bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conjunctures on “ASEAN Citizenship” 1967-2017: Identities, Ideas, Institutions
Authors: Elumbre Adonis
Published: November 2020

In 2015, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was said to have set in motion a regional community with “peace, prosperity, and people” at the core of its transition towards deeper integration. In 2017, it marked its 50th year - a narrative arc in Southeast Asian history that has arguably defined the region’s contemporary period. What then could be the next for the organization? This paper explores one of those ideas that has been floating around about ASEAN’s future in relation to its people-oriented vision. In particular, it enquires into the abstracted and non-legal notion of “ASEAN citizenship” through identification of conjunctures in the development of the organization. While ASEAN’s lack of a legitimating policy on regional citizenship is understandable given its normative frameworks of intergovernmentalism and non-interference, the paper contends that this notion has already been discursively defined and constructively pursued from within the organization. The resulting narratives on regional identity formation and on ideas and institutions that articulate and generate potential elements of regional citizenship seek to capture aspects of this slippery yet lingering presence of “ASEAN citizenship,” and hopefully contribute to the evolving conversations on the nature and future of ASEAN as it enters a new era.
Perceptions of Political Corruption and Voting Behavior in South Korea
Authors: Choi Eunjung
Published: November 2020

While regular and competitive elections are expected to lower political corruption by holding elected officials accountable for their actions, citizens often fail to vote corrupt officials out of office in elections. This article explores how citizens’ perceptions of political corruption influence their voting behavior by testing three competing theories: nonvoting, opposition voting, and corruption voting. This study also investigates the types of voters involved in each form of voting by considering three mediating factors: economic evaluation, partisanship, and education. Empirical findings from the South Korean case suggest that, in general, the high level of perceived corruption decreases voter turnout, confirming the nonvoting theory. Second, corruption voting occurs mostly among those who positively evaluate the economy and have the same partisan affiliation as the incumbent candidate. Finally, a high level of education leads to opposition voting. In sum, the empirical evidence confirms that incumbent candidates’ and party’s political corruption does not always lead to the electoral victory of opposition parties and their candidates because the mediating factors play a role in strengthening or weakening the patterns of nonvoting, opposition voting, and corruption voting.
Norm Internalization and Disability-inclusive Elections in the Philippines
Authors: Lapuz Paula Bianca P. , Magno Francisco A.
Published: November 2020

This article reviews the emergence of international norms connected with disability-inclusive elections and provides evidence of how they were cascaded and internalized in the Philippines. It examines the experience of the persons with disabilities (PWD) sector in the campaign for disability-inclusive elections. With the support of civil society organizations and international development partners, the PWD sector lobbied for the passage of the Accessible Polling Place (APP) Act which aims to improve the enfranchisement of PWDs. Primary data were collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions, while a contextual analysis of relevant secondary documents was conducted to show proof of norm internalization in the establishment of disabilityinclusive elections.
Learned Societies, Cultural Encounter, and Social Distinction: The Royal Asiatic Society and Pre-War Western Relations with Korea, Japan, and China
Authors: Sweeney Loughlin J.
Published: November 2020

The Royal Asiatic Society (RAS), a British learned society for the antiquarian study of Asian civilizations, established a number of branches in East Asia between 1865 and 1900 and quickly became a central location for the socialization of elite westerners within these states. This paper examines the social function of three RAS branches by analyzing their membership characteristics between 1865 and 1934, and draws out the role of Western associational culture in pre-war interactions between Western states and Northeast Asia. The activities of the RAS presented an opportunity for prominent personalities to demonstrate social distinction and reinforce their status as leading members of their communities, and to make claims to local expertise through the study and discussion of East Asian societies. RAS branches attracted a diverse mixture of diplomats, customs officials, military officers, missionaries, educators, merchants and medical professionals. Through a comparative analysis of the membership characteristics of RAS branches in Seoul, Tokyo, and Shanghai (the branches covering Korea, Japan, and North China respectively), the different social structures of the Western communities in these three states can be discerned. These reflect particular aspects of international relations between Northeast Asia and the West before the Second World War.
Ontological Continuity in the Modern World-System: Agency, Areas, and the Structures-of-Knowledge Approach
Authors: Kimberlin Grant
Published: November 2020

With the passing of Immanuel Wallerstein, it is worthwhile to take note of his contribution to problematizing the unit of analysis. Rather than the states-as-containers interpretation, Wallerstein contributed that spatiotemporal units of analysis could be more meaningfully discussed in terms of their interactions within a larger system. The more well-known of his arenas are the axial division of labor (economic) and the interstate system (political). The third, the structures-of-knowledge methodology, aims to expand the “broadly cultural” arena as well. This paper will consider his project of reasserting agency through structural metanarrative with suggestions for ways to use his analysis to lend greater continuity to area-knowledge at a crucial time of transition.
Gomphonema alavariense sp. nov. (Cymbellales, Gomphonemataceae) from an urban pond

Authors: GONZÁLEZ-PAZ LORENA , ALMEIDA SALOMÉ F.P. , BLANCO SAÚL , DELGADO CRISTINA
Published: November 2020

Gomphonema alavariense sp. nov. is a new freshwater diatom described in Portugal from phytobenthos samples in an urban pond located in Aveiro (Portugal). This new diatom is illustrated and discussed based on different samples collected in July–August 2017 from Santo António Park pond in the city centre. This taxon was compared with other Gomphonema taxa and the morphological features are documented through light and scanning electron micrographs. Gomphonema alavariense sp. nov. is characterized by showing solitary cells, rhombic-lanceolate to lanceolate valves with rounded apices, a narrow, linear axial area, and slightly asymmetrical central area. This taxon may be confused with G. affine var. rhombicum in terms of length, striae density and outline. Gomphonema alavariense sp. nov. was present in freshwater with low dissolved oxygen concentrations, high conductivity, neutral to slightly alkaline pH and high nitrate concentrations.
A new species of Werauhia (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae) from the Brazilian “Hylaea”

Authors: LEME ELTON M.C. , VALSKO JEFFERSON J. , KRAHL AMAURI H. , GRANT JASON R.
Published: November 2020

The authors describe and illustrate Werauhia hylaeana, a new species of Tillandsioideae (Bromeliaceae) from the Amazonian “Hylaea” of Brazil. It is related to W. gladioliflora, but differs in its stature, leaf blade, and inflorescence size, in the shape of floral bracts, sepals, and petals. An identification key for the species of Werauhia reported to Brazil is presented, in addition to habitat and distribution data for the new species.
A novel Melnikomyces species from forest litter in China

Authors: WEI TIAN-PENG , ZHANG XIN , REN PENG-PENG , JIANG YU-LAN
Published: November 2020

A new species, Melnikomyces longisporum sp. nov. was isolated from forest litter in Guizhou Province, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on a combined nuclear ribosomal markers (SSU, ITS, and LSU) and protein coding genes (ACT1, TUB2, and TEF1-α) sequence data indicated that this strain belonged to the genus Melnikomyces but it constituted a distinct lineage and represented herein as a novel taxon. Morphological examination showed that it can be distinguished from known Melnikomyces species by its longer branched conidiophores, and longer verruculose conidia.
Revision of Roelofa Schaus, 1928 (Lepidoptera, Mimallonidae, Roelofinae) with a description of a new species
Authors: ST LAURENT RYAN A. , HERBIN DANIEL , KAWAHARA AKITO Y.
Published: November 2020

The mimallonid genus Roelofa is revised. It is the only genus belonging to the recently erected subfamily, Roelofinae.Both sexes and genitalia are figured for all previously described species in the genus, and all are redescribed. The species Roelofa maera stat. rev. is no longer considered a synonym of R. narga based on morphological differences. We describe a new species from Guatemala: R. monzoni St Laurent, Herbin & Kawahara, sp. n. which is most similar to the widespread Central American R. hegewischi.
Role of Long Non-Coding RNA Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 Antisense 1 in Regulating the microRNAs-200b/Wnt1 Axis Effects on Proliferation, Invasion, and Apoptosis of Gastric Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Mi Chen , Ren Li , Zhang Dan , He Shuixiang
Published: November 2020

ZEB1-AS1 is an Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that is abnormally expressed in various tumor types and affects tumor etiology and progression. ZEB1-AS1 can affect the malignant progression of gastric cancer through the miRNA-200b/Wnt1 axis. However, its effect on proliferation, invasion,
and apoptosis of gastric cancer is unclear. Using BGC-803 cells, we studied the effects of lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 and miRNA-200b on the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of gastric cancer. Using qRT-PCR, we found that the expression of ZEB1-AS1 was significantly increased and the expression
of miRNA-200b was significantly decreased in BGC-803 cells. By CCK-8, Transwell, and flow cytometry assays, we also found that down-regulation of ZEB1-AS1 and upregulation of miRNA-200b inhibited the proliferation and invasion of BGC-803 cells and promoted apoptosis. Furthermore, upregulation
of ZEB1-AS1 and miRNA-200b reversed these effects. LncRNA ZEB1-AS1 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells and induces apoptosis by regulating the miRNA-200b/Wnt1 molecular axis.
Retrospective Analysis and Bayesian Model Averaging of CMIP6 Precipitation in the Nile River Basin
Authors: Ombadi Mohammed , Nguyen Phu , Sorooshian Soroosh , Hsu Kuo-lin
Published: November 2020

The Nile River basin is one of the global hotspots vulnerable to climate change impacts because of a fast-growing population and geopolitical tensions. Previous studies demonstrated that general circulation models (GCMs) frequently show disagreement in the sign of change in annual precipitation projections. Here, we first evaluate the performance of 20 GCMs from phase six of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) benchmarked against a high-spatial-resolution precipitation dataset dating back to 1983 from Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks–Climate Data Record (PERSIANN-CDR). Next, a Bayesian model averaging (BMA) approach is adopted to derive probability distributions of precipitation projections in the Nile basin. Retrospective analysis reveals that most GCMs exhibit considerable (up to 64% of mean annual precipitation) and spatially heterogenous bias in simulating annual precipitation. Moreover, it is shown that all GCMs underestimate interannual variability; thus, the ensemble range is underdispersive and is a poor indicator of uncertainty. The projected changes from the BMA model show that the value and sign of change vary considerably across the Nile basin. Specifically, it is found that projected changes in the two headwaters basins, namely, the Blue Nile and Upper White Nile, are 0.03% and −1.65%, respectively; both are statistically insignificant at α = 0.05. The uncertainty range estimated from the BMA model shows that the probability of a precipitation decrease is much higher in the Upper White Nile basin whereas projected change in the Blue Nile is highly uncertain both in magnitude and sign of change.
Nordic Seas Hydrography in the Context of Arctic and North Atlantic Ocean Dynamics
Authors: Kenigson J. S. , Timmermans M.-L.
Published: November 2020

The hydrography of the Nordic seas, a critical site for deep convective mixing, is controlled by various processes. On one hand, Arctic Ocean exports are thought to freshen the North Atlantic Ocean and the Nordic seas, as in the Great Salinity Anomalies (GSAs) of the 1970s–1990s. On the other hand, the salinity of the Nordic seas covaries with that of the Atlantic inflow across the Greenland–Scotland Ridge, leaving an uncertain role for Arctic Ocean exports. In this study, multidecadal time series (1950–2018) of the Nordic seas hydrography, Subarctic Front (SAF) in the North Atlantic Ocean [separating the water masses of the relatively cool, fresh Subpolar Gyre (SPG) from the warm, saline Subtropical Gyre (STG)], and atmospheric forcing are examined and suggest a unified view. The Nordic seas freshwater content is shown to covary on decadal time scales with the position of the SAF. When the SPG is strong, the SAF shifts eastward of its mean position, increasing the contribution of subpolar relative to subtropical source water to the Atlantic inflow, and vice versa. This suggests that Arctic Ocean fluxes primarily influence the hydrography of the Nordic seas via indirect means (i.e., by freshening the SPG). Case studies of two years with anomalous NAO conditions illustrate how North Atlantic Ocean dynamics relate to the position of the SAF (as indicated by hydrographic properties and stratification changes in the upper water column), and therefore to the properties of the Atlantic inflow and Nordic seas.
Delayed cerebellar ataxia as a rare late presenting feature of falciparum malaria – A Case report
Authors: Gupta Saurabh , Gupta Shikha
Published: November 2020

The majority of malarial neurological manifestations are due to plasmodium falciparum and the most dreaded is cerebral malaria. Post-malarial neurological syndrome (PMNS) is rarely reported in adults (<3%) and children (>10%) and includes a wide variety of neuro-psychiatric manifestations including the rare delayed cerebellar ataxia. We report a case of 60-year-old woman who had a prior history of fever and presented with cerebellitis. The importance of highlighting this case is because in malaria endemic regions awareness of neurological manifestations of malaria must be included in the differential diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia.
Profile of Patients Seen in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry in India: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dua Devakshi , Grover Sandeep
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

This review aimed to evaluate all the published studies from India conducted in the consultation-liaison (CL) psychiatry setting to identify the diagnostic patterns and referral rates in this setting. Understanding the same can help in organizing the services and knowing the training needs.

Materials and Methods:

A thorough literature search was done in August 2020 using different search engines (PubMed, Medknow, and Google Scholar). This was followed by an individual search of various Indian Psychiatry journals and a hand search of references in the available articles. Only those studies that described patients referred to psychiatry services from various specialties were included.

Results:

A total of 33 studies were selected for the review. More than half of them were published in the last 5 years. Studies have primarily reported psychiatric profile medically ill inpatients referred to CL psychiatry services, with the majority of the studies reporting the number of patients seen for the duration of at least 1 year. The referral rates for inpatients across different institutes have varied from 0.01% to 3.6%. The referral rates from emergency set-ups have varied from 1.42% to 5.4%, and in outpatients, from 0.06% to 7.17%. The most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorders across different studies include depression; organic disorders, including delirium; substance use; intentional self-harm; and anxiety disorders.

Conclusions:

A limited number of studies have reported the profile of patients seen in CL psychiatry setups. Available data from these studies suggest that referral rates to psychiatry services from other specialists are dismal. There is an urgent need to change the focus of psychiatry training at both undergraduate and the postgraduate levels to enhance the psychiatric knowledge of physicians to improve psychiatry referrals.
Targeting axon guidance cues for neural circuit repair after spinal cord injury
Authors: Zou Yimin
Published: November 2020

At least two-thirds of spinal cord injury cases are anatomically incomplete, without complete spinal cord transection, although the initial injuries cause complete loss of sensory and motor functions. The malleability of neural circuits and networks allows varied extend of functional restoration in some individuals after successful rehabilitative training. However, in most cases, the efficiency and extent are both limited and uncertain, largely due to the many obstacles of repair. The restoration of function after anatomically incomplete injury is in part made possible by the growth of new axons or new axon branches through the spared spinal cord tissue and the new synaptic connections they make, either along the areas they grow through or in the areas they terminate. This review will discuss new progress on the understanding of the role of axon guidance molecules, particularly the Wnt family proteins, in spinal cord injury and how the knowledge and tools of axon guidance can be applied to increase the potential of recovery. These strategies, combined with others, such as neuroprotection and rehabilitation, may bring new promises. The recovery strategies for anatomically incomplete spinal cord injuries are relevant and may be applicable to traumatic brain injury and stroke.
Revisiting Sex Offender Registration and Notification: Does Awareness Differ Across Community Type?
Authors: Navarro John C. , Higgins Ethan M. , Swartz Kristin
Published: November 2020

In recent decades, sex offender registry and notification has become ubiquitous across the United States. Although researchers have attempted to evaluate the awareness of registered sex offenders, much of this work has had a nearly unilateral focus on urban communities. In response, researchers have called for further investigation into whether awareness manifests differently across community type (suburban and urban). To address this question, we draw from two data sets. The first data set contains property data for single-family households sold in 2015 from a suburban county in Illinois and an urban county in Kentucky. The second data set consists of survey responses from 113 suburban and 171 urban county residents within 1,000 feet of the nearest sex offender that was delivered via a sequential mixed-mode design. In addition, we investigate whether awareness manifests differently across community type through a number of predictors (e.g., children in the household, education) and potential theoretical explanations (fear of crime, informal social control, and social cohesion). We find that community types do have differing levels of awareness and that varying levels of social cohesion may explain this difference. Implications are also discussed.
Caregiver Satisfaction and Effectiveness of Teleconsultation in Children and Adolescents With Migraine During the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sharawat Indar Kumar , Panda Prateek Kumar
Published: November 2020

Background:

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures have forced clinicians across the world to look on telemedicine. Although migraine as such seems an ideal option for telemedicine, a systematic study reviewing feasibility, efficacy, and advantages of current advanced telecommunication technologies in children with migraine is lacking.

Methods:

Clinical details of telephonic consultations performed between March 25 and June 4, 2020, including migraine characteristics, analgesic/prophylactic drug regimens, headache frequency/severity/disability, compliance, drug-related/unrelated adverse effects and unavailability of drugs were recorded. Suitable change in the dose/commercial brand of drug regimen and the addition of new drugs were done as required. Voice call, text messages, picture/video messages, and all other possible measures were used to accumulate maximum clinical information in real time. Unless contacted for trivial reasons, most children were later followed up telephonically to ensure health care concern was resolved and to fill up one 6-item trichotomous quality control questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 146 telephone consultations were performed in 51 participants. Thirty-six patients were identified to have 42 significant clinical events (worsening clinical status/partial response to medications [18; 44%], drug-related adverse effects [10; 19%], unrelated systemic complaints [7; 13%], and worsening of headache due to stress/triggers [7; 13%]). In the rest of the patients, the query of the caregiver included concern regarding COVID-19–related symptoms. Twenty-nine children required increment in drug dose or addition of new drug or commercial brand. Around 90% of caregivers were satisfied with the quality of teleconsultation.

Conclusion:

Teleconsultation is a feasible and efficacious option, with excellent caregiver satisfaction for children with migraine.
Study on silica-based rubber composites with epoxidized natural rubber and solution styrene butadiene rubber
Authors: Song Sung Ho
Published: November 2020

Carbon black has been replaced with silica as a reinforcing filler in tire tread compounds. This change has led to lower rolling resistance and improved hysteretic losses of so-called “green tires.” However, the dispersion of silica in the rubber matrix is an important issue due to the poor compatibility of hydrophilic silica with a hydrophobic rubber matrix. Recently, some rubbers with polar functional groups that can interact with silica have been studied to improve the interaction in silica-filled rubber composites. In this work, we fabricated the silica-filled rubber composites with solution styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and evaluated their properties in a silica-containing rubber formulation compared to conventional SBR and NR. The silica-embedded polar rubber matrix exhibits remarkable enhancement in the modulus, tensile strength, and abrasion properties due to an efficient dispersion of the silica and improvement of interfacial interactions with the rubber matrix. The polar rubber composite exhibits an enhanced dry and wet braking and improved rolling resistance due to the improved dispersion of the silica in the rubber matrix. These results show that rubber composites prepared with polar rubbers have great potential for tire engineering applications.
Evaluating our evaluability: Lessons from Ngala, Western Australia
Authors: Adusei-Asante Kwadwo , Bennett Elaine , Simpson Wendy , Hindmarsh Sharlene , Harvey Beth , McMeekin Cherilyn
Published: November 2020

Evaluability assessment focuses on the readiness of organisations to carry out evaluations. Scholars argue that evaluability assessment needs to focus on internal evaluation systems and tools and their capability to measure programmes and services reliably and credibly. Even so, literature on best practice guidelines on evaluability assessment within the context of the not-for-profit sector appears to be rare. We seek to begin to fill this gap by presenting lessons learned from Ngala, Western Australia, when we reviewed the organisation’s evaluation practice and culture in 2018/2019. The Service Model and Outcomes Measurement Audit project assessed the extent to which service models within Ngala aligned with the organisation’s standardised service model and individual service contracts, as well as consistency of outcomes, data collection and reporting practices. Insights obtained from the project and their implications for evaluability assessment practice are discussed.
Parents’ Lived Experiences With the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Weaver Jo Lauren , Swank Jacqueline M.
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people across the globe. We explored 11 parents’ experiences with the pandemic and identified eight themes: (a) educational experience, (b) navigating roles and responsibilities, (c) recognizing privilege, (d) routine, (e) monitoring and communication about COVID, (f) vacillating emotions, (g) connection, and (h) meaningful experiences. We discuss the themes and implications for counseling.
Minimally Invasive vs Open Akin Osteotomy
Authors: Schilde Sebastian , Delank Karl-Stefan , Arbab Dariusch , Gutteck Natalia
Published: November 2020

Background:

Minimally invasive techniques of Akin osteotomy have grown in popularity, as early results suggest faster recovery, earlier return to work, and minimized wound healing problems. Preserving lateral cortex integrity during first phalanx osteotomy thereby presents a challenge because of the lack of direct visual control. This retrospective comparative study investigated clinical and radiographic outcomes of minimally invasive and open Akin osteotomy with different fixation methods and analyzed whether or not intraoperative violation of the lateral cortex caused loss of correction or delayed bone healing.

Methods:

One hundred eighty-four patients (210 feet) with symptomatic hallux valgus and pathologic interphalangeal angle (IPA) of at least 10 degrees underwent surgery combined with Akin osteotomy. Minimally invasive Akin osteotomies were fixed in 124 feet with 2 crossing percutaneous K-wires and compared to 86 Akin osteotomies by open technique with double-threaded (head and shank) screw fixation. At 1 day and 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively, IPA and bony consolidation were radiographically and clinically assessed.

Results:

Mean preoperative IPA was 13.4 ± 3.6 degrees in minimally invasive (MI) and 13.3 ± 3.5 degrees in open surgery (OS) cases ( P > .05). Intraoperative breach of the lateral cortex occurred in 12 (13.9%) in OS and 64 (51.6%) in MI cases. Whereas the breach occurred in open technique mainly during manual correction by applying a medial closing force, it was caused predominantly by the use of the burr in minimally invasive technique. After 12 weeks, the mean IPA was 4.1 ± 1.4 degrees in MI and 4.8 ± 1.2 degrees in OS cases ( P > .05). Bony consolidation was complete after 6 and 12 weeks in OS and MI, respectively. Three deep infections occurred in the OS Group after Lapidus arthrodesis and 2 deep infections were registered in the MI Group after minimally invasive chevron and Akin osteotomy. The infections were not at the site of the Akin osteotomy.

Conclusion:

Breach of the lateral cortex did not impair bone healing or correction of IPA. Minimally invasive Akin osteotomy with K-wire fixation provided equivalent correction of IPA compared to open surgery with screw fixation.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Deep learning structure for collision avoidance planning of unmanned surface vessel
Authors: Li Yun , Zheng Jian
Published: November 2020

The uncertain dynamics and environmental impacts in collision avoidance planning are always the key issues of autonomous navigation for unmanned surface vessel, due to the strong interactive ability and learning ability of deep learning, the combination of CNN and LSTM provide relevance and memory characteristics, which can extract the potential influence features of collision avoidance and correlation of historical strategies, to gain the more general trend of collision avoidance. Meanwhile, to make sure the real-time problem, the heuristic planning based on improved Electromagnetism-like mechanism algorithm is utilized to seek the optimal strategy with the rolling iteration of CNN–LSTM structure, for obtaining a simple and effective on-line scheme of collision avoidance. The complete algorithm has been tested and validated under the different situation comparing with the deterministic algorithm, it is worth mentioning that the algorithm can potentially be developed to advance collision-free planning especially in multiple vessels situation.
Hypoxia–CXCL6 axis affects arteriolar niche remodeling in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Li Lijun , Man Jiancheng , Zhao Li
Published: November 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant clonal disease derived from hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell. Leukemia blasts cause extensive hypoxia of bone marrow (BM), which lead to disorder and remodeling of BM niche, thereby becoming “leukemic niche” to support the development and drug-resistance of AML as well as the maintenance of normal hematopoietic stem cells. In this study, the biological characteristics (such as self-renewal, apoptosis, migration, autocrine) and function (vascularization) of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and human umbilical artery endothelial cells (HUAECs) that make up BM arteriolar niche in simulated hypoxia AML context were investigated. It was found that moderate hypoxia enhanced the viability of the arteriolar niche cells, but severe hypoxia of AML BM resulted in the damage of arteriolar niche cells and the disorder of vascular cytokines C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 6 (CXCL6). The dynamic changes of CXCL6 in the system as well as its anti-apoptotic and promoting angiogenic effects suggested that CXCL6 played an important role in the remodeling of BM arteriolar niche in AML. Taking advantage of CXCL6 can save the damaged MSCs and HUAECs, which is the hope of rescuing arteriolar niche. It is suggested that CXCL6 may be an assistant strategy for microenvironment targeted therapy of AML.
Recent developments in autophagy-targeted therapies in cancer
Authors: Jogalekar Manasi P , Veerabathini Anurag , Gangadaran Prakash
Published: November 2020

Autophagy plays a crucial role in cellular development and differentiation as well as in the maintenance of homeostasis in healthy cells. Autophagy is well documented in neurodegenerative disorders, aging, and infectious diseases. However, recognizing its significance in cancer has always been challenging due to its tumor-promoting and suppressive attributes. Various modulators targeting key components of autophagy machinery directly or indirectly have been developed over the years, and have shown promising results in preclinical models. Some of these compounds are even being tested in clinical trials for safety and efficacy. A detailed review of strategies used to target autophagy in cancer is presented including our opinion on developing better therapies and outstanding issues.
Latino Student Retention: A Case Study in Perseverance and Retention
Authors: O’Hara Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2020

This qualitative single case study explored the lived experience of a first-generation Latino college student in a four-year higher education setting, who despite obstacles, persisted in college. The study revealed the need for a supportive system, both in and out of school, with an understanding and respect for the culture. Moreover, the findings revealed the need to “burst the bubble” leaving the comfort zone, to grow academically and personally. The results of this study offer a valuable perspective to the experiences of a Latino students.
Distribution and variation of neuropeptide Y in the brain of native Thai chicken
Authors: Sartsoongnoen Natagarn , Kamkrathok Boonyarit , Songserm Taweesak , Chaiseha Yupaporn
Published: November 2020

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) plays a pivotal role in food intake and body weight regulation in both birds and mammals. Unlike imported broilers and layers, native Thai chicken, a tropical non-seasonal breeding species, has lower body weight and exhibits strongly maternal behaviors which, in turn, affect feeding behavior during the reproductive cycle. The aim of this study was to investigate the role(s) of NPY that might be associated with the reproductive cycle of female native Thai chickens using immunohistochemistry technique. The distributions of NPY-immunoreactive (-ir) neurons and fibers in the brain of laying and fasted chickens was also elucidated. Changes in body weight and number of NPY-ir neurons in the nucleus paraventricularis magnocellularis (PVN) were compared across reproductive stages. The results revealed that NPY-ir neurons and fibers were distributed throughout the brain with the greatest density located in the PVN. Differences in the number of NPY-ir neurons in the PVN were found across reproductive stages. The numbers were lowest in non-egg laying and egg laying stages and significantly higher during egg-incubating and chick-rearing stages. Changes in body weight were inversely related to the number of NPY-ir neurons across reproductive stages. In addition, food restriction caused an increase in NPY immunoreactivity, confirming the role of NPY in response to food restriction. Taken together, the present findings suggest that the NPYergic system in the PVN plays an important role in the regulation of food intake during the reproductive cycle in this non-seasonal breeding tropical species.
Rescue therapy with thrombolysis in patients with severe COVID‐19‐associated acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Price Laura C. , Garfield Benjamin , Bleakley Caroline , Keeling Archie G.M. , McFadyen Charles , McCabe Colm , Ridge Carole A. , Wort Stephen J. , Price Susanna , Arachchillage Deepa J.
Published: November 2020

Acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with Coronavirus disease 19 is associated with an unusually high incidence of pulmonary embolism and microthrombotic disease, with evidence for reduced fibrinolysis. We describe seven patients requiring invasive ventilation for COVID‐19‐associated acute respiratory distress syndrome with pulmonary thromboembolic disease, pulmonary hypertension ± severe right ventricular dysfunction on echocardiography, who were treated with alteplase as fibrinolytic therapy. All patients were non‐smokers, six (86%) were male and median age was 56.7 (50–64) years. They had failed approaches including therapeutic anticoagulation, prone ventilation (n = 4), inhaled nitric oxide (n = 5) and nebulised epoprostenol (n = 2). The median duration of mechanical ventilation prior to thrombolysis was seven (5–11) days. Systemic alteplase was administered to six patients (50 mg or 90 mg bolus over 120 min) at 16 (10–22) days after symptom onset. All received therapeutic heparin pre‐ and post‐thrombolysis, without intracranial haemorrhage or other major bleeding. Alteplase improved PaO2/FiO2 ratio (from 97.0 (86.3–118.6) to 135.6 (100.7–171.4), p = 0.03) and ventilatory ratio (from 2.76 (2.09–3.49) to 2.36 (1.82–3.05), p = 0.011) at 24 h. Echocardiographic parameters at two (1–3) days (n = 6) showed right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was 63 (50.3–75) then 57 (49–66) mmHg post‐thrombolysis (p = 0.26), tricuspid annular planar systolic excursion (TAPSE) was unchanged (from 18.3 (11.9–24.5) to 20.5 (15.4–24.2) mm, p = 0.56) and right ventricular fractional area change (from 15.4 (11.1–35.6) to 31.2 (16.4–33.1)%, p = 0.09). At seven (1–13) days after thrombolysis, using dual energy computed tomography imaging (n = 3), average relative peripheral lung enhancement increased from 12.6 to 21.6% (p = 0.06). In conclusion, thrombolysis improved PaO2/FiO2 ratio and ventilatory ratio at 24 h as rescue therapy in patients with right ventricular dysfunction due to COVID‐19‐associated ARDS despite maximum therapy, as part of a multimodal approach, and warrants further study.
W-Shaped Osteotomy to Avoid Paranasal Deformity After Standard Le Fort I in Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Santagata Mario , Sgaramella Nicola , Chirico Fabrizio , D’Amato Salvatore , Ferrieri Ivo , Corvo Giovanni , Corvo Camilla , Tartaro Gianpaolo
Published: November 2020

When occlusal alterations are not accompanied by paranasal deficiencies, mobilization of the maxilla via Le Fort I osteotomy should be made with a different design. In this preliminary report, a W-shaped osteotomy that doesn’t change the position of the maxillary bone surrounding the pyriform aperture was presented for the first time. Advantages and indications of this new procedure are discussed.
Genetic factors rather than blast reduction determine outcomes of allogeneic HCT in BCR-ABL–negative MPN in blast phase
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Kennedy James A. , Capo-Chichi Jose-Mario , Kim Soyoung , Hu Zhen-Huan , Alyea Edwin P. , Popat Uday R. , Sobecks Ronald M. , Scott Bart L. , Gerds Aaron T. , Salit Rachel B. , Deeg H. Joachim , Nakamura Ryotara , Saber Wael
Published: November 2020

There is a limited understanding of the clinical and molecular factors associated with outcomes of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in patients with BCR-ABL–negative myeloproliferative neoplasms in blast phase (MPN-BP). Using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database, we evaluated HCT outcomes in 177 patients with MPN-BP. Ninety-five (54%) had sufficient DNA for targeted next-generation sequencing of 49 genes clinically relevant in hematologic malignancies. At 5 years, overall survival (OS), cumulative incidence of relapse, and nonrelapse mortality of the study cohort was 18%, 61%, and 25%, respectively. In a multivariable model, poor-risk cytogenetics was associated with inferior OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.71; 95% CI, 1.21-2.41) due to increased relapse (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.32-2.82). Transplants using mobilized peripheral blood (PB) were associated with better OS (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38-0.96). No difference in outcomes was observed in patients undergoing HCT with PB/BM blasts <5% vs those with active leukemia. Among the 95 patients with molecular data, mutation of TP53, present in 23%, was the only genetic alteration associated with outcomes. In a multivariate model, TP53-mutant patients had inferior OS (HR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.14-3.49) and increased incidence of relapse (HR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.41-4.74). There were no differences in the spectrum of gene mutations, number of mutations, or variant allele frequency between patients undergoing HCT with PB/BM blasts <5% vs those with active leukemia. Genetic factors, namely cytogenetic alterations and TP53 mutation status, rather than degree of cytoreduction predict outcomes of HCT in MPN-BP. No meaningful benefit of conventional HCT was observed in patients with MPN-BP and mutated TP53.
DNA methylation in infants with low and high body fatness
Authors: Henriksson Pontus , Lentini Antonio , Altmäe Signe , Brodin David , Müller Patrick , Forsum Elisabet , Nestor Colm E. , Löf Marie
Published: November 2020

Background

Birth weight is determined by the interplay between infant genetics and the intrauterine environment and is associated with several health outcomes in later life. Many studies have reported an association between birth weight and DNA methylation in infants and suggest that altered epigenetics may underlie birthweight-associated health outcomes. However, birth weight is a relatively nonspecific measure of fetal growth and consists of fat mass and fat-free mass which may have different effects on health outcomes which motivates studies of infant body composition and DNA methylation. Here, we combined genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of buccal cells from 47 full-term one-week old infants with accurate measurements of infant fat mass and fat-free mass using air-displacement plethysmography.

Results

No significant association was found between DNA methylation in infant buccal cells and infant body composition. Moreover, no association between infant DNA methylation and parental body composition or indicators of maternal glucose metabolism were found.

Conclusions

Despite accurate measures of body composition, we did not identify any associations between infant body fatness and DNA methylation. These results are consistent with recent studies that generally have identified only weak associations between DNA methylation and birthweight. Although our results should be confirmed by additional larger studies, our findings may suggest that differences in DNA methylation between individuals with low and high body fatness may be established later in childhood.
Temporal transcriptomic differences between tolerant and susceptible genotypes contribute to rice drought tolerance
Authors: Xia Hui , Ma Xiaosong , Xu Kai , Wang Lei , Liu Hongyan , Chen Liang , Luo Lijun
Published: November 2020

Background

Drought-tolerance ensures a crop to maintain life activities and protect cell from damages under dehydration. It refers to diverse mechanisms temporally activated when the crop adapts to drought. However, knowledge about the temporal dynamics of rice transcriptome under drought is limited.

Results

Here, we investigated temporal transcriptomic dynamics in 12 rice genotypes, which varied in drought tolerance (DT), under a naturally occurred drought in fields. The tolerant genotypes possess less differentially expressed genes (DEGs) while they have higher proportions of upregulated DEGs. Tolerant and susceptible genotypes have great differences in temporally activated biological processes (BPs) during the drought period and at the recovery stage based on their DEGs. The DT-featured BPs, which are activated specially (e.g. raffinose, fucose, and trehalose metabolic processes, etc.) or earlier in the tolerant genotypes (e.g. protein and histone deacetylation, protein peptidyl-prolyl isomerization, transcriptional attenuation, ferric iron transport, etc.) shall contribute to DT. Meanwhile, the tolerant genotypes and the susceptible genotypes also present great differences in photosynthesis and cross-talks among phytohormones under drought. A certain transcriptomic tradeoff between DT and productivity is observed. Tolerant genotypes have a better balance between DT and productivity under drought by activating drought-responsive genes appropriately. Twenty hub genes in the gene coexpression network, which are correlated with DT but without potential penalties in productivity, are recommended as good candidates for DT.

Conclusions

Findings of this study provide us informative cues about rice temporal transcriptomic dynamics under drought and strengthen our system-level understandings in rice DT.
Differences in sarcopenia prevalence between upper-body and lower-body based EWGSOP2 muscle strength criteria: the Tromsø study 2015–2016
Authors: Johansson Jonas , Strand Bjørn Heine , Morseth Bente , Hopstock Laila Arnesdatter , Grimsgaard Sameline
Published: November 2020

Background

The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) recommends grip strength and chair stand tests to be used as primary defining measures. It is unclear how either test affects prevalence estimates.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 3498 community-dwelling participants (40–84 years) from the 7th Tromsø Study survey (2015–2016). We used grip strength, five-repetition chair stands, four-meter Walk Speed Test, Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry measurements. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression models and ROC-curves.

Results

Probable and confirmed sarcopenia prevalence was 1.3 and 4.4% based on grip strength and chair stands, respectively. There was very low agreement between grip strength and chair stand cut-offs (κ = 0.07), with only 4.3% of participants defined as having probable sarcopenia overlapping in the two criteria. Participants with grip strength-based sarcopenia had lower mean height, weight, waist circumference, and appendicular lean mass relative to body height (ALMheight2) than non-sarcopenic participants (all p < 0.001), after adjusting for multiple covariates. Conversely, participants with chair stand-based sarcopenia had similar height, higher weight, waist circumference and body fat% compared to non-sarcopenic participants (all p < 0.05). Area-under-curves (AUCs) for TUG-time were significantly larger when using chair stand instead of grip strength cut-offs (0.86, 95% CI 0.84–0.89 vs. 0.75, 95% CI 0.69–0.83).

Conclusions

Using chair stands instead of grip strength more than doubled probable sarcopenia prevalence across all ages. The two measures defined individuals of contradictory anthropometrics, body composition, and dissimilar physical function to have probable sarcopenia. Researchers should further evaluate the consequences of using different strength measures in the EWGSOP2 definition to classify sarcopenia.
Novel loss-of-function variants in TRIO are associated with neurodevelopmental disorder: case report
Authors: Schultz-Rogers Laura , Muthusamy Karthik , Pinto e Vairo Filippo , Klee Eric W. , Lanpher Brendan
Published: November 2020

Background

Damaging variants inTRIOhave been associated with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders in humans. While recent work has delineated the positional effect of missense variation on the resulting phenotype, the clinical spectrum associated with loss-of-function variation has yet to be fully defined.

Case presentation

We report on two probands with novel loss-of-function variants inTRIO. Patient 1 presents with a severe neurodevelopmental disorder and macrocephaly. TheTRIOvariant is inherited from his affected mother. Patient 2 presents with moderate developmental delays, microcephaly, and cutis aplasia with a frameshift variant of unknown inheritance.

Conclusions

We describe two patients with neurodevelopmental disorder, macro/microcephaly, and cutis aplasia in one patient. Both patients have loss-of-function variants, helping to further characterize how these types of variants affect the phenotypic spectrum associated withTRIO. We also present the third reported case of autosomal dominant inheritance of a damaging variant inTRIO.