bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of colonic and peripheral venous lactate measurements in horses with large colon volvulus
Authors: Orr Kindra. E. , Baker W. True , Lynch Tim M. , Hughes Faith E. , Clark Carol K. , Slone Donnie E. , Fogle Callie A. , Gonzalez Liara M.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To determine the prognostic value of (1) colonic venous lactate or peripheral lactate values obtained before and after manual correction of a large colon volvulus and (2) a combination of variables including pelvic flexure biopsy.

Study design

Prospective clinical study.

Animals

Forty adult horses in which large colon volvulus was diagnosed intraoperatively.

Methods

Colonic venous, peripheral venous, and arterial blood samples were collected to measure lactate values before and after manual correction. Mucosal biopsy samples were obtained in cases that underwent enterotomy or colonic resection and anastomosis. Interstitium to crypt (I:C) ratio and hemorrhage scores were measured. Optimal cutoff values were determined by receiver operator curve analysis, and associations between variables and short‐term outcome were determined by univariable regression. Short‐term survival was defined as horses being discharged from the hospital.P ≤ .05 was considered significant.

Results

No association was found between colonic venous lactate values before (P= .011) or after (P= .201) manual correction of large colon volvulus and determination of short‐term outcome. Peripheral venous lactate at admission ≥3.2 mmol/L and after manual correction ≥5 mmol/L, arterial lactate postmanual correction ≥3.53 mmol/L, and histomorphometric measurements of mucosal hemorrhage ≥3 and I:C ratio > 1 were associated with poor short‐term outcome.

Conclusion

Peripheral lactate values, histomorphometric measures of I:C ratio, and hemorrhage score provided prognostic information that could help guide recommendations made to owners.

Clinical significance

Peripheral lactate values after manual correction provide important intraoperative diagnostic information to assist in predicting case outcome in the operative and immediately postoperative period.
Preliminary evaluation of an osteochondral autograft, a prosthetic implant, and a biphasic absorbable implant for osteochondral reconstruction in a sheep model
Authors: Olive Mélanie , Boyer Cécile , Lesoeur Julie , Thorin Chantal , Weiss Pierre , Fusellier Marion , Gauthier Olivier
Published: January 2020

Objective

To determine the ability of three implants to enhance the healing of osteochondral defects: (1) a biphasic construct composed of calcium phosphate (CaP) and chitosan/cellulosic polymer, (2) a titanium‐polyurethane implant, and (3) an osteochondral autograft.

Study design

Experimental study.

Animals

Ten adult female sheep.

Methods

In five sheep, an 8‐mm diameter osteochondral defect was created on the medial femoral condyle of a stifle and filled with a synthetic titanium‐polyurethane implant. In five sheep, a similar defect was filled with an osteochondral autograft, and the donor site was filled with a biphasic construct combining CaP granules and a chitosan/cellulosic polymer. Sheep were monitored daily for lameness. Stifle radiographs and MRI were evaluated at 20 weeks, prior to animals being humanely killed. Surgical sites were evaluated with histology, microcomputed tomography, and scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Clinical outcomes were satisfactory regardless of the tested biomaterials. All implants appeared in place on imaging studies. Osteointegration of prosthetic implants varied between sites, with limited ingrowth of new bone into the titanium structure. Autografts and biphasic constructs were consistently well integrated in subchondral bone. All autografts except one contained a cartilage surface, and all biphasic constructs except one partially restored hyaline cartilage surface.

Conclusion

Biphasic constructs supported hyaline cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration, although restoration of the articular cartilage was incomplete.

Clinical impact

Biphasic constructs may provide an alternative treatment for osteochondral defects, offering a less invasive approach compared with autologous grafts and eliminating the requirement for a prosthetic implant.
Circulating miRNAs are associated with sleep duration in children/adolescents: Results of the I.Family Study
Authors: Iacomino Giuseppe , Lauria Fabio , Russo Paola , Marena Pasquale , Venezia Antonella , Iannaccone Nunzia , De Henauw Stefaan , Foraita Ronja , Heidinger‐Felső Regina , Hunsberger Monica , Kourides Yiannis , Moreno Luis A , Thumann Barbara , Veidebaum Toomas , Siani Alfonso ,   on behalf of the IDEFICS/I.Family consortium
Published: January 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Are differential patterns of circulating miRNAs associated with sleep duration in normal‐weight European children and adolescents?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Differences in the expression level of circulating miR‐26b‐3p and miR‐485‐5p are positively associated with total sleep duration in healthy normal‐weight children and adolescents.

It is commonly recognized that sleep is essential for children's health, and that insufficient sleep duration is associated with negative health outcomes. In humans, sleep duration and quality are influenced by genetic, environmental and social factors. Epigenetic mechanisms, likewise, regulate circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. In the present study, we aimed to identify circulating microRNAs associated with sleep duration in a subsample of normal‐weight European children/adolescents (n = 111) participating in the I.Family Study. Subjects were divided into two groups based upon self‐reported sleep duration, according to the recommended amount of sleep for paediatric populations. Sleep needs for children <13 years were at least 9 h per day, and for children >13 were at least 8 h per day. There were group differences (short sleepers versus normal sleepers) in circulating levels of miR‐26b‐3p (mean (95% CI) = 2.0 (1.3–2.7) versus 2.3 (1.9–2.7), P = 0.05) and miR‐485‐5p (mean (95% CI) = 0.6 (0.3–0.9) versus 0.9 (0.7 – 1.0), P < 0.001), adjusting for country of origin, age, sex, pubertal status, screen time and highest educational level of parents. Our findings show for the first time that sleep duration reflects the profile of specific circulating microRNAs in school‐aged children and adolescents. It is conceivable that epigenetic modifications, mainly related to circadian rhythm control, may be modulated or interfere with sleep duration.
Tabata‐style functional exercise increases resting and postprandial fat oxidation but does not reduce triglyceride concentrations
Authors: Pearson Regis C. , Olenick Alyssa A. , Green Edward S. , Jenkins Nathan T.
Published: January 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What are the metabolic impacts of high intensity functional Tabata exercise?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Tabata exercise with high intensity functional movements causes increases in fasted and postprandial fat oxidation the day after exercise without altering postprandial triglyceride concentrations. These results support the usage of a Tabata‐style high intensity functional exercise to improve postprandial fat oxidation.

We evaluated the effect of a high fat meal with and without prior high intensity functional exercise executed in a Tabata‐style interval pattern on resting and postprandial substrate oxidation, as well as postprandial blood glucose and triglyceride concentrations. Eleven healthy males completed two trials (Tabata exercise (TE) and non‐exercise control (CON)) in random order separated by 7 days. A two‐day protocol was used in which TE or CON was performed on the first day and a high fat meal was administered ∼13 h later the following morning. Power output from the TE session was quantified using a kinematic approach by calculating external work performed per unit time for each of the four exercises (rowing, dumbbell thrusters, kettlebell swings and burpees). For the meal challenge, respiratory gases and blood samples were taken fasted and at 1, 2 and 3 h postprandial. Fat oxidation was significantly higher after TE compared to CON at all time points (P < 0.05). Carbohydrate oxidation was significantly lower after TE compared to CON at 1 h postprandial (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects of TE on fasting or postprandial glucose or triglyceride concentrations. Functional exercises performed in a high intensity TE pattern enhance fasting and postprandial fat oxidation on the following day with minimal influence on blood triglycerides or glucose levels.
Effects of mask material conductivity on lateral undercut etching in silicon nano-pillar fabrication
Authors: Dey Ripon Kumar , Ekinci Huseyin , Cui Bo
Published: January 2020

High aspect ratio silicon structures have gained significant interest due to their vast applications. Minimal lateral etch under the mask is essential to achieve such high aspect ratio structures. Previously, the authors reported that chromium oxide is better than metallic chromium as a hard mask for silicon etching in terms of etch rate and selectivity to resist during mask structure fabrication. Here, it is reported that a metal oxide etch mask also gives less lateral etch than a metal etch mask. Following mask structure fabrication by electron beam lithography and lift-off, silicon was etched using a nonswitching (i.e., SF6 and C4F8 gases simultaneously injected into a chamber) pseudo-Bosch process. The amount of lateral etching right underneath the mask is less (roughly half) for Cr2O3 and Al2O3 masks than Cr or Al masks. One plausible explanation for the difference is the metal-assisted plasma etching effect where the metal catalyzes the chemical reaction by injecting holes into the silicon in contact. It is also reported that a higher bias power leads to less undercut than a lower one, due to increased and more directional physical bombardment by ions.
Effects of substrate-controlled-orientation on the electrical performance of sputtered BaTiO3 thin films
Authors: Zhang Wei , Hu Fangren
Published: January 2020

In this work, the relationships between bottom electrode/substrate configuration, crystalline microstructure, and electrical performances of BaTiO3 (BTO) thin films were investigated. The films were fabricated via RF magnetron sputtering on (Sr0.5La0.5)CoO3 (LSCO) buffered (110)-, (111)-SrTiO3 (STO) and SrRuO3 (SRO) buffered (110)-, (111)-MgO (MGO) substrates. The x-ray diffractometer results show that the LSCO/STO substrate resulted in films with high-quality epitaxial orientation, whereas the SRO/MGO substrate resulted in films having a strong (110) texture. The electrode/substrate configurations were designed to control the crystalline microstructure, which in turn affects the electrical performances of the films. The electrical performances were studied by employing a metal/ferroelectric/metal model. The J-V characteristics show obvious asymmetry with bias, which is mainly due to the varying transport state of oxygen vacancies. BTO films grown on LSCO/STO substrates exhibit large dielectric frequency dispersion, while those grown on SRO/MGO substrates display a nearly frequency independent response. All electrical parameters of these films were strongly affected by the polarization-tilting angle and the preferred orientation degree. Epitaxial and textured (110)-oriented films show higher permittivity but lower loss tangent, free-carrier concentration, built-in voltage, and leakage current density as compared to the epitaxial (111)-oriented film.
Effect of vacuum heat treatment on the oxidation kinetics of freestanding nanostructured NiCoCrAlY coatings deposited by high-velocity oxy-fuel spraying
Authors: Ghadami Farzin , Sabour Rouh Aghdam Alireza , Ghadami Soheil , Zeng Qunfeng
Published: January 2020

In this study, the nanostructured NiCoCrAlY powder feedstock was coated on the substrate via the high-velocity oxy-fuel spraying process. Freestanding nanostructured NiCoCrAlY coatings were then vacuum heat-treated at 1100 °C for 1, 2, and 5 h under a pressure of 10−3 Pa. The microstructure examinations of the nanostructured NiCoCrAlY coatings before and after vacuum heat treatment were investigated using x-ray diffraction and the field-emission scanning electron microscope equipped with electron dispersed spectroscopy analysis. In order to measure the high-temperature oxidation resistance, the freestanding coatings were evaluated using the isothermal oxidation test at 1000 and 1100 °C, respectively, under the air atmosphere. The obtained results showed that homogeneous and adherent α-Al2O3 was successfully formed on the surface of the heat-treated coating during isothermal oxidation. Results also indicated that the heat-treated NiCoCrAlY coating had a higher isothermal and cyclic oxidation resistance. As a consequence, a lower oxide growth rate was achieved by controlling diffusion due to the finer and denser structure of Al2O3 on the heat-treated nanostructured coating for 2 h after the oxidation test.
Multivariate patterning of human pluripotent cells under perfusion reveals critical roles of induced paracrine factors in kidney organoid development
Authors: Glass Nick R. , Takasako Minoru , Er Pei Xuan , Titmarsh Drew M. , Hidalgo Alejandro , Wolvetang Ernst J. , Little Melissa H. , Cooper-White Justin J.
Published: January 2020

Multivariate patterning of perfused pluripotent cells reveals critical roles of induced paracrine factors in kidney organoids.
Optimal temperature overshoot profile found by limiting global sea level rise as a lower-cost climate target
Authors: Li Chao , Held Hermann , Hokamp Sascha , Marotzke Jochem
Published: January 2020

A global sea level rise target provides a more sustainable and a lower-cost solution to limit future climate change.
How colonial animals evolve
Authors: Simpson Carl , Herrera-Cubilla Amalia , Jackson Jeremy B. C.
Published: January 2020

Colonial animals reconcile selection among organisms and colonies by limiting the evolutionary potential of organism.
Extensive fires in southeastern Siberian permafrost linked to preceding Arctic Oscillation
Authors: Kim Jin-Soo , Kug Jong-Seong , Jeong Su-Jong , Park Hotaek , Schaepman-Strub Gabriela
Published: January 2020

Arctic Oscillation–induced temperature increase drives earlier snow melting and fire activity over southeastern Siberia.
Disordered chromatin packing regulates phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Virk Ranya K. A. , Wu Wenli , Almassalha Luay M. , Bauer Greta M. , Li Yue , VanDerway David , Frederick Jane , Zhang Di , Eshein Adam , Roy Hemant K. , Szleifer Igal , Backman Vadim
Published: January 2020

The CPMC model demonstrates the regulatory role of chromatin’s physical structure on transcription and phenotypic plasticity.
CTNNB1/
β
-catenin
dysfunction contributes to adiposity by regulating the cross-talk of mature adipocytes and preadipocytes
Authors: Chen Maopei , Lu Peng , Ma Qinyun , Cao Yanan , Chen Na , Li Wen , Zhao Shaoqian , Chen Banru , Shi Juan , Sun Yingkai , Shen Hongbin , Sun Liangdan , Shen Juan , Liao Qijun , Zhang Yifei , Hong Jie , Gu Weiqiong , Liu Ruixin , Ning Guang , Wang Weiqing , Wang Jiqiu
Published: January 2020

β-catenin regulates the cross-talk among mature adipocytes, macrophages, and preadipocytes under overnutrition.
Cuttlefish use stereopsis to strike at prey
Authors: Feord R. C. , Sumner M. E. , Pusdekar S. , Kalra L. , Gonzalez-Bellido P. T. , Wardill Trevor J.
Published: January 2020

Cuttlefish use image disparity between the two eyes to extract depth information when hunting.
Folk standards of sound judgment: Rationality Versus Reasonableness
Authors: Grossmann Igor , Eibach Richard P. , Koyama Jacklyn , Sahi Qaisar B.
Published: January 2020

Laypeople grasp economists’ view of rationality, yet favor socially pragmatic reasonableness as a separate standard of judgment.
GDNF rescues the fate of neural progenitor grafts by attenuating Notch signals in the injured spinal cord in rodents
Authors: Khazaei Mohamad , Ahuja Christopher S. , Nakashima Hiroaki , Nagoshi Narihito , Li Lijun , Wang Jian , Chio Jonathon , Badner Anna , Seligman David , Ichise Ayaka , Shibata Shinsuke , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: January 2020

Glial-derived neurotrophic factor expression by grafted human neural progenitor cells enhances functional recovery after spinal cord injury.
Nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccination partially overcomes maternal antibody inhibition of de novo immune responses in mice
Authors: Willis Elinor , Pardi Norbert , Parkhouse Kaela , Mui Barbara L. , Tam Ying K. , Weissman Drew , Hensley Scott E.
Published: January 2020

Unlike conventional influenza vaccines, mRNA vaccination partially overcomes maternal antibody inhibition of de novo immune responses in infant mice.
Pancreatitis is an FGF21-deficient state that is corrected by replacement therapy
Authors: Hernandez Genaro , Luo Ting , Javed Tanveer A. , Wen Li , Kalwat Michael A. , Vale Kevin , Ammouri Farah , Husain Sohail Z. , Kliewer Steven A. , Mangelsdorf David J.
Published: January 2020

Repression of FGF21 by the integrated stress response contributes to pancreatitis and can be reversed with either stress response inhibitors or FGF21.
HDAC inhibition improves cardiopulmonary function in a feline model of diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Wallner Markus , Eaton Deborah M. , Berretta Remus M. , Liesinger Laura , Schittmayer Matthias , Gindlhuber Juergen , Wu Jichuan , Jeong Mark Y. , Lin Ying H. , Borghetti Giulia , Baker Sandy T. , Zhao Huaqing , Pfleger Jessica , Blass Sandra , Rainer Peter P. , von Lewinski Dirk , Bugger Heiko , Mohsin Sadia , Graier Wolfgang F. , Zirlik Andreas , McKinsey Timothy A. , Birner-Gruenberger Ruth , Wolfson Marla R. , Houser Steven R.
Published: January 2020

Histone deacetylase inhibition counteracts adverse left ventricular remodeling, improves pulmonary function, and reverses diastolic dysfunction.
Activity of Imipenem-Relebactam and Meropenem-Vaborbactam against Carbapenem-Resistant, SME-Producing Serratia marcescens
Authors: Biagi M. , Shajee A. , Vialichka A. , Jurkovic M. , Tan X. , Wenzler E.
Published: January 2020

The
Serratia marcescens
enzyme (SME) is a chromosomally encoded carbapenemase with no known optimal treatment. Various β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors and comparators were evaluated against 8 SME producers via broth microdilution. Four isolates were subsequently tested via time-kill analyses. All isolates were resistant to imipenem, imipenem-relebactam, and meropenem but susceptible to ceftazidime, ceftazidime-avibactam, and meropenem-vaborbactam.
Real-World Experience with Ceftolozane-Tazobactam for Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections
Authors: Jorgensen Sarah C. J. , Trinh Trang D. , Zasowski Evan J. , Lagnf Abdalhamid M. , Simon Samuel P. , Bhatia Sahil , Melvin Sarah M. , Steed Molly E. , Finch Natalie A. , Morrisette Taylor , Estrada Sandy J. , Rosenberg Joshua R. , Davis Susan L. , Rybak Michael J.
Published: January 2020

Our objective was to describe the prescribing practices, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients treated with ceftolozane-tazobactam (C/T) for multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative infections. This was a multicenter, retrospective, cohort study at eight U.S. medical centers (2015 to 2019). Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years and receipt of C/T (≥72 hours) for suspected or confirmed MDR Gram-negative infection. The primary efficacy outcome, evaluated among patients with MDR
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections, was composite clinical failure, namely, 30-day all-cause mortality, 30-day recurrence, and/or failure to resolve or improve infection signs or symptoms after C/T treatment.
A Highly Prevalent and Pervasive Densovirus Discovered among Sea Stars from the North American Atlantic Coast
Authors: Jackson Elliot W. , Pepe-Ranney Charles , Johnson Mitchell R. , Distel Daniel L. , Hewson Ian
Published: January 2020

Sea star wasting syndrome is a disease primarily observed on the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts of North America that has significantly impacted sea star populations. The etiology of this disease is unknown, although it is hypothesized to be caused by a densovirus, SSaDV. However, previous studies have not found a correlation between SSaDV and sea star wasting syndrome on the North American Atlantic Coast. This study suggests that this observation may be explained by the presence of a genetically similar densovirus, AfaDV, that may have confounded previous studies. SSaDV was not present in sea stars screened in this study, and instead, AfaDV was commonly found in sea star populations across the New England region, with no apparent signs of disease. These results suggest that sea star densoviruses may be common constituents of the animals’ microbiome, and the diversity and extent of these viruses among wild populations may be greater than previously recognized.
Homologous c-di-GMP-Binding Scr Transcription Factors Orchestrate Biofilm Development in Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Kimbrough John H. , Cribbs J. Thomas , McCarter Linda L.
Published: January 2020

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
can inhabit open ocean, chitinous shells, and the human gut. Such varied habitats and the transitions between them require adaptable regulatory networks controlling energetically expensive behaviors, including swarming motility and biofilm formation, which are promoted by low and high concentrations of the signaling molecule c-di-GMP, respectively. Here, we describe four homologous c-di-GMP-binding Scr transcription factors in
V. parahaemolyticus
. Members of this family of regulators are present in many vibrios, yet their numbers and the natures of their activities differ across species. Our work highlights the distinctive roles that these transcription factors play in dynamically controlling biofilm formation and architecture in
V. parahaemolyticus
and serves as a powerful example of regulatory network evolution and diversification.
The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute Subcommittee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing: Background, Organization, Functions, and Processes
Authors: Weinstein Melvin P. , Lewis James S.
Published: January 2020

The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) Subcommittee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST SC) is a volunteer-led, multidisciplinary consensus body that develops and publishes standards and guidelines (among other products) for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods and results interpretation in the United States and internationally. The Subcommittee (SC) meets face-to-face twice yearly, and its working groups (WGs) are active throughout the year via teleconferences.
Rapid Generation of Attenuated Infectious Bursal Disease Virus from Dual-Promoter Plasmids by Reduction of Viral Ribonucleoprotein Activity
Authors: Yang Hui , Wang Yu , Ye Chengjin
Published: January 2020

Immunosuppression in chickens as a result of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection leads to significant economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide every year. Currently, vaccination is still the best way to prevent the prevalence of IBDV. However, with the occurrence of increasing numbers of variant IBDV strains, it is challenging to develop antigen-matched live attenuated vaccine. Here, we first developed a dual-promoter reverse-genetic system for the rapid generation of IBDV. Using this system, the attenuated IBDV/1FLAG expressing VP1-FLAG, which displays the decreased viral RNP activity, was rescued. Moreover, IBDV/1FLAG inoculation induced a similar level of neutralizing antibodies to that of its parental counterpart, protecting chickens against lethal challenge. Our study, for the first time, describes a dual-promoter reverse-genetic approach for the rapid generation of attenuated IBDV while maintaining entire parental antigenicity, suggesting a potential new method to attenuate epidemic variant IBDV strains for vaccine development.
Thioredoxin 2 Negatively Regulates Innate Immunity to RNA Viruses by Disrupting the Assembly of the Virus-Induced Signaling Adaptor Complex
Authors: Li Dan , Yang Wenping , Ru Yi , Ren Jingjing , Liu Xiangtao , Zheng Haixue
Published: January 2020

The VISA-associated complex plays pivotal roles in inducing type I interferons (IFNs) and eliciting the innate antiviral response. Many host proteins are identified as VISA-associated-complex proteins, but how VISA complex formation is regulated by host proteins remains enigmatic. We identified the TRX2 protein as an important regulator of VISA complex formation. Knockout of TRX2 increases virus- or poly(I·C)-triggered induction of type I IFNs at the VISA level. Mechanistically, TRX2 inhibits the production of ROS at its C93 site, which impairs VISA aggregates at its C283 site, and subsequently impedes the assembly of the VISA complex. Our findings suggest that TRX2 plays an important role in the regulation of VISA complex assembly.
Study protocol for a phase II, multicentre, prospective, non-randomised clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of infusing allogeneic activated and expanded natural killer cells as consolidation therapy for paediatric acute myeloblastic leukaemia
Authors: Muñoz Builes Mario , Vela Cuenca María , Fuster Soler Jose L , Astigarraga Itziar , Pascual Martínez Antonia , Vagace Valero Jose M , Tong Hoi Y , Valentín Quiroga Jaime , Fernández Casanova Lucía , Escudero López Adela , Sisinni Luisa , Blanquer Miguel , Mirones Aguilar Isabel , González Martínez Berta , Borobia Alberto M , Pérez-Martínez Antonio
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML) constitutes the second most common haematological malignancy in the paediatric population. Current treatment regimens are based on the administration of polychemotherapy, combining high doses of cytarabine with anthracyclines and topoisomerase inhibitors. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an option for high-risk patients with AML (and for intermediate-risk patients if a sibling donor is available). With this strategy, AML survival has increased substantially; however, it has remained stagnant at approximately 60%, with relapse being the principal culprit. The predominant role of the immune system and natural killer (NK) cells in controlling paediatric AML has gained importance within the context of HSCT. In this protocol, we propose incorporating this cell therapy as an adjuvant treatment through the infusion of activated and expanded haploidentical NK (NKAE) cells in paediatric patients with AML who are in cytological remission after completing consolidation therapy, and with no indication for HSCT.

Methods and analysis

Patients up to 30 years of age, diagnosed with AML, in their first cytological remission, who have completed both the induction and the consolidation phases of chemotherapy and do not meet the criteria for allogeneic HSCT are eligible. The patients will receive two doses of NKAE cells once a week, using a GMP K562-mbIL15-41BBL stimulus from a haploidentical donor and interleukin 2 subcutaneously. The patients will then be followed up for 36 months to assess the primary endpoint, which is the probability of relapse after NK cell infusion.

Ethics and dissemination

This clinical trial was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of La Paz University Hospital and The Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and community reporting.

Trial registration number

EudraCT code: 2015-001901-15, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02763475.
Copper intrauterine device use and HIV acquisition in women: a systematic review
Authors: Hannaford Philip C , Ti Angeline , Chipato Tsungai , Curtis Kathryn M
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To review systematically copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) use and HIV acquisition in women.

Methods

We searched Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane Library between database inception and 26 June 2019 for longitudinal studies comparing incident HIV infection among women using an unspecified IUD or Cu-IUD compared with non-hormonal or no contraceptive users, or hormonal contraceptive users. We extracted information from included studies, assessed study quality, and summarised study findings.

Results

From 2494 publications identified, seven met our inclusion criteria. One randomised controlled trial (RCT), judged “informative with few limitations”, found no statistically significant differences in HIV risk between users of the Cu-IUD and either intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) or levonorgestrel implant. One observational study, deemed “informative but with important limitations”, found no statistically significant difference in HIV incidence among IUD users compared with women who had tubal ligation or who were not using any contraception. Another “informative but with important limitations” observational study found no difference in HIV incidence between Cu-IUD users and DMPA or norethisterone enanthate injectable, or implant users. An RCT considered “unlikely to inform the primary question” also found no difference in HIV risk between Cu-IUD and progestogen-only injectable users. Findings from the other three “unlikely to inform the primary question” cohort studies were consistent with the more robust studies suggesting no increased risk of HIV acquisition among Cu-IUD users.

Conclusion

The collective evidence, including that from a large high-quality RCT, does not indicate an increased risk of HIV acquisition among users of Cu-IUDs.
Inadvertent tissue adhesive tarsorrhaphy of the eyelid: a review and exploratory trial of removal methods of Histoacryl
Authors: Liu Zhenghong , Lim Yi Ting , Leong Kwok Fai, Mark
Published: January 2020

Objective

The use of tissue adhesives has become a popular option for closure of wounds in the ED. There have been a growing number of reports of inadvertent tissue adhesive injuries including closure of the eyelids. We aim to identify and compare various removal methods of tissue adhesives described in the literature in an exploratory trial.

Methods

A review was first conducted to establish all published methods for the removal of medical-grade tissue adhesives as well as commercial cyanoacrylates. This search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar and Google. All articles that reported attempts at removal of cyanoacrylate glues were included. These methods were then tested on a porcine model in an exploratory trial. Incisions were made on pigskin and closed with Histoacryl, a tissue adhesive. Three removal methods were tested—gentle rubbing with test compound after 45 or 90 s, as well as soaking in test compound. Removal methods that were successful underwent repeat testing.

Results

A total of 37 sources were reviewed with 13 different removal methods suggested. Based on the information, we tested 24 different compounds. Soaking of Histoacryl-closed wounds in Polydexa ear/eye drops displayed consistent success in achieving complete separation of incision edges after 2 hours. Several other soapy substances and antibiotic ointments showed potential but were not as consistent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in our trial of removal methods of Histoacryl, soaking in Polydexa antibiotic drops consistently facilitated removal after 2 hours. This approach can be attempted after inadvertent Histoacryl injury.
Association between hypertension and retinal vascular features in ultra-widefield fundus imaging
Authors: Robertson Gavin , Fleming Alan , Williams Michelle Claire , Trucco Emanuele , Quinn Nicola , Hogg Ruth , McKay Gareth J , Kee Frank , Young Ian , Pellegrini Enrico , Newby David E , van Beek Edwin J R , Peto Tunde , Dhillon Baljean , van Hemert Jano , MacGillivray Thomas J
Published: January 2020

Objective

Changes to the retinal vasculature are known to be associated with hypertension independently of traditional risk factors. We investigated whether measurements of retinal vascular calibre from ultra-widefield fundus imaging were associated with hypertensive status.

Methods

We retrospectively collected and semiautomatically measured ultra-widefield retinal fundus images from a subset of participants enrolled in an ongoing population study of ageing, categorised as normotensive or hypertensive according to thresholds on systolic/diastolic blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg) measured in a clinical setting. Vascular calibre in the peripheral retina was measured to calculate the nasal–annular arteriole:venule ratio (NA-AVR), a novel combined parameter.

Results

Left and right eyes were analysed from 440 participants (aged 50–59 years, mean age of 54.6±2.9 years, 247, 56.1% women), including 151 (34.3%) categorised as hypertensive. Arterioles were thinner and the NA-AVR was smaller in people with hypertension. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of NA-AVR for hypertensive status was 0.73 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.78) using measurements from left eyes, while for right eyes, it was 0.64 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.70), representing evidence of a statistically significant difference between the eyes (p=0.020).

Conclusions

Semiautomated measurements of NA-AVR in ultra-widefield fundus imaging were associated with hypertension. With further development, this may help screen people attending routine eye health check-ups for high blood pressure. These individuals may then follow a care pathway for suspected hypertension. Our results showed differences between left and right eyes, highlighting the importance of investigating both eyes of a patient.
Meningococcal vaccine uptake among men who have sex with men in response to an invasive meningococcal C disease outbreak in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Martín-Sánchez Mario , Fairley Christopher K , Bradshaw Catriona S , Chen Marcus Y , Chow Eric P F
Published: January 2020

Objective

In 2017, there was an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) serogroup C among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Victoria, Australia. A government-funded free meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccination programme targeting all MSM living in Victoria was launched between December 2017 and December 2018. The aim of this study was to examine the vaccine uptake among MSM attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne.

Methods

This was a retrospective clinical audit of MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) during the vaccination programme. We calculated the proportion of MSM who received the meningococcal vaccine on their first visit and at any time during the programme. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify the factors associated with the vaccine uptake on the first visit.

Results

Of the 10 370 MSM who attended MSHC, 55.5% received the vaccine on their first visit and 67.4% at any time during the programme. MSM had higher odds of receiving the vaccine on the first visit if they were aged 16–25 years (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.21; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.35) or 26–35 years (aOR 1.17; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.29) in comparison with MSM older than 35 years; were HIV-negative and not on pre-exposure prophylaxis (aOR 1.80; 95% CI 1.56 to 2.09); had more than four male partners in the last 12 months (aOR 1.16; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.27); had male partners only (aOR 2.24; 95% CI 1.96 to 2.55); or were born overseas (aOR 1.11; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.21).

Conclusions

Two-thirds of the MSM attending a sexual health clinic received at least one dose of meningococcal vaccine. The vaccination programme coincided temporally with a dramatic reduction in the incidence of IMD. Vaccination should be further promoted among MSM and men who have sex with both men and women.
Keith Richard Gooderham
Authors: Bradbury Janet , Cook Jane , Cserep Tibor , Jones Trevor , Lister Stephen , McMullin Paul , Shirley Martin , Turk Mike
Published: January 2020

A vet with a special interest in ducks who used his diagnostic abilities, problem‐solving skills and a common‐sense approach to improve bird health and welfare.
Characterization of HTATIP2 and its role during hair follicle cycles in Angora rabbit
Authors: Zhao Bohao , Chen Yang , Hu Shuaishuai , Yang Naisu , Liu Ming , Li Jiali , Bao Zhiyuan , Wu Xinsheng
Published: January 2020

Hair follicle (HF) growth and cycling is a complex biological process that occurs in most mammals. As HF growth and cycling directly impacts rabbit wool yield, it is important to better understand the potential regulation pattern of HF development. Our previous study demonstrated that HTATIP2 may participate in regulating rabbit HF cycles, but the molecular mechanism of HTATIP2 remained unclear. In this study, the coding sequence of the HTATIP2 gene in Angora rabbit was cloned. The length of the coding region sequence was 840 bp, which could code 279 amino acids, and exhibited high homology in different mammals. Bioinformatics analyses indicated that the HTATIP2 protein is stable, hydrophilic, located around the cytoplasm, and has a putative signal peptide. Moreover, we verified that HTATIP2 is highly expressed during catagen and telogen of the HF cycle. The overexpression vector was constructed and siRNAs were designed. Overexpression and knockdown of HTATIP2 appeared to regulate JAK-STAT pathway genes, such as BCL2, CCND1, c-Myc, and STAT2. It is therefore likely that HTATIP2 promotes cell apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation. Our results indicate that HTATIP2 is highly expressed during catagen and telogen and may play an important role in JAK-STAT signaling. This study provides a theoretical foundation for investigating HTATIP2 in biological processes.
High-resolution radioactive beam study of the $$^{26}\hbox {Al}(d,p$$) reaction and measurements of single-particle spectroscopic factors
Authors: Lotay G. , Woods P. J. , Moukaddam M. , Aliotta M. , Christian G. , Davids B. , Davinson T. , Doherty D. T. , Howell D. , Margerin V. , Ruiz C.
Published: January 2020

We present a detailed comparison of shell model calculations with inverse kinematic transfer reaction data, obtained using a radioactive beam. Experimentally extracted spectroscopic factors from the $$^{26}\hbox {Al}(d,p)^{27}\hbox {Al}$$26Al(d,p)27Al reaction for both even and odd parity states are found to be exceptionally well reproduced by the shell model and a high level of consistency is observed between bound isobaric analog states in $$^{27}\hbox {Al}$$27Al and $$^{27}\hbox {Si}$$27Si, populated via (d, p) and (d, n) transfer, respectively. Furthermore, an evaluation of key resonances in the astrophysical $$^{26}\hbox {Al}(p,\gamma )^{27}\hbox {Si}$$26Al(p,γ)27Si reaction indicates that shell model calculations provide relatively accurate predictions for the existence of strong resonances and mirror nucleus comparisons appear to hold exceptionally well for proton-unbound levels. Consequently, we expect that the utilization of both techniques will likely be a very effective tool in the investigation of stellar processes outside the current reach of experiment.
Quasi-normal modes of static spherically symmetric black holes in f(R) theory
Authors: Datta Sayak , Bose Sukanta
Published: January 2020

We study the quasi-normal modes (QNMs) of static, spherically symmetric black holes in f(R) theories. We show how these modes in theories with non-trivial f(R) are fundamentally different from those in general relativity. In the special case of $$f(R) = \alpha R^2$$f(R)=αR2 theories, it has been recently argued that iso-spectrality between scalar and vector modes breaks down. Here, we show that such a break down is quite general across all f(R) theories, as long as they satisfy $$f''(0)/(1+f''(0)) \ne 0$$f′′(0)/(1+f′′(0))≠0, where a prime denotes derivative of the function with respect to its argument. We specifically discuss the origin of the breaking of isospectrality. We also show that along with this breaking the QNMs receive a correction that arises when $$f''(0)/(1+f'(0)) \ne 0$$f′′(0)/(1+f′(0))≠0 owing to the inhomogeneous term that it introduces in the mode equation. We discuss how these differences affect the “ringdown” phase of binary black hole mergers and the possibility of constraining f(R) models with gravitational-wave observations. We also find that even though the iso-spectrality is broken in f(R) theories, in general, nevertheless in the corresponding scalar-tensor theories in the Einstein frame it is unbroken.
A regularized convolutional neural network for semantic image segmentation
Authors: Jia Fan , Liu Jun , Tai Xue-Cheng
Published: January 2020

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have achieved prominent performance in a series of image processing problems. CNNs become the first choice for dense classification problems such as semantic segmentation. However, CNNs predict the class of each pixel independently in semantic segmentation tasks, spatial regularity of the segmented objects is still a problem for these methods. Especially when given few training data, CNN could not perform well in the details, isolated and scattered small regions often appear in all kinds of CNN segmentation results. In this paper, we propose a method to add spatial regularization to the segmented objects. In our method, the spatial regularization such as total variation (TV) can be easily integrated into CNN network and it produces smooth edges and eliminate isolated points. We apply our proposed method to Unet and Segnet, which are well-established CNNs for image segmentation, and test them on WBC and CamVid datasets, respectively. The results show that the details of predictions are well improved by regularized networks.
Kernel regression, minimax rates and effective dimensionality: Beyond the regular case
Authors: Blanchard Gilles , Mücke Nicole
Published: January 2020

We investigate if kernel regularization methods can achieve minimax convergence rates over a source condition regularity assumption for the target function. These questions have been considered in past literature, but only under specific assumptions about the decay, typically polynomial, of the spectrum of the the kernel mapping covariance operator. In the perspective of distribution-free results, we investigate this issue under much weaker assumption on the eigenvalue decay, allowing for more complex behavior that can reflect different structure of the data at different scales.
Discotic liquid crystals of transition metal complexes 57: X-ray diffraction halo jumps originated from sudden free rotation of substituent groups to induce mesomorphism
Authors: Nishiguchi Takahiro , Sugiyama Kouki , Nakamura Hiromu , Yasutake Mikio , Ohta Kazuchika
Published: January 2020

We have synthesized a novel series of four flying-seed-like liquid crystals (1Ph-PhO)4PcM [5-M: M = Co (5-Co), Ni (5-Ni), Cu (5-Cu) and Zn (5-Zn)] which are based on a phthalocyanine core having peripheral bulky groups without long alkyl chains, in order to clarify the precise mechanism inducing their mesomorphism. For comparison, we have also synthesized a long alkyl-chain-substituted liquid crystal ([Formula: see text]C[Formula: see text]OPhO)8PcCu (7o) having the same phthalocyanine core with long alkyl chains in the periphery. Each of the derivatives 5-M and 7o showed a hexagonal ordered columnar (Colho) mesophase. Very interestingly, the halo positions in the X-ray diffraction patterns for the Colho mesophases of the flying-seed-like liquid crystals 5-M and the long alkyl-chain-substituted liquid crystal 7o were quite differently given at 5.7–6.2 Å and 4.6–4.7 Å, respectively. The halo positions of the representative derivatives 5-Cu and 7o having the same copper phthalocyanine (PcCu) core were finely measured at various temperatures by using the temperature-variable small angle X-ray diffraction technique. As the result, the derivatives 5-Cu and 7o showed sudden jumps of halo position from 5.5 to 5.7 Å and from 4.2 to 4.6 Å, respectively, at the phase transition from the crystalline phase to the liquid crystalline phase (Colho). This means that the volume changes ([Formula: see text]V) corresponding to these halo jumps originate from two different kinds of mechanisms by sudden free rotation of the bulky substituents and by sudden melting of the long alkyl chains. Thus, in this work we have unambiguously clarified these two different mechanisms inducing mesomorphism.
The Detection of Osthole and Application of Cell Imaging Based on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots
Authors: Wang Ning , Yang Xuefang , Wang Haojiang , Xie Liping , Jia Weihua , Bian Wei , Choi Martin M. F.
Published: January 2020

A fluorescence probe has been synthesized for the detection of osthole using the nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) as shown in Fig. 1. The NCDs were fully characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Under the optimal experimental conditions, the NCDs fluorescence probe was highly selective and sensitive to osthole. The linear response range for osthole was 5.0–75[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M with a detection limit of 38[Formula: see text]nM. The mechanism of the interaction of osthole and NCDs was discussed. The fluorescence probe has been applied to the analysis of biological samples. The as-synthesized NCDs with high fluorescence intensity, low toxicity and good biocompatibility were applied to cell imaging.
Effect of Y doping at Co site on thermoelectric properties of Ca3Co4O9
Authors: Fan Youyu , Qing Xiaoling , Zeng Dechang
Published: January 2020

In this work, our effort was to improve the thermoelectric properties of Ca3Co4O9 thermoelectric material. Ca3Co[Formula: see text]YxO9 polycrystalline thermoelectric ceramics have been fabricated by sol–gel method plus spontaneous combustion and cold isostatic pressing process. The structure, surface topography and thermoelectric properties of Ca3Co[Formula: see text]YxO9 polycrystalline thermoelectric were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM and ZEM3, respectively. The results showed that [Formula: see text] doping affected the microstructure and thermoelectric performance remarkable. With the increasing of [Formula: see text] doping, the electrical conductivity had a maximum value, and thermal conductivity has a minimum value. Seebeck coefficient gradually increased with [Formula: see text] doping content increasing always. The figure of merit was 0.07 at 673[Formula: see text]K for the Ca3Co[Formula: see text]Y[Formula: see text]O9 sample. The results showed that the thermoelectric performance of Ca3Co4O9 could be improved 39% with the substitution of [Formula: see text] than the un-doped.
Neuropathic Pain: Mechanism-Based Therapeutics
Authors: Bannister Kirsty , Sachau Juliane , Baron Ralf , Dickenson Anthony H.
Published: January 2020

Neuropathic pain (NeP) can result from sources as varied as nerve compression, channelopathies, autoimmune disease, and incision. By identifying the neurobiological changes that underlie the pain state, it will be clinically possible to exploit mechanism-based therapeutics for maximum analgesic effect as diagnostic accuracy is optimized. Obtaining sufficient knowledge regarding the neuroadaptive alterations that occur in a particular NeP state will result in improved patient analgesia and a mechanism-based, as opposed to a disease-based, therapeutic approach to facilitate target identification. This will rely on comprehensive disease pathology insight; our knowledge is vastly improving due to continued forward and back translational preclinical and clinical research efforts. Here we discuss the clinical aspects of neuropathy and currently used drugs whose mechanisms of action are outlined alongside their clinical use. Finally, we consider sensory phenotypes, patient clusters, and predicting the efficacy of an analgesic for neuropathy.