bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Efficiency of Auxetic Cores in Sandwich Beams Subjected to Low-Velocity Impact
Authors: Hedayatian Mohammad , Daneshmehr A. R. , Liaghat G. H.
Published: July 2020

This paper experimentally investigates the behavior of sandwich beam with auxetic core subjected to low-velocity impact loading. Two types of sandwich beams with different topologies of auxetic cellular cores were produced. Furthermore, a test procedure involving a cylindrical impactor was developed, and a parametric study was designed and performed. The results revealed that, at the same level of impact energy, the peak load decreased by increasing the re-entrant angle would make the auxetic sample with the highest re-entrant angle an ideal candidate for protective applications. However, in other applications where the structure needs to be protected from damage at a higher level of impact energy, the auxetic sample with the lowest re-entrant angle exhibited the best performance due to the highest amount of failure energy. Finally, the results showed that once the core structure changed from the conventional to auxetic, the energy level leading to damage to the structure increased so that it was escalated by a factor of 2 in the auxetic sample compared to the conventional sample. This is due to the negative Poisson’s ratio effect of structure that makes unit cells be drawn into the projectile impact area and, in turn, the structure is strengthened.
Lie super-bialgebra structures on the N = 2 super-BMS3 algebra
Authors: Chi Lili , Sun Jiancai , Yang Hengyun
Published: July 2020

In this paper, Lie super-bialgebra structures on the [Formula: see text] super-BMS3 algebra are investigated. By computing derivations from the super-BMS3 to the tensor product of its adjoint module, we obtain that all Lie bialgebra structures on the [Formula: see text] super-BMS3 Algebra are triangular coboundary.
Aging, Life History, and Human Evolution
Authors: Bribiescas Richard G.
Published: July 2020

Aging occurs in all sexually reproducing organisms. That is, physical degradation over time occurs from conception until death. While the life span of a species is often viewed as a benchmark of aging, the pace and intensity of physical degradation over time varies owing to environmental influences, genetics, allocation of energetic investment, and phylogenetic history. Significant variation in aging within mammals, primates, and great apes, including humans, is therefore common across species. The evolution of aging in the hominin lineage is poorly known; however, clues can be derived from the fossil record. Ongoing advances continue to shed light on the interactions between life-history variables such as reproductive effort and aging. This review presents our current understanding of the evolution of aging in humans, drawing on population variation, comparative research, trade-offs, and sex differences, as well as tissue-specific patterns of physical degradation. Implications for contemporary health challenges and the future of human evolutionary anthropology research are also discussed.
Broadening Perspectives on the Evolution of Human Paternal Care and Fathers’ Effects on Children
Authors: Gettler Lee T. , Boyette Adam H. , Rosenbaum Stacy
Published: July 2020

Unlike most mammals, human fathers cooperate with mothers to care for young to an extraordinary degree. Human paternal care likely evolved alongside our unique life history strategy of raising slow-developing, energetically costly children, often in rapid succession. Adaptive frameworks generally assume that paternal provisioning played a critical role in this pattern's emergence. We draw on nonhuman primate data to propose that nonprovisioning forms of low-cost hominin male care were potentially foundational and ratcheted up through evolutionary time, helping facilitate social contexts for later subsistence specialization and sharing. We then argue for expanding the breadth of anthropological research on paternal effects in families, particularly in three domains: direct care and teaching;social capital cultivation; and reduction of family conflict. Anthropologists can greatly contribute to conversations about the determinants of children's development across contexts, but we need to ask more expansive questions about the pathways through which caregivers (including fathers) affect child outcomes.
Automated Protein Purification on a Centrifugal Platform
Authors: Shih Chih-Hsin , Chen Jin-Ping , Zhao Yi-Xiang
Published: July 2020

An automated protein purification approach was developed on a centrifugal platform. The major fluidic functions include sequential reagent addition, drainage, and manipulation of magnetic beads. The sequential reagent addition is performed by an Euler-force-induced decanting approach and the reagent drainage is conducted through a siphoning method. A magnetic module was designed to maintain the magnetic beads in a dispersed state while immobilizing them in the reaction chamber during reagent drainage. Finally, an automated protein purification platform, that is able to complete the purification process within an hour, was developed.
Sinapic Acid Attenuates Cardiovascular Disorders in Rats by Modulating Reactive Oxygen Species and Angiotensin Receptor Expression
Authors: Aldubayan Maha A. , Ahmed Amira S. , Emara Ashraf M. , Ahmed Ahmed A. , Elgharabawy Rehab M.
Published: July 2020

The main avoidable risk factor for cardiovascular conditions is high blood pressure (hypertension). At global level, hypertension is believed to be responsible for a 54% stroke-related mortality rate and a 47% mortality rate associated with coronary heart disease. It is postulated that sinapic acid (SA) could help in hypertension management because it displays robust antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and peroxynitrite scavenging effects. To explore this hypothesis, this work examined the effect of SA on oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease in rats with hypertension by comparison against captopril. For this purpose, 50 male rats were used and equally allocated to five groups, namely, normal control, positive control (L-NAME), L-NAME with concomitant captopril administration, L-NAME with concomitant SA administration, and L-NAME with concomitant administration of both SA and captopril. Results showed that, by contrast to control, L-NAME exhibited marked elevation in serum CK-MB, total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL-C, LDL-C, Ang II, AT2R, ET-1, and angiopoietin-2; on the other hand, L-NAME exhibited marked reduction in serum HDL-C, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3), and glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, joint administration of SA and captopril ameliorated hypertension, enhanced cardiovascular function, hindered hyperlipidemia, and decreased oxidative stress and myocardial hypertrophy displayed by rats with hypertension. Based on such findings, better chemopreventive or therapeutic approaches can be devised to manage hypertension and cardiovascular conditions.
Evaluation of Volatile Compounds during the Fermentation Process of Yogurts by Streptococcus thermophilus Based on Odor Activity Value and Heat Map Analysis
Authors: Zhang Li , Mi Si , Liu Ruo-bing , Sang Ya-xin , Wang Xiang-hong
Published: July 2020

The volatile composition of yogurt produced by Streptococcus thermophilus fermentation at different time points was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with simultaneous distillation and extraction. A total of 53 volatile compounds including 11 aldehydes, 10 ketones, 8 acids, 7 benzene derivatives, 13 hydrocarbons, and 4 other compounds were identified in all of the samples. Ketones and hydrocarbons were the predominant volatile components in the early stage, whereas acids were the predominant volatiles in the late stage. The importance of each volatile was evaluated based on odor, threshold, and odor activity values (OAVs). Twenty-nine volatiles were found to be odor-active compounds (OAV > 1), among which (E, E)-2,4-decadienal had the highest OAV (14623–22278). Other aldehydes and ketones such as octanal, dodecanal, 2-nonen-4-one, and 2-undecanone also showed high odor intensity during fermentation. Heat map analysis was employed to evaluate the differences during fermentation. The results demonstrated that the volatile profile based on the content and OAVs of volatile compounds enables the good differentiation of yogurt during fermentation.
Gastric Carcinoma in Young Patients and Its Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis
Authors: Sandeep Bhushan , Huang Xin , Li Yuan , Mao Long , Gao Ke , Xiao Zongwei
Published: July 2020

Background. Gastric cancer is usually an age-related disease and mostly diagnosed after the sixth decade of life, though it may also be diagnosed earlier. Objective. The aim of this study is to explore the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of gastric carcinoma in young patients. Methods. A total of 1379 patients younger than 75 years histologically diagnosed with primary gastric carcinoma underwent gastrectomy. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their age which included young age group (≤40 years), middle-aged group (age 41-60 years), and elderly group (age 61-75 years). The young age group was further subdivided into two groups: Group A (age ≤35 years) and Group B (age 35-40 years). The analysis of the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis followed thereafter. Results. Females predominate in young group (p<0.001). A significantly higher undifferentiated histological pattern was found in the young age group from the other two groups (p<0.001). Tumor location in the lower third of the stomach was significantly higher in the young group than the other groups (p<0.001). T4 stage was common in young patients similar to the middle and old age group (p=0.049). Distal gastrectomy was performed more in the young age group rather than the middle and old age groups with the following percentage ratios: young group 74.5% (123/165), middle age group 59.9% (429/716), and old age group 52.2% (260/498) (p<0.001). The 5-year overall survival rate of the young, middle, and old age groups were 46%, 48%, and 39%, respectively, whereas the 5-year overall survival rates of the subgroups of young patients, Group A and Group B, were 33% and 49%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that independent negative prognostic factors were as follows: tumor location (L), p=0.016, OR=0.795, 95%CI=0.659;0.959; larger tumor size, p=0.026, OR=1.727, 95%CI=1.067;2.797; resection margin, p<0.001, OR=2.167, 95%CI=1.751;2.682; tumor stage (T4), p<0.001, OR=2.572, 95%CI=1.709;3.870; and nodal involvement N1, p=0.005, OR=1.506, 95%CI=1.123;2.020; N2, p<0.001, OR=1.708, 95%CI=1.289;2.263; and N3, p<0.001, OR=2.986, 95%CI=2.314;3.854. Conclusion. The young age groups of patients were predominantly female and had a higher proportion of poorly differentiated and undifferentiated type of tumor; moreover, patients aged <35 years had a poor prognosis. In addition, gastric cancer can occur in patients less than 30 years old, and symptoms suggestive of gastric cancer should be investigated aggressively; therefore, a close scrutiny and monitoring should be done in younger patients especially those associated with high-risk factors which could indicate the presence of the disease at an early stage.
Mathematical Model for Analyzing Heat Transfer Characteristics of Ablative Thermal Insulating Material
Authors: Gao Junjie , Han Haitao , Deng Daiying , Yu Jijun
Published: July 2020

A mathematical model based on minimal thermal resistance and equal law of specific equivalent thermal conductivity is developed to discuss the heat transfer characteristics of ablative thermal insulating material from the mesoscopic scale. Based on the statistical results of mesoscopic parameters, the microstructure unit cell model was established to analyze the influence rule of mesoscopic parameterization which includes the size, distribution, and positional relation of microsphere and fiber. The results show that the equivalent thermal conductivity decreases with the density, size, distribution area, and distance of microsphere and the space distance and volume fraction of fiber decreasing. Besides, the equivalent thermal conductivity will become larger when more quality of heat transfers along the fiber direction. Exploring the relationship between the macroscopic heat transfer process and the microstructure is meaningful for exploring the heat transfer behavior of thermal insulating material and improvement of the processing technology.
Modification of Mesoporous Silica Surface by Immobilization of Functional Groups for Controlled Drug Release
Authors: Alswieleh Abdullah M.
Published: July 2020

This paper introduces the synthesis of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with three different groups such as amine, thiol, and sulfonic acid, along the internal surface. Trimethyl[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride was used to modify the external surface of the nanomaterials. Such materials allow control of the drug release from MSN pores. Multifunctional MSNs were loaded with doxycycline (Doxy) to study their capacities and uploading time. The loading profile indicates that sulfonic groups in the internal surface were the most efficient surfaces with a loading capacity of ca. 35% in 90 min in acidic media.
Enzalutamide, an Androgen Receptor Antagonist, Enhances Myeloid Cell–Mediated Immune Suppression and Tumor Progression
Authors: Consiglio Camila R. , Udartseva Olga , Ramsey Kimberly D. , Bush Chioma , Gollnick Sandra O.
Published: July 2020

Androgen receptor (AR) antagonism increases overall survival in prostate cancer; however, treatment failure leads to tumor progression and patient mortality. The effect of AR modulation on AR+ nontumor cells that participate in the resistance to AR antagonism is poorly understood. Tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells, including macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), express AR and promote prostate cancer progression. We investigated how AR antagonism affects myeloid cell function and metabolism in an AR-independent murine colon tumor model. Systemic blockade of AR with enzalutamide resulted in increased MC-38 tumor growth in vivo even when AR was knocked out of MC-38 tumor cells. MC-38 tumor growth was also increased when immunocompetent, but not immunodeficient, mice were coinjected with tumor cells and MDSCs treated with enzalutamide or lacking AR, suggesting that AR regulated the ability of MDSCs to suppress adaptive immunity. Myeloid AR-knockout male mice also displayed increased growth of TRAMP C2 prostate tumors when compared with wild type. Inhibition of AR signaling suppressed mitochondrial respiration in myeloid cells via MPC/AMPK signaling pathways; suppression of mitochondrial respiration increased MDSC tumor–promoting functions. Our work showed that AR regulates a tumor-promoting myeloid cell phenotype and influences myeloid cell metabolism. These findings suggest that tumor resistance to AR antagonism is due, in part, to changes in myeloid cell function and metabolism.
Activation of CD8+ T Cells Contributes to Antitumor Effects of CDK4/6 Inhibitors plus MEK Inhibitors
Authors: Teh Jessica L.F. , Erkes Dan A. , Cheng Phil F. , Tiago Manoela , Wilski Nicole A. , Field Conroy O. , Chervoneva Inna , Levesque Mitch P. , Xu Xiaowei , Dummer Reinhard , Aplin Andrew E.
Published: July 2020

Concurrent MEK and CDK4/6 inhibition shows promise in clinical trials for patients with advanced-stage mutant BRAF/NRAS solid tumors. The effects of CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) in combination with BRAF/MEK-targeting agents on the tumor immune microenvironment are unclear, especially in melanoma, for which immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective in approximately 50% of patients. Here, we show that patients progressing on CDK4/6i/MEK pathway inhibitor combinations exhibit T-cell exclusion. We found that MEK and CDK4/6 targeting was more effective at delaying regrowth of mutant BRAF melanoma in immunocompetent versus immune-deficient mice. Although MEK inhibitor (MEKi) treatment increased tumor immunogenicity and intratumoral recruitment of CD8+ T cells, the main effect of CDK4/6i alone and in combination with MEKi was increased expression of CD137L, a T-cell costimulatory molecule on immune cells. Depletion of CD8+ T cells or blockade of the CD137 ligand–receptor interaction reduced time to regrowth of melanomas in the context of treatment with CDK4/6i plus MEKi treatment in vivo. Together, our data outline an antitumor immune-based mechanism and show the efficacy of targeting both the MEK pathway and CDK4/6.
CD40 Agonist Restores the Antitumor Efficacy of Anti-PD1 Therapy in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer in an IFN I/II-Mediated Manner
Authors: Leblond Marine M. , Tillé Laure , Nassiri Sina , Gilfillan Connie B. , Imbratta Claire , Schmittnaegel Martina , Ries Carola H. , Speiser Daniel E. , Verdeil Grégory
Published: July 2020

Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies and has poor prognosis for patients with locally advanced, muscle-invasive, disease despite the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. To develop more effective immunotherapy strategies, we studied a genetic mouse model carrying deletion of Tp53 and Pten in the bladder, which recapitulates bladder cancer tumorigenesis and gene expression patterns found in patients. We discovered that tumor cells became more malignant and the tumor immune microenvironment evolved from an inflammatory to an immunosuppressive state. Accordingly, treatment with anti-PD1 was ineffective, but resistance to anti-PD1 therapy was overcome by combination with a CD40 agonist (anti-CD40), leading to strong antitumor immune responses. Mechanistically, this combination led to CD8+ T-cell recruitment from draining lymph nodes. CD8+ T cells induced an IFNγ-dependent repolarization toward M1-like/IFNβ-producing macrophages. CD8+ T cells, macrophages, IFN I, and IFN II were all necessary for tumor control, as demonstrated in vivo by the administration of blocking antibodies. Our results identify essential cross-talk between innate and adaptive immunity to control tumor development in a model representative of anti-PD1–resistant human bladder cancer and provide scientific rationale to target CD40 in combination with blocking antibodies, such as anti-PD1/PD-L1, for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Potent Cytolytic Activity and Specific IL15 Delivery in a Second-Generation Trispecific Killer Engager
Authors: Felices Martin , Lenvik Todd R. , Kodal Behiye , Lenvik Alexander J. , Hinderlie Peter , Bendzick Laura E. , Schirm Dawn K. , Kaminski Michael F. , McElmurry Ron T. , Geller Melissa A. , Eckfeldt Craig E. , Vallera Daniel A. , Miller Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2020

Natural killer (NK) cells are potent immune modulators that can quickly lyse tumor cells and elicit inflammatory responses. These characteristics make them ideal candidates for immunotherapy. However, unlike T cells, NK cells do not possess clonotypic receptors capable of specific antigen recognition and cannot expand via activating receptor signals alone. To enable NK cells with these capabilities, we created and have previously described a tri-specific killer engager (TriKE) platform capable of inducing antigen specificity and cytokine-mediated NK-cell expansion. TriKE molecules have three arms: (i) a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) against the activating receptor CD16 on NK cells to trigger NK-cell activation, (ii) an scFv against a tumor-associated antigen (CD33 here) to induce specific tumor target recognition, and (iii) an IL15 moiety to trigger NK-cell expansion and priming. Here, we demonstrate that by modifying the anti-CD16 scFv with a humanized single-domain antibody against CD16, we improved TriKE functionality. A CD33-targeting second-generation TriKE induced stronger and more specific NK-cell proliferation without T-cell stimulation, enhanced in vitro NK-cell activation and killing of CD33-expressing targets, and improved tumor control in preclinical mouse models. Given these improved functional characteristics, we propose rapid translation of second-generation TriKEs into the clinic.
Anticancer Effects of Viscum album Fraxini Extract on Medulloblastoma Cells in vitro
Authors: Menke Katrin , Schwermer Melanie , Eisenbraun Jürgen , Schramm Alexander , Zuzak Tycho Jan
Published: July 2020

Background: Mistletoe therapy is frequently administered as a supportive treatment in diverse pediatric cancer entities including brain tumors. Medulloblastoma is the most common brain tumor in childhood. Its high risk to metastasize and its long-term sequelae caused by aggressive chemo- or radiotherapies are still challenging. Material and Methods: Effects of a lectin-rich mistletoe extract, abnobaVISCUM Fraxini, were investigated in two medulloblastoma cell lines (Daoy and ONS-76). Responsiveness of tumor cells was assessed by cell viability assays and xCELLigence real-time analyses. Moreover, impacts on proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were investigated. Apoptosis was studied by staining of vital mitochondria and assessing the involvement of caspases. In addition, effects on migration and invasion were analyzed. Results: Both medulloblastoma cell lines were more susceptible to treatment with the mistletoe extract than a nontumorigenic fibroblast cell line. In mistletoe-sensitive Daoy cells, reduction of proliferation and induction of caspase-mediated apoptosis were observed upon administration of 0.05 and 0.5 mg/mL abnobaVISCUM Fraxini treatment, respectively. Furthermore, mistletoe extract inhibited migration and invasion properties in Daoy and significantly impaired invasive capabilities of ONS-76 cells. Conclusion: AbnobaVISCUM Fraxini has cell line dependent antitumoral effects in medulloblastoma models. These results call for further investigations, to reveal mechanistic insights into antitumorigenic properties of mistletoe extracts.
Cohort Profile: The Christchurch IBS cOhort to investigate Mechanisms FOr gut Relief and improved Transit (COMFORT)
Authors: Heenan Phoebe , Creemers Rob H. , Sharma Shriya , Keenan Jacqueline , Bayer Simone , Young Wayne , Cooney Janine , Armstrong Kelly , Fraser Karl , Skidmore Paula M. , Talley Nicholas J. , Roy Nicole , Gearry Richard B. ,   COMFORT Cohort Collaborators
Published: July 2020

Background and aims: This cross-sectional observational case-control study was initiated in July 2016 with the aim of increasing an understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms in functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional diarrhoea (FD), and functional constipation (FC). Specific areas of interest include the effect of food, microbiome, host and microbial genetics, metabolome, and psychological variables on unexplained chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Methods: This study recruited consecutive patients who were attending one of two endoscopy centres in Christchurch, New Zealand, for colonoscopy and a subgroup of participants from the general public who did not undergo colonoscopy. Participants with known GI disease other than an FGID were excluded. Those with symptoms were recruited as cases, whilst those without symptoms were recruited as controls. In the days prior to preparation for colonoscopy, or an agreeable time for those not undergoing colonoscopy, demographic, symptom, psychological, dietary, and health data were collected in addition to biological samples (breath, faeces, blood, and urine). Colonic biopsies were taken at the time of colonoscopy from participants in the colonoscopy subgroup. Results: Between July 2016 and December 2018, 349 participants were recruited, 315 of whom completed the study, 220 participants were from the colonoscopy subgroup, and 95 from the non-colonoscopy subgroup. This included 129 controls and 186 cases (57 IBS-diarrhoea predominant, 30 IBS-constipation predominant, 41 IBS-mixed, 42 FC, and 16 FD). The mean age of FGID cases was 53.4 years and controls 54.4 years. Cases (149/186, 80.1%) and controls (57/72, 55.8%) were predominantly female. Education levels were similar across the cohort. Smoking and alcohol rates were also similar. Biological samples were collected as planned from participants. Conclusions: The COMFORT cohort is a unique clinical cohort of FGID cases and controls with a wide range of demographic, dietary, clinical, psychological, and health data in addition to biological samples. Future research will aim to use a systems biology approach to establish the potential role of diet, host-microbiome interactions, and other factors in the pathogenesis of FGIDs.
Treating Positive Axillary Disease in Elderly Breast Cancer Patients: The Impact of Age on Radiation Therapy
Authors: Cortina Chandler Scott , Woodfin Ashley A. , Tangalakis Laurel L. , Wang Xuanji , Son Jennifer D. , Poirier Jennifer , Rao Ruta , Kopkash Katherine , Madrigrano Andrea
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in females, and 30% of these patients are over the age of 70 years. Studies have shown deviation from the standard treatment paradigms in the elderly, especially in regard to radiation treatment. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review on 118 patients over the age of 70 years diagnosed with breast cancer and pathologically proven axillary disease over an 8-year period at an urban academic hospital to examine which patient factors influenced radiotherapy. Results: Increasing patient age was associated with a decrease in the probability of receiving radiotherapy, while HER2-negative patients were more likely to receive radiation. Neither race, number of coexisting medical conditions, or insurance status showed any influence on radiation treatment. Conclusion: Patient age has a significant influence if elderly patients with axillary disease receive radiotherapy. Further investigation and validation are needed to understand why chronological age rather than biological age influences treatment modalities.
Aggressive Recurrent Pancreatic Cancer Producing Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
Authors: Morita Yoshifumi , Sakaguchi Takanori , Ida Shinya , Muraki Ryuta , Kitajima Ryo , Furuhashi Satoru , Takeda Makoto , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Tsukui Hiroe , Takeuchi Hiroya
Published: July 2020

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a glycoprotein which stimulates the proliferation, differentiation, and functional activation of myeloid hematopoietic cells. G-CSF-producing pancreatic cancer is rare and its prognosis is strikingly poor. A 69-year-old woman with well-to-moderately differentiated ductal adenocarcinoma (pT3N0M0, stage IIA) underwent distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 was administered for 6 months. Eleven months after surgery, periodic blood examination revealed remarkable leukocytosis (19,120/µL) without fever, which worsened 3 weeks later (36,160/µL). Furthermore, laboratory data showed elevation of the fibrin degradation product-D dimer and that the G-CSF level was high (406 pg/mL), as well as thrombopenia. Multiple liver and lung metastases were detected by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). The patient was treated with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel, and heparin, thrombomodulin alfa, and platelet transfusion were administered concurrently. Leukocytosis and thrombopenia were alleviated after 1 course of chemotherapy. However, remarkable leukocytosis (53,480/µL) recurred on day 1 of the third course of chemotherapy. Contrast-enhanced CT showed a significantly increased number of liver metastases and lung metastases. The patient chose not to receive second-line chemotherapy and died 1 month later at the affiliated hospital. Pancreatic cancer producing G-CSF shows very aggressive behavior. Leukocytosis without infection during routine observation should be considered as a warning of a rapidly growing recurrence.
Harnessing Endogenous T-Regulatory Cells in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Sharma Rahul
Published: July 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects 20–50% of hospitalized and intensive care patients, with a sizable proportion progressing to ESRD or death (https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/AcuteKidneyInjury). Since inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of AKI, studies on T-regulatory cells (Tregs), which suppress inflammation are important. Here, we highlight advances that utilize Tregs for intervention in AKI and were presented at the 25th International Conference on Advances in Critical Care Nephrology and UAB/UCSD O’Brien Center AKI & CRRT 2020.
Corneal Perforation Self-Healing with an Iris Plug in the Cornea
Authors: Muceniece Liene , Markevica Inesa , Laganovska Guna
Published: July 2020

Keratitis treatment outcome is usually dependent on the targeted treatment of the cause. We want to present a small corneal ulcer of unidentified origin that progressed into corneal melting and resulted in corneal perforation. The patient had a widespread antibacterial and fungal treatment and an ophthalmological follow-up with slit-lamp examination and AS-OCT. The spontaneous iris plug in the cornea helped to solve the anterior chamber collapse and made permanent anatomical changes in the anterior part. A 45-week follow-up found a hyperdense stromal corneal scar with 556-µm-wide stable iris-cornea contact and BCVA of 0.8. As a result, an iris plug in the cornea after corneal perforation can have a positive effect on healing and lead to good visual outcome.
Diagnostisches Vorgehen beim idiopathischen eosinophilen Pleuraerguss: Lokale Faktoren einbeziehen
Authors: Stanzel Franz
Published: July 2020

Background: Eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) is attributed to several well-recognised causes. However, some patients remain idiopathic, even after thorough clinical work-up. The present study aimed to better characterize idiopathic EPE (IEPE) and to outline the diagnostic procedure for this disease. Methods: Complete clinical data of 11 consecutive patients with IEPE were prospectively collected and analysed. Preliminary diagnostic procedure of IEPE in our hospital was performed. Results: All the 11 patients had respiratory symptoms and unilateral pleural effusion (PE) occurred in 4 patients. The mean percentage of eosinophils in PE was 22.4% (range, 12.4–50.5%). Lactate dehydrogenase, adenosine deaminase, proteins and carcinoembryonic antigen in PE were 246.0 U/L (range, 89.8–421.9 U/L), 13.8 U/L (range, 1.8–24.0 U/L), 42.6 g/dl (range, 32.8–52.6 g/dl) and 2.17 mg/mL (range, 0.46–4.31 mg/mL), respectively. Parasitespecific IgG antibody in blood and parasite eggs in stool were both negative. No evidence of tuberculosis or malignancy was observed in pleural biopsy. Symptoms and abnormal pulmonary imaging were eliminated after glucocorticoid use. Conclusions: IEPE is a diagnosis of exclusion. Patients with EPE without a clear cause should be asked to provided complete medical, surgical and drug-related histories. A thorough work-up is essential. Moreover, we recommend follow-up after the use of glucocorticoid until effusion resolves. Trial registration: GYFYY. Registration No: GYFYY20150901221. Registered time: 1 September 2015. Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: 22 January 2016.
Obesity and COVID-19: The Two Sides of the Coin
Authors: Dicker Dror , Bettini Silvia , Farpour-Lambert Nathalie , Frühbeck Gema , Golan Rachel , Goossens Gijs , Halford Jason , O’Malley Grace , Mullerova Dana , Ramos Salas Ximena , Hassapiou Maria N. , Sagen Jørn , Woodward Euan , Yumuk Volkan , Busetto Luca
Published: July 2020

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19, the infectious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, a pandemic on March 12, 2020. COVID-19 is causing massive health problems and economic suffering around the world. The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) promptly recognised the impact that the outbreak could have on people with obesity. On one side, emerging data suggest that obesity represents a risk factor for a more serious and complicated course of COVID-19 in adults. On the other side, the health emergency caused by the outbreak diverts attention from the prevention and care of non-communicable chronic diseases to communicable diseases. This might be particularly true for obesity, a chronic and relapsing disease frequently neglected and linked to significant bias and stigmatization. The Obesity Management Task Force (OMTF) of EASO contributes in this paper to highlighting the key aspects of these two sides of the coin and suggests some specific actions.
Efeito da bandagem elástica na ativação muscular e torque isométrico dos extensores do joelho em indivíduos com osteoartrite
Authors: Pimentel Nathália Lobato , Cardoso Bruna Carvalho , Bellei Natane Ceccatto , Nishimoto Danielle Miyuki , Navega Marcelo Tavella , Spinoso Deborah Hebling
Published: July 2020

A osteoartrite é uma doença articular crônica, caracterizada por uma degeneração progressiva da cartilagem articular, que resulta em incapacidade funcional. Entre as articulações acometidas, o joelho é a mais afetada devido à sobrecarga mecânica imposta a essa articulação nas atividades diárias. A osteoartrite de joelho é considerada uma das formas clínicas mais incapacitantes da doença. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito da bandagem elástica (BE) na ativação muscular do quadríceps e no torque isométrico dos extensores de joelho em indivíduos com Osteoartrite de Joelho. Participaram do estudo 13 voluntárias (64,5 ± 7,2 anos) do sexo feminino, com diagnóstico radiológico de osteoartrite de joelho. Os procedimentos de coleta de dados foram realizados em três dias, com intervalo de sete dias entre eles. As voluntárias foram avaliadas em três diferentes condições: sem BE, BE placebo e BE ativação. Foram realizadas as avaliações do torque isométrico extensor do joelho e ativação eletromiográfica dos músculos reto femoral, vasto medial e vasto lateral por meio da eletromiografia de superfície. Para análise estatística foi adotado o teste ANOVA Medidas Repetidas, considerando nível de significância de p < 0,05. Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença significativa para comparação da ativação muscular e torque entre as condições analisadas (p = 0,556). Conclui-se que a BE não foi capaz de promover uma alteração no recrutamento muscular e torque isométrico de quadríceps em indivíduos com osteoartrite de joelho.
Estudo bibliométrico da produção sobre a Guerra do Paraguai
Authors: Oliveira Milena Magalhães
Published: July 2020

Objetivo deste artigo é analisar a produção científica sobre a Guerra do Paraguai (1864-1870) no período de 1988 até 2017, representada pelos artigos científicos indexados nas seguintes bases de dados: Web of Science SciVerse Scopus e ScienceDirect. A metodologia de estudo utilizada é quali-quantitativa por meio da bibliometria e a análise dos conteúdos encontrados como principais ferramentas encontradas. Os indicadores bibliométricos permitiram traçar a evolução da atual literatura no tocante a Guerra do Paraguai, além de apontar as áreas de estudo com maior produção científica, universidades e periódicos que mais publicaram trabalhos sobre o conflito. Além disso, foi possível observar que são os assuntos mais abordados pela atual literatura através da análise de conteúdo dos resultados da base de dados Scopus
Motivos que levam os voleibolistas a retornarem ao Brasil após a expatriação
Authors: Tertuliano Ivan Wallan , Oliveira Vivian De , Bartholomeu Daniel , Ribeiro Luciana Botelho , Montiel José Maria , Machado Afonso Antonio
Published: July 2020

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar os motivos que levam os atletas de Voleibol a retornarem ao seu país de origem, após a expatriação e como os mesmos avaliam o processo de expatriação para sua carreira. Participaram 30 pessoas, sendo 20 atletas (17 homens e 3 mulheres), e 10 ex-atletas (2 homens e 8 mulheres), com média de idade de 30,96 anos. O instrumento utilizado foi desenvolvido e validado via TRI, utilizando-se do ajuste ao modelo de Rasch. O mesmo foi construído em 2 partes, sendo a primeira parte responsável por características gerais, contendo questões abertas e fechadas, e a segunda parte responsável por questões de adaptação, contendo apenas questões fechadas com respostas em escala do tipo Likert de 5 pontos. No presente estudo, apenas as questões pertinentes aos objetivos foram analisadas. Para as análises inferenciais, utilizou-se da Anova one-way com medida repetida no último fator, teste t pareado e Correlação de Pearson. Quando foram encontradas diferenças significantes, conduziu-se testes de post hoc. Os resultados demonstraram que os atletas apresentaram como o motivo que mais ocasionou retorno para o Brasil, a saudade da família (p = 0,014). Entretanto, mesmo assim, os atletas consideraram proveitosa aexpatriação, provavelmente pelo fato de compreenderem o valor de enriquecimento cultural e profissional que o processo lhe trouxe, mesmo não conquistando os títulos e salários esperados. Diante de tais achados, pode-se concluir que o motivo mais importante para o retorno do atleta ao Brasil foi a família, demonstrando a necessidade de treinamento intercultural junto ao atleta e a busca de modelos de expatriação que envolvam a família no processo, com o intuito de minimizar os danos causados pela saudade da família.
Estratégias de avaliação para programas de promoção da saúde com ênfase na atividade física
Authors: Petreça Daniel Rogério , Sandreschi Paula Fabricio , Streit Inês Amanda , Mazo Giovana Zarpellon
Published: July 2020

O objetivo deste estudo é conceituar e diferenciar as dimensões utilizadas nas estratégias de avaliação que podem ser utilizadas em programas públicos de promoção de saúde com ênfase na atividade física. Este estudo caracteriza-se como modelo híbrido de análise conceitual. Para tanto, foram seguidas as fases: teórica; trabalho de campo e analítica final. Foram analisadas as estratégias: (a) RE-AIM – dimensões de alcance, efetividade/eficácia, adoção, implementação e manutenção; (b) modelo proposto por Avedis Donabedian – dimensões de estrutura, processo e resultado, além dos 7 pilares de qualidade; o modelo de Habicht – indicadores de oferta, de utilização, de cobertura e de impacto além de inferências: adequação, plausibilidade e probabilidade. Ao analisar as estratégias de avalição, percebe-se, nomenclaturas distintas, mas pontos convergentes. Ao verificar a dimensão de “Alcance” do RE-AIM ele se assemelha ao de “Cobertura” do Habicht. Os indicadores de “estrutura” e “processo” de Donabedian correspondem aos de oferta de Habicht e de “implementação” do RE-AIM. Ao verificar “resultado” no modelo Donabedian, ele pode ser comparado à “efetividade/eficácia” do RE-AIM e “impacto” no modelo Habicht. Assim, apesar de serem organizados de formas diferentes, as estratégias de avaliação analisadas nesse manuscrito apresentam certa relação nas dimensões, indicadores e elementos, sendo que elas podem ser utilizadas de forma isolada ou como complementares.
Automobilismo brasileiro de 1960 a 1966
Authors: Elias Rodrigo Vilela , Telles Silvio , Ribeiro Carlos Henrique De Vasconcellos , Mourão Ludmila
Published: July 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar como a mídia retratava o automobilismo num período de grande desenvolvimento industrial do país, pontuando a relação simbiótica entre essa indústria e este esporte. Metodologicamente utilizamos a pesquisa documental, foram revisadas as edições da Revista Quatro Rodas entre 1960 a 1966. Essa revista de publicação mensal acompanhava o cenário automotivo no Brasil. Foram compulsadas 61 revistas da primeira edição, de agosto de 1960 até dezembro de 1966. A Quatro Rodas circula até hoje, totalizando 55 anos de publicação. Concluímos que o desenvolvimento inicial da indústria automobilística no Brasil se deu a partir de um apelo nacionalista, e para isso o esporte foi fundamental. Observou-se a construção de um estilo de vida que associava o esporte sobre quatro rodas ao bem-estar individual. Outro aspecto identificado foi o desenvolvimento nas esferas técnicas, estruturais e administrativas, pelo qual o automobilismo passou em função dos investimentos industriais.
Efeitos da Educação Física nos níveis de aptidão cardiorrespiratória e no índice de massa corporal na Educação de Jovens e Adultos – EJA
Authors: Lemes Vanilson Batista , Brand Caroline , Moreira Rodrigo Baptista , Gaya Adroaldo Cezar Araujo , Gaya Anelise Reis
Published: July 2020

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar o efeito das aulas de educação física escolar (EFI) nos níveis de aptidão cardiorrespiratória e no índice de massa corporal (IMC) em estudantes na Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA). Trata-se de um estudo de caso, avaliativo somativo realizado em uma escola do RS, elaborado com 8 sujeitos dos 16 aos 52 anos de ambos os sexos, de uma população total de 74, os quais cumpriram 75% de frequência nas aulas de EFI na EJA. A aptidão cardiorrespiratória (APCR) e o índice de massa corporal (IMC), foram avaliados através da bateria de testes PROESP-Br no início do primeiro semestre do ano de 2015 e ao final desse período. Os efeitos da EFI no grupo foram mensurados a partirdo modelo estatístico de equações generalizadas (GEE) em intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) e delta médio percentual. Também foram descritos os percentuais de variação da APCR e do IMC para cada sujeito. Desse modo, verificou-se que a APCR aumentou significativamente do pré-teste (675,25 metros) para o pós-teste (735,13 metros), (IC95% =+17,2 a +102,55) o que corresponde a um efeito médio de 8,8% (p=0,006). Todos os sujeitos aumentaram a APCR na avaliação individual, tais resultados não foram observados no IMC. Concluímos que programa de educação física escolar contribuiu para a melhora dos níveis de aptidão cardiorrespiratória de estudantes da EJA. Essa proposta pode servir comobase para que professores tenham meios para desenvolver e avaliar intervenções relacionadas com aptidão física e saúde na EJA.
Análise eletromiográfica do músculo deltoide em diferentes posições de contração isométrica voluntária máxima
Authors: Lima Cláudia Silveira , Kuckartz Bruno Tomasi , Correa Cleiton Silva , Marsico Cristine , Michel Rafael Cristane , Pinto Ronei Silveira
Published: July 2020

Diferentes posições articulares são utilizadas para realizar a contração isométrica voluntária máxima (CIVM) que servirá de referência para normalização do sinal eletromiográfico (EMG), porém em muitas destas posições não se verifica a máxima ativação do músculo deltoide. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a atividade elétrica das três partes deste músculo em diferentes posições articulares durante CIVMs e determinar em quais dessas são obtidas as maiores ativações musculares, para utilização na normalização do sinal EMG. A amostra foi constituída de 12 indivíduos do sexo masculino com idades entre 20 e 30 anos, treinados em força. Foi mensurada a ativação a partir da utilização da eletromiografia de superfície em seis posições articulares para a parte clavicular do músculo deltoide e em mais seis posições articulares para as partes acromial e espinal. Foi calculada, posteriormente, o valor RMS do sinal EMG de cada porção do músculo deltóide (clavicular, acromial e espinal). Para comparar essas ativações em relação ao fator posição, que inclui as seis posições de CIVM avaliadas, aplicou-se ANOVA de medidas repetidas, com teste post-hoc LSD, adotando um nível de significância de 5%. Para a parte clavicular do músculo deltoide, a posição de maior valor RMS foi em pé com flexão de ombro a 90° e realizando uma flexão do ombro; para as partes espinal e acromial foi em pé com abdução de ombro a 90º e executando uma  extensão horizontal. Assim, estas posições articulares parecem ser as mais propícias para mensuração da máxima ativação das três partes do músculo deltoide durante as CIVMs, sendo adequada a utilização do sinal EMG obtido nestas condições para o posterior processo de normalização.
Chemokine Receptor CXCR-2 Initiates Atrial Fibrillation by Triggering Monocyte Mobilization in Mice
Authors: Zhang Yun-Long , Cao Hua-Jun , Han Xiao , Teng Fei , Chen Chen , Yang Jie , Yan Xiao , Li Pang-Bo , Liu Ying , Xia Yun-Long , Guo Shu-Bin , Li Hui-Hua
Published: July 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently associated with increased inflammatory response characterized by infiltration of monocytes/macrophages. The chemokine receptor CXCR-2 is a critical regulator of monocyte mobilization in hypertension and cardiac remodeling, but it is not known whether CXCR-2 is involved in the development of hypertensive AF. AF was induced by infusion of Ang II (angiotensin II; 2000 ng/kg per minute) for 3 weeks in male C57BL/6 wild-type mice, CXCR-2 knockout mice, bone marrow-reconstituted chimeric mice, and mice treated with the CXCR-2 inhibitor SB225002. Microarray analysis revealed that 4 chemokine ligands of CXCR-2 were significantly upregulated in the atria during 3 weeks of Ang II infusion. CXCR-2 expression and the number of CXCR2
+
immune cells markedly increased in Ang II–infused atria in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, Ang II–infused wild-type mice had increased blood pressure, AF inducibility, atrial diameter, fibrosis, infiltration of macrophages, and superoxide production compared with saline-treated wild-type mice, whereas these effects were significantly attenuated in CXCR-2 knockout mice and wild-type mice transplanted with CXCR-2-deficient bone marrow cells or treated with SB225002. Moreover, circulating blood CXCL-1 levels and CXCR2
+
monocyte counts were higher and associated with AF in human patients (n=31) compared with sinus rhythm controls (n=31). In summary, this study identified a novel role for CXCR-2 in driving monocyte infiltration of the atria, which accelerates atrial remodeling and AF after hypertension. Blocking CXCR-2 activation may serve as a new therapeutic strategy for AF.