bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Transportation Incentive Program for Affordable Housing Residents
Authors: Tan Huijun , McNeil Nathan , MacArthur John , Rodgers Kelly
Published: March 2021

This study looks at initial results from the Transportation Wallet for Residents of Affordable Housing pilot program launched by the City of Portland’s Bureau of Transportation. The program provides a set of transportation incentives for low-income participants, including a US$308 prepaid Visa card that could be applied to public transit or other transportation services, a free bike share membership, and access to discounted rates on several services. A survey was conducted with the program’s participants (278 total responses) to understand how they used the Transportation Wallet and how the program helped them use different transport modes to get around. The main findings include: (1) The financial support of this program encouraged some participants to use new mobility services (including Uber/Lyft, bike share, and e-scooter) that they had never used before; (2) the program increased access for participants, helping them make more trips and, for some, get to places they otherwise could not have gone; and (3) transportation fairs, where participants could learn about services and talk to providers, promoted both mode sign-up and mode usage, particularly for new mobility services and a reduced fare transit program. The survey results also point to some opportunities to improve the program. Participant feedback suggests that transportation agencies do more to streamline and educate participants on how to use new mobility services and coordinate different service providers to optimize seamless services for participants. The paper provides insights into the implementation and effectiveness of a transportation financial incentive program for low-income populations.
The Statistical Fragility of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Rotator Cuff Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Parisien Robert L. , Ehlers Cooper , Cusano Antonio , Tornetta Paul , Li Xinning , Wang Dean
Published: March 2021

Background:

The practice of evidence-based medicine relies on objective data to guide clinical decision-making with specific statistical thresholds conveying study significance.

Purpose:

To determine the utility of applying the fragility index (FI) and the fragility quotient (FQ) analysis to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the utilization of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in rotator cuff repairs (RCRs).

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

RCTs pertaining to the utilization of PRP in surgical RCRs published in 13 peer-reviewed journals from 2000 to 2020 were evaluated. The FI was determined by manipulating each reported outcome event until a reversal of significance was appreciated. The associated FQ was determined by dividing the FI by the sample size.

Results:

Of the 9746 studies screened, 19 RCTs were ultimately included for analysis. The overall FI incorporating all 19 RCTs was only 4, suggesting that the reversal of only 4 events is required to change study significance. The associated FQ was determined as 0.092. Of the 43 outcome events reporting lost to follow-up data, 13 (30.2%) represented lost to follow-up >4.

Conclusion:

Our analysis suggests that RCTs evaluating PRP for surgical RCRs may lack statistical stability with only a few outcome events required to alter trial significance. Therefore, we recommend the reporting of an FI and an FQ in conjunction with P value analysis to carefully interpret the integrity of statistical stability in future comparative trials.

Clinical Relevance:

Clinical decisions are often informed by statistically significant results. Thus, a true understanding of the robustness of the statistical findings informing clinical decision-making is of critical importance.
Effects of conform, non-conform, and hybrid conformity toward stress distribution at the glenoid implant and cement: A finite element study
Authors: Abdul Wahab Abdul Hadi , Mohamad Azmi Nor Aqilah , Abdul Kadir Mohammed Rafiq , Md Saad Amir Putra
Published: March 2021

Glenoid conformity is one of the important aspects that could contribute to implant stability. However, the optimal conformity is still being debated among the researchers. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the stress distribution of the implant and cement in three types of conformity (conform, non-conform, and hybrid) in three load conditions (central, anterior, and posterior). Glenoid implant and cement were reconstructed using Solidwork software and a 3D model of scapula bone was done using MIMICS software. Constant load, 750 N, was applied at the central, anterior, and posterior region of the glenoid implant which represents average load for daily living activities for elder people, including, walking with a stick and standing up from a chair. The results showed that, during center load, an implant with dual conformity (hybrid) showed the best (Max Stress—3.93 MPa) and well-distributed stress as compared to other conformity (Non-conform—7.21 MPa, Conform—9.38 MPa). While, during eccentric load (anterior and posterior), high stress was located at the anterior and posterior region with respect to the load applied. Cement stress for non-conform and hybrid implant recorded less than 5 MPa, which indicates it had a very low risk to have cement microcracks, whilst, conform implant was exposed to microcrack of the cement. In conclusion, hybrid conformity showed a promising result that could compromise between conform and non-conform implant. However, further enhancement is required for hybrid implants when dealing with eccentric load (anterior and posterior).
Dynamics of Distinction and Solidarity within Social Movements: Explaining Relations between Privileged and Underprivileged Groups in the U.S. Immigrant Rights Movement
Authors: Nicholls Walter , Uitermark Justus , van Haperen Sander
Published: March 2021

Undocumented immigrant youths, known as the Dreamers, rose to exceptional prominence in the American immigrant rights movement in the 2000s and 2010s. The Dreamers had considerable success in presenting themselves as assimilated and hard-working patriots worthy of regularization. While this strategy worked well in the media and politics, it also created a distance between the Dreamers and less privileged groups of undocumented immigrants. In 2013, just when they were widely recognized as legitimate, the Dreamers made the remarkable move to change their strategy: rather than presenting themselves as model immigrants uniquely worthy of regularization, they began mobilizing for policies benefiting all undocumented migrants. By documenting and explaining this change in strategy, this paper addresses the broader question of what separates and binds privileged and underprivileged subgroups in social movements.
Stability and change in major life goals during the transition to parenthood
Authors: Wehner Caroline , Scheppingen Manon A. van , Bleidorn Wiebke
Published: March 2021

The transition to parenthood introduces changes in various life domains. In this paper, we examined whether and to what degree the transition to parenthood is related to changes in the importance of major life goals. To do this, we examined the rank-order stability, ipsative stability, and mean-level change in six life goal domains ( achievement, power, variation, affiliation, altruism, and intimacy) in a sample of 248 parents and 294 individuals in a romantic relationship without children across two time points. Overall, we found high rank-order (variable-oriented) and ipsative (person-oriented) stability, and little evidence for mean-level changes in the importance of life goals across the transition to parenthood. However, we found several selection effects suggesting that women without children tended to endorse agentic life goals ( variation and achievement) more than mothers did. Generally, our findings underline the overall stability of life goals and their role as guiding principles in life.
Populism and the rational choice model: The case of the French National Front
Authors: Facchini François , Jaeck Louis
Published: March 2021

This article proposes a general model of partisan political dealignment based on the theory of expressive voting. It is based on the Riker and Odershook equation. Voters cast a ballot for a political party if the utility associated with expressing their support for it is more than their expressive costs. Expressive utility is modeled here as a certain utility model. Then, the model is applied to the rise of voting support in favor of French right-wing populists, the National Front (FN). We show that the fall of justification costs of FN ideology along with the decline in stigmatization costs of voting in favor of the extreme right has fostered the popularity of this party. Political dealignment here is only a particular case of a general process of political norms transgression inherited by each voter.
Patient-Readiness for Discharge and 30-Day Adherence to Treatment After Coronary Stent Implantation
Authors: Liang Wei , Zuo Danni , Candidate Master , Li Tangyihua , Zhao Huihua
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to explore the association between readiness for hospital discharge and 30-day adherence to treatment among patients with coronary heart disease who have undergone coronary stent implantation. A prospective, observational study design was adopted. A total of 153 participants were recruited from five cardiovascular units of a tertiary care teaching hospital in China. Data were collected using the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale, Morisky, Green, and Levine Adherence Scale, and Patients’ Adherence to Treatment Questionnaire. The results showed that patient-readiness for discharge was high whereas the 30-day adherence to treatment remained suboptimal. Readiness for hospital discharge and medical history of hypertension were significantly associated with patients’ 30-day adherence to blood pressure self-monitoring and control ([Formula: see text] .05). This study demonstrates the importance of paying attention to discharge preparation service as it may improve patients’ 30-day adherence to treatment after coronary stent implantation.
Constitutional Innovation and Imitation in the American States
Authors: Engstrom Erik J. , Pietryka Matthew T. , Scott John T.
Published: March 2021

The widespread adoption of written constitutions is one of the most notable developments in institutional design in politics over the past 250 years. The American states offer a rich place to study constitutional innovation and imitation as being among the first political bodies to adopt constitutions and also given that they often replaced them, in both cases innovating and learning from one another. In this paper, we use quantitative text analysis to identify constitutional innovation and to investigate patterns of imitation. First, we find substantial textual borrowing between state constitutions. On average, 20 percent of a state’s constitutional language was borrowed directly from another state constitution. Second, states were more likely to borrow text from geographically proximate states, from temporally proximate state constitutions, and from states that shared similar partisan profiles. Finally, we offer a brief discussion of the most influential constitutions as an exploratory example for extending our approach of identifying textual innovation and imitation. These findings offer new contributions to both the study of constitutional design and institutional diffusion.
Measurement Invariance and Item Response Theory Analysis of the Taylor Aggression Paradigm
Authors: Lasko Emily N. , Chester David S.
Published: March 2021

The Taylor Aggression Paradigm (TAP) is a widely used laboratory aggression task, yet item response theory analyses of this task are nonexistent. To estimate these aspects of the TAP, we combined data from nine laboratory studies that employed the 25-trial version of the TAP (combined N = 1,856). One- and four-factor solutions for the TAP data exhibited evidence of measurement invariance across gender (men vs. women) and experimental provocation (negative vs. positive social feedback), as well as negligible instances of differential item functioning. As such, psychometric properties of the TAP were invariant across binary representations of gender and experimental provocation. Furthermore, trials following low and high provocation were the least informative and those following moderate provocation were the most informative. Scoring approaches to the TAP may benefit from giving greater weight to trials following moderate provocation. Overall, we find great utility in applying item response theory approaches to behavioral laboratory tasks.
Exit as Care: How Motherhood Mediates Women’s Exodus From Violence in Mexico and Central America
Authors: López Ricoy Ana , Andrews Abigail , Medina Alejandra
Published: March 2021

Today, growing numbers of mothers and children are fleeing Mexico and Central America. Most scholars attribute this displacement to organized crime, and a few note the importance of gender violence in driving women’s migration. Yet, less has been said about how violence affects motherhood or how motherhood shapes women’s decisions to leave. Drawing on 44 in-depth interviews with Mexican and Central American women seeking U.S. asylum, we show how multifaceted violence intensifies the burdens on mothers. At the same time, we argue, motherhood can offer a source of agency in contexts of normalized violence, inspiring women to flee.
Finding the silver lining in the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Kowalski Robin M , Carroll Hailey , Britt Jordan
Published: March 2021

Research has confirmed there is a silver lining to many aversive experiences and that negative occurrences can be an opportunity for post-traumatic growth (PTG). To investigate benefit-finding in the COVID-19 crisis, 179 MTurk workers were surveyed. Participants reported dips in satisfaction with work, leisure, fitness, mental health, and finances in the midst of the pandemic, relative to 6 months prior and in the future. Benefit-finding in COVID-19 was significantly related to PTG, coping, gratitude, and mental health. The most common benefits of the crisis included more time with family and friends, slower pace of life, and improvements in physical health.
Perceived consequences and worries among youth in Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown
Authors: Lehmann Stine , Skogen Jens Christoffer , Haug Ellen , Mæland Silje , Fadnes Lars Thore , Sandal Gro Mjeldheim , Hysing Mari , Bjørknes Ragnhild
Published: March 2021

Aims: To examine perceived consequences for everyday life, learning outcomes, family relations, sleep problems and worries for infection, for friends and their future, among youth aged 12–19 years during weeks 7 to 9 of the COVID-19 lockdown in Norway. We examine variations by age, gender, socioeconomic status and country of birth. Methods: Youth within the municipality of Bergen were invited via SMS to participate in a 15-minute online survey. A total of 2997 (40%) youths participated. The mean age was 17 years (standard deviation 1.7). Results: Overall, 28% reported feeling somewhat to a lot impacted by schools closing, 63% reported learning less. In total, 62% reported improvement of everyday life. The youth’s situation in their family was worse for 13%. Regarding sleep problems, 19% reported difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep, 12% had more nightmares, while 90% reported later bedtime and rise time. Seven per cent worried about getting infected, while 53% worried about infection among family members. A total of 19% worried that the outbreak would lead to a more difficult future, and 32%worried that friends were facing a difficult situation at home. Perceived consequences and worries related to the lockdown varied across sociodemographic groups. Conclusions: The perceived consequences and degree of worries varied by age, gender, socioeconomic status and to a certain degree country of birth. Girls, older youth, youth with lower socioeconomic status and with a migrant background from developing countries seemed to experience the lockdown as more difficult, and thereby possibly accentuating the need for services in these groups.
The political initiative of Taiwan’s education for sustainable development: Looking through the lens of Chinese legalism
Authors: Huang Ying-Syuan , Asghar Anila
Published: March 2021

This article examines the development of Taiwan’s Environmental Education Act and how Education for Sustainable Development was mainstreamed into the national policy framework within the country. The goal is to understand the policy tools and governing strategies that were used by the Taiwan government to develop and implement a nationwide environmental education policy for integrating environmental sustainability into all areas and levels of teaching and learning. Official documents related to national plans for ESD and environmental education policies were analyzed and examined. In particular, Chinese Legalism was used as a lens to interpret the government’s philosophy, assumptions, unspoken norms, legislative practices, and deliberate strategies. Several principles and techniques proposed by Chinese Legalists were used to examine the negotiation and formulation of Taiwan’s Environmental Education Act. This analysis contributes to our understanding of the ways in which UNESCO’s framework of ESD can be transferred into a national policy. A discussion of the Chinese Legalist philosophy also offers a cultural frame of reference to think about ESD politics and governance in other East Asian contexts.
“Systems” as Boundary Objects: Systems Ecology and Urban Planning in the Inter-institutional Policy Simulator (IIPS) Project, 1970–1974
Authors: Chu Leo
Published: March 2021

This article studies the intersection of systems ecology and urban planning in the Inter-Institutional Policy Simulator (IIPS) project, conducted between 1970 and 1974 in Metro Vancouver, and tries to understand how ecologists influenced the planning of urban systems. I analyze the rise and fall of IIPS as the interaction between “IIPS the Platform” and “IIPS the Product,” or between the network of experts and the simulator they aimed to create. Although IIPS failed to create a desirable product, I argue that the project can exemplify ecologists’ desire to reform the practice of urban planning through the power of systems science.
Mechanical performance research of friction stir welding robot for aerospace applications
Authors: Luo Haitao , Zhao Fengqun , Guo Siwei , Yu Changshuai , Liu Guangming , Wu Tingke
Published: March 2021

The friction stir welding robot for aerospace applications developed by the research group is subject to the effects of size, working conditions, and other conditions during the operation. The load conditions of the friction stir welding robot are harsh, and the strength and stiffness tests of the whole machine need to be carried out. Five typical working conditions of the friction stir welding robot are analyzed. By analyzing the system composition and configuration of the robot, the loading conditions of the robot stirring head during the welding process are accurately simulated, and this is used as the stiffness and strength check. The boundary conditions of the robot are simulated and analyzed under typical working conditions. The results show that the data of each part of the robot under load are obtained for a given size of the rocket cap welding. After analysis, the maximum normal displacement of the friction stir welding robot reached 0.6424 mm and the maximum stress was 79.21 MPa under the condition of melon flap welding.
An Alternative Approach Using Circummandibular Wiring for Treatment of Dentoalveolar Fractures in Children: A Case Report
Authors: Quinto José Henrique Santana , Bachesk Andressa Bolognesi , Nogueira Lucas Costa , Filho Liogi Iwaki
Published: March 2021

The prevalence of dentoalveolar injuries in children is approximately 25%, with falls from own height being one of the main etiologies. Diagnosis is based on the clinical evaluation associated with complementary imaging tests. The treatment of choice depends on the type of damage and structure affected. For alveolar process fractures, closed reduction and semi-rigid dental splinting for 4 to 6 weeks is generally satisfactory. However, some cases, such as severe segmental fractures, require open treatment to ensure adequate reduction and stabilization of the displaced alveolar segment, which is usually achieved by titanium miniplates and screws. Nevertheless, there are situations where this type of fixation is not possible, requiring alternative methods. Therefore, this article describes a surgical technique performed by open reduction, associating semi-rigid dental splint and circummandibular wiring in pediatric patient diagnosed with dentoalveolar fracture through clinical examination (with bone fracture displacement) and tomography. The technique promoted a good prognostic to the patient, proving to be a viable alternative for treating dentoalveolar fractures.
India–China and Their War-making Capacities
Authors: Colley Christopher K. , Suhas Prashant Hosur
Published: March 2021

Much has been said about how China’s rapidly growing economy has led to increasing power disparity between India and China over the last two decades. China’s economic growth in this period has been spectacular, but it is not clear whether that gives a good sense of how effective its military capabilities are against India. In the context of the escalating Sino-Indian rivalry, this article asks the question: what is the nature of India’s power disparity vis-à-vis China? And does the existing power disparity between India and China give China a clear and uncontestable advantage? We argue that while there is significant asymmetry between India and China, the asymmetry is not as overwhelming when we consider certain facets of war-making capacity such as capital intensiveness of the military, military mobilisation, extractive capacity of the state and the institutional capacities to mobilise forces on a large scale, should the occasion demand. Moreover, India, with a more defensive posture against China, is in a better position to counter it because it mitigates the effects of power disparity. Therefore, we seek to understand the variation in asymmetries across different parameters of war-making capacity and force structure to better assess where the two countries may have advantages and disadvantages in the months and years to come. This article’s main contribution is to demonstrate through publicly available data the various levels of asymmetry between India and China. It also contributes to the security studies, rising powers and conflict literature.
Why Are Fewer Young Adults Having Casual Sex?
Authors: South Scott J. , Lei Lei
Published: March 2021

Fewer young adults are engaging in casual sexual intercourse now than in the past, but the reasons for this decline are unknown. The authors use data from the 2007 through 2017 waves of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics Transition into Adulthood Supplement to quantify some of the proximate sources of the decline in the likelihood that unpartnered young adults ages 18 to 23 have recently had sexual intercourse. Among young women, the decline in the frequency of drinking alcohol explains about one quarter of the drop in the propensity to have casual sex. Among young men, declines in drinking frequency, an increase in computer gaming, and the growing percentage who coreside with their parents all contribute significantly to the decline in casual sex. The authors find no evidence that trends in young adults’ economic circumstances, internet use, or television watching explain the recent decline in casual sexual activity.
Gold particle geomicrobiology: Using viable bacteria as a model for understanding microbe–mineral interactions
Authors: Sanyal Santonu Kumar , Shuster Jeremiah
Published: March 2021

The biogeochemical cycling of gold has been proposed from studies focusing on gold particle morphology, surface textures and associated bacteria living on the surface of gold particles. Additionally, it has been suggested that metabolically active bacteria on particles catalyse gold dissolution and gold re-precipitation processes, i.e. fluid–bacterial–mineral interaction within microenvironments surrounding particles. Therefore, the isolation and characterisation of viable bacteria from gold particles can be used as a model to improve the understanding of bacterial–gold interactions. In this study, classical microbiology methods were used to isolate a gold-tolerant bacterium (Acinetobactersp. SK-43) directly from gold particles. The genome of this isolate contained diverse (laterally acquired) heavy-metal resistance genes and stress tolerance genes, suggesting that gene expression would confer resistance to a wide range of potentially toxic metals that could occur in the surrounding microenvironment. The presence of these genes, along with genes for nutrient cycling under nutrient-limited conditions highlights the genomic capacity of howAcinetobactersp. SK-43 could survive on gold particles and remain viable. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that this isolate could grow in the presence of soluble gold up to 20 μM (AuCl3) and that >50% of soluble gold was reduced upon exposure. Collectively, these results suggest thatAcinetobactersp. SK-43 (and presumably similar bacteria) could survive the cytotoxic effects of soluble Au from particles undergoing dissolution. This study provides comprehensive insight on the possible bacterial contributions to gold biogeochemical cycling in natural environments.
Platelet-targeted hyperfunctional FIX gene therapy for hemophilia B mice even with preexisting anti-FIX immunity
Authors: Schroeder Jocelyn A. , Chen Juan , Chen Yingyu , Cai Yuanhua , Yu Hongyin , Mattson Jeremy G. , Monahan Paul E. , Shi Qizhen
Published: March 2021

Gene therapy may lead to a cure for hemophilia B (HB) if it is successful. Data from clinical trials using adeno-associated virus (AAV)–mediated liver-targeted FIX gene therapy are very encouraging. However, this protocol can be applied only to adults who do not have liver disease or anti-AAV antibodies, which occur in 30% to 50% of individuals. Thus, developing a protocol that can be applied to all HB patients is desired. Our previous studies have demonstrated that lentivirus-mediated platelet-specific FIX (2bF9) gene therapy can rescue bleeding diathesis and induce immune tolerance in FIXnull mice, but FIX expression was only ∼2% to 3% in whole blood. To improve the efficacy, we used a codon-optimized hyperfunctional FIX-Padua (2bCoF9R338L) to replace the 2bF9 cassette, resulting in 70% to 122% (35.08-60.77 mU/108 platelets) activity levels in 2bCoF9R338L-transduced FIXnull mice. Importantly, sustained hyperfunctional platelet-FIX expression was achieved in all 2bCoF9R338L-transduced highly immunized recipients with activity levels of 18.00 ± 9.11 and 9.36 ± 12.23 mU/108 platelets in the groups treated with 11 Gy and 6.6 Gy, respectively. The anti-FIX antibody titers declined with time, and immune tolerance was established after 2bCoF9R338L gene therapy. We found that incorporating the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib into preconditioning can help eliminate anti-FIX antibodies. The bleeding phenotype in 2bCoF9R338L-transduced recipients was completely rescued in a tail bleeding test and a needle-induced knee joint injury model once inhibitors dropped to undetectable. The hemostatic efficacy in 2bCoF9R338L-transduced recipients was further confirmed by ROTEM and thrombin generation assay (TGA). Together, our studies suggest that 2bCoF9R338L gene therapy can be a promising protocol for all HB patients, including patients with inhibitors.
barCoder: a tool to generate unique, orthogonal genetic tags for qPCR detection
Authors: Bernhards Casey B. , Lux Matthew W. , Katoski Sarah E. , Goralski Tyler D. P. , Liem Alvin T. , Gibbons Henry S.
Published: March 2021

Background

Tracking dispersal of microbial populations in the environment requires specific detection methods that discriminate between the target strain and all potential natural and artificial interferents, including previously utilized tester strains. Recent work has shown that genomic insertion of short identification tags, called “barcodes” here, allows detection of chromosomally tagged strains by real-time PCR. Manual design of these barcodes is feasible for small sets, but expansion of the technique to larger pools of distinct and well-functioning assays would be significantly aided by software-guided design.

Results

Here we introduce barCoder, a bioinformatics tool that facilitates the process of creating sets of uniquely identifiable barcoded strains. barCoder utilizes the genomic sequence of the target strain and a set of user-specified PCR parameters to generate a list of suggested barcode “modules” that consist of binding sites for primers and probes, and appropriate spacer sequences. Each module is designed to yield optimal PCR amplification and unique identification. Optimal amplification includes metrics such as ideal melting temperature and G+C content, appropriate spacing, and minimal stem-loop formation; unique identification includes low BLAST hits against the target organism, previously generated barcode modules, and databases (such as NCBI). We tested the ability of our algorithm to suggest appropriate barcodes by generating 12 modules for Bacillus thuringiensis serovar kurstaki—a simulant for the potential biowarfare agent Bacillus anthracis—and three each for other potential target organisms with variable G+C content. Real-time PCR detection assays directed at barcodes were specific and yielded minimal cross-reactivity with a panel of near-neighbor and potential contaminant materials.

Conclusions

The barCoder algorithm facilitates the generation of synthetically barcoded biological simulants by (a) eliminating the task of creating modules by hand, (b) minimizing optimization of PCR assays, and (c) reducing effort wasted on non-unique barcode modules.
Extensive non-redundancy in a recently duplicated developmental gene family
Authors: Baker E. A. , Gilbert S. P. R. , Shimeld S. M. , Woollard A.
Published: March 2021

Background

It has been proposed that recently duplicated genes are more likely to be redundant with one another compared to ancient paralogues. The evolutionary logic underpinning this idea is simple, as the assumption is that recently derived paralogous genes are more similar in sequence compared to members of ancient gene families. We set out to test this idea by using molecular phylogenetics and exploiting the genetic tractability of the model nematode,Caenorhabditis elegans,in studying the nematode-specific family of Hedgehog-related genes, the Warthogs. Hedgehog is one of a handful of signal transduction pathways that underpins the development of bilaterian animals. While having lost abona fideHedgehog gene, most nematodes have evolved an expanded repertoire of Hedgehog-related genes, ten of which reside within the Warthog family.

Results

We have characterised their evolutionary origin and their roles inC. elegansand found that these genes have adopted new functions in aspects of post-embryonic development, including left–right asymmetry and cell fate determination, akin to the functions of their vertebrate counterparts. Analysis of various double and triple mutants of the Warthog family reveals that more recently derived paralogues are not redundant with one another, while a pair of divergent Warthogs do display redundancy with respect to their function in cuticle biosynthesis.

Conclusions

We have shown that newer members of taxon-restricted gene families are not always functionally redundant despite their recent inception, whereas much older paralogues can be, which is considered paradoxical according to the current framework in gene evolution.
Stressors, coping, and resources needed during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of perinatal women
Authors: Barbosa-Leiker Celestina , Smith Crystal Lederhos , Crespi Erica J. , Brooks Olivia , Burduli Ekaterina , Ranjo Samantha , Carty Cara L. , Hebert Luciana E. , Waters Sara F. , Gartstein Maria A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Psychological stress and coping experienced during pregnancy can have important effects on maternal and infant health, which can also vary by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Therefore, we assessed stressors, coping behaviors, and resources needed in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of 162 perinatal (125 pregnant and 37 postpartum) women in the United States.

Methods

A mixed-methods study captured quantitative responses regarding stressors and coping, along with qualitative responses to open-ended questions regarding stress and resources needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic and linear regression models were used to analyze differences between pregnant and postpartum participants, as well as differences across key demographic variables. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze open-ended questions.

Results

During the COVID-pandemic, food scarcity and shelter-in-place restrictions made it difficult for pregnant women to find healthy foods. Participants also reported missing prenatal appointments, though many reported using telemedicine to obtain these services. Financial issues were prevalent in our sample and participants had difficulty obtaining childcare. After controlling for demographic variables, pregnant women were less likely to engage in healthy stress-coping behaviors than postpartum women. Lastly, we were able to detect signals of increased stressors induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, and less social support, in perinatal women of racial and ethnic minority, and lower-income status. Qualitative results support our survey findings as participants expressed concerns about their baby contracting COVID-19 while in the hospital, significant others missing the delivery or key obstetric appointments, and wanting support from friends, family, and birthing classes. Financial resources, COVID-19 information and research as it relates to maternal-infant health outcomes, access to safe healthcare, and access to baby supplies (formula, diapers, etc.) emerged as the primary resources needed by participants.

Conclusions

To better support perinatal women’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers should engage in conversations regarding access to resources needed to care for newborns, refer patients to counseling services (which can be delivered online/via telephone) and virtual support groups, and consistently screen pregnant women for stressors.
Metabolic alterations in meningioma reflect the clinical course
Authors: Masalha Waseem , Daka Karam , Woerner Jakob , Pompe Nils , Weber Stefan , Delev Daniel , Krüger Marie T. , Schnell Oliver , Beck Jürgen , Heiland Dieter Henrik , Grauvogel Juergen
Published: March 2021

Background

Meningiomas are common brain tumours that are usually defined by benign clinical course. However, some meningiomas undergo a malignant transformation and recur within a short time period regardless of their World Health Organization (WHO) grade. The current study aimed to identify potential markers that can discriminate between benign and malignant meningioma courses.

Methods

We profiled the metabolites from 43 patients with low- and high-grade meningiomas. Tumour specimens were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis; 270 metabolites were identified and clustered with the AutoPipe algorithm.

Results

We observed two distinct clusters marked by alterations in glycine/serine and choline/tryptophan metabolism. Glycine/serine cluster showed significantly lower WHO grades and proliferation rates. Also progression-free survival was significantly longer in the glycine/serine cluster.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that alterations in glycine/serine metabolism are associated with lower proliferation and more recurrent tumours. Altered choline/tryptophan metabolism was associated with increases proliferation, and recurrence. Our results suggest that tumour malignancy can be reflected by metabolic alterations, which may support histological classifications to predict the clinical outcome of patients with meningiomas.
Single nucleotide variants in immune-response genes and the tumor microenvironment composition predict progression of mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Assis-Mendonça Guilherme Rossi , Fattori André , Rocha Rafael Malagoli , Lourenço Gustavo Jacob , Delamain Márcia Torresan , Nonogaki Suely , de Lima Vladmir Cláudio Cordeiro , Colleoni Gisele Wally Braga , de Souza Cármino Antonio , Soares Fernando Augusto , Lima Carmen Silvia Passos , Vassallo José
Published: March 2021

Background

There is evidence to consider that the tumor microenvironment (TME) composition associates with antitumor immune response, and may predict the outcome of various non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes. However, in the case of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a rare and aggressive disease, there is lacking a detailed study of the TME components, as well as an integrative approach among them in patients’ samples. Also, from the genetic point of view, it is known that single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in immune-response genes are among important regulators of immunity. At present, it is uncertain whether SNVs in candidate immune-response genes and the TME composition are able to alter the prognosis in MCL.

Methods

We assessed a detailed TME composition in 88 MCL biopsies using immunohistochemistry, which was automatically analyzed by pixel counting (Aperio system). We also genotyped SNVs located in candidate immune-response genes (IL12A, IL2, IL10, TGFB1, TGFBR1, TGFBR2, IL17A, IL17F) in 95 MCL patients. We tested whether the SNVs could modulate the respective protein expression and TME composition in the tumor compartment. Finally, we proposed survival models in rituximab-treated patients, considering immunohistochemical and SNV models.

Results

High FOXP3/CD3 ratios (p = 0.001), high IL17A levels (p = 0.003) and low IL2 levels (p = 0.03) were individual immunohistochemical predictors of poorer survival. A principal component, comprising high quantities of macrophages and high Ki-67 index, also worsened outcome (p = 0.02). In the SNV model, the CC haplotype of IL10 (p < 0.01), the GG genotype of IL2 rs2069762 (p = 0.02) and the AA+AG genotypes of TGFBR2 rs3087465 (p < 0.01) were independent predictors of outcome. Finally, the GG genotype of TGFB1 rs6957 associated with lower tumor TGFβ levels (p = 0.03) and less CD163+ macrophages (p = 0.01), but did not modulate patients’ survival.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the TME composition has relevant biological roles in MCL. In this setting, immunohistochemical detection of T-reg cells, IL17A and IL2, coupled with SNV genotyping in IL10, TGFBR2 and IL2, may represent novel prognostic factors in this disease, following future validations.
Surgical outcomes of transverse acetabular fractures and risk factors for poor outcomes
Authors: Jang Jae Hoon , Moon Nam Hoon , Rhee Seung Joon , Jung Seok Jin , Ahn Tae Young
Published: March 2021

Background

Transverse acetabular fractures, although classified as elementary, have worse outcomes than other types of acetabular fractures. Prognostic factors for this fracture type are not clearly established. This study aimed to assess the surgical outcomes of transverse acetabular fractures and subtypes thereof and to investigate the prognostic factors.

Methods

Between 2014 and 2019, 39 patients (39 hips) had transverse fractures or subtypes thereof. We reviewed the surgical outcomes and evaluated patient factors, injury factors, and surgical factors in relation to osteoarthritis (OA) and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA). Additionally, we analyzed the cutoff values for postoperative residual gaps and steps.

Results

Twenty-three male patients and sixteen female with a mean age of 41.7 years (range, 18–78 years) were included. There were 29 satisfactory reductions (74.4%). Eleven hips (28.2%) developed OA, and five (12.8%) of them underwent THA. Dome impaction (odds ratio [OR], 41.173; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.804–939.814;p = 0.020) and residual gaps (OR, 4.251; 95% CI, 1.248–14.479;p = 0.021) were correlated with poor outcomes. Residual gaps (≥3 mm) and residual steps (≥1 mm) were significantly associated with OA.

Conclusions

Relatively poor reduction was found for transverse acetabular fractures and subtypes thereof. However, the rates of OA and conversion to THA were not high. Dome impaction and wide residual gaps were identified as risk factors for poor outcomes. The development of OA significantly increased if residual gap and step were more than 3 mm and 1 mm, respectively.
Evidence based processes to prevent readmissions: more is better, a ten-site observational study
Authors: Pugh Jacqueline , Penney Lauren S. , Noël Polly H. , Neller Sean , Mader Michael , Finley Erin P. , Lanham Holly J. , Leykum Luci
Published: March 2021

Background

30-day hospital readmissions are an indicator of quality of care; hospitals are financially penalized by Medicare for high rates. Numerous care transition processes reduce readmissions in clinical trials. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the number of evidence-based transitional care processes used and the risk standardized readmission rate (RSRR).

Methods

Design: Mixed method, multi-stepped observational study. Data collection occurred 2014–2018 with data analyses completed in 2021. Setting: Ten VA hospitals, chosen for 5-year trend of improving or worsening RSRR prior to study start plus documented efforts to reduce readmissions. Participants: During five-day site visits, three observers conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 314) with staff responsible for care transition processes and observations of care transitions work (n = 105) in inpatient medicine, geriatrics, and primary care. Exposure: Frequency of use of twenty recommended care transition processes, scored 0–3. Sites’ individual process scores and cumulative total scores were tested for correlation with RSRR. Outcome: best fit predicted RSRR for quarter of site visit based on the 21 months surrounding the site visits.

Results

Total scores: Mean 38.3 (range 24–47). No site performed all 20 processes. Two processes (pre-discharge patient education, medication reconciliation prior to discharge) were performed at all facilities. Five processes were performed at most facilities but inconsistently and the other 13 processes were more varied across facilities. Total care transition process score was correlated with RSRR (R2 = 0..61, p < 0.007).

Conclusions

Sites making use of more recommended care transition processes had lower RSRR. Given the variability in implementation and barriers noted by clinicians to consistently perform processes, further reduction of readmissions will likely require new strategies to facilitate implementation of these evidence-based processes, should include consideration of how to better incorporate activities into workflow, and may benefit from more consistent use of some of the more underutilized processes including patient inclusion in discharge planning and increased utilization of community supports. Although all facilities had inpatient social workers and/or dedicated case managers working on transitions, many had none or limited true bridging personnel (following the patient from inpatient to home and even providing home visits). More investment in these roles may also be needed.
Metformin activated AMPK signaling contributes to the alleviation of LPS-induced inflammatory responses in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Xu Tianle , Wu Xinyue , Lu Xubin , Liang Yusheng , Mao Yongjiang , Loor Juan J. , Yang Zhangping
Published: March 2021

Background

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) derived from gram-negative bacterial are often regarded as primary inducer of bovine mammary inflammation. This study evaluated the biological response of metformin activated AMPK signaling on LPS-induced inflammatory responses and metabolic changes in primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (pbMEC). The pbMEC were exposed to either 3 mmol/L Metf. for 12 h as Metf. group (Metf.) or 2 μg/mL LPS for 6 h as LPS group (LPS). Cells pretreated with 3 mmol/L metformin for 12 h followed by washing and 2 μg/mL LPS exposure for 6 h were served as ML group (ML). PBS was added to cells as the control group (Con.).

Results

Pre-incubation with Metf. inhibited LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory genes (TNF, IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, MYD88 and TLR4) and proteins (IL-1β, TNF-α, NLRP3, Caspase1, ASC) and was accompanied by increased activation of AMPK signaling. Compared with the LPS group, phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα in the ML group were decreased and accumulation of NF-κB in the nucleus was significantly reduced by pretreatment with metformin. Metformin protects the cells from the increase of LPS-induced binding activity of NF-κB on both TNFA and IL1B promoters. Compared with the LPS group, genes (G6PC, PCK2) and proteins (SREBP1, SCD1) related to lipogenesis and carbohydrate metabolism were downregulated while catabolic ones (PPARA, ACSL1, Glut1, HK1) were upregulated in the ML group. Furthermore, increased acetylation of H3K14 by LPS challenge was reversed by pretreatment with metformin.

Conclusion

Altogether, our results indicated that pretreatment with metformin dampens LPS-induced inflammatory responses mediated in part by AMPK/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling and modification of histone H3K14 deacetylation and metabolic changes.
Laparoscopic intragastric resection of gastric synovial sarcoma: report of the first ever case with video demonstration
Authors: Rivelli Matteo , Fernandes Eduardo , Conti Cristian , Bernardoni Laura , Pecori Sara , Cingarlini Sara , Pedrazzani Corrado
Published: March 2021

Background

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare soft tissue tumor. Among different anatomical locations where it can be found, gastric localization is a very uncommon one. Based on soft tissue sarcoma guidelines, complete tumor excision is considered the main treatment approach. Depending on size and localization of the tumor, both wedge and major gastric resections have been performed in the past for the treatment of this condition.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 43-year-old woman who underwent a laparoscopic intragastric excision of a gastric 10-mm SS located nearby the esophagogastric junction. Pathology examination confirmed the presence of a SS. The resected specimen confirmed margin-free excision of a monophasic spindle cell neoplasm invading the submucosa and presenting the rearrangement of SS18 gene at fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). No adjuvant treatment was offered, and 18 months after surgery, the patient was alive and disease free.

Conclusions

This represents the first case reported in literature of a laparoscopic intragastric resection for a gastric SS. This approach allowed to obtain a full thickness radical tumor resection with the advantages of minimally invasive and organ preserving surgery.