bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The microbiome-adipose tissue axis in systemic metabolism
Authors: Lundgren Patrick , Thaiss Christoph A.
Published: February 2020

The intestinal commensal microbiome is an important component of host health, in part by contributing an abundance of metabolites that gain access to the systemic circulation. The microbiome thereby influences the physiology of numerous organ systems outside the gastrointestinal tract. The consequences of this signaling axis between the intestinal microbiome and host are profound, in particular for the modulation of organismal metabolism. Here, we review recent examples whereby the intestinal microbiome influences host metabolism by influencing the biology of adipose tissue. We place a special emphasis on metabolite-driven pathways by which adipose tissue responds to alterations in intestinal microbial colonization. Given its accessibility for therapeutic interventions, the gut microbiome is an attractive relay module for the remote control of systemic metabolism.
Hemodynamic and perceptual responses to blood flow-restricted exercise among patients undergoing dialysis
Authors: Clarkson Matthew J. , Brumby Catherine , Fraser Steve F. , McMahon Lawrence P. , Bennett Paul N. , Warmington Stuart A.
Published: February 2020

End-stage kidney disease is associated with reduced exercise capacity, muscle atrophy, and impaired muscle function. While these may be improved with exercise, single modalities of exercise do not traditionally elicit improvements across all required physiological domains. Blood flow-restricted exercise may improve all of these physiological domains with low intensities traditionally considered insufficient for these adaptions. Investigation of this technique appeals, but is yet to be evaluated, in patients undergoing dialysis. With the use of a progressive crossover design, 10 satellite patients undergoing hemodialysis underwent three exercise conditions over 2 wk: two bouts (10 min) of unrestricted cycling during two consecutive hemodialysis sessions ( condition 1), two bouts of cycling with blood flow restriction while off hemodialysis on 2 separate days ( condition 2), and two bouts of cycling with blood flow restriction during two hemodialysis sessions ( condition 3). Outcomes included hemodynamic responses (heart rate and blood pressure) throughout all sessions, participant-perceived exertion and discomfort on a Borg scale, and evaluation of ultrafiltration rates and dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) obtained post hoc. Hemodynamic responses were consistent regardless of condition. Significant increases in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure ( P < 0.05) were observed postexercise followed by a reduction in blood pressures during the 60-min recovery (12, 5, and 11 mmHg for systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures, respectively). Blood pressures returned to predialysis ranges following the recovery period. Blood flow restriction did not affect ultrafiltration achieved or Kt/V. Hemodynamic safety and tolerability of blood flow restriction during aerobic exercise on hemodialysis is comparable to standard aerobic exercise.
Microbial Decolorization of Triazo Dye, Direct Blue 71: An Optimization Approach Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN)
Authors: Zin Khairunnisa’ Mohd , Effendi Halmi Mohd Izuan , Abd Gani Siti Salwa , Zaidan Uswatun Hasanah , Samsuri A. Wahid , Abd Shukor Mohd Yunus
Published: February 2020

The release of wastewater from textile dyeing industrial sectors is a huge concern with regard to pollution as the treatment of these waters is truly a challenging process. Hence, this study investigates the triazo bond Direct Blue 71 (DB71) dye decolorization and degradation dye by a mixed bacterial culture in the deficiency source of carbon and nitrogen. The metagenomics analysis found that the microbial community consists of a major bacterial group of Acinetobacter (30%), Comamonas (11%), Aeromonadaceae (10%), Pseudomonas (10%), Flavobacterium (8%), Porphyromonadaceae (6%), and Enterobacteriaceae (4%). The richest phylum includes Proteobacteria (78.61%), followed by Bacteroidetes (14.48%) and Firmicutes (3.08%). The decolorization process optimization was effectively done by using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN). The experimental variables of dye concentration, yeast extract, and pH show a significant effect on DB71 dye decolorization percentage. Over a comparative scale, the ANN model has higher prediction and accuracy in the fitness compared to the RSM model proven by approximated R2 and AAD values. The results acquired signify an efficient decolorization of DB71 dye by a mixed bacterial culture.
Liraglutide Attenuates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Modulating Gut Microbiota in Rats Administered a High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Zhang Ningjing , Tao Junxian , Gao Lijun , Bi Yan , Li Ping , Wang Hongdong , Zhu Dalong , Feng Wenhuan
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to determine whether modulation of the gut microbiota structure by liraglutide helps improve nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats on a high‐fat diet (HFD). Rats were administered an HFD for 12 weeks to induce NAFLD and then administered liraglutide for 4 additional weeks. Next‐generation sequencing and multivariate analysis were performed to assess structural changes in the gut microbiota. Liraglutide attenuated excessive hepatic ectopic fat deposition, maintained intestinal barrier integrity, and alleviated metabolic endotoxemia in HFD rats. Liraglutide significantly altered the overall structure of the HFD‐disrupted gut microbiota and gut microbial composition in HFD rats in comparison to those on a normal diet. An abundance of 100 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were altered upon liraglutide administration, with 78 OTUs associated with weight gain or inflammation. Twenty‐three OTUs positively correlated with hepatic steatosis‐related parameters were decreased upon liraglutide intervention, while 5 OTUs negatively correlated with hepatic steatosis‐related parameters were increased. These results suggest that liraglutide‐mediated attenuation of NAFLD partly results from structural changes in gut microbiota associated with hepatic steatosis.
Self-Compassion Demonstrating a Dual Relationship with Pain Dependent on High-Frequency Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Tian Shuxiang , Luo Xi , Che Xianwei , Xu Guizhi
Published: February 2020

One previous study indicated the significance of trait self-compassion in psychological well-being and adjustment in people with chronic pain. Higher-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) was found to be closely associated with self-compassion and pain coping. The current study was therefore designed to investigate the relationship between self-compassion and experimental pain as well as the impact of HF-HRV. Sixty healthy participants provided self-reported self-compassion and underwent a cold pain protocol during which HF-HRV was evaluated. Results demonstrated a dual relationship between self-compassion and pain, dependent on the level of HF-HRV during pain exposure. Specifically, self-compassion was associated with lower pain in the condition of higher HF-HRV, while there was an inverse relationship between self-compassion and pain when HF-HRV was lower. Our data indicate the significance of HF-HRV in moderating the association between self-compassion and experimental pain.
NLRP3 Inflammasome and Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhang Simei , Xiao Ying , Zhang Wunai , Wu Shuai , Qin Tao , Yue Yangyang , Qian Weikun , Li Li
Published: February 2020

Almost all human diseases are strongly associated with inflammation, and a deep understanding of the exact mechanism is helpful for treatment. The NLRP3 inflammasome composed of the NLRP3 protein, procaspase-1, and ASC plays a vital role in regulating inflammation. In this review, NLRP3 regulation and activation, its proinflammatory role in inflammatory diseases, interactions with autophagy, and targeted therapeutic approaches in inflammatory diseases will be summarized.
Detecting Congestive Heart Failure by Extracting Multimodal Features and Employing Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Hussain Lal , Awan Imtiaz Ahmed , Aziz Wajid , Saeed Sharjil , Ali Amjad , Zeeshan Farukh , Kwak Kyung Sup
Published: February 2020

The adaptability of heart to external and internal stimuli is reflected by the heart rate variability (HRV). Reduced HRV can be a predictor of negative cardiovascular outcomes. Based on the nonlinear, nonstationary, and highly complex dynamics of the controlling mechanism of the cardiovascular system, linear HRV measures have limited capability to accurately analyze the underlying dynamics. In this study, we propose an automated system to analyze HRV signals by extracting multimodal features to capture temporal, spectral, and complex dynamics. Robust machine learning techniques, such as support vector machine (SVM) with its kernel (linear, Gaussian, radial base function, and polynomial), decision tree (DT), k‐nearest neighbor (KNN), and ensemble classifiers, were employed to evaluate the detection performance. Performance was evaluated in terms of specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The highest performance was obtained using SVM linear kernel (TA = 93.1%, AUC = 0.97, 95% CI [lower bound = 0.04, upper bound = 0.89]), followed by ensemble subspace discriminant (TA = 91.4%, AUC = 0.96, 95% CI [lower bound 0.07, upper bound = 0.81]) and SVM medium Gaussian kernel (TA = 90.5%, AUC = 0.95, 95% CI [lower bound = 0.07, upper bound = 0.86]). The results reveal that the proposed approach can provide an effective and computationally efficient tool for automatic detection of congestive heart failure patients.
Use of KRD-PACE as Salvage Therapy in Aggressive, Relapsed/Bortezomib-Refractory Extramedullary Multiple Myeloma: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Parrondo Ricardo D. , Roy Vivek , Sher Taimur , Alegria Victoria , Chanan-Khan Asher A. , Ailawadhi Sikander
Published: February 2020

Extramedullary multiple myeloma is defined by the presence of plasma cell infiltration outside of the bone marrow. It is associated with a poor prognosis and resistance to therapy and is often associated with high-risk cytogenetics. Aggressive relapsed and refractory extramedullary multiple myeloma is often treated with salvage infusional chemotherapy to achieve rapid disease control. Commonly used regimens include DCEP, CVAD, and VTD-PACE. While VTD-PACE contains bortezomib and thalidomide which have potent antimyeloma activity, the advent of novel agent therapy with proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents being used in the first-line setting has resulted in many patients being refractory to bortezomib by the time they are treated with VTD-PACE. Herein, we discuss two cases of aggressive relapsed, high-risk, bortezomib-refractory extramedullary multiple myeloma treated with KRD-PACE and review the available clinical data on salvage chemotherapy regimens used in relapsed refractory myeloma.
Quantitative Invulnerability Analysis of Artificial Spider-Web Topology Model Based on End-to-End Delay
Authors: Wang Jun , Du Zhuangzhuang , He Zhitao
Published: February 2020

This paper presents an artificial spider-web topology model inspired by the structure and invulnerability of a spider web. A hierarchical clustering routing rule is accordingly established using the vibration transmission features of the natural spider web as a reference. Furthermore, the end-to-end delay is applied as the quantitative indicator of invulnerability for analyzing the communication performance and characteristics of the artificial spider-web topology. The simulation tests of a one-layer and 3-layer artificial spider-web model are implemented to obtain the importance and destructive tolerance of network components based on OPNET, with the change of communication conditions and fault types. This paper can provide a practical analysis method for the invulnerability of the artificial spider-web topology and offer important implications for the construction and maintenance of wireless sensor networks based on the topology.
Analysis of Biomechanical Properties of the Lumbar Extensor Myofascia in Elderly Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain and That in Healthy People
Authors: Wu Zugui , Zhu Yue , Xu Wu , Liang Junquan , Guan Yingxin , Xu Xuemeng
Published: February 2020

There is limited research on the changes of biomechanical characteristics of the lumbar extensor myofascia in elderly patients with chronic low back pain. This study aimed to compare the biomechanical properties of the lumbar extensor myofascia in elderly patients with chronic low back pain and healthy people when resting and to analyze the relationship between the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, Cobb angle, and disease course and the biomechanical characteristics of the lumbar extensor myofascia. This case‐control study included 40 elderly patients with chronic low back pain and 40 healthy volunteers. MyotonPRO was used to measure the biomechanical properties of the bilateral lumbar extensor myofascia (at L3/L4 level) in all participants, and the reliability of the MyotonPRO test was measured. Cobb angle was measured from lumbar computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging data. JOA and VAS scores were used to evaluate lumbar function and pain. We found that muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the left and right lumbar extensor myofascia in patients with chronic low back pain were very reliable among different operators. The average lumbar extensor muscle tone and stiffness were significantly higher in patients with chronic low back pain than those in healthy controls. The average elasticity of the lumbar extensor myofascia of patients with chronic low back pain was significantly lower than that of the healthy controls. The JOA score was negatively correlated, while the VAS score was positively correlated with the mean values of tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the bilateral lumbar extensor myofascia (logarithmic decrement). Disease course had no significant correlation with muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the lumbar extensor myofascia. No significant correlation was found between Cobb angle and muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the lumbar extensor myofascia in either group.
Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude among Pharmacists toward Pharmaceutical Care in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Mishore Kirubel Minsamo , Mekuria Abraham Nigussie , Tola Assefa , Ayele Yohanes
Published: February 2020

Objective. To assess knowledge and attitudes toward pharmaceutical care service among hospital and community pharmacists working in Harar and Dire Dawa town, Eastern Ethiopia. Method. A descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted among pharmacists working in hospital and community pharmacies, 2018. A total of 43 health settings (6 hospital and 37 community pharmacies) were involved in this study. All pharmacists who met the inclusion criteria were selected using a purposive sampling technique to take part in the study. The pretested structured self‐administered questionnaires were used to collect data. The collected data was coded, entered, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The findings were presented by frequencies and percentages, and summary measures were displayed using tables. Chi‐Square test and Fisher’s exact test were performed to determine the association between sociodemographic characteristics and the level of knowledge and attitude about pharmaceutical care. The study protocol was approved by the Harar Health Sciences College Research Ethics Review Committee. Results. A total of seventy‐eight pharmacists were included in the study with a response rate of 97.5%. The mean age (±Standard Deviation (SD)) of the study participants was 32.47 ± 7.42 years, and the majority (88.3%) of the respondents were males. 56.4% of the respondents were working in the hospitals while 43.6% were working in community pharmacy. Overall, 85.9% of the respondents had good knowledge of pharmaceutical care. The types of training curriculum of the participants showed an association with the attitude of pharmacists (P value = 0.022). Similarly, pharmacists’ knowledge was associated with their practice setting (P value = 0.008). Conclusion. The majority of pharmacists are knowledgeable about PC. However, nearly half of the pharmacists had an unfavorable attitude toward pharmaceutical care. Harari Regional and Dire Dawa City Health Bureaus should organize and provide in‐service training on pharmaceutical care to pharmacists working in community and hospital pharmacies. Furthermore, the bureaus should advocate pharmaceutical care as one area in a continuous professional development program.
Estimating Solar Insolation and Power Generation of Photovoltaic Systems Using Previous Day Weather Data
Authors: Chung Min Hee
Published: February 2020

Day‐ahead predictions of solar insolation are useful for forecasting the energy production of photovoltaic (PV) systems attached to buildings, and accurate forecasts are essential for operational efficiency and trading markets. In this study, a multilayer feed‐forward neural network‐based model that predicts the next day’s solar insolation by taking into consideration the weather conditions of the present day was proposed. The proposed insolation model was employed to estimate the energy production of a real PV system located in South Korea. Validation research was performed by comparing the model’s estimated energy production with the measured energy production data collected during the PV system operation. The accuracy indices for the optimal model, which included the root mean squared error, mean bias error, and mean absolute error, were 1.43 kWh/m2/day, −0.09 kWh/m2/day, and 1.15 kWh/m2/day, respectively. These values indicate that the proposed model is capable of producing reasonable insolation predictions; however, additional work is needed to achieve accurate estimates for energy trading.
Bushen Tiaojing (II and III) Decoctions Activate MAPK14 and MAPK3/1 to Promote the Expression of Cumulus Expansion‐Related Factors in Mice
Authors: Liang Xiao , Tong Xue , Du Hui-lan , He Ming , Zhang Yu , Duan Yan-cang
Published: February 2020

Background. Bushen Tiaojing Decoctions (BSTJ‐II‐D and BSTJ‐III‐D) are used to assist pregnancy in clinical practice. In this study, we explored the ability of sequential administration of BSTJ‐II‐D and BSTJ‐III‐D to promote cumulus cell (CC) expansion and its underlying mechanisms in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) mice. Methods. Kunming mice were randomly divided into three groups. The normal group was injected intraperitoneally with saline, and distilled water was administered orally by gavage. As the COH model, mice were injected with GnRHa, eCG, and hCG. Subsequently, the BSTJD group received BSTJ‐II‐D and BSTJ‐III‐D orally by gavage, while the control group received distilled water. We evaluated CC expansion and oocyte first polar body (PB1) extrusion under a stereomicroscope. Serum levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) were detected by radioimmunoassay. The expression of the CC expansion‐related factors PTX3 and PTGS2 was detected by immunofluorescence, western blot, and quantitative real‐time‐polymerase chain reaction analyses (qRT‐PCR). Expression of p‐MAPK14, p‐MAPK3/1, MAPK14, and MAPK3/1 was detected by western blot analysis. Results. Sequential administration of BSTJ‐II‐D and BSTJ‐III‐D promoted cumulus expansion and oocyte PB1 extrusion and upregulated PTX3 and PTGS2 expression at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, the levels of p‐MAPK14/MAPK14, p‐MAPK3/1/MAPK3/1 proteins, and serum FSH in the BSTJD group were higher than those in the normal and control groups. Conclusions. Sequential administration of BSTJ‐II‐D and BSTJ‐III‐D promotes cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation in COH mice by increasing FSH expression and activating the MAPK14 and MAPK3/1 signalling pathways, thereby increasing expression of PTX3 and PTGS2.
The Bewildering Effect of AMPK Activators in Alzheimer’s Disease: Review of the Current Evidence
Authors: Assefa Brhane Teklebrhan , Tafere Gebrehiwot Gebremedhin , Wondafrash Dawit Zewdu , Gidey Meles Tekie
Published: February 2020

Alzheimer’s disease is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive dysfunction. It is the most common form of dementia. The pathologic hallmarks of the disease include extracellular amyloid plaque, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, and oxidative stress, to mention some of them. Despite remarkable progress in the understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, drugs for cure or disease‐modifying therapy remain somewhere in the distance. From recent time, the signaling molecule AMPK is gaining enormous attention in the AD drug research. AMPK is a master regulator of cellular energy metabolism, and recent pieces of evidence show that perturbation of its function is highly ascribed in the pathology of AD. Several drugs are known to activate AMPK, but their effect in AD remains to be controversial. In this review, the current shreds of evidence on the effect of AMPK activators in Aβ accumulation, tau aggregation, and oxidative stress are addressed. Positive and negative effects are reported with regard to Aβ and tauopathy but only positive in oxidative stress. We also tried to dissect the molecular interplays where the bewildering effects arise from.
Gradient of Tissue Injury after Stroke: Rethinking the Infarct versus Noninfarcted Dichotomy
Authors: Ng Felix , Venkatraman Vijay , Parsons Mark , Bivard Andrew , Sharma Gagan , Churilov Leonid , Desmond Patricia , Davis Stephen M. , Yassi Nawaf , Campbell Bruce
Published: February 2020

Aim: To evaluate the degree of variability in microstructural injury within and adjacent to regions identified as infarcted tissue using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods: In this prospective longitudinal study, 18 patients presenting within 12 h of anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke who underwent CT perfusion (CTP) at baseline followed by fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and DTI 1-month were analyzed. Four regions of interest (ROI) corresponding to the severity of hypoperfusion on CTP within and beyond the radiological infarct lesion defined on FLAIR were segmented. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were quantified for each ROI and compared to a mirror homologue in the contralateral hemisphere. Ipsilateral to contralateral FA and MD ratios were compared across ROIs. Results: Lower FA and higher MD values were observed within both the infarct lesion and the peri-infarct tissue compared with their homologous contralateral brain regions (all comparisons p ≤ 0.01). No difference was observed in FA and MD between remote nonhypoperfused tissue and its contralateral homologous region (FA p = 0.42, MD p ≥ 0.99). The magnitude of asymmetry (ipsilateral/contralateral ratios) of FA and MD was greater with increasing severity of hypoperfusion in a dose-response pattern. Asymmetry greatest in the area of infarction with severe hypoperfusion, followed by infarction with moderate hypoperfusion, the peri-infarct hypoperfused tissue, and lastly the remote nonhypoperfused normal tissue (median on clustered quantile regression p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: A gradient of microstructural injury corresponding to the severity of ischemic insult is present within and beyond conventionally defined infarct boundaries. The traditional dichotomized notion of infarcted versus noninfarcted tissue widely adopted in clinical research and in practice warrants reexamination.
Impact of Change in 2010 American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Guidelines on Survival After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in the United States
Authors: Pasupula Deepak Kumar , Bhat Anusha , Siddappa Malleshappa Sudeep K. , Munir Muhammad Bilal , Barakat Amr , Jain Sandeep , Wang Norman C. , Saba Samir , Bhonsale Aditya
Published: February 2020

Background:

In October 2010, the American Heart Association/Emergency Cardiovascular Care updated cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines. Its impact on the survival rate among out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients (OHCA) is not well studied. We sought to assess the survival trends in OHCA patients before and after the introduction of the 2010 American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines in the United States.

Methods:

A retrospective observational study from the National Emergency Department (ED) Sample was designed to identify patients presenting to the ED primarily after an OHCA in the United States between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2015. The main outcome studied was the change in trends of ED survival and survival-to-discharge rates before and after guideline modification.

Results:

Among 1 282 520 patients presenting to the ED after OHCA (mean [SD] age, 65.8 [17.2] years; 62% men), ED survival rate (23%) and survival-to-discharge rate (16%) trends showed significant improvement after implementation of the 2010 American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines, 1.25% ([95% CI, 0.72%–1.78%]
P
=0.001) and 0.89% ([95% CI, 0.35%–1.43%]
P
=0.006), respectively. Notably, among patients with nonshockable rhythm (change in ED survival rate trend, 1.3% [95% CI, 0.89%–1.74%];
P
<0.001 and survival-to-discharge trend, 0.94% [95% CI, 0.42%–1.47%];
P
=0.004). Among patients admitted to the presenting hospital (n=145 592), 46% were discharged alive, of which 49% were discharged home. Significant decrease in discharge to home was noted (−1.7% [95% CI, −3.18% to −0.22%];
P
=0.03), while a significant increase in neurological complication (0.17% [95% CI, 0.06%–0.28%];
P
=0.007) was noted with the guideline modification.

Conclusions:

The change in 2010 American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines was associated with only slight improvement in ED survival and survival-to-discharge trends among US OHCA patients and only 1 in 6 OHCA patients survival to discharge.
New combinations and typification of Mediterranean Oeosporangium (Pteridaceae: Cheilanthoideae)

Authors: ARANA MARCELO D. , MORENO SAIZ JUAN CARLOS
Published: February 2020

In this contribution the following new nomenclatural combinations for the natural hybrid taxa of Oeosporangium (Pteridaceae: Cheilanthoideae) occurring in the western Mediterranean basin and Canary Islands are proposed: Oeosporangium × ibericum (Rasbach & Reichst.) Arana & Moreno-Saiz, Oeosporangium × insulare (Rasbach & Reichst.) Arana & Moreno-Saiz, Oeosporangium × malacitense (Rasbach & Reichst.) Arana & Moreno-Saiz, Oeosporangium × marchettianum (Rasbach, Reichst. & Schneller) Arana & Moreno-Saiz, Oeosporangium × prototinaei (Rasbach, Reichst. & Schneller) Arana & Moreno-Saiz, Oeosporangium × teneriffae (Rasbach & Reichst.) Arana & Moreno-Saiz and Oeosporangium × tolocense (Rasbach, Reichst. & Schneller) Arana & Moreno-Saiz. Also the name Oeosporangium pulchellum is lectotypified.
A review of the genus Cyana Walker, 1854 from India, with descriptions of five new species and three new subspecies (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini)
Authors: SINGH NAVNEET , VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , KIRTI JAGBIR SINGH , DATTA HARVINDER SINGH , IVANOVA MARIA S.
Published: February 2020

Indian taxa of the genus Cyana Walker, 1854 are reviewed. Five new species and three new subspecies are described: C. rudloffi Volynkin & N. Singh, sp. nov., C. atlanteia N. Singh et al., sp. nov., C. chrysopeleia N. Singh et al., sp. nov., C. dohertyi eirene Volynkin & N. Singh, ssp. nov., C. britomartis N. Singh & Volynkin, sp. nov., C. arama metis Volynkin & N. Singh, ssp. nov., C. dryope Volynkin & N. Singh, sp. nov. and C. conclusa nicobara N. Singh et al., ssp. nov. The replacement name for C. tripunctata Rothschild, 1936 nec. Reich, 1935 is introduced: C. arorai Volynkin et al., nom. nov. Cyana linatula (Swinhoe, 1891), stat. rev. and Cyana watsoni Hampson, 1897, stat. rev. are restored to species rank from the synonymy with Cyana subornata (Walker, 1854) and Cyana moelleri (Elwes, 1890), respectively. Cyana paeninsulana Černý, 2009 is downgraded to a subspecies of C. selangorica (Hampson, 1903): C. selangorica paeninsulana Černý, 2009, stat. nov. Cyana flavotincta (Draudt, 1914) is downgraded to a subspecies of C. coccinea (Moore, 1878): Cyana coccinea flavotincta (Draudt, 1914), stat. nov. Five new synonyms are established: C. detrita Walker, 1854 = Lyclene tripunctata Reich, 1935, syn. nov.; C. obliquilineata (Hampson, 1900) = Cyana baolini Fang, 1992, syn. nov.; C. gelida gelida (Walker, 1854) = Lithosia alborosea Walker, 1864, syn. nov.; C. khasiana Hampson, 1897 = Chionaema hampsoni Kaleka, 2003, syn. nov.; C. arama arama (Moore, 1859) = Bizone triguttata Walker, 1869, syn. nov. The lectotypes are designated for the following 30 taxa: Cyana detrita Walker, 1854, Barsine suffundens Walker, 1864 [1865], Bizone coccinea Moore, 1878, Chionaema coccinea form flavotincta Draudt, 1914, Bizone puer Elwes, 1890, Bizone linatula Swinhoe, 1891, Cyana dudgeoni Hampson, 1895, Bizone peregrina Walker, 1854, Cyana catorhoda Hampson, 1897, Bizone quadrinotata Walker, 1869, Bizone pallens Butler, 1877, Bizone amabilis Moore, 1877, Bizone harterti Elwes, 1890, Doliche gelida Walker, 1854, Lithosia alborosea Walker, 1864, Bizone mölleri Elwes, 1890, Cyana watsoni Hampson, 1897, Bizone gazella Moore, 1872, Bizone dohertyi Elwes, 1890, Bizone sikkimensis Elwes, 1890, Cyana khasiana Hampson, 1897, Bizone bellissima Moore, 1878, Bizone arama Moore, 1859, Bizone triguttata Walker, 1869, Bizone adita Moore, 1859, Bizone bifasciata Poujade, 1886, Bizone signa Walker, 1854, Bizone fasciculata Walker, 1856, Bizone perornata Walker, 1854 and Bizone conclusa Walker, 1862.
Implementation of Guideline-Recommended Therapies for Patients With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Regional Arab Middle East Experience
Authors: Zubaid Mohammad , Rashed Wafa , Ridha Mustafa , Bazargani Nooshin , Hamad Adel , Banna Rashed Al , Asaad Nidal , Sulaiman Kadhim , Al-Jarallah Mohammad , Mulla Arif Al , Baslaib Fahad , AlMahmeed Wael
Published: February 2020

We describe the characteristics of ambulatory patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in the Gulf region (Middle East) and the implementation of guideline-recommended treatments. We included 2427 HFrEF outpatients (mean age 59 ± 13 years, 75% males and median left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] of 30%). A high proportion of patients received guideline-recommended medications (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor [ACEI]/angiotensin receptor blocker [ARB]/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor [ARNI] 87%, β-blocker 91%, mineralocorticoid antagonist [MRA] 64%). However, only a minority of patients received guideline-recommended target doses (ACEI/ARB/ARNI 13%, β-blocker 27%, and MRA 4.4%). Old age was a significant independent predictor for not prescribing treatment ( P < .001 for ACEI/ARB/ARNI and MRA; and P = .002 for β-blockers). Other independent predictors were chronic kidney disease (for both ACEI/ARB/ARNI and MRA, P < .001) and higher LVEF ( P = .014 for β-blockers and P < .001 for MRA). Patients with HFrEF managed by heart failure specialists more often received recommended target doses of ACEI/ARB/ARNI (40% vs 11%, P < .001) and β-blockers (56% vs 26%, P < .001) compared to those treated by general cardiologists. Although the majority of our patients with HFrEF received guideline-recommended medications, the doses they were prescribed were suboptimal. Understanding the reasons behind this is important for improved practice.
The depth of trauma: The children left behind after femicide in Turkey
Authors: Erükçü Akbaş Gamze , Karataş Kasım
Published: February 2020

Femicide is experienced almost every day in Turkey due to male violence; tens of thousands of families and children who are affected by the violence are, at the same time, left behind. In this study, in-depth interviews were conducted, using a qualitative method, with 6 children and 17 caregivers who were left behind following 10 cases of femicide, and the problems and needs experienced by these people are revealed.
Pupillary Light Reflex Is Not Abolished by Epinephrine and Atropine Given During Advanced Cardiac Life Support in Patients Who Achieve Return of Spontaneous Circulation
Authors: Achamallah Natalie , Fried Jeffrey , Love Rebecca , Matusov Yuri , Sharma Rohit
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

Absence of pupillary light reflex (PLR) is a well-studied indicator of poor neurologic recovery after cardiac arrest. Interpretation of absent PLR is difficult in patients with hypothermia or hypotension, or who have electrolyte or acid-base disturbances. Additionally, many studies exclude patients who receive epinephrine or atropine from their analysis on the basis that these drugs are thought to abolish the PLR. This observational cohort study assessed for presence or absence of PLR in in-hospital cardiac arrest patients who received epinephrine with or without atropine during advanced cardiac life support and achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Methods:

Pupil size and reactivity were assessed in adult patients who had an in-hospital cardiac arrest, received epinephrine with or without atropine, and achieved ROSC. Measurements were taken using a NeurOptics NPi-200 infrared pupillometer.

Results:

Forty patients had pupillometry performed within 1 hour (median: 6 minutes) after ROSC. Of these only 1 (2.5%) patient had nonreactive pupils at first measurement after ROSC. The remaining 39 (97.5%) had reactive pupils. Of the 19 patients who had pupils checked within 3 minutes of ROSC, 100% had reactive pupils. Degree of pupil responsiveness was not correlated with cumulative dose of epinephrine. Ten patients received atropine in addition to epinephrine, including the sole patient with nonreactive pupils. The remaining 9 (90%) had reactive pupils.

Conclusion:

Epinephrine and atropine do not abolish the PLR in patients who achieve ROSC after in-hospital cardiac arrest. Lack of pupillary response in the post-arrest patient should not be attributed to these drugs.
Engineered Stem Cells Improve Neurogenic Bladder by Overexpressing SDF-1 in a Pelvic Nerve Injury Rat Model
Authors: Zhu Guan Qun , Jeon Seung Hwan , Lee Kyu Won , Cho Hyuk Jin , Ha U-Syn , Hong Sung-Hoo , Lee Ji Youl , Kwon Eun Bi , Kim Hyo-Jin , Lee Soon Min , Kim Hey-Yon , Kim Sae Woong , Bae Woong Jin
Published: February 2020

There is still a lack of sufficient research on the mechanism behind neurogenic bladder (NB) treatment. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of overexpressed stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) secreted by engineered immortalized mesenchymal stem cells (imMSCs) on the NB. In this study, primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were transfected into immortalized upregulated SDF-1-engineered BM-MSCs (imMSCs/eSDF-1+) or immortalized normal SDF-1-engineered BM-MSCs (imMSCs/eSDF-1−). NB rats induced by bilateral pelvic nerve (PN) transection were treated with imMSCs/eSDF-1+, imMSCs/eSDF-1−, or sham. After a 4-week treatment, the bladder function was assessed by cystometry and voiding pattern analysis. The PN and bladder tissues were evaluated via immunostaining and western blotting analysis. We found that imMSCs/eSDF-1+ expressed higher levels of SDF-1 in vitro and in vivo. The treatment of imMSCs/eSDF-1+ improved NB and evidently stimulated the recovery of bladder wall in NB rats. The recovery of injured nerve was more effective in the NB+imMSCs/eSDF-1+ group than in other groups. High SDF-1 expression improved the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. Apoptosis was decreased after imMSCs injection, and was detected rarely in the NB+imMSCs/eSDF-1+ group. Injection of imMSCs boosted the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, p-AKT, and p-ERK in the NB+imMSCs/eSDF-1+ group than in other groups. Our findings demonstrated that overexpression of SDF-1 induced additional MSC homing to the injured tissue, which improved the NB by accelerating the restoration of injured nerve in a rat model.
Police Crackdowns, Human Rights Abuses, and Sex Work Industry in Nigeria: Evidence From an Empirical Investigation
Authors: Salihu Habeeb Abdulrauf , Fawole Olufemi Adeniyi
Published: February 2020

This study undertook a qualitative investigation into police crackdowns as a form of operational control mechanism employed to suppress sex workers and sex work industry in Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State, Nigeria. The study employed a qualitative research method. One hundred and six female commercial sex workers (41 at street hot spots and 65 in brothels) participated. They were aged between 19 and 47 and selected through a variety of sampling methods including purposive, referral, and venue-based sampling methods. In-depth interview was the instrument used in data collection, and thematic data analysis was employed in analyzing the data. Results indicate that police crackdown is usually experienced by sex workers at street hot spots and in brothels and are often associated with brutality, human rights abuses, and extortion, which have negative impacts on the livelihoods and general well-being of sex workers. Sex workers devised some strategies to escape and avoid police arrests and abuses. Thus, crackdowns merely displace sex workers during intense restrictions but do not reduce sex work activities. Therefore, the study suggests a change in suppressive approach to an inclusive nonviolent method in reducing commercial sex work activities.
Role of visual evoked potentials and optical coherence tomography in the screening for optic pathway gliomas in patients with neurofibromatosis type I
Authors: Vagge Aldo , Camicione Paola , Pellegrini Marco , Gatti Giulia , Capris Paolo , Severino Mariasavina , Di Maita Marco , Panarello Simona , Traverso Carlo E
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

The purpose of the present study was to compare visual function assessment, visual evoked potential, and optical coherence tomography with measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness for the diagnosis of optic pathway glioma in children with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Methods:

This retrospective observational study included patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging scan, visual evoked potential study, and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer evaluation by optical coherence tomography. Patients were tested with pattern-reversal visual evoked potential and with flash visual evoked potential in case of poor cooperation. Optical coherence tomography was performed with HRA Spectralis (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic curves was used to evaluate the accuracy of each parameter for diagnosing optic pathway glioma.

Results:

In all, 110 patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 were included in the study. Fifty of them had an optic pathway glioma diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging, while 60 did not. Global retinal nerve fiber layer thickness demonstrated the highest diagnostic power for discriminating patients with and without optic pathway glioma (area under the curve = 0.758, sensitivity = 65.3%, specificity = 83.3%), followed visual acuity (area under the curve = 0.723, sensitivity = 51.1%, specificity = 91.7%) and P100 of visual evoked potential (area under the curve = 0.712, sensitivity = 69.6%, specificity = 63.8%).

Conclusion:

The results of the present study showed that the measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was the most efficient test for discriminating patients with and without optic pathway glioma. Brain magnetic resonance imaging remains the gold standard to confirm the diagnosis of optic pathway glioma. Longitudinal studies are required to define if the early detection of tumors with optical coherence tomography could prevent vision loss and morbidity.
Presence of Contralateral Carotid Occlusion Is Associated With Increased Periprocedural Stroke Risk Following CEA but Not CAS: A Meta-analysis and Meta-regression Analysis of 43 Studies and 96,658 Patients
Authors: Kokkinidis Damianos G. , Chaitidis Nikos , Giannopoulos Stefanos , Texakalidis Pavlos , Haider Moosa N. , Aronow Herbert D. , Giri Jay S. , Armstrong Ehrin J.
Published: February 2020

Purpose: To investigate the prognostic role of contralateral carotid artery occlusion (CCO) in perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing carotid artery endarterectomy (CEA) vs carotid artery stenting (CAS). Materials and Methods: The PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched up to September 2018 to identify observational or randomized studies that compared outcomes of carotid revascularization in patients with vs without CCO. Forty-three studies (46 arms) comprising 96,658 patients were selected (75,857 CEA and 20,801 CAS). The CCO group included 9258 patients. Heterogeneity was assessed with the Higgins I2 test. I2>75% indicated significant heterogeneity. A random effects model was used to account for heterogeneity among studies. The results were reported as the odds ratios (ORs) with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Meta-regression analysis examined potential confounders. Publication bias was quantified by the Egger method. Results: Carotid revascularization in patients with CCO was associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.23, p<0.001; I2=0%), stroke (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.22, p<0.001; I2=46%), transient ischemic attack (TIA) (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.34 to 3.27, p=0.001; I2=15%), and the composite endpoint of stroke/death (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.05, p<0.001; I2=0%). No difference was noted in the risk of perioperative myocardial infarction (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.31; p=0.388; I2=0%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that CEA in patients with CCO was associated with an increased risk of stroke (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.72 to 2.49, p<0.001; I2=14%), death (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.10, p<0.001; I2=0%), TIA (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.38 to 3.45, p<0.001; I2=13%), and stroke/death (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.10, p<0.001; I2=0%), whereas CCO patients who were treated with CAS were at an increased risk for death (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.60, p=0.023; I2=0%) but not stroke (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.47; p=0.080; I2=31%) or TIA (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.18 to 7.55; p=0.861; I2=43%). The meta-regression analysis did not find any significant association for any of the outcomes, and there was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion: Carotid revascularization outcomes are adversely affected by the presence of CCO. Patients with CCO have a significantly higher risk of periprocedural stroke, death, and TIA. CEA in patients with CCO is associated with an increased risk of perioperative stroke, death, TIA, and death/stroke, while CAS in the presence of a CCO is associated with an increased risk of periprocedural death but not stroke or TIA.
Quantum theory of atoms in molecules, electron localization function, and localized-orbital locator investigations on trans-(NHC)PtI2(para-NC5H4X) complexes
Authors: Saraf Sarvin Hossien , Ghiasi Reza
Published: February 2020

In this study, the MPW1PW91 method is applied to analyze the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, the electron localization function, and the localized-orbital locator in trans-(NHC)PtI2( para-NC5H4X) (X = H, F, COOH, CN, NO2, Me, OH, NH2) complexes. The substituent effect is assessed in the presence of electron-withdrawing groups and electron-donating groups and their influence on the Pt–C and Pt–N bonds of the molecules is analyzed using quantum theory of atoms in molecules, electron localization function, and localized-orbital locator methods. In addition, the eta index (η) is used to evaluate the Pt–C and Pt–N bonds in the studied complexes. The correlations between electron localization function, localized-orbital locator, and the η index values of Pt–C and Pt–N bonds with Hammett constants (σp) and dual parameters (σI and σR) are given.
Pirfenidone in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: real-life experience in the referral centre of Siena
Authors: Vietri Lucia , Cameli Paolo , Perruzza Marco , Cekorja Behar , Bergantini Laura , d’Alessandro Miriana , Refini Rosa Metella , Pieroni Maria , Fossi Antonella , Bennett David , Spalletti Marco , Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Sestini Piersante , Rottoli Paola , Bargagli Elena
Published: February 2020

Background:

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and has a median survival after diagnosis of 2–5 years. Pirfenidone is the first approved antifibrotic drug for the treatment of IPF. Here we report the functional progress, side effects and survival data of a population of patients with IPF, diagnosed at our centre and treated with pirfenidone.

Methods:

We enrolled 91 patients with IPF (71 males) treated with pirfenidone. Clinical, survival and functional details were collected retrospectively at start of therapy and after 12, 24, 36 and 48 months of treatment. Lung function tests at least 12 months before starting therapy were available for 40 patients and were entered in the database, as well as side effects.

Results:

During the observation period (922 ± 529 days), 27 patients died, 5 patients underwent lung transplant and 10 patients interrupted therapy due to adverse events or IPF progression. The median survival was 1606 days. There was a significant reduction in disease progression rate, as measured by trend of forced vital capacity, after 1 year of therapy with respect to before treatment ( p = 0.0085). Forced vital capacity reduction rate was progressively higher in the subsequent years of treatment. Treatment-related side effects were reported in 25 patients and were predominantly mild. Overall, four patients discontinued therapy due to severe photosensitivity.

Conclusions:

Our findings confirm the efficacy of pirfenidone in reducing functional progression of IPF and its excellent safety profile in a real-life setting. This study, designed on a long-term follow up, contributes to the growing evidence on safety, tolerability and efficacy of pirfenidone in IPF. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Functional Reconstruction of Forehead and Midface Deficits Using the Endoscopic Technique and Bio-Absorbable Implants
Authors: Johnson Jared , Hojjat Houmehr , Chung Michael T. , Arianpour Khashayar , Rayess Hani , Eckert Robert , Carron Michael
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

Functional deficits of the forehead and midface can pose significant problems for patients varying from mild asymmetry to various degrees of functional impairment including total paralysis. Our objectives were to analyse the use of bio-absorbable implants to reconstruct forehead and midface deficits, all of which were for functional (noncosmetic) reasons.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective case series between 2008 and 2018. Institutional review board approval was obtained from the Beaumont Health Human Investigation Committee. Surgeries were performed at a tertiary care centre. We evaluated 50 patients who underwent correction of functional deficits of forehead, eyebrow, and midface using the endoscopic technique and bio-absorbable implants. Patient demographics and indicated etiologies and characterization of minor and major complications and their occurrence rates were characterized.

Results:

Fifty patients were included in the study from 2008 to 2018, with 68% female and 32% male. Combined blepharoplasty and brow lift was the most commonly performed procedure, followed by midface lift and browplasty. The mean follow-up time was 372 days. No major operative complications including stroke, permanent nerve paralysis, or mortality occurred. There was a 4% rate of temporary nerve paresthesia that resolved, 2% rate of infection, and 6% rate of implant migration requiring revision surgery.

Conclusion:

The endoscopic approach and use of bio-absorbable implants to reconstruct functional deficits of the forehead and midface are safe and effective. There were zero major complications and most of the minor complications were temporary. There was a significant association between non-age-related functional impairment and risk of complication.