bock Peter
Published: August 2021

In order for electronics packaging power density to increase, innovations and improvements in heat transfer are required. Electrification of transportation has the potential for significant fuel and energy savings. Changing to an electrified drive train requires reliable and efficient power electronics to provide power conversion between alternating current motors and direct current energy storage. For high power transportation systems like aircrafts or heavy vehicles, the power density of power electronics needs to be improved. Power density is also an enabler for high power military devices that must be used and transported via air, ground, and sea. This paper summarizes the outcome of a collaborative and multidisciplinary research effort aimed at co-designing a novel electronics cooling device that utilizes two-phase fluid flow. Two-phase flow cooling has been known for decades as well as the risks associated with it: critical heat flux (CHF), dry-out, and thermal runaway. Our research de-risks the two-phase cooling technology by swirling the flow to remove the bubbles from the wall and confining them at the core of the cooler. The combined effects of gas phase removal, enhanced nucleation, and dramatic liquid film agitation and rupture have been quantified by our experiments: double the heat transfer coefficient with only 13% increase in pressure drop. Besides advanced fluid-dynamics, our Package-Integrated Cyclone Cooler (PICCO) utilizes cutting edge packaging and additive manufacturing technology such as direct deposition of a metal substrate and circuits (dies) on a complex helical cooler that can only be manufactured via three-dimensional printing. By co-designing and testing the cooler, we have quantified the impact of the swirled flow on the junction temperature with respect to a conventional (non-swirl) two-phase-flow-cooled power electronics package. At steady-state, our post-test thermal simulations predict a junction temperature reduction from 185 °C to 75 °C at the same power dissipation. When the heat load is unsteady (United States Environmental Protection Agency Urban Drive Cycle), the junction temperature reduction is 140 °C to 60 °C.
Safety and Pharmacokinetics in Human Volunteers of Taniborbactam (VNRX-5133), a Novel Intravenous β-Lactamase Inhibitor
Authors: Dowell James A. , Dickerson Daniel , Henkel Tim
Published: August 2021

Taniborbactam (formerly VNRX-5133), an investigational β-lactamase inhibitor active against both serine- and metallo-β-lactamases, is being developed in combination with cefepime to treat serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. This first-in-human study evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of single and multiple doses of taniborbactam in healthy adult subjects.
Supplemental Material: Active faulting controls bedform development on a deep-water fan
Authors: Maselli Vittorio , al. et
Published: August 2021

Additional information about the numerical modeling, bathymetric profiles, cross sections along type 1 and type 2 bedforms, a 3-D view of the study area, seafloor bathymetry and thickness map of post-salt deposits, and morphology of sediment waves seaward of the fan.
Investigation of the Thermal Performance of Energy Tunnel Equipped with the Insulation Layer Considering Ventilation and Groundwater Seepage
Authors: Zhang Guozhu , Cao Ziming , Zhao Xu , Xie Yongli , Liu Xiaohua , Cao Shiding
Published: August 2021

The insulation layer is usually installed in the tunnel structure, whereas the influence of the insulation layer on the thermal behavior of energy tunnel ground heat exchangers (GHEs) is rarely investigated. The model tests were performed in this study to evaluate the heat transfer potential of the energy tunnel with the insulation layer under ventilation and groundwater seepage. The results can be obtained as follows: first, the fluctuations of air temperature and surrounding rock temperature at different locations are relevant to insulation layer, ventilation, and groundwater seepage. Second, the reduction effect of ventilation on the interface temperature of tunnel lining and surrounding rock is alleviated when using an insulation layer, and the interface temperature at upstream section of groundwater seepage is more easily affected by the energy tunnel GHEs. Third, the variation range of ground temperature is wider at the downstream section of groundwater flow. Moreover, the heat exchange rates of tunnel without the insulation layer improve by 5.82% and 6.45% with increasing wind speed at two groundwater flow velocities of

1
×

10

−
4

and

5
×

10

−
4

 m/s, and there are only 2.03% and 0.77% enhancements of heat exchange rates by ventilation for the tunnel with the insulation layer. However, the thermal performance of the energy tunnel improved by groundwater is less relevant to the existence of the insulation layer. The relevant findings can provide an effective guidance for the following research and design of the energy tunnel.
Two Cases of Congenital Chylethorax: A Successful Story of Medical Management
Authors: Kankananarachchi I. , Priyankara K. K. S. , Lakman K. K. K. , Withanaarachchi K. , Gunathilaka P. K. G.
Published: August 2021

Congenital chylothorax (CC) is one of the most common causes of pleural effusions in neonates. Associated ipsilateral pulmonary aplasia in CC results in neonatal respiratory distress. Here, we report 2 cases of CC who were managed in the Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Sri Lanka, between 2017 and 2019. Both babies were males who presented with respiratory distress within a few hours of birth. Their antenatal ultrasound scans failed to detect CC. Chest radiographs showed left-sided pleural effusions. Pleural fluid was milky yellowish suggestive of chylothorax, and the analysis revealed elevated triglycerides, high lymphocyte counts, and low cholesterol levels compatible with CC. They were managed in the neonatal intensive care unit and kept nil by mouth for initial 48 hours. Intravenous octeotride infusion was started on day one and was continued for 7 and 10 days, respectively. The maximum dose of octeotride was 2 μg/kg/hour. Both babies needed intercostal tube placement for 5 and 6 days, respectively. None of them required invasive ventilation. They were started on a medium-chain fatty acid formula, which was continued for about one week. Both babies were commenced on breast milk by day 7 of life and continued with exclusive breastfeeding. Within two weeks, they were discharged home and followed up in the paediatric respiratory clinic for another year. None of them was found to have long-term respiratory complications during the follow-up.
miR-223 Inhibits the Polarization and Recruitment of Macrophages via NLRP3/IL-1β Pathway to Meliorate Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Zhu Junsong , Yang Jinmei , Xu Jianguo
Published: August 2021

Background. miRNA is an essential factor in neuropathic pain. However, the underlying mechanism of miRNA in neuropathic pain remains unclear. Objective. To explore the potential role of miR-223 in neuropathic pain in a mice model of chronic sciatic nerve injury. Methods. Mice were divided into the sham group, CCI group, CCI + Lenti-vector group, and CCI + Lenti-miR-223 group. Flow cytometry was used to detect the neuronal apoptosis and the proportion of M1/M2 macrophages in each group. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in each group. Luciferase activity assay detects the binding of miR-223 and NLRP3. Macrophage chemotaxis experiments verified the anti-inflammatory effect of miR-223 in vitro. Results. The overexpression of miR-233 significantly reduced the neuropathic pain caused by CCI and reduced the apoptosis and inflammatory factor expression. miR-223 inhibits the expression of NLRP3 by directly binding to the 3′-untranslated region. Overexpression of miR-223 reduces the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the spinal cord of CCI mice, increases the proportion of M2-type macrophages, and reduces the proportion of M1-type macrophages. Conclusion. miR-223 may facilitate the development of neuropathic pain in CCI mice by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated neuroinflammation.
Mechanical Properties and Energy Dissipation of Sandstone under Cyclic Loading‐Unloading
Authors: Xie Shoudong , Su Chang , Xu Ying , Wang Qianqian , Wang Jian , Xia Zixiang
Published: August 2021

For the bearing rock in geotechnical engineering, it is frequently affected by external loads. This paper adopted different upper limits of stress to carry out cyclic loading‐unloading on the sandstone specimens to make them in different damage degrees and analyzed the mechanical mechanism of the damaged sandstone under different stresses. Then, the strength change and energy evolution of sandstone with different damage degrees were analyzed, and the damage of the loaded sandstone was quantitatively characterized. The experimental results showed that the strength and plastic deformation of sandstone after cyclic loading‐unloading with different upper‐stress limits gradually decreased with the increase of the upper‐stress limit. In the loading‐unloading stages of cyclic loading‐unloading, the elastic modulus increased with the increase of the upper‐stress limit. In general, as the number of cycles increased, the total strain energy density and elastic deformation energy density gradually increased, and as the upper‐stress limit increased, both of them also increased. The damage factor of sandstone after cyclic loading‐unloading, which was characterized by dissipated energy, increased in an S‐shape with the increase of the upper‐stress limit, and the growth rate first increased and then decreased.
Oil Content Prediction Method Based on the TOC and Porosity of Organic-Rich Shales from Wireline Logs: A Case Study of Lacustrine Intersalt Shale Plays in Qianjiang Sag, Jianghan Basin, China
Authors: Nie Xin , Lu Jing , Chi Jingyuan , Wang Peilin , Zhang Chaomo
Published: August 2021

Organic-rich shales in between salt rock layers distribute widely in Qianjiang Sag, Jianghan Basin, central China. Due to the complexity of matrix mineral components and their distribution and tight pore structure, Archie’s law cannot be used directly to calculate oil saturation in those shale oil reservoirs. A new oil content model for shale oil reservoirs was introduced. By analyzing the logging and core experimental data from Qianjiang Sag, Jianghan Oilfield, we built the relationship between kerogen and the different well logging porosities including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) porosity, neutron porosity, and density porosity. And we used the dual-

V

sh

method to calculate the total organic carbon (TOC). After calculating the volume fraction of the solid organic matters and separating it from the TOC, we acquired the hydrocarbon fluid content in the formations. The calculated oil content results are coherent with the core experimental data, which indicates the efficiency of this model. This model is simple and can be quickly applied. However, this method also shows its weakness in calculation precision when the TOC is not calculated precisely or the quality of the porosity logs is low.
Comparative Effectiveness of Gastric Bypass and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy for Hypertension Remission and Relapse: The ENGAGE CVD Study
Authors: Reynolds Kristi , Barton Lee J. , Basu Anirban , Fischer Heidi , Arterburn David E. , Barthold Douglas , Courcoulas Anita , Crawford Cecelia L. , Kim Benjamin B. , Fedorka Peter N. , Mun Edward C. , Murali Sameer B. , Zane Robert E. , Coleman Karen J.
Published: August 2021

Weight loss is an effective strategy for the management of hypertension, and bariatric surgery is the most effective weight loss and maintenance strategy for obesity. The importance of bariatric surgery in the long-term management of hypertension and which operation is most effective is less clear. We compared the effectiveness of vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for remission and relapse of hypertension after surgery in the ENGAGE CVD cohort study (Effectiveness of Gastric Bypass Versus Gastric Sleeve for Cardiovascular Disease). Operations were done by 23 surgeons across 9 surgical practices. Hypertension remission and relapse were assessed in each year of follow-up beginning 30 days and up to 5 years postsurgery. We used a local instrumental variable approach to account for selection bias in the choice of VSG or RYGB. The study population included 4964 patients with hypertension at the time of surgery (n=3186 VSG and n=1778 RYGB). At 1 year, 27% of patients with RYGB and 28% of patients with VSG achieved remission. After 5 years, without accounting for relapse, 42% of RYGB and 43% of VSG patients had experienced hypertension remission. After accounting for relapse, only 17% of RYGB and 18% of VSG patients remained in remission 5 years after surgery. There were no statistically significant differences between VSG and RYGB for hypertension remission, relapse, or mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure at any time during follow-up.
Typification and taxonomic remarks of Indobanalia (Amaranthaceae) in India
Authors: IAMONICO DUILIO , ARYA SINDHU , KUMAR VENUGOPALAN NAIR SARADAMMA ANIL
Published: August 2021

Indobanalia thyrsiflora is an endemic species occurring in peninsular India (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu States) and Sri Lanka. A nomenclatural study of the basionym Banalia thyrsiflora, published by Moquin-Tandon in Candolle’s Prodromus (year 1849), is carried out and the name is lectotypified on a specimen deposited at P (barcode P00609924); isolectotypes are traced at K and CAL. A preliminary morphological characterization of the species is also given, based on field surveys and examination of herbarium specimens. We noted that I. thyrsiflora is highly variable. However, we prefer to avoid, for the moment, taxonomic conclusions about the various morphotypes found, waiting the complete results of this ongoing morphological and molecular investigations.
Clinical characteristics and a decision tree model to predict death outcome in severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Yang Qiao , Li Jixi , Zhang Zhijia , Wu Xiaocheng , Liao Tongquan , Yu Shiyong , You Zaichun , Hou Xianhua , Ye Jun , Liu Gang , Ma Siyuan , Xie Ganfeng , Zhou Yi , Li Mengxia , Wu Meihui , Feng Yimei , Wang Weili , Li Lufeng , Xie Dongjing , Hu Yunhui , Liu Xi , Wang Bin , Zhao Songtao , Li Li , Luo Chunmei , Tang Tang , Wu Hongmei , Hu Tianyu , Yang Guangrong , Luo Bangyu , Li Lingchen , Yang Xiu , Li Qi , Xu Zhi , Wu Hao , Sun Jianguo
Published: August 2021

Background

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads rapidly among people and causes a pandemic. It is of great clinical significance to identify COVID-19 patients with high risk of death.

Methods

A total of 2169 adult COVID-19 patients were enrolled from Wuhan, China, from February 10th to April 15th, 2020. Difference analyses of medical records were performed between severe and non-severe groups, as well as between survivors and non-survivors. In addition, we developed a decision tree model to predict death outcome in severe patients.

Results

Of the 2169 COVID-19 patients, the median age was 61 years and male patients accounted for 48%. A total of 646 patients were diagnosed as severe illness, and 75 patients died. An older median age and a higher proportion of male patients were found in severe group or non-survivors compared to their counterparts. Significant differences in clinical characteristics and laboratory examinations were found between severe and non-severe groups, as well as between survivors and non-survivors. A decision tree, including three biomarkers, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein and lactic dehydrogenase, was developed to predict death outcome in severe patients. This model performed well both in training and test datasets. The accuracy of this model were 0.98 in both datasets.

Conclusion

We performed a comprehensive analysis of COVID-19 patients from the outbreak in Wuhan, China, and proposed a simple and clinically operable decision tree to help clinicians rapidly identify COVID-19 patients at high risk of death, to whom priority treatment and intensive care should be given.
Fat-suppressed T2 mapping of human knee femoral articular cartilage: comparison with conventional T2 mapping
Authors: Kim Bo Ram , Yoo Hye Jin , Chae Hee-Dong , Hong Sung Hwan , Choi Ja-Young
Published: August 2021

Background

There is paucity of studies applying fat suppressed (FS) technique to T2 mapping to overcome chemical shift artifacts. The purpose of the study is to difference between FS T2 and conventional T2 mapping and reproducibility of FS T2 mapping in the femoral articular cartilage.

Methods

Eighteen patients who had normal-looking femoral cartilage and underwent knee MRI with conventional T2 and FS T2 mapping were included. T2 values of each mapping were measured by two readers independently from nine regions in the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and lateral femoral condyle (LFC). Each anatomical region was divided by lines at ± 10°, 30°, 50°, 70°, 90°, and 110°. Comparisons of T2 values between conventional and FS T2 mapping were statistically analyzed. The T2 values between FS and conventional T2 mapping in the anterior, central and posterior femoral condyles were compared.

Results

The overall femoral condyle T2 values from the FS T2 map were significantly lower than those from the conventional T2 map (48.5ms vs. 51.0ms, p < 0.001). The differences in the T2 values between the two maps were significantly different among the three divisions of the LFC (p = 0.009) and MFC (p = 0.031). The intra-class correlation coefficients indicated higher agreement in the FS T2 map than in the conventional T2 map (0.943 vs. 0.872).

Conclusions

The T2 values of knee femoral cartilage are significantly lower on FS T2 mapping than on conventional T2 mapping. FS T2 mapping is a more reproducible method for evaluating knee femoral cartilage.
Coronary risk reduction intervention for siblings and offspring of patients with premature coronary heart disease: the CRISO study protocol for a randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Mifsud Justin Lee , Stephenson John , Astin Felicity , Galea Joseph
Published: August 2021

Background

Research has consistently demonstrated that preventive cardiology programs have limited success, and healthy practices among high-risk individuals remain suboptimal. Furthermore, there are no current programmes in Malta that offer support to first-degree relatives of patients with premature coronary heart disease. This internal pilot study will determine the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of a preventative intervention.

Methods/design

We are conducting a 12-month single-centre, two-armed group randomised controlled trial (RCT), recruiting a sample of 100 asymptomatic first-degree relatives of patients with premature coronary heart disease (CHD). The study seeks to test an evidence-based intervention to reduce modifiable risk and determine its feasibility and acceptability. The Intervention will be delivered at an outpatient office based in a large acute academic hospital. It will comprise risk communication using an online risk calculator, a counselling style adapted from motivational interviewing, and 12 weekly telephone goal reinforcement calls (3 months). Control subjects will receive verbal lifestyle advice only. Feasibility will be assessed through recruitment and retention. Qualitative evaluation interviews will be conducted with a subsample of 24 purposefully selected participants at 12 months. Assessment for risk factor changes will be measured at pre-intervention and 6 and 12 months. Associations between variables will also be assessed descriptively.

Discussion

Preventive cardiology guidelines highlighted the importance of lifestyle interventions, and lifestyle intervention adherence was proven to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, regardless of the individual's genetic risk. Preventive cardiology programmes may fail to adequately support persons in modifying risky behaviours, and research demonstrates that healthy practices among high-risk individuals can remain suboptimal.

Siblings and offspring of patients with premature CHD are at increased risk of ASCVD. Despite this, there is no process in place for routine screening and support to modify risk. It is hypothesised that participants assigned to the intervention arm will show more cardio-protective lifestyle-related improvement from the baseline than those in the control group. To date, this is the first trial being conducted amongst Maltese first-degree relatives. This study addresses the needed research, and the results will inform a definitive trial.

The funding institution is the University of Malta.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN21559170; Registered 06/08/2020,
Lumbar spondylolisthesis: STATE of the art on assessment and conservative treatment
Authors: Vanti Carla , Ferrari Silvano , Guccione Andrew A. , Pillastrini Paolo
Published: August 2021

Introduction

There is weak relationship between the presence of lumbar spondylolisthesis [SPL] and low back pain that is not always associated with instability, either at the involved lumbar segment or at different spinal levels. Therefore patients with lumbar symptomatic SPL can be divided into stable and unstable, based on the level of mobility during flexion and extension movements as general classifications for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Different opinions persist about best treatment (conservative vs. surgical) and among conservative treatments, on the type, dosage, and progression of physical therapy procedures.

Purpose and importance to practice

The aim of this Masterclass is to provide clinicians evidence-based indications for assessment and conservative treatment of SPL, taking into consideration some subgroups related to specific clinical presentations.

Clinical implications

This Masterclass addresses the different phases of the assessment of a patient with SPL, including history, imaging, physical exam, and questionnaires on disability and cognitive-behavioral components. Regarding conservative treatment, self- management approaches and graded supervised training, including therapeutic relationships, information and education, are explained. Primary therapeutic procedures for pain control, recovery of the function and the mobility through therapeutic exercise, passive mobilization and antalgic techniques are suggested. Moreover, some guidance is provided on conservative treatment in specific clinical presentations (lumbar SPL with radiating pain and/or lumbar stenosis, SPL complicated by other factors, and SPL in adolescents) and the number/duration of sessions.

Future research priorities

Some steps to improve the diagnostic-therapeutic approach in SPL are to identify the best cluster of clinical tests, define different lumbar SPL subgroups, and investigate the effects of treatments based on that classification, similarly to the approach already proposed for non-specific LBP.
Reusability of autoclaved 3D printed polypropylene compared to a glass filled polypropylene composite
Authors: Fischer Kristin M. , Howell Andrew P.
Published: August 2021

Health care waste can be a costly expenditure for facilities as specific disposal methods must be used to prevent the spread of pathogens. If more multi-use medical devices were available, it could potentially relieve some of this burden; however, sterilization between uses is important in preventing disease transmission. 3D printing has the ability to easily create custom medical devices at a low cost, but the majority of filaments utilized cannot survive steam sterilization. Polypropylene (PP) can withstand autoclave temperatures, but is difficult to print as it warps and shrinks during printing; however, a composite PP filament reduces these effects. Commercially available PP and glass filled PP (GFPP) filaments were successfully 3D printed into 30 × 30 × 30 mm cubes with no shrinking or warping and were autoclaved. The 134 °C autoclave temperature was too high as several cubes melted after two to three rounds, but both PP and GFPP cubes displayed minimal changes in mass and volume after one, four, seven, and ten rounds of autoclaving at 121 °C. GFPP cubes autoclaved zero, four, seven, and ten times had significantly smaller average compressive stress values compared to all PP groups, but the GFPP cubes autoclaved once were only less than PP cubes autoclaved zero, seven and ten times. GFPP cubes autoclaved zero, one, four, and seven times also deformed less indicating that the embedded glass fibers provided additional strength. While a single method was found that successfully printed PP and GFPP cubes that were able to survive up to ten rounds of autoclaving, future work should include further investigation into the mechanical properties and increasing the number of autoclave rounds.
Measuring post-discharge socioeconomic and quality of life outcomes in trauma patients: a scoping review
Authors: David Siddarth Daniels , Roy Nobhojit , Solomon Harris , Lundborg Cecilia Stålsby , Wärnberg Martin Gerdin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Trauma is a global public health challenge. Measuring post-discharge socioeconomic and quality-of-life outcomes can help better understand and reduce the consequences of trauma.

Methods

We performed a scoping review to map the existing research on post-discharge outcomes for trauma patients, irrespective of the country or setting in which the study was performed. The scoping review was conducted by searching six databases – MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Global Index Medicus, BASE, and Web of Science – to identify all articles that report post-discharge socioeconomic or quality of life outcomes in trauma patients from 2009 to 2018.

Results

Seven hundred fifty-eight articles were included in this study, extracting 958 outcomes. Most studies (82%) were from high-income countries (HICs). More studies from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) were cross-sectional (71%) compared with HIC settings (46%). There was a wide variety of different definitions, interpretations, and measurements used by various articles for similar outcomes. Quality of life, return to work, social support, cost, and participation were the main outcomes studied in post-discharge trauma patients.

Conclusions

The wide range of outcomes and outcome measures reported across different types of injuries and settings. This variability can be a barrier when comparing across different types of injuries and settings. Post-discharge trauma studies should move towards building evidence based on standardized measurement of outcomes.