bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Correlates of Hypertension Unawareness among Lebanese Adults: The Need to Target Those “Left Behind”
Authors: Ghaddar Fatima , Hammad Lama , Tohme Rania A. , Kabakian-Khasholian Tamar , Hwalla Nahla , Sibai Abla M.
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Hypertension unawareness is context-specific, and our understanding of factors associated with it has implications on primary healthcare practices locally and contributes to achieving cardiovascular disease (CVD) targets, globally. In this study, we examine the prevalence and correlates of hypertension unawareness among adult Lebanese population. Methods. The study sample included a nationally representative sample of 2214 adults ≥25 years of age from the Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) Risk Factor WHO-STEPS cross-sectional survey conducted in Lebanon. In the first step, hypertension was assessed based on reported morbidity using face-to-face interviews, and in the second step, based on blood pressure (BP) measurement. We defined hypertension prevalence as systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg and/or ongoing treatment for hypertension. Hypertension unawareness was described as lack of prior knowledge of hypertensive status. Those responding negatively to the face-to-face interview question “whether they had ever been told by a health worker that they have hypertension” were labelled as “apparently healthy.” Results. Overall prevalence of hypertension was 30.7%. A total of 369 subjects were unaware of their condition, representing 51.8% of all hypertensives and 15.9% of the apparently healthy. Multivariable analysis controlling for a number of confounders showed that, among apparently healthy participants, insurance coverage and contact with healthcare services were not associated with higher likelihood for hypertension awareness. Among all hypertensives, hypertension unawareness was significantly higher in the young, those with BMI <25 kg/m2 (adjusted OR (aOR): 2.52; 95% CI: 1.35–4.69), no CVD (aOR: 3.30; 95% CI: 1.74–6.29), and participants with no reported family history of hypertension (aOR: 4.87; 95% CI: 2.89–8.22), compared to their counterparts. Conclusion. In Lebanon, unawareness of hypertension occurred in those clinically least perceived to be at risk. These findings are key for optimizing current screening practices and informing NCD prevention efforts in the country and contribute to achieving global targets of the SDGs of “leaving no one behind.”
HPLC-MS/MS-Mediated Analysis of the Pharmacokinetics, Bioavailability, and Tissue Distribution of Schisandrol B in Rats
Authors: Liang Dahu , Wu Zijing , Liu Yanhao , Li Chao , Li Xianghong , Yang Bin , Xie Haitang , Sun Hua
Published: February 2021

Schisandrol B, a lignan isolated from dried Schisandra chinensis fruits, has been shown to exhibit hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, renoprotective, and memory-enhancing properties. This study sought to design a sensitive and efficient HPLC-MS/MS approach to measuring Schisandrol B levels in rat plasma and tissues in order to assess the pharmacokinetics, oral bioavailability, and tissue distributions of this compound in vivo. For this analysis, bifendate was chosen as an internal standard (IS). A liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) approach was employed for the preparation of samples that were subsequently separated with an Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse XDB-C18 (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 μm) column with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of methanol and water containing 5 mM ammonium acetate and 0.1% formic acid (90 : 10, v/v). A linear calibration curve was obtained over the 5–2000 ng/mL and 1–1000 ng/mL ranges for plasma samples and tissue homogenates, respectively. This established method was then successfully applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics, oral bioavailability, and tissue distributions of Schisandrol B in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats that were intravenously administered 2 mg/kg of Schisandrol B monomer, intragastrically administered Schisandrol B monomer (10 mg/kg), or intragastrically administered 6 mL/kg SCE (equivalent to 15 mg/kg Schisandrol B monomer). The oral absolute bioavailability of Schisandrol B following intragastric Schisandrol B monomer and SCE administration was approximately 18.73% and 68.12%, respectively. Tissue distribution studies revealed that Schisandrol B was distributed throughout several tested tissues, with particular accumulation in the liver and kidneys. Our data represent a valuable foundation for future studies of the pharmacologic and biological characteristics of Schisandrol B.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Acupressure on Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Tao , Li Xiaohui , Huang Fan , Tian Qiang , Fan Z. Y. , Wu S.
Published: February 2021

Objectives. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupressure on low back pain (LBP). Methods. We searched 7 electronic databases and 2 trial registries through December 28, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupressure on LBP were considered for meta-analysis with Revman 5.3 and Stata 15.0 software. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to quantify the statistical reliability. HETRED analysis and GRADE were used to determine the heterogeneity and quality of the results, respectively. Results. Twenty-three RCTs representing 2400 participants were included. Acupressure was superior to tuina massage on response rate (RR 1.25; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.35;

P
<
0.00001

) and in the standardized mean difference (SMD) for pain reduction [SMD −1.92; 95% CI, −3.09 to −0.76;

P
=
0.001

]. Likewise, acupressure was superior to physical therapy [SMD, −0.88; 95% CI, −1.10 to −0.65;

P
<
0.00001

] and to usual care [SMD, −0.32; 95% CI, −0.61 to −0.02;

P
=
0.04

] in pain reduction. The Oswestry Disability Index was significantly improved by acupressure compared with usual care [SMD, −0.55; 95% CI, −0.84 to −0.25;

P
=
0.0003

]. The combination of acupressure with either manual acupuncture or electro-acupuncture showed significant improvements over the adjuvant therapies alone in response rate [RR 1.19; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.26;

P
<
0.00001

], pain reduction, and the Japanese Orthopedic Association score (JOA). However, each study displayed substantial heterogeneity. Through subgroup sensitivity analysis and -HETRED analysis, the heterogeneity of acupressure compared with manual acupuncture decreased while the results maintained significance with respect to pain reduction [SMD −0.9; 95% CI, −1.21 to −0.6;

P
<
0.00001

] and JOA [SMD, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.98;

P
<
0.00001

]. Similar results were obtained comparing acupressure with electro-acupuncture with respect to pain [SMD, −1.07; 95% CI, −1.33 to −0.81;

P
<
0.00001

] and JOA [SMD, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.51 to 1.27,

P
<
0.00001

]. TSA demonstrated the effectiveness of acupressure as a standalone or as a combinative treatment (with manual acupuncture or electro-acupuncture) for LBP. Conclusion. Acupressure is an effective treatment for LBP. However, GRADE assessments downgraded the evidence in the trials, indicating that additional investigations are needed to confirm these observations.
Study the Fire Resistance of Desert Sand Concrete (DSC) with Interface Phase through Uniaxial Compression Tests and Analyses
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liu Haifeng , Liu Qiang , Che Jialing , Yang Weiwu , Ma Jurong , Doh Shu Ing , Lim Kar Sing
Published: February 2021

The shortage of sand resources and high‐rise building fires are becoming increasingly prominent. Desert sand (DS) with smaller particles can effectively fill the concrete voids and further improve its working performance; it is used as a fine aggregate to produce concrete. This article studied the performance of desert sand concrete (DSC) against fire resistance by using mathematical modeling for simulation. The stress‐strain curves of desert sand mortar (DSM) after elevated temperatures were tested, and the constitutive model was established. By comparing the experiment and simulation results, it was verified that the model is suitable to be adopted in this study. Data from experiment and past literature can serve as parameters for the subsequent simulation. The destruction process of DSC under uniaxial compression after elevated temperature was simulated by using ANSYS. The simulation results indicated that, after elevated temperature, compressive strength reduced with increase of interface thickness. The compressive strength of DSC had a substantially linear increase as the interface compressive strength increased. For two‐grade coarse aggregate, the optimum volume content was 45%, and particle size of it showed a significant effect on the compressive strength of DSC. The DSM constitutive model and simulation results can provide a sound theoretical basis and technical support for DSC engineering applications.
Cardiovascular Risk Factor Profiles and Disease in Black Compared to Other Africans with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hsu Hon-Chun , Robinson Chanel , Woodiwiss Angela J. , Norton Gavin R. , Dessein Patrick H.
Published: February 2021

Background and Objectives. The extent to which chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts cardiovascular disease (CVD) in black Africans is uncertain. We compared cardiovascular risk factors and CVD between black and other African CKD patients. Methods. Cardiovascular risk factors, aortic and cardiac function, atherosclerosis extent, and cardiovascular event rates were assessed in 115 consecutive predialysis (n = 67) and dialysis patients (n = 48) including 46 black and 69 other (32 Asian, 28 white, and 9 mixed race) participants. Data were analysed in multivariable regression models. Results. Overall, black compared to other African CKD patients had less frequent carotid artery plaque (OR (95% CI) = 0.38 (0.16–0.91)) despite an increased cardiovascular risk factor burden. In receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, the Framingham score performed well in identifying non-black but not black CKD patients with carotid plaque (area under the curve (AUC) (95% CI) = 0.818 (0.714–0.921) and AUC (95% CI) = 0.556 (0.375–0.921), respectively). Black compared to other African predialysis patients experienced larger Framingham scores and more adverse nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors, impaired arterial and diastolic function but similar cardiovascular event rates (OR (95% CI) = 0.93 (0.22 to 3.87)). Among dialysis patients, black compared to other Africans had an overall similar traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factor burden, similar arterial and diastolic function but increased systolic function (partial R = 0.356,

p

 = 0.01 and partial R = 0.315,

p

 = 0.03 for ejection fraction and stroke volume, respectively) and reduced cardiovascular event rates (OR (95% CI) = 0.22 (0.05 to 0.88)). Conclusion. Black compared to other African CKD patients have less frequent very high risk atherosclerosis and experience weaker cardiovascular risk factor-atherosclerotic CVD relationships. These disparities may be due to differences in epidemiological health transition stages. Among dialysis patients, black compared to other Africans have less cardiovascular events, which may represent a selection bias as previously documented in black Americans.
Factors Associated with Glycaemic Control among Diabetic Patients Managed at an Urban Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Thuy Luu Quang , Nam Hoang Thi Phuong , An Tran Thi Ha , Van San Bui , Ngoc Tran Nguyen , Trung Le Hong , Tan Pham Huy , Thanh Nguyen Hoang
Published: February 2021

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) epidemic is rising in Vietnam. Identifying associated factors with glycaemic control in patients with T2DM is vital to improve treatment outcomes. This study is aimed at examining the uncontrolled glycaemic level of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) at an urban hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam, and determining associated factors. An observational longitudinal cohort survey was performed among T2DM patients. Glycaemic control was evaluated by using the HbA1c level ≥ 6.5% or fasting blood glucose level ≥ 7.5 g/mmol. Information about sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics was collected. Multivariate mixed‐effects logistic regression was employed to identify associated factors with control glycaemic level conditions. Among 189 T2DM patients, 70.4% had an uncontrolled glycaemic level. A higher number of comorbidities were associated with a lower likelihood of having uncontrolled glycaemic levels (OR = 0.71, p < 0.001, 95%CI = 0.52 − 0.98). Meanwhile, a higher body mass index (OR = 1.15, p < 0.05, 95%CI = 1.02 − 1.29), higher initial HbA1C (OR = 3.75, p < 0.01, 95%CI = 2.59 − 5.44), and higher initial fasting blood glucose levels (OR = 1.57, p < 0.01, 95%CI = 1.29 − 1.90) were positively associated with a higher risk of uncontrolled glycaemic levels. This study reveals that poor glycaemic control was common among T2DM patients in the urban hospital in Vietnam. Findings underlined the need for appropriate management strategies to control glycaemic levels and weight in this population.
Albumin Reduces Oxidative Stress and Neuronal Apoptosis via the ERK/Nrf2/HO‐1 Pathway after Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rats
Authors: Deng Shuixiang , Liu Shengpeng , Jin Peng , Feng Shengjie , Tian Mi , Wei Pengju , Zhu Hongda , Tan Jiaying , Zhao Feng , Gong Ye
Published: February 2021

Background. Albumin has been regarded as a potent antioxidant with free radical scavenging activities. Oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis are responsible for its highly damaging effects on brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Here, the present study investigated the neuroprotective effect of albumin against early brain injury after ICH and the potential underlying mechanisms. Methods. Adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to intrastriatal injection of autologous blood to induce ICH. Human serum albumin was given by intravenous injection 1 h after ICH. U0126, an inhibitor of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2), and ML385, an inhibitor of nuclear factor‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), were intraperitoneally administered 1 h before ICH induction. Short‐ and long‐term neurobehavioral tests, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, oxidative stress evaluations, and apoptosis measurements were performed. Results. Endogenous expression of albumin (peaked at 5 days) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1, peaked at 24 h) was increased after ICH compared with the sham group. Albumin and HO‐1 were colocalized with neurons. Compared with vehicle, albumin treatment significantly improved short‐ and long‐term neurobehavioral deficits and reduced oxidative stress and neuronal death at 72 h after ICH. Moreover, albumin treatment significantly promoted the phosphorylation of ERK1/2; increased the expression of Nrf2, HO‐1, and Bcl‐2; and downregulated the expression of Romo1 and Bax. U0126 and ML385 abolished the treatment effects of albumin on behavior and protein levels after ICH. Conclusions. Albumin attenuated oxidative stress‐related neuronal death may in part via the ERK/Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway after ICH in rats. Our study suggests that albumin may be a novel therapeutic method to ameliorate brain injury after ICH.
Targeting eIF4A-Dependent Translation of KRAS Signaling Molecules
Authors: Singh Kamini , Lin Jianan , Lecomte Nicolas , Mohan Prathibha , Gokce Askan , Sanghvi Viraj R. , Jiang Man , Grbovic-Huezo Olivera , Burčul Antonija , Stark Stefan G. , Romesser Paul B. , Chang Qing , Melchor Jerry P. , Beyer Rachel K. , Duggan Mark , Fukase Yoshiyuki , Yang Guangli , Ouerfelli Ouathek , Viale Agnes , de Stanchina Elisa , Stamford Andrew W. , Meinke Peter T. , Rätsch Gunnar , Leach Steven D. , Ouyang Zhengqing , Wendel Hans-Guido
Published: February 2021

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) epitomizes a deadly cancer driven by abnormal KRAS signaling. Here, we show that the eIF4A RNA helicase is required for translation of key KRAS signaling molecules and that pharmacological inhibition of eIF4A has single-agent activity against murine and human PDAC models at safe dose levels. EIF4A was uniquely required for the translation of mRNAs with long and highly structured 5′ untranslated regions, including those with multiple G-quadruplex elements. Computational analyses identified these features in mRNAs encoding KRAS and key downstream molecules. Transcriptome-scale ribosome footprinting accurately identified eIF4A-dependent mRNAs in PDAC, including critical KRAS signaling molecules such as PI3K, RALA, RAC2, MET, MYC, and YAP1. These findings contrast with a recent study that relied on an older method, polysome fractionation, and implicated redox-related genes as eIF4A clients. Together, our findings highlight the power of ribosome footprinting in conjunction with deep RNA sequencing in accurately decoding translational control mechanisms and define the therapeutic mechanism of eIF4A inhibitors in PDAC.

Significance:

These findings document the coordinate, eIF4A-dependent translation of RAS-related oncogenic signaling molecules and demonstrate therapeutic efficacy of eIF4A blockade in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
PGE2 Released by Pancreatic Cancer Cells Undergoing ER Stress Transfers the Stress to DCs Impairing Their Immune Function
Authors: Gilardini Montani Maria Saveria , Benedetti Rossella , Piconese Silvia , Pulcinelli Fabio Maria , Timperio Anna Maria , Romeo Maria Anele , Masuelli Laura , Mattei Maurizio , Bei Roberto , D'Orazi Gabriella , Cirone Mara
Published: February 2021

This study shows that pancreatic cancer cells undergoing cell death by valproic acid (VPA) treatment activated dendritic cells (DCs) more efficiently than those treated with trichostatin A (TSA), as demonstrated by CD86 and CD80 surface expression. Surprisingly though, DCs cultured in the presence of supernatant derived from VPA-treated cancer cells showed a reduced allostimulatory capacity and an increased release of IL10 and IL8 cytokines in comparison with those exposed to TSA-treated cell culture supernatant. Searching for molecular mechanisms leading to such differences, we found that VPA treatment dysregulated choline metabolism and triggered a stronger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in pancreatic cancer cells than TSA, upregulating CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein, and activated cyclooxygenase-2, thus promoting the release of prostaglandin (PG) E2. Interestingly, dysfunctional DCs cultured in the presence of VPA-treated cells culture supernatant showed a higher level of intracellular reactive oxygen species, 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal protein adducts, and ER stress, as evidenced by the upregulation of spliced X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1s), effects that were reduced when DCs were exposed to supernatant of cancer cells treated with Celecoxib before VPA. Celecoxib prevented PGE2 release, restoring the function of DCs exposed to VPA-treated cells culture supernatant, and a similar effect was obtained by silencing XBP1s in DCs treated with VPA-treated cells culture supernatant. These results suggest that PGE2 could be one of the yet unidentified factors able to transfer the stress from cancer cells to DCs, resulting in an impairment of their function.
Knockout of the
NONO
Gene Inhibits Neointima Formation in a Mouse Model of Vascular Injury
Authors: Xu Xingli , Xu Xinghua , Mao Yang , Lu Lin , Ma Jing , Zheng Tengfei , Zhang Jie , Zhang Meng , Meng Linlin , Ma Lianyue , Cheng Jing , Chen Wenqiang , Jiang Hong , Zhang Yun , Zhang Cheng
Published: February 2021

Objective:

The NONO (non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein) is a multifunctional nuclear protein involved in RNA synthesis, transcriptional regulation, and DNA repair. However, the effect of NONO on neointima induced by vascular injury or restenosis remains unclear. We hypothesized that NONO is required for maintaining vascular integrity and NONO knockout may inhibit neointima formation.

Approach and Results:

NONO
gene KO (knockout; NONO KO or NONO
gt/0
) mice were produced from C57BL/6J mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat–associated 9) technique. The left common carotid artery of mice was ligated to induce carotid neointima formation. The primary mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were derived from the media of wide-type and NONO
gt/0
mouse aortas for in vitro studies. Human coronary arteries containing atherosclerotic plaque and normal coronary arteries were obtained from body donors. Histological staining demonstrated that NONO expression was increased in human coronary atherosclerotic lesions and mouse ligated carotid arteries. Moreover, the increased NONO was primarily from VSMCs of neointima. Mice with NONO deficiency showed no significant difference in carotid artery structure from control mice. However, after carotid artery ligation, NONO
gt/0
mice exhibited reduced neointima thickness in ligated arteries. NONO deficiency led to decreased proliferation and migration of VSMCs and increased expression of contractile marker genes in neointima and VSMCs. The mechanistic study indicated that NONO interacted with Erk (extracellular regulated kinase) 1/2 in VSMCs and affected its activation in VSMCs, implying Erk signaling cascade might mediate the roles of NONO in VSMCs.

Conclusions:

NONO was not required for maintaining vascular integrity, but NONO knockout reversed the pathological processes mediated by increased proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching of VSMCs. The mechanism of these effects involved an interaction of NONO and Erk signaling cascade. Thus, inhibition of NONO may provide a novel therapeutic strategy in cardiovascular disease associated with intimal thickening.
Predictors for Failure of Early Neurological Improvement After Successful Thrombectomy in the Anterior Circulation
Authors: Weyland Charlotte S. , Mokli Yahia , Vey Johannes A. , Kieser Meinhard , Herweh Christian , Schönenberger Silvia , Bendszus Martin , Möhlenbruch Markus A. , Ringleb Peter A. , Nagel Simon
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose:

Failure of early neurological improvement (fENI) despite successful mechanical thrombectomy in the anterior circulation is a clinically frequent occurrence. Purpose of this analysis was to define independent clinical, radiological, laboratory, or procedural predictors for fENI.

Methods:

Retrospective single-center analysis of patients treated for acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation ensuing successful mechanical thrombectomy between January 2014 and April 2019. Patients were compared according to fENI (equal or higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) and ENI (lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at discharge). Thirty-eight variables were examined in multivariable analysis for association with fENI.

Results:

Five hundred forty-nine out of 1146 patients experienced successful recanalization (modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia 2c-3). fENI occurred in 115/549 (20.9%) patients. Independent predictors of fENI were premorbid modified Rankin Scale (odds ratio [OR] per point [IC], 1.21 [1.00–1.46],
P
=0.049), end-stage renal failure (OR [IC], 12.18 [2.01–73.63],
P
=0.007), admission glucose (OR [IC], 1.018 [1.004–1.013] per mg/dL,
P
=0.001), bridging IV lysis (OR [IC], 0.57 [0.35–0.93],
P
: 0.024), time from groin puncture to final recanalization (OR [IC], 1.004 [1.001–1.007] per minute,
P
=0.015), general anesthesia during mechanical thrombectomy (OR, 2.41 [1.43–4.08],
P
<0.001), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR [CI], 6.81 [1.84–25.16],
P
=0.004), and follow-up Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (OR [IC], 0.76 [0.69–0.84] per point,
P
<0.001). In a secondary analysis, involvement of the regions internal capsule, M4 and M5 (motor cortex) were further independent predictors for fENI. Patients with ENI were more likely to experience a good outcome (modified Rankin Scale on day 90, 0–2: n=229/435 [52.8%] versus n=13/115 [11.3%];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

The extent of infarction and the involvement of motor cortex and internal capsule as well as higher premorbid modified Rankin Scale, end-stage renal failure, high glucose level on admission, absence of bridging IV lysis, general anesthesia, and a longer therapy interval are presumably independent predictors for fENI in patients with successful mechanical thrombectomy.
Mapping the Way of St. James
Authors: Perrone Sean T. , Traynor Carol
Published: February 2021

Every year, more historians and scholars in related humanities disciplines are using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and mapping technology in their research. The field of spatial history/spatial humanities is growing. Yet, many scholars are still unaware of the potential of using mapping technology to interpret the past and further their academic research. Mapping helps us to see the movement of people and ideas over time and thereby raises new research questions. This article seeks to introduce readers to the field of spatial history and to illustrate the potential of GIS by examining the medieval pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. In particular, the article uses spatial analysis to add further evidence that Aimeric Picaud, the author of the twelfth-century Pilgrim’s Guide to Santiago de Compostela, likely did not make the trip as described in his text.
A new genus and species of Mesochrysopidae (Neuroptera) from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber

Authors: CAO LE-RAN , WANG BO , LIU XING-YUE
Published: February 2021

A new genus and species of the extinct lacewing family Mesochrysopidae, Burmotachinymphes bilobata gen. et sp. nov., is described from the mid-Cretaceous of northern Myanmar. This new genus can be easily distinguished from most known mesochrysopids by the RP+MA diverged from RA at an angle of ＞30° and strongly zigzagged along entire stem, and by the pectinate branches of MP2. Systematic position of Burmotachinymphes gen. nov. and the potential function of its unique pretarsal structure, i.e., the bilobed arolium with a pair of claw-like processes, are discussed. Additionally, a checklist of known mesochrysopid species and a revised diagnosis of Tachinymphinae are provided.
A new species of Crenoptychoptera Kalugina, 1985 (Diptera: Ptychopteridae) from the Middle–Late Jurassic of Jiyuan Basin, China

Authors: LIU YU-MING , HUANG DI-YING
Published: February 2021

Ptychopteridae is an ancient and rather diverse nematoceran family with three extant and 12 fossil genera subdivided into 80 extinct species belonging to five subfamilies (Eskov & Lukashevich, 2015; Lukashevich, 2019, 2020; Liu & Huang, 2020). Several undescribed ptychopterid larvae from the Upper Triassic of Germany represent the oldest record of the family (Barth et al., 2011). Crenoptychoptera Kalugina, 1985, an extinct genus belonging to the subfamily Eoptychopterinae Handlirsch, 1906, includes seven described species. All these species were recorded from the Lower Jurassic to the Lower Cretaceous of Eurasia: C. dobbertinensis Ansorge, 1998 from the Lower Jurassic of the Former Clay in Germany (Lukashevich et al., 1998), C. conspecta Lukashevich, 1995 from the Lower Jurassic of Ust-Baley in Russia (Lukashevich, 1995), the type species C. antica Kalugina, 1985 and C. defossa Kalugina, 1985 from the Middle Jurassic of the Kubekovo in Russia (Kalugina & Kovalev, 1985), C. bavarica Krzemiński & Ansorge, 1995 from the Upper Jurassic of Wegscheid in Germany (Krzemiński & Ansorge, 1995), C. liturata Lukashevich, 2011 from Upper Jurassic of Shar Teg in Mongolia, and C. gronskayae Kalugina, 1989 from the Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous of Kempendyay in Russia (Kalugina, 1989; Lukashevich, 2011). Three species discovered from the Daohugou beds of China have been assigned to Crenoptychoptera (Hao et al., 2009), but a following study suggested that they should be placed in Axymyiidae (Zhang, 2010).
Liogenys Guérin-Méneville, 1831 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Diplotaxini) from the Chacoan Province and its boundaries: taxonomic overview with four new species
Authors: CHERMAN MARIANA ALEJANDRA , BASÍLIO DANIEL SILVA , MISE KLEBER MAKOTO , FRISCH JOHANNES , DE ALMEIDA LÚCIA MASSUTTI
Published: February 2021

A taxonomic revision of the Liogenys Guérin-Méneville, 1831 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Diplotaxini) from the Chacoan Biogeographical Province is presented. Liogenys now includes 92 species, including four new species described here: L. neoforcipata Cherman, new species; L. foveata Cherman, new species; L. isotarsis Cherman, new species; and L. truncata Cherman, new species; and the female of L. tarsalis Moser is described for the first time. Six new synonymies are proposed: L. denticulata Moser, 1918 is a new synonym of L. denticeps Blanchard, 1851; L. ophtalmica Frey, 1973 is a new synonym of L. bidenticeps Moser, 1919; L. mendozana incisa Frey, 1969 is a new synonym of L. mendozana Moser, 1918; L. flavicollis Blanchard, 1851 and L. fulvescens Blanchard, 1851 are new synonyms of L. pallens Blanchard, 1851; and L. densicollis Moser, 1921 is a new synonym of L. opacicollis Fairmaire, 1892. Liogenys cribricollis Moser, 1921 species status is revalidated from its synonymy with L. densicollis. A neotype is designated for Liogenys mendozana incisa Frey, 1969, as well as lectotypes for: L. bruchi Moser, 1924; L. cribricollis, L. denticulata, L. denticeps, L. fulvescens, L. latitarsis Moser, 1918; L. mendozana Moser, 1918; L. obscura Blanchard, 1851; L. opacicollis; and L. pallens. Redescriptions and/or diagnoses and updated geographical distributions are provided for 16 species. Six species previously known only from Argentina have their distribution expanded to Bolivia (L. mendozana; L. opacicollis; L. rectangula Frey, 1969), Paraguay (L. nigrofusca Moser, 1918; L. pallens), or to both of these countries (L. latitarsis).
A new genus and species of anophthalmous Otiorhynchini from Greece, with a new synonymy and new combinations (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Entiminae)
Authors: BELLO’ CESARE , COLONNELLI ENZO , FORBICIONI LEONARDO , OSELLA GIUSEPPE , RUZZIER ENRICO
Published: February 2021

A new genus of Entiminae, an endogean weevil of the tribe Otiorhynchini, Giavarhynchus Bellò, Osella & Ruzzier, gen. n., and its type species Giavarhynchus amicorum Bellò, Osella & Ruzzier, sp. n. are described. The new taxon is readily distinguished from all other members of the tribe due to the unique combination of lack of eyes, elongate rostrum with a ventral transverse furrow and excised lateral margins located at apical third, punctation of pronotum of two distinct sizes arranged in a distinctive pattern, interval 7 of elytra protruding from base of pronotum and crenulate basally, metafemora bearing a spine-like tooth much larger than that of pro- and mesofemora, female tibiae granulate on inner margin, bisinuous mesotibiae. The following synonymy is proposed: Nematocerus Reiche, 1849 (= Cyrtozemia Pascoe, 1872, syn. n.; = Holcorhinosoma Voss, 1939, syn. n.). New combinations are: Nematocerus cognatus (Marshall, 1916), comb. n.; Nematocerus dispar (Pascoe, 1872), comb. n.; Nematocerus pilipes (Morimoto, 2015), comb. n., all from Cyrtozemia; Nematocerus subtuberculatus (Voss, 1939), comb. n. from Holcorhinosoma. New tribal placement is: Pseudocratopus Hustache, 1921 from Otiorhynchini to Peritelini. New subgeneric placement is that of Otiorhynchus deceptorius Białooki, Germann & Pelletier, 2017 and of Otiorhynchus incisirostris Białooki, Germann & Pelletier, 2017 from Otiorhynchus (Lixorrhynchus) Reitter, 1914 to Otiorhynchus (Aranihus) Reitter, 1912.
Additions to the knowledge of Manota Williston (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) from the Neotropical region, with description of four new species
Authors: KURINA OLAVI , HIPPA HEIKKI
Published: February 2021

The Neotropical species of the genus Manota Williston are studied, based on material of 146 specimens from French Guiana, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Dominica and the Dominican Republic. Four new species are described, viz. M. corniculata sp. n. (French Guiana), M. pseudocavata sp. n. (French Guiana), M. truuverki sp. n. (French Guiana) and M. vladi sp. n. (Dominican Republic). Manota defecta Williston, 1896, the type species of the genus, is listed from Dominica, representing the first record since its description more than a century ago from a Southern Caribbean Island, St. Vincent. New records of 13 additional species are provided: M. acutistylus Jaschhof & Hippa, 2005 (Dominica), M. aligera Hippa, Kurina & Sääksjärvi, 2017 (French Guiana), M. digitata Hippa, Kurina & Sääksjärvi, 2017 (French Guiana), M. iota Hippa & Kurina, 2013 (French Guiana), M. micula Hippa & Kurina, 2013 (French Guiana), M. nordestina Kurina, Hippa & Amorim, 2018 (French Guiana), M. parva Jaschhof & Hippa, 2005 (Nicaragua), M. pauloides Hippa, Kurina & Sääksjärvi, 2017 (Ecuador), M. perplexa Kurina, Hippa & Amorim, 2017 (Nicaragua), M. rotundistylus Jaschhof & Hippa, 2005 (Ecuador), M. serrulata Hippa, Kurina & Sääksjärvi, 2017 (French Guiana), M. spinosa Jaschhof & Hippa, 2005 (French Guiana), M. subaristata Kurina, Hippa & Amorim, 2017 (Ecuador). The number of Neotropical Manota species has risen to 96.
Anaphothrips cocos sp.n. (Thysanoptera, Thripinae) from coconuts in Timor Leste
Authors: MOUND LAURENCE A.
Published: February 2021

The Anaphothrips genus-group is a complex of 40 genera of Thripinae that share the condition of “no long pronotal setae”. In traditional Thysanoptera classifications this absence of long pronotal setae was interpreted as a plesiomorphy by comparison to the condition in Aeolothripidae. Thus Jacot-Guillarmod (1974) catalogued all Thripinae genera with species showing this condition in a sub-tribe Aptinothripina Karny, a long-established arrangement that had been adopted by many authors. However, a study by Buckman et al. (2013) confirmed that taxa in the families Merothripidae and Melanthripidae share an important number of structural plesiomorphies, and these taxa all have long pronotal setae. From this it is concluded that absence of long pronotal setae is a derived condition, and moreover this loss apomorphy has arisen independently within several unrelated genera, such as Dichromothrips, Trichromothrips and Thrips (Mound & Palmer 1981; Mound & Masumoto 2004, 2005). As a result, it is possible that the Anaphothrips genus-group does not represent a single lineage, and that not all of the included genera are closely related.
Ocean Tides near Hawaii from Satellite Altimeter Data. Part I
Authors: Xu Minjie , Wang Yuzhe , Wang Shuya , Lv Xianqing , Chen Xu
Published: February 2021

Sufficient and accurate tide data are essential for analyzing physical processes in the ocean. A method is developed to spatially fit the tidal amplitude and phase lag data along satellite altimeter tracks near Hawaii and construct reliable cotidal charts by using the Chebyshev polynomials. The method is completely dependent on satellite altimeter data. By using the cross-validation method, the optimal orders of Chebyshev polynomials are determined and the polynomial coefficients are calculated by the least squares method. The tidal amplitudes and phase lags obtained by the method are compared with those from the Finite Element Solutions 2014 (FES2014), National Astronomical Observatory 99b (NAO.99b), and TPXO9 models. Results indicate that the method yields accurate results as its fitting results are consistent with the harmonic constants of the three models. The feasibility of this method is also validated by the harmonic constants from tidal gauges near Hawaii.
“Sutton’s Law in Surgery: ‘That’s Where the Money is’”
Authors: Rutherford Edmund J. , Abrams Jeffrey E. , Motameni Amirreza , Sullivan William G.
Published: February 2021

Many students, residents, and learners have heard of the infamous bank robber, who when arrested was asked “Why do you rob banks?” He supposedly replied “Because that’s where the money is.” Except it did not happen that way. He did rob close to a hundred banks and jewelry stores and stole an estimated $2,000,000. 1 A well-known maxim in medicine and surgery, few know the details of the unrelated men behind “Sutton’s Law.”
A Microcosm of Disparities in Breast Cancer: Comparison Between a Private Hospital and a Safety-Net County Hospital Within Los Angeles County
Authors: McClintock Natalie C. , Ayabe Reed I. , Salas Parra Ruben D. , Kaji Amy H. , Orozco Javier I. J. , Marzese Diego M. , Samuels Estela , Stern Stacey L. , Dauphine Christine , Ozao-Choy Junko J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Breast cancer survival is improving due to early detection and treatment advances. However, racial/ethnic differences in tumor biology, stage, and mortality remain. The objective of this study was to analyze presumed disparities at a local level.

Methods

Breast cancer patients at a county hospital and private hospital from 2010 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, clinical, pathologic, and surgical data were collected. Comparisons were made between hospital cohorts and between racial/ethnic groups from both hospitals combined.

Results

754 patients were included (322 from county hospital and 432 from private hospital). All patients were female. The median age was 54 years at county hospital and 60 years at private hospital ( P < .0001). Racial/ethnic minorities comprised 85% of county hospital patients vs. 12% of private hospital patients ( P < .0001). County hospital patients had a higher grade, clinical/pathologic stage, HER2-positive rate, and mastectomy rate. Compared to other racial/ethnic groups, non-Hispanic white women were more likely to have lower grade and ER-positive tumors. Hispanic/Latina women were younger and were more likely to have HER2-positive tumors. Both Hispanic/Latina and non-Hispanic black women presented at higher clinical stages and were more likely to undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy and mastectomy.

Discussion

At county hospital compared to private hospital, the proportion of racial/ethnic minorities was higher, and patients presented at younger ages with more aggressive tumors and more advanced disease. The racial/ethnic disparities that were identified locally are largely consistent with those identified in national database studies. These marked differences at hospitals within a diverse city highlight the need for further research into the disparities.
Large Canal of Nuck Hernia: The Female Equivalent of the Inguinoscrotal Hernia
Authors: Hassan Monalisa , Stutsrim Ashlee E. , Clark Clancy J.
Published: February 2021

Our patient was a 78-year-old woman with a large indirect inguinal hernia who underwent Lichtenstein repair. Literature review of the pathophysiology of indirect hernias revealed important discussion of the canal of Nuck in women and understanding embryologic development of ovaries and descent of testes.
Mechanisms of Self-Inflicted Injuries at an Urban City Hospital
Authors: Veselsky Steven L. , Poirier Marie-Veronique , Tracy Brett M. , Castater Christine A. , Mehta Christina , Minihan Adair K. , Williams Keneeshia N. , Gelbard Rondi B. , Faloye Abimbola O. , Smith Randi N.
Published: February 2021

Background

Suicide is a major public health issue with root causes including psychological, economical, and societal factors.

Methods

Retrospective review identified self-inflicted traumatic injuries (SITIs) at Grady Health System between 2009 and 2017. Patients were categorized by penetrating or blunt mechanism of injury (MOI). Outcomes included hospital length of stay (HLOS) and ventilator duration, mortality, and location of death.

Results

678 patients in total were identified. Penetrating MOI was most prevalent (n = 474). Patients with a blunt MOI were significantly younger (32 Y vs. 37 Y; P < .0001). Psychiatric illness was equally common between MOI at more than 50%. Penetrating traumas required longer ventilator times (1 D vs. 0 D; P < .0001) but shorter overall HLOS (4 D vs. 6 D; P = .0013). Mortality was twice as high in the penetrating group (29.8% vs. 11.8%; P < .0001).

Conclusion

Self-inflicted traumatic injuries occurred most often among younger adults and those with history of psychiatric illness. Penetrating traumas result in worse outcomes. Self-inflicted traumatic injuries carry high morbidity and mortality. Improved prevention strategies targeting high-risk groups are needed.
“Death Diamond” Tracing on Thromboelastography as a Marker of Poor Survival After Trauma
Authors: Farrell Michael S. , Moore Ernest E. , Thomas Anthony V. , Coleman Julia R. , Thomas Scott , Vande Lune Stefani , Marconi Thomas , Cohen Mitchell J. , Chapman Michael P. , Moore Hunter B. , Walsh Mark M. , Sixta Sherry
Published: February 2021

Background

Improvements in health care innovations have resulted in an enhanced ability to extend patient viability. As a consequence, resources are being increasingly utilized at an unsustainable level. As we implement novel treatments, identifying futility should be a focus. The “death diamond” (DD) is a unique thrombelastography (TEG) tracing that is indicative of failure of the coagulation system, with a mortality rate exceeding 90%. The purpose of this study was to determine if the DD was a consistent marker of poor survival in a multicenter study population. We hypothesize that the DD, while an infrequent occurrence, predicts poor survival and can be used to stratify patients in whom resuscitation efforts are futile.

Methods

A retrospective multi-institutional study of trauma patients presenting with TEG DDs between 8/2008 and 12/2018 at four American College of Surgeons trauma centers was completed. Demographics, injury mechanisms, TEG results, management, and survival were examined.

Results

A total of 50 trauma patients presented with DD tracings, with a 94% (n = 47) mortality rate. Twenty-six (52%) patients received a repeat TEG with 10 patients re-demonstrating the DD tracing. There was 100% mortality in patients with serial DD tracings. The median use of total blood products was 18 units (interquartile range 6, 34.25) per patient.

Discussion

The DD is highly predictive of trauma-associated mortality. This multicenter study highlights that serial DDs may represent a possible biomarker of futility.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Idiopathic Lung Fibrosis. From Heartburn to Lung Transplant, and Beyond
Authors: Herbella Fernando A. M. , Patti Marco G.
Published: February 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are undoubtedly related. Even though it is not clear yet which one is the primary disease, they certainly interact increasing each other’s severity. Symptoms are unreliable to diagnose GERD in patients with IPF, and objective evaluation with pH monitoring and/or bronchoalveolar lavage analysis is mandatory. Pharmacological treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may bring control of IPF in few patients, but PPIs do not control reflux but just change the pH of the gastric refluxate. Surgical therapy based on a fundoplication is safe and effective as it controls any type of reflux, independently from the pH of the gastric refluxate. In patients waiting for lung transplantation (if they can tolerate a laparoscopic operation under general anesthesia), a fundoplication before the operation might block the progression of IPF, while after transplantation it might prevent rejection by preventing the bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome.
Preprocedural β-Blockers in the Functional Assessment of Intermediate Coronary Lesions by Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio
Authors: Verdoia Monica , Gioscia Rocco , Nardin Matteo , Viola Orazio , Brancati Marta Francesca , Soldà Pier Luigi , Marcolongo Marco , De Luca Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

Aim:

Instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) has emerged as the strategy of choice for the assessment of intermediate coronary lesions. The impact of preprocedural β-blockers therapy on the iFR was the aim of this study.

Methods:

We included patients undergoing functional assessment of intermediate (40%-70%) coronary lesions in 2 centers. The iFR measurement was performed by pressure-recording guidewire and calculated at the core laboratory using the manufacturers’ dedicated software. Minimal luminal diameter, reference diameter, percent diameter stenosis, and length of the lesion were measured. Positive iFR was considered for values <0.90.

Results:

We included 197 patients undergoing functional evaluation of 223 coronary lesions. Patients on β-blockers (69%) had more frequently hypertension ( P = .05); previous myocardial infarction ( P = .01); therapy with clopidogrel ( P = .02), statins, and aspirin; and acute coronary syndrome at presentation ( P < .001, respectively). Mean iFR values were slightly higher in patients on β-blockers (0.94 ± 0.06 vs 0.92 ± 0.06, P = .11). The rate of positive iFR was significantly lower with β-blockers (14.9% vs 27.5%, P = .04). On multivariate analysis, β-blockers use was a predictor of the significance of coronary stenoses (odds ratio [OR] = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.23-0.98; P = .05) together with lesion length (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.01-1.07; P = .007).

Conclusion:

Among patients undergoing iFR, preprocedural β-blockers are associated with higher absolute values and a lower rate of positive iFR.
Gray-Scale Inversion on High Resolution Computed Tomography of the Temporal Bone: An Observational Study
Authors: Schwartz Tyler R. , Lindemann Timothy Logan , Mongelluzzo Gino , Wackym P. Ashley , Gadre Arun K.
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

This is a qualitative study to explore the utility of gray-scale inversion or the “invert” function of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans in the diagnosis of temporal bone anatomy and pathology.

Methods:

This is a case series describing an innovative application of an existing image processing tool to visualize temporal bone anatomy and pathology. Illustrative patients at a tertiary referral center with otologic symptoms and findings leading to HRCT scans of the temporal bone were included. Diagnostic HRCT scans were evaluated utilizing the gray-scale inversion function (invert function).

Results:

Nine illustrative cases which demonstrate conditions such as persistent stapedial artery, membranous stapes footplate, total ossicular prosthesis migration into the vestibule, third window syndrome such as superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) and cochlea-facial nerve dehiscence, otosclerosis, and ossicular chain discontinuity are included. The enhanced visualization was confirmed surgically in 3 cases, and 1 had physiological confirmation using cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP).

Conclusions:

Gray-scale inversion can be used to improve visualization of temporal bone anatomy and pathologic changes when diagnoses are in doubt. The invert function is a useful adjunct in the armamentarium of both radiologists and otologists when evaluating HRCT of the temporal bone.
Adoption of Telemedicine for Multidisciplinary Care in Pediatric Otolaryngology
Authors: Hoi Karen K. , Curtis Stuart H. , Driver Lynn , Wisnosky Erica , Zopf David A. , Bohm Lauren A.
Published: February 2021

Objective:

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a period of social isolation that has challenged the ability of providers to uphold in-person patient care. Although commonplace in pediatric otolaryngology, multidisciplinary clinics pose a unique challenge during this time due to increased infection risk from multiple patient-provider interactions. Guidance on the application of telemedicine for multidisciplinary clinics in pediatric otolaryngology is limited.

Methods:

We provide comprehensive guidance on best practices for conducting telemedicine visits for a number of multidisciplinary otolaryngology clinics using our experiences at a single tertiary care children’s hospital. A review of literature to support the adoption of telemedicine in multidisciplinary pediatric otolaryngology is also incorporated.

Results:

Telemedicine was successfully adopted for 7 multidisciplinary pediatric clinics with a variety of specialists: aerodigestive disorders, congenital hearing loss, microtia/aural atresia, orofacial clefting, sleep disorders, tracheostomy care, and velopharyngeal dysfunction.

Conclusions:

Telemedicine is feasible for a variety of multidisciplinary clinics and its optimization is critical for providing care to complex pediatric otolaryngology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.