bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Weight Loss on Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome among Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Dileep Anita , Samy Manal Ahmed Faek , Hussain Nazneen , Zain Alabdind Sham
Published: April 2021

Background: The polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disease, which affects women of childbearing age. Its exact etiology is not yet fully understood, but there have been a number of theories and hypotheses which suggested that it is related to multiple factors. However, the most common cause is the insulin resistance, which contributed in development of PCOS and weight gain as well. Aim: This study aims to assess the impact of weight control on the management of PCOS among obese patients. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study conducted on 68 obese PCOS women at different primary healthcare centers in Dubai. Patients were included only if they were following a healthy lifestyle, using metformin (750–1,000 mg) for at least 3–9 months, and lost at least 5.0–10.0% of their baseline body weights. The follow-up period was for 1 year based on their medical records. Data were analyzed and represented as mean ± standard deviation of continues measures, while the χ2 test, independent Student’s t test, and one-way ANOVA test were performed for comparing numerical variables between different groups of categorical variables. p value was considered significant at <0.05. Results: Mean age of the patients was 26.1 ± 6.5 years, and the average baseline BMI was 34.7 ± 4.3 kg/m2. The most frequently reported clinical feature of PCOS was irregular menstruation (n = 38, 55.9%). Majority of the patients (80.0%) who had a successful weight loss (median of 8.0 [3, 10] kg) during the 1-year follow-up reported a significant clinical improvement, while those reported no clinical improvement did not actually have a considerable weight loss (median of 4 [2, 5] kg) (p < 0.001). Additionally, the duration of treatment of 9 months was significantly respectable for achieving higher weight loss than less durations (p = 0.002). Furthermore, the only factor which contributed to clinical improvement of PCOS was the baseline BMI (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that following an appropriate care plan by a combination of lifestyle modifications and metformin was effective in achieving a successful weight loss, which resulted in a significant improvement in the clinical features of the PCOS. Further studies are recommended to raise awareness of women regarding the PCOS and to encourage them to communicate with healthcare providers for initiating their self-management care.
Nurses Compassion Fatigue during the Pilgrim (Al-Hajj) Season
Authors: Saleh Usama S. , Jenkins Patricia , Saleh Bassem , Saleh Moath , Abu Sammour Hiba , Tiking Darwina , Abujoudeh Emad
Published: April 2021

Background: Compassion fatigue leads to behavioral, emotional, and physical changes, which affect the nurse, as well as the nurse-patient relationship. The consequences of compassion fatigue are not limited to the personal well-being of nurses but are also associated with poorer patient outcomes, increased thoughts of quitting among nurses, and higher job turnover rates. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the risk for compassion fatigue in nurses working a special assignment consisting of 15 consecutive 12-h days during the 1440 (2018) Al-Hajj pilgrimage season in Mecca (Makkah), Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study was a descriptive survey. A convenience sample of 542 nurses working a special nursing assignment during the Al-Hajj pilgrimage was recruited from 2 large metropolitan hospitals located in the center of Mecca. Three online surveys were completed (1) the Demographic Information Form, (2) the Professional Characteristics Information Form, and the (3) Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL 5). Results: The sample yielded a moderate risk of compassion fatigue (Burnout [BO] [M = 22.5, SD = 5.7], secondary traumatic stress [M = 25.0, SD = 6.4]), and compassion satisfaction (CS) (M = 40.5, SD = 6.0). There was a positive relationship between the number of working days and compassion fatigue (BO [r = 0.16, N = 542, p < 0.01], secondary trauma stress [r = 0.90, N = 542, p < 0.05]), and a negative relationship with CS (r = −0.20, N = 542, p < 0.01). Level of competence (Novice-Expert) was associated with levels of CS (X2 [4, N = 540] = 12.70, p = 0.013) and with levels of BO (X2 [4, N = 540] = 10.48, p = 0.033). Conclusion: Hospitals need to provide a healthy, supportive, and positive workplace. Nurse managers must provide a compassionate leadership style. Nurses must practice self-compassion and ensure work-life balance.
An ornithological inventory in a reforested woodlot in western Paraná state, southern Brazil
Authors: Quagliato Isabela Sales , Cavarzere Vagner
Published: April 2021

This paper presents an ornithological inventory taken between March and December of 2017 in the Brazilian state of Paraná. Although the surroundings contain one relatively well-known location in regard to ornithology, Iguaçu National Park, several other areas merit exploration, among them the Santa Helena Relevant Ecological Interest Area (ARIE‑SH). The 1,479 ha ARIE‑SH is essentially a large remnant of the Atlantic Forest located adjacent to the city of Santa Helena, Paraná, which commencing in the 1980s has undergone considerable reforestation with both native and exotic species, including fruit species. Prior to censusing bird species and to better characterize the avian community, we conducted a bibliographic review of earlier ornithological studies carried out at ARIE‑SH. In addition, we conducted opportunistic and unsystematic observations in nearby locations. We recorded 311 species of birds. During the current inventory, and others conducted in the area since 2016, we recorded six Atlantic Forest endemic species, five species threatened in Paraná, and two globally threatened species. Common species which showed high Index of Frequency in Lists include (in descending order) Basileuterus culicivorus, Leptotila verreauxi, Cnemotriccus fuscatus, Corythopis delalandi, Turdus leucomelas and Arremon flavirostris. Nine species observed while conducting this census (Laterallus exilis, Amazona vinacea, Herpsilochmus longirostris, Campylorhamphus trochilirostris, Casiornis rufus, Campylorhynchus turdinus, Myiothlypis flaveola, Eucometis penicillata and Sporophila palustris) are the first records for this region.
Bats in a restinga area in Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Bezerra Rayanna Hellem Santos , Bocchiglieri Adriana
Published: April 2021

There is little known about the bats of the Brazilian restinga as most studies have concentrated on the country’s south and southeast regions. In Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil, the only study previously carried out registered 17 species in different restinga habitats. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the bat community in a restinga area in Sergipe and update the list of species that occur in the area. The study was carried out in the Caju Private Natural Heritage Reserve, on the south coast of the state of Sergipe. Monthly campaigns were carried out from October 2016 to September 2017 over two consecutive nights and alternating between two sites to capture the bats. We captured Bats using 10 mist nets that remained open between 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. We determined the abundance and trophic guilds of the captured species. In addition, we obtained the occurrence frequency degree through the Constancy Index. We captured 457 individuals distributed over 13 species and two families, where three species represented a new record for the locality. The family Phyllostomidae was the richest and most abundant. Most species were frugivorous (61.5%). According to the Constancy Index, only four species were considered common. Using Jackknife 1 estimator, we estimated 14.83 species for the area, indicating that the richness obtained in this study corresponds to 87.6% of this estimate. This study resulted in an 17.6% increase in bat richness known for the area. The high representativeness of the Phyllostomidae family may be related to the capture method used. The predominance of frugivores bats in this study may be associated with the presence of many fruit trees in the area. The low occurrence of species considered common is often reported and can be explained by the species’ trophic specializations and by the sampling methods. Considering the scarcity of studies in restinga areas in Northeastern Brazil, this work becomes important for the knowledge of the bats in this environment, especially for Sergipe.
On the identity of Lepidodexia (Orosarcophaga) ornata (Townsend, 1927) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) and a new generic synonym
Authors: Mello-Patiu Cátia Antunes de , Riccardi Paula Raile
Published: April 2021

The revision of the sarcophagid species Lepidodexia (Orosarcophaga) ornata (Townsend, 1927) reveals its identity and a generic synonym. The male terminalia of this species was studied in detail for the first time and revealed its congeneric affinities with Oxyvinia Dodge, 1966. Consequently, the generic status of Orosarcophaga Townsend, 1927 was revalidated, including Oxyvinia Dodge, 1966 as its junior synonym, and O. ornata was corroborated as a valid species and name. Moreover, we provide an updated generic diagnosis of Orosarcophaga, a list of the eleven species of the genus with their distribution, and a detailed diagnosis of O. ornata.
Hectopsylla pulex (Haller, 1880) (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) infestation on Eptesicus furinalis (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in the Central Andes of Colombia
Authors: Cepeda-Duque Juan Camilo , Ruiz-Correa Luis Fernando , Cardona-Giraldo Alexandra , Ossa-López Paula Andrea , Rivera-Páez Fredy Arvey , Ramírez-Chaves Héctor Emilio
Published: April 2021

Bat ectoparasites have a complex natural history narrowly tied to their hosts at ecological, behavioral, and evolutionary scales. As flying and social organisms, bats represent a potential mechanism of dispersal, a source of feeding, and a roost for ectoparasite reproduction. The chiggerflea Hectopsylla pulex (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) is widely distributed across the Neotropics. Females of this ectoparasite have been found in their neosomal form on bats of the family Molossidae, Noctilionidae, Phyllostomidae, and Vespertilionidae. Here we present the record of infestation of chiggerfleas on the Argentine bat, Eptesicus furinalis (Vespertilionidae) in Colombia, representing the first record of the flea on this species, and providing novel genetic information of this poorly known flea species.
Magnana, a new genus of Gyponini from Southeastern Brazil (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Iassinae)
Authors: Domahovski Alexandre Cruz , Cavichioli Rodney Ramiro
Published: April 2021

A new leafhopper genus in the tribe Gyponini is proposed based on Magnana splendida gen. nov. et sp. nov., from the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Representatives of the new genus differ from other genera in the tribe mainly by the large body size, the narrow head, moderately produced anterad, the rugose crown and frons, the ventral surface of metatarsomere I with two double rows of setae, and the aedeagus bearing atrial processes. Detailed descriptions and illustrations are provided, as well as remarks on the morphology of other gyponine genera.
Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest and Secondary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: Value of Complete Revascularization and LGE‐CMR
Authors: van der Lingen Anne‐Lotte C. J. , Becker Marthe A. J. , Kemme Michiel J. B. , Rijnierse Mischa T. , Spoormans Eva M. , Timmer Stefan A. J. , van Rossum Albert C. , van Halm Vokko P. , Germans Tjeerd , Allaart Cornelis P.
Published: April 2021

Background

In survivors of sudden cardiac arrest with obstructive coronary artery disease, it remains challenging to distinguish ischemia as a reversible cause from irreversible scar‐related ventricular arrhythmias. We aimed to evaluate the value of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) implantation in sudden cardiac arrest survivors with presumably reversible ischemia and complete revascularization.

Methods and Results

This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 276 patients (80% men, age 67±10 years) receiving ICD implantation for secondary prevention. Angiography was performed before ICD implantation. A subgroup of 166 (60%) patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with late gadolinium enhancement before implantation. Patients were divided in 2 groups, (1) ICD‐per‐guideline, including 228 patients with incomplete revascularization or left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, and (2) ICD‐off‐label, including 48 patients with complete revascularization and left ventricular ejection fraction >35%. The primary outcome was time to appropriate device therapy (ADT). During 4.0 years (interquartile range, 3.5–4.6) of follow‐up, ADT developed in 15% of the ICD‐off‐label group versus 43% of the ICD‐per‐guideline group. Time to ADT was comparable in the ICD‐off‐label and ICD‐per‐guideline groups (hazard ratio (HR), 0.46;
P
=0.08). No difference in mortality was observed (HR, 0.95;
P
=0.93). Independent predictors of ADT included age (HR, 1.03;
P
=0.01), left ventricular end‐diastolic volume HR, (1.05 per 10 mL increase;
P
<0.01) and extent of transmural late gadolinium enhancement (HR, 1.12;
P
=0.04).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that sudden cardiac arrest survivors with coronary artery disease remain at high risk of recurrent ventricular arrhythmia, even after complete revascularization and with preserved left ventricular function. Late gadolinium enhancement–cardiac magnetic resonance imaging derived left ventricular volumes and extent of myocardial scar were independently associated with.
Association of Pro‐B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide With Cardiac Magnetic Resonance–Measured Global and Regional Cardiac Function and Structure Over 10 Years: The MESA Study
Authors: Rahsepar Amir Ali , Bluemke David A. , Habibi Mohammadali , Liu Kiang , Kawel‐Boehm Nadine , Ambale‐Venkatesh Bharath , Fernandes Veronica R. S. , Rosen Boaz D. , Lima Joao A. C. , Carr James C.
Published: April 2021

Background

NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) is widely used to diagnose and manage patients with heart failure. We aimed to investigate associations between NT‐proBNP levels and development of global and regional myocardial impairment, dyssynchrony, and risk of developing myocardial scar over time.

Methods and Results

We included 2416 adults (45–84 years) without baseline clinical cardiovascular disease from MESA (Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). NT‐proBNP was assessed at baseline (2000–2002). Cardiac magnetic resonance–measured left ventricular parameters were assessed at baseline and year 10 (2010–2012). Tagged cardiac magnetic resonance and myocardial dyssynchrony were assessed. We used linear and logistic regression models to study the relationships between quartiles of NT‐proBNP levels and outcome variables. Left ventricular parameters decreased over time. After 10‐year follow‐up and adjusting for cardiovascular disease risk factors, people in the highest quartile had significantly greater decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (−1.60%; 95% CI, −2.26 to −0.94;
P
<0.01) and smaller decline in left ventricular end systolic volume index (−0.47 mL/m
2
; 95% CI, −1.18 to 0.23;
P
<0.01) compared with those in the lowest quartile. Individuals in the highest quartile had more severe risk factor adjusted global, mid, and apical regional dyssynchrony compared with those in the lowest, second, and third quartiles (all
P
‐trend<0.05). Compared with the lowest‐quartile group, the adjusted odds ratios for having myocardial scar was 1.3 (95% CI, 0.7–2.2) for quartile 2; 1.2 (95% CI, 0.6–2.3) for quartile 3; and 2.7 (95% CI, 1.4–5.5) for quartile 4 (
P
‐trend=0.012) for the total sample.

Conclusions

Among participants without baseline clinical cardiovascular disease, higher baseline NT‐proBNP concentration was significantly associated with subclinical changes in developing myocardial dysfunction, more severe cardiac dyssynchrony, and higher odds of having myocardial scar over a 10‐year period independent of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Zur diachronen Untersuchung syntaktisch-semantischer Mittel von Zeitrelationen in ausgewählten historischen Bibeltexten
Authors: Smereka Joanna
Published: April 2021

This article treats the semantic-syntactic means by which time relations can be expressed in various Bible translations or editions. The prose texts the author examines stem from different time periods, ranging from the Old High German Tatian to today’s Bible editions. The analysis is diachronic and focuses on the Gospel of Matthew. In addition, the author compares the current Luther Bible, which has largely remained true to the 500-year tradition, with corresponding passages in selected modern Bible texts. Such a synoptic comparative study of the translations of one and the same source text enables new insights into the changed structure of the relationships between the sentences. The author shows that the externally identical or similar and etymologically related linguistic means change over time: they either come to express different sentence and event relations or they are subject to semantic narrowing.
Vom schmausenden zum andächtigen Studenten?
Authors: Groote Inga Mai
Published: April 2021

The texts in student song collections of the 17th century deal on the one hand with pleasures of student lives and on the other hand with common spiritual themes; many songs are intended for ensemble performance (e.g. the songs by E. Widmann). The practices in compiling manuscript collections (Johann Heckius, Christian Clodius, etc.) show how repertoires mix and adaptations and translations are created; the Clodius manuscript satirises learned topoi and the presentation of spiritual collections in its preface. Topoi in the texts and some examples of hymnbooks explicitly intended for students (Joachim Feller etc.) are discussed. Finally, in Michael Wiedemann’s Poetische Gefangenschafften, a literarisation of the different facets of student song practices can be observed.
Redescription and phylogenetics of Allobates trilineatus (Boulenger 1884 “1883”) (Anura: Aromobatidae) based on topotypic specimens
Authors: JARAMILLO ANDRÉS F. , GAGLIARDI-URRUTIA GIUSSEPE , SIMÕES PEDRO IVO , CASTROVIEJO-FISHER SANTIAGO
Published: April 2021

Allobates trilineatus is the second most geographically widespread species in the genus Allobates, its range extending from northern Ecuador to southern Peru along the Andean foothills of Amazonia and to the east, into Acre, Brazil. However, detailed phenotypic and genetic variation from topotypic specimens is lacking, raising doubts about the identification of specimens in the literature. To solve this problem, we collected 16 topotypic specimens—including male and female adults and juveniles—and associated data such as advertisement calls and tissue samples. Based upon this material, we redescribe the phenotypic variation within A. trilineatus and evaluate its phylogenetic position using a fragment of the mitochondrial gene 16S rDNA. Allobates trilineatus is distinguished from its congeners by its small body size (adult snout-to-vent-length = 14.6–16.6 mm), preserved males with dark gray throat, and gray chest and belly, pale dorsolateral stripe straight and conspicuous, and advertisement call formed by the emission of groups of note-pairs with dominant frequency at 5.06–5.81 kHz. Our phylogenetic results indicate that none of the specimens assigned to this species in previous phylogenetic studies cluster within the clade formed by topotypic samples, except for the sample of one tadpole. Furthermore, our comparison of published phenotypic and genetic data assigned to A. trilineatus with our new data led us to conclude that A. trilineatus as previously recognized was actually a complex of cryptic, closely related species. Although with the data at hand we cannot fully resolve the taxonomy of all sampled populations in previous studies, we provide a new definition and delimitation of A. trilineatus sensu stricto, assign other specimens to different evolutionary units corresponding to candidate species, and flag other important taxonomic issues.
Contribution to the molecular phylogeny of Sciaridae (Diptera) with special attention to the genera Bradysia and Corynoptera
Authors: ARTHOFER WOLFGANG , GOLLNER ANDREA , HELLER KAI , STEINER FLORIAN M. , SCHLICK-STEINER BIRGIT C. , SEEBER JULIA
Published: April 2021

The systematics of the dipteran family Sciaridae is based mainly on morphological characters and has remained quite controversial. In this study, we used two mitochondrial DNA markers (CO1, 16S) and a nuclear one (28S) to take a glimpse into phylogenetic relationships of part of the North and Central European Sciaridae. A total of 91 species from 19 genera were analysed using Maximum Likelihood based phylogenetics (depending on the availability of valid sequences, 50–70 per gene). We strengthen the suggestion of the Chaetosciara group as an independent subfamily. Within the subfamily Megalosphyinae, two separate Bradysia clades were identified, suggesting a close relation between the genera Zygoneura, Austrosciara, and Scatopsciara. The genus Alpinosciara gen. n. is established to place the species of the former Corynoptera crassistylata group inside the subfamily Megalosphyinae. This new genus now includes 22 species.
A remarkable microleafhopper genus Koreoneura gen. nov. and newly recorded genus of the tribe Dikraneurini from Korea (Homoptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae)
Authors: HOSSAIN MD. SHAMIM , KWON JIN HYUNG , SUH SANG JAE , KWON YONG JUNG
Published: April 2021

Koreoneura eunyeopae Hossain et J. Kwon gen. et sp. nov., the biggest microleafhopper from East Asia, dwelling on Cornus coreana, along with a newly recorded genus, Igutettix Matsumura, 1932 based on I. oculatus (Lindberg), 1928, are described and illustrated from Korea. A key to the genera and checklist of Korean dikraneurine species are provided.
The prevalence of low serum levels of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, folate and ferritin in adolescents: Single center experience
Authors: Karakaş Nazmi Mutlu
Published: April 2021

Background:

In this study, the aim was to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D, vitamin B12, ferritin, and folate deficiencies in adolescence to clarify the need for early diagnosis and therapy.

Methods:

The medical records of adolescents between 10 and 18 years of age between 01 September 2018 and 28 February 2019 as healthy with non-specific complaints, or due to well-child care visits, were analyzed retrospectively.

Results:

A total of 1847/2507 (73.6%) adolescents were included in the study. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 25.7% (n: 178/691). Vitamin B12 deficiency prevalence was 69.2% (n: 753/1088). The prevalence of anemia and ferritin deficiency was 4.8% and 13.26%. The prevalence of folate deficiency was 37.9% (n: 413/1088). VDD prevalence was statistically significantly higher in females than males (F/M:116/62). VB12D prevalence, the number and mean age of females with hemoglobin deficiency, and low ferritin levels was found to be statistically significantly higher in females than males.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate deficiency and low ferritin levels was found to be high among adolescents. In particular, adolescents admitting with non-specific complaints and for control purposes in big cities must be considered to be at risk for the deficiency of these vitamins and low level of ferritin.
‘Fountain’, from Victorian necessity to modern inconvenience: Contesting the death of public toilets
Authors: Pollak Williamson Catalina
Published: April 2021

Drawing on the politicised history of Public Conveniences in England since the 19th century, this paper traces the socio-political motives for their provision and for their gradual withdrawal in recent decades. It discusses the effects these developments have had on public mobility, and the socio-political complexity these infrastructures pose to city-making agendas. In particular, the essay highlights the notions of stigma associated with these spaces in relation to gender, body-politics and control, which led to a lack of political interest in their provision and a pattern of closures that began in the Thatcher era and has continued through later times of economic austerity. To unfold these arguments, the essay examines a series of initiatives put forward to reclaim for public use a derelict toilet in the centre of London: from the concept of an interactive site-specific intervention to raise awareness of its closure, to a campaign for its listing as an Asset of Community Value, to contest its privatisation. This case study is used to address the spatial stigma that public toilets carry as a contested locus of public sanitation and, furthermore, to highlight important questions surrounding their provision in the context of contemporary citizen-driven urban agendas. To articulate this argument, the case study exemplifies how critical spatial practices can operate as a form of pedagogical urban praxis for awareness-raising and citizen engagement, advancing a Lefebvrian ‘right to the city’ against hegemonic neoliberal agendas.
Extended state Kalman filter-based path following control of underactuated autonomous vessels
Authors: Zhang Yi , Xue Wenchao , Sun Li , Shen Jiong
Published: April 2021

Path following control of underactuated autonomous vessels remains a challenging issue in recent years due to its inherent underactuation and nonlinearities as well as the widely existing disturbances in the marine environment. In order to accommodate all the difficulties simultaneously, a novel extended state Kalman filter, which adopts the idea of extended state observer in estimating and compensating system lumped disturbance and optimizes the filter gain in a real-time fashion using Kalman filter technique, is constructed to estimate system states and disturbances in the presence of model uncertainties and measurement noise. Based on the estimated states and disturbances, an enhanced model predictive controller is proposed to steer the underactuated autonomous vessels along a predefined path at a desired speed after considering system state and input constraints. Simulation results have proved the superiority of extended state Kalman filter over traditional extended state observer and extended Kalman filter under various disturbance and noise scenarios. Moreover, the comparison results with conventional proportion-integration-differentiation controller have demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed extended state Kalman filter-based model predictive controller in both set-point tracking and disturbance rejection.
Political Parties and Organization Studies: The party as a critical case of organizing
Authors: Husted Emil , Moufahim Mona , Fredriksson Martin
Published: April 2021

Organization scholars have extensively studied both the politics of organization and the organization of politics. Contributing to the latter, we argue for further and deeper consideration of political parties, since: (1) parties illuminate organizational dynamics of in- and exclusion; (2) internal struggles related to the constitution of identities, practices and procedures are accentuated in parties; (3) the study of parties allow for the isolation of processes of normative and affective commitment; (4) parties prioritize and intensify normative control mechanisms; (5) party organizing currently represents an example of profound institutional change, as new (digital) formations challenge old bureaucratic models. Consequently, we argue that political parties should be seen as ‘critical cases’ of organizing, meaning that otherwise commonplace phenomena are intensified and exposed in parties. This allows researchers to use parties as magnifying glasses for zooming-in on organizational dynamics that may be suppressed or concealed by the seemingly non-political façade of many contemporary organizations. In conclusion, we argue that organization scholars are in a privileged position to investigate how political parties function today and how their democratic potential can be improved in the future. To this end, we call on Organization and Management Studies to engage actively with alternative parties in an attempt to explore and promote progressive change within the formal political system.
Safety and Efficacy of the Draf IIb Procedure: A Systematic Review
Authors: Haddad Ralph , Khoueir Nadim , Smaily Hussein , Rassi Simon , Abou Hamad Walid
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To systematically review the literature to evaluate the indications, safety, and efficacy of the Draf IIb procedure and to evaluate the added advantages of technical factors such as stents and flaps.

Data Sources

Articles published until July 2019 on Medline and Cochrane databases.

Review Methods

After a systematic review based on the 2018 PRISMA guidelines was conducted, 26 of 1533 articles were included and reviewed for indications of Draf IIb; surgical technique; use of flaps, stents, grafts, or mitomycin; complications during and after surgery; and success or recurrence rate.

Results

The main indication for Draf IIb was chronic frontal rhinosinusitis (61.82%). The postoperative patency rate was 87.85%. When flaps/grafts were applied, the rate was 93.5%, but their added value was not statistically significant. Stents could be an alternative for revision surgery. Treating frontal pathologies other than chronic rhinosinusitis was also satisfying. Safety was comparable to Draf III: no perioperative complications were reported, only a few postoperative ones (eyelid ecchymosis and periorbital cellulitis in 0.2% of the cases, hyposmia in 1.55%).

Conclusion

When properly indicated, Draf IIb frontal drilling is a safe and highly effective surgical technique for frontal pathology treatment, with efficiency and safety comparable to the Draf III, making it a valid option when a bilateral approach is not needed. More studies are required to confirm the added values of flaps, grafts, and stents.
Two cases of special POEMS syndrome without monoclonal protein expression: a case report and literature review
Authors: Du Hua Ping , Zhang Ye , Sun Lei Min , Luo Liang
Published: April 2021

POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, skin changes) syndrome is rare, with polyneuropathy and monoclonal plasma cell disorder generally considered as essential diagnostic symptoms. We report two cases of POEMS syndrome without monoclonal protein expression. The first case was a 72-year-old man who had experienced recurrent edema of the lower limbs for 2 years and abdominal distention for 2 months. The other case was a 62-year-old man with a 5-year history of recurrent numbness of the extremities and muscle weakness, which had become serious over the preceding 3 months. Both patients had various symptoms that matched those of POEMS syndrome, but neither had monoclonal protein expression. However, a diagnosis of POEMS syndrome was made in each case. Both patients were treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, after which their symptoms improved and laboratory test results normalized. The findings in these two cases suggest the possibility that POEMS syndrome may occur without monoclonal protein expression. The diagnostic criteria of POEMS syndrome may thus need further investigation.
LncRNA MNX1-AS1 Contributes to Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Growth and Migration by Regulating mir-744-5p/bcl9/β-Catenin Axis
Authors: Ma Bingliang , Ren Gang , Xu Jue , Yin Chenyi , Shi Yuye
Published: April 2021

Increasing evidence has indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Here, we aimed to disclose the role of MNX1-AS1 in LSCC progression, and explore whether MNX1-AS1 participates in LSCC progression via targeting miR-744-5p to active BCL9/β-catenin signaling. Sixty-five human LSCC tissues and the paracancerous normal tissues were recruited to determine the levels of MNX1-AS1, miR-744-5p and BCL9 using qRT-PCR. The interaction of miR-744-5p and MNX1-AS1/BCL9 was determined by using the RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and/or luciferase gene reporter assay. Cell viability, in vivo tumor formation, invasion and migration abilities were detected by MTT, Xenograft models and Transwell assays. MNX1-AS1 level was increased significantly in human LSCC tissues as compared with the normal tissues, which showed a positive correlation with BCL9 level while a negative correlation with miR-744-5p level. High level of MNX1-AS1 predicted a poor prognosis and an advanced clinical process in LSCC patients. miR-744-5p targeted upregulation weakened the luciferase activity of MNX1-AS1 and /BCL9, and downregulated their expression levels-wt, while showed no effect when the binding sites were mutated. Knockdown of MNX1-AS1 markedly weakened cell viability, migration, and invasion abilities, while BCL9 overexpression abolished these tendencies. In addition, MNX1-AS1 downregulation induced decreases in tumor volumes and weights in vivo, accompanied by reductions in BCL9, Ki-67 and β-catenin expression and an increase in miR-744-5p expression. Collectively, this study reveals that MNX1-AS1 contributes to cell growth and migration by regulating miR-744-5p/BCL9/β-catenin axis in LSCC.
Exposure to E-Cigarette Product Placement in Music Videos Is Associated With Vaping Among Young Adults
Authors: Majmundar Anuja , Unger Jennifer B. , Cruz Tess Boley , Kirkpatrick Matthew G. , Allem Jon-Patrick
Published: April 2021

Background

The prevalence of electronic-cigarette (e-cigarette) product placement in music videos is on the rise and currently unregulated. This promotional activity is concerning given the popularity of music videos among young adults.

Aims

We examined associations between self-reported levels of exposure to music videos with any e-cigarette product placement or imagery and susceptibility to use e-cigarettes and e-cigarette use.

Method

A representative sample of young adults (18–24 years of age), residing in California ( n = 1,280), completed online surveys assessing self-reported exposure to music videos with e-cigarette product placement or imagery and susceptibility to use e-cigarettes and e-cigarette use. Adjusted and weighted regression analyses were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Participants exposed to any e-cigarette product placement or imagery in music videos were more likely to report lifetime e-cigarette use (relative risk ratio [ RRR]: 2.81) and past 30-day use ( RRR: 3.64) compared with participants with no exposure. Additionally, participants with greater levels of exposure were more likely to report lifetime e-cigarette use ( RRR: 1.13) and past 30-day use ( RRR: 1.20) compared with participants with lower levels of exposure. Among those with any exposure, participants younger than 21 years of age (i.e., under the tobacco purchasing age in the United States) were more likely to report lifetime e-cigarette use ( RRR: 4.68) compared with those aged 21 years and older.

Discussion and Conclusion

Restricting e-cigarette product placement or imagery in music videos may minimize marketing exposure and risk for vaping among young adults, especially among those under the tobacco purchasing age.
Public Strategies for the Promotion of Urban Art: The Lisbon Metropolitan Area Case
Authors: Campos Ricardo , Barbio Leda
Published: April 2021

Urban art has emerged as a new feature of cities in recent decades. Its wide success as a fresh, youthful, and cosmopolitan artistic movement has elicited the attention of urban planners, who increasingly use it in their strategies for urban development. This artistic expression has been understood as a resource to be used in urban and cultural policymaking, especially when it comes to urban reassessment and marketing. This dynamic is embedded in a paradigm where the arts and culture are increasingly understood as resources for urban development and city marketing. In this article, we draw on qualitative empirical material (interviews, official documents, press releases, websites) from an ongoing research project in the context of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. One of the aims of this project is to analyze the link between local authorities and urban art aiming at understanding existing representations and the kinds of strategies that were put in place for its management. We conclude that largely local authorities use urban art to achieve three main strategic goals: the strategy of “landscape construction and urban reassessment,” the strategy of “refashioning the city image/city branding,” and the strategy of “social promotion of stigmatized territories and communities.”
Perspectives of Health Care Providers in an Integrated Health Care Delivery Network on Inpatient Electronic Consultation (e-Consult) Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bhanot Nitin , Dimitriou George , McAninch Lori , Rossi Caitlan , Thompson Diane , Manzi Susan
Published: April 2021

A large academic hospital system (Allegheny Health Network) introduced inpatient electronic consultations (e-Consults) during the COVID-19 crisis. Providers were invited to complete an anonymous survey on their perceptions of e-Consults. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze Likert-scale data. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess internal consistency. Ninety-five providers completed the survey. Requesting and consulting providers agreed that e-Consults were easy to use (100% and 96.2%, respectively). Both groups also concurred that e-Consults either decreased or did not significantly impact their workload (81% and 74%, respectively) and that training was appropriate (77.8% and 86.8%, respectively). The advantage and barrier selected most frequently by specialists was “timelier completion of the consult versus in-person” and “inadequate information to complete the consult,” respectively. The disadvantage selected most frequently by requesting physicians was “lack of communication between providers.” Open-ended comments were categorized into themes. Concerns were raised regarding whether provider–provider communication via this platform offered enough information to make recommendations compared to traditional encounters. The perceived benefits and barriers of e-Consults should be further explored with the goal of improving patient care delivery and provider satisfaction.
Inhibition of the Transcription Factor RUNX1 Causes Glycosyltransferase a Repression
Authors: Kronstein-Wiedemann Romy , Schmidt Laura , Lausen Jörn , Seifried Erhard , Tonn Torsten
Published: April 2021

Background: The ABO blood group system is unequivocally the most important in clinical transfusion medicine. Furthermore ABO is implicated in the development of a number of human diseases. The ABO antigens are not confined to RBCs but are widely expressed in a variety of human cells and tissues. Thus, ABO matching is critical not only in blood transfusion but also in cell, tissue and organ transplantation. The molecular genetic basis of the ABO system has been known since 1990. However, despite extensive investigations about regulation of ABO blood group receptor expression, the mechanism is not fully resolved. Previously we found that miRNAs plays a critical role in regulation of ABO blood group antigen. Numerous miRNAs which were up- or downregulated in RBCs of blood group O and of heterozygous genotypes as compared to homozygous genotype possess potential binding sites in the 3'UTR of several transcription factors, such as SP1 and RUNX1. Here we show that silencing of the transcription factor RUNX1 leads to downregulation of blood group A antigen.

Methods: We performed knockdown experiments for RUNX1 by lentiviral gene transfer of shRNA in primary hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and analyzed blood group A-antigen expression using different method, including flow cytometry, western blot and qPCR.

Result: Knockdown of RUNX1 in HSCs leads to a 10-20% reduction of blood group A positive erythroid cells and a 30-40% reduction of blood group A antigens per cell in differentiated RBCs. Furthermore, microarray analysis showed a significant increase of miR-215-5p and miR-192-5p in RBCs of blood group O as compared to homozygous genotype. RUNX1 is known to be a target gene for these miRNAs.

Conclusion: Glycosyltransferase A and B expression is regulated by different miRNAs, via simultaneously targeting of the transcription factors SP1 and Runx1 and glycosyltransferase A and B mRNA. The knowledge of the role of microRNAs and the transcription factors SP1 and RUNX1 in the expression of blood group antigens may be extended to other blood groups (Rhesus, Kell, Duffy) and may open the door for therapeutic interventions in diseases where blood group receptors promote disease pathology.

Disclosures

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Introduction of Two Simultaneous Mutations By Genome Editing Greatly Enhances the Accumulation of the Endogenous Fetal Hemoglobin in Human Normal Erythroid Cells
Authors: Psatha Nikoleta , Li Chang , Wang Hongjie , Dalas Demetri , Stamatoyannopoulos George , Papayannopoulou Thalia , Lieber Andre
Published: April 2021

Thalassemia or sickle cell patients with increased fetal hemoglobin have an ameliorated clinical picture up to transfusion independency. Genome editing with targeted nucleases of the γ-globin silencer BCL11a or of the HBG promoter has been shown to reenact an HPFH-like phenotype by significantly increasing the endogenous fetal globin (HbF) expression. In order to achieve higher efficiency in HbF reactivation we developed an innovative approach, mediated through a highly customizable helper dependent-adenoviral vector (HD-Ad5/35++) with nuclease activity. This vector bares the Cas9 gene and two sequential gRNAs, permitting simultaneous targeting of two different DNA loci, specifically, the erythroid enhancer of BCL11a and the HBG promoter to recreate the -114 to -102 HPFH deletion. This double targeting vector was compared to the respective single gRNA vectors. We observed that disruption of the BCL11a-enhancer increased Gγ globin, whereas disruption of the HBG promoter had a greater impact on the Αγ globin expression. Simultaneous disruption of both loci in human erythroid progenitors increased the overall HbF expression from less than 1% in the control to more than 20%, through a possibly synergistic effect of the two mutations (HbF:2.2% in BCL11a-enhancer only knock-out, 10.8% in HBG-only knock out) by affecting both gamma globin chains. The editing efficiency per locus was similar between the single gRNA and double gRNA vectors. Erythroid cell morphology and phenotypic profile of the double knock-out cells did not differ compared to the single knock-out cells. In addition to our in vitro experiments, we observed that mobilized peripheral blood CD34+ cells transduced and edited by the double gRNA vector, can efficiently engraft in NSG mice. Furthermore, the engrafted edited cells after erythroid differentiation expressed significantly higher levels of gamma globin compared to the control. This strategy has the potential to induce higher levels of HbF reactivation with a clinical benefit in patients with beta globin disorders.

Disclosures

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Engineered Blood Vessels
Authors: Lawson Jeffrey
Published: April 2021

The field of tissue engineering has has made significant progress in the past 20 years. Of the many tissues and organs in development, the area of vascular tissue engineering is now one of the most mature. In that regard, we have developed a novel tissue engineered vascular graft (human acellular vessel [HAV]) that addresses many of the limitations of native vein harvest and the performance of both synthetic ePTFE and autologous vein grafts. The HAV is manufactured in a laboratory by culturing human vascular cells within a biodegradable scaffold that forms a mechanically robust tissue engineered blood vessel. The cells are then completely removed (decellularization), leaving behind a non-immunogenic human collagen-based vascular tissue that can be stored on the shelf for months at a time and ready for immediate implantation into any patient. The HAV is currently being evaluated in Phase II and Phase III clinical trials in the U.S., E.U. and Israel as an arteriovenous vascular access graft for hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal failure and as an arterial substitute for patients in need of vascular bypass for peripheral arterial disease or vascular trauma. Following clinical implantation, we have observed repopulation and remodeling of the manufactured vessel with the hosts' own cells. We hypothesize that the biological composition of the HAV, compared to synthetic vascular grafts, promotes its physiological integration into host tissue including support of normal host cell infiltration and function. Host cells that identify histologically similar to vascular smooth muscle cells appear to repopulate the middle of the vessel and recipient cells characterized as endothelial cells appear to cover the luminal surface of the implanted vessel. Clinical observations of the Phase II trials have demonstrated excellent vessel durability and a freedom from both early and delayed infection. Based on the success of the Phase II studies, a Global Phase III study is underway for patients in need of dialysis access shunts and vascular programs for vascular (arterial) bypass and trauma are expanding.

Disclosures

Lawson: InnaVasc: Patents & Royalties; Humacyte, Inc.: Employment.
Biology of LAG3 Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Vignali Dario A.A.
Published: April 2021

Dr. Vignali will discuss the biology of the inhibitory receptor LAG3, and its contribution to T cell exhaustion and immune regulation on CD8+ and CD4+ intratumoral T cells in mouse models of cancer and autoimmunity, and in a variety of human malignancies. He will also discuss the impact of LAG3 on regulatory T cell function. Given the considerable interest in inhibitory receptors in general, and LAG3 recently, as immunotherapeutic targets, he will also discuss how differential LAG3 expression could impact responsiveness to immunotherapy.

Disclosures

Vignali: Potenza Therapeutics: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties: Licensed IP, Research Funding; Tizona Therapeutics: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Oncorus: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pieris: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; FStar: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Equity Ownership; Merck: Equity Ownership; Crescendo: Consultancy; Intellia: Consultancy; MPM: Consultancy; Onkaido/Moderna: Consultancy; Servier: Consultancy.