bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New to Myanmar: the Rosy Starling Pastor roseus (Aves: Passeriformes: Sturnidae) in the Hkakabo Razi Landscape
Authors: Sein Lin Oo Sai , Kyaw Myint , Hlaing Nay Myo , Renner Swen C.
Published: March 2020

Rosy Starlings Pastor roseus are a widespread species in Europe and Central Asia, have been found in southern Southeast Asia but hardly on passage so far. Here we report a first record of Rosy Starlings from Myanmar, in the Hkakabo Razi Landscape.
Tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelinae) of Davao Region, Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: Medina Milton Norman , Cabras Analyn , Ramillano Harlene , Villanueva Reagan Joseph
Published: March 2020

An assessment of tiger beetles in select mountains of Davao region including Mt. Hamiguitan (MHRWS), Marilog District (MD), Davao City (DC), Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur (SCD), and Davao de Oro (DO) is herein presented. Materials were collected between December 2017 and February 2019 through a combination of opportunistic and standard light trapping methods. Twenty-two species belonging to 9 genera were recorded with 64% endemic in the Philippines. Nine (9) species are recorded from MHRWS, 6 from MD, 8 from DC, 5 SCD, and 14 from DO (formerly Compostela Valley Province). Tiger beetles showed consistent habitat preferences particularly riparian species which includes the genera Calomera, Thopeutica, Therates, Prothyma, Cylindera, and Heptodonta. Strictly arboreal species include Tricondyla, Therates, and Neocollyris. Strict epigeic species include but not limited to the genera Calomera, Tricondyla, Thopeutica, Cylindera, Heptodonta, Neocollyris, and Prothyma. Endemic species such as Heptodonta lumawigi (Wiesner, 1980), Thopeutica (Thopeutica) anichtchenkoi (Wiesner 2015), Thopeutica (Thopeutica) milanae (Wiesner, 1992), Thopeutica (Thopeutica) rolandmuelleri Cassola, 2000 and Thopeutica petertaylori (Medina, Cabras, Wiesner, 2019) prefers a more intact forests while others such as Cylindera (Ifasina) discreta elaphroides (Dokhtouroff 1882), Calomera mindanaoensis (Cassola, 2000) and Necollyris sp. could tolerate disturbed secondary forest even agricultural lands. New distribution record for Heptodonta lumawigi (Wiesner, 1980) and Thopeutica (Thopeutica) milanae (Wiesner, 1992) for Marilog District were also recorded. Ecological data and conservation status of tiger beetles are also presented. Conservation actions are deemed necessary in the remaining green spaces in Davao City that hosts tiger beetle fauna should also be conducted.
An assessment of the conservation status of a presumed extinct tree species Wendlandia angustifolia Wight ex. Hook.f. in southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Muthumperumal Chellam , Balasubramanian Paramasivan , Rasingam Ladan
Published: March 2020

In this study, we carried out an assessment of IUCN conservation status of Wendlandia angustifolia Wight ex. Hook.f. (Rubiaceae), based on field data on populations and distribution status of this species that is narrowly endemic to southern Western Ghats.  This species was earlier presumed to be extinct, however, our data suggests that it should be assigned to the Endangered (EN) category based on the IUCN Red List criteria.
Description of a new subspecies of the genus Microcerotermes Silvestri, 1901 (Amitermitinae: Termitidae: Isoptera) and the first record of another termite species from Meghalaya, India
Authors: Das Khirod Sankar , Choudhury Sudipta
Published: March 2020

A new subspecies, Microcerotermes labioangulatus wahkdaitensis from Meghalaya, India is described.  With the description of this subspecies, the genus Microcerotermes is reported for the time from the state. Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder, 1923 is also recorded for the first time from the state and its morphometrics has been revised.
Didymocarpus bhutanicus W.T. Wang (Gesneriaceae): a new addition to the herbs of India
Authors: Lahiri Subhajit , Dash Sudhansu Sekhar , Das Monalish , Sinha Bipin Kumar
Published: March 2020

Didymocarpus bhutanicus W. T. Wang (Gesneriaceae), an uncommon species from eastern Himalaya, earlier known only from Bhutan reported here as a new record to Indian flora.
Emerging Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Protection for the Omega-3 Fatty Acid Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Authors: Mason R. Preston , Libby Peter , Bhatt Deepak L.
Published: March 2020

Patients with well-controlled LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels still have residual cardiovascular risk associated with elevated triglycerides. Epidemiological studies have shown that elevated fasting triglyceride levels associate independently with incident cardiovascular events, and abundant recent human genetic data support the causality of TGRLs (triglyceride-rich lipoproteins) in atherothrombosis. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), lower blood triglyceride concentrations but likely exert additional atheroprotective properties at higher doses. Omega-3 fatty acids modulate T-cell differentiation and give rise to various prostaglandins and specialized proresolving lipid mediators that promote resolution of tissue injury and inflammation. The REDUCE-IT (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl–Intervention Trial) with an EPA-only formulation lowered a composite of cardiovascular events by 25% in patients with established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus and other cardiovascular risk factors. This clinical benefit likely arises from multiple molecular mechanisms discussed in this review. Indeed, human plaques readily incorporate EPA, which may render them less likely to trigger clinical events. EPA and DHA differ in their effects on membrane structure, rates of lipid oxidation, inflammatory biomarkers, and endothelial function as well as tissue distributions. Trials that have evaluated DHA-containing high-dose omega-3 fatty acids have thus far not shown the benefits of EPA alone demonstrated in REDUCE-IT. This review will consider the mechanistic evidence that helps to understand the potential mechanisms of benefit of EPA.
Loss of MLKL (Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like Protein) Decreases Necrotic Core but Increases Macrophage Lipid Accumulation in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Rasheed Adil , Robichaud Sabrina , Nguyen My-Anh , Geoffrion Michele , Wyatt Hailey , Cottee Mary Lynn , Dennison Taylor , Pietrangelo Antonietta , Lee Richard , Lagace Thomas A. , Ouimet Mireille , Rayner Katey J.
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

During the advancement of atherosclerosis, plaque cellularity is governed by the influx of monocyte-derived macrophages and their turnover via apoptotic and nonapoptotic forms of cell death. Previous reports have demonstrated that programmed necrosis, or necroptosis, of plaque macrophages contribute to necrotic core formation. Knockdown or inhibition of the necrosome components RIPK1 (receptor-interacting protein kinase 1) and RIPK3 (receptor-interacting protein kinase 3) slow atherogenesis, and activation of the terminal step of necroptosis, MLKL (mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein), has been demonstrated in advanced human atherosclerotic plaques. However, whether MLKL directly contributes to lesion development and necrotic core formation has not been investigated.

Approaches and Results:

MLKL expression was knocked down in atherogenic
Apoe
-knockout mice via the administration of antisense oligonucleotides. During atherogenesis,
Mlkl
knockdown decreased both programmed cell death and the necrotic core in the plaque. However, total lesion area remained unchanged. Furthermore, treatment with the MLKL antisense oligonucleotide unexpectedly reduced circulating cholesterol levels compared with control antisense oligonucleotide but increased the accumulation of lipids within the plaque and in vitro in macrophage foam cells. MLKL colocalized with the late endosome and multivesicular bodies in peritoneal macrophages incubated with atherogenic lipoproteins. Transfection with MLKL antisense oligonucleotide increased lipid localization with the multivesicular bodies, suggesting that upon
Mlkl
knockdown, lipid trafficking becomes defective leading to enhanced lipid accumulation in macrophages.

Conclusions:

These studies confirm the requirement for MLKL as the executioner of necroptosis, and as such a significant contributor to the necrotic core during atherogenesis. We also identified a previously unknown role for MLKL in regulating endosomal trafficking to facilitate lipid handling in macrophages during atherogenesis.
MicroRNA-126-3p Inhibits Angiogenic Function of Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells via LAT1 (L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1)-Mediated mTOR (Mammalian Target of Rapamycin) Signaling
Authors: Cao Danting , Mikosz Andrew M. , Ringsby Alexandra J. , Anderson Kelsey C. , Beatman Erica L. , Koike Kengo , Petrache Irina
Published: March 2020

Objective:

MicroRNA-126-3p (miR-126) is required for angiogenesis during organismal development or the repair of injured arterial vasculature. The role of miR-126 in lung microvascular endothelial cells, which are essential for gas exchange and for lung injury repair and regeneration, remains poorly understood. Considering the significant heterogeneity of endothelial cells from different vascular beds, we aimed to determine the role of miR-126 in regulating lung microvascular endothelial cell function and to elucidate its downstream signaling pathways.

Approach and Results:

Overexpression and knockdown of miR-126 in primary human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC) were achieved via transfections of miR-126 mimics and antisense inhibitors. Increasing miR-126 levels in HLMVEC reduced cell proliferation, weakened tube formation, and increased cell apoptosis, whereas decreased miR-126 levels stimulated cell proliferation and tube formation. Whole-genome RNA sequencing revealed that miR-126 was associated with an antiangiogenic and proapoptotic transcriptomic profile. Using validation assays and knockdown approaches, we identified that the effect of miR-126 on HLMVEC angiogenesis was mediated by the LAT1 (L-type amino acid transporter 1), via regulation of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling. Furthermore, downregulation of miR-126 in HLMVEC inhibited cell apoptosis and improved endothelial tube formation during exposure to environmental insults such as cigarette smoke.

Conclusions:

miR-126 inhibits HLMVEC angiogenic function by targeting the LAT1-mTOR signaling axis, suggesting that miR-126 inhibition may be useful for conditions associated with microvascular loss, whereas miR-126 augmentation may help control unwanted microvascular angiogenesis.
Everolimus Rescues the Phenotype of Elastin Insufficiency in Patient Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Kinnear Caroline , Agrawal Rahul , Loo Caitlin , Pahnke Aric , Rodrigues Deivid Carvalho , Thompson Tadeo , Akinrinade Oyediran , Ahadian Samad , Keeley Fred , Radisic Milica , Mital Seema , Ellis James
Published: March 2020

Objective:

Elastin gene deletion or mutation leads to arterial stenoses due to vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. Human induced pluripotent stem cells–derived SMCs can model the elastin insufficiency phenotype in vitro but show only partial rescue with rapamycin. Our objective was to identify drug candidates with superior efficacy in rescuing the SMC phenotype in elastin insufficiency patients.

Approach and Results:

SMCs generated from induced pluripotent stem cells from 5 elastin insufficiency patients with severe recurrent vascular stenoses (3 Williams syndrome and 2 elastin mutations) were phenotypically immature, hyperproliferative, poorly responsive to endothelin, and exerted reduced tension in 3-dimensional smooth muscle biowires. Elastin mRNA and protein were reduced in SMCs from patients compared to healthy control SMCs. Fourteen drug candidates were tested on patient SMCs. Of the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors studied, everolimus restored differentiation, rescued proliferation, and improved endothelin-induced calcium flux in all patient SMCs except one Williams syndrome. Of the calcium channel blockers, verapamil increased SMC differentiation and reduced proliferation in Williams syndrome patient cells but not in elastin mutation patients and had no effect on endothelin response. Combination treatment with everolimus and verapamil was not superior to everolimus alone. Other drug candidates had limited efficacy.

Conclusions:

Everolimus caused the most consistent improvement in SMC differentiation, proliferation and in SMC function in patients with both syndromic and nonsyndromic elastin insufficiency, and offers the best candidate for drug repurposing for treatment of elastin insufficiency associated vasculopathy.
Sellaphora mayrii (Bacillariophyceae), a new diatom from the Argentinean Patagonia

Authors: GARCÍA M. LUJÁN , MORALES EDUARDO A. , MANN DAVID G. , MAIDANA NORA I.
Published: March 2020

A new species of Sellaphora was found in modern and fossil sediments from shallow-lake Laguna Gemelas Este, Santa Cruz, Argentina. The new taxon was studied with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We present a detailed analysis of its morphology, supporting its placement in the genus Sellaphora Mereschkowsky, and report the physico-chemical characteristics of the lake where it was found. Sellaphora mayrii sp. nov. is most similar to S. smirnovii Chudaev & Gololobova, a small-celled species first reported from Russia. Both species have in common the valve outline, but the new species from Argentina has a wider size range and, when observed with electron microscopy, is visibly different regarding stria pattern, central area, and shape of the areolae.
Media Representation of Extreme Event Attribution: A Case Study of the 2011–17 California Drought
Authors: Osaka Shannon , Painter James , Walton Peter , Halperin Abby
Published: March 2020

Extreme event attribution (EEA) is a relatively new branch of climate science combining weather observations and modeling to assess and quantify whether and to what extent anthropogenic climate change altered extreme weather events (such as heat waves, droughts, and floods). Such weather events are frequently depicted in the media, which enhances the potential of EEA coverage to serve as a tool to communicate on-the-ground climate impacts to the general public. However, few academic papers have systematically analyzed EEA’s media representation. This paper helps to fill this literature gap through a comprehensive analysis of media coverage of the 2011–17 California drought, with specific attention to the types of attribution and uncertainty represented. Results from an analysis of five U.S. media outlets between 2014 and 2015 indicate that the connection between the drought and climate change was covered widely in both local and national news. However, legitimate differences in the methods underpinning the attribution studies performed by different researchers often resulted in a frame of scientific uncertainty or disagreement in the media coverage. While this case study shows substantial media interest in attribution science, it also raises important challenges for scientists and others communicating the results of multiple attribution studies via the media.
Political respect for nature
Authors: Krause Sharon R.
Published: March 2020

Political respect for nature is an important part of cultivating a more emancipatory and ecologically sustainable politics. As a political principle, it can supplement respect for persons with institutional mechanisms that formally constrain how human power may be exercised over non-human beings and things and that require us to use our power in ways that are attentive to nature’s well-being along with our own. Moreover, when internalized by citizens as part of their shared political ethos and public culture, respect for nature has the potential to protect against the abuse of power in our interpersonal relations with Earth’s non-human parts. Political respect for nature means acknowledging that non-human beings and things count, that they deserve to be treated according to standards of right and that there are principled limits to how human power may be exercised over them. It means formalizing these constraints in the basic structure of society and fostering a public culture of self-restraint and responsiveness.
Impact of mind mapping on the critical thinking ability of clinical nursing students and teaching application
Authors: Wu Hang-Zhou , Wu Qiu-Ting
Published: March 2020

Objective

We analyzed the impact of mind mapping on the critical thinking ability of clinical nursing students and its use as a teaching application. This study provides reference information for clinical teaching.

Methods

We selected 64 nursing students using convenience sampling. Participants received basic knowledge training of mind mapping in three sessions during the intervention. Questionnaires on critical thinking ability were designed by the researchers, adopting the Chinese version of the Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory. Data collected using the questionnaires included learning strategy function and clinical skill improvement with mind mapping, as well as students’ degree of adaptability to mind mapping. Participants’ critical thinking ability before and after the intervention was analyzed using a paired t-test.

Results

The critical thinking inclination of nursing students was significantly improved after intervention compared with that before the intervention ( t = −0.74). The four dimensions of open-mindedness, inquisitiveness, cognitive maturity, and systematicity among nursing students after the intervention were also significantly improved compared with before the intervention.

Conclusion

Mind mapping is conducive to improving the critical thinking ability of clinical nursing students.
Diagnosis and percutaneous coronary intervention of an anomalous right coronary artery originating from the middle of the left anterior descending artery: a case report
Authors: Perisic Zoran D. , Kostic Tomislav L. , Djindjic Boris J.
Published: March 2020

A single left coronary artery is a very rare anomaly in which only the left coronary artery arises from the aortic trunk by a single coronary ostium and supplies the entire heart. The present report is one of the few describing a patient with an anomalous right coronary artery originating from the middle of the left anterior descending artery. The patient presented with acute myocardial infarction with the culprit lesion on the left circumflex artery. Multivessel angioplasty was successfully performed in a two-step approach: the first for the culprit lesion and the second on the anomalous coronary artery. Decisions about treatment modalities for an anomalous coronary artery should be made only after considering the patient’s clinical characteristics and performing additional imaging diagnostics with a clearly defined coronary anatomy.
The Numerical Method of Lines facilitates the instruction of unsteady heat conduction in simple solid bodies with convective surfaces
Authors: Campo Antonio
Published: March 2020

The present study on engineering education addresses the Method of Lines and its variant the Numerical Method of Lines as a reliable avenue for the numerical analysis of one-dimensional unsteady heat conduction in walls, cylinders, and spheres involving surface convection interaction with a nearby fluid. The Method of Lines transforms the one-dimensional unsteady heat conduction equation in the spatial and time variables x, t into an adjoint system of first-order ordinary differential equations in the time variable t. Subsequently, the adjoint system of first-order ordinary differential equations is channeled through the Numerical Method of Lines and the powerful fourth-order Runge–Kutta algorithm. The numerical solution of the adjoint system of first-order ordinary differential equations can be carried out by heat transfer students employing appropriate routines embedded in the computer codes Maple, Mathematica, Matlab, and Polymath. For comparison, the baseline solutions used are the exact, analytical temperature distributions that are available in the heat conduction literature.
Psychosocial Needs of Released Long-Term Incarcerated Older Adults
Authors: Lares Lisa A. , Montgomery Susanne
Published: March 2020

In the context of mass incarceration, more and more prisoners grow old in U.S. prisons, and with recent changes in legislation more and more are being released. These individuals are often ill-prepared to function in a society that has changed significantly during their incarceration. This qualitative study examines the psychosocial needs of these releasees. Nineteen semistructured interviews took place with adults ages 55-82 who were released from parole and professionals who worked with this population. A grounded theory methods approach was used for data collection, coding, and analyses. Using saturation as a consensus, several themes emerged related to the specific needs and challenges older adults face postincarceration: challenges of parole, challenges of parole specific to older adults, reentry initiative (RI) program success, and quality of life/mental health. The needs of formerly incarcerated adults are complex, and many find themselves in an environment that does not help them with the required adjustments. Many lack ties to the community, having lost contact with friends and family who might assist them at this crucial time. As a result, many older adults released from parole seriously consider reoffending as an option. This article concludes with a discussion of best practice suggestions such as formal RI programs to assist older adults postincarceration in successfully transitioning back into society and policy changes to address the needs of this vulnerable population.
Numerical investigations on the liftoff velocity of H2-air premixed combustion in a micro-cylindrical combustor with gradually changed section area
Authors: Naeemi Saeed , Hashemi Seyed Abdolmehdi
Published: March 2020

Sustaining and stabilizing flames are crucial issues in micro-combustion. In some micro-electro-mechanical systems such as the micro-thermophotovoltaic system, the flame should be formed in the combustion chamber, not outside it (combustion without liftoff). So, study of the liftoff phenomenon is important and vital in these systems. The aim of this study is to evaluate effect of changing combustor section area on the critical liftoff velocity in a micro-cylindrical combustor. For this purpose, the critical liftoff velocities are numerically identified for four combustor configurations (convergent, divergent, convergent-divergent and divergent-convergent combustion chamber). Premixed mixture of hydrogen-air has been used as reactants for the current investigation. Turbulence model implemented in this paper is RNG k-epsilon and combustion reaction was modeled with 10 species and 21 steps scheme using Eddy Dissipation Concept model. Two non-dimensional numbers d1/d2 (inlet to outlet diameter ratio) and d1/d3 (inlet to throat diameter ratio) are defined. For d1/d2 > 1.0, the combustion chamber is convergent, otherwise it is divergent. When d1/d3 > 1.0, the micro combustor is convergent-divergent and for d1/d3 < 1.0, the micro combustor is divergent-convergent. The results indicate that with increasing d1/d2, the liftoff occurs in a lower inlet flow velocity. With varying d1/d3, from 0.71 (2.0/2.8) to 1.0 (2.0/2.0), the liftoff velocity is reduced. Based on the numerical results, it can be said that the use of convergent and convergent-divergent combustion chamber decreases liftoff velocity. Meanwhile, the combustor with diverging and diverging-converging structure can enhance liftoff velocity. In the same condition, critical liftoff velocity of divergent-convergent micro combustor is the highest among all cases and this configuration is appropriate for Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems that work with high inlet velocity.
Decentred Deterrence and the Effects of Social Relations: Explaining Pesticide Regulatory Compliance in China
Authors: Yan Huiqi , Li Juan
Published: March 2020

While many have observed the importance of state regulators to the implementation of law, multiple decentralized regulators are crucial for achieving deterrence and compliance. Informed by the deterrence literature, this study conducts in-depth interviews with 150 Chinese farmers and experts and studies how regulated actors perceive detection possibility and sanction impact and how such perceptions shape compliance. The study finds that farmers perceive considerable deterrence risks from multiple actors, helping to explain their pesticide compliance. The study further finds that such perceived threats are linked to social relations or guanxi between farmers and multiple regulators, which are built on frequency of contact, mutual trust and personalized networks among the actors involved. Social relations or guanxi could help to predict sources of deterrent threats and the degree of tolerance for potentially violent actions. Deterrence and regulatory compliance are frequently enhanced when there are close relations between the regulated and regulators. Policymakers and practitioners might want to create a risk environment by first deliberating the relations between polycentric regulation and the generally authoritarian nature of the Chinese state, understanding the regulatory logic of social relations, and then by determining the relevant third parties and formulating policy incentives for utilizing such threats.
Schumpeterian Entry: Innovation, Exporting, and Growth Aspirations of Entrepreneurs
Authors: Estrin Saul , Korosteleva Julia , Mickiewicz Tomasz
Published: March 2020

We posit that entrepreneurs who engage in strategic activities will have high growth aspirations. Our proposed mechanism is that strategic engagements, specifically product innovation, process innovation and internationalization, open entrepreneurial ventures to learning, and thereby greater growth opportunities. Furthermore, these learning effects are reinforced in research-intensive industrial environments. We apply multilevel random slope estimation for individuals from 74 countries, 2001–2015, to derive results consistent with our hypotheses. The findings are robust to potential reverse causality between strategic behavior and growth aspirations, and to selection bias resulting from strategic engagements being only observed for actual entrepreneurs.
Two-sided linear matrix inequality solution of affine input matrix for feasible discrete finite-time sliding mode control of uncertain nonlinear mechanical machines
Authors: Homaeinezhad Mohammad Reza , Yaqubi Sadeq
Published: March 2020

In this article, a new control method is proposed based on finite-time discrete sliding mode control for uncertain multi-input multi-output systems which are affine to their inputs considering uncertain input multipliers in the case where signs of input gains remain constant over uncertainty spaces. In addition, a method for solving a set of convex control inequalities is introduced. The proposed control strategy is based on merging data obtained from investigation of common candidate Lyapunov functions assigned to various subsystems and their subsequent decoupling based on matrix elementary row operations. Initially, separate sliding functions corresponding to a single degree of freedom are assigned to each subsystem in the overall multi-input multi-output system, which results in obtaining a convex inequality corresponding to input bounds. Stacking the data obtained from various subsystems, the product of the uncertain input gain matrix in input vector is obtained as the middle term in a set of convex inequalities. Subsequently, the convex inequality is solved according to a set of matrix elementary row operations transforming the corresponding input matrix to row echelon form such that the bounds of each input are clearly expressed. Then, based on assigning input bounds proximity factors to each lower bound–upper bound duo, appropriate control inputs are generated. Chattering effects are eliminated as no switching term is included in construction of the control model. Effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using numerical simulations. The implementation of control algorithm using microprocessors is also illustrated, indicating the feasibility of digital application.
Mediating PrEP – Introduction to Special Section
Authors: Mowlabocus Sharif
Published: March 2020

This introduction provides a brief overview of the role that media have played in the public understanding of PrEP, the prophylactic treatment designed to halt HIV transmission. The introduction identifies key work that has been undertaken in this area of research and provides a short summary of the five articles that make up this special section.
A Qualitative Case Study of All-but-Dissertation Students at Risk for Dissertation Noncompletion: A New Model for Supporting Candidates to Doctoral Completion
Authors: Hanson Janet , Loose William , Reveles Ursula
Published: March 2020

This study identified emergent themes from the interview data of at-risk-for-completion doctoral candidates ( N = 13; 59%), from a diverse demographic, who participated in a successful dissertation completion intervention program. The findings revealed four major themes including extrinsic factors, socioemotional, formal structures of the program, and personal development. The findings highlight the need for conscious processes used by vital leaders to develop program design in four key areas of leadership within a framework of open vital systems. Vital leadership acts as proxy agents to influence development of formal structures in the university leading to equity in educational opportunity for all students. Conclusions and parsimonious explicit implications are provided for doctoral program redesign focused on improving graduate student retention and completion rates for diverse student populations.
Citizen Sociolinguistics: A Data Collection Approach for Hard-to-capture Naturally Occurring Language Data
Authors: SturtzSreetharan Cindi
Published: March 2020

Applying an approach termed “citizen sociolinguistics” offers a unique opportunity to capture a large corpus of naturally occurring language data, especially fleeting interactions. Drawing on citizen science innovations in the natural sciences, citizen sociolinguistics recruits and trains scientists to complete data-related tasks such as data collection. Additional benefits of the approach include inclusivity of diverse speakers and capacity to scale projects. Tested procedures for implementing citizen sociolinguistics are described, ethical challenges are considered, and other potential benefits and limitations to engaging the lay public in scientific research around language use are addressed.
Humoral and cellular immune response to Buerger’s disease
Authors: Ehteshamfar Seyed Morteza , Afshari Jalil Tavakkol , Modaghegh Mohammad-Hadi S. , Mahmoudi Mahmoud , Kazemzadeh Gholam Hosein , Kermani Fatemeh Sadeghipour
Published: March 2020

Objective

Thromboangiitis obliterans is a nonatherosclerotic occlusive disease, affecting small to moderate sized arteries of the upper and lower extremities, leading to progressive inflammation and clot formation. However, the role of humoral and cell-mediated immunity in the development of this disease has not been clearly identified. The present study was intended to investigate the humoral and cellular immune response in patients with Buerger’s disease with different disease severity.

Methods

In an observational study, 80 male patients with Buerger’s disease were included and categorized into three groups (mild, moderate, and severe) based on clinical manifestations. After blood sampling, cellular phenotypes were determined, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, immunoglobulins (Ig) A, M, G, and E, as well as C3 and C4 components of the complement system and complement hemolytic activity (CH50) were measured.

Results

The mean age of the patient was 42.85 ± 8.39 years. Pulse abnormality, cold intolerance, and claudication were the most common symptoms. Eleven (13.75%), 46 (57.50%), and 23 (28.75%) patients had mild, moderate, and severe symptoms. Regression analyses showed that the presence of severe symptoms was significantly associated with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C4 levels ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Buerger’s disease in severe cases was associated with increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and abnormal C4 levels. The alterations in these inflammatory biomarkers might be due to a secondary inflammatory response to the presence of ulcer or gangrene and the inflammatory process in patients with severe symptoms.
Spontaneous regression of the abdominal aortic aneurysm in a middle age female patient
Authors: Engin Mesut , Güvenç Orhan , Goncu Mehmet Tuğrul
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is an important cardiovascular disease affecting especially the elderly. Early diagnosis of this disease is particularly important for treatment success. Spontaneous regression of aneurysms has rarely been reported in the literature.

Methods

A 63-year-old female patient was admitted to the internal medicine outpatient clinic with abdominal pain three years ago. A urinary ultrasonography was requested, which revealed no urinary pathology, but an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 5 cm. There were no pathological findings in routine blood tests and physical examination of the patient. Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic angiography showed an infrarenal Abdominal aortic aneurysm of approximately 4.30 × 3.24 cm. Three years later, the patient had come to the hospital for check-up with no complaints. In control computed tomographic angiography, the aneurysm was found to have regressed almost completely (2 × 2.15 cm).

Results and Conclusion

In this case report, to the best of our knowledge, we aimed to share the first spontaneous regression of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in a patient without any systemic disease or use of immunosuppressive medication.
Short-term prognosis of normalising serum potassium following an episode of hypokalaemia in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Aldahl Mette , Polcwiartek Christoffer , Davidsen Line , Kragholm Kristian , Søgaard Peter , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Krogager Maria L
Published: March 2020

Background/ aim

It is well known that patients with chronic heart failure and hypokalaemia have increased mortality risk. We investigated the impact of normalising serum potassium following an episode of hypokalaemia on short-term mortality among patients with chronic heart failure.

Methods and results

We identified 1673 patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure who had a serum potassium measurement under 3.5 mmol/l within 14 days and one year after initiated medical treatment with both loop diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-II receptor blockers. A second serum potassium measurement was required 8–30 days after the episode of hypokalaemia. All-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality was examined within 90 days from the second serum potassium measurement. Mortality was examined according to six predefined potassium groups derived from the second measurement:<3.5 mmol/l (n = 302), 3.5–3.7 mmol/l (n = 271), 3.8–4.1 mmol/l (n = 464), 4.2–4.4 mmol/l (n = 270), 4.5–5.0 mmol/l (n = 272), and 5.1–8.0 mmol/l (n = 94). We used Cox regression to estimate both all-cause mortality risk and cardiovascular mortality, with serum potassium at 3.8–4.1 mmol/l as reference. After 90 days, the all-cause mortality in the six groups was 29.5%, 22.1%, 20.3%, 24.8%, 23.5% and 43.6%, respectively. In multivariable adjusted analysis, patients with serum potassium <3.5 mmol/l (hazard ratio: 1.51; 95% confidence interval: 1.13–2.02) and serum potassium 5.1–8.0 mmol/l (hazard ratio: 2.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.50–3.17) had an increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to the reference. After 90 days, the cardiovascular mortality in the six groups was 19.2%, 17.7%, 14.4%, 18.9%, 18.8% and 34.0%, respectively. In multivariable adjusted analysis, patients with serum potassium 5.1–8.0 mmol/l (hazard ratio: 2.32; 95% confidence interval: 1.51–3.56) had an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to the reference, while serum potassium <3.5 mmol/l (hazard ratio: 1.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.97–1.95) had a trend toward increased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to the reference.

Conclusion

Patients with chronic heart failure and hypokalaemia, who after 8–30 days remained hypokalaemic, had a significantly higher 90-day all-cause mortality risk compared to patients in the reference group (3.8–4.1 mmol/l). Patients with chronic heart failure and hypokalaemia, who after 8–30 days had the serum potassium level increased to a level within 5.1–8.0 mmol/l, had both a significantly higher 90-day all-cause mortality risk and cardiovascular mortality risk compared to patients in the reference group (3.8–4.1 mmol/l).
Effects of graphene layer and gold nanoparticles on sensitivity of humidity sensors
Authors: Bao Jiawei , Hashemi Niloofar , Guo Jingshuai , Hashemi Nicole N.
Published: March 2020

Humidity sensors can be used to monitor body sweat. Here, we studied a humidity sensor that comprised of a graphene layer between two electrodes. The operating principle is that the humidity sensor will respond when vapor reaches the graphene layer from the top. Based on the humidity diffusion, the sensor measures the relative humidity (RH) with different response times. Graphene is a material with high diffusivity and small thickness that can increase the sensitivity of a sensor. Based on the micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) method, we modeled the humidity sensor using COMSOL Multiphysics® transport of diluted species software. Additionally, we used the concentration values from the simulations to determine the relationship between capacitance and relative humidity. The sensitivity was found to be 3.379 × 10−11 pF/%RH for the 4-layer graphene, 1.210 × 10−14 pF/%RH for the 8-layer graphene, and 3.597 × 10−11 pF/%RH for the 16-layer graphene sensor. The sensitivity of 4-layer graphene with gold sensor is 3.872 × 10−13 pF/%RH which is smaller than 4-layer graphene sensor, and graphene with gold nanoparticles shows better response time than 4-layer graphene sensor.
Nomenclature of the magnetoplumbite group
Authors: Holtstam Dan , Hålenius Ulf
Published: March 2020

A nomenclature and classification scheme has been approved by IMA–CNMNC for the magnetoplumbite group, with the general formula A[B12]O19. The classification on the highest hierarchical level is decided by the dominant metal at the 12-coordinated A sites, at present leading to the magnetoplumbite (A = Pb), hawthorneite (A = Ba) and hibonite (A = Ca) subgroups. Two species remain ungrouped. Most cations, with valences from 2+ to 5+, show a strong order over the five crystallographic B sites present in the crystal structure, which forms the basis for the definition of different mineral species. A new mineral name, chihuahuaite, is introduced and replaces hibonite-(Fe).
Comparison of nutritional screening tools to assess nutritional risk and predict clinical outcomes in Mexican patients with digestive diseases
Authors: Chávez-Tostado Mariana , Cervantes-Guevara Gabino , López-Alvarado Sandra Estefanía , Cervantes-Pérez Gabino , Barbosa-Camacho Francisco José , Fuentes-Orozco Clotilde , Hernández-Corona Diana Mercedes , González-Heredia Tonatiuh , Cervantes-Cardona Guillermo Alonso , González-Ojeda Alejandro
Published: March 2020

Background

The prevalence of malnutrition remains high in hospitals but no “gold standard” has been established to identify nutritional risks adequately. The Nutrition Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002), Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), and Controlling Nutritional Status Index (CONUT) are widely used screening tools, but their efficacy has not yet been compared in Mexican patients. Here, we aimed to compare the efficacy of these tools in identifying nutritional risks within the first 48 h of admission in a group of patients with gastrointestinal diseases.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 196 patients. The results of the screening tools, length of hospital stay, serum albumin and cholesterol concentrations, lymphocyte counts, age, body mass index (BMI), complications, and mortality were analyzed. Kappa (κ) statistics were applied to determine the degree of agreement between tools. The performances of the screening tools in predicting complications and mortality were assessed using binary logistic regression.

Results

The NRS-2002, SGA, and CONUT tools identified nutritional risk in 67, 74, and 51% of the patients, respectively. The observed agreements between tools were: NRS2002/SGA, κ = 0.53; CONUT/NRS-2002, κ = 0.42; and SGA/CONUT, κ = 0.36. Within age groups, the best agreement was found in those aged 51–65 years (κ = 0.68). CONUT and length of stay were both predictive for the number of complications. The number of complications and serum cholesterol concentrations were predictive for mortality.

Conclusions

The proportion of patients identified as having nutritional risk was high using all three screening tools. SGA, NRS-2002, and CONUT had similar capacities for screening risk, but the best agreement was observed between NRS-2002 and SGA. Only CONUT predicted complications, but none of these tools performed well in predicting mortality.
Measles and mumps outbreaks in Lebanon: trends and links
Authors: El Zarif Talal , Kassir Mohamed Faisal , Bizri Nazih , Kassir Ghida , Musharrafieh Umayya , Bizri Abdul Rahman
Published: March 2020

Background

Lebanon has experienced several measles and mumps outbreaks in the past 20 years. In this article, a case-based surveillance of both measles and mumps outbreaks in Lebanon was carried out in an attempt to outline factors contributing to the failure of elimination plans and to provide potential solutions. The relationship between the outbreaks of both diseases was described and explored.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study of confirmed cases of measles and mumps in Lebanon between 2003 and 2018 collected from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health Epidemiological Surveillance Unit public database was carried out. The information collected was graphically represented taking into consideration dates of reported cases, age groups affected, and vaccination status.

Results

The mean number of measles cases was 150.25 cases/year in the 1–4 years age group, 87 cases/year in individuals aging between 5 and 14, and 63.68 cases/year in those > 14 years old. In the latter group, only 18.05% were unvaccinated. The mean number of mumps cases was 30.4 cases/year in the < 4 year age group and 53.8 cases/year in the 10–19 years age group. During the study period, every spike in measles cases was followed by a similar spike in mumps. 9.66% of measles cases occurred in individuals who received at least 2 doses of the vaccine, 52.26% in the unvaccinated, and 38% in those whose vaccination status was undetermined.

Conclusions

Measles in Lebanon is a disease of the pediatric population, but adults remain at risk. Outbreaks of mumps followed those of measles and were mainly among adolescents. Presence of a large number of Syrian refugees in the country may further complicate the situation. Vaccination activities need to be intensified.
Modelling of viral load dynamics and CD4 cell count progression in an antiretroviral naive cohort: using a joint linear mixed and multistate Markov model
Authors: Dessie Zelalem G. , Zewotir Temesgen , Mwambi Henry , North Delia
Published: March 2020

Background

Patients infected with HIV may experience a succession of clinical stages before the disease diagnosis and their health status may be followed-up by tracking disease biomarkers. In this study, we present a joint multistate model for predicting the clinical progression of HIV infection which takes into account the viral load and CD4 count biomarkers.

Methods

The data is from an ongoing prospective cohort study conducted among antiretroviral treatment (ART) naïve HIV-infected women in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We presented a joint model that consists of two related submodels: a Markov multistate model for CD4 cell count transitions and a linear mixed effect model for longitudinal viral load dynamics.

Results

Viral load dynamics significantly affect the transition intensities of HIV/AIDS disease progression. The analysis also showed that patients with relatively high educational levels (β = − 0.004; 95% confidence interval [CI]:-0.207, − 0.064), high RBC indices scores (β = − 0.01; 95%CI:-0.017, − 0.002) and high physical health scores (β = − 0.001; 95%CI:-0.026, − 0.003) were significantly were associated with a lower rate of viral load increase over time. Patients with TB co-infection (β = 0.002; 95%CI:0.001, 0.004), having many sex partners (β = 0.007; 95%CI:0.003, 0.011), being younger age (β = 0.008; 95%CI:0.003, 0.012) and high liver abnormality scores (β = 0.004; 95%CI:0.001, 0.01) were associated with a higher rate of viral load increase over time. Moreover, patients with many sex partners (β = − 0.61; 95%CI:-0.94, − 0.28) and with a high liver abnormality score (β = − 0.17; 95%CI:-0.30, − 0.05) showed significantly reduced intensities of immunological recovery transitions. Furthermore, a high weight, high education levels, high QoL scores, high RBC parameters and being of middle age significantly increased the intensities of immunological recovery transitions.

Conclusion

Overall, from a clinical perspective, QoL measurement items, being of a younger age, clinical attributes, marital status, and educational status are associated with the current state of the patient, and are an important contributing factor to extend survival of the patients and guide clinical interventions. From a methodological perspective, it can be concluded that a joint multistate model approach provides wide-ranging information about the progression and assists to provide specific dynamic predictions and increasingly precise knowledge of diseases.