bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ethics of Health: Giovanni Berlinguer’s Contribution to Building a Fairer Society
Authors: Rufo Fabrizio
Published: July 2020

This article addresses some elements of the work of Giovanni Berlinguer in the field of social medicine, namely the relationship between science and society, on one hand, and bioethics, on the other. Berlinguer’s work in these domains centers around the right to health for the popular classes and the concerns of bioethics. My aim is to highlight Berlinguer’s effort to connect medical and bioethical issues within his own political vision of a more just society.
Simulation analysis on the effectiveness of missile defense
Authors: Kim Jaehak , Kim Woosang
Published: July 2020

Literatures on the influences of missile defense (MD) on the existing nuclear deterrence are divided into negative and positive perspectives. However, both sides seem to make contradictory arguments. Skeptics argue that it is not feasible that MD influences deterrence stability but that it causes security dilemma and arms race, while proponents suggest that MD does not have to be perfect to reinforce deterrence stability but that it does not cause security dilemma and arms race. To fix this logical inconsistency, we identify an additional variable which is crucial in understanding the security dilemma mechanism in addition to Jervis’s (1978) two variables. By adding another variable, a minimum MD effectiveness level required for deterrence success suggested by Quackenbush (2006), to Jervis’s framework, we develop three hypotheses, two of which are novel on MD and its potential influences on deterrence stability and arms race. We then introduce a probabilistic model of the MD effectiveness by modifying Wilkening’s (2000) and conduct simulation analysis to see if MD is more likely to incur security dilemma and arms race. Our simulation results show that MD influence is likely to be different depending on a potential challenger’s national capability. Against a great power challenger, MD is least likely to meet the minimum MD effectiveness level required for deterrence success, so that the challenger is more likely to respond flexibly to the defender’s buildup of MD. Against a newly nuclear-armed state, however, a defender’s MD is more likely to satisfy the minimum MD effectiveness level, so that the defender is highly likely to respond flexibly to the potential challenger’s reinforcement effort of its nuclear force. In either case, our simulation results indicate that arms races concerning MD among them are not likely to occur.
College Is …: Focusing on the College Knowledge of Gang-Associated Latino Young Men
Authors: Huerta Adrian H. , McDonough Patricia M. , Venegas Kristan M. , Allen Walter R.
Published: July 2020

Research shows that gang-associated youth are less likely to complete high school and earn a postsecondary educational credential. However, scholars have not determined “why” gang youth do not persist into higher education. This ethnographic study aims to focus on the narratives of 13 Latino high school young men to understand what college knowledge they possess. We found the students have aspirations to pursue postsecondary education degrees or credentials; however, they receive minimal information and support from school personnel to build the needed college-going behaviors and information to plan and prepare for higher education.
Emotions in Tourism: Theoretical Designs, Measurements, Analytics, and Interpretations
Authors: Hosany Sameer , Martin Drew , Woodside Arch G.
Published: July 2020

The theorization of emotion receives considerable attention in contemporary tourism literature. Remarkably, existing studies largely ignore the operationalization of emotion in tourism research. Drawing on extant knowledge from psychology, marketing, and tourism literatures, this article describes methodological and theoretical concerns and provides guidance for selecting highly useful-for-the-context (HUFTC) emotion measures. To help researchers choose HUFTC measures, this study proposes a new model: Emotionapps. The article here highlights the need for tourism researchers to account for the complexities in measuring emotions and how such measurement impacts theory construction.
Is This about Feeling? The Interplay of Emotional Well-being, Solidarity, and Residents’ Attitude
Authors: Wang Sujie , Berbekova Adiyukh , Uysal Muzaffer (Muzzo)
Published: July 2020

There is limited empirical research on the role played by residents’ feelings toward tourists in influencing residents’ emotional well-being and attitude about tourism. The major objective of this study is to propose a theoretical model integrating emotional solidarity, emotional well-being, and residents’ attitude. In order to test the proposed model, a survey of residents in China was undertaken. Structural relational and mediation analyses were applied to assess the relationships involving residents’ emotional solidarity with tourists, emotional well-being, and residents’ attitude. The construct of emotional solidarity had three dimensions in the study: welcoming nature, sympathetic understanding, and emotional closeness. Results indicate that welcoming nature, sympathetic understanding, and emotional closeness directly influence residents’ attitude and emotional well-being. Additionally, the relationships involving residents’ welcoming nature, sympathetic understanding and emotional closeness with tourists, and attitude were mediated by emotional well-being. Theoretical and practical implications as well as future research opportunities are provided.
Evil Intuitions? The Problem of Evil, Experimental Philosophy, and the Need for Psychological Research
Authors: Michael Church Ian , Carlson Rebecca , Barrett Justin L.
Published: July 2020

The primary aim of this article is to highlight, at least in short, how the resources of experimental philosophy could be fruitfully applied to the evidential problem of evil. To do this, we will consider two of the most influential and archetypal formulations of the problem: William L. Rowe’s article, “The problem of evil and some varieties of atheism” (1979), and Paul Draper’s article, “Pain and pleasure: an evidential problem for theists” (1989). We will consider the relevance of experimental philosophy to Rowe’s 1979 argument in §1 and to Draper’s 1989 argument in §2. But in addition to exploring how the resources of experimental philosophy might apply to the problem of evil, it is also worth exploring what broader empirical factors might contribute to people having the intuitions that they have—from someone’s affective state to someone’s need for closure. In §3, we want to very briefly elucidate a few areas where the psychology of philosophy might be productively explored in future empirical research.
Genome Editing 2020: Ethics and Human Rights in Germline Editing in Humans and Gene Drives in Mosquitoes
Authors: Annas George J.
Published: July 2020

The moon landing, now more than a half century in the past, has turned out to be the culmination of human space travel, rather than its beginning. Genetic engineering, especially applications of CRISPR, now presents the most publicly-discussed engineering challenges—and not just technical, but ethical as well. In this article, I will use the two most controversial genomic engineering applications to help identify the ethics and human rights implications of these research projects. Each of these techniques directly modifies the mechanisms of evolution, threatens to alter our views of ourselves as humans and our planet as our home, and presents novel informed consent and dual use challenges: human genome editing and gene drives in insects.

I begin with a discussion of so far disastrously unsuccessful attempts to regulate germline editing in humans, including a summary of the first application of germline genome editing in humans and its aftermath. I then turn to a discussion of setting ethical standards for a genomic technology that has not yet been deployed in nature—gene drives. Finally, I end by suggesting that human rights can and should be directly applicable to defining the ethics of genomic research.
Telehealth for an Aging Population: How Can Law Influence Adoption Among Providers, Payors, and Patients?
Authors: Sklar Tara , Robertson Christopher T.
Published: July 2020

Telehealth continues to experience substantial investment, innovation, and unprecedented growth. However, telehealth has been slow to transform healthcare. Recent developments in telehealth technologies suggest great potential for chronic care management, mental health services, and care delivery in the home—all of which should be particularly impactful for an aging population with physical and cognitive limitations. While this alignment of technological capacity and market demand is promising, legal barriers remain for telehealth operators to scale up across large geographic areas. To better understand how federal and state law can be reformed to enable greater telehealth utilization, we review and extract lessons from (1) establishment of a healthcare relationship, (2) state licensure laws, and (3) reimbursement. We analyze these areas because of the legal ambiguities or inconsistencies they raise depending on the state, which seem to be hampering telehealth growth without necessarily improving quality of care. We propose several solutions for a more unified approach to telehealth regulation that incorporate core bioethics principles of doctor-patient relationship, competence, patient autonomy, as well as population-wide questions of resource allocation and access. Lawmakers should clarify that healthcare relationships may be established outside of in-person meetings, align licensure laws via an interstate compact or federal preemption, and expand Centers for Medicare and Medicaid plans to reimburse telehealth delivery in the home.
“Go Hard, Go Early”: Preliminary Lessons From New Zealand’s Response to COVID-19
Authors: Jamieson Thomas
Published: July 2020

Although the full impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is yet to be realized, New Zealand has suffered comparatively less than other countries, and there were no active cases in the country by June 8, 2020. Building from best practices in emergency management research, several preliminary lessons emerge from the country’s response to the crisis that could be adapted for other settings. In particular, the government acted early and decisively, developed national unity to combat the virus, communicated effectively with the public, and adapted to changing circumstances, especially to address shortcomings in the response. These preliminary lessons provide some guidance in how to effectively respond to the virus through proactive, evidence-based, well-communicated policies.
Addressing the Increase of Domestic Violence and Abuse During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Need for Empathy, Care, and Social Equity in Collaborative Planning and Responses
Authors: Rauhaus Beth M. , Sibila Deborah , Johnson Andrew F.
Published: July 2020

During COVID-19, stay at home orders have led to the rise of domestic violence and abuse claims in many localities globally, leaving community leaders unprepared to address the increase of domestic violence incidences. As local public officials are becoming concerned about the increase of domestic violence and in some instances, the decrease due to the inability of victims to report instances, a collaborative response is necessary. This work examines how social equity and public service values, such as compassion, empathy, and an ethic of care, may be incorporated into collaborative planning and responses to domestic violence plaguing communities during the pandemic. Recommendations for raising awareness, incorporating social equity in public service, and collaborative reporting are made.
How to Build a Supercomputer: U.S. Research Infrastructure and the Documents That Mitigate the Uncertainties of Big Science
Authors: Read Sarah
Published: July 2020

In this article, I argue that technical reporting and documentation processes function to mitigate uncertainty and enable complex systems in the endeavor of big science. The argument draws on two years of field research investigating technical reporting and documentation processes at a federally funded supercomputing center dedicated to scientific research. A central question the study sought to answer was, “How does one build a new supercomputer?” One of the answers that emerged is that supercomputers are built by the genre assemblages of documents that mitigate financial, political, and technological uncertainties, and their attendant risks, that are inherent to technoscientific cutting-edge enterprises. Given their centrality, these genre assemblages function as essential infrastructure for the U.S. national laboratory system and for big science endeavors in general. In conclusion, this article argues that documentation that mitigates uncertainty serves an important infrastructural function for organizational life more generally.
Left-Behind Status and Bullying in Chinese Rural Children: The Roles of Parental Supervision and Support and Friends in Puppy Love
Authors: Liu Qian , Pan Haimin , Huang Yiling , Pei Yaolin
Published: July 2020

Bullying behaviors, as exhibited by left-behind children (LBC) in China, occur commonly. Parental supervision and support, as well as friendship networks, have previously been verified as crucial aspects in determining the bullying behaviors of LBC. However, evidence of the interactive effect of these vital factors is sparse, and puppy love, which is inevitable among school-age children, is seldom investigated. The current study aimed to examine the roles of parental supervision and support as well as peers in puppy love in LBC bullying behaviors by means of a moderated mediation model. The data were derived from 28 counties/districts across China. We used data from the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS) of 3,252 junior high school students. A moderated mediation model was conducted by PROCESS procedure in Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) and the bootstrapping method was performed for inference test. The moderated mediation analysis showed that left-behind status was associated with bullying behaviors displayed by school-age students. Parental supervision and support mediated this association; furthermore, the mediation effects were dependent on the number of friends in puppy love. In particular, as the number of friends in puppy love increased, the mediating effect of parental supervision weakened, whereas the mediating effect of parental support became stronger. These results revealed the importance of parental support and supervision and peers in puppy love in shaping bullying behaviors among LBC. Future bullying prevention and intervention should promote parental supervision and support among LBC in rural China, especially those with many friends in puppy love.
Distance-Based Education for Nurses Caring for Children With Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Hockenberry Marilyn , Mulemba Tadala , Nedege Aisha , Madumetse Kitsiso , Higgins Jennifer
Published: July 2020

Nursing specialization in the care of children with cancer provides the foundation for implementing successful childhood cancer and blood disorder treatment programs throughout the world. Excellence in nursing education is at the center of all that is needed to maximize cures for children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). While the burden of childhood cancer care is the highest in LMIC, opportunities for continuing nursing education and specialization are extremely limited. Capacity-building programs using distance-based learning opportunities have been successful in sub-Saharan Africa and provide insight into successful, continuing professional development. The Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) program part of Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, has developed and implemented a distance-based training program designed for nurses working in sub-Saharan Africa. Following a needs assessment, Global HOPE developed a program using both the Moodle (modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment) distance-based learning platform and computer notebooks that hold the course content. The program teaches basic principles of nursing care for a child with cancer and has been implemented in Malawi, Uganda, and Botswana. Courses are taught using a modular approach and core competencies are established for each module. Frequent teaching sessions using Zoom and WhatsApp reinforce independent learning experiences. Formal course evaluation includes written pre- and posttests, self-competency assessments, and simulated checkoffs on essential pediatric oncology nursing competencies. The success of this distance-based learning program emphasizes the importance of formal training for nurses in LMIC to become full-time specialists in pediatric oncology nursing.
Colchicine in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: McKnight Ashley H. , Katzenberger Daniel R. , Britnell Sara R.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of colchicine after acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Data Sources:

English-language searches were made of MEDLINE and EMBASE from database inception through mid-June 2020.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Randomized trials characterizing the effects of colchicine in ACS were considered. Of 627 title and abstracts identified, nine trials were included. Two reviewers extracted data and rated study quality.

Data Synthesis:

Four studies showed colchicine did not attenuate C-reactive protein production. Colchicine did modulate the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome in 3 studies and reduced production of chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL5, and C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 in 1 study. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were not significantly different at 30 days in 3 studies, administered as 1.8 mg preprocedurally or scheduled 1 mg daily. One study found a significant reduction in MACE with colchicine 0.5 mg daily over median 22.6 months (hazard ratio = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.61-0.96). Colchicine is associated with increased gastrointestinal adverse events but was generally well tolerated.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

Colchicine is likely to reduce MACE in an ACS population if administered for greater than 30 days but does not improve MACE when administered only preprocedurally.

Conclusions:

Adjunctive colchicine 0.5 mg daily for greater than 30 days is reasonable for an ACS population on guideline-directed medical therapy treated with PCI. Additional studies are needed to validate and determine the durability of these benefits.
Effect of different gluten-free flours on the sensory characteristics of a vegan alfajor: Vegan gluten-free Alfajor development
Authors: Cardillo Diniz Rebecca , Morcatti Coura Fernanda , Ferreira Rodrigues Jéssica
Published: July 2020

Vegan and gluten-free markets have grown considerably in the last few years. Sustainability and the use of agro-industrial waste have also gained interest on food market. Thus, this study aimed to develop a vegan gluten-free alfajor, assessing the effect of different gluten-free flours (peanut okara (a by-product), sorghum, and rice flours) on the product sensory profile, and its market appeal. A simplex centroid design was applied to optimize the alfajor formulation. Check All That Apply and acceptance tests were performed. The use of different flours and their mixtures generated products with different texture attributes. All formulations obtained good acceptances, but higher concentrations of peanut okara and sorghum flours contributed to produce softer alfajors, considered as preferred by consumers. Therefore, it was possible to develop a gluten-free alfajor with sensory quality adding value to an agroindustrial by-product.
Improving Conversational Fluidity in Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using a Video-Feedback Intervention
Authors: Tagavi Daina , Koegel Lynn , Koegel Robert , Vernon Ty
Published: July 2020

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience challenges maintaining fluid, reciprocal conversations, resulting in prolonged, awkward pauses. Such pauses disrupt the pacing of an interaction and create (a) less favorable social impressions and (b) perceptions of limited social competence. To help these individuals succeed socially, there is a need for intervention techniques specifically targeting this area. Using a multiple baseline experimental design, this study evaluated the efficacy of a video-feedback intervention to improve conversational fluidity in young adults with ASD. Specifically, number of long pauses and questions asked during a conversation were measured. In addition, social desirability was examined as well as participant-reported confidence in their skills and satisfaction with the intervention. Following intervention, all participants improved in their ability to maintain a fluid conversation. Furthermore, supplemental assessments indicated that each participant improved in their confidence in communication skills and was rated as more socially desirable by their same-aged peers.
The prevalence of keratoconus in children with allergic eye disease in an Egyptian population
Authors: Ahmed Alyaa Saeed , El-Agha Mohamed-Sameh H , Khaled Mahmoud Osama , Shousha Shireen Mostafa
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To determine the prevalence of keratoconus (KC) among children with ocular allergy.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on all children presenting with ocular allergic disease from September 2017 to September 2018. All study participants were subjected to history taking (a specially designed questionnaire), routine ophthalmological examination, and corneal tomography.

Results:

A total of 79% of the study patients had vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) while the remaining had perennial allergic conjunctivitis (10%), seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (9%) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (2%). Manifest KC was seen in 7% of cases, suspect KC was found in 27% of cases, and 66% had no evidence of KC. For the manifest KC, 56% had clinical signs, while 44% were diagnosed by tomography. For the purpose of statistical analysis, the cohort was divided into group KC (manifest or suspicious KC) and group non-KC (no KC). The mean age was 11.2 years in group KC, and 9 years in group non-KC ( p < 0.001). The mean duration of allergic symptoms was 3.75 years in group KC, and 2.5 years in group non-KC ( p = 0.001). The mean duration of eye rubbing was 2.5 years in group KC, and 0.83 years in group non-KC ( p = 0.02). Systemic atopy was present in 35.3% of group KC, and in 12.5% in group non-KC ( p = 0.005).

Conclusion:

The overall prevalence of KC was 34%. Risk factors for the development of KC in patients with ocular allergy were age, duration of symptoms specially eye rubbing, systemic atopy and VKC. Tomographic diagnosis of KC can be present in absence of clinical signs.
The impact of tourism growth on income inequality: Evidence from developing and developed economies
Authors: Fang Jianchun , Gozgor Giray , Paramati Sudharshan Reddy , Wu Wanshan
Published: July 2020

In this article, we investigate the effects of tourism indicators on income inequality (IIE) in a sample of 102 countries. We divide the sample countries into 71 developing and 31 advanced economies. Using annual data from 1995 to 2014, we employ panel unit root tests, cointegration, fixed-effects, fully modified ordinary least squares, and causality techniques. Our findings show that tourism indicators have a significant negative impact on IIE in developing economies, while they have an insignificant impact in developed economies. Conversely, economic globalization increases IIE in developing economies, whereas its effect is positive but statistically insignificant in developed countries. From these findings, the study outlines detailed policy and practical implications.
Thermal comfort under weightlessness: A physiological prediction
Authors: Zhu Hui , Huang Linsheng , Yu Chuck Wah Francis , Su Hua
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the physiological thermal response of people under simulated weightlessness using a 6° head down bed rest (HDBR) model to ensure the human body functions in the weightlessness way. Thermal responses of six male participants were experimentally determined. The relationship between thermal comfort and heart rate variability (HRV) was also scrutinized. Physiological responses of participants under different environmental conditions were observed including core temperature, sweating, and most importantly, HRV. Elevated core temperatures were observed amongst participants, with a maximum increment of 0.5°C. The sweating of participants under simulated weightlessness was conspicuously retarded, requiring a 2–4°C increase in environmental temperature to start sweating. Body regional differences in the sweating were also observed. The HRV index ‘LF/HF’, which reflects the balance of the autonomous nervous system, was found to vary with the environment and closely associated with the variation in the thermal comfort scores. Participants under simulated weightlessness had higher mean LF/HF when they felt comfortable, and they preferred a warmer environment in comparison to under normal gravity condition. An altered thermoregulation of the human body under simulated weightlessness was indicated by our findings. The use of HRV index could provide a useful prediction of subjective thermal comfort under weightlessness.
Emotional Support Animals: How to Accommodate All Students
Authors: Foster Holly Ann , Robinson Courtney L. , Thomas James W. , Knight-Crenshaw LuAnn
Published: July 2020

This case study is designed for use in graduate courses in student affairs and higher education administration. This case presents some of the challenges that higher education professionals face concerning policies and laws as they relate to student mental illness and emotional support animals. Requests for emotional support animals are becoming more common, and institutions must determine how to accommodate such requests as required by law, while also ensuring a safe educational environment for all students. This case highlights the complex issues that administrators must confront as well as provides students the opportunity to evaluate important issues via the deconstruction of this complex case.
Trade-Off Theory Versus Pecking Order Theory: Ghanaian Evidence
Authors: Agyei James , Sun Shaorong , Abrokwah Eugene
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study was to examine the theoretical predictions of the pecking order theory and the trade-off theory to establish which of the two competing theories better explains the financing decisions of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study examined 187 SMEs in Ghana using the panel data methodology. The results reveal that the explanatory power of both theories apply and are pertinent to Ghanaian SMEs. The results also show that profitability, age, liquidity, growth, size, and tangibility of assets all have a significant impact on SMEs’ capital structure. In addition, the findings show that risk plays no vital role in how SMEs choose their capital structure. Broadly, the results provide evidence to back the pecking order theory, indicating that Ghanaian SMEs’ funding decisions exhibit the theoretical predictions of the pecking order theory.
Transforming Margins Through Resistance, Articulation and Politics
Authors: Singh Shilp Shikha
Published: July 2020

The processes of democracy in India have inter alia increased the political awareness of those who are violated to be and to remain at the margins of the body politics. The unmet aspirations are countered in multiple ways—Resistance: spontaneous violent outburst among the marginalised; Articulation: action mediated by an outside agency committed to increasing democratic space and life chances of those at the margin; Politics: Increased participation of those at the margin in the institutionalised democratic processes. Focusing on the case of a marginal Dalit community of Eastern Uttar Pradesh the paper documents the form resistances emerging from margins of society. The research charts the evolution of political aspiration amongst the Musahar community in the last two decades with its interface with development and modern politics.
Ionic mechanisms of ST segment elevation in electrocardiogram during acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Okada Jun-ichi , Fujiu Katsuhiko , Yoneda Kazunori , Iwamura Takashi , Washio Takumi , Komuro Issei , Hisada Toshiaki , Sugiura Seiryo
Published: July 2020

ST elevation on an electrocardiogram is a hallmark of acute transmural ischemia. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We hypothesized that high ischemic sensitivities of epicardial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (IKATP) and sodium (INa) currents play key roles in the genesis of ST elevation. Using a multi-scale heart simulation under moderately ischemic conditions, transmural heterogeneities of IKATPand INa created a transmural gradient, opposite to that observed in subendocardial injury, leading to ST elevation. These heterogeneities also contributed to the genesis of hyper-acute T waves under mildly ischemic conditions. By contrast, under severely ischemic conditions, although action potentials were suppressed transmurally, the potential gradient at the boundary between the ischemic and normal regions caused ST elevation without a contribution from transmural heterogeneity. Thus, transmural heterogeneities of ion channel properties may contribute to the genesis of ST–T changes during mild or moderate transmural ischemia, while ST elevation may be induced without the contribution of heterogeneity under severe ischemic conditions.
Properties of Renshaw-like cells excited by recurrent collaterals of pudendal motoneurons in the cat
Authors: Muramatsu Ken , Niwa Masatoshi , Sasaki Sei-Ichi
Published: July 2020

Although anatomical studies have indicated pudendal motoneurons to give off recurrent collaterals, they are not considered to make synapses onto interneurons, such as Renshaw cells, and rather terminate their own signals. No study till date has examined interneurons being driven by recurrent collaterals of pudendal motoneurons. Here, we aimed to investigate the existence of Renshaw cells driven by pudendal motoneurons along with the recurrent inhibition of the latter. Extracellular recordings were obtained from the ventral horn of the sacral spinal cord of anesthetized cats. Dorsal roots were sectioned, and motor axons were electrically stimulated. Renshaw-like cells driven by recurrent collaterals, with high-frequency firings at short latency discharge, were observed around Onuf’s nucleus. However, the recurrent inhibitory post-synaptic potentials were not recorded by intracellular recordings from the pudendal motoneurons. In summary, we found Renshaw-like cells driven by pudendal motoneurons, but we could not identify the synaptic connection of these neurons.
Genetic legacy of cultures indigenous to the Northeast Asian coast in mitochondrial genomes of nearly extinct maritime tribes
Authors: Dryomov Stanislav V. , Starikovskaya Elena B. , Nazhmidenova Azhar M. , Morozov Igor V. , Sukernik Rem I.
Published: July 2020

Background

We have described the diversity of complete mtDNA sequences from ‘relic’ groups of the Russian Far East, primarily the Nivkhi (who speak a language isolate with no clear relatedness to any others) and Oroki of Sakhalin, as well as the sedentary Koryak from Kamchatka and the Udegey of Primorye. Previous studies have shown that most of their traditional territory was dramatically reshaped by the expansion of Tungusic-speaking groups.

Results

Overall, 285 complete mitochondrial sequences were selected for phylogenetic analyses of published, revised and new mitogenomes. To highlight the likely role of Neolithic expansions in shaping the phylogeographical landscape of the Russian Far East, we focus on the major East Eurasian maternal lineages (Y1a, G1b, D4m2, D4e5, M7a2, and N9b) that are restricted to the coastal area. To obtain more insight into autochthonous populations, we removed from the phylogeographic analysis the G2a, G3a2, M8a1, M9a1, and C4b1 lineages, also found within our samples, likely resulting from admixture between the expanding proto-Tungus and the indigenous Paleoasiatic groups with whom they assimilated. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that unlike the relatively diverse lineage spectrum observed in the Amur estuary and northwestern Sakhalin, the present-day subpopulation on the northeastern coast of the island is relatively homogenous: a sole Y1a sublineage, conspicuous for its nodal mutation at m.16189 T > C!, includes different haplotypes. Sharing of the Y1a-m.16189 T > C! sublineages and haplotypes among the Nivkhi, Ulchi and sedentary Koryak is also evident. Aside from Y1a, the entire tree approach expands our understanding of the evolutionary history of haplogroups G1, D4m, N9b, and M7a2. Specifically, we identified the novel haplogroup N9b1 in Primorye, which implies a link between a component of the Udegey ancestry and the Hokkaido Jomon.

Conclusions

Through a comprehensive dataset of mitochondrial genomes retained in autochthonous populations along the coast between Primorye and the Bering Strait, we considerably extended the sequence diversity of these populations to provide new features based on the number and timing of founding lineages. We emphasize the value of integrating genealogical information with genetic data for reconstructing the population history of indigenous groups dramatically impacted by twentieth century resettlement and social upheavals.
Adaptation of pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus to β-pinene stress
Authors: Li Yongxia , Feng Yuqian , Wang Xuan , Cui Jing , Deng Xun , Zhang Xingyao
Published: July 2020

Background

The pine wood nematode (PWN;Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) is the most damaging biological pest in pine forest ecosystems in China. However, the pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. Tracheid cavitation induced by excess metabolism of volatile terpenes is a typical characteristic of pine trees infected byB. xylophilus. β-pinene, one of the main volatile terpenes, influences PWN colonization and reproduction, stimulating pathogenicity during the early stages of infection. To elucidate the response mechanism of PWN to β-pinene, pathogenesis, mortality, and reproduction rate were investigated under different concentrations of β-pinene using a transcriptomics approach.

Results

A low concentration of β-pinene (BL, C < 25.74 mg/ml) inhibited PWN reproduction, whereas a high concentration (BH, C > 128.7 mg/ml) promoted reproduction. Comparison of PWN expression profiles under low (BL, 21.66 mg/ml) and high (BH, 214.5 mg/ml) β-pinene concentrations at 48 h identified 659 and 418 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively, compared with controls. Some key DEGs are potential regulators of β-pinene via detoxification metabolism (cytochrome P450, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases and short-chain dehydrogenases), ion channel/transporter activity (unc and ATP-binding cassette families), and nuclear receptor -related genes. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis of DEGs revealed metabolic processes as the most significant biological processes, and catalytic activity as the most significant molecular function for both BL and BH samples. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Orthology (KO) analysis showed that xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, and transport and catabolism were the dominant terms in metabolism categories.

Conclusion

In addition to detoxification via reduction/oxidation (redox) activity, PWN responds to β-pinene through amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and other pathways including growth regulation and epidermal protein changes to overcome β-pinene stress. This study lays a foundation for further exploring the pathogenic mechanism of PWN.
Phenotypic and genetic variation in phosphorus-deficiency-tolerance traits in Chinese wheat landraces
Authors: Lin Yu , Chen Guangdeng , Hu Haiyan , Yang Xilan , Zhang Zhengli , Jiang Xiaojun , Wu Fangkun , Shi Haoran , Wang Qing , Zhou Kunyu , Li Caixia , Ma Jian , Zheng Youliang , Wei Yuming , Liu Yaxi
Published: July 2020

Background

Phosphorus deficiency is a major limiting factors for affecting crop production globally. To understand the genetic variation of phosphorus-deficiency-tolerance, a total of 15 seedling traits were evaluated among 707 Chinese wheat landraces under application of phosphorus (AP) and non-application of phosphorus (NP). A total of 18,594 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 38,678 diversity arrays technology sequencing markers were used to detect marker-trait associations under AP and NP.

Results

Top ten genotypes with extremely tolerance and bottommost ten genotypes with extremely sensitivity were selected from 707 Chinese wheat landraces for future breeding and genetic analysis. A total of 55 significant markers (81 marker-trait associations) for 13 traits by both CMLM and SUPER method. These were distributed on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 6D, 7A and 7B. Considering the linkage disequilibrium decay distance, 25 and 12 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected under AP and NP, respectively (9 QTL were specific to NP).

Conclusions

The extremely tolerant landraces could be used for breeding phosphorus-deficiency-tolerant cultivars. The QTL could be useful in wheat breeding through marker-assisted selection. Our findings provide new insight into the genetic analysis of P-deficiency-tolerance, and will be helpful for breeding P-deficiency-tolerant cultivars.
Identification of the vernalization gene VRN-B1 responsible for heading date variation by QTL mapping using a RIL population in wheat
Authors: Li Yuting , Xiong Hongchun , Guo Huijun , Zhou Chunyun , Xie Yongdun , Zhao Linshu , Gu Jiayu , Zhao Shirong , Ding Yuping , Liu Luxiang
Published: July 2020

Background

Heading time is one of the most important agronomic traits in wheat, as it largely affects both adaptation to different agro-ecological conditions and yield potential. Identification of genes underlying the regulation of wheat heading and the development of diagnostic markers could facilitate our understanding of genetic control of this process.

Results

In this study, we developed 400 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) by crossing a γ-ray-induced early heading mutant (eh1) with the late heading cultivar, Lunxuan987. Bulked Segregant Analysis (BSA) of both RNA and DNA pools consisting of various RILs detected a quantitative trait loci (QTL) for heading date located on chromosomes 5B, and further genetic linkage analysis limited the QTL to a 3.31 cM region. We then identified a large deletion in the first intron of the vernalization gene VRN-B1 in eh1, and showed it was associated with the heading phenotype in the RIL population. However, it is not the mutation loci that resulted in early heading phonotype in the mutant compared to that of wildtype. RNA-seq analysis suggested that Vrn-B3 and several newly discovered genes, including beta-amylase 1 (BMY1) and anther-specific protein (RTS), were highly expressed in both the mutant and early heading pool with the dominant Vrn-B1 genotype compared to that of Lunxuan987 and late heading pool. Enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified several key pathways previously reported to be associated with flowering, including fatty acid elongation, starch and sucrose metabolism, and flavonoid biosynthesis.

Conclusion

The development of new markers for Vrn-B1 in this study supplies an alternative solution for marker-assisted breeding to optimize heading time in wheat and the DEGs analysis provides basic information for VRN-B1 regulation study.
Perspectives from primary health care providers on their roles for supporting adolescents and young adults transitioning from pediatric services
Authors: Schraeder Kyleigh , Dimitropoulos Gina , McBrien Kerry , Li Jessica Yijia , Samuel Susan
Published: July 2020

Background

Transitioning from pediatric care to adult-oriented care at age 18 (the age of transfer in most countries and jurisdictions) is a complex process for adolescents and young adults affected by chronic physical health and/or mental health conditions. The role of primary health care (PHC) providers for this population is poorly understood. Perspectives from these providers, such as family physicians and other members of the primary care team, have not been explored in depth.

Methods

A total of 18 participants (e.g., family physicians, social workers, nurses) were recruited from 6 Primary Care Networks in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted, and transcribed verbatim. A qualitative description approach was used to analyze the data, and included thematic analysis.

Results

Five distinct, yet overlapping, roles of primary health care providers for adolescents and young adults transitioning to adult care resulted from our analysis: (1) being the “common thread” (continuous accessible care); (2) caring for the “whole patient” (comprehensive care); (3) “knowing families” (family-partnered care); (4) “empowering” adolescents and young adults to develop “personal responsibility” (developmentally-appropriate care); and (5) “quarterbacking” care (coordination of specialist and/or community-based care). Participants identified potential benefits of these roles for adolescents and young adults transitioning to adult care, and barriers in practice (e.g., lack of time, having minimal involvement in pediatric care).

Conclusions

Input from family physicians, who follow their patients across the lifespan and provide the majority of primary care in Canada, are critical for informing and refining recommended transition practices. Our findings provide insights, from PHC providers themselves, to bolster the rationale for primary care involvement during transitions from pediatric specialty and community-based care for AYAs. Solutions to overcome barriers for integrating primary care and specialty care for adolescents and young adults need to be identified, and tested, with input from key stakeholders.
Combined therapy with ceftriaxone and doxycycline does not improve the outcome of meningococcal meningitis in mice compared to ceftriaxone monotherapy
Authors: Ricci Susanna , Grandgirard Denis , Masouris Ilias , Braccini Tiziana , Pozzi Gianni , Oggioni Marco R. , Koedel Uwe , Leib Stephen L.
Published: July 2020

Background

Meningococcal meningitis (MM) is a life-threatening disease associated with approximately 10% case fatality rates and neurological sequelae in 10–20% of the cases. Recently, we have shown that the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor BB-94 reduced brain injury in a mouse model of MM. The present study aimed to assess whether doxycycline (DOX), a tetracycline that showed a neuroprotective effect as adjuvant therapy in experimental pneumococcal meningitis (PM), would also exert a beneficial effect when given as adjunctive therapy to ceftriaxone (CRO) in experimental MM.

Methods

BALB/c mice were infected by the intracisternal route with a group CNeisseria meningitidisstrain. Eighteen h post infection (hpi), animals were randomised for treatment with CRO [100 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c.)], CRO plus DOX (30 mg/kg s.c.) or saline (control s.c.). Antibiotic treatment was repeated 24 and 40 hpi. Mouse survival and clinical signs, bacterial counts in cerebella, brain damage, MMP-9 and cyto/chemokine levels were assessed 48 hpi.

Results

Analysis of bacterial load in cerebella indicated that CRO and CRO + DOX were equally effective at controlling meningococcal replication. No differences in survival were observed between mice treated with CRO (94.4%) or CRO + DOX (95.5%), (p > 0.05). Treatment with CRO + DOX significantly diminished both the number of cerebral hemorrhages (p = 0.029) and the amount of MMP-9 in the brain (p = 0.046) compared to untreated controls, but not to CRO-treated animals (p > 0.05). Levels of inflammatory markers in the brain of mice that received CRO or CRO + DOX were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Overall, there were no significant differences in the parameters assessed between the groups treated with CRO alone or CRO + DOX.

Conclusions

Treatment with CRO + DOX showed similar bactericidal activity to CRO in vivo, suggesting no antagonist effect of DOX on CRO. Combined therapy significantly improved mouse survival and disease severity compared to untreated animals, but addition of DOX to CRO did not offer significant benefits over CRO monotherapy. In contrast to experimental PM, DOX has no adjunctive activity in experimental MM.
IMMUNEPOTENT CRP induces DAMPS release and ROS-dependent autophagosome formation in HeLa and MCF-7 cells
Authors: Martínez-Torres Ana Carolina , Reyes-Ruiz Alejandra , Calvillo-Rodriguez Kenny Misael , Alvarez-Valadez Karla Maria , Uscanga-Palomeque Ashanti C. , Tamez-Guerra Reyes S. , Rodríguez-Padilla Cristina
Published: July 2020

Background

IMMUNEPOTENT CRP (ICRP) can be cytotoxic to cancer cell lines. However, its widespread use in cancer patients has been limited by the absence of conclusive data on the molecular mechanism of its action. Here, we evaluated the mechanism of cell death induced by ICRP in HeLa and MCF-7 cells.

Methods

Cell death, cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS production were evaluated in HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines after ICRP treatment. Caspase-dependence and ROS-dependence were evaluated using QVD.oph and NAC pre-treatment in cell death analysis. DAMPs release, ER stress (eIF2-α phosphorylation) and autophagosome formation were analyzed as well. Additionally, the role of autophagosomes in cell death induced by ICRP was evaluated using SP-1 pre-treatment in cell death in HeLa and MCF-7 cells.

Results

ICRP induces cell death, reaching CC50 at 1.25 U/mL and 1.5 U/mL in HeLa and MCF-7 cells, respectively. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS production and cell cycle arrest were observed after ICRP CC50 treatment in both cell lines, inducing the same mechanism, a type of cell death independent of caspases, relying on ROS production. Additionally, ICRP-induced cell death involves features of immunogenic cell death such as P-eIF2α and CRT exposure, as well as, ATP and HMGB1 release. Furthermore, ICRP induces ROS-dependent autophagosome formation that acts as a pro-survival mechanism.

Conclusions

ICRP induces a non-apoptotic cell death that requires an oxidative stress to take place, involving mitochondrial damage, ROS-dependent autophagosome formation, ER stress and DAMPs’ release. These data indicate that ICRP could work together with classic apoptotic inductors to attack cancer cells from different mechanisms, and that ICRP-induced cell death might activate an immune response against cancer cells.