bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Babassu (Attalea glassmanii Zona) Nut Oil Is More Effective than Olive Oil for Treating Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Silva Fábio França , Balthazar Daniela Signorelli , Hellmann Thauany , Sales Joaquim Silva , Barros Silva Gyl Eanes , Cyrino Fátima Zely Garcia de Almeida , Pires Costa Maria Célia , Fernandes Raquel Maria Trindade , Custódio Neto da Silva Marcos Antonio , Barbosa Maria do Carmo Lacerda , Romão Wanderson , Oliveira Bruno Gomes de , Vaz Boniek Gontijo , Bouskela Eliete , Nascimento Maria do Desterro Soares Brandão
Published: September 2020

Background. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Western civilizations. The type of fatty acid which makes up the diet is related to the cardiovascular morbimortality and the formation of atheromas. Populations with high consumption of oils and fats have a higher number of deaths from CVD. Purpose. In the present study, the objective was to comparatively analyze the microcirculatory effects of unrefined babassu oil with olive oil in microcirculation and liver of male hamsters of the species Mesocricetus auratus, checking the permeability to macromolecules after ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) without and with topical application of histamine 5 × 10−6 M. This is an experimental study, using as model the hamster’s cheek pouch, which was prepared for intravital microscopy. The hamsters were divided into seven groups and orally treated for 14 days, twice a day (at 8 AM and 4 PM), orally received treatments in the following doses: unrefined babassu oil (BO) 0.02 mL/dose (group BO‐2), 0.06 mL/dose (group BO‐6), and 0.18 mL/dose (BO‐18 group); extra virgin olive oil (OI) 0.02 mL/dose (group OI‐2), 0.06 mL/dose (group OI‐6), and 0.18 mL/dose (OI‐18 group); and mineral oil (MO) 0.18 mL/dose (MO‐18 group). The observations were made on the 15th day on the hamsters’ cheek pouch; the increase of vascular permeability induced by I/R with and without histamine application was evaluated, and in the liver the biological material was collected aseptically then fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Results. Microcirculatory analyses showed a significant reduction in the number of leaks after I/R with and without the topical use of histamine in animals treated with unrefined BO 0.06 mL/dose (BO‐6) and 0.18 mL/dose (BO‐18) compared to animals treated with OI. The BO group (p < 0.001) presented a dose‐response relationship for decreasing leaks after I/R with and without topical use of histamine. Histological liver analyses showed no fat deposition changes in any of the treatment groups. Phytochemical analyses evidenced a chemical compound (C31H60NO8) in unrefined BO but not in OI. Conclusions. This experiment demonstrates the protective effect of unrefined BO on the microcirculatory system and its greater dose effect than that of OI. Finding a chemical compound (C31H60NO8) that is present in BO but not in OI opens the possibility of investigating whether this chemical compound was responsible for the protective effect on membrane permeability.
Secondary Vitrectomy with Internal Limiting Membrane Plug due to Persistent Full-Thickness Macular Hole OCT-Angiography and Microperimetry Features: Case Series
Authors: Wrzesińska Dominika , Nowomiejska Katarzyna , Nowakowska Dominika , Toro Mario Damiano , Bonfiglio Vincenza , Reibaldi Michele , Avitabile Teresio , Rejdak Robert
Published: September 2020

Purpose. To study the features in OCT-angiography and microperimetry in eyes with persistent full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) closed with the secondary plana vitrectomy (PPV) with autologous internal limiting membrane (ILM) plug. Methods. Secondary PPV was performed with closing the persistent FTMH with ILM plug, C3F8 tamponade, and face-down positioning. Four patients were followed for 6 months with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, SD-OCT and OCT-A, and microperimetry. The results were compared with the fellow eye; in two patients, it was the healthy eye, and in two remaining eyes, successfully closed FTMH after primary PPV. Results. ILM flap was integrated in all cases with V-shape of closure, and atrophy was found in one case, with the largest diameter of FTMH. BCVA improved in two cases and remained the same in two cases. In OCT-A, the area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was larger, and foveal vessel density (FVDS) was smaller in eyes after secondary PPV in comparison to fellow eyes. In microperimetry, retinal sensitivity was lower in eyes after secondary PPV, and eccentric fixation was found in 2 of 4 patients. Conclusion. Although the anatomical results of repeated surgeries of FTMH with ILM plug are favorable, visual function results may be limited. Secondary closure of FTMH with ILM plug may lead to atrophy, changes in the macular vasculature, and eccentric fixation. The trial is registered with NCT03701542.
Organophosphorus Nerve Agents: Types, Toxicity, and Treatments
Authors: Mukherjee Sudisha , Gupta Rinkoo Devi
Published: September 2020

Organophosphorus compounds are extensively used worldwide as pesticides which cause great hazards to human health. Nerve agents, a subcategory of the organophosphorus compounds, have been produced and used during wars, and they have also been used in terrorist activities. These compounds possess physiological threats by interacting and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase enzyme which leads to the cholinergic crisis. After a general introduction, this review elucidates the mechanisms underlying cholinergic and noncholinergic effects of organophosphorus compounds. The conceivable treatment strategies for organophosphate poisoning are different types of bioscavengers which include stoichiometric, catalytic, and pseudocatalytic. The current research on the promising treatments specifically the catalytic bioscavengers including several wild-type organophosphate hydrolases such as paraoxonase and phosphotriesterase, phosphotriesterase-like lactonase, methyl parathion hydrolase, organophosphate acid anhydrolase, diisopropyl fluorophosphatase, human triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase, and senescence marker protein has been widely discussed. Organophosphorus compounds are reported to be the nonphysiological substrate for many mammalian organophosphate hydrolysing enzymes; therefore, the efficiency of these enzymes toward these compounds is inadequate. Hence, studies have been conducted to create mutants with an enhanced rate of hydrolysis and high specificity. Several mutants have been created by applying directed molecular evolution and/or targeted mutagenesis, and catalytic efficiency has been characterized. Generally, organophosphorus compounds are chiral in nature. The development of mutant enzymes for providing superior stereoselective degradation of toxic organophosphorus compounds has also been widely accounted for in this review. Existing enzymes have shown limited efficiency; hence, more effective treatment strategies have also been critically analyzed.
Imaging Algorithm for Sea-Surface Ship Targets Based on Block Sparsity
Authors: Lin Zhang , Yicheng Jiang
Published: September 2020

In this study, a phased array radar was used to accurately image stationary and moving ship targets on the vast sea surface. To solve the challenge in real-time processing of the massive amount of data generated by phased array synthetic-aperture radar imaging, this study leveraged the block sparse characteristics of ships on the sea surface and adopted the joint block orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm to obtain high-resolution one-dimensional range images. By only estimating the azimuth Doppler parameters of the targets within the range gates, the amount of process data was significantly reduced, and the data processing speed was enhanced. The synchrosqueezing transform-STFT algorithm was introduced to perform transient imaging as a solution to the blurred imaging of ships due to the three-dimensional swing under the action of waves. The images of the targets were obtained from different squint angles of the antenna array, which improved the imaging accuracy of ships on a vast sea surface. Compared with traditional imaging algorithms, this algorithm can effectively overcome the interference of sea clutter on ship imaging and the influence of sea waves on ship wobble; it can also obtain high-resolution imaging for both stationary and moving targets in a limited amount of time.
Performance of Distress Thermometer and Associated Factors of Psychological Distress among Chinese Cancer Patients
Authors: Thapa Sudip , Sun Huihui , Pokhrel Gaurab , Wang Bangyan , Dahal Sanuja , Yu Shiying
Published: September 2020

Objective. We aimed to examine the performance of the distress thermometer (DT) and identify the prevalence and risk factors associated with psychological distress (PD) in heterogeneous cancer patients.Methods. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1496 heterogeneous cancer patients from the inpatient and outpatient departments. Receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) of DT was evaluated against the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Total (HADS-T ≥15). An area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and clinical utility index were calculated. Multiple binary logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with PD.Results. Referring to ROC analysis, DT showed good discriminating accuracy (AUC = 0.88). A cutoff score of 4 was established, and it yielded sensitivity (0.81), specificity (0.88), PPV (0.87), NPV (0.82), and clinical utility indexes (screening utility = 0.71 and case-finding utility = 0.73). 46.5% of our participants was distressed. Lower education levels (odd ratio (OR) = 1.39), advanced stage (OR = 1.85), active disease status (OR = 1.82), lack of exercise (OR = 3.03), diagnosis known (OR = 0.64), emotional problems (OR = 3.54), and physical problems (OR = 8.62) were the predictive factors for PD.Conclusion. DT with a cutoff score (≥4) is a comprehensive, appropriate, and practical initial screener for PD in cancer patients. Predicting factors should be considered together for effective management of PD in such population.
Study of WAMS Big Data Elastic Store Model in Low-Frequency Oscillation Analysis
Authors: Song Hua , Chen Yongjun
Published: September 2020

Low-frequency oscillation (LFO) is among the key factors that threaten interconnected power grids’ security and stability and restrict transfer capability. In particular, power systems incur now and then weak damping and forced oscillations. To monitor and control LFO, the principles of online calculation and analysis of two types of LFO are studied in this paper. The big data of wide area measurements is an important information source of LFO analysis. Hence, we should make sure it has access to online system continuously, accurately, and reliably. Nevertheless, the conventional linear data store model has difficulty to meet the processing requirements of high rate, multiple concurrency, and high reliability. To deal with it, a new model of double-set elastic store is proposed in this paper. It transforms the storage space linear model to plane model, realizes the management of power system substation group sets in vertical direction and the management of multiple Phase Measurement Units (PMU) uploading data sets in horizontal direction, and hence solves the problems in continuous and reliable access of the wide area measurements data, which is dense and of large scale and has quick update rate, providing technical support of accuracy and robustness of LFO analysis. The performance test and practical application of the proposed new model of double-set elastic store validate its accuracy.
Low Ethanol Concentrations Promote Endothelial Progenitor Cell Capacity and Reparative Function
Authors: Brodowski Lars , Schröder-Heurich Bianca , Kipke Berina , Schmidt Cara , von Kaisenberg Constantin S. , von Versen-Höynck Frauke
Published: September 2020

Background. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are recruited to injured endothelium and contribute to its regeneration. There is evidence that moderate ethanol consumption prevents the development and progression of atherosclerosis in a variety of in vitro and in vivo models and increases the mobilization of progenitor cells. Furthermore, there are studies that identified ethanol at low concentration as a therapeutic tool to mobilize progenitor cells in peripheral blood. At the same time, the cell number of EPCs represents a close link to cardiovascular system constitution and function and contributes to cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low dose ethanol on typical features of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), a proliferative subtype of EPCs. Methods and Results. We tested whether ethanol impacts the functional abilities of ECFC (e.g., migration, tube formation, and proliferation) using in vitro assays, the intercommunication of ECFC by exploring cell surface molecules by flow cytometry, and the expression of (anti-)angiogenic molecules by ELISA. Low concentrations of ethanol concentration promoted migration, proliferation, and tubule formation of ECFC. The expression of the cell surface marker VE-cadherin, a protein which plays an important role in cell-cell interaction, was enhanced by ethanol, while (anti-)angiogenic molecule expression was not impacted. Conclusion. Ethanol at moderate concentrations increases the angiogenic abilities of endothelial progenitor cells thus possibly contributing to vasoprotection.
Maternal Characteristics Are Associated with Child Dietary Diversity Score, in Golina District, Northeast Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fentaw Mulaw Getahun , Wassie Feleke Fentaw , Adane Masresha Seteamlak
Published: September 2020

Background. Dietary diversity is part of the set of indicators developed to assess infant and young child feeding practices. In developing countries, only a quarter of children met the required minimum dietary diversity. In Ethiopia, only 14% of children aged 6–23 months met the minimum dietary diversity score, with regional variation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess dietary diversity score and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Golina district, Afar region, Ethiopia. Method. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 345 study participants from February 15 to March 30, 2017, in Golina district, Afar, Northeast Ethiopia. The study kebeles were selected randomly and the study subjects were selected using a cluster sampling technique. The child dietary diversity score was determined by the WHO child dietary diversity score scale, using a 24-hour dietary recall method, and data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictor variables, and the level of significance was determined at P value <0.05. Result. This study revealed that children who met the required minimum dietary diversity score were 35.1% (95% CI, (30%–40%)). Children whose mothers have not attended formal education were 3.042 times (AOR = 3.042 95% CI: (1.312–7.052)) less likely to meet the minimum dietary diversity score than children whose mothers have attended secondary and above. Children whose mothers had normal BMI were 51.2% (AOR = 0.488, 95% CI: (0.259–918)) and 68.1% (AOR = 0.319, 95% CI: (0.119–0.855)) more likely to meet the minimum dietary diversity score than children whose mothers’ BMI was underweight and overweight, respectively. Conclusion. Maternal characteristics (educational status and nutrition status) were found to be associated with their child's dietary diversity score. This study also revealed that children who met the minimum dietary diversity score were few. Therefore, the increased emphasis on the importance of the education of girls (future mothers) and nutrition counseling for girls/women who currently have received little education on ways to improve the family and child dietary feeding practice is needed.
Antimicrobial Importance of Medicinal Plants in Nigeria
Authors: Ugboko Harriet U. , Nwinyi Obinna C. , Oranusi Solomon U. , Fatoki Toluwase H. , Omonhinmin Conrad A.
Published: September 2020

Despite the success of antibiotic discovery, infectious diseases remain the second leading source of death worldwide, while the resistance to antibiotics is among the significant problems in the twenty-first century. Medicinal plants are very rich in phytochemicals which can be structurally optimized and processed into new drugs. Nigeria enjoys a diverse collection of medicinal plants, and joint research has ascertained the efficacy of these plants. Plants such as guava (Psidium guajava), ginger (Zingiber officinale), neem (Azadirachta indica), and moringa (Moringa oleifera) have been found to exhibit broad range of antimicrobial activities. Studies on Nigerian plants have shown that they contain alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenes, glycosides, and others with possible therapeutic potentials. The antimicrobial activities of some new compounds such as alloeudesmenol, hanocokinoside, orosunol, and 8-demethylorosunol, identified from medicinal plants in Nigeria, are not yet explored. Further investigation and optimization of these compounds will facilitate the development of new sets of pharmacologically acceptable antimicrobial agents. This review study revealed the efficacy of medicinal plants as an alternative therapy in combating and curtailing the development and survival of multidrug-resistant pathogens coupled with the toxic effects of some antibiotics. Due to enormous therapeutic possibilities buried in medicinal plants, there is a need for more research into unique fingerprints and novel compounds that can provide cure to the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) of humans and animals facing Africa, especially Nigeria.
The Use of Social Network in Daily Pediatric Practice and Education: Turkish Pediatric Atelier
Authors: Gönüllü Erdem , Soysal Ahmet , Can İlkay , Tutak Ercan , Tunç Turan , Yıldız İsmail , Yeşilbaş Osman , Öner Naci , Anarat Ali , Soysal Feryal Gün , Bayram Cengiz , Balcı Mehmet Cihan , Tavil Emine Betül , Akçay Teoman , Karaböcüoğlu Metin
Published: September 2020

Using social media applications in pediatric education is not outdated, and its effectiveness has not been tested yet. For this reason, we shared the first results of the Pediatric Atelier experience that we realized through telegram application. We make an online survey to investigate the needs, requirements, pleasure, and suggestions of members through a web-based questionnaire. This cross-sectional survey study was delivered only to participants who were members of the workshop via their email addresses. Online questionnaires organized using Google Forms were sent to pediatric workshop members between March and June 2019. The questionnaire consisted of questions that measured the participants’ basic demographic data, the use of the workshop, and the overall impact of the workshop on their professional behavior. While the institutions and positions of the participants were recorded, no other personal data (such as address and telephone) were collected. Among the 997 members, 417 (42%) of them answered the questionnaire. Respondents included 300 (72%) pediatrician, 21 (5%) pediatric subspeciality fellows, and 75 (18%) pediatric subspecialists. Of the 417 respondents, 217 (52%) were working in Istanbul, and 200 (48%) were working in other cities of Turkey. Among the responders, 233 (56%) were working in private hospitals or doctor offices. A total of 520 cases were consulted in 241 days of study period. Most consultations (n=309, %59) were made from the Istanbul metropolitan area, and 203 (40%) consultations were from other cities of Turkey. The most frequently consulted departments were Pediatric infectious diseases: 166 (32%), Pediatric hematology and oncology: 56 (11%), and Neonatology: 43 (8%). Of the 520 consulted cases, 44 (8%) were related to life-threatening events, and 25 of them were hospitalized in the intensive care units, and 6 of them were required surgical operations. Of the 94% of responders thought this platform was useful and 82% of them stated that the case counseling part of the atelier was the most useful part. We think that the development of technology and artificial intelligence may lead to the usage of on-line platforms or systems in clinical medical practice. Clinical Trial Registration (if any). Registry name, registration number, web link to study on registry, and data sharing statement.
The Effect of Antenatal Care Service Utilization on Postnatal Care Service Utilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Study
Authors: Geremew Alehegn Bishaw , Boke Moges Muluneh , Yismaw Ayenew Engida
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Reduction of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality has continued to be a challenge in developing countries. The majority of maternal and neonatal mortality occurred during the early postpartum period. This is mostly due to low postnatal care service utilization. There is a discrepancy of evidence on the effect status of antenatal care on the improvement of postnatal care service utilization. Therefore, this review study is aimed at estimating the pooled effect of antenatal care on postnatal care service utilization. Methods. We searched from PubMed and Cochrane library database, Google Scholar, and Google. Initially, we found 265 articles; after duplication was removed and screened by the relevance of the titles and abstracts, 36 studies were considered for assessment of eligibility. Finally, 14 articles passed the inclusion and exclusion criteria and are included in the meta-analysis. Study quality assessment was done using Janna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. The main information was extracted from each study. Heterogeneity of studies was assessed using I2=70% and more considered having high heterogeneity. The publication bias was checked using funnel plot and big test. Meta-analysis using a random effect model was conducted. A forest plot was used to show the estimated size effect of odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Results. A total of 14 articles were included with 15,765 participants for synthesis and meta-analysis. We found that a pooled estimate of women who had antenatal care was 1.53 times more likely to have postnatal care compared with those who had no antenatal care (AOR=1.53, 95% CI 1.38-1.70, I2=0%). Conclusions. This review results revealed a low utilization of postnatal care service. Antenatal care service utilization has a positive effect on postnatal care service utilization. Policymakers and programmers better considered more antenatal care service use as one strategy of enhancing the utilization of postnatal care service.
Determinants of Under-Five Child Mortality in Ethiopia: Analysis Using Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey, 2016
Authors: Zewudie Addisalem Tebeje , Gelagay Abebaw Addis , Enyew Engidaw Fentahun
Published: September 2020

Background. Under-five mortality rate is a leading indicator of the level of child health and the overall development in countries which indicate the quality of life of a given population, as measured by life expectancy. Objectives. To identify and analyze factors that may have a significant influence on under-five mortality in Ethiopia. Methods. A national representative cross-sectional study and a quantitative study were conducted among 18,008 households selected based on 2016 EDHS data. The analysis was done using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Both bivariate and multivariable analyses were employed. In multivariable analysis, p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant and odds ratio with 95% CI (confidence interval) was used to assess the determinants of under-five child mortality. Results. A total of 10,641 children were included in the study with a 99.0% response rate. The U5CM for being a rural resident (AOR=1.802, 95% CI: 1.251, 2.595), not breastfeeding (AOR=2.956, 95% CI: 2.490, 3.511), having multiple birth (AOR=4.755, 95% CI: 3.440, 6.572), male gender (AOR=1.363, 95% CI: 1.153, 1.612), having first birth order (AOR=1.592, 95% CI: 1.275, 1.992), and having family size six and above (AOR=2.187, 95% CI: 1.769, 2.707). The increment of family size increases the risk of U5CM.Conclusion. Multivariate logistic analysis reflected that place of residence, mothers’ educational level, religion, current breastfeeding status, type of birth, sex of child, birth order, and family size were found to be significant predictors of under-five child mortality. So, government policy, nongovernmental organizations, and all concerned bodies should be focused on the major determinants of under-five child mortality and put in a lot more effort to reduce under-five child mortality, and health intervention policies should be revised.
Study on Rib Sloughage Prevention Based on Geological Structure Exploration and Deep Borehole Grouting in Front Abutment Zones
Authors: Wang Cheng , Xiong Zuqiang , Wang Chun , Wang Yuli , Zhang Yaohui
Published: September 2020

This research presents the grouting method of preventing rib sloughage which severely impacts mine safety and longwall retreat speed in thick coal seam with numerical simulation and laboratory tests. Based on the analysis of the plastic failure mode of five types of coal seam, roof strata ahead of the longwall face, and fractures developed in the coal seam, the following results are drawn, the range and degree of plastic failure generated in the coal seam and roof strata ahead of the longwall face gradually decreased as the coal mass strength increased; the grouting boreholes are essentially laid out within the coal rib instead of the roof. For a particular case of a coal mine in Shanxi province, a novel cement-based material was grouted, which fulfilled the reinforcement requirements under the tectonic stress regions and front abutment zones. Besides, the grouting borehole construction requested predrilled boreholes, full borehole intubation, lengthened hole sealing, and multiple-step drilling and grouting. This study can provide a theoretical framework of a design overview and practical basis for similar mining conditions in other coalfields.
XCHD Inhibits C6 Cell Growth Primarily via the p53/Caspase Pathway
Authors: Yu Huiling , Sun Qinnuan , Yun Fen , Xu Xiaoyan , Ding Feng , Li Shirong , Zhao Pengwei
Published: September 2020

The effects of XCHD on the proliferation of C6 cells and on factors associated with the microRNA‐34a (miR‐34a)/p53/caspase‐3 signaling pathway in vitro were investigated. Methods. XCHD was purchased too much to complete the study. CCK‐8 assay was used to measure the XCHD concentration, and qPCR was used to quantify miR‐34a expression at the mRNA level. Apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL. Western blots were used to determine the p53, caspase‐3, caspase‐8, and Bcl‐2 expression levels. Results. The optimal XCHD concentration and time effect for C6 cells were observed after 36 h of exposure to a concentration of 100 µg/ml XCHD. miR‐34a expression increased 8 and 12 h after the addition of XCHD. The presence of XCHD decreased Bcl‐2 expression but increased p53, cleaved caspase‐3, Bax, and caspase‐8 expression. When p53 was inhibited, miR‐34a expression was unaffected by the addition of XCHD, Bcl‐2 expression was low, and cleaved caspase‐3, Bax, and caspase‐8 expression increased. The inhibition of p53 promoted C6 cell growth when compared with C6 cells exposed to XCHD and with no inhibition of p53. Conclusions. XCHD inhibits C6 cell growth which was influenced by the p53/caspase pathway.
[Retracted] The Anatase Phase of Nanotopography Titania with Higher Roughness Has Better Biocompatibility in Osteoblast Cell Morphology and Proliferation
Authors: Ruan Danping , Wu Chunyun , Deng Sinan , Zhang Yu , Guan Guoling
Published: September 2020

Previous studies have concluded that surface‐modified titanium oxide (titania, TiO2) surface properties promote osteoblast cell morphology and proliferation. To screen a suitable structured titania coating with the best biocompatibility to be used in dental implants, five titania films (two amorphous, one rutile, and two anatases) with different surfaces were successfully synthesized on polished titanium by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. We applied atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) to depict the formulations. Furthermore, MC3T3‐E1, the mouse osteoblast precursor cell, was used to assess cell proliferation and observe morphologic changes at the film surface. The data indicated that the overall number of MC3T3‐E1 cells on anatase films was significantly higher as compared with cells on rutile and amorphous films. Meanwhile, the actin filaments of the cells grown on the anatase phase films were well defined and fully spread. In addition, the film with higher roughness had enhanced biocompatibility than that with lower roughness. The results showed that the crystal phase and titania coated roughness had a greater influence on the biocompatibility of nanostructured titania film. The higher the roughness of the anatase phase was, the better bioactivity for the morphology and proliferation of osteoblast. This is a good surface‐modified biological material and may have a good application prospect in dental implants.
Endothelium‐Independent Vasodilatory Effect of Sailuotong (SLT) on Rat Isolated Tail Artery
Authors: Yeon S. Y. , Seto S. W. , Chan G. H. H. , Low M. , Kiat H. , Wang N. , Liu J. , Chang D.
Published: September 2020

Background. Sailuotong (SLT) is a standardized three‐herb formulation consisting of extracts of Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, and Crocus sativus for the treatment of vascular dementia (VaD). Although SLT has been shown to increase cerebral blood flow, the direct effects of SLT on vascular reactivity have not been explored. This study aims to examine the vasodilatory effects of SLT and the underlying mechanisms in rat isolated tail artery. Methods. Male (250–300 g) Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat tail artery was isolated for isometric tension measurement. The effects of SLT on the influx of calcium through the cell membrane calcium channels were determined in Ca2+‐free solution experiments. Results. SLT (0.1–5,000 μg/ml) caused a concentration‐dependent relaxation in rat isolated tail artery precontracted by phenylephrine. In the contraction experiments, SLT (500, 1,000, and 5,000 μg/mL) significantly inhibited phenylephrine (0.001 to 10 μM)‐ and KCl (10–80 mM)‐induced contraction, in a concentration‐dependent manner. In Ca2+‐free solution, SLT (500, 1,000, and 5,000 μg/mL) markedly suppressed Ca2+‐induced (0.001–3 mM) vasoconstriction in a concentration‐dependent manner in both phenylephrine (10 μM) or KCl (80 mM) stimulated tail arteries. L‐type calcium channel blocker nifedipine (10 μM) inhibited PE‐induced contraction. Furthermore, SLT significantly reduced phenylephrine‐induced transient vasoconstriction in the rat isolated tail artery. Conclusion. SLT induces relaxation of rat isolated tail artery through endothelium‐independent mechanisms. The SLT‐induced vasodilatation appeared to be jointly meditated by blockages of extracellular Ca2+ influx via receptor‐gated and voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels and inhibition of the release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Fault Diagnosis of Nonlinear Analog Circuit Based on Generalized Frequency Response Function and LSSVM Classifier Fusion
Authors: Zhang Jialiang
Published: September 2020

For fault diagnosis of nonlinear analog circuit, a novel method based on generalized frequency response function (GFRF) and least square support vector machine (LSSVM) classifier fusion is presented. The sinusoidal signal is used as the input of analog circuit, and then, the generalized frequency response functions are estimated directly by the time-domain formulations. The discrete Fourier transform of measurement data is avoided. After obtaining the generalized frequency response functions, the amplitudes of the GFRFs are chosen as the fault feature parameters. A classifier fusion algorithm based on least square support vector machine (LSSVM) is used for fault identification. Two LSSVM multifault classifiers with different kernel functions are constructed as subclassifiers. Fault diagnosis experiments of resistor-capacitance (RC) circuit and Sallen Key filter are carried out, respectively. The results show that the estimated GFRFs of the circuit are accurate, and the fault diagnosis method can get high recognition rate.
Survival Status and Predictors of Mortality among Newborns Admitted with Neonatal Sepsis at Public Hospitals in Ethiopia
Authors: Dessu Samuel , Habte Aklilu , Melis Tamirat , Gebremedhin Mesfin
Published: September 2020

Background. One-fourth of neonatal death is due to neonatal sepsis and nearly 98% of these deaths are occurring at low- and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia, forty percent of under-five mortality occurs during the neonatal period, of which neonatal sepsis accounts for 30-35% of neonatal deaths next to prematurity and its complications. On the other side, among the survived neonates with neonatal sepsis, there exist as vulnerable to short and long-term neurological and developmental morbidity impacting the overall productivity of the child as adult. Methods. A longitudinal prospective cohort study was conducted among selected 289 neonates with neonatal sepsis who were admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit at public hospitals in Ethiopia from 1st March 2018 to 31st December 2019. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.02 and exported to SPSS V 25 for analysis. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve together with log-rank test was used to estimate the survival time of the neonates. Variables which had p value < 0.05 in multivariable analysis using the cox proportional hazard model were declared as statistically significant predictors of mortality. Results. The study was conducted with a total of 289 neonates admitted with neonatal sepsis. The cumulative proportion of surviving at the end of the fourth day was 99.5%, and it was 98.2% at the end of the fifth day. In addition, it was 96.6%, 93.5%, and 91.1% at the end of the sixth, seventh, and eighth day, respectively. The incidence of mortality was 8.65 per 100 neonates admitted with neonatal sepsis. Having a history of intrapartum fever (AHR: 14.5; 95% CI: 4.25, 49.5), history of chorioamnionitis (AHR: 5.7; 95% CI: 2.29, 13.98), induced labor (AHR: 7; 95% CI: 2.32, 21.08), and not initiating exclusive breastfeeding within one hour (AHR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.34, 12.63) were the independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion. The survival status of neonates among neonates admitted with neonatal sepsis was high at the early admission days and high cumulative proportion of death as the admission period increased. The risk of mortality was high among the neonates with early onset of neonatal sepsis as compared with late onset of neonatal sepsis and history of intrapartum fever, history of diagnosed chorioamnionitis, onset of labor, and EBF initiation within one hour were the independent predictors of mortality among neonates admitted with neonatal sepsis.
Experimental System of Hydrodynamic Action of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes under Temperature-Humidity-Mechanical (THM) Coupling
Authors: Tao Zhigang , Xu Huixia , Peng Hongzhen , Liu Weixin
Published: September 2020

In order to thoroughly investigate the weathering mechanism of the murals in Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, based on the independently developed hydrodynamic test system of the surrounding rocks under the combined action of temperature, humidity, and stress, this study performed the liquid water adsorption test and gaseous water adsorption test of the surrounding rocks of the support body of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, as well as the softening test of the strength of liquid water adsorbed by the rock samples. The experimental results are as follows: (a) Q–t curve and lnw–lnt curve of the three types of black sandstone rock samples obtained by analyzing the nonpressure water absorption experiment data indicate that the Q–t curve of the rock samples showed a similar trend with time, with the initial curve being steep and rapid increase in the water absorption; the double logarithmic curve of water absorption is convex and tends to be saturated. (b) The absorbing water softening test analysis was carried out for four types of siltstone specimens with intensity of pressure; bibulous rate was found to vary with time, and sample parameters such as compressive strength and elastic modulus decreased linearly with increasing water absorption at different times of uniaxial compression test. (c) Through the summer and winter and cave surrounding rock within the sample, the gas adsorption of water simulation was combined with the adsorption curve analysis, indicating that the adsorption characteristics of the surrounding rock and the correlation of larger sample depend on season. These research results provide a reliable theoretical basis and technical support for the protection of the murals in the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang and the prevention and control by salt damage.
Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome: A Rare But Important Etiology of Inguinal Hernia and Cryptorchidism
Authors: Bugrul Fuat , Abali Zehra Yavas , Kirkgoz Tarik , Cerit Kivilcim K. , Canmemis Arzu , Turan Serap , Tugtepe Halil , Picard Jean-Yves , Bereket Abdullah , Guran Tulay
Published: September 2020

Homozygous loss of function mutations in genes encoding anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) or its receptor (AMHRII) lead to persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS). PMDS is characterized by the presence of a uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and upper vagina in fully virilised 46,XY males. Both surgical management and long-term follow-up of these patients are challenging. Four cases with PMDS presented with cryptorchidism and inguinal hernia, and laparoscopic inguinal exploration revealed Müllerian remnants. Three of the patients had homozygous mutations in the AMH gene, one with a novel c.1673G>A (p.Gly558Asp) mutation, and one patient had an AMHRII mutation. All patients underwent a single-stage laparotomy in which the fundus of the uterus was split along the midline to release testes and to avoid damaging the vas deferens or the deferential artery. Biopsy of Müllerian remnants did not reveal any malignancy. The cases presented here expand the clinical and molecular presentation of PMDS. Cryptorchidism and inguinal hernia in the presence of Müllerian structures in an appropriately virilised 46,XY individual should suggest PMDS. Long-term reproductive and endocrinological surveillance is necessary.
COVID-19 and Respiratory System Disorders
Authors: Brosnahan Shari B. , Jonkman Annemijn H. , Kugler Matthias C. , Munger John S. , Kaufman David A.
Published: September 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 emerged as a serious human pathogen in late 2019, causing the disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The most common clinical presentation of severe COVID-19 is acute respiratory failure consistent with the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Airway, lung parenchymal, pulmonary vascular, and respiratory neuromuscular disorders all feature in COVID-19. This article reviews what is known about the effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection on different parts of the respiratory system, clues to understanding the underlying biology of respiratory disease, and highlights current and future translation and clinical research questions.
Genetic Diagnosis and the Severity of Cardiovascular Phenotype in Patients With Elastin Arteriopathy
Authors: Min Sandar , Kinnear Caroline , D’Alessandro Lisa C.A. , Bouwmeester Jade , Yao Roderick , Chiasson David , Keeley Fred , Mital Seema
Published: September 2020

Background:

Elastin insufficiency causes recurrent vascular stenoses. Hemizygous deletion of the elastin gene (
ELN
) causes Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS), while single nucleotide variants in
ELN
cause nonsyndromic supravalvar aortic stenosis (SVAS). Our objective was to compare cardiovascular disease outcomes in patients with WBS and nonsyndromic SVAS.

Methods:

Patients (81 WBS, 42 nonsyndromic SVAS) with cardiovascular disease were included in this retrospective single center study. Freedom from surgical and catheter interventions and reinterventions was compared. Vascular tissue from 8 patients and 6 controls was analyzed for arterial wall architecture.

Results:

Patients with nonsyndromic SVAS presented at a younger age (median 0.3 [0.4–0.7] years) compared with patients with WBS (1.3 [0.2–3.0] years) and had lower freedom from surgical/catheter interventions compared with patients with WBS, with median event-free survival 1.1 (0.3–5.9) versus 4.7 (2.4–13.3) years, respectively (hazard ratio, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.02–2.56];
P
=0.04). Patients with nonsyndromic SVAS also had a lower freedom from reinterventions (
P
=0.054 by log-rank test). This was related in part to a higher frequency of primary and reinterventions for concomitant valvar aortic stenosis. Histology revealed abnormal intimal and medial thickening, disorganized and fragmented elastic fibers, reduced smooth muscle calponin expression, and increased macrophage marker, CD68, expression in the arterial walls in patients with WBS and nonsyndromic SVAS compared with controls.

Conclusions:

Patients with nonsyndromic SVAS require early and more frequent vascular and valvular interventions and reinterventions, in particular for concomitant valvar aortic stenosis compared with patients with WBS. This provides important prognostic information to guide counseling of affected families with cardiovascular disease and may guide primary intervention strategies based on predicted risk of restenosis.
What Is the Social Responsibility of Climate Scientists?
Authors: Oreskes Naomi
Published: September 2020

Do scientists have a responsibility to act affirmatively to ensure that our findings are known, understood, and put to use to protect our fellow citizens, even if it means expanding our activities beyond the field and the laboratory? I argue that scientists have a sentinel responsibility to alert society to threats about which ordinary people have no other way of knowing. However, the same expertise that makes a scientist an appropriate sentinel in one or several domains almost necessarily makes them inexpert in other domains. I believe that we should exercise restraint when asked to intercede in areas beyond our proximate expertise.
Climate in the Boardroom: Struggling to Reconcile Business as Usual & the End of the World as We Know It
Authors: Henderson Rebecca
Published: September 2020

How does one witness to businesspeople about climate change? Climate change is a problem for the collective and the long term, whereas business often requires a ruthless focus on the individual and the quarter. Climate change is an ethical catastrophe whose solution almost certainly requires a profoundly moral response, but talk of morality in the boardroom is often regarded with profound suspicion. Reconciling these tensions has forced me to navigate between worlds in an ongoing attempt to persuade businesspeople that solving climate change is both an economic and a moral necessity, and that the purpose of business is not only to make money but also to support the institutions that will enable us to build a sustainable world. This has not always been easy.
Emerging Issues on Arctic Environmental and Climate Change Governance: Introduction
Authors: Tanaka Yoshifumi , Martinez Romera Beatriz
Published: September 2020

This Special Issue, based on the Third International Conference of the Transatlantic Maritime Emissions Research Network (TRAMEREN), Copenhagen, June 2019, examines emerging issues in Arctic environmental and climate change governance. The law of the sea performs a paramount role in stabilising a legal order in the ocean, including the marine Arctic. However, physical and ecological conditions surrounding the ocean may change over time, particularly in the era of climate change. Thus the antithesis between change and stability in the law of the sea is key when considering effects of climate change on the law of the sea. The six articles in this Special Issue provide insights into the development of the legal framework for governing the marine Arctic addressing, respectively, changing paradigms in the law of the sea, retreating coasts in the Arctic, environmental assessment, the Polar Code, fuel use regulation of Arctic shipping, and Arctic climate interventions.
Biology, sounds and vibratory signals of hooded katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Phyllophorinae)
Authors: KORSUNOVSKAYA OLGA , BEREZIN MIKHAIL , HELLER KLAUS-GERHARD , TKACHEVA ELENA , KOMPANTSEVA TATIANA , ZHANTIEV RUSTEM
Published: September 2020

The tettigoniid subfamily Phyllophorinae, distributed in Southeast Asia and Australia, is poorly known. Our study of the biology of Giant Katydid Siliquofera grandis (Blanchard, 1853) from a laboratory culture has shown that these insects mate more than once, the females lay a total of up to 400 eggs during their life, and these hatch after 2–2.5 months. The life cycle from egg to death takes longer than one year. In the laboratory, the insects fed mainly on leaves of various Rosaceae, Ficus, and lettuce, and on fruits.                It is known that the males of hooded katydids lack the tegminal stridulatory apparatus typical for Tettigoniidae, but are capable of producing protest sounds using their coxosternal sound-producing organs for stridulation. Here, protest stridulation of the males and females and the sound-producing organs used to produce it have been analyzed in Phyllophorina kotoshoensis Shiraki, 1930 and S. grandis. In addition, nymphal protest sounds produced by friction of the metafemur against the edge of the pronotum and adult protest signals produced with the wings are described. In S. grandis, vibratory signals have been described and studied for the first time: territorial, protest, drumming and rhythmic low-amplitude vibrations emitted by adults and nymphs and pre- and postcopulatory vibrations of the males and females. The territorial signals not accompanied with visible movements of the body may be produced by contracting the antagonist muscles of the thorax and possibly of the legs. Using their coxosternal sound-producing organs males of S. grandis produced also an audible courtship song lasting for several seconds. Acoustic signals may thus both regulate intrapopulation relations and serve for interspecific communication (protest signals). The acoustic communication in Phyllophorinae is probably especially important during mating behavior.
Two new Pachyrhynchus (Curculionidae: Entiminae: Pachyrhynchini) from Misamis Occidental (Mindanao, The Philippines)
Authors: BOLLINO MAURIZIO , RUKMANE ANITA , MOHAGAN NOEL
Published: September 2020

Two new species belonging to the genus Pachyrhynchus Germar, 1824 (Curculionidae: Entiminae: Pachyrhynchini Schoenherr, 1826) from Northern Mindanao are described: Pachyrhynchus yoshitakei sp. nov. and Pachyrhynchus imitans sp. nov. The endophallus of Pachyrhynchus zamboanganus Yoshitake, 2012 is illustrated as well.
Three new species of the genus Tartessus Stål (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Tartessinae) from Vietnam
Authors: GNEZDILOV VLADIMIR M.
Published: September 2020

Three new species of the genus Tartessus Stål,  1865 are described from Vietnam: T. kabakovi sp. n.—from Vinh Phuc Province; T. nigriventris sp. n.—from Gia Lai Province; T. iridescens sp. n.—from Ðồng Nai and Bà Rịa-ũng Tàu Provinces. These are first records of the subfamily Tartessinae from the country. T. malayus (Stål, 1859) is recorded and illustrated from Taiwan.
A remarkable new species of spittlebug and a second living New World genus in the Clastopteridae (Hemiptera: Cercopoidea)
Authors: PALADINI ANDRESSA , THOMPSON VINTON , BELL ADAM J. , CRYAN JASON R.
Published: September 2020

A new species of Neotropical spittlebug (Hemiptera: Cercopoidea: Clastopteridae), Paraclastoptera erwini sp. n., is described and illustrated from Orellana, Ecuador. This species exhibits unique features differentiating it from all known Clastoptera and serves as the genotype for a new genus Paraclastoptera gen. n. This is the second extant New World genus for the Clastopteridae, hitherto represented solely by the widespread, abundant and speciose genus Clastoptera.