bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicolor-FISH Characterization of a Prenatal Mosaicism for a Chromosomal Rearrangement Undetected by Molecular Cytogenetics
Authors: Mary Laura , Loget Philippe , Odent Sylvie , Aussel Dominique , Le Bouar Gwenaelle , Launay Erika , Henry Catherine , Belaud-Rotureau Marc-Antoine , Jaillard Sylvie
Published: April 2021

Fetal mosaicism for chromosomal rearrangements remains a challenge to diagnose, even in the era of whole-genome sequencing. We present here a case of fetal mosaicism for a chromosomal rearrangement explored in amniocytes and fetal muscle, consisting of a major cell population (95%) with partial monosomy 4q and a minor population (5%) with additional material replacing the 4qter deleted segment. Molecular techniques (MLPA, array-CGH) failed to assess the origin of this material. Only multicolor-FISH identified the additional segment on chromosome 4 as derived from chromosome 17. Due to the poor prognosis, the couple chose to terminate the pregnancy. Because of low-level mosaicism, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), now considered as first-tier prenatal genetic analysis, did not allow the identification of the minor cell line. In case of large CNVs (>5 Mb) detected by CMA, karyotyping may be considered to elucidate the mechanism of the underlying rearrangement and eliminate mosaicism.
Comorbidity and Therapeutic Approaches in Patients with Necrobiosis Lipoidica
Authors: Erfurt-Berge Cornelia , Heusinger Veronika , Reinboldt-Jockenhöfer Finja , Dissemond Joachim , Renner Regina
Published: April 2021

Background: Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare granulomatous disorder of unknown aetiology. Randomized controlled studies are not available due to it being an orphan disease. Objectives: We evaluated patients in 2 dermatological centres to cluster data about epidemiology, the therapeutic approaches for NL, and their efficacy. Materials and Methods: Comorbidity and the efficacy of the applied treatment was assessed for 98 patients. Results: We identified 54% of patients with concomitant diabetes and 19% with thyroidal disorders. Topical steroids (85.7%) were predominantly used followed by calcineurin inhibitors (31%) and phototherapy (41.8%). Systemically, fumaric acid esters were more frequently applied (26.8%) than steroids (24.4%) and dapsone (24.4%). Steroids, compression therapy, calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, fumaric acid esters, and dapsone showed remarkable efficacy. Conclusion: Therapeutic options were chosen individually in accordance with the severity of NL and presence of ulceration. Topical calcineurin inhibitors, systemic application of fumaric acid esters, and dapsone represent effective alternatives to the use of steroids.
MOC31 Immunostaining in the Diagnosis of Metastatic Adenocarcinoma in Serous Fluid: Special Emphasis on Atypical Cytological Cases
Authors: Sahu Saumya , Sharma Shelly , Gupta Parikshaa , Dey Pranab
Published: April 2021

Background: The diagnosis of atypical cases in the effusion cytology sample often poses a challenge to the cytologists. Aims and Objectives: We evaluated the diagnostic role of MOC31 in the metastatic adenocarcinoma in effusion fluid. Materials and Methods: The cytological examination and MOC31 immunostaining in the cell block sections were carried out in 64 cases of serous effusion. A total of 23 cases showed atypical cytology, out of which suspicious for malignancy (SFM) and atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) were 19 and 4 cases, respectively. In these cases, we also performed calretinin immunostaining. The cytological features, results of MOC31 immunostaining, and follow-up data were correlated to find out the sensitivity and specificity of MOC31 immunostaining in the diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma. Result: The sensitivity and specificity of MOC31 were 100%. MOC31 detected all the cases of metastatic adenocarcinoma. MOC31 showed strong positivity in 19 cases of SFM. All these cases had a malignant outcome in histopathology or follow-up data. In AUS cases, MOC31 immunostaining was negative with a benign outcome. In all the atypical but malignant cases calretinin stain showed diffuse cytoplasmic and nuclear positivity. In contrast, MOC31 showed strong membranous positivity and occasionally cytoplasmic positivity. Conclusion: MOC31 is an excellent marker of metastatic adenocarcinoma in the serous effusion. The membranous positivity of MOC31 and negative calretinin immuno­staining are helpful in atypical cytological cases to avoid the diagnostic dilemma. The MOC31 positivity is significantly useful in discrete atypical cells which are more challenging to recognize.
Nasal High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation in Preterm Infants with Moderate Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhu Xingwang , Feng Zhichun , Liu Chengjun , Shi Liping , Shi Yuan , Ramanathan Rangasamy ,   on behalf of the NHFOV study group
Published: April 2021

Objective: To determine whether nasal high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV) as a primary mode of respiratory support as compared with nasal continuous airway pressure (NCPAP) will reduce the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in preterm infants (260/7–336/7 weeks of gestational age [GA]) with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Methods: This multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted in 18 tertiary neonatal intensive care units in China. A total of 302 preterm infants born at a GA of 260/7–336/7 weeks with a diagnosis of RDS were randomly assigned to either the NCPAP (n = 150) or the NHFOV (n = 152) group. The primary outcome was the need for invasive mechanical ventilation during the first 7 days after birth. Results: Treatment failure occurred in 15 of 152 infants (9.9%) in the ­NHFOV group and in 26 of 150 infants (17.3%) in the NCPAP group (95% CI of risk difference: −15.2 to 0.4, p = 0.06). In the subgroup analysis, NHFOV resulted in a significantly lower rate of treatment failure than did NCPAP in the strata of 26+0/7–29+6/7weeks of GA (11.9 vs. 32.4%, 95% CI of risk difference: −39.3 to −1.7, p = 0.03) and birth weight <1,500 g (10.4 vs. 29.6%, 95% CI of risk difference: −33.8 to −4.6, p = 0.01). The rate of thick secretions causing an airway obstruction was higher in the NHFOV group than in the NCPAP group (13.8 vs. 5.3%, 95% CI of risk difference: 1.9–15.1, p = 0.01). No significant differences in other secondary outcomes were found between the NHFOV and NCPAP groups. Conclusions: NHFOV was not superior to NCPAP with regard to the primary outcome when applied as the primary respiratory support for RDS in infants between 26+0/7 and 33+6/7 weeks of GA. In the subgroup analysis, NHFOV seemed to improve effectiveness than NCPAP in preterm infants <30 weeks of GA.
Long-Term Quality of Life after Pancreatic Surgery for Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm
Authors: Wundsam Helwig Valentin , Rösch Christiane Sophie , Kirchweger Patrick , Fischer Ines , Weitzendorfer Michael , Rumpold Holger , Függer Reinhold
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) represent the most common precancerous cystic lesions of the pancreas. The aim of our study was to investigate if resection for non-invasive IPMNs alters quality of life (QoL) in a long-term follow-up. Methods: Patients (n = 50) included in the analysis were diagnosed and resected from 2010 to 2016. QoL was assessed at a median of 5.5 years after resection. At that point in time, the current QoL as well as the QoL before resection was evaluated retrospectively. The standardised European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire for Pancreatic Cancer (EORTC QLQ – PAN26) was applied for the QoL assessment. Results: After a median of 66 months postoperatively, the total QoL score significantly worsened (92.13 vs. 88.04, p = 0.020, maximum achievable score = 100) for patients (median age at surgery 68.0 years), mostly due to digestive symptoms. During the same follow-up period, median Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status did not worsen (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Long-term QoL statistically significantly worsened after pancreatic resection for IPMN. The extent of worsening, however, was small, and QoL still remained excellent. Therefore, resection in cases of IPMN is appropriate, if indicated carefully.
Relationship of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic with Blood Groups
Authors: Yanardag Acik Didar , Bankir Mehmet
Published: April 2021

Introduction: SARS-CoV attaches to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor with the spike protein and infects cells. It can play a direct role in infection by acting as a receptor and/or co-receptor for blood group antigens, microorganisms, parasites, and viruses. Objectives: We aimed to compare the blood group distribution of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to hospital and that of healthy donors. Methods: A total of 823 patients with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test and clinical symptoms were included in the study. The results were compared with the normal blood group distribution in the region. Results: While the prevalence of COVID-19 in the A, B, and AB blood groups was higher than that in the healthy blood donors, it was lower in the O blood group (p = 0.009). The distribution of demographic and clinical characteristics based on blood groups did not differ significantly. Conclusion: Our results are in agreement with other studies suggesting that blood group O individuals are somewhat more resistant to clinically overt infection with SARS-CoV-2 than other blood groups. However, this tendency is not sufficiently established to allow special prophylaxis recommendations for non-O individuals.
Bananas para vender e histórias para contar: cultura alimentar local e identidades territoriais a partir de mercados orgânicos e agroecológicos
Authors: Fernandez Annelise Caetano Fraga , Baptista Silvia Regina Nunes , Silva Rafaela Paula da
Published: April 2021

O presente artigo trata da disputa de sentidos a respeito da banana na cidade do Rio de Janeiro — especificamente no Maciço da Pedra Branca — área que no passado fazia parte da Zona Rural da cidade. Recentemente, a banana desta localidade ganhou o prêmio Maravilhas Gastronômicas do Rio de Janeiro. Essa mesma banana, no entanto, é acusada por ambientalistas de ser uma planta exótica e seus produtores acusados de invasores de áreas de proteção ambiental. Sob outra perspectiva, a banana para seus produtores é um cultivo orientado ao mercado. Contudo, é também o mercado (orgânico/agroecológico) que ao conferir crescente notoriedade à banana específica, projeta também o bananeiro, a memória do lugar e a cultura alimentar local. Com base na análise de corpos discursivos — orais e escritos — a respeito da banana, buscamos construir um contexto (conjunto de textos) que revela as tensões sociais deste território.
The ichthyofauna of the Rio Carinhanha basin, one of the main tributaries of the Rio São Francisco
Authors: Salvador Gilberto Nepomuceno , Casarim Ruanny , Rosa Gustavo Ribeiro , Caldeira Yuri Malta , Pompeu Paulo Santos
Published: April 2021

The ichthyofauna of the Rio São Francisco basin is relatively well-documented. However, most of this knowledge is concentrated at the upper stretch of its catchment area. In this study, we compile a list of species encompassing almost the entire length of the Rio Carinhanha, an important tributary from upper-middle section of the Rio São Francisco, including a comprehensive diversity of environments. A total of 99 species from 8 orders and 27 families were recorded. Five species are considered non-native, six classifieds as long distance migrants, and three as vulnerable. The orders with the greatest richness of native species were Characiformes and Siluriformes. Characidae was the most represented family, followed by Loricariidae. The main river channels were the richest environments sampled, followed by floodplain lagoons, veredas, and streams. The Carinhanha basin has important lotic remnants, thus it has several migratory fish populations as well as endangered species. This study demonstrates the importance of cataloguing the still poorly explored tributaries of the upper-middle section of the Rio São Francisco basin.
Detecção de genes de resistência em bactérias isoladas de piometra em cadelas
Authors: Rocha Ráyra Assis , Ribeiro Wânia Maria , Almeida Juliana Afonso de , Santos Andressa Liberal , Fernandes Marcos Rassi , Barbosa Mônica Santiago , Moraes Filho Aroldo Vieira de , Carneiro Lilian Carla , Silva Carla Afonso da
Published: April 2021

A piometra apresenta diversas alterações imunológicas e moleculares que são responsáveis pela inflamação uterina, e a doença pode ser infecciosa ou não. O objetivo deste estudo foi isolar e identificar bactérias no conteúdo uterino de cadelas com piometra, analisar o perfil de suscetibilidade aos antibióticos, detectar a produção de enzimas β-lactamase por testes fenotípicos e genes de resistência aos β-lactâmicos. Dezoito amostras de conteúdo uterino foram coletadas por punção aspirativa. As amostras foram inoculadas em meio bacteriológico e identificadas por testes bioquímicos. Posteriormente, foram realizados testes de antibiograma, triagem para detecção de β-lactamases e PCR em tempo real para detecção de genes de resistência. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter aerogenes, Citrobacter spp., Staphylococcus spp. e Streptococcus spp. foram identificados nas amostras de conteúdo uterino analisadas. No teste de antibiograma, 90,5% dos isolados apresentaram resistência a pelo menos um antibiótico, e destes, 36,8% foram considerados MR, sendo três Staphylococcus spp., três E. coli e uma Klebsiella spp. Sobre a resistência bacteriana aos grupos de antibióticos testados, 38,1% dos isolados foram resistentes a pelo menos um tipo de β-lactâmico, 33,3% à tetraciclina, 19,0% aos aminoglicosídeos e 14,3% às fluorquinolonas, macrolídeos e trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol. No teste fenotípico para detecção da produção de β-lactamase, as amostras de E. coli foram negativas, e Klebsiella spp. foi positiva para a produção de AmpC, que apresentou os genes blaCMY, blaSPM e blaSIM. As bactérias resistentes aos antibióticos representam um grande desafio e, portanto, o suporte laboratorial é essencial, sem o qual o sucesso terapêutico diminui e a morte pode ser inevitável.
Atención Prenatal en Grupo en México: perspectivas y experiencias del personal de salud
Authors: Ibañez-Cuevas Midiam , Heredia-Pi Ileana Beatriz , Fuentes-Rivera Evelyn , Andrade-Romo Zafiro , Alcalde-Rabanal Jacqueline , Cacho Lourdes Bravo-Bolaños , Guzmán-Delgado Xochitl , Jurkiewicz Laurie , Darney Blair G
Published: April 2021

OBJETIVO: Identificar barreras y facilitadores de la implementación del modelo de Atención Prenatal en Grupo en México (APG), desde la perspectiva del personal de salud. MÉTODOS: Estudio cualitativo descriptivo en cuatro clínicas de la Secretaría de Salud en dos estados de México (Morelos e Hidalgo) de junio de 2016 a agosto de 2018. Se realizaron 11 entrevistas semi-estructuradas a prestadores de servicios de salud. Se exploraron sus percepciones y experiencias durante la implementación del modelo de APG. Se identificaron barreras y facilitadores para su adopción en dos dimensiones: a) estructurales (espacio, recursos, personal de salud, volumen de pacientes, comunidad) y b) actitudinales (motivación, liderazgo, aceptabilidad, abordaje de problemas, clima y comunicación). RESULTADOS: Las barreras más relevantes reportadas en el nivel estructural fueron la disponibilidad de espacio físico en las unidades y la sobrecarga de trabajo del personal de salud. Se identificó la dificultad para adoptar una relación menos jerárquica durante la atención a las gestantes en el nivel actitudinal. El principal facilitador a nivel actitudinal fue la aceptabilidad que los prestadores tienen del modelo. Un hallazgo específico para el contexto de la implementación en México fue la resistencia al cambio en la relación médico-paciente; resulta difícil abandonar el modelo jerárquico prevaleciente y cambiar a una relación más horizontal con las gestantes. CONCLUSIONES: El análisis de la implementación del modelo de APG en México, desde la perspectiva del personal de salud, ha evidenciado barreras y facilitadores similares a las experiencias en otros contextos. Esfuerzos futuros para la adopción del modelo deberán enfocarse en la atención oportuna de las barreras identificadas, sobre todo aquellas señaladas en la dimensión actitudinal que pueden ser modificadas a través de capacitaciones continuas al personal de salud.
Gastos catastróficos em saúde e multimorbidade entre adultos mais velhos no Brasil
Authors: Bernardes Gabriella Marques , Saulo Helton , Fernandez Rodrigo Nobre , Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda , Andrade Fabíola Bof de
Published: April 2021

OBJETIVO: Estimar a relação entre gasto catastrófico em saúde (GCS) e multimorbidade em amostra nacional representativa da população brasileira com 50 anos de idade ou mais. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados de 8.347 participantes do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (2015–2016). A variável dependente foi o GCS, definido pela razão entre as despesas com saúde do adulto de 50 anos ou mais e a renda domiciliar. A variável de interesse foi a multimorbidade (duas ou mais doenças crônicas), e a variável utilizada para estratificação foi o escore de riqueza. As principais análises foram baseadas na regressão logística multivariada. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de GCS foi de 17,9% e 7,5% para gastos correspondentes a 10% e 25% da renda domiciliar, respectivamente. A prevalência da multimorbidade foi de 63,2%. A multimorbidade apresentou associações positivas e independentes com GCS (OR = 1,95, IC95% 1,67–2,28 e OR = 1,40, IC95% 1,11–1,76 para gastos correspondentes a 10% e 25%, respectivamente). Os gastos associados à multimorbidade foram maiores entre aqueles com menor escore de riqueza. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados chamam atenção para a necessidade de uma abordagem integrada da multimorbidade nos serviços de saúde, de forma a evitar os GCS, particularmente entre adultos mais velhos com piores condições socioeconômicas.
Population-based seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and the herd immunity threshold in Maranhão
Authors: Silva Antônio Augusto Moura da , Lima-Neto Lídio Gonçalves , Azevedo Conceição de Maria Pedrozo e Silva de , Costa Léa Márcia Melo da , Bragança Maylla Luanna Barbosa Martins , Barros Filho Allan Kardec Duailibe , Wittlin Bernardo Bastos , Souza Bruno Feres de , Oliveira Bruno Luciano Carneiro Alves de , Carvalho Carolina Abreu de , Thomaz Erika Barbara Abreu Fonseca , Simões-Neto Eudes Alves , Leite Júnior Jamesson Ferreira , Cosme Lécia Maria Sousa Santos , Campos Marcos Adriano Garcia , Queiroz Rejane Christine de Sousa , Costa Sérgio Souza , Carvalho Vitória Abreu de , Simões Vanda Maria Ferreira , Alves Maria Teresa Seabra Soares de Brito e , Santos Alcione Miranda dos
Published: April 2021

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. METHODS: A population-based household survey was performed, from July 27, 2020 to August 8, 2020. The estimates considered clustering, stratification and non-response. Qualitative detection of IgM and IgG antibodies was performed in a fully-automated Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 electrochemiluminescence immunoassay on the Cobas® e601 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics). RESULTS: In total, 3,156 individuals were interviewed. Seroprevalence of total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was 40.4% (95%CI 35.6-45.3). Population adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions was higher at the beginning of the pandemic than in the last month. SARS-CoV-2 infection rates were significantly lower among mask wearers and among those who maintained social and physical distancing in the last month compared to their counterparts. Among the infected, 26.0% were asymptomatic. The infection fatality rate (IFR) was 0.14%, higher for men and older adults. The IFR based on excess deaths was 0.28%. The ratio of estimated infections to reported cases was 22.2. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 estimated in this population-based survey is one of the highest reported. The local herd immunity threshold may have been reached or might be reached soon.
Prevention of Fibrosis and Pathological Cardiac Remodeling by Salinomycin
Authors: Burke Ryan M. , Dirkx Ronald A. , Quijada Pearl , Lighthouse Janet K. , Mohan Amy , O’Brien Meghann , Wojciechowski Wojciech , Woeller Collynn F. , Phipps Richard P. , Alexis Jeffrey D. , Ashton John M. , Small Eric M.
Published: April 2021

Rationale:

Cardiomyopathy is characterized by the deposition of extracellular matrix by activated resident cardiac fibroblasts called myofibroblasts. There are currently no therapeutic approaches to blunt the development of pathological fibrosis and ventricle chamber stiffening that ultimately leads to heart failure.

Objective:

We undertook a high-throughput screen to identify small molecule inhibitors of myofibroblast activation that might limit the progression of heart failure. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of the polyether ionophore salinomycin in patient-derived cardiac fibroblasts and preclinical mouse models of ischemic and nonischemic heart failure.

Methods and Results:

Here, we demonstrate that salinomycin displays potent anti-fibrotic activity in cardiac fibroblasts obtained from heart failure patients. In preclinical studies, salinomycin prevents cardiac fibrosis and functional decline in mouse models of ischemic and nonischemic heart disease. Remarkably, interventional treatment with salinomycin attenuates preestablished pathological cardiac remodeling secondary to hypertension and limits scar expansion when administered after a severe myocardial infarction. Mechanistically, salinomycin inhibits cardiac fibroblast activation by preventing p38/MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase) and Rho signaling. Salinomycin also promotes cardiomyocyte survival and improves coronary vessel density, suggesting that cardioprotection conferred by salinomycin occurs via the integration of multiple mechanisms in multiple relevant cardiac cell types.

Conclusions:

These data establish salinomycin as an antifibrotic agent that targets multiple cardioprotection pathways, thereby holding promise for the treatment of heart failure patients.
DISAGGREGATED CAPITAL INFLOWS AND ASSET PRICES: EVIDENCE FROM TURKEY
Authors: USTA Ahmet
Published: April 2021

This paper considers the behavior of capital inflows (sum of debt-and equity-based inflows) in the push-pull framework and their effects on asset prices. First, we investigate the responses of disaggregated capital inflows to global push factor and country specific pull factor by estimating a VAR model for Turkey over the period between 2009:M1 and 2020:M4. Second, by using the same estimation technique, we test whether different forms of capital inflows have different impact on asset prices. We find that the total capital and debt inflows present similar responses to shocks to push and pull factors. An increase in both factors is followed by a decrease in capital inflows. Moreover, there is an immediate increase in asset prices when there is a shock to capital inflows. However, these significant responses become negative in the following period when there is a shock to capital inflows except for the equity inflows.
Morphological and molecular characteristics of Bastiania sinensis sp. n., Tripyla aquatica Brzeski & Winiszewska-Ślipińska, 1993 and T. setifera Bütschli, 1873 (Nematoda: Triplonchida) from Shanxi Province, North China
Authors: Liu Mei Na , Xu Yu Mei , Zhao Zeng Qi , Wang Jian Ming
Published: April 2021

This paper describes a new species of Bastiania, presents a new record and redescribes a known species of Tripyla. These nematodes are all in the order Triplonchida and were collected from Shanxi Province, North China. Bastiania sinensis sp. n. is characterised by having the female with a relatively slender body 1049-1295 μm long, dorsally arcuate after heat relaxation, with outer labial setae and cephalic setae in a single circle, an oval amphid, 7-8 laterodorsal cervical setae scattered in the pharyngeal region, orthometamenes and pseudocoelomocytes present, tail conoid with a mucron 1-2 μm long, two pairs of caudal setae present, a = 58.1-75.5, b = 4.0-4.6, c = 12.7-19.7, c′ = 4.1-7.8 and V = 61.1-67.7. Males were not found. Tripyla aquatica is recorded for the first time from China, and is redescribed. Tripyla setifera has been reported from China but without a detailed description – now provided. In addition, phylogenetic relationships among the species were analysed using data from the near full length small subunit (SSU) and D2-D3 segments of large subunit (LSU) of rRNA genes. Bastiania sinensis sp. n. is monophyletic with the Bastiania sequences available in GenBank, but is on an independent branch supporting its status as a separate species; T. aquatica and T. setifera are monophyletically clustered with known Tripyla species and grouped together with sequences from their respective species.
A new Pereskia (Cactaceae) from Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: TAYLOR NIGEL P. , ZAPPI DANIELA C. , ALBUQUERQUE-LIMA SINZINANDO
Published: April 2021

Pereskia bahiensis subsp. minensis subsp. nov. is described from agreste vegetation in the South-eastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The new taxon differs from P. bahiensis subsp. bahiensis by its flowers, with more numerous, rounded bracts, the conspicuously white base of the petals, the stamens densely clustered at the centre of the flowers, and its more robust habit and leaves. We provide illustrations and an IUCN conservation Red List status assessment (Critically Endangered, CR). A key for all taxa of Pereskia is also presented.
Is Computational Oceanography Coming of Age?
Authors: Haine Thomas W. N. , Gelderloos Renske , Jimenez-Urias Miguel A. , Siddiqui Ali H. , Lemson Gerard , Medvedev Dimitri , Szalay Alex , Abernathey Ryan P. , Almansi Mattia , Hill Christopher N.
Published: April 2021

Computational oceanography is the study of ocean phenomena by numerical simulation, especially dynamical and physical phenomena. Progress in information technology has driven exponential growth in the number of global ocean observations and the fidelity of numerical simulations of the ocean in the past few decades. The growth has been exponentially faster for ocean simulations, however. We argue that this faster growth is shifting the importance of field measurements and numerical simulations for oceanographic research. It is leading to the maturation of computational oceanography as a branch of marine science on par with observational oceanography. One implication is that ultraresolved ocean simulations are only loosely constrained by observations. Another implication is that barriers to analyzing the output of such simulations should be removed. Although some specific limits and challenges exist, many opportunities are identified for the future of computational oceanography. Most important is the prospect of hybrid computational and observational approaches to advance understanding of the ocean.
AMOC stability and diverging response to Arctic sea ice decline in two climate models
Authors: Li Hui , Fedorov Alexey , Liu Wei
Published: April 2021

This study compares the impacts of Arctic sea ice decline on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) in two configurations of the Community Earth System Model (CESM) with different horizontal resolution. In a suite of model experiments we impose radiative imbalance at the ice surface, replicating a loss of sea ice cover comparable to the observed during 1979-2014, and find dramatic differences in the AMOC response between the two models. In the lower-resolution configuration, the AMOC weakens by about one third over the first 100 years, approaching a new quasi-equilibrium. By contrast, in the higher-resolution configuration, the AMOC weakens by ~10% during the first 20-30 years followed by a full recovery driven by invigorated deep water formation in the Labrador Sea and adjacent regions. We investigate these differences using a diagnostic AMOC stability indicator, which reflects the AMOC freshwater transport in and out of the basin and hence the strength of the basin-scale salt-advection feedback. This indicator suggests that the AMOC in the lower-resolution model is less stable and more sensitive to surface perturbations, as confirmed by hosing experiments mimicking Arctic freshening due to sea ice decline. Differences between the models’ mean states, including the Atlantic mean surface freshwater fluxes, control the differences in AMOC stability. Our results demonstrate that the AMOC stability indicator is indeed useful for evaluating AMOC sensitivity to perturbations. Finally, we emphasize that, despite the differences in the long-term adjustment, both models simulate a multi-decadal AMOC weakening caused by Arctic sea ice decline, relevant to climate change.
Evaluation of the Impact of Ranolazine Treatment on Liver Function Tests in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Esenboğa Kerim , Kurtul Alparslan , Nazman Hüseyin , Tekin Cemre Gül , Özyüncü Nil , Tan Türkan Seda , Tutar Eralp , Turhan Sibel Tekin
Published: April 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver pathology in the developed world. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the impact of ranolazine on liver tests in patients with NAFLD and coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients who had established CAD and NAFLD (as assessed by raised serum transaminase activity, sonographic criteria, and the absence of any other obvious liver disease) were allocated to “on ranolazine” (n = 40) or “not on ranolazine” (n = 35) groups. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured in all patients at baseline and at the end of the study. After 6 months of ranolazine treatment, both ALT and AST activities were significantly lower in patients in the “on ranolazine” group compared with “not on ranolazine” patients (change from baseline: ALT, −11.0 ± 1.7 IU/L, P < .001; AST, −5.2 ± 1.9 IU/L, P =.009). In conclusion, the present study showed that treatment with ranolazine for 6 months led to a significant reduction in the activities of both serum aminotransferases in patients with stable CAD and NAFLD.
Endaural Over-Underlay Cartilage Tympanoplasty for Repair of Dry Subtotal Perforations
Authors: Çetin Yaser Said , Erdem Mehmet Zeki
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

We explored the auditory and anatomical success of grafting when the cartilage perichondrium (CP) was prepared using two different methods.

Methods:

Patients with subtotal or total perforation underwent tympanoplasty with a CP graft. A V-shaped groove for the handle of the malleus was prepared for CP grafts in patients in group 1. Patients in group 2 did not have a groove on the graft. The anatomical success of the graft was evaluated as success, partial success, or failure. Results of auditory evaluations were compared between the two groups.

Results:

A total of 195 patients were included in the study. The total CP graft integration rate was 96% for both groups. Significant changes were detected in all hearing criteria evaluated 12 months after surgery compared to the preoperative period ( P < .05). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the relationship between graft technique and postoperative hearing results. However, rates of partial success were significantly higher for group 1 than group 2 ( P = .033).

Conclusion:

Cartilage slice support offers an extremely reliable method for reconstruction of tympanic membrane in cases of high-risk perforation. Partial failures are rare, but when they occur, they most often involved anterior graft medialization. When a piece of cartilage is removed at the malleus interface there may be a higher rate of partial failure.
Visualization of Inter- and Intramolecular Interactions in Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/Poly(L-lactic acid) (PHB/PLLA) Blends During Isothermal Melt Crystallization Using Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) Spectroscopic Imaging
Authors: Lu Huiqiang , Sato Harumi , Kazarian Sergei G.
Published: April 2021

Inter- and intramolecular interactions in multicomponent polymer systems influence their physical and chemical properties significantly and thus have implications on their synthesis and processing. In the present study, chemical images were obtained by plotting the peak position of a spectral band from the data sets generated using in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopic imaging. This approach was successfully used to visualize changes in intra- and intermolecular interactions in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/poly(L-lactic acid) (PHB/PLLA) blends during the isothermal melt crystallization. The peak position of ν(C＝O) band, which reflects the nature of the intermolecular interaction, shows that the intermolecular interactions between PHB and PLLA in the miscible state (1733 cm−1) changes to the inter- and intramolecular interaction (CH3⋯O=C, 1720 cm−1) within PHB crystal during the isothermal melt crystallization. Compared with spectroscopic images obtained by plotting the distribution of absorbance of spectral bands, which reveals the spatial distribution of blend components, the approach of plotting the peak position of a spectral band reflects the spatial distribution of different intra- and intermolecular interactions. With the process of isothermal melt-crystallization, the disappearance of the intermolecular interaction between PHB and PLLA and the appearance of the inter- and intramolecular interactions within the PHB crystal were both visualized through the images based on the observation of the band position. This work shows the potential of using in-situ ATR FT-IR spectroscopic imaging to visualize different types of inter- or intramolecular interactions between polymer molecules or between polymer and other additives in various types of multicomponent polymer systems.
Reciprocal institutional visibility: Youth, peace and security and ‘inclusive’ agendas at the United Nations
Authors: Berents Helen , Mollica Caitlin
Published: April 2021

Within the architecture of the United Nations (UN), formal recognition of the contributions of historically marginalised individuals and communities to peacebuilding denotes a positive shift in rhetoric and practice. Alongside broader institutional moves towards ‘sustaining peace’; the emergence of a ‘Youth, Peace and Security’ agenda since 2015 formalises attention to youth as positive contributors to peacebuilding and in responding to violence. This article situates the Youth, Peace and Security agenda within broader institutional and academic attention on ‘inclusive peace’. It considers the ongoing challenges in legitimising youth inclusion; and positions this emergent agenda in relation to the gains made by the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and the establishment of the UN’s sustaining peace agenda. These explorations demonstrate the value of considering the evolution of inclusive peace agendas together, while remaining mindful of their distinctive characteristics, to better understand the potential of inclusive approaches to peace. It argues that the Youth, Peace and Security agenda should be understood as a key element of shifts in UN peacebuilding practice towards inclusivity that enable visibility and legitimacy to a broader range of peace actors. We suggest that greater recognition of the contributions of youth to the broader ‘inclusive and sustaining peace’ mandates is needed.
The emergence of coercive federal Australian labour law, 1901–2020
Authors: Schofield-Georgeson Eugene
Published: April 2021

Over the past two decades, industrial relations scholarship has observed a trend towards an increasingly punitive industrial environment along with the ‘re-regulation’ of labour law. Absent from much of this literature, however, has been an empirical and historical measurement or comparison of the scale and quality of this systemic change. By surveying coercive and penal federal industrial legislation over the period 1901–2020, this study shows empirically that over the last 40 years, there has been a steep increase in the amount of coercive federal labour legislation in Australia. It further measures and compares the volume of coercive labour legislation enacted specifically against ‘labour’ and ‘capital’ or both throughout the same period (1901–2020). Analysis reveals a correlation between a high volume of coercive labour legislation with low levels of trade union power and organisation. Argued here is that coercive labour legislation has been crucial to transitioning from a liberal conciliation and arbitration model of Australian industrial relations towards a neoliberal framework of employment legislation. In the former, regulation was more collective, informal and egalitarian (embodied by the sociological concept of ‘associative democracy’). Under a neoliberal framework, regulation is now more individualised, technical, punitive and rarely enforced, resulting in less equal material outcomes.
Perceived Stress and Perceived Lack of Control of Spanish Education-Degree University Students: Differences Dependent on Degree Year, Basis for Admission and Gender
Authors: Martínez-García Inmaculada , Nielsen Tine , Alastor Enrique
Published: April 2021

Stress in higher education students is an issue of growing concern, as stress impacts quality of life and has been linked to drop-out from higher education. The aim was to investigate how stress was related to how far along students were in their degree program, using the Spanish Perceived Stress Scale (PSS10). We expected 1) first-year education students to experience more perceived lack of control than second-year students, 2) second-year students to experience more perceived stress than first-year students. Participants were students in three university education-degree programs (N = 399). The psychometric properties of the Perceived Stress (PS) and Perceived Lack of Control (PLC) subscales were investigated using Rasch models. One item was eliminated from each subscale. The estimated interval-level Rasch scores were utilized for testing hypotheses with general linear models. Results showed a somewhat more complex pattern than predicted as interaction effects between degree year and gender and between degree year and basis for admission were found.
Optimization method of hourly heat load calculation model for heat storage air-conditioning heating system in different climate zones
Authors: Liu Yuechao , Guo Dong , Zhou Min , Wu Shanshan , Li Dongmei
Published: April 2021

One optimization method of hourly heat load calculation model for heat storage air-conditioning heating system in different climate zones was proposed. A building model is initially built in six different climate zones. Subsequently, the hourly heat load and steady-state design heat load in different climate zones were analyzed. Simultaneously, the hourly heat load additional coefficient of the air-conditioning system with different heating modes on a typical day was compared. It can be found that steady-state design heat load on a typical day is mostly between the peak load and average load of the air-conditioning heating system. Simultaneously, results indicate that the hourly heat load additional coefficient in each climate zone can be fitted to different exponential functions. When the heat storage capacity of building components was changed, the maximum increase of the hourly heat load additional coefficient of the air-conditioning system with intermittent heating was 5%. Thus, the research of the optimal design of hourly heat load calculation method provides a relative reference for performance improvement of the heat storage air-conditioning heating system.
Diagenetic facies and reservoir porosity evaluation of deep high-quality clastic reservoirs: A case study of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation, Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Yang Jiaqi , Wang Enze , Ji Youliang , Wu Hao , He Zhiliang , Zhang Juntao , Zhang Yue , Meng Lingjian , Feng Yue
Published: April 2021

Petrological analysis, thin-section observation and laboratory analysis data were selected to systematically study the physical and diagenetic features of the first member of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation (Es1) in the No. 3 structural belt of the Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. The intensities of different diagenetic processes were determined, the diagenetic evolution sequence was reconstructed, the typical diagenetic facies were identified and the effects of different diageneses on the reservoir were quantitatively analyzed. The results show that the main intergranular fillings include authigenic-quartz, quartz secondary enlargement, clay minerals, carbonate cement and matrix. The pore types include intergranular porosity, dissolution porosity and microfractures. The reservoir has experienced compaction, early cementation, dissolution and late cementation, among which compaction is the most important porosity reducer. Compaction was the main diagenetic process involved in porosity reduction, accounting for about 24.4% of the loss of thin-section porosity. The dissolution process clearly improved the porosity, increasing thin-section porosity by 2.7%. Five diagenetic facies were identified on the basis of petrographic analyses, namely, (a) strongly compacted-weakly cemented-weakly dissolved facies; (b) weakly compacted-strongly cemented-weakly dissolved facies; (c) moderately compacted-moderately cemented-weakly dissolved facies; (d) strongly compacted-weakly cemented-moderately dissolved facies; and (e) strongly compacted-weakly cemented-strongly dissolved facies. According to the analysis of diagenesis intensity, the porosity evolution model of various diagenetic facies was reconstructed, and the reservoir quality of various diagenetic facies was quantitatively predicted. The reservoir quality of different diagenetic facies clearly changed with depth. The best reservoir quality was in strongly compacted–weakly cemented–strongly dissolution facies, which have good sorting, contain a large amount of feldspar and soluble debris, and are mainly developed in the main part of the river channel. Our study can provide a reference for the subsequent exploration and development of deep petroleum systems.
Positioning Practices of Orientation and Mobility Specialists When Teaching Street Crossings: Is There a Standard Approach?
Authors: Zebehazy Kim T. , Renshaw Rebecca L. , Zimmerman George J.
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

An important skill for orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists to have is to monitor clients appropriately when they are learning to cross intersections. Techniques books provide some suggestions for positioning during street crossings, but no research has been conducted about consensus or priorities for making appropriate decisions on positioning. The purpose of this study was to investigate general positioning decisions using visual monitoring techniques.

Method:

A total of 234 participants (practicing O&M specialists, preservice O&M students, and O&M university personnel) completed a 40-question survey. The survey included demographic questions, diagrams of intersections that participants used to select positioning locations, questions about lanes of threat, and questions about important factors to consider when positioning to monitor safety. Commonality of selections were analyzed and compared with demographic information.

Results:

The greatest consensus was found for all intersection types when the client is positioned on the corner waiting to cross and for identification of the first lane of threat. More variable position selections were made for monitoring during the crossings, and the second and third lane of threat selections were also more variable. Factors respondents indicated as most important to consider when positioning aligned with their positioning choices overall.

Discussion:

Personnel preparation programs may want to consider to what extent they teach considerations for positioning before and during crossings, and whether the predominant tendency to put oneself between the client and traffic warrants additional conversation. Future research should look at more complex intersections and the additional nuances used to make positioning choices.

Implications for practitioners:

Practitioners should reflect on whether they actively change their positioning decisions based on the situation and type of intersection versus tending to use a standard strategy.
Assessing the Longitudinal Change in Low Vision: A Test of Competing Hypotheses
Authors: Liew Hui-Peng
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Visual impairment among older adults has increasingly become one of the biggest challenges to public health and personal well-being in the United States. This study aims to examine whether the intersectionality hypothesis can be used in conjunction with the cumulative advantage (disadvantage), persistent inequality, or age-as-leveler to explain heterogeneity in low vision trajectories across birth cohorts, race or ethnicity, gender, and the level of education.

Methods:

Growth curve modeling was used to analyze data from the 2002–2014 Health and Retirement Study.

Results:

The type of trajectory (i.e., cumulative advantage or disadvantage, the persistent inequality, and the age-as-leveler) that characterize low vision is largely dependent upon the characteristics of an individual (i.e., race or ethnicity, gender, and education).

Discussion:

Trajectories of low vision are higher among females and those from ethnic minority groups with low levels of education.

Implications for practitioners:

Targeted interventions and attempts to close interethnic disparities in vision functioning should begin early on in life and should focus on racial ethnic minorities, females, and those with low education.
Stimulus Generalization Using Nonvisual Stimuli with a Student Who Has Autism Spectrum Disorder and Visual Impairment
Authors: Arnall Robin , Garcia Yors , Griffith Annette K. , Spear Jack
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

The main objective of this study was to determine whether stimulus symmetry, or untaught generalized relations among stimuli, could be demonstrated using audio and tactile stimuli (i.e., nonvisual).

Methods:

A modified alternating treatment within a concurrent multiple baseline design across nonvisual stimulus sets (i.e., tactile and audio) was implemented with Zach, an 11-year-old male diagnosed with autism and visual impairment, to teach two relations (sound–touch and sound–label) among stimuli. Following training, the researcher tested whether Zach could identify stimuli through an untaught relation (touch–label). The study presented here required a week to complete and was conducted at a private school for individuals with behavioral concerns.

Results:

During baseline, Zach demonstrated low levels of correct responses (average of 7% across all relations) for all skills. In the training phase (for only two of the three targeted skills, sound–touch and sound–label relations), Zach demonstrated proficiency for most stimuli used in the sets (average of 61% across relations). Finally, in the testing phase (the untaught touch–label relation), Zach demonstrated high levels of generalized acquisition (89%).

Discussion:

Results indicated that the procedure used in this study could be generalized to novel populations, including those with visual impairments, and that different forms of sensory input could be used, including auditory and tactile-based teaching.

Implications for practitioners:

Individuals working with learners with differing levels of visual impairment could utilize the demonstrated procedure to associate types of stimuli, using methods other than visual input. The procedure outlined would benefit a population that may require assistance with developing language skills but who also may have difficulties using common visual stimuli.