bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Measurement of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Small Blood Samples of Premature Infants
Authors: Lopez Yomayuza Claudia C. , Preissner Klaus T. , Lorenz Birgit , Stieger Knut 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTo establish a method that allows for the reliable assessment of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) concentrations in very small blood samples of preterm infants. Systemic VEGF measurements are important in view of the most appropriate Anti-VEGF drug to be used for the treatment of acute retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Cord blood samples from preterm (n = 6) infants, blood samples from preterm infants with treatment requiring ROP (n = 12), and blood samples from healthy adults (n = 10) were collected. Serum, citrate plasma, and serum from recalcified citrate blood were obtained. Levels of VEGF-A and platelet factor-4 (PF-4) were quantified by ELISA or AlphaLISA immunoassay. VEGF-A levels could be detected by both assays, with the AlphaLISA generating slightly lower levels in healthy adults, but not in cord blood of preterm infants. In plasma samples, VEGF levels ranged from non detectable to 181 pg/ml. PF-4 concentrations were between 0.16–3.88 µg/ml. Values of VEGF-A and PF-4 in serum and recalcified serum were significantly higher compared to plasma through the release of these cytokines after platelet activation. In plasma samples of infants with ROP, VEGF-A could always be detected and its values ranged from 19.50 to 245.91 pg/ml and PF-4 concentrations were between 0.1 and 3.3 µg/ml. Using the AlphaLISA kit, we were able to detect VEGF in small sample volumes (5 µl plasma or serum/well) in premature infants with treatment requiring ROP and to monitor platelet activation by PF-4 detection. Minimal blood probe volumes reduce phlebotomy losses avoiding the risk of iatrogenic anemia, thus allowing close monitoring of the cytokine levels in these very fragile infants.
Pyrogen retention: Comparison of the novel medium cut-off (MCO) membrane with other dialyser membranes
Authors: Hulko Michael , Dietrich Verena , Koch Ilona , Gekeler Alexander , Gebert Michael , Beck Werner , Krause Bernd 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHaemodialysis effectively removes small solutes and smaller-sized middle molecules from the blood; however, the clearance of larger middle molecules, which have been associated with negative effects, is poor. The novel medium cut-off (MCO) dialysis membrane has larger pore sizes and a more open structure than other high-flux membranes, providing improved removal of larger middle molecules while retaining albumin. However, larger pore sizes may potentially increase permeability to pyrogens, including endotoxins and other bacterial contaminants, that could be present in the dialysis fluid. In this study, we tested the capacity of low-flux, high-flux, MCO and high cut-off dialyser membranes with different pore sizes to prevent pyrogens crossing from dialysate to the blood side in a closed-loop test system, differentiating among lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycans and bacterial DNA using a toll-like receptor assay. Even though the bacterial contamination levels in our test system exceeded the acceptable pyrogen dose for standard dialysis fluid, levels of lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycans and bacterial DNA in the blood-side samples were too low to identify potential differences in pyrogen permeability among the membranes. Our results suggest that MCO membranes are suitable for haemodialysis using ISO standard dialysis fluid quality, and retain endotoxins at a similar level as other membranes.
Combination of Repurposed Drug Diosmin with Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid Causes Synergistic Inhibition of Mycobacterial Growth
Authors: Pushkaran Anju Choorakottayil , Vinod Vivek , Vanuopadath Muralidharan , Nair Sudarslal Sadasivan , Nair Shantikumar V. , Vasudevan Anil Kumar , Biswas Raja , Mohan Chethampadi Gopi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEffective therapeutic regimens for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) are limited. They are comprised of multiple drugs that inhibit the essential cellular pathways in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The present study investigates an approach which enables a combination of Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid (AMC) and a repurposed drug for its synergistic effect towards TB treatment. We identified Diosmin (DIO), by targeting the active site residues of L,D-transpeptidase (Ldt) enzymes involved in Mtb cell wall biosynthesis by using a structure-based drug design method. DIO is rapidly converted into aglycone form Diosmetin (DMT) after oral administration. Binding of DIO or DMT towards Ldt enzymes was studied using molecular docking and bioassay techniques. Combination of DIO (or DMT) and AMC exhibited higher mycobactericidal activity against Mycobacterium marinum as compared to individual drugs. Scanning electron microscopy study of M. marinum treated with AMC-DIO and AMC-DMT showed marked cellular leakage. M. marinum infected Drosophila melanogaster fly model showed an increased fly survival of ~60% upon treatment with a combination of AMC and DIO (or DMT). Finally, the enhanced in vitro antimicrobial activity of AMC-DIO was validated against Mtb H37Ra and a MDR clinical isolate. Our results demonstrate the potential for AMC and DIO (or DMT) as a synergistic combination for the treatment of TB.
Seasonal synchronization of sleep timing in industrial and pre-industrial societies
Authors: Martín-Olalla José María 
Published: May 2019

AbstractArtificial light has reshaped human sleep/wake cycle in industrial societies and raised concern on the misalignment of this cycle relative to the light and dark cycle. This manuscript contrasts sleep timing in extratropical, industrial societies (data from eight national time use surveys in countries with Daylight Saving Time —DST— regulations) and Subtropical, pre-industrial societies with and without access to artificial light (data from nine locations coming from seven previous reports) against the cycle of light and dark. Within the two process model of sleep, results show sleep onset and sleep offset keep bound to each other by the homeostatic process. In winter, the photoreceptive process aligns the phase of the sleep/wake cycle to sunrise. As a result the phase increasingly lags with increasing latitude up to a delay of 120 min at 55° latitude. In summer, the homeostatic process still binds sleep onset to speep offset but DST rules in industrialized societies reduce the lag by one third to 40 min at 55° latitude. Sleep timing is then stationary with latitude. The phase of the sleep/wake cycle is then governed by natural trends and no clues of misalignment are revealed.
Dense Quantum Measurement Theory
Authors: Gyongyosi Laszlo , Imre Sandor 
Published: May 2019

AbstractQuantum measurement is a fundamental cornerstone of experimental quantum computations. The main issues in current quantum measurement strategies are the high number of measurement rounds to determine a global optimal measurement output and the low success probability of finding a global optimal measurement output. Each measurement round requires preparing the quantum system and applying quantum operations and measurements with high-precision control in the physical layer. These issues result in extremely high-cost measurements with a low probability of success at the end of the measurement rounds. Here, we define a novel measurement for quantum computations called dense quantum measurement. The dense measurement strategy aims at fixing the main drawbacks of standard quantum measurements by achieving a significant reduction in the number of necessary measurement rounds and by radically improving the success probabilities of finding global optimal outputs. We provide application scenarios for quantum circuits with arbitrary unitary sequences, and prove that dense measurement theory provides an experimentally implementable solution for gate-model quantum computer architectures.
Defensive peripersonal space is modified by a learnt protective posture
Authors: Biggio Monica , Bisio Ambra , Ruggeri Piero , Bove Marco 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe Hand Blink Reflex (HBR) is a subcortical defensive response, elicited by the electrical stimulation of the median nerve. HBR increases when the stimulated hand is inside the defensive peripersonalspace (DPPS) of the face. However, the presence of a screen protecting the face could reduce the amplitude of this response. This work aimed to investigate whether the learning of a posture intended to protect the head could modulate the HBR responses. Boxing athletes learn a defensive posture consisting of blocking with arms opponent’s blow towards the face. Two groups were recruited: 13 boxers and 13 people naïve to boxing. HBR response was recorded and elicited in three hand positions depending on the distance from the face. A suppression of HBR enhancement in the static position close to the face was observed in boxer group, contrary to the control group. Also, the higher years of practice in boxing, the higher suppression occurred. However, this suppression was not observed when boxers were asked to move the hand up-to/down-from the face. These findings might suggest that the sensorimotor experience related to a previously learnt protective posture can modify the HBR and thus shape the dimension of the DPPS.
Compact single‐layer bandwidth‐enhanced balanced bandpass filter using half‐mode substrate‐integrated waveguide
Authors: Shen Zhidan , Xu Kai , Shi Jin 
Published: May 2019

A compact single‐layer balanced bandpass filter using just one half‐mode substrate‐integrated waveguide (HMSIW) multimode resonator with slots is proposed. The pair of microstrip direct‐feed lines with space about 0.5λg (λg is the guide wavelength of HMSIW at the centre frequency f0) makes TEHM 103, TEHM 104 and TEHM 105 modes of the HMSIW multimode resonator operate in differential mode and TEHM 102 and TEHM 106 modes operate in common mode (CM). As a result, the features of wide bandwidth and low insertion loss (IL) can be achieved when compared with the state‐of‐art substrate‐integrated waveguide balanced filters. Furthermore, the etched slots can be slightly tuned to make up for the performance deviations caused by the manufacturing error. A prototype is designed with a total size of 1.2λ0 × 0.14λ0 (λ0 is the wavelength in free space at f0), the 3 dB fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 28% at the centre frequency of 6 GHz, the minimum IL of 0.86 dB, and the bandwidth of 20 dB CM suppression of 0.25f0.
Multiphysics analysis of printed circuit board winding for high‐speed axial flux permanent magnet motor
Authors: Salim Neethu , Nikam Saurabh Prakash , Pal Saumitra , Wankhede Ashok Krishnrao , Fernandes Baylon Godfrey 
Published: May 2019

Gearless and compact motors rotating at speeds above 10,000 rpm are finding many applications nowadays. This study presents the multiphysics modelling and analysis of a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) stator for high‐speed, low‐power axial flux permanent magnet motor. The possibility of circulating current in the multilayer PCB is studied. The two major effects of eddy currents at high frequencies: skin effect and proximity effect are investigated for the PCB winding. The losses in the PCB stator are estimated, and thermal analysis is performed to ensure reliable operation of the motor. MagNet 3‐D and COMSOL Multiphysics are used, respectively for the finite element analysis and optimisation of the motor; and the simulation results are presented. A prototype of the motor is fabricated and tested to validate the simulation results.
High step‐up interleaved boost converter utilising stacked half‐bridge rectifier configuration
Authors: Muhammad Musbahu , Lambert S. , Armstrong M. , Pickert V. 
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes a solution to complement the insufficient voltage gain and voltage stress distribution of classical interleaved boost converter in high step‐up application. An interleaved converter integrating coupled inductor and voltage multiplier cell, which provides an additional voltage gain is proposed. By stacking the secondary side of the interleaved coupled inductor to its primary side, a high step‐up voltage gain and distributed voltage stress are realised. Low‐voltage rated devices ultimately reduce the conduction losses. The principle of operation and the performance characteristic of the converter are presented and verified by an experimental prototype of 140 W, 12 V input, and 120 V output.
Modular and scalable control and data acquisition system for power hardware in the loop (PHIL) amplifiers
Authors: Broadmeadow Mark A. H. , Walker Geoffrey R. , Ledwich Gerard F. 
Published: May 2019

This study presents a newly developed modular system for control of power electronic amplifiers in high‐power, high‐frequency power hardware in the loop experiments. The proposed design comprises computational nodes connected via multi‐gigabit fibre‐optic links. Nodes are modular and reconfigurable, allowing interfacing with a range of sensors and actuators, typically voltage and current sensors, and switching converters. The system has been designed for scalability to permit arbitrarily high power ratings and fidelity to be achieved through paralleling and interleaving of multiple power converter modules, targeting an ultimate sample and control rate of 1 MHz. Experimental validation is presented using a two‐node configuration to facilitate a power electronic experiment operating at 120 Vrms and 10 Arms, with a fundamental frequency of 50 Hz and frequency content up to the 11th harmonic.
Retreatment of Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients with Direct-Acting Antiviral Failures
Authors: Pawlotsky Jean-Michel 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has considerably evolved with the development of safe and well-tolerated combinations of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs yielding high rates of infection cure. However, some patients fail to achieve a sustained virological response while receiving the most recent DAA combinations. Several waves of treatment failures have occurred concomitantly to the use of different drug combinations. The outcome of their retreatment strongly depends on the DAA(s) received and the retreatment regimen(s) available. This article discusses virological failure rates with the successive waves of HCV combination regimens, the reasons for failure, the role of HCV resistance, and current retreatment options. The triple combination of sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir for 12 weeks is the first-line retreatment strategy in patients previously exposed to DAAs. Difficult-to-retreat patients may benefit from the combination of sofosbuvir plus glecaprevir/pibrentasvir and/or the addition of ribavirin and/or longer retreatment duration.
Pediatrician Attitudes toward Digital Voice Assistant Technology Use in Clinical Practice
Authors: Wilder Jayme , Nadar Devin , Gujral Nitin , Ortiz Benjamin , Stevens Robert , Holder-Niles Faye , Lee John , Gaffin Jonathan 
Published: May 2019

Objective Digital voice assistant technology provides unique opportunities to enhance clinical practice. We aimed to understand factors influencing pediatric providers' current and potential use of this technology in clinical practice.
Methods We surveyed pediatric providers regarding current use and interest in voice technology in the workplace. Regression analyses evaluated provider characteristics associated with voice technology use. Among respondents not interested in voice technology, we elicited individual concerns.
Results Among 114 respondents, 19 (16.7%) indicated current use of voice technology in clinical practice, and 51 (44.7%) indicated use of voice technology for nonclinical purposes. Fifty-four (47.4%) reported willingness to try digital voice assistant technology in the clinical setting. Providers who had longer clinic visits (odds ratio [OR], 3.11, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04, 9.33, p = 0.04), fewer patient encounters per day (p = 0.02), and worked in hospital-based practices (OR, 2.95, 95% CI, 1.08, 8.07, p = 0.03) were more likely to currently use voice technology in the office. Younger providers (p = 0.02) and those confident in the accuracy of voice technology (OR, 3.05, 95% CI, 1.38, 6.74, p = 0.005) were more willing to trial digital voice assistants in the clinical setting. Among respondents unwilling or unsure about trying voice assistant technology, the most common reasons elicited were concerns related to its accuracy (35%), efficiency (33%), and privacy (28%).
Conclusion This national survey evaluating use and attitudes toward digital voice assistant technology by pediatric providers found that while only one-eighth of pediatric providers currently use digital voice assistant technology in the clinical setting, almost half are interested in trying it in the future. Younger provider age and confidence in the accuracy of voice technology are associated with provider interest in using voice technology in the clinical setting. Future development of voice technology for clinical use will need to consider accuracy of information, efficiency of use, and patient privacy for successful integration into the workplace.
Cervical Pessary versus Expectant Management for the Prevention of Delivery Prior to 36 Weeks in Women with Placenta Previa: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Stafford Irene , Garite Thomas , Maurel Kimberly , Combs C. , Heyborne Kent , Porreco Richard , Nageotte Michael , Baker Susan , Gopalani Sameer , Dola Chi , How Helen , Das Anita ,   the Obstetrix Collaborative Research Network
Published: May 2019

Objective This multicenter randomized controlled trial compared cervical pessary (CP) versus expectant management (EM) in women with placenta previa between 22.0 and 32.0 in prolonging gestation until ≥ 36.0 weeks' gestation.
Study Design This study took place from November 2016 to June 2018. Women were randomized to receive either the Bioteque CP or EM. The pessary was removed at ≥ 36.0 weeks unless indicated. The primary outcome was gestational age (GA) at delivery, with secondary outcomes including need for transfusion, number and duration of antepartum admissions, type of delivery, and neonatal outcomes. A total of 140 patients were needed to show a 3-week prolongation of pregnancy in the pessary group; however, the trial was stopped early due to budgetary issues.
Results Of the 33 eligible women, 17 were enrolled. Although not statistically significant, the mean GA at delivery in the CP group was greater than women in the EM group (36.5 ± 1.23 vs. 36.0 ± 2.0; p = 0.1673). The number and duration of antepartum admissions was greater in the EM group (2.7 ± 0.58 vs. 16.0 ± 22.76 days; p = 0.1264) as well.
Conclusion Although the study was underpowered to determine the primary outcome, safety and feasibility of CP in pregnancies complicated with previa were demonstrated.
Molecular Diagnosis of Inherited Coagulation and Bleeding Disorders
Authors: Bastida José María , Benito Rocío , Lozano María Luisa , Marín-Quilez Ana , Janusz Kamila , Martín-Izquierdo Marta , Hernández-Sánchez Jesús , Palma-Barqueros Veronica , Hernández-Rivas Jesús María , Rivera José , González-Porras José Ramón 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDiagnosis of inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs) remains challenging, especially in the case of inherited platelet disorders, due to the heterogeneity of the clinical and laboratory phenotype, the limited specificity of platelet function tests, and the large number of potential culprit genes. Unraveling the underlying molecular defect provides the definitive diagnosis of IBDs, facilitating prognosis and clinical care, which are especially important for severe clinical syndromes and those that may be associated with an increased risk of malignancy. Until recently, Sanger sequencing of candidate genes has been the only method of molecular diagnosis, but this approach is time-consuming and costly and requires phenotype-based identification of any obvious candidate gene(s). Nowadays, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) allows the simultaneous and rapid investigation of multiple genes at a manageable cost. This HTS technology that includes targeted sequencing of prespecified genes, whole-exome sequencing, or whole-genome sequencing, is revolutionizing the genetic diagnosis of human diseases. Through its extensive implementation in research and clinical practice, HTS is rapidly improving the molecular characterization of IBDs. However, despite the availability of this powerful approach, many patients still do not receive a diagnosis. As IBDs are complex and rare diseases, development of more advanced laboratory assays, improvements in bioinformatic pipelines, and the formation of multidisciplinary teams are encouraged to advance our understanding of IBDs.
Thrombotic Microangiopathy in Cancer
Authors: Weitz Ilene Ceil 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare but often devastating complication of cancer and cancer treatment. The syndrome is defined by thrombocytopenia (i.e., a platelet count of < 150,000/mcL or > 30% decrease from baseline), microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and some evidence of organ damage. Among the nine recognized groups of disorders causing TMA, the focus of this article will be on cancer and cancer treatment-related causes of TMA. This review will discuss the pathophysiology of TMA in cancer, chemotherapy-associated TMA, transplant-associated TMA, and newer therapeutic modalities.
Perioperative Vasopressor Use in Free Flap Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Goh Cindy S.L. , Ng Marcus J.M. , Song David H. , Ooi Adrian S.H. 
Published: May 2019

Background The use of vasopressors in free flap surgery has traditionally been avoided due to the presumed risk of pedicle vasospasm leading to flap failure. However, there is a lack of strong clinical evidence to suggest that their administration during microvascular surgery is absolutely contraindicated. The aim of this study is to clarify the impact of perioperative vasopressor use on free flap outcomes.
Methods A systematic review was performed of all English-language articles that have compared free flap outcomes between patients who received vasopressors and those who did not. The outcome measures were total flap failure, pedicle thrombosis, and overall flap complications. Meta-analysis was performed using Mantel–Haenszel fixed-effects and DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models.
Results From a total of 130 citations, 14 studies representing 8,653 cases were analyzed. Majority of these did not find any negative effects of vasopressor use irrespective of dose, timing of administration, and method of delivery. Meta-analysis demonstrated that vasopressors were associated with less total flap failure overall (odds ratio, [OR]: 0.71, p = 0.05) and less pedicle thrombosis in head and neck reconstruction specifically (OR: 0.58, p = 0.02). Flap complication rates were similar across all defect types (OR: 0.97, p = 0.81) but appeared to be increased in breast reconstruction (OR: 1.46, p = 0.01).
Conclusion Perioperative vasopressor administration does not appear to be as detrimental to free flap survival as has been previously feared. Their role in optimizing hemodynamic stability may have a more beneficial effect on overall flap perfusion and in minimizing the complications of iatrogenic fluid overload.