Decreased Prostaglandin E2 Production by Inflammatory Cytokine and Lower Expression of EP2 Receptor Result in Increased Collagen Synthesis in Keloid Fibroblasts

We investigated the metabolism of arachidonic acid in normal skin-derived fibroblasts (NF) as well as in keloid-derived fibroblasts (KF) in response to macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a pluripotent cytokine. We found that MIF enhanced cyclooxygenase-2 activity in NF more than in KF. Consistent with this finding, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an antifibrogenic molecule, was more significantly increased in NF than in KF by MIF treatment. As regarding E prostanoid receptor 2, the level of expression was significantly lower in KF than in NF. On the other hand, Forskolin, a direct activator of adenylcyclase, decreased collagen synthesis in both NF and KF, which indicates that cAMP plays an important role in regulating collagen synthesis. As PGE2 induces cAMP production, it is conceivable that increased collagen synthesis in KF might be owing to decreased PGE2 and cAMP production. These findings may aid in the development of a therapeutic strategy for the regulation of collagen synthesis in keloid fibroblasts

Variable Shape Attitude Control Demonstration with Microsat Hibari

This paper presents the ongoing feasibility study and bus system for microsatellite “Hibari”. The main technical missions for Hibari is called “Variable Shape Attitude Control (VSAC)”. This VSAC is based on an idea to utilize a reaction torque when a part of the satellite structure, for example, solar array paddles is appropriately rotated by actuators. The previous research concluded that VSAC successfully achieved the rapid maneuvering while maintain the high attitude stability against disturbances [1], and thus, it can be applied to a variety of advanced attitude control missions. Hibari project also aims at its application to astronomical mission requiring high pointing stability and agile maneuvering. This paper is mainly comprised of 3 parts: detail mission statement, ongoing feasibility studies and bus system configuration. First, we mention the mission requirement and detail mission sequence for both technical and science missions. Second, we show the ongoing feasibility studies to confirm that all mission requirement is satisfied by VSAC. Third, this paper describes each subsystem configuration to meet the system requirement stated in the mission’s section. And then, we wrap up in the conclusion section and stated the future study for advanced VSAC use in the end

Development of Attitude Sensor using Deep Learning

A new method for attitude determination utilizing color earth images taken with COTS visible light camera is presented. The traditional earth camera has been used for coarse attitude determination by detecting the edge of the earth, and therefore it can only provide coarse and 2-axis information. In contrast, our method recognizes the ground pattern with an accuracy of sub-degrees and can provide 3-axis attitude information by comparing the detected ground pattern and the global map. Moreover, this method has advantages in the size, mass and cost of the detector system which consists of a cheap optical color camera and a single board computer. To demonstrate the method in space, we have developed a sensor system named “Deep Learning Attitude Sensor (DLAS)”. DLAS uses COTS camera modules and single board computers to reduce the cost. The obtained images are promptly analyzed with a newly developed real-time image recognition algorithms

Development and Initial On-orbit Performance of Multi-Functional Attitude Sensor using Image Recognition

This paper describes a multi-functional attitude sensor mounted on the “Innovative Satellite 1st” led by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency which was launched in January 2019. In order to achieve the high accuracy determination in low cost, we developed a novel attitude sensor utilizing real-time image recognition technology, named “Deep Learning Attitude Sensor (DLAS)”. DLAS has two type of attitude sensors: Star Tracker(STT) and Earth Camera (ECAM). For the low-cost development, we adopted commercial off-the-shelf cameras. DLAS uses real-time image recognition technology and a new attitude determination algorithm. In this paper, we present the missions, methods and system configuration of DLAS and initial results of on-orbit experiment that was conducted after the middle of February 2019, and it is confirmed that attitude determinations using ECAM and STT are performed correctly

Conceptual design of a wide-field near UV transient survey in a 6U CubeSat

A conceptual design of a wide-field near UV transient survey in a 6U CubeSat is presented. Ultraviolet is one of the frontier in the transient astronomy. To open up the discovery region, we are developing a 6U CubeSat for transient exploration. The possible targets will be supernova shock-breakouts, tidal disruption events, and the blue emission from NS-NS mergers in very early phase. If we only focused on nearby/bright sources, the required detection limit is around 20 mag (AB). To avoid the background and optical light, we chose a waveband of 230-280 nm. As an imaging detector, we employ a delta-doped back-illuminated CMOS. In addition to delta doping, the multi-layer coating directly deposited on the detector enables both a high in-band UV QE and the ultra-low optical rejection ratio. Taking into account these specifications, even an 8 cm telescope can achieve the detection limit of 20 magAB. The expected FoV is larger than 60 deg^2

Expiratory flow limitation under moderate hypobaric hypoxia does not influence ventilatory responses during incremental running in endurance runners

We tested whether expiratory flow limitation (EFL) occurs in endurance athletes in a moderately hypobaric hypoxic environment equivalent to 2500 m above sea level and, if so, whether EFL inhibits peak ventilation (urn:x-wiley:2051817X:media:phy213996:phy213996-math-0001Epeak), thereby exacerbating the hypoxia‐induced reduction in peak oxygen uptake (urn:x-wiley:2051817X:media:phy213996:phy213996-math-0002O2peak). Seventeen young male endurance runners performed incremental exhaustive running on separate days under hypobaric hypoxic (560 mmHg) and normobaric normoxic (760 mmHg) conditions. Oxygen uptake (urn:x-wiley:2051817X:media:phy213996:phy213996-math-0003O2), minute ventilation (urn:x-wiley:2051817X:media:phy213996:phy213996-math-0004E), arterial O2 saturation (SpO2), and operating lung volume were measured throughout the incremental exercise. Among the runners tested, 35% exhibited EFL (EFL group, n = 6) in the hypobaric hypoxic condition, whereas the rest did not (Non‐EFL group, n = 11). There were no differences between the EFL and Non‐EFL groups for urn:x-wiley:2051817X:media:phy213996:phy213996-math-0005Epeak and urn:x-wiley:2051817X:media:phy213996:phy213996-math-0006O2peak under either condition. Percent changes in urn:x-wiley:2051817X:media:phy213996:phy213996-math-0007Epeak (4 ± 4 vs. 2 ± 4%) and urn:x-wiley:2051817X:media:phy213996:phy213996-math-0008O2peak (−18 ± 6 vs. −16 ± 6%) from normobaric normoxia to hypobaric hypoxia also did not differ between the EFL and Non‐EFL groups (all P > 0.05). No differences in maximal running velocity, SpO2, or operating lung volume were detected between the two groups under either condition. These results suggest that under the moderate hypobaric hypoxia (2500 m above sea level) frequently used for high‐attitude training, ~35% of endurance athletes may exhibit EFL, but their ventilatory and metabolic responses during maximal exercise are similar to those who do not exhibit EFL

Conceptual design of a wide-field near UV transient survey in a 6U CubeSat

A conceptual design of a wide-field near UV transient survey in a 6U CubeSat is presented. Ultraviolet is one of the frontier in the transient astronomy. To open up the discovery region, we are developing a 6U CubeSat for transient exploration. The possible targets will be supernova shock-breakouts, tidal disruption events, and the blue emission from NS-NS mergers in very early phase. If we only focused on nearby/bright sources, the required detection limit is around 20 mag (AB). To avoid the background and optical light, we chose a waveband of 230-280 nm. As an imaging detector, we employ a delta-doped back-illuminated CMOS. In addition to delta doping, the multi-layer coating directly deposited on the detector enables both a high in-band UV QE and the ultra-low optical rejection ratio. Taking into account these specifications, even an 8 cm telescope can achieve the detection limit of 20 magAB. The expected FoV is larger than 60 deg^2

Why Are Outcomes Different for Registry Patients Enrolled Prospectively and Retrospectively? Insights from the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF).

Background: Retrospective and prospective observational studies are designed to reflect real-world evidence on clinical practice, but can yield conflicting results. The GARFIELD-AF Registry includes both methods of enrolment and allows analysis of differences in patient characteristics and outcomes that may result. Methods and Results: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and ≥1 risk factor for stroke at diagnosis of AF were recruited either retrospectively (n = 5069) or prospectively (n = 5501) from 19 countries and then followed prospectively. The retrospectively enrolled cohort comprised patients with established AF (for a least 6, and up to 24 months before enrolment), who were identified retrospectively (and baseline and partial follow-up data were collected from the emedical records) and then followed prospectively between 0-18 months (such that the total time of follow-up was 24 months; data collection Dec-2009 and Oct-2010). In the prospectively enrolled cohort, patients with newly diagnosed AF (≤6 weeks after diagnosis) were recruited between Mar-2010 and Oct-2011 and were followed for 24 months after enrolment. Differences between the cohorts were observed in clinical characteristics, including type of AF, stroke prevention strategies, and event rates. More patients in the retrospectively identified cohort received vitamin K antagonists (62.1% vs. 53.2%) and fewer received non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (1.8% vs . 4.2%). All-cause mortality rates per 100 person-years during the prospective follow-up (starting the first study visit up to 1 year) were significantly lower in the retrospective than prospectively identified cohort (3.04 [95% CI 2.51 to 3.67] vs . 4.05 [95% CI 3.53 to 4.63]; p = 0.016). Conclusions: Interpretations of data from registries that aim to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with AF must take account of differences in registry design and the impact of recall bias and survivorship bias that is incurred with retrospective enrolment. Clinical Trial Registration: - URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier for GARFIELD-AF (NCT01090362)

Risk profiles and one-year outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation in India: Insights from the GARFIELD-AF Registry.

BACKGROUND: The Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF) is an ongoing prospective noninterventional registry, which is providing important information on the baseline characteristics, treatment patterns, and 1-year outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This report describes data from Indian patients recruited in this registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 52,014 patients with newly diagnosed AF were enrolled globally; of these, 1388 patients were recruited from 26 sites within India (2012-2016). In India, the mean age was 65.8 years at diagnosis of NVAF. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor for AF, present in 68.5% of patients from India and in 76.3% of patients globally (P < 0.001). Diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD) were prevalent in 36.2% and 28.1% of patients as compared with global prevalence of 22.2% and 21.6%, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). Antiplatelet therapy was the most common antithrombotic treatment in India. With increasing stroke risk, however, patients were more likely to receive oral anticoagulant therapy [mainly vitamin K antagonist (VKA)], but average international normalized ratio (INR) was lower among Indian patients [median INR value 1.6 (interquartile range {IQR}: 1.3-2.3) versus 2.3 (IQR 1.8-2.8) (P < 0.001)]. Compared with other countries, patients from India had markedly higher rates of all-cause mortality [7.68 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval 6.32-9.35) vs 4.34 (4.16-4.53), P < 0.0001], while rates of stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding were lower after 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Compared to previously published registries from India, the GARFIELD-AF registry describes clinical profiles and outcomes in Indian patients with AF of a different etiology. The registry data show that compared to the rest of the world, Indian AF patients are younger in age and have more diabetes and CAD. Patients with a higher stroke risk are more likely to receive anticoagulation therapy with VKA but are underdosed compared with the global average in the GARFIELD-AF. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01090362

Intranodal lymphangiography with lipiodol as a diagnostic and therapeutic approach for spontaneous cervical chyle leak

Key Clinical Message We present a case of spontaneous cervical chyle leak that showed as left‐sided neck swelling. Spontaneous chyle leak is extremely rare. Lymphangiography with lipiodol is useful as a diagnostic and therapeutic approach for chyle leak