bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enrichment and Separation of Methane Gas by Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption
Authors: Zhu Tao , Wang Ruonan , Zhang Xing , Han Yiwei , Bian Wenjing , Ma Yan , Xue Ming
Published: April 2021

In China, owing to the methane concentration being below 0.75%, the coal ventilation air methane (CVAM) is usually emitted directly into the atmosphere, rather than utilized, which not only causes huge waste of energy but also exerts potential hazards to the greenhouse effect. It is important and practicable to save costs of development and investment by simulating enrichment and separation of CVAM with an aim to improve the efficiency and recovery of adsorption separation. Above all, it will have important practical significance to the development of adsorption separation. In this paper, the experiment of the pressure swing adsorption process was carried out on double towers built by our laboratory, and the Aspen Adsorption was used to simulate the process. The effect of the operation parameters on the desorbed methane concentration was studied by altering the feed concentration, the adsorbed pressure, and adsorbed and desorbed time. The results of simulation and experiment are basically consistent. The ratio of methane was decreased following the increasing concentration of the feed. The optimum adsorption pressure and time were found to be 210 kPa and 120 s, respectively. The optimum desorption times of experiment and simulation were 150 s and 120 s, respectively. Because there was a man-made 30 s time lag between the experiment and simulation to protect the vacuum pump, the results show that the simulation and experiment were matched well. Therefore, we can make use of Aspen Adsorption to design separation and enrichment of CVAM, providing theoretical and practical guidance for the gas separation and saving resources and energy.
Melatonin Alleviates the Toxicity of High Nicotinamide Concentrations in Oocytes: Potential Interaction with Nicotinamide Methylation Signaling
Authors: El-Sheikh Marwa , Mesalam Ahmed Atef , Song Seok-Hwan , Ko Jonghyeok , Kong Il-Keun
Published: April 2021

Despite the numerous studies on melatonin and nicotinamide (NAM, the active form of vitamin B3), the linkage between these two biomolecules in the context of signaling pathways regulating preimplantation embryo development has not yet been investigated. In this study, we used bovine oocyte model to elucidate the effect of melatonin on the developmental competence of oocytes under the stress of high NAM concentrations. Results showed that NAM (20 mM) administration during in vitro maturation (IVM) significantly reduced oocyte maturation and actin distribution, while induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, the multiple deleterious effects that were alleviated by melatonin (10−7 M). The RT‐qPCR and/or immunofluorescence showed upregulation of the apoptosis (Caspase‐3, Caspase‐9, and BAX), autophagy (Beclin‐1, LC3A, LC3B, ATG7, LAMP1, and LAMP2), cell cycle (P21, P27, and P53), and DNA damage (COX2 and 8‐OxoG) specific markers in oocytes matured under NAM treatment, compared to NAM‐melatonin dual‐treated and the untreated ones. In addition, the total cleavage and blastocyst development rate, as well as the total number of cells and the inner cell mass (ICM) per blastocyst, were reduced, while DNA fragmentation was induced, in the group of NAM sole treatment than NAM‐melatonin cotreatment and control. Inspecting the underlying mechanisms behind NAM‐associated toxicity revealed an increase in transcription pattern of NAM methylation (NNMT and AHCY) genes in NAM‐treated oocytes while the opposite profile was observed upon melatonin supplementation. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first study reporting that melatonin can protect oocytes and embryos from NAM‐induced injury through its ROS‐scavenging activity together with potential interaction with NAM methylation signaling.
Transportation Risk Control of Waste Disposal in the Healthcare System with Two-Echelon Waste Collection Network
Authors: Li Haolin , Hu Yi , Lyu Junyan , Quan Hao , Xu Xiang , Li Chenxi
Published: April 2021

This paper investigates a vehicle routing problem arising in the waste collection of the healthcare system with the concern of transportation risk. Three types of facilities abstracted from the health system are investigated in this paper, namely, facilities with collection points, facilities without collection points, and small facilities. Two-echelon collection mode is applied in which the waste generated by small facilities is first collected by collection points, and then transferred to the recycling centre. To solve this problem, we propose a mixed-integer linear programming model considering time windows and vehicle capacity, and we use particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm for solving large-scale problems. Numerical experiments show the capability of the proposed algorithm. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to investigate the influence of facilities with collection points and the collection routes. This research can provide a decision support tool for the routing of waste collection in the healthcare system.
Self-Care Practice and Associated Factors among Hypertensive Patients in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wondmieneh Adam , Gedefaw Getnet , Getie Addisu , Demis Asmamaw
Published: April 2021

Background. Hypertension is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Ethiopia. Self-care practice has been provided as one of the most important preventive mechanisms of hypertension and is considered as a basic treatment for hypertension. There is no national-level study that assesses hypertensive self-care practice in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the pooled level of hypertensive self-care practices and associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods. This study was carried out using published and unpublished articles accessed from databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, HENARI, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, African Journals, and university repositories. Data were extracted using a standard data extraction format. Data analysis was carried out using STATA version 11. Heterogeneity across the included studies was assessed using Cochrane’s Q statistics and I2 test with its correspondingpvalues. Publication bias was determined using Egger’s test and presented with a funnel plot. The pooled level of hypertensive self-care practice was estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Results. This systematic review included 17 cross-sectional studies with 5,248 study participants. The overall pooled level of self-care practice among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia was 41.55% (95% CI 33.06, 50.05). Participant formal education (AOR = 2.82; 95% CI 2.18, 3.64) and good knowledge of hypertension (AOR = 4.04; 95% CI 2.19, 7.44) were significantly associated with self-care practice among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia. Conclusion. In this study, more than half of hypertensive patients had poor hypertensive self-care practice in Ethiopia. Participant’s formal education and good knowledge of hypertension were significantly associated with self-care practice among people living with hypertension in Ethiopia. Therefore, based on the evidence of this study, we recommended that programmers and policymakers should enhance the awareness of hypertensive patients on self-care practice domains and strengthen local programs working on noncommunicable diseases.
Comparative Utilization of Dead and Live Fungal Biomass for the Removal of Heavy Metal: A Concise Review
Authors: Ayele Abate , Haile Setegn , Alemu Digafe , Kamaraj M.
Published: April 2021

Human and industrial activities produce and discharge wastes containing heavy metals into the water resources making them polluted, threatening human health and the ecosystem. Biosorption, the process of passive cation binding by dead or living biomass, represents a potentially cost-effective way of eliminating toxic heavy metals from industrial wastewater. The abilities of microorganisms to remove metal ions in solution have been extensively studied; in particular, live and dead fungi have been recognized as a promising class of low-cost adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions. The biosorption behavior of fungal biomass is getting attention due to its several advantages; hence, it needs to be explored further to take its maximum advantage on wastewater treatment. This review discusses the live and dead fungi characteristics of sorption, factors influencing heavy metal removal, and the biosorption capacities for heavy metal ions removal and also discusses the biosorption mechanisms.
Application of Radial Basis Function Neural Network Coupling Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm to Classification of Saudi Arabia Stock Returns
Authors: Rashedi Khudhayr A. , Ismail Mohd Tahir , Hamadneh Nawaf N. , Wadi S. AL , Jaber Jamil J. , Tahir Muhammad
Published: April 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) based business process optimization has a significant impact on a country’s economic development. We argue that the use of artificial neural networks in business processes will help optimize these processes ensuring the necessary level in the functioning and compliance with the foundations of sustainable development. In this paper, we proposed a mathematical model using AI to detect outliers in the daily return of Saudi stock market (Tadawul). An outlier is defined as a data point that deviates too much from the rest of the observations in a data sample. Based on the Engle and Granger Causality test, we selected inflation rate, repo rate, and oil prices as input variables. In order to build the mathematical model, we first used the Tukey method to detect outliers in the stock return data from Tadawul that are collected during the period from October 2011 to December 2019. In this way, we categorized the stock return data into two classes, namely, outliers and nonoutliers. These data are further used to train artificial neural network in conjunction with particle swarm optimization algorithm. In order to assess the performance of the proposed model, we employed the mean squared error function. Our proposed model is signified by the mean squared error value of 0.05. The proposed model is capable of detecting outlier values directly from the inflation rate, repo rate, and oil prices. The proposed model can be helpful in developing and applying intelligent optimization techniques to solve problems in business processes.
Network Pharmacology-Based Investigation of the Mechanism of Action of Plantaginis Herba in Hyperuricemia Treatment
Authors: Tang Rong , Peng Xiaoqing , Wang Yan , Zhou Xiaohong , Liu Hong
Published: April 2021

This study used a network pharmacology approach to investigate the potential active ingredients of Plantaginis Herba and its underlying mechanisms in hyperuricemia treatment. The potential active ingredients of Plantaginis Herba were obtained from TCMSP and ETCM databases, and the potential targets of the active ingredients were predicted using the Swiss TargetPrediction database. The potential therapeutic targets of hyperuricemia were retrieved from the GeneCards, DisGeNET, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) databases. Then, the integrative bioinformatics analyses of candidates were performed by GO analysis, KEGG analysis, and PPI network construction. There were 15 predicted active ingredients in Plantaginis Herba and 41 common targets that may be involved in the treatment of hyperuricemia. A total of 61 GO annotations and 35 signaling pathways were identified by enrichment analysis (

P
<
0.01

). The underlying mechanisms of Plantaginis Herba may be related to insulin resistance, PI3K/AKT, TNF, VEGF, AMPK, and glucagon signaling pathways. Thus, the present study provided potential and promising strategies of Plantaginis Herba for hyperuricemia treatment.
A Power Management IC Used for Monitoring and Protection of Li‐Ion Battery Packs
Authors: Hao Yunqiang , Yi Dongbai , Zhang Xiaowei , Yu Wenxin , Xi Jianxiong , He Lenian
Published: April 2021

A power management system is a critical component of the system which needs Li‐ion battery packs for power supply. This paper proposes a fully integrated, high‐precision, and high‐reliability Integrated Circuit (IC) for the power management system of Li‐ion battery packs. It has full protection circuits including overvoltage, overtemperature, and overcurrent circuits with measuring voltage accuracy of 0.2 mV and a 15‐bit internal Successive Approximation Register (SAR) Analog‐to‐Digital Converter (ADC). This IC is designed to protect the system automatically and measure the battery cells’ voltage, temperature, and charging or discharging current with high precision. It also provides an I2C interface to communicate with an external Microcontroller Unit (MCU), making it achievable to perform battery cells’ voltage balancing and SOC estimation with 0.1% estimation accuracy in an hour.
The Effectiveness of Drying on Residual Droplets, Microorganisms, and Biofilms in Gastrointestinal Endoscope Reprocessing: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tian Hefeng , Sun Jiao , Guo Shaoning , Zhu Xuanrui , Feng Han , Zhuang Yijin , Wang Xiu
Published: April 2021

Background. Despite endoscope reprocessing, residual droplets remain in gastrointestinal endoscope working channels. Inadequate drying of gastrointestinal endoscope working channels may promote microbial reproduction and biofilm formation, increasing the risk of infection in patients. This review was designed to provide the current status of gastrointestinal endoscope drying, emphasize the importance of gastrointestinal endoscope drying, and evaluate the effectiveness of different drying methods of gastrointestinal endoscope in reducing residual droplets and microbial growth risk. Methods. A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting checklist. The PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, EMBASE, EBSCO, CNKI, CQVIP, and Wanfang Data databases were searched from 2010 to 2020 to identify eligible articles focused on methods of gastrointestinal endoscope drying and the status of endoscope drying. The following key points were analyzed: type of intervention, amount of residual droplets, major microbial types, and effectiveness of biofilm intervention. JBI quality assessment tool was used to determine bias risk for inclusion in the article. Results. This review included twelve articles. Two of the articles reported lack of drying of gastrointestinal endoscopes while the other ten reported residual droplets, microbial growth, and biofilm formation after different methods of drying. Four articles reported 0 to 4.55 residual droplets; four articles reported that the main microbial types were cocci and bacilli, most commonly Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus maltophilia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and two reported that drying could effectively reduce biofilm regeneration. The type of intervention is as follows: automatic endoscopy reprocessor (AER), manual compressed air drying, and the Dri-Scope Aid for automatic drying and drying cabinet. Conclusions. While endoscope reprocessing may not always be effective, an automatic endoscope reprocessor plus the Dri-Scope Aid with automatic drying over 10 min or storage in a drying cabinet for 72 h may be preferred.
Fracture Performance of a Large‐Stone Asphalt Mixture Based on a Monotonic Tensile Overlay Test
Authors: Wei Jianhui , Fu Tao , Liang Junlin
Published: April 2021

A large‐stone asphalt mixture (LSAM) is usually used as the base course of asphalt pavement to prevent the generation of cracks. However, there are few studies on the fracture performance and crack resistance of LSAMs. Under the monotonic tensile loading mode, the overlay test (OT) was explored to investigate the influence of different test factors on the cracking resistance and fracture performance. The study results indicated that a change in temperature and aging results in a variation in fractal dimension, the fracture energy of crack growth is higher than that of crack initiation, and fracture energy is increased to a certain extent by decreased temperature, an increased loading rate or increased aging. Finally, a constitutive model is established based on the disturbed state concept (DSC), and the proposed constitutive model is consistent with the test results.
Experimental Research on the Influence of Temperature on the Static Properties of Skarn
Authors: Liu Lei , Meng Xiang , Qin Hao , Chang Zhaozhao
Published: April 2021

Studying the high‐temperature mechanical properties of rocks is of great significance to engineering disasters caused by deep rock mining and underground protection projects. In view of insufficient research on the high‐temperature mechanical properties of deep rocks in southwestern China, we used high‐temperature heating devices and statics equipment to conduct static tests on Skarn. XW7L‐12 box‐type resistance furnace was adopted to heat Skarn (25°C, 200°C, 400°C, 600°C, and 800°C), and the temperature effect of its basic physical parameters (density and wave velocity) was measured and analyzed. Uniaxial compression experiments were performed on two cooling methods of Skarn (natural cooling and water cooling) by a constant stress pressure testing machine to obtain a stress‐strain curve and analyze its statics index (peak strength, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and peak strain) and the change rule of failure mode with temperature rise and different cooling methods. With the temperature increasing, various static mechanical indexes of Skarn will be greatly affected. Meanwhile, the different cooling methods are not related to the change trend of the mechanical properties of Skarn under high temperature.
Selection and Evaluation of Potential Reference Genes for Quantitative Real‐Time PCR in Agaricus blazei Based on Transcriptome Sequencing Data
Authors: Lu Yuan-Ping , Liao Jian-Hua , Guo Zhong-Jie , Zheng Hui-Qing , Lu Ling-Fang , Cai Zhi-Xin , Zeng Zhi-Heng , Ying Zheng-He , Chen Mei-Yuan
Published: April 2021

Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) is widely used to detect gene expression due to its high sensitivity, high throughput, and convenience. The accurate choice of reference genes is required for normalization of gene expression in qRT‐PCR analysis. In order to identify the optimal candidates for gene expression analysis using qRT‐PCR in Agaricus blazei, we studied the potential reference genes in this economically important edible fungus. In this study, transcriptome datasets were used as source for identification of candidate reference genes. And 27 potential reference genes including 21 newly stable genes, three classical housekeeping genes, and homologous genes of three ideal reference genes in Volvariella volvacea, were screened based on transcriptome datasets of A. blazei and previous studies. The expression stability of these genes was investigated by qRT‐PCR analysis and further evaluated by four software packages, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder. Among these candidates, α‐TUB (Tubulin alpha) and Cox5a (COX5A subunit VA of cytochrome c oxidase) were revealed as the most stable in fruit body, and suitable for 5 different developmental stages. α‐TUB and ATP3 (ATP3 gamma subunit of the F1 sector of mitochondrial F1F0 ATP synthase) showed the most stable expression in stipe tissues and, Uqcrc (core subunit of the ubiquinol‐cytochrome c reductase complex) and PUP3 (20S proteasome subunit beta 3) performed well in pileus tissues during the process of A. blazei development, while GAPDH (glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase) was among the least stable genes in all sample sets. Finally, the Ableln3 (homology of eln3 gene of Coprinus cinereus) was adopted to validate the reliability of these stable and unstable reference genes, indicating that the use of unsuitable reference genes as internal controls could change the target gene’s expression pattern. This study can provide guidance for choosing reference genes for analyzing the expression pattern of target genes and facilitate the functional genomic investigation on fruit body formation and development, as well as stipe elongation and pileus expansion in A. blazei.
Secondary Amyloidosis Presenting as Ischemic Proctitis
Authors: Hashmi Saad , Munis Assad , Hoff Ryan T. , Kavin Hymie , Ehrenpreis Eli D.
Published: April 2021

A 49-year-old man presented with abdominal pain and rectal bleeding for two days associated with a 50-pound unintentional weight loss. History was notable for hypertension, chronic kidney disease, obesity, gout, and acute cholecystitis status post cholecystectomy. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis showed rectal wall thickening. Colonoscopy showed proctitis with superficial ulcerations. In the setting of renal insufficiency, malabsorption, and low-voltage QRS complexes on electrocardiogram (ECG), amyloidosis was considered in the differential diagnosis. Rectal and renal biopsies with subsequent retrospective staining of gallbladder tissue confirmed amyloid deposition. Gastrointestinal involvement of amyloidosis is relatively uncommon. Particularly, amyloid deposition in the gallbladder and rectum is very rare. The development of AA amyloidosis in our patient may have been related to gout, obesity, and the presence of a heterozygous complex variant for the MEFV (familial Mediterranean fever) gene. Awareness of this atypical presentation of amyloidosis is important, as additional staining of biopsy samples is necessary, and diagnosis allows for directed treatment.
Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis: Predictive Biological Activity Based on Radiomics of MRI
Authors: Ren Bo , Wang Jian , Miao Zhoulin , Xia Yuwei , Liu Wenya , Zhang Tieliang , Aikebaier Aierken
Published: April 2021

Background. To evaluate the role of radiomics based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the biological activity of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). Methods. In this study, 90 active and 46 inactive cases of HAE patients were analyzed retrospectively. All the subjects underwent MRI and positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET‐CT) before surgery. A total of 1409 three‐dimensional radiomics features were extracted from the T2‐weighted MR images (T2WI). The inactive group in the training cohort was balanced via the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) method. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression method was used for feature selection. The machine learning (ML) classifiers were logistic regression (LR), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and support vector machine (SVM). We used a fivefold cross‐validation strategy in the training cohorts. The classification performance of the radiomics signature was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis in the training and test cohorts. Results. The radiomics features were significantly associated with the biological activity, and 10 features were selected to construct the radiomics model. The best performance of the radiomics model for the biological activity prediction was obtained by MLP (AUC = 0.830 ± 0.053; accuracy = 0.817; sensitivity = 0.822; specificity = 0.811). Conclusions. We developed and validated a radiomics model as an adjunct tool to predict the HAE biological activity by combining T2WI images, which achieved results nearly equal to the PET‐CT findings.
An Examination of Lactobacillus paracasei GKS6 and Bifidobacterium lactis GKK2 Isolated from Infant Feces in an Aged Mouse Model
Authors: Lin Shih-Wei , Tsai You-Shan , Chen Yen-Lien , Wang Ming-Fu , Chen Chin-Chu , Lin Wen-Hsin , Fang Tony J.
Published: April 2021

Supplementary which could maintain normal physiological mechanisms and functions while aging has drawn our attention due to the population aging in recent years. Probiotics have been believed with desirable properties such as antioxidation and anti-inflammatory for delaying the aging process. However, the age-related experiments conducted in the mammalian models with probiotics were few. In this study, we demonstrated the effects of administration of probiotics Lactobacillus paracasei GKS6 (GKS6) and Bifidobacterium lactis GKK2 (GKK2), respectively, at the dosage of 5.0 × 109 cfu/kg BW/day for fourteen weeks in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. The three-month-old SAMP8 mice were divided into three groups: control, mice fed with GKS6, and mice fed with GKK2. There were ten females and ten males in each group. The SAMP8 mice fed with probiotics GKS6 and GKK2 showed a significantly lower degree of aging followed by Takeda’s grading method on the eleventh week of the experiment. The GKK2 group showed significantly increased forelimb grip strength in male SAMP8 mice and muscle fiber number in both genders. Compared to the control, both GKS6 and GKK2 presented a significant increase in liver superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. In addition, a significant decrease in the levels of liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances was observed in the probiotics group. These results suggested that probiotics GKS6 and GKK2 could act as antioxidants in delaying the process of aging and preventing age-related muscle loss.
Wiener and Hyper‐Wiener Indices of Polygonal Cylinder and Torus
Authors: Peng Zhi-Ba , Nizami Abdul Rauf , Iqbal Zaffar , Munir Muhammad Mobeen , Waqar Ahmed Hafiz Muhammad , Liu Jia-Bao
Published: April 2021

In this study, we first introduce polygonal cylinder and torus using Cartesian products and topologically identifications and then find their Wiener and hyper‐Wiener indices using a quick, interesting technique of counting. Our suggested mathematical structures could be of potential interests in representation of computer networks and enhancing lattice hardware security.
Deformation of the Geocell Flexible Reinforced Retaining Wall under Earthquake
Authors: Zhu Yalin , Tan Kun , Hong Yin , Tan Ting , Song Manrong , Wang Yixian
Published: April 2021

As a new type of reinforced material, geocells are widely used in flexible reinforced retaining wall projects, and a lot of practical experience shows that the geocell retaining wall has a great effect on earthquake resistance, but theoretical research lags behind engineering practice, and the deformation and failure mechanism under earthquake need to be further studied. In this paper, we use the FLAC3D nonlinear, finite‐difference method to study the failure mechanism of geocell‐reinforced retaining walls under earthquake, to analyze the advantages of the geocell retaining wall in controlling deformation compared with the unreinforced retaining wall and geogrid‐reinforced retaining wall, and we try to study the deformation of the reinforced wall by changing the length of the geocell and reinforcement spacing of the geocell. Research indicates the horizontal displacement of the wall edge of the reinforced retaining wall under the earthquake is slightly smaller than that of the center of the wall and the back of the wall. The geocell can effectively reduce the horizontal displacement of the retaining wall, and the effect is better than the geogrid. Increasing the length of the geocell and reducing the spacing of the geocell can effectively reduce the horizontal displacement of the retaining wall, and the effect of displacement controlling at the top of the wall is better than in other positions.
Small-Molecule Natural Product Physachenolide C Potentiates Immunotherapy Efficacy by Targeting BET Proteins
Authors: Tewary Poonam , Brooks Alan D. , Xu Ya-Ming , Wijeratne E.M. Kithsiri , Babyak Ashley L. , Back Timothy C. , Chari Raj , Evans Christine N. , Henrich Curtis J. , Meyer Thomas J. , Edmondson Elijah F. , de Aquino Maria T. Prudente , Kanagasabai Thanigaivelan , Shanker Anil , Gunatilaka A.A. Leslie , Sayers Thomas J.
Published: April 2021

Screening for sensitizers of cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis identified a natural product of the 17β-hydroxywithanolide (17-BHW) class, physachenolide C (PCC), as a promising hit. In this study, we show that PCC was also able to sensitize melanoma and renal carcinoma cells to apoptosis in response not only to TRAIL, but also to the synthetic polynucleotide poly I:C, a viral mimetic and immune activator, by reducing levels of antiapoptotic proteins cFLIP and Livin. Both death receptor and TLR3 signaling elicited subsequent increased assembly of a proapoptotic ripoptosome signaling complex. Administration of a combination of PCC and poly I:C in human M14 melanoma xenograft and a syngeneic B16 melanoma model provided significant therapeutic benefit as compared with individual agents. In addition, PCC enhanced melanoma cell death in response to activated human T cells in vitro and in vivo in a death ligand–dependent manner. Biochemical mechanism-of-action studies established bromo and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins as major cellular targets of PCC. Thus, by targeting of BET proteins to reduce antiapoptotic proteins and enhance caspase-8–dependent apoptosis of cancer cells, PCC represents a unique agent that can potentially be used in combination with various immunotherapeutic approaches to promote tumor regression and improve outcome.

Significance:

These findings demonstrate that PCC selectively sensitizes cancer cells to immune-mediated cell death, potentially improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies.
Sex and Racial Differences in Autopsy-Defined Causes of Presumed Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Tseng Zian H. , Ramakrishna Satvik , Salazar James W. , Vittinghoff Eric , Olgin Jeffrey E. , Moffatt Ellen
Published: April 2021

Background:

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) studies report higher incidence in men and Black people but presume cardiac cause. We sought to identify sex and racial differences in rates and causes of presumed SCDs in a prospective postmortem study in San Francisco County.

Methods:

All incident presumed SCDs meeting the World Health Organization definition ages 18 to 90 were autopsied via active surveillance of consecutive out-of-hospital deaths in the POST SCD study (Postmortem Systematic Investigation of Sudden Cardiac Death; February 1, 2011, to March 1, 2014). Autopsy-defined sudden arrhythmic deaths had no extracardiac cause or acute heart failure.

Results:

Among 541 presumed SCDs, 525 (97%) were autopsied; 362 (69%) were men, 110 Asian (21%), 81 Black (15%), 40 Hispanic (8%), 279 White (53%), and 15 other race (3%). Adjusted for age and race, women had more noncardiac causes of presumed SCD, including pulmonary emboli (8% versus 2%) and neurological causes (10% versus 3%, both
P
<0.01). Of autopsy-defined sudden arrhythmic death, men had 3-fold higher rates while women had more primary electrical disease (4% versus 2%;
P
=0.02) and nonischemic causes (53% versus 39%;
P
<0.01). Age-adjusted incidence rate ratios were higher for Black women (2.55;
P
<0.01) and lower for Asian and Hispanic men (0.51 for both;
P
<0.05) than their White counterparts. Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries was more common among sudden arrhythmic deaths in Asians than Whites (7% versus 1%; adjusted
P
<0.05). Sudden neurological deaths were more common in Asians, endocrine causes more common in Blacks, and gastrointestinal causes more common in Hispanics than in Whites (adjusted
P
, all <0.05).

Conclusions:

In this countywide postmortem study of presumed SCDs, women had more nonischemic and noncardiac causes. Black women had higher rates of autopsy-defined sudden arrhythmic death than White women while Asian and Hispanic men had lower rates than White men. These findings have implications for risk stratification and prevention of sudden mortality in women and minority populations.
Radiofrequency Versus Cryoballoon Catheter Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Durability of Pulmonary Vein Isolation and Effect on Atrial Fibrillation Burden: The RACE-AF Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sørensen Samuel K. , Johannessen Arne , Worck René , Hansen Morten L. , Hansen Jim
Published: April 2021

Background:

Recurrent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation is presumably caused by failure to achieve durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The primary methods of PVI are radiofrequency catheter ablation (RF) and cryoballoon catheter ablation (CRYO), but these methods have not been directly compared with respect to PVI durability and the effect thereof on AF burden (% of time in AF).

Methods:

Accordingly, we performed a randomized trial including 98 patients (68% male, 61 [55–67] years) with paroxysmal AF assigned 1:1 to PVI by contact-force sensing, irrigated radiofrequency catheter, or second-generation cryoballoon catheter. Implantable cardiac monitors were inserted ≥1 month before PVI for assessment of AF burden and recurrence, and all patients, irrespective of AF recurrence, underwent a second procedure 4 to 6 months after PVI to determine PVI durability.

Results:

In the second procedure, 152 out of 199 (76%) pulmonary veins (PVs) were found durably isolated after RF and 161 out of 200 (81%) after CRYO (
P
=0.32), corresponding to durable isolation of all veins in 47% of patients in both groups (
P
=1.0). Median AF burden before PVI was 5.4% (interquartile range, 0.5%–13.0%) versus 4.0% (0.6%–18.1%), RF versus CRYO (
P
=0.71), and reduced to 0.0% (0.0%–0.1%) and 0.0% (0.0%–0.5%), respectively (
P
=0.58)—a reduction of 99.9% (92.9%–100.0%) and 99.3% (85.9%–100.0%;
P
=0.36). AF burden after PVI significantly correlated to the number of durably isolated PVs (
P
<0.01), but 9 out of 45 (20%) patients with durable isolation of all veins had recurrence of AF within 4 to 6 months after PVI (excluding a 3-month blanking period).

Conclusions:

PVI by RF and CRYO produce similar moderate to high PVI durability. Both treatments lead to marked reductions in AF burden, which is related to the number of durably isolated PVs. However, for one-fifth of paroxysmal AF patients, complete and durable PVI was not sufficient to prevent even short-term AF recurrence.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03805555.
Nomenclatural remarks in the genus Melocactus (Cactaceae, Cereeae) from NE Brazil

Authors: GUIGGI ALESSANDRO , MARIOTTI MAURO
Published: April 2021

As part of the ongoing study on Brazilian Cacti (see e.g., Guiggi 2020a, 2020b), we here present a note about two taxa belonging to the genus  Melocactus Link & Otto (1827: 417), i.e. Melocactus pachycephalus N.P.Taylor (in Taylor & Zappi 2020: 256) and M. alex-bragae P.J.Braun & Esteves (2008: 252).
Cast netting new species: Integrative taxonomy of Distichodus notospilus (Characiformes: Distichodontidae) discovers new species and overlooked areas of endemism in Central Africa
Authors: SCHMIDT RAY C. , KNOBLOCH ELISE C. , BARRIENTOS CHRISTIAN
Published: April 2021

Distichodus notospilus was described from the Ogooué River and is considered to occur throughout the Lower Guinea ichthyofaunal province and the western tributaries of the middle and lower Congo River. Recent expeditions in Equatorial Guinea collected D. notospilus specimens in the Mbini River drainage and the Mbia River; a small coastal river that is located between the Ntem and Mbini river drainages. Detailed morphological analyses and multilocus molecular analyses confirm that these two populations are distinct from one another. Topotypic populations of D. notospilus were included in the analyses and demonstrated that populations in the Mbini and Mbia rivers are distinct and these two new species are described herein. Distichodus microps sp. nov. is endemic to the Mbia River drainage and is distinguished from D. notospilus in having more scales along the lateral line (41, rarely 40 versus 37–39, rarely 40), a nearly inferior mouth versus subterminal in D. notospilus, a curved posterolateral margin of the opercle versus straight in D. notospilus, a smaller eye (56.7–80.4 versus 70.1–104.3 % of snout length), and a less prominent elongated spot at the base of the caudal fin. Distichodus mbiniensis sp. nov. is endemic to the upper Mbini River drainage and distinguished from D. notospilus in having more scales along the lateral line (41–42, rarely 40 versus 37–39, rarely 40), a much less prominent elongated dark spot at the base of the caudal fin, and a shorter dorsal fin (21.4–27.2 versus 22.7–34.2% standard length). Distichodus microps is distinguished from D. mbiniensis in having a shallower body (usually six scales from lateral line to the pelvic fin versus seven), fewer anal-fin rays (usually 12 total rays versus 13 or 14), a more inferior mouth, a deeper and longer caudal peduncle, a smaller eye, and differences in several features associated with the head. In addition to the two new species described this study also revealed potential undescribed diversity in the D. notospilus species complex in the Ntem River and Dja River (Congo R. basin) in Cameroon. The biogeography of these fishes in the rivers of Lower Guinea suggests that the Mbini River and smaller coastal rivers are overlooked areas of endemism. Studies of other reported widespread species will likely reveal additional diversity and further elucidate the processes promoting and maintaining freshwater diversity in Central Africa.
Review of Scydmaenus species of continental China described by Herbert Franz (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: April 2021

Most species of Scydmaenus Latreille described by Herbert Franz are impossible to identify without re-examination of the type material. The Chinese fauna is no exception and it is easy to find specimens whose aedeagi resemble those illustrated by Franz, but the only way to identify them is to directly compare new material with types. On the other hand, the aedeagi of type specimens often look slightly or even strongly different from those illustrated in original descriptions, which increases the confusion. Six species of Scydmaenus described by Franz and occurring in continental China are here redescribed, and the aedeagi of holotypes are illustrated in detail: S. chinensis, S. fukiensis, S. kunmingensis, S. sinensis, S. szechuanensis, and S. kiautunensis. The first five species are confirmed to belong in the nominotypical subgenus; S. kiautunensis is transferred from Scydmaenus (s. str.) to the subgenus Nepaloscydmaenus Franz. As previous checklists of Palaearctic or Eastern Asian Scydmaeninae contain incomplete data, an updated and annotated checklist of Scydmaenus species so far recorded from the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan and Hong Kong is given, with comments on possible misidentifications, possible synonymies and distributional issues.
Risk Assessment in Thyroid Lobectomy and Total Thyroidectomy using Over 100 Thousand Cases
Authors: Brauer Philip R. , Burkey Brian B. , Reddy Chandana A. , Lamarre Eric D.
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

To assess risk factors and non-thyroid specific postoperative complications for thyroid lobectomy compared to total thyroidectomy.

Methods:

A retrospective, cross-sectional study of adults undergoing a lobectomy or total thyroidectomy using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database between 2005 and 2017. Patients not treated by otolaryngologists or general surgeons and with unknown demographic variables were excluded.

Results:

A total of 106 915 patients were analyzed, 64 763 total thyroidectomies and 42 152 lobectomies. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that total thyroidectomy patients were half as likely to return to the operating room (OR = 0.491 (95%CI 0.445-0.542), P < .001). Within this cohort, patients at greater risk for reoperation had a history of hypertension (OR = 1.225 (95%CI 1.090-1.376), P < .001), a malignant pathology (OR = 1.921 (95%CI 1.734-2.128), P < .001), and smoked (OR = 1.237 (95%CI 1.087-1.407), P = .001). Conversely, diabetes and body mass index did not impact the rate of reoperation when assessing total thyroidectomy and lobectomy. The most frequent non-thyroid specific complications in total thyroidectomy were unplanned intubation (0.5%), urinary tract infection (0.3%), and superficial surgical site infection (0.3%). In thyroid lobectomy, the most common complications were superficial surgical site infection (0.3%) and urinary tract infection (0.2%).

Conclusions:

Our multi-institutional study indicates specific risk factors for returning to the operating room that may warrant closer follow up after surgery for total thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy. We also identified the most common post-operative complications. During pre-operative planning, these findings should be considered by thyroid surgeons to help mitigate risk to patients.
Dural Contact to the Malleus Head in Patients with Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD): Case Series and Review of SSCD and Tegmen Defects
Authors: Wentland Carissa , Cousins Joseph , May Jason , Rivera Arnaldo
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Report a series of cases in which patients have concomitant superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) and a dehiscent tegmen tympani with Dural contact to the malleus head (DCMH).

Methods:

An analysis of radiologic and audiologic data in 4 patients who presented with SSCD and DCMH at a tertiary care institution. A pertinent literature review was performed.

Results:

Four patients (5 ears) had SSCD and DCMH. In 3 patients with unilateral DCMH, the mean maximum air-bone gap was 15 dB in the ear with DCMH compared to 50 dB in the ear without DCMH. Of the 5 ears with DCMH, the mean air conduction threshold at 250 Hz was 17 dB compared to 42 dB in the 3 ears without DCMH.

Conclusions:

We report the findings of DCMH in a series of 4 patients with bilateral SSCD. This limited series suggests that ears with SSCD and DCMH have less of an air-bone gap than would be expected, as 1 would expect an additive effect of DCMH and SSCD on the air-bone gap.
Feel the Burn! Fireworks-related Otolaryngologic Trauma
Authors: Straughan Alexander J. , Pasick Luke J. , Gupta Vrinda , Benito Daniel A. , Goodman Joseph F. , Zapanta Philip E.
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

Fireworks are used commonly for celebrations in the United States, but can lead to severe injury to the head and neck. We aim to assess the incidence, types, and mechanisms of head and neck injuries associated with fireworks use from 2010 to 2019.

Methods:

A retrospective cross-sectional study, using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, of individuals presenting to United States Emergency Departments with head and neck injuries caused by fireworks and flares from 2010 to 2019. Incidence, types, and mechanisms of injury related to fireworks use in the US population were assessed.

Results:

A total of 541 patients (349 [64.5%] male, and 294 [54%] under 18 years of age) presented to emergency departments with fireworks-related head and neck injuries; the estimated national total was 20 584 patients (13 279 male, 9170 white, and 11 186 under 18 years of age). The most common injury diagnoses were burns (44.7% of injuries), laceration/avulsion/penetrating trauma (21.1%), and otologic injury (15.2%), which included hearing loss, otalgia, tinnitus, unspecified acoustic trauma, and tympanic membrane perforation. The remaining 19% of injuries were a mix, including contusion, abrasion, hematoma, fracture, and closed head injury. Associations between fireworks type and injury diagnosis (chi-square P < .001), as well as fireworks type by age group (chi-square P < .001) were found. Similarly, associations were found between age groups and injury diagnoses (chi-square P < .001); these included children 5 years and younger and adults older than 30 years.

Conclusions:

Fireworks-related head and neck injuries are more likely to occur in young, white, and male individuals. Burns are the most common injury, while otologic injury is a significant contributor. Annual rates of fireworks-related head and neck injuries have not changed or improved significantly in the United States in the past decade, suggesting efforts to identify and prevent these injuries are insufficient.
Gendering the military past: Understanding heritage and security from a feminist perspective
Authors: Åse Cecilia , Wendt Maria
Published: April 2021

This article showcases how a feminist perspective provides novel insights into the relations between military heritage/history and national security politics. We argue that analysing how gender and sexualities operate at military heritage sites reveals how these operations dis/encourage particular understandings of security and limit the range of acceptable national protection policies. Two recent initiatives to preserve the military heritage of the Cold War period in Sweden are examined: the Cold War exhibits at Air Force Museum in Linköping and the redevelopment of a formerly sealed off military compound at Bungenäs, where bunkers have been remade into exclusive summer homes. By combining feminist international relations and critical heritage studies, we unpack the material, affective and embodied underpinnings of security produced at military heritage sites. A key conclusion is that the way heritagization incorporates the ‘naturalness’ of the gender binary and heterosexuality makes conceptualizing security without territory, or territory without military protection, inaccessible. The gendering of emotions and architectural and spatial arrangements supports historical narratives that privilege masculine protection and reinforce a taken-for-granted nativist community. A feminist analysis of military heritage highlights how gender and sexualities restrict security imaginaries; that is, understandings of what is conceivable as security.
The Rise of the Panchayati Raj Institutions as the Third Tier in Indian Federalism: Where the Shoe Pinches
Authors: Datta Prabhat Kumar , Sodhi Inderjeet Singh
Published: April 2021

The idea of forming a two-tier federal structure in India gathered considerable momentum after the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League came together through a Pact in 1916. But the concept of the third tier which was mooted in the Constituent Assembly through the incorporation of panchayats in the Directive Principles of State Policy after detailed deliberation began receiving attention after the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution in 1992 which coincided with the paradigmatic shift in the policy of the Indian State. This Act signified in clear terms the intention of the State to strengthen the process of third tier federalism in India. This article seeks to critically examine the process of evolution of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as a new tier in the Indian federal system, excluding the Fifth and Sixth Scheduled Areas. An attempt has also been made to analyse despite constitutionalisation of PRIs where the shoe still pinches and wherein lies the ray of hope.
To whose good? Directions and gaps in psychiatric research
Authors: Wigand Moritz E , Wiegand Hauke F , Scherp Ansgar , Becker Thomas
Published: April 2021

Background:

Psychiatry’s evidence-, implementation-, and treatment-gaps.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to uncover current trends and gaps in psychiatric research. Understanding where psychiatric research is going and where there might be blind spots is important to better align it with global mental health challenges and with service users’ needs.

Method:

10 top-ranking scientific journals (highest impact factors) in psychiatry were identified for 3 years (1999, 2009, 2019) using Clarivate Analytics. Metadata of all papers published by these journals in the index years were downloaded, and the relevance and relatedness of terms from all titles and abstracts were computed and visualized using VOSviewer.

Results:

In 1999, prominent themes included schizophrenia and novel antipsychotics as well as research on families. Ten and 20 years later, neurobiological research, especially genetic and animal studies, had gained importance. Social and psychological themes were less present across all three time points.

Conclusions:

In high-ranking psychiatric journals, neurobiological research appears to gain importance while social themes are under-represented. In view of challenges such as implementation gaps, marginalization of people with severe mental illness and mental health risks through social inequality, there seems to be a dissociation between research and patient needs. We suggest a systems approach to bring together different kinds of knowledge.