bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Zhibai Dihuang Wan in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Based on Network Biology
Authors: Yang Zi , Xie Rui-fei , Zhong Min-hong , Xie Guan-qun , Fan Yong-sheng , Zhao Ting
Published: April 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a refractory autoimmune disease. Zhibai Dihuang Wan (ZDW) has frequently been used for treating SLE in China and been proved to have a prominent role in decreasing SLE patients’ morality rate. However, the active substances in ZDW and the molecular mechanisms of ZDW in SLE remain unclear. This study identified the bioactive compounds and delineated the molecular targets and potential pathways of ZDW by using a network biology approach. First, we collected putative targets of ZDW based on TCMSP, GeneCards, and STITCH databases and built a network containing the interactions between the putative targets of ZDW and known therapeutic targets of SLE. Then, the key hubs were imported to DAVID Bioinformatics Resources 6.7 to perform gene ontology biological process (GOBP) and pathway enrichment analysis. A total of 95 nodes including 73 putative targets of ZDW were determined as major hubs in terms of their node degree. The results of GOBP and pathway enrichment analysis indicated that putative targets of ZDW mostly were involved in various pathways associated with inflammatory response and apoptosis. More importantly, eleven putative targets of ZDW (CASP3, BCL2, BAX, CYCS, NFKB1, NFKBIA, IL‐6, IL‐1β, PTGS2, CCL2, and TNF‐α) were recognized as active factors involved in the main biological functions of treatment, implying the underlying mechanisms of ZDW acting on SLE. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of ZDW in SLE, from the molecular level to the pathway level.
Simultaneous Determination of Six Chromones in Saposhnikoviae Radix via Quantitative Analysis of Multicomponents by Single Marker
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Chen Luxiao , Qiu Junna , Zhang Yu , Wang Lu , Jiang Lijuan , Jiang Yanyan , Liu Bin
Published: April 2020

A method, quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker (QAMS), was established and fully verified based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for simultaneous determination of six chromone indicators of Saposhnikoviae Radix (SR). In the present study, cimifugin (C), 5-O-methylvisamminol (V), hamaudol (H), and their corresponding glycosides, prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (GC), 4′-O-β-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol (GV), and sec-O-glucosylhamaudol (GH), were selected as bioactive constituents and indicators for the quality evaluation of SR. GV was chosen as the unique reference standard, and relative correction factors (RCF) between GV and the other five chromones were calculated. The feasibility of QAMS for the analysis of chromones was investigated by comparing with the traditional external standard method (ESM). Furthermore, the method was proven to have accuracy (96.98%–102.50%), repeatability (RSD <3%), stability (RSD <3%), precision (RSD <3%), and desirable linearity (R2 ≧0.9999). Subsequently, 55 batches of commercial SR from different regions were determined by QAMS, and their contents were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), respectively. Based on the results, a more refined quality standard of commercial SR was proposed: SR was qualified when the total contents of six chromones were greater than 3 mg·g−1. Furthermore, SR could initially be regarded as a superior medicine when it satisfied both conditions at the same time: the total content of GC, C, GV, V, GH, and H was greater than 8 mg·g−1, and the proportion of the total content of C, V, and H was greater than 10%. This study demonstrated that the quality of SR could be successfully evaluated by the developed QAMS method; meanwhile, valuable information was provided for improving the quality standard of SR.
Weight Least Squares Algorithm for Rational Models with Outliers
Authors: Lv Lixin , Lu Donglei
Published: April 2020

A weight least squares algorithm is developed for rational models with outliers in this paper. Different weights are assigned for each cost function, and by calculating the derivatives of these cost functions, the parameter estimates can be estimated. Compared with the traditional least squares algorithm, the proposed algorithm can remove the bad effect caused by the outliers, thus has more accurate parameter estimates. A simulation example is proposed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Helicobacter pylori and Biliary Tract Cancers: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cherif Soumia , Bouriat Kaoutar , Rais Hanane , Elantri Said , Amine Abdessamad
Published: April 2020

Background. Helicobacter pylori is detected in various extragastric diseases, including biliary tract cancers. Besides, gallbladder cancers, extracholangiocarcinomas, and intracholangiocarcinomas are highly lethal cancers with limited survival due to their late diagnosis. Epidemiological data on Helicobacter pylori infection and biliary tract cancer have been contradictory. Aim. The aim of this study is to explore and evaluate the association between the Helicobacter pylori infection and biliary tract cancer. Materials and Methods. Systematic literature research was carried out to identify all eligible articles. All relevant publications from 2000 to 2019 were retrieved using comprehensive combinations of keywords. We used a random effects model to calculate pooled prevalence estimates, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for odds ratio were also calculated. Quantitative assessment of heterogeneity was explored by the chi-square test and was measured using I2. Results. Thirteen case-control studies published between 2001 and 2018 were included. The overall meta-analysis favoured a significant association between Helicobacter pylori infection and biliary tract cancer (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.35–4.91; I2 = 58%). Geographic distribution-based subgroup analysis showed a higher prevalence of H. pylori in Asian and North American countries. Evidence supporting the higher presence of Helicobacter pylori in a cancer group was found by PCR. In another subgroup, the ORs were 4.18 (2.03, 8.58) in cholangiocarcinoma, 1.36 (0.34, 5.44) in gallbladder cancer, and 5.93 (1.89, 18.63) in other biliary tract cancers. Conclusion. This meta-analysis suggests that infection of the biliary tract with Helicobacter pylori is related to an increased risk of biliary tract cancers.
Effect of Hemodialysis on Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics of Sofosbuvir Coformulated with Either Daclatasvir or Ledipasvir in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Lin Ting , Wang Xipei , Gao Hongbo , Feng Zhonglin , Xu Lixia , Ma Jianchao , Li Zhuo , Zhang Li , Huang Renwei , Liang Xinling , Liu Shuangxin
Published: April 2020

Background/Aims: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) play a key role in the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, limited data are available on DAA for treating HCV infection in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics and effectiveness of daclatasvir/sofosbuvir (DAC/SOF) and ledipasvir/SOF (LDV/SOF) in HD patients. Methods: Seven patients were given SOF coadministered with DAC or LDV once daily for 12 weeks. The plasma concentrations of SOF007, DAC, and LDV were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Results: A sustained virologic response in week 12 (SVR12) was achieved in 6 (100%) patients, except for 1 patient dying due to severe cerebral hemorrhage not related to antiviral therapy. The extraction ratio of SOF007 was 66.67%, and the estimated HD clearance of SOF007 was 5.65 L/h. Conclusion: The combination of SOF with either DAC or LDV is well tolerated and offers high SVR12 in HD patients.
Comparison of Antioxidant Effects of the Proton Pump-Inhibiting Drugs Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole, and Rabeprazole
Authors: Abed Mohammed N. , Alassaf Fawaz A. , Jasim Mahmood H.M. , Alfahad Mohanad , Qazzaz Mohannad E.
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Peptic lesions usually develop when there is an imbalance between aggressive drivers and gastro-protective mediators that guard the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. The most crucial of these mediators are antioxidants, whose loss may predispose to oxidative stress, which is believed to be the main aggravator of several diseases including peptic ulcer. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are drugs that are highly effective and widely used for therapeutic management of peptic disorders through inhibition of gastric acid secretion. In spite of this, oxidative damage may continue to be a major issue that can predispose to future lesions. Objective: The present study is designed to explore the possible antioxidant capability of different PPIs, including omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole, in an aim to suggest an agent that, in addition to its acid-suppression properties, can provide antioxidant profit. Methods: The antioxidant activity of different PPIs was evaluated calorimetrically to test the ability of each drug to quench oxygen free radical, using the well-known stable free radical α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and compared to ascorbic acid (AA; vitamin C). The measurements were performed using a spectrophotometer at 517 nm. Results: All the studied drugs reduced DPPH, but to different extents. However, omeprazole and esomeprazole showed the highest ability to scavenge free radicals (50% inhibitory concentrations [IC50s] of the percentage for free radical scavenging activity are 18.7 ± 5.7 and 18.7 ± 5.7, respectively, and the AA equivalents are 83,772 ± 11,887 and 81,732 ± 8,523 mg AA/100 g, respectively). Conversely, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole might be having no role in this story (IC50s of the percentage for free radical scavenging activity are 49.3 ± 3.1, 49 ± 9.4, and 40.7 ± 7.2, respectively, and the AA equivalents are 30,458 ± 3,884, 32,222 ± 10,377, and 37,876 ± 8,816 mg AA/100 g, respectively). Conclusion: Thus, omeprazole and esomeprazole may confer a significant dual action in gastrointestinal protection by providing potent antioxidant properties in addition to their major role as acid-suppression agents. However, further studies are essential to elucidate the mechanism behind the difference between the drugs of the same class.
The Usefulness of the Pretreatment Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of the 5-Year Survival in Stage 1–3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Azab Basem , Amundson Julia R. , Cioci Alessia , Stuart Heather , Yakoub Danny , Avisar Eli , Moffat Fredrick , Livingstone Alan S. , Franceschi Dido
Published: April 2020

Background: We have previously shown that the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a predictor of survival among breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of NLR among different nodal and chemotherapy subgroups of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods: Patients with stage 1–3 TNBC who underwent treatment from 2007 to 2014 and had blood counts prior to treatments were included. Patients were categorized into high (≥2) and low (<2) NLR groups. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: The average follow-up time was 54 months. The high NLR group had worse OS (HR 2.8, CI 1.3–5.9, p < 0.001) and DFS (HR 2.3, CI 1.2–4.2, p < 0.001) than the low NLR group. After adjusting for confounding variables, high NLR was an independent prognostic factor for both OS (HR 5.5, CI 2.2–13.7, p < 0.0001) and DFS (HR 5.2, CI 2.3–11.6, p < 0.0001). Categorization of TNBC patients by NLR (high vs. low) and nodal status (positive vs. negative) resulted in four groups with significantly different OS and DFS (log rank p < 0.0001). Significant improvements in OS (p < 0.001) and DFS (p < 0.001) were observed for patients who received chemotherapy and had high NLR but not for patients with low NLR (p = 0.65 and p = 0.07, respectively). Conclusion: High pretreatment NLR is an independent predictor of poor OS and DFS among TNBC patients. Combining NLR and pN provides better risk stratification for TNBC patients. Chemotherapy appears to be beneficial only in patients with high NLR. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
Bone Marrow Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in Association with Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome: The Difficulty of a Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Serra Joao Tiago , Silva Raquel , Aldomiro Fernando , Duarte Fernanda Paixao
Published: April 2020

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare haematological disorder with variable clinical findings and a high mortality rate. On the other hand, Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is of rare onset at adult age, requiring the simultaneous presentation of vascular lesion, thrombocytopenia, and consumptive coagulopathy. We present the first reported case of both diseases in a single patient and highlight the difficulties of diagnostic. A 69-year-old woman with immune thrombocytopenic purpura underwent surgery for the removal of giant skin haemangiomas. During post-operative care, intravascular disseminated coagulopathy developed. After weeks of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy with no clinical improvement, pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed and appropriate treatment initiated. Despite all the efforts, the patient’s clinical condition kept worsening and she eventually died. An autopsy revealed bone marrow Langerhans cell histiocytosis. In this case, the patient’s autoimmune background together with tuberculosis and intravascular disseminated coagulopathy masked the presentation and made the diagnosis of a rapidly progressive fatal disease very difficult.
Catheter Access Management for Acute Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Rahil Mohamed Amine , Bouzgueg Achour
Published: April 2020

Insertion of a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter is frequently done by interventional nephrologists, but these procedures are typically only performed for adults. Almost all invasive procedures in children are performed by pediatric surgeons. If a pediatric surgeon is unavailable, the initiation of PD in acute situations may be delayed, thus increasing the risk of complications and chronic kidney disease. For these patients, the main obstacle to initiating renal replacement therapy is access, even when involving central vein catheter (CVC) or peritoneal access. Here we report the case of a 10-kg baby affected by hemolytic and uremic syndrome diarrhea in whom all of the procedures to manage the complications of acute kidney injury (PD catheter insertion, PD catheter revision, CVC placement, and CVC revision) were undertaken by interventional nephrologists. This experience allowed us to rapidly treat the acute kidney injury, recover normal kidney function thereby avoiding chronic complications, and allowing us to discharge the baby from the intensive care unit.
A Single Motivational Lecture Can Promote Modest Weight Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nakata Yoshio , Sasai Hiroyuki , Tsujimoto Takehiko , Hashimoto Koichi , Kobayashi Hiroyuki
Published: April 2020

Background: Obesity is a public health problem worldwide. To widely disseminate weight-loss interventions across the target population, a cost-effective approach is needed. Objective: We aimed to test whether a single motivational lecture could promote weight loss. Methods: Our study was a 3-month randomized controlled trial, and we recruited participants via local newspaper advertisements in 3 cities in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, and randomly assigned them to a control group (no intervention) and an intervention group, who attended a single motivational lecture lasting approximately 2 h. No other lectures or textbooks were provided. The eligibility criteria included an age of 40–64 years, a body mass index (BMI) of 25–40 kg/m2, and the presence of at least 1 component of metabolic syndrome. The primary outcome was body weight change at 3 months. Results: We enrolled 145 eligible participants with a mean age of 53.8 ± 7.1 years and a BMI of 28.5 ± 3.1 kg/m2. The 3-month body weight change in the control and intervention groups was –0.65 kg (95% confidence interval [CI] –1.09 to –0.20) and –2.48 kg (95% CI –3.01 to –1.95), respectively. The between-group difference was 1.83 kg (95% CI 1.15–2.51). Conclusions: The significant difference suggested that a single motivational lecture is an effective option to promote modest weight loss in the short term.
Endocytoscopic Observation of Non-Ampullary Mucosal Duodenal Cancer
Authors: Kumagai Youichi , Higashi Morihiro , Muramatsu Shunsuke , Mochiki Erito , Ishida Hideyuki
Published: April 2020

Our previous study of duodenal adenoma using an endocytoscopy system (ECS) demonstrated that disappearance of goblet cells and spindle-shaped nuclei with loss of polarity were characteristic features. In addition, round duct openings and finger-like projections were observed in tubular adenoma and villous adenoma, respectively. Here, we retrospectively investigated six cases of histologically proven sporadic non-ampullary mucosal duodenal cancer (NAMDC) using ECS. Immunohistochemistry for CD10, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 was employed to determine the mucin phenotype in addition to conventional HE histology. Immunohistochemistry revealed one case involving the duodenal bulb that was considered to be the mixed type. The other five cases, located in the second or third portion, were considered to be the intestinal type. Vital staining of the mixed-type case was considered insufficient for ECS observation because of surface mucus. However, all five cases of intestinal-type duodenal cancer demonstrated a villous structure, disappearance of goblet cells and enlarged nuclei with loss of polarity. Tubular structures were admixed in four of those cases. Four cases demonstrated oval-shaped nuclei, and one case had spindle-shaped nuclei. Cases showing spindle-shaped nuclei in most of the lesion were diagnosed histologically as cancer in adenoma where the adenomatous component of the tumor was dominant. Oval-shaped nuclei and nuclear enlargement are the characteristic features of NAMDC revealed by ECS and are included among the histological criteria used for diagnosis. ECS offers the potential to perform real-time histological diagnosis of NAMDC in vivo.
Differences in Responses on the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance on Medium Firm and Medium Density Foam in Healthy Controls and Patients with Vestibular Disorders
Authors: Cohen Helen S. , Sangi-Haghpeykar Haleh
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To determine whether foam density affects modified Romberg balance test performance. Materials and Methods: Controls and patients with vestibular disorders performed Romberg tests on medium and medium firm foam, with their eyes closed and the head still and moving in yaw and pitch. The trial duration and number of head movements were measured. Results: Subjects aged >60 years performed longer and with more head movements on medium firm foam than on medium foam. Older controls did not differ between medium firm and medium foam. Older patients had higher scores on head-still and head-yaw trials on medium firm foam versus medium foam but pitch trials did not differ. Females, controls, and patients had longer trial durations and more head movements on medium firm foam than on medium density foam; male controls did not differ by foam density. Male patients differed in yaw trials. Conclusion: Foam density affects scores. Clinical decision-making may be adversely affected if the clinician uses foam of a density that is not the same as that of the foam that was used in the studies that developed descriptive statistics, sensitivity, and specificity.
The Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in Preventing Subsequent Neurological Events: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis to Identify the Best Device
Authors: Varotto Leonardo , Bregolin Gianni , Paccanaro Mariemma , De Boni Antonella , Bonanno Carlo , Perini Francesco
Published: April 2020

Background: Randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) reported a finding on the safety and efficacy of percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure to prevent stroke recurrence. It showed that the Amplatzer (AMP) device appears to be superior to medical therapy (MT) in preventing strokes and episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF), than other devices. We performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to evaluate the closure of PFO in preventing subsequent neurological events while investigating the results obtained by specific devices. Methods: We searched 3 databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL/CCTR) and identified 6 RCTs until March 2019. We performed an NMA and used pooled ORs. Analyses were done in NetMetaXL1.6-WinBUGS1.4. Results: Six RCTs with 3,560 patients (mean age 45.2–46.2 years) were included in the present NMA. Depending on the device, 4 groups of patients were compared with MT: 1,889 patients undergoing PFO closure were significantly less likely to experience a stroke than 1,671 patients treated with MT (ORs 0.41; 95% Cr.I. 0.27–0.60 with fixed-effects model and ORs 0.22; 95% Cr.I. 0.05–0.70 with random-effects model). The patients with AMP showed a similar risk than those treated with Helex/Cardioform (HLX/CF) or with a group of 11 multiple devices. This suggests the equality between the 2 most currently used devices. When assessing TIA and, for the safety analysis, major bleeding, both models confirm no significant difference between any devices and MT. PFO closure increased the risk of new-onset AF: MT induces AF significantly less than all the devices. In favor of the AMP, there is a reduced number of cases of AF versus MT; however, no device superiority has been established in comparing HLX/CF and other devices in a random effect model. Conclusions: Our NMA provides evidence in favor of PFO closure with all the devices currently in use. We can conclude that these devices are better than MT, but not that 1 device is better than the rest in reducing stroke recurrences and AF episodes in the follow-up.
Exfoliative Erythroderma: An Unusual Presentation of Paraneoplastic Pemphigus Associated with Castleman’s Disease
Authors: Sirikham Thirawut , Tawanwongsri Weeratian , Rutnin Suthinee , Chanprapaph Kumutnart , Vachiramon Vasanop
Published: April 2020

We report a 23-year-old woman who presented with generalized scaly erythematous rash predominately on the upper trunk and hemorrhagic stomatitis. The histopathologic and immunopathologic findings were consistent with the diagnosis of paraneoplastic pemphigus. Castleman’s tumor was diagnosed with computed tomography and exploratory laparotomy. A partial clinical improvement was observed after complete tumor removal and intravenous immunoglobulin administration. However, the patient died as a result of septicemia.
Identifying Temporal Relationships Between In‐Hospital Adverse Events After Implantation of Durable Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Kilic Arman , Seese Laura , Pagani Francis , Kormos Robert
Published: April 2020

Background

This study evaluated the impact of adverse events (AEs) on the development of subsequent AEs after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery.

Methods and Results

The INTERMACS (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) was used to identify primary durable LVADs implanted between 2006 and 2016. The temporal relationships between AEs occurring during the index hospitalization were evaluated using separate risk‐adjusted Cox proportional hazard models. LVADs were implanted in 18 763 patients. The strongest positive relationships were renal failure leading to hepatic dysfunction (hazard ratio [HR], 6.62; 95% CI, 5.12–8.54;
P
<0.001), respiratory failure leading to renal failure (HR, 5.51; 95% CI, 4.79–6.34;
P
<0.001), respiratory failure leading to hepatic dysfunction (HR, 4.36; 95% CI, 3.25–5.83;
P
<0.001), renal failure leading to respiratory failure (HR, 4.18; 95% CI, 3.76–4.64;
P
<0.001), and renal failure leading to right ventricular assist device implant (HR, 3.70; 95% CI, 2.31–5.90;
P
<0.001). Although bleeding, infection, and right ventricular assist device implant were each associated with several subsequent AEs, the magnitude of association was less substantial. The lowest 1‐year post‐LVAD survival was associated with the primary AEs of renal failure (68.1%) and respiratory failure (70.7%) (log‐rank
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Most in‐hospital AEs after LVAD implantation have a significant association with the development of subsequent AEs, with the most profound impact associated with primary renal or respiratory failure, which are also associated with the lowest 1‐year survival. Targeting the reduction of renal or respiratory failure as the primary AE after LVAD surgery would likely yield the greatest reductions in overall AE burden and subsequent mortality.
Isoglossa darbyshirei (Acanthaceae), a new plietesial species from the Albertine Rift (Rwanda, Burundi)

Authors: CHAMPLUVIER DOMINIQUE , FISCHER EBERHARD
Published: April 2020

Isoglossa darbyshirei is described as a new species from Rwanda and Burundi. Its affinities to I. humbertii and I. laxiflora are discussed. Based on current knowledge I. darbyshirei is given a preliminary conservation assessment of Vulnerable (VU B2). The new species shows a plietesial life cycle that is briefly discussed. A key to the Isoglossa laxiflora-group is also provided.
Taxonomic review of the genus Meleonoma Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Autostichidae), with a checklist of all the described species
Authors: WANG SHUXIA , ZHU XIAOJU , ZHAO BAIXUE , YANG XIAOFEI
Published: April 2020

Meleonoma Meyrick, 1914 is treated as a genus of the family Autostichidae based on the recent study. Fifty species are transferred from the genus Cryptolechia to Meleonoma, and eight Meleonoma species groups are proposed for the taxonomic convenience based on both molecular data and morphological study. Eight species groups include: the malacobyrsa group, the segregnatha group, the annulignatha group, the fasciptera group, the jigongshanica group, the dentivalvata group, the facialis group, and the acutiuscula group. Diagnostic characters and representative illustrations of each species group are provided. A discussion on the proposed species groups is given, and a checklist of all the 88 described Meleonoma species is provided.
The enigmatic dung beetle genus Stiptopodius Harold, 1871 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) revisited: new species descriptions from southern Africa
Authors: DANIEL GIMO M. , DESCHODT CHRISTIAN M. , DAVIS ADRIAN L.V. , SOLE CATHERINE L.
Published: April 2020

It is proposed that the genus Stiptopodius Harold, 1871 should be subdivided into two species groups based on the shape of the lateral edge of the pronotum. Three new species are described from southern Africa: Stiptopodius peringueyi Daniel & Deschodt, new species, Stiptopodius savuti Daniel & Deschodt, new species, and Stiptopodius muellerae Daniel & Deschodt, new species. Stiptopodius savuti new species is the first record of the genus from Botswana. A distribution map for the new taxa is provided. The identification key to the known species of Stiptopodius is updated.
Simplified Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics-Based Raman Spectral Simulations
Authors: Aprà Edoardo , Bhattarai Ashish , Baxter Eric , Wang ShanYi , Johnson Grant E. , Govind Niranjan , El-Khoury Patrick Z.
Published: April 2020

We describe a simplified approach to simulating Raman spectra from ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations. The protocol relies on on-the-fly calculations of approximate molecular polarizabilities using the well-known sum over orbitals (as opposed to states) method. This approach bypasses the more accurate but computationally expensive approach to calculating molecular polarizabilities along AIMD trajectories, i.e., solving the coupled perturbed Hartree–Fock/Kohn–Sham equations. We demonstrate the advantages and limitations of our method through a few case studies targeting molecular systems of interest to surface- and/or tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy practitioners.
Disturbance observer–based event-triggered tracking control of networked robot manipulator
Authors: Bu Wei , Li Ting , Yang Jun , Yi Yang
Published: April 2020

We investigate the event-triggered tracking control of networked manipulator in the presence of external disturbance and a variety of system uncertainties. The event-triggered controller is designed by the nonlinear disturbance observer–based control approach, which can dynamically compensate for both errors caused by disturbances and the undesirable effects caused by event-triggering rules. A rigorous Lyapunov stability analysis method is proposed to show that the boundedness of all the signals in the closed-loop system can be guaranteed while in the absence of the input-to-state stability assumption related to measurement errors, tracking error can be constrained to an arbitrarily small set without escaping. Finally, by some simulation results, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control approach is demonstrated.
Designing and domesticating an interstructure: Exploring the practices and the politics of an elevator for cyclists
Authors: Suboticki Ivana , Sørensen Knut H.
Published: April 2020

Technologies called infrastructures are often considered to be inherently and opaquely political, but how they exert their politics has been both empirically and conceptually debated. Infrastructure studies have largely focused on (in)visibility or ‘infra’ qualities as central criteria for assessing who and what is included and excluded, and when. In this paper we argue that this binary is unproductive and propose the concept of interstructure to highlight the connective and aesthetic qualities of technologies as well as their political features. These features may be quite transparent but also ambivalent, which we demonstrate by analysing an elevator for cyclists in Belgrade, Serbia. We draw on material semiotics to unpack the practices, the sense-making and the political work of this elevator in relation to its design and use. The analysis is based on interviews and an observation study. It shows that the elevator elicited substantial articulation work among most users as well as the operators who ran it. The elevator’s politics were produced through continuous negotiations among actors with partial views. Unpredictable connections captured a clearly ambivalent politics. We conclude by arguing that similar political dynamics may be present in transport and urban technologies more generally and that the concept of interstructure offers a fruitful avenue to study them and their politics.
Dialogical Integration of Life Experiences and Successful Aging
Authors: Filip Miroslav , Poláčková Šolcová Iva , Kovářová Marie , Lukavská Kateřina , Hofer Jan , Čermák Ivo
Published: April 2020

This article examines the hypothesis that the dialogical integration of life experiences is related to successful aging. Life story interviews with 93 older Czech adults were sorted into categories characterized by specific patterns of life experience integration: (i) without dialogical processes, (ii) with differentiated I-positions, (iii) with dialogical relationships, (iv) partially integrated, and (v) completely integrated. The results indicated that the categories were ordered, yielding low-level correlations with scales of successful aging in predicted directions. A comparison of the categories revealed that they were related to successful aging in a cumulative way, starting with the most essential indicator (lower scores of rumination) in the participants who had developed at least dialogical relationships, continuing to higher well-being linked with partial integration, and ending with an advanced indicator (optimism toward future) linked with complete integration. These relationships were summarized in a hypothetical model that is open to further examination.
Evaluation of Nasal Mucociliary Clearance, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, and Epistaxis Severity Score in Isotretinoin Treatment
Authors: İşlek Akif , Yıldız Muhammed Gazi
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

The study aims to investigate the possible side effects of isotretinoin use on the nasal mucosa with objective methods in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Methods:

Before the treatment, nasal mucociliary clearance time (MCT) was measured in all patients. Also all patients were asked to complete the questionnaires about the nasal dryness (visual analog scale [VAS]), nasal obstruction (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation [NOSE]), and presence of epistaxis (Epistaxis Severity Score [ESS]). Both MCT and questionnaires were reevaluated in patients who completed the treatment.

Results:

The results of 101 patients were evaluated. Before treatment, mean duration of nasal mucociliary clearance (NMC) was 9.55 ± 1.30 minutes, nasal dryness (VAS) value was 2.7 ± 0.7, NOSE score was 2.1 ± 1.1, and ESS score was 1.2 ± 0.7; after treatment, the duration of NMC was 13.80 ± 2.29 minutes, VAS value was 3.3 ± 1.1, NOSE score was 3.2 ± 1.3, and ESS score was 2.1 ± 1.2 ( P = .018, .150, .027, .011, respectively).

Conclusion:

The nasal mucosa is adversely affected in patients due to regular use of isotretinoin in the acne treatment, anamnesis should be checked in all nasal surgeries, and routine ear nose throat control should be recommended for these patients.
Outpatient versus Inpatient Parotidectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Forner David , Lee Daniel J. , Walsh Chris , Witterick Ian J. , Taylor S. Mark , Freeman Jeremy
Published: April 2020

Objective

Parotidectomies are commonly performed procedures by head and neck surgeons. Although parotidectomies are historically inpatient procedures, recent observational evidence has highlighted the potential for parotidectomies to be performed on an outpatient basis. This systematic review and meta‐analysis sought to compare complications and unplanned health care utilization between patients undergoing outpatient versus inpatient parotidectomy.

Data Sources

A systematic review was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library.

Review Methods

Studies comparing the outcomes of outpatient parotidectomy with those of inpatient parotidectomy were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Postoperative complications (hematoma, facial nerve dysfunction, seroma, fistulisation, Frey syndrome, and wound infection) and rates of 30‐day readmission, reintervention, and emergency department presentation were compared.

Results

We screened 1018 nonduplicate articles to include 5 studies, all of which were retrospective cohort studies. There were fewer complications found in the outpatient group (relative risk = 0.61, 95% confidence interval: 0.40‐0.93). Outpatient procedures were more commonly performed on patients who lived close to the hospital, had fewer comorbidities, and had less extensive planned surgery.

Conclusion

Outpatient parotidectomy appears safe in select patients with outcomes comparable with inpatient surgery. However, evidence overall is of low quality, and further work is needed to delineate a satisfactory set of criteria for appropriate patient identification.
A Commentary on Safety Precautions for Otologic Surgery during the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Saadi Robert A. , Bann Darrin V. , Patel Vijay A. , Goldenberg David , May Jason , Isildak Huseyin
Published: April 2020

There are insufficient data regarding the safety of otologic procedures in the setting of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Given the proclivity for respiratory pathogens to involve the middle ear and the significant aerosolization associated with many otologic procedures, safety precautions should follow current recommendations for procedures involving the upper airway. Until preoperative diagnostic testing becomes standardized and readily available, elective cases should be deferred and emergent/urgent cases should be treated as high risk for COVID‐19 exposure. Necessary otologic procedures on positive, suspected, or unknown COVID‐19 status patients should be performed using enhanced personal protective equipment, including an N95 respirator and eye protection or powered air‐purifying respirator (PAPR, preferred), disposable cap, disposable gown, and gloves. Powered instrumentation should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, and if performed, PAPR or sealed eye protection is recommended.
Otolaryngology Providers Must Be Alert for Patients with Mild and Asymptomatic COVID‐19
Authors: Cheng Xiaoting , Liu Jialin , Li Ning , Nisenbaum Eric , Sun Qing , Chen Bing , Casiano Roy , Weed Donald , Telischi Fred , Denneny James C. , Liu Xuezhong , Shu Yilai
Published: April 2020

More than half of COVID‐19 patients are afebrile early in the disease course, yet mildly ill or asymptomatic patients can still spread SARS‐CoV‐2 with high efficiency. Atypically presenting patients may be seen in noninfectious disease settings such as otolaryngology, which is a specialty prone to occupational exposure. Otolaryngologists have been infected with COVID‐19 at higher rates than other specialties in China and other countries. Otolaryngology providers should maintain high clinical suspicion for mild and asymptomatic COVID‐19 patients. Protective strategies should be implemented including preappointment screening, triaging, restriction of nonurgent visits and surgeries, telemedicine, and appropriate personal protective equipment use.
Opioid underuse in terminal care of long-term care facility residents with pain and/or dyspnoea: A cross-sectional PACE-survey in six European countries
Authors: Tanghe Marc , Van Den Noortgate Nele , Deliens Luc , Smets Tinne , Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje , Szczerbińska Katarzyna , Finne-Soveri Harriet , Payne Sheila , Gambassi Giovanni , Van den Block Lieve , Piers Ruth
Published: April 2020

Background/objectives:

Opioids relieve symptoms in terminal care. We studied opioid underuse in long-term care facilities, defined as residents without opioid prescription despite pain and/or dyspnoea, 3 days prior to death.

Design and setting:

In a proportionally stratified randomly selected sample of long-term care facilities in six European Union countries, nurses and long-term care facility management completed structured after-death questionnaires within 3 months of residents’ death.

Measurements:

Nurses assessed pain/dyspnoea with Comfort Assessment in Dying with Dementia scale and checked opioid prescription by chart review. We estimated opioid underuse per country and per symptom and calculated associations of opioid underuse by multilevel, multivariable analysis.

Results:

Nurses’ response rate was 81.6%, 95.7% for managers. Of 901 deceased residents with pain/dyspnoea reported in the last week, 10.6% had dyspnoea, 34.4% had pain and 55.0% had both symptoms. Opioid underuse per country was 19.2% (95% confidence interval: 12.9–27.2) in the Netherlands, 25.2% (18.3–33.6) in Belgium, 29.3% (16.9–45.8) in England, 33.7% (26.2–42.2) in Finland, 64.6% (52.0–75.4) in Italy and 79.1% (71.2–85.3) in Poland ( p < 0.001). Opioid underuse was 57.2% (33.0–78.4) for dyspnoea, 41.2% (95% confidence interval: 21.9–63.8) for pain and 37.4% (19.4–59.6) for both symptoms ( p = 0.013). Odds of opioid underuse were lower (odds ratio: 0.33; 95% confidence interval: 0.20–0.54) when pain was assessed.

Conclusion:

Opioid underuse differs between countries. Pain and dyspnoea should be formally assessed at the end-of-life and taken into account in physicians orders.
Lateral robust iterative learning control for unmanned driving robot vehicle
Authors: Su Shuhua , Chen Gang
Published: April 2020

In order to achieve stable steering and path tracking, a lateral robust iterative learning control method for unmanned driving robot vehicle is proposed. Combining the nonlinear tire dynamic model with the vehicle dynamic model, the nonlinear vehicle dynamic model is constructed. The structure of steering manipulator of unmanned driving robot vehicle is analyzed, and the kinematics model and dynamics model of steering manipulator of unmanned driving robot vehicle are established. The structure of vehicle steering system is analyzed, and the dynamic model of vehicle steering system is established. Vehicle steering angle model is established by taking vehicle path tracking error and vehicle yaw angle error as input. Combining with the typical iterative learning control law, the robust term is added to the control law, and a robust iterative learning controller for steering manipulator system of unmanned driving robot vehicle is designed. The proposed controller’s stability and astringency are proved. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by comparing it with other control methods and human driver simulation tests.
Seed and Soil: Psychological Affordances in Contexts Help to Explain Where Wise Interventions Succeed or Fail
Authors: Walton Gregory M. , Yeager David S.
Published: April 2020

Psychologically “wise” interventions can cause lasting improvement in key aspects of people’s lives, but where will they work, and where will they not work? We consider the psychological affordance of the social context: Does the context in which the intervention is delivered afford the way of thinking offered by the intervention? If not, treatment effects are unlikely to persist. Change requires planting good seeds (more adaptive perspectives) in fertile soil in which those seeds can grow (a context with appropriate affordances). We illustrate the role of psychological affordances in diverse problem spaces, including recent large-scale trials of growth-mind-set and social-belonging interventions designed specifically to investigate heterogeneity across contexts. We highlight how the study of psychological affordances can advance theory about social contexts and inform debates about replicability.
A National Cross-Sectional Survey on Work Environment Associated With Psychological Well-Being and Job Satisfaction Among Chinese Employees
Authors: Zeng Zhi , Liu Jun , Xie Qiong , Wu Yali , Wang Hua , Lu Liming
Published: April 2020

Work environments can affect job satisfaction and psychological well-being. Using the job demand-control model as a foundation, this study aimed to explore the relationships between physical and psychosocial work environments and psychological well-being and job satisfaction in the workplace. A multistage sampling method was used with the 2012 China Labor-force Dynamics Survey among 4442 employees. Our outcome measures included psychological well-being and job satisfaction. The final model showed migrants (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13-1.60) and nonmanagerial employees (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.25-1.78) who worked in general enterprises (OR= 1.61, 95% CI = 1.34-1.92) or suffered longer weekly work hours (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.24-1.63) had worse psychological well-being or lower job satisfaction. Following the job demand-control model, higher job demands and lower job autonomy were significantly and positively associated with worse psychological well-being and lower job satisfaction. This study highlights that improved work environments can protect employees’ well-being. Policymakers must provide better work environments. They must consider its physical environment (stable work contract and short work hours) and psychosocial environment (low job demands and high job autonomy) aspects, particularly for migrants and nonmanagerial employees.
Dynamic Dependence between U.S. Inbound Visits and Exchange Rate
Authors: Chang Kuang-Liang , Chang Jui-Chuan Della
Published: April 2020

This article revisits the dynamic dependence between the U.S. international tourism demand and the exchange rate using a copula-based specification that features a time-varying and state-switching comovement structure. The empirical results find a state of high-volatile dependence during the oil price upsurge (2005M11-2006M09) and economic/financial crisis (2008M06-2011M06) and a state of low-volatile dependence during the remaining periods. During the former periods, a positive dependence between U.S. inbound visits and currency depreciation is indicated most often, and the magnitude of positive dependence varies dramatically. During the remaining periods, the positive and negative dependences coexist and interchange at a smooth pace. This finding implies that the exchange rate policy affects the tourism industry in the high-volatile dependence state but not in the low-volatile dependence state. The moderating role of crude oil price on the relationship between the international tourism demand and the exchange rate is also verified.
Transformational sexualities: Motivations of women who pay for sexual services
Authors: Kingston Sarah , Hammond Natalie , Redman Scarlett
Published: April 2020

Previous research on client motivations to purchase sexual services in the UK has predominantly focused on the experiences of men. Women who buy sex have largely been overlooked as it is commonly assumed that women provide, rather than purchase, sexual services. In addressing this empirical absence, this article examines data gained from 49 interviews with women clients and sex workers. It examines the reasons why women decide to purchase sexual services in the UK. We argue that the increasing importance of contemporary capitalism and consumerism has shaped women's engagement in the sex industry as clients. We show how women's sexual agency and assertiveness as clients, inverts the female sex worker/male client binary assumed to characterize commercial sex and illustrates the overlap and convergence of male and female sexuality. Our research thus contributes to an understanding of female sexuality more broadly, as exemplifying the hallmarks of ‘transformational sexualities’ in cosmopolitanism (Plummer, 2015).
Cleft prediction before birth using deep neural network
Authors: Shafi Numan , Bukhari Faisal , Iqbal Waheed , Almustafa Khaled Mohamad , Asif Muhammad , Nawaz Zubair
Published: April 2020

In developing countries like Pakistan, cleft surgery is expensive for families, and the child also experiences much pain. In this article, we propose a machine learning–based solution to avoid cleft in the mother’s womb. The possibility of cleft lip and palate in embryos can be predicted before birth by using the proposed solution. We collected 1000 pregnant female samples from three different hospitals in Lahore, Punjab. A questionnaire has been designed to obtain a variety of data, such as gender, parenting, family history of cleft, the order of birth, the number of children, midwives counseling, miscarriage history, parent smoking, and physician visits. Different cleaning, scaling, and feature selection methods have been applied to the data collected. After selecting the best features from the cleft data, various machine learning algorithms were used, including random forest, k-nearest neighbor, decision tree, support vector machine, and multilayer perceptron. In our implementation, multilayer perceptron is a deep neural network, which yields excellent results for the cleft dataset compared to the other methods. We achieved 92.6% accuracy on test data based on the multilayer perceptron model. Our promising results of predictions would help to fight future clefts for children who would have cleft.