bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-Restricted Feeding Restored Insulin-Growth Hormone Balance and Improved Substrate and Energy Metabolism in MC4RKO Obese Mice
Authors: Wang Weihao , Huang Zhengxiang , Huang Lili , Gao Lyn , Cui Ling , Cowley Michael , Guo Lixin , Chen Chen
Published: March 2021

Background: Dysregulation of metabolic regulatory hormones often occurs during the progress of obesity. Key regulatory hormone insulin-growth hormone (GH) balance has recently been proposed to maintain metabolism profiles. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is an effective strategy against obesity without detailed research on pulsatile GH releasing patterns. Methods: TRF was performed in an over-eating melanocortin 4 receptor-knockout (MC4RKO) obese mouse model using normal food. Body weight and food intake were measured. Series of blood samples were collected for 6-h pulsatile GH profile, glucose tolerance test, and insulin tolerance test at 5, 8, and 9 weeks of TRF, respectively. Indirect calorimetric recordings were performed by the Phenomaster system at 6 weeks for 1 week, and body composition was measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Substrate- and energy metabolism-related gene expressions were measured in terminal liver and subcutaneous white adipose tissues. Results: TRF increased pulsatile GH secretion in dark phase and suppressed hyperinsulinemia in MC4RKO obese mice to reach a reduced insulin/GH ratio. This was accompanied by the improvement in insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexibility, glucose tolerance, and decreased glucose fluctuation, together with appropriate modification of gene expression involved in substrate metabolism and adipose tissue browning. NMR measurement showed that TRF decreased fat mass but increased lean mass. Indirect calorimeter recording indicated that TRF decreased the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) reflecting consumption of more fatty acid in energy production in light phase and increased the oxygen consumption during activities in dark phase. Conclusions: TRF effectively decreases hyperinsulinemia and restores pulsatile GH secretion in the overeating obese mice with significant improvement in substrate and energy metabolism and body composition without reducing total caloric intake.
Early Pulse Glucocorticoid Therapy and Improved Hormonal Outcomes in Primary Hypophysitis
Authors: Krishnappa Brijesh , Shah Ravikumar , Sarathi Vijaya , Lila Anurag Ranjan , Sehemby Manjeet Kaur , Patil Virendra A. , Sankhe Shilpa , Shah Nalini , Bandgar Tushar
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The role of glucocorticoids in primary autoimmune hypophysitis (PAH) has been fraught with variability in regimens, leading to inconsistent outcomes in terms of anterior pituitary (AP) hormonal recovery. Hence, we aimed to compare the clinical, hormonal, and radiological outcomes of a standardized high-dose glucocorticoid therapy group (GTG) in PAH with a matched clinical observation group (COG). Methods: Thirty-nine retrospective patients with PAH evaluated and treated at a single center in western India from 1999 to 2019 with a median follow-up duration of 48 months were subdivided into the GTG (n = 18) and COG (n = 21) and compared for the outcomes. Results: Baseline demographic, hormonal, and radiological features matched between the groups, except pituitary height, which was significantly higher in GTG. Cortisol, thyroid, and gonadal axes were affected in 25 (64%), 22 (56%), and 21 (54%) patients, respectively, and central diabetes insipidus was seen in 7 (18%) patients. Panhypophysitis (PH) was the most common radiological subtype (n = 33, 84.6%). Resolution of mass effects was similar in both groups. Overall and complete AP hormonal recovery was significantly higher in the GTG than in the COG (12/14 [85.7%) vs. 6/14 [42.8%], p = 0.02; 10/14 [71.4%] vs. 1/14 [7.7%], p = 0.0007, respectively). Proportion of cases with empty sella were significantly higher in the COG (9/20 [45%] vs 1/17 [5.9%], p = 0.001). Among PH patients in the GTG (n = 17), we found duration from symptoms onset to treatment as the predictor of recovery. Conclusion: In a PH subtype-predominant PAH cohort, a standardized high-dose glucocorticoid regimen resulted in higher overall and complete AP hormonal recovery than that in the COG. Initiation of glucocorticoids in the early disease course may have been contributory.
Evaluation and Validation of a New Score to Measure the Severity of Small Bowel Angiodysplasia on Video Capsule Endoscopy
Authors: García-Compeán Diego , Cueto-Aguilera Ángel Noe del , González-González José Alberto , Jáquez-Quintana Joel Omar , Borjas-Almaguer Omar David , Jiménez-Rodríguez Alan Rafael , Muñoz-Ayala Juan Manuel , Maldonado-Garza Héctor Jesús
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Angiodysplasias are responsible of 50% of small bowel bleeding. An endoscopic method that allows measuring its severity is not available. Aims: The aim of the study was to validate a new endoscopic score with VCE to measure the severity of small bowel angiodysplasias (SBAD). Methods: Four endoscopists independently reviewed VCE videos of 22 patients with SBAD. The score graded 3 variables: A – extent of lesions: E1, located in one half of the intestine and E2, in both halves; B – number of lesions: N1, <5; N2, 5–10; and N3, >10 lesions; C – probability of bleeding: P1, pale red spots; P2, bright red spots; P3, bleeding stigmata; and P4, active bleeding. Capsule Endoscopy Small Bowel Angiodysplasia Activity Index (CESBAI) was calculated as follows: E × 1 + N × 2 + P × 3. Interobserver variability was analyzed by Spearman’s correlation and agreement Kappa statistic tests. Results: The mean CESBAI scores by observers were O1= 11.6 ± 4.1; O2 = 11.3 ± 4.8; O3 = 11.1 ± 4.9; and O4 = 11.8 ± 4.2 (p > 0.05). Spearman’s correlation values of CESBAI between every 2 observers were from 0.61 to 0.94 (p < 0.001) with a global correlation of 0.73 among all observers. Kappa values of CESBAI between every 2 observers ranged from 0.42 to 0.87 (p < 0.001) with a global agreement of 0.57 among all observers. All evaluators stated that the method was easy to use. Conclusions: CESBAI is a reliable and reproducible score. Nevertheless, these results must be validated in other studies with larger population before assessing its power for predicting bleeding recurrence.
Does ProCore Fine-Needle Biopsy Really Improve the Clinical Outcome of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Sampling of Pancreatic Masses?
Authors: Delconte Gabriele , Cavalcoli Federica , Magarotto Andrea , Centonze Giovanni , Bezzio Cristina , Cattaneo Laura , Rausa Emanuele , Kelly Michael E. , Bonitta Gianluca , Milione Massimo , Enzo Masci
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Fine-needle biopsy (FNB) has been suggested to provide better histological samples as compared to endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). However, studies comparing EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB for pancreatic lesions reported contrasting results. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical performance of EUS-FNA versus EUS-FNB with the ProCore needle for the investigation of pancreatic lesions. Methods: We reviewed all patients undergoing EUS for the investigation of pancreatic lesions from August 2012 to September 2018. From August 2012 to January 2015, all procedures were performed with standard needles, whereas from February 2015 to September 2018, the use of ProCore needles had been introduced. Data on diagnostic accuracy, number of needle passes, and/or adverse events were collected. Results: Three hundred twenty-four patients were retrospectively evaluated: 190 (58.6%) underwent EUS-FNA and 134 (41.4%) EUS-FNB. Both EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB showed high diagnostic accuracy for malignancy (94% [95% CI: 89–97%] vs. 94% [95% CI: 89–98%]). Notably, there were no differences between EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio, histological core tissue retrieval, adverse events, or number of needle passes. However, subgroup analysis noted a higher diagnostic accuracy for 25G EUS-FNB as compared to 25G EUS-FNA (85.7 vs. 55.5%; *p = 0.023). Conclusion: EUS-FNB with the ProCore needle is safe and feasible in pancreatic lesions. The ProCore needle did not provide any advantage in terms of diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and/or negative likelihood ratio, or acquisition of the core specimen; therefore, its routine application is not supported.
Metabolically Healthy/Unhealthy Overweight/Obesity Associations With Incident Heart Failure in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Cordola Hsu Amber R. , Xie Bin , Peterson Darleen V. , LaMonte Michael J. , Garcia Lorena , Eaton Charles B. , Going Scott B. , Phillips Lawrence S. , Manson JoAnn E. , Anton-Culver Hoda , Wong Nathan D. , Rossouw Jacques , Ludlam Shari , McGowan Joan , Ford Leslie , Geller Nancy , Anderson Garnet , Prentice Ross , LaCroix Andrea , Kooperberg Charles , Howard Barbara V. , Stefanick Marcia L. , Jackson Rebecca , Thomson Cynthia A. , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Limacher Marian , Robinson Jennifer , Kuller Lewis , Shumaker Sally , Brunner Robert , Espeland Mark
Published: March 2021

Background:

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF); however, how metabolic weight groups relate to HF risk, especially in postmenopausal women, has not been demonstrated.

Methods:

We included 19 412 postmenopausal women ages 50 to 79 without cardiovascular disease from the Women’s Health Initiative. Normal weight was defined as a body mass index ≥18.5 and <25 kg/m
2
and waist circumference <88 cm and overweight/obesity as a body mass index ≥25 kg/m
2
or waist circumference ≥88 cm. Metabolically healthy was based on <2 and unhealthy ≥2 cardiometabolic traits: triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL, systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg or blood pressure medication, fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL or diabetes medication, and HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) <50 mg/dL. Risk factor-adjusted Cox regression examined the hazard ratios (HRs) for incident hospitalized HF among metabolically healthy normal weight (reference), metabolically unhealthy normal weight, metabolically healthy overweight/obese, and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese.

Results:

Among our sample, 455 (2.34%) participants experienced HF hospitalizations over a mean follow-up time of 11.3±1.1 years. Compared with metabolically healthy normal weight individuals, HF risk was greater in metabolically unhealthy normal weight (HR, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.01–2.72],
P
=0.045) and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese individuals (HR, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.35–2.80],
P
=0.0004), but not metabolically healthy overweight/obese individuals (HR, 1.15 [95% CI, 0.78–1.71],
P
=0.48). Subdividing the overweight/obese into separate groups showed HRs for metabolically unhealthy obese of 2.62 (95% CI, 1.80–3.83;
P
<0.0001) and metabolically healthy obese of 1.52 (95% CI, 0.98–2.35;
P
=0.06).

Conclusions:

Metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese and metabolically unhealthy normal weight are associated with an increased risk of HF in postmenopausal women.
Dual-Functional MN-08 Attenuated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Through Vasodilation and Inhibition of Pulmonary Arterial Remodeling
Authors: Luo Fangcheng , Wu Liangmiao , Xie Guoqing , Gao FangFang , Zhang Zhixiang , Chen Guangying , Liu Zheng , Zha Ling , Zhang Gaoxiao , Sun Yewei , Zhang Zaijun , Wang Yuqiang
Published: March 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, progressive pulmonary vascular disease with limited therapeutic options. Pulmonary circulation resistance, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and over-activated NMDARs (N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors) play vital roles in the pathogenesis of PAH. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and molecular mechanism of MN-08, a dual-functional memantine nitrate derivative, in experimental animal models of PAH. MN-08 showed a high degree of accumulation in the lungs and dilated pulmonary arterial rings
ex vivo
by releasing nitric oxide. MN-08 did not lower systemic blood pressure. MN-08 attenuated right ventricular systolic pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy, inhibited pulmonary arterial remodeling, alleviated glutamate-NMDARs dysregulation, and improved survival rates in monocrotaline-induced PAH rats. More importantly, the therapeutic benefit of MN-08 for PAH was greater than that of sildenafil. Moreover, MN-08 can reduce right ventricular systolic pressure in U46619-induced acute PAH rats. Mechanistically, MN-08 suppressed proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells exposed to human platelet-derived growth factor-BB by regulating the cell cycle and expression of NMDAR1, AKT (serine/threonine kinase Akt), and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) 1/2. In conclusion, our studies demonstrated that MN-08 may be a promising therapeutic agent for PAH.
Mechanisms Underlying Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Inhibition–Induced Hypertension
Authors: Mäki-Petäjä Kaisa M. , McGeoch Adam , Yang Lucy L. , Hubsch Annette , McEniery Carmel M. , Meyer Paul A.R. , Mir Fraz , Gajendragadkar Parag , Ramenatte Nicola , Anandappa Gayathri , Santos Franco Sara , Bond Simon J. , Schönlieb Carola-Bibiane , Boink Yoeri , Brune Christoph , Wilkinson Ian B. , Jodrell Duncan I. , Cheriyan Joseph
Published: March 2021

Drugs targeting the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) signaling pathway are approved for several malignancies. Unfortunately, VEGF inhibitors lead to hypertension in 30% to 80% patients. Reduced nitric oxide synthase activity, microvascular rarefaction, and increased vascular resistance have been proposed as potential mechanisms. We aimed to assess these mechanisms in patients receiving the VEGF inhibitor, pazopanib, for cancer.

Twenty-seven normotensive patients with advanced solid malignancies received pazopanib 800 mg od. Endothelial function was assessed using forearm plethysmography with intraarterial infusions of acetylcholine. Detailed hemodynamic measurements were taken. Density and diameter of the conjunctival and episcleral microvasculature were evaluated using hemoglobin video imaging. Measurements were taken at baseline, 2, and 12 weeks after initiation of pazopanib or earlier if patients became hypertensive.

By the end of the trial, systolic blood pressure increased by 12 mm Hg (95% CI, 4–19 mm Hg;
P
=0.003), diastolic by 10 mm Hg (95% CI, 5–15 mm Hg;
P
<0.001), and peripheral vascular resistance by 888 dynes×s/cm
5
(95% CI, 616–1168 dynes×s/cm
5
;
P
<0.001). Forearm blood flow improved: Ratio of acetylcholine response at end of trial/baseline was 2.8 (95% CI, 1.84–4.25;
P
<0.001). Microvascular density in the sclera was reduced by −15.5% (95% CI, −25.7% to −5.3%;
P
=0.003) and diameter by −2.09 µm (95% CI, −3.95 to −0.19 µm;
P
=0.03). A post hoc colorimetric assay revealed that pazopanib inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity by −56% (95% CI, −62% to −52%;
P
<0.001). Unexpectedly, pazopanib led to an increase in acetylcholine-mediated forearm blood flow response, likely due to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. Pazopanib increased peripheral vascular resistance and reduced microvascular density and diameter, suggesting that microvascular rarefaction could be one of the key mechanisms behind VEGF inhibition–induced hypertension.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01392352.
From Brain to Blood Vessel: Insights From Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Recordings
Authors: Floras John S.
Published: March 2021

Multiunit recordings of postganglionic sympathetic outflow to muscle yield otherwise imperceptible insights into sympathetic neural modulation of human vascular resistance and blood pressure. This Corcoran Lecture will illustrate the utility of microneurography to investigate neurogenic cardiovascular regulation; review data concerning muscle sympathetic nerve activity of women and men with normal and high blood pressure; explore 2 concepts, central upregulation of muscle sympathetic outflow and cortical autonomic neuroplasticity; present sleep apnea as an imperfect model of neurogenic hypertension; and expose the paradox of sympathetic excitation without hypertension. In awake healthy normotensive individuals, resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity increases with age, sleep fragmentation, and obstructive apnea. Its magnitude is not signaled by heart rate. Age-related changes are nonlinear and differ by sex. In men, sympathetic nerve activity increases with age but without relation to their blood pressure, whereas in women, both rise concordantly after age 40. Mean values for muscle sympathetic nerve activity burst incidence are consistently higher in cohorts with hypertension than in matched normotensives, yet women’s sympathetic nerve traffic can increase 3-fold between ages 30 and 70 without causing hypertension. Thus, increased sympathetic nerve activity may be necessary but is insufficient for primary hypertension. Moreover, its inhibition does not consistently decrease blood pressure. Despite a half-century of microneurographic research, large gaps remain in our understanding of the content of the sympathetic broadcast from brain to blood vessel and its specific individual consequences for circulatory regulation and cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic risk.
Transfer RNA Fragments in the Kidney in Hypertension
Authors: Pan Xiaoqing , Geng Xuemei , Liu Yong , Yu Mengqian , Mishra Manoj K. , Xu Xialian , Ding Xiaoqiang , Liu Pengyuan , Liang Mingyu
Published: March 2021

Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression. In contrast with well-studied microRNAs, transfer RNA-derived RNA fragments (tRFs) are a new class of sncRNAs that has not been studied in hypertension. This study aims to characterize renal tRFs and identify dysregulation and potential role of renal tRFs in hypertension. We analyzed sncRNA-sequencing and mRNA-sequencing data from the kidneys of Dahl salt-sensitive rats and sncRNA-sequencing data from kidney biopsy specimens from hypertensive nephrosclerosis patients. Over 300 tRFs were identified in the rat renal outer medulla, several of which were differentially expressed between rats with different levels of salt sensitivity or between rats on low- and high-salt diets. The number and abundance of these tRFs were comparable with those of well-known microRNAs. Multiple tRFs were potentially involved in the regulation of immune function, cell cycle, ion transport, and metabolic pathways based on an integrative analysis of sncRNA-sequencing and mRNA-sequencing data from the same set of rats. As a proof of concept, we experimentally validated the gene regulatory effect of a 3′-tRF (3′-tRF-ProTGG-19) that was dysregulated in both salt-induced hypertension in rats (
P
=0.002) and hypertensive nephrosclerosis in humans (
P
=1.7×10
−05
). To our knowledge, our study represents the first characterization of tRFs in hypertension. These findings demonstrate the abundant expression of tRFs in human and rat kidneys and pave the way for studies to investigate novel roles of renal tRFs in the development of hypertension and renal injury.
Approximating Probabilistic Models as Weighted Finite Automata
Authors: Suresh Ananda Theertha , Roark Brian , Riley Michael , Schogol Vlad
Published: March 2021

Weighted finite automata (WFAs) are often used to represent probabilistic models, such as ngram language models, because among other things, they are efficient for recognition tasks in time and space. The probabilistic source to be represented as a WFA, however, may come in many forms. Given a generic probabilistic model over sequences, we propose an algorithm to approximate it as a WFA such that the Kullback-Leibler divergence between the source model and the WFA target model is minimized. The proposed algorithm involves a counting step and a difference of convex optimization step, both of which can be performed efficiently.We demonstrate the usefulness of our approach on various tasks, including distilling n-gram models from neural models, building compact language models, and building open-vocabulary character models. The algorithms used for these experiments are available in an open-source software library.
Capitalism, Crisis, and Contention: Race, Racism, and Resistance
Authors: Langman Lauren
Published: March 2021

For Marx, the alienation of wage labor and inherent crisis tendencies of capital would foster collective grievances and support for communist movements promising revolution and the abolition of private property, creating a society wherein “the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all.” But a combination of material factors, the rise of the welfare state, increased wages, and later consumerism as well as ideologies such as religion and/or nationalism, thwarted revolutionary fervor in industrial societies. Nevertheless, Marxist theory provides a number of important insights that help us understand contemporary social mobilizations beginning with noting how historical legacies, materials conditions, class interests, and episodic crises dispose many movements, even those that take place on cultural terrains in public spheres and spaces while political economic/historical factors may not be evident. This can clearly be shown by understanding the nature of racism and the massive protests following the murder of George Floyd. The roots of racism, qua white ‘superiority’ were rooted in the colonial era in which the settlers enslaved Africans and forcibly displaced the native populations for clear economic gains. This was ideologically ‘legitimated’ by the dehumanization of racialized Others, it also provided ‘superior’ status and identity to Christian Caucasians. Moreover, such ideologies were sustained through violence, whether armed plantation owners, slave catchers, militias, and later police. For a variety of reasons, slavery ended but racism endures to this very day. But that said, between the growing economic and educational status of Africans Americans and the more progressive cosmopolitan/inclusive values and practices of the young, racism, for many, has waned. But police violence has not. In the face of growing inequality, the pandemic crisis that led to an economic crisis, especially onerous for the young and peoples of color, the murder of George Floyd, going viral, indicated how a number of the crises of neoliberal transnational capitalism migrated to the culture and led to massive protests and resistance against racism and police brutality.
Reform of Banking Laws and Regulations in Iran
Authors: Atai Ardeshir
Published: March 2021

The law reform process entails government policies and plans for the liberalization, privatization and deregulations of the economy including the banking and money markets. The International financial institutions (IFIs), International Development Agencies (IDAs) and the International Financial Architecture have pioneered law reform initiatives based on the rule of law practice and good governance. The dominant theory advocated by Perry-kessaris postulates that a sound legal system is attractive for foreign direct investment (FDI). The bilateral investment treaties (BITs) contain international law standards which can be used as a model for reforming laws and institutions in the host state including prudential regulation of banking and finance. Iran – a resource-rich country has signed many BITs with capital-exporting countries indicating its willingness to enforce the rule of law on the international level.
Testing the impact of non-destructive DNA extraction on setae structure of Amphipoda (Crustacea)
Authors: TIMM ROXANA , SCHWENTNER MARTIN , BOBER SIMON , LÖRZ ANNE-NINA
Published: March 2021

Intact voucher specimens are essential to allow detailed morphological observations on specimens that are used in molecular genetic studies. This can be achieved either by dissection of small, taxonomically uninformative parts of the body for DNA extraction or by employing non-destructive DNA extraction methods. The latter is particularly important for small-bodied animals. Here we test the effects of Chelex-based DNA extraction on the integrity of setae and setules in Amphipoda, fragile structures of great taxonomic importance. Our results show that DNA extraction using Chelex had no influence on the setae and setule structure and is well suited for reverse taxonomic approaches and the long-term storage of morphological vouchers. A detailed protocol for non-destructive DNA extraction is provided.
Contribution to the Procridinae (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae) fauna of Croatia
Authors: KOREN TONI
Published: March 2021

The Procridinae are a subfamily of Zygaenidae and are generally perceived as difficult group as the examination of genital structures are needed for the correct identification of most species in Europe. In Croatia, 11 species belonging to this subfamily were recorded so far, but the records for most of them are rather scarce, and based on a limited amount of published data. In order to bridge the gap in knowledge, 188 specimens belonging to this subfamily were collected across Croatia in the last decade. From the collected material nine species have been identified while the historical records of two of them, T. ampellophaga and J. budensis have not been confirmed. Of the recorded species, J. globulariae and A. mannii were the most common ones while almost all other species were rather local or rare. For each of other species this work significantly expands their known distribution in Croatia.
Composition of the genus Connexochiton Kaas, 1979 (Mollusca: Polyplacophora: Ischnochitonidae)
Authors: SIRENKO BORIS
Published: March 2021

The species composition of the genus Connexochiton is revised. So far, six Recent species of the genus Connexochiton have been known: C. platynomenus, C. kaasi, C. crassus, C. bromleyi, C. moreirai and C. discernibilis After the present revision, the genus consists of Connexochiton platynomenus, C. kaasi, C. crassus, as well as three new species, C. costatus n. sp. from the Philippines, C. kermadeci n. sp. from New Zealand and C. solomonicus n. sp. from the Solomon Islands. Connexochiton discernibilis was assigned to the ischnochitonid genus Stenosemus (now Stenosemus discernibilis). Connexochiton bromleyi and C. moreirai are transferred back to the genus Ischnochiton. Principle features of the genus Connexochiton include: a distinctive shape of the valves with the hind edge of the intermediate valves noticeably turned down, which makes the lateral areas narrow and appearing strongly raised; tegmentum delicately sculptured by quincuncially arranged triangular granules that form an alveolate pattern; each granule has 9 to 11 aesthete pores; apophyses are connected medially by a short jugal plate, dorsal scales of the girdle are strongly bent, with short longitudinal ribs or spherules or both; head of the major lateral teeth of radula is unicuspid and sickle-shaped. An identification key for the species of the genus Connexochiton is provided.
Callivelia, a new genus for certain Neotropical Veliinae (Heteroptera: Veliidae), including description of a new species
Authors: POLHEMUS DAN A.
Published: March 2021

The new genus Callivelia is proposed to hold three Neotropical species previously held within Paravelia: type-species Callivelia conata (Hungerford), Callivelia taipiensis (Cheesman) and Callivelia bipunctata (Rodrigues, Moreira, Nieser, Chen & Melo). Paravelia virtutis (Drake & Harris) 1935 is synonymized under Callivelia taipiensis (Cheesman) 1926. In addition, a new species, C. anomala, is described from the Amazon Basin of Brazil. Additional distributional records are provided for the three previously described species treated, including the first country record for C. bipunctata in Paraguay. A key to the species of Callivelia is provided, accompanied by color habitus photographs for all three species, and additional photographs of key generic characters.
A new species of genus Aberrasine Volynkin & Huang, 2019 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) from North East India
Authors: SINGH NAVNEET , KIRTI JAGBIR SINGH , BISHT SANTOSH SINGH
Published: March 2021

Aberrasine pangsau, sp. nov. is described as a new from Shergaon, Arunachal Pradesh, North East India. The new species is diagnosed with its closely similar species, A. strigivenata (Hampson, 1894). Additionally, we divide the genus into two species groups and provide the world checklist of the genus.
Slow Coronary Flow: Pathophysiology, Clinical Implications, and Therapeutic Management
Authors: Chalikias George , Tziakas Dimitrios
Published: March 2021

Coronary slow flow (CSF) is an angiographic phenomenon with specific epidemiologic characteristics, associated clinical presentation, and prognosis. Although patients with CSF are diagnosed as having “normal coronary arteries,” it seems appropriate to consider CSF as a distinct disease entity requiring specific treatment. The patient with CSF is usually male, smoker, obese, with a constellation of risk factors suggestive of metabolic syndrome. Unstable angina is the most common clinical presentation, with recurrent episodes of chest pain at rest associated with electrocardiographic changes often requiring readmission and reevaluation. Regarding definition and diagnosis, interventionists should first exclude possible “secondary” causes of CSF, use objective means for definition and then differentiate from other similar conditions such as microvascular angina. Although the phenomenon is generally benign, patients with CSF are severely symptomatic with recurrent episodes of chest pain and poor quality of life. Furthermore, acute presentation of the phenomenon is commonly life-threatening with ventricular tachyarrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, or cardiogenic shock. Acute treatment of CSF includes, but is not restricted to, intracoronary infusion of dipyridamole, adenosine, or atropine. Chronic management of patients with CSF encompasses dipyridamole, diltiazem, nebivolol, telmisartan, and/or atorvastatin associated with amelioration of angina symptoms, improved quality of life, and good prognosis.
AST/ALT Ratio and Peripheral Artery Disease in a Chinese Hypertensive Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Liu Hui , Zha Xiaoyuan , Ding Congcong , Hu Lihua , Li Minghui , Yu Yu , Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: March 2021

Previous studies reported that the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AST/ALT) was a risk factor in cardiovascular disease. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular death. However, only a few studies investigated the correlations between the AST/ALT ratio and PAD. We analyzed data from 10 900 patients with hypertension from the Chinese Hypertension Registry Study; 350 patients had PAD (prevalence 3.2%). After adjusting for potential confounders, the AST/ALT ratio was independently and positively associated with risk of PAD (OR: 1.31, 95% CI, 1.13-1.59), and a significant increased risk of PAD for the third AST/ALT ratio tertile (T3) compared with the first tertile (T1; OR: 1.49, 95% CI, 1.09-2.04, Ptrend = .005) was found. Moreover, when we combined T1 and T2 into one group and used it as a reference group, the risk of PAD increased with the increase in AST/ALT; the risk ratio was 1.52 (95% CI, 1.20-1.95). A higher AST/ALT ratio (≥1.65) was associated with PAD risk in Chinese adults with hypertension. Our results suggest that the AST/ALT ratio may help identify patients at high risk of vascular end points and might be a convenient, economical, and effective tool for evaluating the risk of atherosclerosis.
Clinical Course and Clinical Features in MDD Patients: General and Specific Role of Subtypes of Childhood Trauma
Authors: Li Xianbin , Tan Tony Xing , Bo Qijing , Mao Zhen , Li Feng , He Fan , Dong Fang , Ma Xin , Wang Chuanyue
Published: March 2021

Our study focused on childhood emotional neglect and several forms of abuse (i.e., physical, sexual, and emotional) and the diagnosis and clinical courses of disease in Chinese adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), including MDD with anxiety, with suicidality, and with other presentations. MDD and other clinical presentations were determined with the American Psychiatric Association’s (2000) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) and subtypes of trauma were assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (95 patients and 94 comparisons). Patients with MDD and suicidality scored higher on childhood emotional abuse and neglect than other MDD patients. Both emotional abuse and physical abuse correlated with a younger age of onset and more relapses of MDD. General linear modeling also showed that controlling for demographic variables, emotional and physical abuse predicted more MDD relapses. Overall, childhood trauma was correlated with a MDD diagnosis, the role of specific types of trauma in the clinical courses of MDD varied.
Multiscale fibril structure of hollow windmill palm fibers
Authors: Chen Changjie , Wang Zhong , Zhou Sui , Wang Guohe , Bao Limin , Wang Xinhou
Published: March 2021

Windmill palm fiber is a kind of multicellular lignocellulose fiber material. Multiscale structure is an essential factor in mechanical properties and applications. The multiscale fibrils under sulfuric acid treatment had been prepared to improve the understanding of the macro-, micro-, and nanoscale structure of the windmill palm fiber. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering, and X-ray diffraction were used to analyze these samples’ structure. Furthermore, the result showed that the elementary fibril diameter was 4–10 nm, whereas that of the microfibrils was 20–70 nm. The diameters of macrofibril and macrofibril bundles were 0.4–1.0 µm and 1.2–5.5 µm, respectively. The elementary fibril assembled into spiral microfibril with an angle of 46°. The crystallinity of nanofibril extracted from windmill palm fiber was about 62%.
Socio-Environmental Controversies in Peasant Family Farming in Chile’s Ñuble Region
Authors: Facundo Correa Manuel , Cid Aguayo Beatriz Eugenia
Published: March 2021

Analysis of the discourse on socio-environmental controversies among peasant family farmers in the Ñuble region of south-central Chile—small organic producers, conventional small producers, agroecological producers, and members of peasant unions—allows the identification of their positions on the controversy between alternatives to development and alternative development.

Un análisis del discurso sobre las controversias socioambientales que existen entre las familias campesinas en la región de Ñuble, en el centro-sur de Chile (pequeños productores orgánicos, pequeños productores convencionales, productores agroecológicos y miembros de sindicatos campesinos) permite identificar sus posturas en torno a la polémica entre alternativas al desarrollo y el desarrollo alternativo.
Our climate conditions are already changing – Should we care?
Authors: Crawley Drury B , Lawrie Linda K
Published: March 2021

The IPCC and many others predict significant changes to our climates over the rest of this century, including average temperature increases for 2–5°C. However, we can see possible indications of change already – increasing frequency of severe storms and other weather events. However, many of the major weather data sets used around the world for building energy simulation are more than 15 years old. Does it matter? This paper compares several of the major data sets used in building performance simulation against newer data derived from the past 15 years. Ten of the past 15 years are the hottest on record and this rapidly changing climate already is evident in the temperature record. We use energy simulation to demonstrate how the various data sets impact energy use. In addition, the design conditions for heating and cooling calculations are already seeing slight changes over the past 20 years. Data for 12 locations around the world is used to demonstrate the changing climate that we already see.

Practical application: This paper encourages building designers to use the most up-to-date climatic data in their design and evaluation of building performance.
Effects of Telecoaching on Conversation Skills for High School and College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Gregori Emily , Mason Rose , Wang Danni , Griffin Zoe , Iriarte Aida
Published: March 2021

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have difficulty engaging in conversations with same-age peers. Deficits in conversation skills can hinder one’s ability to sustain friendships and may lead to social isolation. Research has shown that technology-based interventions can improve conversation skills and reduce the social stigmatization of individualized interventions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of telecoaching and online instructional modules on conversation skills for four high school and college students with ASD. A component analysis was conducted to determine the critical components of the intervention package. Results showed that telecoaching was associated with the most significant improvements in conversation behavior for all participants. Future directions and recommendations for clinicians are discussed.
Five Modalities of Michel Foucault’s Use of Nietzsche’s Writings (1959–73): Critical, Epistemological, Linguistic, Alethurgic and Political
Authors: Harcourt Bernard E.
Published: March 2021

In a series of essays, conferences, and lectures over the period 1959–73, Michel Foucault directly engaged the writings of Nietzsche. This article demonstrates the five different modalities of Foucault's use of Nietzsche’s writings: namely, critical, epistemological, linguistic, alethurgic, and political. Each of these modalities is tied to a particular intellectual turning point in Foucault’s philosophical investigations and can be located chronologically in five important texts from that period.
Gamification for promoting advance care planning: A mixed-method systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Li , Zhao Ya-Yi , Yang Chen , Chan Helen Yue-Lai
Published: March 2021

Background:

Gamification has been adopted in the health care field for broaching sensitive topics and increasing motivation for behavior changes. Games developed to stimulate discussion surrounding end-of-life issues, and thereby promoting advance care planning also emerged.

Aim:

The aim is to integrate the quantitative evidence and qualitative evidence to understand the effectiveness of and experience with games for advance care planning.

Design:

A mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020163312) was undertaken. Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools were used for quality appraisal. Data were synthesized and pooled for meta-analysis or meta-aggregation when appropriate.

Data sources:

We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, WanFang, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database from the inception of the databases for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies.

Results:

Eleven articles of ten studies were included, six of which were feasibility studies. The quality of the quantitative component of most included studies (7/8) was rated as low, and the qualitative component of most included studies (7/8) was rated as moderate. The meta-analysis showed that games for advance care planning are effective to increase self-efficacy, readiness, knowledge, and process of advance care planning behaviors. The meta-aggregation showed that games for advance care planning are highly acceptable and the participants perceived the game experience as fun and enjoyable.

Conclusions:

Advance care planning games seem to be a promising intervention for increasing the uptake of advance care planning behaviors. Well-designed randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of games for advance care planning are needed in the future.
Antipsychotics in routine treatment are minor contributors to QT prolongation compared to genetics and age
Authors: Hommers Leif , Scherf-Clavel Maike , Stempel Roberta , Roth Julian , Falter Matthias , Deckert Jürgen , Mattheisen Manuel , Unterecker Stefan , Gawlik Micha
Published: March 2021

Background:

Drug-induced prolongation of cardiac repolarization limits the treatment with many psychotropic drugs. Recently, the contribution of polygenic variation to the individual duration of the QT interval was identified.

Aims:

To explore the interaction between antipsychotic drugs and the individual polygenic influence on the QT interval.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of clinical and genotype data of 804 psychiatric inpatients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. The individual polygenic influence on the QT interval was calculated according to the method of Arking et al.

Results:

Linear regression modelling showed a significant association of the individual polygenic QT interval score (ßstd = 0.176, p < 0.001) and age (ßstd = 0.139, p < 0.001) with the QTc interval corrected according to Fridericia’s formula. Sex showed a nominal trend towards significance (ßstd = 0.064, p = 0.064). No association was observed for the number of QT prolonging drugs according to AZCERT taken. Subsample analysis ( n = 588) showed a significant association of potassium serum concentrations with the QTc interval (ßstd = −0.104, p = 0.010). Haloperidol serum concentrations were associated with the QTc interval only in single medication analysis ( n = 26, ßstd = 0.101, p = 0.004), but not in multivariate regression analysis. No association was observed for aripiprazole, clozapine, quetiapine and perazine, while olanzapine and the sum of risperidone and its metabolite showed a negative association.

Conclusions:

Individual genetic factors and age are main determinants of the QT interval. Antipsychotic drug serum concentrations within the therapeutic range contribute to QTc prolongation on an individual level.
Musculoskeletal symptoms among radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia: prevalence and causative factors
Authors: Shubayr Nasser , Alashban Yazeed
Published: March 2021

Background

Radiation technologists usually perform several physical tasks as part of their work routine that are related to imaging equipment and handling patients. These kinds of physical activities increase their risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS).

Purpose

To determine the prevalence and causative factors of MSS among radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia.

Material and Methods

A previously validated and published questionnaire was sent electronically to 800 radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia. It focused on the presence and prior diagnosis of MSS. Questions to determine risk factors were included.

Results

A total of 381 responses were obtained. MSS were indicated by 326 responders (85.6%). Furthermore, it was reported that 309 responders (81.1%) spent more than 2 h per day in awkward postures. Of the responders, 164 (43%) stated that they worked 4 h per day on a personal computer or PACS. The most frequently selected reasons for MSS included patient transfer (50.6%), chairs (38.5%), lead aprons (25.6%), moving heavy equipment (23.1%), and fixed table height (19.4%). An association between work-related MSS and gender was observed (χ2(1) = 5.338; P = 0.021). Similarly, an association between work-related MSS and age was also observed (χ2(3) = 48.58; P = 0.000).

Conclusion

Radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia reported a fairly high incidence of MSS, more commonly among female and senior workers. To have a better and safer workplace for radiation technologists, this study suggests preventive measures on organizational and individual levels.
Hazard-Based Duration Approach to Pedestrian Crossing Behavior at Signalized Intersections
Authors: Dhoke Apurwa , Kumar Abhinav , Ghosh Indrajit
Published: March 2021

With the rapid urbanization of geographical spaces worldwide, pedestrian safety is a major concern on urban roads. In developing economies like India, an unprecedented increase in accidents involving pedestrians has been observed at intersections. The present study focuses on pedestrian behavior, specifically, violation of red signals while crossing at signalized intersections. With the help of hazard-based duration models, the waiting duration of red-light violators has been analyzed. In addition, the response time of pedestrians during conflict has also been modeled with the help of a hazard-based duration approach. Four signalized intersections from Nagpur City in India were selected for the survival analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival curves have been plotted for both waiting time and response time. With the help of the semi-parametric Cox proportional hazard model, various factors have been identified to describe the survival function of the pedestrians’ crossing. However, the model results were found to be unsatisfactory since the explanatory variables failed in the proportional hazard assumption. Therefore, the parametric accelerated failure time model was utilized to determine the various covariates that affected the waiting time and the response time. The Weibull model was found to be the best fit for waiting duration analysis, while the log-logistic model was considered for the study of response time. The developed models can help understand the external factors and personal features of pedestrians in relation to the risk involved during violation crossings.
“Hot” Issues in Workers’ Compensation in Colleges and Universities: Graduate Assistants and Teaching Assistants
Authors: Goonen Norma M. , Medina-Shore Sylvia
Published: March 2021

Workers’ compensation laws vary throughout all 50 states and so has the interpretation of those laws regarding whether graduate assistants and teaching assistants should be considered employees for workers’ compensation coverage. This review details the history, current situation, key case law, and pros and cons of extending this benefit, whether by the educational institutions themselves or by governmental agencies and courts. The article provides a guide to public and private institutions regarding legal considerations, prevalent practices, and future trends in this continuing controversy.
Study on fault diagnosis method of splitter intelligent wheelchair motor based on wavelet and energy feature
Authors: Yang Cheng , Zhang Mengfei , Zhou Bo
Published: March 2021

As a key component of a split-type intelligent sports wheelchair for the disabled, the reliability of the motor is related to the personal safety of the wheelchair user and the accurate realization of the wheelchair’s sports functions. This motor is actually just a rotating machine. In order to achieve detection and analysis of rotating machinery bearing vibration signal, a method based on wavelet and energy feature of rotating machinery fault diagnosis is introduced. This method applies wavelet to obtain de-noising and then uses wavelet packet energy feature extraction to diagnose faults effectively caused by rotating machinery such as rotor unbalance fault, rotor misalignment fault, and rotor-to-stator rub fault. Test results illustrate that when different faults occur to the bearing, it is viable to utilize pattern recognition to diagnose faults for the reason that discrepancies appear in sub-hand energy after wavelet packet decomposition. The main research conclusions of this paper are also directly applied to the fault diagnosis of such wheelchair motors.