bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dimorphic Development of Transplanted Juvenile Gonads of Mosquitoes
Authors: Anderson John F. , Horsfall William R.
Published: October 2021

Potentially masculine gonads of
Aedes stimulans
(Diptera: Culicidae) can be induced to become ovaries by exposing larvae to elevated temperatures. A juvenile gonad when transplanted into another larva will become a testis or an ovary in response to stimuli which are wholly intrinsic in the implanted gonad. Humoral factors in the hemocoel of the larval host do not influence the direction of morphogenesis of the implanted organ.
Magnetite Oxidation: A Proposed Mechanism
Authors: Colombo Umberto , Gazzarrini Franco , Lanzavecchia Giuseppe , Sironi Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

All magnetites are oxidized topotactically with formation of solid solution at temperatures below 400°C. The oxidation of hematite-free magnetites proceeds to γFe
2
O
3
, whereas in the presence of hematite epitaxial growth of αFe
2
O
3
takes place, with excess iron ions being returned to the solid solution. A method for synthesizing maghemite from natural magnetites is indicated.
Yolk Protein: Structural Changes during Vitellogenesis in the Cockroach
Leucophaea maderae
Authors: Brookes Victor J. , Dejmal Roger K.
Published: October 2021

Most of the yolk protein in the mature egg of
Leucophaea maderae
consists of one large component, whereas a second smaller protein is present during the early stages of vitellogenesis. The large protein can be converted to the smaller one and to even smaller units by mild alkaline conditions in vitro. After injection of uniformly labeled leucine-C
14
into females with developing eggs, the smaller yolk protein becomes labeled first, the label is then transferred to the large protein upon prolonged exposure.
Los Alamos Wins One in Tritium Race
Authors: Glanz James
Published: October 2021

The Department of Energy has recommended spending $45 million next year to study the feasibility of making tritium for nuclear weapons in a giant accelerator. But researchers hoping to use the machine for basic research may be disappointed: O'Leary says its sole purpose will be to make tritium.
Rapid evolutionary turnover of mobile genetic elements drives bacterial resistance to phages
Authors: Hussain Fatima Aysha , Dubert Javier , Elsherbini Joseph , Murphy Mikayla , VanInsberghe David , Arevalo Philip , Kauffman Kathryn , Rodino-Janeiro Bruno Kotska , Gavin Hannah , Gomez Annika , Lopatina Anna , Le Roux Frédérique , Polz Martin F.
Published: October 2021

Wild phage evolution

Bacteria possess a diversity of highly specific phage defense mechanisms that evolve rapidly and that account for a large proportion of bacterial genomes. These dynamics must be understood if phage therapy is to be seriously considered for clinical use. Hussain
et al
. studied a set of nearly clonal wild-caught
Vibrio lentus
hosts and their phage and found that the hosts segregated into two groups infected by different viruses (see the Perspective by Meaden and Fineran). Puzzlingly, both host groups have the same surface phage receptors. This apparent paradox was resolved by sequencing of the hosts, which revealed distinct suites of endogenous but mobile phage defense elements (PDEs) in the two host phenotypes. Indeed, the PDEs constitute a large fraction of the flexible noncore genome of the bacteria. This means the PDEs can evolve and transfer from cell to cell without interfering with metabolic processes required to synthesize essential cell surface molecules. —CA
Identification of a choroid plexus vascular barrier closing during intestinal inflammation
Authors: Carloni Sara , Bertocchi Alice , Mancinelli Sara , Bellini Martina , Erreni Marco , Borreca Antonella , Braga Daniele , Giugliano Silvia , Mozzarelli Alessandro M. , Manganaro Daria , Fernandez Perez Daniel , Colombo Federico , Di Sabatino Antonio , Pasini Diego , Penna Giuseppe , Matteoli Michela , Lodato Simona , Rescigno Maria
Published: October 2021

Locking down access to the brain

Inflammatory bowel disease is best known for intestinal symptoms but can also cause a variety of extraintestinal manifestations in other organs. It can also be associated with cognitive and psychiatric effects, including anxiety and depression. Using mouse models of intestinal inflammation, Carloni
et al
. uncovered a potential pathogenic link between these aspects of inflammatory bowel disease. The inflammatory process causes the gut vascular barrier to become more permeable, resulting in the spread of inflammation beyond the intestine, while the vascular barrier in the choroid plexus shuts down, helping protect the brain from inflammation but also potentially impairing communication between organs and impairing some brain functions. —YN
In situ design of advanced titanium alloy with concentration modulations by additive manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Tianlong , Huang Zhenghua , Yang Tao , Kong Haojie , Luan Junhua , Wang Anding , Wang Dong , Kuo Way , Wang Yunzhi , Liu Chain-Tsuan
Published: October 2021

Fine-scale strengthening swirls

Creatively combining different alloys using additive manufacturing methods has the potential to produce materials with interesting properties. Zhang
et al
. use laser powder bed fusion to combine small amounts of 316L stainless steel into Ti64 titanium alloy. This process creates an alloy with a distinctive microstructure that retains high strength while substantially improving ductility. The design strategy should be useful for improving mechanical properties in other alloy system as well. —BG
Broadband electro-optic polarization conversion with atomically thin black phosphorus
Authors: Biswas Souvik , Grajower Meir Y. , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Atwater Harry A.
Published: October 2021

Metasurfaces tune polarization

In photonic systems, the polarization state of light is typically manipulated with bulky components based on dielectrics and liquid crystals. Active metasurfaces now provide the possibility of shrinking the size of these components to the nanoscale. Biswas
et al
. demonstrate an active nanophotonic structure capable of versatile electro-optic polarization conversion. Using trilayer black phosphorus sandwiched between electrical gates forming a cavity, they show that the polarization state of light across telecommunication wavelengths can be electrically switched. Such control can be useful for a number of applications in communications, imaging, and beam steering where the wavefront of the propagating light can be actively manipulated. —ISO
Supplemental Material: Magmatism and related metamorphism as a response to mountain-root collapse of the Dabie orogen: Constraints from geochronology and petrogeochemistry of metadiorites
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Yi-Can , al. et
Published: October 2021

Table S1: Electron microprobe analyses (wt%) of representative minerals in the NDZ metadiorites; Table S2: Major and trace elements concentrations of the NDZ metadiorites; Table S3: Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb isotopic compositions of the NDZ metadiorites; Table S4: Zircon REE concentrations of sample 1310YZH5 from the NDZ; Table S5: Zircon Lu-Hf isotopic compositions of the NDZ metadiorites; Table S6: Whole-rock Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, and Pb isotopic data of the NDZ metadiorites; Table S7: P-T estimates of the NDZ metadiorites.
M-ficolin: a valuable biomarker to identify leukaemia from juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Brix Ninna , Glerup Mia , Thiel Steffen , Mistegaard Clara Elbæk , Skals Regitze Gyldenholm , Berntson Lillemor , Fasth Anders , Nielsen Susan Mary , Nordal Ellen , Rygg Marite , Hasle Henrik , Albertsen Birgitte Klug , Herlin Troels
Published: October 2021

Objective

Distinction on clinical grounds between acute lymphoblastic leukaemia presenting with arthropathy (ALLarthropathy) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is difficult, as the clinical and paraclinical signs of leukaemia may be vague. The primary aim was to examine the use of lectin complement pathway proteins as markers to differentiate ALLarthropathyfrom JIA. The secondary aims were to compare the protein levels at baseline and follow-up in a paired number of children with ALL and to examine the correlation with haematology counts, erythrocyte sedimentation reaction (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), blasts, relapse and death.

Study design

In this observational study, we measured M-ficolin, CL-K1 and MASP-3 in serum from children with ALL (n=151) and JIA (n=238) by time-resolved immunofluorometric assays. Logistic regression was used for predictions of ALL risk, considering the markers as the respective exposures. We performed internal validation using repeated ‘10-fold cross-validation’ with 100 repetitions computing the area under the curve (AUC) as well as positive and negative predictive values in order to evaluate the predictive performance.

Results

The level of M-ficolin was higher in JIA than ALLtotaland the ALLarthropathysubgroup. The M-ficolin level normalised after remission of ALL. M-ficolin could differentiate ALL from JIA with an AUC of 94% and positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%, exceeding CRP and haemoglobin. In a dichotomised predictive model with optimal cut-offs for M-ficolin, platelets and haemoglobin, AUC was 99% and PPV 98% in detecting ALL from JIA.

Conclusion

M-ficolin is a valuable marker to differentiate the child with ALL from JIA.
Idiopathic combined adrenocorticotropin and growth hormone deficiency mimicking chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Tokumasu Kazuki , Ochi Kanako , Otsuka Fumio
Published: October 2021

A 42-year-old man who had suffered from severe fatigue for 5 years was diagnosed as having chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia. Endocrinological workup using combined anterior pituitary function tests showed that the patient had adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) deficiency, with a normal pituitary MRI. Treatment with a physiologic dose of oral hydrocortisone replacement physically ameliorated his general fatigue. A secondary workup using a growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 test revealed that he also had growth hormone (GH) deficiency, and GH replacement therapy was started. His muscle pain and depression were improved by the therapy. Here, we present a rare case of combined deficiency of ACTH and GH in a middle-aged man with severe general fatigue. This case report aims to raise awareness of combined deficiency of ACTH and GH as a differential diagnosis of CFS and its mimics.
What do environment-related illnesses tell us about the character of military medicine and future clinical requirements?
Authors: Stacey Michael John , Brett S , Fitchett G , Hill N E , Woods D
Published: October 2021

Extreme environments present medical and occupational challenges that extend beyond generic resuscitation, to formulating bespoke diagnoses and prognoses and embarking on management pathways rarely encountered in civilian practice. Pathophysiological complexity and clinical uncertainty call for military physicians of all kinds to balance intuition with pragmatism, adapting according to the predominant patterns of care required. In an era of smaller operational footprints and less concentrated clinical experience, proposals aimed at improving the systematic care of Service Personnel incapacitated at environmental extremes must not be lost to corporate memory. These general issues are explored in the particular context of thermal stress and metabolic disruption. Specific focus is given to the accounts of military physicians who served on large-scale deployments into the heat of Iraq and Kuwait (Operation TELIC) and Oman (Exercise SAIF SAREEA). Generalisable insights into the enduring character of military medicine and future clinical requirements result.
What can be learnt from a qualitative evaluation of implementing a rapid sexual health testing, diagnosis and treatment service?
Authors: Lorenc Ava , Brangan Emer , Kesten Joanna M , Horner Paddy J , Clarke Michael , Crofts Megan , Steer Jonathan , Turner Jonathan , Muir Peter , Horwood Jeremy
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To investigate experiences of implementing a new rapid sexual health testing, diagnosis and treatment service.

Design

A theory-based qualitative evaluation with a focused ethnographic approach using non-participant observations and interviews with patient and clinic staff. Normalisation process theory was used to structure interview questions and thematic analysis.

Setting

A sexual health centre in Bristol, UK.

Participants

26 patients and 21 staff involved in the rapid sexually transmitted infection (STI) service were interviewed. Purposive sampling was aimed for a range of views and experiences and sociodemographics and STI results for patients, job grades and roles for staff. 40 hours of observations were conducted.

Results

Implementation of the new service required co-ordinated changes in practice across multiple staff teams. Patients also needed to make changes to how they accessed the service. Multiple small ‘pilots’ of process changes were necessary to find workable options. For example, the service was introduced in phases beginning with male patients. This responsive operating mode created challenges for delivering comprehensive training and communication in advance to all staff. However, staff worked together to adjust and improve the new service, and morale was buoyed through observing positive impacts on patient care. Patients valued faster results and avoiding unnecessary treatment. Patients reported that they were willing to drop-off self-samples and return for a follow-up appointment, enabling infection-specific treatment in accordance with test results, thus improving antimicrobial stewardship.

Conclusions

The new service was acceptable to staff and patients. Implementation of service changes to improve access and delivery of care in the context of stretched resources can pose challenges for staff at all levels. Early evaluation of pilots of process changes played an important role in the success of the service by rapidly feeding back issues for adjustment. Visibility to staff of positive impacts on patient care is important in maintaining morale.
Kidney disease and risk of dementia: a Danish nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kjaergaard Alisa D , Johannesen Benjamin R , Sørensen Henrik T , Henderson Victor W , Christiansen Christian F
Published: October 2021

Objectives

It is unclear whether kidney disease is a risk factor for developing dementia. We examined the association between kidney disease and risk of future dementia.

Design and setting

Nationwide historical registry-based cohort study in Denmark based on data from 1 January 1995 until 31 December 2016.

Participants

All patients diagnosed with kidney disease and matched general population cohort without kidney disease (matched 1:5 on age, sex and year of kidney disease diagnosis).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

All-cause dementia and its subtypes: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and other specified or unspecified dementia. We computed 5-year cumulative incidences (risk) and hazard ratios (HRs) for outcomes using Cox regression analyses.

Results

The study cohort comprised 82 690 patients with kidney disease and 413 405 individuals from the general population. Five-year and ten-year mortality rates were twice as high in patients with kidney disease compared with the general population. The 5-year risk for all-cause dementia was 2.90% (95% confidence interval: 2.78% to 3.08%) in patients with kidney disease and 2.98% (2.92% to 3.04%) in the general population. Compared with the general population, the adjusted HRs for all-cause dementia in patients with kidney disease were 1.06 (1.00 to 1.12) for the 5-year follow-up and 1.08 (1.03 to 1.12) for the entire study period. Risk estimates for dementia subtypes differed substantially and were lower for Alzheimer’s disease and higher for vascular dementia.

Conclusions

Patients diagnosed with kidney disease have a modestly increased rate of dementia, mainly driven by vascular dementia. Moreover, patients with kidney disease may be underdiagnosed with dementia due to high mortality and other comorbidities of higher priority.
The FASD Eye Code: a complementary diagnostic tool in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors: Aring Eva , Gyllencreutz Emelie , Landgren Valdemar , Svensson Leif , Landgren Magnus , Grönlund Marita Andersson
Published: October 2021

Objective

To create an easy-to-use complementary ophthalmological tool to support a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) diagnosis.

Methods and Analysis

The FASD Eye Code was derived from 37 children with FASD evaluated along with 65 healthy age-matched and sex-matched controls. Four ophthalmological categories, which are abnormalities commonly found in children with FASD, were ranked independently on a 4-point scale, with 1 reflecting normal finding and 4 a strong presence of an abnormality: visual acuity, refraction, strabismus/binocular function and ocular structural abnormalities. The tool was validated on 33 children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 57 children born moderate-to-late premature (MLP) and 16 children with Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS). Among children with ADHD none was born prematurely or small for gestational age (SGA) or diagnosed with FASD. Among children born MLP none was SGA, had a diagnosis of ADHD or FASD, or a history of retinopathy of prematurity. Children with SRS were all born SGA, half were born preterm and none had FASD. Children with FASD were re-examined as young adults.

Results

An FASD Eye Code cut-off total score of ≥10 showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.87), with 94% specificity and 43% sensitivity, in discriminating between FASD and controls, MLP and ADHD, corresponding to a positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 7.5. Between FASD and controls, an AUC of 0.87 (CI 0.80 to 0.95), with 100% specificity and 43% sensitivity, was found; between FASD and SRS, an AUC of 0.60 (CI 0.45 to 0.75) was found, with 88% specificity and 43% sensitivity. A cut-off score of≥9 showed a specificity of 98% and a sensitivity of 57% for FASD versus controls, corresponding to an LR+ of 36.9. Scores in individuals with FASD were stable into young adulthood.

Conclusion

The FASD Eye Code has the potential to serve as a complementary tool and help to strengthen an FASD diagnosis.
Summarised, verified and accessible: improving clinical information management for potential haematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients
Authors: May Felicity , Pepperall Jennifer , Davies Elaine , Dyer Sarah , Proudlove Nathan , Rees Margaret Tracey
Published: October 2021

The Welsh Transplantation and Immunogenetics Laboratory (WTAIL) is responsible for managing patient work-up for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the only potentially curative option for many haematological and non-haematological conditions. Work-up requires regular communication between WTAIL and the transplanting clinicians, facilitated by weekly multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, to agree decisions and proceed through each work-up stage. Effective communication and minimising error are critical, as transplanting cells from a suboptimal donor could have severe or fatal consequences for the patient. We reviewed our HSCT patient management and identified issues including staff dissatisfaction with the inefficiency of the current (paper-based) system and concern about the potential for incidents caused by errors in manual transcription of patient information and tracking clinical decisions. Another driver for change was the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented the usual face-to-face MDT meetings in which staff would show clinicians the paper records and reports; the shift to online MDT required new ways of sharing data. In this project we developed a new central reference point for our patient management data along with electronic patient summary sheets, designed with an eye to improving safety and efficiency. Over several improvement cycles we tested and refined the summary sheets with staff and clinicians and experimented with videoconferencing to facilitate data sharing. We conducted interviews with staff from which we concluded that the new process successfully reduced transcription and duplication and improved communication with the clinicians during the pandemic. Despite an increase in workload due to build-up of active patient work-up cases during the pandemic, staff reported that the new summaries enabled them to cope well. A key initiative was creation of a ‘Task and Finish’ group that helped establish continual improvement culture and identified additional areas for improvement which have been followed up in further improvement projects.
Depression and complicated grief in bereaved caregivers in cardiovascular diseases: prevalence and determinants
Authors: Shinada Keitaro , Kohno Takashi , Fukuda Keiichi , Higashitani Michiaki , Kawamatsu Naoto , Kitai Takeshi , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Takei Makoto , Nochioka Kotaro , Nakazawa Gaku , Shiomi Hiroki , Miyashita Mitsunori , Mizuno Atsushi
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Despite the recommendation that patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) receive bereavement care, few studies have examined the psychological disturbances in bereaved caregivers. We examined the prevalence and determinants of depression and complicated grief among bereaved caregivers of patients with CVD.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire for bereaved caregivers of patients with CVD who had died in the cardiology departments of nine Japanese tertiary care centres. We assessed caregiver depression and grief using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Brief Grief Questionnaire (BGQ), respectively. The questionnaire also covered caregivers’ perspectives toward end-of-life care and the quality of the deceased patient’s death.

Results

A total of 269 bereaved caregivers (mean age: 66 (57–73) years; 37.5% male) of patients with CVD were enrolled. Overall, 13.4% of the bereaved caregivers had depression (PHQ-9 ≥10) and 14.1% had complicated grief (BGQ ≥8). Depression and complicated grief’s determinants were similar (ie, spousal relationship, unpreparedness for the death, financial and decision-making burden and poor communication among medical staff). Patients and caregivers’ positive attitudes toward life-prolonging treatment were associated with complicated grief. Notably, in caregivers with complicated grief, there was less discussion with physicians about end-of-life care. Caregivers who felt that the patients did not receive sufficient treatment suffered more frequently from depression and complicated grief.

Conclusions

Approximately 15% of bereaved caregivers of patients with CVD suffered from depression and complicated grief. Cardiologists should pay particular attention to caregivers with high-risk factors to identify those likely to develop depression or complicated grief.
Ought the level of sedation to be reduced during deep palliative sedation? A clinical and ethical analysis
Authors: Fredheim Olav Magnus , Materstvedt Lars Johan , Skulberg Ingeborg , Magelssen Morten
Published: October 2021

Background

Deep palliative sedation (DPS) is applied as a response to refractory suffering at the end of life when symptoms cannot be relieved in an awake state. DPS entails a dilemma of whether to provide uninterrupted sedation—in which case DPS would turn into deep and continuous palliative sedation (DCPS) —to minimise the risk that any further intolerable suffering will occur or whether to pause sedation to avoid unnecessary sedation. DPS is problematic in that it leaves the patient ‘socially dead’ by eradicating their autonomy and conscious experiences.

Aim

To perform a normative ethical analysis of whether guidelines should recommend attempting to elevate consciousness during DPS.

Design

A structured analysis based on the four principles of healthcare ethics and consideration of stakeholders’ interests.

Results

When DPS is initiated it reflects that symptom relief is valued above the patient’s ability to exercise autonomy and experience social interaction. However, if a decrease in symptom burden occurs, waking could be performed without patients experiencing suffering. Such pausing of deep sedation would satisfy the principles of autonomy and beneficence. Certain patients require substantial dose increases to maintain sedation. Waking such patients risks causing distressing symptoms. This does not happen if deep sedation is kept uninterrupted. Thus, the principle of non-maleficence points towards not pausing sedation. The authors’ clinical ethics analysis demonstrates why other stakeholders’ interests do not appear to override arguments in favour of providing uninterrupted sedation.

Conclusion

Stopping or pausing DPS should always be considered, but should not be routinely attempted.
The Mediterranean Mother
Authors: Falconer Alan S.
Published: October 2021

The Maltese mother is compared with her British counterpart. Differences are discussed in terms of racial, sociological, economic and religious influences. Trends in birth rate, maternal and perinatal mortality rates are reviewed and factors responsible for maternal morbidity are presented.
A Rationale for an Integrated Naval Social Service
Authors: Lis Nicholas
Published: October 2021

Recently there have been social changes in the Navy which reflect social change in British society. Early marriage of the sailor aggravates the social problems which the naval families have to endure. The current naval social services are objectively described, indicating both their strengths and their shortcomings, in relation to the need for an integrated comprehensive naval social service.
Medical Experience in Nuclear Submarines
Authors: Davies D. M.
Published: October 2021

A summary of medical experience gained on long detached patrols by British nuclear submarine medical officers is presented. Comparisons with American experience are made and indications of what the new submarine medical officer may expect to meet in his practice at sea on patrol are given. The picture reflects the good standard of health of the British submariner and the success of the preventive medicine programme.
A Case of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Associated with Xanthoma Tuberosum Multiplex
Authors: Chakraverty A. C.
Published: October 2021

A case of familial hvpercholesterolaemia (Frederickson Type II–hyperlipoproteinaemia) associated with xanthoma tuberosum multiplex is described. This condition is very unusual even in its typical form. The clinical presentation and diagnosis are discussed. Confusion with benign synovioma must be avoided.
The Significance of Fungal Growth in Nuclear Submarines
Authors: Doris I. , Harper M. G. , Morris J. E. W.
Published: October 2021

The visible presence of fungal growth in certain areas of nuclear submarines has given rise to concern amongst the crews. The airborne spore population was investigated to determine the medical significance of such growths and the methods used are described. It is concluded that no medical hazards are associated with the presence of fungal growths, but that action is necessary to deal with the material deterioration caused by the growths. The overall investigation is a good example of how medical, scientific and engineering staff within the Ministry of Defence (Naval) can work closely together to resolve such problems to mutual benefit.
The Problem of Cold/Wet Survival
Authors: Mackay D. E.
Published: October 2021

A general introduction setting the scene for the Symposium. The practical problems of the preservation of life following exposure are stressed, with particular reference to the lone survival of a trawlerman following a disaster in Arctic waters.
Adaptation to Cold and Cold Injury
Authors: Nelms J. D.
Published: October 2021

The possibility of acclimatisation to cold is discussed. The normal adaptation and reaction to cold is described both peripherally and generally, together with the pathology and treatment of frostbite.
The Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome and its Orthopaedic Consequences
Authors: Hampton Trevor R. W. , Gordon Pugh P. D.
Published: October 2021

Two cases of fulminating meningococcal septicaemia with Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome are reported in young servicemen. Both were complicated by peripheral gangrene of unusual severity, which required the modification of standard surgical procedures to meet their individual requirements. The rationale of management is discussed in the light of the pathological processes involved, and views are advanced on the place of steroids and heparin in the acute stage.
Influenza Vaccination in a Training Establishment
Authors: Gill J. B. , Fraser P. K. , Smith J. W. G.
Published: October 2021

Of 1,586 boys in a Naval Junior Training Establishment, 61% were inoculated in December 1971 with a bivalent vaccine containing 400 CCA units of the Hong Kong strain of influenza A virus. Approximately 4 weeks later an outbreak of influenza developed, caused by the Hong Kong virus. The overall attack rate was 9.5%. Of the unvaccinated boys 16.7% became ill, and of the vaccinated boys 4.9%. Serological evidence of infection was detected in 19% of the vaccinated boys and 59% of unvaccinated boys who became ill. It is suggested that the vaccination programme prevented at least 114 cases of influenza in the establishment.
Assay of Strontium-90 in Human Permanent Teeth in the United Kingdom 1966-1971
Authors: Starkey W. E. , Brooks W. L.
Published: October 2021

A survey of the accumulation of 90Sr in human teeth has been carried out by the Royal Navy. It covers the 13 years 1959-71 in which fallout levels rose to a peak and declined again. Correlations have been established between the uptake of 90Sr in developing tooth and bone, related to fluctuating ratios of 90Sr/Ca in the diet. Since mineral ratios are permanently fixed in teeth by irreversible deposition they constitute an indelible record of the levels of bone-seeking elements (including contaminants) that existed when the teeth were being laid down. Thus it becomes possible to estimate former bone ratios persisting in the teeth, no matter how much prevailing levels of contamination may have altered in the meantime. The present study provides general parameters whereby this may be done.
A Preliminary Study into Factors Predisposing Mountaineers to High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema
Authors: Bulstrode C. J. K.
Published: October 2021

High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPO), is an acute rapidly progressive and sometimes fatal respiratory disorder developing in healthy mountaineers climbing to high altitudes.

A short preliminary study was carried out on Mt Kenya to investigate the changes in electrolyte and water distribution occurring in people who climb rapidly to altitude, and to discover to what extent these might be responsible for the development of HAPO.
Human and Experimental Factors in Protracted Isolation Studies
Authors: Davies D. M.
Published: October 2021

During the past two years, in a series of studies into the effects of abnormal atmospheres on man, volunteer Naval subjects have been physically isolated from the outside world, in a large exposure chamber, continuously for periods of up to 81 days. The planning and execution of these studies revealed questions, the answers to which could neither he deduced from available experience nor logically forecast. Some of I he human and experimental problems involved are examined, and the ways in which they were tackled are discussed together with an asessment of the main lessons learnt during these relatively unique studies.
The Nose-Ear Distress Syndrome
Authors: McNicoll W. D. , Scanlon Stephen G.
Published: October 2021

A clinical assessment of the relationship between deviation of the nasal septum and eustachian tube dysfunction in Naval personnel.
Fluoride Concentrations of Surface Enamel before and after Topical Application of Stannous Fluoride in Naval Recruits
Authors: Coppock D. A.
Published: October 2021

The inhibitory effect of fluoride on dental caries is well established, but the exact mechanism of caries prevention is unknown. It has been hypothesised that the effectiveness of topically applied fluoride depends upon its ability to incorporate fluoride into tooth enamel. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of fluoride uptake in enamel achieved by the topical application of stannous fluoride on Naval Recruits.

The 112 Naval Recruits were randomly divided into two equal groups for the study. The experimental group underwent supervised toothbrushing with an 8.9 per cent stannous fluoride prophylaxis paste followed by a 15 second application of a 10 per cent stannous fluoride solution. The control group received no fluoride. Enamel samples were taken from one maxillary central inc;sor of each group initially and again 18 hours after fluoride treatment from the opposite central incisor.

The in vivo enamel biopsy technique devised by Brudevold and modified by IVIellberg for measuring fluoride concentrations in enamel was used. The samples were obtained by abrading a limited area of enamel, on the labial surface of the maxillary central incisor teeth, with a rotary felt cone and silicone carbide. The slurry was then collected and analysed for calcium and fluoride content, using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and a fluoride specific electrode, respectively.

An increase in fluoride content of 5 per cent for the group with fluoride witheld, and 13 per cent for the group with fluoride applied were not s:gnificant.

The average mean depth for enamel samples was 4.7µm ± 0.7. The differences between depths of the various groups was not significant.

Although no significant fluoride uptake was found, it was concluded, because of consistent results obtained with the biopsy technique, that it is a useful tool for further studies of his nature.
The Determination of Antithrombin III and its Clinical Application
Authors: Gray S. P. , Billings J. A.
Published: October 2021

A preliminary study of antithrombin III levels in the blood of three groups of patients, women taking the contraceptive pill, patients on warfarin therapy and a group with a variety of non-vascular complaints, has been carried out using a newly developed automated method. No age or sex difference was found, but women on the contraceptive pill have a significantly lowered antithrombin III activity in the blood, and warfarin-treated patients have a significantly increased activity. It is suggested that, as antithrombin III acts as an inhibitor in the complement, coagulation, fibrinolytic and kallikrein-kinin systems and lowered activity predisposes to venous thrombosis, its measurement should be carried out in all those patients at risk in the post-operative phase.
PDGFRβ modulates aerobic glycolysis in osteosarcoma HOS cells via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/c-Myc pathway
Authors: Tang Hu-ying , Guo Jia-qi , Sang Bo-tao , Cheng Jun-ning , Wu Xiang-mei
Published: October 2021

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor abundant in vascular tissue, and its rich blood supply may have a significant impact on its metabolic characteristics. PDGFRβ is a membrane receptor highly expressed in osteosarcoma cells and vascular wall cells, and its effect on osteosarcoma metabolism needs to be further studied. In this study, we discussed the effect and mechanism of action of PDGFRβ on glucose metabolism in human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells. GSEA, Pearson’s correlation test, and PPI correlation analysis indicated positive regulation of PDGFRβ on aerobic glycolysis in osteosarcoma. The results of qPCR and western blot further confirmed the prediction of bioinformatics. Glucose metabolism experiments proved that PDGF/PDGFRβ could effectively promote aerobic glycolysis in osteosarcoma cells. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) experiment proved that the metabolic change triggered by PDGFRβ was not caused by mitochondrial damage. The PI3K pathway inhibitor LY294002, MEK pathway inhibitor U0126, or Warburg effect inhibitor DCA was used to perform western blot and glucose metabolism experiments, and the results showed that PDGFBB/PDGFRβ mainly activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/c-Myc pathway to promote aerobic glycolysis in osteosarcoma HOS cells. The newly elucidated role of PDGFRβ provides a novel metabolic therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
WADA BASINS IN AN UNCONTROLLED AND CONTROLLED VIBRATION ISOLATION SYSTEM
Authors: ZHANG YONGXIANG , ZHANG FANHUI
Published: October 2021

It is an open question whether Wada basin exists in control systems. We investigate coexisting attractors and their Wada basins for a given set of parameters in an uncontrolled and controlled vibration isolation system. Wada basins are verified by the Nusse–Yorke method. All coexisting chaotic attractors can be converted into periodic attractors but the basin structure can still possess Wada property by two control methods (an external drive control and a piecewise damping control) with the appropriate control parameters. The Wada basins of controlled systems imply a particular kind of unpredictability, and we should avoid selecting such control parameters although chaotic attractors are effectively controlled.
SOLITARY WAVES OF THE FRACTAL REGULARIZED LONG-WAVE EQUATION TRAVELING ALONG AN UNSMOOTH BOUNDARY
Authors: WANG KANG-JIA , LI GENG , LIU JING-HUA , WANG GUO-DONG
Published: October 2021

The unsmooth boundary has a great influence on the solitary wave form of a nonlinear wave equation. It this work, we for the first time ever propose the fractal regularized long-wave equation which can describe the shallow water waves under the unsmooth boundary (such as the fractal seabed). The fractal variational principle is established and is proved to have a strong minimum condition by the He–Weierstrass theorem. Then, the solitary wave solution is obtained by the fractal variational method which can reduce the order of differential equation and obtain the optimal solution by the stationary condition. Finally, the impact of the unsmooth boundary on the solitary wave is presented. It shows that the fractal order can affect the wave morphology, but cannot affect its peak value. The finding in this paper is important for the coast protection and expected to bring a light to the study of the fractal theoretical basis in the geosciences.
RESEARCH ON THE NONLINEAR VIBRATION OF CARBON NANOTUBE EMBEDDED IN FRACTAL MEDIUM
Authors: WANG KANG-JIA
Published: October 2021

The vibration of carbon nanotubes embedded in elastic medium is a hot topic and many research findings are available. But when the medium is a fractal medium such as chips, ceramics, etc., its vibration characteristics are difficult to explain with the existing theories. So in this paper, we mainly study the nonlinear vibration of carbon nanotube embedded in a fractal medium. The fractal variational principle of the problem is successfully established, and is proved to have a strong minimum condition according to the He–Weierstrass Theorem. Then the Hamiltonian theory combined with the residual equation is implemented to find the solution of the fractal nonlinear vibration. Finally, the impacts of different fractal orders on the vibration characteristics are also presented.
GENERALIZATION OF YANG–HARDY–HILBERT’S INTEGRAL INEQUALITY ON THE FRACTAL SET ℝ+α
Authors: LIU YINGDI , LIU QIONG
Published: October 2021

Based on local fractional calculus theory, the Hölder double local fractional integral inequality with Weighted is proved. By using the methods of weight function and some analysis techniques on the fractal real set, a local fractional integral inequality with the best constant is given, which is generalization of Yang–Hardy–Hilbert’s inequality on the fractal set [Formula: see text] of fractal dimension [Formula: see text] and its equivalent form is considered.
The selective monobromination of a highly sterically encumbered corrole: Structural and spectroscopic properties of Fe(Cl)(2-bromo-5,10,15-tris(triphenyl)phenyl corrole)
Authors: Alvarado Jessica G. , Cummins Daniel C. , Diaconescu Andrada C. , Siegler Maxime A. , Goldberg David P.
Published: October 2021

The corrole ligand serves as a versatile tri-anionic, macrocyclic platform on which to model biological catalytic systems, as well as to effect mechanistically challenging chemical transformations. Herein we describe the synthesis, structure, and characterization of an isomerically pure corrole ligand, selectively mono-brominated at the [Formula: see text]-carbon position adjacent to the corrole C-C bond (2-C) and produced in relatively high yields, as well as its iron chloride complex. Analysis of the iron metalated complex by cyclic voltammetry shows that the bromine being present on the ligand resulted in anodic shifts of +93 and +63 mV for first oxidation and first reduction of the complex respectively. The Mössbauer spectrum of the iron metalated complex shows negligible change relative to the non-brominated analog, indicating the presence of the halide substituent predominantly effects the orbitals of the ligand rather than the metal.
Metabolite Profiling of Meridianin C In Vivo of Rat by UHPLC/Q-TOF MS
Authors: Zhang Guozhe , Xiao Linxia , Qi Liang
Published: October 2021

Meridianin C (MC), as a marine alkaloid, is a potent protein kinase inhibitor which exhibits good anticancer activity. However, the in vivo metabolism of MC has not been described to date. In this study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF MS) method is employed to investigate the in vivo metabolites of MC in rats. Plasma, bile, urine, and feces are collected after a single oral dose of MC. Protein precipitation, solid phase extraction (SPE), and ultrasonic extraction methods are used to prepare samples. Based on the mass spectral fragmentation patterns, elution order, and retrieving literatures, a total of 13 metabolites of MC were detected and tentatively identified, utilizing MetaboLynx software. The metabolic pathways of MC in rats include N- or O-glucuronidation, O-sulfation, N-hydroxylation, dihydroxylation, and trihydroxylation. The relative content of the metabolites in each kinds of biological samples is also evaluated. This study will help to understand the in vivo properties of MC for the future usage.
Removal of Pb2+ Ions by ZSM-5/AC Composite in a Fixed-Bed Bench Scale System
Authors: Lakshmipathy R. , Balaji G. L. , Rico Iván Leandro Rodríguez
Published: October 2021

This investigation suggests the implementation of ZSM-5 activated carbon composite as a prolific adsorbent for the continuous elimination of Pb2+ ions from water. Continuous adsorption experiments were performed by varying three parameters such as process flow rate (2-6 mL min-1), bed height (2-6 cm), and initial concentration (250–750 mg L-1). The highest loading capacity of the fixed-bed 213.3 mg L-1 was achieved with optimal values of 2 mL min-1 of flow rate, bed height of 6 cm, and initial concentration of 750 mg L-1, respectively. The breakthrough curves and saturation points were found to appear quickly for increasing flow rates and initial concentration and vice versa for bed depth. The lower flow rates with higher bed depths have exhibited optimal performances of the fixed-bed column. The mechanism of adsorption of Pb2+ ions was found to be ion exchange with Na+ ions from ZMS-5 and pore adsorption onto activated carbon. The breakthrough curves were verified with three well-known mathematical models such as the Adams-Bohart, Thomas, and Yoon-Nelson models. The later models showed the best fit to the column data over the Adams-Bohart model that can be utilized to understand the binding of Pb2+ ions onto the composite. Regeneration of ZSM-5/activated carbon was achieved successfully with 0.1 M HCl within 60 min of contact time. The outcomes conclude that ZSM-5 activated carbon composite is a prolific material for the continuous removal of water loaded with Pb2+ ions.
Toxicological Parameters of a Formulation Containing Cinnamaldehyde for Use in Treatment of Oral Fungal Infections: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Alves Danielle da Nóbrega , Martins Rafael Xavier , Ferreira Elba dos Santos , Alves Adriano Francisco , Andrade Jéssica Cabral de , Batista Tatianne Mota , Lazarini Josy Goldoni , Amorim Luana Souza , Rosalen Pedro Luiz , Farias Davi Felipe , Castro Ricardo Dias de
Published: October 2021

Objective. We aimed to define the safety and toxicity of both isolated and embedded cinnamaldehyde using a pharmaceutical formulation for the treatment of oral fungal infections in an in vivo study. Materials and Methods. Acute toxicity was assessed in studies with Galleria mellonella larvae and Danio rerio embryos (zebrafish), and genotoxicity was assessed in a mouse model. The pharmaceutical formulation (orabase ointment) containing cinnamaldehyde was evaluated for verification of both in vitro antifungal activity and toxicity in keratinized oral rat mucosa. Results. In Galleria mellonella larvae, cinnamaldehyde was not toxic up to the highest dose tested (20 mg/kg) and presented no genotoxicity up to the dose of 4 mg/kg in the model using mice. However, it was found to be toxic in zebrafish embryos up to a concentration of 0.035 μg/mL; LC50 0.311; EC50 0.097 (egg hatching delay); and 0.105 (Pericardial edema). In the orabase antifungal susceptibility test, cinnamaldehyde exhibited activity in concentrations greater than 200 μg/mL. As for safety in the animal model with rats, the orabase ointment proved to be safe for use on keratinized mucosa up to the maximum concentration tested (700 μg/mL). Conclusions. At the concentrations tested, cinnamaldehyde was not toxic in vertebrate and invertebrate animal models and did not exhibit genotoxic activity. In addition, when used in the form of an ointment in orabase, having already recognized antifungal activity, it was shown to be safe up to the highest concentration tested.
Efficient Prediction of Missed Clinical Appointment Using Machine Learning
Authors: Qureshi Zeeshan , Maqbool Ayesha , Mirza Alina , Iqbal Muhammad Zubair , Afzal Farkhanda , Kanubala Deborah Dormah , Rana Tauseef , Umair Mir Yasir , Wakeel Abdul , Shah Said Khalid
Published: October 2021

Public health and its related facilities are crucial for thriving cities and societies. The optimum utilization of health resources saves money and time, but above all, it saves precious lives. It has become even more evident in the present as the pandemic has overstretched the existing medical resources. Specific to patient appointment scheduling, the casual attitude of missing medical appointments (no-show-ups) may cause severe damage to a patient’s health. In this paper, with the help of machine learning, we analyze six million plus patient appointment records to predict a patient’s behaviors/characteristics by using ten different machine learning algorithms. For this purpose, we first extracted meaningful features from raw data using data cleaning. We applied Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE), Adaptive Synthetic Sampling Method (Adasyn), and random undersampling (RUS) to balance our data. After balancing, we applied ten different machine learning algorithms, namely, random forest classifier, decision tree, logistic regression, XG Boost, gradient boosting, Adaboost Classifier, Naive Bayes, stochastic gradient descent, multilayer perceptron, and Support Vector Machine. We analyzed these results with the help of six different metrics, i.e., recall, accuracy, precision, F1-score, area under the curve, and mean square error. Our study has achieved 94% recall, 86% accuracy, 83% precision, 87% F1-score, 92% area under the curve, and 0.106 minimum mean square error. Effectiveness of presented data cleaning and feature selection is confirmed by better results in all training algorithms. Notably, recall is greater than 75%, accuracy is greater than 73%, F1-score is more significant than 75%, MSE is lesser than 0.26, and AUC is greater than 74%. The research shows that instead of individual features, combining different features helps make better predictions of a patient’s appointment status.