bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observations of upper ocean sound-speed structures in the North Pacific and their effects on long-range acoustic propagation at low and mid-frequencies
Authors: Colosi John A. , Rudnick Daniel L.
Published: October 2020

Three 1000-km long, high resolution conductivity, temperature, depth sections in the North Pacific Ocean obtained by the ship towed vehicle SeaSoar are analyzed to quantify 2005 March/April upper-ocean sound-speed structure and determine the effects on low to mid-frequency transmission loss (TL) through numerical simulation. The observations reveal a variable mixed layer acoustic duct (MLAD) with a mean sonic layer depth of 91-m, and an even higher variability, 80-m-average-thickness transition layer connecting the mixed layer (ML) with the main thermocline. The sound-speed structure is hypothesized to be associated with thermohaline processes such as air-sea fluxes, eddies, submesoscale, fronts, internal waves, turbulence, and spice, but the analysis does not isolate these factors. Upper-ocean variability is quantified using observables of layer depth, ML gradient, and sound speed to compute low order moments, probability density functions, horizontal wavenumber spectra, and empirical orthogonal function decomposition. Coupled mode acoustic propagation simulations at 400 and 1000 Hz were carried out using the sound-speed observations from the upper 400-m appended to climatology, which reveal propagation physics associated with diffraction, random media effects, and deterministic feature scattering. Statistics of TL reveal important energy transfers between the MLAD and the deep sound channel.
A Foot in the Door: An Examination of Professional Sport Internship Job Announcements
Authors: Sattler Liz , Achen Rebecca
Published: October 2020

The sport management internship has been deemed a critical component of students’ academic preparation, as well as a foot in the door for many students seeking full-time employment after graduation. The number of sport management programs has grown in recent years, and the field itself remains highly competitive. Thus, it is increasingly important for sport management programs to help prepare their students for the internship hiring process. Scholarship in this area has largely focused on student perceptions of their internship experience and employer perceptions of student preparedness. But to prepare students for internship experiences in the sport industry, it is essential for faculty to understand the key skills that are sought by industry practitioners making hiring decisions, as well as the administrative requirements included. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the nature of professional sport industry internship job postings in the United States by examining the content of online announcements during a 6-month period. The results indicated that digital content, sales, and operations internships were the most highly sought positions, while basic computer skills, communication skills (both oral and written), and the ability to withstand long hours were the most commonly desired skills.
Pacific warm pool subsurface heat sequestration modulated Walker circulation and ENSO activity during the Holocene
Authors: Dang Haowen , Jian Zhimin , Wang Yue , Mohtadi Mahyar , Rosenthal Yair , Ye Liming , Bassinot Franck , Kuhnt Wolfgang
Published: October 2020

Orbitally driven warm pool upper-water temperature regulates the equatorial Pacific climate change over the past 25,000 years.
Endothelial extracellular vesicles contain protective proteins and rescue ischemia-reperfusion injury in a human heart-on-chip
Authors: Yadid Moran , Lind Johan U. , Ardoña Herdeline Ann M. , Sheehy Sean P. , Dickinson Lauren E. , Eweje Feyisayo , Bastings Maartje M.C. , Pope Benjamin , O’Connor Blakely B. , Straubhaar Juerg R. , Budnik Bogdan , Kleber Andre G. , Parker Kevin Kit
Published: October 2020

Endothelial extracellular vesicles containing cardioprotective proteins rescue engineered human cardiac tissue in an ischemia-reperfusion injury model.
LRRK2 mediates microglial neurotoxicity via NFATc2 in rodent models of synucleinopathies
Authors: Kim Changyoun , Beilina Alexandria , Smith Nathan , Li Yan , Kim Minhyung , Kumaran Ravindran , Kaganovich Alice , Mamais Adamantios , Adame Anthony , Iba Michiyo , Kwon Somin , Lee Won-Jae , Shin Soo-Jean , Rissman Robert A. , You Sungyong , Lee Seung-Jae , Singleton Andrew B. , Cookson Mark R. , Masliah Eliezer
Published: October 2020

LRRK2 modulates nucleus translocation of NFATc2 in microglia.
Intratumoral nanoplexed poly I:C BO-112 in combination with systemic anti–PD-1 for patients with anti–PD-1–refractory tumors
Authors: Márquez-Rodas Iván , Longo Federico , Rodriguez-Ruiz Maria E. , Calles Antonio , Ponce Santiago , Jove Maria , Rubio-Viqueira Belén , Perez-Gracia Jose Luis , Gómez-Rueda Ana , López-Tarruella Sara , Ponz-Sarvise Mariano , Álvarez Rosa , Soria-Rivas Ainara , de Miguel Enrique , Ramos-Medina Rocío , Castañon Eduardo , Gajate Pablo , Sempere-Ortega Cayetano , Jiménez-Aguilar Elisabeth , Aznar M. Angela , Calvo Aitana , Lopez-Casas Pedro P. , Martín-Algarra Salvador , Martín Miguel , Tersago Dominique , Quintero Marisol , Melero Ignacio
Published: October 2020

Intratumoral BO-112 combined with systemic anti–PD-1 shows immunotherapeutic potential to control tumors in patients primarily refractory to anti–PD-1.
Weekly insulin dosing: Are we there yet?
Authors: Vellanki Priyathama
Published: October 2020

Once-weekly insulin is as efficacious as daily insulin.
Complete Coding Sequences of 22 East/Central/South African Genotype Chikungunya Virus Isolates from Thailand (2018 to 2019)
Authors: Chinnawirotpisan Piyawan , Chusri Sarunyou , Manasatienkij Wudtichai , Joonlasak Khajohn , Huang Angkana T. , Poolpanichupatam Yongyuth , Lohachanakul Jindarat , Rungrojcharoenkit Kamonthip , Thaisomboonsuk Butsaya , Buddhari Darunee , Anderson Kathryn B. , Simasatien Sriluck , Suwanpakdee Detchvijitr , Watanaveeradej Veerachai , Supadish Pra-on , Suntarattiwong Piyarat , Jones Anthony R. , Fernandez Stefan , Klungthong Chonticha
Published: October 2020

The coding-complete genome sequences of 22 chikungunya virus strains collected from the 2018-2019 outbreak in Thailand are reported. All sequences belong to the East Central South African (ECSA) genotype and contain two mutations, E1:K211E and E2:V264A, which were previously shown to be associated with increased viral infectivity, dissemination, and transmission in
Aedes aegypti
.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of
Sphingobium
sp. Strain RSMS, a Highly Efficient Tributyl Phosphate-Degrading Bacterium
Authors: Rangu Shyam Sunder , Beck Ashish , Sharda Mohak , Mukhopadhyaya Rita , Seshasayee Aswin Sai Narain , Rath Devashish
Published: October 2020

Sphingobium
sp. strain RSMS was described earlier as an efficient degrader of tributyl phosphate, an organic pollutant. This report describes the generation and annotation of the genome sequence of
Sphingobium
sp. strain RSMS, which will facilitate future studies to identify genetic elements responsible for the degradation of tributyl phosphate.
Closed Genome Sequence of Aeromonas veronii Strain Hm21, an Isolate from the Medicinal Leech Hirudo verbana
Authors: Graf Joerg , Nelson Michael C. , Colston Sophie M.
Published: October 2020

Aeromonas veronii
strain Hm21 was isolated from the medicinal leech and is used for genetic studies. We present here the 4.71-Mbp genome with a 56-kb plasmid and identify the mutations present in strains commonly used for genetic engineering.
Aerosol generation through pars plana vitrectomy
Authors: Naveed Hasan , May Chew Fong , Lee Hanbin , Hughes Edward , Nanavaty Mayank A
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To assess whether pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is an aerosol-generating procedure (AGP) in an ex vivo experimental model.

Methods

In this ex vivo study on 10 porcine eyes, optical particle counter was used to measure particles ≤10 μm using cumulative mode in the six in-built channels: 0.3 μm, 0.5 μm, 1 μm, 2.5 μm, 5 μm and 10 μm aerosols during PPV. Two parts of the study were as follows: (1) to assess the pre-experimental baseline aerosol count in the theatre environment where there are dynamic changes in temperature and humidity and (2) to measure aerosol generation with 23-gauge and 25-gauge set-up. For each porcine eye, five measurements were taken for each consecutive step in the experiment including pre-PPV, during PPV, fluid–air exchange (FAX) and venting using a flute with 23-gauge set-up and a chimney with 25-gauge set-up. Therefore, a total of 200 measurements were recorded.

Results

With 23-gauge and 25-gauge PPV, there was no significant difference in aerosol generation in all six channels comparing pre-PPV versus PPV or pre-PPV versus FAX. Venting using flute with 23-gauge PPV showed significant reduction of aerosol ≤1 μm. Air venting using chimney with 25-gauge set-up showed no significant difference in aerosol of ≤1 μm. For cumulative aerosol counts of all particles measuring ≤5 μm, compared with pre-PPV, PPV or FAX, flute venting in 23-gauge set-up showed significant reduction unlike the same comparison for chimney venting in 25-gauge set-up.

Conclusion

PPV and its associate steps do not generate aerosols ≤10 μm with 23-gauge and 25-gauge set-ups.
Loss of endothelial cells in viral DNA-positive grafts after keratoplasty: a 2-year follow-up study
Authors: Qu Jing-Hao , Peng Rong-Mei , Xiao Ge-Ge , Qu Hong-Qiang , Yu Ting , Zhang Shuang , Hong Jing
Published: October 2020

Background

To compare endothelial loss between recipients who received viral DNA-positive grafts and controls 2 years after corneal transplantation.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the clinical data and endothelial cell density of recipients of viral DNA-positive grafts and age-, sex-, aetiology- and operation-matched controls from April 2017 to July 2019 at the Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.

Results

A total of 23/942 (2.44%) donor corneal buttons tested virus-positive by real-time PCR. A total of 27 recipients (except for 2 recipients) of viral DNA-positive grafts and 48 recipients of viral DNA-negative grafts were included in this study. Recipients of viral DNA-positive grafts had a higher endothelial cell (EC) loss rate post-penetrating keratoplasty and post-descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (p<0.05), but post-deep lamellar keratoplasty, the EC loss rate was similar to that of the controls. Recipients of herpes simplex virus-1-, cytomegalovirus- and varicella-zoster virus-positive grafts all had a higher EC loss rate than the controls during the 12- and 24-month follow-up periods (p<0.05).

Conclusion

We inferred that viruses might be hidden in corneal grafts and mainly incubate in the corneal endothelium. Viral DNA-positive grafts do not need to be replaced immediately and can be followed up for a long time.
Recovery of individual Service personnel in the COVID-19 recovery phase
Authors: Taylor Hannah , Quantick O , Ross D
Published: October 2020

To deny the SARS-CoV-2 virus easy options for sustained transmission, commanders should model adherence to, and ensure implementation of, social mitigation measures. While some measures can be achieved at the organisational level through policy, every Service person’s experience of the COVID-19 pandemic will have differed, affected by a range of personal, occupational and geographical factors. A successful recovery phase for each Service personnel (SP) therefore relies on localised assessments and individualised support plans. The return of SP to the physical environment must be safe, and the financial needs of their whole family must be considered. Commanders must understand the need for balance in supporting social reconnection both personally and in the workplace. Commanders have an important role in the development of SPs’ mental resilience; supporting mental well-being, early recognition of deteriorating mental health and signposting, and compassionate understanding of the needs of SP deployed or bereaved. Disruptions to healthcare service provision will impact the duration of medical downgrading, workforce capacity and operational effectiveness according to extant parameters, which must be understood by commanders. Likewise, functional fitness may have been adversely affected. Physical health and fitness recovery can be supported by time-based extensions to occupational health policy and graduated return to work physical training programmes.
Approaches for combining primary care electronic health record data from multiple sources: a systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Dedman Daniel , Cabecinha Melissa , Williams Rachael , Evans Stephen J W , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Douglas Ian J
Published: October 2020

Objective

To identify observational studies which used data from more than one primary care electronic health record (EHR) database, and summarise key characteristics including: objective and rationale for using multiple data sources; methods used to manage, analyse and (where applicable) combine data; and approaches used to assess and report heterogeneity between data sources.

Design

A systematic review of published studies.

Data sources

Pubmed and Embase databases were searched using list of named primary care EHR databases; supplementary hand searches of reference list of studies were retained after initial screening.

Study selection

Observational studies published between January 2000 and May 2018 were selected, which included at least two different primary care EHR databases.

Results

6054 studies were identified from database and hand searches, and 109 were included in the final review, the majority published between 2014 and 2018. Included studies used 38 different primary care EHR data sources. Forty-seven studies (44%) were descriptive or methodological. Of 62 analytical studies, 22 (36%) presented separate results from each database, with no attempt to combine them; 29 (48%) combined individual patient data in a one-stage meta-analysis and 21 (34%) combined estimates from each database using two-stage meta-analysis. Discussion and exploration of heterogeneity was inconsistent across studies.

Conclusions

Comparing patterns and trends in different populations, or in different primary care EHR databases from the same populations, is important and a common objective for multi-database studies. When combining results from several databases using meta-analysis, provision of separate results from each database is helpful for interpretation. We found that these were often missing, particularly for studies using one-stage approaches, which also often lacked details of any statistical adjustment for heterogeneity and/or clustering. For two-stage meta-analysis, a clear rationale should be provided for choice of fixed effect and/or random effects or other models.
Association between hyperemesis gravidarum and psychological symptoms, psychosocial outcomes and infant bonding: a two-point prospective case–control multicentre survey study in an inner city setting
Authors: Mitchell-Jones Nicola , Lawson Kim , Bobdiwala Shabnam , Farren Jessica Alice , Tobias Aurelio , Bourne Tom , Bottomley Cecilia
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To assess if there is any association between hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), psychological morbidity and infant bonding and to quantify any psychosocial consequences of HG.

Design

Two-point prospective case–control, multicentre survey study with antenatal and postnatal data collection.

Setting

Three London hospitals.

Participants

Pregnant women at ≤12 completed weeks gestation recruited consecutively over 2 years. Women with HG were recruited at the time of admission; controls recruited from a low risk antenatal clinic. 106 women were recruited to the case group and 108 to the control. Response rates at antenatal data collection were 87% and 85% in the case and control groups, respectively. Postnatally, the response rate was 90% in both groups.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcomes were psychological morbidity in the antenatal and postnatal periods, infant bonding in the postnatal period and psychosocial implications of HG. Secondary outcomes were the effects of severity and longevity of HG and assessment of correlation between Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores and maternal-to-infant bonding scores.

Results

Antenatally, 49% of cases had probable depression compared with 6% of controls (OR 14.4 (5.29 to 39.44)). Postnatally, 29% of cases had probable depression versus 7% of controls (OR 5.2 (1.65 to 17.21)). There was no direct association between HG and infant bonding. 53% of women in the HG group reported needing four or more weeks of sick leave compared with 2% in the control group (OR 60.5 (95% CI 8.4 to 2535.6)).

Conclusions

Long-lasting psychological morbidity associated with HG was evident. Significantly more women in the case group sought help for mental health symptoms in the antenatal period, however very few were diagnosed with or treated for depression in pregnancy or referred to specialist perinatal mental health services. HG did not directly affect infant bonding. Women in the case group required long periods off work, highlighting the socioeconomic impact of HG.
Effects of social vulnerability and heat index on emergency medical service incidents in San Antonio, Texas, in 2018
Authors: Zottarelli Lisa K , Sharif Hatim O , Xu Xiaohe , Sunil Thankam S
Published: October 2020

Background

Excessive heat is a leading weather-related cause of fatalities in the USA. Vulnerable populations can face greater exposure to health risks during extreme heat events. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of excessive heat and community-level social vulnerability on morbidity in San Antonio, Texas, in 2018.

Methods

Heat Index (HI) data are from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Social vulnerability is measured using the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Morbidity is measured as the number of emergency medical service (EMS) incidents. Sixty-one zip codes were analysed for the 153 constrained calendar days from 1 May to 30 September 2018. Negative binomial regression analysis with the time-stratified case-crossover design was conducted to predict the effects of HI and SVI on the rate of EMS incidents.

Results

HI is significantly and positively associated with the rate of EMS incidents. Social vulnerability has a statistically significant association with EMS incidents, with higher levels of community-level social vulnerability associated with higher rates of EMS incidents. The effect of the HI on the rate of EMS incidents is significantly and positively moderated by the SVI.

Conclusions

Social vulnerability and excessive heat increase the rate of EMS incidents. As the number of excessive heat days increases and San Antonio continues to have extreme disparities by location, there will be an effect on health systems, including EMSs.
Age-related and socioeconomic inequalities in timeliness of referral and start of treatment in colorectal cancer: a population-based analysis
Authors: Hayes Louise , Adams Jean , McCallum Iain , Forrest Lynne , Hidajat Mira , White Martin , Sharp Linda
Published: October 2020

Background

Poorer colorectal cancer survival in the UK than in similar countries may be partly due to delays in the care pathway. To address this, cancer waiting time targets were established. We investigated if socio-demographic inequalities exist in meeting cancer waiting times for colorectal cancer.

Methods

We identified primary colorectal cancers (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision C18–C20; n=35 142) diagnosed in the period 2001–2010 in the Northern and Yorkshire Cancer Registry area. Using multivariable logistic regression, we calculated likelihood of referral and treatment within target by age group and deprivation quintile.

Results

48% of the patients were referred to hospital within target (≤14 days from general practitioner (GP) referral to first hospital appointment); 52% started treatment within 31 days of diagnosis; and 44% started treatment within 62 days of GP referral. Individuals aged 60–69, 70–79 and 80+ years were significantly more likely to attend a first hospital appointment within 14 days than those aged <60 years (adjusted OR=1.23, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.34; adjusted OR=1.19, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.29; adjusted OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.42, respectively). Older age was significantly associated with lower likelihood of starting treatment within 31 days of diagnosis and 62 days of referral. Deprivation was not related to referral within target but was associated with lower likelihood of starting treatment within 31 days of diagnosis or 62 days of referral (most vs least: adjusted OR=0.82, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.91).

Conclusions

Older patients with colorectal cancer were less likely to experience referral delays but more likely to experience treatment delays. More deprived patients were more likely to experience treatment delays. Investigation of patient pathways, treatment decision-making and treatment planning would improve understanding of these inequalities.
Brain imaging abnormalities and outcome after acute ischaemic stroke: the ENCHANTED trial
Authors: Delcourt Candice , Wang Xia , Zhou Zien , Wardlaw Joanna M , Mair Grant , Robinson Thompson G , Chen Xiaoying , Yoshimura Sohei , Torii-Yoshimura Takako , Carcel Cheryl , Calic Zeljka , Tan Wee Yong , Malavera Alejandra , Anderson Craig S , Lindley Richard I
Published: October 2020

Objective

To test the hypothesis that imaging signs of ‘brain frailty’ and acute ischaemia predict clinical outcomes and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) after thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) in the alteplase dose arm of ENhanced Control of Hypertension ANd Thrombolysis strokE stuDy (ENCHANTED).

Methods

Blinded assessors coded baseline images for acute ischaemic signs (presence, extent, swelling and attenuation of acute lesions; and hyperattenuated arteries) and pre-existing changes (atrophy, leucoaraiosis and old ischaemic lesions). Logistic regression models assessed associations between imaging features and death at 7 and 90 days; good recovery (modified Rankin Scale scores 0–2 at 90 days) and sICH. Data are reported with adjusted ORs and 95% CIs.

Results

2916 patients (67±13 years, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 8 (5–14)) were included. Visible ischaemic lesions, severe hypoattenuation, large ischaemic lesion, swelling and hyperattenuated arteries were associated with 7-day death (OR (95% CI): 1.52 (1.06 to 2.18); 1.51 (1.01 to 2.18); 2.67 (1.52 to 4.71); 1.49 (1.03 to 2.14) and 2.17 (1.48 to 3.18)) and inversely with good outcome. Severe atrophy was inversely associated with 7-day death (0.52 (0.29 to 0.96)). Atrophy (1.52 (1.08 to 2.15)) and severe leucoaraiosis (1.74 (1.20 to 2.54)) were associated with 90-day death. Hyperattenuated arteries were associated with sICH (1.71 (1.01 to 2.89)). No imaging features modified the effect of alteplase dose.

Conclusions

Non-expert-defined brain imaging signs of brain frailty and acute ischaemia contribute to the prognosis of thrombolysis-treated AIS patients for sICH and mortality. However, these imaging features showed no interaction with alteplase dose.
Cognition and behaviour in frontotemporal dementia with and without amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Saxon Jennifer A , Thompson Jennifer C , Harris Jennifer M , Richardson Anna M , Langheinrich Tobias , Rollinson Sara , Pickering-Brown Stuart , Chaouch Amina , Ealing John , Hamdalla Hisham , Young Carolyn A , Blackburn Dan , Majeed Tahir , Gall Claire , Jones Matthew , Snowden Julie S
Published: October 2020

Objective

The precise relationship between frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is incompletely understood. The association has been described as a continuum, yet data suggest that this may be an oversimplification. Direct comparisons between patients who have behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD) with and without ALS are rare. This prospective comparative study aimed to determine whether there are phenotypic differences in cognition and behaviour between patients with FTD-ALS and bvFTD alone.

Methods

Patients with bvFTD or FTD-ALS and healthy controls underwent neuropsychological testing, focusing on language, executive functions and social cognition. Behavioural change was measured through caregiver interview. Blood samples were screened for known FTD genes.

Results

23 bvFTD, 20 FTD-ALS and 30 controls participated. On cognitive tests, highly significant differences were elicited between patients and controls, confirming the tests’ sensitivities to FTD. bvFTD and FTD-ALS groups performed similarly, although with slightly greater difficulty in patients with ALS-FTD on category fluency and a sentence-ordering task that assesses grammar production. Patients with bvFTD demonstrated more widespread behavioural change, with more frequent disinhibition, impulsivity, loss of empathy and repetitive behaviours. Behaviour in FTD-ALS was dominated by apathy. The
C9ORF72
repeat expansion was associated with poorer performance on language-related tasks.

Conclusions

Differences were elicited in cognition and behaviour between bvFTD and FTD-ALS, and patients carrying the
C9ORF72
repeat expansion. The findings, which raise the possibility of phenotypic variation between bvFTD and FTD-ALS, have clinical implications for early detection of FTD-ALS and theoretical implications for the nature of the relationship between FTD and ALS.
How to reach trustworthy decisions for caesarean sections on maternal request: a call for beneficial power
Authors: Eide Kristiane T , Bærøe Kristine
Published: October 2020

Caesarean delivery is a common and life-saving intervention. However, it involves an overall increased risk for short-term and long-term complications for both mother and child compared with vaginal delivery. From a medical point of view, healthcare professionals should, therefore, not recommend caesarean sections without any anticipated medical benefit. Consequently, caesarean sections requested by women for maternal reasons can cause conflict between professional recommendations and maternal autonomy. How can we assure ethically justified decisions in the case of caesarean sections on maternal request in healthcare systems that also respect patients’ autonomy and aspire for shared decisions? In the maternal–professional relationship, which can be characterised in terms of reciprocal obligations and rights, women may not be entitled to demand a C-section. Nevertheless, women have a right to respect for their deliberative capacity in the decision-making process. How should we deal with a situation of non-agreement between a woman and healthcare professional when the woman requests a caesarean section in the absence of obvious medical indications? In this paper, we illustrate how the maternal–professional relationship is embedded in a nexus of power, trust and risk that reinforces a structural inferiority for women. To accommodate for beneficial use of power, these decision processes need to be trustworthy. We propose a framework, inspired by Lukes’ three-dimensional notion of power, which serves to facilitate trust and allows for beneficial power in shared processes of decision-making about the delivery mode for women requesting planned C-sections.
In-thrombus thrombin secretion: a new diagnostic marker of atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke
Authors: Itsekson Hayosh Ze'ev , Abu Bandora Eiman , Shelestovich Natalia , Nulman Maya , Bakon Mati , Yaniv Gal , Khaitovitch Boris , Balan Shmuel , Gerasimova Alexandra , Drori Tali , Mausbach Stefan , Schwammenthal Yvonne , Afek Arnon , Chapman Joab , Shavit Stein Efrat , Orion David
Published: October 2020

Background

Endovascularly retrieved clots are a potential resource for diagnosing stroke etiology, which may influence secondary prevention treatment. In this study we measured thrombin activity eluted by serially washing clots.

Methods

Clots were retrieved from 68 patients with acute ischemic stroke, freshly frozen and classified by standard criteria into proven atrial fibrillation (AF, 18 patients), atherosclerotic origin (AS, 15 patients), cryptogenic stroke (Cr, 17 patients) and other known causes (18 patients). Thawed clot samples were washed by transferring them into 1 mL buffer in seven hourly cycles and a fluorescent substrate assay was used to measure secreted thrombin activity. The clots were also examined histologically. Artificial fibrin and red blood cell-rich clots were similarly assayed for wash-eluted thrombin activity as an external control.

Results

Thrombin activity eluted from clots of AF origin decreased significantly with time in contrast to steady levels eluted from AS origin thrombi (P<0.0001 by repeated measures ANOVA). The Cr stroke group was indistinguishable from the AF group and differed statistically from the AS group (P=0.017 by repeated measures ANOVA). In artificial clots we found a biphasic activity pattern, with initially decreasing levels of eluted thrombin (AF pattern) and then, with continuing washes, steady eluted thrombin levels (AS pattern).

Conclusions

An assay measuring the change in thrombin in clots retrieved during acute stroke endovascular thrombectomy procedures may serve as a diagnostic marker of the origin of the clot. The suggested mechanism for these differences may be the clot location before its retrieval, with high blood flow causing thrombin washout in atherosclerotic clots, in contrast to atrium appendage low blood flow retaining high thrombin levels.
Point-of-care ultrasound augments physical examination learning by undergraduate medical students
Authors: Wong Chun Ka , Hai JoJo , Chan Kwong Yue Eric , Un Ka Chun , Zhou Mi , Huang Duo , Cheng Yang Yang , Li Wen Hua , Yin Li Xue , Yue Wen Sheng , Tse Hung Fat , Yeung Pauline , Yip Pok Siu , Li Vivian Kam Sheung , Chan Arren , Cheung Michelle , Cheung Chi Wai , Lau Chu Pak , Siu Chung Wah
Published: October 2020

Background

Little is known about the impact of the provision of handheld point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) devices on physical examination skills of medical students.

Methods

We describe an educational initiative that comprised a POCUS workshop followed by allocation of a POCUS device to medical students for use over the subsequent 8 weeks. They were encouraged to scan patients and correlate their physical examination findings. A mobile instant messaging group discussion platform was set to provide feedback from instructors. Physical examination skills were assessed by means of clinical examination.

Results

210 final-year medical students from the University of Hong Kong participated in the programme. 46.3% completed the end of programme electronic survey: 74.6% enjoyed using the POCUS device, 50.0% found POCUS useful to validate physical examination findings and 47.7% agreed that POCUS increased their confidence with physical examination. 93.9% agreed that the programme should be incorporated into the medical curriculum and 81.9% would prefer keeping the device for longer time from 16 weeks (45.6%) to over 49 weeks (35.3%). Medical students who participated in the POCUS programme had a higher mean score for abdominal examination compared with those from the previous academic year with no POCUS programme (3.65±0.52 vs 3.21±0.80, p=0.014), but there was no statistically significant difference in their mean score for cardiovascular examination (3.62±0.64 vs 3.36±0.93, p=0.203).

Conclusion

The POCUS programme that included provision of a personal handheld POCUS device improved students’ attitude, confidence and ability to perform a physical examination.
Rotavirus infection in a racing pigeon (Columba livia) in Great Britain during 2018
Authors: Hansen Rowena Dawn Ellen , Stidworthy Mark Frederick , Jones Richard , Sangster Cheryl Rae , Ressel Lorenzo ,   APHA staff
Published: October 2020

We report the first diagnosis of fatal rotavirus A (RVA) infection in a racing pigeon in Great Britain. In August 2018, a small group of racing pigeons (Columba livia) from one loft exhibited clinical signs of depression, anorexia and vomiting followed by death of two birds despite antimicrobial treatment and fluid therapy. One pigeon, a seven‐month‐old male, was submitted for postmortem examination. On gross examination, the pigeon was in reasonable body condition with gastrointestinal hyperaemia and green mucoid intestinal content. Histopathology revealed acute hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis with periportal lymphoplasmacytic inflammation in the liver, with ellipsoid hyperplasia and vacuolation in the spleen. Transmission and negative contrast electron microscopy of the liver revealed the presence of a rotavirus. PCR and sequencing confirmed RNA identity of 98.69 per cent with Australian and 100 per cent with German strains of a recently described RVA detected in racing pigeons in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
A description of blend electrolysis for treatment of canine distichiasis: 78 cases (2012–2017)
Authors: Ioannides Joy , Everson Richard , Matas Riera Marian , Dawson Charlotte
Published: October 2020

Objective

To describe a population of dogs treated with blend electrolysis for distichiasis at The Royal Veterinary College and report the complications seen.

Methods

In part 1, records were reviewed from 2012 to 2017 and a population of 78 dogs with distichiasis treated using blend electrolysis (Sterex SX‐B blend epilator) analysed. In part 2, 18 dogs treated with blend electrolysis were re‐examined prospectively by a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ECVO).

Results

In part 1, brachycephalic breeds accounted for 62 per cent. English bulldog was the most common breed (42 per cent). In this population, 88 per cent of dogs were successfully treated with one treatment of electrolysis (successful treatment defined as resolution of clinical signs). Forty‐five dogs had recurrent distichia on follow‐up, mostly fine distichia without clinical discomfort. Twelve per cent required repeat electrolysis. Complications were infrequent: five dogs had scarring or hypopigmentation of the eyelid margin. In part 2, 18 dogs were re‐examined. Ten had distichia recurrence, six had eyelid scarring and five had depigmentation associated with electrolysis. Two dogs had occasional clinical signs thought to be related to distichiasis. All owners perceived their dogs’ ocular comfort to be improved following blend electrolysis.

Conclusions

Brachycephalic breeds, most notably English bulldogs, are over‐represented in this population. Blend electrolysis appears an effective treatment for resolution of clinical signs.
Farmers’ and veterinary surgeons’ knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards cattle abortion investigations in the UK
Authors: Clothier Georgiana , Wapenaar Wendela , Kenny Eva , Windham Emily
Published: October 2020

Background

Cattle abortion can significantly affect farm productivity and be an important cause of economic loss on beef and dairy farms.

Method

A questionnaire‐based survey, completed by 379 farmers and 134 veterinary surgeons from the UK and Ireland, investigated motivators and barriers towards abortion investigations and perceptions of cattle abortion. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling.

Results

Veterinary surgeons underestimated farmers' willingness to pay for an abortion investigation; 54 per cent of veterinary surgeons expected farmers to pay under 100£/€, compared with 46 per cent of farmers. Most farmers (27 per cent) were willing to pay 101–250£/€ and 12 per cent above 500£/€. The incidence threshold warranting abortion investigation was 4 per cent for veterinary surgeons and lower for farmers at 2 per cent, especially beef farmers, where 48 per cent indicated a 1 per cent incidence required attention. Seventy‐five per cent of dairy farmers used more than 2 per cent as their threshold. Eighty‐four per cent of veterinary surgeons and 95 per cent of farmers agreed on the same abortion definition.

Conclusion

Veterinary surgeons and farmers agree on the definition of abortion; however, veterinary surgeons underestimate the willingness of farmers to engage with and pay for abortion investigations. A more proactive approach from veterinary surgeons, including improved communication and transparency around costs, expectations and clients’ goals can improve abortion investigation outcomes.
Development of the Ontario Forest Resources Inventory: a historical review
Authors: Bilyk Alexander , Pulkki Reino , Shahi Chander , Larocque Guy R.
Published: October 2020

The Forest Resources Inventory provides the base layer to support decision-making for a variety of stakeholders in Ontario, Canada. The inventory is used to identify areas of high economic potential, endangered species habitat, and recreational opportunities. As technology evolves, the inventory creation process has changed. From fully manual efforts conducted in the era before planes or roads to hand-drawn sketches made aboard early aircraft, the early inventory program was designed to provide a rough context of timber availability. As society changed, more was asked of the inventory, and ecological and biological features were added. With a land area larger than many European countries to inventory, the creation of an accurate forest inventory in Ontario is a technological and logistical challenge. Although the acquisition technology and strategy have changed over time, the goal of providing an improved understanding into the extent and distribution of natural resources in the province of Ontario has not changed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive look at the history of these inventory efforts in Ontario, as well as provide some context for why the inventory contains the attributes it does today.
Estimating the energy expenditure of endotherms at the species level
Authors: McNab Brian K.
Published: October 2020

The ability to account with precision for the quantitative variation in the basal rate of metabolism (BMR) at the species level is explored in four groups of endotherms: arvicoline rodents, ducks, melaphagid honeyeaters, and phyllostomid bats. An effective analysis requires the inclusion of the factors that distinguish species and their responses to the conditions they encounter in the environment. These factors are implemented by changes in body composition and are responsible for the non-conformity of species to a scaling curve. Two concerns may limit an analysis. The factors correlated with energy expenditure often correlate with each other, which usually prevents them from being included together in an analysis, thereby preventing a complete analysis, implying the presence of factors other than mass. Many of the relevant factors, such as food habits and an island residence, are qualitative, which complicates their inclusion in a quantitative analysis, a difficulty that is solved by ANCOVA. The precision of an analysis, based on an inclusive equation, can be determined by comparing its estimates with measurements of the performance of species. Without this comparison, the effectiveness of an analysis cannot be determined, which then simply becomes a suggestion. A proposed standard for a precise estimate is for it to be within 10% of the measured rate.
Bottomonium spectroscopy in the quark–gluon plasma
Authors: Wolschin Georg
Published: October 2020

The spectroscopic properties of heavy quarkonia are substantially different in the quark–gluon plasma (QGP) that is created in relativistic heavy-ion collisions as compared to the vacuum situation that can be tested in [Formula: see text] collisions at the same center-of-mass energy. In this paper, a series of recent works about the dissociation of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] states in the hot QGP are summarized. Quarkonia dissociation occurs due to (1) screening of the real quark-antiquark potential, (2) collisional damping through the imaginary part of the potential, and (3) gluon-induced dissociation. In addition, reduced feed-down plays a decisive role for the spin-triplet ground state. Transverse-momentum and centrality-dependent data are well reproduced in Pb–Pb collisions at LHC energies. In the asymmetric [Formula: see text]-Pb system, alterations of the parton density functions in the lead nucleus account for the leading fraction of the modifications in cold nuclear matter (CNM), but the hot-medium effects turn out to be relevant in spite of the small initial spatial extent of the fireball, providing additional evidence for the generation of a quark–gluon droplet.
Typical dynamics and fluctuation analysis of slow–fast systems driven by fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Bourguin Solesne , Gailus Siragan , Spiliopoulos Konstantinos
Published: October 2020

This paper studies typical dynamics and fluctuations for a slow–fast dynamical system perturbed by a small fractional Brownian noise. Based on an ergodic theorem with explicit rates of convergence, which may be of independent interest, we characterize the asymptotic dynamics of the slow component to two orders (i.e. the typical dynamics and the fluctuations). The limiting distribution of the fluctuations turns out to depend upon the manner in which the small-noise parameter is taken to zero relative to the scale-separation parameter. We study also an extension of the original model in which the relationship between the two small parameters leads to a qualitative difference in limiting behavior. The results of this paper provide an approximation, to two orders, to dynamical systems perturbed by small fractional Brownian noise and incorporating multiscale effects.
Development of Matched Interface and Boundary Method for Buckling Analysis of Plates with Various Interfaces
Authors: Song Zhiwei , He Xiaoqiao , Li Wei , Xie De
Published: October 2020

Buckling problems of plates with interfaces caused by step changes in thickness, internal line supports and line hinges under uni-axial and bi-axial in-plane compressive loads are solved by using the matched interface and boundary (MIB) method. In view of buckling problems of plates, new MIB algorithms and their interpolation formulations are developed to deal with various interfaces. A number of examples are taken to examine the accuracy and convergence of the present algorithms. Numerical results are compared with the existing solutions to validate the applicability of these algorithms to the title problems. Numerical analysis shows that on the whole, MIB and its interpolation formulation are equivalent, and they are highly accurate and efficient approaches for buckling analysis of plates with various interfaces.
GPU Programming Productivity in Different Abstraction Paradigms
Authors: Daleiden Patrick , Stefik Andreas , Uesbeck Philip Merlin
Published: October 2020

Coprocessor architectures in High Performance Computing are prevalent in today’s scientific computing clusters and require specialized knowledge for proper utilization. Various alternative paradigms for parallel and offload computation exist, but little is known about the human factors impacts of using the different paradigms. With computer science student participants from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with no previous exposure to Graphics Processing Unit programming, our study compared NVIDIA CUDA C/C++ as a control group and the Thrust library. The designers of Thrust claim their higher level of abstraction enhances programmer productivity. The trial was conducted on 91 participants and was administered through our computerized testing platform. Although the study was narrowly focused on the basic steps of an offloaded computation problem and was not intended to be a comprehensive evaluation of the superiority of one approach or the other, we found evidence that although Thrust was designed for ease of use, the abstractions tended to be confusing to students and in several cases diminished productivity. Specifically, abstractions in Thrust for (i) memory allocation through a C++ Standard Template Library-style vector library call, (ii) memory transfers between the host and Graphics Processing Unit coprocessor through an overloaded assignment operator, and (iii) execution of an offloaded routine through a generic transform library call instead of a CUDA kernel routine all performed either equal to or worse than CUDA.
Out-of-this-World Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Frazelle Jessie
Published: October 2020

Popular culture uses the term 3D printing as a synonym for additive manufacturing processes. In 2010, the American Society for Testing and Materials group came up with a set of standards to classify additive manufacturing processes into seven categories. Each process uses different materials and machine technology, which affects the use cases and applications, as well as the economics. I went down a rabbit hole researching the various processes in my hunt to buy the best 3D printer. In this article I will share a bit of what I learned about each process, as well as some of the more interesting use cases I found along the way.
A QDs Nanocomposites-Based Photoluminescence Ratiometric Method for Selective and Visual Cadmium Detection Combining with Smartphone-Based PL E-Eye
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Kong Liubing , Zhou Shuqi , Liang Tao , Wan Hao , Wang Ping
Published: October 2020

Photoluminescence (PL) sensors based on quantum dots (QDs) are difficult to achieve exact detection in sample waters. In this paper, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based CdTe/ZnS/CdS QDs and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) fluorophores were used to build a ratiometric PL sensor. Combining with the homemade smartphone-based PL E-eye, the Cd2+ exact detection can be achieved. PVA was used to connect QDs and FITC fluorophores without unnecessary ligand exchange and purification. For QDs fluorophore, ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid (EDTA) was used on the surface to induce the specifically Cd2+ recognition site. For FITC fluorophore, the PL remains unchanged in this experiment. Thus, the ratio of two fluorophores can be used to provide a built-in correction. The PL changes with the increase of Cd2+ concentrations could be displayed as a visual color change on the smartphone. Further quantitative analysis could be carried out by the RGB value of the picture through the App in less than 1 min The ratio of R/G is linear to Cd2+ concentration in the range of 1–2000 μg l−1 with a low LOD of 0.057 μg l−1 (S/N). Compared with traditional analysis methods, the PL ratiometric method with PL E-eye is portable, rapid, visible and highly selective especially in discriminate Cd2+ from Zn2+.
Inhibition of miR-155 potentially protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury through the IRF2BP2-NFAT1 pathway
Authors: Li Hsiao-Fen , Wu Yueh-Lin , Tseng Tzu-Ling , Chao Shih-Wei , Lin Heng , Chen Hsi-Hsien
Published: October 2020

Sepsis-induced lung injury is a lethal complication with no effective treatment options, affecting millions of people worldwide. Oroxylin A (OroA) is a natural flavonoid with potent anticancer effects, but its modulating effect on inflammation through microRNAs (miRs) is not apparent. In this report, we investigated the target genes of the miR pathway mediated by OroA and assessed the potential for novel treatments of septic lung injury. An miR array screening and quantitative polymerase chain reaction identified that miR-155-5p could be a candidate regulated by OroA. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that interferon regulatory factor-2-binding protein-2 (IRF2BP2) might be a target of miR-155-5p, and this hypothesis was verified through reporter assays. In addition, an immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that OroA increased the binding activity of IRF2BP2 to the nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (NFAT1), causing inducible nitric oxide synthase to cause an inflammatory reaction. Finally, the direct injection of short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-miR-155-5p into the bone marrow of mice ameliorated LPS-induced acute lung injury and inflammation in mice. Our results provide new mechanistic insights into the role of the OroA-induced miR-155-5p-IRF2BP2-NFAT1 axis in sepsis, demonstrating that direct bone marrow injection of lentivirus containing shRNA-155-5p could prove to be a potential future clinical application in alleviating sepsis-induced acute lung injury.