bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Analysis of Tyrosine Phosphorylation from FFPE Tissues Reveals Patient-Specific Signaling Networks
Authors: Kohale Ishwar N. , Burgenske Danielle M. , Mladek Ann C. , Bakken Katrina K. , Kuang Jenevieve , Boughey Judy C. , Wang Liewei , Carter Jodi M. , Haura Eric B. , Goetz Matthew P. , Sarkaria Jann N. , White Forest M.
Published: May 2021

Human tissue samples commonly preserved as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues after diagnostic or surgical procedures in the clinic represent an invaluable source of clinical specimens for in-depth characterization of signaling networks to assess therapeutic options. Tyrosine phosphorylation (pTyr) plays a fundamental role in cellular processes and is commonly dysregulated in cancer but has not been studied to date in FFPE samples. In addition, pTyr analysis that may otherwise inform therapeutic interventions for patients has been limited by the requirement for large amounts of frozen tissue. Here we describe a method for highly sensitive, quantitative analysis of pTyr signaling networks, with hundreds of sites quantified from one to two 10-μm sections of FFPE tissue specimens. A combination of optimized magnetic bead–based sample processing, optimized pTyr enrichment strategies, and tandem mass tag multiplexing enabled in-depth coverage of pTyr signaling networks from small amounts of input material. Phosphotyrosine profiles of flash-frozen and FFPE tissues derived from the same tumors suggested that FFPE tissues preserve pTyr signaling characteristics in patient-derived xenografts and archived clinical specimens. pTyr analysis of FFPE tissue sections from breast cancer tumors as well as lung cancer tumors highlighted patient-specific oncogenic driving kinases, indicating potential targeted therapies for each patient. These data suggest the capability for direct translational insight from pTyr analysis of small amounts of FFPE tumor tissue specimens.

Significance:

This study reports a highly sensitive method utilizing FFPE tissues to identify dysregulated signaling networks in patient tumors, opening the door for direct translational insights from FFPE tumor tissue banks in hospitals.
Steroid Ligands, the Forgotten Triggers of Nuclear Receptor Action; Implications for Acquired Resistance to Endocrine Therapy
Authors: Bleach Rachel , Madden Stephen F. , Hawley James , Charmsaz Sara , Selli Cigdem , Sheehan Katherine M. , Young Leonie S. , Sims Andrew H. , Souček Pavel , Hill Arnold D. , McIlroy Marie
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

There is strong epidemiologic evidence indicating that estrogens may not be the sole steroid drivers of breast cancer. We hypothesize that abundant adrenal androgenic steroid precursors, acting via the androgen receptor (AR), promote an endocrine-resistant breast cancer phenotype.

Experimental Design:

AR was evaluated in a primary breast cancer tissue microarray (n = 844). Androstenedione (4AD) levels were evaluated in serum samples (n = 42) from hormone receptor–positive, postmenopausal breast cancer. Levels of androgens, progesterone, and estradiol were quantified using LC/MS-MS in serum from age- and grade-matched recurrent and nonrecurrent patients (n = 6) before and after aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy (>12 months). AR and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling pathway activities were analyzed in two independent AI-treated cohorts.

Results:

AR protein expression was associated with favorable progression-free survival in the total population (Wilcoxon, P < 0.001). Pretherapy serum samples from breast cancer patients showed decreasing levels of 4AD with age only in the nonrecurrent group (P < 0.05). LC/MS-MS analysis of an AI-sensitive and AI-resistant cohort demonstrated the ability to detect altered levels of steroids in serum of patients before and after AI therapy. Transcriptional analysis showed an increased ratio of AR:ER signaling pathway activities in patients failing AI therapy (t test P < 0.05); furthermore, 4AD mediated gene changes associated with acquired AI resistance.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the importance of examining the therapeutic consequences of the steroid microenvironment and demonstrable receptor activation using indicative gene expression signatures.
LINC00239 Interacts with C-Myc Promoter-Binding Protein-1 (MBP-1) to Promote Expression of C-Myc in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liang Xiaoliang , Lu Juntao , Wu Zheng , Guo Yanli , Shen Supeng , Liang Jia , Dong Zhiming , Guo Wei
Published: May 2021

Increasing evidence demonstrates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) play a vital role in the progression of tumors, containing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). LINC00239 was reported as an oncogene in diverse kinds of cancers, whereas its specific role is still unclear in ESCC. In this study, we detected the expression and functional role of LINC00239 in ESCC specimens and cells, and investigated the molecular mechanisms of it. LINC00239 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues and cells, and was related to poor prognosis of patients with ESCC. The proliferation, metastasis, and invasion ability as well as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process were all enhanced in LINC00239-overexpressed ESCC cells. LINC00239 was upregulated in TGF-β1–treated ESCC cells. Furthermore, LINC00239 was found to bind directly to the transcription factor c-Myc promoter–binding protein-1 (MBP-1). MBP-1 was detected to inhibit the transcription of c-Myc in ESCC. Moreover, LINC00239 could activate c-Myc transcription through influencing MBP-1–binding ability to c-Myc promoter. These data suggest that LINC00239 may act as an oncogene to promote the transcription of c-Myc by competitively combining with MBP-1 in ESCC, and may serve as a potential target for antitumor therapy in ESCC.

Implications:

LINC00239 may function as an oncogenic lncRNA in ESCC through the LINC00239/MBP-1/c-Myc axis to activate EMT process.
Em defesa de Baco contra seus admiradores gozo e política no teat(r)o oficina
Authors: Kon Artur Sartori
Published: May 2021

O presente ensaio visa analisar e confrontar duas obras que poderiam ser consideradas modelos ou manifestos do Teatro Oficina: Bacantes (1996) e O banquete (2009). Interpretando-as como um díptico, isto é, iluminando e suplementando uma com a outra, acreditamos ser possível absorver e superar as leituras mais habituais do trabalho de Zé Celso Martinez Corrêa, as quais se restringem à adesão ou recusa totais, e por isso muito simplistas, de seu projeto poético-político.
Transporte aéreo e passageiros com deficiência auditiva: barreiras e facilitadores
Authors: Silva Talita Naiara Rossi da , Ribeiro Letícia Adelia , Silvestrini Gabriela Almeida , Vidotti Heloisa Giangrossi Machado , Figueiredo Julia Pierre , Menegon Nilton Luiz
Published: May 2021

Este estudo teve como objetivo compreender as barreiras e facilitadores para a participação das pessoas com deficiência auditiva em viagens aéreas. Fundamentou-se na abordagem da ergonomia da atividade. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário, observações diretas durante as viagens e entrevistas de autoconfrontação com passageiros com deficiência auditiva. Constatou-se a existência de barreiras relacionadas a fatores sociais, como comunicação, e ambientais, como sinalização nos aeroportos. Entre os facilitadores das viagens destacaram-se a comunicação com trabalhadores que têm conhecimento da língua de sinais e legendas nos conteúdos de entretenimento a bordo. Este estudo espera dar visibilidade às experiências de viagens de passageiros com deficiência auditiva e, a partir disso, contribuir para a melhoria das condições e procedimentos do transporte aéreo e orientar a formação de pessoal visando prestar serviços adequados aos diversos passageiros.
Mediation in the Christian Life
Authors: LeMasters Philip
Published: May 2021

Orthodox theology teaches that people may participate in the fruits of Jesus Christ’s mediation between God and humankind. The Holy Spirit enables people to become radiant with the divine energies as they embrace Christ’s fulfillment of the human person in the likeness of God. The Theotokos, the saints, and spiritual elders play particular roles in interceding for people to share more fully in the life of Christ. The eucharistic worship of the church, marriage and the other sacraments, the prayer of the heart, ministry to the poor, and forgiveness of enemies provide opportunities for people to be transformed by the grace mediated to humanity by Jesus Christ. Such mediation extends to every dimension of the human person, including the physical body, as indicated by veneration of the relics of the saints and the sacramental nature of Orthodox worship.
‘… Love in Action Is a Harsh and Dreadful Thing Compared to Love in Dreams’
Authors: Augustine Daniela C.
Published: May 2021

In this response Daniela C. Augustine engages the three articles, published in the present issue of the journal, which dialogue with her monograph The Spirit and the Common Good: Shared Flourishing in the Image of God (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2019). Her dialogue partners are Frank D. Macchia, Chris E.W. Green, and Joseph M. Lear.
Inward Groans and Unknown Tongues
Authors: Stone Jesse D.
Published: May 2021

The following article examines the reception of Rom. 8.26 in early North American Pentecostal literature. The author will review the variety of perspectives offered on the passage from various early Pentecostal publications, noting how their reception betrayed an intuitive grasp of key interpretative questions that continue to dominate scholarly work on Paul’s unique claims about pneumatic intercession. While many early Pentecostals interpreted Rom. 8.26 as another reference to glossolalic prayer, not all did. Nevertheless, the interpretative connections made by early Pentecostals reveal a dynamic hermeneutical practice that integrated lived pneumatic experiences with close intertextual readings of Scripture in response to important interpretative issues.
The Spirit and the Common Good
Authors: Macchia Frank D.
Published: May 2021

Some books stand out as noteworthy for their insights, relevance, and aesthetic appeal. A reader will always refer back to them as among their favorites. Daniela Augustine’s, The Spirit and the Common Good, is such a book for the present author. This is a book that one will want to do more than simply read, but also think out loud in conversation with. Thus, the author would like to converse with Augustine’s discussion so as to explore its theological basis and direction. Though hers is not a work in constructive theology, there is a rich theological vision that she draws upon to confront issues of public justice and compassion. Her theological explanations are usually brief, but often quite provocative. The author wishes to explore her theological vision and probe it for further insight.
Female Prophetic Traditions in the Old Testament
Authors: Grey Jacqueline
Published: May 2021

This article explores the tradition of female prophets in the Old Testament utilizing Isaiah’s woman (Isa. 8.1-4) as a case study. First, it discusses the general evidence for a female prophetic tradition in the Old Testament, locating it in the broader ancient Near East context. It then focuses on examples of women prophets within the Old Testament to demonstrate the role of female prophets in shaping national life and politics despite the gender limitations of women in ancient Israelite society. Following this broader discussion, a case study of Isaiah’s wife is presented to explore her function and role as a prophet. In particular, the role of hannevi’ah as a possible mother within the prophetic guild is examined. Finally, the implications for the Pentecostal community are considered, focusing on retrieving the role of prophetic mothers to function alongside prophetic fathers.
Bemerkungen zu Gl. 2,703,40 ‹sichinzUGU› und weiteren, auch neugefundenen Glossen in Paris, BnF lat. 9344
Authors: Schuhmann Roland , Nievergelt Andreas
Published: May 2021

In the dictionaries of Old High German an entry snichezzunga f. ‘sob’ is listed. It is shown here that the manuscript reading rather points to sichizunga that has a parallel in OE sicettung f. ‘sigh, sob’ and is a derivation from the root PGmc. *sei̯ke/a- ‘to sigh, sob’. In a supplement, improved readings of five glosses in the manuscript Paris, BnF lat. 9344, are given, as well as an edition of four new glosses and some reflections on a still unexplained marginal entry.
Taxonomy of Bethylus (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) from China with description of nine new species
Authors: WANG CHUNG-HONG , HE JUN-HUA , CHEN XUE-XIN
Published: May 2021

Nine new species as well as a known species of Bethylus Latreille (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) from China are described and illustrated: B. crassicapitis sp. nov., B. convexus sp. nov., B. gansensis sp. nov., B. glabricarinatus sp. nov., B. hunanensis sp. nov., B. incurvus sp. nov., B. ningxicus sp. nov., B. prolatus sp. nov., B. quadraticapitis sp. nov., and B. sinensis Xu, He & Terayama. A key to the known Chinese species is provided.
Embedding preventive lawyering principles in preventive social work as a response to clients with complex problems in the post-Covid-19 era: An opinion piece
Authors: Segal Michal
Published: May 2021

Social workers are facing complex requests from clients coping with multi-system life problems resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. Such requests require broad knowledge and innovative approaches. Macro-level Preventive Social Work, a new model based on preventive lawyering and social working, focuses intervention to minimize future problems created by the pandemic.
Development of an Inquiry Stance? Perceptions of Preservice Teachers and Teacher Educators Toward Preservice Teacher Inquiry in Dutch Primary Teacher Education
Authors: van Katwijk Lidewij , Jansen Ellen , van Veen Klaas
Published: May 2021

This study aims to gain insight into the perceived purpose and value of preservice teacher inquiry in Dutch primary teacher education by teacher educators and preservice teachers at the undergraduate level; it also assesses the implementation of teaching and learning activities, and learning outcomes associated with teacher inquiry. In the Netherlands, inquiry competence in primary teacher education develops over a 4-year period, resulting in students’ completion of capstone projects using practitioner inquiry. The authors combine a survey with focus groups of teacher educators and preservice teachers from eight institutes. They find differences between preservice teachers’ perceptions of the implementation of inquiry competence and teacher educators’ visions and perceptions of such implementation. All participants, students and educators, believe inquiry to be valuable and perceive learning outcomes of inquiry to be enriching, yet about half of the preservice teachers do not to expect to undertake inquiry in their future teaching jobs.
Developmental Trajectories for Novice Elementary Teachers: Teaching Efficacy and Mathematics Knowledge
Authors: Thomson Margareta M. , Gray DeLeon , Walkowiak Temple A. , Alnizami Reema
Published: May 2021

This study investigated developmental trajectories of novice elementary teachers’ efficacy beliefs (i.e., personal teaching efficacy and outcome expectancy) and their mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT). Overall, study findings indicated growth in participants’ personal efficacy beliefs and in various assessments for dimensions of MKT. Additional relationships between participants’ MKT trajectories and their mathematics efficacy beliefs trajectories were found. Findings from our study can help teacher educators, researchers, and school leaders in better understanding how novice teachers develop their MKT and their teaching efficacy beliefs during the teacher education program and in their first years of teaching.
Symptoms of Prolonged Grief and Self-Reported Health Among Bereaved Family Members of Persons Who Died From Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Carlsson Nina , Alvariza Anette , Bremer Anders , Axelsson Lena , Årestedt Kristofer
Published: May 2021

Sudden cardiac arrest is common and is one of the leading causes of death in the western world, and the sudden loss following cardiac arrest may have a significant impact on bereaved family members’ health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe symptoms of prolonged grief and self-reported health among bereaved family members of persons who died from sudden cardiac arrest, with comparisons between spouses and non-spouses. This was a cross-sectional observation study with 108 adult family members who completed a questionnaire. A fifth of the family members reported prolonged grief, and problems with self-reported health were common, especially regarding anxiety. Spouses reported more problems with prolonged grief and self-reported health compared with non-spouses. The risk of these family members developing prolonged grief and health problems should be recognized, and professional support should be offered.
Systematic Modeling and Prompting to Teach Math Skills to Preschoolers With Disabilities
Authors: Hardy Jessica K. , Hemmeter Mary Louise
Published: May 2021

Early math skills predict later academic achievement and are of critical importance in preschool. There also are discrepancies in early math skills of preschoolers with disabilities compared with their typically developing peers. We used an experimental single-case research design, multiple probe across skills, to investigate the effectiveness of systematic modeling with mathematical language and a prompting procedure on increasing the early math skills of two preschoolers with disabilities or delays. A functional relation was observed for one participant. Equivocal findings may be due to the following: (a) challenges in assessing early math skills, which may have affected the identification of appropriate target skills, and (b) the involvement of multiple developmental domains in performing math skills, which may have affected the demonstration of target behaviors for the participant with significant fine motor and language delays.
Metabolic MRI with hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate separates benign oligemia from infarcting penumbra in porcine stroke
Authors: Bøgh Nikolaj , Olin Rie B , Hansen Esben SS , Gordon Jeremy W , Bech Sabrina K , Bertelsen Lotte B , Sánchez-Heredia Juan D , Blicher Jakob U , Østergaard Leif , Ardenkjær-Larsen Jan H , Bok Robert A , Vigneron Daniel B , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: May 2021

Acute ischemic stroke patients benefit from reperfusion in a short time-window after debut. Later treatment may be indicated if viable brain tissue is demonstrated and this outweighs the inherent risks of late reperfusion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate is an emerging technology that directly images metabolism. Here, we investigated its potential to detect viable tissue in ischemic stroke. Stroke was induced in pigs by intracerebral injection of endothelin 1. During ischemia, the rate constant of pyruvate-to-lactate conversion, kPL, was 52% larger in penumbra and 85% larger in the infarct compared to the contralateral hemisphere (P = 0.0001). Within the penumbra, the kPL was 50% higher in the regions that later infarcted compared to non-progressing regions (P = 0.026). After reperfusion, measures of pyruvate-to-lactate conversion were slightly decreased in the infarct compared to contralateral. In addition to metabolic imaging, we used hyperpolarized pyruvate for perfusion-weighted imaging. This was consistent with conventional imaging for assessment of infarct size and blood flow. Lastly, we confirmed the translatability of simultaneous assessment of metabolism and perfusion with hyperpolarized MRI in healthy volunteers. In conclusion, hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate may aid penumbral characterization and increase access to reperfusion therapy for late presenting patients.
Cognition predicts days-alive-out-of-hospital after LVAD implantation
Authors: Pavol Marykay A , Boehme Amelia K , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Maurer Mathew S , Casida Jesus , Festa Joanne R , Ibeh Chinwe , Willey Joshua Z
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Cognition influences hospitalization rates for a variety of patient groups but this association has not been examined in heart failure (HF) patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We used cognition to predict days-alive-out-of-hospital (DAOH) in patients after LVAD surgery.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified 59 HF patients with cognitive assessment prior to LVAD. Cognitive tests of attention, memory, language, and visual motor speed were averaged into one score. DAOH was converted to a percentage based on total days from LVAD surgery to either heart transplant or 900 days post-LVAD. Variables significantly associated with DAOH in univariate analyses were included in a linear regression model to predict DAOH.

Results:

A linear regression model including LVAD type (continuous or pulsatile flow) and cognition significantly predicted DAOH (F(2,54) = 6.44, p = 0.003, R2 = .19). Inspection of each variable revealed that cognition was a significant predictor in the model (β = .11, SE = .04, p = 0.007) but LVAD type was not ( p = 0.08).

Conclusions:

Cognitive performance assessed prior to LVAD implantation predicted how much time patients spent out of the hospital following surgery. Further studies are warranted to identify the impact of pre-LVAD cognition on post-LVAD hospitalization.
Large congenital bladder diverticula in children
Authors: Uçan Ayşe Başak , Şencan Arzu
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Large congenital bladder diverticula (LCBD), congenital bladder diverticula (CBD) larger than 2 cm diameter, is a rare anomaly. The aim of this study was to report long-term surgical and clinical outcomes of children with LCBD.

Methods:

Medical charts of all children who were diagnosed with LCBD at our institution between April 2005 and December 2017, with at least 2 year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ demographics, symptoms, operative technique, diverticulum size and localization, surgical outcomes and complications were recorded.

Results:

Fourteen patients with 18 LCBD, all male and age between 7 and 240 months (mean age: 53.5 months) were included in the study. Urinary tract infection was the main complaint in 10. Vesicoureteral reflux was detected in eight patients. Diverticula were 2–5.5 cm (mean 3.3 cm) in size. All diverticulectomies were performed transvesically and ureteroneocystostomy was added in 12 patients, 5 of whom were bilateral. No postoperative infection or recurrent reflux were observed. The median follow-up period was 4.5 years (2–12 years).

Conclusion:

Treatment of LCBD is mostly surgical and transvesical approach for diverticulectomy was found to be a safe and effective surgical procedure in long term follow-up.
The Falling Rate of Profit under Constant Rate of Exploitation: A Generalization
Authors: Liang Junshang
Published: May 2021

In a two-sector model with circulating capital, Laibman (1982) shows that a capital-using and labor-saving technical change in the consumption goods sector lowers the rate of profit under the assumption of constant rate of exploitation. This paper generalizes his finding in a two-department multi-sector model that considers the capital advanced.

JEL Classification: B51, C67
Effect of particle mass concentration on erosion characteristics of self-priming pump
Authors: Zhang Wenqi , Yang Shuai , Wu Dazhuan , Mou Jiegang
Published: May 2021

The self-priming pump is widely used in conveying the solid-liquid two-phase flow medium. The particles in the medium erode the components, leading to structural damage and failure. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the 65ZW30-20 self-priming pump is built to study erosion characteristics and mechanisms. FLUENT, along with the Discrete Phase Model and Oka erosion model, is applied for the numerical simulation. The particle distribution, impact times and velocity, and trajectories are taken into consideration to investigate the erosion characteristics in each component. The results show that with the increase of the particle concentration, the head and efficiency decreases gradually. The volute wall and blade leading edge are the most vulnerable regions to erosion, because of a large number of impact times and high impact velocity. Also, the particles impact the front gap wall for fewer times and the hub with lower velocity, which leads to a slighter erosion. Besides, the particle trajectories indicate that some particles impact the blade suction surface and the paraxial area of the shroud, rendering considerable erosion.
Experimental evaluation of electrophoretic deposition-assisted polishing
Authors: Adibi Hamed , Khani Mohsen , Esmaeili Hamed
Published: May 2021

The quest for precision in manufacturing sector is continuously evolving with the introduction of modern technologies and new techniques. In this research, the characteristics and influential parameters of a recently developed polishing process, known as electrophoretic deposition-assisted polishing (EPDAP), were investigated in external surface polishing of AISI 316 L stainless steel. The results revealed the improvement of surface roughness with increasing axial load up to the certain value of 11 N. The polishing time between 6 min and 12 min was recommended for polishing surfaces having a moderate initial roughness, close to 0.1 µm. Moreover, the increase of tool rotational speed led to the improvement of surface quality, while the variation of applied voltage had insignificant effects on the surface texture. In the second series of experiments, predictive equations of average surface roughness and material removal rate (MRR) were obtained based on analysis of variance. It was concluded that axial load and tool rotational speed are the most influential parameters on surface roughness and MRR, respectively. By performing a multi-response optimization, the optimum levels of control parameters at the same voltage of 15 V were calculated as axial load of 12 N, polishing time of 10 min, and tool rotational speed of 2000 rpm. This combination reduced the average surface roughness by 54.17% relative to the worst condition, which is characterized by the lowest axial loads, rotational speed, and polishing time at the design space. The maximum MRR of 3.975 mg/min was achieved at this optimum point. Assessment of the surface features indicated that the EPDAP process created uniform roughness profiles and resulted in an enhanced surface reflectance.
Barriers to Palliative Care Referral and Advance Care Planning (ACP) for Patients With COPD: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Palliative Care Nurses
Authors: Disler Rebecca , Pascoe Amy , Luckett Tim , Donesky Doranne , Irving Louis , Currow David C. , Smallwood Natasha
Published: May 2021

Background:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, life-limiting illness that requires end-of-life care planning, yet remains under-served. Understanding barriers to advance care planning (ACP) from different specialties’ perspectives will enable a co-ordinated, cross-disciplinary approach to improving ACP access.

Methods:

Australia and New Zealand palliative care nurses were invited to complete an anonymous online cross-sectional survey. Questions tested knowledge of validated ACP-related practice indicators and canvassed perspectives on barriers to ACP in COPD. Data are described and free-text thematically analyzed.

Results:

The 90 participants had high knowledge and positive attitudes to ACP in COPD, however, lacked consensus as to whether patients want to know their prognosis or discuss treatment options and end-of-life wishes. 59% discussed ACP in more than half their patients with COPD, and 77% and 73% routinely initiated or followed-up these discussions. Key barriers included: lack of confidence and training in COPD; reluctance to distress patients and families; referral late in the disease course; lack of consensus on referral timing; and lack of patient and clinician understanding of COPD prognoses. Many reported that lack of consensus in the treating team, paired with prognostic uncertainty, precluded timely ACP engagement.

Conclusions:

Palliative care nurses have substantial knowledge and positive beliefs regarding ACP, however, some beliefs and practices lack alignment with qualitative data on patients’ wishes in COPD. While palliative care nurses are well placed to facilitate early implementation for patients with advanced COPD, ACP training and practice guidelines specific to COPD may increase implementation in this life-limiting disease.
Multiple Literacies Within Reformed First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Secondary Curriculum
Authors: Ryan Thomas G.
Published: May 2021

This study illuminates reformed literacy expectations via close examination of the recently released 2019 Ontario (Canada), First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Secondary curricular document. A summative latent content analysis of the renewed provincial curriculum found overwhelming support for critical literacy development. The Ontario government uses the term literacy 84 times in the transformed curricula, prompting this study to ask: What are the literacies and how should these be attained in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit secondary level education? This study found required literacies expected in grades nine through 12, included English literacy and skills, media, financial, and critical literacies.
Biomarkers of Thrombo-Inflammatory Responses in Pulmonary Embolism Patients With Pre-Existing Versus New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Patel Dimpi , Darki Amir , Hoppensteadt Debra , Darwishw Iman , Syed Mushabbar , Brailovsky Yevgeniy , Fareed Jawed
Published: May 2021

Pulmonary embolism (PE) patients have an increased prevalence and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Because comorbid AF increases risk of morbidity and mortality, we sought to investigate the role of thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers in risk stratifying patients who experience an acute PE episode. Study participants were enrolled from a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) registry between March 2016 and March 2019 at Loyola University Medical Center and Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. This cohort was divided into 3 groups: PE patients with a prior diagnosis of AF (n = 8), PE patients with a subsequent diagnosis of AF (n = 11), and PE patients who do not develop AF (n = 71). D-Dimer, CRP, PAI-1, TAFIa, FXIIIa, A2A, MP, and TFPI were profiled using the ELISA method. All biomarkers were significantly different between controls and PE patients ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, TFPI was significantly elevated in PE patients who subsequently developed AF compared to PE patients who did not develop AF (157.7 ± 19.0 ng/mL vs. 129.0 ± 9.3 ng/mL, P = 0.0386). This study suggests that thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers may be helpful in indicating an acute PE episode. Also, elevated TFPI levels may be associated with an increased risk of developing AF after a PE.
Multimodal Expressions of Self: Telling Ghost Stories as Intersectional African American and Latinx American Scholars
Authors: Lewis Ellison Tisha , Esposito Jennifer
Published: May 2021

Using autoethnography to critically analyze personal and cultural experiences, we use the notion of “home” metaphorically through (a) academia—of our traumatic experiences as African American and Latinx women seeking acceptance in academic institutions despite blatant inequities, discrimination, and racism; and (b) intergenerational family and ancestral narratives—of past/present experiences and stories of identities, homes, and borders. We craft transnational and intersectional autoethnographic narratives to illustrate how our perceptions of self as African American and Latinx American scholars have been shaped across research, politics, and digital spaces. We address perspectives of how our past and current institutional spaces created emotional and contested imbalances in our sense of self and in how we defend our work. In our representation of the quest for home with(in) academia, we employ the multimodal lenses of poetry, images, voices, and the theories of Gloria Anzaldúa and Audre Lorde to elicit how various expressions of storytelling extend our thinking about qualitative inquiry in today’s society in ways that help to challenge academic and institutional structures.
Adjuvant pembrolizumab in genomically selected high-risk patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Mar Nataliya , Kalebasty Arash Rezazadeh
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Patients with muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer post neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy with pathologic advanced disease (ypT3, ypT4, ypN+) at radical cystectomy have a significantly worse five-year overall survival. There is currently no preferred adjuvant therapy to reduce risk of cancer recurrence in this high-risk patient cohort and surveillance remains the standard-of-care.

Case report

We present a case series of two patients who received cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy and had pathologic node-positive urothelial carcinoma at the time of radical cystectomy. Tumor next generation sequencing revealed high mutational burden in both patients and positive PD-L1 in one patient. Management and outcome: Patients were treated with adjuvant pembrolizumab and experienced long-term disease free intervals.

Discussion

Use of adjuvant checkpoint inhibitors in patients post neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy with pathologic advanced disease at the time of radical cystectomy at high-risk of cancer recurrence sounds appealing. Careful patient selection based on tumor-specific genomic alterations may be key. Large trials addressing this question are ongoing.
W/O/W double emulsion-loaded alginate capsules containing Lactobacillus plantarum and lipophilic sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) pomace extract in different phases
Authors: Šipailienė Aušra , Šlimaitė Greta , Jeznienė Sigita , Venskutonis Petras Rimantas , Leskauskaitė Daiva
Published: May 2021

In this study, double emulsion containing L. plantarum F1 cells and prebiotic mannitol in the inner water phase, lipophilic sea buckthorn pomace extract as an antioxidant in the oil phase, and alginate in the outer water phase showed high encapsulation yield (82.19%), good cell survival rate (76.99%) and low chemical degradation of the oil (peroxide value - 3.8 meq O2/kg fat) after 42 days of storage. Gelation of the outer water phase enhanced the viability of L. plantarum F1 cells both during storage and under gastrointestinal conditions due to strong physical barrier formation. Encapsulated L. plantarum F1 viability throughout the 30-day storage period decreased to the value meeting the minimum required dose for probiotics. In vitro digestion of the loaded alginate capsules showed high survival rate of encapsulated cells under gastric conditions and significant reduction at the end of the duodenal phase of digestion.
Determination of bisphenol A in commercial cat food marketed in the Czech Republic
Authors: Maršálek Petr , Kovaříková Simona , Lueerssen Friedrich , Večerek Vladimír
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used synthetic compounds on the planet. It is used in the synthesis of polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and other polymer materials. Owing to its excellent chemical and physical properties, it is used to produce food and beverage containers or the linings for metal products. BPA has been mentioned as a possible cause of feline hyperthyroidism. Cat food is considered one of the main sources of BPA intake. The purpose of this study was to evaluate BPA concentration in various types of commercial cat food available in the Czech Republic.

Methods

In total, 172 samples prepared from 86 different types of commercial cat food were assessed. The concentration of BPA was measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Measurable concentration of BPA was found in all samples (range 0.065–131 ng/g), with the highest concentration (mean ± SD) of BPA in canned food (24.6 ± 34.8 ng/g). When comparing BPA concentration in food trays (1.58 ± 0.974 ng/g), pouches (0.591 ± 0.592 ng/g) and dry food (1.18 ± 0.518 ng/g), concentrations of BPA in food trays and dry food were significantly higher ( P <0.01) compared with pouches. Comparing BPA concentrations in canned food of different manufacturers, statistically significant differences were found as well.

Conclusions and relevance

The highest concentrations of BPA were found in cans. Thus, cans represent the highest possibility of exposure to BPA in comparison with other types of commercial feline food.
Streptococcus vestibularis atypical infectious keratits after intracorneal ring segment implantation
Authors: Soler Sanchis María Isabel , Remolí Sargues Lidia , Calvo Andrés Ramón , Mata Moret Lucía , Monferrer Adsuara Clara , Cervera Taulet Enrique
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

To report the first case of an atypical infectious keratitis caused by Streptococcus vestibularis after ICRS implantation.

Case report:

A 65-year-old man underwent intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) implantation for the treatment of a pellucid marginal corneal degeneration (PMCD) in his both eyes (OU). Three weeks after the surgery of the right eye (OD), the patient presented with pain, redness, and vision loss in his OD. BCVA was 20/100 Snellen equivalent in the OD. Slit-lamp examination revealed punctate whitish infiltrates along the ring segment with associated corneal stromal edema in the OD. Corneal scrapings were obtained for gram satins and bacterial and fungal cultures, and topical treatment with hourly ciprofloxacin was started. Two days later, corneal stromal edema worsened with involvement of the ring channel. Thus, the ring segment was removed and sent for cultures, and the ring channel was irrigated with vancomycin. Culture from ring segment came back positive for Streptococcus vestibularis, so topical targeted antiobiotherapy with vancomycin and erythromycin was applied. At 3 weeks of follow-up, BCVA was of 20/40 Snellen equivalent in the OD and a subtle corneal leucoma in the OD was observed in the slit-lamp examination.

Conclusion:

Although infectious keratitis is a rare and serious disorder associated with ICRS implantation, its early recognition and management is essential in order to avoid sight-threatening complications. Thus, a prompt obtainment of corneal curettage samples and removal of ring segment becomes decisive to initiate a targeted antiobiotherapy.
Sensitivity of T1/T2-weighted ratio in detection of cortical demyelination is similar to magnetization transfer ratio using post-mortem MRI
Authors: Zheng Yufan , Dudman Jessica , Chen Jacqueline T , Mahajan Kedar R , Herman Danielle , Fox Robert J , Ontaneda Daniel , Trapp Bruce D , Nakamura Kunio
Published: May 2021

Background:

Detecting cortical demyelination using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains a challenge. Magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), T1-weighted/T2-weighted ratio (T1T2R), and T2-weighted (T2w) signal are sensitive to cortical demyelination, but their accuracy is unknown.

Objectives:

To quantify the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of postmortem T1T2R, MTR, and T2w in detecting cortical demyelination.

Methods:

In situ postmortem MRIs from 9 patients were used to measure T1T2R, MTR, and T2w along the midline of cortical gray matter and classified as normal or abnormal. MRIs were co-registered and compared to hemispheric myelin staining. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of T1T2R, MTR, and T2w in detecting cortical demyelination were measured.

Results:

The mean age (standard deviation) at death was 64.7 (+/-13.7) years with a disease duration of 23.8 (+/-10.5) years. The sensitivity was 78% for MTR, 75% for T1T2R, and 63% for T2w. The specificity was 46% (T2w), 13% (T1T2R), and 29% (MTR). The accuracy was 71% (T2w), 39% (MTR), and 42% (T1T2R). There were no significant differences between different MRI measures in cortical demyelination or intracortical/subpial lesion detection.

Conclusions:

Although somewhat sensitive, the modest specificity of conventional MRI modalities for cortical demyelination indicates that they are influenced by cortical changes other than demyelination. Improved acquisition and post-processing are needed to reliably measure cortical lesion load.
On the biopolitics of humane drug policies: What can we learn from 19th century sobriety boards?
Authors: Johansen Kenneth Arctander , Vandenbroeck Michel , Vandevelde Stijn
Published: May 2021

Background:

In accordance with recommendations from The United Nations’ Chief Executives Board of Coordination, several countries are in the process of reforming their punitive drug policies towards health-based approaches – from punishment to help. The Portuguese model of decriminalisation is generally seen as a good model for other countries and has been scientifically described in favourable terms, and not much scrutinised.

Method:

This article draws on foucauldian archaeological and genealogical approaches in order to understand and compare governance logics of the 19th century Norwegian sobriety boards and 21st century Portuguese commissions. In doing this, we problematize contemporary drug policy reform discussions that point to the “Portuguese model”, which aims to stop punishing and start helping drug-dependent people, are problematised.

Findings:

The Portuguese commissions investigate whether drug-using people are dependent or not. Dependency, circumstances of consumption and their economy are considered when the commission decides on penalising, assisting, or treating the person, or a combination of all this. This model was studied alongside the Norwegian sobriety boards mandated by the Sobriety Act that was implemented in 1932. Sobriety boards governed poor alcoholics. Authorities from the sobriety movement were central in creating sobriety policies that culminated in sobriety boards. The Portuguese commissions have similarities to Norwegian sobriety boards. They make use of sanctions and treatment to govern people who use illicit substances to make them abstain, with the view that this is emancipatory for these people. The different apparatuses have distinct and different ways of making up, and governing their subjects.

Conclusion:

This article contributes to debates on drug policy reforms and aims to investigate whether they might produce biopower effects of governance masked by an emancipatory language. There is a need for critical studies on drug policy reforms to avoid policies that maintain divisions and control marginalised populations.
The good life: Exploring the effects job stress, job involvement, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment on the life satisfaction of police officers
Authors: Lambert Eric G. , Qureshi Hanif , Frank James
Published: May 2021

Life satisfaction is an important concept for both police and other law enforcement organizations. Past research on the spillover theory has found that higher life satisfaction results in better physical health, being more open-minded, improved effort, and longer life expectancy. The spillover theory holds what happens at work does not stay at work but spills over and affects a person’s overall life. Workplace variables, particularly job stress, job involvement, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment do not just affect people at work, but also affect people’s satisfaction with their overall lives. The current study examined how job stress, job involvement, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment were associated with life satisfaction among a sample of 827 police officers from the state of Haryana in India. In a multivariate ordinary least squares regression analysis, job stress had a significant negative effect on life satisfaction, whereas job involvement, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment had significant positive effects. The results suggest that police administrators should attempt to lower job stress and increase job involvement, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment among officers to raise their life satisfaction, which, in turn, should benefit the individual officers, the police agency, and the community being served.
The Anti-Tumor Effect and Mechanism of Triterpenoids in Rhus chinensis Mill. on Reversing Effector CD8+ T-cells Dysfunction by Targeting Glycolysis Pathways in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Yu-Zhu , Yu Yang , Yin Pei-Hao , Xu Ke , Zhang Heng
Published: May 2021

Rhus chinensis Mill. is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which is commonly used for cancer treatments. Our previous work had proven that triterpenoids of Rhus chinensis (TER) could effectively regulate glycolysis involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) and play an important role in the prevention of T-cells dysfunction. This study aimed to systematically investigate the effects and mechanisms of TER on glucose metabolism in CRC, while the regulatory mechanisms of TER on restoring T-cells function and activity in CRC were explored as well. The extract of triterpenoids from Rhus chinensis was obtained, and production of lactic acid and glucose uptake were assayed. Also, the expression of CD8+ T-cells surface markers, cytokines secreted by CD8+ T cells, and the expression of key glycolytic enzymes and glucose deprivation induced by tumor cells were further examined. Notably, results showed that TER prevented the dysfunction in CD8+ T cells by enhancing mTOR activity and subsequent cellular metabolism. Furthermore, our findings also demonstrated that TER promoted glycolytic gene expression in CD8+ T cells in vivo, and significantly inhibited tumor growth. Altogether, our studies suggested that TER not only reversed effector CD8+ T-cells dysfunction and enhanced T-cells recognition, but also improved tumor microenvironment, thereby providing new insight into the prevention and treatment of CRC with TCM.
Combustion exhaust release impact, diesel engine performance, and optimization studies of green diesel-petrodiesel blend in a high compression ratio direct-injection compression-ignition engine
Authors: Onukwuli Okechukwu Dominic , Esonye Chizoo , Ofoefule Akuzuo Uwaoma
Published: May 2021

Reports on the optimum brake-power, surrogate fuel, engine emissions, and efficiency using hybrid model on high compression ratio diesel engines are very imperative for effective application of biodiesel in power and renewable energy generation. This study presents Dyacrodes edulis biodiesel engine performance and combustion release optimization using response surface methodology-genetic algorithm (RSM-GA) as well as the variation of key engine efficiency and exhaust release indices with brake power and fuel blend in a high compression ratio (CR) diesel engine. Combustion emission impacts of the blends with respect to petro-diesel decreased in values except for NOX. Brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake mean effective pressure (BMEP), volumetric efficiency, and exhaust temperature increased with brake power while specific energies decreased with load. Optimum conditions obtained using integrated RSM-GA were 40.03%, 0.05 kg/kW-h, 0.03%, 132.30 ppm, and 18.84 ppm for BTE, BSFC, CO, NOx, and HC respectively at low factor (engine load, engine speed, and fuel blend) conditions. At the optimum conditions, the experimental validation results were 44.01%, 0.05 kg/kW-h, 0.04%, 130.05 ppm, and 20.33 ppm for BTE, BSFC, CO, NOx, and HC respectively. The application of the feedstock in compression ignition engine is viable.