bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Perspectives and Trends: Microperimetry as a Trial Endpoint in Retinal Disease
Authors: Yang Yesa , Dunbar Hannah
Published: February 2021

Endpoint development trials are underway across the spectrum of retinal disease. New validated endpoints are urgently required for the assessment of emerging gene therapies and in preparation for the arrival of novel therapeutics targeting the early stages of common sight-threatening conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema. Visual function measures are likely to be key candidates in this search. Over the last 2 decades, microperimetry has been used extensively to characterise functional vision in a wide range of retinal conditions, often detecting subtle defects in retinal sensitivity that precede visual acuity loss and tracking disease progression over relatively short periods of time. Given these appealing features, microperimetry has already been adopted as an endpoint in interventional studies, including multicentre trials, on a modest scale. A review of its use to date shows a concurrent lack of consensus in test strategy and a wealth of innovative disease and treatment-specific metrics which may show promise as clinical trial endpoints. There are practical considerations to consider for its use, but these have not held back its popularity and it remains a widely used psychophysical test in research. Endpoint development trials will undoubtedly be key in understanding the validity of microperimetry as a clinical trial endpoint, but existing signs are promising.
Making Humanoid Robots More Acceptable Based on the Study of Robot Characters in Animation
Authors: Maleki Fatemeh , Farhoudi Zeinab
Published: February 2021

In this paper we take an approach in Humanoid Robots are not considered as robots who resembles human beings in a realistic way of appearance and act but as robots who act and react like human that make them more believable by people. Regarding this approach we will study robot characters in animation movies and discuss what makes some of them to be accepted just like a moving body and what makes some other robot characters to be believable as a living human. The goal of this paper is to create a rule set that describes friendly, socially acceptable, kind, cute... robots and in this study we will review example robots in popular animated movies. The extracted rules and features can be used for making real robots more acceptable.
Inverse Kinematic Solution of 5R Manipulator using ANN and ANFIS
Authors: Jha Panchand
Published: February 2021

Inverse kinematics of manipulator comprises the computation required to find the joint angles for a given Cartesian position and orientation of the end effector. There is no unique solution for the inverse kinematics thus necessitating application of appropriate predictive models from the soft computing domain. Artificial neural network and adaptive neural fuzzy inference system techniques can be gainfully used to yield the desired results. This paper proposes structured artificial neural network (ANN) model and adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to find the inverse kinematics solution of robot manipulator. The ANN model used is a multi-layered perceptron Neural Network (MLPNN). Wherein, gradient descent type of learning rules is applied. An attempt has been made to find the best ANN configuration for the problem. It is found that ANFIS gives better result and minimum error as compared to ANN.
Trajectory Planning and Walking Pattern Generation of Humanoid Robot Motion
Authors: Abdolshah Saeed , Abdolshah Majid , Tang Sai Hong
Published: February 2021

Walking trajectory generation for a humanoid robot is a challenging control  issue. In this paper, a walking cycle has been recognized considering human motion, and nine simple steps were distinguished in a full step of walking which form motion trajectory, and generates a simplified ZMP motion formulation. This system was used in humanoid robot simulation motion and is achievable easily in walking steps of robot. A minimum DOFs humanoid robot has been considered and geometrical relationships between the robot links were presented by the Denavit-Hartenberg method. The inverse kinematics equations have been solved regarding to extracted ZMP trajectory formula, and constraints in different steps. As a result; angular velocity, acceleration and power of motors were obtained using the relationships and Jacobin. At each step, extracted data were applied on simulated robot in Matlab, and Visual Nastran software. Zero moment point trajectory was evaluated in simulation environment.
A Techniques to Downgrade Objective Function in Parallel Robot Kinematics Problem
Authors: Trang Trung Thanh , Li Guang Wei , Pham Long Thanh
Published: February 2021

Quadratic functions and quaternary functions are preferable forms solving parallel robot kinematics problems. In order to simplify and to use only one method to solve all forms of the objective functions, this article introduces prevalent techniques to downgrade mathematical model of the objective functions from quaternary function to quadratic function in parallel robot kinematics problem. By using equivalent alternative kinematic structure and additional mathematical constraints, we will change from the study of parallel robot kinematics problem with the form of quaternary objective function as the original configuration to equivalent alternative configuration in the form of quadratic objective function. The parallel robot kinematics problem based on alternative configuration with quadratic objective function is not only simpler but also helps to quickly identify the mathmatical relationships in the joint space and work space of parallel robot. Then, more accurate control solution of parallel robot kinematics problem can be identified. Moreover, by using techniques in this study, all forms of objective functions of parallel robot of any structure can be easily solved. The result from numerical simulation has been used to prove the presented approaches.
Manuscript shapes generated by novel bi-axis control algorithm based on a mathematical handwriting model
Authors: Mahmoud Imene , Chihi Ines , Abedlkrim Afef , Benrejeb Mohamed
Published: February 2021

Handwriting movement is one of the most complex activities of human motions. It’s a blend of kinesthetic, cognitive, perceptual and motor components. The study of this biological process shows that bell-shaped velocity profiles are generally observed in the handwriting motion. In this paper, an identification technique, based on Recursive Least Square algorithm (RLS), is proposed to identify the pen-tip movement in human handwriting process, by using input and output data which present EMG signals and velocities according to x and y coordinates.  Using the estimated coordinates that have resulted from the velocity model; we propose a novel algorithm to generate handwritten graphic traces, which is inspired from the idea of tracing circles by Bresenham bi-axis control algorithm. The effectiveness of this approach should be observed on predicting cursive Arabic letters and Arabic word written on (x,y) plane, these shapes constituting a recorded experimental basis.
Review of Vision-Based Robot Navigation Method
Authors: Rahmani Budi , Putra Agfianto Eko , Harjoko Agus , Priyambodo Tri Kuntoro
Published: February 2021

Vision-based robot navigation is a research theme that continues to be developed up to now by the researchers in the field of robotics. There are innumerable methods or algorithms are developed, and this paper described the reviews of the methods. The methods are distinguished whether  the robot is equipped with the navigation map (map-based), the map is built incrementally as robot observes the environment (map-building), or the robot navigates using no map (mapless). In this paper will described navigation methods of map-based, map-building, and mapless category.
Mobile Robot Framework Designing and Transferring of Data by PCI Controller
Authors: Rezaee Alireza
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a differential robot is designed and controlled by PCI card. This card connected between personal computer and microcontroller. Furthermore PID controller was designed by Asic device and implemented on robot.

In this paper, instead of using that massive hardware’s, it designed a single FPGA chip to perform the same motion control of robot wheels. We developed a general purposed motion control of robot using a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

In order to obtain independent robots movement, the main PID controller is implemented with a Field Programmable Gate Array. The main PID controller routine was designed to be fairly general purpose and modular form. While it is used to control a DC motor, it could be re-deployed to other situations where some parameter has to be controlled to a set value under varying conditions. The actual control software is located in a single function and its major inputs and output are held in a structure. Although it was designed originally for a specific job it is really only intended as an example of the basic techniques involved and to allow those with no control system knowledge to experiment with a simple PID system.

, FPGA, ATmega128L, Robot, Digital.
Design and Fabrication of Friction Stir Welding End-Effector for an ABB IRB1410 Robot
Authors: Vanama Santosh
Published: February 2021

The paper propose modelling and fabrication of friction stir welding end-effector for ABB IRB1410 robot. A dynamically developing version of pressure welding processes, join material without reaching the fusion temperature called friction stir welding. As friction stir welding occurs in solid state, no solidification structures are created thereby eliminating the brittle and eutectic phase’s common to fusion welding of high strength aluminium alloys. In this paper, Friction stir welding is applied to aluminum sheets of 2 mm thickness. A prototype setup is developed to monitor the evolution of main forces and tool temperature during the operation. Pressure of a gripper plays a major role for tool rotation and developing torque.  Fabrication of the tool has done. Force calculations are done by placing the sensors on the outer surface of gripper. Methods of evaluating weld quality are surveyed as well.
Load Carrying Assistance Device Pogo Suit
Authors: Redkar Sangram
Published: February 2021

Wearable robots including exoskeletons, powered prosthetics, and powered orthotics must add energy to the person at an appropriate time to enhance, augment, or supplement human performance. Adding energy while not being in sync with the user can dramatically hurt performance. Many human tasks such as walking, running, and hopping are repeating or cyclic tasks and a robot can add energy in sync with the repeating pattern for assistance. A method has been developed to add energy at the appropriate time to the repeating limit cycle based on a phase oscillator. The phase oscillator eliminates time from the forcing function which is based purely on the motion of the user. This approach has been simulated, implemented and tested in a robotic backpack which facilitates carrying heavy loads. The device oscillates the load of the backpack, based on the motion of the user, in order to add energy at the correct time and thus reduce the amount of energy required for walking with a heavy load. Models were developed in Working Model 2-D, a dynamics simulation software, in conjunction with MATLAB to verify theory and test control methods. The control system developed is robust and has successfully operated on different users, each with their own different and distinct gait. The results of experimental testing validated the corresponding models.
Denavit-Hartenberg Coordinate System for Robots with Tree-like Kinematic Structure
Authors: Kovalchuk Alexander , Akhmetova F.
Published: February 2021

The paper presents a modified Denavit-Hartenberg coordinate system resulted from joint application of graph theory and the Denavit-Hartenberg coordinate system, which was developed to describe the kinematics of robot actuators with a linear open kinematic chain. It allows forming mathematical models of actuating mechanisms for the robots with tree-like kinematic structures. The work introduces the concept of primary and auxiliary coordinate systems. It considers an example of making the links’ reachability matrix and reachability graph for the tree-like actuating mechanism of a robotic mannequin. The use efficiency of the proposed modified Denavit-Hartenberg coordinate system is illustrated by the examples giving the mathematical description of the kinematics and dynamics of specific robots’ tree-like actuating mechanisms discussed in the previously published papers. It is shown that the proposed coordinate system can also be successfully applied to describe the actuating mechanisms of robots with a linear open kinematic chain, which is a particular case of the tree-like kinematic structure. The absence of branching joints in it does not require introducing auxiliary coordinate systems and the parameters f(i) and ns(i) are necessary only for the formal notation of equations, which have similar forms for the tree-like and linear chains. In this case, the modified and traditional coordinate systems coincide.
Development of alcohol triggered vehicle engine lock system
Authors: Joshua Ighalo , Stanley Uzairue , Charles Ochonogor , Peter Amaize , Okokpujie Kennedy
Published: February 2021

Drunk driving is a very dangerous behavior caused as a result of excessive consumption of alcohol therefore causing distortion in the thought pattern of its victims with a large percentage being drivers of vehicles of all forms. Most of the traffic accidents recorded in recent years are related to drunk driving. Solutions have been proposed, devices developed, all to the sole aim which is to reduce traffic accidents due to drunk driving but none has been quite cable of impairing the driver’s ability to drive. To this end, we model and design an alcohol triggered vehicle engine lock system. This project’s ability to impair the driver’s ability to drive makes it stand out from previous methods or devices developed to reduce road accidents due to drunk driving. The entire system is based on a microcontroller that is used to set an alcohol limit/ threshold which when reached or crossed upon sensing of alcohol in the air by the alcohol sensor, would trigger the buzzer alarm and warning LED of the circuit to alert the driver that his/her blood alcohol concentration at that moment in time wouldn’t be safe for driving. At this point the system automatically locks the ignition system of the vehicle within which it is embedded while an LCD displays information for the driver’s visuals incase the driver’s sight isn’t also impaired while in the drunk state. This project is a prototype to what is proposed with the vehicle’s engine system represented with a DC motor and its ignition system represented with a push button. The overall work was implemented with a constructed work, tested working and perfectly functional.
A genetic algorithm rooted in integer encoding and fuzzy controller
Authors: Varnamkhasti M. Jalali
Published: February 2021

The premature convergence is the essential problem in genetic algorithms and it is strongly related to the loss of genetic diversity of the population. In this study, a new sexual selection mechanism which utilizing mate chromosome during selection proposed and then technique focuses on selecting and controlling the genetic operators by applying the fuzzy logic controller. Computational experiments are conducted on the proposed techniques and the results are compared with some other operators, heuristic and local search algorithms commonly used for solving benchmark problems published in the literature.
Impact of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on power system with high wind power penetration
Authors: Harby Mahmoud Essam , Elmasry Said Elsayed , Elsamahy Adel , Marroyo Luis , Marcos Javier
Published: February 2021

The rising energy independence and environmental concerns are key drivers in the growing popularity of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Because of the intermittent nature of the renewable energy sources, this may cause a high-frequency oscillation of the power system. From another aspect, all the PHEVs have in common the batteries, which provide the storage capability that can be effectively harnessed when the vehicles are integrated into the grid. Such a storage capability can effectively integrate wind power into the grid and all indicators signalize that the PHEVs are the most promising technology of the future transportation system. In this paper, different case studies are applied on one area power system to show the effect of the high wind energy penetration on the power system frequency and how the PHEVs can play an effective role in mitigating the power system frequency oscillation and supporting the more penetration of the wind energy into smarter electrical grids. In addition, an advanced controller has been designed to improve the frequency response and to compensate the delay of the system. The designed controller is a genetic algorithm (GA) based PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller, it has been proposed for tuning optimized PID parameters. The results show that the controller has played an effective role in decreasing the response overshoot and settling time when used with the PHEVs. The used variable load, the thermal power plant parameters, and the wind turbine parameters are the same for the five case studies.
Optimization and comparative analysis of PID and FOPID controller for BLDC motor
Authors: Vimala P. , Balamurugan C. R. , Subramanian A. , Vishwanath T.
Published: February 2021

The FOPID and PID controller are designed to control the speed of
 the BLDC motor. The parameters , , , λ and µ of these controller are optimized based on genetic algorithm. The optimized coefficients keep in track with zero error signals. The output of the controller is given to the variable dc source which varies the input voltage to the three phase inverter depending on the input signal. The three phase inverter gives the voltage to the BLDC motor which enhances the stability of the system.
 The effectiveness of the controller is demonstrated by simulation.
Laboratory environment monitoring and specimen transport robots
Authors: Wu Yi-Chang , Wang Huan-Chun
Published: February 2021

Robots have been used in various areas to replace manpower, reduce costs, and facilitate more effective resource allocation. This study sought to assist the business of the bureau by developing two robots using the Robot Operating System. The developed robots have autonomous intelligent navigation functions and are suited to monitor the environment of
 the laboratories in the bureau. One robot had a temperature and humidity sensor and an infrared thermal camera, and it could be used to patrol and monitor the laboratory environment. The other robot had drawers in which specimens could be placed; robotic arm in the elevator could coordinate and control elevators, enabling the robot to move and transport specimens autonomously. Plenty of tests were conducted to verify the feasibility
 and practicality.
Homenagem a Arlindo Machado: em defesa da televisão
Authors: Miranda Amanda Souza
Published: February 2021

Em entrevista concedida em 2014 à TV UFSC, veículo da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, o professor Arlindo Machado levantou questões sobre a importância“visceral” da televisão no cotidiano das pessoas, inclusive das crianças, o papel e a importância dos críticos e do entretenimento. Falou, também, sobre o seu pensamento acerca da audiência e de como telespectadores de programas mais informativos podem ter uma influência sobre a programação.
Comunicação em ouvidoria: um caso de prática organizacional
Authors: Moura Flávia de Almeida , Nobre Neto Pedro Germano , Costa Bruna Rafaela Almeida da
Published: February 2021

Este artigo traz uma problematização acerca da temática “comunicação e ouvidoria pública” ao apresentar um estudo em andamento que busca compreender de que formas a rede de ouvidorias da Empresa Brasileira de Serviços Hospitalares (EBSERH) desenvolve práticas comunicativas sob a ótica da tríade: registro de manifestação, pesquisa de satisfação e serviço de informação ao cidadão; e como tais práticas podem ser analisadas no contexto da comunicação organizacional. A metodologia é qualitativa, com informações advindas de questionário, entrevistas e observação participante.
Concentration of Lp(a) (Lipoprotein[a]) in Aneurysm Sac Is Associated With Wall Enhancement of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Ishii Daizo , Zanaty Mario , Roa Jorge A. , Li Luyuan , Lu Yongjun , Sabotin Ryan , Allan Lauren , Samaniego Edgar A , Hasan David M.
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose:

Atherosclerotic remodeling of the aneurysm wall, which could be detected as aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) by magnetic resonance–vessel wall imaging, is a part of degenerative change of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the luminal concentrations of atherosclerotic proteins in the aneurysm sac were associated with increased wall enhancement of UIAs in vessel wall imaging.

Methods:

We performed a prospective study of subjects undergoing endovascular treatments for UIAs. All subjects underwent evaluation using 3T–magnetic resonance imaging, including pre/postcontrast vessel wall imaging of the UIAs. Blood samples were collected from the aneurysm sac and the parent artery during endovascular procedures. Presence/absence of AWE was correlated with the delta difference in concentration for each atherosclerotic protein between the lumen of UIA and in the parent artery.

Results:

A total of consecutive 17 patients with 19 UIAs were enrolled. The delta difference of lipoprotein(a) was significantly higher in UIAs with AWE compared with those without AWE (−6.9±16.0 versus −45.4±44.9 μg/mL,
P
=0.03).

Conclusions:

Higher luminal concentrations of lipoprotein(a) in the aneurysm sac were significantly associated with increased wall enhancement of UIAs. A larger study is needed to confirm these findings.
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) behavioural response to an odorant mixture containing attracting and repelling odorants
Authors: Shahriari Arash , Khara Lakhan S. , Allison W. Ted , Tierney Keith B.
Published: February 2021

Odorants guide essential activities such as foraging and fleeing predators. Studies usually examine behavioural and physiological effects of individual odorants, while animals in the environment are exposed to multiple stimuli simultaneously. In this study, we exposed zebrafish to a mixture of attraction-evoking and aversion-evoking amino acids, and behavioural responses were observed. Attraction to l-alanine and avoidance to l-cysteine were observed, and so these amino acids were used to make the mixture (zebrafish also avoided l-serine, but this was weaker than with l-cysteine exposures). When exposed to the mixture, fish responded with avoidance, which suggests that aversion-evoking stimuli outweigh attraction-evoking stimuli. Attraction towards the mixture was seen only when the concentration of l-cysteine was decreased from 0.1 to 0.001 mM. Olfactory ablation surgery confirmed that the behaviours were olfactory-mediated. Overall, this study demonstrated that odorant stimuli that repel outweigh stimuli that attract until their concentration decreases by as much as 100-fold.
From Social and Development Banking to Digital Financial Inclusion: the Journey of Banking in India
Authors: Sarkar Kaustav K. , Thapa Rukmini
Published: February 2021

The Indian banking and financial sector has endured a long journey from social and development banking to digital banking and financial inclusion. In recent years, there has been a growing consensus in support of digital financial inclusion. Several influential international entities argued strongly in favor of digitization of banking and expansion of digital finance. We tried to understand the journey of Indian banks through the lens of historical and economic changes, ranging from social and developmental banking to digital financial inclusion. In particular, the journey has been analyzed in the context of the changing role of the state, data-driven banking, and the infrastructural base required for a digital banking and payment system. Further, drawing experiences from other emerging nations, an attempt has been made to understand how far digital financial inclusion would be successful in India in reaching the unbanked and marginalized.
The Vanishing Point of World Literature
Authors: Landry Travis
Published: February 2021

In the field of world literature, questions about the temporal versus spatial nature of worlding persist. One reason is the problematic nature of this dichotomy. Taking up Pheng Cheah’s calls for the temporal worlding of indeterminate becoming, my paper complicates the fate of spatiality in this move toward ontological open-endedness. With discussion of the vanishing point, I postulate that imaginative distancing in its relation to memory involves a spatialization that need not be circumscribed by global flattening of the humanist ethos central to the worldliness of world literature. In response to the connection Cheah draws between literature and worldliness, I claim that the latter is characterized by a spatiotemporal elasticity born from the proliferation of meaning in the former. At the extreme, this movement gestures toward the infinite held by the vanishing point, and there, indeterminacy appears absurdly paradoxical in our search for world value, as consciousness loses itself in the repeated and necessary attempt to transcend distance that cannot be measured.
Steccherinum fragile sp. nov. and S. subcollabens comb. nov. (Steccherinaceae, Polyporales), evidenced by morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: LIU ZHAN-BO , DAI YU-CHENG
Published: February 2021

A new poroid wood-inhabiting fungus in the family Steccherinaceae, Steccherinum fragile sp. nov., is described and illustrated from China based on morphological and molecular evidence. The species was collected in Yunnan Province, growing on the ground and undersides of rotten angiosperm wood. S. fragile is characterized by an annual growth habit, resupinate basidiocarps with salmon to peach pores when fresh becoming cinnamon buff to pinkish buff upon drying, a thin margin with distinct rhizomorphs, a monomitic hyphal system, generative hyphae thin- to distinctly thick-walled with simple septa, neither amyloid nor cyanophilous. The phylogenetic analysis based on ITS + nLSU rDNA sequences shows that the new species belongs to Steccherinum, forming a monophyletic lineage with strong support (100% BS, 100% BP, 1.00 BPP). In addition, a new combination, S. subcollabens, is also proposed based on examination of its type material and phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetically, Steccherinum fragile is closely related to S. amapaense and groups with S. subcollabens, S. formosanum and S. collabens. Both morphological and molecular characters confirm the placement of the new species and combination in Steccherinum.
Rhexodenticula aquatica (Sordariomycetidae genera incertae sedis), a novel hyphomycete from freshwater in Thailand

Authors: DONG WEI , ZHANG HUANG , DOILOM MINGKWAN , YU XIAN-DONG , WANG GEN-NUO , NALUMPANG SARUNYA
Published: February 2021

During our surveys of freshwater fungi on submerged wood in the Greater Mekong Subregion, a rhexodenticula-like taxon was collected, described and illustrated. The new collection is identified based on analyses of combined LSU, SSU, ITS and TEF sequence data, and morphological comparison with other Rhexodenticula species. According to the morphology and molecular analysis, our collection is not known before and hence, we introduce here as Rhexodenticula aquatica sp. nov. This species is characterized by macronematous, subcylindrical, unbranched conidiophores, polyblastic, terminal conidiogenous cells and fusiform, 3-septate, verruculose conidia, and schizolytic conidial secession. Rhexodenticula is referred to Sordariomycetidae genera incertae sedis due to its unstable phylogenetic placement in Sordariomycetidae.
Penthetria Meigen (Diptera: Bibionidae): Revision of the New World species and world catalog
Authors: FITZGERALD SCOTT J.
Published: February 2021

The New World species of Penthetria Meigen are revised. Eight species are recognized: P. appendicula Hardy, P. arizonensis Fitzgerald n. sp., P. distincta Hardy, P. dolichopeza Fitzgerald n. sp., P. heteroptera (Say), P. mexicana (Hardy), P. neonigrita Fitzgerald n. sp., and P. yakima Fitzgerald n. sp.. Penthetria heros Say and P. nigerrima (Bellardi) are considered unrecognized (nomen dubium) and P. nigrita Perty is transferred to the genus Plecia Wiedemann, where it is a junior synonym of Plecia plagiata Wiedemann. The fossil species Penthetria dubia Geinitz is removed from family Bibionidae. Additionally, a summary of current knowledge about the genus, a generic description and diagnosis, and a catalog of the 36 (extant) world species are provided.
A new species of Merothrips from the Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram, India (Thysanoptera, Terebrantia)
Authors: JOHNSON TH. , MOUND L.A. , VARATHARAJAN R.
Published: February 2021

Merothrips mizoramensis sp.n. is described from northeastern India based on a single macropterous female. The fore wings of this specimen have a single longitudinal vein, the pronotal notopleural sutures are very long with the posteroangular setae displaced laterally, tergite IX lacks trichobothria, and many tergites and sternites bear an unusual number of sculptured lines.
A new species of the simplex group of the genus Carpelimus Leach, 1819 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) from Thailand
Authors: GILDENKOV MIKHAIL YU.
Published: February 2021

A new species of the simplex group of the genus Carpelimus Leach, 1819 from Thailand is described and illustrated: C. (Trogophloeus) rotundicollis Gildenkov sp. n.
Notes on the genus Zaranga Moore with description of a new species in the Zaranga pannosa species group (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae)
Authors: BELJAEV EVGENY A. , CHOI SEI-WOONG , KUZMIN ALEKSANDR A.
Published: February 2021

The Zaranga pannosa species group of the genus Zaranga Moore, 1884 is reviewed and a new species, Zaranga koreana sp. nov. from Korea, is described based on morphology and genetic data. An updated checklist, key, and ecological and distributional notes to the species are provided. Diagnoses and description are given for the described species. A new locality to Zaranga tukuringra Streltzov et Yakovlev, 2007, is given and this species is considered as narrow local endemic of north-west Amur basin, distributed on the huge distance from other Zapanga species.
Systematic Review of Factors Affecting Foster Parent Retention
Authors: Hanlon Ryan , Simon June , Day Angelique , Vanderwill Lori , Kim JaeRan , Dallimore Elise
Published: February 2021

This study utilized the PRISMA protocol to conduct a systematic review of the literature published in the United States from 1989 to 2018 to identify factors that affect foster parent retention. Foster parent perception of their own limitations within the child welfare system, the child welfare system’s ability to function fluidly, and the foster parents’ relationship with the agency affects retention. In addition, the lack of material resources or inadequacy of funding to cover the cost of services for the child was identified as a barrier to retention. Personal attributes such as flexibility, confidence, and motivation contributed to the caregiver retention as did attending pre-service and in-service training, and having peer support from an experienced foster parent.
A prospective cohort study of the risk factors for new falls and fragility fractures in self-caring elderly patients aged 80 years and over
Authors: Zhou Jian , Liu Bo , Qin Ming-Zhao , Liu Jin-Ping
Published: February 2021

Background

This study aimed to prospectively analyze the risk factors for new falls and fragility fractures in self-caring elderly patients and to find suitable evaluation tools for community screening and follow-up interventions. Methods: A total of 300 participants (187 male and 113 female), aged 80 or above and capable of caring for themselves, were enrolled in this study and observed for a period of 12 months. Their medical histories were collected, various indicators were measured, and the risk factors for new falls and fragility fractures were analyzed.

Results

A total of 290 participants were included in the statistical analysis. Eighty-seven participants (30%) had new falls. The incidence was negatively correlated with the activities of daily living (ADL, represented by the Barthel Index) score (P=0.008) but was positively correlated with the timed up-and-go (TUG) test score> 12 s (P=0.021). The results also revealed that 33 fragility fractures occurred in 29 patients (10.0%), which was positively correlated with new falls (P=0.000). New fragility fractures were negatively correlated with the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebrae (P=0.012) and walking speed (P=0.000).

Conclusion

TUG, walking speed, the ADL score, and the fall risk assessment scale can simply and effectively assess the risk of new falls and fragility fractures in the elderly population, and their use should be widely implemented in the community.
Outcomes for 298 breastfed neonates whose mothers received ketamine and diazepam for postpartum tubal ligation in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Gilder Mary Ellen , Tun Nay Win , Carter Annabelle , Tan Ferdinand Frederik Som Ling , Min Aung Myat , Eh Hsa , Aye Pan , Carrara Verena I. , Angkurawaranon Chaisiri , McGready Rose
Published: February 2021

Background

Anesthesia in lactating women is frequently indicated for time-sensitive procedures such as postpartum tubal ligation. Ketamine and diazepam are two of the most commonly used anesthetic agents in low resource settings, but their safety profile in lactating women has not been established.

Methods

Medical records of post-partum tubal ligations between 2013 and 2018 at clinics of the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit were reviewed for completeness of key outcome variables. Logistic regression identified presence or absence of associations between drug doses and adverse neonatal outcomes: clinically significant weight loss (≥95th percentile) and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy.

Results

Of 358 records reviewed, 298 were lactating women with singleton, term neonates. There were no severe outcomes in mothers or neonates. On the first postoperative day 98.0% (290/296) of neonates were reported to be breastfeeding well and 6.4% (19/298) had clinically significant weight loss. Phototherapy was required for 13.8% (41/298) of neonates. There was no association between either of the outcomes and increasing ketamine doses (up to 3.8 mg/kg), preoperative oral diazepam (5 mg), or increasing lidocaine doses (up to 200 mg). Preoperative oral diazepam resulted in lower doses of intraoperative anesthetics. Doses of intravenous diazepam above 0.1 mg/kg were associated with increased risk (adjusted odds ratio per 0.1 mg/kg increase, 95%CI) of weight loss (1.95, 95%CI 1.13–3.35, p = 0.016) and jaundice requiring phototherapy (1.87, 95%CI 1.11–3.13, p = 0.017).

Conclusions

In resource-limited settings ketamine use appears safe in lactating women and uninterrupted breastfeeding should be encouraged and supported. Preoperative oral diazepam may help reduce intraoperative anesthetic doses, but intravenous diazepam should be used with caution and avoided in high doses in lactating women.
Correction to: Culturable bacteria associated with Anopheles darlingi and their paratransgenesis potential
Authors: Rocha Elerson Matos , Marinotti Osvaldo , Serrão Deidre Machado , Correa Laura Viana , de Melo Katak Ricardo , de Oliveira Juan Campos , Muniz Veranilce Alves , de Oliveira Marta Rodrigues , do Nascimento Neto Joaquim Ferreira , Pessoa Marcos Cézar Fernandes , Roque Rosemary Aparecida , da Mota Adolfo Jose , Onorati Piero , Souza-Neto Jayme A. , Terenius Olle , Tadei Wanderli Pedro
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Survey on patients’ organisations’ knowledge and position paper on screening for inherited neuromuscular diseases in Europe
Authors:   ERN EURO-NMD Patient Advisory Board, Lamy F. , Ferlini A. , Evangelista Teresinha
Published: February 2021

Background

The development of new genetic testing methods and the approval of the first treatments raises questions regarding when and how to perform screening for inherited neuromuscular conditions. Screening directives and access to the different techniques is not uniform across Europe. The patient advisory board of the European reference network for rare neuromuscular diseases (NMD) conducted a qualitative study to understand the state of play of screening for inherited NMD in Europe and patients’ needs.

Results

We collected answers from 30 patient organisations (POs) from 18 European countries. Fifteen acknowledge the existence of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis in their country. Regarding prenatal screening, we had 25 positive answers and 5 negative ones. Twenty-four POs mentioned that newborn screening was available in their country. We had some contradictory answers from POs from the same country and in some cases; diseases said to be part of the screening programmes were not hereditary disorders. Twenty-eight organisations were in favour of screening tests. The reasons for the two negative answers were lack of reimbursement and treatment, religious beliefs and eventual insurance constrains. Most POs (21) were in favour of systematic screening with the option to opt-out. Regarding the timing for screening, “at birth”, was the most consensual response. The main priority to perform screening for NMDs was early access to treatment, followed by shorter time to diagnostic, preventive care and genetic counselling.

Conclusions

This is the first study to assess knowledge and needs of POs concerning screening for NMDs. The knowledge of POs regarding screening techniques is quite uneven. This implies that, even in communities highly motivated and knowledgeable of the conditions they advocate for, there is a need for better information. Differences in the responses to the questions “how and when to screen” shows that the screening path depends on the disease and the presence of a disease modifying treatment. The unmet need for screening inherited NMDs should follow an adaptive pathway related to the fast moving medical landscape of NMDs. International coordination leading to a common policy would certainly be a precious asset tending to harmonize the situation amongst European countries.
Treatment of acute exacerbation of liver-cirrhosis-associated portal vein thrombosis with direct-acting oral anticoagulant, edoxaban, used as an initial treatment in the early postoperative period after abdominal surgery: a case report
Authors: Toyoda Junya , Morioka Daisuke , Horii Nobutoshi , Nakayama Gakuryu , Oyama Norio , Asano Fumio , Izumisawa Yusuke , Miura Masaru , Sato Yoshiki , Endo Itaru
Published: February 2021

Background

Cirrhosis-associated portal vein thrombosis (CA-PVT) has been reportedly observed in 5–30% of cirrhotic patients. Moreover, the acute exacerbation of CA-PVT is likely to occur after certain situations, such as a status after abdominal surgery. Safety and efficacy of the direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) used for cirrhotic patients have been being confirmed. However, use of the DOAC as an initial treatment for CA-PVT appears still challenging especially in the early postoperative period after major surgery in terms of unestablished efficacy and safety in such occasion.

Case presentation

We herein report a case of the acute exacerbation of CA-PVT in the early postoperative period after abdominal surgery, which was successfully treated with DOAC, edoxaban used as an initial treatment. The patient was a 79-year-old Japanese male with alcoholic cirrhosis. The patient suffered choledocholithiasis and had a mural chronic CA-PVT extending from the superior mesenteric vein to the portal trunk. He underwent open cholecystectomy and choledochotomy. Early postoperative clinical course was uneventful except for abdominal distension due to ascites diagnosed on postoperative day (POD)7 when hospital discharge was planned. Contrast enhancement computed tomography (CE-CT) taken on POD 7 revealed the exacerbation of the CA-PVT. Despite recommendation for extension of hospital admission with low molecular weight heparin treatment, the patient strongly hoped to be discharged. Unwillingly, we selected DOAC, edoxaban, as an initial treatment, which was commenced the day after discharge (POD8). As a result, the remarkable improvement of the exacerbated CA-PVT was confirmed by the CE-CT taken on POD21. Any bleeding complications were not observed. Although a slight residue of the CA-PVT remains, the patient is currently doing well 4 years after surgery and is still receiving edoxaban. Any adverse effects of edoxaban have not been observed for 4 years.

Conclusions

A case of successful treatment of the acute exacerbation of CA-PVT with edoxaban was reported. Moreover, edoxaban has been safely administered in a cirrhotic patient for 4 years. The findings obtained from the present case suggest that DOAC can be used as an initial treatment for CA-PVT even in early postoperative period after major abdominal surgery.
Toxicological evaluations of betulinic acid and ursolic acid; common constituents of Houttuynia cordata used as an anthelmintic by the Naga tribes in North-east India
Authors: Mishra Vijaya , Soren Amar Deep , Yadav Arun Kumar
Published: February 2021

Background

Betulinic acid (BA) and ursolic acid (UA) are two major phytoconstituents of Houttuynia cordata Thunb., (Saururaceae) which is used as an anthelmintic in the traditional medicine system of the Nagas in Nagaland, India. This study evaluates their toxic potentials using rodent models (Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats) according to the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) guidelines. Acute and 28-day sub-acute oral toxicity studies were conducted, and evaluations were made based on biochemical, hematological, and histopathological observations.

Results

Acute oral toxicity study revealed the oral LD50 of both the test compounds to be > 2000 mg/kg in mice. Sub-acute administration of BA at 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) revealed a significant increase in serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea concentrations and eosinophil and lymphocyte counts in rats. Animals administered with 10 mg/kg b.w. UA revealed elevated neutrophil count, SGOT, ALP, and urea concentrations, whereas white blood cells (WBC), lymphocyte, and platelet counts were found to be low. Histopathological examinations of body organs revealed alterations in the architecture of the liver, kidney, and spleen tissues. Notably, all these alterations were recoverable as evident in the satellite group, indicating a recovering pattern from the toxic effects caused by the oral administration of these phytocompounds.

Conclusion

Although UA and BA possess several therapeutic properties, their long-term usage can cause mild toxicity in their users. This study also paves way for evaluating the optimum effective and safe dose of these phytocompounds.
Development and validation by statistical treatment of stability indicating RP-HPLC method for quantification of Orlistat in Orlistat-loaded solid dispersion
Authors: Sharma Kiran Singh , Sahoo Jagannath
Published: February 2021

Background

Most of the analytical methods reported for the estimation of Orlistat were complex, expensive, and deficient in reproducibility with no or very less informative regarding various statistical methods and equations used for the validation purpose. This study provides a fast, accurate, descriptive, and precise isocratic reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method using Waters Spherisorb 5 μm Octadecyl-silica-2 (250 × 4.6 mm) column, for the estimation of Orlistat in bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulations with minimized drug extraction steps. The drug was detected in an analytical column with mobile phase comprising a mixture of methanol, acetonitrile, and 2% phosphoric acid in the ratio of 85:14:1 v/v/v at flow rate of 1 ml/min with elution monitoring at 215.0 nm.

Results

The retention time for Orlistat was found to be 5.9 min with sharp and proper peak. The linearity was covered over the concentration range of 1.00–10.00 μg/ml (r2 = 0.9997) with a limit of detection and limit of quantitation 0.06 and 0.2 μg/ml, respectively. The developed analytical technique was found to be validated for all the parameters within the acceptance criteria of ICH guidelines. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) recoveries of Orlistat were 99.87 ± 0.45.

Conclusion

The optimized method was well precise, accurate, sensitive, stability indicating, and tested with all statistical parameters. Thus, the method can be conveniently used in quality control and routine analysis of Orlistat containing solid dispersions and other formulations. The main advantage of the developed method was its high specificity for the estimation of Orlistat in presence of various degradation products resulting from stress conditions and formulation excipients.
HPLC method validation for quantification of tetrahydrocurcumin in bulk drug and formulation
Authors: Raut Roopam , Shaji Jessy
Published: February 2021

Background

Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), the active metabolite of curcumin, is gaining popularity amongst scientist due to its wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, better stability and colourless nature. The objective of this study was to develop a sensitive, cost-effective RP-HPLC method for the estimation of THC in bulk drug substance and formulation.

Results

Efficient chromatographic separation was achieved on Hypersil BDS, C18 column, 250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm column by isocratic elution with mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile: methanol: water (40:23:37% V/V); adjusted to a pH of 3.0 ± 0.05. The flow rate of the mobile phase was 1.0 ml/min with a column temperature of 25 °C. UV detector was used for the analysis and detection was carried out at 280 nm. The developed method was validated according to ICH guidelines with respect to system suitability, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness. The theoretical plates were found to be more than 5800. The method showed linearity over the range of 4 to 60 μg/ml with R2 = 0.9998. The accuracy of the method in terms of recovery study was 98.23-99.99%. The %RSD for intra-day and inter-day precision were 0.272 and 0.275, respectively. The method was found to be robust with respect to change in wavelength, flow rate and column temperature.

Conclusion

The analytical method was found satisfactory on validation as per ICH guidelines. Hence, it can be routinely used for quantification of THC in bulk drug and formulation.