bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel method for rapidly calculating explosion dynamic displacement response of reticulated shell structure based on influence surfaces
Authors: Chen Xin , Gao Xuanneng , Lin Xiang , Liu Jingliang , Le Lihui
Published: November 2019

In order to analyse the mechanical behaviour of a reticulated shell structure under explosive load, a novel method was proposed to calculate the dynamic displacement response of the cylindrical reticulated shell structure by using the influence surface in this article. First, the theory of the dynamic influence line was developed and the consistency between the dynamic influence lines and the static ones was verified. Then, based on the theory of the dynamic influence line and for the simplified calculation of dynamic responses, the dynamic influence lines of a simply supported beam were simplified as the static ones multiplied by the dynamic amplification factor β. And then the explosion dynamic responses of the beam could be fast calculated using the influence lines. The extended application of the above method to single-layer cylindrical reticulated shell was the influence surface method. The results of numerical examples showed that the nodal displacements of the structure obtained by using the influence surface method agreed well with those obtained by using ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The research results also indicated that the influence surface method was applicable to the node displacement calculation of the structure under three different conditions, including the centre node of the symmetrical structure, the arbitrary nodes (excluding those near the supports) of symmetrical structure under symmetrical loads and the arbitrary nodes of arbitrary structures in which the load holding time is much longer than the natural vibration period of structure. The proposed approach could reduce the computation cost for analysing the explosion dynamic response of the reticulated shell structure, thereby providing a more effective method for the anti-explosion design of reticulated shell structures.
Blockchain archival discourse: Trust and the imaginaries of digital preservation
Authors: Woodall Angela , Ringel Sharon
Published: November 2019

From its origins in virtual financial transactions, emerging initiatives are seeking to acquire a new identity for blockchain as capable of addressing anxieties over the capacity of digital media to permanently and accurately store information. In this article, we explore the ensuing mediation between blockchain enterprises and new professional communities to which they are catering. Drawing on thematic analysis, we analyze how this process is being carried out through the discursive construction of trust, leveraged rhetorically in academic, trade, and news publications to extend an application for financial transactions to cultural institutions. We describe how trust is used not only to mediate the introduction of an application that prioritizes decentralization and cryptography, but is the turf on which traditional institutions are staking a claim as the trustworthy managers of digital records through their use of blockchain. The concept of the archival imaginary—a vision of what archives and blockchain should be and mean that pivots on imagined needs and technological capacities based on the current information ecology, institutional control, and expert systems—offers a way to illuminate this process.
Utopia Digital: Non-governmental organizations and the making of consumers in Brazil’s “New Middle Class” shantytowns
Authors: Scott Jason B.
Published: November 2019

This article examines how class, consumerism, and employment influence beliefs of an idealized digital world in marginalized communities. I recount 24 months of ethnographic and institutional observation in a non-governmental organization that promoted the concept of “ utopia digital” (digital utopia in Portuguese) in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas (shantytowns). This corporate-funded non-governmental organization employed members of Brazil’s traditional middle class and promoted the liberating potentials of digital inclusion to members of a “New Middle Class” made up of 35 million “previously poor” Brazilians. Interviews with middle-class employees reveal how ideas of digital utopia act as a code for corporate efforts to encourage consumerism among the New Middle Class and bolster employment opportunities for members of Brazil’s traditional middle class. Reflecting on informal conversations, I also highlight a middle-class “crime talk” that frames the favela as an inherently violent place and, in contrast to their inclusionary work related to digital utopia, encourages non-governmental organization workers to physically avoid favela space. I use Zygmunt Bauman’s discussion of an “active” or “hunter” utopia as an ethnographic lens to discuss the practical and everyday experiences of technological inclusion in classed settings. By describing digital utopias as actively shaped by everyday understandings of urban exclusion and privilege, this article provides an ethnographic framework for decoding the socially reproductive nature of class-inflected consumer interventions in marginalized communities.
The Turkish Version of the Telephone Cognitive Screen for Detecting Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults
Authors: Naharci Mehmet Ilkin , Celebi Fatih , Oguz Ekin Oktay , Yilmaz Osman , Tasci Ilker
Published: November 2019

The ability to screen Turkish-speaking older adults for cognitive impairment by phone is lacking. The aim of this study was to translate the existing version of the telephone cognitive screen (T-CogS) into Turkish version (T-CogS-TR) and evaluate its reliability and validity in community-dwelling older adults. We prospectively recruited 104 community-dwelling participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and healthy controls. The T-CogS-TR was administered twice via telephone at home, first within 3 days of an in-person administration and again 4 weeks later. We observed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach α coefficient = 0.738) and internal reliability. The test–retest reliability was excellent. The T-CogS-TR demonstrated significant correlations with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Mini-Mental State Examination, Clock-Drawing Test, and Clinician Dementia Rating ( P’s < .0001). The cutoff value of ≤22 exhibited sensitivity of 96.8%, specificity of 90.2%, positive predictive value of 93.9%, and negative predictive value of 94.9%. The T-CogS-TR can be useful as a valid and reliable tool for detecting AD in Turkish elderly patients. Also, this tool may be considered suitable for patients who need more frequent follow-up and cannot easily return to in-person visits.
Electroencephalogram Source Connectivity in the Prediction of Electroconvulsive Therapy Outcome in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Kirsten Alexandra , Seifritz Erich , Olbrich Sebastian
Published: November 2019

Objectives. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and potentially lethal disorder affecting up to 14% of all persons worldwide. However, one-third to thwo-thirds of patients are nonresponders to first-line therapy. Even the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as the option of choice in therapy-resistant MDD still shows a high proportion of nonresponders. In case of a predicted nonresponse to ECT, for example, by means of electrophysiological electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters, other therapies of MDD (eg, augmentation, polypharmacy etc) could be chosen. Methods. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 2-minute resting state EEGs from patients with MDD who underwent ECT (6-12 sessions with 3 sessions per week) between 2006 and 2015 at the University Hospital of Zurich. Following several lines of evidence, we hypothesized altered linear EEG connectivity within the alpha band being predictive for treatment outcome. We used a network-based statistics (NBS) approach to compare connectivity measures between responders and nonresponders. Source estimates and connectivity measures were mapped using low-resolution brain tomography (LORETA). As the main outcome parameter served the retrospectively assessed efficacy index (CGI-E) from the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) rating scale. Results. Responders in comparison with non-responders showed a significant lower linear lagged connectivity in widespread cortical areas within the EEG alpha 2 band. Additionally, there were strong correlations between CGI ratings and connectivity strength mainly within frontal cortices. Conclusions. Pretreatment EEG-connectivity within the alpha 2 band has a predictive value for the efficacy of ECT treatment.
Introduction: Stuart Marshall thinking through television
Authors: McCabe Janet , McStravick Conal
Published: November 2019

This TV essay dossier is devoted to Stuart Marshall (1949–1993). It selectively reprints an archive of his ideas, photographs and writing as illustrative of Marshall’s thinking through television as an extended critique of the televisual – sound and image –, as well as how this way of thinking through practice translates into an TV essayistic mode used to comment directly on the nature of image-making and the medium itself. Interwoven with this material archive is an original essay by Colin Perry, as well as In Conversation between Rebecca Dobbs (Marshall’s producer) and Caroline Spry (commissioner of his work at Channel 4).
Public perceptions of non-pharmaceutical interventions for influenza and mosquito-borne illnesses – a statewide survey in Arizona
Authors: Pogreba-Brown K , Austhof E , Okello A , Weiss J , Lira R , Ernst K
Published: November 2019

Aims:

We conducted a statewide online survey to understand public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) for mosquito-borne diseases and influenza in Arizona.

Methods:

The survey included knowledge of diseases, major health concerns, and sources of health information and KAP of NPIs for influenza and mosquito-borne diseases. Our team worked with Qualtrics®, an online survey company, to recruit a representative sample of 1500 adults in Arizona.

Results:

Of the 1531 respondents who completed the survey, most indicated that chronic conditions were their primary health concern (48%), with the other half split between infectious diseases (25%) and health effects of environmental conditions (26%). The majority (88%) of respondents indicated that they use the Internet to get their health information. Approximately one in eight people reported not emptying standing water and reducing potential mosquito habitats, despite respondents citing them as being the most effective factors in reducing mosquitoes. Regarding specific diseases, about half of the respondents were concerned about West Nile virus and/or Zika virus. Most (85%) people knew the signs and symptoms of influenza and 63% of people reported being likely to get the influenza shot. Those who did not vaccinate ( n = 285) reported concerns that the vaccine would make them sick (41%), was ineffective (37%), or others indicated, ‘I don’t want to’ (37%).

Conclusions:

Overall, respondents were most concerned with chronic conditions and received their information from the Internet. Knowledge about mosquito-borne diseases was low. There were high levels of acceptance and self-reported uptake of the influenza vaccine.
Young children’s spirituality: A focus on engaging with nature
Authors: Robinson Christine
Published: November 2019

The mandated early childhood framework in Australia requires educators working in early childhood services to attend to children’s spirituality. Also, one of the five outcomes in this framework tasks educators with promoting children’s connectedness with and contribution to the world, including natural environments. In this paper I present findings from a qualitative investigation to determine educators’ understandings and practices around promoting young children’s spirituality in the context of religious childcare centres in Western Australia aligned with a focus on nature engagement. A social constructivist theoretical perspective with a phenomenological and interpretivist paradigm framed the research. Interview and observational data were collected and analysed through interpretative phenomenological analysis revealing that educators were able to articulate the connection between spirituality and engagement with nature in childhood. However, in practice, educators rarely offered opportunities for children to experience nature. Recommendations include the provision of professional development in the area of children’s spirituality and its connection with nature along with the creation of guidelines on pedagogical practices that afford children opportunities to engage with their spirituality through nature.
Health and Academic Equity in Schools: Is Nursing Far Enough Up Stream?
Authors: Trefry Sharonlee
Published: November 2019

When the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in partnership with the National Academy of Medicine announced the Town Meeting discussions of the Future of Nursing 2030, the president of the National Association of State School Nurse Consultants felt that the voice of School Nursing was crucial to informing the national discussion on health equity and health promotion. Sharonlee Trefry, State School Nurse Consultant, wanted to be sure that the leadership team of the Future of Nursing 2030 heard about the needs of the nation’s 56.6 million elementary and secondary public and independent school students. Serving in an even greater role today with regard to promoting equity in healthcare and educational access, school nurses recognize and address social determinants of health every day all day working to grow the next generation of healthy citizens.
Multifactorial e- and mHealth interventions for cardiovascular disease primary prevention: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Direito Artur , Rawstorn Jonathan , Mair Jacqueline , Daryabeygi-Khotbehsara Reza , Maddison Ralph , Tai E Shyong
Published: November 2019

Objective

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of mortality and disease burden. Preventative interventions to augment the population-level adoption of health lifestyle behaviours that reduce CVD risk are a priority. Face-to-face interventions afford individualisation and are effective for improving health-related behaviours and outcomes, but they are costly and resource intensive. Electronic and mobile health (e- and mHealth) approaches aimed at modifying lifestyle risk factors may be an effective and scalable approach to reach many individuals while preserving individualisation. This systematic review aims to (a) determine the effectiveness of multifactorial e- and mHealth interventions on CVD risk and on lifestyle-related cardiometabolic risk factors and self-management behaviours among adults without CVD; and (b) describe the evidence on adverse events and on the cost-effectiveness of these interventions.

Methods

Methods were detailed prior to the start of the review in order to improve conduct and prevent inconsistent decision making throughout the review. This protocol was prepared following the PRISMA-P 2015 statement. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Public Health Group Specialised Register and CENTRAL electronic databases will be searched between 1991 and September 2019. Eligibility criteria are: (a) population: community-dwelling adults; (b) intervention/comparison: randomised controlled trials comparing e- or mHealth CVD risk preventative interventions with usual care; and (c) outcomes: modifiable CVD risk factors. Selection of study reports will involve two authors independently screening titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text review of potentially eligible reports. Two authors will independently undertake data extraction and assess risk of bias. Where appropriate, meta-analysis of outcome data will be performed.

Discussion

This protocol describes the pre-specified methods for a systematic review that will provide quantitative and narrative syntheses of current multifactorial e- and mHealth CVD preventative interventions. A systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted following the methods outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and reported according to PRISMA guidelines.
Validation of a consumer-grade activity monitor for continuous daily activity monitoring in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Block Valerie J , Zhao Chao , Hollenbach Jill A , Olgin Jeffrey E , Marcus Gregory M , Pletcher Mark J , Henry Roland , Gelfand Jeffrey M , Cree Bruce AC
Published: November 2019

Background

Technological advancements of remote-monitoring used in clinical-care and research require validation of model updates.

Objectives

To compare the output of a newer consumer-grade accelerometer to a previous model in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to the ActiGraph, a waist-worn device widely used in MS research.

Methods

Thirty-one individuals with MS participated in a 7-day validation by the Fitbit Flex (Flex), Fitbit Flex-2 (Flex2) and ActiGraph GT3X. Primary outcome was step count. Valid epochs of 5-min block increments, where there was overlap of ≥1 step/min for both devices were compared and summed to give a daily total for analysis.

Results

Bland–Altman plots showed no systematic difference between the Flex and Flex2; mean step-count difference of 25 more steps-per-day more recorded by Flex2 (95% confidence intervals (CI) = 2, 48; p = 0.04),interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 1.00. Compared to the ActiGraph, Flex2 (and Flex) tended to record more steps (808 steps-per-day more than the ActiGraph (95% CI= –2380, 765; p < 0.01), although the ICC was high (0.98) indicating that the devices were likely measuring the same kind of activity.

Conclusions

Steps from Flex and Flex2 can be used interchangeably. Differences in total step count between ActiGraph and Flex devices can make cross-device comparisons of numerical step-counts challenging particularly for faster walkers.
Factors Associated With C5 Palsy Following Cervical Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jack Andrew , Ramey Wyatt L. , Dettori Joseph R. , Tymchak Zane A. , Oskouian Rod J. , Hart Robert A. , Chapman Jens R. , Riew Dan
Published: November 2019

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Objectives:

C5 palsy (C5P) is a not uncommon and disabling postoperative complication with a reported incidence varying between 0% and 30%. Among others, one explanation for its occurrence includes foraminal nerve root tethering. Although different risk factors have been reported, controversy about its causation and prevention persists. Inconsistent study findings contribute to the persistent ambiguity leading to an assumption of a multifactorial nature of the underlying C5P pathophysiology. Here, we report the results of a systematic review on C5P with narrow inclusion criteria in the hope of elucidating risk factors for C5P due to a common pathophysiological mechanism.

Methods:

Electronic databases from inception to March 9, 2019 and references of articles were searched. Narrow inclusion criteria were applied to identify studies investigating demographic, clinical, surgical, and radiographic factors associated with postoperative C5P.

Results:

Sixteen studies were included after initial screening of 122 studies. Eighty-four risk factors were analyzed; 27 in ≥2 studies and 57 in single studies. The pooled prevalence of C5P was 6.0% (range: 4.2%-24.1%) with no consistent evidence that C5P was associated with demographic, clinical, or specific surgical factors. Of the radiographic factors assessed, specifically decreased foraminal diameter and preoperative cord rotation were identified as risk factors for C5P.

Conclusion:

Although risk factors for C5P have been reported, ambiguity remains due to potentially multifactorial pathophysiology and study heterogeneity. We found foraminal diameter and cord rotation to be associated with postoperative C5P occurrence in our meta-analysis. These findings support the notion that factors contributing to, and acting synergistically with foraminal stenosis increase the risk of postoperative C5P.
Identifying and treating refractory ITP: difficulty in diagnosis and role of combination treatment
Authors: Miltiadous Oriana , Hou Ming , Bussel James B.
Published: November 2019

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is the most common acquired thrombocytopenia after chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. Existing guidelines describe the management and treatment of most patients who, overall, do well, even if they present with chronic disease, and they are usually not at a high risk for bleeding; however, a small percentage of patients is refractory and difficult to manage. Patients classified as refractory have a diagnosis that is not really ITP or have disease that is difficult to manage. ITP is a diagnosis of exclusion; no specific tests exist to confirm the diagnosis. Response to treatment is the only affirmative confirmation of diagnosis. However, refractory patients do not respond to front-line or other treatments; thus, no confirmation of diagnosis exists. The first section of this review carefully evaluates the diagnostic considerations in patients with refractory ITP. The second section describes combination treatment for refractory cases of ITP. The reported combinations are divided into the era before thrombopoietin (TPO) and rituximab and the current era. Current therapy appears to have increased effectiveness. However, the definition of refractory, if it includes insufficient response to TPO agents, describes a group with more severe and difficult-to-treat disease. The biology of refractory ITP is largely unexplored and includes oligoclonality, lymphocyte pumps, and other possibilities. Newer treatments, especially rapamycin, fostamatinib, FcRn, and BTK inhibitors, may be useful components of future therapy given their mechanisms of action; however, TPO agents, notwithstanding failure as monotherapy, appear to be critical components. In summary, refractory ITP is a complicated entity in which a precise specific diagnosis is as important as the development of effective combination treatments.
STRAIN: an R package for multi-locus sequence typing from whole genome sequencing data
Authors: Dalsass Mattia , Bodini Margherita , Lambert Christophe , Mortier Marie-Cécile , Romanelli Marco , Medini Duccio , Muzzi Alessandro , Brozzi Alessandro
Published: November 2019

Background

Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) is a standard typing technique used to associate a sequence type (ST) to a bacterial isolate. When the output of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of a sample is available the ST can be assigned directly processing the read-set.

Current approaches employ reads mapping (SRST2) against the MLST loci, k-mer distribution (stringMLST), selective assembly (GRAbB) or whole genome assembly (BIGSdb) followed by BLASTn sequence query.

Here we present STRAIN (ST Reduced Assembly IdentificatioN), an R package that implements a hybrid strategy between assembly and mapping of the reads to assign the ST to an isolate starting from its read-sets.

Results

Analysis of 540 publicly accessible Illumina read sets showed STRAIN to be more accurate at correct allele assignment and new alleles identification compared to SRTS2, stringMLST and GRAbB. STRAIN assigned correctly 3666 out of 3780 alleles (capability to identify correct alleles 97%) and, when presented with samples containing new alleles, identified them in 3730 out of 3780 STs (capability to identify new alleles 98.7%) of the cases. On the same dataset the other tested tools achieved lower capability to identify correct alleles (from 28.5 to 96.9%) and lower capability to identify new alleles (from 1.1 to 97.1%).

Conclusions

STRAIN is a new accurate method to assign the alleles and ST to an isolate by processing the raw reads output of WGS. STRAIN is also able to retrieve new allele sequences if present. Capability to identify correct and new STs/alleles, evaluated on a benchmark dataset, are higher than other existing methods. STRAIN is designed for single allele typing as well as MLST. Its implementation in R makes allele and ST assignment simple, direct and prompt to be integrated in wider pipeline of downstream bioinformatics analyses.
Genomic insights from the first chromosome-scale assemblies of oat (Avena spp.) diploid species
Authors: Maughan Peter J. , Lee Rebekah , Walstead Rachel , Vickerstaff Robert J. , Fogarty Melissa C. , Brouwer Cory R. , Reid Robert R. , Jay Jeremy J. , Bekele Wubishet A. , Jackson Eric W. , Tinker Nicholas A. , Langdon Tim , Schlueter Jessica A. , Jellen Eric N.
Published: November 2019

Background

Cultivated hexaploid oat (Common oat;Avena sativa) has held a significant place within the global crop community for centuries; although its cultivation has decreased over the past century, its nutritional benefits have garnered increased interest for human consumption. We report the development of fully annotated, chromosome-scale assemblies for the extant progenitor species of the As- and Cp-subgenomes,Avena atlanticaandAvena eriantharespectively. The diploidAvenaspecies serve as important genetic resources for improving common oat’s adaptive and food quality characteristics.

Results

TheA. atlanticaandA. erianthagenome assemblies span 3.69 and 3.78 Gb with an N50 of 513 and 535 Mb, respectively. Annotation of the genomes, using sequenced transcriptomes, identified ~ 50,000 gene models in each species—including 2965 resistance gene analogs across both species. Analysis of these assemblies classified much of each genome as repetitive sequence (~ 83%), including species-specific, centromeric-specific, and telomeric-specific repeats. LTR retrotransposons make up most of the classified elements. Genome-wide syntenic comparisons with other members of the Pooideae revealed orthologous relationships, while comparisons with genetic maps from common oat clarified subgenome origins for each of the 21 hexaploid linkage groups. The utility of the diploid genomes was demonstrated by identifying putative candidate genes for flowering time (HD3A) and crown rust resistance (Pc91). We also investigate the phylogenetic relationships among other A- and C-genomeAvenaspecies.

Conclusions

The genomes we report here are the first chromosome-scale assemblies for the tribe Poeae, subtribe Aveninae. Our analyses provide important insight into the evolution and complexity of common hexaploid oat, including subgenome origin, homoeologous relationships, and major intra- and intergenomic rearrangements. They also provide the annotation framework needed to accelerate gene discovery and plant breeding.
Midbrain microglia mediate a specific immunosuppressive response under inflammatory conditions
Authors: Abellanas Miguel Angel , Zamarbide Marta , Basurco Leyre , Luquin Esther , Garcia-Granero Marta , Clavero Pedro , San Martin-Uriz Patxi , Vilas Amaia , Mengual Elisa , Hervas-Stubbs Sandra , Aymerich Maria S.
Published: November 2019

Background

Inflammation is a critical process for the progression of neuronal death in neurodegenerative disorders. Microglia play a central role in neuroinflammation and may affect neuron vulnerability. Next generation sequencing has shown the molecular heterogeneity of microglial cells; however, the variability in their response to pathological inputs remains unknown.

Methods

To determine the effect of an inflammatory stimulus on microglial cells, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered peripherally to mice and the inflammatory status of the cortex, hippocampus, midbrain, and striatum was assessed. Microglial activation and interaction with the immune system were analyzed in single cell suspensions obtained from the different brain regions by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, next generation RNA sequencing, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemical techniques. Antigen-presenting properties of microglia were evaluated by the ability of isolated cells to induce a clonal expansion of CD4+ T cells purified from OT-II transgenic mice.

Results

Under steady-state conditions, the midbrain presented a high immune-alert state characterized by the presence of two unique microglial subpopulations, one expressing the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) and acting as antigen-presenting cells and another expressing the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and by the presence of a higher proportion of infiltrating CD4+ T cells. This state was not detected in the cortex, hippocampus, or striatum. Systemic LPS administration induced a general increase in classic pro-inflammatory cytokines, in co-inhibitory programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and in cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) receptors, as well as a decrease in infiltrating effector T cells in all brain regions. Interestingly, a specific immune-suppressive response was observed in the midbrain which was characterized by the downregulation of MHC-II microglial expression, the upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL10 and TGFβ, and the increase in infiltrating regulatory T cells.

Conclusions

These data show that the midbrain presents a high immune-alert state under steady-state conditions that elicits a specific immune-suppressive response when exposed to an inflammatory stimulus. This specific inflammatory tone and response may have an impact in neuronal viability.
The interplay between m6A RNA methylation and noncoding RNA in cancer
Authors: Ma Shuai , Chen Chen , Ji Xiang , Liu Jinbo , Zhou Quanbo , Wang Guixian , Yuan Weitang , Kan Quancheng , Sun Zhenqiang
Published: November 2019

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, one of the most common RNA modifications, has been reported to execute important functions that affect normal life activities and diseases. Most studies have suggested that m6A modification can affect the complexity of cancer progression by regulating biological functions related to cancer. M6A modification of noncoding RNAs regulates the cleavage, transport, stability, and degradation of noncoding RNAs themselves. It also regulates cell proliferation and metastasis, stem cell differentiation, and homeostasis in cancer by affecting the biological function of cells. Interestingly, noncoding RNAs also play significant roles in regulating these m6A modifications. Additionally, it is becoming increasingly clear that m6A and noncoding RNAs potentially contribute to the clinical application of cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the effect of the interactions between m6A modifications and noncoding RNAs on the biological functions involved in cancer progression. In particular, we discuss the role of m6A and noncoding RNAs as possible potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the treatment of cancers.
Correction to: miR-195-5p/NOTCH2-mediated EMT modulates IL-4 secretion in colorectal cancer to affect M2-like TAM polarization
Authors: Lin Xiaobin , Wang Shuyi , Sun Min , Zhang Chunxiao , Wei Chen , Yang Chaogang , Dou Rongzhang , Liu Qing , Xiong Bin
Published: November 2019

In the original article [1], the terms ‘osISET’ and ‘ISET’ within the ‘CTC capture’ sub-section of the Materials and Methods section have both been replaced with ‘CTCBIOPSY®’.
Kagami–Ogata syndrome in a fetus presenting with polyhydramnios, malformations, and preterm delivery: a case report
Authors: Huang Haipeng , Mikami Yukiko , Shigematsu Kosuke , Uemura Nozomi , Shinsaka Mamiko , Iwatani Ayaka , Miyake Fumihito , Kabe Kazuhiko , Takai Yasushi , Saitoh Masahiro , Baba Kazunori , Seki Hiroyuki
Published: November 2019

Background

Kagami–Ogata syndrome is also known as paternal uniparental disomy 14 and related disorders and is caused by abnormal genomic imprinting in the long arm of the chromosome 14q32.2 region. Its clinical manifestations include polyhydramnios in the fetal stage, respiratory insufficiency because of a small thorax, abdominal wall abnormalities, and peculiar facial features after birth.

Case presentation

A 38-year-old Japanese primigravida woman was referred to our hospital in the 19th week of pregnancy for suspected omphalocele. She had a history of hypothyroidism but was prescribed orally administered levothyroxine (50 μg/day) prior to conception and was euthyroid. Her ultrasound scan prior to visiting our hospital revealed fetal omphalocele, heavy for date, and polyhydramnios. The mother was advised to be admitted for observation from 28 weeks of gestation for threatened premature delivery. She required amniodrainage at 29 and 32 weeks of gestation. At 35 weeks of gestation, the fetal membrane prematurely ruptured and she gave birth after an emergency Cesarean section. The infant was a male child with a birth weight of 3188 g, and was suspected to have Kagami–Ogata syndrome after birth based on thoracic hypoplasia, swallowing function abnormalities, and peculiar facial features. A definitive diagnosis was established by performing genetic testing of the infant after obtaining informed written consent from both the parents; the results of the genetic testing revealed hypermethylated intergenic-differentially methylated region and maternally expressed gene 3-differentially methylated region in the corresponding chromosome 14 region. Both the parents were genetically tested after adequate genetic counseling, which revealed a de novo microdeletion in a differentially methylated region.

Conclusion

Kagami–Ogata syndrome should have been suspected because of the presence of polyhydramnios and omphalocele during pregnancy. Respiratory insufficiency soon after birth, because of a small thorax, is expected in this disease and a diagnosis during pregnancy may have enabled appropriate care after birth.
Association of IKZF1 SNPs in cold medicine-related Stevens–Johnson syndrome in Thailand
Authors: Chantaren Patchima , Jongkhajornpong Passara , Ueta Mayumi , Puangsricharern Vilavun , Lekhanont Kaevalin , Pisuchpen Phattrawan , Prabhasawat Pinnita , Suphapeetiporn Kanya , Kinoshita Shigeru
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Our meta-analysis of several ethnic groups (Japanese, Korean, Indian, Brazilian) revealed a significant genome-wide association between cold medicine-related SJS/TEN (CM-SJS/TEN) with severe ocular complications (SOC) and IKZF1 SNPs, suggesting that IKZF1 might be a potential marker for susceptibility to CM-SJS/TEN with SOC. In this study, we examined the association between CM-SJS/TEN with SOC and the IKZF1 SNPs in the Thai population.

Methods

57 CM-SJS/TEN with SOC and 171 control samples were collected at Chulalongkorn University and Mahidol University. Genomic DNA samples were genotyped for the IKZF1 SNPs at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan using the TaqMan SNP genotyping assay.

Results

The four SNPs previously reported to be associated with CM-SJS/TEN with SOC in the Japanese were examined in the Thai samples. Although the number of Thai cases (n = 57) was small, a significant association between CM-SJS/TEN with SOC and IKZF1 SNPs which included rs4917014 (T vs G, OR = 2.9, p = 0.0012, Pc = 0.0049), rs4917129 (T vs C, OR = 2.8, p = 0.0026, Pc = 0.010) and rs10276619 (G vs A, OR = 1.8, p = 0.012, Pc = 0.048) was identified.

Conclusion

In addition to the Japanese, Korean and Indian populations, Thai cases with CM-SJS/TEN and SOC were significantly associated with IKZF1 SNPs. With our previous report of the critical role of IKZF1 in mucocutaneous inflammation, these results suggest that IKZF1 is important in the pathogenesis of CM-SJS/TEN with SOC.
Adrenocortical adenoma in a Sudanese girl with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
Authors: Elnaw Eman Abdalla Ali , Abdalla Awad Rhmattalla , Abdullah Mohamed Ahmed
Published: November 2019

Background

We report a case of right adrenocortical adenoma in a girl with features suggestive of Beckwith Wiedemann syndrome to show the importance of tumor surveillance in patients with Beckwith Wiedemann syndrome.

Case presentation

A 4-years-old female with features suggestive of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome presented with 9 months history of virilization. Hormonal investigations results showed high levels of testosterone (2.3 ng/ml, normal values 0.1–0.4 ng/ml), and DHEAS (73 ng/ml normal values 1-6 ng/ml) with normal cortisol level. Computed tomography revealed a right adrenal mass. She underwent right adrenalectomy. Histopathological examination of the resected adrenal gland showed adrenocortical adenoma. Her postoperative evaluation showed a normal testosterone level.

Conclusion

Adrenocortical neoplasms though rare in children are well documented in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome patients. So tumor surveillance protocol should be employed, even in a resource-limited setting for early tumor detection and a better outcome.
A retrospective analysis of risk factors of oromaxillofacial infection in patients presenting to a hospital emergency ward
Authors: Park Jinyoung , Lee Jae-Yeol , Hwang Dae-Seok , Kim Yong-Deok , Shin Sang-Hun , Kim Uk-Kyu , Song Jae-Min
Published: November 2019

Background

The purpose of this study was to review the clinical features of oromaxillofacial infections in patients presenting to a hospital emergency ward, to identify the key factors affecting the requirement for hospitalization, and the potential risk factors predisposing to a prolonged length of hospital stay.

Methods

A retrospective medical record review of the 598 patients treated for oromaxillofacial infection from 2013 to 2017 at the oral and maxillofacial surgery department, Yangsan Pusan National University Hospital, was conducted. The following information was collected from each patient: sex, age, past medical history, site of infection, etiology, admission or outpatient care, level of C-reactive protein (mg/dL), fascial spaces involved, treatment method, and duration of hospitalization. Chi-squared tests were used to identify risk factors, which were further analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 606 patients were eligible for inclusion in the study, of which eight were excluded due to having incomplete charts; thus, 598 patients were included: 55% were male, mean patient age was 47.1 ± 19.9 years, and 12.9% of patients were diabetic. Furthermore, 71.2% of patients had infection originating in the mandible; the most common tooth of origin was lower posterior, and 29.8% of patients were hospitalized. Risk factors for hospital admission were elderly patients with concurrent disease, elevated C-reactive protein level, and multiple-space infection in the oromaxillofacial area. The duration of hospitalization was correlated with both diabetes and age.

Conclusions

The requirement for hospital admission is determined by the severity of the infection; even severe infections, once treated with appropriate surgery, have no relation to the length of hospital stay. The important risk factors for increased duration of hospitalization are diabetes mellitus and older age. The understanding of risk factors associated with a prolonged hospital stay during the treatment of oromaxillofacial infection will aid in treatment planning as well as highlight the importance of adequate diabetes control in patients at risk of such infection.
Understanding disasters: managing and accommodating different worldviews in humanitarian response
Authors: Clarke Matthew , Parris Brett W.
Published: November 2019

Over the past decade, humanitarian events affected on average 120 million people annually. Whilst many of these events are human-induced, a large number of the 400 or so complex humanitarian emergencies that require international response each year are natural. Such events result in loss of life, injure and maim survivors, destroy infrastructure and give rise to psycho-social trauma. Aid agencies working alongside affected communities must address all these consequences as part of their responses. What is also required though is an appreciation that worldviews will inform how affected communities both understand the cause of the event, their role in the event and how they will subsequently participate in rebuilding or reconstruction programs. Disasters can be affected by religious beliefs. With more than 85% of the global population self-professing religious belief, these worldviews are often shaped in whole or in part by sacred texts, religious teachings and sectarian practices. In this regard, it is not uncommon for those affected by disasters (particularly natural disasters) to genuinely describe these events as ‘acts of God’. Effective responses require the local context to be central in assessing needs and determining capacities. This must include an understanding of and authentic engagement with religious beliefs and how this may affect how the humanitarian event interacts with these beliefs. There is though little evidence as to how professional humanitarian workers accommodate the religious beliefs of local populations in their planning, implementation and evaluation of humanitarian responses. This paper draws on the experiences of humanitarian workers based in the USA and Australia from both faith-based and secular international non-governmental organizations to consider both how these workers themselves accommodate the religious views of affected communities in their responses and also their experience as to how such views affect the effectiveness of responses. This paper will consider why aid agencies must incorporate (and appreciate) different worldviews around disasters in order to more effectively respond to the needs of communities affected by humanitarian events. It will also identify difficulties and opportunities experienced by individual humanitarian practitioners as well as agencies when working in such environments.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of fire regime research in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) ecosystems, Colorado, USA
Authors: McKinney Shawn T.
Published: November 2019

Background

Forest management, especially restoration, is informed by understanding the dominant natural disturbance regime. In many western North American forests, the keystone disturbance is fire, and a plethora of research exists characterizing various fire regime parameters, although often only one or two parameters are addressed in individual studies. I performed a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of the derived data from 26 publications to characterize five parameters of the historical fire regime of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Lawson & C. Lawson) ecosystems in Colorado, USA: fire frequency, severity, extent, seasonality, and climate.

Results

The collection of evidence indicates a fire regime predominantly characterized by moderate to high frequency, low- and mixed-severity fires that occurred in late summer to fall, with fires occurring in drier than average years that were often preceded by two to three years of wetter than average conditions. The overall average mean fire return interval (MFI) was 21 years (SD = 1.4 years, n = 78 sites) and increased with site elevation (r = 0.33, P < 0.05). Low- and mixed-severity fires accounted for 83% of all observations, and 69% of fires occurred in late summer to fall with no relationship found between latitude and seasonality. Geographic region (Front Range and southwestern Colorado) was associated with variability in fire regime parameter values, with southwestern Colorado sites having a stronger association with wetter than average conditions in the three years preceding fire years and a shorter mean MFI (18 years) relative to Front Range sites (23 years). Data were insufficient to evaluate changes in fire severity and extent due to a lack of historical information, as well as differences in sampling methods and reporting.

Conclusion

This meta-analytic approach identified variation within and among fire regime parameter values that occurred along elevational and geographic axes, and this information should be useful to managers engaging in forest restoration aimed at enhancing resilience of fire-adapted forests to disturbance and climate change.
Through the Eyes of Faculty: Using Personas as a Tool for Learner-Centered Professional Development
Authors: Zagallo Patricia , McCourt Jill , Idsardi Robert , Smith Michelle K. , Urban-Lurain Mark , Andrews Tessa C. , Haudek Kevin , Knight Jennifer K. , Merrill John , Nehm Ross , Prevost Luanna B. , Lemons Paula P.
Published: November 2019

College science instructors need continuous professional development (PD) to meet the call to evidence-based practice. New PD efforts need to focus on the nuanced blend of factors that influence instructors’ teaching practices. We used persona methodology to describe the diversity among instructors who were participating in a long-term PD initiative. Persona methodology originates from ethnography. It takes data from product users and compiles those data in the form of fictional characters. Personas facilitate user-centered design. We identified four personas among our participants: Emma the Expert views herself as the subject-matter expert in the classroom and values her hard-earned excellence in lecturing. Ray the Relater relates to students and focuses on their points of view about innovative pedagogies. Carmen the Coach coaches her students by setting goals for them and helping them develop skill in scientific practices. Beth the Burdened owns the responsibility for her students’ learning and feels overwhelmed that students still struggle despite her use of evidence-based practice. Each persona needs unique PD. We suggest ways that PD facilitators can use our personas as a reflection tool to determine how to approach the learners in their PD. We also suggest further avenues of research on learner-centered PD.
Sex-Dependent Mechanisms of Glucocorticoid Regulation of the Mouse Hypothalamic Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Gene
Authors: Heck Ashley L , Thompson Maranda K , Uht Rosalie M , Handa Robert J
Published: November 2019

To limit excessive glucocorticoid secretion following hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stimulation, circulating glucocorticoids inhibit corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) expression in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons. As HPA function differs between sexes and depends on circulating estradiol (E2) levels in females, we investigated sex/estrous stage-dependent glucocorticoid regulation of PVN Crh. Using NanoString nCounter technology, we first demonstrated that adrenalectomized (ADX’d) diestrous female (low E2), but not male or proestrous female (high E2), mice exhibited a robust decrease in PVN CRH mRNA following 2-day treatment with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonist RU28362. Immunohistochemical analysis of PVN CRH neurons in Crh-IRES-Cre;Ai14 mice, where TdTomato fluorescence permanently tags CRH-expressing neurons, showed similarly abundant co-expression of GR-immunoreactivity in males, diestrous females, and proestrous females. However, we identified sex/estrous stage-related glucocorticoid regulation or expression of GR transcriptional coregulators. Out of 17 coregulator genes examined using nCounter multiplex analysis, mRNAs that were decreased by RU28362 in ADX’d mice in a sex/estrous stage-dependent fashion included: GR (males = diestrous females > proestrous females), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) (males < diestrous = proestrous), and HDAC1 (males < diestrous > proestrous). Steroid receptor coactivator 3 (SRC-3), nuclear corepressor 1 (NCoR1), heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (hnrnpu), CREB binding protein (CBP) and CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 2 (CRTC2) mRNAs were lower in ADX’d diestrous and proestrous females versus males. Additionally, most PVN CRH neurons co-expressed methylated CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2)-immunoreactivity in diestrous female and male Crh-IRES-Cre;Ai14 mice. Our findings collectively suggest that GR’s sex-dependent regulation of PVN Crh may depend upon differences in the GR transcriptional machinery and an underlying influence of E2 levels in females.