bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of community health workers in improving cost efficiency in an active case finding tuberculosis programme: an operational research study from rural Bihar, India
Authors: Garg Tushar , Bhardwaj Manish , Deo Sarang
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Cost-efficient active case finding (ACF) approaches are needed for their large-scale adoption in national tuberculosis (TB) programmes. Our aim was to assess if community health workers’ (CHW) knowledge about families’ health status can improve the cost efficiency of the ACF programme without adversely affecting the delivery of other health services for which they are responsible.

Design

Quasi-experimental design.

Interventions

We evaluated an ACF programme in the Samastipur district in Bihar, India, between July 2017 and June 2018. CHWs called Accredited Social Health Activists generated referrals of individuals at risk of TB and conducted symptom-based screening to identify patients with presumptive TB. They also helped them undergo testing and provided treatment support for confirmed TB cases.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We compared the notification rate from the intervention region with that from a control region in the same district with similar characteristics. We analysed operational data to calculate the cost per TB case diagnosed. We used routine programmatic data from the public health system to estimate the impact on other services provided by CHWs.

Findings

CHWs identified 9895 patients with presumptive TB. Of these, 5864 patients were tested for TB, and 1236 were confirmed as TB cases. Annual public case notification rate increased sharply in the intervention region from 45.8 to 105.8 per 100 000 population, whereas it decreased from 50.7 to 45.3 in the control region. There was no practically or statistically significant impact on other output indicators of the CHWs, such as institutional deliveries (−0.04%). The overall cost of the intervention was about US$134 per diagnosed case. Main cost drivers were human resources, and commodities (drugs and diagnostics), which contributed 37.4% and 32.5% of the cost, respectively.

Conclusions

ACF programmes that use existing CHWs in the health system are feasible, cost efficient and do not adversely affect other healthcare services delivered by CHWs.
Qualitative exploration of health professionals’ experiences of communicating positive newborn bloodspot screening results for nine conditions in England
Authors: Chudleigh Jane , Chinnery Holly , Bonham Jim R , Olander Ellinor , Moody Louise , Simpson Alan , Morris Stephen , Ulph Fiona , Bryon Mandy , Southern Kevin
Published: October 2020

Objective

To explore health professionals’ experiences of communicating positive newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) results, highlight differences, share good practice and make recommendations for future research.

Design

Qualitative exploratory design was employed using semi-structured interviews

Setting

Three National Health Service provider organisations in England

Participants

Seventeen health professionals involved in communicating positive newborn bloodspot screening results to parents for all nine conditions currently included in the newborn bloodspot screening programme in England.

Results

Findings indicated variation in approaches to communicating positive newborn bloodspot screening results to parents, largely influenced by resources available and the lack of clear guidance. Health professionals emphasised the importance of communicating results to families in a way that is sensitive to their needs. However, many challenges hindered communication including logistical considerations; difficulty contacting the family and other health professionals; language barriers; parental reactions; resource considerations; lack of training; and insufficient time.

Conclusion

Health professionals invest a lot of time and energy trying to ensure communication of positive newborn bloodspot screening results to families is done well. However, there continues to be great variation in the way these results are communicated to parents and this is largely influenced by resources available but also the lack of concrete guidance. How best to support health professionals undertaking this challenging and emotive task requires further exploration. We recommend evaluation of a more cohesive approach that meets the needs of parents and staff while being sensitive to the subtleties of each condition.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN15330120
Protocol for a process evaluation of Family Planning Elevated: a statewide initiative to improve contraceptive access in Utah (USA)
Authors: Baayd Jami , Simmons Rebecca G
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Many individuals in the USA do not have access to the contraceptive methods they desire. Contraceptive initiatives have emerged at the state and national levels to remove barriers to access, and many initiatives have reported success. Other initiatives may want to build on or replicate that success, but data are scarce on the details of how and why certain interventions work. This paper describes the protocol for the planned process evaluation of Family Planning Elevated (FPE), a statewide contraceptive initiative in Utah.

Methods

FPE will conduct a process evaluation during the planning and implementation phases of the programme. The process evaluation will document (1) the community, state and national contexts in which the programme is implemented, (2) how FPE is implemented and (3) the mechanism by which FPE creates impact. We will collect qualitative data via interviews with FPE staff, providers and staff participating in the programme, and key stakeholders and policy-makers throughout the state. The team process evaluator will record FPE decision making and implementation activities by taking field notes during weekly FPE meetings. Quantitatively, we will collect monthly data reports from FPE-participating clinics, analytics reports from the media campaign and survey results from patients in FPE-participating clinics. The findings of the process evaluation will allow other contraceptive initiatives to learn from FPE’s efforts and replicate successful components of the programme.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received approval from the University of Utah’s Institutional Review Board. Findings from the process evaluation and outcome evaluation will be published, shared with other contraceptive initiatives and presented at conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03877757.
Anomalous drainage of the caudal vena cava into the left atrium and duplication of the posthepatic caudal vena cava in a cat diagnosed with CT
Authors: Lau Michelle , Chau Jennifer
Published: October 2020

A six‐year and six‐month‐old male neutered British Shorthair cat was referred for investigation of chronic thrombocytopenia and anaemia. On presentation, the cat was dull; however, physical examination was otherwise unremarkable. Complete blood count revealed moderate regenerative anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Serum biochemistry revealed hyperglycaemia. Thoracic radiographs showed two soft tissue opaque masses in the right cranial to mid thorax and in the left caudal lung lobe. CT revealed a multicameral soft tissue attenuating mass in the right cranial and middle lung lobes and an abnormal region of soft tissue attenuation in the left caudal lung lobe. It also revealed anomalous drainage of the caudal vena cava into the left atrium, generalised pulmonary vascular congestion, duplication of the posthepatic caudal vena cava and a suspect gastrophrenic portosystemic shunt.
Integrating Privacy Concerns Into the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology to Explain the Adoption of Fitness Trackers
Authors: Reith Riccardo , Buck Christoph , Eymann Torsten , Lis Bettina
Published: October 2020

Connected fitness tracking devices enable various stakeholders to analyze sensitive personal information. Our investigation underlines the vital role of privacy concerns for the intention to use fitness trackers and support the integration into the nomological structure of UTAUT. The results show strong influences of privacy concerns, subjective norm and performance expectancy on the intention to use fitness tracking devices. While performance expectancy is not the strongest predictor anymore, effort expectancy does not show a significant influence on the intention to use fitness tracking devices. The proposed research model enhances the privacy calculus theory and provides essential theoretical and practical implications.
Modeling and simulation methods of sea clutter based on measured data
Authors: Wang Rui , Li Xiangyang , Zhang Zhili , Ma Hongguang
Published: October 2020

The modeling and simulation of sea clutter are important in detecting radar targets in sea backgrounds. Because the nonstationary property of sea clutter is ignored in traditional statistical models, a new method based on measured sea clutter is proposed in this paper. First, we convert the measured sea clutter data under different sea conditions [[Formula: see text]] into real amplitude [Formula: see text]. Instantaneous phase [Formula: see text] is then extracted from the coherent radar’s baseband data. Second, we select a candidate statistic model and estimate its parameters based on [Formula: see text] by utilizing maximum likelihood estimation. Finally, we generate random series [Formula: see text] using corresponding random data generator and then add instantaneous phase [Formula: see text] into [Formula: see text], i.e., [Formula: see text], to obtain simulated sea clutter series. Through a comparison of simulated sea clutter and measured sea clutter data via histogram, the validity of the proposed method is proved.
A Community with a Shared Future
Authors: He Wenping
Published: October 2020

Beijing has elevated Africa’s position in its foreign policy planning and increasingly regards the continent as a proving ground for its vision of humanity as a community with a shared future. The Xi Jinping administration has laid out a number of principles, for example, sincerity, pragmatism, affinity, and good faith, as well as major economic and financial initiatives — the Belt and Road Initiative and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank — to step up engagement with Africa in a more comprehensive and targeted manner. China’s development and governance model represents an alternative to the hitherto under-delivering Western approach that has been practiced by many African nations over the past decades. Beijing respects Africans’ political and economic choices, but also stands ready to help the continent try new development approaches and amplify its voices on the world stage. Fostering political convergence, building mutual trust, promoting local industrialization, increasing financial support for small and medium businesses, and ensuring infrastructure sustainability are the priorities for future China-African cooperation.
Magnetic Nanomaterials in Chinese Medicine Chemical Composition Analysis and Drug Metabolism and Its Industry Prospect and Development Path Research
Authors: Ma Tengfei , Liu Peng
Published: October 2020

The paramagnetism and superparamagnetism of magnetic nanomaterials are very important for in vivo applications. The magnetic particles with paramagnetism or superparamagnetism can redistribute the magnetic particles after the magnetic field is withdrawn, which is widely used for the separation and purification of biomolecules. At the same time, superparamagnetic particles can also be used as MRI imaging contrast agent. Compared with Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine is different from Western medicine in that it is originated from nature and has thousands of years of clinical efficacy. Therefore, we hope to elaborate the complex mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine through some modern technical means: through the establishment of relevant quality control system, Chinese medicine will be recognized and popularized in the international field. Therefore, this paper discusses the application of magnetic nanomaterials in the chemical composition analysis and drug metabolism of traditional Chinese medicine and its industrial prospect and development path. Firstly, the advantages of magnetic nanomaterials and the shortcomings of chemical composition analysis technology of traditional Chinese medicine are analyzed theoretically. Then, through the experimental simulation, the results show that, under the optimal conditions, the magnetic nanomaterials can be used to analyze the chemical composition of traditional Chinese medicine. The peak current and concentration of THP showed a good linear relationship in the range of 5.2 × 10−8 ∼ 2.1 × 10−5  mol/L, and the detection limit was 1.9 × 10−7  mol/L. Moreover, it showed effective results in repeatability, stability, and interference tests. Therefore, magnetic nanomaterials play an important role in the chemical composition analysis and drug metabolism of traditional Chinese medicine as well as its industrial prospect and development path.
Wubeizi Ointment Suppresses Keloid Formation through Modulation of the mTOR Pathway
Authors: Tang Zhiming , Cao Yi , Ding Jicun , Zhai Xiaoxiang , Jing Mengqing , Wang Mengmeng , Lu Lu
Published: October 2020

Background. Wubeizi (Rhus chinensis Mill.) ointment has been shown as an effective treatment for keloids. However, the protective mechanisms of Wubeizi ointment are not fully understood. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been demonstrated to be associated with keloid pathogenesis. In the present study, we investigated if Wubeizi ointment suppressed keloid formation through the modulation of key molecules of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway including phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt). Methods. A keloid mouse model and human keloid‐derived fibroblasts were developed and treated with Galla chinensis. Immunohistochemistry, western blot, and reverse transcription‐PCR were used to detect PI3K, PTEN, Akt, and mTOR in keloid tissues and keloid fibroblasts. The apoptosis and proliferation rate of keloid fibroblasts was, respectively, analyzed by flow cytometry according to the MTT assay. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. For two variable comparisons, a two independent samples t‐test was used. For multiple variable comparisons, data were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by pairwise q‐tests. Results. Our in vivo and in vitro studies showed that Wubeizi ointment suppressed keloid formation through inhibition of fibroblast proliferation and promotion of fibroblast apoptosis. The underlying basis involves downregulation of p‐Akt and p‐mTOR as well as upregulation of PTEN. Conclusion. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of Wubeizi ointment for treating keloids.
A Modified Bilaminar Technique with the Use of a Fibrin-Fibronectin System for a Single Gingival Recession: A Case Report with a Follow-Up of 3 Years
Authors: Perelli Michele , Arduino Paolo Giacomo , Semenza Mario , Abundo Roberto , Sarmiento Hector
Published: October 2020

This case report described a modified bilaminar technique for treating a single gingival recession. Patient presented a gingival recession in a maxillary canine. Tooth was in a buccally prominent position and soft keratinized tissue apical to the recession was reduced but still present. A split-full-split thickness trapezoidal flap was designed. Root’s surface was prepared with curettes. Epithelial-connective tissue graft was harvested from the palate with reduced dimension. After deepithelialization, the graft was placed with a fibrin-fibronectin system at the maximum root coverage level, and the flap coronally advanced and sutured. At 3-year follow-up control, the free gingival margin was still stable at the postsurgery position, with a thicker biotype corresponding to the grafted area, with no probing and a suitable aesthetic result.
In Search of Chaos and Complexity of a Cognitive Language-Learning System
Authors: Luo Gaofei , Mukherjee Sayan
Published: October 2020

In this article, we investigate the long-term dynamics of a known cognitive-based language-learning system under the variation of a system parameter. Stability of the equilibrium points is studied. Period root to chaos is investigated by bifurcation analysis. A Lyapunov analysis is performed to verify the complex dynamics in the system. Existence of chaos is confirmed by 0-1 test. A noise-induced cognitive phenomenon is proposed under the effect of power noise. Chaotic and nonchaotic dynamics are explored in the noise-induced system. Furthermore, disorder as well as complexity, are investigated for both the systems using the concept of weighted recurrence. The whole analysis can be effective to understand the dynamical features and nonlinear structure of the cognitive language-learning model.
Evaluation of Actin-1 Expression in Wild Caught Wuchereria bancrofti-Infected Mosquito Vectors
Authors: Entonu Moses Edache , Muhammad Aliyu , Ndams Iliya S. , Franciosa Giovanna
Published: October 2020

Background. Wuchereria bancrofti is the major cause of lymphatic filariasis transmitted by mosquito vectors. In the vector-parasite interaction and among other proteins, actin-1 has been implicated for successful transmission of the pathogen in laboratory-controlled experiments. However, validation of this finding from the pathogen’s natural environment is required. Objective. This study is aimed at evaluating actin-1 expression upon Wuchereria bancrofti infection in mosquito vectors collected during an epidemiology study in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nigeria. Methods. Mosquitoes were collected and identified using morphological keys, which include length of maxillary palps, pale spots on the wings, and scale patterns on the abdomen. This was followed by detection of the 188 bp SspI marker of Wuchereria bancrofti infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The mRNA levels of the actin-1 gene were evaluated in the infected Anopheles gambiae sl and Culex quinquefasciatus and their controls, which were adult reared from the larvae in the study area. Results. The mosquitoes were identified to be Anopheles gambiae sl and Culex quinquefasciatus, while infection by Wuchereria bancrofti was confirmed by amplification of the 188 bp SspI marker. A 4.85 and 4.09 relative fold increase in actin-1 gene expression in Wuchereria bancrofti-infected Anopheles gambiae sl and Culex quinquefasciatus was observed. Thus, for the first time we reported that the actin-1 gene in wild caught mosquito vectors (Anopheles gambiae sl and Culex quinquefasciatus) infected with Wuchereria bancrofti is upregulated. Conclusion. The actin-1 gene is upregulated and similarly expressed during W. bancrofti infection in mosquito vectors in the study area and this may likely serve as a biomarker and viable strategy for the control of parasite transmission in endemic areas.
The Gut Microbiota and Oxidative Stress in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Authors: Hu Tingting , Dong Yinmiao , He Caixia , Zhao Mingyi , He Qingnan
Published: October 2020

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a kind of neurodevelopmental disorder with rapidly increasing morbidity. In recent years, many studies have proposed a possible link between ASD and multiple environmental as well as genetic risk factors; nevertheless, recent studies have still failed to identify the specific pathogenesis. An analysis of the literature showed that oxidative stress and redox imbalance caused by high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are thought to be integral parts of ASD pathophysiology. On the one hand, this review aims to elucidate the communications between oxidative stress, as a risk factor, and ASD. As such, there is also evidence to suggest that early assessment and treatment of antioxidant status are likely to result in improved long-term prognosis by disturbing oxidative stress in the brain to avoid additional irreversible brain damage. Accordingly, we will also discuss the possibility of novel therapies regarding oxidative stress as a target according to recent literature. On the other hand, this review suggests a definite relationship between ASD and an unbalanced gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota (i.e., GIT dysbiosis). A variety of studies have concluded that the intestinal microbiota influences many aspects of human health, including metabolism, the immune and nervous systems, and the mucosal barrier. Additionally, the oxidative stress and GIT dysfunction in autistic children have both been reported to be related to mitochondrial dysfunction. What is the connection between them? Moreover, specific changes in the GIT microbiota are clearly observed in most autistic children, and the related mechanisms and the connection among ASD, the GIT microbiota, and oxidative stress are also discussed, providing a theory and molecular strategies for clinical practice as well as further studies.
Congenital Urethral Fistula: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Alghamlas Aamer , Auber Frédéric , Chaussy Yann
Published: October 2020

Male congenital urethral fistula is an extremely rare condition. It is characterized by an abnormal opening of the ventral aspect of the penis. We report the case of a 1-month-old boy with congenital urethral fistula. We will describe the surgical technique, postoperative results, and literature review.
Enzyme Producing Activity of Probiotics and Preparation of Compound Enzyme
Authors: Yi Ruokun , Pan Yanni , Long Xingyao , Tan Fang , Zhao Xin
Published: October 2020

Probiotics are a group of active microorganisms, which benefit the host by colonizing and changing the composition of host flora. It is of great significance to promote the development of human gastrointestinal nutrition and health by regulating the host mucosal and systemic immune function or regulating the balance of intestinal flora. The purpose of this study is to analyze the production activity of the enzyme, evaluate its biological characteristics and safety as a preventive drug, and provide reference for the research of enzyme production and compound enzyme preparation by probiotics. In this study, four groups of probiotics were set up: Clostridium butyricum experimental group, Lactobacillus plantarum experimental group, drinking water control group, and Bacillus licheniformis experimental group. In addition, a variety of complex enzyme experiments were set up to study the influence on the digestive tract and single factor experiment. The results showed that probiotics and compound enzyme preparations could significantly promote the intestinal digestibility. Under the effect of probiotics, the weight of the chicken was almost 1 Jin heavier than that of the control group, and the average digestibility was increased by 4.3%. The effect of the enzyme on digestibility is stronger than that of probiotics, but the final effect tends to be stable.
Autocrine Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression via Src Family Kinase-Dependent Yes-Associated Protein Activation
Authors: Kawazoe Tetsuro , Saeki Hiroshi , Oki Eiji , Oda Yoshinao , Maehara Yoshihiko , Mori Masaki , Taniguchi Koji
Published: October 2020

The IL6 family of cytokines, including IL6 and leukemia-inhibitory factor (LIF), are induced during inflammation and are also expressed in many types of cancer where they play an important role in tumor development. IL6 family cytokines mainly activate the JAK–STAT3 pathway via the coreceptor, gp130, and IL6 is known to activate the Src family kinase (SFK)–Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway. The current study investigated the role of autocrine LIF in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) that highly expresses LIF. LIF knockdown had various effects on cancer cells, including profound changes in gene expression, suppression of cell proliferation, migration/invasion and sphere formation, and induction of apoptosis. Similar to IL6, LIF activated the SFK–YAP pathway as well as the JAK–STAT3 pathway. LIF-induced YAP activation was more important for cancer cell proliferation than LIF-induced STAT3 activation, and concomitant YAP and STAT3 activation completely compensated for the role of LIF in human ESCC growth. We also confirmed that SFK activation and LIF expression were correlated with YAP activation in human ESCC clinical samples. Furthermore, simultaneous inhibition of the SFK–YAP and JAK–STAT3 pathways in human ESCC cells was more effective at suppressing cell proliferation than single inhibition, and autocrine LIF signaling promoted human ESCC growth in vivo. Therefore, the LIF–SFK–YAP axis may represent a new therapeutic target for human ESCC.

Implications:

Autocrine LIF signaling promotes human ESCC progression via SFK-dependent YAP activation and is a new potential target of treatment for human ESCC.
Immunosurveillance and Regression in the Context of Squamous Pulmonary Premalignancy
Authors: Krysan Kostyantyn , Tran Linh M. , Dubinett Steven M.
Published: October 2020

In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Pennycuick and colleagues comprehensively evaluate the immune contexture of progressive and regressive lesions in squamous pulmonary premalignancy. The authors dissect the molecular features of these lesions and the potential pathways of immune escape operative in progression to invasive cancer.

See related article by Pennycuick et al., p. 1489.
Risk Factors for Recurrence in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor and Size as a Surrogate in Determining the Treatment Strategy: A Korean Nationwide Study
Authors: Kwon Wooil , Jang Jin-Young , Song Ki Byung , Hwang Dae Wook , Kim Song Cheol , Heo Jin Seok , Choi Dong Wook , Hwang Ho Kyoung , Kang Chang Moo , Yoon Yoo-Seok , Han Ho-Seong , Park Joon Seong , Hong Tae Ho , Cho Chol Kyoon , Ahn Keun Soo , Lee Huisong , Lee Seung Eun , Jeong Chi-Young , Roh Young Hoon , Kim Hee Joon ,   Korean Pancreas Surgery Club
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The prognostic factors of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) are unclear, and the treatment guidelines are insufficient. This study aimed to suggest a treatment algorithm for PNET based on risk factors for recurrence in a large cohort. Methods: Data of 918 patients who underwent curative intent surgery for PNET were collected from 14 tertiary centers. Risk factors for recurrence and survival analyses were performed. Results: The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 86.5%. Risk factors for recurrence included margin status (R1, hazard ratio [HR] 2.438; R2, HR 3.721), 2010 WHO grade (G2, HR 3.864; G3, HR 7.352), and N category (N1, HR 2.273). A size of 2 cm was significant in the univariate analysis (HR 8.511) but not in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.407). Tumor size was not a risk factor for recurrence, but strongly reflected 2010 WHO grade and lymph node (LN) status. Tumors ≤2 cm had lower 2010 WHO grade, less LN metastasis (p < 0.001), and significantly longer 5-year DFS (77.9 vs. 98.2%, p < 0.001) than tumors >2 cm. The clinicopathologic features of tumors <1 and 1-2 cm were similar. However, the LN metastasis rate was 10.3% in 1-2-cm sized tumors and recurrence occurred in 3.0%. Tumors <1 cm in size did not have any LN metastasis or recurrence. Discussion/Conclusion: Radical surgery is needed in suspected LN metastasis or G3 PNET or tumors >2 cm. Surveillance for <1-cm PNETs should be sufficient. Tumors sized 1-2 cm require limited surgery with LN resection, but should be converted to radical surgery in cases of doubtful margins or LN metastasis.
Da Perfectibilité à Bildsamkeit. A ascendência rousseauniana da antropologia de Fichte
Authors: Bazzan Marco Rampazzo , D'Alfonso Matteo Vincenzo
Published: October 2020

Este artigo investiga como Fichte elabora sua antropologia em Jena com o intuito de resolver a questão levantada por Rousseau sobre a ambivalência do processo de civilização. A solução fichteana carateriza-se pela tentativa de conceber um equilíbrio dinâmico entre natureza e liberdade que se realizaria com a educação [Bildung] em vista de um progresso moral na esteira de Kant. Nesta perspectiva e com base no entendimento de Koselleck da Perfectibilidade, o artigo ilustra como as categorias das Pulsões e do Esforço permitem um avanço na concepção do homem como ser histórico, inaugurada por Rousseau no Segundo Discurso.
P2X7 Receptors
Authors: Shokoples Brandon G. , Paradis Pierre , Schiffrin Ernesto L.
Published: October 2020

Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the development of several diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Adequate strategies to target inflammation in cardiovascular disease are in their infancy and remain an avenue of great interest. The purinergic receptor P2X7 is a ubiquitously expressed receptor that predominately mediates inflammation and cellular death. P2X7 is a ligand-gated cation channel that is activated in response to high concentrations of extracellular ATP, triggering the assembly and activation of the NLRP3 (nuclear oligomerization domain like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome and subsequent release of proinflammatory cytokines IL (interleukin)-1β and IL-18. Increased P2X7 activation and IL-1β and IL-18 concentrations have been implicated in the development of many cardiovascular conditions including hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and heart failure. P2X7 receptor KO (knockout) mice exhibit a significant attenuation of the inflammatory response, which corresponds with reduced disease severity. P2X7 antagonism blunts blood pressure elevation in hypertension and progression of atherosclerosis in animal models. IL-1β and IL-18 inhibition has shown efficacy in clinical trials reducing major adverse cardiac events, including myocardial infarction, and heart failure. With several P2X7 antagonists available with proven safety margins, P2X7 antagonism could represent an untapped potential for therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular disorders.
An observation of intergroup infanticide in grey-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena)
Authors: Brown Michelle
Published: October 2020

In primates, infanticide is occasionally observed during intergroup conflicts but does not fit the predictions of the sexual selection hypothesis. I report an observation of an intergroup infanticide during a sub-group foray in grey-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena) at the Ngogo site in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Intergroup infanticide appears to be a form of extreme and long-term food defence across primate species, and occurs in conjunction with other forms of food defence.
Do dietary carotenoids improve the escape-response performance of southern corroboree frog larvae?
Authors: McInerney Emma P. , Silla Aimee J. , Byrne Phillip G.
Published: October 2020

Dietary antioxidants can improve escape-response performance in adult vertebrates, but whether juveniles receive similar benefits remains untested. Here, we investigated the effect of two dietary carotenoids (β-carotene and lutein) on the escape-response of juvenile corroboree frogs (Pseudophryne corroboree) at two developmental points (early and late larval development). We found that burst speed was lower during late larval development compared to early larval development, particularly in the low- and high-dose lutein treatments. These findings suggest that performance decreased over time, and was reduced by lutein consumption. At each developmental point we found no treatment effect on escape-response, providing no evidence for carotenoid benefits. A previous study in corroboree frogs demonstrated that carotenoids improved adult escape-response, so our findings suggest that benefits of carotenoids in this species may be life-stage dependent. Continued investigation into how carotenoids influence escape-response at different life-stages will provide insights into mechanistic links between nutrition and behaviour.
Biomass calculation for plant-parasitic nematodes reveals variability across genera of the same family
Authors: Ghaderi Reza
Published: October 2020

Nematodes are the most abundant metazoan organisms in soils. Plant-parasitic nematodes are a component of nematode communities. Biomass calculation is an important step to link biological communities to ecosystem functioning and services. In the present study, the biomass (fresh weight) of plant-parasitic nematodes was calculated based on a database with taxon-specific body-size values (length and the ratio of length to the greatest body diam.) using publicly available literature. In total, 1653 reported populations worldwide belonging to 890 species from 115 genera of all the families in the infraorder Tylenchomorpha, as well as Longidoridae (order Dorylaimida) and Trichodoridae (order Triplonchida), were included in the calculations. In each of the included genera and families, biomass was estimated for different life stages. The results revealed that certain families should not be treated as an entity for the purposes of ecological studies as they contain different biomass values that may confer different effects on their ecosystems. Members of the family Dolichodoridae sensu lato should be treated as four separate families, viz. Dolichodoridae sensu stricto, Belonolaimidae, Merliniidae and Telotylenchidae. Members of the families Anguinidae, Pratylenchidae and Tylenchulidae should also each be grouped into subcategories on the basis of their body shape (vermiform, fusiform, obese or swollen). The results of the present work may be helpful in studies on nematode community structure, in particular to estimate respiration, assimilation and metabolic footprints of plant-parasitic nematodes.
The taxonomic status of Aphelenchoides besseyi Christie, 1942 (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) populations from the southeastern USA, and description of Aphelenchoides pseudobesseyi sp. n.
Authors: Subbotin Sergei A. , Oliveira Clemen J. , Álvarez-Ortega Sergio , Desaeger Johan A. , Crow William , Overstreet Charles , Leahy Robert , Vau Silvia , Inserra Renato N.
Published: October 2020

Populations reviously identified as Aphelenchoides besseyi were studied. Using an integrated approach, the A. besseyi species complex contains several cryptic species: A. besseyi sensu stricto, A. oryzae, A. pseudobesseyi sp. n. and other putative undescribed species. A population from Florida strawberry morphologically fits the A. besseyi of both Christie and Allen and is considered the only representative of this species. A Louisiana rice population fitted the descriptions of A. oryzae of both Yokoo and Fortuner; PUS length was consistently less than one-third of VA. Aphelenchoides oryzae, parasitising rice and other monocots, was re-established based on morphological and molecular datasets. Three populations from Florida ornamental plants (Dryopteris erythrosora, Echinacea sp. and Farfugium japonicum) differed from those of the two above-mentioned species and are described as A. pseudobesseyi sp. n. Populations previously identified as ‘A. besseyi’ from several countries were considered representatives of this new species, which usually had a large and conspicuous PUS, 8-14 μm wide and with a length greater than one-third of VA in 40-70% of studied specimens. Morphological variability made separation of A. pseudobesseyi sp. n. from A. oryzae and A. besseyi unreliable without the examination of numerous specimens and molecular analysis.
Occurrence of two species of Bursaphelenchus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) in the reproductive organs of Monochamus saltuarius (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Ozawa Sota , Maehara Noritoshi , Aikawa Takuya , Yanagisawa Kenichi , Nakamura Katsunori
Published: October 2020

To clarify the species composition and residency of Bursaphelenchus nematodes in the bodies of Monochamus saltuarius adults, we dissected 70 adults that had emerged from cut pine bolts set at two locations at the frontline of pine wilt disease spread in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Fourth-stage dispersal juveniles of Bursaphelenchus nematodes were detected in 39 insects; PCR-based identification showed that the insects mainly harboured B. mucronatus, but could sometimes harbour B. xylophilus or both. Detailed dissection of 17 insects revealed that hundreds of Bursaphelenchus nematodes were often found in the reproductive organs of both sexes, including the inner parts such as the internal sac and the ejaculatory ducts in males. Thus, the residence of Bursaphelenchus nematodes in the reproductive organs of their vectors is not an accidental invasion but indicative of the phoretic nature of the nematodes.
“Secondary Permissibility” and the Ethics of Harming
Authors: Graham Peter A.
Published: October 2020

There is a moral phenomenon of “Secondary Permissibility” in which an otherwise morally impermissible option is made morally permissible by the presence of another option. In this paper I explain how this phenomenon works and argue that understanding how it works suggests a new model for the structure of the ethics of harming.
The Ethics of Prenatal Injury
Authors: Flanigan Jessica
Published: October 2020

I argue that it is permissible for pregnant women to expose their unborn children to risks and injury. I begin with the premise that abortion is permissible. If so, then just as a pregnant woman may permissibly prevent an unborn child from experiencing any future wellbeing, she also may permissibly provide her child relatively poorer prospects for wellbeing. Therefore, it is permissible for pregnant women to take risks and cause prenatal injury. This argument has revisionary implications for policies that prevent medical research and drug use during pregnancy. It also explains why moralistic criticism of pregnant women is unwarranted.
Nomenclatural-taxonomic notes on the genus Ablepharus Fitzinger, 1824 (Squamata: Scincidae)
Authors: GEMEL RICHARD , VERGILOV VLADISLAV
Published: October 2020

The two following notes concern two species of small skinks, genus Ablepharus: Lindberg’s Twin-striped Skink (Ablepharus lindbergi) and the Snake-eyed Skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii). Both species are small fossorial/semi-fossorial skinks with fused eyelids and a hidden lifestyle. A. kitaibelii is distributed disjunctly in several subspecies in Central and Southeastern Europe as well as in Western Turkey, A. lindbergi is distributed in Western Afghanistan (Uetz et al. 2020).
The Impact of Paclitaxel-Containing Nanoliposomes on the Proliferation of and Invasion by Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Chen Xiaoping , Ren Xinping , Xue Jinling , Xi Ling
Published: October 2020

Our goal was to explore the impact of paclitaxel-containing nanoliposomes (PTXN) on the proliferation of and invasion by ovarian carcinoma cells. An MTT assay was used to examine growth of SKOV3 and HO8910 ovarian carcinoma cells in the presence of paclitaxel (TAX) alone or PTXN. Transwell
invasion assays were performed; Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to examine expression of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9. PTXN administered at concentrations from 0.625–10 μg/mL was more effective at inhibiting the proliferation of SKOV3 and HO8910 cells than was TAX alone
(P < 0.05). Administration of PTXN to these cells reduced their capacity for invasion, and expression of MMP-9 mRNA and protein over that achieved by administration of TAX alone (P < 0.05). PTXN promotes more effective inhibition of invasion of ovarian carcinoma cells than
does TAX alone.
Yes-Associated Protein Promotes Impaired Proliferation of Hippocampal Neural Stem Cells in Zinc-Deficient Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Zhao Xiaodong , Bai Dandan , Xu Ming , Song Lei , Li Haiying , Shao Zhili
Published: October 2020

Zinc deficiency results in abnormal brain development and dysfunction, although the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these observations remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying impaired hippocampal neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation observed
in zinc-deficient Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Zinc-deficiency was associated with reduced expression of co-localizing Yes-associated protein (YAP) and cyclin D1 in NSCs in hippocampal tissue. Moreover, we observed a significant reduction in the ratio of proliferating hippocampal NSCs in rats
maintained on zinc-deficient diets. Reduced proliferation was also observed in immortalized C17.2 NSCs exposed to N, N, N′, N′ -Tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine (TPEN); these findings were associated with diminished expression of both YAP and cyclin D1. Overexpression
of YAP rescued the C17.2 cells from zinc-deficiency-induced reductions in cyclin D1 expression as well as impaired proliferation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that downregulation of YAP contributes to impaired proliferation of NSCs observed in response to zinc-deficient.
Medium- to Long-Term Forecasts of Sea Surface Height Anomalies Using a Spatiotemporal Empirical Orthogonal Function Method
Authors: Zhao Yuxin , Yang Dequan , Li Wei , Liu Chang , Deng Xiong , Hao Rixu , He Zhongjie
Published: October 2020

A spatiotemporal empirical orthogonal function (STEOF) forecast method is proposed and used in medium- to long-term sea surface height anomaly (SSHA) forecast. This method embeds temporal information in empirical orthogonal function spatial patterns, effectively capturing the evolving spatial distribution of variables and avoiding the typical rapid accumulation of forecast errors. The forecast experiments are carried out for SSHA in the South China Sea to evaluate the proposed model. Experimental results demonstrate that the STEOF forecast method consistently outperforms the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), optimal climatic normal (OCN), and persistence prediction. The model accurately forecasts the intensity and location of ocean eddies, indicating its great potential for practical applications in medium- to long-term ocean forecasts.
Early Adverse Events Following Transcervical Hypopharyngeal Diverticulum Surgery
Authors: Goshtasbi Khodayar , Verma Sunil P.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To describe rates of short-term morbidity following transcervical surgical treatment of hypopharyngeal diverticulum (HD) and analyze predictors of adverse events.

Methods:

The 2005 to 2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify patients diagnosed with HD undergoing open transcervical diverticulectomy.

Results:

A total of 597 patients with a mean age of 71.4 ± 12.3 years were included. Thirty-day adverse events were experienced by 63 (10.6%) subjects, including 6.5% unplanned reoperations, 4.2% surgical complications, 4.4% medical complications, 2.7% readmissions, and 0.7% deaths. Medical complications notably included pneumonia (2.0%), reintubation (1.2%), sepsis (1.2%), intubation >48 hours (0.5%), urinary tract infection (0.5%), or deep vein thrombosis (0.5%), while surgical complications included organ/space infection (2.0%) and superficial (1.3%) or deep (1.0%) surgical site infection. Gender, race, functional status, diabetes, dyspnea, hypertension, steroid use, and recent weight loss were not associated with adverse events. Length of operation and hospitalization were both higher among those with adverse events (127.4 ± 107.9 vs 95.7 ± 59.8 minutes, P = 0.027, and 7.4 ± 7.4 vs 2.8 ± 3.6 days, P < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class (OR = 2.02, P = 0.017), smoking (OR = 2.10, P = 0.044), and operation time (OR = 1.01; P = 0.005) were independent predictors of adverse events. Obesity was not associated with length of stay, readmission/reoperation, or complications. However, increased age was associated with shorter operations ( P = 0.020), higher length of hospitalization ( P < 0.001), and higher mortality ( P = 0.027) and readmission rates ( P = 0.023).

Conclusion:

Understanding clinical factors associated with complications following open surgery for HD such as ASA score, smoking status, length of operation, and age can help optimize surgical outcomes for at-risk patients.
Cooperation under autonomy: Building and analyzing the Informal Intergovernmental Organizations 2.0 dataset
Authors: Vabulas Felicity , Snidal Duncan
Published: October 2020

Informal intergovernmental organizations (IIGOs) such as the Proliferation Security Initiative and G20 increasingly play a central role in governing international relations. IIGOs are based on recurrent meetings among high-level state representatives but are not legalized through a treaty and have no permanent secretariat. They allow states to organize internationally without sacrificing autonomy to a supranational entity. We present the IIGO 2.0 dataset, the most comprehensive compilation of these institutions to date, and illustrate the significance of IIGOs through several key empirical findings. First, while the creation of formal IGOs (FIGOs) has plateaued, states are increasingly creating IIGOs to address critical global issues. Second, states disproportionately use IIGOs for high politics issue areas including peace, security, and political agenda-setting which challenges conventional wisdom that IGOs (intergovernmental organizations) are less relevant in the security realm. Third, IIGOs are remarkably durable. Although states could readily formalize or abandon IIGOs, they generally organize cooperation informally for long periods. Finally, IIGOs are typically smaller than FIGOs and this design choice is increasingly used by states of all levels of development, power, and region. The availability of the IIGO 2.0 dataset will promote further analysis on the growing diversity of international institutions.
Why Are International Visitors More Satisfied with the Tourism Experience? The Role of Hedonic Value, Escapism, and Psychic Distance
Authors: Ponsignon Frédéric , Lunardo Renaud , Michrafy Mohamed
Published: October 2020

Previous studies have consistently observed that international visitors are more satisfied with the tourism experience than their domestic counterparts. To date, however, no study has provided empirical evidence of the mechanism that could explain this phenomenon. Building on the experiential paradigm, we conducted two empirical studies (a field study and an online experiment) showing that the reason foreign (vs. domestic) visitors exhibit higher levels of satisfaction lies in the greater hedonic value that these tourists derive from their experience. Moreover, the greater hedonic value observed among international foreign visitors is due to the deeper feeling of escapism they experience by traveling abroad. We also demonstrate that this effect is explained by the concept of psychic distance, whereby going abroad leads to a greater perception of psychic distance, and subsequently escapism, hedonic value, and satisfaction with the tourism experience.
A Cheek Mass in a 5-Year-Old Child
Authors: Abijay Claire , Miller Stanton , Booth Timothy , Mitchell Ron B. , Liu Christopher
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

To describe the management of a 5-year old female with a painless, mobile cheek mass.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of presentation, imaging, pathology and management.

Results:

Magnetic resonance imaging showed a heterogenous mass with solid and lipomatous components. The mass was a lipoblastoma on histopathology and was excised completely with no evidence of recurrence.

Conclusions:

The diagnosis and management of a cheek mass in a child is challenging. Imaging is important but not diagnostic. Surgical excision is the primary management of a lipoblastoma.