bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Design Mode of In-Seam Gas Extraction Parameters Using Mathematical Modelling—Take Tangan Colliery as an Example
Authors: Xia Tong-qiang , Gao Ke , Ren Hong-yun , He Jiao-fei , Li Zi-long
Published: November 2020

Gas extraction is a practical and effective way to guarantee mining-process safety and deliver greater environmental benefits through reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increase the supply of a valuable clean gas resource. It has been effective in recent years, however it still has a series of problems that need to be solved. Gas extraction design mainly relies on engineering experience rather than quantitative design, resulting in low input-output ratio of gas extraction because of unreasonable design. How to build a bridge of communication between engineers and scientists is the key to realize scientific gas extraction. In this work, taking our previous gas-coal and gas-coal-heat coupling models of gas extraction as the theoretical basis, a new communication and design concept—an engineering design platform for gas extraction—is proposed using the network mode. Through the platform, on- and off-line interactions between service centre (scientific workers) and design objects (enterprises or individuals), such as data transmission, material review, scheme design and reviews, and so on. It greatly improves the efficiency and standardization of gas extraction design. Appling the networked platform, the gas extraction engineering parameters were quantitatively designed in the working face of 3307, Tangan colliery. According to the extraction time, the working face was divided into 6 extraction units. The number of boreholes were 763, the drilling capacity of coal was 0.03 m/t, and the extraction rate of each unit was more than 25%. The networked mode of in-seam gas extraction design would transform the traditional experience to the quantitative mode.
Cooperative Business Intelligence Model Using a Multiagent Platform
Authors: Khozium Mohamed O. , Farooqi Norah S.
Published: November 2020

Modern companies wish to utilize business intelligence (BI) to track and analyze their courses of action. Many BI applications serve this purpose at many levels, starting from documenting and charting and ending with analytics and decision support systems, which are considered a sufficient complement to consultancy and management resources. However, the contemporaneous BI software is missing two functionalities. First, although nearly all applications of the same genre use almost identical concepts, there is no unified application programming interface (API) to enable interaction. The second problem is a consequence of the first issue. Without a unified API, BI applications cannot be integrated, eliminating any possibility of establishing universal platforms for BI distributed services. Lacking these two functionalities makes developers reinvent the wheel with each new implementation. To solve these problems, we propose a platform running a multiagent business intelligence system. This system empowers the available BI resources to serve a larger segment of the BI end-user applications cooperatively. To build this system, we propose a unified model that enables distributive agent-based tasking and cooperative interaction. This allows researchers to cooperate in spreading the multiagent platform’s functionality and helps them proceed toward more detailed analysis considering agents’ construction. Moreover, it will enable BI service providers to cooperatively implement new applications and develop better solutions while maintaining a functional end-user program.
Circulating Tumor Cells and Biomarker Modulation with Olaratumab Monotherapy Followed by Olaratumab plus Doxorubicin: Phase Ib Study in Patients with Soft-Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Martín-Broto Javier , Pousa Antonio López , Brohl Andrew S. , Van Tine Brian A. , Powers Benjamin , Stacchiotti Silvia , Blay Jean-Yves , Hu James S. , Oakley Gerard J. , Wang Hong , Szpurka Anna M. , Levy Donna E. , Mo Gary , Ceccarelli Matteo , Jones Robin L.
Published: November 2020

This phase Ib study enumerated whole blood circulating tumor cells (CTC) and evaluated biomarkers in patients with potentially resectable soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) treated with olaratumab monotherapy (20 mg/kg) for one cycle followed by up to six cycles of olaratumab (20 mg/kg, cycles 1–2; 15 mg/kg, cycles 3–7) plus doxorubicin (75 mg/m2 on day 1). CTCs, platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR), and PDGF ligand expression in tumor tissue pre- and post-olaratumab monotherapy were evaluated. Antitumor activity, safety, pharmacokinetics, and PET/biomarker association with clinical outcome were assessed. Of 51 treated patients, 35, 43, and 37 were evaluable for CTC enumeration, PDGFRs, and PDGF ligand expression, respectively. An increase in CTCs at cycle 1 day 8 was observed, followed by a significant reduction by cycle 3 day 1 or 30-day follow-up. Decrease in CTC counts after olaratumab monotherapy was higher in patients with disease control than without disease control (57.9% vs. 31.2%). Baseline IHC expression was positive in most patients for PDGFRα [n = 31 (72.1%)] and PDGFRβ [n = 36 (83.7%)]. Similar rates were observed post-olaratumab monotherapy [PDGFRα, n = 30 (69.8%); PDGFRβ, n = 33 (76.7%)]. Eleven patients (29.7%) showed a 30% reduction by RT-PCR in PDGFRα at cycle 2. PDGFR expression and PET response showed no correlation with clinical outcome. Safety and pharmacokinetic profiles were consistent with previous reports. This study, the first to use a validated method for CTC detection, confirms that CTC enumeration in STS is feasible. However, no correlation was observed between PDGFRα expression and clinical outcome.
Antibody Co-Administration Can Improve Systemic and Local Distribution of Antibody–Drug Conjugates to IncreaseIn VivoEfficacy
Authors: Ponte Jose F. , Lanieri Leanne , Khera Eshita , Laleau Rassol , Ab Olga , Espelin Christopher , Kohli Neeraj , Matin Bahar , Setiady Yulius , Miller Michael L. , Keating Thomas A. , Chari Ravi , Pinkas Jan , Gregory Richard , Thurber Greg M.
Published: November 2020

Several antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) showing strong clinical responses in solid tumors target high expression antigens (HER2, TROP2, Nectin-4, and folate receptor alpha/FRα). Highly expressed tumor antigens often have significant low-level expression in normal tissues, resulting in the potential for target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) and increased clearance. However, ADCs often do not cross-react with normal tissue in animal models used to test efficacy (typically mice), and the impact of ADC binding to normal tissue antigens on tumor response remains unclear. An antibody that cross-reacts with human and murine FRα was generated and tested in an animal model where the antibody/ADC bind both human tumor FRα and mouse FRα in normal tissue. Previous work has demonstrated that a “carrier” dose of unconjugated antibody can improve the tumor penetration of ADCs with high expression target-antigens. A carrier dose was employed to study the impact on cross-reactive ADC clearance, distribution, and efficacy. Co-administration of unconjugated anti-FRα antibody with the ADC-improved efficacy, even in low expression models where co-administration normally lowers efficacy. By reducing target-antigen–mediated clearance in normal tissue, the co-administered antibody increased systemic exposure, improved tumor tissue penetration, reduced target-antigen–mediated uptake in normal tissue, and increased ADC efficacy. However, payload potency and tumor antigen saturation are also critical to efficacy, as shown with reduced efficacy using too high of a carrier dose. The judicious use of higher antibody doses, either through lower DAR or carrier doses, can improve the therapeutic window by increasing efficacy while lowering target-mediated toxicity in normal tissue.
Protective Effect of miR-340-5p against Brain Injury after Intracerebral Hemorrhage by Targeting PDCD4
Authors: Zhou Wei , Huang Guandong , Ye Jueming , Jiang Jiamei , Xu Qing
Published: November 2020

Objective: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a common cerebrovascular disease. Increasing evidence has documented the crucial role of microRNAs in ICH. The present study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of miR-340-5p in ICH. Methods: The collagenase-induced ICH rat model was established. The neurological function of rats and the cerebral water content of rat brain tissue were measured to assess the brain injury. BV-2 cells were recruited and treated by LPS to mimic ICH-induced inflammatory response. qRT-PCR was used for the measurement of miR-340-5p. The protein levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were detected using ELISA. Luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to confirm the target gene. Results: Downregulation of miR-340-5p was detected in the serum of ICH patients and the brain tissues of ICH rats. Overexpression of miR-340-5p reversed the influence of ICH on the neurological function score and cerebral water content and inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), which were induced by ICH in vivo. In in vitro study, levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly enhanced in cells after LPS treatment, but these increases were eliminated by overexpression of miR-340-5p. PDCD4 was a direct target gene of miR-340-5p. Conclusion: miR-340-5p protects against brain injury after ICH. miR-340-5p might exert an anti-inflammatory effect during the occurrence of ICH via targeting PDCD4.
Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (2019 Edition)
Authors: Zhou Jian , Sun Huichuan , Wang Zheng , Cong Wenming , Wang Jianhua , Zeng Mengsu , Zhou Weiping , Bie Ping , Liu Lianxin , Wen Tianfu , Han Guohong , Wang Maoqiang , Liu Ruibao , Lu Ligong , Ren Zhengang , Chen Minshan , Zeng Zhaochong , Liang Ping , Liang Changhong , Chen Min , Yan Fuhua , Wang Wenping , Ji Yuan , Yun Jingping , Cai Dingfang , Chen Yongjun , Cheng Wenwu , Cheng Shuqun , Dai Chaoliu , Guo Wenzhi , Hua Baojin , Huang Xiaowu , Jia Weidong , Li Yaming , Li Yexiong , Liang Jun , Liu Tianshu , Lv Guoyue , Mao Yilei , Peng Tao , Ren Weixin , Shi Hongcheng , Shi Guoming , Tao Kaishan , Wang Wentao , Wang Xiaoying , Wang Zhiming , Xiang Bangde , Xing Baocai , Xu Jianming , Yang Jiamei , Yang Jianyong , Yang Yefa , Yang Yunke , Ye Shenglong , Yin Zhengyu , Zhang Bixiang , Zhang Boheng , Zhang Leida , Zhang Shuijun , Zhang Ti , Zhao Yongfu , Zheng Honggang , Zhu Jiye , Zhu Kangshun , Liu Rong , Shi Yinghong , Xiao Yongsheng , Dai Zhi , Teng Gaojun , Cai Jianqiang , Wang Weilin , Cai Xiujun , Li Qiang , Shen Feng , Qin Shukui , Dong Jiahong , Fan Jia
Published: November 2020

Background: Primary liver cancer, around 90% are hepatocellular carcinoma in China, is the fourth most common malignancy and the second leading cause of tumor-related death, thereby posing a significant threat to the life and health of the Chinese people. Summary: Since the publication of Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer (2017 Edition) in 2018, additional high-quality evidence has emerged with relevance to the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of liver cancer in and outside China that requires the guidelines to be updated. The new edition (2019 Edition) was written by more than 70 experts in the field of liver cancer in China. They reflect the real-world situation in China regarding diagnosing and treating liver cancer in recent years. Key Messages: Most importantly, the new guidelines were endorsed and promulgated by the Bureau of Medical Administration of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China in December 2019.
Factors Influencing Total Serum IgE in Adults: The Role of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Carballo Iago , Alonso-Sampedro Manuela , Gonzalez-Conde Elena , Sanchez-Castro Juan , Vidal Carmen , Gude Francisco , Gonzalez-Quintela Arturo
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim: Few reports have investigated the association between metabolic abnormalities (obesity and related metabolic syndrome) and total serum IgE concentrations. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a random sample of 1,516 adult individuals (44.7% men, aged 18–91 years, median 52 years) from a single municipality in Spain. Serum IgE was measured in the ADVIA Centaur system. Atopy was defined by the presence of positive skin prick tests to a panel of common aeroallergens in the area. Body mass index and data related to the definition of metabolic syndrome were obtained from all participants. Alcohol consumption, smoking, and regular physical exercise were assessed by a questionnaire. Results: Atopy (present in 21.9% of 1,514 evaluable individuals) was the strongest factor determining serum IgE concentrations. Male sex and heavy alcohol drinking were independently associated with higher IgE concentrations, particularly in the non-atopic individuals. Body mass index was positively associated with IgE concentrations, independent of potential confounders, although the effect was only evident among non-atopic individuals. In that group, median IgE concentrations in normal-weight and obese individuals were 15 and 24 kU/L, respectively (p < 0.001); likewise, obesity was associated with high (>100 kU/L) IgE concentrations after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio: 1.79, 95% confidence interval: 1.26–2.56, p = 0.001). The presence of metabolic syndrome and its components, particularly abdominal obesity and hyperglycaemia, was also positively and independently associated with higher IgE concentrations in non-atopic individuals. Conclusions: Obesity and metabolic syndrome components are associated with high total serum IgE concentrations, particularly in non-atopic individuals.
Comprehensive Geriatric Care to Improve Mobility after Hip Fracture: An RCT
Authors: Cook Wendy L. , Brasher Penelope M.A. , Guy Pierre , Bryan Stirling , Donaldson Meghan G. , Sims-Gould Joanie , McKay Heather A. , Khan Karim M. , Ashe Maureen C.
Published: November 2020

Background: Comprehensive geriatric care (CGC) for older adults during hospitalization for hip fracture can improve mobility, but it is unclear whether CGC delivered after a return to community living improves mobility compared with usual post-discharge care. Objective: To determine if an outpatient clinic-based CGC regime in the first year after hip fracture improved mobility performance at 12 months. Methods: A two-arm, 1:1 parallel group, pragmatic, single-blind, single-center, randomized controlled trial at 3 hospitals in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Participants were community-dwelling adults, aged ≥65 years, with a hip fracture in the previous 3–12 months, who had no dementia and walked ≥10 m before the fracture occurred. Target enrollment was 130 participants. Clinic-based CGC was delivered by a geriatrician, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist. Primary outcome was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB; 0–12) at 12 months. Results: We randomized 53/313 eligible participants with a mean (SD) age of 79.7 (7.9) years to intervention (n = 26) and usual care (UC, n = 27), and 49/53 (92%) completed the study. Mean 12-month (SD) SPPB scores in the intervention and UC groups were 9.08 (3.03) and 8.24 (2.44). The between-group difference was 0.9 (95% CI –0.3 to 2.0, p = 0.13). Adverse events were similar in the 2 groups. Conclusion: The small sample size of less than half our recruitment target precludes definitive conclusions about the effect of our intervention. However, our results are consistent with similar studies on this population and intervention.
The Addition of Propylene Glycol Alginate to a Fluoride Solution to Control Enamel Wear: An in situ Study
Authors: Sakae Letícia Oba , Niemeyer Samira Helena , Bezerra Sávio José Cardoso , Borges Alessandra Buhler , Turssi Cecilia Pedroso , Scaramucci Taís
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of propylene glycol alginate (PGA) associated with sodium fluoride (NaF) against enamel erosion and erosion-abrasion. A 4-phase, split-mouth, double-blind, crossover in situ trial was conducted with the following solutions: F + PGA (225 ppm F– + 0.1% PGA), F (225 ppm F–), F + Sn (225 ppm F– + SnCl2, 800 ppm Sn2+), and negative control (distilled water). In each phase, 12 subjects wore removable mandibular appliances containing 4 enamel specimens, which were submitted either to erosion or to erosion-abrasion challenges for 5 days. Acquired salivary pellicle was formed in situ for 2 h. Erosion-abrasion consisted of acid challenge (1% citric acid solution, pH 2.3, 5 min, 4×/day), exposure to saliva in situ (2 h, 4×/day), brushing (5 s, total 2 min exposure to the slurry), and treatment with the solutions (2 min, 2×/day). For erosion, the same procedures were performed, without brushing. At the end, surface loss (SL; in μm) was evaluated by means of optical profilometry. KOH-soluble fluoride was quantified for erosion-only groups using extra specimens. For both challenges, the SL values found for F + PGA did not differ significantly from those of F and the negative control, and the SL value shown for F + Sn was significantly the lowest. Erosion-abrasion promoted significantly higher SL values than erosion. KOH-soluble fluoride analysis showed that F + Sn had a higher fluoride concentration in comparison with the negative control and F, while F + PGA did not differ from any of the other groups. In conclusion, PGA was not able to improve the protective effect of NaF against erosive enamel wear.
Febuxostat Attenuates the Induction of Vascular Cell Adhesion Protein 1 by TNF-α in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Suzuki Yasuhiro , Deguchi Mari , Furuya Airi , Kato Sayuki , Ohta Shoichiro
Published: November 2020

In a randomized trial, higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was observed in treatment with febuxostat than with allopurinol in patients with coexisting gout and serious cardiovascular conditions. In this study, we focus on an intervention of febuxostat or allopurinol as an anti-inflammatory treatment to reduce the transcription of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and production of relevant inflammatory factors. We evaluated the effect of febuxostat on vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) induction in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cells were exposed to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (10 ng/mL) treatment for 24 h. Febuxostat or allopurinol (0.1–100 μM) was added to the bath medium 15 min before TNF-α treatment. VCAM-1 levels in HUVECs increased after 24-h TNF-α treatment (n = 4). Febuxostat and allopurinol significantly suppressed VCAM-1 induced by treatment with TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05, n = 4). Furthermore, these drugs suppressed the NF-κB protein levels in the nucleus 4 h after TNF-α treatment (n = 3 or 4). Our results suggest that TNF-α induces VCAM-1 production via NF-κB, which can be blocked by febuxostat or allopurinol. The effect of febuxostat treatment on cardiovascular events may be associated with protection against the infiltration of lymphocytes or monocytes through VCAM-1 induction in inflamed endothelial cells such as arterial sclerosis.
Conventional Direct Smear Yields Diagnostic Indicators of Gastric-Type Mucinous Carcinoma Compared with Cytomorphological Features Identified by Liquid-Based Cervical Cytology
Authors: Ryu Ayumi , Nagata Shigenori , Kubo Chiaki , Ueda Yuko , Tanada Satoshi , Idota Atsushi , Kamiura Shoji , Honma Keiichiro , Yamasaki Tomoyuki
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Gastric-type mucinous carcinoma (GAS) of the uterine cervix is an adenocarcinoma subtype with a gastric phenotype that poses diagnostic pitfalls in cervical screening cytology because of its blunt morphologic atypia and the limited utility of human papillomavirus testing and ancillary immunochemical staining. Despite the recent widespread uptake of liquid-based cytology (LBC) systems, the cytomorphological features of GAS in LBC samples and the differential features between GAS and usual-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (UEA) remain unclear. Methods: Eight GAS cases, all of which were surgically treated following histological confirmation, were examined. Direct Papanicolaou-stained smears and LBC samples were reviewed and compared with 10 UEA cases as controls. Featured cytomorphological findings were as follows: background (mucinous, inflammatory, or necrotic), cell crowding (size of neoplastic cell clusters), cytoplasm (golden mucin and cell border), and nuclei (nuclear chromatin and nucleoli). Results: Of 18 adenocarcinomas, 16 were detected against a non-mucinous background in LBC samples, most of which were accompanied by mild to moderate inflammation. Clusters comprising >300 neoplastic cells were identified in both GAS and UEA in conventional smears (CSs), while no LBC samples harboured clusters as large as these. Cell borders of GAS were more distinct than those of UEA in CSs (p < 0.001), although fewer populations of neoplastic clusters revealed distinct cell borders in both GAS and UEA in LBC samples. Three of 8 and 2 of 8 GAS cases had golden mucin in CSs and in LBC samples, respectively, which was not detected in UEA at all. Nucleoli against fine nuclear chromatin were more pronounced in GAS than in UEA on CS (p = 0.03), although the difference between GAS and UEA was not apparent in LBC samples. Discussion/Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the diagnostic clues to detect GAS using the conventional approach, namely distinct cell borders and prominent nucleoli, are not useful for excluding UEA in LBC samples. Conventional cervical smears may indicate a diagnosis of GAS; however, specific high-risk HPV detection approaches, such as HPV test or immunocytochemical p16/Ki-67 dual staining, are desirable to differentiate GAS from UEA in the setting of LBC with ambiguous cytomorphological features.
Left Atrial Size and Ischemic Events after Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Tokunaga Keisuke , Koga Masatoshi , Yoshimura Sohei , Okada Yasushi , Yamagami Hiroshi , Todo Kenichi , Itabashi Ryo , Kimura Kazumi , Sato Shoichiro , Terasaki Tadashi , Inoue Manabu , Shiokawa Yoshiaki , Takagi Masahito , Kamiyama Kenji , Tanaka Kanta , Takizawa Shunya , Shiozawa Masayuki , Okuda Satoshi , Kameda Tomoaki , Nagakane Yoshinari , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Shibuya Satoshi , Ito Yasuhiro , Matsuoka Hideki , Takamatsu Kazuhiro , Nishiyama Kazutoshi , Kario Kazuomi , Yagita Yoshiki , Mizoguchi Tadataka , Fujita Kyohei , Ando Daisuke , Kumamoto Masaya , Miwa Kaori , Arihiro Shoji , Toyoda Kazunori ,   for the SAMURAI Study Investigators
Published: November 2020

Background: The present study aimed to clarify the association between left atrial (LA) size and ischemic events after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods: Acute ischemic stroke or TIA patients with NVAF were enrolled. LA size was classified into normal LA size, mild LA enlargement (LAE), moderate LAE, and severe LAE. The ischemic event was defined as ischemic stroke, TIA, carotid endarterectomy, carotid artery stenting, acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention, systemic embolism, aortic aneurysm rupture or dissection, peripheral artery disease requiring hospitalization, or venous thromboembolism. Results: A total of 1,043 patients (mean age, 78 years; 450 women) including 1,002 ischemic stroke and 41 TIA were analyzed. Of these, 351 patients (34%) had normal LA size, 298 (29%) had mild LAE, 198 (19%) had moderate LAE, and the remaining 196 (19%) had severe LAE. The median follow-up duration was 2.0 years (interquartile range, 0.9–2.1). During follow-up, 117 patients (11%) developed at least one ischemic event. The incidence rate of total ischemic events increased with increasing LA size. Severe LAE was independently associated with increased risk of ischemic events compared with normal LA size (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–3.00). Conclusion: Severe LAE was associated with increased risk of ischemic events after ischemic stroke or TIA in patients with NVAF.
Apparently Minor Head Trauma Can Lead to Anosmia: A Case Report
Authors: Zang Yunpeng , Hähner Antje , Negoias Simona , Lakner Theresa , Hummel Thomas
Published: November 2020

We report the case of a 49-year-old female patient who suffered from anosmia following an apparently mild head trauma when bumping into a door at her home. She reported no other accompanying symptoms after the injury that day. Olfactory function was completely lost, which was noted the day after the trauma. Gustatory function remained normal. Magnetic resonance imaging indicated lesions/bleeding in the right frontal lobe and in the area of the olfactory sulcus/bulb. The present case indicates that in case of apparently mild head trauma with anosmia, an MRI scan of the head should be performed because of suspect brain damage. This case also points to the deeper question how to gauge severity of head trauma.
Charcot and His Passion for Dogs: A Historical Note
Authors: Nascimento Fábio A. , Camargo Carlos Henrique Ferreira , Walusinski Olivier , Teive Hélio Afonso Ghizoni
Published: November 2020

Jean-Martin Charcot, one of the most brilliant neurologists in history, was a man of few words and few gestures. He had an impenetrable and unmovable face and was described as being austere, reserved, and shy. In contrast, in his personal life, he was a softhearted man who loved animals – especially dogs. In this historical note, we sought to look into the past and learn more about Dr. Charcot’s personal life – which was robustly impacted by his passion for dogs.
Hyperhaemolytic Syndrome in Sickle Cell Disease: Clearing the Cobwebs
Authors: Madu Anazoeze Jude , Ugwu Angela Ogechukwu , Efobi Chilota
Published: November 2020

Sickle cell disease (SCD) presents with a dynamic background of haemolysis and deepening anaemia. This increases the demand for transfusion if any additional strain on haemopoiesis is encountered due to any other physiological or pathological causes. Patients with cerebrovascular accidents are placed on chronic blood transfusion; those with acute sequestration and acute chest syndrome are likewise managed with blood transfusion. These patients are prone to develop complications of blood transfusion including alloimmunization and hyperhaemolytic syndrome (HHS). This term is used to describe haemolysis of both transfused and “own” red cells occurring during or post-transfusion in sickle cell patients. Hyperhaemolysis results in worsening post-transfusion haemoglobin due attendant haemolysis of both transfused and autologous red cells. The mechanism underlying this rare and usually fatal complication of SCD has been thought to be secondary to changes in the red cell membrane with associated immunological reactions against exposed cell membrane phospholipids. The predisposition to HHS in sickle cell is also varied and the search for a prediction pattern or value has been evasive. This review discusses the pathogenesis, risk factors and treatment of HHS, elaborating on what is known of this rare condition.
Development of New‐Onset or Progressive Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Permanent HIS Bundle Pacing Versus Right Ventricular Pacing: Results From the RUSH HBP Registry
Authors: Ravi Venkatesh , Beer Dominik , Pietrasik Grzegorz M. , Hanifin Jillian L. , Ooms Sara , Ayub Muhammad Talha , Larsen Timothy , Huang Henry D. , Krishnan Kousik , Trohman Richard G. , Vijayaraman Pugazhendhi , Sharma Parikshit S.
Published: November 2020

Background

Conventional right ventricular pacing (RVP) has been associated with an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to compare the occurrence of new‐onset AF and assessed AF disease progression during long‐term follow‐up between His bundle pacing (HBP) and RVP.

Methods and Results

We included patients undergoing initial dual‐chamber pacemaker implants at Rush University Medical Center between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2019. A total of 360 patients were evaluated, and 225 patients (HBP, n=105; RVP, n=120) were included in the study. Among the 148 patients (HBP, n=72; RVP, n=76) with no history of AF, HBP demonstrated a lower risk of new‐onset AF (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% CI, 0.28–0.99;
P
=0.046) compared with traditional RVP. This benefit was observed with His or RVP burden exceeding 20% (HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.13–0.64;
P
=0.002), ≥40% (HR, 0.31;
P
=0.007), ≥60% (HR, 0.35;
P
=0.015), and ≥80% (HR, 0.40;
P
=0.038). There was no difference with His or RV pacing burden <20% (HR, 0.613; 95% CI, 0.213–1.864;
P
=0.404). In patients with a prior history of AF, there was no difference in AF progression (
P
=0.715); however, in a subgroup of patients with a pacing burden ≥40%, HBP demonstrated a trend toward a lower risk of AF progression (HR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.03–1.16;
P
=0.072).

Conclusions

HBP demonstrated a lower risk of new‐onset AF compared with RVP, which was primarily observed at a higher pacing burden.
Looking Forward Looking Back: Customary International Law, Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Esterling Shea
Published: November 2020

Two of the most laudable achievements of human rights are the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (udhr) and the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (undrip). Aside from advancing human rights, both are examples of soft law. For the undrip, this soft law status has generated significant controversy which is evocative of the earlier debate surrounding the legal status of the udhr. Yet unexamined, this article analyses this contemporary controversy surrounding the undrip in light of the historical debate surrounding the legal status of the udhr. Fleshing out points of convergence and divergence, these debates unearth narratives which shed light on the claims and advocacy strategies of Indigenous Peoples and the role of customary international law within human rights. Ultimately, it reveals that these narratives do little to secure the enforcement of indigenous rights.
Publishing in Africa
Authors: Zell Hans M.
Published: November 2020

This two-part article is a sequel to a two-part paper published in Logos in 2008–2009. It provides a round-up of the current situation of the book industry in Africa today (primarily that in English-speaking sub-Saharan Africa), together with a brief review of the activities of the various organizations that have supported African publishing over the years. Part 1 examines the persistent failure of African governments to support their book industries and public libraries in a tangible and positive fashion. It reviews the current status of book development councils in Africa, the unsatisfactory progress in establishing national book policies, the challenges of generating book industry data, and the opportunities presented to African publishers by the new digital environment. An Appendix provides a list of conferences, meetings, and seminars on publishing and book development held in Africa between 1968 and 2019. Part 2 of this article will appear in Logos, 30 (4).
New insights on the systematics and reproductive behaviour in tree frogs of the genus Feihyla, with description of a new related genus from Asia (Anura, Rhacophoridae)
Authors: BIJU S. D. , GARG SONALI , GOKULAKRISHNAN G. , CHANDRAKASAN SIVAPERUMAN , THAMMACHOTI PANUPONG , REN JINLONG , GOPIKA C. , BISHT KARAN , HAMIDY AMIR , SHOUCHE YOGESH
Published: November 2020

The taxonomy of the Asian tree frog genus Feihyla has been in a state of flux ever since its proposal in 2006. Allocation of species to Feihyla remains confusing, particularly with respect to the closely related genus Chirixalus (formerly Chiromantis sensu lato). At the same time, several Chirixalus species are known only from cursory descriptions and remain poorly studied. In this study, we review the systematics of the genus Feihyla and clarify the generic placement of its members along with all other species currently assigned to Chirixalus. Based on integrative evidence gathered from new collections, examination of types and original descriptions, morphological comparisons, phylogenetic relationships inferred from a multi-gene (three mitochondrial + two nuclear) 1,937 bp dataset, as well as reproductive modes including egg-laying, nesting behaviour, and clutch morphology, our results show that the six species formerly attributed to Feihyla represent three morphologically and phylogenetically distinct groups: (1) the type species of the genus, F. palpebralis, along with F. fuhua constitute the Feihyla palpebralis group or Feihyla sensu stricto; (2) F. inexpectata and F. kajau represent the Feihyla vittiger group and are closely related to the Feihyla palpebralis group; (3) ‘F. hansenae’ and ‘F. vittata’ constitute another distinct and reciprocally monophyletic lineage, more closely related to Chirixalus + Chiromantis. In light of long-standing taxonomic confusions and unresolved phylogenetic relationships, we propose recognition of a new genus to accommodate ‘F. hansenae’ and ‘F. vittata’ in order to stabilise the classification of several Asian rhacophorid species that have been frequently confused and transferred within the Chirixalus–Chiromantis–Feihyla complex. Based on integrative evidence, eight species previously attributed to the genus Chirixalus or Feihyla are formally transferred to Rohanixalus gen. nov., two Chirixalus members are allocated to Feihyla, and one synonymised with Rhacophorus bipunctatus. In addition, we report the first member of the tree frog family Rhacophoridae from the Andaman Islands of India—Rohanixalus vittatus, along with description of its male advertisement call, reproductive behaviour including parental care by the female, and larval morphology. Extended distributions are also provided for Rohanixalus species across Northeast India. The study further reveals the presence of potentially undescribed diversity in the new genus. Altogether, the revised classification and novel insights presented herein will facilitate a better working taxonomy for four phylogenetically distinct but morphologically related groups of Old World tree frogs.
New species and records of the genus Ammophila W. Kirby, 1798 (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)
Authors: OLSZEWSKI PIOTR , DANILOV YURIY N.
Published: November 2020

Ammophila kowalczyki sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae), a new species from Iran, is described and illustrated. In addition, new data on the distribution of six other species of Ammophila are given, among them Ammophila insignis F. Smith, 1856 from the United Arab Emirates, Ammophila laevicollis Ed. André, 1886 and Ammophila terminata F. Smith, 1856 from Spain. Of the other three, Ammophila sarekandana Balthasar, 1957 and Ammophila rauschi Dollfuss, 2013 are reported for the first time from Tajikistan, and Ammophila formosensis Tsuneki, 1971 is reported from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
A new fossil record of Lymexylidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) from mid-Cretaceous amber of northern Myanmar
Authors: CHEN XIN-YU , ZHANG HUA-CHUAN
Published: November 2020

The fossil ship-timber beetle, Adamas hukawngensis gen. et sp.n., is described and defined based on one well preserved specimen in mid-Cretaceous amber from the Hukawng Valley in Northern Myanmar. The new species can be readily distinguished from all other extinct and recent members of the family due to the presence of a lozenge-shaped scutellum with a meso-longitudinal groove. Modifications of lymexylid metathoracic wing venation and palaeobiomigratory significance are briefly discussed.
4. Diderot the Physiologist
Authors: Warman Caroline
Published: November 2020

This chapter compares Diderot’s Éléments de physiologie with other introductory works to the field of physiology written during the mid-to-late-eighteenth century. Warman first shows how the definition of ‘physiology’ remained unfixed throughout this period, referring to both the specific ‘economy of the human body’ and more general concerns about life and health. A more major debate raged between materialist and vitalist thinkers; the former group perceived the body as a machine whereas the latter argued for the existence of a vital principle within all living organisms. Drawing ideas from both these frameworks, as well as from his own grounded knowledge of chemistry, Diderot developed a unique strand of materialist vitalism which saw all human beings as conjoined masses of nature, matter, life, and sensation. The chapter also chronologically tracks the publication of various writings on physiology from 1747 to 1833, using the preeminent Swiss physiologist Albrecht von Haller as a reference point for every subsequent work discussed within this section. While the Éléments contains a significant amount of Hallerian physiology, its organisation of material vastly differs from Haller’s eight-volume Primae lineae. Warman ultimately argues that Diderot, with his concise descriptions, sharp writing style, frequent references to medical anecdotes, and anti-abstract approach to the human body, provided a superior introduction to physiology than any of his contemporaries.
12. 1823: Naigeon’s Mémoires historiques et philosophiques sur la vie et les ouvrages de Denis Diderot
Authors: Warman Caroline
Published: November 2020

In her final chapter, Warman argues that Naigeon’s Mémoires historiques et philosophiques constitutes the first print publication of two of Diderot’s most innovative texts: his Éléments de physiologie and Le Rêve de d’Alembert. Warman first gives a rapid sketch of the Mémoires, revealing how Naigeon provides both a complete history of Diderot’s work and a detailed study of the philosopher’s unpublished manuscripts. Seventy-eight pages of the Mémoires form an intricate mosaic of quotation from the Éléments and Le Rêve as Naigeon cuts, reorders, and knits together both individual sentences and entire passages from each of these works. At the end of this textual collage, Naigeon admits that his abridged version of Diderot’s writing remains inferior to the source text(s). From this, Warman deduces that Naigeon must have had unprecedented access to multiple manuscript variants of the Éléments. By highlighting disparities in lexis and structure between an early St Petersburg draft of the Éléments and a mature draft held in the Bibliothèque nationale de France, Warman illustrates how Naigeon fluidly switches between these two manuscript versions within the Mémoires.
Synthesis of Co3O4 Nanomaterial with Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide Using Sol–Gel Method in Environmentally Benevolent Aqueous Media
Authors: Godse Jagannath S. , Gaikwad Santosh B. , Bhise Vishal B. , Pawar Rajendra P. , Ubale Sanjay B.
Published: November 2020

A new green synthetic approach of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanomaterial with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) using the sol–gel method was investigated. In this preparation, water is considered as a core solvent, and the synthetic approach is environmentally
advantageous because of its low cost, easy preparation, and industrial viability due to this solvent. Investigation of nanomaterial have been done by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-Visible), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
(EDX), and fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Highly dispersed characterization results were shown by synthesized nanomaterial. This green approach proves an effective, eco-friendly, simple and valuable approach for the synthesis of Co3O4 nanomaterial.
Attribution of Extreme Precipitation with Updated Observations and CMIP6 Simulations
Authors: Dong Siyan , Sun Ying , Li Chao , Zhang Xuebin , Min Seung-Ki , Kim Yeon-Hee
Published: November 2020

While the IPCC Fifth Assessment Working Group I report assessed observed changes in extreme precipitation on the basis of both absolute and percentile-based extreme indices, human influence on extreme precipitation has rarely been evaluated on the basis of percentile-based extreme indices. Here we conduct a formal detection and attribution analysis on changes in four percentile-based precipitation extreme indices. The indices include annual precipitation totals from days with precipitation exceeding the 99th and 95th percentiles of wet-day precipitation in 1961–90 (R99p and R95p) and their contributions to annual total precipitation (R99pTOT and R95pTOT). We compare these indices from a set of newly compiled observations during 1951–2014 with simulations from models participating in phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). We show that most land areas with observations experienced increases in these extreme indices with global warming during the historical period 1951–2014. The new CMIP6 models are able to reproduce these overall increases, although with considerable over- or underestimations in some regions. An optimal fingerprinting analysis reveals detectable anthropogenic signals in the observations of these indices averaged over the globe and over most continents. Furthermore, signals of greenhouse gases can be separately detected, taking other forcing into account, over the globe and over Asia in these indices except for R95p. In contrast, signals of anthropogenic aerosols and natural forcings cannot be detected in any of these indices at either global or continental scales.
Impact of Sea Ice Reduction in the Barents and Kara Seas on the Variation of the East Asian Trough in Late Winter
Authors: Xu Mian , Tian Wenshou , Zhang Jiankai , Wang Tao , Qie Kai
Published: November 2020

Using the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) interim reanalysis (ERA-Interim) dataset and the Specified Chemistry Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM-SC), the impacts of sea ice reduction in the Barents–Kara Seas (BKS) on the East Asian trough (EAT) in late winter are investigated. Results from both reanalysis data and simulations show that the BKS sea ice reduction leads to a deepened EAT in late winter, especially in February, while the EAT axis tilt is not sensitive to the BKS sea ice reduction. Further analysis shows that the BKS sea ice reduction influences the EAT through the tropospheric and stratospheric pathways. For the tropospheric pathway, the results from a linearized barotropic model and Rossby wave ray tracing model reveal that long Rossby wave trains stimulated by the BKS sea ice loss propagate downstream to the North Pacific, strengthening the EAT. For the stratospheric pathway, the upward planetary waves enhanced by the BKS sea ice reduction shift the subpolar westerlies near the tropopause southward. With the critical lines displaced equatorward, the poleward transient eddies break at lower latitudes, shifting the eddy momentum deposit throughout the troposphere equatorward. Tropospheric westerlies maintained by eddy momentum deposit are also shifted southward, inducing the cyclonic anomalies over the North Pacific and deepening the EAT in late winter. Nudging experiments show that the tropospheric pathway only contributes to around 29.7% of the deepening of the EAT in February induced by the BKS sea ice loss, while the remaining 70.3% is caused by stratosphere–troposphere coupling.
Diagnosing the Scale- and Space-Dependent Horizontal Eddy Diffusivity at the Global Surface Ocean
Authors: Nummelin Aleksi , Busecke Julius J. M. , Haine Thomas W. N. , Abernathey Ryan P.
Published: November 2020

Oceanic tracers are transported by oceanic motions of all scales, but only the large-scale motions are resolved by the present-day Earth system models. In these models, the unresolved lateral sub-gridscale tracer transport is generally parameterized through diffusive closures with a scale-independent diffusion coefficient. However, evidence from observations and theory suggests that diffusivity varies spatially and is length-scale dependent. Here we provide new scale-dependent quantification of the global surface diffusivities. To this end we use a recently developed statistical inversion method, MicroInverse, to diagnose horizontal surface diffusivities from observed sea surface temperature and idealized model simulation. We compare the results to theoretical estimates of mixing by the large-scale shear and by the sub-gridscale velocity fluctuations. The diagnosed diffusivity magnitude peaks in the tropics and western boundary currents with minima in the subtropical gyres (~3000 and ~100 m2 s−1) at ~40-km scale, respectively. Focusing on the 40–200-km length scale range, we find that the diffusivity magnitude scales with the length scale to a power n that is between 1.22 and 1.54 (90% confidence) in the tropics and also peaks at values above 1 in the boundary currents. In the midlatitudes we find that 0.58 < n < 0.87 (90% confidence). Comparison to the theory suggests that in regions with n > 1 the horizontal mixing is dominated by large-scale shear, whereas in regions where n < 1 the horizontal mixing is due to processes that are small compared to the 40–200-km length scale range considered in this study.
Identification of the Risk Factors of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Elderly Patients Undergoing Elective Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Chai Jun , Sang Aming , Tan Meiyue , Long Bo , Chen Lina
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study was to identify the perioperative related risk factors of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in elderly patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery, which will provide new insight for better prevention and intervention of PPCs in elderly patients.

Methods

A retrospective study involving 445 patients (age ≥65), who registered in Shengjing Hospital affiliated to China Medical University for elective colorectal surgery from October 2014 to March 2017, was conducted. Clinical data, including demographic information, medical history, preoperative examination, and surgery-related factors, were analyzed and compared between the patient group with PPCs and the group without PPCs. t-test or χ2 test was performed for statistical analysis between the 2 groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was further employed to identify the potential independent risk factors of PPCs.

Results

Among the 445 patients enrolled in the study, 49 (11%) had PPCs, while 396 (89%) did not. The main risk factors of PPC occurrence in the elderly patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery included older age (age ≥75 years), ASA >II, hypertension, myocardial ischemia, basic pulmonary diseases, laparotomy, blood transfusion, preoperative hemoglobin <100 g/L, and albumin <35 g/L. Laparotomy (compared with laparoscope) and ASA >II were independent risk factors for the increased incidence of PPCs.

Conclusion

More attention should be paid to patients with older age and ASA >II in elective colorectal surgery. Choice of laparoscopic operation, proper treatment of hypertension, myocardial ischemia, basic pulmonary diseases, and correction of anemia and nutritional status can effectively reduce the incidence of PPCs. An adequate and comprehensive evaluation of the potential risk factors related to PPCs is required before surgery.