bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New control scheme for synchronizationof a photovoltaic system to a three-phase grid to attenuate the harmonics of currents caused by distorted grid voltage
Authors: Boukhechem Ismail , Boukadoum Ahcen , Boukelkoul Lahcene , Medouce Houssam Eddine , Lebied Rima
Published: August 2020

This study presents a new scheme of control for the synchronization of a photovoltaic (PV) system with a three-phase grid without a line sensor. The approach of the proposed synchronization technique is developed to extract the

maximum of PV energy and inject it in the network for various conditions of voltage, and to ensure that the currents injected into the three-phase network emulate the wished sinusoidal forms even when the mains grid voltage is no longer ideal. This paper in troduces a new technique of synchronization and elimination of the disturbances created by the distorted tension based on the direct power control without voltage sensors (VF_DPC) with the help of second-order generalized integrator (SOGI) associated with a self-tuning filter(STF) to extract the fundamental virtual flux. The simulation of the proposed system is realized in MATLAB/Simulink environment.
Optimization with excess electricity management of a PV, energy storage and diesel generator hybrid system using HOMER Pro software
Authors: Yasin Aysar , Alsayed Mohammed
Published: August 2020

In this research, a standalone microgrid power system is proposed to electrify a small agricultural community in Palestinian territories. The load includes residential load and water pumping load. The community comprises about 30 households with some service buildings in addition to the water pumping system. The average load energy demand is 300kWh/day and the average power demand is 12.5kW, in the same context, the average energy demand for water pumping is 49kWh/day. The region has abundant solar radiation potential with a daily average of 5.4 kWh/m2. The optimum design was achieved using the HOMER Pro software. It took into consideration real incident solar radiation data, electrical demand profile for the community and water pumping system and market cost of all equipment. The optimization results showed that the best hybrid system among all feasible configurations is a PV system with an energy storage system combined with a diesel generator. The net present cost of the system is USD636,150 and the cost of energy (COE) produced is USD0.438/kWh. Sensitivity analysis is considered to study the impact of variations in PV cost, diesel fuel price, and maximum annual capacity shortages (MACS), the results showed that MACS has no effects. Energy management procedure is followed to reduce the excess electricity from 10.6% to 6.24% which in turn reduces the COE from 0.438 to USD 0.416/kWh.
Robust maximum power point tracking control for photovoltaic system based on second order sliding-mode
Authors: Fezzani A. , Bouarroudj N. , Drid S. , Zaghba L.
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes a control approach of a maximum power point of a photovoltaic (PV) system using the second order sliding mode approach. The main objective of the proposed paper is to track the maximum power point (MPP) using super twisting algorithm (STA) with a one-loop control method and augment efficiency of the output power system. The structure of a proposed approach is simple and robust aging the atmospheric changes. Such control approach solution has several advantages such as simple implementation, robustness; reduce the chattering phenomenon and good dynamic response compared to traditional first-order sliding mode control algorithm. The controller circuit adapts the duty cycle of the switch electronic device of the DC/DC converter to search maximum power point tracking as a function of evolution of the power input. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control are verified by simulation in MATLAB /Simulink environment and dSPACE-based hardware in loop platform.
A review of direct torque control development in various multilevel inverter applications
Authors: Ahmad Tarusan Siti Azura , Jidin Auzani , Mohd Jamil‬ Mohd Luqman , Abdul Karim Kasrul , Sutikno Tole
Published: August 2020

Multilevel inverter (MLI) is commonly utilized in direct torque control (DTC) for medium and high power applications. The additional voltage vectors generated by MLI can be manipulated to achieve the optimal selection for the inverter switching states in the DTC control systems. Previously, a review of DTC which focused more on the two-level inverter for induction motor as well as a review of the multilevel converter in industrial applications had been implemented individually. However, a review on DTC development in MLI was insufficient in both papers. Therefore, this paper aims to give a comprehensive review of the improvement of DTC via various MLI applications. It is reviewed according to the applicable multilevel inverter topologies in the DTC system. The comparison of DTC by using conventional and multilevel inverter is synthesized. Thus, this review paper will hopefully lead researchers in further research activities actively.
Racial Differences in the Use of Aortic Valve Replacement for Treatment of Symptomatic Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis in the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Era
Authors: Matthew Brennan J. , Leon Martin B. , Sheridan Paige , Boero Isabel J. , Chen Qinyu , Lowenstern Angela , Thourani Vinod , Vemulapalli Sreekanth , Thomas Kevin , Wang Tracy Y. , Peterson Eric D.
Published: August 2020

Background

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a life‐saving treatment for patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis. We sought to determine whether transcatheter AVR has resulted in a more equitable treatment rate by race in the United States.

Methods and Results

A total of 32 853 patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis were retrospectively identified via Optum’s deidentified electronic health records database (2007–2017). AVR rates in non‐Hispanic Black and White patients were assessed in the year after diagnosis. Multivariate Fine‐Gray hazards models were used to evaluate the likelihood of AVR by race, with adjustment for patient factors and the managing cardiologist. Time‐trend and 1‐year symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis survival analyses were also performed. From 2011 to 2016, the rate of AVR increased from 20.1% to 37.1%. Overall, Black individuals were less likely than Whites to receive AVR (22.9% versus 31.0%; unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.62–0.79; fully adjusted HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67–0.85). Yet, during 2015 to 2016, AVR racial differences were attenuated (29.5% versus 35.2%; adjusted HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.74–1.02) because of greater uptake of transcatheter AVR in Blacks than Whites (53.4% of AVRs versus 47.3%;
P
=0.128). Untreated patients had significantly higher 1‐year mortality than those treated (adjusted HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.53–0.61), which was consistent by race (interaction
P
value=0.52).

Conclusions

Although transcatheter AVR has increased the use of AVR in the United States, treatment rates remain low. Black patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis were less likely than White patients to receive AVR, yet these differences have recently narrowed.
The Remains of the Danes: The Final Stages of Language Shift in Sanpete County, Utah
Authors: Kühl Karoline , Peterson Elizabeth
Published: August 2020

This article first presents an overview of the social and demographic phenomena specific to the language shift situation in Sanpete County, Utah, focusing on the biggest non-English-speaking group, the Danes. This overview includes the assimilation norms that were present in the community (including from the dominant religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), social and geographical isolation, and related issues of identity and language maintenance. Using interdisciplinary methods under the rubric of sociocultural linguistic research, our analysis presents an overview of the state of Danish in today’s Sanpete County, then further divides the Danish linguistic elements into two main categories: overt and covert. The analysis of these items makes use of the notion of postvernacular language use, as well as highlighting the female and domestic-related networks of transmission. This study of the Danish-language situation in Sanpete County offers a glimpse of the final stages of complete language shift, revealing information about a rare and under-examined linguistic community within the American context.
What is Difficult about Grammatical Gender? Evidence from Heritage Russian
Authors: Laleko Oksana
Published: August 2020

The paper examines the role of lexical, morphological, and discourse-referential factors in gender assignment with animate nouns in heritage Russian in order to explore the extent to which these different interfaces are challenging in heritage language acquisition. The analysis of concordant and discordant agreement patterns with nouns representing each type of gender categorization mechanism points to unequal difficulty associated with different types of gender allocation strategies. In particular, heritage speakers converge with baseline speakers in rating possible and impossible agreement combinations in the presence of fixed and transparent lexical and morphological gender categorization cues; however, they display non-target-like judgments of unmarked and underspecified forms characterized by variable agreement behavior (i.e., hybrid nouns and common gender nouns). Problems with forms whose gender reference is disambiguated at the level of discourse point to the syntax-discourse interface as a locus of systematic difficulty for heritage language speakers.
Morphological Bottleneck: The Case of Russian Heritage Speakers
Authors: Mikhaylova Anna
Published: August 2020

The Bottleneck Hypothesis (Slabakova, 2008) assumes functional morphology to be a particular challenge in second language (L2) acquisition whereas acquisition of syntax and semantics to be unproblematic. I propose, following Polinsky (2011), that functional morphology can be seen as an acquisitional bottleneck for heritage language (hl) speakers as well. Russian verbal aspect is known to be problematic in bilingual Russian children (Anstatt, 2008; Gupol, 2009), in adult foreign language learners (Slabakova, 2005, Nossalik, 2009) and in Russian heritage speakers of low (Polinsky, 2008) and even near-native fluency (Laleko, 2010).

This comprehension study tested fluent and literate English dominant hl speakers of Russian on their interpretation of lexical and grammatical aspect. The findings suggest that the semantics and syntax of aspect were unproblematic, but aspectual morphology played both a facilitative and a hindering role in the comprehension of aspectual distinctions. In the untimed Semantic Entailments task, where participants chose the most logical continuation of an utterance, the morphological complexity of secondary imperfectives coupled with their semantic complexity, hindered hl interpretations. In contrast, in the Stop-Making-Sense self-paced reading task, in which participants read sentences one word at a time, the idiosyncratic morphology marking lexical aspect hindered hl processing, while the regular mechanism of marking grammatical aspect facilitated it.
When Bilingualism is the Common Factor: Switch Reference at the Junction of Competence and Performance in Both Second Language and Heritage Language Performance
Authors: Judy Tiffany , Putnam Michael T. , Rothman Jason
Published: August 2020

In this paper we take a closer look at the oft-touted divide between heritage language speakers and adult second language (L2) learners. Here, we explore whether some properties of language may display general effects across different populations of bilinguals, explaining, at least partially, why these two groups show some common differences when compared with monolinguals. To test this hypothesis, we adduce data from two unique populations of bilinguals: a moribund variety of heritage German spoken in southwestern Kansas (Moundridge Schweitzer German) and L2 adult learners of Spanish. Empirically, we investigate whether the confound of switch reference adds an additional cognitive burden to these bilinguals in licensing object control predicates in the former and referential subject pronouns in the latter. Our preliminary findings support the view that overarching concepts such as incomplete acquisition cannot capture the variability observed in these populations, thus further supporting approaches that interpret findings such as these to be the result of specific variables.
Wittmann Patch
Authors: Nemec Hannah M. , Benjamin Christie D. , Montgomery Anne , Vaughn Danny M.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Damage control laparotomy (DCL) is a life-saving surgical technique, but the resultant open abdomen (OA) carries serious morbidity/mortality. Many methods are utilized to manage OAs, but discrepancy exists in distinguishing closure from coverage techniques. We observed a difference in our DCL patient outcomes managed with the Wittmann Patch (WP) closure device versus the more popular ABThera (AB) coverage device. We hypothesized that the WP contributed to an improved fascial closure rate of the OAs after DCL.

Methods

A retrospective review of OAs managed with the AB or WP at our Level 1 trauma center was performed using billing codes to capture DCL patients from 2011 to 2019. Patients were divided into AB alone or WP groups. Major endpoints included primary fascial closure (PFC) and delayed fascial closure (DFC, fascial closure after greater than 7 days).

Results

189 patients were identified as AB and 38 as WP. Rates of death before closure, age, gender, and Injury Severity Score were similar in both groups. PFC = 81%-90% for AB versus WP, respectively. Excluding patients with preexisting hernias PFC = 87%-100% for AB versus WP ( P < .05) and DFC = 44%-100% for AB versus WP ( P ≤ 0.001). WP had a statistically higher rate of PFC and DFC. There was a decreased incidence of complications in the WP versus AB group.

Conclusions

While not well reported in the peer-reviewed literature, the application of the WP for management of the OA is an active form of pursuing PFC when compared with the AB, a coverage device. Our interinstitutional results have demonstrated superior PFC and DFC rates and fewer complications, in patients managed with the WP compared with the AB.
Opioid Use After Inguinal and Ventral Hernia Repair
Authors: Millard Jessica L. , Moraney Robyn , Childs Jordan C. , Ewing Joseph A. , Carbonell Alfredo M. , Cobb William S. , Warren Jeremy A.
Published: August 2020

Background

Recent data on opioid consumption indicate that patients typically require far less than is prescribed. Prisma Health Upstate Hernia Center adopted standardized postoperative prescribing after hernia repair and began tracking patient-reported opioid utilization. The aim of this study is to evaluate patient opioid use after hernia repair in order to guide future prescribing.

Methods

All patients who underwent primary ventral (umbilical and epigastric), incisional, and inguinal hernia repair between February and May 2019 were reviewed. Patients reported the number of opioid pills taken at their first postoperative visit and documented either in the progress note or in the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC) patient-reported outcomes (PRO) questionnaire. All demographic, operative, and outcomes data were captured prospectively in the AHSQC. Opioid use reported as milligram morphine equivalents (MME).

Results

A total of 162 surgeries were performed during the study period, and 107 had patient-reported opioid use for analysis. Inguinal hernia repair was performed in 36 patients, 10 primary ventral hernia repairs, and 61 incisional hernia repairs. No opioid use was reported in 63.9% of inguinal hernias, 60% of primary ventral hernias, and 20% of incisional hernias. Inguinal hernia patients consumed a mean of 10.5 MME, primary ventral patients 11 MME, and incisional hernia patients 78.5 MME.

Conclusion

Patients require little to no opioid after primary ventral or inguinal hernia repair and opioid-free surgery is feasible. Incisional hernia is more heterogenous, but the majority of patients still required less opioid than previously thought.
Comparisons of Spatiotemporal and Ground Reaction Force Components of Gait Between Individuals with Congenital Vision Loss and Sighted Individuals
Authors: Majlesi Mahdi , Farahpour Nader , Robertson Gordon E.
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

The understanding of abnormalities in biomechanical parameters of gait in individuals with vision loss (i.e., blindness or low vision) has clinical importance. The aims of this study were to compare the spatiotemporal and ground reaction force variables of sighted individuals with those with vision loss.

Methods:

Ten sighted males and 10 young males with congenital vision loss were recruited. A Vicon motion analysis system with four cameras and two Kistler force plates was used to quantify spatiotemporal and ground reaction force components of both groups during walking without shoes. Sighted individuals walked in eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions.

Results:

Results showed that the stride and step length, walking speed, the vertical and posterior–anterior reaction forces in heel contact and push-off phase, and the impulse of the control group during walking with the open- and closed-eyes conditions were significantly smaller than those in persons with vision loss ( p < .05).

Discussion:

Vision loss is associated with decreased step and stride length, slower walking, and smaller propulsive reaction force. These kinematic and kinetics alterations suggest an adaptation to a new neuromuscular response for dynamic postural control as a result of lack of vision. These alterations in the long term may result in rigidity and muscle weakness.

Implications for practitioners:

A rehabilitation program to enhance mobility and strength is suggested for individuals with vision loss.
Returning a Puppy for Dog Guide Training: Factors That Affect Grief in Puppy Raisers and the Decision to Foster Again
Authors: DeWitt Amy L.
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Guiding Eyes for the Blind (GEB) breeds, raises, and trains dogs to serve as guides for people with visual impairments (i.e., those who are blind or have low vision). Their puppy raising program enlists volunteers to foster puppies for a year or more, providing socialization, basic skills training, and comfort, so they will grow into confident dogs. The volunteers must ultimately return these dogs to Yorktown Heights, New York, to begin training. For raisers, the emotional toll of this parting can be great.

Methods:

Utilizing the 2017 GEB Puppy Raiser Survey data, this study analyzed factors that might affect emotional grief and the decision to continue to raise puppies. Cross-tabulation and ordinal regression analyses examined the associations of puppy raiser demographics (i.e., gender, age, marital status, and employment), organizational integration (i.e., number of dogs raised for GEB, perceptions on how well GEB supports raisers in returning a dog, belief that they are part of the GEB community, and formation of friendships), and goal attainment (perceptions on how well GEB communicated progress in training, whether they raised a dog accepted for guide training, and whether they attended a graduation ceremony) with self-reported emotional difficulty, recovery time, and likelihood of raising another puppy.

Results:

Although the demographics of the raiser had minimal effect on emotional difficulty, recovery time, and likelihood of raising again, factors that measured organization integration and goal attainment were associated with grief and continued participation.

Discussion:

Raiser demographics are not strong predictors of grief and continued raising; however, a welcoming organization that communicates effectively will inspire volunteers’ commitment.

Implications:

With a growing need for assistance dogs and puppy raisers, identifying and addressing the challenges that these volunteers face is critical if skilled and dedicated raisers are to be recruited and retained.
Competencies for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
Authors: Ryan Donna , Burke Sandra Drozdz , Litchman Michelle L. , Bronich-Hall Lauren , Kolb Leslie , Rinker Joanne , Yehl Kirsten
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Diabetes care and education specialists provide collaborative, comprehensive, and person-centered care and education to people with diabetes and cardiometabolic conditions. The implementation of the vision for the specialty has prompted the need to reexamine the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for diabetes care and education specialists in today’s dynamic health care environment. The purpose of this article is to introduce an updated set of competencies reflective of the profession in this dynamic health care environment. Diabetes care and education specialists are health care professionals who have achieved a core body of knowledge and skills in the biological and social sciences, communication, counseling, and education and who have experience in the care of people with diabetes and related conditions. Members of this specialty encompass a diverse set of health disciplines, including nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, physicians, mental health professionals, podiatrists, optometrists, exercise physiologists, physicians, and others. The competencies are intended to guide practice regardless of discipline and encourage mastery through continuing education, individual study, and mentorship.

Conclusion

This document articulates the competencies required for diabetes care and education specialists in today’s dynamic health care environment as they pursue excellence in the specialty.
Prosperous But Fearful of Falling: The Wealth Paradox, Collective Angst, and Opposition to Immigration
Authors: Jetten Jolanda , Mols Frank , Steffens Niklas K.
Published: August 2020

Building on growing evidence that relative economic gratification may be associated with prejudice toward minorities, such as immigrants, the question remains when and why prosperity and wealth may enhance opposition to immigration. In a correlational study (Study 1, N = 498), we show that increased fear of falling in the future (individually or collectively) is associated with greater opposition to immigration. We then experimentally studied the effects of potential (Study 2, N = 294) and actual (Study 3, N = 166) downward mobility among the relatively wealthy, as well as of relatively stagnating wealthy in the context where an initially poorer group is quickly gaining wealth over time (Study 4, N = 151). We find that fear of falling among the wealthy is associated with more opposition to immigration, mediated by collective angst. We conclude that the anticipation that the economic future looks less rosy than the present evokes collective angst, which, in turn, fuels prejudice toward immigrants.
Vocal Fold Fat Augmentation for Atrophy, Scarring, and Unilateral Paralysis: Long‐term Functional Outcomes
Authors: Lahav Yonatan , Malka‐Yosef Liron , Shapira‐Galitz Yael , Cohen Oded , Halperin Doron , Shoffel‐Havakuk Hagit
Published: August 2020

Objective

There is a debate regarding the durability of fat implants. Our experience and recent publications suggest fat implantation may deliver a long‐lasting improvement. This study aims to present the long‐term outcomes for vocal fold fat augmentation using strict harvesting, preparing, and implantation protocols.

Study Design

A prospective cohort conducted between 2014 and 2020 (recruitment 2014‐2017).

Setting

An academic tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty‐two patients with glottic insufficiency were enrolled: 11 had unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP), and 11 had atrophy or scar. Harvested fat was injected unilaterally or bilaterally into multiple sites. Six of these patients also had simultaneous microlaryngoscopic removal of other benign glottic lesions. Outcome measurements included video stroboscopy; Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain (GRBAS) score; Voice Handicap Index (VHI); and acoustic analysis, performed preoperatively, 3, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery.

Results

Ten augmentations were unilateral and 12 bilateral. Comparing the preoperative and 36‐month postoperative periods, the mean VHI score improved from 73.45 (±22.78) to 44.88 (±28.93), P =. 001, and the mean GRBAS decreased from 8.64 (±3.89) to 2.82 (±2.3), P =. 001; 24 months postoperatively, the mean fundamental frequency decreased from 163.88 Hz (±41.61) to 150.44 Hz (±41.47), P =. 012. Stroboscopic analysis revealed statistically significant improvement in mucosal wave propagation, phase closure, and phase symmetry. Best results were achieved in the UVFP subgroup. Computed tomography scans demonstrated long‐term viability of the implanted adipose tissue.

Conclusion

Fat is an excellent source of autologous graft. With careful patient selection and proper surgical technique, fat is suitable for long‐term correction of glottic insufficiency. Fat augmentation should be considered as a long‐lasting or even permanent solution, rather than temporary.
Direct and Indirect Assessment of the Aneuploidy-inducing Potency of Organotin Compounds
Authors: Jensen Klaus Gjervig , Andersen Ole , Rønne Mogens
Published: August 2020

The spindle-inhibiting and aneuploidy-inducing potency of in vitro exposure of PHA-stimulated human lymphocytes to organotin compounds has been studied indirectly by quantitation of chromosomal contraction and directly by determination of the frequency of aneuploidy by chromosome counting. The effects of trimethyltin chloride (TMT), dimethyltin chloride (DMT), tributyltin chloride (TBT), dibutyltin chloride (DBT), triphenyltin chloride (TPhT), and diphenyltin chloride (DPhT) on chromosal contraction were studied at concentrations of 10-3-10 9M, by measurement of the average length of chromosome 1 from asynchronous cultures of human peripheral lymphocytes. TMT, TBT, TPhT and DPhT appear to be very strong inducers of chromosomal supercontraction, indicating that these compounds are possible spindle inhibitors, while DMT and DBT seem to be ineffective. TMT, TBT, TPhT and DPhT gave rise to a little more than 100% increase in the number of hyperdiploid cells, all the increases being statistically significant except for that induced by TBT, indicating that organotin compounds are capable of inducing aneuploidy, probably by affecting spindle function.
Validation of In Vitro Cytotoxicity Tests — Past and Present Strategies
Authors: Ekwall Björn , Bondesson Inger , Hellberg Sven , Högberg Johan , Romert Lennart , Stenberg Kjell , Walum Erik
Published: August 2020

In recent years, conventional toxicity testing in animals has been reinforced by in vitro methods. As a result, toxicity testing in some sectors has become more effective and at the same time more ethical. This trend is probably only at its beginning, as many of the newly-developed methods have not yet won general acceptance as a basis for the large-scale replacement and reduction of animal experimentation. What limits the wider use of these methods is validation, i.e. the evaluation of their reliability and relevance. The present paper is a short review of the validation efforts made hitherto, including projects being planned and under discussion. Our own MEIC approach is compared with other strategies. Finally, our opinion on the effectiveness of one large consensus project relative to several different smaller validation programmes is expressed — we advocate the latter strategy, because it will save time and reduce costs.
Advantages of Using Egg Yolk Antibodies in the Life Sciences: The Results of Five Studies
Authors: Schade Rüdiger , Hlinak Andreas , Marburger Andrea , Henklein Peter , Morgenstern Rudolf , Blankenstein Petra , Gerl Martin , Zott Albrecht , Pfister Claus , Erhard Michael
Published: August 2020

It has been known for over a century that specific antibodies can be extracted from the eggs of immunised chickens. However, it was only when animal welfare became a subject of public debate that the chicken was considered as an alternative source of antibodies due to the possibility of non-invasive antibody sampling. Unfortunately, the welfare of animals alone is not sufficient to attract the interest of scientists; it is therefore important to demonstrate to potential users that avian antibodies can be used successfully in a variety of scientific investigations. The particular specificity of avian antibodies would appear to be due to the phylogenetic difference between Mammalia and Aves as well as to differences between the molecular structures of avian immunoglobulin (IgY) and mammalian immunoglobulin (IgG). The use of avian antibodies has additional advantages, as a considerable quantity of antibodies can be obtained from one chicken, and because the specificity of avian antibodies often markedly differs from that of comparable mammalian antibodies. This paper aims to demonstrate the advantages of using avian antibodies by presenting the results of five separate studies. In the first study, coordinated by Rüdiger Schade, the visualisation of cholecystokinin-like immuno-reactivity in the substantia nigra of rats by using anti-cholecystokinin antibody, without the pre-treatment of colchicine, is described. The second study, headed by Albrecht Zott, describes the use of avian antibodies in the identification of modern acellular pertussis vaccines by using rocket immunoelectrophoresis. The identification of unknown vaccine batches and the comparison with reference vaccines is a prerequisite for reducing the number of animal experiments necessary for vaccine control. The third study, coordinated by Martin Gerl, investigates the specificity of antibodies directed against the N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type III (PIIINP). Among the antibodies originating from different species (rabbit, mouse and chicken), only the chicken antibody was able to respond to the PIIINP in both human and rat sera. Thus, a direct comparison between human serum samples (alcoholic liver) and serum samples derived from corresponding animal models was possible. The fourth study, coordinated by Michael Erhard, shows that egg yolk antibodies can be successfully used to manage infectious diarrhoea in young agricultural animals. The final study, led by Andreas Hlinak, describes the successful production of anti-bovine leukaemia virus antibody. This antibody could be used in several diagnostic systems (for example, enzyme immunoassays and cytology). The five studies demonstrate that avian antibodies are an attractive alternative to mammalian antibodies, not only with respect to the welfare of animals, but also with respect to scientific and economic considerations.
In Vitro Studies on the Metabolism and Toxicity of Aflatoxin B1 in Primary Cultures of Black Catfish (Ictalurus melas) Hepatocytes
Authors: Ferraris Michela , Marafante Erminio , Dosanjh Manjit
Published: August 2020

The capacity of a primary hepatocyte culture of black catfish (Ictalurus melas) to metabolise toxic compounds was evaluated by using aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) as a xenobiotic model. Hepatocytes were isolated by a two-step liver perfusion procedure and cultured in a serum-free medium on both porous membranes and 96-well microplates coated with Matrigel®. A viability of 95–98% was obtained. The ability to maintain cytochrome P450 activities was examined by measuring ethoxyresorufin- O-deethylase and pentoxyresorufin- O-depentylase activities, at various culture times. The cytotoxic effects of AFB1 on catfish hepatocytes were examined by using a neutral red uptake assay on 96-well microplates. The concentration causing 50% inhibition of uptake (IC50) value was 3μM. The AFB1 metabolites were analysed by HPLC with an ultraviolet diode array and fluorescent detectors. The results obtained show that catfish hepatocytes cultured on Matrigel retain their AFB1 metabolising activities for at least 6 days after seeding. This comparative study, using primary hepatocytes and isolated microsomes from black catfish, trout and mice, confirms that the observed marked differences in toxic response following exposure to AFB1 in these species are likely to be related to their various metabolising capacities.
Influence of Slice Thickness and Culture Conditions on the Metabolism of 7-Ethoxycoumarin in Precision-cut Rat Liver Slices
Authors: Price Roger J. , Renwick Anthony B. , Barton Paula T. , Houston J. Brian , Lake Brian G.
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the effects of some experimental variables on the rate of xenobiotic metabolism in precision-cut rat liver slices. Liver slices of 123 ± 8μm (mean ± SEM of six slices), 165 ± 3μm, 238 ± 6μm and 515 ± 14μm thickness were prepared from male Sprague-Dawley rats, and incubated in RPMI 1640 medium in an atmosphere of 95% O2/5% CO2 by using a dynamic organ culture system. Liver slices of all thicknesses metabolised 10μM 7-ethoxycoumarin to total (free and conjugated) 7-hydroxycoumarin in a time-dependent manner. The rate of 7-ethoxycoumarin metabolism was greatest in 165μm thick slices and slowest in 515μm thick slices, being 2.74 ± 0.19pmol/minute/mg slice protein and 0.69 ± 0.07pmol/minute/mg slice protein, respectively. No marked effects on the rate of 7-ethoxycoumarin metabolism in liver slices were observed either by changing the medium to Earle's balanced salt solution (EBSS) or by changing the gas phase to 95% air/5% CO2. Moreover, the perfusion of rat livers with EBSS at 2–4°C, prior to preparation of tissue cores, did not enhance 7-ethoxycoumarin metabolism in rat liver slices. In this study, the optimal slice thickness was 175μm, with higher rates of 7-ethoxycoumarin metabolism being observed than with 250μm thick slices, which are often used for studies of xenobiotic metabolism. Variable results were obtained with slices of around 100–120μm thickness, which may be attributable to the ratio between intact hepatocytes and cells damaged by the slicing procedure in these very thin slices.
Individualized positive end-expiratory pressure setting in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome supported with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Yin Chengfen , Gao Xinjing , Cao Chao , Xu Lei , Lu Xing
Published: August 2020

Background:

Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome supported with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation benefit from higher positive end-expiratory pressure combined with conventional ventilation during the early extracorporeal membrane oxygenation period. The role of incremental positive end-expiratory pressure titration in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome supported with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the preferred method for setting positive end-expiratory pressure in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed all subjects supported with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome from 2009 to 2019 in the intensive care units in Tianjin Third Central Hospital. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the positive end-expiratory pressure titration method used: P-V curve (quasi-static pressure-volume curve-guided positive end-expiratory pressure setting) group or Crs (respiratory system compliance-guided positive end-expiratory pressure setting) group.

Results:

Forty-three subjects were included in the clinical outcome analysis: 20 in the P-V curve group and 23 in the Crs group. Initial positive end-expiratory pressure levels during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were similar in both groups. Incidence rates of barotrauma and hemodynamic events were significantly lower in the Crs group (all p < 0.05). Mechanical ventilation duration, intensive care unit length of stay, and hospital length of stay were significantly shorter in the Crs group than the P-V curve group (all p < 0.05). Subjects in the Crs group showed non-significant improvements in the duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and 28-day mortality (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Respiratory system compliance-guided positive end-expiratory pressure setting may lead to more optimal clinical outcomes for patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome supported by veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Moreover, the operation is simple, safe, and convenient in clinical practice.
Effects of different living conditions on the risk of osteoporosis in Chinese community-dwelling elderly: a 3-year cohort study
Authors: Yu Xing , Zhang Yuanyuan , Han Peipei , Fu Liyuan , Chen Xiaoyu , Hou Lin , Song Peiyu , Zhao Yong , Guo Qi
Published: August 2020

Objective

Osteoporosis can lead to bone fragility and an increased risk of bone fracture with resultant high morbidity and mortality. Living alone has been associated with various mental and physical health problems. However, the risk of osteoporosis among individuals with different living conditions and changing living conditions is unclear. We examined the risk of osteoporosis in different living conditions over a 3-year period in community-dwelling suburban elderly Chinese.

Methods

This study involved 288 elderly Chinese suburb-dwelling participants with no documented history of osteoporosis. All were aged ≥60 years (mean, 65.6±3.75 years; 157 men). A quantitative ultrasound scan of the calcaneus with a T score of <−2.5 was used to identify a high risk of osteoporosis.

Results

In total, 54.2% of participants were determined to have a high risk of osteoporosis (male, 51.6%; female, 57.3%). People who had always lived alone had a significantly higher risk of osteoporosis, even after adjusting for potential confounders. A change from living alone to living with others had no significant impact on the risk of osteoporosis.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that living alone is associated with a high risk of osteoporosis. Thus, people who live alone may need regular bone tests to avoid adverse events.
An international survey: Tobacco smoking cessation strategies within left ventricular assist device centers
Authors: Combs Pamela , Cohen William , Siddiqi Umar A , Jeevanandam Valluvan
Published: August 2020

Background:

Tobacco smoking is a significant source of morbidity in patients with a durable left ventricular assist device. While various cessation strategies have been investigated, the ability of ventricular assist device centers to implement a successful tobacco cessation program remains uncertain. We explored various cessation strategies employed by ventricular assist device centers and assessed perspectives of their effectiveness, as well as institutional investment in these programs.

Methods:

A 37-question online self-report survey was created using Survey Monkey® and distributed worldwide. We investigated (1) programmatic strategies utilized for smoking cessation, (2) the respondent’s perspective on the effectiveness of these strategies, (3) the structure with which these therapies are administered, and (4) overall organizational support for these treatments.

Results:

A total of 47 centers worldwide completed the survey. The most common methods of tobacco cessation were pharmacologic and nicotine replacement therapy (78% and 66%). However, only about half (47% and 50%, respectively) of the centers indicated that these strategies were effective. When asked whether a respondent’s center perceives that tobacco smoking should be a deciding factor in destination therapy evaluations, nearly a third (15, 32%) responded in the affirmative.

Conclusion:

While significant overlap exists among centers regarding treatments used for smoking cessation with left ventricular assist device patients, the most common treatments are not thought to be effective. While the current recommendations require tobacco smoking cessation in only bridge-to-transplant patients and not destination therapy patients, a number of centers disagree with the national guidelines and believe smoking should be prohibited in both populations.
Lung ultrasound score as an indicator of dynamic lung compliance during veno-venous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Ntoumenopoulos George , Buscher Hergen , Scott Sean
Published: August 2020

Decisions on weaning from veno-venous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) requires the ability to maintain adequate gas exchange and work of breathing with reductions in ECMO pump flow and fresh gas flow. Testing of the readiness to wean the patient from ECMO however may vary dependent upon local protocols and clinical judgment. This study sought to validate the use of the LUS-score during VV-ECMO against the changes in chest x-ray infiltrates, dynamic lung compliance (CLdyn) and VV-ECMO settings (as standard measures of native lung function and the level of ECMO support) during the ECMO cycle. This prospective cohort study of 10 patients on VV-ECMO compared the LUS score (range 0–36) within 48-h, day 5 and day 10 of commencement of ECMO (or on the day of ECMO decannulation) to dynamic lung compliance, Murray Lung Injury Score and ECMO settings. Seven Male and three Female patients were included (average age 37 years (SD 14.8) and weight 71 Kg (SD 16.9). Median (IQR) duration of ECMO, ICU and hospital length of stay was 7.5 days (5.2–19.0), 12.5 days (8.5–22.7), 19.0 days (12.1– 36.1), respectively. There was a strong negative association between LUS-score and dynamic lung compliance (rs(33) = –0.66, p < .001) providing some validation on the use of the LUS score as a potential surrogate measure of lung aeration and lung mechanics during VV-ECMO weaning.
COVID-19 and Domestic Violence: A Possible Public Health Crisis
Authors: Kumar Anant
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown to mitigate the spread of the pandemic has led to social isolation, reduced social support system and increased cases of domestic violence against women. The United Nations and other international and national agencies speculate further increase in it and have suggested governments to take appropriate action to safeguard the health and human rights of women. Many governments have also taken steps and working towards it by starting helpline and counselling services. This article reviews the concerns raised by these agencies, interventions introduced and its future implications. It also argues that apart from reported cases of domestic violence and its negative consequences on individuals and families, it would be interesting to study the positive impact of living together as this pandemic is different from other emergencies. The sociologist Marianne Hester argued that ‘domestic violence goes up whenever families spend more time together’. It would be interesting to study and examine it in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. This article also suggests the need for further research to understand the reason and dynamics of such violence considering men and women both are engaged in such violence against each other and bear its consequences together.
Living with Chronic Illness from the Family Perspective:An Integrative Review
Authors: Ambrosio Leire , Navarta-Sánchez M Victoria , Carvajal Ana , Garcia-Vivar Cristina
Published: August 2020

Living with chronic illness has an impact on the family’s wellbeing and quality of life. An integrative review was conducted to identify and analyse the existing scales that evaluate the process of living with chronic illness or related factors of daily living from the family perspective. A search was developed in Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Cuiden and Scielo databases until May 2019. From 5,344 identified articles, 13 studies were eligible for inclusion. 16 scales were identified and assessed constructs related to the concept of living with chronic illness, including quality of life; perceptions and needs; life satisfaction and well-being; impact; and psychological adjustment to the disease. However, these scales do not measure the family process of living with chronic illness from a comprehensive perspective. This review highlights the need to develop and validate a scale that evaluates the multidimensional nature of living with chronic illness from the family perspective.
Is two-stage revision surgery for infected hip arthroplasty worth the suffering, resources and results compared to one-stage?
Authors: Sotiriou Dimitrios , Stigbrand Hampus , Ullmark Gösta
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most serious complication of total hip arthroplasty. The treatment is usually revision in either 1 or 2 stages. This study analyses revision with impaction bone grafting for periprosthetic joint infection of the hip and compares 1- and 2-stage strategies.

Patients and methods:

We reviewed 55 consecutive cases (54 patients) of revision arthroplasty for PJI carried out at our hospital between 2002 and 2016. Of these, 46 were 2-stage procedures. 21 had vancomycin mixed in with the bone graft, and all had gentamycin-containing bone cement. The total perioperative blood loss, duration of operation, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Clinical and radiological results were analysed for 48 hips at 2–16 years follow-up.

Results:

No PJI remained at follow-up. 3 patients (6%) had undergone revision for all causes. 1 had radiological signs of mechanical loosening but was not revised. 2-stage procedures had a significantly longer operating time (409 vs. 238 min) and hospital stay (34 vs. 13 days), greater blood loss (2764 vs. 1638 ml), and lower mean functional hip score (15.9 vs. 17.5) at follow-up than the one-stage procedures.

Interpretation:

Revision total hip arthroplasty for PJI with vancomycin-loaded impaction bone grafting is a safe method that achieves both the restoration of bone stock and resolution of the infection. This single-stage procedure could therefore be the new gold standard for treatment of non-complicated PJI in the hip.
Adaptation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to the Female Reproductive Tract
Authors: Song Wenxia , Yu Qian , Wang Liang-Chun , Stein Daniel C
Published: August 2020

Gonorrhea, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is a common sexually transmitted infection and an urgent public health problem. Humans are the exclusive host, and the genital tract with heterogeneous epithelia is the primary niche of this bacterium, creating unique challenges for understanding its pathogenesis. The cervical tissue explant model that we have developed enabled us to show that the properties of the epithelial cells in the female reproductive tract are the main factors driving gonococcal adaptation. Gonococcal variants that colonize strongly and penetrate poorly, thereby causing asymptomatic infection, survive better in the cervix. Gonococci adapt to different epithelial cell types by varying their surfaces and modulating distinct epithelial cell-cell adhesion complexes through manipulation of host cell signaling. These findings provide critical new insights on the mechanisms by which N. gonorrhoeae adapts to the human mucosal surface and causes asymptomatic infection.
A powerful and simple frequency formula to nonlinear fractal oscillators
Authors: Wang Kang-Le , Wei Chun-Fu
Published: August 2020

In this work, a fractal nonlinear oscillator is successfully established by fractal derivative in a fractal space, and its variational principle is obtained by semi-inverse transform method. The variational principle can provide conservation laws in an energy form. The approximate frequency of the fractal oscillator is found by a simple fractal frequency formula. An example shows the fractal frequency formula is a powerful and simple tool to fractal oscillators.