bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occludin degradation makes brain microvascular endothelial cells more vulnerable to reperfusion injury in vitro
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Li Xiaofeng , Qiao Shanshan , Yang Dexin , Li Zongyang , Xu Ji , Li Weiping , Su Li , Liu Wenlan
Published: June 2020

Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most dangerous complication in tPA thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke, which occurs as a consequence of endothelial cell death at the blood–brain barrier (BBB) during thrombolytic reperfusion. We have previously shown that cerebral ischemia‐induced rapid occludin degradation and BBB disruption. Here we demonstrated an important role of occludin degradation in facilitating the evolution of ischemic endothelial cells toward death. Cultured brain microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3 cells) were exposed to oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) or incubated with occludin siRNA or occludin AAV to achieve an occludin deficiency or over‐expression status before exposing to reoxygenation (R) or TNF‐α treatment. Cell death was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release, TUNEL staining, and flow cytometry analysis. Inhibition of OGD‐induced occludin degradation with SB‐3CT or over‐expression of occludin with occludin AAV both significantly attenuated OGD/R‐induced apoptosis and pyroptosis in bEnd.3 cells. Consistently, knockdown of occludin with siRNA potentiated TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis, supporting an important role of occludin integrity in endothelial cell survival. Similar results were observed for pyroptosis, in which occludin knockdown with siRNA led to a significant augmentation of cytokines secretion, inflammasome activation, and pyroptosis occurrence in TNF‐α‐treated bEnd.3 cells. Lastly, up‐regulation of c‐Yes, PI3K/AKT, and ERK concurrently occurred with occludin degradation after OGD/R or TNF‐α treatment, and the level of these proteins were further increased when inhibition of occludin degradation or over‐expression of occludin. These data indicate that occludin degradation inflicted during ischemia makes BBB endothelial cells more vulnerable to reperfusion‐associated stress stimuli.

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GRADING JOURNALS IN ECONOMICS: THE ABCS OF THE ABDC
Authors: Hirschberg Joseph Gerald , Lye Jeanette Ngaire
Published: June 2020

Many institutions and governments grade academic journals for the evaluation of research. In this paper, we implement a multi‐bibliometric methodology for the evaluation of such a list of journal grades. We examine the grades assigned by the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) for over 750 journals in the fields of economics and statistics.

Firstly, we generate up to 48 bibliometric‐based grades for each journal based on the grade distribution implied by the ABDC. Secondly, we categorize the bibliometrics employing a cluster analysis of an interrater agreement statistic. Thirdly, we present a visualization of the consistency of the grading by journal. Finally, we list those journals where the majority of the matched bibliometrics indicate a higher or lower grade than their ABDC grade.
Imaging of orofacial pain
Authors: Whyte Andy , Matias Marie Anne Teresa J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Orofacial pain is a common complaint, with an estimated 75% of cases caused by dental disease, specifically a diseased pulp. A small percentage of orofacial pain cases will require specialist referral most commonly to oral medicine specialists or oral and maxillofacial surgeons from a dental perspective, or otolaryngologists or neurologists from a medical perspective.

Imaging modalities

Following a thorough history and clinical examination, imaging is often required to narrow the differential diagnosis or answer a specific query related to the final diagnosis. A range of imaging modalities can be used to evaluate orofacial pain including dental panoramic tomography (DPT), intraoral radiographs, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear medicine.

Imaging protocols

This paper provides a guideline outlining imaging protocols for categories of facial pain divided into: (a) unilateral odontalgia; (b) unilateral facial pain; (c) combined unilateral odontalgia and facial pain; (d) trigeminal neuralgia; (e) trigeminal neuropathic pain with or without other sensory, autonomic or motor features; (f) temporomandibular joint disorders and associated pain; (g) referred pain and (h) non‐specific orofacial pain.

Conclusion

Imaging for orofacial pain should be tailored to answer a specific query related to the aetiology of the reported pain. This should result in a specific diagnosis or narrowing of the differential diagnosis as possible causes of orofacial pain are eliminated. Choosing the correct imaging modality and protocol based on the pain category is important for efficient and effective pain diagnosis and management.
Dietary supplementation with grape seed extract prevents development of trigeminal sensitization and inhibits pain signaling in a preclinical chronic temporomandibular disorder model
Authors: Cornelison Lauren E. , Chelliboina Neelima , Woodman Sara E. , Durham Paul L.
Published: June 2020

Background

The risk factors neck muscle tension, prolonged jaw opening, and female gender are associated with developing temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which are characterized by persistent sensitization of trigeminal neurons and enhanced pain signaling. Dietary supplementation with a grape seed extract (GSE) can modulate expression of proteins that decrease neuronal excitability and trigeminal sensitization.

Methods

Mechanical nocifensive thresholds over the masseter were determined using von Frey filaments in male and female adult Sprague Dawley rats. To promote trigeminal sensitization, animals were injected with complete Freund’s adjuvant in the upper trapezius. After 8 days, animals were subjected to near maximal jaw opening and head withdrawal responses were determined for 28 days. Some animals received continuous supplementation with 0.5% GSE in their drinking water two weeks prior to trapezius injections.

Results

Prolonged jaw opening increased the average number of nocifensive responses to mechanical stimuli for 14 days in males and females. However, trapezius inflammation prior to jaw opening promoted persistent mechanical sensitivity up to 28 days post‐jaw opening in females, while in males nociceptive levels were still elevated at day 21. Supplementation with GSE, which is enriched in polyphenols and exhibits antioxidant and COX‐2 activity, inhibited trigeminal nociception in response to jaw opening in both male and female sensitized animals.

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence that multiple risk factors contribute to the development of a prolonged state of trigeminal sensitization that is more severe in females and provide preclinical evidence that supplementation with GSE could be beneficial in the management of TMD.
Experimental muscle pain and music, do they interact?
Authors: Ernberg Malin , Al‐Khdhairi Dina , Shkola Kseniya , Louca Jounger Sofia , Christidis Nikolaos
Published: June 2020

Background

Music is used to evoke audio analgesia during dental procedures, but it is unknown if experimental pain and music interact. This study aimed to explore the multisensory interaction between contrasting types of music and experimentally induced muscle pain.

Methods

In 20 healthy women, 0.3 mL sterile hypertonic saline (5.8%) was injected into the masseter muscle during three sessions while contrasting music (classical and black metal) or no music was played in the background. Pain intensity was assessed every 15 seconds with a 0‐100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) until pain subsided. Pain spread (pain drawings), unpleasantness (VAS), anxiety (VAS), and pain quality (McGill Questionnaire) were assessed after the last pain assessment.

Results

Pain of high intensity was evoked at all sessions with a median (interquartile range) peak pain intensity of 78 (30) in the black metal music, 86 (39) in the classical music, and 77 (30) in the control session. The pain duration was 142 (150) seconds in the black metal music, 135 (150) seconds in the classical music, and 135 (172) seconds in the control session. The corresponding pain‐drawing areas were 42 (52), 37 (36), and 44 (34), arbitrary units respectively. There were no differences in any of these variables (Friedman's test; P´s > .368), or in unpleasantness, anxiety, or pain quality between sessions (P´s > .095).

Conclusions

Experimentally induced muscle pain does not seem to be influenced by contrasting types of background music. Further studies exploring the multisensory integration between music and experimental muscle pain are needed.
Population biology of common carp, Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758), in Lake Naivasha, Kenya
Authors: Mutethya Eunice , Yongo Edwine , Laurent Cishahayo , Waithaka Edna , Lomodei Evans
Published: June 2020

The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is an exotic fish, being one of the commercially important species in Lake Naivasha. The present study investigated its growth, mortality, maturity, condition and exploitation. Sampling was done monthly from January to December 2017 with gillnets of 2–5 inches mesh size. Each individual fish was measured (cm) and weighed (g) in the field. The specimens were preserved in ice and transported to the laboratory for analysis of maturity. The fish lengths ranged from 12.0 to 69.0 cm TL, and weighed between 32 and 6,840 g. The overall population sex ratio was 1:1.66 (female:male). The length at first maturity (Lm50) was calculated to be 54.0 and 49.0 cm for females and males, respectively. The length at first capture (23.9 cm) was lower than its length at first maturity, suggesting the capture of immature fish. The mean condition factor for all fish was 1.05. The peak condition values were observed during April (1.35), September (1.59) and October (1.80). The highest (1.377) mean condition was observed for size class 56–60 and the lowest (0.933) in class 26–30. The asymptotic length (L∞) was 73.5 cm, and the growth curvature (K) was 1.05 year‐1, with a growth performance index (Ф) of 3.72. The total (Z), natural (M) and fishing (F) mortality coefficients were 2.85, 1.34 and 1.78 year‐1, respectively. The exploitation rate (E) of 0.57 year‐1 was higher than the optimum sustainable yield (E0.5) of 0.32, but was not different from the maximum sustainable yields (Emax) 0.54 and economic yield (E0.1) 0.46. The results of the present study provide parameters of fish biology and population that should prove useful in managing the fishery of Lake Naivasha.
Case report of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐positive encephalitis mimicking hemiplegic migraine
Authors: Matoba Shun , Inoue Manabu , Morihata Hirokazu , Takeshima Takao
Published: June 2020

Even though symptoms are important in the diagnosis of hemiplegic migraine, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐positive benign unilateral cortical encephalitis shows unique progress and findings on magnetic resonance imaging. We encountered a case of hemiplegic migraine showing cortical hyperintensity on magnetic resonance imaging, and positive results for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody. A certain proportion of patients diagnosed with hemiplegic migraine appear to show myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐positive benign unilateral cortical encephalitis.
Abscisic acid and hydrogen peroxide are involved in drought priming‐induced drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Wang X. , Zhang J. , Song J. , Huang M. , Cai J. , Zhou Q. , Dai T. , Jiang D.
Published: June 2020

Drought is one of the major stress factors in wheat production on a global scale. Drought priming during the early growth stage can enhance drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Abscisic acid (ABA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are important signal molecules in the adaptation of plants to drought stress. However, the roles of ABA and H2O2 in drought priming‐induced drought tolerance are not clear.

In the present study, we evaluated the responses of wheat to an ABA inhibitor, H2O2 scavenger and an inhibitor to investigate the (i) relationship between ABA and H2O2 in osmotic adjustment after drought priming in the vegetative stage and (ii) responses to drought stress during grain filling.

In the drought priming alone treatments, chemical application resulted in the scavenging of ABA and H2O2, weakening the alleviation effects of drought priming on drought stress, as demonstrated by the lower leaf water potential and grain yield. The ABA inhibitor completely inhibited accumulation of ABA and H2O2; the ABA inhibitor inhibited respiratory burst oxidase homologue expression, whereas the H2O2 inhibitor resulted in higher 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase expression and ABA concentration in primed plants, indicating that ABA scavenging inhibited H2O2 biosynthesis while H2O2 scavenging did not inhibit ABA biosynthesis. The results further demonstrated that NADPH oxidase‐mediated H2O2 production functions downstream of ABA, which induces osmolyte transcript expression and accumulation, and thus contributes to drought priming‐induced stress tolerance.

These results provide a theoretical basis for a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in drought priming‐induced tolerance in wheat plants.
Analysis of Colletotrichum musae populations from Brazil reveals the presence of isolates with high competitive ability and reduced sensitivity to postharvest fungicides
Authors: Leite Iris C. H. L. , Silva Renata A. , Santos José E. C. C. , Freitas‐Lopes Rejane L. , Câmara Marcos P. S. , Michereff Sami J. , Lopes Ueder P.
Published: June 2020

In this study, the sensitivity of 218 isolates of Colletotrichum musae to imazalil and thiabendazole was evaluated, as well the fitness and competitive ability of less sensitive isolates. There was a positive correlation between the sensitivity to the two fungicides, but the isolates were more sensitive to imazalil. The estimated effective concentration of the fungicide able to inhibit mycelial growth by 50% (EC50) was used to select four isolates with the lowest and the highest values for both fungicides, which were considered as sensitive (S) and less sensitive (LS), respectively. The level of sensitivity was maintained after 10 successive transfers on fungicide‐free medium. Both fungicides were effective in controlling the disease caused by S isolates of C. musae in detached banana fruit when recommended doses were used. However, only imazalil was able to control the disease caused by LS isolates. For both fungicides, analysis of fitness‐related variables (mycelial growth, sporulation, germination, and virulence) showed no difference between the groups of S and LS isolates, but a large variation was observed within the group. The LS isolates to thiabendazole that showed a mutation (F200Y) in the β‐tubulin gene did not have fitness penalties. Our results allow a better understanding of the sensitivity and fitness of isolates of C. musae from Brazil, and demonstrate the importance of periodic monitoring to determine the frequency of LS isolates in populations, aiming at more effective management of anthracnose in banana orchards in Brazil.
Income Inequality and Opioid Prescribing Rates: Exploring Rural/Urban Differences in Pathways via Residential Stability and Social Isolation
Authors: Yang Tse‐Chuan , Kim Seulki , Shoff Carla
Published: June 2020

While opioid prescribing rates have drawn researchers' attention, little is known about the mechanisms through which income inequality affects opioid prescribing rates and even less focuses on whether there is a rural/urban difference in mediating pathways. Applying mediation analysis techniques to a unique ZIP code level dataset from several sources maintained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, we explicitly examine two mechanisms through residential stability and social isolation by rural/urban status and find that (1) income inequality is not directly related to opioid prescribing rates, but it exerts its influence on opioid prescribing via poor residential stability and elevated social isolation; (2) social isolation accounts for two‐thirds of the mediating effect of income inequality on opioid prescribing rates among urban ZIP codes, but the proportion halves among rural ZIP codes; (3) residential stability plays a larger role in understanding how income inequality matters in rural than in urban ZIP codes; and (4) beneficiary characteristics only matter in urban ZIP codes. These findings offer nuanced insight into how income inequality affects opioid prescribing rates and suggests that the determinants of opioid prescribing rates vary by rural/urban status. Future research may benefit from identifying place‐specific factors for opioid prescribing rates.
Adolescent Fertility Is Lower than Expected in Rural Areas: Results from 10 African HDSS
Authors: Rossier Clémentine , Schoumaker Bruno , Delaunay Valérie , Beguy Donatien , Jain Aparna , Bangha Martin , Aregay Alemseged , Beck Baptiste , Derra Karim , Millogo Modeste , Dube Albert Nkhata , Siaka Kone , Wamukoya Marylene , Zabre Pascal
Published: June 2020

The adolescent birth rate (ABR) is an important indicator of maternal health, adolescent sexual health, and gender equity; it remains high in sub‐Saharan Africa. While Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) are the main source of ABR estimates, Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS) also produce ABRs. Studies are lacking, however, to assess the ease of access and accuracy of HDSS ABR measures. In this paper, we use birth and exposure data from 10 HDSS in six African countries to compute local ABRs and compare these rates to DHS regional rates where the HDSS sites are located, standardizing by education and place of residence. In rural HDSS sites, the ABR measure is on average 44 percent lower than the DHS measure, after controlling for education and place of residence. Strong temporary migration of childless young women out of rural areas and different capacities in capturing temporarily absent women in the DHS and HDSS could explain this discrepancy. Further comparisons based on more strictly similar populations and measures seem warranted.
Non‐Accidental Knowing
Authors: Paterson Niall J.
Published: June 2020

Knowledge excludes luck. According to the received view, this intuition reveals that knowing is essentially modal in character. This paper demurs. Either knowledge does not exclude luck, or the entailment reveals nothing about its conceptual character. It is argued that knowledge excludesaccidentality, and that this notion is not modal but causal‐explanatory. There are three central tasks. The first is to explicate the concept of accident. The second is to argue that the concepts of luck and accident are “intensionally distinct,” which is to say that no member of the intension of either holds on both. The third is to argue that an anti‐accident requirement on knowledge is preferable to an anti‐luck analogue on abductive grounds.
Changing Grocery Shopping Behaviours Among Chinese Consumers At The Outset Of The COVID‐19 Outbreak
Authors: Li Junxiong , Hallsworth Alan G. , Coca‐Stefaniak J. Andres
Published: June 2020

This study focuses on the embryonic stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic in China, where most people affected opted to abide by the Chinese government’s national self‐quarantine campaign. This resulted in major disruptions to one of the most common market processes in retail: food retailing. The research adopts the theory of planned behaviour to provide early empirical insights into changes in consumer behaviour related to food purchases during the initial stages of the COVID‐19 outbreak in China. Data from the online survey carried out suggest that the outbreak triggered considerable levels of switching behaviours among customers, with farmers’ markets losing most of their customers, while local small independent retailers experienced the highest levels of resilience in terms of customer retention. This study suggests avenues for further scholarly research and policy making related to the impact this behaviour may be having around the world on society’s more vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly.
Marketplaces as Public Spaces in Times of The Covid‐19 Coronavirus Outbreak: First Reflections
Authors: van Eck Emil , van Melik Rianne , Schapendonk Joris
Published: June 2020

Marketplaces are regarded as quintessential public spaces, providing not only access to fresh produce but also functioning as important social infrastructures. However, many marketplaces closed down or changed fundamentally in response to the COVID‐19 coronavirus outbreak. In this paper, we reflect on the effects of the crisis on Dutch marketplaces from two interdependent analytical levels. From a ground level, we illustrate their ‘temporary death’ as public spaces and reflect on their changing social dynamics. From an organisational level, we analyse traders’ responses to the institutional measures taken to combat the crisis. Combining pre‐corona, in‐situ research with (social) media analysis, we show how a variegated institutional landscape of market regulation emerged. Whereas some markets closed down, others remained open in a highly regulated manner; representing merely economic infrastructures. Our first reflections lead to new avenues to explore how the COVID‐19 crisis affects the everyday geographies of public space.
Emergency‐release blood transfusions after postpartum hemorrhage at the Intermountain Healthcare hospitals
Authors: Hulse Whitley , Bahr Timothy M. , Morris David S. , Richards Douglas S. , Ilstrup Sarah J. , Christensen Robert D.
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Most low‐risk obstetric patients do not have crossmatched blood available to treat unexpected postpartum hemorrhage. An emergency‐release blood transfusion (ERBT) program is critical for hospitals with obstetrical services. We performed a retrospective analysis of obstetrical ERBTs administered in our multihospital system.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We collected data from the past 8 years at all Intermountain Healthcare hospitals on every ERBT after postpartum hemorrhage; logging circumstances, number and type of transfused products, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Eighty‐nine women received ERBT following 224,035 live births, for an incidence of 3.97 transfused women/10,000 births. The most common causally‐associated conditions were: uterine atony (40%), placental abruption/placenta previa (16%), retained placenta (11%), and uterine rupture (5%). The mean number of total units transfused was 7.9 (range 1‐76). The mean number of red blood cells (RBCs) transfused was 4.8, the median 4, and SD was ±4.4. Massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) for trauma recommend using a ratio of 1:1:1 or 2:1:1 of RBC:FFP:Platelets, however the ratios varied widely for postpartum hemorrhage. Only 1.5% received a 1:1:1 ratio and 7.5% received a 2:1:1 ratio. Nineteen percent (17/89) of women underwent hysterectomy, 7% (6/89) had uterine artery embolization, 36% (32/89) had an intensive care unit admission, and 1% (1/89) died.

CONCLUSION

Emergency transfusion for postpartum hemorrhage occurred after 1/2500 births. Most women received less FFP and platelets than recommended for traumatic hemorrhage. A potentially better practice for postpartum hemorrhage would be a balanced ratio of blood products, transfusion of low‐titer, group O, cold‐stored, whole blood, or inclusion in a MTP.
System-Level Thermal Management and Reliability of Automotive Electronics: Goals and Opportunities Using Phase-Change Materials
Authors: Nafis Bakhtiyar Mohammad , Iradukunda Ange-Christian , Huitink David
Published: June 2020

Electronic packaging for automotive applications are at particular risk of thermomechanical failure due to the naturally harsh conditions it is exposed to. With the rise of electric and hybrid electric vehicles (EVs and HEVs), combined with a desire to miniaturize, the challenge of removing enough heat from electronic devices in automotive vehicles is evolving. This paper closely examines the new challenges in thermal management in various driving environments and aims to classify each existing cooling method in terms of performance. Particular focus is placed upon emerging solutions regarded to hold great potential, such as phase-change materials (PCMs). PCMs have been regarded for some time as a means of transferring heat quickly away from the region with the electronic components and are widely regarded as a possible means of carrying out cooling in large scale from small areas, because of their high latent heat of fusion, high specific heat, temperature stability, and small volume change during phase change, etc. They have already been utilized as a method of passive cooling in electronics in various ways, but their adoption in automotive power electronics, such as in traction inverters, has yet to be fulfilled. A brief discussion is made on some of the potential areas of application and challenges relating to more widespread adoption of PCMs, with reference to a case study using computational model of a commercially available power module used in automotive applications.
Numerical Simulation of the Evacuation Process and Smoke Propagation Due to a Fire in a Road Tunnel With Transverse Ventilation System
Authors: Halawa Taher
Published: June 2020

Fire accidents in road tunnels can form a great danger in the life of people if the evacuation process does not happen effectively. This paper introduces a numerical investigation of fire and evacuation analysis in a road tunnel and provides important insights into the conditions that people are exposed to during evacuation. The fire was assumed to originate from a bus with a fire size of 30 MW at the moment corresponding to the peak heat release rate. Results including smoke distribution, visibility distribution, paths of people during evacuation, people existence density, and people speed are presented and analyzed. One of the important findings of this paper is the estimation of the time available for people to evacuate safely before the approach of the smoke layer to the occupation zone causing deterioration of the visibility values. The discussion introduced a clarification of the connection between the time of exposure to smoke, people speed, and smoke propagation speed. Results showed that the time of exposure to smoke during evacuation can be significantly increased if the fire size is increased especially for persons located within 15 m from the fire location and take more than 2 min to take the decision of evacuation.
Transfer of orbital angular momentum of light to plasmonic excitations in metamaterials
Authors: Arikawa T. , Hiraoka T. , Morimoto S. , Blanchard F. , Tani S. , Tanaka T. , Sakai K. , Kitajima H. , Sasaki K. , Tanaka K.
Published: June 2020

Vortex light twists electrons in a metallic disk with subwavelength corrugation.
Negative dominance and dominance-by-dominance epistatic effects reduce grain-yield heterosis in wide crosses in wheat
Authors: Boeven Philipp H. G. , Zhao Yusheng , Thorwarth Patrick , Liu Fang , Maurer Hans Peter , Gils Mario , Schachschneider Ralf , Schacht Johannes , Ebmeyer Erhard , Kazman Ebrahim , Mirdita Vilson , Dörnte Jost , Kontowski Stefan , Horbach Ralf , Cöster Hilmar , Holzapfel Josef , Jacobi Andreas , Ramgraber Ludwig , Reinbrecht Carsten , Starck Norbert , Varenne Pierrick , Starke Anne , Schürmann Friederike , Ganal Martin , Polley Andreas , Hartung Jens , Beier Sebastian , Scholz Uwe , Longin C. Friedrich H. , Reif Jochen C. , Jiang Yong , Würschum Tobias
Published: June 2020

Breeding exploits the phenomenon of heterosis for an improved productivity, but negative effects reduce heterosis in wide crosses.
Ancient genomes reveal complex patterns of population movement, interaction, and replacement in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Wang Ke , Goldstein Steven , Bleasdale Madeleine , Clist Bernard , Bostoen Koen , Bakwa-Lufu Paul , Buck Laura T. , Crowther Alison , Dème Alioune , McIntosh Roderick J. , Mercader Julio , Ogola Christine , Power Robert C. , Sawchuk Elizabeth , Robertshaw Peter , Wilmsen Edwin N. , Petraglia Michael , Ndiema Emmanuel , Manthi Fredrick K. , Krause Johannes , Roberts Patrick , Boivin Nicole , Schiffels Stephan
Published: June 2020

New ancient genomes from Africa provide details of the spread of food production across sub-Saharan Africa.
Marangoni flows drive the alignment of fibrillar cell-laden hydrogels
Authors: Nerger Bryan A. , Brun P.-T. , Nelson Celeste M.
Published: June 2020

Cell-laden hydrogels can be engineered using evaporating droplets of collagen.
Mapping the 3D orientation of nanocrystals and nanostructures in human bone: Indications of novel structural features
Authors: Grünewald Tilman A. , Liebi Marianne , Wittig Nina K. , Johannes Andreas , Sikjaer Tanja , Rejnmark Lars , Gao Zirui , Rosenthal Martin , Guizar-Sicairos Manuel , Birkedal Henrik , Burghammer Manfred
Published: June 2020

3D mapping of crystal and nanostructure orientation shows that bone contains a mineral fraction not aligned with the nanostructure.
Enhancing the regenerative effectiveness of growth factors by local inhibition of interleukin-1 receptor signaling
Authors: Julier Ziad , Karami Rezvan , Nayer Bhavana , Lu Yen-Zhen , Park Anthony J. , Maruyama Kenta , Kuhn Gisela A. , Müller Ralph , Akira Shizuo , Martino Mikaël M.
Published: June 2020

A novel engineered form of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist augments the regenerative activity of recombinant growth factors.
A highly potent lymphatic system–targeting nanoparticle cyclosporine prevents glomerulonephritis in mouse model of lupus
Authors: Ganugula Raghu , Arora Meenakshi , Zou Dianxiong , Agarwal Sandeep K. , Mohan Chandra , Kumar M. N. V. Ravi
Published: June 2020

Orally delivered lymphatic system–specific nanoparticle cyclosporine is an effective way to treat lupus.
Ahr-Foxp3-RORγt axis controls gut homing of CD4
+
T cells by regulating GPR15
Authors: Xiong Lifeng , Dean Joseph W. , Fu Zheng , Oliff Kristen N. , Bostick John W. , Ye Jian , Chen Zongming E. , Mühlbauer Marcus , Zhou Liang
Published: June 2020

GPR15 expression is promoted by Ahr in an evolutionarily conserved manner via cooperation with Foxp3 but inhibited by RORγt.
Field evidence for coal combustion links the 252 Ma Siberian Traps with global carbon disruption
Authors: Elkins-Tanton L.T. , Grasby S.E. , Black B.A. , Veselovskiy R.V. , Ardakani O.H. , Goodarzi F.
Published: June 2020

The Permian-Triassic extinction was the most severe in Earth history. The Siberian Traps eruptions are strongly implicated in the global atmospheric changes that likely drove the extinction. A sharp negative carbon isotope excursion coincides within geochronological uncertainty with the oldest dated rocks from the Norilsk section of the Siberian flood basalts. We focused on the voluminous volcaniclastic rocks of the Siberian Traps, relatively unstudied as potential carriers of carbon-bearing gases. Over six field seasons we collected rocks from across the Siberian platform, and we show here the first direct evidence that the earliest eruptions in the southern part of the province burned large volumes of a combination of vegetation and coal. We demonstrate that the volume and composition of organic matter interacting with magmas may explain the global carbon isotope signal and may have significantly driven the extinction.
A case of likely acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis in a 17-year-old male presenting to general paediatrics
Authors: Aghababaie Arameh , Patey Richard
Published: June 2020

We present the case of a 17-year-old male with a sore throat, tender cervical lymphadenopathy, bilateral erythematous and enlarged tonsils, fever, joint pain, widespread tender purpuric nodules, ulcerative lesions and erythematous pustules. The diagnosis was initially unclear. He had raised neutrophils, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. His skin biopsy showed a neutrophilic dermatosis with superficial pustulosis and leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Most likely, the patient suffered from a rare condition called acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (AFND). AFND is a very rare disorder of poorly understood aetiology, with only a few hundred reported cases in the literature. The complexity and rarity of this condition, and the difficulty in diagnosing, is an example of the challenge facing paediatricians as the paediatric admission age threshold increases to include older adolescents and young adults up to the age of 25 years, as per the National Health Service (NHS) long-term plan.
Neisseria meningitidisserogroup C causing primary polyarthritis in an octogenarian
Authors: Noteman Thomas William , Ha Taegyeong Tina , Tsarfati Elan Micha
Published: June 2020

A man in his 80s presented to the hospital with a 36-hour history of fever, myalgia, bilateral shoulder and right knee pain. Joint fluid aspirates from his shoulders and right knee isolated Gram-negative diplococci. After failing to grow on standard and selective media,Neisseria meningitidiswas identified by 16s PCR and subsequently typed as serogroup C. He had no clinical features of meningitis or meningococcaemia. Blood cultures were negative and an EDTA blood sample was negative for meningococcal ctrA gene. Urine PCR was negative forNeisseria gonorrhoeae. He was treated successfully with two arthroscopic joint washouts of his right knee, aspirates of both shoulders, 40 days of intravenous ceftriaxone and intensive physiotherapy as both an inpatient and outpatient. In the literature, we have not found any previously documented cases of serogroup C meningococcus causing polyarticular primary septic arthritis in this age group or guidance on duration of antibiotic treatment. Literature on the impact of rehabilitation to baseline function was also found to be lacking. Although rare, primary meningococcal arthritis (PMA) should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of acute polyarticular septic arthritis. Polyarticular PMA in older adults may require prolonged rehabilitation before one might expect to return to premorbid function.
Potential benefit of combination antifungal therapy inAspergillusendocarditis
Authors: Lennard Kate , Bannan Aiveen , Grant Peter , Post Jeffrey
Published: June 2020

Aspergillusendocarditis (AE) is a rare condition with a mortality rate greater than 60%. While it is generally accepted that both antifungal therapy and surgery are necessary for survival, the optimal antifungal regimen is unclear. A 62-year-old man was diagnosed with AE of a prosthetic aortic valve, complicated by cerebral emboli. He underwent debridement of the aortic valve abscess and valve replacement, and was managed with a combination of liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole for 7 weeks followed by long-term suppressive azole therapy. He remained well at follow-up 18 months later. Data from a review of case reports published between 1950 and 2010 revealed greater survival rates in patients managed with two or more antifungals as opposed to single agent therapy. We provide an updated literature review with similar findings, suggesting that dual agent antifungal therapy should be considered in patients with AE.
The impact of diabetes on the productivity and economy of Bangladesh
Authors: Afroz Afsana , Hird Thomas R , Zomer Ella , Owen Alice , Chen Lei , Ademi Zanfina , Liew Danny , Magliano Dianna J , Billah Baki
Published: June 2020

Aims

To estimate the impact of type 2 diabetes in terms of mortality, years of life lost (YLL) and productivity-adjusted life years (PALY) lost in Bangladesh.

Methods

A life table model was constructed to estimate the productivity of the Bangladeshi population of current working age (20–59 years) with diabetes. Follow-up to 60 years (retirement age) was simulated. The life table analysis was then repeated assuming that the cohort did not have diabetes, with subsequent improvement in productivity. Differences in the results of the two analyses reflected the impact of diabetes on health and productivity. Demographic and the prevalence of diabetes data were sourced from the International Diabetes Foundation estimates for 2017 and mortality data were based on the 2017 Global Burden of Disease study. Relative risk and productivity indices were based on an Indian and Bangladeshi study, respectively. The cost of each PALY was assumed to be equivalent to gross domestic product (GDP) per equivalent full-time worker (US$8763). Future costs and years of life, and PALYs lived were discounted at an annual rate of 3%.

Results

Assuming a follow-up of this population (aged 20–59 years) until age 60 years or death, an estimated 813 807 excess deaths, loss of 4.0 million life years (5.5%) and 9.2 million PALYs (20.4%) were attributable to having diabetes. This was equivalent to 0.7 YLL, and 1.6 PALYs lost per person. The loss in PALYs equated to a total of US$97.4 billion lost (US$16 987 per person) in GDP. The results of the scenario analysis showed that the estimation was robust.

Conclusion

In Bangladesh, the impact of diabetes on productivity loss and the broader economy looms large, and poses a substantial risk to the country’s future prosperity. This highlights the critical importance of health strategies aimed at the control of diabetes.
Telemedicine takes centre stage during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ahmed Saleem , Sanghvi Kaushal , Yeo Danson
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread rapidly and overwhelm health systems around the world. To cope with this unprecedented usage of healthcare resources, increasingly novel solutions are being brought into the fray. Telemedicine has been thrust into the spotlight in the fight against COVID-19 and is being employed in many different ways to better tackle the challenges. Telemedicine will likely have a more permanent place in traditional healthcare delivery long after COVID-19 is over as users and providers recognise its utility.
Venous thromboembolism after penetrating femoral and popliteal artery injuries: an opportunity for increased prevention
Authors: Ratnasekera Asanthi , Pulido Odessa , Durgin Sandra , Nichols Sharon , Lozano Alicia , Sienko Danielle , Hanlon Alexandra , Martin Niels D.
Published: June 2020

Background

Trauma patients with penetrating vascular injuries have a higher rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The objective of this study was to determine the risk of VTE formation in penetrating femoral and popliteal vascular injuries and the effects of endovascular management of these injuries.

Methods

A retrospective study of Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study registry was conducted during a 5-year period (2013–2017). All adult patients with a penetrating mechanism with femoral/popliteal vascular injuries were studied. Primary outcome was incidence of VTE in patients with isolated arterial injuries versus combined arterial/venous injuries. Secondary endpoints were intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS and mortality. Statistical comparisons were accomplished using Fisher’s exact tests, and parametric two-sample t-tests or non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively.

Results

Of the 865 patients with penetrating extremity vascular injuries, 207 had femoral or popliteal artery injuries. Patients with isolated arterial injuries (n=131) had a significantly lower deep venous thrombosis (DVT) rate compared with those with concurrent venous injuries (n=76) (3.1% vs. 13.2%, p=0.008). There were 14 patients in the study who developed DVTs. Among the four patients with isolated femoral or popliteal arterial injuries who had developed DVTs, three had an open repair. Among patients with isolated arterial injuries, those with DVT spend significantly more time on the ventilator (median=2 vs. 0, p=0.0020) compared with patients without DVT. Patients with DVT also had longer stay in the hospital (median=17.5 vs. 8, p=0.0664) and in the ICU (median=3 vs. 1, p=0.0585).

Conclusions

Risk of DVT exists in patients with penetrating isolated femoral and popliteal artery trauma. Open repair was associated with significantly higher DVT rates in isolated arterial injuries.

Level of evidence

Level IV therapeutic care/management.
Post-erosion mechanical response of internally unstable soil of varying size and flow regime
Authors: Mehdizadeh Amirhassan , Disfani Mahdi Miri , Shire Thomas
Published: June 2020

One of the leading causes of dam failure is internal erosion. The impact of erosion of non-plastic fine particles, known as suffusion, on the soil structure and strength has been studied experimentally. However, influences including sample size have not been thoroughly investigated. Internally unstable gap-graded cohesionless soil samples with various sizes were investigated using an erosion-triaxial apparatus. Samples were subjected to downward inflows of different seepage velocities. The results indicated that the potential for clogging increased with an increase in specimen length, leading to less fine particle erosion. Internal erosion changed the mechanical soil behaviour even after the loss of fines equal to 5% of the overall sample volume. Eroded specimens with similar intergranular void ratios showed similar undrained post-erosion behaviour. However, the magnitude of the post-erosion initial undrained peak shear strength is a function of coarse particle interlocking, residual fine content, and equivalent intergranular contact index. It was also found that the steady state line remained unchanged after erosion of fine particles and the mobilized friction angle at the steady state line is independent of the residual fine content.
Direct evidence of sediment carbonate dissolution in response to bottom-water acidification in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada
Authors: Nesbitt William A. , Mucci Alfonso
Published: June 2020

Over the past century, dissolved oxygen concentrations have decreased and metabolic CO2 has accumulated in the bottom waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL) and Lower St. Lawrence Estuary (LSLE). Oxygen depletion has been attributed primarily to changes in ocean circulation in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, as well as an increase in the flux of organic matter at or near the seafloor and its accompanying biological oxygen demand. The accumulation of metabolic CO2 in these waters has led to their progressive acidification and a decrease in pH (0.3–0.4 pH unit) commensurate to the variation expected for global oceanic surface waters by the end of this century, albeit by a different mechanism (anthropogenic CO2 uptake from the atmosphere). The decrease in bottom-water pH of the GSL and LSLE is accompanied by a decrease in the carbonate ion concentration and the saturation state of the waters with respect to both calcite and aragonite (ΩC and ΩA). Although the Laurentian Trough sediments are mostly devoid of modern calcium carbonate fossils, detrital (Ordovician/Silurian) carbonates, eroded from Anticosti Island, accumulate on the seafloor. Evidence of carbonate mineral dissolution in the sediments of the Laurentian Trough is examined and supported by pore-water data and vertical variations of their inorganic carbon content. Historical, solid-phase profile data are used to estimate temporal variations of the sedimentary calcite dissolution rates and document the anthropogenic modification of the sediment record.
Ring debarking efficiency of frozen balsam fir logs is affected by the radial force but not by the log position on the stem
Authors: Kharrat Wassim , Hernández Roger E. , Cáceres Claudia B. , Blais Carl
Published: June 2020

The effect of the radial force applied by a ring debarker tip to frozen balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) logs, obtained at three positions on the stem, was studied. A one-armed ring debarker prototype was built, which controlled the radial force, the rake angle, and cutting and feed speeds. Balsam fir logs at −19 °C were debarked at three levels of radial force. The rake angle, tip overlap, tip edge radius, and cutting and feed speeds were kept constant. Debarking quality was evaluated by two criteria: the proportion of bark remaining on log surfaces and the amount of wood fibres in bark residues. Log characteristics (dimensions, eccentricity, bark thickness, and knot features), bark–wood shear strength, and the basic densities of sapwood and bark were also measured. Results showed that the radial force had a significant effect on debarking quality. The proportion of bark remaining on log surfaces increased while the amount of wood fibres in bark residues decreased as radial force decreased. A radial force of 18.5 N·mm−1is suggested for an optimal debarking quality. In contrast, log position on the stem did not affect the debarking quality indicators. Results also showed that the proportion of bark remaining on log surfaces increases as bark–wood shear strength and the proportion of knot surface increase, while the amount of wood fibres in bark residues increases as bark–wood shear strength decreases and logs are more eccentric. The results give useful information to improve the debarking process within the studied range of log diameters and debarking parameters.
Numerical computation of wetting angles of Sn–(3−x)Ag–0.5Cu−x(Bi,In) quaternary Pb-free solder alloy systems on Cu substrate
Authors: Erer Ahmet Mustafa , Turacı Mukaddes Ökten
Published: June 2020

This paper was aimed to study of the wetting angle ([Formula: see text]) of Sn–Ag–Cu, Sn–([Formula: see text])Ag–0.5Cu–([Formula: see text])Bi and Sn–([Formula: see text])Ag–0.5Cu–([Formula: see text])In ([Formula: see text], 1 and 2 in wt.%) Pb-free solder alloy systems at various temperatures (250, 280 and 310∘C) on Cu substrate in Ar atmosphere. The new Sn–([Formula: see text])Ag–0.5Cu–xBi and Sn–([Formula: see text])Ag–0.5Cu[Formula: see text]([Formula: see text]) In systems, low Ag content quaternary Pb-free solder alloys, were produced by adding 0.5%, 1% and 2% Bi and In separately to the near-eutectic Sn-3[Formula: see text]wt.%Ag–0.5[Formula: see text]wt.%Cu (SAC305) alloy. The wetting angles of new alloys, Sn[Formula: see text]2.5[Formula: see text]wt.%Ag[Formula: see text]0.5[Formula: see text]wt.%Cu[Formula: see text]0.5[Formula: see text]wt.%Bi (SAC-0.5Bi), Sn[Formula: see text]2[Formula: see text]wt.%Ag[Formula: see text]0.5[Formula: see text]wt.%Cu[Formula: see text]1[Formula: see text]wt.%Bi(SAC-1Bi), Sn[Formula: see text]1[Formula: see text]wt.%Ag[Formula: see text]0.5[Formula: see text]wt.%Cu[Formula: see text]2[Formula: see text]wt.%Bi(SAC-2Bi), Sn[Formula: see text]2.5[Formula: see text]wt.%Ag[Formula: see text]0.5[Formula: see text]wt.%Cu[Formula: see text]0.5[Formula: see text]wt.%In (SAC-0.5In), Sn[Formula: see text]2[Formula: see text]wt.%Ag[Formula: see text]0.5[Formula: see text]wt.%Cu[Formula: see text]1[Formula: see text]wt.%In (SAC-1In) and Sn[Formula: see text]1[Formula: see text]wt.%Ag[Formula: see text]0.5[Formula: see text]wt%.Cu[Formula: see text]2[Formula: see text]wt.%In (SAC-2In) were measured by sessile drop method. Experimental results showed that additions of Bi and In separately to SAC305 resulted in a continuous decrease in the [Formula: see text] up to 1[Formula: see text]wt.% above which the [Formula: see text] value was increased and it is appeared that a correlation among the [Formula: see text], alloys compositions and the test temperatures exists which recommended an empirical model to estimate the [Formula: see text] at a given Bi and In content and temperature for a given alloy systems. The numerical model estimates the [Formula: see text] understandably well with the present work.