bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep neuromuscular block improves angiographic image quality during endovascular coiling of unruptured cerebral aneurysm: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kim Bo Young , Chung Sung Hoon , Park Seong-Joo , Han Sung-Hee , Kwon O-Ki , Chung Jun-Young , Kim Jin-Hee
Published: May 2020

Background

Neuromuscular block (NMB) used during general anesthesia induces transient skeletal muscle paralysis, but patient movements during endovascular coiling still occur to some degree. Compared with moderate NMB, deep NMB may further improve the intervention condition during endovascular coiling for unruptured cerebral aneurysms; however, little research has focused on the angiographic image quality.

Methods

This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial included 58 patients treated for unruptured cerebral aneurysms with endovascular coiling under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated to either the deep NMB group (post-tetanic count 1 or 2) or the moderate NMB group (train-of-four 1 or 2). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a satisfactory intervention condition assessed by surgeons after the procedure using a 5-point intervention condition rating scale (ICRS) from 1 (unable to obtain image) to 5 (optimal); ICRS 5 was defined as satisfactory.

Results

There were significantly more cases of satisfactory intervention condition in the deep NMB group than in the moderate NMB group (82.1% vs 51.7%, p=0.015). The frequency of each ICRS score was significantly different between the groups (ICRS 5/4/3/2/1: 23/5/0/0/0 vs 15/9/2/3/0, p=0.035). The incidence of major patient movement requiring rescue muscle relaxant was 10.3% in the moderate NMB group and 0% in the deep NMB group (p=0.237). The drugs used to maintain hemodynamic stability were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Deep NMB improves the intervention condition during endovascular coiling by improving the image quality.
Mesh closure of epiploic foramen by ventral laparotomy in 17 horses with entrapment
Authors: Grulke Sigrid , Salciccia Alexandra , Arévalo Rodríguez José Manuel , Sandersen Charlotte , Caudron Isabelle , Serteyn Didier , de la Rebière de Pouyade Geoffroy
Published: May 2020

Background

Epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE) of small intestine is a severe cause of strangulating small intestinal obstruction (SSI) with long‐term survival seeming lower than for other causes of SSI in horses. Different techniques via laparoscopy or laparotomy for epiploic foramen (EF) closure have been developed.

Methods

This study describes a technique of peroperative mesh closure of the EF in clinical cases and their long‐term follow up.

Results

In the study period of 5.5 years, 36 horses were admitted to the clinic with EFE. Of these, 17 horses had peroperative mesh closure, with resection anastomosis in 4 cases and enterotomy in 4 other cases. Fifteen of these survived to discharge. Long‐term follow‐up (one to three years, median three years) was favourable in all 15 horses not showing recurrence of EFE nor other related signs of colic. Laparoscopic evaluation of the EF was performed in two cases and showed integration of the mesh. One horse was euthanased 3.5 years after mesh placement for an unrelated cause and the mesh was well adherent obliterating the EF.

Conclusion

Mesh closure of EF during emergency coeliotomy did not cause short‐term complications even in horses with resection or enterotomy and may reduce the risk of recurrence of EFE in horses.
Physiological response to eccentric and concentric cycling in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Nickel Rolf , Troncoso Felipe , Flores Orlando , Gonzalez-Bartholin Roberto , Mackay Karen , Diaz Orlando , Jalon Mauricio , Peñailillo Luis
Published: May 2020

We aimed to compare the cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and perceptual responses to high- and moderate-intensity eccentric cycling versus moderate-intensity concentric cycling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Ten patients with moderate COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) = 68.6% ± 20.4% of predicted; 68.3 ± 9.1 years) performed 30 min of moderate-intensity concentric (CONC-M: 50% maximum workload; Wmax), moderate-intensity eccentric (ECC-M: 50% Wmax), and high-intensity eccentric (ECC-H: 100% Wmax) cycling. Average power output, oxygen consumption (V̇O2), minute ventilation (VE), respiratory frequency (fR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and dyspnea were measured during cycling. Compared with CONC-M, lower V̇O2 (–52% ± 14%), VE (–47% ± 16%), fR (–21% ± 14%), HR (–14% ± 16%), SBP (–73% ± 54%), RPE (–36% ± 26%), and dyspnea (–41% ± 37%) were found during ECC-M. During ECC-H, a similar metabolic demand to CONC-M was found. However, average power output was 117% ± 79% higher during ECC-H. Eccentric cycling can be safely performed by COPD patients and induced lower cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and perceptual responses than concentric exercise when performed at the same workload.

Novelty Moderate- and high-intensity eccentric cycling can be performed by COPD patients. Moderate-intensity eccentric cycling showed lower cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and perceptual demand than concentric cycling at the same workload in COPD patients. Even at double workload, eccentric cycling induces lower cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and perceptual demand than moderate-intensity concentric cycling.
Reliability analysis of welded stud shear connectors on simply-supported bridge girders
Authors: Sjaarda Matthew , West Jeffrey S. , Walbridge Scott
Published: May 2020

This paper examines the reliability of welded stud shear connectors for steel-concrete composite bridge girders. A finite element model of a simply-supported bridge was created featuring link connector elements representing the shear studs between beam and shell elements, representing a steel girder and concrete deck, respectively. The model is programmed using a program interface to build a model including studs with random strengths. Using this approach, many analyses can be run in succession, with connectors failing between each analysis. This study considers the probabilistic characteristics of the welded studs and truck loading and recognizes the interaction between ultimate limit state and fatigue limit state. The example bridge employed in this study was designed according to the CSA S6-2014 code provisions. Based on the presented reliability analysis, an increase in the CSA S6-2014 24 MPa endurance limit of at least 1.45 times is found to be acceptable.
Public engagement in forest governance in Canada: whose values are being represented anyway?
Authors: Egunyu Felicitas , Reed Maureen G. , Sinclair A. John , Parkins John R. , Robson James P.
Published: May 2020

Researchers and advocates have long argued that on-going engagement by broad segments of the public can help make forests and forest-based communities more sustainable and decisions more enduring. In Canada, public engagement in sustainable forest management has primarily taken one of two approaches: advisory forums through forest-sector advisory committees (FACs) and direct decision-making authority through community forest boards (CFBs). The purpose of this paper is to compare these two approaches by focusing on who participates and the values that participants bring to their deliberations. We conducted a national survey of FACs and CFBs involving 402 participants. Results showed that both models favoured well-educated, Caucasian men and fell short on the representation of women and Indigenous peoples. Additionally, despite different levels of authority in relation to forest management decisions, participants in CFBs and FACs shared similar forest values. Hence, we conclude that neither model of forest governance encourages participation from a diverse public. Our findings suggest the need to find new ways of recruiting diverse participants and to investigate more deeply whether local and extra-local pressures and power dynamics shape these processes. Such information can inform the establishment of more robust institutions for decision-making in support of sustainable forest management.
S-wave single heavy baryons with spin-3/2 at finite temperature
Authors: Azizi K. , Türkan A.
Published: May 2020

The thermal behavior of the spectroscopic parameters of the S-wave single heavy baryons $$ \Sigma _{Q}^{*}, \Xi _{Q}^{*}$$ΣQ∗,ΞQ∗ and $$ \Omega _{Q}^{*} $$ΩQ∗ with spin-3/2 are investigated in QCD at finite temperature. We analyze the variations of the mass and residue of these baryons taking into consideration the contributions of QCD thermal condensates up to dimension eight in Wilson expansion. At finite temperature, due to the breakdown of the Lorentz invariance by the choice of reference frame and presence of an extra O(3) symmetry, some new four-dimensional operators come out in the form of the fermionic and gluonic parts of the energy momentum tensor that are taken into account in the calculations. Our analyses show that at lower temperatures, the parameters of baryons under consideration are not affected by the medium. These parameters, however, show rapid variations with respect to temperature at higher temperatures near to a pseudo-critical temperature, after which the baryons are melted. The results of the masses and residues at $$ T\rightarrow 0 $$T→0 limit are compatible with the available experimental data and predictions of other theoretical studies.
The index of harmonic maps from surfaces to complex projective spaces
Authors: Oliver J.
Published: May 2020

We estimate the dimensions of the spaces of holomorphic sections of certain line bundles to give improved lower bounds on the index of complex isotropic harmonic maps to complex projective space from the sphere and torus, and in some cases from higher genus surfaces.
Some aspects of modified theory of gravity in Palatini formalism unveiled
Authors: Chakrabortty Manas , Sk Nayem , Sanyal Abhik Kumar
Published: May 2020

Under conformal transformation, [Formula: see text] theory of gravity in Palatini formalism leads to a Brans–Dicke type of scalar-tensor equivalent theory with a wrong sign in the effective kinetic energy term. This means that the effective scalar acts as the dark energy and so late-time cosmic acceleration in the matter-dominated era is accountable. However, we unveil some aspects of Palatini formalism, which reveals the fact that the formalism is not suitable to explain the cosmological evolution of the early universe with [Formula: see text] gravity alone. Additionally, it is noticed that some authors, in an attempt to explore Noether symmetry of the theory changed the sign of the kinetic term and hence obtained the wrong answer. Here, we make the correction and unmask a very interesting aspect of symmetry analysis. Mathematical inequivalence between Jordan’s and Einstein’s frame in Palatini [Formula: see text] theory has also been revealed.
Quantum disentangling operator and squeezed vacuum state’s noise of a mesoscopic two-loop LC circuit with mutual inductance
Authors: Fan Hong-Yi , Meng Xiang-Guo
Published: May 2020

Quantum disentanglement refers to the transformation of entangled quantum system into disentangled system via some physical processes. In this paper, we search for quantum disentangling operator for the mesoscopic two-loop [Formula: see text] circuit with mutual inductance [Formula: see text]. It is this mutual inductance that causes quantum entanglement. By virtue of the method of integration within ordered product (IWOP) of operators, we find the disentangling operator and deduce the energy level (characteristic frequency). The quantum noise expression of squeezed vacuum state is also derived based on which we see that the large number of quantum entanglement engendered by the mutual inductance is, the more quantum noise produces in the mesoscopic circuit.
Link prediction based on network embedding and similarity transferring methods
Authors: Yu Wei , Liu Xiaoyu , Ouyang Bo
Published: May 2020

In network science, link prediction is a technique used to predict missing or future relationships based on currently observed connections. Much attention from the network science community is paid to this direction recently. However, most present approaches predict links based on ad hoc similarity definitions. To address this issue, we propose a link prediction algorithm named Transferring Similarity Based on Adjacency Embedding (TSBAE). TSBAE is based on network embedding, where the potential information of the structure is preserved in the embedded vector space, and the similarity is inherently captured by the distance of these vectors. Furthermore, to accommodate the fact that the similarity should be transferable, indirect similarity between nodes is incorporated to improve the accuracy of prediction. The experimental results on 10 real-world networks show that TSBAE outperforms the baseline algorithms in the task of link prediction, with the cost of tuning a free parameter in the prediction.
Effect of electron beam on the crystal structure of nanoscale Al particles
Authors: Abdullayeva T. T. , Jabarov S. H. , Huseynli S. , Abdurakhimov B. A. , Abiyev A. S. , Mirzayev M. N.
Published: May 2020

E-beam irradiation is one of the favorite methods of recent years and it can deliver the irradiation dose in just a few seconds to form nanoparticles. It is possible to obtain nanoparticles with different properties by changing the experimental conditions, as well as radiolytic reduction process can be adjusted through accelerators, it is possible to obtain oxides and hydroxides of metal nanoparticles. This paper reports the investigation of high-energy electron beams (EBs) on the crystal structure of 40–60 nm nanoscale Al particles. The crystal structure of the samples was calculated using the Rietveld method in the FullProf program. Structure analysis of three different irradiated ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) Al samples and nonirradiated Al samples was performed by XRD. Occurring energy during the process of linear electron acceleration was around [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]2–3 MeV. All samples were irradiated at room temperature. In addition to STP, temperature changes can be observed when the particles are exposed to high energy for a long time. At STP, nanoscale Al particles combine with the oxygen of the air and form Al2O3. Also, X-ray diffraction study showed that the instability does not only belong to Al particles but also to Al2O3 in view of the fact that precarious Al(OH)3 crystal structures were observed. Thus, radiation dependence of lattice parameters was obtained, the mechanism of change of lattice parameters was determined due to radiation.
Wavelet transform on regression trend curve and its application in financial data
Authors: Zhou Xiaohui
Published: May 2020

In this paper, wavelet transform on a regression curve is investigated by using length-preserving projection and its application in financial data is also discussed. First, properties of wavelet filters on the regression trend curves are studied and two-scale equation of wavelet function is deduced on the regression trend curves. Second, the decomposition and reconstruction algorithm of discrete wavelet transform on regression trend curves is derived. Finally, two examples in financial data are given for discussion, based on decomposition and reconstruction algorithms on regression trend curves. Some new research interpretations are presented in dealing with financial data such as “volatility on regression growth trend”, “error on regression growth trend”, and so on.
Tubenet: A Special Trumpetnet for Explicit Solutions to Inverse Problems
Authors: Liu G. R. , Duan S. Y. , Zhang Z. M. , Han X.
Published: May 2020

Different types of effective neural network structures have been developed, including the recurrent neural networks (RNNs), concurrent neural networks (CNNs), among others. The TrumpetNet was recently proposed by the leading author for creating two-way deepnets using physics-law-based models, such as finite element method (FEM) and smoothed FEM or S-FEM. The unique feature of the TrumpetNet is the effectiveness of both forward and inverse problems, by design a desired net architecture. Most importantly, solutions to inverse problems can be analytically derived in explicit formulae for the first time. This work presents a novel TubeNet designed for inverse problems, by designing a simple but special tubular architecture. The TubeNet is a simplified TrumpetNet, and hence it is found easier to apply. It uses the principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce the dimensionality of the “measurement” data, which allows one to select the desired number of major principal components to match with the number of neurons in a layer in the TubeNet. Intensive studies and analyses were conducted to examine the proposed TubeNet, using solid mechanics problem considering material property as parameters to be inversely identified. In this work, we successfully inversely identified up to eight parameters for idealized composite laminates, through explicit formulas, termed as direct-weights-inversion (DWI) approach, which is a chain of matrix inversions for the weight matrices of the network layers. The proposed TubeNet concept can fundamentally change the way in which inverse problems in various fields of studies are dealt with. It is a breakthrough in dealing with inverse problem that are inherently difficult to solve.
Do Green Initiatives Make Business Sense? The Indian Case
Authors: Bhatta N. M. K. , Bhavanishankar Saripalli , Chandrashekar Deepak
Published: May 2020

All nations globally are going through domestic and international pressures to become more responsible towards environment and climate change. This makes it imperative for the businesses in these countries to review and revitalize their green initiatives. This study is an attempt to examine the factors that drive the Indian firms to be involved in green initiatives. The findings of the study reveal that higher green ratings corresponded to higher productivity of firms. In addition, green products enabled firms to exhibit higher sales volumes while they charged price premiums. However, firms engaged in green processes were neither able to demonstrate higher sales volumes nor charge price premiums.
Photocyanine: A novel and effective phthalocyanine-based photosensitizer for cancer treatment
Authors: Chen Dan , Song Meiru , Huang Jinling , Chen Naishen , Xue Jinping , Huang Mingdong
Published: May 2020

As one of the three key components of photodynamic therapy (PDT), photosensitizers (PSs) greatly influence the photodynamic efficiency in the treatment of tumors. Photosensitizers with tetrapyrrole structure, such as porphyrins, chlorins and phthalocyanines, have been extensively investigated for PDT and some of them have already received clinical approval. However, only a few of porphyrin-based photosensitizers are available for clinical applications, and PDT has not received wide recognition in clinical practice. In this regard, PSs remain a limiting factor. Our research focuses on the rational design of new PSs. Photocyanine, a Zinc (II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) type photosensitizer with low dark toxicity and high single oxygen quantum yield, is one of the promising PSs candidates and currently being tested in clinical trials. Here, we present an overview on the development of Photocyanine, including its design, synthesis, purification, characterization and preclinical studies, wishing to contribute to the research of more promising PSs.
Ultra-small MnCo2O4 nanocrystals decorated on nitrogen-enriched carbon nanofibers as oxygen cathode for Li-O2 batteries
Authors: Jiang Xiaoping , Wang Ronghua , Hu Ning , Xu Chaohe
Published: May 2020

Ultra-small MnCo2O4 nanocrystals/nitrogen enriched carbon nanofiber composites, with particle size as small as 2–4[Formula: see text]nm and nitrogen content as high as [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]at.%, were designed and used as oxygen cathode materials for Li-O2 batteries, with an aprotic electrolyte. Via an in-situ nucleation and growth, the morphology, size and distribution of MnCo2O4 nanocrystals were well controlled on surface of nanofibers, with strong interfacial interactions between the two components. Benefitting from the unique microstructure and high-level nitrogen doping, the MnCo2O4/NCF composite can deliver discharge and charge capacities of 4147.8 and 3842.8[Formula: see text]mAh/g as oxygen cathode materials, and columbic efficiencies are about 92.6%. More importantly, the discharge products can completely decompose in charging process as evidenced by an ex-situ FESEM investigation, while for pure NCF cathode, particle and plate-like Li2O2 were still observed on its surface, which confirmed that the MnCo2O4/NCF composite has a superior electrocatalytic activity that that of NCF.
Ethnographies of Global Policing
Authors: Steinberg Jonny
Published: May 2020

The last two decades have seen an unprecedented proliferation of ethnographies of policing in many parts of the world. Implicit in the body of this new work is the continuation of an old and perhaps irresolvable debate on what policing is: the extralegal subjugation of subordinate populations or an agency whose authority is highly restricted by the norms of civilian populations. I argue that the best way to tackle this debate is to further develop the incipient practices of global ethnography, that is, to understand local practices via their global histories.
Recent Advances in Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Techniques for Materials Research
Authors: Chien Po-Hsiu , Griffith Kent J. , Liu Haoyu , Gan Zhehong , Hu Yan-Yan
Published: May 2020

Establishing structure–property correlations is of paramount importance to materials research. The ability to selectively detect observable magnetization from transitions between quantized spin states of nuclei makes nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy a powerful probe to characterize solids at the atomic level. In this article, we review recent advances in NMR techniques in six areas: spectral resolution, sensitivity, atomic correlations, ion dynamics, materials imaging, and hardware innovation. In particular, we focus on the applications of these techniques to materials research. Specific examples are given following the general introduction of each topic and technique to illustrate how they are applied. In conclusion, we suggest future directions for advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy and imaging in interdisciplinary research.
Cardiovascular and pulmonary interactions: why Galen’s misconceptions proved clinically useful for 1,300 years
Authors: Neder J. Alberto
Published: May 2020

The new generations of physicians are, to a large extent, unaware of the complex philosophical and biological concepts that created the bases of modern medicine. Building on the Hellenistic tradition of the four humors and their qualities, Galen (AD 129 to c. 216) provided a persuasive scheme of the structure and function of the cardiorespiratory system, which lasted, without serious contest, for 1,300 yr. Galen combined teleological concepts with careful clinical observation to defend a coherent and integrated system in which the fire-heart—flaming at the center of the body—interacts with lungs’ air- pneuma to create life. Remarkably, however, he achieved these goals, despite failing to grasp the concept of systemic and pulmonary blood circulations, understand the source and destiny of venous and arterial blood, recognize the lung as the organ responsible for gas exchange, comprehend the actual events taking place in the left ventricle, and identify the source of internal heat. In this article, we outline the alternative theories Galen put forward to explain these complex phenomena. We then discuss how the final consequences of Galen’s flawed anatomical and physiological conceptions do not differ substantially from those obtained if one applies modern concepts. Recognition of this state of affairs may explain why the ancient practitioner could achieve relative success, without harming the patient, to understand and treat a multitude of symptoms and illnesses.
Cardiac endurance training alters plasma profiles of circular RNA MBOAT2
Authors: Meinecke Anna , Mitzka Saskia , Just Annette , Cushman Sarah , Stojanović Stevan D. , Xiao Ke , Mooren Frank C. , Fiedler Jan , Thum Thomas
Published: May 2020

In brief, we herein report a timeline of circulating circular RNA (circRNA) MBOAT2 in a cohort of marathon runners. Time-course analysis of plasmatic circRNA MBOAT2 demonstrated a significantly lowered level 24 h after the marathon. Abundancy of circRNA was correlated to physical exercise parameters highlighting the role of circRNA MBOAT2 as a valuable noncoding RNA biomarker detecting and following up cardiopulmonary adaption.
Is the kidney a target of SARS-CoV-2?
Authors: Martinez-Rojas Miguel Angel , Vega-Vega Olynka , Bobadilla Norma A.
Published: May 2020

The new disease produced by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents a major pandemic event nowadays. Since its origin in China in December 2019, there is compelling evidence that novel SARS-CoV-2 is a highly transmissible virus, and it is associated to a broad clinical spectrum going from subclinical presentation to severe respiratory distress and multiorgan failure. Like other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 recognizes human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as a cellular receptor that allows it to infect different host cells and likely disrupts renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system homeostasis. Particularly, a considerable incidence of many renal abnormalities associated to COVID-19 has been reported, including proteinuria, hematuria, and acute kidney injury. Moreover, it has been recently demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 can infect podocytes and tubular epithelial cells, which could contribute to the development of the aforementioned renal abnormalities. In this review, we discuss the biological aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, how understanding current knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 infection may partly explain the involvement of the kidneys in the pathophysiology of COVID-19, and what questions have arisen and remain to be explored.
Inhibiting the Progression of Human Retinoblastoma Cell by Downregulation of MMP-2/MMP-9 Using Short Hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) In Vitro
Authors: Meng Nana , Zhao Zhi , Shi Chunhe , Xia Leizhou
Published: May 2020

Objective. To investigate the effect of downregulated matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) gene on the proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion of human retinoblastoma (RB) cell line in vitro.Methods. Small hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting MMP-2/MMP-9 was designed and transfected into WER1-Rb-1 cells. 48 hours after transfection, qRT-PCR and western blot technique were used to investigate the inhibitory effect of MMP-2 and MMP-9 shRNAs. Cell viability was examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell cycle arrest was detected using a flow cytometer while apoptosis was tested with Annexin V/PI kit. Transwell chamber assay was performed to detect the migration and invasion ability of the WER1-Rb-1 cells.Results. After transfection of MMP-2/MMP-9 shRNA, there was a significant decrease in the expressions of both mRNA and protein in the shRNA groups compared with the negative and vector controls. The results of MTT assay suggested that the cell viability was significantly decreased in shRNA groups (p<0.05). Cell apoptosis also increased significantly in shRNA groups compared with the negative and vector controls (p<0.05). The flow cytometer analysis proved that the proportion of the G1 phase increased and the proportion of the G0 phase reduced significantly by the transfection of MMP-2/MMP-9 shRNA (p<0.05). The migration and invasion ability were also significantly decreased in the groups of MMP-2/MMP-9 shRNA (p<0.05).Conclusions. Cell viability, migration, and invasion ability of RB cells are inhibited, and apoptosis is induced after downregulation of MMP-2/MMP-9 through RNA interference. MMP-2 and MMP-9 may be potential targets in the gene therapy of RB.
The Role of Oxidative Stress in Cardiac Disease: From Physiological Response to Injury Factor
Authors: D’Oria Rossella , Schipani Rossella , Leonardini Anna , Natalicchio Annalisa , Perrini Sebastio , Cignarelli Angelo , Laviola Luigi , Giorgino Francesco
Published: May 2020

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive chemical species containing oxygen, controlled by both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant defense systems. In the heart, ROS play an important role in cell homeostasis, by modulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and excitation-contraction coupling. Oxidative stress occurs when ROS production exceeds the buffering capacity of the antioxidant defense systems, leading to cellular and molecular abnormalities, ultimately resulting in cardiac dysfunction. In this review, we will discuss the physiological sources of ROS in the heart, the mechanisms of oxidative stress-related myocardial injury, and the implications of experimental studies and clinical trials with antioxidant therapies in cardiovascular diseases.
Effectiveness of Auricular Acupuncture for Insomnia: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Huang Jinke , Shen Min , Qin Xiaohui , Huang Yong
Published: May 2020

Objectives. The effectiveness of auricular acupuncture (AA) for insomnia is far from uniform. The aim of this overview was to summarize and critically evaluate the evidence from systematic reviews (SRs)/meta‐analysis (MAs) and provide an overall verdict about the therapeutic value of AA for insomnia. Methods. A search of relevant literature for SRs/MAs was performed on major medical databases. The methodological quality was assessed using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR‐2) and the evidence quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Results. Seven SRs/MAs were deemed eligible for the present overview. According to the evaluation results of AMSTAR‐2, the methodological quality of all included SRs/MAs was critically low. Consistent methodological deficiencies were item 2 (the lack of a protocol), item 4 (the lack of a specific search strategy), item 7 (the lack of a list of excluded studies), and item 15 (the lack of an assessment of publication bias). For GRADE, of the 17 outcomes, only 1 (5.9%) was rated of high‐quality, 4 (23.5%) were rated of moderate‐quality, and the remaining 12 (70.6%) were rated of low‐or critically low‐quality. Descriptive analysis of the outcomes reveals a positive effect of AA for insomnia. Conclusions. AA may be beneficial for insomnia, but the evidence is plagued by important limitations, e.g., the poor quality of SRs/MAs and primary studies.
Sex Differences in Progression of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in OVE26 Type 1 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Tang Xiaoqiang , Jiang Saizhi , Zhang Jian , Zhou Shanshan , Zheng Yang
Published: May 2020

OVE26 mice are a widely used transgenic model of early-onset type 1 diabetes. These mice overexpress calmodulin in their pancreatic β cells, develop severe diabetes within the first weeks of life, and progress to severe diabetic complications including diabetic nephropathy and diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). To date, diabetic nephropathy in OVE26 mice has been well explored, leaving the progression of DCM and the gender impact in this type 1 diabetes model still unrevealed. In our study, male and female OVE26 mice and age-matched nondiabetic FVB mice were examined at 4, 12, 24, and 36 weeks for their cardiac function, body weight, blood glucose, and heart weight/tibia length ratio. Further, histopathological examination and Western blot analysis for the key markers demonstrate that DCM appears at 24 weeks OVE26 mice, initiating with cardiac senescence, followed by fibrosis and then cardiac dysfunction. Mitochondrial respiration function analysis showed no indication of dysfunction in OVE26 mice at 24 weeks of age in both genders. In addition, no significant difference for the pathogenic progression was observed between OVE26 and FVB mice in both males and females. In conclusion, this study suggests cardiac senescence and fibrosis, which may be amended by sex differences, play key roles in the progression of DCM in OVE26 mice. The comprehensive characterization of diabetic cardiomyopathy progression and the sex difference impact in OVE26 mice provides a basis for future study on DCM using OVE26 mice.
The Quantum Analysis of Nonlinear Optical Parametric Processes with Thermal Reservoirs
Authors: Abebe Tamirat , Gemechu Nebiyu , Gashu Chimdessa , Shogile Kebede , Hailemariam Solomon , Adisu Shimelis
Published: May 2020

In this paper, employing the stochastic differential equations associated with the normal ordering, the quantum properties of a nondegenerate three-level cascade laser with a parametric amplifier and coupled to a two-mode thermal reservoir are thoroughly analyzed. Particularly, the enhancement of squeezing and the amplification of photon entanglement of the two-mode cavity light are investigated. It is found that the two cavity modes are strongly entangled and the degree of entanglement is directly related to the two-mode squeezing. Despite the fact that the entanglement and squeezing decrease with the increment of the mean photon number of the thermal reservoir, strong amount of these nonclassical properties can be generated for a considerable amount of thermal noise with the help of the nonlinear crystal introduced into the laser cavity. Moreover, the squeezing and entanglement of the cavity radiation enhance with the rate of atomic injection.
Application of Spherical Magnetic Bearing in Magnetically Suspended Control and Sensitive Gyro
Authors: Zengyuan Yin , Cai Yuanwen , Liu Bing , Weijie Wang , Chen Xiaocen
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a spherical magnetic bearing and analyzes its application in magnetically suspended control and sensitive gyro (MSCSG). The main advantage of the spherical magnetic bearing is that it can eliminate the interference torque in the process of rotor tilt and improve the suspension accuracy of the rotor. By comparing the finite element analysis results of spherical magnetic bearing and traditional cylindrical magnetic bearing, the interference torque to the rotor of cylindrical magnetic bearing increases gradually with the increase of the rotor tilt angle. The interference torque to the rotor of spherical magnetic bearing does not change with the rotor tilt, and the interference torque is basically 0 Nm. Then, dynamic and static experiments were carried out to verify the interference torque generated in the process of spherical magnetic suspended rotor tilting. The experimental results show that the runout value of the rotor’s translation and tilt signals in both static and dynamic states is basically consistent with the value of the equilibrium state of the rotor (tilt angle = 0). Therefore, spherical magnetic bearing will not produce interference torque, which is of great significance for realizing the high-precision control of magnetic suspension inertia mechanism.
DPPH‐Scavenging and Antimicrobial Activities of Asteraceae Medicinal Plants on Uropathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Trinh Phan-Canh , Thao Le-Thi-Thanh , Ha Hoang-Tran-Viet , Nguyen TuAnh
Published: May 2020

Asteraceae species were widely applied in traditional medicines in Asian countries as sources of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to evaluate DPPH‐scavenging capacities and antimicrobial activities of nine Asteraceae species collected from Southern Vietnam. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were determined by standard protocols. Essential oils from Ageratum conyzoides, Helianthus annuus, and Artemisia vulgaris indicated significant inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Candida spp. Crude extracts and fractions from Taraxacum officinale, Chrysanthemum morifolium, A. conyzoides, and Tagetes erecta showed inhibitory ability on at least one testing bacterial strains including S. aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In a study on clinical isolates, ethyl acetate fraction from A. conyzoides flower displayed the most potent effect on uropathogenic E. coli and K. pneumoniae with MIC at 1.25–10 mg/ml and 5–12.5 mg/ml, respectively. DPPH‐scavenging assay indicated that T. erecta extract had the lowest IC50 (17.280 μg/ml) and is 2.4 times higher than vitamin C (7.321 μg/ml). This study revealed that A. conyzoides has good potential against uropathogenic E. coli and K. pneumoniae, and therefore could be applied for prophylactic treatment of urinary infection.
Validation of the Egyptian-Arabic Version of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III) in Diagnosing Dementia
Authors: Qassem Tarik , Khater Mohamed S. , Emara Tamer , Rasheedy Doha , Tawfik Heba M. , Mohammedin Ahmed S. , Tolba Mohammad F. , Abdel Aziz Karim
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III) (2012) is a brief cognitive battery that assesses five sub-domains of cognition (attention and orientation, memory, verbal fluency, language, and visuospatial abilities) which are commonly impaired in dementia. Objective: We aimed to validate the Egyptian-Arabic ACE-III in dementia patients, and to provide cut-off scores for the ACE-III in diagnosing dementia in Egyptian-Arabic speakers. Methods: We included 37 patients with dementia (Alzheimer’s disease, n = 25, vascular dementia, n = 8, and dementia with Lewy bodies, n = 4) and 43 controls. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in the total ACE-III score between dementia patients (mean 49.81 ± 18.58) and controls (mean 84.84 ± 6.36). There was also a statistically significant difference between dementia patients and controls in all sub-score domains of the ACE-III (p < 0.001). Using a receiver operator characteristic curve, the optimal cut-off score for dementia on the ACE-III total score was 72, (89% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 92% accuracy). Conclusions: The results of this study provide objective validation of the Egyptian-Arabic version of the ACE-III as a screening tool for dementia, with high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy comparable to other translated versions of the ACE-III.
Two-Year Survival of High-Viscosity Glass Ionomer in Children with Molar Incisor Hypomineralization
Authors: Durmus Basak , Sezer Berkant , Tugcu Nihan , Caliskan Cansu , Bekiroglu Nural , Kargul Betul
Published: May 2020

Objective: We assessed the clinical survival of a high-viscosity glass ionomer (HVGI) at the 2-year follow-up to restore molar incisors severely affected by hypomineralization after selective carious tissue removal (SCR). The null hypothesis tested was that there are no differences in the overall survival times in the categories of the variables of interest. Methods: A total of 134 fully erupted first molar incisors with hypomineralization, cavitated and with moderate-to-deep carious lesions without hypersensitivity or pain (MIH treatment need index 2a–c), were included in the study. HVGI (Equia Forte®; GC, Tokyo, Japan) restorations were applied after SCR to soft carious dentin. The follow-up lasted 2 years. The end point was defined as the absence of endodontic and restorative complications. Two-year, and 18-, 12-, and 6-month survival probabilities and standard errors were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Survival probabilities according to patient gender, jaw, and lesion severity groups were compared using the log-rank test. Restorations were evaluated using the modified US Public Health Service criteria. Results: HVGI restorations showed cumulative survival probabilities of 95.5% at 6 months, 94% at 12 months, 87.5% at 18 months, and 87.5% at 24 months. Survival probabilities according to patient gender, jaw, and lesion severity groups were not statistically significantly different (p > 0.05). Therefore, the null hypothesis was accepted. Conclusion: Following SCR, HVGI restoration provided moderate survival probabilities, suggesting that the SCR technique is effective.
Overview of soft intelligent computing technique for supercritical fluid extraction
Authors: Idris Sitinoor Adeib , Markom Masturah
Published: May 2020

Optimization of Supercritical Fluid Extraction process with mathematical modeling is essential for industrial applications. The response surface methodology (RSM) has been proven to be a useful and effective statistical method for studying the relationships between measured responses and independent factors. Recently there are growing interest in applying smart system or artificial technique to model and simulate a chemical process and also to predict, compute, classify and optimize as well as for process control. This system works by generalizing the experimental result and the process behavior and finally predict and estimate the problem. This smart system is a major assistance in the development of process from laboratory to pilot or industrial. The main advantage of intelligent systems is that the predictions can be performed easily, fast, and accurate way, which physical models unable to do. This paper shares several works that have been utilizing intelligent systems for modeling and simulating the supercritical fluid extraction process.
O assédio moral no contexto universitário
Authors: Gomes Luciene Ferreira Gomides , Lima Maria Elizabeth Antunes
Published: May 2020

O artigo se baseia em um estudo sobre a vivência do assédio moral por servidores técnico-administrativos de uma instituição federal de ensino superior de Minas Gerais. A pesquisa teve por objetivos identificar a ocorrência desse problema, suas consequências e possíveis ações de prevenção. Realizou-se um estudo qualitativo por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e em profundidade. Por meio das entrevistas, tentou-se obter informações sobre as características pessoais dos sujeitos em conflito, as particularidades do seu trabalho e o contexto organizacional. Participaram da pesquisa doze servidores que foram ou não vítimas de assédio moral, tendo sido escolhidos, inicialmente, por indicação do sindicato da categoria e, posteriormente, pelo método de Snowball (Bola de Neve). Os resultados confirmam outros obtidos em instituições de ensino superior, revelando formas importantes de violência moral nesse contexto e sugerindo a presença de um grupo dominante na instituição, que dita normas e regras de comportamento, favorecendo o abuso. Tudo isso aponta a necessidade de medidas de prevenção e combate ao problema, além da sua divulgação, dando publicidade a tais formas de conduta, para que todos possam reconhecê-las, denunciá-las e, se possível, preveni-las.
Profissão docente no ensino superior privado
Authors: Elias Marisa Aparecida , Navarro Vera Lucia
Published: May 2020

Este artigo tem por objetivo discutir o trabalho e a saúde de professores do ensino superior privado. Parte-se da premissa de que a precarização do trabalho é um dos principais fatores que degradam a educação e a saúde desses profissionais. Considerando a complexidade do tema, este artigo se fundamentou no materialismo histórico dialético e em estudos sobre saúde mental relacionada ao trabalho. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevistas semidirigidas. Os resultados mostram que os docentes estão submetidos a condições precárias e intensificadas de trabalho. A preservação da idealização da atividade profissional é um facilitador da alienação que prende os docentes a uma representação do trabalho como missão, que, além de submetê-los a condições fisicamente desgastantes, também os sujeitam a pressão psicológica potencialmente adoecedora. Conclui-se que a mercantilização da educação e do ensino descaracterizam a função do educador e propiciam o desgaste, o mal-estar e o adoecimento.
Concordance and Discordance of Echocardiographic Parameters Recommended for Assessing the Severity of Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Uretsky Seth , Aldaia Lillian , Marcoff Leo , Koulogiannis Konstantinos , Argulian Edgar , Lasam Glenmore , Gillam Linda
Published: May 2020

Background:

The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and American Society of Echocardiography guidelines recommend assessing several echocardiographic parameters when evaluating mitral regurgitation (MR) severity. These parameters can be discordant, making the assessment of MR challenging. The degree to which echocardiographic parameters of MR severity are concordant is not well studied.

Methods:

We enrolled 159 patients in a prospective multicenter study. Eight parameters were included in this analysis: proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA)–derived regurgitant volume, PISA-derived effective regurgitant orifice area, vena contracta, color Doppler jet/left atrial area, left atrial volume index, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index, peak E wave, and the presence of pulmonary vein systolic reversal. Each echocardiographic parameter was determined to represent severe or nonsevere MR according to the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. A concordance score was calculated as

so that a higher score reflects greater concordance. There was no discordance when all the echocardiographic parameters agreed and high discordance when 3 or 4 parameters were discordant.

Results:

The mean concordance score was 75±14% for the entire cohort. There were 9 (6%) patients with complete agreement of all parameters and 61 (38%) with high discordance. There was greater discordance in patients with severe MR but no difference between primary versus secondary or central versus eccentric jets. There was an improvement in concordance when only considering PISA-based regurgitant volume, PISA-based effective regurgitant orifice area, and vena contracta with agreement in 68% of patients.

Conclusions:

There was limited concordance between the echocardiographic parameters of MR severity, and the discordance was worse with more severe MR. Concordance improved when considering only 3 quantitative measures of vena contracta and PISA-based effective regurgitant orifice area and regurgitant volume. These findings highlight the challenges facing echocardiographers when assessing the severity of MR and emphasize the difficulty of using an integrated approach that incorporates multiple components.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04038879.