bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased cerebrospinal fluid cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate in bacterial meningitis
Authors: Weitzman S , Palmer L B , Berger S A
Published: June 2021

The concentration of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) in 16 cerebrospinal fluid samples from eight patients with bacterial meningitis due to several different organisms was determined. An age- and sex-matched control group of 12 patients with a variety of acute, noninfectious systemic and neurological diseases was also examined. To quantitate the amount of cAMP, a new, improved radioimmunoassay was used with the ability to measure 2.5 X 10(-15) mol of cAMP. The mean concentration of cAMP in the cerebrospinal fluid from patients with meningitis was 0.05 nM, and from patients in the control group it was 1.18 nM. The difference between these two values is statistically significant. The decreased cAMP concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid from patients with bacterial meningitis did not seem to be secondary to metabolism by bacteria or leukocytes, increased enzymatic degradation within the cerebrospinal fluid, or an artifact introduced by the collection and storage procedure. Since the concentration of cAMP in the cerebrospinal fluid is normally found to be within narrow limits and probably reflects intracellular cAMP levels, the results described in this study suggest that interference with cAMP metabolism in central nervous system tissue occurs in bacterial meningitis. This finding seems to be independent of the causative organism and might explain the pathogenesis of selected, neurological manifestations of this disease.
Immunoglobulin M anti-hepatitis A virus determination reorienting gradient centrifugation for diagnosis of Acute Hepatitis A
Authors: Frösner G G , Scheid R , Wolf H , Deinhardt F
Published: June 2021

The persistence of antibody to hepatitis A antigen (anti-HAV) of the immunoglobulin M (IgM) class was evaluated in 88 sera of 51 acute hepatitis A patients. IgM was separated from IgG by a 2-h reorienting sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation, and the titer of anti-HAV was determined in the IgG- and IgM-containing fractions by solid-hase radioimmunoassay. IgM anti-HAV was the predominating antibody at onset of jaundice and persisted in these patients for at least 60 days, but not longer than 115 days. The demonstration of IgM anti-HAV is therefore a valuable tool for the diagnosis of recent hepatitis A infection.
Counterimmunoelectrophoresis test for immunoglobulin M antibodies to group B coxsackievirus
Authors: Minor T E , Helstrom P B , Nelson D B , D'Alessio D J
Published: June 2021

A counterimmunoelectrophoresis test was developed for immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to group B coxsackievirus (CB) types 1 through 5. The IgM precipitin line could be identified and differentiated from the IgG line by treating sera with 2-mercaptoethanol. Antigen purity was demonstrated by single precipitin lines occurring only to the homologous antigen when tested with type-specific hyperimmune rabbit sera. Serum pairs from 19 of 22 patients with documented CB type 1,3,4, and 5 infections were positive for IgM antibody to the infecting serotype, whereas 2 of 7 pairs from CB type 2 patients were positive. Heterologous IgM antibodies were present in sera from 14 fo 29 CB patients. Of the 14 patients with heterologous IgM antibodies, 12 also had greater than or equal to 4-fold rises in whole serum neutralizing antibody to heterologous serotypes. Only three control sera from 72 patients with coxsackievirus group A, echovirus, or other viral infections had IgM antibody to CB serotypes.
Rhizopus rhizopodiformis: emerging etiological agent of mucormycosis
Authors: Bottone E J , Weitzman I , Hanna B A
Published: June 2021

Mucormycosis is caused principally by members of the genus Rhizopus, especially R arrhizus and R. oryzae. Infection attributable to R. rhizopodiformis has rarely been documented. Of 13 cases of mucormycosis diagnosed during a 4-year period (1974 to 1978) at The Mount Sinai Hospital, 6 cases, occurring within 9 months, were caused by R. rhizopodiformis. The six isolates were identified mainly by: growth at 50 degrees C; production of short, sometimes branched, sporangiophores arising from opposite rhizoids; elongated columellae; and small spherical-to-elliptical, smooth-to-finely striated sporangiospores. The possibility that this explosive occurrence of R. rhizopodiformis at our institution was because of nosocomial acquisition was strongly supported by the recovery of this same mycotic agent from adhesive bandages used in the cardiac intensive care unit, where a patient developed subcutaneous R. rhizopodiformis infection after cardiac surgery. The invasive potential of R. rhizopodiformis was manifested by the extensive subcutaneous and systemic infections in each of the six patients, three of whom developed antibody against this mucormycotic agent.
A More Sensitive Plate Assay for Detection of Protease Production by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Sokol Pamela A. , Ohman Dennis E. , Iglewski Barbara H.
Published: June 2021

A plate assay to measure protease production by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is described. This assay is more sensitive and rapid than established methods.
Simplified technique for sonication and processing of dental plaque samples
Authors: Weiner M , Newman M G , Horikoshi A , Grinenko V
Published: June 2021

A simplified method for processing dental plaque samples was devised and compared to previously used methods. Analysis of 36 nonstandardized subgingival plaque samples from various states of periodontal health and disease and 12 standardized supragingival plaque samples demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the recovery offered by the two techniques. Comparable recovery, increased convenience, and adaptation to the clinical setting suggests that implementation of this simplified technique may be of great value.
Immunological studies of subacute measles encephalitis in ferrets: similarities to human subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Authors: Mehta P D , Thormar H
Published: June 2021

Ferrets inoculated with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis virus strains D.R. and Biken developed a subacute encephalitis. Brain extracts, at neutral pH, from these ferrets showed high measles antibody titers, increased concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), and higher IgG/albumin ratios than those of controls. Although the brain extracts of subacute encephalitic animals showed significant synthesis of measles-specific IgG (20 to 60% of the total IgG) within the central nervous system, the electrophoretic patterns of these extracts did not show oligoclonal bands in the gamma-globulin region. Brain residues from most ferrets with subacute encephalitis, when eluted at low pH, demonstrated the presence of bound measles-specific antibodies. Excluding the electrophoresis data, other results are identical to those seen in human subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, indicating that the subacute encephalitis in ferrets may serve as a model for human subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
Further studies of the cellular fatty acid composition of Legionnaires disease bacteria
Authors: Moss C W , Dees S B
Published: June 2021

The cellular fatty acid composition of 36 strains of the Legionnaires disease bacterium was determined by gas chromatography after growth on different media. The fatty acid profile of each strain was essentially identical on each medium and was characterized by large amounts (greater than 68%) of branched-chain acids.
Effects of fatty acids on growth of Bordetella pertussis in defined medium
Authors: Field L H , Parker C D
Published: June 2021

The effects of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids on the growth of Bordetella pertussis strain 114 in defined medium were tested. Individual fatty acids were found to be either inhibitory or stimulatory to growth, depending on concentration. Myristic (C14), pentadecanoic (C15), and palmitic (C16) acids were the most inhibitory saturated fatty acids tested. B. pertussis 114 was extremely sensitive to the unsaturated fatty acids oleic (C18; cis-9), elaidic (C18; trans-9) and petroselinic (C18; cis-6).
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A
Authors: Schultz W W , Phipps T J , Pollack M
Published: June 2021

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is described for Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A. A double antibody sandwich method was used, employing polyvinyl microtiter plates as the solid phase, a primary coat of monospecific rabbit antitoxin serum, an outer layer composed of a horseradish peroxidase-sheep antitoxin immunoglobulin G conjugate, and an ortho-phenylene-diamine substrate. Absorbance (optical density) of hydrolyzed end product was read spectrophotometrically at 492 nm. ELISA detected as little as 30 pg (0.3 ng/ml) of purified toxin, and absorbance was linear over a 20-fold or greater concentration range. Toxin was demonstrated in culture filtrates from 42 of 48 (88%) consecutive clinical P. aeruginosa isolates compared with 37 of 48 (77%) positive by hemagglutination inhibition. Results of the two assays correlated closely (r = 0.82, P less than 0.001). Specificity was confirmed by neutralizability of ELISA activity with monospecific antitoxin. ELISA was thus a sensitive, specific, and quantifiable technique for the assay of P. aeruginosa exotoxin A in both purified and crude culture materials.
Transcription of the rat glucagon gene by the cyclic AMP response element-binding protein CREB is modulated by adjacent CREB-associated proteins
Authors: Miller C P , Lin J C , Habener J F
Published: June 2021

The cyclic AMP (cAMP) response element (CRE) of the rat glucagon gene (Glu-CRE, 5'-TGACGTCA-3') mediates transcriptional responses to 8-bromo-cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) in a glucagon-producing hamster islet cell line (InR1G9). By several different DNA-protein binding assays, we show that the transcription factor CREB binds to the CRE octamer and that additional nuclear proteins bind to sequences adjacent to the CRE. Mutation of the Glu-CRE octamer attenuates both the binding of CREB and cAMP-dependent PKA-stimulated transcriptional activity in transient transfection experiments but does not affect the binding of adjacent CREB-associated proteins. Progressive deletions and clustered point mutations of the sequences flanking the Glu-CRE identify sequences (5'-TCATT-3') located both 5' and 3' to the core CRE octamer that bind several proteins. Two proteins with molecular masses of 80 and 100 kDa bind to each of the 5' and 3' TCATT sites. Formation of additional protein-DNA complexes containing 45- and 20-kDa proteins depends upon the integrity of both TCATT sequences. Deletion or point mutation of the TCATT motif located on the 3' side of the CRE octamer results in enhanced transcriptional responses to PKA, suggesting that the CREB-associated proteins decrease the ability of CREB to mediate PKA-stimulated transcription. Results from these studies demonstrate that nucleotides flanking the core CRE octamer can influence the activity of the CRE by serving as binding sites for proteins that modulate the function of CREB and suggest a mechanism to explain why some consensus palindromic CREs are less responsive to cAMP stimulation than others.
Genetic Basis of Chromate Adaptation and the Role of the Pre-existing Genetic Divergence during an Experimental Evolution Study with Desulfovibrio vulgaris Populations
Authors: Shi Weiling , Ma Qiao , Pan Feiyan , Fan Yupeng , Kempher Megan L. , Ning Daliang , Qu Yuanyuan , Wall Judy D. , Zhou Aifen , Zhou Jizhong
Published: June 2021

Chromium is one of the most common heavy metal pollutants of soil and groundwater. The potential of
Desulfovibrio vulgaris
Hildenborough in heavy metal bioremediation such as Cr(VI) reduction was reported previously; however, experimental evidence of key functional genes involved in Cr(VI) resistance are largely unknown.
Highly localized upper mantle deformation during plate boundary initiation near the Alpine fault, New Zealand
Authors: Kidder Steven , Prior David J. , Scott James M. , Soleymani Hamid , Shao Yilun
Published: June 2021

Peridotite xenoliths entrained in magmas near the Alpine fault (New Zealand) provide the first direct evidence of deformation associated with the propagation of the Australian-Pacific plate boundary through the region at ca. 25–20 Ma. Two of 11 sampled xenolith localities contain fine-grained (40–150 μm) rocks, indicating that deformation in the upper mantle was focused in highly sheared zones. To constrain the nature and conditions of deformation, we combine a flow law with a model linking recrystallized fraction to strain. Temperatures calculated from this new approach (625–970 °C) indicate that the observed deformation occurred at depths of 25–50 km. Calculated shear strains were between 1 and 100, which, given known plate offset rates (10–20 mm/yr) and an estimated interval during which deformation likely occurred (<1.8 m.y.), translate to a total shear zone width in the range 0.2–32 km. This narrow width and the position of mylonite-bearing localities amid mylonite-free sites suggest that early plate boundary deformation was distributed across at least ∼60 km but localized in multiple fault strands. Such upper mantle deformation is best described by relatively rigid, plate-like domains separated by rapidly formed, narrow mylonite zones.
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with giant retinal tear in a child with Marfan’s syndrome: a rare ocular emergency
Authors: Sehgal Parrina , Narang Subina , Chandra Deepak
Published: June 2021

A 7-year-old boy with Marfanoid habitus presented with sudden and painless decrease in the vision of the right eye. Ocular examination revealed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with 360° giant retinal tear in the right eye and small peripheral retinal breaks with lattice degeneration in the left eye. The patient underwent a 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with scleral buckling in the right eye and laser around the breaks in the left eye. At 1-week follow-up visit, the child presented with similar complaints in the left eye as were seen in the right eye. This was later managed effectively with 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy only. So, with our case report, we would like to highlight the need for aggressive screening in children who are diagnosed with Marfan’s syndrome and the need for prophylactic treatment in the unaffected eye.
Efficacy and safety of low-dose corticosteroid with azathioprine in the treatment of elderly-onset IgA vasculitis with nephritis
Authors: Sugimoto Hikaru , Yamaguchi Yasuko , Yumura Wako , Takei Takashi
Published: June 2021

The diagnosis of elderly-onset IgA vasculitis (IgAV) and its prognosis can be difficult to ascertain because of its rarity and the frequent presence of comorbidities. Furthermore, the treatment of elderly-onset IgAV remains controversial. We report a case of IgAV in an 87-year-old patient. Renal involvement was detected early during the IgAV follow-up. He was treated with low-dose corticosteroid and azathioprine, which led to a complete remission without any adverse effects. This suggests that precise intervention with early diagnosis and careful renal follow-up may prevent renal failure and that low-dose steroids with azathioprine can be an effective treatment for elderly-onset IgAV with nephritis.
Necrotising myopathy and concurrent thyroiditis in a patient with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Reggio Christopher , Paudel Anish , Specht Charles S , Donato Anthony A
Published: June 2021

A 76-year-old man with hypogammaglobulinemia on monthly intravenous immunoglobulin infusions presented to the hospital with fever, cough, and shortness of breath and was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring intensive care unit admission but not intubation. He was treated with convalescent plasma, remdesivir and corticosteroids. Sixteen days into his hospitalisation he began to report weakness without sensory symptoms and was found on biopsy to have a necrotising myopathy.
Medical management of coral reef aorta through optimised diuretic use and angiotensin receptor blockade
Authors: Oey Nicodemus Edrick , Tulsidas Haresh , Nadarajan Krithikaa
Published: June 2021

Coral reef aorta (CRA) is a rare condition with potentially devastating complications. It is characterised by atherosclerotic calcification and stenosis of the visceral part of the aorta, usually occurring at the juxtarenal or suprarenal locations, and causing refractory hypertension and renal dysfunction. Surgical intervention, which is the recommended definitive treatment, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Endovascular stenting has been reported to be an alternative management option. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report to describe medical management of a patient with CRA with diuretics and angiotensin receptor blockade without surgical treatment.
Virilising adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Correia Diogo Nunes , Carvalho Inês Redondo de , Mangi Jeenal Assuani
Published: June 2021

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy, with an estimated annual incidence of 0.7–2 cases per million and a median overall survival of 3–4 years. Hormone-secreting ACCs represent most cases; of these, only a small minority presents with virilisation alone. Early diagnosis is key to increase the chances of a better outcome. Here, we report a case of a 41-year-old woman who presented with menstrual irregularities, hirsutism and virilising symptoms, associated with abdominal discomfort and constitutional symptoms. On physical examination, there was a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant. Laboratory workup revealed elevated serum androgens. The imaging study showed a 163×110×122 cm right adrenal mass with features consistent with ACC and suggested potential hepatic invasion. Our patient underwent surgical resection, and the histopathological findings confirmed the diagnosis. She was referred to a specialised centre for follow-up and adjuvant therapy.
Surveillance of people with previously successfully treated diabetic macular oedema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy by trained ophthalmic graders: cost analysis from the EMERALD study
Authors: Maredza Mandy , Mistry Hema , Lois Noemi , Aldington Steve , Waugh Norman
Published: June 2021

Background/aims

Surveillance of people with previously successfully treated diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) adds pressure on ophthalmology services. This study evaluated a new surveillance pathway entailing multimodal imaging reviewed by trained ophthalmic graders and compared it with the current standard care (face-to-face evaluation by an ophthalmologist).

Methods

Cost analysis of the new ophthalmic grader pathway, compared with the standard of care, from the perspective of the UK National Health Service, based on evidence from the Effectiveness of Multimodal imaging for the Evaluation of Retinal oedema And new vesseLs in Diabetic retinopathy study. Resource use data were prospectively obtained including times to undertake each procedure. Effectiveness was assessed in terms of sensitivity and specificity of referral decisions in the grader pathway. Costs (SDs) were analysed per 100 patients separately for DMO and PDR at 2018/2019 costs.

Results

For DMO, where sensitivity was very high (97%), the cost difference (savings) for the grader’s pathway would be £1390 per 100 patients. For PDR, the cost would be reduced by £461 for seven-field Early Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) images and by £1889 for ultrawide field images, per 100 patients. Ultrawide images required less time to be obtained and read than seven-field ETDRS. The real savings would be in ophthalmologist time, which could be then redirected to the evaluation of people at high risk of visual loss.

Conclusions

Surveillance of people with previously successfully treated DMO and PDR by trained ophthalmic graders can achieve satisfactory results and release ophthalmologist time.

Trial registration numbers

NCT03490318,ISRCTN10856638.
Rationale, development and implementation of the ReACanROC registry for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in France and Canada
Authors: Heidet Matthieu , Hubert Hervé , Grunau Brian E , Cheskes Sheldon , Baert Valentine , Fraticelli Laurie , Freyssenge Julie , Lecarpentier Eric , Stitt Audra , Tallon John M , Tazarourte Karim , Truong Courtney , Vaillancourt Christian , Vilhelm Christian , Wysocki Kosma , Christenson Jim , El Khoury Carlos
Published: June 2021

France and Canada prehospital systems and care delivery in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) show substantial differences. This article aims to describe the rationale, design, implementation and expected research implications of the international, population-based, France-Canada registry for OHCAs, namely ReACanROC, which is built from the merging of two nation-wide, population-based, Utstein-style prospectively implemented registries for OHCAs attended to by emergency medical services. Under the supervision of an international steering committee and research network, the ReACanROC dataset will be used to run in-depth analyses on the differences in organisational, practical and geographic predictors of survival after OHCA between France and Canada. ReACanROC is the first Europe-North America registry ever created to meet this goal. To date, it covers close to 80 million people over the two countries, and includes approximately 200 000 cases over a 10-year period.
Decoy bypass for appetite suppression in obese adults: role of synergistic nutrient sensing receptors GPR84 and FFAR4 on colonic endocrine cells
Authors: Peiris Madusha , Aktar Rubina , Reed David , Cibert-Goton Vincent , Zdanaviciene Ausra , Halder Writaja , Robinow Adam , Corke Simon , Dogra Harween , Knowles Charles H , Blackshaw Ashley
Published: June 2021

Objective

Colonic enteroendocrine cells (EECs) store and release potent anorectic hormones that are key regulators of satiety. EECs express multiple nutrient sensing receptors, particularly for medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs): GPR84 and FFAR4. Here we show a non-surgical approach with targeted colonic delivery of MCFA, which induces EEC and neuronal activation leading to anorectic effects.

Design

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study was performed in obese adults given combined GPR84 and FFAR4 agonists in colonic release capsules before meals. We measured serum hormones, energy intake and appetite perception. Cell type, activation by agonists and hormone/serotonin release were determined in human colonic explants. Mouse colonic afferent nerve responses to nutrients/mediators were recorded electrophysiologically.

Results

Subjects receiving GPR84 and FFAR4 agonists had reduced overall calorific intake and increased postprandial levels of PYY versus placebo. Receptors including GPR84 and FFAR4 were coexpressed on human colonic EEC. Activation of GPR84 exclusively induced intracellular pERK, whereas FFAR4 selectively activated pCaMKII. Coactivation of GPR84 and FFAR4 induced both phosphoproteins, and superadditive release of GLP-1 and PYY. Nutrients and hormones convergently activated murine colonic afterent nerves via GLP-1, Y2 and 5-HT3 receptors.

Conclusions

Colonic GPR84 and FFAR4 agonists reduce energy intake and increase postprandial PYY in obese adults. Human colonic EECs coexpress these receptors, which activate cells via parallel intracellular pathways and synergistically evoke hormone release. Further synergism occurs in sensory nerve responses to MCFA and EEC mediators. Thus, synergistic activation of colonic endocrine cells via nutrient receptors is an important target for metabolic regulation.

Trail registration number

NCT04292236.
Transradial cerebral angiography becomes more efficient than transfemoral angiography: lessons from 500 consecutive angiograms
Authors: Wilkinson D Andrew , Majmundar Neil , Catapano Joshua S , Fredrickson Vance L , Cavalcanti Daniel D , Baranoski Jacob F , Rutledge Caleb , Ducruet Andrew F , Albuquerque Felipe C
Published: June 2021

Background

Transradial arterial access (TRA) for cerebral diagnostic angiography is associated with fewer access site complications than transfemoral access (TFA). However, concerns about increased procedure time and radiation exposure with TRA may slow its adoption. Our objective was to measure TRA rates of success and fluoroscopy time per vessel after ‘radial-first’ adoption and to compare these rates to those obtained with TFA.

Methods

We examined 500 consecutive cerebral angiograms on an intent-to-treat basis during the first full year of radial-first adoption, recording patient and procedural characteristics and outcomes.

Results

Over a 9-month period at a single center, 457 of 500 angiograms (91.4%) were performed with intent-to-treat via TRA, and 431 cases (86.2%) were ultimately performed via TRA. One patient (0.2%) experienced a temporary neurologic deficit in the TRA group, and none (0%) did in the TFA group (p=0.80). The mean±SD fluoroscopy time per vessel decreased significantly from the first half of the study to the second half for TRA (5.0±3.8 vs 3.4±3.5 min/vessel; p<0.001), while TFA time remained unchanged (3.7±1.8 vs 3.5±1.4 min/vessel; p=0.69). The median fluoroscopy time per vessel for TRA became faster than that for TFA after 150 angiograms.

Conclusion

Of 500 consecutive angiograms performed during the first full year of radial-first implementation, 86.2% were performed successfully using TRA. TRA efficiency exceeded that of TFA after 150 angiograms. Concerns about the length of procedure or radiation exposure should not be barriers to TRA adoption.
Omeprazole-clopidogrel interaction and neurovascular complications after flow-diverter device placement
Authors: Catapano Joshua S , Srinivasan Visish M , Wakim Andre A , Lundberg Jaclyn N , Rutledge Caleb , Cole Tyler S , Baranoski Jacob F , Fredrickson Vance L , Rahmani Redi , Albuquerque Felipe C , Ducruet Andrew F
Published: June 2021

Background

Omeprazole is a common proton pump inhibitor that interferes with the hepatic activation of clopidogrel and potentially reduces its platelet-inhibitory effect. Omeprazole has been shown to increase P2Y12levels and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients treated with drug-eluting stents. However, omeprazole use among patients treated with flow-diverting stents for intracranial aneurysms has not been evaluated.

Methods

All patients with placement of a flow-diverting device for treatment of an intracranial aneurysm at a tertiary institution from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. Inclusion criteria included documented clopidogrel administration, available P2Y12levels, and thorough documentation of administration of other medications, including omeprazole.

Results

A total of 138 patients met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen patients (12%) were receiving omeprazole and clopidogrel at treatment. P2Y12reactivity was significantly greater in the omeprazole cohort (mean P2Y12level, 250 P2Y12reaction units (PRU)) than in the control cohort (mean P2Y12level, 112PRU) (P<0.001). Furthermore, a greater proportion of patients had a P2Y12level >180 PRU in the omeprazole cohort (14 of 16 [88%] vs 24 of 122 [20%]; P<0.001; OR [95% CI], 29 [6–134]).

Conclusion

Omeprazole was associated with a significant increase in the mean P2Y12reactivity level among patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with flow-diverting devices who received clopidogrel. However, receipt of omeprazole was not associated with an increased risk of ischemic events or stent stenosis. For neuroendovascular patients who are treated with a flow diverter while receiving clopidogrel, alternative gastrointestinal medication regimens should be considered.
Cadaveric study investigating the phrenic-sparing volume for anterior suprascapular nerve block
Authors: Maikong Naraporn , Kantakam Perada , Sinthubua Apichat , Mahakkanukrauh Pasuk , Tran De Q , Leurcharusmee Prangmalee
Published: June 2021

Background

This cadaveric study investigated the maximum effective volume of dye in 90% of cases (MEV90), required to stain the suprascapular nerve while sparing the phrenic nerve during the performance of an anterior suprascapular nerve block.

Methods

In cadaveric neck specimens, using ultrasound guidance, the block needle was advanced until its tip was positioned underneath the omohyoid muscle next to the suprascapular nerve. The dye was injected in order to achieve circumferential spread around the latter. Successful phrenic-sparing suprascapular nerve block was defined as the non-staining of the phrenic nerve on dissection. Volume assignment was carried out using a Biased Coin Design, whereby the volume of dye administered to each cadaveric specimen depended on the response of the previous one. In case of failure (ie, stained phrenic nerve), the next one received a lower volume (defined as the previous volume with a decrement of 2 mL). If the previous cadaveric specimen had a successful block (ie, non-stained phrenic nerve), the next one was randomized to a higher volume (defined as the previous volume with an increment of 2 mL), with a probability of
b
=0.11, or the same volume, with a probability of 1 –
b
=0.89.

Results

Thirty-one cadavers (56 cadaveric neck specimens) were included in the study. Using isotonic regression and bootstrap CI, the MEV90 for phrenic-sparing anterior suprascapular nerve block was estimated to be 4.2 mL (95% CI 3.0 to 5.0 mL). The probability of a successful response was estimated to be 0.90 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.96).

Conclusion

For ultrasound-guided anterior suprascapular nerve block, the MEV90 of dye required to spare the phrenic nerve is 4.2 mL. Further studies are required to correlate this finding with the MEV90 of local anesthetic in live subjects.
Margaret-Ann Armour and WISEST – an incredible legacy in advancing women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the work still to do
Authors: Goings Fervone , Wilson Nicole L. , Equiza Ale , Lefsrud Lianne M. , Willis Lisa M.
Published: June 2021

Dr. Margaret-Ann Armour was a visionary and leader in addressing the issue of gender inclusivity and discrimination in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She was instrumental in creating WISEST — Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science, and Technology — in 1982, which was one of the first programs in Canada intentionally designed to increase the participation of women and girls in STEM career paths. Since then, this innovative organization has designed several programs featuring hands-on learning and mentoring that reduce barriers and empower people from underrepresented and marginalized groups to pursue education and careers in STEM fields. This review provides a template for WISEST programs, discusses their impact on diversity in STEM, and highlights the work still to be done.
Chalk: all we need is a fracture log!
Authors: Mortimore Rory N.
Published: June 2021

Chalk fracture logging is reviewed in the context of the broader geology needed to build conceptual ground models. Examples of drilling damaged core illustrate the many issues faced by core loggers including identification of marker beds (marl seams, hardgrounds, flint bands, fossil shell beds) and the ‘interpretations’ necessary to complete a fracture log. Stratabound fractures impart a special style of fracturing to each Chalk formation. Lithology is a key factor in development of fracture style where marl seams control inclined conjugate fracture sets, development of listric growth faults and interbed slides. Lateral changes in lithology and thickness and consequent controls on fracture evolution are related to intra-Chalk tectonic episodes and tectonic setting with onshore interpretations supported by offshore seismic profiles. Strike-slip faults are illustrated in the Chalk cliffs of the Sussex coast. Fracture log reports should highlight special features such as shear zones and use annotated core photographs to illustrate issues requiring discussion.
ExpanDrogram: Dynamic Visualization of Big Data Segmentation over Time
Authors: Khalemsky A. , Gelbard R.
Published: June 2021

In dynamic and big data environments the visualization of a segmentation process over time often does not enable the user to simultaneously track entire pieces. The key points are sometimes incomparable, and the user is limited to a static visual presentation of a certain point. The proposed visualization concept, called ExpanDrogram, is designed to support dynamic classifiers that run in a big data environment subject to changes in data characteristics. It offers a wide range of features that seek to maximize the customization of a segmentation problem. The main goal of the ExpanDrogram visualization is to improve comprehensiveness by combining both the individual and segment levels, illustrating the dynamics of the segmentation process over time, providing “version control” that enables the user to observe the history of changes, and more. The method is illustrated using different datasets, with which we demonstrate multiple segmentation parameters, as well as multiple display layers, to highlight points such as new trend detection, outlier detection, tracking changes in original segments, and zoom in/out for more/less detail. The datasets vary in size from a small one to one of more than 12 million records.
Emerging Capabilities for the High-Throughput Characterization of Structural Materials
Authors: Miracle Daniel B. , Li Mu , Zhang Zhaohan , Mishra Rohan , Flores Katharine M.
Published: June 2021

Structural materials have lagged behind other classes in the use of combinatorial and high-throughput (CHT) methods for rapid screening and alloy development. The dual complexities of composition and microstructure are responsible for this, along with the need to produce bulk-like, defect-free materials libraries. This review evaluates recent progress in CHT evaluations for structural materials. High-throughput computations can augment or replace experiments and accelerate data analysis. New synthesis methods, including additive manufacturing, can rapidly produce composition gradients or arrays of discrete alloys-on-demand in bulk form, and new experimental methods have been validated for nearly all essential structural materials properties. The remaining gaps are CHT measurement of bulk tensile strength, ductility, and melting temperature and production of microstructural libraries. A search strategy designed forstructural materials gains efficiency by performing two layers of evaluations before addressing microstructure, and this review closes with a future vision of the autonomous, closed-loop CHT exploration of structural materials.
Menopausal transition does not influence skeletal muscle capillary growth in response to cycle training in women
Authors: Pérez-Gómez Jorge , Rytter Nicolai , Mandrup Camilla , Egelund Jon , Stallknecht Bente , Nyberg Michael , Hellsten Ylva
Published: June 2021

We evaluated the effect of 12 wk of intense aerobic exercise training on skeletal muscle angiogenesis in late pre- and recent postmenopausal women, with <4 yr of age difference. There was a main effect of training on capillary per fiber ratio, capillary density, and muscle VEGF protein content, with no difference between groups. It is concluded that the loss of estrogen per se at menopause does not influence the capillary growth response to intense aerobic training.
Parasternal intercostal, costal, and crural diaphragm neural activation during hypercapnia
Authors: Tagliabue Giovanni , Ji Michael Sukjoon , Suneby Jagers Jenny V. , Zuege Danny J. , Kortbeek John B. , Easton Paul A.
Published: June 2021

This investigation directly compares neural activation of the parasternal intercostal muscle with the two distinct segments of the diaphragm, costal and crural, during room air and hypercapnic ventilation. During eupnea and hypercapnia, the parasternal intercostal muscle and costal diaphragm share a similar neural activation, whereas they both differ significantly from the crural diaphragm. The parasternal intercostal muscle maintains and increases active inspiratory mechanical action with shortening during ventilation, even with high levels of diaphragm recruitment.
The combination of smoking with vitamin D deficiency impairs skeletal muscle fiber hypertrophy in response to overload in mice
Authors: Ajime Tom Tanjeko , Serré Jef , Wüst Rob C. I. , Burniston Jatin G. , Maes Karen , Janssens Wim , Troosters Thierry , Gayan-Ramirez Ghislaine , Degens Hans
Published: June 2021

Plantaris hypertrophy caused by compensatory overload after denervation of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles showed increased mass and fiber dimensions, but to a lesser extent when vitamin D deficiency was combined with cigarette smoking. Fatigue resistance was elevated in hypertrophied plantaris, irrespective of diet or smoking, whereas physical fitness, hypertrophic markers, and in situ plantaris force were similar. These data showed that the hypertrophic response to overload is attenuated when both conditions are combined.
Importance of KIM‐1 and MCP‐1 in Determining the Leptospirosis‐Associated AKI: A Sri Lankan Study
Authors: Nisansala Thilini , Weerasekera Manjula , Ranasinghe Nilantha , Marasinghe Chamil , Gamage Chandika , Fernando Neluka , Gunasekara Chinthika
Published: June 2021

Background. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of most prevalent and serious complications of leptospirosis, a prevalent zoonotic disease in tropical countries. Prompt diagnosis of the leptospirosis‐associated AKI is a challenge as there are no proper diagnostic tools that can identify patients in the early stage. Kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) are widely used novel AKI biomarkers that are studied in various disease conditions with AKI, but not in leptospirosis. Thus, this study is aimed at seeking the importance of KIM‐1 and MCP‐1 in determining the leptospirosis‐associated AKI. Methods. Leptospirosis‐suspected patients who were admitted to medical wards of two selected hospitals in the Western province of Sri Lanka were recruited. Leptospirosis was confirmed by three diagnostic tests: PCR, MAT, and culture, and the status of AKI was determined by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Results. Of 170 leptospirosis‐suspected patients, 79 were leptospirosis confirmed, and among them, 24.05% of patients were diagnosed to have AKI according to KDIGO criteria. Median serum KIM‐1 (p < 0.0001), urine KIM‐1 (0.0053), serum MCP‐1 (0.0080), and urine MCP‐1 (0.0019) levels in those developing AKI were significantly higher than in patients not developing AKI. The biomarker levels associated with leptospirosis AKI had AUC‐ROC of 0.8565, 0.7292, 0.7024, and 0.7282 for serum KIM‐1, urine KIM‐1, serum MCP‐1, and urine MCP‐1, respectively. Conclusion. This study revealed serum KIM‐1 as a promising marker for leptospirosis‐associated AKI among the tested biomarkers. Thus, further validation is recommended with a larger study group.
A Novel Elastic Metamaterial with Multiple Resonators for Vibration Suppression
Authors: Nooraldinvand Saman Ahmadi , Sedighi Hamid M. , Yaghootian Amin
Published: June 2021

In this paper, two models of elastic metamaterial containing one and two resonators are proposed to obtain the bandgaps with the aim of providing broadband vibration suppression. The model with one DOF is built by assembling several unite cells in which each unite cell consists of a rectangular frame as the base structure and a rack-and-pinion mechanism that is joined to the frame with a linear spring on both sides. In the second model with two DOF, a small mass is added while its center is attached to the center of the pinion on one side and the other side is connected to the rectangular frame via a linear spring. In the first mechanism, the pinion is considered as the single resonator, and in the 2DOF model, on the other hand, the pinion and small mass acted as multiple resonators. By obtaining the governing equations of motion for a single cell in each model, the dynamic behavior of two metastructures is thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the equations of motion for the two models are written in matrix form, and then, the dispersion relations are presented to analyze the influences of system parameters on the bandgaps’ starting/ending frequencies. Finally, two models are successfully compared and then numerically simulated via MATLAB-SIMULINK and MSC-ADAMS software. With the aid of closed-form expressions for starting/ending frequencies, the correlation between the system parameters and bandgap intervals can be readily recognized.
Titanium and Other Metal Hypersensitivity Diagnosed by MELISA® Test: Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Vrbova Radka , Podzimek Stepan , Himmlova Lucie , Roubickova Adela , Janovska Marketa , Janatova Tatjana , Bartos Martin , Vinsu Alex
Published: June 2021

This study is aimed at proving the clinical benefit of the MELISA® test in the minimization or complete elimination of health problems in patients with confirmed hypersensitivity to metals used for tissue replacements. A group of 305 patients aged 20‐75 years with previously proven metal hypersensitivity (initial MELISA® test), mainly to titanium and then to another fifteen metals, was chosen from the database at the Institute of Dental Medicine. From these patients, a final group of 42 patients agreed to participate in the study, 35 of which were female and 7 were male. The patients completed a special questionnaire aimed at information regarding change of health status from their last visit and determining whether the results of the initial MELISA® test and recommendations based on it were beneficial for patients or not. They were clinically examined, and peripheral blood samples were taken to perform follow‐up MELISA® tests. Questionnaire data was processed, and the follow‐up MELISA® test results were compared with the results of the initial MELISA® tests. For statistical analysis, the Fisher’s exact test and paired T‐test were used. Thirty‐two patients reported that they followed the recommendations based on the results of the initial MELISA® tests, and of these, 30 patients (94%) confirmed significant health improvement. Six patients did not follow the recommendation, and from these, only one patient reported an improvement in his health problems. By comparison of the initial and follow‐up MELISA® test results, it can be stated that the hypersensitivity to the given metal decreased or disappeared after the therapeutic interventions performed based on the initial MELISA® test results. The evaluation of the data obtained from patients in this study confirmed a significant clinical benefit of MELISA® test.
Determining Tensile Strength of Rock by the Direct Tensile, Brazilian Splitting, and Three‐Point Bending Methods: A Comparative Study
Authors: Huang Zhengjun , Zhang Ying , Li Yuan , Zhang Dong , Yang Tong , Sui Zhili
Published: June 2021

To accurately obtain the tensile strength of rock and fully understand the evolution process of rock failure is one of the key issues to the research of rock mechanics theories and rock mass engineering applications. Using direct tensile, Brazilian splitting, and three‐point bending test methods, we performed indoor and numerical simulation experiments on marble, granite, and diabase and investigated the tensile strength and damage evolution process of several typical rocks in the three different tests. Our experiments demonstrate that (1) the strength is about 10% greater in the Brazilian splitting than in the direct tensile, while the tensile modulus is lower; it is the highest in the three‐point bending, which is actually subjected to the bending moment and suggested as one of the indexes to evaluate the tensile strength of rock; (2) the strength in splitting tests is strikingly different, while the strain law is basically similar; the direct tensile test with precut slits is more attainable than that with no‐cut slits, with an uninfluenced strength; (3) the failure modes of rocks using different methods are featured by different lithology, while their final modes are basically the same under the same method; (4) PFC and RFPA numerical simulation tests are effective to analyze the internal crack multiplication and acoustic emission changes in the rock as well as the damage evolution process of rock in different tests.
Rapid Detection of Tebuconazole Based on Aptasensor and Aggregation of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Truong Phuoc Long , Duyen Vo Thi Cam , Toi Vo Van
Published: June 2021

Tebuconazole is a triazole fungicide used in agriculture to treat pathogenic fungi. It is listed as a possible carcinogen and it shows a potential risk for the environment at very low concentration. Therefore, the detection and monitoring of tebuconazole in food and environment play an important role. The current methods for the analysis of tebuconazole employ gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after sample extraction with organic solvents and column cleaning. Besides the advantages of these methods such as efficiency, repeatability, and accuracy, they are still time-consuming and costly. Herein, we report a simple, sensitive platform for the fast detection of pesticides with a low cost. The detection technique exploits a pesticide-specific DNA aptamer as the bioreceptor of an optical biosensor. Instead of trying to capture the pesticide on the sensor surface, our method allows the DNA aptamers, which are adsorbed on the nanoparticle’s surface, to detach from the nanoparticles when interacting with the pesticide. This leads to the pesticide-induced aggregation and the change of the absorption spectrum of metallic nanoparticles upon high-salt concentrations, which can be monitored with unaided eye or absorbance measurement. Using tebuconazole as a model analyte for detection of pesticide, the designed aptasensor showed a high sensitivity and selectivity with a detection limit of ~10 nM and reaction time within ~20 min. In the case of tebuconazole detection in spiked rice samples, the average recoveries were in the range of 89.90–110.86% with the relative standard deviations (RSD) of 3.11–4.32%. These results indicate that our sensing platform can be exploited for the rapid detection of pesticides in real samples.
Effects of Arsenic Trioxide-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles on Proliferation and Migration of Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Zhao Susu , Yu Zeqian , Zhang Yifen , Lin Mei
Published: June 2021

Backgroud. To evaluate improvement of arsenic trioxide-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (As2O3-PLGA-NPs) to Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (HUVSMCs) in vitro. Methods. As2O3-PLGA-NPs were synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and the cumulative release rates of As2O3-PLGA-NPs were measured in vitro; HUVSMCs were treated with As2O3-PLGA-NPs in vitro. MTT assay and flow cytometry assay (FCM) were performed to examine the inhibitory effect of As2O3-PLGA-NPs on HUVSMCs and compared with As2O3 solution at various concentrations. Optical microscope was used to observe the morphological change of HUVSMCs treated with As2O3-PLGA-NPs. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and MMP-9 in HUVSMCs was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot (WB). Results. EDS confirmed that prepared nanoparticles contained elements of arsenic. The surface coating of the eluting stent of As2O3-PLGA-NPs has the same characteristics with our self-prepared As2O3-PLGA-NPs, and it also has a drug sustained-release character. Compared with the control group, cell proliferation and migration cell were significantly suppressed with concentration-dependent (

P
<
0.05

, respectively). Meanwhile, in concentration-dependent, As2O3-PLGA-NPs depressed mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 and MMP-9 and increased mRNA and protein expression of Bax. Conclusion. As2O3-PLGA-NPs had an inhibitory effect on HUVSMCs’ proliferation and migration, and it may work via regulating Bax, Bcl-2, and MMP-9 expression in vitro.