bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag on the Properties of Sea Shell Concrete
Authors: Chandra Panda Kishor , Bhusan Gouda Bharat , Mohapasayat Priyanka
Published: November 2020

This paper opens up how the properties of seashell mix concrete influenced by the effect of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). This experimental program consists of thirteen concrete mixes. One is conventional concrete & other concrete mixes are formed by the partial replacement of fine aggregate with crushed seashell and cement with GGBS. The proportion of crushed seashell was added 0, 10 %, 20 % & 30 % to the conventional concrete. Then seashell mix concrete of 10 % was blended with 10 %, 20 % & 30 % of GGBS mix concrete and like this 20 %, 30 % of seashell mix concrete was intermixed with 10 %, 20 % & 30 % of GGBS mix concrete respectively. For this experiment M30 grade concrete mix was prepared. Tests like slump test for workability of concrete were carried out on different mixes of fresh concrete. Also, on hardened concrete samples of different mix, test like compressive, split-tensile & flexural strength test were allotted after 7 days and 28 days of curing under water. From the experimental observations show that use of seashell in concrete decreases the strength gradually but in case of GGBS, the strength increases gradually in all type of concrete mixes. The result declares higher compressive, flexural and split-tensile strength at 10 % partial replacement of fine aggregate with crushed seashell and 20 % partial replacement of cement with GGBS.
Effect of Length of Fibers on Mechanical Properties of Normal Strength Concrete
Authors: Charan Behera Gopal , Panda Subhasri , Kanda Priyanka
Published: November 2020

Concrete as the most common building material possess very less tensile strength. To overcome this problem, different types of fibers are added with concrete matrix from from the ancient era. Investigation of fiber reinforced concrete reveals that short length fibers help in bridging micro cracks while long fibers are able to arrest macro cracks and also enhance toughness of the member. The combinations of different lengths of fibers are found to be more effective than mono length fibers for a fixed volume fraction of fiber. Combination of different lengths of fibers is termed as hybrid fiber and when different lengths of fibers are mixed in concrete it is termed as graded fiber. This investigation aims in finding out the enhancement of mechanical properties of a particular grade of concrete with addition of different lengths of fibers and with graded fiber with a fixed amount of fiber. M30 grade concrete with 1.5% weight of fiber is considered in this present investigation. The results shows that the mechanical strength of concrete increases with addition of fibers, decreases with long length of fibers with same volume fraction of fiber and increases with graded fiber. Workability decreases with addition of fiber, with higher length of fiber. There is enhancement of workability with graded fiber than same volume fraction of long fibers.
Modification of Bitumen Using Sustainable Materials for Pavement Design
Authors: Kumar Behera Hemanta , Giri Debabrata , Sekhar Das Sudhanshu
Published: November 2020

Construction materials will be in the extinction stage in the future. Use of the waste materials to ensure environmental protection is the need of hour. For the construction of essential infrastructure like flexible pavement requires bitumen. Bitumen obtained as a petroleum refinery by-product used for construction of flexible pavement is on the verge of extinction, since natural oil petroleum is a non-renewable resource. Again low life of bitumen due to oxidation is another problem. Hence, it is important to use potential modifiers to partially substitute and enhance the life of bitumen and flexible pavements. In this paper use of numerous modifiers and their possible effects on bitumen and bituminous mix strength and toughness are described by researchers. Different modifiers such as polypropylene, Nano montmorillonite, Nano-silica, Nano-clay, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS), High-Density Poly-Ethylene (HDPE), Carbon Nano-Tubes (CNT), graphene, Graphene Oxide (GO), fly ash, cloisite, evotherm, Cecabase Rt, Nano fill, rubber waste, crumb rubber etc. were used for modification of bitumen. Binder proportions are approximately similar on the other hand percentages of modifiers used differ mostly by researchers. It is evident from the literature that the optimal proportion of modifier would only yield improved performance. However, the quality of the modifiers shows a key part, to fulfil the requirements of the ideal pavement and increased life carefully chosen based on the soil conditions and environmental circumstances.
Energy Conservation of Speed Breaker with Suitable Design
Authors: Tribikram Tripathy Abhin , Kumar Tripathy Santosh
Published: November 2020

In this project we have tried to generate electricity through speed breakers present on roads. As we know that vehicles on road are increasing day-by-day which will help us to generate electricity as these vehicles pass through the speed breakers. This electricity generated can be used for different purpose such as lighting of signals and streetlights on road etc. This set up requires very basic mechanical components such as gear shaft bearing. There are also some electrical components such as battery, rectifier etc. The main objective of the work is to design the speed breaker with failure analysis.
Treatment of Industrial Waste Water using Single-Stage Rotating Biological Contactor
Authors: Subhadarsini Lusi , Roshan Dash Rakesh
Published: November 2020

This paper presents treatment of industrial waste water using a single-stage Rotating Biological contactor (RBC). A RBC unit typically consists of a series of closely spaced large flat or corrugated discs that are mounted on a common horizontal shaft and are partially or completely submerged in wastewater. The shaft continually rotates by a mechanical motor or a compressed air drive and a bio film is established onto the entire surface area of the media, which metabolizes the organic materials contained in the wastewater. Microorganisms get attached to and grow on these discs. The discs mounted on the surface of a rotating shaft are usually made up of different forms of plastic such as polypropylene or polyurethane. For this study, shaft of RBC is wrapped with polypropylene foam as bio-film medium. From the analysis of results obtained for the present study it has been found that, polypropylene foam as a bio-media can remove organic matter up to 91.2%, nitrate up to 86.2% and phosphate up to 96.3% for 48 hr of hydraulic retention time.
Effects of Sulphates on the Characteristics of Ordinary Portland Cement
Authors: Aditya G , Manohar Reddy V , Kumar Gupta Naresh
Published: November 2020

This project presents the results of an experimental investigation in which the effects of sulphates on the initial and final setting times of ordinary Portland cement and compressive strength of cement is investigated. It was observed that the type of Sulphate and the ion concentration affect the setting times significantly; the increase in initial setting time is more prominent. The parameters reduce the compressive strength of cement at different ages. In the present study water cement ratio is taken depending on the normal consistency arrived based on different concentrations of sulphates mixed with OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) an increase in setting times is observed as the concentration of sulphates in the cement paste increased. The soundness test results also showed an increased pattern which means that there is an increase in volume of cement paste because of sulphate attack. Compressive strength characteristics also showed an increased pattern when compared to cubes cast with distilled water
Bio Cementation Process in the Concrete using Bacillus Subtilis: A Statistical Modeling Study
Authors: Patnaik Dipika , Verma Akshaya K. , Panda Simanchala , Sahoo Naresh K.
Published: November 2020

The present study shows the bio-cementation efficacy of Bacillus subtilis incorporating three major parameters namely bacterial concentration, curing time, and nutritional proportion. Batch studies incorporating one variable at a time (OVAT) and central composite design (CCD) along with the response surface methodology (RSM) were undertaken to establish the possible relationship of selected parameters with the mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength and split tensile strength) of cement mortar and bacterial concrete. The investigations performed on the basis of OVAT approach indicated that the extreme level of bacterial concentration, curing time, and nutritional proportion produced the highest improvement in mechanical properties of bacterial concrete producing compressive strength, flexural strength and split tensile strength of 79.5 MPa, 6.22 MPa, and 5.01 MPa respectively. Inline to OVAT approach, analysis of variance (ANOVA) also depicted that the individual as well as some of the possible two factor interactive model terms appeared as significant model terms with p-value was less than 0.05. The response predictive efficacy of the model was ascertained with a high R2 value (0.99) and high adequate precision.
MDD & OMC of Black Cotton Soil Reinforced with Randomly Distributed Banana Fibers
Authors: Patil L. B. , Pusadkar S. S.
Published: November 2020

Expansive soil causes serious problems on civil engineering structures in arid and semi-arid climate regions of the world. Such soils, swell during rainy season and shrink in summer season. In India, expansive soil includes almost the entire Deccan plateau, and causes damage to buildings, roads, pipelines, and other structures every year. The black cotton soil had improved by various methods to enhance the engineering characteristics of soil. However, due to various issues such as leaching, release of mineral, these methods are not sustainable. Hence, an attempt had been made to improve black cotton soil characteristics by using the waste material such as banana fiber. In the present study, the experiments were conducted to understand the density & moisture content of soil by reinforcing the soil with randomly distributed banana fibers. The laboratory tests were conducted on locally available black cotton soil. The banana fiber were added to the soil in varying percentages of 0.0 %, 0.50 %, 1.00 %,1.5 % and2.00 % and in varying lengths of 1 cm,2cm and 3 cm randomly. The standard Proctor tests were conducted to study its effect of banana fiber on dry unit weight and OMC. It was observed that MDD is decreasing and OMC is increasing with increase in % of fibers and length of fiber.
Study of Load & Settlement Behaviour of Expansive Soil Reinforced with Granular Pile Using Natural Aggregates
Authors: Rituparna M J , Sultana Benazeer
Published: November 2020

Expansive soil such as Black Cotton soil is problematic from geotechnical point of view as it is unstable volumetrically with the variation of seasonal moisture making it sensitive to deformation. Its strength decreases, compressibility increases on wetting, it possesses very small shear strength. There are several geotechnical improvement techniques available expansive soil strata, but the use of granular piles is becoming popular in India as it improves the strength parameters, such as increases load bearing capacity, reduces settlement, takes wide spread loads and improves the rate of consolidation. In this study, experimental investigations have been done to judge the load and settlement behaviour of Black Cotton soil when reinforced with geotextile encased granular pile by varying the percentage of natural aggregates, fly ash and lime at varying L/d (length & diameter) ratio of 1.5, 2, 2,5 3 and 3.5. The soil sample was prepared taking a mould of 150mm diameter, 175mm height and granular pile of diameter 50mm. The test results showed significant reduction in settlement on installation of geotextile encased granular pile when compared to untreated soil sample. The ultimate load increased & settlement reduced with increase in percentage of fly ash & lime with each increase of L/d ratio as well.
Erosion Studies and Rehabilitation of Beach along West Coast of India
Authors: Suresh P K , Sundaravadivelu R , Nadesan Manu S
Published: November 2020

The west cost of India from Kannyakumari in Tamilnadu to Thengapattinam bordering Kerala at Thengapattinam is oriented in the east-west direction compared to other two boundaries which are oriented along north-south direction. In these coastal areas the protection measures executed are frequently getting damaged mainly due to unprecedented waves and south west monsoon waves. Hence it was felt to do a detailed study by taking field profiles at selected locations, design of sections and model studies This calls for a proper understanding of the wave hydrodynamics prevailing as it plays a major role in formation of beaches. The stretch is having high tourist potential and it is important to prevent the erosion of beach and stabilize the coast. Field observations were taken and desk studies were made. Based on the studies suitable model studies were carried out and remedial measures were carried out at one site. Post monitoring of the project was done and based on the post monitoring it was inferred that project was a success. The details are explained in the paper.
Evaluation of Liquefaction Potential of Coastal Alluvium Using SPT Data - A Comparative Case Study
Authors: Muduli P K , Karna P , Samal M R
Published: November 2020

Earthquake induced soil liquefaction causes large scale damage to the infrastructures, lifeline systems and harbor facilities. Evaluation of the liquefaction potential of a soil subjected to seismic loading is one of the most important steps towards mitigation of liquefaction-induced damages. Nowadays, evaluation of liquefaction potential in case of susceptible soils is considered as a routine practice. The proposed coastal National Highway (NH) connecting Digha of West Bengal to Gopalpur of Odisha under Bharatmala Pariyojana is a major NH project undertaken by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). The district Kendrapara lies in 20° 20’ N to 20° 37’ N Latitude and 86° 14’ E to 87° 01’ E Longitude and situated in central coastal plain on the Bay of Bengal and comes under the seismic zone III as per the seismic zoning map of Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 1893 (Part 1): 2016). As the coastal alluvium is susceptible to liquefaction, some of the SPT bore log data collected from the two coastal locations of Kendrapara district of Odisha under the above project is used for evaluation of liquefaction potential of soil following available statistical method, artificial neural network (ANN) based method and multi-gene genetic programming (MGGP) based method. It is observed that some layers of the above soil are liquefiable considering a future seismic event of moment magnitude (Mw), 7. All the above three methods are predicting well the liquefaction and non-liquefaction cases.
Soil Stabilization using Tea waste
Authors: Harish P , Mahapatra Ashutosh
Published: November 2020

Black cotton soils have frequently subjected alternate swelling shrinkage, which gives differential settlement to buildings. In this study Tea Waste (TW) used as partial replacement of black cotton soil with proportions of 2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 % and 10 %. Soil sample behaviour was observed by Compaction test, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test, Liquid limit test, Plastic limit and specific gravity Test. The Maximum dry density and Optimum moisture content were decreased when proportion of Tea Waste is increases. When Tea Waste (TW) is mixed with the expansive soil, the Plastic limit and liquid limit decreases by mixing tea waste, which decreases plasticity index. Addition of Tea Waste resulted in appreciable increases in the CBR of the soil and got maximum @ 5 % Tea Waste (TW) with soil. CBR value was increased by 7.68 % at 5 % Tea Waste with soil.
Folic acid decorated mesoporous silica nanospheres loaded with gadolinium for breast cancer cell imaging
Authors: Hosseinabadi Safdar Zare , Safari Sepideh , Mirzaei Mehdi , Mohammadi Elham , Amini Seyed Mohammad , Mehravi Bita
Published: November 2020

In cancer cells, some of the transporters are overexpressed. Therefore targeted contrast agent delivery by functionalized nanoparticles is probable to advanced molecular imaging and cancer cell identification in the early stages of cancer. In this research, folic acid-modified mesoporous silica nanospheres, loaded with gadolinium, were prepared and characterized by various techniques. FSG nanoprobe cellular uptake was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively by ICP-AES, flow cytometry, and fluorescent microscopy in cell lines which expressed different levels of folic acid receptors. The cellular uptake of FSG nanoprobe by cancer cells was about 62% which is 2.6 times higher than cellular uptake of nanoprobe without folic acid targeting group. The average of FSG nanoprobe cellular uptake was 0.6 ± 0.1 pg Gd3+ per cancer cell without any toxicity. The r
1 relaxivity of this nanoprobe in cancer cells was measured at 10.1 ± 6.0 mM−1 s−1 per Gd3+ base. The results demonstrated that the present synthesized nanoprobe is promising one for cancer cell detection and delivering a sufficient amount of Gd3+ as contrast agents into cancer cells.
Impaired hydration status in acutely admitted older patients: prevalence and impact on mortality
Authors: Sanson Gianfranco , Marzinotto Ilaria , De Matteis Daniela , Boscutti Giuliano , Barazzoni Rocco , Zanetti Michela
Published: November 2020

Background

impaired hydration is common in the older people, however studies of its effects on outcome in the acute setting are limited.

Objectives

to assess (i) the prevalence of impaired hydration, (ii) its relationship with laboratory markers of altered hydration and with (iii) short- and long-term mortality.

Design

retrospective cohort study.

Setting

University Hospital-Internal Medicine Department.

Subjects

a total of 5,113 older patients consecutively acutely admitted from October 2015 to July 2016.

Methods

according to calculated serum osmolarity at admission hydration status was stratified in: low osmolarity (<275 mmol/L), euhydration (275–295 mmol/L), impending (296–300 mmol/L) and current dehydration (>300 mmol/L). Relationships with serum sodium, potassium, glucose, urea, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), haematocrit, urea/creatinine ratio (Urea/Cr) and urine specific gravity (USG) were determined. Charlson Comorbidity Index, Modified Early Warning Score, Glasgow Prognostic Score, Norton score and Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 were calculated.

Results

current and impending dehydration, euhydration and low-osmolarity were detected in 51.7, 17.1, 28.5 and 2.7% of the patients, respectively. Osmolarity correlated with urea (r = 0.846). Associations with serum sodium, creatinine, eGFR and urea/Cr were low but significant, being negligible that with USG and haematocrit. Serum sodium and urea increased in the transition from low- to high-osmolarity (P < 0.001 in all pairwise comparisons). In multivariate modelling current dehydration, functional dependence, clinical instability and high nutritional risk were associated (P < 0.001) with reduced short- and long-term survival.

Conclusions

impaired hydration is common in older people acutely admitted to medical care and is associated with poor outcome. Early assessment of calculated serum osmolarity is mandatory to target dehydration and hypoosmolar disorders.
On Pathology Laboratory Recruitment and Retention
Authors: Chiou Paul Z , Mulder Lotte , Jia Yuane
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The specific aims of the study are to analyze relationships between the personality traits of laboratory professionals and choice of profession and preferred work settings.

Methods

Data from practicing laboratory professionals were collected via a web-based survey tool to gather information about personality types, choice of profession, and work setting preferences among medical laboratory professionals.

Results

Results of the survey showed that INFJ (Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging) is the most common medical laboratory personality type across the various laboratory work settings and that there are no significant differences between the practitioners’ personality type and the choice of profession within pathology. The study revealed laboratorians from higher-volume laboratories were 1.2 times more likely to prefer Judging than lower-volume laboratories, and younger medical laboratory practitioners were 2.3 times more likely to gravitate toward Perceiving than their older counterparts.

Conclusions

The results of this study shed light on how employers can build on the personality preferences of the laboratory workforce to improve personal job satisfaction and laboratory productivity, quality, and work culture. The research implications are useful for laboratory recruitment and retention.
Cardiovascular Benefits of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition Plus Calcium Channel Blockade in Patients Achieving Tight Blood Pressure Control and With Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Brook Robert D , Kaciroti Niko , Bakris George , Dahlöf Björn , Pitt Bertrtam , Velazquez Eric , Weber Michael A , Jamerson Kenneth A
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The 2017 hypertension guidelines lowered systolic blood pressure (BP) goals to <130 mm Hg and redefined resistant hypertension. We investigated if these changes alter the cardiovascular benefits demonstrated by combining a calcium channel blocker (CCB), rather than hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI).

METHODS

In this post hoc analysis of the Avoiding Cardiovascular Events Through Combination Therapy in Patients Living with Systolic Hypertension trial (n = 11,506), we compared the primary composite outcome (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for angina, resuscitation after sudden cardiac death, and coronary revascularization) between the 2 combination-treatment limbs in patients achieving a systolic BP ≤130 mm Hg and those with “apparent resistant hypertension” (prescribed ≥4 antihypertensive medications).

RESULTS

Among study patients, 5,221 (45.4%) achieved a systolic BP ≤130 mm Hg. There were fewer primary endpoints in the amlodipine/benazepril (9.2%) vs. the HCTZ/benazepril (10.9%) limb (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70–0.99). There were also fewer primary endpoints in the amlodipine/benazepril (12.8%) vs. the HCTZ/benazepril (15.2%) limb (n = 4,451, 38.7%) among patients with apparent resistant hypertension (HR 0.81, 95% CI, 0.70–0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapy adding a CCB, rather than HCTZ, to an ACEI was more effective in preventing composite cardiovascular events even in hypertensive patients achieving aggressive systolic BP targets as well as in those with apparent resistant hypertension. Our findings add support that most patients, including those following contemporary clinical guidelines, will benefit from this combination.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

Trial Number NCT00170950.
Bryophyte cover and richness decline after 18 years of experimental warming in alpine Sweden
Authors: Alatalo Juha M , Jägerbrand Annika K , Erfanian Mohammad Bagher , Chen Shengbin , Sun Shou-Qin , Molau Ulf
Published: November 2020

Climate change is expected to affect alpine and Arctic tundra communities. Most previous long-term studies have focused on impacts on vascular plants, this study examined impacts of long-term warming on bryophyte communities. Experimental warming with open-top chambers (OTCs) was applied for 18 years to a mesic meadow and a dry heath alpine plant community. Species abundance was measured in 1995, 1999, 2001 and 2013. Species composition changed significantly from original communities in the heath, but remained similar in mesic meadow. Experimental warming increased beta diversity in the heath. Bryophyte cover and species richness both declined with long-term warming, while Simpson diversity showed no significant responses. Over the 18-year period, bryophyte cover in warmed plots decreased from 43 % to 11 % in heath and from 68 % to 35 % in meadow (75 % and 48 % decline, respectively, in original cover), while richness declined by 39 % and 26 %, respectively. Importantly, the decline in cover and richness first emerged after 7 years. Warming caused significant increase in litter in both plant communities. Deciduous shrub and litter cover had negative impact on bryophyte cover. We show that bryophyte species do not respond similarly to climate change. Total bryophyte cover declined in both heath and mesic meadow under experimental long-term warming (by 1.5–3 °C), driven by general declines in many species. Principal response curve, cover and richness results suggested that bryophytes in alpine heath are more susceptible to warming than in meadow, supporting the suggestion that bryophytes may be less resistant in drier environments than in wetter habitats. Species loss was slower than the decline in bryophyte abundance, and diversity remained similar in both communities. Increased deciduous shrub and litter cover led to decline in bryophyte cover. The non-linear response to warming over time underlines the importance of long-term experiments and monitoring.
Application of Quality Risk Assessment and DoE-Based Enhanced Analytical Quality by Design Approach to Development of Chromatography Method for Estimation of Combined Pharmaceutical Dosage Form of Five Drugs
Authors: Prajapati Pintu B , Jayswal Kajal , Shah Shailesh A
Published: November 2020

The high-performance liquid chromatography method was only reported for simultaneous estimation of aspirin, simvastatin, ramipril, atenolol and hydrochlorothiazide in polycap capsule. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method is now accepted as a method of analysis by many pharmaceutical industries and included as an official method in monographs of pharmacopeias of many countries. Hence, HPTLC method was developed and validated for the estimation of polycap capsule using enhanced analytical quality by design based on principles of quality risk management and design of experiment (DOE). Quality risk management was performed by the identification and assessment of risky method parameters. DoE was carried out by Placket–Burman screening design and Box–Behnken response surface methodology using resolution and tailing factor as critical method attributes. Method operable design region was navigated for optimization and development of the method. The developed method was validated as per ICH Q2 (R1) guideline. The method was found accurate, specific, precise and sensitive for the said estimation. The developed method was applied for the assay of polycap capsule and results were found in good agreement with the labeled claim. The developed method can be used as an alternative to reported HPLC methods for quality control of polycap capsule.
Insights into therapeutic products, preclinical research models, and clinical trials in cardiac regenerative and reparative medicine: where are we now and the way ahead. Current opinion paper of the ESC Working Group on Cardiovascular Regenerative and Reparative Medicine
Authors: Grigorian-Shamagian Lilian , Sanz-Ruiz Ricardo , Climent Andreu , Badimon Lina , Barile Lucio , Bolli Roberto , Chamuleau Steven , Grobbee Diederick E , Janssens Stefan , Kastrup Jens , Kragten-Tabatabaie Leyla , Madonna Rosalinda , Mathur Anthony , Menasché Philippe , Pompilio Giulio , Prosper Felipe , Sena Emily , Smart Nicola , Zimmermann Wolfgram-Hubertus , Fernández-Avilés Francisco
Published: November 2020

Great expectations have been set around the clinical potential of regenerative and reparative medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases [i.e. in particular, heart failure (HF)]. Initial excitement, spurred by encouraging preclinical data, resulted in a rapid translation into clinical research. The sobering outcome of the resulting clinical trials suggests that preclinical testing may have been insufficient to predict clinical outcome. A number of barriers for clinical translation include the inherent variability of the biological products and difficulties to develop potency and quality assays, insufficient rigour of the preclinical research and reproducibility of the results, manufacturing challenges, and scientific irregularities reported in the last years. The failure to achieve clinical success led to an increased scrutiny and scepticism as to the clinical readiness of stem cells and gene therapy products among clinicians, industry stakeholders, and funding bodies. The present impasse has attracted the attention of some of the most active research groups in the field, which were then summoned to analyse the position of the field and tasked to develop a strategy, to re-visit the undoubtedly promising future of cardiovascular regenerative and reparative medicine, based on lessons learned over the past two decades. During the scientific retreat of the ESC Working Group on Cardiovascular Regenerative and Reparative Medicine (CARE) in November 2018, the most relevant and timely research aspects in regenerative and/or reparative medicine were presented and critically discussed, with the aim to lay out a strategy for the future development of the field. We report herein the main ideas and conclusions of that meeting.
EHRA expert consensus statement and practical guide on optimal implantation technique for conventional pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and the Latin-American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS)
Authors: Burri Haran , Starck Christoph , Auricchio Angelo , Biffi Mauro , Burri Mafalda , D’Avila Andre , Deharo Jean-Claude , Glikson Michael , Israel Carsten , Lau Chu-Pak , Leclercq Christophe , Love Charles J , Nielsen Jens Cosedis , Vernooy Kevin ,   Reviewers:, Dagres Nikolaos , Boveda Serge , Butter Christian , Marijon Eloi , Braunschweig Frieder , Mairesse Georges H , Gleva Marye , Defaye Pascal , Zanon Francesco , Lopez-Cabanillas Nestor , Guerra Jose M , Vassilikos Vassilios P , Martins Oliveira Mario
Published: November 2020

With the global increase in device implantations, there is a growing need to train physicians to implant pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Although there are international recommendations for device indications and programming, there is no consensus to date regarding implantation technique. This document is founded on a systematic literature search and review, and on consensus from an international task force. It aims to fill the gap by setting standards for device implantation.
The bidirectional interaction between atrial fibrillation and heart failure: consequences for the management of both diseases
Authors: Verhaert Dominique V M , Brunner-La Rocca Hans-Peter , van Veldhuisen Dirk J , Vernooy Kevin
Published: November 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are both highly prevalent diseases and are accompanied by a significant disease burden and increased mortality. Although the conditions may exist independently, they often go hand in hand as each is able to provoke, sustain, and aggravate the other. In addition, the diseases share a risk profile with several coinciding cardiovascular risk factors, promoting the odds of developing both AF and HF separately from each other. When the diseases coexist, this provides additional challenges but also opportunities for the optimal treatment. The recommended management of the comorbidities has been much debated in the past decades. In this review, we describe the pathophysiological coherence of AF and HF, illustrate the current knowledge on the management of them as comorbidities of each other and look forward to future developments in this field.
Efficacy of Healthy Aging Interventions for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review
Authors: Santos Flavia H , Zurek Johanna , Janicki Matthew P
Published: November 2020

Background and Objectives

There is a lack of information on intervention strategies employed for health promotion and disease prevention for older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), who usually experience poorer health compared to their peers without IDDs. We carried out the first systematic review to scrutinize the impact of intrinsic factors (e.g., cognitive, mental, and physical health) on the health status of older adults with IDDs.

Research Design and Methods

To assess the efficacy of such interventions, we examined 23 articles including prospective “healthy aging” interventions designed for adults with IDDs. Searches were carried out in the databases Web of Science, Scielo, and PsycINFO in April 2020. Articles were organized in thematic areas: (a) physical activity and health nutrition (n = 10), (b) health education and health screening (n = 6), (c) social inclusion and community participation (n = 3), and (d) multicomponents (n = 4). Except for 5 randomized controlled trial studies, the designs were mainly nonrandomized, involving small sample sizes (Nrange = 8–379 participants), and lacking follow-up.

Results

The studies included 2,398 men and women with IDDs (ranging in age from 18 to 86 years [mean age: 44.3 years]). Overall, intervention outcomes were mostly positive; however, some negative outcomes were reported.

Discussion and Implications

In brief, healthy aging interventions for people with IDDs remain scarce, incipient, and sporadic. We recommend that more attention needs to be given to active health promotion with people with IDDs as a program practice among organizations and as a focal public policy among governments.
3-D crustal VS model of western France and the surrounding regions using Monte-Carlo inversion of seismic noise cross-correlation dispersion diagrams
Authors: Gaudot I , Beucler É , Mocquet A , Drilleau M , Haugmard M , Bonnin M , Aertgeerts G , Leparoux D
Published: November 2020

Due to a too sparse permanent seismic coverage during the last decades, the crustal structure of western France and the surrounding regions is poorly known. In this study, we present a 3-D seismic tomographic model of this area obtained from the analysis of 2-year continuous data recorded from 55 broad-band seismometers. An unconventional approach is used to convert Rayleigh wave dispersion diagrams obtained from ambient noise cross-correlations into posterior distributions of 1-D VS models integrated along each station pair. It allows to avoid the group velocity map construction step (which means dispersion curve extraction) while providing meaningful VS posterior uncertainties. VS models are described by a self-adapting and parsimonious parameterization using cubic Bézier splines. 1268 separately inverted 1-D VS profiles are combined together using a regionalization scheme, to build the 3-D VS model with a lateral resolution of 75 km over western France. The shallower part of the model (horizontal cross-section at 4 km depth) correlates well with the known main geological features. The crystalline Variscan basement is clearly associated with positive VS perturbations while negative heterogeneities match the Mesocenozoic sedimentary basins. At greater depths, the Bay of Biscay exhibits positive VS perturbations,which eastern and southern boundaries can be interpreted as the ocean-continent transition. The overall crustal structure below the Armorican Massif appears to be heterogenous at the subregional scale, and tends to support that both the South-Armorican Shear Zone and the Paris Basin Magnetic Anomaly are major crustal discontinuities that separate distinct domains.
Clinical Impact of Pretreatment Human Immunodeficiency Virus Drug Resistance in People Initiating Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor–Containing Antiretroviral Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Bertagnolio Silvia , Hermans Lucas , Jordan Michael R , Avila-Rios Santiago , Iwuji Collins , Derache Anne , Delaporte Eric , Wensing Annemarie , Aves Theresa , Borhan A S M , Leenus Alvin , Parkin Neil , Doherty Meg , Inzaule Seth , Mbuagbaw Lawrence
Published: November 2020

Background

Increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has resulted in rising levels of pretreatment human immunodeficiency virus drug resistance (PDR). This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of PDR on treatment outcomes among people initiating nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)–based ART, including the combination of efavirenz (EFV), tenofovir (TDF), and lamivudine or emtricitabine (XTC).

Methods

We systematically reviewed studies and conference proceedings comparing treatment outcomes in populations initiating NNRTI-based ART with and without PDR. We conducted subgroup analyses by regimen: (1) NNRTIs + 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), (2) EFV + 2 NRTIs, or (3) EFV/TDF/XTC; by population (children vs adults); and by definition of resistance (PDR vs NNRTI PDR).

Results

Among 6197 studies screened, 32 were analyzed (31 441 patients). We found that individuals with PDR initiating NNRTIs across all the subgroups had increased risk of virological failure compared to those without PDR. Risk of acquisition of new resistance mutations and ART switch was also higher in people with PDR.

Conclusions

This review shows poorer treatment outcomes in the presence of PDR, supporting the World Health Organization’s recommendation to avoid using NNRTIs in countries where levels of PDR are high.
Ambiguity in medical concept normalization: An analysis of types and coverage in electronic health record datasets
Authors: Newman-Griffis Denis , Divita Guy , Desmet Bart , Zirikly Ayah , Rosé Carolyn P , Fosler-Lussier Eric
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Normalizing mentions of medical concepts to standardized vocabularies is a fundamental component of clinical text analysis. Ambiguity—words or phrases that may refer to different concepts—has been extensively researched as part of information extraction from biomedical literature, but less is known about the types and frequency of ambiguity in clinical text. This study characterizes the distribution and distinct types of ambiguity exhibited by benchmark clinical concept normalization datasets, in order to identify directions for advancing medical concept normalization research.

Materials and Methods

We identified ambiguous strings in datasets derived from the 2 available clinical corpora for concept normalization and categorized the distinct types of ambiguity they exhibited. We then compared observed string ambiguity in the datasets with potential ambiguity in the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) to assess how representative available datasets are of ambiguity in clinical language.

Results

We found that <15% of strings were ambiguous within the datasets, while over 50% were ambiguous in the UMLS, indicating only partial coverage of clinical ambiguity. The percentage of strings in common between any pair of datasets ranged from 2% to only 36%; of these, 40% were annotated with different sets of concepts, severely limiting generalization. Finally, we observed 12 distinct types of ambiguity, distributed unequally across the available datasets, reflecting diverse linguistic and medical phenomena.

Discussion

Existing datasets are not sufficient to cover the diversity of clinical concept ambiguity, limiting both training and evaluation of normalization methods for clinical text. Additionally, the UMLS offers important semantic information for building and evaluating normalization methods.

Conclusions

Our findings identify 3 opportunities for concept normalization research, including a need for ambiguity-specific clinical datasets and leveraging the rich semantics of the UMLS in new methods and evaluation measures for normalization.
Effect of maternal organic selenium supplementation during pregnancy on sow reproductive performance and long-term effect on their progeny
Authors: Mou Daolin , Ding Dajiang , Li Shuang , Yan Hui , Qin Binting , Li Zhen , Zhao Lianpeng , Che Lianqiang , Fang Zhengfeng , Xu Shengyu , Lin Yan , Zhuo Yong , Li Jian , Huang Chao , Zou Yuanfeng , Li Lixia , Briens Mickael , Wu De , Feng Bin
Published: November 2020

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for animals and exists in nature in both inorganic and organic forms. Although organic Se is more bioavailable than inorganic Se, there are inconsistent reports on the effect of organic Se on the reproductive performance of sows. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of maternal organic Se (2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic [HMSeBA]) supplementation on reproductive performance and antioxidant capacity of sows, and the long-term effect on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of their offspring with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. The experimental design used in this study was a completely randomized design; 45 Landrace × Yorkshire sows were randomly allocated to receive one of the following three diets during gestation: control diet (Control, basal diet, n = 15), sodium selenite (Na2SeO3)-supplemented diet (Na2SeO3, basal diet + 0.3 mg Se/kg Na2SeO3, n = 15), and HMSeBA-supplemented diet (HMSeBA, basal diet + 0.3 mg Se/kg HMSeBA, n = 15). On day 21 of age, male offspring from each group were injected with LPS or saline (n = 6). As compared with the control group, maternal HMSeBA supplementation increased the number of total born piglets, while decreased birth weight (P < 0.05). In the first week of lactation, maternal HMSeBA supplementation increased litter weight gain compared with the Na2SeO3 group (P < 0.05) and increased the average daily gain of piglets compared with the control group and Na2SeO3 group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, maternal HMSeBA supplementation decreased piglet birth interval as compared with the control group and Na2SeO3 group (P < 0.05). Besides, plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was higher in the HMSeBA group on farrowing 0 min and 90 min, while malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was lower on farrowing 0, 90, and 135 min than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, maternal HMSeBA supplementation increased the concentration of selenoprotein P (SELENOP) in colostrum compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Further study revealed that the LPS-challenged HMSeBA group had higher GSH-Px and total antioxidant capacity and lower MDA in weaning piglets compared with the LPS-challenged control group (P < 0.05). Taken together, maternal HMSeBA supplementation increased the number of total born piglets, shortened the duration of farrowing, improved the antioxidant capacities of sows and their offspring, and improved the growth performance of suckling pigs at the first week of lactation. Thus, HMSeBA supplementation during gestation has the potentiality to produce more kilogram of meat.
Abnormally High Blood Acetaldehyde Concentrations Suggest Potential Postmortem Ethanol Generation
Authors: Chen Xiaomin , Dong Xiaoru , Zhu Rongzhe , Xue Qiupeng , Zhang Dingang , Liu Xiaochen , Zheng Lixing , Jiang Yan
Published: November 2020

Ethanol is one of the most commonly used and abused substances worldwide. Identifying whether the source of ethanol detected in corpses is antemortem ingestion or postmortem generation is especially important for determining the cause of death, which remains a vibrant field of research. During the synthesis of ethanol in the putrefaction process of corpses, other small molecules such as acetaldehyde and n-propanol could also be produced. According to our prospective statistical analysis based on authentic samples from forensic cases, it is rational to suspect ethanol generation after death when the concentration of acetaldehyde detected in blood exceeds 0.014 g/dL. Through in vitro simulation experiments, in addition to confirming that ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate are the reliable biomarkers of antemortem ingestion of ethanol, we propose that acetaldehyde is far more sensitive than n-propanol as a potential marker in the blood of corpses for postmortem ethanol formation.
Assessment of Capsule Endoscopy Utilizing Capsocam Plus in Patients With Suspected Small Bowel Disease Including Pilot Study With Remote Access Patients During Pandemic
Authors: Enns Chasyn , Galorport Cherry , Ou George , Enns Robert
Published: November 2020

Background

CapsoCam Plus is a capsule endoscopy (CE) system that utilizes four cameras to capture a panoramic view. This has theoretical advantage over conventional forward-viewing CE with limited field of view. Its ease of administration without requiring any additional equipment during the recording also provides a unique opportunity for patients to self-administer the test. We aimed to evaluate real-life experience using this novel system and to determine feasibility of a remote access program.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was conducted for consecutive adult outpatients who underwent CE using CapsoCam Plus. Patients with significant challenges for in-person procedures were selected for remote access through mail courier services. Gastric transit time, small bowel transit time, completion rate, diagnostic yield and adverse events were compared between remote access versus usual practice.

Results

Ninety-four patients (52.1% male) were included, with 28 in remote access program. Most common indication was gastrointestinal bleeding (85.1%). Complete examination was achieved in 87 patients. Five (5.3%) patients’ capsule remained in stomach during the recording, while two (2.1%) patients missed capsule retrieval. Median small bowel and gastric transit times were 231.9 (interquartile range [IQR] 169.5–308.2) and 27.6 (IQR 13.8–63.5) minutes, respectively. Diagnostic yield was 23.4%. There was no difference in completion rate or transit times between two groups, but diagnostic yield was higher in remote access group (odds ratio 3.80, 95% confidence interval 1.28–11.31). One patient required elective endoscopic retrieval of capsule.

Conclusion

CapsoCam Plus can be safely administered remotely with a high degree of success, which may facilitate timely investigations while limiting nonessential physical interactions during pandemic.