bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platinum‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity: From pathogenesis to treatment
Authors: Staff Nathan P. , Cavaletti Guido , Islam Badrul , Lustberg Maryam , Psimaras Dimitri , Tamburin Stefano
Published: October 2019

Platinum‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity (PIPN) is a common side effect of platinum‐based chemotherapy that may cause dose reduction and discontinuation, with oxaliplatin being more neurotoxic. PIPN includes acute neurotoxicity restricted to oxaliplatin, and chronic non‐length‐dependent sensory neuronopathy with positive and negative sensory symptoms and neuropathic pain in both upper and lower limbs. Chronic sensory axonal neuropathy manifesting as stocking‐and‐glove distribution is also frequent. Worsening of neuropathic symptoms after completing the last chemotherapy course may occur. Motor and autonomic involvement is uncommon. Ototoxicity is frequent in children and more commonly to cisplatin. Platinum‐based compounds result in more prolonged neuropathic symptoms in comparison to other chemotherapy agents. Patient reported outcomes questionnaires, clinical evaluation and instrumental tools offer complementary information in PIPN. Electrodiagnostic features include diffusely reduced/abolished sensory action potentials, in keeping with a sensory neuronopathy. PIPN is dependent on cumulative dose but there is a large variability in its occurrence. The search for additional risk factors for PIPN has thus far yielded no consistent findings. There are currently no neuroprotective strategies to reduce the risk of PIPN, and symptomatic treatment is limited to duloxetine that was found effective in a single phase III intervention study. This review critically examines the pathogenesis, incidence, risk factors (both clinical and pharmacogenetic), clinical phenotype and management of PIPN.
Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity: A multifaceted, still unsolved issue
Authors: Cavaletti Guido , Alberti Paola , Argyriou Andreas A. , Lustberg Maryam , Staff Nathan P. , Tamburin Stefano ,   on behalf of the Toxic Neuropathy Consortium of the Peripheral Nerve Society
Published: October 2019

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) is a potentially dose‐limiting side effect of several commonly used cytotoxic chemotherapy agents. The main pharmacological classes that may cause CIPN include classical anticancer drugs, as well as the recently introduced immune checkpoint inhibitors and antibody drug conjugates. The absence of a complete knowledge of CIPN pathophysiology is only one of the several unsolved issues related to CIPN. Among some of the most relevant aspects of CIPN deserving further attention include the real number of patients exposed to the risk of CIPN, the long‐term impact on cancer survivors' quality of life due to incomplete recovery from CIPN, the economic burden related to acute and chronic CIPN, and the different perspective and education of the healthcare specialists in charge of managing patients with CIPN. Overall, CIPN remains a very challenging area of research as there are still several unresolved issues to be addressed in the future. In this special issue, the multifaceted profile of CIPN will be presented, with particular emphasis on bolstering the need to develop more optimized outcome measures than the existing ones to accurately evaluate the extent of CIPN, but also to ascertain the differences in the incidence, risk factors, clinical phenotype, and management of CIPN, according to the most commonly used neurotoxic chemotherapy classes. Perspectives for future research to pursue in order to cover the gaps in knowledge in the CIPN field will also be discussed.
Bortezomib and other proteosome inhibitors—induced peripheral neurotoxicity: From pathogenesis to treatment
Authors: Velasco Roser , Alberti Paola , Bruna Jordi , Psimaras Dimitri , Argyriou Andreas A.
Published: October 2019

Proteasome inhibitors (PIs), especially bortezomib (BTZ), have come to the forefront over the last years because of their unprecedented efficacy mainly against multiple myeloma (MM). Unfortunately, peripheral neuropathy (PN) secondary to treatment of MM with PIs has emerged as a clinically relevant complication, which negatively impacts the quality of life of MM survivors. Bortezomib‐induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) is a dose‐limiting toxicity, which develops in 30% to 60% of patients during treatment. Typically, BIPN is a length‐dependent sensory axonopathy characterized by numbness, tingling, and severe neuropathic pain in stocking and glove distribution. BIPN mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Experimental studies suggest that aggresome formation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, myotoxicity, microtubule stabilization, inflammatory response, and DNA damage could contribute to this neurotoxicity. A new generation of structurally distinct PIs has been developed, being increasingly used in clinical settings. Carfilzomib exhibits a much lower neurotoxicity profile, with a significantly lower incidence of PN compared to BTZ. Pre‐existing PN increases the risk of developing BIPN. Besides, BIPN is related to dose, schedule and mode of administration and modifications of these factors have lowered the incidence of PN. However, to date there is no cure for PIs‐induced PN (PIIPN), and a careful neurological monitoring and dose adjustment is a key strategy for preserving quality of life. This review critically looks at the pathogenesis, incidence, risk factors, both clinical and pharmacogenetics, clinical phenotype and management of PIIPN. We also make recommendations for further elucidating the whole clinical spectrum of PIIPN.
Pregnancy and symptomatic relief following ultrasound‐guided transvaginal radiofrequency ablation in patients with adenomyosis
Authors: Nam Jang‐Hyun
Published: October 2019

Aim

To report the reproductive results and symptomatic relief of patients with adenomyosis who attempted to conceive after ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

Of 182 consecutive patients with adenomyosis who had undergone RFA, only 81 patients were eligible for this study. Pregnancy outcomes, postoperative complications, preoperative and postoperative pictorial blood loss assessment chart scores, and pain scores were evaluated.

Results

Of these 81 patients, 74 were infertile and seven were single at the time of RFA. The mean age at the time of operation was 35.8 years. The mean duration from the time of RFA to conception was 18.9 months (range, 2–72 months). Fifty‐nine patients tried natural conception, while 22 patients attempted conception with assisted reproductive techniques. Twenty‐nine (35.8%) patients achieved 39 pregnancies. Except for the 23 patients who did not actively try to conceive and who inevitably or arbitrarily discontinued pregnancy attempts, the pregnancy success rate reached 50%. Twenty‐two (84.6%) of the 29 patients delivered 24 (66.7%) live babies (nine vaginal deliveries and 15 cesarean sections). Twelve (33.3%) pregnancies ended in spontaneous abortions. No uterine ruptures occurred. Paired sample t‐tests revealed that preoperative pictorial blood loss assessment chart and pain scores were significantly (P < 0.05) different from the postoperative scores at 1‐, 3‐ and 6‐months.

Conclusion

RFA could be considered a minimally‐invasive treatment option for patients with adenomyosis who desire to maintain fertility and alleviate symptoms.
Influence of ethanol concentration on sensory perception of rums using temporal check‐all‐that‐apply
Authors: Harwood William S. , Parker Megan N. , Drake MaryAnne
Published: October 2019

Aged liquors are appreciated worldwide for their complexity, which is largely influenced by a given product's temporal profile. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of ethanol concentration on temporal sensory perception of dark rums using temporal check‐all‐that‐apply (TCATA). Trained panelists (n = 8) profiled seven commercial aged rums, each at four ethanol concentrations (10, 20, 30, and 40% alcohol by volume, ABV) in quadruplicate. Fourteen attributes were profiled. During TCATA evaluation, panelists first profiled aroma attributes, then in‐mouth flavor attributes, and finished with aftertaste attributes for the rums. Results were compared in terms of differences in citation proportion over the course of sample assessment. Higher ethanol concentration resulted in increased citation proportion and duration of basic taste attributes in rums (p < .05). Flavor attributes including caramel, banana, cherry/almond, cooked apple, and vanilla reached maximum citation proportions at 30% ABV that were not significantly different from 40% ABV. These results suggest that ethanol plays a significant role in the temporal sensory perception of aged rums and that ethanol concentrations typically evaluated by trained panels (~20% ABV) may inaccurately represent certain aspects of commercial rums from a temporal perspective.

Practical Applications

Temporality is an important part of the consumption experience for high‐ABV products such as aged rums. Knowing how temporal sensory profiles may change when the product is presented at different alcohol levels will provide valuable insight into how rums may be applied in mixed drink or culinary applications. In addition, trained panel profiling of high‐ABV beverages is typically performed at diluted levels. An outline of the differences in dynamic product profiles at different dilutions may serve as a guidance for evaluations where diluted product outcomes are extrapolated to the undiluted commercial product.
Predictive equations of maintenance energy requirement for healthy and chronically ill adult dogs
Authors: Pedrinelli Vivian , Porsani Mariana Yukari Hayasaki , Lima Daniel Magalhães , Teixeira Fabio Alves , Duarte Caio Nogueira , Vendramini Thiago Henrique Annibale , Brunetto Márcio Antonio
Published: October 2019

Maintenance energy requirement (MER) is the energy amount necessary for dogs to maintain their weight and body condition. Some factors can influence the MER, such as gender, age, neutering status and also diseases. The present retrospective study aimed to evaluate MER of adult dogs with several diseases and compare with the MER of healthy adult dogs, observing the influence of parameters such as body condition score (BCS), neutering status, gender, age, diagnosis and type of food on MER of these dogs. A total of 165 adult dogs with weight changes of ≤5% were included and divided in groups according to diagnosis. Mean MER for healthy dogs was 86.09 kcal/BW0.75, which differed from NRC and FEDIAF recommendations for inactive adult dogs (p = .047). Lowest MERs were of the endocrinopathies (78.52 ± 19.32 kcal/BW0.75), orthopaedic diseases (59.71 ± 19.30 kcal/BW0.75) and neurologic diseases (78.83 ± 32.66 kcal/BW0.75) groups. Gastrointestinal diseases (99.59 ± 20.36 kcal/BW0.75), orthopaedic diseases (59.71 ± 19.30 kcal/BW0.75) and neoplasia (95.61 ± 21.02 kcal/BW0.75) groups were the only groups that differed from the mean MER of healthy adult dogs. Regarding BCS, for each increasing point in a 9‐point scale, there was a decrease of 9.8 kcal/BW0.75 on MER, independent of diagnosis (p < .0001; r2 = .55). There was no difference regarding breed size gender and age, but neutered dogs presented lower MER (p = .031). Based on data obtained from the present study, it can be concluded that it is necessary to consider BCS, age, neutering status and diagnosis when calculating MER, both in healthy dogs and chronically ill dogs.
MicroRNA expression in the cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with and without cervical spondylomyelopathy
Authors: Vansteenkiste Daniella P. , Fenger Joelle M. , Fadda Paolo , Martin‐Vaquero Paula , da Costa Ronaldo C.
Published: October 2019

Background

Osseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (OA‐CSM) is a common condition of the cervical vertebral column that affects giant dog breeds. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that regulate gene expression, and recent data suggest that circulating miRNAs present in biological fluids may serve as potential biomarkers for disease. The miRNA profiles of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from healthy dogs and dogs clinically affected by OA‐CSM have not been described.

Objective

To characterize the expression levels of miRNAs present in the CSF of normal Great Danes and identify differentially expressed miRNAs in the CSF of Great Danes clinically affected with OA‐CSM.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs: 12 control, 12 OA‐CSM affected.

Methods

Cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected prospectively. MicroRNA expression was evaluated using the NanoString nCounter platform and quantitative real‐time PCR.

Results

We identified 8 miRNAs with significant differential expression. MiR‐299‐5p and miR‐765 had increased expression levels in the CSF of OA‐CSM‐affected dogs, whereas miR‐494, miR‐612, miR‐302‐d, miR‐4531, miR‐4455, and miR‐6721‐5p had decreased expression levels in OA‐CSM affected dogs compared to clinically normal dogs. Quantitative real‐time PCR was performed to validate the expression levels of 2 miRNAs (miR‐494 and miR‐612), and we found a 1.5‐fold increase in miR‐494 expression and a 1.2‐fold decrease in miR‐612 in the CSF of the OA‐CSM affected group (P = .41 and .89, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Data generated from our study represent an initial characterization of the miRNA profile of normal canine CSF and suggest that a distinct CSF miRNA expression profile is associated with OA‐CSM.
Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, nutrition in the United States: A historical perspective
Authors: Robinson Edwin H. , Li Menghe H.
Published: October 2019

Although a concerted effort in catfish nutrition research in the United States did not begin until the late 1950s/early 1960s, the genesis of both the catfish industry and catfish nutrition research is rooted in studies conducted early in the 20th century. Thus, a historical view delineating the progression of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, nutrition from 1900 to the present is given. Notable nutrition research programs, as well as significant events and accomplishments, will be examined.
Landscape drivers of genomic diversity and divergence in woodland Eucalyptus
Authors: Murray Kevin D , Janes Jasmine K , Jones Ashley , Bothwell Helen M , Andrew Rose L , Borevitz Justin O
Published: October 2019

Spatial genetic patterns are influenced by numerous factors, and they can vary even among coexisting, closely related species due to differences in dispersal and selection. Eucalyptus (L'Héritier 1789; the “eucalypts”) are foundation tree species that provide essential habitat and modulate ecosystem services throughout Australia. Here we present a study of landscape genomic variation in two woodland eucalypt species, using whole‐genome sequencing of 388 individuals of Eucalyptus albens and Eucalyptus sideroxylon. We found exceptionally high genetic diversity (π ≈ 0.05) and low genome‐wide, interspecific differentiation (FST = 0.15) and intraspecific differentiation between localities (FST ≈ 0.01–0.02). We found no support for strong, discrete population structure, but found substantial support for isolation by geographic distance (IBD) in both species. Using generalized dissimilarity modelling, we identified additional isolation by environment (IBE). Eucalyptus albens showed moderate IBD, and environmental variables have a small but significant amount of additional predictive power (i.e. IBE). Eucalyptus sideroxylon showed much stronger IBD and moderate IBE. These results highlight the vast adaptive potential of these species and set the stage for testing evolutionary hypotheses of interspecific adaptive differentiation across environments.
Qualitative analysis of European and Middle East intensive care unit nursing death rituals
Authors: Benbenishty Julie , Bennun Maureen , Lind Ranveig
Published: October 2019

Background

Grieving and death rituals vary widely across cultures and are often influenced by geographical regions, religions, and local norms. Nursing rituals reflect the forms of cultural behaviour that assist in communicating traditional knowledge and practices. They help nurses maintain social order through cohesion and interaction.

Aim and objectives

Exploration of European and Middle Eastern intensive care nursing ceremonies and rituals surrounding care provided to patients after death has been carried out. The key question researchers asked was “Can you describe your practice of caring for a patient who has died?”

Design

Prospective qualitative thematic analysis.

Methods

This study used a prospective qualitative thematic analysis investigating nursing practice and rituals when caring for patients who have died in intensive care. The interviews were conducted face‐to‐face with nurses consenting to be interviewed for research purposes. During the interviews, researchers noted sentences and topics, which they later classified into categories and subcategories. The interview settings were international and national conferences, workshops, meetings, and seminars over a 2‐year period. Thematic analysis was performed. This analysis allowed the researchers to understand and make sense of collective meanings and experiences of participants.

Results

A total of 23 interviews with critical care nurses from 16 countries in Europe and Middle East were conducted. Through reflective and meaningful analytical interpretation, two main themes (with subthemes) emerged: sacredness and dignity. More similarities than differences among the nurses' experiences were found. Rituals included, opening a window, lighting a candle, blessing the deceased, and bereaving with the family.

Conclusions

Post‐death ritual reflects local guidelines regulating the handling of the deceased body, culturally approved expressions of mourning, and acts to perform at specific times following death. Nursing rituals expressed here demonstrated the dignity, wherein nurses show towards the deceased and relationships between deceased and bereaved.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The investigators perceived nursing culture, beliefs, ceremonies, and rituals surrounding caring for patients who have died to be creative, spiritual, meaningful, and relevant for nurses.
Moral torch fishing: A signaling theory of blame
Authors: Shoemaker David , Vargas Manuel
Published: October 2019

It is notable that all of the leading theories of blame have to employ ungainly fixes to deflect one or more apparent counterexamples. What these theories share is a content‐based theory of blame's nature. Such approaches overlook or ignore blame's core unifying feature, namely, itsfunction, which is to signal the blamer's commitment to a set of norms. In this paper, we present the problems with the extant theories and then explain what signaling is, how it functions in blame, why appealing to it resolves the problems in other theories, what the signaling function implies for a wider range of gray‐area cases, and what the larger significance is of blame's core function for interpersonal interactions in a variety of (non‐moral) normative domains.
Comparison of flow‐FISH and MM–qPCR telomere length assessment techniques for the screening of telomeropathies
Authors: Ferreira Monica S. Ventura , Kirschner Martin , Halfmeyer Insa , Estrada Natalia , Xicoy Blanca , Isfort Susanne , Vieri Margherita , Zamora Lurdes , Abels Anne , Bouillon Anne‐Sophie , Begemann Matthias , Schemionek Mirle , Maurer Angela , Koschmieder Steffen , Wilop Stefan , Panse Jens , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Beier Fabian
Published: October 2019

Assessment of telomere length (TL) in peripheral blood leukocytes is part of the diagnostic algorithm applied to patients with acquired bone marrow failure syndromes (BMFSs) and dyskeratosis congenita (DKC). Monochrome multiplex–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MM–qPCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (flow‐FISH) are methodologies available for TL screening. Dependent on TL expressed in relation to percentiles of healthy controls, further genetic testing for inherited mutations in telomere maintenance genes is recommended. However, the correct threshold to trigger this genetic workup is still under debate. Here, we prospectively compared MM–qPCR and flow‐FISH regarding their capacity for accurate identification of DKC patients. All patients (n = 105) underwent genetic testing by next‐generation sequencing and in 16 patients, mutations in DKC‐relevant genes were identified. Whole leukocyte TL of patients measured by MM–qPCR was found to be moderately correlated with lymphocyte TL measured by flow‐FISH (r² = 0.34; P < 0.0001). The sensitivity of both methods was high, but the specificity of MM–qPCR (29%) was significantly lower compared with flow‐FISH (58%). These results suggest that MM–qPCR of peripheral blood cells is inferior to flow‐FISH for clinical routine screening for suspected DKC in adult patients with BMFS due to lower specificity and a higher rate of false‐positive results.
The control of red colour by a family of MYB transcription factors in octoploid strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) fruits
Authors: Wang Hua , Zhang Hui , Yang Yuan , Li Maofu , Zhang Yuntao , Liu Jiashen , Dong Jing , Li Jie , Butelli Eugenio , Xue Zhen , Wang Aimin , Wang Guixia , Martin Cathie , Jin Wanmei
Published: October 2019

Octoploid strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a model plant for research and one of the most important non‐climacteric fruit crops throughout the world. The associations between regulatory networks and metabolite composition were explored for one of the most critical agricultural properties in octoploid strawberry, fruit colour. Differences in the levels of flavonoids are due to the differences in the expression of structural and regulatory genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. The molecular mechanisms underlying differences in fruit colour were compared between red and white octoploid strawberry varieties. FaMYB genes had combinatorial effects in determining the red colour of fruit through the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis in response to the increase in endogenous ABA at the final stage of fruit development. Analysis of alleles of FaMYB10 and FaMYB1 in red and white strawberry varieties led to the discovery of a white‐specific variant allele of FaMYB10, FaMYB10‐2. Its coding sequence possessed an ACTTATAC insertion in the genomic region encoding the C‐terminus of the protein. This insertion introduced a predicted premature termination codon, which suggested the loss of intact FaMYB10 protein playing a critical role in the loss of red colour in white octoploid strawberry.
Heteromorphic seeds of wheat wild relatives show germination niche differentiation
Authors: Gianella M. , Balestrazzi A. , Pagano A. , Müller J. V. , Kyratzis A. C. , Kikodze D. , Canella M. , Mondoni A. , Rossi G. , Guzzon F.
Published: October 2019

Crop wild relatives are fundamental genetic resources for crop improvement. Wheat wild relatives often produce heteromorphic seeds that differ in morphological and physiological traits. Several Aegilops and Triticum species possess, within the same spikelet, a dimorphic seed pair, with one seed being larger than the other. A comprehensive analysis is needed to understand which traits are involved in seed dimorphism and if these aspects of variation in dimorphic pairs are functionally related.

To this end, dispersal units of Triticum urartu and five Aegilops species were X‐rayed and the different seed morphs weighed. Germination tests were carried out on seeds, both dehulled and left in their dispersal units. Controlled ageing tests were performed to detect differences in seed longevity among seed morphs, and the antioxidant profile was assessed in terms of antioxidant compounds equipment and expression of selected antioxidant genes. We used PCA to group seed morphs sharing similar patterns of germination traits, longevity estimates and antioxidant profile.

Different seed morphs differed significantly in terms of mass, final germination, germination timing, longevity estimates and antioxidant profile in most of the tested species. Small seeds germinated slower, had lower germination when left in their dispersal units, a higher antioxidant potential and were longer‐lived than large seeds. The antioxidant gene expression varied between morphs, with different patterns across species but not clearly reflecting the phenotypic observations.

The results highlight different trait trade‐offs in dimorphic seeds of Aegilops and T. urartu, affecting their germination phenology and longevity, thereby resulting in recruitment niche differentiation.
Values clarification: Eliciting the values that inform and influence parents' treatment decisions for periviable birth
Authors: Tucker Edmonds Brownsyne , Hoffman Shelley M. , Laitano Tatiana , Bhamidipalli Surya Sruthi , Jeffries Erin , Fadel William , Kavanaugh Karen
Published: October 2019

Background

Values clarification can assist families facing the threat of periviable delivery in navigating the complexity of competing values related to death, disability, and quality of life (QOL).

Objective

We piloted values clarification exercises to inform resuscitation decision making and qualitatively assess perceptions of QOL.

Methods

We conducted a mixed‐method study of women with threatened periviable delivery (22 0/7‐24 6/7 weeks) and their important others (IOs). Participants engaged in three values clarification activities as part of a semi‐structured interview—(a) Card sorting nine conditions as an acceptable/unacceptable QOL for a child; (b) Rating/ranking seven common concerns in periviable decision making (scale 0‐10, not at all to extremely important); and (c) “Agreed/disagreed” with six statements regarding end‐of‐life treatment, disability, and QOL. Participants were also asked to define “QOL” and describe their perceptions of a good and poor QOL for their child. Analysis was conducted using SAS version 9.4 and NVivo 12.

Results

All mild disabilities were an acceptable QOL, while two‐thirds of participants considered long‐term mechanical ventilation unacceptable. Although pregnant women rated “Impact on Your Physical/Mental Health” (average 5.6) and IOs rated “Financial Concerns” the highest (average 6.6), both groups ranked “Financial Concerns” as the most important concern (median 5.0 and 6.0, respectively). Most participants agreed that “Any amount of life is better than no life at all” (pregnant women 62.1%; IOs 75.0%) and disagreed that resuscitation would cause “Too much suffering” for their child (pregnant women 71.4%; IOs 80.0%). Half were familiar with the phrase “QOL”. Although the majority described a good QOL in terms of emotional well‐being (eg “loved”, “happy”, “supported”), a poor QOL was described in terms of functionality (eg “dependent” and “confined”). Additionally, financial stability emerged as a distinctive theme when IOs discussed poor QOL.

Conclusion

The study offers important insights on parental perspectives in periviable decision making and potential values clarification tools for decision support.
Assessment of cognitive ability at conscription for the Danish army: Is a single total score sufficient?
Authors: Nielsen Tine , Kreiner Svend , Teasdale Thomas W.
Published: October 2019

Børge Priens Prøve (BPP) was developed for the Danish Army by psychologist Børge Prien in the 1950s, as a test of general cognitive ability for use at conscription for the Danish armed forces. The finalBPP(1957) had four subtests; a Raven‐like matrix subtest, and three subtests measuring verbal, numerical, and visuospatial ability. TheBPPis a speeded test counting the number of correct responses within 45 minutes. Thus, we consider theBPPas a measure of “cognitive efficiency” rather than a pure measure of cognitive ability. TheBPPis still in use.Using techniques available in 1960, Rasch concluded that the matrices and numerical tests appeared to satisfy the requirements of the Rasch (Probabilistic models for some intelligence and attainment tests, Danish Institute for Educational Research, Copenhagen; 1960) model, while the verbal and visuospatial tests did not. Since then, there have been, to our knowledge, no published studies of the psychometric scaling properties of theBPP, partly because the practice of the Danish draft board has been to record only the total score. We examine these properties by analysis of data from two cohorts (n = 9,491), using the Leunbach (A probabilistic measurement model for assessing whether two tests measure the same personal factor. The Danish Institute of Educational, Copenhagen, Denmark; 1976) model to assess whether the sum of the four subtests provides a statistically sufficient measure of a common latent trait. Since we found only weak evidence against fit to the Leunbach model, we claim that this warrants the use of a summarized totalBPPscore. We examined whetherBPPsubscales suffered from differential test functioning (DTF) relative to samples. Weak, and for practical purposes too weak,DTFwas suggested for one subscale.
Blood group antigen and phenotype prevalence in the Korean population compared to other ethnic populations and its association with RBC alloantibody frequency
Authors: Jekarl D. W. , Yoo J. , Lee S. , Yu H. , Kim M. , Kim Y.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to analyse the allele frequency of blood group antigens in the Korean population and other ethnic populations and the association of blood group antigens with red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies.

Background

Blood group antigen genotyping can support patients undergoing frequent transfusions who have alloantibodies and antibodies against high‐prevalence blood group antigens.

Methods

Twenty‐nine single nucleotide variations and 37 blood group antigens were tested. Samples requested for routine blood typing were collected from Jan to Apr 2016. Genotyping was performed on 145 Korean samples and was confirmed by bidirectional sequencing and serologic tests. The allele frequency data were compared with previous genotyping datasets (three datasets from Korea and one each from China, Europe, Asia, and the USA). Alloantibody frequencies and blood group antigens from the electronic medical record of 1772 cases were examined.

Results

E antigen was higher in the Korean population compared to that of Asian and European populations. K, Kpa, Fyb and Doa allele frequencies were lower compared to other ethnic populations. RBC alloantibodies with frequencies (%) greater than 1% from the 1772 cases were as follows: anti‐E, 36·7%, anti‐C, 17·7%; anti‐c 7·39%; anti‐M, 5·9%; anti‐e, 5·2%; anti‐Jka, 2·9%; and anti‐Fya, 1·1%. Blood group antigens and alloantibody frequencies revealed inverse trends that did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

The allele frequency of blood group antigens assessed by high‐throughput methods provided reliable and valuable information that could be used for maintaining donor pools and providing compatible blood for genotyped patients.
Evaluation of the host cytokine response in dogs with sepsis and noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Goggs Robert , Letendre Jo‐Annie
Published: October 2019

Objective

To quantify plasma cytokine concentrations in dogs with sepsis and noninfectious systemic inflammation and to evaluate the association between plasma cytokines and outcome in dogs with sepsis.

Design

Prospective, observational cohort study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Forty‐five dogs with sepsis, 10 dogs with noninfectious systemic inflammation (nSIRS), and 15 healthy controls were consecutively enrolled from June 2015 to February 2016 and followed to hospital discharge. Dogs with sepsis satisfied ≥2 SIRS criteria and had a documented or highly suspected bacterial infection. Dogs with nSIRS satisfied ≥2 SIRS criteria but had no evidence of infection. Dogs <3 kg and those with documented coagulopathy were excluded.

Interventions

Measurement of inflammatory cytokines and high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB‐1) was performed on each group.

Measurements and Main Results

High‐mobility group box‐1 concentrations were analyzed by ELISA. Plasma concentrations of 13 cytokines were measured in singlet using multiplex magnetic bead assays. Kruskal–Wallis with Dunn's multiple comparison tests were used to compare biomarker concentrations between groups. Mann–WhitneyU‐tests were used to compare biomarker concentrations between survivors and nonsurvivors. Associations between biomarkers were evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficients. Independent outcome predictors were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Alpha was set at 0.05. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐6, C‐X‐C motif chemokine (CXCL)‐8, keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (KC)‐like, C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), and HMGB‐1 were significantly greater in dogs with sepsis versus healthy controls (allP ≤ 0.034). In dogs with sepsis, only CCL2 was independently associated with survival (odds ratio [OR] 0.996, 95% CI 0.993–0.999,P = 0.004). A cut‐off of 385 pg/mL for CCL2 was 80% sensitive and 91.4% specific for nonsurvival (area under the ROC curve [AUROC] 0.866).

Conclusions

Dogs with sepsis have significantly increased concentrations of HMGB‐1 and inflammatory cytokines, including IL‐6, CXCL8, and KC‐like. Increased CCL2 concentration is a negative prognostic indicator in dogs with sepsis. These findings should be confirmed using duplicate analyses in larger, distinct populations of dogs with sepsis before applying them to clinical patients.
Analytical Formulation of Friction Contact Elements for Frequency-Domain Analysis of Nonlinear Vibrations of Structures With High-Energy Rubs
Authors: Petrov E. P.
Published: October 2019

In gas-turbine engines and other rotating machinery structures, rubbing contact interactions can occur when the contacting components have large relative motion between components: such as in rotating bladed disk-casing rubbing contacts, and rubbing in rotor bearing and labyrinth seals. The analysis of vibrations of structures with rubbing contacts requires the development of a mathematical model and special friction contact elements that would allow for the prescribed relative motion of rubbing surfaces in addition to the motion due to vibrations of the contacting components. In the proposed paper, the formulation of the friction contact elements is developed, which includes the effects of the prescribed relative motion on the friction stick-slip transitions and, therefore, on the contact interaction forces. For a first time, the formulation is made for the frequency domain analysis of coupled rubbing and vibrational motion, using the multiharmonic representation of the vibration displacements. The formulation is made fully analytically to express the multiharmonic contact interaction forces and multiharmonic tangent stiffness matrix in an explicit analytical form allowing their calculation accurately and fast. The dependency of the friction and contact stiffness coefficients on the energy dissipated during high-energy rubbing contacts and, hence, on the corresponding increase of the contact interface temperature is included in the formulation. The efficiency of the developed friction elements is demonstrated on a set of test cases including simple models and a large-scale realistic blade.
Punch-Through Risk of Jack-Up Under the Dual Uncertainty of Structure and Foundation
Authors: Lyu Tao , Xu Changhang , Chen Guoming , Zhao Yipei , Zhao Tantan , Li Qingyang
Published: October 2019

The preload operation of Jack-up in complex multi-layered foundation requires an enhanced understanding of its behavior in punch-through accident and suitable safety analysis tools for the assessment of their reliability in a particular site. In order to evaluate punch-through risk, a risk-consistent method is proposed based on the model of foundation hazard and structural vulnerability. Besides, foundation bearing capacity is evaluated to quantify foundation hazard. Third, to improve the solution efficiency, higher-order moment method (HOMM)-Pushover method has been developed for assessing the structural vulnerability. In addition, case studies are presented to demonstrate the advantages of these techniques and important trends are highlighted by the results of parametric sensitivity studies. More specifically, failure probability analysis has been undertaken using improved method and the punch-through risk is evaluated quantitatively in different hazard levels. The results show that the dual uncertainty of both structure and foundation is crucial for assessment of foundation hazard and structural vulnerability. The randomness of foundation parameters is the dominant factor affecting the punch-through risk, and the risk increases with the increase of preload weight. The time-varying risk in the process of preload operation can be revealed using the risk analysis method mentioned in this paper.
Non-Linear Modeling and Parameter Identification of Semi-Active Engine Mounts With Air Spring
Authors: Guo Rong , Zhou Zi-wei
Published: October 2019

Car manufacturers have been motivated to apply semi-active engine mounts to ensure superior performance in vibration attenuation during idle condition and better ability to isolate vibration which is generated by engine unbalanced force at high frequencies. This paper develops a non-linear lumped parameter model of semi-active engine mounts with air spring that focuses on the non-linearity of the rubber diaphragm and the air chamber. Then, the main rubber dynamic stiffness parameters are identified through experimental approaches with a novel-designed test rig. Other parameters including effective pumping area, main rubber spring bulge stiffness, fluid channel inertia and resistance, rubber diaphragm, and air-chamber parameters are attained through finite element analysis (FEA). Supported by the identified lumped parameters, the non-linear mathematical model could be simulated. In addition, the dynamic characteristics of the semi-active engine mount are tested through the original test rig. Therefore, comparing with the tested dynamic characteristics, the simulation result can validate the developed model and thus facilitate the structure design of the semi-active engine mount.
The Influence of Fan Root Flow on the Aerodynamic of a Low-Pressure Compressor Transition Duct
Authors: Walker A. Duncan , Mariah Ian , Tsakmakidou Dimitra , Vadhvana Hiren , Hall Chris
Published: October 2019

To reduce fuel-burn and emissions, there is a drive toward higher bypass ratio and smaller high-pressure ratio core engines. This makes the design of the ducts connecting compressor spools more challenging as the higher radius change increases aerodynamic loading. This is exacerbated at inlet to the engine core by fan root flow which is characterized by a hub-low-pressure profile and large secondary flow structures. Additionally, shorter, lighter nacelles mean that the intake may not provide a uniform inlet flow when the aircraft is at an angle of attack or subject to cross winds. Such inlet distortion can further degrade the flow entering the engine. A combination of experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been used to examine the effects on the aerodynamics of an engine section splitter (ESS) and transition duct designed to feed the low-pressure spool of a high bypass ratio turbofan. A test facility incorporating a 1½ stage axial compressor was used to compare system performance for a flat rotor exit profile to one with a hub deficient flow. Validated Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) CFD was then used to further investigate the effects of increased inlet boundary layer thickness and bulk swirl distortion at rotor inlet. These changes were seen to have a surprisingly small effect on the flow at the duct exit. However, increased secondary flows were observed which degraded the performance of the ESS and significantly increased loss. Nevertheless, the enhanced mixing delayed separation in the duct suggesting that overall the design was reasonably robust albeit with increased system loss.
Effect of Pad and Liner Material Properties on the Static Load Performance of a Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Authors: Koosha Rasool , San Andrés Luis
Published: October 2019

Tilting pad thrust bearings (TPTBs) control rotor axial placement in rotating machinery, and their main advantages include low drag power loss, simple installation, and low-cost maintenance. The paper details a novel thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic (TEHD) analysis predictive tool for TPTBs that considers a three-dimensional (3D) thermal energy transport equation in the fluid film, coupled with heat conduction equations in the pads, and a generalized Reynolds equation with cross-film viscosity variation. The predicted pressure field and temperature rise are employed in a finite element (FE) structural model to produce 3D elastic deformation fields in the bearing pads. Solutions of the governing equations delivers the operating film thickness, required flowrate, and shear drag power loss, and the pad and lubricant temperature rises as a function of an applied load and shaft speed. To verify the model, predictions of pad subsurface temperature are benchmarked against published test data for a centrally pivoted eight-pad TPTB with 267 mm in outer diameter (OD) operating at 4–13 krpm (maximum surface speed = 175 m/s) and under a specific load ranging from 0.69 to 3.44 MPa. The current TEHD temperature predictions match well the test data with a maximum difference of 4 °C and 11 °C (<10%) at laminar and turbulent flow conditions, receptively. Next, the TEHD predictive tool is used to study the influence of both pad and liner material properties on the performance of a TPTB. The analysis takes a whole steel pad (without a liner or babbitt), a steel pad with a 2-mm-thick babbitt layer (common usage), a steel pad with a 2-mm-thick hard-polymer (polyether ether ketone, e.g., PEEK®) liner, and a pad entirely made of hard-polymer material, whose elastic modulus is just 12.5 GPa, only 6% that of steel. The bare steel pad reveals the poorest performance among all the pads as it produces the smallest fluid film thickness and consumes the largest drag power loss. For laminar flow operations (Reynolds number Re < 580), the babbitted-steel pad operates with the thickest fluid film and the lowest film temperature rise. For turbulent flow conditions Re > 800, the solid hard-polymer pad, however, shows a 23% thicker film than that in the babbitted pad and produces up to 25% lesser drag power loss. In general, the solid hard-polymer TPTB is found to be a good fit for operation at a turbulent flow condition as it shows a lower drag power loss and a larger film thickness; however, its demand for a too large supply flowrate is significant. Predictions for steel pads with various hard-polymer liner and babbitt thicknesses demonstrate that using a hard-polymer liner, instead of white metal, isolates the pad from the fluid film and results in an up to 30 °C (50%) lower temperature rise in the pads than that for a babbitted-steel pad. For operations under a heavy specific load (>3.0 MPa), however, a thick hard-polymer liner extensively deforms and results in a small film thickness.
Clinical Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography With Semi-Automatic Segmentation Provides Feasible Input for Computational Models of the Knee Joint
Authors: Myller Katariina A. H. , Korhonen Rami K. , Töyräs Juha , Tanska Petri , Väänänen Sami P. , Jurvelin Jukka S. , Saarakkala Simo , Mononen Mika E.
Published: October 2019

Computational models can provide information on joint function and risk of tissue failure related to progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Currently, the joint geometries utilized in modeling are primarily obtained via manual segmentation, which is time-consuming and hence impractical for direct clinical application. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of a previously developed semi-automatic method for segmenting tibial and femoral cartilage to serve as input geometry for finite element (FE) models. Knee joints from seven volunteers were first imaged using a clinical computed tomography (CT) with contrast enhancement and then segmented with semi-automatic and manual methods. In both segmentations, knee joint models with fibril-reinforced poroviscoelastic (FRPVE) properties were generated and the mechanical responses of articular cartilage were computed during physiologically relevant loading. The mean differences in the absolute values of maximum principal stress, maximum principal strain, and fibril strain between the models generated from semi-automatic and manual segmentations were <1 MPa, <0.72% and <0.40%, respectively. Furthermore, contact areas, contact forces, average pore pressures, and average maximum principal strains were not statistically different between the models (p >0.05). This semi-automatic method speeded up the segmentation process by over 90% and there were only negligible differences in the results provided by the models utilizing either manual or semi-automatic segmentations. Thus, the presented CT imaging-based segmentation method represents a novel tool for application in FE modeling in the clinic when a physician needs to evaluate knee joint function.
Establishing the required components for training in ultrasoundguided peripheral intravenous cannulation: a systematic review of available evidence
Authors: Loon Fredericus HJ Van , Scholten Harm J , Erp Irene Van , Bouwman Arthur RA , Daele Angelique TM Dierick Van
Published: October 2019

Ultrasound increases a first-attempt success rate for vascular access when considered by knowledgeable and experienced practitioners. Education and training of these practitioners in ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous cannulation is becoming increasingly common, although no consensus has been reached regarding its curriculum. The current systematic literature review aims to explore different training modules and components in use, and its efficacy and efficiency in ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous cannulation in hospitalized adults by different healthcare providers. Database search was performed from January 2009 to December 2018 for publications describing the training or education of healthcare professionals in ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous cannulation in adult patients. Data-analyses was performed on 23 studies, concluding that competency on ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous cannulation can be achieved after following a brief training in a fixed curriculum, consisting of a didactic training session, a simulated hands-on component, and is completed after a supervised live-case training. Lectures should focus on ultrasound physics, including the vascular anatomy. The hands-on training included identification of veins on a life model without cannulating, followed by cannulation of veins using a nonhuman tissue model. At the end, supervised cannulation of veins on the upper extremity with an ultrasound-guided technique was performed on live patients to show competency.