bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of Creeping Flow of Jeffrey Fluid Through a Narrow Permeable Slit With Uniform Reabsorption
Authors: Mehboob Hira , Maqbool K. , Siddiqui A. M. , Ullah Hameed 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis research explores the creeping flow of a Jeffrey fluid through a narrow permeable slit with an application of blood flow through a planer hemodialyzer. The fluid motion of Jeffrey fluid in a two-dimensional conduit with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions due to constant reabsorption on the wall is a complicated problem. The viscous effect of Jeffrey fluid in a cross-sectional area of a narrow slit is computed with the help of continuity and momentum equation. The stress component, velocity profile, stream function, and pressure gradient show the behavior of creeping flow of Jeffrey fluid in a narrow slit. To find the explicit expression of velocity, pressure, stream function, and flux, recursive (Langlois) approach is adopted. Maximum velocity, shear stress, leakage flux, and fractional absorption on the wall are also calculated in this research. The mathematical results of this research are very helpful to study the blood flow through planer hemodialyzer; therefore, this theoretical model has significant importance in the field of renal physiology.
A Marine Turbocharger Retrofitting Platform
Authors: Ntonas Konstantinos , Aretakis Nikolaos , Roumeliotis Ioannis , Mathioudakis Konstantinos 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
A turbocharger retrofitting platform utilizing one-dimensional (1D) models for calculating turbomachinery components map and a fully coupled process for integration with the turbomachinery components and the diesel engine, is presented. The platform has been developed with two modes of operation, allowing the retrofitting process to become fully automatic. In the first mode, available turbocomponents are examined, in order to select the one that best matches the entire engine system, aiming to retain or improve the diesel engine efficiency. In the second mode, an optimization procedure is employed, in order to redesign the compressor to match the entire system in an optimum way. Dimensionless parameters are used as optimization variables, for a given compressor mass flow and power. A retrofitting case study is presented, where three retrofitting options are analyzed (compressor retrofit, turbocharger retrofit, and compressor redesign). In the first and second option, turbocharger retrofitting is carried out, using available turbocomponents. It is shown that initial performance cannot be reconstituted using off-the-self-solutions. In the third option, compressor designing is performed, using the optimization mode, in order to provide an improved retrofitting solution, aiming to at least reconstituting the original diesel engine performance. Finally, a CFD analysis is carried out, in order to validate the compressor optimization tool capability to capture the performance trends, based on geometry variation.
Plegia to walking: AHSCBMT in severe NMOSD relapse
Authors: Carlisle Nicola , Hari Parameswaran , Brod Staley 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesNeuromyelitis optica is a devastating, relapsing, inflammatory, autoimmune disorder characterised in large part by attacks of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis causing blindness and plegia in many patients. Eighty-three per cent of patients with transverse myelitic attacks and 67% of patients with optic neuritis attacks have no or a partial recovery.MethodsResults from The European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Autoimmune Diseases Working Party imply failure of autologous haematopoietic stem cell bone marrow transplantation.Results and conclusionWe present a case that despite eventual relapse, made a remarkable functional recovery after bone marrow transplantation which may justify bone marrow transplantation in severe cases.
Effect of dapagliflozin on cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Magavern Emma , Khong Teck K 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCommentary on: Wiviott SD, Raz I, Bonaca MP, et al. Dapagliflozin and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med 2019;380:347–57.Commentary by: Dr Emma Magavern and Dr Teck Khong Clinical Pharmacology, St George's, University of London, UKSeries Editor: Dr Teck Khong, DTB Associate Editor Clinical Pharmacology, St George's, University of London, UK
Management of iron deficiency anaemia in secondary care across England between 2012 and 2018: a real-world analysis of Hospital Episode Statistics
Authors: Brookes Matthew James , Farr Angela , Phillips Ceri J , Trudgill Nigel John 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveIron deficiency anaemia (IDA) occurs in 2%–5% of men and postmenopausal women in the developed world and, if left untreated, can significantly impair quality of life or decompensate chronic illnesses. Approximately 10% of men and postmenopausal women with IDA have underlying gastrointestinal malignancy. This study identifies trends in the management of IDA in secondary care in England.Design/methodThe Hospital Episode Statistics database was used to analyse IDA-related hospital and outpatient admissions (elective and non-elective) in National Health Service England between April 2012 and March 2018. Outcome measures included rates of readmission, length of stay (LOS) and cost per admission.ResultsBetween 2012/2013 and 2017/2018, there was a 72% increase in hospital admissions for patients with a primary diagnosis of IDA and a 68% increase in hospital spells, with the number of cases being managed non-electively increasing by 58%. Non-electively managed patients had a longer LOS (3.10 vs 0.04 days, respectively) and increased rate of readmissions within 30 days (24.1% vs 6.6%) versus patients managed electively. Average day-case cost was £449 versus £1676 for non-elective admission. Across the 195 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in England, non-elective spells per 100 000 population demonstrated extensive and widening variability, ranging from 18 to 118 in 2017/2018 compared with 11–55 in 2012/2013.ConclusionThe current analysis highlights several opportunities to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. There is an opportunity to improve day-case services by looking at the difference between CCGs and the variability in care and to reduce the number of non-elective admissions.
Bioinformatic analysis of RHO family of GTPases identifies RAC1 pharmacological inhibition as a new therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Bayo Juan , Fiore Esteban J , Dominguez Luciana María , Cantero María Jose , Ciarlantini Matias S , Malvicini Mariana , Atorrasagasti Catalina , Garcia Mariana Gabriela , Rossi Mario , Cavasotto Claudio , Martinez Elisabeth , Comin Julieta , Mazzolini Guillermo D 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveThe RHO family of GTPases, particularly RAC1, has been linked with hepatocarcinogenesis, suggesting that their inhibition might be a rational therapeutic approach. We aimed to identify and target deregulated RHO family members in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).DesignWe studied expression deregulation, clinical prognosis and transcription programmes relevant to HCC using public datasets. The therapeutic potential of RAC1 inhibitors in HCC was study in vitro and in vivo. RNA-Seq analysis and their correlation with the three different HCC datasets were used to characterise the underlying mechanism on RAC1 inhibition. The therapeutic effect of RAC1 inhibition on liver fibrosis was evaluated.ResultsAmong the RHO family of GTPases we observed that RAC1 is upregulated, correlates with poor patient survival, and is strongly linked with a prooncogenic transcriptional programme. From a panel of novel RAC1 inhibitors studied, 1D-142 was able to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HCC cells, displaying a stronger effect in highly proliferative cells. Partial rescue of the RAC1-related oncogenic transcriptional programme was obtained on RAC1 inhibition by 1D-142 in HCC. Most importantly, the RAC1 inhibitor 1D-142 strongly reduce tumour growth and intrahepatic metastasis in HCC mice models. Additionally, 1D-142 decreases hepatic stellate cell activation and exerts an anti-fibrotic effect in vivo.ConclusionsThe bioinformatics analysis of the HCC datasets, allows identifying RAC1 as a new therapeutic target for HCC. The targeted inhibition of RAC1 by 1D-142 resulted in a potent antitumoural effect in highly proliferative HCC established in fibrotic livers.
Motor unit changes in children with symptomatic spinal muscular atrophy treated with nusinersen
Authors: Kariyawasam Didu , D'Silva Arlene , Howells James , Herbert Karen , Geelan-Small Peter , Lin Cindy Shin-Yi , Farrar Michelle Anne 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesTo elucidate the motor unit response to intrathecal nusinersen in children with symptomatic spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) using a novel motor unit number estimation technique.MethodsMScanFit MUNE studies were sequentially undertaken from the abductor pollicis brevis muscle after stimulation of the median nerve in a prospective cohort of symptomatic children with SMA, undergoing intrathecal treatment with nusinersen at a single neuromuscular centre from June 2017 to August 2019. Electrophysiological measures included compound muscle action potential (CMAP), motor unit number estimation (MUNE), motor unit number contributing to 50%–100% of CMAP (N50) and measures of collateral reinnervation including largest single motor unit potential (LSMUP) and amplitude of the smallest unit contributing to N50 (A50).ResultsTwenty children (median age 99 months, range 4–193) were followed for a median of 13.8 (4–33.5) months. Therapeutic intervention was an independent and significant contributor to an increase in CMAP (p = 0.005), MUNE (p = 0.001) and N50 (p = 0.04). The magnitude of this electrophysiological response was increased in children with shorter disease durations (p<0.05). Electrophysiological changes delineated children who were functionally stable from those who attained clinically significant gains in motor function.InterpretationNusinersen therapy facilitated functional innervation in SMA through recovery of smaller motor units. Delineation of biomechanisms of therapeutic response may be the first step in identifying potential novel targets for disease modification in this and other motor neuropathies. MScanFit MUNE techniques may have a broader role in establishing biomarkers of therapeutic response in similar adult-onset diseases.
US direct-to-consumer medical service advertisements fail to provide adequate information on quality and cost of care
Authors: Park Sung-Yeon , Yun Gi Woong , Friedman Sarah , Hill Kylie , Ryu So Young , Schwenk Thomas L , Coppes Max J 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundIn the 1970s, the Federal Trade Commission declared that allowing medical providers to advertise directly to consumers would be “providing the public with truthful information about the price, quality or other aspects of their service.” However, our understanding of the advertising content is highly limited.ObjectiveTo assess whether direct-to-consumer medical service advertisements provide relevant information on access, quality and cost of care, a content analysis was conducted.MethodTelevision and online advertisements for medical services directly targeting consumers were collected in two major urban centres in Nevada, USA, identifying 313 television advertisements and 200 non-duplicate online advertisements.ResultsBoth television and online advertisements reliably conveyed information about the services provided and how to make an appointment. At the same time, less than half of the advertisements featured insurance information and hours of operation and less than a quarter of them contained information regarding the quality and price of care. The claims of quality were substantiated in even fewer advertisements. The scarcity of quality and cost information was more severe in television advertisements.ConclusionThere is little evidence that medical service advertising, in its current form, would contribute to lower prices or improved quality of care by providing valuable information to consumers.
Endothelialized silicone aneurysm models for in vitro evaluation of flow diverters
Authors: McCulloch Alyssa , Turcott Ashley , Graham Gabriella , Frenklakh Sergey , Cardinal Kristen O'Halloran 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveThe goal of this work was to endothelialize silicone aneurysm tubes for use as in vitro models for evaluating endothelial cell interactions with neurovascular devices. The first objective was to establish consistent and confluent endothelial cell linings and to evaluate the silicone vessels over time. The second objective was to use these silicone vessels for flow diverter implantation and assessment.MethodsSilicone aneurysm tubes were coated with fibronectin and placed into individual bioreactor systems. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were deposited within tubes to create silicone vessels, then cultivated on a peristaltic pump and harvested at 2, 5, 7, or 10 days to evaluate the endothelial cell lining. A subset of silicone aneurysm vessels was used for flow diverter implantation, and evaluated for cell coverage over device struts at 3 or 7 days after deployment.ResultsSilicone vessels maintained confluent, PECAM-1 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1) positive endothelial cell linings over time. These vessels facilitated and withstood flow diverter implantation, with robust cell linings disclosed after device deployment. Additionally, the endothelial cells responded to implanted devices through coverage of the flow diverter struts with increased cell coverage over the aneurysm seen at 7 days after deployment as compared with 3 days.ConclusionsSilicone aneurysm models can be endothelialized and successfully maintained in vitro over time. Furthermore, these silicone vessels can be used for flow diverter implantation and assessment.
COVID-19 pandemic and STEMI: pathway activation and outcomes from the pan-London heart attack group
Authors: Little Callum D , Kotecha Tushar , Candilio Luciano , Jabbour Richard J , Collins George B , Ahmed Asrar , Connolly Michelle , Kanyal Ritesh , Demir Ozan M , Lawson Lucy O , Wang Brian , Firoozi Sam , Spratt James C , Perera Divaka , MacCarthy Philip , Dalby Miles , Jain Ajay , Wilson Simon J , Malik Iqbal , Rakhit Roby 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesTo understand the impact of COVID-19 on delivery and outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Furthermore, to compare clinical presentation and outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with active COVID-19 against those without COVID-19.MethodsWe systematically analysed 348 STEMI cases presenting to the PPCI programme in London during the peak of the pandemic (1 March to 30 April 2020) and compared with 440 cases from the same period in 2019. Outcomes of interest included ambulance response times, timeliness of revascularisation, angiographic and procedural characteristics, and in-hospital clinical outcomesResultsThere was a 21% reduction in STEMI admissions and longer ambulance response times (87 (62–118) min in 2020 vs 75 (57–95) min in 2019, p<0.001), but that this was not associated with a delays in achieving revascularisation once in hospital (48 (34–65) min in 2020 vs 48 (35–70) min in 2019, p=0.35) or increased mortality (10.9% (38) in 2020 vs 8.6% (38) in 2019, p=0.28). 46 patients with active COVID-19 were more thrombotic and more likely to have intensive care unit admissions (32.6% (15) vs 9.3% (28), OR 5.74 (95%CI 2.24 to 9.89), p<0.001). They also had increased length of stay (4 (3–9) days vs 3 (2–4) days, p<0.001) and a higher mortality (21.7% (10) vs 9.3% (28), OR 2.72 (95% CI 1.25 to 5.82), p=0.012) compared with patients having PPCI without COVID-19.ConclusionThese findings suggest that PPCI pathways can be maintained during unprecedented healthcare emergencies but confirms the high mortality of STEMI in the context of concomitant COVID-19 infection characterised by a heightened state of thrombogenicity.
Kinetics and thermodynamics of urea hydrolysis in the presence of urease and nitrification inhibitors
Authors: Lasisi Ahmed A. , Akinremi Olalekan O. 
Published: October 2020

Urease inhibitor [N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT)] and nitrification inhibitor (NI) (3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate) have been used to reduce nitrogen (N) losses from urea-based fertilizers. This study evaluated the effect of temperature, NBPT, and NI on kinetic and thermodynamic properties of urea hydrolysis in six soils. Soils were amended (250 kg N·ha−1) with urea (UR), NBPT treated urea (URNBPT), or NBPT + NI treated urea (URDI), incubated at 5, 15, or 25 °C, and destructively sampled eight times during an 18 d incubation. We measured urea hydrolysis rate by the disappearance of urea with time and determined the rate constant (k; d−1) assuming first-order kinetics. Our results showed that k increased with temperature in the order of 0.07 (5 °C), 0.12 (15 °C), and 0.20 (25 °C) across soils and inhibitor treatments. In addition, k declined in the order of UR (0.19) > URDI (0.11) > URNBPT (0.08) across soils and temperatures. Although urease inhibitor, NBPT, increased the half-life of urea from 3.8 to 8.3 d across soil–temperature, the addition of a NI significantly reduced the half-life of NBPT treated urea by approximately 2 d across soil–temperature. Thermodynamics parameters showed that urea hydrolysis was nonspontaneous, and enthalpy and entropy changes were not significantly different among inhibitor treatments in five of the six soils. We conclude that the often-reported greater ammonia volatilization from URDI than URNBPT may not only be due to the persistence of ammonium in the presence of NI but also because NI reduced the inhibitory effect of NBPT on urea hydrolysis.
The application of numerical topological invariants in simulations of knotted rings: A comprehensive Monte Carlo approach
Authors: Ferrari Franco , Zhao Yani 
Published: October 2020

In this work, a general Monte Carlo framework is proposed for applying numerical knot invariants in simulations of systems containing knotted one-dimensional ring-shaped objects like polymers and vortex lines in fluids, superfluids or other quantum liquids. A general prescription for smoothing the sharp corners appearing in discrete knots consisting of segments joined together is provided. Smoothing is very important for the correct evaluation of numerical knot invariants.A discrete version of framing is adopted in order to eliminate singularities that are possibly arising when computing the invariants. The presented algorithms for smoothing, eliminating potentially dangerous singularities and speeding up the calculations are quite general and can be applied to any discrete knot defined off- or on-lattice.This is one of the first attempts to use numerical knot invariants in order to avoid potential topology breakings during the sampling process taking place in computer simulations, in which millions of knot conformations are randomly generated. As an application, the energy domain of knotted polymer rings subjected to short-range interactions is studied using the so-called Vassiliev knot invariant of degree 2.
First distributional record of the Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus Horsfield, 1821 (Ciconiiformes: Ciconiidae) from Sindhuli District, Nepal
Authors: Baral Badri , Bhandari Sudeep , Koirala Saroj , Bhandari Parashuram , Magar Ganesh , Dipak Raj Basnet  , Jeevan Rai  , Baral Hem Sagar 
Published: October 2020

Information on the distribution of the Vulnerable Lesser Adjutant from Sindhuli District is scarce. Here we report the investigation and observation a total of 12 individuals and two active nests of Lesser Adjutant in five different locations of Dudhauli and Kamalamai Municipality in Sindhuli, Nepal to reduce the information gap between Triyuga watershed, Siraha District and Chitwan. Further systematic studies are recommended to find out the total population of the species.
Contribution to the macromycetes of West Bengal, India: 63–68
Authors: Saha Rituparna , Ray Debal , Roy Anirban , Acharya Krishnendu 
Published: October 2020

West Bengal, a significant landmass of eastern India with its varied topography, edaphic, and climatic conditions facilitates diversified forest types and conducive microhabitats for a wide array of macro-fungal wealth and the members of Aphyllophorales in particular. Detailed macro-microscopic characterizations and chemical reactions were performed to systematically identify the specimens using standard key and literatures. Six members of Aphyllophorales collected from different parts of West Bengal, India and four species belonging to the family Polyporaceae [Hexagonia tenuis (Fr.) Fr., Polyporus arcularius (Batsch) Fr., P. tricholoma Mont. and Lenzites elegans (Spreng.) Pat.] were identified, and a single species was identified under Meripiliaceae [Physisporinus lineatus (Pers.) F. Wu, Jia J. Chen & Y.C. Dai] and Meruliaceae [Bjerkandera fumosa (Pers.) P. Karst.]. The detailed description along with field and herbarium photographs, macro-morphology, and microscopic features of six species are provided in this article.
Species diversity and feeding guilds of birds in Malaysian agarwood plantations
Authors: Mohd Jamil Nor Nasibah , Ibrahim Husni , Mohd Zain Haniza Hanim , Che Musa Nur Hidayat 
Published: October 2020

In Malaysia, the current status of birds inhabiting agarwood Aquilaria malaccensis plantations has not been specifically studied, and little research has been conducted to investigate birds in other agricultural areas (e.g., rubber, acacia, and oil palm plantations) and disturbed areas. This study was conducted to assess bird species richness and relative abundance, as well as feeding guilds, in two agarwood plantation sites: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in Tanjong Malim (UPSI), and Slim River (SR). The presence of birds was recorded using a combination of techniques (mist-nets and point count), while various sources were used to compile feeding information. This study recorded 364 birds from 36 species in 24 families. Shannon diversity index (H’) values for the UPSI and SR sites were 2.896 and 2.492 respectively, indicating high bird diversity. The Bray-Curtis index was 0.29, indicating these sites share few species. Insectivorous and omnivorous birds were dominant in UPSI (31%), and omnivores at SR (32%). The commonest insect order at both sites was Orthoptera (UPSI 48%, SR 25%). While agarwood plantations are relatively homogeneous, they provide a variety of food sources and shelter for a wide range of birds.
Evaluating performance of four species distribution models using Blue-tailed Green Darner Anax guttatus (Insecta: Odonata) as model organism from the Gangetic riparian zone
Authors: Kritish De  , S. Zeeshan Ali  , Dasgpta Niladri , Uniyal Virendra Prasad , Johnson Jeyaraj Antony , Hussain Syed Ainul 
Published: October 2020

In this paper we evaluated the performance of four species distribution models: generalized linear (GLM), maximum entropy (MAXENT), random forest (RF) and support vector machines (SVM) model, using the distribution of the dragonfly Blue-tailed Green Darner Anax guttatus in the Gangetic riparian zone between Bijnor and Kanpur barrage, Uttar Pradesh, India. We used forest cover type, land use, land cover and five bioclimatic variable layers: annual mean temperature, isothermality, temperature seasonality, mean temperature of driest quarter, and precipitation seasonality to build the models. We found that the GLM generated the highest values for AUC, Kappa statistic, TSS, specificity and sensitivity, and the lowest values for omission error and commission error, while the MAXENT model generated the lowest variance in variable importance. We suggest that researchers should not rely on any single algorithm, instead, they should test performance of all available models for their species and area of interest, and choose the best one to build a species distribution model.