bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity and specificity of general movements assessment for detecting cerebral palsy in an Australian context: 2‐year outcomes
Authors: Goyen Traci‐Anne , Morgan Catherine , Crowle Cathryn , Hardman Caroline , Day Rosemary , Novak Iona , Badawi Nadia
Published: August 2020

Aim

We previously reported sensitivity and specificity levels of the general movements assessment (GMA) to detect cerebral palsy (CP) at 1 year within a clinical setting and with the assistance of the New South Wales (NSW) Rater Network. The aim of this study was to determine whether similarly high levels of validity could be maintained in the same group at 2 years.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal cross‐sectional study was conducted. GMA was blind‐rated from conventional video by two independent certified raters, blinded to medical history. A third rater resolved disagreements. High‐risk population screening for CP using the GMA during the fidgety period (12–20 weeks) was carried out in four neonatal intensive care units and one CP service over a 30‐month period. Participants were 259 high‐risk infants for the initial study. Multidisciplinary follow‐up at 2–3 years included Bayley Scales of Infant Development and confirmed diagnosis of CP. Sensitivity and specificity values were calculated with true positives defined as a confirmed diagnosis of CP.

Results

At 2–3 years, 184 (71%) completed the follow‐up assessment. GMA was normal for 134 (73%, low risk for CP), absent fidgety for 48 (26%, high risk for CP) and abnormal fidgety for 2 (1%, high risk for abnormal neurological disorder). Sensitivity for detecting CP was 97.6% (40/41) and specificity 95.7% (133/139). Sensitivity for detecting any abnormal outcome with absent/abnormal fidgety general movements (GMs) was 57.9% (44/76) and specificity 94.4% (101/107).

Conclusion

Excellent levels of sensitivity and specificity of the GMA for detecting CP in the clinical setting were maintained at 2 years and were similar to our previously reported findings.
Melatonin protects mouse testes from palmitic acid‐induced lipotoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress and DNA damage in a SIRT1‐dependent manner
Authors: Xu Dejun , Liu Lingbin , Zhao Yongju , Yang Li , Cheng Jianyong , Hua Rongmao , Zhang Zelin , Li Qingwang
Published: August 2020

Palmitic acid (PA), the main component of dietary saturated fat, has been known to increase in patients with obesity, and PA‐induced lipotoxicity may contribute to obesity‐related male infertility. Melatonin has beneficial effects on reproductive processes; however, the effect and the underlying molecular mechanism of melatonin's involvement in PA‐induced cytotoxicity in the testes are poorly understood. Our findings showed that lipotoxicity was observed in mouse testes after long‐term PA treatment and that melatonin therapy restored spermatogenesis and fertility in these males. Moreover, melatonin therapy suppressed PA‐induced apoptosis by modulating apoptosis‐associated proteins such as Bcl2, Bax, C‐Caspase3, C‐Caspase12, and CHOP in type B spermatogonial stem cells. Changes in the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers (p‐IRE1, p‐PERK, ATF4) and intracellular Ca2+ levels showed that melatonin relieved PA‐induced ER stress. Mechanistically, melatonin stimulated the expression and nuclear translocation of SIRT1 through its receptors and prevented PA‐induced ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction via SIRT1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, melatonin promoted SIRT1‐mediated p53 deacetylation, thereby relieving G2/M arrest in response to PA‐stimulated DNA damage. Collectively, these findings indicate that melatonin protects the testes from PA‐induced lipotoxicity through the activation of SIRT1, which alleviates oxidative stress, ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage.
Lactobacillus casei TH14 and additives could modulate the quality, gas kinetics and the in vitro digestibility of ensilaged rice straw
Authors: Cherdthong Anusorn , Suntara Chanon , Khota Waroon
Published: August 2020

This study's objectives were to (a) consider the combined effects of Lactobacillus casei TH14 and additives on fermentation quality, nutritive value and microbial composition when ensiling rice straw and (b) evaluate the ensiled rice straw using the in vitro gas production technique. A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (CRD) was used in a randomized complete design with three replications. The rice straw was treated with L. casei TH14 (T) at 0 and 105 colony‐forming unit (cfu)/kg fresh matter (FM), cellulase (C) at 0 and 10,000 unit/kg FM and molasses (M) at 0 and 50 g/kg FM. After 30 days, the dry matter content of the ensiled rice straw was a range between 261.77 and 287.01 g/kg while untreated rice straw was 934.00 g/kg. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) contents were decreased when treated with C (p < .01). Th

e pH, ammonia‐nitrogen, lactic acid, acetic acid and butyric acid values were affected by the interaction among the additives. In particular, pH was significantly (p < .01) lower in rice straw treated with T × C × M. Lactic acid bacterium (LAB) counts were highest when ensilage rice straw with T × C × M (p < .05), while untreated rice straw indicated highest amount for aerobic bacteria (p < .01) and yeast populations (p < .01). Interaction among additives had no effect (p > .05) on gas production rate constant for the insoluble fraction (c value), but combination between C × M with ensiled rice straw reduced the c value (p < .05). The in vitro dry matter digestibility at 48 hr after incubation increased when rice straw was treated with T × C (p < .01), T × M (p < .05) and C × M (p < .05). Total volatile fatty acids at 4 hr and the mean value were increased (p < .05) when ensiled rice straw with T × C or T × M. Propionic acid was improved by adding C or M (p < .05). T × M did not influence (p > .05) any ruminal microorganism counts except for bacterial counts at 4 hr (p < .01). Thus, ensiled rice straw with T × C × M could promote the quality of ensiled rice straw and improve gas kinetics, fibre digestion and ruminal characteristics.
Idiopathic Facial Aseptic Granuloma in an older child: A case report in a pre‐adolescent boy
Authors: Burns Emily , Qin Rosie , Metry Denise
Published: August 2020

Idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma (IFAG) is an uncommon, benign lesion that presents in the pediatric population. The diagnosis is classically associated with preschool‐aged children. Herein, we present a case of IFAG in a pre‐adolescent boy, emphasizing the importance of diagnostic consideration in older children.
Modeling the Unsteady Dynamics of a Turbine Research Facility
Authors: Longley John P.
Published: August 2020

The accuracy with which experimental investigations of turbine performance need to be undertaken require either a semi- or fully automated control of the operating point as any variation can compromise the reliability of the measurements. Fundamentally, both the mass flowrate through the turbine and the applied brake torque need to be adjusted in real time so that the required operating point is maintained. This paper describes the development of a time accurate computational simulation of the unsteady dynamics of a large-scale, low-speed turbine facility when its operating point is determined by a full-authority control system. The motivation for the development of the computational simulation was to be able to safely undertake parametric studies to refine the control system and to investigate the cause of monotonic excursions of the operating point which were observed after a major rebuild. The monotonic excursions of the turbine operating point could only be reproduced by the computational simulation after an unsteady aerodynamic coupling between the turbine exit flow and the downstream centrifugal fan had been incorporated. Based on this observation, a honeycomb was installed upstream of the fan in the turbine facility. This eliminated the monotonic excursions and the fractional noise of the operating point was reduced by 37%. When combined with an earlier refinement of the control system, the fractional noise was reduced by a factor of three. This enables the number of repeated measurements to be reduced by nine and still obtain the same quality of data.
The (inner) world according to GARP: Genetic susceptibility and regulatory T cells
Authors: Pillai Shiv
Published: August 2020

A human autoimmune and allergic disease susceptibility variant on chromosome 11 results in the reduced expression of the gene encoding the GARP protein and thus compromises the function of regulatory T cells.
Development of Strong Anaerobic Fluorescent Reporters for Clostridium acetobutylicum and Clostridium ljungdahlii Using HaloTag and SNAP-tag Proteins
Authors: Charubin Kamil , Streett Hannah , Papoutsakis Eleftherios Terry
Published: August 2020

Up to this point, assays and methods involving fluorescent reporter proteins were unavailable or limited in
Clostridium
organisms and other strict anaerobes. Green fluorescent protein (GFP), mCherry, and flavin-binding proteins (and their derivatives) have been used only in a few clostridia with limited success and yielded low fluorescence compared to aerobic microbial systems. Recently, we reported a new strong fluorescent reporter system based on the FAST protein as a first step in expanding the fluorescence-based reporters for
Clostridium
and other anaerobic microbial platforms. Additional strong orthogonal fluorescent proteins, with distinct emission spectra are needed to allow for (i) multispecies tracking within the growing field of microbial cocultures and microbiomes, (ii) protein localization and tracking in anaerobes, and (iii) identification and development of natural and synthetic promoters, ribosome-binding sites (RBS), and terminators for optimal protein expression in anaerobes. Here, we present two new strong fluorescent reporter systems based on the HaloTag and SNAP-tag proteins.
Pliocene–Pleistocene basin evolution along the Garlock fault zone, Pilot Knob Valley, California
Authors: Rittase William M. , Walker J. Douglas , Andrew Joe , Kirby Eric , Wan Elmira
Published: August 2020

Exposed Pliocene–Pleistocene terrestrial strata provide an archive of the spatial and temporal development of a basin astride the sinistral Garlock fault in California. In the southern Slate Range and Pilot Knob Valley, an ∼2000-m-thick package of Late Cenozoic strata has been uplifted and tilted to the northeast. We name this succession the formation of Pilot Knob Valley and provide new chronologic, stratigraphic, and provenance data for these rocks. The unit is divided into five members that record different source areas and depositional patterns: (1) the lowest exposed strata are conglomeratic rocks derived from Miocene Eagle Crags volcanic field to the south and east across the Garlock fault; (2) the second member consists mostly of fine-grained rocks with coarser material derived from both southern and northern sources; and (3) the upper three members are primarily coarse-grained conglomerates and sandstones derived from the adjacent Slate Range to the north. Tephrochronologic data from four ash samples bracket deposition of the second member to 3.6–3.3 Ma and the fourth member to between 1.1 and 0.6 Ma. A fifth tephrochronologic sample from rocks south of the Garlock fault near Christmas Canyon brackets deposition of a possible equivalent to the second member of the formation of Pilot Knob Valley at ca. 3.1 Ma. Although the age of the base of the lowest member is not directly dated, regional stratigraphic and tectonic associations suggest that the basin started forming ca. 4–5 Ma. By ca. 3.6 Ma, the northward progradation fanglomerate sourced in the Eagle Crags region waned, and subsequent deposition occurred in shallow lacustrine systems. At ca. 3.3 Ma, southward progradation of conglomerates derived from the Slate Range began. Circa 1.1 Ma, continued southward progradation of fanglomerate with Slate Range sources is characterized by a shift to coarser grain sizes, interpreted to reflect uplift of the Slate Range. Overall, basin architecture and the temporal evolution of different source regions were controlled by activity on three regionally important faults—the Garlock, the Marine Gate, and the Searles Valley faults. The timing and style of motions on these faults appear to be directly linked to patterns of basin development.
Crack-resistant cement–bentonite cut-off wall materials incorporating superabsorbent polymers
Authors: Cao Benyi , Chen Jingtao , Al-Tabbaa Abir
Published: August 2020

Preserving the integrity of cement–bentonite cut-off walls, particularly in aggressive environments, is critical to their serviceability in polluted sites. The hardened cement–bentonite material in cut-off walls is highly susceptible to desiccation and wet–dry cycles, commonly leading to cracking. The objective of the work presented in this paper was to develop crack-resistant cement–bentonite cut-off wall materials subject to wet–dry cycles. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), which are cross-linked polymers that can absorb and retain a large amount of water and swell as a result, were employed for this purpose. It is found that the added SAPs increased the compressive strength by decreasing the water-to-cement ratio and that the strain at failure also increased due to energy dissipative and reinforcement effects. In addition, crack resistance was greatly improved under the imposed wet–dry cycles as the matrix suction was reduced as a result of the reduction of the contact between the free pore water and cement–bentonite particles and the increase of the pore size in the matrix. The morphology and microstructure of the interconnected foam network formed by the SAP films in the matrix were identified with SEM-EDX and micro-CT scan analyses. The results demonstrated the significant potential for SAPs in the development of crack-resistant cement–bentonite cut-off wall materials.
CcpN: a moonlighting protein regulating catabolite repression of gluconeogenic genes in Bacillus subtilis also affects cell length and interacts with DivIVA
Authors: Sharma Kusum , Sultana Taranum , Dahms Tanya E.S. , Dillon Jo-Anne R.
Published: August 2020

CcpN is a transcriptional repressor in Bacillus subtilis that binds to the promoter region of gapB and pckA, downregulating their expression in the presence of glucose. CcpN also represses sr1, which encodes a small noncoding regulatory RNA that suppresses the arginine biosynthesis gene cluster. CcpN has homologues in other Gram-positive bacteria, including Enterococcus faecalis. We report the interaction of CcpN with DivIVA of B. subtilis as determined using bacterial two-hybrid and glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays. Insertional inactivation of CcpN leads to cell elongation and formation of straight chains of cells. These findings suggest that CcpN is a moonlighting protein involved in both gluconeogenesis and cell elongation.
Application of Porous Carbon Material As Electrode Material of Polyvalent Cation Electric Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC) for High Capacity
Authors: Okamura Tsubasa , Nakagawa Kiyoharu
Published: August 2020

Electric double layer capacitors (EDLC) are charged and discharged by the physical adsorption and desorption of electrolyte ions on the electrode surface. EDLC has the advantages of high-speed charge and discharge and long life. EDLC is used in memory backup power supplies such as personal computers and energy regenerative systems for power regenerative brakes in hybrid vehicles. In recent years, demand for applications such as in-vehicle power supplies has increased. Therefore, high energy density is required. The energy density increases by increasing the electrostatic capacity and the potential. In the conventional adsorption and desorption of monovalent cations, only one electron can be exchanged for each cation. In adsorption and desorption, two electrons can be exchanged for each cation. Therefore, it was considered that the capacitance can be increased by using an electrolyte of divalent cations.In this study, Ca2+ was used as the divalent cation. As an organic electrolyte, propylene carbonate (PC) and γ-butyrolactone (GBL), which are commonly used in EDLC research as a solvent and can dissolve the electrolyte used. In addition, the dependence of the specific surface area and pore characteristics of the electrode material on the capacity was examined. Activated carbon and carbon gel were used as electrode materials. The capacitance of Ca2+ electrolyte increased when GBL was used as the solvent. Capacitance increased depending on the specific surface area of electrode materials.
PRiME 2020 #F01-1561
Authors: Komatsu Masaharu
Published: August 2020

Progress and a price reduction of the photovoltaic power generation technology are important research themes. Then, it is splendid if the poisonous plant and the activated carbon can be used. A poisonous plant and the used activated carbons are collected in large quantities and cheaply from the imminent place. With the I-V characteristics of dye-sensitized solar cell where four kinds of edible food colors for as an adsorption pigment each were used, the open circuit voltage, short circuit photocurrent density, and light energy conversion efficiency were showed the highest values for a gardenia blue pigment. With the CV curves of the glassy carbon electrode before and after the modification of the ingredient derived from charcoal burner, a cathodic peak potential around -755 mV was positively shifted to the approximately 125 mV after modification.
Effect of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation at Auricular Concha for Insomnia: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Jiao Yue , Guo Xiao , Luo Man , Li Suxia , Liu Aihua , Zhao Yufeng , Zhao Bin , Wang Dequan , Li Zaifang , Zheng Xiaojiao , Wu Mozheng , Rong Peijing
Published: August 2020

Insomnia inflicts mental burden and decreases physical productivity and affects life quality. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (ta‐VNS) may be an effective treatment option for insomnia. This study aims to evaluate the effect and safety of ta‐VNS and compare it with transcutaneous nonvagus nerve stimulation (tn‐VNS). A multicenter, randomized, clinical trial was conducted at 3 hospitals in China enrolling 72 insomnia participants from May 2016 to June 2017. Participants were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to receive 40 sessions of ta‐VNS or tn‐VNS treatment. 63 participants completed the trial. ta‐VNS treatment significantly decreased the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, Flinders Fatigue Scale score, Hamilton Depression Scale score, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale score over 4 weeks compared with those of the baseline. Moreover, it also significantly increased the 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey Questionnaire scores compared with that of the baseline. However, it did not show significant differences compared with tn‐VNS in changes of primary and secondary outcomes. The incidence of adverse events was low. ta‐VNS significantly relieved insomnia over 4 weeks. Moreover, it also alleviated fatigue and improved participants’ quality of life as well as other concomitant symptoms such as depression and anxiety. This trial is registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn) with the registration number: ChiCTR-TRC-13003519.
Multiple Dental Inclusion in Monozygotic Twins with Congenital Visual Impairment
Authors: Galluccio G. , Impellizzeri A. , De Stefano A. A. , Serritella E. , Guercio Monaco E.
Published: August 2020

The study presents two monozygotic twins (MZ) with multiple impacted teeth, affecting the upper canines and lower second molars, as well as congenital aniridia. The clinical aspect of the upper canines is peculiar because of the different positions—palatal in one and buccal in the other twin. Studies reporting different scenarios of impaction in monozygotic twins can contribute more data to the debate on tooth eruption aetiology and more so in this case because of the association with a genetic panocular disease. Patients’ Concerns. The patients were referred by a general dentist, who diagnosed the presence of multiple inclusions. Diagnostic Study. Both patients showed severe malocclusion, classified as grade 5 of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). The MZ showed class I malocclusion, upper and lower crowding, and impacted lower right and left second molars. A Dentascan was prescribed for the canine impaction. The impaction of the upper canine was palatal of 2.3 in one of the MZ and buccal of 1.3 in the other one. The same altered pattern of eruption of the lower second molars was identified in both twins. The proposed treatment plan contemplated orthodontic surgical recovery of the impacted elements, followed by orthodontic treatment with multibracket appliance after the extraction of the first four premolars, given the crowding entity. The use of a retraction spring action was chosen for the recovery of the lower second molars. Many aspects of the possible genetic aetiology of tooth impaction are still under discussion. The study of diseases in twins offers decisive information. Finally, the possibility that alterations in the eruptive pattern of the dental elements may be associated with other congenital problems broadens the range of investigations related to the possible aetiological causes of the inclusions in humans.
Isoflurane Induced Malignant Hyperthermia in a Patient with Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency and Growth Hormone Abuse
Authors: Ravaei Hojatolah , Yavari Barhaghtalab Mohammad Javad , Salehi Vahid , Hejr Hossein
Published: August 2020

Malignant hyperthermia is a pharmacogenetic disorder in the regulation of calcium in skeletal muscles which is related to an uninhibited muscle hypermetabolic reaction to potent inhalation agents, the depolarizing muscle relaxant succinylcholine, and to stressors such as vigorous exercise and heat. MH is diagnosed by the clinical presentation of the disease and laboratory testing. There are a few previous studies working on if there is an association between the occurrence of malignant hyperthermia and the existence of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, and there was no report on growth hormone doping in the literature. So, our main goal was to show this rare case of malignant hyperthermia seen in a G6PD patient with growth hormone abuse who underwent surgery and to find if there is an association between G6PD deficiency, growth hormone abuse, and malignant hyperthermia. Our patient was a 17-year-old boy with right lower quadrant abdominal pain and tenderness who underwent appendectomy. At the end of the operation, the patient developed with an increased heart rate (sinus tachycardia), increased body temperature and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) level, masseter muscle rigidity, and then, generalized body rigidity, so the malignant hyperthermia susceptibility was considered. The patient was managed by cooling down the patient and the administration of dantrolene. We could hypothesize that malignant hyperthermia might be associated with G6PD deficiency as a triggering factor, but has no association with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) abuse. Another main lesson which this study tells us is to make a careful and proper history taking before going on an operation for preoperative evaluation and identification of patients with any form of suspicious drug abuse in order not to receive volatile inhalational agents and, also, performing some preventive measures including avoidance of heat extremes and restricting athletic activity in a patient with a history of malignant hyperthermia, and if the malignant hyperthermia susceptibility is suspected, urgent management should be carried out. As the association between G6PD deficiency, human growth hormone abuse, and malignant hyperthermia has remained unclear up-to-date, further potent studies are seriously needed in the future.
Four Years of Observation to Evaluate Autonomy and Quality of Life after Implantation of a High-Add Intraocular Lens in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients
Authors: Borkenstein Andreas F. , Borkenstein Eva-Maria
Published: August 2020

Visual impairment resulting from advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) limits the ability to perform activities required for independent living and adversely affects quality of life. We aimed to determine changes in these parameters in patients with AMD-related geographic atrophy who underwent magnifying cataract surgery (MAGS) using a foldable, bifocal high-add intraocular lens (IOL). The high-add IOL (LENTIS® MAX LS-313 MF 80, Oculentis) was implanted in the better seeing or dominant eye of eligible patients with clinically significant cataract, best corrected distance visual acuity 1.3–0.5 logMAR (20/400–20/63), best corrected near visual acuity >0.8 logMAR (20/125), and stable advanced dry AMD. Self-reported feasibility of performing routine activities and change in quality of life were the main outcome measures. Eleven of 15 operated patients had complete follow-up to 48 months. There were no significant intraoperative or postoperative complications. AMD converted from dry to wet in 2 patients. All patients reported functional gains in the first 3–6 months after surgery, and 10/11 patients reported improved quality of life. From baseline to 48 months, functional performance remained improved in all patients, and quality of life remained improved in the 9 patients with stable AMD. Best corrected distance visual acuity and uncorrected near visual acuity improved in all cases after surgery. Conclusion: Implantation of the high-add IOL was safe and resulted in durable functional and quality of life benefits. To our knowledge, our report describes the longest prospective follow-up (4 years) of a series of patients undergoing MAGS for rehabilitation of low vision related to advanced AMD. Data are needed from larger cohorts, but our experience supports giving consideration to MAGS in appropriately selected patients with low vision related to advanced dry AMD. We encourage further industry development of this technology and additional clinical research to collect more outcomes data to determine its potential to help patients maintain highly valued autonomy and quality of life.
Hustenreflex bei Demenz: Differenzierte Medikamentenstrategie zur Vermeidung von Pneumonien nutzen
Authors: Frohnhofen Helmut
Published: August 2020

Cough, an important respiratory symptom, predominantly involves the brainstem and the urge-to-cough (UTC) is modulated by the cerebral cortex. Lewy body disease is associated with decreased cough reflex sensitivity and central respiratory chemosensitivity. Additionally, the insula, associated with the UTC, shows decreased activation and atrophy in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). We investigated the relationships between cognition and cough reflex and the UTC and compared the differences in responses of patients with DLB and other dementia subtypes. We conducted a cross-sectional study within a geriatric ward of a university hospital involving elderly patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), DLB, or non-dementia (controls). The cough reflex sensitivities were estimated based on the lowest concentrations of inhaled citric acid that could induce ≥2 coughs (C2) or ≥5 coughs (C5). Subjects were asked to rate the UTC based on the threshold concentrations (Cu) using the modified Borg scale. C2, C5 and Cu were negatively correlated with cognitive function in female participants but not in males (p < 0.01). The cough reflex sensitivities expressed as C2 and C5 were significantly higher in the DLB group than in the AD and control groups (p < 0.01 adjusted for gender). The UTC threshold expressed as Cu was also significantly higher in the DLB group, while the UTC log-log slope was less responsive in the DLB group than in the other groups. The cough reflex sensitivity and perceived UTC deteriorated in the DLB group more than in the other groups. This result might be valuable in treating patients with DLB.
Delayed-Onset Retrobulbar Hemorrhage and Glaucoma Drainage Device Extrusion in a Patient on Anticoagulation: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Hee Jun , Jeong Seongyong , Lim Su-Ho
Published: August 2020

Both retrobulbar hemorrhage and plate extrusion are uncommon complications after implantation of a glaucoma drainage device (GDD). There are no published reports on extrusion of an Ahmed glaucoma valve after delayed-onset retrobulbar hemorrhage in Korea. Herein, we report a case of spontaneous extrusion of a GDD after delayed-onset retrobulbar hemorrhage in a patient on anticoagulation. The case was a 72-year-old man with open-angle glaucoma and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, as well as systemic hypertension, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure due to coronary heart disease, and chronic kidney disease, who underwent combined Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation and cataract extraction surgery in his right eye. The body remained in position with control of intraocular pressure for 2 months. On day 67 (5 days post-coronary artery bypass surgery), he complained of decreased visual acuity, periorbital swelling, bloody discharge, and limited extraocular movement. One month later, the body was extruded with a scleral flap tear. Therefore, delayed-onset retrobulbar hemorrhage should be kept in mind in patients on anticoagulants after insertion of a GDD.
Asthma und COPD: Bronchodilatation durch nasale High-Flow-Therapie
Authors: Haidl Peter
Published: August 2020

Background: There has been increasing interest in transnasal pulmonary aerosol administration, but the dose-response relationship has not been reported. Objectives: To determine the accumulative bronchodilator dose at which patients with stable mild-to-moderate asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) achieve similar spirometry responses before and after bronchodilator tests using albuterol via a metered dose inhaler with a valved holding chamber (MDI + VHC). Method: Adult patients who met ATS/ERS criteria for bronchodilator responses in pulmonary function laboratory were recruited and consented to participate. After a washout period, patients received escalating doubling dosages (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg) of albuterol in a total volume of 2 mL delivered by vibrating mesh nebulizer via a nasal cannula at 37 °C with a flow rate of 15–20 L/min using a Venturi air entrainment device. Spirometry was measured at baseline and after each dose. Titration was stopped when an additional forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) improvement was < 5%. Results: 42 patients (16 males) with stable mild-to-moderate asthma (n = 29) and COPD (n = 13) were enrolled. FEV1 increment after a cumulative dose of 1.5 mg of albuterol via nasal cannula at 15–20 L/min was similar to 4 actuations of MDI + VHC (0.34 ± 0.18 vs. 0.34 ± 0.12 L, p = 0.878). Using ATS/ERS criteria of the bronchodilator test, 33.3% (14/42) and 69% (29/42) of patients responded to 0.5 and 1.5 mg of albuterol, respectively. Conclusions: With a nasal cannula at 15–20 L/min, transnasal pulmonary delivery of 1.5 mg albuterol resulted in similar bronchodilator response as 4 actuations of MDI + VHC.
Sleep Patterns and Development of Children with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Torun Emine Gulsah , Ertugrul Aysegul , Tekguc Doga Ceren , Bostanci Ilknur
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that begins in early childhood. Sleep problems have increased in children with AD. The aim of this study was to evaluate sleep patterns and the development of children with AD at an early age. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study consisting of a total of 80 children aged 0–36 months with AD. Patients were evaluated by the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire and International Guide for Monitoring Child Development. Results: The median age (IQR) of the patients was 6 (4.25–9) months, 63.7% of them were male and 50% of them had sleep problems. Male sex (OR: 3.78, p = 0.024, 95% CI, 0.083–0.837), patients with AD who were in the first 3 months after diagnosis (OR: 3.56; 95% CI, 1.220–10.43, p = 0.020), and moderate-severe AD (OR: 5.09; 95% CI, 1.649–15.748, p = 0.005) were determined as risk factors for sleep problems. In all, 12.5% of the patients needed support for one or more developmental areas (gross motor skills, expressive language and communication, receptive language, fine motor skills, relationship, and play). Developmental delay was higher in patients with sleep problems (p = 0.037). Multiple siblings (OR: 14.381; 95% CI, 1.557–132.871, p = 0.019) and the presence of sleep problems (OR: 8.011; 95% CI, 1.764–36.387, p = 0.024) were found to be risk factors for developmental delay. Conclusion: Boys with moderate-severe AD within the first 3 months of diagnosis were at increased risk for sleep problems. Children with AD who have multiple siblings and sleep problems should be evaluated for developmental delay and monitored closely.
O ensino de imunologia na graduação de medicina veterinária
Authors: Massari Catia Helena de Almeida Lima , Flôres Luciana Silveira , Santos João Marcos Leite , Turquetti Anaelise De Oliveira Macedo , Miglino Maria Angélica , Júnior José Roberto Kfoury
Published: August 2020

A disciplina de Imunologia Aplicada à Medicina Veterinária objetiva estudar os componentes celulares e moleculares do sistema imunológico dos animais domésticos e silvestres, bem como os mecanismos de resposta imune. Na maioria dos cursos, sua prática pedagógica ainda é abordada através da tradicional aula expositiva sob um paradigma de ataque-defesa do organismo, embora alguns cursos já estejam incorporando uma visão mais contemporânea cujo enfoque está no entendimento do sistema imune como um aparelho de reconhecimento, com diferentes consequências para os organismos como: tolerância, imunidade, hipersensibilidade e autoimunidade. Nesse sentido, é importante enfatizar a noção de que o sistema imunológico é parte de um amplo programa de manutenção de equilíbrio do organismo e, quando esse sistema está comprometido, disfunções podem surgir. Além disso, vale ressaltar a grande interação entre seus componentes com outros sistemas, especialmente o sistema neuroendócrino, além da complexa rede de regulação que os controla. Por esse ponto de vista, as metodologias ativas de ensino e aprendizagem, com ênfase em uma aprendizagem baseada em problemas, objetivam a melhoria das aulas expositivas de Imunologia. No curso de graduação em Medicina Veterinária, uma tendência é o ensino multimodal em que o aluno aprende por meio de ferramentas variadas, incrementando assim o desempenho acadêmico. Portanto, sugere-se que as metodologias inovadoras para ensino-aprendizagem sobre o sistema imunológico sejam encorajadas dentro das instituições de Ensino Superior.
Rapid Diet Assessment Screening Tools for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Across Healthcare Settings: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Vadiveloo Maya , Lichtenstein Alice H. , Anderson Cheryl , Aspry Karen , Foraker Randi , Griggs Skylar , Hayman Laura L. , Johnston Emily , Stone Neil J. , Thorndike Anne N. ,   On behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health; Council on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Clinical Cardiology; and Stroke Council
Published: August 2020

It is critical that diet quality be assessed and discussed at the point of care with clinicians and other members of the healthcare team to reduce the incidence and improve the management of diet-related chronic disease, especially cardiovascular disease. Dietary screening or counseling is not usually a component of routine medical visits. Moreover, numerous barriers exist to the implementation of screening and counseling, including lack of training and knowledge, lack of time, sense of futility, lack of reimbursement, competing demands during the visit, and absence of validated rapid diet screener tools with coupled clinical decision support to identify actionable modifications for improvement. With more widespread use of electronic health records, there is an enormous unmet opportunity to provide evidence-based clinician-delivered dietary guidance using rapid diet screener tools that must be addressed. In this scientific statement from the American Heart Association, we provide rationale for the widespread adoption of rapid diet screener tools in primary care and relevant specialty care prevention settings, discuss the theory- and practice-based criteria of a rapid diet screener tool that supports valid and feasible diet assessment and counseling in clinical settings, review existing tools, and discuss opportunities and challenges for integrating a rapid diet screener tool into clinician workflows through the electronic health record.
Enhanced Family Tree: Evolving Research and Expression: Best Paper Award
Authors: Xiang Fan , Zhu Shunshan , Wang Zhigang , Maher Kevin , Liu Yi , Zhu Yilin , Chen Kaixi , Liang Zhiqiang
Published: August 2020

Enhanced Family Tree reimagines the possibilities of family trees with an evolving series of exhibits. The authors’ works combine genealogical data, visualization, 3D technologies and interactivity to explore and display ancient genealogical relationships. Their new approach may reveal questionable relationships in genealogical records. Moreover, the authors’ use of an organic metaphor of a “tree” can be further extended to increase public understanding and engagement. The audience's questions arising from this project show increased curiosity and nuanced questioning about their own family origins and development.
Resonant Waves: Immersed in Geometry
Authors: Grillotti Richard , DiLallo Andy , Forbes Angus G.
Published: August 2020

This article introduces Resonant Waves, a work of interactive new media art that incorporates cymatic patterns into an immersive installation. The authors describe their research and design process in creating Resonant Waves, and they discuss technical details about the installation, highlighting innovative aspects of the project and contextualizing the project in terms of previous cymatics research and related artistic explorations of complex phenomena. Finally, the authors discuss audience reaction to different installations of the project and identify directions for future research in immersive cymatics.
Rilievo: Artistic Scene Authoring via Interactive Height Map Extrusion in VR
Authors: Eroglu Sevinc , Schmitz Patric , Martinez Carlos Aguilera , Rusch Jana , Kobbelt Leif , Kuhlen Torsten W.
Published: August 2020

The authors present a virtual authoring environment for artistic creation in VR. It enables the effortless conversion of 2D images into volumetric 3D objects. Artistic elements in the input material are extracted with a convenient VR-based segmentation tool. Relief sculpting is then performed by interactively mixing different height maps. These are automatically generated from the input image structure and appearance. A prototype of the tool is showcased in an analog-virtual artistic workflow in collaboration with a traditional painter. It combines the expressiveness of analog painting and sculpting with the creative freedom of spatial arrangement in VR.
the Unknown Person: Post-Colonial Fictioning, Personal Stories and Surveillance
Authors: Wong Eddie
Published: August 2020

the Unknown Person connects the artist's family history to Britain's postcolonial “fictioning.” The project interrogates the gaze of surveillance and social control systems to explore the fiction of the self, data and liminal spaces of the City of London. The final output of this research is a video documentary that employs machine learning processes and facial recognition techniques to generate visuals to reveal the aesthetic value of a neural network. The project culminated as an installation of multiple screens mounted on a scaffolding structure.
Analysis of epigenetic aging in vivo and in vitro: Factors controlling the speed and direction
Authors: Matsuyama Mieko , Søraas Arne , Yu Sarah , Kim Kyuhyeon , Stavrou Evi X , Caimi Paolo F , Wald David , deLima Marcos , Dahl John A , Horvath Steve , Matsuyama Shigemi
Published: August 2020

The mechanism of aging is not yet fully understood. It has been recognized that there are age-dependent changes in the DNA methylation pattern of the whole genome. To date, there are several DNA methylation-based estimators of the chronological age. A majority of the estimators use the DNA methylation data from a single tissue type, such as blood. In 2013, for the first time, Steve Horvath reported the DNA methylation-based age estimator (353 CpGs were used) that could be applied to multiple tissues. A refined, more sensitive version that uses 391 CpGs was subsequently developed and validated in human cells, including fibroblasts. In this review, the age predicted by DNA methylation-based age estimator is referred to as DNAmAge, and the biological process controlling the progression of DNAmAge is referred to as the epigenetic aging in this minireview. The concepts of DNAmAge and epigenetic aging provide us opportunities to discover previously unrecognized biological events controlling aging. In this article, we discuss the frequently asked questions regarding DNAmAge and the epigenetic aging by introducing recent studies of ours and others. We focus on addressing the following questions: (1) Is there any synchronization of DNAmAge between cells in a human body?, (2) Can we use in vitro (cell culture) systems to study the epigenetic aging?, (3) Is there an age limit of DNAmAge?, and (4) Is it possible to change the speed and direction of the epigenetic aging? We describe our current understandings to these questions and outline potential future directions.

Impact statement

Aging is associated with DNA methylation (DNAm) changes. Recent advancement of the whole-genome DNAm analysis technology allowed scientists to develop DNAm-based age estimators. A majority of these estimators use DNAm data from a single tissue type such as blood. In 2013, a multi-tissue age estimator using DNAm pattern of 353 CpGs was developed by Steve Horvath. This estimator was named “epigenetic clock”, and the improved version using DNAm pattern of 391 CpGs was developed in 2018. The estimated age by epigenetic clock is named DNAmAge. DNAmAge can be used as a biomarker of aging predicting the risk of age-associated diseases and mortality. Although the DNAm-based age estimators were developed, the mechanism of epigenetic aging is still enigmatic. The biological significance of epigenetic aging is not well understood, either. This minireview discusses the current understanding of the mechanism of epigenetic aging and the future direction of aging research.
Effectiveness of a resistance training program on physical function, muscle strength, and body composition in community-dwelling older adults receiving home care: a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bårdstu Hilde Bremseth , Andersen Vidar , Fimland Marius Steiro , Aasdahl Lene , Raastad Truls , Cumming Kristoffer T. , Sæterbakken Atle Hole
Published: August 2020

Background

Aging is associated with reduced muscle mass and strength leading to impaired physical function. Resistance training programs incorporated into older adults’ real-life settings may have the potential to counteract these changes. We evaluated the effectiveness of 8 months resistance training using easily available, low cost equipment compared to physical activity counselling on physical function, muscle strength, and body composition in community-dwelling older adults receiving home care.

Methods

This open label, two-armed, parallel group, cluster randomized trial recruited older adults above 70 years (median age 86.0 (Interquartile range 80–90) years) receiving home care. Participants were randomized at cluster level to the resistance training group (RTG) or the control group (CG). The RTG trained twice a week while the CG were informed about the national recommendations for physical activity and received a motivational talk every 6th week. Outcomes were assessed at participant level at baseline, after four, and 8 months and included tests of physical function (chair rise, 8 ft-up-and-go, preferred- and maximal gait speed, and stair climb), maximal strength, rate of force development, and body composition.

Results

Twelve clusters were allocated to RTG (7 clusters, 60 participants) or CG (5 clusters, 44 participants). The number of participants analyzed was 56–64 (6–7 clusters) in RTG and 20–42 (5 clusters) in CG. After 8 months, multilevel linear mixed models showed that RTG improved in all tests of physical function and maximal leg strength (9–24%, p = 0.01–0.03) compared to CG. No effects were seen for rate of force development or body composition.

Conclusion

This study show that resistance training using easily available, low cost equipment is more effective than physical activity counselling for improving physical function and maximal strength in community-dwelling older adults receiving home care.

Trial registration

ISRCTN1067873
Spatial modes for transmission of chikungunya virus during a large chikungunya outbreak in Italy: a modeling analysis
Authors: Guzzetta Giorgio , Vairo Francesco , Mammone Alessia , Lanini Simone , Poletti Piero , Manica Mattia , Rosa Roberto , Caputo Beniamino , Solimini Angelo , Torre Alessandra Della , Scognamiglio Paola , Zumla Alimuddin , Ippolito Giuseppe , Merler Stefano
Published: August 2020

Background

The spatial spread of many mosquito-borne diseases occurs by focal spread at the scale of a few hundred meters and over longer distances due to human mobility. The relative contributions of different spatial scales for transmission of chikungunya virus require definition to improve outbreak vector control recommendations.

Methods

We analyzed data from a large chikungunya outbreak mediated by the mosquitoAedes albopictusin the Lazio region, Italy, consisting of 414 reported human cases between June and November 2017. Using dates of symptom onset, geographic coordinates of residence, and information from epidemiological questionnaires, we reconstructed transmission chains related to that outbreak.

Results

Focal spread (within 1 km) accounted for 54.9% of all cases, 15.8% were transmitted at a local scale (1–15 km) and the remaining 29.3% were exported from the main areas of chikungunya circulation in Lazio to longer distances such as Rome and other geographical areas. Seventy percent of focal infections (corresponding to 38% of the total 414 cases) were transmitted within a distance of 200 m (the buffer distance adopted by the national guidelines for insecticide spraying). Two main epidemic clusters were identified, with a radius expanding at a rate of 300–600 m per month. The majority of exported cases resulted in either sporadic or no further transmission in the region.

Conclusions

Evidence suggest that human mobility contributes to seeding a relevant number of secondary cases and new foci of transmission over several kilometers. Reactive vector control based on current guidelines might allow a significant number of secondary clusters in untreated areas, especially if the outbreak is not detected early. Existing policies and guidelines for control during outbreaks should recommend the prioritization of preventive measures in neighboring territories with known mobility flows to the main areas of transmission.