bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching ultrasound guided femoral nerve block in the emergency department
Authors: Pek Jen Heng , Chia Wen Jie Dennis , Kaliannan Sathya , Wong Yin Theng , Chan Kim Poh
Published: October 2019

Aims: Patients with hip fracture are often not given adequate analgesia in the Emergency Department. Ultrasound guided femoral nerve block is an effective option but it is not commonly used due to limited experience, inadequate training and infrequent clinical exposure. We aimed to develop a workshop to bridge the current gap in the training of ultrasound guided femoral nerve block.Material and methods: A 3-hour workshop was developed in accordance to guidelines for education and training in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. The components included an online learning module for pre-reading, as well as team-based learning and simulation practice during the session. Evaluation of the participants was performed and feedbackof the course was collected.Results: The workshop was conducted successfully for a total of 30 participants. All participants achieved the minimum standard required. Across all domains, the mean scores for the workshop were more than 4.7 out of 5 on the Likert scale. Participants were satisfied with the workshop and would recommend it to a colleague.Conclusion: This workshop met its educational objectives and various principles of medical education were used effectively in the delivery of the content. Further research is necessary to demonstrate the impact of this educational effort on clinical practice and patient outcomes.
Extracting non-propagating oscillatory fields in concrete to detect distributed cracking
Authors: Song Homin , Popovics John S.
Published: October 2019

Work to detect and locate distributed subsurface cracks in concrete by extracting non-propagating oscillatory fields is presented. The medium of interest is concrete, but the approach also applies to other types of inhomogeneous media. The theoretical basis of the work is first presented through a one-dimensional point-scatterer model that considers the wavefield set up by multiple distinct scatterers. More complex scattering scenarios are then investigated using numerical simulation. The numerical models consider two types of scatterers: elliptic large-scale particles distributed throughout a medium, and small-sized cracks localized within a damage zone. The theoretical and numerical analyses show that forward propagating waves undergo distinct scattering behavior within the crack damaged zone: non-propagating resonance-like oscillatory fields are set up within the cracked zone, and are distinct from the scatter caused by the large-scale particles. Frequency-wavenumber (f-k) domain analyses to extract the energy of non-propagating oscillatory fields and thus to detect and locate zones of distributed cracking are employed. The proposed approach is evaluated using numerical simulation and experimental data collected from concrete specimens that contain simulated distributed cracks. The results demonstrate that the location of distributed crack zones in discrete random media, such as concrete, can be successfully detected.
Park Marketing Strategies, Park Conditions, and Park Use: A Longitudinal National Study of Parks
Authors: Richardson Andrea , Han Bing , Williamson Stephanie , Cohen Deborah
Published: October 2019

Background: Parks present opportunities for recreational physical activity and mental relaxation; however, they are underutilized. Methods: The authors examined how changes in management directly and indirectly impacted park use. Using a national sample of 169 parks sampled from 25 cities, the authors linked park management reported via surveys with systematic direct observation of park use, park-based physical activity, and park conditions observed during the spring/summers of 2014 and 2016. The authors used structural equation modeling to estimate longitudinal pathways from changes in park management and conditions to changes in park use. Results: Increases in subsidized meal offerings and greater use of marketing to promote park events predicted increased person-hours of total weekly park use. Pathways predicting park use varied across user and activity type. Conclusion: The authors’ findings suggest that changing park management practices combined with park conditions may promote park use.
Women innovators become STEM ambassadors for girls
Authors: Ham Becky
Published: October 2019

AAAS and Lyda Hill Philanthropies seek to raise the profile of women in science through IF/THEN
Dissecting racial bias in an algorithm used to manage the health of populations
Authors: Obermeyer Ziad , Powers Brian , Vogeli Christine , Mullainathan Sendhil
Published: October 2019

Racial bias in health algorithms

The U.S. health care system uses commercial algorithms to guide health decisions. Obermeyer
et al.
find evidence of racial bias in one widely used algorithm, such that Black patients assigned the same level of risk by the algorithm are sicker than White patients (see the Perspective by Benjamin). The authors estimated that this racial bias reduces the number of Black patients identified for extra care by more than half. Bias occurs because the algorithm uses health costs as a proxy for health needs. Less money is spent on Black patients who have the same level of need, and the algorithm thus falsely concludes that Black patients are healthier than equally sick White patients. Reformulating the algorithm so that it no longer uses costs as a proxy for needs eliminates the racial bias in predicting who needs extra care.

Science
, this issue p.
447
; see also p.
421
Higher-fitness yeast genotypes are less robust to deleterious mutations
Authors: Johnson Milo S. , Martsul Alena , Kryazhimskiy Sergey , Desai Michael M.
Published: October 2019

Genetic background affects variation

Robustness, or the effect of mutations on fitness, can affect the evolutionary trajectory of a species. By introducing a large number of deleterious mutations into many different genetic backgrounds of yeast, Johnson
et al.
found that, for many mutations, the more fit the background, the larger the deleterious effect of the mutation (see the Perspective by Miller). A more-fit lineage is thus less tolerant to deleterious mutations, whereas less-fit lineages can tolerate more mutations. This observation supports a tendency toward diminishing returns for beneficial mutations, which has been shown to influence patterns of adaptation.

Science
, this issue p.
490
; see also p.
418
Conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia and carcinoma: distinct clinical and histological features in relation to human papilloma virus status
Authors: Ramberg Ingvild , Toft Peter Bjerre , Georgsen Jeanette Bæhr , Siersma Volkert Dirk , Funding Mikkel , Jensen David Hebbelstrup , von Buchwald Christian , Heegaard Steffen
Published: October 2019

Aims

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered a causative agent for the development of a broad range of human carcinomas. The role of HPV in the development of conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and carcinoma (cSCC) remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the HPV prevalence in a nationwide cohort and to describe clinical and histopathological features in relation to HPV status.

Methods

All cases of CIN and cSCC in Denmark from 1980 to 2016 were included. We combined p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC), RNA in situ hybridisation (RNA ISH) and HPV DNA PCR to detect HPV. The results were correlated to clinical and histopathological parameters.

Results

One hundred twelve primary tumours and 33 recurrent tumours were included for HPV analysis. Twenty-four (21%) of the primary tumours were HPV positive by PCR. Eighteen of out 19 HPV-positive tumours were positive by RNA ISH. HPV16 was the most prevalent genotype (n=18, 75%). The patients with HPV-positive tumours were significantly younger (mean difference 11.5 years, 95% CI 5.2 to 17.9, p=0.0005) and had a higher recurrence compared with patients with HPV-negative tumours (HR 2.30, 95% CI 1.02 to 5.21, p=0.046). The HPV-positive tumours were associated with a positive p16 IHC and a non-keratinising morphology.

Conclusion

We describe distinct clinical and histopathological features associated with HPV status in cSCC. The finding of transcriptionally active HPV in this material lends support to a causal role of HPV in a subset of cSCC.
Transmissibility and potential for disease progression of drug resistantMycobacterium tuberculosis: prospective cohort study
Authors: Becerra Mercedes C , Huang Chuan-Chin , Lecca Leonid , Bayona Jaime , Contreras Carmen , Calderon Roger , Yataco Rosa , Galea Jerome , Zhang Zibiao , Atwood Sidney , Cohen Ted , Mitnick Carole D , Farmer Paul , Murray Megan
Published: October 2019

Objective

To measure the association between phenotypic drug resistance and the risk of tuberculosis infection and disease among household contacts of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Setting

106 district health centers in Lima, Peru between September 2009 and September 2012.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Participants

10 160 household contacts of 3339 index patients with tuberculosis were classified on the basis of the drug resistance profile of the patient: 6189 were exposed to drug susceptible strains ofMycobacterium tuberculosis, 1659 to strains resistant to isoniazid or rifampicin, and 1541 to strains that were multidrug resistant (resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin).

Main outcome measures

Tuberculosis infection (positive tuberculin skin test) and the incidence of active disease (diagnosed by positive sputum smear or chest radiograph) after 12 months of follow-up.

Results

Household contacts exposed to patients with multidrug resistant tuberculosis had an 8% (95% confidence interval 4% to 13%) higher risk of infection by the end of follow-up compared with household contacts of patients with drug sensitive tuberculosis. The relative hazard of incident tuberculosis disease did not differ among household contacts exposed to multidrug resistant tuberculosis and those exposed to drug sensitive tuberculosis (adjusted hazard ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 0.9 to 1.83).

Conclusion

Household contacts of patients with multidrug resistant tuberculosis were at higher risk of tuberculosis infection than contacts exposed to drug sensitive tuberculosis. The risk of developing tuberculosis disease did not differ among contacts in both groups. The evidence invites guideline producers to take action by targeting drug resistant and drug sensitive tuberculosis, such as early detection and effective treatment of infection and disease.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT00676754.
Comparative effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies to prevent fetal exposure to mycophenolate
Authors: Sarayani Amir , Albogami Yasser , Elkhider Mohannad , Hincapie-Castillo Juan M , Brumback Babette A , Winterstein Almut G
Published: October 2019

Background

In 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration approved a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) programme including mandatory prescriber training and a patient/provider acknowledgement form to prevent fetal exposure to mycophenolate. Prior to the REMS, the teratogenic risk was solely mitigated via written information (black box warning, medication guide (MG period)). To date, there is no evidence on the effectiveness of the REMS.

Methods

We used a national private health insurance claims database to identify women aged 15–44 who filled ≥1 mycophenolate prescription. To compare fetal exposure during REMS with the MG period, we estimated the prevalence of pregnancy at treatment initiation in a pre/post comparison (analysis 1) and the rate of conception during treatment in a retrospective cohort study (analysis 2). Pregnancy episodes were measured based on diagnosis and procedure codes for pregnancy outcomes or prenatal screening. We used generalised estimating equation models with inverse probability of treatment weighting to calculate risk estimates.

Results

The adjusted proportion of existing pregnancy per 1000 treatment initiations was 1.7 (95% CI 1.0 to 2.9) vs 4.1 (95% CI 3.2 to 5.4) during the REMS and MG period. The adjusted prevalence ratio and prevalence difference were 0.42 (95% CI 0.24 to 0.74) and −2.4 (95% CI −3.8 to −1.0), respectively. In analysis 2, the adjusted rate of conception was 12.5 (95% CI 8.9 to 17.6) vs 12.9 (95% CI 9.9 to 16.9) per 1000 years of mycophenolate exposure time in the REMS versus MG periods. The adjusted risk ratio and risk difference were 0.97 (95% CI 0.63 to 1.49) and −0.4 (95% CI −5.9 to 5.0), respectively. Sensitivity analyses on the estimated conception date demonstrated robustness of our findings.

Conclusion

While the REMS programme achieved less pregnancies at treatment initiation, it failed to prevent the onset of pregnancy during treatment. Enhanced approaches to ensure effective contraception during treatment should be considered.
What older people want from emergency care: a systematic review
Authors: van Oppen James David , Keillor Lisa , Mitchell Áine , Coats Timothy John , Conroy Simon Paul
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the expectations and preferred outcomes from emergency care among older people or their caregivers.

Methods

A review protocol was registered. Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsychInfo, BNI, AgeInfo and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched in their full date ranges to September 2018. Included articles were hand-searched for further citations. Citations were screened for (1) older people aged over 65 years, (2) ED settings and (3) reporting expectations or preferred outcomes for emergency care (as opposed to experience or satisfaction). Quality appraisal and data extraction of eligible articles were undertaken by two reviewers. Themes were synthesised through content analysis and described narratively.

Results

Older people wished to have prompt waiting times, efficient care, clear communication and comfortable environments. They had additional and unique expectations for holistic care and support in decision-making. The ED provoked a sense of vulnerability among older people who were likely to have had frailty.

Conclusion

The lack of dominant themes among included studies suggests that older people should be treated as individuals rather than a homogenous group. Establishing individuals’ preferred outcomes could improve person-centred care.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018107050.
Justification of direct Sanger sequencing application for detection ofKITandPDGFRαgene mutations in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples from gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Kiwerska Katarzyna , Wroblewska Joanna , Kaluzna Apolonia , Marszalek Andrzej
Published: October 2019

Aims

The knowledge concerning genetic background of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) is well recognised, and the accurate detection ofKITandPDGFRαmutations is of great importance for the process of disease diagnosis and patient’s treatment. In this study, we compare the usefulness of real-time PCR-based techniques and Sanger sequencing to detect mutations of both genes in 41 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded GIST samples.

Methods

The analysis encompassed most frequently mutated coding regions ofKIT(exons 9, 11, 13 and 17) andPDGFRα(exons 12, 14 and 18) genes. The GIST Mutation Detection Kit (EntroGen), direct Sanger sequencing and high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis were applied to conduct the study.

Results

With the application of EntroGen kit, we found alterations in 22/38 samples, with Sanger sequencing variants were found in 36/41 samples. The concordant results for both methods were observed in 19/38 samples. With subsequently applied HRM analysis, we have confirmed that all samples, except one, harboured alterations in the regions indicated by Sanger sequencing.

Conclusions

Our results show that in GIST samples, carrying a broad spectrum of deletions, Sanger sequencing is a better, more sensitive method for mutational analysis ofKITandPDGFRαgenes.
Left transradial access for cerebral angiography
Authors: Barros Guilherme , Bass David I , Osbun Joshua W , Chen Stephanie H , Brunet Marie-Christine , Peterson Eric C , Walker Melanie , Kelly Cory M , Levitt Michael R
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Transradial access is increasingly used among neurointerventionalists as an alternative to the transfemoral route. Currently available data, building on the interventional cardiology experience, primarily focus on right radial access. However, there are clinical scenarios when left-sided access may be indicated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of left transradial access to cerebral angiography across three institutions.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent cerebral angiography accessed via the left radial artery at three institutions between January 2018 and July 2019. The outcome variables studied were successful catheterization, vascular complications, and fluoroscopic time.

Results

Nineteen patients underwent a total of 25 cerebral angiograms via left transradial access for cerebral aneurysms (n=15), basilar occlusion (n=1), carotid stenosis (n=1), arteriovenous malformation (n=1), and cervical neurofibroma (n=1). There were 12 diagnostic angiograms and 13 interventional angiograms. The left transradial approach was chosen due to left vertebrobasilar pathology (n=22), right subclavian stenosis (n=2), and previous right arm amputation (n=1). There was one instance of radial artery spasm, which resolved after catheter removal, and one conversion to transfemoral access in an interventional case due to lack of distal catheter support. There were no procedural complications.

Conclusions

Left transradial access in diagnostic and interventional cerebral angiography is a technically feasible, safe, and an effective alternative when indicated, and may be preferable for situations in which pathology locations or anatomic limitations preclude right-sided radial access.
The serratus plane block for postoperative analgesia in breast and thoracic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chong Matthew , Berbenetz Nicolas , Kumar Kamal , Lin Cheng
Published: October 2019

Background and objectives

The serratus plane block (SPB) is a novel chest wall interfascial plane block. Its analgesic efficacy compared with non-block care and paravertebral block (PVB) is unestablished.

Methods

We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) recruiting adult surgical patients that compared a SPB to non-block care or PVB for postoperative analgesia. Visual analog scale pain scores were the primary outcome. Database sources were Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar searched up to July 29, 2019 without language restriction. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane methodology.

Results

Nineteen RCTs that comprised 1260 patients were included. Six trials involved thoracic surgery patients and 13 studied breast surgery patients. SPB reduced pain scores 0 hour postoperatively (−1.62 cm; 99% CI −2.43 to −0.81; p<0.001; I
2
=92%), at 2–4 hours (−1.29 cm; 99% CI −2.08 to −0.49; p<0.001; I
2
=92%), at 6 hours (−1.69 cm; 99% CI −3.19 to −0.20; p=0.004; I
2
=99%), and up to 24 hours compared with non-block care. SPB also prolonged the time to first analgesic request (193.2 min; 95% CI 7.2 to 379.2 min; p=0.04; I
2
=99%), reduced 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption (−11.27 mg of IV morphine equivalent; −17.36 to −5.18 mg; p<0.001), and reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting (RR 0.51; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.68; p<0.001; I
2
=12%). In contrast, no meaningful differences were detected in any of the outcomes for the SPB versus PVB data.

Conclusions

SPB reduced postoperative pain scores (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation rating: low; due to heterogeneity and deficiencies in blinding) in breast and thoracic surgery patients compared with non-block care. Based on five trials only, SPB was not appreciably different from PVB.
Three-dimensional quantum mechanics in a curved space based on the q-addition
Authors: Chung Won Sang , Hassanabadi Hassan
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we extend the theory of the [Formula: see text]-deformed quantum mechanics in one dimension[Formula: see text] into three-dimensional case. We relate the [Formula: see text]-deformed quantum theory to the quantum theory in a curved space. We discuss the diagonal metric based on [Formula: see text]-addition in the Cartesian coordinate system and core radius of neutron star. We also discuss the diagonal metric based on [Formula: see text]-addition in the spherical coordinate system and [Formula: see text]-deformed Heisenberg atom model.
The Legacy of George Sudarshan
Authors: Marmo Giuseppe , Pascazio Saverio
Published: October 2019

George Sudarshan was an eclectic thinker, and one of the most profound physicists of the last century. We review here a small part of his oeuvre, focusing on his pioneering contributions to the quantum Zeno effect, quantum channels (the Kraus–Sudarshan representation) and quantum semigroups (the Gorini–Kossakowski–Lindblad–Sudarshan equation). These topics are of crucial importance in the booming field of quantum mechanics and applications.
Fault seal behaviour in Permian Rotliegend reservoir sequences: case studies from the Dutch Southern North Sea
Authors: van Ojik K. , Silvius A. , Kremer Y. , Shipton Z. K.
Published: October 2019

Permian Rotliegend reservoir rocks are generally characterized by high net/gross (N/G) ratios, and faults in such sand-dominated lithologies are typically not considered likely to seal. Nevertheless, many examples of membrane sealing are present in Rotliegend gas fields in the Southern Permian Basin. This manuscript reviews examples of membrane sealing in the Dutch Rotliegend; it presents an extensive dataset of petrophysical properties of Rotliegend fault rocks and analyses two case studies using commonly used workflows.

Fault (membrane) seal studies have been carried out on two Rotliegend fields to test the level of confidence and uncertainty of prediction of ‘across fault pressure differences’ (AFPD) based on existing SGR-based algorithms. From the field studies it is concluded that observable small AFPDs are present and that these are likely pre-production AFPDs due to exploration-time scale trapping and retention of hydrocarbons. Two shale gouge ratio (SGR)-based empirical algorithms have been used here to estimate AFPDs in lower N/G reservoir intervals with the aim of predicting membrane seal behaviour, and these results are compared to field data. It is concluded the selected SGR-based tools predict AFPD for Upper Rotliegend lower N/G reservoir rocks with reasonable results. Nonetheless, the core sample datasets show a much wider range of permeability and capillary entry pressure than predicted by the selected SGR transforms. This highlights the potential to modify existing workflows for application to faults in high N/G lithologies. Data sharing and collaboration between industry and academics is encouraged, so that in the long run workflows can be developed specifically for faults in high N/G lithologies.
The five-minute rule 30 years later and its impact on the storage hierarchy
Authors: Appuswamy Raja , Graefe Goetz , Borovica-Gajic Renata , Ailamaki Anastasia
Published: October 2019

Tracing the evolution of the five-minute rule to help identify imminent changes in the design of data management engines.
The trade-offs between write and read
Authors: Helland Pat
Published: October 2019

Write Amplification vs. Read Perspiration
When drones fly
Authors: Greengard Samuel
Published: October 2019

Drone technology is poised to enter the mainstream of business and society, but engineering robust controls remains a challenge.
PRC Surface Finishing for Plating on Passive Surfaces
Authors: Xu Jing , Hall Tim , Taylor Jennings E. , Inman Maria
Published: October 2019

Faraday will describe our recent work on the development of a one-step electrochemical surface preparation process to prepare aluminum (6061) for direct electrodeposition. Coating on aluminum commonly requires extensive and specialized surface pretreatment processes prior to deposition, owing to aluminum’s reactive nature and affinity for oxygen. However, Faraday has recently developed a simple pretreatment process utilizing our pulse reverse electrofinishing approach that can dramatically reduce the procedures to prepare the surface for the deposition on Al in an environmentally benign solution. In our ongoing programs we have demonstrated the potential of a single step pretreatment process that can prepare the surface for deposition such that functional layers of Ni, NiP, or ZnNi can be electrodeposited directly to the 6061 Al surfaces.
Cancer Survivors Could Get Survival Benefits from Postdiagnosis Physical Activity: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Yaohan , Song Hongli , Yin Yukun , Feng Li
Published: October 2019

Background. Physical activity presents significant protection against death from cancer in the general population, so the global recommendations on physical activity for health are recommended by the WHO. While the recommendation is a guideline for general population, whether all cancer patients could get benefits from physical activity and whether the cancer patients who did not meet the requirement of the recommendation could get benefits from the physical activity, compared with the cancer patients with no physical activity, are unclear. Accordingly, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify whether the physical activity, even if low level of physical activity, could reduce the mortality of various cancer patients. Method. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for published cohorts and case-control studies of cancer survivors with physical activity comparing with no physical activity and reported outcomes of mortality through October 15, 2018. Two investigators independently reviewed the included studies and extracted relevant data. The effect estimate of interest was the hazard ratios (HRs). Results. There are 21811 participants in total in the nine studies, and 2386 cancer deaths in this meta-analysis. Among them, 1 was a case-control study and 8 were cohort studies. The meta-analysis results showed that physical activity was associated with a significantly reduced risk of mortality in cancer survivors, with a pooled HR and 95% CI of 0.66 (0.58∼0.73), reducing mortality by 34% and also suggested that low level of physical activity could reduce the mortality with an HR and 95% CI of 0.60 (0.50∼0.69). Conclusion. The results of this meta-analysis demonstrated that postdiagnosis physical activity, no matter the level of physical activity, could significantly reduce the mortality by 34%, compared with the no physical activity. At the same time, the results also suggested that cancer survivors undergoing low level of physical activity had a 40% reduction in mortality, which means that the cancer patients with poor ECOG need to do physical activity as much as they can, even if the amount of physical activity was low.
Spontaneous Splenic Rupture Complicating Severe P. falciparum Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Saad Eltaib , Elsamani Elamin , Abdelrahman Walid
Published: October 2019

Spontaneous rupture of the spleen in malarial infection or malarial splenic rupture (MSR) is a rare but life-threatening condition complicating severe malarial infection in tropics and subtropics, and hence it deserves special attention. A high index of clinical suspicion is warranted for the early diagnosis as delayed or missed diagnosis can be potentially fatal. We report on a 32-year-old male who was diagnosed with severe Plasmodium falciparum infection and presented with an acute abdomen due to spontaneous splenic rupture. He was managed conservatively and had a successful outcome. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of MSR were briefly discussed in this report.
Effect of the Third Element Ni on the Solidification Microstructure of Undercooled Cu-40 wt.% Pb Monotectic Alloy Melt
Authors: Hao Xi , Li Yugui , Hu Ying , Geng Guihong
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the evolution of solidification microstructure of Cu-40 wt.% Pb monotectic alloy of the third element Ni pair under deep undercooling conditions was studied. By comparing the phenomena of liquid phase separation during deep undercooling and rapid solidification of Cu-40 wt.% Pb monotectic alloy, the melt of the alloy increases with the undercooling, and the solidification structure appears uneven or even stratified. With the addition of the third element Ni, the liquid phase separation can be effectively inhibited by the change of interfacial energy. The solidified structure undergoes the transformation from coarse dendrite to the first kind of granular and refined dendrite in a wide undercooling range. When the undercooling reaches 143 K, the structure begins to show an inhomogeneous trend.
METTL3 Attenuates LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response in Macrophages via NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Jinghua , Yan Shushan , Lu Hongying , Wang Shufeng , Xu Donghua
Published: October 2019

Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), an RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase, is essential for the m6A mRNA modification. As a key enzyme of m6A methylation modification, METTL3 has been implicated in immune and inflammation regulation. However, little is known of the role and underlying mechanism of METTL3 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of the present study is to elucidate the function and potential mechanism of METTL3 in RA pathogenesis. We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect the expression of METTL3 in RA patients and controls as well as the macrophage cell line. CCK-8 was used for cell proliferation assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to estimate the generation of IL-6 and TNF-α in macrophages. Western blot and immunofluorescence were applied to evaluate the activation of NF-κB in macrophages. The expression of METTL3 was significantly elevated in patients with RA. It was positively associated with CRP and ESR, two common markers for RA disease activity. Besides, LPS could enhance the expression and biological activity of METTL3 in macrophages, while overexpression of METTL3 significantly attenuated the inflammatory response induced by LPS in macrophages. Moreover, the effect of METTL3 on LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages was dependent on NF-κB. This study firstly demonstrates the critical role of METTL3 in RA, which provides novel insights into recognizing the pathogenesis of RA and a promising biomarker for RA.
Mast Cell Degranulation Decreases Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Aortic Gene Expression and Systemic Levels of Interleukin-6 In Vivo
Authors: Springer Jason M. , Raveendran Vineesh V. , Zhang Mingcai , Funk Ryan , Smith Donald D. , Maz Mehrdad , Dileepan Kottarappat N.
Published: October 2019

Mast cells play an important role in immunomodulation and in the maintenance of vascular integrity. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is one of the key biomarkers and therapeutic target in systemic vasculitis. The objective of the current study is to describe the role of mast cells in arterial IL-6 homeostasis. Eight- to ten-week-old male C57BL/6 (wild-type) mice were injected with either (a) saline, (b) compound 48/80 (a systemic mast cell degranulating agent), (c) lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or (d) a combination of C48/80 and LPS. Twenty-four hours after the injections, mice were sacrificed and serum samples and aortic tissues were analyzed for determining inflammatory response and cytokine expression profile. The results revealed that induction of mast cell degranulation significantly lowers serum IL-6 levels and aortic expression of IL-6 in LPS-treated mice. Significantly higher aortic expression of toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) and TNF-α was seen in the LPS and LPS+C48/80 groups of mice compared to controls. Aortic expression of TLR-4 was significantly decreased in LPS+C48/80 compared to C48/80 alone. LPS+C48/80-treated mice presented with a 3-fold higher aortic expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS-1) compared to saline-injected groups. The inhibition of LPS-induced increase in serum IL-6 levels by mast cell degranulation was not seen in H1R knockout mice which suggests that mast cell-derived histamine acting through H1R may participate in the regulatory process. To examine whether the mast cell-mediated downregulation of LPS-induced IL-6 production is transient or cumulative in nature, wild-type mice were injected serially over a period of 10 days (5 injections) and serum cytokine levels were quantified. We found no significant differences in serum IL-6 levels between any of the groups. While mice injected with C48/80 or LPS had higher IL-10 compared to vehicle-injected mice, there was no difference between C48/80- and LPS+C48/80-injected mice. In conclusion, in an in vivo setting, mast cells appear to partially and transiently regulate systemic IL-6 homeostasis. This effect may be regulated through increased systemic IL-10 and/or aortic overexpression of SOCS-1.
Effect of Moxibustion on Testosterone Secretion and Apoptosis of Spermatogenic Cells in Aging Rats
Authors: Yao Chongjie , Zhao Chen , Zhang Shuyan , Liu Shimin
Published: October 2019

Analysis of androgen secretion and sperm production was conducted in the testis to investigate the efficacy of moxibustion on testicular function in aging rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the aging group (N = 8), the mild-warm moxibustion group (N = 8), and the youth control group (N = 8). Rats in the mild-warm moxibustion group (MWMG) were exposed to mild-warm moxibustion at the Zusanli (ST36) and Shenshu (BL23) acupuncture points daily, from the age of 12 months until the age of 24 months. After the intervention, testicular tissue was harvested from all rats across groups. Changes in testicular structure were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain. Detection of the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells was performed by the TUNEL assay. Testosterone level in the testis was analyzed by the ELISA assay, and the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and androgen receptor (AR) in the testis was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. AR expression analysis was subsequently performed by the western blotting assay, and the detection of telomerase activity of the testis and the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and AR mRNA were performed by real-time PCR. Compared with the youth controls, telomerase activity in the testis, testosterone levels, expression of AR, and expression of antiapoptosis factor Bcl-2 protein and mRNA were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the aging group. Spermatogenic cell apoptosis (P<0.01) and proapoptotic factor Bax expression were significantly increased (P<0.01) in the aging rats compared with the youth control group. The MWMG exhibited significant increases in testicular telomerase activity, testosterone level, AR expression, and antiapoptosis factor Bcl-2 expression (P<0.05orP<0.01) compared with the aging group. In this experimental group, spermatogenic apoptosis was inhibited (P<0.01) and proapoptotic factor Bax expression significantly reduced (P<0.01). Mild-warm moxibustion can inhibit reproductive senescence by improving telomerase activity, improving AR expression, restoring testosterone, and inhibiting spermatogenic apoptosis via regulation of Bcl-2/Bax.
Design of Motion Controller for Satellite-Borne Data Transmission Antenna
Authors: Li Lijiao , Shi Ran , Zhang Xiaohui , Ma Jiyu , Zhang Jun
Published: October 2019

In order to realize stable, reliable, and high-precision motion control of the satellite-borne data transmission antenna, a FPGA-based motion controller is designed and achieved. The controller receives commands through the RS-422 asynchronous transmission serial port and performs speed planning autonomously. The controller also performs closed-loop position control with the collected resolver angle and controls two antennas synchronously or independently in a subdivision driving method. The controller is firstly designed using the hardware description language VHDL, simulated in ModelSim software. Then, it is connected to the stepping motors through the LMD18200H bridge chip by using aerospace-grade FPGA, controlling the data transmission antennas to regulate the angle, go to zero-position, or stop rotation. The simulation and experiment results show that the design can control the antennas accurately and stably. The accuracy of angle regulation reaches 0.0085° under the condition of 64 subdivisions and 100 : 1 reduction ratio.
Myocardial Infarction in Neonates: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge
Authors: Rodríguez Martínez Manuel , Ruiz González Eladio , Parra-Llorca Anna , Torres Máximo Vento , Aguar Carrascosa Marta
Published: October 2019

Neonatal acute myocardial infarction is an uncommon entity. We describe the case of a 4-day-old term baby who presented with respiratory distress and distal acrocyanosis. The chest radiograph demonstrated cardiomegaly without pleural effusion, and examination revealed hepatomegaly. An electrocardiogram revealed QS pattern in leads I, aVL, and V6, suggestive of ischemia. Cardiac enzymes were elevated, and echocardiogram revealed moderate left ventricular dysfunction with a thrombus at the level of the left atrial appendage. The patient required hemodynamic stabilization, vasodilatation to avoid congestive heart failure, and anticoagulation with heparin and aspirin. In the context of this unusual diagnosis, we reviewed our experience over the last 17 years as well as the existing literature on neonatal myocardial infarction.
Supplementation withSpirulina platensisModulates Aortic Vascular Reactivity through Nitric Oxide and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: de Freitas Brito Aline , Silva Alexandre Sérgio , de Souza Alesandra Araújo , Ferreira Paula Benvindo , de Souza Iara Leão Luna , da Cunha Araujo Layanne Cabral , da Silva Félix Gustavo , de Souza Sampaio Renata , da Conceição Correia Silva Maria , Tavares Renata Leite , de Andrade Pereira Reabias , Neto Manoel Miranda , Silva Bagnólia Araújo
Published: October 2019

The possible mechanism is involved in the effects ofSpirulina platensison vascular reactivity. Animals were divided into sedentary group (SG) and sedentary groups supplemented withS. platensisat doses of 50 (SG50), 150 (SG150), and 500 mg/kg (SG500). To evaluate reactivity, cumulative concentration-response curves were constructed for phenylephrine and acetylcholine. To evaluate the involvement of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway, aorta tissue was preincubated with L-NAME and a new curve was then obtained for phenylephrine. Biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate nitrite levels, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant activity. To contractile reactivity, only SG500 (pD2=5.6±0.04vs.6.1±0.06,6.2±0.02, and6.2±0.04) showed reduction in phenylephrine contractile potency. L-NAME caused a higher contractile response to phenylephrine in SG150 and SG500. To relaxation, curves for SG150 (pD2=7.0±0.08vs.6.4±0.06) and SG500 (pD2=7.3±0.02vs.6.4±0.06) were shifted to the left, more so in SG500. Nitrite was increased in SG150 and SG500. Lipid peroxidation was reduced, and oxidation inhibition was increased in all supplemented groups, indicating enhanced antioxidant activity. Chronic supplementation withS. platensis(150/500 mg/kg) caused a decrease in contractile response and increase in relaxation and nitrite levels, indicating greater NO production, due to decreased oxidative stress and increased antioxidant activity.
Inhibition of the ATR–CHK1 Pathway in Ewing Sarcoma Cells Causes DNA Damage and Apoptosis via the CDK2-Mediated Degradation of RRM2
Authors: Koppenhafer Stacia L. , Goss Kelli L. , Terry William W. , Gordon David J.
Published: October 2019

Inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides, causes DNA replication stress and activates the ataxia telangiectasia and rad3-related protein (ATR)-checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) pathway. Notably, a number of different cancers, including Ewing sarcoma tumors, are sensitive to the combination of RNR and ATR-CHK1 inhibitors. However, multiple, overlapping mechanisms are reported to underlie the toxicity of ATR-CHK1 inhibitors, both as single agents and in combination with RNR inhibitors, toward cancer cells. Here, we identified a feedback loop in Ewing sarcoma cells in which inhibition of the ATR–CHK1 pathway depletes RRM2, the small subunit of RNR, and exacerbates the DNA replication stress and DNA damage caused by RNR inhibitors. Mechanistically, we identified that the inhibition of ATR-CHK1 activates CDK2, which targets RRM2 for degradation via the proteasome. Similarly, activation of CDK2 by inhibition or knockdown of the WEE1 kinase also depletes RRM2 and causes DNA damage and apoptosis. Moreover, we show that the concurrent inhibition of ATR and WEE1 has a synergistic effect in Ewing sarcoma cells. Overall, our results provide novel insight into the response to DNA replication stress, as well as a rationale for targeting the ATR, CHK1, and WEE1 pathways, in Ewing sarcoma tumors.

Implications:

Targeting the ATR, CHK1, and WEE1 kinases in Ewing sarcoma cells activates CDK2 and increases DNA replication stress by promoting the proteasome-mediated degradation of RRM2.
Characteristics of the Foveal Microvasculature in Asian Patients with Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study
Authors: Shin Yong-Il , Kim Ju Mi , Lee Min-Woo , Jo Young-Joon , Kim Jung-Yeul
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To evaluate changes in the foveal microvasculature in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: Eighty-three eyes with dry AMD and 83 age- and sex-matched normal eyes were enrolled. A 3 × 3 mm2 OCTA (Zeiss HD-OCT 5000 with AngioPlex; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA) scan was used to acquire images. Vessel density (VD), perfusion density (PD), and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) of the superficial capillary plexus were analyzed. Results: The VD of the full area, central area, and inner ring of the dry AMD patients (18.61, 8.41, and 20.45, respectively) were significantly lower than those of the controls (20.06, 11.09, and 22.51, respectively). The PD of the full area, central area, and inner ring of the dry AMD patients (0.34, 0.15, and 0.37, respectively) were also significantly lower than those of the controls (0.36, 0.19, and 0.40, respectively). The FAZ area and perimeter in the dry AMD patients (0.29 mm2 and 2.47 mm, respectively) were larger than those in the controls (0.23 mm2 and 2.09 mm, respectively). The FAZ circularity index in the dry AMD patients was smaller than that in the controls (0.61 vs. 0.66). Using univariate linear regression, age, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness were associated with both VD and PD of the full area. Using multivariate analysis, only GC-IPL thickness was significantly associated with the VD and PD of the full area (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). Conclusions: OCTA revealed changes in the foveal microcirculation of patients with dry AMD. Age, BCVA, CMT, and GC-IPL thickness should be considered when analyzing the OCTA data of patients with dry AMD. GC-IPL thickness is particularly important during clinical evaluation of VD and PD in patients with dry AMD.
Revision of the tribe Cryptonychini (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) of New Caledonia
Authors: BOROWIEC LECH , ŚWIĘTOJAŃSKA JOLANTA , SEKERKA LUKÁŠ
Published: October 2019

New Caledonian members of the tribe Cryptonychini are revised. The tribe is represented by eigth genera and 23 species, all but one endemic to New Caledonia. A new genera Paratorquispa gen. nov. and Wanatispa gen. nov. are proposed, and 11 species are described as new: Brontispa caledonica sp. nov., Caledonispa bivittata sp. nov., Caledonispa panieensis sp. nov., Caledonispa spinosa sp. nov., Isopedhispa costata sp. nov., Isopedhispa latemarginata sp. nov., Teretrispa daccordii sp. nov., Teretrispa longicollis sp. nov., Torquispa convexifrons sp. nov., Wanatispa cylindricollis sp. nov., and Wanatispa rutai sp. nov. Torquispa caledoniae Uhmann, 1954 is transferred to the genus Paratorquispa, comb. nov. Each taxon is provided with a detailed description, set of figures and studied material. Keys to all taxa are proposed.
Removal of Lead Contaminants with γ-Fe2O3 Nanocrystals
Authors: Tsedenbal Bulgan , Hussain Imad , Lee Ji Eun , Koo Bon Heun
Published: October 2019

γ-Fe2O3 (maghemite) nanocrystals were synthesized by co-precipitation method at room temperature have been used to remove Pb+2 from aqueous solutions. The prepared of this sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission
scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). XRD patterns indicated the maghemite structure of average particle size of ∼12 nm, which was further confirmed by the FESEM images of the γ-Fe2O3 nanosrystals. Magnetic saturation
of synthesized maghemite was found to be 68.4 emu g–1. Adsorption experiments were tested for pH of the solutions, contact time and initial concentration of metal ions. The kinetic data of adsorption of heavy metal ions on the surface of the synthesized nano-adsorbent was
described by a pseudo-second order equation. The adsorption equilibrium study exhibited that the heavy metal ions adsorption of maghemite nanocrystals followed a Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm model. Pb2+ adsorption equilibrium data were best fitted to Langmuir equation and maximum
adsorption capacity of 25 mg g–1 was obtained. This work demonstrates that the synthesized γ-Fe2O3 nanocrystals can be considered as prospective nano-adsorbent.
A Universal Law of Estuarine Mixing
Authors: Burchard Hans
Published: October 2019

A universal law of estuarine mixing is derived here, combining the approaches of salinity coordinates, Knudsen relations, total exchange flow, mixing definition as salinity variance loss, and the mixing–exchange flow relation. As a result, the long-term average mixing within an estuarine volume bounded by the isohaline of salinity S amounts to M(S) = S2Qr, where Qr is the average river runoff into the estuary. Consequently, the mixing per salinity class is m(S) = ∂SM(S) = 2SQr, which can also be expressed as the product of the isohaline volume and the mixing averaged over the isohaline. The major differences between the new mixing law and the recently developed mixing relation based on the Knudsen relations are threefold: (i) it does not depend on internal dynamics of the estuary determining inflow and outflow salinities (universality), (ii) it is exactly derived from conservation laws (accuracy), and (iii) it calculates mixing per salinity class (locality). The universal mixing law is demonstrated by means of analytical stationary and one-dimensional and two-dimensional numerical test cases. Some possible consequences for the salinity distribution in real estuaries are briefly discussed. Since the mixing per salinity class only depends on the river runoff and the chosen salinity, and not on local processes at the isohaline, low-mixing estuaries must have large isohaline volumes and vice versa.