bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Impact of Immune Cells and Their Spatial Interactions in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Microenvironment
Authors: Autio Matias , Leivonen Suvi-Katri , Brück Oscar , Karjalainen-Lindsberg Marja-Liisa , Pellinen Teijo , Leppä Sirpa
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

Tumor-infiltrating immune cells have prognostic significance and are attractive therapeutic targets. Yet, the clinical significance of their spatial organization and phenotype in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is unclear.

Experimental Design:

We characterized T cells, macrophages, and their spatial interactions by multiplex IHC (mIHC) in 178 patients with DLBCL and correlated the data with patient demographics and survival. We validated the findings on gene expression data from two external DLBCL cohorts comprising 633 patients.

Results:

Macrophage and T-cell contents divided the samples into T cell–inflamed (60%) and noninflamed (40%) subgroups. The T cell–inflamed lymphoma microenvironment (LME) was also rich in other immune cells, defining immune hot phenotype, which did not as such correlate with outcome. However, when we divided the patients according to T-cell and macrophage contents, LME characterized by high T-cell/low macrophage content or a corresponding gene signature was associated with superior survival [5-year overall survival (OS): 92.3% vs. 74.4%, P = 0.036; 5-year progression-free survival (PFS): 92.6% vs. 69.8%, P = 0.012]. High proportion of PD-L1- and TIM3-expressing CD163− macrophages in the T cell–inflamed LME defined a group of patients with poor outcome [OS: HR = 3.22, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.63–6.37, Padj = 0.011; PFS: HR = 2.76, 95% CI, 1.44–5.28, Padj = 0.016]. Furthermore, PD-L1 and PD-1 were enriched on macrophages interacting with T cells.

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate that the interplay between macrophages and T cells in the DLBCL LME is immune checkpoint dependent and clinically meaningful.
Runx2 Deficiency in Osteoblasts Promotes Myeloma Resistance to Bortezomib by Increasing TSP-1–Dependent TGFβ1 Activation and Suppressing Immunity in Bone Marrow
Authors: Zhang Chao , Xu Xiaoxuan , Trotter Timothy N. , Gowda Pramod S. , Lu Yun , Suto Mark J. , Javed Amjad , Murphy-Ullrich Joanne E. , Li Juan , Yang Yang
Published: December 2021

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy that thrives in the bone marrow (BM). The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib is one of the most effective first-line chemotherapeutic drugs for multiple myeloma; however, 15% to 20% of high-risk patients do not respond to or become resistant to this drug and the mechanisms of chemoresistance remain unclear. We previously demonstrated that multiple myeloma cells inhibit Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in pre- and immature osteoblasts (OB), and that this OB-Runx2 deficiency induces a cytokine-rich and immunosuppressive microenvironment in the BM. In the current study, we assessed the impact of OB-Runx2 deficiency on the outcome of bortezomib treatment using OB-Runx2+/+ and OB-Runx2−/− mouse models of multiple myeloma. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that OB-Runx2 deficiency induces multiple myeloma cell resistance to bortezomib via the upregulation of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), downregulation of cytotoxic T cells, and activation of TGFβ1 in the BM. In multiple myeloma tumor-bearing OB-Runx2−/− mice, treatment with SRI31277, an antagonist of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1)–mediated TGFβ1 activation, reversed the BM immunosuppression and significantly reduced tumor burden. Furthermore, treatment with SRI31277 combined with bortezomib alleviated multiple myeloma cell resistance to bortezomib-induced apoptosis caused by OB-Runx2 deficiency in cocultured cells and produced a synergistic effect on tumor burden in OB-Runx2−/− mice. Depletion of MDSCs by 5-fluorouracil or gemcitabine similarly reversed the immunosuppressive effects and bortezomib resistance induced by OB-Runx2 deficiency in tumor-bearing mice, indicating the importance of the immune environment for drug resistance and suggesting new strategies to overcome bortezomib resistance in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
O-GlcNAcylation of Blimp-1 in Lymphocytes Inhibits Its Transcriptional Function and Is Associated with Migration and Invasion of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Chen Yan-Fang , Shao Guang-Can , Li Jie , Yang An-Qi , Li Jing , Ye Xin-Shan
Published: December 2021

Lymphocyte infiltration is an important feature of cancer. There is a complex network of chemokines that influence the degree and phenotype of lymphocyte infiltration, as well as the growth, survival, migration, and angiogenesis of tumor cells. High heterogeneity metastasis is a major obstacle to the treatment of breast cancer. Herein, we showed that O-GlcNAcylation of B lymphocyte–induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1) in lymphocytes inhibited the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. It was found that Blimp-1 O-GlcNAcylation at Ser448 and Ser472 in lymphocytes promoted its nuclear localization, and blocked the bindings to three regions upstream of the ccl3l1 promoter to inhibit its expression. Decreased expression of CCL3L1 in lymphocytes not only decreased CCR5 expression in breast cancer cells, but also inhibited the membrane localization and activation of CCR5, thus blocking the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro. Therefore, O-GlcNAcylation of Blimp-1 in lymphocytes may serve as a new target for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

Implications:

This study reveals a new mechanism by which the lymphatic system promotes breast cancer cell metastasis.
Preparation of a Beverage Containing Freeze-Dried Watercress for a Clinical Trial of Carcinogen and Toxicant Detoxification
Authors: Bonorden Melissa J.L. , Carmella Steven G. , Ballinger Oliver T. , Williams Jessica , Dorn Irv , Vanderloo Hanna , Fujioka Naomi , Hatsukami Dorothy K. , Hecht Stephen S.
Published: December 2021

Watercress is an excellent source of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), shown in many studies to enhance carcinogen and toxicant detoxification and to inhibit carcinogenesis. Based on a previous observation that PEITC can enhance the detoxification of common environmental pollutants such as acrolein, crotonaldehyde, benzene, and 1,3-butadiene, we designed a clinical trial testing the hypothesis that daily consumption of a drink containing freeze-dried watercress, an abundant source of PEITC, would have a similar effect, particularly observed in subjects who were null in certain glutathione S-transferase genes. This manuscript describes the preparation of nearly 100 pounds of freeze-dried watercress for this trial, starting with laboratory-scale pilot studies and proceeding to industrial-scale production of the fully validated product in compliance with all food safety requirements. Initial results validating subject compliance in the clinical trial are also presented.

Prevention Relevance:

This study describes the preparation of a beverage containing freeze-dried watercress suitable for consumption in a clinical trial to determine whether a constituent of this beverage–PEITC, which has cancer prevention properties–can enhance detoxification of common environmental carcinogens and toxicants such as benzene, which may have a role in environmentally induced cancer.

See related Spotlight, p. 139
Normal Values for Cerebrospinal Fluid in Neonates: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zimmermann Petra , Curtis Nigel
Published: December 2021

Background: The diagnosis of neonatal meningitis often rests on microscopic and biochemical findings in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). There is ongoing uncertainty about age-related normal values for CSF findings in neonates, and many previous studies have included infants in whom antibiotics were administered before lumbar puncture or in whom viral meningitis was not excluded. Methods: A systematic search was done using MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify original studies which investigated CSF normal values in either healthy neonates or febrile neonates in whom bacterial and viral meningitis were reliably excluded. Results: We identified seven studies investigating 270 term and 96 preterm neonates. There were minimal differences between preterm and term neonates in the CSF white blood cell (WBC) count and glucose concentration. In contrast, the CSF neutrophil count and protein concentration were influenced by gestational and chronological age. In the four studies that reported individual patient data, in 95% of cases the CSF WBC count was <12 cells/μL in preterm and <10 cells/μL in term neonates, the neutrophil count was <16 and 8 cells/μL, and the protein concentration was <210 and 110 mg/dL, respectively. Conclusion: The normal range for CSF parameters in neonates is different to that in older infants, and some parameters are influenced by gestational and chronological age. CSF parameters alone are not sufficiently reliable to exclude meningitis.
Real-World Use of Fostamatinib in Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombotic Risk
Authors: Mehta Amit R. , Kefela Aron , Toste Charina , Sweet Donald
Published: December 2021

Patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are at increased risk for bleeding and are paradoxically at increased risk for thrombosis. Many patients with ITP have underlying cardiovascular (CV) disease and/or other thrombotic risk factors for which considerable attention to selecting a therapeutic agent to manage ITP is needed. Fostamatinib, a spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor, may reduce the risk of thrombosis while not interfering with hemostasis. We present a case series of 5 patients with ITP who had significant CV histories; each had at least 2 thrombotic risk factors. After unsuccessful management of ITP with other treatments, fostamatinib was initiated, was observed to be tolerable, and provided a durable platelet response without associated thromboembolic events. Fostamatinib may be the treatment of choice for patients with ITP in whom use of prothrombotic treatments should be avoided and/or continued use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication is needed.
Huellas afectivas del trabajo en política de protección a la infancia
Authors: Garcia-Meneses Javiera , Chanez-Cortés Iván , Fardella-Cisternas Carla , Corvalán-Navia Alejandra
Published: December 2021

(analítico)Chile es un caso emblemático en la instalación de una política de protección a la infancia con orientación neoliberal. Actualmente, esta política es ejecutada casi completamente por organizaciones privadas, financiadas conforme al logro de indicadores de desempeño estandarizados. Algunas investigaciones plantean que estos indicadores gobiernan la racionalidad de los trabajadores y trabajadoras; empero, estudios internacionales señalan que este tipo de gobernanza no solo es racional, sino también afectiva. A partir de un análisis textual-afectivo de 14 entrevistas individuales y dos talleres grupales realizados a cinco trabajadoras y un trabajador de distintos organismos colaboradores del Servicio Nacional de Menores, se reporta que este modelo de gestión consume y maquiniza los cuerpos de estas y estos profesionales. No obstante, el afecto es el que hace posible la resistencia.
Palabras clave: Afecto; bienestar de la infancia; neoliberalismo; nueva gestión pública; política social; subjetividad laboral.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ДІАГНОСТИКИ ТА ЛІКУВАННЯ ТУБЕРКУЛЬОЗНОЇ ЕМПІЄМИ ПЛЕВРИ
Authors: Кошак Ю. Ф.
Published: December 2021

На підставі огляду наукової літератури висвітлюється специфічне туберкульозне захворювання плеври. Туберкульозна емпієма плеври залишається одним із найтяжчих ускладнень генералізованого (туберкульозно-неспецифічного) ураження органів грудної порожнини. Особливостями змішаного нагноєння є прихований початок, пізня діагностика і неадекватне лікування на попередніх етапах медичної допомоги. Досить велике значення має первинна резистентність мікобактерій, приєднання стійкої лікарняної флори та гіперсенсибілізація хворого уже до змішаної коморбідної інфекції, яка залишається нині не зовсім дослідженою. Науковий і практичний інтерес до цієї проблеми обумовлений значною поширеністю туберкульозної емпієми в медичних закладах, недостатньою ефективністю існуючих методів діагностики та лікування, відсутністю тенденції до зниження та високою летальністю у задавнених випадках. Сутність проблеми вказує на відсутність єдиних поглядів на патогенез і морфогенез інфекції туберкульозної емпієми плеври, які обмежують ранню діагностику та можливості своєчасного хірургічного лікування.
ANALYSIS OF IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM RESULTS OF SUBLAY AND TAPP TECHNIQUES IN THE TREATMENT OF VENTRAL HERNIAS
Authors: Dubchenko V. S.
Published: December 2021

The accumulated clinical experience has proven that the “sublay” technique allows to achieve greater functional activity of the anterior abdominal wall and is the method of choice in the treatment of ventral hernia. The use of self-adhesive nets during laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal plasty (TAPP- Transabdominal Preperitoneal Plastic) in the treatment of small and medium ventral hernia is safe and effective, with low values of postoperative pain syndrome and rapid functional recovery after surgery, without increasing the recurrence in the short term.

The aim – was to analyze the immediate and long-term results of “sublay” and TAPP techniques in the treatment of ventral hernias of lower and median localization. The author noted that the search for technical methods aimed to reduce the intra-abdominal pressure in this hernioplasty technique was relevant and practically significant.

Material and Methods. The work was performed on the basis of the surgical department of the State Institution “Specialized Multi-Purpose Hospital №1 of Ministry of Health of Ukraine”, Department of General Surgery of the State Institution “Dnipro State Medical University of Ministry of Health of Ukraine”.

Results. Comparison of immediate and long-term results of peritoneal-prosthetic-aponeurosis thickness studies showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) using different techniques. When analyzing the separated results, reliable differences (p <0.001) depending on the gender of patients were recorded. Thus, in males, when using the “sublay” technique the peritoneal-prosthetic-aponeurosis thickness was greater by 1.15 mm (by 42.43 %) in comparison with the Tapptechnique, and in females, by 1.16 mm (by 42.09 %), respectively.

Conclusions. The analysis of the immediate and long-term results of the “sublay” and TAPP techniques in the treatment of ventral hernias of lower and median localization showed that the “sublay” technique was characterized by traumatic surgical intervention, shift of the prosthesis to one side, as a consequence of its deformation. When using this technique, peritoneum-prosthetic-aponeurosis thickness values were significantly higher  –  by 13.16 % and 42.40 % in the early and distant postoperative periods, respectively. Also, when using the Tapp technique in the distant period the thickness was significantly reduced (p <0,0001) by 49,47 % in comparison with the immediate results.
КОНСЕРВАТИВНЕ ЛІКУВАННЯ СТРЕСОВОГО НЕТРИМАННЯ СЕЧІ У ЖІНОК ЗА ДОПОМОГОЮ ЕЛЕКТРОСТИМУЛЯЦІЇ З ОЦІНКОЮ ОТРИМАНИХ РЕЗУЛЬТАТІВ
Authors: Возіанов С. О. , Захараш М. П. , Чабанов П. В. , Захараш Ю. М. , Севастьянова Н. А. , Угаров В. Ю. , Репринцева А. С.
Published: December 2021

Мета дослідження – підвищення ефективності лікування жінок із стресовим нетриманням сечі.

Матеріал і методи. Обстежено 87 жінок зі стресовим нетриманням сечі. Для визначення функціонального стану нервово-м'язового апарату нижніх сечовивідних шляхів використовували електроміографію сечового міхура і його сфінктерного апарату та урофлоуметрію.

Результати. При лікуванні жінок зі зниженим тонусом нервово-м'язових структур нижніх сечових шляхів за допомогою електростимуляції отримано позитивний ефект в 79,2 % хворих, що підтверджується поліпшенням клінічної картини і результатами електроміографії та урофлоуметрії.

Висновки. Лікування пацієнтів зі стресовим нетриманням сечі за допомогою електростимуляції є ефективним.
МАСОМЕТРИЧНА ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА КАМЕР СЕРЦЯ ПРИ ПОСТРЕЗЕКЦІЙНІЙ ПОРТАЛЬНІЙ ГІПЕРТЕНЗІЇ
Authors: Гданська Н. М. , Татарчук Л. В. , Гнатюк М. С. , Коноваленко С. О. , Цицюра Р. І.
Published: December 2021

Видалення значних об’ємів паренхіми печінки нерідко призводить до пострезекційної портальної гіпертензії, яка ускладнюється кровотечами з варикозно розширених вен стравохода і шлунка, прямої кишки, асцитом, спленомегалією, вторинним гіперспленізмом, паренхіматозною жовтяницею, портосистемною енцефалопатією, поліорганною недостатністю.

Мета – встановити особливості масометричних змін камер серця в умовах пострезекційної портальної гіпертензії.

Матеріал і методи. Масометрично досліджені камери серця 34 лабораторних статевозрілих білих щурів-самців, які були поділені на 2 групи. 1-а група нараховувала 15 інтактних практично здорових експериментальних тварин, 2-а – 19 щурів зі змодельованою пострезекційною портальною гіпертензією. Евтаназію щурів здійснювали кровопусканням в умовах тіопенталового наркозу. Проводили окреме зважування частин серцевого м’яза, при якому враховували: чисту масу серця, абсолютну масу лівого і правого шлуночків, шлуночковий індекс, індекс Фултона, масу лівого і правого передсердь, відсотки мас шлуночків і передсердь, індекс передсердь, індекс передсердно-шлуночковий правий і лівий. Частини серця досліджували гістологічно. Масометричні параметри камер серця обробляли статистично.

Результати. Встановлено, що резекція лівої та правої бокових часток печінки у щурів призводила до розвитку пострезекційної портальної гіпертензії, яка характеризувалася розширенням та венозним повнокров’ям ворітної печінкової вени, брижових вен, вен стравоходу та шлунка, передньої черевної стінки, спленомегалією, асцитом. Масометричні параметри камер серця при цьому змінювалися. Так, чиста маса серця в умовах змодельованого експерименту збільшилася на 19,5 %, абсолютна маса лівого шлуночка – на 24,1 %. правого – на 11,4 % (р<0,001), лівого передсердя – на 21,0 %, правого – на 8,4 % (р<0,01). Шлуночковий індекс при цьому зменшився на 10,3 %, індекс передсердно-шлуночковий лівий – на 3,7 %, правий – на 2,5 %, індекс Фултона зріс на 17,7 %, індекс передсердь – на 9,8 %, серцевий індекс – на 11,6 %, що свідчило при диспропорційність гіпертрофії камер серця в умовах пострезекційної портальної гіпертензії і підтверджувалося відсотками їх масометричних параметрів.

Висновки. Проведеним масометричним вивченням особливостей ремоделювання камер серця в умовах пострезекційної портальної гіпертензії встановлено нерівномірне, диспропорційне збільшення мас камер серця з домінуючою гіпертрофією лівого шлуночка та лівого передсердя.
Anatomical Classification and Posttreatment Remodeling Characteristics to Guide Management and Follow-Up of Neonates and Infants With Coronary Artery Fistula: A Multicenter Study From the Coronary Artery Fistula Registry
Authors: Gowda Srinath T. , Latson Larry , Sivakumar Kothandam , Hiremath Gurumurthy , Crystal Matthew , Law Mark , Shahanavaz Shabana , Asnes Jeremy , Veeram Reddy Surendranath , Kobayashi Daisuke , Alwi Mazeni , Ichida Fukiko , Hirono Keiichi , Tahara Masahiro , Takeda Atsuhito , Minami Takaomi , Kutty Shelby , Nugent Alan W. , Forbes Thomas , Prieto Lourdes R. , Qureshi Athar M.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) presenting in infancy are rare, and data regarding postclosure sequelae and follow-up are limited.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all the neonates and infants (<1 year) was conducted from the CAF registry for CAF treatment. The CAF type (proximal or distal), size, treatment method, and follow-up angiography were reviewed to assess outcomes and coronary remodeling.

Results:

Forty-eight patients were included from 20 centers. Of these, 30 were proximal and 18 had distal CAF; 39 were large, 7 medium, and 2 had small CAF. The median age and weight was 0.16 years (0.01–1) and 4.2 kg (1.7–10.6). Heart failure was noted in 28 of 48 (58%) patients. Transcatheter closure was performed in 24, surgical closure in 18, and 6 were observed medically. Procedural success was 92% and 94 % for transcatheter closure and surgical closure, respectively. Follow-up data were obtained in 34 of 48 (70%) at a median of 2.9 (0.1–18) years. Angiography to assess remodeling was available in 20 of 48 (41%). I. Optimal remodeling (n=10, 7 proximal and 3 distal CAF). II. Suboptimal remodeling (n=7) included (A) symptomatic coronary thrombosis (n=2, distal CAF), (B) asymptomatic coronary thrombosis (n=3, 1 proximal and 2 distal CAF), and (C) partial thrombosis with residual cul-de-sac (n=1, proximal CAF) and vessel irregularity with stenosis (n=1, distal CAF). Finally, (III) persistent coronary artery dilation (n=4). Antiplatelets and anticoagulation were used in 31 and 7 patients post-closure, respectively. Overall, 7 of 10 (70%) with proximal CAF had optimal remodeling, but 5 of 11 (45%) with distal CAF had suboptimal remodeling. Only 1 of 7 patients with suboptimal remodeling were on anticoagulation.

Conclusions:

Neonates/infants with hemodynamically significant CAF can be treated by transcatheter or surgical closure with excellent procedural success. Patients with distal CAF are at higher risk for suboptimal remodeling. Postclosure anticoagulation and follow-up coronary anatomic evaluation are warranted.
Catheter-Based Renal Denervation Therapy: Evolution of Evidence and Future Directions
Authors: Kandzari David E.
Published: December 2021

Motivated by the persistence of uncontrolled blood pressure and its public health impact, the development and evaluation of device-based therapies for hypertension has advanced at an accelerated pace to complement pharmaceutical and lifestyle intervention strategies. Countering widespread interest from early studies, the lack of demonstrable efficacy for renal denervation (RDN) in a large, sham-controlled randomized trial motivated revision of trial design and conduct to account for confounding variables of procedural technique, medication variability, and selection of both patients and end points. Now amidst varied trial design and methods, several sham-controlled, randomized trials have demonstrated clinically meaningful reductions in blood pressure with RDN. With this momentum, additional studies are underway to position RDN as a potential part of standard therapy for the world’s leading cause of death and disability. In parallel, further studies will address unresolved issues including durability of blood pressure lowering and reduction in antihypertensive medications, late-term safety, and impact on clinical outcomes. Identifying predictors of treatment effect and surveys of patient-reported outcomes and treatment preferences are also evolving areas of investigation. Aside from confirmatory studies of safety and effectiveness, these additional studies will further inform patient selection, expand experience with RDN in broader populations with hypertension, and provide guidance to how RDN may be incorporated into treatment pathways.
Mechanisms of Sinoatrial Node Dysfunction in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Mesquita Thassio , Zhang Rui , Cho Jae Hyung , Zhang Rui , Lin Yen-Nien , Sanchez Lizbeth , Goldhaber Joshua I. , Yu Joseph K. , Liang Jialiu A. , Liu Weixin , Trayanova Natalia A. , Cingolani Eugenio
Published: December 2021

Background:

The ability to increase heart rate during exercise and other stressors is a key homeostatic feature of the sinoatrial node (SAN). When the physiological heart rate response is blunted, chronotropic incompetence limits exercise capacity, a common problem in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Despite its clinical relevance, the mechanisms of chronotropic incompetence remain unknown.

Methods:

Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed a high-salt diet and C57Bl6 mice fed a high-fat diet and an inhibitor of constitutive nitric oxide synthase (Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME]; 2-hit) were used as models of HFpEF. Myocardial infarction was created to induce HF with reduced ejection fraction. Rats and mice fed with a normal diet or those that had a sham surgery served as respective controls. A comprehensive characterization of SAN function and chronotropic response was conducted by in vivo, ex vivo, and single-cell electrophysiologic studies. RNA sequencing of SAN was performed to identify transcriptomic changes. Computational modeling of biophysically-detailed human HFpEF SAN was created.

Results:

Rats with phenotypically-verified HFpEF exhibited limited chronotropic response associated with intrinsic SAN dysfunction, including impaired β-adrenergic responsiveness and an alternating leading pacemaker within the SAN. Prolonged SAN recovery time and reduced SAN sensitivity to isoproterenol were confirmed in the 2-hit mouse model. Adenosine challenge unmasked conduction blocks within the SAN, which were associated with structural remodeling. Chronotropic incompetence and SAN dysfunction were also found in rats with HF with reduced ejection fraction. Single-cell studies and transcriptomic profiling revealed HFpEF-related alterations in both the “membrane clock” (ion channels) and the “Ca
2+
clock” (spontaneous Ca
2+
release events). The physiologic impairments were reproduced in silico by empirically-constrained quantitative modeling of human SAN function.

Conclusions:

Chronotropic incompetence and SAN dysfunction were seen in both models of HF. We identified that intrinsic abnormalities of SAN structure and function underlie the chronotropic response in HFpEF.
Structure supports function: Informing directed and dynamic functional connectivity with anatomical priors
Authors: Pascucci David , Rubega Maria , Rué-Queralt Joan , Tourbier Sebastien , Hagmann Patric , Plomp Gijs
Published: December 2021

The dynamic repertoire of functional brain networks is constrained by the underlying topology of structural connections. Despite this intrinsic relationship between structural connectivity (SC) and functional connectivity (FC), integrative and multimodal approaches to combine the two remain limited. Here, we propose a new adaptive filter for estimating dynamic and directed FC using structural connectivity information as priors. We tested the filter in rat epicranial recordings and human event-related EEG data, using SC priors from a meta-analysis of tracer studies and diffusion tensor imaging metrics, respectively. We show that, particularly under conditions of low signal-to-noise ratio, SC priors can help to refine estimates of directed FC, promoting sparse functional networks that combine information from structure and function. In addition, the proposed filter provides intrinsic protection against SC-related false negatives, as well as robustness against false positives, representing a valuable new tool for multimodal imaging in the context of dynamic and directed FC analysis.
Bridging physiological and perceptual views of autism by means of
sampling-based Bayesian inference
Authors: Echeveste Rodrigo , Ferrante Enzo , Milone Diego H. , Samengo Inés
Published: December 2021

Theories for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been formulated at different levels, ranging from physiological observations to perceptual and behavioral descriptions. Understanding the physiological underpinnings of perceptual traits in ASD remains a significant challenge in the field. Here we show how a recurrent neural circuit model that was optimized to perform sampling-based inference and displays characteristic features of cortical dynamics can help bridge this gap. The model was able to establish a mechanistic link between two descriptive levels for ASD: a physiological level, in terms of inhibitory dysfunction, neural variability, and oscillations, and a perceptual level, in terms of hypopriors in Bayesian computations. We took two parallel paths—inducing hypopriors in the probabilistic model, and an inhibitory dysfunction in the network model—which lead to consistent results in terms of the represented posteriors, providing support for the view that both descriptions might constitute two sides of the same coin.
Inferring excitation-inhibition dynamics using a maximum entropy
model unifying brain structure and function
Authors: Fortel Igor , Butler Mitchell , Korthauer Laura E. , Zhan Liang , Ajilore Olusola , Sidiropoulos Anastasios , Wu Yichao , Driscoll Ira , Schonfeld Dan , Leow Alex
Published: December 2021

Neural activity coordinated across different scales from neuronal circuits to large-scale brain networks gives rise to complex cognitive functions. Bridging the gap between micro- and macroscale processes, we present a novel framework based on the maximum entropy model to infer a hybrid resting-state structural connectome, representing functional interactions constrained by structural connectivity. We demonstrate that the structurally informed network outperforms the unconstrained model in simulating brain dynamics, wherein by constraining the inference model with the network structure we may improve the estimation of pairwise BOLD signal interactions. Further, we simulate brain network dynamics using Monte Carlo simulations with the new hybrid connectome to probe connectome-level differences in excitation-inhibition balance between apolipoprotein E (APOE)-ε4 carriers and noncarriers. Our results reveal sex differences among APOE-ε4 carriers in functional dynamics at criticality; specifically, female carriers appear to exhibit a lower tolerance to network disruptions resulting from increased excitatory interactions. In sum, the new multimodal network explored here enables analysis of brain dynamics through the integration of structure and function, providing insight into the complex interactions underlying neural activity such as the balance of excitation and inhibition.
The Spirit in Daniel and The Twelve
Authors: Wadholm Rick
Published: December 2021

The Spirit moves through the books of Daniel and The Twelve (Minor Prophets). In this article, the relevant texts of these books are examined in brief and summarized with regard to the Spirit’s person and work by means of engagement with those passages making use of ‮רוח‬‎. These summaries that follow the canonical order of the Old Testament are then pointedly summarized by a brief constructive theology of the Spirit in four points: the Spirit testifies, the Spirit judges, the Spirit is life, the Spirit is gift.
The Spirit in the Gospel according to John, 1 John, and 2 John
Authors: Thomas John Christopher
Published: December 2021

This study seeks to trace the role and significance of pneumatology within the Gospel according to John and 1–2 John using a narrative, literary approach that has emerged with an amazing amount of consistency among a variety of biblical scholars who have sought to discern an approach to the interpretation of Scripture worthy of the Pentecostal tradition. This exploration draws heavily from and builds upon my previous studies on this theme within the broader Johannine literature.
The Spirit in 1 and 2 Thessalonians
Authors: George Roji Thomas
Published: December 2021

In the Thessalonian correspondence, Paul, through his occasional yet repeated references to the Spirit’s role in the life of a believer, individual and corporate, teaches that the Spirit is active in a person’s life from the time faith in the gospel is kindled in them. The Spirit regenerates a sinner through deep conviction and power and continues to sanctify a person to live in holiness according to the will of God. Paul reminds them that even their joy amid suffering is the work of the Spirit in them. It enables them not only to imitate Christ and the other believing communities in suffering but also to become a model for other persecuted communities. Paul firmly encourages them to embrace the charismatic gifts of the Spirit among them, but he warns them to be cautious so as to avoid their possible misuse.
“We Can’t Just Wrap Ourselves in the Flag:” Labour Nationalism, Global Solidarity, and the 2016 Fight to Save gm Oshawa
Authors: Fairweather Chris
Published: December 2021

Global labour studies scholarship has increasingly recognized the importance of building global solidarity of workers and their unions in response to globalization. Despite this, the labour movement’s embrace of global solidarity as a response to globalization has been incomplete, and at times contradictory. The more common response to globalization has been labour nationalism, which has commanded far less attention in the literature. This paper considers labour nationalism from the perspective of emerging theories of global solidarity, offering a 2016 rank-and-file-driven campaign to save a General Motors plant in Ontario as a case study in labour nationalism. Although nationalism continues to be a relatively effective mobilizing device, Unifor Local 222 has had very little success ‘keeping good jobs in Canada.’ Instead, the union has entrenched a collective action frame that makes space for more xenophobic and racist expressions of nationalism and undermines the prospects of building solidarity abroad and, paradoxically, at home.
Beyond Hegemony: An Anthropological Approach to the Study of the covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pizza Giovanni
Published: December 2021

Starting from a Gramscian perspective, this article offers anthropological understandings of time in the experience of pandemics in Italy. The Gramscian suggestion is to go beyond hegemony in order to study the bodily life of powers. The author explores the anthropological sense of pandemics, also touching on philosophical approaches among contemporary studies. Following this, some questions about Italy are raised. What was the Italian experience of quarantine? Is it true that there was a ‘failure’ of the health model, above all in the northern regions, which had been praised as a pioneering model of public–private sector collaboration? Is it true to read the covid-19 pandemic as evidence of ‘victory’ for Italy’s central regions, such as the model of Umbria, with its centres of anthropological resistance? The instruments for answering these questions can be found in the critical anthropology of public health as outlined in the article.
A reassessment of Dioon merolae (Zamiaceae) leads to the description of Dioon salas-moralesae, a new cycad species from Southeastern Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: GUTIÉRREZ-ORTEGA JOSÉ SAID , PÉREZ-FARRERA MIGUEL ANGEL , CHEMNICK JEFFREY , GREGORY TIMOTHY J.
Published: December 2021

The cycad genus Dioon comprises 17 species from Mexico and Honduras, all of them delimited based on their morphological variation and geographic distribution. A recent evaluation of the biological variation among Dioon populations from Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico, demonstrated that the concept of the species Dioon merolae actually consists of three lineages that should be recognized as different taxa. One lineage was already described as Dioon oaxacensis, leaving the concept of Dioon merolae comprising two lineages distributed on both sides of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. However, there are conspicuous morphological differences between these two lineages. Here, we tested whether such a differentiation within the concept of Dioon merolae merits the differentiation of two different taxa. We evaluated the qualitative and morphometric variation among populations belonging to the Dioon merolae lineages, and compared it with the closely related species Dioon oaxacensis. Morphological observations and statistical tests demonstrated that the populations of southeastern Oaxaca, traditionally considered as part of Dioon merolae, represent a distinct species that we described as Dioon salas-moralesae. Identifying the diagnostic characters of this new species helps enable an understanding of the criteria that should be considered to delineate the boundaries between other cycad species.
Scolopocryptops longipes sp. nov., a troglobitic scolopocryptopine centipede (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha: Scolopocryptopidae) from China
Authors: XIAO SHUQING , CHEN HUIMING , DI ZHIYONG
Published: December 2021

We describe Scolopocryptops longipes sp. nov., a new troglobitic scolopocryptopine centipede species from a karstic area in southern China. The species was found in Shuiba Cave of Libo County, Guizhou Province. The cephalic plate wider than long, with complete margination along the lateral margin of cephalic plate; TT6–19 with complete paramedian sutures; tibia, tarsus 1 and tarsus 2 of leg 22 each with one spur; prefemur and femur of ultimate legs glabrous, tibia and tarsi with dense bristles. S. longipes is the second troglobitic scolopocryptopine in China and the fourth in the world described thus far.
8. Poet and Muse
Authors: Keane Patrick
Published: December 2021

Distinction between author and speaker. Unpacking and connecting the two epigraphs to Part Two. Analysis of ‘The Tower,’ II. Maud Gonne as Muse.
11. Rose, Wind, and the Seven Woods
Authors: Keane Patrick
Published: December 2021

Poems to and about Maud, to be found in the volumes The Rose, The Wind Among the Reeds, and In the Seven Woods. Discussions of ‘When You Are Old,’ ‘The White Birds,’ ‘The Arrow,’ The Folly of Being Comforted,’ ‘Old Memory,’ ‘Never Give All the Heart,’ and (especially) “Adam’s Curse.’ Maud’s favorite Yeats poem, ‘Red Hanrahan’s Song about Ireland.’ The physical consummation of their love (December 1908), and Maud’s insistence on returning to their intimate but non-physical ‘Spiritual marriage.’
12. Maud as Helen
Authors: Keane Patrick
Published: December 2021

Yeats’s comparison of Maud to Helen of Troy. The background”: her marriage to, and subsequent legal separation from, John MacBride. Poems discussed include ‘A Woman Homer Sung,’ and the signature Maud Gonne poem, ‘No Second Troy.’ Also discussed: ‘Words,’ ‘Reconciliation,’ King and No King,’ ‘Peace,’ ‘Against Unworthy Praise,’ ‘The Drinking Song,’ ‘The Mask,’ and (in a brief coda) ‘All Things can Tempt Me’ and ‘Brown Penny.’
14. ‘A Bronze Head’ and Beyond
Authors: Keane Patrick
Published: December 2021

Sustained comparison of ‘A Bronze Head’ with ‘Among School Children.’ Poems about two other Muses, examined in the light cast by Maud Gonne: Olivia Shakespear (‘The Lover Mourns for the Loss of Love’ and ‘Speech After Long Silence’) and Yeats’s wife: ‘Solomon and the Witch,’ ‘Under Saturn,’ ‘An Image from a Past Life,’ and ‘The Gift of Harun Al-Rashid.’
General Prologue
Authors: Keane Patrick
Published: December 2021

Yeats’s mingling of the erotic and the spiritual, ‘sex and the dead.’ The centrality of his debate-poem, ‘A Dialogue of Self and Soul.’ The tension between the objective (the primary) and the subjective (the antithetical). My focus, in both parts of the book, on close reading of selected poems. Analysis of ‘Michael Robartes and the Dancer’; its thematic emphasis on the thinking of the body. Introduction to Maud Gonne, and Yeats’s poems to and about her.
Standing up for Democracy? Explaining Citizens’ Support for Democratic Checks and Balances
Authors: Mazepus Honorata , Toshkov Dimiter
Published: December 2021

Winners and losers of elections have different stakes in protecting democratic institutions. We provide new evidence for the effects of partisanship and economic performance on support for checks and balances and acceptance of their infringement. Using survey data from 26 European countries, we show that voters who feel close to a political party that lost the elections support checks and balances significantly more than other citizens. We also find that higher satisfaction with the economy is associated with lower support for checks and balances. Our experiment in Ukraine shows that supporters and opponents of the governing party have divergent evaluations of a reform potentially infringing on the independence of the judiciary. Those in opposition find such reforms less acceptable and justified. Again, we find that improved economic performance leads to higher acceptance of judicial reform. Our results confirm that citizens’ support for checks and balances is contingent and volatile.
The Usability of Face Coverings Used to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Authors: Robertson Ian , Kortum Philip
Published: December 2021

Objective

To describe the perceived usability and usability problems associated with face coverings used to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Background

Since public health experts have now identified the appropriate use of facemasks as one of the critical elements in an effective COVID mitigation strategy, understanding how people use and care for them has become important.

Method

Data were collected via a survey that was shared on social media to which 2148 people responded. Participants were asked to identify the category class of the face covering they most often wear, rate its usability, answer demographic information, and questions about their mask use and hygiene, and identify issues they may suffer in relation to face cover use.

Results

Overall, users appear to perceive their face coverings favorably from a usability and satisfaction standpoint, even though almost two-thirds of users indicated that they experienced discomfort and problems with glasses fogging with the most popular mask types. When considering demographic information, users’ political party affiliation appears related to how they perceive the usability of their face covering.

Conclusion

Designers should work to improve the fit and comfort properties of protective masks; evidence suggests the System Usability Scale may be a useful tool in those efforts.

Application

Understanding mask design and behavioral issues related to their use can help in the development of masks and will maximize their acceptance and effectiveness in the field.
Investigating the Role of Academic Optimism in Classroom Management and Job Burnout of Elementary School Teachers
Authors: Mohammadi Rzgar
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of academic optimism in classroom management and job burnout of elementary school teachers. The method of this research is a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population in this study included all primary school teachers in Baneh who were teaching in this city during the academic year 2017–2018. The number of teachers in Baneh was 800, of whom 457 were female teachers and 343 were male teachers. According to Krejcie and Morgan table, the sample size was 260 people. The sampling technique in this study was cluster sampling. To collect data, the following questionnaires were used; Beard et al.’s academic optimism, the attitudes and beliefs of teachers regarding classroom management of Martin and Sass and Maslach Burnout. Data analysis was performed by Amos software. The results showed that the paths of scientific emphasis on behavior management, trust in education management, self-efficacy in behavior management, and education management were statistically significant. Also, the results showed that the paths of scientific emphasis on emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal success; confidence in emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal success; and self-efficacy to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal success are statistically significant.
Genome sequence of Dichelobacter nodosus JKS-07B isolate from J&K, India associated with virulent footrot of sheep
Authors: Qureshi Sabia , Wani Shakil A , Farooq Shaheen , Kashoo Zahid , Bhat Basharat , Isfaqul Hussain Mohammad , Habib Aasim , Altaf Bhat Mohd , Khan Shafkat Majeed , Pandit Arif Ahmad , Malla Javeed A , Dar Bilal Ahmad
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Virulent footrot of sheep caused by Dichelobacter nodosus is associated with tremendous economic losses due to recurrent treatment costs and increased culling rates. This organism being a fastidious anaerobe is difficult to isolate on ordinary media that does not support its growth. The D. nodosus serogroup B isolate described in the present study has been used in the preparation of the whole-cell killed vaccine against footrot in India. D. nodosus serogroup B is the predominant serogroup involved in virulent footrot (lesion score 4) in India as well as in many sheep-rearing countries of the globe.

Methods:

Genomic DNA was extracted using wizard Genomic DNA purification kit. The whole genome of the D. nodosus strain B was sequenced using an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform and annotated according to functional gene categories. Annotations were performed using in-house developed Perl scripts using Nr/Nt database, uniprot, Pfam, KEGG, Panther DB, and GO database.

Result:

The assembled genome size is 1.311,533 Mb and GC content is 44.38. A total of 1215 protein-coding genes, 44tRNA and 7 rRNA were identified. The genome shows 98.63% sequence homology with the reference genome. However, 21 new genes have been identified in this genome. The information will provide insights into the various genes and regulators necessary for D. nodosus growth and survival.

Discussion:

The genome information of this serogroup B of D. nodosus isolate involved in 85–90% cases of virulent footrot of sheep in India provides further insights for improvement of the killed vaccine (B serogroup) developed recently in India. For the development of an efficacious vaccine against virulent footrot, it is essential to know the serological diversity as well as the virulent status of the strains of the D. nodosus. This serogroup isolate is a potential vaccine candidate to mitigate ovine footrot in India as the majority of virulent footrot cases belong to serogroup B of D. nodosus.
How Principals Balance Control and Care in Urban School Discipline
Authors: Golann Joanne W. , Jones Ashley
Published: December 2021

School discipline has been a site of contention and reform. In this study, we draw from 17 interviews with traditional and charter school principals in one mid-sized urban school district to examine how principals use discipline as a tool to both maintain control and demonstrate care. Our study calls attention to different strategies principals use to establish this balance, including reducing suspensions, moderating “no-excuses” systems, and building positive student–teacher relationships. We also make a theoretical contribution by showing how schools and school leaders respond to competing institutional logics in developing practices and policies.
Arts Learning Across a City: How Ecosystem Thinking Helps Shape Understanding of Black-Centered and Eurocentric Arts Programming
Authors: Akiva Thomas , Hecht Marijke , Osai Esohe
Published: December 2021

Given historical patterns of unequal access to arts education, we used an ecosystem perspective to investigate Black Centered Arts and Eurocentric Arts in a mid-sized U.S. city, with a focus on youth programs, museums, and other youth arts organizations. We found that practitioner-leaders valued arts quality, equitable access, community embeddedness, and cultural preservation. Programs that provided access to Eurocentric arts tended to be older, larger, and better funded, and network analysis revealed a subnetwork made up largely of Black Centered Arts organizations. Results will inform an ongoing research-practice-philanthropy partnership structured to develop a more equitable city-wide arts ecosystem.