bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic structure and recent population demographic history of Taihangshan macaque (Macaca mulatta tcheliensis), North China
Authors: ZHOU Yanyan , TIAN Jundong , LU Jiqi
Published: September 2022

Massive actions have been and are being taken into protecting the world's primates from extinction, while the study of the properties of genetic diversity, demographic history, and ecological relationships will benefit the understanding of the long‐term survival of a species. The Taihangshan macaque (Macaca mulatta tcheliensis), a subspecies of rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), is endemic to China and currently restricted to southern Mt. Taihangshan area. Herein, we evaluated the genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic history of this subspecies using mitochondrial (Cytb and high variable region I: HVR I) and nuclear markers (microsatellite loci) of 131 individuals collected from 9 localities covering the distribution range of this subspecies. Both phylogenetic analyses and genetic assignment revealed that the wild populations of Taihangshan macaques could be divided into 2 major highly divergent clades, THS‐east and THS‐west. Low genetic diversity (π: 0.00266 ± 0.00016) but high haplotype diversity (Hd: 0.80352 ± 0.015) were detected in the Taihangshan macaques, particularly in THS‐east. Analyses of demographic history suggested that the Taihangshan macaques experienced first a stable historical population size from Holocene to early 19th century but a subtle decline and then slight growth in the recent 200 years. We suggest that bridging the neighbor populations (i.e. setting corridors) would facilitate the male‐mediated gene flow and subsequently increase the genetic diversity of the Taihangshan macaque populations.
Feasibility and safety of extended pleurectomy/decortication for malignant pleural mesothelioma. A single group experience
Authors: Falanga Francesco , Rinaldi Pietro , Primiceri Cristiano , Bortolotto Chandra , Oneta Olga , Agustoni Francesco , Morbini Patrizia , Saracino Laura , Eleftheriou Dimitrios , Sottotetti Federico , Stella Giulia Maria
Published: September 2022

Surgery is part of a multimodal therapeutic approach to malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) although its real beneficial effect is still controversial. The optimal precise sequence of treatments within the trimodality is unclear, and should be decided upon a multidisciplinary consensus for each individual patient. Here, we analyzed the perioperative data of 19 MPM patients who underwent extended pleurectomy/decortication (EPD) with curative intent. The mean age at diagnosis was 67 years; 11 males and eight females. Ten patients were diagnosed with MPM via medical thoracoscopy (MT), and nine via video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The vast majority of cases harbored epitheliod forms. We compared neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) followed by surgery (11 cases) versus surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT, 8 cases) within a 3‐year period. All patients had extended pleurectomy/decortication and none had an extended pneumonectomy. Analysis of survival curves suggested that the short‐term outcomes are better with upfront EDP followed by ACT if compared to EDP preceded by NCT. Although limited, the data highlighted the safety and feasibility of EPD, with manageable postoperative complications and no major burden for the patients.
Improving surgical excellence: first experience of a video‐based intervention in outpatients
Authors: Granchi Nelson , Reid Jessica , Foley Katarina , Couteur Amanda Le , Edwards Suzanne , Feo Rebecca , Trochsler Markus , Bruening Martin , Maddern Guy
Published: September 2022

Background

There are limited opportunities for surgeons to engage in active learning programs once they achieve Fellowship, especially for non‐technical skills such as communication. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating a peer‐based coaching program in non‐technical skill using video‐recorded patient consultations from a routine outpatient clinic.

Methods

Standard outpatient consultations between consultant surgeons and patients were video recorded. The surgeon viewed the videos with a peer‐coach (senior surgeon) who helped identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. To test the effect of the coaching session, outpatient consultations were recorded roughly 1 month later. Pre and post‐coaching videos were assessed using the Maastricht History‐Taking and Advice Scoring – Global Rating List (MAAS), a common tool for evaluating non‐technical skills in clinicians.

Results

A total of 12 surgeons consented to participate. Coaching significantly improved MAAS scores (mean difference = −0.61; 95% CI (−0.88, −0.33); P < 0.0001). Surgeons were generally positive about the experience. All found the method of learning suitable, and most thought the process improved their skills. Most thought that coaching would improve patient outcomes and the majority thought they would participate in ongoing coaching as part of their employment.

Conclusion

This supports the concept of surgical coaching as an effective tool to improve communication skills and the quality of surgical consultation. The next step is to expand beyond a voluntary cohort and link surgical coaching to improved patient outcomes.
EIF3B stabilizes PTGS2 expression by counteracting MDM2‐mediated ubiquitination to promote the development and progression of malignant melanoma
Authors: Fang Pengli , Han Yikai , Qu Yanhong , Wang Xin , Zhang Yong , Zhang Wei , Zhang Na , Li Guangshuai , Ma Wang
Published: September 2022

Malignant melanoma (MM) is a neoplasm that develops from human melanocytes. It was reported that eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit B (EIF3B) is associated with multiple types of cancers, but its role in MM has not been reported. In the present study, we found that EIF3B was abundantly expressed in MM and was strongly related to lymphatic metastasis and pathological stage of MM patients. In addition, EIF3B depletion could block the progression of MM in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, EIF3B overexpression increased cell proliferation and migration in melanoma cells. More importantly, we identified that EIF3B's driver role in MM was mediated by PTGS2. In detail, we found that EIF3B stabilized PTGS2 expression by inhibiting PTGS2 ubiquitination, which is mediated by the E3 ligase MDM2. Moreover, like EIF3B, silencing PTGS2 could suppress MM development, and more interestingly, it could reverse the situation caused by overexpression of EIF3B in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the proliferation and migration inhibited by silencing of EIF3B were also partially recovered by overexpression of PTGS2. Overall, our findings revealed the potential of EIF3B as a therapeutic target for MM. Identification of EIF3B's function in MM may pave the way for future development of more specific and more effective targeted therapy strategies against MM.
miR‐92a‐3p encapsulated in bone metastatic mammary tumor cell–derived extracellular vesicles modulates mature osteoclast longevity
Authors: Uehara Norihisa , Kyumoto‐Nakamura Yukari , Mikami Yoshikazu , Hayatsu Manabu , Sonoda Soichiro , Yamaza Takayoshi , Kukita Akiko , Kukita Toshio
Published: September 2022

Aberrant osteoclast formation and activation are the hallmarks of osteolytic metastasis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), released from bone metastatic tumor cells, play a pivotal role in the progression of osteolytic lesions. However, the mechanisms through which tumor cell–derived EVs regulate osteoclast differentiation and function have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we found that 4T1 bone metastatic mouse mammary tumor cell–derived EVs (4T1‐EVs) are taken up by mouse bone marrow macrophages to facilitate osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, treatment of mature osteoclasts with 4T1‐EVs promoted bone resorption, which was accompanied by enhanced survival of mature osteoclasts through the negative regulation of caspase‐3. By comparing the miRNA content in 4T1‐EVs with that in 67NR nonmetastatic mouse mammary tumor cell–derived EVs (67NR‐EVs), miR‐92a‐3p was identified as one of the most enriched miRNAs in 4T1‐EVs, and its transfer into mature osteoclasts significantly reduced apoptosis. Bioinformatic and Western blot analyses revealed that miR‐92a‐3p directly targeted phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in mature osteoclasts, resulting in increased levels of phospho‐Akt. Our findings provide novel insights into the EV‐mediated regulation of osteoclast survival through the transfer of miR‐92a‐3p, which enhances mature osteoclast survival via the Akt survival signaling pathway, thus promoting bone resorption.
Memory improvement in senile rats after prebiotic and probiotic supplementation is not induced by GLP‐1
Authors: Servín‐Casas Gabriela Andrea , Romo‐Araiza Alejandra , Gutierrez‐Salmean Gabriela , Martinez‐Solis Enrique , Ibarra‐García Andrea Paola , Cruz‐Martinez Yolanda , Rodriguez‐Barrera Roxana , García Elisa , Incontri‐Abraham Diego , Ibarra Antonio
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The mechanism underlying the memory improvement induced by prebiotic and probiotic supplementation remains unclear. Glucagon‐like peptide type 1 (GLP‐1) could play an important role since it is induced by prebiotics and enhances memory and learning.

Aims

We correlated the levels of GLP‐1 with spatial memory in senile animals to determine its role in memory improvement after prebiotic and probiotic supplementation.

Methods

Senile rats were randomly assigned to four groups: (1) water (control); (2) Enterococcus faecium (probiotic); (3) agave inulin (prebiotic); and (4) E. faecium + agave inulin (symbiotic). Each supplement was administered by an orogastric cannula for 5 weeks. In the fifth week, spatial memory was assessed using the Morris Water Maze test (MWM). We extracted the hippocampus, intestine, and serum. GLP‐1 levels were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

A significant decrease in escape latency time in the MWM was observed in all groups treated with supplements. The symbiotic group achieved the highest reduction (15.13 s ± 6.40) (p < 0.01). We did not find a significant increase in GLP‐1 levels nor a direct correlation of its levels with spatial memory improvement (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Prebiotic and probiotic supplementation improved spatial memory in senile animals. However, this beneficial effect did not correlate with GLP‐1 levels.
Respiratory support for patients with COVID‐19: A national survey of respiratory departments in England
Authors: Bartlett‐Pestell Sam , Navaratnam Annakan V. , Adelaja Ini , Allen Martin
Published: September 2022

Objective

We developed a national survey to assess the changes implemented by respiratory departments across England in response to the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

An online survey was sent to the respiratory clinical leads in 132 NHS trusts in England. The survey was open between 10 August 2020 and 25 September 2020.

Results

Fifty‐three responses (42%) are included in our results.

The total number of non‐critical care led Level 2 beds (requiring care for single organ failure—capable of managing continuous positive airways pressure, CPAP) increased by 159% at peak COVID activity from levels prior to COVID‐19. CPAP was used solely in side‐rooms in 9% of sites, and 57% and 31% of sites used CPAP in closed bays and closed wards, respectively.

Fifteen sites (28%) reported shortages of non‐vented non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) masks and 12 sites (23%) CPAP machines. There was regional variation.

Conclusions

The number of beds capable of managing patients requiring CPAP increased significantly. We found deviations from previous standards of care, which likely reflects the pressure faced by hospitals in managing patients with COVID‐19. The regional variation in equipment shortages suggests moving resources between regions may have been beneficial.
CD56 and smooth muscle actin immunoreactivity in basal cell carcinomas: Are they indicators of differentiation or do they hold a diagnostic use?
Authors: Yirmibeş Selin , Adım Şaduman Balaban , Saraydaroğlu Özlem
Published: September 2022

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy and may show various differentiations. The possible pluripotent stem cell lineage of BCCs, whose origins are controversial today, is thought to be the main reason for the different morphologies.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the expression of some neuroendocrine and smooth muscle markers of differentiation in BCCs and investigate the relationship between histopathologic subtypes and recurrence.

Methods

A total of 128 cases diagnosed as BCC in our center were included. Immunohistochemical studies of CD56, synaptophysin, chromogranin‐A, smooth muscle actin (SMA), desmin, caldesmon, and Ki67 were applied.

Results

CD56, chromogranin‐A, and synaptophysin immunoreactivity were detected in 77.3%, 13.3%, and 0.8% of the cases, respectively. 78.1% showed SMA positivity while no tumor expressed desmin or caldesmon. A correlation between histopathologic recurrence risk groups and CD56 expression was found (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

CD56 and SMA immunoreactivity is present in the majority of BCCs. However, the available findings do not support neuroendocrine or smooth muscle differentiation. CD56 antigen can be used for prognostic purposes in detecting high recurrence risk tumors. After the investigation of the expression rates of these two antigens in different cutaneous tumors, it may be appropriate to use them for diagnostic purposes in BCCs.
Governance and the design of post‐disaster policies: a comparative analysis from Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Córdova Marco , Menoscal Jonathan , Flores Esteban Moreno
Published: September 2022

Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the regions threatened most by natural events owing to the highly vulnerable circumstances of its urban centres. Consequently, its cities are occasionally affected by one or more disaster types, exposing problems of governance and public policy in relation to risk management. The aim of this research is to investigate the factors that influence the design of post‐disaster policies. It hypothesises that in those countries with modes of governance characterised by greater articulation between State and non‐State actors, the design of post‐disaster policies tends to be more coherent. Methodologically, the study proposes a comparative analysis of post‐disaster policies in three countries of the region affected by earthquakes: Haiti and Chile (in 2010) and Ecuador (in 2016). The findings show that co‐governance in Chile resulted in optimal post‐disaster policies, whereas hierarchical governance in the cases of Haiti and Ecuador led to unsuccessful and misdirected post‐disaster policies, respectively.
Etiologic distribution of isolated trochlear palsy: Analysis of 1020 patients and literature review
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Jae , Kim Hyo‐Jung , Choi Jeong‐Yoon , Yang Hee Kyung , Hwang Jeong‐Min , Kim Ji‐Soo
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose

Trochlear palsy is the most common cause of vertical diplopia. The etiologies of trochlear palsy have shown a large discrepancy among studies. This study aimed to establish the clinical features and underlying etiologies of isolated trochlear palsy by recruiting the patients from all departments in a referral‐based university hospital.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 1258 patients who had a confirmed diagnosis of isolated trochlear palsy at all departments of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea, from 2003 to 2020. We also compared the proportion of etiologies with that of the patients pooled from previous studies.

Results

The most common etiology was congenital (n = 330, 32.4%), followed by idiopathic (n = 256, 25.1%), microvascular (n = 212, 20.8%), and traumatic (n = 145, 14.2%). These four etiologies explained 92.5% of isolated trochlear palsy. Patients were mostly managed by ophthalmologists (n = 841, 82.5%), followed by neurologists (n = 380, 37.3%), emergency physicians (n = 197, 19.3%), neurosurgeons (n = 75, 7.4%), and others (n = 18, 1.8%). The etiologic distribution of isolated trochlear palsy in the current study did not differ from that of 2664 patients pooled from the previous studies.

Conclusions

The proportion of etiologies of isolated trochlear palsy differs according to the age ranges of the patients and specialties involved in the management. The etiologic distribution of isolated trochlear palsy in the current study was comparable to the pooled result of previous reports.
Malaise of Indolence: (Dis)Engagements with the Future among Young Migrants in Shanghai
Authors: Richaud Lisa
Published: September 2022

Rural‐to‐urban migrants in China have often been portrayed as striving subjects, living in “suspension” for the sake of the entrepreneurial futures they desire. Drawing on fieldwork conducted alongside young café workers in Shanghai, this article highlights more ambivalent engagements with the future obscured by emphases, within the social sciences, on the intentional, active aspects of subjectivity. Relatedly, it analyzes moments of purposelessness as more than emotional downsides of precarity, in a context where official discourses of the “Chinese Dream” coexist with vernacular celebrations of indolence. Purposelessness is a form of refusal, allowing young migrants to dwell in the present, if only momentarily. Yet, the very act of articulating unwillingness through playful idioms of indolence does not mean embracing disengagement as a norm. Rather, it nurtures a sense of ethical discomfort and self‐responsibility. This malaise of indolence might prevent the translation of temporary disinvestment into a clear politics of refusal.
Improving the mechanical properties of enamel by nickel nanoparticle addition
Authors: Xu Kunshan , Xue Hongxi , Xie Yanni , Zhao Luning , Tian Jiapeng , Liu Jie
Published: September 2022

In order to improve the mechanical properties of enamel and prolong its service life, the effects of nickel particles on the microscopic morphology and mechanical properties of enamel were studied by XRD, FTIR, DSC, SEM, porosity analyses, nanoindentation, and bending experiments, and the following conclusions were drawn. When the addition amount of Ni nanoparticles added to enamel ranges from 1 to 5 wt.%, the mechanical impact resistance of enamel is improved compared with no addition. With the addition of 1 wt.% Ni nanoparticles, it enhanced the toughness of the enamel and the maximum bending strength of the enamel was achieved, which was 10% higher than that of the samples without Ni nanoparticles. Therefore, the addition of the optimal Ni nanoparticle content of 1 wt.% significantly improved the performance of enameled pressure vessels.The findings in this work are valuable for extending the life of enamel‐coated pressure vessels and thus reducing accidents caused by them.
The effect of haemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte and platelet score on the prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Solmaz Serife , Uzun Ozcan , Sevindik Omur Gokmen , Demirkan Fatih , Ozcan Mehmet Ali , Ozsan Guner Hayri , Alacacıoglu Inci
Published: September 2022

Introduction

In multiple myeloma cases, a variety of prognostic parameters have been identified, which contain the Durie‐Salmon classification and the international staging system (ISS) that takes the serum ß2 microglobulin and albumin levels, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR). This study investigates the effect of haemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte and platelet (HALP) score which is a marker of inflammation status and nutrition, at the time of diagnosis for the patients with multiple myeloma on prognosis.

Methods

A total of 200 multiple myeloma patients with HALP scores calculated from serum haemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte count and platelet levels at the time of diagnosis were retrospectively examined. The effect of HALP score on overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival and its relationship between the previously evaluated prognostic parameters were investigated.

Results

The optimal cut‐off value with the ROC curves for the HALP score was 28.8. The patients were divided into two groups according to the optimal value of the HALP score (low‐score group: HALP ≤28.8 [n: 134] and high‐score group HALP >28.8 [n: 66]). In the group with the high HALP score, the OS was statistically longer than the low HALP score group (84 months and 53 months; p = 0.0001). In addition, when the effects of NLR, PLR, HALP score and ISS stage on OS were examined by multivariate analysis, all these markers were found to be statistically significant predictors.

Conclusions

HALP score may be a valuable prognostic marker for patients with multiple myeloma.
Convolutional neural network models for automatic diagnosis and graduation in skin frostbite
Authors: Sun Jiachen , Fu Lin , Zhang Wen , Li Dongjie , Zhang Ming , Xu Zineng , Bai Hailong , Ding Peng
Published: September 2022

The study aimed to develop and validate a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based deep learning method for automatic diagnosis and graduation of skin frostbite. A dataset of 71 annotated images was used for the training, the validation, and the testing based on ResNet‐50 model. The performances were evaluated with the test set. The diagnosis and graduation performance of our approach was compared with two residents from burns department. The approach correctly identified all the frostbite of IV (18/18, 100%), but with respectively 1 mistake in the diagnosis of degree I (29/30, 96.67%), II (28/29, 96.55%) and III (37/38, 97.37%). The accuracy of the approach on the whole test set was 97.39% (112/115). The accuracy of the two residents were respectively 77.39% and 73.04%. Weighted Kappa of 0.583 indicates good reliability between the two residents (P = .445). Kendall's coefficient of concordance is 0.326 (P = .548), indicating differences in accuracy between the approach and the two residents. Our approach based on CNNs demonstrated an encouraging performance for the automatic diagnosis and graduation of skin frostbite, with higher accuracy and efficiency.
From selective dissolution to crystal chemistry of brownmillerite in sulfate resisting cement
Authors: Mériot Alexis , de Noirfontaine Marie‐Noëlle , Courtial Mireille , Izoret Laurent , Tusseau‐Nenez Sandrine , Labourel Mélanie , Gauffinet Sandrine , Dunstetter Frédéric
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study is to extract brownmillerite from sulfate resisting Portland cement (SRPC) in order to determine its crystal chemistry and the effects of dissolution protocols. Brownmillerites (C4AF) from four SRPC were extracted and systematically studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy.

Two extraction steps were used. The first is the salicylic acid/methanol (SAM) protocol that leaves a residue rich in ferrite, C3A and sulfates. Precipitated hydrated sulfate minerals are also observed for clinker with high molar SO3/Na2Oeq ratio. The second, developed in this paper, uses acetic acid (AcA) extraction to dissolve C3A and sulfates.

The Rietveld refinements showed that all brownmillerites of this study crystallize in Ibm2 space group. Two families of brownmillerite were identified by their aluminum content and cell parameters, related to the presence of C3A in the clinker. EPMA indicated that ferrites from SR0 and SR3 cements have Al/Fe ratios about 0.7 and 0.8–1.0, respectively. XRD allows to predict the (Al+Mg+Si)/Fe ratio in brownmillerite in good agreement with EPMA. The SAM protocol is the best way to study crystal chemistry of brownmillerite and the AcA protocol is recommended to dissolve sulfates and C3A for further reactivity studies.
Synthesis and evaluation of a novel analgesic conotoxin Lt7b that inhibits calcium currents and increases sodium currents
Authors: Wu Yun , Yang Manyi , Li Yubin , Zhang Wei , Zhou Maojun
Published: September 2022

Conotoxins are promising neuropharmacological tools and drug candidates due to their high efficiency and specificity in targeting ion channels or neurotransmitter receptors. In this study, a novel O2‐superfamily conotoxin, Lt7b, was synthesized and its pharmacological functions were evaluated. Lt7b with three modified amino acids and three disulfide bonds was successfully synthesized. CD spectra showed that Lt7b had a typical α‐helix in the secondary structure. Patch clamp experiments on rat DRG neurons showed that Lt7b could significantly inhibit calcium currents with an IC50 value of 856 ± 95 nM. Meanwhile, 10 μM Lt7b could significantly increase the sodium currents by 77 ± 8%, but it had no obvious effects on the potassium currents in DRG neurons. In addition, patch clamp experiments on ion channel subtypes showed that 10 μM Lt7b could inhibit 7.0 ± 1.2%, 8.0 ± 1.5%, 4.6 ± 3.4%, and 9.5 ± 0.1% of the hCav1.2, hCav2.1, hCav2.2, and hCav3.2 currents, respectively, while it did not increase the rNav1.7, rNav1.8, hNav1.5, hNav1.7, and hNav1.8 currents. Lt7b had no obvious toxicity to HaCaT and ND7/23 cells up to 1 mM and significantly increased the pain threshold at the testing time of 0.5–4 h in a dose‐dependent manner in the mouse hotplate assay. This novel conotoxin Lt7b may be a useful tool for ion channel studies and analgesic drug development.
Evaluation of the impact of hydrogen‐rich water on the deaccumulation of heavy metals in butter
Authors: Alwazeer Duried , Ceylan Mehmet Murat , Bulut Menekşe , Koyuncu Mubin
Published: September 2022

The transfer of heavy metals to products during food processing forms serious health concerns. The impact of cultured‐cream butter washing with hydrogen‐rich water (HRW) on the deaccumulation of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), antimony (Sb), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) in butter was evaluated. Raw cultured‐cream butter was washed with ordinary water or HRW prepared with molecular hydrogen (H2) and magnesium (Mg). While ordinary water‐washed butter samples exhibited an increase in As (7%), Cd (62%), and Pb (206%) and a decrease in Sb (26%) and Hg (17%) levels, HRW samples showed a decrease in As, Cd, Sb, and Hg levels ranged between 14 and 74% except for Pb that increased by only 29% (Mg) and 3% (H2). The proposed method is a green and eco‐friendly strategy to solve the transfer problem of heavy metals to food products.
“Me Cuesta Mucho”: Latina immigrant mothers navigating remote learning and caregiving during COVID‐19
Authors: Bruhn Sarah
Published: September 2022

Before the pandemic, immigrant mothers from Latin America in the United States typically shouldered the weight of caregiving for children, maintained jobs, and managed transnational care responsibilities. But as COVID‐19 erupted across the globe, the combination of gendered roles and a collapsing economy ruptured the already fragile arrangement of childcare and paid labor for Latina immigrant mothers. In this article, I examine how school closures intersected with Latina women's identities and social positions as immigrant mothers who suddenly confronted job loss, illness, and increased familial responsibilities. I show how Latina immigrant women renegotiated relationships to schooling, becoming teachers overnight in an unfamiliar system. Mothers shifted educational aspirations for their children to prioritize safety, as they managed increased stress and conflict while schools remained remote. I demonstrate how the breakdowns in care infrastructure forced mothers to rethink the elusive balance between paid labor and childcare, especially for those who were undocumented. Throughout, I explore how immigrant women's intersecting identities left them vulnerable to structural racism and exclusionary immigration policies. Despite the multiple layers of struggle, women continued to support their children's education and socio‐emotional well‐being, even in the face of multiple levels of gendered, racialized inequalities.
Non‐retentive faecal incontinence in children: Conventional therapy alone or combined electrical stimulation
Authors: Sharifi‐Rad Lida , Ladi‐Seyedian Seyedeh‐Sanam , Alimadadi Hosein , Yousefi Azizollah
Published: September 2022

Aims

To compare the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) with conventional therapy and conventional therapy alone on improvement of faecal incontinence (FI) symptoms in a number of children with functional non‐retentive FI.

Methods

Data of 28 children with FI were accepted for this retrospective study. The case group (n = 14) underwent FES + conventional therapy and the control group (n = 14) received conventional therapy only. Data of children with faecal retention, inflammatory, anatomic, metabolic and neurological disorders were excluded. Children were assessed with a paediatric FI score questionnaire, and a bowel habit diary both before treatment sessions, after they ended, and after 6 months. A FI quality of life questionnaire was completed before and after treatment for all children.

Results

Full response to the treatment (100% reduction in FI episodes) was significantly observed in 8/14 (57.1%) of children in the case group compared to 2/14 (14.2%) of children in the control group after the ending of treatment sessions (P = 0.005). The baseline mean ± SD of FI episodes per week was 3.7 ± 2.1 among both groups which significantly decreased after the ending of treatment sessions in the case group compared to the control group (1.4 ± 2.1 vs 3 ± 2.7; P = 0.05). Mean ± SD of FI score was significantly reduced in the case group compared to the controls after the ending of treatment sessions (3.9 ± 4.5 vs 8 ± 4.7; P = 0.02) and maintained after 6 months (P = 0.05).

Conclusions

Functional electrical stimulation is a safe, effective, non‐invasive, inexpensive, reproducible and easy‐to‐use modality for treatment of functional non‐retentive faecal incintinence in children.
THE FORENSICS EXHIBITION: Displaying Human Remains as Material Evidence of Genocide
Authors: Gill Fiona
Published: September 2022

abstract

This paper examines the role of human remains in genocide memorials and museums to evoke and narrate individual experiences of genocide. Understanding that the display of human remains is contested, I suggest that their presence in memorials and museums can play a valuable, but hitherto neglected, role in the development of individualized and evidentiary narratives of genocide. Such narratives, developed through explicit information regarding the provenance of the remains and the forensic analysis conducted, can deepen the engagement with and understanding of the victims of genocide by museum visitors. Based on the Forensics Exhibition in Tuol Sleng, Cambodia, I argue that explicitly displaying and explicating the remains develops a powerful evidentiary narrative complementing those developed in more familiar exhibitions. In so doing, I expand on debates regarding the liminal position of human remains as person and object, arguing that the display of such remains in a forensic and public context supports engagement with the remains as individuals. In so doing, the paper provides an opportunity to consider the management of the dead and human remains in the aftermath of mass violence and genocide, attempting to marry the emotional and social needs of the survivors with the desire for “evidence” articulated in the legal, historical, and pedagogical realms.
Characterization of defense responses against bacterial pathogens in duckweeds lacking EDS1
Authors: Baggs Erin L. , Tiersma Meije B. , Abramson Brad W. , Michael Todd P. , Krasileva Ksenia V.
Published: September 2022

ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 (EDS1) mediates the induction of defense responses against pathogens in most angiosperms. However, it has recently been shown that a few species have lost EDS1. It is unknown how defense against disease unfolds and evolves in the absence of EDS1. We utilize duckweeds; a collection of aquatic species that lack EDS1, to investigate this question.

We established duckweed‐Pseudomonas pathosystems and used growth curves and microscopy to characterize pathogen‐induced responses. Through comparative genomics and transcriptomics, we show that the copy number of infection‐associated genes and the infection‐induced transcriptional responses of duckweeds differ from other model species.

Pathogen defense in duckweeds has evolved along different trajectories than in other plants, including genomic and transcriptional reprogramming. Specifically, the miAMP1 domain‐containing proteins, which are absent in Arabidopsis, showed pathogen responsive upregulation in duckweeds. Despite such divergence between Arabidopsis and duckweed species, we found conservation of upregulation of certain genes and the role of hormones in response to disease.

Our work highlights the importance of expanding the pool of model species to study defense responses that have evolved in the plant kingdom independent of EDS1.
Examining weight bias before and/or after bariatric surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Bennett Brooke L. , Lawson Jessica L. , Funaro Melissa C. , Ivezaj Valentina
Published: September 2022

Research examining weight bias in the bariatric population, who may be at greater risk of weight stigma, is scarce. The present study aimed to systematically review the literature for quantitative evidence that explores the medical, psychosocial, and behavioral sequelae associated with experienced, internalized, and/or externalized weight bias in patients seeking or who have undergone bariatric surgery. Five databases were systematically searched for English peer‐reviewed quantitative studies, which examined weight bias in a sample of individuals seeking or who had undergone bariatric surgery. Risk of bias was assessed. Twenty‐nine studies were included, of which 13 examined internalized weight bias, 12 examined experienced weight bias, 4 examined both, and 0 examined externalized weight bias. Most studies were cross‐sectional, and the results showed high risk of bias. The results suggested that both experienced and internalized weight bias were associated with a host of negative psychosocial, behavioral, and medical sequelae. The findings of this review underscore the need for more rigorous research to better understand the relationship between weight bias and bariatric surgery, particularly longitudinally. Future patients may benefit from research developing interventions for reducing weight bias prior to and following bariatric surgery in order to reduce the associated negative correlates and improve outcomes.
The effectiveness of intravenous sedation with midazolam for people with Alzheimer's disease requiring dental extraction
Authors: Abed Hassan
Published: September 2022

Aim

To assess the effectiveness of the elderly regimen of intravenous sedation (IVS) with midazolam for people with Alzheimer's disease (>65 years old) who required dental extraction.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective clinical series of people with late, middle and early stages of Alzheimer's disease who had dental extraction under IVS with midazolam. Demographic characteristics such as age, gender and past medical history of the patients were collected from the medical records. Non‐invasive blood pressure, oxygen saturation measured via pulse oximetry and heart rate before and after dental treatment were also collected for each patient. The mental capacity of each patient was assessed using the Mental Capacity Act's four steps. All patients had dental extraction under local anaesthesia and IVS with midazolam. Each patient was injected 1 mg of midazolam over 30 s; pause for 4 min and an additional 0.5 mg increment was added every 2 min until adequate sedation was reached with a minimum of 90% of oxygen saturation. The quality of sedation was assessed using Ellis Sedation Scores.

Results

Midazolam dosage varied between 0.5 and 1.5 mg. All patients showed good (grade II) quality of sedation level as measured by Ellis Sedation Scores. This helped to deliver safe dental extraction.

Conclusions

As the association between general anaesthesia and cognitive level in people with Alzheimer's disease is mixed and still needs further studies, this retrospective clinical series study showed that people with Alzheimer's can benefit from the elderly regimen of IVS with midazolam in providing safe and effective dental extraction when delivered properly.
Methylprednisolone Inhibits Autophagy of Vascular Endothelial Cells in Rat Femoral Head ViaPI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Jang Bo‐yong , Guo Shi‐bing , Bai Rui , Liu Wan‐lin , Gong Yu‐lin , Zhao Zhen‐qun
Published: September 2022

Objective

To study the relationship between vascular endothelial cells (VEC) and autophagy, and its regulatory mechanism in steroid‐induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH).

Methods

In cell experiment, VEC were isolated and cultured from the femoral head of Sprague–Dawley rats and divided into three groups: blank control group (Ctrl), methylprednisolone group (MP), and methylprednisolone+mTOR‐shRNA group (MP + shmTOR). The autophagy formation was observed by transmission electron microscope. The mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, Beclin1 and MAP1LC3 was detected by RT‐PCR and the protein expression was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Expression of the damage marker 6‐keto‐PGF1α was detected by the ELISA method. In vivo experiment, after establishing the model, the grouping method was the same as cell experiment. Autophagosomes were observed by same method, and the expression of related factors was detected by the same method in cell experiment.

Results

In the cell experiment, autophagosomes in the MP group were significantly lower than in the Ctrl group, and the autophagosomes in the MP + shmTOR group were intermediate between two groups (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR in the MP group were significantly higher than in the Ctrl group, while the MP+ shmTOR group presented intermediate levels between these groups (average gray value were 3837.90, 2996.30, 3005.60, F = 428.64, P < 0.05). MRNA expression levels of Beclin1 and MAP1LC3 in the MP group were significantly lower than that in Ctrl group (P < 0.05). The content of 6‐keto‐PGF1α in the MP + shmTOR group was higher than in the Ctrl group and lower than in the MP group at the evaluated time intervals (average absorbance value were 104.98, 206.83, 145.91, F = 352.83, P < 0.01). In vivo experiment, the content of 6‐Keto‐PGF1α in the hormone group increased as time went on; the mTOR‐si group was higher than that in control group, but lower than that in the hormone group (P < 0.01). The mRNA expressions of Beclin1 and MAP1LC3 in the control group were higher than those in the hormone group, while the mRNA expressions of PI3K, Akt and mTOR were lower than those in the mTOR‐si group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The steroid inhibited the physiological protective effect of autophagy on SANFH by increasing the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway related factors and decreasing the expression of Beclin1 and MAP1LC3 in the femoral head VEC.
Cellular differentiation, hormonal gradient, and molecular alternation between the division zone and the elongation zone of bamboo internodes
Authors: Guo Lin , Wang Chunyue , Chen Jin , Ju Ye , Yu Fen , Jiao Chen , Fei Zhangjun , Ding Yulong , Wei Qiang
Published: September 2022

Bamboo differentiates a cell division zone (DZ) and a cell elongation zone (EZ) to promote internode elongation during rapid growth. However, the biological mechanisms underlying this sectioned growth behavior are still unknown. Using histological, physiological, and genomic data, we found that the cell wall and other subcellular organelles such as chloroplasts are more developed in the EZ. Abundant hydrogen peroxide accumulated in the pith cells of the EZ, and stomata formed completely in the EZ. In contrast, most cells in the DZ were in an undifferentiated state with wrinkled cell walls and dense cytoplasm. Hormone detection revealed that the levels of gibberellin, auxin, cytokinin, and brassinosteroid were higher in the DZ than in the EZ. However, the levels of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid were higher in the EZ than in the DZ. Transcriptome analysis with qRT‐PCR quantification revealed that the transcripts for cell division and primary metabolism had higher expression in the DZ, whereas the genes for photosynthesis, cell wall growth, and secondary metabolism were dramatically upregulated in the EZ. Overexpression of a MYB transcription factor, BmMYB83, promotes cell wall lignification in transgenic plants. BmMYB83 is specifically expressed in cells that may have lignin deposits, such as protoxylem vessels and fiber cells. Our results indicate that hormone gradient and transcriptome reprogramming, as well as specific expression of key genes such as BmMYB83, may lead to differentiation of cell growth in the bamboo internode.
The MYB33, MYB65, and MYB101 transcription factors affect Arabidopsis and potato responses to drought by regulating the ABA signaling pathway
Authors: Wyrzykowska Anna , Bielewicz Dawid , Plewka Patrycja , Sołtys‐Kalina Dorota , Wasilewicz‐Flis Iwona , Marczewski Waldemar , Jarmolowski Artur , Szweykowska‐Kulinska Zofia
Published: September 2022

Drought is one of the main climate threats limiting crop production. Potato is one of the four most important food crop species worldwide and is sensitive to water shortage. The CBP80 gene was shown to affect Arabidopsis and potato responses to drought by regulating the level of microRNA159 and, consequently, the levels of the MYB33 and MYB101 transcription factors (TFs). Here, we show that three MYB TFs, MYB33, MYB65, and MYB101, are involved in plant responses to water shortage. Their downregulation in Arabidopsis causes stomatal hyposensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA), leading to reduced tolerance to drought. Transgenic Arabidopsis and potato plants overexpressing these genes, with a mutated recognition site in miR159, show hypersensitivity to ABA and relatively high tolerance to drought conditions. Thus, the MYB33, MYB65, and MYB101 genes may be potential targets for innovative breeding to obtain crops with relatively high tolerance to drought.
Day service use and improved Serial 7 and Verbal fluency scores in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Honjo Yasuyuki , Ide Kazuki , Takechi Hajime
Published: September 2022

Background

Day services (DS) are provided as part of the Japanese public nursing care system. Recent studies have suggested a possible relationship between DS use and limited progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study examined in detail the relationship between improvements in cognitive function and DS use in people with AD.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS‐R) scores of 208 patients with AD at five memory clinics over a 6‐month period. The patients were divided into a group that started using DS (n = 132) and a group that did not (n = 76) during the study period. We then compared each participant's total and item scores on the HDS‐R between the first clinic visit and 6 months later also compared scores between DS users and non‐users.

Results

DS non‐users were younger, predominantly male, had longer school education, and better total HDS‐R score at the first visit. After 6 months, DS users showed significantly improved total HDS‐R score and individual Serial 7 and Verbal fluency scores. Immediate memory scores were comparable between the first visit and after 6 months. Among the DS users, more frequent participation in DS was significantly associated with improved total HDS‐R score.

Conclusions

DS use was significantly associated with improved HDS‐R scores, especially for the Serial 7 and Verbal fluency tasks, and there was no deterioration in Immediate memory score. These results suggest the usefulness of DS participation as a non‐pharmacological therapy.
Pathways for sediment transport and retention in a vegetated, mid‐channel island: Connecting sediment dynamics to morphology in Meinmahla Island, Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar
Authors: Glover Hannah E. , Ogston Andrea S. , Fricke Aaron T. , Nittrouer Chuck A. , Aung Cherry , Naing Thet , Lahr Evan J.
Published: September 2022

Vegetated mid‐channel islands play an important though poorly understood role in the sediment dynamics and morphology of tide‐dominated deltas. Meinmahla Island is a mangrove‐forest preserve at the mouth of the Bogale distributary channel, in the Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar. In this relatively unaltered mid‐channel island, sediment dynamics can be directly connected to morphology. Field measurements from 2017 to 2019 provide insight into the pathways for sediment transport and resulting morphological evolution. Water depth, salinity and turbidity were monitored semi‐continuously, and velocity profilers with turbidity and salinity sensors were deployed seasonally in single‐entrance (dead‐end/blind) and multi‐entrance tidal channels of the island. The morphological evolution was evaluated using grain size, 210Pb geochronology, remote sensing and channel surveys. The data show that ebb‐dominant, single‐entrance channels along the island exterior import sediment year‐round to the land surface. However, these exterior channels do not deliver enough sediment to maintain the observed ca 0.8 cm/yr accretion rate, and most of the sediment import occurs via interior, multi‐entrance channels. Interior channels retain water masses that are physically distinct from the water in the Bogale distributary, and estuarine processes at the tidal‐channel mouths import sediment into the island. Sediment is sourced to the island from upriver in the wet season and from the Gulf of Mottoma in the dry season, as the location of the estuary shifts seasonally within the Bogale distributary. The salinity and biogeochemistry of the distributary water are affected by interactions with sediment and groundwater in the island interior. The largest interior channels have remained remarkably stable while the island has aggraded and prograded over decadal timescales. However, the studied multi‐entrance channel is responding to a drainage‐network change by narrowing and shoaling. Overall, mid‐channel islands trap sediment and associated nutrients at the river–ocean interface, and these resilient landscape features evolve in response to changes in drainage‐network connectivity.