bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case Report on an Atypical Presentation of the Syndrome of Irreversible Lithium-Effectuated Neurotoxicity (SILENT) in a War Veteran with Bipolar Disorder and PTSD
Authors: Señga Miguela Marie , Sarapuddin Gemmalynn , Saniel Edmundo
Published: June 2020

Background. Lithium is still the first-line agent for bipolar disorder. Despite common knowledge on monitoring lithium levels to prevent toxicity, it still occurs at varying degrees. Here we present a rare sequela of lithium toxicity, the Syndrome of Irreversible Lithium-Effectuated Neurotoxicity (SILENT). Case Presentation. A 56-year-old male war veteran who is fully functional despite being on chronic lithium therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder presented at the emergency room with altered mental status and seizures associated with elevated lithium levels and renal insufficiency. Antiepileptic drugs were given for seizure control, and intermittent hemodialysis was done to clear the lithium. Despite clearance of the offending agent, the patient remained to have a generalized slowing on repeated EEG with only eye opening and nonpurposeful limb movements regained even after more than 2 months of lithium cessation. Conclusion. SILENT has been coined after reports of persistent neurologic deficits were seen in patients who experienced lithium toxicity more than 2 months after cessation of lithium. Chronic lithium therapy predisposes to gradual accumulation of lithium in the brain. Demyelination is the typically reported feature of SILENT. It can also leave the patient in a persistent encephalopathic state. Chronic lithium toxicity from failure of monitoring puts patients on lithium therapy at risk.
Eosinophilic Gastritis in a Patient Previously Treated with Dupilumab
Authors: Iwamuro Masaya , Murakami Toshi , Tanaka Takehiro , Oka Shohei , Kawano Seiji , Kawahara Yoshiro , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: June 2020

A 77-year-old Japanese man with bronchial asthma was treated with dupilumab. Dupilumab treatment was discontinued at the patient’s request after two injections separated by a 2-week interval. The blood eosinophil count was elevated, and an esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed 3 months after dupilumab treatment revealed gastric ulcers; subsequently, eosinophilic gastritis was diagnosed from biopsy examinations. The gastric lesions were resolved by steroid administration. This case report underscores that eosinophil-associated gastrointestinal diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric lesions occurring in patients who were treated with dupilumab.
Higher-Order Multifractal Detrended Partial Cross-Correlation Analysis for the Correlation Estimator
Authors: Dong Keqiang , Gao Xiaojie
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we develop a new method to measure the nonlinear interactions between nonstationary time series based on the detrended cross-correlation coefficient analysis. We describe how a nonlinear interaction may be obtained by eliminating the influence of other variables on two simultaneous time series. By applying two artificially generated signals, we show that the new method is working reliably for determining the cross-correlation behavior of two signals. We also illustrate the application of this method in finance and aeroengine systems. These analyses suggest that the proposed measure, derived from the detrended cross-correlation coefficient analysis, may be used to remove the influence of other variables on the cross-correlation between two simultaneous time series.
Analysis of Resistivity Anisotropy of Loaded Coal Samples
Authors: Li Xiangchun , An Zhenxing , Zhang Qi , Chen Xiaolong , Ye Xinwei , Jia Suye
Published: June 2020

In this paper, an experimental study of the variation of resistivity of coal samples in different bedding directions at 1 MHz frequency was performed by establishing an experimental system for resistivity testing of coal under triaxial stress. The low‐pressure nitrogen gas adsorption (LP‐N2GA) experiment and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were obtained to analyze the pore‐fracture structural characteristics of coal samples and the influence on resistivity anisotropy. Furthermore, the fundamental cause of anisotropy of coal resistivity is expounded systematically. The results show that the resistivity of loaded coal decreased first before increasing. The ionic conductance and the high degree of metamorphism slow down the decrease of resistivity. The distribution of pore and fracture structures is anisotropic. The connected pores and fractures are mainly distributed along the parallel bedding direction. The weak plane of bedding, diagenetic fractures, and plane fracture structures of parallel bedding result in the increase of fractures in the direction of vertical bedding, so increasing the potential barrier. Therefore, the resistivity in the vertical bedding direction is higher than that of the parallel bedding. Loading coal resistivity anisotropy degree is a dynamic change trend; the load increases anisotropy significantly under axial pressure, and the degree of anisotropy has a higher discreteness under confining pressure. It is mainly the randomness of the internal pore‐fracture compaction, closure, and development of the heterogeneous coal under the confining pressure; the more rapid the decline in this stage, the larger the stress damage degree.
Sex-Specific Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Metabolic Risk Factors in T2DM Patients
Authors: Sun Xiaomin , Zhou Sirui , He Xin , Wang Youfa , Cui Wei
Published: June 2020

Objective. To evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin (25(OH)D) levels and metabolic risk factor levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on a sex-specific basis. Methods. Our study comprised 507 patients with T2DM (321 men, 186 women; median age, 59 years). The metabolic risk factors examined included lipoprotein(a), glycated albumin (GA-L), and random blood glucose (RBG); the levels of these parameters were determined enzymatically. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured by commercial ELISA kits. Participants were divided into low and high 25(OH)D groups according to the median 25(OH)D concentration (13.2 ng/mL). Two-way analysis of covariance and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Results. The median 25(OH)D concentration was 13.9 ng/mL in men and 12.2 ng/mL in women. 25(OH)D levels inversely correlated with levels of three metabolic risk factors in a sex-dependent manner after adjusting for several confounding factors. These were lipoprotein(a) in men (141.3 ± 137.9 and 195.3 ± 204.8 mg/L in high and low 25(OH)D groups, respectively; P<0.05); GA-L in women (22.2 ± 8.8 vs. 23.3 ± 7.3% in high and low 25(OH)D groups, respectively; P<0.05). In a subgroup analysis, serum 25(OH)D levels inversely correlated with lipoprotein(a) levels in men (β = −0.185, P=0.002) and RBG levels in women (β = −0.176, P=0.028). Conclusion. Higher serum 25(OH)D levels indicate a more favorable lipid profile in men and a more favorable glucose profile in women.
Research on Sentiment Tendency and Evolution of Public Opinions in Social Networks of Smart City
Authors: Liu Yanni , Liu Dongsheng , Chen Yuwei
Published: June 2020

With the rapid development of mobile Internet, the social network has become an important platform for users to receive, release, and disseminate information. In order to get more valuable information and implement effective supervision on public opinions, it is necessary to study the public opinions, sentiment tendency, and the evolution of the hot events in social networks of a smart city. In view of social networks’ characteristics such as short text, rich topics, diverse sentiments, and timeliness, this paper conducts text modeling with words co-occurrence based on the topic model. Besides, the sentiment computing and the time factor are incorporated to construct the dynamic topic-sentiment mixture model (TSTS). Then, four hot events were randomly selected from the microblog as datasets to evaluate the TSTS model in terms of topic feature extraction, sentiment analysis, and time change. The results show that the TSTS model is better than the traditional models in topic extraction and sentiment analysis. Meanwhile, by fitting the time curve of hot events, the change rules of comments in the social network is obtained.
Nonclinical Development of Next-generation Site-specific HER2-targeting Antibody–drug Conjugate (ARX788) for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Nagaraja Shastri Prathap , Zhu Jingjing , Skidmore Lillian , Liang Xuejun , Ji Yanping , Gu Yi , Tian Feng , Yao Sulan , Xia Gang
Published: June 2020

Conventional antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) utilize native surface-exposed lysines or cysteines on the antibody of interest to conjugate cytotoxic payload. The nonspecific conjugation results in a mixture with variable drug-to-antibody ratios (DAR), conjugation sites, and ADCs that are often unstable in systemic circulation. ARX788 is an ADC consisting of a HER2-targeting antibody site-specifically conjugated with a potent antitubulin cytotoxic drug-linker, AS269. The site-specific conjugation is achieved by first incorporating the nonnatural amino acid, para-acetyl phenylalanine (pAF), into the antibody, followed by covalent conjugation of AS269 to the pAF to form a highly stable oxime bond resulting in a DAR 2 ADC. ARX788 exhibits significant, dose-dependent antitumor activity against HER2- expressing breast and gastric xenograft tumors. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in multiple species showed the highly stable nature of ARX788 with overlapping PK profiles for the intact ADC and total antibody. Metabolism studies demonstrated that pAF-AS269 was the sole major metabolite of ARX788, with no evidence for the release of free drug often observed in conventional ADCs and responsible for adverse side effects. Furthermore, ARX788 demonstrated a favorable safety profile in monkeys with a highest nonseverely toxic dose of 10 mg/kg, which was well above the efficacious dose level observed in preclinical tumor models, thus supporting clinical development of ARX788.
Discovery of New Targets to Control Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer by Single-cell Transcriptomics Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Dimitrov-Markov Spas , Perales-Patón Javier , Bockorny Bruno , Dopazo Ana , Muñoz Manuel , Baños Natalia , Bonilla Victoria , Menendez Camino , Duran Yolanda , Huang Ling , Perea Sofia , Muthuswamy Senthil K. , Al-Shahrour Fatima , Lopez-Casas Pedro P. , Hidalgo Manuel
Published: June 2020

Metastasis development is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and yet, few preclinical systems to recapitulate its full spreading process are available. Thus, modeling of tumor progression to metastasis is urgently needed. In this work, we describe the generation of highly metastatic PDAC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models and subsequent single-cell RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) of circulating tumor cells (CTC), isolated by human HLA sorting, to identify altered signaling and metabolic pathways, as well as potential therapeutic targets. The mouse models developed liver and lung metastasis with a high reproducibility rate. Isolated CTCs were highly tumorigenic, had metastatic potential, and single-cell RNA-seq showed that their expression profiles clustered separately from those of their matched primary and metastatic tumors and were characterized by low expression of cell-cycle and extracellular matrix–associated genes. CTC transcriptomics identified survivin (BIRC5), a key regulator of mitosis and apoptosis, as one of the highest upregulated genes during metastatic spread. Pharmacologic inhibition of survivin with YM155 or survivin knockdown promoted cell death in organoid models as well as anoikis, suggesting that survivin facilitates cancer cell survival in circulation. Treatment of metastatic PDX models with YM155 alone and in combination with chemotherapy hindered the metastatic development resulting in improved survival. Metastatic PDX mouse model development allowed the identification of survivin as a promising therapeutic target to prevent the metastatic dissemination in PDAC.
First-in-Class Inhibitors of Oncogenic CHD1L with Preclinical Activity against Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Abbott Joshua M. , Zhou Qiong , Esquer Hector , Pike Laura , Broneske Travis P. , Rinaldetti Sébastien , Abraham Adedoyin D. , Ramirez Dominique A. , Lunghofer Paul J. , Pitts Todd M. , Regan Daniel P. , Tan Aik Choon , Gustafson Daniel L. , Messersmith Wells A. , LaBarbera Daniel V.
Published: June 2020

Since the discovery of CHD1L in 2008, it has emerged as an oncogene implicated in the pathology and poor prognosis of a variety of cancers, including gastrointestinal cancers. However, a mechanistic understanding of CHD1L as a driver of colorectal cancer has been limited. Until now, there have been no reported inhibitors of CHD1L, also limiting its development as a molecular target. We sought to characterize the clinicopathologic link between CHD1L and colorectal cancer, determine the mechanism(s) by which CHD1L drives malignant colorectal cancer, and discover the first inhibitors with potential for novel treatments for colorectal cancer. The clinicopathologic characteristics associated with CHD1L expression were evaluated using microarray data from 585 patients with colorectal cancer. Further analysis of microarray data indicated that CHD1L may function through the Wnt/TCF pathway. Thus, we conducted knockdown and overexpression studies with CHD1L to determine its role in Wnt/TCF-driven epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We performed high-throughput screening (HTS) to identify the first CHD1L inhibitors. The mechanism of action, antitumor efficacy, and drug-like properties of lead CHD1L inhibitors were determined using biochemical assays, cell models, tumor organoids, patient-derived tumor organoids, and in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Lead CHD1L inhibitors display potent in vitro antitumor activity by reversing TCF-driven EMT. The best lead CHD1L inhibitor possesses drug-like properties in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic mouse models. This work validates CHD1L as a druggable target and establishes a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
KRAS and BRAF Concomitant Mutations in a Patient with Metastatic Colon Adenocarcinoma: An Interesting Case Report
Authors: Cafiero Concetta , Re Agnese , D’Amato Gerardo , Surico Pier Luigi , Surico Giammarco , Pirrelli Michele , Pisconti Salvatore
Published: June 2020

A 68-year-old female patient with tenesmus and blood in the stool was admitted to the S.G. Moscati Hospital of Taranto. Investigations revealed infiltrative mucinous colon adenocarcinoma accompanied by lymph node metastases. Following surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, computed tomography (CT) and carcinoembryonic antigen screening were negative. Two years later, CT demonstrated a liver lesion. Histologic and genetic analyses confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic colorectal cancer with the coexistence of KRAS and BRAF mutations in hepatic metastases and the presence of the BRAF V600E in the primary tumour. It is unclear whether the lack of response was due to BRAF mutations, but the data suggest that mutated BRAF confers resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy. In our patient, BRAF mutation turned out to be a negative prognostic factor, and it may have been the cause of clinical implications for disease progression and therapeutic responses.
Principles of Clinical Ethics and Their Application to Practice
Authors: Varkey Basil
Published: June 2020

An overview of ethics and clinical ethics is presented in this review. The 4 main ethical principles, that is beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice, are defined and explained. Informed consent, truth-telling, and confidentiality spring from the principle of autonomy, and each of them is discussed. In patient care situations, not infrequently, there are conflicts between ethical principles (especially between beneficence and autonomy). A four-pronged systematic approach to ethical problem-solving and several illustrative cases of conflicts are presented. Comments following the cases highlight the ethical principles involved and clarify the resolution of these conflicts. A model for patient care, with caring as its central element, that integrates ethical aspects (intertwined with professionalism) with clinical and technical expertise desired of a physician is illustrated.
Macrophage (Drp1) Dynamin-Related Protein 1 Accelerates Intimal Thickening After Vascular Injury
Authors: Umezu Ryuta , Koga Jun-ichiro , Matoba Tetsuya , Katsuki Shunsuke , Wang Lixiang , Hasuzawa Nao , Nomura Masatoshi , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Egashira Kensuke
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Mitochondria consistently change their morphology in a process regulated by proteins, including Drp1 (dynamin-related protein 1), a protein promoting mitochondrial fission. Drp1 is involved in the mechanisms underlying various cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, heart failure, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, its role in macrophages, which promote various vascular diseases, is poorly understood. We therefore tested our hypothesis that macrophage Drp1 promotes vascular remodeling after injury.

Method and Results:

To explore the selective role of macrophage Drp1, we created macrophage-selective Drp1-deficient mice and performed femoral arterial wire injury. In these mice, intimal thickening and negative remodeling were attenuated at 4 weeks after injury when compared with control mice. Deletion of macrophage Drp1 also attenuated the macrophage accumulation and cell proliferation in the injured arteries. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments using cultured macrophages indicated that Drp1 induces the expression of molecules associated with inflammatory macrophages. Morphologically, mitochondrial fission was induced in inflammatory macrophages, whereas mitochondrial fusion was induced in less inflammatory/reparative macrophages. Pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of Drp1 decreased the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and chemotactic activity in cultured macrophages. Co-culture experiments of macrophages with vascular smooth muscle cells indicated that deletion of macrophage Drp1 suppresses growth and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells induced by macrophage-derived soluble factors.

Conclusions:

Macrophage Drp1 accelerates intimal thickening after vascular injury by promoting macrophage-mediated inflammation. Macrophage Drp1 may be a potential therapeutic target of vascular diseases.
Chronically Elevating Circulating Ketones Can Reduce Cardiac Inflammation and Blunt the Development of Heart Failure
Authors: Byrne Nikole J. , Soni Shubham , Takahara Shingo , Ferdaoussi Mourad , Al Batran Rami , Darwesh Ahmed M. , Levasseur Jody L. , Beker Donna , Vos Dyonne Y. , Schmidt Mya A. , Alam Abrar S. , Maayah Zaid H. , Schertzer Jonathan D. , Seubert John M. , Ussher John R. , Dyck Jason R.B.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Previous studies have shown beneficial effects of acute infusion of the primary ketone body, β-hydroxybutyrate, in heart failure (HF). However, whether chronic elevations in circulating ketones are beneficial remains unknown.

Methods:

To chronically elevate circulating ketones in mice, we deleted the expression of the ketolytic, rate-limiting-enzyme, SCOT (succinyl-CoA:3-ketoacid-CoA transferase 1; encoded by
Oxct1
), in skeletal muscle. Tamoxifen-inducible skeletal muscle-specific
Oxct1
Muscle−
/
−
knockout (n=32) mice and littermate controls (wild type; WT; n=35) were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery to induce HF.

Results:

Deletion of SCOT in skeletal, but not cardiac muscle resulted in elevated concentrations of fasted circulating β-hydroxybutyrate in knockout mice compared with WT mice (
P
=0.030). Five weeks following TAC, WT mice progressed to HF, whereas knockout mice with elevated fasting circulating ketones were largely protected from the TAC-induced effects observed in WT mice (ejection fraction,
P
=0.011; mitral E/A,
P
=0.012). Furthermore, knockout mice with TAC had attenuated expression of markers of sterile inflammation and macrophage infiltration, which were otherwise elevated in WT mice subjected to TAC. Lastly, addition of β-hydroxybutyrate to isolated hearts was associated with reduced NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein 3)-inflammasome activation, which has been previously shown to play a role in contributing to HF-induced cardiac inflammation.

Conclusions:

These data show that chronic elevation of circulating ketones protects against the development of HF that is associated with the ability of β-hydroxybutyrate to directly reduce inflammation. These beneficial effects of ketones were associated with reduced cardiac NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suggesting that ketones may modulate cardiac inflammation via this mechanism.
Importance of Genetic Studies of Cardiometabolic Disease in Diverse Populations
Authors: Fernández-Rhodes Lindsay , Young Kristin L. , Lilly Adam G. , Raffield Laura M. , Highland Heather M. , Wojcik Genevieve L. , Agler Cary , Love Shelly-Ann M. , Okello Samson , Petty Lauren E. , Graff Mariaelisa , Below Jennifer E. , Divaris Kimon , North Kari E.
Published: June 2020

Genome-wide association studies have revolutionized our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of cardiometabolic disease. Yet, the inadequate representation of individuals of diverse ancestral backgrounds in these studies may undercut their ultimate potential for both public health and precision medicine. The goal of this review is to describe the imperativeness of studying the populations who are most affected by cardiometabolic disease, to the aim of better understanding the genetic underpinnings of the disease. We support this premise by describing the current variation in the global burden of cardiometabolic disease and emphasize the importance of building a globally and ancestrally representative genetics evidence base for the identification of population-specific variants, fine-mapping, and polygenic risk score estimation. We discuss the important ethical, legal, and social implications of increasing ancestral diversity in genetic studies of cardiometabolic disease and the challenges that arise from the (1) lack of diversity in current reference populations and available analytic samples and the (2) unequal generation of health-associated genomic data and their prediction accuracies. Despite these challenges, we conclude that additional, unprecedented opportunities lie ahead for public health genomics and the realization of precision medicine, provided that the gap in diversity can be systematically addressed. Achieving this goal will require concerted efforts by social, academic, professional and regulatory stakeholders and communities, and these efforts must be based on principles of equity and social justice.
Association of Atrial Fibrillation Without Cardiovascular Comorbidities and Stroke Risk: From the REGARDS Study
Authors: Singleton Matthew J. , Imtiaz‐Ahmad Muhammad , Kamel Hooman , O'Neal Wesley T. , Judd Suzanne E. , Howard Virginia J. , Howard George , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Bhave Prashant D.
Published: June 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation (
AF
) is associated with a 5‐fold increased stroke risk. While most patients with
AF
warrant anticoagulation, optimal treatment remains uncertain for patients with
AF
without cardiovascular comorbidities because the risk of stroke in this population has not been well‐characterized.

Methods and Results

Participants (N=28 253; 55% women, mean age 64.6±9.4 years), from the
REGARDS
(Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) study (2003–present) were classified into 1 of 4 groups based on the presence or absence of
AF
and the presence or absence of cardiovascular comorbidities. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to compare the risk of stroke between groups. During 244 560 person‐years of follow‐up (median 8.7 years), 1206 strokes occurred. Compared with patients with neither
AF
nor cardiovascular comorbidities, we did not find an increased stroke risk (hazard ratio [HR], 1.23; 95%
CI
, 0.62–2.18 [
P
=0.511]) among participants with
AF
alone. Participants without
AF
but with cardiovascular comorbidities had both an elevated stroke risk (HR, 1.77; 95%
CI
, 1.48–2.18 [
P
<0.0001]) and an increased risk of cardioembolic stroke (HR, 2.34; 95%
CI
, 1.48–3.90 [
P
=0.0002]).

Conclusions

In this large cohort of participants with
AF
without cardiovascular comorbidities, we found that
AF
itself, without cardiovascular comorbidities, did not confer increased risk of stroke. Cardiovascular comorbidities, however, were associated with an increased risk of both stroke of any type and cardioembolic stroke, even in the absence of
AF
.
Illustrations and studies in Neotropical Orchidaceae: the Specklinia brighamii group (Pleurothallidinae) in Costa Rica

Authors: KARREMANS ADAM , SALGUERO GRETTEL , BOGARÍN DIEGO , OSES LIZBETH , CEDEÑO-FONSECA MARCO
Published: June 2020

This paper focuses on the taxonomy and systematics of the species related to Specklinia brighamii and S. simmleriana in Costa Rica. The group also includes S. alexii, recorded for the first time for the country, S. acrisepala, and two newly described taxa, S. barbelifera and S. tirimbina. The six taxa are described on the basis of living material and illustrated in a composite plate. Notes on ecology, distribution and diagnostic features are presented for each taxon. A key to the species is given to aid in identification.
New occurrences of squat lobsters of the genus Eumunida Smith, 1883 (Decapoda, Eumunididae) in New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands and Papua-New Guinea, with the description of a new species
Authors: MACPHERSON ENRIQUE , RODRÍGUEZ-FLORES PAULA C. , MACHORDOM ANNIE
Published: June 2020

Examination of numerous specimens of squat lobsters of the genus Eumunida Smith, 1883 collected by French cruises along the coasts of New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands and Papua-New Guinea revealed the presence of six species, including a new species. The collection data of all of these species are recorded. The new species, E. turbulenta n. sp., is described and illustrated from New Caledonia and Chesterfield Islands.
The larva of Hydropsyche doehleri Tobias 1972, based on Swiss material (Hydropsychidae, Trichoptera)
Authors: VICENTINI HEINRICH , WYLER SOFIA , WARINGER JOHANN
Published: June 2020

This paper describes the previously unknown larva of Hydropsyche doehleri Tobias 1972. Species association was enabled by the fact that both larval and adult specimens were collected at the same location and that H. doehleri was the only Hydropsychidae collected at this site, based on light-trap samples of adults. In addition, association of larvae with adult males and females were performed using DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase region. Information on the morphology of the larva is given, and the most important diagnostic features separating H. doehleri from its sister taxon H. siltalai Döhler 1963 are discussed. In both species, gills are lacking on abdominal segment VII. In the context of the Hydropsychidae key of Waringer & Graf (2011), the two species can be separated by the morphology and coloration of the frontoclypeal apotome, and by their distribution patterns: whereas H. siltalai is widespread in Europe, H. doehleri has been reported from only France, Italy, and southern Switzerland (Tessin).                #We dedicate this paper to Univ. Prof. Dr Hans Malicky on the occasion of his 85th birthday.
MXene Nanosheets May Induce Toxic Effect on the Early Stage of Embryogenesis
Authors: Alhussain Hashim , Augustine Robin , Hussein Essraa A. , Gupta Ishita , Hasan Anwarul , Al Moustafa Ala-Eddin , Elzatahry Ahmed
Published: June 2020

MXene (Ti3C2Tx), as a novel 2D material, has produced a great interest due to its promising properties in biomedical applications, nevertheless, there is a lack of studies dedicated to investigate the possible toxic effect of MXene in embryos.
Herein, we aim to scrutinize the potential toxicity of MXene nanosheets on the early stage of the embryo as well as angiogenesis. Avian embryos at 3 and 5 days of incubation were used as an experimental model in this investigation. Our findings reveal that MXene may produce adverse effect
on the early stage of embryogenesis as ∼46% of MXene-exposed embryos died during 1–5 days after exposure. We also found that MXene at tested concentration inhibits angiogenesis of the chorioallantoic membrane of the embryo after 5 days of incubation. More significantly, RT-PCR analysis
of seven genes, which are key regulators of cell proliferation, survival, cell death and angiogenesis, revealed that these genes were deregulated in brain, heart and liver tissues from MXene-treated embryos in comparison with their matched controls. Our study clearly suggests that MXene at
studied concentration might induce a toxic effect on the early stage of embryogenesis; nevertheless, more investigations are necessary to understand the effect at low concentrations and elucidate its mechanism at the early stage of normal development.
Spermatogenic Apoptosis and the Involvement of the Nrf2 Pathway in Male Mice Following Exposure to Nano Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Hong Fashui , Zhou Yingjun
Published: June 2020

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are largely manufactured and extensively applied for the treatment of environmental pollution. Studies have proved that exposure to TiO2 NPs leads to toxicity of the reproductive system. However, very few studies have highlighted
the involvement of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) under TiO2 NPinduced spermatogenic apoptosis. Our findings suggested that TiO2 NPs could cross the blood–testis barrier and were aggregated or deposed in spermatogenic cells, which resulted in
spermatogenic apoptosis. Furthermore, exposure to TiO2 NPs caused an overproduction of reactive oxygen species and the peroxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA. Such exposure also caused significant decreases in the activities of SOD, GSH–PX, GST, and GSH content in the testis.
Importantly, exposure to TiO2 NPs resulted in an up-regulation of Keap1 expression and a down-regulation of Nrf2 and its target gene products, NQO1, HO-1, GCLC, PKC, and PI3K. The present study implies that TiO2 NPs could lead to spermatogenic apoptosis, and Nrf2 is the
initial factor that responded to such reproductive toxicity by regulating the expression of antioxidative proteins.
Short and long-term consequences of high-school tracks for earnings in Israel
Authors: Gabay-Egozi Limor , Yaish Meir
Published: June 2020

Vocational and academic curricula are said to hold both short-term and long-term consequences for economic outcomes. The literature on this topic, however, fails to address the long-term consequences of educational tracking. Just as important, this literature did not examine returns to high-school tracking within levels of further education. This paper aims to fill these gaps in the literature. Utilizing longitudinal data of Israeli men and women who graduated high school in the late 1980s and entered the labor market in the early 1990s, we examine their earning trajectories throughout age 50 in 2013. The results indicate that for men without college degrees, vocational education provides pay premiums at labor-market entry. With time, however, these earnings’ premiums decline and diminish. A similar pattern characterizes degree holders, though the decline in the pay premiums is less steep when compared to men without a college degree. For women we do not find similar vocational effects. Taken together, our results indicate that the more substantial differences in earnings trajectories in Israel, among men and women alike, are associated with level of education and not with high-school tracks. The theoretical and potential policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Do Medical Students Receive Adequate Otolaryngology Training? A Canadian Perspective
Authors: Rosvall Brandon R. , Singer Zachary , Fung Kevin , Chin Christopher J.
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

Otolaryngology—head and neck surgery (OHNS) training has been found to be underrepresented in medical school curricula. The study aimed to assess (i) students’ clinical OHNS exposure, (ii) their confidence managing OHNS conditions, and (iii) the correlation between OHNS exposure and confidence managing OHNS conditions.

Methods:

Fourth-year medical students at two Canadian Universities completed a survey assessing baseline characteristics, OHNS training, and confidence managing OHNS conditions.

Results:

Of 87 returned surveys, 46 students had no clinical OHNS exposure, while 29 felt there was adequate OHNS exposure. The majority of students lacked confidence recognizing conditions requiring emergent referral. Students with greater OHNS training had greater confidence managing OHNS conditions ( r = 0.267, P = .012).

Conclusion:

The majority of medical students have minimal OHNS exposure. Students with greater OHNS exposure have greater confidence managing OHNS conditions. A review of Canadian medical school curricula is warranted to ensure adequate OHNS exposure.
The Safety and Efficacy of Verapamil Versus Diltiazem Continuous Infusion for Acute Rate Control of Atrial Fibrillation at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Forshay Charlotte M. , Michael Boyd J. , Rozycki Alan , Pilz Jeffrey
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Due to critical shortages of intravenous diltiazem in 2018, the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC) adopted intravenous verapamil as an alternative. However, there is a paucity of data supporting the use of intravenous verapamil infusions for rate control in the acute treatment of atrial arrhythmias. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of intravenous verapamil as compared with diltiazem for the acute treatment of atrial arrhythmias.

Methods

This retrospective, case-control study compared patients who received verapamil infusions between June 1 and September 30, 2018, with patients who received diltiazem infusions between June 1 and September 30, 2017, at OSUWMC. Patients were matched 1:1 based on age, sex, and the presence of comorbid heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (≤40%).

Results

A total of 73 patients who received at least 1 verapamil infusion and 73 patients who received at least 1 diltiazem infusion met inclusion criteria. The composite need for inotrope or vasopressor was similar for both groups (5% with verapamil versus 4% with diltiazem, P = .999). The rate of hypotension was similar between groups (37% versus 33% experiencing a systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg, P = .603, and 27% versus 23% experiencing a mean arterial pressure <65 mm Hg, P = .704), as was the rate of bradycardia (19% versus 18%, P = .831). The efficacy outcomes of this study were similar for both groups, with 89% of patients in the verapamil group and 90% of patients in the diltiazem group achieving a heart rate less than 110 beats per minute ( P = .785).

Conclusion

Intravenous verapamil and diltiazem infusions had similar safety and efficacy outcomes when used for acute treatment of atrial arrhythmias in the institutional setting.
Narrating the Struggle, Theorizing the Genre: The Convergence of Narrative and Literary-Critical Theory in Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah (1987)
Authors: Gwekwerere Tavengwa
Published: June 2020

This article explores Achebe’s insertion of literary-theoretical discourse into traditional narrative space in Anthills of the Savannah with a view to demonstrating part of the limitless possibilities that the continental African novel pulsates with. It evokes the coexistence of narrative and literary-theoretical discourse in this particular novel through critical focus on selected characters’ reflections on the place and role of the story and the storyteller in society, the entanglement of the story and the storyteller in political, cultural, and social issues, and the storyteller’s freedom to imagine the contours of the story in keeping with cherished political, cultural, economic, and social priorities in African societies. Admittedly, Achebe addresses some of these issues in his literary-critical texts, but scholars of the continental African novel still have to contend with the ways in which continental African novelists utilize narrative space to theorize the novel as a genre. To that end, this article avers that Achebe’s innovative co-optation of literary-theoretical issues into the narrative interstices of Anthills of the Savannah is exemplary in the development of both the continental African novel and literary-theoretical criteria that are instructive in the interpretation of this canon from an Afrocentric perspective.
A case study focusing on investigating the tribological performance of Cu-Sn sintered brake pad of off-high road vehicles
Authors: Kumar V Vineeth , Kumaran S Senthil , Dhanalakshmi S
Published: June 2020

Copper-based sintered friction materials are most suitable for heavy-duty off-road vehicles, trains, aircraft, and military applications. This present study aims to investigate the tribological performance, dominating wear mechanism of an existing copper-tin sintered friction material that is being used in armoured fighting vehicle. The brake pad was tested as per IS 2742 using the chase test machine. Especially fade cycle was carried out till 441℃ to analyze the frictional response of the material. Physical, mechanical, and tribological properties were evaluated as per industrial standards. Morphological analysis was carried out using field emission scanning electron microscopy, and wear debris analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis. The dominating wear mechanisms were found to be delamination and abrasive wear. The investigated results showed a less wear rate of 0.05 cm3/MJ. However, results seem to be better for high-energy applications by exhibiting excellent mechanical properties.
Effects of Preferred and Nonpreferred Warm-Up Music on Exercise Performance
Authors: Karow Morgan C. , Rogers Rebecca R. , Pederson Joseph A. , Williams Tyler D. , Marshall Mallory R. , Ballmann Christopher G.
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the effects of preferred and non-preferred warm-up music listening conditions on subsequent exercise performance. A total of 12 physically active male and female participants engaged in a crossover, counterbalanced research design in which they completed exercise trials after 3 different warm-up experiences of (a) no music (NM), (b) preferred music (PREF), and (c) nonpreferred music (NON-PREF). Participants began warming up by rowing at 50% of of age-predicted heart rate maximum (HRmax) for 5 minutes while exposed to the three music conditions. Immediately following the warm-up and cessation of any music, participants completed a 2000-m rowing time trial as fast as possible. Relative power output, trial time, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and motivation were analyzed. Results indicated that, compared with NM, relative power output was significantly higher ( p  =   .018), trial time was significantly lower ( p  =   .044), and heart rate was significantly higher ( p  =   .032) during the PREF but not the NON-PREF condition. Rating of perceived exertion was not altered, regardless of music condition ( p > .05). Motivation to exercise was higher during the PREF condition versus the NM ( p  =   .001) and NON-PREF ( p <  .001) conditions. Listening to preferred warm-up music improved subsequent exercise performance compared with no music, while nonpreferred music did not impart ergogenic benefit.
Farmers’ Suicides and the Agrarian Crisis in Punjab: Some Sociological Observations
Authors: Singh Birinder Pal
Published: June 2020

Farmers’ suicides have been a serious issue over the last three decades in Punjab and also in other states. Much debate has concentrated on the economic factors, especially debt. This article makes sociological observations of Durkheim in the context of Punjab’s society and culture that may help us see the other side of the problem. It argues that debt per se is not the cause of suicide always but that of the agrarian crisis, following the liberal theory of economic and social development. The culture of consumerism is like fuel to the fire.
John Eliot, John Veniaminov, and engagement with the indigenous peoples of North America: A comparative missiology, part I
Authors: Black Joseph William
Published: June 2020

John Eliot was the 17th-century settler and Puritan clergyman who sought to engage with his Wampanoag neighbors with the Christian gospel, eventually learning their language, winning converts, establishing schools, translating the Bible and other Christian literature, even establishing villages of converted native Americans, before everything was wiped out in the violence of the King Philip War. John Eliot is all but forgotten outside the narrow debates of early American colonial history, though he was one of the first Protestants to attempt to engage his indigenous neighbors with the gospel. John Veniaminov was a Russian Orthodox priest from Siberia who felt called to bring Christianity to the indigenous Aleut and Tinglit peoples of island and mainland Alaska. He learned their languages, established schools, gathered worshiping communities, and translated the liturgies and Christian literature into their languages. Even in the face of later American persecution and marginalization, Orthodoxy in the indigenous communities of Alaska remains a vital and under-acknowledged Christian presence. Later made a bishop (Innocent) and then elected the Metropolitan of Moscow, Fr. John (now St. Innocent) is lionized in the Russian Church but almost unknown outside its scope, even in Orthodox circles. This 2-part article examines the ministries of these men, separated by time and traditions, and yet working in similar conditions among the indigenous peoples of North America, to learn something of both their missionary motivation and their methodology.
Contractors in Iraq: Exploited Class or Exclusive Club?
Authors: Swed Ori , Burland Daniel
Published: June 2020

Corporate privatization of security has generated a neoliberal iteration of an old profession: the private military contractor. This development has revolutionized security policies across the globe while reviving old patterns of inequality. Following neoliberal logic, outsourcing fosters two types of employment: the exploitative and the exclusive. The first refers to low-status individuals hired en masse to perform menial labor; the second refers to experts who perform functions central to the employer’s mission. We contribute to this discussion by focusing on the qualifications of a different subsample of this industry: American contractors who died while performing military and security functions in Iraq. We assert that such American employees directly engaged in mission-essential combat and security functions better fit the employment category of an exclusive, expert sector at the core of the private military industry.
Just What is Qualitative Research? One Practitioner's Experience
Authors: Morse M.T.
Published: June 2020

This article explores two issues involved in conducting qualitative research: 1) the essentials of data collection and 2) the unique role of the researcher in the data collection process.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Cause for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Yan Suying , Wei Yongxiang , Zhan Xiaojun , Yao Linyin , Li Xiping , Fang Fang , Xu Jie
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

To explore the effect of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on Eustachian tube function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to OSA and GERD: OSA+GERD group; OSA-only group; GERD-only group; and normal control group.

Results:

There were no differences among the 4 groups regarding age, sex, smoking history, and alcohol history (all P > .05). The patients in the OSA and OSA+GERD groups had a significantly larger body mass index than those in the control and GERD-only groups (all P < .05). The proportions of patients with abnormal ETS-7 and ETD-Q results were higher in the GERD and OSA+GERD groups compared to the control group ( P < .008). There were no significant differences in ETS-7 and ETD-Q between the control and the OSA-only groups ( P > .008). The multivariable analysis showed that only GERD was independently associated with abnormal ETS-7 results (odds ratio = 3.090, 95% CI: 1.332-7.169, P = .009).

Conclusion:

Given the high concomitance rate in patients with OSA, GERD might be an important association factor of Eustachian tube dysfunction in patients with OSA.
Characteristics of ST-elevation myocardial infarction with failed thrombolysis
Authors: Mishra Ashish , Prajapati Jayesh , Dubey Gajendra , Patel Iva , Mahla Mukesh , Bishnoi Suresh , Pandey Vimlesh
Published: June 2020

Background

Fibrinolytic therapy is an important reperfusion strategy, especially when primary percutaneous coronary interventions cannot be offered to ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients. Given that failed reperfusion after fibrinolytic therapy is common, it is pragmatic that the predictors, outcomes, and angiographic profiles of patients with failed thrombolysis are carefully scrutinized.

Methods

We prospectively studied clinical variables and outcomes over 30 months in 243 ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients who received fibrinolytics as primary treatment. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of failed thrombolysis.

Results

Failed thrombolysis occurred in 38.68% of patients with a mean window period of 6.58 ± 1.42 h, and 55.32% of patients with failed thrombolysis had Killip class >I on presentation. Risk factors such as diabetes mellitus (55.32%), dyslipidemia (60.64%) and obesity (77.66%) were frequently associated with failed thrombolysis; 73.40% of patients with failed thrombolysis had Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade 0/1 in the infarct-related artery, and 58.51% of such patients needed a rescue percutaneous coronary intervention. The mean Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction risk score was 5.46 ± 2.77 in failed thrombolysis patients, with mortality of 4.25% at the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusion

Non-resolution of presenting symptoms and ST changes on electrocardiography at 90 min served as the earliest indicators of failed thrombolysis, with a significant angiographic correlation. Clinical variables such as delayed presentation (>6 h), dyspnea, Killip class >I, cardiogenic shock, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction score, and conventional risk factors including diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and obesity represented cluster of predictors of failed thrombolysis.
Factors in the motivations of studio-based musical instrument learners in Hong Kong: An in-depth interview study
Authors: Lee Calvin KC , Leung Bo-Wah
Published: June 2020

In this study, we investigated the factors affecting the motivation of studio-based instrumental learners in Hong Kong. We interviewed a total of 13 participants who learnt the violin and/or the piano. We analyzed the interview data by selective coding accordingly to the three basic needs in the conceptual framework of Basic Psychology Needs Theory, which is one of the mini-theories from Self-Determination Theory. The thematization of basic needs are (1) autonomy, (2) relatedness, and (3) competency. We found relatedness and competence were more related to our participants. This study contributes to the understanding of studio-based, learning-environment characteristics as well as specific motivation factors attributed to the distinctions between the violin and the piano learning environments in Hong Kong. We also discussed the issues of music learning in school and teacher's style of teaching practice.