bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of respiratory symptoms and health‐related quality of life with peramivir in influenza patients with chronic respiratory disease: Additional outcomes of a randomized, open‐label study
Authors: Kato Motokazu , Saisho Yutaka , Tanaka Hiroshi , Bando Takuma
Published: March 2021

Background

To compare peramivir 300 mg single‐dose, peramivir 600 mg repeat‐dose, and oseltamivir effects on health‐related quality of life, including respiratory symptoms and general conditions, time to symptom alleviation, time to fever resolution, incidence of exacerbations, and virus titer, in influenza patients with chronic respiratory disease.

Methods

We report additional outcomes from a 2‐week, multicenter, randomized, open‐label study in Japan (UMIN000030118). Influenza patients with chronic respiratory disease received intravenous peramivir (300 mg single‐dose [n = 66], 600 mg repeat‐dose [600 mg/d of 2 consecutive days; n = 70]) or oral oseltamivir (75 mg twice daily, 5 days; n = 72). The principal endpoint of this analysis was change from baseline to Day 14 at each time point in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT) scores.

Results

Both peramivir regimens reduced total CAT score at Day 3 more than oseltamivir (peramivir 600 mg vs oseltamivir, P = .0032; peramivir 300 mg vs oseltamivir, P = .0203). Cough/phlegm CAT scores were most improved with peramivir 600 mg. Median time to alleviation of three respiratory symptoms was longer with peramivir 600 mg (68.9 hours) than with peramivir 300 mg (50.6 hours, hazard ratio [HR] 1.57; P = .0191) and shorter with peramivir 300 mg than oseltamivir (78.8 hours, HR 0.62; P = .0141). Alleviation of seven influenza symptoms and fever resolution was shortest with peramivir 300 mg.

Conclusions

Rapid improvement in CAT score, including cough, and shorter time to alleviation of respiratory symptoms associated with peramivir is of potential benefit to patients with chronic respiratory disease.
Different effects of morning and nocturnal hypertension on target organ damage in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Li Xue , Ke Jianting , Chen Xiaoqiu , Yin Mengmeng , Lou Tanqi , Zhang Jun , Peng Hui , Wang Cheng
Published: March 2021

Both morning hypertension (MH) and nocturnal hypertension (NH) are associated with severe target organ damage in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the isolated or combined effects of MH and NH on target organ damage are less well‐defined. A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 2386 non‐dialysis CKD patients with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The authors categorized patients into four groups based on the presence or absence of MH and NH. Multivariate logistic analyses were used to evaluate the correlation between hypertension subtypes and target organ damage, including left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), abnormal carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT), low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and albuminuria. The percentages of isolated MH, isolated NH, and combined MH and NH were 2.3%, 24.0%, and 49.3%, respectively. Compared to patients without MH and NH, isolated MH was only related to low eGFR (2.26 [95% confidence interval: 1.00–5.09]) and albuminuria (2.17 [95% CI: 1.03–4.54]). Meanwhile, combined MH and NH group compared to the group without MH and NH had a higher risk of LVH (2.87 [95% CI: 2.01–4.09]), abnormal CIMT (2.01 [95% CI: 1.47–2.75]), low eGFR (3.18 [95% CI: 2.23–4.54]), and albuminuria (1.79 [95% CI: 1.33–2.40]), even in patients without daytime hypertension. The risk of cardiovascular and renal damage was also observed in the isolated NH group. In conclusion, morning hypertension is associated with kidney dysfunction and has combined effects with nocturnal hypertension on cardiovascular damage in chronic kidney disease patients.
TNFAIP8 regulates gastric cancer growth via mTOR‐Akt‐ULK1 pathway and autophagy signals
Authors: Chen Zheng , Zhang Jianguo , Dong Chenyang , Li Dongsheng , Yin Yuehan , Yu Wenhai , Chen Yuezhi
Published: March 2021

In this study, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of TNFAIP8 in gastric cancer (GC). The expression of TNFAIP8 was detected by RT‐PCR or western blot . TNFAIP8 was silenced or overexpressed in two cell lines. CCK‐8 assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry were used to analyse cell viability, cell invasion capability and apoptosis, respectively. Nude mice were inoculated with TNFAIP8 silencing or overexpressing cells to form transplanted tumours. HE staining and immunohistochemistry assay were performed to assess histopathological changes in tumours. We found that the mRNA and protein expression of TNFAIP8 were significantly up‐regulated in GC tumour tissues and cells compared with the normal counterparts. Overexpression of TNFAIP8 in GC cells increased cell viability, decreased apoptosis and promoted the cell migration ability. Meanwhile, increased expression of TNFAIP8 promoted autophagy, while inhibiting mTOR‐Akt‐ULK1 signal pathway. In conclusions, this study presents data that TNFAIP8 inhibits GC cells presumably by down‐regulating mTOR‐Akt‐ULK1 signal pathway and activating autophagy signal.
The application of individualized abutment‐crown integrated provisional restoration in optimizing the peri‐implant soft tissue contour in the esthetic zone
Authors: Zhuang Jiabao , Wang Yingying , Song Yingshuang , Qu Fang , Xu Chun
Published: March 2021

Objective

This article introduced a modified method to fabricate an individualized abutment‐crown integrated provisional restoration for single‐tooth implant restoration in the esthetic zone, which created a satisfactory peri‐implant soft tissue architecture.

Clinical considerations

Three months after the implant placement, the individualized abutment‐crown integrated provisional restoration was designed and fabricated in the laboratory, by referring to the profile of natural contra‐lateral tooth digitally, and seated on the implant afterwards. The peri‐implant soft tissue architecture was evaluated and the Pink Esthetic Score (PES) was recorded. The provisional restoration stayed on the implant for 3 months until the individualized definitive ceramic abutment and crown were fixed on the implant.

Conclusions

This protocol provided an alternative solution for shaping the peri‐implant soft tissue morphology in the esthetic zone by using an individualized abutment‐crown integrated provisional restoration and showed promising effect on the esthetics of anterior single‐tooth implant restoration.

Clinical significance

The individualized abutment‐crown integrated provisional restoration whose emergence profile mirroring that of the natural contra‐lateral tooth, was designed with the help of computer‐aided design‐manufacture (CAD/CAM). It may help shaping the peri‐implant soft tissue in the esthetic zone with merits of saving amount of hand labor of technicians as well as clinicians, and reducing the visits of patients.
Investigation of the relationship between alopecia areata and inflammatory blood parameters
Authors: Dere Göktürk , Gündoğdu Mustafa
Published: March 2021

Aim

Alopecia areata (AA) is an inflammatory condition that causes regional shedding without scarring on the hair or eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard. In studies conducted, it has been concluded that platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV) are significant indicators of systemic inflammation in various diseases. In the present study, our aim was to examine these parameters in AA patients and to investigate their relationship with the disease.

Materials and Methods

A total of 135 AA patients and 135 healthy controls who did not have any systemic, inflammatory, infectious, or autoimmune diseases were included in this study. Demographic characteristics and complete blood count (CBC) results were analyzed retrospectively and recorded, and statistical analysis was performed.

Results

PLR, NLR, and MPV values were not differ between AA patients and the control group.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that PLR, NLR, and MPV values are not convenient parameters to show inflammatory response in AA.
Temporomandibular disorder–related characteristics and treatment outcomes in Oromandibular Dystonia patients in two different clinical settings: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sude Asha , Matsumoto Joseph , Kaimal Shanti , Petersen Ashley , Nixdorf Donald R.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Clinical presentation of oromandibular dystonia (OMD) is variable that can be further complicated by the presence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms. We sought to evaluate variations in the clinical presentation of OMD patients, particularly TMD‐related characteristics, in two clinical settings.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study design, a Web‐based data collection survey was provided to eligible patients with OMD from movement disorder (MD) and oro‐facial pain (OFP) clinics. The survey questionnaire was designed to collect information on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation particularly related to TMD, quality of life and treatment outcomes. Validated questionnaires were used when available such as the TMD Pain Screener, EuroQol 5‐Dimensions 5‐Levels (EQ‐5D‐5L), Jaw Functional Limitation Scale and Global Rating of Change Scale.

Results

Of 53 eligible patients, 31 responded to the survey for a 58% response rate. Forty‐eight per cent of patients in the MD clinic and 60% of patients in the OFP clinic reported jaw pain along with involuntary movements. Of those, 90% from the MD group and 83% from the OFP group screened positive with the TMD Pain Screener at the onset of symptoms based on recall. Positive TMD Pain Screener response was observed in about 40% of patients in both clinics within 30 days of questionnaire response. No statistically significant differences were observed between two groups for any measured variables.

Conclusion

Patients with OMD have features of TMD, irrespective of the clinical setting in which they seek and receive care. OMD patients from both clinics were similar in terms of clinical presentation, quality of life and treatment outcomes.
Resveratrol enhances bone formation by modulating inflammation in the mouse periodontitis model
Authors: Adhikari Nirpesh , Prasad Aryal Yam , Jung Jae‐Kwang , Ha Jung‐Hong , Choi So‐Young , Kim Ji‐Youn , Lee Tae‐Hoon , Kim Sang‐Hyun , Yamamoto Hitoshi , Suh Jo‐Young , An Chang‐Hyeon , Lee Youngkyun , Sohn Wern‐Joo , An Seo‐Young , Kim Jae‐Young
Published: March 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effect of resveratrol on periodontal bone regeneration after local delivery and to determine its effect on inflammatory mediators.

Background

Resveratrol is considered an anti‐inflammatory polyphenolic stilbene involved in the modulation of inflammation.

Materials and Methods

Periodontitis was induced in mouse molars using a 5‐day ligature model followed by the left second molar extraction and 50 µM resveratrol treatment for 1 and 2 weeks. We then examined specimens treated for 1 week histologically and with immunostaining. Microfocus‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) was used to examine the bone volume formation.

Results

After 1 week of treatment, proinflammatory cytokine levels (TNF‐alpha and IL6), cells exhibiting neutrophil and macrophage marker (MPO), cell proliferation marker (Ki67), and preosteoblastic marker (RUNX2) reactivity decreased in the resveratrol‐treated specimens compared to the control group. In contrast, we observed a higher number of CD31‐, F4/80‐, and osteocalcin‐ (OCN‐) positive cells in the resveratrol‐treated specimens. After 2 weeks, micro‐CT confirmed an increased bone mass in the region of the extraction socket in the resveratrol‐treated group.

Conclusion

After 1 week, the resveratrol‐treated specimens revealed evidence of inflammation modulation compared to the control group. These data suggest that resveratrol not only affects inflammation control but also is useful for treating periodontitis‐related tissue defects and bone regeneration.
Regional disparity in the axial skeleton of Saurichthyidae and implications for axial regionalization in non‐teleostean actinopterygians
Authors: Maxwell E. E. , Romano C. , Wu F.‐X.
Published: March 2021

The postcranial axial skeleton of actinopterygian fishes is typically divided into three regions: (1) an anterior abdominal region, (2) a posterior caudal region and (3) those vertebrae supporting the caudal fin. However, in some actinopterygians, the axial skeleton is more finely subdivided, with up to six morphologically distinct sub‐regions recognized. Phylogenetic continuity and homology of structures across these sub‐regions have not been investigated in detail, either between or among groups. We examine variation in axial regionalization in saurichthyid fishes, a clade of extinct non‐teleostean actinopterygians with highly variable axial skeletal morphology but an otherwise conservative body plan, and compare these findings to other non‐teleostean actinopterygians to assess conservation of a regionalized axial skeleton within bony fishes. We document up to eight distinct regions in the vertebral column of Triassic Saurichthys: (1) a postoccipital region, (2) an anterior and (3) a posterior abdominal region, (4) a transitional region spanning the abdominal–caudal boundary, (5) an anterior and (6) a posterior caudal region and (7) preural and (8) ural regions. Based on taphonomical and morphological evidence, the transitional region appears to function in axial stiffening in the area of the median fins, whereas the abdominal region is highly flexible. The degree to which these axial regions are osteologically differentiated is highly variable across Saurichthyidae, implying iterative evolution of differentiation and de‐differentiation over relatively short geological timescales. Such variably expressed regionalization was also identified in the outgroup non‐teleostean actinopterygians Birgeria and Australosomus. Despite variation in morphological disparity, the regions identified in saurichthyids correlate well with those documented in some teleosts and Paleozoic actinopterygians, suggesting potential deep patterning homology but independent evolution of specific regionalized axial morphologies in response to changing functional demands.
Hepatic steatosis and hepatic iron overload modify the association of iron markers with glucose metabolism disorders and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Pitchika Anitha , Kühn Jens‐Peter , Schipf Sabine , Nauck Matthias , Dörr Marcus , Lerch Markus M. , Kromrey Marie‐Luise , Felix Stephan B. , Markus Marcello R. P. , Rathmann Wolfgang , Völzke Henry , Ittermann Till
Published: March 2021

Background

Iron status has been linked with impaired glucose metabolism (IGM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS), but the role of hepatic steatosis or iron overload on these associations remains uncertain.

Methods

We analysed data from 2310 participants without known T2DM of the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP‐TREND, Germany) through logistic regression models. We tested additive and multiplicative interactions between ferritin and hepatic steatosis or iron overload.

Results

Serum ferritin was positively associated with IGM (OR per 100 µg/L: 1.11 [1.01, 1.23]), T2DM (OR per 100 µg/L: 1.20 [1.06, 1.36]) and MetS (OR per 100 µg/L: 1.11 [1.02, 1.20]) in the total population as well as in participants without hepatic iron overload. However, the synergistic effect of higher ferritin concentrations and hepatic iron overload showed stronger associations with IGM and T2DM. Similarly, while ferritin was positively associated with T2DM and MetS even in the absence of hepatic steatosis, the synergistic effect of higher ferritin concentrations and hepatic steatosis showed stronger associations with IGM, T2DM and MetS. Transferrin was associated with isolated impaired glucose tolerance but not with T2DM and MetS.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that ferritin may be associated with glucose metabolism disorders and MetS even in people without hepatic steatosis or iron overload. However, in individuals with higher ferritin concentrations, the presence of hepatic steatosis may indicate stronger risk for glucose metabolism disorders and MetS, while the presence of hepatic iron overload may indicate stronger risk only for glucose metabolism disorders.
Osteoinductive function of fucoidan on periodontal ligament stem cells: Role of PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathways
Authors: Shim Na Young , Ryu Jae‐In , Heo Jung Sun
Published: March 2021

Background/Objectives

Fucoidan has been focused as a multifunctional therapeutic uses including bone health supplements. However, the critical molecular mechanisms of fucoidan for bone therapeutic agents have not been fully understood. We investigated the osteoinductive effect of fucoidan on periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and how this polymer encouraged PDLSC osteogenesis.

Materials and Methods

Osteogenic induction of PDLSCs was processed by culturing cells with fucoidan treatment. Osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs was verified by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, matrix mineralization assay, intracellular calcium levels, and mRNA expression and protein levels of osteogenic markers.

Results

Fucoidan treatment showed higher osteogenic activity in the PDLSCs than the control groups. PDLSCs with fucoidan also presented increased levels of the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) isoforms, p110α and p110γ compared to control cells. The phosphorylation of Akt, a PI3K downstream effector, was significantly increased at 90 min of fucoidan induction. Expression of β‐catenin, a coactivator of canonical Wnt pathways, was increased in PDLSCs with fucoidan. β‐catenin was found to link with PI3K activation during the fucoidan stimulation. When cells were blocked by PI3K inhibitor or β‐catenin‐specific siRNA, fucoidan‐induced osteogenic activity of PDLSCs was significantly attenuated.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the fucoidan stimulates osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs via the PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways.
Quantitative trait loci and candidate genes responsible for pale green flesh colour in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
Authors: Pei Shuang , Liu Zheng , Wang Xuezheng , Luan Feishi , Dai Zuyun , Yang Zhongzhou , Zhang Qian , Liu Shi
Published: March 2021

Flesh colour is an important trait that affects the nutritional value, consumer preference, and breeder selection of fruits. In this study, we developed an F2 population derived from crossing the parental lines ZXG1555 (pale green flesh) and Cream of Saskatchewan (short for ‘COS’; pale yellow flesh) to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and predict candidate genes that determine flesh colour and chlorophyll content. We found a major effective QTL (qfc10.1) region harbouring 22 annotated genes related to pale green flesh colour and chlorophyll content in the same region (~519 kb) on chromosome 10. Two Kompetitive Allele‐Specific PCR (KASP) markers were developed based on two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate gene Cla97C10G185970 annotated as plastid lipid‐associated protein, which exhibited a high correlation of pale green and non‐pale green flesh fruits according to the genotype results. The findings of this study provide a fundamental basis for further fine mapping and functional analyses of candidate genes associated with pale green flesh colour in watermelon.
A novel STAT3 mutation associated with hyper immunoglobulin E syndrome with a paucity of connective tissue signs
Authors: Yoshida Yoichiro , Nagamori Tsunehisa , Takahashi Hironori , Ishibazawa Emi , Shimada Sorachi , Kawai Toshinao , Azuma Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

Background

A heterozygous mutation of STAT3 causes autosomal dominant hyper immunoglobulin E (IgE) syndrome; however, there are still many unclear points regarding the clinical spectrum of this syndrome.

Methods

In addition to a clinical description of patients in terms of pedigree, a genetic analysis, quantitation of peripheral blood Th17 and ex vivo IL‐17 production were carried out.

Results

The proband, a 2‐year‐old boy (Patient 1) with early onset atopic dermatitis‐like eczema and recurrent bacterial infections, was suspected of autosomal dominant hyper immunoglobulin E syndrome on the basis of his symptoms and family history. His mother (Patient 2) also had skin eczema and recurrent bacterial infections, and his sister (Patient 3) had skin eczema. A novel STAT3 mutation (p.S476F) was detected in all three patients, but not in the father, who had no such symptoms. A significant decrease in peripheral blood Th17 subsets and IL‐17 production was found in all the patients. Curiously, all three patients carrying the p.S476F mutation in STAT3 lacked connective tissue signs such as distinctive facial features, retention of primary teeth, and joint hyperextensibility.

Conclusions

Autosomal dominant hyper IgE syndrome should, perhaps, be considered even if patients lack connective tissue signs, as long as hypersensitivity to infection and skin manifestations with hyper IgE are present.
Obesity and febrile urinary tract infection in young children
Authors: Okada Mari , Kijima Emi , Yamamura Haruka , Nakatani Hisae , Yokoyama Haruna , Imai Masako , Suzuki Natsuko , Oshiba Akihiro , Nagasawa Masayuki
Published: March 2021

Background

Obesity is a risk factor for infectious diseases. However, the relationship between obesity and febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) is controversial. This study aimed to determine the relationship between obesity and fUTI in young children.

Methods

We analyzed the medical records of children aged <2 years who were admitted to our hospital because of fever between April 2013 to March 2018. The children were categorized into three groups of non‐obese, overweight, and obese according to the World Health Organization weight‐for‐length curves for children aged <2 years.

Results

A total of 600 patients were enrolled in this study, of whom 118 were diagnosed with first fUTI. Patients in the fUTI group were younger than those in the control group (patients who were diagnosed with other febrile diseases) (5 ± 5.11 vs 11 ± 6.53 months; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the populations of overweight and obese children between the fUTI and control groups. In the fUTI group, the duration of fever, types of pathogen, recurrent rate, the grades of vesicoureteral reflux, and renal scarring were not associated with obesity. The white blood cell count and C‐reactive protein levels were not significantly different among the three weight‐for‐length categories. The same results were obtained when the fUTI group was compared with an age‐matched control group (n = 192, 4 ± 2.55 months old; P = 0.261).

Conclusions

Obesity is not a significant risk factor for fUTI in febrile hospitalized young children. Our study suggests that conducting urinalysis for febrile young children without obvious sources, irrespective of obesity, should be considered.
Childhood mental health and adult family relationships: How ADHD shapes experiences with intimate unions and parenthood
Authors: Kroeger Rhiannon A.
Published: March 2021

Increasingly recognized as a chronic condition that can endure across the life course, childhood attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with less stable family formation and more strain around intimate unions (dating, cohabitation and marriage) and parenthood. This article reviews and evaluates multidisciplinary research on childhood ADHD, intimate unions and parenthood, with the purpose of motivating future sociological research in this area. The paper is organized into three general sections. First, I provide an overview of information on ADHD including its diagnosis and treatment, cross‐disciplinary etiologies, and sociodemographic correlates. Next, I blend sociological perspectives on labeling and stigma, social stress, and the life course to consider the role of ADHD‐related stigma in shaping associations of childhood ADHD with family formation processes (intimate unions and parenthood) and family functioning (relationship quality and communication) in adulthood. Finally, I discuss opportunities for future sociological research on childhood ADHD and adult family relationships that have the potential to contribute both to empirical research on childhood ADHD and adult family relationships, as well as to sociological research at the intersection of family and health.
nMAT3 is an essential maturase splicing factor required for holo‐complex I biogenesis and embryo development in Arabidopsis thaliana plants
Authors: Shevtsov‐Tal Sofia , Best Corinne , Matan Roei , Chandran Sam A. , Brown Gregory G. , Ostersetzer‐Biran Oren
Published: March 2021

Group‐II introns are self‐splicing mobile genetic elements consisting of catalytic intron‐RNA and its related intron‐encoded splicing maturase protein cofactor. Group‐II sequences are particularly plentiful within the mitochondria of land plants, where they reside within many critical gene loci. During evolution, the plant organellar introns have degenerated, such as they lack regions that are are required for splicing, and also lost their evolutionary related maturase proteins. Instead, for their splicing the organellar introns in plants rely on different host‐acting protein cofactors, which may also provide a means to link cellular signals with respiratory functions. The nuclear genome of Arabidopsis thaliana encodes four maturase‐related factors. Previously, we showed that three of the maturases, nMAT1, nMAT2 and nMAT4, function in the excision of different group‐II introns in Arabidopsis mitochondria. The function of nMAT3 (encoded by the At5g04050 gene locus) was found to be essential during early embryogenesis. Using a modified embryo‐rescue method, we show that nMAT3‐knockout plants are strongly affected in the splicing of nad1 introns 1, 3 and 4 in Arabidopsis mitochondria, resulting in complex‐I biogenesis defects and altered respiratory activities. Functional complementation of nMAT3 restored the organellar defects and embryo‐arrested phenotypes associated with the nmat3 mutant line. Notably, nMAT3 and nMA4 were found to act on the same RNA targets but have no redundant functions in the splicing of nad1 transcripts. The two maturases, nMAT3 and nMAT4 are likely to cooperate together in the maturation of nad1 pre‐RNAs. Our results provide important insights into the roles of maturases in mitochondria gene expression and the biogenesis of the respiratory system during early plant life.
Stress Coefficients for Rotating Disks of Conical Profile
Authors: Bisshopp K. E.
Published: March 2021

The solution of this problem involves calculations with infinite series which satisfy a hypergeometric differential equation of exponent difference 2. Numerical evaluation of the coefficients is facilitated by employing the linear relations between the hypergeometric functions of arguments x and 1 − x. These linear relations are derived by an elementary method, which it is believed, has not been described heretofore in engineering literature. The formulas obtained by this method were used to compile tables of the hypergeometric function and the related stress coefficients for various values of Poisson’s ratio. The application of these stress coefficients to an illustrative example which had been calculated with a system of uniform disks clearly shows the advantages obtainable with a system of conical profiles.
Second Law of Thermodynamics for Changes of State and Quantity of Working Substance With Particular Reference to Steam Engines
Authors: Zerkowitz G.
Published: March 2021

For many years the author had devoted increased attention and study to the problems of the change of state and quantity of thermal working substances. These thermal processes particularly occur in piston engines, e.g., in steam engines during admission and release, in internal-combustion engines in the exhaust, and in compressors during the inlet to and the outlet from the cylinder. In turboengines they also can play a part, e.g., in gas turbines with explosion chambers, such as the Holtzwarth turbine. In the author’s former essay numerous instances based on the first law of thermodynamics have been dealt with whereas, in this paper, first some other applications of the first law of thermodynamics and then the formulation of the second law of thermodynamics for changes of state and quantity will be presented. Particular attention will be devoted to the thermodynamic aspect of the entropy diagrams dealing with variable quantities, and the sources of errors which may occur when using such diagrams.
An Investigation of the Cross-Spring Pivot
Authors: Young W. E.
Published: March 2021

It is the purpose of this paper to describe the characteristics of the cross-spring pivot, or elastic hinge, for large deflection angles. Design formulas are established for certain standard forms of the two-spring pivot on the basis of experimental results. Formulas are developed for the spring constant, bending stress, and motion of the pivot point; their application is illustrated by an example. A comparison of the various pivots, when used in lever systems, is made, and suggestions for the design of two-spring pivots are included.
The Bending of the Clamped Sectorial Plate
Authors: Carrier G. F.
Published: March 2021

The problem of evaluating the bending moments, existing in a uniformly loaded clamped plate having the form of a sector of a ring, is one which arises in connection with the stress analysis of reinforced piston heads and in other design problems. In this paper, expressions are derived for the bending moments along the edges of such a plate. Similar problems, i.e., those of the clamped rectangular plate under uniform pressure, under a central concentrated load, and that of the simply supported sector of a disk under uniform pressure, have been discussed by previous authors. The general approach used in the foregoing problems is adopted in the present case; a considerable reduction in the computational work is achieved, however, by the use of an integral-equation method of solving the boundary-condition equations. Numerical results are obtained for plates of various dimensions, and the edge moment distributions are plotted for these cases. Curves are also plotted which indicate the relationship existing between the maximum bending moments derived for sectorial plates and those previously obtained for clamped rectangular plates of similar size.
Equivalent Circuits of the Elastic Field
Authors: Kron Gabriel
Published: March 2021

This paper presents equivalent circuits representing the partial differential equations of the theory of elasticity for bodies of arbitrary shapes. Transient, steady-state, or sinusoidally oscillating elastic-field phenomena may now be studied, within any desired degree of accuracy, either by a “network analyzer,” or by numerical- and analytical-circuit methods. Such problems are the propagation of elastic waves, determination of the natural frequencies of vibration of elastic bodies, or of stresses and strains in steady-stressed states. The elastic body may be non-homogeneous, may have arbitrary shape and arbitrary boundary conditions, it may rotate at a uniform angular velocity and may, for representation, be divided into blocks of uneven length in different directions. The circuits are developed to handle both two- and three-dimensional phenomena. They are expressed in all types of orthogonal curvilinear reference frames in order to simplify the boundary relations and to allow the solution of three-dimensional problems with axial and other symmetry by the use of only a two-dimensional network. Detailed circuits are given for the important cases of axial symmetry, cylindrical co-ordinates (two-dimensional) and rectangular co-ordinates (two- and three-dimensional). Nonlinear stress-strain relations in the plastic range may be handled by a step-by-step variation of the circuit constants. Nonisotropic bodies and nonorthogonal reference frames, however, require an extension of the circuits given. The circuits for steady-state stress and small oscillation phenomena require only inductances and capacitors, while the circuits for transients require also standard (not ideal) transformers. A companion paper deals in detail with numerical and experimental methods to solve the equivalent circuits.
Coordinated Control of Flexible Cables With Human-Like Dual Manipulators
Authors: Lv Naijing , Liu Jianhua , Jia Yunyi
Published: March 2021

Due to the flexibility and high degrees-of-freedom of flexible cables, their dynamic modeling and precise control are challenging. In this paper, the dynamic modeling and control of flexible cables with human-like dual manipulators are studied to deploy them on a plane and form the desired shapes automatically. First, we establish a dynamic model of flexible cables based on a discrete elastic rod model. This model can simulate their stretching, bending, and twisting deformations. Then, we consider the collisions, contacts, and frictions between the flexible cables and the plane, add kinematic constraints to the model, and finally obtain an implementable dynamic solution of the model. Next, we propose dynamic control schemes including parallel dual-arm control and coordinated dual-arm control to deploy the flexible cables on a plane and form the desired shapes for dual-arm controls. Finally, experimental and simulation studies are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the dynamic model and the validity of the control schemes. The results show that the model can successfully demonstrate the deformations of flexible cables, and the proposed control schemes can successfully manipulate flexible cables in different tasks.
Plant and Controller Optimization for Power and Energy Systems With Model Predictive Control
Authors: Docimo Donald J. , Kang Ziliang , James Kai A. , Alleyne Andrew G.
Published: March 2021

This article explores the optimization of plant characteristics and controller parameters for electrified mobility. Electrification of mobile transportation systems, such as automobiles and aircraft, presents the ability to improve key performance metrics such as efficiency and cost. However, the strong bidirectional coupling between electrical and thermal dynamics within new components creates integration challenges, increasing component degradation, and reducing performance. Diminishing these issues requires novel plant designs and control strategies. The electrified mobility literature provides prior studies on plant and controller optimization, known as control co-design (CCD). A void within these studies is the lack of model predictive control (MPC), recognized to manage multi-domain dynamics for electrified systems, within CCD frameworks. This article addresses this through three contributions. First, a thermo-electromechanical hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain model is developed that is suitable for both plant optimization and MPC. Second, simultaneous plant and controller optimization is performed for this multi-domain system. Third, MPC is integrated within a CCD framework using the candidate HEV powertrain model. Results indicate that optimizing both the plant and MPC parameters simultaneously can reduce physical component sizes by over 60% and key performance metric errors by over 50%.
Parabelbella (Paradyobelba) elchacoensis subgen. nov., sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Damaeidae), an unusual representative of the genus from Ecuador

Authors: Miko Ladislav , Ermilov Sergey G.
Published: March 2021

A new oribatid mite subgenus, Parabelbella (Paradyobelba) subgen. nov. (Oribatida, Damaeidae), characterized by unusual tubercular anterior propodolateral apophyse PA in combination with tubercular  apophyses P, Sa and Sp, with type species Parabelbella (Paradyobelba) elchacoensis sp. nov., is proposed and described from Ecuador. The relations between genera Parabelbella and Dyobelba are discussed on the background of two major lineages within Dameidae. Parabelbella dimidiaspina Xie, Yan & Yang, 2013 is recombined in Dyobelba.
What if Biden wins?
Authors: Malakoff David
Published: March 2021

A new president will have vast authority to rapidly shift science policy, but will confront obstacles beyond his control.
Macrobdella decora
: Old World Leech Gut Microbial Community Structure Conserved in a New World Leech
Authors: McClure Emily Ann , Nelson Michael C. , Lin Amy , Graf Joerg
Published: March 2021

Building evidence implicates the gut microbiome in critical animal functions such as regulating digestion, nutrition, immune regulation, and development. Simplified, phylogenetically diverse models for hypotheses testing are necessary because of the difficulty of assigning causative relationships in complex gut microbiomes.
Understanding the Basis of METH Mouth Using a Rodent Model of Methamphetamine Injection, Sugar Consumption, and Streptococcus mutans Infection
Authors: Lee Hiu Ham , Sudhakara Preethi , Desai Shreena , Miranda Kildare , Martinez Luis R.
Published: March 2021

“METH mouth” is characterized by severe tooth decay and gum disease, which often causes teeth to break or fall out. METH users are also prone to colonization by cariogenic bacteria such as
Streptococcus mutans
.
Queuine Is a Nutritional Regulator of Entamoeba histolytica Response to Oxidative Stress and a Virulence Attenuator
Authors: Nagaraja Shruti , Cai Maggi W. , Sun Jingjing , Varet Hugo , Sarid Lotem , Trebicz-Geffen Meirav , Shaulov Yana , Mazumdar Mohit , Legendre Rachel , Coppée Jean-Yves , Begley Thomas J. , Dedon Peter C. , Gourinath Samudrala , Guillen Nancy , Saito-Nakano Yumiko , Shimokawa Chikako , Hisaeda Hajime , Ankri Serge
Published: March 2021

Entamoeba histolytica
is a unicellular parasite that causes amebiasis. The parasite resides in the colon and feeds on the colonic microbiota.
Proteome Regulation Patterns Determine Escherichia coli Wild-Type and Mutant Phenotypes
Authors: Alter Tobias B. , Blank Lars M. , Ebert Birgitta E.
Published: March 2021

It is generally recognized that proteins constitute the key cellular component in shaping microbial phenotypes. Due to limited cellular resources and space, optimal allocation of proteins is crucial for microbes to facilitate maximum proliferation rates while allowing a flexible response to environmental changes.
Treatment with the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) apixaban and rivaroxaban associated with significant worsening of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)
Authors: Porter Kim Maria Frances , Hargreaves Iain Parry , De Souza Stephen , Goddard Rebecca
Published: March 2021

We report the cases of two patients who developed worsening behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), coinciding with starting the factor Xa inhibitor direct oral anticoagulant medications apixaban and rivaroxaban, respectively. Both patients required detaining under the Mental Health Act. Their symptoms improved significantly, within 2 weeks, on switching to alternative anticoagulant therapies and they were both discharged from the acute psychiatric ward. Front-line staff should partake in postmarketing surveillance of medications, completing the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency yellow cards for example (UK). There is increasing evidence for an aetiological role of cerebral mitochondrial dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders. Development of a rating scale of drugs that are potentially less toxic to cerebral mitochondria could inform national prescribing guidelines and enable safer treatments to be offered to older people, reducing the likely hood of them experiencing apparent BPSD.
Reference to nutrition in medical accreditation and curriculum guidance: a comparative analysis
Authors: Lepre Breanna , Mansfield Kylie J , Ray Sumantra , Beck Eleanor
Published: March 2021

Objective

Poor diet is a leading cause of death worldwide. Doctors are well placed to provide dietary advice, yet nutrition remains insufficiently integrated into medical education. Enforcement of curriculum or accreditation requirements such as nutrition requires relevant regulatory frameworks. The aim of this review was to identify nutrition content or requirements for nutrition education in accreditation standards or formal curriculum guidance for medical education internationally.

Design

Non-systematic comparative analysis.

Data sources

An internet search using the Google Search engine, the WHO Directory of Medical Schools and Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research Directory of Organizations that Recognise/Accredit Medical Schools was conducted through September 2020 to identify government and organisational reports as well as publications from regulatory and professional bodies relevant to medical education.

Eligibility criteria

Eligible publications included (A) accreditation standards, (B) competency standards or a framework, (C) curricula, and (D) assessment content.

Data extraction and synthesis

We stratified findings by country or region and both preregistration and postregistration education. Findings were synthesised based on the existence of nutrition content or requirements for nutrition education within systems used to guide medical education internationally.

Results

This review found that despite an emphasis on meeting the needs of the community and the demands of the labour market, only 44% of accreditation and curriculum guidance included nutrition. Nutrition remains inadequately represented in accreditation and curriculum guidance for medical education at all levels internationally. Accreditation standards provide a mandated framework for curricula and inclusion of nutrition in accreditation frameworks provides an incentive for the integration of nutrition into medical education.

Conclusions

This review is a call to action for the medical profession including government, health agencies and educational and accreditation entities. The inclusion of nutrition in medical education has appeared throughout medical education literature for more than five decades, yet without consensus standards there is little likelihood of uniform adoption.
Relationship between classic vascular risk factors and cumulative recurrent cardiovascular event burden in patients with clinically manifest vascular disease: results from the UCC-SMART prospective cohort study
Authors: de Vries Tamar Irene , Westerink Jan , Bots Michiel L , Asselbergs Folkert W , Smulders Yvo M , Visseren Frank L J
Published: March 2021

Objective

The aim of the current study was to assess the relationship between classic cardiovascular risk factors and risk of not only the first recurrent atherosclerotic cardiovascular event, but also the total number of non-fatal and fatal cardiovascular events in patients with recently clinically manifest cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care centre.

Participants

7239 patients with a recent first manifestation of CVD from the prospective UCC-SMART (Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort - Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease) cohort study.

Outcome measures

Total cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, vascular interventions, major limb events and cardiovascular mortality.

Results

During a median follow-up of 8.9 years, 1412 patients had one recurrent cardiovascular event, while 1290 patients had two or more recurrent events, with a total of 5457 cardiovascular events during follow-up. The HRs for the first recurrent event and cumulative event burden using Prentice-Williams-Peterson models, respectively, were 1.36 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.48) and 1.26 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.35) for smoking, 1.14 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.18) and 1.09 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.12) for non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and 1.05 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.07) and 1.04 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.06) for systolic blood pressure per 10 mm Hg.

Conclusions

In a cohort of patients with established CVD, systolic blood pressure, non-HDL cholesterol and current smoking are important risk factors for not only the first, but also subsequent recurrent events during follow-up. Recurrent event analysis captures the full cumulative burden of CVD in patients.
Predictive value of echocardiographic left atrial size for incident stoke and stroke cause mortality: a population-based study
Authors: Li Tan , Li Guangxiao , Guo Xiaofan , Li Zhao , Yang Jun , Sun Yingxian
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To investigate the associations between echocardiographic left atrial (LA) size and incident stoke and stroke cause mortality among a rural population in China.

Design

A prospective study.

Setting and participants

Based on the Northeast China Rural Cardiovascular Health Study, we selected a total of 10 041 participants aged ≥35 years who agreed to have transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and were successfully followed up for incident stoke and stroke cause mortality.

Primary outcome measure

The outcomes were stroke and stroke cause death according to medical records and death certificates during the follow-up period.

Results

LA enlargement (LAE) group had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease than normal LA diameter (LAD) group. After excluding individuals who had a prior stroke, subjects with LAE showed higher incident rates of stroke and its mortality in the overall and specific stratified analyses (all p<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that LAE could predict stroke incidence and stroke-free survival, but the association was no longer observed after the adjustment for potential confounding factors. Cox regression analysis reported that per 1 SD increment in LAD and LAD/body surface area (BSA) was associated with an increased incidence of stroke (LAD: HR=1.20, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.33, p<0.001; LAD/BSA: HR=1.22, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.35, p<0.001) and stroke cause mortality (LAD: HR=1.27, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.50, p<0.01; LAD/BSA: HR=1.41, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.65, p<0.001) in the total population, and similar trends were found in both genders (all p<0.05). LAD or LAD/BSA was related to ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke incidence, and the risk of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke mortality (all p<0.05). The dose–response curves further suggested linear associations between LAD, LAD/BSA and the incidence of stroke and subsequent mortality in the general population (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

Our population-based study implied that LA size, especially LAD and LAD/BSA, might be useful echocardiographic biomarkers that had the potential to predict incident stroke and stroke cause mortality.