bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal hemodynamics and oxygenation during experimental cardiopulmonary bypass in sheep under total intravenous anesthesia
Authors: Evans Roger G. , Iguchi Naoya , Cochrane Andrew D. , Marino Bruno , Hood Sally G. , Bellomo Rinaldo , McCall Peter R. , May Clive N. , Lankadeva Yugeesh R.
Published: December 2019

Renal medullary hypoxia may contribute to the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury, including that associated with cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). When performed under volatile (isoflurane) anesthesia in sheep, CPB causes renal medullary hypoxia. There is evidence that total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) may preserve renal perfusion and renal oxygen delivery better than volatile anesthesia. Therefore, we assessed the effects of CPB on renal perfusion and oxygenation in sheep under propofol/fentanyl-based TIVA. Sheep ( n = 5) were chronically instrumented for measurement of whole renal blood flow and cortical and medullary perfusion and oxygenation. Five days later, these variables were monitored under TIVA using propofol and fentanyl and then on CPB at a pump flow of 80 mL·kg−1·min−1and target mean arterial pressure of 70 mmHg. Under anesthesia, before CPB, renal blood flow was preserved under TIVA (mean difference ± SD from conscious state: −16 ± 14%). However, during CPB renal blood flow was reduced (−55 ± 13%) and renal medullary tissue became hypoxic (−20 ± 13 mmHg versus conscious sheep). We conclude that renal perfusion and medullary oxygenation are well preserved during TIVA before CPB. However, CPB under TIVA leads to renal medullary hypoxia, of a similar magnitude to that we observed previously under volatile (isoflurane) anesthesia. Thus use of propofol/fentanyl-based TIVA may not be a useful strategy to avoid renal medullary hypoxia during CPB.
Luminance potentiates human visuocortical responses
Authors: Vinke Louis N. , Ling Sam
Published: December 2019

Our visual system is tasked with transforming variations in light within our environment into a coherent percept, typically described using properties such as luminance and contrast. Models of vision often downplay the importance of luminance in shaping cortical responses, instead prioritizing representations that do not covary with overall luminance (i.e., contrast), and yet visuocortical response properties that may reflect luminance encoding remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined whether well-established visuocortical response properties may also reflect luminance encoding, challenging the idea that luminance information itself plays no significant role in supporting visual perception. To do so, we measured functional activity in human visual cortex when presenting stimuli varying in contrast and mean luminance, and found that luminance response functions are strongly contrast dependent between 50 and 250 cd/m2, confirmed with a subsequent experiment. High-contrast stimuli produced linearly increasing responses as luminance increased logarithmically for all early visual areas, whereas low-contrast stimuli produced either flat (V1) or assorted positive linear (V2 and V3) response profiles. These results reveal that the mean luminance information of a visual signal persists within visuocortical representations, potentially reflecting an inherent imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory components that can be either contrast dependent (V1 and V2) or contrast invariant (V3). The role of luminance should be considered when the aim is to drive potent visually evoked responses and when activity is compared across studies. More broadly, overall luminance should be weighed heavily as a core feature of the visual system and should play a significant role in cortical models of vision.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This neuroimaging study investigates the influence of overall luminance on population activity in human visual cortex. We discovered that the response to a particular stimulus contrast level is reliant, in part, on the mean luminance of a signal, revealing that the mean luminance information of our environment is represented within the visual cortex. The results challenge a long-standing misconception about the role of luminance information in the processing of visual information at the cortical level.
Dominance Degree Multiple Attribute Decision Making Based on Z‐Number Cognitive Information
Authors: Yao Aiting , Mao Junjun , Wu Minchao , Wu Tao
Published: December 2019

Cognitive information can be described by Z‐number fully and effectively. However, many problems of Z‐number need to be further studied. In this paper, two hidden probability models for calculating Z‐number are established to provide more intuitive and abundant information. Next, the dominance degree relationship of Z‐number is developed and subdivided. Furthermore, combined with the hidden probability of calculation, three different measurements of dominance degree are defined from three levels of geometry, algebra, and cross entropy based on the outranking relationship. The influencing factors are analyzed for different combinations of two probability models and three dominance degree measures. A multiattribute decision model is established on the basis of new grey association analysis and QUALIFLEX method. Finally, a decision example is given to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the method. And sensitivity analysis is made to determine the impact of parameters and hidden probability on the decision model.
Exosomes in Cancer: Circulating Immune-Related Biomarkers
Authors: Głuszko Alicja , Szczepański Mirosław J. , Ludwig Nils , Mirza Shafaq M. , Olejarz Wioletta
Published: December 2019

Exosomes, the smallest vesicles (30–100 nm) among multivesicular bodies, are released by all body cells including tumor cells. The cargo they transfer plays an important role in intercellular communication. Tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) maintain interactions between cancer cells and the microenvironment. Emerging evidence suggests that tumor cells release a large number of exosomes, which may not only influence proximal tumor cells and stromal cells in the local microenvironment but can also exert systemic effects as they are circulating in the blood. TEXs have been shown to boost tumor growth promote progression and metastatic spread via suppression or modification of the immune response towards cancer cells, regulation of tumor neo-angiogenesis, pre-metastatic niche formation, and therapy resistance. In addition, recent studies in patients with cancer suggest that TEXs could serve as tumor biomarker reflecting partially the genetic and molecular content of the parent cancer cell (i.e., as a so-called “liquid biopsy”). Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that exosomes may have immunotherapeutic applications, or can act as a drug delivery system for targeted therapies with drugs and biomolecules.
Shaking Table Array Tests of an Ultra‐High‐Voltage Cup‐Type Transmission Tower‐Line System
Authors: Wang Fei , Du Ke , Sun Jingjiang , Huang Fuyun , Xiong Zhenghui
Published: December 2019

Ultra‐high‐voltage (UHV) cup‐type transmission towers supported with long‐span transmission lines are unavoidably subjected to the coupling action between the towers and the transmission lines. Therefore, investigating how tower‐line coupling affects UHV cup‐type transmission towers is important. In this study, three shaking table array tests of an UHV cup‐type transmission tower‐line system were carried out to investigate the dynamic characteristics of the coupling action between the towers and transmission lines based on the following four comparative models: a single‐tower model, a single‐tower model with suspended lumped masses, a three‐tower‐two‐line model, and a five‐tower‐four‐line model. The test results demonstrated that the tower‐line coupling interaction had a significant effect on the dynamic characteristics and seismic responses, as the suspended conductor line and the suspended lumped mass decreased the frequency of the transmission tower. Under longitudinal ground motion, the model with the suspended lumped mass had the lowest peak acceleration response and the largest peak displacement response. Under the same ground motion, the four models had similar peak strains in the longitudinal direction. Under transverse‐the‐line ground motion, the model with the suspended lumped mass had the lowest peak acceleration response and the smallest peak responses for displacement and strain in the transverse direction; therefore, this model is inappropriate for the simulation and seismic evaluation of transmission tower‐line systems.
Heat Shock Proteins in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Das Jugal Kishore , Xiong Xiaofang , Ren Xingcong , Yang Jin-Ming , Song Jianxun
Published: December 2019

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are highly conserved molecular chaperones with divergent roles in various cellular processes. The HSPs are classified according to their molecular size as HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90. The HSPs prevent nonspecific cellular aggregation of proteins by maintaining their native folding energetics. The disruption of this vital cellular process, driven by the aberrant expression of HSPs, is implicated in the progression of several different carcinomas. Many HSPs are also actively involved in promoting the proliferation and differentiation of tumor cells, contributing to their metastatic phenotype. Upregulation of these HSPs is associated with the poor outcome of anticancer therapy in clinical settings. On the other hand, these highly expressed HSPs may be exploited as viable immunotherapeutic targets for different types of cancers. This review discusses recent advances and perspectives on the research of HSP-based cancer immunotherapy.
Environmentally Friendly and Recyclable Natural-Mediator-Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles for Laccase-Catalyzed Decolorization
Authors: Zhang Kun , Wu Yeying , Huang Juan , Liu Youxun
Published: December 2019

The high cost, potential toxicity, and possible enzyme inhibition ability of artificial mediators have limited the large-scale application of laccase (Lac)/mediator systems. Here, sinapic acid (SA), a natural mediator, was covalently attached to amino-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) via amide bond formation. The as-prepared SA@MNPs were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The SA@MNPs were then applied to evaluate the activity of the immobilized mediator for Lac-catalyzed dye decolorization using indigo carmine (IC) as a model dye. When SA and SA@MNPs were used as Lac mediators, IC decolorization yields of ∼93% and 96%, respectively, were obtained after 60 min. Moreover, SA@MNPs exhibited an IC decolorization yield of ∼90% after being reused for 8 cycles. The Lac/SA@MNP system was shown to degrade IC by breaking down the chromophoric group. The easy recyclability, good reusability, nontoxicity, and relatively low cost of SA@MNPs make this immobilized natural mediator a promising tool for dye treatment.
Research on Safety Management Application of Dangerous Sources in Engineering Construction Based on BIM Technology
Authors: Deng Langni , Zhong Mengjun , Liao Ling , Peng Lai , Lai Shijin
Published: December 2019

The construction industry is a high‐risk industry, so many scholars have done research on how to reduce safety accidents at the construction site. However, due to the existence of hidden dangers in construction, accidents at the construction site still plague the development of the construction industry. Therefore, effective management of construction hazards is an important step to strengthen construction safety. At present, the technology of BIM has been gradually applied to various fields of construction projects, providing strong support for the smooth development of construction projects. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to create a construction hazard source safety management module through secondary development of the Revit platform. At the same time, the Navisworks software is used to simulate the emergency rescue of construction safety accidents and formulate the corresponding emergency management plan. Finally, an engineering example is used to verify the performance of the development management module. The results show that (1) the security management module created in this paper is highly operational, easy to use, and real‐time data update, which has important guiding significance for actual construction safety management; (2) simulation of construction safety accidents through Navisworks software can provide emergency management plans for engineering projects.
Severely Disseminated Kaposi Sarcoma after ABO-Incompatible Kidney Transplantation Treated Successfully with Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine Combined with Hemodialysis
Authors: Bomholt Tobias , Krarup-Hansen Anders , Egfjord Martin , Sørensen Søren Schwartz , Junker Niels
Published: December 2019

Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is driven by human herpes virus 8 causing vascular proliferation which is induced by loss of immune function most often due to HIV or immunosuppressants. KS occurs with increased incidence in kidney transplant recipients, but rarely is disseminated. We report a 64-year-old male who developed severely disseminated KS 5 months after ABO-incompatible kidney-transplantation. No guidelines for chemotherapy exist in this case and reduced kidney function and impaired immune system complicates the use of systemic chemotherapy in kidney transplant recipients. A combination of paclitaxel and gemcitabine followed by two days of hemodialysis treatment was chosen since paclitaxel can be given in full dose independently of kidney function and gemcitabine is metabolised to 2′,2′-difluorodeoxyuridine which is found to be highly dialysable. The present treatment was well tolerated by the patient with one episode of leukopenia and elevated alanine transaminase during treatment which resolved. There were no serious adverse events and the patient obtained a complete remission verified by Positron Emission Tomography CT after ending chemotherapy and at one-year follow up.
How Do Secondary Minerals in Granite Help Distinguish Paleo- from Present-Day Permeable Fracture Zones? Joint Interpretation of SWIR Spectroscopy and Geophysical Logs in the Geothermal Wells of Northern Alsace
Authors: Glaas Carole , Vidal Jeanne , Patrier Patricia , Girard Jean-François , Beaufort Daniel , Petit Sabine , Genter Albert
Published: December 2019

The investigation of permeable hydrothermally altered and fractured zones and their distribution is a key issue for the understanding of fluid circulation in granitic rocks, on which the success of geothermal projects relies. Based on the use of short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy applied to rock cuttings coupled with interpretation of geophysical logs, we propose an investigation of the clay signature of fault and fracture zones (FZ) inside the granitic basement. This methodology was applied to two geothermal wells: GRT-2 from the Rittershoffen and GPK-1 from the Soultz-sous-Forêts (Soultz) geothermal sites, both located in the Upper Rhine Graben (URG). A total of 1430 SWIR spectra were acquired and analysed. Variations in the 2200 nm absorption band area are correlated with hydrothermal alteration grades. The 2200 nm absorption band area is found to reflect the illite quantity and its variations in the granitic basement. Low, stable values are observed in the unaltered granite facies, showing good reproducibility of the method, whereas scattered high values are associated with high hydrothermal alteration and FZs. Variations in the 2200 nm absorption band area were correlated with the gamma ray and electrical resistivity logs. This procedure allowed us to confirm that illite mainly controls the resistivity response except inside the permeable FZs, where the resistivity response is controlled by the geothermal brine. Thus, the architecture of these permeable FZs was described precisely by using a combination of the 2200 nm absorption band area data and the electrical resistivity log. Moreover, by correlation with other geophysical logs (temperature (T), porosity, and density), paleo-permeable and currently permeable FZs inside the reservoir were distinguished. The correlation of SWIR spectroscopy with electrical resistivity logs appears to be a robust tool for geothermal exploration in granitic reservoirs in the URG.
Compliance with Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation and Its Associated Factors among Adolescent Girls in Tamale Metropolis of Ghana
Authors: Dubik S. Dajaan , Amegah Kingsley E. , Alhassan Amshawu , Mornah Louis N. , Fiagbe Loveland
Published: December 2019

Background. In Ghana, anaemia is a severe public health problem among adolescent girls. In an attempt to deal with this phenomenon, Ghana Ministry of Health in collaboration with other development partners developed and launched weekly iron and folic acid supplementation program for adolescent girls in Ghanaian junior high schools. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine the level of compliance with iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) and its associated factors among adolescent girls in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 randomly sampled adolescent girls in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana from April to July 2019 using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Twenty school health coordinators were purposively selected to answer questions on the challenges they face in implementing the IFAS program at the school level. Bivariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine associations and strength of associations, respectively, at a significant threshold of p<0.05. Results. Compliance with the IFAS was low (26.2%). Adolescent girls who were aware of anaemia (AOR = 3.57 (95% CI: 1.96, 6.51) p<0.01), had good knowledge of anaemia (AOR = 1.82 (95% CI: 1.17, 2.81) p=0.01), and had good knowledge of the IFAS program (AOR = 2.29 (95% CI: 1.47, 3.57) p<0.01) were significantly associated with compliance with the IFAS. The majority (60%) of the adolescent girls have ever missed taking the iron and folic acid (IFA) tablet because it was not issued to them by the teacher’s concern while about 48.3% (169) of the adolescent girls are taking the tablet because it prevents anaemia. Adolescent girls perceiving the tablet as family planning medicine (88.8%) and unavailability of water in classrooms (18.8%) were cited as the major challenges by school health coordinators. Conclusion. Compliance with the IFAS among adolescent girls was low. Level of education and occupation of mothers of adolescent girls, awareness on anaemia, and good knowledge of anaemia and of the IFAS program were significant predictors of compliance with the IFAS. Educating the adolescent girls on anaemia and benefits of the IFAS, constant supply of the IFA tablet, and engaging parents of the adolescent girls on the program will help improve the compliance level of the adolescent girls with the IFAS.
Evaluation of Acute and Subacute Toxicities of Psidium guajava Methanolic Bark Extract: A Botanical with In Vitro Antiproliferative Potential
Authors: Manekeng Hermione T. , Mbaveng Armelle T. , Ntyam Mendo Samuel A. , Agokeng Armel-Joseph D. , Kuete Victor
Published: December 2019

The methanol crude extract of the bark of Psidium guajava (guava) previously displayed interesting cytotoxic effects on a panel of human cancer cell lines. In the present work, we plan to determine the toxicological effects of this guava botanical in Wistar rats. Acute oral toxicity of the extract was carried out by administration of a single dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight to female rats in 14 days. Subacute toxicity was conducted by oral administration of the extract at daily doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg body weight, respectively, while rats in the control group received no extract. After 28 days of treatment, animals were sacrificed for hematological and biochemical studies. In the acute toxicity study, no mortality or signs of toxicity were recorded; hence, the median lethal dose (LD50) of the Psidium guajava bark extract is greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. For the subacute toxicity study, significant variations in body weight, relative weight of organs, and biochemical parameters were observed in the animals treated at different doses of the plant extract compared to control animals. Histopathological analyses showed minor liver inflammation in females treated at the highest dose (1000 mg/kg). These results suggest that intake of a single high dose of the Psidium guajava bark extract is nontoxic, but repeat administration could exhibit mild organ toxicity.
Dentin Tubule Occlusion Potential of Novel Dentifrices Having Fluoride Containing Bioactive Glass and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Khan Abdul Samad , Farooq Imran , Alakrawi Kawther Moosa , Khalid Hina , Saadi Omar Waqas , Hakeem Abbas Saeed
Published: December 2019

Objective: To compare the in vitro potential of dentin tubule occlusion of two novel experimental dentifrices consisting of fluoride containing bioactive glass (BG) with zinc oxide nanoparticles. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight dentin discs (n = 48) were divided into 6 groups (n = 8), based on their brushing dentifrices: Group 1 = artificial saliva (AS; control); Group 2 = fluoride dentifrice (Colgate Palmolive©, UK); Group 3 = experimental nonactive agent dentifrice; Group 4 = experimental dentifrice with 1.5% BG; Group 5 = experimental dentifrice with 4% BG; and Group 6 = BioMinF© dentifrice. Postbrushing, the discs were subjected to acidic challenge with 6% wt citric acid (pH = 4.0) for 1 min. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy were performed pre- and post-citric acid challenges, and percentages of tubule occlusion assessed. Results: SEM micrographs of group 1 (AS) show no tubule occlusion (0%), whereas those of groups 2 and 3 show partial tubule occlusion (25 to <50% of tubules occluded). The SEM micrographs of dentifrices containing fluoride-BG (groups 4, 5, and 6) show that most of the tubules (>50 and <100%) were occluded. For all the groups (excluding group 1), pre- and post-citric acid challenge values are statistically significant (p < 0.05). EDX analysis reveals the presence of zinc in experimental dentifrices only. Conclusion: The results of novel experimental dentifrices are comparable to those of the BioMinF©, in terms of tubule occlusion. Dentifrices containing BG could serve as an alternative in dentin sensitivity management.
Diagnostic Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Targeted Biopsy for Prostate Cancer in Biopsy-Naïve Men: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tu Xiang , Liu Zhenhua , Zhang Chichen , Chang Tiancong , Xu He , Bao Yige , Li Jiakun , Jin Kun , Yuan Qiming , Qiu Shi , Yang Lu , Wei Qiang
Published: December 2019

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted biopsy (TB) for prostate cancer (PCa) in biopsy-naïve men. Materials and Methods: Own control studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to December 2018 were identified via a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library. We pooled relative sensitivity (or risk ratio [RR]) to compare diagnostic efficiency for PCa and clinically significant PCa (csPCa) between TB and systematic biopsy (SB). The independent role of either biopsy pathway was evaluated for participants with positive/negative MRI. Results: Thirty-one studies consisting of 25 own control studies and 6 RCTs were included. We identified 4,020 biopsy-naïve men with positive MRI who underwent two biopsies concurrently, with PCa/csPCa detection rates of 65.90 and 45.13%, respectively. TB and SB did not differ in the detection of any PCa (RR 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92–1.05). However, TB detected more csPCa (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.10–1.30) and more PCa with a Gleason score ≥3+4 (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.07–1.34). Using a combined test as a reference, omitting SB resulted in detecting 12.81% less csPCa and 20.76% less clinically insignificant PCa (cinsPCa), and omitting TB resulted in detecting 25.69% less csPCa and 10.8% more cinsPCa. For patients with negative MRI, omitting SB led to underdetection of 30.29% of any PCa (10.9% of csPCa). Conclusions: Combining TB and SB increased the diagnostic accuracy of csPCa for biopsy-naïve men with positive MRI, and omitting SB for patients with a negative MRI would lead to the underdetection of nearly 10% of csPCa.
Predicting 6-Month Mortality in Incident Elderly Dialysis Patients: A Simple Prognostic Score
Authors: Santos Josefina , Oliveira Pedro , Malheiro Jorge , Campos Andreia , Correia Sofia , Cabrita António , Lobato Luísa , Fonseca Isabel
Published: December 2019

Aim: Mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains high, particularly among elderly, who represents the most rapidly growing segment of the ESRD population in wealthier countries. We developed and validated a risk score in elderly patients to predict 6-month mortality after dialysis initiation. Methods: We used data from a cohort of 421 patients, aged 65 years and over who started dialysis between 2009 and 2016, in our Nephrology department. The predictive score was developed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. A bootstrapping technique was used for internal validation. Results: The overall mortality within 6 months was 14.0%. Five independent predictors were identified, and a points system was constructed: age 75 years or older (2 points), coronary artery disease (2), cerebrovascular disease with hemiplegia (2), time of nephrology care before dialysis (<3.0 months [2]; ≥3 to <12 months [1]), and serum albumin levels (3.0–3.49 g/dL [1]; <3.0 g/dL [2]). A score of 6 identified patients with a 70% risk of 6-month mortality. Model performance was good in both discrimination (area under the curve of 0.793; [95% CI 0.73–0.86]) and validation (concordance statistics of 0.791 [95% CI 0.73–0.85]). Conclusions: We developed a simple prediction score based on readily available clinical and laboratory data that can be a practical and useful tool to assess short-term prognosis in elderly patients starting dialysis. It may help to inform patients and their families about ESRD treatment options and provide a more patient-centered overall approach to care.
Rates and Predictors of Relapse in Medication Overuse Headache: A Clinic-Based Study from China
Authors: Liu Huanxian , Zhang Meichen , Chen Xiaoyan , Sun Shuping , Dong Zhao , Yu Shengyuan
Published: December 2019

Objective: This study aims to further assess the rates and risk factors for relapse in medication overuse headache (MOH) patients in China. Methods: The patients were admitted to neurology outpatient clinics at Chinese PLA General Hospital (primarily for headache) and diagnosed with MOH. They responded well to 2 months of preventive treatment and completed a 1-year consultation. General information was collected, including demographic characteristics (age, height, weight, and education level), the clinical features of the headache and the use of pain relievers (type, frequency and duration). Differences in each factor between the group with relapse and the group without relapse were analyzed by the chi-square test or Wilcoxon test. Variables with a p < 0.05 were included as independent variables in nonconditional logistic regression analysis. Results: In total, 129 patients were recruited for this retrospective study. The relapse rate of the MOH patients at the 1-year follow-up was 24.8%. The relapse rate was significantly higher in the patients with migraine (29/97, 29.9%) than in the patients with tension-type headache (3/32, 9.4%) and in the patients with low education levels (middle school or lower; 24/77, 31.6%) than in those with high education levels (high school or higher; 8/52, 15.4%). Nonconditional logistic regression analysis showed that the type of primary headache was an independent risk factor for MOH relapse (OR 3.719, p = 0.044). Conclusions: The relapse rate of MOH patients at the 1-year follow-up was 24.8% in China. The type of primary headache is an independent risk factor for MOH relapse, and patients with migraine as the primary headache are more prone to relapse.
Cardiovascular Responses and Cardiac Work of Selected Daily Activities in Young Healthy Indian Participants
Authors: Fredrick Jean , Vaz Mario
Published: December 2019

Background: Studies suggest that habitual daily activities may result in significant cardiovascular responses that might have implications for individuals with coronary artery disease. This study determined the cardiac work for various activities of daily living among healthy young participants. Methods: We evaluated cardiovascular responses in 42 young adults (21 male, 21 female) to graded activities. Subjects were divided into three groups. In each group, one light, one moderate, and one heavy activity were performed based on published METS. Cardiovascular responses were evaluated using impedance cardiography (BOMED Instruments, USA) and automated blood pressure monitor (Welch Allyn, USA). Cardiac work was computed as the double product (heart rate × systolic blood pressure) and triple product (systolic blood pressure × cardiac output [stroke volume × heart rate]). Perceived exertion was evaluated using Borg’s scale. Results: There was high inter-individual variability in cardiovascular responses for each activity. There were, by and large, no gender differences across the activities. Cardiac work was significantly higher with heavy activities than light activities using both indices; however, the triple product showed greater discriminatory ability in evaluating differences in cardiac work across all categories of activities. Conclusion: The data suggest a need to develop a compendium of cardiac work related to habitual activities to guide doctors and patients.
Diagnostic Yield Variation with Colonoscopy among Pediatric Endoscopists
Authors: Hochman Jay A. , Figueroa Janet , Duner Emily , Lewis Jeffery D.
Published: December 2019

Background: The primary aim of our study was to determine provider variation in diagnostic yield in a pediatric endoscopy center. Secondary aims were to examine ileal intubation rates as well as procedural complications at the provider level. Methods: A retrospective review of sequential pediatric patients who underwent a colonoscopy, completed by June 2018, determined the rates of endoscopically abnormal (EA) and isolated histologically abnormal (IHA) colonoscopies; the overall diagnostic yield was the combination of EA and IHA. Results: In total, 374 charts were reviewed. This study found high variability in diagnostic yield among the 16 clinicians ranging from as low as 22% to as high as 86% (p = 0.11) with an overall diagnostic yield of 48% for colonoscopy; excluding follow-up colonoscopies, the diagnostic yield was 42%. Abnormal calprotectin and abnormal blood tests were associated with higher diagnostic yields of 83 and 65%, respectively, compared with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding which had yields of 39, 43, and 61%. Ileal intubation rates averaged 90% (range ­63–100%, p = 0.06). In patients with a normal colon, there were 21 (6%) patients with an EA ileum and an additional 16 (4%) with an IHA ileum. Prep quality was rated excellent, good, or average in 97%. In addition, there was a low rate of serious complications (1 of 374). Conclusions: This study highlights the individual variability in diagnostic yield and ileal intubation rates in a pediatric gastroenterology practice. Goals for pediatric endoscopy could include ileal intubation rates of >90% and provider diagnostic yields of >40%.
Os psicodélicos nas formações estatais indígenas e a hipótese do complexo de drogas da América xamânica
Authors: Varella Alexandre
Published: December 2019

Faço um balanço da sugestão de Weston La Barre de amplo uso ameríndio dos psicoativos em virtude de sua herança xamânica. Essa hipótese se insere nas discussões em torno das experiências extáticas e a origem das religiões em tempos da psicodelia. Enfoco as regiões sedentárias da Mesoamérica e Andes Centrais com elites que teriam controlado as populações através de formas mágicas e devocionais semelhantes a crenças e ritos de caçadores. Mas busco avaliar a amplitude social e a variedade de usos dos alucinógenos, tendo em vista inclusive as transgressões com as drogas antes da invasão espanhola.
Effect of Cognitive Reserve on Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Recovery After Stroke
Authors: Shin Minyoung , Sohn Min Kyun , Lee Jongmin , Kim Deog Young , Lee Sam-Gyu , Shin Yong-Il , Oh Gyung-Jae , Lee Yang-Soo , Joo Min Cheol , Han Eun Young , Han Junhee , Ahn Jeonghoon , Chang Won Hyuk , Shin Min A , Choi Ji Yoo , Kang Sung Hyun , Kim Youngtaek , Kim Yun-Hee
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

The theory of cognitive reserve (CR) was introduced to account for individual differences in the clinical manifestation of neuropathology. This study investigated whether CR has a modulating effect on cognitive impairment and recovery after stroke.

Methods—

This study is an interim analysis of the Korean Stroke Cohort for Functioning and Rehabilitation. A total of 7459 patients with first-ever stroke were included for analysis. Education, occupation, and composite CR scores derived from those 2 variables were used as CR proxies. Scores from the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination analyzed for 30 months after stroke onset were analyzed.

Results—

Lower CR increased the risk of cognitive impairment after stroke. The odds ratio was 1.89 (95% CI, 1.64–2.19) in patients with secondary education and 2.42 (95% CI, 2.03–2.90) in patients with primary education compared with patients with higher education. The odds ratio was 1.48 (95% CI, 1.23–1.98) in patients with a skilled manual occupation and 2.01 (95% CI, 1.42–2.83) in patients with a nonskilled manual occupation compared with patients with a managerial or professional occupation. In the multilevel model analysis, the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination total score increased during the first 3 months (1.93 points per month) and then plateaued (0.02 point per month). The slopes were moderated by the level of education, occupation, and composite CR score: the higher the level of education, occupation, or CR score, the faster the recovery. In the older adult group, the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination scores showed a long-term decline that was moderated by education level.

Conclusions—

Education and occupation can buffer an individual against cognitive impairment caused by stroke and promote rapid cognitive recovery early after stroke. In addition, higher education minimizes long-term cognitive decline after stroke, especially in older patients.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03402451.
Practical method to reclassify Web of Science articles into unique subject categories and broad disciplines
Authors: Milojević Staša
Published: December 2019

Classification of bibliographic items into subjects and disciplines in large databases is essential for many quantitative science studies. The Web of Science classification of journals into approximately 250 subject categories, which has served as a basis for many studies, is known to have some fundamental problems and several practical limitations that may affect the results from such studies. Here we present an easily reproducible method to perform reclassification of the Web of Science into existing subject categories and into 14 broad areas. Our reclassification is at the level of articles, so it preserves disciplinary differences that may exist among individual articles published in the same journal. Reclassification also eliminates ambiguous (multiple) categories that are found for 50% of items and assigns a discipline/field category to all articles that come from broad-coverage journals such as Nature and Science. The correctness of the assigned subject categories is evaluated manually and is found to be ∼95%.
Transfer of four species of Cryptantha to the genus Johnstonella (Boraginaceae)

Authors: SIMPSON MICHAEL G. , MABRY MAKENZIE E. , HASENSTAB-LEHMAN KRISTEN
Published: December 2019

Based on a previous molecular phylogenetic analysis, Cryptantha, an herbaceous plant genus of the family Boraginaceae, subtribe Amsinckiinae, was split into five genera: Eremocarya, Greeneocharis, Johnstonella, Oreocarya, and a reduced Cryptantha, the last in two separate clades. As a result of this study, Johnstonella was expanded to 13 species and 15 minimum-rank taxa, these formerly classified in Cryptantha s.l. More recent analyses of this complex, with an increased sample size and high-throughput sequence data, indicate that four additional Cryptantha species not previously sampled—C. albida, C. mexicana, C. texana—plus what was originally identified as C. hispida nest within Johnstonella with strong support. However, the identity of C. hispida used in this analysis is now in doubt. The material used likely represents a new species, in the process of being investigated. Two additional species not sequenced to date—C. geohintonii and C. gypsites—are clearly close relatives of C. albida and C. mexicana, based on morphological similarity. In order to maintain monophyly of genera, we here make new combinations in transferring four of these species from Cryptantha to Johnstonella, with the new combinations Johnstonella albida, J. geohintonii, J. gypsites, and J. mexicana. We delay the transfer of Cryptantha texana to Johnstonella because of its morphological similarity to other species that clearly nest within Cryptantha s.s. These same molecular phylogenetic studies may also support the transfer of two previously recognized Johnstonella species—J. echinosepala and J. micromeres—to Cryptantha, one to each of two separate clades. Additional phylogenetic studies focusing on some of these taxa are needed to confirm the position of these latter three species and the possible recognition of a new genus in the complex.
Hieracium racemosum subsp. lucanum (Asteraceae), a new hawkweed from southern Italy

Authors: DI GRISTINA EMILIO , DOMINA GIANNIANTONIO , GOTTSCHLICH GÜNTER , MATURO FRANCESCO , SCAFIDI FILIPPO
Published: December 2019

A new endemic taxon of Hieracium belonging to the H. racemosum aggregate is described from Basilicata (southern Italy) and named H. racemosum subsp. lucanum. Information on its morphology, distribution, ecology and taxonomic relationship is provided.
A new species of Centrouropoda (Acari: Uropodidae: Uropodina), with a key to the world species of the genus
Authors: ABO-SHNAF REHAM I.A. , ALLAM SALLY F.M.
Published: December 2019

The present work provides descriptions of a new species of mite, Centrouropoda bahariyaensis n. sp. (Uropodidae), based on the adult female and male collected from the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliver) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and its habitat at El-Bawiti, Bahariya Oasis, Egypt. Complete descriptions of the immature stages are included. Keys to the known species of genus Centrouropoda Berlese based on adult females, adult males and deutonymphs are provided.
Erratum: KAZUSHIGE MINOURA & LAURENCE A. MOUND (2019) The world species of Ophthalmothrips Hood (Thysanoptera; Phlaeothripidae), with new records from Africa, China and Japan. Zootaxa, 4623 (3): 555–562.
Authors: MINOURA KAZUSHIGE , MOUND LAURENCE A.
Published: December 2019

N/A
Two new species of the genus Trachylophus Gahan, 1888 (Coleoptera, Cerambycinae, Cerambycini) from China
Authors: LU YAFEI , LI ZHU , CHEN LI
Published: December 2019

Two new species of the genus Trachylophus Gahan, 1888, T. tianmuensis sp. nov. and T. chiangi sp. nov. from China are described. The adult habitus and male genitalia of the two new species are described in detail.
Molecular data support monophyly of the recently erected Riggenbachiella (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae), parasites of Neotropical catfishes
Authors: ALVES PHILIPPE V. , KUCHTA ROMAN , SCHOLZ TOMÁŠ
Published: December 2019

Proteocephalid tapeworms (Cestoda) are one of the dominant groups of intestinal parasites of Neotropical catfishes (Siluriformes), especially pimelodids (de Chambrier et al. 2015). The long and convoluted taxonomic history of species of Chambriella Rego, Chubb & Pavanelli, 1999 has been disentangled only recently by Alves et al. (2017). These authors erected a new genus, Riggenbachiella Alves, de Chambrier, Luque & Scholz, 2017, to accommodate R. amazonense Alves, de Chambrier, Luque & Scholz, 2017 (type-species) and R. paranaense (Pavanelli & Rego, 1989) (previously Chambriella paranaensis), parasites of pimelodid catfishes.
Climate Models Permit Convection at Much Coarser Resolutions Than Previously Considered
Authors: Vergara-Temprado Jesús , Ban Nikolina , Panosetti Davide , Schlemmer Linda , Schär Christoph
Published: December 2019

The “gray zone” of convection is defined as the range of horizontal grid-space resolutions at which convective processes are partially but not fully resolved explicitly by the model dynamics (typically estimated from a few kilometers to a few hundred meters). The representation of convection at these scales is challenging, as both parameterizing convective processes or relying on the model dynamics to resolve them might cause systematic model biases. Here, a regional climate model over a large European domain is used to study model biases when either using parameterizations of deep and shallow convection or representing convection explicitly. For this purpose, year-long simulations at horizontal resolutions between 50- and 2.2-km grid spacing are performed and evaluated with datasets of precipitation, surface temperature, and top-of-the-atmosphere radiation over Europe. While simulations with parameterized convection seem more favorable than using explicit convection at around 50-km resolution, at higher resolutions (grid spacing ≤ 25 km) models tend to perform similarly or even better for certain model skills when deep convection is turned off. At these finer scales, the representation of deep convection has a larger effect in model performance than changes in resolution when looking at hourly precipitation statistics and the representation of the diurnal cycle, especially over nonorographic regions. The shortwave net radiative balance at the top of the atmosphere is the variable most strongly affected by resolution changes, due to the better representation of cloud dynamical processes at higher resolutions. These results suggest that an explicit representation of convection may be beneficial in representing some aspects of climate over Europe at much coarser resolutions than previously thought, thereby reducing some of the uncertainties derived from parameterizing deep convection.
Impacts of North Pacific Subtropical and Subarctic Oceanic Frontal Zones on the Wintertime Atmospheric Large-Scale Circulations
Authors: Huang Jing , Zhang Yang , Yang Xiu-Qun , Ren Xuejuan , Hu Haibo
Published: December 2019

An oceanic frontal zone is a confluent region of warm and cool ocean currents, characterized by a strong meridional gradient of sea surface temperature (SST). High-resolution SST observations show that the wintertime North Pacific exhibits a unique double-oceanic-front structure, with a subtropical frontal zone (STFZ) and a subarctic frontal zone (SAFZ), whose impacts on the weather and climate over the East Asia–North Pacific–North American region need further investigation. In this study, we conduct groups of multiyear and ensemble simulations using a WRF high-resolution regional climate model, through which the different impacts of the STFZ and SAFZ on the wintertime atmospheric circulations are identified and compared. Our multiyear simulations show that the STFZ, although with weaker intensity, exerts evident and consistent impacts on the storm track and westerly jet in the North Pacific by enhancing and elongating the eddy activity, zonal wind, and Aleutian low. The SAFZ exhibits coherent impacts on the low-level atmospheric baroclinicity and storm track; however, its impacts on the upper-level storm track and atmospheric circulations are divergent, exhibiting strong year-by-year difference. Our study suggests that the SAFZ’s impacts on the atmospheric circulations strongly depend on the background mean state, which contributes to the divergent impacts of the SAFZ. Furthermore, our results highlight the role of diabatic heating for the above different impacts of the STFZ and SAFZ on the atmosphere. We argue that the much deeper diabatic heating induced by the STFZ, via affecting the baroclinicity through the whole troposphere, can exert consistent influence on eddy activities and atmospheric circulations.
The Ponticulus Ethmoidalis: A Newly Appreciated Anatomic Landmark in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Bolger William E. , Ishii Masaru , Solaiyappan Meiyappan , Zinreich S. James
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

Ethmoid sinus anatomy is so variable it has been referred to as a “labyrinth.” Accordingly, this provides a challenge for surgeons performing ethmoidectomy. Identifying consistent anatomic features or landmarks within the ethmoid sinus can aid surgeons performing sinus surgery. The goal of this investigation was to determine if subtle anatomic features are consistently present within the retrobullar recess and could potentially serve as a reliable landmark for surgeons performing ethmoid surgery.

Materials and Methods:

Ethmoid sinus anatomy was studied in 60 sinonasal complexes through several methods including gross anatomic dissection, endoscopic dissection and 3-D CT stereoscopic imaging.

Results:

Review of gross sagittal sinonasal specimens revealed that the retrobullar recess was present in all specimens and a tissue bridge was noted emanating from the basal lamella deep within the retrobullar recess in 23/24 gross sagittal specimens; in 1/24 specimens it was quite small or difficult to appreciate. In the radiographic analysis, the tissue bridge was noted in 17/18, in 1/18 it was not appreciated. In the endoscopic dissections it was noted in 17/18, in 1/18 it was small or not appreciated.

Conclusion:

The small tissue bridge, or ponticulus within the retrobulbar recess was seen in nearly all ethmoid sinuses studied leading us to venture that could be used in surgery to orient surgical dissection through the basal lamella into the posterior ethmoid region.
Comparison of homeless clinic attenders with and without psychotic illness
Authors: Nielssen Olav , Jones Naidene , Foung Hayden , Nielssen Amelia , Staples Lauren , Large Matthew
Published: December 2019

Aim:

To compare the characteristics of clinic attenders in inner city homeless hostels with and without a diagnosed psychotic illness.

Method:

A cross-sectional study of homeless people attending psychiatric clinics in three inner city homeless hostels over a period of 8 years. The demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, pathway to homelessness and pattern of homelessness of clinic attenders with a diagnosis of psychosis were compared with those who were not known to have psychotic illness.

Results:

2389 homeless people attended one or more of the clinics in the 8 years of the study, of whom 1222 (51.2%) had a diagnosed psychotic illness, mostly schizophrenia. Those with psychosis were less likely to have been married (23.2% vs 45.5%), were less likely to have worked for more than a year (47.4% vs 74%) and were more likely to have been discharged from hospital to homelessness, to receive the Disability Support Pension (72.2% vs 38.3%), or be under financial management orders (12.0% vs 2.6%). Homeless people with psychosis were also more likely to have been homeless for more than a year, sleep in the open, and were less likely to have a current substance use disorder, problem gambling or a history of early life or recent trauma. A high proportion of those with psychosis (29.5%) had been released from prison to homelessness and a surprising number (22%) reported the loss of public housing tenancy.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrate the homeless with psychotic illness are particularly disabled and disadvantaged, often have multiple comorbid conditions, and many have been unable to maintain public housing tenancy. The inability of many of the homeless mentally ill to maintain public housing tenancy suggests the need for more supported housing to help the chronically homeless with psychotic illness maintain tenancy.