bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Daily Cold-Water Recovery and Postexercise Hot-Water Immersion on Training-Load Tolerance During 5 Days of Heat-Based Training
Authors: Borg David N. , Stewart Ian B. , Osborne John O. , Drovandi Christopher , Costello Joseph T. , Stanley Jamie , Minett Geoffrey M.
Published: February 2020

Purpose: To examine the effects of daily cold- and hot-water recovery on training load (TL) during 5 days of heat-based training. Methods: Eight men completed 5 days of cycle training for 60 minutes (50% peak power output) in 4 different conditions in a block counter-balanced-order design. Three conditions were completed in the heat (35°C) and 1 in a thermoneutral environment (24°C; CON). Each day after cycling, participants completed 20 minutes of seated rest (CON and heat training [HT]) or cold- (14°C; HTCWI) or hot-water (39°C; HTHWI) immersion. Heart rate, rectal temperature, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected during cycling. Session-RPE was collected 10 minutes after recovery for the determination of session-RPE TL. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression in a Bayesian framework; Cohen d was calculated, and for session-RPE TL, the probability that d > 0.5 was also computed. Results: There was evidence that session-RPE TL was increased in HTCWI (d = 2.90) and HTHWI (d = 2.38) compared with HT. The probabilities that d > 0.5 were .99 and .96, respectively. The higher session-RPE TL observed in HTCWI coincided with a greater cardiovascular (d = 2.29) and thermoregulatory (d = 2.68) response during cycling than in HT. This result was not observed for HTHWI. Conclusion: These findings suggest that cold-water recovery may negatively affect TL during 5 days of heat-based training, hot-water recovery could increase session-RPE TL, and the session-RPE method can detect environmental temperature-mediated increases in TL in the context of this study.
Control of matrix stiffness promotes endodermal lineage specification by regulating SMAD2/3 via lncRNA LINC00458
Authors: Chen Yu-Fan , Li Yi-Shuan J. , Chou Chih-Hung , Chiew Men Yee , Huang Hsien-Da , Ho Jennifer Hui-Chun , Chien Shu , Lee Oscar K.
Published: February 2020

Mechanical cues from matrix stiffness regulate endodermal fate of pluripotent stem cells via the long noncoding RNA 000458.
Targeted anti–IL-1β platelet microparticles for cardiac detoxing and repair
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Hu Shiqi , Huang Ke , Su Teng , Cores Jhon , Cheng Ke
Published: February 2020

Platelet microparticles are used to deliver IL-1β antibodies to myocardial infarction for cardiac detoxing and repair.
APOE
genotype regulates pathology and disease progression in synucleinopathy
Authors: Davis Albert A. , Inman Casey E. , Wargel Zachary M. , Dube Umber , Freeberg Brittany M. , Galluppi Alexander , Haines Jessica N. , Dhavale Dhruva D. , Miller Rebecca , Choudhury Fahim A. , Sullivan Patrick M. , Cruchaga Carlos , Perlmutter Joel S. , Ulrich Jason D. , Benitez Bruno A. , Kotzbauer Paul T. , Holtzman David M.
Published: February 2020

APOE
genotype regulates disease development in mouse models of α-synucleinopathy and affects cognition in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Bridging the Gap: Virus Long-Distance Spread via Tunneling Nanotubes
Authors: Jansens Robert J. J. , Tishchenko Alexander , Favoreel Herman W.
Published: February 2020

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are actin-based intercellular conduits that connect distant cells and allow intercellular transfer of molecular information, including genetic information, proteins, lipids, and even organelles. Besides providing a means of intercellular communication, TNTs may also be hijacked by pathogens, particularly viruses, to facilitate their spread. Viruses of many different families, including retroviruses, herpesviruses, orthomyxoviruses, and several others have been reported to trigger the formation of TNTs or TNT-like structures in infected cells and use these structures to efficiently spread to uninfected cells.
Complete Genome Sequence of Methylomonas koyamae LM6, a Potential Aerobic Methanotroph
Authors: Lee Dae-Hee , Madhavaraj Lavanya , Han Gui Hwan , Lee Hyewon , Lee Seung-Goo , Kim Si Wouk
Published: February 2020

Methylomonas koyamae
LM6 is a potential methanotrophic bacterium of interest for methane bioconversion. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
M. koyamae
LM6, which contains 4,337 predicted open reading frames on one chromosome (4,894,002 bp) and one plasmid (186,658 bp), with genes involved in methane oxidation.
Complete Genome Sequence of Colistin-Resistant Escherichia fergusonii Strain EFCF056
Authors: Tang Biao , Chen Yifei , Zhang Ling , Chang Jiang , Xia Xiaodong , Yang Hua
Published: February 2020

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of colistin-resistant
Escherichia fergusonii
strain EFCF056, isolated from chicken feces. This genome contains six plasmids, including a 204,246-bp plasmid harboring the colistin resistance gene
mcr-1
. These results will increase our understanding of plasmid-mediated
mcr-1
gene presence and transmission in
E. fergusonii
.
Coexisting seismic behavior of transform faults revealed by high-resolution bathymetry
Authors: Hilley G.E. , Sare R.M. , Aron F. , Baden C.W. , Caress D.W. , Castillo C.M. , Dobbs S.C. , Gooley J.T. , Johnstone S.A. , Liu F. , McHargue T. , Nevitt J.M. , Paull C.K. , Shumaker L. , Traer M.M. , Young H.H.
Published: February 2020

Transform faults have anomalously low rates of seismicity, but it’s not clear whether this reflects persistent earthquake-generating fault patches surrounded by creep, or the presence of creep and earthquakes at different times along the same patch. We use new, autonomous underwater vehicle high-resolution seafloor mapping to image the morphology of and offsets along transform fault segments in the Gulf of California, offshore Mexico. Fault zone structure imaged in this study shows evidence for the initiation and cessation of activity along individual fault splays over geologic time. A series of six identically offset depositional fans evidence 21–23 m of slip along the main transform fault, which could not have been produced by a single earthquake given the length of the transform. Rather, the lack of smaller-magnitude offsets indicates synchronous deposition and an absence of multiple slope failure–inducing earthquakes, which is consistent with the idea that creep and/or small-magnitude events occur asynchronously with large earthquakes in the slip history of a given transform fault segment.
Magmatic duration of the Emeishan large igneous province: Insight from northern Vietnam
Authors: Shellnutt J. Gregory , Pham Thuy Thanh , Denyszyn Steven W. , Yeh Meng-Wan , Tran Tuan-Anh
Published: February 2020

The eruption of Emeishan lava in southwestern China and northern Vietnam is considered to be a contributing factor to the Capitanian mass extinction and subsequent global cooling event, but the duration of volcanism is uncertain. The difficulty in assessing the termination age is, in part, due to the lack of high-precision age data for late-stage volcanic rocks. The Tu Le rhyolite of northern Vietnam is the most voluminous silicic unit of the Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP) and is spatially associated with the Muong Hum and Phan Si Pan hypabyssal plutons. Chemical abrasion–isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry U-Pb dating of zircons from the Tu Le rhyolite (257.1 ± 0.6 Ma to 257.9 ± 0.3 Ma) and Muong Hum (257.3 ± 0.2 Ma) and Phan Si Pan (256.3 ± 0.4 Ma) plutons yielded the youngest high-precision ages of the ELIP yet determined. The results demonstrate that Emeishan lavas erupted over a period of ∼6 m.y,. with plutonism ending shortly thereafter. Thus, it is possible that Emeishan volcanism contributed to global cooling into the middle Wuchiapingian. It appears that these rocks represent a distinct period of ELIP magmatism, as they are young and were emplaced oblique to the main north-south–trending Panxi rift.
Early human occupation of southeastern Australia: New insights from 40Ar/39Ar dating of young volcanoes
Authors: Matchan Erin L. , Phillips David , Jourdan Fred , Oostingh Korien
Published: February 2020

In Australia, the onset of human occupation (≥65 ka?) and dispersion across the continent are the subjects of intense debate and are critical to understanding global human migration routes. New-generation multi-collector mass spectrometers capable of high-precision 40Ar/39Ar dating of young (<500 ka) samples provide unprecedented opportunities to improve temporal constraints of archaeological events. In southeastern Australia, a novel approach to improving understanding of occupation involves dating key volcanic eruptions in the region, referenced to stone artifacts and Aboriginal oral traditions. The current study focuses on two monogenetic volcanoes in the Newer Volcanic Province of southeastern Australia: Budj Bim (previously Mount Eccles) and Tower Hill. Budj Bim and its surrounding lava landforms are of great cultural significance and feature prominently in the oral traditions of the Gunditjmara people. Tower Hill is of archaeological significance due to the occurrence of a stone tool beneath tephra. 40Ar/39Ar eruption ages of 36.9 ± 3.1 ka (95% confidence interval) and 36.8 ± 3.8 ka (2σ) were determined for the Budj Bim and Tower Hill volcanic complexes, respectively. The Tower Hill eruption age is a minimum age constraint for human presence in Victoria, consistent with published optically stimulated luminescence and 14C age constraints for the earliest known occupation sites in Tasmania, New South Wales, and South Australia. If aspects of oral traditions pertaining to Budj Bim or its surrounding lava landforms reflect volcanic activity, this could be interpreted as evidence for these being some of the oldest oral traditions in existence.
Characteristics and conflicts of interests of public speakers at the Psychopharmacologic Drug and Advisory Committee meetings regarding psychiatric drugs
Authors: Roberts Will , Jellison Samuel , Wayant Cole , Vassar Matt
Published: February 2020

The Psychopharmacologic Drug Advisory Committee (PDAC) is one of 33 advisory committees of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). During committee meetings, an open public hearing takes place where speakers provide testimonies about the drug in question and are asked, not required, to disclose any conflicts of interests (COIs) before speaking. These speakers may present with COIs which include, but are not limited to, reimbursement for travel and lodging by the pharmaceutical company to attend the meeting; previous or current payments for consulting from the pharmaceutical company and compensation as a paid investigator in previously conducted clinical trials for the drug under review. Our study aimed to investigate the characteristics and COIs of public speakers at PDAC meetings of the FDA. We evaluated 145 public speakers at FDA committee meetings over a 10-year period. We found a total of 52 public speakers disclosed a COI with travel and lodging being the most prominent. Among these speakers, 82.4% provided a positive testimony regarding the psychiatric drug in question. Speakers who had the condition in question were not more likely to provide a positive statement than those who did not. Our results showed that disclosing a COI was associated with increased odds of public speakers providing a favourable testimony for the recommendation of psychiatric drugs. The implications of these findings are concerning since COIs have the potential to skew public speaker’s testimonies and persuade committee members to recommend a drug through emotionally charged tactics.
Using specialist screening practitioners (SSPs) to increase uptake of bowel scope (flexible sigmoidoscopy) screening: results of a feasibility single-stage phase II randomised trial
Authors: McGregor Lesley M , Skrobanski Hanna , Ritchie Mary , Berkman Lindy , Miller Hayley , Freeman Madeleine , Patel Nishma , Morris Stephen , Rees Colin , von Wagner Christian
Published: February 2020

Objective

To determine the feasibility of specialist screening practitioners (SSPs) offering patient navigation (PN) to facilitate uptake of bowel scope screening (BSS) among patients who do not confirm or attend their appointment.

Design

A single-stage phase II trial.

Setting

South Tyneside District Hospital, Tyne and Wear, England, UK.

Participants

Individuals invited for BSS at South Tyneside District Hospital during the 6-month recruitment period were invited to participate in the study.

Intervention

Consenting individuals were randomly assigned to either the PN intervention or usual care group in a 4:1 ratio. The intervention involved BSS non-attenders receiving a phone call from an SSP to elicit their reasons for non-attendance and offer educational, practical and emotional support as required. If requested by the patient, another BSS appointment was then scheduled.

Primary outcome measure

The number of non-attenders in the intervention group who were navigated and then rebooked and attended their new BSS appointment.

Secondary outcome measures

Barriers to BSS attendance, patient-reported outcomes including informed choice and satisfaction with BSS and the PN intervention, reasons for study non-participation, SSPs’ evaluation of the PN process and a cost analysis.

Results

Of those invited to take part (n=1050), 152 (14.5%) were randomised into the study: PN intervention=109; usual care=43. Most participants attended their BSS appointment (PN: 79.8%; control: 79.1%) leaving 22 eligible for PN: only two were successfully contacted. SSPs were confident in delivering PN, but were concerned that low BSS awareness and information overload may have deterred patients from taking part in the study. Difficulty contacting patients was reported as a burden to their workload.

Conclusions

PN, as implemented, was not a feasible intervention to increase BSS uptake in South Tyneside. Interventions to increase BSS awareness may be better suited to this population.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13314752; Results.
The effect of rehabilitation interventions on physical function and immobility-related complications in severe stroke: a systematic review
Authors: McGlinchey Mark P , James Jimmy , McKevitt Christopher , Douiri Abdel , Sackley Catherine
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions on physical function and immobility-related complications in severe stroke.

Design

Systematic review of electronic databases (Medline, Excerpta Medica database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Database of Research in Stroke, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) searched between January 1987 and November 2018.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement guided the review. Randomised controlled trials comparing the effect of one type of rehabilitation intervention to another intervention, usual care or no intervention on physical function and immobility-related complications for patients with severe stroke were included. Studies that recruited participants with all levels of stroke severity were included only if subgroup analysis based on stroke severity was performed. Two reviewers screened search results, selected studies using predefined selection criteria, extracted data and assessed risk of bias for selected studies using piloted proformas. Marked heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis and a descriptive review was performed. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to assess evidence strength.

Results

28 studies (n=2677, mean age 72.7 years, 49.3% males) were included in the review. 24 studies were rated low or very low quality due to high risk of bias and small sample sizes. There was high-quality evidence that very early mobilisation (ie, mobilisation with 24 hours poststroke) and occupational therapy in care homes were no more effective than usual care. There was moderate quality evidence supporting short-term benefits of wrist and finger neuromuscular electrical stimulation in improving wrist extensor and grip strength, additional upper limb training on improving upper limb function and additional lower limb training on improving upper limb function, independence in activities of daily living, gait speed and gait independence.

Conclusions

There is a paucity of high-quality evidence to support the use of rehabilitation interventions to improve physical function and reduce immobility-related complications after severe stroke. Future research investigating more commonly used rehabilitation interventions, particularly to reduce poststroke complications, is required.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017077737
Exploring the therapeutic alliance in Belgian family medicine and its association with doctor–patient characteristics: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Boeckxstaens Pauline , Meskens Annelou , Van der Poorten Aline , Verpoort Anne-Catherine , Sturgiss Elizabeth Ann
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Patient-centred care is related to better health outcomes, greater patient satisfaction and reduced healthcare costs. One of the core components of patient-centred care, defined in the patient-centred clinical method, is enhancing the patient–doctor relationship. In this study, we aim to measure the therapeutic alliance in consultations between patients and family doctors in Belgium, and explore which patient, provider and practice characteristics are associated with the strength of the therapeutic alliance.

Design

Cross-sectional cohort study using the Working Alliance Inventory for General Practice (WAI-GP). The patients and family doctors completed a survey after the consultation. The survey consisted of the WAI-GP, demographics, consultation characteristics and variables related to the patient–doctor relationship.

Setting

Belgian primary care.

Participants

Every third patient (both practice and house call visits) was invited to participate. 170 patient–doctor dyads from four practices were included. Total of 10 doctors (30% men, age range 24–63 years) and 170 patients (35.9% men, age range 18–92 years).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome was the WAI-GP score and its correlations with characteristics of the doctor (gender, age) and patients (gender, age, chronic disease, number of annual consultations).

Results

The median WAI-GP score reported after these consultations was 4.5±0.62. Higher WAI-GP scores were reported for consultations with male doctors and by older patients. In the subsample of patients with a chronic illness, higher WAI-GP scores were reported by patients who had more than 10 follow-up consultations per year.

Conclusions

Consultation quality is an important aspect of healthcare, but attention is needed to understand how the WAI-GP performs in relation to variables that are beyond control, such as gender of the physician, age of the patient and variables related to building continuity of care. This has implications for the measurement of quality of healthcare.
Study protocol for a comparative diagnostic accuracy study of bedside tests used to detect arterial disease in diabetes: TEsting for Arterial disease in Diabetes (TrEAD) study
Authors: Normahani Pasha , Poushpas Sepideh , Alaa Mays , Bravis Vassiliki , Aslam Mohammed , Jaffer Usman
Published: February 2020

Introduction

In the UK, over 7000 amputations are performed each year because of diabetes. Up to 80% of these are preceded by a foot ulcer and could therefore be prevented with improvements in ulcer care. Peripheral arterial disease is an important risk factor for the development of diabetic foot ulceration. However, its diagnosis in diabetes is challenging due to the presence of neuropathy and arterial calcification. Commonly used bedside tests either have low sensitivities or little supporting evidence to justify their use. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) has good correlation to angiography findings but a full scan is difficult to learn and time consuming to perform. We have previously demonstrated that a focused DUS of the distal anterior and posterior tibial arteries at the ankle (podiatry ankle duplex scan (PAD-scan)) can be readily learnt by novices and performed rapidly and accurately. The primary aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the PAD-scan and other commonly used bedside tests in detecting arterial disease in diabetes.

Methods and analysis

The study will include 305 patients presenting to diabetic foot clinics at two centres. Arterial assessment will be performed using the following index tests: the PAD-scan, pulse palpation, audible handheld Doppler, Ankle Brachial Pressure Index, Toe Brachial Pressure Index and transcutaneous pressure of oxygen. Patients will then undergo a full lower limb arterial DUS by a blinded vascular scientist as a reference test.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval was gained from NRES Committee London (REC reference 17/LO/1447). Findings will be disseminated by various methods including international presentations and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04058626).
Computerised cognitive training to improve cognition including delirium following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: protocol for a blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Greaves Danielle , Psaltis Peter J , Lampit Amit , Davis Daniel H J , Smith Ashleigh E , Bourke Alice , Worthington Michael G , Valenzuela Michael J , Keage Hannah A D
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is known to improve vascular function and cardiac-related mortality rates; however, it is associated with high rates of postoperative cognitive decline and delirium. Previous attempts to prevent post-CABG cognitive decline using pharmacological and surgical approaches have been largely unsuccessful. Cognitive prehabilitation and rehabilitation are a viable yet untested option for CABG patients. We aim to investigate the effects of preoperative cognitive training on delirium incidence, and preoperative and postoperative cognitive training on cognitive decline at 4 months post-CABG.

Methods and analysis

This study is a randomised, single-blinded, controlled trial investigating the use of computerised cognitive training (CCT) both pre-CABG and post-CABG (intervention group) compared with usual care (control group) in older adults undergoing CABG in Adelaide, South Australia. Those in the intervention group will complete 1–2 weeks of CCT preoperatively (45–60 min sessions, 3.5 sessions/week) and 12 weeks of CCT postoperatively (commencing 1 month following surgery, 45–60 min sessions, 3 sessions/week). All participants will undergo cognitive testing preoperatively, over their hospital stay including delirium, and postoperatively for up to 1 year. The primary delirium outcome variable will be delirium incidence (presence vs absence); the primary cognitive decline variable will be at 4 months (significant decline vs no significant decline/improvement from baseline). Logistic regression modelling will be used, with age and gender as covariates. Secondary outcomes include cognitive decline from baseline to discharge, and at 6 months and 1 year post-CABG.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Central Adelaide Local Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee (South Australia, Australia) and the University of South Australia Human Ethics Committee, with original approval obtained on 13 December 2017. It is anticipated that approximately two to four publications and multiple conference presentations (national and international) will result from this research.

Trial registration number

This clinical trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry and relates to the pre-results stage. Registration number: ACTRN12618000799257.
Trial protocol: preoperative administration of tranexamic acid in sleeve gastrectomy (PATAS) to reduce haemorrhage rates. A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Leeman Marjolijn , Huisbrink Jeannine , Wijnand Julie M A , Biter L Ulas , Verbrugge Serge J C , Dunkelgrun Martin , Apers Jan A
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Fast-track protocols often include short-term thromboprophylaxis and short length of hospital stay. These treatment strategies may negatively affect the occurrence and diagnosis of postoperative haemorrhage. Over the years, the rates of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) have decreased, while there seems to be an increase in the occurrence of postoperative haemorrhage. Tranexamic acid (TXA) can potentially lower the incidence of postoperative haemorrhage. This trial aims to investigate whether preoperative administration of TXA reduces the preoperative and postoperative haemorrhage rates in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Methods and analysis

This is a single centre double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial. Patients undergoing an LSG are included after obtaining informed consent. Patients are randomised between two groups: (1) administration of placebo infusion and (2) administration of 1500 mg TXA. In both groups, the infusions will be administered during the induction phase of the procedure. Primary outcome measures are preoperative use of haemostatic clips, postoperative haemoglobin decrease and postoperative haemorrhage. Secondary outcome measure is the rates of VTE.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol version 3 was approved by the medical ethical committee Medical Research Ethics Committees United (MEC-U), Nieuwegein, on 29 July 2019. The trial results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and at conference presentations.

Trial registration number

The Netherlands Trial Registry (NL8029); Pre-results.
Attenuation of MODS-related and ARDS-related mortality makes infectious complications a remaining challenge in the severely injured
Authors: van Wessem Karlijn J.P. , Hietbrink Falco , Leenen Luke P.H.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The recent decrease in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)-associated and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-associated mortality could be considered a success of improvements in trauma care. However, the incidence of infections remains high in patients with polytrauma, with high morbidity and hospital resources usage. Infectious complications might be a residual effect of the decrease in MODS-related/ARDS-related mortality. This study investigated the current incidence of infectious complications in polytrauma.

Methods

A 5.5-year prospective population-based cohort study included consecutive severely injured patients (age >15) admitted to a (Level-1) trauma center intensive care unit (ICU) who survived >48 hours. Demographics, physiologic and resuscitation parameters, multiple organ failure and ARDS scores, and infectious complications (pneumonia, fracture-related infection, meningitis, infections related to blood, wound, and urinary tract) were prospectively collected. Data are presented as median (IQR), p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results

297 patients (216 (73%) men) were included with median age of 46 (27–60) years, median Injury Severity Score was 29 (22–35), 96% sustained blunt injuries. 44 patients (15%) died. One patient (2%) died of MODS and 1 died of ARDS. 134 patients (45%) developed 201 infectious complications. Pneumonia was the most common complication (50%). There was no difference in physiologic parameters on arrival in emergency department and ICU between patients with and without infectious complications. Patients who later developed infections underwent more often a laparotomy (32% vs 18%, p=0.009), had more often pelvic fractures (38% vs 25%,p=0.02), and received more blood products <8 hours. They had more often MODS (25% vs 13%, p=0.005), stayed longer on the ventilator (10 (5–15) vs 5 (2–8) days, p<0.001), longer in ICU (11 (6–17) vs 6 (3–10) days, p<0.001), and in hospital (30 (20–44) vs 16 (10–24) days, p<0.001). There was however no difference in mortality (12% vs 17%, p=0.41) between both groups.

Conclusion

45% of patients developed infectious complications. These patients had similar mortality rates, but used more hospital resources. With low MODS-related and ARDS-related mortality, infections might be a residual effect, and are one of the remaining challenges in the treatment of patients with polytrauma.

Level of evidence

Level 3.

Study type

Population-based cohort study.
Building the future for national trauma research
Authors: Price Michelle A , A Kozar Rosemary , Bulger Eileen M , Jurkovich Gregory J
Published: February 2020

This paper describes the current funding, infrastructure growth and future state of trauma research. It also introduces a group of review articles generated from The Future of Trauma Research: Innovations in Research Methodology conference hosted by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma in July 2019.
Witchweed [Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth] control using imazapyr seed coating in maize hybrids in the Nigerian savannah
Authors: Chikoye David , Lum Ayeoffe Fontem , Menkir Abebe
Published: February 2020

Witchweed [Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth] is a major parasitic weed of most cereal crops in Africa, including maize. Seed treatment with low doses of acetolactate synthase–inhibiting herbicides, such as imazapyr, was introduced in the 1990s to control witchweed. Field trials were conducted in four locations in Nigeria in 2007 and 2008, to assess the effect of coating seeds of several maize hybrids with imazapyr on witchweed control. The hybrids had genes for imidazolinone herbicide resistance (IR), as well as genetic tolerance to witchweed (ST). Treatments were 12 IR maize hybrids with ST and three checks without the IR gene (commercial, witchweed tolerant, and witchweed susceptible hybrids). Averaged across all locations, the coated IR hybrids with ST yielded more and supported fewer witchweed plants than the uncoated IR hybrids with ST. The IR hybrids with ST yielded 57%–60% more than the commercial and witchweed tolerant hybrid checks that were not coated. The witchweed susceptible hybrid check suffered a yield loss of 88% under infestation without seed coating. The IR hybrids with ST yielded 3564 kg ha−1 of grain when coated with imazapyr and 3266 kg ha−1 otherwise. The findings indicate that coating of IR/ST maize seeds with imazapyr improved tolerance to witchweed.
Optimal Design of Manufacturing Cells Considering Machine Usage Percentage
Authors: Ghosh Tamal
Published: February 2020

This paper demonstrates an exclusive design methodology in Cellular Manufacturing (CM) considering machine usage percentage as ratio data. This research correctly emphasized the fundamental of ratio data and proposed a novel and precise mathematical formulation of the design problem. This multi-objective model carefully optimizes the total exceptional utilization (TEU), number of voids and total cell utilization (TCU). Due to the novelty in the model, a new data generation technique is proposed. The test datasets are obtained and tested using IBM CPLEX tool successfully. The contribution of this research is twofold. First, the ratio data concept is correctly emphasized and a precise mathematical model is developed. Second, since the model is new and datasets are not readily available, therefore a dedicated data generation model is proposed.
Dynamic Task-based Intermittent Execution for Energy-harvesting Devices
Authors: Majid Amjad Yousef , Donne Carlo Delle , Maeng Kiwan , Colin Alexei , Yildirim Kasim Sinan , Lucia Brandon , Pawełczak Przemysław
Published: February 2020

Energy-neutral Internet of Things requires freeing embedded devices from batteries and powering them from ambient energy. Ambient energy is, however, unpredictable and can only power a device intermittently. Therefore, the paradigm of intermittent execution is to save the program state into non-volatile memory frequently to preserve the execution progress. In task-based intermittent programming, the state is saved at task transition. Tasks are fixed at compile time and agnostic to energy conditions. Thus, the state may be saved either more often than necessary or not often enough for the program to progress and terminate. To address these challenges, we propose Coala, an adaptive and efficient task-based execution model. Coala progresses on a multi-task scale when energy permits and preserves the computation progress on a sub-task scale if necessary. Coala’s specialized memory virtualization mechanism ensures that power failures do not leave the program state in non-volatile memory inconsistent. Our evaluation on a real energy-harvesting platform not only shows that Coala reduces runtime by up to 54% as compared to a state-of-the-art system, but also it is able to progress where static systems fail.
Transcriptomic Response inPseudomonas aeruginosatowards Treatment with a Kaempferol Isolated fromMelastoma malabathricumLinn Leaves
Authors: Alwash Mourouge Saadi , Aqma Wan Syaidatul , Ahmad Wan Yaacob , Ibrahim Nazlina
Published: February 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosais one of the main causes of nosocomial infections and is frequently associated with opportunistic infections among hospitalized patients. Kaempferol-3-O-(2′,6′-di-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-β-D glucopyranoside (KF) is an antipseudomonal compound isolated from the leaves of the native medicinal plantMelastoma malabathricum. Herein, an RNA-seq transcriptomic approach was employed to study the effect ofKFtreatment onP. aeruginosaand to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the response toKFat two time points (6 h and 24 h incubation). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed for four genes (uvrD,sodM,fumC1, andrpsL) to assess the reliability of the RNA-seq results. The RNA-seq transcriptomic analysis revealed thatKFincreases the expression of genes involved in the electron transport chain (NADH-I), resulting in the induction of ATP synthesis. Furthermore,KFalso increased the expression of genes associated with ATP-binding cassette transporters, flagella, type III secretion system proteins, and DNA replication and repair, which may further influence nutrient uptake, motility, and growth. The results also revealed thatKFdecreased the expression of a broad range of virulence factors associated with LPS biosynthesis, iron homeostasis, cytotoxic pigment pyocyanin production, and motility and adhesion that are representative of an acuteP. aeruginosainfection profile. In addition,P. aeruginosapathways for amino acid synthesis and membrane lipid composition were modified to adapt toKFtreatment. Overall, the present research provides a detailed view ofP. aeruginosaadaptation and behaviour in response toKFand highlights the possible therapeutic approach of using plants to combatP. aeruginosainfections.
Microvascular Ultrasonic Imaging of Angiogenesis Identifies Tumors in a Murine Spontaneous Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Shelton Sarah E. , Stone Jodi , Gao Fei , Zeng Donglin , Dayton Paul A.
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to determine if microvascular tortuosity can be used as an imaging biomarker for the presence of tumor-associated angiogenesis and if imaging this biomarker can be used as a specific and sensitive method of locating solid tumors. Acoustic angiography, an ultrasound-based microvascular imaging technology, was used to visualize angiogenesis development of a spontaneous mouse model of breast cancer (n=48). A reader study was used to assess visual discrimination between image types, and quantitative methods utilized metrics of tortuosity and spatial clustering for tumor detection. The reader study resulted in an area under the curve of 0.8, while the clustering approach resulted in the best classification with an area under the curve of 0.95. Both the qualitative and quantitative methods produced a correlation between sensitivity and tumor diameter. Imaging of vascular geometry with acoustic angiography provides a robust method for discriminating between tumor and healthy tissue in a mouse model of breast cancer. Multiple methods of analysis have been presented for a wide range of tumor sizes. Application of these techniques to clinical imaging could improve breast cancer diagnosis, as well as improve specificity in assessing cancer in other tissues. The clustering approach may be beneficial for other types of morphological analysis beyond vascular ultrasound images.
Sequential Treatment of Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreatic Duct with Liver Metastasis Following the NAPOLI-1 Study Protocol with nal-Irinotecan plus 5-FU in the Second Line
Authors: Akhoundova Sanoyan Dilara , Reiner Cäcilia S. , Papageorgiou Panagiota , Siebenhüner Alexander R.
Published: February 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is typically diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage, when curative surgery is not recommended. Therefore, the prognosis is poor for this dismal disease, with only 1–2% of the patients reaching the 5-year survival follow-up. Current advances in systemic treatment with gemcitabine regimens, specifically polychemotherapy with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel or other multidrug regimens such as FOLFIRINOX in the first line, have improved disease control over time. This higher efficacy of systemic treatment enables metastatic PDAC patients to receive second-line treatment more often nowadays. Currently, there is only one regimen for second-line treatment approved by the EMA, FDA, and Swissmedic, based on the phase III NAPOLI-1 study. In this case report, we present an outstanding response to sequential treatment with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel followed by second-line treatment with nal-irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil.
Biomarkers Associated with Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Study from the NOR-FIB Study
Authors: Tancin Lambert Anna  , Kong Xiang Y. , Ratajczak-Tretel Barbara , Atar Dan , Russell David , Skjelland Mona , Bjerkeli Vigdis , Skagen Karolina , Coq Matthieu , Schordan Eric , Firat Huseyin , Halvorsen Bente , Aamodt Anne H.
Published: February 2020

Background and Purpose: Cardioembolic stroke due to paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) may account for 1 out of 4 cryptogenic strokes (CS) and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). The purpose of this pilot study was to search for biomarkers potentially predicting incident AF in patients with ischemic stroke or TIA. Methods: Plasma samples were collected from patients aged 18 years and older with ischemic stroke or TIA due to AF (n = 9) and large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) with ipsilateral carotid stenosis (n = 8) and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 10). Analyses were performed with the Olink technology simultaneously measuring 184 biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. For bioinformatics, acquired data were analyzed using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Selected proteins were validated using ELISA. Individual receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and odds ratios from logistic regression were calculated. A randomForest (RF) model with out-of-bag estimate was applied for predictive modeling. Results: GSEA indicated enrichment of proteins related to inflammatory response in the AF group. Interleukin (IL)-6, growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15, and pentraxin-related protein PTX3 were the top biomarkers on the ranked list for the AF group compared to the LAA group and the control group. ELISA validated increased expression of all tested proteins (GDF-15, PTX3, and urokinase plasminogen activator surface receptor [U-PAR]), except for IL-6. 19 proteins had the area under the ROC curve (AUC) over 0.85 including all of the proteins with significant evolution in the logistic regression. AUCs were very discriminant in distinguishing patients with and without AF (LAA and control group together). GDF-15 alone reached AUC of 0.95. Based on RF model, all selected participants in the tested group were classified correctly, and the most important protein in the model was GDF-15. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate an association between inflammation and AF and that multiple proteins alone and in combination may potentially be used as indicators of AF in CS and TIA patients. However, further studies including larger samples sizes are needed to support these findings. In the ongoing NOR-FIB study, we plan further biomarker assessments in patients with CS and TIA undergoing long-term cardiac rhythm monitoring with insertable cardiac monitors.
Dexamethasone Implant Migration through an Iris Coloboma
Authors: Glidai Yoav , Schwartz Shulamit , Cohen Eyal
Published: February 2020

Ozurdex® 0.7 mg (dexamethasone 0.7 mg implant, Allergan, Dublin, Ireland), an intravitreal biodegradable implant, is indicated for cystoid macular edema due to various causes. One of its known and uncommon complications is implant migration to the anterior chamber, causing corneal edema that, in some cases, is irreversible. Reported risk factors for device migration are open or defective lens capsule and prior history of vitrectomy. We present a case of dexamethasone implant migration through a congenital iris coloboma in a pseudophakic patient with an intact lens capsule. The patient is a 56-year-old pseudophakic man with a history of congenital iris coloboma, myopia, retinal tears, and a branch retinal vein occlusion with subsequent cystoid macular edema resistant to anti-VEGF medications but responsive to corticosteroids. He presented with sudden painless decreased vision in his left eye, 8 weeks following dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) injection to the same eye. Upon presentation, he was diagnosed with corneal edema caused by anterior chamber migration of the implant. He was referred for immediate surgical intervention to extract the implant, with a resolution of the corneal edema within 2 weeks postoperatively. To conclude, this is the first case that reports Ozurdex implant migration through an iris coloboma in the setting of an intact posterior capsule. In addition, we describe a novel surgical approach for implant removal from the anterior chamber that is simple and efficient.
Hemospray® during Emergency Endoscopy: Indonesia’s First Experience from 37 Patients
Authors: Bestari Muhammad Begawan , Joewono Ignatius Ronaldi , Girawan Dolvy , Argatio Jefry Tahari , Abdurachman Siti Aminah
Published: February 2020

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is one of the main indications for performing endoscopy; this condition can be life threatening. In some cases, emergency endoscopy (EE) is necessary to identify the source and stop the bleeding. Recently, hemostatic powder was introduced, one of which was Hemospray® (Cook Medical, Winston-Salem, NC, USA), which showed promising results for rapid hemostasis in primary treatment and salvage when conventional methods fails. Samples were taken retrospectively for a duration of 3 years since Hemospray was first introduced in Indonesia, from January 2016 to January 2019. The total number of EEs that used Hemospray were 37 procedures for 37 patients; 21 (56.8%) were males and 16 (43.2%) were females, while the average age was 67.8 years. Hemospray was used for upper GIB in 30 cases (81.1%) and for lower GIB in 7 (18.9%). Hemospray was used as monotherapy for 24 patients (64.9%) and as secondary modality for 13 (35.1%). The primary treatment was argon plasma coagulation in 8 cases (21.6%), adrenaline in 4 (10.8%), and Histoacryl® in 1 (2.7%). The mortality rate was 37.8% (n = 14); most deaths occurred within 30 days after the EE was performed, and none of the deaths was related to endoscopy or GIB. Hemospray was able to achieve hemostasis in all cases. Furthermore, there was no event of rebleeding. When conventional modalities alone were inadequate, the combination with Hemospray appeared to be able to control the bleeding. One of the main advantages of Hemospray is the ease in reaching difficult areas, and it require less skill compared to conventional modalities.
O Corpo Utópico e o programa performativo em ambiente urbano
Authors: Jimenes Luanna
Published: February 2020

Com o presente artigo pretende-se aproximar as noções de corpo utópico e heterotopia, desenhadas Michel Foucault, das práticas performáticas em contexto urbano. O imaginário que acompanha o corpo utópico será revisado considerando a circulação de imagens na cultura contemporânea, assim como o sentido de heterotopia do referido autor se aproxima e permite refletir a experiência da fruição na cidade
Lugares Abandonados
Authors: Macedo Wesley Aparecido
Published: February 2020

Observamos lugares e edifícios abandonados, vazios urbanos; espaços construídos cujas funções originais não mais coexistem: edifícios obsoletos. Não raro, bens públicos e parte do patrimônio histórico arquitetônico. Aqui, o eixo central será desvelar possibilidades de uso e contemplação desses “estranhos espaços urbanos”, parafreaseando Ignasi de Solà-Morales (1996). São abordagens que recriam lugares, reconhecem identidades urbanas e reúnem memória, patrimônio e função social, num contexto de gentrificação.
Total White Blood Cell Count Mediated the Association Between Increased Arterial Stiffness and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Adults
Authors: Liu Yongming , Lai Xuefeng , Guo Wenting , Ma Lin , Li Wenze , Fang Qin , Yang Huihua , Cai Yunyao , Liu Miao , Zhang Xiaomin , Yang Liangle
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is known to be related to increased arterial stiffness. However, little is known about the risk of T2DM due to accelerated arterial stiffness and the underlying mechanism involved. We aimed to examine arterial stiffness, as determined by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), in relation to T2DM among a community-based population and whether the association was mediated by white blood cell (WBC) counts.

Approach and results:

A total of 1036 Chinese adults aged 64.3 years with complete data were qualified in the present study. The dose-response association between baPWV levels, WBC counts, and risk of T2DM were explored using generalized linear models or multivariate logistic regression models. A mediation analysis was conducted to investigate the role of WBC counts on the association between baPWV and T2DM. After multivariate adjustments, we observed a dose-responsive relationship between increased baPWV and elevated risk of T2DM: comparing extreme tertiles of baPWV, the adjusted odds ratio for T2DM risk was 2.29 (95% CI, 1.32–3.98;
P
for trend =0.005). In addition, significant dose-dependent relationships were found across baPWV tertiles with increasing total or differential WBC counts, which in turn, were positively related to higher risk of T2DM (all
P
for trend <0.05). Mediation analyses indicated that total WBC count mediated 4.5% of the association between increased baPWV and elevated T2DM risk.

Conclusions:

Increased arterial stiffness might increase T2DM risk among middle-aged and older Chinese adults, which was partially mediated by total WBC count.