bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replacement of S14 Protein in Ribosomes of Zinc-Starved Mycobacteria Reduces Spectinamide Sensitivity
Authors: Li Yunlong , Koripella Ravi K. , Sharma Manjuli R. , Lee Richard E. , Agrawal Rajendra K. , Ojha Anil K.
Published: December 2020

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for mycobacteria, and its depletion induces multiple adaptive changes in cellular physiology, the most remarkable of which are remodeling and hibernation of ribosomes. Ribosome remodeling, induced upon relatively moderate depletion of zinc, involves replacement of multiple ribosomal proteins containing the zinc-binding CXXC motif (called C+ r proteins) by their motif-free C− paralogs.
DDIT3 Targets Innate Immunity via the DDIT3-OTUD1-MAVS Pathway To Promote Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Replication
Authors: Wang Song , Hou Peili , Pan Wei , He Wenqi , He Daniel Chang , Wang Hongmei , He Hongbin
Published: December 2020

Extensive studies have demonstrated roles of DDIT3 in apoptosis and autophagy during viral infection. However, the role of DDIT3 in innate immunity remains largely unknown.
Draft Genome Sequences of Fructobacillus fructosus DPC 7238 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides DPC 7261, Mannitol-Producing Organisms Isolated from Fructose-Rich Honeybee-Resident Flowers on an Irish Farm
Authors: Behare Pradip V. , Ali Syed Azmal , McAuliffe Olivia
Published: December 2020

Certain bacterial species, including some fructophilic lactic acid bacteria, are known to naturally produce the sugar alcohol mannitol. Here, we announce the draft genome sequences of the mannitol-producing organisms
Fructobacillus fructosus
DPC 7238 and
Leuconostoc mesenteroides
DPC 7261, which were isolated from fructose-rich honeybee-resident flowers found on an Irish farm.
A Novel High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound-Treated Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Vaccine Induces Long-Term Protective Immunity against Lethal Challenge in Mice
Authors: Xiao Juhua , Zhou Xin , Luo Ye , Wang Shuang , Yang Zhili , Yi Yingchun , Xiong Hui
Published: December 2020

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is mainly used in tumor ablation and tumor vaccinology study. It has been shown to induce immune sensitization and enhance tumor responsiveness to other therapies.
Enzymatic Analysis of Yeast Cell Wall-Resident GAPDH and Its Secretion
Authors: Cohen Michael J. , Philippe Brianne , Lipke Peter N.
Published: December 2020

Eukaryotic cells secrete many proteins, including many proteins that do not follow the classical secretion pathway. Among these, the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is unexpectedly found in the walls of yeasts and other fungi and in extracellular space in mammalian cell cultures.
Crucial Role of ppGpp in the Resilience of Escherichia coli to Growth Disruption
Authors: Patacq Clément , Chaudet Nicolas , Létisse Fabien
Published: December 2020

The capacity of microbes to resist and overcome environmental insults, known as resilience, allows them to survive in changing environments but also to resist antibiotic and biocide treatments and immune system responses. Although the role of the stringent response in bacterial resilience to nutritional stresses has been well studied, little is known about its importance in the ability of the bacteria to not just resist but also recover from these disturbances.
Supplemental Material: High-Ca boninitic melt inclusions in lavas of the Troodos ophiolite and a reappraisal of genetic relationships between different lava types
Authors: Wenjun HU , Zhou Mei Fu , al. et
Published: December 2020

Tables A1–A7; Figures A1–A4.
Massive gingival bleed: a rare manifestation of cyclosporine toxicity
Authors: Gandhi Meera , Rai Ekta , Shirley Anita , Suda Naveen Kumar
Published: December 2020

A 12-year-old patient of thalassaemia major developed autoimmune cytopaenia after undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. She was started on cyclosporine (CsA) in view of poor response to steroids. She developed CsA toxicity manifesting as gum hyperplasia with multiple episodes of gum bleed. During endotracheal intubation for an elective splenectomy, she developed significant bleeding from gums requiring massive transfusion. Postoperatively the gum bleed persisted even after embolisation of facial artery and multiple transfusions. The catastrophic sequelae include transfusion-related lung injury, acute circulatory failure with subsequent cardiac arrest and death. Gum hyperplasia is a commonly reported toxic effect of CsA. Lethal presentations of this toxicity with such severity are limited in the medical literature. Evaluation of the patient’s medical and laboratory records, along with a review of literature, was very helpful in understanding more about the toxicity of CsA.
Acute pancreatitis following coronary artery angiography
Authors: Krauer Juliette , Vero Tania , Boileau Julien , Urbano Luis
Published: December 2020

Coronary artery angiography has many well-documented complications. Acute pancreatitis is a rarely described complication with potentially life-threatening repercussions. This article reports the case of a woman with acute pancreatitis that occurred within a few minutes after coronary artery angiography. Contrast agent toxicity and cholesterol emboli are the two mechanisms involved in the occurrence of acute pancreatitis after coronary artery angiography.
Rituximab therapy in a patient with steroid-refractory bird fancier’s lung
Authors: Ceci Bonello Etienne , Gauci Jonathan , Bonello Sarah , Fsadni Peter , Montefort Stephen
Published: December 2020

A 62-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of shortness of breath on exertion and dry cough. On examination, she was noted to have fine end-inspiratory crepitations over the upper zone of the lungs. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) showed a restrictive defect. Initial chest radiography revealed diffuse reticular interstitial shadowing while high-resolution CT scan of the thorax showed fibrotic changes. Avian precipitins were also highly positive for pigeons, parrots and budgerigars. Taking into account these results, the patient was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Antigen avoidance, oral glucocorticoids and azathioprine achieved an initial improvement in PFTs and symptoms; however, the patient still deteriorated, requiring long-term oxygen therapy. While working the patient up for lung transplantation, rituximab was given to good effect (acting as a bridging therapy) as it achieved symptomatic relief and stabilisation of her PFTs.
Bilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis complicating acute unilateral pansinusitis in a 15-year-old boy
Authors: Davies Timothy Charles , Alatsatianos Anton , Nowak Magdalena , Fraser Lyndsay
Published: December 2020

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare and potentially fatal complication of acute sinusitis. Timely diagnosis and management is, therefore, essential in preventing death and neurological disability. Here, we describe the case of a paediatric patient with bilateral CST secondary to acute unilateral pansinusitis that presented with rapidly progressing bilateral periorbital oedema. Initial imaging was negative. This case serves to emphasise the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion when managing paediatric patients with suspected CST with persistent symptoms. Expeditious investigation and management of our patient in this case resulted in a positive outcome, with resolution of symptoms and no residual neurological deficit.
Mycophenolate mofetil-induced liver injury in a patient with aquaporin-4 antibody positive transverse myelitis
Authors: Iyer Arun , Frank Madeleine , Davies Susan , Gelson William T
Published: December 2020

We present a case of a 49-year-old woman diagnosed with aquaporin-4 antibody-positive transverse myelitis, who developed a significant transaminitis 2 months after commencing mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as a steroid-sparing agent. No other risk factors were identified, a blood liver panel was negative and liver biopsy showed features compatible with drug-induced liver injury (DILI). MMF was stopped with a corresponding normalisation of serum alanine aminotransferase over the next 2 months. This case highlights MMF as a rare cause of DILI and provides justification for monitoring of liver biochemistry on therapy.
Estimating the cost of interventions to improve water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities across India
Authors: Tseng Katie K , Joshi Jyoti , Shrivastava Susmita , Klein Eili
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Despite increasing utilisation of institutional healthcare in India, many healthcare facilities (HCFs) lack access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services. WASH services protect patients by improving infection prevention and control (IPC), which in turn can reduce the burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, data on the cost of implementing WASH interventions in Indian HCFs are limited.

Methods

We surveyed 32 HCFs across India, varying in size, type and setting to obtain the direct costs of providing improved water supply, sanitation and IPC-supporting infrastructure. We calculated the average costs of WASH interventions and the number of HCFs nationwide requiring investments in WASH to estimate the financial cost of improving WASH across India’s public healthcare system over 1 year.

Results

Improving WASH across India’s public healthcare sector and sustaining services among upgraded facilities for 1 year would cost US$354 million in capital costs and US$289 million in recurrent costs from the provider perspective. The most costly interventions were those on water (US$238 million), linen reprocessing (US$112 million) and sanitation (US$104 million), while the least costly were interventions on hand hygiene (US$52 million), medical device reprocessing (US$56 million) and environmental surface cleaning (US$80 million). Overall, investments in rural HCFs would account for 64.4% of total costs, of which 52.3% would go towards primary health centres.

Conclusion

Improving IPC in Indian public HCFs can aid in the prevention of HAIs to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Although WASH is a necessary component of IPC, coverage remains low in HCFs in India. Using ex-post costs, our results estimate the investment levels needed to improve WASH across the Indian public healthcare system and provide a basis for policymakers to support IPC-related National Action Plan activities for antimicrobial resistance through investments in WASH.
Towards evidence-based emergency medicine: best BETs from the Manchester Royal InfirmaryBET 1: Can hands-on defibrillation be performed safely?BET 2: FAST or ROSIER to identify suspected stroke in the prehospital setting?
Authors: Mackway-Jones Kevin , Adler David , Gibbons Ian , Helming Andrew , Lupton Joshua , Williams Owen
Published: December 2020

A review was carried out to see whether hands-on defibrillation could be performed safely. 6 papers presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. It is concluded that hands-on defibrillation has the potential to be performed safely if the rescuer uses appropriate electrical insulating barriers such as polyethylene gloves or class 1 electrical insulating gloves. The safety profile of nitrile gloves is unclear. Since detection of shock was used as a proxy for safety, additional investigation is warranted before hands-on defibrillation becomes common practice.
Revisiting a DNA barcode survey of Haida Gwaii kelp: the quest for Eisenia arborea (Arthrothamnaceae, Laminariales)
Authors: Bringloe Trevor T. , Brooks Cody , Bruce Meghann , Saunders Gary W.
Published: December 2020

Eisenia arborea Areschoug is a temperate kelp first described from California, and commonly reported as far south as Mexico. Floristic surveys in cold-temperate waters of the Northeast Pacific, however, have revealed its presence on the Canadian archipelago of Haida Gwaii (at latitude 53.3799°N), last reported from the area in 2000 by Sloan and Bartier. Here, we present COI-5P data for E. arborea and confirm its presence at two sites on the west coast of Haida Gwaii in the years 2015 and 2018. These collections update a recently published list of genetically confirmed kelp species from Haida Gwaii. Our surveys suggest that northern populations of E. arborea are likely scattered throughout the western portions of the archipelago. The Haida Gwaii populations reported here represent potential monitoring sites for ecological and evolutionary investigations of E. arborea.
Comparing a suite of surplus-production-based stock status identification approaches and management procedures
Authors: Xu Luoliang , Hodgdon Cameron , Sun Ming , Mazur Mackenzie , Chen Xinjun , Chen Yong
Published: December 2020

Different approaches have been used to identify fishery stock status when only biomass and catch data are available. However, the performance of the approaches may be affected by the uncertainties derived from different sources (e.g., model misspecification, stock productivity changing, observation error). Here, we propose that the observed biomass associated with the highest calculated surplus production can be used as an indicator (Bhighest_S) to identify stock status. We develop a management procedure (MP) atop a widely used method (i.e., Gcontrol) by incorporating Bhighest_S in the harvest control rule. Two simulations are conducted to compare the stock status identification approaches and corresponding MPs. Using Bhighest_S to identify stock status performs better than surplus production modeling approaches in simulated regime shift scenarios. Compared with the old version of Gcontrol, incorporating Bhighest_S or estimated BMSY in the harvest control rule provides more stable and higher yields. This study contributes to the development and evaluation of indicator-based stock status identification approaches and MPs that only require biomass and catch data.
Easing the disruption of COVID-19: supporting the mental health of the people of Canada—October 2020—an RSC Policy Briefing
Authors: Asmundson Gordon J.G. , Blackstock Cindy , Bourque Marie Claire , Brimacombe Glenn , Crawford Allison , Deacon S. Hélène , McMullen Ken , McGrath Patrick J. , Mushquash Christopher , Stewart Sherry H. , Stinson Jennifer , Taylor Steven , Campbell-Yeo Marsha
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of the people of Canada. Most have found it challenging to cope with social distancing, isolation, anxiety about infection, financial security and the future, and balancing demands of work and home life. For some, especially those who have had to face pre-existing challenges such as structural racism, poverty, and discrimination and those with prior mental health problems, the pandemic has been a major impact.

The Policy Briefing Report focuses on the current situation, how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated significant long-standing weaknesses in the mental health system and makes specific recommendations to meet these challenges to improve the well-being of the people of Canada.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental effect on mental health of people in Canada but the impact has been variable, impacting those facing pre-existing structural inequities hardest. Those living in poverty, and in some socially stratified groups facing greater economic and social disadvantage, such as some racialized and some Indigenous groups and those with preexisting mental health problems, have suffered the most. Some occupational groups have been more exposed to the virus and to psychological stress with the pandemic. The mental health care system was already overextended and under resourced. The pandemic has exacerbated the problems. The care system responded by a massive move to virtual care. The future challenge is for Canada to strengthen our knowledge base in mental health, to learn from the pandemic, and to provide all in Canada the support they need to fully participate in and contribute to Canada’s recovery from the pandemic.
ADSORPTION-INDUCED INCREASING SPECULARITY OF CONDUCTION ELECTRONS’ SURFACE SCATTERING
Authors: SOLOGUB SERGII , BORDENIUK IVAN , AMIROV ROMAN , PETROVA NATALIIA , YAKOVKIN IVAN
Published: December 2020

We present a review of our investigations on the increasing specularity of surface scattering of conduction electrons on the W(011), Mo(011), and W(001) surfaces after covering the surfaces with well-ordered (sub)monolayers of adsorbed hydrogen or deuterium. The degree of the specularity of surface scattering was estimated on the base of measurements of magnetoresistance of single-crystalline plates, cooled with liquid He, under ultra-high vacuum conditions, and in a strong magnetic field. The structures of adsorbed hydrogen and deuterium layers were determined from LEED patterns. It is found that the magnetoresistance non-monotonically depends on submonolayer hydrogen coverage and degree of the ordering of adsorbed layers, showing a drastic increase of the specularity (which is higher than for the atomically-clean surfaces!) after the formation of the well-ordered [Formula: see text]-H structures and a pronounced increase of the specularity after the formation of the well-ordered [Formula: see text]-2H structure. Changes in the magnetoresistance induced by the ordering of structures of adsorbed H(D) layers are found to corroborate with the adsorption-induced transformation of Fermi contours of surface electronic states obtained in performed DFT calculations. The increase of the specularity of the scattering caused by the ordering of the surface structures is attributed to the decrease of the probability of electronic transitions between the surface and bulk electronic states induced by surface scattering.
High-dimensional quantum state manipulation and tracking
Authors: Licina Mevludin
Published: December 2020

Dynamical high-dimensional quantum states can be tracked and manipulated in many cases. Using a new theoretical framework approach of manipulating quantum systems, we will show how one can manipulate and introduce parameters that allow tracking and descriptive insight in the dynamics of states. Using quantum topology and other novel mathematical representations, we will show how quantum states behave in critical points when the shift of probability distribution introduces changes.
Understanding ASEAN as a Relational Community: A Study Focused on Political-security Aspects
Authors: HAN Zhili
Published: December 2020

It is difficult to assess ASEAN’s achievement as the most successful intergovernmental organisation today in the developing world, simply based on the standards of traditional regionalism. Drawing upon relational theory of world politics, this article builds a conceptual framework of “relational community” upon the construct of relationality and argues that ASEAN is a relational community directed essentially to managing relations among the member states. The “relational community” offers a new way of thinking for the building of the future East Asian community.
Control of Iron Availability in Cancer by MicroRNAs
Authors: Babu Kamesh R. , Sun Lei
Published: December 2020

Iron is an essential nutrient required for normal cellular functions, growth, and proliferation. Iron homeostasis is maintained at the cellular and systemic levels by strict regulation of genes involved in the process of iron uptake, storage, export, and surveillance of iron levels. Cellular iron homeostasis is dysregulated in cancer to sustain rapid growth and proliferation. Cellular iron levels are increased in cancer by manipulating the expression of genes involved in iron metabolism. Recent studies show that a class of small non-coding RNA known as microRNA (miRNA) play a major role in the control of iron metabolism. This review summarizes the significance of iron in cancer prognosis and how miRNAs regulate the expression of genes involved in iron metabolism to increase the cellular iron availability in cancer.
The Effects of Aromatherapy on Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Es-haghee Somayeh , Shabani Fatemeh , Hawkins Jessie , Zareian Mohammad Ali , Nejatbakhsh Fatemeh , Qaraaty Marzieh , Tabarrai Malihe
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesPremenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disturbance among women of childbearing age. Aromatherapy is a commonly used form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat PMS. The purpose of this study is to quantify and summarize the effects of aromatherapy on premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Methods. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through relevant search terms until October 2020. The effect sizes were pooled as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random effect model. Egger tests and visual inspection of the funnel plot were performed to identify the existence of publication bias. The I‐squared (I2) test was applied to measure heterogeneity. Results. Eight studies (n = 8) were included in this analysis. The quantitative synthesis of evidence found that aromatherapy decreases PMS scores (WMD –13.83; 95% CI (−22.04, −5.63), I2 = 94.5%), total psychological symptoms of PMS (WMD –3.51; 95% CI (−4.84, −2.18), I2 = 82.6%), anxiety of PMS (WMD–1.78; 95% CI (−3.17, −0.38), I2 = 94.2%), depression of PMS (WMD–2.0; 95% CI (−3.65, −0.34), I2 = 93.7%), and fatigue of PMS (WMD – 1.44; 95% CI (−2.44, −0.44), I2 = 89.7%) compared to the control group. Conclusion. Aromatherapy is an effective tool for the relief of PMS symptoms. Additional randomized controlled clinical trials with different durations and essential oils should be conducted to confirm our findings.
Numerical Evaluation on Improvement Performance of Waved Connection to Reduce Damage on Buried Gas Pipeline
Authors: Seyed Kolbadi Seyed Mohammad , Hassani Nemat , Safi Mohammad
Published: December 2020

One of the major challenges for the oil and gas industry is to keep buried metal pipes safe from faulting. This paper discusses about a solution to keep buried pipes safe. In this study, after examining the different dimensions of the effect of wave connection on improving the performance of buried metal pipes, by changing the geometric shape of the wave connection such as doubling it, the behavior of the pipe is greatly improved. Waved connections, by their local deformation, create a rotational joint in a limited area so that other parts of the pipe remain intact. In this paper, the behavior of buried pipes due to slip direction fault displacement by modelling with Abacus software version 2017 and selection of 4-node shell element and 8-node shell element have been used for pipe and soil modelling, respectively. In this paper, by comparing to a single waved connection with a double waved connection, the performance of the pipe due to the faulting phenomenon was evaluated. The results show the improvement of the excellent performance of the double joint by reducing the plastic strain values. In addition to increasing the ductility of the pipe, the double connection has been able to reduce the strain values by about 50% compared to the single connection. In general, this paper shows that the use of wave connections can significantly increase the level of safety of buried gas pipelines without increasing the cost.
Quantitative Damage and Fracture Mode of Sandstone under Uniaxial Load Based on Acoustic Emission
Authors: Xu Ying , Zheng Qiangqiang , Gao Xin , Yang Rongzhou , Ni Xian , Wang Qianqian
Published: December 2020

The damage degree and fracture mechanism of the rock are important to the bearing performance of the rock mass and the stability of the overlying structure. Most of the existing damage models for characterizing rock damage exclude the range of postpeak stress or do not consider the compaction and closure stage of the fracture, and the description of the quantitative damage of sandstone is not accurate enough. In addition, the description of the rock fracture mechanism under load is not exact enough. Aiming at the problem of quantitative damage and fracture mechanism of the loaded rock, this paper adopts acoustic emission (AE) to monitor the loading process of sandstone under uniaxial loading. In accordance with the characteristics of the AE signal, the loading stage of sandstone under uniaxial load is divided into three stages: initial hit stage, hit stability stage, and hit instability stage. By modifying the traditional damage model and combining the AE signals of the sandstone under the load, a modified damage mechanics model is obtained, which can fully express the entire loading stage. Furthermore, through the analysis of AE signals, the fracture mechanism of sandstone under uniaxial load is studied. The results show that the modified damage model can quantitatively describe the damage at different loading stages which include two areas including the fracture compaction closure stage and the postpeak stress stage. The failure and instability of sandstone under uniaxial load is mainly shear failure. The research results can provide a reference for the nondestructive testing of sandstone and engineering reliability in geotechnical engineering.
Xanthomicrol Exerts Antiangiogenic and Antitumor Effects in a Mouse Melanoma (B16F10) Allograft Model
Authors: Ghazizadeh Foad , Shafiei Massoumeh , Falak Reza , Panahi Mahshid , Rakhshani Naser , Ebrahimi Soltan Ahmed , Rahimi-Moghaddam Parvaneh
Published: December 2020

Xanthomicrol, a trimethoxylated hydroxyflavone, is the main active component of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss leaf extract. Preliminary in vitro studies identified this compound as a potential antiangiogenic and anticancer agent. This study aimed to evaluate in vivo anticancer effect of xanthomicrol and investigate its molecular mechanism of action in a mouse melanoma (B16F10) model. Effect of xanthomicrol on B16F10 melanoma cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. For in vivo experiments, C57BL/6 mice were inoculated subcutaneously with B16F10 cells. After five days, once daily administration of xanthomicrol, thalidomide, or vehicle was commenced and continued for 21 consecutive days. On the 26th day, blood samples and tumor biopsies were taken for subsequent molecular analysis. Xanthomicrol showed inhibitory effect on viability of B16F10 melanoma cells (IC50 value: 3.433 μg/ml). Initial tumor growth, tumor volume and weight, and angiogenesis were significantly decreased in xanthomicrol‐treated animals compared with those in vehicle group. Protein expression of phosphorylated Akt, mRNA expressions of HIF‐1α and VEGF in tumor tissues, and serum VEGF were significantly decreased in xanthomicrol‐treated animals compared with vehicle‐treated animals. Thus, xanthomicrol inhibited cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. This effect, at least in part, was exerted by interfering with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inhibiting VEGF secretion by tumor cells. Further studies are required to elucidate the exact molecular mechanisms of antitumor activity of xanthomicrol.
Response Characteristics Analysis and Fatigue Life Assessment of Asphalt Pavement around the Manhole
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zhao Quanman , Peng Can
Published: December 2020

In view of the damage of the pavement around manholes, this paper proposes an effective way to analyse the stress characteristics of the road under vehicle load and evaluate the fatigue life of the pavement around manholes. A half vehicle-road-manhole cover coupling dynamic model is established to calculate the dynamic load coefficient. According to the finite element analysis (FEA) model in ABQUS, the dynamic response characteristics of the pavement around the manhole are analysed, and the stresses under different braking force and different vehicle type are compared. In addition, the fatigue life of the pavement surface layer under different loading conditions is calculated, and three different fatigue life models are selected to analyse the influence of different factors on the fatigue life of the pavement base structure around the manhole. The results show that the fatigue life of the pavement base layer decreases with the increase of manhole subsidence value, and the fatigue life increases with the increase in thickness of the surface layer, and the change of elastic modulus of the subgrade has no obvious influence on the fatigue life of road base. Finally, a fatigue life evaluation index based on high root energy is proposed to compare the three models more intuitively. Consequently, the analysis results can provide a basis for manhole surrounding pavement design and maintenance, and the analysis method is worthy of further application in the research of pavement fatigue life under more influencing factors.
A Prediction Model of Structural Settlement Based on EMD‐SVR‐WNN
Authors: Luo Xianglong , Gan Wenjuan , Wang Lixin , Chen Yonghong , Meng Xue
Published: December 2020

Timely and accurate prediction of structural settlement is of great significance to eliminate the hidden danger of structural and prevent structural safety accidents. Since the deformation monitoring data usually is nonstationary and nonlinear, the deformation prediction is a difficult problem in the structural monitoring research. Aiming at the problems in the structural deformation prediction model and considering the internal characteristics of deformation monitoring data and the influence of different components in the data on the prediction accuracy, a combined prediction model based on the Empirical Mode Decomposition, Support Vector Regression, and Wavelet Neural Network (EMD‐SVR‐WNN) is proposed. EMD model is used to decompose the structure settlement monitoring data, and the settlement data can be effectively divided into relatively stable trend terms and residual components of random fluctuation by energy matrix. According to the different characteristics of random items and trend items, WNN and SVR methods are, respectively, used for prediction, and the final settlement prediction is obtained by integrating the prediction results. The measured ground settlement data of foundation pit in subway construction is used to test the performance of the model, and the test results show that the prediction accuracy of the combined prediction model proposed in this paper reaches 99.19%, which is 77.30% higher than the traditional SVR, WNN, and DBN‐SVR models. The experimental results show that the proposed prediction model is an effective model of structural settlement.
Negative Diffusion Weighted Imaging on Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain in Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease
Authors: Lackey Elijah , Shah-Zamora Deepal P. , Hawes Jodi , Liu Andy J.
Published: December 2020

A 76-year-old Caucasian woman initially presented to the Duke Memory Disorders clinic with a 9-month history of a rapid decline in cognitive, motor, and neuropsychiatric function. On initial presentation, the patient required assistance with activities of daily living. On neurological examination, she was found to have Gerstmann’s syndrome along with appendicular apraxia. A positional tremor was noted without myoclonus or fasciculations. She had a paucity of speech and was unable to write her own name. Snout and grasp reflexes were present. Episodes of inappropriate laughter were noted during the exam. She was admitted to the inpatient neurology service for further evaluation. The Diffusion Weighted Imaging sequence on Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brain was negative for restricted diffusion. An electroencephalogram was unremarkable. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis for Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion assay was positive along with an elevated 14-3-3 and increased total Tau protein levels. There was no family history of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. The cerebral spinal fluid results were consistent with a diagnosis of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, despite the negative MRI brain findings.
Do Morphological Changes in the Anterior Mandibular Region Interfere with Standard Implant Placement? A Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fouda Shaimaa M. , Ellakany Passant , Madi Marwa , Zakaria Osama , Al-Harbi Fahad A. , El Tantawi Maha
Published: December 2020

Objective. To determine the morphological features in the anterior mandibular region, the presence of lingual foramen and canal dimensions in Saudi subjects that would interfere with standard implant placement. Methods. CBCT scans of patients seeking implant treatment were examined. Based on the dentition status, patients were categorized into edentulous (group I) and dentulous (group I). On the panoramic view, the distance between the two mental foramina was divided into vertical segments of 10 mm width. In each segment, vertical bone height and buccolingual thickness at three levels (alveolar crest, 5 mm, and 10 mm apical to the crest) were assessed. The lingual foramen prevalence and canal features were assessed as well. Comparisons between the two groups regarding the assessed parameters were performed using the t-test. The percentage of edentulous mandibles with thickness <6 mm corresponding to the standard implant diameter was also calculated. Results. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, group I consisted of 45 subjects and group II comprised 26 subjects. Bone height and thickness at the crestal level were significantly less in edentulous (I) than dentate mandibles (II) (

P
<
0.0001

). The lingual foramen was detected in 90% of patients. In both groups, males had significantly greater mandibular height than females (

P
=
0.02

and 0.005). At the crestal level, the thickness was <6 mm in 50% of the anterior mandibular segments. Conclusion. Half of the edentulous patients may receive normal size implants in the anterior interforaminal segments, while the other half will be limited to narrow implants (3.5 mm and less). The lingual foramen location, canal size, and position may represent another limitation for implant placement in that segment.
Synchronous Occurrence of Splenic Pleomorphic Mantle Cell Lymphoma and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma with Overexpression of BCL1 Protein
Authors: Dabrowski Dominik , Silva Roberto F. , Constantinescu Michael , Shackelford Rodney E. , Dela Cruz Nestor , Wei Eric X.
Published: December 2020

Synchronous occurrences of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), or intermediate lymphocytic lymphoma, and other malignancies are rare. Such cases present diagnostic and especially therapeutic challenges, making them of particular interest to study. We report a case of synchronic MCL and an esophageal tumor in an elderly male patient. Morphologically, the tumors were classified as splenic pleomorphic MCL and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus occurring concurrently. The pleomorphic MCL mimicked diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) but lacked larger centroblast- or immunoblast-like cells. Curiously, both tumors overexpressed cyclin D1 by immunohistochemistry. This is an important feature that distinguishes MCL pathologically from two of its closest entities in the differential diagnosis: chronic lymphocytic leukemia and DLBCL, the latter of which mantle cells cannot transform into. The lymphoproliferation revealed IGH/CCND1 translocation by FISH, but the esophageal adenocarcinoma only showed CCND1 aneuploidy without break-apart signals. Since the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a common site of extranodal involvement by MCL and lymphomatous polyposis can present as GI polyps, adequate care was taken to differentiate the esophageal adenocarcinoma from advanced stagings of MCL, as well as metastatic adenocarcinoma. Despite numerous immunohistochemical stainings studied, only BCL1 was demonstrated to have partial overlap in both tumors. The patient underwent esophagectomy and splenectomy. A subsequent metastatic primary lung squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed, after which the patient expired. MCL typically presents at an advanced stage and has been deemed incurable with a prognosis of only several years. It is unclear whether the patient succumbed to complications of his MCL or the metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, he was lost to follow-up for a year and only received treatment after his third cancer was diagnosed. We have reviewed previous reports of synchronic mantle cell lymphoma and other solid tumors or hematological malignancies in the literature.
Dental Prosthetic Treatments in Cleidocranial Dysplasia: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mabrouk Yosra , Ammar Sinda , Labidi Amel , Mansour Lamia , Ghoul Sonia
Published: December 2020

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare inherited skeletal syndrome. There is no consensus regarding the dental treatment strategy. Objectives. To report a rare case of cleidocranial dysplasia and to summarize the current clinical and dental features and prosthetic treatment of similar CCD patients reported in the literature. Results. A 17-year-old girl was diagnosed with CCD. She had a short stature with the ability to bring the shoulders under the chest. All remaining teeth were deciduous except the four first molars were permanent. The maxilla was hypoplastic with a relative prognathism of the mandible. The cone-beam computed tomography examination showed a distorted and incomplete root formation of the permanent teeth. She was treated with both, complete and partial, removable overdentures. PubMed was used for the literature research using the following keys words “Cleidocranial Dysplasia”[Mesh], “Prosthodontics”[Mesh], “Dental Care”[Mesh], “cleidocranial dysostosis,” and “dental treatment.” The retention of deciduous teeth was described in the majority of cases. All the patients had supernumerary teeth. The most used treatments were dental prosthetics and orthodontics. The fixed prosthetic implant was the most used type of prosthetic treatment. Among the 15 cases who specified the type of prosthetic treatment, seven patients received removable dentures. Prosthetics was indicated especially for aged patients. Conclusion. Removable prostheses are a good solution that rapidly restores esthetics and functions. The use of implants for these patients needs to be validated by a long-term follow-up.
Suppressive Effects of the Gynura bicolor Ether Extract on Endothelial Permeability and Leukocyte Transmigration in Human Endothelial Cells Induced by TNF‐α
Authors: Hsieh Shu-Ling , Wang Jyh-Jye , Su Kuan-Hua , Kuo Ying-Lan , Hsieh Shuchen , Wu Chih-Chung
Published: December 2020

Gynura bicolor (Roxb. and Willd.) DC (G. bicolor) is generally used as a dietary vegetable and traditional herb in Taiwan and the Far East. G. bicolor exerts antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects and regulates blood lipids and cholesterol. However, the effects of G. bicolor on endothelial transmigration and atherosclerosis are not clear. The present study investigated the effects of G. bicolor on endothelial permeability and transmigration in human endothelial cells. We prepared G. bicolor ether extract (GBEE) for use as the experimental material. Under TNF‐α stimulation, HL‐60 cell adherence to EA.hy926 cells, the shape of EA.hy926 cells, and the expression of adhesion molecules and transmigration‐related regulatory molecules were analysed after pretreatment with GBEE for 24 h. GBEE inhibited leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, reduced intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1) expressions, and decreased endothelial monolayer permeability. GBEE also reduced paracellular transmigration by reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Src phosphorylation, and vascular endothelial‐cadherin (VE‐cadherin) phosphorylation. GBEE reduced transcellular migration via inhibition of Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and Rho‐associated protein kinase (ROCK) expression and phosphorylation of the ezrin‐radixin‐moesin (ERM) protein. Incubation of EA.hy926 cells with GBEE for 8 h and stimulation with TNF‐α for 3 h reduced the phosphorylation of the inhibitor of kappa B (IĸB) and DNA‐binding activity of nuclear factor‐ĸB (NF‐ĸB). These results suggest that GBEE has a protective effect against endothelial dysfunction via suppression of leukocyte‐endothelium adhesion and transmigration.
Complex Phenotypic Presentation of Syndromic Hearing Loss Deciphered as Three Separate Clinical Entities: How Genetic Testing Guides Final Diagnosis
Authors: Bałdyga Natalia , Sarosiak Anna , Oziębło Dominika , Furmanek Mariusz , Szulborski Kamil , Szaflik Jacek P. , Skarżyński Henryk , Ołdak Monika
Published: December 2020

Background: Genetically determined prelingual hearing loss (HL) may occur in an isolated or syndromic form. Objective: The aim of the study was to unravel the genetic cause of medical problems in a 21-year-old woman, whose phenotypic presentation extended beyond Stickler syndrome and included enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) and persistent microhematuria. Methods and Results: After sequencing of clinical exome, a known de novo COL2A1 pathogenic variant (c.1833+1G>A, p.?) causative for Stickler syndrome and one paternally inherited pathogenic change in COL4A5 (c.1871G>A, p.Gly624Asp) causative for X-linked Alport syndrome were found. No pathogenic variants, including those within the SLC26A4 5′ region (Caucasian EVA haplotype), explaining the development of EVA, were identified. Conclusions: The study reveals a multilocus genomic variation in one individual and provides a molecular diagnosis of two HL syndromes that co-occur in the proband independent of each other. For the third entity, EVA, no etiological factor was identified. Our data emphasize the relevance of detailed clinical phenotyping for accurate genotype interpretation. Focus on broadening the phenotypic spectrum of known genetic syndromes may actually obscure patients with multiple molecular diagnoses.
Hepatic Steatosis Is Associated with Elevated Serum Iron in Patients with Obesity and Improves after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Ma Bingwei , Sun Hang , Zhu Bing , Wang Shilin , Du Lei , Wang Xingchun , Qu Shen
Published: December 2020

Background: Iron is closely related to metabolism. However, the relationship between iron and hepatic steatosis has not been fully elucidated. Objective: We aimed to investigate the triangular relationship between iron and hepatic steatosis and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients with obesity. Methods: A total of 297 patients with obesity and 43 healthy individuals with a normal BMI were enrolled. Eighty-two patients underwent LSG. Anthropometrics, glucose-lipid metabolic markers, and hepatic steatosis assessed by FibroScan (CAP value and E value) were measured at baseline, and again at follow-up time intervals of 6 months and 1 year after surgery. Results: (1) Iron was significantly higher in patients with obesity or overweight than in the individuals with normal BMI (8.18 ± 1.47 vs. 7.46 ± 0.99 mmol/L, p = 0.002). Iron was also higher in subjects with high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia than non-corresponding disorders (all p < 0.05). Moreover, iron was significantly higher in the severe than mild or moderate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) group (p = 0.046 and 0.018). (2) Iron was positively associated with body weight, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, uric acid, liver enzymes, postprandial blood glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, free fatty acid, and hepatic steatosis (CAP value), and negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all p < 0.05). Iron was also positively associated with the visceral adipose area in patients with obesity and negatively associated with the subcutaneous adipose area in patients with overweight (all p < 0.05). (3) Iron levels and CAP values were decreased gradually 6 months and 1 year after surgery (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, our results indicated that iron is associated with hepatic steatosis in obesity. The iron level was significantly higher in patients with severe NAFLD than with mild or moderate NAFLD. LSG may reduce iron levels while improving fat deposition in the liver.
Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy Display Differences in DNA Methylation and Gene Expression
Authors: Wei Min , Meng Sijun , Shi Sufang , Liu Lijun , Zhou Xujie , Lv Jicheng , Zhu Li , Zhang Hong
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis. It involves both genetic and environmental factors, among which DNA methylation, the most studied epigenetic modification, was shown to play a role. Here, we assessed genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression profiles in 2 pairs of IgAN-discordant monozygotic (MZ) twins, in order to characterize methylation changes and their potential influences on gene expression in IgAN. Methods: Genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression profiles were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from 2 IgAN-discordant MZ twins. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected, and an integrated analysis was performed. Finally, functional enrichment analysis was done for DMR-associated genes and DEGs. Results: Totally 521 DMRs were detected for 2 IgAN-discordant MZ twins. Among them, 9 DMRs were found to be mapped to genes that differentially expressed in 2 MZ twins, indicating the potential regulatory mechanisms of expression for these 9 genes (MNDA, DYSF, IL1R2, TLR6, TREML2, TREM1, IL32, S1PR5, and ADGRE3) in IgAN. Biological process analysis of them showed that they were mostly involved in the immune system process. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs and DMR-associated genes both identified multiple pathways relevant to inflammatory and immune responses. And DMR-associated genes were significantly enriched in terms related to T-cell function. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that changes in DNA methylation patterns were involved in the pathogenesis of IgAN. Nine target genes detected in our study may provide new ideas for the exploration of molecular mechanisms of IgAN.
Individual Physical Activity Behaviour and Group Composition as Determinants of the Effectiveness of a Childhood Obesity Intervention Program
Authors: Lier Liesa Marie , Breuer Christoph , Ferrari Nina , Friesen David , Maisonave Fernanda , Schmidt Nikola , Graf Christine
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Up to now, there is limited clarity on factors that determine the effectiveness of childhood obesity interventions. Objective: This study intends to uncover individual- and program-level predictors of BMI-SDS and fitness to achieve significant, sustainable health improvements. Methods: Data of 249 children with obesity or overweight who participated in an outpatient multidisciplinary program were analysed and compared to 54 waitlist controls. Linear regression models were used to examine associations between individual- and group-level variables and BMI-SDS and fitness. Results: Among intervention children, BMI-SDS decreased by 0.19 units and physical fitness increased by 11.5%, versus a BMI-SDS decrease of 0.07 and a 1.8% decrease in fitness in the control group. Participants who reported being physically active before the program start achieved greater improvements in BMI-SDS (β = –0.177, p < 0.05) and physical fitness (β = 0.174, p < 0.05) than inactive peers. BMI-SDS decreased significantly more for members of gender-heterogeneous groups (β = 0.194, p < 0.05) with a narrow age range (β = 0.152, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The program under review is effective in counteracting juvenile obesity. The results give reason to believe that forming mixed-gender groups with a small age range and providing increased support for reportedly inactive children may improve program effectiveness.