bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Contribution of the Built Environment to Physical Activity Among Young Women
Authors: Cohen Deborah A. , Han Bing , Kraus Lisa , Young Deborah Rohm
Published: January 2018

Physical activity (PA) tends to decline with age, but changes are influenced by individual and contextual factors. Identifying the relative contributions of each may be useful in addressing inactivity. We studied the degree to which changes in the built environment were associated with changes in PA among young women maturing from adolescence to adulthood. We followed a cohort of young women who participated in the Maryland site of the Trial of Activity of Adolescent Girls in 11th grade (ages 16-17 years) and again at ages 22 to 23. Participants wore accelerometers for 1 week in 2009 and in 2015 and answered questionnaires about their daily lives. We found that living closer to mass transit, sports, and recreational facilities was associated with more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Individual-level factors were strongly associated with MVPA as well.
A South African Experience: Cultural Determinants of Ukuthwasa
Authors: Bakow Brianna Rose , Low Kathy
Published: January 2018

The current study investigated ukuthwasa, a South African culture-specific syndrome associated with the calling to become a sangoma, a type of traditional healer. Ukuthwasa has previously been compared to Western mental health constructs, such as depression and schizophrenia due to its accompanying debilitating symptoms. The current study sought to better understand the calling to become a sangoma and define the phenomenology of ukuthwasa. Unstructured interviews were conducted with participants comprised of izangoma (plural of sangoma) who had experienced ukuthwasa and key informants indigenous to South Africa living in and around the Durban metropolitan area ( N = 11). The qualitative data were analyzed using grounded theory, which allowed for the categorization of data into themes for further analysis. The results of the study showed that while there were similarities between ukuthwasa and Western constructs of mental health, the course and effectiveness of management differed greatly, suggesting the need to incorporate cultural factors into management decision-making.
The Corporate Networks and Symbolic Capital of British Business Leaders
Authors: Buck Andrew
Published: January 2018

Has globalization diminished the cohesion and influence of British corporate elites? I draw on data from The Times’ ranking of British business elites in the years preceding the 2008 financial crisis to address this question. The analysis finds elites with royal titles, Oxbridge educations, and English identities are not especially central in director networks. Despite being cohesive, director networks are globally diverse and the symbols of the British ruling class are not central in them. However, those symbols are important to centrality in director networks when taking into account strong ties. The similarity and familiarity of strong ties deepen the influence of symbolic capital in board networks because they place it in a social context. These findings suggest that corporate elites in Britain have a dual loyalty to both globalization and the traditional symbols of the British ruling class.
Teacher Educators’ Perspectives: Preparing Preservice Teachers to Provide Access to the General Curriculum
Authors: Olson Amy J. , Roberts Carly A.
Published: January 2018

Teacher educators play a critical role in preparing preservice teachers to provide students with significant disabilities access to the general curriculum. This qualitative study investigated 11 teacher educators’ definitions of access and their self-reflections on their practices to prepare preservice teachers to provide students with significant disabilities access to the general curriculum. Teacher educators described their practices, which included shaping preservice teachers’ philosophies and dispositions and preparing them with the knowledge and skills to provide access. Findings from this study could translate into improved outcomes for teacher educators, preservice teachers, and ultimately students with significant disabilities.
Who Starts the Conversation and Who Receives Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)? A Brief Online Survey of Medical Providers’ PrEP Practices
Authors: Adams Leah M. , Balderson Benjamin H. , Brown Kathy , Bush Staci E. , Packett Bruce J.
Published: January 2018

Uptake of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been slow, but is increasing. Although PrEP is indicated for many patients, it has been concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM). Awareness of PrEP is limited among non-MSM individuals, and among some MSM. As such, individuals at risk for HIV who are unaware of PrEP must rely on their medical providers to initiate conversations about PrEP. Members of a national professional organization of HIV specialists with prescribing privileges, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, participated in an online survey ( n = 342) to characterize their PrEP prescribing behaviors and the demographic membership of their PrEP patients. Results indicated that when discussing PrEP with their patients, providers who more frequently initiated these conversations had a higher percentage of non-MSM patients in their PrEP caseload (e.g., women, people who inject drugs, transgender patients). Encouraging providers to initiate discussions about PrEP with their patients and helping them locate support to offset the cost may help increase uptake, particularly among at-risk patients who are underrepresented in PrEP adoption.
Understanding the Process of Prioritizing Fruit and Vegetable Purchases in Families With Low Incomes: “A Peach May Not Fill You Up as Much as Hamburger”
Authors: Askelson Natoshia M. , Meier Cristian , Baquero Barbara , Friberg Julia , Montgomery Doris , Hradek Christine
Published: January 2018

Fruits and vegetables (F&V) are an important component of a healthy diet, but few children are meeting the recommended number of servings. Children from families with limited resources may be least likely to meet the recommendation. This study was designed to understand the strategies and priorities of families with low income related to purchasing F&V. We conducted qualitative, in-depth telephone interviews with low-income parents of elementary school–aged children as part of a random sample of parents participating in a telephone survey who agreed to be contacted for an in-depth interview. Interview transcripts were coded based on predetermined codes that were informed by the research questions. F&V were not considered staples by parents and cost was one of the main concerns. Parents equated F&V with fresh F&V. Interventions encouraging F&V purchasing by families with low income need to find new ways to address the issue of cost, including advocating for F&V in all forms (fresh, frozen, canned, and dried).
Exploring the use of Soft Systems Methodology with realist approaches: A novel way to map programme complexity and develop and refine programme theory
Authors: Dalkin Sonia , Lhussier Monique , Williams Lynne , Burton Christopher R. , Rycroft-Malone Jo
Published: January 2018

As the use of realist approaches gains momentum, there is a growing interest in how systems approaches can complement realist thinking. In this article, we discuss how the epistemology of Soft Systems Methodology is compatible with realist approaches. Both Soft Systems Methodology and realist approaches emphasize the necessity to engage stakeholders; through models, the description of contingencies and exploring the intricacies of how complex programmes really work. We outline the key elements of realist approaches and Soft Systems Methodology, and report on two novel case studies. Drawing on our own experiences, we make the case that, used in conjunction with a realist approach, Soft Systems Methodology can provide a useful tool to a) map programme complexity, and b) develop and refine stakeholders programme theories, thus increasing the transparency, reliability, validity and accuracy of the theory building and refining process in realist approaches. We highlight Soft Systems Methodology as a novel companion to realist approaches and detail the first case studies of its use.
The power and dysfunctions of evaluation systems in international organizations
Authors: Raimondo Estelle
Published: January 2018

Evaluations do not take place in a vacuum. Evaluation systems are embedded within organizations; they shape and are shaped by organizational norms, processes, and behaviors. In International Organizations, evaluation systems are ubiquitous. Yet, little is known about how they “function,” namely how they are used, how they contribute to organizational performance, and how they influence actors’ behaviors. These are empirical questions that cannot be solved without a robust theoretical grounding, which is currently absent from the existing evaluation literature. This article seeks to bridge some of the identified gaps by weaving together insights from evaluation theory and international organization sociology into a unifying framework of factors. The article then demonstrates how the framework can be used to empirically study the relative power and dysfunction of evaluation systems within International Organizations. A forthcoming connected contribution will illustrate such empirical inquiry through the case of the World Bank’s project-level evaluation system.
Visual exploration of migration patterns in gull data
Authors: Konzack Maximilian , Gijsbers Pieter , Timmers Ferry , van Loon Emiel , Westenberg Michel A , Buchin Kevin
Published: January 2018

We present a visual analytics approach to explore and analyze movement data as collected by ecologists interested in understanding migration. Migration is an important and intriguing process in animal ecology, which may be better understood through the study of tracks for individuals in their environmental context. Our approach enables ecologists to explore the spatio-temporal characteristics of such tracks interactively. It identifies and aggregates stopovers depending on a scale at which the data is visualized. Statistics of stopover sites and links between them are shown on a zoomable geographic map which allows to interactively explore directed sequences of stopovers from an origin to a destination. In addition, the spatio-temporal properties of the trajectories are visualized by means of a density plot on a geographic map and a calendar view. To evaluate our visual analytics approach, we applied it on a data set of 75 migrating gulls that were tracked over a period of 3 years. The evaluation by an expert user confirms that our approach supports ecologists in their analysis workflow by helping to identifying interesting stopover locations, environmental conditions or (groups of) individuals with characteristic migratory behavior, and allows therefore to focus on visual data analysis.
Using 3-Dimensional Modeling to Customize Titanium Plates for Repair of Chest Wall Trauma
Authors: Smith Justin A. , Ho Vanessa P. , Towe Christopher W.
Published: January 2018

Background. Open reduction and internal fixation of rib fractures is recommended to decrease mortality, shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation, and lower hospital length of stay. Prosthetic titanium plates are frequently used to repair chest wall trauma, and are typically contoured to the patient’s anatomy at the time of implant in the operating room. We describe the use of 3-dimensional (3D) digitally corrected rapid prototyping to generate a model of a patient’s skeletal anatomy for the purposes of preoperative customization of standard titanium plates for fixation of rib fractures. Methods. A computed tomography imaging Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine data set was segmented. Rib fractures were virtually realigned using the mirrored normal anatomy as a guide. The model was printed and used to customize titanium rib fixation plates prior to the procedure. Results. Preoperative shaping of 5 titanium plates using the final 3D model required a total of 5.65 minutes. Surgical fixation of 4 of the patient’s 5 fractures was accomplished using the titanium plates that were preoperatively shaped using our 3D model. Discussion. We demonstrate successful use of a digitally rendered model to preoperatively customize standard titanium rib fixation plates. Compared with intraoperative contouring of rib fixation plates, we believe that this approach facilitates repair of complex rib fractures, saving time in the operating room. We believe this technique can improve the accuracy of reductions, increase the ease and efficiency of these procedures, and afford benefits in reducing surgical stress on patients who have already suffered significant trauma.
Use of a Non-Crosslinked Porcine Dermal Matrix in Repair of the Achilles and Other Tendons of the Foot
Authors: Anaim Ali A.
Published: January 2018

Background. Ankle tendon augmentation with biological matrixes has been shown to be beneficial, especially for Achilles tendon rupture as it adds to the integrity of the repair. Biologic matrix augmentation has been used increasingly in chronic and complex injuries where reinforcement is required. The objective of this study was to present outcomes of a series of patients who underwent tendon repair augmented with a new biologic matrix. Methods: Sixteen patients underwent ankle tendon repair, augmented with Proformix biologic tissue matrix. Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively for function and pain, and were followed for up to 3 years for complications. Results: This study included 10 females and 6 males, with a mean age of 44.6 years (range, 23-71 years). Patients were evaluated at 2 months postoperatively, and then further followed for a mean 19.0 months (range 7-38 months) to assess complications and reinjuries. Foot and Ankle Disability Index scores significantly increased from preoperatively (38.3) to 2 months postoperatively (85.2) ( P < .001). Furthermore, there were no reports of reruptures or significant complications. Conclusions: Weakness or rupture in tendons of the foot, especially the Achilles tendon, can be treated surgically and the repair augmented with Proformix, a new, biological matrix. Our study presented a series of 16 patients whose surgical repairs had been augmented with the new biological matrix, all of whom have achieved excellent results.

Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Case series
OBOR and the Silk Road Ethos
Authors: Ling LHM , Perrigoue Alisha C
Published: January 2018

Most analyses of China’s “One Belt, One Road” policy focus on the Chinese government or transnational elites. Rarely do the localities receive any attention. Three conceptual failures follow: (1) conventional analyses fail to appreciate any local agency in negotiating with external, globalizing forces; consequently, they (2) fail to perceive local changes taking place not just empirically but also normatively, politically, and culturally; and, they (3) fail to understand local constructions of a new political economy, if not world order. In brief, conventional analyses erase the OBOR Other. This article amends the record.
Resilience, Cultural Beliefs, and Practices That Mitigate Suicide Risk Among African American Women Veterans
Authors: Dorsey Holliman Brooke A. , Monteith Lindsey L. , Spitzer Elizabeth G. , Brenner Lisa A.
Published: January 2018

To our knowledge, no studies have examined protective factors for suicide among African American women Veterans. We conducted a qualitative study to identify and describe cultural beliefs and practices that mitigate suicide risk among African American women Veterans. Our sample included 16 African American women Veterans ( M age = 53.3) eligible to receive Veterans Health Administration care. The following three themes emerged as being protective against suicide: (a) resilience, (b) social support, and (c) religion. Women described developing resilience from exposure to adversity. Social support primarily entailed informal assistance from family and friends. Finally, religion comprised three subthemes: faith in God, personal practices, and religious beliefs. Results underscore the importance of specific cultural beliefs and practices as being protective against suicide among African American women Veterans.
The Case for the Need for Personal Financial Literacy Education in Botswana Secondary Schools
Authors: Solomon Gosaitse E. , Nhete Trust , Sithole Burman M.
Published: January 2018

Personal financial literacy (PFL) is an imperative life skill that all 21st-century students should have. Research shows that the levels of financial literacy in both developing and developed countries are very low across people of all ages. This deplorable state of affairs has negative implications on the well-being of the populace, as evidenced by increased indebtedness, lower saving, poor planning for retirement, and the making of many poor personal financial decisions. Recognizing the potential benefits of financial literacy at both individual and national levels, many countries have started to offer financial education in their schools. This article analyzed the business subjects’ curriculum at secondary school level in Botswana and literature published on the subject of PFL, and found that there exists a gap in this area and a need to offer PFL to all learners in the school system. Despite the need for such a move, Botswana does not have a deliberate program in its curriculum that specifically addresses this problem. This article discusses the benefits of personal financial education, the inadequacy of current business subjects to meet this need, and concludes by recommending a mandatory PFL subject in the Botswana secondary school curriculum.
Attitudes Toward Active Voluntary Euthanasia Among Community-Dwelling Older Subjects
Authors: Poli Stefano
Published: January 2018

The major extension of late-life expectancy has increased the significance of end-of-life issues, particularly among elderly people, considering both the role of medical practices in shaping and defining dying trajectories and the differences in national laws and in public attitudes about preservation of self-dignity and removal of pain in death. Avoiding a prolonged, painful, and undignified death provides for many a rationale for euthanasia. On the contrary, the fear of increased pressure to end one’s life prematurely and of potential abuses became often the main argument of opposition among vulnerable groups, like older people, especially when suffering from disability, chronic diseases, and lacking of autonomy. Through a representative cross-sectional survey, we studied 1,782 community-dwelling over-65s residents in Genoa (Italy), examining with bivariate and binary logistic regression analysis their attitudes toward active voluntary euthanasia (AVE), and exploring associations with sociodemographic characteristics, health and socioeconomic conditions, ideological orientations, and cultural practices. About 39.9% of our sample fully disagreed with AVE, 26.7% expressed tolerance, and 35.2% agreed completely. Results showed significant associations of different attitudes toward AVE with cultural values and moral practices, as well as with health and disability conditions, evidencing increasing full rejection toward AVE among over-75s profiles (46.3%). Our results suggest major intergenerational differences among older people, showing significant cultural change in attitudes toward end-of-life issues. If and to the extent that older age plays a role, it is rather still strongly associated with rejection than with acceptance of AVE.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockade in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Soiffer Robert J. , Davids Matthew S. , Chen Yi-Bin
Published: January 2018

Advances in the prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and opportunistic infection have improved survival after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in the past decade. However, few inroads have been made into the treatment or prevention of relapse of the underlying malignancy for which allo-HCT is being performed. The introduction of US Food and Drug Administration–approved agents with significant activity in a variety of hematologic malignancies provides an opportunity to evaluate these interventions in the allo-HCT setting. Some of the most promising new agents include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) directed at bcr-abl, kinase inhibitors targeting fms-like tyrosine kinase 3, and immune checkpoint inhibitors blocking both CTLA4 and PD-1. Data have emerged indicating potential efficacy of these agents in preventing or treating relapse, though definitive evidence remains elusive. However, potential toxicity can be considerable, highlighting the need for further clinical trials to define the therapeutic window. This review explores the immunologic and clinical consequence of treatment with both TKIs and checkpoint inhibitors in the peri- and post–allo-HCT setting.
Drug resistant tuberculosis in Saudi Arabia: an analysis of surveillance data 2014–2015
Authors: Al Ammari Maha , Al Turaiki Abdulrahman , Al Essa Mohammed , Kashkary Abdulhameed M. , Eltigani Sara A. , Ahmed Anwar E.
Published: January 2018

Background

There is limited data that investigates the national rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to estimate the rates of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB), and monoresistance (MR) in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on all TB cases reported to the National TB Control and Prevention Program (NTCPP) registry at the Saudi Ministry of Health between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015. A total of 2098 TB patients with positive TB cultures were included in the study. Subgroup analyses and multivariate binary logistic regression models were performed with IBM SPSS 23.0.

Results

Of the total TB cases, 4.4% (95% CI: 3.59%–5.40%) were found to have MDR-TB. The rates of MR were 3.8% (95% CI: 2.99%–4.67%) for ethambutol, 5.4% (95% CI: 4.50%–6.49%) for pyrazinamide, 10.2% (95% CI: 5.89%–11.52%) for isoniazid, 11% (95% CI: 9.70%–12.43%) for streptomycin, and 5.9% (95% CI: 4.90%–6.96%) for rifampicin. The high rates of MDR and RR-TB were found among the younger age group, female gender, and those who had a previous history of TB. We also discovered that renal failure tends to increase the risk of rifampicin resistance.

Conclusions

National TB data in Saudi Arabia shows that the rate of MDR-TB was similar to the global rate reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is a relatively high rate as compared to Western countries. The proportion of MDR/RR-TB patients tends to be higher in the younger age group, female gender, and in patients with a previous history of TB treatment. Effective strategies for prevention of all multi-drug-resistant TB cases are warranted.
Does Context Matter? Convergent and Divergent Findings in the Cross-Institutional Evaluation of Graduate Teaching Assistant Professional Development Programs
Authors: Reeves Todd D. , Hake Laura E. , Chen Xinnian , Frederick Jennifer , Rudenga Kristin , Ludlow Larry H. , O’Connor Clare M.
Published: January 2018

Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) play important instructional roles in introductory science courses, yet they often have little training in pedagogy. The most common form of teaching professional development (PD) for GTAs is a presemester workshop held at the course, department, or college level. In this study, we compare the effectiveness of presemester workshops at three northeastern research universities, each of which incorporated scientific teaching as the pedagogical content framework. The comparison of GTA PD program outcomes at three different institutions is intended to test theoretical assertions about the key role of contextual factors in GTA PD efficacy. Pretest and posttest surveys were used to assess changes in GTA teaching self-efficacy and anxiety following the workshops, and an objective test was used to assess pedagogical knowledge. Analysis of pretest/posttest data revealed statistically significant gains in GTA teaching self-efficacy and pedagogical knowledge and reductions in teaching anxiety across sites. Changes in teaching anxiety and self-efficacy, but not pedagogical knowledge, differed by training program. Student ratings of GTAs at two sites showed that students had positive perceptions of GTAs in all teaching dimensions, and relatively small differences in student ratings of GTAs were observed between institutions. Divergent findings for some outcome variables suggest that program efficacy was influenced as hypothesized by contextual factors such as GTA teaching experience.
Arrows in Biology: Lack of Clarity and Consistency Points to Confusion for Learners
Authors: Wright L. Kate , Cardenas Jordan J. , Liang Phyllis , Newman Dina L.
Published: January 2018

In this article, we begin to unpack the phenomenon of representational competence by exploring how arrow symbols are used in introductory biology textbook figures. Out of 1214 figures in an introductory biology textbook, 632 (52%) of them contained arrows that were used to represent many different concepts or processes. Analysis of these figures revealed little correlation between arrow style and meaning. A more focused study of 86 figures containing 230 arrows from a second textbook showed the same pattern of inconsistency. Interviews with undergraduates confirmed that arrows in selected textbook figures were confusing and did not readily convey the information intended by the authors. We also present findings from an online survey in which subjects were asked to infer meaning of different styles of arrows in the absence of context. Few arrow styles had intrinsic meaning to participants, and illustrators did not always use those arrows for the meanings expected by students. Thus, certain styles of arrows triggered confusion and/or incorrect conceptual ideas. We argue that 1) illustrators need to be more clear and consistent when using arrow symbols, 2) instructors need to be cognizant of the level of clarity of representations used during instruction, and 3) instructors should help students learn how to interpret representations containing arrows.
Predictors of Specialized Pediatric Palliative Care Involvement and Impact on Patterns of End-of-Life Care in Children With Cancer
Authors: Widger Kimberley , Sutradhar Rinku , Rapoport Adam , Vadeboncoeur Christina , Zelcer Shayna , Kassam Alisha , Nelson Katherine , Liu Ying , Wolfe Joanne , Earle Craig C. , Pole Jason D. , Gupta Sumit
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The impact of specialized pediatric palliative care (SPPC) teams on patterns of end-of-life care is unknown. We sought to determine (1) which children with cancer access SPPC and (2) the impact of accessing SPPC on the risk of experiencing high-intensity end-of-life care (intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, or in-hospital death).

Methods

Using a provincial childhood cancer registry, we assembled a retrospective cohort of Ontario children with cancer who died between 2000 and 2012 and received care through pediatric institutions with an SPPC team. Patients were linked to population-based administrative data capturing inpatient, outpatient, and emergency visits. Children were classified as having SPPC, general palliative care, or no palliative care on the basis of SPPC clinical databases, physician billing codes, or inpatient diagnosis codes.

Results

Of the 572 children, 166 (29%) received care from an SPPC team for at least 30 days before death, and 100 (17.5%) received general palliative care. SPPC involvement was significantly less likely for children with hematologic cancers (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.4), living in the lowest income areas (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2 to 0.8), and living further from the treatment center (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.4 to 0.5). SPPC was associated with a five-fold decrease in odds of intensive care unit admission (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.4), whereas general palliative care had no impact. Similar associations were seen with all secondary indicators.

Conclusion

When available, SPPC, but not general palliative care, is associated with lower intensity care at the end of life for children with cancer. However, access remains uneven. These results provide the strongest evidence to date supporting the creation of SPPC teams.
Sox2 is required for olfactory pit formation and olfactory neurogenesis through BMP restriction and Hes5 upregulation
Authors: Panaliappan Tamilarasan K. , Wittmann Walter , Jidigam Vijay K. , Mercurio Sara , Bertolini Jessica A. , Sghari Soufien , Bose Raj , Patthey Cedric , Nicolis Silvia K. , Gunhaga Lena
Published: January 2018

The transcription factor Sox2 is necessary to maintain pluripotency of embryonic stem cells, and to regulate neural development. Neurogenesis in the vertebrate olfactory epithelium persists from embryonic stages through adulthood. The role Sox2 plays for the development of the olfactory epithelium and neurogenesis within has, however, not been determined. Here, by analysing Sox2 conditional knockout mouse embryos and chick embryos deprived of Sox2 in the olfactory epithelium using CRISPR-Cas9, we show that Sox2 activity is crucial for the induction of the neural progenitor gene Hes5 and for subsequent differentiation of the neuronal lineage. Our results also suggest that Sox2 activity promotes the neurogenic domain in the nasal epithelium by restricting Bmp4 expression. The Sox2-deficient olfactory epithelium displays diminished cell cycle progression and proliferation, a dramatic increase in apoptosis and finally olfactory pit atrophy. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation data show that Sox2 directly binds to the Hes5 promoter in both the PNS and CNS. Taken together, our results indicate that Sox2 is essential to establish, maintain and expand the neuronal progenitor pool by suppressing Bmp4 and upregulating Hes5 expression.
Developmental abnormalities in supporting cell phalangeal processes and cytoskeleton in the Gjb2 knockdown mouse model
Authors: Chen Sen , Xie Le , Xu Kai , Cao Hai-Yan , Wu Xia , Xu Xiao-Xiang , Sun Yu , Kong Wei-Jia
Published: January 2018

Mutations in the GJB2 gene [which encodes connexin 26 (Cx26)] are the most common causes of hereditary hearing loss in humans, and previous studies showed postnatal development arrest of the organ of Corti in different Cx26-null mouse models. To explore the pathological changes and the mechanism behind the cochlear abnormalities in these mice further, we established transgenic mouse models by conditional knockdown of cochlear Cx26 at postnatal day (P) 0 and P8. Auditory brainstem responses were recorded and the morphological features in the organ of Corti were analyzed 18 days after Cx26 knockdown. Mice in the P0 knockdown group displayed severe hearing loss at all frequencies, whereas mice in the P8 knockdown group showed nearly normal hearing. In the P8 knockdown group, the organ of Corti displayed normal architecture, and no ultrastructural changes were observed. In the P0 knockdown group, the phalangeal processes of Deiter's cells did not develop into finger-like structures, and the formation of microtubules in the pillar cells was significantly reduced; moreover, the amount of acetylated α-tubulin was reduced in pillar cells. Our results indicate that Gjb2 participates in postnatal development of the cytoskeleton in pillar cells during structural maturation of the organ of Corti. In P0 knockdown mice, the reduction in microtubules in pillar cells might be responsible for the failure of the tunnel of Corti to open, and the malformed phalangeal processes might negatively affect the supporting framework of the organ of Corti, which would be a new mechanism of Gjb2-related hearing loss.
The fibronectin ED-A domain enhances recruitment of latent TGF-β-binding protein-1 to the fibroblast matrix
Authors: Klingberg Franco , Chau Grace , Walraven Marielle , Boo Stellar , Koehler Anne , Chow Melissa L. , Olsen Abby L. , Im Michelle , Lodyga Monika , Wells Rebecca G. , White Eric S. , Hinz Boris
Published: January 2018

Dysregulated secretion and extracellular activation of TGF-β1 stimulates myofibroblasts to accumulate disordered and stiff extracellular matrix (ECM) leading to fibrosis. Fibronectin immobilizes latent TGF-β-binding protein-1 (LTBP-1) and thus stores TGF-β1 in the ECM. Because the ED-A fibronectin splice variant is prominently expressed during fibrosis and supports myofibroblast activation, we investigated whether ED-A promotes LTBP-1–fibronectin interactions. Using stiffness-tuneable substrates for human dermal fibroblast cultures, we showed that high ECM stiffness promotes expression and colocalization of LTBP-1 and ED-A-containing fibronectin. When rescuing fibronectin-depleted fibroblasts with specific fibronectin splice variants, LTBP-1 bound more efficiently to ED-A-containing fibronectin than to ED-B-containing fibronectin and fibronectin lacking splice domains. Function blocking of the ED-A domain using antibodies and competitive peptides resulted in reduced LTBP-1 binding to ED-A-containing fibronectin, reduced LTBP-1 incorporation into the fibroblast ECM and reduced TGF-β1 activation. Similar results were obtained by blocking the heparin-binding stretch FNIII12-13-14 (HepII), adjacent to the ED-A domain in fibronectin. Collectively, our results suggest that the ED-A domain enhances association of the latent TGF-β1 by promoting weak direct binding to LTBP-1 and by enhancing heparin-mediated protein interactions through HepII in fibronectin.
The feedback loop between miR-21, PDCD4 and AP-1 functions as a driving force for renal fibrogenesis
Authors: Sun Qi , Miao Jiao , Luo Jing , Yuan Qi , Cao Hongdi , Su Weifang , Zhou Yang , Jiang Lei , Fang Li , Dai Chunsun , Zen Ke , Yang Junwei
Published: January 2018

Renal fibrosis is a final common pathway of chronic kidney disease. Sustained activation of fibroblasts is considered to play a key role in perpetuating renal fibrosis but the driving force in the perpetuation stage is only partially understood. To date, some investigations have specifically identified overexpression of microRNA 21 (miR-21) in the progression of kidney fibrosis. Nevertheless, the precise role of miR-21 in fibroblast activation remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that miR-21 was significantly upregulated in activated fibroblasts and that it maintained itself at constant high levels by employing an auto-regulatory loop between miR-21, PDCD4 and AP-1. Persistently upregulated miR-21 suppressed protein expression of Smad7 and, eventually, enhanced the TGF-β1/Smad pathway to promote fibroblast activation. More importantly, we found miR-21 sequestration with miR-21 antagomir or AP-1 inhibitors attenuated unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal ﬁbrosis. miR-21-knockout mice also suffered far less interstitial fibrosis in response to kidney injury. Altogether, these data suggest that miR-21 is a main driving force of fibroblast activation and keeps its high expression level by employing a double negative autoregulatory loop. Targeting this aberrantly activated feedback loop may provide new therapeutic strategy in treating fibrotic kidneys.
Functional analysis after rapid degradation of condensins and 3D-EM reveals chromatin volume is uncoupled from chromosome architecture in mitosis
Authors: Samejima Kumiko , Booth Daniel G. , Ogawa Hiromi , Paulson James R. , Xie Linfeng , Watson Cara A. , Platani Melpomeni , Kanemaki Masato T. , Earnshaw William C.
Published: January 2018

The requirement for condensin in chromosome formation in somatic cells remains unclear, as imperfectly condensed chromosomes do form in cells depleted of condensin by conventional methodologies. In order to dissect the roles of condensin at different stages of vertebrate mitosis, we have established a versatile cellular system that combines auxin-mediated rapid degradation with chemical genetics to obtain near-synchronous mitotic entry of chicken DT40 cells in the presence and absence of condensin. We analyzed the outcome by live- and fixed-cell microscopy methods, including serial block face scanning electron microscopy with digital reconstruction. Following rapid depletion of condensin, chromosomal defects were much more obvious than those seen after a slow depletion of condensin. The total mitotic chromatin volume was similar to that in control cells, but a single mass of mitotic chromosomes was clustered at one side of a bent mitotic spindle. Cultures arrest at prometaphase, eventually exiting mitosis without segregating chromosomes. Experiments where the auxin concentration was titrated showed that different condensin levels are required for anaphase chromosome segregation and formation of a normal chromosome architecture.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
The developing Drosophila eye – a new model to study centriole reduction
Authors: Riparbelli Maria G. , Persico Veronica , Gottardo Marco , Callaini Giuliano
Published: January 2018

In the developing Drosophila eye, the centrioles of the differentiating retinal cells are not surrounded by the microtubule-nucleating γ-tubulin, suggesting that they are unable to organize functional microtubule-organizing centers. Consistent with this idea, Cnn and Spd-2, which are involved in γ-tubulin recruitment, and the scaffold protein Plp, which plays a role in the organization of the pericentriolar material, are lost in the third-instar larval stage. However, the centrioles maintain their structural integrity, and both the parent centrioles accumulate Asl and Ana1. Although the loading of Asl points to the acquisition of the motherhood condition, the daughter centrioles fail to recruit Plk4 and do not duplicate. However, it is surprising that the mother centrioles that accumulate Plk4 also never duplicate. This suggests that the loading of Plk4 is not sufficient, in this system, to allow centriole duplication. By halfway through pupal life, the centriole number decreases and structural defects, ranging from being incomplete or lacking B-tubules, are detected. Asl, Ana1 and Sas-4 are still present, suggesting that the centriole integrity does not depend on these proteins.
Cell-specific cis-natural antisense transcripts (cis-NATs) in the sperm and the pollen vegetative cells of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Qin Peng , Loraine Ann E. , McCormick Sheila
Published: January 2018

Background: cis-NATs (cis-natural antisense transcripts) are transcribed from opposite strands of adjacent genes and have been shown to regulate gene expression by generating small RNAs from the overlapping region. cis-NATs are important for plant development and resistance to pathogens and stress. Several genome-wide investigations identified a number of cis-NAT pairs, but these investigations predicted cis-NATS using expression data from bulk samples that included lots of cell types. Some cis-NAT pairs identified from those investigations might not be functional, because both transcripts of cis-NAT pairs need to be co-expressed in the same cell. Pollen only contains two cell types, two sperm and one vegetative cell, which makes cell-specific investigation of cis-NATs possible.

Methods: We investigated potential protein-coding cis-NATs in pollen and sperm using pollen RNA-seq data and TAIR10 gene models using the Integrated Genome Browser.  We then used sperm microarray data and sRNAs in sperm and pollen to determine possibly functional cis-NATs in the sperm or vegetative cell, respectively.

Results: We identified 1471 potential protein-coding cis-NAT pairs, including 131 novel pairs that were not present in TAIR10 gene models. In pollen, 872 possibly functional pairs were identified. 72 and 56 pairs were potentially functional in sperm and vegetative cells, respectively. sRNAs were detected at 794 genes, belonging to 739 pairs.

Conclusion: These potential candidates in sperm and the vegetative cell are tools for understanding gene expression mechanisms in pollen.
Effects of conventional immunosuppressive therapy on functional and pathological features of CNS lupus in NZB/W mice
Authors: Alexander Jessy , Jacob Alexander , Quigg Richard J.
Published: January 2018

Neurological involvement is one of the most devastating complications of the disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To understand the effect of the drugs, cyclophosphamide (CY) and prednisolone (PD) on CNS manifestations, the New Zealand Black/White (NZB/W) lupus mice, were given a cocktail of both drugs by intraperitoneal injections daily from 22 to 44 weeks of age. The treatment prolonged survival (10% of the treated 20 NZB/W mice died compared to 50% of the 30 NZB/W mice, with no mortality in the control NZW mice). Real-time PCR analysis showed a three- to fifteen-fold increase in the expression of GFAP, vimentin and syndecan4 in the cerebral cortex of 44 week NZB/W mice. These alterations were prevented by CY and PD treatment. Immunostaining revealed increased GFAP expression in NZB/W mice compared to congenic, nondiseased NZW mice, which was prevented by treatment. In addition, concomitant changes were observed in the expression of extracellular matrix proteins, collagen IV and fibronectin. To determine the impact of these alterations on the neurological manifestations of SLE, behavior was studied in these mice. The NZB/W mice were spontaneously less active in the open field and exhibited a decrease in distance traveled (58% of control, p<0.01) and ambulatory measurements (52% of control, p<0.01). They took more time (8.8+1.2min) to escape from the maze compared to the control NZW mice (2.6+0.8min). Even more striking was that the behavioral deficits were alleviated in these mice by CY and PD treatment. These results support the hypothesis that increased astrogliosis and altered extracellular matrix proteins may be two of the critical factors that mediate lupus brain disease.
Discursive Properties of the Category of Alterity in Mass Media
Authors: Кислякова Е. , Kislyakova E.
Published: January 2018

The article focuses on the issue of representing the category of alterity in the communicative sphere of massmedia by indicating its discursive character. Such discursive characteristics as the topic, partners, situation, presuppositions of the interlocutors, linguistic means and transformation of at least one of them, bring forth the variable nature of alterity, i.e., relations within the system Self – Other. The change of the discursive characteristics may result in modifications of both Self-image and Other-image. This is a reverse type of correlation: the change of self-identity of the communicative partners may fluctuate the parametres of the discourse.
Social Risks in Communication Space of Modern Society
Authors: Терещенко О. , Tereshchenko O.
Published: January 2018

Information and communication technologies since the early 1970s. allow sharing information about disasters, terrorist acts, risk situations and accidents in real-time, and contribute not only to increased terrorism, but also to the spread of social risks in general. A new stage in the development of riskiness of society and communication space came with rise and development of the second version of the Internet (web 2.0), when creation of information resources became available to all organizations and individuals. These problems were discussed at the round table “Social risks in Communication Space of Contemporary Society”, which was held in Minsk on October 19, 2017 in the framework of the First Belarusian Philosophical Congress “National Philosophy in the Global World”.
Flouting the law
Authors: Keates Chris
Published: January 2018

While the recruitment crisis worsens, teachers continue to be denied their minimum pay uplift entitlements, with many schools flouting the law
Volatile Organic Compounds of Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) Leaves Fractions and their Potency as Traditional Medicine
Authors: Dilla Dertyasasa Elsa , Anindito Sri Tunjung Woro
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT: Previous studies have reported that a number of organic compounds are present in kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) leaf extracts. Further research is needed to purify these compounds and determine which are biologically active. The objective of this study is to identify the volatile organic compounds of kaffir lime leaf crude extracts and fractions and to study their bioactivity. Fractionation was performed by the double maceration method, using hexane as the second solvent. TLC was performed to analyze the qualitative separation, whereas the individual constituents were detected using GC-MS. Our results showed that chloroform and ethyl acetate crude extracts contained various volatile organic compounds such as fatty acids, fatty alcohols, prenol lipids, sterol lipids, terpenoids and long chain alkanes. Fractionation separated these compounds into non-hexane fractions, which contained less volatile compounds, and hexane fractions. The volatile compounds of non-hexane fractions were identified to be long chain alkanes, meanwhile the hexane fractions contained terpenoids, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, prenol lipids and sterol lipids. Palmitic acid and terpenoids, such as citronellyl propionate, nerolidol, citronella and caryophyllene oxide were found to be the most dominant bioactive compounds in chloroform and ethyl acetate crude extract and their hexane fractions, which were reported to possess cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Meanwhile in non-hexane fractions, long chain alkanes such as triacontane and hentriacontane were found to be the most dominant bioactive compound which also possessed cytotoxic effect. In conclusion, fractionation using the double maceration method yielded different volatile organic compounds composition with different biological activities. The crude extracts and fractions of kaffir lime leaves were potential to be developed as a traditional medicine for cancer treatment.
Insecticidal Effect of the Fruit Extract Bitter Melon (Citrullus colocynthis) on Locust Chrotogonus trachypterus (Orth: Pyrgomorphidae)
Authors: Mollashahi Hasanali , Mirshekari Ali , Ghorbani Morteza , Tarrah Armin
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT: Chrotogonus trachypterus Blanchard is an active grasshopper on farms in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran, in high populations and is one of the most important pests of vegetables, alfalfa, early growth stages of Gramineae and many crops. Chemical pesticides have harmful effects on the environment and human health; therefore, the use of natural insecticides derived from plants play significant role in pest management because of lower costs, lack of environmental pollution and protection of human health. In this study, lethal effect of Citrullus colocynthis fruit extract was evaluated on the Ch. trachypterus grasshopper under controlled laboratory conditions (at a temperature of 24±2°C, relative humidity of 75±5%, and photoperiod of 16: 8) in a completely randomized design with three replications. The plant was collected from its natural habitat around the city of Iranshahr, Iran, and then dried in the shade. The extraction was performed using methanol. The results obtained from experiments showed significant increase in mortality of tested insects after 24 hours with increasing concentrations of plant extracts. The effect of this extract with concentrations of 10, 20, 25, 35 and 40 milligrams per milliliter were tested on adult Ch. trachypterus grasshoppers. The highest mortality rate (87.50%) was found at a concentration of 40 milligrams per milliliter and the lowest mortality rate (23.33%) was observed at concentrations of 10 milligrams per milliliter. The mortality rate elevated with increasing concentration in all treatments. The LC 50 value for C. colocynthis plant on adult grasshopper was calculated 18.58 milligrams per milliliter.