bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metamorphism of the Buchan type-area, NE Scotland and its relation to the adjacent Barrovian domain
Authors: Pattison David R.M. , Goldsmith Shantal A.
Published: August 2021

The metamorphism of the Buchan block in northeast Scotland, and its relation to the Barrovian domain to its west, have been reassessed from consideration of mineral assemblages, microstructures, phase equilibrium modelling and monazite U–Pb geochronology. Zones of increasing metamorphic grade surround a central low-grade domain (biotite zone) and define a northward-opening, U-shaped metamorphic map pattern. The eastern and southern parts of the Buchan domain show the classic Buchan-type prograde sequence of cordierite – andalusite – sillimanite – migmatite/gneiss, representing a metamorphic field gradient of gently increasing pressure between (2.5–3.0 kbar,
c.
550°C) and (3.5–4.0 kbar,
c.
750°C). A slightly lower pressure metamorphic field gradient (by less than
c.
0.5 kbar) is interpreted for the northeastern Buchan domain. The west Buchan domain shows a prograde sequence of staurolite+andalusite – sillimanite – gneiss/migmatite, representing a metamorphic field gradient of higher pressure by
c.
1 kbar or less than the classic sequence over a similar temperature range. Unique to the northwestern Buchan domain is a staurolite+cordierite+andalusite domain in which staurolite-bearing schists have been overprinted by cordierite + andalusite assemblages. Monazite U–Pb geochronology of schists and gneisses from the Buchan block, including the Cowhythe and Ellon gneisses, yields ages in the range 470 ± 5 Ma, supporting geological evidence that the gneisses are metamorphosed Dalradian strata rather than older basement gneisses. The metamorphic ages are similar to the ages of mafic igneous intrusions in the Buchan block, even though many of the exposed intrusions post-date the regional metamorphic zones. The Buchan metamorphic zones are truncated to the west by the Portsoy–Duchray Hill Lineament, a ductile shear zone that juxtaposes the Buchan rocks against higher pressure, lower temperature (kyanite-bearing) Barrovian schists to the west (
c
. 5.5–7.0 kbar,
c.
580–650 °C). A 2–15 km wide corridor of andalusite pseudomorphed by kyanite occurs between the Portsoy–Duchray Hill Lineament and the Keith shear zone to its west. Monazite geochronology of the Barrovian rocks west of Portsoy shows little evidence of the
c.
470 Ma signature of the Buchan block, instead yielding a dominant cluster of ages at
c.
450 Ma and a more poorly defined grouping at
c.
500 Ma.

Supplementary materials:
Analytical procedures; Thermodynamic modelling; Tables S1 to S13 (mineral assemblages, whole rock compositions, mineral compositions, isotopic analyses); Figures S1 to S5 (supplementary mineral assemblage map, graphs of mineral composition vs. grade, supplementary thermodynamically calculated phase diagrams, back-scattered electron (BSE) images of monazite grains, concordia diagrams for monazite U–Pb results) are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5536745
Local ionotropic glutamate receptors are required to trigger and sustain ramping of sympathetic nerve activity by hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus TNFα
Authors: Mourão Aline A. , Shimoura Caroline G. , Andrade Mary Ann , Truong Tamara T. , Pedrino Gustavo R. , Toney Glenn M.
Published: August 2021

The proinflammatory cytokine TNFα contributes to heightened SNA in cardiovascular disease models, but mechanisms remain obscure. Here, we demonstrate that TNFα injection into the hypothalamic PVN triggers SNA ramping by mechanisms dependent on local ionotropic glutamate receptor availability, but largely independent of TNFα autoinduction. Continued SNA ramping depends on ionotropic glutamate receptor and neuronal activity in PVN, indicating that strengthening and/or increased efficacy of glutamatergic transmission is necessary for acute sympathoexcitation by PVN TNFα.
Xanthine Oxidase-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Respiratory Epithelial Cells: A Review in Immunopathology of COVID-19
Authors: Pratomo Irandi Putra , Noor Dimas R. , Kusmardi Kusmardi , Rukmana Andriansjah , Paramita Rafika I. , Erlina Linda , Fadilah Fadilah , Gayatri Anggi , Fitriani Magna , Purnomo Tommy T. H. , Ariane Anna , Heryanto Rudi , Tedjo Aryo
Published: August 2021

Xanthine oxidase (XO) is an enzyme that catalyzes the production of uric acid and superoxide radicals from purine bases: hypoxanthine and xanthine and is also expressed in respiratory epithelial cells. Uric acid, which is also considered a danger associated molecule pattern (DAMP), could trigger a series of inflammatory responses by activating the inflammasome complex path and NF-κB within the endothelial cells and by inducing proinflammatory cytokine release. Concurrently, XO also converts the superoxide radicals into hydroxyl radicals that further induce inflammatory responses. These conditions will ultimately sum up a hyperinflammation condition commonly dubbed as cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). The expression of proinflammatory cytokines and neutrophil chemokines may be reduced by XO inhibitor, as observed in human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV)-infected A549 cells. Our review emphasizes that XO may have an essential role as an anti-inflammation therapy for respiratory viral infection, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
An Integrated Fault Diagnosis Method for Rotating Machinery Based on Improved Multivariate Multiscale Amplitude‐Aware Permutation Entropy and Uniform Phase Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Gong Jiancheng , Yang Xiaoqiang , Pan Fan , Liu Wuqiang , Zhou Fuming
Published: August 2021

Rotating machinery refers to machinery that executes specific functions mainly relying on their rotation. They are widely used in engineering applications. Bearings and gearboxes play a key role in rotating machinery, and their states can directly affect the operation status of the whole rotating machinery. Accurate fault detection and judgment of bearing, gearbox, and other key parts are of great significance to the rotating machinery’s normal operation. A new fault feature extraction algorithm for rotating machinery called Improved Multivariate Multiscale Amplitude‐Aware Permutation Entropy (ImvMAAPE) is proposed in this paper, and the application of an improved coarse‐grained method in fault feature extraction of multichannel signals is realized in this method. This algorithm is combined with the Uniform Phase Empirical Mode Decomposition (UPEMD) method and the t‐distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t‐SNE) method, forming a new time‐frequency multiscale feature extraction method. Firstly, the multichannel vibration signals are decomposed adaptively into sets of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) using UPEMD; then, the IMF components containing the main fault information are screened by correlation analysis to get the reconstructed signals. The ImvMAAPE values of the reconstructed signals are calculated to generate the initial high‐dimensional fault features, and the t‐SNE method with excellent nonlinear dimensionality reduction performance is then used to reduce the dimensionality of the initial high‐dimensional fault feature vectors. Finally, the low dimensional feature vectors with high quality are input to the random forest (RF) classifier to identify and judge the fault types. Experiments were conducted to verify whether this method has higher accuracy and robustness than other methods.
Real-World Efficacy and Safety of Bevacizumab in the First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Cervical Cancer: A Cohort Study in the Total Population of Croatian Patients
Authors: Čerina Dora , Matković Višnja , Katić Kristina , Belac Lovasić Ingrid , Šeparović Robert , Canjko Ivana , Jakšić Blanka , Petrić-Miše Branka , Bajić Žarko , Boban Marijo , Vrdoljak Eduard
Published: August 2021

Background. Although today it is almost preventable, cervical cancer still represents a significant cancer burden, especially in some developing parts of the world. Since the introduction of bevacizumab in the first-line treatment of metastatic disease, improvements of the outcomes were noted. However, results from randomized controlled trials are often hard to recreate in the real-world setting. Objective. To assess the real-world efficacy and safety of bevacizumab as a first-line treatment of advanced cervical cancer. Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study on the total population of Croatian patients diagnosed with metastatic cervical cancer from 2016 to 2019 who were treated with bevacizumab in combination with cisplatin and paclitaxel (TCB) in the first line. The comparison group was the consecutive sample of patients treated with chemotherapy alone. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate, incidence of adverse events, and the proportion of treatment discontinuation. Results. We enrolled 67 patients treated with TCB and a control group of 62 patients treated with chemotherapy alone. The TCB cohort had significantly longer unadjusted OS with a median of 27.0 (95% CI 18.5; not calculable) months, compared to 15.5 (10.7; 30.1) months in the chemotherapy-alone cohort. Adjusted OS was not significantly different. PFS was significantly longer for the TCB cohort, with a median of 10.6 (95% CI 8.5; 15.4) months, than for the chemotherapy-alone cohort, with a median of 5.4 (95% CI 3.9; 9.1) months, even after adjustment for baseline covariates (HRadjusted = 0.60; 95% CI 0.39; 0.94;

p
=
0.027

; false discovery rate <5%). Conclusions. In a real-world setting, TCB as a first-line treatment of metastatic cervical cancer was associated with longer PFS, better objective disease control rate, and acceptable toxicity profile in comparison to chemotherapy alone. These results may indicate its utility and potential applicability in other parts of the developing world.
Effect of Functional Groups in Coal on the Depth of Adsorption Potential Well
Authors: Wang Chen , Feng Zengchao , Wang Xing
Published: August 2021

Due to the complexity of the internal structure of natural coal and its characteristic of multicomponent, the depth of its methane adsorption potential well is nonuniform, which makes it difficult to accurately evaluate the adsorption capacity of coal. Besides, in order to find out the factors affecting the depth distribution of potential wells in natural coal, this paper calculated the depth and number of potential wells during methane adsorption in coal according to the Langmuir adsorption kinetics process. Coal samples with different metamorphic degrees were tested and analyzed by infrared spectroscopy diffraction technology. The relationship between the structural parameters of functional groups in coal samples with different metamorphic degrees and the distribution of different depths of adsorption potential wells in coal samples was studied. Some main conclusions are as follows: The number of adsorption potential wells at different depths in natural coal with different metamorphic degrees has multipeak distribution characteristics. With the increase of the metamorphic degree of coal sample, the structures such as aliphatic branched chain structure and oxygen-containing functional groups in coal structure break, fall off, and deoxygenate. The relative content of aliphatic hydrocarbons is significantly reduced and condensed into aromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic ring structures. The different types and quantities of functional groups on the surface of coal samples lead to different forces between coal molecules and methane gas molecules, thus affecting the distribution of different depths of adsorption potential wells in coal samples.
Mean Square Integral Inequalities for Generalized Convex Stochastic Processes via Beta Function
Authors: Yang Putian , Zhang Shiqing
Published: August 2021

The integral inequalities have become a very popular area of research in recent years. The present paper deals with some important generalizations of convex stochastic processes. Several mean square integral inequalities are derived for this generalization. The involvement of the beta function in the results makes the inequalities more convenient for applied sciences.
An Inheritance Mode of Rural Cultural Heritage Based on Virtual Museum in China
Authors: Yang Yuhui , Zhang Hao , Chen Mo , Jiang Youbin , Chai Huifang
Published: August 2021

In China, there is a crisis of rural cultural heritage inheritance due to urbanization. The traditional cultural inheritance modes such as building museums may not satisfy the needs of wide and fast culture transmission, communication, and inheritance. However, the virtual museum may provide new solutions. Nowadays, China has essential social-economic conditions for virtual museum construction but lacks sustainable modes for virtual museums supporting rural cultural heritage inheritance. In this study, we adopted the theoretical analysis method, expert argumentative method, and combined with virtual museum technology analysis to design an appropriate mode for the cultural heritage’s inheritance in rural areas. We built a demonstrational virtual museum for the Mt. Mogan government according to this mode, adopted a comparative analysis and questionnaire survey to verify, and assess the application effects of the mode. Results show that the inheritance mode of rural cultural heritage based on the virtual museum has advantages of larger exhibition scale and wider scope of cultural transmission and communication with less input, and this mode’s operation is steady and sustainable. The inheritance crisis of rural cultural heritage needs reasonable solutions, and our results can be a guideline for building virtual museums in rural areas to promote wide, fast, and sustainable cultural inheritance.
Transmission Effectiveness of Resource Allocation Efficiency in Multitier Capital Market System
Authors: Geng Xiaoyuan
Published: August 2021

With the continuous development of the capital market, in order to study the effectiveness of the multilevel capital market, the operation status of the multilevel capital market is used as the research object, and the Pareto analysis paradigm is used to study the effectiveness of the transmission mechanism of the resources allocation efficiency of the multilevel capital market. Research has shown that Pareto analysis model can be used to analyze the multilevel capital markets. Investors’ irrationality and lack of professionalism further aggravate market volatility. Research on resource allocation of multilevel capital market systems and the effectiveness of the transmission mechanism has certain theoretical significance and practical value.
Investigation on the Creep Failure Mechanism of Sandy Mudstone Based on Micromesoscopic Mechanics
Authors: Shi Xinshuai , Jing Hongwen , Chen Weiqiang , Gao Yuan , Zhao Zhenlong
Published: August 2021

In this paper, scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests and 3D scanning technologies were adopted to investigate the creep failure mechanism of sandy mudstone from a micromesoscopic view. The SEM test results showed that the fracture surface micromorphology of the specimens that suffered creep loading was more fractured and rougher. It was also found by the fractal analysis of the SEM microscopic images that the fractal dimensions of the creep failure specimens were larger than those of the uniaxial compression failure, indicating that the creep damage increased the irregularity and a larger degree of roughness fluctuation. The 3D scanning technologies combining with the 3D reconstruction methods proved that the crack expansion path of crept specimens was more complicated, showing a more prominent asperity height and slope angle. Finally, a mesostrain dilating microelement model of the sandy mudstone specimen’s fracture surface was proposed to prove that the dilatancy effect would be more pronounced in the creep process.
Calcineurin Activation by Prion Protein Induces Neurotoxicity via Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Moon Ji-Hong , Hong Jeong-Min , Park Sang-Youel
Published: August 2021

Prion diseases are caused by PrPsc accumulation in the brain, which triggers dysfunctional mitochondrial injury and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in neurons. Recent studies on prion diseases suggest that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by misfolding proteins such as misfolded prion protein results in activation of calcineurin. Calcineurin is a calcium‐related protein phosphatase of type 2B that exists in copious quantities in the brain and acts as a critical nodal component in the control of cellular functions. To investigate the relationship between calcineurin and intracellular ROS, we assessed the alteration of CaN and ROS induced by prion peptide (PrP) 106‐126. Human prion peptide increased mitochondrial ROS by activating calcineurin, and the inhibition of calcineurin activity protected mitochondrial function and neuronal apoptosis in neuronal cells. These results suggest that calcineurin plays a pivotal role in neuronal apoptosis by mediating mitochondrial injury and ROS in prion diseases.
Admissible Hybrid
Z
-Contractions in Extended
b
-Metric Spaces
Authors: Kiran Quanita , Azhar Mamuna , Aydi Hassen , Gaba Yaé Ulrich
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we define the notation of admissible hybrid

Z

-contractions in the setting of extended

b

-metric spaces, which unifies and generalizes previously existing results in literature. Furthermore, as an application, we discuss Ulam-Hyers stability and well-posedness of a fixed point problem.
Study on the Settlement Mechanism with Effect of Backfilling Method of an Underground Mine
Authors: Xuan Dequan , Liu Zhiming , Huang Gang , Zhang Jianhua , Jiang Tingting , Ke Bo
Published: August 2021

The study on the subsidence of backfill mining block has been a concern of many scholars. A mechanical model of plate subsidence is established by studying the roof of a filling mining area in Luo Iron Mine in this paper. The boundary conditions are given, and the Navier method is used to solve the problem. Based on the thin plate model, the subsidence distribution map of the roof of the underground plate area is obtained. Based on the basic calculation parameters, the influence of a different foundation coefficient, mining depth, length-width ratio of plate area, elastic modulus of roof rock, and thickness of roof on the subsidence of roof is studied. According to the deflection calculation formula obtained, the expression of the internal force and stress is deduced, and the distribution of stress and shear stress on the upper and lower surfaces of the roof is analyzed. The dangerous area of the roof can be obtained, which provides a theoretical basis for the daily maintenance of mine safety.
Experimental Study on Reasonable Horizontal Load Value on the Top of Railings of Glass Bridges or Gallery Roads in Scenic Area
Authors: Sun Qingwen , Yan Qiushi , Liu Liqu , Wang Haowei
Published: August 2021

With the increase of glass bridges or glass walkways in the scenic area, the safety protection provided by railings cannot be neglected. However, there is a difference between the demands for a horizontal load on the top of railings in the present design specifications. Especially, it does not give specific advice on the horizontal load on the top of railings of glass bridges or glass roads in the scenic area. In this study, experimental research is conducted on railing columns based on the investigation of common railings of glass bridges or glass roads in the scenic area. The type of railing columns includes finished products and field production. The number of railing columns is 12. The displacement and strain results of the railing columns under different loads are obtained. The rigidity and strength are analyzed by numerical simulation combined with test results. A reasonable horizontal load on the top of the railings of a glass bridge or glass road is advised. These results provide a reference for the design, inspection, and evaluation of railings of glass bridges or gallery roads in the scenic area.
Mathematical Simulation about Gas Transport in a Dual-Porosity Tight Gas Reservoir considering Multiple Effects
Authors: Chen Jing , Song Xinmin , Li Baozhu , Li Wuguang , Liao Changlin , Yang Lei
Published: August 2021

Threshold pressure gradient, gas slippage, and stress sensitivity have important effects on the production of a tight gas reservoir. But previous studies only focused on one or two of these effects. In this study, a mathematical model considering these three effects was established to describe gas transport in a dual-porosity tight gas reservoir. Threshold pressure gradient, gas slippage, and stress sensitivity are simultaneously considered in the velocity term of continuity equation which is mainly different from the previous research results. The partial differential equation and definite solution condition are discretized by a central difference method. A finite difference procedure was compiled and applied to solve this numerical model and predict the productivity of a production well in a dual-porosity tight gas reservoir. The difference between the predicted and tested cumulative production is less than 10%, which indicates that the proposed mathematical model can be used to describe the characteristics of gas flow in the dual-porosity tight gas reservoir. Then, gas productivity of five different scenarios considering these effects was compared. Results show that both stress sensitivity and threshold pressure gradient are negatively correlated with gas production, while gas slippage is positively correlated with gas production. Among them, stress sensitivity has the greatest impact on the production of a dual-porosity tight gas reservoir. Overall, these three effects have great influence on the development of the dual-porosity tight gas reservoir, which should be considered in the production prediction.
Clinical Study of Virtual Reality Augmented Technology Combined with Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Assessment of Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Liu Qinghua , Cheng Jian , Li Jingjing , Liu Lei , Li Hongbo
Published: August 2021

Thyroid cancer has become the most common malignant tumor in the endocrine system, and its global incidence has been showing an upward trend. The diagnosis methods of thyroid cancer include ultrasound, fine-needle aspiration cytology, and neck CT, but the single ultrasound feature cannot simultaneously take into account the sensitivity and specificity of more than 85% when diagnosing thyroid cancer. The development of virtual technology can significantly improve the diagnosis of the thyroid gland. Based on this, this article proposes a clinical study of virtual reality technology combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the assessment of thyroid cancer. This article uses a variety of methods, such as literature method, mathematical statistics, and experimental research, in-depth study of the theoretical cornerstones of virtual reality augmented technology, the application status of ultrasound contrast technology, and so on. And a fuzzy mean clustering algorithm was proposed to identify ultrasound images. Then, a clinical experiment of virtual reality augmented technology combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound was designed to evaluate thyroid cancer, which included comparison of contrast-enhanced ultrasound signs, analysis of enhancement results, multifactor logistic analysis, and diagnostic efficacy analysis of ultrasound signs. The combined application of virtual reality augmented technology and contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the study of thyroid cancer has a sensitivity and specificity exceeding 85% as the diagnosis boundary changes, and the accuracy of the combined diagnosis is relatively high.
Analysis on Subsidence Law of Bedrock and Ultrathick Loose Layer Caused by Coal Mining
Authors: Shi Weiping , Li Kaixin , Yu Shengwen , Zhang Cunzhi , Li Jingkai
Published: August 2021

In the process of coal mining, when the buried depth is large and the loose layer is thick, the ground subsidence tends to be abnormal, thus causing great damage to the surface ecological environment. In order to reveal the mechanism of mining ground subsidence under ultrathick loose layer, taking 1305 working face of a mine as the background, the law of mining ground subsidence under ultrathick loose layer was analyzed through field measurement. The law of bedrock subsidence is analyzed by similar simulation test, and the role of ultrathick loose layer in bedrock subsidence is quantitatively analyzed. The hydrophobic settlement model of ultrathick loose layer is established by settlement theory calculation, and the law of ground subsidence caused by hydrophobic of ultrathick loose layer is analyzed. The results show that the ground subsidence is mainly composed of bedrock subsidence and hydrophobic settlement of ultrathick loose layer. The maximum ground subsidence measured in the field is 4.201 m, the bedrock surface subsidence obtained by the simulation test of similar materials is 3.552 m, and the subsidence of ultrathick loose layer obtained by hydrophobic settlement analysis is 0.58 m. Adding the subsidence of bedrock surface and the subsidence of ultrathick loose layer, the ground subsidence is 4.132 m. It is in good agreement with the total ground subsidence measured in the field, which verifies the rationality that the ground subsidence mainly includes bedrock subsidence and hydrophobic settlement of ultrathick loose layer.
Current Management Guidelines on Hyperlipidemia: The Silent Killer
Authors: Su Lilly , Mittal Rea , Ramgobin Devyani , Jain Rahul , Jain Rohit
Published: August 2021

Given the high incidence of cardiovascular events in the United States, strict control of modifiable risk factors is important. Pharmacotherapy is helpful in maintaining control of modifiable risk factors such as elevated lipids or hypercholesterolemia. Hypercholesterolemia can lead to atherosclerotic disease which may increase the risk of acute coronary events. Statin therapy has long been a mainstay in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, but while highly regarded, statin therapy also has side effects that may lead to patient noncompliance. Therefore, various medicines are being developed to manage hypercholesterolemia. This paper will discuss the role that lipids play in the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic disease, review the current lipid management guidelines, and discuss new treatment options that are alternatives to statin therapy.
Stabilization to Exponential Input-to-State Stability of a Class of Neural Networks with Delay by Observer-Based Aperiodic Intermittent Control
Authors: Li Mengyue , Li Biwen , Wan Yuan
Published: August 2021

This study is devoted to investigating the stabilization to exponential input-to-state stability (ISS) of a class of neural networks with time delay and external disturbances under the observer-based aperiodic intermittent control (APIC). Compared with the general neural networks, the state of the neural network investigated is not yet fully available. Correspondingly, an observer-based APIC is constructed, and moreover, neither the observer nor the controller requires the information of time delay. Then, the stabilization to exponential ISS of the neural network is realized severally by the observer-based time-triggered APIC (T-APIC) and the observer-based event-triggered APIC (E-APIC), and corresponding criteria are given. Furthermore, the minimum activation time rate (MATR) of the observer-based T-APIC and the observer-based E-APIC is estimated, respectively. Finally, a numerical example is given, which not only verifies the effectiveness of our results but also shows that the observer-based E-APIC is superior to the observer-based T-APIC and the observer-based periodic intermittent control (PIC) in control times and the minimum activation time rate, and the function of the observer-based T-APIC is also better than the observer-based PIC.
Adherence to Antidiabetic Medications among Women with Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Asiedu-Danso Michelle , Kretchy Irene A. , Sekyi Jeremiah Kobby , Koduah Augustina
Published: August 2021

Background. Optimal adherence to prescribed medications in women with gestational diabetes is relevant for perinatal outcomes. Objective. To summarize available information on the prevalence and factors contributing to medication adherence in women with gestational diabetes from the biological and psychosocial perspectives. Methods. A literature search on adherence in gestational diabetes was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and the Directory of Open Access Journals for studies published on the topic. The Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping reviews was used to explore and summarize the evidence. Results. A total of 2395 studies were retrieved of which 13 fully met the eligibility criteria. The studies were reported in Zimbabwe (

n
=
5

), Iran (

n
=
1

), Mexico (

n
=
1

), South India (

n
=
1

), the United States of America (

n
=
4

), and one multinational study covering Australia, Europe, North and South America. The main types of antidiabetic medications used were insulin (

n
=
6

), metformin (

n
=
4

), and glyburide (

n
=
2

). The prevalence of adherence ranged from 35.6% to 97%, with the assessment tool being self-report measures (

n
=
8

). The main factors associated with nonadherence included worsening pregnancy symptoms, side effects of medications, perceived risks, mental health symptoms, poor social support, and socioeconomic status. Recommendations that evolved from the studies to improve adherence included education, counselling, improved support networks, and social interventions, while the main reported interventional study employed continuous education on the impact of adherence on perinatal outcomes. Conclusion. Medication nonadherence in gestational diabetes seems to be influenced by multiple factors with some educational interventions positively impacting adherence behaviours. Thus, future research in women with gestational diabetes could consider interventions from a multifactorial perspective to improve therapeutic outcomes.
A Comprehensive Characterization of Different Fractions of Corn Stover and Their Relationships to Multipollutant Sorption Characteristics
Authors: Peng Dan , Ouyang Fan , Deng Min , Nie Lei , Kong Sifang
Published: August 2021

Corn stover (CS) is mainly composed of three parts: pith (CSP), rind (CSR), and leaf (CSL). These parts have different lignocellulosic constituents and structural properties. Herein, biosorbents derived from individual corn stover constituents were prepared in an effort to determine the significance of each constituent for multipollutant removal. In this study, SEM, BET, XRD, FTIR, XPS, fibre composition, and contact angle measurements were used to characterize and analyse the physical and chemical properties of the three components of CS and to study their adsorption effects, adsorption isotherms, and kinetics. The lignocellulosic compositions of CSP and CSR were similar, the cellulose content in CSP and CSR was significantly higher than that in CSL, and the hemicellulose content of CSL was much higher than those of CSP and CSR. The minimum lignin content was found in CSP, and the maximum lignin content was found in CSR. The results show that each component had a certain adsorption effect on typical organic pollutants (antibiotics, oils, and dyes). CSP had the strongest oil adsorption capacity, CSR was more suitable for adsorbing antibiotics, and CSL had outstanding adsorption capacity for dye. The pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model could describe the adsorption processes well, and they consisted of monolayer adsorption accompanied by chemical adsorption reactions. The focus of this study was to provide references for selecting effective adsorbent precursors to remove organic pollutants from wastewater.
Phase II Open-Label, Single-Arm Trial to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Remetinostat Gel in Patients with Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kilgour James M. , Shah Aatman , Urman Nicole M. , Eichstadt Shaundra , Do Hanh N. , Bailey Irene , Mirza Amar , Li Shufeng , Oro Anthony E. , Aasi Sumaira Z. , Sarin Kavita Y.
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

The mainstay of treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is surgical excision, which can result in significant associated morbidity, particularly for patients with recurrent tumors. We previously conducted a drug repositioning screen using molecular data from human BCCs and identified histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors as a potential treatment for BCC. Here we conduct the first proof-of-principle study of a topical pan-HDAC inhibitor, remetinostat, in human BCC.

Patients and Methods:

We conducted a phase II, open-label, single-arm, single-institution trial of a topical HDAC inhibitor. Participants with at least one BCC were recruited. All participants applied 1% remetinostat gel three times daily for 6 weeks, with measurements of tumor diameter conducted at baseline and week 8. Surgical excision of the remaining tumor was conducted at the end of the study and microscopic evaluation was performed.

Results:

Thirty-three per-protocol tumors from 25 participants were included in the analysis. The overall response rate, defined as the proportion of tumors achieving more than 30% decrease in the longest diameter from baseline to week 8, was 69.7% [90% confidence interval (CI), 54%–82.5%]. On pathologic examination, 54.8% of tumors demonstrated complete resolution. Pharmacodynamic analysis demonstrated similar levels of acetylated histone H3 in skin tissue before and after treatment, however, phosphorylation was increased. No systemic adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

The HDAC inhibitor remetinostat is a well-tolerated and effective topical treatment for reducing BCC disease burden in a clinically significant manner. This provides in-human validation of HDAC inhibitors as a therapy for BCC.
A Case of Pregnancy with Choriocarcinoma Complicated by a Cerebral Hemorrhage and Lung Metastasis
Authors: Wu Yan , Ren Peng , Chen Jian , Ai Ling
Published: August 2021

Pregnancy with choriocarcinoma is a rare tumor. It is rare for neonates to survive the third trimester. This article reports the clinical data of a live fetal pregnancy with choriocarcinoma complicated by brain and lung metastases. The patient was admitted to the hospital for “menopause 28 weeks + 5 days, dizziness with nausea and vomiting 2 days.” After 5 hours of admission, the patient had sudden convulsions, urinary incontinence, and coma. A head computed tomography (CT) examination in the emergency department revealed a cerebral hemorrhage in the right occipital lobe and broke into the ventricular system with brain herniation. She was immediately transferred to the intensive care unit for the emergency cesarean section and intracerebral hematoma removal. A postoperative CT scan revealed that the tumor in the upper lobe of the right lung was considered lung cancer, with multiple metastases in both lungs. Postoperative pathology was metastatic choriocarcinoma tissue seen in the blood clot. Based on the pathological diagnosis of choriocarcinoma, a chemotherapy regimen was developed with 2 courses of EP regimen and 8 courses of combined EMA-CO chemotherapy regimen. The patients were followed up for 2 years and ultimately resolved.
Corneal Edema with Anterior Uveitis after Exposure to the Sap of Euphorbia trigona: A Case Report
Authors: Ono Takashi , Mori Yosai , Nejima Ryohei , Iwasaki Takuya , Miyai Takashi , Ohtani Shinichiro , Miyata Kazunori
Published: August 2021

Although a few cases of dermatitis or keratitis caused by exposure to the sap of Euphorbia trigona have been reported, we present a rare case of transient corneal endothelial dysfunction following exposure to the sap, resulting in corneal edema. A woman in her 70s complained of reduced vision, redness, and teariness in her left eye 2 days after exposure to the sap of E. trigona at home. Upon examination, hyperemia, serious corneal edema, and anterior uveitis with hypopyon were observed in her left eye, without corneal epithelial defects or keratic precipitates. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 2.0 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution), and the measured central corneal thickness (CCT) was 812 µm. The patient was treated with topical instillation of 1.5% levofloxacin and 0.1% dexamethasone to reduce intraocular inflammation and corneal edema. Three weeks later, the BCVA reached 0, the CCT was 519 μm, and the corneal endothelial cell density was 3,233 cells/mm2. Six months after the injury, the patient had good visual acuity, and the cornea was completely transparent. No recurrence of corneal edema or anterior uveitis was observed. Exposure to the sap of E. trigona can lead to severe corneal edema with anterior uveitis, impairing visual acuity. Taking precautions to prevent the exposure of the eye to the sap of this plant is crucial.
The Benefit of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Stroke on Functional Outcome Is Sustained at 12 Months
Authors: Parameshwaran Balaki , Cordato Dennis , Parsons Mark , Cheung Andrew , Manning Nathan , Wenderoth Jason , Cappelen-Smith Cecilia
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose: The short-term benefits of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have been widely documented, yet there is limited evidence to show that this is sustained in the long term. We aimed to determine whether the benefit of EVT on functional outcome at 3 months is maintained at 12 months and the factors correlating with functional independence and quality of life. Methods: Data for analysis came from a prospective registry of consecutive patients undergoing EVT at a single Comprehensive Stroke Center (Oct 2018–Sep 2019). A phone interview was conducted for 12-month patient outcomes. Functional outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Quality of life was determined by return to usual place of residence, work, or driving and calculation of a health utility index using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L). Results: Of the 151 patients who underwent EVT during the study period, 12-month follow-up was available for 145 (96%). At 12 months, 44% (n = 64) of patients were functionally independent (mRS 0–2) compared to 48% at 3 months. Mortality at 12 months was 26% compared to 17% at 3 months. Significant predictors of functional independence at 12 months were younger age and lower baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Better quality of life significantly correlated with return to usual place of residence and driving. Conclusion: Three-month functional independence was sustained at 12 months, indicating that EVT remains beneficial for patients with AIS in the longer term.
Alexithymia and Body Image in Saudi Arabian Females (University Students): Preliminary Data
Authors: Al-Eithan Muwafak H. , Alsulaiman Hend , Al-Eithan Iman M.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Alexithymia has been the focus of much recent research in relation to emotional regulation and eating problems amongst psychological disorders. It is dealing with difficulties in processing, expressing, and awareness of emotion. Body image has also been researched, especially amongst women, and its relation emotion. Objective: The aim of this exploratory study is to examine the presence of alexithymia and how this is related to body image amongst a group of female Saudi University students. Methods: 152 Arabic female students from a local University participated in the study. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20 Arabic), the Therapeutic Alexithymia scale (PTA Scale) short scale, body image scale, and figure body image scale were all used in the study. Results: The results showed that there is significant correlation between TAS and body image scale. Further, results showed that body image scale is best predictor of alexithymia in regression analysis. Discussion: Alexithymia has not been studied in university students in KSA. We also explored its relationship to body image and found there is a significant correlation. Alexithymia is present and needs much research in this sample and beyond, in both clinical and non-clinical groups. Conclusion: This is the first study in an Arabic population to show the alexithymia is prevalent amongst this sample and it is significantly related to poor body image. Further studies are suggested to explore further psychological variables related to body image and eating problems, as well as on clinical samples is indicated.
Successful Treatment with Crushed Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir of a Patient with Decompensated Cirrhosis C and Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Murayama Aiko , Tajiri Kazuto , Kanegane Chiharu , Murakami Jun , Hayashi Yuka , Yasuda Ichiro
Published: August 2021

A 36-year-old woman with decompensated liver cirrhosis type C was referred to our hospital to receive antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV). She had been diagnosed with intractable epilepsy and cerebral palsy at birth and was managed by central venous nutrition and nasal gastric feeding. At age 34 years, she was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, probably associated with HCV infection. She showed refractory ascites for several months and was therefore administered crushed sofosbuvir/velpatasvir tablets via a nasal gastric tube. Her HCV infection was successfully eradicated, her ascites disappeared, and thrombocytopenia improved with a marked decrease in platelet-associated IgG.
Música e política em Jean-Jacques Rousseau: da teoria da unidade da melodia à vontade geral
Authors: Garcia Daniela Fátima
Published: August 2021

Tradicionalmente, são os textos ligados diretamente aos temas de moral, política e educação os que mais chamaram a atenção de comentadores e estudiosos para a filosofia de Jean-Jacques Rousseau. No entanto, parece ter sido a música um dos assuntos que mais ocupou os pensamentos do autor genebrino ao longo de toda sua vida. Sendo assim, o pensamento musical aparece não apenas como ideia inspiradora, mas antes, como própria referência teórica que compartilha dos mesmos princípios que irão fundamentar também seu pensamento político: para nosso autor, são as faculdades naturais do homem, que se traduzem em sentimentos e afetos originais, presentes antes do atual estado de corrupção moral, que dão expressividade à música, tanto quanto significado e coesão às instituições políticas.
Treinamento para controle de sangramento por compressão direta: um simulador de baixo custo
Authors: Silva Emanuelly Thays Muniz Figueiredo , Regis Francisco George de Lima , Cid Danielle Maria Camelo , Costa Luiza Vitória Fontenelle , Schramm Isabelle Rodrigues , Lima Daniel Souza
Published: August 2021

Contexto: O trauma representa um grave problema de saúde pública no Brasil e no mundo, sendo as lesões hemorrágicas não controlada a principal causa de morte prevenível tanto no ambiente militar, quanto no cenário civil. Nesse contexto, medidas efetivas de controle de sangramento tem notória relevância, tornando-se necessário o fortalecimento educacional através de treinamentos de qualidade, utilizando estratégias eficientes de ensino e aprendizagem, como os modelos sintéticos de simulação de baixo custo. Objetivo: Apresentar um modelo de baixo custo para treinamento de controle de sangramento com uso de compressão direta e seus resultados de avaliação. Método: Confeccionado um modelo sintético para aplicação da técnica de compressão direta, utilizando-se materiais de fácil aquisição e de baixo custo, como espuma de estofado, placa de E.V.A, bomba pneumática, recipiente de soro fisiológico, água, tinta escolar, equipos de soro, tubo de látex para garrote e um braço de manequim comercial. Durante a montagem, foi criado um sistema de simulação de sangramento ativo. O modelo foi então utilizado e avaliado por meio da escala Likert durante o curso Stop The Bleed do Comitê de Trauma do Colégio Americano de Cirurgiões por profissionais da área da saúde. Resultados: No manuseio e uso deste modelo de treinamento, foi observado que a aplicação adequada da técnica de compressão direta demonstrou ser eficiente para simulação da interrupção do sangramento simulado em jato e apresentou um baixo custo de desenvolvimento. Conclusão: O modelo teve excelente avaliação por aqueles que o utilizaram, considerado viável para fins educacionais e de baixo custo.
Perfil epidemiológico da anemia em ambulatório de hematologia da rede privada de saúde
Authors: Silva Jiviane Beatriz Cunha Barretto da , Vieira Gabriel Marin
Published: August 2021

No contexto das anemias, estima-se que sua prevalência no Brasil e no mundo seja em torno de 30%, acima do esperado como aceitável pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Devido a carência de registros oficiais brasileiros sobre a distribuição epidemiológica da doença, esse estudo tem como objetivo demonstrar a prevalência de anemias em um ambulatório de hematologia do sistema privado, e verificar sua distribuição quanto ao sexo, idade, gravidade e etiologia. Assim, foi feita uma análise transversal descritiva, com coleta de dados secundários, dos prontuários de pacientes em primeira consulta de um ambulatório de hematologia da rede privada de Campinas/SP. Foram selecionados 1422 pacientes, sendo 456 diagnosticados com anemia (32%), de faixa etária predominante entre 40-49 anos (21,7%), e com mulheres ocupando 77% da amostra. Na avaliação dos hemogramas, a média de hemoglobina foi de 10,52 g/dL, sendo na maioria dos casos anemias normocíticas e leves. Em relação à etiologia, 62,7% da amostra era ferropênica, e desta, 78,7% de origem hemorrágica. A segunda causa mais prevalente foi a anemia da inflamação (14,4%). Diante dos resultados obtidos, foi possível traçar um perfil epidemiológico da anemia no referido ambulatório, sendo que os anêmicos são em sua maioria mulheres em idade fértil, com anemia leve e microcítica, e inferir que, em grande parte dos casos, a anemia é uma doença evitável, tornando possível a diminuição de sua prevalência.
Hipertireoidismo clínico em paciente com mola hidatiforme: relato de caso
Authors: Francischetto Elis Camara , Campanharo Laís Veiga , Carvalho Alice Fernandes de , Musiello Rubens Bermudes , Sasso Rachel Torres , Chambô Filho Antônio , Brandão Carmen Dolores Gonçalves
Published: August 2021

Introdução: A doença trofoblástica gestacional (DTG) constitui um grupo de doenças responsável pela produção de elevados títulos de hCG, podendo levar a possíveis complicações como hipertireoidismo e, em situações mais graves, a crise tireotóxica. O hipertireoidismo está presente em apenas 5% dos casos de DTG, sendo importante seu diagnóstico precoce. Relato de Caso: Paciente feminina, 49 anos, G6PC2A3, apresentou-se no pronto socorro relatando sangramento vaginal irregular por 4 meses, hiperêmese, irritabilidade, tremores, palpitações, xerostomia e histórico de abortos de repetição. Ao exame ginecológico, notou-se sangramento em borra de café através do orifício externo do colo uterino, e ao toque bimanual, massa pélvica acima da cicatriz umbilical. USG/TV mostrou volume uterino de 1302 cc³ e imagens correspondentes à DTG. TSH e T4L de 0,015 mU/L (VR: 0,4 – 4,5 mU/L) e 2,34 ng/dL (VR: 0,7 – 1,8 ng/dL) respectivamente, e dosagem plasmática do BhCG > 225.000 mUI/mL. Ao exame físico, demonstrou tireoide discretamente aumentada de consistência parenquimatosa e reflexo aquileu pouco exaltado. Ausência de histórico familiar para tireoidopatias e rastreio dos anticorpos anti-TPO, anti-TG e TRAb negativo. A paciente foi submetida a Aspiração Manual Intrauterina (AMIU). Em razão da manutenção dos níveis elevados de BhCG, foi solicitado nova USG/TV cujo resultado sugeriu DTG. Devido ao alto risco de neoplasia, ausência de focos metastáticos e prole constituída, optou-se por realizar histerectomia total abdominal, com salpingectomia bilateral e preservação dos ovários bilateralmente, como forma de tratamento. O TSH normalizou em 0,5 mU/L após procedimento cirúrgico. O histopatológico evidenciou Mola Invasora. Conclusão: Doenças que cursam com elevação do hCG podem levar a um quadro de hipertireoidismo secundário. Apesar desta patologia estar presente em apenas 5% dos casos de DTG, o médico não pode ignorar a importância de sua investigação para um diagnóstico precoce, com vistas a evitar complicações mais severas como por exemplo, a crise tireotóxica.