bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental effectiveness of tax compliance policy in the presence of labor unions
Authors: Wu Tsaur‐Chin , Liang Ching‐Yang , Lin Kun‐Li
Published: March 2020

This paper investigates the impact of a stricter tax compliance policy on firms’ pollution emissions in the presence of labor market frictions. In contrast to a situation with perfect labor markets, we find that under the right‐to‐manage wage formation, a stricter compliance policy increases emissions when the shadow cost of the emission limit is excluded, whereas it has no impact when the shadow cost is included. With efficient bargaining, a stricter compliance policy decreases (or increases) pollution emissions under employment (wage) orientation but has no impact on pollution emissions under wage neutrality.
Glycaemic control across the lifespan in a cohort of New Zealand patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chepulis Lynne , Tamatea Jade A. U. , Wang Chris , Goldsmith John , Mayo Christopher T. H. , Paul Ryan G.
Published: March 2020

Background

It is well known that tight glycaemic control reduces all‐cause mortality and the development of microvascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), but that effective glycaemic control is difficult to achieve in different age groups. Currently, the state of glycaemic control across the lifespan in patients with T1D in New Zealand is not known.

Aim

To determine the differences in glycaemic control with age, gender, rurality and ethnicity in patients with T1D in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

Methods

Retrospective review of clinical records of all patients with T1D on the Waikato Regional Diabetes Database in December 2017 (n = 1303). Glycaemic control was determined by the most recent HbA1c in the past 2 years.

Results

Median (25%, 75%) HbA1c was 67 (59, 81) mmol/mol (8.3%) and highest in those aged 15–29 years. Values exceeded clinical recommendations in 85.3% of all patients. Median HbA1c was lower in patients on insulin pump therapy than on multiple daily injections (63 (7.9%) versus 69 mmol/mol (8.5%); P < 0.001), though insulin pumps were significantly less likely to be used by Māori (P = 0.003) and men (P < 0.0001). Worsening glycaemic control was associated with increasing social deprivation (P < 0.001) but was not influenced by rural/urban living.

Conclusions

Poor glycaemic control in Waikato patients with T1D is likely due to inequities in health care, including reduced access to insulin pump therapy, particularly in Māori and socially deprived populations.
An economic analysis of introducing autonomous ships in a short‐sea liner shipping network
Authors: Akbar Abeera , Aasen Anna K. A. , Msakni Mohamed Kais , Fagerholt Kjetil , Lindstad Elizabeth , Meisel Frank
Published: March 2020

The development of autonomous ships is at an advanced stage. It seems to be just a question of time before such ships become available at an industrial scale. In this paper, we investigate the economic advantages of utilizing autonomous over conventional ships. We consider a shipping network composed of conventional mother ships and autonomous daughter ships that perform cargo transshipment at specific ports. The mother ships sail between Europe and the Norwegian coastline and are conventional due to international regulations. The daughter ships serve small ports located along the Norwegian coastline and are autonomous. We apply this concept of mother and daughter routes to a Norwegian shipping company that transports containers between a continental European port and 21 ports scattered along the Norwegian coastline. Furthermore, we extend this case to a shipping network of 42 ports to study a possible increase in the activity of the company. For solving the corresponding optimization problem, we present a path‐flow‐based model formulation and a heuristic route generation method. We carry out extensive computational experiments that consider differently sized problems, various demand scenarios, advanced routes structures, and sensitivity analyses for cost rates and the degree of automation of the maritime transport system. The results provide evidence that autonomous ships might contribute to considerable cost savings.
Models for predicting skin tears: A comparison
Authors: Rayner Robyn , Carville Keryln , Leslie Gavin , Dhaliwal Satvinder S.
Published: March 2020

A recently published model that predicted the risk of skin tears in older adults was compared with seven additional published models. Four models were excluded because of limitations in research design. Four models were compared for their relative predictive performance and accuracy using sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC), which involved using receiver‐operating characteristic analysis. The predictive ability of the skin tear models differed with the AUC ranging between 0.673 and 0.854. Based on the predictive ability, the selection of models could lead to different clinical decisions and health outcomes. The model, which had been adjusted for potential confounders consisted of five variables (male gender, history of skin tears, history of falls, clinical skin manifestations of elastosis, and purpura), was found to be the most parsimonious for predicting skin tears in older adults (AUC 0.854; 81.7% sensitivity; 81.4% specificity). Effective models serve as important clinical tools for identifying older individuals at risk of skin tears and can better direct more timely and targeted prevention strategies that improve health outcomes and reduce health care expenditure.
Performance of a novel active fixation quadripolar left ventricular lead for cardiac resynchronization therapy: Attain Stability Quad Clinical Study results
Authors: Jackson Kevin P. , Faerestrand Svein , Philippon Francois , Yee Raymond , Kong Melissa H. , Kloppe Axel , Bongiorni Maria Grazia , Lee Scott F. , Canby Robert C. , Pouliot Erika , van Ginneken Mireille M. E. , Crossley George H.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The Medtronic Attain Stability Quad lead is a quadripolar left ventricular (LV) lead with an active fixation helix assembly designed to fixate the lead within the coronary sinus and pace nonapical regions of the LV. The primary objective of this study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of this novel active fixation quadripolar LV lead.

Methods

Patients with standard indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) were enrolled. All patients were followed at 3 and 6 months post‐implant and every 6 months thereafter until study closure. Pacing capture thresholds (PCTs) were measured at implant and each follow‐up and adverse events (AEs) were recorded upon occurrence.

Results

Of the 440 patients who underwent implant procedures, placement of the Attain Stability Quad lead was successful in 426 (96.8%). LV lead‐related complications occurred in 10 patients (2.3%), including LV lead dislodgement in three patients (0.7%). The percentage of patients with at least one LV pacing vector with a PCT ≤2.5 V at a 6‐month follow‐up was 96.3%. The LV lead was successfully fixated to the prespecified pacing location in 97.4% of cases.

Conclusions

This large, multinational study of the Attain Stability Quad lead demonstrated a high rate of implant success with a low complication rate. The active fixation mechanism allowed precise placement of the pacing electrodes at the desired target region with good PCTs and a very low dislodgement rate.
Intracoronary application of nicorandil regulates the inflammatory response induced by percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Hu Keqing , Wang Xiaoqi , Hu Hongyan , Xu Zhongyang , Zhang Jiaxing , An Guipeng , Su Guohai
Published: March 2020

Intracoronary application of nicorandil can effectively reduce the myocardial no‐reflow (MNR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to investigate the mechanisms of nicorandil in preventing MNR, besides that of dilating the coronary microvasculature. A total of 60 patients undergoing PCI were enrolled and randomly divided into a nicorandil group and a control group. Before PCI, 2 mg of nicorandil or an equal volume of normal saline was injected into the coronary artery. Blood samples were collected before, 24 hours and 1 week after PCI and inflammatory cytokines were tested. In the control group, the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines was significantly increased, while the anti‐inflammatory cytokines were decreased 24 hours after PCI. In contrast, these changes were reversed in the nicorandil group, indicating that nicorandil regulated the inflammatory response induced by PCI. Then, proteomic analysis was performed to further elucidate the potential mechanisms. A total of 53 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were found 24 hours after PCI in the control group, and the changes of these relevant genes were reversed in the nicorandil group. These DEPs were significantly enriched in the inflammatory pathways. In conclusion, the intracoronary application of nicorandil before PCI can regulate the inflammatory responses induced by PCI, which might be an important mechanism of nicorandil in preventing MNR.
Clinical and pathogenic aspects of the severe cutaneous adverse reaction epidermal necrolysis (EN)
Authors: Kuijper E.C. , French L.E. , Tensen C.P. , Vermeer M.H. , Bouwes Bavinck J.N.
Published: March 2020

The severe cutaneous adverse reaction epidermal necrolysis (EN) which includes toxic epidermal necrolysis and the milder Stevens‐Johnson syndrome is characterized by epidermal loss due to massive keratinocyte apoptosis and/or necroptosis. EN is often caused by a drug mediating a specific TCR‐HLA interaction via the (pro)hapten, pharmacological interaction or altered peptide loading mechanism involving a self‐peptide presented by keratinocytes. (Memory) CD8 + T cells are activated and exhibit cytotoxicity against keratinocytes via the perforin/granzyme B and granulysin pathway and Fas/FasL interaction. Alternatively drug‐induced annexin release by CD14 + monocytes can induce formyl peptide receptor 1 death of keratinocytes by necroptosis. Subsequent keratinocyte death stimulates local inflammation, activating other immune cells producing pro‐inflammatory molecules and downregulating regulatory T cells. Widespread epidermal necrolysis and inflammation can induce life‐threatening systemic effects, leading to high mortality rates. Research into genetic susceptibility aims to identify risk factors for eventual prevention of EN. Specific HLA class I alleles show the strongest association with EN, but risk variants have also been identified in genes involved in drug metabolism, cellular drug uptake, peptide presentation and function of CD8 + T cells and other immune cells involved in cytotoxic responses. After the acute phase of EN, long‐term symptoms can remain or arise mainly affecting the skin and eyes. Mucosal sequelae are characterized by occlusions and strictures due to adherence of denuded surfaces and fibrosis following mucosal inflammation. In addition, systemic pathology can cause acute and chronic hepatic and renal symptoms. EN has a large psychological impact and strongly affects health‐related quality of life among EN survivors.
RSK3 mediates necroptosis by regulating phosphorylation of RIP3 in rat retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Wang Mi , Wan Hao , Wang Shuchao , Liao Lvshuang , Huang Yanxia , Guo Limin , Liu Fengxia , Shang Lei , Huang Jufang , Ji Dan , Xia Xiaobo , Jiang Bin , Chen Dan , Xiong Kun
Published: March 2020

Receptor‐interacting protein 3 (RIP3) plays an important role in the necroptosis signaling pathway. Our previous studies have shown that the RIP3/mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein (MLKL)‐mediated necroptosis occurs in retinal ganglion cell line 5 (RGC‐5) following oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD). However, upstream regulatory pathways of RIP3 are yet to be uncovered. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of p90 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 3 (RSK3) in the phosphorylation of RIP3 in RGC‐5 cell necroptosis following OGD. Our results showed that expression of RSK3, RIP3, and MLKL was upregulated in necroptosis of RGC‐5 after OGD. A computer simulation based on our preliminary results indicated that RSK3 might interact with RIP3, which was subsequently confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation. Further, we found that the application of a specific RSK inhibitor, LJH685, or rsk3 small interfering RNA (siRNA), downregulated the phosphorylation of RIP3. However, the overexpression of rip3 did not affect the expression of RSK3, thereby indicating that RSK3 could be a possible upstream regulator of RIP3 phosphorylation in OGD‐induced necroptosis of RGC‐5 cells. Moreover, our in vivo results showed that pretreatment with LJH685 before acute high intraocular pressure episodes could reduce the necroptosis of retinal neurons and improve recovery of impaired visual function. Taken together, our findings suggested that RSK3 might work as an upstream regulator of RIP3 phosphorylation during RGC‐5 necroptosis.
The E‐cigarette ban in India—A step in the right direction?
Authors: Vishal Rao Uchilla S. , Arakeri Gururaj , Ravishankar Sambhavi , Kar Ankita , Thakur Shalini , Li Ryan J. , Dhananjay KV , Surya Tejaswi , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Gomez Ricardo S. , Brennan Peter A.
Published: March 2020

Electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) are a popular method to help quit tobacco smoking. However, there is a paucity of data in the literature on their safety and efficacy. Recently, the Indian Government has called for a ban on all e‐cigarettes and taken steps to restrict access to vaping products from the market. This major decision was an attempt to safeguard the younger population from using e‐cigarette and their possible longer‐term addiction together with its promotions by domestic industries. In this article, we evaluate the role of e‐cigarettes to help stop smoking tobacco cessation and consider the factors that have facilitated the ban on e‐cigarettes in India.
Nurse plants promote taxonomic and functional diversity in an arid Mediterranean annual plant community
Authors: Madrigal‐González Jaime , Cano‐Barbacil Carlos , Kigel Jaime , Ferrandis Pablo , Luzuriaga Arantzazu L.
Published: March 2020

Aims

Research in the last decades supports the idea that certain species, namely ‘nurse species’, can enhance ecosystem function and species diversity in their vicinity through amelioration of the abiotic environment. However, few studies have explored whether nurse plants can promote functional diversity at the microhabitat level. Here, we evaluated the hypothesis that nurse plants can increase functional diversity in the beneficiary annual plant assemblage at the microhabitat level.

Location

Sayeret Shaked Park, the Negev desert (Israel).

Results

The nurse species examined, two shrubs and one large annual, had a negligible or even negative influence on annual above‐ground biomass production. Nonetheless, they increased functional diversity in terms of specific leaf area (SLA), maximum plant height (MPH), seed weight (SW), and reproductive ratio (RR) at the microhabitat level.

Conclusions

These findings reinforce the idea that, even if there is not a typical nurse syndrome related to enhanced plant performance, nurse plants might induce a portfolio effect on annual plant assemblages by promoting functional diversity in key functional traits associated to plant survival and reproduction under a set of different microhabitat conditions.
Religious observance and perceptions of end‐of‐life care
Authors: Tarabeih Mahdi , Bokek‐Cohen Ya'arit , Abu Rakia Riad , Nir Tshura , Coolidge Natalie E. , Azuri Pazit
Published: March 2020

This study examines the impact of the level of religious observance on the attitudes toward end‐of‐life (EOL) decisions and euthanasia of Jews in Israel—where euthanasia is illegal—as compared to Jews living in the USA, in the states where euthanasia is legal. A self‐reporting questionnaire on religiosity and personal beliefs and attitudes regarding EOL care and euthanasia was distributed, using a convenience sample of 271 participants from Israel and the USA. Findings show that significant differences were found in attitudes between Jews of different levels of religious observance with respect to patient autonomy, right to die with dignity, and dying in familiar and supportive surroundings. The USA and Israeli Jews have similar knowledge regarding EOL care and expressed similar attitudes and perceptions toward the issues of authority of medical staff and religious figures and patient's autonomy. Findings indicate that the level of religious observance has more potency in shaping their attitudes and perceptions of EOL decisions than the state law. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings with regard to multicultural health systems and providing practical recommendations.
Trans‐esophagogastric junction pressure gradients during straight leg raise maneuver on high‐resolution manometry associate with large hiatus hernias
Authors: Rogers Benjamin , Hasak Stephen , Hansalia Vivek , Gyawali C. Prakash
Published: March 2020

Background

Straight leg raise (SLR) while supine increases intra‐abdominal pressure. We hypothesized that elevations in intra‐abdominal pressure would transmit into the thoracic cavity if the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) was disrupted.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing esophageal HRM were included if they had adequate SLR (hip flexion with knees extended for ≥ 5 seconds while supine). EGJ morphology was subtyped based on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and crural diaphragm (CD) location (type 1: LES and CD overlap; type 2: separation of < 3 cm; type 3: separation of ≥ 3 cm). EGJ tone was assessed using EGJ contractile integral (EGJ‐CI). HRM studies were analyzed according to Chicago Classification v3.0. Mean and peak intra‐thoracic and abdominal pressures were measured at baseline and during SLR using on‐screen software tools. Trans‐EGJ gradients were compared, and pressure gradient < 1 mmHg denoted the equalization of pressures.

Key Results

Of 430 patients, 248 (57.5 ± 0.9 years, 69.4% F) completed SLR. EGJ morphology was type 1 in 122 (49.2%), type 2 in 56 (22.6%) and type 3 in 40 (16.1%). In types 1 and 2 EGJ, neither the mean nor peak trans‐EGJ pressure gradient changed with SLR (P ≥ .17 for each). In contrast, in type 3 EGJ, peak pressure gradient decreased significantly following SLR (3.5 ± 1.8 mmHg vs. −8.6 ± 4.8 mmHg, P = .01). More type 3 EGJ patients equalized peak (65%) pressures across EGJ compared with types 1 and 2 (27%, P < .001).

Conclusions and Inferences

The evaluation of intra‐abdominal and intra‐thoracic pressures with SLR during esophageal HRM can provide evidence of physiological disruption of the EGJ barrier.
Soil carbon change across ten New South Wales farms under different farm management regimes in Australia
Authors: Singh Kanika , Whelan Brett
Published: March 2020

This paper examines the potential influence of soil management and land use on soil carbon on cropping farms in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Soil organic carbon (SOC) data from ten farms spatially distributed across NSW were examined on two occasions. Soil cores to a depth 0–30 cm were measured for SOC and, as expected, SOC in the A horizon (1.16%) was significantly (p < .001) greater than in the B horizon (0.74%) of all profiles. Analysis of the 2013 and 2015 SOC data indicated that in many ways, the results runs counter to other SOC studies in Australia. Importantly, the mean SOC concentration in these agricultural soils was significantly (p < .001) less under cropping (2013‐1.05%, 2015‐0.97%) than in native sites (2013‐1.20%, 2015‐1.16%). Out of the total of 35 sites sampled from 10 farms, SOC in 49% of sites did not change significantly over 2 years, in 17% it increased significantly, whereas in 34% it decreased. Further, a clear implication of drought on SOC was seen on sites that were uncropped based on a critical value for a 95% confidence interval (p < .05) and complemented by the significant correlation (p < .05) between average annual precipitation deficit (ANPD) and SOC across the state with R2 = 0.39. The mean SOC was found to be directly proportional to standard deviation and standard error. In terms of spatial variability, the C0 (nugget) value was greatest for farms with a large mean SOC and the average variogram in this study has a range of approximately 200 m which is potentially useful in determining sampling spacing for soil carbon auditing purpose. Similar empirical data over more years are required to better estimate SOC levels and to determine whether at a farm scale, factors such as land management, land use and climate can be related to soil carbon change and variability.
Genetic and behavioral modification of hemoglobin and iron status among first‐time and high‐intensity blood donors
Authors: Mast Alan E. , Langer John C. , Guo Yuelong , Bialkowski Walter , Spencer Bryan R. , Lee Tzong‐Hae , Kiss Joseph , Cable Ritchard G. , Brambilla Donald , Busch Michael P. , Page Grier P. ,   for the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology Donor Evaluation Study (REDS)‐III
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Some people rapidly develop iron deficiency anemia following blood donation, while others can repeatedly donate without becoming anemic.

METHODS

Two cohorts of blood donors were studied. Participants (775) selected from a 2‐year longitudinal study were classified into six analysis groups based on sex, donation intensity, and low hemoglobin deferral. Associations with iron supplement use, cigarette smoking, and four genetic variants of iron metabolism were examined at enrollment and with longitudinal regression models. An unbiased assessment of genetic variability and ability to repeatedly donate blood without experiencing low hemoglobin deferral was conducted on participants (13,403) in a cross‐sectional study who were examined by genome wide association (GWA).

RESULTS

Behaviors and genetic variants were associated with differences in hemoglobin and ferritin change following repeated donation. At least weekly iron supplement use was associated with improved status in first‐time donors, while daily use was associated with improved status in high‐intensity donors. Cigarette smoking was associated with 0.5 g/dL increased hemoglobin in high‐intensity donors. A736V in TMPRSS6 was associated with a rapid drop in hemoglobin and ferritin in first‐time females following repeated donation. Conversely, the protective TMPRSS6 genotype was not enriched among high‐intensity donors. H63D in HFE was associated with increased hemoglobin in female high‐intensity donors. However, no differences in genotype between first‐time and high‐intensity donors were found in GWA analyses.

CONCLUSION

Behavioral and genetic modifiers contributed to first‐time donor hemoglobin and iron status, while iron supplement use was more important than underlying genetics in high‐intensity donors.
The number of replicates, and pooling versus individual measurements for analytical imprecision calculations: Does it matter?
Authors: Tecles Fernando , Muñoz Alberto , Cerón José J , Freeman Kathleen
Published: March 2020

Background

Recommendations from the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) are to calculate the between‐run coefficient of variation (CV) based on measuring one replicate per day on quality control materials (QCMs) or pooled patient samples over a minimum of 20 days. However, this recommendation is not always followed by researchers.

Objectives

We aimed to determine if a reduction in the number of replicates using QCM or individual or pooled samples would provide CV results similar to those obtained based on ASVCP recommendations.

Methods

CVs were calculated for three measurands, namely urea, creatinine, and C‐reactive protein based on the analytic results of the following groups: (a) QCM measured once daily for 20 days (considered as the reference for comparison), b) QCM measured once daily for 5 days, (c) five different canine serum samples measured once daily for 5 days, and (d) a pooled canine serum measured once daily for 5 days. CVs were calculated for two different measurand concentrations.

Results

Compared with the reference method, significantly different CVs were obtained with all methods except for when the QCM was measured once daily for 5 days. The use of the five different individual samples also provided significantly different CVs compared with the use of a pooled sample.

Conclusions

The results indicate that different protocols for determining between‐run imprecision calculations can give different results compared with the reference procedure and that this should be taken into consideration when evaluating the total error associated with a test.
Comparison of vector competence of Aedes vexans Green River and Culex pipiens biotype pipiens for West Nile virus lineages 1 and 2
Authors: Wöhnke Elisabeth , Vasic Ana , Raileanu Cristian , Holicki Cora Marielle , Tews Birke Andrea , Silaghi Cornelia
Published: March 2020

West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic arbovirus, has recently established an autochthonous transmission cycle in Germany. In dead‐end hosts like humans and horses the WNV infection may cause severe symptoms in the central nervous system. In nature, WNV is maintained in an enzootic transmission cycle between birds and ornithophilic mosquitoes. Bridge vector species, such as members of the Culex pipiens complex and Aedes spp., also widely distributed in Germany, might transmit WNV to other vertebrate host species. This study determined and compared the vector competence of field‐collected northern‐German Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens and laboratory‐reared Ae. vexans Green River (GR) for WNV lineage 1 (strain: Magpie/Italy/203204) and WNV lineage 2 (strain: “Austria”) under temperatures typical for northern Germany in spring/summer and autumn. For assessment of vector competence, 7‐ to 14‐day‐old female mosquitoes were offered a WNV containing blood meal via Hemotek membrane feeding system or cotton‐stick feeding. After incubation at 18°C respectively 24°C for 14 days engorged female mosquitoes were salivated and dissected for determination of infection, dissemination and transmission rates by reverse transcriptase quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR). Both Ae. vexans GR and Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens were infected with both tested WNV strains and tested 14 days post‐inoculation. Disseminated infections were detected only in Ae. vexans GR incubated at 18°C and in Cx. pipiens pipiens incubated at 24°C after infection with WNV lineage 1. Transmission of WNV lineage 1 was detected in Cx. pipiens pipiens incubated at 24°C. These results indicate that Cx. pipiens pipiens from Northern Germany may be involved in the transmission of WNV, also to dead‐end hosts like humans and horses.
Optimized Perforation Schemes in Railway Wheels Toward Acoustic Radiation Mitigation
Authors: Gutiérrez-Gil J. , Garcia-Andrés X. , Martínez-Casas J. , Nadal E. , Denia F. D.
Published: March 2020

Rolling noise emitted by railway wheels is a problem that affects human health and limits the expansion of the railway network. It is caused by the wheel vibration due to the wheel-rail contact force, and it is important in almost all the vehicle velocity range. The minimization of noise radiation associated with changes on the wheel web is discussed in this work, focusing on potential shape modifications in existing wheels in the form of a perforation distribution over the web. Such a post-manufacturing technique is a cost-effective solution that can be performed in a relatively short term. The implemented objective function is directly related to the overall radiated sound power, which is minimized using a genetic algorithm-based optimizer. In the acoustic model, radiation efficiencies are approximated to unity, the accuracy of this assumption being also studied in the work. The results reflect that an optimized distribution of perforations on the web of a railway wheel can reduce the total sound power level, by about 5 dB(A) and 2 dB(A) for curved and straight web, respectively. The mitigation of the radiated sound power is due to the fact that certain wheel vibration modes are modified and shifted to other frequencies where they are less excited. Finally, the relevance of the cross-sectional curvature of the web is explored by studying two different web geometries, suggesting that it can strongly influence the noise mitigation effects of the perforation pattern.
Automatic tongue surface extraction from three-dimensional ultrasound vocal tract images
Authors: Naga Karthik Enamundram M. V. , Karimi Elham , Lulich Steven M. , Laporte Catherine
Published: March 2020

Three-dimensional (3D/4D) ultrasound (US) imaging of the tongue has emerged as a useful instrument for articulatory studies. However, extracting quantitative measurements of the shape of the tongue surface remains challenging and time-consuming. In response to these challenges, this paper documents and evaluates the first automated method for extracting tongue surfaces from 3D/4D US data. The method draws on established methods in computer vision, and combines image phase symmetry measurements, eigen-analysis of the image Hessian matrix, and a fast marching method for surface evolution towards the automatic detection of the sheet-like surface of the tongue amidst noisy US data. The method was tested on US recordings from eight speakers and the resulting automatically extracted tongue surfaces were generally found to lie within 1 to 2 mm from their corresponding manually delineated surfaces in terms of mean-sum-of-distances error. Further experiments demonstrate that the accuracy of 2D midsagittal tongue contour extraction is also improved using 3D data and methods. This is likely because the additional information afforded by 3D US compared to 2D US images strongly constrains the possible location of the midsagittal contour. Thus, the proposed method seems appropriate for immediate practical use in the analysis of 3D/4D US recordings of the tongue.
Estimation of vocal fold physiology from voice acoustics using machine learning
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyan
Published: March 2020

The goal of this study is to estimate vocal fold geometry, stiffness, position, and subglottal pressure from voice acoustics, toward clinical and other voice technology applications. Unlike previous voice inversion research that often uses lumped-element models of phonation, this study explores the feasibility of voice inversion using data generated from a three-dimensional voice production model. Neural networks are trained to estimate vocal fold properties and subglottal pressure from voice features extracted from the simulation data. Results show reasonably good estimation accuracy, particularly for vocal fold properties with a consistent global effect on voice production, and reasonable agreement with excised human larynx experiment.
Stem cells to help the heart
Authors: Sharma Arun
Published: March 2020

Cardiac tissue derived from stem cells holds promise for modeling, screening, and therapy
Inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms by 405-Nanometer-Light-Emitting Diode Illumination
Authors: Yang Yanpeng , Ma Sheng , Xie Yawen , Wang Muxue , Cai Ting , Li Jiahui , Guo Du , Zhao Lingjun , Xu Yunfeng , Liang Sen , Xia Xiaodong , Shi Chao
Published: March 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
can form biofilms on medical implants, industrial equipment, and domestic surfaces, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates. This study examined the antibiofilm activity of 405-nm light-emitting diode (LED) illumination against mature biofilms formed on stainless steel coupons. We found that the disinfectant susceptibility, biofilm structure, and extracellular polymeric substance structure and composition were disrupted by LED illumination. We then investigated the transcription of several critical
P. aeruginosa
biofilm-related genes and analyzed the effect of illumination temperature on the above characteristics. Our results confirmed that LED illumination could be developed into an effective and safe method to counter
P. aeruginosa
biofilm contamination. Further research will be focused on the efficacy and application of LED illumination for elimination of complicated biofilms in the environment.
Strain-Dependent Inhibition of Clostridioides difficile by Commensal
Clostridia
Carrying the Bile Acid-Inducible (
bai
) Operon
Authors: Reed A. D. , Nethery M. A. , Stewart A. , Barrangou R. , Theriot C. M.
Published: March 2020

Commensal
Clostridia
carrying the
bai
operon, such as
C. scindens,
have been associated with protection against CDI; however, the mechanism for this protection is unknown. Herein, we show four commensal
Clostridia
that carry the
bai
operon and affect
C. difficile
growth in a strain-dependent manner, with and without the addition of cholate. Inhibition of
C. difficile
by commensals correlated with the efficient conversion of cholate to deoxycholate, a secondary bile acid that inhibits
C. difficile
germination, growth, and toxin production. Competition studies also revealed that
C. difficile
was able to outcompete the commensals in an
in vitro
coculture system. These studies are instrumental in understanding the relationship between commensal
Clostridia
and
C. difficile
in the gut, which is vital for designing targeted bacterial therapeutics.
Linking Human Milk Oligosaccharides, Infant Fecal Community Types, and Later Risk To Require Antibiotics
Authors: Berger Bernard , Porta Nadine , Foata Francis , Grathwohl Dominik , Delley Michèle , Moine Deborah , Charpagne Aline , Siegwald Léa , Descombes Patrick , Alliet Philippe , Puccio Giuseppe , Steenhout Philippe , Mercenier Annick , Sprenger Norbert
Published: March 2020

Human milk is the sole and recommended nutrition for the newborn infant and contains one of the largest constituents of diverse oligosaccharides, dubbed human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Preclinical and clinical association studies indicate that HMOs have multiple physiological functions largely mediated through the establishment of the gut microbiome. Until recently, HMOs were not available to investigate their role in randomized controlled intervention trials. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effects of 2 HMOs on establishing microbiota in newborn infants. We provide a detailed description of the microbiota changes observed upon feeding a formula with 2 HMOs in comparison to breastfed reference infants' microbiota. Then, we associate the microbiota to long-term health as assessed by prescribed antibiotic use.
Delivering mental health and psychosocial support interventions to women and children in conflict settings: a systematic review
Authors: Kamali Mahdis , Munyuzangabo Mariella , Siddiqui Fahad J , Gaffey Michelle F , Meteke Sarah , Als Daina , Jain Reena P , Radhakrishnan Amruta , Shah Shailja , Ataullahjan Anushka , Bhutta Zulfiqar A
Published: March 2020

Background

Over 240 million children live in countries affected by conflict or fragility, and such settings are known to be linked to increased psychological distress and risk of mental disorders. While guidelines are in place, high-quality evidence to inform mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions in conflict settings is lacking. This systematic review aimed to synthesise existing information on the delivery, coverage and effectiveness of MHPSS for conflict-affected women and children in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Psychological Information Database (PsycINFO)databases for indexed literature published from January 1990 to March 2018. Grey literature was searched on the websites of 10 major humanitarian organisations. Eligible publications reported on an MHPSS intervention delivered to conflict-affected women or children in LMICs. We extracted and synthesised information on intervention delivery characteristics, including delivery site and personnel involved, as well as delivery barriers and facilitators, and we tabulated reported intervention coverage and effectiveness data.

Results

The search yielded 37 854 unique records, of which 157 were included in the review. Most publications were situated in Sub-Saharan Africa (n=65) and Middle East and North Africa (n=36), and many reported on observational research studies (n=57) or were non-research reports (n=53). Almost half described MHPSS interventions targeted at children and adolescents (n=68). Psychosocial support was the most frequently reported intervention delivered, followed by training interventions and screening for referral or treatment. Only 19 publications reported on MHPSS intervention coverage or effectiveness.

Discussion

Despite the growing literature, more efforts are needed to further establish and better document MHPSS intervention research and practice in conflict settings. Multisectoral collaboration and better use of existing social support networks are encouraged to increase reach and sustainability of MHPSS interventions.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019125221.
Sequential classification system for recognition of malaria infection using peripheral blood cell images
Authors: Molina Angel , Alférez Santiago , Boldú Laura , Acevedo Andrea , Rodellar José , Merino Anna
Published: March 2020

Aims

Morphological recognition of red blood cells infected with malaria parasites is an important task in the laboratory practice. Nowadays, there is a lack of specific automated systems able to differentiate malaria with respect to other red blood cell inclusions. This study aims to develop a machine learning approach able to discriminate parasitised erythrocytes not only from normal, but also from other erythrocyte inclusions, such as Howell-Jolly and Pappenheimer bodies, basophilic stippling as well as platelets overlying red blood cells.

Methods

A total of 15 660 erythrocyte images from 87 smears were segmented using histogram thresholding and watershed techniques, which allowed the extraction of 2852 colour and texture features. Dataset was split into a training and assessment sets. Training set was used to develop the whole system, in which several classification approaches were compared with obtain the most accurate recognition. Afterwards, the recognition system was evaluated with the assessment set, performing two steps: (1) classifying each individual cell image to assess the system’s recognition ability and (2) analysing whole smears to obtain a malaria infection diagnosis.

Results

The selection of the best classification approach resulted in a final sequential system with an accuracy of 97.7% for the six groups of red blood cell inclusions. The ability of the system to detect patients infected with malaria showed a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 90%, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed method achieves a high diagnostic performance in the recognition of red blood cell infected with malaria, along with other frequent erythrocyte inclusions.
Intertruncal approach to the supraclavicular brachial plexus, current controversies and technical update: a daring discourse
Authors: Siddiqui Urooj , Perlas Anahi , Chin Kijinn , Reina Miguel A , Sala-Blanch Xavier , Niazi Ahtsham , Chan Vincent
Published: March 2020

We propose a new approach to local anesthetic injection for the supraclavicular brachial plexus block: an intertruncal approach by which local anesthetic is deposited in the two adipose tissue planes between the upper and middle and the middle and lower trunks. We present sonographic and microscopic images to illustrate the relevant anatomy. This approach offers potential advantages over the ‘corner pocket’ technique in that it results in consistent local anesthetic spread to the three plexus trunks and the needle endpoint lies farther away from the pleural surface which is important for the prevention of pneumothorax. It also offers an advantage over the ‘intracluster’ approach as it purposefully avoids intraneural injection respecting the integrity of the epineurium of individual trunks. Comparative studies are required to confirm that these anatomic and technical advantages result in improved outcomes.
Multimodal management of giant cerebral aneurysms: review of literature and case presentation
Authors: Campos Jessica K , Ball Benjamin Z , Cheaney II Barry , Sweidan Alexander J , Hasjim Bima J , Hsu Frank P K , Wang Alice S , Lin Li-Mei
Published: March 2020

The pathophysiology of giant cerebral aneurysms renders them difficult to treat. Advances in technology have attempted to address any shortcomings associated with open surgery or endovascular therapies. Since the introduction of the flow diversion technique, the endovascular approach with flow diversion has become the first-line modality chosen to treat giant aneurysms. A subset of these giant aneurysms may persistent despite any treatment modality. Perhaps the best option for these recurrent and/or persistent giant aneurysms is to employ a multimodal approach—both surgical and endovascular—rather than any single technique to provide a curative result with favourable patient outcomes. This paper provides a review of the histopathology and treatment options for giant cerebral aneurysms. Additionally, an illustrative case is presented to highlight the unique challenges of a curative solution for giant cerebral aneurysms that persist despite initial treatment.
Radiographic assessment of sarcopenia in the trauma setting: a systematic review
Authors: Zumsteg Daniel M , Chu Caleb Everett , Midwinter Mark John
Published: March 2020

Background

Compared with similarly injured patients of a younger age, elderly patients have worse outcomes from acute injury. One factor adversely affecting outcomes is sarcopenia, which has been assessed in healthy elderly populations through established clinical and radiological criteria. However, in the acute care setting, no such criteria have been established. Sarcopenia has been opportunistically assessed via radiographic means but there is as of yet no gold standard. The purpose of this review is to summarize the radiological methods used to diagnose sarcopenia in the acute care setting, and suggest ways in which these methods may lead to a consensus definition of sarcopenia and its relationship to patient outcomes.

Methods

A systematic survey of medical databases was conducted, with 902 unique publications identified. After screening and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, data regarding study population, outcome, imaging modality, and criteria for assessment of sarcopenia were extracted from 20 studies. Quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

CT was the imaging modality for 18 of the studies, with total psoas muscle cross-sectional area at the level of L3 and L4 being the dominant method for assessing sarcopenia. Adjustment for body morphology most commonly used patient height or L4 vertebral body area. The majority of articles found radiographically assessed sarcopenia to be significantly correlated to outcomes such as mortality, length of hospital stay, morbidity, and in-hospital complications

Conclusions

Establishing a consistent definition would strengthen its applicability and generalizability to admission and discharge planning.

Level of evidence

Systematic review, level III.
Ductility and durability enhancement of concrete EPS by new reinforcement arrangements and polypropylene FRC utilization
Authors: Kim Tae-Kyun , Lee Hoo-Bum , Lee Tae-Hee , Choi Seung-Jai , Kim Jang-Ho Jay
Published: March 2020

The majority of precast concrete electric pole structures (EPSs) consist of prestressed concrete and reinforced concrete hybrid members with high slenderness ratios. Currently, large prestressing (PS) forces are being applied to EPSs to carry heavier weights of electric transformer machineries and to reduce deflection by increasing structural stiffness. Moreover, when EPSs are exposed to an outdoor environment year-round, their durability decreases. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to transform the failure behavior of EPSs from brittle to ductile by varying the number of PS tendons and steel rebars, and to improve the ductility and durability of the EPS by using short polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete to control crack formation and propagation. Six different types of EPS specimens were manufactured and tested to evaluate their maximum flexure capacity and to verify their ductility behavior. The results showed that the modified EPSs displayed ductile failure behavior while either maintaining their original flexural strength capacity or improving it compared with the current EPSs sold on the market.
SET8 participates in lipopolysaccharide-mediated BV2 cell inflammation via modulation of TICAM-2 expression
Authors: Zhao Yanjun , Yang Xijun , Meng Fufen , Li Wenxian
Published: March 2020

Microglial inflammation, involved in the occurrence and development of sepsis-associated encephalopathy, exhibits upregulation of proinflammatory cytokine and proinflammatory enzyme expression, leading to inflammation-induced neuronal cell apoptosis. TIR domain containing adaptor molecule-2 (TICAM-2) participates in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediated BV2 cell inflammation. SET8 plays a crucial role in a variety of cellular signal pathways. In this study, we hypothesize that SET8 participates in LPS-mediated microglial inflammation via modulation of TICAM-2 expression. Our data indicated that LPS induced BV2 inflammation via upregulation of TICAM-2 expression. Moreover, LPS treatment inhibited SET8 expression, while it increased activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) expression. The effects of sh-SET8 and ATF2 overexpression were similar to that of LPS treatments. Inhibition of TICAM-2 expression counteracted sh-SET8-mediated and ATF2 overexpression mediated BV2 cell inflammation. Further, SET8 was found to interact with ATF2. A mechanistic study found that H4K20me1, a downstream target of SET8, and ATF2 enriched at the TICAM-2 promoter region. Luciferase reporter assays indicated that sh-SET8 increased TICAM-2 promoter activity but augmented the effect of ATF2 overexpression on TICAM-2 promoter activity as well. Co-transfection of sh-SET8 with ATF2 overexpression more dramatically increased TICAM-2 expression in BV2 cells. The present study indicated that SET8 interacted with ATF2 to modulate TICAM-2 expression, which participated in LPS-mediated BV2 cell inflammation.
Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Family Flacourtiaceae: A Class of Important Phytomedicine
Authors: Zhang Yu , Kong Jing , Zhang Jin-Hua , Wang Lu , Zhang Wei , Liu Bin , Jiang Yan-Yan
Published: March 2020

Flacourtiaceae plants are widely used as folk medicines in traditional medicine systems for its chemical diversity and pharmacological activities. In many different areas, Flacourtiaceae plants are used as traditional medicines for the treatment of ulcers, malaria, rheumatism. The Flacourtiaceae plants contain a very plentiful chemical composition, and phytochemical studies show that the Flacourtiaceae plants contained terpenoids, aromatic glycosides, flavnoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, fatty hydrocarbon, and other compounds. In pharmacological studies, various extract and isolated individual compounds exhibited antitumor, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this review, the literature data on the chemical constituents and pharmacological investigations of the Flacourtiaceae plants are summarized, to provide information about a more comprehensive chemical composition and detailed pharmacological activities of Flacourtiaceae plants, with a view of further development of clinical medication. However, research on quantitative analysis, toxicity, and drug safety in vitro and in vivo is still insufficient, and further research is required.