bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of fluoxetine for anorexia nervosa caused by chemotherapy in patients with cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Guo Lin-Qi , Sun Hua-Wei , Zhang Chun-Ye , Feng Yao , Teng Xin-Li , Qu Yi-Kun
Published: June 2019

Background:

Fluoxetine has been reported to treat anorexia nervosa (AN) caused by chemotherapy in patients with cholangiocarcinoma effectively. However, no study systematically investigated its efficacy and safety. Thus, this study will systematically assess its efficacy and safety for AN caused by chemotherapy in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search for relevant studies will be conducted from the following databases from inception to the present: MEDILINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PSYCINFO, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All randomized controlled trials on assessing the efficacy and safety of fluoxetine for AN caused by chemotherapy in patients with cholangiocarcinoma will be considered for inclusion in this study. RevMan V.5.3 software will be used for risk of bias assessment and statistical analysis.

Results:

This study will summarize the latest evidence of fluoxetine for AN caused by chemotherapy in patients with cholangiocarcinoma through assessing outcomes of weight, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Additionally, any adverse events will also be analyzed.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study will provide most recent evidence of fluoxetine for AN caused by chemotherapy in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

Systematic review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42019131583.
Oncologic outcomes of IMRT versus CRT for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Luo Meng-Si , Huang Guan-Jiang , Liu Hong-Bing
Published: June 2019

Background:

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a prevalent malignancy in Asia particularly southern China. Comparisons of outcomes of conformal radiotherapy (CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) have been still debated. This meta-analysis was carried out to compare oncologic outcomes of CRT and IMRT in the treatment of NPC.

Methods:

A literature search was performed through PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library databases from their inceptions to November 10, 2018. Two authors assessed the included studies and extracted data independently. Relative studies that compared oncologic outcomes between CRT and IMRT for NPC were included.

Results:

A total of 13 eligible studies were included, which contained 1 RCT, 1 prospective study, and 11 retrospective studies. Our meta-analysis showed that IMRT has increased overall survival (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.41–0.65, P < .00001), locoregional control rate (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.52–0.67, P < .00001), disease-free survival (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.65–0.91, P = .002), and metastasis-free survival (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.54–0.94, P = .01) in comparison with CRT.

Conclusion:

The results of this meta-analysis indicate IMRT should be a better option for the treatment of NPC because patients who underwent IMRT may benefit from increased overall survival, locoregional control rate, disease-free survival, and metastasis-free survival compared with CRT.
Th17/Treg cell level and clinical characteristics of peripheral blood of patients with Sjogren's syndrome complicated with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Hao Li-Ran , Li Xiao-Feng , Gao Chong , Cao Lei , Han Zi-Yan , Gao Hong
Published: June 2019

This study aims at analyzing the Th17/Treg cell level and clinical characteristics of the peripheral blood of patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) complicated with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) so as to deepen the understanding of this disease and seek for its possible onset mechanism.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 24 patients [8 (33%) males and 16 (67%) females] with SS complicated with primary biliary cirrhosis, 50 patients with primary SS and 93 healthy volunteers. These patients were divided into 3 groups: experimental group (SS+PBC), control group (SS) and healthy group. Then, peripheral blood was collected and flow cytometry was conducted to detect level of Th17 cells and Treg cells. A fully automatic biochemical detector was used to detect the corresponding liver function index. The correlation analysis was made based on the clinical manifestations and biochemical characteristics.

Compared with the healthy group and control group, the experimental group had the highest Th17/Treg cell ratio, and Th17 cell frequency was significantly increased (P <.05). Furthermore, ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TBIL, and other indexes were positively correlated to the Th17/Treg ratio (P <.05).

Th17/Treg cell level and its ratio in peripheral blood of patients with SS complicated with primary biliary cirrhosis were significantly unbalanced, indicating that Th17 cells participate in the onset of this disease to a large extent. Furthermore, the Th17/Treg ratio has a certain correlation with some of the liver function indexes, on which a stratified analysis could be made furtherly according to the seriousness of the conditions.
Comparison of longitudinal and inverted L-type capsulorrhaphy in hallux valgus correction surgery
Authors: Sever Gökhan Bülent , Aykanat Faruk , Cankuş Cenk
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study is to investigate clinical and radiographic differences between longitudinal capsulorrhaphy and inverted L-type capsulorrhaphy in patients diagnosed with hallux valgus (HV) to whom distal chevron osteotomy and HV distal soft-tissue procedure combination surgery was implemented.

A total of 36 patients and 48 feet on whom distal chevron osteotomy and HV distal soft-tissue procedure combination surgery was implemented upon diagnosis of HV were included in the study. The patients were separated into 2 groups according to capsulorrhaphy technique, as group 1 (24 feet) wherein longitudinal capsulorrhaphy was implemented and group 2 (24 feet) wherein inverted-L type capsulorrhaphy was implemented. Both groups were compared preoperatively and postoperatively in terms of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society HV score, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, HV angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle and complications.

Comparing the radiological data of both groups, the decrease in terms of HVA was significant in Group 2; however, no significant difference was detected in terms of other data. Postoperative hallux varus was observed 1 one patient in Group 2; however, this case was not statistically significant.

In the distal chevron osteotomy and distal soft-tissue procedure combination, applied as a HV correction surgery technique, comparing inverted L-type capsulorrhaphy with longitudinal capsulorrhaphy techniques, it was observed that inverted L-type capsulorrhaphy was more effective in correcting the HVA. However, it should be kept in mind that L-type capsulorrhaphy is also the technique wherein hallux varus complication occurred. As a result, the conclusion was reached that both techniques are applicable and effective in HV correction surgery and the choice should be made by considering the command of the surgeon on the technique.
Traditional Chinese medicine on treating epididymitis
Authors: Lei Yi , Yang Jie , Li Yongqiang , Yu Xudong , Deng Sheng , Xue Chaohui , Zheng Wei , Shang Jianwei , Xue Yahui
Published: June 2019

Background:

Epididymitis is a common disease in nonspecific infections of the male reproductive system according to the clinical incidence of acute epididymitis and chronic epididymitis. Many clinical trials have proven that Chinese medicine has a significant effect in the treatment of epididymitis. In this systematic review, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for epididymitis.

Methods:

We will search for PubMed, Cochrane Library, AMED, Embase, WorldSciNet, Nature, Science online, China Journal Full-text Database (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature CD-ROM Database (CBM), and related randomized controlled trials included in the China Resources Database. The time is limited from the construction of the library to November 2018. We will use the criteria provided by Cochrane 5.1.0 for quality assessment and risk assessment of the included studies, and use the Revman 5.3 and Stata13.0 software for meta-analysis of the effectiveness, recurrence rate, and symptom scores of epididymitis.

Ethics and dissemination:

This systematic review will evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM for treating epididymitis. Because all of the data used in this systematic review and meta-analysis has been published, this review does not require ethical approval. Furthermore, all data will be analyzed anonymously during the review process.

Registration number: PROSPERO CRD42019130569
Prognostic value of lncRNA FEZF1 antisense RNA 1 over-expression in oncologic outcomes of patients with solid tumors
Authors: Zhang Yi , Yang Qiu-Xi , Peng Ting-Ting , Wang Li-Juan , Xiao Guo-Liang , Tang Shu-Bin
Published: June 2019

Background:

FEZ family zinc finger 1 antisense RNA 1 (FEZF1-AS1), as a novel lncRNA, was reported to be up-regulated in various cancers and involved in tumor progression. This study systematically assessed the prognostic value of FEZF1-AS1 in solid tumors.

Methods:

Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were searched for eligible studies that evaluated the prognostic role of FEZF1-AS1 expression in cancer patients. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and combined odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The meta-analysis was conducted using Stata/SE 14.1.

Results:

Fifteen original studies involving 1378 patients were enrolled. Pooled results showed that increased expression of FEZF1-AS1 significantly correlated with shorter overall survival (OS) in cancer patients (HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.60–2.47), and also shorter disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.27–2.89). Additionally, the combined ORs indicated that increased FEZF1-AS1 expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.98–5.67), distant metastasis (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.86–5.15), poor tumor differentiation (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.45–5.80), high depth of tumor invasion (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.36–5.43), and advanced clinical stage (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.75–4.35). Expression analysis using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database indicated that the expression of FEZF1-AS1 was higher in tumor tissues than that in the corresponding normal tissues. The results of survival analysis revealed that increased FEZF1-AS1 expression was correlated with poor OS and DFS in cancer patients.

Conclusions:

LncRNA FEZF1-AS1 may serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker for clinical outcomes in various solid tumors.
The comfort of patients with different nasal packings after endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Zhang Fuhong , Chen Ji , Lei Xunwen , Chen Xiaowan , Zhang Xiaobing
Published: June 2019

Background:

Chronic sinusitis (CRS) is a high incidence disease and seriously affects the patients’ quality of life, causes tremendous economic burden as well. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is one of the most common therapies for chronic sinusitis. While whether there is a need for nasal packing and which is the best one is still unclear.

Method and analysis:

A systematic search will be performed using PubMed, EMBASE.com, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang database to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing the efficacy and comfort in patients with nasal packings after ESS who is diagnosed as CRS. The risk of bias of the included RCTs will be assessed by the Cochrane Handbook version 5.1.0. A Bayesian network meta-analysis will be conducted using R-3.3.2 software.

Results:

This study is ongoing and the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:

The results of this study will be sent to clinicians and healthcare providers in the National Health Service, which is expected to help clinicians make more informed choices on nasal packings.

Ethics and dissemination:

Ethical approval is not applicable since this study is a network meta-analysis based on published trials.

Protocol registration number:

CRD42019119233.
An overview protocol of biomarkers for breast cancer detection
Authors: Sheng Zhijuan , Wang Jing , Li Muyang , Luo Xinyue , Cai Runjin , Zhang Mei
Published: June 2019

Background:

Among females, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death over 100 countries. Generally, the prognosis of early-stage breast cancer is good. However, the prognosis is very poor when the disease is diagnosed at an advanced stage. Many screening methods have been used for early detection of breast cancer, but there are some limitations of these methods. Recently, some systematic reviews have evaluated the value of biomarkers for detecting breast cancer. However, most of the systematic reviews (SRs) only evaluated the diagnostic value of 1 biomarker, and it is unclear which biomarker is the best diagnostic test for breast cancer. This overview aims to assess the methodological and reporting quality of available systematic reviews and to compare the diagnostic value of different biomarkers.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase.com, the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science were searched to identify published systematic reviews reporting the value of biomarkers for detecting breast cancer. Title and abstracts, as well as full texts, were screened in duplicate based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) tool and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis diagnostic test accuracy (PRISMA-DTA) checklist will be used to assess the methodological and reporting quality, respectively. We will conduct the pairwise meta-analysis and indirect comparisons using STATA 13.0.

Results:

The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal

Conclusion:

This overview will provide comprehensive evidence of different biomarkers for the diagnosis of breast cancer.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42019125880.
Acupuncture for radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Authors: Shi Yu , Xu Tao , Chen Qiutong , Wu Jing , Zhong Yilin , Song Siping , Chen Yang , Gao Wen , Zhao Ling
Published: June 2019

Background:

Assessing the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture therapy for treating patients with radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV) is the main purpose of this systematic review protocol.

Methods:

The following electronic databases will be searched from inception to Sep 2019: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wan-Fang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database. All published randomized controlled trials in English or Chinese related to acupuncture for RINV will be included. The primary outcome is the severity and frequency of RINV during radiotherapy. The secondary outcomes is the physical condition and quality of life after radiotherapy. Two reviewers will conduct the study selection, data extraction, and assessment independently. The assessment of risk of bias and data synthesis will be conducted with Review Manager Software V.5.2.

Results:

The results will provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence for researchers in this subject area.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of our study will provide evidence to judge whether acupuncture is an effective intervention for patients suffered from RINV.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42019130952.
Biomarkers for detecting malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Zan Xiangyi , Wang Yuping , Shi Junnian , Zhao Lanting , Zhao Yan , Liu Rong , Zhou Yongning , Wan Yixin
Published: June 2019

Background:

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly invasive tumor caused primarily by asbestos exposure. In recent decades, the incidence of MPM has shown an increasing trend, posing a great threat to human health. Although there is currently no effective way to treat MPM, patients can survive for more than 5 years if the tumor is removed early. Several systematic reviews (SRs) have evaluated the diagnostic value of biomarkers for diagnosing MPM. However, no studies have been conducted to analyze the quality of these SRs and it remains unclear which biomarker is the excellent diagnostic test. This study aims to assess the methodological quality of the SRs and reanalyze the published data based on SRs to find the optimal biomarker for the early diagnosis of MPM.

Methods:

A systematic search will be performed in PubMed, Embase.com, the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science to identify SRs reporting value of biomarkers for detecting MPM. We will evaluate the risk of bias of the included SRs according to the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) instrument. Standard pairwise meta-analysis and adjusted indirect comparison will be used to compare the diagnostic value of different biomarkers.

Results:

The results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Conclusion:

This study will reanalyze the published data based on SRs to find a biomarker with the superior diagnostic performance for the diagnosis of MPM.

Ethics and dissemination:

Ethics approval and patient consent are not required as this study is an overview based on published systematic reviews.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42019125880.
Child Abuse and Neglect as Risk Factors for Comorbidity Between Depression and Chronic Pain in Adulthood
Authors: Macedo Brisa Burgos Dias , von Werne Baes Cristiane , Menezes Itiana Castro , Juruena Mario F.
Published: June 2019

It is estimated that comorbidity between depression and chronic pain reaches more than half of the depressed adult patients around the world. Evidence indicates that some stressors, such as early-life stress (ELS), mediate the co-occurrence of depression and chronic pain. This study aimed to assess whether ELS or any of its subtypes could be considered as risk factors for comorbidity between depression and chronic pain. For this purpose, 44 patients in depressive episode were evaluated, in which 22 were diagnosed with depression and chronic pain, and the other 22 patients were diagnosed with depression but without chronic pain. Results had shown that ELS occurrence is more significant among depressive patients with chronic pain compared with those without pain. When subtypes of ELS were evaluated, the group of depressive patients with pain showed significantly higher prevalence of emotional neglect than those depressive participants without pain. Data analysis has shown that severity of the depressive symptoms has a significant impact on the total score of childhood trauma, emotional abuse, physical abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect, and that emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and physical neglect have significant impact on the severity of depression. In conclusion, our findings indicate that ELS can be considered as a risk factor for the comorbidity between depression and chronic pain.
Data Set for the Reporting of Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter—Nephroureterectomy and Ureterectomy Specimens
Authors: Samaratunga Hemamali , Judge Meagan , Delahunt Brett , Srigley John , Brimo Fadi , Comperat Eva , Koch Michael , Lopez-Beltran Antonio , Reuter Victor , Shanks Jonathan , Tsuzuki Toyonori , van der Kwast Theodorus , Varma Murali , Grignon David
Published: June 2019

Cancer reporting guidelines have been developed and utilized in many countries throughout the world. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR), through an alliance of colleges and other pathology organizations in Australasia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, USA, and Canada, has developed comprehensive standardized data sets to provide for global usage and promote uniformity in cancer reporting. Structured reporting facilitates provision of all necessary information, which ensures accurate and comprehensive data collection, with the ultimate aim of improving cancer diagnostics and treatment. The data set for primary carcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter treated with nephroureterectomy or ureterectomy had input from an expert panel of international uropathologists. This data set was based on current evidence-based practice and incorporated information from the 2016 fourth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Bluebook on tumors of the urinary and male genital systems and the 2017 American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging eighth edition. This protocol applies to both noninvasive and invasive carcinomas in these locations. Reporting elements are considered to be essential (required) or nonessential (recommended). Required elements include operative procedure, specimens submitted, tumor location, focality and size, histologic tumor type, subtype/variant of urothelial carcinoma, WHO grade, extent of invasion, presence or absence of vascular invasion, status of the resection margins and lymph nodes and pathologic stage. The data set provides a detailed template for the collection of data and it is anticipated that this will facilitate appropriate patient management with the potential to foster collaborative research internationally.
Psychologic Morbidity Among Psoriatic Arthritis Patients in Remission or With Low Disease Activity
Authors: Wohl Yonit , Reitblat Olga , Lerman Tsahi T. , Cohen Ornit , Reitblat Tatiana
Published: June 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of biologic agents and conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) on the psychologic status of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in remission or with low disease activity.

Methods

This is a case-control study of PsA patients in remission or with low disease activity treated at a single-center combined rheumatologic-dermatologic clinic between 2015 and 2017. Patients were assigned to 2 comparison groups according to their treatment (1) biologic drugs and (2) csDMARDs therapy. Psoriatic arthritis disease activity was evaluated by disease activity score-28. Anxiety, somatization, and depression were evaluated by patient health questionnaires (PHQ): generalized anxiety disorder-7, PHQ-15, and PHQ-9, respectively. Disability was assessed by the health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI).

Results

Thirty PsA patients on biologic treatment (BT) and 14 PsA patients in csDMARDs were enrolled. No significant differences in disease duration and treatment duration between the 2 groups were found. Disease activity score-28 was significantly better in the BT group compared with the csDMARDs group (1.8 ± 0.4 vs 2.1 ± 0.4, respectively, p = 0.028). A nonsignificant tendency toward higher scores in psychologic questionnaires was seen among the non-BT group. Moderate to high correlations between all mental questionnaires and HAQ-DI were found in both groups (0.567 ≤ r ≤ 0.850, p < 0.05). Patients with mental disturbance (generalized anxiety disorder-7/PHQ-15/PHQ-9 ≥ 5) showed significant poorer performance in their HAQ-DI in comparison with patient without physiological comorbidities in both groups.

Conclusions

Tight disease control in PsA patients, achieved with BT, may offer an improvement in psychological outcomes in addition to relieving clinical symptoms.
An Evaluation of Emergency Hand Coverage in Tennessee After Implementation of the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Jackson Kianna R. , Nixon Alexander T. , Pollins Alonda , Mueller Melissa A. , Thayer Shelby M. , Anthony Joshua R. , Thayer Wesley P.
Published: June 2019

Although the upper extremity is the most commonly injured part of the body, many studies have indicated that there is a lack of emergency hand coverage in the United States. In 2010, our laboratory evaluated on-call hand coverage in Tennessee (TN) and found that only 7% of hospitals had a hand surgeon on call for emergency cases at all times. In 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was implemented with the goal of increasing overall access to care and decreasing health care costs. Hand surgeons were surveyed on their attitudes toward the ACA, and the majority of surgeons surveyed disagreed or strongly disagree that the ACA would improve access to emergent hand surgery. This study aimed to determine if there has been an increase in emergency hand coverage in TN since the implementation of the ACA. A survey was administered to all hospitals in TN with both an emergency department and operating room to determine the percentage of TN hospitals offering elective hand surgery and on-call emergency hand coverage. With 94% of TN hospitals responding to the emergency department survey, we determined that there has been a 138% significant increase in the percentage of hospitals reporting 24/7 emergency hand coverage by a hand specialist since our last study in 2010. There has also been a significant increase in elective hand coverage in TN, although much smaller at 13% since 2010. This study suggests that there has been an overall increase in access to hand care in TN since the implementation of the ACA, most profoundly seen in the increase in hand specialists available for emergent cases.
Temporal stability of fMRI in medetomidine-anesthetized rats
Authors: Sirmpilatze Nikoloz , Baudewig Jürgen , Boretius Susann
Published: June 2019

Medetomidine has become a popular choice for anesthetizing rats during long-lasting sessions of blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Despite this, it has not yet been established how commonly reported fMRI readouts evolve over several hours of medetomidine anesthesia and how they are affected by the precise timing, dose, and route of administration. We used four different protocols of medetomidine administration to anesthetize rats for up to six hours and repeatedly evaluated somatosensory stimulus-evoked BOLD responses and resting state functional connectivity throughout. We found that the temporal evolution of fMRI readouts strongly depended on the method of administration. Protocols that combined an initial medetomidine bolus (0.05 mg/kg) together with a subsequent continuous infusion (0.1 mg/kg/h) led to temporally stable measures of stimulus-evoked activity and functional connectivity. However, when the bolus was omitted, or the dose of medetomidine lowered, the measures attenuated in a time-dependent manner. We conclude that medetomidine can sustain consistent fMRI readouts for up to six hours of anesthesia, but only with an appropriate administration protocol. This factor should be considered for the design and interpretation of future preclinical fMRI studies in rats.
Mechanical properties of plasma membrane vesicles correlate with lipid order and viscosity and depend on cell density
Authors: Steinkühler Jan , Sezgin Erdinc , Urbančič Iztok , Eggeling Christian , Dimova Rumiana
Published: June 2019

Plasma membranes dynamically respond to external cues and changing environment. Quantitative measurements of these adaptations can elucidate the mechanism that cells exploit to survive, adapt and function. However, cell-based assays are affected by active processes while measurements on synthetic models suffer from compositional limitations. Here, as a model system we employ giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs), which largely preserve the plasma membrane lipidome and proteome. From analysis of fluorescence emission and lifetime of environment-sensitive dyes, and membrane shape fluctuations, we investigate how plasma membrane order, viscosity and bending rigidity are affected by different stimuli such as cell seeding density in three different cell models. Our studies reveal that bending rigidity of plasma membranes vary with lipid order and microviscosity in a highly correlated fashion. Thus, readouts from polarity- and viscosity-sensitive probes represent a promising indicator of membrane mechanical properties. Quantitative analysis of the data allows for comparison to synthetic lipid membranes as plasma membrane mimetics.
Olsenella lakotia SW165 sp. nov., an acetate producing obligate anaerobe with a GC rich genome
Authors: Wongkuna Supapit , Ghimire Sudeep , Kumar Roshan , Antony Linto , Chankhamhaengdecha Surang , Janvilisri Tavan , Scaria Joy
Published: June 2019

A Gram-positive and obligately anaerobic bacterium was isolated from cecal content of feral chickens in Brookings, South Dakota, USA. The microorganism grew at 37-45° C and pH 6-7.5. This strain produced acetic acid as the primary metabolic end product. Major fatty acids were C12:0, C14:0, C14:0 DMA and summed feature 1 (C13:1 at 12-13 and C14:0 aldehyde). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence suggested that strain SW165 belongs to the family Atopobiaceae with the closest relatives being Olsenella profusa DSM 13989T (96.33% similarity), Olsenella umbonate DSM 26220T (96.18%) and Olsenella uli DSM 7084T (96.03%). Genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 2.43 Mbp with a G+C content of 67.59 mol%, which is the highest G+C content among members of the genus Olsenella. Phylogenetic and phenotypic comparison indicated that strain SW165 represents a novel species of the genus Olsenella, for which the name Olsenella lakotia sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SW165 (=DSM 107283T).
Impact of Influent Carbon to Phosphorus Ratio on Performance and Phenotypic Dynamics in Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal (EBPR) System - Insights into Carbon Distribution, Intracellular Polymer Stoichiometry and Pathways Shifts
Authors: Majed Nehreen , Gu April Z.
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the impact of influent carbon to phosphorus (P) ratio on the variation in P-removal performance and associated intracellular polymers dynamics in key functionally relevant microbial populations, namely, PAOs and GAOs, at both individual and populations levels, in laboratory scale sequencing batch reactor-EBPR systems. Significant variations and dynamics were evidenced for the formation, utilization and stoichiometry of intracellular polymers, namely polyphosphate, glycogen and Polyhydroxyalkanoates in PAOs and GAOs in the EBPR systems that were operated with influent C/P ranged from 20 to 50, presumably as results of phylogenetic diversity changes and, or metabolic functions shifts in these two populations at different influent C/P ratios. Single cell Raman micro-spectroscopy enabled quantification of differentiated polymer inclusion levels in PAOs and GAOs and, showed that as the influent rbCOD/P ratio increases, the excessive carbon beyond stoichiometric requirement for PAOs would be diverted into GAOs. Our results also evidenced that when condition becomes more P limiting at higher rbCOD/P ratios, both energy and reducing power generation required for acetate uptake and PHB formation might shift from relying on both polyP hydrolysis and glycolysis pathway, to more enhancement and dependence on glycolysis in addition to partial/reverse TCA cycle. These findings provided new insights into the metabolic elasticity of PAOs and GAOs and their population-level parameters for mechanistic EBPR modeling. This study also demonstrated the potential of application of single cell Raman micro-spectroscopy method as a powerful tool for studying phenotypic dynamics in ecological systems such as EBPR.
Neonatal diabetes mellitus due to a novel variant in the INS gene
Authors: Laurenzano Sarah E. , McFall Cory , Nguyen Linda , Savla Dipal , Coufal Nicole G. , Wright Meredith S. , Tokita Mari , Dimmock David , Kingsmore Stephen F. , Newfield Ron S.
Published: June 2019

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare condition that presents with diabetes in the first few months of life. The treatment of NDM may differ depending on the genetic etiology, with numerous studies showing the benefit of sulfonylurea therapy in cases caused by mutations in KCNJ11 or ABCC8. Mutations in the insulin gene (INS) have also been identified as causes of NDM; these cases are generally best treated with insulin alone. We report a case of a female infant born small for gestational age (SGA) at late preterm diagnosed with NDM at 7 wk of life who was found by rapid whole-genome sequencing to harbor a novel de novo c.26C>G (p.Pro9Arg) variant in the INS gene. She presented with diabetic ketoacidosis, which responded to insulin therapy. She did not respond to empiric trial of sulfonylurea therapy early in her hospital course, and it was discontinued once a genetic diagnosis was made. Early genetic evaluation in patients presenting with NDM is essential to optimize therapeutic decision-making.
Buoyancy-induced convection from a pair of heated and cooled horizontal circular cylinders inside an adiabatic tilted cavity filled with alumina/water nanofluids
Authors: Corcione Massimo , Habib Emanuele , Quintino Alessandro , Ricci Elisa , Spena Vincenzo Andrea
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate numerically buoyancy-induced convection from a pair of differentially heated horizontal circular cylinders set side by side in a nanofluid-filled adiabatic square enclosure, inclined with respect to gravity so that the heated cylinder is located below the cooled one, using a two-phase model based on the double-diffusive approach assuming that the Brownian diffusion and thermophoresis are the only slip mechanisms by which the solid phase can develop a significant relative velocity with respect to the liquid phase.

Design/methodology/approach

The system of the governing equations of continuity, momentum and energy for the nanofluid, and continuity for the nanoparticles, is solved by a computational code based on the SIMPLE-C algorithm. Numerical simulations are performed for Al2O3 + H2O nanofluids using the average volume fraction of the suspended solid phase, the tilting angle of the enclosure, the nanoparticle size, the average nanofluid temperature and the inter-cylinder spacing, as independent variables.

Findings

The main results obtained may be summarized as follows: at high temperatures, the nanofluid heat transfer performance relative to that of the pure base liquid increases with increasing the average volume fraction of the suspended solid phase, whereas at low temperatures it has a peak at an optimal particle loading; the relative heat transfer performance of the nanofluid has a peak at an optimal tilting angle of the enclosure; the relative heat transfer performance of the nanofluid increases notably as the average temperature is increased, and just moderately as inter-cylinder spacing is increased and the nanoparticle size is decreased.

Originality/value

The two-phase computational code used in the present study incorporates three empirical correlations for the evaluation of the effective thermal conductivity, the effective dynamic viscosity and the coefficient of thermophoretic diffusion, all based on a high number of literature experimental data.
Development of a 3D CFD aerodynamic optimization tool and application to engine air intake design
Authors: Millot Grégory , Scholz Olivier , Ouhamou Saïd , Becquet Mathieu , Magnabal Sébastien
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The paper deals with research activities to develop optimization workflows implying computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling. The purpose of this paper is to present an industrial and fully-automated optimal design tool, able to handle objectives, constraints, multi-parameters and multi-points optimization on a given CATIA CAD. The work is realized on Rapid And CostEffective Rotorcraft compound rotorcraft in the framework of the Fast RotorCraft Innovative Aircraft Demonstrator Platform (IADP) within the Clean Sky 2 programme.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed solution relies on an automated CAD-CFD workflow called through the optimization process based on surrogate-based optimization (SBO) techniques. The SBO workflow has been specifically developed.

Findings

The methodology is validated on a simple configuration (bended pipe with two parameters). Then, the process is applied on a full compound rotorcraft to minimize the flow distortion at the engine entry. The design of the experiment and the optimization loop act on seven design parameters of the air inlet and for each individual the evaluation is performed on two operation points, namely, cruise flight and hover case. Finally, the best design is analyzed and aerodynamic performances are compared with the initial design.

Originality/value

The adding value of the developed process is to deal with geometric integration conflicts addressed through a specific CAD module and the implementation of a penalty function method to manage the unsuccessful evaluation of any individual.
The impacts of non-uniform magnetic field on free convection heat transfer of a magnetizable micropolar nanofluid
Authors: Namazian Zafar , Mehryan S.A.M.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to numerically study the heat transfer of free convection of a magnetizable micropolar nanofluid inside a semicircular enclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

The flow domain is under simultaneous influences of two non-uniform magnetic fields generated by current carrying wires. The directions of the currents are the same. Although the geometry is symmetric, it is physically asymmetric. The impacts of key parameters, including Rayleigh number Ra = 103-106, Hartman number Ha = 0-50, vortex viscosity parameter Δ = 0-4, nanoparticles volume fraction φ = 0-0.04 and magnetic number Mnf = 0-1000, on the macro- and micro-scales flows, temperature and heat transfer rate are studied.

Finding

The outcomes show that dispersing of the nanoparticles in the host fluid increases the strength of macro- and micro-scale flows. When Mnf = 0, the increment of the vortex viscosity parameter increases the strength of the particles micro-rotations, while this characteristic is decreased by growing Δ for Mnf ≠ 0. The increment of Δ and Ha decreases the rate of heat transfer. The increment of Ha decreases the enhancement percentage of heat transfer rate because of dispersing nanoparticles, known as En parameter. In addition, the value of Δ has no effect on En. Moreover, the average Nusselt number Nuavg and En remain constant by increasing the magnetic number Mnf for different volume fraction values.

Originality/value

The authors believe that all of the results, both numerical and asymptotic, are original and have not been published elsewhere yet.
Analysis of efficiency of convection in porous geometries (square vs triangular) with multiple discrete heaters on walls
Authors: Das Debayan , Lukose Leo , Basak Tanmay
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to study natural convection within porous square and triangular geometries (design 1: regular isosceles triangle, design 2: inverted isosceles triangle) subjected to discrete heating with various locations of double heaters along the vertical (square) or inclined (triangular) arms.

Design/methodology/approach

Galerkin finite element method is used to solve the governing equations for a wide range of modified Darcy number, Dam = 10−5–10−2 with various fluid saturated porous media, Prm = 0.015 and 7.2 at a modified Rayleigh number, Ram = 106 involving the strategic placement of double heaters along the vertical or inclined arms (types 1-3). Adaptive mesh refinement is implemented based on the lengths of discrete heaters. Finite element based heat flow visualization via heatlines has been adopted to study heat distribution at various portions.

Findings

The strategic positioning of the double heaters (types 1-3) and the convective heatline vortices depict significant overall temperature elevation at both Dam = 10−4 and 10−2 compared to type 0 (single heater at each vertical or inclined arm). Types 2 and 3 are found to promote higher temperature uniformity and greater overall temperature elevation at Dam = 10−2. Overall, the triangular design 2 geometry is also found to be optimal in achieving greater temperature elevation for the porous media saturated with various fluids (Prm).

Practical implications

Multiple heaters (at each side [left or right] wall) result in enhanced temperature elevation compared to the single heater (at each side [left or right] wall). The results of the current work may be useful for the material processing, thermal storage and solar heating applications.

Originality/value

The heatline approach is used to visualize the heat flow involving double heaters along the side (left or right) arms (square and triangular geometries) during natural convection involving porous media. The heatlines depict the trajectories of heat flow that are essential for thermal management involving larger thermal elevation. The mixing cup or bulk average temperature values are obtained for all types of heating (types 0-3) involving all geometries, and overall temperature elevation is examined based on higher mixing cup temperature values.
Fluid–structure interaction of free convection in a square cavity divided by a flexible membrane and subjected to sinusoidal temperature heating
Authors: Ghalambaz Mohammad , Mehryan S.A.M. , Ismael Muneer A. , Chamkha Ali , Wen D.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the present paper is to model a cavity, which is equally divided vertically by a thin, flexible membrane. The membranes are inevitable components of many engineering devices such as distillation systems and fuel cells. In the present study, a cavity which is equally divided vertically by a thin, flexible membrane is model using the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) associated with a moving grid approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The cavity is differentially heated by a sinusoidal time-varying temperature on the left vertical wall, while the right vertical wall is cooled isothermally. There is no thermal diffusion from the upper and lower boundaries. The finite-element Galerkin technique with the aid of an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian procedure is followed in the numerical procedure. The governing equations are transformed into non-dimensional forms to generalize the solution.

Findings

The effects of four pertinent parameters are investigated, i.e., Rayleigh number (104 = Ra = 107), elasticity modulus (5 × 1012 = ET = 1016), Prandtl number (0.7 = Pr = 200) and temperature oscillation frequency (2p = f = 240p). The outcomes show that the temperature frequency does not induce a notable effect on the mean values of the Nusselt number and the deformation of the flexible membrane. The convective heat transfer and the stretching of the thin, flexible membrane become higher with a fluid of a higher Prandtl number or with a partition of a lower elasticity modulus.

Originality/value

The authors believe that the modeling of natural convection and heat transfer in a cavity with the deformable membrane and oscillating wall heating is a new subject and the results have not been published elsewhere.
Conflict resolution role of mediation in labor disputes in Turkey
Authors: Sığrı Ünsal , Karabacak Hakan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to manage better the conflicts in labor disputes by improving the understanding of mediation dynamics from a game-theoretical perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Signaling game model is adapted to a hypothetical labor dispute based on the legislative regulations on the mandatory mediation system in Turkey.

Findings

The paper determines mediation equilibria in which both players get positive payoffs. Analysis of the mediation equilibria helps to improve the understanding about the litigation and mediation dynamics depending on the variables. The variables are clearly separated from each other due to their reverse effects on strategy choices of the parties. Mediation payoff and litigation cost are characterized by their incentive effects on mediation preferences, whereas mediation fee and litigation payoff are characterized by their disincentive effect. While increasing amounts of incentive variables strengthen the mediation tendency of the employee, increasing amounts of disincentive variables reveal the opposite effect. Furthermore, the analysis also indicates that if the litigation payoff is too small to recover litigation costs, accepting the mediation becomes the optimal strategy. This prediction is contrary to that of traditional game-theoretic litigation/settlement models, in which small-claim disputes typically cannot be settled.

Practical implications

The assumption that the mediation fee is not a part of the litigation cost eliminates the disincentive effect of mediation fee and makes it neutral on the strategy choice of employee.

Originality/value

This paper first analyzes the strategic role of mediation in labor disputes by using a signaling game. Despite its mediation focus, the paper also provides practical insights for litigation.
Effects of parental cultural capital on purchase intention of cognac
Authors: Wei Yujie , Bergiel Blaise , Song Lingfang
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the possibility that individual differences in consumer choice of cognac are at least partially influenced by parental cultural capital. Also examined are ten value orientations factors (e.g. hedonism and self-direction) and attitudes toward France, cognac’s country-of-origin that may affect the degree of this intergenerational influence.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey research measures parents’ cultural capital, value orientations and attitude toward France and purchase intention using recognized scales. Data were collected from the faculty and students of a major university located in the southeast of the USA. The sample size was 234.

Findings

The results confirm that parental cultural capital, consumer value orientations and attitudes toward France have significant impacts on the consumer’s willingness to purchase cognac. Adult children of high cultural capital parents are more likely to buy cognac.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper provide meaningful insights into intergenerational influences on consumer purchase intention of cognac and socialization theory. The paper provides several managerial implications for segmentation, targeting and positioning of cognac in the US market.

Originality/value

As the first of its kind, this paper introduces the parents’ cultural capital into the consumer research regarding cognac. The longer-term effects that parents can have on grown children’s consumer behavior are confirmed, suggesting that parental influence persists well into adulthood and has impact on their brand preference.