Irreversible Block Research Articles

Fouling behavior of nanofiltration membrane during the refining treatment of morphlines-dominant reverse osmosis concentrate

Nanofiltration (NF) has been proven to be with great potential for the separation of morpholines with molecular weight less than 200 Da in refining reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC), but its application is significantly restricted by the membrane fouling, which can reduce the rejection and service time. To enable the long-term operation stability of nanofiltration, this work focuses on the fouling behavior of each substance in the hydrosaline organic solution on nanofiltration membrane, aiming to give insight into the fouling mechanism. To this end, in this work, the effects of salts (i.e NaCl and Na2SO4), organic substances (including N-(2-hydroxypropyl)morpholine(NMH) and 4-morpholineacetate(MHA)) and representative divalent ions (Ca2+ and Mg2+) on the performance and physicochemical properties of DK membrane were systematically investigated. The results show that both salts and organics can induce DK membrane swelling, leading to an increase of the mean effective pore size. After the filtration of Na2SO4–NaCl–H2O, the mean pore size increased by 0.002 nm, resulting in the decrease of the removal ratio of NMH and MHA for 3.82% and 13.10%, respectively. With static adsorption of NMH and MHA, the mean pore size of DK membrane increased by 0.005 and 0.003 nm. The swelling slowed the entrance of more organic molecules into membrane pores. Among them, MHA led to the terrible irreversible pore blocking. As the concentration of Ca2+ increased, gypsum scaling was formed on the membrane surface. During this process, NMH and MHA played different roles, i.e. NMH accelerated the CaSO4 crystallization while MHA inhibited. As a conclusion, the fouling behavior of substances in the high saline organic wastewater on DK membrane were systematically revealed with the fouling mechanisms proposed, which could provide an insightful guidance for membrane fouling control and cleaning in the treatment of high salinity and organic wastewater.

Stellate ganglion intervention for chronic pain: A review.

Stellate ganglion (SG) intervention is currently widely being studied in many kinds of chronic pain. As one of the convenient ways to treat the sympathetic nervous system, the indications for stellate ganglion intervention (SGI) include complex regional pain syndrome, postherpetic neuralgia, cancer pain of different origins, orofacial pain, and so forth. SGI refers to the reversible or irreversible blocking of the cervical sympathetic trunk, cervical sympathetic ganglion, and their innervation range through noninvasive or minimally invasive treatment. Current treatment options include stellate ganglion block (SGB), SG pulsed radiofrequency, continuous radiofrequencytreatment, and noninvasive SGB. In particular, SGB continues to be one of the most studied methods in chronic pain management. However, a single SGB usually provides only short-term effects; repeated SGB may result in complications such as hoarseness, light-headedness, and vessel or nerve injury. Meanwhile, the mechanism of SGI is still unclear. This review discusses the research progress of SGI methods, effectiveness, complications, and possible mechanisms in the management of chronic pain.

Abstract P2-13-35: Pyrotinib combined with fulvestrant in women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer: A single-arm phase II clinical trial

Abstract Background: HR+/HER2+ breast cancer is a unique molecular subtype of HER2+ breast cancer, which is characterized by mild biological behavior and is sensitive to endocrine therapy. Although the standard treatment for HR+/HER2+ metastatic breast cancer is chemotherapy combined with anti-HER2 therapy, this combination is not ideal for patients because of the heavy side effects of chemotherapy. Previous studies have shown that endocrine therapy combined with anti-HER2 therapy can also bring survival benefits to these patients. However, due to the limitations of previous treatment, the optimal combination mode of endocrine and anti-HER2 therapies has not been found. Pyrotinib is the most efficient pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with irreversible blocking of HER2, while fulvestrant is the most potent estrogen receptor (ER) inhibitor. Previous cell experiments showed the cross-talk between ER and HER2 receptor pathways, indicating that the two signal pathways were important mechanisms of drug resistance for each other. Further research showed that ER inhibitor fulvestrant had synergistic effect with HER2 inhibitor pyrotinib. Therefore, we firstly explored the efficacy and safety of pyrotinib combined with fulvestrant in the treatment of HR+/HER2+ metastatic breast cancer.Methods: Eligible patients had histologically confirmed HR+/HER2+ metastatic breast cancer with no more than one line of prior treatment for metastatic disease. Those with central nervous system metastases or any prior HER2 TKI were excluded. Patients were treated with oral pyrotinib 400 mg once daily plus intramuscular injection of fulvestrant 500 mg on days 1, 15, and 29, and once every 28 days thereafter. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), as assessed by the data and safety monitoring committee. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate, disease control rate (DCR), overall survival and safety. We also explored the efficacy of subgroups defined by different gene signatures, which were identified using comprehensive genomic variation profiling (FoundationOne CDx). This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04034589.Results: From July 9, 2019 to June 20, 2021, 34 patients were enrolled; 19 (55.8%) patients had visceral metastases. Of 14 patients with measurable disease according to RECIST 1.1, seven (50%) achieved objective response. The DCR was 84.6%. Nine of the 34 included patients discontinued treatment because of disease progression, and PFS was immature. Twelve patients had available data of comprehensive genomic variation profiling, and the results showed that six patients had PIK3CA mutation, ten had TP53 mutation, and 11 had ErbB2 overexpression. The most common treatment-related adverse events were diarrhea and fatigue. The incidence of grade 3 or greater diarrhea was 12.1% (4/33) in patients with available safety data. No patient discontinued treatment because of adverse events. Conclusions: The combination of pyrotinib and fulvestrant was convenient and effective with manageable toxicity, which may offer a chemotherapy-free alternative treatment option for patients with HR+/HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. Citation Format: Ying Wang, Jianli Zhao, Zhongyu Yuan, Guorong Zou, Haiyan Li, Linxiaoxiao Ding, Yaping Yang, Jie Chai, Donggeng Liu, Herui Yao. Pyrotinib combined with fulvestrant in women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer: A single-arm phase II clinical trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-13-35.

Towards Unravelling the Role of ERα-Targeting miRNAs in the Exosome-Mediated Transferring of the Hormone Resistance.

Hormone therapy is one of the most effective breast cancer treatments, however, its application is limited by the progression of hormonal resistance, both primary or acquired. The development of hormonal resistance is caused either by an irreversible block of hormonal signalling (suppression of the activity or synthesis of hormone receptors), or by activation of oestrogen-independent signalling pathways. Recently the effect of exosome-mediated intercellular transfer of hormonal resistance was revealed, however, the molecular mechanism of this effect is still unknown. Here, the role of exosomal miRNAs (microRNAs) in the transferring of hormonal resistance in breast cancer cells has been studied. The methods used in the work include extraction, purification and RNAseq of miRNAs, transfection of miRNA mimetics, immunoblotting, reporter analysis and the MTT test. Using MCF7 breast cancer cells and MCF7/T tamoxifen-resistant sub-line, we have found that some miRNAs, suppressors of oestrogen receptor signalling, are overexpressed in the exosomes of the resistant breast cancer cells. The multiple (but not single) transfection of one of the identified miRNA, miR-181a-2, into oestrogen-dependent MCF7 cells induced the irreversible tamoxifen resistance associated with the continuous block of the oestrogen receptor signalling and the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway. We suppose that the miRNAs-ERα suppressors may act as trigger agents inducing the block of oestrogen receptor signalling and breast cancer cell transition to an aggressive oestrogen-independent state.

A wake-up call for cancer DNA damage: the role of Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) across multiple cancers.

DNA-damaging agents exploit increased genomic instability, a hallmark of cancer. Recently, inhibitors targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) pathways, such as PARP inhibitors, have also shown promising therapeutic potential. However, not all tumors respond well to these treatments, suggesting additional determinants of response are required. Schlafen 11 (SLFN11), a putative DNA/RNA helicase that induces irreversible replication block, is emerging as an important regulator of cellular response to DNA damage. Preclinical and emerging clinical trial data suggest that SLFN11 is a predictive biomarker of response to a wide range of therapeutics that cause DNA damage including platinum salts and topoisomerase I/II inhibitors, as well as PARP inhibitors, which has raised exciting possibilities for its clinical application. In this article, we review the function, prevalence, and clinical testing of SLFN11 in tumor biopsy samples and circulating tumor cells. We discuss mounting evidence of SLFN11 as a key predictive biomarker for a wide range of cancer therapeutics and as a prognostic marker across several cancer types. Furthermore, we discuss emerging areas of investigation such as epigenetic reactivation of SLFN11 and its role in activating immune response. We then provide perspectives on open questions and future directions in studying this important biomarker.

Protein Disulfide Bonds Detected by Tagging with High Molecular Weight Maleimide Derivative

Disulfide bridges are essential for maintaining the structure and function of proteins. Traditionally, studies of the disulfide bonds require expensive equipment and high purity of the protein sample, therefore, the development of simpler techniques is warranted. Here, were present a novel protocol for the detection of disulfide bonds in proteins, which is based on the labeling reduced disulfide bridges with a high molecular weight (HMW) maleimide derivative. After irreversible blocking of free thiol groups of proteins, the labeling of new thiols released from disulfide bridges with a high-molecular-weight (HMW) maleimide derivative is performed. To confirm localization of cysteines involved in the formation of disulfide bonds, cysteine mutagenesis was conducted. For validation, aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) proteins were tagged with FLAG (DYKDDDDK) on N-termini. Increase in MW of the target proteins from immunoblot indicated the presence of disulfide bonds. No bands with increased MW were detected in AQP5, while TPRV4 cysteines at disulfide bridges-constituting positions 639, 645, 652, 660, 770 were detected and confirmed by cysteine mutagenesis. These data indicate that the proposed technique is feasible and effective for the detection of protein disulfide bonds.

Reversible Data Hiding for AMBTC Compressed Images Based on Matrix and Hamming Coding

In this paper, we propose a two-layer data hiding method by using the Hamming code to enhance the hiding capacity without causing significantly increasing computation complexity for AMBTC-compressed images. To achieve our objective, for the first layer, four disjoint sets using different combinations of the mean value (AVG) and the standard deviation (VAR) are derived according to the combination of secret bits and the corresponding bitmap, following Lin et al.’s method. For the second layer, these four disjoint sets are extended to eight by adding or subtracting 1, according to a matrix embedding with (7, 4) Hamming code. To maintain reversibility, we must return the irreversible block to its previous state, which is the state after the first layer of data is embedded. Then, to losslessly recover the AMBTC-compressed images after extracting the secret bits, we use continuity feature, the parity of pixels value, and the unique number of changed pixels in the same row to restore AVG and VAR. Finally, in comparison with state-of-the-art AMBTC-based schemes, it is confirmed that our proposed method provided two times the hiding capacity comparing with other six representative AMBTC-based schemes while maintaining acceptable file size of steog-images.

P53 and DNA Methylation in the Aging Process

Healthy aging is the ultimate goal of all life science research and the most ideal state of a human being. There are many factors that affect aging, including genetic background, the environment, mental state and living habits and so on, which affect the body’s internal environment and its steady state. The ultimate starting point of the body’s aging all comes down to cellular aging. At the cellular level, aging is an irreversible block in the cell cycle, and the P53 gene plays a pivotal role in regulating the cell cycle. Aging is not only regulated by genes but also influenced by epigenetics affecting gene expression. DNA methylation, a novel biomarker of aging, plays a major role in epigenetics. This paper’s mini-review briefly summarizes P53 and DNA methylation in aging.

Protein Disulfide Bonds Detected by Tagging with High Molecular Weight Maleimide Derivative

Disulfide bridges are essential for maintaining the structure and function of proteins. Traditionally, studies of the disulfide bonds require expensive equipment and high purity of the protein sample, therefore, the development of simpler techniques is warranted. Here, were present a novel protocol for the detection of disulfide bonds in proteins, which is based on the labeling reduced disulfide bridges with a high molecular weight (HMW) maleimide derivative. After irreversible blocking of free thiol groups of proteins, the labeling of new thiols released from disulfide bridges with a high-molecular-weight (HMW) maleimide derivative is performed. To confirm localization of cysteines involved in the formation of disulfide bonds, cysteine mutagenesis was conducted. For validation, aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) proteins were tagged with FLAG (DYKDDDDK) on N-termini. Increase in MW of the target proteins from immunoblot indicated the presence of disulfide bonds. No bands with increased MW were detected in AQP5, while TPRV4 cysteines at disulfide bridges-constituting positions 639, 645, 652, 660, 770 were detected and confirmed by cysteine mutagenesis. These data indicate that the proposed technique is feasible and effective for the detection of protein disulfide bonds.

Research on access control method of Digital Archives based on blockchain

This paper analyzes the security problems that need to be solved urgently in digital archives system: First, the centralized storage of digital archives makes it overwhelmingly dependent on the third-party storage organization. Second, every transaction has its own access proof and its own authorization proof, it’s not transparent to others. Then the blockchain technology is introduced to solve the existing problems. We store the digital file attachment and file attributes in the private IPFS cluster after encryption. The address of IPFS and digital fingerprint of the file are stored on the private blockchain. Additionally, this paper stores and checks the height and hash value of the latest irreversible block of the private blockchain, to guarantee the authenticity of data on private blockchain. To solve the second problem, we store the ABAC on public blockchain, add time and position information to the attributes of the subject, to achieve fine-grained access control. Finally, this model is implemented on fabric1.0.3.

Thermally-Induced Wedging–Ratcheting Failure Mechanism in Rock Slopes

A thermally induced wedging–ratcheting mechanism for slope stability is investigated using a large-scale physical model and using a three-dimensional version of the numerical Distinct Element Method (3DEC). The studied mechanism consists of a discrete block that is separated from the rock mass by a tension crack filled with a wedge block or rock fragments. Irreversible block sliding is assumed to develop down a gently dipping sliding plane in response to climatic thermal fluctuations and consequent contraction and expansion of the sliding and wedge block materials. A concrete block assembly representing the rock mass is placed in a specially designed climate controlled room. An integrated measurement system tracks the block displacement and temperature evolution over time. Results of the numerical 3DEC model and an existing analytical solution are compared with the experimental results and the sensitivity of the numerical and analytical solutions to the input thermo-mechanical parameters is explored. To test the applicability of our physical and numerical models to the field scale, we compare our numerical simulations with monitored displacements of a slender block that was mapped in the East slope of Mount Masada, as up until recently the governing mechanism for this block displacement has been assumed to be seismically driven. By application of our numerical approach to the physical dimensions of the block in the field we find that, in fact, thermal loading alone can explain the mapped accumulated displacement that has surpassed by now 200 mm. We believe this new, thermally-induced, failure mechanism may play a significant role in slope stability problems due to the cumulative and repetitive nature of the displacement, particularly in rock slopes in fractured rock masses that are exposed to high temperature oscillations.

Inherent control of hepatocyte proliferation after subtotal liver resection.

At the normal physiological conditions, hepatocytes predominantly reside in G0 phase of cell cycle; they actively proceed to G1 phase upon damage to the organ. As it was shown in experiments with restoration of liver mass in rats after subtotal hepatectomy (resection of 80% of the organ mass may be considered as a model of the 'small for size' liver syndrome), the growth inhibition is due to prolonged arrest of hepatocyte proliferation, molecular mechanisms of which remain understudied. In a rat model of liver regeneration after surgical removal of 80% of its mass, we observe a delayed onset of hepatocyte proliferation: Ki67+ hepatocytes begin to appear as late as at 30 h after liver subtotal resection. Their appearance coincides with the beginning of transcription of genes for cyclins A2, B1, D 1 , and E 1 at 24-30 h after surgery. The corresponding increase in concentrations of cyclin D 1 and E proteins is further delayed till 48 h after liver resection. We have also observed a prolonged decrease in the expression of proto-oncogene c-met (the hepatocyte growth factor receptor-encoding gene Met), an increase in expression of the transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ 1 ) receptor-encoding gene Tgfbr2. At the same time, irreversible block of hepatocyte proliferation is prevented by expression of certain factors, notably of the TWEAK/Fn14 signaling pathway: concentrations of the corresponding proteins in remnant livers have peaked from 24 to 48 h after liver subtotal resection.

A rare case of quadriparesis.

Sir, We read with interest the case of “quadriparesis” published in your esteem journal.[1] At the same time, we felt sorry to note the clinical manifestations of krait bite that include the history of a person who woke up in the middle of the night due to abdominal colic from floor bed published long back.[2] Subsequently, the symptoms such as vomiting, mild sweating, and progressive descending paralysis confirmed the envenoming by krait.[3] In such a situation, there is no need to investigate the victims unnecessarily to rule out Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations.[4] Krait venom is rich in beta-bungarotoxin, which destroys the presynaptic neuromuscular receptors that result in an irreversible block. Recovery depends upon the regeneration of new receptors which may take more than 1 week.[23] Dilated nonreacting pupil seen from the elapid bite did not indicate the irreversible brain damage or coma. Authors mentioned that the patient was unconscious.[5] Because of the paralysis, the victim could not express though he was fully conscious, as venom did not cross the blood–brain barrier. Moreover, the anoxic comatose patient could not be recovered completely. One can note the fine movement of frontalis muscle by asking the patient to look upward.[6] The authors felt that this is a rare case, being not aware of published data,[7] and a chapter on snake bite in API Textbook of Medicine. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Detection of Disulfides in Protein Extracts ofArabidopsis thaliana using Monobromobimane (mBB).

Thiol-disulfide exchange is a key posttranslational modification, determining the folding process of intra- and inter-protein structures. Thiols can be detected by colorimetric reagents, which are stoichiometrically reduced by free thiols, and by fluorescent adducts, showing fluorescence only after thioester formation. We adapted a simple three-step method for detection of disulfide bonds in proteins. After irreversible blocking of protein thiols, disulfide bonds are reduced, followed by the detection of thiols. The approach presented here provides an economical procedure that can be used to obtain a global overview of the thiol-disulfide status of proteins in plants. This method allows the detection of modifications in samples on a gel and can be used for semi-quantitative analysis.

Regulation of hepatocyte proliferation after subtotal liver resection in rats

Hepatocyte proliferation is the main cellular mechanism of liver regeneration. However, after removal of more than 80 % of the liver mass, a temporary block of hepatocyte proliferation is observed, which may be the cause of impaired regeneration during transplantation and liver resection in the clinical practice. The current study aims to analyze the molecular mechanisms of hepatocyte proliferation impairment after subtotal liver resection in rats. In male Wistar rats, a model of liver regeneration after subtotal resection is reproduced - removal of more than 80 % of liver mass. Using the methods of immunohistochemistry, PCR-RT, western blot, possible molecular mechanisms of slowing down the proliferation of hepatocytes were studied. It was found that expression of cyclin D1 and E increased only 30 hours after surgery. Their appearance coincides with the beginning of transcription of genes for Cyclins D1 and E1 at 30 h after surgery. The corresponding increase in concentrations of cyclin D, and E proteins is further delayed till 48 h after surgery. These results indicate that, in this particular model, hepatocytes are reluctant to undergo transition between G0- and G1 -phases of cell cycle. We have observed a prolonged decrease in the expression of protooncogene C-met (the hepatocyte growth factor receptor-encoding gene Met). We have also observed an increase in expression of the transforming growth factor beta-1 receptor-encoding gene TgfbrII. At the same time, irreversible block of hepatocyte proliferation was prevented by expression of certain factors, notably of the TWEAK/ Fn14 signaling pathway: concentrations of the corresponding proteins in remnant livers have peaked from 24 h to 48 h after surgery. Thus, after subtotal liver resection, the remaining hepatocytes are exposed to a large scope of both mitogenic and antimitogenic factors. Proliferative behavior of hepatocytes in remnant livers is determined by fine balance of these factors. The prevalence of antimitogenic factors in the early period after surgery delays the onset of hepatocyte proliferation.

Investigation on hydrates blockage and restart process mechanisms of CO2 hydrate slurry flow

AbstractBeing an alternative environment‐friendly fluid for the refrigeration process, CO2 hydrate slurry is undesired to result in hydrate blocking in the system. A series of water‐based CO2 hydrate slurry experiments were conducted to investigate hydrate blockages in a high‐pressure flow loop. Blocking would occur soon after CO2 hydrate formation onset. Rapid restart process after the first blocking was found to have serious consequence by inducing a fast hydrate regrowth and an irreversible secondary blocking. The mechanisms of the first blocking and the secondary blocking after the restart process were proposed, based on the observed phenomena and the particle chord length distribution data recorded by focused beam reflectance measurement probe. The influences of the initial flow rate on the supercooling, the induction time, the restart time, and the required time for the secondary blocking after the restart process were analyzed. The understanding on the blocking and restart process mechanisms of CO2 hydrate slurry is important not only in the development of hydrate‐based refrigeration system but also in the field of flow assurance in the oil and gas pipeline or for other applications such as the replacement of methane by CO2 in the naturally occurring hydrate exploration.

Design and Implementation of Quantum Dot Cellular Automata Based Irreversible and Reversible Logic Generator Block

Quantum Dot Cellular Automata has attracted a lot of attention due to its extremely small feature size and ultra low power consumption. It is a possible alternative for transistor based technology. This paper presents the construction of Irreversible and reversible Logic Generator Block using quantum dot cellular automata. QCA based Irreversible and irreversible Logic generator block generates the logic of various devices like 1-Bit comparator, 1-Bit Half Adder, 1-Bit Half Subtractor, AND gate, XOR gate, NOR gate and XNOR gate. Proposed design of QCA based LGB is cost effective and easy to fabricate due to absence of wire crossings in irreversible LGB and no information loss in reversible LGB. This block can be made more efficient by using control lines. Depending on individual value on control line, logic of individual device will be generated. QCADesigner 2.0.3 tool is used for design and simulation of QCA based Logic Generator Block. Similarly here Reversible logic based Logic generator block is proposed which will be able to generate different logic. Area requirement of Reversible LGB is 85% less as compared to Irreversible LGB. Reversible logic provides ideally zero power dissipation that is no information loss is there.

Inefficient differentiation response to cell cycle stress leads to genomic instability and malignant progression of squamous carcinoma cells

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or epidermoid cancer is a frequent and aggressive malignancy. However in apparent paradox it retains the squamous differentiation phenotype except for very dysplastic lesions. We have shown that cell cycle stress in normal epidermal keratinocytes triggers a squamous differentiation response involving irreversible mitosis block and polyploidisation. Here we show that cutaneous SCC cells conserve a partial squamous DNA damage-induced differentiation response that allows them to overcome the cell division block. The capacity to divide in spite of drug-induced mitotic stress and DNA damage made well-differentiated SCC cells more genomically instable and more malignant in vivo. Consistently, in a series of human biopsies, non-metastatic SCCs displayed a higher degree of chromosomal alterations and higher expression of the S phase regulator Cyclin E and the DNA damage signal γH2AX than the less aggressive, non-squamous, basal cell carcinomas. However, metastatic SCCs lost the γH2AX signal and Cyclin E, or accumulated cytoplasmic Cyclin E. Conversely, inhibition of endogenous Cyclin E in well-differentiated SCC cells interfered with the squamous phenotype. The results suggest a dual role of cell cycle stress-induced differentiation in squamous cancer: the resulting mitotic blocks would impose, when irreversible, a proliferative barrier, when reversible, a source of genomic instability, thus contributing to malignancy.

Complete heart block complicating the acute phase of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis

Respiratory syncytial virus is the most common pathogen causing lower respiratory tract infection in infants. In recent years, the importance of extrapulmonary complications and longterm sequelae including those involving the cardiovascular system has become apparent. We report on a 10 month old infant with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis, the acute phase of which was complicated by irreversible complete heart block, which was managed conservatively.

Heart sounds at home: feasibility of an ambulatory fetal heart rhythm surveillance program for anti-SSA-positive pregnancies.

Fetuses exposed to anti-SSA (Sjögren's) antibodies are at risk of developing irreversible complete atrioventricular block (CAVB), resulting in death or permanent cardiac pacing. Anti-inflammatory treatment during the transition period from normal heart rhythm (fetal heart rhythm (FHR)) to CAVB (emergent CAVB) can restore sinus rhythm, but detection of emergent CAVB is challenging, because it can develop in ⩽24 h. We tested the feasibility of a new technique that relies on home FHR monitoring by the mother, to surveil for emergent CAVB. We recruited anti-SSA-positive mothers at 16 to 18 weeks gestation (baseline) from 8 centers and instructed them to monitor FHR two times a day until 26 weeks, using a Doppler device at home. FHR was also surveilled by weekly or every other week fetal echo. If FHR was irregular, the mother underwent additional fetal echo. We compared maternal stress/anxiety before and after monitoring. Postnatally, infants underwent a 12-lead electrocardiogram. Among 133 recruited, 125 (94%) enrolled. Among those enrolled, 96% completed the study. Reasons for withdrawal (n=5) were as follows: termination of pregnancy, monitoring too time consuming or moved away. During home monitoring, 9 (7.5%) mothers detected irregular FHR diagnosed by fetal echo as normal (false positive, n=2) or benign atrial arrhythmia (n=7). No CAVB was undetected or developed after monitoring. Questionnaire analysis indicated mothers felt comforted by the experience and would monitor again in future pregnancies. These data suggest ambulatory FHR surveillance of anti-SSA-positive pregnancies is feasible, has a low false positive rate and is empowering to mothers.