bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prophylactic piperacillin administration in pediatric patients with solid tumors following different intensities of chemotherapy
Authors: Saito Shoji , Yanagisawa Ryu , Minami Kisei , Uchida Eriko , Watanabe Tatsuo , Komori Kazutoshi , Kurata Takashi , Nakamura Tomohiko , Sakashita Kazuo
Published: December 2019

Background

Prophylactic antibiotics decrease mortality and morbidity in patients with hematological malignancies following intensive chemotherapy. However, the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics for pediatric patients with solid tumors remains unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed 103 neutropenic periods from 26 patients with neuroblastoma or brain tumors following three different intensity chemotherapy regimens (05A3, A, and B). While piperacillin was intravenously administered as prophylaxis (PIPC prophylaxis group), the historical control group received no prophylaxis. As patients exhibited a variable degree of myelosuppression based on the intensity of the chemotherapy regimen, we separately evaluated the frequency and severity of febrile neutropenia (FN) in each regimen.

Results

Following intensive chemotherapy, we observed a significantly lower frequency of FN in the PIPC prophylaxis group compared with the historical control group in both regimen 05A3 (20% vs 65%; P = 0.01) and regimen A (56% vs 93%; P = 0.02). We also observed a shorter duration of fever, lower maximum fever, and lower C‐reactive protein levels in the PIPC prophylaxis group compared with the historical control group after regimens 05A3 and A. Conversely, the frequency and severity of FN were not different between the two groups after moderate‐intensity chemotherapy (regimen B). However, a longitudinal routine surveillance study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa also indicated a reduction in the susceptibility to PIPC throughout the study period.

Conclusions

Although PIPC prophylaxis might provide an advantage for severe neutropenia in pediatric patients with solid tumors, there is concern regarding bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, further careful examination is necessary for adaptation.
The morality of multiple citizenship, and its alternatives
Authors: Tanasoca Ana
Published: December 2019

This article discusses some ethical questions raised by multiple citizenship and, more generally, citizenship as we know it. Despite a richness of legal and sociological discussions of multiple citizenship, purely ethical inquiry into multiple citizenship is still in its infancy. The aim here is not to provide a literature review of the further‐flung scholarship on this topic, but rather to point out that multiple citizenship is a topic worthy of specifically philosophical inquiry, and to show how it relates to existing debates within political philosophy.
La Falsa Alchimia de la Quale Tanta Stima già ne Feci: Giovanni Paolo Lomazzo’s opinion on alchemy
Authors: Tramelli Barbara
Published: December 2019

The Milanese artist Giovanni Paolo Lomazzo (1538–1592) is better known for his writings on art than for his pictorial activity. After being struck by an unidentified eye disease at the age of thirty‐three, he was forced to give up his trade and he dedicated most of his later life to collecting material for his books on the art of painting. In his writings, Lomazzo draws on notions from different spheres of knowledge (ancient literature, contemporary optical theories, recipes for pigments among others) in order to build up his complex system of painting. This article focuses on one underestimated aspect of Lomazzo’s interests, which I believe is worth investigating further: alchemy. There are some intriguing hints at alchimia in the artist's writings, which suggest that, though later critics claimed he was ‘not interested in the subject’, he had definite opinions about the theory and practice of it, as well as on its practitioners.
Whose climate change adaptation ‘barriers’? Exploring the coloniality of climate change adaptation policy assemblages in Thailand and beyond
Authors: Ober Kayly , Sakdapolrak Patrick
Published: December 2019

Climate change adaptation (CCA) ‘barriers’ are frequently seen as responses to biophysical climate impacts, and thus defined as ‘obstacles’ to be ‘overcome’, rendered into categories of the techno‐managerial. However, barriers are often undertheorized and are blind to explanations of their origins or the causal mechanisms by which they operate. This is especially complex for barrier critiques in the Global South in particular. Using a ‘hybrid’ assemblage and postcolonial approach, this paper disentangles existing barrier critiques in Thailand to lay bare underlying power imbalances and tensions. It finds that ‘simplistic’ vulnerability framings have deep roots in postcolonial histories; ‘complacent’ mainstreaming/budgeting trajectories have been nurtured by various IOs, and not necessarily much‐maligned Thai bureaucrats; and limited technical expertise/willingness to engage are not so illogical, but rather results of diverse external forces. Given this, this paper urges institutional actors and researchers to reflect on epistemology, ontology, and their own positionality when assessing barriers in future.
Patellofemoral pain: One year results of a randomized trial comparing hip exercise, knee exercise, or free activity
Authors: Hott Alexandra , Brox Jens Ivar , Pripp Are Hugo , Juel Niels Gunnar , Liavaag Sigurd
Published: December 2019

Objective

Extended follow‐up of a randomized trial comparing hip‐focused exercise, knee‐focused exercise, and free physical activity in patellofemoral pain (PFP).

Methods

A single‐blind randomized controlled trial included 112 patients aged 16‐40 years (mean 27.6 years) with a clinical diagnosis of PFP ≥3 months (mean 39 months) and pain ≥3/10 on a Visual Analog Scale. Patients were randomized to a 6‐week exercise‐based intervention consisting of either isolated hip‐focused exercises (n = 39), traditional knee‐focused exercise (n = 37), or free physical activity (n = 36). All patients received the same patient education. The primary outcome measure was the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS, 0‐100). Secondary outcomes were usual and worst pain, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Knee Self‐Efficacy Score, Euro‐Qol (EQ‐5D‐5L), step‐down test, and isometric strength. Blinded observers assessed outcomes at baseline, 3, and 12 months. The study was designed to detect a difference in AKPS >10 at 12 months.

Results

After 1 year, there were no significant between‐group differences in any primary or secondary outcomes. Between‐group differences for AKPS were as follows: knee versus free physical activity −4.3 (95% CI −12.3 to 3.7); hip versus free physical activity −1.1 (95% CI −8.9 to 6.7); and hip versus Knee 3.2 (95% CI −4.6 to 11.0). The cohort as a whole improved significantly at 3 and 12 months compared to baseline for all measures except for knee extension strength.

Conclusion

After 1 year, there was no difference in effectiveness of knee exercise, hip exercise, or free physical activity, when combined with patient education in PFP.
From the Islamic Republic to the Green Movement: Social Movements in Contemporary Iran
Authors: Tofangsazi Bashir
Published: December 2019

The Islamic Revolution of 1979, the student protests of 1999, and the Iranian Green Movement are among the most important social movements in contemporary Iran. This tumultuous history makes Iran a prime candidate for any analysis of social movements and collective action. However, a comprehensive assessment of the relationship between studies of Iranian social movements and the larger literature on collective behavior and social movements is yet to be conducted. I divide the literature on Iranian social movements between works focusing on the Islamic Revolution and those addressing movements in post‐revolutionary Iran with a focus on the Iranian Green Movement and point out the major foci of each category. Analyses of the Islamic Revolution mostly emphasize the role of grievances, political opportunities, and Shi'a ideology. Works on post‐revolutionary movements are mainly concerned with analyzing the role of political opportunities and internet and communication technologies. Overall, studies of Iranian social movements seem to be moving towards more connection with and application of mainstream theories of social movements. Nevertheless, I identify four areas with room for improvement: (a) a continuous connection to and dialogue with the mainstream literature on collective behavior and social movements; (b) an emphasis on the use of cutting‐edge analytic techniques, especially quantitative ones; (c) increasing the number of studies that address issue‐specific social movements such as the women's and LGBT rights or environmental movements; and (d) conducting more comparative studies on Iran and a variety of different societies. In addition, I suggest that the scholarship on social movements in contemporary Iran can benefit studies of social movements in general by testing and modifying theories in a sociopolitical setting that is different from where they originally focused on.
National comparative audit of blood transfusion: 2014 audit of transfusion services and practice in children and adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Trompeter Sara , Bolton‐Maggs Paula , Ryan Kate , Shah Farrukh , Estcourt Lise , Cho Gavin , Rees David , Lowe Derek , Davis Baaba
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To determine the organisational resources in place; what blood was being transfused, why, how, where, when and by whom; whether laboratory support and policies met standards for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Background

SCD affects 14 000 people in the United Kingdom (UK). Standards and guidelines do not cover all aspects of transfusion in SCD and there are no data on their use; people may become very sick without warning presenting to non‐specialist hospitals; blood services are increasingly supplying units for transfusion in SCD with little data on their use.

Methods

A retrospective audit of transfusion services/practice for people with SCD who had received a transfusion in January‐July 2014 in participating hospitals in the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI).

Results

Eighty‐four hospitals submitted 1290 cases, 75% of cases came from 18 hospitals submitting 25 or more cases. Transfusions (91.2% [1164/1276]) were administered to patients with HbSS, 60% (732/1227) of patients needed Rh CE negative blood. Transfusion episodes (4528) were recorded, of which 84% were elective. Stroke prevention accounted for 42% of all transfusions; adults received 56% of transfusions of which 50% were automated red cell exchange (RCE), children received 44% of transfusions of which 87% were simple transfusions.

Conclusions

There was a paucity of appropriate clinical management protocols, adequately trained staff and network arrangements. The high numbers of children being transfused, disparity in transfusion modality between children and adults and the high frequency of the CE negative Rh phenotype were noted.
Sailing Toward Autonomy
Authors: Kosowatz John
Published: December 2019

The concept of autonomously operated ships is beginning to take hold in Europe, Japan and the United States, but primarily in Scandinavia. Some 1,300 kilometers north of Rotterdam, a Norwegian fertilizer company is building what will be the world’s first autonomously operated, zero-emission, all-electric container vessel to haul fertilizer to Norwegian ports for distribution. This article takes a closer look at the vessel’s development.
Limit and Shakedown Analysis of 45-Degree Piping Elbows Under Internal Pressure and In-Plane Bending
Authors: Peng Heng , Shen Jun , Liu Yinghua , Chen Haofeng
Published: December 2019

This paper carries out the limit and shakedown analysis of 45 deg piping elbows made up of elastic–perfectly plastic materials by means of the recently proposed stress compensation method (SCM). The elbows are subjected to steady internal pressure and cyclic in-plane closing, opening, and reversed bending moments. Different geometries of the piping elbows and various combinations of these applied loads are investigated to generate various plastic limit and shakedown limit load interaction curves. The plastic limit bending moment and plastic limit internal pressure calculated with the SCM are compared to those determined by the twice-elastic-slope approach. Full step-by-step (SBS) elastic–plastic incremental finite element analysis (FEA) is utilized to verify the structural cyclic responses on both sides of the curves obtained and further to confirm the correct shakedown limit loads and boundaries. It is shown that the SCM calculates the shakedown limit load accurately and possesses about 40 times the computation efficiency of the SBS elastic–plastic incremental method. The effects of the ratios of mean radius to wall thickness and bending radius to mean radius of the piping elbow as well as the loading conditions on the plastic limit and shakedown limit load interaction curves are presented. The results presented in this work give a comprehensive understanding of long-term response behaviors of the piping elbow subjected to cyclic loadings and provide some guidance for the design and integrity assessment of piping systems.
Wellbore Stability in Layered Rocks: A Comparative Study of Strength Criteria
Authors: Shi Xiangchao , Zhuo Xiao , Xiao Yue , Guo Boyun , Zhu Cheng , Li Jiaxue
Published: December 2019

Wellbore instability is a critical issue restricting efficient well drilling and successful development of oil and gas field. Most instability problems originate from shale formations because of their distinct laminated structures that cause significant anisotropy and moderate to high clay contents that are prone to shrinkage and swelling. To account for these influences on the mechanical responses of shales, this study aims to identify an appropriate strength criterion for stability analyses. Two anisotropic criteria including single plane of weakness and the modified Hoek–Brown criteria were compared to evaluate their suitability in characterizing the anisotropic strength of layered rocks including shale, schist, and slate under different confining pressures. Comparative case studies indicated that the single plane of weakness criterion overestimates the strength of layered rocks at some orientation angles. The modified Hoek–Brown criterion can fit well with the experimental data of layered rocks. Moreover, wellbore stability analysis models for shale gas wells were built, respectively, for each criterion and applied to in situ scenarios. The single plane of weakness and modified Hoek–Brown criteria provide similar results of collapse pressure, and the shale failure is mainly determined by the bedding plane. This further validates that the modified Hoek–Brown criterion is a good choice for wellbore stability analysis in shale formations with bedding planes. This study shows the potential of using the modified Hoek–Brown criterion to enhance the safety and efficiency of well drilling and operation in shale formations.
Tribological Performance of Nickel-Plated Regular Hexagonal Texture on a Brass Surface Under Boundary Lubrication
Authors: Chen Xiangbo , Huang Xiaofang , Wan Zhenping , Lu Longsheng , Zhang Zhihui
Published: December 2019

A novel bio-inspired nickel-plated regular hexagonal texture (NPRHT) was proposed and fabricated by photolithography combined with electroless nickel plating to improve the tribological performance of a shaft/bushing bearing under boundary lubrication. The friction coefficient, wear loss, and wear resistance mechanism of the NPRHT that was fabricated on the brass surface were investigated under line contact sliding. It is found that the nickel-plated textured samples show a lower friction coefficient than the non-textured samples with a maximum reduction of 43.6% at a sliding speed of 0.02 m/s. The wear rate coefficient of the nickel-plated textured sample decreases by 42.86% compared with that of the non-textured sample. The energy dispersive spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirm that the nickel element is transferred from the nickel-plated textured area to the brass zone, resulting in the formation of a Ni/Cu alloy, NiO and Ni2O3 successively. These three films can improve lubricity, repair wear defects, and protect surfaces from oxidation. The experimental results show that the NPRHT provides a novel strategy to manage the friction and wear of shaft/bushing bearings under boundary lubrication.
Surface reaction mechanisms during atomic layer deposition of zirconium oxide using water, ethanol, and water-ethanol mixture as the oxygen sources
Authors: Xu Wanxing , Lemaire Paul C. , Sharma Kashish , Hausmann Dennis M. , Agarwal Sumit
Published: December 2019

The authors have investigated the surface reaction mechanisms during the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZrO2 from tetrakis(ethylmethylamino)zirconium (TEMAZ) with H2O, C2H5OH, and H2O-C2H5OH mixture as the oxygen sources. The ligand-exchange reactions were characterized using in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the film growth was recorded using in situ four-wavelength ellipsometry. In the H2O-based ALD process, as expected, surface –OH groups were the reactive sites for TEMAZ, and a growth per cycle (GPC) of ∼1.1 Å was obtained at 200 °C. Contrary to previous reports, no film growth was observed for the C2H5OH-based ALD process. During the TEMAZ half-cycle, the –OC2H5-terminated surface obtained after the C2H5OH half-cycle simply underwent ligand exchange without any addition of Zr to the surface, most likely forming Zr[N(CH3)(C2H5)]4 – x[OC2H5]x (1 ≤ x ≤ 3) as the byproduct. Film growth was observed during the ALD of ZrO2 using an H2O-C2H5OH mixture as the oxygen source. The addition of C2H5OH reduced the surface hydroxyl coverage by forming surface ethoxide sites, which did not contribute to film growth. This in turn led to a lower GPC, ∼0.6 Å, compared to the TEMAZ/H2O ALD process.
Southern Chile crustal structure from teleseismic receiver functions: Responses to ridge subduction and terrane assembly of Patagonia
Authors: Rodriguez E.E. , Russo R.M.
Published: December 2019

Continental crustal structure is the product of those processes that operate typically during a long tectonic history. For the Patagonia composite terrane, these tectonic processes include its early Paleozoic accretion to the South America portion of Gondwana, Triassic rifting of Gondwana, and overriding of Pacific Basin oceanic lithosphere since the Mesozoic. To assess the crustal structure and glean insight into how these tectonic processes affected Patagonia, we combined data from two temporary seismic networks situated inboard of the Chile triple junction, with a combined total of 80 broadband seismic stations. Events suitable for analysis yielded 995 teleseismic receiver functions. We estimated crustal thicknesses using two methods, the H-k stacking method and common conversion point stacking. Crustal thicknesses vary between 30 and 55 km. The South American Moho lies at 28–35 km depth in forearc regions that have experienced ridge subduction, in contrast to crustal thicknesses ranging from 34 to 55 km beneath regions north of the Chile triple junction. Inboard, the prevailing Moho depth of ∼35 km shallows to ∼30 km along an E-W trend between 46.5°S and 47°S; we relate this structure to Paleozoic thrust emplacement of the Proterozoic Deseado Massif terrane above the thicker crust of the North Patagonian/Somún Cura terrane along a major south-dipping fault.
Trends in antiepileptic drug treatment and effectiveness in clinical practice in England from 2003 to 2016: a retrospective cohort study using electronic medical records
Authors: Powell Graham , Logan John , Kiri Victor , Borghs Simon
Published: December 2019

Objective

To assess the evolution of antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment patterns and seizure outcomes in England from 2003 to 2016.

Design, setting and participants

Retrospective cohort study of electronic medical records from Clinical Practice Research Datalink and National Health Service Digital Hospital Episode Statistics databases. Patients newly diagnosed with epilepsy were identified and followed until end of data availability. Three eras were defined starting 1 April 2003 (first National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline); 1 September 2007 (Standard and New Antiepileptic Drugs publication); and 1 January 2012 (second NICE guideline).

Outcome measures

Time from diagnosis to first AED; AED sequence; time from first AED to first 1-year remission period (no new AED attempts and no seizure-related healthcare events); time from first AED to refractoriness (third AED attempt regardless of reason); Kaplan-Meier analysis of time-to-event variables.

Results

4388 patients were included (mean follow-up: 6.8, 4.2 and 1.7 years by era). 84.6% of adults (≥16 years), 75.5% of children (<16) and 89.1% of elderly subgroup (65+) received treatment within 1 year; rates were generally stable over time. Treatment trends included reduced use of carbamazepine (adult first line, era 1: 34.9%; era 3: 10.7%) and phenytoin, earlier line and increased use of levetiracetam (adult first line, era 1: 2.6%; era 3: 26.2%) and lamotrigine (particularly in adults and elderly subgroup), and a larger number of different AEDs used. Valproate use shifted somewhat to later lines. Rates of 1-year remission within 2 years of starting treatment increased in adults (era 1: 71.9%; era 3: 81.4%) and elderly (era 1: 76.1%; era 3: 81.7%). Overall, 55.5% of patients relapsed after achieving 1-year remission. Refractoriness rates remained stable over time (~26% of adults within 5 years).

Conclusion

Treatment trends often were not aligned with era-relevant guidance. However, our results suggest a slight improvement in epilepsy treatment outcomes over the 13-year period.
Occupational exposure to dust and to fumes, work as a welder and invasive pneumococcal disease risk
Authors: Torén Kjell , Blanc Paul D , Naidoo Rajen N , Murgia Nicola , Qvarfordt Ingemar , Aspevall Olov , Dahlman-Hoglund Anna , Schioler Linus
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Occupational exposures to metal fumes have been associated with increased pneumonia risk, but the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) has not been characterised previously.

Methods

We studied 4438 cases aged 20–65 from a Swedish registry of invasive infection caused byStreptococcus pneumoniae. The case index date was the date the infection was diagnosed. Six controls for each case, matched for gender, age and region of residency, were selected from the Swedish population registry. Each control was assigned the index date of their corresponding case to define the study observation period. We linked cases and controls to the Swedish registries for socioeconomic status (SES), occupational history and hospital discharge. We applied a job–exposure matrix to characterise occupational exposures. We used conditional logistic analyses, adjusted for comorbidities and SES, to estimate the OR of IPD and the subgroup pneumonia–IPD, associated with selected occupations and exposures in the year preceding the index date.

Results

Welders manifested increased risk of IPD (OR 2.99, 95% CI 2.09 to 4.30). Occupational exposures to fumes and silica dust were associated with elevated odds of IPD (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.21 and OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.58, respectively). Risk associated with IPD with pneumonia followed a similar pattern with the highest occupational odds observed among welders and among silica dust exposed.

Conclusion

Work specifically as a welder, but also occupational exposures more broadly, increase the odds for IPD. Welders, and potentially others with relevant exposures, should be offered pneumococcal vaccination.
Nicotine in tobacco product aerosols: ‘It's déjà vu all over again’
Authors: Duell Anna K , Pankow James F , Peyton David H
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The distribution of nicotine among its free-base (fb) and protonated forms in aerosolised nicotine affects inhalability. It has been manipulated in tobacco smoke and now in electronic cigarettes by the use of acids to de-freebase nicotine and form ‘nicotine salts’.

Methods

Measurements on electronic cigarette fluids (e-liquids) were carried out to determine (1) the fraction of nicotine in the free-base form (αfb) and (2) the levels of organic acid(s) and nicotine. Samples included JUUL ‘pods’, ‘look-a-like/knock-off’ pods and some bottled ‘nicotine salt’ and ‘non-salt’ e-liquids.

Results

αfb= 0.12 ±0.01 at 40°C (≈ 37°C) for 10 JUUL products, which contain benzoic acid; nicotine protonation is extensive but incomplete.

Discussion

First-generation e-liquids have αfb ≈ 1. At cigarette-like total nicotine concentration (Nictot) values of ~60 mg/mL, e-liquid aerosol droplets with αfb≈ 1 are harsh upon inhalation. The design evolution for e-liquids has paralleled that for smoked tobacco, giving a ‘déjà vu’ trajectory for αfb. For 17th-century ‘air-cured’ tobacco, αfb in the smoke particles was likely ≥ 0.5. The product αfbNictot in the smoke particles was high. ‘Flue-curing’ retains higher levels of leaf sugars, which are precursors for organic acids in tobacco smoke, resulting in αfb ≈ 0.02 and lowered harshness. Some tobacco cigarette formulations/designs have been adjusted to restore some nicotine sensory ‘kick/impact’ with αfb≈ 0.1, as for Marlboro. Overall, for tobacco smoke, the de-freebasing trajectory was αfb ≥ 0.5 → ~0 →~0.1, as compared with αfb= ~1 →~0.1 for e-cigarettes. For JUUL, the result has been, perhaps, an optimised, flavoured nicotine delivery system. The design evolution for e-cigarettes has made them more effective as substitutes to get smokers off combustibles. However, this evolution has likely made e-cigarette products vastly more addictive for never-smokers.
Yield stress evaluation of Finnish clays based on analytical piezocone penetration test (CPTu) models
Authors: Di Buò Bruno , D’Ignazio Marco , Selänpää Juha , Länsivaara Tim , Mayne Paul W.
Published: December 2019

A well-established analytical model based on spherical cavity expansion and critical state soil mechanics theories is applied to piezocone soundings for profiling the yield stress and overconsolidation ratio of five soft sensitive test sites located in Finland. Yield stress is related to three piezocone parameters: net cone resistance, excess porewater pressure, and effective cone resistances. Input geoparameters include the effective stress friction angle, defined at both peak strength and at maximum obliquity, and the model directly provides the operational value of the undrained rigidity index. The piezocone-evaluated profiles compare favorably with results from laboratory constant-rate-of-strain consolidation tests for all the investigated sites. Based on the obtained experimental results, simplified correlations valid for Finnish soil conditions are derived. Their validity is assessed based on the bias factor, coefficient of variation, and coefficient of determination, showing a fairly good agreement between the predicted and the target values.
Stimulation of the endogenous hydrogen sulfide synthesis suppresses oxidative–nitrosative stress and restores endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation in old rats
Authors: Mys L.A. , Strutynska N.A. , Goshovska Y.V. , Sagach V.F.
Published: December 2019

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gas transmitter with profound effects on the cardiovascular system. We hypothesized that stimulation of H2S synthesis might alleviate age-associated changes in vascular reactivity. Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP), the coenzyme of H2S-synthesizing enzymes, was administrated to old male Wistar rats per os at a dose of 0.7 mg/kg body mass once a day for 2 weeks. H2S content in the aortic tissue, markers of oxidative stress, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS), arginase activities, and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of the aortic rings were studied. Our results showed that PLP restored endogenous H2S and low molecular weight S-nitrosothiol levels in old rat aorta to the levels detected in adults. PLP significantly reduced diene conjugate content, hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite generation rates, and iNOS and arginase activity in the aortic tissue of old rats. PLP also greatly improved acetylcholine-induced relaxation of old rat aorta (47.7% ± 4.8% versus 18.4% ± 4.1% in old rats, P < 0.05) that was abolished by NO inhibition with N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) or H2S inhibition with O-carboxymethylhydroxylamine (O-CMH). Thus, PLP might be used for stimulation of endogenous H2S synthesis and correction of oxidative and nitrosative stress and vessel tone dysfunction in aging and age-associated diseases.
Exploring $$\hbox {CE}\nu \hbox {NS}$$ with NUCLEUS at the Chooz nuclear power plant
Authors: Angloher G. , Ardellier-Desages F. , Bento A. , Canonica L. , Erhart A. , Ferreiro N. , Friedl M. , Ghete V. M. , Hauff D. , Kluck H. , Langenkämper A. , Lasserre T. , Lhuillier D. , Kinast A. , Mancuso M. , Rubiales J. Molina , Mondragón E. , Munch G. , Nones C. , Oberauer L. , Onillon A. , Ortmann T. , Pattavina L. , Petricca F. , Potzel W. , Pröbst F. , Reindl F. , Rothe J. , Schieck J. , Schönert S. , Schwertner C. , Scola L. , Stodolsky L. , Strauss R. , Vivier M. , Wagner V. , Zolotarova A.
Published: December 2019

Coherent elastic neutrino–nucleus scattering ($$\hbox {CE}\nu \hbox {NS}$$CEνNS) offers a unique way to study neutrino properties and to search for new physics beyond the Standard Model. Nuclear reactors are promising sources to explore this process at low energies since they deliver large fluxes of anti-neutrinos with typical energies of a few MeV. In this paper, a new-generation experiment to study$$\hbox {CE}\nu \hbox {NS}$$CEνNSis described. The NUCLEUS experiment will use cryogenic detectors which feature an unprecedentedly low-energy threshold and a time response fast enough to be operated under above-ground conditions. Both sensitivity to low-energy nuclear recoils and a high event rate tolerance are stringent requirements to measuring$$\hbox {CE}\nu \hbox {NS}$$CEνNSof reactor anti-neutrinos. A new experimental site, the Very-Near-Site (VNS), at the Chooz nuclear power plant in France is described. The VNS is located between the two 4.25 $$\hbox {GW}_{\mathrm {th}}$$GWthreactor cores and matches the requirements of NUCLEUS. First results of on-site measurements of neutron and muon backgrounds, the expected dominant background contributions, are given. In this paper a preliminary experimental set-up with dedicated active and passive background reduction techniques and first background estimations are presented. Furthermore, the feasibility to operate the detectors in coincidence with an active muon veto at shallow overburden is studied. The paper concludes with a sensitivity study pointing out the physics potential of NUCLEUS at the Chooz nuclear power plant.
INDIVIDUALIZED SPORTS MANAGEMENT SCHEME FOR PREGNANT WOMEN IN CHINA
Authors: YANG LIN , LUO QI , LU YANG , ZHANG SONG , YANG YIMIN , LI XUWEN , HAO DONGMEI , XU MINGZHOU , SHAO JING
Published: December 2019

In recent years, pregnant women in China generally face problems such as unbalanced and excessive nutrition, lack of proper exercise during pregnancy, which shows a significant increase in weight during pregnancy, leading to an increasing trend of perinatal complications. At present, there is less sports health management system for pregnant women throughout pregnancy. In view of this, based on the existing research in related fields, this study deeply explores the appropriate monitoring methods of pregnant women’s sports in China. In this study, effective and convenient testing methods and evaluation criteria were proposed for pregnant women’s sports and psychology. The research idea was a method based on the pulse wave to detect pregnant women’s cardiac reserve capacity, and grading the Diastolic/Systolic value of pregnant women as a reference for grading individualized target heart rate range of moderate intensity exercise. The effective time and energy expenditure of pregnant women were assessed by monitoring the exercise process. The purpose is to help and guide pregnant women in the whole process of pregnancy self-movement management, and thus improve the quality of maternal health care services in China.
COMPARISON AND EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION OF TURBULENCE MODELS FOR AN AXIAL FLOW BLOOD PUMP
Authors: WANG SHUAI , TAN JIANPING , YU ZHEQIN
Published: December 2019

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become an essential tool for designing and optimizing the structure of blood pumps. However, it is still questionable which turbulence model can better obtain the flow information for axial flow blood pump. In this study, the axial flow blood pump was used as the object, and the influence of the common turbulence models on simulation was compared. Six turbulence models (standard [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] model, RNG [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] model, standard [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] model, SST [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] model, Spalart–Allmaras model, SSG Reynolds stress model) were used to simulate the pressure difference and velocity field of the pump. In parallel, we designed a novel drive system of the axial flow blood pump, which allowed the camera to capture the internal flow field. Then we measured the flow field in the impeller region based on particle image velocimetry (PIV). Through the comparison of experiments and simulation results, the average errors of velocity field obtained by the above models are 30.97%, 19.40%, 24.25%, 15.28%, 28.51%, 23.00%, respectively. Since the SST [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] model has the smallest error, and the streamline is consistent with the experimental results, it is recommended to use SST [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] model for numerical analysis of the axial flow blood pump.
Improving the Task Understanding for Knowledge Creation in Assessments
Authors: Qayyum M. Asim , Smith David
Published: December 2019

Students in higher education environments typically work with information discovered to gain and create knowledge required for their assessments and other course work. Much of this research happens online now as a required activity for students at all education levels and settings. When students access study material via the Internet and without the presence of an instructor, they may face difficulties in understanding the complete purpose of an assessment. Such difficulties can lead to poor information search practices resulting in poor creativity and low knowledge gain, which may in turn lead to mediocre information synthesis and low levels of knowledge creation. To investigate and possibly address this problem, the current study examines the information search practices of 10 novice and 5 experienced university students as they seek to gain and create knowledge for authentic assessment tasks. An additional five students received an intervention in the form of a word cloud application, which was introduced to create a visual and textual task understanding support scaffolding for the students. Results revealed evidence of knowledge gain and creation, especially by most experienced students when they used mental models to derive their searching process, and when they used notes to convert the implicit knowledge into an explicit form. The word cloud intervention additionally provided experienced students relevant learning cues from the task to improve their knowledge gain and creation, and helped improve their engagement with the online assessments tasks.
A Rare Case of Plasma Cell Gingivitis with Cheilitis
Authors: Chauhan Yashodeep , Khetarpal Shaleen , Ratre Madhu Singh , Varma Manish
Published: December 2019

Background. Plasma cell gingivitis (PCG) is a rare condition of the gingiva, characterized histopathologically by infiltration of plasma cells in connective tissue. Hypersensitivity reaction due to antigen is considered as primary etiological factor. Case Presentation. The present case is of an 18-year-old male patient suffering from gingival enlargement along with cheilitis. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry of tissue revealed lesion as plasma cell gingivitis. After gingivectomy, the follow up of the patient was done for 8 months. Gradual reduction of lip swelling was observed after gingivectomy during subsequent visits. Conclusion. Early diagnosis is essential as plasma cell gingivitis has similar pathologic changes seen clinically as in leukemia, multiple myeloma, discoid lupus erythematosus, atrophic lichen planus, desquamative gingivitis, or cicatricial pemphigoid which must be differentiated through hematologic examination.
Concomitant Treatment with Etanercept and Tacrolimus Synergistically Attenuates Arthritis Progression via Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 Production and Osteoclastogenesis in Human TNF-α Transgenic Mice
Authors: Seki Iwao , Takai-Imamura Miwa , Kohara-Tanaka Tomomi , Shirae Satoshi , Sasano Minoru , Matsuno Hiroaki , Aono Hiroyuki
Published: December 2019

In the present study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of action of a combined treatment with etanercept, a soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (p75) Fc fusion protein, and tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor on the progression of arthritis in human tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) transgenic (hTNF-Tg) mice. Single-drug treatments with etanercept and tacrolimus attenuated the clinical signs but not the radiographic changes associated with the development of arthritis in mice. On the contrary, combined treatment significantly suppressed the radiographic progression and also improved the clinical signs. The combined treatment exhibited synergistic effects of the two drugs in reducing the serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 level and the number of peripheral CD11bhigh osteoclast precursor cells. Moreover, tacrolimus inhibited the cytokine-induced osteoclast differentiation in synergy with etanercept in an in vitro assay. Interestingly, tacrolimus did not inhibit the production of antidrug antibodies (ADAs) against etanercept in the hTNF-Tg mice. This result implies that the synergistic effects of etanercept and tacrolimus are not due to secondary effects derived from the suppression of ADA production by tacrolimus but are due to their primary effects. These findings suggest that concomitant treatment with etanercept and tacrolimus may be one of preferable treatment options to control disease activities for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, especially for those with bone resorption.
Liver Transplantation for Acute Liver Failure Attributed to Leptospirosis: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Lebreton Thibault , Aubrun Fréderic , Mabrut Jean-Yves , Heyer Laurent , Perrin Camille
Published: December 2019

Background. Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. Although it may be limited to nonspecific fever, leptospirosis may also be responsible for neurological symptoms or fulminant diseases such as Weil’s disease. Diagnosis is challenging due to the difficulty in isolating the organism and the delays required for performing the serological test. Case Presentation. Two cases of leptospirosis are presented here. The clinical picture differed from a real Weil’s disease in the first case and from a neuro-leptospirosis in the second. However, both patients underwent liver transplantation because of the severity of the associated acute liver failure. Unfortunately, one of the cases had a fatal outcome. Conclusion. Antibiotic treatment for leptospirosis should not be delayed by the lack of a positive serology test for this potentially lethal disease. In the context of a history of exposure to risk factors for leptospirosis, a negative serology must be repeated 7 days to 2 weeks following the first test. Although not always present, acute liver injury may, in rare cases, require liver transplantation.
Recovering of Dizziness of a Patient with Sinusitis after Root Canal Therapy for Upper Second Molar
Authors: Amro Ibrahem , Shawar Lyana , Hantash Raed abu , Abuquba Basem , Amro Akram
Published: December 2019

This case report illustrates the recovery of dizziness of a young healthy patient after root canal therapy of upper second molar. The patient developed dizziness and unbalanced walking four months ago. After cardiac, ENT, neurological, physiotherapy and medical investigations, his entire checkup showed no abnormalities. The patient visited a dental clinic for a routine checkup; after dental clinical and radiographical examination, a chronic abscess infection in an upper second molar region close to the sinus was diagnosed. Root canal therapy was performed that resulted in a disappearance of the dizziness and full recovery was achieved. Conclusion. Infected upper teeth with periapical lesion are associated with dizziness as a complication of odontogenic-related sinusitis. Dental and medical cooperation contributes to a better management diagnosis of the dizziness.
Consensus Statement by an Expert Panel on the Diagnosis and Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries
Authors: Aleem Aamer , Alsayegh Faisal , Keshav Satish , Alfadda Abdulrahman , Alfadhli Ahmad Awad , Al-Jebreen Abdulrahman , Al-Kasim Fawaz , Almuhaini Ali , Al-Zahrani Hazzaa , Batwa Faisal , Denic Srdjan , Jazzar Ahmad , Owaidah Tarek , Qari Mohamad , Qari Yousef , Taha Mazen
Published: December 2019

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) and ID anemia (IDA) are common in the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The unique genetic and lifestyle factors of the patient population in the region have necessitated the development of recommendations to help educate health-care professionals on appropriate diagnosis and management of ID/IDA. Methods: A panel of regional experts, including gastroenterologists and hematologists with expertise in the treatment of IDA, was convened to develop regional practice recommendations for ID/IDA. After reviewing the regional and international literature, the expert panel developed consensus recommendations for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with IDA in the GCC region. Results: The recommendations proposed were customized to the patient population keeping in view the increasingly recognized burden of coeliac disease, high fertility and obesity rates, high prevalence of alpha- and beta-thalassemia traits, and poor tolerance and low treatment compliance with oral iron therapy. Conclusions: This consensus statement proposes recommendations for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of IDA in the GCC region.
Body Composition and Leptin/Ghrelin Levels during Lenvatinib for Thyroid Cancer
Authors: De Leo Simone , Colombo Carla , Di Stefano Marta , Dubini Antonella , Cozzi Silvia , Persani Luca , Fugazzola Laura
Published: December 2019

Weight loss is one of the most frequent adverse events during treatment with multikinase inhibitors, but scanty data are available on its extent and characteristics. This is the first assessment of the body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis and of circulating leptin and ghrelin levels, in patients with advanced thyroid cancer before and at regular intervals during treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor lenvatinib. Body mass index (BMI) decreased in all patients, with an average ∆ reduction of –6.4, –9.8, and –15.3% at 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment, respectively. Interestingly, in most patients, after the first year of treatment, BMI remained stable. In all patients, fat mass (FM) reduced more than fat-free mass, the highest decrement being of –60 and –16%, respectively. A decrease in the body cell mass, a parameter mainly due to muscle tissue, was observed only in patients with a vast baseline muscular mass. Total body water decreased in parallel to BMI. During treatment, leptin tightly paralleled the decrease of BMI values, consistent with the decrease in FM, whereas ghrelin levels increased upon BMI decrease. The loss of the FM accounts for the largest portion of BMI reduction during lenvatinib treatment. The increase in ghrelin could account for the BMI stabilization observed after 1 year of treatment. Nevertheless, oral nutritional supplements should be given as early as possible and athletic patients should be encouraged to maintain physical activity. In some circumstances, parenteral nutrition is required for the rehabilitation of these patients.
Molecular Barcode Sequencing for Highly Sensitive Detection of Circulating Tumor DNA in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hagi Takaomi , Kurokawa Yukinori , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Saito Takuro , Yamashita Kotaro , Tanaka Koji , Makino Tomoki , Yamasaki Makoto , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: December 2019

Introduction:Next-generation sequencing (NGS) with molecular barcodes (MB) is a novel method that enables the highly sensitive detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in a relatively wide range of genes. Objective:The aim of this study was to examine the utility of NGS with MB for detecting ctDNA in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods:Five patients with ESCC who underwent preoperative treatment followed by esophagectomy were examined. The frequency of TP53 mutations in DNA extracted from tumor tissue and plasma at each time point during the treatment course was analyzed using NGS without MB. In 1 patient, additional analysis using NGS with MB was conducted to compare the sensitivities and to evaluate the clinical utility of this novel method. Results:TP53 mutations in tumor tissue were identified in 3 of 5 patients with ESCC. In 1 patient, the mutational allele frequency in plasma was 1.97% before preoperative treatment, and decreased to 0.09% after preoperative treatment. As the maximum frequency of background errors were 3.22% using NGS without MB and 0.08% with MB, which indicated that the sensitivity of ctDNA detection using NGS with MB was much higher than without MB. In 1 patient who had recurrence half a year after surgery, only NGS with MB could detect ctDNA even at 4 weeks after surgery, at a frequency of 0.20%. Conclusions:NGS with MB enabled comprehensive and highly sensitive detection of ctDNA in a patient with ESCC. This novel method may be useful for the clinical diagnosis of ESCC.