bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiogenic Shock in a Hemodialyzed Patient on Flecainide: Treatment with Intravenous Fat Emulsion, Extracorporeal Cardiac Life Support, and CytoSorb® Hemoadsorption
Authors: De Schryver Nicolas , Hantson Philippe , Haufroid Vincent , Dechamps Mélanie
Published: July 2019

A 67-year-old woman with a history of end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis received a therapeutic dose (150 mg daily) of flecainide for three weeks. She was admitted to the Emergency Department for malaise and dizziness, and the electrocardiogram revealed ventricular tachycardia treated by amiodarone. Hemodynamic condition remained stable, and the toxicity of flecainide was initially not suspected until she developed within 8 hours a cardiogenic shock requiring vasopressors. The patient then received sodium bicarbonate (300 mmol) and dobutamine but experienced cardiac arrest two hours later. The administration of intravenous fat emulsion (IFE) was associated with return of spontaneous circulation, but there was a relapse of cardiovascular shock at the end of IFE infusion. The patient was placed on extracorporeal cardiac life support (ECLS), continuous hemofiltration, and hemoadsorption using the CytoSorb® cartridge. Serial determinations of serum flecainide concentration were obtained during the course of hemoadsorption, with a terminal half-life of 3.7 h during the first four hours and a global plasma clearance of 40.3 ml/min over the first 22 hours. The weaning of ECLS was possible on day 7. Intravenous fat emulsion infusion was followed by a significant increase in serum flecainide concentration. In addition, while conventional techniques of extrarenal epuration usually appear as poorly effective for flecainide removal, a mean plasma clearance of 40.3 ml/min was observed using the hemoadsorption technique based on CytoSorb® cartridge. However, the impact on the clinical course was probably extremely modest in comparison with ECLS.
Preparation of Polyanionic Cellulosic Microparticles with Antioxidant Capacity by Introducing Sulphurous Acid Groups onto Cellulose
Authors: Ma Quan , Zhang Xingzhong , Shi Qianwen , Li Yan , Li Bin , Liu Shilin
Published: July 2019

In this work, we presented a facile pathway to fabricate polyanionic cellulosic microparticles by selective oxidation with sodium periodate firstly, followed by grafting sodium bisulfite to the 2,3-dialdehyde cellulose particles. The obtained polyanionic cellulosic microparticles with the particle size of 2-4 μm had increased stability in water, and it had pH responsiveness. Moreover, the polyanionic cellulosic microparticles had excellent film-forming property, and the tensile strength of the film formed from pristine cellulose particles was about 40 MPa, and it increased to 64 MPa for the film formed from SRC-50 particles. Furthermore, the polyanionic cellulosic microparticles had certain reduction ability, and it could be used as coating to cover the surface of fruits or vegetables, and it could prevent the discoloration of the fresh-cut potato. The cellulose based particle coating with excellent antibrowning capacity, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly characteristics would be attractive for the applications in packaging material for food preservation.
Research Progress of Nitrite Corrosion Inhibitor in Concrete
Authors: Song Yilin , Liu Junzhe , Wang Hui , Shu Haibin
Published: July 2019

Nitrite inhibitor is a kind of most effective inhibitory corrosion additive used in reinforced concrete. This paper expounded the inhibiting mechanism and physical property of nitrite in concrete. Moreover, the recent progress and application condition at home and abroad were summarized. Meanwhile, corresponding methods for detecting nitrite ion concentration is proposed. Additionally, the inhibition practice on corrosion protection of reinforcing bar in concrete was presented. The long-term inhibiting effectiveness of nitrite ion in concrete when the n(NO2-)/n(Cl-) ratios were above the threshold values in concrete was obtained. Finally it is confirmed that critical molar ratio of n(NO2-)/n(Cl-) increased with differential nitrite ion concentration, higher cathode, and anode area ratio in steel bar.
Protocatechuic Acid-Mediated miR-219a-5p Activation Inhibits the p66shc Oxidant Pathway to Alleviate Alcoholic Liver Injury
Authors: Fu Rong , Zhou Junjun , Wang Ruiwen , Sun Ruimin , Feng Dongcheng , Wang Zhecheng , Zhao Yan , Lv Li , Tian Xiaofeng , Yao Jihong
Published: July 2019

Alcohol abuse has become common worldwide and has been recognized as a major cause of chronic alcoholic liver disease (ALD). ALD encompasses a complex process that includes a broad scope of hepatic lesions, ranging from steatosis to cirrhosis. In particular, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are mainly involved. Numerous studies have shown that p66shc plays a significant role in ALD. Protocatechuic acid (PCA), a dihydroxybenzoic acid that is naturally found in green tea, vegetables, and fruits, has efficient free radical scavenging effects. In this study, we aimed to assess the protective effect of PCA on ALD and to evaluate the microRNA- (miRNA-) p66shc-mediated reduction of ROS formation in ALD. Our results demonstrated that PCA treatment significantly decreased p66shc expression and downstream ROS formation in ALD. miR-219a-5p, which was identified by bioinformatics and experimental analysis, was enhanced by PCA and subsequently suppressed p66shc expression. Importantly, p66shc played an essential role in the protection of PCA-stimulated miR-219a-5p overexpression. Overall, these findings show that PCA-stimulated miR-219a-5p expression mitigates ALD by reducing p66shc-mediated ROS formation. This study may contribute to the development of therapeutic interventions for ALD.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting as Myopericarditis with Acute Heart Failure: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Durrance Richard Jesse , Movahedian Malahat , Haile Worku , Teller Katerina , Pinsker Richard
Published: July 2019

Acutely decompensated dilated cardiomyopathy in a middle-aged patient without the typical risk factor profile presents a clinical dilemma. While cardiomyopathy is a known aspect of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), initial clinical presentation as decompensated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is exceedingly rare in the literature. We share the case of a 49-year-old African-American female with no past medical history who presented with overt heart failure of 4 weeks evolution. Workup showed acute onset decompensated dilated cardiomyopathy, with a serologic profile compatible with SLE. She responded well to immunosuppressive steroid therapy. Literature review for SLE presenting as dilated cardiomyopathy with acute heart failure revealed a paucity of clinical evidence and consensus. Therefore, a comprehensive review of case reports was undertaken. A total of 10 cases were identified. Patients were 90% female and averaged 31 years of age. Dyspnea was the most common clinical presentation, and dilated cardiomyopathy with severely compromised left ventricular function was universally appreciated. Clinical presentation to diagnosis averaged 2 weeks. Immunosuppressive therapy regimens were universally employed; however, the regimens varied significantly. High-dose steroid therapy was most commonly used, and clinical and functional recovery was reported in 90% of individual case reports. Within the limited evidence and experience of therapeutic approaches, the efficacy of different singular or combined therapy is based solely on anecdotal case reports. Given the near-complete response to a short course of high-dose steroid therapy as much in the clinical recovery as in the resolution of DCM, the limited evidence based on review of these observational case studies and series supports the initial use of high-dose steroid therapy in acute lupus myocarditis.
Associations between TLR4 Polymorphisms and Open Angle Glaucoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Zhongjing , Huang Shouyue , Sun Jun , Xie Bing , Zhong Yisheng
Published: July 2019

Background. Previous studies exploring the association between toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) polymorphisms and open angle glaucoma (OAG) presented inconsistent results. We aimed to investigate the association between TLR4 polymorphisms and OAG.Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Library up to 31 December 2018. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated, followed by stratification analyses according to ethnicity and glaucoma subtype.Results. TLR4 rs7037117 polymorphism had significant associations with increased risk of OAG in allelic model (OR=1.25; 95%CI: 1.09-1.44; P=0.002) and recessive model (OR=1.49; 95%CI: 1.08-2.04; P=0.01). With regard to rs10759930, rs12377632, and rs2149356, the results showed significant increased risks in all genetic models (all P<0.05), whereas, for rs1927914, rs11536889, and rs7045953, no significant associations were identified in any genetic model (all P>0.05). Furthermore, the association of rs1927911 with OAG risk was found to be significant in recessive model (OR=1.34; 95%CI: 1.06-1.71; P=0.02). As for rs4986790 and rs4986791, meta-analyses were not performed due to the limited number of studies and the ethnic differences. Subgroup analysis indicated that the above polymorphisms with significant differences might increase the susceptibility in POAG patients. As for the ethnicity, rs7037117, rs10759930, and rs1927911 might increase the risk in Asians, while rs12377632 and rs2149356 might increase the risk in Asians and Mexicans.Conclusion. The meta-analysis highlighted that certain mutations of some TLR4 polymorphisms might increase the susceptibility of OAG. However, TLR4 polymorphisms are still far from being candidate genetic biomarkers for OAG. Additional researches involving larger scale epidemiological studies are warranted to validate our results.
Optimization of Bus Bridging Service under Unexpected Metro Disruptions with Dynamic Passenger Flows
Authors: Wang Jiadong , Yuan Zhenzhou , Yin Yonghao
Published: July 2019

A metro disruption is a situation where metro service is suspended for some time due to unexpected events such as equipment failure and extreme weather. Metro disruptions reduce the level of service of metro systems and leave numerous passengers stranded at disrupted stations. As a means of disruption management, bus bridging has been widely used to evacuate stranded passengers. This paper focuses on the bus bridging problem under operational disruptions on a single metro line. Unlike previous studies, we consider dynamic passenger flows during the disruption. A multi-objective optimization model is established with objectives to minimize total waiting time, the number of stranded passengers and dispatched vehicles with constraints such as fleet size and vehicle capacity. The NSGA-II algorithm is used for the solution. Finally, we apply the proposed model to Shanghai Metro to access the effectiveness of our approaches in comparison with the current bridging strategy. Sensitivity analysis of the bus fleet size involved in the bus bridging problem was conducted.
Contribution of Levosimendan in Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kaltsi Ifigeneia , Angelopoulos Epameinondas , Tzanis Georgios , Sideris Antonios , Tyrovolas Konstantinos , Kokkoris Stelios , Gratziou Christina , Nanas Serafeim , Routsi Christina
Published: July 2019

Purpose. Mechanically ventilated patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction are at risk of weaning failure. We hypothesized that optimization of cardiovascular function might facilitate the weaning process. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of levosimendan in difficult-to-wean patients with impaired LV performance.Materials and Methods. Nineteen mechanically ventilated patients, with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) 34 ± 8%, difficult-to-wean from the ventilator, were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography before the start and at the end of a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) (first SBT). Eight patients successfully weaned. The remaining 11 failed-to-wean patients received a 24-hour infusion of levosimendan, and they were reassessed during a second SBT.Results. After levosimendan administration, LVEF increased from 30 ± 10 to 36 ± 3% (p=0.01). End-SBT peake′ velocity increased from 7 to 9 cm/s (p=0.02).E/e′ increased from 10.5 to 12.9 during the first SBT, whereas it remained constant at 10 throughout the second SBT (p=0.01). During the second SBT, partial pressure of arterial oxygen and central venous oxygen saturation improved, compared to the first one (93 ± 34 vs. 67 ± 28 mmHg,p=0.03, and 66 ± 11% vs. 57 ± 9%,p=0.02, respectively). Nine of the 11 patients were successfully weaned from the ventilator.Conclusions. In difficult-to-wean from mechanical ventilation patients with LV dysfunction, levosimendan might contribute to successful weaning by improving both systolic and diastolic LV function.
Ankrd2 in Mechanotransduction and Oxidative Stress Response in Skeletal Muscle: New Cues for the Pathogenesis of Muscular Laminopathies
Authors: Cenni Vittoria , Kojic Snezana , Capanni Cristina , Faulkner Georgine , Lattanzi Giovanna
Published: July 2019

Ankrd2 (ankyrin repeats containing domain 2) or Arpp (ankyrin repeat, PEST sequence, and proline-rich region) is a member of the muscle ankyrin repeat protein family. Ankrd2 is mostly expressed in skeletal muscle, where it plays an intriguing role in the transcriptional response to stress induced by mechanical stimulation as well as by cellular reactive oxygen species. Our studies in myoblasts from Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy 2, a LMNA-linked disease affecting skeletal and cardiac muscles, demonstrated that Ankrd2 is a lamin A-binding protein and that mutated lamins found in Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy change the dynamics of Ankrd2 nuclear import, thus affecting oxidative stress response. In this review, besides describing the latest advances related to Ankrd2 studies, including novel discoveries on Ankrd2 isoform-specific functions, we report the main findings on the relationship of Ankrd2 with A-type lamins and discuss known and potential mechanisms involving defective Ankrd2-lamin A interplay in the pathogenesis of muscular laminopathies.
α-Tocopherol Protects the Heart, Muscles, and Testes from Lipid Peroxidation in Growing Male Rats Subjected to Physical Efforts
Authors: Górnicka Magdalena , Ciecierska Anna , Hamulka Jadwiga , Drywień Małgorzata E. , Frackiewicz Joanna , Górnicki Krzysztof , Wawrzyniak Agata
Published: July 2019

The effect of α-tocopherol supplementation on adaptation to training is still equivocal. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of training and α-tocopherol supplementation on α-tocopherol and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentration in the rat liver, heart, muscles, and testes. Male Wistar rats (

n
=
32

) were divided into four groups (nonsupplemented, not trained—C; nonsupplemented, trained—CT; supplemented, not trained—E; supplemented and trained—ET). During the 14-day experimental period, 2 mg/d of vitamin E as α-tocopherol acetate was administered to the animals (groups E and ET). Rats in the training group (CT and ET) were subjected to 15 minutes of treadmill running each day. The α-tocopherol levels in rat tissues were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Lipid peroxides were determined by TBARS spectrophotometric method. α-Tocopherol had a significant impact on α-tocopherol concentration in all tissues. Training increased the α-tocopherol concentration in the heart and muscles but reduced it in the liver. Training also caused increased lipid peroxidation in the muscles, heart, and testes; but a higher α-tocopherol content in tissues reduced the TBARS level. The main finding of the study is that impaired α-tocopherol status and its adequate intake is needed to maintain optimal status to prevent damage to the skeletal and cardiac muscles as well as the testes in growing individuals.
Immune-Checkpoint Protein VISTA Regulates Antitumor Immunity by Controlling Myeloid Cell–Mediated Inflammation and Immunosuppression
Authors: Xu Wenwen , Dong Juan , Zheng Yongwei , Zhou Juan , Yuan Ying , Ta Hieu Minh , Miller Halli E. , Olson Michael , Rajasekaran Kamalakannan , Ernstoff Marc S. , Wang Demin , Malarkannan Subramaniam , Wang Li
Published: July 2019

Immune-checkpoint protein V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) controls antitumor immunity and is a valuable target for cancer immunotherapy. This study identified a role of VISTA in regulating Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling in myeloid cells and controlling myeloid cell–mediated inflammation and immunosuppression. VISTA modulated the polyubiquitination and protein expression of TRAF6. Consequently, VISTA dampened TLR-mediated activation of MAPK/AP-1 and IKK/NF-κB signaling cascades. At cellular levels, VISTA regulated the effector functions of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tolerogenic dendritic cell (DC) subsets. Blocking VISTA augmented their ability to produce proinflammatory mediators and diminished their T cell–suppressive functions. These myeloid cell–dependent effects resulted in a stimulatory tumor microenvironment that promoted T-cell infiltration and activation. We conclude that VISTA is a critical myeloid cell–intrinsic immune-checkpoint protein and that the reprogramming of tolerogenic myeloid cells following VISTA blockade promotes the development of T cell–mediated antitumor immunity.
R-CHOP-Associated Graves’ Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Mora Natalie , Vu Katherine N. , Hoang Thanh D. , Mai Vinh Q. , Shakir Mohamed K.M.
Published: July 2019

Radiation-induced thyroid dysfunction following oncologic treatment is not uncommon, however limited literature data has been found on patients that underwent chemotherapy only. A change in thyrometabolic autoimmune status is also a rare entity. We present a case of newly diagnosed Graves’ thyrotoxicosis following a successful R-CHOP (Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicine, Vincristine and Prednisone) treatment in a patient with concurrent abdominal and thyroid diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Following chemotherapy, PET CT showed resolution of FDG-avid thyroid nodule as well as no evidence of the thyroid mass on repeat ultrasound. Her thyroid function also normalized. During her follow-up visit, patient reported significant unintentional weight loss and persistent fatigue over the past couple months. Repeat laboratory evaluation revealed TSH 0.005 mIU/mL, FT4 6.73 ng/dL and thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) 535 (ref <140%). She was started on methimazole followed by radioactive iodine therapy. This unique case of Graves’ disease following R-CHOP treatment in patients with known Hashimoto’s and thyroid lymphoma is one of the first to be reported in the literature. The swing of pendulum from Hashimoto’s to Graves’ disease is very uncommon. As clinicians, we need to continue monitoring for clinical and biochemical thyroid dysfunction in this subset of population.
Association between Lipid Profiles and Renal Functions among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hamzah Salih Awla
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects renal functions and lipid profiles of patients. Objectives: In this study, 100 patients (65 females, 35 males) with T2DM were evaluated to determine whether renal function characteristics and lipid profiles are associated with T2DM. Methods: Blood samples were collected from all patients with T2DM, and the levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood urea, serum creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride (TGR), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) were analyzed. Results: A direct correlation of blood sugar and HbA1c was observed with blood urea, serum creatinine, serum cholesterol, serum TGR, HDL, LDL, and VLDL. The results revealed elevated TGR levels in patients administered medications for hyperglycemia. Furthermore, serum TGR levels were significantly correlated with blood sugar levels (p = 0.035). Blood urea levels were significantly correlated with glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.008). Blood urea, serum creatinine, and serum cholesterol levels were highly significantly correlated with HbA1c (p = 0.008, 0.017, and 0.005, respectively), while HDL, LDL, and VLDL were not significantly correlated with HbA1c. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of serum TGR and serum creatinine measurement for guiding the treatment of T2DM.
Association of
APOL1
Risk Alleles With Cardiovascular Disease in Blacks in the Million Veteran Program
Authors: Bick Alexander G. , Akwo Elvis , Robinson-Cohen Cassianne , Lee Kyung , Lynch Julie , Assimes Themistocles L. , DuVall Scott , Edwards Todd , Fang Huaying , Freiberg S. Matthew , Giri Ayush , Huffman Jennifer E. , Huang Jie , Hull Leland , Kember Rachel L. , Klarin Derek , Lee Jennifer S. , Levin Michael , Miller Donald R. , Natarajan Pradeep , Saleheen Danish , Shao Qing , Sun Yan V. , Tang Hua , Wilson Otis , Chang Kyong-Mi , Cho Kelly , Concato John , Gaziano J. Michael , Kathiresan Sekar , O’Donnell Christopher J. , Rader Daniel J. , Tsao Philip S. , Wilson Peter W. , Hung Adriana M. , Damrauer Scott M. ,   On behalf of the VA Million Veteran Program
Published: July 2019

Background:

Approximately 13% of black individuals carry 2 copies of the apolipoprotein L1 (
APOL1
) risk alleles G1 or G2, which are associated with 1.5- to 2.5-fold increased risk of chronic kidney disease. There have been conflicting reports as to whether an association exists between
APOL1
risk alleles and cardiovascular disease (CVD) that is independent of the effects of
APOL1
on kidney disease. We sought to test the association of
APOL1
G1/G2 alleles with coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and stroke among black individuals in the Million Veteran Program.

Methods:

We performed a time-to-event analysis of retrospective electronic health record data using Cox proportional hazard and competing-risks Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard models. The primary exposure was
APOL1
risk allele status. The primary outcome was incident coronary artery disease among individuals without chronic kidney disease during the 12.5-year follow-up period. We separately analyzed the cross-sectional association of
APOL1
risk allele status with lipid traits and 115 cardiovascular diseases using phenome-wide association.

Results:

Among 30 903 black Million Veteran Program participants, 3941 (13%) carried the 2
APOL1
risk allele high-risk genotype. Individuals with normal kidney function at baseline with 2 risk alleles had slightly higher risk of developing coronary artery disease compared with those with no risk alleles (hazard ratio, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.01–1.21];
P
=0.039). Similarly, modest associations were identified with incident stroke (hazard ratio, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.05–1.36;
P
=0.007) and peripheral artery disease (hazard ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.01–1.29l;
P
=0.031). When both cardiovascular and renal outcomes were modeled,
APOL1
was strongly associated with incident renal disease, whereas no significant association with the CVD end points could be detected. Cardiovascular phenome-wide association analyses did not identify additional significant associations with CVD subsets.

Conclusions:

APOL1
risk variants display a modest association with CVD, and this association is likely mediated by the known
APOL1
association with chronic kidney disease.
Arrhythmias and Adaptations of the Cardiac Conduction System in Former National Football League Players
Authors: Aagaard Philip , Sharma Shishir , McNamara David A. , Joshi Parag , Ayers Colby R. , de Lemos James A. , Lincoln Andrew E. , Baranowski Bryan , Mandsager Kyle , Hill Elizabeth , Castle Lon , Gentry James , Lang Richard , Dunn Reginald E. , Alexander Kezia , Tucker Andrew M. , Phelan Dermot
Published: July 2019

Background

Habitual high‐intensity endurance exercise is associated with increased atrial fibrillation (
AF
) risk and impaired cardiac conduction. It is unknown whether these observations extend to prior strength‐type sports exposure. The primary aim of this study was to compare
AF
prevalence in former National Football League (
NFL
) athletes to population‐based controls. The secondary aim was to characterize other conduction system parameters.

Methods and Results

This cross‐sectional study compared former
NFL
athletes (n=460, age 56±12 years, black 47%) with population‐based controls of similar age and racial composition from the cardiovascular cohort Dallas Heart Study‐2 (n=925, age 54±9 years, black 53%).
AF
was present in 28 individuals (n=23 [5%] in the
NFL
group; n=5 [0.5%] in the control group). After controlling for other cardiovascular risk factors in multivariable regression analysis, former
NFL
participation remained associated with a 5.7 (95%
CI
: 2.1–15.9,
P
<0.001) higher odds ratio of
AF
. Older age, higher body mass index, and nonblack race were also independently associated with higher odds ratio of
AF
, while hypertension and diabetes mellitus were not.
AF
was previously undiagnosed in 15/23 of the former
NFL
players. Previously undiagnosed
NFL
players were rate controlled and asymptomatic, but 80% had a
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c score ≥1. Former
NFL
players also had an 8‐fold higher prevalence of paced cardiac rhythms (2.0% versus 0.25%,
P
<0.01), compared with controls. Furthermore, former athletes had lower resting heart rates (62±11 versus 66±11 beats per minute,
P
<0.001), and a higher prevalence of first‐degree atrioventricular block (18% versus 9%,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Former
NFL
participation was associated with an increased
AF
prevalence and slowed cardiac conduction when compared with a population‐based control group. Former
NFL
athletes who screened positive for
AF
were generally rate controlled and asymptomatic, but 80% should have been considered for anticoagulation based on their stroke risk.
Diet evolution in litter frogs: reassessing the Toft’s hypotheses
Authors: Nadaline Junior , Confetti André E. , Pie Marcio R.
Published: July 2019

In a series of papers starting in the early 1980s, Toft proposed a general scenario to explain dietary evolution in leaf litter anurans in which species would “form a continuum from those that specialize on ants and mites, through generalists, to species that avoid ants and mites”, and these differences would in turn correlate with foraging strategies, morphology, and defense mechanisms. In this study, we reassess this hypothesis using a global dataset on the dietary composition of 120 anuran species. Surprisingly, we found that the relative contribution of ants and mites in anuran diets were largely orthogonal to one another. Moreover, we did not find evidence for the continuum of dietary composition envisioned by Toft. These results suggest that, although ants and mites have played a major role in the evolution of aposematic species, the trends found in those species might not be directly extrapolated to all leaf litter anurans.
Pollen storage studies in sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) cv. Balanagar
Authors: Chander Subhash , P.E. Rajasekharan , Kurian Reju M.
Published: July 2019

Annona cv. ‘Arka Sahan’ essentially needs assisted pollination with sugar apple pollen for commercial fruit production. However, there is no perfect synchronization in flowering of the pollen source sugar apple cv. Balanagar with that of cv. ‘Arka Sahan’. So, an attempt was made to store the pollen of the former to assure its availability as and when cv. ‘Arka Sahan’ flowers need to be pollinated. In vitro pollen germination was assessed using different concentrations of sucrose (5%, 10% and 15%) with and without boric acid (100 ppm). Pollen collected on the second day of anthesis showed maximum germination (43.47%) in 5% sucrose + 100 ppm boric acid while those collected on first day of anthesis did not show any germination. Pollen collected at different times of the day showed a rapid decrease in pollen germination from maximum germination at 6 am (36.55%) to no germination at 2 pm. The maximum pollen germination was in 10% sucrose + 100 ppm boric acid combination for the stored pollen as well as pollen collected during late hours of the day. Pollen stored under varying temperatures lost viability within 1 month at 4°C while pollen stored at −196°C in liquid nitrogen retained germination for 2 months. Pollen germination and pollen tube growth were progressively reduced with storage time. Structure of stored pollen examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), revealed deformed and shriveled pollen structure. The results of this study indicated that the Annona pollen tends to be viable for a period of 2 months.
Two new species of the genus Pseudomesus Hansen, 1916 (Isopoda, Asellota) from the Southern hemisphere: Pseudomesus pitombo sp. nov. and Pseudomesus satanus sp. nov.
Authors: KAISER STEFANIE , BRIX SASKIA
Published: July 2019

Two new species of the genus Pseudomesus Hansen, 1916 (Isopoda, Asellota) are described from the Southern hemisphere: Pseudomesus pitombo sp. nov. and Pseudomesus satanus sp. nov. Specimens of the new species were collected during DIVA-1 (DIVersity of the abyssal Atlantic Ocean) in the deep Angola Basin (P. pitombo) and a cruise to the Australian continental slope (P. satanus), respectively. They differ from the remaining species of this genus by the presence of a mandibular palp. P. pitombo can be distinguished from P. satanus by the shape of the anterior margin of the cephalothorax of the female, in the number of articles of the antenna, and the length of the maxilliped´s exopodite.
A new species of Phlogophora Treitschke (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from China
Authors: GYULAI PETER , SALDAITIS AIDAS
Published: July 2019

A description and diagnosis of Phlogophora butvili sp. nov. is provided. The distribution of the genus Phlogophora and main external and genitalia features of its closest relatives are discussed and illustrated, with 14 imagines in colour, together with 8 male and 5 female genitalia.
New stiletto flies in the genus Anabarhynchus Macquart (Diptera: Therevidae) from Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Authors: FERGUSON D.J. , GLATZ R.V. , YEATES D. K.
Published: July 2019

Anabarhynchus Macquart 1848 is a species-rich genus of stiletto flies (Diptera: Therevidae) belonging to the subfamily Therevinae, with over 113 species described from Australia. These flies are diverse and abundant in Australia’s eucalypt woodland and mallee habitats. Here we describe, diagnose and illustrate a further three new Anabarhynchus species in the genus as follows: A. aurantilateralis sp. nov. and A. halmaturinus sp. nov., and A. venabrunneis sp. nov., from Kangaroo Island. These new species bring the total number of described Australian species in the genus to 116, with 13 of these known to occur on Kangaroo Island.
Global and Regional Projected Changes in 100-yr Subdaily, Daily, and Multiday Precipitation Extremes Estimated from Three Large Ensembles of Climate Simulations
Authors: Martel Jean-Luc , Mailhot Alain , Brissette François
Published: July 2019

Many studies have reported projected increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events in a warmer future climate. These results challenge the assumption of climate stationarity, a standard hypothesis in the estimation of extreme precipitation quantiles (e.g., 100-yr return period) often used as key design criteria for many infrastructures. In this work, changes in hourly to 5-day precipitation extremes occurring between the 1980–99 and 2080–99 periods are investigated using three large ensembles (LE) of climate simulations. The first two are the global CanESM2 50-member ensemble at a 2.8° resolution and the global CESM1 40-member ensemble at a 1° resolution. The third is the regional CRCM5 50-member ensemble at a 0.11° resolution, driven at its boundaries by the 50-member CanESM2 ensemble over the northeastern North America (NNA) and Europe (EU) domains. Results indicate increases in the frequency of future extreme events, and, accordingly, a reduction of the return period of current extreme events for all tested spatial resolutions and temporal scales. Agreement between the three ensembles suggests that extreme precipitations, corresponding to the 100-yr return period over the reference period, become 4–5 (2–4) times more frequent on average for the NNA (EU) domain for daily and 5-day annual maximum precipitation. Projections by CRCM5-LE show even larger increases for subdaily precipitation extremes. Considering the life-span of many public infrastructures, these changes may have important implications on service levels and the design of many water infrastructures and for public safety, and should therefore be taken into consideration in establishing design criteria.
United States’ Security Governance in Nigeria: Implications on Counterterrorism Strategies Against Boko Haram
Authors: Iwuoha Victor Chidubem
Published: July 2019

Why did decade-long US security cooperation and counterterrorism engagements in Nigeria fail to bring down Boko Haram or at least weaken its terrorist structures and transnational spread? There is little agreement among scholars on the impact and implications of US security engagements in Nigeria on the military’s counterterrorism strategies. I argue that disconnects between the components and dimensions of US–Nigeria security cooperation are implicated in the intractability of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. I develop the concept of ‘unwilling’ and/or ‘less cooperative states’ to underscore the vulnerability of counterterrorism-assistance-seeking states and their disconnectedness/asynergy with their foreign counterterrorism partners.
Minimally Invasive Approach for Diagnosing TMJ Osteoarthritis
Authors: Shoukri B. , Prieto J.C. , Ruellas A. , Yatabe M. , Sugai J. , Styner M. , Zhu H. , Huang C. , Paniagua B. , Aronovich S. , Ashman L. , Benavides E. , de Dumast P. , Ribera N.T. , Mirabel C. , Michoud L. , Allohaibi Z. , Ioshida M. , Bittencourt L. , Fattori L. , Gomes L.R. , Cevidanes L.
Published: July 2019

This study’s objectives were to test correlations among groups of biomarkers that are associated with condylar morphology and to apply artificial intelligence to test shape analysis features in a neural network (NN) to stage condylar morphology in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA). Seventeen TMJOA patients (39.9 ± 11.7 y) experiencing signs and symptoms of the disease for less than 10 y and 17 age- and sex-matched control subjects (39.4 ± 15.2 y) completed a questionnaire, had a temporomandibular joint clinical exam, had blood and saliva samples drawn, and had high-resolution cone beam computed tomography scans taken. Serum and salivary levels of 17 inflammatory biomarkers were quantified using protein microarrays. A NN was trained with 259 other condyles to detect and classify the stage of TMJOA and then compared to repeated clinical experts’ classifications. Levels of the salivary biomarkers MMP-3, VE-cadherin, 6Ckine, and PAI-1 were correlated to each other in TMJOA patients and were significantly correlated with condylar morphological variability on the posterior surface of the condyle. In serum, VE-cadherin and VEGF were correlated with one another and with significant morphological variability on the anterior surface of the condyle, while MMP-3 and CXCL16 presented statistically significant associations with variability on the anterior surface, lateral pole, and superior-posterior surface of the condyle. The range of mouth opening variables were the clinical markers with the most significant associations with morphological variability at the medial and lateral condylar poles. The repeated clinician consensus classification had 97.8% agreement on degree of degeneration within 1 group difference. Predictive analytics of the NN’s staging of TMJOA compared to the repeated clinicians’ consensus revealed 73.5% and 91.2% accuracy. This study demonstrated significant correlations among variations in protein expression levels, clinical symptoms, and condylar surface morphology. The results suggest that 3-dimensional variability in TMJOA condylar morphology can be comprehensively phenotyped by the NN.
Relationship Between Activities of Daily Living and Attitude Toward Own Aging Among the Elderly in China: A Chain Mediating Model
Authors: Wang Gang , Shi Juan , Yao Jin , Fu Hong
Published: July 2019

This study used the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey to explore the relationship between the activities of daily living, cognitive function, social support, and attitudes toward own aging, and a structural equation model was established to test the mediating effect. (a) Pearson correlations were performed between the total scores on each scale, and the activities of daily living were significantly negatively correlated with cognitive function and social support and significantly positively correlated with attitudes toward own aging. Cognitive function was significantly positively correlated with social support but negatively correlated with attitude toward own aging; social support was significantly negatively correlated with attitude toward own aging. (b) The goodness-of-fit indices of the validation models for each measurement model were robust. The activities of daily living among the elderly can directly predict attitudes toward own aging and can indirectly predict attitudes toward own aging through cognitive function and social support.
Abusive Supervision Differentiation and Employee Outcomes: The Roles of Envy, Resentment, and Insecure Group Attachment
Authors: Ogunfowora Babatunde , Weinhardt Justin M. , Hwang Christine C.
Published: July 2019

When employees experience distressful events such as abusive supervision, they often rely on their workgroup for sense making and social support. However, research also shows that supervisors tend to differentially abuse members of the same group (i.e., abusive supervision differentiation, ASD). We argue that this behavior threatens an employee’s socioemotional bond with and reliance on the workgroup for support. Specifically, ASD drives negative comparisons of “self versus others” that diminish one’s socioemotional relationship with the group as a whole, particularly if one experiences more abuse than others. Drawing on attachment theory, we develop an individual-level conceptual model that links perceptions of ASD to employee outcomes through two forms of unhealthy person-group bonding—group attachment anxiety and group attachment avoidance. The results of two studies show that group attachment anxiety and avoidance uniquely explain the effects of ASD perceptions, over and above group identification. While both attachment patterns mediated the effects of ASD on psychological distress, group attachment avoidance primarily mediated the effects on quit intentions, and group attachment anxiety primarily mediated the effects on interpersonal deviance (Study 2). In addition, Study 2 demonstrates that resentment and envy towards other group members explain why ASD perceptions lead to group attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and subsequent outcomes. Lastly, we find some evidence that the indirect effects of ASD perceptions are more detrimental when one perceives greater (vs. less) personal exposure to abusive supervision. We conclude by discussing the implications of group attachment theory and targeted emotions for understanding ASD.
Failure through Success: Co-construction Processes of Imaginaries (of Participation) and Group Development
Authors: Froese Anna , Mevissen Natalie
Published: July 2019

Participation is an important but little understood concept in science and innovation. While participation promises the production of new knowledge, social justice, and economic growth, little research has been done on its contribution to innovation processes at the group level. The concept of imaginaries can provide a window into these processes. Adopting a micro-sociological perspective, we examined the interplay between imaginaries of participation and group development within a long-term ethnographic observation study of an initiative, Energy Avant-garde, as it pursued the development of a decentralized, self-contained, and entirely renewable energy system in one German region. We scaled down the macrolevel concept of imaginaries to the group level. We found that group imaginaries are a resource for bringing order to a group and that a group is a resource for creating, operationalizing, revising, and sustaining imaginaries. We describe a “failure-through-success” story: while imaginaries initially promoted group cohesion, creativity, and productivity, in later stages, these effects were impeded by group dynamics. We therefore distinguish between process imaginaries and outcome imaginaries and conclude that, inherently, participation must be managed and employed at the appropriate stages to make valuable contributions.
High-performance work systems and innovation in Vietnamese small firms
Authors: Do Hoa , Shipton Helen
Published: July 2019

This article examines the interplay between high-performance work systems (HPWS) and the innovation of Vietnamese small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Our conceptual model relies on the componential theory of creativity along with HPWS, learning goal orientation (LGO), and creativity and innovation to hypothesise both mediation and moderation mechanisms linking such a relationship. Using a sample of 133 SMEs, we find that (a) employee creativity mediates the pathway between HPWS and firm innovation and (b) LGO moderates the HPWS–employee creativity relationship. This article casts new light on the theoretical mechanism through which HPWS influence firm innovation and add to the understanding of HPWS within SMEs placing employees at the centre of debate.
Bloodstream infection is associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage and infectious intracranial aneurysm in left ventricular assist device
Authors: Lee Tiffany , Buletko Andrew B , Matthew Jason , Cho Sung-Min
Published: July 2019

Bloodstream infection is the leading cause of mortality in left ventricular assist device. Bloodstream infection is a risk factor for intracranial hemorrhage. We report three left ventricular assist device recipients who presented with bloodstream infection and developed subarachnoid hemorrhage. Case 1, a 37-year-old male with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with HeartMate II, presented with confusion and found to have serratia bloodstream infection and left frontal lobe subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral angiogram showed a right M3/M4 branch infectious intracranial aneurysm. He was treated with coil embolization and underwent device exchange. Case 2, a 41-year-old male with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with HeartMate II presented with confusion and found to have methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection and bilateral frontal convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral angiogram showed left M3 and left A3 infectious intracranial aneurysms, which were treated with antibiotics alone. Case 3, a 58-year-old female with ischemic cardiomyopathy with HeartMate II presented with fever, found to have candida albicans bloodstream infection and a parieto-occipital enhancing lesion concerning for cerebral abscess. Repeat computed tomography brain a week later showed a new right frontal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral angiogram showed a M4/M5 junction infectious intracranial aneurysm; patient was not a surgical candidate and was transitioned to hospice. This case series emphasizes that left ventricular assist device–associated subarachnoid hemorrhage may be caused by infectious intracranial aneurysms when acute bloodstream infections are present.
Bike-Sharing Station Usage and the Surrounding Built Environments in Major Texas Cities
Authors: Alcorn Louis G. , Jiao Junfeng
Published: July 2019

This study analyzes the effect of different built environments on bike-share usage in nascent dock-based systems in three Texas cities. Past research offers little insight as to whether elements associated with higher bicycle usage in major cities affect ridership in secondary, developing bike-share markets within lower density American cities. In Austin and Houston, a positive relationship emerges between bike-share usage and proximity to high-comfort bicycle facilities. All three cities demonstrated surprisingly minimal relationship between bike-share usage and other proven drivers of bicycling activity in urban areas, which may result from system design for leisure- and recreation-based trips.
A Cross-sectional Study of the Clinical Profile of Children With Cerebral Palsy in Benin, a West African Low-Income Country
Authors: Sogbossi Emmanuel Segnon , Houekpetodji Damienne , Kpadonou Toussaint G. , Bleyenheuft Yannick
Published: July 2019

Cerebral palsy is a common cause of pediatric motor disability. Although there are increasing amounts of data on the clinical profile of children with cerebral palsy in high-income countries, corresponding information about low-income countries and developing countries is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to describe the clinical spectrum of cerebral palsy in children in Benin, a representative West African low-income country. Our cross-sectional observational study included 114 children with cerebral palsy recruited from community-based rehabilitation centers and teaching hospitals (median age: 7 years, range 2-17; sex: 66% male). Data were collected through review of medical records and interviews with children’s mothers. Assessment included risk factors, clinical subtypes according to the Surveillance of CP in Europe criteria, severity of motor outcome scored by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System, comorbidities, and school attendance. We recorded a high prevalence of intrapartum adverse events. Seventeen percent of children had postneonatal cerebral palsy, with cerebral malaria being the most common cause. Most children were severely affected (67.5% as bilateral spastic; 54.4% as GMFCS IV or V), but severity declined substantially with age. Only 23% of the children with cerebral palsy had attended school. Poor motor outcomes and comorbidities were associated with school nonattendance. These results suggest that intrapartum risk factors and postnatal cerebral malaria in infants are opportune targets for prevention of cerebral palsy in Sub-Saharan low-income countries.
Help-Seeking Experiences of Immigrant Domestic Violence Survivors in Australia: A Snapshot of Muslim Survivors
Authors: Ghafournia Nafiseh , Easteal Patricia
Published: July 2019

There has been significant research on women’s experiences of domestic violence (DV) as well as on the women’s help-seeking behaviors when living with partner abuse. Most of the Australian literature has focused on nonimmigrant women. We know that help seeking can include informal sources such as family, friends, religious leaders, and colleagues or formal assistance from police, doctors, social workers, counselors, and DV agencies. The current study aims to contribute to the literature on help seeking by looking at what has been found concerning immigrant DV survivors and complementing that with interview material from a sample of 14 Muslim immigrant DV survivors in New South Wales. First, we look at barriers that these women may encounter in seeking help and the non-help-seeking strategies they may employ. We then see what may trigger seeking help (including before and after leaving the abusers). Next, we look at how the two types of help seeking are used to better understand the positives and negatives of these pathways. This article ends with some suggestions for developing more appropriate and targeted strategies to assist abused immigrant DV survivors and their children.