bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Irish Defence Forces combat medical technician training: experience of a novel university medical school-based programme
Authors: Loughman Sheila , Berry C , Hickey P , Kerr G M , Bury G
Published: March 2020

Aims

This study explores the opinions and experiences of Irish Defences Forces’ (IDF) graduates from University College Dublin’s Diploma in Military Medicine Care (DMMC). It aims to identify which aspects of medical education are relevant for the development of military graduates in the role of Combat Medical Technician (CMT) in future.

Methods

A validated Clinical Learning Environment Score tool was adapted and incorporated into an online survey. This was sent electronically to 71 graduates. Responses were anonymous.

Results

38 (54%) graduates responded. Student feedback was positive regarding teaching and clinical placements in the DMMC. In total 16 (42%) students reported use of their new skills in their daily work. Of the 9 (24%) deployed overseas, all used their new skills. Emergency and occupational health skills were used more frequently, while advanced skills were used rarely.

Conclusion

An increased emphasis on frequently used skills should be considered. Links to healthcare services would be of benefit to graduates in skills maintenance. Key advanced skills, such as intravenous cannulation and advanced airway management are rarely used but mechanisms to maintain them will improve the relevance of the programme to the CMT role. A change in how the IDF acknowledges qualifications may support more graduates in advancing and maintaining their career in the military medical workforce.
What hinders congenital ectopia lentis patients’ follow-up visits? A qualitative study
Authors: Lin Jianqiang , Gong Ni , Cao Qianzhong , Zhou Yijing , Cai Yitingxue , Jin Guangming , Young Charlotte Aimee , Yang Jing , Wang Yiyao , Zheng Danying
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The aim of our study is to give insight into congenital ectopia lentis (CEL) patients’ care-seeking behaviour and explore the factors affecting their follow-up visits.

Design

Cross-sectional study; in-depth and face-to-face semistructured interview.

Setting

A large-scale ophthalmology hospital in China.

Participants

35 patients with CEL and their parents from May 2017 to August 2017.

Main outcome measures

Themes and categories. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using grounded theory. Data collection was closed when new themes did not emerge in subsequent dialogues.

Results

The factors affecting the timely visits included insufficient awareness of CEL, shame on hereditary disease, lack of effective doctor–patient communication, lack of reliable information online and daily stressors.

Conclusion

Continuing medical education of severe and rare disease, reforming the pattern of medical education, constructing an interactive platform of the disease on the internet and improving healthcare policy are effective ways to improve the diagnosis and treatment status of CEL in China.
Association of birthplace and occupational exposures with chronic bronchitis in US Hispanics/Latinos, 2008–2011
Authors: Kim Victor , Wang Wei , Mannino David , Diaz Alejandro
Published: March 2020

Objectives

In the US, chronic bronchitis (CB) is common and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Data on CB in the Hispanic/Latino population—a large, diverse US minority—are scarce. We aimed to test whether the prevalence of CB varies across Hispanic/Latino heritages and to identify CB risk factors, including occupational exposures, in this population.

Methods

We analysed data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, a US population-based probability sample of participants aged 18–74 years (n=16 415) including those with Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Cuban, Central American and South American heritages. Participants who had a completed respiratory questionnaire and valid spirometric data were included in the analysis (n=13 259). CB, place of birth, heritage, occupational exposures and other risk factors were based on standardised questionnaires. The prevalence of CB was estimated using survey logistic regression-conditional marginal analysis.

Results

The estimated (mean (95% CI)) overall adjusted prevalence of CB was 12.1% (9.3 to 15.6), with a large variation across heritages. Dominican heritage had a fivefold higher prevalence than South American heritage. US-born participants had a higher adjusted prevalence than their non-US-born counterparts (16.8% (12.5 to 22.1) vs 11.0% (8.5 to 14.10); p=0.022). Compared with non-exposed participants, those exposed to cleaning or disinfecting solutions had a higher adjusted prevalence of CB (12.6% (9.1 to 17.1) vs 11.8% (9.2 to 15.1); p=0.024).

Conclusions

The prevalence of CB was higher among Dominicans than other Hispanic/Latino heritages. CB was more prevalent among US-born participants and those exposed to cleaning and disinfecting solutions.
Immunity to hepatitis A among men who have sex with men attending a large sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia, 2012–2018
Authors: Vodstrcil Lenka A , Fairley Christopher K , Williamson Deborah A , Bradshaw Catriona S , Chen Marcus Y , Chow Eric P F
Published: March 2020

Background

Outbreaks of hepatitis A are being reported more commonly among men who have sex with men (MSM) globally. Australia has also reported a sharp increase in the number of cases of hepatitis A in 2017. This study aimed to determine the level of immunity to hepatitis A among MSM attending a large urban sexual health clinic in Victoria in the lead up to recent outbreak.

Methods

This was a retrospective audit of serological testing data from first-time MSM attendees at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) in Australia from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2018. We determined the proportion of MSM who were tested and who had serological detection of hepatitis A IgG, stratified by age and calendar year. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression to investigate factors associated with testing for and detection of hepatitis A IgG.

Results

There were 16 609 first-time MSM attendees at MSHC over the 7-year period, of which 9718 (59%, 95% CI 58% to 60%) were tested for hepatitis A IgG. There was a 2% annual increase in the proportion of men tested (from 60% in 2012 to 69% in 2018; OR=1.02, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.03, p=0.025). Men born outside of Australia/New Zealand, and younger men <30 years had higher odds of being tested. Of those tested, 44% (n=4304, 95% CI 43% to 45%) had hepatitis A IgG detected at their first visit, with no change over time (OR=1.01, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.03, p=0.210). Detection of hepatitis A IgG was associated with being aged 30 years or older (adjusted OR=2.06, 95% CI 1.89 to 2.24, p<0.001) or being born overseas versus Australia/New Zealand (AOR=1.21, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.31, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Hepatitis A immunity among MSM remains below the estimated 70% required to prevent outbreaks. Measures including increased testing and higher vaccination coverage are needed to prevent outbreaks and to limit the number of cases and deaths.
A New Optimization on Harmony Search Algorithm for Exam Timetabling System
Authors: Alomari Khaled , Almarashdi Osama , Marashdh Ala , Zaqaibeh Belal
Published: March 2020

Preparing an optimal exam timetable in universities is challenging for head of departments, especially for colleges with multiple number of departments, courses, and students. Harmony search algorithm is used by many researchers to solve this problem but none of them could get an optimal solution. In this paper, a new algorithm which is called optimised harmony search algorithm with distributed selections is proposed by optimising the harmony search algorithm and the genetic algorithm. The new algorithm could satisfy hard, soft, and general constraints and generate an optimal exam timetable for a huge number of courses and students. The proposed algorithm is implemented and applied on Jadara University, the algorithm uses an upper triangular matrix to reduce relationships and memory usage, a three-dimensional matrix to ease the exams timetable management a deterministic number generators to eliminate timeslots conflicts, and backtracking algorithm to enhance the population selections. Lecturers and students’ feedback showed a good satisfaction as well the system results.
Sustaining Corporate Innovation Through University–Industry Collaborative Research: Evidence from the Jiangsu University of China
Authors: Mingxing Li , Asunka Benjamin Azembila , Jialu Su , Cheng Hu , Ming Wen , Yuxiao Wu
Published: March 2020

Based on the perspective of collaborative innovation, this study employed the social network analysis method to empirically analyze the evolution of knowledge diffusion networks between research institutions and industry in China. The study is centered on the Jiangsu University of China, an institution noted for its innovative activities for a long time. The results show that since 2008 the extent and depth of explicit knowledge diffusion of Jiangsu University have increased significantly. The regional knowledge diffusion network presents a core-edge spatial pattern, but the core-edge structure is weakening; indicating that while the number of partners in the collaboration effort is increasing, the strength of ties between groups is weakening. The tacit knowledge diffusion network presents a small-world effect; small groups of partners clustered around one or a few influential inventors have gradually emerged. It is also evident that enterprises that are located close to the university benefit more from such collaboration than those located in farther provinces. We recommend that universities in such collaborations should reach out to diverse industry players using their specialized expertise.
Strategies to Implement Circular Economy Practices: A Fuzzy DEMATEL Approach
Authors: Khan Shahbaz , Haleem Abid
Published: March 2020

There is a growing concern among consumers for preserving the environment without compromising the current lifestyle. In this context, organizations are looking for a sustainable business model that can fulfil their business objectives effectively. The concept of the circular economy is emerging as a solution that can help the minimization of the ill effect of industrialization. The circular economy is efficiently adopted and implemented through circular practices. However, the adoption of circular economy practices is not easy for the industries, and it requires a comprehensive strategy. Therefore, this study aims to identify and evaluate the key strategies to accomplish circular economy practices in the present-day context. In order to fulfil the research objective, this study identified 11 significant strategies that are needed for the adoption of circular economy practices. These strategies are identified using an integrated approach of the literature review and focus group discussion with experts. Further, these key strategies are evaluated using the fuzzy DEMATEL and developed a causal relationship among the strategies. The applied method has also classified the strategies into cause and effect group. The cause group comprises the five strategies, while effect group contain the six strategies. The finding suggests that “management involvement, support and commitment” and “creating a vision and goals for circular economy” are prominent strategies. This study will facilitate the managers to make the action plan for implementing the circular practices in order to shift towards the circular economy.
Using Monte Carlo models to predict hydrocarbon column heights and to illustrate how faults influence buoyant fluid entrapment
Authors: Grant Neil T.
Published: March 2020

Faults are often assumed to play a significant role in the migration and entrapment of hydrocarbons, either offering conduits for, or barriers to, fluid flow. They may also affect fluid-phase trapping and influence phase fractionation in the subsurface. A Monte Carlo modelling approach is used to model these effects for trap analysis. The aim is to show how varying fault seal capacity, the fault orientation, the regional stress tensor and the trap geometry can all affect how both oil and gas are retained within a trap. The model reduces the problem to a 1D analysis with a structural description depth-referenced to the crest of a prospect. Both juxtaposition and membrane fault seal are modelled, together with hydrodynamic effects and fault reactivation risk. The potential of a prospect to trap hydrocarbons is evaluated in a roll-up of results with the outputs including a predicted hydrocarbon column height distribution and column height control statistics. The technique also offers an insight into the potential fluid-phase partitioning that may occur dependent on the interplay between the active leakage mechanisms and spill control, enabling gas v. oil columns to be predicted.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Fault and top seals collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/fault-and-top-seals-2019
Geological and tectonic controls on morphometrics of submarine landslides of the Spanish margins
Authors: León Ricardo , Urgeles Roger , Pérez-López Raul , Payo Emilio , Vázquez-Izquierdo Amanda , Giménez-Moreno Carmen Julia , Casas David
Published: March 2020

A geomorphological analysis of the submarine landslides geographical information system catalogue of the Geological Survey of Spain has revealed three main groups of submarine landslides associated with (1) deep-ocean seamount ridges (extinct spreading centres), (2) volcanic islands and (3) continental margins. These three groups have statistically significant morphometric differences, as determined from analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's HSD Tests, in total length (runout), total area, maximum deposit width and bathymetric depth. Volcanic island-related slope failures affect larger areas of the seafloor and their headwall escarpments often extend above sea-level. Slope failures associated with seamount ridges are the deepest, between 3500 and 5500 m, and display relatively high width-to-length ratios. Finally, landslides on continental margins show two sub-groups. Landslides on tectonically controlled margins have smaller runouts and total area and larger average slope gradients than margins where tectonic controls are limited. These results demonstrate that submarine landslide morphology is strongly controlled by the geological-tectonic setting.
A Decision Support System with Intelligent Recommendation for Multi-disciplinary Medical Treatment
Authors: Zhu Nengjun , Cao Jian , Shen Kunwei , Chen Xiaosong , Zhu Siji
Published: March 2020

Recent years have witnessed an emerging trend for improving disease treatment by forming multi-disciplinary medical teams. The collaboration among specialists from multiple medical domains has been shown to be significantly helpful for designing comprehensive and reliable regimens, especially for incurable diseases. Although this kind of multi-disciplinary treatment has been increasingly adopted by healthcare providers, a new challenge has been introduced to the decision-making process—how to efficiently and effectively develop final regimens by searching for candidate treatments and considering inputs from every expert. In this article, we present a sophisticated decision support system called MdtDSS (a decision support system (DSS) for multi-disciplinary treatment (Mdt)), which is particularly developed to guide the collaborative decision-making in multi-disciplinary treatment scenarios. The system integrates a recommender system that aims to search for personalized candidates from a large-scale high-quality regimen pool and a voting system that helps collect feedback from multiple specialists without potential bias. Our decision support system optimally combines machine intelligence and human experience and helps medical practitioners make informed and accountable regimen decisions. We deployed the proposed system in a large hospital in Shanghai, China, and collected real-world data on large-scale patient cases. The evaluation shows that the proposed system achieves outstanding results in terms of high-quality multi-disciplinary treatment.
The Book Review Column
Authors: Green Frederic
Published: March 2020

In this column, the reviewers review each others' books!
How to Write a Good Project Report
Authors: Chen Li
Published: March 2020

This is not a template for how to format a project report. This document only contains pointers and suggestions for how to structure a report. We focus on what materials should be included.
A plumber’s guide to the cardiovascular system
Authors: Washburn Shannon E. , Stewart Randolph H.
Published: March 2020

Blood flow through the cardiovascular system is governed by the same physical rules that govern the flow of water through domestic plumbing. Using this analogy in a teaching laboratory, a model of the cardiovascular system constructed of pumps and pipes was used to demonstrate the basic interactions of pressure, flow, and resistance in a regulated system, with student volunteers providing the operational actions and regulatory components. The model was used to validate predictions and explore solutions prompted by student discussion. This interactive teaching laboratory provides an engaging experiential exercise that demonstrates regulation of flow and pressure in an intact cardiovascular system with apposite changes in heart rate and resistance. In addition, the system provides strong clinical correlates and illustrates how that regulated system responds to challenges such as heart failure, inappropriate vasodilation, and hemorrhage. The results demonstrate that, with limited practice, the instructor can effectively guide the students to reliably reproduce physiologically appropriate results.
Diagram comprehension ability of college students in an introductory biology course
Authors: Kottmeyer Alexa M. , Van Meter Peggy , Cameron Chelsea
Published: March 2020

College biology courses commonly use diagrams to convey information. These visual representations are embedded in course materials with the expectation that students can comprehend and learn from them. Educational research, however, suggests that many students have difficulty understanding diagrams and the conventions (e.g., labels, arrows) they contain. The present study evaluates biology students’ ability to comprehend scientific diagrams and the diagram characteristics that affect this comprehension. Participants were students in a physiology course who completed a multiple-choice test of diagram comprehension ability (DCA) (Cromley JG, Perez TC, Fitzhugh SL, Newcombe NS, Wills TW, Tanaka JC. J Exp Educ 81: 511–537, 2013). We coded the conventions used in each test diagram and used these codes to capture the diagram characteristics of conventions and complexity. Descriptive analyses examine students’ ability to understand scientific diagrams and which diagram characteristics cause the most difficulty. We also compared groups with low and high DCA scores to evaluate how students at different levels of comprehension ability are affected by diagram characteristics. Results show relatively poor DCA; the average total test score was only 69.5%. The conventions used in a diagram also affected diagram comprehension, and results show students had the most difficulty comprehending diagrams using a letter or numbering system, where arbitrary letters/numbers were used to signify objects and diagrams using cut-outs that showed cross sections and magnified interior views. Additionally, students’ comprehension was higher on diagrams with higher complexity (i.e., more types of conventions used), potentially indicating students are able to take advantage of the supports that different conventions provide. Implications for instruction are identified.
Applied mechanical loading to mouse hindlimb acutely increases skeletal perfusion and chronically enhanced vascular porosity
Authors: Gohin Stephanie , Javaheri Behzad , Hopkinson Mark , Pitsillides Andrew Anthony , Arnett Timothy R. , Chenu Chantal
Published: March 2020

Blood supply is essential for osteogenesis, yet its relationship to load-related increases in bone mass is poorly defined. Herein, we aim to investigate the link between load-induced osteogenesis and the blood supply (bone perfusion and vascular porosity) using an established osteogenic noninvasive model of axial loading. Accordingly, 12 N mechanical loads were applied to the right tibiae of six male C57BL6 mice at 10–12 wk of age, 3 times/wk for 2 wk. Skeletal perfusion was measured acutely (postloading) and chronically in loaded and contralateral, nonloaded hindlimbs by laser-Doppler imaging. Vascular and lacunar porosity of the cortical bone and tibia load-related changes in trabecular and cortical bone was measured by nanoCT and micro-CT, respectively. We found that the mean skeletal perfusion (loaded: nonloaded limb ratio) increased by 56% immediately following the first loading episode (vs. baseline, P < 0.01), and a similar increase was observed after all loading episodes, demonstrating that these acute responses were conserved for 2 wk of loading. Loading failed, however, to engender any significant chronic changes in mean perfusion between the beginning and the end of the experiment. In contrast, 2 wk of loading engendered an increased vascular canal number in the tibial cortical compartment (midshaft) and, as expected, also increased trabecular and cortical bone volumes and modified tibial architecture in the loaded limb. Our results indicate that each episode of loading both generates acute enhancement in skeletal blood perfusion and also stimulates chronic vascular architectural changes in the bone cortices, which coincide with load-induced increases in bone mass.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study investigated modifications to the blood supply (bone perfusion and intracortical vascular canals) in mechanoadaptive responses in C57BL6 mice. Each episode of mechanical loading acutely increases skeletal perfusion. Two weeks of mechanical loading increased bone mass and cortical vascular canal number, while there was no chronic increase in hindlimb perfusion. Our findings suggest that the blood supply may participate in the processes that govern load-induced bone formation.
Effects of Polysaccharide from Malus halliana Koehne Flowers in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression and Oxidative Stress on Mice
Authors: Niu Yingying , Dong Jing , Jiang Huimin , Wang Jinmei , Liu Zhenhua , Ma Changyang , Kang Wenyi
Published: March 2020

The immunomodulatory effects of Malus halliana flower polysaccharide (MHFP) were investigated in this paper. The model of immunosuppressive mice was established by cyclophosphamide, which was treated with different dosages of MHFP (600, 400, and 200 mg/kg·d-1). The results showed that MHFP significantly increased the index of the spleen and thymus and improved the atrophy of immune organs. MHFP enhanced the ability of carbon clearance and phagocytosis of mononuclear phagocytes in mice. Meanwhile, MHFP promoted the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes. MHFP could enhance the content of serum hemolysin and improve the decrease of hemolysin induced by cyclophosphamide. The contents of ACP and LDH in the serum and spleen were determined, indicating that MHFP could enhance the activity of macrophages. MHFP promoted the content of cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) and mRNA expression. At the same time, the pathological changes of the spleen tissue also showed that MHFP could improve the immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide. In addition, MHFP increased the content of SOD, T-AOC, and CAT in the serum and spleen tissue, decreased the level of MDA, and improved the oxidative stress caused by cyclophosphamide. In conclusion, MHFP could effectively improve the immunosuppression and oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide and enhance the immune capacity of mice.
Characteristics and Epidemiological Investigation of Paratuberculosis in Dairy Cattle in Tai’an, China
Authors: Cheng Zilong , Liu Mengda , Wang Peng , Liu Peng , Chen Meng , Zhang Jiandong , Liu Sidang , Wang Fangkun
Published: March 2020

Paratuberculosis, a chronic and sometimes fatal disease of ruminants, is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). In this study, we examined paratuberculosis cases among 2–4‐year‐old dairy cows at farms in Shandong Province, China. Paratuberculosis cases were diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, pathological autopsy, and histopathological inspection. Characteristics of paratuberculosis in the affected dairy cattle included poor body condition, persistent diarrhea, subcutaneous edema, granulomatous ileitis (multibacillary), mesenteric lymphadenitis, and hepatitis. Acid‐fast bacilli from fecal specimens and lymphocytes were putatively identified as MAP based on Ziehl‐Neelsen staining, then confirmed using polymerase chain reaction‐based testing and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry analyses. Overall, only one MAP strain was isolated from a herd with symptomatic diarrhea. However, analysis of 586 serum samples from nine herds in Tai’an City revealed that 66.7% of herds and 14.2% of animals were seropositive for MAP. Our findings suggest that paratuberculosis is widely prevalent and therefore a significant threat to the dairy industry in Tai’an City, Shandong Province, China.
General Forms of Solutions for Linear Impulsive Fuzzy Dynamic Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Hong Shihuang , Cao Xiaoyu , Chen Ji , Hou Haiyang , Luo Xinggang
Published: March 2020

A class of linear impulsive fuzzy dynamic equations on time scales is considered by using the generalized differentiability concept on time scales. Some novel criteria and general forms of solutions are established for such models whose significance lies in proposing the possibility to get unifying forms of solutions for discrete and continuous dynamical systems under uncertainty and to unify corresponding problems in the framework of fuzzy dynamic equations on time scales. Finally, some examples show the applicability of our results.
Large‐Scale Direct Shear Test on Tire Slice Reinforced Crushed Concrete Particles
Authors: Ma Qiang , Shu Hang , Mou Jia , Li Lihua , Zheng Zhenyi
Published: March 2020

In order to study the mechanical properties of tire slices reinforced crushed concrete particles, a series of shear tests were carried out under the conditions of different vertical loads, different tire volume contents, and different shear rates. The test results show that the addition of tire slices can increase the internal friction angle and cohesion of concrete particles, therefore increase the shear strength of crushed concrete particles. The peak shear stress increases with the increase of vertical load. However, with the increase of the tire volume content, the reinforcement effect of the tire slices first increases and then decreases, and the effect is best when the tire volume content is 4%. Under the vertical load of 60 kPa, the reinforcement effect of 4% tire volume content is the best, and the peak shear stress increases by 46.53%. Additionally, the shear rate has a little effect on the peak shear stress. The larger the shear rate is, the smaller the shear displacement is and the faster the shear strength decreases. The smaller the shear rate is, the more gently the shear strength decreases.
Mechanism of Xu Li’s Experiential Prescription for the Treatment of EGFR‐Positive NSCLC
Authors: Xu Bin , Zhang Haitao , Wang Yuchao , Huang Shuran , Xu Li
Published: March 2020

The non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer which seriously threatens the human health. Xu Li’s experiential prescription (XLEP) can treat the NSCLC. However, whether XLEP can regulate the autophagy in the EGFR‐positive NSCLC still remains unknown. We found that the cellular activity of drug‐resistant cells and sensitive cells were all decreased in the TCM group and TCM + Gef group. The expression of autophagy‐associated proteins (mTOR and Beclin1‐Vps34) in drug‐resistant cells was decreased in the TCM group, while the expression of autophagy‐associated proteins in sensitive cells was all decreased in the TCM + Gef group. The ratio of M1/M2 macrophages was increased when IL‐4‐induced RAW264.7 was treated with TCM. TCM treatment promoted the expression of CCL2 and CCL3 while it downregulated the CCL22 level among A549, H1975, and PC9 cells. The expression of TNF‐α and IL‐6 was increased, and the expression of IL‐10 and TGF‐β was decreased in IL‐4‐induced RAW264.7 cells treated with TCM. And, TCM treatment also decreased the expression of Fizz1 and TGM2. In conclusion, this study indicated that XLEP could suppress the proliferation of EGFR‐TKI‐resistant cancer cells and increase the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages by inhibiting autophagy to treat the drug‐resistant EGFR‐positive NSCLC.
Recent Findings and Open Issues concerning the Seismic Behaviour of Masonry Infill Walls in RC Buildings
Authors: Furtado André , Teresa de Risi Maria
Published: March 2020

The extension of the damages observed after the last major earthquakes shows that the seismic risk mitigation of infilled reinforced concrete structures is a paramount topic in seismic prone regions. In the assessment of existing structures and the design of new ones, the infill walls are considered as nonstructural elements by most of the seismic codes and, generally, comprehensive provisions for practitioners are missing. However, nowadays, it is well recognized by the community the importance of the infills in the seismic behaviour of the reinforced concrete structures. Accurate modelling strategies and appropriate seismic assessment methodologies are crucial to understand the behaviour of existing buildings and to develop efficient and appropriate mitigation measures to prevent high level of damages, casualties, and economic losses. The development of effective strengthening solutions to improve the infill seismic behaviour and proper analytical formulations that could help design engineers are still open issues, among others, on this topic. The main aim of this paper is to provide a state‐of‐the‐art review concerning the typologies of damages observed in the last earthquakes where the causes and possible solutions are discussed. After that, a review of in‐plane and out‐of‐plane testing campaigns from the literature on infilled reinforced concrete frames are presented as well as their relevant findings. The most common strengthening solutions to improve the seismic behaviour are presented, and some examples are discussed. Finally, a brief summary of the modelling strategies available in the literature is presented.
Metabolic Profiling of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissues Discriminates Normal Colon from Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Arima Kota , Lau Mai Chan , Zhao Melissa , Haruki Koichiro , Kosumi Keisuke , Mima Kosuke , Gu Mancang , Väyrynen Juha P. , Twombly Tyler S. , Baba Yoshifumi , Fujiyoshi Kenji , Kishikawa Junko , Guo Chunguang , Baba Hideo , Richards William G. , Chan Andrew T. , Nishihara Reiko , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Nowak Jonathan A. , Giannakis Marios , Fuchs Charles S. , Ogino Shuji
Published: March 2020

Accumulating evidence suggests that metabolic reprogramming has a critical role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. The usefulness of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue material for metabolomics analysis as compared with fresh frozen tissue material remains unclear. LC/MS-MS–based metabolomics analysis was performed on 11 pairs of matched tumor and normal tissues in both FFPE and fresh frozen tissue materials from patients with colorectal carcinoma. Permutation t test was applied to identify metabolites with differential abundance between tumor and normal tissues. A total of 200 metabolites were detected in the FFPE samples and 536 in the fresh frozen samples. The preservation of metabolites in FFPE samples was diverse according to classes and chemical characteristics, ranging from 78% (energy) to 0% (peptides). Compared with the normal tissues, 34 (17%) and 174 (32%) metabolites were either accumulated or depleted in the tumor tissues derived from FFPE and fresh frozen samples, respectively. Among them, 15 metabolites were common in both FFPE and fresh frozen samples. Notably, branched chain amino acids were highly accumulated in tumor tissues. Using KEGG pathway analyses, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, arginine and proline, glycerophospholipid, and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism pathways distinguishing tumor from normal tissues were found in both FFPE and fresh frozen samples. This study demonstrates that informative data of metabolic profiles can be retrieved from FFPE tissue materials.

Implications:

Our findings suggest potential value of metabolic profiling using FFPE tumor tissues and may help to shape future translational studies through developing treatment strategies targeting metabolites.
Occurrence and Natural History of Thyroid Cancer in Patients with Cowden Syndrome
Authors: Szabo Yamashita Thomas , Baky Fady J. , McKenzie Travis J. , Thompson Geoffrey B. , Farley David R. , Lyden Melanie L. , Dy Benzon M.
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Cowden syndrome patients are at an increased risk of developing differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). There are limited studies of thyroid cancer biology within this population. We aimed to describe the frequency and progression of DTC in this population. Method: We reviewed all patients with clinically or genetically confirmed Cowden syndrome treated at our institution between 1979 and 2017. Presentation, operative details, pathology, and adjuvant treatment for all thyroid diseases were analyzed. Results: Forty-seven patients were identified. Thirty-seven received a clinical diagnosis while 10 tested positive on genetic testing for the PTEN gene. Average follow-up time was 10 years. Twenty-three patients underwent a total thyroidectomy. Nine patients were diagnosed with thyroid cancer, with a mean age of 28.5 years, 4 cases of the follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), 4 of PTC, and 1 of cystic PTC. One patient required an interval lateral neck dissection but no patients developed distant metastasis. Fourteen patients underwent thyroidectomy, 12 due to follicular adenoma, Hürthle cell adenoma, or multinodular goiter, 1 due to Graves’ disease, and 1 who elected to undergo a prophylactic thyroidectomy. No mortality was associated with thyroid cancer in these patients. Conclusion: Patients with Cowden syndrome are at a significantly increased risk of developing DTC and have a younger age of onset. In this study, 20% of the patients with Cowden syndrome were diagnosed with DTC, but distant metastasis and overall mortality were absent. Clinical features were similar to those of sporadic DTC, proving that, apart from screening, Cowden syndrome-related DTC can be treated in similar fashion.
Immune Cell Circuits in Mucosal Wound Healing: Clinical Implications
Authors: Zundler Sebastian , Tauschek Verena , Neurath Markus F.
Published: March 2020

Background: An intact mucosal barrier is essential for homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract. Various pathological conditions such as infection or immune-mediated inflammation as well as therapeutic interventions like bowel surgery can result in injury of the intestinal mucosa. To counteract potential negative sequelae and to restore integrity of the tissue, a tightly regulated machinery of mechanisms exists, which crucially depends on the presence and absence of various immune cell subsets in different phases of intestinal wound healing. Cell trafficking is an increasingly acknowledged process that steers the localization of cells in tissues and the circulation. Thus, such cell circuits also crucially impact on the recruitment of immune cells in wound healing. Summary: We performed a selective literature research. In our review, we will shortly delineate some basic principles of intestinal immune cell trafficking before discussing the contribution of different immune cells to wound healing. Finally, we will discuss potential clinical implications of immune cell trafficking and wound healing interactions in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and bowel surgery. Key Messages: Intestinal wound healing has immense importance in pathological conditions like IBD, anastomotic healing, and others. Immune cell trafficking is indispensable for the correct temporal and spatial interaction of the cells involved. Further research is required to understand the final consequences of interfering with immune cell trafficking for intestinal wound healing.
Obesity, Hypertension, and Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Mouton Alan J. , Li Xuan , Hall Michael E. , Hall John E.
Published: March 2020

Obesity and hypertension, which often coexist, are major risk factors for heart failure and are characterized by chronic, low-grade inflammation, which promotes adverse cardiac remodeling. While macrophages play a key role in cardiac remodeling, dysregulation of macrophage polarization between the proinflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes promotes excessive inflammation and cardiac injury. Metabolic shifting between glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation has been implicated in macrophage polarization. M1 macrophages primarily rely on glycolysis, whereas M2 macrophages rely on the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation; thus, factors that affect macrophage metabolism may disrupt M1/M2 homeostasis and exacerbate inflammation. The mechanisms by which obesity and hypertension may synergistically induce macrophage metabolic dysfunction, particularly during cardiac remodeling, are not fully understood. We propose that obesity and hypertension induce M1 macrophage polarization via mechanisms that directly target macrophage metabolism, including changes in circulating glucose and fatty acid substrates, lipotoxicity, and tissue hypoxia. We discuss canonical and novel proinflammatory roles of macrophages during obesity-hypertension–induced cardiac injury, including diastolic dysfunction and impaired calcium handling. Finally, we discuss the current status of potential therapies to target macrophage metabolism during heart failure, including antidiabetic therapies, anti-inflammatory therapies, and novel immunometabolic agents.
Radical (and Populist) Parties in European Governments
Authors: Fagerholm Andreas
Published: March 2020

Existing studies on the coalitionability of radical and—oftentimes—populist (right or/and left) parties have concluded that government inclusion of these parties follows a complex and multi-causal pattern, and that the explanatory power of the conventional “size and ideology”-framework is limited. Starting from this observation, the present study sets out to further strengthen our understanding of radical government participation. First, the paper seeks to substantiate the relationships observed in a previous configurational cross-case analysis focusing on factors related to size and ideology: How is size and ideology related to radical government participation? The second aim of the paper is to further improve our understanding of why and when radical parties participate in coalition governments: If well-known factors related to electoral and parliamentary strength and ideological aptitude are—as recent cross-case evidence indicate—able to explain radical government participation only partly, which are the additional components that should be included in an enhanced explanatory framework?
Comparative Study of the Reconstruction of Anterior Cruciate Ligament with Peroneal Longus Tendon and Hamstring Tendon Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: He Ming , Sun Xu , Fu Yonghui
Published: March 2020

Objective: To compare the effect of reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with peroneal longus tendon (PLT) and hamstring tendon (HT) using magnetic resonance image (MRI). Methods: Fifty-six patients with ACL rupture were treated with ACL reconstruction. Among
them, 28 patients were treated with PLT reconstruction (treatment group) and 28 patients were treated with HT reconstruction (control group). There were no significant differences in gender, age, injury side, course of disease, preoperative Lachman test, Lysholm score, IKDC score, joint mobility,
MRI image between the two groups (P > 0.05). Result: The incision healed in the first stage after operation in both groups, and there were no significant neurovascular injuries and knee synovitis complications. Comparing the MRI of the two groups after operation, the effect of the
treatment group was better than that of the control group. There were no complications in both groups. The Lysholm score and IKDC score of the treatment group were better than those of the control group at 6 and 12 months after operation (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in
Lachman test between the two groups at 6 and 12 months after operation (P > 0.05). At 3 and 12 months after operation, the joint activity of the treatment group was better than that of the control group, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). The degree of tibial anterior displacement
decreased significantly in both groups before and after operation (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Discussion: MRI scanning technology can significantly expand the scope of human body examination, improve the detection rate
and diagnostic accuracy of lesions. In traditional surgery, HT is often used as reconstruction material. However, there are many factors to be considered in the formulation of operation plan for double cruciate ligament injury, such as limb blood supply, accompanied by a variety of structural
injuries, so the requirement for reconstruction is high. There was no significant difference in the recovery of knee stability between the two groups, but in terms of early recovery of knee function and subjective satisfaction of patients, the reconstruction of PLT was superior to that of
HT. Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging can effectively diagnose the curative effect, and it is worth popularizing and applying widely. Compared with HT, ACL reconstruction with PLT is easier to operate, and the early recovery of knee joint function and it is worth popularizing and
applying widely.
Tumor-Specific Nascent Nine-Peptide-Epitopes Prediction and Bioinformatics Characterization in Human Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhu Ying , Hu Bo , Xu Long , Yang Lili , Wang Congjie , Zhang Siyu , He Xufeng , Gao Tesheng , Guo Yong , Huang Changxin
Published: March 2020

Background/Aims: Neoantigens are peptides produced by translation of mutant exons and existed in tumor tissues instead of normal tissues, thus, we desired to investigate the antigenic peptide epitopes of cancerspecific neoantigen, to detect the affinity of the nonapeptide with
the corresponding Human Leukocyte Antigen I (HLA I) allele molecule, in order to understand the relationship of mutant exon genes of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) patients and the drive genes that are currently known for tumorigenesis of CRC. Methods: The next generation sequencing (NGS)
method was used to detect the whole genome sequence and HLA I allele types of tumor tissues and adjacent tissues of 5 CRC patients. pVAC-Seq was applied to identify the nascent nonapeptides generated from exon mutations. The affinity of polypeptides with respective HLA I molecules in CRC was
calculated by using NETMHC 4.0 Server. The molecular localization, molecular function, and signal pathways of mutant genes in 5 CRC patients were performed by FunRich 3.1.3 software. The TIMER website was applied to predict the analysis of intratumoral immune cell infiltration associated with
the gene mutations in 5 CRC patients. Results: Fifty-six tumor-specific neo-nonapeptides were predicted from 54 different exon gene mutations. The 56 tumor new nonapeptide sequences were different from the shared motif of the HLA I allele. We explored that the tumor-specific nascent
nonapeptide mainly bound to HLA-A.02*03, HLA-B.58*01 and HLA-B.11*01, and the affinity analysis results suggested that 14 of the nonapeptides had strong binding force, 20 nonapeptides had weak binding force, and 22 nonapeptides had no binding force. 54 mutant exons of 5 CRC patients were chiefly
located in Leading edge membrane, Fanconi anaemia nuclear complex, and Azurophil granule. The molecular functions of these genes were involved in DNA-directed DNA polymerase activity, Vitamin or cofactor transporter activity, and Receptor signaling protein tyrosine kinase activity. 54 gene
mutations had key roles in Translesion synthesis by Pol zeta, Translesion synthesis by DNA polymerases bypassing lesion on DNA template, and DNA Damage Bypass. We found that the mutant FMN2 had more infiltration of CD8+ T cells in the tumor than the wild type, and the mutant ZNF717 had more
infiltration of CD8+ T cells and neutrophils in the tumor than the wild type, the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: This study provides a preliminary result to illustrate that the prediction and bioinformatics feature of tumor-specific new nine-peptide-epitopes in
CRC. It is hoped that the cancer-specific neoantigen will be used for adjuvant immunotherapy after radical surgery of colorectal cancer, and the mutant genes of CRC can also be used as landmarks for postoperative recurrence and metastasis of colorectal cancer.
Bioinformatics Analysis of Tumor-Associated Macrophages, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Microvascular Density in Endometrial Carcinomas
Authors: Yue Lili , Shi Wen , Li Kao , Shi Jingwen , Lian Yi , Huang Ying
Published: March 2020

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of tumor-associated macrophage (TAMs), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and regional microvascular density (MVD) in different parts of the endometrial carcinoma based on bioinformatics. Methods:
Immunohistochemistry assay were used to detect the density of TAMs in endometrial cancer nest, tumor stroma, and infiltrating marginal and its relationship with clinicopathological parameters, VEGF and MVD. Results: To compare with normal tissue, the TAMs in tumor stroma, cancer nest
and infiltrating marginal were significantly higher. The density of TAMs in infiltrating marginal was correlated to the FIGO stage, histological grade, myometrial invasion and also lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer; while the TAMs in tumor stroma is not related to the FIGO stage.
Positive correlation between the density of TAMs in tumor stroma, infiltrating marginal and VEGF and MVD in endometrial cancer was found. Conclusion: The change of tumor microenvironment caused by increased density of TAMs promote tumor microangiogenesis and aggravate the progression
of endometrial cancer.