bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mir‐141‐3p Regulates Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential via Targeting Sirtuin1 in a 1‐Methyl‐4‐Phenylpyridinium in vitro Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Zheng Yumin , Dong Li , Liu Na , Luo Xiaoguang , He Zhiyi
Published: November 2020

Objectives. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The present study investigated miR‐141‐3p/sirtuin1 (SIRT1) activity in a 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium‐ (MPP+‐) induced PC12‐cell model of PD. Methods. PC12 cells were exposed to MMP+ following induction of differentiation by nerve growth factor (NGF). miR‐141‐3p and SIRT1 expressions were examined using RT‐qPCR and western blot. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay. Apoptosis percentage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) were evaluated using flow cytometry. Expression of Nuclear factor‐kappa B‐ (NF‐κB‐) related proteins was determined by western blot. Bioinformatic analysis, RT‐qPCR, and luciferase reporter assay were used to confirm the interaction between miR‐141‐3p and SIRT1. Results. miR‐141‐3p was upregulated, and SIRT1 was downregulated in MPP+‐treated PC12 cells. MPP+ treatment also upregulated nitric oxide synthase 1 (Nos1) and α‐synuclein. miR‐141‐3p induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and downregulated the SIRT1 mRNA expression. The luciferase reporter assay showed that SIRT1 was the target of miR‐141‐3p. SIRT1 transfection attenuated apoptosis, ROS production and maintained Δψm. SIRT1 also downregulated Nos1, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β), interleukin 6(IL‐6) and upregulated B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) protein. In addition, SIRT1 activator resveratrol blocked the effects of miR‐141‐3p mimic on Nos1, α‐synuclein, and mitochondrial membrane potential. SIRT1 inhibitor sirtinol reversed the biological effects of miR‐141‐3p. Conclusion. Increased miR‐141‐3p induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in MPP+‐treated PC12 cells by directly targeting the SIRT1 expression. Our study provided a potential therapeutic strategy for PD.
The Feasibility Assessment Study of Bridge Crack Width Recognition in Images Based on Special Inspection UAV
Authors: Peng Xiong , Zhong Xingu , Zhao Chao , Chen Y. Frank , Zhang Tianyu
Published: November 2020

Bridge defects are important indicator for the bridge safety assessment. Considering the cost and inefficiency of the traditional method, the UAV system applied for bridge crack inspection is a better choice. Therefore, we have configured a bridge inspection UAV system with SLR camera, laser rangefinder. First, we have carried an evaluation experiment to determine the distance range of stable imaging for planning the safer bridge inspection route based on the special UAV system. Then, the crack recognition method combining neural network and support vector machine is used to locate and extract the bridge cracks, and then, the actual cracks are calculated according to the optical principle. Finally, a case study of the Xiangjiang‐River bridge inspection is carried out to verify the feasibility of bridge defects recognition based on this UAV system, achieving above 90% in the crack width recognition, which provides a better platform for bridge inspection.
Research on Lean Planning and Optimization for Precast Component Production Based on Discrete Event Simulation
Authors: Yuan Zhenmin , Qiao Yaning , Guo Yaru , Wang Yaowu , Chen Chen , Wang Wenshun
Published: November 2020

Component factories are experiencing the problems associated with lean production, especially the accuracy of production time prediction and the unnecessary waste in terms of time and resource utilization. In order to solve these problems, a discrete event simulation‐ (DES‐) based lean planning and optimization method for precast component production is proposed by integrating the complexity assessment (CS), discrete event simulation (DES), and lean management (LM). The method includes three submodels: improved production planning, DES, and lean analysis and optimization. In the submodel of improved production planning, a complexity evaluation index system for precast components is established through investigating five component factories, consulting seven domain experts and analysing relevant literature. In the submodel of DES, the DES technique is adopted to simulate and analyse the production activities of precast components. The submodel of lean analysis and optimization provides multidimensional analysis, comparative analysis, and suggestions. Finally, a detailed production case is selected to simulate and test the proposed method. The important findings are as follows: (1) this method can minimize the difference between the processing time of each workstation to avoid bottleneck stations as much as possible; (2) this method can capture the uncertainty during precast component production, and the most likely production time calculated by the method is 12.05 hours instead of the 11.50 hours originally estimated by the component factory; (3) this method can identify some unnecessary waste in the production process of precast components, including less than 50% utilization of workstations and unnecessary equipment purchases; (4) this method also provides some suggestions regarding production optimization. Due to the particularity of precast component production, it further expands the boundary of lean production methodology from the perspective of the construction industry rather than the manufacturing industry. The proposed method assists component factories in planning and optimizing the precast component production when they make detailed production plans.
Experimental Measurement of the Transport Flow Path Aperture in Thermally Cracked Granite and the Relationship between Pore Structure and Permeability
Authors: Sueyoshi Kazumasa , Yokoyama Tadashi , Katayama Ikuo
Published: November 2020

Fluid flow in rocks has a key role in many geological processes, such as in geothermal reservoirs and crustal deformation. Permeability is known to be dependent on porosity and flow path aperture, but direct quantification of pore structures is more difficult than direct estimation of permeability. The gas breakthrough method can be used to determine the radius of transport pores by using the gas pressure at which gas breaks through a water-saturated sample (

Δ

P

break

). In this study, we applied the gas breakthrough method under confining pressure to damaged granite, in order to evaluate the relationship between permeability and pore characteristics (i.e., porosity and transport flow path aperture) at pressures up to 30 MPa. The transport flow path aperture, permeability, and porosity of thermally cracked granite decrease with increasing confining pressure. We quantified the relationship between permeability and pore characteristics, which provides a better estimation of permeability by taking into account the fraction of hydraulically connected cracks.
Hybrid Repair Combined with Fresh Arterial Allograft Extra-Anatomical Reconstruction: The Treatment of Infrarenal Abdominal Aneurysm above an Aortobifemoral Bypass Complicated by an Infected Pseudoaneurysm in the Left Groin
Authors: Novotny Robert , Marada Tomas , Novotny Jiri , Kristek Jakub , Chlupac Jaroslav , Kudla Michal , Lipar Kvetoslav , Mendl Jiri , Fronek Jiri , Janousek Libor
Published: November 2020

Introduction. A 72-year-old male patient was admitted into our centre with large infected pseudoaneurysm (PSA) in the left groin. The patient underwent a CT angiography (CTA) that confirmed a large partly thrombosed

6.5
×
5.5

 cm PSA in the left groin arising from the distal anastomosis of the aortobifemoral bypass (ABF). Furthermore, the CTA revealed 11 cm juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JAAA) from which the proximal anastomosis of the ABF was arising. Method. Aorto-uni-iliac stent graft Cook was placed from the right groin trough native severely stenotic right iliac arteries with proximal landing zone below the renal arteries, excluding the JAAA and the ABF. The distal landing zone was in the common iliac artery maintaining patent right internal iliac artery. Afterwards, a femoro-femoral crossover bypass from right to left was performed using a fresh arterial allograft. Postprocedurally, the hospital stay was uneventful. The left groin PSA cultures came positive for Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum, both sensitive to vancomycin and rifampicin. Result. The patient underwent intravenous ATB treatment with vancomycin for two weeks, followed by four weeks of oral rifampicin. The patient was discharged on the 20th postoperative days. Conclusion. Hybrid repair combining aortic stent graft and extra-anatomical bypass in the treatment of infected distal parts of an aortofemoral bypass is an acceptable treatment modality.
Review on Phase Behavior in Tight Porous Media and Microscopic Flow Mechanism of CO2 Huff-n-Puff in Tight Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Tang Yong , Tang Jiehong , Liu Qi , Wang Yong , Zheng Zigang , Yuan Yingjie , He Youwei
Published: November 2020

The successful development of tight oil reservoirs in the U.S. shows the bright future of unconventional reservoirs. Tight oil reservoirs will be the main target of exploration and development in the future, and CO2 huff-n-puff is one of the most important methods to enhance oil recovery factor of tight oil reservoirs in North America. To improve the performance of CO2 huff-n-puff, injection and production parameters need to be optimized through numerical simulation. The phase behavior and microscopic flow mechanism of CO2 huff-n-puff in porous media need to be further investigated. This paper presents a detailed review of phase behavior and microscopic flow mechanism in tight porous media by CO2 huff-n-puff. Phase behavior in tight porous media is different from that in a PVT cylinder since the capillary pressure in tight porous media reduces the bubble point pressure and increases the miscibility pressure and critical temperature. The condensate pressure in tight porous media and nonequilibrium phase behavior need to be further investigated. The microscopic flow mechanism during CO2 huff-n-puff in tight porous media is complicated, and the impact of molecular diffusion, gas-liquid interaction, and fluid-rock interaction on multiphase flow is significant especially in tight porous media. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and molecular simulation are efficient methods to describe the microscopic flow in tight oil reservoirs, while the NMR is not cost-effective and molecular simulation needs to be improved to better characterize and model the feature of porous media. The improved molecular simulation is still a feasible method to understand the microscopic flow mechanism of CO2 huff-n-puff in tight oil reservoirs in the near future. The microscopic flow model in micropore network based on digital core is worth to be established, and phase behavior needs to be further incorporated into the microscopic flow model of CO2 huff-n-puff in tight porous media.
LSEA: Software-Defined Networking-Based QoS-Aware Routing Mechanism for Live-Soccer Event Applications in Smart Cities
Authors: Zhang Yingcheng , Zhao Gang
Published: November 2020

The smart cities provide a better connection between services and citizens based on new Internet technologies. During the building process of smart cities, some burgeoning applications have been emerging and changing the daily lifestyle of people, e.g., live streaming applications. Especially, the live-soccer event applications have attracted much attention and can improve people’s enjoyment of life to a great extent, such as the Europe five major league matches and FIFA world cup. For such applications, the traditional routing strategies cannot do Quality-of-Service (QoS) awareness, and thus, the network performance and the Quality of Experience (QoE) of users cannot be guaranteed. In this paper, we employ Software-Defined Networking (SDN) to make QoS awareness for the special live-soccer event applications, in which the QoS-aware routing mechanism is proposed, called LSEA. Meanwhile, delay, delay jitter, and packet loss rate are considered as three objects. On this basis, the improved Dijkstra routing algorithm and SDN-based disjoint routing algorithm are devised. Finally, the proposed LSEA is implemented over Mininet, and the experimental results demonstrate its feasibility and efficiency.
Effects and Mechanism of Berberine on the Dexamethasone‐Induced Injury of Human Tendon Cells
Authors: Fu Shangjun , He Zongyun , Tang Yongfeng , Lan Bo
Published: November 2020

Objective. To investigate the effects of berberine (Berb) on dexamethasone‐ (Dex‐) induced injury of human tendon cells and its potential mechanism. Methods. CCK‐8 assay was used to explore the appropriate concentration of Dex‐induced injury of tendon cells and the doses of Berb attenuates Dex cytotoxicity; cell wound healing assay was used to detect the effects (P < 0.05) of Berb and Dex on the migration ability of tendon cells; flow cytometry was used to measure cell apoptosis; DCF DA fluorescent probe was used to measure the ROS activity of cells. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of phenotype related factors including smooth muscle actin α (SMA‐α), type I collagen (Col I), col III, apoptosis‐related factors, caspase‐3, cleaved caspase‐3, caspase‐9, cleaved caspase‐9, and PI3K/AKT. Results. CCK‐8 assay showed that 1–100 μM Dex significantly inhibited the proliferation of tendon cells in a concentration‐dependent manner (P < 0.05), where the inhibitory effect of 100 μM Dex was most significant (P < 0.005), and the pretreatment of 150, 200 μM Berb could reverse those inhibitions (all P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, Dex significantly inhibited cell migration (P < 0.05), while Berb pretreatment could enhance cell migration (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry and ROS assay showed that Dex could induce apoptosis and oxidative stress response of tendon cells (all P < 0.05), while Berb could reverse those responses (P < 0.05). Western blot showed that Dex could inhibit the expression of the col I and III as well as α‐SMA (all P < 0.05) and enhance the expression of apoptosis‐related factors including cleaved caspase‐3 and cleaved caspase‐9 (all P < 0.05). Besides, Dex could also inhibit the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway (all P < 0.05), thus affecting cell function, while Berb treatment significantly reversed the expression of those above proteins (all P < 0.05). Conclusion. Berb attenuated DEX induced reduction of proliferation and migration, oxidative stress, and apoptosis of tendon cells by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and regulated the expression of phenotype related biomarkers in tendon cells. However, further studies are still needed to clarify the protective effects of Berb in vivo.
Preventive Effects of Intrauterine Injection of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Conditioned Media on Uterine Fibrosis Immediately after Endometrial Curettage in Rabbit
Authors: Bazoobandi Sanaz , Tanideh Nader , Rahmanifar Farhad , Zare Shahrokh , Koohi-Hosseinabadi Omid , Razeghian-Jahromi Iman , Dianatpour Mehdi , Ahmadi Masoumeh , Khoradmehr Arezoo , Nabipour Iraj , Khodabandeh Zahra , Tamadon Amin
Published: November 2020

Uterine fibrosis is an acquired disorder leading to menstrual irregularities, implantation impairment, and abortion. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have antifibrotic properties through chemokine secretion. MSC-conditioned media (MSC-CM) contain paracrine components—exosomes—with a great potential for repairing damaged tissue or preventing fibrosis. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the preventive effects of bone marrow-derived MSC-CM (BM-MSC-CM) on uterine fibrosis after uterine curettage in rabbits. This study included 12 female rabbits (24 uterine horns in total). Excised uteri of each of the 12 female rabbits were randomly divided into four groups of intact negative control, curettage positive control, BM-MSC injection, and BM-MSC-CM injection in the way that two corresponding uteri from a rabbit were allocated to different groups. The MSC-CM were collected from cultivated BM-MSCs 48 hours after having been washed three times and replaced in serum-free media. Through a surgical approach, the caudal parts of the uteri were submitted to traumatic endometrial curettage, except for the intact negative uteri. After suturing the uterine walls, BM-MSCs or BM-MSC-CM were injected in the curettage site. Endometrial regeneration was histologically evaluated 30 days after treatment. Based on the evaluation of histomorphometric indices, curettage with or without preventive injections increased the growth of endometrial layers. However, the amount of fibrotic tissue in the CM and the BM-MSC injection groups was the same as the normal control groups, and all were less than the curettage group. A single injection of CM of MSCs after 30 days prevented the fibrotic tissue formation induced by curettage in endometrial layers of rabbits. Injecting BM-MSC-CM immediately after curettage prevented and reduced the uterine fibrosis similar to BM-MSCs in a rabbit model.
IMOC: Optimization Technique for Drone-Assisted VANET (DAV) Based on Moth Flame Optimization
Authors: Tariq Rehan , Iqbal Zeshan , Aadil Farhan
Published: November 2020

Technology advancement in the field of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) improves smart transportation along with its many other applications. Routing in VANETs is difficult as compared to mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs); topological constraints such as high mobility, node density, and frequent path failure make the VANET routing more challenging. To scale complex routing problems, where static and dynamic routings do not work well, AI-based clustering techniques are introduced. Evolutionary algorithm-based clustering techniques are used to solve such routing problems; moth flame optimization is one of them. In this work, an intelligent moth flame optimization-based clustering (IMOC) for a drone-assisted vehicular network is proposed. This technique is used to provide maximum coverage for the vehicular node with minimum cluster heads (CHs) required for routing. Delivering optimal route by providing end-to-end connectivity with minimum overhead is the core issue addressed in this article. Node density, grid size, and transmission ranges are the performance metrics used for comparative analysis. These parameters were varied during simulations for each algorithm, and the results were recorded. A comparison was done with state-of-the-art clustering algorithms for routing such as Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Comprehensive Learning Particle Swarm Optimization (CLPSO), and Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO). Experimental outcomes for IMOC consistently outperformed the state-of-the-art techniques for each scenario. A framework is also proposed with the support of a commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to improve routing by minimizing path creation overhead in VANETs. UAV support for clustering improved end-to-end connectivity by keeping the routing cost constant for intercluster communication in the same grid.
Bilateral Wrist Tenosynovitis owing to Acute Conversion of Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Hashimoto Akira , Sonohata Motoki , Nagamine Satomi , Yoshizato Hiromu , Mawatari Masaaki
Published: November 2020

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1- (HTLV-1-) associated arthritis is a relatively common disease. However, tenosynovitis owing to adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) is a rare condition. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of tenosynovitis caused by conversion to acute ATL from one of the other ATL types. We present the case of a 60-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with bilateral wrist tenosynovitis owing to the conversion to acute ATL from one of the other ATL types. She had swelling around the bilateral wrist joint under well controlled RA inflammation. She had no symptoms, physical findings, or laboratory findings indicative of conversion to acute ATL from one of the other ATL types. She underwent tenosynovectomy on the volar and dorsal sides of the left wrist joint to diagnose the cause of swelling around the bilateral wrist joint. Pathological analysis revealed diffuse proliferation of medium-sized atypical CD4(+) lymphocytes. Interestingly, she was diagnosed with wrist tenosynovitis caused by an acute ATL type. This diagnosis suggested that clinicians must consider ATL in connection with atypical wrist tenosynovitis in HTLV-1-endemic areas.
Tolosa–Hunt Syndrome: A Painful Ophthalmoplegia
Authors: Bugeme Marcellin , Cissé Ousmane , Mukuku Olivier , Diop Amadou Gallo
Published: November 2020

Tolosa–Hunt syndrome is a painful ophthalmoplegia characterized by recurrent unilateral orbital pain, ipsilateral oculomotor paralysis, and a rapid response to steroids. Our report describes a 37-year-old young woman who presented with right ptosis, ipsilateral ophthalmoplegia, and painful headache with no other neurological deficits in which all biological and neuroimaging investigations were normal. Complete recovery within one week of corticosteroid therapy was observed. This is probably the first case of Tolosa–Hunt syndrome reported in Dakar, Senegal.
An Intelligent Prediction Method of the Karst Curtain Grouting Volume Based on Support Vector Machine
Authors: Niu Jiandong , Wang Bin , Wang Haifa , Deng Zhiwei , Liu Jianxin , Li Zewei , Chen Guanjun , Zhang Botao
Published: November 2020

The prediction of the grouting volume is a very important task in the grouting quality control. Because of the concealment and complexity of the karst curtain grouting engineering, there is little research on the prediction of the karst curtain grouting volume (KCGV), and the prediction is hindered by the practical problems of small samples, high dimensions, and nonlinearity. In the study, based on the basic idea of support vector machine (SVM), a multiparameter comprehensive intelligent prediction method of the KCGV is proposed, which overcomes the limitation of few sample data in practical engineering. This method takes the grouting construction conditions and the slurry conditions which control the slurry diffusion as the input parameters, which are the basic data which can be easily obtained in the field grouting process. This feature greatly improves the prediction accuracy and generalization performance of the method. The intelligent prediction method of the KCGV based on SVM is applied to a typical karst curtain grouting project. The mean absolute error of the prediction results is 3.47 L/m, and the mean absolute percentage error of the prediction results is 5.97%. The results show that the proposed prediction method has an excellent prediction effect on the KCGV and can provide practical and beneficial help for the field karst curtain grouting project.
Ziyin Bushen Decoction Alleviates Perimenopausal Syndrome in Rats by Enhancing Estradiol Production
Authors: Tang Bi-Xin , Meng Qing-Yi , Xie Chan , Zhao Shen-Shen , Wu Kun-Lun , Wang Fang , Du Le-Yi
Published: November 2020

Perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) has a high incidence rate and affects the physical and mental health of middle‐aged and elderly women. The blockage of PMS is significant in improving the health of perimenopausal women. Currently, for PMS prevention and treatment, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become an ideal choice because of its safety and effectiveness. This study aimed to explore the anti‐PMS effects of Ziyin Bushen Decoction (DKTP) and the underlying mechanism. Thirty female Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 6): control group, low‐dose DKTP group, medium‐dose DKTP group, high‐dose DKTP group, and nilestriol group. The estradiol (E2) level in rat peripheral blood was analyzed using an E2 Radioimmunoassay Kit, and uterine morphologic changes were examined by hematoxylin‐eosin staining. Learning and memory ability of rats was assessed by Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition (NOR) task. E2 synthesis, metabolism, and transport associated estrogen receptor‐alpha (ERα), GnRHR, CYP17, CYP11A1, CYP19, 17βHSD, STS, and SHGB were assessed to explore the E2‐promoting mechanism of DKTP during PMS treatment. The loss of learning and memory, the decreased estrous and uterine coefficient, and the presence of histopathological changes suggests a successful establishment of rat PMS model. Following DKTP or nilestriol treatment, the above results were reversed. E2 level in serum, uterine, and ovarian tissues was upregulated upon different concentrations of DKTP treatment, indicating that DKTP promotes the E2 level in a dose‐dependent manner. DKTP also increased the expression of ERα, CYP17, CYP11A1, CYP19, 17βHSD, STS, and SHGB while decreased the GnRHR expression in uterine and ovarian tissues, revealing that these key molecules involved in estrogen synthesis, metabolism, and transport in PMS rats. We confirmed the anti‐PMS effect of DKTP through enhancing E2 production. Exploring a novel drug based on improving E2 synthesis, metabolism, and transport may represent a novel strategy for PMS prevention and treatment.
Teacher-Related Factors as Predictors of Students’ Achievement in English Grammar in Gambian Senior Secondary Schools
Authors: Olagbaju Oladotun Opeoluwa
Published: November 2020

Studies have shown that several factors predict students’ achievement in any second language classroom. These factors include learner, school, text, and teacher-related variables. The teacher is indispensable in the instructional procedure; therefore, the quality of a teacher in terms of teaching experience, subject mastery, and questioning behaviour can determine ESL students’ learning outcomes to a large extent. This study examined the relationship between teachers’ subject mastery and questioning behaviour and students’ achievement in English grammar in the Gambia. The research design is a descriptive survey that comprised 300 students and 10 English language teachers from four senior secondary schools in Kanifing Municipal Council. Two research instruments were used and the data were analysed using PPMC and MRA. The result showed that independent variables predicted students’ achievement in English grammar. Teachers’ subject mastery (β = 0.476; t = 12.132;

p
<
0.05

) and questioning behaviour (β = 0.204; t = 5.195;

p
<
0.05

) contributed significantly to students’ achievement in English grammar relatively and jointly. Recommendations were made to stakeholders to ensure regular training of in-service and preservice language teachers on the teacher and teaching-related variables in ESL classrooms.
Long‐Term Settlement of High Concrete‐Face Rockfill Dam by Field Monitoring and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Zhou Xinjie , Sun Xinjian , Zheng Junxing , Jiang Haoyuan , Li Yongye , Li Zhigang , Ma Zhongxiang , Cao Peng , Zhan Qibing , Zhao Yawei
Published: November 2020

High concrete‐face rockfill dams (CFRDs) with heights of over 100 m have been quickly developed in recent years. The self‐weight of rockfill materials causes creep deformation of the dam body. However, the creep analysis method of high CFRDs in finite element software is few, and sometimes, it can also not reflect the long‐term performance of high CFRDs well. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out the secondary development in finite element software. This study developed a subroutine that can run in Finite Element Method (FEM) platform ABAQUS to simulate long‐term creep deformation behavior of the rockfill materials more accurately. Then, a displacement back‐analysis for parameters, based on the Xujixia high CFRD project, is performed by the neural network response surface method (BP‐MPGA/MPGA). Remarkable agreements are observed between simulation and field monitoring results. The calibrated FEM model is used to predict stress and deformation behavior of the Xujixia high CFRD after three years of operation period. The result indicates that rockfill creep deformation has a significant impact on stress and deformation of the high CFRD during the operation. This research may predict long‐term performance using FEM in the design stage for high CFRDs.
Design of Epitope-Based Peptide Vaccine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Fructose Bisphosphate Aldolase Protein Using Immunoinformatics
Authors: Elhag Mustafa , Alaagib Ruaa Mohamed , Ahmed Nagla Mohamed , Abubaker Mustafa , Haroun Esraa Musa , Albagi Sahar Obi Abd , Hassan Mohammed A.
Published: November 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen that is responsible for serious hospital-acquired infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and various sepsis syndromes. Also, it is a multidrug-resistant pathogen recognized for its ubiquity and its intrinsically advanced antibiotic-resistant mechanisms. It usually affects immunocompromised individuals but can also infect immunocompetent individuals. There is no vaccine against it available till now. This study predicts an effective epitope-based vaccine against fructose bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa using immunoinformatics tools. The protein sequences were obtained from NCBI, and prediction tests were undertaken to analyze possible epitopes for B and T cells. Three B cell epitopes passed the antigenicity, accessibility, and hydrophilicity tests. Six MHC I epitopes were found to be promising, while four MHC II epitopes were found promising from the result set. Nineteen epitopes were shared between MHC I and II results. For the population coverage, the epitopes covered 95.62% worldwide excluding certain MHC II alleles. We recommend in vivo and in vitro studies to prove its effectiveness.
Revision of the Amphibolips species of the ‘nassa’ complex from Mexico and central America (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)
Authors: CUESTA-PORTA VÍCTOR , EQUIHUA-MARTÍNEZ ARMANDO , ESTRADA-VENEGAS EDITH G. , CIBRIÁN-TOVAR DAVID , BARRERA-RUÍZ URIEL M. , SILVA SALVADOR ORDAZ , SÁNCHEZ IMELDA VIRGINIA LÓPEZ , MELIKA GEORGE , PUJADE-VILLAR JULI
Published: November 2020

The cynipid gall wasp species of Amphibolips (Cynipidae: Cynipini) belonging to the “nassa” complex are reviewed for Mexico and Central America. Five new species are described: A. bassae Cuesta-Porta & Pujade-Villar n. sp., A. bromus Pujade-Villar & Cuesta-Porta n. sp., A. kinseyi Cuesta-Porta & Pujade-Villar n. sp., A. rulli Pujade-Villar & Cuesta-Porta n. sp., and A. turulli Pujade-Villar & Cuesta-Porta n. sp. Amphibolips quercuspomiformis (Bassett) comb. nov. is redescribed and Amphibolips malinche Nieves-Aldrey & Maldonado is proposed as a new synonym of A. hidalgoensis Pujade-Villar & Melika. The validity of A. dampfi is discussed. Diagnostic characters, distribution, host-plant relationships, and biology are provided. Also new diagnostic characters and new distribution data for earlier described species are given. Keys to adults and galls for all known “nassa” complex species from Mexico and Central America are presented.
A new species of genus Sichuana from Sichuan, China (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Tettigoniinae)
Authors: HE ZHU-QING , GONG PU , HU TIAN-HAO , YIN ZI-XU , SHEN ZI-HAO , WANG BAI-QIU , LI KAI
Published: November 2020

In this study, we describe one new species, Sichuana feicui He sp. nov., from Mao County, Sichuan Province, China. This new species is different from S. cryptospina in the shape of cercus, and the color pattern of hind femur. The type specimens are deposited in Museum of Biology, East China Normal University (ECNU).
Bark beetles and pinhole borers recently or newly introduced to France (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae and Platypodinae)
Authors: BARNOUIN THOMAS , SOLDATI FABIEN , ROQUES ALAIN , FACCOLI MASSIMO , KIRKENDALL LAWRENCE R. , MOUTTET RAPHAËLLE , DAUBREE JEAN-BAPTISTE , NOBLECOURT THIERRY
Published: November 2020

We present an annotated list of 11 Scolytinae and Platypodinae species newly or recently introduced to France. Four species are recorded for the first time as interceptions: Euplatypus hintzi (Schaufuss), Euplatypus parallelus (Fabricius), Xyleborus affinis Eichhoff and Xyleborus ferrugineus (Fabricius). Two are possibly naturalised: Xyleborus bispinatus Eichhoff and Cryphalus dilutus Eichhoff, while Cyclorhipidion distinguendum (Eggers) and Xyloterinus politus (Say) are confirmed as species newly established in Europe. Moreover, an unidentified species of Amasa Lea, collected previously in Spain, is recorded for the first time in France: Amasa sp. near truncata (Erichson). We point out that literature references to Amasa truncata as an invasive species in New Zealand and South America are incorrect, as the photographs of these non-native populations do not match the holotype of A. truncata. For each species we have updated its global distribution, detailed all French records, and summarized biology, ecology, host trees and potential risks as pests.
Checklist of gobies (Teleostei: Gobiidae) of the Mediterranean Sea and a key for species identification
Authors: KOVAČIĆ MARCELO
Published: November 2020

A checklist of 73 gobiid species (Teleostei: Gobiidae) recorded to date from the Mediterranean Sea is established following the evidence approach for checklists. The Mediterranean gobiofauna currently has 62 known native species and 11 alien species. An identification key to gobiid species known from the area is provided. The principles of character selection for the key are discussed.
A review of the Neotropical skipper genus Sodalia Evans, 1955 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Hesperiinae) with the description of a new species
Authors: GAVIRIA-ORTIZ FABIAN GUILLERMO , DOLIBAINA DIEGO RODRIGO , CARNEIRO EDUARDO , WARREN ANDREW D. , MIELKE OLAF HERMANN HENDRIK , CASAGRANDE MIRNA MARTINS
Published: November 2020

The Neotropical skipper genus Sodalia Evans, 1955 and its respective species are revised. Sodalia includes five species: S. sodalis (Butler, 1877) (type species), S. argyrospila (Mabille, 1876), S. coler (Schaus, 1902), S. petiti Gaviria-Ortiz, Dolibaina & A. Warren sp. nov. (described from low to mid elevations of the western Andes of Ecuador and from the Cordillera de la Costa in Venezuela), and Sodalia spangla (Evans, 1955) comb. nov. hitherto combined with Mnasitheus Godman, 1900. Lectotypes for Pamphila sodalis Butler, 1877 and Achlyodes argyrospila Mabille, 1876 are designated. The genus and species are redescribed and illustrations of relevant morphological characters necessary for identification are provided, as well as updated distributional maps.
Three new species of Longior Travassos & Kloss, 1958 (Nematoda: Thelastomatoidea: Hystrignathidae) parasites of passalid beetles (Coleoptera: Passalidae) from Dominican Republic, Mexico and Colombia
Authors: MORFFE JANS , GARCÍA NAYLA , ADAMS BYRON J. , HASEGAWA KOICHI
Published: November 2020

Three new species of the genus Longior Travassos & Kloss, 1958 are described and illustrated, namely L. surieli n. sp. in Antillanax dominicanus (Doesburg, 1953) from the Dominican Republic, L. lamothei n. sp. in Passalus punctiger Le Peletier & Serville, 1825 from Mexico and Colombia and L. zumpimito n. sp. in P. punctatostriatus Percheron, 1835 from Mexico. These constitute the first records of the genus Longior for the aforementioned countries, rising to nine species in the genus. The new species can be differentiated mainly by the length of their body, oesophagus and tail in both sexes, the extension of the lateral alae in the females and the morphology of the cephalic and posterior end in the males. The molecular phylogeny of the new taxa is inferred by the 28S and 18S rDNA and they form a monophyletic clade with other Longior species. The phylogeny of Longior and that of their passalid hosts reveal coevolutionary relationships. These patterns suggest that the phylogeny of Longior species is probably strongly influenced by the evolutionary trajectories of their passalid hosts.
Revision of the Metallactus generosus species-group with a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of the endophallus morphology in distinguishing critical sibling species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae)
Authors: SASSI DAVIDE
Published: November 2020

A taxonomic revision of the Metallactus generosus species-group is given in the present study. The complex is made up of three Neotropical species, two redescribed here and one new: Metallactus generosus Suffrian, 1866, M. argentinensis Jacoby, 1907 and M. nigroplagiatus new species. Lectotypes are designated for M. generosus and M. argentinensis. An identification key for the species group is provided. The usefulness of endophallic sclerite morphology for taxonomic and diagnostic purposes within the genus Metallactus is briefly discussed. A lapsus calami is corrected, M. chamorroi Sassi, 2019 to M. chamorroae Sassi, 2019,
Integrative taxonomy of some Iranian peregrine earthworm species using morphology and barcoding (Annelida: Megadrili)
Authors: LATIF ROBABEH , MALEK MASOUMEH , AMINJAN ATABAK ROOHI , PASANTES JUAN JOSÉ , BRIONES MARIA J. I. , CSUZDI CSABA
Published: November 2020

Despite the biological and economic importance of earthworms, the taxonomic status and evolutionary relationships of most lumbricid genera are still under debate. Further complications arise from the recognition that earthworms also show a high cryptic diversity. Past and current field studies of Iranian earthworm fauna have resulted in the identification of a total number of 28 earthworm species. However, many specimens do not fully fit into their original descriptions, making the species assignation very difficult. In this study, we evaluated the genetic diversity using mitochondrial markers as a tool to assess the species occurrence of some problematic species in Iran. Four species with high morphological variation were selected: Aporrectodea caliginosa (Savigny, 1826), Aporrectodea trapezoides (Dugès, 1828), Dendrobaena byblica (Rosa, 1893) and Dendrobaena veneta (Rosa, 1886). Morphological identification was contrasted with the molecular information generated through COI and 16S barcoding and the COI and 16S sequences stored in the Genbank. The results of this first integrative taxonomic analysis revealed that D. veneta consisted of two separated clades and that a number of species assigned to D. byblica showed very close relationships with those belonging to the genus Philomontanus. The lack of taxonomic expertise and identification characters providing a clear and unambiguous identification of earthworms highlights the urgent need of new tools to identify species unequivocally. Therefore, it is concluded that more taxonomical studies are needed to clarify the diagnostic characters and taxonomic status of the species belonging to two genera, Aporrectodea and Dendrobaena (Lumbricidae), in Iran.
A new species of Achalinus (Squamata: Xenodermidae) from Trang An Landscape Complex, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam
Authors: LUU VINH QUANG , ZIEGLER THOMAS , VAN HA NGHIA , VAN LO OANH , HOANG TUOI THI , NGO HANH THI , LE MINH DUC , TRAN DUNG HOANG , NGUYEN TRUONG QUANG
Published: November 2020

We describe a new snake of the genus Achalinus based on an adult female specimen from Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Achalinus tranganensis sp. nov. is differentiated from its congeners genetically and by a unique combination of the following characters: 1) maxillary teeth 29; 2) suture between the internasals distinctly longer than that between the prefrontals; 3) loreal distinctly wider than high, extending from the nasal to the eye; 4) dorsal scales in 25–23–23 rows, keeled; 5) two pairs of prefrontals; 6) supralabials six; 7) infralabials six; 8) temporals 2+3, the two anterior temporals in contact with eye; 9) ventrals 171; 10) subcaudals 73+, unpaired; 11) cloacal plate entire; 12) dorsum in preservative reddish to greyish brown above; 13) the lower part of head side and chin region somewhat paler than the dorsum; 14) venter greyish cream, with the anterior region of each ventral and subcaudal somewhat darker. Based on molecular comparisons using a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), the new species differs from other members of the genus by at least 11.8%. This discovery increases the number of Achalinus species known from Vietnam to seven.
Two new Eulophinae genera (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae) from the Neotropical region
Authors: HANSSON CHRISTER
Published: November 2020

Two new Eulophinae genera, Elasmarion and Celesterion, are described based on material from sweep-net and malaise trap samples mainly from Costa Rica. The new genera are each represented by a single species, both described here, E. longipes and C. reticulatum spp. nov. The material for both groups is abundant and strongly female biased, 119 females and two males in Elasmarion, and 63 females and two males in Celesterion. Elasmarion is similar to the Old World genus Eulophomorpha Dodd, and a table with distinguishing characters is included, it also has some morphological features similar to the genus Elasmus Westwood. Celesterion does not show close morphological similarity to any genus in the Eulophinae. The biology is unknown for both species.
Safety and Effectiveness of Del Nido Cardioplegia in Comparison to Blood-Based St. Thomas Cardioplegia in Congenital Heart Surgeries: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Haranal Maruti , Chin Hew Chee , Sivalingam Sivakumar , Raja Natesan , Mohammad Shaffie Mohammad Sharif , Namasiwayam Thiru Kumar , Fadleen Mohammad , Fakhri Nurul
Published: November 2020

Background:

To compare the safety and effectiveness of del Nido cardioplegia with blood-based St Thomas Hospital (BSTH) cardioplegia in myocardial protection in congenital heart surgery.

Methods:

It is a prospective, open-labeled, randomized controlled study conducted at National Heart Institute, Kuala Lumpur from July 2018 to July 2019. All patients with simple and complex congenital heart diseases (CHD) with good left ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] >50%) were included while those with LVEF <50% were excluded. A total of 100 patients were randomized into two groups of 50 each receiving either del Nido or BSTH cardioplegia. Primary end points were the spontaneous return of activity following aortic cross-clamp release and ventricular function between two groups. Secondary end point was myocardial injury as assessed by troponin T levels.

Results:

Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp time, return of spontaneous cardiac activity following the aortic cross-clamp release, the duration of mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit stay were comparable between two groups. Statistically significant difference was seen in the amount and number of cardioplegia doses delivered ( P < .001). The hemodilution was significantly less in the del Nido complex CHD group compared to BSTH cardioplegia ( P = .001) but no difference in blood usage ( P = .36). The myocardial injury was lesser (lower troponin T release) with del Nido compared to BSTH cardioplegia ( P = .6).

Conclusion:

Our study showed that both del Nido and BSTH cardioplegia are comparable in terms of myocardial protection. However, single, less frequent, and lesser volume of del Nido cardioplegia makes it more suitable for complex repair.
Single Institution Experience With International Referrals for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Rebolledo Michael A. , Kumar T. K. Susheel , Tansey James B. , Pickens Bill , Allen Jerry , Hanafin H. Jane , Boston Umar S. , Knott-Craig Christopher J.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Pediatric cardiac surgery in developing countries poses many challenges. The practice of referring patients from abroad via nongovernmental organizations has occurred for many years. We describe our experience with international referrals for pediatric cardiac surgery via Gift of Life Mid-South to the Heart Institute, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective descriptive review of data collected in our Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database (STS CHSD) along with data from our electronic medical record from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2017. Available data included patient demographics, diagnoses, surgical procedure, entire inpatient length of stay (LOS), complications, and operative mortality. Cardiac surgeries were grouped according to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons–European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Congenital Heart Surgery Mortality Categories (STAT Mortality Categories). Complications were defined according to the STS CHSD.

Results:

In this retrospective descriptive study, case complexity level varied; however, 38% cardiac surgeries were in STAT Mortality Category 3 or 4. Honduras was the most common referral source with a total of 18 countries represented. Operative mortality remained very low (1 [1.4%] of 71 cardiac surgeries) despite patients being referred beyond infancy. There were an increasing number of complications and longer inpatient LOS (with greater variance) in STAT Mortality Category 4.

Conclusions:

International patients referred for congenital heart surgery can be successfully treated with an acceptable mortality rate despite late referrals. Inpatient LOS is related to surgical complexity. Follow-up studies are needed to determine the long-term outcomes of these patients.
Long-Term Outcomes of the Double-Barrel Technique for Superior Sinus Venosus Defect With Partially Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection
Authors: Chowdhury Ujjwal Kumar , Sharma Srikant , Sankhyan Lakshmi Kumari , George Niwin , Singh Sukhjeet , Hasija Suruchi , Pandey Niraj Nirmal , Kalaivani Mani
Published: November 2020

Background:

Repair of superior sinus venosus defect with high partially anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) using an intracardiac baffle may be complicated by systemic or pulmonary venous pathway obstruction and sinus nodal dysfunction (SND). Our surgical strategy for repair of all types of superior sinus venosus defect has evolved chiefly to avoid the abovementioned complications and preserving the growth potential of the superior cavoatrial junction.

Methods:

Between 2007 and 2019, fifty consecutive patients aged 2 to 60 (mean, 17.6±16.7) years underwent repair of superior sinus venosus defect using the double-barrel technique as described. The anomalous pulmonary veins drained into the superior cavoatrial junction in 17 patients and more than 2 cm above the cavoatrial junction in 33 patients.

Results:

There were no early or late deaths and no reoperations. At a mean follow-up of 103.9 (±50.2) months, all survived the operation, and actuarial freedom from SND was 97.9% (±standard error, 0.02%; 95% CI: 0.86-0.99). No patient had systemic or pulmonary venous pathway obstruction. A permanent pacemaker was required in one (2%) patient for sick sinus syndrome.

Conclusions:

The double-barrel method is an expedient, safe, and effective technique in superior sinus venosus defect. It provides dual drainage of superior vena cava preserving the superior cavoatrial junction without causing systemic or pulmonary venous pathway obstruction and can be utilized in all cases including those with high PAPVC. Preservation of the cavoatrial junction and use of autogenous atrial tissue for systemic venous pathway avoids SND and preserves growth potential.
Anomalous Origin of the Circumflex or Left Anterior Descending Artery From the Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Guenther Timothy M. , Sherazee Elan A. , Gustafson Joshua D. , Wozniak Curtis J. , Brothers Julie , Raff Gary
Published: November 2020

Anomalous origin of the circumflex or left anterior descending artery from the pulmonary artery (ACxAPA and ALADAPA, respectively) are rare congenital coronary anomalies with clinical presentation varying from an asymptomatic murmur to sudden cardiac arrest. A systematic review was performed, and 46 cases of ACxAPA and 51 cases of ALADAPA were identified in 87 articles. Data were collected and analyzed from each case. A better understanding of ACxAPA/ALADAPA can provide information to providers who encounter this lesion as well as provide insight into coronary artery development which may help in the understanding of coronary artery anomalies.