bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A fatty acid synthase gene (FASN3) from the integument tissue of Rhodnius prolixus contributes to cuticle water loss regulation
Authors: Moriconi D. E. , Dulbecco A. B. , Juárez M. P. , Calderón‐Fernández G. M.
Published: May 2019

Fatty acid synthase is a multifunctional enzyme involved in the formation of fatty acids. Despite the role of fatty acids in cell signalling and energy metabolism, and as precursors to pheromones and hydrocarbons that waterproof the cuticle, the insect fatty acid synthases have been scarcely studied. Here we perform the molecular characterization of three fatty acid synthase genes (fatty acid synthase RPRC000123, RPRC000269 and RPRC002909) in the Chagas disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus. Gene expression screening by reverse transcription quantitative PCR showed that RPRC000123 and RPRC002909 are expressed almost exclusively in the integument tissue whilst RPRC000269 is mostly expressed in the fat body and also in several body organs. Phylogenetic analysis, together with gene expression results, showed that RPRC000269, RPRC002909 and RPRC000123 are orthologues of Drosophila melanogaster fatty acid synthase 1 (FASN1), FASN2 and FASN3 genes, respectively. After RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of RPRC000123, insects died immediately after moulting to the next developmental stage. However, mortality was prevented by placing the insects under saturated humidity conditions, suggesting that dehydration might play a role in the insects’ death. Lipid analyses in RPRC000123‐silenced insects showed reduced amounts of integument fatty acids and methyl‐branched hydrocarbons, compared to controls. These data support an important role for FASN3 in the biosynthesis of the precursors to hydrocarbons that waterproof the insect cuticle.
Remain, Return, or Re‐migrate? The (Im)mobility Trajectory of Mainland Chinese Students after Completing Their Education in the UK
Authors: Tu Mengwei , Nehring Daniel
Published: May 2019

The migration of Chinese students to the UK has long been the focus of academic and policy‐making attention. However, what happens to their transnational mobility after their education remains understudied. This article unpacks the migration decision‐making process behind graduates' study‐to‐employment transition. We focus on individuals' on‐going reinterpretation of capital convertibility between China and the UK and examine how the meaning of mobility changes in time and in the transnational socio‐economic environment. In so doing, we draw on in‐depth interviews with graduates who have remained in the UK, as well as with returnees. Our findings reveal our participants' periodic uncertainty about professional opportunities and attendant mobility choices in the context of fast‐paced socio‐economic change in China and in the UK. The article thus calls for a more supportive post‐study work policy environment for international students in the UK, especially in the context of uncertainty about Brexit.
The Game of Life soccer program: Effect on skills, physical fitness and mobility in persons with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Barak Sharon , Oz Malca , Dagan Nadav , Hutzler Yeshayahu
Published: May 2019

Background

Soccer is the world's most popular sport. The present authors evaluated the effect of the Game of Life (GOL) soccer initiative on soccer skills, fitness and mobility of adults with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods

The programme is comprised of once‐weekly sessions. Outcomes: soccer skills, fitness and mobility. Effectiveness was evaluated using within‐/between‐group analyses (e.g. effect size, ES).

Results

Fifty adults with intellectual disability and 19 with ASD (age = 31.80 ± 10.11) participated in this study. From pre‐test to post‐test, the intellectual disability group improved their soccer skills (ES = 0.437); physical fitness—the intellectual disability group presented trivial ESs, whereas the ASD group showed moderate‐to‐large ESs; Mobility—only the ASD group presented a significant improvement (ES=−0.435), and the intellectual disability group presented better ability in most outcomes in pre‐ and post‐tests.

Conclusion

The findings indicated differences in entry‐level performance and training impact between the two groups. This should be considered when developing training programmes for soccer players.
Comprehensive antimicrobial susceptibility testing of a large collection of clinical strains of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans does not identify resistance to amoxicillin
Authors: Jensen Anne B. , Haubek Dorte , Claesson Rolf , Johansson Anders , Nørskov‐Lauritsen Niels
Published: May 2019

Aim

The present study aims to determine the susceptibility of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans to amoxicillin by investigating a large collection of oral strains of diverse geographical origin.

Methods

Two hundred and fifty‐seven A. actinomycetemcomitans strains were serotyped using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction, and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of amoxicillin were determined using the agar dilution method (range 0.25–8.0 mg/L). The plates were spot‐wise inoculated with approximately 104 colony‐forming units, incubated in 5% CO2 at 37 C°, and visually inspected after 24 and 48 hr. A MIC ≤ 2.00 mg/L was categorised as susceptible using EUCAST interpretative criteria for Haemophilus species.

Results

Amoxicillin MIC values varied from 0.25 mg/L to 2.00 mg/L, and all tested strains, including strains previously reported as resistant, were susceptible to amoxicillin. The MIC50 was 1.00 mg/L and the MIC90 was 2.00 mg/L.

Conclusion

Meticulous investigation of strains including isolates previously reported as resistant could not confirm the emergence of resistance to β‐lactams in A. actinomycetemcomitans. Based on the present in vitro results, amoxicillin can be considered a key oral antimicrobial agent for treatment of A. actinomycetemcomitans.
Hidradenitis suppurativa treatment – medical or surgical?
Authors: Rowland Payne Pr. C.M.E.
Published: May 2019

Linked article: Ø. Grimstad et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33: 1164–1171. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15353
Attitudes and opinions of the abattoir sector toward the control and prevention of microbiological foodborne pathogens
Authors: Wijnen Lena I. , Biasino Wauter , Verbeke Wim , De Zutter Lieven , Seliwiorstow Tomasz , Van Damme Inge
Published: May 2019

The abattoir sector plays a crucial role in controlling foodborne hazards, so insight in the incentives that motivate abattoirs to implement control measures is of great relevance to food safety risk managers and policy makers. Therefore, a cross‐sectional telephone survey was conducted to assess the attitudes and opinions of abattoirs in Belgium and the Netherlands toward preventive measures for controlling microbiological pathogens. A total of 80 abattoirs participated, generally they seem to be aware of the most hazardous bacterial pathogens for public health and of their responsibility and potential role to control these hazards. However, significant differences were observed between animal species, company size, and countries.

Practical applications

The findings of this survey may help to specify and adjust the set‐up and implementation of control strategies and measures to the diverse incentives and opinions of different food business operators.
In Vitro Examination of the Use of Er:YAG Laser to Retrieve Lithium Disilicate Crowns from Titanium Implant Abutments
Authors: Grzech‐Leśniak Kinga , Bencharit Sompop , Dalal Nishchal , Mroczka Krzysztof , Deeb Janina Golob
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Removal of cement‐retained implant crowns can be difficult and often requires sectioning of the prosthesis by rotary instruments. This study aimed to measure how much time is required in crown removal and the temperature changes when erbium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser was used to retrieve lithium disilicate crowns from titanium implant abutments luted with composite resin (CR) cement and resin‐modified glass ionomer (RMGI).

Materials and Methods

Forty identical lithium disilicate crowns were fabricated for prefabricated titanium abutments. CR and RMGI cements were used to lute the crowns, 20 specimens for each cement. Specimens were kept in 100% humidity for 48 hours. Er:YAG laser was then used to facilitate the crown retrieval. The retrieval time was recorded. The temperature changes at the abutment level for each type of cement were recorded during irradiation of 10 specimens for each type of cement from 1 to 10 minutes. Data were analyzed using t‐test (ɑ = 0.01) and paired t‐test (ɑ = 0.05). The surfaces of the crown and the abutment were further examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

The average times of crown removal from titanium abutments were 196.5 seconds for CR and 97.5 seconds for RMGI groups with statistical significance (p < 0.001). The temperatures measured from 1 to 10 minutes of irradiation ranged from 18° to 20.8° for CR and 18° to 23° for RMGI at the abutment surface, and 22.1° to 24.6° for CR and 22° to 24.8° for RMGI at the crown surface. No statistical differences were observed between temperature changes at the abutment or the crown for each cement (p = 0.63); however, there was a statistically significant difference between the temperatures at the abutment and crown for both cements (p < 0.001). SEM examination showed no visible damage caused by treatment with Er:YAG laser.

Conclusions

It is faster to remove lithium disilicate crowns from titanium implant abutments when luted with RMGI compared to CR cement. The temperature rise was higher in the crown compared to the abutment. The type of cement had no effects on temperature changes. Heat generated from Er:YAG irradiation does not appear to be high enough to have any adverse effect on implant osseointegration.
Regulation of the Erythrobacter litoralis DSM 8509 general stress response by visible light
Authors: Fiebig Aretha , Varesio Lydia M. , Alejandro Navarreto Xiomarie , Crosson Sean
Published: May 2019

Extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors are environmentally responsive transcriptional regulators. In Alphaproteobacteria, σEcfG activates general stress response (GSR) transcription and protects cells from multiple stressors. A phosphorylation‐dependent protein partner switching mechanism, involving HWE/HisKA_2‐family histidine kinases, underlies σEcfG activation. The identity of these sensor kinases and the signals that regulate them remain largely uncharacterized. We have developed the aerobic anoxygenic photoheterotroph (AAP), Erythrobacter litoralis DSM 8509, as a comparative genetic model to investigate GSR. Using this system, we sought to define the role of visible light and a photosensory HWE kinase, LovK, in regulation of GSR transcription. We identified three HWE kinase genes that collectively control GSR: gsrK and lovK are activators, while gsrP is a repressor. In wild‐type cells, GSR transcription is activated in the dark and nearly off in the light, and the opposing activities of gsrK and gsrP are sufficient to modulate GSR transcription in response to illumination. In the absence of gsrK and gsrP, lovK alone is sufficient to activate GSR transcription. lovK is a more robust activator in the dark, and light‐dependent regulation by LovK requires that its N‐terminal LOV domain be photochemically active. Our studies establish a role for visible light and an ensemble of HWE kinases in light‐dependent regulation of GSR transcription in E. litoralis.
Supporting Muslim families before and after a death in neonatal and paediatric intensive care units
Authors: Al Mutair Abbas , Al Ammary Maram , Brooks Laura A. , Bloomer Melissa J.
Published: May 2019

Background

The death of a child is regarded as one of the most devastating events for a family. Families are reliant on nurses to not only provide end‐of‐life care but also to support and care for grieving families in a way that is sensitive to their cultural and religious needs and preferences.

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore the perceived impact and influence of cultural diversity on how neonatal and paediatric intensive care nurses care for Muslim families before and after the death of infants/children.

Design

A qualitative descriptive approach was used in this study, conducted in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were used to gather data from a convenience sample of registered nurses working in neonatal and paediatric intensive care, with experience in providing end‐of‐life care. Interviews were conducted between July and November, 2018. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed for analysis.

Results

Thirteen registered nurses participated; all were born overseas, identified with various faiths and spoke English in the workplace. A respect for diversity and care of the family was prioritized yet impacted by communication challenges. Caring and respect was demonstrated by facilitating important cultural and religious practices important in the Muslim faith. Self‐care was identified as important, transcending the culturally diverse nature of the nursing workforce.

Conclusions

Significant challenges exist for a culturally diverse nursing workforce in providing care to a Saudi Muslim population of infants/children and families, before and after a death. Their overriding commitment to respect for others, and an openness to cultural diversity and difference, aided in overcoming the inherent challenges in providing culturally sensitive end‐of‐life care that meets the needs of Muslim families. These findings provide valuable insights for intensive care clinicians in other countries to address challenges associated with cultural diversity.
Evaluation of a Bi‐Planar Robot Navigation System for Insertion of Cannulated Screws in Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: He Meng , Han Wei , Zhao Chun‐peng , Su Yong‐gang , Zhou Li , Wu Xin‐bao , Wang Jun‐qiang
Published: May 2019

Objective

To evaluate the bi‐planar robot navigation system for insertion of cannulated screws in femoral neck fractures.

Method

Between January 2016 and December 2016, 60 patients with femoral neck fractures were separately treated using percutaneous cannulated screws assisted by the bi‐planar robot navigation system (robot group) and conventional freehand surgery (freehand group). The fluoroscopy time, the number of drilling attempts, and the operation time were recorded during operations; the dispersion and parallelism of the cannulated screws on the posteroanterior and lateral images were measured after operations. Patients were followed up for 12–24 months and the Harris scores and the final results of the two groups were compared.

Results

During bi‐planar robot navigation system‐assisted surgery, the fluoroscopy time for acquisition of images was 2.3 seconds on average, and the time for planning screws during the operation was 2.8 min on average. The average fluoroscopy time during the placement of the guide pin was 5.7 seconds and 14.14 seconds (P = 0.00), respectively. The average time of the placement of the cannulated screws was 12.7 min and 19.4 min (P = 0.00), respectively, in the robot group and the freehand group. In the robot group, only one guide pin was replaced during the operation, and the average number of adjustments for each guide pin was 2.39 in the freehand group. The screw parallelism and dispersion measured by postoperative imaging in the robot group were significantly superior to those in the freehand group. From postoperative CT it was evident that there were 5 cases of screws exiting the posterior cortex in both groups. During the follow‐up phase, 1 case of femoral head necrosis and 5 cases of femoral neck shortening of more than 10 mm occurred in the robotic navigation group; 3 cases of femoral head necrosis, 1 case of fracture nonunion, and 2 cases of shortening of more than 10 mm occurred in the freehand group. At 18 months after surgery, the average Harris scores of the patients were 85.20 and 83.45, respectively, with no significant difference.

Conclusion

Using bi‐planar robot navigation system‐assisted placement of femoral neck cannulated screws can significantly reduce the time of intraoperative fluoroscopy, drilling attempts, and operation time. The placed screws are superior to the screws placed freehand in relation to parallelism and dispersion. However, it is still necessary for surgeons to have a good reduction of the femoral neck fracture before surgery and to be proficient in the operation of the robot navigation system. In summary, the bi‐planar robot navigation system is an effective assistant instrument for surgery.
Acquired acrodermatitis enteropathica due to zinc‐depleted parenteral nutrition
Authors: Wiznia Lauren E. , Bhansali Suneet , Brinster Nooshin , Al‐Qaqaa Yasir M. , Orlow Seth J. , Oza Vikash
Published: May 2019

Well‐known causes of zinc deficiency, also referred to as acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE), include defects in intestinal zinc transporters and inadequate intake, but a rare cause of acquired zinc deficiency discussed here is an iatrogenic nutritional deficiency caused by parenteral nutrition administered without trace elements. While zinc‐depleted parenteral nutrition causing dermatosis of acquired zinc deficiency was first reported in the 1990s, it is now again relevant due to a national vitamin and trace element shortage. A high index of suspicion may be necessary to diagnose zinc deficiency, particularly because early clinical findings are nonspecific. We present this case of acquired zinc deficiency in a patient admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit for respiratory distress and atypical pneumonia, who subsequently developed a severe bullous eruption due to iatrogenic zinc deficiency but was treated effectively with enteral and parenteral zinc supplementation, allowing for rapid re‐epithelialization of previously denuded skin.
IVC angioplasty using an autologous vascular graft for IVC stenosis due to metallic stent in a pediatric liver transplant
Authors: Kosaka Taiichiro , Eguchi Susumu , Hidaka Masaaki , Adachi Tomohiko , Yoshino Kyouhei , Kanetaka Kengo , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Ito Shinichiro
Published: May 2019

A 12‐year‐old girl underwent LDLT using a left lobe graft for hepatic dysfunction associated with citrin deficiency. A continuous anastomosis suture technique was performed between the recipient's IVC and the donor's left hepatic vein. At age 14, the patient developed intractable ascites. Venography of the IVC and hepatic vein showed twisted‐shape stenosis of the hepatic vein‐IVC anastomosis with intravascular pressure gradient, probably due to the enlarged transplanted liver, for which a metallic stent was placed. The ascites disappeared, and the patient was making satisfactory progress eight months after surgery. However, nine months after surgery, the ascites appeared again with edema in the lower extremities. Since the stent that had been inserted was suspected of hampering the outflow of the graft liver and IVC, it was decided to conduct stent removal and IVC angioplasty. After intravascular exploration, the stent was removed. Angioplasty was performed. An autologous vascular graft patch was designed to be wedge‐shaped to fit the incised part of the IVC, and it was sutured with 5‐0 non‐absorbable surgical sutures using a continuous suture technique. No postoperative complications or perioperative graft dysfunction were observed. The ascites decreased markedly, and the edema in the lower extremities disappeared. Thus, we were able to successfully perform IVC angioplasty using an autologous vascular graft patch in a patient who developed IVC stenosis after stenting. This procedure is one of the most effective treatment options, especially for pediatric patients requiring long‐term vascular patency.
Skin‐homing T‐cell responses associated with Demodex infestation and rosacea
Authors: Gazi Umut , Gureser Ayse Semra , Oztekin Aynure , Karasartova Djursun , Kosar‐Acar Nezahat , Derici Mehmet Kursat , Artuz Ferda , Mumcuoglu Kosta Y. , Taylan‐Ozkan Aysegul
Published: May 2019

Aims

Our aim was to investigate the skin‐homing T‐cell immune responses triggered in patients with Demodex infestation and/or rosacea.

Methods

Collected whole blood samples were divided into four groups: control subjects; nonrosacea patients with Demodex infestation (Demodex group); papulopustular rosacea (PPR) patients without Demodex infestation (Rosacea group); and PPR patients with Demodex infestation (Rosacea/Demodex group). Following ex vivo activation, skin‐homing CLA+CD4+ T‐cell subset levels were monitored by flow cytometry.

Results

When compared with control subjects, among skin‐homing CD4+ T‐cell subsets analysed, Demodex patients had higher TH9 and Treg cell levels; Rosacea subjects displayed elevated TH1 cell levels; and Rosacea/Demodex patients exhibited increased frequencies of TH9 and TH22 cells. In contrast to Rosacea subjects, Rosacea/Demodex group members displayed higher TH2 cell levels; and when compared with Demodex groups, they had higher TH1 and TH2 but lower Treg cell levels. Demodex group members also exhibited higher Treg but lower TH1 and TH22 levels than Rosacea/Demodex group subjects.

Conclusions

The skin‐homing T‐cell responses associated with Demodex infestation and rosacea formation seem to influence each other. The present as well as future studies could contribute to the development of effective treatment strategies for demodicosis and rosacea.
Acute high‐intensity football games can improve children's inhibitory control and neurophysiological measures of attention
Authors: Lind Rune Rasmussen , Beck Mikkel Malling , Wikman Johan , Malarski Krzysztof , Krustrup Peter , Lundbye‐Jensen Jesper , Geertsen Svend Sparre
Published: May 2019

Recent studies suggest that a single bout of exercise can lead to transient performance improvements in specific cognitive domains in children. However, more knowledge is needed to determine the key exercise characteristics for obtaining these effects and how they translate into real‐world settings. In the present study, we investigate how small‐sided football games of either high‐ or moderate‐intensity affect measures of inhibitory control in a school setting. Eighty‐one children (mean age 11.8, 48 boys) were randomly allocated to three groups performing 20‐minute of high‐intensity small‐sided real football games (SRF), moderate‐intensity small‐sided walking football games (SWF) or resting (RF). Behavioral measures of inhibitory control and neurophysiological measures of attention (P300 latency and amplitude) were obtained during a flanker task performed at baseline and 20 minutes following the intervention. Retention of declarative memory was assessed in a visual memory task 7 days after the intervention. Measures of inhibitory control improved more in children performing SRF compared to SWF 19 ms, 95% CI [7, 31 ms] (P = 0.041). This was paralleled by larger increases in P300 amplitudes at Fz in children performing SRF compared both to RF in congruent (3.54 μV, 95% CI [0.85, 6.23 μV], P = 0.039) and incongruent trials (5.56 μV, 95% CI [2.87, 8.25 μV], P < 0.001) and compared to SWF in incongruent trials (4.10 μV, 95% CI [1.41, 6.68 μV], P = 0.010). No effects were found in measures of declarative memory. Together this indicates that acute high‐intensity small‐sided football games can transiently improve measures of inhibitory control and neurophysiological correlates of attention. Intense small‐sided football games are easily implementable and can be employed by practitioners, for example, during breaks throughout the school day.
New and interesting oribatid mite taxa (Acari, Oribatida) from the Gambela region (Ethiopia)
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Rybalov Leonid B.
Published: May 2019

Ethiopia. Two new species of the subgenus Galumna (Galumna) (Galumnidae) are described. Galumna anuakensis Ermilov sp. nov. differs from G. calcicola (Aoki & Hu, 1993), G. lanceosensilla Ermilov, Sidorchuk & Rybalov, 2011, G. paracalcicola Ermilov & Anichkin, 2014 and G. paramastigophora Ermilov, 2015 by the presence of clavate bothridial setae and foveolate anogenital region. Galumna gambelaensis Ermilov sp. nov. differs from G. wojciechniedbalai Ermilov, 2012 by the presence of very long, flagellate interlamellar setae and comparatively large dorsosejugal porose areas. A list with new records for Ethiopian fauna, including 13 species, is provided; of these, Gymnodamaeus neonominatus (Subías, 2004) is recorded for the first time in the Ethiopian region, other species and the genera Gymnodamaeus Kulczynski, 1902 and Stachyoppia  Balogh, 1961 are recorded for the first time in Ethiopia.
Home care nursing after elective vascular surgery: an opportunity to reduce emergency department visits and hospital readmission
Authors: de Mestral Charles , Kayssi Ahmed , Al-Omran Mohammed , Salata Konrad , Hussain Mohamad Anas , Roche-Nagle Graham
Published: May 2019

Background

Events occurring outside the hospital setting are underevaluated in surgical quality improvement initiatives and research.

Objective

To quantify regional variation in home care nursing following vascular surgery and explore its impact on emergency department (ED) visits and hospital readmission.

Methods

Patients who underwent elective vascular surgery and were discharged directly home were identified from population-based administrative databases for the province of Ontario, Canada, 2006–2015. The index surgeries included carotid endarterectomy, open and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair and bypass for lower extremity peripheral arterial disease. Home care nursing within 30 days of discharge was captured and compared across regions. Using multilevel logistic regression, we characterised the association between home care nursing and the risk of an ED visit or hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge.

Results

The cohort included 23 617 patients, of whom 9002 (38%) received home care nursing within 30 days of discharge home. Receipt of nursing care after discharge home varied widely across Ontario’s 14 administrative health regions (range 16%–84%), even after accounting for differences in patient case mix. A lower likelihood of an ED visit or hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge was observed among patients who received home care nursing following three of four index surgeries: carotid endarterectomy OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.91; endovascular aortic aneurysm repair OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.99; open aortic aneurysm repair OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.23; bypass for lower extremity peripheral arterial disease OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.92.

Conclusion

Home care nursing may contribute to reducing ED visits and hospital readmission and is variably prescribed after vascular surgery.
Increased Risk of Arterial Thromboembolic Events in Transfusion-Naïve Thalassemia: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Liu Xuan , Wen Jianyun , Xu Yiqi , Ruan Yongsheng , Yi Tiantian , Chen Jung-Chien , Wu Xuedong
Published: May 2019

Transfusion-naïve thalassemia minor/trait is often associated with decreased risk of coronary artery diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of transfusion-naïve thalassemia on the incidence of arterial thromboembolic events using the National Health Insurance Research Database, Taiwan (2001–2010). Data from patients with transfusion-naïve thalassemia (n=2356) frequency matched with non-thalassemia subjects (n=9424) according to sex, age, and index year at a ratio of 1:4 were included. The risk of arterial thromboembolic events, cerebrovascular ischemic events, arterial embolism/thrombosis, peripheral embolism, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, and angina pectoris in transfusion-naïve thalassemia were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression models. The transfusion-naïve thalassemia group had significantly higher risk of arterial thromboembolic events (aHR=1.28, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.52) and myocardial ischemia (aHR=1.41, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.76) as compared with the non-thalassemia group. In addition, they also had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of arterial thromboembolic event and myocardial ischemia. Interestingly, a higher risk of arterial thromboembolic events (aHR=1.58, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.04) and myocardial ischemia (aHR=1.73, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.41) was observed in men with thalassemia as compared with those without. Furthermore, patients with comorbidities had an increased risk of arterial thromboembolic events than did those without comorbidities. The effect of thalassemia on arterial thromboembolic events may be mainly attributed to the influence of thalassemia on myocardial ischemia, as no significant differences were observed in other outcomes evaluated in the present study. In conclusion, the present study confirms the increased risk of arterial thromboembolic events, mainly attributed to the dramatic increase in myocardial ischemia, inminor patients with transfusion-naïve thalassemia.
‘These were made-to-order babies’: Reterritorialised Kinship, Neoliberal Eugenics and Artificial Reproductive Technology in Kishwar Desai’sOrigins of Love
Authors: Karmakar Manali , Parui Avishek
Published: May 2019

This essay examines Kishwar Desai’sOrigins of Love(2012) in order to foreground how the novel is complexly reflective of the biomedical technologies strategically deployed by medical practitioners and prospective parents for the purpose of reinforcing caste-based bionormative notion of family that artificial reproductive technology is assumed to have problematised. The essay also demonstrates how the use of bioenhancement facilities has led to the revival of neoliberal eugenics enmeshed with state-led biopolitics. The essay draws on the concept ofrenaturalisationdiscussed by Tamar Sharon in order to examine how the schizophrenic or deterritorialising potential of reproductive technology is reconfigured and domesticated by the medicolegal practitioners in order to reterritorialise the normative structures of kinship and family formation within a capitalist consumerist culture.
Assault predicts time away from work after claims for work-related mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Shafi Reema , Smith Peter M , Colantonio Angela
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Workplace violence carries a substantial economic loss burden. Up to 10% of all traumatic brain injury (TBI) admissions result from physical assault. There remains a paucity of research on assault as a mechanism of injury, taking into account sex, and its association with work re-entry.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to characterise, by sex, the sample of workers who had sustained a work-related mild TBI (wr-mTBI) and to assess the independent influence of assault, as a mechanism of injury, on time away from work.

Methods

A population-based retrospective cohort of workers’ compensation claimants in Australia (n=3129) who had sustained a wr-mTBI was used for this study. A multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed whether workers who had sustained wr-mTBI as a result of assault (wr-mTBI-assault) were more likely to claim time off work compared with workers who had sustained a wr-mTBI due to other mechanisms.

Results

Among claimants who sustained a wr-mTBI, 9% were as a result of assault. The distribution of demographic and vocational variables differed between the wr-mTBI-assault, and not due to assault, both in the full sample, and separately for men and women. After controlling for potential confounding factors, workers who sustained wr-mTBI-assault, compared with other mechanisms, were more likely to take days off work (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.53 to 2.99) within a 3-month timeframe.

Conclusion

The results have policy-related implications. Sex-specific and workplace-specific prevention strategies need to be considered and provisions to support return-to-work and well-being within this vulnerable cohort should be examined.
Passive arching in rubberized sand backfills
Authors: Khatami Hamidreza , Deng An , Jaksa Mark
Published: May 2019

The deformation and stress profiles of passive arching in a coarse sand and two rubberized sand backfills were investigated using a trapdoor apparatus. The trapdoor apparatus was instrumented with high-speed imaging equipment and a series of pressure sensors. The images of the deformation process in the backfills were analysed using the digital image correlation technique. The effect of a local surcharge on the deformation and stress profiles was also examined. It was observed that the rubber inclusions helped reduce the deformation of the backfills. Passive arching moduli and stress variations between the backfills examined are compared.
Bifurcation and stability analysis of stagnation points for an asymmetric peristaltic transport
Authors: Ullah Kaleem , Ali Nasir
Published: May 2019

This paper investigates the streamline topologies and stability of stagnation points and their bifurcations for an asymmetric peristaltic flow. The asymmetry of channel is due to the propagation of peristaltic waves with different phases and amplitudes on the flexible channel walls. An exact analytic solution of the flow problem subject to the constraints of low Reynolds number and long wavelength is obtained in wave frame of reference moving with wave velocity. A system of nonlinear differential equations is established to locate and classify the stagnation points in the flow domain. Different flow situations, manifested in the flow field, are categorized as: backward flow, trapping, and augmented flow. The transition from one situation to the other corresponds to bifurcation, which is explored graphically through local and global bifurcation diagrams. This analysis discloses the stability status of stagnation points and ranges of involved parameters in which various flow conditions appear in the flow field. It is concluded that the trapping in an asymmetric peristaltic transport can be reduced by increasing the phase difference of the channel walls. It is also found that the augmented flow region shrinks and the trapping region expands by increasing the amplitude ratio of the channel walls.
Equivalence of two solutions of physical massive gravity
Authors: Raval Haresh , Mishra Krishnanand Kr. , Mandal Bhabani Prasad
Published: May 2019

We study some aspects of linearized gravity as gauge theory, with massive deformation. Recently, it has been shown that there are two distinct solutions, which represent physical massive gravity. The purpose of the present work is to show that these two seemingly discrete solutions are equivalent at the level of generating functional. The significance of this simple work lies in the fact that one solution represents physical massive gravity at Fierz–Pauli (FP) point and the other outside the FP point.
Experimental investigation of unique color-changing property of multicolored sparkling of microbubbles formed due to femtosecond laser–water interaction
Authors: Sanny A. I. , Loh W. M. Edmund , Wong C. J. , Ahmed Naser M.
Published: May 2019

We present an experimental study on the interaction between femtosecond laser and water. When a beam of femtosecond laser is focused at a single point inside water, nonlinear interaction between the laser and water molecules gives rise to several interesting optical phenomena, starting with filamentation, supercontinuum white light generation and then the formation of cavitation microbubbles near the laser focus region. We observe drifting of the laser focus region and cavitation bubbles against the direction of laser propagation with increasing laser power. Due to conical emission, geometric scattering of white light on the bubble surface manifests itself as multicolored sparkling at the edge of the bubbles. Careful analysis of the video footage of the geometric scattering event reveals a unique color-changing property which occurs only within a tiny fraction of a second. This property can be explained as due to the hydrodynamical flow of the laser-induced plasma strings that leads to instability in the frequency of the emitted light.
On uniqueness of solutions to conservation laws verifying a single entropy condition
Authors: Krupa Sam G. , Vasseur Alexis F.
Published: May 2019

For hyperbolic systems of conservation laws, uniqueness of solutions is still largely open. We aim to expand the theory of uniqueness for systems of conservation laws. One difficulty is that many systems have only one entropy. This contrasts with scalar conservation laws, where many entropies exist. It took until 1994 to show that one entropy is enough to ensure uniqueness of solutions for the scalar conservation laws (see [E. Yu. Panov, Uniqueness of the solution of the Cauchy problem for a first order quasilinear equation with one admissible strictly convex entropy, Mat. Z. 55(5) (1994) 116–129 (in Russian), Math. Notes 55(5) (1994) 517–525]. This single entropy result was proven again by De Lellis, Otto and Westdickenberg about 10 years later [Minimal entropy conditions for Burgers equation, Quart. Appl. Math. 62(4) (2004) 687–700]. These two proofs both rely on the special connection between Hamilton–Jacobi equations and scalar conservation laws in one space dimension. However, this special connection does not extend to systems. In this paper, we prove the single entropy result for scalar conservation laws without using Hamilton–Jacobi. Our proof lays out new techniques that are promising for showing uniqueness of solutions in the systems case.
On the Decidability of Membership in Matrix-exponential Semigroups
Authors: Ouaknine Joël , Pouly Amaury , Sousa-Pinto João , Worrell James
Published: May 2019

We consider the decidability of the membership problem for matrix-exponential semigroups: Given
k
∈ N and square matrices
A
1
, … ,
A

k

,
C
, all of the same dimension and with real algebraic entries, decide whether
C
is contained in the semigroup generated by the matrix exponentials exp (
A

i

t
), where
i
∈ { 1,… ,
k
} and
t
≥ 0. This problem can be seen as a continuous analog of Babai et al.’s and Cai et al.’s problem of solving multiplicative matrix equations and has applications to reachability analysis of linear hybrid automata and switching systems. Our main results are that the semigroup membership problem is undecidable in general, but decidable if we assume that
A
1
, … ,
A

k

commute. The decidability proof is by reduction to a version of integer programming that has transcendental constants. We give a decision procedure for the latter using Baker’s theorem on linear forms in logarithms of algebraic numbers, among other tools. The undecidability result is shown by reduction from Hilbert’s Tenth Problem.
From Real-time Logic to Timed Automata
Authors: Ferrère Thomas , Maler Oded , Ničković Dejan , Pnueli Amir
Published: May 2019

We show how to construct temporal testers for the logic MITL, a prominent linear-time logic for real-time systems. A temporal tester is a transducer that inputs a signal holding the Boolean value of atomic propositions and outputs the truth value of a formula along time. Here we consider testers over continuous-time Boolean signals that use clock variables to enforce duration constraints, as in timed automata. We first rewrite the MITL formula into a “simple” formula using a limited set of temporal modalities. We then build testers for these specific modalities and show how to compose testers for simple formulae into complex ones. Temporal testers can be turned into acceptors, yielding a compositional translation from MITL to timed automata. This construction is much simpler than previously known and remains asymptotically optimal. It supports both past and future operators and can easily be extended.
Nonocclusive multivessel intracoronary infusion of allogeneic cardiosphere-derived cells early after reperfusion prevents remote zone myocyte loss and improves global left ventricular function in swine with myocardial infarction
Authors: Suzuki Gen , Weil Brian R. , Young Rebeccah F. , Fallavollita James A. , Canty John M.
Published: May 2019

Intracoronary cardiosphere-derived cells (icCDCs) infused into the infarct-related artery reduce scar volume but do not improve left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF). We tested the hypothesis that this reflects the inability of regional delivery to prevent myocyte death or promote myocyte proliferation in viable myocardium remote from the infarct. Swine ( n = 23) pretreated with oral cyclosporine (200 mg/day) underwent a 1-h left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion, which reduced LVEF from 61.6 ± 1.0 to 45.3 ± 1.5% 30 min after reperfusion. At that time, animals received global infusion of allogeneic icCDCs ( n = 8), regional infusion of icCDCs restricted to the LAD using the stop-flow technique ( n = 8), or vehicle ( n = 7). After 1 mo, global icCDCs increased LVEF from 44.8 ± 1.9 to 60.8 ± 3.8% ( P < 0.05) with no significant change after LAD stop-flow icCDCs (44.8 ± 3.6 to 50.9 ± 3.1%) or vehicle (46.5 ± 2.5 to 47.7 ± 2.6%). In contrast, global icCDCs did not alter infarct volume (%LV mass) assessed at 2 days (11.2 ± 2.3 vs. 12.6 ± 2.3%), whereas it was reduced after LAD stop-flow icCDCs (7.1 ± 1.1%, P < 0.05). Histopathological analysis of remote myocardium after global icCDCs demonstrated a significant increase in myocyte proliferation (147 ± 32 vs. 14 ± 10 nuclei/106 myocytes, P < 0.05) and a reduction in myocyte apoptosis (15 ± 9 vs. 46 ± 10 nuclei/106 myocytes, P < 0.05) that increased myocyte nuclear density (1,264 ± 39 vs. 1,157 ± 33 nuclei/mm2, P < 0.05) and decreased myocyte diameter (13.2 ± 0.2 vs. 14.5 ± 0.3 μm, P < 0.05) compared with vehicle-treated controls. In contrast, remote zone changes after regional LAD icCDCs were no different from vehicle. These data indicate that changes in global LVEF after icCDCs are dependent upon preventing myocyte loss and hypertrophy in myocardium remote from the infarct. These arise from stimulating myocyte proliferation and reducing myocyte apoptosis indicating the importance of directing cell therapy to viable remote regions.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Administration of allogeneic cardiosphere-derived cells to the entire heart via global intracoronary infusion shortly after myocardial infarction favorably influenced left ventricular ejection fraction by preventing myocyte death and promoting myocyte proliferation in remote, noninfarcted myocardium in swine. In contrast, regional intracoronary cell infusion did not significantly affect remote zone myocyte remodeling. Global cell administration targeting viable myocardium remote from the infarct may be an effective approach to prevent adverse ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction.
Automatic versus Manual Oxygen Titration in Patients Requiring Supplemental Oxygen in the Hospital: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Denault Marie-Hélène , Péloquin Fannie , Lajoie Annie-Christine , Lacasse Yves
Published: May 2019

Background: Closed-loop oxygen titration devices have been developed to avoid periods of hypoxemia and hyperoxemia, both detrimental to patients hospitalized for respiratory failure and requiring supplemental oxygen. However, their clinical impact remains unknown. Objective: To compare the effect of automatic versus manual oxygen titration on clinical outcomes in pediatric and adult patients requiring supplemental oxygen in the hospital. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL electronic databases (from inception to August 2018), and conference proceedings of major societies in respiratory medicine (2015–2018). Randomized controlled trials were included if they compared automatic to manual oxygen titration in hypoxemic inpatients and if they assessed at least one of the following: length of hospital stay (primary outcome), length of oxygen therapy, need and duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality, percentage of time within, above, and below the oxygen saturation target range, as well as the percentage of time spent in hypoxemia and hyperoxemia. Results: We included 9 trials (354 patients, adults and preterm infants, with or without ventilatory assistance). Eight of these trials were at high risk of bias due to lack of blinding and selective reporting. Automatic titration was associated with a significant decrease in the length of hospital stay (mean difference: –2.2 days; 95% CI: –3.8 to –0.6; p = 0.009; I2 = 0%; n = 237, 2 trials), and a decrease in the length of oxygen therapy (mean difference: –1.6 days; 95% CI: –3.1 to 0.0; p = 0.05; I2 = 0%; n = 237; 2 trials). We did not observe a reduction in the need for ventilatory assistance or in mortality in the automatic titration period. An increase in the percentage of time spent within target (mean difference: 18.23%; 95% CI: 10.93–25.52; I2 = 81%; n = 351, 7 trials) and a significant reduction in the percentage of time spent in both hypoxemia and hyperoxemia with automatic compared to manual oxygen titration were, however, observed. Conclusions: In patients requiring supplemental oxygen in the hospital, automatic oxygen titration was associated with a reduction in length of both hospital stay and oxygen therapy, as well as a greater percentage of time spent within the saturation target range. However, it was not associated with a significant difference in the need for mechanical ventilation or in mortality. Results should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of included trials and their high risk of bias.
Diabetic Retinopathy in the Context of Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Simó-Servat Olga , Hernández Cristina , Simó Rafael
Published: May 2019

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most frequent complication of diabetes. The main risk factors are disease duration, a poor glycemic control, and the presence of hypertension. However, there is an important variation in risk which indicates that other factors, such as genetic heritability or glycemic variability, play an important role in accounting for the susceptibility to DR development. Another important concept is that DR is an independent predictor of both microvascular and macrovascular complications. Thus, the presence of DR should be taken into account when evaluating the cardiovascular risk of a diabetic subject. Moreover, the evaluation of retinal neurodegeneration could help to identify those diabetic subjects at risk of cognitive impairment, an emerging complication of the type 2 diabetic population. When evaluating a diabetic subject, the awareness of the presence of DR has also therapeutic implications. In this regard, a worsening of DR could occur after a rapid improvement of blood glucose. In summary, a critical review on the importance of the presence of DR in the general management of subjects with diabetes is provided.