bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Potential High-Throughput Route to Collagen-Mimicked Carbon Nanotube Fiber via Domino Pushing and Ion Bombardment
Authors: Yin Qifang , Geng Kun , Yuan Yanan , Zhang Zuoqi
Published: March 2020

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been shown owning extraordinary mechanical properties for decades, but to date, their wide application as load-bearing structural materials has not been realized mainly due to the critical obstacles of weak interface, poor distribution and alignment, and lack of economic technology for mass production and processing. In order to overcome these obstacles, we proposed a potential route from as-grown CNT forest to collagen-mimicked CNT films with covalently crosslinked CNTs arranged in a staggered alignment. To consolidate the foundation of the route, its critical step of ion bombardment to construct the intertube crosslinks in CNT films was simulated using molecular dynamics simulations. Results show that the ion bombardment can efficiently construct the intertube crosslinks and greatly improve the elastic modulus and strength of CNT films by as much as 24% and 660%, respectively, with comparison to the nonbombarded ones. The influences of the number and the kinetic energy of the incident particles were systematically investigated and the corresponding contours were presented, suggesting the optimal energy and number of the incident particles for the elastic modulus and strength of collagen-mimicked CNT films. The work not only provides a novel route to mass fabrication of high-performance CNT fibers but also gives useful guidelines on the optimization of processing design.
A Mechanism-Based Four-Chain Constitutive Model for Enthalpy-Driven Thermoset Shape Memory Polymers With Finite Deformation
Authors: Yan Cheng , Li Guoqiang
Published: March 2020

Chemically cross-linked thermoset shape memory polymers (TSMPs) are an important branch of smart materials due to their potentially wide applications in deplorable structures, soft robots, damage self-healing, and 4D printing. Further development and design of TSMP structures call for constitutive models. Although the Arruda–Boyce eight-chain model has been very successful and widely used for entropy-driven TSMPs, recent studies found that some new TSMPs, such as those using enthalpy as the primary driving force, show unit cells different from the eight-chain model. Considering that these new epoxy-based TSMP networks consist of a plenty of four-chain features, this study proposes a four-chain tetrahedron structure as the unit cell of the network to construct the constitutive model. In this model, Gibbs free energy is used to formulate the thermodynamic driving force. Then, by introducing a transition of the molecule deformation mechanism from that dominated by bond stretch to that dominated by bond angle opening, the traditional Langevin chain model is modified. It is found that this model can well capture the dramatic modulus change for the new TSMP in the thermomechanical experiments. Moreover, it shows that the original Treloar four-chain model and Arruda–Boyce eight-chain model underestimate the driving force for the enthalpy-driven TSMPs, and thus cannot well capture the thermomechanical behaviors. It is also found that under certain conditions, our four-chain model produces the same Cauchy stress as the eight-chain model does. This study may help researchers understand the thermomechanical response and design a special category of TSMPs with high recovery stress.
Nonlinear Radiative Squeezed Flow of Nanofluid Subject to Chemical Reaction and Activation Energy
Authors: Ullah Ikram , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: March 2020

This study explores the flow of magnetized nanomaterials between two parallel disks. Novel aspects of activation energy and nonlinear thermal radiation characterized the heat and mass transfer. Nonlinear system of ODEs is obtained via proper variables. Homotopic scheme determines the convergence interval of governing expressions. Plots have been interpreted in order to examine how the temperature and concentration are influenced by various physical variables. Further, surface drag forces and heat and mass transfer rates are computed numerically and analyzed. Our computed analysis depicts that the influence of squeezed and magnetic parameters have reverse effects on temperature.
Conjugate Natural Convection in Porous Medium With a Thick Square-Wave Partition
Authors: Chordiya Jayesh Subhash , Sharma Ram Vinoy
Published: March 2020

Natural convection within a differentially heated porous enclosure is substantially affected by the presence of partition, fins, or baffles within it. However, not much is known about the effect of partition shape and size. Thus, a solid thick partition in a square-wave shape embedded within a differentially heated porous enclosure has been investigated in this numerical analysis. Through this study, it is sought to contemplate the reduction in the convection heat transfer rate that could be achieved across a differentially heated porous enclosure. The influence of partition thickness, partition amplitude, thermal conductivity ratio, and partition position has been studied. Darcy’s flow model has been solved using the successive accelerated replacement scheme by the finite difference method. One of the findings of this study suggests that lower thermal conductivity of partition, lower partition amplitude, and higher thickness results in a greater reduction in the convection heat transfer rate.
Combining Reachability Analysis and Importance Sampling for Accelerated Evaluation of Highway Automated Vehicles at Pedestrian Crossing
Authors: Wang Xinpeng , Peng Huei , Zhao Ding
Published: March 2020

Highly automated vehicles (HAVs) must be rigorously evaluated before they are deployed on public roads. An accelerated evaluation framework was proposed in the literature to test HAVs more efficiently. However, running such a test is challenging due to the fact that some of the generated test cases may be not feasible or realistic. This paper proposes an improved accelerated evaluation framework that combines importance sampling with reachability analysis, so that the feasibility of all test cases are guaranteed, and the risk levels of cases are controlled. The performance of the proposed framework is studied using the unprotected pedestrian crossing scenario. A total od 2689 pedestrian–vehicle interaction events are extracted from open-source video data, and a truncated Gaussian mixture model (TGMM) is developed to describe the pedestrian–vehicle interaction. Simulation results show that the proposed method achieves unbiased crash rate estimation in an accelerated fashion while achieving the aforementioned benefits for test case generation (feasible and at controlled risk level).
First record of Lardoglyphus zacheri (Acari, Lardoglyphidae) in the Iberian Peninsula and new observations on its insect carriers

Authors: Saloña Bordas Marta I. , Perotti M. Alejandra
Published: March 2020

Hypopi of Lardoglyphus zacheri Oudemans, 1927 were found attached to larder beetles (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) colonising experimental pig carcasses in the Parque Natural Aiako Harria, Errenteria, Gipuzkoa, northern Spain. Five pig carcasses were used for a study of arthropod colonisation during the decomposition process, and the experiment lasted 88 days (from July to October 2010). Hypopi were found when the carcasses commenced reduction to dried remains, on day 29 (August 24), and were attached to Dermestes frischiKugelann, 1792 and to D. undulatus Brahm, 1790, all collected on the same carcass (carcass 3, C3). No more lardoglyphid mites were detected from August 29 to the last day of sampling, October 22 2010. This is the first record of Lardoglyphus hypopi on D. undulatus and of L. zacheri from the Iberian Peninsula.
First-principles study of clean tungsten surface work function under electric field
Authors: Wang Yue , Xu Liangliang , Hsu Hua-Yi , Leung Tsan-Chuen , Lin Ming-Chieh
Published: March 2020

The effect of an external electric field on the work functions of clean tungsten (W) surfaces, W (100), W (110), and W (111) has been investigated using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. By applying an electric field from 0 up to 0.3 V/Å, the effective and local work functions can be determined for comparison after employing five different pseudopotentials. It is found that as the electric field increases, the work functions of tungsten surfaces reduce accordingly. A reduction of work function can be as large as ∼0.35 eV. Based on these calculations, a new scaling law of work function reduction due to the charge transfer near the metal/vacuum interface caused by an external electric field is obtained. In addition, the local work function is found to be closely related to the charge density distribution. With this approach, field emission properties of metals can be better understood and described.
Electron beam injection from a hollow cathode plasma into a downstream reactive environment: Characterization of secondary plasma production and Si3N4 and Si etching
Authors: Li Chen , Godyak Valery , Hofmann Thorsten , Edinger Klaus , Oehrlein Gottlieb S.
Published: March 2020

A material etching system was developed by combining beam electron injection from a direct current hollow cathode (HC) electron source with the downstream reactive environment of a remote CF4/O2 low temperature plasma. The energy of the injected beam electrons is controlled using an acceleration electrode biased positively relative to the HC argon discharge. For an acceleration voltage greater than the ionization potential of Ar, the extracted primary electrons can produce a secondary plasma in the process chamber. The authors characterized the properties of the secondary plasma by performing Langmuir probe measurements of the electron energy probability function (EEPF) 2.5 cm below the extraction ring. The data indicate the existence of two major groups of electrons, including electrons with a primary beam electron energy that varies as the acceleration voltage is varied along with low energy electrons produced by ionization of the Ar gas atoms in the process chamber by the injected beam electrons. When combining the HC Ar beam electron with a remote CF4/O2 electron cyclotron wave resonance plasma, the EEPF of both the low energy plasma electron and beam electron components decreases. Additionally, the authors studied surface etching of Si3N4 and polycrystalline Si (poly-Si) thin films as a function of process parameters, including the acceleration voltage (0–70 V), discharge current of the HC discharge (1–2 A), pressure (2–100 mTorr), source to substrate distance (2.5–5 cm), and feed gas composition (with or without CF4/O2). The direction of the incident beam electrons was perpendicular to the surface. Si3N4 and polycrystalline silicon etching are seen and indicate an electron-neutral synergy effect. Little to no remote plasma spontaneous etching was observed for the conditions used in this study, and the etching is confined to the substrate area irradiated by the injected beam electrons. The electron etched Si3N4 surface etching rate profile distribution is confined within a ∼30 mm diameter circle, which is slightly broader than the area for which poly-Si etching is seen, and coincides closely with the spatial profile of beam electrons as determined by the Langmuir probe measurements. The magnitude of the poly-Si etching rate is by a factor of two times smaller than the Si3N4 etching rate. The authors discuss possible explanations of the data and the role of surface charging.
New telescope promises boon for Turkish science
Authors: Farooq Umar
Published: March 2020

The 4-meter Eastern Anatolia Observatory aims to become an affordable regional hub.
PE/PPE proteins mediate nutrient transport across the outer membrane of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Wang Qinglan , Boshoff Helena I. M. , Harrison Justin R. , Ray Peter C. , Green Simon R. , Wyatt Paul G. , Barry Clifton E.
Published: March 2020

Porin' through the wax

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
has a distinctive physiology that allows it to persist in the human body, including a wax-like cell coat that is largely impermeable and can resist attack by host immune response effectors. Wang
et al.
identified a simple molecule that effectively crosses this cell coat and kills
M. tuberculosis
cells. Whole-genome sequencing of mutants resistant to this molecule, 3,3-
bis
-di(methylsulfonyl)propionamide, showed scattered mutations in a protein called PPE51, and these mutants resulted in a spectrum of nutrient-related growth defects. Experiments suggest that PE/PPE family proteins are small molecule–selective channels analogous to outer membrane porins, which allow
M. tuberculosis
to take up nutrients while maintaining an otherwise impermeable barrier.

Science
, this issue p.
1147
Single-atom vibrational spectroscopy in the scanning transmission electron microscope
Authors: Hage F. S. , Radtke G. , Kepaptsoglou D. M. , Lazzeri M. , Ramasse Q. M.
Published: March 2020

Seeing single silicon atom vibrations

Vibrational spectroscopy can achieve high energy resolution, but spatial resolution of unperturbed vibrations is more difficult to realize. Hage
et al.
show that a single-atom impurity in a solid (a silicon atom in graphene) can give rise to distinctive localized vibrational signatures. They used high-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope to detect this signal. An experimental geometry was chosen that reduced the relative elastic scattering contribution, and repeated scanning near the silicon impurity enhanced the signal. The experimental vibration frequencies are in agreement with ab initio calculations.

Science
, this issue p.
1124
Different Effects of Soil Fertilization on Bacterial Community Composition in the
Penicillium canescens
Hyphosphere and in Bulk Soil
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Hao Xiuli , Garcia-Lemos Adriana M. , Nunes Inês , Nicolaisen Mette H. , Nybroe Ole
Published: March 2020

P-solubilizing
Penicillium
strains are introduced as biofertilizers to agricultural soils to improve plant P nutrition. Currently, little is known about the ecology of these biofertilizers, including their interactions with other soil microorganisms. This study shows that communities dominated by
Betaproteobacteria
and
Gammaproteobacteria
colonize
P. canescens
hyphae in soil and that the compositions of these communities depend on the soil conditions. The potential of these communities for N and organic P cycling is generally higher than that of soil communities. The high potential for organic P metabolism might complement the ability of the fungus to solubilize inorganic P, and it points to the hyphosphere as a hot spot for P metabolism. Furthermore, the high potential for N fixation could indicate that
P. canescens
recruits bacteria that are able to improve its N nutrition. Hence, this community study identifies functional groups relevant for the future optimization of next-generation biofertilizer consortia for applications in soil.
Novel Insights into the Roles of Bcl-2 Homolog Nr-13 (vNr-13) Encoded by Herpesvirus of Turkeys in the Virus Replication Cycle, Mitochondrial Networks, and Apoptosis Inhibition
Authors: Reddy Vishwanatha R. A. P. , Sadigh Yashar , Tang Na , Yao Yongxiu , Nair Venugopal
Published: March 2020

B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins play important roles in regulating apoptosis during homeostasis, tissue development, and infectious diseases. Several viruses encode homologs of cellular Bcl-2-proteins (vBcl-2) to inhibit apoptosis, which enable them to replicate and persist in the infected cells and to evade/modulate the immune response of the host. Herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) is a nonpathogenic alphaherpesvirus of turkeys and chickens that is widely used as a live vaccine against Marek’s disease and as recombinant vaccine viral vectors for protecting against multiple avian diseases. Identical copies of the HVT genes HVT079 and HVT096 encode the Bcl-2 homolog vNr-13. While previous studies have identified the potential ability of vNr-13 in inhibiting apoptosis induced by serum deprivation, there have been no detailed investigations on the functions of vNr-13. Using CRISPR/Cas9-based ablation of the
vNr-13
gene, we demonstrated the roles of HVT vNr-13 in early stages of the viral replication cycle, mitochondrial morphology disruption, and apoptosis inhibition in later stages of viral replication.
Placental growth factor in beta cells plays an essential role in gestational beta-cell growth
Authors: Yang Weixia , Jiang Yinan , Wang Yan , Zhang Ting , Liu Qun , Wang Chaoban , Swisher Grant , Wu Nannan , Chao Chelsea , Prasadan Krishna , Gittes George K , Xiao Xiangwei
Published: March 2020

Objective

Pancreatic beta cells proliferate in response to metabolic requirements during pregnancy, while failure of this response may cause gestational diabetes. A member of the vascular endothelial growth factor family, placental growth factor (PlGF), typically plays a role in metabolic disorder and pathological circumstance. The expression and function of PlGF in the endocrine pancreas have not been reported and are addressed in the current study.

Research design and methods

PlGF levels in beta cells were determined by immunostaining or ELISA in purified beta cells in non-pregnant and pregnant adult mice. An adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 8 carrying a shRNA for PlGF under the control of a rat insulin promoter (AAV–rat insulin promoter (RIP)–short hairpin small interfering RNA for PlGF (shPlGF)) was prepared and infused into mouse pancreas through the pancreatic duct to specifically knock down PlGF in beta cells, and its effects on beta-cell growth were determined by beta-cell proliferation, beta-cell mass and insulin release. A macrophage-depleting reagent, clodronate, was coapplied into AAV-treated mice to study crosstalk between beta cells and macrophages.

Results

PlGF is exclusively produced by beta cells in the adult mouse pancreas. Moreover, PlGF expression in beta cells was significantly increased during pregnancy. Intraductal infusion of AAV–RIP–shPlGF specifically knocked down PlGF in beta cells, resulting in compromised beta-cell proliferation, reduced growth in beta-cell mass and impaired glucose tolerance during pregnancy. Mechanistically, PlGF depletion in beta cells reduced islet infiltration of trophic macrophages, which appeared to be essential for gestational beta-cell growth.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that increased expression of PlGF in beta cells may trigger gestational beta-cell growth through recruited macrophages.
Increased placental mitochondrial fusion in gestational diabetes mellitus: an adaptive mechanism to optimize feto-placental metabolic homeostasis?
Authors: Abbade Joelcio , Klemetti Miira Marjuska , Farrell Abby , Ermini Leonardo , Gillmore Taylor , Sallais Julien , Tagliaferro Andrea , Post Martin , Caniggia Isabella
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a common pregnancy disorder, increases the risk of fetal overgrowth and later metabolic morbidity in the offspring. The placenta likely mediates these sequelae, but the exact mechanisms remain elusive. Mitochondrial dynamics refers to the joining and division of these organelles, in attempts to maintain cellular homeostasis in stress conditions or alterations in oxygen and fuel availability. These remodeling processes are critical to optimize mitochondrial function, and their disturbances characterize diabetes and obesity.

Methods and results

Herein we show that placental mitochondrial dynamics are tilted toward fusion in GDM, as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy and changes in the expression of key mechanochemical enzymes such as OPA1 and active phosphorylated DRP1. In vitro experiments using choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells demonstrated that increased exposure to insulin, which typifies GDM, promotes mitochondrial fusion. As placental ceramide induces mitochondrial fission in pre-eclampsia, we also examined ceramide content in GDM and control placentae and observed a reduction in placental ceramide enrichment in GDM, likely due to an insulin-dependent increase in ceramide-degrading ASAH1 expression.

Conclusions

Placental mitochondrial fusion is enhanced in GDM, possibly as a compensatory response to maternal and fetal metabolic derangements. Alterations in placental insulin exposure and sphingolipid metabolism are among potential contributing factors. Overall, our results suggest that GDM has profound impacts on placental mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism, with plausible implications for the short-term and long-term health of the offspring.
Seasonal variation in the non-specific effects of BCG vaccination on neonatal mortality: three randomised controlled trials in Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Jensen Kristoffer Jarlov , Biering-Sørensen Sofie , Ursing Johan , Kofoed Poul-Erik Lund , Aaby Peter , Benn Christine Stabell
Published: March 2020

The BCG vaccine protects non-specifically against other diseases than tuberculosis. Three randomised controlled trials of early BCG in Guinea-Bissau found a 38% reduction in all-cause neonatal mortality. Little is known about the underlying mechanisms. In Guinea-Bissau, prevalent infectious diseases display distinct seasonality. Revisiting the three trials (>6500 infants) comparing early BCG versus no early BCG in low weight infants on all-cause neonatal mortality over 12 consecutive years, we explored the seasonal variation in BCG’s effect on mortality. In a subgroup of participants, adaptive and innate cytokine responses were measured 4 weeks after randomisation. Consistently over the course of the three trials and 12 years, the effect of BCG on all-cause neonatal mortality was particularly beneficial when administered in November to January, coincident with peaking malaria infections. During these months, BCG was also associated with stronger proinflammatory responses to heterologous challenge. Recent studies have suggested a protective effect of BCG against malaria. BCG may also ameliorate immune-compromising fatal effects of placental malaria in the newborn.
A comparison of the 1-year surgical outcomes ofab externotrabeculotomy and microhookab internotrabeculotomy using propensity score analysis
Authors: Mori Sotaro , Murai Yusuke , Ueda Kaori , Sakamoto Mari , Kurimoto Takuji , Yamada-Nakanishi Yuko , Nakamura Makoto
Published: March 2020

Objective

To compare the 1-year outcomes of trabeculotomyab externo(ab externoTLO) and trabeculotomyab internousing a microhook (ab internoTLO) for glaucoma patients using propensity score analysis.

Methods and analysis

The medical charts of 65 consecutive patients who underwentab externoTLO and those of 69 patients who underwentab internoTLO were reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate the propensity score using 1:1 matched analysis, which indicates the likelihood of surgical success at 12 months. We set the outcome-related covariates as age, glaucoma type, mean deviation, preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of preoperative glaucoma eye drops and the presence or absence of combined cataract surgery. Fifty eyes per each surgery group were subsequently compared.

Results

The mean preoperative IOP was 32.5±11.2 mm Hg in theab externoTLO group and 28.4±7.8 mm Hg in theab internoTLO group (p=0.08). The mean postoperative IOP at 12 months was 18.3±7.4 mm Hg in the former group and 17.8±6.3 mm Hg in the latter (p=0.91). When surgical success was defined as a postoperative IOP of between 5 and 21 mm Hg with a more than 20% IOP reduction from baseline and no additional glaucoma surgery, the rate at 12 months was 78% in theab externoTLO group and 74% in theab internoTLO group (p=1.00).

Conclusion

The 1-year success rate was not significantly different betweenab externoandab internoTLO.
Development and impact of an endoscopic non-technical skills (ENTS) behavioural marker system
Authors: Ravindran Srivathsan , Haycock Adam , Woolf Katherine , Thomas-Gibson Siwan
Published: March 2020

Background

Non-technical skills (NTS) are crucial to effective team working in endoscopy. Training in NTS has been shown to improve team performance and patient outcomes. As such, NTS training and assessment are now considered essential components of the endoscopy quality assurance process. Across the literature, other specialties have achieved this through development of behavioural marker systems (BMS). BMS provide a framework for assessing, training and measuring the NTS relevant to healthcare individuals and team. This article describes the development and impact of a novel BMS for endoscopy: the endoscopic non-technical skills (ENTS) system.

Methods

The initial NTS taxonomy for endoscopy was created through a combination of literature review, staff focus groups and semi-structured interviews, incorporating the critical decision method. Framework analysis was conducted with three individual coders and generated a skills list which formed the preliminary taxonomy. Video observation of Bowel Cancer Screening endoscopists was used to identify exemplar behaviours which were mapped to relevant skills in the NTS taxonomy. Behavioural descriptors, derived from video data, were added to form the basis of the ENTS system.

Results

A taxonomy of 33 skills in 14 separate categories were identified through framework analysis. Following video analysis and behaviour mapping, 4 overarching categories and 13 behavioural elements were identified which formed the ENTS framework. The endoscopy (directly observed procedural skills) 4-point rating scale was added to create the final ENTS system. Since its development in 2010, the ENTS system has been validated in the assessment of endoscopy for trainees nationally. ENTS informs a number of training initiatives, including a national strategy to improve NTS for all endoscopists.

Conclusions

The ENTS system is a clinically relevant tool, validated for use in trainee assessment. The use of ENTS will be important to the future of training and quality assurance in endoscopy.
Association of household income and adverse outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: LaRosa Anna Rose , Claxton J'Neka , O'Neal Wesley T , Lutsey Pamela L , Chen Lin Y , Bengtson Lindsay , Chamberlain Alanna M , Alonso Alvaro , Magnani Jared W
Published: March 2020

Background

Social determinants of health are relevant to cardiovascular outcomes but have had limited examination in atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of annual household income and cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with AF.

Methods

We analysed administrative claims for individuals with AF from 2009 to 2015 captured by a health claims database. We categorised estimates of annual household income as <$40 000; $40–$59 999; $60–$74 999; $75–$99 999; and ≥$100 000. Covariates included demographics, education, cardiovascular disease risk factors, comorbid conditions and anticoagulation. We examined event rates by income category and in multivariable-adjusted models in reference to the highest income category (≥$100 000).

Results

Our analysis included 336 736 individuals (age 72.7±11.9 years; 44.5% women; 82.6% white, 8.4% black, 7.0% Hispanic and 2.1% Asian) with AF followed for median (25th and 75th percentile) of 1.5 (95% CI 0.6 to 3.0) years. We observed an inverse association between income and heart failure and myocardial infarction (MI) with evidence of progressive risk across decreased income categories. Individuals with household income <$40 000 had the greatest risk for heart failure (HR 1.17; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.30) and MI (HR 1.18; 95% CI 0.98 to 1.41) compared with those with income ≥$100 000.

Conclusions

We identified an association between lower household income and adverse outcomes in a large cohort of individuals with AF. Our findings support consideration of income in the evaluation of cardiovascular risk in individuals with AF.
Exercise intervention improves quality of life in older adults after myocardial infarction: randomised clinical trial
Authors: Campo Gianluca , Tonet Elisabetta , Chiaranda Giorgio , Sella Gianluigi , Maietti Elisa , Bugani Giulia , Vitali Francesco , Serenelli Matteo , Mazzoni Gianni , Ruggiero Rossella , Villani Giovanni , Biscaglia Simone , Pavasini Rita , Rubboli Andrea , Campana Roberta , Caglioni Serena , Volpato Stefano , Myers Jonathan , Grazzi Giovanni
Published: March 2020

Objective

To establish the benefits of an early, tailored and low-cost exercise intervention in older patients hospitalised for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

The study was a multicentre, randomised assessment of an exercise intervention in patients with ACS ≥70 years with reduced physical performance (as defined by the short physical performance battery (SPPB), value 4–9). The exercise intervention included four supervised sessions (1, 2, 3, 4 months after discharge) and home-based exercises. The control group attended a health education programme only. The outcomes were the 6-month and 1-year effects on physical performance, daily activities, anxiety/depression and quality of life. Finally, 1-year occurrence of adverse events was recorded.

Results

Overall, 235 patients with ACS (median age 76 (73–81) years) were randomised 1 month after ACS. Exercise and control groups were well balanced. Exercise intervention improved 6-month and 1-year grip strength and gait speed. Exercise intervention was associated with a better quality of life (as measured by EuroQol-visual analogue scale at 6 months 80 (70–90) vs 70 (50–80) points, p<0.001 and at 1 year 75 (70–87) vs 65 (50–80) points, p<0.001) and with a reduced perception of anxiety and/or depression (6 months: 21% vs 42%, p=0.001; 1 year 32% vs 47%, p=0.03). The occurrence of cardiac death and hospitalisation for cardiac cause was lower in the intervention group (7.5% vs 17%, p=0.04).

Conclusions

The proposed early, tailored, low-cost exercise intervention improves mobility, daily activities, quality of life and outcomes in older patients with ACS. Larger studies are needed to confirm the clinical benefit.

Trial registration number

NCT03021044.
Escaping the catch 22 of lupus anticoagulant testing
Authors: Vinholt Pernille Just , Just Søren Andreas
Published: March 2020

High-risk patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) experience increased risk of thrombosis when treated with direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy compared with warfarin. It is essential to establish the APS diagnosis to choose therapy and determine treatment duration. It requires testing for antiphospholipid antibodies, including lupus anticoagulant (LAC). In this viewpoint, we discuss the options for timing of LAC testing, which includes testing before starting anticoagulant treatment (DOAC or warfarin), after switching to heparin or after withdrawal of anticoagulant treatment. DOACs interfere with LAC testing and recommendations emerge stating not to conduct on-therapy LAC testing. All approaches are to some extent currently practised, but have limitations and the area is therefore seemingly a catch 22. We put forward that the anticoagulant effect of DOAC can be eliminated in the laboratory and therefore patients can be tested on-therapy. While it may not eliminate all cases of interference, it could aid the interpretation in these situations and this approach is attractive from the patient and clinician’s perspective. Nevertheless, to prevent misdiagnosis the diagnostic workup for APS requires collaboration between the clinician and the laboratory. We advocate for standardisation in laboratory and clinical practice when diagnosing APS.
PCR detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in piglet processing fluids in the event of a clinical respiratory disease outbreak
Authors: Vilalta Carles , Garcia‐Morante Beatriz , Sanhueza Juan Manuel , Schwartz Mark , Pieters Maria
Published: March 2020

Diagnosis of early infection with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in breeding herds remains challenging. M hyopneumoniae has been recently detected in processing fluids (PFs), an emerging sample suitable for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus monitoring in pig breeding farms. This clinical report describes the unusual detection of M hyopneumoniae in PF at the same time that a clinical respiratory disease outbreak occurred in a previously M hyopneumoniae‐negative sow farm. These results provide new insights into the value that testing PF to detect M hyopneumoniae may have in breeding herds.
Spontaneous gastric rupture presenting as severe pneumoperitoneum in a cat with presumed idiopathic gastric ulceration
Authors: Mate de Haro Luis , Moreno‐Aguado Beatriz , Martí Juan , Kelly Darren
Published: March 2020

An 11‐year‐old female British blue cat was referred for investigation of acute onset vomiting and marked abdominal enlargement. Diagnostic investigations confirmed a large volume of free gas within the abdomen and changes highly suspicious of an ulcerative gastric lesion. Exploratory surgery confirmed the presence of a perforated gastric ulcer and histological analysis showed only associated inflammatory change. The ulcerated lesions were resected, and the cat recovered rapidly with complete resolution of clinical signs. Spontaneous gastric rupture due complete perforation of an ulcer is rarely reported in cats. The vast majority of reported cases present with septic peritonitis, and the majority are subsequently diagnosed with neoplastic disease or a chronic inflammatory aetiology. The cat reported here had no evidence of septic peritonitis, and the authors feel a final diagnosis of idiopathic gastric ulceration is most likely.
Suspected unusual hypermetabolic syndrome after chemical immobilisation in two Mangalica pigs
Authors: Studer Nicole , Gurtner Corinne , Levionnois Olivier Louis Raymond , Droegemueller Cord , Grahofer Alexander
Published: March 2020

Malignant hyperthermia and capture myopathy are two well‐described potentially fatal hypermetabolic syndromes described in animals. Several similar conditions known in humans are triggered by severe stress. This report describes a delayed fatal outcome of an injectable anaesthesia in two Mangalica pigs, where hypermetabolism is suspected to have played an important role. The course of events and the results of the investigations do not completely fit with one of the two well‐known hypermetabolic syndromes. This suggests that variations of the known pathologies exist and that delayed onset might interfere with potentially successful treatment. Combinations of several risk factors like stress susceptibility, ambient temperature, anaesthetic protocol and potentially a genetic predisposition might have triggered a disturbance of metabolic processes in the animals described in this report.
Research Advances on Acupuncture Analgesia
Authors: Qiao Li , Guo Mengjie , Qian Jinjun , Xu Bin , Gu Chunyan , Yang Ye
Published: March 2020

Pain is a widespread and complex symptom which causes serious emotional and social burdens to individuals and society. Most patients with pain rely heavily on over the counter (OTC) and prescription pain killers. However, there would be a number of issues that arise from the use of pain killers, in which safety and addiction are the most critical issues. For traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), pain is a result of the meridians being blocked. This could occur as a symptom of or be caused by various diseases. In this case, the key to relieve pain depends on dredging the meridian or meridians. Acupuncture has been practiced in China for over 2000 years to lessen pain. It is based on the “meridian theory”. Acupuncture is being used more widely and with a growing number of people in the treatment of pain because it is safer and has fewer side effects. Along with growing use and interest in acupuncture to treat pain, more attention has been paid to the mechanism underlying its analgesic effect, which is mainly associated with the changes of neurotransmitters. In this review, we summarize and analyze the range and mechanism of acupuncture analgesia treatment.
Quantification of Pass-by Noise Levels on Urban Roads: Effect of Engine Propulsion and Tire–Road Interaction
Authors: Aditya Kamineni , Chowdary Venkaiah
Published: March 2020

Vehicle speeds frequently fluctuate due to the prevailing heterogeneous traffic conditions on Indian roads. Accordingly, traffic noise levels are affected by different noise sources that depend on various vehicular and roadway characteristics. In order to simulate the actual vehicle noise generation at the possible speeds on Indian roads, an integrated method has been developed in this study to quantify the engine and tire–road noise levels. The governing parameters considered for the pass-by noise quantification include vehicle speed, type of pavement and gear shift/gear transmission. The measured A-weighted noise levels [LAmax (dB)] revealed that tire–road noise levels increased with the rise in vehicle speeds irrespective of the vehicle type and type of the pavement. Further, the tire–road noise levels quantified through the new methodology closely matched the noise levels measured by the standard coast-by method. The cross-over speeds for engine propulsion noise and tire–road interaction noise occur at much lower speeds on the cement concrete pavements compared to the asphalt pavements. On a decisive note, the perspective of measuring the roadside noise levels coupled with an engine propulsion noise measurement as reported in this study is first of its kind and can be used for noise measurements on critical urban roads by priming with the conventional pass-by methods.
Big Fish in a Small Pond: Institutional Trading of Penny Stocks
Authors: Huang Wei , Jiang George J.
Published: March 2020

There has been a steady increase in institutional ownership of penny stocks over the past decades. Nevertheless, we show that penny stocks bought by institutional investors significantly underperform other penny stocks in subsequent four quarters. This poor performance is mainly driven by quasi-indexers, i.e., institutions with passive and widely diversified investment strategies. In comparison, dedicated institutions, i.e., those with low turnover but large average investments in portfolio firms and a commitment to “relationship investing”, have marginally significant ability in trading penny stocks.
A murine model of increased coronary sinus pressure induces myocardial edema with cardiac lymphatic dilation and fibrosis
Authors: Nielsen Natalie R. , Rangarajan Krsna V. , Mao Lan , Rockman Howard A. , Caron Kathleen M.
Published: March 2020

Myocardial edema is a consequence of many cardiovascular stressors, including myocardial infarction, cardiac bypass surgery, and hypertension. The aim of this study was to establish a murine model of myocardial edema and elucidate the response of cardiac lymphatics and the myocardium. Myocardial edema without infarction was induced in mice by cauterizing the coronary sinus, increasing pressure in the coronary venous system, and inducing myocardial edema. In male mice, there was rapid development of edema 3 h following coronary sinus cauterization (CSC), with associated dilation of cardiac lymphatics. By 24 h, males displayed significant cardiovascular contractile dysfunction. In contrast, female mice exhibited a temporal delay in the formation of myocardial edema, with onset of cardiovascular dysfunction by 24 h. Furthermore, myocardial edema induced a ring of fibrosis around the epicardial surface of the left ventricle in both sexes that included fibroblasts, immune cells, and increased lymphatics. Interestingly, the pattern of fibrosis and the cells that make up the fibrotic epicardial ring differ between sexes. We conclude that a novel surgical model of myocardial edema without infarct was established in mice. Cardiac lymphatics compensated by exhibiting both an acute dilatory and chronic growth response. Transient myocardial edema was sufficient to induce a robust epicardial fibrotic and inflammatory response, with distinct sex differences, which underscores the sex-dependent differences that exist in cardiac vascular physiology.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Myocardial edema is a consequence of many cardiovascular stressors, including myocardial infarction, cardiac bypass surgery, and high blood pressure. Cardiac lymphatics regulate interstitial fluid balance and, in a myocardial infarction model, have been shown to be therapeutically targetable by increasing heart function. Cardiac lymphatics have only rarely been studied in a noninfarct setting in the heart, and so we characterized the first murine model of increased coronary sinus pressure to induce myocardial edema, demonstrating distinct sex differences in the response to myocardial edema. The temporal pattern of myocardial edema induction and resolution is different between males and females, underscoring sex-dependent differences in the response to myocardial edema. This model provides an important platform for future research in cardiovascular and lymphatic fields with the potential to develop therapeutic interventions for many common cardiovascular diseases.
Journal of Food Quality Evaluation of Effect of Extraction Solvent on Selected Properties of Olive Leaf Extract
Authors: Cho Won-Young , Kim Da-Hee , Lee Ha-Jung , Yeon Su-Jung , Lee Chi-Ho
Published: March 2020

The quest for natural preservatives and functional foods with health benefits has seen an increasing demand for natural products having therapeutic value. Herein, we investigated the influence of ethanol, methanol, acetone (50%, 70%, and 90% v/v), and distilled water on selected properties of olive leaf extract and determined the yield, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity. Extracts were analyzed for their oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol contents by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The highest extraction yield of 20.41% was obtained when using 90 vol% methanol, while the highest total polyphenol contents of 232 and 231 mggallic-acid-equivalent/100 g were obtained for 90 vol% methanol and 90 vol% ethanol, respectively. Antioxidant activity was determined using the α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, by determining the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and using the Fe2+-chelating activity assay, which provided the highest values when 90 vol% methanol was used (33.84%, 0.75, and 12.91%, respectively). HPLC analysis showed that the highest oleuropein contents corresponded to the extracts obtained using 90 and 70 vol% methanol (26.10 ± 0.20 and 24.92 ± 1.22 g/L, respectively), and the highest antimicrobial activity was observed for 90 vol% methanol and distilled water. Olive leaf extracts using 90 vol% methanol had high levels of polyphenols and were highly antioxidant and antimicrobial. The results of this study facilitate the commercial applications of natural extracts with antioxidant and antibacterial activities and are expected to establish a foundation for further optimization studies.
Effect of Exposure to Famine during Early Life on Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Adulthood: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qin Lu-Lu , Luo Bang-An , Gao Fan , Feng Xiang-Lin , Liu Jia-He
Published: March 2020

Background. Emerging studies have explored the association between the famine exposure during early life and the risk of the metabolic syndrome, and the results remain controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to summarize the famine effects on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adulthood. Materials and Methods. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure for relevant studies up to December 2019. Pooled odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the effect exposure to famine on MetS using a random-effects model, and the I2 was used to evaluate the heterogeneity. Results. The analyses included 39 studies from 10 articles with a total of 81504 participants. Fourteen studies from 10 articles for fetal famine exposure, 20 studies from 7 articles for childhood famine exposure, and 5 studies from 3 articles for adolescence/adult famine exposure were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with a nonexposed group, famine exposure significantly increased the risk of MetS for early life famine exposure (OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.18-1.38), fetal famine exposure (OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.14-1.43), and childhood famine exposure (OR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.16-1.44). Subgroup analyses showed that the result was consistent regardless of the study designs, definitions of MetS, and causes of famine, with or without adjustment for age, smoking, drinking, and physical activity. Conclusions. This meta-analysis suggests that exposure to famine during early life may increase the risk of MetS in adulthood.
Engaging Posterior Capitellum Fracture and Elbow Posterolateral Rotatory Instability: Is It Always Necessary to Treat the Bone Defect?
Authors: Patiño Juan M. , Torres Moirano Juan M.
Published: March 2020

Case. We present a 23-year-old male with 7 episodes of left elbow dislocation during a two-year period. He had a positive pivot shift test with engaging. The original treatment plan included lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction and eventually bone defect grafting and osteosynthesis. However, a bone graft was not performed. After 2 years of follow-up, the DASH score was 3.3. The Mayo Score was 90. Conclusion. Posterolateral instability associated with an engaging bone defect, in every elbow extension and pivot shift test, was not found in the literature. The capitellum defects are associated with PLRI and make it worse. Bone reconstruction may not be indicated.
Numerical Investigation of Performance Improvement and Erosion Characteristics of Vortex Pump Using Particle Model
Authors: Ye Daoxing , Li Hao , Ma Qiuyan , Han Qibiao , Sun Xiulu
Published: March 2020

Vortex pump has characteristics of low efficiency and serious surface erosion of blade, which seriously affects service life. Therefore, it is particularly important to improve the efficiency of vortex pump and reduce erosion of blade surface. In this investigation, the design of experiment was used to determine the test plan and the number of samples tested. The relationship between geometric factors of vortex pump and efficiency and erosion rate of blade was established using the kriging approximation model. The genetic algorithm solved the multiobjective optimization and obtained the Pareto front solution using NSGA-II. The results showed that the width of nonblade cavity of the vortex pump is reduced by 18.93%, the number of blades of the impeller is increased by one, and the outlet width of the blade is increased by 19.81%. The performance after optimization is significantly improved compared with the original prototype. At design flow rate, the efficiency of the vortex pump increases by 3.24%, while the efficiency increases by 2.59% and 6.24% at 0.8Qd and 1.2Qd, respectively. The maximum erosion rate of blade surface 8.52 × 10−4 kg/(m2·s) is reduced to 7.18 × 10−4 kg/(m2·s) at 1.0Qd by optimization, which is reduced by 15.73%. The blade erosion after optimization is significantly controlled, and the angle of particle hitting blade surface is reduced.