bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coordination of Nanoconjugation with an Antigen/Antibody for Efficient Detection of Gynecological Tumors
Authors: Liu Xinmei , Yang Xinyuan , Shao Juan , Hong Yufeng , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Chen Yeng , Wey Mang Chek , Wang Yaru
Published: March 2020

Cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers are common in the female reproductive system. Cervical cancer starts from the cervix, while ovarian cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the ovary. Endometrial or uterine cancer starts from the lining of the womb in the endometrium. Approximately 12,000 women are affected every year by cervical cancer in the United States. Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) is a well-established biomarker in serum for diagnosing gynecological cancers, and its levels were observed to be elevated in cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancer patients. Moreover, SCC-Ag was used to identify the tumor size and progression stages. Various biosensing systems have been proposed to identify SCC-Ag; herein, enhanced interdigitated electrode sensing is presented with the use of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) to conjugate an antigen/antibody. It was proved that the limit of detection is 62.5 fM in the case of antibody-GNP, which is 2-fold higher than that by SCC-Ag-GNP. Furthermore, the antibody-GNP-modified surface displays greater current increases with concomitant dose-dependent SCC-Ag levels. High analytical performance was shown by the discrimination against α-fetoprotein and CYFRA 21-1 at 1 pM. An enhanced sensing system is established for gynecological tumors, representing an advance from the earlier detection methods.
Clinical Features of Painful Ophthalmoplegia with a High-Intensity Ring Appearance around the Optic Nerve on MRI: A Case Series
Authors: Nosaki Yasunobu , Ohyama Ken , Watanabe Maki , Yokoi Takamasa , Iwai Katsushige
Published: March 2020

Objective. Painful ophthalmoplegia includes nonspecific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) manifestations and various clinical features including orbital pain and cranial nerve palsies. Treatment for painful ophthalmoplegia remains controversial. The aim of this report was to describe detailed clinical features, MRI findings, treatments, and prognosis of patients with painful ophthalmoplegia. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively investigated four cases of patients with painful ophthalmoplegia diagnosed using the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Results. All patients experienced unilateral orbital pain and oculomotor nerve palsy with diplopia but no vision loss. One of the four patients was diagnosed with Tolosa–Hunt syndrome based on the appearance of a granulomatous inflammation of the cavernous sinus on MRI. No specific lesions were detected on brain MRI for the other three patients; therefore, their headaches were attributed to ischaemic ocular motor nerve palsy. In all patients, a high-intensity ring appearance around the ipsilateral optic nerve was observed on MRI. Steroid therapy was administered to these patients, and good prognoses were anticipated. Conclusion. These results indicate that prednisolone is a useful treatment for painful ophthalmoplegia that displays ipsilateral hyperintense ring lesions around the optic nerve on MRI, regardless of the presence of granulomatous inflammation of the cavernous sinus.
Monotone Iterative Method for Fractional Differential Equations with Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Song Shiying , Li Hongyu , Zou Yumei
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the existence of extremal solutions for fractional differential equations with integral boundary conditions is obtained by using the monotone iteration technique and the method of upper and lower solutions. The main equations studied are as follows:−D0+αut=ft,ut, t∈0,1,u0=0, u1=∫01utdAt,whereD0+αis the standard Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative of orderα∈1,2andAtis a positive measure function. Moreover, an example is given to illustrate the main results.
Modeling the Transmission Dynamics of Bovine Tuberculosis
Authors: Shirima Sabini Theresia , Ismail Irunde Jacob , Kuznetsov Dmitry
Published: March 2020

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a bacterial and zoonotic disease which is transmitted through consumption of unpasteurized milk and uncooked meat and inhalation of aerosols. In this paper, a deterministic mathematical model is formulated to study the transmission dynamics of bTB in humans and animals. The basic reproduction number R0 is computed to determine the behavior of the disease. Stability analysis shows that there is a possibility for disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium to coexist when R0 = 1. To determine parameters which drive the dynamics of bTB, we performed sensitivity analysis. The analysis shows that the rate at which dairy products are produced, the rate of transmission of bTB from animal to animal, and the rates at which human acquires bTB from infectious dairy products and animals drive the transmission of bTB. However, the disease decreases as the rate of consumption of dairy products decreases. To control bTB, education campaign, inspection of dairy products, treatment of infected humans, and quarantine of infected animals are recommended.
Extracorporeal Hemadsorption versus Glucocorticoids during Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Taleska Stupica Gordana , Sostaric Maja , Bozhinovska Marija , Rupert Lea , Bosnic Zoran , Jerin Ales , Ihan Alojz , Klokocovnik Tomislav , Podbregar Matej
Published: March 2020

Extracorporeal hemadsorption may reduce inflammatory reaction in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. Glucocorticoids have been used during open-heart surgery for alleviation of systemic inflammation after CPB. We compared intraoperative hemadsorption and methylprednisolone, with usual care, during complex cardiac surgery on CPB, for inflammatory responses, hemodynamics, and perioperative course. Seventy-six patients with prolonged CPB were recruited and randomized, with 60 included in final analysis. Allocation was into three groups: Methylprednisolone (n = 20), Cytosorb (n = 20), and Control group (usual care, n = 20). Proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines which complement C5a, CD64, and CD163 expression by immune cells were analyzed within the first five postoperative days, in addition to hemodynamic and clinical outcome parameters. Methylprednisolone group, compared to Cytosorb and Control had significantly lower levels of TNF-α (until the end of surgery, p<0.001), IL-6 (until 48 h after surgery, p<0.001), and IL-8 (until 24 h after surgery, p<0.016). CD64 expression on monocytes was the highest in the Cytosorb group and lasted until the 5th postoperative day (p<0.016). IL-10 concentration (until the end of surgery) and CD163 expression on monocytes (until 48 h after surgery) were the highest in the Methylprednisolone group (p<0.016, for all measurements between three groups). No differences between groups in the cardiac index or clinical outcome parameters were found. Methylprednisolone more effectively ameliorates inflammatory responses after CPB surgery compared to hemadsorption and usual care. Hemadsorption compared with usual care causes higher prolonged expression of CD64 on monocytes but short lasting expression of CD163 on granulocytes. Hemadsorption with CytoSorb® was safe and well tolerated. This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02666703).
The Prospect of Identifying Resistance Mechanisms for Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer Using Circulating Tumor Cells: Is Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition a Key Player?
Authors: Khan Tanzila , Scott Kieran F. , Becker Therese M. , Lock John , Nimir Mohammed , Ma Yafeng , de Souza Paul
Published: March 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is initially driven by excessive androgen receptor (AR) signaling with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) being a major therapeutic approach to its treatment. However, the development of drug resistance is a significant limitation on the effectiveness of both first-line and more recently developed second-line ADTs. There is a need then to study AR signaling within the context of other oncogenic signaling pathways that likely mediate this resistance. This review focuses on interactions between AR signaling, the well-known phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT pathway, and an emerging mediator of these pathways, the Hippo/YAP1 axis in metastatic castrate-resistant PCa, and their involvement in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a feature of disease progression and ADT resistance. Analysis of these pathways in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may provide an opportunity to evaluate their utility as biomarkers and address their importance in the development of resistance to current ADT with potential to guide future therapies.
Radiosynthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Preclinical Study of a 68Ga-Labeled Cyclic RGD Peptide as an Early Diagnostic Agent for Overexpressed αvβ3 Integrin Receptors in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Pirooznia Nazanin , Abdi Khosrou , Beiki Davood , Emami Farshad , Arab Seyed Shahriar , Sabzevari Omid , Pakdin-Parizi Zahra , Geramifar Parham
Published: March 2020

The αvβ3 integrin receptors have high expression on proliferating growing tumor cells of different origins including non-small-cell lung cancer. RGD-containing peptides target the extracellular domain of integrin receptors. This specific targeting makes these short sequences a suitable nominee for theranostic application. DOTA-E(cRGDfK)2 was radiolabeled with 68Ga efficiently. The in vivo and in vitro stability was examined in different buffer systems. Metabolic stability was assessed in mice urine. In vitro specific binding, cellular uptake, and internalization were determined. The tumor-targeting potential of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-E(cRGDfK)2 in a lung cancer mouse model was studied. Besides, the very early diagnostic potential of the 68Ga-labeled RGD peptide was evaluated. The acquisition and reconstruction of the PET-CT image data were also carried out. Radiochemical and radionuclide purity for [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-E(cRGDfK)2 was >%98 and >%99, respectively. Radiotracer showed high in vivo, in vitro, and metabolic stability which was determined by ITLC. The dissociation constant (Kd) of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-E(cRGDfK)2 was 15.28 nM. On average, more than 95% of the radioactivity was specific binding (internalized + surface-bound) to A549 cells. Biodistribution data showed that radiolabeled peptides were accumulated significantly in A549 tumor and excreted rapidly by the renal system. Tumor uptake peaks were at 1-hour postinjection for [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-E(cRGDfK)2. The tumor was clearly visualized in all images. [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-E(cRGDfK)2 can be used as a peptide-based imaging agent allowing very early detection of different cancers overexpressing αvβ3 integrin receptors and can be a potential candidate in clinical peptide-based imaging for lung cancer.
The Splitting Crank–Nicolson Scheme with Intrinsic Parallelism for Solving Parabolic Equations
Authors: Xue Guanyu , Gong Yunjie , Feng Hui
Published: March 2020

In this paper, a splitting Crank–Nicolson (SC-N) scheme with intrinsic parallelism is proposed for parabolic equations. The new algorithm splits the Crank–Nicolson scheme into two domain decomposition methods, each one is applied to compute the values at (n + 1)th time level by use of known numerical solutions at n-th time level, respectively. Then, the average of the above two values is chosen to be the numerical solutions at (n + 1)th time level. The new algorithm obtains accuracy of the Crank–Nicolson scheme while maintaining parallelism and unconditional stability. This algorithm can be extended to solve two-dimensional parabolic equations by alternating direction implicit (ADI) technique. Numerical experiments illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the new algorithm.
Proactive and Integrated Management and Empowerment in Parkinson’s Disease: Designing a New Model of Care
Authors: Tenison Emma , Smink Agnes , Redwood Sabi , Darweesh Sirwan , Cottle Hazel , van Halteren Angelika , van den Haak Pieter , Hamlin Ruth , Ypinga Jan , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Munneke Marten , Henderson Emily
Published: March 2020

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s disease. The number of patients will rise dramatically due to ageing of the population and possibly also due to environmental issues. It is widely recognised that the current models of care for people with Parkinson’s disease or a form of atypical parkinsonism lack continuity, are reactive to problems rather than proactive, and do not adequately support individuals to self-manage. Integrated models of care have been developed for other chronic conditions, with a range of positive effects. A multidisciplinary team of professionals in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, all with a long history of caring for patients with movement disorders, used knowledge of deficiencies with the current model of care, an understanding of integrated care in chronic disease and the process of logic modelling, to develop a novel approach to the care of patients with Parkinson’s disease. We propose a new model, termed PRIME Parkinson (Proactive and Integrated Management and Empowerment in Parkinson’s Disease), which is designed to manage problems proactively, deliver integrated, multidisciplinary care, and empower patients and their carers. It has five main components: (1) personalised care management, (2) education and empowerment of patients and carers, (3) empowerment of healthcare professionals, (4) a population health approach, and (5) support of the previous four components by patient- and professional-friendly technology. Having mapped the processes required for the success of this initiative, there is now a requirement to assess its effect on health-related and quality of life outcomes as well as determining its cost-effectiveness. In the next phase of the project, we will implement PRIME Parkinson in selected areas of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
Conservative Management of Placenta Percreta: Three Cases and a Review of the Literature regarding Conservative Management of Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) Disorders.
Authors: Patabendige M. , Sanjeewa J. M. P. , Amarasekara A. M. A. K. G. , Herath R. P.
Published: March 2020

Background. The incidence of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders has risen over the last decades, and there has been a gradual shift towards expectant management. Conservative management of PAS is known to reduce major obstetric haemorrhage and salvage hysterectomy. There is a lack of consensus on the follow-up of patients undergoing conservative approaches. Here, we describe the follow-up of three patients with placenta percreta who were conservatively managed and review the literature for the conservative management of PAS. Case Presentation. We have successfully managed three cases of placenta percreta expectantly using combined methods involving symphysial-fundal height, serum beta-HCG, and ultrasonographic volume of placental mass. Conclusions. Use of a combined approach with symphysial-fundal height, serum beta-HCG, and ultrasonographic volume of placental mass with colour Doppler may guide the surveillance of these conservatively managed cases. However, at least one magnetic resonance imaging three months postoperatively may predict a further risk of delayed haemorrhage.
Comparative Genomics Reveals Pathogenicity-Related Loci in Shewanella algae
Authors: Wang Jui-Hsing , He Guo-Cheng , Huang Yao-Ting , Liu Po-Yu
Published: March 2020

Shewanella algae is an emerging marine zoonotic pathogen and accounts for considerable mortality and morbidity in compromised hosts. However, there is scarce literature related to the understanding of the genetic background of virulence determinants in S. algae. In this study, we aim to determine the occurrence of common virulence genes in S. algae using whole-genome sequence and comparative genomic analysis. Comparative genomics reveals putative-virulence genes related to bile resistance, chemotaxis, hemolysis, and motility. We detected the existence of hlyA, hlyD, and hlyIII involved in hemolysis. We also found chemotaxis gene cluster cheYZA operon and cheW gene. The results provide insights into the genetic basis underlying pathogenicity in S. algae.
In Vivo Evaluation of Wound Healing and Anti‐Inflammatory Activity of 80% Methanol Crude Flower Extract of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel in Mice
Authors: Belachew Teshome Fentik , Asrade Seyfe , Geta Mestayt , Fentahun Engidaw
Published: March 2020

Background. Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel (Rosaceae) is distributed in the highlands of Ethiopia. The flowers of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel are used traditionally to treat wound. However, there was no scientific report on wound healing activity of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel. Thus, this study was initiated to investigate the wound healing and anti‐inflammatory activities of 80% methanol crude extract of flowers of Hagenia abyssinica in mice. Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the wound healing and anti‐inflammatory activity of 80% methanol crude flower extract of Hagenia abyssinica in mice. Methods. Air‐dried flowers of Hagenia abyssinica were grounded and macerated three times successively by 80% methanol. The dried extract was fractionated with chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water. Phytochemical screening tests were performed according to established procedures. The crude extract and solvent fractions were formulated as ointments. Wound healing activity of the crude extract was evaluated using excision and incision wound models, and the wound healing activities of solvent fractions were evaluated by using the excision wound model. The anti‐inflammatory activity of the 80% methanol extract of Hagenia abyssinica was evaluated using carrageenan‐induced hind paw edema model in mice. Result. The 2000 mg/kg test dose of the 10% (w/w) crude extract ointment was safe in rats. Both the 5% (w/w) and 10% (w/w) crude extract ointment‐treated groups showed significant wound contraction starting from the day 4th. Both 5% (w/w) and 10% (w/w) crude extract ointments showed significant (P < 0.001) increment of tensile strength compared to the negative control. The 10% (w/w) aqueous and ethyl acetate fraction ointment revealed high (P < 0.001) percentage of wound contraction. The 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg oral administration of the crude extract had significant inhibition of the paw edema in mice of carrageenan‐induced inflammation. Conclusion. The results of this study evidenced that both 5% w/w and 10% w/w 80% methanol extract ointment of the flowers of Hagenia abyssinica have wound healing and anti‐inflammatory effects.
La compasión: clave en la renovación de la atención en salud
Authors: Bedregal Paula , Lermanda Victoria , Brito-Pons Gonzalo
Published: March 2020

Introducción: durante el último tiempo, las prácticas de atención en salud han experimentado un profundo cambio en la medida que los avances científicos y tecnológicos han alcanzado y modificado la clásica relación médico-paciente. El panorama moderno y las presiones e influencias económicas sobre el ejercicio profesional han conducido, además, a una manifiesta insatisfacción respecto al servicio, tanto de usuarios como de profesionales. Ante esta situación, la compasión podría constituirse en un recurso clave para redirigir nuevamente el foco de la atención hacia la persona. Material y método: se realiza una revisión bibliográfica con el propósito de ilustrar sobre esta capacidad, así como invitar a la reflexión sobre la misma. Resultados: el desarrollo de la compasión permite mejorar el trato con los pacientes al mismo tiempo que contribuye al autocuidado de los profesionales de la salud. La evidencia científica disponible al respecto ha permitido comprender la naturaleza neurobiológica de esta capacidad, así como los múltiples beneficios de su desarrollo e integración a la práctica clínica. Conclusión: existe una necesidad urgente de llevar a cabo una transformación de la atención de salud, la cual no debe plantearse de manera exclusiva a partir de los requerimientos estructurales-materialistas del sistema, sino que también debe reivindicar la importancia de implementar cambios personales y organizacionales que se direccionen hacia una humanización del servicio, para centrarlo efectivamente en la persona.
A Randomized, Open-label, Presurgical, Window-of-Opportunity Study Comparing the Pharmacodynamic Effects of the Novel Oral SERD AZD9496 with Fulvestrant in Patients with Newly Diagnosed ER+ HER2− Primary Breast Cancer
Authors: Robertson John F.R. , Evans Abigail , Henschen Stephan , Kirwan Cliona C. , Jahan Ali , Kenny Laura M. , Dixon J. Michael , Schmid Peter , Kothari Ashutosh , Mohamed Omar , Fasching Peter A. , Cheung Kwok-Leung , Wuerstlein Rachel , Carroll Danielle , Klinowska Teresa , Lindemann Justin P.O. , MacDonald Alexander , Mather Richard , Maudsley Rhiannon , Moschetta Michele , Nikolaou Myria , Roudier Martine P. , Sarvotham Tinnu , Schiavon Gaia , Zhou Diansong , Zhou Li , Harbeck Nadia
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

Fulvestrant, the first-in-class selective estrogen receptor (ER) degrader (SERD), is clinically effective in patients with ER+ breast cancer, but it has administration and pharmacokinetic limitations. Pharmacodynamic data suggest complete ER degradation is not achieved at fulvestrant's clinically feasible dose. This presurgical study (NCT03236974) compared the pharmacodynamic effects of fulvestrant with AZD9496, a novel, orally bioavailable, nonsteroidal, potent SERD, in treatment-naïve patients with ER+ HER2− primary breast cancer awaiting curative intent surgery.

Patients and Methods:

Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive AZD9496 250 mg twice daily from day 1 for 5–14 days, or fulvestrant 500 mg on day 1. On-treatment imaging-guided core tumor biopsies were taken between day 5 and 14 and compared with pretreatment diagnostic biopsies. The primary objective was to compare the effects of AZD9496 and fulvestrant on ER expression. Secondary objectives included changes in progesterone receptor (PR) and Ki-67 pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships and safety.

Results:

Forty-six women received treatment (AZD9496 n = 22; fulvestrant n = 24); 35 paired biopsies were evaluable (AZD9496 n = 15; fulvestrant n = 20). The least square mean estimate for ER H-score reduction was 24% after AZD9496 versus 36% after fulvestrant treatment (P = 0.86). AZD9496 also reduced PR H-scores (−33.3%) and Ki-67 levels (−39.9%) from baseline, but was also not superior to fulvestrant (PR: −68.7%, P = 0.97; Ki-67: −75.4%, P = 0.98). No new safety findings were identified.

Conclusions:

This was the first presurgical study to demonstrate that an oral SERD affects its key biological targets. However, AZD9496 was not superior to fulvestrant at the dose tested.
A Case of Acute Kidney Injury in a Patient with Renal Hypouricemia without Intense Exercise
Authors: Aomura Daiki , Sonoda Kosuke , Harada Makoto , Hashimoto Koji , Kamijo Yuji
Published: March 2020

Exercise-induced acute kidney injury (EIAKI) frequently develops in patients with renal hypouricemia (RHUC). However, several cases of RHUC with acute kidney injury (AKI) but without intense exercise have been reported. We encountered a 15-year-old male with RHUC who experienced AKI. He reported no episodes of intense exercise and displayed no other representative risk factors of EIAKI, although a vasopressor had been administered for orthostatic dysregulation before AKI onset. His kidney dysfunction improved with discontinuation of the vasopressor and conservative treatment. Thus, AKI can develop in patients with RHUC in the absence of intense exercise, for which vasopressors may be a risk factor.
A Case of Novel Coronavirus Disease 19 in a Chronic Hemodialysis Patient Presenting with Gastroenteritis and Developing Severe Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Ferrey Antoney J. , Choi Grace , Hanna Ramy M. , Chang Yongen , Tantisattamo Ekamol , Ivaturi Kaushik , Park Elisa , Nguyen Lawrence , Wang Brian , Tonthat Sam , Rhee Connie M. , Reddy Uttam , Lau Wei Ling , Huang Susan S. , Gohil Shruti , Amin Alpesh N. , Hsieh Lanny , Cheng Timmy T. , Lee Richard A. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar
Published: March 2020

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious, rapidly spreading viral disease with an alarming case fatality rate up to 5%. The risk factors for severe presentations are concentrated in patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are dialysis dependent. We report the first US case of a 56-year-old nondiabetic male with ESRD secondary to IgA nephropathy undergoing thrice-weekly maintenance hemodialysis for 3 years, who developed COVID-19 infection. He has hypertension controlled with angiotensin receptor blocker losartan 100 mg/day and coronary artery disease status-post stent placement. During the first 5 days of his febrile disease, he presented to an urgent care, 3 emergency rooms, 1 cardiology clinic, and 2 dialysis centers in California and Utah. During this interval, he reported nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and low-grade fevers but was not suspected of COVID-19 infection until he developed respiratory symptoms and was admitted to the hospital. Imaging studies upon admission were consistent with bilateral interstitial pneumonia. He was placed in droplet-eye precautions while awaiting COVID-19 test results. Within the first 24 h, he deteriorated quickly and developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), requiring intubation and increasing respiratory support. Losartan was withheld due to hypotension and septic shock. COVID-19 was reported positive on hospital day 3. He remained in critical condition being treated with hydroxychloroquine and tocilizumab in addition to the standard medical management for septic shock and ARDS. Our case is unique in its atypical initial presentation and highlights the importance of early testing.
Perfil lipídico e consumo de bebida alcoólica
Authors: Naud Ludmila Macêdo , Bensenor Isabela Judith Martins , Lotufo Paulo Andrade
Published: March 2020

Objetivo: investigar o efeito do consumo de álcool em geral e do tipo de bebida alcoólica consumida, em diferentes medidas lipídicas. Método: o efeito do consumo de álcool foi investigado, bem como do tipo de bebida alcoólica, em diferentes medidas lipídicas, em ambos os sexos de população do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto. Resultados: foram realizadas análises em relação ao tipo e quantidade de consumo de bebida alcoólica por sexo. O consumo baixo-amoderado de álcool, independentemente do tipo de bebida alcoólica consumida, resultou em níveis mais elevados de HDLcolesterol, HDL2-colesterol e HDL3-colesterol em homens e mulheres. Não houve participantes da pesquisa que consumiam quantidade baixa a moderada de bebidas alcoólicas destiladas. Os triglicerídeos tiveram efeitos inversos para homens e mulheres no perfil lipídico. Para homens, bebidas destiladas contribuíram para melhor perfil dos triglicerídeos, enquanto para mulheres foi o contrário. Homens que consumiam bebidas alcoólicas destiladas tiveram níveis menores de triglicerídeos e mulheres que consumiam bebidas alcóolicas destiladastiveram níveis maiores. Nossos resultados estão de acordo com os de estudos anteriores. Conclusão: o consumo de álcool resultou em níveis diferentes de medidas lipídicas séricas em homens e mulheres. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a resposta ao álcool tem diferenças biológicas.
Unseen Rebels: The ‘Mob’ of Istanbul as a Constituent of Ottoman Revolt, Seventeenth to Early Nineteenth Centuries
Authors: Sariyannis Marinos
Published: March 2020

Ottoman urban revolt has been the subject of many studies, but most of them consider either the janissaries or political factions of the elite as the main actors. However, Ottoman sources point to the marked participation of what can be called the ‘urban mob’, people without any strong professional or military affiliation. The article seeks to explore the type and scope of this participation, the composition and socioeconomic characteristics of this mob, and the possible hints we may obtain about their motives and ideology.
Music and the Divine
Authors: Kramarz Andreas
Published: March 2020

This paper serves to report on the MOISA Panel at the 150th Annual Meeting of the Society for Classical Studies dedicated to the theme ‘Music and the Divine’, and to introduce one of the papers presented at the panel.
The Dance of Priests, Matronae, and Philosophers: Aspects of Dance Culture in Rome and the Roman Empire
Authors: Schlapbach Karin
Published: March 2020

The fourteen papers delivered at a conference on Roman dance in June 2019 set about correcting the widespread idea that dance was marginal and held in low esteem in Rome. They elucidated different contexts in which dance was central, especially religion, the theatre, and private entertainments, and further topics included cultural interactions on the Italian peninsula, the diversity of practitioners, the political role of dance, and dance images in poetry. The conference showed not only that further study of Roman dance is necessary, but also that dance is a valuable tool that allows us to think about what we mean when we talk about ‘Roman’ culture.
The Gnostic in Us All: Thinking from the Macrobiotics of Michio Kushi
Authors: Albanese Catherine L.
Published: March 2020

Around 1970 in graduate school, I wrote a paper on the Gospel of Thomas, one of the documents discovered at Nag Hammadi in 1945. The debate over its gnosticizing elements was alive and well, and I weighed in with an argument that its thorough oblivion to history rendered it Gnostic—in the capital-“G” sense. I published a revised version of the paper in an academic journal in 1976. Then in 1986, I began to practice macrobiotics. As I studied the teachings of Michio Kushi, its foremost American teacher, I began to suspect religion. With longtime political interests in world government, Kushi elaborated on a cosmological spiral, with humans descending from a “unique principle” as it divided into yin and yang. Finding balance with yin and yang energies through diet and lifestyle would lead to alignment and peace, even as the earth itself wobbled on its axis through cycles that lasted thousands of years—the earth’s particular location influencing humans for good or ill. Even so, if macrobiotic principles were followed, what lay ahead was “one peaceful world.” Somewhere on the road to one peaceful world, Kushi discovered the Gospel of Thomas. He began to use it regularly in his popular “spiritual” seminars. This article leverages an account of the gnostic (here small-“g”) content of macrobiotics on Michio Kushi’s commentary on the Gospel of Thomas—The Gospel of Peace (1992)—and also on related works. The paper explores the gnosticism of macrobiotic foodways and a peaceful world in terms of American culture, looking for lines of connection and viewing them as encrypted signs—in the twenty-first century still—of the gnostic in us all.
The Passion of the Space Jockey: Alienated Sentience and Endosymbiosis in the World of H. R. Giger
Authors: Wargo Eric
Published: March 2020

The “biomechanoids” of the Swiss painter H. R. Giger (1940–2014) depict the sadomasochistic bondage of humans and machines. Although Giger’s art has commonly been interpreted in psychoanalytic terms as representing some past trauma connected with origins and birth, I argue that it also encodes a distinctly gnostic warning about the trajectory of consciousness in relation to technology, a “fall of spirit into matter” that may lie ahead of our species rather than behind. With the help of the endosymbiosis theory of biologist Lynn Margulis, I decode the dark warning transmission in Giger’s work, especially the iconic “Space Jockey” Giger designed for Ridley Scott’s 1979 blockbuster Alien—a fossilized star pilot fused to its ship. As a vision of the more disturbing possibilities of cyborgs or human-machine symbionts, the Space Jockey contrasts sharply with optimistic dreams of Singularities and “spiritual machines.” It suggests a posthuman future in which distinctly nonspiritual machines find it useful to coopt or exploit spirit (human or otherwise) for their own ends.
Myristica trobogarii (Myristicaceae), a new species from southern Western Ghats, India

Authors: GOVIND MURUGAN GOVINDAKURUP , DAN MATHEW , RAMESHKUMAR KORANAPPALLIL BAHULEYAN
Published: March 2020

Myristica trobogarii (Myristicaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species with congeneric comparison and photographs. It shares morphological similarities with M. beddomei subsp. beddomei, M. malabarica and M. magnifica, but differs in many attributes.
Embryology of Veratrum and its systematic significance

Authors: REN SI-MIN , ZHAO CHUN-HAI , ZHAO YUN-YUN , LIU JIA-XI
Published: March 2020

The systematic position of Veratrum has been controversial for many years. The purpose of the present research is to study embryological features and the systematic position of Veratrum in detail. Microsporogenesis, megasporogenesis, development of male and female gametophyte and changes of anther wall structure during pollen development of V. grandiflorum and V. nigrum were studied using conventional paraffin sectioning technique and light microscopy for the first time, and pollen morphology of V. grandiflorum with scanning electron microscopy was investigated. The results showed that 1) cytokinesis of both V. grandiflorum and V. nigrum microsporocytes is of the successive type; 2) microspore tetrads are either tetragonal or tetrahedral; 3) mature pollen grains are two-celled with wide-elliptic morphology, round ends at the polar view, a monosulcate colpus and reticulate surface ornamentation; 4) ovaries have axile placenta with three locules, each of which has multiple campylotropous, bitegmic, crassinucellate ovules with micropyle formed by the inner integument; and 5) their female gametophyte is of the Allium-type. Overall, these results support classification of Veratrum in Melanthiaceae (Liliales).
Hydrogen Storage in Carbon Nanotubes: A Multi-Scale Theoretical Study
Authors: Mpourmpakis Giannis , Tylianakis Emmanuel , Froudakis George
Published: March 2020

A Combination of quantum and classical calculations has been performed to investigate the hydrogen storage in single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The ab-initio calculations at the Density Functional level of Theory (DFT) show the nature of hydrogen interaction in selected
sites of a (5,5) tube walls. On top of this, Molecular Dynamics simulations model large scale nanotube systems and reproduce the storage capacity under variant temperature conditions. Our results indicate that the interaction of hydrogen with SWNTs is very weak and slightly increase of temperature,
causes hydrogen diffusion from the tube walls.
Surfactant-Assisted Synthesis and Characterization of SrCrO4 Nanostructures
Authors: Chen Di , Tang Kaibin , Zhang Shuyuan , Zheng Huagui , Qian Yitai
Published: March 2020

A simple and efficient microemulsion-based technique, which used the new Tx-100/cyclohexanol/H2O system, was developed to synthesize SrCrO4 nanowire based nanostructures, including nanowire bundles and flower-like structures at different temperature. X-ray powder
diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) were used to characterize the products. Studies found that the reaction temperatures and the reaction systems have great influences on the final products.
Optical properties studies by UV-Vis spectra and photoluminescence (PL) spectra confirmed that the as-obtained nanowires showed distinct optical activity under UV and visible light irradiation.
Synthesis of Nanocrystalline La(Ca)CrO3 Through a Novel Gel Combustion Process and its Characterization
Authors: Nair Sathi R. , Purohit R. D. , Prakash D. , Sinha P. K. , Tyagi A. K.
Published: March 2020

La(Ca)CrO3 (LCC) powders have been prepared through a novel gel combustion route using metal nitrates as oxidizers and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a fuel. The process involves the combustion of a viscous gel obtained through mixed metal nitrate-EDTA solution.
The effect of amount of EDTA used in the process on the nature of combustion reaction, phase formation, and densification has been studied. It was found that use of the fuel-rich precursor facile in controlling the reaction, which in turn helps in the scale up of the batch size. The calcination
of the fuel-rich gel precursor at 650 °C resulted in the well-crystalline LCC along with a small amount of calcium chromate as a secondary phase. The HRSEM studies on the powder showed agglomerated nanoparticles. The average agglomerate size was found to be 0.54 μm. The cold
pressing and sintering of the calcined powder at 1250 °C resulted in the mono-phasic La0.70Ca0.30CrO3 with 94% of its theoretical density. The sintered sample exhibited conductivity of 51 S/cm at 1000 °C. The average linear thermal expansion coefficient
was found to be 10.3 × 10−6 °C−1.
Fabrication of Nano- and Micro-Scale UV Imprint Stamp Using Diamond-Like Carbon Coating Technology
Authors: Lee Eung-Sug , Jeong Jun-Ho , Kim Ki-Don , Sim Young-Suk , Choi Dae-Geun , Choi Junhyuk , Park Sang-Hu , Lim Tae-Woo , Yang Dong-Yol , Cha Nam-Goo , Park Jin-Goo , Lee Wi-Ro
Published: March 2020

Two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) diamond-like carbon (DLC) stamps for ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography were fabricated with two methods: namely, a DLC coating process, followed by focused ion beam lithography; and two-photon polymerization patterning, followed by
nanoscale-thick DLC coating. We used focused ion beam lithography to fabricate 70 nm deep lines with a width of 100 nm, as well as 70 nm deep lines with a width of 150 nm, on 100 nm thick DLC layers coated on quartz substrates. We also used two-photon polymerization patterning and a DLC coating
process to successfully fabricate 200 nm wide lines, as well as 3-D rings with a diameter of 1.35 μm and a height of 1.97 μm, and a 3-D cone with a bottom diameter of 2.88 μm and a height of 1.97 μm. The wafers were successfully printed on an UV-NIL
using the DLC stamps without an anti-adhesive layer. The correlation between the dimensions of the stamp's features and the corresponding imprinted features was excellent.
A Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification Prediction Aid for the Joint Typhoon Warning Center’s Areas of Responsibility
Authors: Knaff John A. , Sampson Charles R. , Strahl Brian R.
Published: March 2020

In late 2017, the Rapid Intensification Prediction Aid (RIPA) was transitioned to operations at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). RIPA probabilistically predicts seven rapid intensification (RI) thresholds over three separate time periods: 25-, 30-, 35-, and 40-kt (1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1) increases in 24 h (RI25, RI30, RI35, RI40); 45- and 55-kt increases in 36 h (RI45 and RI55); and 70-kt increases in 48 h (RI70). RIPA’s probabilistic forecasts are also used to produce deterministic forecasts when probabilities exceed 40%, and the latter are included as members of the operational intensity consensus forecast aid. RIPA, initially designed for the western North Pacific, performed remarkably well in all JTWC areas of responsibility (AOR) and is now incorporated into JTWC’s ever improving suite of intensity forecast guidance. Even so, making real-time operational RIPA forecasts exposed some methodological weaknesses such as overprediction of RI for weak/disorganized systems (i.e., systems with maximum winds less than 35 kt), prediction of RI during landfall, input data reliability, and statistical inconsistencies. Modifications to the deterministic forecasts that address these issues are presented, and newly derived and more statistically consistent models are developed using data from all of JTWC’s AORs. The updated RIPA is tested as it would be run in operations and verified using a 2-yr (2018–19) independent sample. The performance from this test indicates the new RIPA—when compared to its predecessor—has improved probabilistic verification statistics, and similar deterministic skill while using fewer predictors to make forecasts.
A Multihazard Assessment of Age-Related Weather Vulnerabilities
Authors: Garner Jonathan M. , Iwasko William C. , Jewel Tyler D. , Charboneau Brad R. , Dodd Alex A. , Zontos Kathleen M.
Published: March 2020

Weather fatalities for all age groups were examined for the period 1996–2018 using NOAA Storm Data. Vulnerabilities due to limited mobility that inhibited evacuation from a hazardous environment were observed for the very young and the very old. Those situations included heat- and cold-related hazards, tropical cyclones, and wildfires. Vulnerabilities associated with unrestricted mobility occurred in teenage through middle-aged groups, who were more exposed to fatal outcomes in the surfzone, mountain, winter-driving, and lightning environments. There is evidence that vulnerable members of society who received help from family, neighbors, and their community were more likely to avoid potentially fatal weather events, whereas those who were socially isolated were more likely to succumb. National Weather Service programs, such as Weather-Ready Nation, and other initiatives like the Community Emergency Response Team could potentially aid in reducing weather fatalities by encouraging communities to take a more proactive approach in ensuring physically vulnerable populations like the elderly receive assistance during hazardous weather events. Furthermore, weather-messaging strategies should be flexible enough to target populations who are vulnerable to specific hazards.
Chemical Bleaching to Minimize Fluorescence Interference in Raman Spectroscopic Measurements for Sulfonated Polystyrene Solutions
Authors: Li Boyu , Larkin Peter J.
Published: March 2020

Auto-fluorescence is a significant challenge for Raman spectroscopic analyses. Since fluorescence is a much stronger phenomenon than Raman scattering, even trace fluorescent impurities can overwhelm the Raman signal. Strategies to minimize fluorescence interference in Raman measurements include either an instrumental-based approach or treatment of the sample itself to minimize fluorescence. Efforts focused on sample-based treatments to reduce fluorescence interferences have generally focused on sample purification and photobleaching methodologies. In this work, we present a sample treatment approach based upon chemical bleaching to remove fluorescence from Raman measurements of aqueous solutions of sulfonated polystyrene (SPS). Synthetic batches of SPS are characterized by a wide variation in fluorescence from minimum to a catastrophic level, which greatly limits the use of Raman spectroscopy. We systematically investigate the efficacy of various sample-based treatments of the SPS samples. An important acceptance criterion is that the procedure effectively and reliably removes fluorescence without damaging the SPS component. The chemical bleaching, which involves the addition of hydrogen peroxide and incubation at 60 ℃, is found to be highly effective. The parameters affecting the bleaching efficacy are studied, including temperature, hydrogen peroxide dosage, and bleaching time. Classification models are then developed based on the drastically diverse fluorescence background levels in Raman spectra of SPS to help optimize bleaching time for each specific sample. This work serves as an example of using chemical bleaching to remove fluorescence, which is inexpensive and readily available. It can facilitate a broader use of Raman spectroscopy as a quantitative qualitative control method in industrial settings.
Testing, best practices, and the teacher intellectual
Authors: Bullough Robert V.
Published: March 2020

Linking A Nation at Risk (1983) with the testing fetish that followed the No Child Left Behind Act (2002), Robert Bullough explores the perceptions of the good teacher and of good schooling that dominate American public education. Arguing that while training has trumped education as the commonplace conception of teaching, the “inventive mind” noted by William James (1911/1899), indicative of the teacher working as an intellectual, still stands at the core of quality education. Teacher intellectuals with inventive minds love and ponder ideas, theorize, criticize, experiment, and re-imagine their practice in relationship to educational aims that matter and that go beyond achieving high scores on a standardized test.
First Person: The play is not the thing
Authors: Kinsky Susan
Published: March 2020

When Susan Kinsky repeatedly confused the names of two sets of parents of Southeast Asian descent, she was appalled at her carelessness. In this reflection, she describes the exchanges, reflects on why she may have continued making the same mistake, and concludes that connection was the missing link. Her students’ parents needed to become real people to her, not just names on a list.
On Leadership: So you hired an equity leader. Now what?
Authors: Starr Joshua P.
Published: March 2020

Across the country, many school districts are now creating new staff positions with titles like Chief Equity Officer and Director of Equity and Diversity, notes PDK’s CEO Joshua Starr. That’s a positive step, suggesting a new level of commitment to meeting the needs of all students. However, serving as a school system’s equity leader can be difficult and lonely work, and it’s important that superintendents define the job, and its scope of responsibilities, in ways that allow people to succeed in the role.
Aetiology of acute diarrhoea and antimicrobial usage among children aged under five years at health centres in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Bayeh , Hailu Tadesse , Beza Laway , Mulu Wondemagegn , Yizengaw Endalew , Kibret Mulugeta
Published: March 2020

The aetiology of diarrhoea with Cryptosporidium species and pathogenic bacteria has not been identified in the Ethiopian primary healthcare system. Thus, antibiotic consumption for unconfirmed pathogenic diarrhoea is not infrequent. A total of 344 children aged <5 years with diarrhoea were included in the present study to determine protozoal or bacterial aetiology and antibiotic use. Overall, 47.1% of children with diarrhoea had either protozoan or bacterial pathogens. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium species was 12.8% while bacterial pathogens were 13.1%. Based on direct microscopic stool examination, 77.6% (267/344) of children with diarrhoea were treated with antimicrobials. Of these, 16.7%–51.4% of prescribed antimicrobials were appropriate. None of the children with Cryptosporidium diarrhoea were treated with the appropriate antimicrobial. Enteric bacterial pathogens showed a resistance of 51.6% to cotrimoxazole. Empirical treatments are not appropriate for the majority of child cases of diarrhoea.