bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative evaluation of curcumin and antioxidants in the management of oral submucous fibrosis
Authors: Rai Arpita , Kaur Mandeep , Gombra Virender , Hasan Shamimul , Kumar Narender
Published: October 2019

Aim

The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of curcumin in both topical and systemic forms for management of oral submucous fibrosis in comparison with the antioxidants.

Methods

In this randomized parallel‐group single‐center trial, 119 patients were enrolled. Group I received antioxidants, group II received curcumin in systemic form and group III received curcumin in both systemic and topical forms. The primary outcomes assessed were interincisal mouth opening and burning sensation using a visual analog scale. The secondary outcomes were tongue protrusion and adverse reactions. The response to treatment was analyzed using ANOVA and Fisher's exact test.

Results

Significant improvement in mouth opening, burning sensation and tongue protrusion was observed in all groups at 12 weeks. Mean improvement in burning sensation did not show statistical difference across the groups. A significant difference between groups II and III for improvement in mouth opening and groups I and III for improvement in tongue protrusion was noted.

Conclusion

When administrated in both systemic and topical forms together, curcumin showed better results in the management of oral submucous fibrosis as compared with the systemic form alone or antioxidants. Curcumin has the potential to emerge as an effective alternative to conventionally prescribed medications.
Long‐term incidence and risk of noncardiovascular and all‐cause mortality in apparently healthy cats and cats with preclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fox Philip R. , Keene Bruce W. , Lamb Kenneth , Schober Karsten E. , Chetboul Valérie , Luis Fuentes Virginia , Payne Jessie Rose , Wess Gerhard , Hogan Daniel F. , Abbott Jonathan A. , Häggström Jens , Culshaw Geoffrey , Fine‐Ferreira Deborah , Cote Etienne , Trehiou‐Sechi Emilie , Motsinger‐Reif Alison A. , Nakamura Reid K. , Singh Manreet , Ware Wendy A. , Riesen Sabine C. , Borgarelli Michele , Rush John E. , Vollmar Andrea , Lesser Michael B. , Van Israel Nicole , Lee Pamela Ming‐Show , Bulmer Barret , Santilli Roberto , Bossbaly Maribeth J. , Quick Nadine , Bussadori Claudio , Bright Janice , Estrada Amara H. , Ohad Dan G. , del Palacio Maria Josefa Fernández , Brayley Jennifer Lunney , Schwartz Denise S. , Gordon Sonya G. , Jung SeungWoo , Bove Christina M. , Brambilla Paola G. , Moïse N. Sydney , Stauthammer Christopher , Quintavalla Cecilia , Manczur Ferenc , Stepien Rebecca L. , Mooney Carmel , Hung Yong‐Wei , Lobetti Remo , Tamborini Alice , Oyama Mark A. , Komolov Andrey , Fujii Yoko , Pariaut Romain , Uechi Masami , Yukie Tachika Ohara Victoria
Published: October 2019

Background

Epidemiologic knowledge regarding noncardiovascular and all‐cause mortality in apparently healthy cats (AH) and cats with preclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (pHCM) is limited, hindering development of evidence‐based healthcare guidelines.

Objectives

To characterize/compare incidence rates, risk, and survival associated with noncardiovascular and all‐cause mortality in AH and pHCM cats.

Animals

A total of 1730 client‐owned cats (722 AH, 1008 pHCM) from 21 countries.

Methods

Retrospective, multicenter, longitudinal, cohort study. Long‐term health data were extracted by medical record review and owner/referring veterinarian interviews.

Results

Noncardiovascular death occurred in 534 (30.9%) of 1730 cats observed up to 15.2 years. Proportion of noncardiovascular death did not differ significantly between cats that at study enrollment were AH or had pHCM (P= .48). Cancer, chronic kidney disease, and conditions characterized by chronic weight‐loss‐vomiting‐diarrhea‐anorexia were the most frequently recorded noncardiovascular causes of death. Incidence rates/risk of noncardiac death increased with age in AH and pHCM. All‐cause death proportions were greater in pHCM than AH (65% versus 40%, respectively;P< .001) because of higher cardiovascular mortality in pHCM cats. Comparing AH with pHCM, median survival (study entry to noncardiovascular death) did not differ (AH, 9.8 years; pHCM, 8.6 years;P= .10), but all‐cause survival was significantly shorter in pHCM (P =.0001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

All‐cause mortality was significantly greater in pHCM cats due to disease burden contributed by increased cardiovascular death superimposed upon noncardiovascular death.
Increased aridity drives post‐fire recovery of Mediterranean forests towards open shrublands
Authors: Baudena Mara , Santana Victor M. , Baeza M. Jaime , Bautista Susana , Eppinga Maarten B. , Hemerik Lia , Garcia Mayor Angeles , Rodriguez Francisco , Valdecantos Alejandro , Vallejo V. Ramon , Vasques Ana , Rietkerk Max
Published: October 2019

Recent observations suggest that repeated fires could drive Mediterranean forests to shrublands, hosting flammable vegetation that regrows quickly after fire. This feedback supposedly favours shrubland persistence and may be strengthened in the future by predicted increased aridity. An assessment was made of how fires and aridity in combination modulated the dynamics of Mediterranean ecosystems and whether the feedback could be strong enough to maintain shrubland as an alternative stable state to forest.

A model was developed for vegetation dynamics, including stochastic fires and different plant fire‐responses. Parameters were calibrated using observational data from a period up to 100 yr ago, from 77 sites with and without fires in Southeast Spain and Southern France.

The forest state was resilient to the separate impact of fires and increased aridity. However, water stress could convert forests into open shrublands by hampering post‐fire recovery, with a possible tipping point at intermediate aridity.

Projected increases in aridity may reduce the resilience of Mediterranean forests against fires and drive post‐fire ecosystem dynamics toward open shrubland. The main effect of increased aridity is the limitation of post‐fire recovery. Including plant fire‐responses is thus fundamental when modelling the fate of Mediterranean‐type vegetation under climate‐change scenarios.
The Commitment Conundrum of Inventory Sharing
Authors: Li Shan , Chen Kay‐Yut
Published: October 2019

Motivated by the emergence of the Internet‐enabled inventory sharing across firms, we investigate different commitment scenarios of decentralized inventory sharing platforms, through a behavioral lens. In particular, we consider two transfer price commitment settings ( ex ante or ex post depending on whether or not the inventory transfer price is committed before demand realization) and two sharing commitment rules ( automatic or voluntary depending on whether or not inventory sharing are pre‐committed). Our experimental results suggest that individuals set transfer prices much lower, and order much less, than what Nash equilibrium predicts. We also find substantial treatment effects that the rational model cannot explain. The magnitude of disparities relative to the Nash equilibrium prediction appears to be most substantial in the situation where transfer price is set ex ante (i.e., transfer price commitment) and inventory sharing is voluntary (i.e., no sharing commitment). Motivated by these observations, we develop a behavioral model that incorporates quantal response equilibrium and fairness concerns. Empirical analysis indicates that our model provides a compelling explanation of the behavior observed in the data. This study provides implication on the design of the commitment rules in decentralized inventory‐sharing platforms. Specifically, in order to gain the most benefit from inventory sharing, parties should either postpone the decision of transfer price until the need for sharing arises, or pre‐commit to sharing.
Endohyphal bacteria associated with virulence, increased expression of fumonisin biosynthetic genes, and production of fumonisin and macroconidia in Fusarium fujikuroi W343
Authors: Obasa K. , Adesemoye A. , Obasa R. , Moraga‐Amador D. , Shinogle H. , Alvarez S. , Kelley K.
Published: October 2019

Until recently, Fusarium fujikuroi was widely described as a non‐producer or a producer of little B‐series fumonisin toxins despite having a complement of fumonisin biosynthetic genes similar to those in F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum. Although high and low fumonisin‐producing F. fujikuroi strains have been shown to induce typical disease symptoms, the relationship between fumonisin production and virulence in F. fujikuroi has not been fully established. Following recent reports on the roles of bacterial endosymbionts in influencing the biology of their fungal hosts, including virulence, reproduction and the production of secondary metabolites, this study investigated the association of two strains of bacteria of the genus Enterobacter with a F. fujikuroi strain isolated from wheat in Nebraska. Results demonstrated the intracellular localization of bacteria within the hyphae of the fungus. The association with the bacteria was also correlated with macroconidia production and higher levels of virulence in the fungus. Additionally, fumonisin production was consistently and significantly (α = 0.05) higher in the bacteria‐containing F. fujikuroi strain compared with the bacteria‐free strain. Furthermore, higher levels of fumonisin production by bacteria‐containing F. fujikuroi correlated with higher expression levels of the fumonisin biosynthetic genes fum1, fum8 and fum21 under fumonisin‐inducing and non‐inducing conditions. Expression of fum15, which encodes a P450 monooxygenase, was similarly observed to be significantly (α = 0.05) higher in the bacteria‐containing fungus. Analysis of transcripts also revealed significantly (α = 0.05) higher expression of the sexual and asexual development activator protein, VeA, in the bacteria‐containing F. fujikuroi under fumonisin‐inducing conditions.
Rescue tree monocultures! A phylogenetic ecology approach to guide the choice of seedlings for enrichment planting in tropical monoculture plantations
Authors: Schweizer Daniella , Brancalion Pedro H. S.
Published: October 2019

Monoculture tree plantations have been preferred by farmers and companies because they maximize the production of specific products and are easier to manage, while multispecies plantations can provide multiple ecosystem services but have still been adopted at very limited scales. One potential midway to enhance the ecological contribution of monoculture plantations is to introduce native tree species in the plantation understory. We conducted phylogenetically explicit enrichment planting experiments beneath the monocultures of two tree species native to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest to assess if the evolutionary distance of each seedling species to the overstory tree explained variations in seedling performance. We planted in the understory of two replicate plantations of speciesEsenbeckia leiocarpaEngl. (Rutaceae; 38 and 25 years old) andZeyheria tuberculosa(Vell) (Bignoniaceae; both replicates were 30 years old) six native tree species, ranging in their evolutionary distances to these overstory species. We assessed individual seedling survival and height at 1, 7, and 19 months after planting. We found a weak yet significant, positive correlation between seedling performance (growth and survival) and the phylogenetic distance of the planted seedling to the overstory species, which was driven by the poor performance of conspecifics. Seedlings of the same order and class as the overstory trees showed a significantly lower risk of death compared to conspecifics and to the furthest relative,Cryptocarya aschersoniana. These findings highlight that very close relatives to the overstories should be avoided when planting beneath monoculture plantations, but that knowledge on species‐specific requirements is still the most important for a successful planting.
Stratigraphic record in the transition from basin floor to continental slope sedimentation in the ancient passive‐margin Windermere turbidite system
Authors: Navarro Lilian , Arnott Robert William (Bill) C.
Published: October 2019

Well‐exposed, vertically dipping, glacially polished outcrops of the Neoproterozoic Windermere Supergroup in the southern Canadian Cordillera include basin‐floor deposits of the Upper Kaza Group overlain by slope channel complexes of the Isaac Formation. Within the 2·5 km thick Kaza and Isaac succession is an up to 360 m thick interval composed of diverse deep‐water stratal elements including scour and interscour deposits, distributary channels, fine‐grained turbidites, terminal splays, mass‐transport deposits, erosional and levéed channels and avulsion splays, which collectively were formed during the development of an ancient passive‐margin channel‐lobe system. The proportion and vertical and lateral arrangement of stratal elements reveal three distinct complexes. The lower complex, consisting mostly of distributary channels and small and large scours, is interpreted to represent the detachment of lobes from an upflow levéed channel, wherein a well‐developed channel‐lobe transition zone was formed by efficient, siliciclastic flows during a period of sustained transport bypass and limited deposition coincident with the onset of falling relative sea level. The middle, comparatively thicker and more sandstone‐rich complex, comprises distributary channel fills, fine‐grained turbidites and lesser terminal splays that are interspersed with small scours, capped by a slope levéed channel filled with coarser‐grained siliciclastic sediment. The abundance of basin‐floor elements suggests negligible separation between the levéed channel and lobe, and therefore a poorly‐developed channel‐lobe transition zone, resulting from inefficient, siliciclastic‐rich depositional flows that became dominant during lowstand and/or ensuing transgression. The stratal makeup of the upper complex resembles the lower detached complex, suggesting a return to efficient flows, and an abrupt change to mixed carbonate–siliciclastic sediments associated with highstand conditions. Accordingly, the stratigraphic architecture and stacking pattern of the Kaza–Isaac interval, which relate to the formation of multiple channel‐lobe transition zones, were controlled by temporal changes in sediment supply and flow characteristics during the long‐term progradation of the Laurentian continental margin.
The interactive effects of acute exercise and hypoxia on cognitive performance: A narrative review
Authors: Ando Soichi , Komiyama Takaaki , Sudo Mizuki , Higaki Yasuki , Ishida Koji , Costello Joseph T. , Katayama Keisho
Published: October 2019

Acute moderate intensity exercise has been shown to improve cognitive performance. In contrast, hypoxia is believed to impair cognitive performance. The detrimental effects of hypoxia on cognitive performance are primarily dependent on the severity and duration of exposure. In this review, we describe how acute exercise under hypoxia alters cognitive performance, and propose that the combined effects of acute exercise and hypoxia on cognitive performance are mainly determined by interaction among exercise intensity and duration, the severity of hypoxia, and duration of exposure to hypoxia. We discuss the physiological mechanism(s) of the interaction and suggest that alterations in neurotransmitter function, cerebral blood flow, and possibly cerebral metabolism are the primary candidates that determine cognitive performance when acute exercise is combined with hypoxia. Furthermore, acclimatization appears to counteract impaired cognitive performance during prolonged exposure to hypoxia although the precise physiological mechanism(s) responsible for this amelioration remain to be elucidated. This review has implications for sporting, occupational, and recreational activities at terrestrial high altitude where cognitive performance is essential. Further studies are required to understand physiological mechanisms that determine cognitive performance when acute exercise is performed in hypoxia.
Associations of sitting time with leisure‐time physical inactivity, education, and body mass index change
Authors: Piirtola Maarit , Kaprio Jaakko , Svedberg Pia , Silventoinen Karri , Ropponen Annina
Published: October 2019

We aimed to investigate the associations of long‐term leisure‐time physical inactivity, body mass index (BMI) change, and education with sitting time in a 35‐year follow‐up based on self‐reports in surveys. Influences of working status in 2011 and familial confounding on the associations were tested. Data were based on the population‐based Finnish Twin Cohort of 5232 twins (53‐67‐year‐old, 41% men) with four surveys in 1975‐2011. Statistical analyses were performed using linear regression with several covariates. The effect of familial confounding (genetics and shared environment) was analyzed using a co‐twin control design which should be interpreted as if familial confounding plays a role, an association should be seen among all individuals but not in discordant twin pairs. Compared to those not at work, those at work had a longer total sitting time/d. For those at work, higher education was associated with more total sitting but with less non‐work sitting. Long‐term leisure‐time physical inactivity was associated with more non‐work sitting among those at work, whereas long‐term weight gain with more total and non‐work sitting regardless of working status. Familial confounding attenuated the associations, except for the association of increasing BMI with total and non‐work sitting among women at work. To conclude, total sitting time was longer among those still at work, but it was also influenced by long‐term leisure‐time physical inactivity, higher education, and an increase of BMI over the years. Public health efforts should be targeted to reduce sedentary behavior by promoting life‐long leisure‐time physical activity and weight control.
Does footwear affect articular cartilage volume change after a prolonged run?
Authors: Bratke Grischa , Bruggemann Gert‐Peter , Willwacher Steffen , Mählich Daniela , Trudeau Matthieu B. , Rohr Eric , Weir Gillian , Maintz David , Hamill Joseph
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate knee intra‐articular cartilage volume changes after a prolonged running bout in three footwear conditions. Twelve participants performed 75‐minute running bouts in the three footwear conditions. Before and after each running bout, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained using a high‐resolution 3.0 Tesla MRI. Three‐dimensional reconstruction of the cartilage plates of the patella, the femur, and the tibia was created to quantify cartilage volume change due to the 75‐minute running bout. Three‐dimensional biomechanical data were also collected using an integrated motion capture and force treadmill system. There were no statistically significant differences among shoe conditions for all anatomical regions. However, significant cartilage volume reductions at all anatomical sites were observed after the 75‐minute running bout in each footwear condition. These data suggest that the intra‐articular knee cartilage undergoes a significant reduction in cartilage volume during a prolonged run that may indicate an increase in joint loading. There was a considerable variation in cartilage volume between participants across footwear conditions indicating an individual cartilage volume response to footwear. An individualistic approach to footwear recommendations may help in minimizing this change in cartilage.
Does deprivation affect the demand for NHS Direct? Observational study of routine data from Wales
Authors: Peconi Julie , Macey Steven , Rodgers Sarah E , Russell Ian T , Snooks Helen , Watkins Alan
Published: October 2019

Objective

To estimate the effect of deprivation on the demand for calls to National Health Service Direct Wales (NHSDW) controlling for confounding factors.

Design

Study of routine data on over 400 000 calls to NHSDW using multiple regression to analyse the logarithms of ward-specific call rates across Wales by characteristics of call, patient and ward, notably the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation.

Setting

810 electoral wards with average population of 3300, defined by 1998 administrative boundaries.

Population

All calls to NHSDW between January 2002 and June 2004.

Main outcome measures

We used ward populations as denominators to calculate the rates of three categories of calls: calls seeking advice, calls seeking information and all calls combined.

Results

Confounding variables explained 31% of variation in advice call rates, but only 14% of variation in information call rates and in all call rates (all significant at 0.1% level). However, deprivation was only a statistically significant predictor of information call rates. The proportion of the ward population categorised as ‘white’ was a highly significant predictor of all three call rates. For advice calls and combined calls, rates decreased highly significantly with the proportion of those who called the service for themselves. Information call rates were higher on weekdays and highest on Mondays, while advice call rates were highest on Sundays.

Conclusions

Deprivation had no consistent effect on demand for the service and the relationship needs further exploration. While our data may have underestimated the ‘need’ of deprived patients, they yield no evidence that policy-makers should seek to improve demand from those patients. However, we found differences in the way callers use advice and information calls. Previously unexplored variables that help to predict ward-specific call rates include: ethnicity, day of the week and whether patients made the calls themselves.
On searches for gravitational dark matter with quantum sensors
Authors: Calmet Xavier
Published: October 2019

The possibility of searching for dark matter with quantum sensors has recently received a lot of attention. In this short paper, we discuss the possibility of searching for gravitational dark matter with quantum sensors and identify a very narrow window of opportunity for future quantum sensors with improved sensitivity. Gravitational dark matter candidates with masses in the range [10-3, 1] eV could lead to an effective time variation of the proton mass that could be measured with, e.g., future atomic clocks.
Effects of Simvastatin on Augmentation Index Are Transient: Outcomes From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gepner Adam D. , Lazar Karen , Hulle Carol Van , Korcarz Claudia E. , Asthana Sanjay , Carlsson Cynthia M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Statins improve endothelial function, but their effects on arterial stiffness and aortic blood pressure in middle‐aged adults are uncertain.

Methods and Results

This was a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of middle‐aged (40‐72 years old) adults who were randomly assigned to receive simvastatin 40 mg (n=44) or placebo (n=44) daily for 18 months to evaluate impact on dementia‐related biomarkers (primary end points) and measures of vascular health (secondary end points). This analysis focuses on the predetermined secondary end points of changes in central aortic blood pressure, aortic augmentation index, and brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation. Measurements were performed at baseline and after 6, 12, and 18 months. Multivariable models were used to identify predictors of these prespecified vascular end points. Study groups were similar at baseline; low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol declined in the statin group but not in the placebo group (
P
<0.01). There were no significant differences in changes in central blood pressure parameters or flow‐mediated dilation (all
P
>0.2). After 12 months, augmentation index decreased from baseline in the statin group compared with the placebo group (−2.3% [5.5%] versus 1.2% [5.7%],
P
=0.007), but by 18 months the response in both groups trend toward baseline (−1.1% [5.8%] versus 0.2% [4.8%],
P
=0.3). Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was not associated with changes in augmentation index at any time point.

Conclusions

Statin therapy led to a short‐term reduction in augmentation index after 12 months, but this effect did not persist after 18 months despite continued reduction in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. These findings suggest that statins may have a transient effect on aortic stiffness.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT00939822.
Materiali per una raccolta degli scoli greci agli Analitici posteriori di Aristotele
Authors: Lorusso Vito
Published: October 2019

This article aims at mapping the scholia on the first lines from Aristotle’s Posterior Analytics A 1. It offers the first edition of the scholia on 71a1–21 from Vaticanus Gr. 241 (13th century), Laurentianus 72,3 (second half of the 13th century) and Laurentianus 72,4 (second half of the 13th / beginning of the 14th century). Appendix II and III present the content of a brief writing of Psellus about the Aristotelian Organon and the Praefatio to the Latin translation of Themistius’ Paraphrasis to Posterior Analytics written by Hermolaus Barbarus in the 15th century.
Age-Related Effects on Cross-Modal Duration Perception
Authors: Scurry Alexandra N. , Dutcher Dustin , Werner John S. , Jiang Fang
Published: October 2019

Reliable duration perception of external events is necessary to coordinate perception with action, precisely discriminate speech, and for other daily functions. Visual duration perception can be heavily influenced by concurrent auditory signals; however, age-related effects on this process have received minimal attention. In the present study, we examined the effect of aging on duration perception by quantifying (1) duration discrimination thresholds, (2) auditory temporal dominance, and (3) visual duration expansion/compression percepts induced by an accompanying auditory stimulus of longer/shorter duration. Duration discrimination thresholds were significantly greater for visual than auditory tasks in both age groups, however there was no effect of age. While the auditory modality retained dominance in duration perception with age, older adults still performed worse than young adults when comparing durations of two target stimuli (e.g., visual) in the presence of distractors from the other modality (e.g., auditory). Finally, both age groups perceived similar visual duration compression, whereas older adults exhibited visual duration expansion over a wider range of auditory durations compared to their younger counterparts. Results are discussed in terms of multisensory integration and possible decision strategies that change with age.
Comprehensive Review on pH and Nutrients Detection Sensitive Materials and Methods for Agriculture Applications
Authors: Kumar A. Akshaya , Kumar S. K. Naveen
Published: October 2019

This review article elaborates the pH and nutrients detection sensitive materials and methods along with their principle of operations, merits, demerits, and application area. The sensitive materials used in the sensors react with the analytes and shows variation in electrical, physical,
chemical, biological and optical parameters. The glass probe method, optical light spectroscopy, ion-selective electrodes, ion-selective field effective transistors, electrochemical interdigitated conductimetric method and microcantilever methods are the predominant techniques to detect the
pH and nutrients in various medium. Most of the researchers have discussed the fabrication of pH and nutrients sensors individually in various applications, but very few numbers of sensitive materials and techniques discussed to detect the pH and nutrients in the soil. There is a strong relationship
between pH and nutrients in the soil based on a number of important physical and chemical properties of the soil. We are strongly recommending that soil pH and nutrients measuring sensors can develop through the combinational approach of pH and nutrients with the help of nanostructured materials,
seems to be more effective for agriculture applications.
Performance Analysis of Multiple Relays Cooperative Truncated Automatic Repeat Request in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhou Yong-Qiang , Dai Lei , Li Suo-Ping
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we research the performance of direct and non-direct multiple relays cooperative truncated automatic repeat request (D/ND-MRCT-ARQ) protocols in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). We propose a method that named discrete time Markov chain (DTMC) with N + 2 states,
which could obtain the throughput formulas of D/ND-MRCT-ARQ protocols. Furthermore, we solve the mathematical expressions of the average transmission delay of both protocols by truncating the number of packet retransmission. In addition, we derive energy efficiency formulas of both protocols
under considering the different power consumption of each node. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed D-MRCT-ARQ protocol achieve higher throughput and energy efficiency while fewer average packet transmission delay, as compared with the ND-MRCT-ARQ protocol.
Performance Analysis of Cantilever Beam for Tunable Fabry Perot Filter
Authors: Shanmugapriya M. , Manimekalai T. , Gayathri C. V.
Published: October 2019

The design and simulation of the cantilever beam for tunable fabry perot filter is discussed in this paper. The fabry perot filter is tuned to operate in three frequency ranges namely short wave Infrared (SWIR), mid wave Infrared (MWIR) and long wave Infrared (LWIR) are operated in
the frequency range of 1.6–2.5 μm, 3–5 μm and 8–12 μm respectively. The light that is emitted from the array of vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) is tuned to the desired wavelength using this fabry perot filter. The fabry perot cavity
length is varied using the MEMS cantilever. By applying the reflective coating to the arms of the cantilever, the fabry perot cavity is formed. The actuation given to the MEMS cantilever is electrostatic actuation. The potential difference between the two arms of the cantilever creates the
electrostatic force, which attracts the free end of the cantilever. Due to the impact of the electrostatic force the arms get pulled in, as a result the separation between the mirrors varies, which in turn filters the desired wavelength. The array of cantilever is also simulated to get a desired
pattern of the wavelength. The fabrication process flow for the simulated cantilever is explained. The fixed-free beam approach leads to the analysis of capacitance, stress, strain and displacement.
Electro Thermal Effects of Geometrically Modified MEMS-Based Micro Heater for Gas Sensing Applications
Authors: Balasubramanian Vishal , Selvakumar V. S. , Sujatha L. , Revathi M. , Gayathri C. V.
Published: October 2019

Micro heaters play a major role in gas sensing applications owing to their accuracy, selectivity and low power consumption. The proposed micro heater employs a window type polysilicon micro-hotplate structure, which is a square cell of side 500 μm, designed using COMSOL Multiphysics.
It is highly imperative that an evenly distributed temperature is necessary over the broad area of the heater in order to improve its gas sensitivity and selectivity. In this paper, we have explained the design and analysis of a novel window-type micro heater made of polysilicon. The main
aim of the work is to achieve temperature uniformity and low power consumption. By optimizing the geometry of the micro heater, we can obtain both temperature uniformity and low power consumption. This geometrical optimization also improves the sensitivity and response time of the sensor.
To support them, we have carried out simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics. The proposed structure has obtained a uniform temperature of 1134.1 K and an average temperature of 1130.39 K. Such high and uniform temperatures finds applications in gas sensors. This work also analyzes the proper
choice and placement of electrodes across the geometry of the heater.
Effects of Leukocyte-Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Alveolar Bone Changes During Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Rabbits: A Micro-CT Study
Authors: Nakornnoi Theerasak , Leethanakul Chidchanok , Samruajbenjakun Bancha
Published: October 2019

Objective: To investigate the effects of leukocyte-platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) on the alveolar bone changes at the compression and tension sides during orthodontic tooth movement.

Materials and Methods: Around 20 New Zealand white rabbits were used in a split-mouth design. The maxillary first premolar was moved mesially with a nickel-titanium closed-coil spring. One side of the maxilla was randomly injected with L-PRP, while the contralateral side served as the control which received normal saline. The alveolar bone adjacent to the maxillary first premolar was scanned using microcomputed tomography at days 0, 7, 14, and 28. Microstructural parameters including bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, and trabecular separation of alveolar bone were assessed on the compression and tension sides of the maxillary first premolar.

Results: Compared between the groups, the L-PPR group showed a significantly decreased bone volume fraction on the compression side on days 7 and 14 but significantly increased bone volume fraction on the tension side on day 14. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the parameters of trabecular thickness and trabecular separation.

Conclusion: Local administration of L-PRP may promote bone resorption on the compression side and bone formation on the tension side at the initial stage of orthodontic tooth movement.
Rudy Frugtniet v ASIC: Things to consider if Victoria introduces a spent convictions regime (with ‘A Message to You, Rudy’)
Authors: O'Toole Suzanne , Keyzer Patrick
Published: October 2019

The Legal and Social Issues Committee of the Victorian parliament will soon publish a report on spent convictions and criminal record discrimination. Victoria is the only state in Australia that does not have a spent convictions scheme. The purpose of this article is to review the recent decision of the High Court in Frugtniet v ASIC, a decision about the federal spent convictions scheme, and outline the lessons that decision provides for Victoria and for the successful appellant in that case.
Phenylbutyrate facilitates homeostasis of non-resolving inflammatory macrophages
Authors: Rahtes Allison , Pradhan Kisha , Sarma Mimosa , Xie David , Lu Chang , Li Liwu
Published: October 2019

Non-resolving inflammatory monocytes/macrophages are critically involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases. However, mechanisms of macrophage polarization are not well understood, thus hindering the development of effective strategies to promote inflammation resolution. In this study, we report that macrophages polarized by subclinical super-low dose LPS preferentially expressed pro-inflammatory mediators such as ccl2 (which encodes the protein monocyte chemo attractant protein-1) with reduced expression of anti-inflammatory/homeostatic mediators such as slc40a1 (which encodes the protein ferroportin-1). We observed significantly elevated levels of the autophagy-associated and pro-inflammatory protein p62 in polarized macrophages, closely correlated with the inflammatory activation of ccl2 gene expression. In contrast, we noted a significant increase of ubiquitinated/inactive nuclear-erythroid-related factor 2 (NRF2), consistent with reduced slc40a1 gene expression in polarized macrophages. Addition of the homeostatic restorative agent phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) effectively reduced cellular levels of p62 as well as ccl2 gene induction by super-low dose LPS. On the other hand, application of 4-PBA also blocked the accumulation of ubiquitinated NRF2 and restored anti-inflammatory slc40a1 gene expression in macrophages. Together, our study provides novel insights with regard to macrophage polarization and reveals 4-PBA as a promising molecule in restoring macrophage homeostasis.
Use of Thromboelastography to Assess Haemostatic Changes during Paediatric Cardiac Surgery and to Predict Post-Operative Bleeding.
Authors: Hunt Beverley J. , Moganansundram S. , Tibby S. M. , Holton F. , Durward A. , Anderson D. , Austin C. , Murdoch I.
Published: October 2019

The management of post-operative bleeding in paediatric cardiac surgery is difficult because the underlying haemostatic changes have been poorly studied. The thromboelastogram (TEG) provides a real-time, functional measure of haemostasis, quantifying clot formation, strength and lysis. We investigated the use of serial intra-operative TEG to assess perioperative haemostatic changes and as an adjunct to demographic and laboratory variables for the prediction of bleeding following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. Ethical committee approval was obtained to study fifty-one children, median (interquartile) age 6.8 months (0.5 to 10.5) prospectively through CPB and for the first 24 hours after intensive care unit admission. Significant post-operative blood loss was defined as more than 10ml/kg in the first four post-operative hours. TEG readings and traditional coagulation parameters were measured throughout CPB. Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to predict bleeding.

The incidence of bleeding was 37% (19/51), with a mean 4-hour blood loss of 24 ml/kg. Both groups showed abnormalities in all TEG parameters (apart from lysis) at the end of CPB, which were more marked among those who bled (all p<0.05).

Hyperfibrinolysis was not seen. Addition of heparinase to the TEG samples taken after protamine administration demonstrated a small but consistent heparin effect for all TEG parameters only among patients who bled, however this group exhibited comparable protamine:heparin ratios to those who did not (p = 0.22). Significant multivariate predictors of bleeding included fibrinogen level at induction of anaesthesia; occurrence of circulatory arrest; and two TEG parameters taken at the end of CPB: “k” (the time to maximal clot formation) and “angle” (the rate of clot formation). The final model predicted bleeding well, producing an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.855 (95% CI 0.750 to 0.960).

In summary, the aetiology of bleeding after paediatric cardiac surgery appears to be due to inadequate clot formation rather than fibrinolysis. TEG readings taken at the end of CPB, in conjunction with laboratory and demographic variables may provide a useful predictor of post-operative bleeding.
Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Sickle Cell Disease: Updated Results of the Multicenter Trial.
Authors: Walters Mark C. , Patience Melinda , Edwards Sandie , Robertson Shanda , McMurray Marsha , Donfield Sharyne , Sullivan Keith M.
Published: October 2019

Between 1991 and 2000, 59 children with symptomatic sickle cell disease (SCD) were enrolled in a multicenter investigation of myeloablative HLA-identical sibling bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Patients had stroke (N=30) or other significant central nervous system disease (CNS) (N=1), recurrent episodes of acute chest syndrome (ACS) (N=20), or recurrent painful episodes (N=8) before study entry. Currently, 55 patients survive, and 50 survive free of sickle cell disease. Four patients died of complications of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)(N=3) or intracranial hemorrhage (N=1). Five patients had graft rejection accompanied by return of SCD. With a median follow-up of 5.2 years, the Kaplan-Meier probabilities of survival and event-free survival are 93% and 85%, respectively. To investigate the toxicity of transplantation and to assess its impact on the natural history of SCD, long-term follow-up evaluations of the CNS, pulmonary function, and gonadal function were performed. As reported previously, engrafted patients with stroke had no subsequent stroke events after BMT, and cerebral MRI and MRA exams demonstrated stable or improved appearance. One patient with graft rejection experienced a second stroke when the Hb S fraction reached 60% after BMT. Forty-three of 55 surviving (78%) patients had pulmonary function testing (PFT) performed at least 1 year after BMT, and 24 were tested 3 or more years after BMT. Seven of the 12 who lacked follow-up testing had normal baseline testing. Of the 43 with follow-up exams, 30 had stable, and 8 had improved PFTs. Five had worsened pulmonary function, 4 with restrictive changes, and 1 with obstructive changes. Three of the 4 with progression of restrictive changes had a history of ACS before BMT. One patient with a history of ACS died of pulmonary complications caused by graft-versus-host disease. Currently, 24 males and 19 females treated by BMT are >14 years of age. Of these, 15 males (63%) and 14 (74%) females had post-BMT gonadal function studies performed. Eleven of 15 males had normal LH and FSH levels, however, a normal testosterone level was observed only in 4. In contrast, 9 of 14 females had elevated gonadotropin and decreased estradiol levels that mimicked a post-menopausal state. Six females had primary or secondary amenorrhea. In summary, patients with stable engraftment of donor cells had cessation of clinical complications of SCD after BMT. In addition, most had stabilization or improvement in sub-clinical markers of disease. However, a limited number of patients who had progression of PFT abnormalities also had a history of ACS before BMT. In addition, gonadal toxicity was observed commonly in females after BMT. Together, these data confirm that BMT is a suitable intervention for patients with severe sickle cell disease, however efforts to reduce the toxicity of BMT should be pursued.
Maternal Exposures and Risk of Infant Acute Leukemia in Brazil.
Authors: Pombo-de-Oliveira Maria S. , Emerenciano Mariana , Araujo Paulo I.C. , Magalhaes Isis Q. , Pinheiro Vitoria R.P. , Koifman Sergio
Published: October 2019

Associations between some environmental exposures and IAL with MLL rearrangements have been pointed out in the literature. We performed an investigative analysis to determine the frequency of MLL gene rearrangement in IAL in order to explore the risk factors for maternal exposure to DNA-damaging substances. Three different methods to detect the possible abnormalities involving this gene were used during a Brazilian epidemiological study: conventional karyotyping, RT-PCR assay, and FISH. The distribution of ALL and AML cases was very similar with respect to gender, age and region of residence at the time of diagnosis, and it was possible to study the MLL status in 198 of these cases. A statistically significant association was observed between pro-B ALL and MLL+ve cases and also, the age group 0–2 months was associated with MLL+ve cases, as expected. The FISH technique was clearly the most efficient one to detect the rearrangements, followed by RT-PCR assay. The maternal exposure data were obtained from cases and controls by interview, using a structured questionnaire. Up to now, 171 incident IAL cases were eligible for the study and 379 aged-frequency matched controls showing severe no-neoplasic diseases in the same regions were retrieved and their respective mothers interviewed. Intrauterine and childhood exposure to medicines, pesticides and other chemicals, smoking, alcohol intake, pets and reproductive antecedents were ascertained for both groups. A high frequency of molecular MLL+ve (84,4%) and other chromosomal abnormalities were found. A statistically significant association with MLL+ve was observed for pesticides exposure at home (OR 2.38, 95% CI, 1.27–3.96), and intake of hormones during the first weeks of pregnancy (OR 5,93 CI, 2,05–17,11) p=0,001. Statistically no significant increased risks were seen for urban families (OR 1.33, 95% CI, 0.70–2.52), metronidazol (OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.58–2.95) and dipirona (OR 1.51, 95% CI 0.85–2.68). It is therefore important that the associations observed in this study regarding hormone in taking should be re-evaluated in an extended case-control study. In view of the association recently reported between MLL+ve infant leukaemia and lack of function NQ01 alleles, screening for metabolic polymorphisms involved in carcinogen metabolism should also be included in subsequent studies.
Relapse of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) Is Associated with Increased Methylation of the Retinoic Acid Receptor-Beta2 (RARβ2) Gene Promoter.
Authors: Zhou Da-Cheng , Kim Haesook , Tallman4 Martin S. , Gallagher Robert E.
Published: October 2019

Increased methylation of the tumor suppressor and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) target gene RARβ2 has been reported in a variety of neoplasias. In APL, this has been related to the recruitment of DNA methyltransferases (DNmts) by PML-RARα to the RA response element-containing RARβ2 gene promoter (Di Croce, et al, Science295, 1079, 2002). In this study, we applied a highly quantitative method, pyrosequencing of bisulfite-converted DNA, to precisely measure the level of methylation (% of total dinucleotides;dnts) at each of 14 CpG dnts in the RARβ2 promoter from APL cases with de novo vs 1st relapse vs ≥2nd relapse disease. Additionally, we assessed whether patients with PML-RARα mutations at relapse, which increase binding to the co-repressor complex and might secondarily increase DNmt recruitment to this complex, are associated with increased methylation of this ATRA target gene. Non-parametric 2-sided Wilcoxon tests were utilized to evaluate potential differences in median values. Surprisingly, the methylation value for de novo APL cells (N = 10) was only slightly greater than that for normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (N=4) (medians of sums of all 14 dnts were 95.9 and 68.9, respectively; p = 0.14). However, in a matched set of pretreatment and 1st relapse samples from 7 patients treated on intergroup protocol INT0129/E2491, the methylation level was significantly higher in the relapse samples at 6/14 dnts (p <0.05 each) and in the sums of all dnts (p = 0.03). Compared to these 7 1st relapse cases, the median values for each of the 14 dnts and the sums of all dnts were higher for 6 cases with ≥2 relapses (median of sums 149.8 vs 385.6, respectively) but this difference was not significant (p = 0.22), primarily related to 1 double-relapse case with exceptionally low values (excluding this case, p = 0.05). Similarly, compared to 8 relapse cases without PML-RARα mutations, 5 relapse cases with mutations had higher median values of 13/14 dnts and of the sums of all dnts (160.5 vs 402.0) but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.27). These results indicate that higher levels of RARβ2 promoter methylation are present in relapse compared to de novo APL cells and suggest that increasing methylation is frequently associated with disease progression and with mutations in PML-RARα.