bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A silent compartment syndrome following elective minimally invasive mitral valve repair
Authors: Godavitarne Charles , Phadnis Joideep , Ahmed Ishtiaq
Published: September 2019

A 63-year-old male with severe mitral valve regurgitation underwent an elective minimally invasive mitral valve repair. Peripheral cannulation of the right femoral vein and artery was performed with a total cardiopulmonary bypass time of 268 min. There were no intraoperative complications. 12 hours postoperatively the patient reported mild pain in the right lower leg with a subjective decrease in sensation. Compartmental pressures were significantly raised. The patient underwent lower leg fasciotomies, which revealed bulging compartments confirming the diagnosis of an evolving compartment syndrome (CS). This rare case demonstrates the highly variable aetiology, pathophysiology and presenting symptoms of CS. Clinicians in any specialty should consider this diagnosis if there is a possibility of local vascular compromise secondary to an intervention/treatment. This diagnosis is not exclusive to patients with trauma and as such clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for this potentially devastating condition.
Simple hepatic cyst rupture exacerbated by anticoagulation
Authors: Tong Kin Seng , Hassan Ridwanul , Gan Jonathan , Warsi Ali
Published: September 2019

Simple hepatic cysts are usually asymptomatic but can rarely result in life-threatening complications such as haemoperitoneum secondary to rupture. A 70-year-old woman with known simple hepatic cyst presented with acute chest pain and dyspnoea. The initial diagnosis was pulmonary embolism, and anticoagulation was commenced. However, she subsequently collapsed with haemodynamic instability. CT revealed a large hepatic cyst haematoma with rupture into the peritoneal cavity. The patient underwent emergency laparotomy, haemostasis and partial deroofing of the cyst. Retrospective review of CT scans suggested that the bleed had begun on presentation but was exacerbated by anticoagulation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of haemorrhagic hepatic cyst associated with acute anticoagulation. We discuss several important clinical lessons including cyst rupture as a possible cause of chest pain, the need for careful review of imaging and the choice of anticoagulation in patients with known simple hepatic cyst.
High-grade chondrosarcoma of the larynx: treatment and management
Authors: Galletti Bruno , Costanzo Daria , Gazia Francesco , Galletti Francesco
Published: September 2019

We present a case of an 88-year-old man with high-grade chondrosarcoma of the larynx. The patient presents with a history worsening dysphonia and dyspnoea treated with antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy as it was a bronchopneumonia. Thanks to fibrolaryngoscopy, radiological imaging and final biopsy with immunohistochemistry, we have done differential diagnosis with the others sarcomas of the larynx. The histological diagnosis and the correct grading are essential for treatment and management of the pathology. The best treatment is primary surgical resection with negative margins. Chemoradiotherapy may provide some benefit if there are margin positive resections or with palliative intent. In our case, we performed only surgery treatment and a close follow-up at 1-3-6 months and after every 6 months. After 18 months from surgery, there are no signs of recurrence of disease.
Encorafenib and binimetinib for the treatment of BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma in the setting of combined hepatic and renal impairment
Authors: Ngo P , Bycroft R
Published: September 2019

Inhibitors of BRAF, a gene coding a protein called B-raf, with or without inhibitors of MEK (MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase) are often used as palliative treatment in BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma. Recent data show improved progression-free survival with encorafenib with binimetinib, a newer BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination, compared with older agents, but there have been no reports of this treatment in the setting of renal and liver failure. We report a patient with disease-induced transaminitis and renal failure requiring dialysis who was successfully treated with encorafenib and binimetinib. His transaminitis improved and he was able to stop dialysis without any significant adverse effects during treatment, suggesting encorafenib with binimetinib may be used safely and effectively even in patients with end organ damage.
Non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia in a patient with a well-differentiated gastric neuroendocrine tumour
Authors: Versluis Judith , Valk Gerlof , van Rossum Huub , Tesselaar Margot
Published: September 2019

A 61-year-old man, without noteworthy medical history, presented with complaints of progressive fatigue and flushes. Diagnostic imaging revealed a large tumour in the stomach with liver metastases, and histopathological examination showed a well-differentiated gastric neuroendocrine tumour (NET). After chemotherapy, everolimus was administered, and upon progression, PD-1 inhibitor PDR001 was started. Two weeks after the first gift, he was admitted with loss of consciousness and a blood glucose level of 1.6 mmol/L. Plasma insulin was below 0.5 mU/L, C-peptide level was 250 pmol/L, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II was 804 ng/mL, and pro-IGF-IIE level was 80 µg/L. Based on the clinical findings, the patient was diagnosed with non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia (NICTH) with an overproduction of pro-IGF-IIE and eventually IGF-II due to progressive metastatic well-differentiated gastric NET. NICTH is a very rare condition. It has been reported in several tumour types but has never been described as a consequence of NET.
Diet-induced oxalate nephropathy
Authors: Clark Barbara , Baqdunes Mohammad Wisam , Kunkel Gregory M
Published: September 2019

Oxalate nephropathy is a rare condition and may be overlooked due to lack of recognition and understanding of triggers. An 81-year-old man was sent to nephrologist because of significantly increased creatinine (1.5–1.9 mg/dL) noted for 3 months. He had well-controlled diabetes but no history of kidney disease. He had no chronic diarrhoea or intestinal surgery. He was a health-minded individual who had read extensively about benefit of antioxidants. Initial work-up was unrevealing. Within a few weeks after first visit, he developed acute symptomatic worsening kidney injury with nausea, vomiting and creatinine up to 6.8 mg/dL. Repeat examination of the urine sediment revealed casts containing calcium oxalate crystals. A deeper dietary history revealed widespread oxalate precursor consumption. A kidney biopsy confirmed oxalate nephropathy. Restriction of oxalate consumption combined with adequate hydration, oral calcium acetate resulted in partial renal recovery without need for haemodialysis.
Rare atypical presentation of phacolytic glaucoma as non-resolving microbial keratitis with endophthalmitis
Authors: Agarwal Rinky , Tripathi Manasi , Patil Anuja , Sharma Namrata
Published: September 2019

Phacolytic glaucoma (PLG) is a rare complication of hypermature senile cataract. Delayed presentation of PLG may make its diagnosis and management difficult and worsen its prognosis. A woman aged 75 years complaining of sleep disturbing pain and inaccurate projection of rays oculus dextrus (OD) was referred to our centre for management of non-resolving microbial keratitis with endophthalmitis. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed 360° peripheral anterior synechiae, swollen crystalline lens and hyperechoic granules filling anterior chamber. A diagnosis of PLG and lens-induced uveitis was made and cataract was extracted after control of intraocular pressure (IOP). The patient was left aphakic. There was complete resolution of pain after surgery and at 3 months follow-up the IOP was controlled without any antiglaucoma medications. Rarely, secondary corneal opacification from long-standing pathological changes in PLG may mimic non-resolving microbial keratitis with endophthalmitis and requires a high index of suspicion for appropriate diagnosis and management.
Association between carotid intima-media thickness and bone mineral density: a cross-sectional study in Vietnamese men and women aged 50 years and older
Authors: Nguyen Lich T , Pham Vinh N , Chau Phuong M N , Ho-Pham Lan T , Nguyen Tuan V
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The association between osteoporosis and atherosclerosis remains controversial. We sought to define the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness and bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals of Vietnamese background.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Participants

The study involved 1460 individuals (559 men) aged 50 years and older (average age 59 years) who were randomly recruited from the community.

Outcome measures

BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA). Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured using a Philips Ultrasonography (HD7XE). The presence of atherosclerotic plaque was ascertained for each individual. The association between cIMT and BMD was analysed by a multiple linear regression model.

Results

In unadjusted analysis, cIMT was positively associated with femoral neck BMD in men (p=0.005), but not in women (p=0.242). After adjusting for age, smoking, diabetes and hypertension, the association remained statistically significant in men (partial R2=0.005; p=0.015) but not in women (partial R2=0.008; p=0.369). When the analysis was limited to individuals aged 60 years and older, the association between cIMT and BMD was no longer statistically significant. There was no statistically significant association between cIMT and lumbar spine BMD in either men or women.

Conclusions

In Vietnamese individuals aged 50 years and older, there is a clinically non-significant but statistically significant association between carotid intima-media thickness and BMD in men, not in women.
Preparing Chinese patients with comorbid heart disease and diabetes for home management: a mixed methods study
Authors: Liu Xian-Liang , Willis Karen , Wu Chiung-Jung (Jo) , Fulbrook Paul , Shi Yan , Johnson Maree
Published: September 2019

Objective

To explore how health education received by patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) influences patients’ self-efficacy and self-management and changes in behaviour at, and following, hospital discharge.

Design

This study used a convergent mixed methods design.

Participants

Twenty-one participants with completed surveys and interviews at discharge and home follow-up were included in the analysis.

Setting

At a coronary care unit of a major hospital in Shanghai, China.

Results

Most participants (n=17) did not perceive they had sufficient education or ability to manage both conditions. More concerning was that most participants (n=16) reported low self-efficacy in the management of ACS symptoms. Three major themes were identified: self-management of ACS and T2DM represents a complex interplay between individual self-efficacy, knowledge and skills, as individuals navigate shifting self-management priorities due to perceived condition severity; the social environment is integral to lifestyle and behaviour change and managing multiple health conditions requires body and mind systems’ harmony.

Conclusions

The inpatient education received did not enhance participants’ confidence to manage either condition on discharge. While an unhealthy lifestyle was embedded within social roles and norms, some social activities, such as square dancing, positively influenced health behaviour. Culturally appropriate education for Chinese people with diabetes and ACS should contain information on maintaining mind and body harmony. Family members should be involved in formal education.
Effectiveness of a behavioural intervention involving regular weighing and feedback by community midwives within routine antenatal care to prevent excessive gestational weight gain: POPS2 randomised controlled trial
Authors: Daley Amanda , Jolly Kate , Jebb Susan A , Roalfe Andrea , Mackilllop Lucy , Lewis Amanda , Clifford Sue , Usman Muhammad , Ohadike Corah , Kenyon Sara , MacArthur Christine , Aveyard Paul
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of a brief behavioural intervention based on routine antenatal weighing to prevent excessive gestational weight gain (defined by US Institute of Medicine).

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Antenatal clinic in England.

Participants

Women between 10+0and 14+6weeks gestation, not requiring specialist obstetric care.

Interventions

Participants were randomised to usual antenatal care or usual care (UC) plus the intervention. The intervention involved community midwives weighing women at antenatal appointments, setting maximum weight gain limits between appointments and providing brief feedback. Women were encouraged to monitor and record their own weight weekly to assess their progress against the maximum limits set by their midwife. The comparator was usual maternity care.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Excessive gestational weight gain, depression, anxiety and physical activity.

Results

Six hundred and fifty-six women from four maternity centres were recruited: 329 women were randomised to the intervention group and 327 to UC. We found no evidence that the intervention decreased excessive gestational weight gain. At 38 weeks gestation, the proportions gaining excessive gestational weight were 27.6% (81/305) versus 28.9% (90/311) (adjusted OR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.53 to 1.33) in the intervention and UC group, respectively. There were no significant difference between the groups in anxiety or depression scores (anxiety: adjusted mean −0.58, 95% CI:−1.25 to –0.8; depression: adjusted mean −0.60, 95% CI:−1.24 to –0.05). There were no significant differences in physical activity scores between the groups.

Conclusions

A behavioural intervention delivered by community midwives involving routine weighing throughout pregnancy, setting maximum weight gain targets and encouraging women to weigh themselves each week to check progress did not prevent excessive gestational weight gain. There was no evidence of psychological harm.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN67427351
Interventions across the retirement transition for improving well-being: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Rodríguez-Monforte Miriam , Fernández-Jané Carles , Martin-Arribas Anna , Sitjà-Rabert Mercè , Canet Vélez Olga , Sanromà-Ortiz Montserrat , Vilaró Jordi , Carrillo-Alvarez Elena
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The work-to-retirement transition involves a process of psychologically and behaviourally distancing oneself from the workforce that is often accompanied by other social changes. The person is confronted with new social roles, expectations, challenges and opportunities that can influence lifestyle and well-being. In the scientific literature, we find recent reports of interventions aimed at improving health and well-being in people at retirement age. However, there is still a gap of knowledge on how different interventions during retirement might improve health status. We intend to conduct a scoping review with the aim of describing interventions for improving well-being across the retirement transition.

Methods and analysis

The methodological framework described by Arksey and O’Malley; the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines as well as the Preferred Reporting Items for scoping reviews and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols statements will be followed. Eligibility criteria comprise of: (a) all type of original studies, review articles or reports published on journals as well as grey literature; (b) describing interventions to improve the well-being in adults across their retirement transition; (c) including participants before, during and after retirement; (d) all publications must describe variables associated with participants’ physical and/or psychological and/or social well-being and/or perceived quality of life related to these; (e) no language restriction and (f) published from January 2000 to March 2019. The main findings will be summarised using a narrative descriptive synthesis approach and grouped following the population, concept and context principles. A stakeholder meeting will be held to provide feedback on the findings and to develop next steps in research and practice.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval from a research ethics committee is not required, as no personal information will be collected. We plan to disseminate our research findings at different levels: scientific community, clinical and social arenas, as well as to healthcare leaders and policymakers and general population. The project has been registered at Open Science Framework with the name TRANSITS: work to retirement transition project.
Development of a self-guided web-based exercise intervention (SPIN) to treat shoulder pain in people living with spinal cord injury: protocol of a mixed methods study
Authors: Stavric Verna , Saywell Nicola , Kayes Nicola Maree
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Chronic shoulder pain is common after spinal cord injury (SCI) and limits community mobility. This leads to loss of independence and reduced quality of life. Evidence suggests that exercises can help reduce shoulder pain. However, cost, expertise and transport barriers frequently limit access to treatment services. The objective of this study is to develop an evidence-based, acceptable, usable and persuasive self-guided web-based exercise intervention to treat shoulder pain in people living with SCI.

Methods and analysis

An iterative and phased person-based approach (PBA) will capture users’ perspectives on usability and acceptability to develop guiding principles that will shape the design of the intervention. The intervention will be based on key elements identified through participant input and from evidence identified through systematic and narrative reviews, to ensure the intervention addresses participants’ needs and increase the likelihood of uptake. The prototype will be iteratively refined through focus groups and think-aloud sessions. Review data will be synthesised drawing on systematic and narrative review conventions. Qualitative data will be analysed using conventional content analysis (planning phase) and directed content analysis (development phase) to inform intervention design and refinement.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by the Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee (AUTEC) in Auckland, New Zealand. The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant national and international conferences. A summary of findings will be presented to key stakeholder groups. We will progress to a definitive trial should the findings from this intervention development study indicate the intervention is acceptable and usable.
Effectiveness in clinical practice versus efficacy of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in clinical trials for type 2 diabetes: protocol for systematic review
Authors: Batel-Marques Francisco , Pereira Diogo , Mendes Diogo , Alves Carlos , Penedones Ana
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Data supporting the use of oral antidiabetic drugs mainly rely on data from premarketing clinical trials. Real-world data studies are crucial to evaluate effectiveness of drugs. The aim of this systematic review is to compare the results obtained for efficacy and effectiveness endpoints on clinical trials and those obtained from routine clinical practice of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review will include randomised controlled trials and observational studies evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, respectively. A literature search will be performed at Medline, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov. Search terms comprised the drug name (including the pharmacotherapeutic class and the international non-proprietary name). Data on haemoglobin A1C, blood glucose and body weight will be retrieved. The risk of bias will be independently assessed according to the checklist proposed by Downs and Black. Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and meta-analysis when applicable.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as no primary data are collected. This systematic review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and at conference meetings.
End-of-life care in cancer and dementia: a nationwide population-based study of palliative care policy changes
Authors: Kuo Lou-Ching , Lee Jung Jae , Cheung Denise Shuk Ting , Chen Ping-Jen , Lin Chia-Chin
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The National Health Insurance programme started providing coverage for inpatient care in palliative care (PC) units of acute care hospitals in 2000; however, initially, only PC provided to patients with terminal cancer was covered. A PC policy that enabled PC reimbursement for patients with dementia was implemented in 2009. However, the association of this PC policy with end-of-life care remains unclear. The study aims to compare the association of the PC policy with end-of-life care between patients with dementia and patients with cancer during the last 6 months of their lives.

Methods

We analysed the claims data of 7396 patients dying with dementia (PDD) and 24 319 patients dying with cancer (PDC) during 1997–2013.

Results

Among PDC, while the percentage of receiving PC increased from 3.6% in 1999 to 14.2% by the end of 2000 (adjusted OR (aOR)=4.07, 95% CI 2.70 to 6.13) and from 20.9% in 2010 to 41.0% in 2013 (aOR=1.40, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.47), vasopressor use decreased from 71.6% in 1999 to 35.5% in 2001 (aOR=0.90, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.98). Among PDD, PC use increased from 0.2% in 2009 to 4.9% in 2013 (aOR=2.05, 95% CI 1.60 to 2.63) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation use decreased from 17.6% in 2009 to 10.0% in 2013 (aOR=0.83, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.90).

Conclusions

Implementation of the PC policy in Taiwan was associated with improved PC utilisation among patients with cancer and dementia, which may reduce unnecessary medical care procedures.
Stent-assisted coiling of cerebral aneurysms: multi-center analysis of radiographic and clinical outcomes in 659 patients
Authors: Mokin Maxim , Primiani Christopher T , Ren Zeguang , Piper Keaton , Fiorella David J , Rai Ansaar T , Orlov Kirill , Kislitsin Dmitry , Gorbatykh Anton , Mocco J , De Leacy Reade , Lee Joyce , Vargas Machaj Jan , Turner Raymond , Chaudry Imran , Turk Aquilla S
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The endovascular stent-assisted coiling approach for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms is evolving rapidly with the availability of new stent devices. It remains unknown how each type of stent affects the safety and efficacy of the stent-coiling procedure.

Methods

This study compared the outcomes of endovascular coiling of cerebral aneurysms using Neuroform (NEU), Enterprise (EP), and Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) stents. Patient characteristics, treatment details and angiographic results using the Raymond–Roy grade scale (RRGS), and procedural complications were analyzed in our study.

Results

Our study included 659 patients with 670 cerebral aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coiling (NEU, n=182; EP, n=158; LVIS, n=330) that were retrospectively collected from six academic centers. Patient characteristics included mean age 56.3±12.1 years old, female prevalence 73.9%, and aneurysm rupture on initial presentation of 18.8%. We found differences in complete occlusion on baseline imaging, defined as RRGS I, among the three stents: LVIS 64.4%, 210/326; NEU 56.2%, 95/169; EP 47.6%, 68/143; P=0.008. The difference of complete occlusion on 10.5 months (mean) and 8 months (median) angiographic follow-up remained significant: LVIS 84%, 251/299; NEU 78%, 117/150; EP 67%, 83/123; P=0.004. There were 7% (47/670) intra-procedural complications and 11.5% (73/632) post-procedural-related complications in our cohort. Furthermore, procedure-related complications were higher in the braided-stents vs laser-cut, P=0.002.

Conclusions

There was a great variability in techniques and choice of stent type for stent-assisted coiling among the participating centers. The type of stent was associated with immediate and long-term angiographic outcomes. Randomized prospective trials comparing the different types of stents are warranted.
Development of a clinical tool to aid endotracheal tube size selection in dogs
Authors: Haider Georg , Lorinson Karin , Lorinson Dragan , Auer Ulrike
Published: September 2019

Objective

To identify phenotypic parameters correlating with the inner tracheal diameter (ITD) and endotracheal tube size (ETS) in adult dogs and to develop a chart for ETS estimation.

Methods

Five‐hundred and forty‐four adult dogs; 100 dogs were enrolled prospectively and 444 dogs retrospectively. Different phenotypic parameters, the ITD on latero‐lateral radiography and ETS were prospectively measured in dogs that underwent general anaesthesia. The parameter correlated best with the ITD was used to develop a graphic chart for ETS estimation. The accuracy of this chart was then retrospectively tested.

Results

In prospective cohort, the correlation between body size and body mass and ITD (r=0.85 and r=0.84) was good, and the highest correlation observed between ETS and body mass (rs=0.92, P<0.001). In the retrospective assessment, the mean difference between the predicted and used ETS was 0.0 (sd±0.84) for mesocephalic/dolicocephalic (MDC) dogs, showing high accuracy, but for brachycephalic dogs, it was 1.3 (sd±0.98).

Conclusion

A graphic chart for ETS selection in dogs, using body mass, was designed in this study and was demonstrated to be accurate for ETS prediction in MDC dogs but not in brachycephalic dogs.
Exhumation and performance of an Antarctic composite barrier system after 4 years exposure
Authors: McWatters R.S. , Rowe R.K. , Di Battista V. , Sfiligoj B. , Wilkins D. , Spedding T.
Published: September 2019

An Antarctic biopile using a composite liner (high-density polyethylene geomembrane (GMB) over a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL)) was constructed on a coarse granular subgrade to contain hydrocarbon-contaminated soil and leachate. The soil was remediated after 4 years and the biopile was decommissioned. The liner was exhumed to assess the properties and performance of the GMB and GCL. There was no significant change in the GMB index properties. Although cobbles and coarse gravel of the subgrade had left indentations in the GMB, implying tensile strains that could impact long-term performance, there were no holes. There was significant variability in the hydration of the GCL (from 10% to 220%) and in the underlying subgrade soil water content (from 5% to 30%). This reflects the complexity of the subgrade and groundwater flow in the Antarctic environment. The exhumed GCL specimens had low hydraulic conductivity (1 × 10−11 to 7 × 10−11 m/s) at 13 kPa. Soil samples from below the composite liner showed no detectable hydrocarbons and confirmed no migration through the barrier. It is concluded that the composite barrier contained the leachate and biopile soil over the 4 years in service in the extreme Antarctic conditions.
Investigating the performance of Superpave through the mechanistic–empirical (M-E) approach, field-evaluated performance, and laboratory test results: a case study on Ontario highways
Authors: Jannat Gulfam E. , Varamini Sina , Tighe Susan L.
Published: September 2019

In North America, highway agencies have started using Superpave as it incorporates a performance-based asphalt binder specification and a mix design analysis system. However, in a pavement management system (PMS), the performance of the pavement structure significantly influences management decisions. In this regard, accurate prediction and evaluation of performance is a very important aspect. With this in mind, this study investigates the performance of Superpave through the mechanistic–empirical (M-E) approach, field-evaluated performance, and laboratory performance tests. It considers 15 sections of highways from Ontario. The investigation found that the international roughness index (IRI) and permanent deformation are overpredicted in the M-E approach compared with field observations. Additionally, to better understand the performance, the dynamic modulus of asphalt mixtures and binder rheological testing are also performed. The master curve developed for the surface mixtures suggests a lower level of fatigue resistance that justifies the bottom-up fatigue failure in the field-observed scenarios.
Visible light promoted porphyrin-based metal-organic adduct
Authors: Pagano Rosanna , Ottolini Michela , Marzo Fabio , Lovergine Nicola , Bettini Simona , Giancane Gabriele , Valli Ludovico
Published: September 2019

Supramolecular adducts formed by a commercial porphyrin derivative and silver nanoparticles have been obtained using exclusively light as an external trigger that is able to promote the formation of the plasmonic nanostructures. In particular, a water-soluble porphyrin, i.e. tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin, has been used. It has been thoroughly characterized by means of UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy in order to explain its peculiar behavior when illumined with visible photons. Herein we demonstrate that, by means of light illumination, it is possible to tune the porphyrin aggregation state. Furthermore, when the monomeric form of the organic macrocycle is induced and a controlled amount of AgNO[Formula: see text] is simultaneously dissolved, it is possible to promote the formation of silver nanostructures using visible light. The proposed approach allowed porphyrin derivatives/Ag nanoparticles hybrid nanostructures to be obtained without using a chemical reducing agent: the porphyrin derivative simultaneously acts as reducing agent when irradiated by visible light and as a capping agent for the silver nanostructures. The organic/inorganic adduct was characterized by means of steady-state fluorescence that highlights a strong energetic or electronic communication between the two species. XRD and SEM investigations evidence that silver nanoparticles are formed without using any reducing agent.
Cost Stickiness in the New Zealand Charity Sector
Authors: Habib Ahsan , Huang Hedy Jiaying
Published: September 2019

We investigate whether New Zealand charities exhibit cost stickiness, conceptualized as cost increases in response to an increase in income that are greater than the cost decreases associated with an equivalent decrease in income. Drawing on the holistic accountability rationale, we posit that charity managers consider themselves accountable to a wide range of stakeholders and, therefore, are more concerned about the social impact of their managerial decisions. As a result, charity managers will be reluctant to adjust resources downward immediately after an income drop, as such decisions could lead to the loss of trust and confidence of their internal and external stakeholders. Based on a large sample of charities in New Zealand, we find evidence of cost stickiness. Importantly, we find that cost stickiness varies across a number of characteristics of charities, including charity size, sources of income and expenditure, crisis periods, and the sectors within which the charities operate. Our study contributes to a hitherto unexplored setting and provides empirical evidence on the theoretical debate of hierarchical versus holistic accountability in the not-for-profit sector.
Age and isotope geochemistry of magmatic rocks of the Lohit Plutonic Complex, eastern Himalaya: implications for the evolution of Transhimalayan arc magmatism
Authors: Bikramaditya R. K. , Chung Sun-Lin , Singh A. Krishnakanta , Lee Hao-Yang , Lin Te-Hsien , Iizuka Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2019

We present integrated
in situ
zircon U–Pb and Hf isotope data, along with whole-rock Sr–Nd isotope and geochemical data for plutonic rocks of the Lohit Plutonic Complex of eastern Himalaya to understand the age distribution and petrogenetic–tectonic evolution of the Transhimalayan batholiths in the eastern Himalaya. The plutonic rocks are gabbro, diorite and quartz-diorite in composition, have calc-alkaline signatures with metaluminous character and have an affinity with Gangdese I-type granitoids of southern Tibet. The enrichment of large ion lithophile elements with highly depleted negative Nb anomalies is consistent with their origin in a subduction-related environment. Our laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U–Pb ages suggest that two major stages of magmatic emplacement took place at
c.
145 Ma (Early Cretaceous) for gabbro and
c
. 100–90 Ma (early Late Cretaceous) for diorite and quartz-diorite. The zircon Hf isotopes in both the gabbro and diorite samples show high positive ε
Hf
(
t
) values between +11 and +20, suggesting crystallization from juvenile crust or depleted mantle derived melts, as also constrained by the low initial
87
Sr/
86
Sr ratios (0.7038–0.7045) and high positive ε
Nd
(
t
) values (+2.9 to +5.9). Results of REE modelling indicate that the source of these rocks is garnet lherzolite. Field observations and mineralogical and geochemical characteristics in conjunction with the isotopic database suggest that the Transhimalayan magmatic rocks in eastern Himalaya were generated by partial melting of the lithospheric mantle wedge and emplaced into the lower crust (
c
. 25–30 km) during at least two major magmatic events that took place in the Cretaceous period.

Supplementary material:
LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb and Hf isotope data are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4665305
SentiFars
Authors: Dehkharghani Rahim
Published: September 2019

There is no doubt about the usefulness of public opinion toward different issues in social media and the World Wide Web. Extracting the feelings of people about an issue from text is not straightforward. Polarity lexicons that assign polarity tags or scores to words and phrases play an important role in sentiment analysis systems. As English is the richest language in this area, getting benefits from existing English resources in order to build new ones has attracted the interest of many researchers in recent years. In this article, we propose a new translation-based approach for building polarity resources in resource-lean languages such as Persian. The results of empirical evaluation of the proposed approach prove its effectiveness. The generated resource is the largest publicly available polarity lexicon for Persian.
JAMS-SG
Authors: Kukkala Vipin Kumar , Pasricha Sudeep , Bradley Thomas
Published: September 2019

Time-triggered automotive networks use time-triggered protocols (FlexRay, TTEthernet, etc.) for periodic message transmissions that often originate from safety and time-critical applications. One of the major challenges with time-triggered transmissions is jitter, which is the unpredictable delay-induced deviation from the actual periodicity of a message. Failure to account for jitter can be catastrophic in time-sensitive systems, such as automotive platforms. In this article, we propose a novel scheduling framework (JAMS-SG) that satisfies timing constraints during message delivery for both jitter-affected time-triggered messages and high-priority event-triggered messages in automotive networks. At design time, JAMS-SG performs jitter-aware frame packing (packing of multiple signals from Electronic Control Units (ECUs) into messages) and schedules synthesis with a hybrid heuristic. At runtime, a Multi-Level Feedback Queue (MLFQ) handles jitter-affected time-triggered messages and high-priority event-triggered messages that are scheduled using a runtime scheduler. Our simulation results, based on messages and network traffic data from a real vehicle, indicate that JAMS-SG is highly scalable and outperforms the best-known prior work in the area in the presence of jitter.
Ovariectomy increases RANKL protein expression in bone marrow adipocytes of C3H/HeJ mice
Authors: Beekman Kerensa M. , Zwaagstra Marleen , Veldhuis-Vlug Annegreet G. , van Essen Huib W. , den Heijer Martin , Maas Mario , Kerckhofs Greet , Parac-Vogt Tatjana N. , Bisschop Peter H. , Bravenboer Nathalie
Published: September 2019

Estrogen deficiency induces bone loss by increasing bone resorption, in part through upregulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). RANKL is secreted by osteoblasts and osteocytes, but more recently bone marrow (pre)adipocytes have also been shown to express RANKL. Estrogen deficiency increases bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ovariectomy (OVX) on RANKL protein expression by bone marrow adipocytes in C3H/HeJ mice. Fourteen-week-old female C3H/HeJ mice ( n = 20) were randomized to sham surgery (Sham) or OVX. After 4 wk animals were euthanized. BMAT volume fraction (BMAT volume/marrow volume) was quantified by polyoxometalate-based contrast-enhanced nano-computed tomography. The percentage of RANKL-positive bone marrow adipocytes (RANKL-positive bone marrow adipocytes/total adipocytes) and the percentage of RANKL-positive osteoblasts covering the bone surface (bone surface covered in RANKL-positive osteoblasts/total bone surface) were quantified in the distal metaphysis of immunohistochemically stained sections of the left femur. The effects of OVX were analyzed by Student’s t test or Mann–Whitney U test. RANKL was detected in osteoblasts, osteocytes, and bone marrow adipocytes. OVX significantly increased mean percentage of RANKL-positive bone marrow adipocytes [mean (SD): Sham 42 (18)%; OVX 64 (12)%; P = 0.029] as well as BMAT volume/marrow volume [median (interquartile range): Sham 1.4 (4.9)%; OVX 7.2 (7.3)%; P = 0.008] compared with Sham. We show that OVX increased both the percentage of RANKL-positive bone marrow adipocytes and the total BMAT volume fraction in C3H/HeJ mice. Therefore, RANKL produced by bone marrow adipocytes could be an important contributor to OVX-induced bone loss in C3H/HeJ mice.
Micro-RNA-27a/b negatively regulates hepatic gluconeogenesis by targeting FOXO1
Authors: Wang Shuyue , Ai Huihan , Liu Lei , Zhang Xiaojun , Gao Feng , Zheng Lihua , Yi Jingwen , Sun Luguo , Yu Chunlei , Zhao Huiying , Li Yuxin
Published: September 2019

In the context of hepatic insulin resistance, hepatic gluconeogenesis is abnormally increased, which results in increased hepatic glucose production and hyperglycemia, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as critical regulators of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. In this study, we found that the expressions of miRNA-27 family members miRNA-27a and miRNA-27b (miR-27a/b) decreased significantly in the livers of diabetic mice. Moreover, the levels of miR-27a/b increased in the serum of patients with type 2 diabetes. Our present results showed that inhibition of miR-27a/b expression led to increased hepatic protein levels of glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and enhanced hepatic gluconeogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of miR-27a/b suppressed hepatic glucose output and alleviated hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. Further study revealed that forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) is a downstream target of miR-27a/b. Taken together, we found novel evidence suggesting that miR-27a/b contributes to hepatic gluconeogenesis through targeting FOXO1 and provided novel mechanistic insight into the pathophysiology of insulin resistance.
Perfusion controls muscle glucose uptake by altering the rate of glucose dispersion in vivo
Authors: McClatchey P. Mason , Williams Ian M. , Xu Zhengang , Mignemi Nicholas A. , Hughey Curtis C. , McGuinness Owen P. , Beckman Joshua A. , Wasserman David H.
Published: September 2019

These studies test, using intravital microscopy (IVM), the hypotheses that perfusion effects on insulin-stimulated muscle glucose uptake (MGU) are 1) capillary recruitment independent and 2) mediated through the dispersion of glucose rather than insulin. For experiment 1, capillary perfusion was visualized before and after intravenous insulin. No capillary recruitment was observed. For experiment 2, mice were treated with vasoactive compounds (sodium nitroprusside, hyaluronidase, and lipopolysaccharide), and dispersion of fluorophores approximating insulin size (10-kDa dextran) and glucose (2-NBDG) was measured using IVM. Subsequently, insulin and 2[14C]deoxyglucose were injected and muscle phospho-2[14C]deoxyglucose (2[C14]DG) accumulation was used as an index of MGU. Flow velocity and 2-NBDG dispersion, but not perfused surface area or 10-kDa dextran dispersion, predicted phospho-2[14C]DG accumulation. For experiment 3, microspheres of the same size and number as are used for contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEU) studies of capillary recruitment were visualized using IVM. Due to their low concentration, microspheres were present in only a small fraction of blood-perfused capillaries. Microsphere-perfused blood volume correlated to flow velocity. These findings suggest that 1) flow velocity rather than capillary recruitment controls microvascular contributions to MGU, 2) glucose dispersion is more predictive of MGU than dispersion of insulin-sized molecules, and 3) CEU measures regional flow velocity rather than capillary recruitment.
Hemorrhagic Stroke in a Young Adult with Undiagnosed Asymptomatic Dandy–Walker Malformation
Authors: Abdul Haleem , Burns Joseph , Estevez Andrea , Nasr El-Nimer Carlos , Ekinde Brinsley , Lacaille Sherard
Published: September 2019

The Dandy–Walker Malformation was first described in 1914 by Dandy and Blackfan and is characterized by hypoplasia of the vermis, pseudocystic fourth ventricle, upward displacement of the tentorium, torcular and lateral sinuses, and anteroposterior enlargement of the posterior fossa. This syndrome commonly manifests as hydrocephalus in children, though rare adult cases have been reported. The literature reveals adult symptomatology including brainstem infarction, psychosis, and neuromuscular disease. Stroke is an exceptionally rare presentation of this malformation, with only one ischemic event reported in the literature. This case offers a rare opportunity for diagnosis in an adult presenting with a hemorrhagic stroke of the basal ganglia in an otherwise asymptomatic young adult male. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a hemorrhagic stroke in an adult patient with Dandy–Walker Malformation.
Finding Damage Localizations of a Planar Truss Using Modal Strain Energy Change
Authors: Wu Xiaoshun , Xia Juwei , Zhu Xuekun
Published: September 2019

A novel structural damage localization method based on modal strain energy changes is proposed. The proposed method does not utilize the first several modes together as usual but selectively makes use of some sensitive modes for each element. Both the magnitude of normalized elemental modal strain energy and the capability of each element to resist identification uncertainties are considered to determine the sensitive modes. Elements’ capability to resist identification uncertainties is calculated by using the Monte Carlo method. Based on determined sensitive modes, an in‐turn damage‐checking process is employed to judge the damage state of each element. A typical planar truss is numerically analyzed. The results show that the proposed method is more effective than that based on modal strain energy change ratio even when using the first several modes together as usual. Furthermore, by utilizing some sensitive modes only, the proposed method becomes much more robust, making damage localization more easy and reliable.
Load Characteristics of Tunnel Lining in Flooded Loess Strata considering Loess Structure
Authors: Liu Yuyang , Lai Hongpeng
Published: September 2019

Loess has a unique structure and water sensitivity, and the immersion of loess leads to many tunnel lining problems in shallowly buried tunnels. Based on a tunnel in Gansu Province in China, two failure glide planes of a shallowly buried loess tunnel and their immersion modes are summarized. Finite element calculation of the structural Duncan‐Chang constitutive model is realized via the secondary development of finite element software, by which the loads on the secondary lining are calculated and verified in comparison with measured results. The load characteristics of the secondary lining are studied. The load evolution is closely related to the immersion position and scope of the load. After the loess near the failure glide plane of the arch foot is flooded, the load on the arch foot sharply increases. As the immersion expands, the maximum load moves from the arch end up to the hance. After the loess near the failure glide plane of the hance is flooded, the load on the hance decreases slightly. The stability of the overlying loess decreases gradually, which causes the loads on the vault and arch shoulder to rapidly increase. Additionally, the load distribution characteristics on the secondary lining are summarized.
Two Secure Privacy-Preserving Data Aggregation Schemes for IoT
Authors: Pu Yuwen , Luo Jin , Hu Chunqiang , Yu Jiguo , Zhao Ruifeng , Huang Hongyu , Xiang Tao
Published: September 2019

As the next generation of information and communication infrastructure, Internet of Things (IoT) enables many advanced applications such as smart healthcare, smart grid, smart home, and so on, which provide the most flexibility and convenience in our daily life. However, pervasive security and privacy issues are also increasing in IoT. For instance, an attacker can get health condition of a patient via analyzing real-time records in a smart healthcare application. Therefore, it is very important for users to protect their private data. In this paper, we present two efficient data aggregation schemes to preserve private data of customers. In the first scheme, each IoT device slices its actual data randomly, keeps one piece to itself, and sends the remaining pieces to other devices which are in the same group via symmetric encryption. Then, each IoT device adds the received pieces and the held piece together to get an immediate result, which is sent to the aggregator after the computation. Moreover, homomorphic encryption and AES encryption are employed to guarantee secure communication. In the second scheme, the slicing strategy is also employed. Noise data are introduced to prevent the exchanged actual data of devices from disclosure when the devices blend data each other. AES encryption is also employed to guarantee secure communication between devices and aggregator, compared to homomorphic encryption, which has significantly less computational cost. Analysis shows that integrity and confidentiality of IoT devices’ data can be guaranteed in our schemes. Both schemes can resist external attack, internal attack, colluding attack, and so on.