bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Anion Gap Predicts All-Cause Mortality in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: Analysis of the MIMIC-III Database
Authors: Cheng Bihuan , Li Diwen , Gong Yuqiang , Ying Binyu , Wang Benji
Published: January 2020

Background. No epidemiological study has investigated the effect of anion gap (AG) on the prognosis of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between serum AG and all-cause mortality in these patients. Methods. From MIMIC III, we extracted demographics, vital signs, laboratory tests, comorbidities, and scoring systems from the first 24 h after patient ICU admission. A generalized additive model was used to identify a nonlinear association between anion gap and 30-day all-cause mortality. We also used the Cox proportional hazards models to measure the association between AG levels and 30-day, 90-day, and 365-day mortality in patients with AKI. Results. A total of 11,573 eligible subjects were extracted from the MIMIC-III. The relationship between AG levels and 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with AKI was nonlinear, with a U-shaped curve. In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for potential confounders, higher AG was a significant predictor of 30-day, 90-day, and 365-day all-cause mortality compared with lower AG (HR, 95% CI: 1.54, 1.33–1.75; 1.55, 1.38–1.73; 1.46, 1.31–1.60). Conclusions. The relationship between AG levels and 30-day all-cause mortality described a U-shaped curve. High-AG levels were associated with increased risk 30-day, 90-day, and 365-day all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with AKI.
Angiographic Restenosis in Coronary Bifurcations Treatment with Regular Drug Eluting Stents and Dedicated Bifurcation Drug-Eluting BiOSS Stents: Analysis Based on Randomized POLBOS I and POLBOS II Studies
Authors: Gil Robert J. , Bil Jacek , Kern Adam , Iñigo-Garcia Luis A. , Formuszewicz Radoslaw , Dobrzycki Slawomir , Vassilev Dobrin , Mehran Roxana
Published: January 2020

Aim. The marked variation in bifurcation anatomy has brought about an ongoing search for stents specifically constructed for coronary bifurcations. This study aimed to analyze the angiographic restenosis prevalence and patterns and predictors of different patterns in dedicated bifurcation BiOSS® vs. current generation drug-eluting stents implanted in coronary bifurcation lesions based on data from two clinical trials POLBOS I and II. Methods. Dedicated bifurcation BiOSS® stents were compared with drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) or nonST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) (POLBOS I: paclitaxel eluting BiOSS® Expert vs. DES; POLBOS II: sirolimus eluting BiOSS® LIM vs. DES). Provisional T-stenting was the default treatment. Morphological pattern of in-stent restenosis according to the modified Mehran classification adopted for bifurcation lesions was assessed with bifurcation dedicated quantitative coronary angiographic software (CAAS 5.11, Pie Medical Imaging BV, the Netherlands). Results. In total, 445 patients (222 patients in BiOSS group and 223 patients in DES group) were included into the analysis. In BiOSS group 24 cases of angiographic restenosis (10.8%) were recorded, and in DES group—17 cases (7.6%) at 12 months follow-up (angiographic control rate at follow-up—90.3%). In the BiOSS group most frequent medina classification in restenotic cases was 0.0.1 (25%), whereas in DES—0.0.1 and 0.1.1 (23.5% each). In multivariate regression analysis proximal optimization technique was associated with the lowest chance for restenosis (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.06–0.33), whereas diabetes on insulin was associated with the highest risk of restenosis (OR 4.21, 95% CI 1.48–11.44). Conclusions. The angiographic restenosis pattern and rate was similar between BiOSS stents and DES in coronary bifurcation lesions.
Nursing-Related Barriers to Children’s Pain Management at Selected Hospitals in Ghana: A Descriptive Qualitative Study
Authors: Kusi Amponsah Abigail , Kyei Evans Frimpong , Agyemang John Bright , Boakye Hanson , Kyei-Dompim Joana , Ahoto Collins Kwadwo , Oduro Evans
Published: January 2020

Staff shortages, deficient knowledge, inappropriate attitudes, demanding workloads, analgesic shortages, and low prioritization of pain management have been identified in earlier studies as the nursing-related barriers to optimal children’s pain management. These studies have mainly been undertaken in developed countries, which have different healthcare dynamics than those in developing countries. The current study, therefore, sought to identify and understand the nursing-related barriers to children’s pain management in the Ghanaian context. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted among 28 purposively sampled nurses working in the pediatric units of five hospitals in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Over the course of three months, participants were interviewed on the barriers which prevented them from optimally managing children’s pain in practice. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and deductively analysed based on a conceptual interest in pain assessment and management-related barriers. NVivo 12 plus software guided data management and analyses. The mean age of participating nurses was 30 years, with majority being females (n = 24). Participants had worked in the nursing profession for an average of five years and in the pediatric care settings for an average of two years. The nursing-related barriers identified in the present study included communication difficulties in assessing and evaluating pain management interventions with children who have nonfunctional speech, insufficient training, misconceptions on the experience of pain in children, lack of assessment tools, and insufficient number of nurses to manage the workload and nurses’ inability to prescribe analgesics. The present study revealed some barriers which prevented Ghanaian nurses from optimally managing children’s pain. Nurses should be educated, empowered, and supported with the requisite material resources to effectively manage children’s pain and improve outcomes for families, healthcare systems, and the nation. Future studies should explore the facilitators and barriers from other stakeholders involved in pediatric pain management.
Proximate Analysis and Safety Profile of Farmed Edible Bird’s Nest in Malaysia and Its Effect on Cancer Cells
Authors: Tan Sin Nee , Sani Dahiru , Lim Chee Woei , Ideris Aini , Stanslas Johnson , Lim Christopher Thiam Seong
Published: January 2020

Edible bird’s nest (EBN) which is solidified swiftlet’s saliva contains high nutritional value. It is widely consumed in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. However, previous proximate analysis of Malaysia EBN was not representative of all the regions in Malaysia. In recent years, safety issues such as high nitrate and nitrite contents, presence of heavy metal, adulteration, fungal infection, and cancer cell stimulation were associated with EBN. Hence, this study aimed to determine the proximate analysis, safety profile during normal weather and hazy periods, and its effect on cancer cells stimulation in Malaysia‐farmed EBN. Seven raw cleaned EBN samples were sourced from 6 different regions in Malaysia. Proximate analysis and safety profile were performed using official AOCA methods and Malaysian Standard. High protein (53.03–56.37%) and carbohydrate content (27.97–31.68%) with an acceptable level of moisture (10.8–14.04%) and ash (2.22–3.38%) were reported. A good safety profile was obtained with low nitrite and nitrate levels, with undetectable heavy metals and no significant growth of pathogenic microorganism except mould. Epidermal growth factor was detected but below the quantification level with the chicken EGF ELISA kit. The microculture tetrazolium (MTT) assay was performed for growth stimulation assessment comparing human EGF and EBN. There was no significant cell growth observed in cancer cells after EBN treatment. In conclusion, EBN Malaysia has a good nutritional profile, free of heavy metals, and an acceptable level of nitrate, nitrite, and microorganism profile except for mould contents. Furthermore, the in vitro study indicated that EBN was not associated with cancer cell growth.
Stability of a Class of Impulsive Neutral Stochastic Functional Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Liu Yue , Ruan Dehao
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a class of impulsive neutral stochastic functional partial differential equations driven by Brownian motion and fractional Brownian motion is investigated. Under some suitable assumptions, the pth moment exponential stability is discussed by means of the fixed-point theorem. Our results also improve and generalize some previous studies. Moreover, one example is given to illustrate our main results.
Xuesaitong Protects Podocytes from Apoptosis in Diabetic Rats through Modulating PTEN-PDK1-Akt-mTOR Pathway
Authors: Xue Rui , Zhai Ruonan , Xie Ling , Zheng Zening , Jian Guihua , Chen Teng , Su Jun , Gao Chongting , Wang Niansong , Yang Xifei , Xu Youhua , Gui Dingkun
Published: January 2020

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and therapeutic strategies for delaying its progression are limited. Loss of podocytes by apoptosis characterizes the early stages of DKD. To identify novel therapeutic options, we investigated the effects of Xuesaitong (XST), consisting of total saponins from Panax notoginseng, on podocyte apoptosis in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rats. XST (5 mg/kg·d) or Losartan (10 mg/kg·d) was given to diabetic rats for 12 weeks. Albuminuria, renal function markers, and renal histopathology morphological changes were examined. Podocyte apoptosis was determined by triple immunofluorescence labelling including a TUNEL assay, WT1, and DAPI. Renal expression of Nox4, miRNA-214, PTEN, PDK1, phosphorylated Akt, mTOR, and mTORC1 was detected. In diabetic rats, severe hyperglycaemia and albuminuria developed, and apoptotic podocytes were markedly increased in diabetic kidneys. However, XST attenuated albuminuria, mesangial expansion, podocyte apoptosis, and morphological changes of podocytes in diabetic rats. Decreased expression of PTEN, as well as increased expression of Nox4, miRNA-214, PDK1, phosphorylated Akt, mTOR, and mTORC1, was detected. These abnormalities were partially restored by XST treatment. Thus, XST ameliorated podocyte apoptosis partly through modulating the PTEN-PDK1-Akt-mTOR pathway. These novel findings might point the way to a natural therapeutic strategy for treating DKD.
Experimental Study on Seepage Properties of Jointed Rock‐Like Samples Based on 3D Printing Techniques
Authors: Tan Wenhui , Wang Pengfei
Published: January 2020

Sample making of fractured rock mass is a big problem in rock mechanical test. The specimens prepared by traditional rock core drilling have some disadvantages such as unclear internal structure and great difference in mechanical properties; while, the samples prepared by inserting and seaming method have some other disadvantages such as hard to control the attitude of precast‐joints, low accuracy. A method for preparing fractured rock‐like samples based on 3D printing technology is introduced in this paper, and the seepage characteristics of fractured rock‐like samples is studied by seepage experiments. Firstly, the standard profile curves of 10 grades of joint roughness are digitized and 10 groups of 3D digital fracture models are established with different roughness and thickness (i.e., 1.5, 3.0, and 5.0 mm, respectively). 30 fracture inserts are produced by 3D printing technology. Then, rock‐like specimens with through‐filling fractures are poured with molds. Finally, the permeability tests of the prepared rock‐like specimens are carried out to study the seepage characteristics of fractures with different roughness and gap widths under different confining pressures. The results show that 3D printing technology provides an effective way for production of complex crack samples in laboratory test and the comparative analysis of tests. The seepage characteristics of fractures are well studied. When the gap width is small, the permeability decreases with the increase of roughness, and the influence of roughness on fracture permeability decreases rapidly with the increase of confining pressure and gap width. The permeability of through‐filling fractures with different roughness and gap width decreases with the increase of confining pressure. The relationship between confining pressure and fracture permeability can be described by the power function. 3D printing technology overcomes the shortcomings of traditional specimen preparation methods and greatly improves the precision of crack inserts. The jointed rock‐like model established by the method revealed the influence of fracture characteristics on seepage flow very well.
Prevalence and Predictors of Postpartum Depression: Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Asaye Mengstu Melkamu , Muche Haymanot Alem , Zelalem Eyerusalem Desta
Published: January 2020

Background. Postpartum depression is an umbrella, which encompasses several mood disorders that follow childbirth within 6 weeks. Screening for postpartum depression would improve the ability to recognize these disorders and enhance care that ensures improved clinical outcomes. Early identification of postpartum depression is important in order to plan for implementation strategies that allow for timely treatment and support of women with postpartum depression. Objective. To determine the prevalence and associated factors of postpartum depression among women who gave birth in the last six weeks in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018. Methods. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 526 women who gave birth in the last 6 weeks from July 1 to 30, 2018 in Gondar town. Cluster sampling technique was used. Data were collected by semi-structured and pretested questionnaire and entered into epi-Info version 7.0 and then analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression model were fitted. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval has been computed and variables with p-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. The prevalence of postpartum depression among 526 postnatal women was 25% (95% CI: 21, 28). Abortion history (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.97), birth weight <2.5 kg (AOR = 3.12, 95% CI: 1.78, 5.48), gestational age below 36 weeks (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.22, 3.88) unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.24, 3.31), relatives’ mental illness (AOR = 1.20: 1.09–3.05), had no antenatal visit (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI: 1.81, 9.05), had no postnatal visit (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.00) were factors significantly associated with postpartum depression. Conclusion and Recommendations. The prevalence of PPD was found to be higher. Variables like abortion history, low birth weight, gestational age below 36 weeks, unplanned pregnancy, relatives’ mental illness, had no antenatal visit, and had no postnatal visit were predisposing factors to postpartum depression. Preventive measures to avoid low birth weight and pregnancy complications are also identified as proactive ways to reduce postpartum depression. Early identification and treatment of depression during ANC and postpartum care can mitigate the impact of PPD on the mother-baby dyad. Emphasis must be given women to have ANC and PNC follow up.
Intensified Histopathological Work-Up after Pancreatic Head Resection Reveals Relevant Prognostic Markers
Authors: Dusch Niloufar , Oldani Massimo , Steffen Tobias , Kitz Julia , Koenig Ute , Azizian Azadeh , König Alexander , Ströbel Philipp , Beissbarth Tim , Ghadimi Michael , Gaedcke Jochen
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Local recurrence remains a major problem after pancreatic head resection. Intensified histopathological work-up of surgical specimens after pancreatic head resection has revealed an increased number of incomplete resections (R1) depending on tumor infiltration front at the resection margins (RMs). It remains unclear to which extent the increased R1 resection rate has a clinical relevance for the patients’ prognosis. Materials and Methods: Pancreatic head resections between 2006 and 2012 were histologically intensively worked-up by a previously described protocol. The distance between the tumor infiltration front and the resection planes or organ surfaces was documented. The impact of the size of the tumor and an additional portal vein resection was analyzed. The effect of a R1 resection status on development and type of recurrence was evaluated. Results: A total of 203 pancreatic head resections were evaluated. Different definitions of R1 resection were applied. These led to significantly different prognosis for patients. A greater distance between the tumor infiltration front and the resection plane or organ surface was associated with a better outcome for the patients. For the ventral surface, the mesopancreas and the pancreatic body these differences were statistically significant comparing the different R1 definitions. For the dorsal surface, a significant difference in prognosis was found if the tumor was >2 mm away from the resection surface. A tumor size of 3 cm was identified to play a relevant role for the prognosis. Patients who had a portal vein resection without a histologically proven infiltration showed a statistically significant higher overall survival. Patients with R1 resection were at highest risk for developing local recurrence as well as distant metastasis. Conclusion: Intensified histopathological work-up with an increased number of R1 resections has a clinical relevance for patients’ prognosis. Tumors with a smaller size or with a greater distance to the organ surface or RM have a better outcome.
Anesthesia in Combination with Propofol Increases Disease-Free Survival in Bladder Cancer Patients Who Undergo Radical Tumor Cystectomy as Compared to Inhalational Anesthetics and Opiate-Based Analgesia
Authors: Guerrero Orriach Jose Luis , Raigon Ponferrada Aida , Malo Manso Alfredo , Herrera Imbroda Bernardo , Escalona Belmonte Juan Jose , Ramirez Aliaga Marta , Ramirez Fernandez Alicia , Diaz Crespo Julia , Soriano Perez Angela M. , Fontaneda Heredia Ana , Dominguez Recio Maria Emilia , Rubio Navarro Manuel , Cruz Mañas Jose
Published: January 2020

Background:The effect of anesthetic techniques on cancer recurrence has been the subject of intensive research in the past years, as it affects a large proportion of the population. The use of opioids and halogenated agents in cancer patients during the perioperative period may be related to higher rates of cancer recurrence and reduced disease-free survival. Methods:This was a prospective study. The sample was composed of 100 patients who underwent a radical cystectomy for infiltrating bladder cancer in a reference center. We compared disease-free survival associated with combined anesthesia versus opiate-based analgesia. The relationship between the administered hypnotic and disease-free survival was also investigated. Results:The median disease-free survival of the patients who received combined anesthesia was 585 (240–1,005) days versus 210 (90–645) days in the other group. A significant difference was observed between the two groups (p = 0.01). Combined analysis of all groups revealed significant differences in disease-free survival between patients who received combined anesthesia with propofol (510 [315–1,545] disease-free days) and those who received sevoflurane and opioids (150 [90–450] disease-free days) (p = 0.02). Conclusions:Anesthesia may play a crucial role in tumor relapse, as it is administered at the moment of the greatest risk of dissemination: surgical handling of the tumor. Opioids and volatile agents have been related to an increased risk for cancer recurrence. We compared the use of propofol + local anesthesia versus sevoflurane + opioids and also found that disease-free survival was longer among patients who received propofol + local anesthesia. Disease-free survival increases with the use of propofol in combination with epidural anesthesia in patients who undergo surgery for infiltrating bladder cancer.
A Moan of Pleasure Should Be Breathy: The Effect of Voice Quality on the Meaning of Human Nonverbal Vocalizations
Authors: Anikin Andrey
Published: January 2020

Prosodic features, such as intonation and voice intensity, have a well-documented role in communicating emotion, but less is known about the role of laryngeal voice quality in speech and particularly in nonverbal vocalizations such as laughs and moans. Potentially, however, variations in voice quality between tense and breathy may convey rich information about the speaker’s physiological and affective state. In this study breathiness was manipulated in synthetic human nonverbal vocalizations by adjusting the relative strength of upper harmonics and aspiration noise. In experiment 1 (28 prototypes × 3 manipulations = 84 sounds), otherwise identical vocalizations with tense versus breathy voice quality were associated with higher arousal (general alertness), higher dominance, and lower valence (unpleasant states). Ratings on discrete emotions in experiment 2 (56 × 3 = 168 sounds) confirmed that breathiness was reliably associated with positive emotions, particularly in ambiguous vocalizations (gasps and moans). The spectral centroid did not fully account for the effect of manipulation, confirming that the perceived change in voice quality was more specific than a general shift in timbral brightness. Breathiness is thus involved in communicating emotion with nonverbal vocalizations, possibly due to changes in low-level auditory salience and perceived vocal effort.
Two Prevalent ∼100-kb GYPB Deletions Causative of the GPB-Deficient Blood Group MNS Phenotype S–s–U– in Black Africans
Authors: Gassner Christoph , Denomme Gregory A. , Portmann Claudia , Bensing Kathleen M. , Mattle-Greminger Maja P. , Meyer Stefan , Trost Nadine , Song Young-Lan , Engström Charlotte , Jungbauer Christof , Just Burkhard , Storry Jill R. , Forster Michael , Franke Andre , Frey Beat M.
Published: January 2020

The U antigen (MNS5) is one of 49 antigens belonging to the MNS blood group system (ISBT002) carried on glycophorins A (GPA) and B (GPB). U is present on the red blood cells in almost all Europeans and Asians but absent in approximately 1.0% of Black Africans. U negativity coincides with negativity for S (MNS3) and s (MNS4) on GPB, thus be called S–s–U–, and is thought to arise from homozygous deletion of GYPB. Little is known about the molecular background of these deletions. Bioinformatic analysis of the 1000 Genomes Project data revealed several candidate regions with apparent deletions in GYPB. Highly specific Gap-PCRs, only resulting in positive amplification from DNAs with deletions present, allowed for the exact genetic localization of 3 different breakpoints; 110.24- and 103.26-kb deletions were proven to be the most frequent in Black Americans and Africans. Among 157 CEPH DNAs, deletions in 6 out of 8 African ethnicities were present. Allele frequencies of the deletions within African ethnicities varied greatly and reached a cumulative 23.3% among the Mbuti Pygmy people from the Congo. Similar observations were made for U+var alleles, known to cause strongly reduced GPB expression. The 110- and 103-kb deletional GYPB haplotypes were found to represent the most prevalent hereditary factors causative of the MNS blood group phenotype S–s–U–. Respective GYPB deletions are now accessible by molecular detection of homo- and hemizygous transmission.
Tumor Sidedness Is Associated with Survival in Patients with Synchronous Colorectal Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
Authors: Matsuda Kenji , Tamura Koichi , Iwamoto Hiromitsu , Mizumoto Yuki , Mitani Yasuyuki , Nakamura Yuki , Murakami Daisuke , Sakanaka Toshihiro , Yamaue Hiroki
Published: January 2020

Background: Synchronous colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis (SCPC) is not a rare entity, and the prognosis is extremely poor compared to other metastatic sites such as the liver and lung. Therefore, optimal treatment based on tumor characteristics is needed. Recently, the tumor sidedness of colorectal cancer has been reported as one of the prognostic factors and also as a key factor for the treatment strategy. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical impact of tumor sidedness in patients with SCPC. Methods: A total of 189 cases of SCPC were identified in a retrospective database at Wakayama Medical University Hospital (WMUH) between 1998 and 2014, and were analyzed with a special focus on tumor location. Results: In multivariate analysis, a right-sided location (p = 0.02) and the presence of liver metastases (p < 0.001) were found to be the worst prognostic factors. The median survival time (MST) with right-sided and with left-sided SCPC was 10 and 16 months, respectively. The right-sided SCPC group included more aged patients (p = 0.045) and fewer patients who received postoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.034). When we focused on patients with macroscopically complete resection (n = 39), the MST and disease-free survival in the right-sided SCPC group was significantly shorter than in the left-sided SCPC group (p = 0.030 and p = 0.043, respectively). The MST of the right-sided and the left-sided SCPC patients among the completely resected patients was 24 and 73 months, respectively. Conclusion: Tumor sidedness may be a potent prognostic indicator for patients with SCPC. The survival time with right-sided SCPC is dramatically reduced compared to that with left-sided SCPC, especially among completely resected cases. We should change the treatment strategy according to the location of SCPC.
Association Study of MTHFR Polymorphisms with Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in a Spanish Population
Authors: Fernández-Vega Beatriz , Álvarez Lydia , García Montserrat , Artime Enol , Diñeiro Soto Marta , Nicieza Javier , Vega José A. , González-Iglesias Héctor
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), painless loss of central and/or peripheral vision, is a multifactorial disease caused by insufficient blood flow through the posterior ciliary arteries to the optic nerve head. Mutations in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, triggering hyperhomocysteinemia as a consequence of a decreased activity of the codified enzyme, have been considered to be among the risk factors of NAION. Objective: The main aim was to study the association of the most common MTHFR genetic polymorphisms C677T and A1298C with NAION in a Spanish population. Methods: In this case-control study, the association of the most common MTHFR polymorphisms was investigated in 94 unrelated native Spanish patients diagnosed with NAION and 204 healthy controls. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms located in the MTHFR gene, C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131), were analyzed by DNA sequencing and TaqMan assays. Results: The allelic and genotypic frequencies of the MTHFR variants obtained in the NAION group were not significantly different when compared with the control group. A higher frequency of the C677T/A1298C genotype, codifying the nonmutated MTHFR form, was obtained in control subjects (11.27%) compared to NAION patients (4.26%), suggesting a protective effect of the wild-type protein, although this result was not conclusive considering the obtained confidence interval (CI) (95% CI: 0.13–1.06). Study of additional clinical factors including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia showed no association with a higher risk of NAION. Conversely, the clinical history of heart or cerebrovascular diseases was significantly higher in NAION patients compared to controls. Over the world, risk variants of the MTHFR gene are highly frequent, excluding African black populations, indicating a racial influence. Conclusions: The MTHFR variants did not significantly increase the risk of suffering from NAION. However, considering that individuals with at least one of the risk variants have the MTHFR enzyme with decreased activity, it cannot be ruled out that these mutations are relevant for the development of NAION in a subgroup of the population with other specific characteristics. These may include high plasma levels of homocysteine along with nutritional deficiencies including low folate or vitamin B12 and the combination of systemic and local risk factors.
Percutaneous Mechanical Unloading Simultaneously With Reperfusion Induces Increased Myocardial Salvage in Experimental Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ko Byungsoo , Drakos Stavros G. , Ibrahim Homam , Kang Tae Soo , Thodou Aspasia , Bonios Michael , Taleb Iosif , Welt Frederick GP.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Despite advances in reperfusion times, patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction carry an unacceptably high rate of mortality and morbidity. Mechanical unloading of the left ventricle (LV) has been suggested to reduce infarct size after acute myocardial infarction. Although prior studies have investigated LV unloading during ischemia with a delay in reperfusion, little is known about the optimal timing for LV unloading in the setting of acute myocardial infarction.

Methods:

Studies were conducted in 17 adult Yorkshire swine weighing 67±5 kg. A coronary balloon was inflated in the mid left anterior descending for 60 minutes to induce a myocardial infarction. The coronary balloon was then deflated for 120 minutes (reperfusion). The animals were stratified into 3 groups: group 1 (control, reperfusion with no LV unloading, n=5), group 2 (LV unloading during ischemia with delayed reperfusion, n=6), and group 3 (simultaneous LV unloading and reperfusion, n=6). Staining the hearts with Evans blue and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride was used to identify the area at risk and the infarct area respectively. Infarct percent size was defined as the area of infarcted myocardium divided by the area at risk.

Results:

Of the 3 groups, group 3 demonstrated significantly smaller infarct percent size compared with controls (54.7±20.3% versus 22.2±13.4%;
P
=0.03). Comparison between group 1 and group 2 did not reveal significant difference (54.7±20.3% versus 43.3±24.6%;
P
=0.19).

Conclusions:

In our large animal experimental model, simultaneous reperfusion and mechanical LV unloading yielded the smallest infarct size compared with no LV unloading or LV unloading with delayed reperfusion. In the context of prior studies showing benefit to unloading before reperfusion, these findings raise questions about how this strategy may be translated to humans.
Slug, a Cancer‐Related Transcription Factor, is Involved in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Transdifferentiation Induced by Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor‐BB During Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ledard Nahéma , Liboz Alexandrine , Blondeau Bertrand , Babiak Mégane , Moulin Célia , Vallin Benjamin , Guillas Isabelle , Mateo Véronique , Jumeau Claire , Blirando Karl , Meilhac Olivier , Limon Isabelle , Glorian Martine
Published: January 2020

Background

Heart attacks and stroke often result from occlusive thrombi following the rupture of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Vascular smooth muscle cells (
VSMC
s) play a pivotal role in plaque vulnerability because of their switch towards a proinflammatory/macrophage‐like phenotype when in the context of atherosclerosis. The prometastatic transcription factor Slug/Snail2 is a critical regulator of cell phenotypic transition. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of Slug in the transdifferentiation process of
VSMC
s occurring during atherogenesis.

Methods and Results

In rat and human primary aortic smooth muscle cells, Slug protein expression is strongly and rapidly increased by platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐
BB
).
PDGF
‐
BB
increases Slug protein without affecting
mRNA
levels indicating that this growth factor stabilizes Slug protein. Immunocytochemistry and subcellular fractionation experiments reveal that
PDGF
‐
BB
triggers a rapid accumulation of Slug in
VSMC
nuclei. Using pharmacological tools, we show that the
PDGF
‐
BB
–dependent mechanism of Slug stabilization in
VSMC
s involves the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 pathway. Immunohistochemistry experiments on type V and type
VI
atherosclerotic lesions of human carotids show smooth muscle–specific myosin heavy chain–/Slug‐positive cells surrounding the prothrombotic lipid core. In
VSMC
s, Slug si
RNA
s inhibit prostaglandin E2 secretion and prevent the inhibition of cholesterol efflux gene expression mediated by
PDGF
‐
BB
, known to be involved in plaque vulnerability and/or thrombogenicity.

Conclusions

Our results highlight, for the first time, a role of Slug in aortic smooth muscle cell transdifferentiation and enable us to consider Slug as an actor playing a role in the atherosclerotic plaque progression towards a life‐threatening phenotype. This also argues for common features between acute cardiovascular events and cancer.
Morphological and molecular evidence for a new species from China: Piper semi-transparens (Piperaceae)

Authors: HAO CHAO-YUN , WU BAO-DUO , QIN XIAO-WEI , WU GANG , DENG HAI-YAN , TAN YUN-HONG
Published: January 2020

We conducted morphological and molecular analyses to describe a new species of Piperaceae, Piper semi-transparens, which was observed in Hainan, Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces, China. Detailed morphological comparisons between the newly discovered species and other members of Piper indicate that Piper semi-transparens is similar to P. bonii and P. bonii var. macrophyllum, from which it differs in having glabrous leaf blades; stem densely short and unbranched pubescent when young, glabrous when mature; veins 5(–7); stamens 2; stigmas 3, rarely 4; spikes color white when mature; floral bracts glabrous; pericarp white and semi-transparent. Molecular analyses based on the ITS marker of nuclear ribosomal DNA strongly support that P. semi-transparens is a new species in the genus Piper, most closely related to P. bonii and P. bonii var. macrophyllum.
Bulbophyllum linzhiense (Orchidaceae, Malaxideae), a new species from China

Authors: MA LIANG , ZHANG SAI , ZHOU ZHUANG , LAN SI-REN , CHEN SHI-PIN
Published: January 2020

We have described and illustrated a new species, Bulbophyllum linzhiense (Malaxideae, Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae), from Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China. The size and overall floral morphology of the new species are similar to those of B. rubrolabellum, a species endemic to Taiwan island on the southeast coast of China, but is different by apart pseudobulbs, lower flowers, ovate-lanceolate bracts, longer pedicel and ovary, yellow-green flower, and lanceolate lateral sepals. A cladistic analysis based on the nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK, trnL-F, and atpI-atpH) DNA sequences supported the new species is sister to B. rubrolabellum.
Revision of the Palaearctic Trachusa interrupta species complex (Apoidea: Anthidiini) with description of four new species
Authors: KASPAREK MAX
Published: January 2020

Trachusa interrupta (Fabricius, 1781) s.l. has so far been regarded as a widespread resin bee in the tribe Anthidiini, whose range extends from northwest Africa and the Iberian Peninsula in the west to Central Asia and China in the east. It was thought that the pattern of yellow maculations on head, meso- and metasoma was quite variable. Several forms which were described since the 18th century have been regarded as synonyms. A comprehensive analysis of hundreds of specimens from all parts of its distribution found that T. interrupta s. l. actually represents a complex of closely related species. The study which included the examination of type material and the analyses of morphometric data of 15 measurements of the head, antennae and wings through multivariate statistical methods showed that there was relatively little variation in the colour pattern. Different colour patterns mostly represent different taxa which form distinctive clusters in Discriminant Function Analysis of morphometric data. The complex hereby consists of three widespread species, Trachusa interrupta (Fabricius, 1781) s.str., T. integra (Eversmann, 1852) stat. resurr., and T. anatolica sp. n., whose combined range extends from the Western Mediterranean to Central Asia and China, and five further species with restricted ranges in the southern part of the overall distribution: T. varia (Olivier, 1789) stat. resurr. and T. maghrebensis sp. n. in Spain and north-western Africa, and T. heinzi Dubitzky, 2007, T. grandicornis sp. n., and T. taurica sp. n. in Turkey and Iran. Additionally, some populations mainly of T. interrupta s. str. show in the southern part of its distribution (e.g. Spain, Italy, Greece) distinctive features in the colour pattern or morphological traits such as antennal length. As these characters are widely overlapping between populations and seem to follow geographic clines, these differences do not seem to reflect taxonomically relevant units. It was thought that they represent populations with reduced but still not ceased reproductive isolation and hence species in statu nascendi. All species of the T. interrupta complex as here defined have clearly delineated distributional areas. There is a little overlap in the distribution areas of the species and even the two most widespread species, T. interrupta s. str. and T. integra, which both occur widely in the West Palaearctic show mutually exclusive patchy distribution patterns, i.e. the two species normally do not occur in the same region. Nevertheless, a few cases were found where two species occur in sympatry, and a few cases (less than 1% of all specimens) where specimens had characters of two species. The latter may indicate that hybridisation occasionally occurs in parapatric contact zones.
­­­­­­A new species of the genus Toleria Walker, [1865] from northern Vietnam and Laos with establishment of a new generic synonymy in Cissuvorini (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae)
Authors: KALLIES AXEL , OGANE HIROMICHI , YATA NAOKI
Published: January 2020

A new species of Toleria Walker, [1865], T. aritai Ogane & Kallies spec. nov., is described from Vietnam and Laos. Superficially, it resembles species of the genus Dasysphecia Hampson, 1919 but differs by venation and genitalia characters. The tribe Cissuvorini is briefly reviewed. Chimaerosphecia Strand, [1916] syn. rev. is considered a younger subjective synonym of Toleria. The following new combinations are introduced: Toleria aegerides (Strand, [1916]) comb. nov., Toleria colochelyna (Bryk, 1947) comb. nov., Toleria sinensis (Walker, [1865]) comb. rev. and Glossosphecia sinensis (Wang & Yang, 2002) comb. nov.
Suggestion of Spongia (Heterofibria) peddemorsi as replacement name for
Spongia (Heterofibria) cooki Samaai, Pillay & Janson, 2019
Authors: SAMAAI TOUFIEK , PILLAY RUWEN , JANSON LIESL
Published: January 2020

Rob Van Soest (pers. communication) remarked that Spongia (Heterofibria) cooki Samaai, Pillay & Janson, 2019 is a junior primary homonym of Spongia vermiculata cookii Hyatt, 1877, now accepted as Spongia (Spongia) cookii Hyatt, 1877. Following the ICZN (art. 57.2, art. 58.14 [regarding -ii and -i], ICZN 1999) the published species name (Samaai et al. 2019) is unavailable and we now suggest replacing the name with Spongia (Heterofibria) peddemorsi following art. 60, ICZN (1999). The holotype is deposited into the collection at the Iziko South African Museum, Cape Town, SAM-A24791, for further collection data see Samaai et al. 2019.
4. Naves Pingere
Authors: Galinier Martin , Nantet Emmanuel
Published: January 2020

During the Hellenistic period, various kinds of evidence demonstrate the existence of many large ships whose tonnage was greater than one hundred tonnes and could even reach several hundred tonnes. However, the accurate evolution of their tonnage is more complicated to determine for ships that sailed in the Eastern Mediterranean. It seems that an initial increase occurred in the first part of the second century BCE all over the Mediterranean. This particularly affected wheat and stone, since these goods required large ships. The increase in tonnage during this period was due to a desire for more prestige, influenced by political and military factors, and less to do with a desire for increased profits.

A second rise seems to have occurred from the end of the second century to the beginning of the first century BCE. However, this growth was restricted to particular routes in the Mediterranean, and only to ships carrying very valuable merchandise, such as wine or works of art. In fact, the development in tonnage was obviously the result of the significant changes in maritime trade caused by Roman rule.

Beyond these factors, the growth in tonnage during the Hellenistic period is due to developments in both ship and harbour technologies. Of course, the economic background — the growth of cities in the Hellenistic world — helped stimulate the demand for big ships.
In Situ Synthesis of Uprightly Grown Hierarchical Multi-Metallic Nano-Needles on Electrospun Fiber Surface
Authors: Lee Jun Hee , Hwang Tae In , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: January 2020

In the thriving field of nano-materials science, the nanofibrous structure with immobilizednanoparticles (NPs) inside or outside of the fibers currently received great interest for their potential synergic effects. In the cooperative combining strategy, electrospun nanofibers in a tailored
manner are promising materials as a platform to mutually gain both advantages of the interconnected fibrous structure and unique properties of NPs. Herein, we presented the one-step fabrication method for in-situ synthesis of novel uprightly stood extra-long hierarchical multi-metallic
(Fe/Cu/S) nano-needles (NNs) on polyurethane (PU) electrospun nanofibers (PU@FeCuS). The multi-metallic nanostructures (FeCuSNNs) were in-situ synthesized by simply immersing PU nanofiber into the supersaturated FeSO4/CuSO4 solution. The results of SEM, FE-SEM, EDX mapping and 3D rendering
model simulation with CAE software revealed the morphology, the composition of FeCuSNNs, and the significantly increased surface area. The possible crystallization mechanism of the formation of NNs was discussed.
Poly(4-vinylphenol-co-methyl methacrylate)/Hafnium Oxide Nanocomposite Gate Insulators for Organic Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Piao Shang Hao , Lee Hyeonju , Park Jaehoon , Choi Hyoung Jin
Published: January 2020

We fabricate 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS-Pn) thin-film transistors (TFTs) with nanocomposite insulators. The insulator layers consist of both poly(4-vinylphenol-co-methyl methacrylate) and high-dielectric constant hafnium oxide (HfO2) nanoparticles.
The HfO2 nanoparticles are ball-milled for sufficient dispersion in a nanocomposite solution to enable solution process methods to be used in preparing the insulator layers. The nanocomposite insulators demonstrate high capacitances and improve the performance of TIPS-Pn TFTs. Nonetheless,
particle aggregates are produced in the nanocomposites solution with high HfO2 concentrations, generating detrimental effects on the dielectric properties and the TFT performance. Our experimental result implies that the optimum concentration of HfO2 nanoparticles in
a mixed solution will find to be ~11.5 wt%.
Exciton Dephasing in Tungsten Diselenide Atomic Layer
Authors: Neupane Tikaram , Rice Quinton , Jung Sungsoo , Tabibi Bagher , Seo Felix Jaetae
Published: January 2020

An intrinsic exciton dephasing is the coherence loss of exciton dipole oscillation, while the total exciton dephasing originates from coherence loss due to exciton–exciton interaction and excitonphonon coupling. In this article, the total exciton dephasing time of tungsten diselenide
(WSe2) atomic layers was analyzed as functions of excitation intensity with exciton–exciton coupling strength and temperature with exciton–phonon coupling strength. It was hypothesized that the total exciton dephasing time is shortened as the exciton–exciton interaction
and the exciton–phonon coupling are increased. The coherence loss analysis revealed that the exciton dephasing time of WSe2 atomic layers is due to mainly the temperature rather than the excitation intensity.
Solution-Processed Organic and Oxide Hybrid CMOS Inverter for Low Cost Electronic Circuits
Authors: Lee Sang-Hoon , Seo Min-Jae , Boampong Amos Amoako , Cho Jae-Hyeok , Yu Kyeong Min , Kim Min-Hoi
Published: January 2020

We demonstrated an organic and oxide hybrid CMOS inverter with the solution-processed semiconductor and source/drain electrodes. For the solution-processed n- and p-type semiconductor, InGaZnO solution and TIPS-pentacene/PαMS blend were spin-coated respectively
while Silver ink and PEDOT:PSS solution were drop-casted with the help of the bank to serve as source/drain electrodes. The InGaZnO and the TIPS-pentacene transistors show typical n- and p-type transistor operations with low off-current. Based on the combination of the solution-processed
n- and p-type transistors, full-swing characteristic curve with low static current of the hybrid CMOS were obtained.
Is the Height of the Arcuate Eminence Related to Body Mass Index?
Authors: Coelho Daniel H. , Fasulo Bradley , Quinn Kevin , Tang Yang , Sima Adam , Forsthoffer Brielle
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To determine the relationship, if any, between body mass index (BMI) and attenuation of the arcuate eminence (AE).

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary neurotologic referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Submillimeter distances were recorded from high‐resolution temporal bone computed tomography (CT) scans of 50 patients (100 sides). The AE (defined as the superiormost location of the petrous bone over the otic capsule), the bony apex of the superior semicircular canal (SSC), and the geniculate ganglion (GG) were identified and 3‐dimensional distances measured. The height of the AE relative to the bony apex of the superior semicircular canal was determined using Euclidean geometry using the fixed anatomical landmark of the GG as the origin. Correlations between AE and BMI were calculated using Pearson’s, linear mixed effects, and sensitivity analysis models.

Results

The mean (SD) BMI was 30 (8.1) kg/m2, with 16 (30%) patients falling in the underweight/normal category (BMI <25 kg/m2), 10 (20%) overweight patients (25 kg/m2≤ BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2), and 24 (48%) patients considered obese (BMI >30 kg/m2). The mean (SD) AE heights for the left and right ears were 2.5 (1.11) and 2.6 (1.09), respectively. The results of the linear mixed‐effects models indicated little evidence that BMI is associated with AE height when including all patients (partial R2 = 0.040) and when using BMI categories (partial R2 = 0.025).

Conclusion

Contrary to other structures within the lateral skull base, the relative prominence of the arcuate eminence does not correlate with BMI or any other demographic variables.