bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful management of persistent tachycardia using esmolol in 2 dogs with septic shock
Authors: Beer Kari Santoro , Balakrishnan Anusha , Hart Samantha K.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To describe the successful management of 2 dogs with septic shock and persistent tachycardia using norepinephrine and esmolol, a short‐acting beta receptor antagonist.

Series Summary

Two cases are reviewed. In the first case, septic shock with ventricular tachycardia was diagnosed in a 4‐year‐old neutered female Great Dane that underwent jejunoileal resection and anastomosis for a partial mesenteric torsion. The patient's tachyarrhythmias failed to respond to lidocaine, and an esmolol infusion was used for heart rate control. The condition of the dog improved and she was discharged after 4 days of hospitalization. The second case was a 7‐year‐old neutered female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with septic peritonitis. Following surgery for intestinal resection and anastomosis, supraventricular tachycardia developed that was not responsive to volume resuscitation and was treated with an esmolol infusion. The condition of the dog improved and she was discharged after 6 days of hospitalization. Both patients were doing well at the time of long‐term follow‐up.

New or Unique Information Provided

This case series highlights a novel method of managing dogs in septic shock with persistent tachycardia based on recently published data in the human literature. The use of esmolol may be considered in certain veterinary patients with septic shock to improve persistent tachycardia not related to hypovolemia.
On the explicit solutions of fractional Bagley-Torvik equation arises in engineering
Authors: Pinar Zehra
Published: May 2019

In this work, Bagley-Torvik equation is considered with conformable derivatives. The analytical solutions will be obtained via Sine-Gordon expansion method and Bernouli equation method for the two cases of Bagley-Torvik equation. We will illustrate and discuss about the methodology and solutions therefore the proposed equation has meaning in different areas of science and engineering.
Potentiating α2 subunit containing perisomatic GABAA receptors protects against seizures in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome
Authors: Nomura Toshihiro , Hawkins Nicole A. , Kearney Jennifer A. , George Alfred L. , Contractor Anis
Published: May 2019

Key points

Dravet syndrome mice (Scn1a+/−) demonstrate a marked strain dependence for the severity of seizures which is correlated with GABAA receptor α2 subunit expression.

The α2/α3 subunit selective positive allosteric modulator (PAM) AZD7325 potentiates inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) specifically in perisomatic synapses.

AZD7325 demonstrates stronger effects on IPSCs in the seizure resistant mouse strain, consistent with higher α2 subunit expression.

AZD7325 demonstrates seizure protective effects in Scn1a+/− mice without apparent sedative effects in vivo.

GABAA receptor potentiators are commonly used for the treatment of epilepsy, but it is not clear whether targeting distinct GABAA receptor subtypes will have disproportionate benefits over adverse effects. Here we demonstrate that the α2/α3 selective positive allosteric modulator (PAM) AZD7325 preferentially potentiates hippocampal inhibitory responses at synapses proximal to the soma of CA1 neurons. The effect of AZD7325 on synaptic responses was more prominent in mice on the 129S6/SvEvTac background strain, which have been demonstrated to be seizure resistant in the model of Dravet syndrome (Scn1a+/−), and in which the α2 GABAA receptor subunits are expressed at higher levels relative to in the seizure prone C57BL/6J background strain. Consistent with this, treatment of Scn1a+/− mice with AZD7325 elevated the temperature threshold for hyperthermia‐induced seizures without apparent sedative effects. Our results in a model system indicate that selectively targeting α2 is a potential therapeutic option for Dravet syndrome.
Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Simulation of Oil-Jet Gear Interaction1
Authors: Keller Marc C. , Braun Samuel , Wieth Lars , Chaussonnet Geoffroy , Dauch Thilo F. , Koch Rainer , Schwitzke Corina , Bauer Hans-Jörg
Published: May 2019

In this paper, the complex two-phase flow during oil-jet impingement on a rotating spur gear is investigated using the meshless smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method. On the basis of a two-dimensional setup, a comparison of single-phase SPH to multiphase SPH simulations and the application of the volume of fluid method is drawn. The results of the different approaches are compared regarding the predicted flow phenomenology and computational effort. It is shown that the application of single-phase SPH is justified and that this approach is superior in computational time, enabling faster simulations. In the next step, a three-dimensional single-phase SPH setup is exploited to predict the flow phenomena during the impingement of an oil-jet on a spur gear for three different jet inclination angles. The oil’s flow phenomenology is described and the obtained resistance torque is presented. Thereby, a significant effect of the inclination angle on the oil spreading and splashing process as well as the resistance torque is identified.
Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Modeling by a Cosserat Continuum Theory for Small Polymer Journal Bearings
Authors: Zhu B. , Cai Y. J. , Li Y. P. , Lei M. K. , Guo D. M.
Published: May 2019

Recent experiments have shown that the elastic deformation behaviors of a polymeric material are consistent with the Cosserat elasticity under nonuniform deformation at a millimeter scale. Thus, an elastohydrodynamic lubrication model in the framework of the Cosserat continuum theory is proposed to explore the lubrication performance that deviates from the classical elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory for the small polymer journal bearings with millimeter size. The elastic deformation of the bearing sleeve made of polymeric material and the pressure distribution in a lubricating film are obtained through an iterative solution of the equation of the Cosserat elasticity and the modified Reynolds’ equations with considering the boundary slippage. The effect of bearing size and Cosserat characteristic lengths for torsion and bending on the lubrication performance of the small polymer journal bearings is studied using the proposed Cosserat elastohydrodynamic lubrication model. It was found that the small changes in film thickness due to the Cosserat effect can result in large changes in film pressure. The Cosserat characteristic length of bending possesses a significant effect on the lubrication behaviors of the journal bearings, because the size effect is mainly caused by the increased apparent modulus due to the bending elastic deformation of the bearing sleeve. The boundary slip behaviors dependent on the Cosserat characteristic length are also studied using the Cosserat elastohydrodynamic model, and the numerical results show that the Cosserat characteristic length changes the optimal geometric parameters of the slip zone in terms of load carrying capacity for the small polymer journal bearings.
Influence of Pore Density and Porosity on the Melting Process of Bio-Based Nano-Phase Change Materials Inside Open-Cell Metal Foam
Authors: Venkateshwar Kumar , Ebadi Soroush , Simha Hari , Mahmud Shohel
Published: May 2019

In this paper, experimental investigations were carried out to observe the melting process of a bio-based nano-phase change materials (PCM) inside open-cell metal foams. Copper oxide nanoparticles with five different weight fractions (i.e., 0.00%, 0.08%, 0.10%, 0.12%, and 0.30%) were dispersed into bio-based PCM (i.e., coconut oil) to synthesize nano-PCMs. Open-cell aluminum foams of different porosities (i.e., 0.96, 0.92, and 0.88) and pore densities (i.e., 5, 10, and 20 pores per inch (PPI)) were considered. An experimental setup was constructed to monitor the progression of the melting process and to measure transient temperatures variations at different selected locations. Average thermal energy storage rate (TESR) was calculated, alongside the melting time was recorded. The effects of various nanoparticles concentration, metal foam pore densities, porosities, and isothermal surface temperature on the melting time, TESR, thermal energy distribution, and the melting behavior were studied. It was observed that the melting time significantly reduced by using metal foam and increasing the isothermal surface temperature. It was concluded that the effect of adding nanoparticles on the TESR depends on the characteristics of metal foam, as well as, the weight fractions of nanoparticles. The change in TESR varied from −1% to 8.6% upon addition of 0.10 wt % nanoparticles compared to pure PCM, whereas the increase in the nanoparticles concentration from 0.10% to 0.30% changed TESR by −10.6% to 4.5%. The results provide an insight into the interdependencies of parameters such as pore density and porosity of metal foam and nanoparticles concentration on the melting process of nano-PCM in metal foam.
Electrical and material characterization of sulfur-implanted GaSb
Authors: Herrera Daniel J. , Lester Luke F.
Published: May 2019

Ion implantation has been studied relatively little as a nonepitaxial doping method for GaSb due in part to anomalous swelling that occurs at high doses. Aside from beryllium (Be+), there has been little success in identifying other ions as an implant species to dope a GaSb substrate p-type. In this paper, the role of sulfur (S+) as an implant species is investigated for doping GaSb and compared to Be+. Whereas the Be+ implant yields modest hole concentrations as a result of incomplete dopant activation, the S+ implant at a similar dose level realizes p-type carrier concentrations above 1 × 1019 cm−3 with sheet densities as high as 3.5 times the total implanted dose. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy shows that a postimplant anneal at 600 °C successfully recovers the crystallinity of the material, but atomic force microscopy suggests that surface damage may be the cause of the high carrier concentration from the sulfur implant. Preliminary photovoltaic data are reported for a device that employs the sulfur implant technique into a p-type GaSb substrate.
NIH limits reign of chiefs
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: May 2019

Greater gender and ethnic diversity is goal of 12-year cap.
A compact synthetic pathway rewires cancer signaling to therapeutic effector release
Authors: Chung Hokyung K. , Zou Xinzhi , Bajar Bryce T. , Brand Veronica R. , Huo Yunwen , Alcudia Javier F. , Ferrell James E. , Lin Michael Z.
Published: May 2019

Seeking and destroying cancer cells

Rather than inhibiting aberrant signaling in cancer cells, what if that signal was put to work in detecting and destroying the cancer cells? Such an anticancer strategy could be based on the ErbB family of receptors that is activated in many cancers. Chung
et al.
developed a cell-killing circuit that is activated by excessive ErbB signaling and used a viral delivery system to add it to cells. The ErbB receptor proteins are tyrosine kinases that autophosphorylate. The authors designed a protease that would be recruited to such over-phosphorylated receptors. Once in place, the protease cleaves a protein anchored to the cell membrane, releasing it into the cytoplasm where it causes death of the transformed cells.

Science
, this issue p.
eaat6982
Genetic diversity of tumors with mismatch repair deficiency influences anti–PD-1 immunotherapy response
Authors: Mandal Rajarsi , Samstein Robert M. , Lee Ken-Wing , Havel Jonathan J. , Wang Hao , Krishna Chirag , Sabio Erich Y. , Makarov Vladimir , Kuo Fengshen , Blecua Pedro , Ramaswamy Apoorva T. , Durham Jennifer N. , Bartlett Bjarne , Ma Xiaoxiao , Srivastava Raghvendra , Middha Sumit , Zehir Ahmet , Hechtman Jaclyn F. , Morris Luc GT , Weinhold Nils , Riaz Nadeem , Le Dung T. , Diaz Luis A. , Chan Timothy A.
Published: May 2019

High mutational load gets a response

Cancers harbor many genetic mutations. Defects in DNA mismatch repair prevent tumors from repairing certain types of DNA damage and lead to a hypermutable genomic state known as microsatellite instability (MSI). Some tumors with a high degree of MSI may be treatable with PD-1 (programmed cell death–1) immunotherapy, but patient response is highly variable. Mandal
et al.
studied drivers of differential response to immunotherapy in these patients and found that MSI intensity and insertion-deletion mutations strongly affected therapeutic outcome.

Science
, this issue p.
485
Copper’s rapid ascent in visible-light photoredox catalysis
Authors: Hossain Asik , Bhattacharyya Aditya , Reiser Oliver
Published: May 2019

Spotlight on copper

Photoredox catalysis relies on visible-light excitation to accelerate a burgeoning number of chemical reactions. Initially, the technique relied primarily on complexes of precious metals, such as ruthenium or iridium, to absorb the light. Hossain
et al.
review recent progress in the use of copper complexes as an alternative. In addition to its Earth abundance, copper opens up a variety of distinct mechanisms involving electron transfer within the coordination sphere.

Science
, this issue p.
eaav9713
Strongly correlated quantum walks with a 12-qubit superconducting processor
Authors: Yan Zhiguang , Zhang Yu-Ran , Gong Ming , Wu Yulin , Zheng Yarui , Li Shaowei , Wang Can , Liang Futian , Lin Jin , Xu Yu , Guo Cheng , Sun Lihua , Peng Cheng-Zhi , Xia Keyu , Deng Hui , Rong Hao , You J. Q. , Nori Franco , Fan Heng , Zhu Xiaobo , Pan Jian-Wei
Published: May 2019

Quantum walks on a superconducting circuit

Quantum walks generate large-scale quantum superposed states. This allows for classically unavailable applications, such as simulating many-body quantum systems, and also yields quantum algorithms exponentially faster than classical computation. Yan
et al.
demonstrate quantum walks of one and two strongly correlated microwave photons in a one-dimensional array of 12 superconducting qubits with short-range interactions. The scalability of the superconducting platform could lead to large-scale implementations and the quantum simulation of complex systems.

Science
, this issue p.
753
Structural basis for eIF2B inhibition in integrated stress response
Authors: Kashiwagi Kazuhiro , Yokoyama Takeshi , Nishimoto Madoka , Takahashi Mari , Sakamoto Ayako , Yonemochi Mayumi , Shirouzu Mikako , Ito Takuhiro
Published: May 2019

Integrated stress response on the brain

During translation, regulation of protein synthesis by phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) is a common consequence of diverse stress stimuli, which leads to reprogramming of gene expression. This process, known as the integrated stress response, is one of the most fundamental mechanisms of translational control conserved throughout eukaryotes. It is also a promising therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injury. Kashiwagi
et al.
report the cryo–electron microscopy and crystal structures and Kenner
et al.
report the cryo–electron microscopy structure of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor eIF2B in complex with eIF2 or phosphorylated eIF2. The structures of the eIF2•eIF2B complex reveal that the single phosphorylation modification on eIF2 changes how eIF2 binds to eIF2B and locks this enzyme into an inhibited complex.

Science
, this issue p.
495
, p.
491
Fluid-induced aseismic fault slip outpaces pore-fluid migration
Authors: Bhattacharya Pathikrit , Viesca Robert C.
Published: May 2019

Slip outraces the fluids

Earthquakes generated from fluid injections sometimes appear to occur much faster than would be expected from the speed of fluid migration. Bhattacharya and Viesca used observations from a controlled fluid injection to develop a model to understand the behavior of fluids and aseismic slip. They found that the aseismic slip outpaced the fluid migration, allowing for earthquake triggering to happen much faster and farther away from the initial fluid injection.

Science
, this issue p.
464
Electrical suppression of all nonradiative recombination pathways in monolayer semiconductors
Authors: Lien Der-Hsien , Uddin Shiekh Zia , Yeh Matthew , Amani Matin , Kim Hyungjin , Ager Joel W. , Yablonovitch Eli , Javey Ali
Published: May 2019

Electrostatic doping boosts emission

Although monolayers of transition-metal dichalcogenides such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS
2
) and tungsten disulfide (WS
2
) should exhibit strong photoluminescence, in practice, defects in these materials can lead to very low quantum yields (less than 1%). Lien
et al.
show that as-formed MoS
2
and WS
2
monolayers encapsulated in poly(methyl methacrylate) can be electrostatically doped to achieve quantum yields near unity. Under these conditions, instead of charged trion species that recombine nonradiatively, only neutral excitons that recombine emissively form. These results help explain why coating these materials with certain Lewis acids also boosts the quantum yield.

Science
, this issue p.
468
Comment on “Quantifying hot carrier and thermal contributions in plasmonic photocatalysis”
Authors: Sivan Yonatan , Baraban Joshua , Un Ieng Wai , Dubi Yonatan
Published: May 2019

Zhou
et al
. (Reports, 5 October 2018, p. 69) claim to have proven dominance of “hot” electrons over thermal effects in plasmonic photocatalysis. We identify experimental flaws that caused overestimation of the hot carrier contribution. As an alternative interpretation, we fully reproduce their data using a purely thermal Arrhenius law with a fixed activation energy and intensity-dependent heating.
Response to Comment on “Quantifying hot carrier and thermal contributions in plasmonic photocatalysis”
Authors: Zhou Linan , Swearer Dayne F. , Robatjazi Hossein , Alabastri Alessandro , Christopher Phillip , Carter Emily A. , Nordlander Peter , Halas Naomi J.
Published: May 2019

Sivan
et al
. claim that the methods used to distinguish thermal from hot carrier effects in our recent report are inaccurate and that our data can be explained by a purely thermal mechanism with a fixed activation energy. This conclusion is invalid, because they substantially misinterpret the emissivity of the photocatalyst and assume a linear intensity–dependent temperature in their model that is unrealistic.
How to survive in a human-dominated world
Authors: Pfennig Karin S.
Published: May 2019

Mating between species can yield adaptive genes that facilitate species survival
Topological perspective on HIV escape
Authors: McMichael Andrew J. , Carrington Mary
Published: May 2019

A network analysis explains variability in immune control of HIV infection
Treatment with Bumped Kinase Inhibitor 1294 Is Safe and Leads to Significant Protection against Abortion and Vertical Transmission in Sheep Experimentally Infected with Toxoplasma gondii during Pregnancy
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez Roberto , Ferre Ignacio , Re Michela , Ramos Juan José , Regidor-Cerrillo Javier , Pizarro Díaz Manuel , González-Huecas Marta , Tabanera Enrique , Benavides Julio , Hemphill Andrew , Hulverson Matthew A. , Barrett Lynn K. , Choi Ryan , Whitman Grant R. , Ojo Kayode K. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Ortega-Mora Luis Miguel
Published: May 2019

Previous studies on drug efficacy showed low protection against abortion and vertical transmission ofToxoplasma gondiiin pregnant sheep. Bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs), which are ATP-competitive inhibitors of calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1), were shown to be highly efficacious against several apicomplexan parasitesin vitroand in laboratory animal models.
Properties of Aged Spores of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Camilleri Emily , Korza George , Green Joshua , Yuan Jianhui , Li Yong-qing , Caimano Melissa J. , Setlow Peter
Published: May 2019

We show that spores incubated at 37°C on sporulation plates for up to 98 days have lost almost all mRNAs and rRNAs, yet the aged spores germinated and outgrew as well as 2-day spores, and all these spores had identical viability. Thus, it is unlikely that spore mRNA, rRNA, or protein synthesis is important in spore germination. Spores incubated for 47 to 98 days also had much higher wet heat resistance than 2-day spores, suggesting that spore “age” should be considered in generating spores for tests of sterilization assurance. These data are the first to show complete survival of hydrated spores for ∼100 days, complementing published data showing dry-spore survival for years.
Polyamine Depletion Inhibits Bunyavirus Infection via Generation of Noninfectious Interfering Virions
Authors: Mastrodomenico Vincent , Esin Jeremy J. , Graham Marion L. , Tate Patrick M. , Hawkins Grant M. , Sandler Zachary J. , Rademacher David J. , Kicmal Thomas M. , Dial Courtney N. , Mounce Bryan C.
Published: May 2019

Bunyaviruses are emerging viral pathogens that cause encephalitis, hemorrhagic fevers, and meningitis. We have uncovered that diverse bunyaviruses require polyamines for productive infection. Polyamines are small, positively charged host-derived molecules that play diverse roles in human cells and in infection. In polyamine-depleted cells, bunyaviruses produce an overabundance of noninfectious particles that are indistinguishable from infectious particles. However, these particles interfere with productive infection and stimulate antiviral signaling pathways. We further find that additional enveloped viruses are similarly sensitive to polyamine depletion but that a nonenveloped enterovirus is not. We posit that polyamines are required to maintain bunyavirus infectivity and that polyamine depletion results in the accumulation of interfering noninfectious particles that limit infectivity. These results highlight a novel means by which bunyaviruses use polyamines for replication and suggest promising means to target host polyamines to reduce virus replication.
Late Cretaceous magmatism in the NW Lhasa Terrane, southern Tibet: Implications for crustal thickening and initial surface uplift
Authors: Lei Ming , Chen Jian-Lin , Xu Ji-Feng , Zeng Yun-Chuan , Xiong Qiu-Wei
Published: May 2019

Crustal thickening and uplift of southern Tibet have been widely associated with India-Asia continental collision during the Cenozoic. However, recent studies indicated that the crust of the northwestern (NW) Lhasa Terrane was thickened during the late Mesozoic. Here we report geochronological and geochemical data for the Gaerqiong diorite porphyries (GPs) and Xiongma plutons (XPs) in the NW Lhasa terrane, southern Tibet. Zircon U-Pb dating suggests that these intrusive rocks were generated at ca. 85 and ca. 88 Ma, respectively. The GPs are characterized by high MgO, Cr, and Ni contents, and they have adakitic affinities. These geochemical features, combined with their depleted εNd(t) (+1.7 to +2.0), 87Sr/86Sr(i) (0.705103–0.705259), and zircon εHf(t) (+5.2 to +10.2) isotopic compositions, indicate that the GPs were produced by partial melting of the delaminated juvenile continental crust. In contrast, the XPs are composed of host granites and mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs). The MMEs have low SiO2 and high MgO contents, and low εHf(t) (–14.0 to –5.8) values, indicating that their parental magmas were derived from an enriched mantle. The host granites have high SiO2 and low MgO contents, and variable εNd(t) (–7.4 to –6.3) and zircon εHf(t) (–11 to –4.1) values. These observations, combined with the presence of MMEs in the Xiongma granites, suggest that the host granites were the result of mixing of crust- and mantle-derived magmas. Detailed study of these two plutons, combined with the previous researches, suggests that Late Cretaceous (ca. 90 Ma) magmatism in the NW Lhasa Terrane occurred in a post-collisional extensional setting related to delamination of the regionally thickened lithosphere after collision of the Lhasa-Qiangtang Terranes. We propose that the crust of the NW Lhasa Terrane reached a maximum thickness (average of >50 km) before the Late Cretaceous (ca. 90 Ma). This crustal thickening was caused by underplating of mafic magmas during slab roll-back and break-off of the southward-subducting Bangong-Nujiang oceanic lithosphere and subsequent tectonic thrusting during Qiangtang-Lhasa Terrane collision, respectively. Given that crustal thickening generally results in elevated terrain, the regional uplift (driven by isostasy due to crustal thickening) probably commenced before the Late Cretaceous (ca. 90 Ma).
The local Last Glacial Maximum in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica: Implications for ice-sheet behavior in the Ross Sea Embayment
Authors: Christ Andrew J. , Bierman Paul R.
Published: May 2019

During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), a grounded ice sheet filled the Ross Sea Embayment in Antarctica and deposited glacial sediments on volcanic islands and peninsulas in McMurdo Sound and coastal regions of the Transantarctic Mountains. The flow geometry and retreat history of this ice are debated, with contrasting views yielding divergent implications for the interaction between and stability of the East and West Antarctic ice sheets during late Quaternary time. Here, we present terrestrial geomorphologic evidence and reconstruct former ice-marginal environments, ice sheet elevations, and ice-flow directions in McMurdo Sound. Fossil algae in ice-marginal sediments provide a coherent radiocarbon chronology of maximum ice extent and deglaciation. We integrate these data with marine records to reconstruct grounded ice dynamics in McMurdo Sound and the western Ross Sea. The combined data set suggests ice flow toward the Transantarctic Mountains in McMurdo Sound during peak glaciation, with thick, grounded ice at or near its maximum position between 19.6 and 12.3 ka. Persistent grounded ice in McMurdo Sound and across the western Ross Sea after Meltwater Pulse 1a (14.0–14.5 ka) suggests that this sector of Antarctica did not significantly contribute to this rapid sea-level rise event. Our data show no significant advance of locally derived ice from the Transantarctic Mountains into McMurdo Sound during the local LGM.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Assessing the child with persistent urticaria
Authors: Hardman Simon Jonathan , Minshall Eleanor
Published: May 2019

Chronic urticaria is the presence of wheals and/or angioedema, with daily or intermittent symptoms lasting more than 6 weeks. Although rarely life threatening, it can be a cause of significant embarrassment and misery. In most cases, no underlying factor is identified. It is therefore important to have a structured approach to the assessment in order to exclude important diagnoses, minimise costly screening tests and ensure a correct diagnosis is made. This article aims to highlight the importance of a focused history, provides a clear scheme for establishing a diagnosis and recommends when to perform appropriate investigations. A short discussion regarding treatment options and prognosis is also provided.
Areas of agreement in the management of childhood non-infectious chronic anterior uveitis in the UK
Authors: Solebo Ameenat Lola , Rahi Jugnoo S , Dick Andrew D , Ramanan Athimalaipet V , Ashworth Jane , Edelsten Clive
Published: May 2019

Background/aims

There is a paucity of high-level evidence to support the management of childhood uveitis, particularly for those children without juvenile idiopathic arthritis uveitis (JIA). We undertook a modified Delphi consensus exercise to identify agreement in the management of chronic anterior uveitis (CAU), the most common manifestation of childhood disease.

Methods

A four-round, two-panel process was undertaken between June and December 2017. Paediatric uveitis specialists identified through multiple sources, including a multicentre network (the Paediatric Ocular Inflammation Group), were invited to participate. They were asked whether they agreed with items derived from existing guidelines on the management of JIA-U when extrapolated to the population of all children with CAU. Consensus was defined as agreement greater than or equal to 75% of respondents.

Results

26 of the 38 (68%) invited specialists participated with the exercise, and response rates were 100% for rounds one to three, and 92% for round four. Consensus was reached on 23 of the 44 items. Items for which consensus was not reached included management at presentation, use of systemic and periocular steroids for children with severe disease and the role of conventional steroid sparing immunosuppressants beyond methotrexate.

Conclusion

The areas of management uncertainty at the level of the group, as indicated by absence of consensus, reflect the areas where the evidence base is particularly poor. Our findings identify the key areas for the future research needed to ensure better outcomes for this blinding childhood ocular inflammatory disorders.
Canadian French and English newspapers’ portrayals of physicians’ role and medical assistance in dying (MAiD) from 1972 to 2016: a qualitative textual analysis
Authors: Crumley Ellen T , Sheppard Caroline , Bowden Chantelle , Nelson Gregg
Published: May 2019

Objective

To examine how Canadian newspapers portrayed physicians’ role and medical assistance in dying (MAiD).

Design

Qualitative textual analysis.

Setting

Online and print articles from Canadian French and English newspapers.

Participants

813 newspaper articles published from 1972 to 2016.

Results

Key Canadian events defined five eras. From 1972 to 1990, newspapers portrayed physician’s MAiD role as a social issue by reporting supportive public opinion polls and revealing it was already occurring in secret. From 1991 to 1995, newspapers discussed legal aspects of physicians’ MAiD role including Rodriguez’ Supreme Court of Canada appeal and Federal government Bills. From 1996 to 2004, journalists discussed professional aspects of physicians’ MAiD role and the growing split between palliative care and physicians who supported MAiD. They also reported on court cases against Canadian physicians, Dr Kevorkian and suffering patients who could not receive MAiD. From 2005 to 2013, newspapers described political aspects including the tabling of MAiD legislation to change physicians’ role. Lastly, from 2014 to 2016, newspapers again portrayed legal aspects of physicians’ role as the Supreme Court of Canada was anticipated to legalise MAiD and the Québec government passed its own legislation. Remarkably, newspapers kept attention to MAiD over 44 years before it became legal. Articles generally reflected Canadians’ acceptance of MAiD and physicians were typically portrayed as opposing it, but not all did.

Conclusions

Newspaper portrayals of physicians’ MAiD role discussed public opinion, politicians’ activities and professional and legal aspects. Portrayals followed the issue-attention cycle through three of five stages: 1) preproblem, 2) alarmed discovery and euphoric enthusiasm and 3) realising the cost of significant progress.
Vital spaces and mental health
Authors: Brown Steven D , Reavey Paula
Published: May 2019

The impact of social and material conditions on mental health is well established but lacking in a coherent approach. We offer the concept of ‘vitality’ as means of describing how environments facilitate ‘feelings of being alive’ that cut across existing diagnostic categories. Drawing on the work of Stern, Fuchs, Worms and Duff, we argue that vitality is not solely a quality of an individual body, but rather emerges from attunements and resonances between bodies and materials. We use vitality as a lens to explore how movements within and between assembled sets of relations can facilitate or disable feelings and expressions of being alive. Building on extended discussions of both inpatient and community-based mental healthcare, we sketch out a research agenda for analysing ‘vital spaces’.
Newly occurring cranial nerve palsy after endovascular treatment of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Lee Su Hwan , Cho Won-Sang , Kang Hyun-Seung , Kim Jeong Eun , Cho Young Dae , Yoo Dong Hyun , Han Moon Hee
Published: May 2019

Objective

Cranial nerve palsy (CNP) is rarely reported after endovascular intervention for cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CS DAVFs). Our aim was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of CS DAVFs, and the clinical course and risk factors of newly occurring CNPs, with a review of the literature.

Methods

121 patients with 134 lesions treated in our institution were selected. They were retrospectively analyzed in terms of baseline characteristics, radiologic results, clinical outcome, and newly occurring CNPs after treatment. Angiographic and clinical follow-up data were available for 104 lesions (77.6%) and 130 lesions (97.0%), respectively.

Results

The angiographic results showed partial:complete obliterations in 13:91 (87.5%) at the final follow-up. Clinical outcomes were deteriorated or no change:improved or completely recovered (3:126 (96.9%)) at the final follow-up. New CNPs occurred in 24 patients (19.8%), including the sixth CNP alone or mixed in 23 patients (95.8%). 23 cases were completely recovered or improved (21 and 2 cases, respectively), and 19 (90.4%) of 21 were completely recovered within 6 months after treatment. In the multivariate analysis, pretreatment cranial nerve symptoms (OR=0.33; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.76; P=0.010) and complete obliteration immediately after treatment (OR=0.32; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.85; P=0.021) were significant preventive factors for new CNPs. Embolization in the posterior compartments of the CS (OR=5.15; 95% CI 1.71 to 15.47; P=0.004) was a significant risk factor.

Conclusions

Endovascular intervention was satisfactory in patients with CS DAVFs. The prognosis of newly occurring CNPs was favorable.
Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt with progressive myelopathy and encephalopathy
Authors: Lux Danielle , Naito Anna , Harikrishnan Sreedharan
Published: May 2019

Portosystemic encephalopathy commonly occurs in patients with portal hypertension caused by end-stage liver disease or portal vein thrombosis. Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPS) is an underdiagnosed and treatable condition that can cause encephalopathy and various neuropsychiatric symptoms. We report an unusual case of type 2 CEPS in a 29-year-old woman who presented with progressive myelopathy and fluctuating encephalopathy on a background of congenital cardiac disease. Investigations showed hyperammonaemia, and despite no evidence of portal hypertension on ultrasound imaging, CT scan of abdomen showed a shunt between the mesenteric and left internal iliac veins. Patients with unexplained fluctuating or progressive neuropsychiatric symptoms should have their serum ammonia checked. A raised serum ammonia concentration without known portal hypertension should prompt further investigations for extrahepatic shunts.
Extensive global movement of multidrug-resistantM. tuberculosisstrains revealed by whole-genome analysis
Authors: Cohen Keira A , Manson Abigail L , Abeel Thomas , Desjardins Christopher A , Chapman Sinead B , Hoffner Sven , Birren Bruce W , Earl Ashlee M
Published: May 2019

Background

While the international spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR)Mycobacterium tuberculosisstrains is an acknowledged public health threat, a broad and more comprehensive examination of the global spread of MDR-tuberculosis (TB) using whole-genome sequencing has not yet been performed.

Methods

In a global dataset of 5310M.tuberculosiswhole-genome sequences isolated from five continents, we performed a phylogenetic analysis to identify and characterise clades of MDR-TB with respect to geographic dispersion.

Results

Extensive international dissemination of MDR-TB was observed, with identification of 32 migrant MDR-TB clades with descendants isolated in 17 unique countries. Relatively recent movement of strains from both Beijing and non-Beijing lineages indicated successful global spread of varied genetic backgrounds. Migrant MDR-TB clade members shared relatively recent common ancestry, with a median estimate of divergence of 13–27 years. Migrant extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-TB clades were not observed, although development of XDR-TB within migratory MDR-TB clades was common.

Conclusions

Application of genomic techniques to investigate global MDR migration patterns revealed extensive global spread of MDR clades between countries of varying TB burden. Further expansion of genomic studies to incorporate isolates from diverse global settings into a single analysis, as well as data sharing platforms that facilitate genomic data sharing across country lines, may allow for future epidemiological analyses to monitor for international transmission of MDR-TB. In addition, efforts to perform routine whole-genome sequencing on all newly identifiedM. tuberculosis, like in England, will serve to better our understanding of the transmission dynamics of MDR-TB globally.
Altered relaxation times in MRI indicate bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Förster Kai , Ertl-Wagner Birgit , Ehrhardt Harald , Busen Hannah , Sass Steffen , Pomschar Andreas , Naehrlich Lutz , Schulze Andreas , Flemmer Andreas W , Hübener Christoph , Eickelberg Oliver , Theis Fabian , Dietrich Olaf , Hilgendorff Anne
Published: May 2019

We developed a MRI protocol using transverse (T2) and longitudinal (T1) mapping sequences to characterise lung structural changes in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We prospectively enrolled 61 infants to perform 3-Tesla MRI of the lung in quiet sleep. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic Group Lasso regression and logistic regression. Increased lung T2 relaxation time and decreased lung T1 relaxation time indicated BPD yielding an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80. Results were confirmed in an independent study cohort (AUC 0.75) and mirrored by lung function testing, indicating the high potential for MRI in future BPD diagnostics.

Trial registration

DRKS00004600.
Evaluation of wood biochar and compost soil amendment on cabbage yield and quality
Authors: McDonald M.R. , Bakker C. , Motior M.R.
Published: May 2019

Biochar application on agricultural soils is an interesting emerging technology with promising potential for long-term carbon storage and the enhancement of soil fertility. The effect of a biochar compost mixture with and without standard NPK fertilizer was assessed to determine the effects on the growth of cabbage over 3 yr at two locations. Field trials were established at the Holland Marsh and Simcoe Research Station in Ontario. The main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of biochar soil amendment on cabbage yield and quality. Biochar (a blend of 1:1 composted duck manure and biochar based on dry weight) was applied at rates of 0.6 and 2.4 kg m−2 with and without standard NPK fertilizer and compared with compost at the rate of 1.2 kg m−2, which was the rate applied with the high rate of biochar. The biochar used was somewhat alkaline (pH 8.1) and increased the pH (>0.5) of the top 0–15 cm of the soil. It also had a high cation-exchange capacity (CEC > 25) and contained elevated levels of some trace metals and exchangeable cations (K, Ca, and Mg) in comparison to the untreated soil. None of the biochar or compost treatments increased yield compared with the nonamended check at either location. Treatments that included the standard NPK fertilizer resulted in the highest yields.
A novel alternative fuel mixture (diesel–biodiesel–pentanol) for the existing unmodified direct injection diesel engine: performance and emission characteristics
Authors: Appavu Prabhu , Madhavan Venkata Ramanan , Venu Harish , Jayaraman Jayaprabakar
Published: May 2019

The present study investigated the performance and emission characteristics of a single cylinder direct injection diesel engine fuelled with diesel – jatropha biodiesel – pentanol blends. The test fuels used for the experiment include diesel fuel (Diesel), 80% diesel (v/v) – 20% jatropha biodiesel (v/v) (D80J20), 70% diesel (v/v) – 20% jatropha biodiesel (v/v) – 10% pentanol (v/v) (D70J20P10), and 60% diesel (v/v) – 20% jatropha biodiesel (v/v) – 20% pentanol (v/v) (D60J20P20). Studied performance characteristics include brake specific fuel consumption and torque, while emission characteristics include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and smoke opacity. Experimental results revealed that the addition of pentanol influenced a reduction in brake power and torque with a noticeable improvement in engine exhaust emissions. To conclude, the addition of pentanol (20%, v/v) to diesel–jatropha blends resulted in lowered CO, NOx, and smoke opacity by 41.76%, 27.6%, and 32.4%, respectively, because of improved oxygen content of the resulting ternary mixture and improved combustion efficiency.
Complexiton solutions to the asymmetric Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov equation
Authors: Manukure Solomon , Chowdhury Abhinandan , Zhou Yuan
Published: May 2019

We present new complexiton solutions to the (2 + 1)-dimensional asymmetric Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov (aNNV) equation by application of the Hirota direct method and the linear superposition principle. We first find hyperbolic function solutions to the corresponding bilinear equation and consequently derive the so-called complexitons. In particular, we construct nonsingular complexiton solutions from positive complexiton solutions of the bilinear form of the nonlinear equation. Finally, we give some illustrative examples and a few concluding remarks.
Statistical analysis and prediction of regional bus passenger flows
Authors: Tan Qian , Ling Ximan , Chen Meilin , Lu Hengyu , Wang Pu , Liu Wusheng
Published: May 2019

Urban bus transit is a major mode of transportation in modern cities and plays an important role in mitigating the traffic pressure in urban road networks. We used smartcard data collected by three-million bus passengers in Shenzhen, a major southern city of China, to study the statistical properties and dynamics of bus passenger flows. In this study, the recorded passenger flows were cross-grained into each 1 km × 1 km square grids to avoid large flow variations at a single bus station. The temporal and spatial patterns of passenger flows were analyzed and a machine learning-based model for passenger flow prediction was generated.
A SUBCLINICAL BLUETONGUE VIRUS INFECTION IN RUMINANTS WITH THREE UNIQUE AMINO ACID VARIATIONS ON VP7 CORE PROTEIN OF TAIWAN ISOLATES
Authors: Yang Jia-Ling , Yen Lenny Hao-Che , Yen Well Chia-Wei , Wang Fun-In
Published: May 2019

Bluetongue is an arthropod-borne disease in domestic and wild ruminants caused by bluetongue virus (BTV), and it leads to great economic loss worldwide. Previous studies showed that BTV in ruminants in Taiwan was often subclinical infection. The aim of this study was to determine the current status (years 2016–2017) of BTV infection in ruminants in Taiwan, to compare it to the results of a large-scale study conducted in the year 2003, and to investigate whether new viral strains exist. Competitive ELISA tests of serum samples for anti-BTV-VP7 group-specific antibody revealed seropositive rates of 26.7% in cattle by head, similar to 32.7% in the year 2003, suggestive of a BTV-vector-host (cattle) dynamic balance. In goats, the seropositive rate was 18.6%, slightly increased from 8.2% in the year 2003, suggestive of a slow but active infection taking place. This notion was supported by the detection of VP1 gene nucleic acid from whole blood in six out of 29 seropositive goats by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. However, no new virus strain was isolated from embryonating chicken embryos (ECEs) inoculation. Alignment of VP7 amino acid sequences revealed that Taiwan and Japan isolates possessed three specific amino acids on sites No. 82 (arginine), No. 328 (aspartate), and No. 336 (glutamine), which are different from many countries. In a three-dimensional model, these amino acids were located closely on the middle lateral surface of VP7 trimers. Since VP7 is a major outer protein engaged in entry into insect cells and a strong T cell response inducer, these differences likely indicate the result of positive selection of local vectors and hosts in Taiwan.
Assessment of the Accuracy of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Videos in English on YouTube according to the 2015 AHA Resuscitation Guidelines
Authors: Katipoğlu Burak , Akbaş İlker , Koçak Abdullah Osman , Erbay Muhammet Furkan , Turan Engin İhsan , Kasali Kamber
Published: May 2019

Over the last decade, YouTube has become one of the largest online resources for medical information. However, uploaded videos are published without any peer review or quality control, so incorrect and incomplete information can be easily disseminated via the virtual platform and can be perceived as correct. The YouTube website was searched for videos in English uploaded between 15 October 2015 and 21 October 2016 using the following keywords: “CPR,” “cardiopulmonary resuscitation,” and “basic life support.” This study had a cross-sectional analytical design. In the first evaluation, the accuracy of the videos was checked according to the information contained in the basic cardiac life support algorithm. In the second evaluation, we assessed whether advanced-level, innovative medical information was included in these videos; when included, the accuracy of such information was checked. Of 774 videos evaluated, 92 videos were included in the study after application of the exclusion criteria. The videos were scored on a scale ranging from 0 to 20 points. The mean total score, based on all criteria, was 4.79 ± 2.88. The highest mean total score was achieved by videos uploaded by official medical organizations (6.43 ± 3.57), followed by those uploaded by health professionals and organizations (4.25 ± 2.49), and those uploaded by unidentified sources. YouTube videos are insufficient in providing information about the basic life support algorithm and advanced-level information according to the 2015 AHA resuscitation guidelines for health professionals. The educational material published by health institutions that are constantly working in the area is a more reliable source of information on subjects that directly affect human life, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Aspergillus flavusPromoted the Growth of Soybean and Sunflower Seedlings at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Ismail  , Hamayun Muhammad , Hussain Anwar , Afzal Khan Sumera , Iqbal Amjad , Lee In-Jung
Published: May 2019

The current climate changes in the form of global warming are one of the leading threats to agricultural crops (including soybean and sunflower). To enable the crops to cope with the heat stress, innovative steps are needed to be taken as soon as possible. Fungal endophytes are known to secrete secondary metabolites that promote the growth of host plants under stress conditions. Therefore, we have isolated endophytic fungus fromEuphorbia indica(a wild desert plant) and tested it for plant growth promoting activities. The culture filtrate of the fungal strains exhibited the presence of secondary metabolites. Higher amounts of indole acetic acid (IAA), salicylic acid (SA), flavonoids, and phenolics have been found in the culture filtrate. The 18S rDNA sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate isAspergillus flavus. Soybean and sunflower seedlings were inoculated with the identifiedA. flavus. TheA. flavus-associated seedlings along with the control (withoutA. flavus) were monitored for thermal stress resistance in a growth chamber, operated at 25°C and 40°C. Control seedlings exposed to high temperature stress had higher levels of abscisic acid (ABA), proline, and lower levels of phenols, flavonoids, catalase, and ascorbic acid oxidase. Similarly, a higher reduction in chlorophyll, root-shoot length, and dry weight has been noticed in the control seedlings. The results suggested the usefulness ofA.flavusin host plant growth promotion under heat stress conditions.