bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bevacizumab Reduces Permeability and Concurrent Temozolomide Delivery in a Subset of Patients with Recurrent Glioblastoma
Authors: Gerstner Elizabeth R. , Emblem Kyrre E. , Chang Ken , Vakulenko-Lagun Bella , Yen Yi-Fen , Beers Andrew L. , Dietrich Jorg , Plotkin Scott R. , Catana Ciprian , Hooker Jacob M. , Duda Dan G. , Rosen Bruce , Kalpathy-Cramer Jayashree , Jain Rakesh K. , Batchelor Tracy
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

Targeting tumor blood vessels is an attractive therapy in glioblastoma (GBM), but the mechanism of action of these agents and how they modulate delivery of concomitant chemotherapy are not clear in humans. We sought to elucidate how bevacizumab modulates tumor vasculature and the impact those vascular changes have on drug delivery in patients with recurrent GBM.

Experimental Design:

Temozolomide was labeled with [11C], and serial PET-MRI scans were performed in patients with recurrent GBM treated with bevacizumab and daily temozolomide. PET-MRI scans were performed prior to the first bevacizumab dose, 1 day after the first dose, and prior to the third dose of bevacizumab. We calculated tumor volume, vascular permeability (Ktrans), perfusion (cerebral blood flow), and the standardized uptake values (SUV) of [11C] temozolomide within the tumor.

Results:

Twelve patients were enrolled, resulting in 23 evaluable scans. Within the entire contrast-enhancing tumor volume, both temozolomide uptake and vascular permeability decreased after initiation of bevacizumab in most patients, whereas change in perfusion was more variable. In subregions of the tumor where permeability was low and the blood–brain barrier not compromised, increased perfusion correlated with increased temozolomide uptake.

Conclusions:

Bevacizumab led to a decrease in permeability and concomitant delivery of temozolomide. However, in subregions of the tumor where permeability was low, increased perfusion improved delivery of temozolomide, suggesting that perfusion may modulate the delivery of chemotherapy in certain settings. These results support exploring whether lower doses of bevacizumab improve perfusion and concomitant drug delivery.
Perimeter Intrusion Detective System using Arduino
Authors: Khaing Kyi Kyi , Khaing Kyi Kyi , Nwet Tin Tin
Published: September 2019

Perimeter intrusion detection systems are an integral part of most physical security systems. Perimeter fencing is widely used to isolate and protect public and private places such as airports, military bases, power stations and security related applications. Fence structures merely prevent a percentage of intrusions or postpone them. A higher level of security needed to monitor and investigate activities on or around the university. Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PID) focusing on the fence intrusions. The system used major components as Arduino board, 8x8 LED display, ultrasonic sensor, 16x2 LCD display module and speaker. The unauthorized person who tries to intrude the university would be sensed, detected and alarm would generate a signal that an intruder was trying to enter the university. The sound level depended on the distance, the nearer the intruder and stronger would be the alarm signal. PID system displayed the distance of the object or personal found in its region on the LCD display. This system was very useful for security applications. Ultrasonic sensor would be searching if there was a motion in its range.
Report of five interesting avian species from Durgapur ecoregion, West Bengal, India by citizen science effort
Authors: Adhurya Sagar , Bhandary Shantanu
Published: September 2019

This study aimed to report a few lesser known species from Durgapur ecoregion, West Bengal, India.  In spite of the anthropogenic pressure, Durgapur supports a high avian diversity.  So far, 257 avian species belonging to 59 families were recorded with a citizen science effort during a period of more than five years (2013–present).  Out of these, five species discussed here, are either not recorded previously or have few records: Hume’s Lark and Graceful Prinia were recorded from riverine habitat; and Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, White-rumped Shama, and Indian Blue-Robin were recorded from woodland habitat.  More extensive exploration of this region with involvement of citizen scientists in this study will enrich our knowledge about bird diversity, their migration and distribution pattern in this region.
The distributional pattern of benthic macroinvertebrates in a spring-fed foothill tributary of the Ganga River, western Himalaya, India
Authors: Semwal Vijay Prakash , Mishra Asheesh Shivam
Published: September 2019

Benthic macroinvertebrates play important ecosystem roles in the cycling and outflow of nutrients.  The benthos transforms organic detritus from sedimentary storage into dissolved nutrients that can be mixed into overlying waters and used by rooted plants (macrophytes) and algae (phytoplankton) to enhance primary productivity.  This study examined the distribution pattern of benthic macroinvertebrates in a lesser Himalayan foothill stream from the headwaters (2,200m) to mouth (375m).  Five stations (S1 to S5) were established along the 43-km course of the stream.  Samples were collected at bi-monthly intervals from January to December 2009.  The total density of the benthic macroinvertebrate community increased with decreasing altitude and differed significantly among stations. Dominant orders were Diptera at S1 (Simulidae, 27%) & S5 (Chironomidae 24%), Trichoptera at S2 (Limnephilidae 16%) & S3 (Hydropsychidae 9.9%), and Ephemeroptera (Heptageniidae 9.2%) at S4.  Principal component analysis revealed that the characteristic taxa were Simulidae at S1, Limnephildae at S2, Hydropsychiidae, Rhyacophilidae, Tipulidae, Perlodidae, Dryopidae & Notonectidae at S3, Heptageniidae at S4, and Chironomidae, Siphlonuridae, & Agrionidae at S5.  Cluster analysis showed one large cluster comprising S1 and S2 as sub-groups with resemblance to S3-S4, and S5 as an outlier.  The similarity between the stations S3-S4 was attributed to similar land-use pattern (agriculture) and stream order (II Order), while S1 and S2 were slightly similar due to partial similar forest type (oak forest at S1, pine-oak forest at S2) and stream order.  At S5, however, the considerable change in forest type (mixed forest) land-use and stream order (III Order) caused S5 as an outlier in cluster.  The variations in the abundant and characteristics taxon at different stations were attributed to change in substratum and land-use patterns.
C-X-C Ligand 16 Is an Independent Predictor of Cardiovascular Death and Morbidity in Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Andersen Thomas , Ueland Thor , Ghukasyan Lakic Tatevik , Åkerblom Axel , Bertilsson Maria , Aukrust Pål , Michelsen Annika E. , James Stefan K. , Becker Richard C. , Storey Robert F. , Wallentin Lars , Siegbahn Agneta , Kontny Frederic ,   for the PLATO Investigators
Published: September 2019

Objective:

The chemokine CXCL16 (C-X-C motif ligand 16) is a scavenger receptor for OxLDL (oxidized low-density lipoproteins) and involved in inflammation at sites of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the association of CXCL16 with clinical outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Approach and Results:

Serial measurements of CXCL16 were performed in a subgroup of 5142 patients randomized in the PLATO trial (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcome). Associations between CXCL16 and a composite of cardiovascular death, spontaneous myocardial infarction or stroke, and the individual components were assessed by multivariable Cox regression analyses. The hazard ratio per 50% increase in admission levels of CXCL16 analyzed as continuous variable was 1.64 (95% CI, 1.44–1.88),
P
<0.0001. This association remained statistically significant after adjustment for randomized treatment, clinical variables, CRP (C-reactive protein), leukocytes, cystatin C, NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide), troponin T, GDF-15 (growth differentiation factor 15), and other biomarkers; hazard ratio 1.23 (1.05–1.45),
P
=0.0126. The admission level of CXCL16 was independently associated with cardiovascular death (1.50 [1.17–1.92],
P
=0.0014) but not with ischemic events alone, in fully adjusted analyses. No statistically independent association was found between CXCL16 measured at 1 month, or change in CXCL16 from admission to 1 month, and clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

In patients with acute coronary syndrome, admission level of CXCL16 is independently related to adverse clinical outcomes, mainly driven by an association to cardiovascular death. Thus, CXCL16 measurement may enhance risk stratification in patients with this condition.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00391872
Comparison of the Effects of Ticagrelor and Clopidogrel on Microvascular Dysfunction in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Invasive Physiologic Indices
Authors: Park Kyungil , Cho Young-Rak , Park Jong-Sung , Park Tae-Ho , Kim Moo-Hyun , Kim Young-Dae
Published: September 2019

Background:

Ticagrelor reduced the rate of myocardial infarction and death compared with clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, little is understood about chronic treatment of ticagrelor on microvascular dysfunction. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of ticagrelor maintenance treatment on microvascular system and coronary flow in comparison with clopidogrel.

Methods:

This study was a nonblinded, open-label, parallel-group, prospective, randomized controlled trial that enrolled 120 patients with acute coronary syndrome requiring stent implantation. Patients were randomized into the ticagrelor (180 mg loading dose, 90 mg twice daily thereafter) or clopidogrel (300 to 600 mg loading dose, 75 mg daily thereafter) group. The primary end point was coronary microvascular dysfunction as measured by an index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) at 6 months after treatment.

Results:

The baseline clinical characteristics and physiological parameters, such as fractional flow reserve, coronary flow reserve, and IMR, did not differ between the ticagrelor and clopidogrel groups. Six-month follow-up physiological data showed that the IMR value was significantly lower in the ticagrelor group than the clopidogrel group (15.57±5.65 versus 21.15±8.39,
P
<0.01), and coronary flow reserve was higher in the ticagrelor group than in the clopidogrel group (3.85±0.72 versus 3.37±0.76,
P
<0.01). However, there was no difference in fractional flow reserve (0.87±0.08 versus 0.87±0.09,
P
=0.94) between the 2 groups. The improvement in IMR after 6 months of treatment was higher in the ticagrelor group (
P
<0.01). Analyses of 223 nonculprit vessels of registered patients based on physiological results showed no differences in baseline fractional flow reserve (0.93±0.13 versus 0.92±0.09,
P
=0.58), coronary flow reserve (3.62±1.27 versus 3.51±1.24,
P
=0.16), or IMR (21.37±12.37 versus 24.19±21.08,
P
=0.22) or in follow-up fractional flow reserve (0.91±0.09 versus 0.91±0.08,
P
=0.67), coronary flow reserve (3.91±1.22 versus 3.75±1.16,
P
=0.36), or IMR (19.43±10.32 versus 21.52±18.90,
P
=0.34) between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

Compared with clopidogrel, 6 months of ticagrelor therapy significantly improved microvascular dysfunction in acute coronary syndrome patients with stent implantation.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02618733.
Return to Employment After Stroke in Young Adults
Authors: Jarvis Hannah L. , Brown Steven J. , Price Michelle , Butterworth Claire , Groenevelt Renee , Jackson Karl , Walker Louisa , Rees Nia , Clayton Abigail , Reeves Neil D.
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose—

A quarter of individuals who experience a stroke are under the age of 65 years (defined as young adults), and up to 44% will be unable to return to work poststroke, predominantly because of walking difficulties. No research study has comprehensively analyzed walking performance in young adult’s poststroke. The primary aim of this study is to investigate how a stroke in young adults affects walking performance (eg, walking speed and metabolic cost) compared with healthy age-matched controls. The secondary aim is to determine the predictive ability of walking performance parameters for return to employment poststroke.

Methods—

Forty-six individuals (18–40 years: n=6, 41–54 years: n=21, 55–65 years: n=19) who have had a stroke and 15 healthy age-matched able-bodied controls were recruited from 6 hospital sites in Wales, United Kingdom. Type, location, cause of stroke, and demographic factors (eg, employment status) were recorded. Temporal and spatial walking parameters were measured using 3-dimensional gait analysis. Metabolic energy expenditure and metabolic cost of walking were captured during 3 minutes of walking at self-selected speed from measurements of oxygen consumption.

Results—

Stroke participants walked slower (
P
<0.004) and less efficiently (
P
<0.002) than the controls. Only 23% of stroke participants returned to employment poststroke. Walking speed was the strongest predictor (sensitivity, 0.90; specificity, 0.82) for return to work (
P
=0.004) with a threshold of 0.93 m/s identified: individuals able to walk faster than 0.93 m/s were significantly more likely to return to work poststroke than those who walked slower than this threshold.

Conclusions—

This study is the first to capture walking performance parameters of young adults who have had a stroke and identifies slower and less efficient walking. Walking speed emerged as the strongest predictor for return to employment. It is recommended that walking speed be used as a simple but sensitive clinical indicator of functional performance to guide rehabilitation and inform readiness for return to work poststroke.
Admission Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Lesion Volume in Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score of ≥6 Points
Authors: Yu Inwu , Bang Oh Young , Chung Jong-Won , Kim Yoon-Chul , Choi Eun-Hyeok , Seo Woo-Keun , Kim Gyeong-Moon , Menon Bijoy K. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Goyal Mayank , Hill Michael D. ,   Calgary-Samsung Stroke Collaborators
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose—

We hypothesized that the pial collateral status at the time of presentation could predict the infarct size on magnetic resonance imaging in patients with similar degrees of early ischemic changes on computed tomography. We tested the association between serial changes in collateral status and infarct volume defined on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in patients with large vessel occlusion and small core.

Methods—

Consecutive patients who were candidates for endovascular treatment (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score [ASPECTS] of ≥6 points) and who underwent both pretreatment multiphasic computed tomography angiography (mCTA) and multimodal magnetic resonance imaging were enrolled. The baseline early ischemic changes and collateral status were determined using both mCTA and magnetic resonance imaging–based collateral maps. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate adjusted estimates of the effect of collateral status on predicting MR DWI lesion volume before endovascular treatment.

Results—

Of 65 patients (39 men; median age, 76 years; median ASPECTS, 8 points [range, 6–10]), 10 (15.4%), 8 (12.3%), and 47 (72.3%) presented poor, intermediate, and good collaterals on mCTA, respectively. After adjusting for the initial stroke severity, ASPECTS, time to DWI, and mismatch volume, the mCTA collateral grade was the only factor independently associated with the DWI lesion volume (β=−35.657, SE mean=3.539;
P
<0.0001). An excellent correlation between the mCTA- and magnetic resonance imaging-based collateral grades was observed (matching grade seen in 92.3%), suggesting a collateral status persistence during the hyperacute stroke phase.

Conclusions—

The mCTA assessed collateral adequacy is the sole predictor of eventual DWI lesion volume before endovascular treatment. The added value of collateral assessment in early ischemic changes and large vessel occlusion for decision-making regarding more aggressive revascularizations requires further evaluation.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03234634 and NCT02668627.
Connie Palmen’s and Jan Fabre’s Grief Staged as Landscape of Memory
Authors: Solakidi Sylvia
Published: September 2019

Two works focusing on the corporeality of grief, The Logbook of a Merciless Year by Connie Palmen and the theatre text Requiem for a Metamorphosis by Jan Fabre, are explored alongside Merleau-Ponty’s ontology for their way to transform personal grief, characterized by identity crisis and spatiotemporal disorientation, into an act of remembering. The two works are approached as fictions of the body in pain, enacting grief like body art pieces in order to make pre-reflective sense of it. Pain becomes an agent, allowing the authors to open up by transforming their introvert portraits of grief into corporeal landscapes, characterized by a temporality of stillness/movement. Based on Merleau-Ponty’s notions of simultaneity and institution, this essay demonstrates how movement allows a spatiotemporal opening so that memory may be enacted from the point of view of the present upon all temporal moments. Therefore, grievers reinvent themselves in their works, as those who enact memory.
Temperature rise caused by adiabatic shear failure in 3D braided composite tube subjected to axial impact compression
Authors: Pan Zhongxiang , Wu Xianyan , Wu Liwei
Published: September 2019

Previous investigation on the crashworthiness of braided composite tubes did not take the relationship between adiabatic shear failure and temperature rise into account during dynamic loading. In this study, transient temperature rise caused by adiabatic effect was detected and captured for the three-dimensional braided carbon/epoxy composite specimens during axial impact compression under 600–800/s. A mesostructure model was established based on three-dimensional braided tube architecture to numerically characterize the mechanical and thermal response in material. Based on the results, non-uniform temperature distribution shows good correlation with adiabatic shear failure in the material. Key scientific issues are discovered including the position, morphology, time sequence, and response process of the temperature rise. The catastrophic shear behavior with accelerated temperature rise occurs after the peak force and accompanies the progressive failure process. Nodes having room temperature in the adiabatic shear zone indicates that some positions in plastic zone may still behave as elastic state. There exists different plastic slip distances due to shear instability in the path along or crossing the adiabatic shear band. Through this investigation, the model considering the adiabatic effect was able to show the dynamic shear mechanism involving the fracture position, morphology, and progressive thermo-mechanical response of the temperature rise, which cannot be revealed by experimental testing.
Validation of an Emotion Regulation Training Program on Mental Well-Being
Authors: LeBlanc Sara , Uzun Bilge , Aydemir Ahmet , Mohiyeddini Changiz
Published: September 2019

This research aimed to validate an Emotion Regulation Training program cultivating resilience, strengthening interpersonal communication, and enhancing emotional intelligence. A community sample of 104 participants were assigned to either an intervention ( n =  51) or nonactive control ( n =  53) group matched by age and gender. In addition, data were gathered via a cognitive performance test conducted pre- and postmeasurement in a subset of the larger sample ( n =  19 intervention, n =  19 control). Results revealed reappraisal significantly increased in the intervention group, which was associated with a decrease in depressive symptomology, worry, and suppression, and a concurrent increase in overall mental well-being, supporting the validation of the Emotion Regulation Training program.
Lacking social skills: A social investment state’s concern for marginalized citizens’ ways of being
Authors: Prieur Annick , Jensen Sune Qvotrup , Nielsen Vibeke Bak
Published: September 2019

The Danish state is preoccupied with its citizens’ social skills, which are seen as important for the nations’ competitiveness. Such skills regard self-presentation, communication, emotional control etc. This article relies primarily on interviews with Danish social workers who are involved either in assessing young marginalized welfare clients’ personal readiness for schooling or employment or in preparing them for this through social skills training. Secondarily, it relies on fieldwork data from young Danes at the margins of the educational system and/or the labour market, who are frequently confronted with a devaluation of their personal ways of being. As personal resources related to ways of being, communicating, handling emotions etc. are ascribed social value, especially at the labour market they may work as a form of capital, while the lack of them may be a source of marginalization. These findings are discussed as signs of more general social normative demands, theoretically grasped in the meeting point of Bourdieu’s understanding of embodied cultural capital, of Skeggs’ analysis of how subjects are attributed value or not, and of Illouz’s investigation of the emotional demands contemporary capitalism puts on employees. Understanding the experiences of those who fail to comply with implicit social requirements for personal resources thus shed light on contemporary requirements regarding how to behave and communicate with other people as well as on the state’s investments in the most personal spheres of its citizens.
Mind games: Parental psychological control and emerging adults’ adjustment
Authors: Faherty Amanda N. , Lowe Katie , Arnett Jeffrey Jensen
Published: September 2019

Although parental psychological control has been consistently linked with negative outcomes in the child and adolescent literature, little is known about how it functions during the developmental time frame of emerging adulthood, which is characterized by increased freedom and instability. Consequently, this study examined the extent to which paternal and maternal psychological controls were directly and indirectly (via self-esteem) related to hallmarks of emerging adult adjustment, notably risky behaviors, life satisfaction, and feelings about adulthood status. Recruited via MTurk, participants were 310 emerging adults ( M age = 25.37; 56% female) across the U.S. who completed an online survey. Results revealed paternal psychological control had a direct effect on risky behaviors and self-esteem, whereas maternal psychological control solely had a direct effect on risky behaviors. Results also indicated indirect effects of paternal psychological control. Increases in paternal psychological control were linked to declines in self-esteem, which in turn was associated with decreased life satisfaction and endorsement of adulthood status. Altogether, findings suggest that even low levels of parental psychological control were linked to detrimental outcomes in an age-representative sample—encompassing the full age range of emerging adulthood from 18 years to 29 years—of emerging adults. Thus, findings contribute to a better understanding of parent–child relationships and the consequences of parental control during the third decade of life, which has important implications for informing parenting strategies across emerging adulthood.
Impact of age on outcomes of patients assisted by veno-arterial or veno-venous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation: 403 patients between 2005 and 2015
Authors: Marie Basile , Anselmi Amedeo , Flecher Erwan , Nesseler Nicolas , Launey Yoann , Tadie Jean-Marc , Verhoye Jean-Philippe
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

To assess the impact of age on early outcomes and mortality in veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation and veno-venous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation recipients, and to investigate predictors of mortality.

Methods:

Single-center retrospective study on prospectively collected data including all patients treated by veno-venous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation and veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (January 2005-July 2015). Outcomes were compared among two subgroups: aged less than 65 years (Group 1) versus more than 65 years (Group 2) and by type of support (veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation or veno-venous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation).

Results:

Among 403 patients, 20.3% were treated by veno-venous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation and 79.7% by veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation. Veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation group: 76.6% were included in Group 1 and were more severe (pH 7.30 ± 0.19 vs. 7.35 ± 0.13 in Group 2, p = 0.003; lactates 7.5 ± 5.6 mmol/L vs. 5.8 ± 4.5 mmol/L in Group 2, p = 0.003). Weaning rate was higher in Group 1 (63.8% vs. 45.3%, p = 0.0043). The 30-day survival was higher in Group 1 (52.0% vs. 25.3%, p < 0.001). Univariate analysis identified higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (p = 0.02) and noradrenaline (p = 0.04) to be associated with mortality. Veno-venous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation group: 80.5% were in Group 1. Mean PaO2 was 73.5 ± 42.9 mm Hg versus 100.8 ± 80.3 mm Hg (p = 0.24); FiO2 90.1% ± 18% versus 89.4% ± 16.4% (p = 0.89); and 30-day survival 56.1% versus 25.0% (p = 0.048).

Conclusion:

Patients older than 65 years have higher mortality after veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation or veno-venous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation. This therapeutic strategy is feasible in the elderly, but comorbidities and clinical presentation have a major impact on prognosis and need to be seriously considered to avoid futile treatment.
Research quality in the study of mechanical methods of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis
Authors: Morris Rhys J
Published: September 2019

There is a lack of good-quality recent clinical data to support the use of mechanical methods to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Recommendations and meta-analyses have to rely on old data from evaluations of devices that are no longer available, with diagnostic methods that are obsolete. The aim of this narrative review is to examine the reasons why better recent evidence is not available, and how this will affect innovation in mechanical deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. Analysis of recent published trials shows great variability in techniques and technologies, which complicates evaluation of the effectiveness of properties of intermittent pneumatic compression, graduated compression stockings, and electrical stimulation devices. Negative controlled trials have become difficult to conduct, and low rates of deep vein thrombosis have left many comparative trials of devices underpowered. There is a risk that if new approaches to enable clinical research are not developed that technological advancement of mechanical prophylaxis will be inhibited.
Predictive value of the serum anti-Müllerian level for spontaneous pregnancy in women after endometriosis surgery
Authors: Zhou Yong , Chen Chaolu , Hu Changchang , Wang Yuan , Zhang Xian , Wu Ruijin
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study was performed to assess the predictive value of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serum level for spontaneous pregnancy in women after endometriosis surgery.

Methods

In total, 124 patients with suspected ovarian endometrioma planning to undergo laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy were divided into a high AMH group (AMH > 2 ng/mL) and low AMH group (AMH ≤ 2 ng/mL) according to their preoperative AMH levels. The postoperative AMH levels were also measured, and pregnancy outcomes were followed up.

Results

Twenty-one patients were excluded, and 52 pregnancies were registered in the remaining 103 patients diagnosed with endometriosis. The pregnancy rate was significantly greater in the high than low AMH group. Receiver operator characteristics analysis of preoperative AMH, postoperative AMH, and the AMH decline rate showed that preoperative AMH was associated with the greatest area under the curve. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that women in the high AMH group had a significantly higher cumulative pregnancy rate than those in the low AMH group.

Conclusion

The preoperative AMH level might be a useful marker to predict the occurrence of natural pregnancy and could be offered as part of the fertility strategy to women who desire pregnancy after endometriosis surgery.
Modelling and analysis of the thermal characteristic of thermoplastic composites from hybrid textiles during compression moulding
Authors: Koerdt Maximilian , Koerdt Michael , Grobrüg Tobias , Skowronek Marco , Herrmann Axel S
Published: September 2019

A promising strategy to decrease cycle times for manufacturing continuous-fibre–reinforced composites is processing of thermoplastic matrix systems due to their fast processability, since no cross-linking of molecular chains is required as for thermoset resin systems. Nevertheless, thermoplastic carbon fibre-reinforced plastics nowadays are predominantly manufactured with pre-impregnated sheet materials, which result in limited drapability and freedom of design. Hybrid textiles, consisting of thermoplastic and carbon fibres, can avoid these disadvantages. This class of reinforcements combines the drapability of dry textiles with thermoplastic matrices, which furthermore allow near net-shape processes. Relative shifting between the fibres and, consequently, draping is possible in a preforming step. The objective of this article is to expand our knowledge about hybrid textiles with regard to their thermal behaviour during compression moulding. Accordingly, the necessary parameters for modelling the thermal state of the dry textile and the impregnated laminate are investigated. Moreover, an in situ process analysis based on the reflection spectra of glass fibre-optical sensors, which are embedded inside the stacking, is investigated to provide information about the state of aggregation and to validate the thermal model.
An image vision and automatic calibration system for universal robots
Authors: Jian Bo-Lin , Tsai Chi-Shiuan , Kuo Ying-Che , Guo Yu-Sying
Published: September 2019

The rapid development of technology is causing the replacement of many traditional manufacture industries by automation. Robotic arms are now commonly used in many sectors. The requirements for robotic arms in different sectors are quite different; but, in general, robotic arms not only save cost and man power, they also improve safety. The aim of this study was an investigation of the integration of image identification with robotic arms. To do this, the Denavit–Hartenberg transformation matrix was used to analyze the mechanical kinematics of the joints of each robotic arm axis. This allowed the spatial relationships between the Cartesian 3 D coordinate system and the joint of each axis to be determined and communication between the robotic arm and image identification to be established. A robotic arm prototype platform with automatic image identification and calibration was constructed using a quick and robust method. Several of the variables that exist in real robotic arm applications have been solved in this study: primarily the accuracy error that occurs when repeated gripping of workpieces is done and a movement and placement track is set up. Deviations occur frequently and if image identification can be applied to offset repeated inaccuracy, the quality of finished products will be more consistent. The Universal Robots 5 six-axis robot and cameras, which use a filter, Sobel computation, and Hough transformation computer vision image processing technology, together comprise a system that can automatically identify the workpiece and carry out loading and unloading accurately.
Study of the hydraulic disturbance suppression of a vibrator under high-frequency vibration based on experiments and numerical simulations
Authors: Chen Zhen , Huang Zhiqiang , Jing Shuang , Zeng Hongyang , Tao Zhifei , Xue Xiaowei
Published: September 2019

Hydraulic disturbance of a vibrator is the main cause of distortion of the vibroseis geophysical exploration signal that is caused by high-frequency fluid vibration during servo valve cavity commutation. This disturbance is closely related to the structure, size, and arrangement of the hydraulic flow path of the vibrator reaction mass. In this work, a vibrator disturbance–suppression mechanism was examined, an experimental study was carried out on an improved design of the hydraulic flow channel, and the source of the hydraulic disturbance of the horizontal channel vibrator was determined. The vibrator hydraulic flow channel was changed to a vertical flow channel in the piston rod. In addition, the structure of the track was designed, and the angle of the oil inlet of the piston rod was tested at 0°, 45°, and 90°. Then, the fluid flow state and fluid–solid coupling analysis method were used to improve the vibration-suppression effect of the vibrator. The results showed that the optimal oil inlet angle is 90°, for which the turbulent intensity of the oil inlet is the smallest, the pressure drop loss is reduced, and the influence of the oil flow on the piston rod deformation is minimal. The vibration reaction mass test of the vibrator showed that the disturbance inhibition rate of the piston rod with a 90° inlet structure design reaches 64.087%; the hydraulic disturbance had the best suppression effect and effectively reduced the distortion of the seismic prospecting signals with this oil inlet angle, improving the quality and efficiency of oil and gas exploration.
Synthesis and characterization of new impurities in obeticholic acid
Authors: Feng Wei-Dong , Zhuo Song-Ming , Zhang Fu-Li
Published: September 2019

Novel and efficient synthetic strategies are developed for the first synthesis of two new impurities found in obeticholic acid. The synthetic routes to the impurities are designed without column purification using 4-nitrobenzoyl chloride as a selective protecting group. The impurities, which are obtained in good yields and high purity, are identified and characterized using high-resolution mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared, one-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer), and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (Correlated Spectroscopy, heteronuclear single quantum coherence, heteronuclear multiple bond correlation, and rotating-frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy) techniques.
Decompression for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome provides significant functional improvement and patient satisfaction
Authors: Stirling Paul H. C. , Yeoman Thomas F. M. , Duckworth Andrew D. , Clement Nicholas D. , Jenkins Paul J. , McEachan Jane E.
Published: September 2019

This prospective single-centre study describes the functional outcomes, satisfaction and health-related quality of life after open revision carpal tunnel decompression for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. The QuickDASH, patient satisfaction and EuroQol-5 dimensions questionnaires were collected preoperatively and postoperatively over a 5-year period (2013–2018). The median time to revision was 13.3 years (range 3.9–35.4 years; interquartile range 7.2–15.9 years). Outcomes were available for 14 hands in 13 patients at a mean of 20 months after revision surgery. The mean preoperative and postoperative QuickDASH scores were 55 and 29, respectively, and the mean improvement in QuickDASH was 26. The mean improvement in EuroQol-5 dimensions score was 0.1, and 13 of the 14 patients were satisfied. The net promoter score was 85. This study confirms that patients undergoing revision open carpal tunnel decompression for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome experience a significant improvement in function and health-related quality of life.

Level of evidence: IV
Lifestyle intervention for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a national multicenter survey of lifestyle factor effects on gastroesophageal reflux disease in China
Authors: Yuan Ling-Zhi , Yi Ping , Wang Gang-Shi , Tan Shi-Yun , Huang Guang-Ming , Qi Ling-Zhi , Jia Yan , Wang Fen
Published: September 2019

Background:

Poor habits can worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and reduce treatment efficacy. Few large-scale studies have examined lifestyle influences, particularly eating habits, on GERD in China, and research related to eating quickly, hyperphagia, and eating hot foods is quite limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between GERD pathogenesis and lifestyle factors to produce useful information for the development of a clinical reference guide through a national multicenter survey in China.

Methods:

Symptom and lifestyle/habit questionnaires included 19 items were designed. The questionnaire results were subjected to correlation analysis relative to GERD symptom onset. A standard proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was advised to correct patients with unhealthful lifestyle habits.

Results:

A total of 1518 subjects (832 GERD, 686 non-GERD) enrolled from six Chinese hospitals completed symptom and lifestyle/habit questionnaires. The top lifestyle factors related to GERD were fast eating, eating beyond fullness, and preference for spicy food. Univariate analysis showed that 21 factors, including male gender, a supra-normal body mass index (BMI), smoking, drinking alcohol, fast eating, eating beyond fullness, eating very hot foods, and drinking soup, among others, were associated with GERD ( p < 0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis revealed the following risk factors for GERD [with odds ratios (ORs)]: fast eating (4.058), eating beyond fullness (2.849), wearing girdles or corsets (2.187), eating very hot foods (1.811), high BMI (1.805), lying down soon after eating (1.544), and smoking (1.521). Adjuvant lifestyle interventions improved outcomes over medication alone ( z = –8.578, p < 0.001 Mann–Whitney rank sum test).

Conclusions:

Lifestyle interventions can improve medication efficacy in GERD patients. Numerous habits, including fast eating, eating beyond fullness, and eating very hot foods, were associated with GERD pathogenesis. The present results may be useful as a reference for preventive education and treatment.
Over‐the‐scope clips are cost‐effective in recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding
Authors: Kuellmer Armin , Behn Juliane , Meier Benjamin , Wannhoff Andreas , Bettinger Dominik , Thimme Robert , Caca Karel , Schmidt Arthur
Published: September 2019

Background

A recent prospective randomised controlled trial (‘STING’) showed superiority of over‐the‐scope clips compared to standard treatment in recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding. Cost‐effectiveness studies on haemostasis with over‐the‐scope clips have not been reported so far.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the higher efficacy of the over‐the‐scope clips treatment outweighs the higher costs of the device compared to standard clips.

Methods

For the analysis, the study population of the STING trial was used. Costs for the hospital stay in total as well as treatment‐related costs were obtained. The average cost‐effectiveness ratio, representing the mean costs per designated outcome, and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio, expressing the additional costs of a new treatment strategy per difference in outcome were calculated. The designated outcome was defined as successful haemostasis without rebleeding within seven days, which was the primary endpoint of the STING trial. Average cost‐effectiveness ratio and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio were calculated for total costs of the hospital stay as well as the haemostasis treatment alone. The cost‐effectiveness analysis is taken from the perspective of the care provider.

Results: Total costs and treatment‐related costs per patient were 13,007.07 € in the standard group vs 12,808.56 € in the over‐the‐scope clip group (p = 0.812) and 2084.98 € vs 1984.71 € respectively (p = 0.663). The difference was not statistically significant. Total costs per successful haemostasis (average cost‐effectiveness ratio) were 30,677.05 € vs 15,104.43 € and 4917.41 € vs 2340.46 € for the haemostasis treatment. The additional costs per successful haemostasis with over‐the‐scope clip treatment (incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio) is –468.18 € for the whole treatment and –236.49€ for the haemostasis treatment.

Conclusions

Over‐the‐scope clip treatment is cost‐effective in recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding.
Treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis by anterior internal fixation combined with computed tomography angiography
Authors: Wu Wenjie , Yang Sen , Wang Cheng , Lyu Jingtong , Liu Xun , Zhang Zehua , Xu Jianzhong , Luo Fei
Published: September 2019

Objective:

This study aims to examine the iliac vascular space in patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis and to evaluate the feasibility of anterior internal fixation for lumbosacral tuberculosis.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed in 36 patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis. The preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography angiography images were analyzed for anatomical parameters.

Results:

There were large variations among the anterior lumbosacral iliac vessels. Predominantly, the left iliac vein and the right iliac artery formed the two borders of the triangular iliac vascular space in the coronal plane. The mean distance between the iliac vessels straddle point and the inferior endplate of L5 was 15.01 ± 15.08 mm. In the sagittal plane, presacral abscess increased the distance between the posterior iliac vessel and the anterior vertebra. The distances on the left and right sides were 9.94 ± 6.03 and 10.15 ± 5.46 mm, respectively, at the inferior endplate of L5 and were 11.90 ± 6.97 and 11.68 ± 5.52 mm, respectively, at the superior endplate of S1.

Conclusions:

The space on sagittal plane occupied by presacral abscess may push forward the vessels and therefore provide opportunities for anterior internal fixation.
Effect of the screw tightening sequence on the stress distribution of a dynamic compression plate: A pilot finite element study
Authors: Feng Xiaoreng , Qi Weichen , Wang Chengyong , Leung Frankie , Chen Bin
Published: September 2019

Objective:

Although the optimal screw tightening sequence is a common question orthopaedists encounter during fractures fixation with a dynamic compression plate (DCP), the effect of the screw tightening sequence on the stability of the plate has never been explored. This study explores the effect of the screw tightening sequence on the stress distribution of a DCP using a finite element method.

Methods:

Idealized finite element analysis models of the femoral diaphysis with six-hole or eight-hole DCPs were constructed. The screw tightening preload was simulated using ‘bolt load’ in ABAQUS. Two screw tightening sequences were studied for the six-hole plate and six sequences were studied for the eight-hole plate. U magnitude and Von Mises stress were used to evaluate the deformation and stress distribution of the plate, respectively. Deformation and stress distribution plots from different sequences were compared.

Results:

The different screw tightening sequences showed different deformation processes, while all had the same final deformation after all the screws were tightened. Each screw tightening step of different tightening sequences showed different stress distributions in the plate, while all had the same stress distribution after all the screws were tightened.

Conclusion:

Using different screw tightening sequences to fix the same DCP can produce the same stability, which means in terms of fixation stability, after the two screws nearest to the fracture line are tightened, surgeons do not need to hesitate about the order in which the rest screws should be inserted during the surgery.
Insufficiency and deficiency of vitamin D in elderly patients with fragility fractures of the hip in the Japanese population
Authors: Niikura Takahiro , Oe Keisuke , Sakai Yoshitada , Iwakura Takashi , Fukui Tomoaki , Nishimoto Hanako , Hayashi Shinya , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Matsushita Takehiko , Maruo Akihiro , Yagata Yukihisa , Kishimoto Kenta , Sakurai Atsushi , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: September 2019

Background:

Data of vitamin D sufficiency in Asian patients with osteoporotic fragility hip fractures are limited. This study aimed to obtain data from the Japanese population.

Methods:

Patients aged 60 years or older with hip fractures were prospectively enrolled. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured. Levels were compared between patients receiving and not receiving treatment for osteoporosis, those with and without previous contralateral hip fractures, and those with femoral neck versus trochanteric fractures. Sex-based differences were also assessed. The serum levels in patients younger than 60 years with extremity fractures were assessed, and differences between elderly and younger patients were evaluated. The individual correlation between 25(OH)D levels and the ultraviolet (UV) index and age was analyzed in elderly patients with hip fractures.

Results:

The data of 360 patients (aged 84.7 ± 8.2 years), comprising 80 men and 280 women, were analyzed. The mean 25(OH)D level was 16.5 ± 7.2 ng/mL. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (25(OH)D <30 ng/mL) and deficiency (25(OH)D <20 ng/mL) was 93.9% and 71.7%, respectively. A significant difference was noted in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency between patients with and without previous contralateral hip fractures. Age and 25(OH)D levels were found to be correlated, with no correlation between the UV index and the 25(OH)D levels. The 25(OH)D level in the younger population ( n = 123) was 20.7 ± 8.6 ng/mL, which was significantly higher than that of the elderly.

Conclusion:

Perennial vitamin D insufficiency is prevalent in elderly Japanese patients with hip fractures.
γ-Secretase inhibition increases efficacy of BCMA-specific chimeric antigen receptor T cells in multiple myeloma
Authors: Pont Margot J. , Hill Tyler , Cole Gabriel O. , Abbott Joe J. , Kelliher Jessica , Salter Alexander I. , Hudecek Michael , Comstock Melissa L. , Rajan Anusha , Patel Bharvin K. R. , Voutsinas Jenna M. , Wu Qian , Liu Lingfeng , Cowan Andrew J. , Wood Brent L. , Green Damian J. , Riddell Stanley R.
Published: September 2019

Despite notably high response rates to B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in multiple myeloma, few patients have a sustained, very good partial or complete response. This article presents a novel strategy to increase the efficacy of BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy and shows that γ-secretase inhibitors improve the efficacy of BCMA CAR T cells by increasing BCMA expression and reducing soluble BCMA.
Mismatched related vs matched unrelated donors in TCRαβ/CD19-depleted HSCT for primary immunodeficiencies
Authors: Laberko Alexandra , Sultanova Elvira , Gutovskaya Elena , Shipitsina Irina , Shelikhova Larisa , Kurnikova Elena , Muzalevskii Yakov , Kazachenok Alexei , Pershin Dmitriy , Voronin Kirill , Shcherbina Anna , Maschan Michael , Maschan Alexey , Balashov Dmitry
Published: September 2019

Laberko et al report excellent survival outcomes for patients receiving TCRαβ/CD19-depleted hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for primary immunodeficiencies, demonstrating comparable results with mismatched related and matched unrelated donors.