bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Ecemiş fault zone and adjacent basins, central Anatolia, Turkey, during the transition from Arabia-Eurasia collision to escape tectonics
Authors: Umhoefer Paul J. , Thomson Stuart N. , Lefebvre Côme , Cosca Michael A. , Teyssier Christian , Whitney Donna L.
Published: October 2020

The effects of Arabia-Eurasia collision are recorded in faults, basins, and exhumed metamorphic massifs across eastern and central Anatolia. These faults and basins also preserve evidence of major changes in deformation and associated sedimentary processes along major suture zones including the Inner Tauride suture where it lies along the southern (Ecemiş) segment of the Central Anatolian fault zone. Stratigraphic and structural data from the Ecemiş fault zone, adjacent NE Ulukışla basin, and metamorphic dome (Niğde Massif) record two fundamentally different stages in the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of this part of central Anatolia. The Paleogene sedimentary and volcanic strata of the NE Ulukışla basin (Ecemiş corridor) were deposited in marginal marine to marine environments on the exhuming Niğde Massif and east of it. A late Eocene–Oligocene transpressional stage of deformation involved oblique northward thrusting of older Paleogene strata onto the eastern Niğde Massif and of the eastern massif onto the rest of the massif, reburying the entire massif to >10 km depth and accompanied by left-lateral motion on the Ecemiş fault zone. A profound change in the tectonic setting at the end of the Oligocene produced widespread transtensional deformation across the area west of the Ecemiş fault zone in the Miocene. In this stage, the Ecemiş fault zone had at least 25 km of left-lateral offset. Before and during this faulting episode, the central Tauride Mountains to the east became a source of sediments that were deposited in small Miocene transtensional basins formed on the Eocene–Oligocene thrust belt between the Ecemiş fault zone and the Niğde Massif. Normal faults compatible with SW-directed extension cut across the Niğde Massif and are associated with a second (Miocene) re-exhumation of the Massif. Geochronology and thermochronology indicate that the transtensional stage started at ca. 23–22 Ma, coeval with large and diverse geological and tectonic changes across Anatolia.
Malignant mitral valve prolapse: an uncommon variation of a common condition
Authors: Joyce Thomas , Ferns Sunita
Published: October 2020

Mitral valve prolapse affects up to 3% of the population, with an annual risk of death of up to 2% a year. Presentation is often in the third to fourth decade of life. This report details an adolescent with mitral valve prolapse with non-specific symptoms but investigative findings of ventricular ectopy at higher heart rates. These patients warrant close surveillance to monitor for progressive arrhythmias and may progress to need an ICD.
The Mass Knee Clinic: a new NHS outpatient care model showing clinically led transformation in practice
Authors: Li Lily , Nahas Sam , Jandoo Rajan , Williams Sarah , Lionel Ganippa Haddon Paul , Bhattacharya Rajarshi , Nathwani Dinesh
Published: October 2020

Background

The Mass Knee Clinic is an innovative, patient-focused and efficient clinic introduced into our hospital in April 2017. The UK Government has mandated referral-to-treatment (RTT) time for patients to be within 18 weeks to improve patient care. The new clinic involves seeing high numbers of patients by amalgamating all new non-traumatic knee disorders (up to 200) from primary care into one clinic day every 6 weeks. The premise and success of the clinic is multifactorial and involves focused multidisciplinary consultant-led care in every case, training opportunities for junior doctors, a ‘one-stop shop’ for patients allowing them to be seen by a consultant, physiotherapist and receive a date for surgery all in 1 day, and subspeciality consultant presence, preventing multiple reattendances.

Methods

We present the results of prospectively collected data on wait times to clinic, time-to-treatment and outsourcing of new referrals, 1 year after the initiation of the new clinic model (n=56). This data was compared with data 1 year prior to the Mass Clinic being introduced (n=56).

Results

Time from primary care referral to first Orthopaedic review was reduced from median 13.5 weeks to 11 weeks (statistically significant (p=0.00512)). RTT was reduced from median 30.5 weeks to 15.5 weeks (p<0.01), allowing a significant reduction in waiting times for the patient. Outsourcing was eliminated, and the number of appointments per patient also halved.

Conclusions

The new Mass Clinic with focused consultant-led care and multidisciplinary approach has led to significant reductions in patient wait times and cost savings for the hospital.
Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of pretreatment mean platelet volume in cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Xin , Li Jing , Zhang Xunlei , Liu Yushan , Wu Jindong , Li Yangcheng , Cui Xiaopeng , Jiang Xiaohui
Published: October 2020

Objective

Our study aimed to evaluate the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of pretreatment mean platelet volume (MPV) on cancer by using meta-analysis of published studies.

Design

Meta-analysis.

Data sources

Relevant studies available before 22 December 2019 were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE.

Eligibility criteria

All published studies that assessed the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of pretreatment MPV on cancer were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Studies were identified and extracted by two reviewers independently. The HR/OR and its 95% CIs of survival outcomes and clinicopathological parameters were calculated.

Results

A total of 38 eligible studies (41 subsets) with 9894 patients with cancer were included in the final meta-analysis. MPV level was not significantly associated with both overall survival (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.14) and disease-free survival (HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.73) of patients with cancer. Neither advanced nor mixed-stage tumour patients showed significant association between MPV and overall survival (HR 1.36, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.94, HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.09). However, high MPV had the strongest relationship with poor overall survival (HR 2.01; 95% CI 1.08 to 3.41) in gastric cancer, followed by pancreatic cancer (HR 1.54; 95% CI 1.31 to 1.82). Whereas in the subgroup using receiver operating characteristic curve method to define cut-off values, low MPV was significantly related to poor overall survival (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.95). In addition, MPV had no significant association with age (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.02), sex (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.09), depth of cancer invasion (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.04) and tumour stage (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.07).

Conclusions

Pretreatment MPV level is of no clearly prognostic significance in cancers and no significant association with clinicopathological parameters of patients with cancers.
Factors influencing maternal health in indigenous communities with presence of traditional midwifery in the Americas: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Sarmiento Iván , Paredes-Solís Sergio , Morris Martin , Pimentel Juan , Cockcroft Anne , Andersson Neil
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Indigenous mothers often receive culturally unsafe services that do not fully respond to their needs. The objective of this scoping review is to collate and assess evidence that identifies factors, including the role and influence of traditional midwives, that affect maternal health in indigenous communities in the Americas. The results will map Western perspectives reflected in published and unpublished literature to indicate the complex network of factors that influence maternal outcomes. These maps will allow for comparison with local stakeholder knowledge and discussion to identify what needs to change to promote culturally safe care.

Methods and analysis

A librarian will search studies with iterative and documented adjustments in CINAHL, Scopus, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar without any time restrictions, and use Google search engine for grey literature. Included studies will be empirical (quantitative, qualitative or mixed); address maternal health issues among indigenous communities in the Americas; and report on the role or influence of traditional midwives. Two researchers will independently screen and blindly select the included studies. The quality assessment of included manuscripts will rely on the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Two independent researchers will extract data on factors promoting or reducing maternal health in indigenous communities, including the role or influence of traditional midwives. Fuzzy cognitive mapping will summarise the findings as a list of relationships between identified factors and outcomes with weights indicating strength of the relationship and the evidence supporting this.

Ethics and dissemination

This review is part of a proposal approved by the ethics committees at McGill University and the Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales in Guerrero. Participating indigenous communities in Guerrero State approved the study in 2015. The results of the scoping review will contribute to the field of cultural safety and intercultural dialogue for the promotion of maternal health in indigenous communities.
Health risk behaviours among migrants by duration of residence: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Berg Lisa , Gustafsson Nina-Katri , Honkaniemi Helena , Juárez Sol Pia
Published: October 2020

Introduction

International migrants’ health has often been found to deteriorate in new countries, partly due to changes in health risk behaviours such as alcohol consumption, tobacco use, physical inactivity, and poor dietary habits. However, limited efforts have been made to comprehensively evaluate the extent to which migrants adopt unhealthy risk behaviours with longer duration of residence. This systematic review and meta-analysis will summarise evidence on international migrants’ behavioural patterns by duration of residence in multiple country contexts.

Methods and analysis

PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and ProQuest databases will be searched for quantitative or mixed-method observational studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2019. Studies comparing foreign-born individuals by duration of residence will be included. Information on study characteristics, descriptive statistics and measures of effect will be extracted. All included studies will be quality assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The review will include narrative synthesis and, if sufficient and comparable data are available, random effects meta-analyses. The review will be conducted in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required since previously published information from peer-reviewed studies will be assessed. The results of this review will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences. Other forms of dissemination will include communication to broader audiences using well-established channels, including through university-based press releases. Progress will be regularly updated on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews to ensure full transparency.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018108881
Public managers’ role in creating workplace social capital (WSC) and its effect on employees’ well-being and health: a protocol of a longitudinal cohort study (PUMA-WSC)
Authors: Pihl-Thingvad Signe , Hansen Sune W , Winter Vera , Hansen Michelle S , Willems Jurgen
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Workplace social capital (WSC) has been shown to affect employees’ well-being and health, yet it is not clear how public managers can create WSC and which forms of WSC are most important. This study is the first prospective cohort study to examine the relationship between management behaviour, WSC, well-being and sickness absence. It uses a validated and detailed scale on WSC, which can distinguish between bonding, bridging, linking and organisational WSC over time. The study thereby provides rich data giving a much-needed detailed image of how WSC impacts on public employees’ well-being and health. Additionally, the study pays special attention to the fact that these relationships can be different for different types of employees and therefore tests a set of relevant employee and context-related variables.

Methods and analysis

Project preparations in terms of agreements and data preparation of existing data started in 2019. This prospective cohort study considers and collects organisational data from 2016 to 2025. Annual employee surveys of more than 8000 employees (in a large Danish municipality) will be combined with register data in all years. This generates a unique cohort of public employees in different professions that are traceable over several years. The annual surveys include information on the management behaviour, WSC and employee outcomes. Fine-grained information on sickness absences will be matched for all employees and years under study. Moreover, confounders and the nested nature of the data will be considered.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval has been obtained from The Regional Committee on Health Research Ethics from Southern Denmark and from the University of Southern Denmark. The results will be presented at conferences and published in international peer-reviewed journals and in a practice-oriented monography targeted at public managers. The result will furthermore be disseminated to the involved employees through seminars and workshops in the participating organisations.
Communication skills with children in paediatric anaesthesia: challenges while wearing a face mask
Authors: Crowe Ann-Marie Lydia
Published: October 2020

Effective communication with children is a skill, the importance of which is especially highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ubiquitous wearing of face masks. Anaesthesiology consultants have been shown to display excellent communication skills that facilitate the development of rapid rapport and patient cooperation. Good communication results in positive interactions for hospitalised children, which correlates with improved healthcare outcomes. However, interactions with a child aren’t always straightforward, particularly for trainees unfamiliar with certain communication techniques, which are important to use at a time when when the wearing of face masks is commonplace.
Novel cytokine–antibody fusion protein, N-820, to enhance the functions of ex vivo expanded natural killer cells against Burkitt lymphoma
Authors: Chu Yaya , Nayyar Gaurav , Kham Su Nang , Rosenblum Jeremy M , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Lee John , Safrit Jeffrey T , Barth Matthew , Lee Dean , Cairo Mitchell S
Published: October 2020

Background

The prognosis of patients with relapsed or progressive B cell (CD20+) non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (B-NHL), including Burkitt lymphoma (BL), is dismal due to chemoradiotherapy resistance. Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. N-820 is a fusion protein of N-803 (formerly known as ALT-803) to four single-chains of rituximab. This agent has tri-specific binding activity to CD20 and enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Methods

We investigated the anti-tumor combinatorial effects of N-820 with ex vivo expanded peripheral blood natural killer (exPBNK) cells against rituximab-sensitive and rituximab-resistant CD20+ BL in vitro using cytoxicity assays and in vivo using human BL xenografted NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull (NSG) mice. We also investigated the cytokines/chemokines/growth factors released using ELISA and multiplex assay. Gene expression changes were examined using real-time PCR arrays.

Results

N-820 significantly enhanced the expression of NK activating receptors (p<0.001) and the proliferation of exPBNK cells with enhanced Ki67 expression and Stat5 phosphorylation (p<0.001). N-820 significantly enhanced the secretion of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors including GM-CSF, RANTES, MIP-1B (p<0.001) from exPBNK cells as compared with the combination of rituximab+N-803. Importantly, N-820 significantly enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity (p<0.001) of exPBNK with enhanced granzyme B and IFN-γ release (p<0.001) against BL. Gene expression profiles in exPBNK stimulated by N-820+Raji-2R showed enhanced transcription of CXCL9, CXCL1, CSF2, CSF3, GZMB, and IFNG. Moreover, N-820 combined with exPBNK significantly inhibited rituximab-resistant BL growth (p<0.05) and extended the survival (p<0.05) of BL xenografted NSG mice.

Conclusions

Our results provide the rationale for the development of a clinical trial of N-820 alone or in combination with endogenous or ex vivo expanded NK cells in patients with CD20+ B-NHL failing prior rituximab containing chemoimmunotherapy regimens.
Impact of 2 different aerobic periodization training protocols on left ventricular function in patients with stable coronary artery disease: an exploratory study
Authors: Boidin Maxime , David Louis-Philippe , Trachsel Lukas D. , Gayda Mathieu , Tremblay Jonathan , Lalongé Julie , Juneau Martin , Nigam Anil , Henri Christine
Published: October 2020

We compared the impacts of linear (LP) and nonlinear (NLP) aerobic training periodizations on left ventricular (LV) function and geometry in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Thirty-nine CAD patients were randomized to either a 3-month isoenergetic supervised LP or NLP. All underwent standard echocardiography with assessment of 3D LV ejection fraction (LVEF), diastolic function, strain (global longitudinal, radial, and circumferential), and strain rate at baseline and study end. Training was performed 3 times/week and included high-intensity interval and moderate-intensity continuous training sessions. Training load was progressively increased in the LP group, while it was deeply increased and intercepted with a recovery week each fourth week in the NLP group. For the 34 analyzed patients, we found similar improvements for 3D LVEF (effect size (ES): LP, 0.29; NLP, 0.77), radial strain (ES: LP, 0.58; NLP, 0.48), and radial strain rate (ES: LP, 0.87; NLP, 0.17) in both groups (time for all: p ≤ 0.01). All other parameters of cardiac function remained similar. In conclusion, NLP and LP led to similar improvements in 3D LVEF and radial strain, suggesting a favourable positive cardiac remodelling through myofibers reorganization. These findings must be investigated in patients with more severe cardiac dysfunction. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03443193).

Novelty: Linear and nonlinear periodization programs improved radial strain, accompanied by improvement of ejection fraction. Both aerobic periodization programs did not negatively impact cardiac function in coronary artery disease patients.
Effect of high-fat diet on mechanosensitive transient receptor potential channel activation in vagal afferent neurons
Authors: Park Sung Jin , Yu Yang , Beyak Michael J.
Published: October 2020

Mechanical stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract is an important stimulus of satiety and can be transduced by transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Several studies have revealed attenuated vagally-mediated satiety responses including mechanosensitivity in diet-induced obesity; however, ion channels underlying this hyposensitivity have not been fully understood. This study aimed to examine the effect of chronic high-fat diet on activation of selected mechanosensitive TRP channels in vagal afferents. C57/BL6 mice were fed on either a high-fat or low-fat diet for 6–8 weeks. An increase in the intracellular calcium to hypotonic solution and activators of TRPV1, TRPV4, and TRPA1 was measured in nodose neurons using Ca2+-imaging techniques. Jejunal afferent nerve firing induced by mechanical stimulation and TRP channel agonists was measured using in vitro extracellular multiunit afferent recording. In high-fat diet–fed mice, we observed reduced calcium influx and jejunal afferent response induced by mechanical stimuli and agonists of TRPV4 and TRPA1, but not TRPV1. Our data show diet-induced obesity disrupts the activation of TRPV4 and TRPA1, at both the cellular level and the level of nerve terminals in the small intestine, which may partly explain reduced mechanosensitivity of vagal afferents and may contribute to decreased gut-brain satiety signaling in obesity.
Protective effect of sitagliptin and whole-body γ-irradiation in diabetes-induced cardiac injury
Authors: Mansour Suzan M. , Aly Sara , Hassan Seham H.M. , Zaki Hala F.
Published: October 2020

Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of cardiac complications; this study aimed to investigate effect of sitagliptin (SITA) alone or combined with γ-irradiation on diabetes-associated cardiac injury. Rats were treated with SITA (100 mg/kg per day; p.o.) for 2 weeks followed by a single dose of whole-body γ-irradiation (3 Gy). Solitary administration of SITA or combined treatment with γ-irradiation succeeded to ameliorate the increase in serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatine kinase-MB, and malondialdehyde, coupled by increased insulin and reduced glutathione levels. Their cardioprotective potential was confirmed through attenuating the apoptotic signaling by mitigating Bcl-2-associated X protein, caspase-3, and apoptosis-inducing factor expression, while augmenting the anti-apoptotic factors, B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) in left ventricular tissue homogenates. These findings were supported histopathologically. In conclusion, treatment with SITA alone or combined with γ-irradiation may prove beneficial in diabetes-accompanied cardiac insult. This could be due to the crosstalk between the antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and restoration of body’s defense capacities.
Zooid morphology and molecular phylogeny of the graptolite Rhabdopleura annulata (Hemichordata, Pterobranchia) from Heron Island, Australia
Authors: Ramírez-Guerrero Greta M. , Kocot Kevin M. , Cameron Christopher B.
Published: October 2020

Rhabdopleura Allman, 1869 is one of the longest surviving animal genera. The five-known species are the only living Graptolithina, a group well known from their diverse Paleozoic fossil record. Here we add information on the soft-bodied zooids and molecular phylogenetics of Rhabdopleura annulata Norman, 1921, which was previously only known from its tubes. Tubes and zooids were collected from Heron Island, Queensland, Australia. Zooids have a single pair of tentaculated arms. Dark pigment granules are found throughout the body, and particularly dense in the pair of arms and the anterior lip of the cephalic shield. Colonies grow encrusted in and on coral debris. The tubes are either creeping or erect, but no stolon has been found. Inside of the coral matrix lacunae, the tube cortex formed a parchment-like wallpaper. Phylogenetic analysis based on combined 18S+16S rRNA sequences placed R. annulata as sister to the remaining rhabdopleurids, albeit with weak support. The biogeographic range of R. annulata extends from Indonesia to Tasmania, and New Zealand. Its occurrence on Heron Island does not extend this range, but highlights that rhabdopleurids may be more common, and in shallower waters, than previously appreciated, permitting further studies that may shed light on graptolite paleobiology.
Body size variation in a guild of carrion beetles
Authors: Collard Allison E. , Wettlaufer Jillian D. , Burke Kevin W. , Beresford David V. , Martin Paul R.
Published: October 2020

Body size is a key biological trait, influencing the biomechanics, physiology, behaviour, and ecology of species. Describing variation in body size within and among co-occurring species within an ecological guild can provide important context for understanding the ecology of species and the structure of ecological communities. Here, we focus on a guild of carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) co-occurring in southeastern Ontario, Canada. We examine how body size varies (i) among species, (ii) within species, including among sexes, and (iii) across the active season, contrasting estimates of size based on mass with those based on morphological structure (elytron length). We find that body size varies significantly both within and among species. Five focal species show evidence for sexual dimorphism in size. All focal species show significant seasonal variation in size, but these patterns differ across species, and depend on our estimates of size. Overall, the observed variation in body size is most consistent with widespread environmental constraints on size and (or) diverse selective pressures favouring different sizes within and among species. We discuss possible selective pressures acting on size within and among species; however, the causes and consequences of the variation in body size that we describe remain to be discovered.
How round is the quantum de Sitter universe?
Authors: Klitgaard N. , Loll R.
Published: October 2020

We investigate the quantum Ricci curvature, which was introduced in earlier work, in full, four-dimensional quantum gravity, formulated nonperturbatively in terms of Causal Dynamical Triangulations (CDT). A key finding of the CDT approach is the emergence of a universe of de Sitter-type, as evidenced by the successful matching of Monte Carlo measurements of the quantum dynamics of the global scale factor with a semiclassical minisuperspace model. An important question is whether the quantum universe exhibits semiclassicality also with regard to its more local geometric properties. Using the new quantum curvature observable, we examine whether the (quasi-)local properties of the quantum geometry resemble those of a constantly curved space. We find evidence that on sufficiently large scales the curvature behaviour is compatible with that of a four-sphere, thus strengthening the interpretation of the dynamically generated quantum universe in terms of a de Sitter space.
Formation processes of additional charge carriers in nanosilicon under the influence of epithermal neutrons
Authors: Garibli A. A. , Garibov A. A.
Published: October 2020

The nuclear transmutation in the nanosilicon under the influence of epithermal neutrons and the formation processes of charge carriers under the influence of gamma and beta rays emitted by unstable nuclei were theoretically and experimentally investigated. These studies may provide information on the origin and number of electroactive defects in neutron-irradiated nanosilicon.
Practical Fixed-Time Event-Triggered Time-Varying Formation Tracking Control for Disturbed Multi-Agent Systems with Continuous Communication Free
Authors: Chai Xiaofeng , Liu Jian , Yu Yao , Xi Jianxiang , Sun Changyin
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we study the practical fixed-time event-triggered time-varying formation tracking problem of leader-follower multi-agent systems with multi-dimensional dynamics. Fixed-time event-triggered control schemes with continuous communication and intermittent communication are developed, respectively. Continuous communication and measurement are avoided, and computation cost is reduced greatly in the latter scheme. And the settling time is to be specified regardless of initial states of agents. Meanwhile, tracking errors are adjustable as desired with expected settling time. It is demonstrated that time-varying formation tracking can be achieved under the two proposed control schemes and Zeno behavior can be excluded. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies.
Modelling Low-Salinity Water Flooding as a Tertiary Oil Recovery Technique
Authors: Olabode Oluwasanmi , Alaigba David , Oramabo Daniel , Bamigboye Oreofeoluwa
Published: October 2020

In this project, low-salinity water flooding has been modeled on ECLIPSE black oil simulator in three cases for a total field production life of twenty-five years. In the first case, low-salinity water flooding starts fifteen years after secondary water flooding. For the second case, low-salinity water flooding starts five years after secondary water flooding and runs till the end of the field production life. For the third case, low-salinity water flooding starts five years after secondary water flooding, but low-salinity water flooding is injected in measured pore volumes for a short period of time; then, high-salinity water flooding was resumed till the end of the field production life. This was done to measure the effect of low-salinity water flooding as slug injection. From the three cases presented, oil recovery efficiency, field oil production rate, and field water cut were observed. Increased percentages of 22.66%, 35.12%, and 26.77% were observed in the three cases, respectively.
Determination of Trace Elements in Corydalis conspersa and Corydalis linarioides by ICP-AES
Authors: Du Qing , Cai Yanguo , Chen Zhi , Wei Dongliang , Cao Yande , Chen Ying , Yu Shulin , Zhao Qianqian , Wu Jiang , Liu Mingdi
Published: October 2020

In order to establish a method for the simultaneous determination of trace elements Al, As, B, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Si, Ti, and Zn in Corydalis conspersa and Corydalis linarioides, we collected the samples from different areas and treated with acid hydrolysis into tissues to be detected by the way of inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry compared with the standard element control method. We can know that the contents of Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, and P in roots, stems, leaves, and flowers were higher. The contents of elements in different tissues and areas were as follows: flower > leaf > stem > root, Zeku County > Guide County > Nangqian County > Henan County. Among them, the contents of each element in the flowers of Maixiu Forest Farm were higher, while the contents of B, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Ni, Si, Ti, and Zn in roots, stems, and leaves of other areas were lower. The contents of heavy metal elements complied with the limit degree. A 3-factor model was obtained by principal component analysis which could clarify 82.46% of the total experimental data; the factors of Al, Fe, Mg, Na, P, Ca, Cu, Si, and Zn had great influence on the efficacy of 21 kinds of medicinal materials. Cluster analysis classified the samples into three categories; the flowers of Corydalis conspersa and stems of Corydalis linarioides from different collection areas are clustered containing high contents of type 1 and 3 characteristic components; the roots, stems, and leaves from other collection areas are clustered with low contents of 1 and 2 characteristic components. It can be used for the determination of trace elements in Corydalis conspersa and Corydalis linarioides to provide effective basis for revealing the function of trace elements with plant growth.
Probiotics for Preventing Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Laodong , Hong KangKang , Sun Qixiang , Xiao Huan , Lai Lejin , Ming Moyu , Li Chaoqian
Published: October 2020

Background. Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are common and burdensome infectious illness. Several trials have reported that probiotics can prevent URTIs in adults. Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics in the prevention of URTIs in adults. Methods. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for reports published from database inception to May 14, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing probiotics with placebo for the prevention of URTIs in adults were included. Results. Six RCTs with 1551 participants were included. Compared with the placebo group, the probiotics intervention group significantly reduced the incidence of URTI episodes (RR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.87; P < 0.0001; I2 = 26%), the episode rate of URTIs (rate ratio: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.86; P = 0.0002; I2 = 99%), and the mean duration of one episode of URTI (MD: −2.66; 95% CI: −4.79 to −0.54; P = 0.01; I2 = 80%). The adverse events of probiotics were mainly mild gastrointestinal symptoms. There were no significant differences in occurrence rate of adverse effects between probiotics intervention and placebo group (rate ratio: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.26; P = 0.96; I2 = 99%). Conclusion. Low‐quality evidence provides support that probiotics have potential efficacy for preventing URTI episodes in adults. More trials are required to confirm this conclusion.
Carvacrol: An In Silico Approach of a Candidate Drug on HER2, PI3Kα, mTOR, hER‐α, PR, and EGFR Receptors in the Breast Cancer
Authors: Herrera-Calderon Oscar , Yepes-Pérez Andres F. , Quintero-Saumeth Jorge , Rojas-Armas Juan Pedro , Palomino-Pacheco Miriam , Ortiz-Sánchez José Manuel , Cieza-Macedo Edwin César , Arroyo-Acevedo Jorge Luis , Figueroa-Salvador Linder , Peña-Rojas Gilmar , Andía-Ayme Vidalina
Published: October 2020

Carvacrol is a phenol monoterpene found in aromatic plants specially in Lamiaceae family, which has been evaluated in an experimental model of breast cancer. However, any proposed mechanism based on its antitumor effect has not been reported. In our previous study, carvacrol showed a protective effect on 7,12‐dimethylbenz[α]anthracene‐ (DMBA‐) induced breast cancer in female rats. The main objective in this research was to evaluate by using in silico study the carvacrol on HER2, PI3Kα, mTOR, hER‐α, PR, and EGFR receptors involved in breast cancer progression by docking analysis, molecular dynamic, and drug‐likeness evaluation. A multilevel computational study to evaluate the antitumor potential of carvacrol focusing on the main targets involved in the breast cancer was carried out. The in silico study starts with protein‐ligand docking of carvacrol followed by ligand pathway calculations, molecular dynamic simulations, and molecular mechanics energies combined with the Poisson–Boltzmann (MM/PBSA) calculation of the free energy of binding for carvacrol. As result, the in silico study led to the identification of carvacrol with strong binding affinity on mTOR receptor. Additionally, in silico drug‐likeness index for carvacrol showed a good predicted therapeutic profile of druggability. Our findings suggest that mTOR signaling pathway could be responsible for its preventive effect in the breast cancer.
Experimental Research on the Mechanical Performance of the Bolted Rock under Lateral Impact Load: Effect of Prestress, Body Material, and Anchorage Style
Authors: Wu Yongzheng , Fu Yukai , Hao Denyun , Guo Gangye
Published: October 2020

In order to reveal the impact mechanical properties and their key influencing factors of the bolted rock under the lateral impact load, through the lateral drop hammer impact test, the time-history curve of impact force, axial force of the bolt, and surface strain of the sample under different combination types of influencing factors is obtained, and the whole process of deformation and failure of the bolted rock is recorded. The test results show that the material of the bolt has a significant influence on the impact force and axial force of the bolt. There is a positive correlation between bolt strength and impact peak and impact attenuation slope and a negative correlation between bolt strength and impact action time. The effect of prestress on the impact resistance of the bolted rock was also evaluated by the test which suggested that prestress of the bolt can significantly reduce both impact time and bolt axial force of the bolted rock but has limited effect on the impact force. It was also found that the time-history curve of the impact force of anchoring rock mass had significant difference with full-length anchoring and nonanchoring. Compared with the nonanchoring bolt, the full-length anchored rock mass has a larger impact peak and shorter action time, which means that the impact resistance of the full-length bolted rock has a certain degree of weakening. Through scientific research, determining the reasonable bolt material, prestress value, and anchorage style can improve the impact resistance of the sample.
Rockburst Occurrence Mechanism Based on the Self-Sustaining Time-Varying Structure of Surrounding Rock
Authors: Fan Baojie , Zhao Fujun , Wang Bin , Wu Qiuhong , Zhang Zongtang
Published: October 2020

Rockburst is one of the major disasters that threaten the safety of personnel and equipment underground and affect the normal production of the system. At present, there are many kinds of research on rockburst occurrence mechanisms, but most of them are based on statics and do not consider the time-varying effect of surrounding rock state. Regarding the stress state and characteristics changing with time of the surrounding rock support structure and the internal parameters after the tunnel excavation is analyzed qualitatively in this paper, the concept of the “self-sustaining time-varying structure of the surrounding rock” is put forward. The “self-sustaining time-varying structure of the surrounding rock” is regarded as a nonperiodic time-varying system with a single degree of freedom, then its dynamic characteristics are analyzed by using the momentum theorem of the particle system. The results show that when the mass of the self-sustaining time-varying structure changes with time and

d
m
/

d
t

<
0

, the rockburst may be induced by the free vibration with increasing amplitude. The faster the

d
m
/

d
t

changes, the more violent the rockburst is. This explains the rockburst occurrence mechanism from a new angle and explains the phenomenon that most rockburst occurs when

σ

θ

was lower than

σ

c

better.
Biomechanical Assessment of Three Osteosynthesis Constructs by Periprosthetic Humerus Fractures
Authors: Harb Afif , Welke Bastian , Liodakis Emmanouil , Razaeian Sam , Zhang Dafang , Krettek Christian , Hurschler Christof , Hawi Nael
Published: October 2020

Background. Biomechanical stability assessment of 3 different constructs for proximal fixation of a locking compression plate (LCP) in treating a Worland type C periprosthetic fracture after total shoulder arthroplasty. Methods. 27 Worland type C fractures after shoulder arthroplasty in synthetic humeri were treated with 14-hole LCP that is proximally fixed using the following: (1) 1 × 1.5 mm cerclage wires and 2x unicortical-locking screws, (2) 3 × 1.5 mm cerclage wires, or (3) 2x bicortical-locking attachment plates. Torsional stiffness was assessed by applying an internal rotation moment of 5 Nm and then after unloading the specimen, an external rotation moment of 5 Nm at the same rate was applied. Axial stiffness was assessed by applying a 50 N preload, and then applying a cyclic load of 250 N, then increasing the load by 50 N each time, until a maximum axial load of 2500 N was reached or specimen failure occurred. Results. With regard to internal as well as external rotational stiffness, group 1 showed a mean stiffness of 0.37 Nm/deg and 0.57 Nm/deg, respectively, group 2 had a mean stiffness of 0.51 Nm/deg and 0.39 Nm/deg, respectively, while group 3 had a mean stiffness of 1.34 Nm/deg and 1.31 Nm/deg, respectively. Concerning axial stiffness, group 1 showed an average stiffness of 451.0 N/mm, group 2 had a mean stiffness of 737.5 N/mm, whereas group 3 had a mean stiffness of 715.8 N/mm. Conclusion. Group 3 displayed a significantly higher torsional stiffness while a comparable axial stiffness to group 2.
Critical Parameters and Influence on Dynamic Behaviours of Nonlinear Electrostatic Force in a Micromechanical Vibrating Gyroscope
Authors: Hao Shuying , Zhu Yulun , Song Yuhao , Zhang Qichang , Feng Jingjing , Zhang Kunpeng
Published: October 2020

The electrostatic force nonlinearity caused by fringe effects of the microscale comb will affect the dynamic performance of the micromechanical vibrating gyroscopes (MVGs). In order to reveal the influence mechanism, a class of four-degree-of-freedom (4-DOF) electrostatically driven MVG is considered. The influence of DC bias voltage and comb spacing on the nonlinearity of electrostatic force and the dynamic response of the MVG by using multiple time scales method and numerical simulation are discussed. The results indicate that the electrostatic force nonlinearity causes the system to show stiffness softening. The softening characteristics of the electrostatic force cause the offset of the resonance frequency and a decrease in sensitivity. Although the electrostatic nonlinearity has a great influence on the dynamic behaviour, its influence can be avoided by the reasonable design of the comb spacing and DC bias voltage. There exists a critical value for comb spacing and DC bias voltage. In this paper, determining the critical values is demonstrated by nonlinear dynamics analysis. The results can be supported by the finite element analysis and numerical simulation.
Network Pharmacology‐Based Study on the Mechanism of Scutellariae Radix for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment
Authors: Wang Qian , Liang Yan , Peng Can , Jiang Peng
Published: October 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor without effective therapeutic drugs for most patients in advanced stages. Scutellariae Radix (SR) is a well‐known anti‐inflammatory and anticarcinogenic herbal medicine. However, the mechanism of SR against HCC remains to be clarified. In the present study, network pharmacology was utilized to characterize the mechanism of SR on HCC. The active components of SR and their targets were collected from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and the traditional Chinese medicine integrated database. HCC‐related targets were acquired from the liver cancer databases OncoDB.HCC and Liverome. The gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway were analyzed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery. Component‐component target and protein‐protein interaction networks were set up. A total of 143 components of SR were identified, and 37 of them were considered as candidate active components. Fifty targets corresponding to 29 components of SR were mapped with targets of HCC. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that SR exerted an antihepatocarcinoma effect by regulating pathways in cancer, hepatitis B, viral carcinogenesis, and PI3K‐Akt signaling. The holistic approach of network pharmacology can provide novel insights into the mechanistic study and therapeutic drug development of SR for HCC treatment.
Recurrent HNSCC Harbor an Immunosuppressive Tumor Immune Microenvironment Suggesting Successful Tumor Immune Evasion
Authors: Watermann Christian , Pasternack Helen , Idel Christian , Ribbat-Idel Julika , Brägelmann Johannes , Kuppler Patrick , Offermann Anne , Jonigk Danny , Kühnel Mark Philipp , Schröck Andreas , Dreyer Eva , Rosero Christian , Nathansen Jacqueline , Dubrovska Anna , Tharun Lars , Kirfel Jutta , Wollenberg Barbara , Perner Sven , Krupar Rosemarie
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

Recurrent tumors (RT) of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) occur in up to 60%, with poor therapeutic response and detrimental prognosis. We hypothesized that HNSCC RTs successfully evade antitumor immune response and aimed to reveal tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) changes of primary tumors (PT) and corresponding RTs.

Experimental Design:

Tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TIL) of 300 PTs and 108 RTs from two large independent and clinically well-characterized HNSCC cohorts [discovery cohort (DC), validation cohort (VD)] were compared by IHC. mRNA expression analysis of 730 immune-related genes was performed for 18 PTs and RTs after adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The effect of chemotherapy and radiation resistance was assessed with an in vitro spheroid/immunocyte coculture model.

Results:

TIME analysis revealed overall decrease of TILs with significant loss of CD8+ T cells (DC P = 0.045/VC P < 0.0001) and B lymphocytes (DC P = 0.036/VC P < 0.0001) in RTs compared with PTs in both cohorts. Decrease predominantly occurred in RTs after CRT. Gene expression analysis confirmed loss of TILs (P = 0.0004) and B lymphocytes (P < 0.0001) and showed relative increase of neutrophils (P = 0.018), macrophages (P < 0.0001), dendritic cells (P = 0.0002), and mast cells (P = 0.0057) as well as lower overall expression of immune-related genes (P = 0.018) in RTs after CRT. Genes involved in B-lymphocyte functions and number of tertiary lymphoid structures showed the strongest decrease. SPP1 and MAPK1 were upregulated in vivo and in vitro, indicating their potential suitability as therapeutic targets in CRT resistance.

Conclusions:

HNSCC RTs have an immunosuppressive TIME, which is particularly apparent after adjuvant CRT and might substantially contribute to poor therapeutic response and prognosis.
New Drug for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Might Stimulate the Market
Authors: Müller Martin C.
Published: October 2020

The evolution of treatment options over the past 20 years has provided for a normal life expectancy for most patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. Currently approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors mainly differ in potency and side effect profile. Flumatinib goes for deep responses and good tolerability.

See related article by Zhang et al., p. 70
Clostridium difficile Infection in a Very Young Infant with Pseudomembranous Colitis Noted on Endoscopy
Authors: Tibesar Eric
Published: October 2020

Clostridium difficile infection rates have been rising within the last decade and more pediatric patients have been suffering from this type of infection. However, this bacterium is a well-known contaminant in the normal flora of the colon in patients under the age of 2 years, and therefore consensus guidelines have recommended against routine testing for this infection, unless clinically indicated. We present here a case of a very young infant who presented with symptoms of food refusal, poor weight gain, abdominal distention, and colitis noted on imaging. Endoscopic evaluation demonstrated the presence of pseudomembranous colitis, so the patient was treated with antibiotics against C. difficile and recovered fully. This case demonstrates the importance of keeping C. difficile colitis in your differential diagnosis, even at a very young age.
Renal Tubular Acidosis in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Eren Necmi , Gungor Ozkan , Sarisik Feyza Nur , Sokmen Fatih , Tutuncu Didem , Cetin Gozde Yildirim , Yazici Ayten , Gökçay Bek Sibel , Altun Eda , Altunoren Orcun , Cefle Ayse
Published: October 2020

Objective: Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is a clinical manifestation that occurs with insufficiency in restoring bicarbonate or disruption in hydrogen ion elimination as a result of a disruption in tubulus functions, causing normal anion gap-opening metabolic acidosis. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of RTA in the largest systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient population to date. Materials and Methods: SLE patients, who were followed up in 2 different healthcare centers, were included. Patients with metabolic acidosis (pH <7.35 and HCO3 <22 mEq/L) in venous blood gas analysis were determined. The serum and urine anion GAP of these patients were estimated, and the urine pH was assessed. RTA presence was evaluated as metabolic acidosis with a normal serum anion gap and a positive urine anion GAP. Results: A total of 108 patients were included in the present study. The mean age of the patients was 41.5 ± 1.2 and 87% were female. The SLE diagnosis duration was 75 ± 5 months. The mean creatinine value ​​was 0.6 ± 0.1 mg/dL and the mean eGFR was 111 ± 2 mL/min. According to the blood gas analysis, 18 patients (16.7% of the total) had RTA. Sixteen of these patients had type 1 RTA and 2 had type 2 RTA; type 4 RTA was not determined in any of the patients. Conclusion: RTA should be considered in SLE patients even if they have normal eGFR values. This is the largest study to examine the prevalence of RTA in SLE patients in the literature.