bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients from a Reference Centre in Kaunas, Lithuania
Authors: Kucinskiene Vesta , Jariene Vaiva , Valiukeviciene Skaidra
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Clinical data on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) derived mainly from studies in Western Europe and the USA, raising the risk of potential selection bias. According to the official data, during 2006–2015 the incidence of HS in Lithuania was 23.5 cases per 100,000 population with a female-to-male ratio of 2:1. A more fine-grained data set would however be of great relevance to further understanding this disease. Collection of standardized data enables the comparison of populations of patients across samples. Objectives: To present a cohort of HS patients with uniformly collected data according to European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation/European Reference Network–Skin recommendations. Methods: The demographic and clinical data of a total of 37 HS patients, included over a 3-year period (from 2016 to January 2019) in a local database of the reference centre of Rare Skin Diseases in the Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos, were analysed. Non-parametric tests such as χ2 and Mann-Whitney were used for assessing interdependence between qualitative data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to find out the factors statistically related with significant diagnostic delay. Results: The mean duration of diagnosis delay was 5.5 (±5.9) years in females and 6.6 (±8.2) years in males. A significant delay (>2 years) was reported in 29/37 (78.4%) cases and was not related with sex, age at HS diagnosis or disease severity. The groin area was more affected in females than in males. There was no statistically significant difference between sex and Hurley stage, HS Physician Global Assessment, International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System, visual analogue scale and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores. Combined (medical and surgery) HS treatment was applied to 46.0% and monotherapy (medical or surgery) to 54.0% of patients. Conclusions: Standardized collection of epidemiological and clinical data is required to improve the quality of HS patient data and allow for international comparisons and pooling of data for research purposes.
Kisspeptin Neuron-Specific and Self-Sustained Calcium Oscillation in the Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus of Neonatal Mice: Regulatory Factors of its Synchronization
Authors: Kim Doyeon , Jang Sangwon , Kim Jeongah , Park Inah , Ku Kyojin , Choi Mijung , Lee Sukwon , Heo Won Do , Son Gi Hoon , Choe Han Kyoung , Kim Kyungjin
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Synchronous and pulsatile neural activation of kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARN) are important components of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse generator, the final common pathway for central regulation of mammalian reproduction. However, whether ARN kisspeptin neurons can intrinsically generate self-sustained synchronous oscillations from the early neonatal period and how they are regulated remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to examine the endogenous rhythmicity of ARN kisspeptin neurons and its neural regulation using a neonatal organotypic slice culture model. Methods: We monitored calcium (Ca2+) dynamics in real-time from individual ARN kisspeptin neurons in neonatal organotypic explant cultures of Kiss1-IRES-Cre mice transduced with genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators. Pharmacological approaches were employed to determine the regulations of kisspeptin neuron-specific Ca2+ oscillations. A chemogenetic approach was utilized to assess the contribution of ARN kisspeptin neurons to the population dynamics. Results: ARN kisspeptin neurons in neonatal organotypic cultures exhibited a robust synchronized Ca2+ oscillation with a period of approximately 3 min. Kisspeptin neuron-specific Ca2+ oscillations were dependent on voltage-gated sodium channels and regulated by endoplasmic reticulum-dependent Ca2+ homeostasis. Chemogenetic inhibition of kisspeptin neurons abolished synchronous Ca2+ oscillations, but the autocrine actions of the neuropeptides were marginally effective. Finally, neonatal ARN kisspeptin neurons were regulated by N-methyl-D-aspartate and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor-mediated neurotransmission. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that ARN kisspeptin neurons in organotypic cultures can generate synchronized and self-sustained Ca2+ oscillations. These oscillations controlled by multiple regulators within the ARN are a novel ultradian rhythm generator that is active during the early neonatal period.
Rate of Postoperative Autofluorescent Macular Shift with Expanding Gas Bubble Tamponade and No Prone Posture Ambulatory Care in Patients with Macula-Involved Retinal Detachment
Authors: Fajgenbaum Mark A.P. , Antonakis Serafeim , Williamson Tom H.  , Laidlaw David A.H. 
Published: January 2020

Purpose: Chronically distorted vision is an important adverse outcome in patients with otherwise successfully treated macula-involved retinal detachment (RD). Symptomatic distortion is associated with macular vessel shift on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging. Immediate prone posture has to date been the only mechanism adopted to reduce postoperative FAF shift. The aim of this study was to establish the rates of primary anatomical success and (FAF) macular shift in 67 eyes with macula-involved RD and superior breaks treated with vitrectomy, retinopexy, 0.7–1 mL 100% gas tamponade, and no prone posture. Methods: Single-center, retrospective series. Results: Rates of primary anatomical success and fundus autofluorescent imaging macular shift were 89 and 26%, respectively. Conclusion: Vitrectomy with a 0.7–1 mL expanding gas bubble tamponade and no prone posture were associated with an acceptable rate of primary anatomical success. We found the lowest yet reported rate of FAF shift in patients with macula-involved RD. If confirmed, this simple technique modification could improve the visual outcome of RD surgery whilst facilitating postoperative ambulatory care.
Mechanism of Recurrence of Atrial Tachycardia
Authors: Takigawa Masateru , Derval Nicolas , Martin Claire A. , Vlachos Konstantinos , Denis Arnaud , Nakatani Yosuke , Kitamura Takeshi , Cheniti Ghassen , Bourier Felix , Lam Anna , Martin Ruairidh , Frontera Antonio , Thompson Nathaniel , Massoullié Grégoire , Wolf Michael , Escande William , André Clémentine , Zeng Li-jun , Roux Jean-Rodolphe , Duchateau Josselin , Pambrun Thomas , Sacher Frederic , Cochet Hubert , Hocini Mélèze , Haïssaguerre Michel , Jaïs Pierre
Published: January 2020

Background:

Atrial fibrillation ablation–related atrial tachycardia (AT) is complex and may demonstrate several forms: anatomic macroreentrant AT (AMAT), non-AMAT, and focal AT. We aimed to elucidate the recurrence rate and mechanisms of atrial fibrillation ablation–related AT recurrence.

Methods:

Among 147 patients with ATs treated with the Rhythmia system, 68 (46.3%) had recurrence at mean 4.2 (2.9–11.6) months, and 44 patients received a redo procedure. AT circuits in the first procedure were compared with those in the redo procedure.

Results:

Although mappable ATs were not observed in 7 patients, 68 ATs were observed in 37 patients during the first procedure: perimitral flutter (PMF) in 26 patients, roof-dependent macroreentrant AT (RMAT) in 18, peritricuspid flutter in 10, non-AMAT in 14, and focal AT in 3. During the redo AT ablation procedure, 54 ATs were observed in 41/44 patients: PMF in 24, RMAT in 14, peritricuspid flutter in 1, non-AMAT in 14, and focal AT in 1. Recurrence of PMF and RMAT was observed in 15 of 26 (57.7%) and 8 of 18 (44.4%) patients, respectively, while peritricuspid flutter did not recur. Neither the same focal AT nor the same non-AMAT were observed except in 1 case with septal scar–related biatrial AT. Epicardial structure–related ATs were involved in 18 of 24 (75.0%) patients in PMF, 4 of 14 (28.6%) in RMAT, and 4 of 14 (28.6%) in non-AMAT. Of 21 patients with a circuit including epicardial structures, 6 patients treated with ethanol infusion in the vein of Marshall did not show any AT recurrence, although 8 of 15 (53.3%) treated with radiofrequency showed AT recurrence (
P
=0.04).

Conclusions:

Although high-resolution mapping may lead to correct diagnosis and appropriate ablation in the first procedure, the recurrence rate is still high. The main mechanism of atrial fibrillation ablation–related AT is the recurrence of PMF and RMAT or non-AMAT different from the first procedure. Epicardial structures (eg, coronary sinus/vein of Marshall system) are often involved, and ethanol infusion in the vein of Marshall may be an additional treatment.
Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Atrial Fibrillation Type
Authors: Donnellan Eoin , Wazni Oussama M. , Elshazly Mohamed , Kanj Mohamed , Hussein Ayman A. , Baranowski Bryan , Kochar Arshneel , Trulock Kevin , Aminian Ali , Schauer Philip , Jaber Wael , Saliba Walid I.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Obesity is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) and is associated with a higher AF burden. Recently, weight loss has been found to be associated with a significant reversal in AF type. Bariatric surgery (BS) is associated with reductions in inflammation, left atrial and ventricular remodeling, sleep apnea, blood pressure, and improved glycemic control, all of which may reduce AF burden. In this study, we sought to determine the impact of BS on AF type.

Methods:

We studied AF type before and after BS in 220 morbidly obese patients (body mass index, ≥40 kg/m
2
). All patients underwent extended outpatient cardiac rhythm monitoring within 12 months of BS and at least 1 year after BS.

Results:

There was a significant reduction in body mass index following BS from 49.7±9 to 37.2±9 kg/m
2
. Weight loss was the greatest in the gastric bypass group with a mean percentage weight loss of 25% compared with 19% in patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and 16% following gastric banding (
P
<0.0001). Significant reductions in CRP (C-reactive protein), NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), HbA1C (glycated hemoglobin), and systolic blood pressure were observed in all 3 groups. Reversal of AF type occurred in 71% of patients following gastric bypass, 56% of patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and 50% of patients following gastric banding (
P
=0.004). On Cox proportional hazards analyses, percentage weight loss was significantly associated with AF reversal (
P
=0.0002).

Conclusions:

BS is associated with significant reductions in weight, inflammatory markers, blood pressure, and AF type, and the beneficial effects appear to be the greatest in those undergoing gastric bypass surgery. This study further exemplifies the importance of weight loss and risk factor modification in AF management.
Economic assessment of nematode biological control agents in a potato production model
Authors: Dyrdahl-Young Ruhiyyih , Cole Emilie , Tornel Marisol Quintanilla , Weldon Richard , DiGennaro Peter
Published: January 2020

Nematode parasitism is a yield limiting factor in many cropping systems, including potato production, which can translate into substantial economic losses. These impacted financial returns are simply calculated by subtracting the cost of production from total revenue (yield times the price per yield of potatoes). The production costs can include, but are not limited to, chemical and biological control agents. To assess economic returns associated with different nematode management strategies, we evaluated complete cost estimations for a representative commercial potato farm in central Michigan, USA. Economic returns were calculated using stochastic parameters for two biological control agents (MeloCon and Majestene), six chemical controls (Mocap, Movento, Nimitz, Velum and Vydate), and two soil amendments (poultry and dairy manure). Evaluated costs included stochastic estimations for price per unit weight of potatoes, fuel, labour and production land rent. Yield data from three field trials were used to create empirical distributions. Using yield data and stochastic cost estimations, we generated 500 simulations of net returns per treatment. The top three average returns were obtained from the use of Mocap, Nimitz and poultry manure. Velum, Movento, dairy manure and Vydate also gave returns significantly higher than no treatment at all; however, the biological nematicide, Majestene, showed negative returns. This simple financial model is a crucial layer of analysis on the performance of nematicides that can be adapted to advise growers through Agricultural Extension activities and needs to include the evaluation of biological control agents.
The Fading of Yearnings for Liberation and Passage When the Bet on Love Is Lost
Authors: El-Fakki El-Bashir Abdalla
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a study of the memoirs and letters of Princess Sālima bt. Saʿīd (d. 1922), whose father, Saʿīd b. Sulṭān (d. 1856), was the ruler of Oman and Zanzibar from 1832 to 1856. One hundred and fifty years ago, the princess entered into a relationship with a young German man, Rudolph Ruete. After the princess fell pregnant, putting her in conflict with the stipulations of her Islamic religion, she decided to elope with her lover and to bet on him. The paper argues that the princess was a revolutionary woman in opposition to traditional Zanzibari culture, and that her story highlights clearly the issue of women and the crisis of freedom in Arab and Islamic culture during that time.
Frankophila dalevittii, a new freshwater diatom (Bacillariophyta) from Campbell Island

Authors: VAN DE VIJVER BART , BALLINGS PETRA , GOEYERS CHARLOTTE
Published: January 2020

During a survey of the freshwater diatom flora of the sub-Antarctic Campbell Island, located in the southern Pacific Ocean, an unknown freshwater diatom was observed forming long colonies using linking spines. Detailed morphological analysis based on light and scanning electron microscopical observations and comparison with all known Frankophila taxa worldwide justified the description of this unknown taxon as a new species within the genus Frankophila: Frankophila dalevittii Van de Vijver & Goeyers sp. nov. The new taxon is characterized by the presence of well-developed linking spines, the absence of external raphe slits and the presence of internal raphe slits, biseriate striae composed of relatively large areolae and a large axial area. Despite the absence of the external raphe slits, the species is best placed within the genus Frankophila. The new species is described and illustrated and compared with all other Frankophila taxa.
The Impact of the 20–50-Day Atmospheric Intraseasonal Oscillation on the Gross Primary Productivity between the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers
Authors: Li Jianying , Kim Jin-Soo , Kug Jong-Seong
Published: January 2020

Given their high carbon uptake, the terrestrial ecosystems in the East Asia summer monsoon (EASM) region play an irreplaceable role in the global carbon cycle. Because the rich vegetation growth over East Asia benefits mainly from the sufficient water supply brought by the EASM, which is characterized by a strong intraseasonal oscillation (ISO), the intraseasonal spatiotemporal variations and underlying drivers of photosynthesis activity over East Asia have been comprehensively investigated using the daily gross primary productivity (GPP) and meteorological data. Strong intraseasonal fluctuations of GPP have been identified over the area between the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers (YYR) with a magnitude of 0.4 gC m−2 day−1. The mean power spectrum suggests that 20–50-day variation is the major component of the intraseasonal GPP anomalies over the YYR during the summers of 1980–2013. The 20–50-day ISO of YYR GPP anomalies is modulated by the local 20–50-day precipitation variation via soil moisture, with precipitation (soil moisture) leading GPP by 10 (7) days. The 20–50-day YYR precipitation anomalies are in turn controlled by tropical ISO signals, particularly the convective activity over the western North Pacific. This leading relationship between the 20–50-day atmospheric ISO and GPP suggests a potential for extended-range predictability of vegetation growth.
Trends in Landfalling Tropical Cyclone–Induced Precipitation over China
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Yuqing
Published: January 2020

In this study, trends in landfalling tropical cyclone (TC)-induced precipitation over China during 1980–2017 and the involved possible mechanisms are analyzed. Consistent with previous studies, it is found that the total annual TC precipitation shows a distinct spatial distribution with a significant increasing trend in southeastern China but a decreasing trend in southern China. This characteristic is found to be related to the increase in both the annual TC precipitation frequency and the precipitation intensity per TC over southeastern China but to the decrease in the annual TC precipitation frequency over southern China. A noticeable northward shift of total landfalling TC-induced annual precipitation has been identified. It is shown that the precipitation induced by strong TCs (STCs) significantly increased in southern China, whereas that induced by weak TCs (WTCs) increased in southeastern China, with the latter dominating the northward shift of total landfalling TC-induced precipitation over mainland China. The increasing trend of STC-induced precipitation in southern China is found to be closely related to sufficient water vapor supply and the increase in average duration and intensity of STCs after landfall. The increasing trend of WTC-induced precipitation in southeastern China is related to the northward shift of the average landfalling position of WTCs and changes in the environmental conditions that are more favorable for TC maintenance and precipitation.
On PSI Interactions in Internal Gravity Wave Fields and the Decay of Baroclinic Tides
Authors: Olbers Dirk , Pollmann Friederike , Eden Carsten
Published: January 2020

Barotropic tidal oscillations over seafloor topography generate baroclinic tides that may be damped in turn via nonlinear triad interactions with internal gravity waves, fueling the ambient wave field. We derive the kinetic equations for this tidal damping and the energy transfer to the ambient wave field and compute damping times and energy transfer rates for the M2 tide and a Garrett–Munk-like ambient wave field. We show that parametric subharmonic instability (PSI) interactions are important, where the tide interacts resonantly with two background waves, each of half the tidal frequency. PSI is restricted to the latitude belt 28.8°N/S and yields under typical conditions damping times of about 20 days for tides with low vertical wavenumber. Damping times decrease with equivalent mode number j roughly as 1/j2. Outside the critical latitudes PSI is not possible, and damping times are from one to two orders of magnitude larger. The energy transfer to the ambient wave field is concentrated at half the tidal frequency ω at all latitudes within the critical latitude belt. Outside, the transfer is much smaller and peaks at ω + f and N. An estimation of the tidal spectral transfer on the global scale is hampered by insufficient knowledge of the baroclinic energy distribution over the vertical modes. Using results from a numerical circulation model with tidal forcing, we find an energy transfer from the tide to the ambient wave field of typically 0.3 TW, about half of what is currently proposed for the conversion of barotropic to baroclinic energy.
The effect of loading rate on the compression properties of carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy honeycomb structures
Authors: Alia RA , Zhou J , Guan ZW , Qin Q , Duan Y , Cantwell WJ
Published: January 2020

The effect of varying strain rate on the compression strength and energy absorption characteristics of a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic honeycomb core has been investigated over a wide range of loading rates. The honeycombs were manufactured by infusing an epoxy resin through a carbon fibre fabric positioned in a dismountable honeycomb mould. The vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding technique yielded honeycomb cores of a high quality with few defects. Compression tests were undertaken on single and multiple cells and representative volumes removed from the cores in order to assess how the compression strength and specific energy absorption vary with test rate. Crushing tests over the range of strain rates considered highlighted the impressive strength and energy-absorbing response of the honeycomb cores. At quasi-static rates of loading, the compression strength and specific energy absorption characteristics of the unidirectional samples exceeded those of the multidirectional cores. Here, extensive longitudinal splitting and fibre fracture were the predominant failure mechanisms in the cores. For all three stacking sequences, the single-cell samples offer higher compression strength than their five-cell counterparts. In contrast, the specific energy absorption values were found to be slightly higher in the five-cell cores. The experiments highlighted a trend of increased compression strength with loading rate in the multidirectional samples, whereas the strength of the [0°]4 samples was relatively insensitive to strain rate. Finally, the energy absorbing capacity of all structures studied was found to be reasonably constant at increasing rates of strain.
Labial Stem Cell Extract Mitigates Injury to Irradiated Salivary Glands
Authors: Su X. , Liu Y. , Bakkar M. , ElKashty O. , El-Hakim M. , Seuntjens J. , Tran S.D.
Published: January 2020

Stem cell–based therapies could provide a permanent treatment for salivary gland (SG) hypofunction caused by ionizing radiation (IR) injury. However, current challenges for SG stem cells to reach the clinic include surgical invasiveness, amount of tissue needed, cell delivery, and storage methods. The objective of this study was to develop a clinically less invasive method to isolate and expand human SG stem cells and then to obtain a cell-free extract to be used as a therapy for IR-injured SGs. Human labial glands were biopsied, and labial stem cells (LSCs) were expanded by explant culture. The LSC extract (LSCE) was obtained by releasing the cellular components after 3 freeze-thaw cycles and 17,000 g force centrifugation. LSCE was injected intravenously into mice that had their SGs injured with 13-Gy IR. Positive (non-IR) and negative (IR) control mice received injections of saline (vehicle control). Three pieces of labial glands (0.1 g weight) could expand 1 to 2 million cells. LSCs had a doubling time of 18.8 h; could differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes; and were positive for mesenchymal stem cell markers. Both angiogenic (FGF-1, FGF-2, KGF, angiopoietin, uPA, VEGF) and antiangiogenic factors (PAI-1, TIMP-1, TSP-1, CD26) were detected in LSCE. In addition, some angiogenic factors (PEDF, PTX3, VEGF) possessed neurotrophic functions. Mice treated with LSCE had 50% to 60% higher salivary flow rate than saline-treated mice at 8 and 12 wk post-IR. Saliva lag time measurements also confirmed that LSCE restored SG function. Histologic analyses of parotids and submandibular glands reported comparable numbers of acinar cells, blood vessels, and parasympathetic nerves and cell proliferation rates in sham IR and LSCE-treated mice, though significantly lower in saline-treated mice. An explant culture method can harvest a large number of LSCs from small pieces of labial glands. LSCE showed clinical potential to mitigate IR-injured SGs.
Charity and Sanctity: The Ritiri of the Rosine in the Eighteenth-Century Savoyard State
Authors: Giuseppina Lurgo Elisabetta
Published: January 2020

This article examines the first years of a charitable institution, the ‘ Ritiro o Opera pia delle Rosine’, led by a mystic woman in the eighteenth-century Sabaudian State. Through the analysis of this particular institution, this essay focuses on the so-called ‘ Opere pie’ in Savoy Piedmont, between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries: namely, the charitable institutions, under royal patronage and public jurisdiction, yet administrated by clerics and led by women whose sanctity was the subject of controversy, which had a key role in the politics of devotion in the baroque age.
Research progress in refractory sudden hearing loss: steroid therapy
Authors: Liu Ya , Chen Qiongqiong , Xu Yaping
Published: January 2020

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a common condition with a rapid onset, and its worldwide frequency is increasing each year. Importantly, a significant number of patients with SSNHL do not respond to initial treatment, which is termed refractory sudden hearing loss (RSHL), and further treatment is not standardized in terms of type, duration, administration route, and concentration of topical steroid therapy. Dexamethasone and methylprednisolone are effective in treating RSHL, and salvage treatment typically consists of 2 weeks of steroid therapy followed by 3–6 months of follow-up. Near-continual steroid perfusion appears to be more effective than intermittent steroid injection. Furthermore, several novel therapeutic regimens have shown promising results in small-scale studies. However, the optimum treatment needs to be confirmed in larger randomized controlled trials.
Acute total occlusion of left circumflex artery in a patient with dextrocardia and situs inversus
Authors: Huang Yuanqing , Zhou Haolan , Wu Longfei
Published: January 2020

We herein present a case of acute left circumflex artery (LCx) occlusion associated with dextrocardia and situs inversus that was successfully treated with drug-eluting stent implantation. The patient was initially diagnosed with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) based on an early electrocardiogram. However, coronary angiography demonstrated total occlusion of the LCx. A drug-eluting stent was implanted to cover the culprit lesion, and the coronary flow was completely restored. After the angioplasty, we recorded an electrocardiogram with the lateral leads placed on the right posterior thoracic wall (V7, V8, V9), and subtle ST-segment elevation was revealed in these leads. ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was subsequently confirmed, and the patient recovered uneventfully. Our case emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive understanding of the electrocardiogram to detect LCx-related acute myocardial infarction in select patients such as those with dextrocardia, in whom the entire clinical situation may look much more complicated. Our experience also demonstrates that treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention is an effective therapeutic option to improve the prognosis of LCx-related acute myocardial infarction in patients with dextrocardia.
Intravenous leiomyomatosis: Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Liu Na , Long Yan , Liu Yun
Published: January 2020

Background

We retrospectively reviewed the data of three patients with intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL), one of whom had intracardiac leiomyomatosis, and analyzed their clinical symptoms, preoperative assessment findings, operative approaches, and recurrence. Case presentation: The present study describes three cases of IVL extending into the inferior vena cava, even as far as the right atrium and ventricle, and discusses the imaging findings and differential diagnosis of this tumor entity. The three patients, two of whom were diagnosed during the first operation and one of whom had a giant pelvic mass, were surgically treated with complete tumor resection, hysterectomy, and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The pathological examination findings were suggestive of IVL. The duration of time from the first myomectomy or hysterectomy to IVL occurrence ranged from 2 to 18 months. No signs of recurrence were observed during follow-up. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging played a vital role in the diagnostic process and presurgical assessment.

Conclusion

In clinical practice, IVL should be considered before surgery for a broad ligament myoma or giant pelvic mass. Surgery should always aim for complete tumor excision and include hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Vascular reconstruction computed tomography is a good choice for diagnosis and follow-up.
Vibration and nonlinear dynamic analysis of variable thickness sandwich laminated composite panel in thermal environment
Authors: Nguyen Duc D , Kim Seung-Eock , Vu Thuy Anh T , Vu Anh M
Published: January 2020

Based on the first-order shear deformation theory taking into account geometrical nonlinearity, initial geometrical imperfection, vibration and nonlinear dynamic analysis of the sandwich laminated composite panel characterized by a continuous thickness variation in thermal environment and resting on an elastic foundation are considered in this paper. Variable thickness could affect the design of composite panel since it allows to tailor the stiffness features in the most stressed areas within the domain, keeping the weight constant. As a consequence, an improved dynamic behavior of the structure may be exhibited. The motion equations of dynamic analysis are determined due to Galerkin method and the obtained equation is numerically solved by using Runge–Kutta method. In numerical results, the effects of initial geometrical imperfections and geometrical parameters, material properties, coefficients of foundation, mechanical loads, temperature and the variable thickness on the nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of the laminated composite panel are investigated.
Investigation of erosive wear behaviors of AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy
Authors: Erdoğan Aygen A , Feyzullahoğlu Erol , Fidan Sinan , Sinmazçelik Tamer
Published: January 2020

AA6082-T6 aluminum alloys are widely used in various applications in automotive and aircraft industries. They offer an attractive combination of surface properties, strength and corrosion resistance. The structural components manufactured by AA6082-T6 aluminum alloys can be exposed to impingement of solid particles throughout their service life. In this study, erosive wear behaviors of AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy were investigated. For the evaluation of erosive wear induced by solid particle impacts, a detailed study was conducted on AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy by using aluminum oxide (Al2O3) erodent particles. Two different particles were used in solid particle erosion tests, which are 60 mesh (212–300 µm) and 120 mesh (90–125 µm), respectively. Also, the aluminum alloy samples were tested under two different air pressures (1.5 bar and 3 bar). The erosive wear tests were carried out according to ASTM G76 standard at six various impact angles (15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°). The surface roughness and morphology of worn samples were analyzed by using a non-contact laser profilometer. It was found that erodent particle size affected the surface erosion damage, erosion rate, crater morphology and roughness. The eroded surfaces of specimens were analyzed by SEM. The surfaces of specimens were also investigated by using EDS in SEM studies.
Developing a nested micromechanical model to predict the relaxation moduli of graphene nanoplatelets/carbon fiber reinforced hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Li Shan , Cao Yan , Qi Junde , Liu Hongjun , Moheimani Rasoul
Published: January 2020

A nested analytical method, a product of combining two micromechanical models is developed in this study. The proposed micromechanical method predicts the relaxation properties of polymer hybrid nanocomposites containing linearly visco-elastic matrix, transversely isotropic elastic carbon fibers, and graphene nanoplatelets. Calculations performed in this model are of two scales. The small scale, which is the domain of epoxy resin and graphene nanoplatelet interactions, and the large scale, which assumes the small scale as a homogenized isotropic matrix. In the large scale, the prescribed matrix is then reinforced by the unidirectional CFs. Each scale calculation gives the properties of the underlying material. Secant moduli and the field fluctuation techniques are adopted in this study. Resulting explicit formulae allows one to calculate the overall relaxation moduli of the graphene nanoplatelet/carbon fiber-reinforced polymer hybrid nanocomposites. By comparing the data obtained by experiments and the results extracted by the proposed micromechanical approach, the accuracy of the model becomes apparent. Addition of graphene nanoplatelets into the fibrous composites leads to an improvement in the relaxation properties of the hybrid nanocomposites. Also, the elastic properties of graphene nanoplatelet/carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy hybrid nanocomposites are reported. The role of graphene nanoplatelet agglomeration, frequently encountered in real engineering situations, in the mechanical response of unidirectional hybrid nanocomposites is examined. The effects of volume fraction of graphene nanoplatelets and CFs on the overall mechanical properties are investigated.
Heat and air transport in differently compacted fibre materials
Authors: Christiansen Lasse , Antonov Yovko Ivanov , Jensen Rasmus Lund , Arthur Emmanuel , de Jonge Lis Wollesen , Møldrup Per , Johra Hicham , Fojan Peter
Published: January 2020

Fibre materials are widely used as insulation materials in both clothing and the building industry. The transport of heat and air through fibre insulation materials are accountable for both the energy need for indoor space conditioning and the indoor environment quality inside buildings. A better understanding of the thermodynamics of those materials can enable higher quality products for improved energy efficiency. By using fast gas permeability measurements and more time-consuming guarded hot plate measurements, this study investigates the link between thermal conductivity and gas permeability for Rockwool, Kevlar and polyester fibres, at different compaction levels. Correlations between gas permeability and thermal conductivity at different total volumes of solid are presented. The experimental results show that the gas permeability and thermal conductivity exhibited a change in their evolution trend, due to compaction, in the same zone of the total volume of solid for all materials. The presence of this transition zone enables to establish a link between the measurement of gas permeability and thermal conductivity. This correlation can be employed to perform rapid thermal conductivity assessment of fibrous material, which can be cost-effective for fibre manufacturers or building contractors, but also quality assessment in the textile industry.
Epilepsy Benchmarks Area II: Prevent Epilepsy and Its Progression
Authors: Binder Devin K. , Boison Detlev , Eid Tore , Frankel Wayne N. , Mingorance Ana , Smith Bret N. , Dacks Penny A. , Whittemore Vicky , Poduri Annapurna ,   for the AES/NINDS Epilepsy Benchmarks Stewards
Published: January 2020

Area II of the 2014 Epilepsy Research Benchmarks aims to establish goals for preventing the development and progression of epilepsy. In this review, we will highlight key advances in Area II since the last summary of research progress and opportunities was published in 2016. We also highlight areas of investigation that began to develop before 2016 and in which additional progress has been made more recently.
Daily physical activity is associated with increased sonographically measured bone status during lactation
Authors: Ebina Aoi , Sawa Ryuichi , Kondo Yuki , Murata Shunsuke , Saito Takashi , Isa Tsunenori , Tsuboi Yamato , Torizawa Kohtaroh , Matsuda Naoka , Ono Rei
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between daily physical activity and sonographically measured bone status among women during the lactation period.

Methods:

Final participants were 152 women 4 months after childbirth. Bone status of the participants was measured using quantitative ultrasonometry of the calcaneus (speed of sound). Daily physical activity was assessed using the Japanese version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire short version. After getting the International Physical Activity Questionnaire results, we classified participants into three categories (low/moderate/high) according to a protocol. Participants categorized into the low group according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were considered to be in the low physical activity group and those categorized into the moderate and high groups were considered to be in the moderate to vigorous physical activity group.

Results:

Speed of sound was significantly higher in the moderate to vigorous physical activity group (moderate to vigorous physical activity versus low physical activity, 1533 m/s versus 1523 m/s, p = 0.03). Daily physical activity was significantly associated with speed of sound, even after adjustment for confounding factors and prognosticators ( β = 0.195, p = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Sonographically measured bone status was significantly higher in women who were physically active than in those who were physically inactive, suggesting that daily physical activity might help to maintain good bone status.
Fear of an other geography
Authors: Eaves LaToya
Published: January 2020

Geography has failed to accommodate ‘indigenous ways of knowing’. To do so requires transforming and shifting power relations to account for the landscapes of white supremacy and imperialist practices that shape epistemological, pedagogical, and departmental climates. This commentary responds to Oswin’s call for mobilizing and building ‘an other geography’ by nodding toward the creation of the Black Geographies Specialty Group. In particular, it interweaves autoethnographic reflections on the body and provocations about the history of the discipline to illustrate another perspective on Oswin’s frustrations with stagnant, contained geographic practice.
“Shame on the church of Sweden”: Radical nationalism and the appropriation of Christianity in contemporary Sweden
Authors: Nilsson Per-Erik
Published: January 2020

During the last decade, the populist radical nationalist party, the Sweden Democrats (SD), has gone from being a minor party to become Sweden’s third largest party in parliament. In this article, the author shows how the category of Christianity has come to play a pivotal role in the party’s political identification. Drawing on Ernesto Laclau’s analysis of populism, the author argues that Christianity should be understood as a projection surface for fantasies of an ethnically and culturally superior homogenous nation vis-à-vis constructed national others. In a populist logic, Christianity has thus become a way to distinguish the SD from its articulated external (e.g., Muslims, immigrants) and internal (liberalism, feminism) political foes. By appropriating Christianity, the SD articulates itself as the guardian of true Christianity, the future savior of a Church allegedly hijacked by external and internal foes, and in the long run, the Swedish nation.
Discriminant and convergent validity of the GSRS‐IBS symptom severity measure for irritable bowel syndrome: A population study
Authors: Ljótsson Brjánn , Jones Michael , Talley Nicholas J , Kjellström Lars , Agréus Lars , Andreasson Anna
Published: January 2020

Background

The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale–Irritable Bowel Syndrome (GSRS‐IBS) is a 13‐item measure of IBS symptom severity. The scale has been used in several studies, but its psychometric properties have been insufficiently investigated and population‐based data are not available.

Objective

The objective of this article is to establish the factor structure and discriminant and convergent validity of the GSRS‐IBS.

Methods

The study was based on a Swedish population sample (the Popcol study), of which 1158 randomly selected participants provided data on the GSRS‐IBS. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and compared total and subscales scores in different groups, including IBS diagnostic status, treatment‐seeking behavior, and predominant bowel habits. The GSRS‐IBS scores were also correlated with quality of life indexes.

Results

The sample included 164 participants with a confirmed Rome III IBS diagnosis and 994 participants without the disease. The CFA confirmed the subscales with one exception, in which the incomplete bowel‐emptying item belonged to the constipation subscale rather than the diarrhea subscale. The GSRS‐IBS total score and subscales were associated with diagnostic status, treatment‐seeking behavior, and quality of life dimensions. The relevant subscales scores also differed between the diarrhea‐ and constipation‐predominant subtypes of IBS.

Conclusion

The GSRS‐IBS total score and subscales have high discriminant and convergent validity. The CFA confirmed the overall validity of the subscales but suggest that a sense of incomplete emptying belongs to the constipation rather than the diarrhea symptom cluster. We conclude that the GSRS‐IBS is an excellent measure of IBS symptom severity in the general population.
Impact of Intravenous Vitamin C and Endolaser Therapies on a Pediatric Brainstem Glioma Case
Authors: Solís-Nolasco Ivette M , Caraballo Gilberto , González Michael J , Olalde José , Morales-Borges Raul H
Published: January 2020

Pediatric cases of a brainstem glioma are one of the most difficult tumors to treat. In children, this type of cancer is perhaps the most dreaded of cancers due to its poor prognosis, yet it remains an area of intense research. In the case presented herein, conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments were not showing any improvement. The patient was then treated with high-dose intravenous vitamin C (IVC) and endolaser therapy. A significant reduction in glioma’s size was achieved in 2 months with this adjunct therapy. These results present a possibility of decreasing brainstem glioma progression with adjuvant IVC and endolaser therapy.
A Bear in the Woods
Authors: Feingold-Link Mara
Published: January 2020

In medicine, we learn what questions to ask to best diagnose our patients. The My Life, My Story program helps participants learn what questions to ask to better empathize with patients.
Increased activation of PI3 kinase-δ predisposes to B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Durandy Anne , Kracker Sven
Published: January 2020

Activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-δ (PI3K-δ) syndrome (APDS) is a rare primary combined immunodeficiency caused by either dominant gain-of-function mutations in the PIK3CD gene encoding the catalytic subunit p110δ of PI3K-δ (referred to as type 1 APDS) or dominant loss-of-function mutations in the PIK3R1 gene encoding the p85α, p55α, and p50α regulatory subunits (type 2 APDS). In types 1 and 2 APDS, the PI3K-δ hyperactivity resulting from the gene mutations leads to similar clinical presentations, characterized by increased susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections and (to a lesser extent) autoimmune manifestations. A hallmark of this disease is lymphoproliferation, which may even be life threatening and require repeated surgical treatment. A major complication of APDS is malignancy (especially B-cell lymphomas), which greatly worsens the prognosis. Here, we review the different neoplastic conditions observed in patients with APDS and discuss the uncontrolled PI3K-δ activity in B and T cells that leads to malignant transformation.
Effect of Joule Heating on Resistive Switching Characteristic in AlOx Cells Made by Thermal Oxidation Formation
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Xu Ling , Zhang Hui , Liu Jian , Tan Dingwen , Chen Liangliang , Ma Zhongyuan , Li Wei
Published: January 2020

The AlOx-based resistive switching memory device is fabricated by an oxidation diffusion process that involves depositing an Al film on an ITO substrate and annealing at 400 °C in a vacuum. An AlOx interface layer with a thickness of ~ 20 nm is formed as a resistance switching layer. Bipolar and unipolar resistive switching (RS) behaviours are obtained when the compliance current is limited (≥ 1 mA). In the unipolar RS behaviour, the devices fail to perform set/reset cycles at a low temperature (40 K), which suggests that Joule heating is essential for the unipolar RS behaviour. In the bipolar RS behaviour, the abrupt reset transforms into a gradual reset with decreasing temperature, which suggests that Joule heating affects the rupture of the conductive filament. In addition, the conductive mechanisms in the high-resistance state and low-resistance state are revealed by the temperature dependence of the I-V curves. For the low-resistance state, the conduction mechanism is due to the electron hopping mechanism, with a hopping activation energy of 9.93 meV. For the high-resistance state, transport mechanism is dominated by the space-charge-limited conduction (SCLC) mechanism.
New Immunosensing-Fluorescence Detection of Tumor Marker Cytokeratin-19 Fragment (CYFRA 21-1) Via Carbon Quantum Dots/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite
Authors: Alarfaj Nawal Ahmed , El-Tohamy Maha Farouk , Oraby Hesham Farouk
Published: January 2020

The rapid detection of lung cancer in early stages using the antigen cytokeratin-19 fragment (CYFRA 21-1) as a tumor marker in human serum plays an important role in the survival of patients and taking a fast surgical reaction. This study aimed to employ the green synthesized carbon quantum dots conjugated zinc oxide nanocomposite as a highly sensitive fluorescence immunosensing solution for fast determination of CYFRA 21-1 antigen in human serum. The suggested method was conducted by applying a hydrothermal method to prepare carbon quantum dots using Citrus lemon pericarp. The formed carbon quantum dots were used in the reduction and stabilization of zinc acetate to synthesize carbon quantum dots-zinc oxide nanocomposite. To form a sandwich capping antibody-antigen-antibody immunosensing system, a CYFRA 21-1 antigen was trapped by immobilizing a non-conjugated monoclonal antibody BM 19.21 on the surface of carbon quantum dots-zinc oxide nanocomposite and another monoclonal antibody KS 19.1, which was coated on the microtiter well surface. This system has a tunable fluorescence feature recorded at excitation and emission of λex = 470 and λem = 520 nm, respectively. The suggested nanocomposite fluorescence immunosensing system displayed a linear relationship of 0.01–100 ng mL−1 with a limit of detection of 0.008 ng mL−1. The suggested immunosensing system based on carbon quantum dots-zinc oxide nanocomposite provides a promising approach for rapid diagnoses of lung cancer by detecting CYFRA 21-1 in human serum.