bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravenous dexmedetomidine, morphine, or a combination can result in gallbladder wall thickening; with no significant association with plasma histamine concentrations
Authors: Bini Gianluca , Cohen Eli B. , Chiavaccini Ludovica , Messenger Kristen M. , Bailey Kate M.
Published: January 2022

The gallbladder is routinely evaluated during ultrasonographic examinations in dogs. However, published studies describing the effects of sedative agents on gallbladder wall thickness are currently lacking. The aims of this prospective, blinded, randomized crossover pilot study were to test hypotheses that IV morphine would result in gallbladder wall thickening, that morphine administration would increase plasma histamine concentrations, and that combining IV morphine with dexmedetomidine would potentiate gallbladder wall thickening. Six healthy Beagle dogs were sedated with intravenous (IV) morphine 0.4 mg/kg (group M), dexmedetomidine 7 μg/kg (group D), or a combination of the two (group MD). Physiologic parameters were measured at baseline and at regular intervals until the last ultrasonographic scan. Ultrasonographic scans were performed at baseline, 90 s, and at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. Plasma histamine samples were taken at baseline, 90 s, and 5 and 60 min. Cochran's Q‐test was used to compare gallbladder wall thickening between groups, while the association between histamine plasma concentration and gallbladder wall thickness was compared with a mixed‐effects model. Baseline gallbladder wall thickness was not significantly different between groups. Six of 18 treatments/dogs (33%) developed gallbladder thickening, with no difference between groups. There was no significant difference in baseline plasma histamine concentrations between groups, and no association between plasma histamine concentration and gallbladder wall thickness. Gallbladder wall thickening was observed in at least one dog in each group, therefore caution is recommended for gallbladder wall thickness ultrasonographic interpretation in dogs when these drugs have been administered.
Complement blockade with eculizumab to treat acute symptomatic humoral rejection after heart transplantation
Authors: Yerly Patrick , Rotman Samuel , Regamey Julien , Aubert Vincent , Aur Stefania , Kirsch Matthias , Hullin Roger , Pascual Manuel
Published: January 2022

Antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) is a major barrier preventing successful discordant organ xenotransplantation, but it also occurs in allotransplantation due to anti‐HLA antibodies. Symptomatic acute AMR is rare after heart allograft but carries a high risk of mortality, especially >1 year after transplant. As complement activation may play a major role in mediating tissue injury in acute AMR, drugs blocking the terminal complement cascade like eculizumab may be useful, particularly since “standards of care” like plasmapheresis are not based on strong evidence. Eculizumab was successfully used to treat early acute kidney AMR, a typical condition of “active AMR,” but showed mitigated results in late AMR, where “chronic active” lesions are more prevalent. Here, we report the case of a heart recipient who presented with acute heart failure due to late acute AMR with eight de novo donor‐specific anti‐HLA antibodies (DSA), and who fully recovered allograft function and completely cleared DSA following plasmapheresis‐free upfront eculizumab administration in addition to thymoglobulin, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), and rituximab. Several clinical (acute onset, abrupt and severe loss of graft function), biological (sudden high‐level production of DSA), and pathological features (microvascular injury, C4d deposits) of this cardiac recipient are shared with early kidney AMR and may indicate a strong role of complement in the pathogenesis of acute graft injury that may respond to drugs like eculizumab. Terminal complement blockade should be further explored to treat acute AMR in recipients of heart allografts and possibly also in recipients of discordant xenografts in the future.
Parametrising Historical Islamkoy Courtyard-Dwellings: Spatial Quality Parameters and Examination Based on AHP Method
Authors: Onur Makbulenur , Koç Altuntas Selver
Published: January 2022

Throughout the historical process humans have shaped the environment that they lived in and developed it according to their needs. The living culture has been formed with various spatial setups in dwellings which are the most basic habitats of humankind. Today, functionality comes into prominence in this living culture which is referred to as traditional dwellings. This shows that the continuity is ensured by presenting mass and cultural harmony between spatial setups and the garden and neighboring dwelling relations. Amongst the traditional dwellings, Turkish house is also considered as an important example, which provides continuity with its diverse plan organizations and spatial characteristic. The courtyard character in traditional dwellings is the space that is effective in the organization of spatial which sheds light on present day with various parameters. This is because the dwelling is located in the courtyard. Moreover, the courtyard, which starts with the entrance and where the households carry out their daily lives, is very significant for the Turkish dwelling as it contains both natural and cultural characteristics. The traditional dwellings of the village of Islamköy, which is located in the Atabey district in Isparta province of Turkey, are discussed within the scope of the study, which examines how the concept of courtyard that contains the functional and aesthetic values of the Turkish dwelling, forms various plan organizations and spatial characters in many cultures, affects the spatial quality. Spatial quality parameters were examined on five second-degree registered traditional dwellings located on Okul Street in the Islamköy village. Three basic principles have been determined which are functional, aesthetic and ecological and the sub-parameters of these determined principles have been introduced with the information and documents obtained from the literature. The AHP method was used to determine the priorities of the parameters in this direction. Thus, taking into account the spatial quality parameters, the priority parameters of the courtyard character in the traditional dwellings of Islamköy were determined
Long-Lasting Legacy of Rent Controls: Perspectives on the Private Rental Market in Malta within the Context of a Dual Market
Authors: Micallef Brian
Published: January 2022

Up to a few years ago, the private rental market in Malta was a classic example of the dysfunction created by two diametrically opposed regimes – a rigidly-controlled one and a completely liberal one – co-existing side by side. Two recent reforms have sought to address this situation. The objective of this paper is to describe the state-of-play in the private rental market in Malta by providing a historical background to these recent developments. In addition to the distortions in the housing market that rent controls introduce, controls also contributed to the deterioration of the statistical infrastructure to collect data on this sector. From this perspective, the introduction of the 2020 rent reform for the post-1995 sector, in addition to providing a set of minimum standards to professionalize the market, also facilitated data collection efforts through the introduction of a rent register. This information provided an alternative source of information to complement the other data sources, which tend to be outdated, inadequate, or focus solely on specific segments of the market, thus allowing for a more detailed and complete view of the private rental market in Malta.
Heat Transfer Analysis of Supercritical Methane in Microchannels With Different Geometric Configurations on High Power Electromechanical Actuator
Authors: Gao Zhigang , Wang Tianhu , Yang Yuxin , Shang Xiaolong , Bai Junhua , Li Peng
Published: January 2022

The issue of regenerative cooling is one of the most important key technologies of flight vehicles, which is applied into both the engine and high-power electrical equipment. One pattern of regenerative cooling channels is the microchannel heat sinks, which are thought as a prospective means of improving heat removal capacities on electrical equipment of smaller sizes. In this paper, three numerical models with different geometric configurations, namely, straight, zigzag, and sinusoid, respectively, are built to probe into the thermal hydraulic performance while heat transfer mechanism of supercritical methane in microchannel heat sinks for the heat removal of high-power electromechanical actuator is also explored. In addition, some crucial influence factors on heat transfer such as inlet Reynolds number, operating pressure, and heating power are investigated. The calculation results imply the positive effect of wavy configurations on heat transfer and confirm the important effect of buoyancy force of supercritical methane in channels. The heat sinks with wavy channel show obvious advantages on comprehensive thermal performance including overall thermal performance parameter η and thermal resistance R compared with that of the straight one. The highest Nu and average heat transfer coefficient αm appear in the heat sink with zigzag channels, but the pumping power of the heat sink with sinusoidal channels is lower due to the smaller flow loss.
Liquid Droplet Impact Over Hydrophobic Mesh Surfaces and Assessment of Weber Number Dependent Characteristics
Authors: Abubakar Abba Abdulhamid , Yilbas Bekir Sami , Al-Qahtani Hussain , Mohammed Anwaruddin Siddiqui
Published: January 2022

Impacting droplets and droplet ejection from hydrophobic mesh surfaces have interest in biomedicine, heat transfer engineering, and self-cleaning of surfaces. The rate and the size of newborn droplets can vary depending on the droplet fluid properties, Weber number, mesh geometry, and surface wetting states. In this study, impacting water droplets onto hydrophobic mesh surface is investigated and impact properties including, spreading, rebounding, and droplet fluid penetration and ejection rates are examined. Droplet behavior is assessed using high recording facilities and predicted in line with the experiments. The findings reveal that the critical Weber number for droplet fluid penetrating/ejecting from mesh screen mainly depends on the droplet fluid capillary length, and hydrophobic mesh size. The contact time of impacting droplet over mesh surface reduces with increasing droplet Weber number, which opposes the case observed for impacting droplets over flat hydrophobic surfaces. The restitution coefficient attains lower values for impacting droplets over mesh surfaces than that of flat surfaces. The rate and diameter of the ejected droplet from the mesh increases as droplet Weber increases. At the onset of impact, streamline curvature is formed inside droplet fluid, which creates a stagnation zone with radially varying pressure at the droplet fluid mesh interface. This reduces the ejected droplet diameter from mesh cells as mesh cells are located away from the impacting vertical axis.
Measurements of Turbulent Transport in a Square Channel With One Ribbed Wall
Authors: Ruck Sebastian , Arbeiter Frederik
Published: January 2022

The velocity field of the fully developed turbulent flow in a one-sided ribbed square channel (rib-height-to-channel-height ratio of k/h=0.0667 and rib-pitch-to-rib-height ratio of p/k=9) was measured at Reynolds numbers (based on the channel height h and the mean bulk velocity uB) of Reh=5.0×104 and 1.0×105 by means of laser Doppler anemometry (LDA). Triple velocity correlations differed slightly between both Reynolds numbers when normalized by the bulk velocity and the channel height, similarly to the first- and second-order statistical moments of the velocity. Their near-wall behavior reflected the crucial role of turbulent transport near the rib crest and within the separated shear layer. Sweep events occurred with the elongated flow structures of the flapping shear layer and gained in importance toward the channel bottom wall, while strong ejection events near the rib leading and trailing edges coincided with flow structures bursting away from the wall. Despite the predominant occurrence of sweep events close to the ribbed wall within the inter-rib spacing, ejection events contributed with higher intensity to the Reynolds shear stress. Ejection and sweep events and their underlying transport phenomena contributing to the Reynolds shear stress were almost Reynolds number-insensitive in the resolved flow range. The invariance to the Reynolds number can be of benefit for the use of scale-resolving simulation methods in the design process of rib structures for heat exchange applications.
Second Moment Closure Modeling and Direct Numerical Simulation of Stratified Shear Layers
Authors: Jain Naman , Pham Hieu T. , Huang Xinyi , Sarkar Sutanu , Yang Xiang , Kunz Robert
Published: January 2022

Buoyant shear layers encountered in many engineering and environmental applications have been studied by researchers for decades. Often, these flows have high Reynolds and Richardson numbers, which leads to significant/intractable space–time resolution requirements for direct numerical simulation (DNS) or large eddy simulation (LES). On the other hand, many of the important physical mechanisms, such as stress anisotropy, wake stabilization, and regime transition, inherently render eddy viscosity-based Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) modeling inappropriate. Accordingly, we pursue second-moment closure (SMC), i.e., full Reynolds stress/flux/variance modeling, for moderate Reynolds number nonstratified, and stratified shear layers for which DNS is possible. A range of submodel complexity is pursued for the diffusion of stresses, density fluxes and variance, pressure strain and scrambling, and dissipation. These submodels are evaluated in terms of how well they are represented by DNS in comparison to the exact Reynolds-averaged terms, and how well they impact the accuracy of full RANS closure. For the nonstratified case, SMC model predicts the shear layer growth rate and Reynolds shear stress profiles accurately. Stress anisotropy and budgets are captured only qualitatively. Comparing DNS of exact and modeled terms, inconsistencies in model performance and assumptions are observed, including inaccurate prediction of individual statistics, non-negligible pressure diffusion, and dissipation anisotropy. For the stratified case, shear layer and gradient Richardson number growth rates, and stress, flux and variance decay rates, are captured with less accuracy than corresponding flow parameters in the nonstratified case. These studies lead to several recommendations for model improvement.
A Numerical Study of Heat Transfer From an Array of Jets Impinging on a Flat Moving Surface
Authors: Shah Sanil
Published: January 2022

A numerical study of heat transfer between circular jet arrays and the flat moving surface is carried out. Two jet patterns, inline and staggered, are chosen. A total of nine circular jets are used in both jet patterns. The analysis is carried out for steady and transient conditions with the turbulent flow of jet fluid. The steady-state analysis analyzes the effect of surface motion on the flow field and heat transfer through the jet arrays. The surface-to-jet velocity ratio (r) varies from 0 to 2. In transient analysis, the effect of jet pattern on the cooling of hot moving plate is analyzed. The two-equation shear stress transport (SST) k–ω turbulence model is used to solve Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy for incompressible turbulent flow. The steady-state analysis shows that surface motion has a significant effect on the flow field and heat transfer. The results of the transient analysis show that a staggering jet pattern cools the plate more uniformly than an inline jet pattern.
Conjugate Free Convection Heat Transfer and Thermodynamic Analysis of Infrared Suppression Device With Cylindrical Funnels
Authors: Chandrakar Vikrant , Mukherjee Arnab , Senapati Jnana Ranjan , Barik Ashok Kumar
Published: January 2022

A convection system can be designed as an energy-efficient one by making a considerable reduction in exergy losses. In this context, entropy generation analysis is performed on the infrared suppression system numerically. In addition, results due to heat transfer are also shown. The numerical solution of the Navier–stokes equation, energy equation, and turbulence equation is executed using ansysfluent 15.0. To perform the numerical analysis, different parameters such as the number of funnels, Rayleigh number (Ra), inner surface temperature, and geometric ratio are varied in the practical range. Results are shown in terms of heat transfer, entropy generation, irreversibility (due to heat transfer and fluid friction), and Bejan number with some relevant parameters. Streamlines and temperature contours are also provided for better visualization of temperature and flow field around the device. Results show that heat transfer and mass flow rate increase with the increase in the number of funnels. Entropy generation and the irreversibility rise with an increase in the number of funnels and geometric ratio. Also, the Bejan number decreases with an increase in Ra and the number of funnels. A cooling time is also obtained using the lumped capacitance method.
Hierarchical Robust Adaptive Control for Wind Turbines With Actuator Fault
Authors: Ameli Sina , Moses Anubi Olugbenga
Published: January 2022

This article solves the problem of regulating the rotor speed tracking error for wind turbines in the full-load region by an effective robust adaptive control strategy. The developed controller compensates for the uncertainty in the control input effectiveness caused by a pitch actuator fault, unmeasurable wind disturbance, and nonlinearity in the model. Wind turbines have multilayer structures such that the high-level structure is nonlinearly coupled through an aggregation of the low-level control authorities. Hence, the control design is divided into two stages. First, an L2 controller is designed to attenuate the influence of wind disturbance fluctuations on the rotor speed. Then, in the low-level layer, a controller is designed using a proposed adaptation mechanism to compensate for actuator faults. The theoretical results show that the closed-loop equilibrium point of the regulated rotor speed tracking error dynamics in the high level is finite-gain L2 stable, and the closed-loop error dynamics in the low level is globally asymptotically stable. Simulation results show that the developed controller significantly reduces the root mean square of the rotor speed error compared to some well-known works, despite the largely fluctuating wind disturbance, and the time-varying uncertainty in the control input effectiveness.
Spatial distribution and fluctuating populations of predatory mites (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae), phytophagous mites (Acari: Eriophyidae, Tetranychidae) and their relationships with wild chili pepper phenological stages in two Natural Protected Areas of Mexico
Authors: Monjarás-barrera José Irving , Rocandio-rodríguez Mario , Domínguez-castro Cristina , Reyes-zepeda Francisco , Mora-ravelo Sandra Grisell , Chacón-hernández Julio Cesar
Published: January 2022

Ecological interactions between mites (predatory and phytophagous) and wild plants growing in undisturbed environments play a crucial role to understand their natural settlement, development and dispersion patterns. Pequin chili pepper, Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum, is a low-cost natural resource for local communities living inside Natural Protected Areas (ANP) of Tamaulipas State in Mexico. The aims of this research work were: 1) determine the spatial distribution pattern of predatory and phytophagous mites, 2) determine the spatiotemporal association between predatory and phytophagous mites, and 3) determine the association among different mite species and some phenological stages of Pequin chili pepper. The most abundant phytophagous mites were Tetranychus merganser and Aculops lycpoersici, and the predatory species were Amblyseius similoides, Euseius mesembrinus and Metaseiulus (Metaseiulus) negundinis. Most mite species showed an aggregated distribution pattern according to the plant phenological stages. However, the distribution of mite species throughout time showed different types of aggregation. On the other hand, we found positive associations among A. lycopersici and T. merganser phytophagous mites with A. similoides, E. mesembrinus and M. (M.) negundinis predators mites. The association between plants and mite species were influenced by the phenological stages of Pequin chili pepper. This is an indication of the complexity among trophic-chain interactions that depend largely on the available resources and competition. These two factors serve as foundations for settlement, development and dispersion patterns of certain species.
A new species of Meriadenogamasus Athias-Henriot (Parasitiformes: Parasitidae) from China, with a key to world species of the genus
Authors: Yao Mao-Yuan , Chen Jian-Xin , Yi Tian-Ci , Jin Dao-Chao
Published: January 2022

The diagnosis of the genus Meriadenogamasus Athias-Henriot is updated based on the description of a new species, Meriadenogamasus longisetus Yao & Jin sp. nov., from south of China. This is the first described male mite for the genus. A key to the known species of the genus is provided.
Disruption of the
adh
(Acetoin Dehydrogenase) Operon Has Wide-Ranging Effects on Streptococcus mutans Growth and Stress Response
Authors: Zuber Peter , Nakano Michiko M. , Kajfasz Jessica K. , Lemos José A.
Published: January 2022

Dental caries is often initiated by
Streptococcus mutans
, which establishes a biofilm and a low pH environment on tooth enamel surfaces. The current study has uncovered vulnerabilities of
S. mutans
mutant strains that are unable to produce the enzyme complex, acetoin dehydrogenase (Adh).
Detailed short-term follow-up high-resolution CT series of differentiation syndrome
Authors: Oki Tatsuya , Nagatani Yukihiro , Saika Wataru , Watanabe Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2022

A 57-year-old man with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APML) received induction therapy including all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA). At day 15, he developed dyspnoea, haemoptysis and hypoxia. Thorax CT demonstrated diffuse ground-glass opacity and consolidation predominantly in dorsal regions, which may reflect increased vascular permeability. He was diagnosed with differentiation syndrome. After dexamethasone was administered and chemotherapy suspended, his symptoms improved and abnormal lesions mostly disappeared on follow-up CT examinations. We report a short-term high-resolution CT series of differentiation syndrome.
Para athletes’ perceptions of abuse: a qualitative study across three lower resourced countries
Authors: Rutland Emily Anne , Suttiratana Sakinah C , da Silva Vieira Sheila , Janarthanan Rekha , Amick Michael , Tuakli-Wosornu Yetsa A
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Interpersonal violence is an increasingly recognised risk of sport participation and causally linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Para athletes from low- and middle-income countries may be at highest risk of physical, psychological, sexual and neglect-related violence due to various factors; however, their perceptions of these abusive behaviours are unknown. This study examined the perceptions and experiences of abuse in para athletes from three lower resourced countries: Ghana, India and Brazil.

Methods

Qualitative data from semistructured focus group interviews conducted with 26 individuals were collected to explore characteristics of abuse observed, navigated and experienced by para athletes. The framework method for multidisciplinary qualitative research guided data analysis.

Results

Athletes identified a wide range of abusive behaviours they experienced within and outside of sport, including psychological, emotional, physical, sexual and neglect-related violence, which operated on both interpersonal and systemic levels. Most athletes described three less easily recognised forms of abuse in greater detail and more frequently than others: financial abuse, neglect and disability stigma.

Conclusion

It is important to hear directly from athletes with diverse experiences and backgrounds and to integrate their insights and priorities into sport safeguarding policies, programmes and interventions. Understanding the requirements and challenges of para athletes and para sport is needed to achieve safe, equitable and inclusive sport. As new insights from diverse sport settings are added to the evidence base, globally balanced, athlete-generated and locally relevant preventative strategies can better protect all athletes.
Effect of superior trunk block on diaphragm function and respiratory parameters after shoulder surgery
Authors: Robles Constantin , Berardone Nick , Orebaugh Steven
Published: January 2022

Background

The interscalene brachial plexus block has been used effectively for intraoperative and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing shoulder surgery, but it is associated with high rates of diaphragmatic dysfunction. Performing the block more distally, at the level of the superior trunk, may reduce the incidence of phrenic nerve palsy. We hypothesized that superior trunk block would result in diaphragmatic paralysis rate of less than 20%.

Methods

30 patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery received superior trunk block under ultrasound guidance. Measurements of diaphragm excursion were determined with ultrasound prior to the block, 15 min after the block, and postoperatively in phase II of postanesthesia care unit, in conjunction with clinical parameters of respiratory function.

Results

10 patients (33.3%, 95% CI 17.3% to 52.8%) developed complete hemidiaphragmatic paralysis at the postoperative assessment. An additional eight patients (26.7%) developed paresis without paralysis. Of the 18 patients with diaphragm effects, seven (38.9%) reported dyspnea. 83.3% of patients with abnormal diaphragm motion (56.7% of the total sample) had audibly reduced breath sounds on auscultation. Oxygen saturation measurements did not correlate with diaphragm effect and were not significantly reduced by the postoperative assessment.

Conclusion

Although injection of local anesthetic at the superior trunk level is associated with less diaphragmatic paralysis compared with traditional interscalene block, a significant portion of patients will continue to have ultrasonographic and clinical evidence of diaphragmatic weakness or paralysis.
Examining trends in gun violence injuries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic across six trauma centers
Authors: McGraw Constance , Jarvis Stephanie , Carrick Matthew , Lieser Mark , Madayag Robert M , Berg Gina M , Banton Kaysie L , Hamilton David , Bar-Or David
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The onset of the national stay-at-home orders accompanied by a surge in firearm sales has elevated the concerns of clinicians and public health authorities. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the stay-at-home orders among gunshot wound (GSW) trauma admissions.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study at six level I trauma centers across four states. Patients admitted after the onset of COVID-19 restrictions (March 16, 2020–June 30, 2020) were compared with those admitted during the same period in 2019. We compared (1) rate of patients with GSW and (2) characteristics of patients with GSW, by period using Χ2tests or Fisher’s exact tests, as appropriate.

Results

There were 6996 trauma admissions across the study period; 3707 (53%) in 2019 and 3289 (47%) in 2020. From 2019 to 2020, there was a significant increase in GSW admissions (4% vs. 6%, p=0.001); 4 weeks specifically had significant increases (March 16–March 23: 4%, April 1–April 8: 5%, April 9–April 16: 6%, and May 11–May 18: 5%). Of the 334 GSWs, there were significant increases in patients with mental illness (5% vs. 11%, p=0.03), alcohol use disorder (2% vs. 10%, p=0.003), substance use disorder (11% vs. 25%, p=0.001), and a significant decrease in mortality (14% vs. 7%, p=0.03) in 2020. No other significant differences between time periods were identified.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that trauma centers admitted significantly more patients with GSW following the national guidelines, including an increase in those with mental illness and substance use-related disorders. This could be attributable to the stay-at-home orders.

Level of evidence

Level III, retrospective study.
Overexpression of protein disulfide isomerase enhances vitamin K epoxide reductase activity
Authors: Chetot Thomas , Benoit Etienne , Lambert Véronique , Lattard Virginie
Published: January 2022

Vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR) activity is catalyzed by the VKORC1 enzyme. It is a target of vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Numerous mutations of VKORC1 have been reported and are suspected to confer resistance to VKA and (or) affect its velocity. Nevertheless, the results of these studies have been conflicting, and the functional characterization of these mutations in the cell system is complex because of the interweaving of VKOR activity in the vitamin K cycle. In this study, a new cellular approach was implemented to evaluate the vitamin K cycle in HEK293 cells. This global approach was based on the vitamin K quinone/vitamin K epoxide (K/KO) balance. In the presence of VKA or when VKORC1 and VKORC1L1 were knocked out, the K/KO balance decreased significantly due to the accumulation of vitamin KO. In contrast, when VKORC1 was overexpressed, the balance remained unchanged, demonstrating the limitation of VKOR activity. This limitation was shown to be due to insufficient expression of the activation partner of VKORC1, as overexpression of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) overcomes this limitation. This study is the first to demonstrate the functional interaction between VKORC1 and PDI.
Effects of gravitational lensing on neutrino oscillation in $$ \gamma $$-spacetime
Authors: Chakrabarty Hrishikesh , Borah Debasish , Abdujabbarov Ahmadjon , Malafarina Daniele , Ahmedov Bobomurat
Published: January 2022

We study the effects of gravitational lensing on neutrino oscillations in the $$\gamma $$
γ
-spacetime which describes a static, axially-symmetric and asymptotically flat solution of the Einstein’s field equations in vacuum. Using the quantum-mechanical treatment for relativistic neutrinos, we calculate the phase of neutrino oscillations in this spacetime by considering both radial and non-radial propagation. We show the dependence of the oscillation probability on the absolute neutrino masses, which in the two-flavour case also depends upon the sign of mass squared difference, in sharp contrast with the well-known results of vacuum oscillation in flat spacetime. We also show the effects of the deformation parameter $$\gamma $$
γ
on neutrino oscillations and reproduce previously known results for the Schwarzschild metric. We then extend these to a more realistic three flavours neutrino scenario and study the effects of the parameter $$\gamma $$
γ
and the lightest neutrino mass while using best fit values of neutrino oscillation parameters.
Generalized model of interacting dark energy and dark matter: Phase portrait analysis for evolving universe
Authors: Deogharia Giridhari , Bandyopadhyay Mayukh , Biswas Ritabrata
Published: January 2022

The main aim of this work is to give a suitable explanation of present accelerating universe through an acceptable interactive dynamical cosmological model. A three-fluid cosmological model is introduced in the background of Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson-Walker asymptotically flat spacetime. This model consists of interactive dark matter and dark energy with baryonic matter, taken as perfect fluid, satisfying barotropic equation of state. We consider dust as the candidate of dark matter. A scalar field [Formula: see text] represents dark energy with potential [Formula: see text]. Einstein’s field equations are utilized to construct a three-dimensional interactive autonomous system by choosing suitable interaction between dark energy and dark matter. We take the interaction kernel as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] indicates the density of dark energy, [Formula: see text] is the interacting constant and [Formula: see text] is Hubble parameter. In order to explain the stability of this system, we obtain some suitable critical points. We analyze stability of obtained critical points to show the different phases of universe and cosmological implications. Surprisingly, we find some stable critical points which represent late-time dark energy-dominated era when a model parameter [Formula: see text] is equal to [Formula: see text]. We introduce a two-dimensional interactive autonomous system and after phase portrait analysis of it, we get several stable points which represent dark energy-dominated era and late-time cosmic acceleration simultaneously. Here, we also demonstrate the variation in interaction at vicinity of phantom barrier [Formula: see text]. From our work, we can also predict the future phase evolution of the universe.
Molecular dynamics modeling and simulation of water desalination through a double-walled carbon nanotube with Moiré pattern
Authors: Hu Xuan , Li Shaofan
Published: January 2022

Freshwater scarcity has emerged as a major challenge of our time. Under this context, the importance of an efficient and energy-saving water desalination method is highlighted. In recent years, carbon nanotube (CNT) membrane characterizing with high permeability has attracted much attention in research, and it is regarded as a promising alternative to the conventional reverse osmosis technology. This work aims at numerically investigating the water desalination ability of a novel type of CNT membrane structure, namely the double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) with Moiré pattern. After establishing the physical CNT models and running the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the water desalination system, it is found that both the single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and DWCNT can desalinate the seawater successfully while the water permeability of DWCNT is at least 18.9% higher than that of SWCNT within the same time. As far as the Moiŕe pattern adopted in this study is concerned, the water permeability of DWCNT without Moiŕe pattern is 18.6% higher than that with Moiré pattern.
What Should Polar Medicine Do?
Authors: Wei Haibin , Sun Feng
Published: January 2022

This paper introduces the definition of polar medicine and its development history and status at home and abroad. In view of the current predicament of polar medicine, it is believed that it is of high important and urgent practical significance to strengthen the discipline construction and scientific research of polar medicine, formulate medical service standards and provide systematic medical support for polar scientific research, including systematic training of polar doctors.
Sedimentary dynamics and topographic controls on the tidal-dominated Zagra Strait, Early Tortonian, Betic Cordillera, Spain
Authors: Puga-Bernabéu Ángel , Braga Juan Carlos , Aguirre Julio , Martín José Manuel
Published: January 2022

The approximately 350 m-thick stratigraphic succession of the Zagra Strait records an important oceanographic phase of basin interconnection between the Atlantic Ocean (Guadalquivir Basin) and the Mediterranean Sea through the Betic Cordillera (southern Spain) during the early Tortonian. The Zagra Strait developed as a narrow structurally controlled marine corridor. The sedimentary dynamics of the Zagra Strait were interpreted from the sedimentological features observed in six sections at well-exposed outcrops. Large-scale (>10 m high) compound dunes and compound–dune complexes moved parallel to the strait margins under strong tidal currents generated by tidal amplification at the strait entrance and exit. Dune distribution can be divided into three sectors with different palaeocurrent migration, lithological and topographical characteristics. The northern and central sectors were separated by a deep depression (>75 m water depth) where tidal currents were weaker and dunes were not generated. The southern sector records a relative decrease in current strength compared with the northern and central sectors, and a significant increase in the bioclastic content in the sediment. Terrigenous content generally increases towards the strait margins, and reciprocally, carbonates towards its axis. The closure of the Zagra Strait resulted from tectonic uplift of that part of the Betic Cordillera before the late Tortonian.
Pathophysiology of Hemorrhage as It Relates to the Warfighter
Authors: Hinojosa-Laborde Carmen , Hudson Ian L. , Ross Evan , Xiang Lusha , Ryan Kathy L.
Published: January 2022

Saving lives of wounded military warfighters often depends on the ability to resolve or mitigate the pathophysiology of hemorrhage, specifically diminished oxygen delivery to vital organs that leads to multiorgan failure and death. However, caring for hemorrhaging patients on the battlefield presents unique challenges that extend beyond applying a tourniquet and giving a blood transfusion, especially when battlefield care must be provided for a prolonged period. This review describes these challenges and potential strategies for treating hemorrhage on the battlefield in a prolonged casualty care situation.
Increased Risk of Suicide among Cancer Survivors Who Developed a Second Malignant Neoplasm
Authors: Yang Huazhen , Qu Yuanyuan , Shang Yanan , Wang Chengshi , Wang Junren , Lu Donghao , Song Huan
Published: January 2022

Background. Cancer diagnosis entails substantial psychological distress and is associated with dramatically increased risks of suicidal behaviors. However, little is known about the suicide risk among cancer survivors who developed a second malignant neoplasm (SMN). Methods. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, we conducted a population-based cohort study involving 7,824,709 patients with first malignant neoplasm (FMN). We measured the hazard ratios (HRs) of suicide death after receiving a SMN diagnosis using Cox proportional hazard models, as compared with patients with FMN. The comparison with the US population was achieved by calculating standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). Results. Totally 685,727 FMN patients received a diagnosis of SMN during follow-up, and we in total identified 10,930 and 937 suicide deaths among FMN and SMN patients, respectively. The HR of suicide deaths was 1.23 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.14–1.31) after a SMN diagnosis, compared with FMN patients, after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, tumor characteristics, and cancer treatment. As compared with the general population, while both SMN and FMN patients suffered an increased risk of suicide deaths, the excess risk was higher among SMN patients than FMN patients (age-, sex-, and calendar-year-adjusted SMR 1.65 (95% CI 1.54–1.75) vs. 1.29 (95% CI 1.26–1.31);

P

difference

<
0.0001

). Notably, across different time periods, we observed the greatest risk elevation during the first 3 months after a cancer diagnosis. Conclusions. Compared with either patients with FMN or the general population, cancer survivors who received a SMN diagnosis were at increased risk of suicide death. The risk elevation was most prominent soon after the cancer diagnosis, highlighting the necessity of providing timely psychological support to cancer survivors with a SMN.
Improved Performance of Compartments in Detecting the Activity of Axial Spondyloarthritis Based on IVIM DWI with Optimized Threshold b Value
Authors: Ye Qiang , Xie Zhuoyao , Guo Chang , Lu Xing , Zheng Kai , Zhao Yinghua
Published: January 2022

Purpose. To explore the diagnostic performance of the optimized threshold b values on IVIM to detect the activity in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients. Method. 40 axSpA patients in the active group, 144 axSpA patients in the inactive group, and 20 healthy volunteers were used to evaluate the tissue diffusion coefficient (Dslow), perfusion fraction (f), and pseudodiffusion coefficient (Dfast) with b thresholds of 10, 20, and 30 s/mm2. The Kruskal‐Wallis test and one way ANOVA test was used to compare the different activity among the three groups in axSpA patients, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to evaluate the performance for Dslow, f, and Dfast to detect the activity in axSpA patients, respectively. Results. Dslow demonstrated a statistical difference between two groups (P < 0.05) with all threshold b values. With the threshold b value of 30 s/mm2, f could discriminate the active from control groups (P < 0.05). Dslow had similar performance between the active and the inactive groups with threshold b values of 10, 20, and 30 s/mm2 (AUC: 0.877, 0.882, and 0.881, respectively, all P < 0.017). Using the optimized threshold b value of 30 s/mm2, f showed the best performance to separate the active from the inactive and the control groups with AUC of 0.613 and 0.738 (both P < 0.017) among all threshold b values. Conclusion. Dslow and f exhibited increased diagnostic performance using the optimized threshold b value of 30 s/mm2 compared with 10 and 20 s/mm2, whereas Dfast did not.
Effect of Ulinastatin Combined with Xingnaojing Injection on Severe Traumatic Craniocerebral Injury and Its Influence on Oxidative Stress Response and Inflammatory Response
Authors: An Zexin , Yin Yong , Zhang Lei , Wang Bo , Cui Tao , Li Meng , Zhuo Jianwei , Zhang Jing , Wang Kai , Zhang Wenwen , Ji Meng , Sun Jilin , Xu Yinong
Published: January 2022

Objective. This study is aimed at exploring the effect of ulinastatin combined with Xingnaojing injection on severe traumatic craniocerebral injury and its influence on oxidative stress response and inflammatory response in patients. Methods. A total of 100 patients with severe traumatic craniocerebral injury admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 were selected and equally assigned into a study group (50 cases) and a control group (50 cases) according to a random sampling method. Patients in study group received treatment of ulinastatin combined with Xingnaojing injection, while those in control group were treated with ulinastatin only. The study compared the two groups on the oxidative stress response, inflammatory response, the therapeutic effect, and the incidence rate of adverse reactions. Results. It is observed that patients in study group obtained lower levels of free cortisol (FC) and norepinephrine (NE) in the serum and higher level of total thyroxine (TT4) after treatment compared with those in control group with significant difference (P < 0.05); in the meantime, they were examined to have significantly fewer oxidative stress response products, lower serum inflammatory factor level, and serum indicator levels of craniocerebral injury as opposed to those in control group, suggesting significant differences (P < 0.05); study group demonstrated higher treatment response rate and lower incidence rate of adverse reactions compared with control group with a significant difference (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The study found that ulinastatin combined with Xingnaojing infection has a significant effect in the treatment of severe traumatic craniocerebral injury, which can reduce the degree of craniocerebral injury and the level of inflammatory factors in the serum of patients. It is worthy of being promoted and applied clinically.
Development of a Chemiluminescence Assay for Total N-Terminal Propeptide of Type I Collagen and Its Evaluation in Lung Transplantation
Authors: Han Shuang , Gong Fang , Xue Yifeng , Wang Chunxin , Qi Xiaowei
Published: January 2022

Serum P1NP, one of the important biomarkers for bone turnover, is commonly used for the prediction of bone fracture and the prognosis of osteoporosis after therapy. We developed a P1NP chemiluminescence assay and evaluated changes in bone metabolism markers in lung transplant patients. The screened 2 P1NP antibodies with constructed antigens and α-1 chain antigens expressed by the Corynebacterium glutamate expression system were applied into assay development. The assay performance was evaluated to examine the reliability. A normal Q-Q plot was used to establish male reference interval. Changes of bone metabolism markers before and after lung transplantation in 19 patients were evaluated. The linear factor R of P1NP reagent was greater than 0.99. The limit of detection was 3.32 ng/ml. The precision of the three batches of P1NP reagents was lower than 8%. Method comparison with Roche P1NP reagent showed that the correlation coefficient R2 was 0.91. In the monitoring of bone mass in a short time, bone metabolism markers can better indicate the change of bone mass, while the traditional bone mineral density detection is lagging behind the bone metabolism markers. P1NP and β-CrossLap to bone mass change in patients after lung transplantation, and P1NP and β-CrossLap are very good clinical markers for bone mass monitoring.
Propylene Glycol Caprylate‐Based Nanoemulsion Formulation of Plumbagin: Development and Characterization of Anticancer Activity
Authors: Chrastina Adrian , Welsh John , Borgström Per , Baron Veronique T.
Published: January 2022

Plumbagin, a bioactive naphthoquinone, has demonstrated potent antitumor potential. However, plumbagin is a sparingly water‐soluble compound; therefore, clinical translation requires and will be facilitated by the development of a new pharmaceutical formulation. We have generated an oil‐in‐water nanoemulsion formulation of plumbagin using a low‐energy spontaneous emulsification process with propylene glycol caprylate (Capryol 90) as an oil phase and Labrasol/Kolliphor RH40 as surfactant and cosurfactant excipients. Formulation studies using Capryol 90/Labrasol/Kolliphor RH40 components, based on pseudoternary diagram and analysis of particle size distribution and polydispersity determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS), identified an optimized composition of excipients for nanoparticle formulation. The nanoemulsion loaded with plumbagin as an active pharmaceutical ingredient had an average hydrodynamic diameter of 30.9 nm with narrow polydispersity. The nanoemulsion exhibited long‐term stability, as well as good retention of particle size in simulated physiological environments. Furthermore, plumbagin‐loaded nanoemulsion showed an augmented cytotoxicity against prostate cancer cells PTEN‐P2 in comparison to free drug. In conclusion, we generated a formulation of plumbagin with high loading drug capacity, robust stability, and scalable production. Novel Capryol 90‐based nanoemulsion formulation of plumbagin demonstrated antiproliferative activity against prostate cancer cells, warranting thus further pharmaceutical development.