bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Premedication with dexmedetomidine to reduce emergence agitation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Jong Chan , Kim Jihee , Kwak Hayeon , Ahn So Woon
Published: May 2019

Background

Nasal bone fracture is the most common type of facial fracture, and the high incidence of severe emergence agitation occurring after closed reduction of the nasal bone fracture can be challenging to manage. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate whether pre-operative administration of dexmedetomidine is effective in reducing the incidence and severity of emergence agitation in adults undergoing closed reduction of nasal bone fractures.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 90 patients who were scheduled to undergo closed reduction of a nasal bone fracture were prospectively included and were randomly assigned to either the control group (n = 45; 0.9% saline infusion) or the dexmedetomidine group (n = 45; 1 mcg/kg over 10 minutes, pre-operatively). The primary endpoint was Aono's four-point scale after anesthesia. The recovery time and numeric rating scale score were assessed as secondary endpoints.

Results

Aono's four-point scale scores were lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the control group [median (IQR); 1 (1-1) vs. 1 (1-2), 95% CI of difference; 0.01 to 0.02, P = 0.02]. The number, severity, and duration of agitation episodes were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the control group. Furthermore, the number of patients exhibiting intraoperative movement was lower in the dexmedetomidine group.

Conclusions

Pre-operative administration of dexmedetomidine demonstrated several significant benefits, such as a lower incidence of emergence agitation, reduced agitation severity, and a shorter duration of agitation. Additionally, we observed more stable maintenance of intraoperative anesthesia with less movement during the surgery.
A Randomised Controlled Trial on Analgesic Effect of Repeated Quadratus Lumborum Block Versus Continuous Epidural Analgesia Following Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
Authors: Aditianingsih Dita , Pryambodho Pryambodho , Anasy Naufal , Tantri Aida Rosita , Mochtar Chaidir Arif
Published: May 2019

Background

Epidural analgesia as the pain management for abdominal surgery has unfavorable side effects. The quadratus lumborum block (QLB) has potential as an abdominal truncal block, however, the analgesic efficacy of QLB compared to epidural analgesia is unknown. This prospective randomized controlled study compared the effectiveness of QLB on postoperative opioid requirement and pain intensity with the epidural analgesia technique in transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Methods

Sixty-two patients undergoing laparoscopic donor nephrectomy were randomised to receive QLB (n=31) or continuous epidural (n=31). The QLB group received bilateral QLB with 0.3–0.4 ml/kg bupivacaine 0.25% and the epidural group received bupivacaine 0.25% 6 ml/h for intraoperative analgesia. As postoperative analgesia, the QLB group received repeated bilateral QLB and the epidural group received the decreased dosage of bupivacaine 0.125% 6 ml/h for 24 hours after surgery completion. The primary outcome was cumulative morphine requirement 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores, sensory block coverage, Bromage score, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and duration of urethral catheterisation. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded.

Result

Postoperative cumulative morphine requirement, pain scores, PONV and Bromage score were not significantly different between the QLB and epidural group. The QLB affected T9–L2, continuous epidural block affected T8–L3 dermatomes. Duration of urethral catheterisation was shorter (p < 0.001) in the QLB group. The MAP measured at 24 hours after surgery was lower in the epidural group (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The repeated QLB had similar cumulative morphine requirement and pain intensity, shorter uretheral catheterization duration, and higher MAP, compared with continuous epidural analgesia after transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrial.gov NCT03520205 retrospectively registered on May 9th 2018.

Keywords: epidural analgesia; laparoscopic nephrectomy; postoperative analgesia; patient-controlled analgesia; quadratus lumborum block.
Prospective study of vitrectomy for epiretinal membranes in patients with good best-corrected visual acuity
Authors: Nakashizuka Hiroyuki , Kitagawa Yorihisa , Wakatsuki Yu , Tanaka Koji , Furuya Koichi , Hattori Takayuki , Mori Ryusaburo , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: May 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of epiretinal membrane removal in patients with good best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for improving visual function and quality of life (QOL).
Methods: This prospective case study compared 37 subjects with preoperative BCVA≦logMAR0.046 (Good group) to 35 patients with logMAR BCVA 0.52–0.10 (Moderate group) at 3 and 6 months. Linear mixed-effect models were used for statistical analysis. The primary outcome was the horizontal metamorphopsia score (MH) at 6 months postoperatively (post-6 M), while secondary outcomes were postoperative BCVA, vertical metamorphopsia score (MV), aniseikonia, stereopsis and central foveal thickness. In the Good group, QOL was assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) at 6 and 12 months.
Results: MH was significantly improved at post-3 M and post-6 M in the both groups but there were no significant differences between the two groups. MV showed no improvement at the final observation in either group. LogMAR BCVA was significantly improved at post-6 M in the Good group, which had significantly better vision than the Moderate group. Preoperative vertical and horizontal aniseikonia scores remained unchanged in the Good group at post-6 M but worsened in the Moderate group. The NEI VFQ-25 score improved in the Good group, reflecting improved general health, general vision, and mental health.
Conclusions: Early epiretinal surgery was effective for MH, BCVA, aniseikonia, and QOL.
A case of palpebral conjunctival MALT lymphoma misdiagnosed as giant papillary conjunctivitis
Authors: Liao Hongxia , Zheng Xiao , Liu Ting , Ye Jian
Published: May 2019

Background

Although conjunctival lymphoma is generally easy to diagnose, misdiagnosis of this condition has been repeatedly reported. This article presents a rare case of lymphoma arising from the palpebral conjunctiva in a very young woman whose disease was initially misdiagnosed as giant papillary conjunctivitis.

Case presentation

A 20-year-old young woman with a history of chronic rhinitis presented with bilateral, salmon-pink, multiple-nodular patches in both the superior and inferior palpebral conjunctivae. The patient did not respond to hormone (glucocorticoids) and other anti-inflammatory medications. Therefore, she underwent surgical resection combined with cryosurgery and achieved complete remission. According to histopathology and immunohistochemistry examinations, a diagnosis of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) was made. Two months post-treatment, she received additional radiation therapy because a sign of recurrence was apparent. From then, she had no recurrence, vision loss, or cataract during a follow-up of six months.

Conclusions

Although the diagnosis of conjunctival MALT lymphoma is straightforward in most cases due to its characteristic salmon-like appearance, misdiagnosis of this condition can occur. When conventional antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatments are not effective, conjunctival lymphoma should be considered and biopsy for histological and immunohistochemical analyses is warranted. The combination of excision, cryosurgery and radiation therapy is an effective approach to achieve complete remission.
MicroRNA 125b overexpression in pseudoexfoliation syndrome
Authors: Tomczyk-Socha Martyna , Baczyńska Dagmara , Przeździecka-Dołyk Joanna , Turno-Kręcicka Anna
Published: May 2019

Background

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs. Qin et al. described miR 125b was downregulated in cataract tissue when compared to a transparent lens. The aim of study was (1) to establish the expression of miR 125b in cataracts complicated by pseudoexfoliation syndrome /PEX/, glaucoma or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and (2) to determine whether any environmental factors influence miR 125b expression.

Methods

Anterior lens capsule were obtained from 150 patients. The patients were selected for three groups: with PEX, primary open angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, with matched controls in the term of gender (cataract alone). qPCR expression of microRNA 125b was examined in every groups.

Results

Mean age of 150 patients was 75.18years (SD +/-9.12years). Investigation indicates for the first time, that miR 125b expression is significantly increased 3.33x in PEX group (p=0,046). A lower level of miR 125b (p=0,01) was found in patients who smoked compared to those who did not.

Conclusions

Our data reveal the possible role of miR 125b in pseudoexfoliation syndrome development. There are two possible interpretations of these results. Either the co-existence of PEX acts as a moderator of miR 125b expression in the anterior lens, or the increased expression of miR 125b can be a cause of PEX.
The Impact of Air Pollution on Intestinal Microbiome of Asthmatic Children: A Panel Study
Authors: Zheng Ping , Wang Qiang , Zhang Kexing , Lv Xifang , Ni Xue , Xiao Nan , Liu Chuanhe , Sha Li , Bai Xuetao
Published: May 2019

Background

Intestinal microbiome can influence human health. Previous researches showed that the intestinal microbiome played an important role in immune responses associated with allergic disease. Colonization of intestinal microorganisms in the early life could affect future susceptibility to asthma. In China the incidence of childhood asthma raised sharply in recent years and the air pollution was serious in the meantime. Based on the above theories and conditions, the main objective of this article was to explore the impact of air pollution on intestinal microbiome of asthmatic children preliminary.

Results

A total of 42 fecal samples from 21 children, among whom 11 children with asthma and 10 children without asthma, were collected twice in a clean day and a polluted day respectively. Identifying the bacteria in gut by the method of high throughput sequencing for 16SrRNA gene. The results showed that Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla in all children. Proteobacteria (p=0.020) increased significantly and Bacteroidetes (p=0.072) decreased marginally significantly in asthmatic children compared with healthy children. Bacteroidetes (p=0.067) showed marginally significant increasing and Actinobacteria (p=0.001) showed significant decline in asthmatic children after air pollution. The variations of Firmicutes (p=0.106) and Proteobacteria (p=0.064) were marginally significant in healthy children after air pollution. Analyzed by multiple linear regression, the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes at phylum level, Bacteroidia at class level, Clostridium_sensu_ stricto_1 and Terrisporobacter at genus level significantly correlated with environmental pollutants (p<0.05), including PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2 and O3.

Conclusion

Composition of intestinal microbiome in asthmatic children were different from healthy children significantly, and air pollution could impact on intestinal microbiome both in asthmatic and healthy children.
Evaluation of Watermelon Varieties under Organic Production Practices in Georgia
Authors: Boyhan George E. , O’Connell Suzanne , McNeill Ryan , Stone Suzanne
Published: May 2019

Organic production is a fast-growing sector of agriculture in need of variety evaluations under their unique production systems. This study evaluated 16 watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) varieties for their performance characteristics under organic production practices. Plants were grown on plastic mulch-covered beds on land that had been certified organic in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Program. Six of the entries were F1 hybrids; the remaining entries were open-pollinated (OP) varieties. Of the 10 OP varieties, three were considered heirloom varieties, including Cream of Saskatchewan, Georgia Rattlesnake, and Moon & Stars. ‘Georgia Rattlesnake’ was the highest yielding variety and had the greatest average fruit weight. Along with ‘Georgia Rattlesnake’, ‘Nunhems 800’, ‘Nunhems 860’, ‘Orangeglo’, and ‘SSX 8585’ were included in the top five yielding varieties. The top five yielding varieties had fruit size that averaged more than 20 lb. Fruit size correlated with rind thickness, with lighter fruit having thinner rind (Pearson’s correlation, r = 0.779), which is not unexpected. ‘Sangria’ had the greatest average soluble solids content at 11.2%, which was greater than all entries with soluble solids less than 10%.
Comparing the Efficacy of Postharvest Cooling Methods to Enhance Fruit Quality and Reduce Salmonella in Artificially Inoculated Southern Highbush Blueberry
Authors: De Jaysankar , Sreedharan Aswathy , Li You , Gutierrez Alan , Brecht Jeffrey K. , Sargent Steven A. , Schneider Keith R.
Published: May 2019

Cooling procedures used by blueberry (Vaccinium sp.) growers often may include delays up to 24 hours that can damage the fruit through rough handling and adverse temperatures, thereby potentially compromising quality and, subsequently, safety. The objectives of this experiment were to compare forced-air cooling (FAC) compared to hydrocooling without sanitizer (HW) and hydrocooling with sanitizer (HS) regarding the quality and shelf life of southern highbush blueberry [SHB (Vaccinium corymbosum)] and to determine the efficacy of these treatments for reducing Salmonella in SHB. Freshly harvested SHB that were inoculated with a five-serovar cocktail of rifampin-resistant Salmonella were rapidly chilled by FAC or hydrocooling (HW and HS) using a laboratory model system. FAC did not show any significant reduction (P > 0.05) in Salmonella or in the effects on the microbiological quality of blueberries. HW and HS reduced Salmonella by ≈2 and >4 log cfu/g SHB, respectively, on day 0. These postharvest treatments were also evaluated for their ability to help maintain fruit quality throughout a storage period of 21 days at 1 °C. Hydrocooling (both HS and HW) provided more rapid cooling than FAC. Hydrocooled blueberries showed significant weight gain (P < 0.05), whereas FAC resulted in a slight, but insignificant (P > 0.05), reduction in final weight. The results of hydrocooling, both HS and HW, shown in this study could help to extend the shelf life while maintaining or increasing the microbiological quality of fresh market blueberries. Information obtained by this study can be used for developing the best temperature management practices to maintain the postharvest safety and quality of blueberries.
Water Retention and Pore Size Distribution of a Biopolymeric‐Amended Loam Soil
Authors: Rahmati Mehdi , Pohlmeier Andreas , Abasiyan Sara Mola Ali , Weihermüller Lutz , Vereecken Harry
Published: May 2019

Core Ideas

Transversal relaxation time spectra were a good proxy to determine pore size distribution.

Chitosan provides more degradable C to the soil microbial community than Arabic gum.

The water retention curve showed that 10 g Arabic gum kg−1soil decreased plant‐available water.

The same amount of chitosan increased available water content compared with the reference soil.

The pore size distribution (PSD) of biopolymeric‐amended soils is rarely investigated due to difficulties in its quantification using classical methods. In this study, we analyzed the impact of biopolymeric soil amendments on the PSD of a dryland loamy soil based on its physical and biological properties using a completely randomized design with four treatments consisting of two different dosages (10 and 5 g kg−1) of two different biopolymers, (chitosan [CH] and Arabic gum [AG]) plus a reference soil. To determine the effects of CH and AG on the PSD, nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry (NMRR) measurements were used to determine the longitudinal (T1) and transversal (T2) relaxation times. A set of soil structure–related characteristics was also determined in the laboratory. The results revealed thatT2spectra provided a good proxy to determine the PSD, showing good agreement between the PSD fromT2spectra and that calculated from the water retention curve (WRC) (R2> 0.78; RMSE <1.38 μm). The application of CH also increased the zeta potential of the soil to −18.5 mV, compared with −20 mV obtained for the reference soil. The WRC measurements revealed that AG decreased the available water content for plant use compared with the reference soil, whereas CH increased the available water in comparison to the reference soil. Considering the parameters of the van Genuchten model, the application of AG and CH mainly affected the parameter α, confirming the dominant changes in macropores. This finding was confirmed by NMRR relaxation spectra. Furthermore, the application of CH and AG stimulated the microbial activity of the amended soil, leading to an increase in soil respiration.
Elliptic deformation of $\mathcal{W}_N$-algebras
Authors: Avan Jean , Frappat Luc , Ragoucy Eric
Published: May 2019

We construct qq-deformations
of quantum \mathcal{W}_N𝒲N
algebras with elliptic structure functions. Their spin
k+1k+1
generators are built from 2k2k
products of the Lax matrix generators of {\mathcal{A}_{q,p}(\widehat{gl}(N)_c)}𝒜q,p(gl̂(N)c)).
The closure of the algebras is insured by a critical surface condition
relating the parameters p,qp,q
and the central charge cc.
Further abelianity conditions are determined, either as
c=-Nc=−N
or as a second condition on p,q,cp,q,c.
When abelianity is achieved, a Poisson bracket can be defined, that we
determine explicitly. One connects these structures with previously
built classical qq-deformed
\mathcal{W}_N𝒲N
algebras and quantum \mathcal{W}_{q,p}(\mathfrak{sl}_N)𝒲q,p(𝔰𝔩N).
Scoping research on sustainability performance from manufacturing industry sector
Authors: Hussien Droup Adam Ismail , Jusoh Ahmad , Mardani Abbas , Streimikiene Dalia , Md Nor Khalil
Published: May 2019

Sustainability is a key area of concern for manufacturing firms’ long-term success. However, the manufacturing industry has not been fully conscious of the potential sustainable values across manufacturing system. There is a need to better understand how companies can improve sustainable value creation. Recent research and practices have shown that sustainable operations can be one way to create sustainable values (e.g. economic, environmental and social). This review article focuses on the available empirical studies on the impact of lean and sustainability practices on sustainable performance from 2000 to 2018 in the context of manufacturing firms. Integrating lean and sustainability practices into manufacturing system confrontы operations managers with paradoxical tensions of sustainability objectives. Theoretically having paradoxical mindset will help firms’ managers make sense of and responв to such paradoxical tensions. In the context of sustainable operations studies, the issue of paradoxical mindset has been given less emphasis. Therefore, through the lens of the paradox theory, this study has developed a new conceptual framework for future research to investigate how paradoxical mindset moderates the impact of lean and sustainability practices on the sustainable performance of manufacturing industry. This study may add to the understanding of the circumstances, under which lean and sustainability practices impact sustainable outcomes.
Hybrid constructed wetlands system with intermittent feeding applied for urban wastewater treatment in South Brazil
Authors: Rousso Benny Zuse , Pelissari Catiane , Santos Mayara Oliveira dos , Sezerino Pablo Heleno
Published: May 2019

Hybrid constructed wetlands composed by vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) followed by horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HFCW) are a wastewater treatment technology employed worldwide. However, there are few studies of their application in Brazil. Treatment performance is not achieved directly after the start of operation and may change according to external conditions over time. This paper evaluated a VFCW–HFCW hybrid system applied to treat urban wastewater in southern Brazil during the first 70 operational weeks. The system was operated with cycles of rest and feed periods. The results point to the first 10 weeks of operation as a transitioning period, especially for VFCW, after which chemical oxygen demand (COD) (from 77% to 90%) and total suspended solids (TSS) (from 90% to 100%) removal performances stabilized and reached their peak rates. Factors such as rainfall precipitation, macrophytes' adaptation, and time of operation affected pollutants' removal. Regardless of the fluctuations throughout the period, the hybrid system presented resilience by generating excellent average removal rates. It showed a mean removal efficiency of 99% for TSS, 98% for COD, 69% for total nitrogen (TN), 91% for NH4+-N, and 96% for P-PO43−. Moreover, the effluent was always suitable to be discharged into the environment according to Brazilian national and state regulations.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction: Differentiating a Pulmonary Vascular From a Pulmonary Venous Origin of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Raina Amresh , Forfia Paul R.
Published: May 2019

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogeneous condition that may be due to a primary pulmonary arteriolar vasculopathy (pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH: Group I), or secondary to left heart disease and pulmonary venous hypertension (PVH: Group II), chronic respiratory conditions (Group III), chronic thromboembolic disease (CTEPH: Group IV) or miscellaneous/multifactorial causes (Group V).12 The clinical diagnoses themselves are as diverse as the varied hemodynamic compositions of PH. Pulmonary hypertension ultimately results from varying interactions between pulmonary blood flow, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), conduit vessel compliance, and downstream left atrial (LA) pressure. Therefore, PH may also result from abnormalities in one or more of these factors. Patients with PAH, CTEPH, and most Group III patients have a “precapillary” hemodynamic profile with a normal LA pressure and an increased PVR as the primary mechanism of their PH. In contrast, patients with PVH (“postcapillary”) have increased LA pressure, most often with a normal or only mildly elevated PVR.
PH and Left Heart Disease: Defining the Clinical Dilemma
Authors: Park Myung H. , Alvarez Rene , De Marco Teresa , Robbins Ivan , Semigran Marc
Published: May 2019

A panel of experts convened by telephone on April 20, 2011 to discuss their experiences and recommendations regarding diagnosis and management of patients with Group 2 PH. The conversation was facilitated by Myung Park, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director, Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program, Division of Cardiology at University of Maryland School of Medicine and guest editor of this issue. The participants were Rene Alvarez, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director, Advanced Heart Failure/Pulmonary Hypertension Outreach Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Teresa De Marco, MD, Professor of Medicine, Director, Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension Program and Director, Heart Transplantation, University of California San Francisco Medical Center; Marc Semigran, MD, Medical Director of the Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Program at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School; and Ivan Robbins, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director, Lung Transplant Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Contraceptive Options for the Patient with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Santiago-Munoz Patricia
Published: May 2019

The World Health Organization describes contraception as desirable for many reasons. It allows families to make informed choices about their reproductive years. It allows family planning, with spacing of children, leading to better bonding between mother and child, higher exclusive breastfeeding rates, and improved health of the mother for a future pregnancy.1

Unintended pregnancies continue to occur at an astronomically high rate in the US, as high as 35% by most recent data,2 and of course, since women with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are not exempt from this statistic, it is imperative that as care providers, we help our patients to plan ahead. In their case, maternal health is our main concern.

Weiss and colleagues, reporting on pregnancy outcomes with PAH between 1978 and 1996, found a maternal mortality of 36% in Eisenmenger syndrome, 30% in idiopathic PAH, and 56% in secondary PAH.3 A more recent systematic review reported slightly more optimistic pregnancy outcomes from 1997 to 2007. Still, maternal mortality ranged from 17% to 33%, depending on the exact etiology of pulmonary hypertension.4 It is therefore very clear that in the setting of PAH, contraception is important and potentially lifesaving.
The Challenges of PAH in Pregnancy
Authors: Levine Deborah Jo , Horn Evelyn , Lang Irene , Oudiz Ron , Zwicke Dianne
Published: May 2019

PAH patients who become pregnant– certainly against medical advice– or whose disease is diagnosed while pregnant present myriad challenges. On October 17, 2011, a group of physicians who have dealt with these complicated issues met by telephone to discuss their approaches and thoughts on dealing with these unique patients. Co-guest editor Deborah Jo Levine facilitated the discussion among Drs Ron Oudiz, Director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Center at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center; Irene Lang, cardiologist at the Medical University of Vienna; Evelyn Horn, Director of the Heart Failure, Mechanical Circulatory Support, Pulmonary Hypertension Program at Cornell and adjunct professor at Columbia; and Dianne Zwicke, Medical Director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine.
What is a Nutritional Lifestyle?
Authors: Mueller Donna H.
Published: May 2019

Note from the Section Editor: Food can be yet one more troublesome part of our PH patients' lives. Providing resources can help them and their caregivers plan, obtain, prepare, and enjoy nutritious meals to optimize the quality of their lives. Registered dietitians are important members of our patients' team. Dr Mueller explains how to guide our patients in accessing information for their unique nutritional lifestyle.
Disability in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Oudiz Ronald J.
Published: May 2019

Disability in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is rooted not only in physical impairment, but can also be the result of associated mental and emotional dysfunction often experienced by PH patients. Very little has been done to document the extent and degree of disability in PH, and even less has been done to determine the effect of PH treatments on disability. While current US policies governing eligibility for disability do not take into account many of the factors that lead to disability that are unique to PH patients, work is underway to revise these policies.
Future Directions: An Expert Panel Explores the Challenge of Halting Progression and Reversing the Pathology of PAH
Authors: Gaine Sean , Morrell Nicholas W. , Rich Stuart , Voelkel Norbert
Published: May 2019

This discussion was moderated by Sean Gaine, MD, Director, Pulmonary Hypertension Unit, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, University College, Dublin, Ireland. The physicians participating included Stuart Rich, MD, Professor of Medicine, and Director, Rush Heart Institute Center for Pulmonary Heart Disease, Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, Norbert Voelkel, MD, The Hart Family Professor of Emphysema Research, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, and Nicholas W. Morrell, MD, Director, Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Unit, Papworth and Addenbrooke's Hospitals, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK.
Exploring the Spectrum of Pathology and Treatment in Portopulmonary Hypertension: Four Experts Address the Toughest Questions
Authors: Oudiz Ronald J. , Krowka Michael J. , Wiesner Russell , Ramsey Michael
Published: May 2019

This discussion was moderated by Ronald J. Oudiz, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and Director, Liu Center for Pulmonary Hypertension, Division of Cardiology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California. The participants included Michael J. Krowka, MD, Professor of Medicine, and Russell Wiesner, MD, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, and Michael Ramsay, MD, FRCA, Chairman, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Baylor University Medical Center, and Clinical Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Barst Robin J. , Fineman Jeffrey R. , Gatzoulis Michael A. , Krasuski Richard A.
Published: May 2019

This discussion was moderated by Robyn J. Barst, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Cardiology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Cornell Medical Center, and Director of New York Presbyterian Pulmonary Hypertension Center at Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York. Panel members included Jeffrey R. Fineman, MD, Pediatric Critical Care Specialist and Associate Investigator of the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco; John Granton, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Programme, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario; Michael A. Gatzoulis, MD, PhD, Professor of Cardiology, Congenital Heart Disease, and Consultant Cardiologist and Director of the Adult Congenital Heart Centre at the Royal Brompton Hospital and the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK; and Richard A. Krasuski, MD, Director of Adult Congenital Heart Disease Services, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
The Potential for Therapeutic Misconception in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Clinical Trials: A Case-Based Discussion
Authors: Badesch David B. , Coors Marilyn E. , McCollister Deborah H. , Bull Todd , Lakin Alison
Published: May 2019

This case study illustrates several of the potential challenges frequently encountered by clinical investigators working in the area of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It raises the issues of therapeutic misconception and clinical equipoise, and illustrates the importance of informing potential research participants of all their options in explicit detail.20 It also emphasizes the importance of explaining to patients that they are being asked to participate in a study to advance medical knowledge and develop therapies for the population of patients with PAH, and not for their own benefit. While they may benefit from the study drug, if they in fact receive it, this should not be offered as a reason for their potential participation. In addition, investigators should disclose any potential conflicts of interest to potential participants. During the past 2 decades, such clinical trials have advanced the treatment of patients with PAH and continue to offer the possibility of further improvements in our treatment of this devastating disease.
Immune Cells in Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Zheng Long , Gao Wenjun , Hu Chao , Yang Cheng , Rong Ruiming
Published: May 2019

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a systemic disease characterized by acute loss of renal function
and accumulation of end products of nitrogen metabolism. Ischemic AKI is the most common
cause of AKI, and inflammatory responses are inevitablely involved in ischemic AKI. In the process of
ischemic AKI, multiple factors are involved in activating and recruitment of immune cell to the injured
kidney. These factors include DAMPs and HIFs released from the injured kidney, increased expression
of adhesion molecules, the production of chemokines and cytokines, activation of complement system
and TLRs as well as the permeability dysfunction of the renal vascular endothelium. Immune cells of
both the innate and adaptive immune systems, such as neutrophils, dendritic cells, macrophages and
lymphocytes contribute to the pathogenesis of renal injury after ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), with
some of their subpopulations also participating in the repair process. Numerous studies of immune cells
involved in the pathogenesis of AKI have enhanced the understanding of their possible mechanisms in
AKI which might become the potential targets for the treatment of ischemic AKI. This review describes
the function of the immune cells in the pathogenesis and repair of ischemic AKI and emphasizes the
treatment of ischemic AKI potentially targeting them.
Roles of TRPM7 in Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Liu Aifen , Yang Bin
Published: May 2019

:

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) that is a global health concern associated with high morbidity and mortality. So far, no specific interventions limit injury or improve recovery and survival. Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), a bifunctional membrane protein, plays key roles in inflammation and cell death. However, the precise role and under-lying mechanism of TRPM7 in IR-induced AKI have not been well defined. Herein, we reviewed the structure and function of TRPM7 as a non-selective ion channel, but Ca2+ and Mg2+-conducting, that mediated the elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ and Mg2+. We then reviewed the mechanism of TRPM7 involved in the pathophysiology of IRI, including inflammatory response, apoptosis and necroptosis, renal microvasculature, as well as maladaptive fibrogenesis leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our previous study has shown that the dynamic change and underlying mechanism of TRPM7 involving in inflammation and apoptosis in in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation and in vivo renal IRI models. The association between TRPM7, apoptosis and inflammation, as well as related caspase-3, HMGB1 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, was also discussed. Disclosing the involvement of TRPM7 in renal IRI might provide new mechanistic insights for a potential biomarker as diagnostic and therapeutic target of AKI.
Investigation of the Adsorption Rubraca Anticancer Drug on the CNT(4,4-8) Nanotube as a Factor of Drug Delivery: A Theoretical Study Based on DFT Method
Authors: Sheikhi Masoome , Shahab Siyamak , Khaleghian Mehrnoosh , Ahmadianarog Mahin , Azarakhshi Fatemeh , Kumar Rakesh
Published: May 2019

Background:

In the present study, the interaction between new drug
Rubraca and CNT(4,4-8) nanotube by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations in
an aqueous medium for first time have been investigated.

Method and Results:

According to calculations, the intermolecular hydrogen bonds
take place between active positions of the molecule Rubraca and hydrogen atoms of the
nanotube that plays an important role in the stability of the complex CNT(4,4-
8)/Rubraca. The non-bonded interaction effects of the molecule Rubraca with CNT(4,4-
8) nanotube on the electronic properties, chemical shift tensors and natural charge have
been also detected. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis suggested that the
molecule Rubraca as an electron donor and the CNT(4,4-8) nanotube plays the role an
electron acceptor at the complex CNT(4,4-8)/Rubraca. The electronic spectra of the
Rubraca drug and the complex CNT(4,4-8)/Rubraca were also calculated by Time
Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) for the investigation of adsorption effect
of the Rubraca drug over nanotube.

Conclusion:

The use of CNT(4,4-8) nanotube for Rubraca delivery to the diseased cells
have been established.
Evaluation of Growth and Antioxidant Activity in Suaeda monoica and Suaeda nudiflora Callus Cultures under Sequential Exposure to Saline Conditions
Authors: Joshi Abhishek , Kanthaliya Bhanupriya , Arora Jaya
Published: May 2019

Background:

Plant in vitro culture systems serve as a useful tool to study the regulatory routes which are related to plant growth and survival under altered environmental conditions.

Methods:

Callus culture of Suaeda monoica and Suaeda nudiflora were established for studying the salt tolerance mechanism at the cellular level. Calli of both the species were induced from seedling’s epicotyls on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with a different combination of auxin and cytokinins. A sequential stress treatment was given to the callus of both the species. The growth rate of callus, osmolytes and antioxidant activities was investigated after 28 days. A control callus was maintained in each experiment without any salt in the growth medium.

Results:

Efficient callus regeneration was obtained by exposing the callus tissue to MS medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D, 1.0 mg/l), benzylaminopurine (BAP, 0.5 mg/l) and 2,4-D (0.5 mg/l), kinetin (Kn, 0.25 mg/l) for S. monoica and S. nudiflora, respectively. A substantial increase was observed in proline content and a strong positive correlation was found between the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity under increasing salt concentrations.

Conclusion:

This is the first report on S. monoica callus regeneration. The specific cell lines which were generated through callus culture under sequential saline conditions provide a promising foundation for studying salinity induced expression of enzymes. Further comparison of transcriptomic profiles of control and salt-treated callus cultures can serve as a promising system for the detection of genes responsible for the change in expression under salt stress.
MEASUREMENT OF THE VARIATIONS OF THE PHASE OF A SIGNAL IS A DUALFREQUENCY RECEIVER RADIO NAVIGATION SYSTEM GLONASS, IN ORDER TO RECOGNIZE OBJECTS BASED ON THEIR RADAR PORTRAITS FOR MEDIA AND SYSTEM KKP
Authors: Korotun V. M. , Golovin S. S. , Gavrik A. L.
Published: May 2019

Proposals for constructing radio images of objects based on the synthesis of apertures are considered. The methods of radar recognition of space objects (QRs) are based on the deterministic model of the reflected signal. The deterministic model of the signal allows us to reproduce, without limitations, auxiliary signs used in the detection and recognition of targets (statistical parameters and generalized functions of signal realizations, etc.). It is necessary to obtain typical values of the parameters of the received signal for each typical structural element, and also to obtain a reliable signal reflected from the target for their comparison and classification. The necessary accuracy can only be achieved by collecting a large number of statistical information on the state of the radio path, the typical values of the signals for the reflecting elements of the structure, all this being compared and making a decision on the design of the QR. The processing of such a large amount of data can only be assigned with the help of neural networks. To increase the resolving power of measurements along the line of object movement (in azimuth), an artificial increase in the size of the antenna in the azimuth direction is used-the synthesis of the aperture. Synthesis of the aperture consists in the coherent accumulation of a series of signals reflected by the target while the object is in the antenna pattern. The range to the position of the radar relative to the moving object varies, as a result of which the phase of the reflected pulses changes. The coherent accumulation of reflected pulses during the formation of the synthesized aperture must take into account the indicated phase changes. The ionosphere is variable and the model does not always correctly describe its influence in a particular region, so monitoring the signals of the Glonass NS during radar experiments will increase the accuracy of measuring the coordinate information if the task of constructing radio images of the location objects is being posed. To obtain a high azimuth resolution, it is necessary to realize the so-called floodlight mode, when the antenna tracks the movement of the object, thereby increasing the time of its observation. Using ultra-wideband radar signals when working in floodlight mode allows to obtain a radar image with a resolution of up to 15 cm in range and 25 cm in azimuth.
EXPERIENCE OF USING THE HARDWARE PLATFORM GRIFON TO SOLVE ACOUSTICAL PROBLEMS
Authors: Alekseev G. G. , Alekseeva E. A. , Galagan P. V. , Sorokin A. P. , Sorokin S. A.
Published: May 2019

The creation of a set of computer hardware, associated with the common management and use of system-wide resources and software designed to handle hydroacoustic information is an urgent task. This is due to the further improvement of the characteristics of newly developed marine vehicles and systems. The article deals with the use of elements of the high-speed heterogeneous computing platform Griffon in the construction of specialized computing systems and the implementation of algorithms for processing hydroacoustic information. Potential capabilities of the equipment are discussed, demonstrating the prospects of creating computers based on the Griffon hardware platform with high parameters and minimal mass-size characteristics. The article proposes variants of algorithms specially designed for increasing the statistical efficiency and processing taking into account the influence of the sound propagation medium. The comparative characteristics and capabilities of the Griffon platform for creating various special computers for both stationary and mobile, including autonomous, hydroacoustic computer systems are presented.
METHODS OF DEVELOPING TEST SOFTWARE OF MULTIPROCESSOR COMPUTER SYSTEMS
Authors: Benenson M. Z. , Divin A. P.
Published: May 2019

The article is devoted to various aspects of the creation of test software for multiprocessor systems (platforms). All the more urgent becomes the task of developing an efficient test checks to determine the operability and functional characteristics of heterogeneous computing systems. For test development was done using various tools: a cross-platform compiler QT 5.2, boost library, CUDA technology, the software package MPICH2, a library QWT, the command processor Bash. The design of the test software was performed using templates developed with the aim of building the desired software architecture. The article describes methods of constructing the control program Test Manager, which provides the ability to run tests in multi-threaded mode. Discuss methods of constructing test programs to test different modules of a heterogeneous multiprocessor computing platform. The results of the acceptance tests confirm the high efficiency of the proposed test methods in a multiprocessor computing system.
SELECTION OF REPAIR OPTIONS FOR FAULTY REPLACEABLE COMPONENTS AND AGGREGATES INCORPORATED IN AD WME FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF MILITARY ECONOMIC AND TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY
Authors: Krivolapov V. L. , Strakhov A. F. , Komarov M. V.
Published: May 2019

A main number of AD WME failures is caused by replaceable components (RCs) failures of radio-electronic equipment (REE). However, a significant part of the RCs is repairable, i.e. their operability can be restored by means of repair. The repaired RCs and aggregates from the AD WME component parts can be further returned to form a part of spare tools and accessories and used as intended to repair the AD WME component parts by an aggregate method. Until recently, a main option of faulty RCs and aggregates repair arrangement has been their delivery to industrial enterprises for repair. It resulted in delivery delays of the repaired RCs and aggregates incorporated in the AD WME pieces, a necessity to increase a number of the RCs in spare tools and accessories kits, as well as in value appreciation of the AD WME operation. Owing to creation of unified mobile organizational repair systems in JSC Principle Production and Technical Company Granit, now there is an opportunity of current repair of the faulty RCs and aggregates delivered for these purposes to deployment sites of the maintainable AD WME within the unified mobile organizational repair systems. The article considers the issues related to military technical and economic feasibility of implementing the options of RCs and aggregates repair organization: in the field environment (applying the unified and mobile organizational repair systems), at fixed-site maintenance organizations, and at manufacturing facilities.
MOBILE CENTRES OF AIR DEFENCE WEAPONS, MILITARY AND SPECIAL EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
Authors: Krivolapov V. L. , Strakhov A. F.
Published: May 2019

A modern fleet of the air defence weapons, military and special equipment (AD WMSE) includes a large complex of the AD WME of different types allotted on a vast territory of the Russian Federation and outside. The AD WMSE systems differ not only by their intended use and performance specification but also by a complex of operational characteristics which require different approaches to organization of their operations engineering. The required level of the AD WMSE technical readiness is kept by organizing their maintenance and repair with involvement of resources which belong to service industrial enterprises and their mobile maintenance team. However, existing approaches to the AD WMSE operations engineering based on fixed-site service centres and maintenance organizations are not always effective. Due to this, this article considers options of creating and applying multifaceted mobile maintenance centres operatively organized based on the set of the unified mobile organizational repair systems developed by JSC The Main Technological and Industrial Enterprise Granit.
FAST STEREO IMAGE DEPTH ESTIMATION ALGORITHM BASED ON CHANGE DETECTION METHODS IN CAMERAS FIELD OF VIEW
Authors: Khamukhin A. V. , Kuzmina V. V.
Published: May 2019

Stereo image depth estimation algorithms have not been widely used in CCTV systems yet, since either their accuracy is low or their computational complexity is high, which prevents implementation of these algorithms due to economic limitations on the cost of equipment used in security systems. In this paper, a new fast algorithm is proposed for reconstructing the depth of stereo images, which is used for reliable event identification in the CCTV systems cameras field of view. This real-time video stream processing method is based on the use of a fast algorithm for detecting changes in the cameras scene in the combination with SGBM depth estimation algorithm, which processes only image areas containing scene changes. The proposed method of significant computational complexity reduction of the depth estimation algorithm makes possible to acquire information about the distance from the cameras to moving objects in the field of view and use this information as an additional feature, that helps to reduce the operational cost and to improve the reliability of CCTV systems.