bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the Omija (Schisandra chinensis) Extract and Its Effects on the Bovine Sperm Vitality and Oxidative Profile during In Vitro Storage
Authors: Tvrdá Eva , Michalko Jaroslav , Árvay Július , Vukovic Nenad L. , Ivanišová Eva , Ďuračka Michal , Matušíková Ildikó , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: September 2020

Schisandra chinensis is a woody vine native to China, Korea, and Russia, which has been used as a traditional herbal remedy to treat male infertility. As very little information is available concerning its effects on ejaculated spermatozoa, the aim of this study was to investigate the chemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of the S. chinensis berry (Omija) extract followed by an assessment of its in vitro effects on bovine sperm function and oxidative balance. Phytochemical components of the Omija extract were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids was assessed by spectrophotometric protocols. Antioxidant characteristics of the Omija extract were determined by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and molybdenum‐reducing antioxidant power (MRAP) assays. The disc diffusion method and determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration were applied to study the antibacterial properties of Schisandra. Thirty semen samples were exposed to different concentrations of Omija (1, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 75 µg/mL) for 0, 2, and 24 h. Sperm motility, mitochondrial activity, and superoxide and reactive oxygen species production, as well as total antioxidant capacity and oxidative damage to proteins and lipids were determined. Our data reveal that the Omija extract, particularly at a concentration range within 5–50 µg/mL, exhibited dose‐dependent motion‐promoting and metabolism‐enhancing properties, accompanied by significant antioxidant effects. We may conclude that the biomolecules present in the Omija extract such as schisandrins and phenolic molecules offer protection to critical sperm structures against oxidative insults and/or possible bacterial contamination, leading to a higher preservation of mammalian sperm viability and functional activity.
Comprehensive Knowledge of HIV and AIDS among Ghanaian Adults from 1998 to 2014: A Multilevel Logistic Regression Model Approach
Authors: Guure Chris , Owusu Stephen , Dery Samuel , da-Costa Vroom Frances Baaba , Afagbedzi Seth
Published: September 2020

Background. In order for stakeholders of HIV and AIDS to effectively plan HIV prevention programs, it is expedient to assess the level of individuals’ knowledge on the most common preventive methods and misconceptions of the HIV virus. This study examines the trends and determinants of comprehensive knowledge (CK) of HIV and AIDS among Ghanaians from 1998–2014. Method. The data used for this study were drawn from the Ghana Demographic Health Surveys (GDHS), 1998–2014. A separate analysis was performed on each survey-year data and GDHS pooled dataset. Additionally, both the male and female datasets were combined. The samples used for the study were 6,389, 10706, 9484, and 13784 representing 1998, 2003, 2008, and 2014, respectively. The pooled dataset consisted of 40363 responses. The Pearson chi-square test and multilevel binary logistic regression analysis were carried out to assess the association between the study variables and CK of HIV and AIDS. Results. CK of HIV and AIDS was found to be lower in women than men (29.24% vs. 37.7%) using the pooled dataset. The Greater Accra region recorded the highest percentage of CK of HIV and AIDS (44.18%), whereas the Northern region recorded the lowest (17.87%) among the 10 administrative regions in Ghana. Comprehensive knowledge of HIV and AIDS was also found to be less likely with an OR of 0.72 (95% CI; 0.65, 0.79, p<0.001) among persons living in rural areas even after controlling for other study variables. There is also a decrease of CK of HIV and AIDS from 37.35% in 2008 to 32.5% in 2014. The lowest percentage (10.75%) of CK of HIV and AIDS among the four survey years was recorded in 1998. Conclusion. There are generally low levels of comprehensive knowledge among the Ghanaian adult population more especially among women. Those residing in rural areas have lower prevalence of CK of HIV and AIDS. To address some of these challenges, there is the need to intensify educational interventions more especially among women and people leaving in rural areas to reverse some of the knowledge gaps and correct the local misconceptions of HIV and AIDS.
Assessment of Paediatricians’ Oral Health Knowledge, Behaviour, and Attitude in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Aburahima Noora , Hussein Iyad , Kowash Mawlood , Alsalami Anas , Al Halabi Manal
Published: September 2020

Aim. Paediatricians’ oral health knowledge is essential for early detection of disease, appropriate advice, and proper referral. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, behaviour, and attitude of paediatricians practicing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding children’s oral health. Study Design. Cross-sectional survey. Methods. A questionnaire consisting of 16 questions was completed after piloting by a sample of randomly selected registered UAE paediatricians. Scores of knowledge (out of 9), behaviour (out of 4), and attitude (out of 3) were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using Shapiro–Wilk, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Statistical significance was set as P<0.05. Results. A total of 185 surveys were completed. Nearly half of the paediatricians (95 (51.4%)) identified the appropriate age for child’s first dental visit; while 88 (47.6%) believed that the appropriate age to start brushing was after the eruption of the primary molars (2-3 yrs), and 132 (71.4%) believed that the ideal time to give sugary snacks is in between meals. 123 (66.5%) participants said that they would prescribe antibiotics to treat local dental sepsis without fever. Experienced paediatricians and those trained in Western countries had significantly better knowledge about oral health (P values 0.040 and 0.031 consecutively). The scores of attitude, behaviour, and knowledge were correlated, and a positive relationship between the scores of knowledge and behaviour was found (r = 0.241, P=0.001) and between scores of attitude and behaviour (r = 0.197, P=0.007). Conclusions. The results demonstrated a general lack of knowledge of oral health aspects by UAE paediatricians. Furthermore, continuous education in the subject is recommended.
Deformation and Failure Characteristics and Control Technology of Roadway Surrounding Rock in Deep Coal Mines
Authors: Chang Jucai , Li Dong , Xie Tengfei , Shi Wenbao , He Kai
Published: September 2020

With the increase in mining depth, the problem of the floor heave of a roadway is becoming increasingly prominent. Solving this problem for a deep high-stress roadway is the key to ensure safe supply and utilization of coal resources in China. This study investigates the floor heave of a horizontal transportation rock roadway at the depth of 960 m at the Xieyi Mine. A four-way loading simulation test frame similar to the Xieyi Mine was used to reproduce the high-stress environment of a deep roadway by loading different pressures on the roof, floor, and two sides of the roadway. The experimental results show that after the tunnel had been excavated, the surrounding rock failure could be divided into three stages: the initial deformation stage, fissure development stage, and mild deformation stage. The destruction time periods of these stages were 0–0.5 h, 0.5–2 h, and 2–6 h, and the destruction ranges were 0.4 m, 1 m, and 1.5 m, respectively. The amount of roof subsidence, the displacement of the two sides, and the floor heave influence each other, and the range of the bearing ring (5.6 m) of the floor is larger than that of the roof (3.4 m) after the surrounding rock has been damaged. The findings suggest that the floor should be supported first, before the two sides and the roof; then, the support of the key parts (roof and floor corners) should be strengthened. The roof, floor, and two sides are considered for controlling the deformation of the surrounding rock in a coupled trinity support mode. Because of the unfavorable conditions in the area, overexcavation backfill technology was used. The new support was successfully applied during the subsequent construction of the rock tunnel. Based on the long-term monitoring results of the surrounding rock deformation, the floor heave control yielded satisfactory results and maintained the long-term stability of the roadway. Therefore, this study can serve as a reference for preventing floor heave in similar high-stress roadways in the future.
FAM46C and FNDC3A Are Multiple Myeloma Tumor Suppressors That Act in Concert to Impair Clearing of Protein Aggregates and Autophagy
Authors: Manfrini Nicola , Mancino Marilena , Miluzio Annarita , Oliveto Stefania , Balestra Matteo , Calamita Piera , Alfieri Roberta , Rossi Riccardo L. , Sassoè-Pognetto Marco , Salio Chiara , Cuomo Alessandro , Bonaldi Tiziana , Manfredi Marcello , Marengo Emilio , Ranzato Elia , Martinotti Simona , Cittaro Davide , Tonon Giovanni , Biffo Stefano
Published: September 2020

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell neoplasm characterized by the production of unfolded immunoglobulins, which cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and sensitivity to proteasome inhibition. The genomic landscape of multiple myeloma is characterized by the loss of several genes rarely mutated in other cancers that may underline specific weaknesses of multiple myeloma cells. One of these is FAM46C that is lost in more than 10% of patients with multiple myeloma. We show here that FAM46C is part of a new complex containing the ER-associated protein FNDC3A, which regulates trafficking and secretion and, by impairing autophagy, exacerbates proteostatic stress. Reconstitution of FAM46C in multiple myeloma cells that had lost it induced apoptosis and ER stress. Apoptosis was preceded by an increase of intracellular aggregates, which was not linked to increased translation of IgG mRNA, but rather to impairment of autophagy. Biochemical analysis showed that FAM46C requires interaction with ER bound protein FNDC3A to reside in the cytoplasmic side of the ER. FNDC3A was lost in some multiple myeloma cell lines. Importantly, depletion of FNDC3A increased the fitness of FAM46C-expressing cells and expression of FNDC3A in cells that had lost it recapitulated the effects of FAM46C, inducing aggregates and apoptosis. FAM46C and FNDC3A formed a complex that modulates secretion routes, increasing lysosome exocytosis. The cellular landscape generated by FAM46C/FNDC3A expression predicted sensitivity to sphingosine kinase inhibition. These results suggest that multiple myeloma cells remodel their trafficking machinery to cope with ER stress.

Significance:

This study identifies a new multiple myeloma–specific tumor suppressor complex that regulates autophagy and unconventional secretion, highlighting the sensitivity of multiple myeloma cells to the accumulation of protein aggregates.
FDA Approval Summary: Enfortumab Vedotin for Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Chang Elaine , Weinstock Chana , Zhang Lijun , Charlab Rosane , Dorff Sarah E. , Gong Yutao , Hsu Vicky , Li Fang , Ricks Tiffany K. , Song Pengfei , Tang Shenghui , Waldron Peter E. , Yu Jingyu , Zahalka Eias , Goldberg Kirsten B. , Pazdur Richard , Theoret Marc R. , Ibrahim Amna , Beaver Julia A.
Published: September 2020

On December 18, 2019, the FDA granted accelerated approval to enfortumab vedotin-ejfv (PADCEV; Astellas and Seattle Genetics) for treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who have previously received a programmed cell death protein 1 or programmed death ligand 1 inhibitor, and a platinum-containing chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant/adjuvant, locally advanced or metastatic setting. Substantial evidence of effectiveness for this application is obtained from Cohort 1 of the single-arm, multicenter Study EV-201. Patients received enfortumab vedotin (EV) 1.25 mg/kg (up to a maximum dose of 125 mg) intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15 of 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Confirmed objective response rate in the 125-patient efficacy population determined by blinded independent central review was 44% [95% confidence interval (CI), 35.1–53.2], with complete responses in 12%. Median response duration was 7.6 months (95% CI, 6.3–not estimable). Grade 3–4 adverse reactions occurred in 73% of patients. Hyperglycemia, peripheral neuropathy, ocular disorders, skin reactions, infusion site extravasations, and embryo-fetal toxicity are labeled as warnings and precautions for EV. The article summarizes the data and the FDA thought process supporting accelerated approval of EV. This approval may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).
Characteristics of Recipients of Red Blood Cell Concentrates in a German Federal State
Authors: Schönborn Linda , Weitmann Kerstin , Greinacher Andreas , Hoffmann Wolfgang
Published: September 2020

Background: Annual transfusion rates in many European countries range between 25 and 35 red blood cell concentrates (RBCs)/1,000 population.It is unclear why transfusion rates in Germany are considerably higher (approx. 50–55 RBCs/1,000 population). Methods: We assessed the characteristics of transfusion recipients at all hospitals of the German federal state Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania during a 10-year longitudinal study. Results: Although 75% of patients received ≤4 RBCs/patient in 2015 (1 RBC: 11.3%; 2 RBCs: 42.6%; 3 RBCs: 6.3%; 4 RBCs: 15.0%), the mean transfusion index was 4.6 RBCs due to a minority of patients with a high transfusion demand. Two thirds of all RBCs were transfused to only 25% of RBC recipients. Consistently, male patients received a higher number of RBCs (2005: 54.2%; 2015: 56.8%) and had a higher mean transfusion index than female patients (mean 5.1 ± 7.2; median 2; inter-quartile range [IQR] 2–4 vs. mean 4.0 ± 5.8; median 2; IQR 2–4). The absolute transfusion demand decreased between 2005 and 2015 by 13.5% due to a composite of active reduction (clinical practice change) and population decline in the 65- to 75-year age group (lower birth rate cohort 1940–1950); however, with major differences between hospitals (range from –61.0 to +41.4%). Conclusion: Transfusion demand in a population could largely be driven by patients with high transfusion demand. Different treatment practices in this group of patients probably add to the major differences in transfusion demand per 1,000 individuals between countries. The available data cannot prove this hypothesis. Implementation of a diagnosis-related group-based monitoring system is urgently needed to allow informative monitoring on the population level and meaningful comparisons between transfusion practices.
Effect of the Use of Intranasal Spray of Essential Oils in Patients with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Caimmi Davide , Neukirch Catherine , Louis Renaud , Malard Olivier , Thabut Gabriel , Demoly Pascal
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Among allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms, nasal obstruction particularly affects the quality of life. Antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids are the most frequently prescribed symptomatic drugs, but their efficacy is often incomplete. Essential oils (EO) have shown an anti-inflammatory effect and potential in treating patients with AR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a hypertonic EO-based nasal spray on perennial AR (PAR) symptoms. Methods: This prospective, open-label, non-randomized, multicentric trial included 43 patients with PAR sensitized to mites, not controlled for more than a year. All were treated with Puressentiel® Respiratory-Decongestant Nasal Spray for 30 days. Their usual treatment remained unchanged during the study period. Before and after treatment, each participant filled out a rhinitis questionnaire, the Allergic Rhinitis Control Test (ARCT). A nasal inspiratory peak flow (NIPF) was performed. Results: The mean ARCT was 16.4 and 20.5 at D0 and D30, respectively (p < 0.001); the mean increase between D0 and D30 was 4.1 (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients with controlled rhinitis after 30 days of treatment was 69.8 versus 14% before treatment (p < 0.001). The mean NIPF was 86.5 L/min and 105.1 L/min at D0 and D30, respectively (p < 0.001); the mean increase between D0 and D30 was 18.5 L/min. Conclusion: A hypertonic EO-based nasal spray could be a new and natural option in the management of PAR. It could also be used as an add-on therapy when nasal symptoms are not fully controlled.
Self-Reported Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Use during COVID-19 Lockdown Measures: Results from a Web-Based Survey
Authors: Vanderbruggen Nathalie , Matthys Frieda , Van Laere Sven , Zeeuws Dieter , Santermans Liesbeth , Van den Ameele Seline , Crunelle Cleo L.
Published: September 2020

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has led to measures of social distancing and quarantine worldwide. This stressful period may lead to psychological problems, including increases in substance use. Objective: To investigate changes in alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis consumption before and during COVID-19 lockdown and motives for these changes in substance use. Method: A web-based survey was filled out by an unselected population during the social distancing measures of the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium that assessed changes in alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis consumption in the period before and during the COVID-19 lockdown and also asked about reasons for change. Results: A total of 3,632 respondents (mean age 42.1 ± 14.6 years; 70% female) filled out the survey. Overall, respondents reported consuming more alcohol (d = 0.21) and smoking more cigarettes (d = 0.13) than before the COVID-19 pandemic (both p < 0.001), while no significant changes in the consumption of cannabis were noted. The odds of consuming more alcohol during the lockdown were associated with younger age (OR = 0.981, p < 0.001), more children at home (OR = 1.220, p < 0.001), non-healthcare workers (p < 0.001), and being technically unemployed related to COVID-19 (p = 0.037). The odds of smoking more cigarettes during the lockdown were associated with younger age (OR = 0.988, p = 0.027), current living situation (p < 0.001), lower education (p = 0.015), and working situation related to COVID-19 (p = 0.018). Boredom, lack of social contacts, loss of daily structure, reward after a hard-working day, loneliness, and conviviality were the main reasons for consuming more of the various substances. Conclusions: During the lockdown, individuals consumed slightly more alcohol and smoked marginally more cigarettes compared to the period before the lockdown. Further research focussing on follow-up of individuals at risk may be useful to provide appropriate care in post-COVID times.
Does Asthma Increase the Mortality of Patients with COVID-19?: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Chen Jingjing , Chen Wei , Liu Ling , Dong Mei , Ji Juan , Hu Die , Zhang Nianzhi
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the literature and collate data comparing the mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with and without asthma. The databases PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and medRxiv.org were searched for studies comparing the clinical outcomes of asthmatic patients with those of nonasthmatic patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Mortality data were summarized using the Mantel-Haenszel OR with 95% CI in a random-effects model. Five retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of data from 744 asthmatic patients and 8,151 nonasthmatic patients indicated that the presence of asthma had no significant effect on mortality (OR = 0.96; 95% CI 0.70–1.30; I2 = 0%; p = 0.79). Results were stable in a sensitivity analysis. A descriptive analysis of other clinical outcomes indicated no difference in the duration of hospitalization and the risk of intensive care unit (ICU) transfer between asthmatic and nonasthmatic patients. To conclude, preliminary data indicates that asthma as a comorbidity may not increase the mortality of COVID-19. Data on the influence of asthma on the risk of hospitalization, the duration of hospitalization, the requirement of ICU admission, and disease severity is still too limited to draw any strong conclusions. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to establish strong evidence.
The Behavior of MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, and Their Inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in Adenoma-Colorectal Cancer Sequence
Authors: Barabás Loránd , Hritz István , István Gábor , Tulassay Zsolt , Herszényi Lászloó
Published: September 2020

Background: We and others have previously shown that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a role in colorectal cancer (CRC) invasion and metastasis. However, the serum changes of various MMPs and their inhibitors (TIMPs) have scarcely been concomitantly investigated in identical blood samples in the normal colon-adenoma-CRC sequence. Methods: The MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 serum antigen concentrations were determined concomitantly in 19 tumor-free control patients, 19 patients with high-risk colorectal adenoma, and 47 patients with CRC by ELISA technique. The analyzed parameters were also investigated in correlation with CRC stages. Statistical analysis with one-way ANOVA and Student’s t test was performed. p values <0.05 were considered significant. Results: Serum antigen levels of MMPs and TIMPs were significantly increased in patients with CRC and adenomas compared to controls (mean values, ng/mL) (MMP-7: 5.88, 4.44, and 2.89, respectively, p = 0.001; MMP-9: 1,075.81, 999.22, and 845.97, respectively, p = 0.01; TIMP-1: 241.80, 205.98, and 166.53, respectively, p = 0.001; TIMP-2: 83.40, 80.30, and 69.62, respectively, p = 0.01). The elevated serum MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 levels significantly correlated with advanced tumor stages (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in MMP-2 levels. Conclusions: We demonstrate that serum antigen concentrations of MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were significantly increased in patients with CRC and adenomas compared to controls. These results suggest that MMPs and their inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 play an important role in CRC invasion; however, they are also activated in premalignant adenomas. Furthermore, MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 may have a potential prognostic impact in CRC.
Cardiac Abnormalities Seen in Pediatric Patients During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Pandemic: An International Experience
Authors: Clark Bradley C. , Sanchez‐de-Toledo Joan , Bautista‐Rodriguez Carles , Choueiter Nadine , Lara Diego , Kang Hechaan , Mohsin Shazia , Fraisse Alain , Cesar Sergi , Shaikh Abdul Sattar , Escobar‐Diaz Maria C. , Hsu Daphne T. , Randanne Paula C. , Aslam Nadeem , Kleinmahon Jake , Lamour Jacqueline M. , Johnson Jonathan N. , Sarquella‐Brugada Georgia , Chowdhury Devyani
Published: September 2020

Background

During the severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 pandemic, there has been an increase in hyperinflammatory presentation in previously healthy children with a variety of cardiac manifestations. Our objective is to describe the cardiac manifestations found in an international cohort of 55 pediatric cases with multi‐system inflammatory syndrome during the severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 pandemic.

Methods and Results

We reviewed data on previously healthy pediatric patients (≤18 years) with structurally normal hearts who presented at hospitals in the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, and Pakistan with multi‐system inflammatory syndrome in children and had consultation with a pediatric cardiologist. Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory values, electrocardiographic abnormalities, echocardiographic findings, and initial therapies. A total of 55 patients presented with multi‐system inflammatory syndrome in children. Thirty‐five patients (64%) had evidence of decreased left ventricular function, 17 (31%) had valvulitis, 12 (22%) with pericardial effusion, and 11 (20%) with coronary abnormalities. Twenty‐seven (49%) required intensive care unit admission and 24 (44%) had evidence of shock. Eleven patients (20%) fulfilled complete Kawasaki disease criteria and had lower NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide), D‐dimer, and ferritin levels compared with those who did not fulfill criteria. Electrophysiologic abnormalities occurred in 6 patients and included complete atrioventricular block, transient atrioventricular block, and ventricular tachycardia.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, we describe the first international cohort of pediatric patients with multi‐system inflammatory syndrome in children during the severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 pandemic with a range of cardiac manifestations. This article brings awareness and alertness to the global medical community to recognize these children during the pandemic and understand the need for early cardiology evaluation and follow‐up.
Racism as a Motivator for Climate Justice
Authors: Mitchell Mark A.
Published: September 2020

In the wake of the recent unjustifiable deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and several other African Americans at the hands of police, we have witnessed persistent and widespread protests against systemic racism, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed African Americans and Latinos at two to three times the rate of Whites. Racism is undeniably an evil, pervasive, destructive force in our society, yet it can also be a great motivating force. This essay is a personal story of how being the subject of racism led one person to acquire and leverage his professional privilege to help create and change institutions to act on climate and environmental injustices while countering the systemic racism that he witnessed and experienced in childhood.
Task Force Climate Change: A Patron Saint of Lost Causes, or Just Ahead of Its Time?
Authors: Titley David W.
Published: September 2020

This essay explores the origins of the 2009 U.S. Navy Task Force Climate Change (TFCC) from the perspective of its founder and initial director. The director's background is described briefly, along with events and actions of Navy leadership that led to creating the TFCC. The essay states five lessons learned within the context of setting the direction and tone for change in a large organization and examines five areas in which the TFCC arguably has made a positive difference to the U.S. Navy. The essay provides an overview of U.S. Navy and national climate-related actions after the author's tenure as director of the TFCC, and concludes by addressing climate change risks within the context of current efforts to understand and manage adverse impacts from the COVID-19 virus.
Removal of excess chlorazol black stains from microcrustacean specimens
Authors: Mugnai R. , Santos A. S. , Corgosinho P. H. C. , Salazar S. S.
Published: September 2020

The preparation of specimens is a crucial aspect of zoological studies. Some specific study techniques or certain taxonomic groups require staining processes. However, an excessive exposure to the staining agents can turn a specimen improper for morphological studies. Here, we report that an excess of chlorazol black, one of the most used stains in biology, can be easily removed from crustacean specimens with a solution of methanol and Extran® detergent or, less effectively, with a solution of methanol and commercial dishwashing soap.
Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of the ecdysone receptor from the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Decapoda, Palinuridae)
Authors: Zhuo Hong B. , Liang Hua F. , Cai Cai X. , Luo Jia J. , Liang Fei S. , Wen Chong Q.
Published: September 2020

The ecdysone receptor (EcR) is a crucial nuclear transcription factor that participates in ecdysteroid signalling. In this study, cDNA of EcR in Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus, 1758) (PhEcR) was cloned and characterized. PhEcR cDNA was 3141 bp, in which a 12 bp insert/deletion splice variant region in the hinge domain was identified. PhEcR mRNA presented the most abundant expression in the ovary. PhEcR mRNA expression was rapidly upregulated in the premoult stage and downregulated in the ecdysis stage. PhEcR mRNA maintained a relatively high expression level from egg-nauplius stage to embryo stage with compound eye pigments formed. The transcript levels of PhEcR in muscle were up-regulated on the 5th and 10th day after antenna ablation. These data suggest that PhEcR may not only play a vital role in the ecdysteroid signalling, but also have relation to embryonic development and limb regeneration.
The Belarusian Model of Economic Transition and Industrialization
Authors: Song Min Young , Mah Jai S.
Published: September 2020

This article discusses the economic development of Belarus, which took the gradualist approach in transition. Rejecting the Washington Consensus—based reform, Belarus experienced a quick recovery during the 1990s and rapid economic growth during the early to mid-2000s. The government took various policy measures to ensure the structure of a centrally planned economy. These measures included price control, emphasis on the large state-owned enterprises, restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, and tariff protection. Facing limits to economic growth since the late 2000s, the government has undertaken liberalization measures including price decontrol, promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises, derestriction of FDI inflows, and trade liberalization. In the meantime, realizing the role of industrialization, it placed an emphasis on development of the manufacturing sector by lowering tariff rates imposed on capital goods. Finally, the article provides policy implications for the other developing and transition economies pursuing economic development in light of the experience of Belarus.
Changing Paradigms in the Law of the Sea and the Marine Arctic
Authors: Tanaka Yoshifumi
Published: September 2020

The existence of a sense of common or community interests is a prerequisite to establishing an order in a society, national or international. In this connection, it is notable that the protection of community interests is increasingly important in international law and the law of the sea is no exception. The increasing need for protecting community interests necessitates a new paradigm in the law of the sea. The legal issues regarding the marine Arctic should also be considered in the context of changing paradigms in the law of the sea. Thus this article seeks to overview principal issues of the international law governing the marine Arctic from the viewpoints of a dual paradigm, that is, the law of divided oceans (paradigm I) and the law of our common ocean (paradigm II).
Rising Seas and Retreating Coasts: Implications for the Arctic
Authors: Schofield Clive , Lalonde Suzanne
Published: September 2020

This article addresses both the physical impacts and international legal issues arising from two interlinked stressors on Arctic coastlines: sea level rise and coastal erosion. Key aspects of the legal regime governing the baselines from which coastal States calculate the outer limits of their maritime zones are reviewed and a synopsis of the practice among the Arctic littoral States is provided. The article then turns to a discussion of the practical and international legal responses available to deal with the present and future challenge of rising seas and retreating coasts. The concluding section offers with some reflections on the way forward for a region experiencing some of the most devastating impacts of climate change.
Benefitting from the Common Heritage of Humankind: From Expectation to Reality
Authors: Jaeckel Aline
Published: September 2020

The international seabed ‘Area’ and its mineral resources are the common heritage of mankind and must be administered for the benefit of humankind as a whole. Yet the vision of the benefits to be reaped from the Area has changed over the years. The common heritage concept encapsulates seemingly conflicting developmental, commercial, and ecological imperatives. With seabed mining edging closer to becoming a reality, there is a need to analyse these imperatives and the range of benefits that humankind can (and in some cases already does) derive from the Area. This article critically discusses six categories of benefits that are relevant to seabed mining and assesses them against historical expectations. These are wealth generation and redistribution, advancement of developing States, security of mineral supply, ecosystem services, scientific knowledge, and other uses of the Area.
The Polar Code and the Arctic Marine Environment: Assessing the Regulation of the Environmental Risks of Shipping
Authors: Chircop Aldo
Published: September 2020

The Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established a new vessel-source pollution prevention standard for Arctic waters, as well as the Antarctic area. The Polar Code consists of mandatory rules and guidance provisions supplementing international rules to address a range of environmental risks posed by ships in polar operations. This article explores the scope of application of the Polar Code and its interface with other pertinent IMO instruments. The article comments on the limits of application of Polar Code standards in addressing pollution prevention and how they are further nourished, supplemented or facilitated by other IMO instruments, both with respect to pollution prevention as well as other environmental risks posed by shipping in the Arctic context. The article identifies shortcomings and gaps and concludes with possible options for Arctic coastal States that may wish to raise environmental standards to mitigate particular risks.
A new Cretaceous record of Platanoxylon (Platanaceae): the first Mesozoic angiosperm wood from China
Authors: Cheng Ye-Ming , Liu Feng-Xiang , Jin Yue-Gao , Sun Tong-Xing
Published: September 2020

A new record of Cretaceous platanaceous wood, Platanoxylon sp., is described from Keshan, Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China. The features indicating it belongs to Platanoxylon include: growth rings distinct, wood diffuse-porous, vessels numerous, solitary and in short radial or tangential multiples, perforation plates exclusively scalariform, intervessel pits opposite, elliptical, horizontally elongated, vessel-ray pits similar to intervessel pits, some fibers with distinctly bordered pits, axial parenchyma diffuse, rays mostly large homocellular multiseriate, rarely uniseriate, and crystals often in ray cells. Fossil platanaceous woods are common in the Northern Hemisphere. Yet, Platanoxylon sp. is China’s first report of fossil Platanaceae wood. It is also China’s first record of Cretaceous angiosperm wood. This wood and compression floras indicate that the Platanaceae were in northern China from the Late Cretaceous to the Eocene.
A new species of Marphysa (Annelida: Eunicida: Eunicidae) from India, with notes on previously described or reported species from the region
Authors: HUTCHINGS PAT , LAVESQUE NICOLAS , PRISCILLA LYNDSAY , DAFFE GUILLEMINE , MALATHI E. , GLASBY CHRISTOPHER J.
Published: September 2020

A new species of Marphysa is described from India using both morphology and molecular data. The new species, Marphysa madrasi, belonging to the Teretiuscula-group, is characterised by having antennae about 2x longer than the prostomium, maxillae II and IV with a relatively large number of teeth (Mx II with 8+9; Mx IV with 7+11), compound spinigers present on a large range of mid-body chaetigers (at least 83–159), and pectinate chaetae present from the first few anterior chaetigers. We discuss all the species of this genus lacking compound falcigers (i.e., those belonging to the Sanguinea-, Mossambica- and Teretiuscula-groups), which have been reported from India and compare them to our new species. Only two accepted species in these groups can be confirmed as occurring in India, M. madrasi n. sp. and M. gravelyi Southern, 1921. We provide a table that summarises the important characters useful to identify species in this group of Marphysa with compound spinigers.
Interpulse Frequency Diversity System for Second-Trip Suppression and Retrieval in a Weather Radar
Authors: Chandrasekar V. , Kumar Mohit
Published: September 2020

A new interpulse frequency diverse technique is introduced for weather radar second-trip suppression and retrieval. Interpulse coding is widely used for second-trip suppression or cross-polarization isolation. Here, a new interpulse scheme is discussed, taking advantage of frequency diverse waveforms. The simulations and performance tests are evaluated, keeping in mind NASA dual-frequency, dual-polarization, Doppler radar (D3R). A new method is discussed to recover velocity and spectral width despite the incoherence in samples due to the change of frequency from pulse to pulse. This technique can recover the weather radar moments over a much higher dynamic range of the second-trip contamination than the popular interpulse phase codes, for second-trip suppression and retrieval under specific phase noise conditions. And it has a bigger recovery region of second-trip velocity if the region is drawn with increasing spectral width (compared to other interpulse codes).
Global Scatterometer Observations of the Structure of Tropical Cyclone Wind Fields
Authors: Tamizi Ali , Young Ian R. , Ribal Agustinus , Alves Jose-Henrique
Published: September 2020

A very large database containing 24 years of scatterometer passes is analyzed to investigate the surface wind fields within tropical cyclones. The analysis confirms the left–right asymmetry of the wind field with the strongest winds directly to the right of the tropical cyclone center (Northern Hemisphere). At values greater than 2 times the radius to maximum winds, the asymmetry is approximately equal to the storm velocity of forward movement. Observed wind inflow angle (i.e., storm motion not subtracted) is shown to vary both radially and azimuthally within the tropical cyclone. The smallest observed wind inflow angles are found in the left-front quadrant with the largest values in the right-rear quadrant. As the velocity of forward movement increases and the central pressure decreases, observed inflow angles ahead of the storm decrease and those behind the storm increase. In the right-rear quadrant, the observed inflow angle increases with radius from the storm center. In all other quadrants, the observed inflow angle is approximately constant as a function of radial distance.
De-gendered Processes, Gendered Outcomes: How Egalitarian Couples Make Sense of Non-egalitarian Household Practices
Authors: Daminger Allison
Published: September 2020

Despite widespread support for gender-egalitarianism, men’s and women’s household labor contributions remain strikingly unequal. This article extends prior research on barriers to equality by closely examining how couples negotiate contradictions between their egalitarian ideals and admittedly non-egalitarian practices. Data from 64 in-depth interviews with members of 32 different-sex, college-educated couples show that respondents distinguish between labor allocation processes and outcomes. When they understand the processes as gender-neutral, they can write off gendered outcomes as the incidental result of necessary compromises made among competing values. Respondents “de-gender” their allocation process, or decouple it from gender ideology and gendered social forces, by narrowing their temporal horizon to the present moment and deploying an adaptable understanding of constraint that obscures alternative paths. This de-gendering helps prevent spousal conflict, but it may also facilitate behavioral stasis by directing attention away from the inequalities that continue to shape domestic life.
Political Lament: Extinction, Grief, and Embodied Silence
Authors: Harvie Timothy
Published: September 2020

This article confronts the ongoing tragedy of extinction in the Anthropocene from the standpoint of grief and embodied affect. It argues that when confronted with the death of an animal other – be it in public and political settings or in personal encounters of suffering – that silent grief is an embodied form of protest to the triumphalist and anthropocentric narratives of the neoliberal petro-state. In developing an account of suffering and grief from Miguel de Unamuno the argument proceeds to account for an embodied political praxis which subverts political structures aimed at marginalizing animal-others. Finally, in dialogue with Maurice Merleau-Ponty, the article concludes with a reflection on how scholarly activities in the mode of grief might enact relational capacities with the broader animal and natural world.
Agricultural technology is unavoidable, directional, combinatory, disruptive, unpredictable and has unintended consequences
Authors: Sadras Victor O
Published: September 2020

Science historian James Burke, scientist turned writer Isaac Asimov and polymath Stuart Kauffman have all argued, from different angles, that technology is unavoidable, directional, combinatory, disruptive and unpredictable. They also highlight the unintended consequences of technology seeking to fix a problem and creating new problems and opportunities. Here I draw on their vision to outline these features of technology with a focus on sustainable agriculture and highlight their implications for investment in research and development, and connecting public policy and technological change.
Difficult texts: 1 Corinthians 5.5 – ‘Hand this man over to Satan …’
Authors: Horrell David G.
Published: September 2020

First Corinthians 5.5 is ‘difficult’ in two ways, in terms both of understanding its meaning and of its morally questionable instruction. The crucial phrase about handing the offender ‘over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh’ is best seen, following recent research, as a curse, akin to other ancient curse formulae found in Corinth and elsewhere, consigning a person into the hands of a divine being for punishment and death. This makes Paul’s instruction morally difficult and objectionable, but does not prevent us finding other fruitful points of reflection in this text, specifically concerning the way in which the Church, like Paul’s assembly, might locate itself in relation to its wider culture and the norms of that culture.
COVID-19 Remote Learning Transition in Spring 2020: Class Structures, Student Perceptions, and Inequality in College Courses
Authors: Gillis Alanna , Krull Laura M.
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic forced all face-to-face college courses to transition to remote instruction. This article explores instructional techniques used in the transition, student perceptions of effectiveness/enjoyment/accessibility of those techniques, barriers that students faced due to the transition, and race/class/gender inequality in experiencing those barriers. We used surveys in introductory courses by two instructors (the authors) to compare students’ reactions to our transitions and the transitions in their other courses. We found that which instructional technique instructors use is less important than how well they implement it for student learning. Although there is a tradeoff between enjoyment and accessibility, instructors can use techniques to increase accessibility of interactive formats. Internet and technology barriers were extremely common, even for students who did not anticipate problems. Most students experienced barriers to their learning due to the pandemic, including distractions, increased anxiety, and feeling less motivated, especially for nonwhite, female, and first-generation college students.
Effect of Dedicated In‐Person Interpreter on Satisfaction and Efficiency in Otolaryngology Ambulatory Clinic
Authors: Johnston Douglas R. , Lavin Jennifer M. , Hammer Allison Rose , Studer Abbey , Harding Colin , Thompson Dana M.
Published: September 2020

Objective

In a large academic children’s hospital ambulatory clinic, the increasing demand for Spanish interpretation exceeds the Interpreting Services Department capacity, necessitating telephone interpretation. By adding a dedicated Spanish interpreter in the otolaryngology clinic, we aimed to decrease visit times for Spanish‐speaking patients and increase satisfaction. Additional aims explored if dedicated Spanish interpreters could increase patients seen per session.

Methods

A quality improvement initiative investigated baseline state compared to 2 tests of change using video interpretation and dedicated, in‐person interpretation. Time permitting, interpreters contacted patients before the visit to decrease missed appointments and late arrivals. Measures included clinic visit times, late arrivals, missed appointments, and family/employee satisfaction scores. Actuarial statistics forecasted if on‐site Spanish interpreters would affect patients seen per session and the potential addition of sessions.

Results

In‐person interpretation reduced visit times for Spanish‐speaking patients from 55 to 48 minutes (P =. 01) and 57 to 48 minutes for all patients (P <. 0001). Nearly 50% of video calls experienced technical difficulties. Families and employees preferred in‐person over video and phone interpretation. No‐show visits decreased by 25% and late arrivals by 17%.

Discussion

Implementing dedicated Spanish interpreters may increase productivity and enhance family experience.

Implications for Practice

Reducing patient visit time by 9 minutes permits 2 additional patients per clinic session (1560 visits, 390 surgeries per year). Applied institution‐wide, the intervention could create 29% more capacity in the ambulatory schedule (31,000 additional visits) and reduce actuarial need for ambulatory sessions in the same clinic space.
Decision Modeling for Economic Evaluation in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: Review of Techniques
Authors: Forner David , Hoit Graeme , Noel Christopher W. , Eskander Antoine , de Almeida John R. , Rigby Matthew H. , Naimark David
Published: September 2020

Decision making in health care is complex, and substantial uncertainty can be involved. Structured, systematic approaches to the integration of available evidence, assessment of uncertainty, and determination of choice are of significant benefit in an era of “value‐based care.” This is especially true for otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, where technological advancements are frequent and applicable to an array of subspecialties. Decision analysis aims to achieve these goals through various modeling techniques, including (1) decision trees, (2) Markov process, (3) microsimulation, and (4) discrete event simulation. While decision models have been used for decades, many clinicians and researchers continue to have difficulty deciphering them. In this review, we present an overview of various decision analysis modeling techniques, their purposes, how they can be interpreted, and commonly used syntax to promote understanding and use of these approaches. Throughout, we provide a sample research question to facilitate discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.