bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural Characterization of Micro-Textured Titanium Surfaces
Authors: Soboyejo W. O. , Mercer C. , Allameh S. , Nemetski B. , Marcantonio N. , Ricci J.
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the results of a multi-scale microstructural characterization of micro-textured Ti-6Al-4V surfaces that are used in biomedical implants. The hierarchies of substructural and microstructural features associated with laser micro-texturing, polishing and surface blasting with alumina pellets are elucidated via atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). The nano-scale roughness profiles associated with the different surface textures are elucidated via AFM. Sub-micron precipitates and dislocation substructures associated with wrought processing and laser processing are revealed by TEM. Micro- and meso-scale images of the groove structures are then discussed using OM and SEM. The implications of the results are discussed for the optimization of laser processing schemes for the fabrication of micro-textured surfaces that will facilitate the self organization of proteins, and the attachment of mammalian cells to the Ti-6Al-4V surfaces in biomedical implants.
Mechanisms for Interfacial Toughness Loss in Thermal Barrier Coating Systems
Authors: Handoko R. A. , Beuth J. L. , Stiger M. J. , Pettit F. S. , Meier G. H.
Published: November 2021

A major concern with thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) is their loss of adhesion during service, leading to spallation. In this research, an indentation test is used to quantify decreases in interfacial toughness of TBC systems as a function of the duration of isothermal or cyclic high-temperature exposures. A detailed description is given of the indentation test, which involves penetration of the TBC and the oxide layer below it, inducing plastic deformation in the underlying metal bond coat and superalloy substrate. This plastic deformation induces a compressive radial stress away from the indent, which drives an axisymmetric delamination of the TBC and oxide layers. Detailed elastic-plastic model results are presented which allow determination of the toughness of the oxide/bond coat interface from a measured radius of delamination.
Thermal Spray Processing of Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Lavernia Enrique J.
Published: November 2021

The application of nanocrystalline materials used as powder feedstock for thermal spraying in recent years has been mainly facilitated by the wide range of powder sources available, including: vapor condensation, solution precipitation, combustion synthesis, sol-gel processing, thermochemical synthesis, and mechanical alloying/milling. The resultant thermal sprayed coatings have been shown to exhibit unique and often enhanced physical and mechanical performance properties in comparison to the coatings produced by current technology. Improvements in physical have been documented for several metallic and cermet based nanostructured coatings. However, the behavior of a nanostructured material during thermal spraying is rendered complex by factors such as morphology of feedstock powders; thermal stability of nanostructured powders; and thermal and momentum behavior of nanostructured powder. Optimization of chemistry, morphology and coating thickness, for example, should lead to the attainment of physical performance heretofore unattainable with conventional coatings. The present paper is to provide an overview of recent advancements in the field of high performance nanostructured coatings, paying particular attention to underlying fundamental issues. Examples of several metallic and cermet coatings will be used to demonstrate the influence of the morphology of nanostructured powders on the performance of the sprayed coatings.
A New Statistical Biomechanics Modeling of Physical and Biochemical Bone Strength Parameters
Authors: Soboyejo Alfred B. O. , Nestor Karl E.
Published: November 2021

New multiparameter biomechanics models are developed in this work for the characterization of bone strengths in broiler chickens and turkeys, as functions of the major physical and biochemical parameters, which can contribute to mechanical properties of bone strengths in these birds, under good management practices. Theoretical and experimental methods have been developed in this study to model bone strength as functions of (a) the physical parameters only and (b) the biochemical parameters only, which can affect bone strength. The choice of any particular methodology will depend on the availability of either the physical or biochemical parameters, which can be obtained from experimental data. Possible useful practical applications of the statistical biomechanics principles developed in this technical paper, particularly in the field of bone strength enhancement in turkeys and broiler chickens will be discussed.

In view of the problems described, the major objectives of the present study are as follows:

(1) To develop new multiparameter biomechanics models for the characterization of bone strengths in turkeys and broiler chickens as functions of the major physical only, or biomechanical parameters only, which can contribute to bone strength in these birds, under conditions of good management of these birds. This study will consider only the compressive buckling as the mode of structural failure in the cellular material of the bone.

(2) To highlight briefly the possible practical applications of the statistical biomechanics principles, which will be developed in this study to the genetic improvement of bone strengths in broiler chickens and turkeys.
Viscoelastic Effects on the Stability of Thin-Film Parallel Flow in Lubrication Applications
Authors: Harnoy Avraham , Shridhar Laksh. , Tavantzis John
Published: November 2021

The analysis is concerned with the effect of fluid-elasticity on the stability of laminar parallel flow. The widely used multi-grade oils contain polymer additives that make them viscoelastic. These oils are widely used for high shear-rate laminar flow of hydrodynamic lubrication, where flow instability is undesirable because it significantly increases the viscous friction losses. A fluid model is applied where the stress-relaxation effect is considered in addition to the fluid viscosity. However, the normal stresses are disregarded.

Extended Orr-Sommerfeld type analysis has been performed for elastic fluid films of lubrication. The conclusion is that the elasticity of the fluid has a destabilizing effect. For parallel flow, the transition to instability is at lower Reynolds number in comparison to Newtonian fluids.
Lethal and sublethal effects of bifenazate on the biological parameters of Tetranychus truncatus Ehara (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Rimy Sabrina Jahan , Das Gopal , Gotoh Tetsuo , Ullah Mohammad Shaef
Published: November 2021

Tetranychus truncatus Ehara (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the serious pests that infests different agricultural crops in field and greenhouse crops, and its distribution is limited to mostly Asian countries. The experiments were conducted to know the effectiveness of different concentrations of bifenazate against the T. truncatus, and to evaluate and compare the demographic parameters of T. truncatus on host plant Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet (Fabaceae), which were obtained from females treated with bifenazate. The LC15, LC30, LC50 and LC90 values are determined through the bioassay from the results of the first application of bifenazate on adult females of T. truncatus. The LC15, LC30, LC50 and LC90 concentrations of bifenazate were 0.417, 1.028, 2.591 and 24.792 ml/l, respectively. The response of adult females against the two lethal concentrations (LC15 and LC30) was mostly alike but had a little bit difference. The differences in life table parameters were observed between control and treated spider mites. The results demonstrated that LC15 and LC30 of bifenazate could reduce the survival rate, oviposition period, fecundity and longevity of females of T. truncatus and it significantly affected the developmental times, especially larval duration and fecundity of T. truncatus. Life-table parameters of T. truncatus were much reduced in LC15 and LC30 compared to the control and their growth and other factors showed significant differences. The present study showed that the lower lethal concentration (LC15 and LC30) of the tested acaricide showed negative effects on survivorship and life-table parameters of the subsequent generation of T. truncatus.
Nonlinear rheological behavior of telechelic ionomers with the distribution of ionic stickers at the ends
Authors: Liu Shuang , Zhang Yanjie , Zhang Zhijie , Chen Quan
Published: November 2021

This study examines the nonlinear rheology properties of telechelic ionomers with connecting ions at the chain ends. Our previous studies revealed that these telechelic ionomers relaxed in a hierarchical way depending on the average number of connecting ionic groups per chain end m. The terminal relaxation time increased with m because the dissociation was slower for the chain end with more connecting ions. In this study, the stress growth and damping functions are examined for these telechelic ionomer samples and a reference conventional telechelic sample having strictly one ion per chain end, both based on poly(isobutyl acrylate). During both the steady shear and elongation measurements, the stress overshoots are observed, and the corresponding strains at the stress overshoots, γpeak and εH,peak, are insensitive to the Weissenberg number Wi for Wi≫1. This feature suggests that γpeak or εH,peak are critical strains for the induction of dissociation, which is rationalized by the phenomenological analysis of the yielding stress based on the von Mises criterion. The approximate time-strain separability was surprisingly observed for the telechelic ionomer networks with a moderate m, which may be due to the fact that, although the high strain leads to a rupture of strand, the network structure has been maintained and its terminal relaxation is governed by the ionic dissociation (at least in the strain range of our measurements). These arguments are supported by the proper normalization of damping functions obtained for different samples using γ/γpeak as the horizontal axis.
Telmisartan Restricts Chikungunya Virus Infection
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
through the AT1/PPAR-γ/MAPKs Pathways
Authors: De Saikat , Mamidi Prabhudutta , Ghosh Soumyajit , Keshry Supriya Suman , Mahish Chandan , Pani Sweta Smita , Laha Eshna , Ray Amrita , Datey Ankita , Chatterjee Sanchari , Singh Sharad , Mukherjee Tathagata , Khamaru Somlata , Chattopadhyay Subhasis , Subudhi Bharat Bhusan , Chattopadhyay Soma
Published: November 2021

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has reemerged as a global public health threat. The inflammatory pathways of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) are usually involved in viral infections.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Clofazimine for Treatment of Cryptosporidiosis
Authors: Zhang Cindy X. , Love Melissa S. , McNamara Case W. , Chi Victor , Woods Ashley K. , Joseph Sean , Schaefer Deborah A. , Betzer Dana P. , Riggs Michael W. , Iroh Tam Pui-Ying , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Arnold Samuel L. M.
Published: November 2021

Infection with
Cryptosporidium
spp. can cause severe diarrhea, leading to long-term adverse impacts and even death in malnourished children and immunocompromised patients. The only FDA-approved drug for treating cryptosporidiosis, nitazoxanide, has limited efficacy in the populations impacted the most by the diarrheal disease, and safe, effective treatment options are urgently needed.
Anatomical Site-Specific Carbohydrate Availability Impacts Streptococcus pneumoniae Virulence and Fitness during Colonization and Disease
Authors: Im Hansol , Kruckow Katherine L. , D’Mello Adonis , Ganaie Feroze , Martinez Eriel , Luck Jennifer N. , Cichos Kyle H. , Riegler Ashleigh N. , Song Xiuhong , Ghanem Elie , Saad Jamil S. , Nahm Moon H. , Tettelin Hervé , Orihuela Carlos J.
Published: November 2021

Streptococcus pneumoniae
colonizes the nasopharynx asymptomatically but can also cause severe life-threatening disease. Importantly, stark differences in carbohydrate availability exist between the nasopharynx and invasive disease sites, such as the bloodstream, which most likely impact
S. pneumoniae
’s behavior. Herein, using chemically defined medium (CDM) supplemented with physiological levels of carbohydrates, we examined how anatomical site-specific carbohydrate availability impacted
S. pneumoniae
physiology and virulence.
S. pneumoniae
cells grown in CDM modeling the nasopharynx (CDM-N) had reduced metabolic activity and a lower growth rate, demonstrated mixed acid fermentation with marked H
2
O
2
production, and were in a carbon-catabolite repression (CCR)-derepressed state versus
S. pneumoniae
cells grown in CDM modeling blood (CDM-B). Using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), we determined the transcriptome for the
S. pneumoniae
wild-type (WT) strain and its isogenic CCR-deficient mutant in CDM-N and CDM-B.
DnaJ and ClpX Are Required for HitRS and HssRS Two-Component System Signaling in Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Laut Clare L. , Leasure Catherine S. , Pi Hualiang , Carlin Sophia M. , Chu Michelle L. , Hillebrand Gideon H. , Lin Hannah K. , Yi Xinjie I. , Stauff Devin L. , Skaar Eric P.
Published: November 2021

Bacillus anthracis
is the causative agent of anthrax. This Gram-positive bacterium poses a substantial risk to human health due to high mortality rates and the potential for malicious use as a bioterror weapon.
Recruitment of the TolA Protein to Cell Constriction Sites in Escherichia coli via Three Separate Mechanisms, and a Critical Role for FtsWI Activity in Recruitment of both TolA and TolQ
Authors: Hale Cynthia A. , Persons Logan , de Boer Piet A. J.
Published: November 2021

Cell division (cytokinesis) is a fundamental biological process that is incompletely understood for any organism. Division of bacterial cells relies on ring-like machinery called the septal ring or divisome that assembles along the circumference of the mother cell at the site where constriction will eventually occur.
Spatial and Functional Organization of Human Papillomavirus Replication Foci in the Productive Stage of Infection
Authors: Khurana Simran , Markowitz Tovah E. , Kabat Juraj , McBride Alison A.
Published: November 2021

Human papillomaviruses are small DNA viruses that cause chronic infection of cutaneous and mucosal epithelium. In some cases, persistent infection with HPV can result in cancer, and 5% of human cancers are the result of HPV infection.
Global-scale emergence of continental crust during the Mesoarchean–early Neoarchean
Authors: Wang Wei , Cawood Peter A. , Spencer Christopher J. , Pandit Manoj K. , Zhao Jun-Hong , Xia Xiao-Ping , Zheng Jian-Ping , Lu Gui-Mei
Published: November 2021

The timing of the emergence of subaerial landmasses is equivocally constrained as post-Archean and continues to be a much-debated issue. In this study, we document exceptionally 18O-depleted (δ18O < 4.7‰) Mesoarchean to early Neoarchean magmatism in India that shows a similarity with the coeval low-δ18O magmas reported from Australia, South America, and northern China. Such global-scale low-δ18O magmatism would require high-temperature meteoric water–rock interaction in the uppermost crust synchronous with magma generation, necessitating the emergence of a substantial volume of the continental crust. The timing of this low-δ18O magmatism coincides with the development of extensive, subaerial large igneous provinces, a downward shift in δ18O and Δ17O values in pelitic rocks, the rise of normalized 87Sr/86Sr in seawater, and an intermittent upsurge in the proportion of atmospheric oxygen. We propose that the emergence of substantial volumes of continental crust initiated at ca. 3.2 Ga and peaked at 2.8–2.6 Ga, facilitating the generation of globally distributed low-δ18O magmas, and this event can be linked to the first appearance of atmospheric oxygen.
Primary ovarian synovial sarcoma
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Amin ur , Wadi Khalid Al , Nuqaydan Al , Tallab Raghad
Published: November 2021

Synovial sarcoma (SS) has a rare occurrence in the female genital tract. Only three prior reports of primary ovarian sarcoma could be retrieved after a thorough literature review. We are reporting a case of primary ovarian SS in a young woman. The tumour showed monophasic spindle cell morphology, and there was a wide list of differential diagnosis to consider. We confirmed the diagnosis by cytogenetics Flourescent Insitu Hybridisation (FISH) technique to identify the classical translocation. The diagnosis of this disease can be challenging especially if the tumour is of monophasic type. Morphology and immunohistochemistry are not enough to confirm the diagnosis in many cases. A confirmatory molecular pathology test is paramount. We have discussed the differential diagnosis of spindle cell tumours in ovary. We suggest that SS should be in the differential diagnoses when facing any atypical spindle cell tumour in the ovary. Molecular pathology techniques can help to confirm the diagnosis.
Multidisciplinary management of solitary hypervascular metastatic recurrence of renal cell carcinoma presenting with pathological femoral fracture
Authors: Mohakud Sudipta , Tripathy Sujit , Bag Nerbadyswari Deep , Mishra Nitasha
Published: November 2021

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) frequently presents with osseous metastasis, predominantly lytic and prone to pathological fracture. The metastatic lesion in the extremity presents with local swelling, pain and immobility due to pathological fracture. The solitary or oligometastatic lesions should be treated with curative intent, which can help the patient to lead a more prolonged and disability-free life. The RCCs and their metastases are hypervascular with an exuberant arterial supply. Surgery can lead to uncontrolled life-threatening haemorrhage. Preoperative transarterial embolisation reduces tumour vascularity significantly and reduces intraoperative blood loss. We present a 46-year-old male patient with solitary hypervascular metastatic recurrence of RCC with a pathological femoral fracture with an infeasible initial surgery due to profuse haemorrhage. He was successfully treated by preoperative transarterial embolisation, followed by surgical resection and implantation of a megaprosthesis. Multidisciplinary management reduces patient morbidity and mortality with successful treatment in solitary hypervascular metastasis from RCC.
Neglected acetabular fracture with hip dislocation in a 34-year-old subject treated with total hip arthroplasty: our experience
Authors: Pironti Pierluigi , Ciliberto P Ricardo A , Sirtori Paolo , Mangiavini Laura
Published: November 2021

Neglected hip fracture-dislocations are rare but still possible clinical situations, especially in developing countries. Some authors described skeletal traction and open reduction with internal fixation as a treatment for the abovementioned conditions. Despite the poor literature about this topic, total hip arthroplasty (THA) may be a feasible option in the treatment of neglected hip fracture-dislocations. We present a case of a 34-year-old Moroccan man reporting a 1-year neglected acetabular fracture with hip dislocation successfully treated with THA. The patient showed a significant improvement of pain, range of motion and his quality of life at 45 days. Our experience shows how a neglected acetabular fracture with hip dislocation can be successfully treated with THA. Considering the complexity of these cases, an accurate preoperative planning is mandatory and the prosthetic components’ choice must be customised to the patient.
Adverse metabolic outcomes in the early and late postpartum after gestational diabetes are broader than glucose control
Authors: Kosinski Christophe , Rossel Jean-Benoît , Gross Justine , Helbling Céline , Quansah Dan Yedu , Collet Tinh-Hai , Puder Jardena J
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. To better target preventive measures, we performed an in-depth characterization of cardiometabolic risk factors in a cohort of women with gestational diabetes in the early (6–8 weeks) and late (1 year) postpartum.

Research design and methods

Prospective cohort of 622 women followed in a university gestational diabetes clinic between 2011 and 2017. 162 patients who attended the late postpartum visit were analyzed in a nested long-term cohort starting in 2015. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was based on the International Diabetes Federation definition, and then having at least two additional criteria of the MetS (blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, plasma glucose above or below the International Diabetes Federation cut-offs).

Results

Compared with prepregnancy, weight retention was 4.8±6.0 kg in the early postpartum, and the prevalence of obesity, pre-diabetes, MetS-body mass index (BMI) and MetS-waist circumference (WC) were 28.8%, 28.9%, 10.3% and 23.8%, respectively. Compared with the early postpartum, weight did not change and waist circumference decreased by 2.6±0.6 cm in the late postpartum. However, the prevalence of obesity, pre-diabetes, MetS-WC and MetS-BMI increased (relative increase: 11% for obesity, 82% for pre-diabetes, 50% for MetS-WC, 100% for MetS-BMI; all p≤0.001).

Predictors for obesity were the use of glucose-lowering treatment during pregnancy and the prepregnancy BMI. Predictors for pre-diabetes were the early postpartum fasting glucose value and family history of diabetes. Finally, systolic blood pressure in pregnancy and in the early postpartum, the 2-hour post oral glucose tolerance test glycemia and the HDL-cholesterol predicted the development of MetS (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

The prevalence of metabolic complications increased in the late postpartum, mainly due to an increase in fasting glucose and obesity, although weight did not change. We identified predictors of late postpartum obesity, pre-diabetes and MetS that could lead to high-risk identification and targeted preventions.
Exploration of therapists’ views of practice within critical care
Authors: Twose Paul , Jones Una , Bharal Mina , Bruce James , Firshman Penelope , Highfield Julie , Jones Gemma , Merriweather Judith , Newey Vicky , Newman Helen , Rock Claire , Terblanche MBE Ella , Wallace OBE Sarah
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Therapists are increasing recognised as core members of the critical care multiprofessional team. Each therapy profession provides specialist assessments and interventions, but also work collaboratively across the rehabilitation pathway. Despite inclusion in several national guidance documents, there remains a lack of evidence regarding the perceived role of therapists working within critical care, the unique contributions of each profession and opinion on the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of each therapy profession.

Method

A descriptive qualitative methodology was used involving seven focus groups. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit therapists via professional specialist interest groups. All focus groups were uniprofessional and discussions based on a predesigned framework. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Participants (n=65) from across the UK were recruited to seven focus groups with an average of 18.3 years postgraduate clinical experience of which 11.6 years was within critical care. Three core themes were generated from 875 codes and 237 potential subthemes. The final themes were (1) professional characteristics; (2) multidisciplinary team and (3) staffing. An additional theme of ‘COVID-19 pandemic’ was also identified. Findings were similar across all profession groups particularly regarding the need for holistic, patient-centred care. Expected variation was observed for professional characteristics especially regarding specific assessments and interventions.

Discussion

Therapy services are an essential component to the delivery of critical care especially regarding recovery and rehabilitation. Through three core themes, this qualitative study has provided new evidence of the perceptions and opinions of the role that therapists undertake within critical care.
Non-pharmaceutical interventions and COVID-19 cases in US summer camps: results from an American Camp Association survey
Authors: Suh Helen H , Meehan Julianne , Blaisdell Laura , Browne Laurie
Published: November 2021

Background

Most camps remained closed during Summer 2020, due to concerns regarding child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and limited information about the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) within child congregate settings.

Methods

We surveyed US camps about on-site operations, camper and staff demographics, COVID-19 cases among campers and staff, and NPI usage as related to pre-camp quarantine, facial coverings, physical distancing, cleaning and facility modifications. For all NPIs, save quarantine, responses were provided on a 5-point Likert scale format.

Results

Within 486 on-site camps, a range of NPIs were instituted, most often related to reduced camper interactions, staff face coverings, cleaning and hand hygiene. Camper facial coverings were less common, with campers always wearing masks at ~34% of the camps. Approximately 15% of camps reported 1+ confirmed COVID-19 case in either campers or staff, with three camps reporting a COVID-19 outbreak. In both single and multi-NPI analyses, the risk of COVID-19 cases was lowest when campers always wore facial coverings. Constant use of staff facial coverings and targeted physical distancing measures, but not pre-camp quarantine, also reduced COVID-19 risks.

Conclusions

We found constant facial coverings, especially for campers, and targeted physical distancing measures to reduce risks of SARS-CoV-2 transmission within summer camps. Our findings provide valuable insights for future operations of summer camps and other child congregate settings regarding the use of NPIs to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
New locus underlying auriculocondylar syndrome (ARCND): 430 kb duplication involvingTWIST1regulatory elements
Authors: Romanelli Tavares Vanessa Luiza , Guimarães-Ramos Sofia Ligia , Zhou Yan , Masotti Cibele , Ezquina Suzana , Moreira Danielle de Paula , Buermans Henk , Freitas Renato S , Den Dunnen Johan T , Twigg Stephen R F , Passos-Bueno Maria Rita
Published: November 2021

Background

Auriculocondylar syndrome (ARCND) is a rare genetic disease that affects structures derived from the first and second pharyngeal arches, mainly resulting in micrognathia and auricular malformations. To date, pathogenic variants have been identified in three genes involved in the EDN1-DLX5/6 pathway (PLCB4,GNAI3andEDN1) and some cases remain unsolved. Here we studied a large unsolved four-generation family.

Methods

We performed linkage analysis, resequencing and Capture-C to investigate the causative variant of this family. To test the pathogenicity of the CNV found, we modelled the disease in patient craniofacial progenitor cells, including induced pluripotent cell (iPSC)-derived neural crest and mesenchymal cells.

Results

This study highlights a fourth locus causative of ARCND, represented by a tandem duplication of 430 kb in a candidate region on chromosome 7 defined by linkage analysis. This duplication segregates with the disease in the family (LOD score=2.88) and includesHDAC9, which is located over 200 kb telomeric to the top candidate geneTWIST1. Notably, Capture-C analysis revealed multiple cis interactions between theTWIST1promoter and possible regulatory elements within the duplicated region. Modelling of the disease revealed an increased expression ofHDAC9and its neighbouring gene,TWIST1, in neural crest cells. We also identified decreased migration of iPSC-derived neural crest cells together with dysregulation of osteogenic differentiation in iPSC-affected mesenchymal stem cells.

Conclusion

Our findings support the hypothesis that the 430 kb duplication is causative of the ARCND phenotype in this family and that deregulation ofTWIST1expression during craniofacial development can contribute to the phenotype.
Real-world outcomes associated with the use of the EmboTrap revascularization device for ischemic stroke in the United States
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , Ikeme Shelly , Kottenmeier Emilie , Khaled Alia , M Sidharth , Khanna Rahul
Published: November 2021

Background

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the standard of care for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The EmboTrap revascularization device (CERENOVUS, Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices, Irvine, California, USA) has an innovative, dual layer feature designed to facilitate thrombus retrieval.

Objective

To investigate the real-world clinical and economic outcomes among patients with AIS undergoing MT using the EmboTrap device in the United States (US).

Methods

Adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent MT for AIS using the EmboTrap device between July 2018 and December 2020 were identified from the Premier Healthcare Database. Patient outcomes included discharge status (including in-hospital mortality), mean length of stay (LOS), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), mean hospital costs, and 30-day readmissions (all-cause, cardiovascular (CV)-related, and AIS-related).

Results

A total of 318 patients (mean age 68.5±14.6 years) with AIS treated with the EmboTrap device as the only stent retriever used were identified. Approximately 25% of patients were discharged to home/home health organization, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 10.7%. The rate of ICH was 16.7%. Mean hospital LOS was 9.9±11.3 days, and the mean hospital costs were US$47 367±30 297. The 30-day readmission rate was 9.6% for all-causes, 5.9% for CV-related causes, and 2.6% for AIS-related causes.

Conclusions

This is the first study in the US to report real-world outcomes sourced by retrospective database analysis among patients with AIS undergoing MT using the EmboTrap device. Further research is needed to better understand performance of the EmboTrap device in real-world settings.
Radiation distribution in a hybrid operating room, utilizing different X-ray imaging systems: investigations to minimize occupational exposure
Authors: Cewe Paulina , Vorbau Robert , Omar Artur , Elmi-Terander Adrian , Edström Erik
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To reduce occupational radiation exposure in a hybrid operating room (OR) used for three-dimensional (3D) image guided spine procedures. The effects of staff positioning, different X-ray imaging systems, and freestanding radiation protection shields (RPSs) were considered.

Methods

An anthropomorphic phantom was imaged with a robotic ceiling mounted hybrid OR C-arm cone beam CT (hCBCT), a mobile O-arm CBCT (oCBCT), and a mobile two-dimensional C-arm fluoroscopy system. The resulting scatter doses were measured at different positions in the hybrid OR using active personal dosimeters and an ionization chamber. Two types of RPSs were evaluated.

Results

Using the hCBCT system instead of the oCBCT system reduced the occupational radiation dose on average by 22%. At 200 cm from the phantom, scatter doses from the hCBCT were 27% lower compared with the oCBCT. One rotational acquisition with hCBCT or oCBCT corresponded to 12 or 16 min of fluoroscopy with the C-arm, respectively. The scatter dose decreased by more than 90% behind an RPS. However, the protection was slightly less effective at 60 cm behind the RPS, due to tertiary scatter from the surroundings.

Conclusions

For 3D image guided spine procedures in the hybrid OR, occupational radiation exposure is lowered by using hCBCT rather than oCBCT. Radiation exposure can also be decreased by optimal staff positioning in the OR, considering distance to the source and positioning relative to the walls, ceiling, and RPS. In this setting and workflow, staff can use RPSs instead of heavy aprons during intraoperative CBCT imaging, to achieve effective whole body dose reduction with improved comfort.
Leisure sedentary time and physical activity are higher in neighbourhoods with denser greenness and better built environments: an analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Klicnik Irmina , Cullen John David , Doiron Dany , Barakat Caroline , Ardern Chris I. , Rudoler David , Dogra Shilpa
Published: November 2021

Associations of environmental variables with physical activity and sedentary time using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, and the Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium (Canadian Active Living Environments (Can-ALE) dataset, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI, greenness) dataset) were assessed. The main outcome variables were physical activity and sedentary time as measured by a modified version of the Physical Activity for Elderly Scale. The sample consisted of adults aged 45 and older (n = 36 580, mean age 62.6 ± 10.2, 51% female). Adjusted ordinal regression models consistently demonstrated that those residing in neighbourhoods in the highest Can-ALE category (most well-connected built environment) reported more physical activity and sedentary time. For example, males aged 75+ in the highest Can-ALE category had 2 times higher odds of reporting more physical activity (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1–3.5) and 1.8 times higher odds of reporting more sedentary time (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.0–3.4). Neighbourhoods with higher greenness scores were also associated with higher odds of reporting more physical activity and sedentary time. It appears that an environment characterized by higher Can-ALE and higher greenness may facilitate physical activity, but it also facilitates more leisure sedentary time in older adults; research using device measured total sedentary time, and consideration of the types of sedentary activities being performed is needed.

Novelty: Middle-aged and older adults living in neighbourhoods with higher Can-ALE scores and more greenness report more physical activity and leisure sedentary time Greenness is important for physical activity and sedentary time in middle-aged adults
The study of doubly charmed pentaquark $$c c {\bar{q}}qq$$ with the SU(3) symmetry
Authors: Xing Ye , Niu Yuekun
Published: November 2021

We study the masses and lifetimes of doubly charmed pentaquark $$P_{cc{\bar{q}}qq}(q=u,d,s)$$

P

c
c

q

¯

q
q

(
q
=
u
,
d
,
s
)

primarily. The operation of masses carried out by the doubly heavy triquark-diquark model, whose results suggests the existence of stable states $$cc{\bar{s}} ud$$

c
c

s

¯

u
d

with the parity $$J^P=\frac{1}{2}^-$$

J
P

=

1
2

-

. The roughly calculation about lifetimes show the short magnitudes, $$(4.65^{+0.71}_{-0.55})\times 10^{-13}s $$

(
4
.

65

-
0.55

+
0.71

)

×

10

-
13

s

for the parity $$J^P=\frac{1}{2}^-$$

J
P

=

1
2

-

and $$(0.93^{+0.14}_{-0.11})\times 10^{-12} s $$

(
0
.

93

-
0.11

+
0.14

)

×

10

-
12

s

for $$J^P=\frac{3}{2}^-$$

J
P

=

3
2

-

. Since the pentaquark $$cc{\bar{s}} ud$$

c
c

s

¯

u
d

is interpreted as the stable bound states against strong decays, then we will focus on the production and possible decay channels of the pentaquark in the next step, the study would be fairly valuable supports for future experiments. For completeness, we systematically studied the production from $$\Omega _{ccc}$$

Ω

ccc

and the decay modes in the framework SU(3) flavor symmetry, including the processes of semi-leptonic and two body non-leptonic decays. Synthetically, we make a collection of the golden channels.
Challenges for tau physics at the TeraZ
Authors: Pich Antonio
Published: November 2021

The very high statistics, low backgrounds and clean back-to-back kinematics of a TeraZ facility would provide an optimal laboratory for precision measurements of the $$\tau $$
τ
properties. A few important topics in $$\tau $$
τ
physics where very relevant contributions could be made are highlighted.
When Massive GPU Parallelism Ain’t Enough: A Novel Hardware Architecture of 2D-LSTM Neural Network
Authors: Rybalkin Vladimir , Ney Jonas , Tekleyohannes Menbere Kina , Wehn Norbert
Published: November 2021

Multidimensional Long Short-Term Memory (MD-LSTM) neural network is an extension of one-dimensional LSTM for data with more than one dimension. MD-LSTM achieves state-of-the-art results in various applications, including handwritten text recognition, medical imaging, and many more. However, its implementation suffers from the inherently sequential execution that tremendously slows down both training and inference compared to other neural networks.

The main goal of the current research is to provide acceleration for inference of MD-LSTM. We advocate that
Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)
is an alternative platform for deep learning that can offer a solution when the massive parallelism of GPUs does not provide the necessary performance required by the application.

In this article, we present the first hardware architecture for MD-LSTM. We conduct a systematic exploration to analyze a tradeoff between precision and accuracy. We use a challenging dataset for semantic segmentation, namely historical document image binarization from the DIBCO 2017 contest and a well-known MNIST dataset for handwritten digit recognition. Based on our new architecture, we implement FPGA-based accelerators that outperform Nvidia Geforce RTX 2080 Ti with respect to throughput by up to 9.9

and Nvidia Jetson AGX Xavier with respect to energy efficiency by up to 48

. Our accelerators achieve higher throughput, energy efficiency, and resource efficiency than FPGA-based implementations of
convolutional neural networks (CNNs)
for semantic segmentation tasks. For the handwritten digit recognition task, our FPGA implementations provide higher accuracy and can be considered as a solution when accuracy is a priority. Furthermore, they outperform earlier FPGA implementations of one-dimensional LSTMs with respect to throughput, energy efficiency, and resource efficiency.
Adipose Tissue Fibrosis in Obesity: Etiology and Challenges
Authors: Marcelin Geneviève , Gautier Emmanuel L. , Clément Karine
Published: November 2021

Obesity is a chronic and progressive process affecting whole-body energy balance and is associated with comorbidity development. In addition to increased fat mass, obesity induces white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation and fibrosis, leading to local and systemic metabolic dysfunctions, such as insulin resistance (IR). Accordingly, limiting inflammation or fibrosis deposition may improve IR and glucose homeostasis. Although no targeted therapy yet exists to slow or reverse adipose tissue fibrosis, a number of findings have clarified the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. In this review, we highlight adipose tissue remodeling events shown to be associated with fibrosis deposition, with a focus on adipose progenitors involved in obesity-induced healthy as well as unhealthy WAT expansion.
Cardiac-specific VEGFB overexpression reduces lipoprotein lipase activity and improves insulin action in rat heart
Authors: Shang Rui , Lal Nathaniel , Lee Chae Syng , Zhai Yajie , Puri Karanjit , Seira Oscar , Boushel Robert C. , Sultan Ibrahim , Räsänen Markus , Alitalo Kari , Hussein Bahira , Rodrigues Brian
Published: November 2021

In hearts overexpressing vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB), besides its known angiogenic response, multiple regulatory mechanisms lowered coronary LPL. This was accompanied by limited cardiac lipid metabolite accumulation with an augmentation of cardiac insulin action. Our data for the first time links VEGFB to coronary LPL in regulation of cardiac metabolism. VEGFB may be cardioprotective in metabolic disorders like diabetes.
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in male rats results in sustained HPA activation and hyperinsulinemia
Authors: Lansdell Theresa A. , Dorrance Anne M.
Published: November 2021

Cerebrovascular disease and insulin resistance are two major risk factors for the development of dementia. Here, we demonstrate that chronic cerebral hypoperfusion results in glucocorticoid excess and hyperinsulinemia. This study indicates that chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, glucocorticoid excess, and insulin resistance participate in a detrimental cycle that could exacerbate cerebral vascular disease and dementia.
Semaporin3A inhibitor ameliorates renal fibrosis through the regulation of JNK signaling
Authors: Sang Yizhen , Tsuji Kenji , Fukushima Kazuhiko , Takahashi Kensaku , Kitamura Shinji , Wada Jun
Published: November 2021

Renal fibrosis is the common pathological pathway in the progression of renal diseases. This study, using a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model, indicated increased semaphorin3A (SEMA3A) signaling in renal tubular cells as well as fibroblast cells under UUO surgery, and SEMA3A inhibitor ameliorated UUO-induced renal fibrosis through the regulation of JNK signaling. The study proposes the potential therapeutic option of SEMA3A inhibitor to treat renal fibrosis.
Finite Element Analysis of Air Flow and Temperature Distribution on Surface of a Circular Obstacle with Resistance and Orientation of Screen
Authors: Memon Abid A. , Memon M. Asif , Alqahtani Aisha M. , Bhatti Kaleemullah , Nonlaopon Kamsing , Khan Ilyas , Andualem Mulugeta
Published: November 2021

Nonisothermal flow through the rectangular channel on a circular surface under the influence of a screen embedded at the middle of a channel at angles θ is considered. Simulations are carried out via COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4 which implements the finite element method with an emerging technique of the least square procedure of Galerkin’s method. Air as working fluid depends upon the Reynolds number with initial temperature allowed to enter from the inlet of the channel. The nonisothermal flow has been checked with the help of parameters such as Reynolds number, angle of the screen, and variations in resistance coefficient. The consequence and the pattern of the velocity field, pressure, temperature, heat transfer coefficient, and local Nusselt number are described on the front surface of the circular obstacle. The rise in the temperature and the flow rate on the surface of the obstacle has been determined against increasing Reynolds number. Results show that the velocity magnitudes are decreasing down the surface and the pressure is increasing down the surface of the obstacle. The pressure on the surface of the circular obstacle was found to be the function of the y-axis and does not show any impact due to the change of the resistance coefficient. Also, it was indicated that the temperature on the front circular surface does not depend upon the orientation of the screen and resistance factor. The heat transfer coefficient is decreasing which indicates that the conduction process is dominating over the convection process.
Mucosa-Associated Escherichia coli in Colorectal Cancer Patients and Control Subjects: Variations in the Prevalence and Attributing Features
Authors: Nouri Roghayeh , Hasani Alka , Masnadi Shirazi Kourosh , Alivand Mohammad Reza , Sepehri Bita , Sotoudeh Simin , Hemmati Fatemeh , Fattahzadeh Afshin , Abdinia Babak , Ahangarzadeh Rezaee Mohammad
Published: November 2021

Accumulating evidence indicates that specific strains of mucosa-associated Escherichia coli (E. coli) can influence the development of colorectal carcinoma. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characterization of mucosa-associated E. coli obtained from the colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and control group. At two referral university-affiliated hospitals in northwest Iran, 100 patients, 50 with CRC and 50 without, were studied over the course of a year. Fresh biopsy specimens were used to identify mucosa-associated E. coli isolates after dithiothreitol mucolysis. To classify the E. coli strains, ten colonies per sample were typed using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-based PCR (ERIC-PCR). The strains were classified into phylogroups using the quadruplex PCR method. The PCR method was used to examine for the presence of cyclomodulin, bfp, stx1, stx2, and eae-encoding genes. The strains were tested for biofilm formation using the microtiter plate assay. CRC patients had more mucosa-associated E. coli than the control group (

p
<
0.05

). Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) was also found in 23% of CRC strains and 7.1% of control strains (

p
<
0.05

). Phylogroup A was predominant in control group specimens, while E. coli isolates from CRC patients belonged most frequently to phylogroups D and B2. Furthermore, the frequency of cyclomodulin-encoding genes in the CRC patients was significantly higher than the control group. Around 36.9% of E. coli strains from CRC samples were able to form biofilms, compared to 16.6% E. coli strains from the control group (

p
<
0.05

). Noticeably, cyclomodulin-positive strains were more likely to form biofilm in comparison to cyclomodulin-negative strains (

p
<
0.05

). In conclusion, mucosa-associated E. coli especially cyclomodulin-positive isolates from B2 and D phylogroups possessing biofilm-producing capacity colonize the gut mucosa of CRC patients.
Hopf Bifurcation Analysis of a Two-Delay HIV-1 Virus Model with Delay-Dependent Parameters
Authors: Xiao Yu , Dai Yunxian , Cao Jinde
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a two-delay HIV-1 virus model with delay-dependent parameters is considered. The model includes both virus-to-cell and cell-to-cell transmissions. Firstly, immune-inactivated reproduction rate

R

0

and immune-activated reproduction rate

R

1

are deduced. When

R

1

>
1

, the system has the unique positive equilibrium

E

∗

. The local stability of the positive equilibrium and the existence of Hopf bifurcation are obtained by analyzing the characteristic equation at the positive equilibrium with the time delay as the bifurcation parameter and four different cases. Besides, we obtain the direction and stability of the Hopf bifurcation by using the center manifold theorem and the normal form theory. Finally, the theoretical results are validated by numerical simulation.
Significance of Circulating Tumor Cells in Nonsmall-Cell Lung Cancer Patients: Prognosis, Chemotherapy Efficacy, and Survival
Authors: Li Jianpeng
Published: November 2021

Introduction. We aimed to evaluate whether circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were the prognostic indicator responsible for chemotherapy and survival of NSCLC patients. Methods. Between January 2013 and September 2017, CTCs in the peripheral blood of histologically confirmed stages III and IV NSCLC patients were collected. Blood specimens were obtained on the first day of treatment, chemotherapy 2 and 4 cycles, or targeted therapy 1 and 2 months for CTCs detection. The positive CTC status was defined as one or more CTCs per 7.5 ml. Results. 100 patients were enrolled, of which 48 patients (48%) were identified to be CTC positive at baseline. A higher CTC-positive rate was observed in stage IV NSCLC patients than stage III patients (69% vs. 40%,

P
=
0.015

). CTC cluster was significantly correlated with disease control rate. Based on the baseline CTC number, patients were divided into low CTC levels (<4 CTCs, LL) and high CTC levels (≥4 CTCs, HL). There was clinically significant shorter median OS and OS (overall survival) and PFS (progression-free survival) in HL group patients (

P
<
0.001

). Conclusions. The positive association between the CTC number and survival suggested that the baseline CTC number and changes during treatment might be the prognostic information of response rate and overall survival in Chinese patients suffering stage III/IV NSCLC.