bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bovine cysticercosis and human taeniasis in a rural community in Ethiopia
Authors: Gutema Fanta D. , Shiberu Teferi , Agga Getahun E. , Abdi Reta D. , Hiko Adem , Tufa Takele B. , Hailu Yacob
Published: June 2020

Background

Bovine cysticercosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease that affects cattle caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia saginata, the adult parasite that causes taeniasis in humans. Although bovine cysticercosis, and the associated human taeniasis, is controlled in developed countries, it is one of the neglected tropical diseases. Like other parts of Ethiopia, raw or undercooked beef consumption is common in the rural community of Yem district with no meat inspection services.

Methods

We conducted an abattoir survey to estimate the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in cattle and a questionnaire survey to determine the level of historical human taeniasis infection in Yem district of Ethiopia.

Results

Bovine cysticercosis was detected in 3.1% of 485 cattle examined. Although animal level prevalence was low, a subset of positive animals had a higher rate of cysticercosis infection widely distributed in various parts of the body. Over two‐fifths (40%) of the cysts were found in the tongue making it an important organ to look for during meat inspection. Over half of the cysts were viable indicating their potential to infect people. History of taeniasis was reported by 71.5% of 151 residents interviewed during the study. Raw meat consumption was very common (89.4%) among the residents; people who consumed raw meat were 25 times more likely to report taeniasis than those who did not. In addition, traditional treatments using herbs and chemicals of unknown efficacy and risk were very common.

Conclusions

Bovine cysticercosis and human taeniasis are important in this rural community. Providing meat inspection services and public health education on intervention measures such as proper cooking of meat, access to latrines and clean water are effective strategies that can break the lifecycle of the parasite and ensure beef safety and public health.
A misalignment-adaptive wireless power transfer system using PSO-based frequency tracking
Authors: Kilic Fuat , Sezen Serkan , Sis Seyit Ahmet
Published: June 2020

One of the major challenges in inductive wireless power transfer (WPT) systems is that the optimal frequency of operation may shift predominantly due to coupling variation as a result of  so-called frequency splitting phenomenon. When frequency splitting occurs, two additional resonance frequencies split from the coupler’s resonance frequency. Maximum power levels are observed at these split resonance frequencies; however, these frequencies are strongly-dependent on the coupling coefficient, hence the distance and alignment between the couplers. In addition to that, peak power values at these frequencies can be different from each other due to small impedance differences between the primary and secondary side resonant couplers, forming a local and a global maximum. Therefore, the WPT system should adaptively operate at the correct frequency for achieving maximum power transfer. In this paper, a metaheuristic Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) based frequency tracking algorithm is proposed for use in WPT systems. The WPT system employs multi sub-coil flux pipe couplers, a full-bridge inverter which is driven by TMS320F28069 controller card and is suitable for high power charging applications. The control algorithm can accurately find the global maximum power point in case of frequency splitting with asymmetric peaks.   The proposed frequency tracking algorithm operates only at the primary side based on measurement of the input power level. Therefore, no additional communication link is needed between the primary and the secondary side. Effectiveness of the proposed control method is validated by performing experiments under three different misalignment scenarios and compared to the traditional Perturb and Observe algorithm.
Dissipative Multiresonant Pillared and Trampoline Metamaterials With Amplified Local Resonance Bandgaps and Broadband Vibration Attenuation
Authors: Muhammad  , Lim C.W.
Published: June 2020

The present study deals with the analysis of dissipative multiresonant pillared and trampoline effect–enhanced elastic metamaterials for the amplification of local resonance bandgaps. The study is conducted through a finite element–based numerical technique and substantiated with a discrete mass-in-mass analytical model. The band structures and wave dispersion characteristics of the multiresonant pillars erected on a thin elastic plate foundation are analyzed. Compared to a single-resonant metamaterial, this multiresonant structure innovatively creates wider bandgaps due to the coupling of resonance frequencies of the pillar modes with the base plate. For trampoline metamaterials, a periodic array of holes is made inside the plate. The holes forge the plate to work as a compliance base that enhances the system resonance frequency through intensive vibration of pillar-plate structure resulting in further amplified local resonance bandgaps. The enlargement of bandgaps also depends upon the height of the pillar and diameter of holes. Extremely wide low-frequency bandgaps can be achieved for a larger pillar height and a bigger hole diameter. Through a frequency response study, reported bandgaps are compared and an infinite unit cell model (band structure) is validated. The introduction of material loss factor (material damping) resulted in a broadband vibration attenuation zone spread throughout the frequency spectrum. Compared to a standard multiresonant pillared-plate model, the bandgap amplification caused by the trampoline effect induces a relatively larger bandwidth, and this superior characteristic together with the dissipative nature of the medium may facilitate potential design outcomes for manipulating subwavelength metamaterial properties over a broad range of frequencies.
Data-Driven Gantry Health Monitoring and Process Status Identification Based on Texture Extraction
Authors: Tosyali Ali , Song Rui , Guo Weihong (Grace) , Abolhassani Amir , Kalamdani Rajeev
Published: June 2020

As a critical asset, gantry has wide applications in many fields such as medical image area, infrastructure, and heavy industry. Mostly, the gantry is reliable, however, the loss led by the gantry lockout is inestimable enormous. Moreover, there are limited previous gantry studies concentrated on the statistical quality control to detect the fault not to mention the research that focuses on the algorithms applied to the process status sequence to detect the fault. Time series gantry process status sequence usually consists of categorical values, which makes it hard to obtain features for the task of fault identification. This paper proposes a novel method using texture extraction in image processing to obtain the features of gantry process status sequence. The histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) texture extraction technique is used to the process status sequence. To demonstrate the effectiveness of image-based feature extraction, we applied different machine learning algorithms to the time series gantry process status sequences provided by a leading automobile manufacturer. Results demonstrate that the sequence after the transformation of texture extraction technique has improved the accuracy of machine learning algorithms (i.e., 10% increase on average for KNN, 32% increase for LDA, 26% increase for QDA, and 8% increase for linear SVM).
Effect of Permeable Ribs on Thermal-Flow Characteristics in an Internal Cooling Duct
Authors: Sharma Naveen , Tariq Andallib , Mishra Manish
Published: June 2020

This study aims to understand the effect of flow structures within the inter-rib regions of a novel permeable rib configuration in vertical and horizontal streamwise planes upon surface heat transfer parameters. In this investigation, the liquid crystal thermography (LCT) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) are used to extract the local heat transfer and flow-field information, respectively. The effect of slit-converging angle (ϕ = 0 deg, 5 deg, 10 deg, and 15 deg) are examined at a typical Reynolds number of 42,500 and relative rib pitch ratio of 10. Surface- and spanwise-average and overall augmentation Nusselt numbers are obtained along with the pressure drop measurements. Flow-field experiments are performed in both vertical and horizontal streamwise planes, and the results are expressed in terms of mean velocities, stream traces, turbulent statistics, coherent structures, and turbulent kinetic energy budgets. Critical points are also identified on the basis of critical point theory, which provides evidences of the different flow phenomena accountable for enhance mixing between the ribs. The secondary flow coming from the slit shows three-dimensionality in the flow resulting to higher turbulence intensity and rotational motion (say higher turbulent mixing), and thereby leading to high heat transfer just behind the permeable rib. The permeable ribs are also helpful in the reduction of friction factor by 32% with a typical ϕ value of 5 deg, compared to solid ribs, while the thermohydraulic performance increases with increasing ϕ from 0 deg to 15 deg up to 21%. The pentagonal ribs with convergent slit provide comparable or better performance among the permeable rib geometries used in the pertinent literature.
A Comparative Numerical Study on Conjugate Natural Convection From Vertical Hollow Cylinder With Finite Thickness Placed on Ground and in Air
Authors: Dash Manoj Kumar , Dash Sukanta Kumar
Published: June 2020

The present work reports a comparative analysis of natural convection heat transfer from a thick hollow vertical cylinder either placed on the ground or suspended in the air. The numerical simulations have been performed by varying the cylinder length to its outer diameter (L/Do) in the range of 0.2–20, the thickness ratio (Di/Do) in a range of 0.5–0.9, and Rayleigh number (Ra) from 104 to 108. The flow and heat transfer characteristics have been delineated precisely with the presentation of the thermal plume and flow field in the vicinity of the cylinder. The variation of average Nusselt number (Nu), local Nu, and contribution to total heat loss from different surfaces with the pertinent parameters have been elucidated graphically. The average Nu is always more for the cylinder in the air compared with the case when it is on the ground. However, the difference between the Nu for these two cases diminishes, as the L/Do increases. It has also been found that the contribution to total heat loss from the inner surface of the hollow cylinder suspended in air increases with L/Do, attains a peak, and decreases sharply. Cooling time curves for the cylinder placed in air or on the ground have been described precisely. Finally, a correlation for the average Nusselt number as a function of all the pertinent parameters has been proposed that can be useful for industrial and academic purposes.
Numerical Study of Droplet Impact Dynamics on the ACSR Cable for Studying Ice Adhesion and Accretion on Real Power Lines
Authors: Deng Ledong , Wang Hong , Xun Zhu , Chen Rong , Ding Yudong , Liao Qiang
Published: June 2020

Ice adhesion and accretion on power lines is a severe problem that can pose a threat to the electric power transmission, and this icing phenomenon is significantly related to the impact dynamics of freezing rain droplets. In the current paper, this impacting process was studied by using computational fluid dynamics, and the model was verified by an experiment with a high-speed camera. The detailed droplet impacting processes on the surface of a very commonly used overhead power line (the ACSR-type cable) were analyzed. The effects of surface wettability (θ = 67–135 deg) and initial droplet impact velocity (We = 22–219) on the evolution of the liquid–solid contact area during the whole process and the volume of the residual liquid on the power line surface after impact were studied. Meanwhile, the influence of the surface structure of the ACSR power line on the droplet impact dynamics was analyzed. Results show that the capturing of impacting droplets can be enhanced by the grooved structures on a hydrophilic ACSR power line surface, while differently the expelling of impacting droplets can be enhanced by these grooved structures on a hydrophobic ACSR power line surface. By analyzing the possible influence of the surface structure of an ACSR power line on the phase transition of impacting droplets, these grooved structures could facilitate the formation of ice nucleation which can finally make the ice adhesion and accretion on an ACSR power line is more serious than that on a traditional smooth cylindrical power line.
Effect of substrate bias on microstructure of epitaxial film grown by HiPIMS: An atomistic simulation
Authors: Kateb Movaffaq , Gudmundsson Jon Tomas , Ingvarsson Snorri
Published: June 2020

The authors explore the combination of high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) and substrate bias for the epitaxial growth of the Cu film on the Cu (111) substrate by molecular dynamics simulation. A fully ionized deposition flux was used to represent the high ionization fraction in the HiPIMS process. To mimic different substrate bias, the authors assumed the deposition flux with a flat energy distribution in the low, moderate, and high energy ranges. The authors also compared the results of the fully ionized flux with results assuming a completely neutral flux, in analogy with thermal evaporation. It is confirmed that in the low energy regime, HiPIMS presents a slightly smoother surface and more interface mixing compared to that of thermal evaporation. In the moderate energy HiPIMS, however, an atomically smooth surface was obtained with a slight increase in the interface mixing compared to low energy HiPIMS. In the high energy regime, HiPIMS presents severe interface mixing with a smooth surface but limited growth due to resputtering from the surface. The results also indicate that fewer crystal defects appear in the film for moderate energy HiPIMS. The authors attribute this behavior to the repetition frequency of collision events. In particular, the high energy HiPIMS suffers from high repetition of collision events that does not allow the reconstruction of the film. While in the low energy HiPIMS, there are not enough events to overcome the island growth. At moderate energy, collision events repeat in a manner that provides enough time for reconstruction, which results in a smooth surface, fewer defects, and limited intermixing.
Nuclear softening expedites interstitial cell migration in fibrous networks and dense connective tissues
Authors: Heo Su-Jin , Song Kwang Hoon , Thakur Shreyasi , Miller Liane M. , Cao Xuan , Peredo Ana P. , Seiber Breanna N. , Qu Feini , Driscoll Tristan P. , Shenoy Vivek B. , Lakadamyali Melike , Burdick Jason A. , Mauck Robert L.
Published: June 2020

Decreasing physical impediments to migration through nuclear softening can improve dense connective tissue repair.
Human TRA2A determines influenza A virus host adaptation by regulating viral mRNA splicing
Authors: Zhu Yinxing , Wang Ruifang , Yu Luyao , Sun Huimin , Tian Shan , Li Peng , Jin Meilin , Chen Huanchun , Ma Wenjun , Zhou Hongbo
Published: June 2020

The human host factor TRA2A plays an important role in cross-species transmission of avian influenza virus.
Million-year lag times in a post-orogenic sediment conveyor
Authors: Fülöp R.-H. , Codilean A. T. , Wilcken K. M. , Cohen T. J. , Fink D. , Smith A. M. , Yang B. , Levchenko V. A. , Wacker L. , Marx S. K. , Stromsoe N. , Fujioka T. , Dunai T. J.
Published: June 2020

Reworking of old sediment in the Murray-Darling implies alteration of environmental signals traveling from source to sink.
Early-career faculty practice learner-centered teaching up to 9 years after postdoctoral professional development
Authors: Emery Nathan C. , Maher Jessica Middlemis , Ebert-May Diane
Published: June 2020

Professional development leads to persistence in teaching approaches and practices over time and across a career transition.
Engineering autologous tumor cell vaccine to locally mobilize antitumor immunity in tumor surgical bed
Authors: Fang Lei , Zhao Zitong , Wang Jue , Zhang Pengcheng , Ding Yaping , Jiang Yanyan , Wang Dangge , Li Yaping
Published: June 2020

A feasible and transformable cancer vaccine was designed for personalized immunotherapy of postoperative tumors.
Synaptic mechanisms for motor variability in a feedforward network
Authors: Zhang Guo , Yu Ke , Wang Tao , Chen Ting-Ting , Yuan Wang-Ding , Yang Fan , Le Zi-Wei , Guo Shi-Qi , Xue Ying-Yu , Chen Song-An , Yang Zhe , Liu Feng , Cropper Elizabeth C. , Weiss Klaudiusz R. , Jing Jian
Published: June 2020

Two
Aplysia
command neurons drive motor programs with various levels of variability through synaptic noise and different strength.
Charge-reversal surfactant antibiotic material for reducing microbial corrosion in petroleum exploitation and transportation
Authors: Zeng Lingda , Chang Yincheng , Wu Yukun , Yang Jinpeng , Xu Jiang-Fei , Zhang Xi
Published: June 2020

The sulfate-reducing bacteria and related corrosion can be inhibited by charge-reversal surfactant antibiotic material.
Programming van der Waals interactions with complex symmetries into microparticles using liquid crystallinity
Authors: Fuster H. A. , Wang Xin , Wang Xiaoguang , Bukusoglu E. , Spagnolie S. E. , Abbott N. L.
Published: June 2020

Using liquid crystals to program van der Waals interactions for bottom-up assembly.
Cryo-EM structures of NPC1L1 reveal mechanisms of cholesterol transport and ezetimibe inhibition
Authors: Huang Ching-Shin , Yu Xinchao , Fordstrom Preston , Choi Kaylee , Chung Ben C. , Roh Soung-Hun , Chiu Wah , Zhou Mingyue , Min Xiaoshan , Wang Zhulun
Published: June 2020

Details of intestinal sterol absorption and inhibition by cholesterol-lowering drug are uncovered in new protein structures.
A Haloalkane Dehalogenase from Saccharomonospora viridis Strain DSM 43017, a Compost Bacterium with Unusual Catalytic Residues, Unique (
S
)-Enantiopreference, and High Thermostability
Authors: Chmelova Klaudia , Sebestova Eva , Liskova Veronika , Beier Andy , Bednar David , Prokop Zbynek , Chaloupkova Radka , Damborsky Jiri
Published: June 2020

The present study describes a novel haloalkane dehalogenase, DsvA, originating from a mildly thermophilic bacterium,
Saccharomonospora viridis
strain DSM 43017. We report its high thermostability, remarkable operational stability at high temperatures, and an (
S
)-enantiopreference, which makes this enzyme an attractive biocatalyst for practical applications. Sequence analysis revealed that DsvA possesses an unusual composition of halide-stabilizing tryptophan residues in its active site. We constructed and biochemically characterized two single point mutants and one double point mutant and identified the noncanonical halide-stabilizing residue. Our study underlines the importance of searching for noncanonical catalytic residues in protein sequences.
NF-κB-Interacting Long Noncoding RNA Regulates HIV-1 Replication and Latency by Repressing NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Wang Hong , Liu Yue , Huan Chen , Yang Jing , Li Zhaolong , Zheng Baisong , Wang Yingchao , Zhang Wenyan
Published: June 2020

The NF-κB pathway plays key roles in HIV-1 replication and reactivation of HIV-1 latency. A regulator inhibiting NF-κB activation may be a promising therapeutic strategy against HIV-1. Recently, NF-κB-interacting long noncoding RNA (NKILA) was identified to suppress the development of different human cancers by inhibiting IκB kinase (IKK)-induced IκB phosphorylation and NF-κB pathway activation, whereas the relationship between NKILA and HIV-1 replication is still unknown. Here, our results show that NKILA inhibits HIV-1 replication and reactivation by suppressing HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR)-driven transcription initiation. Moreover, NKILA inhibited the replication of HIV-1 clones with different coreceptor tropisms. This project may reveal a target for the development of novel anti-HIV drugs.
Muted cooling and drying of NW Mediterranean in response to the strongest last glacial North American ice surges
Authors: Sánchez Goñi María Fernanda , Fourcade Tiffanie , Salonen Sakari , Lesven Jonathan , Frigola Jaime , Swingedouw Didier , Sierro Francisco Javier
Published: June 2020

The massive North Atlantic iceberg discharges of the last glacial period, the so-called Heinrich events (HE), resulted in atmospheric and oceanic responses of the Mediterranean region that remain poorly documented and understood. This paper focuses on the climatic phases termed Heinrich stadials (HS) 4 and 5 generated by the HE 4 and 5 that occurred during a period of similar intermediate global ice volume and greenhouse gas concentrations but with different iceberg discharges and orbital boundary conditions. Our comparison of sea surface temperature and salinity changes with deep water conditions in the Gulf of Lions (planktonic and benthic foraminifera δ18O and δ13C records) and regional pollen-based temperature and precipitation reconstructions in NW Mediterranean for these Heinrich stadials reveal a paradoxical situation. A lower North American iceberg discharge during HS 5 compared to HS 4 is associated with colder and drier conditions in the NW Mediterranean borderlands. During the moderate iceberg discharge of HS 5 a relatively high salinity in the Gulf of Lions lead to stronger Western Mediterranean Deep Water formation and mixing of the surface with the deeper layers. By contrast during HS 4, we suggest that the massive North Atlantic iceberg break-up decreased the salinity of the Gulf of Lions and reduced the wind stress in the Mediterranean, leading to the stratification of the Mediterranean water column and inducing limited upward mixing of cold water, resulting in regional atmospheric warming and wetting compared to HS 5. This work highlights the potential crucial role of local processes in modulating the regional response to a global climate change related with ice-sheet instabilities.
Experimental formation of clay-coated sand grains using diatom biofilm exopolymers
Authors: Duteil Thibault , Bourillot Raphaël , Grégoire Brian , Virolle Maxime , Brigaud Benjamin , Nouet Julius , Braissant Olivier , Portier Eric , Féniès Hugues , Patrier Patricia , Gontier Etienne , Svahn Isabelle , Visscher Pieter T.
Published: June 2020

In sedimentary environments, clay and sand are segregated by hydrodynamic processes. Yet, clay coats, thin clay envelopes lining sand grains, are abundant in modern and ancient coastal sedimentary deposits. Here, we present laboratory experiments in which we produced clay-coated quartz sands similar to those observed in modern and ancient estuarine sands. These coats were produced at ambient temperature by mixing exopolymeric substances (EPS) derived from intertidal diatom biofilms with clay minerals and quartz reference materials. The imaging of sediment-EPS mixes using cryo–scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy demonstrated that EPS form organic bridges between clay and quartz. The physicochemical properties of the EPS were characterized independently through wet chemical assays and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that several EPS components (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides) had a potential to complex with quartz and clay. Our findings provide novel insights in the importance of biofilms in the aggregation of clay and sand. Detrital coats from ancient estuarine sandstones show textural similarities to the experimental clay-EPS complexes and could be considered as biosignatures of biofilm development and EPS production in past environments.
Myopia in school-aged children with preterm birth: the roles of time spent outdoors and serum vitamin D
Authors: Chou Hung-Da , Yao Tsung-Chieh , Huang Yu-Shu , Huang Chung-Ying , Yang Men-Ling , Sun Ming-Hui , Chen Hung-Chi , Liu Chun-Hsiu , Chu Shih-Ming , Hsu Jen-Fu , Chen Kuan-Jen , Hwang Yih-Shiou , Lai Chi-Chun , Wu Wei-Chi
Published: June 2020

Aims

To analyse the factors associated with myopia in school-aged children with preterm birth and with or without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods

Children born prematurely between January 2010 and December 2011 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study when they reached school age between April 2017 and June 2018 in a referral centre. The main parameters were cycloplegic refraction, time spent outdoors and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration.

Results

A total of 99 eyes from 99 children with a mean age of 6.8 years underwent analysis. The average time spent outdoors was significantly higher in the non-myopic group (0.9 ± 0.5 hours/day) than in the myopic group (0.7 ± 0.3 hours/day) (p= 0.032). After adjustment for age, sex, number of myopic parents, ROP severity, near-work time and serum 25(OH)D concentration, more time spent outdoors was correlated with a lower odds of myopia (OR, 0.13 per additional hour per day; 95% CI, 0.02–0.98;p= 0.048). Mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations were similar between the myopic and non-myopic groups (49.7 ± 13.6 and 48.8 ± 14.0 nmol/mL;p= 0.806) and were not correlated with spherical equivalence power (r= −0.09;p= 0.418). Vitamin D insufficiency was present in 57% of the participants.

Conclusions

Among preterm children with or without ROP, more time spent outdoors was associated with lower odds of myopia. The serum 25(OH)D concentration was not associated with myopia, but a high proportion of the participants had insufficient levels.
Systematic video analysis of ACL injuries in professional male football (soccer): injury mechanisms, situational patterns and biomechanics study on 134 consecutive cases
Authors: Della Villa Francesco , Buckthorpe Matthew , Grassi Alberto , Nabiuzzi Alberto , Tosarelli Filippo , Zaffagnini Stefano , Della Villa Stefano
Published: June 2020

Background

A few small studies have reported on the mechanisms of ACL injury in professional male football.

Aim

To describe the mechanisms, situational patterns and biomechanics (kinematics) of ACL injuries in professional male football matches.

Methods

We identified 148 consecutive ACL injuries across 10 seasons of professional Italian football. 134 (90%) injury videos were analysed for mechanism and situational pattern, while biomechanical analysis was possible in 107 cases. Three independent reviewers evaluated each video. ACL injury epidemiology (month), timing within the match and pitch location at the time of injury were also reported.

Results

59 (44%) injuries were non-contact, 59 (44%) were indirect contact and 16 (12%) were direct contact. Players were frequently perturbed immediately prior to injury. We identified four main situational patterns for players who suffered a non-contact or an indirect contact injury: (1) pressing and tackling (n=55); (2) tackled (n=24); (3) regaining balance after kicking (n=19); and (4) landing from a jump (n=8). Knee valgus loading (n=83, 81%) was the dominant injury pattern across all four of these situational patterns (86%, 86%, 67% and 50%, respectively). 62% of the injuries occurred in the first half of the matches (p<0.01). Injuries peaked at the beginning of the season (September–October) and were also higher at the end of the season (March–May).

Conclusions

88% of ACL injuries occurred without direct knee contact, but indirect contact injuries were as frequent as non-contact injuries, underlying the importance of mechanical perturbation. The most common situational patterns were pressing, being tackled and kicking.
Language dysfunction-associated EEG findings in patients with CAR-T related neurotoxicity
Authors: Sokolov Elisaveta , Karschnia Philipp , Benjamin Reuben , Hadden Robert D M , Elwes Robert C D , Drummond Lee , Amin Devyani , Paiva Vitor , Pennisi Alex , Herlopian Aline , Frigault Matthew , Sanderson Robin , Inam Shafqat , Cole Andrew J , Dietrich Jorg
Published: June 2020

Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-T) have emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic approach in relapsed/refractory haematolgical malignancies. Broader application is limited by unique toxicities, notably, neurotoxicity (NTX). Language dysfunction is among the most frequent symptoms of NTX, the underlying mechanisms of which remain to be elucidated. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is an important tool to monitor for NTX and may provide insights into language dysfunction.

Aim

We aimed to characterise language dysfunction and define electroencephalographic signatures after CAR-T cell therapy.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical presentation and EEG findings of 20 adult patients presenting with language dysfunction after CAR-T cell infusion. The cohort included a subset of patients treated with investigational CD19-directed CAR-T cells for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (n=17), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (n=1), follicular lymphoma (n=1) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (n=1).

Results

Language dysfunction presented within 14 days of CAR-T cell infusion in 16 (84%) patients. Ten (50%) patients had mild word-finding difficulties and 10 (50%) had marked dysphasia with profound word-finding difficulties; the latter were all associated with generalised rhythmic delta activity or generalised periodic discharges on EEG.

Conclusions

Language dysfunction after CAR-T cell therapy is associated with generalised EEG abnormalities.
Implementation of a behavioural change intervention to enhance oral health behaviours in elite athletes: a feasibility study
Authors: Gallagher Julie , Ashley Paul , Needleman Ian
Published: June 2020

Background

Poor oral health of elite athletes is common and is associated with negative performance impacts. There is a need for oral health promotion strategies that are effective within the elite sport environment.

Aim

To develop, implement and evaluate a pragmatic oral health promotion intervention that integrated the capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour model of behavioural change into the knowledge transfer system for effective implementation of preventive interventions.

Methods

Repeated measures study. Athletes and support team together viewed one 10 min presentation and three 90 s information films. Athletes alone received oral health screening, personalised advice and an oral health toolkit. Outcome measures included: (1) oral health knowledge, athlete-reported performance impacts (Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre, OSTRC score), use of oral hygiene aids, gingival inflammation (bleeding) score, recorded at baseline, 4–6 weeks and 12–16 weeks and (2) athlete feedback.

Results

We recruited 62 athletes; 44 (71%) male and 58 (93.5%) white British, 55 (88.7%) athletes completed the study. Mean knowledge score improved from 5.69 (1.59) to 6.93 (1.32) p<0.001. Mean OSTRC score reduced from 8.73 (14.54) to 2.73 (11.31) p<0.001. Athlete use of prescription strength fluoride toothpaste increased from 8 (12.9%) to 45 (80.4%) p<0.001. Athlete-reported use of interdental cleaning aids at least 2–3 x week increased from 10 (16.2%) to 21 (34%) p=0.013. Bleeding score remained unchanged.

Conclusion

This behavioural change intervention was successfully implemented within different elite sport environments. It was associated with an increase in athlete oral health knowledge, enhanced oral health behaviour, a reduction in self-reported performance impacts and high participant retention.
Interstitial lung disease and specialist palliative care access: a healthcare professionals survey
Authors: Kim Jee Whang , Olive Sandra , Jones Steve , Thillai Muhunthan , Russell Anne-Marie , Johnson Miriam J , Wilson Andrew
Published: June 2020

Background

Fibrotic interstitial lung disease is an incurable disease with poor prognosis. We aimed to understand factors affecting decisions regarding referrals to specialist palliative care services and to address barriers and facilitators to referrals from healthcare professionals’ perspectives.

Methods

A survey study of healthcare professionals, including respiratory physicians, interstitial lung disease nurse specialists, respiratory nurse specialists and palliative care physicians, was conducted using a questionnaire, entailing 17 questions.

Results

Thirty-six respondents, including 15 interstitial lung disease nurse specialists completed the questionnaire. Symptom control, psychological/spiritual support, general deterioration and end-of-life care were the most common reasons for referrals to specialist palliative care services. Most respondents felt confident in addressing palliative care needs and discussing palliative care with patients. A few participants emphasised that experienced respiratory nurse specialists are well placed to provide symptom management and to ensure continuity of patient care. Participants reported that access to palliative care could be improved by increasing collaborative work between respiratory and palliative care teams.

Conclusions

Most respondents felt that enhancing access to specialist palliative care services would benefit patients. However, palliative care and respiratory care should not be considered as mutually exclusive and multidisciplinary approach is recommended.
Deaths in dementia: a scoping review of prognostic variables
Authors: Kaur Palvinder , Tan Woan Shin , Gunapal Pradeep Paul George , Ding Yew Yoong , Ong Reuben , Wu Huei Yaw , Hum Allyn
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To identify the types of factors included in research examining mortality in patients with dementia, and to stratify the identified factors by care settings.

Design

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases, and identified grey literature from the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, Open Grey and Grey Literature Report. Two authors independently screened for eligibility of studies. Independent reviewers extracted relevant study information. We conducted a narrative synthesis of the data.

Results

We identified 8254 articles, of which 94 met the inclusion criteria. More than half (n=53) were published between 2009 and 2018 with half from Europe. Studies were conducted across hospices/nursing homes (n=25), hospital (n=23), outpatient clinics (n=21), mixed settings (n=15) and in the community (n=10). Nearly 60% adopted a prospective cohort study design with 87% performing multivariable analysis. Overall, 239 variables were identified and classified into six themes—individual factors, health status, functional ability, cognition and mental health, treatments and health system factors. Although a general set of factors were common across all studies, when stratified by care settings, variations were seen in the specific variables included.

Conclusion

Identifying prognostic variables relevant to the dementia population in each setting is key to facilitate appropriate care plans and to ensure timely access to palliative care options. Future research should also focus on ensuring the replicability of prognostic models and to generate a better understanding of the direct and interacting influence of the identified factors on mortality.
Qualitative evaluation of asthma services for young people: a sequential
simulation study
Authors: Fawcett Martha , Coughlan Charles , McGeorge Elizabeth , Imran Ambreen , Bello Fernando , Kneebone Roger , Watson Mando
Published: June 2020

Background

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood and an important
preventable cause of mortality in children and young people (CYP). Few studies
have brought together CYP and health professionals to understand the patient
perspective of routine asthma care. We sought to explore how young people
engage with routine asthma care in North West London through sequential
simulation.

Method

We designed a sequential simulation focusing on routine asthma management
in young people aged 12–18. A 20 min simulation was developed with four young
people to depict typical interactions with school nurses and primary care
services. This was performed to a mixed audience of young people, general
practitioners (GPs), paediatricians, school nurses and commissioners. Young
people were invited to attend by their GPs and through social media channels.
Attendees participated in audio-recorded, facilitated discussions exploring the
themes arising from the simulation. Recordings were transcribed and subjected
to thematic analysis.

Results

37 people attended the sequential simulation. Themes arising from
postsimulation discussions included recognition of chaotic family lifestyles as
a key barrier to accessing care; the importance of strong communication between
multidisciplinary team professionals and recognition of the role school nurses
can play in delivering routine asthma care.

Conclusion

Sequential simulation allows healthcare providers to understand routine
asthma care for CYP from the patient perspective. We propose improved
integration of school nurses into routine asthma care and regular
multidisciplinary team meetings to reduce fragmentation, promote
interprofessional education and address the widespread professional complacency
towards this lethal condition.
Combination vaccine based on citrullinated vimentin and enolase peptides induces potent CD4-mediated anti-tumor responses
Authors: Brentville Victoria A , Metheringham Rachael L , Daniels Ian , Atabani Suha , Symonds Peter , Cook Katherine W , Vankemmelbeke Mireille , Choudhury Ruhul , Vaghela Poonam , Gijon Mohamed , Meiners Ghislaine , Krebber Willem-Jan , Melief Cornelis J M , Durrant Lindy G
Published: June 2020

Background

Stress-induced post-translational modifications occur during autophagy and can result in generation of new epitopes and immune recognition. One such modification is the conversion of arginine to citrulline by peptidylarginine deiminase enzymes.

Methods

We used Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) transgenic mouse models to assess the immunogenicity of citrullinated peptide vaccine by cytokine Enzyme linked immunosorbant spot (ELISpot) assay. Vaccine efficacy was assessed in tumor therapy studies using HLA-matched B16 melanoma and ID8 ovarian models expressing either constitutive or interferon-gamma (IFNγ) inducible Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II (MHC-II) as represented by most human tumors. To determine the importance of CD4 T cells in tumor therapy, we analyzed the immune cell infiltrate into murine tumors using flow cytometry and performed therapy studies in the presence of CD4 and CD8 T cell depletion. We assessed the T cell repertoire to citrullinated peptides in ovarian cancer patients and healthy donors using flow cytometry.

Results

The combination of citrullinated vimentin and enolase peptides (Modi-1) stimulated strong CD4 T cell responses in mice. Responses resulted in a potent anti-tumor therapy against established tumors and generated immunological memory which protected against tumor rechallenge. Depletion of CD4, but not CD8 T cells, abrogated the primary anti-tumor response as well as the memory response to tumor rechallenge. This was further reinforced by successful tumor regression being associated with an increase in tumor-infiltrating CD4 T cells and a reduction in tumor-associated myeloid suppressor cells. The anti-tumor response also relied on direct CD4 T cell recognition as only tumors expressing MHC-II were rejected. A comparison of different Toll-like receptor (TLR)-stimulating adjuvants showed that Modi-1 induced strong Th1 responses when combined with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF), TLR9/TLR4, TLR9, TLR3, TLR1/2 and TLR7 agonists. Direct linkage of the TLR1/2 agonist to the peptides allowed the vaccine dose to be reduced by 10-fold to 100-fold without loss of anti-tumor activity. Furthermore, a CD4 Th1 response to the citrullinated peptides was seen in ovarian cancer patients.

Conclusions

Modi-1 citrullinated peptide vaccine induces potent CD4-mediated anti-tumor responses in mouse models and a CD4 T cell repertoire is present in ovarian cancer patients to the citrullinated peptides suggesting that Modi-1 could be an effective vaccine for ovarian cancer patients.
Genetic screening for monogenic hypertension in hypertensive individuals in a clinical setting
Authors: Bao Minghui , Li Ping , Li Qifu , Chen Hui , Zhong Ying , Li Shuangyue , Jin Ling , Wang Wenjie , Chen Zhenzhen , Zhong Jiuchang , Geng Bin , Fan Yuxin , Yang Xinchun , Cai Jun
Published: June 2020

Background

Monogenic hypertension describe a series of hypertensive syndromes that are inherited by Mendelian laws. Sometimes genetic testing is required to provide evidence for their diagnoses, precise classification and targeted treatment. This study is the first to investigate the clinical utility of a causative gene screening and the combined yield of gene product expression analyses in cases with suspected monogenic hypertension.

Methods

We performed a large-scale multi-centre clinical genetic research of 1179 expertly selected hypertensive individuals from the Chinese Han population. Targeted sequencing were performed to evaluate 37 causative genes of potential cases of monogenic hypertension. Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were classified using the American College of Medical Genetics guidelines. Additionally, 49 variants of unknown significance (VUS) that had relatively high pathogenicity were selected and analysed using immunoblot protein expression assays.

Results

21 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified in 33 of 1179 cases (2.80%). Gene product expression analyses showed 27 VUSs harboured by 49 individuals (4.16%) could lead to abnormally expressed protein levels. Consequently, combining genetic screening with gene product expression analyses increased the diagnostic yield from 2.80% to 6.79%. The main aetiologies established were primary aldosteronism (PA; 27, 2.29%) and pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL; 10, 0.85%).

Conclusion

Molecular diagnoses obtained using causative gene screening combined with gene product expression analyses initially achieved a modest diagnostic yield. Our data highlight the predominant roles of PA and PPGL. Furthermore, we provide evidence indicating the enhanced diagnostic ability of combined genetic and functional evaluation.
Stable isotopic signatures in modern wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) hairs as telltale biomarkers of nutritional stress
Authors: Funck Juliette , Kellam Cade , Seaton C. Tom , Wooller Matthew J.
Published: June 2020

Assessing the challenges faced by wildlife populations is key to providing effective management but is problematic when dealing with populations in remote locations. Analyses of the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope composition (expressed as δ13C and δ15N values) of sequentially grown tissues, such as hairs, can be used to track changes in the eco-physiology of organisms. We generated δ13C and δ15N values from sequentially sampled (n = 465) hairs taken from wood bison (Bison bison athabascae Rhoads, 1898) (n = 27). Samples were taken from individuals prior to and after their release from captivity into the lower Innoko–Yukon river area of Alaska in 2015. Twenty months after release, individuals had a distinct seasonal pattern in δ13C values. Hairs from individuals that experienced food scarcity or long-distance movement were sampled as case studies. Nutritional stress in these cases lead to a rise in δ15N values and a decrease in δ13C values. Applications of δ13C and δ15N analyses of bison tail hairs could provide wildlife managers a valuable and minimally invasive tool to better understand bison seasonal metabolic status and determine the historical health and behavior of living and dead individuals.
Influence of rare earth on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–Zn alloy
Authors: Mai Bui Thi Ngoc , Dong Nguyen Xuan , Khanh Pham Mai , Huy Tran Duc
Published: June 2020

This paper discusses the influence of Vietnam rare earth (RE) with the composition of 69.4% Ce and 30.5% La (modification content of 4% and 6%) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–5Zn–3.5Mg–1.2Cu alloy when the temperature modification is changed at [Formula: see text] in 150, 200, 250 s. By optical microscopy, the results showed that the microstructure of the modified sample is finer than the nonmodified sample. By the SEM and EDS analysis, at the grain boundaries of this alloy, [Formula: see text] and/or [Formula: see text] intermetallic phases appeared. The modified elements (La, Ce) in RE and aluminum were formed in the intermetallic [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] phases, which prevents the development of the dendritic [Formula: see text] phase. The result showed Al–5Zn–3.5Mg–1.2Cu alloy modified with 4% RE in 150 s which is the most optimal result, the grain size is [Formula: see text] and the hardness is 107 HB.
Free Vibrations of Symmetric Arch: Boundary Conditions of Stress Resultants Revisited
Authors: Lee Joon Kyu , Lee Byoung Koo
Published: June 2020

This paper deals with analyzing free vibrations of the symmetric arch. The boundary conditions of the stress resultants are newly derived, which can be replaced by the conventional boundary conditions of the deflections. All solutions of the natural frequency with the mode shape, using the new boundary conditions, are the same as those of the conventional deflections. The boundary conditions mixed with new and conventional conditions act correctly to calculate natural frequencies. The mode shapes of the stress resultants using the new boundary conditions are reported in two types: symmetric and anti-symmetric modes.
Spiking Sensory Neurons for Analyzing Electrophysiological Data
Authors: Calvet Laurie E. , Renard Ophelie , Hepburn Carolyna
Published: June 2020

Low power consuming biomimetic neurons are considered for use in analyzing electrophysiological data. Starting with a circuit model of a Morris-Lecar inspired spiking neuron, we first investigate the dynamic properties. We demonstrate some of its neuro-computational features including type I and type II excitability, tonic and phasic spiking, spike latency and integration. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are then used as excitatory input currents and it is shown that the spiking neurons can provide new insights into brain function. The spike rates of the neurons are employed in a classification task and shown to yield similar performance compared to one using the frequency dependence. We discuss how this circuit has the potential to significantly reduce EEG data, improve privacy and lower power consumption for portable EEG systems.
Synthesis, Characterization, Photoluminescence and Piezoelectric Study of Dy1.98Yb0.02Ti2O7 and Lu1.98Er0.02Ti2O7
Authors: Öztürk Esra , SarÄ±lmaz Ebru
Published: June 2020

Dy1.98Yb0.02Ti2O7 and Lu1.98Er0.02Ti2O7 with the cubic pyrochlore structure were prepared at 1050 °C and 1400 °C using solid state reaction method. The crystal structure and unit cell parameters of powder samples were determined by X-ray diffraction method (XRD). Using TG/DTA thermal analysis, we determined the thermal behaviours of starting materials and Curie temperature of fine samples. Dy1.98Yb0.02Ti2O7 and Lu1.98Er0.02Ti2O7 have high Curie temperature at 770 °C and 765 °C, respectively. To determine morphological structure, elemental composition, photoluminescence properties, dielectric constant, loss tangent, and piezoelectric charge constant of Dy1.98Yb0.02Ti2O7 and Lu1.98Er0.02Ti2O7, scanning electron microscope (SEM), photoluminescence spectrophotometer (PL), LCR-meter and d33-meter were used. The results show that Dy1.98Yb0.02Ti2O7 and Lu1.98Er0.02Ti2O7 are multifunctional materials which show both photoluminescence properties and piezoelectric properties.
First Boundary Value Problem for Cordes-Type Semilinear Parabolic Equation with Discontinuous Coefficients
Authors: Harman Aziz , Harman Ezgi
Published: June 2020

For a class of semilinear parabolic equations with discontinuous coefficients, the strong solvability of the Dirichlet problem is studied in this paper. The problem ∑i,j=1naijt,xuxixj−ut+gt,x,u=ft,x,uΓQT=0, in QT=Ω×0,T is the subject of our study, where Ω is bounded C2 or a convex subdomain of En+1,ΓQT=∂QT\∖t=T. The function gx,u is assumed to be a Caratheodory function satisfying the growth condition gt,x,u≤b0uq, for b0>0,q∈0,n+1/n−1,n≥2, and leading coefficients satisfy Cordes condition b0>0,q∈0,n+1/n−1,n≥2.