bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroid tuberculosis: an unexpected diagnosis
Authors: Araújo Alexandra Novais , Matos Tânia , Boavida João , Bugalho Maria João Guerreiro Martins
Published: February 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) is an aerobic bacillus responsible for tuberculous infection. The the thyroid gland being affected by MTB is a rare condition. A 71-year-old woman had 6 months of slight cervical discomfort. Her neck ultrasound showed, at the right lobe of the thyroid, a dominant heterogeneous nodule of 18 mm and homolateral lymph nodes with suspicious ultrasonographic features. The patient underwent fine-needle aspiration, the results of which were non-diagnostic (thyroid nodule) and reactive pattern (lymph node). A total thyroidectomy was performed and a lymph node was sampled for extemporaneous examination. Surprisingly, necrotising granulomas were documented. The diagnosis was definitely established by a positive culture of the lymph node tissue and molecular detection of MTB. Pulmonary involvement was excluded and she was started on antituberculous agents. In the absence of systemic, specific complaints or history of exposition, histopathology and culture of MTB remain a key step for the diagnosis.
Postoperative outcomes of idiopathic epiretinal membrane associated with foveoschisis
Authors: Lam Marion , Philippakis Elise , Gaudric Alain , Tadayoni Ramin , Couturier Aude
Published: February 2021

Aims

To analyse the prevalence and postoperative outcomes of a particular form of epiretinal membrane (ERM) with foveoschisis-like stretched hyporeflective spaces in emmetropic eyes.

Methods

A retrospective study of all consecutive eyes operated for primary ERM over a 46-month period was conducted. The presence of foveoschisis-like stretched hyporeflective spaces was assessed on the preoperative optical coherence tomography B-scan in all eyes. Highly myopic eyes were excluded. Preoperative and postoperative characteristics of eyes with foveoschisis were compared with those of a control group of 100 consecutive eyes with primary ERM without cystoid spaces.

Results

Of 544 eyes with primary ERM, 17 had foveoschisis, corresponding to a prevalence of 3.1%. After a mean postoperative follow-up of 17.9±10.9 months, the foveoschisis had completely resolved in 76.5% of eyes (n=13/17). In the four eyes (23.5%) with persistent foveoschisis, the remaining hyporeflective cystoid spaces were located exclusively in the inner nuclear layer. The postoperative visual acuity and central macular thickness did not differ between both groups at the final visit. However, an acute postoperative macular oedema occurred in 24% (n=4/17) of cases (vs 3% in the control group; p=0.0084).

Conclusion

Foveoschisis was found in about 3% of eyes with idiopathic ERM. After peeling, the foveoschisis usually resolves completely with functional outcomes similar to those achieved with other primary ERM. However, this feature was associated with a higher risk of postoperative macular oedema (in 1/4 of cases).
Incidence and determinants of hypophosphatemia in diabetic ketoacidosis: an observational study
Authors: van der Vaart Amarens , Waanders Femke , van Beek André P , Vriesendorp Titia M , Wolffenbuttel B H R , van Dijk Peter R
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) characterized by hyperglycemia and metabolic acidosis. Hypophosphatemia in DKA often occurs during hospital admittance for DKA. Literature on the magnitude, determinants and consequences of hypophosphatemia in DKA is scarce. Primary aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and consequences of hypophosphatemia during hospitalisation for DKA.

Research design and methods

Cohort study among individuals with T1DM who were admitted for DKA between 2005 and 2020 in an academic and a non-academic hospital. Multivariate regression models were performed to investigate determinants of the lowest phosphate during the treatment of DKA.

Results

A total of 127 episodes of DKA among 80 individuals were identified. Age at DKA presentation was 28 (22–46) years, 45% of the cases was female, diabetes duration was 13.2 (8.9–25.5) years with glycosylated hemoglobin levels of 91.9±26.2 mmol/mol. In 9% of all cases, DKA was the first presentation of T1DM. Lowest phosphate levelssreported during the treatment phase were 0.54 (0.32–0.83) mmol/L and hypophosphatemia was present in 74% (62/84). The time to lowest phosphate was 16 (8–23) hours. In multivariate analysis, baseline bicarbonate and hemoglobin at admission were significantly associated with the lowest phosphate level reported. No adverse effects of hypophosphatemia on hospital stay duration, morbidity or mortality were found, even if left untreated.

Conclusions

Hypophosphatemia during DKA is common and increases with severe acidosis. However, in this study it was not related to adverse outcomes. Although limitations of this retrospective study should be taken into account, the routine and repeated measurement of phosphate levels in DKA could be reconsidered, provided that possible symptoms related to hypophosphatemia are monitored.
Risk of common infections in people with inflammatory bowel disease in primary care: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Irving Peter M , de Lusignan Simon , Tang Daniel , Nijher Monica , Barrett Kevin
Published: February 2021

Objective

To evaluate the risk of common infections in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease] compared with matched controls in a contemporary UK primary care population.

Design

Matched cohort analysis (2014–2019) using the Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre primary care database. Risk of common infections, viral infections and gastrointestinal infections (including a subset of culture-confirmed infections), and predictors of common infections, were evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

18 829 people with IBD were matched to 73 316 controls. People with IBD were more likely to present to primary care with a common infection over the study period (46% vs 37% of controls). Risks of common infections, viral infections and gastrointestinal infections (including stool culture-confirmed infections) were increased for people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease compared with matched controls (HR range 1.12–1.83, all p<0.001). Treatment with oral glucocorticoid therapy, immunotherapies and biologic therapy, but not with aminosalicylates, was associated with increased infection risk in people with IBD. Despite mild lymphopenia and neutropenia being more common in people with IBD (18.4% and 1.9%, respectively) than in controls (6.5% and 1.5%, respectively), these factors were not associated with significantly increased infection risk in people with IBD.

Conclusion

People with IBD are more likely to present with a wide range of common infections. Health professionals and people with IBD should remain vigilant for infections, particularly when using systemic corticosteroids, immunotherapies or biologic agents.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03836612).
Effects of sleepiness on clinical decision making among paramedic students: a simulated night shift study
Authors: Bartlett Danielle , Hansen Sara , Cruickshank Travis , Rankin Timothy , Zaenker Pauline , Mazzucchelli Gavin , Gaston Matthew , Du Plooy Dirk , Minhaj Zahed , Errey William , Rumble Tyron , Hay Taylor , Miles Alecka , Mills Brennen
Published: February 2021

Objective

Paramedics are at the forefront of emergency healthcare. Quick and careful decision making is required to effectively care for their patients; however, excessive sleepiness has the potential to impact on clinical decision making. Studies investigating the effects of night shift work on sleepiness, cognitive function and clinical performance in the prehospital setting are limited. Here, we aimed to determine the extent to which sleepiness is experienced over the course of a simulation-based 13-hour night shift and how this impacts on clinical performance and reaction time.

Methods

Twenty-four second year paramedic students undertook a 13-hour night shift simulation study in August 2017. The study consisted of 10 real-to-life clinical scenarios. Sleepiness, perceived workload and motivation were self-reported, and clinical performance graded for each scenario. Reaction time, visual attention and task switching were also evaluated following each block of two scenarios.

Results

The accuracy of participants’ clinical decision making declined significantly over the 13-hour night shift simulation. This was accompanied by an increase in sleepiness and a steady decline in motivation. Participants performed significantly better on the cognitive flexibility task across the duration of the simulated night shift and no changes were observed on the reaction time task. Perceived workload varied across the course of the night.

Conclusion

Overall, increased sleepiness and decreased clinical decision making were noted towards the end of the 13-hour simulated night shift. It is unclear the extent to which these results are reflective of practising paramedics who have endured several years of night shift work, however, this could have serious implications for patient outcomes and warrants further investigation.
SARS-CoV-2 infection and adverse events in patients with cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors: an observational prospective study
Authors: Mandala Mario , Lorigan Paul , De Luca Matilde , Bianchetti Andrea , Merelli Barbara , Bettini Anna Cecilia , Bonomi Lucia , Nahm Sharon , Vitale Maria Grazia , Negrini Giorgia , Di Croce Andrea , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Rulli Eliana , Tondini Carlo Alberto
Published: February 2021

Background

In ambulatory patients with cancer with asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, the safety of targeted therapies (TTs), chemotherapy (CT) or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy is still unknown.

Material and methods

From the start of the first epidemic wave of SARS-CoV-2 in Bergamo, Italy, we have prospectively screened all consecutive outpatients who presented for treatment to the Oncology Division of the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo for SARS-CoV-2 antigen expression. We identified patients treated with ICIs and compared these to patients with the same cancer subtypes treated with TTs or CT.

Results

Between March 5 and May 18, 293 consecutive patients (49% melanoma, 34% non-small cell lung cancer, 9% renal cell carcinoma, 8% other) were included in this study: 159 (54%), 50 (17%) and 84 (29%) received ICIs, CT or TTs, respectively. Overall 89 patients (30.0%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive. Mortality of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients was statistically significantly higher compared with SARS-CoV-2 negative patients (8/89 vs 3/204, respectively, Fisher’s exact test p=0.004). All deaths were due to COVID-19. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were more frequent in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients compared with SARS-CoV-2-negative cases (Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (CMH) test p=0.0008). The incidence of SAEs in SARS-CoV-2 positive compared with SARS-CoV-2 negative patients was similar in ICI and CT patients (17.3% and 3.7% for positive and negative patients in ICIs and 15.4% and 2.7% in CT, Breslow-Day test p=0.891). No COVID-19-related SAEs were observed in the TTs patients.

Conclusions

The incidence of SAEs was higher for SARS-CoV-2-positive patients treated with ICIs and CT, mostly in advanced disease. No SAEs were observed in patients treated with TTs. SAEs were COVID-19 related rather than treatment related. Treatment with ICIs does not appear to significantly increase risk of SAEs compared with CT. This information should be considered when determining treatment options for patients.
Prospective development and validation of a liquid immune profile-based signature (LIPS) to predict response of patients with recurrent/metastatic cancer to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Zhou Jian-Guo , Donaubauer Anna-Jasmina , Frey Benjamin , Becker Ina , Rutzner Sandra , Eckstein Markus , Sun Roger , Ma Hu , Schubert Philipp , Schweizer Claudia , Fietkau Rainer , Deutsch Eric , Gaipl Udo , Hecht Markus
Published: February 2021

Background

The predictive power of novel biological markers for treatment response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is still not satisfactory for the majority of patients with cancer. One should identify valid predictive markers in the peripheral blood, as this is easily available before and during treatment. The current interim analysis of patients of the ST-ICI cohort therefore focuses on the development and validation of a liquid immune profile-based signature (LIPS) to predict response of patients with metastatic cancer to ICI targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis.

Methods

A total of 104 patients were prospectively enrolled. 54 immune cell subsets were prospectively analyzed in patients’ peripheral blood by multicolor flow cytometry before treatment with ICI (pre-ICI; n=89), and after the first application of ICI (n=65). Pre-ICI, patients were randomly allocated to a training (n=56) and a validation cohort (n=33). Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox model were used to create a predictive immune signature, which was also checked after the first ICI, to consider the dynamics of changes in the immune status.

Results

Whole blood samples were provided by 89 patients pre-ICI and by 65 patients after the first ICI. We identified a LIPS which is based on five immune cell subtypes: CD14highmonocytes, CD8+/PD-1+T cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, neutrophils, and CD3+/CD56+/CD16+natural killer (NK)T cells. The signature achieved a high accuracy (C-index 0.74 vs 0.71) for predicting overall survival (OS) benefit in both the training and the validation cohort. In both cohorts, the low-risk group had significantly longer OS than the high-risk group (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.56, p=0.00025; HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.91, p=0.024, respectively). Regarding the whole cohort, LIPS also predicted progression-free survival (PFS). The identified LIPS was not affected by clinicopathological features with the exception of brain metastases. NKT cells and neutrophils of the LIPS can be used as dynamic predictive biomarkers for OS and PFS after first administration of the ICI.

Conclusion

Our study identified a predictive LIPS for survival of patients with cancer treated with PD-1/PD-L1 ICI, which is based on immune cell subsets in the peripheral whole blood.

Trial registration number

NCT03453892.
Game of snakes and ladders: barriers and enablers for aspiring women leaders in healthcare
Authors: Magee Lucia , Penfold Rose
Published: February 2021

Background

Women comprise over three-quarters of the National Health Service workforce, yet remain underrepresented in senior medical grades, on managerial boards and in senior leadership roles. This is attributed to a wide range of internalised, interpersonal and structural factors.

Objective

To explore the experiences of aspiring clinical leaders working with senior female leader colleagues and the perceived impact of these interactions on professional development and future aspirations.

Methods

Healthcare professionals, self-identifying as female aspiring clinical leaders, were recruited via email and social media to participate in a focus group or semistructured interview. Interviews were recorded and reviewed and the key enablers, barriers and actions to facilitate opportunities for female clinical leaders in the workplace identified.

Results

Participants (n=11) had varied experiences of working with senior female colleagues. Reported barriers from existing leaders included ‘Queen Bee’ phenomenon and reticence to talk about barriers faced. Enablers included ‘nudging’ towards opportunities and women leaders sharing challenges they had faced and overcome.

Conclusion

Supporting women to achieve their leadership potential requires individualised support, role modelling and mentorship, and organisational change to tackle workplace biases and microaggressions. These are crucial to ensuring gender balance across leadership in health and social care.
Philosophical evaluation of the conceptualisation of trust in the NHS’ Code of Conduct for artificial intelligence-driven technology
Authors: Lee Soogeun Samuel
Published: February 2021

The UK Government’s Code of Conduct for data-driven health and care technologies, specifically artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies, comprises 10 principles that outline a gold-standard of ethical conduct for AI developers and implementers within the National Health Service. Considering the importance of trust in medicine, in this essay I aim to evaluate the conceptualisation of trust within this piece of ethical governance. I examine the Code of Conduct, specifically Principle 7, and extract two positions: a principle of rationally justified trust that posits trust should be made on sound epistemological bases and a principle of value-based trust that views trust in an all-things-considered manner. I argue rationally justified trust is largely infeasible in trusting AI due to AI’s complexity and inexplicability. Contrarily, I show how value-based trust is more feasible as it is intuitively used by individuals. Furthermore, it better complies with Principle 1. I therefore conclude this essay by suggesting the Code of Conduct to hold the principle of value-based trust more explicitly.
High court should not restrict access to puberty blockers for minors
Authors: Beattie Cameron
Published: February 2021

Gender dysphoria (GD) is a clinically significant incongruence between expressed gender and assigned gender, with rapidly growing prevalence among children. The UK High Court recently conducted a judicial review regarding the service provision at a youth-focussed gender identity clinic in Tavistock. The high court adjudged it ‘highly unlikely’ that under-13s, and ‘doubtful’ that 14–15 years old, can be competent to consent to puberty blocker therapy for GD. They based their reasoning on the limited evidence regarding efficacy, the likelihood of progressing to cross-sex hormone therapy and the ‘life-changing consequences’ of puberty blockers. In this article, I offer two concurrent arguments to dispute their reasoning. First, I argue that minors can be competent to consent to puberty blockers for GD, because the decision to undergo puberty blocker therapy is no more complex or far-reaching than other medical decisions that we accept a child should be able to make. Second, I argue that—irrespective of competence—such legal restriction for all children fundamentally contradicts the central ethical tenet of child healthcare: best interests. For these two reasons, the high court should not restrict access to puberty blockers for competent GD children.
Periprocedural safety of saccular aneurysm embolization with the Penumbra SMART Coil System: a SMART registry subset analysis
Authors: Starke Robert M , Park Min S , Bellon Richard , Bohnstedt Bradley , Schirmer Clemens M , De Leacy Reade , Fiorella David , Yoo Albert J , Spiotta Alejandro M
Published: February 2021

Background

Using data from the SMART registry, we report on periprocedural safety of the Penumbra SMART Coil System for endovascular coil embolization of saccular intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

The SMART registry was a prospective, multi-center registry of site standard of care endovascular coiling procedures performed using at least 75% Penumbra SMART Coil, PC400, and/or POD coils. This subset analysis reports on the periprocedural safety outcomes of the saccular intracranial aneurysm cohort. Predictors of rupture/re-rupture or perforation (RRP), thromboembolic complications, and device- or procedure-related adverse events (AEs) were determined in univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Between June 2016 and August 2018, 851 saccular aneurysm patients (31.0%, 264/851 ruptured) were enrolled across 66 North American centers. Clinically significant (ie, a serious adverse event) RRP occurred in 2.0% (17/851) of cases – 1.9% (5/264) for the ruptured cohort and 2.0% (12/587) for the un-ruptured cohort. Clinically significant thromboembolic events occurred in 3.1% (26/851) of cases – 5.3% (14/264) for the ruptured cohort and 2.0% (12/587) for the un-ruptured cohort. Multivariate predictors of periprocedural RRP were increased packing density and adjunctive treatment with a balloon. For periprocedural thromboembolic events, multivariate predictors were bifurcation location and ruptured status. For device- or procedure-related AEs, multivariate predictors were bifurcation location and adjunctive treatment with stent or balloon.

Conclusion

The low rates of thromboembolic complications and RRP events demonstrate the adequate safety profile of the SMART Coil System to treat cerebral aneurysms in routine clinical practice.

Trial registration number

NCT02729740.
Use of species delimitation approaches to tackle the cryptic diversity of an assemblage of high Andean butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea)
Authors: Marín Mario Alejandro , López-Rubio Andrés , Clavijo Alejandra , Pyrcz Tomasz Wilhelm , Freitas André Victor Lucci , Uribe Sandra Inés , Álvarez Carlos Federico
Published: February 2021

Cryptic biological diversity has generated ambiguity in taxonomic and evolutionary studies. Single-locus methods and other approaches for species delimitation are useful for addressing this challenge, enabling the practical processing of large numbers of samples for identification and inventory purposes. This study analyzed an assemblage of high Andean butterflies using DNA barcoding and compared the identifications based on the current morphological taxonomy with three methods of species delimitation (automatic barcode gap discovery, generalized mixed Yule coalescent model, and Poisson tree processes). Sixteen potential cryptic species were recognized using these three methods, representing a net richness increase of 11.3% in the assemblage. A well-studied taxon of the genus Vanessa, which has a wide geographical distribution, appeared with the potential cryptic species that had a higher genetic differentiation at the local level than at the continental level. The analyses were useful for identifying the potential cryptic species in Pedaliodes and Forsterinaria complexes, which also show differentiation along altitudinal and latitudinal gradients. This genetic assessment of an entire assemblage of high Andean butterflies (Papilionoidea) provides baseline information for future research in a region characterized by high rates of endemism and population isolation.
Finite-time H∞ synchronization of semi-Markov jump Lur’e systems
Authors: Huang Xin , Zhou Youmei , Fang Muyun , Zhou Jianping , Arik Sabri
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the problem of finite-time [Formula: see text] synchronization for semi-Markov jump Lur’e systems with time-varying delay and external disturbance. The purpose of this work is to design a mode-dependent state-feedback controller to ensure that the synchronization-error system achieves finite-time synchronization with a prescribed [Formula: see text] performance index. A criterion for the finite-time synchronization is proposed by using appropriate Lyapunov functional and two recently developed inequalities. Then, a design method for the required state-feedback controller is presented with the application of several decoupling techniques. Finally, an example is provided to illustrate the applicability of the proposed control method.
Cyclic Plasticity of CoCrFeMnNi High-Entropy Alloy (HEA): A Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Du Xin , Lu Xiaochong , Shuang Siyao , Wang Zhangwei , Xiong Qi-lin , Kang Guozheng , Zhang Xu
Published: February 2021

The CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) is a potential structural material, whose cyclic plasticity is essential for its safety assessment in service. Here, the effects of twin boundaries (TBs) and temperature on the cyclic plasticity of CoCrFeMnNi HEA were studied by the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The simulation results showed that a significant amount of lattice disorders were generated due to the interactions between partial dislocations in CoCrFeMnNi HEA during the cyclic deformation. Lattice disorder impeded the reverse movement of dislocations and then weakened Bauschinger’s effect in the HEA. The cyclic plasticity of CoCrFeMnNi HEA, especially Bauschinger’s effect, depends highly on the temperature and pre-existing TBs. Such dependence lies in the effects of temperature and pre-existing TBs on the extent of lattice disorder. This study helps further understand the cyclic plasticity of CoCrFeMnNi HEA from the atomic scale.
Nonlinear Bending Analysis of Hyperelastic Plates Using FSDT and Meshless Collocation Method Based on Radial Basis Function
Authors: Hosseini Shahram , Rahimi Gholamhossein
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the nonlinear bending analysis of a hyperelastic plate via neo-Hookean strain energy function. The first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDPT) is used for the formulation of the field variables. Also, the nonlinear Lagrangian strains are considered via the right Cauchy–Green tensor. The governing equations and nonlinear boundary conditions are derived using Euler–Lagrange relations. The meshless collocation method based on radial basis function is used to discretize the governing equations of the hyperelastic plate. Square and circular plates are studied to evaluate the accuracy of the meshless collocation method based on thin-plate spline (TPS) and multiquadric (MQ) and logarithmic thin-plate spline (LTPS) radial basis function. Also, the results of the meshless method are compared to those of the finite element method. In some cases, the meshless method is more efficient than the finite element method due to no meshing. The linear and nonlinear natural boundary conditions are directly imposed on the stiffness matrix and are compared to each other. The maximum differences between linear and nonlinear natural boundary conditions are 1.43%. The von-Mises stress using meshless collocation method based on TPS basis function is compared to those of the finite element method.
Fuxianhuiids are mandibulates and share affinities with total-group Myriapoda
Authors: Aria Cédric , Zhao Fangchen , Zhu Maoyan
Published: February 2021

In spite of their unrivalled ecological success, the origins of terrestrial mandibulates have long remained virtually unknown. In recent years, claims have been made based on phylogenetic results that fuxianhuiids, iconic fossils of the Chengjiang biota and purported basal euarthropods, were in fact mandibulates, allied with the problematic euthycarcinoids as the closest sister-group to Mandibulata or even stem myriapods. A re-examination of euthycarcinoid mouthparts has since brought additional support to this view. Here, we reinvestigated the anterior anatomy of the Cambrian euarthropod
Fuxianhuia
and its relatives. We demonstrate that the fuxianhuiid head is that of a mandibulate, sharing similarities with hymenocarines, including a limbless intercalary segment. The hypostome is a sub-triangular sclerite partially fused but anatomically independent from a large, bilobed labral plate, as observed in many extant mandibulate taxa as well as euthycarcinoids. The so-called ‘specialized post-antenn(ular) appendages' are therefore the mandibles, with a tripartite palp and large dented gnathal lobe partially covered by the hypostome-labrum complex. Under a ‘deep split' phylogenetic scenario,
Fuxianhuia
and its relatives are here resolved as sister-group to crown Mandibulata.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Advances in the Cambrian Explosion collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/advances-cambrian-explosion

Supplementary material
: Additional remarks on terminology, morphological interpretations and a list of modified/new characters used for the phylogenetic analysis are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5305042
Orthograde signal of dihydropyridine receptor increases Ca2+ leakage after repeated contractions in rat fast-twitch muscles in vivo
Authors: Watanabe Daiki , Wada Masanobu
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism underlying sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ leakage after in vivo contractions. Rat gastrocnemius muscles were electrically stimulated in vivo, and then mechanically skinned fibers and SR microsomes were prepared from the muscles excised 30 min after repeated high-intensity contractions. The mechanically skinned fibers maintained the interaction between dihydropyridine receptors (DHPRs) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs), whereas the SR microsomes did not. Interestingly, skinned fibers from the stimulated muscles showed increased SR Ca2+ leakage, whereas Ca2+ leakage decreased in SR microsomes from the stimulated muscles. To enhance the orthograde signal of DHPRs, SR Ca2+ leakage in the skinned fiber was measured 1) under a continuously depolarized condition and 2) in the presence of nifedipine. As a result, in either of the two conditions, SR Ca2+ leakage in the rested fibers reached a level similar to that in the stimulated fibers. Furthermore, the increased SR Ca2+ leakage from the stimulated fibers was alleviated by treatment with 1 mM tetracaine (Tet) but not by treatment with 3 mM free Mg2+ (3 Mg). Tet exerted a greater inhibitory effect on the DHPR signal to RyR than 3 Mg, although their inhibitory effects on RyR were almost similar. These results suggest that the increased Ca2+ leakage after muscle contractions is mainly caused by the orthograde signal of DHPRs to RyRs.
Fatigability of the external anal sphincter muscles using a novel strength training resistance exercise device
Authors: Mei Ling , Patel Krupa , Lehal Navjit , Kern Mark K. , Benjamin Adam , Sanvanson Patrick , Shaker Reza
Published: February 2021

Fecal incontinence is a distressing disorder with a mainstay of treatment being pelvic floor muscle exercises. However, none of these exercises has proven occurrence of fatigability, which is an important prerequisite for successful muscle strengthening in rehabilitative exercises. In this study, we proved that we can fatigue the external anal sphincter muscles more efficiently by providing a resistive load during anal repetitive short squeeze contractions and long squeeze contraction exercise.
Role of angiotensin II in chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced hypertension and cognitive decline
Authors: Marciante Alexandria B. , Shell Brent , Farmer George E. , Cunningham J. Thomas
Published: February 2021

Sleep apnea is characterized by momentary interruptions in normal respiration and leads to periods of decreased oxygen, or intermittent hypoxia. Chronic intermittent hypoxia is a model of the hypoxemia associated with sleep apnea and results in a sustained hypertension that is maintained during normoxia. Adaptations of the carotid body and activation of the renin-angiotensin system may contribute to the development of hypertension associated with chronic intermittent hypoxia. The subsequent activation of the brain renin-angiotensin system may produce changes in sympathetic regulatory neural networks that support the maintenance of the hypertension associated with intermittent hypoxia. Hypertension and sleep apnea not only increase risk for cardiovascular disease but are also risk factors for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Activation of the angiotensin system could be a common mechanism that links these disorders.
Vascular Endothelial Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Regulates Endothelial Function
Authors: Vestweber Dietmar
Published: February 2021

Vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP) is a receptor-type PTP (RPTP), predominantly expressed in vascular endothelial cells. It regulates embryonic and tumor angiogenesis and controls vascular permeability and homeostasis in inflammation. Major substrates are the tyrosine kinase receptor Tie-2 and the adhesion molecule VE-cadherin. This review describes how VE-PTP controls vascular functions by its various substrates and the therapeutic potential of VE-PTP in various pathophysiological settings.
Exploratory Investigation of Intestinal Structure and Function after Stroke in Mice
Authors: Ye Diya , Hu Yuting , Zhu Ning , Gu Weizhong , Long Gao , Tao Enfu , Fang Marong , Jiang Mizu
Published: February 2021

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Patients who have a stroke are susceptible to many gastrointestinal (GI) complications, such as dysphagia, GI bleeding, and fecal incontinence. However, there are few studies focusing on the GI tract after stroke. The current study is to investigate the changes of intestinal structure and function in mice after ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke was made as a disease model in mice, in which brain and ileal tissues were collected for experiments on the 1st and 7th day after stroke. Intestinal motility of mice was inhibited, and intestinal permeability was increased after stroke. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining showed the accumulation of leucocytes in the intestinal mucosa. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and inflammatory proteins (nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)) in the small intestine were significantly increased in mice after stroke. The expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins (zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, and claudin-1) was downregulated, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed broken TJ of the intestinal mucosa after stroke. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and the apoptosis-associated proteins (tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3) were notably upregulated as well. Ischemic stroke led to negative changes on intestinal structure and function. Inflammatory mediators and TNF-α-induced death receptor signaling pathways may be involved and disrupt the small intestinal barrier function. These results suggest that stroke patients should pay attention to GI protection.
Preparation and Recent Developments of Ti/SnO2-Sb Electrodes
Authors: Cao Fangcheng , Tan Jingyi , Zhang Shengping , Wang Hongqing , Yao Caizhen , Li Yuan
Published: February 2021

Ti/SnO2-Sb electrode, which is one of the dimensionally stable anode (DSA) electrodes, offers high specific conductivity, excellent electrocatalytic performance, and great chemical stability. For these reasons, Ti/SnO2-Sb electrode has been extensively studied in the fields of wastewater treatment. This review covers essential research work about the advanced oxidation technology and related DSA electrodes. It gives an overview of preparation methods of SnO2 electrodes, including sol-gel method, dip-coating method, electrodeposition method, chemical vapor deposition method, thermal decomposition method, magnetron sputtering method, and hydrothermal method. To extend service life and improve electrocatalytic efficiency, the review provides comprehensive details about the modification technologies of Ti/SnO2-Sb electrode, such as doping modification, composite modification, and structural modification. In addition, the review discusses common problems in industrial applications of Ti/SnO2-Sb electrode and highlights the promising outlook of Ti/SnO2-Sb electrode.
Prediction Modelling of Cold Chain Logistics Demand Based on Data Mining Algorithm
Authors: He Bo , Yin Lvjiang
Published: February 2021

Modern information technologies such as big data and cloud computing are increasingly important and widely applied in engineering and management. In terms of cold chain logistics, data mining also exerts positive effects on it. Specifically, accurate prediction of cold chain logistics demand is conducive to optimizing management processes as well as improving management efficiency, which is the main purpose of this research. In this paper, we analyze the existing problems related to cold chain logistics in the context of Chinese market, especially the aspect of demand prediction. Then, we conduct the mathematical calculation based on the neural network algorithm and grey prediction. Two forecasting models are constructed with the data from 2013 to 2019 by R program 4.0.2, aiming to explore the cold chain logistics demand. According to the results estimated by the two models, we find that both of models show high accuracy. In particular, the prediction of neural network algorithm model is closer to the actual value with smaller errors. Therefore, it is better to consider the neural network algorithm as the first choice when constructing the mathematical forecasting model to predict the demand of cold chain logistic, which provides a more accurate reference for the strategic deployment of logistics management such as optimizing automation and innovation in cold chain processes to adapt to the trend.
Cyclic Degradation Characteristics of Undisturbed Soft Clay considering Anisotropy
Authors: Sun Miaomiao , Yu Jiangang , He Shaoheng , Ding Zhi
Published: February 2021

The stress‐strain characteristics of soil depend primarily on the previous stress history and stress path, thus related to both the stress magnitude and direction. To have a better understanding of the response of soft clay under heart‐shaped stress paths, 18 cyclic hollow cylinders tests were performed on undisturbed Hangzhou soft clay under different cyclic stress ratios, deviatoric consolidation ratios (K0), and loading frequencies. The result shows that as the vertical dynamic stress amplitude, K0 value, and loading frequency increase, the degradation index gradually decreases. Moreover, the degradation index of the soil under the cyclic torsion shear (CTS) test is always higher than that under the cyclic triaxial (CT) test. The increase in the amplitude of the cyclic stress ratio (CSR), K0 value, and the decrease in the loading frequency will promote the initial accumulative plastic strain and accelerate the failure rate of the soil sample; it shows that the effects of cyclic stress ratio amplitude, deviatoric consolidation ratios K0, and loading frequency on the accumulative plastic deformation of soil cannot be ignored. On the basis of the test results, a logarithmic relationship between the degradation index and the loading frequency is determined. A new empirical formula of accumulative plastic strain degradation of soft clay has been established, and its accuracy has been further verified by test data. The research results can provide theories for predicting and calculating the long‐term settlement and deformation of clay foundation.
Correlation between Triadic Closure and Homophily Formed over Location-Based Social Networks
Authors: Khan Nauman Ali , Zhou Wuyang , Khan Mudassar Ali , Almogren Ahmad , Ud Din Ikram
Published: February 2021

Social Internet of Things (SIoT) is a variation of social networks that adopt the property of peer-to-peer networks, in which connections between the things and social actors are automatically established. SIoT is a part of various organizations that inherit the social interaction, and these organizations include industries, institutions, and other establishments. Triadic closure and homophily are the most commonly used measures to investigate social networks’ formation and nature, where both measures are used exclusively or with statistical models. The triadic closure patterns are mapped for actors’ communication behavior over a location-based social network, affecting the homophily. In this study, we investigate triads emergence in homophilic social networks. This evaluation is based on the empirical review of triads within social networks (SNs) formed on Big Data. We utilized a large location-based dataset for an in-depth analysis, the Chinese telecommunication-based anonymized call detail records (CDRs). Two other openly available datasets, Brightkite and Gowalla, were also studied. We identified and proposed three social triad classes in a homophilic network to feature the correlation between social triads and homophily. The study opened a promising research direction that relates the variation of homophily based on closure triads nature. The homophilic triads are further categorized into transitive and intransitive groups. As our concluding research objective, we examined the relative triadic throughput within a location-based social network for the given datasets. The research study attains significant results highlighting the positive connection between homophily and a specific social triad class.
Research on Supply Chain Financial Risk Assessment Based on Blockchain and Fuzzy Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Yijie
Published: February 2021

With the development of supply chain finance, the credit risk of small‐ and medium‐sized financing enterprises from the perspective of supply chain finance has arisen. Risk management is one of the key tasks of the credit business of banks and other financial institutions, which runs through all aspects of the credit business before, during, and after the loan. This article combines blockchain and fuzzy neural network algorithms to study the credit risk of SME financing from the perspective of supply chain finance. This article builds a supply chain financial system through blockchain technology and integrates supply chain financial information into blocks. The fuzzy neural network algorithm is used for financial data processing and risk assessment, effectively solving and improving the risk processing level of the supply chain. Through further simulation, the application effect of blockchain and machine learning algorithms in the supply chain financial system was verified.
Extracts of Perilla frutescens var. Acuta (Odash.) Kudo Leaves Have Antitumor Effects on Breast Cancer Cells by Suppressing YAP Activity
Authors: Kim Cho-Long , Shin Yu-Su , Choi Sue-Hee , Oh Seroc , Kim Kyeongseob , Jeong Han-Sol , Mo Jung-Soon
Published: February 2021

Yes-associated protein (YAP)/WW domain-containing transcription factor (TAZ) is critical for cell proliferation, survival, and self-renewal. It has been shown to play a crucial oncogenic role in many different types of tumors. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of the extracts of Perilla frutescens var. acuta (Odash.) Kudo leaves (PLE) on Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling. PLE induced the phosphorylation of YAP/TAZ, thereby inhibiting their activity. In addition, the treatment suppresses YAP/TAZ transcriptional activity via the dissociation of the YAP/TAZ-TEAD complex. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of PLE in the regulation of YAP activity, we treated WT and cell lines with gene knockout (KO) for Hippo pathway components with PLE. The inhibitory effects of PLE on YAP-TEAD target genes were significantly attenuated in LATS1/2 KO cells. Moreover, we found the antitumor effect of PLE on MDA-MB-231 and BT549, both of which are triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines. PLE reduced the viability of TNBC cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced cell apoptosis. Further, PLE inhibited the migration ability in MDA-MB-231 cells. This ability was weakened in YAP and TEAD-activated clones suggesting that the inhibition of migration by PLE is mainly achieved by regulating YAP activity. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that PLE suppressed cell growth and increased the apoptosis of breast cancer (BC) cells via inactivation of YAP activity in a LATS1/2-dependent manner.
Study of Thermal Behavior of Moxa Floss Using Thermogravimetric and Pyrolysis-GC/MS Analyses
Authors: Lim Min Yee , Zhang Xinyue , Huang Jian , Liu Liang , Liu Yutang , Zhao Baixiao , Hu Hui , He Furong , Xie Junjie , Qiu Dongsheng
Published: February 2021

Moxa floss is a type of biomass used as the main combustion material in moxibustion, a therapy that applies heat from moxa floss combustion to points or body areas for treatment. Safety concerns regarding moxa smoke have been raised in recent years. Since moxa floss is the source material in moxibustion, its thermal behavior and pyrolysis products would be related to the products formed in moxa smoke. This work aims to understand the thermal behavior of moxa floss and investigate the pyrolysis products generated from moxa floss combustion. Six commercial moxa floss samples of 3 storage years and 10 storage years, and of low, medium, and high ratios, were selected. The kinetic data from moxa floss combustion was carried out by a thermogravimetric analyzer. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy using a gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer equipped with a pyroprobe were used to examine the pyrolysis products. Thermogravimetric profiles for all the samples were overall similar and showed a monotonic weight decrease. The range of intensive reaction temperature occurred between 150°C and 450°C, which was characterized by a major weight loss and accompanied by an exothermal degradation of the main components. The average ignition temperature for the samples of 3 and 10 storage years was 218.3°C and 222.6°C, respectively, which was lower than most herbaceous plants. The identified pyrolysis products include monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, acids, and alkanes. All were of relatively low intensities of below 5% in relative abundance. No volatiles were detected in the samples of 10 storage years. The relatively low values of ignition temperature suggested that moxa floss is more combustible and can be ignited more easily than other herbaceous plants. This may explain why moxa floss has remained as the preferred material used for moxibustion over the years.
[Retracted] Comparison of the Effects of Repeated Applications of Platelet‐Rich Plasma versus Platelet‐Poor Plasma on Fat Graft Survival in Nude Mice
Authors: Li Junjie , Chen Wei , Shi Xiao , Yu Pijun
Published: February 2021

Autologous fat grafting has been widely used for soft tissue filling in plastic surgery. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) could play a wide role in health and disease because of containing a variety of growth factors and cytokines. Although previous studies have described the positive effect of autologous PRP mixed with fat grafts, only minimal improvements in fat graft survival have been reported. The present study is aimed at comparing the effects of PRP and platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) on the survival and quality of fat grafting. We built a 180‐day nude mouse model implanted with a fat graft supplemented with PRP, PPP, or saline, respectively. The above reagents (PRP, PPP, or saline) were injected two additional times after the initial engraftment. The survival ratio of the fat grafts and the capillary density in the PRP group were significantly higher than those in the PPP group and the saline group (control group) at 15, 30, 90, and 180 days posttransplantation (P < 0.05). The survival ratio of the PPP group was higher than that of the saline group (P < 0.05), but the capillary density in the PPP group was not significantly different from that in the saline group at any time point (P > 0.05). We hence conclude that the repeated application of PRP or PPP three times can enhance the survival of fat grafts within 180 days. Moreover, the effect of PRP is superior to that of PPP.