bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving self‐care efficacy and quality of life with a self‐management program among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Liou Huey‐Ling , Huang Yu‐Tai , Lai Zi‐Yi , Tsou Yin‐Yin , Tsai Ya‐Chi , Yu Hsiao‐Hui , Chen Mei‐shuang
Published: March 2020

Self‐management helps patients understand their illnesses and learn about disease‐related skills so they can better manage their situation. However, published studies on the effectiveness of self‐management for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are heterogeneous. Quasi‐experimental design was used to investigate the effectiveness of a self‐management program in self‐care efficacy and quality of life in patients with COPD. Sixty participants who had experienced COPD were assigned to control group (usual care) or experimental group (self‐care program) (1:1 ratio) according to a purposeful sampling at a Medical Center in Taiwan. The Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, the COPD Self‐Efficacy Scale, the Clinical COPD Questionnaire were used to analyze data. The Medical Research Council dyspnea scale was more significant improvement in the 2 months after discharge in the experimental group than in the control group. The COPD Self‐Efficacy Scale and Clinical COPD Questionnaire scores in the experimental group within 3 months after discharge were significantly improved compared with the control group. These findings demonstrate the application and initial effect of this self‐management program.
Arthroscopic Anatomical Repair of Anterior Talofibular Ligament for Chronic Lateral Instability of the Ankle: Medium‐ and Long‐Term Functional Follow‐Up
Authors: Feng Shi‐ming , Sun Qing‐qing , Wang Ai‐guo , Chang Bu‐qing , Cheng Jian
Published: March 2020

Objective

To evaluate the functional outcomes of arthroscopic anatomical repair of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) in the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) during medium‐ and long‐term follow‐up.

Methods

From September 2014 to August 2017, the data of 37 patients (23 males, 14 females; 12 left ankles, 25 right ankles) aged between 21 and 56 years, with an average age of 32.17 ± 6.35 years, presenting with CLAI, was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 32 injuries were caused by sprain and five injuries were caused by car accidents. The course of the disease lasted for 12 to 60 months, with an average of 26.07 ± 13.29 months. All patients had intact skin around the ankle and no skin lesions. All patients underwent arthroscopic anatomical repair of ATFL, with the fixation of one to two anchors. Pre‐ and post‐operative visual analogue scales (VAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle‐Hindfoot Score (AOFAS), and the Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS) were compared to evaluate the curative effect of the operation.

Results

The operation was successful in all 37 cases. The operation time ranged from 40 to 75 min, with an average of 51.25 ± 11.49 min. After surgery, all incisions healed in stage I and there were no complications such as nerve, blood vessel and tendon injury, implant rejection, or suture rejection. Hospital stays of postoperative patients were 3 to 5 days, with an average of 3.77 ± 1.36 days. All patients were followed for 24 to 45 months, averaging 33.16 ± 10.58 months. For three patients with CLAI combined with mild limitation of subjective ankle movement, joint activity was normal after rehabilitation function exercise and proprioceptive function training for 2 months. At the final follow‐up, ankle pain had disappeared completely. The ankle varus stress test and ankle anterior drawer test were both negative. Range of joint motion was good. There was no lateral instability of the ankle and all patients returned to normal gait. The mean VAS score decreased to 1.12 ± 0.13, the AOFAS score increased to 92.53 ± 4.87, and the KAFS score increased to 93.36 ± 6.15. All the follow‐up indexes were significantly different from those before surgery.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic anatomical repair of ATFL for CLAI is precise, with less surgical trauma and reliable medium‐ and long‐term effect.
Stepwise approach to induce infrequent premature ventricular complex using bolus isoproterenol and epinephrine infusion
Authors: Shinoda Yasutoshi , Komatsu Yuki , Nogami Akihiko , Igarashi Miyako , Yamasaki Hiro , Sekiguchi Yukio , Aonuma Kazutaka , Ieda Masaki
Published: March 2020

Background

Paucity of a premature ventricular complex (PVC) during ablation procedures may occur and be associated with a lower success rate. Isoproterenol (ISP) injections are commonly used to induce PVC; however, the induced tachycardia sometimes prevents the appearance of PVC. Epinephrine (EPI) administration may be an alternative strategy to induce PVC due to its smaller effect on heart rate (HR). This study sought to examine the electrophysiological impact of EPI injection, with a stepwise induction protocol, for infrequent intraprocedural PVC.

Methods

We studied 78 consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation of idiopathic frequent PVC. If no PVC was observed at the beginning of the procedure, ISP (10 µg) was injected. If clinical PVC was not induced by ISP administration, EPI (10 µg) was injected.

Results

Of 18 patients without PVC at baseline, ISP injection induced PVC in five patients. Of the remaining 13 patients, EPI injection successfully induced PVC in seven patients (53%). The maximum HR and increments of HR after EPI injection were significantly lower than those after ISP injection (99 ± 15 vs 137 ± 15 bpm, P = .001; 22 ± 10 vs 53 ± 12 bpm, P < .001, respectively). There were no complications related to the induction protocol.

Conclusion

EPI injection following ISP injection is an effective and safe stepwise approach for the induction of infrequent PVC in the electrophysiology laboratory. It is hypothesized that α‐ and β‐adrenergic receptor stimulation by EPI injections, with reduced HR acceleration compared to that with ISP injections, may result in the successful induction of PVC.
Preclinical Evaluation of Cetuximab and Benzoporphyrin Derivative‐Mediated Intraperitoneal Photodynamic Therapy in a Canine Model
Authors: Cramer Gwendolyn , Lewis Robert , Gymarty Ashley , Hagan Sarah , Mickler Michela , Evans Sydney , Punekar Salman R. , Shuman Lee , Simone Charles B. , Hahn Stephen M. , Busch Theresa M. , Fraker Douglass , Cengel Keith A.
Published: March 2020

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) can occur as an advanced consequence of multiple primary malignancies. Surgical resection, radiation or systemic interventions alone have proven inadequate for this aggressive cancer presentation, since PC still has a poor survival profile. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), in which photosensitive drugs are exposed to light to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species, may be an ideal treatment for PC because of its ability to deliver treatment to a depth appropriate for peritoneal surface tumors. Additionally, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling plays a variety of roles in cancer progression and survival as well as PDT‐mediated cytotoxicity, so EGFR inhibitors may be valuable in enhancing the therapeutic index of intraperitoneal PDT. This study examines escalating doses of benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD)‐mediated intraperitoneal PDT combined with the EGFR‐inhibitor cetuximab in a canine model. In the presence or absence of small bowel resection (SBR) and cetuximab, we observed a tolerable safety and toxicity profile related to the light dose received. Additionally, our findings that BPD levels are higher in the small bowel compared with other anatomical regions, and that the risk of anastomotic failure decreases at lower light doses will help to inform the design of similar PC treatments in humans.
Infrared‐A Irradiation‐induced Inhibition of Human Keratinocyte Proliferation and Potential Mechanisms
Authors: Shimizu Syota , Aoki Akihiro , Takahashi Takuya , Harano Fumiki
Published: March 2020

Infrared‐A (IRA), which can penetrate deeply into the human skin, is a major component of solar radiation and is recognized to promote photoaging of human dermis. To our knowledge, however, the cellular and molecular consequences of human epidermis exposure to IRA have not been clarified. Thus, we investigated whether IRA inhibits the proliferation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). IRA irradiation ed in cell cycle arrest at G1 and a dose‐dependent reduction in the proliferation of NHEKs. We found that mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) was initially inactivated during IRA irradiation due to the formation of stress granules (SGs), and this inactivation was maintained for at least 6 h after irradiation due to Akt dephosphorylation. Furthermore, repeated exposure of human skin equivalents to IRA led to marked thinning of the epidermal cell layer. In conclusion, IRA irradiation inhibits mTORC1 activity possibly through two molecular mechanisms involving SG formation in the early‐phase and subsequent Akt dephosphorylation. This sequential mechanism seems to cause G1 cell cycle arrest and a reduction in cell proliferation, supporting the hypothesis that the decreased proliferation of basal keratinocytes that occurs during skin aging might be partly attributable to IRA radiation.
Photodynamic Efficacy of Cercosporin in 3D Tumor Cell Cultures
Authors: Grigalavicius Mantas , Mastrangelopoulou Maria , Arous Delmon , Juzeniene Asta , Ménard Mathilde , Skarpen Ellen , Berg Kristian , Theodossiou Theodossis A.
Published: March 2020

In the present work, we study the photodynamic action of cercosporin (cerco), a naturally occurring photosensitizer, on human cancer multicellular spheroids. U87 spheroids exhibit double the uptake of cerco than T47D and T98G spheroids as shown by flow cytometry on the single cell level. Moreover, cerco is efficiently internalized by cells throughout the spheroid as shown by confocal microscopy, for all three cell lines. Despite their higher cerco uptake, U87 spheroids show the least vulnerability to cerco‐PDT, in contrast to the other two cell lines (T47D and T98G). While 300 μm diameter spheroids consistently shrink and become necrotic after cerco PDT, bigger spheroids (>500 μm) start to regrow following blue‐light PDT and exhibit high viability. Cerco‐PDT was found to be effective on bigger spheroids reaching 1mm in diameter especially under longer exposure to yellow light (~590 nm). In terms of metabolism, T47D and T98G undergo a complete bioenergetic collapse (respiration and glycolysis) as a result of cerco‐PDT. U87 spheroids also experienced a respiratory collapse following cerco‐PDT, but retained half their glycolytic activity.
Incorporation in Lipid Microparticles of Acid Red 87, a Colorant Used in Tattoo Inks: Effect on Photodegradation Under Simulated Sunlight and Laser Radiation
Authors: Scalia Santo , Dozzo Annachiara , Magli Sofia , Scarcella Giuseppe
Published: March 2020

Tattoo colorants decompose under solar radiation and when exposed to laser light for their removal, leading to the accumulation in the dermis of toxic products. Aim of this study was to develop lipid microparticles (LMs) loaded with the colorant, Acid Red 87 (C.I. 45380) used in tattoo inks, and to investigate the effect of this system on the photostability of the colorant under simulated sunlight or laser irradiation. LMs loaded with C.I. 45380 were prepared by melt emulsification using tristearin and phosphatidylcholine as excipients. They were characterized by optical microscopy, laser diffraction, X‐ray diffraction and release studies. Free C.I. 45380 and the colorant‐loaded LMs were irradiated with a solar simulator or a Q‐switched laser. Irradiation with a solar simulator demonstrated that photodecomposition of C.I. 45380 was markedly reduced by incorporation of the dye in the LMs, from 20.5 ± 4.6% to 1.3 ± 1.8%. Conversely, the laser‐induced degradation of the colorant (30.1 ± 6.6%) was not significantly influenced by encapsulation in the LMs (the encapsulated C.I. 45380 loss was 27.4 ± 5.5%). Incorporation of C.I. 45380 in lipid microparticles enhances the photostability under sunlight of tattoo inks containing this colorant, without affecting its laser‐induced degradation and hence laser removal efficiency.
The pathology of the spleen in lethal canine babesiosis caused by Babesia rossi
Authors: Henning Alischa , Clift Sarah Jane , Leisewitz Andrew Lambert
Published: March 2020

To provide useful information based on the macropathology, histopathology and immunohistochemical investigation in the spleens of dogs with Babesia rossi infection. Control spleens were collected from four healthy dogs euthanized for welfare reasons. Nine dogs that died naturally because of a mono‐infection with Babesia rossi were selected for the diseased group. One haematoxylin‐and‐eosin–stained section of splenic tissue from each of the infected and control dogs was examined under the light microscope. Immunohistochemical markers were applied to characterize different immunocyte populations. The application of analytic software enabled semi‐quantitative comparison of leucocyte subpopulations. Routine splenic histopathology revealed diffuse intermingling of white and red pulp from infected dogs with a clear loss of distinction between these zones. Immunohistochemistry revealed an increase in the proportion of tissue resident and bone marrow origin macrophages in the infected spleens. Apart from a few remnant lymphocytes within the peri‐arteriolar lymphatic sheaths and follicles, the majority of the immunocytes redistributed to the red pulp, supporting the observation of white and red pulp intermingling. The majority of our findings are in agreement with histomorphological descriptions of the spleen in a variety of noncanid mammalian hosts with lethal malaria or babesiosis.
Malignant mesothelioma cells secrete natriuretic peptides: Data and diagnostic clinical implications
Authors: Tsolaki Vasiliki , Zarogiannis Sotirios , Zygoulis Paris , Kalomenidis Ioannis , Jagirdar Rajesh , Makris Demosthenes , Daniil Zoe , Magkouta Sofia , Triantafyllou Ioannis , Papanikolaou John , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Zakynthinos Epaminondas
Published: March 2020

Background and objective

Mesothelial cells and cardiomyocytes have shared embryonic mesodermal origin. Cardiomyocytes release BNP under stretch. We searched whether malignant mesothelioma cells also secrete BNP and if so, this has a meaningful impact.

Methods

Part I: Prospectively, patients with pleural lesions on CT having malignant mesothelioma effusions (MME, n = 13) were compared to patients with malignant effusions with pleural lesions (MEa, n = 14). Age‐matched patients with ME without pleural lesions (MEb, n = 16) and non‐malignant effusions (NME, n = 25) were analysed. Part II: Retrospectively, samples from patients with mesothelioma (n = 14), lung cancer (n = 8) or heart failure (n = 9) were used. BNP was measured in pleural fluid and blood/plasma. Part III: BNP was assessed in the culture supernatants of benign (MeT‐5A) and malignant mesothelioma cell lines (M14K‐epithelioid, MSTO‐biphasic and ZL34‐sarcomatoid) (n = 10 per cell line in three different biological replicates).

Results

In vitro, BNP concentration was significantly higher in the supernatant of all malignant cell lines than benign ones (P < 0.01), denoting BNP's production from the former. The pleural fluid to blood BNP ratio in MME was extremely high in Part I and Part II subjects (28.3 ± 12.1 and 25.9 ± 8.6, respectively) versus 1.1 ± 0.3 and 0.4 ± 0.1 in Part I ME and NME, respectively (P < 0.0001), and 0.8 ± 0.1 and 0.4 ± 0.1 in Part II ME and NME, respectively (P < 0.0001). BNP ratio ≥2.11 in Part I had 92% sensitivity and 94.5% specificity for MME (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

BNP is secreted from malignant mesothelial cells. In clinical practice, the pleural fluid to blood BNP ratio can help in the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma.
Indexes of aortic wave reflection are not augmented in estrogen‐deficient physically active premenopausal women
Authors: O'Donnell Emma , Goodman Jack M. , Floras John S. , Harvey Paula J.
Published: March 2020

Background

Hypoestrogenemia due to menopause is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, in part due to elevated indexes of aortic wave reflection (AWRI) and central (aortic) blood pressure. We sought to investigate whether AWRI and central blood pressure are also augmented in hypoestrogenic exercise‐trained premenopausal women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (ExFHA).

Methods

In age‐ (pooled mean ± SEM, 24 ± 1 years), BMI‐ (21 ± 1 kg/m2), and cardiorespiratory fitness‐matched (45 ± 2 ml/kg/min) eumenorrheic ovulatory (ExOv; n = 11) and ExFHA women (n = 10), we assessed aortic blood pressure and waveform characteristics (augmentation index and wave reflection amplitude) obtained from radial pressure waves (applanation tonometry). Doppler ultrasound determined cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR). Measures were recorded before and 1 hour after 45 minutes of moderate intensity exercise to determine the influence of exercise‐induced increases in nitric oxide.

Results

Pre‐exercise, AIx75, central systolic BP (SBPc), and CO were lower (P < .05) and TPR higher (P < .05) in ExFHA. Post‐exercise, AIx75 was unchanged (P > .05) in ExFHA but was lowered (P < .05) in ExOv. Both groups demonstrated increased CO, and lowered SBPc and TPR, yet TPR remained higher (P < .05), and CO and SBPc lower (P < .05) in ExFHA.

Conclusions

Despite hypoestrogenemia, functional compliance of the central arteries and central BP is not augmented, yet TPR is higher, in ExFHA versus ExOv. An acute bout of dynamic exercise did not alter AIx75 in ExFHA, suggesting blunted vascular responsiveness to exercise‐induced increases in nitric oxide, possibly due to augmented vascular tone. These findings have relevance in understanding the vascular consequences of hypoestrogenemia during the premenopausal years.
How social policy impacts inequalities in political efficacy
Authors: Shore Jennifer
Published: March 2020

Political efficacy—the feeling that one is able to effectively participate in politics and also that her input is worthwhile—is an important precursor to numerous political activities, most prominently voting. Beyond individual resources, there is growing evidence that social policies also matter for inequalities in political efficacy. This review centers on the concept of political efficacy and its dimensions to highlight the ways in which social policies can promote or hamper people's subjective beliefs about their role vis‐à‐vis the state. I review studies examining the ways in which social policies can shape political efficacy, focusing on social policy design and administration. Particular attention is given to the policy feedback literature, which posits that policies can influence political efficacy through the channels of resource and interpretive effects. The review concludes by discussing the limitations and challenges of the topic and also outlines areas for the further study of political efficacy and social policy.
Identification of the novel KIR3DL2*115 allele in a Chinese individual
Authors: Chen Chen , Wang Jielin , Xu Aiqin , He Ji , Zhu Faming
Published: March 2020

KIR3DL2*115 differs from KIR3DL2*01001 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 761 A>G.
Sacred sound in world religions: An interreligious teaching and learning experience
Authors: Waligur Stefan Andre
Published: March 2020

This article reflects on the experience of teaching a course called “Sacred Sound in World Religions” at Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. I claim that the nature of music and music‐making has profound implications for teaching and pedagogical theory in an interreligious setting. Drawing upon scholars including Lisa M. Hess, Susanne K. Langer, Guy L. Beck, bell hooks, and Paolo Freire, I argue that to teach and learn in an in‐depth and transformative way, we must integrate the basic components of musicality: relationality, embodiment, multidimensionality, and expressive delight. This “performative mode” is what musicians enter when they make music well. It is what we all experience when our teaching and learning make a difference. Approaching interreligious pedagogy the way a musician approaches making music is the focus of this article.
Platelet safety strategies in Japan: impact of short shelf life on the incidence of septic reactions
Authors: Satake Masahiro , Kozakai Moe , Matsumoto Mami , Matsubayashi Keiji , Taira Rikizo , Goto Naoko
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infections (TTBIs) often have serious consequences for patients. The Japanese Red Cross (JRC) has not implemented culture screening for platelet concentrate (PC), but it has maintained a shelf life of 85 hours for PC.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The JRC collected reports of suspected TTBI and investigated causal relationships using PC samples and patient blood samples. PCs showing apparent abnormalities were retrieved and cultured and analyzed for bacterial growth.

RESULTS

The JRC analyzed 86 samples available from 135 transfused PCs with suspected TTBIs that were collected over the past 12 years; 17 (19.8%) were culture‐positive. One, 6, and 10 TTBIs developed in patients on Days 1, 2, and 3 after PC collection, respectively. Assuming that PC is transfused on the day of issue, the TTBI risk was fourfold higher on Day 3 than on Day 2, after adjusting the TTBI incidence for the number of PCs issued per day. Compared with the model of issuing all PCs on Day 3, issuing PCs with the current distribution of storage time could have decreased the TTBI incidence by 56%. During the past 8 years, the JRC retrieved 960 PC units because of apparent abnormalities, 2.8% of which were culture‐positive.

CONCLUSION

The short shelf life of PC is associated with a low incidence of reported TTBIs, more than half of which occurred on Day 3 relative to earlier time points. Visual inspection of PC before transfusion is crucial in detecting bacterially contaminated PC despite its low positive predictive value.
A Japanese multi‐institutional collaborative study of antigen‐positive red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients with corresponding RBC antibodies
Authors: Yamada Chiaki , Takeshita Akihiro , Ohto Hitoshi , Ishimaru Ken , Kawabata Kinuyo , Nomaguchi Yuriko , Haraguchi Yasue , Abe Misao , Sobue Koki , Takenouchi Hiroyuki , Takadate Junko , Kamimura Masami , Katai Akiko , Kasai Daisuke , Minami Yumiko , Sugimoto Tatsuya , Michino Junko , Nagai Kazuhiro , Kumagai Mikako , Hasegawa Yuichi , Ishizuka Keiko , Ohtomo Naoki , Yamada Naotomo , Muroi Kazuo , Matsushita Tadashi , Takahashi Koki
Published: March 2020

Background and objectives

It is sometimes difficult to obtain antigen‐negative red blood cells (RBCs) for patients with antibodies against RBCs. However, the frequency and severity of the adverse reactions have not been well elucidated. Here, we conducted a multi‐institutional collaborative study to clarify the background, frequency and clinical significance of antigen‐positive RBC transfusions to patients with the respective antibodies.

Materials and methods

The survey included the background of patients, antigens on RBCs transfused, total amount of antigen‐positive RBCs transfused, results from antibody screen and direct antiglobulin tests, specificity of antibodies, adverse reactions and efficacies. All antibodies were surveyed regardless of their clinical significance.

Results

In all, 826 cases containing 878 antibodies were registered from 45 institutions. The main reasons for antigen‐positive RBC transfusions included ‘negative by indirect antiglobulin test’ (39%) and ‘detection of warm autoantibodies’ (25%). In 23 cases (3% of total), some adverse reactions were observed after antigen‐positive RBC transfusion, and 25 antibodies (9 of 119 clinically significant and 16 of 646 insignificant antibodies) were detected. Non‐specific warm autoantibodies were detected in 9 cases, anti‐E in 5 cases, 2 cases each of anti‐Lea, anti‐Jra or cold alloantibodies, and 1 case each of anti‐Dib, anti‐Leb or anti‐P1. Other antibodies were detected in 2 further cases. Five (22%) of these 23 cases, who had anti‐E (3 cases) or anti‐Jra (2 cases), experienced clinically apparent haemolysis.

Conclusions

Adverse reactions, especially haemolysis, were more frequently observed in cases with clinically significant antibodies than those with clinically insignificant antibodies (P < 0·001).
MODIFICATION EQUATIONS OF AIR BUBBLES DISTRIBUTIONS AT SELF-AIR ENTRAINMENT CONDITION
Authors: Sutopo Yeri , S. Wignyosukarto Budi , Yulistyanto Bambang , Istiarto Istiarto , Abdul Hamid Nor Hayati
Published: March 2020

The Chanson’s equation for distribution of air bubbles in vertical direction in the developing zone at self-air entrainment condition is used when the air bubbles concentration at the flow surface is 90%. Otherwise, if this condition is not satisfying, then the equations of Straub and Anderson can be used. The results of these two equations are not similar with experimental results. Therefore, these two equations need to be modified accordingly. These modification equations can also be used to predict the air bubbles distributions in vertical direction. Hence, the main objective of this study is to modify these equations for vertical air concentration distribution in the developing zone and validate them with experimental results. The steep channel in the form of flume with 10 m long, 0.2 m wide and 0.4 m high with slopes varies between 20° and 25° were used in this experimental work. The discharge water was 9 l/s, 12 l/s and 21 l/s with Froude numbers between 6.9 to 8.0. The Thomson weir (V Notch) was used to calibrate the discharge flow of water. A set of video cameras was used to record the motion pictures of the air bubbles. The air bubble was analyzed using Ulead Video Studio 11 software program equipped with Imagej software. The results of this study indicates that the modifications of equations of Straub and Anderson were the equation air concentration distribution (C) in the underlying zone value was 0.647 m at 20° slope of channel bed, the equation air concentration distribution (C) in the underlying zone the value was 0.542 m at 25° slope and the equation in the mixing zone remained the same. The original Chanson equation was modified mainly in terms of the hyperbolic tangent (tanh) equation which originally had a power of 2 while the modification was 0.8; and the Ce was 0.9 sin α, whereas at the modified Chanson’s equation, Ce was converted into Ce= 0.6 sin α.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF GIGANTOCHLOA SCORTECHINII BAMBOO PARTICLE REINFORCED SEMIRIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE COMPOSITES
Authors: Mat Darus Siti Atiqa Al Zahra , Ghazali Mariyam Jameelah , Azhari Che Husna , Zulkifli Rozli , Shamsuri Ahmad Adlie
Published: March 2020

This investigation aims to study the mechanical properties of the bamboo particle (BP) (Gigantochloa scortechinii) reinforced with semirigid Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) composites before and after the steam explosion (SE)-alkali treatment. Mechanical properties, namely, tensile, flexural and impact strengths, were determined using universal tensile and impact testing machines according to ASTM standard. The tensile and flexural strengths of the composites were improved after SE-alkali treatment. Results indicated that the tensile and flexural strengths of the composites increased and reached the optimum values of 17.42 and 11.86 MPa, respectively for SE-alkali treatment BP reinforced semirigid PVC with 40 wt% particle content. The impact strength of SE-alkali-treated composites was unimproved due to less dense and rigid particle.
Local sleep spindles in the human thalamus
Authors: Bastuji Hélène , Lamouroux Pierre , Villalba Manon , Magnin Michel , Garcia‐Larrea Luis
Published: March 2020

Key points

Sleep spindles have recently been shown to occur not only across multiple neocortical regions but also locally in restricted cortical areas.

Here we show that local spindles are indeed present in the human posterior thalamus.

Thalamic local spindles had lower spectral power than non‐local ones.

While non‐local thalamic spindles had equal local and non‐local cortical counterparts, local thalamic spindles had significantly more local cortical counterparts (i.e. occurring in a single cortical site).

The preferential association of local thalamic and cortical spindles supports the notion of thalamocortical loops functioning in a modular way.

Sleep spindles are believed to subserve many sleep‐related functions, from memory consolidation to cortical development. Recent data using intracerebral recordings in humans have shown that they occur across multiple neocortical regions but may also be spatially restricted to specific brain areas (local spindles). The aim of this study was to characterize spindles at the level of the human posterior thalamus, with the hypothesis that, besides the global thalamic spindling activity usually observed, local spindles could also be present in the thalamus. Using intracranial, time‐frequency EEG recordings in 17 epileptic patients, we assessed the distribution of thalamic spindles during natural sleep stages N2 and N3 in six thalamic nuclei. Local spindles (i.e. spindles present in a single pair of recording contacts) were observed in all the thalamic regions explored, and compared with non‐local spindles in terms of intrinsic properties and cortical counterparts. Thalamic local and non‐local spindles did not differ in density, frequency or duration, but local spindles had lower spectral power than non‐local ones. Each thalamic spindle had a cortical counterpart. While non‐local thalamic spindles had equal cortical local and non‐local counterparts, local thalamic spindles had significantly more local cortical counterparts (i.e. occurring in a single cortical site). The preferential association of local thalamic and cortical spindles supports the notion of thalamocortical loops functioning in a modular way.
Multiphysics Simulation of Nucleation and Grain Growth in Selective Laser Melting of Alloys
Authors: Liu Dehao , Wang Yan
Published: March 2020

Selective laser melting (SLM) builds parts by selectively melting metallic powders layer by layer with a high-energy laser beam. It has a variety of applications in aerospace, medical device, and other low-volume manufacturing. Nevertheless, the lack of fundamental understanding of the process-structure-property relationship for better quality control inhibits wider applications of SLM. Recently, a mesoscale simulation approach, called phase field and thermal lattice Boltzmann method (PF-TLBM), was developed to simulate microstructure evolution of alloys in SLM melt pool with simultaneous consideration of solute transport, heat transfer, phase transition, and latent heat effect. In this paper, a nucleation model is introduced in the PF-TLBM framework to simulate heterogeneous nucleation at the boundary of the melt pool in SLM. A new method is also developed to estimate the thermal flux out of the SLM melt pool model given a constant cooling rate. The effects of latent heat and cooling rate on dendritic morphology and solute distribution are studied. The simulation results of AlSi10Mg alloy suggest that the inclusion of latent heat is necessary because it reveals the details of the formation of secondary arms, reduces the overestimation of microsegregation, and provides more accurate kinetics of dendritic growth.
High Prevalence of Colistin-Resistant Escherichia coli with Chromosomally Carried
mcr-1
in Healthy Residents in Vietnam
Authors: Yamaguchi Takahiro , Kawahara Ryuji , Hamamoto Kouta , Hirai Itaru , Khong Diep Thi , Nguyen Thang Nam , Tran Hoa Thi , Motooka Daisuke , Nakamura Shota , Yamamoto Yoshimasa
Published: March 2020

Elucidation of the mechanism of the wide dissemination of colistin-resistant bacteria in communities of developing countries is an urgent public health issue. In this study, we investigated the genetic background of the colistin resistance gene
mcr
in
E. coli
isolates from the fecal microbiota of healthy human residents living in a community in Vietnam with a high prevalence of colistin-resistant
E. coli
. Our study revealed for the first time, a surprisingly high percentage (36.8%) of colistin-resistant
E. coli
carrying chromosomal
mcr-1
, the emergence of which may have occurred recently, in the fecal microbiota of the community residents. The
mcr-1
transposon on the chromosome may develop into a more stable genotype by the loss of insertion sequences (ISs). Our results are valuable in understanding the mechanism underlying the increasing prevalence of colistin-resistant bacteria within a community.
An adolescent with recurrent ankle swelling
Authors: Trombetta Andrea , Genovese Maria Rita Lucia , Gortani Giulia , Barbi Egidio
Published: March 2020

A 14-year-old girl was admitted to our institute with a history of
intermittent bilateral ankle swelling, and moderate but progressively
worsening pain which has lasted for 2 years.

The patient’s history was unremarkable. She did not take medications and
was not involved in any sports activity. She reported no fever,
gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, weight loss, travels abroad or previous
infections. She reported moderate pain at night, associated with a sense of
heaviness, tightness and general discomfort, and with no response to
ibuprofen.

Physical examination was remarkable only for bilateral ankle non-pitting
oedema, more evident on the left leg, with a thickened skinfold at the base
of the second toe, and without redness, swelling or skin warming.

The patient had been previously examined, and her foot and ankle X-rays,
ultrasound (US) and MRI were all negative. Blood tests (white cell count, C
reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, albumin, antinuclear
antibodies, creatinine, transaminase, creatine kinase, lactate
dehydrogenase, thyroid function and glucose) and urinalysis were in the
normal range. Her ocular assessment and echocardiogram were also
normal.

Question 1

Based on the clinical picture and laboratory tests, what is the most
likely diagnosis?

Deep venous thrombosis.

Osteochondritis.

Lymphoedema.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Question 2

Based on what you see in figure 1, what is the underlying
cause?

Recurrent bacterial lymphangitis.

Primary lymphoedema.

Tumour.

Filariasis.

Figure 1

Lymphoscintigraphy of the lower extremities showing
insufficient deep lymphatic circulation in the left leg (red
arrow, A) replaced by superficial drainage (B).

Question 3

Which is the best diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis?

US scan.

MRI.

Lymphoscintigraphy.

Reassurance and clinical follow-up.

Question 4

What is the mainstay of management of this condition?

Wait and see.

Antibiotic course.

Supportive therapy (ie, physical activity, elevation of
extremities, pneumatic compression).

Surgical intervention.

Answers can be found on page 2.
Outcome of the 2016 United States presidential election and the subsequent sex ratio at birth in Canada: an ecological study
Authors: Retnakaran Ravi , Ye Chang
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The sex ratio at birth (proportion of boys to girls) generally shows slight male preponderance but may decrease in response to societal stressors. Discrete adverse events such as terrorist attacks and disasters typically lead to a temporary decline in the sex ratio 3–5 months later, followed by resolution over around 5 months thereafter. We hypothesised that the unexpected outcome of the 2016 US presidential election may have been a societal stressor for liberal-leaning populations and thereby precipitated such an effect on the sex ratio in Canada.

Design

Ecological study.

Setting

Administrative data for Ontario (Canada’s most populous province).

Participants

All births in Ontario from April 2010 to Oct 2017 inclusive (n=1 079 758).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We determined the sex ratio at birth in Ontario for each month from April 2010 to October 2017 and performed segmented regression analysis to evaluate the seasonally adjusted sex ratio for the following three time periods: before the November 2016 election; after the election to before the anticipated impact; and from anticipated impact to 5 months thereafter.

Results

In the 12 months following the election, the lowest sex ratio occurred in March 2017 (4 months post election). Compared with the preceding months, the sex ratio was lower in the 5 months from March to July 2017 (p=0.02) during which time it was rising (p=0.01), reflecting recovery from the nadir. Both effects were seen in liberal-leaning regions of Ontario (lower sex ratio (p=0.006) and recovery (p=0.002) in March–July 2017) but not in conservative-leaning areas (p=0.12 and p=0.49, respectively).

Conclusion

The 2016 US presidential election preceded a temporary reduction in the sex ratio at birth in Canada, with the time course of changes therein matching the characteristic pattern of a discrete societal stressor.
Robotic assisted carotid artery stenting for the treatment of symptomatic carotid disease: technical feasibility and preliminary results
Authors: Nogueira Raul G , Sachdeva Rajesh , Al-Bayati Alhamza R , Mohammaden Mahmoud H , Frankel Michael R , Haussen Diogo C
Published: March 2020

Background and purpose

Robotic-assisted endovascular interventions have been increasingly performed in the coronary and peripheral vascular beds. We aim to describe the feasibility and initial safety of a robotic-assisted platform for treating carotid artery disease.

Methods

Single-center technical report of the first four consecutive cases of carotid artery stenting for the treatment of severe symptomatic carotid stenosis utilizing the CorPath GRX Robotic System (Corindus Inc, Waltham, MA).

Results

Four patients (one in early 60s and three in early 70s; NASCET degree of stenosis: 88%, 77%, 83% and 82%) with ipsilateral strokes on presentation were treated. All steps of the procedure (including delivery/removal of micro-guidewire, emboli-protection system and angioplasty balloon) could be successfully performed robotically with the exception of navigation/deployment of the stents due to incompatibility with the current robotic platform. Technical success was achieved in all patients resulting in resolution of the stenosis without any complications.

Conclusions

Robotic-assisted carotid artery stenting is technically feasible. Future studies are warranted to properly establish safety and benefits.
Evaluation of methods for spawner–recruit analysis in mixed-stock Pacific salmon fisheries
Authors: Staton Benjamin A. , Catalano Matthew J. , Connors Brendan M. , Coggins Lewis G. , Jones Michael L. , Walters Carl J. , Fleischman Steven J. , Gwinn Daniel C.
Published: March 2020

Salmon populations harvested in mixed-stock fisheries can exhibit genotypic, behavioral, and life history diversity that can lead to heterogeneity in population productivity and size. Methods to quantify this heterogeneity among populations in mixed-stock fisheries are not well-established but are critical to assessing harvest–biodiversity trade-offs when setting harvest policies. We developed an integrated, age-structured, state-space model that allows for more complete use of available data and sharing of information than simpler methods. We compared a suite of state-space models of varying structural complexity to simpler regression-based approaches and, as an example case, fitted them to data from 13 Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) populations in the Kuskokwim drainage in western Alaska. We found biological and policy conclusions were largely consistent among state-space models but differed strongly from regression-based approaches. Simulation trials illustrated our state-space models were largely unbiased with respect to spawner–recruit parameters, abundance states, and derived biological reference points, whereas the regression-based approaches showed substantial bias. These findings suggest our state-space model shows promise for informing harvest policy evaluations of harvest–biodiversity trade-offs in mixed-stock salmon fisheries.
Wind damage over 21 years across different levels of tree removal in natural-origin mixed forests of northwestern British Columbia
Authors: Coates K. David , Lilles Erica B. , Dhar Amalesh , Hall Erin C.
Published: March 2020

In many regions, forestry practices are shifting to partial harvesting approaches that seek to maintain species and structural diversity in managed forests. We monitored windthrow for 21 years following partial cutting treatments with 0%, 30%, and 60% removal in a large, replicated experiment located in mixed-species mature and old-growth forests of fire origin. There was no evidence that wind damage to merchantable trees (≥17.5 cm) varied among the three removal treatments. We found no evidence of a short-term spike in susceptibility to windthrow after partial cutting during the initial years following treatment. Over 21 years, a total basal area of 2.4 m2·ha–1 was damaged, which was 5.9% of the original standing basal area at the start of the experiment. We found clear differences in susceptibility to windthrow among the different tree species. The percentage of original standing trees that were windthrown varied from 0% to 23.7%. Eight of nine species had ≤10% damage over the monitoring period. Foresters should be aware of differences among tree species in risk of wind damage but should not use a general concern about susceptibility to windthrow as a reason to avoid partial cutting systems (that can achieve a diversity of management objectives) in structurally diverse, multispecies forests.
Long-term survival outcome for pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension at a Japanese single center
Authors: Sugiyama Yoichi , Tahara Nobuhiro , Bekki Munehisa , Tahara Atsuko , Honda Akihiro , Maeda-Ogata Shoko , Sun Jiahui , Igata Sachiyo , Fukumoto Yoshihiro
Published: March 2020

In recent years, several treatment options for patients with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) have improved the short-term prognosis. However, the long-term survival for pre-capillary PH has not been well investigated. This study sought to investigate the long-term survival for pre-capillary PH in Kurume University Hospital. A total of 144 patients with pre-capillary PH (110 women, mean age 55.1 ± 17.9 years) were enrolled. The maximal duration of followup was 15 years with a mean followup of 5.77 years. The 15 year survival was 59.1% for pre-capillary PH, 68.5% for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and 44.3% for chronic thromboembolic PH. The 5 year survival was 50.9% for PH due to lung disease (PH-LD), indicating the worst in the pre-capillary PH subgroups. The survival for portopulmonary hypertension was the lowest among PAH groups, and PAH associated with connective tissue disease and congenital heart disease decreased 10 years after diagnosis. A 6 min walk distance and elevated brain natriuretic peptide were significantly associated with survival outcome in pre-capillary PH patients and diastolic pulmonary arterial pressure was related to survival for PH-LD. The survivals were different among pre-capillary PH groups in our hospital. Above all, the long-term survival was better than in previous reports.
Gravitational waves from scale-invariant vector dark matter model: probing below the neutrino-floor
Authors: Mohamadnejad Ahmad
Published: March 2020

We study the gravitational waves (GWs) spectrum produced during the electroweak phase transition in a scale-invariant extension of the Standard Model (SM), enlarged by a dark $$ U(1)_{D} $$U(1)D gauge symmetry. This symmetry incorporates a vector dark matter (DM) candidate and a scalar field (scalon). Because of scale invariance, the model has only two independent parameters and for the parameter space constrained by DM relic density, strongly first-order electroweak phase transition can take place. In this model, for a narrow part of the parameter space, DM-nucleon cross section is below the neutrino-floor limit, and therefore, it cannot be probed by the future direct detection experiments. However, for a benchmark point from this narrow region, we show the amplitude and frequency of phase transition GW spectrum fall within the observational window of space-based GW detectors such as eLISA.
CFD study on the thermo-physical process in 4 K pulse tube
Authors: Kim Kwangson , Kang Yongrim , Mun Myonghua , Jong Kumhyok , Chae Chunghyok
Published: March 2020

It is of great importance to reveal the refrigeration mechanism at low-temperature around 4 K in pulse tube for improvement of the cooling performance in 4 K pulse tube crycoolers (PTCs). In this paper, the thermo-physical process in 4 K pulse tube was studied analytically from microscopic viewpoint using CFD simulation. The thermodynamic cycles of different gas parcels throughout the pulse tube were investigated. It was found that the real gas characteristics of the helium at the pulse tube cold end manifest more apparently from the central part nearer to the wall outside the boundary layer. Furthermore, it was revealed that boundary layer has the weakened heat loss or helpful effect on refrigeration in phase-shifting 4 K pulse tube operating at low frequency. This research newly provides intensified understanding of the inherent characteristics of 4 K GM-type pulse tube.
Tension and compression of sandwich composites with weft-knit fabric cores
Authors: Chen Jieng-Chiang , Zhuang Yi-Fang
Published: March 2020

The manufacturing techniques of sandwich composites containing core layers of weft-knit glass fabric (WG) and weft-knit carbon fabric (WC) with carbon fabric skin layers are discussed herein. The core layers of the sandwich composites were fabricated with WG-reinforced epoxy (E) resin, WC-reinforced epoxy resin, and polyurethane foam (F). The core layer was then stacked with two pieces of carbon fabric on the top and bottom surfaces to fabricate the sandwich composites. Three sandwich composites [plain carbon fabric sandwich composite with a WG core layer (C/E/WG), plain carbon fabric sandwich composite with a WC core layer (C/E/WC), and plain carbon fabric sandwich composite with an F core layer (C/E/F)] were developed in this study. A two-step manufacturing procedure was developed to achieve sufficient adhesiveness between the skin and core layers. The tensile, flatwise compressive, and longitudinal compressive properties of these sandwich composites were measured according to referred ASTM standards on a materials test system (MTS 810). Experimental results revealed that the WC core materials displayed excellent resistance to a flatwise compressive force and the foam core material show weak resistance. Under longitudinal compression, the skin and core layer of the C/E/F specimen separated, indicating that the C/E/F specimen could not withstand longitudinal force. Moreover, the C/E/WG and C/E/WC specimens both bend at the end of the same test.
Metrically homogeneous graphs of diameter 3
Authors: Amato Daniela A. , Cherlin Gregory , Macpherson H. Dugald
Published: March 2020

We classify countable metrically homogeneous graphs of diameter 3.