bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat‐shock transcription factor 1 is critically involved in the ischaemia‐induced cardiac hypertrophy via JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Yuan Lingyan , Qiu Lin , Ye Yong , Wu Jian , Wang Shuchun , Wang Xingxu , Zhou Ning , Zou Yunzeng
Published: July 2018

Cardiac hypertrophy after myocardial infarction (MI) is an independent risk factor for heart failure. Regression of cardiac hypertrophy has emerged as a promising strategy in the treatment of MI patients. Here, we have been suggested that heat‐shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) is a novel repressor of ischaemia‐induced cardiac hypertrophy. Ligation of left anterior descending coronary was used to produce MI in HSF1‐deficient heterozygote (KO), HSF1 transgenic (TG) mice and their wild‐type (WT) littermates, respectively. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were treated by hypoxia to mimic MI in vitro. The HSF1 phosphorylation was significantly reduced in the infarct border zone of mouse left ventricles (LVs) 1 week after MI and in the hypoxia‐treated NRCMs. HSF1 KO mice showed more significant maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy and deteriorated cardiac dysfunction 1 week after MI compared to WT MI mice. Deficiency of HSF1 by siRNA transfection notably increased the hypoxia‐induced myocardial hypertrophy in NRCMs. Mechanistically, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and its effector, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were found to be significantly increased in the LV infarct border zone of WT mice after MI as well as the NRCMs treated by hypoxia. These alterations were more significant in HSF1 KO mice and NRCMs transfected with HSF1 SiRNA. Inversely, HSF1 TG mice showed significantly ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure 1 week after LAD ligation compared to their WT littermates. Our data collectively demonstrated that HSF1 is critically involved in the pathological cardiac hypertrophy after MI via modulating JAK2/STAT3 signalling and may constitute a potential therapeutic target for MI patients.
Calycosin alleviates allergic contact dermatitis by repairing epithelial tight junctions via down‐regulating HIF‐1α
Authors: Jia Zhirong , Wang Xiaotong , Wang Xiaoyu , Wei Pan , Li Lianqu , Wu Peng , Hong Min
Published: July 2018

Calycosin, a bioactive component derived from Astragali Radix (AR; Huang Qi), has been shown to have an effect of anti‐allergic dermatitis with unknown mechanism. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of calycosin related to tight junctions (TJs) and HIF‐1α both in FITC‐induced mice allergic contact dermatitis and in IL‐1β stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes. Th2 cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13) were detected by ELISA. The epithelial TJ proteins (occludin, CLDN1 and ZO‐1), initiative key cytokines (TSLP and IL‐33) and HIF‐1α were assessed by Western blot, real‐time PCR, immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. Herein, we have demonstrated that allergic inflammation and the Th2 cytokines in ACD mice were reduced significantly by calycosin treatment. Meanwhile, calycosin obviously decreased the expression of HIF‐1α and repaired TJs both in vivo and in vitro. In HaCaT keratinocytes, we noted that IL‐1β induced the deterioration of TJs, as well as the increased levels of TSLP and IL‐33, which could be reversed by silencing HIF‐1α. In addition, administration of 2‐methoxyestradiolin (2‐ME), a HIF‐1α inhibitor,significantly repaired the TJs and alleviated the allergic inflammation in vivo. Furthermore, TJs were destroyed by DMOG or by overexpressing HIF‐1α in HaCaT keratinocytes, and simultaneously, calycosin down‐regulated the expression of HIF‐1α and repaired the TJs in this process. These results revealed that calycosin may act as a potential anti‐allergy and barrier‐repair agent via regulating HIF‐1α in AD and suggested that HIF‐1α and TJs might be possible therapy targets for allergic dermatitis.
Introgressive hybridization between wild and domestic individuals and its relationship with parasitism in brook charrSalvelinus fontinalis
Authors: Gossieaux Philippine , Sirois Pascal , Bernatchez Louis , Garant Dany
Published: July 2018

The effects of introgression on parasitism in brook charrSalvelinus fontinaliswere investigated in 28 lakes with various levels of stocking in Québec, Canada. No effect of genetic background on parasitism was found at the individual level. Body length seemed to explain most of the variation observed at this level, with largest fish being more infected. However, lakes with the greater average domestic genetic background were found to display significantly lower parasite prevalence and diversity. Since our results indicate no effect of domestic genes at the individual level, the negative association with introgression found at the population level may be mainly attributed to differences in intrinsic environmental quality of lakes (e.g. fishing pressure, availability of food resources, abiotic characteristics).
Workers of the Internet unite? Online freelancer organisation among remote gig economy workers in six Asian and African countries
Authors: Wood Alex J. , Lehdonvirta Vili , Graham Mark
Published: July 2018

This article presents findings regarding collective organisation among online freelancers in middle‐income countries. Drawing on research in Southeast Asia and Sub‐Saharan Africa, we find that the specific nature of the online freelancing labour process gives rise to a distinctive form of organisation, in which social media groups play a central role in structuring communication and unions are absent. Previous research is limited to either conventional freelancers or ‘microworkers’ who do relatively low‐skilled tasks via online labour platforms. This study uses 107 interviews and a survey of 658 freelancers who obtain work via a variety of online platforms to highlight that Internet‐based communities play a vital role in their work experiences. Internet‐based communities enable workers to support each other and share information. This, in turn, increases their security and protection. However, these communities are fragmented by nationality, occupation and platform.
USantidumping petitions and revealed comparative advantage of shrimp‐exporting countries
Authors: Chang Chia‐Lin , McAleer Michael , Nguyen Dang‐Khoa
Published: July 2018

The paper explores the trade competitiveness of seven major shrimp‐exporting countries, namely Vietnam, China, Thailand, Ecuador, India, Indonesia and Mexico, to the United States. Specifically, we investigate whether theUSantidumping petitions have an impact on the bilateral revealed comparative advantage (RCA) indexes for each of the seven shrimp‐exporting countries with the United States. Monthly data from January 2003 to December 2014 and a panel data model are used to examine the determinants of theRCAfor the shrimp‐exporting countries. The empirical results show the shrimp‐exporting countries have superior competitiveness against the shrimp market in the United States. Moreover, theRCAindexes are significantly negatively influenced by shrimp prices, and are positively affected byUSincome per capita. However, theEMS(Early Mortality Syndrome) shrimp disease, domesticUSshrimp quantity, exchange rates andUSantidumping laws are found to have no significant impacts on theRCAindexes. In terms of policy implications, the United States should try to reduce production costs of shrimp in theUSmarket instead of imposing antidumping petitions. Moreover, the shrimp‐exporting countries should try to maintain their comparative advantage and diversify into new markets.
Young children's television viewing and the quality of their interactions with parents: A prospective community study
Authors: Skaug Silje , Englund Kjellrun T. , Wichstrøm Lars
Published: July 2018

Television is one of the most commonly viewed forms of media by children throughout the world. Excessive television viewing can influence the quality of children's relationships and interactions with their parents. We examined the emotional availability (EA) of children toward their parents by assessing child responsiveness and child involvement, using a cross‐sectional and longitudinal design. We employed a large and representative community sample of Norwegian 4‐year‐olds (n = 995) who were followed up at 6 years old (n = 795). The results illustrate that, when viewing excessive amounts of television, children are less likely to be involved with their parents in ordinary toy‐play. We argue in favor of the displacement hypothesis, stating that time‐demanding technologies are negatively related to the quality of parent–child relationships because spending more time watching television will leave less time for developing nurturing social relationships.
Making the good even better: A review and theoretical model of interpersonal capitalization
Authors: Peters Brett J. , Reis Harry T. , Gable Shelly L.
Published: July 2018

When good things happen, individuals will often retell this good news to others, a process termed capitalization. In so doing, individuals sharing their good news (i.e., capitalizers) boost their mood and relationships with the person(s) to whom they retell their news (i.e., responders). Most extant research has focused on the benefits for the capitalizers. Capitalization, however, is a social process that affects both capitalizers and responders, and research has only begun to explore the benefits of capitalization for responders. In this article, we provide a fresh perspective on the state of this literature by proposing the interpersonal model of capitalization (InterCAP). We illustrate how InterCAP (a) integrates and organizes existing research and theory, (b) formally emphasizes the interpersonal and iterative nature of the capitalization process, and (c) identifies gaps in current knowledge. We conclude by offering recommendations for integrating InterCAP with other theoretical models and suggestions for future research.
Quickly responding C‐fibre nociceptors contribute to heat hypersensitivity in the area of secondary hyperalgesia
Authors: Lenoir Cédric , Plaghki Léon , Mouraux André , van den Broeke Emanuel N.
Published: July 2018

Key points

A recent animal study showed that high frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) of C‐fibres induces a gliogenic heterosynaptic long‐term potentiation at the spinal cord that is hypothesized to mediate secondary hyperalgesia in humans.

Here this hypothesis was tested by predominantly activating C‐fibre nociceptors in the area of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia induced by HFS in humans.

It is shown that heat perception elicited by stimuli predominantly activating C‐fibre nociceptors is greater, as compared to the control site, after HFS in the area of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia.

This is the first study that confirms in humans the involvement of C‐fibre nociceptors in the changes in heat sensitivity in the area of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia induced by HFS.

It has recently been shown that high frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) of C‐fibres induces a gliogenic heterosynaptic long‐term potentiation (LTP) at the spinal cord in animals, which has been hypothesized to be the underlying mechanism of secondary hyperalgesia in humans. Here we tested this hypothesis using a method to predominantly activate quickly responding C‐fibre nociceptors in the area of secondary hyperalgesia induced by HFS in humans. HFS was delivered to one of the two volar forearms in 18 healthy volunteers. Before, 20 min and 45 min after HFS, short‐lasting (10 ms) high‐intensity CO2 laser heat stimuli delivered to a very small area of the skin (0.15 mm2) were applied to the area of increased mechanical pinprick sensitivity at the HFS‐treated arm and the homologous area of the contralateral control arm. During heat stimulation the electroencephalogram, reaction times and intensity of perception (numerical rating scale 0–100) were measured. After HFS, we observed a greater heat sensitivity, an enhancement in the number of detected trials, faster reaction times and an enhancement of the N2 wave of C‐fibre laser‐evoked potentials at the HFS‐treated arm compared to the control arm. This is the first study that confirms in humans the involvement of C‐fibre nociceptors in enhanced heat sensitivity in the area of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia induced by HFS.
Desensitizing mouse cardiac troponin C to calcium converts slow muscle towards a fast muscle phenotype
Authors: Tikunova Svetlana , Belevych Natalya , Doan Kelly , Reiser Peter J.
Published: July 2018

Key points

The Ca2+‐desensitizing D73N mutation in slow skeletal/cardiac troponin C caused dilatated cardiomyopathy in mice, but the consequences of this mutation in skeletal muscle were not known.

The D73N mutation led to a rightward shift in the force versus pCa (‐log [Ca]) relationship in slow‐twitch mouse fibres.

The D73N mutation led to a rightward shift in the force–stimulation frequency relationship and reduced fatigue resistance of mouse soleus muscle.

The D73N mutation led to reduced cross‐sectional area of slow‐twitch fibres in mouse soleus muscle without affecting fibre type composition of the muscle.

The D73N mutation resulted in significantly shorter times to peak force and to relaxation during isometric twitches and tetani in mouse soleus muscle.

The D73N mutation led to major changes in physiological properties of mouse soleus muscle, converting slow muscle toward a fast muscle phenotype.

The missense mutation, D73N, in mouse cardiac troponin C has a profound impact on cardiac function, mediated by a decreased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity. Mammalian cardiac muscle and slow skeletal muscle normally share expression of the same troponin C isoform. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the consequences of the D73N mutation in skeletal muscle, as a potential mechanism that contributes to the morbidity associated with heart failure or other conditions in which Ca2+ sensitivity might be altered. Effects of the D73N mutation on physiological properties of mouse soleus muscle, in which slow‐twitch fibres are prevalent, were examined. The mutation resulted in a rightward shift of the force–stimulation frequency relationship, and significantly faster kinetics of isometric twitches and tetani in isolated soleus muscle. Furthermore, soleus muscles from D73N mice underwent a significantly greater reduction in force during a fatigue test. The mutation significantly reduced slow fibre mean cross‐sectional area without affecting soleus fibre type composition. The effects of the mutation on Ca2+ sensitivity of force development in soleus skinned slow and fast fibres were also examined. As expected, the D73N mutation did not affect the Ca2+ sensitivity of force development in fast fibres but resulted in substantially decreased Ca2+ sensitivity in slow fibres. The results demonstrate that a point mutation in a single constituent of myofilaments (slow/cardiac troponin C) led to major changes in physiological properties of skeletal muscle and converted slow muscle toward a fast muscle phenotype with reduced fatigue resistance and Ca2+ sensitivity of force generation.
Osteoporotic Hip Fracture Prediction: Is T-Score-Based Criterion Enough? A Hip Structural Analysis-Based Model
Authors: Aldieri Alessandra , Terzini Mara , Osella Giangiacomo , Priola Adriano M. , Angeli Alberto , Veltri Andrea , Audenino Alberto L. , Bignardi Cristina
Published: July 2018

At present, the current gold-standard for osteoporosis diagnosis is based on bone mineral density (BMD) measurement, which, however, has been demonstrated to poorly estimate fracture risk. Further parameters in the hands of the clinicians are represented by the hip structural analysis (HSA) variables, which include geometric information of the proximal femur cross section. The purpose of this study was to investigate the suitability of HSA parameters as additional hip fracture risk predictors. With this aim, twenty-eight three-dimensional patient-specific models of the proximal femur were built from computed tomography (CT) images and a sideways fall condition was reproduced by finite element (FE) analyses. A tensile or compressive predominance based on minimum and maximum principal strains was determined at each volume element and a risk factor (RF) was calculated. The power of HSA variables combinations to predict the maximum superficial RF values was assessed by multivariate linear regression analysis. The optimal regression model, identified through the Akaike information criterion (AIC), only comprises two variables: the buckling ratio (BR) and the neck-shaft angle (NSA). In order to validate the study, the model was tested on two additional patients who suffered a hip fracture after a fall. The results classified the patients in the high risk level, confirming the prediction power of the adopted model.
Destructive frequency of oblate spheroidal air-balloon for suppression of propeller cavitation induced hull excitation
Authors: Lee Jeung-Hoon , Park Choon-Su , Shin Yun-Ho
Published: July 2018

The air-balloon can effectively neutralize hull excitations induced by the propeller cavitation. For the design, it is essential to derive the destructive frequency of an oblate spheroidal air-bubble, which is elaborated on in this paper. Beginning with the exact modal-series solution proposed by Yeh [Ann. Phys. 468, 53–61 (1964)], an approximated form of the scattered pressure is set up by assuming that the acoustic wavelength is much larger than the size of the balloon in the low frequency ranges. An algebraic formula for the destructive frequency can then be written as a function of the resonance frequency and a spatial variable. It is well known that the resonance frequency of a deformed bubble is higher than that of an ideal spherical one with the same volume. In addition to this, the current investigation puts an emphasis on the fact that asphericity induces a more severe shift of the destructive frequency than the resonance frequency, and that its effect needs to be reflected in the balloon design.
Optogenetic stimulation of cochlear neurons activates the auditory pathway and restores auditory-driven behavior in deaf adult gerbils
Authors: Wrobel Christian , Dieter Alexander , Huet Antoine , Keppeler Daniel , Duque-Afonso Carlos J. , Vogl Christian , Hoch Gerhard , Jeschke Marcus , Moser Tobias
Published: July 2018

Virus-mediated expression of channelrhodopsin enables optogenetic stimulation of auditory pathways and restoration of auditory-driven behavior in deaf adult gerbils.
Hypothermia for perinatal asphyxia: trial-based resource use and costs at 6–7 years
Authors: Rivero-Arias Oliver , Eddama Oya , Azzopardi Denis , Edwards A David , Strohm Brenda , Campbell Helen
Published: July 2018

Objective

To assess the impact of hypothermic neural rescue for perinatal asphyxia at birth on healthcare costs of survivors aged 6–7 years, and to quantify the relationship between costs and overall disability levels.

Design

6–7 years follow-up of surviving children from the Total Body Hypothermia for Neonatal Encephalopathy (TOBY) trial.

Setting

Community study including a single parental questionnaire to collect information on children’s healthcare resource use.

Patients

130 UK children (63 in the control group, 67 in the hypothermia group) whose parents consented and returned the questionnaire.

Interventions

Intensive care with cooling of the body to 33.5°C for 72 hours or intensive care alone.

Main outcome measures

Healthcare resource usage and costs over the preceding 6 months.

Results

At 6–7 years, mean (SE) healthcare costs per child were £1543 (£361) in the hypothermia group and £2549 (£812) in the control group, giving a saving of −£1005 (95% CI −£2734 to £724). Greater levels of overall disability were associated with progressively higher costs, and more parents in the hypothermia group were employed (64% vs 47%). Results were sensitive to outlying observations.

Conclusions

Cost results although not significant favoured moderate hypothermia and so complement the clinical results of the TOBY Children study. Estimates were however sensitive to the care requirements of two seriously ill children in the control group. A quantification of the relationship between costs and levels of disability experienced will be useful to healthcare professionals, policy makers and health economists contemplating the long-term economic consequences of perinatal asphyxia and hypothermic neural rescue.

Trial registration number

This study reports on the follow-up of the TOBY clinical trial: ClinicalTrials. gov number NCT01092637.
Time interval for preterm infant weight gain velocity calculation precision
Authors: Fenton Tanis R , Senterre Thibault , Griffin Ian J
Published: July 2018

Calculation of weight gain velocity is used to guide nutrition and fluid management practices in neonatal intensive care units. Calculations over short time periods may be more responsive to management changes, but less precise. Weight gain velocity calculated over 5 to 7+ days have lower variability and less noise than shorter periods.
Study protocol: efficacy of oral alitretinoin versus oral cyclosporine A in patients with severe recurrent vesicular hand eczema (ALICsA): a randomised prospective open-label trial with blinded outcome assessment
Authors: Oosterhaven Jart Ate Franke , Schuttelaar Marie Louise Anna
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Systemic treatment with alitretinoin is registered for all clinical types of severe chronic hand eczema. However, it is especially effective in the hyperkeratotic subtype and less effective in non-hyperkeratotic forms. Cyclosporine A (cyclosporine) is prescribed for hand eczema in daily practice as well. It has shown to be particularly effective in patients with vesicular hand eczema. The primary objective of this study is to compare efficacy of alitretinoin and cyclosporine in the treatment of severe recurrent vesicular hand eczema.

Methods and analysis

This is an investigator-initiated randomised prospective open-label trial with blinded outcome assessment. Severity assessments and laboratory measurements will be conducted corresponding to daily practice. The study population will consist of 72 adult patients (age 18–75 years) with severe recurrent vesicular hand eczema. Patients are treated with either (group I) alitretinoin 30 mg once daily or (group II) cyclosporine with a starting dose of 5 mg/kg/day and a decrease in dosage after 8 weeks to 3–3.5 mg/kg/day. The treatment period is 24 weeks for both drugs. Primary endpoint for efficacy is response to treatment, defined as an improvement of ≥2 steps on a Physician Global Assessment, using a validated Photoguide, after 24 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints are improvement of Hand Eczema Severity Index, Quality of Life in Hand Eczema Questionnaire and a Patient Global Assessment. Adverse events and time to response will be registered. Furthermore, cost-utility, quality-adjusted life years and cost-effectiveness will be assessed with the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire while monitoring costs.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethical Review Board of the University Medical Centre Groningen (reference METc 2015/375). The study will be conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, in accordance with the Dutch Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act.

Trial registration number

NCT03026946; Pre-results.
’Who Cares?' The experiences of caregivers of adults living with heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and coronary artery disease: a mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Noonan Miriam Catherine , Wingham Jennifer , Taylor Rod S
Published: July 2018

Objective

To assess the experiences of unpaid caregivers providing care to people with heart failure (HF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or coronary artery disease (CAD).

DesignMixed methods systematic review including qualitative and quantitative studies.

Data sourcesDatabases searched: Medline Ebsco, PsycInfo, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Embase, Web of Science, Ethos: The British Library and ProQuest. Grey literature identified using: Global Dissertations and Theses and Applied Sciences Index and hand searches and citation checking of included references. Search time frame: 1 January 1990 to 30 August 2017.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Inclusion was limited to English language studies in unpaid adult caregivers (>18 years), providing care for patients with HF, COPD or CAD. Studies that considered caregivers for any other diagnoses and studies undertaken in low-income and middle-income countries were excluded. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted by two authors.

Data analysis/synthesis

A results-based convergent synthesis was conducted.

Results

Searches returned 8026 titles and abstracts. 54 studies—21 qualitative, 32 quantitative and 1 mixed method were included. This totalled 26 453 caregivers who were primarily female (63%), with median age of 62 years. Narrative synthesis yielded six concepts related to caregiver experience: (1) mental health, (2) caregiver role, (3) lifestyle change, (4) support for caregivers, (5) knowledge and (6) relationships. There was a discordance between paradigms regarding emerging concepts. Four concepts emerged from qualitative papers which were not present in quantitative papers: (1) expert by experience, (2) vigilance, (3) shared care and (4) time.

Conclusion

Caregiving is life altering and complex with significant health implications. Health professionals should support caregivers who in turn can facilitate the recipient to manage their long-term condition. Further longitudinal research exploring the evolution of caregiver experiences over time of patients with chronic cardiopulmonary conditions is required.

Trial registration number

CRD42016053412
Anticoagulation therapy in patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation: a registry-based study of acute stroke care in Surrey, UK
Authors: Han Thang S , Fry Christopher Henry , Fluck David , Affley Brendan , Gulli Giosue , Barrett Christopher , Kakar Puneet , Patel Tasmin , Sharma Sapna , Sharma Pankaj
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Because of their high risk of stroke, anticoagulation therapy is recommended for most patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study evaluated the use of anticoagulants in the community and in a hospital setting for patients with AF and its associations with stroke.

Methods

Patients admitted with stroke to four major hospitals in County of Surrey, England were surveyed in the 2014–2016 Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise subject characteristics and χ² test to assess differences between categorical variables.

Results

A total of 3309 patients, 1656 men (mean age: 73.1 years±SD 13.2) and 1653 women (79.3 years±13.0) were admitted with stroke (83.3% with ischaemic, 15.7% haemorrhagic stroke and 1% unspecified). AF occurred more frequently (χ2=62.4; p<0.001) among patients admitted with recurrent (30.2%) rather than with first stroke (17.1%). There were 666 (20.1%) patients admitted with a history of AF, among whom 304 (45.3%) were anticoagulated, 279 (41.9%) were untreated and 85 (12.8%) deemed unsuitable for anticoagulation. Of the 453 patients with history of AF admitted with a first ischaemic stroke, 138 (37.2%) were on anticoagulation and 41 (49.6%) were not (χ2= 6.3; p<0.043) and thrombolysis was given more frequently for those without prior anticoagulation treatment (16.1%) or unsuitable for anticoagulation (23.6%) compared with those already on anticoagulation treatment (8.3%; χ2=10.0; p=0.007). Of 2643 patients without a previous history of AF, 171 (6.5%) were identified with AF during hospitalisation. Of patients with AF who presented with ischaemic stroke who were not anticoagulated or deemed unsuitable for anticoagulation prior to admission, 91.8% and 75.0%, respectively, were anticoagulated on discharge.

Conclusions

The study highlights an existing burden for patients with stroke and reflects inadequate treatment of AF which results in an increased stroke burden. There is significant scope to improve the rates of anticoagulation.
Predicting team-performance and leadership in emergency situations by observing standardised operational procedures: a prospective single-blind simulator-based trial
Authors: Tschan Franziska , Semmer Norbert K , Vetterli Maria , Hunziker Patrick R , Marsch Stephan C
Published: July 2018

Background

Performance of interdisciplinary teams and their leaders is crucial in acute medical care and can be monitored by observing specific events. Standardised operational procedures (SOP) are easily observable, whereas the unpredictability of medical emergencies makes performance monitoring in these situations difficult. The aim of this study was therefore to assess whether performance in emergency situations can be predicted by performance observed during an SOP.

Methods

30 intensive care unit teams composed of one staff physician (leader), one resident and three nurses performed a simulated scenario of an elective electrical cardioversion (SOP) followed by a cardiac arrest (emergency). Video recordings obtained during simulations were used for data analysis. The primary outcome was the correlation between performance scores of electrical cardioversion and performance during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (hands-on time, time to first defibrillation).

Results

None of the cardioversion performance scores significantly correlated with resuscitation performance. Leadership scores during electrical cardioversion correlated positively with leadership scores during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (r=0.365, p=0.047). Moreover, there was a positive correlation of leaders being hands-off during both electrical cardioversion and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (r=0.645, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Team performance in SOP carried no predictive value for emergency situations. Observing teams in easily observable SOP is therefore no suitable substitute for monitoring the performance in medical emergencies. There was a between-situation consistency for specific elements of leadership.
Everolimus Shows Synergistic Antimyeloma Effects with Bortezomib via the AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Zhaoyun , Li Yanqi , Jing Qian , Wang Honglei , Liu Hui , Chen Jin , Feng Junru , Shao Qing , Fu Rong
Published: July 2018

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the proliferation of malignant plasma cells and a subsequent overabundance of monoclonal paraproteins (M proteins). Everolimus works similarly to sirolimus as a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor. Bortezomib was the first therapeutic proteasome inhibitor to be tested in humans with MM. However, the combination of these two drugs for the treatment of MM has been rarely reported. In this study, we compared the therapeutic effects of everolimus and bortezomib, as well as those of a combination of everolimus and bortezomib, using an in vitro MM cell line model and in vivo xenograft mouse model. Our results showed that the synergistic antitumor effects of everolimus and bortezomib have significant inhibitory effect through inhibition of the AKT/mTOR pathway in both the MM cell lines and MM-bearing mice model. Our results provided evidence that the mTOR inhibitor, everolimus, will be a potential drug in MM therapy.
Exosomes derived from exhausted CD8+ T cells impaired the anticancer function of normal CD8+ T cells
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Shen Haiyuan , He Qifeng , Tian Wenfang , Xia Anliang , Lu Xiao-Jie
Published: July 2018

Background

Previous studies suggested that diverse cells in cancer microenvironment can interact with CD8+ T cells via exosomes. We designed this study to explore the potential interaction between exhausted CD8+ T cells and normal CD8+ T cells via exosome.

Methods

Fluorescence activated cell sorting was used to get PD1+TIM3+/PD1−TIM3−CD8+ T cells. Exosomes from the cell culture medium were collected by ultracentrifugation. Microarrays were performed to analyse the lncRNA expression profile in exosomes.

Results

Functional exhausted CD8+ T cells could secrete vast exosomes, which can be uptake by normal CD8+ T cells, and impaired their proliferation (Ki67), cell activity (CD69) and the production of cytokines such as interferon-γ and interleukin-2. Microarray detection identified 257 candidate lncRNAs differently expressed in exosomes derived from exhausted CD8+ T cells and non-exhausted CD8+ T cells. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these lncRNAs actively participated in the regulation of diverse process of CD8+ T cell activity, like metabolism, gene expression, biosynthetic process and so forth.

Conclusions

The exosomes derived from exhausted CD8+ T cells could be uptake by non-exhausted CD8+ T cells and subsequently impaired the function of receipt cells. Exosomes secreted from exhausted CD8+ T cells have distinct lncRNA expression profiles which are significantly different from those in exosomes secreted by non-exhausted CD8+ T cells.
Benchmarking black hole heat engines, II
Authors: Chakraborty Avik , Johnson Clifford V.
Published: July 2018

We extend to nonstatic black holes our benchmarking scheme that allows for cross–comparison of the efficiencies of asymptotically AdS black holes used as working substances in heat engines. We use a circular cycle in the [Formula: see text] plane as the benchmark cycle. We study Kerr black holes in four spacetime dimensions as an example. As in the static case, we find an exact formula for the benchmark efficiency in an ideal gas-like limit, which may serve as an upper bound for rotating black hole heat engines in a thermodynamic ensemble with fixed angular velocity. We use the benchmarking scheme to compare Kerr to static black holes charged under Maxwell and Born–Infeld sectors.
Growth of Ag3Sn and Sn Nanoparticles Based on the Variation of Reaction Conditions
Authors: Wang Yao , Liu Wensheng , Ma Yunzhu , Tang Siwei , Huang Yufeng
Published: July 2018

Tin and tin-based nanoalloys especially Sn-3.5Ag (wt.%) eutectic alloys have been prepared by numerous methods as the promising alternative solder in electronic packaging application. However, issues of agglomeration and oxidation emerged owing to shrinking size of nanoparticles. In this study, the Sn/Ag3Sn nanoparticles as small as 10[Formula: see text]nm have been synthesized successfully through chemical reduction method. Concentration of precursor and reducing agent have been studied so as to control the reaction rate, thus achieving the optimized conditions avoiding agglomeration. A centralized size distribution has been achieved by separating nucleation and growth periods. It has been revealed that the obtained nanoparticles are composed of [Formula: see text]-Sn and Ag3Sn which represent a successful co-reduction. [Formula: see text]-Sn and Ag3Sn NPs have various average size for their distinct critical nucleation radius and disparate mole ratio of Sn and Ag. The [Formula: see text]-Sn surface has almost 4-nm thick amorphous tin oxide layer but Ag3Sn surface has not, because the lattice distortion caused by the replacement of silver by tin hinders the diffusion of oxygen, improving oxidation resistance and dispersing performance.
Identification of microscopic uranium particles using fission tracks in nuclear solid-state detectors
Authors: Sihelská Kristína , Řezanková Klára , Homola Petr , Sus František , Lorinčík Jan
Published: July 2018

Improved environmental-particle analysis for safeguards is a continuing research goal. In this paper, we propose a modified method of fission-track analysis, employing the focused ion-beam (FIB) technique and using a single-crystal silicon substrate to carry dust particles. The use of a silicon substrate may eliminate the need to relocate identified particles of interest from the particle carrier to another substrate for mass-spectrometric analysis. FIB–SEM and SIMS were used to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed FTA method.
Collimation and characterization of ELI-NP gamma beam
Authors: Cappello G. , Adriani O. , Albergo S. , Andreotti M. , Berto D. , Borgheresi R. , Cardarelli P. , Ciaranfi R. , Consoli E. , Di Domenico G. , Evangelisti F. , Gambaccini M. , Graziani G. , Lenzi M. , Marziani M. , Palumbo L. , Passaleva G. , Paternò G. , Pellegriti M. G. , Serban A. , Starodubtsev O. , Statera M. , Tricomi A. , Variola A. , Veltri M.
Published: July 2018

The ELI-NP facility, currently being built in Bucharest, Romania, will deliver an intense and almost monochromatic gamma beam with tunable energy between 0.2 and 20 MeV. The challenging energy bandwidth of [Formula: see text]0.5% will be adjusted through the collimation system, while the main beam parameters will be measured through a devoted gamma-beam characterization system.[Formula: see text] The gamma-beam characterization system, designed by the EuroGammaS collaboration, consists of four elements: a Compton spectrometer that measures the gamma energy spectrum; a sampling calorimeter for a fast combined measurement of the beam average energy and its intensity, which will be used also as a monitor during machine commissioning and development; a nuclear resonant scattering system for absolute energy inter-calibration of the other detectors; and a gamma beam profile imager to be used for alignment and diagnostics purposes. The collimation and characterization system will be presented in this article. These systems have already been built and tested, while the delivery at ELI-NP facility and the final commissioning is scheduled by Fall 2018.
Normal Modes and Modal Reduction in Exterior Acoustics
Authors: Moheit Lennart , Marburg Steffen
Published: July 2018

The Helmholtz equation for exterior acoustic problems can be solved by the finite element method in combination with conjugated infinite elements. Both provide frequency-independent system matrices, forming a discrete, linear system of equations. The homogenous system can be understood as a quadratic eigenvalue problem of normal modes (NMs). Knowledge about the only relevant NMs, which — when doing modal superposition — still provide a sufficiently accurate solution for the sound pressure and sound power in comparison to the full set of modes, leads to reduced computational effort. Properties of NMs and criteria of modal reduction are discussed in this work.
Influence of weathering-induced iron precipitation on properties of sandstone in a tropical environment
Authors: Tating Frederick F. , Hack H. Robert G.K. , Jetten Victor G.
Published: July 2018

Weathering-induced iron dissolution and precipitation in rock masses lead to reduction in shear strength of discontinuities, amongst others, while precipitation leads to an increase, and precipitated iron may reduce the susceptibility to future weathering. This effect is investigated in fieldwork campaigns with detailed rock mass characterization and chemical analyses in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Many cut slopes in this area consist of different zones in which iron in various forms is either dissolved or precipitated. Iron-coated and -cemented discontinuities have a marked higher shear friction, while staining has little influence on friction. Discontinuities with iron-coating and -cementing reduce the susceptibility to weathering of a rock mass as weathered material is less easily eroded and underlying material is protected from further weathering. On the other hand, dissolution zones, which are mostly found below the precipitation zones, have considerably lower rock mass quality. In engineering works the latter are invisible before excavation. Just assuming the continuation downward of the surface rock mass with precipitated iron, or, worse than this, assuming a less weathered rock mass with better characteristics, may be very erroneous. This study emphasizes that forecasting the susceptibility to weathering should include the influence of morphology, environment and climate.
Involving External Stakeholders in Project Courses
Authors: Steghöfer Jan-Philipp , Burden Håkan , Hebig Regina , Calikli Gul , Feldt Robert , Hammouda Imed , Horkoff Jennifer , Knauss Eric , Liebel Grischa
Published: July 2018

Problem:
The involvement of external stakeholders in capstone projects and project courses is desirable due to its potential positive effects on the students. Capstone projects particularly profit from the inclusion of an industrial partner to make the project relevant and help students acquire professional skills. In addition, an increasing push towards education that is aligned with industry and incorporates industrial partners can be observed. However, the involvement of external stakeholders in teaching moments can create friction and could, in the worst case, lead to frustration of all involved parties.

Contribution:
We developed a model that allows analysing the involvement of external stakeholders in university courses both in a retrospective fashion, to gain insights from past course instances, and in a constructive fashion, to plan the involvement of external stakeholders.

Key Concepts:
The conceptual model and the accompanying guideline guide the teachers in their analysis of stakeholder involvement. The model is comprised of several activities (define, execute, and evaluate the collaboration). The guideline provides questions that the teachers should answer for each of these activities. In the constructive use, the model allows teachers to define an action plan based on an analysis of potential stakeholders and the pedagogical objectives. In the retrospective use, the model allows teachers to identify issues that appeared during the project and their underlying causes. Drawing from ideas of the reflective practitioner, the model contains an emphasis on reflection and interpretation of the observations made by the teacher and other groups involved in the courses.

Key Lessons:
Applying the model retrospectively to a total of eight courses shows that it is possible to reveal hitherto implicit risks and assumptions and to gain a better insight into the interaction between external stakeholders and students. Our empirical data reveals seven recurring risk themes that categorise the different risks appearing in the analysed courses. These themes can also be used to categorise mitigation strategies to address these risks proactively. Additionally, aspects not related to external stakeholders, e.g., about the interaction of the project with other courses in the study programme, have been revealed. The constructive use of the model for one course has proved helpful in identifying action alternatives and finally deciding to not include external stakeholders in the project due to the perceived cost-benefit-ratio.

Implications to Practice:
Our evaluation shows that the model is a viable and useful tool that allows teachers to reason about and plan the involvement of external stakeholders in a variety of course settings, and in particular in capstone projects.
Capstones and Large Projects in Computing Education
Authors: Sherriff Mark , Heckman Sarah
Published: July 2018

Capstone and large projects in computing education are used as a vehicle for giving students as close to a “real-world” experience in software development as possible within the constraints of a computing degree program. This special issue presents four articles that focus on empirical research on capstone or other large-scale projects. These articles discuss areas such as project selection, working with external stakeholders, choosing the appropriate development methodology, incorporating creative activities to support student engagement, and learning.
Virus DNA Replication and the Host DNA Damage Response
Authors: Weitzman Matthew D. , Fradet-Turcotte Amélie
Published: July 2018

Viral DNA genomes have limited coding capacity and therefore harness cellular factors to facilitate replication of their genomes and generate progeny virions. Studies of viruses and how they interact with cellular processes have historically provided seminal insights into basic biology and disease mechanisms. The replicative life cycles of many DNA viruses have been shown to engage components of the host DNA damage and repair machinery. Viruses have evolved numerous strategies to navigate the cellular DNA damage response. By hijacking and manipulating cellular replication and repair processes, DNA viruses can selectively harness or abrogate distinct components of the cellular machinery to complete their life cycles. Here, we highlight consequences for viral replication and host genome integrity during the dynamic interactions between virus and host.
New Possibilities of Hybrid Texture of Neutrino Mass Matrix
Authors: Singh Madan
Published: July 2018

We investigate the novel possibilities of hybrid textures comprising a vanishing minor (or element) and two equal elements (or cofactors) in light neutrino mass matrix Mν. Such type of texture structures leads to sixty phenomenological cases each, out of which only fifty-six are viable with texture containing a vanishing minor and an equality between the elements in Mν, while fifty are found to be viable with texture containing a vanishing element and an equality of cofactors in Mν under the current experimental test at 3σ confidence level. Detailed numerical analysis of all the possible cases has been presented.
Effect of Deficiencies in the Tunnel Crown Thickness on Pressure Tunnels with Posttensioned Concrete Linings
Authors: Qin Gan , Cao Shengrong , Yang Fan
Published: July 2018

This paper investigates the effect of deficiencies in the tunnel crown thickness on pressure tunnels with the posttensioned concrete lining. Based on the lining parameters of the Yellow River Crossing Tunnel, the modeling approach of the posttensioned concrete lining is introduced in detail and a three‐dimensional finite element model is established. The three‐dimensional finite element model is validated by experimental results from the full‐scale model experiment of the Yellow River Crossing Tunnel. Special attention is given to the changes in the deformation, radial displacement, and circumferential stress of the posttensioned concrete lining with gradual decreases in the tunnel crown thickness. The calculation results show that the influence scopes of deficiencies in the tunnel crown thickness are mainly concentrated in the crown and its adjacent parts. The posttensioned concrete lining can still maintain a satisfactory stress state when deficiencies in the tunnel crown thickness exist, and undesirable stress levels may be caused only when the tunnel crown thickness decreases below a certain threshold. Furthermore, cracks are most likely to occur at the external and internal surfaces of the crown and at the internal surface of the crown’s adjacent parts, which is useful for taking measurements regarding the lining tightness and stability.