bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ЗАБЫТАЯ ЭТНОГРАФИЧЕСКАЯ ЭКСПЕДИЦИЯ ЛЕНИНГРАДСКОГО ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО МУЗЕЯ ЭТНОГРАФИИ 1946 г. В УДМУРТИЮ
Authors: Уваров С.Н.
Published: October 2021

В статье говорится об этнографической экспедиции ленинградского Государственного музея этнографии, проведенной в 1946 г. в Удмуртии. Она оказалась совершенно забыта, в современной историографии о ней нет почти никаких упоминаний. Между тем, это была первая этнографическая экспедиция Государственного этнографического музея в Удмуртию. Возглавляла ее Т.А. Крюкова – старший научный сотрудник музея. В организации экспедиции оказался задействован и Ленинградский государственный университет, студенты которого проходили таким образом практику. В ходе поездки были обследованы районы проживания удмуртов (северных и южных), а также бесермян и марийцев, проживавших в пределах республики. В результате была собрана достаточно полная, систематически подобранная коллекция этнографических экспонатов (280 предметов). Среди них большую группу составили: предметы одежды, образцы вышивки, узорного тканья; значительной оказалась категория культовых предметов (ритуальная утварь, одежда, жертвенные предметы), а также группа предметов, характеризующих внутренне убранство жилища. Успеху экспедиции способствовала совместная деятельность с научными учреждениями, а также партийными и государственными органами республики. Впоследствии это сотрудничество продолжилось и помогло провести еще ряд экспедиций в Удмуртию.
The article talks about the ethnographic expedition of the Leningrad State Museum of Ethnography, carried out in 1946 in Udmurtia. It turned out to be completely forgotten, in modern historiography there is almost no mention of it. Meanwhile, this was the first ethnographic expedition of the State Ethnographic Museum to Udmurtia. It was headed by T.A. Kryukova is a senior researcher at the museum. In organizing the expedition, the Leningrad State University was also involved, whose students underwent practical training in this way. During the trip, the areas of residence of the Udmurts (northern and southern), as well as Besermyans and Mari, who lived within the republic, were examined. As a result, a fairly complete, systematically selected collection of ethnographic exhibits (280 items) was collected. Among them, a large group consisted of: garments, samples of embroidery, patterned weaving; the category of cult objects (ritual utensils, clothing, sacrificial objects) turned out to be significant, as well as a group of objects characterizing the interior decoration of the dwelling. The success of the expedition was facilitated by joint activities with scientific institutions, as well as party and state bodies of the republic. Subsequently, this cooperation continued and helped to conduct in the future a number of expeditions to Udmurtia
СТАНОВЛЕНИЕ И РАЗВИТИЕ АРХИТЕКТУРНОГО И ЭКСПОЗИЦИОННОГО ПРОСТРАНСТВ РОССИЙСКОГО ЭТНОГРАФИЧЕСКОГО МУЗЕЯ (1902–2017)
Authors: Давыдова Л.Н.
Published: October 2021

Автор рассматривает историю становления архитектурного и экспозиционного пространств Российского этнографического музея, а также возможный сценарий их развития. В статье освещаются вопросы создания музея, фондообразования, строительства комплекса зданий музея. Отдельное внимание уделяется проблеме недостаточности площадей на протяжении всей истории музея и проектным решениям развития (расширения) архитектурного и экспозиционного пространств музея.
The author examines the history of the architectural and exhibition spaces of the Russian Museum of Ethnography and a possible scenario for their development. The article discusses the history of the museum’s creation, the fund-raising, construction of the museum buildings. Special attention is paid to the problem of insufficient space throughout the museum’s history and the projects for the expansion of its architectural and exhibition spaces.
БУНЬЕВЦЫ В ПАРАДИГМЕ СВОЕЙ ИДЕНТИЧНОСТИ
Authors: Мартынова М.Ю.
Published: October 2021

В статье рассматривается проблема идентичности буньевцев, южнославянской этнической группы, представители которой проживают в нескольких государствах: боснии и Герцеговине, венгрии, Сербии и Хорватии. Их статус спорен, неодинаково трактуется в разные исторические периоды и по разные стороны государственных границ. Часть буньевцев относит себя к хорватам, другая – отстаивает свою самобытность. Автор задается вопросами, где та грань, которая позволяет сообществу считать себя отдельным народом, как воздействуют «внешние» обстоятельства на жизнеспособность этнических групп? Ответы на эти вопросы всегда имеют не только научную обоснованность, но и политическую аргументацию. В этом нас убеждает ситуация с буньевцами. Дискуссии об их происхождении вспыхнули с новой силой после распада СФРЮ и возникновения независимых государств на Балканах. Они стали наглядным примером того, как осмысливается, мифологизируется и используется прошлое в зависимости от контекста и общественной ситуации. Сегодня в процессе конструирования этнических идентичностей используются разные ресурсы, в т.ч. язык, религия, историческая память, политический дискурс и т.д. В более широком, антропологическом контексте тема имеет теоретическую значимость в противостоянии конструктивистов и примордиалистов
The article studies the identity of the Bunjevci, a South Slavic ethnic group living in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia, and Croatia. Their status is controversial, and its interpretation depends on the historical period and the country. Some Bunjevci consider themselves Croats, while others defend their unique identity. The author wonders where the borderline that allows a community to consider itself a separate people is and how "external" circumstances affect the viability of ethnic groups? The answers to these questions are usually not only scientifically based but also have political reasoning. The Bunjevci case is a typical example. Discussions about their origin broke out with renewed vigor after the collapse of the SFRY and the emergence of independent states. They have become a clear example of how the past is interpreted, mythologized, and used depending on the context and social situation. Today, various resources are used to construct ethnic identities, including language, religion, historical memory, political discourse, etc. In a broader anthropological context, the topic has a theoretical significance for the discussion of constructivists and primordialists.
Effect of Dichotomization on the Latent Structure of Data
Authors: Schweizer Karl , Gold Andreas , Krampen Dorothea
Published: October 2021

We investigated whether dichotomous data showed the same latent structure as the interval-level data from which they originated. Given constancy of dimensionality and factor loadings reflecting the latent structure of data, the focus was on the variance of the latent variable of a confirmatory factor model. This variance was shown to summarize the information provided by the factor loadings. The results of a simulation study did not reveal exact correspondence of the variances of the latent variables derived from interval-level and dichotomous data but shrinkage. Since shrinkage occurred systematically, methods for recovering the original variance were fleshed out and evaluated.
Iron-Dependent Autophagic Cell Death Induced by Radiation in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Ma Shumei , Fu Xinxin , Liu Lin , Liu Yi , Feng Hao , Jiang Heya , Liu Xiaomei , Liu Rui , Liang Zhenzhen , Li Mengke , Tian Zhujun , Hu Boqi , Bai Yongheng , Liang Bing , Liu Xiaodong
Published: October 2021

In radiation oncology, ionizing radiation is used to kill cancer cells, in other words, the induction of different types of cell death. To investigate this cellular death and the associated iron accumulation, the transfer, release, and participation of iron after radiation treatment was analyzed. We found that radiation-induced cell death varied in different breast cancer cells and autophagy was induced in MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells (triple negative breast cancer cell line) rather than in MCF-7 and zr-75 cells. Iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO), the autophagy inhibitor 3MA, silencing of the autophagy-related genes ATG5, and Beclin 1 could decrease radiation induced cell death in MDA-MB-231 cells, while inhibitors of apoptosis such as Z-VAD-FMK, ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), and necroptosis inhibitor Necrostatin-1 showed no change. This suggests the occurrence of autophagic cell death. Furthermore, we found that iron accumulation and iron regulatory proteins, including transferrin (Tf), transferrin receptor (CD71), and Ferritin (FTH), increased after radiation treatment, and the silencing of transferrin decreased radiation-induced cell death. In addition, radiation increased lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and the release of lysosomal iron and cathepsins, while cathepsins silencing failed to change cell viability. Radiation-induced iron accumulation increased Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation via the Fenton reaction and increased autophagy in a time-dependent manner. DFO, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and overexpression of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) decreased ROS generation, autophagy, and cell death. To summarize, for the first time, we found that radiation-induced autophagic cell death was iron-dependent in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. These results provide new insights into the cell death process of cancers and might conduce to the development and application of novel therapeutic strategies for patients with apoptosis-resistant breast cancer.
A Maternal-Effect Toxin Affects Epithelial Differentiation and Tissue Mechanics in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Lehmann Christina , Pohl Christian
Published: October 2021

Selfish genetic elements that act as post-segregation distorters cause lethality in non-carrier individuals after fertilization. Two post-segregation distorters have been previously identified in Caenorhabditis elegans, the peel-1/zeel-1 and the sup-35/pha-1 elements. These elements seem to act as modification-rescue systems, also called toxin/antidote pairs. Here we show that the maternal-effect toxin/zygotic antidote pair sup-35/pha-1 is required for proper expression of apical junction (AJ) components in epithelia and that sup-35 toxicity increases when pathways that establish and maintain basal epithelial characteristics, die-1, elt-1, lin-26, and vab-10, are compromised. We demonstrate that pha-1(e2123) embryos, which lack the antidote, are defective in epidermal morphogenesis and frequently fail to elongate. Moreover, seam cells are frequently misshaped and mispositioned and cell bond tension is reduced in pha-1(e2123) embryos, suggesting altered tissue material properties in the epidermis. Several aspects of this phenotype can also be induced in wild-type embryos by exerting mechanical stress through uniaxial loading. Seam cell shape, tissue mechanics, and elongation can be restored in pha-1(e2123) embryos if expression of the AJ molecule DLG-1/Discs large is reduced. Thus, our experiments suggest that maternal-effect toxicity disrupts proper development of the epidermis which involves distinct transcriptional regulators and AJ components.
Analytical Characterization and Inhibitor Detection in Liquid Phases Obtained After Steam Refining of Corn Stover and Maize Silage
Authors: Krafft Malte Jörn , Berger Jens , Saake Bodo
Published: October 2021

The utilization of agricultural products and residues for the production of value-added and biobased products is a highly relevant topic in present research. Due to the natural recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass against enzymatic degradation, pretreatments are important requirement for further processes. For the raw material in this study, corn stover (CS) as highly available agricultural residue and maize silage (MS) as model substrate for an ensiled agricultural product were pretreated by steam refining. However, after processing a liquid fraction and fibers are present. Subsequent to steaming the fiber fraction is well characterized. Nonetheless, in depth characterizations of the filtrates are also important for their subsequent utilization. Decreasing molar masses from 7,900 g/mol to 1,100 g/mol for CS filtrates and 100.000–12.900 g/mol for MS filtrates were determined with increasing severity. Due to their proven inhibitory effect on microorganisms weak acids, furans and phenolic compounds within the liquid phased were analyzed. Especially formic acid increases with increasing severity from 0.27 to 1.20% based on raw material for CS and from 0.07 to 0.23% based on raw material for MS. Further GC/MS measurements indicate, that up to 8.25% (CS filtrate) and 5.23% (MS filtrates) of the total peak area is related to inhibitory phenols. Considering the data, detoxification strategies are of non-negligible importance for filtrates after steam refining and should be considered for further research and process or parameter optimizations. An alternative may be the application of milder process conditions in order to prevent the formation of inhibitory degradation products or the dilution of the gained filtrates.
An Integrative Review on the Feasibility and Acceptability of Delivering an Online Training and Mentoring Module to Volunteers Working in Community Organizations
Authors: Hill Taylor G. , Langley Jodi E. , Kervin Emily K. , Pesut Barbara , Duggleby Wendy , Warner Grace
Published: October 2021

Background: Volunteer programs that support older persons can assist them in accessing healthcare in an efficient and effective manner. Community-based initiatives that train volunteers to support patients with advancing illness is an important advance for public health. As part of implementing an effective community-based volunteer-based program, volunteers need to be sufficiently trained. Online training could be an effective and safe way to provide education for volunteers in both initial training and/or continuing education throughout their involvement as a volunteer.

Method: We conducted an integrative review that synthesized literature on online training programs for volunteers who support older adults. The review included both a search of existing research literature in six databases, and an online search of online training programs currently being delivered in Canada. The purpose of this review was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of community-based organizations adopting an online training format for their volunteers.

Results: The database search identified 13,626 records, these went through abstract and full text screen resulting in a final 15 records. This was supplemented by 2 records identified from hand searching the references, for a total of 17 articles. In addition to identifying Volunteers Roles and Responsibilities; Elements of Training; and Evaluation of Feasibility and Acceptability; a thematic analysis of the 17 records identified the categories: (1) Feasibility Promoting Factors; (2) Barriers to Feasibility; (3) Acceptability Promoting Factors; and (4) Barriers to Acceptability. Six programs were also identified in the online search of online training programs. These programs informed our understanding of delivery of existing online volunteer training programs.

Discussion: Findings suggested that feasibility and acceptability of online training were promoted by (a) topic relevant training for volunteers; (b) high engagement of volunteers to prevent attrition; (c) mentorship or leadership component. Challenges to online training included a high workload; time elapsed between training and its application; and client attitude toward volunteers. Future research on online volunteer training should consider how online delivery can be most effectively paced to support volunteers in completing training and the technical skills needed to complete the training and whether teaching these skills can be integrated into programs.
A Cross-Linked Polymer Soil Stabilizer for Hillslope Conservation on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhang Xiaochao , Zhong Yujian , Pei Xiangjun , Duan Yuying
Published: October 2021

The soil of the Loess Plateau is highly susceptible to erosion due to its distinct loess structure with poor water stability and disintegrates easily. Previous research has focused on improving soil strength without considering stability and ecological performance. Comprehensive improvements may be achieved by cross-linked polymers (CLPs), but their effect on loess structure remains unclear. In the present study, we investigate CLPs as a new organic soil stabilizer to improve soil aggregate stability. To determine the effect of CLPs on the stabilization of loess, a series of indoor tests was conducted to assess unconfined compressive strength, water stability, soil-water characteristics, and plant height. The stabilization mechanism was analyzed by comparing the microstructure, mineral composition, and features of functional groups of loess before and after treatment. The results showed that, compared with untreated loess, the unconfined compressive strength and anti-disintegration property of treated loess were significantly increased. The water retention capacity was improved, and the germination rate and growth of plants were promoted. Microscopic analysis showed that the use of CLPs did form new minerals in the loess or change the functional groups, rather, CLPs improved the microstructure, reduced the total volume of pores, and increased the degree of soil compaction. Field tests showed that the erosion of loess hillsides was effectively controlled by CLPs. Under the same erosive conditions, the slope surface treated with CLPs was more intact than the untreated slope surface. Our findings provide new strategies regarding the application of CLPs as soil stabilizers to control loess erosion and promote vegetation restoration.
Foliar Uptake of the Potencially Toxic Elements in Garlic Chive Leaves
Authors: Seo Eunseok , Kim Seonghan , Park Jiwon , Lim Heejin , Ha Nami , Lim Jun , Lim Jae Hong , Park Hyun Jin , Kim Ki Hean , Lee Sang Joon
Published: October 2021

Contamination of vegetables due to the foliar uptake of atmospheric toxic elements could pose severe health risks. However, the uptake mechanisms of potencially toxic elements (PTEs) from the atmosphere and translocation by plant leaves remain unclear. In this study, carboxylic acid-functionalized water-soluble CdSe/ZnS quantum dot nanoparticles (QD NPs) were used as an experimental particle model of PTEs in the edible plant garlic chive (Allium tuberosum). A droplet of QD NP suspension was deposited to simulate the conditions of raindrops containing metal particles falling on a plant leaf. The 3D spatial distribution of QD NPs in plant leaves was measured using three complementary imaging techniques: synchrotron X-ray microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), nano-CT, and two-photon microscopy (TPM). The TPM and micro-CT results revealed that QD NPs deposited on garlic chive leaves penetrated the plant leaves. Nano-CT images showed that QD NPs are absorbed into mesophyll cells and phloem vessels. The results of TEM and TPM imaging demonstrated that QD NPs penetrate through the leaves and translocate in the direction of the stem. The use of these emerging imaging techniques improved the ability to detect and visualize NPs in a plant leaf. These observations also provide mechanistic insights into foliar metal uptake and their translocation and accumulation.
Multi-Scale Spectral Separability of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Species in a Freshwater Ecosystem
Authors: Rowan Gillian S. L. , Kalacska Margaret , Inamdar Deep , Arroyo-Mora J. Pablo , Soffer Raymond
Published: October 2021

Optical remote sensing has been suggested as a preferred method for monitoring submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), a critical component of freshwater ecosystems that is facing increasing pressures due to climate change and human disturbance. However, due to the limited prior application of remote sensing to mapping freshwater vegetation, major foundational knowledge gaps remain, specifically in terms of the specificity of the targets and the scales at which they can be monitored. The spectral separability of SAV from the St. Lawrence River, Ontario, Canada, was therefore examined at the leaf level (i.e., spectroradiometer) as well as at coarser spectral resolutions simulating airborne and satellite sensors commonly used in the SAV mapping literature. On a Leave-one-out Nearest Neighbor criterion (LNN) scale of values from 0 (inseparable) to 1 (entirely separable), an LNN criterion value between 0.82 (separating amongst all species) and 1 (separating between vegetation and non-vegetation) was achieved for samples collected in the peak-growing season from the leaf level spectroradiometer data. In contrast, samples from the late-growing season and those resampled to coarser spectral resolutions were less separable (e.g., inter-specific LNN reduction of 0.25 in late-growing season samples as compared to the peak-growing season, and of 0.28 after resampling to the spectral response of Landsat TM5). The same SAV species were also mapped from actual airborne hyperspectral imagery using target detection analyses to illustrate how theoretical fine-scale separability translates to anin situ, moderate-spatial scale application. Novel radiometric correction, georeferencing, and water column compensation methods were applied to optimize the imagery analyzed. The SAV was generally well detected (overall recall of 88% and 94% detecting individual vegetation classes and vegetation/non-vegetation, respectively). In comparison, underwater photographs manually interpreted by a group of experts (i.e., a conventional SAV survey method) tended to be more effective than target detection at identifying individual classes, though responses varied substantially. These findings demonstrated that hyperspectral remote sensing is a viable alternative to conventional methods for identifying SAV at the leaf level and for monitoring at larger spatial scales of interest to ecosystem managers and aquatic researchers.
Working With Nature Approaches for the Creation of Soft Intertidal Habitats
Authors: Aiken Christopher M. , Mulloy Rory , Dwane Gordon , Jackson Emma L.
Published: October 2021

As the artificial defenses often required for urban and industrial development, such as seawalls, breakwaters, and bund walls, directly replace natural habitats, they may produce population fragmentation and a disruption of ecological connectivity, compromising the delivery of ecosystem services. Such problems have increasingly been addressed through “Working with Nature” (WwN) techniques, wherein natural features such as species and habitats are included as additional functional components within the design of built infrastructure. There now exists a convincing body of empirical evidence that WwN techniques can enhance the structural integrity of coastal works, and at the same time promote biodiversity and ecosystem services. While these benefits have often been achieved through modification of the hard surfaces of the coastal defense structures themselves, the desired ecological and engineering goals may often demand the creation of new soft substrates from sediment. Here we discuss the design considerations for creating new sediment habitats in the intertidal zone within new coastal infrastructure works. We focus on the sediment control structures required to satisfy the physiological and ecological requirements of seagrass and mangroves – two keystone intertidal species that are common candidates for restoration – and illustrate the concepts by discussing the case study of soft habitat creation within a major multi-commodity port.
A Comprehensive Comparison of Haplotype-Based Single-Step Genomic Predictions in Livestock Populations With Different Genetic Diversity Levels: A Simulation Study
Authors: Araujo Andre C. , Carneiro Paulo L. S. , Oliveira Hinayah R. , Schenkel Flavio S. , Veroneze Renata , Lourenco Daniela A. L. , Brito Luiz F.
Published: October 2021

The level of genetic diversity in a population is inversely proportional to the linkage disequilibrium (LD) between individual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and quantitative trait loci (QTLs), leading to lower predictive ability of genomic breeding values (GEBVs) in high genetically diverse populations. Haplotype-based predictions could outperform individual SNP predictions by better capturing the LD between SNP and QTL. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy and bias of individual-SNP- and haplotype-based genomic predictions under the single-step-genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP) approach in genetically diverse populations. We simulated purebred and composite sheep populations using literature parameters for moderate and low heritability traits. The haplotypes were created based on LD thresholds of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.6. Pseudo-SNPs from unique haplotype alleles were used to create the genomic relationship matrix (G) in the ssGBLUP analyses. Alternative scenarios were compared in which the pseudo-SNPs were combined with non-LD clustered SNPs, only pseudo-SNPs, or haplotypes fitted in a second G (two relationship matrices). The GEBV accuracies for the moderate heritability-trait scenarios fitting individual SNPs ranged from 0.41 to 0.55 and with haplotypes from 0.17 to 0.54 in the most (Ne ≅ 450) and less (Ne < 200) genetically diverse populations, respectively, and the bias fitting individual SNPs or haplotypes ranged between −0.14 and −0.08 and from −0.62 to −0.08, respectively. For the low heritability-trait scenarios, the GEBV accuracies fitting individual SNPs ranged from 0.24 to 0.32, and for fitting haplotypes, it ranged from 0.11 to 0.32 in the more (Ne ≅ 250) and less (Ne ≅ 100) genetically diverse populations, respectively, and the bias ranged between −0.36 and −0.32 and from −0.78 to −0.33 fitting individual SNPs or haplotypes, respectively. The lowest accuracies and largest biases were observed fitting only pseudo-SNPs from blocks constructed with an LD threshold of 0.3 (p < 0.05), whereas the best results were obtained using only SNPs or the combination of independent SNPs and pseudo-SNPs in one or two G matrices, in both heritability levels and all populations regardless of the level of genetic diversity. In summary, haplotype-based models did not improve the performance of genomic predictions in genetically diverse populations.
An Integrated View of Deubiquitinating Enzymes Involved in Type I Interferon Signaling, Host Defense and Antiviral Activities
Authors: Qian Guanghui , Zhu Liyan , Li Gen , Liu Ying , Zhang Zimu , Pan Jian , Lv Haitao
Published: October 2021

Viral infectious diseases pose a great challenge to human health around the world. Type I interferons (IFN-Is) function as the first line of host defense and thus play critical roles during virus infection by mediating the transcriptional induction of hundreds of genes. Nevertheless, overactive cytokine immune responses also cause autoimmune diseases, and thus, tight regulation of the innate immune response is needed to achieve viral clearance without causing excessive immune responses. Emerging studies have recently uncovered that the ubiquitin system, particularly deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), plays a critical role in regulating innate immune responses. In this review, we highlight recent advances on the diverse mechanisms of human DUBs implicated in IFN-I signaling. These DUBs function dynamically to calibrate host defenses against various virus infections by targeting hub proteins in the IFN-I signaling transduction pathway. We also present a future perspective on the roles of DUB-substrate interaction networks in innate antiviral activities, discuss the promises and challenges of DUB-based drug development, and identify the open questions that remain to be clarified. Our review provides a comprehensive description of DUBs, particularly their differential mechanisms that have evolved in the host to regulate IFN-I-signaling-mediated antiviral responses.
Epidemiology of Corneal Neovascularization and Its Impact on Visual Acuity and Sensitivity: A 14-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Lasagni Vitar Romina Mayra , Triolo Giacinto , Fonteyne Philippe , Acuti Martellucci Cecilia , Manzoli Lamberto , Rama Paolo , Ferrari Giulio
Published: October 2021

Purpose: To quantify the severity and location of corneal neovascularization (cNV) and its impact on the visual acuity and corneal sensitivity in a cohort of the patients referred to a specialist cornea clinic and also to describe the etiology of cNV in the cohort.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the charts of 13,493 subjects referred to the San Raffaele Cornea Unit between January 2004 and December 2018 to search for cNV diagnosis. The corneal neovascularization severity was measured in the quadrants (range: 1–4) and location was defined as superficial, deep, or both. Best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was measured in logMar. We used the multiple regression analysis to identify the independent predictors of logMAR, after adjusting for age, gender, keratoconus, herpes keratitis, penetrating keratoplasty, trauma, and cataract surgery.

Results: Corneal neovascularization was diagnosed in 10.4% of the patients analyzed. The most prevalent etiology of cNV in our population was non-infectious corneal dystrophies/degenerations followed by herpes simplex virus infection. cNV affected OD, OS, or both eyes in 35.6, 40.2, and 24.2 of cases, respectively. Mean BSCVA (SD) was 0.59 (0.76), 0.74 (0.94), and 1.24 (1.08) in cNV one, two, and three or four of the quadrant groups. Superficial, deep, or mixed cNV occurred in 1,029, 348, and 205 eyes. Severe cNV (three or four of the quadrants) was a significant predictor of low visual acuity (p < 0.001) and reduced corneal sensitivity (p < 0.05). cNV location and its severity were associated (p < 0.05). In addition, corneal anesthesia was associated with lower BSCVA (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Severe and deep cNV are associated with the reduced visual acuity and corneal sensitivity. Our data strongly support the relevance of appropriate follow-up as cNV is a major risk factor for graft rejection.
Microbial Profiles of Patients With Antipsychotic-Related Constipation Treated With Electroacupuncture
Authors: Zheng Yuanjia , Jiang Xiumin , Gao Yacen , Yuan Lexin , Wang Xiaotong , Wu Shengwei , Xia Yucen , Yao Lin , Yan Jinglan , Liu Lanying , Wei Yingdong , Song Zhiqiang , Yu Lin , Chen Yongjun
Published: October 2021

Antipsychotic-related constipation (APRC) is one of the most common side effects of taking antipsychotic medication. APRC can seriously impact patient quality of life and is potentially fatal, though the efficacy of current APRC treatments is low for most patients. In this study, we conducted a controlled, pilot randomized, sham-electroacupuncture (SEA) study to assess the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) in patients with APRC. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess the microbial profiles of these patients and analyze how EA treatments affected their bacteria.

Methods: We treated 133 APRC patients with randomly assigned EA treatments or SEA treatments for 4 consecutive weeks, fully evaluating the patients 8 weeks after treatment. The participants, outcome assessors, and statistics were all blind to the EA and SEA treatments. Outcomes assessed included changes in spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) and the frequency of rescue measures. We detected assessed the microbial diversity of stool specimens both before and after EA treatment using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results: Both EA and SEA treatments reduced the need for constipation rescue measures and did not have serious side effects. EA treatments were better than SEA treatments at increasing SBMs and reducing rescue measures. The diversity of gut microbiota changed after EA treatment. LEfSe analysis indicated changes in the genus (belonging to phylum Proteobacteria) of gut microbiota in patients following EA treatment.

Conclusions: This study found that EA treatment is effective and safe for patients with APRC, and could be associated with changes in their microbial profiles. Further study, with larger sample sizes, is needed to explore the efficacy of EA intervention as a clinical treatment for APRC.

Trial Registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR-ONC-17010842, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=18420.
The apoM/S1P Complex—A Mediator in Kidney Biology and Disease?
Authors: Bisgaard Line S. , Christoffersen Christina
Published: October 2021

Kidney disease affects more than 10% of the population, can be both acute and chronic, and is linked to other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and sepsis. Despite the detrimental consequences for patients, no good treatment options directly targeting the kidney are available. Thus, a better understanding of the pathology and new treatment modalities are required. Accumulating evidence suggests that the apolipoprotein M/sphingosine−1-phosphate (apoM/S1P) axis is a likely drug target, but significant gaps in our knowledge remain. In this review, we present what has so far been elucidated about the role of apoM in normal kidney biology and describe how changes in the apoM/S1P axis are thought to affect the development of kidney disease. ApoM is primarily produced in the liver and kidneys. From the liver, apoM is secreted into circulation, where it is attached to lipoproteins (primarily HDL). Importantly, apoM is a carrier of the bioactive lipid S1P. S1P acts by binding to five different receptors. Together, apoM/S1P plays a role in several biological mechanisms, such as inflammation, endothelial cell permeability, and lipid turnover. In the kidney, apoM is primarily expressed in the proximal tubular cells. S1P can be produced locally in the kidney, and several of the five S1P receptors are present in the kidney. The functional role of kidney-derived apoM as well as plasma-derived apoM is far from elucidated and will be discussed based on both experimental and clinical studies. In summary, the current studies provide evidence that support a role for the apoM/S1P axis in kidney disease; however, additional pre-clinical and clinical studies are needed to reveal the mechanisms and target potential in the treatment of patients.
A Novel Microviridae Phage (CLasMV1) From “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus”
Authors: Zhang Ling , Li Ziyi , Bao Minli , Li Tao , Fang Fang , Zheng Yongqin , Liu Yaoxin , Xu Meirong , Chen Jianchi , Deng Xiaoling , Zheng Zheng
Published: October 2021

“CandidatusLiberibacter asiaticus” (CLas) is an unculturable phloem-limited α-proteobacterium associated with citrus Huanglongbing (HLB; yellow shoot disease). HLB is currently threatening citrus production worldwide. Understanding the CLas biology is critical for HLB management. In this study, a novel single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) phage, CLasMV1, was identified in a CLas strain GDHZ11 from Guangdong Province of China through a metagenomic analysis. The CLasMV1 phage had a circular genome of 8,869 bp with eight open reading frames (ORFs). While six ORFs remain uncharacterized, ORF6 encoded a replication initiation protein (RIP), and ORF8 encoded a major capsid protein (MCP). Based on BLASTp search against GenBank database, amino acid sequences of both MCP and RIP shared similarities (coverage > 50% and identity > 25%) to those of phages inMicroviridae, an ssDNA phage family. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that CLasMV1 MCP and RIP sequences were clustered with genes from CLas and “Ca. L. solanacearum” (CLso) genomes and formed a unique phylogenetic lineage, designated as a new subfamilyLibervirinae, distinct to other members inMicroviridaefamily. No complete integration form but partial sequence (∼1.9 kb) of CLasMV1 was found in the chromosome of strain GDHZ11. Read-mapping analyses on additional 15 HiSeq data sets of CLas strains showed that eight strains harbored complete CLasMV1 sequence with variations in single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and small sequence insertions/deletions (In/Dels). PCR tests using CLasMV1-specific primer sets detected CLasMV1 in 577 out of 1,006 CLas strains (57%) from southern China. This is the first report ofMicroviridaephage associated with CLas, which expands our understanding of phage diversity in CLas and facilitates current research in HLB.
TAB-TICI Score: Successful Recanalization Score After Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Stroke
Authors: Seo Woo-Keun , Nam Hyo Suk , Chung Jong-Won , Kim Young Dae , Kim Keon-Ha , Bang Oh Young , Kim Byung Moon , Kim Gyeung-Moon , Jeon Pyoung , Heo Ji Hoe
Published: October 2021

Background and Purpose: Successful reperfusion therapy is supposed to be comprehensive and validated beyond the grade of recanalization. This study aimed to develop a novel scoring system for defining the successful recanalization after endovascular thrombectomy.

Methods: We analyzed the data of consecutive acute stroke patients who were eligible to undergo reperfusion therapy within 24 h of onset and who underwent mechanical thrombectomy using a nationwide multicenter stroke registry. A new score was produced using the predictors which were directly linked to the procedure to evaluate the performance of the thrombectomy procedure.

Results: In total, 446 patients in the training population and 222 patients in the validation population were analyzed. From the potential components of the score, four items were selected: Emergency Room-to-puncture time (T), adjuvant devices used (A), procedural intracranial bleeding (B), and post-thrombectomy reperfusion status [Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI)]. Using these items, the TAB-TICI score was developed, which showed good performance in terms of discriminating early neurological aggravation [AUC 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67–0.78, P < 0.01] and favorable outcomes (AUC 0.69, 95% CI 0.64–0.75, P < 0.01) in the training population. The stability of the TAB-TICI score was confirmed by external validation and sensitivity analyses. The TAB-TICI score and its derived grade of successful recanalization were significantly associated with the volume of thrombectomy cases at each site and in each admission year.

Conclusion: The TAB-TICI score is a valid and easy-to-use tool to more comprehensively define successful recanalization after endovascular thrombectomy in acute stroke patients with large vessel occlusion.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines and Consensus Statements
Authors: Chen Ya-Xin , Liang Ning , Li Xiao-Ling , Yang Si-Hong , Wang Yan-Ping , Shi Nan-Nan
Published: October 2021

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an important stage between the normal cognitive decline of aging and dementia. The aim of this study was to compare and harmonize the recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of MCI based on current clinical practice guidelines.

Methods: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and Chinese Biological Medicine Database from their inception date to April 24, 2021 to identify all published guidelines on MCI. The qualities of the eligible guidelines were appraised by two reviewers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument.

Results: Thirteen guidance documents (four guidelines and nine consensus statements) with specific recommendations were included. Nine guidelines and consensus statements covered the screening and diagnosis of MCI. The evaluation of the documents showed that neuropsychological testing and biomarker assessments were the most common recommendations for the diagnosis of MCI. Nine of the 13 guidance documents covered the treatment and management of MCI. The recommendations for the treatment and management were classified into four categories, namely: intervention for risk reduction, pharmacologic interventions, non-pharmacologic interventions, and counseling. Regarding pharmacological interventions, three guidelines recommend no pharmacologic intervention. The use of cholinesterase inhibitors for MCI is contraindicated in three guidance documents, whereas one proposes that cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine should be deprescribed. EHb761®, Chinese herbal decoctions, and Chinese traditional patent medicine are recommended in two documents. A total of seven guidance documents recommend non-pharmacological interventions, including physical activity interventions, cognitive interventions, dietary and nutritional interventions, and acupuncture.

Conclusion: An updated search for possible evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of MCI is needed. Potentially effective diagnoses and treatments, either conventional or complementary, and alternative therapies should be highly valued and addressed in correlation with the supporting evidence.
Impact of Intravenous Alteplase Door-to-Needle Times on 2-Year Mortality in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Bhatt Nirav R. , Backster Anika , Ido Moges S. , Nogueira Raul G. , Bayakly Rana , Wright David W. , Frankel Michael R.
Published: October 2021

Objective: We sought to determine whether administration of Intravenous Thrombolysis (IVT) to patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) within 60 min from hospital arrival is associated with lower 2-year mortality.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted among patients receiving IVT in hospitals participating in the Georgia Coverdell Acute Stroke Registry (GCASR) from January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2018. Two-year mortality data was obtained by linking the 2008–2018 Georgia Discharge Data System data and the 2008–2020 Georgia death records. We analyzed the study population in two groups based on the time from hospital arrival to initiation of IVT expressed as Door to Needle time (DTN) in a dichotomized (DTN ≤ 60 vs. > 60 min) fashion.

Results: The median age of patients was 68 years, 49.4% were females, and the median NIHSS was 9. DTN ≤60 min was associated with lower 30-day [odds ratio (OR), 0.62; 95% CI, 0.52–0.73; P < 0.0001], 1-year (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.61–0.83; P < 0.0001) and 2-year (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.65–0.88; P = 0.001) mortality as well as lower rates of sICH at 36 h (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.43–0.75; P = 0.0001), higher rates of ambulation at discharge (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.25–1.53; P < 0.0001) and discharge to home (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.23–1.52; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Faster DTN in patients with AIS was associated with lower 2-year mortality across all age, gender and race subgroups. These findings reinforce the need for intensifying quality improvement measures to reduce DTN in AIS patients.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery With vs. Without Prior Embolization for Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Yan Debin , Chen Yu , Li Zhipeng , Zhang Haibin , Li Ruinan , Yuan Kexin , Han Heze , Meng Xiangyu , Jin Hengwei , Gao Dezhi , Li Youxiang , Sun Shibin , Liu Ali , Chen Xiaolin , Zhao Yuanli
Published: October 2021

Objective: Whether partial embolization could facilitate the post-stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) obliteration for brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) remains controversial. We performed this study to compare the outcomes of SRS with and without prior embolization for bAVMs.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the Beijing Tiantan AVMs prospective registration research database from September 2011 to October 2014. Patients were categorized into two groups, combined upfront embolization and SRS (Em+SRS group) and SRS alone (SRS group), and we performed a propensity score matching analysis based on pre-embolization baseline characteristics; the matched groups each comprised 76 patients.

Results: The obliteration rate was similar between SRS and Em+SRS (44.7 vs. 31.6%; OR, 1.754; 95% CI, 0.905–3.401; p = 0.096). However, the SRS group was superior to the Em+SRS group in terms of cumulative obliteration rate at a follow-up of 5 years (HR,1.778; 95% CI, 1.017–3.110; p = 0.033). The secondary outcomes, including functional state, post-SRS hemorrhage, all-cause mortality, and edema or cyst formation were similar between the matched cohorts. In the ruptured subgroup, the SRS group could achieve higher obliteration rate than Em+SRS group (56.5 vs. 31.9%; OR, 2.773; 95% CI, 1.190–6.464; p = 0.018). The cumulative obliteration rate at 5 years was also higher in the SRS group (64.5 vs. 41.3%; HR, 2.012; 95% CI, 1.037–3.903; p = 0.038), and the secondary outcomes were also similar between the matched cohorts.

Conclusion: Although there was no significant difference in the overall obliteration rate between the two strategies, this study suggested that pre-SRS embolization may have a negative effect on post-SRS obliteration. Furthermore, the obliteration rates of the SRS only strategy was significantly higher than that of the Em+SRS strategy in the ruptured cohort, while no such phenomenon was found in the unruptured cohort.
Integrated Genomic Profiling and Drug Screening of Patient-Derived Cultures Identifies Individualized Copy Number-Dependent Susceptibilities Involving PI3K Pathway and 17q Genes in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Wong Rachel L. Y. , Wong Megan R. E. , Kuick Chik Hong , Saffari Seyed Ehsan , Wong Meng Kang , Tan Sheng Hui , Merchant Khurshid , Chang Kenneth T. E. , Thangavelu Matan , Periyasamy Giridharan , Chen Zhi Xiong , Iyer Prasad , Tan Enrica E. K. , Soh Shui Yen , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna , Fan Qiao , Loh Amos H. P.
Published: October 2021

Neuroblastoma is the commonest extracranial pediatric malignancy. With few recurrent single nucleotide variations (SNVs), mutation-based precision oncology approaches have limited utility, but its frequent and heterogenous copy number variations (CNVs) could represent genomic dependencies that may be exploited for personalized therapy. Patient-derived cell culture (PDC) models can facilitate rapid testing of multiple agents to determine such individualized drug-responses. Thus, to study the relationship between individual genomic aberrations and therapeutic susceptibilities, we integrated comprehensive genomic profiling of neuroblastoma tumors with drug screening of corresponding PDCs against 418 targeted inhibitors. We quantified the strength of association between copy number and cytotoxicity, and validated significantly correlated gene-drug pairs in public data and using machine learning models. Somatic mutations were infrequent (3.1 per case), but copy number losses in 1p (31%) and 11q (38%), and gains in 17q (69%) were prevalent. Critically, in-vitro cytotoxicity significantly correlated only with CNVs, but not SNVs. Among 1278 significantly correlated gene-drug pairs, copy number of GNA13 and DNA damage response genes CBL, DNMT3A, and PPM1D were most significantly correlated with cytotoxicity; the drugs most commonly associated with these genes were PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PIK-75, and CDK inhibitors P276-00, SNS-032, AT7519, flavopiridol and dinaciclib. Predictive Markov random field models constructed from CNVs alone recapitulated the true z-score-weighted associations, with the strongest gene-drug functional interactions in subnetworks involving PI3K and JAK-STAT pathways. Together, our data defined individualized dose-dependent relationships between copy number gains of PI3K and STAT family genes particularly on 17q and susceptibility to PI3K and cell cycle agents in neuroblastoma. Integration of genomic profiling and drug screening of patient-derived models of neuroblastoma can quantitatively define copy number-dependent sensitivities to targeted inhibitors, which can guide personalized therapy for such mutationally quiet cancers.