bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anisotropic Material Behaviors of Three-Dimensional Printed Carbon-Fiber Polymer Composites With Open-Source Printers
Authors: Garcia Jordan , Harper Robert , Lu Y. Charles
Published: July 2021

Composite products are often created using traditional manufacturing methods such as compression or injection molding. Recently, additive manufacturing (three-dimensional (3D) printing) techniques have been used for fabricating composites. 3D printing is the process of producing three-dimensional parts through the successful combination of various layers of material. This layering effect in combination with exposure to ambient (or reduced) temperature and pressure causes the finished products to have inconsistent microstructures. The inconsistent microstructures along with the oriented reinforcing fibers create anisotropic parts with difficulty to predict mechanical properties. In this paper, the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer composites produced by additive manufacturing technique (3D printing) and by traditional manufacturing technique (compression molding) were investigated. Three open-source 3D printers, i.e., FlashForge Dreamer, Tevo Tornado, and Prusa i3 Mk3, were used to fabricate bending samples from carbon-fiber-reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Results showed that there exist significant discrepancies and anisotropies in mechanical properties of 3D-printed composites. First, the properties vary greatly among parts made from different printers. Second, the mechanical responses of 3D-printed parts strongly depend upon the orientations of the filaments. Parts with the infill oriented along the length of the specimens showed the most favorable mechanical responses such as Young’s modulus, maximum strength, and toughness. Third, all 3D-printed parts exhibit inferior properties to those made by conventional manufacturing. Finally, theoretical modeling has been attempted to predict the mechanical responses of 3D-printed products and can potentially be used to “design” the 3D printing processes to achieve the optimal performance.
A Review on the Effect of Temporal Geometric Variations of the Coronary Arteries on the Wall Shear Stress and Pressure Drop
Authors: Freidoonimehr Navid , Chin Rey , Zander Anthony , Arjomandi Maziar
Published: July 2021

Temporal variations of the coronary arteries during a cardiac cycle are defined as the superposition of the changes in the position, curvature, and torsion of the coronary artery axis markers and the variations in the lumen cross-sectional shape due to the distensible wall motion induced by the pulse pressure and contraction of the myocardium in a cardiac cycle. This review discusses whether modeling of the temporal variations of the coronary arteries is needed for the investigation of hemodynamics specifically in time-critical applications such as a clinical environment. The numerical modelings in the literature that model or disregard the temporal variations of the coronary arteries on the hemodynamic parameters are discussed. The results in the literature show that neglecting the effects of temporal geometric variations is expected to result in about 5% deviation of the time-averaged pressure drop and wall shear stress values and also about 20% deviation of the temporal variations of hemodynamic parameters, such as time-dependent wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index. This review study can be considered as a guide for future studies to outline the conditions in which temporal variations of the coronary arteries can be neglected while providing a reliable estimation of hemodynamic parameters.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Modeling of Blast Wave Transmission From the External Ear to a Spiral Cochlea
Authors: Brown Marcus A. , Bradshaw John J. , Gan Rong Z.
Published: July 2021

Blast-induced injuries affect the health of veterans, in which the auditory system is often damaged, and blast-induced auditory damage to the cochlea is difficult to quantify. A recent study modeled blast overpressure (BOP) transmission throughout the ear utilizing a straight, two-chambered cochlea, but the spiral cochlea’s response to blast exposure has yet to be investigated. In this study, we utilized a human ear finite element (FE) model with a spiraled, two-chambered cochlea to simulate the response of the anatomical structural cochlea to BOP exposure. The FE model included an ear canal, middle ear, and two and half turns of two-chambered cochlea and simulated a BOP from the ear canal entrance to the spiral cochlea in a transient analysis utilizing fluid–structure interfaces. The model’s middle ear was validated with experimental pressure measurements from the outer and middle ear of human temporal bones. The results showed high stapes footplate (SFP) displacements up to 28.5 μm resulting in high intracochlear pressures and basilar membrane (BM) displacements up to 43.2 μm from a BOP input of 30.7 kPa. The cochlea’s spiral shape caused asymmetric pressure distributions as high as 4 kPa across the cochlea’s width and higher BM transverse motion than that observed in a similar straight cochlea model. The developed spiral cochlea model provides an advancement from the straight cochlea model to increase the understanding of cochlear mechanics during blast and progresses toward a model able to predict potential hearing loss after blast.
On the Hierarchy of Models for Pipe Transients: From Quasi-Two-Dimensional Water Hammer Models to Full Three-Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics Models
Authors: Martin N. M. C. , Wahba E. M.
Published: July 2021

A hierarchy of models exists in the literature for the simulation of pipe transients. One-dimensional (1D) water hammer models provide a cost-effective tool for the analysis of such transients. Traditional 1D models implement a quasi-steady approximation of the frictional term, which results in poor modeling of the attenuation of the transient. To improve the modeling of the attenuation phenomenon, alternative unsteady friction models were developed for the 1D water hammer formulation. Moreover, quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) water hammer models were introduced, which allow the computation of the unsteady velocity profile and hence provide improved modeling of the attenuation phenomenon. Recently, interest has developed in the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models based on the Navier–Stokes equations in the simulation of fluid transients. Both axisymmetric and full three-dimensional (3D) CFD models are used in this regard. The aim of the current paper is to carry out a comparative study between the performance of quasi-2D water hammer models, axisymmetric CFD models, and full 3D CFD models. Numerical computations using the three models are performed for both laminar and turbulent flow cases. Present results show that the quasi-2D water hammer model and the axisymmetric CFD model provide near identical results in terms of computing the magnitude, phase, and attenuation of the transient. Reported results also demonstrate the computational efficiency of the quasi-2D model, which provides results that agree reasonably well with the full 3D CFD model results while using a grid density, which is an order of magnitude lower than the grid requirements for the full 3D CFD model.
Investigation on Optimal EES Capacity to Maximize Self-Consumption of PV System With Existing Energy-Efficient Houses in Korea
Authors: Lee Ru-Da , Lee Hyo-Mun , Kim Dong-Su , Yoon Jong-Ho
Published: July 2021

Battery systems are one of key factors in the effective use of renewable energy systems because self-production of electricity by renewables for self-consumption has become profitable for building applications. This study investigates the appropriate capacity of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) installed in all electric zero energy power houses (AEZEPHs). The AEZEPH used for this study is a high energy-efficient house, and its criteria indicates that all the electricity energy within the house is covered based on the generated electricity from on-site renewable energy systems, including that the annual net site energy use is almost equal than zero. The AEZEPHs used for this study is located in Daejeon, South Korea, and the experiment for measured data of electricity consumed and generated in the buildings is carried out for a year (i.e., Jan. through Dec. 2014). Based on the measured data, patterns of the electricity consumed by the AEZEPH and generated by an on-site renewable energy system (i.e., photovoltaic (PV) system), and the appropriate capacity of BESS is then analyzed and evaluated using the EES analysis tool, named Poly-sun. Results from this study indicate that the self-consumption can be increased up to 66% when the ESS system is installed and used during operated hours of the PV system, and the amount of received electricity during the week tends to be reduced by about two times.
Experimental Study on a Passive Solar Desalination Unit Associated With Fresnel Lens and Thermal Storage
Authors: Tan Jun-Yan , Ding Jun Wei , Ho Zhi Yong , Bahar Rubina
Published: July 2021

Passive solar stills can be a viable source of freshwater in water and energy scarce regions. However, the low production rate is one of the major drawbacks of passive solar stills. This work presents an experimental study of the combined effects of concentrated solar power (CSP) and phase change material (PCM) on a low-cost double slope passive solar desalination unit. Fresnel lens as the refractive CSP was used to converge the available solar irradiation onto the solar still basin that contained saline water. Metal tubes containing petroleum jelly with a melting point of 37°C were immersed as the PCM in the saline water. Four different experimental setups were tested in the natural tropical weather of Malaysia to identify the individual and combined impact of the lens and petroleum jelly on desalination performance. It was observed that the performance was better with the individual application of the CSP rather than the combination of CSP and PCM. There was a 28.21 % improvement in distillate production using Fresnel lens only; while using the Fresnel lens and PCM in combination showed a 25.64 % improvement in production. This study also provides several recommendations with which the experimental setup can be improved to yield better results in the future.
Effect of Altitude on In-Cylinder Heat Transfer of a Heavy Duty Diesel Engine
Authors: Liu Zhentao , Liu Jinlong
Published: July 2021

Diesel engines are the predominant power source in trucking industry. Heavy duty trucks move more than 70% of all goods transported around the United States. The atmospheric conditions vary with altitude but are vital to diesel engine performance, efficiency, and emissions. Existing studies reported reduced thermal efficiency and increased emissions when truck engines were operated at high altitude. As the heat loss is a key parameter related to engine efficiency, the goal of this paper was to investigate the altitude impacts on in-cylinder heat transfer characteristics. A single cylinder four-stroke heavy duty diesel engine was performed at constant speed and load but different intake pressure to simulate the varying atmospheric conditions at different altitude. The engine raised the amount of diesel mass injected to the cylinder per cycle to maintain the identical power output under decreased atmospheric pressure and to compensate the combustion deterioration happened inside the cylinder. The experimental results indicated a higher bulk temperature at high altitude due to a smaller amount of mixture mass trapped inside the cylinder. Such a larger temperature difference between the hot products and the cold walls increased in-cylinder heat transfer to the coolant, especially during the combustion period. Specifically, a rise in 2000m altitude resulted in up to ∼2% increment in heat loss to the atmosphere per fired cycle. As a result, applying thermal coating to improve fuel economy is more necessary in high altitude states, such as Colorado and Wyoming.
A Passive Ventilation and Air Conditioning System for an Office Space In Hot Climate
Authors: Harrouz Jean Paul , Ghali Kamel , Ghaddar Nesreen
Published: July 2021

Office spaces are characterized by strict constraints of thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) levels crucial for the occupants’ wellbeing and decision-making abilities. For these reasons, office spaces have large cooling loads especially in hot climates. Conventional vapor compression air conditioning systems are known to be energy intensive systems that rely mainly on electrical energy. Thus, there is a pressing need to decrease the reliance on active cooling systems by the introduction of passive cooling strategies and efficient sustainable buildings. This study proposes an effective passive cooling system that integrates a cross-flow dew point indirect evaporative cooler (DP-IEC) supplying cool clean air to an office space. Validated mathematical models were used to assess the integrated system’s ability in maintaining acceptable thermal comfort and IAQ levels at minimal energy and water consumption. The simulations were carried out for the peak load month for a case study of an occupied office located in the semi-arid and hot Lebanese inland region. The proposed system was able to meet the space thermal and IAQ constraints (average indoor temperature of 25.6 °C, CO2 concentration below 600 ppm). The optimized system operation yielded a daily energy and water consumption of 0.65 kWh and 52 L with a reduction of 80 % in the running cost as compared to the conventional mechanical system.
Lightweight PEM Fuel Cell Stack for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Jo Jinmyun , Zhang Xiaoyu , Ansari Ali
Published: July 2021

Fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts fuel into electricity. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been used for ground transportation due to its high efficiency and zero carbon emission. When it comes to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), PEMFCs can support much longer flight endurance than internal combustion engines and batteries do. However, a lightweight PEMFC stack is required in order to carry enough payload for UAVs. In this research, a lightweight fuel cell stack was developed and fabricated based on the Horizon fuel cell stack. The stack components, including end plates, bipolar plates, and interconnects were redesigned and fabricated to replace those heavy components. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) and electroplating were used to fabricate bipolar plates and interconnects, whereas the end plates were machined from Garolite XX plates. The fabricated lightweight PEMFC stacks were tested using a Scribner 850e Fuel Cell Test System. The lightweight stack assembled with six electroplated bipolar plates showed that the maximum power density estimated was 3.514 W/cm2 with 4.5 V and 1.6 A/cm2 conditions for 100 ml/min of H2. The same fuel cell stack tested at 200 ml/min and 300 ml/min showed higher maximum power densities than 100 ml/min. The presentation includes design and fabrication, performance characterization, weight reduction strategy, and future work.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Based Investigation of the Performance of Hybrid Heat Sinks
Authors: Alkhazaleh Anas , Younes El-Saghir Selim Mohamed , Alnaimat Fadi , Mathew Bobby
Published: July 2021

This article discusses the mathematical modeling of a straight microchannel heat sink, embedded with pin-fins, for purposes of liquid cooling of microelectronic chips. The influence of three different geometrical parameters, pin fins’ diameter, pitch, and hydraulic diameter, on the heat sinks performance is studied. The studies are performed for Reynolds numbers varying from 250 to 2000, and the results are quantified based on thermal resistance and pressure drop. The heat sinks embedded with pin fins have better performance in terms of thermal resistance but at the same time have higher pressure drop. Studies revealed that increasing the pin fins’ diameter, pitch, and hydraulic diameter have an influence on the thermal resistance; the thermal resistance is found to be decreasing with increasing these parameters for the same Reynolds number. For the cases studied, the reduction in thermal resistance of straight microchannels embedded with pin fins varied from 18% to 60% compared with that of traditional straight microchannels for different heat sinks configurations and Reynolds number. On the other hand, the pressure drop is increasing with an increase in pin fins’ diameter and pitch, while it is found to be decreasing with increasing the hydraulic diameter.
A Numerical Investigation Into the Heat Transfer Performance and Particle Dynamics of a Compressible, Highly Mass Loaded, High Reynolds Number, Particle Laden Flow
Authors: Hassan Kyle , Kunz Robert , Hanson David , Manahan Michael
Published: July 2021

In this work, we study the heat transfer performance and particle dynamics of a highly mass loaded, compressible, particle-laden flow in a horizontally-oriented pipe using an Eulerian-Eulerian (two-fluid) computational model. An attendant experimental configuration [1] provides the basis for the study. Specifically, a 17 bar co-flow of nitrogen gas and copper powder are modeled with inlet Reynolds numbers of 3 × 104, 4.5 × 104, and 6 × 104 and mass loadings of 0, 0.5, and 1.0. Eight binned particle sizes were modeled to represent the known powder properties. Significant settling of all particle groups are observed leading to asymmetric temperature distributions. Wall and core flow temperature distributions are observed to agree well with measurements. In high Reynolds number cases, the predictions of the multiphase computational model were satisfactorily aligned with the experimental results. Low Reynolds number model predictions were not as consistent with the experimental measurements.
Determining Parametric Effects for Droplet Evaporation on Nanoporous Superhydrophillic Surfaces Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: McClure Emma R. , Carey Van P.
Published: July 2021

Experimental results demonstrate that droplet vaporization on metal surfaces can be significantly enhanced with the application of a nanoporous, superhydrophilic surface coating. A thin layer of ZnO nanopillars can be easily seeded and grown on most metallic surfaces to achieve nanoscale pores between pillars, and ultra-low apparent contact angles. These surface coatings have the potential to improve spray cooling processes, and can be easily scaled up to larger and more complex heat exchangers. In order to characterize the potential improvement to a spray cooling system it is important to understand the dependence on system parameters, and to have a clear model of droplet vaporization on such surfaces. There are a number of surface and impact parameters that will affect the droplet spreading and subsequent vaporization on the surface. The surface contact angle, wicking speed and impact velocity all interact to affect the maximum spread of the droplet and the speed at which the droplet reaches this state. Along with variations in droplet volume and wall superheat, the model for droplet vaporization becomes more complex and nonlinear. Instead of exploring a single parameter at a time, machine learning tools can be utilized to determine the dependence of droplet evaporation time on these parameters simultaneously. In this study a genetic algorithm and a neural network were used to develop a droplet evaporation model for these superhydrophilic surfaces. Each algorithm demonstrated clear advantages depending on whether speed, accuracy, or an explicit mathematical model was prioritized.
Indirect Freeze Desalination Experimental Observation and First Principle Energy Conservation Modeling
Authors: Zhang Hongtao , Alabdouli Khawlah , Islam MD , Janajreh Isam
Published: July 2021

Freeze desalination is a promising nonconventional method with the advantage of low energy consumption, enduring less corrosion, and operating at a higher brine concentration and normal pressure. Experimental study of salinity gradient in the frozen ice is still lacking, and limited literature addresses the time and energy cost of the system. Here, bottom-up directional freezing experiments are conducted to obtain salinity gradient of the frozen brine under different freezing temperature and salinity conditions. These experiments reveal the developed salinity gradient reaching over 60% reduction in an axisymmetric tray. The obtained salinity distribution is used to determine the localized brine properties and its freezing temperature according to the phase equilibria of the NaCl solution. Results obtained demonstrate there is an optimal freezing condition that enables the high salinity diffusion front to migrate/travel and leave the lowest possible salinity level behind. Relying on the obtained salinity gradient, the first principle heat and mass conservation validated model is then developed to evaluate the freezing time and energy usage. Results suggest that salinity gradient vs crystallinity is a nonlinear behavior while respectively the energy consumption increases linearly with the increase and decrease of initial fluid and sub-cooling temperature. These analyses provide the engineer with an evaluation tool that estimates the freezing time and energy consumption for a successive freeze desalination system.
Natech Risk Assessment and Control Through Innovative Risk Reduction Measures – Pipeline / Landslide Interaction Case
Authors: Aristizabal Jaime , Moncada Daniel
Published: July 2021

At the end of 2018, a large-scale landslide was identified near the Right of Way of one of the pipelines operated by Cenit Transporte y Logística de Hidrocarburos. In this zone it was possible to identify a populated area and a river. At the beginning the depth of the Landslide did not represent a hazard to the pipeline due to the Horizontal Directional Drilling technique applied when the pipeline was built. A monitoring program was developed through inclinometers and piezometers and In-Line Inspections were carried out to identify any disturbance in the alignment of the pipeline.

From the monitoring program and In-Line Inspection data it was possible to confirm interaction between the landslide and the pipeline. A perpendicular force to the pipeline alignment produces a bending strain at two points, and landslide interact with the pipeline along a length of 170 m. The depth of the landslide failure surface was in between 17 to 22 m, and the pipeline was about 15 m deep.

Due to this interaction, it was necessary to develop a risk assessment to identify a safe limit displacement. For a while, this allowed us to design both a temporal innovative solution considering a flexible pipeline and a definitive solution to build the new segment of the pipeline which was deeper than the last one, through the Horizontal Directional Drilling technique.
Unifying fluctuation-dissipation temperatures of slow-evolving nonequilibrium systems from the perspective of inherent structures
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Zheng Wen , Zhang Shiyun , Xu Ding , Nie Yunhuan , Jiang Zhehua , Xu Ning
Published: July 2021

Effective temperatures of slow-evolving nonequilibrium systems measure characteristic temperatures of equilibrium systems.
Public good exploitation in natural bacterioplankton communities
Authors: Pollak Shaul , Gralka Matti , Sato Yuya , Schwartzman Julia , Lu Lu , Cordero Otto X.
Published: July 2021

Ancestral genome reconstruction predicts public good cheaters in natural polysaccharide-degrading bacterioplankton communities.
Targeting multiple cell death pathways extends the shelf life and preserves the function of human and mouse neutrophils for transfusion
Authors: Fan Yuping , Teng Yan , Loison Fabien , Pang Aiming , Kasorn Anongnard , Shao Xinqi , Zhang Cunling , Ren Qian , Yu Hongbo , Zheng Yi , Cancelas Jose A. , Manis John , Chai Li , Park Shin-Young , Zhao Li , Xu Yuanfu , Feng Sizhou , Silberstein Leslie E. , Ma Fengxia , Luo Hongbo R.
Published: July 2021

Survival of neutrophils is prolonged, and their function is preserved by simultaneously targeting multiple cell death pathways.
Nuclear accumulation of CHMP7 initiates nuclear pore complex injury and subsequent TDP-43 dysfunction in sporadic and familial ALS
Authors: Coyne Alyssa N. , Baskerville Victoria , Zaepfel Benjamin L. , Dickson Dennis W. , Rigo Frank , Bennett Frank , Lusk C. Patrick , Rothstein Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2021

Nuclear accumulation of CHMP7 leads to multiple cellular pathologies that can be mitigated via CHMP7 ASOs in familial and sporadic ALS iPSNs.
An ACE inhibitor reduces bactericidal activity of human neutrophils in vitro and impairs mouse neutrophil activity in vivo
Authors: Cao Duo-Yao , Giani Jorge F. , Veiras Luciana C. , Bernstein Ellen A. , Okwan-Duodu Derick , Ahmed Faizan , Bresee Catherine , Tourtellotte Warren G. , Karumanchi S. Ananth , Bernstein Kenneth E. , Khan Zakir
Published: July 2021

ACE inhibitor treatment reduces human and mouse neutrophil function.
Antibiofilm Potential of
Lavandula
Preparations against Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Ramić Dina , Bucar Franz , Kunej Urban , Dogša Iztok , Klančnik Anja , Smole Možina Sonja
Published: July 2021

The
Lavandula
preparations used in this study are found to be effective against
C. jejuni
, a common foodborne pathogen. They show antibiofilm properties at subinhibitory concentrations in terms of promoting biofilm degradation and inhibiting cell adhesion and motility, which are involved in the initial steps of biofilm formation.
Antimicrobial Resistance Spectrum Conferred by pRErm46 of Emerging Macrolide (Multidrug)-Resistant Rhodococcus equi
Authors: Erol Erdal , Scortti Mariela , Fortner Jordan , Patel Mukesh , Vázquez-Boland José A.
Published: July 2021

Clonal multidrug resistance recently emerged in
Rhodococcus equi
, complicating the therapeutic management of this difficult-to-treat animal- and human-pathogenic actinomycete. The currently spreading multidrug-resistant (MDR) “2287” clone arose in equine farms upon acquisition, and coselection by mass macrolide-rifampin therapy, of the pRErm46 plasmid carrying the
erm
(46) macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin resistance determinant and of an
rpoB
S531F
mutation.
nsP4 Is a Major Determinant of Alphavirus Replicase Activity and Template Selectivity
Authors: Lello Laura Sandra , Bartholomeeusen Koen , Wang Sainan , Coppens Sandra , Fragkoudis Rennos , Alphey Luke , Ariën Kevin K. , Merits Andres , Utt Age
Published: July 2021

A key element of every virus with an RNA genome is the RNA replicase. Understanding the principles of RNA replicase formation and functioning is therefore crucial for understanding and responding to the emergence of new viruses.
A Pioneer Transcription Factor and Type I Nuclear Hormone Receptors Synergistically Activate the Bovine Herpesvirus 1 Infected Cell Protein 0 (ICP0) Early Promoter
Authors: Sawant Laximan , Ostler Jeffery B. , Jones Clinton
Published: July 2021

Understanding how stressful stimuli and changes in the cellular milieu mediate viral replication and gene expression in the natural host is important for developing therapeutic strategies that impair virus transmission and disease. For example, bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) reactivation from latency is consistently induced by the synthetic corticosteroid dexamethasone, which mimics the effects of stress.
β-Catenin Signaling Regulates theIn VivoDistribution of Hepatitis B Virus Biosynthesis across the Liver Lobule
Authors: Tarnow Grant , McLachlan Alan
Published: July 2021

Viral biosynthesis is highest around the central vein in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) transgenic mouse model of chronic infection. The associated HBV biosynthetic gradient across the liver lobule is primarily dependent upon β-catenin.
Hemagglutinins of Avian Influenza Viruses Are Proteolytically Activated by TMPRSS2 in Human and Murine Airway Cells
Authors: Bestle Dorothea , Limburg Hannah , Kruhl Diana , Harbig Anne , Stein David A. , Moulton Hong , Matrosovich Mikhail , Abdelwhab Elsayed M. , Stech Jürgen , Böttcher-Friebertshäuser Eva
Published: July 2021

Human infections with avian influenza A viruses upon exposure to infected birds are frequently reported and have received attention as a potential pandemic threat. Cleavage of the envelope glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA) by host proteases is a prerequisite for membrane fusion and essential for virus infectivity.
Assay Harmonization and Use of Biological Standards To Improve the Reproducibility of the Hemagglutination Inhibition Assay: a FLUCOP Collaborative Study
Authors: Waldock Joanna , Zheng Lingyi , Remarque Edmond J. , Civet Alexandre , Hu Branda , Jalloh Sarah Lartey , Cox Rebecca Jane , Ho Sammy , Hoschler Katja , Ollinger Thierry , Trombetta Claudia Maria , Engelhardt Othmar G. , Caillet Catherine
Published: July 2021

The hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay is the most commonly used serology assay to detect antibodies from influenza vaccination or influenza virus infection. This assay has been used for decades but requires improved standardization of procedures to provide meaningful data.
Retrospective Performance Analyses of over Two Million U.S. QuantiFERON Blood Sample Results
Authors: Bi Caixia , Clark Richard B. , Master Ronald , Kapoor Hema , Kroll Martin H. , Salm Ann E. , Meyer William A.
Published: July 2021

Both the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) tests are interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release assays (IGRAs) intended to detect
in vitro
cell-mediated immune responses to
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
antigens. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed performance data for both the QFT-GIT and QFT-Plus test systems from over 2 million samples.
High-Throughput Multiplex SARS-CoV-2 IgG Microsphere Immunoassay for Dried Blood Spots: A Public Health Strategy for Enhanced Serosurvey Capacity
Authors: Styer Linda M. , Hoen Rebecca , Rock Jean , Yauney Erica , Nemeth Katherine , Bievenue Rachel , Parker Monica M.
Published: July 2021

Testing for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 has been used to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 in different populations. Seroprevalence studies, or serosurveys, were especially useful during the early phase of the pandemic when diagnostic testing was not widely available, and the resulting seroprevalence estimates played an important role in public health decision making.
Nonenteric Adenoviruses Associated with Gastroenteritis in Hospitalized Children
Authors: De Francesco Maria Antonia , Lorenzin Giovanni , Meini Antonella , Schumacher Richard Fabian , Caruso Arnaldo
Published: July 2021

Gastroenteritis is the second leading cause of death among infants and children worldwide. Our study shows that adenovirus types other than 40 and 41 might be related to acute gastroenteritis. Therefore, a novel approach using diagnostic methods able to detect all adenovirus types is desirable in order to overcome the limitations of the current techniques.
Time-Kill Evaluation of Antibiotic Combinations Containing Ceftazidime-Avibactam against Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Their Potential Role against Ceftazidime-Avibactam-Resistant Isolates
Authors: Montero María M. , Domene Ochoa Sandra , López-Causapé Carla , Luque Sonia , Sorlí Luisa , Campillo Núria , López Montesinos Inmaculada , Padilla Eduardo , Prim Núria , Angulo-Brunet Ariadna , Grau Santiago , Oliver Antonio , Horcajada Juan P.
Published: July 2021

The emergence of resistance to antibiotics is a serious public health problem worldwide and can be a cause of mortality. For this reason, antibiotic treatment is compromised, and we have few therapeutic options to treat infections.
Large multicystic spinal lesion in a young African migrant: a problem of differential diagnosis
Authors: Ursini Tamara , Rodari Paola , Badona Monteiro Geraldo , Barresi Valeria , Cicciò Carmelo , Moscolo Fabio , Tamarozzi Francesca
Published: July 2021

We describe a rare case of large, fully cystic spinal schwannoma in a young adult from The Gambia. The initial clinical suspicion was spinal cystic echinococcosis. He came to our attention reporting progressive walking impairment and neurological symptoms in the lower limbs. An expansive lesion extending from L2 to S1 was shown by imaging (ie, CT scan and MRI). Differential diagnoses included aneurysmal bone cyst and spinal tuberculosis and abscess; the initial suggested diagnosis of spinal cystic echinococcosis was discarded based on contrast enhancement results. The final diagnosis of cystic schwannoma was obtained by histopathology of the excised mass. Cystic spinal lesions are rare and their differential diagnosis is challenging. Awareness of autochthonous and tropical infectious diseases is important, especially in countries experiencing consistent migration flow; however, it must be kept in mind that migrants may also present with ‘non-tropical’ pathologies.
Unusual case of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Rajaratnam Timothy Johanan , Herre Jurgen
Published: July 2021

We present the case of a 65-year-old woman who presented with progressive dysphagia and was diagnosed with achalasia. She subsequently developed bilateral chylous pleural effusions, with no cause identified despite extensive investigations (including computed tomography (CT) scans, gastroscopy and medical thoracoscopy (MT)) and review at a dedicated pleural multidisciplinary team meeting.

Despite optimal supportive management she deteriorated and was admitted to the intensive care unit, where she passed away due to sepsis and respiratory failure 10 months after initial presentation. A postmortem returned a diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma, encasing the carina, distal oesophagus and coeliac axis.

Mesothelioma only very rarely presents with either chylous effusions or achalasia. Additionally while MT normally conveys excellent sensitivity for pleural malignancy, it was insufficient here. This case highlights how an unusually located mesothelioma can produce an unusual clinical picture. It also suggests a role for early video-assisted thoracoscopy to aid diagnosis.
Surviving COVID-19 and multiple complications post total laryngectomy
Authors: Singh Arpana , Bhardwaj Abhishek , Ravichandran Nivedhan , Malhotra Manu
Published: July 2021

The clinical manifestation of novel COVID-19 is variable. Pre-existing carcinoma and other comorbidities have been associated with increased COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality. Surgical intervention for advanced laryngeal carcinoma in old age during the COVID-19 pandemic may pose multiple challenges to the patient and the treatment team. We report a case of a 67-year-old elderly man who developed SARS-CoV-2 infection on the 21st day following total laryngectomy and neck dissection. The postoperative period was complicated by sequential development of pulmonary embolism, neck infection, pharyngeal leak and COVID-19 which were managed successfully. No close contacts were positive on the reverse transcription-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2. The patient is in follow-up for the past 7 months without any recurrence or COVID-19-related morbidity. The successful recovery and no cross-infection may be attributed to early diagnosis, immediate intervention and properly implemented institutional infection control policy.
Expansion of patient eligibility for virtual glaucoma clinics: a long-term strategy to increase the capacity of high-quality glaucoma care
Authors: Nikita Eleni , Gazzard Gus , Sim Dawn A , Fasolo Sandro , Kortum Karsten , Jayaram Hari
Published: July 2021

Aims

The virtual glaucoma clinic (VGC) is a well-established diagnostic pathway for delivery of glaucoma care. Current UK national guidance recommends VGCs for patients with ocular hypertension, glaucoma suspects or early glaucoma. This study evaluates whether expanded eligibility criteria, including other glaucoma phenotypes and disease stages, can deliver safe and effective care with a positive patient experience.

Methods

Records of over 8000 patients were reviewed in order to determine suitability for VGC attendance using expanded eligibility criteria. Patients with three prior consecutive visits within the glaucoma service were included. Follow-up interval, clinic type, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual field performance were recorded. Patient satisfaction was recorded for a sample of 118 patients.

Results

2017 patients over 31 months were included. Two-thirds of eyes had ocular comorbidities, a fifth of eyes had undergone prior cataract surgery and 10% of eyes had undergone a prior laser treatment for glaucoma. After three visits, 32% of patients remained in the VGC, 42% were seen in face-to-face clinics and 25% were discharged. There were no clinically significant changes in VA, IOP and visual field performance during follow-up. 72% of patients expressed a preference to continue their care within VGCs.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that VGCs with expanded patient eligibility criteria can deliver high-quality glaucoma care that is safe, effective and with high levels of patient satisfaction. This approach provides a long-term solution to adapt delivery of glaucoma care to our expanding and ageing population.
Necessary but not sufficient: a scoping review of legal accountability for sexual and reproductive health in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Schaaf Marta , Khosla Rajat
Published: July 2021

Background

This paper is a scoping review of the impact of legal accountability efforts for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), exploring the links between legal accountability strategies and changes in the desired SRHR outcomes.

Methods

We defined legal accountability as use of the judicial system following state failure to respect, protect or fulfil SRHR as enshrined in national law, as well as individuals’ or the state’s use of criminal law mechanisms to prevent unwanted behaviour and to provide remedy. We undertook a keyword search in PubMed, Scopus and LexisNexis and then consulted a group of experts to provide guidance regarding further peer-reviewed and grey literature, yielding a total of 191 articles.

Results

The majority of the empirical, peer-reviewed articles identified were regarding abortion law and abortion care availability, followed by violence against women. Most of these articles explore the gaps between law and practice. We identified seven key factors that shape the efficacy of legal accountability efforts, including the ways a law or court decision is formulated, access to courts, the (dis)advantages of criminal law in the given context, cultural norms, politics, state capacity and resources and the potential for further litigation. Many articles explained that use of the judiciary may be necessary to effect change and that the act of claiming rights can empower, but that legal avenues for change can be imperfect tools for justice.

Conclusions

Legal accountability can be effective as part of a broader, long-term strategy, with due attention to context.
Global epidemiology of hip fractures: a study protocol using a common analytical platform among multiple countries
Authors: Sing Chor-Wing , Lin Tzu-Chieh , Bartholomew Sharon , Bell J Simon , Bennett Corina , Beyene Kebede , Bosco‐Lévy Pauline , Chan Amy Hai Yan , Chandran Manju , Cheung Ching-Lung , Doyon Caroline Y , Droz-Perroteau Cécile , Ganesan Ganga , Hartikainen Sirpa , Ilomaki Jenni , Jeong Han Eol , Kiel Douglas P , Kubota Kiyoshi , Lai Edward Chia-Cheng , Lange Jeff , Lewiecki E Michael , Liu Jiannong , Man Kenneth K C , Mendes de Abreu Mirhelen , Moore Nicolas , O’Kelly James , Ooba Nobuhiro , Pedersen Alma B , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Shin Ju-Young , Sørensen Henrik T , Tan Kelvin Bryan , Tolppanen Anna-Maija , Verhamme Katia M C , Wang Grace Hsin-Min , Watcharathanakij Sawaeng , Zhao Hongxin , Wong Ian C K
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Hip fractures are associated with a high burden of morbidity and mortality. Globally, there is wide variation in the incidence of hip fracture in people aged 50 years and older. Longitudinal and cross-geographical comparisons of health data can provide insights on aetiology, risk factors, and healthcare practices. However, systematic reviews of studies that use different methods and study periods do not permit direct comparison across geographical regions. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate global secular trends in hip fracture incidence, mortality and use of postfracture pharmacological treatment across Asia, Oceania, North and South America, and Western and Northern Europe using a unified methodology applied to health records.

Methods and analysis

This retrospective cohort study will use a common protocol and an analytical common data model approach to examine incidence of hip fracture across population-based databases in different geographical regions and healthcare settings. The study period will be from 2005 to 2018 subject to data availability in study sites. Patients aged 50 years and older and hospitalised due to hip fracture during the study period will be included. The primary outcome will be expressed as the annual incidence of hip fracture. Secondary outcomes will be the pharmacological treatment rate and mortality within 12 months following initial hip fracture by year. For the primary outcome, crude and standardised incidence of hip fracture will be reported. Linear regression will be used to test for time trends in the annual incidence. For secondary outcomes, the crude mortality and standardised mortality incidence will be reported.

Ethics and dissemination

Each participating site will follow the relevant local ethics and regulatory frameworks for study approval. The results of the study will be submitted for peer-reviewed scientific publications and presented at scientific conferences.
Cross-sectional study to assess the healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitude and practices about probiotics use in Pakistan
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Subhan , Saqlain Muhammad , Majeed Abdul , Imran Imran , Saeed Hamid , Saleem Muhammad Usman , Abrar Muhammad Asad , Islam Muhammad , Hashmi Furqan , Akbar Muqarrab , Chaudhry Muhammad Omer , Ramzan Basit , Rasool Muhammad Fawad
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of HCPs regarding the use of probiotics in different health conditions and to identify various barriers that are associated with their use.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 405 HCPs by using a validated self- administered questionnaire for assessing their KAP towards probiotic use. The study data were analysed using descriptive statistics, χ2 test and binary logistic regression (BLR).

Results

Among the 405 participants, only 15.1 % of HCPs had good knowledge, while 15.6% had acceptable practices and 89.1% had a positive attitude towards probiotics. The professional position of HCPs was significantly associated with knowledge (p=0.001) and practice (p=0.001). Among all the HCPs, the pharmacists showed a significant association with good knowledge (p=0.016) and good practices (p=0.024) by using BLR. The lack of knowledge about probiotics was a major barrier to the utilisation of probiotics.

Conclusions

The poor knowledge and practices regarding the use of probiotics have been seen in the current study. While the participants showed a positive attitude towards the utilisation of probiotics. To transform HCPs’ positive attitude to their practices and to create awareness regarding probiotic use focused training programmes should be initiated by professional health organisations.
Efficacy of a strategy-based intervention on text-level reading comprehension in persons with aphasia: a study protocol for a repeated measures study
Authors: Thumbeck Sarah-Maria , Schmid Philipp , Chesneau Sophie , Domahs Frank
Published: July 2021

Introduction

At least 68% of persons with aphasia (PWA) experience reading difficulties. Even though strategy-based interventions are a promising treatment approach for text level reading comprehension deficits in PWA, empirical evidence for their efficacy remains rare. The primary objective of this study is the analysis of the efficacy of a strategy-based intervention on text-level reading comprehension and on reading activities in PWA.

Methods and analysis

In a repeated measures trial, 24 PWA will first participate in a waiting period and then in a strategy-based intervention (14 face-to-face-sessions, 60 min each). We will apply two combinations of strategies to treat either the microstructure or the macrostructure, respectively. Participants will be randomly allocated to two parallel groups that will receive these combinations in interchanged sequences. Assessments will be implemented before and after each period as well as 3 and 6 months after the intervention. The primary outcome measure is text-level reading comprehension measured with a German version of the Test de Compréhension de Textes (TCT-D) and represented by the score TCT-D Total . A non-blinded and a blinded rater will evaluate the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures will address specific reading functions, reading activities and cognitive functions. The sample size was determined with an a priori power analysis. For statistical analysis, we will use contrast analyses within repeated measures analysis of variance models. We expect significant improvements in primary and secondary outcome measures during the intervention as compared with changes during the waiting period.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the ethics committee of Deutscher Bundesverband für akademische Sprachtherapie und Logopädie (20–10074-KA-MunmErw+Ko). Results and relevant data will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, at conferences and on the Open Science Framework.

Trial registration number

DRKS00021411 (see Supplementary Table 1).