bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Orthokeratology with Atropine for Children with Myopia: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Suzhen , Wang Jie , Wang Ningli
Published: August 2020

Background: Myopia has become a worldwide public health issue, which is occurring at a younger age, leading to an increased risk of high myopia. Ocular complications associated with high myopia can lead to irreversible vision loss. It is urgent and critical to explore effective treatment to slow down or even stop the progression of myopia in young children. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the additive effects of orthokeratology (OK) and 0.01% atropine ophthalmic solution for myopia in children. Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of science, Ovid, EBSCO host, CNKI, and CBM to collect eligible studies. Efficacy and safety were evaluated in terms of the axial length (AL), uncorrected distant visual acuity (UCVA), corneal endothelial cell density (CECD), and intraocular pressure (IOP). We calculated the weighted mean difference (WMD) and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all outcomes and plotted on forest plots. Results: Four studies were ultimately included, involving a total of 267 subjects. This meta-analysis revealed that the mean AL of the subjects in the experimental group was 0.09 mm less than that of subjects in the control group (WMD = −0.09, 95% CI [−0.15, −0.03], p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in UCVA, CECD, and IOP between the 2 groups (WMD was −0.01 [95% CI: −0.03, 0.01], 11.75 [95% CI: −4.09, 27.58], 0.12 [95% CI: −0.40, 0.63], respectively). None of the studies reported severe adverse events. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the combination of OK and 0.01% atropine is more effective in slowing axial elongation than OK monotherapy in children with myopia in a relatively short duration of treatment. In addition, the combination therapy has no negative influence on UCVA, CECD, and IOP.
Solving optimal reactive power problem by enhanced fruit fly optimization algorithm and status of material algorithm
Authors: Lenin Kanagasabai
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes enhanced fruit fly optimization algorithm (EFF) and status of material algorithm (SMA) to solve the optimal reactive power problem. Fruit fly optimization algorithm is based on the food finding behavior of the fruit fly. There are two steps in food finding procedure of fruit fly: At first it smells the food source by means of osphresis organ and it flies in that direction; afterwards, when it gets closer to the food site, through its sensitive vision it will find the food. At the beginning of the run by diminishing the inertia weight from a large value to a small value, will lead to enhance the global search capability and more local search ability will be in process the end of the run of the EFF algorithm. Then SMA is projected to solve the problem. Three state of material are solid, liquid, and gas. For evolution procedure direction vector operator assign a direction to every molecule consecutively to guide the particle progression. Collision operator imitates the collisions factor in which molecules are interacting to each other. Proposed enhanced EFF, SMA has been tested in standard IEEE 30 bus test system and simulation results show the projected algorithms reduced the real power loss considerably.
Optimal placement of PMU for complete observability of the interconnected power network considering zero-injection bus: A numerical approach
Authors: Babu Rohit , Bhattacharyya Biplab
Published: August 2020

This paper presents an approach to place the phasor measurement unit (PMU)

optimally, which minimizes the setup cost of PMU. This methodology attains complete state estimation of the interconnected power networks. An integer linear programming (ILP) method is explored for the optimal PMU placement problem. It is used to determine the optimal location and minimum number of PMUs necessary to make the interconnected power network completely observable. ILP may provide many solutions if acquainting buses to zero injection buses are unhandled. In the case of more than one solution, a bus observability redundancy index and total system observability redundancy index is proposed to find the most promising solutions set for redundancy measurement. The proposed algorithm is applied to benchmark the optimal PMU placement solutions for the IEEE 14-bus, IEEE 30-bus, New England 39-bus, IEEE 118-bus, and NRPG 246-bus test systems. The obtained results of the proposed approach are compared with the existing standard algorithm, and it is observed that the proposed approach achieves complete observability of the interconnected power network under base-load conditions.
Series active power filter supplied by fuel cell for mitigating power quality issues
Authors: Abdelkader Abdallah Ben , Abdelkhalek Othmane , Mouloudi Youssef , Hartani Mohamed Amine , Slimane Benabid
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the combination of the series active power filter (SAPF) with a fuel cell (FC) source is deliberated. The FC based on the SAPF aims to compensate voltage deviations or disturbances that occur in the system caused by power quality issues. The proposed system consists of a fuel cell source connected to the DC l ink through two DC-DC converters, the first extracts the maximum power of the FC source through pulse width modulation (PWM) signals generated from the maximum power point tracker (MPPT) controller. Thus, the second converter is used to regulate the high voltage side of the converter through closed control loops, in addition to a voltage source inverter (VSI) and a series injection transformer. Despite of fluctuations of the DC link during the compensation of the needed energy, MPPT and closed control loops generate PWM signals to the switching devices of DC-DC boost converters in order to extract maximum fuel cell power and to maintain the bus voltage within its limits and around its reference values respectively. The proposed topology is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink software, where simulation results show that the proposed FC based SAPF can efficiently reduce problems of voltage sags-wells and harmonics.
Numerical analysis of MHD casson fluid flow over an exponentially accelerated vertical plate in embedded porous medium with ramped wall temperature and ramped surface concentration in uniform magnetic field
Authors: Bhaskar Ch. Vijaya , Sheri Siva Reddy , Suram Anjan Kumar
Published: August 2020

Numerical analysis of MHD casson fluid flow over an exponentially accelerated vertical plate in embedded porous medium with ramped wall temperature and ramped surface concentration has investigated in the current investigation. The flow governing dimensional velocity, temperature and concentration differential equations are converted into non dimensional form by using non-dimensional variables. Numerical solutions to the converted equations are obtained by finite element method. The results are presented graphically and in tabular form for various controlling parameters. In order to highlig ht the validity and accuracy of our present method, we have compared our results with the results obtained earlier. A very good validation of the present numerical results has been achieved

.
Control DC link of single-phase dynamic voltage restorer
Authors: Toufik Toumi , Ahmed Allali , Othmane Abdelkhalek , Amine Soumeur Mohammed , Abdelfatah Nasri
Published: August 2020

This paper is aimed to illustrate and expose the performance of single-phase voltage dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) control connected to the electrical distribution grid. This performance is easily expressed by compensating for the sags and the swells voltages, and regulating the voltage across the load by injecting a voltage component in series with the source voltage increased or decreased with respect to the source voltage the load-side waveforms are purely sinusoidal. The integration of serial and chopper converters makes  the DVR capable of bidirectional power flow. The key to this topology is its ability to compensate for sagging and swelling of the voltage in the long run. The modeling of the DVR and the design of its controller is included in this document. Effectiveness of control systems and start-up sequence of DVR operation is verified by detailed simulation studies. The control method used in this work is based on the use of a booster chopper and two cascade loops  to generate the PWM command to control the chopper. The effectiveness  of the suggested method is confirmed by the MATLAB/SIMULINK® simulation results and some prototype experiments. These results show  the capacity of the proposed DC link control.
Pooled Analysis of Bleeding, Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events, and All‐Cause Mortality in Clinical Trials of Time‐Constrained Dual‐Antiplatelet Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: McClure John D. , Ramsay Jennifer C. , Berry Colin
Published: August 2020

Background

The net clinical benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) reflects the paradoxical effects of an increased risk of bleeding and a reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. A time‐constrained approach to DAPT has been recently investigated in 5 multicenter trials including GLOBAL LEADERS, STOPDAPT2 (Short and Optimal Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Everolimus‐Eluting Cobalt‐Chromium Stent‐2), SMART‐CHOICE, TWILIGHT (Ticagrelor With Aspirin or Alone in High‐Risk Patients After Coronary Intervention), and TICO (Ticagrelor Monotherapy After 3 Months in the Patients Treated With New Generation Sirolimus Stent for Acute Coronary Syndrome).

Methods and Results

We undertook a pooled analysis of these trials to assess the overall associations between time‐constrained P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy (aspirin‐free regimen) for bleeding events, major adverse cardiovascular events, and all‐cause mortality as compared to standard care with DAPT for at least 12 months post‐percutaneous coronary intervention. We implemented a DerSimonian and Laird random effects meta‐analysis using the metafor package in R. 32 361 randomized trial participants, including 16 898 (52.2%) who had a history of acute coronary syndrome, underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, and had outcome data available. P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy from 1 to 3 months was associated with a reduced risk for bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] 0.60; 95% CI, 0.45‐0.81), including in the acute coronary syndrome group in which the magnitude of risk reduction was greatest (HR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.41‐0.61). The estimates of the effect of P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy on the HR were also favorable for major adverse cardiovascular events (0.88; 95% CI, 0.77‐1.02) and all‐cause mortality (0.85; 95% CI, 0.71‐1.03).

Conclusions

Compared with DAPT for 12 months post‐percutaneous coronary intervention, P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy from 1 to 3 months substantially reduces the risk of major and fatal bleeding and, in addition, confers potentially protective effects, for major adverse cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality. Considering patient safety, the results support a strategy of DAPT for 1 to 3 months followed by aspirin‐free P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy.
You Take the Low Road and I’ll Take the High Road: Variation in Agreement Structure in Wisconsin Heritage German
Authors: Bousquette Joshua
Published: August 2020

This article presents on interviews with 10 bilingual speakers of American English and Wisconsin Heritage German (WHG), with respect to their licensing of high (NP1) versus low (NP2) agreement. In terms of linguistic typology, English copular constructions license only NP1 agreement, in which the verb agrees in person and number with the first—or syntactically high—nominal element in the clause; Standard German copular constructions license NP2 agreement with the lower nominal element in the clause (though subsequent topicalization of this element is also licit). As a second variable, a subset (7) of these speakers license complementizer agreement (C-agr) in WHG, which obtains from a second, syntactically high agreement structure in the complementizer field, in addition to the canonical German NP2 structure. These data were compared to a control group of the remaining three WHG speakers who did not license C-agr.

Data presented here suggest a bi-directional transfer of both NP1 and NP2 agreement structures for both groups of heritage language (HL) speakers. The control group produced a majority of forms consistent with both English and German language-specific grammars. Evidence of NP2 structures in the control group’s English, however, suggests that these speakers are HL-dominant—since NP2 is categorically prohibited in English. WHG speakers with C-agr, in contrast to the control group, produced a majority of NP1 forms in both languages, with the presence of C-agr being a predicting factor in the presence of NP1 agreement in the English of WHG speakers. It is here argued that the presence of C-agr in the HL is similar to the canonical NP1 structures of Standard English, allowing for overlapping licit NP1 structures in both varieties. Data from Assumed Identify Constructions (AICs) suggests that canonical NP2 agreement in C-agr WHG may have been weakened as a result. This research suggests that even superficially English-like grammar may obtain not from a direct transfer from the L2 into the HL, but rather from the interaction of English grammar with the autochthonous grammatical structures of non-standard HLs.
Breaking Up Verb Clusters: Two-Verb Constructions in Moundridge Schweitzer German
Authors: Joo Hyoun-A
Published: August 2020

Verb clusters are a linguistic phenomenon where two or more verbs align in adjacent order. This paper discusses the structure of a certain type of verb cluster, namely modal infinitivo pro participio (IPP) structures, in main clauses of a moribund heritage variety of German, Moundridge Schweitzer German (MSG), spoken in Kansas. An acceptability judgment task was conducted with twelve participants to investigate two aspects of verb clusters in MSG. The first question concerned the integration of non-verbal elements, here the direct object (DO) and the negation particle (neg), in the verbal complex. The second question investigates whether MSG modal IPPs show variability in verb order, which is an essential characteristic of this type of verb cluster in other verb-cluster languages. The results show that modal IPP constructions in MSG have a fixed 2–3 verb order but allow object scrambling to some degree. Thus, while the ordering of verbs lacks syntactic variability, flexibility and variation are attested in the placement of the non-verbal constituents within the verbal complex. This is interpreted as the retention of an archaic dialectal trait.
The Behavioral Ecology of Sex Tourism: The Consequences of Skewed Sex Ratios
Authors: Kock Florian
Published: August 2020

The operational sex ratio (i.e., the ratio of reproductive-age females to males in a population) shapes both animal and human behavior in important ways. Drawing on research in evolution and ecology, the author proposes that a local male-skewed sex ratio (i.e., a surplus of males) influences local men’s attitudes toward sex tourism. Analyzing historical field (study 1) and experimental data (study 2), the author demonstrates that male-skewed sex ratios increase men’s sex tourism rationalization and intent, while women’s predispositions are not sensitive to sex ratios. Sex tourism is explained as a subconscious ecological plasticity in response to perceived increased intensities of same-sex competition for mates, signaled by male-skewed sex ratios. The findings demonstrate a link between mating ecologies and sex tourism, with the latter serving as a compensatory behavior of same-sex mating competition. This research contributes a novel, biological perspective on sex tourism with implications for future research and practice.
Supporting Students with Visual Impairments Who Are Culturally and Linguistically Diverse: The Role of the Cultural Liaison Within Educational Teams
Authors: Gee Stephanie , Zebehazy Kim T.
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

This study explored the role of the cultural liaison on educational teams that support families from culturally and linguistically diverse (hereafter, diverse) backgrounds who have a child with visual impairment.

Methods:

Focus groups were conducted with teachers of students with visual impairments, cultural liaisons, and classroom teachers, all who had worked with diverse families and students with visual impairments in an urban Canadian school district. Transcripts of the focus groups were coded for common and divergent themes within and across groups.

Results:

The groups identified a need for better understanding the role of the cultural liaison, clearer communication in the translation process including messages that may be lost in translation, and more opportunities for teachers of students with visual impairments and classroom teachers to connect with cultural liaisons to develop cultural competency.

Discussion:

The findings highlight the importance of having access to cultural liaisons and the need to make sure all members are clear about their roles. Cultural liaisons may need additional support about resources from teachers of students with visual impairments, while those same teachers would benefit from understanding the parent perspective on visual impairment.

Implications for practitioners:

Classroom teachers and teachers of students with visual impairments may want to seek out professional development from cultural liaisons. Teachers of students with visual impairments can provide cultural liaisons with a list of common visual impairment terms to allow time for appropriate translation and questions before a meeting. Cultural liaisons may want to ensure that differing cultural viewpoints of the family are communicated clearly to team members and vice versa.
The Incidence of Pediatric Tracheostomy and Its Association Among Black Children
Authors: Brown Clarice , Shah Gopi B. , Mitchell Ron B. , Lenes‐Voit Felicity , Johnson Romaine F.
Published: August 2020

Objective

In 2012, Black or African American children constituted 21% of pediatric tracheostomies while representing approximately 15% of the US population. It is unclear if this discrepancy is due to differences in associated diagnoses. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of pediatric tracheostomy in the United States from 2003 to 2016 and to determine the odds of placement among Black children when compared with other children.

Study Design

Retrospective.

Setting

Academic hospital.

Subjects and Methods

We used the 2003 to 2016 Kid Inpatient Database to determine the incidence of pediatric tracheostomy in the United States and determine the odds of tracheostomy placement in Black children when compared with other children.

Results

A total of 26,034 pediatric tracheostomies were performed between 2003 and 2016, among which, 21% were Black children. The median age was 7 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 0 to 17); 43% were ≤2 years old, and 62% were male. The most common principal diagnosis was respiratory failure (72%). When compared with other children, Black children were more likely to undergo tracheostomy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1‐1.3), which increased among children younger than 2 years old (OR = 1.5; 95% CI, 1.4‐1.5). Black children with tracheostomies were also more likely to be diagnosed with laryngeal stenosis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia and to have an extended length of stay (P <. 001).

Conclusion

Black children are 1.2 times more likely to undergo tracheostomy in the United States compared with other children. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate if there are underlying anatomical, environmental, or psychosocial factors that contribute to this discrepancy.
Droplet and Aerosol Generation With Endonasal Surgery: Methods to Mitigate Risk During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Dharmarajan Harish , Freiser Monika E. , Sim Edward , Boorgu Devi Sai Sri Kavya , Corcoran Timothy E. , Wang Eric W. , Gardner Paul A. , Snyderman Carl H.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To define the aerosol and droplet risks associated with endonasal drilling and to identify mitigation strategies.

Study Design

Simulation series with fluorescent 3‐dimensional (3D) printed sinonasal models and deidentified cadaveric heads.

Settings

Dedicated surgical laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Cadaveric specimens irrigated with fluorescent tracer and fluorescent 3D‐printed models were drilled. A cascade impactor was used to collect aerosols and small droplets of various aerodynamic diameters under 15 µm. Large droplet generation was measured by evaluating the field for fluorescent debris. Aerosol plumes through the nares were generated via nebulizer, and mitigation measures, including suction and SPIWay devices, nasal sheaths, were evaluated regarding reduction of aerosol escape from the nose.

Results

The drilling of cadaveric specimens without flexible suction generated aerosols ≤3.30 µm, and drilling of 3D sinonasal models consistently produced aerosols ≤14.1 µm. Mitigation with SPIWay or diameter‐restricted SPIWay produced same results. There was minimal field contamination in the cadaveric models, 0% to 2.77% field tarp area, regardless of drill burr type or drilling location; cutting burr drilling without suction in the 3D model yielded the worst contamination field (36.1%), followed by coarse diamond drilling without suction (19.4%). The simple placement of a flexible suction instrument in the nasal cavity or nasopharynx led to complete elimination of all aerosols ≤14.1 µm, as evaluated by a cascade impactor positioned immediately at the nares.

Conclusion

Given the findings regarding aerosol risk reduction, we strongly recommend that physicians use a suction instrument in the nasal cavity or nasopharynx during endonasal surgery in the COVID‐19 era.
Effect of a Video-Assisted Teaching Program About ECT on Knowledge and Attitude of Caregivers of Patients with Major Mental Illness
Authors: Nagarajan Padmavathi , Balachandar Gomathi , Menon Vikas , Saravanan Balachandar
Published: August 2020

Background:

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a widely used treatment modality for mental disorders such as major depression, bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) and catatonia. However, it is considered as one of the most controversial and misunderstood procedures, especially among caregivers.

Methods:

An experimental pre-test, post-test design was adopted. Forty caregivers of persons with schizophrenia ( n = 12), depression ( n = 13), BPAD with mania ( n = 8), and BPAD with depression ( n = 7) were selected using convenience sampling. The caregiver’s knowledge and attitude toward ECT were assessed before and after the intervention with a single session video-assisted teaching on ECT. The data collection tool used to assess the caregiver’s knowledge and attitude was based on a pre-validated questionnaire.

Results:

The pre-test evaluation demonstrated poor knowledge among 12 (30%) and a moderate level of knowledge on the remaining 28 (70%) of the study subjects. The attitude scores revealed a neutral attitude among 47.5% and a conservative attitude among 10% of the subjects toward ECT. There was a significant improvement in both mean (±SD) knowledge (13.4 ± 4.7 vs 25.6 ± 2.9) and attitude (10.7 ± 3.5 vs 14.6 ± 3.9) scores following intervention with video-assisted teaching.

Conclusion:

A single session involving video-assisted teaching improves the knowledge and attitude toward ECT among caregivers by removing the myths and misconceptions about ECT.
Cadmium-induced Inhibition of ADH-stimulated Ion Transport in Cultured Kidney-derived Epithelial Cells (A6)
Authors: Bjerregaard Henning F. , Faurskov Brian
Published: August 2020

An epithelial cell line (A6) derived from the distal tubule of toad kidney, was used to study the effect of cadmium (Cd2+) on the increase in active ion transport induced by antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Addition of Cd2+ (1mM) to the basolateral solution of A6 epithelia generated an immediate and transient increase in active ion transport, measured as short circuit current (SCC). This increase was not affected by prior addition of ADH. However, there was a distinct inhibition of ADH-induced stimulation of SCC in epithelia pre-treated with Cd2+. Since cAMP serves as an intracellular messenger for ADH by increasing the ion permeability of the apical membrane in A6 epithelial cells, the effects of Cd2+ on enzymes involved in cAMP metabolism were measured. The results showed that Cd2+ markedly inhibits cAMP production by inhibiting adenylate cyclase (which had been stimulated with forskolin, magnesium or a non-hydrolysed GTP-analog), indicating that Cd2+ inhibits the catalytic subunit of adenylate cyclase. Furthermore, degradation of cAMP by phosphodiesterase was not stimulated by Cd2+, also suggesting that the mechanism by which Cd2+ inhibits the ADH-induced ion transport could be through inhibition of adenylate cyclase. Taken together, these results indicate that, in addition to the well-known toxic effect on the proximal tubule, Cd2+ could also have an effect on the distal part of the kidney, where the important hormonal regulation of salt and water homeostasis takes place.
Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Effects of MEIC Chemicals 31–50 on Primary Culture of Rat Hepatocytes and Hepatic and Non-hepatic Cell Lines
Authors: Ponsoda Xavier , Núñez Cristina , Castell José Vicente , Gómez-Lechón Maria José
Published: August 2020

The cytotoxicities of 20 chemicals (numbers 31–50) from the Multicenter Evaluation of In Vitro Cytotoxicity (MEIC) programme were assessed with a primary culture of rat hepatocytes and with two hepatic cell lines (Hep G2 and FaO) and one non-hepatic cell line (3T3). The cytotoxicities of the chemicals were evaluated by using the MTT test after the cells had been exposed to the chemicals for 24 hours. For a better evaluation of results, dose–response curves were mathematically linearised and cytotoxicity was expressed as IC50 values and IC10 values (the concentration causing 50% and 10% loss of cell viability, respectively). We found that all the compounds showed similar acute basal cytotoxicity in all four cellular systems (regardless of whether the cells were, or were not, metabolically competent or were or were not of human origin). When these results were used to predicit human toxicity in terms of a mathematical parameter (prediction error [PE]), we found that all four systems gave similar predictions of human toxicity. The best cytotoxicity parameter included in the PE calculation was the IC50/10, because of an underestimation of human toxicity by in vitro systems. However, when PEs were calculated for rodent toxicity, better results were obtained. Data from the literature obtained by using other experimental models for predicting human toxicity were analysed according to the same criteria. We conclude that cellular systems are better predictive tools for human toxicity than are prokaryotic cells or whole-organism models.
Effects of Inducers of Drug Metabolism on Cytosolic Glutathione S-transferase Activity in Rat Hepatoma-derived Fa32 Cells
Authors: Dierickx Paul J.
Published: August 2020

Established Fa32 cells, derived from a rat hepatoma, were investigated for their glutathione S-transferase (GST) induction capacity, which is an important characteristic of the detoxification capacity in normal liver. The cells were exposed to inducers of drug metabolism for 3 days in complete medium (containing 10% fetal calf serum). Neither dimethyl sulphoxide nor dimethyl formamide could be used as a vehicle to transport the inducers into the cells, because they also interacted with GST. Phenobarbital, butylated hydroxyanisole, allyl isothio-cyanate and dimethyl fumarate (but not fumaric acid) all effectively increased the total specific GST activity. None of the test chemicals produced a very pronounced induction of specific GST subunits, but subunit 2 and subunit 8 were increased more than the others. The effects of inducers of drug metabolism on the GST activity in Fa32 cells are comparable with those in rat liver. These cells can therefore be used as a valuable alternative model for GST-dependent metabolic interactions in rat liver.
A Call for a European Prohibition of Monoclonal Antibody Production by the Ascites Procedure in Laboratory Animals
Authors: Hendriksen Coenraad F.M.
Published: August 2020

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are particularly valuable in therapeutics and research. Unfortunately, one of the most familiar methods of producing mAbs, the ascites induction method, causes pain and distress to the animals used. In most cases, non-animal or in vitro alternatives can be employed to reduce or eliminate the use of animals for mAb production. Prohibition of the use of animals in the production of mAbs is recommended, except when the replacement in vitro methods prove to be insufficient, and in a limited number of other well-documented cases, such as an exceptional need for an emergency therapeutic application. A total ban on the use of animals for mAb production is impractical and it is imperative that an appeals process should accompany the prohibition. The need for the establishment of core facilities for in vitro mAb production is emphasised.
An Evaluation of the Proposed OECD Testing Strategy for Skin Corrosion
Authors: Worth Andrew P. , Fentem Julia H. , Balls Michael , Botham Philip A. , Curren Rodger D. , Earl Lesley K. , Esdaile David J. , Liebsch Manfred
Published: August 2020

The use of testing strategies which incorporate a range of alternative methods and which use animals only as a last resort is widely considered to provide a reliable way of predicting chemical toxicity while minimising animal testing. The widespread concern over the severity of the Draize rabbit test for assessing skin irritation and corrosion led to the proposal of a stepwise testing strategy at an OECD workshop in January 1996. Subsequently, the proposed testing strategy was adopted, with minor modifications, by the OECD Advisory Group on Harmonization of Classification and Labelling. This article reports an evaluation of the proposed OECD testing strategy as it relates to the classification of skin corrosives. By using a set of 60 chemicals, an assessment was made of the effect of applying three steps in the strategy, taken both individually and in sequence. The results indicate that chemicals can be classified as corrosive (C) or non-corrosive (NC) with sufficient reliability by the sequential application of three alternative methods, i.e., structure-activity relationships (where available), pH measurements, and a single in vitro method (either the rat skin transcutaneous electrical resistance (TER) assay or the EPISKIN™ assay). It is concluded that the proposed OECD strategy for skin corrosion can be simplified without compromising its predictivity. For example, it does not appear necessary to measure acid/alkali reserve (buffering capacity) in addition to pH for the classification of pure chemicals.
Women Left Behind: Migration, Agency, and the Pakistani Woman
Authors: Ahmed Sarah
Published: August 2020

This article examines how migration impacts power dynamics and gender norms for women left behind living in rural Southern Punjab, Pakistan, a site where patriarchal customs and religion are interwoven to confine women’s mobility and agency. Based on qualitative interviews and focus groups with women left behind from 2015 through 2018, this article explores how local rural-to-urban male migration patterns impact the decision-making powers of women who are left behind and must make sense of the family structure and gender dynamics in their homes after their husbands’ exit. This study finds that in the absence of her migrant husband, a woman left behind is still subject to patriarchal norms and surveillance by the remaining in-laws, including other women. Citing specific examples from the field, I explain why women left behind remain close to the very families that confine and monitor their movement, and why, in some cases, women left behind turn a blind eye toward their husband’s second or third marriage. Through an examination of behind-the-scenes negotiations that women left behind make, I argue that women maintain for themselves at surface level the gendered expectations that patriarchy sets for them, but given the opportunity, they can negotiate and bargain their positionality in subtle ways without disrupting the status quo that could otherwise jeopardize their physical safety and social reputation (honor).
Effect of different typical high speed train pantograph recess configurations on aerodynamic noise
Authors: Kim Hogun , Hu Zhiwei , Thompson David
Published: August 2020

For high-speed trains, the aerodynamic noise becomes an essential consideration in the train design. The pantograph and pantograph recess are recognised as important sources of aerodynamic noise. This paper studies the flow characteristics and noise contributions of three typical high-speed train roof configurations, namely a cavity, a ramped cavity and a flat roof with side insulation plates. The Improved Delayed Detached-Eddy Simulation approach is used for the flow calculations and the Ffowcs Williams & Hawkings aeroacoustic analogy is used for far-field acoustic predictions. Simulations are presented for a simplified train body at 1/10 scale and 300 km/h with these three roof configurations. In each case, two simplified pantographs (one retracted and one raised) are located on the roof. Analysis of the flow fields obtained from numerical simulations clearly shows the influence of the train roof configuration on the flow behaviour, including flow separations, reattachment and vortex shedding, which are potential noise sources. A highly unsteady flow occurs downstream when the train roof has a cavity or ramped cavity due to flow separation at the cavity trailing edge, while vortical flow is generated by the side insulation plates. For the ramped cavity configuration, moderately large pressure fluctuations appear on the cavity outside walls in the upstream region due to unsteady flow from the upstream edge of the plate. The raised pantograph, roof cavity, and ramped cavity are identified as the dominant noise sources. When the retracted pantograph is located in the ramped roof cavity, its noise contribution is less important. Furthermore, the insulation plates also generate tonal components in the noise spectra. Of the three configurations considered, the roof cavity configuration radiates the least noise at the side receiver in terms of A-weighted level.
Personal Protective Equipment: Challenges and Strategies to Combat COVID-19 in India: A Narrative Review
Authors: Sharma Neeraj , Hasan Zubeda , Velayudhan Anoop , M. A. Emil , Mangal D. K. , Gupta Shiv Dutt
Published: August 2020

The current outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a pandemic. All COVID-19-affected countries in the world are implementing containment interventions and trying their best to fight against the disease to halt the further spread of the infection and to reduce mortality. The public health workforce and healthcare staff in clinical settings are playing a crucial role in the early detection of cases, contact tracing and treatment of patients. The availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and their consistent, proper use by healthcare providers and public health professionals is a crucial factor in combating any infectious disease in a crisis. The requirement of PPE has exponentially increased, as more and more countries are experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid spread of the pandemic has created a temporary shortage of PPE in many countries, including India. The lack of PPE has affected the morale of healthcare workers (HCWs) and other frontline warriors in fighting the coronavirus disease, as more than 22,000 health workers in 56 countries have suffered from COVID-19. Some of them have succumbed to it across all countries, including India (WHO). We have reviewed the available literature to understand the challenges in ensuring adequate availability and consistent use of PPE and the strategies for the rational use of PPE in India. Our study reveals that India has responded swiftly to enhance the accessibility of PPE and put in place strategies for the judicious use of PPE to reduce the incidence of the COVID-19 infection to a bare minimum in healthcare settings. In the present article, we report the current status of COVID-19 among HCWs. We have reviewed the challenges and the surge strategies adopted by India to produce or procure good-quality PPE and supply it to all service delivery points in adequate quantities.
Chemical Constituents From the Fruits of Xanthium strumarium and Their Antitumor Effects
Authors: Tong Chao , Chen Ri-Hui , Liu Ding-Cheng , Zeng De-Sheng , Liu Hui
Published: August 2020

A new neolignan, (7 S,8 R)- threo-1′-[3′-hydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-8-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydrobenzofuran]acrylaldehyde (1), along with 5 known compounds 2-6, were isolated from the fruits of Xanthium strumarium. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods. All the isolates were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines, including human hepatoma cell line (HepG2), human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), human colon cancer cell line (HCT-116), and human gastric cancer cell line (SGC-7901). Among them, compounds 1 and 3 showed selective cytotoxicity on HepG2 cancer cells with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 10.2 ± 1.2 and 18.3 ± 1.6 μM, respectively. Moreover, compound 5 also exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cancer cells with an IC50 value of 20.5 ± 1.3 μM.
Understanding Corporate Cultures
Authors: Glazner Linda
Published: August 2020

Understanding corporate cultures, generally, and the one in which one works, specifically, can help the occupational health nurse develop and implement intervention strategies specific to the culture of that company. Assessing the company through situational and systems analysis allows occupational health nurses to identify the culture of their occupational setting. Then, using creative strategies, company specific interventions can be suggested. The likelihood of success is greatly increased when culture is considered.
Designing a Respirator Fit Testing Program
Authors: Murphy Denise C.
Published: August 2020

The requirements for adequate respiratory protection for the employees of this agency vary. Therefore, accurate, updated job descriptions are a critical piece of information. Although the agency has made an effort to establish a respiratory protection program, a number of limitations exist when compared to the program components defined in ANSI, NIOSH, and OSHA guidance documents. In response to a request from the agency, the nurse consultant evaluated the existing respiratory protection program and made specific recommendations for improvement.

At this time, the agency has signed a formal agreement with the Division of Federal Occupational Health to request continued assistance with “overhauling” their program. Top management has begun assigning responsibilities for the program to specific individuals, and a centralized database is being set up. The agency has implemented two new DFOH developed forms to improve the testing process, and the nurse consultant has revised the educational/training session to more adequately meet the needs of the work force.

The Agency and DFOH are collaborating on reassessment of employees to correctly assign them to appropriate respiratory risk categories. This will, in turn, affect the medical monitoring needs as well as the educational needs of each individual.
COVID-19 in Renal Transplant Patient Presenting With Active Typical Symptoms and Resolved Atypical Symptoms
Authors: Adapa Sreedhar , Konala Venu Madhav , Naramala Srikanth , Daggubati Subba Rao , Koduri Narayana Murty , Gayam Vijay , Chenna Avantika
Published: August 2020

The novel coronavirus disease has brought the world to standstill with high infectivity and rapid transmission. The disease caused by novel coronavirus is termed as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We present the case of a renal transplant patient who was infected with COVID-19 through community spread and presented with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms. Transplant recipients are particularly vulnerable because of the immunosuppressed state. These patients can shed a virus for a prolonged period and can have a higher load of the virus. There have been no COVID-19 cases transmitted through organ donation. Preinfection immunological impairment can aggravate the severity of the infection. The transplant team plays a crucial role in donor and recipient evaluation and guiding the timing of the transplant. Although specific published data are lacking with regard to transplant recipients, they should follow the same precautions as the general population, like avoiding nonessential travel and practice social distancing.
Cell interactions in the bone marrow microenvironment affecting myeloid malignancies
Authors: Kokkaliaris Konstantinos D. , Scadden David T.
Published: August 2020

The bone marrow is a complex tissue in which heterogeneous populations of stromal cells interact with hematopoietic cells to dynamically respond to organismal needs in defense, hemostasis, and oxygen delivery. Physiologic challenges modify stromal/hematopoietic cell interactions to generate changes in blood cell production. When either stroma or hematopoietic cells are impaired, the system distorts. The distortions associated with myeloid malignancy are reviewed here and may provide opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
The opposite effect of human leukocyte antigen genotypes in sarcoidosis and tuberculosis: a narrative review of the literature
Authors: Malkova Anna , Starshinova Anna , Zinchenko Yulia , Basantsova Natalia , Mayevskaya Vera , Yablonskiy Piotr , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: August 2020

Sarcoidosis and tuberculosis share several similar clinical and pathogenic characteristics that make some researchers consider a common pathogenesis for these diseases. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes are studied both in sarcoidosis and tuberculosis patients, but to our knowledge, there are no comparative studies of genetic predisposition for sarcoidosis and tuberculosis development.

The aim of this review was to analyse the relationship between HLA genotypes and the development of sarcoidosis and tuberculosis. Original and review articles published in various online databases from 1960 to 2019 were studied.

The search results showed opposite effects of the HLA genotypes on predisposition to sarcoidosis or tuberculosis. It was revealed that the genotypes predisposing to the development of sarcoidosis (HLA-DRB1*03/07/15) have protective properties against the development of tuberculosis. Moreover, genotypes causing the development of tuberculosis (HLA-DRB1*04) have a protective effect on the development of sarcoidosis.

The results of this narrative review of the literature may allude to the existence of genetic predispositions that lead to the development of an antibacterial or autoimmune response to mycobacteria.
Hot-Electron-Activated Peroxidase-Mimicking Activity of Ultrathin Pd Nanozymes
Authors: Tang Yonghua , Xiong Xueqing , Xu Chengjie , Yu Deshuai , Huang Yanyan , Lin Changxu , Liu Xiangyang , Lin Youhui
Published: August 2020

Light-activated nanozymes can provide a wealth of new opportunities for the chemical industry and biotechnology. However, present remote-controlled catalytic systems are still far from satisfactory. Herein, we present an interesting example of applying ultrathin Pd nanosheets (Pd NSs) as a light-controllable peroxidase mimic. Since most of Pd atoms are exposed on their surface, Pd NSs with a thickness of 1.1 nm possess high peroxidase-like activity. More importantly, under light excitation, such intrinsic activity can be further activated by a nearly 2.4- to 3.2-fold. Such a phenomenon can be ascribed to the unique optical property of ultrathin Pd NSs, which can efficiently capture photons to generate hot electrons via surface plasmon resonance effect and thus promote the in situ decomposition of H2O2 into reactive oxygen species radicals (O*). This enhanced catalysis can also be used for real-time and highly sensitive colorimetric detection of H2O2. We expect our work can provide valuable insights into the rational design of artificial nanozymes with controllable and efficient activity in biomedical diagnostics, drug delivery, and environmental chemistry.
Diaper-embedded urine test device for the screening of urinary tract infections in children: a cohort study
Authors: Paalanne Niko , Wikstedt Lotta , Pokka Tytti , Salo Jarmo , Uhari Matti , Renko Marjo , Tapiainen Terhi
Published: August 2020

Background

There is a need for an easy and sensitive method for screening of urinary tract infections in young children. We set out to test whether a novel diaper-embedded urine test device is feasible and reliable in screening for urinary tract infections.

Methods

This prospective cohort study consisted of young children examined due to a suspected acute urinary tract infection at the Pediatric Emergency Department of the Oulu University Hospital, Finland. We analyzed the same urine samples using three different methods: 1) a diaper-embedded test device applied to the urine pad within the diaper, 2) a urine sample aspirated from the urine pad for the conventional point-of-care dipstick test, and 3) a urine sample aspirated from the urine pad and analyzed in the laboratory with an automated urine chemistry analyzer. The gold standard for confirming urinary tract infection was quantitative bacterial culture.

Results

Urine samples were available from 565 children. Bacterial culture confirmed urinary tract infection in 143 children. Sensitivity of the positive leukocyte screening of the diaper-embedded urine test device was 93.1% (95% CI: 87.4–96.8) and that of the point-of-care urine dipstick analysis was 95.4% (90.3–98.3) in those with both tests results available (n = 528). The sensitivity of the positive leukocyte test of the diaper-embedded test device was 91.4% (85.4–95.5) and that of the automated analysis was 88.5% (82.0–93.3) in those with both tests available (n = 547). The time to the test result after urination was immediate for the diaper-embedded test, 1–5 min for point-of-care dipstick, and 30–60 min for laboratory-based automated urine chemistry analyzer.

Conclusions

In this prospective study, the diaper-embedded urine test device was an easy and sensitive screening method for UTIs in young children. The main clinical benefit of the diaper-embedded urine test device was that the screening test result was available immediately after urination.
Predicting distribution of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. in China
Authors: Zhuo Zhihang , Xu Danping , Pu Biao , Wang Rulin , Ye Meng
Published: August 2020

Background

With the growth of economic benefits brought by Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. and the increasing market demand, this species has been widely introduced and cultivated in China. It is important to scientifically select suitable areas for artificial planting and promotion, and to understand the status and potential of Z. bungeanum resources.

Results

The maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model and ArcGIS technologies were used to analyze the climatic suitability of Z. bungeanum based on known distribution data, combined with environmental data in China. Z. bungeanum was mainly distributed in subtropical and mid-eastern warm temperate regions. The total suitable area (high and medium suitability) accounted for 32% of China’s total land area, with high suitability areas composing larger percentage, reaching 1.93 × 106 km2. The suitable range (and optimum value) of the key environmental variables affecting the distribution of Z. bungeanum were the maximum temperature in February of 2.8–17.7 °C (10.4 °C), the maximum temperature in March of 8.6–21.4 °C (16.3 °C), the maximum temperature in December of 2.5–17.1 °C (9.9 °C), the maximum temperature in November of 7.7–22.2 °C (14.5 °C) and the mean temperature in March of 3.2–16.2 °C (12.0 °C).

Conclusions

The model developed by MaxEnt was applicable to explore the environmental suitability of Z. bungeanum.