bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Margaret Chorley Crosfield, FGS: the very first female Fellow of the Geological Society
Authors: Burek C. V.
Published: July 2020

In May 1919 the first female Fellows of the Geological Society were elected and from then on attended meetings at the Society. The first person on the female fellows’ list was Margaret Chorley Crosfield. She was born in 1859 and died in 1952. She lived all her life in Reigate in Surrey. After studying and then leaving Cambridge, Margaret had sought to join the Geological Society of London for many years, in order to gain recognition of her research work, but also to attend meetings and use the library. This paper will look at her history and trace her geological achievements in both stratigraphy and palaeontology, as well as her extraordinary field notebooks that she left to the Geological Survey. She worked closely with two female geological colleagues, Mary Johnston and Ethel Skeat. Margaret Crosfield epitomizes the educated, amateur, independent woman who wanted to be recognized for her work, especially fieldwork, at a time when female contributions, especially in the field sciences, were not always acknowledged or even appreciated.
Dielectric-Barrier-Discharge Jet Treated Flexible Supercapacitors with Carbon Cloth Current Collectors of Long-Lasting Hydrophilicity
Authors: Tseng Chia-Hui , Hsin Jui-Chen , Tsai Jui-Hsuan , Chen Jian-Zhang
Published: July 2020

A low-temperature (<30 °C) He dielectric-barrier-discharge jet (DBDjet) is applied to treat screen-printed reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/polyaniline (PANI)/chitosan (CS) nanocomposite flexible gel-electrolyte supercapacitors (SCs) with atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ)-processed carbon cloth current collectors. The APPJ-treated carbon cloth retained it hydrophilicity for more than 23 weeks. By contrast, carbon cloth furnace-treated at similar temperatures for 30 s and 30 min retained its hydrophilicity for only 6 h and 4 weeks, respectively. Therefore, APPJ treatment benefits the long-term stability of SCs with carbon cloth current collectors. Without substantial heating, the reactive plasma species of the He DBDjet can improve the hydrophilicity of screen-printed rGO/PANI/CS nanocomposites, thereby increasing the SC’s capacitance value. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results reveal increased –COOH and C–N contents after He DBDjet treatment, thus explaining the improved hydrophilicity. Galvanostatic charging-discharging measurements demonstrate that the capacitance is improved by 181% after two He DBDjet scans. The capacitance value decreases by only 0.2% after a 10000-cycle CV stability test. No apparent degradation is observed after a 1000-cycle mechanical bending test.
In vivo [U-13C]glucose labeling to assess heart metabolism in murine models of pressure and volume overload
Authors: Schnelle Moritz , Chong Mei , Zoccarato Anna , Elkenani Manar , Sawyer Greta Jane , Hasenfuss Gerd , Ludwig Christian , Shah Ajay M.
Published: July 2020

This study implemented a method for assessing the fate of glucose carbons in the heart in vivo and used this to demonstrate that pressure and volume overload are associated with distinct changes. In contrast to volume overload, pressure overload-induced changes affect the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycolytic pathways, and glutamine synthesis. A better understanding of cardiac glucose metabolism under pathological conditions in vivo may provide new therapeutic strategies specific for different types of hemodynamic overload.
ChoK‐ing the Pathogenic Bacteria: Potential of Human Choline Kinase Inhibitors as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Khalifa Moad , Few Ling Ling , See Too Wei Cun
Published: July 2020

Novel antimicrobial agents are crucial to combat antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria. Choline kinase (ChoK) in bacteria catalyzes the synthesis of phosphorylcholine, which is subsequently incorporated into the cell wall or outer membrane. In certain species of bacteria, phosphorylcholine is also used to synthesize membrane phosphatidylcholine. Numerous human ChoK inhibitors (ChoKIs) have been synthesized and tested for anticancer properties. Inhibition of S. pneumoniae ChoK by human ChoKIs showed a promising effect by distorting the cell wall and retarded the growth of this pathogen. Comparison of amino acid sequences at the catalytic sites of putative choline kinases from pathogenic bacteria and human enzymes revealed striking sequence conservation that supports the potential application of currently available ChoKIs for inhibiting bacterial enzymes. We also propose the combined use of ChoKIs and nanoparticles for targeted delivery to the pathogen while shielding the human host from any possible side effects of the inhibitors. More research should focus on the verification of putative bacterial ChoK activities and the characterization of ChoKIs with active enzymes. In conclusion, the presence of ChoK in a wide range of pathogenic bacteria and the distinct function of this enzyme has made it an attractive drug target. This review highlighted the possibility of “choking” bacterial ChoKs by using human ChoKIs.
Stock Return Uncertainty and Life Insurance
Authors: Dong Yang , Wang Hao , Zhang Lihong
Published: July 2020

Knightian uncertainty embedded in stock returns causes rising demand for life insurance, as the uncertainty averse agent seeks alternative investment channels. Life insurance demand of middle-aged agent is more sensitive to the uncertainty. Stock return uncertainty reduces the agent’s total wealth and subsequently the propensity of wealthy agent serving as an insurance seller. Rising demand and falling supply of life insurance imply that life insurance is more expensive in the presence of stock return uncertainty. Sensitivity of life insurance demand to the mortality rate and key stock return characteristics also changes with the uncertainty.
A Spline Finite Point Method for Nonlinear Bending Analysis of FG Plates in Thermal Environments Based on a Locking-free Thin/Thick Plate Theory
Authors: Mo Tian-Jing , Huang Jun , Li Shuang-Bei , Wu Hai
Published: July 2020

A spline finite point method (SFPM) based on a locking-free thin/thick plate theory, which is suitable for analysis of both thick and thin plates, is developed to study nonlinear bending behavior of functionally graded material (FGM) plates with different thickness in thermal environments. In the proposed method, one direction of the plate is discretized with a set of uniformly distributed spline nodes instead of meshes and the other direction is expressed with orthogonal functions determined by the boundary conditions. The displacements of the plate are constructed by the linear combination of orthogonal functions and cubic B-spline interpolation functions with high efficiency for modeling. The locking-free thin/thick plate theory used by the proposed method is based on the first-order shear deformation theory but takes the shear strains and displacements as basic unknowns. The material properties of the FG plate are assumed to vary along the thickness direction following the power function distribution. By comparing with several published research studies based on the finite element method (FEM), the correctness, efficiency, and generality of the new model are validated for rectangular plates. Moreover, uniform and nonlinear temperature rise conditions are discussed, respectively. The effect of the temperature distribution, in-plane temperature force, and elastic foundation on nonlinear bending under different parameters are discussed in detail.
Mechanism of Antiwrinkle Finishing of Cotton Fabrics Using Mixed Polycarboxylic Acids
Authors: Wang Huaifang , Zhang Chuanjie , Chu Xudong , Zhu Ping
Published: July 2020

The kinetics, activation energy, and mechanism of esterification of cotton by mixed polycarboxylic acids, namely, 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) and citric acid (CA), were studied during the curing process of cotton fibers in comparison with the esterification by BTCA alone. The reaction rates of these two polycarboxylic acid finishing systems under different temperatures and the dependency of their reaction rate constants on temperature were studied. Consequently, in the temperature range from 120°C to 180°C, the activation energy of the mixed polycarboxylic acids (BTCA+CA) was obtained as Ea=40.7 kJ/mol, which was slightly lower than that for the BTCA finishing system. The reaction occurring between the carboxylic acid group of BTCA and the hydroxyl group of CA was proposed. To confirm and prove the speculation, experiments were conducted to investigate the changes in wrinkle recovery angle and tensile strength retention by changing the concentration of both the single polycarboxylic acid and mixed polycarboxylic acids. The results show that, besides esterification of cotton fibers, citric acid probably functioned as an extender in the curing process, when it was combined with BTCA.
Elevated Interleukin‐6 Levels within 72 Hours Post Admission Are Associated with Disease Progression in Nonseptic Critically Ill Children
Authors: Tan Lingfang , Dang Jianzhong , Liu Zhongping , Zheng Fang
Published: July 2020

It has been established that the innate and adaptive immune suppression was heterogeneous in septic and nonseptic critically ill patients, while the value of immune function in pediatric patients with nonseptic critical illness is limited. We conducted a single‐center retrospective study to explore this issue. A total of 65 children with nonseptic illnesses were studied for lymphocyte subpopulations, immunoglobulin concentrations, complement concentrations, and cytokines in peripheral blood in the next 72 hours after admission to our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). When compared to clinically recovered patients, patients with disease progression had a numerically lower but not significantly different median pediatric critical illness score and longer PICU median stays. The analysis of serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, and IgA), serum complement (C3, C4) concentrations, and lymphocyte subpopulations showed no significantly difference between patients with and without relieved clinical symptoms by day 4. For the cytokine analysis, the level of IL‐6 was significantly higher in patients with disease progression than that in patients who clinically recovered (p = 0.046). In the univariate Cox regression analysis, plasma IL‐6 levels were associated with outcome. Multivariate analysis evidenced that the level of plasma IL‐6 was one of the factors determining the length of hospital stays. In conclusions, our results demonstrate that increased IL‐6 levels in the initial 72 hours post admission are associated with prolonged stays and disease progression in nonseptic critically ill children in the PICU.
Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia: How Listening to the Patient Is Sometimes the Simple Key to Good Medicine!
Authors: Jayakrishnan Thejus T. , Limonnik Vladimir , Shah Deep , Mewawalla Prerna
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia is a rare clotting disorder caused by impaired platelet function. Lack of awareness of the appropriate management of rare medical conditions may lead to patient dissatisfaction and potentially poor treatment outcome. Case Report. A 78-year-old male with a history of Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia was admitted to the trauma service following a fall in which he sustained a facial laceration as well as maxillary sinus and nasal fractures. He received DDAVP 20 mcg and tranexamic acid upon presentation to the emergency department (ED). In the ED, the patient requested administration of platelet transfusion but was refused due to a normal platelet count. During the course of his hospital stay, he complained of epistaxis and was noted to have a downtrending hemoglobin from 11.0 g/dl to 9.0 g/dl. The patient and his family were not comfortable when the discharge plan was finalized and demanded platelet transfusion (due to history of needing platelets in association with injuries or procedures in the past) was refused by the primary team as they continued to state that his platelet count is normal. On hospital day 3, hematology was consulted as the patient and his family were extremely angry and hematology recommended platelet transfusion. Further clinical information was not available as the patient was transferred to another facility per family request as they wanted to be at a center which had the patient’s primary hematologist. Discussion. A delay in specialist consultation resulted in patient dissatisfaction and extended the length of stay. Patients with rare medical conditions and potential for major complications should be managed aggressively with appropriate specialist consultation to promote patient satisfaction and improve the overall quality of care. This case shows that as physicians it our duty to listen to our patient’s concerns and involve them in the medical decision-making to provide optimal patient-centered care.
Ceftriaxone Calcium Crystals Induce Acute Kidney Injury by NLRP3-Mediated Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Injury
Authors: Yifan Zhang , Benxiang Ning , Zheng Xu , Luwei Xu , Liuhua Zhou , Yuzheng Ge , Ruipeng Jia
Published: July 2020

Objective. To investigate the role of inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress injury in the mechanisms of ceftriaxone calcium crystal-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) both in vivo and in vitro. Methods. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups of ten each according to different concentrations of ceftriaxone and calcium. Based on the levels of serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), the AKI group was chosen for the subsequent experiments. Kidney histological examination and immunohistochemistry were performed. The expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β protein and the concentrations of oxidative stress markers such as ROS, MDA, and H2O2 in kidney tissues were estimated. In parallel, HK-2 human renal proximal tubule cells were exposed to ceftriaxone calcium crystals. The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β and the concentrations of oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Finally, cell viability and rat survival were also assessed. Results. The results showed that significantly increased Scr and BUN levels, consistent with morphological changes and kidney stones, were found in the rats that received the highest concentration of ceftriaxone (1000 mg/kg) combined with calcium (800 mg/kg). The activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome axis and the marked elevation of MDA, H2O2, and ROS levels were observed both in vivo and in vitro. High expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 was also documented. In addition, cell apoptosis and rat mortality were promoted by ceftriaxone calcium crystals. Conclusions. Notably, we found that ceftriaxone-induced urolithiasis was associated with a high risk of AKI and NLRP3-mediated inflammasome and oxidative stress injury were of major importance in the pathogenesis.
Fineness Effect on Pozzolanic Activity of Cu‐Ni Slag in Cemented Tailing Backfill
Authors: Xu Wenyuan , Yang Xiaocong , Li Wenchen , Guo Lijie
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the experimental results of the fineness effect on the pozzolanic activity of Cu‐Ni slag in cemented tailing backfill. Cement paste and cemented tailing backfill samples that without or contain Cu‐Ni slag with various grinding times were made and cured at 20°C for 7, 28, and 150 days. Mechanical test and microstructural analyses are performed. In general, the pozzolanic activity of Cu‐Ni slag increases with the fineness of particle size. The strength of cemented tailing backfill samples decreased with the addition of Cu‐Ni slag. It was found that the pozzolanic activity of Cu‐Ni slag used in this study is relatively low. According to the fineness, the Cu‐Ni slag will make the cemented tailing backfill samples looser or denser. For the sample containing ground Cu‐Ni slag ground for 30 min to 50 min, the sample becomes dense gradually as the particle size of Cu‐Ni slag becomes finer.
Sizing Up Transport Poverty Alleviation: A Structural Equation Modeling Empirical Analysis
Authors: Jiang Li , Wen Huiying , Qi Weiwei
Published: July 2020

The aim of this paper was to systematically obtain the poverty reduction effects and diversified poverty alleviation paths of road infrastructure, to assist in the planning of transport poverty alleviation and rural revitalization in the concentrated contiguous poverty-stricken areas. The measurement methods for impact effects and paths of transport poverty alleviation have been scientifically proposed based on methods of transportation economics and transportation geography. Firstly, an overview of the interactive mechanism and processes by which road infrastructure investment influences poverty reduction has been offered, and the characteristics of poverty space and spatial coupling result of road infrastructure have been systematically obtained. The results show that about 70% of the district counties’ road infrastructure and poverty rate are in a state of spatial coupling imbalance; the coordinated synchronous type is mainly distributed along the road network. Secondly, the structural equation model system has been formulated with variables that reﬂect transportation input in adjacent geographical units to consider spatial spillover effects. The results show that the direct poverty reduction effect of road infrastructure (0.105) is much lower than the indirect poverty reduction effect (0.830). Thirdly, empirical analysis at regional level of the concentrated contiguous poverty-stricken areas in China has been conducted. As a result, while addressing the limitations of previous studies, the poverty alleviation path that has been proposed also aims to catalyze actions to reduce the transport-related exclusion in poverty-stricken areas caused by the lack of access to basic facilities.
The Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Antimelanoma Immunity Depend on the Timing of Their Administration
Authors: Miloradovic Dragana , Miloradovic Dragica , Markovic Bojana Simovic , Acovic Aleksandar , Harrell Carl Randall , Djonov Valentin , Arsenijevic Nebojsa , Volarevic Vladislav
Published: July 2020

There is still a lively debate about whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote or suppress antitumor immune response. Although several possible explanations have been proposed, including different numbers of injected and engrafted MSCs, heterogeneity in phenotype, and function of tumor cells, the exact molecular mechanisms responsible for opposite effects of MSCs in modulation of antitumor immunity are still unknown. Herewith, we used a B16F10 murine melanoma model to investigate whether timing of MSC administration in tumor-bearing mice was crucially important for their effects on antitumor immunity. MSCs, intravenously injected 24 h after melanoma induction (B16F10+MSC1d-treated mice), significantly enhanced natural killer (NK) and T cell-driven antitumor immunity, suppressed tumor growth, and improved survival of melanoma-bearing animals. Significantly higher plasma levels of antitumorigenic cytokines (TNF-αand IFN-γ), remarkably lower plasma levels of immunosuppressive cytokines (TGF-βand IL-10), and a significantly higher number of tumor-infiltrating, IFN-γ-producing, FasL- and granzyme B-expressing NK cells, IL-17-producing CD4+Th17 cells, IFN-γ- and TNF-α-producing CD4+Th1 cells, and CD8+cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were observed in B16F10+MSC1d-treated mice. On the contrary, MSCs, injected 14 days after melanoma induction (B16F10+MSC14d-treated mice), promoted tumor growth by suppressing antigen-presenting properties of tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages and by reducing tumoricidal capacity of NK cells and T lymphocytes. Significantly higher plasma levels of TGF-βand IL-10, remarkably lower plasma levels of TNF-αand IFN-γ, and significantly reduced number of tumor-infiltrating, I-A-expressing, and IL-12-producing macrophages, CD80- and I-A-expressing DCs, granzyme B-expressing CTLs and NK cells, IFN-γ- and IL-17-producing CTLs, CD4+Th1, and Th17 cells were observed in B16F10+MSC14d-treated animals. In summing up, the timing of MSC administration into the tumor microenvironment was crucially important for MSC-dependent modulation of antimelanoma immunity. MSCs transplanted during the initial phase of melanoma growth exerted tumor-suppressive effect, while MSCs injected during the progressive stage of melanoma development suppressed antitumor immunity and enhanced tumor expansion.
Schur Convexity and Inequalities for a Multivariate Symmetric Function
Authors: Sun Ming-Bao , Li Xin-Ping , Tang Sheng-Fang , Zhang Zai-Yun
Published: July 2020

In the article, we provide the Schur, Schur multiplicative, and Schur harmonic convexities properties for the symmetry function Fnx,r=Fnx1,x2,⋯,xn;r=∏1≤i1<i2<⋯<ir≤n ∑j=1r xij/1−xij1/r on 0,1n and find several new analytical inequalities by use of the majorization theory, where x=x1,⋯,xn∈0,1n, r=1,2,⋯,n and i1,i2,⋯,in are positive integers.
Chondroitin Sulphate and Glucosamine Use Depend on Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Use to Modify the Risk for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ibáñez-Sanz Gemma , Guinó Elisabet , Morros Rosa , Quijada-Manuitt María Ángeles , de la Peña-Negro Luisa Carmen , Moreno Victor
Published: July 2020

Background:

A safe and effective colorectal cancer chemoprevention agent remains to be discovered. There is little evidence regarding the protective effect of chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine on colorectal cancer. We aimed to assess the association between colorectal cancer risk and the use of chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine using a large cohort with dispensed data.

Methods:

We performed a population-based case–control study in Catalonia using primary care reimbursed medication records (SIDIAP database). The study included 25,811 cases with an incident diagnosis of colorectal cancer and 129,117 matched controls between 2010 and 2015.

Results:

The prevalence of ever use was 9.0% (n = 13,878) for chondroitin sulphate, 7.3% (n = 11,374) for glucosamine, and 35% for regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID; n = 45,774). A decreased risk of colorectal cancer was observed among chondroitin sulphate use [OR: 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.91–1.01], glucosamine use (OR: 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87–0.97), and concurrent use of chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine (OR: 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70–0.98). Especially for glucosamine, there was a dose–response association regarding duration and cumulative dose. The analysis stratified by simultaneous use with other NSAIDs showed that these drugs used without other NSAIDs do not reduce risk (OR: 1.06; 95% CI, 0.74–1.51). However, they may have a synergistic protective effect when used with other NSAIDs (OR: 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72–0.88).

Conclusions:

This study does not provide strong support for an independent protective association of chondroitin sulphate or glucosamine on colorectal cancer risk in our population. However, these drugs may have a synergistic beneficial effect among NSAID users.

Impact:

Chondroitin sulphate or glucosamine may contribute to the protective effect of NSAID use in colorectal cancer.
A Rat Model with Multivalve Calcification Induced by Subtotal Nephrectomy and High-Phosphorus Diet
Authors: Wang Liting , Tang Rining , Zhang Yuxia , Liu Zixiao , Chen Sijie , Song Kaiyun , Guo Yu , Zhang Li , Wang Xiaochen , Wang Xiaobin , Liu Hong , Zhang Xiaoliang , Liu Bi-Cheng
Published: July 2020

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) with known valve calcification (VC) places individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease. The study of VC in CKD is challenging due to the lack of a suitable research model. Here, we established a rat model of multivalve calcification induced by subtotal nephrectomy and a high-phosphate (HP) diet and analyzed the valve characteristics. Methods: We established a CKD model in Sprague-Dawley rats by performing 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6Nx) followed by feeding with chow containing different phosphate concentrations for 8, 12, or 16 weeks. The rats were divided into 4 groups: sham+normal phosphate (NP, 0.9% P), sham+high phosphate (HP, 2.0% P), 5/6Nx+NP, and 5/6Nx+HP. Serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus, and 24-h urine protein levels were investigated. Pathological examinations included histological characterization, safranin staining, Alcian blue staining, and von Kossa staining at different time points. Using nanoanalytical electron microscopy, we examined valves from rats in the 5/6Nx+HP and sham+HP groups and detected spherical particles using energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to observe microscopic changes in the valves. In addition, the calcified tissues were analyzed for phase and crystallization properties using an X-ray powder diffractometer. Results: The rats in the 5/6Nx+HP and 5/6Nx+NP groups presented with increased levels of Scr, BUN, and 24-h urine protein compared with those of the rats in the sham+HP and sham+NP groups. High levels of PTH were observed, and hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen showed parathyroid hyperplasia in rats in the 5/6Nx+HP group but not in the 5/6Nx+NP group. In rats in the 5/6Nx+HP group, extracellular matrix glycosylation was observed in the aortic valve in the 12th week and the mitral valve in the 16th week. In the 16th week, chondrocytes appeared in the aortic valve, as confirmed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Calcified particles mainly composed of phosphorus and calcium were observed in both the aortic and mitral valves by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The main mineral component of the calcified aortic valve particles was hydroxyapatite [Ca5(PO4)3(OH)], as shown by X-ray diffraction. However, there were no obvious differences in heart function between rats in the 5/6Nx+HP and sham+HP groups. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that multivalve calcification is involved in CKD following 16-week HP and that hydroxyapatite [Ca5(PO4)3(OH)] is the main component of the calcified aortic valve particles of rats in the 5/6Nx+HP group.
Valve‐in‐Valve for Degenerated Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Versus Valve‐in‐Valve for Degenerated Surgical Aortic Bioprostheses: A 3‐Center Comparison of Hemodynamic and 1‐Year Outcome
Authors: Raschpichler Matthias C. , Woitek Felix , Chakravarty Tarun , Flint Nir , Yoon Sung‐Han , Mangner Norman , Patel Chinar G. , Singh Chetana , Kashif Mohammad , Kiefer Philip , Holzhey David , Linke Axel , Stachel Georg , Thiele Holger , Borger Michael A. , Makkar Raj R.
Published: July 2020

Background

As transcatheter aortic valve replacement (
TAVR
) is expected to progress into younger patient populations, valve‐in‐TAVR (Vi
TAVR
) may become a frequent consideration. Data on Vi
TAVR
, however, are limited. This study investigated the outcome of Vi
TAVR
in comparison to valve in surgical aortic valve replacement (Vi
SAVR
), because Vi
SAVR
is an established procedure for higher‐risk patients requiring repeated aortic valve intervention.

Methods and Results

Clinical and procedural data of patients who underwent Vi
TAVR
at 3 sites in the United States and Germany were retrospectively compared with data of patients who underwent Vi
SAVR
at Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center, according to Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2 criteria. A total of 99 consecutive patients, 52.5% women, with a median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 7.2 were identified. Seventy‐four patients (74.7%) underwent Vi
SAVR
, and 25 patients (25.3%) underwent Vi
TAVR
. Balloon‐expandable devices were used in 72.7%. Vi
SAVR
patients presented with smaller index devices (21.0 versus 26.0 mm median true internal diameter;
P
<0.001). Significantly better postprocedural hemodynamics (median prosthesis mean gradient, 12.5 [interquartile range, 8.8–16.2] versus 16.0 [interquartile range, 13.0–20.5] mm Hg;
P
=0.045) were observed for Vi
TAVR
compared with the Vi
SAVR
. Device success, however, was not different (79.2% and 66.2% for Vi
TAVR
and Vi
SAVR
, respectively;
P
=0.35), as were rates of permanent pacemaker implantation (16.7% versus 5.4%;
P
=0.1). One‐year‐mortality was 9.4% and 13.4% for Vi
TAVR
and Vi
SAVR
, respectively (log‐rank
P
=0.38).

Conclusions

Compared with Vi
SAVR
, Vi
TAVR
provides acceptable outcomes, with slightly better hemodynamics, similar device success rates, and similar 1‐year mortality.
Ancestral Cartography: Trans-Pacific Interchanges and Okinawan Indigeneity
Authors: Kina Laura
Published: July 2020

This article examines how Okinawan Indigenous identity is influenced by “minor” Trans-Pacific interchanges between the Native Hawaiian sovereignty movement and Native American discourses on Indigeneity. Drawing from interviews with fellow Okinawan diaspora artist Denise Uyehara, the author explores their parallel responses as fourth generation Okinawan Americans to the recent resurgence of Okinawan Indigenous cultural history, practice, and identity. Uyehara’s collaboration with Native American artists in the performance Archipelago (2012) with Adam Cooper-Terán (Yaqui/Chicano), Ancestral Cartographic Rituals (2017) in collaboration with the late Payómkawichum, Ipi, and Mexican-American artist James Luna (1950–2018), and the immersive theatre project Shooting Columbus (2017) collaboration with The Fifth World Collective, is put into conversation with Kina’s painting series Sugar and Blue Hawai‘i (2010–2013) about Hawaiian sugar plantations and her trilingual illustrated children’s book Okinawan Princess: Da Legend of Hajichi Tattoos (Bess Press, 2019) written by Hawai‘i Creole author Lee A. Tonouchi.
A new species of ghost shrimp of the genus Michaelcallianassa Sakai, 2002 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Axiidea: Callichiridae) from subtidal waters of the Persian Gulf, Iran
Authors: SEPAHVAND VAHID , MOMTAZI FARZANEH , TUDGE CHRISTOPHER
Published: July 2020

A third species of Michaelcallianassa Sakai, 2002 is described based on two specimens from subtidal waters of the Persian Gulf. Michaelcallianassa persica sp. nov. resembles M. indica Sakai, 2002 from the Andaman Sea, but can be differentiated by possession of six spines on the cutting edge of the large cheliped, a telson with two pairs of lateral movable spines as well as two spines dorsally in the center of the telson and an exopod with a row of spines on the postero-distal margin. The new species compares favorably with congeners M. indica Sakai, 2002 and M. sinica Liu & Liu, 2009 in many diagnostic aspects, including body shape, the relative size and shape of pereopods 2–4, maxilliped 3, and the rostrum. Some limited comparison is made to the related genus Balsscallianassa Sakai, 2011.
Notes on the genus Diarsia with description of a new species from China (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: GYULAI PETER , SALDAITIS AIDAS
Published: July 2020

In 2019, the authors of the present paper presented a detailed study on the genus Diarsia Hübner, 1816, giving an overview on the distribution, research history and the comprehensive studies and generic classification of the genus, including the description of seven new species (Gyulai & Saldaitis, 2019). In that paper, one of the newly described species was Diarsia zillii Gyulai & Saldaitis, 2019, based on a single male specimen. Since, a further male and a female were found in the collected stored material, almost from the same locality and date. The genitalia dissection confirmed that the description was necessary and correct. Thus, the colour image of the female and the short characterisation of the female genitalia are given in the present paper.
Ethical Considerations for Postdisaster Fieldwork and Data Collection in the Caribbean
Authors: Louis-Charles Hans M. , Howard Rosalyn , Remy Lionel , Nibbs Farah , Turner Grace
Published: July 2020

The postdisaster environment presents a multitude of ethical and logistical challenges for researchers interested in gathering timely and unpreserved data. Due to the unavailability of secondary data in the immediate aftermath of disasters, postdisaster researchers have become dependent on qualitative methods that involve engaging with disaster survivors as research participants. This is a common interaction in the Caribbean due to the region’s high occurrence of disasters and human participant engagement by external researchers during the postdisaster phase. However, due to escalating unethical practices since the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Caribbean nations are beginning the process of censuring unapproved postdisaster fieldwork by external researchers. In this study, the authors approach these ethical considerations through a justice lens to propose a checklist for postdisaster researchers interested in ethical fieldwork and justice for their research participants. Correspondence with Caribbean emergency managers confirms the negative perception toward external researchers and the trend of enacting protocols that stop unvetted community access following disasters. However, these local agencies acknowledge the benefits of ethical postdisaster research and are open to serving as research coordinating centers. Such coordinating centers would harness local capabilities and lower the likelihood of the duplication of research topics and the overburdening of survivors as research participants.
Predictors and Clinical Outcomes of Crossover From Radial to Femoral Access During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Şahinkuş Salih , Aksoy Muhammet Necati Murat , Aydin Ercan
Published: July 2020

Access site complications are more common with femoral access (FA) than radial access (RA). However, due to the higher rate of failure and crossover, door-to-balloon time (DBT) is prolonged by RA. Records of 3600 patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) between January 2016 and June 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 130 patients with crossover from RA to FA were identified and compared with the data of 501 patients who underwent pPCI with successful RA during 2018. Regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of crossover. Crossover to the femoral approach occurred in 5.9% of our cases. Mean DBT was 17 minutes longer in the crossover group (61 ± 72 minutes vs 78 ± 79 minutes, P = .026). Female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 1.8; 95% CI, 0.99-3.46, P = .046) and anterior myocardial infarction (AntMI; OR: 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33-0.88, P = .007) were independent predictors of crossover. In-hospital mortality rates were significantly higher in the crossover group than in the radial success group (5.4% vs 1.8%, P = .020). Crossover to FA due to radial failure is associated with delayed DBT and increased rate of in-hospital mortality. Female sex and AntMI were primary predictors of crossover.
Disentangling Differences in Homicide Incarceration Rates by Immigration Status: A Comparison in Texas
Authors: Orrick Erin A. , Updegrove Alexander H. , Piquero Alex R. , Kovandzic Tomislav
Published: July 2020

Research addressing the purported relationship between immigration and crime remains popular, but some gaps remain under-explored. One important gap involves disentangling differences in crime and punishment by immigrant status, as measured across different definitions of immigration status and in relation to U.S. natives, at the individual level. Using data from Texas, results show that native-born U.S. citizens are incarcerated for homicide at higher rates than almost all immigrant groups. While the incarceration rate for undocumented immigrants was 24% greater than the rate for all foreign-citizens, this rate was significantly less than that for U.S. citizens. Among the immigrant status classifications available in this study, all were associated with lower incarceration rates for homicide than that of U.S. citizens.
Development of a pre-adolescent inter-generational intervention to address HIV and obesity using intervention mapping
Authors: Arthur Keshni , Christofides Nicola , Nelson Gill
Published: July 2020

Background:

South Africa has a high prevalence of HIV and obesity. Interventions to date have primarily focused on adolescents and adults. Prevention of obesity, in particular, is not addressed substantively in the current pre-adolescent school curriculum. Education about factors underlying these issues early in life could reach beyond children, to their parents.

Objective:

We aimed to increase awareness about HIV and obesity/underweight risks and prevention through the development of a combined intervention delivered directly to pre-adolescent learners and indirectly to their parents, for immediate- and long-term benefits.

Design:

Scoping review and needs assessment.

Setting:

Five government-run primary schools in a district in Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Method:

Five of the six-step intervention mapping protocol guided intervention development: (1) a formative study, comprising a scoping review and needs assessment; (2) definition of programme objectives; (3) selection of theory-based intervention methods; (4) programme development and (5) adoption, implementation and sustainability planning.

Results:

Educators perceived that health and lifestyle issues among learners affected classroom learning and saw a need for school-based health curricula. They highlighted that HIV was an issue in their communities and that malnutrition was a concern in rural schools. The scoping review shortlisted 11 evidence-based practices which informed the design. Intervention components comprised a learning curriculum, environmental support and activity-based constituents that targeted the learner in the school environment and the parent in the home environment. The intervention was designed to increase knowledge about HIV and nutrition, enhance skills and strengthen autonomous self-efficacy in communication. Accompanying resources were designed, and implementation strategies were developed.

Conclusion:

The scoping review and the needs assessment informed intervention development as well as critical adaptations. In particular, stakeholder engagement guided the tailoring of the intervention to fit the target populations and context.
Existential Givens in the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Bland Andrew M.
Published: July 2020

COVID-19 confronts humanity with an undeniable, unprecedented crisis. The focus of this article is the opportunities it offers for a proverbial pressing of the reset button by prompting pause and reflection on habitual patterns and serving as an “urgent experience” with the potential to spark revitalizing intentionality. Using Greening’s four dialectical existential givens— life/death, community/isolation, freedom/determinism, and meaning/absurdity—as a guiding framework, I explore imbalances in aspects of life in the United States that have been illuminated by COVID-19. Then, I employ existential–humanistic theorizing and research as a vision of how these dialectical forces can be transcended by confronting paradoxes posed by these givens (vs. simplistically overemphasizing either their positive or their negative aspects) and by activating the creative potential therein. Specifically, COVID-19 offers opportunities for individuals to relinquish an unsustainable and ineffective way of being inherent in and reinforced by the U.S. cultural narrative; to embrace ambiguity and tragedy; to actively identify, remediate, and reconcile underacknowledged and underactualized human capacities; and therefore to heal false dichotomies and become more capable of living fully, authentically, and flexibly. Accordingly, COVID-19 also provides opportunities for collective co-creation of a cultural narrative involving evolution toward enhanced senses of consciousness and caring.
Trends in Women With an HIV Diagnosis at Delivery Hospitalization in the United States, 2006-2014
Authors: Aslam Maria Vyshnya , Owusu-Edusei Kwame , Nesheim Steven R. , Gray Kristen Mahle , Lampe Margaret A. , Dietz Patricia Marie
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission can be reduced to ≤0.5% if the mother’s HIV status is known before delivery. This study describes 2006-2014 trends in diagnosed HIV infection documented on delivery discharge records and associated sociodemographic characteristics among women who gave birth in US hospitals.

Methods

We analyzed data from the 2006-2014 National Inpatient Sample and identified delivery discharges and women with diagnosed HIV infection by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We used a generalized linear model with log link and binomial distribution to assess trends and the association of sociodemographic characteristics with an HIV diagnosis on delivery discharge records.

Results

During 2006-2014, an HIV diagnosis was documented on approximately 3900-4400 delivery discharge records annually. The probability of having an HIV diagnosis on delivery discharge records decreased 3% per year (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99), with significant declines identified among white women aged 25-34 (aRR = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.97) or those using Medicaid (aRR = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.90-0.97); among black women aged 25-34 (aRR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99); and among privately insured women who were black (aRR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99), Hispanic (aRR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.98), or aged 25-34 (aRR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99). The probability of having an HIV diagnosis on delivery discharge records was greater for women who were black (aRR = 8.45; 95% CI, 7.56-9.44) or Hispanic (aRR = 1.56; 95% CI, 1.33-1.83) than white; for women aged 25-34 (aRR = 2.33; 95% CI, 2.12-2.55) or aged ≥35 (aRR = 3.04; 95% CI, 2.79-3.31) than for women aged 13-24; and for Medicaid recipients (aRR = 2.70; 95% CI, 2.45-2.98) or the uninsured (aRR = 1.87; 95% CI, 1.60-2.19) than for privately insured patients.

Conclusion

During 2006-2014, the probability of having an HIV diagnosis declined among select sociodemographic groups of women delivering neonates. High-impact prevention efforts tailored to women remaining at higher risk for HIV infection can reduce the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Understanding the evolution of a scientific field by clustering and visualizing knowledge graphs
Authors: Dalle Lucca Tosi Mauro , dos Reis Julio Cesar
Published: July 2020

The process of tracking the evolution of a scientific field is arduous. It allows researchers to understand trends in areas of science and predict how they may evolve. Nowadays, most of the automated mechanisms developed to assist researchers in this process do not consider the content of articles to identify changes in its structure, only the articles metadata. These methods are not suited to easily assist researchers to study the concepts that compose an area and its evolution. In this article, we propose a method to track the evolution of a scientific field at a concept level. Our method structures a scientific field using two knowledge graphs, representing distinct periods of the studied field. Then, it clusters them and identifies correspondent clusters between the knowledge graphs, representing the same subareas in distinct time periods. Our solution enables to compare the corresponding clusters, tracking their evolution. We apply and experiment our method in two case studies concerning the artificial intelligence (AI) and the biotechnology (BIO) fields. Findings indicate befitting results regarding the way their evolution can be assessed with our implemented software tool. From our analyses, we perceived evolution in broader subareas of a scientific field, as the growth of the ‘Convolutional Neural Network’ area from 2006; to specific ones, as the decrease of research works using mice to study BRAF-mutation lung cancer from 2018. This work contributes with the development of a web application with interactive user interfaces to assist researchers in representing, analysing and tracking the evolution of scientific fields at a concept level.
Efficacy and safety of brexpiprazole in patients with schizophrenia presenting with severe symptoms: Post-hoc analysis of short- and long-term studies
Authors: Meade Nicole , Shi Lily , Meehan Stine R , Weiss Catherine , Ismail Zahinoor
Published: July 2020

Background:

The treatment of patients with severe schizophrenia symptoms can be complicated and expensive.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of brexpiprazole in patients with schizophrenia presenting with severe symptoms.

Methods:

Data were pooled from three six-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies and two 52-week, open-label extension studies. In the short-term studies, 1405 patients received placebo or brexpiprazole 2–4 mg/day; 412 brexpiprazole-treated patients rolled over into the long-term studies and received brexpiprazole 1–4 mg/day. More severe symptoms were defined as a Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale Total score >95 (median score at baseline). Outcomes included change in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale Total and Personal and Social Performance scale scores.

Results:

Brexpiprazole improved Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale Total score over 6 weeks among more severely ill patients, with a least squares mean difference versus placebo of −6.76 (95% confidence limits: −9.80, −3.72; p<0.0001; Cohen’s d: 0.43). Brexpiprazole also improved Personal and Social Performance scale score over 6 weeks in more severely ill patients (least squares mean difference: 4.38; limits: 2.14, 6.62; p=0.0001; Cohen’s d: 0.38). Improvement of functioning was greatest in the ‘Self-care’ domain, followed by ‘Personal and social relationships’. Among less severely ill patients, brexpiprazole was superior to placebo on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale Total and Personal and Social Performance scale at Week 6. Improvements were maintained over 58 weeks. No new safety or tolerability concerns were observed.

Conclusions:

Brexpiprazole is an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment for schizophrenia in patients with more severe, and less severe, symptoms.
Impact of sarcopenia on survival of pancreatic cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Cho Won Kyung , Yu Jeong Il , Park Hee Chul , Lim Do Hoon , Kim Tae Hyun , Chie Eui Kyu
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To investigate the prognostic impact of sarcopenia on the survival of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 299 patients diagnosed with LAPC and treated with definitive CCRT from 2000 to 2015. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was measured using computed tomography scans and sarcopenia was defined as SMI <29.6 cm2/m2 for women and <36.2 cm2/m2 for men. The significance of sarcopenia for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated.

Results:

Sarcopenia was present in 29 patients (9.7%). In multivariate analysis, sarcopenia was a significant factor for PFS ( p = 0.043). Although sarcopenia was not a significant factor for OS ( p = 0.121) in multivariate analysis, long-term survivors were observed only in the no sarcopenia group (OS at 60 months: 9.5% vs 0%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In patients undergoing CCRT for LAPC, sarcopenia is an independent factor for adverse prognosis.