bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A fish and tetrapod fauna from Romer's Gap preserved in Scottish Tournaisian floodplain deposits
Authors: Otoo Benjamin K. A. , Clack Jennifer A. , Smithson Timothy R. , Bennett Carys E. , Kearsey Timothy I. , Coates Michael I.
Published: October 2018

The end‐Devonian mass extinction has been framed as a turning point in vertebrate evolution, enabling the radiation of tetrapods, chondrichthyans and actinopterygians. Until very recently ‘Romer's Gap’ rendered the Early Carboniferous a black box standing between the Devonian and the later Carboniferous, but now new Tournaisian localities are filling this interval. Recent work has recovered unexpected tetrapod and lungfish diversity. However, the composition of Tournaisian faunas remains poorly understood. Here we report on a Tournaisian vertebrate fauna from a well‐characterized, narrow stratigraphic interval from the Ballagan Formation exposed at Burnmouth, Scotland. Microfossils suggest brackish conditions and the sedimentology indicates a low‐energy debris flow on a vegetated floodplain. A range of vertebrate bone sizes are preserved. Rhizodonts are represented by the most material, which can be assigned to two taxa. Lungfish are represented by several species, almost all of which are currently endemic to the Ballagan Formation. There are two named tetrapods, Aytonerpeton and Diploradus, with at least two others also represented. Gyracanths, holocephalans, and actinopterygian fishes are represented by rarer fossils. This material compares well with vertebrate fossils from other Ballagan deposits. Faunal similarity analysis using an updated dataset of Devonian–Carboniferous (Givetian–Serpukhovian) sites corroborates a persistent Devonian/Carboniferous split. Separation of the data into marine and non‐marine partitions indicates more Devonian–Carboniferous faunal continuity in non‐marine settings compared to marine settings. These results agree with the latest fossil discoveries and suggest that the Devonian–Carboniferous transition proceeded differently in different environments and among different taxonomic groups.
Anesthetic management of thoracoscopic resection of lung lesions in small children
Authors: Mohtar Sanah , Hui Theresa W. C. , Irwin Michael G.
Published: October 2018

Background

Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery has dramatically increased over the last decade because of both medical and cosmetic benefits. Anesthesia for video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery in small children is more challenging compared to adults due to the considerable problems posed by small airway dimensions and ventilation. The optimal technique for one‐lung ventilation has yet to be established and the use of remifentanil infusion in this setting is not well described.

Aims

This study investigated the use of extraluminal bronchial blocker placement for one‐lung ventilation and the effect of infusion of remifentanil in infants and small children undergoing video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the technique of one‐lung ventilation and the hemodynamic effects of remifentanil infusion in 31 small children during elective video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery for congenital lung lesions under anesthesia with sevoflurane or isoflurane, oxygen, and air. Patients’ heart rate, blood pressure, and endtidal carbon dioxide at baseline (after induction of anesthesia), immediately after one‐lung ventilation, during carbon dioxide insufflation, and at the end of one‐lung ventilation were extracted from the database and analyzed. The use of vasopressors or dexmedetomidine was also recorded and analyzed.

Results

Extraluminal placement of a bronchial blocker alongside the tracheal tube was successfully performed in 90.3% of cases (28 patients) without any serious complications or arterial oxygen desaturation. There was no significant rise in blood pressure or heart rate even with the rise of endtidal carbon dioxide concentration during video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery. In 58% of patients (18 patients), phenylephrine was administered to maintain the blood pressure within 20% of the baseline value. There was no significant change in the heart rate of all patients at each time point.

Conclusion

One‐lung ventilation with an extraluminal parallel blocker was used effectively in this series of young children undergoing thoracoscopic excision of congenital pulmonary lesions. Remifentanil infusion attenuated surgical stress effectively in infants and small children undergoing video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
Diagnosis and perioperative management in pediatric sleep‐disordered breathing
Authors: Scalzitti Nicholas J. , Sarber Kathleen M.
Published: October 2018

Sleep‐disordered breathing has a prevalence of 12% in the pediatric population. It represents a spectrum of disorders encompassing abnormalities of the upper airway that lead to sleep disruption, including primary snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and sleep‐related hypoventilation. Sleep‐disordered breathing is the most common indication for adenotonsillectomy, one of the most common procedures performed in children. In recent years, the American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists have crafted guidelines to help safely manage children with sleep‐disordered breathing. Each organization recommends in‐laboratory polysomnography for definitive diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in certain cases. However, because this test is both costly and inconvenient, there has been significant interest in alternative methods for diagnosing clinically significant sleep‐disordered breathing. Accurate diagnosis is critical because sleep‐disordered breathing confers certain perioperative risks and increased mortality in some instances. Recent studies have elucidated the danger of anesthesia and opioids in worsening obstructive sleep apnea, and recommendations for alternative analgesia are being created. In addition, determining the most appropriate level and duration of monitoring in the postoperative period is actively being evaluated. This article presents an overview of the recent literature on the perioperative care of pediatric patients with sleep‐disordered breathing. It highlights innovative modalities and limitations in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea, the importance of a tailored anesthetic/analgesic approach to children with obstructive sleep apnea, and the need for postoperative monitoring. It also brings to focus that further studies on the perioperative care of these children are necessary.
Frontiers in pigment cell and melanoma research
Authors: Filipp Fabian V. , Birlea Stanca , Bosenberg Marcus W. , Brash Douglas , Cassidy Pamela B. , Chen Suzie , D'Orazio John A. , Fujita Mayumi , Goh Boon‐Kee , Herlyn Meenhard , Indra Arup K. , Larue Lionel , Leachman Sancy A. , Le Poole Caroline , Liu‐Smith Feng , Manga Prashiela , Montoliu Lluis , Norris David A. , Shellman Yiqun , Smalley Keiran S. M. , Spritz Richard A. , Sturm Richard A. , Swetter Susan M. , Terzian Tamara , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Weber Jeffrey S. , Box Neil F.
Published: October 2018

In this perspective, we identify emerging frontiers in clinical and basic research of melanocyte biology and its associated biomedical disciplines. We describe challenges and opportunities in clinical and basic research of normal and diseased melanocytes that impact current approaches to research in melanoma and the dermatological sciences. We focus on four themes: (1) clinical melanoma research, (2) basic melanoma research, (3) clinical dermatology, and (4) basic pigment cell research, with the goal of outlining current highlights, challenges, and frontiers associated with pigmentation and melanocyte biology.

Significantly, this document encapsulates important advances in melanocyte and melanoma research including emerging frontiers in melanoma immunotherapy, medical and surgical oncology, dermatology, vitiligo, albinism, genomics and systems biology, epidemiology, pigment biophysics and chemistry, and evolution.
Effects of Vitamin D levels and supplementation on atopic dermatitis: A systematic review
Authors: Huang Christina M. , Lara‐Corrales Irene , Pope Elena
Published: October 2018

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting 5%‐20% of children worldwide. Studies suggested both a correlation between serum vitamin D (VD) levels and AD severity and a therapeutic potential role for VD supplementation.

Objectives

To determine whether serum VD levels correlate with AD severity and the effects of supplementation for disease improvement in children.

Data Sources

Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched.

Study Selection

Publications with children 0‐18 years old with AD and data evaluating effects of VD levels or supplementation on AD severity were included.

Data Extraction

Author, year, inclusion criteria, study design, location, age, VD levels, VD supplementation regimens, and baseline and final disease severities were extracted.

Results

Of the 21 included publications, 15, 5, and 1 evaluated VD level, VD supplementation, and both factors with disease severity, respectively. There were 4 randomized control trials (RCTs), 5 cohort, 6 case‐control, and 6 cross‐sectional studies. A significant inverse correlation between VD level and severity was described in 62.5% (10/16) of studies. There were 67% (4/6) that reported a significant improvement in AD severity with supplementation.

Limitations

Studies meeting inclusion criteria were limited. Furthermore, papers were heterogeneous in terms of location, season, and VD supplementation regimen. Language and publication bias was another potential limitation.

Conclusion

In children, the majority of existing literature confirmed a link between serum VD levels and AD severity. Weak evidence was found supporting improvement of AD with VD supplementation. Future large‐scale studies are needed to support our findings.
Solidarity in dark times: Arendt and Gadamer on the politics of appearance
Authors: Gaffney Jennifer
Published: October 2018

This essay surveys the theme of solidarity in the respective works of Hans‐Georg Gadamer and Hannah Arendt. Recent discourses in continental political philosophy have arrived at an impasse regarding solidarity. On the one hand, solidarities are important for galvanizing historically oppressed peoples against dominant discourses. On the other hand, solidarities that impose similarities in advance run the risk of absorbing difference and becoming exclusionary. Gadamer and Arendt, each in different manners, promise a distinctive approach to discourses on solidarity through their emphasis on the existential concern for human finitude. Both suggest that insofar as we are finite, we are bound together not by familiarity and sameness but rather by shared vulnerability, finding help with this vulnerability by remaining open to the difference and otherness that is always at stake in communal life. In this, Gadamer and Arendt open new paths to theorizing collectives in ways that embrace and defend difference rather than rejecting it. Moreover, both remind us of the urgency of such a notion of solidarity for responding to what, in allusion to Arendt, we may be inclined to call the dark times in which we live.
Dual character concepts
Authors: Reuter Kevin
Published: October 2018

Some of philosophy's most central concepts, including art, friendship, and happiness, have been argued to be dual character concepts. Their main characteristic is that they encode not only a descriptive dimension but also an independent normative dimension for categorization. This article introduces the class of dual character concepts and discusses various accounts of their content and structure. A specific focus will be placed on their relation to two other classes of concepts, thick concepts and natural kind concepts. The study of dual character concepts not only demonstrates that a wide range of concepts is inherently normative, but it also reveals new possibilities for investigating gender biases, generics, and social roles.
Paraprobiotics: an aquaculture perspective
Authors: Choudhury Tanmoy Gon , Kamilya Dibyendu
Published: October 2018

Probiotics, which are considered as live microbial adjunct conferring health benefits to the host, represent a potentially effective strategy for infectious disease control. Nevertheless, there has been growing concerns about safety, applicability and functionality issues associated with the live probiotic microorganisms. Concurrently, recent observations indicate that even the non‐viable counterparts of the probiotic organisms, also known as paraprobiotic, can be used to harness similar beneficial effects. Considering the limitations of probiotic application, paraprobiotics constitute a potential alternative strategy for improving health and wellness of fish and shellfish in aquaculture. Eventhough the concept of paraprobiotic is relatively established in higher vertebrate models and related food production sectors, its application in aquaculture is still in its early stage. In light of this, the present review delineates the concept of paraprobiotic, inactivation methods used for its preparation, the role of paraprobiotic in modifying biological responses as well as their potential application in aquaculture.
Starch gelatinization on the physical characteristics of aquafeeds and subsequent implications to the productivity in farmed aquatic animals
Authors: Romano Nicholas , Kumar Vikas
Published: October 2018

Starches are added macronutrients in aquafeeds to act as binders and provide inexpensive digestible energy to aquatic animals. These qualities can be further enhanced through gelatinization, which occurs when the crystalline region of amylopectin within the starch granule melts along with the leaching of amylose to form a gel matrix. This process readily occurs in the presence of heat and water, and therefore, some degree of starch gelatinization is ubiquitous in aquafeeds. When using simple technology, such as hand pelleters that employ less heat, pressure and shear forces, the inclusion of pre‐gelatinized starch can effectively improve pellet quality and digestibility in aquatic animals. In this review, the implications of starch gelatinization to various pellet characteristics will first be presented, followed by a brief discussion on carbohydrate metabolism in aquatic animals. A common feature of gelatinized starch in fish includes a higher digestibility; however, the implications to growth, physiology, post‐harvest quality as well as waste and disease management can depend on the host species, starch type and degree of gelatinization. This review comprehensively discusses these factors in various aquatic animals and such information may assist feed manufacturers and nutritionists to optimize cost‐effective feed formulations.
Control or influence? Conflict or solidarity? Understanding diversity in preferences for public participation in social policy decision making
Authors: Dean Rikki
Published: October 2018

Participatory policy making is a contested concept that can be understood in multiple ways. So how do those involved with participatory initiatives make sense of contrasting ideas of participation? What purposes and values do they associate with participatory governance? This paper reflects on a Q‐method study with a range of actors, from citizen activists to senior civil servants, involved with participatory initiatives in U.K. social policy. Using principal components analysis, supplemented with data from qualitative interviews, it identifies three shared participation preferences: participation as collective decision making, participation as knowledge transfer, and participation as agonism. These preferences demonstrate significant disagreements between the key informants, particularly concerning the objectives of participation, how much power should be afforded to the public, and what motivates people to participate. Their contrasting normative orientations are used to highlight how participatory governance theory and practice frequently fails to take seriously legitimate diversity in procedural preferences. Moreover, it is argued that, despite the diversity of preferences, there is a lack of imagination about how participation can function when social relations are conflictual.
Visualisation of deformation gradients in structural steel by macroscopic magnetic domain distribution imaging (Bitter technique)
Authors: Sonntag Nadja , Cabeza Sandra , Kuntner Markus , Mishurova Tatiana , Klaus Manuela , Kling e Silva Lucas , Skrotzki Birgit , Genzel Christoph , Bruno Giovanni
Published: October 2018

While classically used to visualise the magnetic microstructure of functional materials (e.g., for magnetic applications), in this study, the Bitter technique was applied for the first time to visualise macroscopic deformation gradients in a polycrystalline low‐carbon steel. Spherical indentation was chosen to produce a multiaxial elastic–plastic deformation state. After removing the residual imprint, the Bitter technique was applied, and macroscopic contrast differences were captured in optical microscopy. To verify this novel characterisation technique, characteristic “hemispherical” deformation zones evolving during indentation were identified using an analytical model from the field of contact mechanics. In addition, near‐surface residual stresses were determined experimentally using synchrotron radiation diffraction. It is established that the magnetic domain distribution contrast provides deformation‐related information: regions of different domain wall densities correspond to different “hemispherical” deformation zones (i.e., to hydrostatic core, plastic zone and elastic zone, respectively). Moreover, the transitions between these three zones correlate with characteristic features of the residual stress profiles (sign changes in the radial and local extrema in the hoop stress). These results indicate the potential of magnetic domain distribution imaging: visualising macroscopic deformation gradients in fine‐grained ferromagnetic material with a significantly improved spatial resolution as compared to integral, mean value‐based measurement methods.
Heart transplantation for infective endocarditis: Viable option for a limited few?
Authors: Murphy Katie M. , Vikram Holenarasipur R.
Published: October 2018

Active infection in the recipient is considered a relative contraindication for solid organ transplantation. However, heart transplantation (HT) can be curative in patients with ventricular assist device infections. For patients with infective endocarditis (IE), valve replacement is part of the management strategy based on emergent, acute, or elective indications. HT has been utilized as an uncommon and sporadic treatment option for carefully selected patients with refractory or recurrent IE after all other surgical treatment options have been exhausted or are not feasible. Herein, we review 19 published cases of IE in whom HT was undertaken in the setting of ongoing active infection with reported good outcomes. We attempt to propose general criteria for HT in the setting of IE and discuss challenges and hurdles that clinicians might encounter when considering HT for active IE in the absence of robust data or clearly defined criteria.
Relationship between local presence and density of Aedes aegypti eggs with dengue cases: a spatial analysis approach
Authors: de Albuquerque Bernardino Cláudio , Pinto Rosemary Costa , Sadahiro Megumi , Sampaio Vanderson Souza , de Castro Daniel Barros , Terrazas Wagner Cosme Morhy , Mustafa Luzia Melo , da Costa Cristiano Fernandes , dos Passos Ricardo Augusto , Lima José Bento Pereira , Braga José Ueleres
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To analyze the relationship between the occurrence of dengue and ovitrap positivity and dengue egg density in two Amazonas municipalities (Brazil) in 2016.

Methods

We performed a case‐control study using secondary data from the dengue fever surveillance system. Ovitraps distributed regularly in the urban area of two cities were used to monitor the presence of the vector. The relationship between egg positivity, egg density and the location of dengue cases was evaluated using two approaches as follows: (i) based on the result of the nearest neighbour ovitrap and (ii) based on the results of the set of ovitraps within the influence area of 300 m from the location of each case and control.

Results

During the study period, 229 confirmed cases of dengue fever were reported in Tabatinga and 89 cases in Itacoatiara. In this study, we found that the positivity of ovitraps was related to the occurrence of dengue in Tabatinga and Itacoatiara. An association between egg density of Ae. aegypti and dengue occurrence was also observed in Itacoatiara. The temporal lags for ovitrap positivity measurements were predominantly 15 or 30 days. A dengue association for egg density for a 15‐day time lag was detected for one of the case‐control approaches.

Conclusions

The location of dengue cases is related to ovitrap egg positivity, while a less evident possible association may exist for egg density. This indicates that these traps could be used to improve vector control actions.
Prevalence of toxoplasmosis and its association with dementia in older adults in Central Africa: a result from the EPIDEMCA programme
Authors: Bouscaren Nathalie , Pilleron Sophie , Mbelesso Pascal , Ndamba‐Bandzouzi Bébène , Dartigues Jean‐François , Clément Jean‐Pierre , Preux Pierre‐Marie , Dardé Marie‐Laure , Guerchet Maëlenn ,   the EPIDEMCA Group
Published: October 2018

Objective

We aimed at estimating the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in older adults living in Central Africa and investigating its association with dementia using data from the Epidemiology of Dementia in Central Africa (EPIDEMCA) programme.

Methods

A cross‐sectional multicentre population‐based study was carried out among participants aged 73 (±7) years on average, living in rural and urban areas of the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo between November 2011 and December 2012. Blood samples were collected from each consenting participant. The detection of anti‐T. gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies was performed in 2014 in France using a commercially available ELISA kit. Participants were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics. DSM‐IV criteria were required for a diagnosis of dementia. Multivariate binary logistic regression models were used to assess the association between toxoplasmosis infection and dementia.

Results

Among 1662 participants, the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 63.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 60.7–65.3) overall, 66.6% (95%CI: 63.4–69.8) in Central African Republic and 59.4% (95%CI: 56.1–62.7) in the Republic of Congo. In multivariate analyses, toxoplasmosis status was significantly associated with increasing age (P = 0.006), Republic of Congo (P = 0.002), urban area (P = 0.001) and previous occupation (P = 0.002). No associations between dementia and toxoplasmosis status or anti‐T. gondii IgG titres were found.

Conclusion

Toxoplasma gondii infection was not associated with dementia among older adults in Central Africa. Our findings are consistent with previous studies and add to the knowledge on the relationship between T. gondii infection and neurological disorders.
Assessment of pattern and outcomes of pesticides poisoning in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Prashar A. , Ramesh M.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To assess the socio‐demographic profile, pattern and treatment outcomes of pesticides poisoning.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted at the department of emergency medicine of a South Indian tertiary care hospital for 1.5 years to study the pattern and outcomes of poisoning cases due to pesticides. Level of significance (P) <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

A total of 375 poisoning victims with intentional/accidental exposure to pesticides were followed up and documented. The male–female ratio was 1:0.32; mean age was 31.65 ± 13.10 years. 72% of cases were rural residents. Organophosphorus compounds were the most implicated pesticides. Mean Glasgow Comatose Score (GCS) of the patients was 12.22 ± 3.86. 80.3% of patients recovered while 6.4% died. About 13.3% patients were lost to follow‐up as they were discharged against medical advice (DAMA).

Conclusion

There was a statistical significance seen in the implication of pesticides for intentional poisoning with age, route of administration, area of residence and occupation of the victims. However, there was a strong association of the outcomes of poisoning with the toxic agent implicated for the poisoning.
A gene‐stacking approach to overcome the trade‐off between drought stress tolerance and growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kudo Madoka , Kidokoro Satoshi , Yoshida Takuya , Mizoi Junya , Kojima Mikiko , Takebayashi Yumiko , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Fernie Alisdair R. , Shinozaki Kazuo , Yamaguchi‐Shinozaki Kazuko
Published: October 2018

The molecular breeding of drought stress‐tolerant crops is imperative for stable food and biomass production. However, a trade‐off exists between plant growth and drought stress tolerance. Many drought stress‐tolerant plants overexpressing stress‐inducible genes, such as DEHYDRATION‐RESPONSIVE ELEMENT‐BINDING PROTEIN 1A (DREB1A), show severe growth retardation. Here, we demonstrate that the growth of DREB1A‐overexpressing Arabidopsis plants could be improved by co‐expressing growth‐enhancing genes whose expression is repressed under drought stress conditions. We used Arabidopsis GA REQUIRING 5 (GA5), which encodes a rate‐limiting gibberellin biosynthetic enzyme, and PHYTOCHROME‐INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4), which encodes a transcription factor regulating cell growth in response to light and temperature, for growth improvement. We observed an enhanced biomass and floral induction in the GA5 DREB1A and PIF4 DREB1A double overexpressors compared with those in the DREB1A overexpressors. Although the GA5 DREB1A double overexpressors continued to show high levels of drought stress tolerance, the PIF4 DREB1A double overexpressors showed lower levels of stress tolerance than the DREB1A overexpressors due to repressed expression of DREB1A. A multiomics analysis of the GA5 DREB1A double overexpressors showed that the co‐expression of GA5 and DREB1A additively affected primary metabolism, gene expression and plant hormone profiles in the plants. These multidirectional analyses indicate that the inherent trade‐off between growth and drought stress tolerance in plants can be overcome by appropriate gene‐stacking approaches. Our study provides a basis for using genetic modification to improve the growth of drought stress‐tolerant plants for the stable production of food and biomass.
Hemolytic adverse effects of intravenous immunoglobulin: modeling predicts risk reduction with anti‐A/B immunoaffinity chromatography and to a lesser extent with anti‐A donor screening
Authors: Mallick Rajiv , Hubsch Alphonse , Barnes David G.
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

The risk of hemolytic events (HEs) with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy appears to be linked to isoagglutinins (anti‐A and anti‐B) in the product. Patient risk factors include high IVIG dose, blood group, and underlying inflammatory state.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Using published anti‐A and anti‐B titers for IVIG products and HE rates calculated from HEs spontaneously reported to EudraVigilance, regression models were developed to infer the relationship between HE risk and IVIG isoagglutinin levels for each blood group. Applying estimated model coefficients to isoagglutinin levels associated with an IVIG (Privigen; CSL Behring, King of Prussia, PA), manufactured with and without isoagglutinin reduction steps, predicted HE risk values were generated for each product: 1) without any isoagglutinin reduction, 2) anti‐A donor screening, and 3) anti‐A/anti‐B specific immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC; Ig IsoLo).

RESULTS

Predicted HE risk was highest for blood group AB, followed by A and B; it was low for O. Projected population shares of HEs by blood group were similar to reported real‐world data. Compared with the original process (no isoagglutinin reduction), the model predicts lower hemolytic risk with anti‐A donor screening and even lower hemolytic risk with IAC isoagglutinin reduction.

CONCLUSION

IAC isoagglutinin reduction is predicted to reduce the HE risk with IVIG substantially. Physicians should be especially vigilant to HE risk in patients with blood group AB and, to a lesser extent, A when using IVIG products with high anti‐A titers.
Does an intrauterine exchange transfusion improve the fetal prognosis in parvovirus infection cases?
Authors: Vanspranghels R. , Houfflin‐Debarge V. , Vaast P. , Coulon C. , Clouqueur E. , Hanssens S. , Rakza T. , Subtil D. , Garabedian C.
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Almost 20% of parvovirus B19 foetal infections require intrauterine transfusions. In addition, myocardial dysfunction has been observed in severe parvovirus B19 infections. One objective of an intrauterine exchange transfusion (IUET) is to avoid an overload during the transfusion. Our aim was to study the obstetrical and neonatal outcomes in cases of IUETs performed for foetal parvovirus infections and to compare our survival rate to those studies in which simple in utero transfusions were chosen.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a retrospective monocentre study of all patients followed up for parvovirus B19 infections in which IUETs were performed. An IUET was indicated when foetal hydrops was observed and/or when severe foetal anaemia was diagnosed though an elevation in the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity. The characteristics of each pregnancy and the neonatal outcomes were studied until hospital discharge.

RESULTS

Thirty‐five IUETs were performed in 26 foetuses. The median gestational age of the first IUET was 22.6 weeks. Only one foetal bradycardia incidence was recorded during the procedure. Three medical pregnancy terminations were observed in our series, secondary to severe cerebral anomalies confirmed in the magnetic resonance imaging. Five in utero deaths occurred, in which 2 of the foetuses underwent multiple IUETs. All the neonates had normal haemoglobin levels at birth, and none were transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit. The overall survival rate was 70%.

CONCLUSION

IUETs exhibit a survival rate similar to that of simple intrauterine transfusions in foetal parvovirus infection cases.
A paired trial comparing mononuclear cell collection in two machines for further inactivation through an inline or offline extracorporeal photopheresis procedure
Authors: Bueno José‐Luis , Alonso Rosalía , Gonzalez‐Santillana Clara , Naya Daniel , Romera Irene , Alarcón Ana , Aguilar Myriam , Bautista Guiomar , Duarte Rafael , Ussetti Piedad , Cabrera José Rafael
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an effective treatment. However, protocols differ widely, and some questions, such as the number of cells to be collected or the number of ECP treatment days per treatment cycle, are still unsolved. The aim of this study was to compare a multistep (offline) (Spectra Optia and Macogenic G2) against an integrated (inline) ECP system (Therakos Cellex system) with respect to mononuclear cell (MNC) collection.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The number and quality parameters of the MNC products collected were evaluated together with some machine parameters, such as collection time. Comparisons were made through paired sample analysis with the t test.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients underwent 15 double‐paired procedures using both ECP protocols. The average MNC collected in the multistep procedure was 77.4 × 108, four times more than in the integrated procedure (18.5 × 108). MNC purity (84.4% vs. 63.8%) and enrichment (27.9 vs. 5.9) in the product collected were also higher in the multistep procedure. The whole ECP time was higher in the multistep than in the integrated procedure (272 vs. 106 min), but the calculated time to collect 25 × 108 MNCs in the multistep was shorter compared with the one‐step procedure (77.8 vs. 172 min). All these differences between the two protocols were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

These two ECP protocols are different with respect to MNC collection and length of procedure. Some unresolved questions, such as the better MNC dose to inactivate or the number of consecutive days that ECP should be performed for optimal clinical efficacy, require further review.
Development of a New Low-Cost Tandem Variable Geometry Turbocharging Concept for Turbocharger Applications
Authors: Erdmenger Rodrigo R. , Menter Katya , Giepman Rogier , Clancy Cathal , Vadvadgi Aneesh , Lavertu Tom , Leonard Thomas , Spence Stephen
Published: October 2018

The air handling system for large diesel/gas engines such as those used on locomotive, marine, and power generation applications require turbochargers with a high reliability and with turbomachinery capable to adjust to different operating conditions and transient requirements. The usage of variable geometry turbocharging (VGT) provides flexibility to the air handling system but adds complexity, cost and reduces the reliability of the turbocharger in exchange for improved engine performance and transient response. For this reason, it was desirable to explore designs that could provide the variability required by the air handling system, without the efficiency penalty of a conventional waste gate and with as little added complexity as possible. The current work describes a new low-cost variable geometry turbine design to address these requirements. The new tandem nozzle concept proposed is applicable to both axial and radial turbines and has been designed using conventional one-dimensional models and two- three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. The concept has furthermore been validated experimentally on two different test rigs. In order to avoid the long lead times of procuring castings, the nozzle for the axial turbine was manufactured using new additive manufacturing techniques. Both the axial turbine and the radial turbine designs showed that the concept is capable to achieve a mass flow variability of more than 15% and provide a robust and cost-effective alternative to conventional VGT designs by significantly reducing the number of moveable parts.
Experimental Analysis of a NACA 0021 Airfoil Section Through 180-Deg Angle of Attack at Low Reynolds Numbers for Use in Wind Turbine Analysis
Authors: Holst D. , Church B. , Pechlivanoglou G. , Tüzüner E. , Saverin J. , Nayeri C. N. , Paschereit C. O.
Published: October 2018

Wind turbine industry has a special need for accurate post stall airfoil data. While literature often covers incidence ranges [−10 deg, +25 deg], smaller machines experience a range of up to 90 deg for horizontal axis and up to 360 deg for vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs). The post stall data of airfoils is crucial to improve the prediction of the start-up behavior as well as the performance at low tip speed ratios. The present paper analyzes and discusses the performance of the symmetrical NACA 0021 airfoil at three Reynolds numbers (Re = 100 k, 140 k, and 180 k) through 180 deg incidence. The typical problem of blockage within a wind tunnel was avoided using an open test section. The experiments were conducted in terms of surface pressure distribution over the airfoil for a tripped and a baseline configuration. The pressure was used to gain lift, pressure drag, moment data. Further investigations with positive and negative pitching revealed a second hysteresis loop in the deep post stall region resulting in a difference of 0.2 in moment coefficient and 0.5 in lift.
Unsteady Responses of the Impeller of a Centrifugal Compressor Exposed to Pulsating Backpressure
Authors: Shu Mengying , Yang Mingyang , Martinez-Botas Ricardo F. , Deng Kangyao , Shi Lei
Published: October 2018

The flow in intake manifold of a heavily downsized internal combustion engine has increased levels of unsteadiness due to the reduction of cylinder number and manifold arrangement. The turbocharger compressor is thus exposed to significant pulsating backpressure. This paper studies the response of a centrifugal compressor to this unsteadiness using an experimentally validated numerical method. A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model with the volute and impeller is established and validated by experimental measurements. Following this, an unsteady three-dimensional (3D) simulation is conducted on a single passage imposed by the pulsating backpressure conditions, which are obtained by one-dimensional (1D) unsteady simulation. The performance of the rotor passage deviates from the steady performance and a hysteresis loop, which encapsulates the steady condition, is formed. Moreover, the unsteadiness of the impeller performance is enhanced as the mass flow rate reduces. The pulsating performance and flow structures near stall are more favorable than those seen at constant backpressure. The flow behavior at points with the same instantaneous mass flow rate is substantially different at different time locations on the pulse. The flow in the impeller is determined by not only the instantaneous boundary condition but also by the evolution history of flow field. This study provides insights in the influence of pulsating backpressure on compressor performance in actual engine situations, from which better turbo-engine matching might be benefited.
Approaching the forbidden fruit of reaction dynamics: Aiming reagent at selected impact parameters
Authors: Anggara Kelvin , Leung Lydie , Timm Matthew J. , Hu Zhixin , Polanyi John C.
Published: October 2018

By inducing chemical reactions at chosen collision miss-distances, we introduce a new measurable in surface reaction dynamics.
Sleep deprivation and obesity in adults: a brief narrative review
Authors: Cooper Christopher B , Neufeld Eric V , Dolezal Brett A , Martin Jennifer L
Published: October 2018

Background/aims

Obesity and sleep deprivation are two epidemics that pervade developed nations. Their rates have been steadily rising worldwide, especially in the USA. This short communication will explore the link between the two conditions and outline the proposed mechanisms behind their relationship.

Methods

Studies on the topic of sleep and obesity were reviewed, and findings were used to develop a theoretical model for the biological link between short sleep duration and obesity.

Results

Individuals who regularly slept less than 7  hours per night were more likely to have higher average body mass indexes and develop obesity than those who slept more. Studies showed that experimental sleep restriction was associated with increased levels of ghrelin, salt retention and inflammatory markers as well as decreased levels of leptin and insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions

There may be a link between obesity and sleep deprivation. We recommend further investigations are to elucidate the potential mechanisms.
Paradox of hypercholesterolaemia in highly trained, keto-adapted athletes
Authors: Creighton Brent C , Hyde Parker Neil , Maresh Carl M , Kraemer William J , Phinney Stephen D , Volek Jeff S
Published: October 2018

Objective

A growing number of ultra-endurance athletes have switched to a very low-carbohydrate/high-fat eating pattern. We compared markers of cholesterol and the lipoprotein profile in a group of elite ultra-runners consuming a high-carbohydrate (HC) or low-carbohydrate (LC) diet.

Methods

Fasting blood was obtained from competitive male ultra-endurance runners habitually consuming a very low-carbohydrate (LC; n=10) or high-carbohydrate (HC; n=10) diet to determine blood cholesterol profile, lipoprotein particle distribution and sterol biomarkers of cholesterol balance.

Results

Plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) cholesterol were all significantly greater (p<0.000) in the LC group (65%, 83% and 60%, respectively). There were also significant differences in lipoprotein particle distribution as evidenced by a greater size and concentration of large HDL and LDL particles, and total LDL particle concentration was significantly greater in the LC group, but they had significantly fewer small LDL particles.

Conclusion

Ultra-endurance athletes habitually consuming a very low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet for over a year showed unique cholesterol profiles characterised by consistently higher plasma LDL-C and HDL-C, less small LDL particles, and lipoprotein profiles consistent with higher insulin sensitivity. There may be a functional purpose to the expansion of the circulating cholesterol pool to meet the heightened demand for lipid transport in highly trained, keto-adapted athletes.
Injury prevention class exercise: three-pronged list making
Authors: Hemenway David
Published: October 2018

It is difficult to find classroom exercises that have been specifically designed for injury prevention students. The suggested list-making classroom exercise forces students to recognise and devise many policy and programmatic options over and above the ones that normally spring to mind. Most important, it helps give students a better understanding of what is meant by, and the potential usefulness of, the public health approach to injury prevention.
Perioperative use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in cats and dogs
Authors: Murrell Jo
Published: October 2018

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are efficacious analgesics that contribute to preventive and multimodal analgesic techniques. They are widely used for routine surgeries in cats and dogs and there is some evidence that it is advantageous to give NSAIDs before the start of surgery, rather than in the postoperative period. Despite their efficacy, the side effects of NSAIDs should always be taken into consideration when deciding whether to administer them to a particular patient. The kidney is a particularly vulnerable organ during anaesthesia, due to the high prevalence of hypotension in anaesthetised patients; the administration of a NSAID preoperatively means that it is imperative to monitor and support blood pressure during anaesthesia to prevent renal compromise on recovery. This article summarises the mechanism of action of NSAIDs and provides guidance for practitioners on their use in the perioperative period.
Controlling nematode infections in sheep: application of HACCP
Authors: Gascoigne Emily , Morgan Eric Rene , Lovatt Fiona , Vineer Hannah Rose
Published: October 2018

Gastrointestinal nematode infection in sheep is a significant challenge for production with implications for animal health and welfare, and lamb growth. Flocks rely on the chemical control of worm burdens, but with the increasing challenge of anthelmintic resistance there is a necessity for farmers to uptake SCOPs (Sustainable Control of Parasites) guidance. Vets need to communicate practical strategies to farmers and suggest novel approaches that address these challenges so that holistic and sustainable parasite management can be achieved. This article examines the challenge of nematode infections and anthelmintic resistance and suggests how hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) application may facilitate a whole‐flock strategy.
High-pressure compressibility and shear strength data for soils
Authors: Barr A.D. , Clarke S.D. , Petkovski M.
Published: October 2018

Soil behaviour is often an important consideration in the design of protective systems for blast and impact threats, as the properties of a soil can greatly affect the impulse generated from buried explosive devices, or the ability of a soil-filled structure to resist ballistic threats. Numerical modelling of these events often relies on extrapolation from low-pressure experiments. To develop soil models that remain accurate at very high pressures there is a need for data on soil behaviour under these extreme conditions. This paper demonstrates the use of a high-pressure multi-axial test apparatus to provide compressibility and shear strength data for four dry sandy soils. One-dimensional compression experiments were performed to axial stresses of 800 MPa, where the effects of particle-size distribution were observed with respect to compressibility and bulk unloading modulus. Each soil followed a bilinear normal compression line (NCL): more uniform soils initially had higher compression indices, but all four NCLs began to converge at void ratios below e ≈ 0.3. The failure surface of a sand was characterized to mean effective stress [Formula: see text] > 400 MPa using reduced triaxial compression experiments, removing the need to rely on extrapolation from low-pressure data.
Reappraisal of the Permian dissorophidFayella chickashaensis
Authors: Gee Bryan M. , Scott Diane , Reisz Robert R.
Published: October 2018

The Permian temnospondyl Fayella chickashaensis from Oklahoma, a purported member of the intriguing clade of terrestrially adapted dissorophids, has been difficult to contextualize within the clade because of uncertainties related to the holotype, an isolated and badly weathered neurocranium. However, postcranial material that has been attributed to this taxon is particularly important for furthering our broader understanding of the patterns of temnospondyl evolution as it relates to their terrestrial diversification at the same time as the diversification of amniotes. Here we present a reevaluation of all material assigned to Fayella. Our examination of the holotype indicates that it is not referable below Temnospondyli indet., and Fayella chickashaensis is hence designated as a nomen dubium. Significant postcranial and the partial cranial material from a different locality than the holotype was referred to the taxon and is sufficiently diagnostic to be associated with the olsoniforms, the clade of large-bodied terrestrial dissorophoids. The presence of osteoderms and the absence of a subdivided naris exclude trematopids. This specimen can be differentiated from other dissorophid taxa by the proportions of the limbs and the elongation of the intercentra and is herein designated as the holotype of Nooxobeia gracilis gen. et sp. nov. The gracile limb proportions of Nooxobeia are particularly exaggerated relative to other olsoniforms and indicate an unusually active, agile predator that is interpreted here as an advanced stage of terrestrial adaptation among dissorophid temnospondyls.
Inhibition of microRNA-155 attenuates concanavalin-A-induced autoimmune hepatitis by regulating Treg/Th17 cell differentiation
Authors: Xia Guangtao , Wu Sensen , Wang Xia , Fu Min
Published: October 2018

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic progressive autoimmune disease characterized by hepatic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of antagomir-155 on concanavalin A (ConA)-induced AIH, and its possible mechanisms. According to the results, the expression of miR-155 was raised in liver tissues after 48 h exposure to ConA. Treatment with antagomir-155 attenuated ConA-induced liver injury in mice by reducing serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels. In addition, antagomir-155 significantly alleviated the differentiation of Treg/Th17 cells in the livers of AIH mice, and suppressed Th17-cells-mediated production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17A, IL-23, but not Treg-cells-mediated production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Finally, the beneficial effect of antagomir-155 on ConA-induced AIH was abolished by administration of recombinant IL-17A. Our data demonstrated that antagomir-155 treatment could prevent AIH via regulating the differentiation of Treg and Th17 cells, suggesting that microRNA-155 may be an intriguing therapeutic target of AIH.