bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of sequential chemical peel in cutaneous amyloidosis: a pilot case series
Authors: Divyalakshmi C. , Hazarika N. , Barnwal S.
Published: November 2021

Cutaneous amyloidosis can be a part of a systemic disease or can result from a localized process limited to the skin. It usually presents as pruritic hyperpigmented macules, papules or nodules, which are notoriously resistant to treatment. We performed a hospital-based pilot case series to assess the efficacy and safety of sequential salicylic acid (SA) and glycolic acid (GA) chemical peels. Patients underwent sequential chemical peel therapy with SA 20% and GA 35% used alternately each week for a total of 6 weeks. At subsequent follow-up visits, good clinical outcome and long-term maintenance was observed. This study highlights the promising role of chemical peels in this difficult and distressing disorder.
Epithelioid and clear‐cell variant of Kaposi sarcoma: A rare histopathologic subtype
Authors: Yim Kaitlyn M. , Liang Tom , Gnass Esteban , DeClerck Brittney
Published: November 2021

Kaposi sarcoma is a malignant vascular tumor consisting of multiple clinical subtypes and varying histopathologic patterns. We report a case of a 53‐year‐old African‐American male with HIV/AIDS who presented multiple times with skin nodules, pain, and edema in his lower extremities, secondary to recurrent Kaposi sarcoma. The patient was treated with two courses of liposomal doxorubicin with improvement, but his symptoms recurred a third time. A biopsy specimen of one of the nodules showed prominent neoplastic cells of epithelioid morphology, some with clear‐cell change, appearing to form rudimentary vessels in the superficial dermis. Further inspection of the deeper dermis revealed more classic findings of Kaposi sarcoma, including admixed spindle cells, poorly defined vessels, scattered apoptotic bodies, entrapped collagen bundles, and extravasated erythrocytes. Both the epithelioid and classic portions of the neoplasm stained positive for CD31 and human herpesvirus 8, supporting a diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma. Prior to this case, the epithelioid variant of Kaposi sarcoma has been reported only twice in the literature. Recognizing this rare histopathologic variant of Kaposi sarcoma among its other histopathologic patterns may assist in accurate and expedient diagnosis of this well‐recognized disease.
The Weak State Trap
Authors: Fergusson Leopoldo , Molina Carlos A. , Robinson James A.
Published: November 2021

Development outcomes come in ‘clusters’ that seem difficult to exit. Typically juxtapositioned are states that are both weak in the sense of lacking fiscal resources, but also patrimonial or clientelistic in the way in which they operate. We document the individual behaviour underlying such a cluster using original data from Colombia. We show that tax evasion, as a measure of state weakness, and vote buying, as a measure of clientelism, are highly correlated at the individual level. We argue that while state weakness creates the right environment for clientelism to flourish, clientelism sets in place a structure of incentives for politicians and citizens that is detrimental to building state capacity. We also document that both practices are widely accepted in society, a result consistent with a deeply entrenched relationship of mutually reinforcing influences. Finally, we present evidence of a vector of other types of behaviour and beliefs that are highly correlated with both clientelism and tax evasion, which suggest the presence of multiple feedback loops that we argue justifies calling this situation a trap.
Community banks versus non‐community banks: Post the Great Recession
Authors: Fayman Alex , Chen Su‐Jane , Mayes Timothy
Published: November 2021

Community banks (CBs), despite holding a fairly small share of US banking assets, provide vital financial services to key segments of the economy and fill a void untapped by larger non‐community banks (Non‐CBs). They face challenges brought on by a fast‐changing banking landscape, evolving technology, and ever‐increasing regulatory burden. To remain competitive and to gain scale‐related efficiencies, CBs have been seeking mergers even as greater institutional size causes a departure from the classical relationship‐based business model. This study examines performance of US CBs and Non‐CBs post the Great Recession to reveal how size of these institutions may affect their business operations. Empirical findings show that CBs, compared with their larger counterparts, tend to maintain higher levels of liquidity and lower levels of capital, and demonstrate a greater dependence on core deposits, confirming that CBs focus on deposit taking and soft information‐based lending strategies. Furthermore, this study suggests that CBs should not be considered a homogenous group operating under a singular business model and cautions that regulatory dialectics aimed at the banking industry should not employ a one‐size‐fits‐all approach.
Changes in reach‐to‐grasp behaviour over the course of training in rats
Authors: Parmiani Pierantonio , Lucchetti Cristina , Franchi Gianfranco
Published: November 2021

One complex task involving sequence of movements and movement refinement in the rat is the single‐pellet reaching task, comprising orientation, transport and withdrawal in sequence. In turn, orientation comprises front wall detection, slot localization and nose poke until reach start. Video recordings of a rat in the reaching box highlighted three stages of temporal training: start of training (ST), forepaw dominance appearance (D) and fully trained (T). Regarding orientation, ST versus D and T presented a significant smaller frequency of approach to the front wall and a significant higher number of whisker cycles and nose touches during slot localization, involving a significant longer Orientation. At the ST stage, 44% of the trials were interrupted after nose poke, and poke took place at significant higher level from the shelf. The shelf was identified only when short whiskers contacted it, but the tongue and both forepaws were used without distinction to reach and grasp the pellet until a forepaw emerged as dominant at D stage. Regarding the temporal features of transport and withdrawal, comparing the D versus T stage revealed a significant longer duration. Finally, successes were significantly higher in T respect to D, meaning that after dominance emergence, more training was still necessary to improve reaching/grasping performance. This study provides evidence that, during training, the rats develop a strategy to obtain the pellets and then refine their movement pattern.
Biogeographical distribution and regulation of methanotrophs in Chinese paddy soils
Authors: Yang Wangting , Wang Weiqi , Shen Lidong , Bai Yanan , Liu Xin , Tian Maohui , Wang Chun , Yang Yuling , Liu Jiaqi
Published: November 2021

Methanotrophs contribute significantly to methane consumption in paddy ecosystems. Currently, the biogeographical distribution and regulation of methanotrophs in Chinese paddy soils remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the activity, abundance and community structure of methanotrophs in paddy soils from different geographical regions and three climate zones across China, with a total of 20 sampling sites. The results showed that the methanotrophic activity and pmoA gene abundance varied from 0.67 to 2.23 μmol CH4 g−1 (dry soil) h−1 and 1.39 × 105 to 1.03 × 107 copies g−1 dry soil, respectively, and the methanotrophic communities were dominated by Methylocystis (type II). Heterogeneously distributed methanotrophic communities were observed among different climate zones characterised by a significant variation of the relative abundance of Methylococcus (type I). Furthermore, high and intermediate rates of nitrogen (N) fertilisation showed a significantly lower methanotrophic activity than the low rates of N fertilisation. However, no significant variation of methanotrophic abundance or community composition was observed among different N fertilisation levels. In addition, the soil ammonium content, water content, clay content, salinity, pH, mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature was identified as the key factors affecting the activity, abundance and community composition of methanotrophs. Overall, our results showed the biogeographical distribution of methanotrophs in Chinese paddy soils, which can be largely influenced by climate conditions, N fertilisation rates and soil physiochemical properties.

Highlights

Activity and abundance of methanotrophs varied greatly across Chinese paddy fields.

Methanotrophic community varied substantially across different climate zones.

Higher rates of N fertilization could decrease methanotrophic activity.

Soil properties (like NH4+, pH and moisture) significantly affected methanotrophs.
Labyrinthine haemorrhage secondary to cerebral venous thrombosis
Authors: Martins Ana Inês , Figueiredo Carlos , Melancia Diana , Jorge André , Amorim Ana Margarida , Pereira Daniela , Nunes César , Silva Fernando , Lemos João
Published: November 2021

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) can rarely present with acute ipsilateral cochlear and/or vestibular loss, to date always in the absence of a clear local otogenic process evidenced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This association has been putatively attributed to inner ear anoxia due to blockage of inner ear venous drainage. We present a nonreported case of thrombosis of the left transverse and sigmoid sinuses presenting with acute unilateral vestibulopathy in which MRI disclosed concurrent ipsilateral labyrinthine haemorrhage. A 69‐year‐old female presented with acute vertigo without hearing loss or other accompanying neurological symptoms. Bedside examination revealed spontaneous right‐beating nystagmus and an impaired left head impulse response, with an otherwise normal neurological examination. Audiometry and head and ear computed tomography were unremarkable, whereas MRI showed a nonenhancing hyperintensity of the left inner ear consistent with labyrinthine haemorrhage, and additional venography disclosed thrombosis of the left transverse and sigmoid sinuses. Oral anticoagulation was started, and the patient experienced gradual improvement of symptoms. The current case provides support for the existence of inner ear anoxia in CVT cases presenting with acute ipsilateral vestibular loss, which can ultimately be complicated by secondary bleeding, as seen in our patient. Importantly, presentation in our case closely mimicked that of peripheral vestibular neuritis, and only MRI venography enabled us to make a prompt diagnosis. This raises an important question as to when a diagnosis of vestibular neuritis can be made securely in the absence of MRI assessment with or without venography to completely discard labyrinthine haemorrhage with or without CVT.
Predicting functional outcome in patients with acute brainstem infarction using deep neuroimaging features
Authors: Ding Lingling , Liu Ziyang , Mane Ravikiran , Wang Shuai , Jing Jing , Fu He , Wu Zhenzhou , Li Hao , Jiang Yong , Meng Xia , Zhao Xingquan , Liu Tao , Wang Yongjun , Li Zixiao
Published: November 2021

Background and purpose

Acute brainstem infarctions can lead to serious functional impairments. We aimed to predict functional outcomes in patients with acute brainstem infarction using deep neuroimaging features extracted by convolutional neural networks (CNNs).

Methods

This nationwide multicenter stroke registry study included 1482 patients with acute brainstem infarction. We applied CNNs to automatically extract deep neuroimaging features from diffusion‐weighted imaging. Deep learning models based on clinical features, laboratory features, conventional imaging features (infarct volume, number of infarctions), and deep neuroimaging features were trained to predict functional outcomes at 3 months poststroke. Unfavorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 3 or higher at 3 months. The models were evaluated by comparing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

A model based solely on 14 deep neuroimaging features from CNNs achieved an extremely high AUC of 0.975 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.934–0.997) and significantly outperformed the model combining clinical, laboratory, and conventional imaging features (0.772, 95% CI = 0.691–0.847, p < 0.001) in prediction of functional outcomes. The deep neuroimaging model also demonstrated significant improvement over traditional prognostic scores. In an interpretability analysis, the deep neuroimaging features displayed a significant correlation with age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, infarct volume, and inflammation factors.

Conclusions

Deep learning models can successfully extract objective neuroimaging features from the routine radiological data in an automatic manner and aid in predicting the functional outcomes in patients with brainstem infarction at 3 months with very high accuracy.
Population‐based incidence and clinico‐radiological characteristics of tumefactive demyelination in Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States
Authors: Fereidan‐Esfahani Mahboubeh , Decker Paul A. , Eckel Passow Jeanette E. , Lucchinetti Claudia F. , Flanagan Eoin Patrick , Tobin William Oliver
Published: November 2021

Background and purpose

Tumefactive demyelination (TD) presents with large inflammatory lesions mimicking tumors or other space‐occupying lesions. Limited epidemiological, clinical and radiological data exist for TD. We aimed to report the incidence rate, and clinical and radiological features of TD in Olmsted County, Minnesota.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with central nervous system inflammatory demyelination‐related diagnostic codes (January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2018) in the Rochester Epidemiology Project database, and adjusted incidence rates by age and sex to the 2010 US total population. We used the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) to assess outcomes (index attack and last follow‐up).

Results

Of 792 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, 15 (eight males, seven females) had tumefactive MS, representing 1.9% of the MS population. The median (range) age at attack onset was 34.2 (2–61) years. Tumefactive lesion was the first clinical MS attack in 8/16 patients. Cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands (OCBs) were present in 8/12 patients and 11/16 patients met the Barkhof criteria for dissemination in space. Most patients remained fully ambulatory (EDSS score ≤4 in 13/16 patients [81%]) after a median (range) follow‐up duration of 10.5 (1–20.5) years. Age‐adjusted annual incidence rates were 0.46/100,000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12–0.81) for female patients, 0.66/100,000 (95% CI 0.23–1.02) for male patients, and 0.56/100,000 [95% CI 0.28–0.83] overall. When age‐ and sex‐adjusted to the 2010 US total population, the overall annual incidence rate was 0.57 (95% CI 0.28–0.84). Despite aggressive clinical presentation at disease onset, most patients remained fully ambulatory (EDSS score ≤4 in 13/16 patients) with a relapsing‐remitting course.

Conclusions

Although incidence is rare, TD should be suspected in patients presenting with subacutely progressive neurological deficits associated with magnetic resonance imaging findings of ring enhancement, apparent diffusion coefficient restriction, and OCB on spinal fluid analysis.
Early queen joining and long‐term queen associations in polygyne colonies of an invasive wasp revealed by longitudinal genetic analysis
Authors: Scarparo Giulia , Sankovitz Madison , Loope Kevin J. , Wilson‐Rankin Erin , Purcell Jessica
Published: November 2021

Invasive social insects rank among the most damaging of terrestrial species. They are responsible for extensive damage and severely threaten the biodiversity of environments where they are introduced. Variation in colony social form commonly occurs in introduced populations of yellowjacket wasps (genus Vespula). In particular, invasive colonies may contain multiple queens (i.e., polygyne) and persist several years, while in the native range, the colonies are usually annual and harbor a single queen (i.e., monogyne). In this study, we used genome‐wide loci obtained by double digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) to investigate the genetic structure and queen turnover in colonies of the western yellowjacket, Vespula pensylvanica, in their introduced range in Hawaii. Of the 27 colonies monitored over four months (October–January), 19 were polygyne and already contained multiple queens on the first day of sampling. Contrary to previous speculation, this finding suggests that polygyny often arises early in the annual colony cycle, before the production of new queens in the fall. Furthermore, polygyne colonies exhibited a prolonged average lifespan relative to those headed by a single queen. As a result, there is no clear window during which colony eradication efforts would be more effective than upon first discovery. The relatedness among nestmate queens was slightly above zero, indicating that these colonies are generally composed of nonrelatives. The queen turnover within each colony was low, and we detected some full‐sibling workers sampled up to four months apart. Finally, we did not detect any population structure among colonies, suggesting that queens disperse up to several kilometers. Taken together, our results provide the first insights into the requeening dynamics in this invasive and incipiently polygyne population and illuminate the early establishment of multiple long‐lasting queens in these damaging colonies.
Serum amyloid A as an aid in diagnosing sepsis in equine neonates
Authors: Barr Bonnie , Nieman Natanya M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal foals, especially during the first 7 days of life. Diagnosing sepsis in neonatal foals can be challenging because initial clinical signs are often ambiguous and non‐specific.

Objectives

To determine if the major acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) as measured by a point‐of‐care SAA testing device can be used as an evidence‐based biomarker of sepsis.

Study design

Retrospective cohort.

Methods

Clinical diagnosis of sepsis based on positive bacterial blood culture or a positive sepsis score was obtained and compared to SAA values in a population of neonatal foals on a breeding farm and referral hospital during four consecutive foaling seasons. A rapid, point‐of‐care blood test was used to measure SAA concentrations in neonatal foals <36 hours old that were clinically diagnosed as healthy, sick non‐septic or septic.

Results

The septic foals (n = 35) had a median SAA concentration (114 µg/mL) that was significantly greater (P < .05) than that for foals in the sick non‐septic (n = 117, 1.5 µg/mL) and healthy (n = 245, 0 µg/mL) groups. At a diagnostic threshold of 100 µg/mL, the SAA test had a sensitivity of 52.9% (95% CI 36.5‐68.9), specificity of 97.5% (95% CI 95.0‐99.0), positive predictive value of 75.0% (95% CI 56.2‐87.5), negative predictive value of 93.7% (95% CI 91.2‐95.5), and a test accuracy of 92.1% (95% CI 88.2‐95.0).

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that SAA is a useful aid in the diagnosis of sepsis in the neonatal foal.
Enzyme nomenclature and classification: the state of the art
Authors: McDonald Andrew G. , Tipton Keith F.
Published: November 2021

The IUBMB enzyme classification system, available at the IUBMB ExplorEnz website, uses a four‐component number (the EC number) that identifies an enzyme in terms of reaction catalysed. There were originally six recognized groups of enzymes: Oxidoreductases (EC 1), Transferases (EC 2), Hydrolases (EC 3), Lyases (EC 4), Isomerases (EC 5) and Ligases (EC 6). Of these, the lyases, which are defined as ‘enzymes that cleave C‐C, C‐O, C‐N and other bonds by means other than by hydrolysis or oxidation’, present particular recognition and classification problems. Recently, a new class, the Translocases (EC 7), has been added, which incorporates enzymes that catalyse the movement of ions or molecules across membranes or their separation within membranes. A new subclass of the isomerases has also been included for those enzymes that alter the conformations of proteins and nucleic acids. Newly reported enzymes are being regularly added to the list after validation and where new information affects the classification of an existing entry, a new EC number is created, but the old one is not reused.
Control of sucrose accumulation in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) involves miRNA‐mediated regulation of genes and transcription factors associated with sugar metabolism
Authors: Wang Miao , Li Ao‐Mei , Liao Fen , Qin Cui‐Xian , Chen Zhong‐Liang , Zhou Li , Li Yang‐Rui , Li Xiao‐Feng , Lakshmanan Prakash , Huang Dong‐Liang
Published: November 2021

Sugarcane is an established industrial crop providing sugar, ethanol and biomass‐derived electricity worldwide. Cane sugar content is an important breeding target, but its improvement remains very slow in many breeding programmes. Biotechnology strategies to improve sucrose accumulation made little progress at the crop level, mainly due to the limited understanding of its regulation. miRNAs regulate many metabolic processes in plants. However, their roles and target genes associated with sugarcane sucrose accumulation remain unknown. Here, we conducted high‐throughput sequencing of transcriptome, small RNAs and degradome of leaves and stem of two early‐maturing sugarcane genotypes with contrasting sucrose content from the early to late stages of sucrose accumulation stages, which provided more insights into miRNA‐associated gene regulation during sucrose accumulation. The stem sucrose content in both genotypes increased steadily with time during sucrose accumulation stage. Transcriptome analysis identified 18,722 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between both genotypes during sucrose accumulation. The major DEGs identified were involved in starch and sucrose metabolism, and photosynthesis. miRNA sequencing identified 563 known and 281 novel miRNAs from both genotypes during sucrose accumulation. Of these, 311 miRNAs were differentially expressed. A combined transcriptome and miRNA data analysis revealed differentially expressed miRNA‐target mRNA pairs related to sugar metabolism, of which 46 targets were transcription factors (TFs). miR172, miR164, miR396 and miR169 appear to regulate AP2/ERF, NAC, GRF and bZIP TF members associated with sugar metabolism. This is the first report of sugarcane miRNAs associated with sugar accumulation.
German Studies and Cosmopolitanism
Authors: Kim David D.
Published: November 2021

The aim of this essay is to make explicit major assumptions, blind spots, and generalities on the basis of which a nationalist vision of German departments in the US is constructed. To offer an alternative, the essay explores the concept of “cosmopolitanism,” including its potential pitfalls, as a paradigm for countering the contemporary anxiety over the sunsetting of German departments at colleges and universities. In order to sketch the major contours of this change‐oriented vision, the history of German cultural, literary, and philosophical studies is investigated as a history of cosmopolitan engagements, including their imperialist, nationalist, and local appropriations. In conclusion, the essay examines how a critical cosmopolitan paradigm challenges us to build stronger alliances within the university and beyond, while renewing German studies in our conflict‐ridden, ecologically devastated, and technocratic world.
Thinking outside of Philosophy: Goethe, Lévi‐Strauss, Propp
Authors: Saman Michael
Published: November 2021

This paper explores parallels between the morphological thought of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the structuralism of Claude Lévi‐Strauss, and the formalism of Vladimir Propp, with emphasis on the manner in which each of these three thinkers adopts an “epistemological attitude” critical of, and external to, conventional philosophical discourse. The core commonality between them lies in their skepticism about the separability of the ideal from the real, and in the seeking of meaning within the observable constitutive structures of a phenomenon rather than any noumenal essence. The first part of the article examines the way Goethe and Lévi‐Strauss negotiate the relation between abstract thought and concrete observation; the second part turns to the way Lévi‐Strauss and Propp negotiate that question within the context of twentieth‐century social science.
Men explain Things to her: Misuse and Abuse in Lou Andreas‐Salomé's NovelRuth(1895)
Authors: Donahue Neil H.
Published: November 2021

Despite much scholarship on Lou Andreas‐Salomé—her person, her friendships, her philosophical and psychological theories, and her fiction—, her second novelRuth(1895) has received little critical attention even though it is of foundational importance for her later fiction. This article examines the charismatic character of Ruth, an orphan, in relation to her male tutor and guardian. This predatory pedagogue and self‐styled advocate of women's emancipation seeks to dominate and seduce her as she in turn seeks to overcome her fears of abuse and abandonment. Her needs and fears link back to her early childhood, parallel to Sigmund Freud'sStudies on Hysteria(1895) and lecture on the “Aetiology of Hysteria” (1896) on childhood sexual trauma, introducing his so‐called “seduction theory.” These texts may have influenced Andreas‐Salomé's writing ofRutharound the same time, long before she became herself a psychoanalyst and friend of Freud. The character of Ruth develops in relation to maleGewalt(physical, sexual or rhetorical) in a patriarchal society.
Kafka's Worlds
Authors: Itkin Alan
Published: November 2021

Scholars of Franz Kafka's literary works, going back to Walter Benjamin, have often claimed that these works resist or call into question critics' attempts to produce definitive interpretations of them. Taking this point to heart, this essay argues for an approach to Kafka's works that does not seek to decode hidden messages in them through critical interpretation, but rather views them as experiments in world building and attempts to analyze the unique literary worlds each of them constructs. In order to draw the distinctions between Kafka's worlds into focus, the essay outlines three parameters that can help to define a literary world—the autonomy of its individual characters, the relativity of space and time in the characters' physical environment, and the closure or openness of the spaces the characters traverse—and shows how the worlds of Kafka's works vary along these parameters.
Schwindel(n). Ästhetischer Widerstand in Emmy Hennings' Prosatext Gefängnis (1919)
Authors: von Minden Rahel
Published: November 2021

In der Forschung zu Emmy Hennings' Prosatext Gefängnis (1919) dominieren Ansätze, die den Text als autobiografische Verarbeitung traumatischer Gefängniserfahrungen lesen. Der vorliegende Artikel versteht Hennings' Text demgegenüber als Auseinandersetzung mit und Kritik an den repressiven Macht‐ und Disziplinartechniken des Gefängnisses und analysiert die ästhetischen Verfahren, mit denen sie die im Gefängnis produzierte Stillstellung und Einschließung in Bewegung setzt. Über das wiederholt im Text auftauchende Phänomen des Schwindels lässt sich eine Destabilisierung des Raumes in den Blick nehmen, die – so die These – Disziplinierungsprozesse unterläuft, aber auch eine kritische Reflexion literarischer Subjektpositionen ermöglicht. In Momenten des Schwindels (als Wahrnehmungsschwindel und als Täuschung) entwirft der Text einen ästhetischen bzw. karnevalesken Raum, der dem Gefängnis entgegengehalten wird. Die auch auf textueller Ebene entwickelte „schwindelnde“ Schreibbewegung – ein Erzählen in fortwährenden Umschlägen – rückt Hennings' ästhetische Strategie in die Nähe der Avantgarde, zu deren institutionen‐ und diskurskritischen Praktiken sie einen wichtigen Beitrag leistet.
Remaking international higher education for an unequal world
Authors: Mok Ka Ho , Zhang Youliang
Published: November 2021

Prior to the current global health crisis, the value, and benefits of international education for different social groups have been questioned. Critics of the internationalisation of education emphasise that international student mobility only favours the elites in society but has disadvantaged for those groups with less fortunate socioeconomic status. In view of the COVID‐19 pandemic, leading scholars in the field of international higher education believe that a broad‐based global crisis for higher education has emerged, of which one major consequence is intensifying inequality in education during and after the pandemic crisis. This article sets out against the COVID‐19 pandemic crisis context to critically examine whether and how Asian students would continue going abroad for studies. Special attention is given to those major factors that shape the destination choices of students and their desire for international education. Based on a survey on Asian students' overseas learning preferences, this article reflects upon the future of international higher education from the geo‐political and socio‐psychological perspectives. This article also highlights the major challenges that hinder international higher education development and draws crucial lessons from the impact of the COVID‐19 crisis on such a development.
Adapting patient and public involvement in patient‐oriented methods research: Reflections in a Canadian setting during COVID‐19
Authors: Leese Jenny , Garraway Leana , Li Linda , Oelke Nelly , MacLeod Martha
Published: November 2021

Background

Processes of the patient and public involvement (PPI) in health research shifted quickly during 2020. Faced with large‐scale issues, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, the need to adapt processes of PPI to uphold commitments to nurturing the practice of ‘nothing about us without us’ in research has been urgent and profound. We describe how processes of PPI in research on patient‐oriented methods of knowledge translation and implementation science were adapted by four teams in a Canadian setting.

Methods

As part of an ongoing quality improvement self‐study to enhance PPI within these teams, team members shared their experiences of PPI in the context of this pivotal year during interviews and facilitated discussions. Drawing on these experiences, we outline challenges and reflections for adapting processes of PPI in health research on methods in times of urgency, conflict and fast‐moving change.

Discussion

Our reflections offer insight into common issues encountered across teams that may be amplified during times of rapid change, including handling change and uncertainty, sustaining relationship‐building and hearing differing perspectives in processes of PPI.

Conclusion

These learnings present an opportunity to help others active in or planning patient‐oriented methods research to reflect on the changing nature of PPI and how to adapt PPI processes in response to turbulent situations in the future.
Sexual diversification of splicing regulation during embryonic development in honeybees (Apis mellifera), A haplodiploid system
Authors: Netschitailo Oksana , Raub Stephan , Kaftanoglu Osman , Beye Martin
Published: November 2021

The honeybee is a haplodiploid organism in which sexual development is determined by the complementary sex determiner (csd) gene and realized by sex‐specific splicing processes involving the feminizer (fem) gene. We used high throughput transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐Seq) to characterize the transcriptional differences between the sexes caused by the fertilization and sex determination processes in honeybee (Apis mellifera) embryos. We identified 758, 372 and 43 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 58, 176 and 233 differentially spliced genes (DSGs) in 10–15‐h‐old, 25–40‐h‐old and 55–70‐h‐old female and male embryos, respectively. The early difference in male and female embryos in response to the fertilization and non‐fertilization processes resulted mainly in differential expression of genes (758 DEGs vs. 58 DSGs). In the latest sampled embryonic stage, the transcriptional differences between the sexes were dominated by alternative splicing of transcripts (43 DEGs vs. 233 DSGs). Interestingly, differentially spliced transcripts that encode RNA‐binding properties were overrepresented in 55–70‐h‐old embryos, indicating a more diverse regulation via alternative splicing than previous work on the sex determination pathway suggested. These stage‐ and sex‐specific transcriptome data from honeybee embryos provide a comprehensive resource for examining the roles of fertilization and sex determination in developmental programming in a haplodiploid system.
Microsporidia and Candida spores: their discrimination by Calcofluor, trichrome‐blue and methylene‐blue combination staining
Authors: Schottelius J. , Kuhn E. M. , Enriquez R.
Published: November 2021

Summary Faeces of immunocompromised patients are often contaminated with the chitin‐containing spores of microsporidia and Candida, which exclude the use of the chitin‐specific fluorescent brightener Calcofluor white M2R for the identification of microsporidian spores. We developed a combination staining of Calcofluor white M2R with modified trichrome‐blue staining and subsequent methylene‐blue incubation which permits discrimination between these two types of spores. As a basis for diagnosis, a difference in the fluorescence pattern (365–440 nm) is combined with a difference in the light microscopic staining pattern. Under fluorescence conditions microsporidia spores have a spotted, brilliant white Calcofluor fluorescence and can easily be identified, while Candida spores show a reddish purple colour. Under the light microscope microsporidian spores show a light red colour with nonstained vacuole spots or strips in contrast to the yeast spores with their red‐brown colour. This combination technique offers a highly specific means for the diagnosis of microsporidia spores in faeces.
Temperature‐independent large strain with small hysteresis in Sb‐modified BNT‐based lead‐free ceramics
Authors: Wang Xianya , Liu Xinyu , Xue Haoyue , Yin Jie , Wu Jiagang
Published: November 2021

Chemically modified (typically, via B‐site doping by Nb and Ta) Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT)‐based piezoelectric ceramics, which exhibit superior electro‐strain behaviors than their perovskite peers, suffer from high hysteresis and poor temperature stability. In this study, the rarely studied dopant Sb is found to be effective in overcoming these two drawbacks by expanding the ergodic relaxor region to a wider temperature range. Excellent electro‐strain (0.41%–0.46%) with reduced hysteresis (15%–20%) was observed over the temperature range of 40–120℃, with 12% variation of electro‐strain in Bi0.5(Na0.78K0.22)0.5Ti0.9925Sb0.0075O3 samples. These results suggest that compared to previously reported BNT‐based piezoelectric ceramics, Sb‐modified BNT‐based ceramics show higher potential for practical actuator applications.
Integration of Raman spectra with transcriptome data in glioblastoma multiforme defines tumour subtypes and predicts patient outcome
Authors: Le Reste Pierre‐Jean , Pilalis Eleftherios , Aubry Marc , McMahon Mari , Cano Luis , Etcheverry Amandine , Chatziioannou Aristotelis , Chevet Eric , Fautrel Alain
Published: November 2021

Raman spectroscopy is an imaging technique that has been applied to assess molecular compositions of living cells to characterize cell types and states. However, owing to the diverse molecular species in cells and challenges of assigning peaks to specific molecules, it has not been clear how to interpret cellular Raman spectra. Here, we provide firm evidence that cellular Raman spectra (RS) and transcriptomic profiles of glioblastoma can be computationally connected and thus interpreted. We find that the dimensions of high‐dimensional RS and transcriptomes can be reduced and connected linearly through a shared low‐dimensional subspace. Accordingly, we were able to predict global gene expression profiles by applying the calculated transformation matrix to Raman spectra and vice versa. From these analyses, we extract a minimal gene expression signature associated with specific RS profiles and predictive of disease outcome.
Pro‐inflammatory cytokines as emerging molecular determinants in cardiolaminopathies
Authors: Gerbino Andrea , Forleo Cinzia , Milano Serena , Piccapane Francesca , Procino Giuseppe , Pepe Martino , Piccolo Mara , Guida Piero , Resta Nicoletta , Favale Stefano , Svelto Maria , Carmosino Monica
Published: November 2021

Mutations in Lamin A/C gene (lmna) cause a wide spectrum of cardiolaminopathies strictly associated with significant deterioration of the electrical and contractile function of the heart. Despite the continuous flow of biomedical evidence, linking cardiac inflammation to heart remodelling in patients harbouring lmna mutations is puzzling. Therefore, we profiled 30 serum cytokines/chemokines in patients belonging to four different families carrying pathogenic lmna mutations segregating with cardiac phenotypes at different stages of severity (n = 19) and in healthy subjects (n = 11). Regardless lmna mutation subtype, high levels of circulating granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) were found in all affected patients’ sera. In addition, elevated levels of Interleukins (IL) IL‐1Ra, IL‐1β IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐8 and the granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) were measured in a large subset of patients associated with more aggressive clinical manifestations. Finally, the expression of the pro‐inflammatory 70 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70) was significantly increased in serum exosomes of patients harbouring the lmna mutation associated with the more severe phenotype. Overall, the identification of patient subsets with overactive or dysregulated myocardial inflammatory responses could represent an innovative diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tool against Lamin A/C cardiomyopathies.
The deubiquitinase OTUB1 fosters papillary thyroid carcinoma growth through EYA1 stabilization
Authors: Xie Peiyi , Chao Qing , Mao Jiuang , Liu Yue , Fang Jiayu , Xie Jing , Zhen Jing , Ding Yongqi , Fu Bidong , Ke Yun , Huang Da
Published: November 2021

Deubiquitinating enzyme OTU domain‐containing ubiquitin aldehyde‐binding proteins 1 (OTUB1) has been shown to have an essential role in multiple carcinomas. However, the function of OTUB1 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and the underlying mechanisms regulating PTC cells proliferation remain poorly understood. In this study, OTUB1 was significantly upregulated in papillary thyroid carcinoma tissues and cells. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, knockdown of OTUB1 suppressed PTC cells growth whereas OTUB1 overexpression enhanced the proliferation ability of PTC cells. Moreover, the eyes absent homologue 1 (EYA1) was recognized as a potential target of OTUB1 through mass spectrometry analysis, and we further verified that EYA1 protein level was positively correlated with OTUB1 expression in PTC cells and clinical samples. Mechanistically, OTUB1 could interact with EYA1 directly and deubiquitinate EYA1 to stabilize it. At last, EYA1 was found to play an essential role in OTUB1‐derived PTC cells growth. Overall, our investigation reveals that OTUB1 is a previously unrecognized oncogenic factor in PTC cells proliferation and suggests that OTUB1 might be a novel therapeutic target in PTC.
Sustainability implications of artificial intelligence in the chemical industry: A conceptual framework
Authors: Liao Mochen , Lan Kai , Yao Yuan
Published: November 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology that has great potential in reducing energy consumption, environmental burdens, and operational risks of chemical production. However, large‐scale applications of AI are still limited. One barrier is the lack of quantitative understandings of the potential benefits and risks of different AI applications. This study reviewed relevant AI literature and categorized those case studies by application types, impact categories, and application modes. Most studies assessed the energy, economic, and safety implications of AI applications, while few of them have evaluated the environmental impacts of AI, given the large data gaps and difficulties in choosing appropriate assessment methods. Based on the reviewed case studies in the chemical industry, we proposed a conceptual framework that encompasses approaches from industrial ecology, economics, and engineering to guide the selection of performance indicators and evaluation methods for a holistic assessment of AI's impacts. This framework could be a valuable tool to support the decision‐making related to AI in the fundamental research and practical production of chemicals. Although this study focuses on the chemical industry, the insights of the literature review and the proposed framework could be applied to AI applications in other industries and broad industrial ecology fields. In the end, this study highlights future research directions for addressing the data challenges in assessing AI's impacts and developing AI‐enhanced tools to support the sustainable development of the chemical industry.
Histopathologic and immunophenotypic profile of a spontaneous mammary carcinoma in a male Humboldt's white‐fronted capuchin (Cebus albifrons)
Authors: Carvalho Thaynara Parente de , Oliveira Ayisa Rodrigues de , Santos Daniel Oliveira dos , Cassali Geovanni Dantas , Garcia Ana Paula Vargas , Pereira Fernanda Mara Aragão Macedo , Soares‐Neto Lauro Leite , Silva Monique Ferreira , Paixão Tatiane Alves , Santos Renato Lima
Published: November 2021

A 20‐year‐old male captive Humboldt's white‐fronted capuchin (Cebus albifrons) that died accidentally had a small non‐ulcerative mammary nodule diagnosed as a mammary carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that neoplastic cells were positive for pan‐cytokeratin and cytokeratin‐7. Approximately 20% of neoplastic cells were positive for Ki‐67. Neoplastic cells expressed estrogen and progesterone receptors.
Trajectories of resilience and related factors in primary caregivers of patients with advanced head and neck cancer: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Lee Li‐Yun , Huang Bing‐Shen , Lin Chien‐Yu , Chung Ching‐Fang , Chang Ya‐Lan , Chen Shu‐Ching
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Primary caregivers (PC) of patients with advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) report stress during caregiving time post‐treatment. We sought to identify the trajectories of resilience from initial completion of treatment to 1‐year post‐treatment in PC of patients with advanced HNC and to determine the factors associated with trajectories of resilience.

Design

In this prospective cohort study with convenience sampling, patient–PC dyads were recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan between August 2015 and July 2020.

Methods

We recruited 120 patient–PC dyads and followed up at treatment completion and 1, 6, and 12 months post‐treatment. Generalized estimating equation analysis was performed to identified factors related to resilience.

Findings

PCs’ overall resilience increased from initial completion of treatment to peak at 1‐year post‐treatment. Patient factors associated with greater overall resilience included older age, higher performance status, and shorter time since cancer diagnosis; PC factors included reporting more social support, better physical health, and better mental health.

Conclusions

PC mental health was the most important factor in the resilience trajectory of patients with advanced HNC cancer.

Clinical relevance

Quantifying the relevant factors of trajectories of resilience will help to identify vulnerable PCs and guide survivorship care in the early stages of the post‐treatment period.
A single‐blinded, randomized, controlled trial comparing efficacy between low‐fluence alexandrite 755‐nm picosecond laser and low‐fluence neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) 1064‐nm picosecond laser for the treatment of ultraviolet B‐induced hyperpigmentation
Authors: Vachiramon Vasanop , Namasondhi Amornrut , Anuntrangsee Tanaporn , Jurairattanaporn Natthachat
Published: November 2021

Background

Hyperpigmentation is a common concern of patients in dermatology clinics. Although there are many treatment options, lasers are considered a promising therapy for various hyperpigmentary conditions.

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of alexandrite 755‐nm picosecond and neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) 1064‐nm picosecond lasers for the treatment of ultraviolet B (UVB)‐induced hyperpigmentation in Asians.

Materials and Methods

A randomized, single‐blinded study was conducted. UVB‐induced hyperpigmentation was performed in three spots by narrowband UVB. After 2 weeks, these three spots were allocated into 755‐treated, 1064‐treated, and control sites. Patients received weekly laser treatments for five sessions. Follow‐ups were scheduled at 1 and 2 months after the last session.

Results

Twenty patients attended the study. Overall, 755‐nm and 1064‐nm picosecond lasers showed a significant improvement in the mean lightness index (L*) compared to the control site, which started at Day 49 and Day 77, respectively. The mean L* of the 755‐nm‐treated site was also higher than that of the 1064‐nm–treated site at Day 105 (p ≤ 0.001). Initially, the mean L*, physician's visual analog scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction with the 1064‐nm picosecond laser were better than those with the 755‐nm picosecond laser. Nevertheless, an inversion of the mean L* and VAS was noted at Day 49, whereas the mean patient satisfaction was noted at Day 77. In the subgroup analysis, a 755‐nm picosecond laser effectively treated Fitzpatrick skin types (FPTs) III and IV. However, the mean L* of the 1064‐nm picosecond laser was not significantly different from that of the control for FPT4.

Conclusion

The alexandrite 755‐nm picosecond and Nd:YAG 1064‐nm picosecond lasers appear to be effective and safe modalities for treating UVB‐induced hyperpigmentation. With the setting employed in this study, the outcome after the 755‐nm picosecond laser treatment seemed superior to that of the 1064‐nm picosecond laser treatment, especially for FPT4.
Painting CROSS TCA technique: Modification of the CROSS method for the treatment of atrophic acne scars—Case series
Authors: Horovitz Tamir , Salameh Fares , Shehadeh Waseem , Koren Amir , Artzi Ofir
Published: November 2021

Background

The Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars (CROSS) technique was first described in 2002 and has since demonstrated safety and efficacy in multiple studies. We describe the treatment of six patients with a modified version of the CROSS method—the Painting CROSS trichloroacetic acid (TCA) technique. This technique has the advantage of offering even higher tissue selectivity and better control of the scar edges, enhancing both safety and efficacy.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 31 scars of six patients who underwent a single treatment by the Painting CROSS TCA method. A 0.3 ml insulin syringe with a 30‐gauge needle was filled with 0.05 ml of 85% TCA solution and then applied to the scar base with slight pressure until frosting was achieved. Patients were evaluated before and 3 months after treatment for scar volume deficit by a high‐resolution three‐dimensional imaging system.

Results

The average volume of the 31 scars assessed in our study was 2.71 mm3 before treatment and 1.96 mm3 after treatment. There was a 26.3% average decrease in the volume of the scars after one treatment. Transient mild hyperpigmentation was noted in two patients after the treatment.

Conclusion

Painting CROSS TCA technique has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of acne scars after a single treatment.