bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-552 Accelerates the Progression of Gastric Cancer by Targeting FOXO1 and Regulating PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Zhao Yuguo , Zhang Jianwen , Yang Wenbin , Yang Zhao , Zhou Kaikai
Published: May 2021

The specific function of microRNA-552 (miR-552) has been investigated in several malignancies, except gastric cancer (GC). Therefore, this study was performed to determine the role of miR-552 in GC.GC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues were collected to determine the expressions of miR-552. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis were carried out to measure expression levels. The regulatory mechanism of miR-552 was explored by (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) MTT Assay, and Transwell assays. The binding site between miR-552 and FOXO1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assays. Upregulation of miR-552 expression was detected and associated with worse clinical outcomes in GC. Furthermore, high miR-552 expression predicted poor prognosis in GC patients. Functionally, upregulation of miR-552 promoted cell viability, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway in GC. In addition, miR-552 was confirmed to target forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) directly and inversely regulate its expression in GC. Upregulation of FOXO1 reversed the carcinogenesis of miR-552 in GC. In conclusion, miR-552 serves as a tumor promoter in GC through targeting FOXO1 and regulating EMT and PI3K/AKT pathway.
Equilibrium States with Finite Amplitudes at Exactly and Nearly Class-I Bragg Resonances
Authors: Xu Dali , Zhang Jingyu , Zhang Hongsheng
Published: May 2021

The exactly and nearly class-I Bragg resonances of strongly nonlinear waves are studied analytically by the homotopy analysis method. Two types of equilibrium states with time-independent wave spectra and different energy distributions are obtained. Effects of the incident wave height, the seabed height, and the frequency detuning on resonant waves are investigated. Bifurcation points of the equilibrium states are found and tend to greater value of relatively incident wave height for a steeper wave. The wave steepness of the whole wave system grows linearly with the seabed height. Meanwhile, the resonant peak can shift to up or down side when the near resonance is considered. This work provides us a deeper understanding on class-I Bragg resonance and enlightens further studies of higher-order wave-bottom interactions.
Oral Desogestrel as Endometrial Preparation before Operative Hysteroscopy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ciebiera Michał , Zgliczyńska Magdalena , Zgliczyński Stanisław , Sierant Antoni , Laganà Antonio Simone , Alonso Pacheco Luis , Carugno Jose , Vitale Salvatore Giovanni
Published: May 2021

The pharmacologic preparation of the endometrium before hysteroscopy may be achieved with the use of various drugs. This systematic review aims to summarize the available evidence regarding the use of desogestrel for endometrial preparation before hysteroscopic procedures. A literature search for suitable articles published in English language from inception of the database until August 2019 was performed using the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. All original articles concerning desogestrel-only pretreatment before hysteroscopic surgery were considered eligible. Reviews, case reports/series, conference papers, studies including the use of combined hormonal preparation, and articles in languages other than English were excluded from the analysis. The literature search retrieved 3 studies that met all the inclusion criteria. The data demonstrated that desogestrel may be considered as a hormonal pretreatment drug before hysteroscopic procedures. The drug was distinctly effective and assessed as helpful by the operating surgeon in numerous patients who were administered the pretreatment of 75 μg daily. Oral desogestrel is a cheap, easily available, safe, and quite efficient alternative for endometrial preparation before hysteroscopic procedures.
Management of Synovial Sarcoma in a Tertiary Referral Center: A Retrospective Analysis of 134 Patients
Authors: Kyriazoglou Anastasios , Timmermans Iris , De Cock Lore , Laenen Annouschka , Dumez Herlinde , Sinnaeve Friedl , Wafa Hazem , Hompes Daphne , Van Raemdonck Dirk , De Leyn Paul , Sciot Raf , Hauben Esther , Debiec-Rychter Maria , Vandenbempt Isabelle , Schöffski Patrick
Published: May 2021

Background: Synovial sarcomas (SS) are malignant mesenchymal neoplasms that account for about 10% of all sarcomas. Complete surgical excision is the mainstay of primary treatment for localized disease, but SS have a high tendency for local relapse and metastases. Metastatic disease is commonly treated with systemic chemotherapy. Methods: We designed a retrospective analysis to describe the clinical presentation, course of treatment, outcome, and prognosis of patients with SS. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for potential prognostic factors. Results: We identified 134 patients treated between 1987 and 2018, with a cutoff date of December 2018. Demographics, disease characteristics, treatment, and survival rates were collected and analyzed. The median overall survival (mOS) from the date of diagnosis was 96.7 months. The median progression-free survival was 6.37 months. Disease-free survival was 26 months. Age over 65 years was found to be a prognostic factor with statistically significant value in the univariate analysis regarding mOS (p = 0.015) and mOS after local relapse (p = 0.0228). Conclusions: Even though our study is limited by the retrospective nature of the analysis, it adds an important amount of clinical data regarding the treatment and outcome of SS.
Adult Transglottic Haemangioma with Upper Airway Obstruction: Preservation of Airway and Voice
Authors: Mahmud Khairil Afif , Zakaria Rozman , Azman Mawaddah , Mat Baki Marina
Published: May 2021

Adult laryngeal haemangioma is normally seen in the supraglottic or glottic region. Transglottic haemangioma is unusual, and treatment with primary endolaryngeal surgical excision may lead to undesirable bleeding and poor voice outcomes. A 25-year-old female presented with hoarseness and progressive upper airway obstruction symptoms. Videoendoscopy showed haemangioma involving all unilateral subunits of the larynx obstructing half of the subglottis. The transglottic haemangioma was treated with endolaryngeal ethanol injection with prior tracheostomy under local anaesthesia. Endolaryngeal laser surgery was performed later on to remove small residual haemangioma and granuloma. The haemangioma resolved; however, the ethanol injection to the paraglottic space results in vocal fold immobility but with favourable position and good muscle tone and bulk. The patient was successfully decannulated. Post-intervention subjective and objective voice assessments showed normal parameters except slight impairment of voice handicap index-10 with a total score of 12. Adult transglottic haemangioma can cause upper airway obstruction and requires intervention. Excision of the lesion endoscopically without sacrificing voice is achievable.
Assessment of the Grades of Vesicoureteral Reflux in Stented Ureters: An Experimental Study
Authors: de la Cruz Julia E. , Fernández Inmaculada , Sanz-Migueláñez Juan Luis , Fernández-Aparicio Tomás , Sánchez-Margallo Francisco Miguel , Soria Federico
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The aim of this experimental study is to assess, in a porcine model, the onset and grades of vesicoureteral reflux associated with ureteral stents. Methods: Twenty-four female porcine models were used. A 4.7-Fr ureteral stent was placed in all right ureters and kept in place for 6 weeks. Follow-ups were performed on weeks 1, 3, 6, and 12. Ultrasonography, cystoscopy, and fluoroscopy were used to analyze grade of hydronephrosis, presence and grade of vesicoureteral reflux, bacteriuria, and macroscopic changes of the ureteral orifices. Vesicoureteral reflux was classified using a modification of the International Reflux Study Committee grades. Results: 91.7% animals present vesicoureteral reflux, 89.5% grade IA, 3.5% grade IB, and 7% grade II. There is a significant increase in reflux during follow-ups at 3 and 6 weeks, whereas 6 weeks after removal, 26.3% of the ureters still present vesicoureteral reflux. Hydronephrosis and macroscopic changes of the ureteral orifice increase significantly with stenting, but there is no significant association between them and vesicoureteral reflux; the relationship between bacteriuria and the presence of vesicoureteral reflux is not significant either. Conclusion: Vesicoureteral reflux caused by ureteral stents in an animal model is mostly low grade and mainly affects the distal ureter.
Symptoms and Well-Being in Older Hospitalized Patients with Cognitive Impairment, As Self-Reported and Reported in Patient Records: A Quantitative Exploratory Subgroup Analysis
Authors: Johansson Yvonne A. , Gillsjö Catharina , Kenne Sarenmalm Elisabeth
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Given the aging population and the high prevalence of cognitive impairment in older hospitalized patients, it is essential to provide good fundamental care to these vulnerable patients, who easily might be affected by poor outcomes as delirium. Risk factors for delirium are, for example, cognitive impairment, old age, pain, and sleep deprivation. Different symptoms are often unidentified in hospitals, and associated with poor well-being, but this is rarely studied in older patients with cognitive impairment. The study aim was to examine symptoms and sense of well-being in older hospitalized patients with cognitive impairment, as self-reported and reported in patient records. Methods: Exploratory quantitative subgroup (n = 25) analysis of a point-prevalence study (n = 210). Inclusion criteria were age ≥65, and cognitive impairment. Data were collected through structured interviews, validated instruments, and patient records. Associations between well-being and symptoms, and concordance between the occurrence of self-reported symptoms and symptoms reported in patient records were analyzed. Results: The patients reported severe and distressing symptoms that were sparsely reported (14%) in their records. As well were cognitive impairment, and the patients’ own descriptions of their well-being. Some symptoms and the total symptom burden were associated with poor well-being. Discussion/Conclusion: To our knowledge, this hypothesis-generating study is one of few studies that describe both symptoms and well-being as self-reported and reported in patient records, in vulnerable patients due to old age, cognitive impairment, and hospitalization. Despite the limited sample size, the results indicate that symptoms were more insufficient alleviated in these patients compared to patients with normal cognitive function in other studies. To our knowledge, this has not been shown previously. Additionally, patients’ own experiences were sparsely reported in their records. A larger sample size and longitudinal design has the potential to determine if symptom alleviation differs between patients with and without cognitive impairment, and if a total symptom burden increases the risk of poor outcomes as delirium in vulnerable patients.
Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, and Procalcitonin for Early Diagnosis and Prediction of Death in Elderly Patients with Suspicion of Sepsis in the Emergency Department, Based on Sepsis-3 Definition
Authors: Devia Jaramillo German , Ibáñez Pinilla Milciades
Published: May 2021

Background: Sepsis is a disease with a high mortality rate without prompt treatment. However, this entity is difficult to diagnose in the elderly population in the emergency room; for this reason, it is necessary to have diagnostic tools for early detection. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the highest diagnostic yield of procalcitonin (PCT), Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) for sepsis (based on the sepsis-3 consensus), on admission at the emergency department, in those older than 65 years. Methods: This is a diagnostic test study of a historical cohort of 65-year-old patients with suspected sepsis. Results: In the sample of 179 patients, 53.6% had confirmed sepsis. Significant differences were found (p < 0.0001), with a greater diagnostic and predictive capacity of PCT for the diagnosis of sepsis (receiver operating characteristics curve area [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.883, 95% CI: 0.835–0.931] than qSOFA (AUC = 0.559, 95% CI: 0.485–0.663) and SOFA (AUC = 0.662, 95% CI: 0.584–0.739); these results were similar in the cohort of patients ≥75 years. In positive PCT(≥0.5 ng/mL), the sensitivity was 71.8% (95% CI: 62.36–81.39), specificity of 89.1% (95% CI: 81.87–96.45%), V+ 88.4% (95% CI: 80.73–96.19%), V− of 73.2% (95% CI: 64.14–82.39%), positive likelihood ratio of 6.63 (95% CI: 3.53–12.44), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.32 (95% CI: 0.23–0.44); these results were similar in the cohort of patients ≥75 years. Lactate ≥2 mmol/L (RR = 1.659 [95% CI: 1.002–2.747]) and PCT ≥0.5 ng/mL (RR = 1.942 [95% CI: 1.157–3.261]) showed a significant association with in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: In the elderly population with suspicion of infection on admission to the emergency department, qSOFA presents a low diagnostic performance of confirmed sepsis and in-hospital mortality, for which other tools with higher diagnostic and prognostic performance should be added, such as PCT and lactate.
Association between Diabetes Mellitus and Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 1.1 Million Contrast Exposure Patients
Authors: Liu Liwei , Liang Yan , Li Huangqiang , Lun Zhubin , Ying Ming , Chen Shiqun , Chen Guanzhong , Liu Jin , Ling Yihang , Xin Shaojun , Chen Jiyan , Liu Yong
Published: May 2021

Background: Although diabetes mellitus (DM) has been a common risk factor of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) for a long time, several current studies showed that DM is not an independent risk factor. Due to this diverse finding, we aim to conduct a systematic review assessing the effect of DM on CA-AKI. Methods: We searched Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (to June 1, 2020) for studies assessing the association between DM and CA-AKI. Random meta-analysis was performed to derive the pooled estimates of the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 84 studies involving 1,136,827 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The presence of DM was associated with an higher risk of CA-AKI (pooled OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.48–1.70, I2 = 64%). Furthermore, the predictive effect of elevated CA-AKI for was stronger in the subgroup of DM patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.21–4.51), while the relationship between DM and CA-AKI was not significant in subgroup patients without CKD (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.73–1.72). Conclusion: This is the first meta-analysis to prove that DM is an independent risk factor of CA-AKI in patients. While the predictive value of DM for CA-AKI in patients with normal kidney function was weakened, more protective treatments are needed in diabetic patients with kidney dysfunction to avoid the occurrence of CA-AKI.
Neuartige Wirkstoffabgabesysteme für die Glaukomtherapie: Hürden und Lösungsansätze für die Formulierung
Authors: Rahić Ognjenka , Tucak Amina , Omerović Naida , Sirbubalo Merima , Hindija Lamija , Hadžiabdić Jasmina , Vranić Edina
Published: May 2021

Das Glaukom gilt als eins der größten gesundheitlichen Probleme weltweit. Es ist die häufigste vermeidbare Erblindungsursache – zum Einen, weil es in der Frühphase asymptomatisch bleibt, zum Anderen wegen mangelnder Therapietreue der Patienten. Es gibt bei der Behandlung des Glaukoms verschiedene Herangehensweisen, die jeweils auf den Einzelfall abgestimmt werden müssen. Die erste Therapielinie ist eine medikamentöse Behandlung. Da jedoch die herkömmlichen Darreichungsformen zahlreiche Nachteile aufweisen, wird intensiv an der Entwicklung neuartiger Wirkstoffabgabesysteme für die Glaukomtherapie gearbeitet. Die vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit gibt einen Überblick über Lösungsansätze und Strategien bei der Entwicklung von Darreichungsformen wie in situ gelierenden Systemen, Nanosystemen, okulären Inserten, Kontaktlinsen, Cornea Shields aus Kollagen, okulären Implantaten, Mikronadeln und Iontophoresesystemen. Ergänzend werden Ergebnisse von Studien zur Wirksamkeit dieser Wirkstoffabgabesysteme kurz vorgestellt.
Ibrutinib zur Behandlung der chronischen lymphatischen Leukämie im Setting eines respiratorischen Versagens infolge einer schweren COVID-19-Infektion: Fallbericht und Literaturübersicht
Authors: Yuh Lin Adam , Cuttica Michael J. , Ison Michael G. , Gordon Leo I.
Published: May 2021

Ibrutinib ist ein bekannter Inhibitor der Bruton-Tyrosinkinase (BTK) und der Interleukin-2-induzierbaren T-Zell-Kinase (ITK), der zur Behandlung von B-Zell-Erkrankungen (chronische lymphatische Leukämie [CLL] und verschiedene andere Lymphome) und der chronischen Graft-versus-Host-Erkrankung nach allogener Transplantation von hämatopoetischen Zellen eingesetzt wird. Da es als immunsuppressiv gilt, stellt sich bei Patienten mit einer aktiven Infektion häufig die Frage nach einer Fortführung der Ibrutinib-Therapie, und im Zusammenhang mit der Coronavirus-Erkrankung 2019 (COVID-19) ist diese Entscheidung besonders schwierig. In der vorliegenden Arbeit beschreiben wir einen Patienten mit CLL, der mit Ibrutinib behandelt wurde und im weiteren Verlauf eine schwere COVID-19-Infektion entwickelte, die eine mechanische Beatmung erforderlich machte. Wir beschlossen, die Gabe von Ibrutinib noch am Tag der Intubation fortzusetzen, mit der Argumentation, dass die BTK-Inhibition in myeloischen Immunzellen nachgewiesenermaßen die influenza-vermittelte akute Lungenschädigung verringert oder sogar umkehrt und dass die ITK-Inhibition in T-Zellen mit einer Reduzierung der Virusreplikation korreliert und daher in diesem Setting von Nutzen sein könnte. Darüber hinaus hat sich gezeigt, dass Ibrutinib auch Kinasen der Src-Familie blockiert, was möglicherweise ein verringertes Eindringen der Viren zur Folge hat und zu einer verminderten inflammatorischen Zytokinreaktion in der Lunge führt. Der Patient wurde nach 9 Tagen und einem komplizierten stationären Verlauf extubiert und schließlich unter Raumluftatmung entlassen. Die einzige Möglichkeit, solche Entscheidungen rational zu untermauern und ähnliche potenziell vielversprechende Hinweise in dieser Pandemie zu untersuchen, sind sorgfältig durchgeführte klinische Studien.
CLL: Was Bruton-Kinase-Inhibitoren der 2. Generation leisten können
Authors: Welslau Manfred
Published: May 2021

Treatment standards for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have been transformed with the advent of effective inhibitors of B-cell receptor signaling such as ibrutinib – a first-in-class inhibitor of BTK. Off-target kinase inhibitions by ibrutinib are thought to contribute to its adverse events. Zanubrutinib is a next-generation BTK inhibitor with minimal off-target effects, sustained BTK occupancy in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymph nodes from patients with B-cell malignancies and promising responses in patients with CLL. Described here is a head-to-head Phase III study comparing the efficacy and safety of zanubrutinib with those of ibrutinib in patients with CLL/small lymphocytic lymphoma in the relapsed/refractory setting.
The male of an unknown species of Pennellidae (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida) parasitic on the branchial lamellae of the limpid-wing flyingfish Cheilopogon unicolor (Valenciennes, 1847) (Pisces, Exocoetidae)
Authors: Izawa Kunihiko
Published: May 2021

The male of an unknown species of Pennellidae is described based on a single specimen parasitic on the branchial lamellae of the limpid-wing flyingfish Cheilopogon unicolor (Valenciennes, 1847) (Pisces, Exocoetidae). The male has a 1-segmented abdomen and biramous legs 1 and 2, as well as uniramous legs 3 and 4; the rami of all legs are 2-segmented.
Performing Exoticism and the Transnational Reception of World Cinema
Authors: Berghahn Daniela
Published: May 2021

This article examines why exoticism is central to thinking about the global dynamics of world cinema and its transnational reception. Offering a theoretical discussion of exoticism, alongside the closely related concepts of autoethnography and cultural translation, it proposes that the exotic gaze is a particular mode of aesthetic perception that is simultaneously anchored in the filmic text and elicited in the spectator in the process of transnational reception. Like world cinema, exoticism is a travelling concept that depends on mobility and the crossing of cultural boundaries to come into existence. The visual pleasure afforded by exotic cinema’s sumptuous style is arguably the chief vehicle that allows world cinema to travel and be understood, or misunderstood, as the case may be, by transnational audiences who are potentially disadvantaged by a hermeneutic deficit of culturally specific knowledge when trying to understand films from outside their own cultural sphere.
Evangelicals and public worship, 1965 – 2005
Authors: Bebbington David W.
Published: May 2021

Evangelicals altered their patterns of public worship drastically between 1965 and 2005. In the late 1960s worship was set apart as spiritual, there was a focus on the word and services were marked by regularity. The liturgical movement encouraged greater formality, more clericalism, less restricted access to communion services, ecumenical borrowings and an erosion of anti-Catholic inhibitions. More influential, however, was an expressive revolution fostering greater informality. Women became more prominent, the taste of young people came to the fore, technical equipment was introduced, charismatic renewal made an impact, the physical came into vogue, the visual was upgraded relative to the verbal and there was a rise of the ideal of authenticity. Despite stern resistance to change in some quarters, there was in most congregations a transition from one style of worship to another.
The ascension of Jesus and the descent of the Holy Spirit in patristic perspective: a theological reading
Authors: Kapic Kelly M. , Vander Lugt Wesley
Published: May 2021

Scripture is replete with the antithesis of descent and ascent, and the early Church Fathers often employed this framework for understanding the relationship between the ascension of Jesus and the sending (descent) of the Holy Spirit. This essay outlines how many of the early Fathers saw an inseparable connection between the bodily ascension of Christ and the gift of the Spirit at Pentecost. While not normally denying the historical reality of these events, their main emphasis was theological rather than merely historical. In this way the Fathers creatively attempted to relate their Christology to their pneumatology without allowing one to swallow the other.
Immanuel Kant’s demythologization of Christian theories of atonement in Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone
Authors: Benner Drayton C.
Published: May 2021

In his Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone, Immanuel Kant interacts in a veiled way with Christian theology. In particular, he demythologizes three main Christian theories of the atonement, namely the ransom theory, the satisfaction-substitution theory, and the moral example and influence theory. In each case, Kant substitutes Jesus’ role in the particular atonement theory with that of each individual. Kant’s reasons for this demythologization include his failure to find meaning in history and his unwavering commitment to individual moral autonomy. Kant’s demythologizing programme sacrifices the uniqueness of the person of Christ and the power of the work of Christ.
Triumph and delay: the interpretation of Revelation 19:11–20:10
Authors: Campbell R. Alastair
Published: May 2021

The vision of Christ riding at the head of his armies (Rev. 19:11-21) has commonly been understood to depict the Second Coming and to mark the start of a new section of Revelation that goes on to describe the Millennium and final judgement. This article argues that by using the imagery of a Roman triumph the vision depicts not the Second Coming but the victory of Christ over Babylon. As such it is to be seen as the climax of the preceding vision and not as the start of a new section. This opens the way to seeing the Millennium not as the sequel to the Parousia but as a symbol for the delay that Christians must expect before God’s kingdom comes in its fullness. During this time the nations are won for Christ and the Church triumphs through its sufferings.
Raptured or not raptured? That is the question.
Authors: Bennett David Malcolm
Published: May 2021

This paper examines whether Left Behind ideas such as the pretribulation rapture can be found in a sermon by Ephraem (or Pseudo-Ephraem) and the teachings of Fra Dolcino. It the former case it would appear to be an instance of reading a modern idea into an ancient document, as the preacher’s methods and theology are very different from Left Behind. When it comes to Dolcino the matter is complicated by the fact that his ideas come to us via his opponents. However, they do present a teaching very similar to a pretribulation rapture plus some other Left Behind-like ideas, though he does not seem to have been premillennial. However, whether all this truly reflects Dolcino’s views is unknown.
Understanding Islam – in the light of Bullinger and Wesley
Authors: Stephens W. P.
Published: May 2021

The paper examines what Bullinger and Wesley say about Islam and elements in their theology relevant to relations with those of other faiths. Bullinger regarded Islam as a Christian heresy. He argues that Muslims do not confess a single article of the Christian faith and are guilty of inhuman cruelty. Wesley’s comments are brief, though also critical. After arguing that Scripture does not damn all heathen outside God’s people, Bullinger considers non-biblical heathen. He draws particularly on Romans 1 and 2 and Cornelius. Wesley appears not to distinguish heathen before and after Christ. He sees Muslims as not having heard the gospel, so that certain texts do not apply. Final judgment belongs to God not us. He is God of all, not of some. His attitude to all is one of mercy. He judges according to the light people have. The conclusion notes various similarities and differences.
Towards an ecological eschatology: continuity and discontinuity
Authors: Innes Keith
Published: May 2021

The power of eschatology to motivate ecological responsibility depends largely on a proper balance between continuity and discontinuity in our understanding of the future for God’s people and for the created world, of the resurrection and the new heaven and earth. This balance, which is situated within the future aspect of the tension between realised and future eschatology, does in fact exist in the New Testament and has been recognised in much recent theological study. Therefore our faith in God’s future redemptive purposes should motivate us to play our part in the Church’s ecological mission.
‘Who then is this?’ – christological questions in Mark 4:35 – 5:43
Authors: Brower Kent
Published: May 2021

The four sequential miracle stories in Mark 4:35 – 5:43 are structured and linked to enhance the growing description of Jesus’ identity in Mark. They confirm Mark’s view that Jesus is the Holy One of God who acts as God acts. He is re-configuring the people of God around himself to be with him and on his mission under his authority. Together these stories give further support to Richard Bauckham’s view that Mark pictures Jesus as sharing the divine identity of Israel’s God while not transgressing the monotheistic views of the second temple period.
Predestination in the century before Gottschalk (Part 2)
Authors: Gumerlock Francis X.
Published: May 2021

Scholarship often regards the predestinarian ninth-century monk, Gottschalk of Orbais, as one who stood virtually alone promoting the sovereignty of God in a time when Semi-pelagian soteriology ruled supreme. An investigation of the literature of the eighth and early ninth centuries challenges that view. Many church leaders in the century before Gottschalk taught divine predestination as a decree that prepares, grants, and secures the salvation of God’s elect rather than a decree based upon divine foreknowledge of human decisions regarding salvation. Based upon evidence that debate about predestination existed and intensified in the decades prior to Gottschalk’s ministry, an alternative view of Gottschalk’s role in the history of Christianity is suggested. It is probably more accurate to view him as a ‘fall guy’ than a theological maverick.
Sanctification and union with Christ: a Reformed perspective
Authors: Fesko J. V.
Published: May 2021

This essay sets forth a précis of the Reformed doctrine of sanctification explaining the doctrine and its relationship to the rest of the order of salvation, especially justification. The key to the Reformed doctrine of sanctification is to recognize that holiness and sanctity finds its source in union with Christ but also to recognize the priority of justification over sanctification. Greater sanctity in the Christian life is found, not in the believer’s good works, but in seeking Christ by faith alone through the means of grace (word, sacraments, and prayer). The essay also interacts with and critiques the doctrine of definitive sanctification as espoused chiefly by the late John Murray.
‘Don’t be late!’ Assessing the cost of missing the prologue in the gospel of Mark
Authors: Nightingale Danelle
Published: May 2021

This essay addresses the role of the prologue in the Gospel of Mark and seeks to assess the impact the prologue has on the whole of the gospel. It begins with discussion regarding the original audience of Mark’s gospel and an exploration into the manner in which the gospel would have been received in its first setting. An analysis of the content of the prologue is then followed by a summary of the gospel from the perspective of the disciples. By looking at the difference between a disciple receiving the whole of the gospel, and one receiving the gospel without the prologue, the import of the prologue to the whole of the gospel is explored. The essay concludes with an analysis of the cost involved in missing the opening of Mark’s gospel.
Sex, truth and tolerance: some theological reflections on the Irish Civil Partnership Bill 2010 and challenges facing Christians in a post-Christendom culture
Authors: Mitchel Patrick
Published: May 2021

This paper uses the 2010 Irish Civil Partnership Bill as a lens by which to describe and explore different Christian approaches to public theology in general. Interacting especially with the work of John Stackhouse, it analyses the reasoning behind Evangelical Alliance Ireland’s (EAI) support of the Bill and concludes that it represents a Christian Realist position. Various other public responses to the Bill highlighted two other theological frameworks shaping alternative negative Christian responses to the Bill; what Stackhouse calls ‘cultural transformationalist’ and ‘holy distinctness’ views. It concludes that a credible public theology has to attempt to bridge a hermeneutical gap between the realm of personal ethics and the complex realities of a modern, democratic plural state and that this will seldom be easy or obvious. Inevitable disagreement poses challenges for Christians of how to engage with their ‘Other’ as well as with fellow Christians operating within different theological frameworks.
Does regeneration precede faith? The use of 1 John 5:1 as a proof text
Authors: Abasciano Brian J.
Published: May 2021

A number of scholars have appealed to the Greek tenses of 1 John 5:1 as definitive proof that the verse teaches that regeneration precedes faith. But this argument is untenable. The purposes of the present article are (1) to draw attention to the falsity of the argument and to explain why it is invalid, and (2) to counter the contention that the underlying concern of the grammatical argument (i.e., that 1 John 5:1 implies that regeneration precedes faith) can be rescued by appeal to a pattern in 1 John of indicating the results of regeneration. It is questionable whether the tenses in 1 John 5:1 suggest any chronological or causal relationship between faith and regeneration since some grammarians deny that Greek tenses grammaticalize time, and more importantly, one of the tenses in the passage occurs in a substantival participle, which can be devoid of time significance. If the tenses are temporally related, as seems most probable, then Greek grammar suggests either that believing and being begotten of God are portrayed as contemporaneous, or perhaps more likely, that believing logically precedes being begotten of God. Invocation of statements elsewhere in 1 John indicating the results of regeneration does not rescue 1 John 5:1 as a proof text for regeneration preceding faith because of, inter alia, the distinctive and crucial role of faith in the epistle and Johannine theology.
Towards a biblical understanding and assessment of revival
Authors: Scotland Nigel
Published: May 2021

Many books and articles have been written which describe particular moves of God as ‘revival’ but without offering any attempt to define the meaning of the term or to offer criteria by which the term could be assessed. This article offers nine biblical criteria by which revival may be both defined and assessed.
A Postconservative Evangelical Response to Panentheism
Authors: Olson Roger E.
Published: May 2021

The concept ‘panentheism’ is undergoing a dramatic evolution in Christian theology. Whereas it once meant that God is essentially non-voluntarily dependent on the world, it is being expanded in contemporary theology to include a wider spectrum of views of the God-world relation. Of special interest is so-called ‘Christian panentheism’, a qualified view and via media between classical theism and traditional panentheism. Today it is important to investigate what is meant when a person affirms ‘panentheism’; nothing can be assumed.
Reinstatement of Alysicarpus pokleanus (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae: Desmodieae) based on ITS sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA

Authors: KASANA SHRUTI , DWIVEDI MAYANK D. , PANDEY ARUN K.
Published: May 2021

In the present communication, we evaluated the taxonomic status of Alysicarpus pokleanus Gholami & Pandey using nrDNA ITS sequences. Molecular and morphological diagnosis are provided which suggest reinstatement of A. pokleanus from the synonymy of A. hamosus.
A survey of East Palaearctic Gnaphosidae (Araneae). 11. New data on Gnaphosidae (Araneae) from Tajikistan
Authors: FOMICHEV ALEXANDER A. , MARUSIK YURI M.
Published: May 2021

Three new species namely Drassodex tajikistanicus sp. n. (♂), Zelotes anatolyi sp. n. (♂) and Zelotes khatlonicus sp. n. (♂♀) are described from Khatlon Region of Tajikistan. A new combination is proposed as Poecilochroa hamipalpis (Kroneberg, 1875) comb. n. (ex. Echemus), accompanied with a redescription of the species. Nomisia palaestina (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872), a species previously known from Greece to Iran is recorded in Tajikistan (and Central Asia) for the first time, which is the northeasternmost record of this species globally. Descriptions, figures, diagnoses and local distribution maps of the treated species are provided.
Four new epigean spiders of the genus Cybaeus (Araneae: Cybaeidae) from South Korea
Authors: LEE SUE YEON , YOO JUNG SUN , KIM SEUNG TAE
Published: May 2021

The males of four new species of Cybaeus L. Koch, 1868 (Cybaeus yeongwolensis sp. nov., Cybaeus culter sp. nov., Cybaeus vanimaculatus sp. nov., and Cybaeus pseudoauriculatus sp. nov.) are described from leaf litter habitats in South Korea. We provide diagnoses, detailed descriptions, a key to the males of Korean Cybaeus species, and a distribution map for these new species. They appear to be endemic to South Korea and were collected from mixed forests in hilly and mountainous terrain.
A new species of Eusphalerum Kraatz, 1857 from the Eocene Baltic amber (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Omaliinae)
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY V. , KAIRIŠS KRISTAPS
Published: May 2021

A new species of the genus Eusphalerum Kraatz, 1857 (Omaliinae) from the Eocene Baltic amber is described and illustrated: Eu. bukejsi Shavrin, sp.n. The specimen was studied using X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT), to obtain images of the habitus, body parts and aedeagus. Based on the shape of the aedeagus, it was compared with East Asian species of pollens and japonicum groups.
Description of a new species of the genus Ruspolia (Schulthess, 1898) (Conocephalinae: Copiphorini) from Kashmir, India
Authors: SHAH MUZAMIL SYED , USMANI MOHD. KAMIL , ALI MOHD , DAR AFAQ AHMAD
Published: May 2021

Karny (1912) proposed the tribe Copiphorini within the subfamily Conocephalinae, family Tettigoniidae. Copiphorini is one of the four tribes of Conocephalinae. The members of this tribe are characterized by slanting head shape and notched frons. The specimens for this study were collected in different regions of the Kashmir valley in the year 2020. A brief morphological description of the genus and new species is given. Also, a key to Indian species is provided. The type specimen has been deposited in the Museum of Zoology Department AMU.
The influence of surface heat fluxes on the growth of idealized monsoon
Authors: Diaz Michael , Boos William R.
Published: May 2021

This study explores the effect of surface sensible and latent heat fluxes on monsoon depressions using a series of idealized convection-permitting simulations. Each experiment is initialized with a small amplitude wave that is allowed to grow within an environment representative of the South Asian monsoon. Comparing experiments with and without interactive surface heat fluxes, it is found that these fluxes enhance the growth of the simulated vortices. Without interactive surface fluxes, the strengthening period is short and the vortices fail to reach intensities characteristic of stronger monsoon depressions. Using a large set of experiments in which the vertical and meridional shear are systematically varied, it is found that surface heat fluxes enhance intensity the most when the upper-level shear is weak, the lower-level shear and associated moist static energy (MSE) gradient are sufficiently steep, and the lower-level meridional shear is strong. These experiments reveal two different regimes of convection-coupled monsoon depression growth: one in which convection is driven by MSE advection and one in which it is driven by surface heat fluxes and quasi-geostrophic forcing for ascent. Both regimes require sufficiently strong meridional shear to achieve initial growth by barotropic instability.
Deforestation strengthens atmospheric transport of mineral dust and phosphorus from North Africa to the Amazon
Authors: Li Yue , Randerson James T. , Mahowald Natalie M. , Lawrence Peter J.
Published: May 2021

Phosphorus contained in atmospheric mineral dust aerosol originating from Africa fertilizes tropical forests in Amazonia. However, the mechanisms influencing this nutrient transport pathway remain poorly understood. Here we use the Community Earth System Model to investigate how large-scale deforestation affects mineral dust aerosol transport and deposition in the tropics. We find that the surface biophysical changes that accompany deforestation produce a warmer, drier and windier surface environment that perturbs atmospheric circulation and enhances long-range dust transport from North Africa to the Amazon. Tropics-wide deforestation weakens the Hadley circulation, which in turn, leads to a northward expansion of the Hadley cell and increases surface air pressure over the Sahara Desert. The high pressure anomaly over the Sahara, in turn, increases northeasterly winds across North Africa and the tropical North Atlantic Ocean, which subsequently increases dust transport to the South America continent. We estimate that the annual atmospheric phosphorus deposition from dust significantly increases by 27% (P < 0.01) in the Amazon under a scenario of complete deforestation. These interactions exemplify how land surface changes can modify tropical nutrient cycling, which in turn, may have consequences for long-term changes in tropical ecosystem productivity and biodiversity.
Developments in radiation techniques for thoracic malignancies
Authors: Finazzi Tobias , Schneiders Famke L. , Senan Suresh
Published: May 2021

Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of modern lung cancer treatment alongside surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Advances in radiotherapy techniques have enhanced the accuracy of radiation delivery, which has contributed to the evolution of radiation therapy into a guideline-recommended treatment in both early-stage and locally advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer. Furthermore, although radiotherapy has long been used for palliation of disease in advanced lung cancer, it is increasingly having a role as a locally ablative treatment in patients with oligometastatic disease.

This review provides an overview of recent developments in radiation techniques, particularly for non-radiation oncologists who are involved in the care of lung cancer patients. Technical advances are discussed, and findings of recent clinical trials are highlighted, all of which have led to a changing perception of the role of radiation therapy in multidisciplinary care.
New developments in locally advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Huber Rudolf M. , Kauffmann-Guerrero Diego , Hoffmann Hans , Flentje Michael
Published: May 2021

Locally advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer, due to its varying prognosis, is grouped according to TNM stage IIIA, IIIB and IIIC. Developments over the last 3 years have been focused on the integration of immunotherapy into the combination treatment of a locally definitive therapy (surgery or radiotherapy) and chemotherapy. For concurrent chemoradiotherapy, consolidation therapy with durvalumab was established. Adjuvant targeted therapy has again gained increasing interest. In order to adapt treatment to the specific stage subgroup and its prognosis, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography and pathological evaluation of the mediastinum are important. Tumours should be investigated for immunological features and driver mutations. Regarding toxicity, evaluation of pulmonary and cardiac function, as well as symptoms and quality of life, is of increasing importance. To improve the management and prognosis of this heterogeneous entity, clinical trials and registries should take these factors into account.
The relationship between financial hardship and incident diabetic kidney disease in older US adults – a longitudinal study
Authors: Corwin Timothy R. , Ozieh Mukoso N. , Garacci Emma , Palatnik Anna , Egede Leonard E.
Published: May 2021

Background

Financial hardship is associated with poor health, however the association of financial hardship and incident diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is unknown. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal relationship between financial hardship and incident DKD among older adults with diabetes.

Methods

Analyses were conducted in 2735 adults age 50 or older with diabetes and no DKD using four waves of data (2006–2012) from the Health and Retirement Study, a national longitudinal cohort. The primary outcome was incident DKD. Financial hardship was based on three measures: 1) difficulty paying bills; 2) food insecurity; and 3) cost-related medication non-adherence using validated surveys. A dichotomous financial hardship variable (0 vs 1 or more) was constructed based on all three measures. Cox regression models were used to estimate the association between financial hardship, change in financial hardship experience and incident DKD adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities.

Results

During the median follow-up period of 4.1 years, incident DKD rate was higher in individuals with versus without financial hardship (41.2 versus 27/1000 person years). After adjustment, individuals with financial hardship (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.04–1.68) had significantly increased likelihood of developing DKD compared to individuals without financial hardship. Persistent financial hardship (adjusted HR 1.52 95% CI 1.06–2.18) and negative financial hardship (adjusted HR 1.54 95% CI 1.02–2.33) were associated with incident DKD compared with no financial hardship experience. However, positive financial hardship was not statistically significant in unadjusted and adjusted (adjusted HR 0.89 95% CI 0.55–1.46) models. Cost-related medication non-adherence (adjusted HR 1.43 95% CI 1.07–1.93) was associated with incident DKD independent of other financial hardship measures.

Conclusions

Financial hardship experience is associated with a higher likelihood of incident DKD in older adults with diabetes. Future studies investigating factors that explain the relationship between financial hardship and incident DKD are needed.
The value of conventional radiographs for diagnosing internal fixation-associated infection
Authors: Li Cheng , Renz Nora , Trampuz Andrej , Ojeda-Thies Cristina
Published: May 2021

Background

The aim of the study is to  assess the diagnostic value of preoperative conventional radiographs for diagnosing infection associated with internal fixation devices.

Methods

We prospectively collected data of patients undergoing removal of internal fixation devices for any reason. Infection was diagnosed in case of purulence, sinus tract, positive histopathology and/or positive peri-implant tissue or sonication fluid culture. In radiographs radiolucent lines, implant breakage or displacement, or periosteal reaction were assessed. White blood cell count (WBC) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined at admission.

Results

We included 421 surgeries in 380 patients (median age 53.6 years, range 11–98 years), mainly indicated for infection (24.9%), nonunion (20.0%) and symptomatic implants (13.5%). Radiologic signs of infection included radiolucent lines (11.4%); implant breakage (12.4%) or displacement (10.7%); and periosteal reaction (7.1%). Infection was confirmed in 116 cases (27.6%). Only radiolucent lines (OR = 1.86 [95%CI: 1.00–3.38]) and periosteal reaction (OR = 2.48 [95%CI: 1.17–5.26]) were associated with infection, with a low sensitivity (16.4 and 12.1%, respectively), and high specificity (90.5 and 94.8%, respectively). Preoperative WBC and CRP had a sensitivity of 23.0 and 35.3%, and specificity of 91.7 and 89.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

Radiological signs suggestive of infection were uncommon. Radiolucency and periosteal reaction were associated with infection, though with low sensitivity.