bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with skin and mucosal lesions caused by medical devices in newborns: Observational study
Authors: de Faria Maíla Fidalgo , Ferreira Maria Beatriz Guimarães , Felix Márcia Marques dos Santos , Calegari Isadora Braga , Barbosa Maria Helena
Published: July 2019

Aim and objective

To identify the occurrence of skin and mucosal lesions and factors related to the use of medical devices in newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit.

Background

The use of medical devices increases the risk of injury in newborns due to the immaturity and fragility of their skin and mucosa.

Design

Observational and longitudinal study.

Methods

The study included 85 newborns admitted to in a neonatal intensive care unit from a public teaching hospital. Data were collected from February–August 2018. For the evaluation, the Neonatal Skin Condition Score was used, as well as an instrument covering sociodemographic and clinical variables, medical devices in use and materials for skin protection. The study followed the recommendations STROBE. Simple frequency, measures of central tendency and variability, Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analysis were used for data analysis.

Results

Of the n = 85 newborns evaluated, n = 62 (72.9%) presented skin or mucosal lesions caused using medical devices, excoriations being the most observed n = 55 (64.7%), and n = 32 (37.6%) had 1–3 lesions. As the number of devices increased, so did the number of lesions. On the other hand, the age of the newborn and the number of lesions were inversely proportional.

Conclusion

Most participants, n = 62 (72.9%), had skin or mucosal lesions associated with medical devices. The number of medical devices used and the age of the newborn were predictors for this occurrence.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results show that it is fundamental that nurses know the factors that can interfere in the skin and mucosa conditions and, thus, promote the implementation of injury prevention measures in newborns, supporting safe and quality care.
In situ measurement of miR‐138 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue supports the role of this microRNA as a tumor suppressor
Authors: Zeng Dequan , Xu Hao , Ji Ning , Li Jing , Zhou Min , Dan Hongxia , Zhou Yu , Zeng Xin , Jiang Lu , Chen Qianming
Published: July 2019

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the eighth most common cancer worldwide with a relatively high rate of metastasis (~40%). Previously, we showed that microRNA‐138 serves as a functional tumor suppressor and plays an important role in oral squamous cell carcinoma metastasis. However, to date, microRNA‐138 expression has not been examined in this tumor tissue. Herein, we demonstrated that microRNA‐138 expression is downregulated in metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma specimens using tissue microarray technology with in situ hybridization.

Methods

The study included 254 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients from two centers (160 from the Chengdu center and 90 from the Guangzhou center) and four healthy volunteers.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that microRNA‐138 expression was independent of tumor stage, age, gender, smoking, and alcohol consumption in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Interestingly, patients that expressed lower levels of microRNA‐138 (determined by in situ hybridization) were more prone to regional lymph node metastasis and exhibited poorer outcomes. These findings support the role of microRNA‐138 as a tumor suppressor in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

In summary, the expression level of microRNA‐138 is negatively correlated with oral squamous cell carcinoma metastasis; the lower the expression of microRNA‐138, the higher the rate of metastasis and the poorer the prognosis of the patients. Therefore, our study confirms that microRNA‐138 serves as a tumor suppressor and plays a functional role in oral squamous cell carcinoma tumor metastasis; microRNA‐138 constitutes a promising prognosis biomarker and therapeutic target for oral squamous cell carcinoma with metastasis potential.
A hepatitis C outbreak preceded the HIV outbreak among persons who inject drugs in Athens, Greece: Insights from a mathematical modelling study
Authors: Gountas Ilias , Sypsa Vana , Papatheodoridis George , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Kalamitsis George , Anagnostou Olga , Antaraki Argiro , Fotiou Anastasios , Hatzakis Angelos
Published: July 2019

People who inject drugs (PWID) comprise one of the major transmission risk groups for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). In 2011, Athens experienced a large HIV outbreak among PWID. Significant public health interventions were implemented in response to the HIV outbreak. The aims of this study were to estimate the indirect effects of the HIV interventions on HCV infection and to evaluate the concept of the association between HCV and HIV infections in the case of Athens. A dynamic, stochastic, individual‐based model was developed to simulate HCV transmission among PWID. We calibrated the model to reproduce the observed HCV prevalence among PWID in Greece. Two years prior to the HIV outbreak, an undetected HCV outbreak has occurred. In 2009, the incidence of HCV infection increased from 640 (495, 842) cases in 2008 to 1260 (1060, 1500). The mean time from initiation of injecting drug use to HCV acquisition decreased from 29 months in 2008 to 13 months in 2009. After HIV interventions, HCV incidence declined by 64.8% in 2012, compared to 2009. The averted HCV incidence cases attributed to the HIV‐implemented interventions were 2200 (1950, 2480), during 2012‐2015. The cumulative number incident HCV cases in Athens during 2002‐2015 was about 9900 (7800, 12 100). Our results highlight that before the 2011 HIV outbreak in Athens, an HCV outbreak occurred in 2009. Prevention measures for HIV that took place in the Athens metropolitan area in 2012 reduced significantly the incidence of HCV.
The Sound of Rebellion: Voting Dissent and Legislative Speech in the UK House of Commons
Authors: Slapin Jonathan B. , Kirkland Justin H.
Published: July 2019

Using data on the content of debate associated with votes in the UK House of Commons from 1992–2015, this article examines how government party MPs employ language in legislative speech when they vote against the party line. We find a robust statistical association between dissent on votes and the use of first‐person pronouns, simpler language, and giving longer speeches. Using a random forest algorithm for classification, we find that these language covariates are predictive of rebellion. The use of simpler, first‐person language has implications for political representation and offers new insight into how MPs use votes to distinguish themselves from their party, perhaps reflecting attempts to connect with constituents.
‘Prosperity beyond belief’: The interaction between a potato crop boom, vulnerability and volcanic hazard in Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Griffin Christina
Published: July 2019

This article examines the interaction between conditions of vulnerability and a potato crop boom in Central Java's highlands. While partaking in agricultural endeavours on volcanic slopes can bring substantial economic rewards, the local benefits associated with these livelihood activities are often overlooked by disaster scholarship. Drawing on a period of fieldwork conducted in the Dieng Plateau, a region characterized by a series of craters that periodically erupt mud and poisonous gas, this article demonstrates how a potato crop boom has evolved despite, and in part because of, the underlying volcanic hazard. By integrating the sustainable livelihood and agrarian change literatures, the article concludes that the potato boom has provided significant economic opportunity, and through this, a means to reduce vulnerability. Yet, despite these economic gains, the agrarian shift described herein has also introduced new vulnerabilities as farmers have become dependent on a resource intensive crop. These findings demonstrate how theories of agrarian transformation can complement livelihood perspectives in disaster research, and provide greater detail into the local and regional processes that encourage people to often‐profitably farm hazardous land.
Meniscal click in cranial cruciate deficient stifles as a predictor of specific meniscal pathology
Authors: Gleason Hadley E. , Hudson Caleb C. , Cerroni Brittany
Published: July 2019

Objective

To determine the predictive value of meniscal click for specific meniscal tear morphology.

Study design

Prospective cohort.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (104) with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency treated with stifle arthroscopy (111).

Methods

All stifles underwent a standardized examination for meniscal click before anesthesia (EBA) and during anesthesia (EDA). Presence or absence of a medial meniscal tear and diagnosis of tear morphology were confirmed with arthroscopic examination.

Results

Complete CCL tears were noted in 93 dogs, and incompetent partial tears were noted in 18 dogs. Medial meniscal tears were noted in 40.5% (55/111) of dogs, including bucket handle tears (BHT) in 65.6% (36/55) of tears. Frays of the lateral meniscus were noted in 6.3% of dogs (7/111). Examination for meniscal click before anesthesia was 38% sensitive and 94.5% specific, and EDA was 38% sensitive and 98.2% specific for all meniscal tear morphologies. Positive meniscal click at EBA was associated with a meniscal BHT but not with a meniscal non‐BHT (P < .0001 and P = .3515, respectively). Positive meniscal click at EDA was associated with a meniscal BHT but not with a meniscal non‐BHT (P < .0001 and P = .1909, respectively).

Conclusion

A meniscal click is more commonly associated with a meniscal BHT than with a non‐BHT.

Clinical significance

Meniscal tear morphology influences the presence or absence of meniscal click. Because of the high incidence of meniscal disease, this study provides evidence to support joint exploration in the treatment of CCL disease.
Nasal Spray Device for Administration of Two-Part Drug Formulations
Authors: Rautiola Davin , Siegel Ronald A.
Published: July 2019

Intranasal drug delivery is an attractive route to noninvasively achieve a rapid therapeutic effect, avoid first pass metabolism, and bypass the blood brain barrier. However, the types of drugs that can be administered by this route has been limited, in part, by device technology. Herein, we describe a pneumatic nasal spray device that is capable of mixing liquid and solid components of a drug formulation as part of the actuation process during dose administration. The ability to store a nasal spray drug formulation as two separate components can be leveraged to solve a variety of stability issues that would otherwise preclude intranasal administration. Examples of drugs that could be delivered intranasally by utilizing this two-part formulation strategy include biomolecules that are unstable in solution and low solubility drugs that can be rendered into metastable supersaturated solutions. A proof of concept nasal spray device prototype was constructed to demonstrate that a liquid and solid can be rapidly mixed and atomized into a spray in a single action. The primary breakup distance and angle of the spray cone were measured as a function of the function of the propellant gas pressure.
Grasp Rehabilitator: A Mechatronic Approach
Authors: Raj Kumar Ashwin , Bilaloglu Seda , Raghavan Preeti , Kapila Vikram
Published: July 2019

Grasping and manipulation are critical for many activities of daily living. However, current approaches to grasp rehabilitation do not measure coordination of fingertip forces nor provide metrics for feedback to the user as an aid in regaining fingertip coordination. This paper presents a low-cost mechatronic approach to design and develop a portable and commercially viable grasp rehabilitation device. The performance of the newly developed grasp rehabilitator is compared with an existing research-grade grasping device on a grip and lift task. The results suggest that the newly developed grasp rehabilitator can provide key force measurements that are equivalent to the ones provided by the research-grade grasping device, indicating its validity and potential viability for rehabilitation.
Simulation of a Novel Intrathecal Device for CSF Sampling and Delivery of Chemotherapy in Leukemia Patients
Authors: De Hoyos Reyes Alicia
Published: July 2019

Current chemotherapy delivery methods and CSF sampling in leukemia pediatric patients represents a challenge with multiple associated risks creating the need for a more efficient technique. The proposed design of a novel intrathecal device was submitted to computer simulation analysis finding promising results regarding the fluid behavior inside the port and the structural performance of the components.
A Method and Mechanism for Harvesting Intact Autograft for Osteochondral Transplantation
Authors: Biswas Pradipta , Sikander Sakura , Kulkarni Pankaj , Song Sang-Eun
Published: July 2019

Cartilage plays an important role in reducing mechanical stress and assist with smooth limb movement. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of articular cartilage and bone. This osteochondral region is difficult to heal because of its dissimilar healing capability, so osteochondral transplantation is the most common method to resolve this issue. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis develops after a joint injury and can damage the cartilage and accelerate its wear and tear. Mosaicplasty is the most widely used method involving transplantation of small cylindrical bone cartilage plugs to fill up the affected region. The success of harvesting a larger and complex shaped graft to replace the damaged osteochondral area lies in effective extraction of the cartilage-bone graft from the donor site. Currently, no method exists to perform this procedure for autologous transplantation due to the complexity involved to extract graft without damaging the donor site. In this paper, we propose a novel graft removal mechanism to harvest a personalized autologous graft of virtually any shape and size. Our method involves drilling a profile similar to the effected region on the donor site and slicing off the desired cartilage-bone graft from its root to harvest it. We developed a new graft removal mechanism capable of inserting a flexible saw parallel to the transverse plane and slice the graft parallel to the coronal plane to extract a donor graft for autografting procedures.
Giant Magnetoresistive Based Handheld System for Rapid Detection of Human NT-proBNP
Authors: Wang Wei , Klein Todd , Collins James
Published: July 2019

In this work, we developed giant magnetoresistive (GMR) based handheld biosensing systems that serve as platform for detecting human NT-proBNP. This assay takes advantages of high sensitivity and real-time signal readout of GMR biosensor. The limit of detection was estimated to be less than 0.01ng/mL, and detection range covered from 0.01 ng/mL to 5 ng/mL was obtained. The assay can be completed within 20 min, which is very important for further development of point-of-care testing. The proposed GMR handheld system is also successfully used for the detection of real NT-proBNP human samples. It can be foreseen that this handheld detection system could become a robust contender in the applications of in vitro biomarker diagnostics.
A Soft High Force Hand Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation and Assistance of Spinal Cord Injury and Stroke Individuals
Authors: Yu Shuangyue , Perez Hadia , Barkas James , Mohamed Mohamed , Eldaly Mohamed , Huang Tzu-Hao , Yang Xiaolong , Su Hao , del Mar Cortes Maria , Edwards Dylan J.
Published: July 2019

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke who is lack of manipulation capability have a particular need for robotic hand exoskeletons. Among assistive and rehabilitative medical exoskeletons, there exists a sharp trade-off between device power on the one hand and ergonomics and portability on other, devices that provide stronger grasping assistance do so at the cost of patient comfort. This paper proposes using fin-ray-inspired, cable-driven finger orthoses to generate high fingertip forces without the painful compressive and shear stresses commonly associated with conventional cable-drive exoskeletons. With combination cable-driven transmission and segmented-finger orthoses, the exoskeleton transmitted larger forces and applied torques discretely to the fingers, leading to strong fingertip forces. A prototype of the finger orthoses and associated cable transmission was fabricated, and force transmission tests of the prototype in the finger flexion mode demonstrated a 2:1 input-output ratio between cable tension and fingertip force, with a maximum fingertip force of 22 N. Moreover, the proposed design provides a comfortable experience for wearers thanks to its lightweight and conformal properties to the hands.
Tool for Transbronchial Biopsies of Peripheral Lung Nodules
Authors: Fai Gills , Ostlie Sarah , Greminger Michael , Cho Roy , Dincer H. Erhan
Published: July 2019

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. In order to determine if lung nodules are cancerous, a biopsy needs to be taken. There is a need to be able to perform more of these biopsies through a transbronchial approach in order to reduce the risk of pneumothorax that is associated with transthoracic biopsies. This is particularly the case at the periphery of the lung where the bronchioles become too small for a traditional bronchoscope. The proposed biopsy tool incorporates a compact coaxial camera and illumination configuration to make it more compact than a traditional bronchoscope. It also includes a new flexible needle design that allows a biopsy to be taken adjacent to a radial ultrasound transducer. The navigation and tissue biopsy capabilities of the proposed device are demonstrated through benchtop and animal testing.
Ultrasound Needle Tracking Inside a Soft Phantom and Methods to Improve the Needle Tip Visualization
Authors: Khashei Varnamkhasti Zahra , Konh Bardia , Haji Maghsoudi Omid , Yu Yan , Liao Lydia
Published: July 2019

Needle insertion is used in many percutaneous surgical procedures such as thermal ablation, biopsy and brachytherapy. Since accurate placement of the needle tip governs the success of these procedures, needle tip tracking is particularly important during the insertion. Many research groups use phantom materials to test their proposed needle insertion technique for either developmental or training purposes. This work suggests new methods to improve visualization of the needle tip inside the phantom materials and thereby an enhanced needle tip tracking. Needle insertion tests were performed in phantoms with different transparency, and the needle tip tracking was done via an ultrasound machine. Simple Linear Iterative Clustering (SLIC) was then used to track the needle tip in different phantoms. The proposed method improved the needle tip visualization in ultrasound needle tracking.
Profiling Multiscale Frequency State of Normal Phonocardiogram: Feasibility Study
Authors: Siva Baala Sundaram Divaakar , Muthyala Anjani , Balasubramani Rogith , Shivaram Suganti , Karki Susan , Poigai Arunachalam Shivaram
Published: July 2019

Phonocardiogram (PCG) signals contain very important information regarding the heart condition. Recently, several automatic detection algorithms have been explored to profile the characteristics of heart sounds to aid in disease diagnosis. However, many of these methods has been demonstrated only on clean signals with limited test data and variety of PCG signals that can accurately provide information of diagnostic importance with higher sensitivity and specificity. In this work, we propose to characterize the multiscale frequency state of the normal PCG signals that can aid in accurate profiling of PCG to discriminate from pathological conditions.
A Curved Port Delivery System for Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy of Brain Tumors
Authors: Agwu Nnaoma , Deprow Kyle , Williams John E. , Gorlewicz Jenna L. , Leuthardt Eric C.
Published: July 2019

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a neurosurgical procedure that involves using heat treatment to ablate glioblastomas in the brain. Current methods for placing probes in LITT involve straight trajectory pathways. This limitation often requires surgeons to make multiple trajectories or leave undesired margins. There has been extensive work in steerable needles, concentric tube cannulas, and flexible surgical tools. In this work, we present an approach which focuses on providing steerability to tools that aren’t inherently steerable. To do this, we developed a curved port delivery system that leverages an active cannula for the deployment of a plastic, flexible port that delivers existing surgical tools. We present an initial prototype coupled with feasibility results illustrating that the port can be placed to steer probes to a desired location.
Advancing Directional Deep Brain Stimulation Array Technology
Authors: Slopsema Julia P. , Cass Robert , Hjelle Mark , Johnson Matthew D.
Published: July 2019

The degree to which deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy can effectively treat various brain disorders depends on how well one can selectively stimulate one or more axonal pathways within the brain. There is rapidly growing clinical interest in DBS lead implant designs with electrode arrangements that can better target axonal pathways of interest, especially in cases where the optimal target is immediately adjacent to a pathway that when stimulated will elicit adverse side effects. Numerical modeling has demonstrated that DBS leads with four radially segmented electrodes provide the best balance of directional targeting capability while minimizing the overall number of electrode contacts [1]. Here, we present a novel 4×4 DBS lead (16-channel electrode array) with the same form factor and materials as current 4 or 8-channel FDA-approved DBS leads. Electrode impedance spectroscopy was performed for three of these 4×4 DBS leads showing reliable electrode impedances before and after implantation within the brain.
Risk-Based Analysis of Femoral Stem Considering Uncertainty in its Design Parameters
Authors: Wanki Godlove , Ekwaro-Osire Stephen , Dias João Paulo , Cunha Americo
Published: July 2019

The number of young people getting total hip arthroplasty surgery is on the rise and studies have shown that the average number of perfect health years after such surgery is being reduced to about 9 years; this is because of complications which can lead to the failure of such implants. Consequently, such failures cause the implant not to last as long as required. The uncertainty in design parameters, loading, and even the manufacturing process of femoral stems, makes it important to consider uncertainty quantification and probabilistic modeling approaches instead of the traditional deterministic approach when designing femoral stems. This paper proposes a probabilistic analysis method which considers uncertainties in the design parameters of femoral implants to determine its effect on the implant stiffness. Accordingly, this method can be used to improve the design reliability of femoral stems. A simplified finite element model of a femoral stem was considered and analyzed both deterministically and probabilistically using Monte Carlo simulation. The results showed that uncertainties in design parameters can significantly affect the resulting stiffness of the stem. This paper proposes an approach that can be considered a potential solution for improving, in general, the reliability of hip implants and the predicted stiffness values for the femoral stems so as to better mitigate the stress shielding phenomenon.
Comparison of five DNA extracting protocols from Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) bagdasarjani Wainsten and Arutunjan (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Hosseininia Asghar , Khanjani Mohammad , Asadi Mahdieh , Soltani Jalal
Published: July 2019

Obtaining clean DNA from mites to be used in molecular studies has always been a challenging task. In this study, five protocols (CTAB-based handmade kit, salting out protocol, STE protocol, modified CTAB-based protocol and wizard Genomic DNA purification kit) were evaluated to extract DNA from Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) bagdasarjani. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the DNA concentrations and a comparison between the ratio of absorption of wavelength from 260 to 280 nm in a completely randomized split plot design for five extraction protocols and three levels of 1, 5, 10 mites were performed. PCR protocol was used to examine the amplification of the ITS1 fragment from the specimens. The results showed that wizard kit and CTAB modified protocol were the bests. However, economically, modified CTAB-based protocol is the best choice for extensive experiments, since this protocol allows extracting DNA from an individual mite and provides the highest concentration DNA (143.35±0.85ng) and the best OD (1.80±0.03) for molecular studies.
Quantum mechanical MRI simulations: Solving the matrix dimension problem
Authors: Allami Ahmed J. , Concilio Maria Grazia , Lally Pavan , Kuprov Ilya
Published: July 2019

The direct product between classical and quantum degrees of freedom may be left unopened.
Cell Biology of Intracellular Adaptation of
Mycobacterium leprae
in the Peripheral Nervous System
Authors: Hess Samuel , Rambukkana Anura
Published: July 2019

The mammalian nervous system is invaded by a number of intracellular bacterial pathogens which can establish and progress infection in susceptible individuals. Subsequent clinical manifestation is apparent with the impairment of the functional units of the nervous system, i.e., the neurons and the supporting glial cells that produce myelin sheaths around axons and provide trophic support to axons and neurons. Most of these neurotrophic bacteria display unique features, have coevolved with the functional sophistication of the nervous system cells, and have adapted remarkably to manipulate neural cell functions for their own advantage. Understanding how these bacterial pathogens establish intracellular adaptation by hijacking endogenous pathways in the nervous system, initiating myelin damage and axonal degeneration, and interfering with myelin maintenance provides new knowledge not only for developing strategies to combat neurodegenerative conditions induced by these pathogens but also for gaining novel insights into cellular and molecular pathways that regulate nervous system functions. Since the pathways hijacked by bacterial pathogens may also be associated with other neurodegenerative diseases, it is anticipated that detailing the mechanisms of bacterial manipulation of neural systems may shed light on common mechanisms, particularly of early disease events. This chapter details a classic example of neurodegeneration, that caused by
Mycobacterium leprae
, which primarily infects glial cells of the peripheral nervous system (Schwann cells), and how it targets and adapts intracellularly by reprogramming Schwann cells to stem cells/progenitor cells. We also discuss implications of this host cell reprogramming by leprosy bacilli as a model in a wider context.
Developing and evaluating a lay health worker delivered implementation intervention to decrease engagement disparities in behavioural parent training: a mixed methods study protocol
Authors: Barnett Miya , Miranda Jeanne , Kia-Keating Maryam , Saldana Lisa , Landsverk John , Lau Anna S
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Behavioural parent training (BPT) programmes are effective in preventing and treating early-onset conduct problems and child maltreatment. Unfortunately, pervasive mental health service disparities continue to limit access to and engagement in these interventions. Furthermore, challenges with parental engagement can impede the successful implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in community settings that serve low-income, ethnic minority families. Lay health workers (LHWs)—individuals without formal mental health training—represent an important workforce to increase engagement, as they are members of the communities they serve. However, the mobilisation of LHWs has not been well studied as an implementation strategy to extend the reach or effectiveness of EBPs in the USA. LHW-delivered implementation interventions that specifically support the engagement of Latinx parents in evidence-based BPT programmes have the potential to improve clinical and implementation outcomes.

Methods and analysis

A community-partnered approach will use the Quality Implementation Framework (QIF) to tailor and implement an LHW-delivered implementation intervention that aims to promote Latinx parent engagement in BPT programmes. Steps from the QIF will guide study activities to (1) conduct a mixed methods needs assessment to fit the implementation intervention to the local context, (2) adapt LHW-delivered implementation strategies to promote parent access to and engagement in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and (3) conduct a hybrid effectiveness-implementation pilot trial to examine the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of the LHW implementation intervention at increasing engagement.

Ethics and dissemination

Study procedures have been approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Results will be shared with the community-advisory group, at community-based meetings for other stakeholders involved in the pilot project, and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Stochastic stability of invariant measures: The 2D Euler equation
Authors: Cipriano F. , Ouerdiane H. , Mendes R. Vilela
Published: July 2019

In finite-dimensional dissipative dynamical systems, stochastic stability provides the selection of the physically relevant measures. That this might also apply to systems defined by partial differential equations, both dissipative and conservative, is the inspiration for this work. As an example, the 2D Euler equation is studied. Among other results this study suggests that the coherent structures observed in 2D hydrodynamics are associated with configurations that maximize stochastically stable measures uniquely determined by the boundary conditions in dynamical space.
Explanations for the Quality of Biodiversity Inputs to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Areas with High Biodiversity Value
Authors: Swanepoel Felicity , Retief Francois , Bond Alan , Pope Jenny , Morrison-Saunders Angus , Houptfleisch Morgan , Fundingsland Monica
Published: July 2019

Biodiversity is under significant threat globally and therefore the biodiversity input to environmental impact assessment (EIA) is important. The quality of biodiversity inputs needs to be high if biodiversity is to be protected, especially in areas with high biodiversity value. Here, we follow-up quality reviews of biodiversity inputs to EIA reports, through interviews with the biodiversity specialists who authored the biodiversity inputs, in order to find explanations for the quality results. This is the first quality review research to systematically engage with biodiversity specialists in this way. The biodiversity specialists highlighted professional registration as a key factor supporting strengths around professional conduct and gathering of baseline information. Weaknesses identified relate to review areas dealing with alternatives, public participation, prediction, as well as management actions and monitoring arrangements, which seem to be the result of a lack of understanding and/or agreement on the role of the biodiversity specialists in the EIA process. The research results suggest that ideally biodiversity inputs should not be seen as a one-off contribution but rather as an iterative contribution during different stages of the EIA process.
Acetylcholine-producing T cells augment innate immune-driven colitis but are redundant in T cell-driven colitis
Authors: Willemze Rose A. , Brinkman David J. , Welting Olaf , van Hamersveld Patricia H. P. , Verseijden Caroline , Luyer Misha D. , Wildenberg Manon E. , Seppen Jurgen , de Jonge Wouter J.
Published: July 2019

Clinical trials suggest that vagus nerve stimulation presents an alternative approach to classical immune suppression in Crohn's disease. T cells capable of producing acetylcholine (ChAT+ T cells) in the spleen are essential mediators of the anti-inflammatory effect of vagus nerve stimulation. Besides the spleen, ChAT+ T cells are found abundantly in Peyer’s patches of the small intestine. However, the role of ChAT+ T cells in colitis pathogenesis is unknown. Here, we made use of CD4creChATfl/fl mice (CD4ChAT−/− mice) lacking ChAT expression specifically in CD4+ T cells. Littermates (ChATfl/fl mice) served as controls. In acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis (7 days of 2% DSS in drinking water), CD4ChAT−/− mice showed attenuated colitis and lower intestinal inflammatory cytokine levels compared with ChATfl/fl mice. In contrast, in a resolution model of DSS-induced colitis (5 days of 2% DSS followed by 7 days without DSS), CD4ChAT−/− mice demonstrated a worsened colitis recovery and augmented colonic histological inflammation scores and inflammatory cytokine levels as compared with ChATfl/fl mice. In a transfer colitis model using CD4+CD45RBhigh T cells, T cells from CD4ChAT−/− mice induced a similar level of colitis compared with ChATfl/fl T cells. Together, our results indicate that ChAT+ T cells aggravate the acute innate immune response upon mucosal barrier disruption in an acute DSS-induced colitis model, whereas they are supporting the later resolution process of this innate immune-driven colitis. Surprisingly, ChAT expression in T cells seems redundant in the context of T cell-driven colitis.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY By using different mouse models of experimental colitis, we provide evidence that in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, ChAT+ T cells capable of producing acetylcholine worsen the acute immune response, whereas they support the later healing phase of this innate immune-driven colitis.
Impairment of Vestibular Function and Balance Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Li Jin , Jiang Jana , Zhang Yi , Liu Bo , Zhang Luo
Published: July 2019

Background: Recent evidence suggests that falls are a major complication of diabetes in elderly patients, leading to disability and preventable death. However, the potential risk factors leading to falls in patients with type 2 diabetes are not fully understood. This study was designed to explore the characteristics of vestibular dysfunction and balance control in patients with type 2 diabetes and to analyse the risk factors associated with falls. Methods: The study recruited 51 patients with type 2 diabetes and 43 controls who underwent vestibular function tests and balance control capability tests between January 2013 and December 2015. Vestibular function and balance control capability assessment was based on slow-phase velocity, canal paresis, Sensory Organisation Test (SOT) score, Limits of Stability Test (LOS) score, and Motor Control Test (MCT) score. Results: In all, 56.7% of the diabetic patients had vestibular dysfunction, compared with 27.9% of the controls (p = 0.005). Vestibular dysfunction was dependent on the duration of the disease and serum HbA1c levels. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to the balance test results for SOT score, somatosensory subtest score, vestibular subtest score, or LOS score. However, the visual system and MCT scores were significantly lower in the diabetic patients than in the controls (p = 0.032 and p = 0.018, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with type 2 diabetes have a higher incidence of vestibular dysfunction. Vestibular dysfunction, visual system impairment, and a decline in motion control may be the risk factors that can lead to falls, and thus need to be managed accordingly in diabetic patients.
Recorrências na abordagem de velhices centenárias em matérias de perfil
Authors: Liesenberg Cintia
Published: July 2019

O artigo baseia-se em achados da pesquisa de doutorado que buscou problematizar discursos e representações sociais da velhice em circulação nas mídias. Foca-se na análise de recorrências em torno de velhices centenárias, levantadas em matérias do gênero perfil, compartilhadas pela página do Portal do Envelhecimento no Facebook. Tem como apoio as Ciências da Linguagem e a Análise de Discurso francesa, entre outros fundamentos. Como resultado principal, encontra uma cena enunciativa que toma essas velhices como locus do saber sobre o segredo da longevidade, mas que, no entanto, anula sua voz.
Impact of Prolonged Spaceflight on Orthostatic Tolerance During Ambulation and Blood Pressure Profiles in Astronauts
Authors: Fu Qi , Shibata Shigeki , Hastings Jeffrey L. , Platts Steven H. , Hamilton Douglas M. , Bungo Michael W. , Stenger Michael B. , Ribeiro Christine , Adams-Huet Beverley , Levine Benjamin D.
Published: July 2019

Background:

Astronauts returning to earth usually demonstrate reduced orthostatic tolerance when assessed on a tilt table or quiet standing, but no studies have evaluated postflight orthostatic tolerance during activities of daily living, when it is most clinically relevant. Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) variability also is associated with orthostatic intolerance in certain patient populations and can capture clinically significant orthostatic hypotension during activities of daily living, especially when measured on a beat-to-beat basis. We evaluated the impact of prolonged spaceflight on orthostatic tolerance and BP profiles in astronauts.

Methods:

Ambulatory beat-to-beat BP was recorded using a portable device for multiple 24-hour time periods before, during, and after 6 months of spaceflight in 12 astronauts (4 women; age 48±5 [mean±SD] years). BP variability in the time domain was calculated as the SD. Systolic BP distribution during activities of daily living was characterized by skewness and kurtosis.

Results:

In contrast with results from previous studies that used tilt tables or stand tests, no astronaut experienced orthostatic intolerance/hypotension during activities of daily living before or after spaceflight. Also, 24-hour systolic BP decreased in space (120±10 mm Hg before spaceflight versus 106±9 mm Hg during spaceflight;
P
<0.01), but it returned to normal upon landing (122±13 mm Hg). Diastolic BP was unchanged during and after spaceflight. Systolic and diastolic BP variability remained the same before, during, and after spaceflight (both
P
>0.05). The skewness of systolic BP increased in space (0.74±0.51 versus 1.43±1.00;
P
=0.001), indicating that signal fluctuations became asymmetrical; however, it returned to preflight levels after landing (0.51±0.42). The kurtosis increased in space (5.01±7.67 versus 11.10±11.79;
P
=0.010), suggesting that fluctuations concentrated around the mean with a narrow distribution; however, it also returned to preflight levels (2.21±2.56) after return to earth.

Conclusions:

Given current countermeasures including in-flight exercise training and volume resuscitation on return, no astronauts experienced orthostatic hypotension or intolerance during routine (for landing day) activities in the initial 24 hours after landing following 6 months in space. Prolonged exposure to spaceflight had little impact on systolic BP variability and its distribution, although the latter showed a transient change in space (accompanied by mild relative hypotension), all of which returned to preflight values after return to earth.
In‐Hospital and Postdischarge Mortality Among Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Hospitalizations Ending on the Weekend Versus Weekday: The ARIC Study Community Surveillance
Authors: Mounsey Louisa A. , Chang Patricia P. , Sueta Carla A. , Matsushita Kunihiro , Russell Stuart D. , Caughey Melissa C.
Published: July 2019

Background

Hospital staffing is usually reduced on weekends, potentially impacting inpatient care and postdischarge coordination of care for patients with acute decompensated heart failure (
ADHF
). However, investigations of in‐hospital mortality on the weekend versus weekday, and post‐hospital outcomes of weekend versus weekday discharge are scarce.

Methods and Results

Hospitalizations for
ADHF
were sampled by stratified design from 4
US
areas by the Community Surveillance component of the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study.
ADHF
was classified by a standardized computer algorithm and physician review of the medical records. Discharges or deaths on Saturday, Sunday, or national holidays were considered to occur on the “weekend.” In‐hospital mortality was compared between hospitalizations ending on a weekend versus weekday. Post‐hospital (28‐day) mortality was compared among patients discharged alive on a weekend versus weekday. From 2005 to 2014, 39 699 weighted
ADHF
hospitalizations were identified (19% terminating on a weekend). Demographics, comorbidities, length of stay, and guideline‐directed therapies were similar for patients with hospitalizations ending on a weekend versus weekday. In‐hospital death doubled on the weekend compared with weekday (12% versus 6%) and was not attenuated by adjustment for potential confounders (odds ratio, 2.37; 95%
CI
, 1.93–2.91). There was no association between weekend discharge and 28‐day mortality among patients discharged alive.

Conclusions

The risk of in‐hospital death among patients admitted with
ADHF
appears to be doubled on the weekends when hospital staffing is usually reduced. However, among patients discharged alive, hospital discharge on a weekend is not adversely associated with mortality.
Altered Prefrontal Theta and Gamma Activity during an Emotional Face Processing Task in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Chen Witney , de Hemptinne Coralie , Leibbrand Michael , Miller Andrew M. , Larson Paul S. , Starr Philip A.
Published: July 2019

Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) often experience nonmotor symptoms including cognitive deficits, depression, and anxiety. Cognitive and affective processes are thought to be mediated by prefrontal cortico-basal ganglia circuitry. However, the topography and neurophysiology of prefrontal cortical activity during complex tasks are not well characterized. We used high-resolution electrocorticography in pFC of patients with PD and essential tremor, during implantation of deep brain stimulator leads in the awake state, to understand disease-specific changes in prefrontal activity during an emotional face processing task. We found that patients with PD had less task-related theta–alpha power and greater task-related gamma power in the dorsolateral pFC, inferior frontal cortex, and lateral OFC. These findings support a model of prefrontal neurophysiological changes in the dopamine-depleted state, in which focal areas of hyperactivity in prefrontal cortical regions may compensate for impaired long-range interactions mediated by low-frequency rhythms. These distinct neurophysiological changes suggest that nonmotor circuits undergo characteristic changes in PD.
What is Comparative Medicine?
Authors: Bradley O. Charnock
Published: July 2019

Inasmuch as it includes the study of disease in a considerable number of animals belonging to widely different species, there is some ground for regarding veterinary medicine as being comparative medicine. But this is held to be too narrow an application of the term.

There is better reason for the contention that human and veterinary medicine together compose comparative medicine. Notwithstanding marked differences between some of the diseases of man and those of the lower animals, the similarities and resemblances are much more numerous. Human and veterinary medicine are confronted with similar problems and employ similar means for their solution; and, taken together, they deal with a large group of animals sufficient to justify the contention that they are two branches of one medicine. But an even wider and more comprehensive conception of comparative medicine is suggested. It is held to embrace the study of disease processes in all animals (and possibly in plants also), in all conditions, and with the help of all available means. Its corpus contains elements that have been contributed, and are being contributed, from widely different sources. The physicist, the chemist, the physiologist, and others make discoveries that are susceptible of incorporation; and thus is accumulated a store of linked facts from which practitioners of human and veterinary medicine take what they need, and taking, give.
Concerning the Origin and Nature of Osteoblasts
Authors: Keith Arthur
Published: July 2019

Three specimens are described which illustrate the formation of true bone in laparotomy wounds of the epigastric region of the abdomen. The literature dealing with their occurrence is surveyed and it is found that the majority of instances (34 out of 36) occur n laparotomy wounds made in or near the supra-umbilical part of the linea alba. Specimens in the R.C.S. Museum are enumerated illustrating heterotopic formation of bone in organs and parts which have no direct connexion with the skeletal system. An attempt is made to explain their occurrence on the traditional conception of bone-growth, namely, that it is the work of a specialized cell normally confined to the skeletal system. It is concluded that the heterotopic formation of bone cannot be explained unless it be accepted, as is now advocated by Professor Leriche, of Strassburg, that under certain states cells of tissues other than the skeletal can become osteoblastic in nature and in action—a view supported by the results of many recent experimental investigations. The view advocated here, not a novel one, is that “new” osteoblasts arise from the capillary system—especially from buds thrown out by that system when a neighbouring substance or body has to be absorbed. Certain necessary conditions are mentioned, but it is admitted that a full and satisfactory explanation of why supra-umbilical scars are more frequently the site of heterotopic bone formation than laparotomy scars in other parts of the abdomen has not been reached.
Routes of Absorption in Hydronephrosis: Experimentation with Dyes in the Totally Obstructed Ureter
Authors: Morison Duncan M.
Published: July 2019

In hydronephrosis the contents of the renal pelvis are constantly being changed. The exact mode of the interchange is still obscure. With the hope of obtaining some evidence of this absorption, a series of experiments has been carried out, introducing dyes at various periods in total hydronephrosis.

The findings of previous experimental work on the subject are conflicting. Two views are held; one, that absorption occurs solely through the tubular system, and the other, that there is a direct outflow from the renal pelvis into the venous system.

In the present work only such an amount of dye was introduced in each instance as to be well within the pelvic capacity of the type of kidney (rabbit). The factor of positive pressure forcing the dye into abnormal channels was thus reduced to a minimum.

Two groups of experiments were undertaken. In Group I, the dye was introduced at the outset of the hydronephrosis, and in Group II the dye was introduced at varying periods in the course of an established hydronephrosis.

The results obtained would indicate that in total hydronephrosis there are two routes of absorption from the renal pelvis, i.e., lymphatic and tubular. At the outset of complete ureteral obstruction there ensues for the first two or three days an active lymphatic absorption from the walls of the renal pelvis and ureter. After about the third day, tubular absorption commences and continues more actively than the lymphatic. If, however, dye is not introduced till the third day of a hydronephrosis, there is rapid tubular absorption but no lymphatic absorption. With longer periods of hydronephrosis the dye is drawn up the tubule system as far as the convoluted tubules. The further absorption of dye into the general system has not yet been obtained.