bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opioid exposure in haemophilia patients is common and underreported
Authors: Peltier Skye J. , Mazepa Marshall A. , Freese Rebecca L. , Nelson Shannon F. , Kearney Susan L. , Reding Mark T.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

In an era of increased opioid awareness, data on opioid exposure in haemophilia patients are lacking.

Aim

The objectives of this study were to (a) provide a detailed description of opioid exposure in haemophilia patients based on written prescription data, (b) compare our findings to national haemophilia‐specific and general population datasets and (c) identify predictors of opioid exposure in haemophilia patients.

Methods

Medical records of 183 adult and 135 paediatric patients from two haemophilia treatment centres (HTC) were reviewed over a 42‐month period. Chronic exposure and acute opioid exposure were recorded, and results were compared to national haemophilia (ATHNdataset) and general population (CDC) data.

Results

We found that 56% of adult and 21% of paediatric patients were exposed to opioids, rates substantially higher than reported in the ATHNdataset (6%) and national population data from the CDC. In adults, but not children, severity of haemophilia was a significant predictor of opioid exposure. Most acute opioid prescriptions were not written by the HTC.

Conclusions

This is the first study in the haemophilia population to examine opioid exposure based on prescription data. Opioid exposure was more common than predicted in both adult and paediatric study populations and was most often prescribed for acute pain or procedures by non‐HTC providers. Haemophilia treatment centres need to take the lead in assessing pain in haemophilia patients, guiding treatment promoting non‐opioid options, strengthen efforts to monitor opioid exposure and collect data on pain treatment in the haemophilia population.
Geolocators lead to better measures of timing and renesting in black‐tailed godwits and reveal the bias of traditional observational methods
Authors: Verhoeven Mo A. , Loonstra A. H. Jelle , McBride Alice D. , Macias Pablo , Kaspersma Wiebe , Hooijmeijer Jos C. E. W. , van der Velde Egbert , Both Christiaan , Senner Nathan R. , Piersma Theunis
Published: February 2020

Long‐term population studies can identify changes in population dynamics over time. However, to realize meaningful conclusions, these studies rely on accurate measurements of individual traits and population characteristics. Here, we evaluate the accuracy of the observational methods used to measure reproductive traits in individually marked black‐tailed godwits (Limosa limosa limosa). By comparing estimates from traditional methods with data obtained from light‐level geolocators, we provide an accurate estimate of the likelihood of renesting in godwits and the repeatability of the lay dates of first clutches. From 2012 to 2018, we used periods of shading recorded on the light‐level geolocators carried by 68 individual godwits to document their nesting behaviour. We then compared these estimates to those simultaneously obtained by our long‐term observational study. We found that among recaptured geolocator‐carrying godwits, all birds renested after a failed first clutch, regardless of the date of nest loss or the number of days already spent incubating. We also found that 43% of these godwits laid a second replacement clutch after a failed first replacement, and that 21% of these godwits renested after a hatched first clutch. However, the observational study correctly identified only 3% of the replacement clutches produced by geolocator‐carrying individuals and designated as first clutches a number of nests that were actually replacement clutches. Additionally, on the basis of the observational study, the repeatability of lay date was 0.24 (95% CI 0.17–0.31), whereas it was 0.54 (95% CI 0.28–0.75) using geolocator‐carrying individuals. We use examples from our own and other godwit studies to illustrate how the biases in our observational study discovered here may have affected the outcome of demographic estimates, individual‐level comparisons, and the design, implementation and evaluation of conservation practices. These examples emphasize the importance of improving and validating field methodologies and show how the addition of new tools can be transformational.
Long‐term efficacy of the sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, ipragliflozin, in a case of type A insulin resistance syndrome
Authors: Nagashima Shuichi , Wakabayashi Tetsuji , Saito Naoko , Takahashi Manabu , Okada Kenta , Ebihara Ken , Ishibashi Shun
Published: February 2020

Type A insulin resistance (IR) syndrome is a severe IR form caused by insulin receptor (INSR) gene defects. Antidiabetic drugs, including high‐dose insulin and insulin‐sensitizing agents, often fail to control associated hyperglycemia. Therapy with recombinant human insulin‐like growth factor 1 can be more effective, but it is expensive. We report a case of type A IR syndrome with an in‐frame INSR heterozygous deletion (ΔLeu999) that was treated with a combination of conventional therapy and ipragliflozin, a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor. Treatment reduced hemoglobin A1c levels (10.0–7.5%) and induced weight loss (54.4–52.0 kg) within 2 months, and the effects were sustained for >3 years. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors might be useful to normalize blood glucose in type A IR syndrome by reducing bodyweight and ameliorating glucotoxicity.
Antiviral activity of Illicium verum Hook. f. extracts against grouper iridovirus infection
Authors: Liu Mingzhu , Yu Qing , Xiao Hehe , Yi Yi , Cheng Hao , Putra Dedi Fazriansyah , Huang Yaming , Zhang Qin , Li Pengfei
Published: February 2020

Grouper iridovirus causes high mortality rates in cultured groupers, and effective treatment for grouper iridovirus infection is urgently required. Illicium verum Hook. f. is a well‐known medicinal plant with a variety of biological activities. The aim of this study was to analyse the use of I. verum extracts to treat grouper iridovirus infection. The safe working concentration of each I. verum extract was identified both in vitro and in vivo as follows: I. verum aqueous extract (IVAE) ≤ 500 μg/ml; I. verum ethanol extract (IVEE) ≤ 250 μg/ml; shikimic acid (SKA) ≤ 250 μg/ml; trans‐anethole (TAT) ≤ 800 μg/ml; 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DDBA) ≤ 400 μg/ml; and quercetin (QCE) ≤ 50 μg/ml. The inhibitory activity of each I. verum extract against grouper iridovirus infection was analysed using aptamer (Q2)‐based fluorescent molecular probe (Q2‐AFMP) and RT‐qPCR. All of the I. verum extracts displayed dose‐dependent antiviral activities against grouper iridovirus. Based on the achieved per cent inhibition, IVAE, IVEE, DDBA and QCE were associated with the greatest antiviral activity (all > 90%). Together, our results indicate that I. verum extracts have effective antiviral properties, making it an excellent potential source material for the development of effective treatment for grouper iridovirus infection.
Factors associated with discharge delay and direct discharge home from paediatric intensive care
Authors: Kennedy Tessa K , Numa Andrew
Published: February 2020

Aim

To examine the patient and hospital admission characteristics associated with direct discharge home from paediatric intensive care.

Methods

This was a single‐centre retrospective analysis of all admissions to a tertiary metropolitan general paediatric intensive care unit (ICU) surviving to discharge over a 10‐year period between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2016, divided into two epochs defined by changes in health service structure. Patient and admission characteristics were compared between groups discharged direct to home and discharged to ward across these two epochs.

Results

There was a marked increase in the annual rate of direct discharge to home from ICU between the two epochs (3.7–9.5%, P < 0.0001). There was an inverse relationship between monthly ICU activity and rates of direct discharge to home. Patients discharged directly home were significantly more likely to experience delay to discharge (46.4 vs. 30.7%, P < 0.0001), for that delay to exceed 24 h and comprise a greater proportion of total ICU length of stay. Bronchiolitis accounted for an increasing proportion of admissions between epochs (7.0–15.1%) and was over‐represented among patients discharged direct to home (up to 18.2%).

Conclusions

The high observed rate of direct discharge home is likely to have resulted from increased delays to discharge and changes to patient admission characteristics, attributable to organisational restructuring and possibly changing approaches to clinical management of bronchiolitis. It is imperative to now consider how we ensure that our systems support the proper use of intensive care resources.
Photoperiodic effect on the testicular transcriptome in broiler roosters
Authors: Sun Lei , Guo Lewei , Wang Jun , Li Meng , Appiah Michael Osei , Liu Hongyu , Zhao Jing , Yang Lianyu , Lu Wenfa
Published: February 2020

Information about the effects of photoperiod on the testicular transcriptome of broiler roosters is limited. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of different photoperiodic regimes on gene expression in the testes of broiler breeder roosters. One hundred and twenty Arbor Acres broiler breeder roosters aged 20 weeks were assigned to one of three groups (n = 40) and subjected to different photoperiodic regimes: control (CTR; 12.5 L:11.5 D), short day (SD; 8 L:16 D) and long day (LD; 16 L:8 D). After 4 weeks, the testes of 10 randomly selected birds from each group were dissected, sliced and haematoxylin‐eosin stained. The testicular transcriptome of roosters from the SD and LD groups was determined by RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq), and the results were confirmed using quantitative real‐time PCR. The seminiferous tubule area and sperm count increased significantly with the prolongation of photoperiod (p < .01). Additionally, the RNA‐Seq results indicated that 387 genes were upregulated and 1,052 genes were downregulated in the LD group compared with those in the SD group. Several crucial genes involved in rooster testicular development and reproduction were also screened, including heat shock proteins 90, extracellular regulated protein kinases 1, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase, adenosine 5'‐monophosphate ‐activated protein kinase, BCL‐6 and Smad3. The differentially expressed genes were enriched in the mammalian targets of rapamycin (mTOR), forkhead box (FoxO), transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) and insulin signalling pathway. In conclusion, a 16 hr photoperiod for 4 weeks increased the seminiferous tubule duct area and promoted spermatogenesis in the rooster's testicles, and the mTOR, FoxO, TGF‐β and insulin signalling pathways may be involved.
Using RAD seq for reconstructing phylogenies of highly diverged taxa: A test using the tribe Scandiceae (Apiaceae)
Authors: Piwczyński Marcin , Trzeciak Paulina , Popa Madalina‐Oana , Pabijan Maciej , Corral José María , Spalik Krzysztof , Grzywacz Andrzej
Published: February 2020

The angiosperm Apiaceae tribe Scandiceae includes four major clades—subtribes Daucinae, Ferulinae, Torilidinae, and Scandicinae—that originated ca. 20 Mya. Although all four subtribes are highly supported in molecular analyses, and morphological data indicate a sister relationship between Daucinae and Torilidinae, their branching order has not been resolved using standard Sanger multilocus data. Therefore, in this study, we test the utility of genomic RAD seq data in resolving deep phylogenetic relationships (up to 20 Mya) in Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae, with special emphasis on tribe Scandiceae using 12 representative species. We used two bioinformatic pipelines, pyRAD and RADIS (based on STACKS), to assemble RAD seq data and we tested the influence of various combinations of parameters on the robustness of the inferred tree topologies. Although different data processing approaches produced alignments with various amounts of missing data, they converged to two well‐supported topologies, irrespective of the phylogenetic method applied. Highly supported trees showed Scandicinae as sister to all other clades and indicated that Daucinae and Torilidinae are sister groups, thus confirming the relationship inferred from morphology. We conclude that the RAD seq method can be successfully used to resolve deep relationships formed 20 Mya within Apiaceae. We provide recommendations for parameter settings in RADIS and pyRAD for the analysis of taxa that have accumulated considerable genomic divergence.
Transurethral cystoscopy in dogs with recurrent urinary tract infections: Retrospective study (2011‐2018)
Authors: Llido Marie , Vachon Catherine , Dickinson Melanie , Beauchamp Guy , Dunn Marilyn
Published: February 2020

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in female dogs and recurrent infections often require investigation by transurethral cystoscopy.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Describe the findings of transurethral cystoscopy in dogs presented for recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTI).

Animals

Fifty‐three client‐owned dogs with RUTI were included in the study.

Methods

Retrospective study. Data collected from medical records included signalment, clinical findings, bladder wall culture, cystoscopic, and histopathologic findings. UTI was defined as: presence of compatible clinical signs and at least 2 out of 3 of the following criteria: (1) pyuria, (2) positive urine culture, (3) resolution of clinical signs with antibiotic treatment. Recurrence of UTI was defined as at least 2 episodes of UTI within 6 months or at least 3 or more in 1 year.

Results

The mean age at presentation was 3.8 years with a majority of female dogs (48/53), 40/48 of which were spayed. Main breeds were Labrador (10/53), Australian Shepherd (4/53), and Miniature Schnauzer (3/53). A hooded vulva was noted in 33/48 of females. Transurethral cystoscopy showed anomalies in 45/53 of cases: mucosal edema (19/53), vestibulovaginal septal remnant (15/48), lymphoid follicles (8/53), short urethra (6/53), and ectopic ureter (5/53). Urine culture at the time of cystoscopy was positive in 13/49. Bladder wall edema and ulceration were the most common findings on histopathology (25/39).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

RUTI occurred more frequently in spayed female dogs. Transurethral cystoscopy is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of anomalies in dogs with RUTIs.
Copyright concerns of digital images in social media
Authors: Venugopal A. Vijayalakshmi
Published: February 2020

There can be intellectual property rights in digital images in the form of copyright. Images are commonly shared online, particularly in social media. When digital images are shared online, this can have implications on the copyright in the images. This article highlights a number of copyright concerns, potential solutions and recommendations for creators and copyright owners of digital images, as well as those using and sharing the images.
You Can’t Always Get What You Want: How Majority‐Party Agenda Setting and Ignored Alternatives Shape Public Attitudes
Authors: Harbridge‐Yong Laurel , Paris Celia
Published: February 2020

Agenda setting is central to the study of legislatures and has profound implications for policy outcomes—yet little is known about how the public reacts to agenda setting and to majority‐party decisions to ignore alternative proposals. We hypothesize that voters will be less satisfied with policy decisions when they are made aware of ignored alternatives. Drawing on literature on procedural fairness and partisan identity, we offer competing predictions for whether all respondents or only minority‐party voters will oppose agenda setting and whether the strongest negative reaction will be elicited when bipartisan alternatives or minority‐party proposals are ignored. Through a series of experiments, we show that information about agenda setting can drive down public support for legislation and for Congress as a whole and reduce the perceived fairness of the legislative process. Importantly, these effects are not confined to cases where popular policy alternatives are ignored or where one’s own party loses out.
Extraterrestrial amino acids and L‐enantiomeric excesses in the CM2 carbonaceous chondrites Aguas Zarcas and Murchison
Authors: Glavin Daniel P. , Elsila Jamie E. , McLain Hannah L. , Aponte José C. , Parker Eric T. , Dworkin Jason P. , Hill Dolores H. , Connolly Harold C. , Lauretta Dante S.
Published: February 2020

The abundances, distributions, enantiomeric ratios, and carbon isotopic compositions of amino acids in two fragments of the Aguas Zarcas CM2 type carbonaceous chondrite fall and a fragment of the CM2 Murchison meteorite were determined via liquid chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry. A suite of two‐ to six‐carbon aliphatic primary amino acids was identified in the Aguas Zarcas and Murchison meteorites with abundances ranging from ~0.1 to 158 nmol/g. The high relative abundances of α‐amino acids found in these meteorites are consistent with a Strecker‐cyanohydrin synthesis on these meteorite parent bodies. Amino acid enantiomeric and carbon isotopic measurements in both fragments of the Aguas Zarcas meteorites indicate that both samples experienced some terrestrial protein amino acid contamination after their fall to Earth. In contrast, similar measurements of alanine in Murchison revealed that this common protein amino acid was both racemic (D ≈ L) and heavily enriched in 13C, indicating no measurable terrestrial alanine contamination of this meteorite. Carbon isotope measurements of two rare non‐proteinogenic amino acids in the Aguas Zarcas and Murchison meteorites, α‐aminoisobutyric acid and D‐ and L‐isovaline, also fall well outside the typical terrestrial range, confirming they are extraterrestrial in origin. The detections of non‐terrestrial L‐isovaline excesses of ~10–15% in both the Aguas Zarcas and Murchison meteorites, and non‐terrestrial L‐glutamic acid excesses in Murchison of ~16–40% are consistent with preferential enrichment of circularly polarized light generated L‐amino acid excesses of conglomerate enantiopure crystals during parent body aqueous alteration and provide evidence of an early solar system formation bias toward L‐amino acids prior to the origin of life.
Inflammatory mediators in saliva and gingival fluid of children with congenital heart defect
Authors: Mohamed Ali Hiba , Mustafa Manal , Suliman Salwa , Elshazali Osama Hafiz , Ali Raouf Whahab , Berggreen Ellen
Published: February 2020

Objectives

(a) To compare levels of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in children with and without congenital heart defects (CHD cases and controls) and to test whether a systemic component exists in CHD cases by controlling for gingivitis and plaque scores. (b) To correlate the levels of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators in GCF and saliva with plaque bacterial composition among CHD cases and controls.

Materials and Methods

Whole un‐stimulated saliva and GCF samples were collected (60 CHD cases, 60 controls [Sudan]) and were analysed for levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1ra (IL‐1ra) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) levels. These levels were correlated with the previously reported levels of four red complex bacteria.

Results

Significantly elevated levels of PGE2 and IL‐1β in GCF and IL‐1β and TNF‐α in saliva were detected among CHD cases compared with controls. General linear model (GLM) analyses revealed that PGE2 and IL‐1β levels remained significantly higher in GCF and saliva samples, respectively, among CHD cases after controlling for gingivitis and plaque score, whereas TNF‐α and IL‐10 levels were significantly lower in their GCF samples. Additionally, IL‐1β level was significantly positively correlated to the counts of the four red complex species in their GCF.

Conclusion

In addition to higher levels of some pro‐inflammatory mediators in saliva and GCF corresponding to more gingivitis in CHD cases, also a systemic inflammatory component exists and is reflected in these two oral fluids.
Concussion incidence and recovery in Swedish elite soccer — Prolonged recovery in female players
Authors: Vedung Fredrik , Hänni Sofie , Tegner Yelverton , Johansson Jakob , Marklund Niklas
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Sport‐related concussions are an increasingly recognized health problem. Soccer is the most popular sport in the world although recent studies on concussion incidence are scarce. Here, a nationwide prospective study on concussion incidence, symptom severity, risk factors, gender differences, and return‐to‐play after concussion was performed in 51 Swedish elite soccer teams during the 2017 season.

Methods

In the 1st and 2nd soccer leagues for men and women, a Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT)‐based questionnaire study was performed at preseason (baseline) and from 48 hours to 3 months post‐concussion.

Results

We followed 959 players (389 women, 570 men) for 25 146 player game hours (9867 hours for women, 15 279 hours for men). Concussion incidence (n = 36 concussions during the season) was 1.19/1000 player game hours (females 1.22/1000 hours, males 1.18/1000 hours;P = .85). Twenty‐seven percent of all players (8% of females, 40% of males) continued to play immediately after the concussion. When compared to male players, female players had worse initial symptom severity scores (median and IQR 30 (17‐50.5) vs 11 (4‐26.25),P = .02) on SCAT and longer return‐to‐play (P = .02). Risk factors for concussion were baseline symptoms and previous concussion.

Conclusion

In Swedish elite soccer, the concussion incidence was 1.19/1000 without gender differences. Most players recovered to play within 4 weeks post‐injury. Almost one third of players continued to play at time of concussion. Female players had worse initial symptoms and longer return‐to‐play time than males, and a prolonged recovery beyond 3 months was only observed among female players.
The influence of fitness on exercise blood pressure and its association with cardiac structure in adolescence
Authors: Huang Zhengzheng , Fonseca Ricardo , Sharman James E. , Park Chloe , Chaturvedi Nish , Howe Laura D. , Hughes Alun D. , Schultz Martin G.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Exaggerated exercise blood pressure (BP) is associated with altered cardiac structure and increased cardiovascular risk. Fitness modifies these associations, but the effect in healthy adolescents is unknown. We performed an observational study to determine the influence of fitness on post‐exercise BP, and on its relationship with cardiac structure in adolescents.

Methods

4835 adolescents from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, (15.4 (0.3) years, 49% male) completed a submaximal cycle test. Fitness was estimated as physical work capacity 170 adjusted for lean body mass and post‐exercise BP measured immediately posttest. Cardiovascular structure and function, including left ventricular (LV) mass (n = 1589), left atrium (LA) size (n = 1466), cardiac output (CO, n = 1610), and total peripheral resistance (TPR, n = 1610) were measured at rest by echocardiography 2.4 (0.4) years later.

Results

Post‐exercise systolic BP increased stepwise by fitness tertile (131.2 mm Hg [130.4, 132.1]; 137.3 mm Hg [136.5, 138.0]; 142.3 mm Hg [141.5, 143.1]). Each 5 mm Hg of post‐exercise systolic BP was associated with 2.46 g [1.91, 3.01] greater LV mass, 0.02 cm [0.02, 0.03] greater LA size, and 0.25 g/m2.7 [0.14, 0.36] greater LV mass index. Adjustment for fitness abolished associations (0.29 g [−0.16, 0.74]; 0.01 cm [−0.001, 0.014] and 0.08 g/m2.7 [−0.001, 0.002]). Similar associations between post‐exercise systolic BP and each outcome were found between the lowest and highest fitness thirds. CO increased with fitness third (difference 0.06 L/min [−0.05, 0.17]; 0.23 L/min [0.12, 0.34]) while TPR decreased (difference −0.13 mm Hg·min/L [−0.84,0.59]; −1.08 mm Hg·min/L [−0.1.80, 0.35]).

Conclusions

Post‐exercise systolic BP increased with fitness, which modified its association with cardiac structure. Higher CO, but lower TPR suggests a physiologically adapted cardiovascular system with greater fitness, highlighting the importance of fitness in adolescence.
Retrograde CT urethrography using a power injector quantitatively reveals effects of bladder distension on urethral size in healthy male Beagle dogs
Authors: Kang Kyuyong , Kim Kyeonga , Oh Donghyun , Choi Jeongwoo , Choi Mincheol , Yoon Junghee
Published: February 2020

Quantitative analysis of the normal retrograde urethrogram is well reported in radiography, but studies on CT urethrography are lacking. Recently, a method of retrograde CT urethrography using a power injector was described. The purpose of the current, prospective, analytical study was to quantify the urethral size of five, healthy, intact, male Beagle dogs using retrograde CT urethrography and a power injector. With the injection rate of the power injector set at 0.3 mL/s, 1 mL/kg of diluted contrast medium (15 mg I/mL) was injected, and a CT examination was performed. The state of the initial urethrogram taken was defined as “empty bladder.” The same procedures were repeated with the injection of an additional 1 mL/kg of diluted contrast medium until the ureteral reflux was seen (distended bladder). There was a significant difference in volumes between the empty and distended bladder, but the membranous urethra showed the least difference (P = .0044) among the three regions (P < .0001 for the prostatic and penile urethra). Urethral diameters at six sites were measured from sagittal images, and the sites of measurements were adopted from the earlier radiographic studies. The most significant difference in the urethral diameters between the empty and distended bladder occurred at the cranial and middle prostatic urethra (P < .0001). The results of this study can be useful for interpreting the results of retrograde CT urethrography. Care must be taken when narrowing is suspected at the prostatic urethra, and if necessary, further distension of the urinary bladder should be tried.
Application of Multiscale Methodology for Transonic Turbine Blade Tip Cooling Design
Authors: Duan P. H. , He L.
Published: February 2020

Recent research suggests that the cooling flow at transonic turbine tip has several unique flow features such as the strong interaction with the base flow, the acceleration at divergent duct, the strong shock boundary layer interaction, and the weak correlation between aerodynamic loss and the heat transfer. These flow features require the cooling design to be considered together with the tip geometry shaping. However, due to the large disparity of the length scales between the cooling holes and the turbine blade, the combination of the cooling design and the tip geometry shaping tends to be too computationally expensive. This study adopts the multiscale method in a commercial solver to provide a fast and accurate solution for the turbine tip cooling design. The method uses source terms added on the coarse mesh to generate the solution that is close to the one obtained with a well-resolved mesh. The source terms are found to present not only the influence of the mesh resolution but also the flow injection. The multiscale results have been validated against the experimental data and the fine mesh results. The agreement shows the potential for this method to be used in cases with large length scale disparity.
Study on Aerodynamic Performance of Offshore Floating Wind Turbine With Fusion Winglets
Authors: Hu Danmei , Ji Shengqiang , Wu Zhixiang
Published: February 2020

The motion response of a (NREL) 5 MW wind turbine with tip-fusion winglets in the marine environment were studied in this paper. The aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine in three motion modes of yaw, surge, and pitch is simulated by the fluent software. The variation trend of power and axial thrust of the wind turbine with winglets under the motion conditions is explored, and its flow field is analyzed. The results indicate that the wind turbine with fusion winglets has the better aerodynamic performance. Besides, the effect of the winglet on the aerodynamic performance is mainly concentrated at the tip of the blade, especially at the relative height of 0.9 or above. The research results provide theoretical and technical reference for improving aerodynamic performance of the floating offshore wind turbine by adding tip-fusion winglets under the complex sea states.
Effect of Tube Size on the Thermal Stress in Concentrating Solar Receiver Tubes
Authors: Peng Kewen , Qin Frank G. F. , Jiang Runhua , Kang Shimin
Published: February 2020

High-level thermal stress in the receiver tubes is detrimental for the integrity and safety of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants and is a major concern in CSP design. One important factor affecting the thermal stress is the tube size. However, conventional CSP designs mainly focus on heat transfer efficiency and pumping loss when considering the tube size effect. Investigations into the influence of tube wall thickness and diameter on the thermal stress profile are still lacking. In this paper, we bridge this knowledge gap by conducting a coupled fluid-thermal-structural simulation. The results demonstrate that the peak thermal stress correlates linearly with both the tube diameter and thickness. In comparison, the increase in thickness raises thermal stress more profoundly than the tube diameter does. Further analysis also reveals a shift in the axial thermal stress distribution by decreasing thickness or enlarging tube diameter. Notably, the axial stress on the tube front section's inner surface is inverted from tension to compression at small thicknesses or large diameters. This change is found to be attributed to the diminishing of the radial temperature gradient. These findings are beneficial in CSP receiver designs for mitigating the high-stress risks and extending its operational lifespan.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Emission Reduction Strategy for Limestone Forced Oxidation Flue Gas Desulfurization System
Authors: Uddin Ghulam Moeen , Arafat Syed Muhammad , Ashraf Waqar Muhammad , Asim Muhammad , Bhutta Muhammad Mahmood Aslam , Jatoi Haseeb Ullah Khan , Niazi Sajawal Gul , Jamil Ahsaan , Farooq Muhammad , Ghufran Muhammad , Jawad Muhammad , Hayat Nasir , Jie Wang , Chaudhry Ijaz Ahmad , Zeid Ibrahim
Published: February 2020

The emissions from coal power plants have serious implication on the environment protection, and there is an increasing effort around the globe to control these emissions by the flue gas cleaning technologies. This research was carried out on the limestone forced oxidation (LSFO) flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system installed at the 2*660 MW supercritical coal-fired power plant. Nine input variables of the FGD system: pH, inlet sulfur dioxide (SO2), inlet temperature, inlet nitrogen oxide (NOx), inlet O2, oxidation air, absorber slurry density, inlet humidity, and inlet dust were used for the development of effective neural network process models for a comprehensive emission analysis constituting outlet SO2, outlet Hg, outlet NOx, and outlet dust emissions from the LSFO FGD system. Monte Carlo experiments were conducted on the artificial neural network process models to investigate the relationships between the input control variables and output variables. Accordingly, optimum operating ranges of all input control variables were recommended. Operating the LSFO FGD system under optimum conditions, nearly 35% and 24% reduction in SO2 emissions are possible at inlet SO2 values of 1500 mg/m3 and 1800 mg/m3, respectively, as compared to general operating conditions. Similarly, nearly 42% and 28% reduction in Hg emissions are possible at inlet SO2 values of 1500 mg/m3 and 1800 mg/m3, respectively, as compared to general operating conditions. The findings are useful for minimizing the emissions from coal power plants and the development of optimum operating strategies for the LSFO FGD system.
Numerical Simulation of a Naturally Aspirated Natural Gas/Diesel RCCI Engine for Investigating the Effects of Injection Timing on the Combustion and Emissions
Authors: Fakhari Amir Hossein , Shafaghat Rouzbeh , Jahanian Omid
Published: February 2020

The start of injection (SOI) timing has a significant effect on increasing the homogeneity of the air–fuel mixture in an reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) engine. In this paper, the impact of the SOI timing from 14 deg to 74 deg before top dead center (bTDC) and different inlet valve closing (IVC) temperatures on natural gas/diesel RCCI performance and emissions have been studied. Also, the simulations carried out by avl fire which is coupled with chemical kinetics. The results showed that in the SOIs of 14 deg, 24 deg, and 34 deg bTDC, the fuel is sprayed into the piston bowl; however, in the SOI of 44 deg bTDC, the fuel collides the bowl rim edge, because of the downward movement of the piston. With the advancement of diesel SOI timing from 14 deg to 74 deg bTDC, two different combustion trends can be observed. However, this advancement leads to a lower CO emission, but it raises the CO2 emission level. Although the pressure is a primary parameter for NOx emission, the difference between the trends of NOx and pressure plots indicates that different factors affect the NOx production and also increase the IVC temperature, and raises the in-cylinder pressure, heat release rate, NOx and CO2 emissions, while it reduces the CO emission.
Impairment of Thermoregulation and Performance via Mild Dehydration in Ice Hockey Goaltenders
Authors: McCarthy Devin G. , Wickham Kate A. , Vermeulen Tyler F. , Nyman Danielle L. , Ferth Shane , Pereira Jamie M. , Larson Dennis J. , Burr Jamie F. , Spriet Lawrence L.
Published: February 2020

During play, ice hockey goaltenders routinely dehydrate through sweating and lose ≥2% body mass, which may impair thermoregulation and performance. Purpose: This randomized, crossover study examined the effects of mild dehydration on goaltender on-ice thermoregulation, heart rate, fatigue, and performance. Methods: Eleven goaltenders played a 70-minute scrimmage followed by a shootout and drills to analyze reaction time and movements. On ice, they either consumed no fluid (NF) and lost 2.4% (0.3%) body mass or maintained body mass with water (WAT) or a carbohydrate–electrolyte solution (CES). Save percentage, rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, and core temperature were recorded throughout, and a postskate questionnaire assessed perceived fatigue. Results: Relative to NF, intake of both fluids decreased heart rate (interaction: P = .03), core temperature (peak NF = 39.0°C [0.1°C], WAT = 38.6°C [0.1°C], and CES = 38.5°C [0.1°C]; P = .005), and rating of perceived exertion in the scrimmage (post hoc: P < .04), as well as increasing save percentage in the final 10 minutes of scrimmage (NF = 75.8% [1.9%], WAT = 81.7% [2.3%], and CES = 81.3% [2.3%], post hoc: P < .04). In drills, movement speed (post hoc: P < .05) and reaction time (post hoc: P < .04) were slower in the NF versus both fluid conditions. Intake of either fluid similarly reduced postskate questionnaire scores (condition: P < .0001). Only CES significantly reduced rating of perceived exertion in drills (post hoc: P < .05) and increased peak movement power versus NF (post hoc: P = .02). Shootout save percentage was similar between conditions (P = .37). Conclusions: Mild dehydration increased physiological strain and fatigue and decreased ice hockey goaltender performance versus maintaining hydration. Also, maintaining hydration with a CES versus WAT may further reduce perceived fatigue and positively affect movements.
Pathogen or Bystander: Clinical Significance of Detecting Human Herpesvirus 6 in Pediatric Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Pandey Utsav , Greninger Alexander L. , Levin Greg R. , Jerome Keith R. , Anand Vikram C. , Dien Bard Jennifer
Published: February 2020

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is an important cause of meningitis and meningoencephalitis. As testing for HHV-6 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is more readily available using the FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis panel (FA-ME; BioFire Diagnostics, Salt Lake City, UT), we aimed to determine the clinical significance of detecting HHV-6 in order to identify true infections and to ensure appropriate antiviral initiation. Chart review on 25 patients positive for HHV-6 by FA-ME was performed to determine clinical presentation, comorbidity, treatment, and outcome.
Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli KI683, Isolated from a Urosepsis Patient
Authors: Stefani Nathalie , Schroeckh Volker , Neugebauer Ute , Bohnert Jürgen , Brakhage Axel A.
Published: February 2020

Escherichia coli
KI683 was isolated from blood of a patient who developed septicemia as a complication of a urinary tract infection. Genome sequencing resulted in three contigs with a total genome size of 5,243,173 bp encoding 5,143 genes.
Genome Sequence of a Potentially New
Buttiauxella
Species, Strain B2, Isolated from Rhizosphere of Olivillo Trees (
Aextoxicon punctatum
)
Authors: Almasia Romina , Henríquez Marlene , Levican Arturo , Poblete-Morales Matías
Published: February 2020

We announce the draft genome sequence of strain B2, which belongs to a potentially new
Buttiauxella
species, isolated from soil associated with rhizosphere of olivillo trees (
Aextoxicon punctatum
). Its size is 4,967,099 bp, and its G+C content is 49.1%. The genome of strain B2 carries genes related to rhizobacteria that promote the growth of plants.
Draft Genome Assemblies of Ionic Liquid-Resistant Yarrowia lipolytica PO1f and Its Superior Evolved Strain, YlCW001
Authors: Walker Caleb , Ryu Seunghyun , Haridas Sajeet , Na Hyunsoo , Zane Matthew , LaButti Kurt , Barry Kerrie , Grigoriev Igor V. , Trinh Cong T.
Published: February 2020

Adaptive laboratory evolution of
Yarrowia lipolytica
PO1f in the benchmark ionic liquid (IL; 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate) produced a superior IL-tolerant microorganism, strain YlCW001. Here, we report the genome sequences of PO1f and YlCW001 to study the robustness of
Y. lipolytica
and its potential use as a microbial platform for producing fuels and chemicals.
Head and neck cutaneous metastasis of testicular choriocarcinoma
Authors: Shabani Sepehr , Pritchard Nicholas , Padhya Tapan A , Mifsud Matthew
Published: February 2020

Testicular choriocarcinoma (CC) is a malignant germ cell tumour which most frequently presents with disseminated metastasis, often involving the lungs, brain and liver. Metastatic are characterised by extensive vascularity, often causing patients to present emergently with potentially life-threatening haemorrhagic complications. We report a patient with disseminated testicular CC, presenting with haemorrhage from a dermal metastatic focus involving the lower lip and mentum, requiring surgical intervention. This unique case illustrates the potential utility of palliative surgery, for the management of symptomatic metastatic disease, such as those caused by testicular CC.
Complications of retained cardiac defibrillator coil left in situ
Authors: Gamalath Sameera , Ekladious Adel , Wheeler Luke , Fish Louise
Published: February 2020

A 42-year-old man presented to a regional hospital emergency department with a 4-day history of haemoptysis, shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, productive cough and subjective fevers. This episode was the third similar presentation in a 2-month period. The patient was known to have dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to amphetamine use and had previously required insertion of automated implantable cardiac defibrillator (AICD). Due to recurrent complications, the AICD had been replaced on two occasions and a superior vena cava (SVC) lead left in situ on its final removal. Clinical examination and investigations revealed lower respiratory tract infection and transthoracic echocardiogram revealed severe left ventricular failure with an ejection fraction of 16%. The patient was admitted under the general medical team for treatment and investigation of suspected bacteraemia and septicaemia secondary to colonisation of the retained AICD lead. He spent 6 days as an in-patient and was discharged on home where he was to be followed up by the advanced heart failure team in a tertiary centre for consideration of new AICD insertion and to explore possibility of retained coil removal. This case report discusses the concerns surrounding retained SVC leads and potential clinical sequalae. As this patient presented three times within a period of 2 months, it was suspected retained SVC lead was a predisposing factor for recurrent lower respiratory infection
Gastrostomy uptake in motor neurone disease: a mixed-methods study of patients’ decision making
Authors: Labra Julie , Hogden Anne , Power Emma , James Natalie , Flood Victoria M
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Gastrostomy decision making is a complicated, multifaceted process for people with motor neuron disease (MND). This study explored demographic and disease-related factors that may impact on gastrostomy uptake; and reasons why people with MND accepted or declined gastrostomy, with a focus on how perceptions of swallowing and nutrition may influence decision making.

Design

Prospective, cross sectional, mixed methods.

Setting

An Australian multidisciplinary, specialty MND Service.

Participants

33 patients were recommended gastrostomy by the treating medical specialist. 16 of 33 were invited to participate in the prospective decision making study; of whom 10 provided informed consent.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Demographic and disease-related factors contributing to uptake are described. A stepped approach was applied to gain a comprehensive understanding of why people with MND accept or decline gastrostomy. Instruments included standardised assessments, nutrition survey and semistructured interview. Data were collected at three separate appointments, spanning a 3-week period.

Results

Gastrostomy uptake was 73% following medical specialist recommendation. Participants took days, weeks or months to consider their preferences, with lengthy hospital waiting times for the procedure. Gender, site of onset and rate of disease progression were observed to contribute to uptake. Age and symptom duration did not. Integration of quantitative and qualitative data suggests that patient perceptions of swallowing and nutrition contribute to gastrostomy acceptance; however, the decision making process is heterogeneous and these factors may not be the sole or primary reasons for acceptance. Other reported factors included: reducing carer burden, improving quality of life, increasing independence, continuing participation in social outings and gaining control.

Conclusions

Future research may give greater insight into how healthcare organisations can better facilitate gastrostomy decision making, to meet the needs of people living with MND. Larger, prospective, multisite studies may build on these findings to better inform clinical guidelines and minimise the impacts of delayed gastrostomy insertion.
Prescribing for pregnancy: asthma
Authors: Girling Joanna
Published: February 2020

Topics for DTB review articles are selected by DTB’s editorial board to provide concise overviews of medicines and other treatments to help patients get the best care. Articles include a summary of key points and a brief overview for patients. Articles may also have a series of multiple choice CME questions.
Albumin in decompensated cirrhosis: new concepts and perspectives
Authors: Bernardi Mauro , Angeli Paolo , Claria Joan , Moreau Richard , Gines Pere , Jalan Rajiv , Caraceni Paolo , Fernandez Javier , Gerbes Alexander L , O'Brien Alastair J , Trebicka Jonel , Thevenot Thierry , Arroyo Vicente
Published: February 2020

The pathophysiological background of decompensated cirrhosis is characterised by a systemic proinflammatory and pro-oxidant milieu that plays a major role in the development of multiorgan dysfunction. Such abnormality is mainly due to the systemic spread of bacteria and/or bacterial products from the gut and danger-associated molecular patterns from the diseased liver triggering the release of proinflammatory mediators by activating immune cells. The exacerbation of these processes underlies the development of acute-on-chronic liver failure. A further mechanism promoting multiorgan dysfunction and failure likely consists with a mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation dysfunction responsible for systemic cellular energy crisis. The systemic proinflammatory and pro-oxidant state of patients with decompensated cirrhosis is also responsible for structural and functional changes in the albumin molecule, which spoil its pleiotropic non-oncotic properties such as antioxidant, scavenging, immune-modulating and endothelium protective functions. The knowledge of these abnormalities provides novel targets for mechanistic treatments. In this respect, the oncotic and non-oncotic properties of albumin make it a potential multitarget agent. This would expand the well-established indications to the use of albumin in decompensated cirrhosis, which mainly aim at improving effective volaemia or preventing its deterioration. Evidence has been recently provided that long-term albumin administration to patients with cirrhosis and ascites improves survival, prevents complications, eases the management of ascites and reduces hospitalisations. However, variant results indicate that further investigations are needed, aiming at confirming the beneficial effects of albumin, clarifying its optimal dosage and administration schedule and identify patients who would benefit most from long-term albumin administration.
Computed tomographic characterisation of vertebral osteomyelitis in a goat kid
Authors: Szafranski Nicole Marie , Castel Aude , Hespel Adrien‐Maxence , Dore Vincent
Published: February 2020

A one‐month‐old male goat kid presented with a three weeks’ history of progressive neurological deficits and progressive tetraparesis. Initial therapeutic strategy with antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory and selenium supplementation only partly relieved clinical signs. Digital radiographs were performed antemortem and revealed a pathological fracture of the vertebral column. A CT scan was performed immediately postmortem. The imaging revealed lysis of the vertebral bodies of T8, T9, T12 and T13 and focal narrowing of the vertebral canal consistent with infectious osteomyelitis of the thoracic vertebral column. Histopathological examination and microbiological testing confirmed a multifocal discospondylitis and vertebral osteomyelitis of mixed bacterial origin.
A discussion of “hidden subduction” in orogenic belts
Authors: Şengör A.M.C. , Dewey John F.
Published: February 2020

The McKenzie et al. (2019) model concerning the cause of the deep earthquakes in the Hindu Kush region in Asia greatly resembles the hidden subduction model proposed earlier. However, in the case of the Hindu Kush, the age of the disappearance of the Tethyan waters was early Jurassic and the sutures were overlain by early Cretaceous sedimentary cover. The question then becomes how long a “subcutaneous” oceanic lithosphere can survive within a continent. It seems that the “oceanic” basement of the North Caspian Depression has been there since the late Palaeozoic, which is encouraging for the McKenzie et al. model. Whether an already subducted slab can also survive for more than 100 million years attached to its continental continuation remains an unanswered question. In the examples with which we are familiar (eastern Turkey, Apennines, Magrebides, Betic and Rif cordilleras), subducted lithosphere became detached at most 25 million years after collision.