bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Effect of Calcination and Grinding of Corn Stalk Ash on Pozzolanic Potential for Sustainable Cement‐Based Materials
Authors: Memon Shazim Ali , Khan Saba , Wahid Israr , Shestakova Yekaterina , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: April 2020

In developing countries, one of the usual practices is the uncontrolled, open burning of corn stalk (CS) or its utilization as a fuel. It is known that the ash obtained under uncontrolled burning conditions constitutes blackish and unburnt carbon particles as well as whitish and grayish particles (representing crystallization of silica) due to over burning. However, controlling the burning process can improve the quality of ash produced to effectively use it in cement‐based materials. Hence, this research was aimed at exploring the pozzolanic properties of corn stalk ash upon calcination and grinding, for it to be used in the manufacturing of sustainable cement‐based materials. In order to obtain a suitable corn stalk ash (CSA), which can be used in cement/concrete, a research investigation consisted of two phases. In the first phase, calcination was carried out at 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C, and 800°C for 2 hours. The tests applied on the resulting ashes were weight loss, XRD, pozzolanic activity index (PAI), Chapelle, Fratini, and consistency. From XRD spectra, it was found that, at lower temperatures, silica remained amorphous, while it crystallized at higher temperature. Ash combusted at a temperature of 500°C possessed largest pozzolanic activity of 96.8%, had a Fratini CaO reduction of 93.2%, and Chapelle activity of 856.3 mg/g. Thus, 500°C was chosen as an optimum calcination temperature. In the second phase, the ash produced at 500°C was grinded for durations of 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes to ascertain the optimum grinding times. Resulting ashes were examined for hydrometer analysis, Blaine fineness, Chapelle activity, and pozzolanic activity. Experiment outcomes revealed a direct relationship between values of Blaine fineness, surface area, Chapelle activity, PAI, and grinding duration. It was concluded that CSA can be used as a pozzolan, and thus, its utilization in cement/concrete would solve ash disposal problems and aid in production of eco‐friendly cement/concrete.
Isoliquiritigenin Inhibits Atherosclerosis by Blocking TRPC5 Channel Expression
Authors: Qi Jie , Cui Jianguo , Mi Baobin , Yan Xiaohong , Xu Wenwen , Ma Hui , Zhang Qingtan , Xu Fang
Published: April 2020

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a flavonoid isolated mainly from the licorice plant, a traditional Chinese herb. ISL has shown anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities. However, the pharmaceutical effects of ISL on atherosclerosis are seldom explored. In this study, we used apolipoproteinE(ApoE) knockout mouse model and angiotensin II- (Ang II-) stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to elucidate the pharmacological mechanism of ISL to inhibit atherosclerosis. We found that in ApoE−/−mice ISL could attenuate atherosclerotic lesion, reduce serum lipid levels, and inhibit TRPC5 expression. In vitro, ISL inhibited Ang II-stimulated proliferation of VSMCs and suppressed Ang II-induced TRPC5 and PCNA expressions in a dose-dependent fashion. In conclusion, our findings provide novel insight into the pharmacological effects of ISL on atherosclerosis and suggest that ISL is beneficial for cardiovascular protection.
Levitation Stability and Hopf Bifurcation of EMS Maglev Trains
Authors: Hu Junxiong , Ma Weihua , Chen Xiaohao , Luo Shihui
Published: April 2020

This paper analyzed the mechanical characteristics of single electromagnet system and elastic track beam of EMS maglev train and established a five-dimensional dynamics model of single electromagnet-track beam coupled system with classical PD control strategy adopted for its levitation system. Then, based on the Hurwitz criterion and the high-dimensional Hopf bifurcation theory, the stability of the coupled system is analyzed; the existence of the Hopf bifurcation is discussed and the bifurcation direction and the stability of the periodic solution are determined with levitation control feedback coefficient kp as the bifurcation parameter; and numerical simulation is conducted to verify the validity of the theoretical analysis results. The results show that the Hurwitz algebra criterion can directly determine the eigenvalues and symbols of the dynamics system to facilitate the analysis on the stability of the system and the Hopf bifurcation without the necessity of calculating the specific eigenvalues; supercritical Hopf bifurcation will occur under the given parameters, that is, when kp<kp0, the real-time system is asymptotically stable, yet Hopf bifurcation occurs as kp increases gradually beyond kp0, with the stability of the system lost and a stable limit cycle branched.
Asymptotic Behaviors for Delay Lotka–Volterra Model Disturbed by G-Brownian Motion
Authors: He Ping , Ren Yong , Zhang Defei
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we propose the stochastic Lotka–Volterra model with delay disturbed by G-Brownian motion dx=diagx1,x2,…,xnAxt−τ+bdBt+σxdBt. Under a natural assumption on noise, we study existence and uniqueness of the global positive solution for the system and its asymptotic pathwise moment behavior and prove that the solution does not explode to infinity in a finite time.
Preventive Effects of Kaempferol on High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obesity Complications in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Wang Tieqiao , Wu Qiaomin , Zhao Tingqi
Published: April 2020

Kaempferol is a dietary flavanol that regulates cellular lipid and glucose metabolism. Its mechanism of action in preventing hepatic steatosis and obesity‐related disorders has yet to be clarified. The purpose of this research was to examine kaempferol’s antiobesity effects in high‐fat diet‐ (HFD‐) fed mice and to investigate its impact on their gut microbiota. Using a completely randomized design, 30 mice were equally assigned to a control group, receiving a low‐fat diet, an HFD group, receiving a high‐fat diet, and an HFD+kaempferol group, receiving a high‐fat diet and kaempferol doses of 200 mg/kg in the diet. After eight weeks, the HFD mice displayed substantial body and liver weight gain and high blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels. However, treatment with kaempferol moderated body and liver weight gain and elevation of blood glucose and serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Examination of 16S ribosomal RNA showed that HFD mice exhibited decreased microbial diversity, but kaempferol treatment maintained it to nearly the same levels as those in the control group. In conclusion, kaempferol can protect against obesity and insulin resistance in mice on a high‐fat diet, partly through regulating their gut microbiota and moderating the decrease in insulin resistance.
An Integrated Model to Characterize Comprehensive Stiffness of Angular Contact Ball Bearings
Authors: Lei Chunli , Li Fuhong , Gong Baoru , Jia Xibin
Published: April 2020

The bearing dynamic behaviors will be complicated due to the changes in the geometric sizes and relative positions of the bearing components at high speed. In this paper, based on the Hertz contact theory, elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model, and Jones’ bearing theory, the comprehensive stiffness model of the angular contact ball bearing is proposed in consideration of the effects of elastic deformation, centrifugal deformation, thermal deformation, and the ball spinning motion. The influences of these factors on bearing dynamic stiffness are investigated in detail. The calculation results show that the centrifugal deformation and thermal deformation increase with the increase in rotation speed. When the centrifugal deformation and thermal deformation are considered, the bearing radial contact stiffness increases as the speed increases, whereas the axial contact stiffness and the angular contact stiffness decrease. When the deformations and the EHL are all considered, the comprehensive bearing stiffness decreases with the increasing speed. It is also found that the spinning motion of the ball causes the comprehensive bearing stiffness to increase.
Effect of Carvacrol, TRP Channels Modulator, on Cardiac Electrical Activity
Authors: Almanaitytė Mantė , Jurevičius Jonas , Mačianskienė Regina
Published: April 2020

Despite the wide application of carvacrol (CAR) in medicines, dietary supplements, and foods, there is still insufficient electrophysiological data on the mechanisms of action of CAR, particularly with regard to heart function. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to elucidate whether CAR, whose inhibitory effect on both cardiac and vascular TRPM7 and L‐type Ca2+ currents has been demonstrated previously, could modify cardiac electrical activity. We used a combination of optical mapping and microelectrode techniques to track the action potentials (APs) and the spread of electrical activity in a Langendorff‐perfused rabbit heart model during atrial/endo/epicardial pacing. Simultaneously, ECG recordings were acquired. Because human trials on CAR are still lacking, we tested the action of CAR on human ventricular preparations obtained from explanted hearts. Activation time (AT), AP duration (APD), and conduction velocity maps were constructed. We demonstrated that at a low concentration (10 μM) of CAR, only marginal changes in the AP parameters were observed. At higher concentrations (≥100 μM), a decrease in AP upstroke velocity (dV/dtmax), suggesting inhibition of Na+ current, and APD (at 50 and 90% repolarization) was detected; also slowing in the spread of electrical signals via the atrioventricular node was observed, suggesting impaired functioning of Ca2+ channels. In addition, a decrease in the T‐wave amplitude was seen on the ECG, suggesting an impaired repolarization process. Nevertheless, those changes occurred without a significant impact on the resting membrane potential and were reversible. We suggest that CAR might play a role in modulating cardiac electrical activity at high concentrations.
A Review of Deep Learning Security and Privacy Defensive Techniques
Authors: Tariq Muhammad Imran , Memon Nisar Ahmed , Ahmed Shakeel , Tayyaba Shahzadi , Mushtaq Muhammad Tahir , Mian Natash Ali , Imran Muhammad , Ashraf Muhammad W.
Published: April 2020

In recent past years, Deep Learning presented an excellent performance in different areas like image recognition, pattern matching, and even in cybersecurity. The Deep Learning has numerous advantages including fast solving complex problems, huge automation, maximum application of unstructured data, ability to give high quality of results, reduction of high costs, no need for data labeling, and identification of complex interactions, but it also has limitations like opaqueness, computationally intensive, need for abundant data, and more complex algorithms. In our daily life, we used many applications that use Deep Learning models to make decisions based on predictions, and if Deep Learning models became the cause of misprediction due to internal/external malicious effects, it may create difficulties in our real life. Furthermore, the Deep Learning training models often have sensitive information of the users and those models should not be vulnerable and expose security and privacy. The algorithms of Deep Learning and machine learning are still vulnerable to different types of security threats and risks. Therefore, it is necessary to call the attention of the industry in respect of security threats and related countermeasures techniques for Deep Learning, which motivated the authors to perform a comprehensive survey of Deep Learning security and privacy security challenges and countermeasures in this paper. We also discussed the open challenges and current issues.
Strategies to Improve the Outcome of Cryoballoon Ablation in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Huang Ying , Wang Yuehan , Song Chenyu
Published: April 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia contributing to severe outcomes, including cardiac dysfunction and stroke, and it has drawn great attention around the world. Drug therapies have been available for many years to terminate AF and control heart rate. However, the results from clinical studies on drug therapies have been discouraging. Mounting evidence indicates that radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is a safe and effective method to maintain sinus rhythm, especially in patients who are drug intolerant or for whom the drugs are ineffective, although it is a technically demanding and complex procedure. Fortunately, a novel application, cryoballoon ablation (CBA), with outstanding characteristics has been widely used. Great outcomes based on CBA have manifested its significant role in the treatment of AF. However, how to improve the safety and efficacy of CBA is a question that has not been well‐answered. Would it be helpful to develop a different generation of cryoballoon? Is bonus freezing beneficial, or not? Is it better to prolong freezing time? Dose CBA combined with RFCA bring higher success rates? In this review, we comprehensively summarized useful applications for improving outcomes of CBA in AF patients.
Post Bauxite Mining Land Soil Characteristics and Its Effects on the Growth of Falcataria moluccana (Miq.) Barneby & J. W. Grimes and Albizia saman (Jacq.) Merr.
Authors: Prematuri Ricksy , Turjaman Maman , Sato Takumi , Tawaraya Keitaro
Published: April 2020

The remediation of opencast bauxite mines in the natural forests of Indonesia is difficult. We have investigated and contrasted the chemical characteristics of soils from natural forests and mining sites and their effects on plant growth. The soil pH, total carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and available phosphorus (P) concentrations, cation exchange capacity, C/N ratio, and exchangeable K, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, and Ni concentrations were determined. Falcataria moluccana and Albizia saman were then grown in these soils for 15 weeks, and their shoot heights, shoot dry weights, and root dry weights determined. The post bauxite mining soils’ N, C, and available P concentrations and exchangeable Ca, Mg, and Na concentrations decreased by 75, 75.7, 15.7, 92, 100, and 52%, respectively, in comparison with the natural forest soils. The shoot and root dry weights of F. moluccana when grown in the post bauxite mining soils were also lower than those from the natural forest soils. However, there was no difference in the shoot and root dry weights of A. saman when grown in the two soil types. The results suggest that opencast mining decreases the soil fertility, which in turn inhibits the initial growth of tree seedlings, and reduces the carbon stock in the land.
Combining 3D-CNN and Squeeze-and-Excitation Networks for Remote Sensing Sea Ice Image Classification
Authors: Han Yanling , Wei Cong , Zhou Ruyan , Hong Zhonghua , Zhang Yun , Yang Shuhu
Published: April 2020

Sea ice is one of the most prominent marine disasters in high latitudes. Remote sensing technology provides an effective means for sea ice detection. Remote sensing sea ice images contain rich spectral and spatial information. However, most traditional methods only focus on spectral information or spatial information, and do not excavate the feature of spectral and spatial simultaneously in remote sensing sea ice images classification. At the same time, the complex correlation characteristics among spectra and small sample problem in sea ice classification also limit the improvement of sea ice classification accuracy. For this issue, this paper proposes a new remote sensing sea ice image classification method based on squeeze-and-excitation (SE) network, convolutional neural network (CNN), and support vector machines (SVMs). The proposed method designs 3D-CNN deep network so as to fully exploit the spatial-spectrum features of remote sensing sea ice images and integrates SE-Block into 3D-CNN in-depth network in order to distinguish the contributions of different spectra to sea ice classification. According to the different contributions of spectral features, the weight of each spectral feature is optimized by fusing SE-Block in order to further enhance the sample quality. Finally, information-rich and representative samples are chosen by combining the idea of active learning and input into SVM classifier, and this achieves superior classification accuracy of remote sensing sea ice images with small samples. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, we conducted experiments on three different data from Baffin Bay, Bohai Bay, and Liaodong Bay. The experimental results show that compared with other classical classification methods, the proposed method comprehensively considers the correlation among spectral features and the small samples problems and deeply excavates the spatial-spectrum characteristics of sea ice and achieves better classification performance, which can be effectively applied to remote sensing sea ice image classification.
Facile Preparation and Properties Study of CL-20/TATB/VitonA Composite Microspheres by a Spray-Drying Process
Authors: Hou Conghua , Li Congcong , Jia Xinlei , Zhang Yuanping , Zhang Shimin
Published: April 2020

To improve the safety of ammonium nitrate explosives, a one-step method involving the formation of CL-20/TATB/VitonA composite microspheres using spray drying is presented. The crystal morphology, particle size, crystal structure, thermal properties, and sensitivity of raw materials of CL-20 and TATB, CL-20/VitonA particles, and CL-20/TATB/VitonA microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and impact and friction sensitivity tests. The SEM results show that the prepared CL-20/TATB/VitonA composites with micro-/nanoscale grain size have a good spherical shape. Thermal analysis data show that TATB coating enhances the thermal stability of CL-20/VitonA. The impact and friction sensitivity results show that superior mechanical properties of these composite microspheres could be maintained. Obviously, this approach is an effective desensitization technique to prepare composite microspheres for explosives.
Effectiveness of Anthropometric Measurements for Identifying Diabetes and Prediabetes among Civil Servants in a Regional City of Northern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Woldegebriel Ataklti Gebertsadik , Fenta Kiros Ajemu , Aregay Asfawosen Berhe , Aregay Abraham Desta , Mamo Nega Bezabih , Wubayehu Tewolde Woldearegay , Bayray Alemayehu , Mulugeta Afework
Published: April 2020

Back ground. Diabetes mellitus is an emerging noncommunicable disease in Ethiopia. Overlooking an appropriate tool for identifying diabetes and prediabetes would have significant impact for future diabetes and prediabetes projections and its management. Therefore, the study aims to examine the effectiveness of anthropometric measurements for identifying prediabetes and diabetes in Mekelle city, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Methods. The study involved a cross-sectional survey carried out from October 2015 to February 2016 among 1504 subjects aged from 18 to 75 years of age. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to select the most effective anthropometric cut-off point among waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and BMI for identifying prediabetic and diabetes. Statistical significance was declared at p value of ≤0.05. Results. Waist circumference was found better for identifying diabetes (AUC = 0.69) and prediabetes (AUC = 0.63) in women, respectively. Waist-to-hip ratio was better identifying diabetes (AUC = 0.67) while waist circumference-to-height ratio was better identifying prediabetes (AUC = 0.63) in men compared to body mass index. The optimal cut-off point with maximum sensitivity and specificity of waist circumference for identifying diabetes and prediabetes was 83.5 cm and 82.9 cm in women, respectively. The optimal ut-off point with maximum sensitivity and specificity of waist-to-hip ratio for identifying diabetes and prediabetes was 0.97 and 0.82 in men, respectively. Conclusion. Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio exhibited better discriminate performance than BMI for identifying prediabetes and diabetes in women and men, respectively.
Measurement and Prediction: Coupling Coordination of Finance and Air Environment
Authors: Geng Yuqing , Tan Yiqin
Published: April 2020

This study finds that the comprehensive development degree (CDD) of the finance subsystem is less fluctuated than that of the air environment subsystem, and both subsystems share similarities in spatial distributions. The coupling coordination degrees (CCD) keep fluctuating with varied development directions and extents in different regions; besides, the eastern regions are higher than the western ones for the coupling coordination degrees. In the next years, the coordination degrees of the regions will have different tendencies: despite of the former fluctuation trends, regions in the coordination range will have upward trends, while those in the transition range will be likely to decline. The results are useful in proposing corresponding measures to promote the coordination development between finance and air environment.
A Novel Deep Neural Network for Robust Detection of Seizures Using EEG Signals
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhao Wenbing , Wang Wenfeng , Jiang Xiaolu , Zhang Xiaodong , Peng Yonghong , Zhang Baocan , Zhang Guokai
Published: April 2020

The detection of recorded epileptic seizure activity in electroencephalogram (EEG) segments is crucial for the classification of seizures. Manual recognition is a time-consuming and laborious process that places a heavy burden on neurologists, and hence, the automatic identification of epilepsy has become an important issue. Traditional EEG recognition models largely depend on artificial experience and are of weak generalization ability. To break these limitations, we propose a novel one-dimensional deep neural network for robust detection of seizures, which composes of three convolutional blocks and three fully connected layers. Thereinto, each convolutional block consists of five types of layers: convolutional layer, batch normalization layer, nonlinear activation layer, dropout layer, and max-pooling layer. Model performance is evaluated on the University of Bonn dataset, which achieves the accuracy of 97.63%∼99.52% in the two-class classification problem, 96.73%∼98.06% in the three-class EEG classification problem, and 93.55% in classifying the complicated five-class problem.
A Brief Informant Screening Instrument for Dementia in the ICU: The Diagnostic Accuracy of the AD8 in Critically Ill Adults Suspected of Having Pre-Existing Dementia
Authors: Duggan Maria C. , Morrell Madeline E. , Chandrasekhar Rameela , Marra Annachiara , Frimpong Kwame , Nair Deepanjali R. , Girard Timothy D. , Pandharipande Pratik P. , Ely E. Wesley , Jackson James C.
Published: April 2020

Background/Aim: The diagnostic accuracy of brief informant screening instruments to detect dementia in critically ill adults is unknown. We sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the 2- to 3-min Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8) completed by surrogates in detecting dementia among critically ill adults suspected of having pre-existing dementia by comparing it to the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). Methods: This substudy of BRAIN-ICU included a subgroup of 75 critically ill medical/surgical patients determined to be at medium risk of having pre-existing dementia (Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly [IQCODE] score ≥3.3). We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), and AUC for the standard AD8 cutoff of ≥2 versus the reference standard CDR score of ≥1 for mild dementia. Results: By the CDR, 38 patients had very mild or no dementia and 37 had mild dementia or greater. For diagnosing mild dementia, the AD8 had a sensitivity of 97% (95% CI 86–100), a specificity of 16% (6–31), a PPV of 53% (40–65), an NPV of 86% (42–100), and an AUC of 0.738 (0.626–0.850). Conclusions: Among critically ill patients judged at risk for pre-existing dementia, the 2- to 3-min AD8 is highly sensitive and has a high NPV. These data indicate that the brief tool can serve to rule out dementia in a specific patient population.
Floralozone Ameliorated Atherosclerosis in Experimental Atherosclerotic Rats Involved with Sphingosine 1-Phosphate 1 Enhancement
Authors: Yang Yu-Ping , Zhu Mo-Li , Zhang He-Yun , Song Ping , Xu Jian , Li Peng , Yin Ya-Ling
Published: April 2020

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronical pathological process of the arterial narrows due to the AS plaque formation. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanism of Floralozone on experimental atherosclerotic model rats. Experimental atherosclerotic model rats were induced by the right carotid artery balloon injury and intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D3 in rats after 4 weeks high-fat diet. The results exhibited that Floralozone could ameliorate vascular injury and vasorelaxation of descending aortas and increase the superoxide dismutase activity and the expression of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) 1 and reduce the intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 level, and the malondialdehyde activity in experimental atherosclerotic rats. However, Fingolimod, an S1P1 inhibitor, could reverse these Floralozone effects in experimental atherosclerotic rats. Our results indicated that Floralozone could inhibit the atherosclerotic plaque formation and improves arterial stenosis and reduces endothelial dysfunction in experimental atherosclerotic rats, which might be involved with S1P1 enhancement.
Idiopathische Lungenfibrose: Best Practices für das Monitoring und Management einer unerbittlichen fibrosierenden Erkrankung
Authors: Wuyts Wim A. , Wijsenbeek Marlies , Bondue Benjamin , Bouros Demosthenes , Bresser Paul , Cordeiro Carlos Robalo , Hilberg Ole , Magnusson Jesper , Manali Effrosyni D. , Morais António , Papiris Spyridon , Shaker Saher , Veltkamp Marcel , Bendstrup Elisabeth
Published: April 2020

Die idiopathische Lungenfibrose (IPF) ist eine fibrosierende interstitielle Lungenerkrankung, die definitionsgemäß progredient verläuft. Das Fortschreiten der IPF spiegelt sich in der zunehmenden Verschlechterung der Lungenfunktion, der Dyspnoe, der Belastungskapazität und der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität wider. Kurzfristig ist es nicht möglich, den Krankheitsverlauf bei einem einzelnen Patienten vorherzusagen. Eine Phase relativer Stabilisierung der forcierten Vitalkapazität (FVC) bedeutet nicht, dass die FVC auch in Zukunft stabil bleibt. Eine engmaschige Überwachung mit multiplen Instrumenten, nicht nur Lungenfunktionstests, ist wichtig, um den Krankheitsverlauf individuell zu erfassen und sicherzustellen, dass jedem Patienten eine angemessene Versorgung angeboten wird. Optimales IPF-Management beruht auf einem mehrdimensionalen Vorgehen, das sowohl pharmakologische Therapie zur Verlangsamung der respiratorischen Verschlechterung als auch supportive Maßnahmen zur Aufrechterhaltung der Lebensqualität umfasst.
Akute Exazerbationen bei interstitiellen Lungenerkrankungen: Den Zusammenhang von Krankheitsausprägung und Prognose erkennen
Authors: Drakopanagiotakis Fotios , Günther Andreas
Published: April 2020

Background: Acute exacerbation (AE) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). AEs also occur in other forms of fibrosing interstitial lung disease (fILD). The clinical features and prognosis of AE patients with connective tissue diseases (CTDs) associated-ILD has not been fully described. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 177 patients with either IPF or a characterized CTD-ILD admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital with an AE from January 2010 to December 2016. Results: The study cohort included 107 subjects with AE-IPF and 70 cases with AE-CTD-ILD. Female gender, prior use of corticosteroid and immunosupressants, lower serum albumin, higher D-dimer level, TLC% pred, survival, and treatment with immunosupressants and caspofungin were more common in the CTD-ILD group (all p<0.05). The incidences of AE-CTD-ILD and AE-IPF were similar in our single center (p = 0.526). TLC% pred was the risk factor for AE after ILD diagnosis for 1 year in CTD patients (p = 0.018). Log-rank tests showed patients with CTD-ILD had a significantly lower mortality rate compared with IPF patients after AEs (p = 0.029). No significant difference in survival was noted among CTD subgroups (p = 0.353). The survival was negatively correlated with WBC count, LDH and CT score, (p = 0.006, p = 0.013 and p = 0.035, respectively), and positively correlated with PaO2/FiO2 ratio (p<0.001) in the CTD-ILD group. WBC count and PO2/FiO2 ratio were the independent predictors for survival in AECTD-ILD after adjusting for other clinical variates in Cox regression Models (p = 0.038 and p<0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The clinical characteristics of patients with AE-CTD-ILD differed from those with AE-IPF, while AE incidences were similar between the two groups. Subjects with AE-CTD-fILD tended to have a better prognosis, and WBC count and PO2/FiO2 ratio were the independent survival predictors for these patients.
High DHEAS Level in Girls Is Associated with Earlier Pubertal Maturation and Mild Increase in Androgens throughout Puberty without Affecting Postmenarche Ovarian Morphology
Authors: Merino Paulina M. , Pereira Ana , Iñiguez German , Corvalan Camila , Mericq Verónica
Published: April 2020

Objective: To assess whether the presence of high DHEAS (HD) at 7 years determines different timing, sequence, and rate of pubertal events, and whether it is associated with adrenal and/or ovarian hyperandrogenism and changes in ovarian morphology throughout puberty. Methods: In a longitudinal study of 504 girls, clinical evaluation was performed every 6 months after 7 years of age to detect Tanner stages; hormonal and anthropometric measurements were conducted at thelarche (B2), breast Tanner 4 (B4), and 1 year after menarche; ultrasonographic evaluation was also performed after menarche. The girls were classified as HD if their DHEAS level was >42.1 µg/dL (>75th percentile) around 7 years. Results: HD around 7 years is associated with a younger age at thelarche, pubarche, and menarche. Girls with HD had higher androstenedione and total testosterone levels, and a higher free androgen index (FAI), and lower levels of antimüllerian hormone (AMH) at B2, and higher levels of androstenedione and FAI at B4 and after menarche. All these results were significant even after adjusting for body mass index, age at first DHEAS determination, and birth weight. One year after menarche, polycystic ovarian morphology was detected in 7.6 and 7.3% of the HD and the normal DHEAS group, respectively. Ovarian volume was correlated with AMH, testosterone, androstenedione, and LH but not with DHEAS around 7 years. Conclusion: Prepubertal HD in normal girls was associated with earlier thelarche, pubarche, and menarche, and a mild androgen increase throughout puberty. We believe continuous follow-up of this cohort is important to prospectively address the interrelationships between biochemical adrenarche and early growth as determinants of ovarian function.
Comparative Proteome Analyses of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction and Surrounding Ureteral Tissue
Authors: Görmüş Uzay , Kasap Murat , Akpınar Gürler , Tuğtepe Halil , Kanlı Aylin , Özel Kerem
Published: April 2020

Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a common problem in children, but its etiology remains unclear. In this study, the proteome profiles of the obstructed segment and its surrounding distal and proximal parts were comparatively evaluated. Twelve children younger than 2 years of age with unilateral intrinsic UPJ obstruction were included. The excised operational tissue was divided into three parts immediately after resection: the obstructed part (Obst), the distal normal ureteral part (Dist), and the proximal part of the obstructed segment (Prox). Proteins extracted from the tissue samples were subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis to identify differentially regulated proteins. Spot analysis revealed that four proteins, namely tropomyosin beta and alpha-1 chains, actin and desmin, were upregulated in Obst in comparison to Dist. A similar analysis between Obst and Prox showed that heat shock protein beta-1 and carbonic anhydrase-1 were upregulated in Obst, while tropomyosin alpha 3 chain and ATP synthase beta were upregulated in Prox. The last comparative analysis between Dist and Prox revealed upregulation of annexin-A5 and annexin-A1 in Dist and vimentin, mitochondrial ATP synthase subunit-beta, peroxiredoxin-2, and apolipoprotein-A1 in Prox. Bioinformatics analysis using the STRING server indicated that the differentially regulated proteins, altogether, point to the changes occurring in muscle filament sliding pathway. When regulations occurring in each group were mutually compared, a change in lipase inhibition activity was detected by STRING. This is the first study scrutinizing changes occurring in protein profiles in UPJ.
Acute and Persistent Withdrawal Syndromes Following Discontinuation of Psychotropic Medications
Authors: Cosci Fiammetta , Chouinard Guy
Published: April 2020

Studies on psychotropic medications decrease, discontinuation, or switch have uncovered withdrawal syndromes. The present overview aimed at analyzing the literature to illustrate withdrawal after decrease, discontinuation, or switch of psychotropic medications based on the drug class (i.e., benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonists, antidepressants, ketamine, antipsychotics, lithium, mood stabilizers) according to the diagnostic criteria of Chouinard and Chouinard [Psychother Psychosom. 2015;84(2):63–71], which encompass new withdrawal symptoms, rebound symptoms, and persistent post-withdrawal disorders. All these drugs may induce withdrawal syndromes and rebound upon discontinuation, even with slow tapering. However, only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, and antipsychotics were consistently also associated with persistent post-withdrawal disorders and potential high severity of symptoms, including alterations of clinical course, whereas the distress associated with benzodiazepines discontinuation appears to be short-lived. As a result, the common belief that benzodiazepines should be substituted by medications that cause less dependence such as antidepressants and antipsychotics runs counter the available literature. Ketamine, and probably its derivatives, may be classified as at high risk for dependence and addiction. Because of the lag phase that has taken place between the introduction of a drug into the market and the description of withdrawal symptoms, caution is needed with the use of newer antidepressants and antipsychotics. Within medication classes, alprazolam, lorazepam, triazolam, paroxetine, venlafaxine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, clozapine, and quetiapine are more likely to induce withdrawal. The likelihood of withdrawal manifestations that may be severe and persistent should thus be taken into account in clinical practice and also in children and adolescents.
Association of Exposure to Chinese Famine in Early Life with the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Adulthood
Authors: Peng Yue , Hai Miaomiao , Li Pengcheng , Chen Yongjie
Published: April 2020

Objective: To explore the association of famine exposure in early life with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the ­Chinese adults. Methods: Data were obtained from the wave 2009 of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. MS was identified when 3 or more of the following components happened: (1) waist circumference >90 cm in males or >85 cm in females; (2) fasting glucose ≥6.1 mmol/L; (3) systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg/diabolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg; (4) fasting triglyceride ≥1.70 mmol/L; and (5) high-density lipids cholesterol <1.04 mmol/L. All participants were divided into 5 groups: no exposure, born after 1961; fetal life exposure, between 1959 and 1961; early childhood exposure, between 1956 and 1958; mid-childhood exposure, between 1953 and 1955; and late childhood exposure, between 1949 and 1952. A total of 2,080 subjects were included in this study. Results: In rural, famine exposure in fetal life and early childhood was associated with the lower risk of MS (p = 0.0491 and 0.0245; OR 0.583 and 0.703; and OR, 95% CI 0.341–0.998 and 0.517–0.956, respectively). But famine exposure in late childhood was associated with the higher risk of MS (p = 0.0140; OR 3.096; and OR, 95% CI 1.257–7.625). Famine exposure in early childhood was associated with the lower risk of MS (p = 0.0120; OR 0.633; and OR, 95% CI 0.443–0.904) in males. Conclusions: Famine exposure in mid- and late-childhood was associated with the higher risk of MS, especially in rural, males, and severe famine areas.
COVID-19 Outbreak: An Overview
Authors: Ciotti Marco , Angeletti Silvia , Minieri Marilena , Giovannetti Marta , Benvenuto Domenico , Pascarella Stefano , Sagnelli Caterina , Bianchi Martina , Bernardini Sergio , Ciccozzi Massimo
Published: April 2020

Background: In late December 2019, Chinese health authorities reported an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan, Hubei Province. Summary: A few days later, the genome of a novel coronavirus was released (http://viro­logical.org/t/novel-2019-coronavirus-genome/319; Wuhan-Hu-1, GenBank accession No. MN908947) and made publicly available to the scientific community. This novel coronavirus was provisionally named 2019-nCoV, now SARS-CoV-2 according to the Coronavirus Study Group of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the Coronaviridae family, Betacoronavirus genus, subgenus Sarbecovirus. Since its discovery, the virus has spread globally, causing thousands of deaths and having an enormous impact on our health systems and economies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the epidemiology, phylogenesis, homology modeling, and molecular diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2. Key Messages: Phylogenetic analysis is essential to understand viral evolution, whereas homology modeling is important for vaccine strategies and therapies. Highly sensitive and specific diagnostic assays are key to case identification, contact tracing, identification of the animal source, and implementation of control measures.
НАГОРНА АНТОНІНА МАКСИМІВНА – ВИДАТНИЙ ЮВІЛЕЙ ТА 50-РІЧЧЯ НАУКОВОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ
Authors: Kolektyv Tvorchyy
Published: April 2020

Стисло висвітлено основні біографічні віхи й творчий доробок видатного вченого-гігієніста, доктора медичних наук, професора, заслуженого діяча науки й техніки України, члена кореспондента Національної академії медичних наук України Антоніни Максимівни Нагорної.
Fetal Aortic Valvuloplasty for Evolving Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Authors: Pickard Sarah S. , Wong John B. , Bucholz Emily M. , Newburger Jane W. , Tworetzky Wayne , Lafranchi Terra , Benson Carol B. , Wilkins-Haug Louise E. , Porras Diego , Callahan Ryan , Friedman Kevin G.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) may prevent progression of midgestation aortic stenosis to hypoplastic left heart syndrome. However, FAV has well-established risks, and its survival benefit remains unknown. Our primary aim was to determine whether FAV for midgestation aortic stenosis increases survival from fetal diagnosis to age 6 years.

Methods and Results:

We performed a retrospective analysis of 143 fetuses who underwent FAV from 2000 to 2017 and a secondary analysis of the Pediatric Heart Network Single Ventricle Reconstruction trial. Using these results, we developed a decision model to estimate probability of transplant-free survival from fetal diagnosis to age 6 years and postnatal restricted mean transplant-free survival time. FAV was technically successful in 84% of 143 fetuses with fetal demise in 8%. Biventricular circulation was achieved in 50% of 111 live-born infants with successful FAV but in only 16% of the 19 patients with unsuccessful FAV. The model projected overlapping probabilities of transplant-free survival to age 6 years at 75% (95% CI, 67%–82%) with FAV versus 72% (95% CI, 61%–82%) with expectant fetal management, resulting in a restricted mean transplant-free survival time benefit of 1.2 months. When limiting analyses to the improved FAV experience since 2009 to reflect current practice, (probability of technical success [94%], fetal demise [4%], and biventricular circulation [66%]), the model projected that FAV increased the probability of survival to age 6 years to 82% (95% CI, 73%–89%). Expectant management is favored if risk of fetal demise exceeded 12% or probability of biventricular circulation fell below 26%, but FAV remained favored over plausible recent range of technical success.

Conclusions:

Our model suggests that FAV provides a modest, medium-term survival benefit over expectant fetal management. Appropriate patient selection and low risk of fetal demise with FAV are critical factors for obtaining a survival benefit.
COVID-19 and the Heart
Authors: Akhmerov Akbarshakh , Marbán Eduardo
Published: April 2020

Infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome novel coronavirus produces a clinical syndrome known as 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). When severe, COVID-19 is a systemic illness characterized by hyperinflammation, cytokine storm, and elevations of cardiac injury biomarkers. Here, we review what is known about the pathophysiology of COVID-19, its cardiovascular manifestations, and emerging therapeutic prospects. In this rapidly moving field, this review was comprehensive as of April 3, 2020.
Not extinct after all: rediscovery of Commelina dielsii (Commelinaceae) after 140 years, and first record of this species in Uruguay

Authors: GONZÁLEZ ANDRÉS , HASSEMER GUSTAVO
Published: April 2020

Commelina dielsii is a species notable for being, together with the southern Brazilian C. catharinensis, the only native Commelina from the Americas with yellow petals. The species was up until now only known from the type gathering, made in 1878 in Entre Ríos province, north-eastern Argentina. Because it had not been collected since then, the species was considered as likely extinct. We present here the rediscovery of this species after 140 years, as the species was recently found in western Uruguay, in pampean environment. This also corresponds to the first record of the species in Uruguay. We also present field photographs, a morphological description, a distribution map for the species and its conservation status assessment.
Heliophila vlokii is the correct spelling for H. volkii (Brassicaceae)

Authors: AL-SHEHBAZ IHSAN A.
Published: April 2020

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Precisely and Efficiently Enzyme Response Microspheres with Immune Removal Escape Loaded with MCC950 Ameliorate Cardiac Dysfunction in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Cheng Panke , Yang Guanyuan , Zhao Xiaolin , Zeng Wen , Sun Dayu , Zeng Lingqing , Li Gang , Guan Ge , Tan Ju , Zhu Chuhong
Published: April 2020

Although the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)treatment can improve the survival rate of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, the early granulocytes response within 6 hours can induce second injuries during the reperfusion process. The new drug delivery system MMP9 hydrolytic
microspheres (NMM) with negatively charged surface was designed out and MCC950 (MCC) was loaded into NMM (NMM-M), MCC is the inhibitor of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor, pyrin containing domain 3 (NLRP3)-inflammasome which is the key promoter of granulocytes-induced
injury. NMM-M could effectively escape the phagocytosis of immune phagocytes in the blood, and target the ischemic region based on the electrostatic attraction and the attraction of enzyme to substrate, and sudden release the loaded MCC within 2 hours. The released MCC can inhibit the NLRP3-inflammasome
activity, and then further inhibit the secretion of inflammatory factors in granulocytes which are the main factors of early inflammatory damage, and improving cardiac function, realizing the goal of pre-treatment. Therefore, NMM may be a new delivery system, which can provide the accurately,
sufficient and rapidly drug deliver, and MCC may be a novel candidate drug in AMI treatment, which may be hopeful in the future.
The Antitumor Activity of Betulinic Acid-Loaded Nanoliposomes Against Colorectal Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo via Glycolytic and Glutaminolytic Pathways
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Yu-Zhu , Yu Yang , Yin Pei-Hao , Xu Ke
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to develop betulinic acid loaded nanoliposomes to improve the chemotherapy effect of colorectal cancer. The cellular uptake and anti-tumor effects of betulinic acid loaded nanoliposomes in vitro were characterized and evaluated, and their effects
on glycolysis, glutamine decomposition and key anti-cancer targets were analyzed. Moreover, their anticancer efficacy was assessed in vivo. Compared with free betulinic acid in vitro, the cellular uptake and anti-tumor activity of betulinic acid-loaded nanoliposomes were significantly
enhanced; these nanoliposomes significantly suppressed the proliferation and glucose uptake of colorectal cancer cells. Mechanistically, the anti-colorectal cancer effect of betulinic acid-loaded nanoliposomes was confirmed by their triggering of cellular apoptosis and regulating the potential
glycolytic and glutaminolytic targets and pathways. After tumor proliferation was inhibited and colorectal cancer cells apoptosis, the anticancer effect of betulinic acid loaded nanoliposomes in vivo was significantly enhanced. All in all, betulinic acid loaded nanoliposomes are expected
to be an effective drug delivery system for colorectal cancer treatment.
Comparative Study of Various Methods for Trace SF6 Measurement Using GC-µECD: Demonstration of Lab-Pressure-Based Drift Correction by Preconcentrator
Authors: Lee Jeongsoon , Kim Gahae , Lee Haeyoung , Moon Dongmin , Lee Jin-bok , Lim Jeong Sik
Published: April 2020

This study presents a high-precision method, using a preconcentrator–gas chromatograph with microelectron capture detector (GC-μECD), to measure SF6 at ambient levels. Carboxen 1000 was used as an adsorbent for the preconcentrator and exhibited a high adsorption efficiency for N2O and SF6 and low adsorption efficiency for O2. This enabled the selective removal of atmospheric O2 from analytes and improved repeatability of the SF6 peak that followed the O2 peak, in a separation column of activated alumina F1. In addition, the increased sensitivity resulting from preconcentrated SF6 improved the signal-to-noise ratio. This led to better analytical precision in comparison with other measurement methods including the conventional and forecut–backflush (FCBF) methods. The precision-to-drift ratios of the conventional, FCBF, and preconcentration methods were 0.11, 0.10, and 0.03, respectively. Analytical precision of the preconcentration method was 0.08% for 10 consecutive injections; this was the best among the three methods. The long-term drift of the SF6 response was inversely proportional to the laboratory pressure. Based on this finding, room pressure can be used to correct for ECD signal drift, with an uncertainty of 0.14% over a 48-h period, using the preconcentration method. Another advantage of the preconcentration method was the excellent linearity of the SF6 response to a wide range of concentrations, including its ambient concentration.