bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum exosomal miR‐1269a serves as a diagnostic marker and plays an oncogenic role in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Xue , Jiang Xinquan , Li Juan , Wang Jingzheng , Binang Helen , Shi Shuang , Duan Weili , Zhao Yinghui , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2020

Background

Early diagnosis improves the prognosis for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); therefore, there is a pressing need for effective diagnostic methods for NSCLC. Increasing evidence indicates that serum exosomal micro RNAs (miRNAs) represent promising diagnostic and prognostic markers for multiple cancers. Here, we explored a panel of miRNAs for NSCLC diagnosis and functionally characterized miR‐1269a in the pathogenesis of NSCLC.

Methods: First, we analyzed high‐throughput data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to identify differentially expressed miRNAs between NSCLC patients and healthy controls. We examined the expression profiles of the identified miRNAs using qRT‐PCR.

Results: We found that four micro‐RNAs (hsa‐miR‐9‐3p, hsa‐miR‐205‐5p, hsa‐miR‐210‐5p, and hsa‐miR‐1269a) were more abundant in serum exosomes from NSCLC patients. A logistic regression model validated the diagnostic efficacy of the four‐microRNA panel, allowing us to distinguish NSCLC patients from healthy controls with AUCs of 0.915 and 0.878 for the training and validation sets, respectively. Functionally, NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were affected by the aberrant expression of hsa‐miR‐1269a in culture. Reduced expression of miR‐1269a resulted in reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion through targeting the forkhead box O1 gene (FOXO1).

Conclusions: Taken together, our study identified a panel of four serum exosomal miRNAs as a potential noninvasive diagnostic biomarker for NSCLC. The interactions between FOXO1 and miR‐1269a represent novel potential targets for NSCLC therapy.
Indigenous learning on Turtle Island: A review of the literature on land‐based learning
Authors: Bowra Andrea , Mashford‐Pringle Angela , Poland Blake
Published: October 2020

Land has played an integral role in Indigenous education since time immemorial. In Indigenous ways of knowing and being in the world, land is the basis of all life and therefore the foundation for all cultural and traditional teachings. Learning takes place in cooperation with the rhythms of everyday life, including land‐based activities such as hunting and gathering. This form of education is in contrast with western systems that continue to perpetuate colonialism through the erasure of Indigenous lives, cultures, and knowledge. The authors of this paper explore the meaning of land‐based learning, wise practices for its facilitation, and the barriers impeding the widespread practice of land‐based learning. The findings of this review have important implications for the revitalization and perpetuation of Indigenous knowledge, in an Indigenous way, among future generations. Land‐based learning, in its authentic form, is a powerful tool in the continuing process of decolonization. In being on the land, Indigenous and non‐Indigenous peoples are able to come together and draw strength from their ancestors, relationships, and histories in order to heal and transcend the trauma caused by past and present colonial processes.
A regional evaluation of the health care utilization and outcomes of children and young people with long‐term ventilation needs
Authors: Popejoy Emma , Marufu Takawira C. , Thomas David A. , Gregory Rachel , Frost Adele , McNarry Nicola , Hurley Matthew , Bean Dorothy , Manning Joseph C.
Published: October 2020

Background

Globally, the number of children and young people (CYP) with long‐term ventilation (LTV) needs is increasing, with high associated health care costs, due to frequent hospital admissions and contact with community health care services. However, demographic, health care utilization and outcome details of the CYP cared for locally is unknown. This study aimed to examine health care utilization and outcomes for this patient population.

Methods

Routinely collected data from 2014 to 2018 were extracted from local LTV team records and from hospital electronic patient records. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17.

Results

A total of 112 CYP aged 0–17 years old were included in the evaluation.

Sixty per cent (n = 67) commenced ventilation in hospital, and 62% (n = 69) had at‐least one hospitalization event whilst they were on LTV, with a median length of stay of 3 days. Most hospitalizations were unplanned and respiratory in nature. Ninety‐five per cent (n = 106) of CYP accessed at least one clinic appointment whilst on LTV, with a median of 20 outpatient clinic appointments during the study period. The majority of CYP received time‐intensive support from LTV nurses and physiotherapists during the period that they received LTV. Minimal seasonal variation existed in relation to hospital admissions. Year on year increasing trend of hospital admissions was noted. The observed mortality rate was 3.6% (n = 4), 72.3% (n = 81) remained active on LTV, 14% (n = 16) were liberated from their ventilation and 9% (n = 10) transitioned to adult care by the end of the study.

Conclusion

The study highlights the most common modes of health care utilization for CYP with LTV needs. To enable formalization of future resource planning and accurate assessment of health care utilization in evaluations, there is an urgent need to create a systematic approach for relevant LTV data collection.
Biological variation and analytical goals of four thyroid function biomarkers in healthy European volunteers
Authors: Mairesse Antoine , Wauthier Loris , Courcelles Louisiane , Luyten Urszula , Burlacu Maria‐Cristina , Maisin Diane , Favresse Julien , van Dievoet Marie‐Astrid , Gruson Damien
Published: October 2020

Background

Interpretation of thyroid function tests by means of biological variation (BV) data is essential to identify significant changes between serial measurements at an individual level. Data on thyroid parameters in adults are limited.

Objectives

We aimed at determining the BV of four thyroid function test (thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and thyroglobulin (Tg)) by applying recent recommendations to acquire BV data on a latest generation of immunoassay.

Methods

Nineteen healthy volunteers (8 males and 11 females) were drawn every week during 5 consecutive weeks. Samples were analysed in duplicate on the Cobas 602 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics). After normality assessment, outlier exclusion and homogeneity of variance analysis, analytical variation (CVA), within‐subject biological variation (CVI) and between‐subject biological variation (CVG) were determined using nested ANOVA.

Results

CVA, CVI and CVG were 0.9%, 19.7% and 37.6% for TSH; 3.6%, 4.6% and 10.8% for FT4; 2.2%, 6.0% and 8.6% for FT3; and 0.9%, 15.4% and 84.9% for Tg. Index of individuality (II) for all parameters was between 0.2 and 0.7. The percentage above which the change between two measures is truly significant (reference change value) was 54.7% for TSH, 16.2% for FT4, 17.7% for FT3 and 42.8% for Tg.

Conclusion

Based on recent international recommendations, our study provides updated BV data for four thyroid function tests in European healthy volunteers. Reliable BV characteristics, and especially RCV, can facilitate the interpretation of consecutive thyroid function tests in an individual and therefore have the potential to efficiently support clinical decisions regarding thyroid diseases.
Young people looking forward: Imagined future and normative tensions in urban Norway
Authors: Andersen Nina H. B. , Gubrium Erika , Ulvik Oddbjørg S.
Published: October 2020

We explore the meaning‐making practices of ‘little personal stories’ and ‘big societal stories’ in the imagined futures of 12‐ and 13‐year‐olds within Norway, known for its egalitarian ideals and welfare society. Using the concept ‘prospective narratives’, we explore these practices through the students' narrative world‐making. The narratives connect the imagined future with gender and class variations related to larger social norms in the arenas of work and family. They demonstrate embodied and positioned cultural knowledge of the present, reflecting tensions between dominant social norms—‘big stories’—in terms of child‐centred parenting, active work‐life and egalitarian ideals across gender and class.
Working landscapes need at least 20% native habitat
Authors: Garibaldi Lucas A. , Oddi Facundo J. , Miguez Fernando E. , Bartomeus Ignasi , Orr Michael C. , Jobbágy Esteban G. , Kremen Claire , Schulte Lisa A. , Hughes Alice C. , Bagnato Camilo , Abramson Guillermo , Bridgewater Peter , Carella Dulce Gomez , Díaz Sandra , Dicks Lynn V. , Ellis Erle C. , Goldenberg Matías , Huaylla Claudia A. , Kuperman Marcelo , Locke Harvey , Mehrabi Zia , Santibañez Fernanda , Zhu Chao‐Dong
Published: October 2020

International agreements aim to conserve 17% of Earth's land area by 2020 but include no area‐based conservation targets within the working landscapes that support human needs through farming, ranching, and forestry. Through a review of country‐level legislation, we found that just 38% of countries have minimum area requirements for conserving native habitats within working landscapes. We argue for increasing native habitats to at least 20% of working landscape area where it is below this minimum. Such target has benefits for food security, nature's contributions to people, and the connectivity and effectiveness of protected area networks in biomes in which protected areas are underrepresented. We also argue for maintaining native habitat at higher levels where it currently exceeds the 20% minimum, and performed a literature review that shows that even more than 50% native habitat restoration is needed in particular landscapes. The post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is an opportune moment to include a minimum habitat restoration target for working landscapes that contributes to, but does not compete with, initiatives for expanding protected areas, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Reduction of Renal Preservation/Reperfusion Injury by Controlled Hyperthermia During Ex Vivo Machine Perfusion
Authors: Minor Thomas , von Horn Charlotte
Published: October 2020

The possible reno‐protective effect of a controlled brief heat‐shock treatment during isolated ex vivo machine perfusion of donor grafts prior to reperfusion should be investigated in a primary in vitro study. Porcine kidneys (n = 14) were retrieved after 20 minutes of cardiac standstill of the donor and subjected to 20 hours of static cold storage in University of Wisconsin solution. Prior to reperfusion, kidneys were subjected to 2 hours of reconditioning machine perfusion with gradual increase in perfusion temperature up to 35°C. In half of the kidneys (n = 7), a brief hyperthermic impulse (10 minutes perfusion at 42°C) was implemented in the machine perfusion period. Functional recovery of the grafts was observed upon normothermic reperfusion in vitro. Hyperthermic treatment resulted in a 50% increase of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and HSP 27 mRNA and was accompanied by ~ 50% improvement of tubular re‐absorption of sodium and glucose upon reperfusion, compared with the controls. Furthermore, renal loss of aspartate aminotransferase was significantly reduced to one‐third of the controls as was urinary protein loss, evaluated by the albumin to creatinine ratio. It is concluded that ex vivo heat‐shock treatment seems to be an easily implementable and promising option to enhance renal self‐defense machinery against reperfusion injury after preservation that merits further investigation in preclinical models.
Epicardial flow in the right ventricular wall on echocardiography: A sign of chronic total occlusion of left anterior descending artery
Authors: Nagai Hitoshi , Oda Takamasa , Nakao Fumiaki , Ueyama Takeshi , Ikeda Yasuhiro
Published: October 2020

Transthoracic coronary Doppler echocardiography (TCDE) can be useful for the detection of chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) noninvasively, by detecting retrograde flow through the distal LAD or its septal branch. This intriguing case report details the detection of abnormal blood flow in the right ventricular free wall by TCDE. This detection of abnormal flow may be useful to predict CTO of the LAD, even in the absence of retrograde flow in the LAD and its septal branch.
Functional interactions between cannabinoids, omega‐3 fatty acids, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors: Implications for mental health pharmacotherapies
Authors: Jung Tony , Hudson Roger , Rushlow Walter , Laviolette Steven R.
Published: October 2020

Cannabis contains a plethora of phytochemical constituents with diverse neurobiological effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the main non‐psychotropic component found in cannabis that is capable of modulating mesocorticolimbic DA transmission and may possess therapeutic potential for several neuropsychiatric disorders. Emerging evidence also suggests that, similar to CBD, omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may regulate DA transmission and possess therapeutic potential for similar neuropsychiatric disorders. Although progress has been made to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic properties of CBD and omega‐3s, it remains unclear through which receptor mechanisms they may produce their purported effects. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors are a group of nuclear transcription factors with multiple isoforms. PPARγ is an isoform activated by both CBD and omega‐3, whereas the PPARα isoform is activated by omega‐3. Interestingly, the activation of PPARγ and PPARα with selective agonists has been shown to decrease mesocorticolimbic DA activity and block neuropsychiatric symptoms similar to CBD and omega‐3s, raising the possibility that CBD and omega‐3s produce their effects through PPAR signaling. This review will examine the relationship between CBD, omega‐3s, and PPARs and how they may be implicated in the modulation of mesocorticolimbic DAergic abnormalities and associated neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Parasitism rate of Plebejus argyrognomon (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) under different levels of mowing management
Authors: Yeh Yen‐hua , Deto Hidenori , Miyashita Tadashi
Published: October 2020

Plebejus argyrognomon is an endangered grassland butterfly species in Japan. In this study we focused on the parasitism rate of tachinid flies under different mowing management to obtain knowledge of this possible top‐down effect that has been largely ignored. We established three mowing treatments differing in the intensity of mowing, as represented by vegetation height. The results showed that the parasitism rate of P. argyrognomon increased with vegetation height; the parasitism rate in blocks subjected to the highest mowing intensity was 8%, whereas in blocks subjected to the lowest mowing intensity, the rate was 42%. We suggest that clarifying interspecific interactions is important for understanding how habitat management affects grassland‐inhabiting butterflies in general.
Intraoperative depression of the bulla of the maxillary septum as a method of improving sinus drainage without epistaxis in horses
Authors: Carmalt J. L.
Published: October 2020

Current methods of creating sinus drainage and allowing egress of a sinus pack at the end of surgery create significant haemorrhage. Given that haemorrhage is already a concern in some sinus surgeries, the method described allows for a significant reduction in blood loss. The objective was to describe a method of enlarging the nasomaxillary aperture in horses to allow egress of a sinus pack, and subsequent endonasal treatment, without incurring significant haemorrhage. The bulla of the maxillary septum is depressed using a gloved finger (through a sinus flap or trephine hole) or using a long curved Peine instrument under sinoscopic control before fenestration. No major operative or post‐operative complications have been encountered. Satisfactory widening of the nasomaxillary aperture has been accomplished in all cases, although at times, when the bulla is under the floor of the dorsal conchal sinus, it can be difficult to compress. It is imperative that this procedure be performed before fenestration. If performed after fenestration, the most rostral edge of the fenestration can be difficult to identify, and this becomes an impediment to widening the nasomaxillary aperture. Enlarging the nasomaxillary aperture with a finger or blunt instrument allows improvements in sinus drainage without the complication of severe epistaxis. Depression of the bulla of the maxillary septum, before surgical fenestration into the rostral maxillary and ventral conchal sinuses, allows opening of the nasomaxillary aperture with minimal haemorrhage. Thereafter, the sinus pack can be egressed via this route, which is also large enough to perform sinus lavage and post‐operative treatments endonasally without the risk of disturbing the external surgical site.
An overview of ongoing clinical trials assessing pharmacological therapeutic strategies to manage chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy, based on preclinical studies in rodent models
Authors: Bouchenaki Hichem , Danigo Aurore , Sturtz Franck , Hajj Rodolphe , Magy Laurent , Demiot Claire
Published: October 2020

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major dose‐limiting side effect induced by a variety of chemotherapeutic agents. Symptoms are mainly sensory: pain, tingling, numbness, and temperature sensitivity. They may require the tapering of chemotherapy regimens or even their cessation; thus, the prevention/treatment of CIPN is critical to increase effectiveness of cancer treatment. However, CIPN management is mainly based on conventional neuropathic pain treatments, with poor clinical efficacy. Therefore, significant effort is made to identify new pharmacological targets to prevent/treat CIPN. Animal modeling is a key component in predicting human response to drugs and in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CIPN. In fact, studies performed in rodents highlighted several pharmacological targets to treat/prevent CIPN. This review provides updated information about ongoing clinical trials testing drugs for the management of CIPN and presents some of their proof‐of‐concept studies conducted in rodent models. The presented drugs target oxidative stress, renin–angiotensin system, glutamatergic neurotransmission, sphingolipid metabolism, neuronal uptake transporters, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide metabolism, endocannabinoid system, transient receptor potential channels, and serotoninergic receptors. As some clinical trials focus on the effect of the drugs on pain, others evaluate their efficacy by assessing general neuropathy. Moreover, based on studies conducted in rodent models, it remains unclear if some of the tested drugs act in an antinociceptive fashion or have neuroprotective properties. Thus, further investigations are needed to understand their mechanism of action, as well as a global standardization of the methods used to assess efficacy of new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of CIPN.
Introduction: Social security, inclusive growth and social cohesion
Authors: McKinnon Roddy
Published: October 2020

This special issue selectively addresses the relationship linking social security systems, inclusive growth and social cohesion. Inclusive growth and social cohesion are viewed as political expedient and necessary goals for national economies. The desirability of their attainment reflects political pragmatism, the “social contract”, as much as it does a commitment to the wider emancipative goal of social justice. The International Social Security Association (ISSA) has often paraphrased these assertions to argue that there can be “no social justice without social security”. Of course, progress achieved towards the realization of the goals of inclusive growth and social cohesion should be equally beneficial for the adequacy, sustainability and coverage of social security systems. The aim of this special issue is to unpack and better understand the nature of this relationship.
EvaLuation Using Cardiac Insertable Devices And TelephonE in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (ELUCIDATE HCM): A prospective observational study on incidence of arrhythmias
Authors: Magnusson Peter , Mörner Stellan
Published: October 2020

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heterogeneous disease associated with arrhythmias. Non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) is a risk factor for sudden cardiac death and part of the current risk stratification. Furthermore, atrial fibrillation (AF), which increases the risk of stroke, is believed to be common in HCM patients. Routine ambulatory monitoring captures the rhythm only periodically over 24–48 h; thus, the true burden of arrhythmia is unknown. The insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) should help determine a more realistic arrhythmia assessment in HCM patients.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the incidence of NSVT, AF, and bradycardia in unselected HCM patients by the use of an ICM.

Methods

Thirty adults, mean age 49.9 ± 12.3 years, 25 (83.3%) males were implanted with a Confirm Rx ICM. The monitoring application was installed on the patient's smartphone, which allowed for patient activation in case of symptoms. The ICM was programmed as follows: ventricular tachycardia (VT) ≥ 160 beats per minute (bpm) for ≥8 intervals, AF ≥ 2 min of duration, and bradycardia ≤ 40 bpm or pause ≥ 3.0 s.

Results

The mean calculated 5‐year risk was 2.3%, and 29/30 of the patients had a risk <4%. During follow‐up, AF was found in nine patients (30.0%). At least one episode of NSVT was detected in seven patients (23.3%). In 13 patients (43.3%), sinoatrial block/sinus arrest/sinus bradycardia were seen. No arrhythmia was detected in nine patients (30.0%).

Conclusion

In this first prospective study using an ICM, the arrhythmia burden in HCM patients yielded 30.0% AF and 23.3% NSVT.
Genomic inference of complex domestication histories in three Solanaceae species
Authors: Arnoux Stéphanie , Fraïsse Christelle , Sauvage Christopher
Published: October 2020

Domestication is a human‐induced selection process that imprints the genomes of domesticated populations over a short evolutionary time scale and that occurs in a given demographic context. Reconstructing historical gene flow, effective population size changes and their timing is therefore of fundamental interest to understand how plant demography and human selection jointly shape genomic divergence during domestication. Yet, the comparison under a single statistical framework of independent domestication histories across different crop species has been little evaluated so far. Thus, it is unclear whether domestication leads to convergent demographic changes that similarly affect crop genomes. To address this question, we used existing and new transcriptome data on three crop species of Solanaceae (eggplant, pepper and tomato), together with their close wild relatives. We fitted twelve demographic models of increasing complexity on the unfolded joint allele frequency spectrum for each wild/crop pair, and we found evidence for both shared and species‐specific demographic processes between species. A convergent history of domestication with gene flow was inferred for all three species, along with evidence of strong reduction in the effective population size during the cultivation stage of tomato and pepper. The absence of any reduction in size of the crop in eggplant stands out from the classical view of the domestication process; as does the existence of a “protracted period” of management before cultivation. Our results also suggest divergent management strategies of modern cultivars among species as their current demography substantially differs. Finally, the timing of domestication is species‐specific and supported by the few historical records available.
‘Chimwemwe Mu'bereki’ (Joyful Motherhood): Closing the Gap in Unmet Need for Home Based Nurse Midwifery Care in High Risk Infants and Postpartum Women in Malawi
Authors: Nosek Marcianna , Chiwaula Joanne
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Although decreasing, maternal and infant mortality remain high in Malawi with and estimated 359 per 100,000 live births for maternal mortality ratios, and 22.4 per 1000 live births for infant mortality. Joyful Motherhood (JM), or Chimwemwe mu'bereki, is a Malawian nonprofit organization, founded by a US midwife in 2008, which provides home‐based care to high‐risk, critically ill postpartum women and infants in rural villages of Lilongwe, Malawi. JM employs 3 nurse‐midwives who perform all community visits. Women served include, but are not limited to, those who experienced postpartum complications such as severe anemia, sepsis, eclampsia, or ruptured uterus, and complications related to HIV/AIDs. Infant clients include premature, low birth weight, multiples, and orphans who lost their mother in childbirth. All are enrolled for up to 2 years. The purpose of this mixed‐methods descriptive study was to evaluate the home visit nurse‐midwife programs of JM. There were 2 aims: (1) analyze descriptive data regarding clients served and (2) gain an understanding of the value of JM's services through the perspective of women and caregivers served. Research questions include: How many infants and women have been served since program inception? What are the infant and maternal mortality rates of JM's clients? How has JM's services benefitted clients served?

Methods

Number of enrolled clients, annual visits made, and deaths were tracked by nurse‐midwives providing care and transferred to Microsoft Excel on a monthly basis by the program manager. Cumulative numbers and rates were calculated. Qualitative data were collected via one‐on‐one interviews and focus groups using a Chichewa interpreter and were digitally audiorecorded and transcribed.

Results

From inception of program to July 2019, a total of 490 women and 1300 infants were served. Between October 2013 and July 2020, the infant mortality rate was 4.5% (46/1014) and maternal mortality rate was 1.4% (6/425). Twelve interviews and 2 focus groups were conducted to assess program effectiveness. Narratives revealed overwhelming gratitude for services provided. Participants expressed desperation when seeking care for family members unsuccessfully before being enrolled in JM. Many shared the infant visits were key in well‐being and survival of their child into early childhood. Themes include: tough times; very grateful for these gifts; encouraging us to care; and advise others.

Discussion

JM's success for over 10 years demonstrates it is a viable model for unmet home care for high‐risk infants and postpartum women in Malawi. Financial challenges prevent scaling up of services and expansion of clientele. Efforts to improve data collection are ongoing including future plans to launch a new mobile electronic record app to use on smart phones.
Reproductive Coercion Among Latina Women and Strategies for Minimizing Harm
Authors: Grace Karen Trister , R. Decker Michele , A. Alexander Kamila , Miller Elizabeth , Campbell Jacquelyn , Perrin Nancy A. , Glass Nancy E.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Reproductive coercion (RC) describes a set of male partner behaviors that restrict women's reproductive autonomy. Latina women have higher risk for unintended pregnancy, which is an associated outcome of RC, and also RC itself, when compared to white women. The purpose of this study was to explore risk factors for RC, association with pregnancy intention and intimate partner violence (IPV), and the use of RC safety strategies among Latina women attending an urban clinic.

Methods

This mixed‐methods study with Latina women examined prevalence and risk factors for RC; evaluated the association between RC, IPV, and unintended pregnancy; and examined the use of safety and harm reduction strategies. A tablet survey was administered to 482 women attending a community health center, aged between 15 and 45 years, who self‐identified as Latina and had a past‐year dating or sexual partner.

Results

Approximately 1 in 6 (16.8%) experienced RC in the past year, and risk factors included younger age (AOR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91‐1.00; P = .038) and concurrent IPV (AOR, 4.47; 95% CI, 2.06‐9.70; P<.001). For the 185 participants who reported a pregnancy in the past year, RC was associated with unintended pregnancy (OR, ‐0.27; 95% CI, ‐0.41to ‐0.13; P<.001). Approximately 10.6% of participants engaged in safety/harm reduction strategies, with implications for midwives working with women who experience RC.

Discussion

The study demonstrates the risk of RC in abusive relationships for Latina women. Midwives working with racially and ethnically diverse women have an important role in screening and support for safety/harm reduction strategies that include informing women about less detectable methods of contraception.
Group Counseling for Shared Decision‐Making (GCSDM) about Birth after Cesarean for Haitian Creole‐Speaking Women: A MixedMethods Study
Authors: Chinkam Somphit , Steer‐Massaro Courtney , Shorten Allison
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Redesigning care to meet the needs of diverse groups of women in high‐volume urban settings is challenging. In particular, providing services for women from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds requires greater insight into unique needs and preferences.

Background

Haitian women in Massachusetts have high rates of cesareans and low rates of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), despite evidence suggesting many are eligible for a labor after cesarean. Limited reading comprehension in English and Haitian Creole, as well as cultural norms including minimizing questions, may lead to ineffectiveness of written educational material and misunderstandings with counseling.

Purpose

The purpose was to develop culturally appropriate group counseling sessions about modes of birth after cesarean for Haitian Creole‐speaking women. The Health Belief Model (HBM) and information from the focus groups and individual interviews were used to develop the group counseling curriculum.

Hypothesis

The Group Counseling and Shared Decision‐Making (GCSDM) program's integration of key elements of Haitian culture and values, and facilitation by Haitian Creole‐speaking health care providers will promote informed decision‐making among targeted women.

Methodology

This was a pilot mixed‐methods 3‐phase project: (1) identifying key information needs for mode of birth after cesarean decision from Haitian Creole‐speaking women and their providers; (2) development of GCSDM curriculum; and (3) testing the curriculum.

Results

In Phase One, 4 themes emerged: (1) cultural beliefs influence mode of birth decisions; (2) more information is needed regarding birth options; (3) importance of family and friends in the decision‐making process; and (4) pain as a major influencer. Phase Two involved creating the GCSDM curriculum session loosely based on the CenteringPregnancy model of group prenatal care and information from Phase One. In Phase Three, 10 Haitian Creole‐speaking women attended a GCSDM session. After the session, there was a 50% increase in women planning to labor after cesarean (pre‐session, n = 3; post‐session, n = 6; one participant was lost to follow‐up); 90% of women (n = 9) stated the session gave them enough information to confidently decide about their mode of birth, and all 10 women were “very satisfied” with the session and recommended it.

Discussion

The GCSDM session was accepted by Haitian Creole‐speaking women with a history of cesarean as a method to improve mode of birth decision‐making. The GCSDM appears feasible and effective, and could be integrated to improve shared decision‐making discussions for other women who do not speak English.
CKS2 modulates cell‐cycle progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells partly via modulating the cellular distribution of DUTPase
Authors: Gao Fei , Li Chong , Zhao Xiqun , Xie Jianli , Fang Guiqing , Li Ying
Published: October 2020

Background

CKS2 (CDC28 Protein Kinase Regulatory Subunit 2) is a gene that encodes CKS2 protein that has been characterized as a binding partner of the catalytic subunit of the cyclin‐dependent kinases. However, its expression profile and regulatory effects in tongue squamous cell carcinoma has not yet been explored.

Methods

Bioinformatic analysis was conducted using bulk‐seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and single‐cell RNA‐seq data from GSE103322. SCC9 and CAL27 cells were used as in vitro cell models for cellular and molecular studies.

Results

CKS2 expression was significantly upregulated in tongue squamous cell carcinoma tissues (N = 128) compared with adjacent normal tissues (N = 13). Its upregulation was associated with significantly shorter disease‐specific survival and progression‐free survival. Cellular status estimation in tumor cells indicated that CKS2 expression was moderately and positively correlated with cell‐cycle progression. CKS2 inhibition in SCC9 and CAL27 cells resulted in decreased proliferation, weakened colony formation capability, and cell‐cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Immunofluorescence staining and co‐Immunoprecipitation (co‐IP) assay confirmed co‐localization and interaction between CKS2 and DUTPase. CKS2 knockdown did not alter DUTPase expression but reduced its nuclear distribution. Both CKS2 and DUT expression were moderately correlated with their gene‐level copy number.

Conclusion

CKS2 expression is associated with unfavorable survival of patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Inhibiting its expression could reduce tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell growth and induce G2/M arrest. CKS2 may interact with DUTPase and regulate its nuclear localization. Gene‐level copy amplification might be an important mechanism of upregulated CKS2 and DUT in the tumor.
Abdominal cryptococcosis in dogs and cats: 38 cases (2000‐2018)
Authors: Johnston L. , Mackay B. , King T. , Krockenberger M. B. , Malik R. , Tebb A.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

To report the clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging findings, treatment and outcome of abdominal cryptococcosis in dogs and cats in Australia.

Materials and Methods

Canine and feline cases from Australia were retrospectively identified (2000 to 2018) via laboratory and referral centre searches for abdominal cryptococcosis diagnosed by cytology (needle aspirates) or histopathology (biopsy or necropsy) of abdominal organs/tissues. Signalment, presenting complaints, clinical signs, laboratory findings, medical imaging, latex cryptococcal antigen agglutination test (LCAT) titres, treatment and outcome data was collected.

Results

Thirty‐eight cases were included (35 dogs, three cats) in the study. Median age of presentation was 2 years for dogs and 6 years for cats. Common presenting complaints included vomiting (23/38), lethargy (19/38) and inappetence/anorexia (15/38). Abdominal ultrasound (25/38 cases) revealed mesenteric and intestinal lesions in most of the cases. On surgical exploration, seven cases had an intestinal lesion associated with an intussusception. Nineteen cases had a pre‐treatment LCAT performed, with a median initial titre of 1:2048 (range 1:2 to 65,536). Twenty‐four cases (23 dogs, one cat) received treatment, either medical, surgical or both. Median survival time for cases with combined medical and surgical treatment, surgical treatment alone or medical treatment alone was 730, 140 and 561 days, respectively. Eleven remain alive at the time of follow up.

Clinical Significance

Abdominal cryptococcosis although rare should be a considered as a diagnostic possibility in an especially young dog presenting with gastro‐intestinal signs. Older dogs can also present with this condition and should not be euthanised based on imaging alone due to the likenesses with neoplasia. With appropriate treatment and monitoring many dogs may have a prolonged survival period and some may be cured.
Burn severity and soil chemistry are weak drivers of early vegetation succession following a boreal mega‐fire in a production forest landscape
Authors: Gustafsson Lena , Granath Gustaf , Nohrstedt Hans‐Örjan , Leverkus Alexandro B. , Johansson Victor
Published: October 2020

Questions

Do burn severity and soil chemistry drive species and trait composition on recently burned clear‐cuttings? Does the spatial distribution of common, easily dispersed colonizers vary with distance to fire perimeter?

Location

A 13,000 ha production forest landscape in boreal southern Sweden burned in a wildfire in 2014.

Methods

Vascular plants and bryophytes were recorded in permanent plots on clear‐cuts two and five years following fire, covering a burn severity gradient. Soil carbon content (reflecting burn severity), pH and nutrients were measured at plot level. Trait data were retrieved from the BIEN and LEDA databases and analyzed using community‐weighted mean (CWM) trait values. Statistical analyses included generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs), non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and multivariate ANOVA.

Results

Low burn severity resulted in higher frequency of legacy species (e.g.Vaccinium myrtillus), while high burn severity facilitated colonizing species (e.g.Senecio sylvaticus). Vegetation varied with soil chemistry, expressed through pH. Species composition changed between years and deviated from unburned clear‐cuts. After five years the most common taxa on burned plots were the vascular plantsChamaenerion angustifolium,Betulaspp. andPopulus tremulaand the bryophytesCeratodon purpureusandPolytrichum juniperinum. CWM specific leaf area (SLA) decreased markedly with time and root buds increased with total carbon content in the soil (i.e., toward less severely burned plots), while soil pH was not associated with any studied trait.Chamaenerion angustifoliumdecreased with distance to the fire perimeter, whileCeratodon purpureusincreased.

Conclusions

Burn severity and soil pH weakly drive vegetation dynamics in the early phase following fire on clear‐cuts, indicating a large influence of stochastic processes. Deciduous trees are common already after five years and their further expansion will affect light and nutrient availability. To understand future vegetation trajectories on burned clear‐cuts, studies need to incorporate the light factor and links between tree species’ identity and soil nutrient availability.
Impact of oral lesions on the quality of life of psoriatic individuals: A case–control study
Authors: Costa Amanda Almeida , Cota Luís Otávio Miranda , Mendes Victor Silva , Oliveira Alcione Maria Soares Dutra , Cyrino Renata Magalhães , Costa Fernando Oliveira
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To assess the presence of oral lesions and the impact of oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) on individuals with psoriasis.

Methods

This case–control study comprised 295 individuals with psoriasis and 359 controls. Oral examination to assess different types of oral lesions as angular cheilitis (AC), geographic tongue (GT), white (WP), and red plaque or red macule (RPM) was performed. To evaluate OHRQoL, the Oral Impact on Daily Performance (OIDP) questionnaire was applied. Data were analyzed using the chi‐squared, Fisher, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney, and Bootstrap Intervals tests.

Results

Individuals with psoriasis had significantly more oral lesions than controls (OR = 3.66, 95% CI: 2.33–5.85; p < .001) and higher global OIDP scores (12.17 case versus 6.93 controls; p = .008). Higher occurrence of GT (p < .001) and AC (p < .001) was observed in individuals with psoriasis. The final multivariate model demonstrated higher OIDP scores related to the following variables: alcohol use, diabetes, anxiolytics use, AC, and GT, showing worse OHRQoL.

Conclusion

Psoriatic individuals had a higher frequency of AC and GT than controls. Worse OIDP scores in frequency and severity were observed in psoriatic individuals with oral lesions, revealing the negative impacts of these lesions on OHRQoL.
Association between acculturation and sociodemographic factors and cardiovascular disease among immigrants to the United States
Authors: Hopgood Daniel A. , Haile Zelalem T. , Conley Sean , Chertok Ilana R. A.
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study investigated relationships among acculturation, sociodemographic, and health characteristics of adult U.S. immigrants and cardiovascular disease.

Design

Secondary data analysis using population data from 1,945 immigrant participants in the 2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).

Measurements

Acculturation was measured using citizenship status, number of years in the U.S., and English language proficiency. Chi‐square tests and multiple logistic regression modeling were utilized.

Results

Approximately 4.3% of the study sample had cardiovascular disease. Compared to immigrants without U.S. citizenship, significantly higher proportion of immigrants with U.S. citizenship had cardiovascular disease (6.2% vs. 1.7%, p < .001). In the multivariable‐adjusted model, compared to non‐citizen immigrants, odds of cardiovascular disease were higher in immigrants with U.S. citizenship (odds ratio 3.80, 95% confidence interval 1.91, 7.56).

Conclusion

Acculturation factors, specifically U.S. citizenship, along with sociodemographic and health risk factors were associated with increased odds of cardiovascular disease among immigrants. This study builds upon previous findings demonstrating increased acculturation including U.S. citizenship in immigrant populations is associated with increased odds of cardiovascular disease. These findings inform public health specialists and clinicians of factors to consider for cardiovascular disease risk in immigrants as they adapt to their host country.
Monuments as Mobilization? The United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Memorialization of the Lost Cause
Authors: Chamberlain Adam , Yanus Alixandra B.
Published: October 2020

Objective

The United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) played an important role in constructing monuments commemorating the Civil War. Memorialization of the “Lost Cause” and preserving southern heritage are often cited as reasons for monument construction. Here, we study whether these monuments were also used as tools to mobilize potential members.

Method

We use data on Confederate monuments and UDC membership to empirically test if monument construction mobilized women to join the UDC.

Results

States with more Confederate monuments tended to have more UDC members. Confederate monument construction, especially courthouse monuments, was also predictive of the annual growth in UDC membership in a state. However, membership in individual chapters was not consistently affected by building a monument in a community

Conclusion

Confederate monuments could be a boon to UDC membership, underscoring how memorials can be used as catalysts for interest group mobilization.
Does the Bureaucracy Affect Trust in Government? Evidence from Aggregate Public Opinion
Authors: Fucilla Louis
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study aims to determine if attitudes toward the bureaucracy affect trust in government. Trust is a topic of interest in several disciplines but theory and empirical work are not well integrated with one another.

Methods

I extend previous work to create a macro‐level measure of attitudes toward the bureaucracy, bureaucratic approval, and then use time‐series analysis of aggregate public opinion to model trust in government from 1973 to 2018.

Results

I find that bureaucratic approval does affect trust in government, controlling for other important factors, and that the magnitude of this is comparable to that of congressional approval and consumer sentiment.

Conclusion

This study provides the first evidence that aggregate attitudes toward the bureaucracy affect trust. Moreover, bureaucratic approval is modestly favorable and has not substantially declined over time like congressional approval. I discuss the implications of the findings of this study for using the bureaucracy to improve trust in government.
A novel RHD allele caused by c.739 G> C mutation was identified in a Chinese individual
Authors: Lyu Hongjuan , Jiao Shuxian , Ma Wenhui , Hu Bin
Published: October 2020

The blood sample of a pregnant Chinese woman of the north Han population was confirmed as D variation by serologic method, and subsequent detection of RHD Exons 1 through 10 by the polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐specific primer test showed that all exons were present. To further clarify the molecular mechanism of this sample, we sequenced the RHD Exons 1 through 10 and found that it was a novel allele caused by c.739 G> C in Exon 5.
Nomenclator biográfico de los jesuitas neogranadinos: 1604-1831
Authors: del Rey Fajardo, S. J. José
Published: October 2020

El 23 de septiembre de 1604, llegó a Santafé la expedición fundadora de la Compañía de Jesús y el día 27 se hizo entrega de la real cédula a la Chancillería Real, mediante la que se autorizaba su fundación en la Nueva Granada. Pocos meses después, el primero de enero de 1605, se empezaron a impartir clases en el colegio de Santafé, que después se convertiría en el Colegio Máximo de la Provincia del Nuevo Reino de Granada y sería conocido como la Universidad Javeriana. A partir de ese momento, se dio inicio a una empresa intelectual, religiosa y social que persiste hasta hoy, cuyo recorrido ha estado marcado por los conflictos, la persecución y la diáspora. Antes de la publicación del decreto de expulsión de los jesuitas en 1767, ordenado por Carlos III, e incluso después de la dispersión de sus miembros por todo el mundo, la orden de Ignacio de Loyola estuvo conformada por una base heterogénea de individuos que educaron y formaron a toda una élite intelectual en el territorio neogranadino. Así, aportaron ideas del Viejo Continente y animaron las discusiones académica y religiosa en el Nuevo Mundo. En un esfuerzo de sistematización, el padre José del Rey Fajardo, S. J., ha reunido en este nomenclátor información precisa sobre los miembros de la Compañía de Jesús que trabajaron en la Nueva Granada desde 1604 hasta 1767, y posteriormente en tierras italianas hasta 1831. Desde esta perspectiva, se podrá ver cómo esta orden religiosa se insertó en los prolegómenos de una historia intelectual de los jesuitas del Renacimiento y en la génesis neogranadina, y también cómo y por qué sus miembros han concurrido a la obra común que ayudó a engendrar la modernidad.