bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Moxibustion on the Serum Levels of MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and VEGF in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Yu Zeyun , Wang Yingni , Li Yuan , Liao Chenxi , Dai Jingyang , Luo Yun , Hu Yuanzhang , Tao Siyu , Tang Jie , Chen Guanhua , Wu Ping
Published: September 2020

Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, which will eventually lead to joints deformity and functional damage. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of moxibustion on the serum indicators related to bone and cartilage metabolism, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1), matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP‐3), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with RA and to explore the mechanism of moxibustion in the treatment of RA. Methods. We recruited 70 RA patients who met the inclusion criteria, and they were randomly divided into two groups, a treatment group and a control group in equal ratio. The control group took methotrexate, folate, or leflunomide orally, while the treatment group received methotrexate, folate, or leflunomide orally and moxibustion at ST36 (Zusanli), BL23 (Shen shu), and Ashi points. We compared the clinical symptoms, RA serological disease markers and serum contents of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and VEGF of RA patients before and after treatment. Results. (1) The clinical symptoms and RA serological disease markers of the two groups improved after treatment (P < 0.05), while the clinical symptoms of the treatment group were significantly improved in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). (2) The levels of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and VEGF decreased in both groups after treatment (P < 0.05), but the treatment group was significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). (3) There were significant differences in MMP‐1 and MMP‐3 contents after treatment in the treatment group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05), while there were no significant differences in the control group (P > 0.05, P > 0.05). Above all, the contents of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and VEGF in the treatment group decreased more significantly than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The improvement effect of moxibustion on the clinical symptoms of RA patients may be related to influence on the contents of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and VEGF, and moxibustion may play a potential role in bone protection.
Activity Concentrations of Sr-90 and Cs-137 in Seawater and Sediment in the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Trong-Ngo , Tran Quang-Thien , Nguyen Van-Phuc , Le Nhu-Sieu , Phan Son-Hai , Le Xuan-Thang , Vuong Thi-Thu-Hang , Nguyen Van-Phu , Nguyen Đinh-Tung , Tran Đinh-Khoa , Nguyen Minh-Đao , Phan Quang-Trung , Vo Thi-Mong-Tham , Duong Van-Thang , Le Ngoc-Chung
Published: September 2020

In this study, we measured the activity concentrations of Cs-137 and Sr-90 in surface seawater and surface sediments at the Tra Co, Bach Long Vi, and Ky Anh locations in the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam, from December 2018 to October 2019. The average activity at the selected locations was 1.22, 1.43, and 1.33 Bq/m3 for Cs-137 and 0.88, 1.17, and 1.09 Bq/m3 for Sr-90 in surface seawater samples and 0.74, 1.01, and 0.81 Bq/kg dry for Cs-137 and 0.49, 0.49, and 0.43 Bq/kg dry for Sr-90 in sediment samples. The ratio of the average activity concentration (Cs-137/Sr-90) in the surface seawater was 1.42, 1.22, and 1.22 at the Tra Co, Bach Long Vi, and Ky Anh locations, respectively. These are somewhat low compared to the global ratios (1.6 and 1.8). Meanwhile, Cs-137/Sr-90 ratios in the sediment samples at the selected locations were 1.51, 2.06, and 1.88, respectively, which is equal to or greater than the corresponding value for global sedimentation according to the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). Correlations between Sr-90, Cs-137, and organic carbon content were detected in this study. The results showed that Cs-137 has a high correlation with the organic carbon content in sediment, while Sr-90 has a low correlation.
Theoretical and Experimental Performance Analysis of a Novel Domestic Biogas Burner
Authors: Petro Lucia M. , Machunda Revocatus , Tumbo Siza , Kivevele Thomas
Published: September 2020

The inefficient indoor burning of fuelwood on traditional cookstoves generates pollutants, primarily carbon monoxide and many other human health-damaging emissions. It is from this risk that it is necessary to have an immediate shift to alternative cleaner fuel sources. Biogas, which is among the biofuels from biomass, is one of the resources that play a considerable part in a more diverse and sustainable global energy mix. For domestic purposes in rural areas of Tanzania, biogas provides a better option that can supplement the use of fossil fuels such as wood, charcoal, and kerosene, which is nonrenewable. However, the low efficiency experienced in the locally made biogas burners hinders the large-scale use of biogas among the population in the country. With the locally made burners, the users of biogas for the domestic application face problems including heat loss and high gas consumption which affects the whole cooking process. It is against this backdrop that the current study objectives incline on designing and improving the efficiency of the locally manufactured burners to achieve the uniform flow of fuel in the mixing chamber, which will result to the consistent heat distribution around the cooking pot. The optimization of the burner was done by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) through varying the number of flame portholes and air holes as well as the size of the jet before fabrication. The increased efficiency of the burner has also contributed by the addition of the fuel distributor. The results showed that the optimum hole diameter of the jet was 2.5 mm and that of the manifold was 100 mm. The currently developed biogas burner was tested and compared with the other two locally made burners. The water boiling test (WBT) on these three burners showed that the developed burner has a thermal efficiency of 67.01% against 54.61% and 58.82% of the Centre for Agricultural Mechanization and Rural Technology (CARMATEC) and Simgas, respectively. Additionally, the fuel consumption of the developed burner was 736 g/L as compared to 920 g/L for CARMARTEC and 833 g/L for that of Simgas. The developed burner and its corresponding cookstove are both environmentally friendly and economical for household utilization in Tanzania and other developing countries.
Characteristics of the South China Sea Monsoon from the Onset to Withdrawal before and after 1993/94
Authors: Xiaofang Zhao , Lijuan Wang
Published: September 2020

The characteristics and possible impact factors of the South China Sea summer monsoon (SCSSM) evolution from onset to withdrawal before and after 1993/94 are investigated using ERA-Interim, CPC rainfall, and OLR data. During the late-onset period of 1979–1993, the SCSSM was characterized by stronger onset intensity and a gradual withdrawal, resulting in a continuous, strong preflood season in Southern China and a slower rain-belt retreat from north to south China in September. In addition, the rain-belt in the Yangtze River basin persisted much longer during summer. However, during the early-onset period in 1994–2016, the SCSSM is associated with a weaker onset intensity and comparatively faster retreat. The advanced preflood season lasted intermittently throughout May and the whole eastern China precipitation lasted until October when it retreated rapidly, making the rain-belt in Southern China persist for an extended duration. Further analysis indicates that a strong modulation of SCS intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) on the SCSSM evolution is observed. There are two active low-frequency oscillations over the SCS in summer during the late-onset period but three during the early-onset period. The wet ISO in the Northwest Pacific propagating northwestward into the SCS and enhanced SCSSM ISO activity may contribute to the early onset and faster withdrawal after 1993/94. The effect of warm western Pacific sea surface temperatures (SST) on the SCSSM evolution is also discussed.
Characteristics of the Reanalysis and Satellite-Based Surface Net Radiation Data in the Arctic
Authors: Seo Minji , Kim Hyun-Cheol , Lee Kyeong-Sang , Seong Noh-Hun , Lee Eunkyung , Kim Jinsoo , Han Kyung-Soo
Published: September 2020

In this study, we compared four net radiation products: the fifth generation of European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts atmospheric reanalysis of the global climate (ERA5), National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System Energy Balanced and Filled (EBAF), and Global Energy and Water Exchanges (GEWEX), based on ground observation data and intercomparison data. ERA5 showed the highest accuracy, followed by EBAF, GEWEX, and NCEP. When analyzing the validation grid, ERA5 showed the most similar data distribution to ground observation data. Different characteristics were observed between the reanalysis data and satellite data. In the case of satellite-based data, the net radiation value tended to increase at high latitudes. Compared with the reanalysis data, Greenland and the central Arctic appeared to be overestimated. All data were highly correlated, with a difference of 6–21 W/m2 among the products examined in this study. Error was attributed mainly to difficulties in predicting long-term climate change and having to combine net radiation data from several sources. This study highlights criteria that may be helpful in selecting data for future climate research models of this region.
Liver Transplantation for Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD): An Update on Controversies and Considerations
Authors: Yadav Dipesh Kumar , Zhang Qi , Bai Xueli , Li Enliang , Liang Tingbo
Published: September 2020

According to the recent data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database, alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) accounts to be the most common indication of liver transplantation (LT) waiting lists in the United States among men without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is serious and the life-threatening form of ARLD and should be treated timely. However, the LT for severe AH remained to be controversial among the transplant community because of marked interests about the constrained organ supply and the hazard that the AH liver recipient will return to risky drinking. Early LT for ARLD refers for a patient with severe AH undergoing LT who are non-responder to medical treatments. These patients are generally on the existing waiting list but usually followed by 6-month duration of alcohol abstinence. However, the rule of 6-month alcohol abstinence need before the LT is ambiguous. The 6-month alcohol abstinence was consistently defended in light of the compelling fact that it would enable patients to recoup from the intense impacts of alcohol to the liver. In routine, however, the purported “6-month abstinence rule” turned into a surrogate for the forecast of future drinking by ARLD patients for the LT. Careful consideration should be given to the alcohol use disorder of craving and the hazard for recidivism after the LT. As for the current situation, there, urgently, is a specific need of standardized criteria for the evaluation of patients with severe AH for earlier LT. Moreover, further studies are required precisely to develop an accurate prediction model for posttransplant alcohol recidivism. Additionally, development of a standardized protocol for post-LT follow-up and management is further needed. We carefully outlined the published experience with the LT for ARLD in this review.
Outdoor Performance Assessment of New and Old Photovoltaic Panel Technologies Using a Designed Multi-Photovoltaic Panel Power Measurement System
Authors: Karabulut Mehmet , Kusetogullari Huseyin , Kivrak Sinan
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a new multi-photovoltaic panel measurement and analysis system (PPMAS) developed for measurement of atmospheric parameters and generated power of photovoltaic (PV) panels. Designed system presented with an experimental study evaluates performance of four new and four 5-year-old PV panel technologies which are based on polycrystalline (Poly), monocrystalline (Mono), copper indium selenide (CIS), and cadmium telluride (CdTe) in real time, under same atmospheric conditions. The PPMAS system with the PV panels is installed in Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara Province, in Turkey. The designed PPMAS consists of three different subsystems which are (1) photovoltaic panel measurement subsystem (PPMS), (2) meteorology measurement subsystem (MMS), and (3) data acquisition subsystem (DAS). PPMS is used to measure the power generation for PV panels. MMS involves different types of sensors, and it is designed to determine atmospheric conditions including wind speed, wind direction, outdoor temperature, humidity, ambient light, and panel temperatures. The measured values by PPMS and MMS are stored in a database using DAS subsystem. In order to improve the measurement accuracy, PPMS and MMS are calibrated. This study also focuses on outdoor testing performances of four new and four 5-year-old PV panels. Average monthly panel efficiencies are estimated as 8.46%, 8.11%, 5.65%, and 3.88% for new Mono, new Poly, new CIS, and new CdTe PV panels, respectively. Moreover, average monthly panel efficiencies of old panels are calculated as 8.22%, 7.85%, 5.35%, and 3.63% in the same order. Test results obtained from the experimental system are also statistically examined and discussed to analyze the performance of PV panels in terms of monthly panel efficiencies.
Adaptive Backstepping Sliding Mode Control of Air-Breathing Hypersonic Vehicles
Authors: Wang Shuo , Jiang Ju , Yu Chaojun
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a controller combining backstepping and adaptive supertwisting sliding mode control method is proposed for altitude and velocity tracking control of air-breathing hypersonic vehicles (AHVs). Firstly, the nonlinear longitudinal model of AHV is introduced and transformed into a strict feedback form, to which the backstepping method can be applied. Considering the longitudinal trajectory tracking control problem (altitude control and velocity control), the altitude tracking control system is decomposed to several one-order subsystems based on the backstepping method, and an adaptive supertwisting sliding mode controller is designed for each subsystem, in order to obtain the virtual control variables and actual control input. Secondly, the overall stability of the closed-loop system is proved by the Lyapunov stability theory. At last, the simulation is carried out on an AHV model. The results show that the proposed controller has good control performances and good robustness in the parameter perturbation case.
The Nonequilibrium Back Reaction of Hawking Radiation to a Schwarzschild Black Hole
Authors: Wang He , Wang Jin
Published: September 2020

We investigate the nonequilibrium back reaction on the Schwarzschild black hole from the radiation field. The back reactions are characterized by the membrane close to the black hole. When the membrane is thin, we found that larger temperature difference can lead to more significant negative surface tension, larger thermodynamic dissipation cost, and back reaction in energy and entropy as well as larger black hole area. This may be relevant to the primordial black holes in early universe. Moreover, our nonequilibrium model can resolve the inconsistency issue of the black hole back reaction under zero mass limit in the equilibrium case. In the thick membrane case, the nonequilibrium back reaction is found to be more significant than that in the thin membrane case. The nonequilibrium temperature difference can increase the energy and entropy loss as well as the thermodynamic dissipation of the black hole and the membrane back reactions. The nonequilibrium dissipation cost characterized by the entropy production rate appears to be significant compared to the entropy rate radiated by the black hole under finite temperature difference. This may shed light on the black hole information paradox due to the information loss from the entropy production rate in the nonequilibrium cases. The nonequilibrium thermodynamic fluctuations can also reflect the effects of the back reactions of the Hawking radiation on the evolution of a black hole.
Integrated Machine Learning and Enhanced Statistical Approach-Based Wind Power Forecasting in Australian Tasmania Wind Farm
Authors: Yao Fang , Liu Wei , Zhao Xingyong , Song Li
Published: September 2020

This paper develops an integrated machine learning and enhanced statistical approach for wind power interval forecasting. A time-series wind power forecasting model is formulated as the theoretical basis of our method. The proposed model takes into account two important characteristics of wind speed: the nonlinearity and the time-changing distribution. Based on the proposed model, six machine learning regression algorithms are employed to forecast the prediction interval of the wind power output. The six methods are tested using real wind speed data collected at a wind station in Australia. For wind speed forecasting, the long short-term memory (LSTM) network algorithm outperforms other five algorithms. In terms of the prediction interval, the five nonlinear algorithms show superior performances. The case studies demonstrate that combined with an appropriate nonlinear machine learning regression algorithm, the proposed methodology is effective in wind power interval forecasting.
Dual Blockade of c-MET and the Androgen Receptor in Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer: A Phase I Study of Concurrent Enzalutamide and Crizotinib
Authors: Tripathi Abhishek , Supko Jeffrey G. , Gray Kathryn P. , Melnick Zachary J. , Regan Meredith M. , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Choudhury Atish D. , Pomerantz Mark M. , Bellmunt Joaquim , Yu Channing , Sun Zijie , Srinivas Sandy , Kantoff Philip W. , Sweeney Christopher J. , Harshman Lauren C.
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

Androgen receptor (AR) inhibition can upregulate c-MET expression, which may be a resistance mechanism driving progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We conducted a phase I trial investigating the safety and pharmacokinetics of a potent c-MET inhibitor, crizotinib, with the AR antagonist, enzalutamide, in CRPC.

Patients and Methods:

Employing a 3+3 dose-escalation design, we tested three dose levels of crizotinib (250 mg daily, 200 mg twice a day, and 250 mg twice a day) with standard-dose enzalutamide (160 mg daily). The primary endpoint was rate of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). Tolerability and pharmacokinetics profile were secondary endpoints.

Results:

Twenty-four patients were enrolled in the dose-escalation (n = 16) and dose-expansion (n = 8) phases. Two DLTs occurred in dose escalation (grade 3 alanine aminotransferase elevation). The MTD of crizotinib was 250 mg twice a day. Most frequent treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (50%), transaminitis (38%), nausea (33%), and vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea (21% each). Grade ≥3 events (25%) included transaminitis (n = 2), fatigue (n = 1), hypertension (n = 1), pulmonary embolism (n = 1), and a cardiac event encompassing QTc prolongation/ventricular arrhythmia/cardiac arrest. Median progression-free survival was 5.5 months (95% confidence interval, 2.8–21.2). Pharmacokinetics analysis at the MTD (n = 12) revealed a mean Cmaxss of 104 ± 45 ng/mL and AUCτss of 1,000 ± 476 ng•h/mL, representing a 74% decrease in crizotinib systemic exposure relative to historical data (Cmaxss, 315 ng/mL and AUCτss, 3,817 ng•h/mL).

Conclusions:

Concurrent administration of enzalutamide and crizotinib resulted in a clinically significant 74% decrease in systemic crizotinib exposure. Further investigation of this combination in CRPC is not planned. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating pharmacokinetics interactions when evaluating novel combination strategies in CRPC.
Predisposition to Hyperthyroidism May Be Influenced by Functional TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10 Polymorphisms: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ma Hong , Tan Ting , Wu Jie , Chen Juan , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: September 2020

Background: Predisposition to hyperthyroidism may be influenced by functional gene polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). However, the results of the studies published so far remain discrepant, so we conducted a meta-analysis to more robustly investigate relationships between TNF-α/IL-1/IL-4/IL-6/IL-10 polymorphisms and predisposition to hyperthyroidism. Methods: A comprehensive literature retrieval from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, WanFang, VIP, and CNKI was endorsed by the authors, and 38 studies were found to be eligible for pooled meta-analyses. Results: We found that genotypic frequencies of TNF-α −308 G/A, IL-1A −889 C/T, IL-6 −174 G/C, IL-6 −572 G/C, IL-10 −819 C/T, and IL-10 −1082 A/G polymorphisms among cases were significantly different from those among controls. Moreover, we also found that genotypic frequencies of TNF-α −308 G/A and IL-6 −174 G/C polymorphisms among cases of Caucasian origin were significantly different from those among Caucasian controls, and genotypic frequencies of IL-1A −889 C/T, IL-1B −511 C/T, IL-6 −174 G/C, IL-6 −572 G/C, and IL-10 −1,082 A/G polymorphisms among cases of Asian origin were also significantly different from those among Asian controls. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that TNF-α −308 G/A, IL-1A −889 C/T, IL-1B −511 C/T, IL-6 −174 G/C, IL-6 −572 G/C, IL-10 −819 C/T, and IL-10 −1,082 A/G polymorphisms may influence predisposition to hyperthyroidism in certain ethnic groups.
Isolated Cervical Myelitis in Lyme Disease: A Rare Manifestation of Acute Neuroborreliosis
Authors: Hieber Maren , Lambeck Johann , Rauer Sebastian , Bardutzky Juergen
Published: September 2020

Neuroborreliosis is the neurological manifestation of Lyme disease, a tick-borne infectious multi-system disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. It appears in 3 to 15% of all cases of acute Lyme disease, and includes meningitis, cranial neuritis, and painful radiculoneuritis as the most common manifestations. We report a case of acute neuroborreliosis that manifested as extended isolated cervical myelitis. Not only the manifestation as isolated myelitis in the early stages of borreliosis represents a rarity, but also the strong contrast between mild clinical symptoms and pronounced imaging findings in this case is remarkable.
Volume-Staged Radiosurgery for Large Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Xuan Nguyen Thanh , Tuong Pham Nguyen , Khoa Tran , Hiep Pham Nhu , Thanh Nguyen Van , Bao Dang Hoai
Published: September 2020

Lаrge аrteriovenous mаlformаtions (АVMs) аre chаllenges in mаnаgement becаuse of outcomes аnd аdverse аffects. Volume-stаged rаdiosurgery hаs been аn аppropriаte аpproаch when removаl resection аnd embolizаtion аre not recommended. А 53-yeаr-old gentlemаn wаs diаgnosed with а lаrge intrаcrаniаl АVM with persistent heаdаche аnd short-term seizure. Brаin mаgnetic resonаnce аnd аngiogrаph showed а bulky volume of АVM nidus. Removаl resection аnd embolizаtion were not recommended becаuse of high risk of аdverse аffects. The pаtient wаs treаted by volume-stаged rаdiosurgery. One yeаr post-treаtment, obliterаtion for right internаl cаrotid аrtery wаs completed. Volume-stаged rаdiosurgery is а potentiаl treаtment option for lаrge АVM with controlled аnd obliterаtion efficаcy, especiаlly to АVMs which аre not аppropriаte for removаl surgery аnd embolizаtion.
Making Sense of Infants’ Differential Responses to Incongruity
Authors: Mireault Gina C. , Reddy Vasudevi
Published: September 2020

Infants show strikingly different reactions to incongruity: looking or smiling. The former occurs in response to magical events and the latter to humorous events. We argue that these reactions depend largely on the respective experimental methodologies employed, including the popular violation of expectation (VOE) paradigm. Although both types of studies involve infants’ reactions to incongruity, their literatures have yet to confront each other, and researchers in each domain are drawing strikingly different conclusions regarding infants’ understanding of the world. Here, we argue that infants are sensitive to and constrained by several contextual differences in the methodologies employed by incongruity researchers that afford one or the other reaction. We apply De Jaegher and Di Paolo’s participatory sense-making framework to further understand what infants are sensitive to in these paradigms. Understanding infants’ reactions to incongruity (i.e., VOE) is necessary to clear up claims regarding the sophistication of their knowledge of physical and social phenomena. Attention to several simple methodological details is recommended.
Dawson Fingers in Older Adults with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Population Study
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar H. , Mera Robertino M. , Costa Aldo F. , Silva Patricia , Del Brutto Victor J.
Published: September 2020

Dawson fingers are used to differentiate multiple sclerosis (MS) from other conditions that affect the subcortical white matter. However, there are no studies evaluating the presence of Dawson fingers in subjects with cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). We aimed to assess prevalence and ­correlates of Dawson fingers in older adults with cSVD-related moderate-to-severe white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Community-dwelling older adults residing in rural Ecuador – identified by means of door-to-door surveys – underwent a brain MRI. Exams of individuals with cSVD-related moderate-to-severe WMH were reviewed with attention to the presence of Dawson fingers. Of 590 enrolled individuals, 172 (29%) had moderate-to-severe WMH. Of these, 18 (10.5%) had Dawson fingers. None had neurological manifestations suggestive of MS. Increasing age was independently associated with Dawson fingers (p = 0.017). Dawson fingers may be less specific for MS than previously thought. Concomitant damage of deep medullary veins may explain the presence of Dawson fingers in cSVD.
Pretreatment Immature Platelet Fraction as a Surrogate of Reticulated Platelets Predicts the Response to Corticosteroids in Adults with Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Takami Akiyoshi , Mizuno Shohei , Nakamura Ayano , Kanasugi Jo , Yamamoto Hidesuke , Vu Quang Lam , Nakagami Yuya , Nakano Yuta , Yamada Saki , Matsumura Saori , Takasugi Souichi , Uchino Kaori , Horio Tomohiro , Murakami Satsuki , Oohigashi Yuka , Nakayama Takayuki , Tani Hiroya , Enomoto Megumi , Hanamura Ichiro
Published: September 2020

Objectives: Reticulated platelets circulating in the blood reflect megakaryopoietic activity and platelet turnover and can be automatically and low-invasively measured as the immature platelet fraction (IPF) using a Sysmex XN hematocytometer. The present study retrospectively investigated whether or not the IPF can predict the treatment response to corticosteroids in adult patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Methods: Forty-six patients who had been newly diagnosed with primary treatment-naïve ITP and started treatment with corticosteroids were analyzed. Results: Among the 46 primary ITP patients, 33 (72%) responded to the treatment and 13 (28%) did not. The percentage of IPF (IPF%) among the nonresponders was significantly lower than that of the responders (6.6 vs. 16.0%; p < 0.001). In the receiver operating characteristics analysis, the optimum IPF% cut-off value for predicting the treatment response was 12%, with a specificity of 85% and a sensitivity of 76%. Conclusions: Our findings thus suggest that measuring the IPF% as a surrogate of reticulated platelets is useful to identify patients likely to respond to corticosteroids.
Adiponectin and Leptin Adipocytokines in Metabolic Syndrome: What Is Its Importance?
Authors: Gunturiz Albarracín María Luz , Forero Torres Ana Yibby
Published: September 2020

The global obesity epidemic has motivated a large number of investigations related to adipose tissue. Within the advances in this area, a variety of factors secreted by adipose tissue and with regulatory activity on caloric intake, energy expenditure, reproduction, locomotor activity, glycidic and lipid metabolism, immune response, and bone physiology have been described. Among these adipocyte hormones, collectively called “adipokines” or “adipocytokines,” leptin (LEP) and adiponectin are addressed in this review. The regulation of adipocytokines is altered in diseases such as obesity, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome (MS) due to the increase in the mass of white adipose tissue. LEP and adiponectin have a broad spectrum of functions in regulating metabolism and are an important link between obesity and MS. Because these adipocytokines have opposite effects on subclinical inflammation and insulin resistance, it has been suggested that the combined use of these 2 adipocytokines may work as a better biomarker in the diagnosis of MS than using them individually. In this review, we address the characteristics and main functions of adipocytokines derived from adipose tissue such as adiponectin and LEP, which in the Colombian context could give good guidance for the management of MS, especially in populations of children and adolescents.
Scutation asymmetries in red-footed tortoise Chelonoidis carbonaria Spix, 1824 (Testudines: Testudinidae)
Authors: Parés-Casanova Pere M. , Brando Pinzón , Caviedes Daniel , Salamanca-Carreño Arcesio
Published: September 2020

The ability of an individual to withstand random perturbations during its development is considered a good indicator of environmental and genetic stress. A common means of assessing developmental stability is through analysis of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in bilateral traits. Tortoises, with their large, solid plastron, allow for measurement of body geometry. Their bilateral shell scutes are ideal candidates for asymmetries researches. With this issue in mind we assessed, as a preliminary study, levels of plastron scute asymmetry in a sample of 46 red-footed tortoise Chelonoidis carbonaria from Arauca, N Colombia. We found significative fluctuating asymmetry (FA) but no directional asymmetry, the former not increasing with carapace size and thus indicating that tortoise shells do not become increasingly asymmetrical with age, or in other words, signaling that FA is not being influenced by pholidosis (variability of scale cover mosaic according to the development of the scutes). Asymmetry in plastron shape, although not necessarily apparent at first glance, varied, with gender with males exhibiting higher levels of FA than females. Although we can not identify the potential sources of variation responsible for the observed patterns of developmental instability, we consider this detected form of asymmetry due to unfavorable environmental conditions.
Reptile diversity in the Duas Bocas Biological Reserve, Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Cozer Jonathan Silva , Pereira-Ribeiro Juliane , Linause Thais Meirelles , Ferreguetti Atilla Colombo , Bergallo Helena de Godoy , Rocha Carlos Frederico Duarte da
Published: September 2020

The lack of information on the occurrence of species in a region limits the understanding of the composition and structure of the local community and, consequently, restricts the proposition of effective measures for species conservation. In this study, we researched the reptiles in the Duas Bocas Biological Reserve (DBBR), Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. We analyzed the parameters of the local community, such as richness, composition, and abundance of species. We conducted samplings from August 2017 to January 2019, through active search. We performed the samplings in nine standard plots of 250 meters in length. All individuals located in the plots or occasionally on the trails were registered. To evaluate sample effort to characterize the reptile community, we performed an accumulation curve of species, and to update the DBBR reptile list, we used as secondary data specimens deposited in collections and previously published studies. Considering primary and secondary data, we recorded 38 species, one chelonia, 13 lizards, and 24 snakes. Our study showed a richness of 15 additional species to the previous list of reptiles, increasing by about 40% the known richness to the area. We concluded that the DBBR holds a high richness of reptile species, representing 12% of the richness of reptiles of the Atlantic Forest and with a considerable number of endemic species in this biome. This suggests that the DBBR is an important forest fragment constituting a reservoir of the biodiversity of the reptiles of the Atlantic Forest.
As origens do movimento negro em Portugal (1911-1933): uma geração pan-africanista e antirracista
Authors: Varela Pedro , Pereira José Augusto
Published: September 2020

Entre 1911 e 1933 surgiu um movimento negro em Portugal que estava integrado no pan-africanismo internacional da época, lutou contra o racismo e iniciou um processo embrionário e ambivalente de questionamento do colonialismo. Durante a Primeira República Portuguesa (1910) e a ditadura do Estado Novo (1933), esta geração fundou vários jornais e diversas organizações em Lisboa. No entanto, até hoje existe um enorme silêncio historiográfico acerca deste movimento. Neste artigo, buscar-se-á, de forma inédita, demonstrar a emergência de um movimento negro politicamente organizado em Portugal no início do século XX, fundamentalmente por meio da análise da sua imprensa.
Promise and Potential Peril With Lumacaftor for the Trafficking Defective Type 2 Long-QT Syndrome-Causative Variants, p.G604S, p.N633S, and p.R685P, Using Patient-Specific Re-Engineered Cardiomyocytes
Authors: O’Hare Bailey J. , John Kim C.S. , Hamrick Samantha K. , Ye Dan , Tester David J. , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: September 2020

Background:

The
KCNH2
-encoded Kv11.1 hERG (human ether-a-go-go related gene) potassium channel is a critical regulator of cardiomyocyte action potential duration (APD). The majority of type 2 long-QT syndrome (LQT2) stems from trafficking defective
KCNH2
mutations. Recently, Food and Drug Administration-approved cystic fibrosis protein trafficking chaperone, lumacaftor, has been proposed as novel therapy for LQT2. Here, we test the efficacy of lumacaftor treatment in patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell-cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) derived from 2 patients with known LQT2 trafficking defective mutations and a patient with novel KCNH2 variant, p.R685P.

Methods:

Patient-specific iPSC-CM models of KCNH2-G604S, KCNH2-N633S, and KCNH2-R685P were generated from 3 unrelated patients diagnosed with severe LQT2 (rate-corrected QT>500 ms). Lumacaftor efficacy was also tested by ANEPPS, FluoVolt, and ArcLight voltage dye-based APD90 measurements.

Results:

All 3 mutations were hERG trafficking defective in iPSC-CMs. While lumacaftor treatment failed to rescue the hERG trafficking defect in TSA201 cells, lumacaftor rescued channel trafficking for all mutations in the iPSC-CM model. All 3 mutations conferred a prolonged APD90 compared with control. While lumacaftor treatment rescued the phenotype of KCNH2-N633S and KCNH2-R685P, lumacaftor paradoxically prolonged the APD90 in KCNH2-G604S iPSC-CMs. Lumacaftor-mediated APD90 rescue was affected by rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current blocker consistent with the increase of rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current by lumacaftor is the underlying mechanism of the LQT2 rescue.

Conclusions:

While lumacaftor is an effective hERG channel trafficking chaperone and may be therapeutic for LQT2, we urge caution. Without understanding the functionality of the mutant channel to be rescued, lumacaftor therapy could be harmful.
Taxonomic notes in South American Miconia IV: the rare Miconia pennipilis Cogn. is actually a synonym of the enigmatic Miconia dura Triana

Authors: GOLDENBERG RENATO , BACCI LUCAS F.
Published: September 2020

Miconia dura Triana (1871: 131) has been ignored in taxonomic treatments since Cogniaux (1886-1888, 1891), who treated it as “incertae sedis” or “species dubia”. Cogniaux did not see type specimens of M. dura, nor have more recent taxonomists, because the holotype was destroyed in the Berlin herbarium during World War II. Miconia pennipilis Cogniaux (1887: 287) is a narrowly endemic species, that apparently occurs in only one locality near Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil (Rolim 2011). Including Glaziou’s collection of the type of M. pennipilis in 1884, all samples of this species have been gathered in high elevation grasslands at the Pico do Itacolomi, now a state park managed by the government of the state of Minas Gerais. Despite being so rare, this species is very distinctive, mostly because of its unusual inflorescences, which are pendulous, with bifid and secund (scorpioid) branches (Figs. 1, 2). Our curiosity regarding M. dura began while preparing the online monograph on Miconia for the “Flora do Brasil 2020” (see BFG 2018). Looking for characteristics to help us recognize M. dura, we found it to be remarkably similar to M. pennipilis. Furthermore, Triana’s (1871) description of M. dura matches the illustration of M. pennipilis in the Flora Brasiliensis. In conclusion, we propose the synonymization of M. pennipilis Cogn. under M. dura Triana, despite the fact that no evidence other than the description of the latter species is available for its recognition, i.e., no specimen that could be confirmed as a duplicate of the type at B has been found. We also propose here a neotype for M. dura, because the holotype was destroyed, and a lectotype for M. pennipilis, because the description of that species was based on three syntypes.
Cavonus Sharp, 1875 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Pentodontini: Pseudoryctina) in Western Australia with description of a new species and the female of Cavonus sculpturatus Blackburn, 1888
Authors: HUTCHINSON PAUL M. , ALLSOPP PETER G.
Published: September 2020

The species of Cavonus Sharp, 1875 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Pentodontini: Pseudoryctina) from Western Australia, Australia are revised and Cavonus fovealacus new species is described from southwestern Western Australia. The female attributed to Epironastes nigrisetosus Carne, 1957 is redescribed as the female of Cavonus sculpturatus Blackburn, 1888, as is the male of C. sculpturatus. Cavonus latecavatus Dupuis, 2017, from near Menzies in southwestern Western Australia, is transferred to Carneoryctes Özdikmen, 2009 as Carneoryctes latecavatus (Dupuis), new combination. Habitat descriptions, a distributional map, and revised keys to accommodate the new species are presented.
A new species of the mud shrimp genus Axianassa Schmitt, 1924 (Decapoda: Gebiidea: Laomediidae) from Japan
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , WATANABE TETSUYA , MATSUI SHOKO , TAMEGO TOMOYASU
Published: September 2020

The laomediid mud shrimp genus Axianassa Schmitt, 1924 is currently represented by 12 species worldwide. In this study, a new species of the genus, A. microlepis, is described and illustrated on the basis of two female specimens obtained from Awaji Island, eastern part of the Seto Inland Sea, Japan, at depth of 8 m. The type specimens were collected by means of an airlift suction sampler, which enables collection of infauna in subtidal soft sediments. The new species, representing the fourth species of the genus known from the western Pacific, is readily distinguished from other congeners by the unique structure of the antennal scaphocerite (short, non-dagger shaped, terminally rounded or having spine and blade), faintly crenulate rostral margins and the presence of a small lateral notch on the uropodal endopod. An amended identification key to the species of Axianassa and Heteroaxianassa Sakai, 2016 is provided.
A novel, diminutive Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker, 1860 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from a sacred grove in Odisha, eastern India
Authors: MOHAPATRA PRATYUSH P. , KHANDEKAR AKSHAY , DUTTA SUSHIL K. , MAHAPATRA CUCKOO , AGARWAL ISHAN
Published: September 2020

We describe a distinct new species of Hemiphyllodactylus from a sacred grove near Humma in Ganjam District of Odisha state, eastern India. Hemiphyllodactylus minimus sp. nov. is the smallest member of the genus and can be diagnosed from all peninsular Indian congeners by its small body size (SVL ≤32.2 mm, n=11), having 15–18 dorsal scales and eight or nine ventral scales at mid-body contained within one longitudinal eye diameter, nine or ten precloacal pores separated by 4–6 poreless scales from a series of six or seven femoral pores on each thigh in males, lamellar formula of manus 2222 and of pes 2332 & 2333, as well as subtle colour pattern differences. Additionally, the new species is 16.0–22.7 % divergent from all other peninsular Indian Hemiphyllodactylus in uncorrected ND2 sequence data. The new species is the first member of the genus described from Odisha state and also the first Hemiphyllodactylus known from < 100 m asl. The discovery of Hemiphyllodactylus minimus sp. nov. from a low elevation coastal locality in the Eastern Ghats open ups the possibilities that the genus could be more widespread than currently understood and potentially harbour many more distinct undescribed lineages. Therefore, dedicated fine-scale sampling efforts are needed to uncover the true diversity and distribution of Hemiphyllodactylus in the region.
Kinematic Structure and Dynamics of the Denmark Strait Overflow from Ship-Based Observations
Authors: Lin Peigen , Pickart Robert S. , Jochumsen Kerstin , Moore G. W. K. , Valdimarsson Héðinn , Fristedt Tim , Pratt Lawrence J.
Published: September 2020

The dense outflow through Denmark Strait is the largest contributor to the lower limb of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, yet a description of the full velocity field across the strait remains incomplete. Here we analyze a set of 22 shipboard hydrographic–velocity sections occupied along the Látrabjarg transect at the Denmark Strait sill, obtained over the time period 1993–2018. The sections provide the first complete view of the kinematic components at the sill: the shelfbreak East Greenland Current (EGC), the combined flow of the separated EGC, and the North Icelandic Jet (NIJ), and the northward-flowing North Icelandic Irminger Current (NIIC). The total mean transport of overflow water is 3.54 ± 0.29 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106m3s−1), comparable to previous estimates. The dense overflow is partitioned in terms of water mass constituents and flow components. The mean transports of the two types of overflow water—Atlantic-origin Overflow Water and Arctic-origin Overflow Water—are comparable in Denmark Strait, while the merged NIJ–separated EGC transports 55% more water than the shelfbreak EGC. A significant degree of water mass exchange takes place between the branches as they converge in Denmark Strait. There are two dominant time-varying configurations of the flow that are characterized as a cyclonic state and a noncyclonic state. These appear to be wind-driven. A potential vorticity analysis indicates that the flow through Denmark Strait is subject to symmetric instability. This occurs at the top of the overflow layer, implying that the mixing/entrainment process that modifies the overflow water begins at the sill.
Challenges in Upgrading Emergency Power in Florida Nursing Homes following Hurricane Irma
Authors: Hutton Nicole S. , Allen Michael J.
Published: September 2020

Maintaining and restoring electricity after a disaster helps to preserve the health and well-being of the elderly who are at increased risk of heat stress and may be dependent upon life-sustaining medical equipment. Mitigation policies altered in reaction to increased public interest without thorough consideration of industry-specific resources may contribute to delays in implementation and unrealized potential for emergency power coverage within individual facilities. The objectives of this research are twofold: (i) to examine the relationship between preexisting conditions of life-safety systems at facilities and date of implementation of emergency power regulation improvements and (ii) to assess the role of interagency connections—such as emergency management, fire safety, health care administration, and electricity providers—in facilitating compliance with safety regulations. A case study regarding the capacity to implement new emergency power regulations was conducted in Florida with 12 nursing homes affected by Hurricane Irma. The proposals to maintain temperatures and life-sustaining equipment under the updated regulations were not consistent among nursing homes within each county or between counties. Facilities with no preexisting life-safety violations were among the first to comply with new emergency power regulations. Those with prior violations often utilized procedural updates and external resources to comply. Nursing facilities that required additional support for remediation prior to the storm had plans approved earlier or without a second review as compared with those relying on internal resources. These results establish a baseline for the conditions associated with timely compliance including the importance of collective agency to mitigate risk.
‘Thriving instead of surviving’: A capability approach to geographical career transitions in the creative industries
Authors: Alacovska Ana , Fieseler Christian , Wong Sut I
Published: September 2020

This article examines career transitions in creative industries that involve geographical relocation from large metropolitan creative cities to small, remote and marginal urbanities. Drawing on 31 in-depth interviews with freelancers who have relocated to peripheral Southern European locales, the article explores the ways in which creative workers make sense of and justify their career transitions away from the metropolis, while reassessing reflexively over their lifespan the shifting meaning of their career success. We propose the adoption of Nussbaum’s capability approach in the study of such career transitions as a means of strengthening current theorizing about the role played by urban contexts in individual conceptualizations of career success and meaningful professional identities. Applying this analytical lens, we tease out the ways in which our informants perceived the influence exerted by different urban contexts on their capacity to enact a set of capabilities for the attainment of well-being and quality of life at different stages in their careers while striving to preserve a stable professional identity as creative workers. We argue that a good life evaluation, which includes a reflexive and comprehensive reassessment of the capabilities to live life well while pursuing a creative career, underlies creative workers’ shifting interpretations of geographical career transition that contravene conventional measures of career upward mobility, development and growth.