bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Androgen Deprivation Therapy–Induced Prostate Cancer Dormancy and Its Clinical Implications
Authors: Dong Xin , Xue Hui , Mo Fan , Lin Yen-yi , Lin Dong , Wong Nelson K.Y. , Sun Yingqiang , Wilkinson Scott , Ku Anson T. , Hao Jun , Ci Xinpei , Wu Rebecca , Haegert Anne , Silver Rebecca , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Balk Steven P. , Alumkal Joshi J. , Sowalsky Adam G. , Gleave Martin , Collins Colin , Wang Yuzhuo
Published: January 2022

Treatment-induced tumor dormancy is a state in cancer progression where residual disease is present but remains asymptomatic. Dormant cancer cells are treatment-resistant and responsible for cancer recurrence and metastasis. Prostate cancer treated with androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) often enters a dormant state. ADT-induced prostate cancer dormancy remains poorly understood due to the challenge in acquiring clinical dormant prostate cancer cells and the lack of representative models. In this study, we aimed to develop clinically relevant models for studying ADT-induced prostate cancer dormancy. Dormant prostate cancer models were established by castrating mice bearing patient-derived xenografts (PDX) of hormonal naïve or sensitive prostate cancer. Dormancy status and tumor relapse were monitored and evaluated. Paired pre- and postcastration (dormant) PDX tissues were subjected to morphologic and transcriptome profiling analyses. As a result, we established eleven ADT-induced dormant prostate cancer models that closely mimicked the clinical courses of ADT-treated prostate cancer. We identified two ADT-induced dormancy subtypes that differed in morphology, gene expression, and relapse rates. We discovered transcriptomic differences in precastration PDXs that predisposed the dormancy response to ADT. We further developed a dormancy subtype-based, predisposed gene signature that was significantly associated with ADT response in hormonal naïve prostate cancer and clinical outcome in castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with ADT or androgen-receptor pathway inhibitors.

Implications:

We have established highly clinically relevant PDXs of ADT-induced dormant prostate cancer and identified two dormancy subtypes, leading to the development of a novel predicative gene signature that allows robust risk stratification of patients with prostate cancer to ADT or androgen-receptor pathway inhibitors.
A New Family with a Novel OTUD6B Mutation: Practicing Whole Exome Sequencing for Antenatal Diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Börklü Esra , Altunoğlu Umut , Eraslan Serpil , Kayserili Hülya
Published: January 2022

OTUD6B, which encodes a member of the ovarian tumor domain-containing deubiquitinating enzyme, has recently been associated with autosomal recessive intellectual disability syndrome with seizures and dysmorphic features. Here, we report one additional case with Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), who has microcephaly and dysmorphic features along with renal parenchymal disease with simple cortical cysts. The family’s first pregnancy was medically terminated due to antenatal diagnosis of ToF. A novel homozygous variant in OTUD6B (c.815T>G; p.[Ile272Arg]) was revealed by whole exome sequencing (WES) along with a previously reported heterozygous PKD1 variant, unraveling the blended phenotype observed in the proband. Our findings highlight the importance of WES for the prenatal diagnosis of ToF and expand the OTUD6B mutational spectrum.
Enlarged Vertebral Venous Plexus Alleviated Intracranial Hypertension-Related Symptoms in Patients with Bilateral Transverse Sinus Stenosis
Authors: Li Min , Bai Chaobo , Sun Jingkun , Xia Ning , Meng Ran , Ji Xunming
Published: January 2022

Background: Enlarged vertebral venous plexus (EVVP) was often observed in patients with bilateral transverse sinus stenosis (BTSS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological role of EVVP in BTSS patients. Methods: Forty-five BTSS patients and 92 normal controls were prospectively recruited from January 2014 to December 2019. The index of transverse sinus stenosis (ITSS) was used for the assessment of BTSS severity. Subjects underwent a standard lumbar puncture to measure the intracranial pressure (ICP). Papilledema and tinnitus were evaluated by using Frisén’s grade and questionnaires for Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), respectively. The intensity and impact of headache were assessed by using 10-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale and six-item Headache Impact Test, respectively. Results: The BTSS group had more subjects with intracranial hypertension (IH) and less subjects with normal ICP than normal controls (p < 0.01; p < 0.01). BTSS patients had higher ICP than normal controls (p < 0.01). ICP was significantly lower in BTSS patients with EVVP than in those without EVVP (p < 0.01). No significant difference in ICP was found between normal controls with EVVP and those without EVVP (p = 0.99). A similar incidence of EVVP in BTSS patients and normal controls was found (p = 0.86). BTSS patients with IH exhibited a lower incidence of EVVP than those with normal ICP and overlapping ICP (p < 0.01; p < 0.01). The incidence of EVVP was not correlated with ITSS (p = 0.81). EVVP, rather than ITSS, correlated with ICP (p = 0.01). Furthermore, EVVP alleviated papilledema evaluated by Frisén’s grade and tinnitus evaluated by the THI score in BTSS patients (p = 004; p = 0.02). Conclusions: EVVP in normal controls is a congenital phenomenon that exerts no impact on ICP. However, the presence of EVVP reduces ICP and alleviates IH-related papilledema and tinnitus in BTSS patients.
Epithelial-Cell-Derived Cytokines in Patients with Obesity before and after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Glück Joanna , Glück Marek , Rogala Barbara , Piecuch Jerzy
Published: January 2022

Abstract/Purpose: Epithelial signals such as interleukin (IL)-25, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) are stimulators of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs2) that are integral regulators of adipose tissue type 2 immunity. The purpose of this study was to assess cytokines activating ILCs2 in the serum of patients with obesity and the effect of bariatric surgery on these parameters. Material and Methods: In a single-center prospective study, serum IL-25, IL-33, TSLP, and ST2L levels were assayed at the baseline and at 6 months after bariatric surgery and correlated with anthropometric changes and metabolism parameters. Results: Mean age and median of body mass index (BMI) of study participants were 41.9 years ± 11 and 45.6 kg/m2 (range 36.3–56.3), respectively. Six months after surgery, excess weight loss percentage was 43.1 ± 10.2%. Serum TSLP was significantly lower in patients with obesity both before and after surgery than in healthy controls. TSLP values before operation were significantly correlated to glycated hemoglobin percentage and BMI. Serum IL-25, IL-33, and ST2L levels were comparable to controls both before and after operation. Conclusions: Decreased serum levels of TSLP may be a characteristic trait for obesity however nonmodifiable by body mass surgical reduction in short time observation. Low serum levels of TSLP are related to disturbances in glucose metabolism and BMI.
New Endoscopic Solutions in Managing Phlegmonous Esophagitis
Authors: Santos Ana L. , Santos-Antunes João , Morais Rui , Lima da Costa Eduardo , Pereira Pedro , Macedo Guilherme
Published: January 2022

A 48-year-old woman was admitted in the emergency department due to epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and cough. She presented with fever and increased inflammatory parameters. A thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed and revealed thickening of the gastric fundus and esophagus, with an apparent laceration in esophageal mucosa and associated dissection of esophageal wall. In upper endoscopy (UE), a bulging of esophageal and gastric walls was observed, with an ulceration in proximal esophagus, suggestive of a perforation. After multidisciplinary discussion, a minimally invasive endoscopic approach was decided. Internal esophageal drainage (IED) was assured with performance of some incisions with Dual-knife® (Olympus, Tokyo) along the mucosal and submucosal layers in the esophagus. During the incision, extravasation of pus was evident. One week later, due to clinical worsening and evidence of esophageal perforation in CT scan, UE was repeated. We confirmed esophageal perforation with visualization of two millimetric defects in the proximal esophagus. Significant bulging of the gastric fundus and body was also observed. IED was repeated with mucosal incision of the gastric bulging using Needle-Cut 3V® (Olympus, Tokyo), with extravasation of a significant quantity of pus. We decided to proceed to endoscopic vacuum therapy that was performed with sponge placement in the esophageal lumen (Endosponge®, B. Braun, Melsungen, Germany). UE was repeated 1 week later with sponge removal and confirmation of resolution of esophageal perforation. An improvement of the thickening of gastric fundus and body was also seen. One month later after admission, the patient was discharged home, eating normally, and remains well in the follow-up.
Uma publiCIDADE amazônica como signo do consumo contemporâneo
Authors: Santos Luiz Cezar Silva dos
Published: January 2022

Este texto tem como argumento decodificar o conceito de publiCIDADE como um instrumento de análise de marca e expressão do consumo, bem como um possível caminho para pensar a cidade contemporânea em seus aspectos sígnicos. Tendo por base uma cidade amazônica – Belém do Pará –, buscaremos entender tanto o que é uma cidade e como podemos compreendê-la como um espaço urbano quanto suas relações midiáticas e associações como signos do consumo contemporâneo. Para nossa reflexão, utilizaremos estudos sobre cidade, consumo, marca, marca Amazônia e publiCIDADE.
A memória em ação: breves considerações sobre os conceitos de memória e identidade na obra de Joël Candau
Authors: Alecrim Thales Reis
Published: January 2022

Memória e identidade, de Joël Candau, é um livro que ao mesmo tempo empreende um estado da arte dos conceitos referidos no título e propõe novas interpretações e leituras pelo viés antropológico. Dessa maneira, nesta resenha buscamos identificar as formas como essas duas categorias fundamentais para as Ciências Humanas e Sociais são construídas e fundamentadas pelo autor. Por esse motivo, optamos por expor os principais argumentos do livro e explorar os meandros de sua construção teórica e metodológica. Por fim, também propomos um breve debate sobre as relações entre memória, identidade e história, questão de fundamental importância, uma vez que demonstra como o passado pode ser mobilizado e manipulado para diversos fins, seja para fomentar identidades ou fundamentar práticas políticas.
Plant diversity of Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary and fodder species grazed by the Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra L.
Authors: UPADHYAY ASHUTOSH KUMAR , Emmanuel A. Andrew , Varghese Ansa Sarah , D. Narasimhan
Published: January 2022

A rapid but intense survey was conducted using visual landmarks in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary to enumerate the flora and foraging habits of the Blackbuck Antelope cervicapra. The area was divided into various segments such as the sanctuary entrance, Maattu muni kovil, Savukku plot or Casuarina plantation, S-Bend road and the old light house for precise enumeration. A total of 111 plant species that include 50 herbs, 16 climbers/lianas, 30 shrubs and sub-shrubs, and 15 trees belonging to 39 plant families were recorded in this study. Visual observations showed that Blackbucks grazed on grasses such as the Mangrove Grass Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Thwaites, Dog’s Tooth Grass Cynodon barberi Rang. & Tadul., Indian Durva Grass Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Feather Finger Grass Chloris virgata Sw., and a sedge, the pointed fimbristylis Fimbristylis acuminata Vahl during the day time. They were also observed browsing on the leaves and pods of Algaroba Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. in the evenings. Our observation on the presence of feral horses and stray cattle in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary shows that they compete for food and water with the Blackbuck. The spread of invasive alien plant species competes with and reduces the space for native species.
Ipomoea laxiflora H.J. Chowdhery & Debta (Convolvulaceae): new records for the Western Ghats and semiarid regions
Authors: Sachin M. Patil  , Vasava Ajit M. , Raole Vinay M. , Rajput Kishore S.
Published: January 2022

Ipomoea laxiflora, a species usually found in northern India and Deccan peninsula was collected from Ahwa of Dangs district (Western Ghats) and Lafni & Munjka villages of Rajkot district (semiarid region) of Gujarat state for the first time. A detailed description, distribution, conservation status, and photographs are provided to facilitate the identity of I. laxiflora in the field.
Estimating the completeness of orchid checklists and atlases: a case study from southern Italy
Authors: Croce Antonio
Published: January 2022

Checklists and atlases are important tools for knowledge of the biodiversity of a geographic unit. Nevertheless, they often suffer from bias due to preferential sampling. It is important to assess the level of completeness of the data collected during such research to allow comparison of the biodiversity of different areas, or to use them for macroecology, biogeography or conservation purposes. This assessment is not trivial, especially when information from heterogeneous sources is used (e.g., herbaria specimens, field observations, literature data). The author suggests some simple methods to assess the completeness of floristic database and to represent the distribution of the completeness at a scale level appropriate to the size of the studied area or, on another hand, to the precision level of the available data. Such information is useful to direct the surveys identifying less explored areas or habitats and thereby correcting the sampling biases. Adding information about sampling effort or completeness could be very useful to make floristic research more objective.
Counting the cost: High demand puts Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B.Fedtsch. in jeopardy
Authors: Sharma Monika , Mathela Manisha , Sharma Rupali , Bargali Himanshu , Goraya Gurinderjit S. , Kumar Amit
Published: January 2022

In the Himalayan region, there have been several reports of medicinal species being reported in peril in the recent decade. Keeping the sudden spurt in price and high demand of yet another highly threatened MAP Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B.Fedtsch. commonly known as ‘Kalazeera’ or black cumin of Himachal Pradesh in view, the current communication attempts to raise high conservation concern to preserve the species in the wild in the Lahaul and Pangi landscape of Himachal Pradesh. Based on intensive market surveys and individual interactions with the local populace and traders comprising 255 respondents in the landscape covering 12 villages of Pangi and five villages of Lahaul, the present study revealed that predominant factors that pose a major threat to the wild populations of the species include high market demand, increased illegal trade, destructive harvesting, relentless collection of seeds, competitive wild collection and its restricted population.
First record of Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus (Aves: Charadriiformes: Stercorariidae) from inland freshwater Inle Lake, Myanmar
Authors: Oo Sai Sein Lin , Kyaw Myint , Yun Lck , Tun Min Zaw , Naung Yar Zar Lay , Aye Soe Naing , Renner Swen C.
Published: January 2022

In November 2018 and on 24 October 2019, we recorded an individual of a distinct looking bird with blackish-brown plumage at Inle Lake, Shan State, Myanmar. Based on its plumage characters, we identified it as a pale morph of Parasitic Jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus. This is the first record of the species from an inland freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and the first record in freshwater habitat in Myanmar. We discuss status and importance of the record for Myanmar.
Trypanosoma evansi infection in a captive Indian Wolf Canis lupus pallipes – molecular diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Dash Manojita , Sahu Sarat Kumar , Gupta Santosh Kumar , Sahoo Niranjana , Mohapatra Debabrat
Published: January 2022

A five-year old, apparently healthy male Indian Wolf Canis lupus pallipes of Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha became ill with acute signs of anorexia, lethargy, staggering gait, and was non-responsive to external stimuli. Microscopic examination of Giemsa stained blood smear revealed presence of extracellular flagellates having morphological similarity to Trypanosoma spp. Haematological parameters showed anaemia (Hb 6.0 g%), mild leucopenia (total leukocyte count 5 × 103 / mm3) and thrombocytopenia (180 x 103 / µl). Serum biochemistry revealed high aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (830 IU/L), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (178.2 mg/dl), creatinine (4.44 mg/dl), and low glucose (25.7 mg/dl) levels. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis targeting internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) region followed by National Centre for Biotechnology Information blast confirmed Trypanosoma evansi infection in the captive Indian Wolf. The animal showed clinical recovery with the administration of single dose of quinapyramine sulphate and quinapyramine chloride @ 4.0 mg/kg b wt subcutaneously. The wolf started taking meat from the very next day with improved activity. No trypanosomes could be detected in the stained blood smears as well as through PCR carried 25 days post treatment. The occurrence became an eye opener for the zoo and henceforth, all canids were included under chemoprophylaxis protocol against trypanosomosis.
Morphological characterization and mt DNA barcode of a tiger moth species, Asota ficus (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea: Erebidae: Aganainae) from India
Authors: Kalawate Aparna Sureshchandra , Dinesh K.P. , Shabnam A.
Published: January 2022

The members of the genus Asota are widely distributed from Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Malayan regions to the Australian region containing 55 described species. Asota ficus (Fabricius, 1775) is one among the nine species of the genus described from India having a wide range of distribution. The present study includes the first mitochondrial DNA barcode generated from India for A. ficus with a valid voucher describing external morphological characters together with the male and female genitalia. Discussions pertain to the utility of DNA barcodes for studies on moths in India with a comment on the identity of other sequences showing shallow genetic divergence with our sequences.
Revival of Eastern Swamp Deer Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi (Groves, 1982) in Manas National Park of Assam, India
Authors: Islam Nazrul , Ahmed Aftab , Barman Rathin , Deka Sanatan , Choudhury Bhaskar , Saikia Prasanta Kumar , Jyotishman Deka
Published: January 2022

A healthy population of the threatened Eastern Swamp Deer Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi in Manas National Park was almost exterminated due to politico-ethnic disturbances in the late 1980s that culminated with the formation of Bodoland Territorial Council in 2003.  The Swamp Deer population in Manas began to revive with augmentation starting in 2014, in keeping with a UNESCO World Heritage Site Committee mandate.  The Eastern Swamp Deer population in Kaziranga was threatened by the annual flood of the Brahmaputra River, and to secure the future of this threatened species, 36 deer were relocated in two batches in 2014 and 2017 from Kaziranga to Manas.  The population of Manas had grown to an estimated 121 individuals by March 2021.  Swamp deer is considered an important prey species for Swamp Deer population top predators, especially tigers, which have also increased in number in Manas over the last decade. Thus the revival of Eastern Swamp Deer has contributed to the rewilding programme of the Manas landscape.
Multimodal Neural and Behavioral Data Predict Response to Rehabilitation in Chronic Poststroke Aphasia
Authors: Billot Anne , Lai Sha , Varkanitsa Maria , Braun Emily J. , Rapp Brenda , Parrish Todd B. , Higgins James , Kurani Ajay S. , Caplan David , Thompson Cynthia K. , Ishwar Prakash , Betke Margrit , Kiran Swathi
Published: January 2022

Background:

Poststroke recovery depends on multiple factors and varies greatly across individuals. Using machine learning models, this study investigated the independent and complementary prognostic role of different patient-related factors in predicting response to language rehabilitation after a stroke.

Methods:

Fifty-five individuals with chronic poststroke aphasia underwent a battery of standardized assessments and structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging scans, and received 12 weeks of language treatment. Support vector machine and random forest models were constructed to predict responsiveness to treatment using pretreatment behavioral, demographic, and structural and functional neuroimaging data.

Results:

The best prediction performance was achieved by a support vector machine model trained on aphasia severity, demographics, measures of anatomic integrity and resting-state functional connectivity (F1=0.94). This model resulted in a significantly superior prediction performance compared with support vector machine models trained on all feature sets (F1=0.82,
P
<0.001) or a single feature set (F1 range=0.68–0.84,
P
<0.001). Across random forest models, training on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging connectivity data yielded the best F1 score (F1=0.87).

Conclusions:

While behavioral, multimodal neuroimaging data and demographic information carry complementary information in predicting response to rehabilitation in chronic poststroke aphasia, functional connectivity of the brain at rest after stroke is a particularly important predictor of responsiveness to treatment, both alone and combined with other patient-related factors.
Embedding Information skills into the Year nine PSHE/ Citizenship curriculum at Malvern Girls' College
Authors: Jones Rebecca
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this article is to describe and reflect on an intervention, delivered within PSHE (Personal, Social and Health education) lessons, which had the aim of integrating the teaching of learning styles and information literacy within the curriculum. The project took place at Malvern Girls’ College (now Malvern St James school), a secondary boarding school for girls. Firstly, the aims and rationale of the project are provided. The nature of the intervention, and the way in which learning styles, information literacy and pupil research projects were integrated, are discussed. Relevance to the PSHE curriculum and information literacy is explained. The paper concludes with a reflection on the positive outcomes from the project, and notes possible future developments.
Survey of Trogolaphysa Mills (Collembola, Paronellidae) of the Brazilian Amazon, including five new species and the description of the dorsal chaetotaxy of the first instar
Authors: CIPOLA NIKOLAS GIOIA , DE MORAIS JOSÉ WELLINGTON , BELLINI BRUNO CAVALCANTE
Published: January 2022

Here we present a survey of the Trogolaphysa fauna of the Brazilian Amazon, including five new species:

amazoccidentalensis sp. nov., T. nigrocephala sp. nov., T. nigrolineata sp. nov., T. pseudomaculata sp. nov., and

quinquedentomucronata sp. nov. The new species resemble each other in having 3 macrochaetae in the p3 complex (except for T. amazoccidentalensis sp. nov. with 5) on the second thoracic segment, but differ from each other in color pattern, head chaetotaxy, empodial complex morphology, and number of mucronal teeth. In addition to describing the new species, we describe for the first time diagnostic chaetotaxy features on the antennae, femurs I–III and tibiotarsus. We also provide a description of the dorsal chaetotaxy of the first instar of T. nigrolineata sp. nov., including a comparison with T. jataca (Wray) and T. paracarpenteri Soto-Adames. An identification key to the Brazilian species of Trogolaphysa is provided. This is the first record of nominal species of Trogolaphysa for Northern Brazil and now the number of species endemic to Brazil increases from 8 to 13.
Effect of cotton fabric properties on fiber release and marine biodegradation
Authors: Kim Seoyoun , Cho Yoonkyung , Park Chung Hee
Published: January 2022

The effects of cotton fabric structure and finishing on fiber emissions during washing and degradation were studied. Fabrics with different combinations of yarn count, weave structure, or weave density, and the fabrics dyed, water-repellent or peach skin finished were prepared. Significant fabric structural factors and resultant physical properties influencing the fiber release were statistically driven. The results showed that, on average, 16 wt% of the fibers was filtered through a washing machine, and the filtration rate increased when the discharged fibers were on average longer. It was found that the cotton fabric with a higher yarn count or weave density and more compact weave structure released a lesser amount of fibers and that their average length tended to be shorter. Compared to the untreated fabric, the fabric with peach skin finish released more fibers and the average fiber length was longer, whereas the fabric with water-repellent finish released fewer fibers that had a shorter length. It was demonstrated that cotton fiber emission could be reduced when the fabric had a larger weave parameter, low fuzziness, high abrasion resistance, and low water absorbency. Cotton fibers submerged in seawater exhibited a lower primary degradation than that of fibers buried in soil. In addition, the cotton fibers submerged in seawater maintained at 7°C exhibited a lower biodegradability than that of fibers submerged in seawater at 20°C. Moreover, in seawater, water-repellent fabric was biodegraded less than untreated fabric.
Recently developed electrospinning methods: a review
Authors: Hosseini Ravandi Seyed Abdolkarim , Sadrjahani Mehdi , Valipouri Afsaneh , Dabirian Farzad , Ko Frank K
Published: January 2022

Conventional electrospinning is an effective and versatile method employed for fabricating nanofibers. However, the relatively low production rate is the major challenge of electrospinning as an economic and scalable method. Recently, several approaches have been developed to ensure the high production rate of nanofibers. This paper has reviewed the latest developed electrospinning methods, such as multi-jet, needleless, bubble, centrifuge and electro-centrifuge systems. Furthermore, the jet formation in centrifugal spinning, as well as electro-centrifuge systems, was investigated through experimental and numerical analysis.
Effects of Outer Shell Fabric Color, Smoke Contamination, and Washing on Heat Loss through Turnout Suit Systems
Authors: Gao Huipu , Deaton A. Shawn , Fang Xiaomeng , Barker Roger L. , DenHartog Emiel , Watson Kyle
Published: January 2022

Firefighters frequently have to work in direct solar radiant heat. To reduce firefighter heat stress, the influence of turnout garment properties on heat gain from solar radiation must be understood. This research studied the effects of color, texture, washing, and contamination of outer shell fabrics on heat loss through firefighter turnout fabric materials in simulated solar exposures. It showed that solar radiation could be a major factor in heat loss through turnout suits. Solar radiation equivalent to a sunny day completely reversed heat exchange through the turnout fabric systems, converting a heat loss of about 240 W/m2 to a heat gain exceeding 100 W/m2. Solar radiation caused turnout fabric systems to dry out and this decreased the performance of turnout systems that incorporated bi-component moisture barriers. Most significantly, the color of the outer shell had a major influence on lowering turnout heat loss in solar exposures. Composites with a black-dyed outer shell absorbed more solar energy than composites with lighter colored shell materials. Soot and fire-ground contaminants present on turnout outer shell fabrics also reduced heat loss under solar exposure. The findings of this study answered long-standing questions about the importance of turnout fabric color on heat exchange with the environment. The results provide additional motivation for efficient turnout cleaning practices, not only to reduce potentially toxic exposure to smoke contaminants, but to reduce turnout-gear-related heat strain on firefighters.
A three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm of nonwoven fabric based on an anthill model
Authors: Li Chengzu , Dong Gaige , Wang Rongwu
Published: January 2022

The structure of nonwoven fabric has a great influence on the fabric properties, and the filtration performance of the fabric is determined by its pore structures and key parameters such as pore size, distribution and porosity, which should be described accurately and appropriately. However, at present problems exist in the methods of describing the three-dimensional structure of nonwovens, such as the high cost, slow speed and inaccurate model. This paper proposes a new method of reconstruction algorithm, inspired by the criss-cross internal structure of nonwovens. This nonwoven structure with a certain depth presents some implication of the processing information, which is similar to the formation of an anthill. The reconstructing processes are as follows. First, the multi-focused images of fibers are captured by the microscope and the images are then fused into a two-dimensional image. Second, the three-dimensional coordinate of the source point is calculated by the fiber segmentation and One-to-Many projection. Finally, the fiber axis is generated by connecting the source point according to the prescribed conditions, and then the closed three-dimensional surface is the three-dimensional path of a dynamic-radius sphere rolling along the fiber axis. The experiment results demonstrate that the proposed method can reconstruct the accurate structure of the nonwoven fabric and retain its vertical connection information, which is of great significance to the interception of harmful substances, the production and preparation of filter medium and the follow-up study of the filtration mechanism.
Pondering the term “Gifted” through a Romeo and Juliet lens
Authors: Olenchak F. Richard
Published: January 2022

The dialogues, debates, and even arguments resulting from misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and mishandling of programs and people associated with the term “giftedness” are longstanding. Despite many years of efforts to assuage concerns of equity and need—many of which are legitimized by research evidence, the terminology continues to be obscured by its lack of precision. Relying on a continuing comparison with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this treatise explores the terminological conundrum of “giftedness” and offers what is hoped is a creative avenue for contemplating the field of gifted education and psychology. Culminating with a modest proposal to begin systematically ameliorating the many problems with the term “giftedness,” the essay is positioned as an action item rooted in evidence.
Understanding internationalisation of informal African firms through a network perspective
Authors: Boafo Christopher , Owusu Richard Afriyie , Guiderdoni-Jourdain Karine
Published: January 2022

Studies of internationalisation have largely overlooked developing countries with high levels of legitimate informal entrepreneurship. Consequently, this article analyses the internationalisation of Informal African Firms (IAFs) from a network perspective. We undertook in-depth case studies of 14 informal smaller firms in two major enterprise clusters in Ghana. Our findings show that half transacted business in five to seven foreign markets, and more than half sold abroad within three years of inception. The study illustrates the different network ties that influence passive and active internationalisation strategies with evidence that these IAFs developed buyer networks through customer referrals and foreign customer walk-ins to the firm. Overall, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the triggers that initiate international business activities by IAFs so contribute to current theorising noting implications for management practices and policymaking on this important but hitherto, under-explored issue.
Assessment of microvascular rarefaction in human brain disorders using physiological magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: van Dinther Maud , Voorter Paulien HM , Jansen Jacobus FA , Jones Elizabeth AV , van Oostenbrugge Robert J , Staals Julie , Backes Walter H
Published: January 2022

Cerebral microvascular rarefaction, the reduction in number of functional or structural small blood vessels in the brain, is thought to play an important role in the early stages of microvascular related brain disorders. A better understanding of its underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and methods to measure microvascular density in the human brain are needed to develop biomarkers for early diagnosis and to identify targets for disease modifying treatments. Therefore, we provide an overview of the assumed main pathophysiological processes underlying cerebral microvascular rarefaction and the evidence for rarefaction in several microvascular related brain disorders. A number of advanced physiological MRI techniques can be used to measure the pathological alterations associated with microvascular rarefaction. Although more research is needed to explore and validate these MRI techniques in microvascular rarefaction in brain disorders, they provide a set of promising future tools to assess various features relevant for rarefaction, such as cerebral blood flow and volume, vessel density and radius and blood-brain barrier leakage.
Prediction of life-threatening and disabling bleeding in patients with AML receiving intensive induction chemotherapy
Authors: Versluis Jurjen , Pandey Manu , Flamand Yael , Haydu J. Erika , Belizaire Roger , Faber Mark , Vedula Rahul S. , Charles Anne , Copson Kevin M. , Shimony Shai , Rozental Alon , Bendapudi Pavan K. , Wolach Ofir , Griffiths Elizabeth A. , Thompson James E. , Stone Richard M. , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Neuberg Donna , Luskin Marlise R. , Wang Eunice S. , Lindsley R. Coleman
Published: January 2022

Bleeding in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving intensive induction chemotherapy is multifactorial and contributes to early death. We sought to define the incidence and risk factors of grade 4 bleeding to support strategies for risk mitigation. Bleeding events were retrospectively assessed between day-14 and day +60 of induction treatment according to the World Health Organization (WHO) bleeding assessment scale, which includes grade 4 bleeding as fatal, life-threatening, retinal with visual impairment, or involving the central nervous system. Predictors were considered pretreatment or prior to grade 4 bleeding. Using multivariable competing-risk regression analysis with grade 4 bleeding as the primary outcome, we identified risk factors in the development cohort (n = 341), which were tested in an independent cohort (n = 143). Grade 4 bleeding occurred in 5.9% and 9.8% of patients in the development and validation cohort, respectively. Risk factors that were independently associated with grade 4 bleeding included baseline platelet count ≤40 × 109/L compared with >40 × 109/L, and baseline international normalized ratio of prothrombin time (PT-INR) >1.5 or 1.3 > 1.5 compared with ≤1.3. These variables were allocated points, which allowed for stratification of patients with low- and high-risk for grade 4 bleeding. Cumulative incidence of grade 4 bleeding at day+60 was significantly higher among patients with high- vs low-risk (development: 31 ± 7% vs 2 ± 1%; P < .001; validation: 25 ± 9% vs 7 ± 2%; P = .008). In both cohorts, high bleeding risk was associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and proliferative disease. We developed and validated a simple risk model for grade 4 bleeding, which enables the development of rational risk mitigation strategies to improve early mortality of intensive induction treatment.
Eosinophils and eosinophilic immune dysfunction in health and disease
Authors: Jackson David J. , Akuthota Praveen , Roufosse Florence
Published: January 2022

The functions ascribed to eosinophils have classically been limited to host defence against certain parasitic infections and potentially deleterious effects in the setting of specific diseases that are associated with elevated eosinophil counts in blood and/or tissue. The ability to induce eosinophil depletion either experimentally in animal models or through targeted therapies in humans has extended our understanding of the roles played by eosinophils in health and homeostasis as well as in disease pathogenesis. When associated with human disease aetiology, the eosinophil takes on a pathogenic rather than a protective role. This maladaptive response, called “eosinophilic immune dysfunction” herein, appears central to exacerbation pathogenesis and disease control in severe asthma and may be involved in the aetiology of other eosinophil-related conditions ranging from organ-system-limited diseases such as phenotypic subsets of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis to more broadly systemic diseases such as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and hypereosinophilic syndrome. In this review, we describe the evidence supporting eosinophilic functions related to health and homeostasis and explore the contribution of eosinophilic immune dysfunction to human disease.
Application of cotton straw biochar and compound Bacillus biofertilizer decrease the bioavailability of soil cd through impacting soil bacteria
Authors: Zhu Yongqi , Lv Xin , Song Jianghui , Li Weidi , Wang Haijiang
Published: January 2022

Background

Cd seriously threatens soil environment, remedying Cd in farmland and clearing the response of soil environment to modifiers in Cd-contaminated soils is necessary. In this study, the effects of cotton straw biochar and compound Bacillus biofertilizer used as modifiers on the biochemical properties, enzyme activity, and microbial diversity in Cd-contaminated soils (1, 2, and 4 mg·kg−1) were investigated.

Results

The results showed that both cotton straw biochar and compound Bacillus biofertilizer could improve the soil chemical characteristics, including the increase of soil C/N ratio, electrical conductance (EC) and pH, and the most important decrease of soil available Cd content by 60.24% and 74.34%, respectively (P < 0.05). On the other hand, adding cotton straw biochar and compound Bacillus biofertilizer in Cd stressed soil also improved soil biological characteristics. Among them, cotton straw biochar mainly through increasing soil alkaline phosphatase activity and improve bacteria abundance, compound Bacillus biofertilizer by increasing soil invertase, alkaline phosphatase, catalase, and urease activity increased bacterial community diversity. On the whole, the decrease of soil available Cd was mainly caused by the increase of soil pH, C/N, urease and alkaline phosphatase activities, and the relative abundance of Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria.

Conclusions

In summary, the applications of cotton straw biochar and compound Bacillus biofertilizer could decrease soil available Cd concentration, increase soil bacterial community diversity and functions metabolism, and reduce the damage of Cd stress, compared with cotton straw biochar, compound Bacillus biofertilizer was more effective in immobilizing Cd and improving soil environmental quality.
Metabolic differences of two constructive species in saline-alkali grassland in China
Authors: Chen Qi , Xie Huansong , Wei Guanyun , Guo Xiaorui , Zhang Jian , Lu Xueyan , Tang Zhonghua
Published: January 2022

Background

Salinization of soil is an urgent problem that restricts agroforestry production and environmental protection. Substantial accumulation of metal ions or highly alkaline soil alters plant metabolites and may even cause plant death. To explore the differences in the response strategies between Suaeda salsa (S. salsa) and Puccinellia tenuiflora (P. tenuiflora), two main constructive species that survive in saline-alkali soil, their metabolic differences were characterized.

Result

Metabolomics was conducted to study the role of metabolic differences between S. salsa and P. tenuiflora under saline-alkali stress. A total of 68 significantly different metabolites were identified by GC-MS, including 9 sugars, 13 amino acids, 8 alcohols, and 34 acids. A more detailed analysis indicated that P. tenuiflora utilizes sugars more effectively and may be saline-alkali tolerant via sugar consumption, while S. salsa utilizes mainly amino acids, alcohols, and acids to resist saline-alkali stress. Measurement of phenolic compounds showed that more C6C3C6-compounds accumulated in P. tenuiflora, while more C6C1-compounds, phenolic compounds that can be used as signalling molecules to defend against stress, accumulated in S. salsa.

Conclusions

Our observations suggest that S. salsa resists the toxicity of saline-alkali stress using aboveground organs and that P. tenuiflora eliminates this toxicity via roots. S. salsa has a stronger habitat transformation ability and can provide better habitat for other plants.
High complement protein C1q levels in pulmonary fibrosis and non-small cell lung cancer associated with poor prognosis
Authors: Kou Wenxin , Li Bo , Shi Yeifei , Zhao Yifan , Yu Qing , Zhuang Jianhui , Xu Yawei , Peng Wenhui
Published: January 2022

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common type of interstitial pneumonia. Lung cancer, mainly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is a complication of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. IPF is also an independent risk factor of lung cancer. Some studies have shown that the complement system can promote the progression of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, C1q has also demonstrated to exert a tumor-promoting effect in many tumors. However, the role of C1q in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer still remain unclear.

Methods

We selected common differentially expressed genes in IPF and non-small cell lung cancer using datasets from GEO, and investigated common hub gene. The hub genes were validated in IPF by establishing mouse model of IPF and using another four datasets from the GEO. Multiple databases were analyzed including those of Kaplan–Meier Plotter, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER2.0) and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) for NSCLC.

Results

In this study, 37 common DEGs were identified in IPF and NSCLC including 32 up-regulated genes and 5 down-regulated genes, and C1q was identified as common hub gene. The methylation status of C1q decreased and the expression levels of C1q increased in both lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer and IPF patients with high levels of C1q is poor.

Conclusions

These results show that C1q participates in pulmonary fibrosis and non-small cell lung cancer, and may be a potential diagnostic / prognostic biomarker or a therapeutic target.
Improving power in PSA response analyses of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer trials
Authors: Grayling Michael J. , McMenamin Martina , Chandler Robert , Heer Rakesh , Wason James M. S.
Published: January 2022

Background

To determine how much an augmented analysis approach could improve the efficiency of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response analyses in clinical practice. PSA response rates are commonly used outcome measures in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) trial reports. PSA response is evaluated by comparing continuous PSA data (e.g., change from baseline) to a threshold (e.g., 50% reduction). Consequently, information in the continuous data is discarded. Recent papers have proposed an augmented approach that retains the conventional response rate, but employs the continuous data to improve precision of estimation.

Methods

A literature review identified published prostate cancer trials that included a waterfall plot of continuous PSA data. This continuous data was extracted to enable the conventional and augmented approaches to be compared.

Results

Sixty-four articles, reporting results for 78 mCRPC treatment arms, were re-analysed. The median efficiency gain from using the augmented analysis, in terms of the implied increase to the sample size of the original study, was 103.2% (IQR [89.8,190.9%]).

Conclusions

Augmented PSA response analysis requires no additional data to be collected and can be performed easily using available software. It improves precision of estimation to a degree that is equivalent to a substantial sample size increase. The implication of this work is that prostate cancer trials using PSA response as a primary endpoint could be delivered with fewer participants and, therefore, more rapidly with reduced cost.
Does breastfeeding account for the association between maternal sensitivity and infant cognitive development in a large, nationally representative cohort?
Authors: Banerjee P. Nina , McFadden Karen E. , Shannon Jacqueline D. , Davidson Leslie L.
Published: January 2022

Background

Previous research has established that exposure to high maternal sensitivity is positively associated with advances in infant cognitive development. However, there are many fixed and modifiable factors that influence this association. This study investigates whether the association between maternal sensitivity and infant cognitive development in the first year of life is accounted for by other factors, such as breastfeeding, maternal depressive symptoms, maternal alcohol use, infant birth weight or demographic covariates.

Methods

Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth (ECLS-B) Cohort, a nationally representative sample of U.S. born children, multi-variable regression analyses was used to examine whether breastfeeding, maternal depressive symptoms and alcohol use were associated with maternal sensitivity, as measured by the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale (NCATS), and with infant cognitive development, as measured by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Short Form, Research Edition, after controlling for demographic covariates (infant sex, maternal age, education, race/ethnicity, income, parity, family structure) and infant birth weight.

Results

Breastfeeding, depressive symptoms and alcohol use were not associated with maternal sensitivity scores after controlling for demographic covariates and infant birth weight. However, breastfeeding (β = .079, p < .001), depressive symptoms (β = −.035, p < .05), and maternal sensitivity (β = .175, p < .001) were each significantly associated with infant cognitive development scores, even after controlling for demographic covariates and birthweight (R2 = .053, p < .001). The association between maternal sensitivity and infant cognitive development did not attenuate after adjusting for breastfeeding. Instead, both sensitivity and breastfeeding independently contributed to higher infant cognitive development scores.

Conclusion

Maternal sensitivity and breastfeeding are separate means to advancing infant cognitive development. This study is significant because it is the first to examine breastfeeding, maternal depressive symptoms and alcohol use together, upon the association between maternal sensitivity and infant cognitive development, after adjusting for demographic covariates and infant birthweight. Maternal sensitivity, a measurable quality, advances infants’ cognitive development. Moreover, sensitivity and breastfeeding had independent effects upon cognitive development after controlling for multiple fixed and modifiable covariates. Understanding factors impacting the association between sensitivity and infant cognitive development provide avenues for developing more effective parenting interventions.