bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biology of extracellular vesicles secreted from senescent cells as senescence‐associated secretory phenotype factors
Authors: Misawa Tomoka , Tanaka Yoko , Okada Ryo , Takahashi Akiko
Published: May 2020

The increase of the morbidity rate in age‐related diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, arteriosclerosis and pulmonary fibrosis, has become a profound social problem. Recent reports have pointed out that senescent cells accumulated in the body with aging might cause these aged‐related pathologies. Cellular senescence is known as an irreversible cell cycle arrest induced by various stresses, and can function as an important tumor suppression mechanism to exclude the premalignant cells. In contrast, senescent cells provoke the phenomenon, termed the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype, which causes the secretion of various inflammatory proteins, and it is at risk of facilitating chronic inflammation and oncogenic transformation to surrounding cells. We have previously reported that senescent cells secrete not only inflammatory proteins, but also extracellular vesicles (EV). EV include various cellular components, such as proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, which are proven to be important factors for cell‐to‐cell communication. Recent evidence suggests that EV secreted from senescent cells might contribute to tumorigenesis and age‐associated pathologies as new senescence‐associated secretory phenotype factors. In addition, we also showed that the EV secretion pathway is one of the essential defense mechanisms to maintain cellular homeostasis by excretion of intercellular toxic substances into extracellular space. Herein, this review shows the biological functions of EV secreted from senescent cells. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.
Poorly differentiated clusters in colorectal cancer: a current review and implications for future practice
Authors: Shivji Sameer , Conner James R , Barresi Valeria , Kirsch Richard
Published: May 2020

Poorly differentiated clusters (PDC), defined as small groups of ≥5 tumour cells without glandular differentiation, have gained recent attention as a promising prognostic factor in colorectal cancer (CRC). Numerous studies have shown PDC to be significantly associated with other adverse histopathological features and worse clinical outcomes. PDC may hold particular promise in stage II colon cancer, where risk stratification plays a critical role in patient selection for adjuvant chemotherapy. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that PDC can predict lymph node metastasis in endoscopically resected pT1 CRC, potentially helping the selection of patients for oncological resection. In ‘head‐to‐head’ comparisons, PDC grade has consistently outperformed conventional histological grading systems both in terms of risk stratification and reproducibility. With a number of large‐scale studies now available, this review evaluates the evidence regarding the prognostic significance of PDC, considers its relationship with other emerging invasive front prognostic markers (such as tumour budding and stroma type), assesses its ‘practice readiness’, addressing issues such as interobserver reproducibility, scoring methodologies and special histological subtypes (e.g. micropapillary and mucinous carcinoma), and draws attention to ongoing challenges and areas in need of further study. Finally, emerging data on the role of PDC in non‐colorectal cancers are briefly considered.
Impact of fat types on the rheological and textural properties of gluten‐free oat dough and cookie
Authors: Culetu Alina , Stoica‐Guzun Anicuta , Duta Denisa Eglantina
Published: May 2020

This study investigated the effect of six fats (margarine, butter, lard‐LAR, refined palm oil‐RPO, refined palm oil with stearin‐RPOS, hydrogenated palm oil‐HPO) with different solid fat content (SFC) on gluten‐free oat dough and cookie properties. RPOS and HPO had the highest SFC. RPO dough was the softest, whereas HPO was the hardest one. Dough hardness was correlated with SFC (r = 0.87). Dough stickiness was positively correlated with dough hardness (r = 0.92). Dough hardness influenced the breaking force of the cookies (r = 0.79). HPO were the hardest cookies. Oscillatory test revealed that HPO dough was the stiffest as well as presented a higher rigidity compared to the other samples as showed by the creep tests. LAR cookies were the darkest, while HPO were the lightest. SFC of fats is the most important composition parameter which influences thermal, textural and rheological properties of the oat dough.
Doctors' understanding of consent law
Authors: Skiba Rohen , Sikotra Nisha , Wilson Alexandra , Clay Timothy D. , Gabbay Eli
Published: May 2020

Background: Obtaining informed consent is an important responsibility of all doctors and is a major component of their day‐to‐day practice. However, little is known regarding practising doctors' understanding of consent in relation to medical law.

Aims: To gain insights into current doctors' understanding of the legal requisites that underpin the consent of patients to medical procedures in Australia.

Methods: A cross‐sectional survey of Western Australian medical practitioners was conducted. A 15‐question online questionnaire (SurveyMonkey, USA) was developed and distributed to Western Australia medical practitioners via social media, hospital‐based Junior doctor society pages and through the email accounts of practitioners registered with MDA National ‐ a large medical defence organisation. Doctors were questioned on their understanding of medicolegal responsibilities, informed consent practice and knowledge of a historically significant Australian medicolegal case (Rogers v Whitaker, 1992).

Results: A total of 172 responses was received during the survey period. The respondents came from various levels of seniority and from a variety of subspecialist areas. The survey demonstrated that among the respondents, the understanding of their medicolegal responsibilities around the issues of informed consent was deficient. Only 31% of respondents were aware that it is a court of law that defines the reasonable standard of care in relation to obtaining informed consent. Less than half of the respondents (48%) were aware of the High Court of Australia's definition by which the standard of reasonable care is defined.

Conclusion: The results from our survey suggest that there is a requirement to enhance the education of medical practitioners to meet the medicolegal requirements and optimise consent.
Adherence to guidelines regarding anticoagulation and risk factors for progression of atrial fibrillation in a nurse‐led clinic
Authors: Olivia Celine , Hastie Cheryl , Farshid Ahmad
Published: May 2020

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest cardiac arrhythmia associated with an increased risk of stroke. Evidence suggests that management in a specialty clinic improves clinical outcomes of patients.

Aims: To assess level of adherence to evidence‐based guidelines regarding anticoagulation and the risk factors for progression of AF in a nurse‐led AF clinic.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical records of 136 patients seen at the AF clinic to determine their risk factors and progression of AF (change in AF type to more advanced types) during follow up. Additionally, the proportion of patients with CHA2DS2‐VASC score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 (doubled), diabetes mellitus, stroke (doubled)‐vascular disease, age 65–74 years, sex category (female)) of ≥2 who were prescribed anticoagulants according to European Society of Cardiology guidelines before and after attending the clinic was determined.

Results: Rate of anticoagulation in patients with CHA2DS2‐VASC score of ≥2 after attending the clinic (91.3%) was significantly higher than the rate before attending the clinic (79.3%) (P = 0.0076). Mean age in those with AF progression (72.5 ± 9.4) was higher than those without AF progression (66.9 ± 13.9) (P = 0.0072). Rate of AF progression was higher in those with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) (P = 0.0364) and those with excessive alcohol intake (>2 standard drinks) (P = 0.0039). History of hypertension was not a significant predictor of AF progression (P = 0.7507).

Conclusions: Management of AF in a nurse‐led clinic was associated with high level of adherence to anticoagulation guidelines. Age, obesity and excessive alcohol intake were significant predictors for progression of AF.
The European Union Global Strategy and the EU's Maieutic Role*
Authors: Giusti Serena
Published: May 2020

The article suggests an exegesis of the conceptual tenets introduced by the EUGS. By focusing on the two disruptive concepts that have come forward in the document – principled pragmatism and resilience – it aims at unveiling the new role the EUGS allocates to the EU, especially in its neighbourhood. This recalls the Socratic maieutic method, blending the cognitive, aspirational and performative aspects suggested by principled pragmatism and resilience. Instead of spreading norms especially in its neighbourhood, the EU would rather engage selectively in a wider space, pragmatically supporting the others becoming resilient. While recognizing local agency and disowning the ‘one size fits all’ principle, this new role still legitimates the EU to influence the outside, although not structurally. This shift tends to de‐politicize external actions, with the risk of obfuscating the question of accountability and responsibility while maintaining the capability to influence.
Topographic computer analysis for acne scar treatment on face accompanying biopsy study after dermal injection of hydrotoxin mixture
Authors: Kim JongSeo
Published: May 2020

Background

Acne during youth can leave permanent facial scarring. The depressed acne scars can be treated by injection of stabilized hyaluronic acid (S‐HA) into the dermis. Due to the large number of acne scars, manual injection methods are technically difficult and bear high risk of lump formation in the dermis. Therefore, the author designed a specific injection method to solve the two abovementioned problems.

Aims

This research aims to assess the effect of the intradermal injection of S‐HA and aboborulinumtoxinA mixture in the treatment of all types of acne scars.

Materials/Methods

A total of 102 patients who suffered from acne scars were treated with a mixture of S‐HA (Restylane Vital®) and abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport®). Using an automatic injector, micro‐droplets of the mixture (0.001 cc of S‐HA and 0.125 U abobotulinumtoxinA) were delivered into 1000 intradermal sites on whole face except eyelids. This instrument radically reduced injection amounts per site (0.001 cc), lessened manual operator efforts, and ensured consistent injection depth (from 0.8 to 1.2 mm depending on individual dermal thickness) into the facial dermis. The changes in each depression site of acne scars were evaluated by topographic computer analysis (point roughness), based on the 40 magnification microscopic photographs generated. Depth measurements of each small acne scar point were taken one by one at the exact same point before and after the treatments. Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) was measured for improvement of acne scars at 1‐ and 6‐month posttreatment. Additionally, serial histologic examinations of the biopsy specimens evaluated neocollagenesis, neoelastinogenesis, and longevity state of the S‐HA.

Results

A total of 78 patients showed improvements of depressed acne scars in physical examinations, medical photographs, and dermascopic photographs.

Using topographic computer analysis, the average point roughness decreased 27.48% (at 1 month) from 29.042 ± 6.85 (baseline) to 21.05 ± 6.30 µm (P < .0001), corresponding with scar improvements observed in physical examinations, and 3.02 ± 0.66 of GAIS at 1‐month posttreatment. Using an injector allowed the hydrotoxin mixture into the deep dermal layer. Biopsy study proved that the injection depth was exactly in the dermis, and showed evidence of neocollagenesis and neoelastinogenesis. Also, the S‐HA particles remained after 1 year, which proved its longevity of at least 1 year.

Conclusion

The topographic computer analysis using point roughness showed improvement of all subtype acne scars at 1‐month posttreatment. The improvement may have resulted from dermal expansion due to the neocollagenesis and neoelastinogenesis. S‐HA lasted more than 1 year in human dermis.
Melatonin directly binds and inhibits death‐associated protein kinase 1 function in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Chen Dongmei , Mei Yingxue , Kim Nami , Lan Guihua , Gan Chen‐Ling , Fan Fei , Zhang Tao , Xia Yongfang , Wang Long , Lin Chun , Ke Fang , Zhou Xiao Zhen , Lu Kun Ping , Lee Tae Ho
Published: May 2020

Death‐associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is upregulated in the brains of human Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients compared with normal subjects, and aberrant DAPK1 regulation is implicated in the development of AD. However, little is known about whether and how DAPK1 function is regulated in AD. Here, we identified melatonin as a critical regulator of DAPK1 levels and function. Melatonin significantly decreases DAPK1 expression in a post‐transcriptional manner in neuronal cell lines and mouse primary cortical neurons. Moreover, melatonin directly binds to DAPK1 and promotes its ubiquitination, resulting in increased DAPK1 protein degradation through a proteasome‐dependent pathway. Furthermore, in tau‐overexpressing mouse brain slices, melatonin treatment and the inhibition of DAPK1 kinase activity synergistically decrease tau phosphorylation at multiple sites related to AD. In addition, melatonin and DAPK1 inhibitor dramatically accelerate neurite outgrowth and increase the assembly of microtubules. Mechanistically, melatonin‐mediated DAPK1 degradation increases the activity of Pin1, a prolyl isomerase known to play a protective role against tau hyperphosphorylation and tau‐related pathologies. Finally, elevated DAPK1 expression shows a strong correlation with the decrease in melatonin levels in human AD brains. Combined, these results suggest that DAPK1 regulation by melatonin is a novel mechanism that controls tau phosphorylation and function and offers new therapeutic options for treating human AD.
Effects of dietary amino acid levels and ambient temperature on mixed muscle protein turnover in Pectoralis major during finisher feeding period in two broiler lines
Authors: Maharjan Pramir , Mullenix Garret , Hilton Katie , Beitia Antonio , Weil Jordan , Suesuttajit Nawin , Martinez Diego , Umberson Cole , England Judith , Caldas Justina , Haro Victor Daniel Naranjo , Coon Craig
Published: May 2020

Two broiler lines A and B were fed experimental diets from 21 to 42 days with an objective to determine Pectoralis major protein turnover (PT) as affected by the dietary amino acid (AA) levels and ambient temperature. Experimental diets (n = 9 replicate pens per diet) were formulated to 3,150 kcal/kg with five levels of digestible lysine (dLys) −80, 90, 100, 110 and 120% of recommended AA level giving g dlys/Mcal values of 2.53, 2.85, 3.17, 3.48 and 3.80 respectively. All other AA was formulated to a fixed ratio to dLys. Fractional synthesis or degradation rates (FSR or FDR) of P. major were measured on day 36 and day 42 for all dietary treatment levels for both broiler lines using stable isotope of AA (15N‐phenylalanine) as metabolic tracer. Experimental feeding studies were conducted once in hot season (24‐hr mean ~ 85.3°F; 80.9% RH) and repeated in cool season (24‐hr mean ~ 71.6°F; 61.7% RH) of the year. The FSR values increased (p < .05) as digestible AA in diet increased for both broiler lines in hot season until break point FSR occurring at 106.2% AA level. The average FSR values measured were higher for Line B at day 36 (20.98%/D for Line B vs. 20.69%/D for Line A) and at day 42 (16.07%/D for Line B vs. 12.47% D for Line A). FDR values observed at day 36 and day 42 were not different between lines (p > .05). Similar trends but elevated values of FSR and FDR in cool season than in hot season were recorded for both the lines. Line B showed the higher mixed muscle protein accretion (%/D) than Line A by actually increasing the FSR which was correlated by higher lean mass deposition and higher feed intake (p < .05). The overall findings indicated that PT response in P. major due to effects of digestible AA levels and ambient temperature was different and line‐specific.
DNA barcoding and mucilage ducts in the stipe reveal the presence of Hedophyllum nigripes (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) in Kongsfjorden (Spitsbergen)
Authors: Dankworth Marie , Heinrich Sandra , Fredriksen Stein , Bartsch Inka
Published: May 2020

The Arctic Ocean is a unique ecosystem hosting a biodiversity that has not yet been elucidated in full detail. There is increasing evidence that there are more kelp species constricted to Arctic/sub‐Arctic habitats hitherto not well investigated, such as Hedophyllum nigripes, which is morphologically very similar to cold‐temperate Laminaria digitata. Hedophyllum nigripes was originally described as L. nigripes by Agardh from Spitsbergen but has often been misidentified as L. digitata in the European Arctic. We initiated a systematic algal survey along a depth gradient (0–7.5 m) in Kongsfjorden (Spitsbergen) in June and July 2015 and thereby confirmed a predominant presence of H. nigripes (73%). Hedophyllum nigripes is occurring between 0 and 7.5 m while L. digitata was most abundant at 2.5 m depth. Hedophyllum nigripes individuals were generally younger (2.3 vs. 3.6 years) and stipe and blade length shorter (31 vs. 54 cm and 76 vs. 96 cm, respectively) compared to L. digitata. A combination of molecular (COI‐5P) and morpho‐anatomical tools (presence of sori and mucilage ducts in the stipe) was used to differentiate specimens of H. nigripes and L. digitata. Both kelp species were indistinguishable in most cases by external blade and stipe morphology. The different blade shapes represented different ontogenetic stages rather than phenotypic plasticity. The presence of mucilage ducts in the stipe was correlated with H. nigripes and changed with depth from 17%, 36%, and 85% at 2.5, 5, and 7.5 m, respectively. In addition, all summer fertile specimens were L. digitata.
Development and characterization of black mulberry (Morus nigra) pekmez (molasses) composite films based on alginate and pectin
Authors: Cakıroglu Kubra , Dervisoglu Muhammet , Gul Osman
Published: May 2020

Production of composite films is an important approach to improve functionality of edible films, by combining different polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids. Carbohydrate‐based composite films are most attractive, which have good film‐forming ability due to their unique colloidal properties. Fruit purees include high polysaccharide content that plays a role to have desirable film properties including mechanical resistance, efficient barrier properties, and selective permeability against oxygen transmission. The purpose of this study was to characterize physical, barrier, mechanical, thermal, and water sorption properties of composite films formulated with different mulberry pekmez concentrations (26, 32, and 38 °Brix) based on alginate or pectin. All film‐forming solutions were showed shear thinning behavior with higher yield stress and viscosity‐shear rate data were fitted to Ostwald de Waele model (R2 ≥ 0.943). A noticeable decrease in tensile strength of films with increasing concentration was determined, but films prepared with high concentration showed more flexible. The mechanical properties of pectin films exhibited weakened properties compared to alginate films. Increasing pekmez concentration in the film matrix improved the water vapor permeability of alginate films, whereas pectin films showed reverse behavior as resulting in cracks and crack propagation within the structure. The sorption isotherms of films showed a typical profile of foods contain high soluble components and the Guggenheim–Anderson–deBoer (GAB) model gave a good fit for all of the obtained data. The results showed that mulberry pekmez films based alginate have a potential for food applications depends on the physical properties and for the replacement of non‐biodegradable plastic packaging.
High‐density mapping‐guided corrective HIS bundle pacing after failed CRT upgrade for persistent left superior vena cava
Authors: Bastian Dirk , Buia Veronica , Walaschek Janusch , De Quattro Eugenio , Rittger Harald , Vitali‐Serdoz Laura
Published: May 2020

In patients with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC), transvenous device implantation for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may be challenging. We present a complex case with successful, high‐density electroanatomic mapping (EAM) guided corrective His bundle pacing (CHBP) following failed CRT upgrade in a patient with PLSVC, congenital heart disease, and pacing‐associated heart failure. CHBP restored physiological conduction in left bundle branch block with complete conduction block leading to clinical improvement and cardiac remodeling. The presented case supports the growing evidence that EAM‐guided CHBP may be considered a feasible alternative to conventional CRT when venous anatomy is not favorable for left ventricular lead implantation.
Respiratory and hemodynamic perioperative adverse events in intravenous versus inhalational induction in pediatric anesthesia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Porter Lucy L. , Blaauwendraad Sophia M. , Pieters Barbe M.
Published: May 2020

Perioperative respiratory and hemodynamic adverse events are still a cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric anesthesia. It has been suggested that volatile agents might be associated with more respiratory adverse events compared to intravenous agents (eg, propofol), which have been associated with a higher risk of bradycardia compared to volatile agents. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the risk of perioperative hemodynamic and respiratory adverse events, comparing intravenous induction with inhalational induction in pediatric anesthesia. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Medline up to February 12, 2020. Randomized controlled trials were included. A quality assessment was carried out using a modified version of the “Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Controlled Trials.” Of the 1602 applicable publications, four were included in the final review. Two studies found no significant differences in perioperative respiratory or hemodynamic adverse events. Two studies found a higher risk of respiratory perioperative adverse events in inhalation versus intravenous induction, with a relative risk varying from 1.64 to 3.83. Data were heterogenous, and pooled estimates may not be reliable. The present systematic review and meta‐analysis revealed no significant difference in the occurrence of perioperative respiratory adverse events between inhalation and intravenous induction. More respiratory adverse events during and after inhalation induction were found, in particular in children with multiple risk factors for respiratory adverse events. This did not reach significance. Future research should include a large randomized controlled trial comparing inhalation and intravenous induction with respiratory and hemodynamic adverse events as primary outcome and adequately blinded outcome assessors.
Loss of function of CRT1a (calreticulin) reduces plant susceptibility toVerticillium longisporumin bothArabidopsis thalianaand oilseed rape (Brassica napus)
Authors: Pröbsting Michael , Schenke Dirk , Hossain Roxana , Häder Claudia , Thurau Tim , Wighardt Lisa , Schuster Andrea , Zhou Zheng , Ye Wanzhi , Rietz Steffen , Leckband Gunhild , Cai Daguang
Published: May 2020

Brassica napusis highly susceptible towardsVerticillium longisporum(Vl43) with no effective genetic resistance. It is believed that the fungus reprogrammes plant physiological processes by up‐regulation of so‐called susceptibility factors to establish a compatible interaction. By transcriptome analysis, we identified genes, which were activated/up‐regulated in rapeseed afterVl43infection. To test whether one of these genes is functionally involved in the infection process and loss of function would lead to decreased susceptibility, we firstly challenged KO lines of corresponding Arabidopsis orthologs withVl43and compared them with wild‐type plants. Here, we report that the KO ofAtCRT1aresults in drastically reduced susceptibility of plants toVl43. To provecrt1amutation also decreases susceptibility inB. napus, we identified 10 mutations in a TILLING population. Three T3 mutants displayed increased resistance as compared to the wild type. To validate the results, we generated CRISPR/Cas‐inducedBnCRT1amutants, challenged T2 plants withVl43and observed an overall reduced susceptibility in 3 out of 4 independent lines. Genotyping by allele‐specific sequencing suggests a major effect of mutations in theCRT1aA‐genome copy, while the C‐genome copy appears to have no significant impact on plant susceptibility when challenged withVl43. As revealed by transcript analysis, the loss of function ofCRT1aresults in activation of the ethylene signalling pathway, which may contribute to reduced susceptibility. Furthermore, this study demonstrates a novel strategy with great potential to improve plant disease resistance.
Analytics for Wine Futures: Realistic Prices
Authors: Hekimoğlu Mert Hakan , Kazaz Burak
Published: May 2020

Earlier publications indicate that the price of young wines cannot be estimated accurately through weather conditions. Considering that a majority of fine wine is sold in the form of wine futures, even before the wine is bottled, determining realistic prices for these wine futures accurately is one of the most critical decisions. Surveys of leading wine merchants and industry experts exhibit significant departures from the realized market prices. We develop a pricing model for fine wines using weather, market, and expert reviews. The financial exchange for fine wines called Liv‐ex has already adopted our estimated prices and tagged them as “realistic prices.” Our approach combines temperature, rainfall, market fluctuations, and tasting expert scores and leads to accurate estimations that the wine industry has not seen before. Our study shows that higher temperatures, lower levels of precipitation, appreciation in the Liv‐ex 100 index as a market indicator, and higher barrel scores increase market prices. We conduct a comprehensive set of robustness checks and show that the mean absolute deviation of actual market prices from our estimated prices is substantially smaller than any academic benchmark. Our realistic prices help create transparency in this highly opaque market. When compared with the realized prices, our realistic prices guide buyers (e.g., distributors, restaurateurs, merchants) in their purchase decisions as they can determine whether a wine is underpriced or overpriced.
Reinvent Retail Supply Chain: Ship‐from‐Store‐to‐Store
Authors: Li Rong
Published: May 2020

Retailers such as Best Buy are reinventing their supply chains for the era of Omnichannel with new strategies like ship‐from‐store‐to‐store (SFSTS) where stores are also used as shipping points. Under the SFSTS practice, to fill the demand (offline and online) from a customer region, two or more nearby stores of the retailers’ frequently replenish from each other as well as from a distribution center (DC) to better prepare inventory before the demand arrives. We study how to best replenish the DC and multiple nearby stores under this new practice using a multi‐period inventory model with proactive transshipments. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to solve this model, and the characterized optimal replenishment policy is valuable especially as it differs significantly from the past relevant literature on single‐period models. In contrast, for the DC, although the procure‐up‐to policy is still optimal, the procure‐up‐to level is no longer constant but depends on all stores’ on‐hand inventory. For each store, the optimal policy no longer remains the same structure but changes with whether the DC procures inventory from the supplier. When the DC procures inventory, the stores’ optimal policy is no longer single‐threshold, but two‐threshold (order‐up‐to and ship‐down‐to); and these thresholds decrease in any other store’s on‐hand inventory. When the DC does not procure inventory, the stores ship between each other only when their inventories are imbalanced enough, and they ship until the benefit drops to just cover the shipping cost. Our results demonstrate that it is important to constantly track every store’s on‐hand inventory and it is much more complex to implement SFSTS with more nearby stores, despite the additional profit earned.
Contraceptive Autonomy: Conceptions and Measurement of a Novel Family Planning Indicator
Authors: Senderowicz Leigh
Published: May 2020

Since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, there has been increased attention to high‐quality and rights‐based family planning, but these concepts have been difficult to measure. Perhaps due to an intellectual history intertwined with population control, contemporary family planning programs and researchers often use (modern) method use as a primary marker of success, with indicators focusing narrowly on contraceptive use and fertility. This results in a fundamental misalignment between existing metrics and the stated family planning goals of promoting reproductive health and rights. This report describes the rationale for a novel family planning indicator called “contraceptive autonomy” and proposes a methodology for measuring this concept at the population level. Defining contraceptive autonomy as the factors necessary for a person to decide for themself what they want in relation to contraception and then to realize that decision, this indicator divides the contraceptive autonomy construct into subdomains of informed choice, full choice, and free choice. By acknowledging that autonomous nonuse is a positive outcome,aiming to maximize contraceptive autonomy rather than use could help shift incentives for family planning programs and reduce some common forms of contraceptive coercion, as our measurement approach is realigned with our focus on high‐quality rights‐based care.
Caplacizumab for treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with anaphylaxis to fresh‐frozen plasma
Authors: Irani Mehraboon S. , Sanchez Federico , Friedman Kenneth
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Plasma exchange with plasma replacement has been the mainstay for the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) for several decades. Recently an anti‐von Willebrand factor (VWF) medication, caplacizumab, has been approved for treatment of TTP when used with plasma exchange. We report a patient with immune‐mediated TTP that had an anaphylactic reaction to plasma who was then given caplacizumab daily for 1 week without further plasma exchange therapy with a good clinical and laboratory response.

CASE REPORT

A 63‐year‐old woman with acute confusion and multiple ecchymoses after tooth extraction developed TTP with a hemoglobin (Hb) of 6.3 g/dL, white blood cell count 15 × 109/L, platelets (PLTs) 12 × 109/L, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 1212 IU/mL, and creatinine 0.9 mg/dL. Her ADAMTS13 level was less than 5% and plasma exchange was started. During the first plasma exchange the patient developed anaphylaxis with hypotension, shortness of breath, angioedema, and urticaria. She recovered from this reaction with treatment and no further plasma exchanges were performed. Instead she was given methylprednisolone, caplacizumab, and later rituximab. The caplacizumab was given daily for 8 days during which her PLT counts and ADAMTS13 levels improved. Her Hb level also increased. She continued to receive oral prednisone and rituximab after discharge was doing well latest follow up (Day 114).

CONCLUSION

Caplacizumab may be used safely and effectively without concomitant plasma exchange in a patient with anaphylaxis to plasma.
Additive effects of blood donor smoking and gamma irradiation on outcome measures of red blood cell transfusion
Authors: DeSimone Robert A. , Plimier Colleen , Lee Catherine , Kanias Tamir , Cushing Melissa M. , Sachais Bruce S. , Kleinman Steven , Busch Michael P. , Roubinian Nareg H.
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Recent publications have reported conflicting results regarding the role of blood donor tobacco use on hemoglobin (Hb) levels in patients after red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. We examined associations and interactions between donor, component, and recipient factors to better understand the impact of donor smoking on transfusion outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We linked blood donor and component manufacturing data, including self‐reported cigarette smoking, with a cohort of patients transfused RBCs between 2013 and 2016. Using multivariable regression, we examined Hb increments and subsequent transfusion requirements after single‐unit RBC transfusion episodes, adjusting for donor, component, and recipient factors.

RESULTS

We linked data on 4038 transfusion recipients who received one or more single‐unit RBC transfusions (n = 5086 units) to donor demographic and component manufacturing characteristics. Among RBC units from smokers (n = 326), Hb increments were reduced after transfusion of gamma‐irradiated units (0.76 g/dL; p = 0.033) but not unirradiated units (1.04 g/dL; p = 0.54) compared to those from nonsmokers (1.01 g/dL; n = 4760). In parallel with changes in Hb levels, donor smoking was associated with the receipt of additional RBC transfusions for irradiated (odds ratio [OR], 2.49; p = 0.01) but not unirradiated RBC units (OR, 1.10; p = 0.52).

CONCLUSION

Donor smoking was associated with reduced Hb increments and the need for additional transfusions in recipients of gamma‐irradiated RBC units. Additional research is needed to better understand interactions between donor, component, and recipient factors on efficacy measures of RBC transfusion.
Ketogenic low‐CHO, high‐fat diet: the future of elite endurance sport?
Authors: Burke Louise M.
Published: May 2020

The ability of ketogenic low‐carbohydrate (CHO) high‐fat (K‐LCHF) diets to enhance muscle fat oxidation has led to claims that it is the ‘future of elite endurance sport’. There is robust evidence that substantial increases in fat oxidation occur, even in elite athletes, within 3–4 weeks and possibly 5–10 days of adherence to a K‐LCHF diet. Retooling of the muscle can double exercise fat use to ∼1.5 g min−1, with the intensity of maximal rates of oxidation shifting from ∼45% to ∼70% of maximal aerobic capacity. Reciprocal reductions in CHO oxidation during exercise are clear, but current evidence to support the hypothesis of the normalization of muscle glycogen content with longer‐term adaptation is weak. Importantly, keto‐adaptation may impair the muscle's ability to use glycogen for oxidative fates, compromising the use of a more economical energy source when the oxygen supply becomes limiting and, thus, the performance of higher‐intensity exercise (>80% maximal aerobic capacity). Even with moderate intensity exercise, individual responsiveness to K‐LCHF is varied, with extremes at both ends of the performance spectrum. Periodisation of K‐LCHF with high CHO availability might offer opportunities to restore capacity for higher‐intensity exercise, but investigations of various models have failed to find a benefit over dietary approaches based on current sports nutrition guidelines. Endurance athletes who are contemplating the use of K‐LCHF should undertake an audit of event characteristics and personal experiences to balance the risk of impaired performance of higher‐intensity exercise with the likelihood of an unavoidable depletion of carbohydrate stores.

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Infiltration of intramuscular adipose tissue impairs skeletal muscle contraction
Authors: Biltz Nicole K. , Collins Kelsey H. , Shen Karen C. , Schwartz Kendall , Harris Charles A. , Meyer Gretchen A.
Published: May 2020

Key points

Muscle infiltration with adipose tissue (IMAT) is common and associated with loss of skeletal muscle strength and physical function across a diverse set of pathologies.

Whether the association between IMAT and muscle weakness is causative or simply correlative remains an open question that needs to be addressed to effectively guide muscle strengthening interventions in people with increased IMAT.

In the present studies, we demonstrate that IMAT deposition causes decreased muscle strength using mouse models.

These findings indicate IMAT is a novel therapeutic target for muscle dysfunction.

Intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) is associated with deficits in strength and physical function across a wide array of conditions, from injury to ageing to metabolic disease. Due to the diverse aetiologies of the primary disorders involving IMAT and the strength of the associations, it has long been proposed that IMAT directly contributes to this muscle dysfunction. However, infiltration of IMAT and reduced strength could both be driven by muscle disuse, injury and systemic disease, making IMAT simply an ‘innocent bystander.’ Here, we utilize novel mouse models to evaluate the direct effect of IMAT on muscle contraction. First, we utilize intramuscular glycerol injection in wild‐type mice to evaluate IMAT in the absence of systemic disease. In this model we find that, in isolation from the neuromuscular and circulatory systems, there remains a muscle‐intrinsic association between increased IMAT volume and decreased contractile tension (r2 > 0.5, P < 0.01) that cannot be explained by reduction in contractile material. Second, we utilize a lipodystrophic mouse model which cannot generate adipocytes to ‘rescue’ the deficits. We demonstrate that without IMAT infiltration, glycerol treatment does not reduce contractile force (P > 0.8). Taken together, this indicates that IMAT is not an inert feature of muscle pathology but rather has a direct impact on muscle contraction. This finding suggests that novel strategies targeting IMAT may improve muscle strength and function in a number of populations.
Statistical Method for Investigating Transient Enhancements of Dynamical Responses due to Random Disturbances: Application to Railway Vehicle Motion
Authors: Kardas-Cinal Ewa
Published: May 2020

The paper presents a statistical method for determining a specific variation of random excitations that leads to large transient enhancements (peaks) of a particular dynamical response in a stochastic mechanical system. Such a variation is found by calculating the weighted mean of the excitation variations close to a small number of largest peaks of the response obtained for a single long realization of the system motion. This statistical formula is derived by using the conditional expectation with respect to the rare event of unusually large response values and the ergodic theorem; optionally, a minimal interpeak distance is introduced. A similar formula gives the specific variations of other system variables around the peaks, and it can also be generalized to investigate any multivariable stochastic dynamical system or any set of correlated random signals. This method is applied to transient enhancements of quantities related to running safety and ride comfort of a railway vehicle: the derailment coefficient and the vertical acceleration of the vehicle body, respectively, obtained in simulations of the vehicle motion along a track with random irregularities. The averaged variations of the lateral irregularities and track superelevation close to the track locations of largest peaks of the derailment coefficient show characteristic oscillations leading to enhanced wheelset hunting in a short track section before the peak occurrence. A different pattern is found for the average variation of vertical track irregularities in the vicinity of the track points where largest maxima (or minima) of the vertical body acceleration occur.
Evolution of Sliding Contact Wear Between Deformable Conducting Bodies via a Multiphysics Framework
Authors: Michopoulos John G. , Iliopoulos Athanasios P. , Apetre Nicole A. , Steuben John C. , Birnbaum Andrew J.
Published: May 2020

A multiphysics computational framework is introduced and exercised to predict the wear behavior of two deformable, heat-conducting bodies under conditions of sliding contact. This framework enables the solution of a coupled system of partial differential equations (PDEs) expressing the conservation of energy and momentum along with two ordinary differential equations (ODEs) expressing mass conservation. This system is intended to capture wear evolution for each of the bodies forming a wear pair, in a self-consistent manner. Furthermore, an arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian approach has been integrated to enable tracking the evolution of the wear fronts on both elements of the sliding contact pair through physics-informed mesh deformation. A theorem and a corollary are proved to indicate that most existing models describing wear that are expressed in the form of an ODE are actually manifestations of the law of conservation of mass. The framework is applied for two distinct slider-base pairs. The first involves an aluminum alloy slider and a copper alloy base. The second pair is identical to the first except it contains a thin strip of soda-lime glass embedded in the surface of the base. The effects of this glass layer on the wear of all participating bodies in comparison to the pair that does not contain this layer are presented. They indicate that while the glass layer has a wear mitigation effect for the stationary base it slightly increases the wear of the slider when compared with the respective bodies when the glass is not present.
Investigation on Flow Field Characteristics by Drag Reducing Agent Additives in a Stirred Vessel
Authors: Qi Xueyu , Wu Ting , Chen Yiming , Yang Ke , Zhang Luyao , Zhao Wei , Gong Jing
Published: May 2020

In this paper, experimental investigation on two oil-soluble drag-reducing agents (DRAs) were carried out in stirred vessel by standard six-blade Rushton, based on the application of particle image velocimeter (PIV). Two DRAs (1# and 2#) with different concentrations from 3 ppm to 50 ppm were added into diesel, respectively, and speed of impeller speed was set 400 rpm. Flow field characteristics including turbulence intensity, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and energy dissipation rate (EDR) influenced by those additives in stirred vessel were studied. It was found that inhibition effect of turbulence intensity of the two DRAs is not obvious with concentration below 10 ppm. However, when concentration is above 10 ppm, turbulence inhibition effect becomes more obvious. Under low concentration, 1# has better turbulence inhibition effect in the area near impeller, while 2# has better turbulence inhibition effect under high concentration. When the two DRAs are under the same concentration of 50 ppm, turbulent flow energy and energy dissipation rate are obviously reduced.
Advanced Exergetic Analysis of a Double-Effect Series Flow Absorption Refrigeration System
Authors: Colorado-Garrido Dario
Published: May 2020

This paper contains theoretical results of an advanced exergy study of a double-effect series flow absorption refrigeration cycle. Traditional second law of thermodynamics analysis was performed and revealed the absorber as the component with the highest exergy destruction of the system. In the evaporator, ≈49.34% of the exergy destruction is avoidable and almost in it’s entirety, ≈99.12% is of endogenous nature. The highest potential for improvement of the high-pressure generator is its design and manufacture because ≈67.47% of the endogenous exergy destruction is avoidable. A parametric study was presented to discuss the sensitivity of splitting exergy destruction concepts taking into account temperature variations in the absorber and condenser temperatures and the heat source temperature.
A Novel Method for Characterizing the Aggregation of Wax Crystals and An Improvement in Wax Deposition Modeling
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Wang Hankun , Zhu Chaoliang , Rui Zhenhua , Liu Yang
Published: May 2020

The aggregation behavior and the subsequent deposition behavior of wax crystals own undesirable effects on the production and transportation of waxy crude oil. The understanding and prediction of these behaviors are essential to ensure economic and uninterrupted flow of waxy crude oil when the oil temperature decreases below the wax appearance temperature (WAT). In this paper, a novel method of fractal dimensional analysis was introduced to elucidate the aggregation behavior of wax crystals in different shear flow fields. The fractal methodology for characterizing wax crystal aggregation was then developed, and a blanket algorithm was introduced to compute the fractal dimension of the aggregated wax crystals. Considering the flow characteristics of waxy crude oil in a pipeline can be correlated with the shearing stress work, a modified wax deposition model focusing on shearing energy analysis was established. The results indicate that a quantitative interpretation of the wax crystal aggregation behavior can be realized using the fractal methodology. The aggregation behavior of the wax crystals is closely related to the temperature and shearing experienced by the waxy crude oil. The aggregation behavior will be intensified with decreasing temperature and shearing effect, and a wider fractal dimension distribution appears at lower temperatures when the same shear rate range is used. Furthermore, the improved model provides a method for discussing the effects of the operating conditions on wax deposition. The average relative deviation between the improved model prediction results and experimental results from the literature is 3.01–5.32%.
Controllability Over Wall Thickness of Tubular Structures and Encapsulation During Co-Axial Extrusion of a Thermal-Crosslinking Hydrogel
Authors: Yu Ilhan , Grindrod Samantha , Chen Roland
Published: May 2020

Tubular structures of the hydrogel are used in a variety of applications such as delivering nutrient supplies for 3D cell culturing. The wall thickness of the tube determines the delivery rate. In this study, we used the coaxial extrusion process to fabricate tubular structures with varying wall thicknesses using a thermal-crosslinking hydrogel, gellan gum (GG). The objectives of this study are to investigate the thermal extrusion process of GG to form tubular structures, the range of achievable wall thickness, and a possibility to form tubular structures with closed ends to encapsulate fluid or drug inside the tube. The wall thickness is controlled by changing the relative flow velocity of the inner needle (phosphate-buffered saline, PBS) to the outer needle, while keeping the velocity of outer needles (GG) constant. Two pairs of coaxial needles were used which are 18-12 gauge (G) and 20-12G. The controllable wall thickness ranges from 0.618 mm (100% relative velocity) to 0.499 mm (250%) for 18-12G and from 0.77 mm (80%) to 0.69 (200%) for 20-12G. Encapsulation is possible in a smaller range of flow velocities in both needle combinations. A finite element model was developed to estimate the temperature distribution and the wall thickness. The model is found to be accurate. The dynamic viscosity of GG determines the pressure equilibrium and the range of achievable wall thickness. Changing the inner needle size or the flow velocity both affect the heat exchange and thus the temperature-dependent dynamic viscosity.
Nonlinear incidence Human immunodeficiency virus infection model with optimal control
Authors: Yaro David , Seadawy Aly R. , Lu Dianchen
Published: May 2020

Mathematical modeling plays a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. Most models deal with the vertical and horizontal spread of disease, but few studies have focused on the evolutionary dynamics of HIV at the cellular level. In this paper, we present an HIV model to analyze the dynamics of HIV infection at the cellular level to produce more natural results. We present a detailed stability analysis of disease-free and viral-persistence equilibrium in the system. In addition, sensitivity analysis and optimal control strategies are used to analyze the role of antiretroviral drug therapy and dietary supplements in controlling the concentration of infected cells and viruses.