bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract PO004: Enhancer-promoter chromatin looping is enriched for endometrial cancer GWAS risk variation and reveals biologically relevant candidate susceptibility genes
Authors: Glubb Dylan M. , Pollock Pamela , Spurdle Amanda , O'Mara Tracy A.
Published: February 2021

Large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted by the Endometrial Cancer Association Consortium have identified candidate endometrial cancer risk variants at 16 loci. The vast majority of these candidate endometrial cancer risk variants are located in non-coding genomic regions. Studies of other GWAS have shown enrichment of trait-associated variants in enhancer elements suggesting that they may regulate gene expression through chromatin looping. In the current study, we analysed chromatin looping to identify the genes that may mediate the effects of these variants. We used a modified HiChIP technique to capture chromatin loops associated with H3K27Ac (characteristic of active enhancers and promoters) in a normal immortalized and three tumoral endometrial cell lines. Duplicate HiChIP libraries were analysed using paired-end sequencing and bioinformatic pipelines (HiC-Pro, hichipper and IDR2D) to identify replicating cis chromatin loops. The replicating loops were intersected with gene promoter regions to identify promoter-associated chromatin loops and we found significant enrichment of endometrial cancer risk variation in these loops. We identified 74 candidate target genes at 13 endometrial cancer risk loci by intersecting promoter-associated loops with candidate risk variants and prioritising genes with matching RNA-seq expression. The candidate target genes were more conserved than other genes on average, nearly three times more likely to be differentially regulated in endometrial tumours and their encoded proteins interacted more amongst themselves than would be expected by chance. Moreover, functional prioritisation of the wider protein-protein interaction network revealed a set of interacting proteins that was 9-fold enriched for somatic endometrial cancer drivers. In summary, our findings indicate that endometrial cancer risk variation at least partly mediates its effects through enhancer-promoter chromatin looping and corresponding data reveal a set of biologically relevant candidate target genes.

Citation Format: Dylan M. Glubb, Pamela Pollock, Amanda Spurdle, Tracy A. O'Mara. Enhancer-promoter chromatin looping is enriched for endometrial cancer GWAS risk variation and reveals biologically relevant candidate susceptibility genes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference: Endometrial Cancer: New Biology Driving Research and Treatment; 2020 Nov 9-10. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(3_Suppl):Abstract nr PO004.
Abstract PO012: Characterization of molecular, phenotypic, and drug sensitivity changes due to estrogen receptor alpha mutations in endometrial cancer
Authors: Blanchard Zannel , Vahrenkamp Jeffery M. , Arnesen Spencer , Berrett Kristofer C. , Gertz Jason
Published: February 2021

Estrogen signaling is essential for normal uterine function and has been shown to play critical roles in the development of endometrial cancer. Mutations in the ligand binding domain (LBD) of estrogen receptor alpha (ER) have been identified in primary endometrial cancer and hormone therapy resistant breast cancer. In endometrial cancer, ER mutations are associated with worse outcomes and obesity independent disease. However, additional molecular and phenotypic characterizations of these mutations are needed in the context of endometrial cancer. Utilizing a CRISPR/Cas9 tagging strategy to model the more common Y537S and D538G LBD mutations while epitope tagging ER’s endogenous locus in Ishikawa cells, we studied the regulatory and phenotypic consequences of mutant ER in endometrial cancer and have identified potential targeted therapies for the treatment of this disease. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments uncovered expression changes caused by ER mutations, including both estradiol-regulated genes and mutation-specific, estradiol-independent genes. We found mutation-specific changes in gene expression were not recapitulated with prolonged estrogen exposure in wildtype cells, suggesting the mutant ER transcriptome is distinct from constitutive ER activity. The unique mutant ER expression program was related to phenotypic changes in ER mutant endometrial cancer cells, including increased proliferation specifically in vivo and increased migration in vitro relative to wildtype cells, consistent with more aggressive endometrial tumors. Based on the transcriptional and phenotypic alterations caused by mutant ER, we explored gene regulation based drugs for the potential treatment of mutant ER endometrial tumors. We found that two small molecules, cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) inhibitor Alvocidib and steroid receptor coactivator 3 (SRC-3) inhibitor SI-2, decreased mutant ER’s ability to promote proliferation and migration. In conclusion, mutant ER confers estrogen-independent activity while causing additional regulatory changes in endometrial cancer cells. This activity has led us to identify two drugs that show efficacy in treating mutant ER endometrial cancer cells, however further study is needed to ascertain whether they can be utilized as novel therapeutic targets in this disease.

Citation Format: Zannel Blanchard, Jeffery M. Vahrenkamp, Spencer Arnesen, Kristofer C. Berrett, Jason Gertz. Characterization of molecular, phenotypic, and drug sensitivity changes due to estrogen receptor alpha mutations in endometrial cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference: Endometrial Cancer: New Biology Driving Research and Treatment; 2020 Nov 9-10. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(3_Suppl):Abstract nr PO012.
Abstract PO023: Preliminary data on metformin therapy in DICER1-deleted endometrial cancer
Authors: Wang Xiyin , Emerson Robert , Broaddus Russell , Lydon John , DeMayo Francesco , Hawkins Shannon M.
Published: February 2021

We created and characterized the first genetically engineered mouse model of poorly-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma (dcKO, PgrCre; Ptenflox/flox; Dicer1flox/flox). As an additional novel model system, using CRISPR-Cas9, we created and characterized an isogenic cell line with the deletion of DICER1 (DICER1−/− Ishikawa cells). Transcriptomic profiling across mouse and human models revealed activated pathways, including AMP kinase and insulin signaling. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed metformin as a likely therapeutic target. Previous studies have suggested that metformin may be useful for preventing and treating endometrial cancer in women. However, recent clinical trials showed combined treatment of metformin with paclitaxel and carboplatin was not significantly associated with increased progression-free survival or overall survival for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. To test the effects of metformin in our mouse model, female mice received ad lib water containing metformin (5 mg/mL) or water beginning at weaning. Survival studies showed worse survival for well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma (Pten cKO, PgrCre; Ptenflox/flox; Dicer1+/+) with treatment with metformin (P=0.007), while there was no difference for dcKO mice treated with metformin. Similarly, in vitro studies showed that the treatment of DICER1−/− Ishikawa cells treated with metformin did not affect cellular proliferation. Our in vivo and in vitro model systems represent important tools to study metformin and other therapeutics for rare yet aggressive endometrial cancers.

Citation Format: Xiyin Wang, Robert Emerson, Russell Broaddus, John Lydon, Francesco DeMayo, Shannon M. Hawkins. Preliminary data on metformin therapy in DICER1-deleted endometrial cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference: Endometrial Cancer: New Biology Driving Research and Treatment; 2020 Nov 9-10. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(3_Suppl):Abstract nr PO023.
Abstract PO048: Inhibition of P300 histone acetyltransferase activity rescues invasive phenotypes of ARID1A-deficient endometrial epithelium
Authors: Wilson Mike R. , Reske Jake J. , Chandler Ronald L.
Published: February 2021

Invasion is a hallmark feature of endometrial pathologies, including myometrial invasion of endometrial cancer and invasion of distal sites during endometriosis. Mutations in the chromatin remodeling protein ARID1A have been observed at high rates in endometrial cancer and endometriosis. ARID1A loss, in combination with phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway activation, has been shown to induce invasion phenotypes in the endometrial epithelium. Using bioinformatic approaches, we identified histone acetyltransferase (HAT) protein P300 as potential co-regulator of ARID1A-deficient gene expression programs. Knockdown of P300 prevented invasive phenotypes in a genetically engineered mouse model and human endometrial epithelial cells through induction of apoptosis, indicating a synthetic-lethal relationship between ARID1A and P300 in the endometrial epithelium. Using the novel HAT inhibitor, A-485, we identified P300 HAT activity as the mechanism by which P300 promotes invasive phenotypes. A-485 treatment rescued invasion in vitro at concentrations which had no effect on cell viability in adherent culture, but induced anoikis in suspension culture. Using an RNA-seq approach, we identified cell adhesion and migration pathways as being regulated by ARID1A knockdown and P300 co-knockdown or A-485 co-treatment. Among genes in these pathways, we identified SERPINE1 as an essential component of P300-dependent invasive processes. SERPINE1 is overexpressed following ARID1A loss in mouse and human models, and SERPINE1 knockdown rescued invasive phenotypes following ARID1A loss. By chromatin immunoprecipitation, we identified a role for P300-dependent acetylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27ac) at the SERPINE1 super-enhancer. The novel P300 bromodomain inhibitor CCS1477 also rescues invasion and SERPINE1 expression following ARID1A loss, suggesting a role for bromodomain inhibition as a modulator of P300 H3K27ac deposition. These studies suggest the therapeutic utility of P300 inhibition to induce anoikis in mutant endometrium which has detached from the basement membrane, thereby preventing invasion.

Citation Format: Mike R. Wilson, Jake J. Reske, Ronald L. Chandler. Inhibition of P300 histone acetyltransferase activity rescues invasive phenotypes of ARID1A-deficient endometrial epithelium [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference: Endometrial Cancer: New Biology Driving Research and Treatment; 2020 Nov 9-10. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(3_Suppl):Abstract nr PO048.
Promoter Methylation of LEP and LEPR before and after Bariatric Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wilhelm Julia , Birkenstock Anna , Buchholz Vanessa , Müller Astrid , Aly Sherif Adel , Gruner-Labitzke Kerstin , Koehler Hinrich , Lichtinghagen Ralf , Jahn Kirsten , Groh Adrian , Kahl Kai G. , de Zwaan Martina , Hillemacher Thomas , Bleich Stefan , Frieling Helge
Published: February 2021

Introduction: DNA methylation constitutes one important epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression in human cells. With regard to obesity, bariatric surgery-induced weight loss has been associated with promoter methylation changes in several genes. Hyperleptinemia is a characteristic feature of obesity. The underlying regulating mechanisms have not yet been completely elucidated. Methods: We investigated the methylation of the promoters of the leptin gene (LEP) and the leptin receptor gene (LEPR) as well as leptin expression in pre- and postbariatric surgery patients using a comparative cross-sectional design. Results: Our results revealed significantly higher LEP promoter methylation patterns in prebariatric surgery patients compared to postoperatively. DNA methylation of the LEPR promoter was significantly higher in the postoperative group. Moreover, we found significantly higher leptin serum levels in patients before the bariatric surgery than afterwards. Discussion: These findings strengthen the suggestion that there is an association between LEP expression and LEP methylation in obesity. We suggest that the epigenetic profile of LEP might be influenced by leptin serum levels in the form of a regulating feedback mechanism.
Neuroinflammation and Brain Development: Possible Risk Factors in COVID-19-Infected Children
Authors: da Silva Chagas Luana , Sandre Poliana Capucho , de Velasco Patricia Coelho , Marcondes Henrique , Ribeiro e Ribeiro Natalia Cristina Aparecida , Barreto Aline Loureiro , Alves Mauro Luiza Beatriz , Ferreira Julia Huber , Serfaty Claudio A.
Published: February 2021

COVID-19, a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) betacoronavirus, affects children in a different way than it does in adults, with milder symptoms. However, several cases of neurological symptoms with neuroinflammatory syndromes, such as the multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), following mild cases, have been reported. As with other viral infections, such as rubella, influenza, and cytomegalovirus, SARS-CoV-2 induces a surge of proinflammatory cytokines that affect microglial function, which can be harmful to brain development. Along with the viral induction of neuroinflammation, other noninfectious conditions may interact to produce additional inflammation, such as the nutritional imbalance of fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Additionally, transient thyrotoxicosis induced by SARS-CoV-2 with secondary autoimmune hypothyroidism has been reported, which could go undetected during pregnancy. Together, those factors may pose additional risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection impacting mechanisms of neural development such as synaptic pruning and neural circuitry formation. The present review discusses those conditions in the perspective of the understanding of risk factors that should be considered and the possible emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders in COVID-19-infected children.
Evolutions in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma over Last 4 Decades: An Analysis from the 100 Most Influential Articles in the Field
Authors: Xu Gang , Jin Bao , Xian Xiaomeng , Yang Huayu , Zhao Haitao , Du Shunda , Makuuchi Masatoshi , Pawlik Timothy M. , Mao Yilei
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Over the past 4 decades, the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has changed dramatically. The publications that have had the most significant impact on HCC management have not been quantitatively analyzed. In this article, we analyzed the 100 most influential articles over the past 4 decades using bibliometric citation analysis to characterize the evolution in HCC treatment. Methods: The top-cited publications were identified and analyzed from the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Core Collection database. Results: The 100 most cited articles were identified with an average of 738 citations (range: 349–6,799). There was an increase in the number of influential articles in the late 1990s, which was paralleled by an increase in reports focused on locoregional treatment of HCC. Most top 100 articles came from the USA (n = 35), followed by Italy (n = 28), mainland China (n = 26), and Japan (n = 24). The surgical management was the most studied topic (n = 33). The Annals of Surgery published the highest number of papers (n = 26) with 13,978 citations. While other 3 topics (surgical management, locoregional treatment, and outcome prediction) declined among publications beginning in the 2000s, there was an emergence of highly cited papers on targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors with a concomitant increase in the number of publications on systemic therapy. Conclusions: Based on bibliometric analysis of the literature over the last 40 years, a comprehensive analysis of the most historically significant HCC management articles highlighted the key contributions made to the evolution and advancement of this specialist field. The data should provide clinicians and researchers insight into future directions relative to the advancement of HCC management.
What We Have Learned from Two Decades of Epidemics and Pandemics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Psychological Burden of Frontline Healthcare Workers
Authors: Busch Isolde M. , Moretti Francesca , Mazzi Mariangela , Wu Albert W. , Rimondini Michela
Published: February 2021

In light of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and potential future infectious disease outbreaks, a comprehensive understanding of the negative effects of epidemics and pandemics on healthcare workers’ mental health could inform appropriate support interventions. Thus, we aimed to synthesize and quantify the psychological and psychosomatic symptoms among frontline medical staff. We searched four databases up to March 19, 2020 and additional literature, with daily search alerts set up until October 26, 2020. Studies reporting psychological and/or psychosomatic symptoms of healthcare workers caring for patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome, H1N1, Ebola, Middle East respiratory syndrome, or COVID-19 were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently conducted the search, study selection, quality appraisal, data extraction, and synthesis and involved a third reviewer in case of disagreement. We used random effects modeling to estimate the overall prevalence rates of psychological/psychosomatic symptoms and the I2 statistic. We included 86 studies, reporting data from 75,991 participants. Frontline staff showed a wide range of symptoms, including concern about transmitting the virus to the family (60.39%, 95% CI 42.53–76.96), perceived stress (56.77%, 95% CI 34.21–77.95), concerns about own health (45.97%, 95% CI 31.08–61.23), sleeping difficulties (39.88%, 95% CI 27.70–52.72), burnout (31.81%, 95% CI 13.32–53.89), symptoms of depression (25.72%, 95% CI 18.34–33.86), symptoms of anxiety (25.36%, 95% CI 17.90–33.64), symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (24.51%, 95% CI 18.16–31.46), mental health issues (23.11%, 95% CI 15.98–31.10), and symptoms of somatization (14.68%, 95% CI 10.67–19.18). We found consistent evidence for the pervasive and profound impact of large-scale outbreaks on the mental health of frontline healthcare workers. As the CO­VID-19 crisis continues to unfold, guaranteeing easy access to support structures for the entire healthcare workforce is vitally important.
Efetividade de uma intervenção baseada em Mindfulness para redução de estresse e melhora da qualidade de vida em estudantes de enfermagem
Authors: Donato Edilaine Cristina da Silva Gherard , Quinhoneiro Driele Cristina Gomes , Gimenez Larissa Bessani Hidalgo , Hernandes Siqueira Leonardo Hernandes , Serrano Kranya Victoria Diaz- , Zanetti Ana Carolina Guidorizzi
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: avaliar a efetividade de uma intervenção para redução de estresse baseada em Mindfulness em aspectos relacionados à Qualidade de Vida, Atenção Plena e EstressePercebido, em estudantes de graduação e pós-graduação em enfermagem. Método: aplicados instrumentos de avaliação para a construção de uma linha basal e posteriormentea amostra foi submetida a um Programa de Redução de Estresse e aumento da Qualidade de Vida baseado em Mindfulness, formatado em encontros semanais por oito semanas. Resultados: após a intervenção, houve diminuição do nível de Estresse Percebido, aumento do nível de Atenção Plena e melhora da Qualidade de Vida em âmbito psicológico.Conclusão: intervenções baseadas em Mindfulness se mostram efetivas e podem constituir um importante recurso para o gerenciamento do estresse e melhora na Qualidade de Vida dos estudantes.
Efeitos do Programa Terapia Cognitiva Baseada em Mindfulness sobre estresse, autoeficácia e mindfulness em universitários
Authors: Azevedo Mariana Ladeira de , Menezes Carolina Baptista
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: verificar os efeitos da participação no Programa Terapia Cognitiva Baseada em mindfulness sobre o estresse, a autoeficácia e mindfulness disposicional em alunos degraduação. Método: estudo quasi-experimental longitudinal em uma amostra de 13 estudantes. Foram analisadas as variáveis estresse percebido, autoeficácia geral percebida emindfulness disposicional, mensuradas por instrumentos de autorrelato respondidos pelos participantes antes da primeira sessão e ao final da oitava sessão da intervenção. A intervenção teve duração de oito semanas. As análises utilizaram teste de Wilcoxon, correlação de Spearman e correlação parcial. Resultados: comparando os escores ao início e ao final do programa, estresse percebido reduziu e houve aumento da autoeficácia geral percebida e de mindfulness. Correlações entre os desfechos indicaram que mais idade está relacionada com maior autoeficácia geral e mindfulness; redução do estresse está relacionada com aumento da autoeficácia geral e de mindfulness; e aumento da autoeficácia está relacionada com aumento de mindfulness. Conclusão: os dados indicam que o Programa Terapia Cognitiva Baseada em mindfulness pode ajudar a desenvolver habilidades de mindfulness, reduzir o estresse percebido e aumentar a autoeficácia geral percebida, possivelmente contribuindo para o manejo de situações desafiadoras no contexto acadêmico, durante a formação, e após, na atuação profissional.
Mindfulness e regulação emocional: uma revisão sistemática de literatura
Authors: Peixoto Liana Santos Alves , Gondim Sônia Maria Guedes
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: este estudo de revisão sistemática de literatura buscou analisar as relações entre mindfulness e regulação emocional. Método: foram consultadas diversas bases de dado nacionais e internacionais e selecionou-se para análise 60 artigos publicados no período de 2009 a 2019. Resultados: Em termos conceituais, mindfulness é prevalentemente considerado como um traço, e menos como um estado ou habilidade. Os resultados dos estudos empíricos sugerem que mindfulness mostra-se associado ao uso de estratégias de regulação emocional adaptativas favorecendo o funcionamento psíquico saudável. Apontam-se também os limites e contribuições desta revisão. Conclusão: Há a necessidade de mais estudos que considerem o aspecto processual de mindfulness e que possibilitem capturar avivência subjetiva da prática, tendo em visto a prevalência de estudos quantitativos que fizeram uso de escalas de autorrelato.
Promise and Peril of Population Genomics for the Development of Genome-First Approaches in Mendelian Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Parikh Victoria N.
Published: February 2021

The rich tradition of cardiovascular genomics has placed the field in prime position to extend our knowledge toward a genome-first approach to diagnosis and therapy. Population-scale genomic data has enabled exponential improvements in our ability to adjudicate variant pathogenicity based on allele rarity, and there has been a significant effort to employ these sizeable data in the investigation of rare disease. Certainly, population genomics data has great potential to aid the development of a genome-first approach to Mendelian cardiovascular disease, but its use in the clinical and investigative decision making is limited by the characteristics of the populations studied, and the evolutionary constraints on human Mendelian variation. To truly empower clinicians and patients, the successful implementation of a genome-first approach to rare cardiovascular disease will require the nuanced incorporation of population-based discovery with detailed investigation of rare disease cohorts and prospective variant evaluation.
Risk Factors for Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following Surgical Management of Cardiac Fibroma
Authors: Beroukhim Rebecca S. , Geva Tal , del Nido Pedro , Sleeper Lynn A. , Lu Minmin , Muter Angelika , Harrild David M. , Walsh Edward P. , Nathan Meena
Published: February 2021

Background:

Surgical resection of cardiac fibromas in children reduces hemodynamic and arrhythmia burden; however, little is known about postoperative left ventricular (LV) function. We aimed to evaluate factors associated with postoperative LV dysfunction.

Methods:

In this retrospective observational cohort study, imaging data were reviewed from 41 patients who had undergone surgical resection of a cardiac fibroma. Tumor volume was indexed to body surface area (tumor volume index). Right ventricular tumors were excluded from analysis of postoperative ventricular function. Postoperative regional wall motion abnormality score was defined as number of wall segments with regional wall motion abnormality, and LV dysfunction was defined as LV ejection fraction <50%. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived strain was low if <5%ile by previously published normative data.

Results:

Of 41 patients who underwent resection at a median age of 2.1 years (range, 0.5–19), 37 fibromas were in the LV, (29 free wall and 8 septal), and 4 in the right ventricle. Preoperative median tumor volume index was 66 mL/m
2
(range, 11–376). Of 37 patients with LV tumors, younger patients had larger tumor volume index and higher grades of preoperative mitral regurgitation (
P
<0.001). Larger tumor volume index correlated with higher postoperative regional wall motion abnormality score (
P
<0.001). By paired pre- and post-operative cardiovascular magnetic resonance (n=14), LV end-diastolic volume increased (mean 76 versus 101 mL/m
2
,
P
=0.011), with decreased LV ejection fraction (mean 60% versus 55%,
P
=0.014), a higher prevalence of low global circumferential strain (36% versus 64%,
P
=0.045), and decreased cardiac index (mean 4.8 versus 3.9 L/[min·m
2
],
P
=0.039). More than mild preoperative mitral regurgitation was the only independent predictor of predischarge LV dysfunction (odds ratio, 22 [95% CI, 2.8–179],
P
=0.008).

Conclusions:

Surgical resection of LV fibroma is associated with regional wall motion abnormality, increased LV volume, and reduced systolic function. Children with significant preoperative mitral regurgitation are at highest risk for LV dysfunction and warrant ongoing close surveillance.
Arterial Stiffness in Aging: Does It Have a Place in Clinical Practice?
Authors: Mitchell Gary F.
Published: February 2021

Aortic stiffness increases markedly with age and is associated with excess risk for various adverse clinical outcomes, including heart disease, dementia, and kidney disease. Although evidence for adverse effects of aortic stiffening is overwhelming, integration of direct and indirect measures of aortic stiffness into routine clinical assessment has lagged behind the science. This brief review will examine recent evidence supporting the value of stiffness as an important new risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease and will offer suggestions for incorporating stiffness measures into routine clinical practice.
Coronary Artery Calcium and Cognitive Function in Dutch Adults: Cross‐Sectional Results of the Population‐Based ImaLife Study
Authors: Xia Congying , Vonder Marleen , Sidorenkov Grigory , Ma Runlei , Oudkerk Matthijs , van der Harst Pim , De Deyn Peter Paul , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn
Published: February 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate whether increased severity of coronary artery calcium (CAC), an imaging biomarker of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, is associated with worse cognitive function independent of cardiovascular risk factors in a large population‐based Dutch cohort with broad age range.

Methods and Results

A cross‐sectional analysis was performed in 4988 ImaLife participants (aged 45–91 years, 58.3% women) without history of cardiovascular disease. CAC scores were obtained using nonenhanced cardiac computed tomography scanning. The CogState Brief Battery was used to assess 4 cognitive domains: processing speed, attention, working memory, and visual learning based on detection task, identification task, 1‐back task, and 1‐card‐learning task, respectively. Differences in mean scores of each cognitive domain were compared among 4 CAC categories (0, 1–99, 100–399, ≥400) using analysis of covariates to adjust for classical cardiovascular risk factors. Age‐stratified analysis (45–54, 55–64, and ≥65 years) was performed to assess whether the association of CAC severity with cognitive function differed by age. Overall, higher CAC was associated with worse performance on 1‐back task after adjusting for classical cardiovascular risk factors, but CAC was not associated with the other cognitive tasks. Age‐stratified analyses revealed that the association of CAC severity with working memory persisted in participants aged 45 to 54 years, while in the elderly this association lost significance.

Conclusions

In this Dutch population of ≥45 years, increased CAC severity was associated with worse performance of working memory, independent of classical cardiovascular risk factors. The inverse relationship of CAC score categories with working memory was strongest in participants aged 45 to 54 years.
Women With Impact: Taking One Small Step into the Universe
Authors: Forget Bettina
Published: February 2021

Out of 1,578 cataloged and named craters on the Moon, only 32 are named after women. That is a scant 2%. To highlight the underrepresentation of women in science, the author created two connected art projects. The initial project, Women With Impact, is a series of drawings of Moon craters named after women. Building on this oeuvre is One Small Step, a participatory project that invites prominent female astronomers to perform a meditative walk while wearing 3D-printed shoe soles that create a small Moon crater with each step.
Hmong Christianisation, the Will to Improve and the Question of Neoliberalism in Vietnam’s Highlands
Authors: Rumsby Seb
Published: February 2021

This article focuses on the convergence of mass Christianisation and economic transformations among the Hmong of Vietnam’s northern highlands over the past thirty years. A history of impoverishment and ethnic discrimination has led hundreds of thousands of Hmong to follow Christianity as a perceived alternative path to progress instead of the state-led development agenda, despite sharing the same ‘will to improve’. By exploring local understandings about the means to development as well as new religious teaching on prosperity, entrepreneurialism and calculativity in a rapidly developing Hmong village, this paper queries the ‘elective affinity’ between new Christian movements and neoliberalism posited by other scholars. The case study highlights the awkward combination of ‘cooperative competitiveness’ accompanying a community-benefit tourism development model. Hmong Christian activity can both overlap and sit at odds with government agendas and market expansion, resulting in complex transformations and subjectivities which cannot simply be reduced to neoliberal logic.
China’s State-Owned Enterprise Reform Since 2013
Authors: Liu Kerry
Published: February 2021

Starting from the 3rd Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held in November 2013, China has begun another round of state-owned enterprise (SOE) reform. By examining policy documents, analysing the pilot SOE s and conducing an empirical study based on a unique dataset of control rights transfers between SOE s and privately owned enterprises in Chinese stock markets during 2014–2019, this study concludes that this round of SOE reform has made China’s SOE s stronger and possibly bigger. These findings are important to firms, scholars and policy-makers around the world and make further contributions to the debates on China’s SOE reform.
L’Homme Exotique dans Les Manuels Belges de Geographie Edites en Francais.
Authors: Vincke Edouard
Published: February 2021

“Exotic Man as Seen in the French Language Editions of Belgian Geography Handbooks”.

A critical study of geography handbooks for schools dating back to 1880, and centred on one aspect at human geography: physical variety and cultural differences. The author retraces the portrait of “the other man” as this has been presented to pupils. The handbooks express a very ethnocentric discourse, marked by determinism and social evolutionism. Large sections of the text are nothing else than justifications of colonialism in Central Africa. Darwinian theory on evolution has not been taken into account as an explanation of the diversity in humankind, the latter having been considered only under the angle of “race”.
Cannabis-derived terpenes and flavonoids as potential pharmaceuticals
Authors: Ofir Rivka
Published: February 2021

Terpenes and flavonoids are metabolites produced by many plants, including cannabis plants. Studies suggest that combined treatment based on synergism between plant metabolites has the potential to act better than a single compound. It may be true in the case of cannabis also: the plant content may act better than ‘pure’ cbd. The mode of action of synergism may involve interaction of terpenes/flavonoids with cbd receptors or other receptors; as small metabolites, terpenes/flavonoids may help cannabinoids to cross dermal barrier/to be absorbed orally and/or to cross the blood-brain-barrier. This review summarize studies that discuss the mechanisms of action of terpenes and flavonoids and their effects on various human pathologies. This review cover only part of such studies with the hope to shed light on how synergism between cannabis derived terpenes and flavonoids can improve the action of cannabinoids.
Calling for a reassessment of rodent diversity in Colombia: description of a new species of Neacomys (Cricetidae: Oryzomyini) from the Magdalena Valley, with a new phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus and comments on its diversification
Authors: COLMENARES-PINZÓN JAVIER E.
Published: February 2021

Neacomys Thomas, 1900 is an oryzomyine genus comprising at least 17 lineages distributed from easternmost Panama to northern Bolivia. As is the case for other groups of the subfamily Sigmodontinae, Neacomys have experienced a substantial increase in the rate of species descriptions in the last two decades, prompted by the progressive generation of morphological, molecular and karyological data. Nevertheless, most of the studies related to the genus have focused on the assessment of Cis-Andean populations, so that the Trans-Andean ones have been relegated to the background. In more than a century, only two species have been described from that region, one of them present in Colombia (N. tenuipes Thomas, 1900). Here, a new species of Neacomys is named and described based on samples collected in montane ecosystems of the Serranía de los Yariguíes, an isolated massif in the Magdalena Valley (Trans-Andean Colombia). Its validity is supported by a unique combination of morphological and molecular characters: Neacomys sp. nov. can be distinguished from other congeners mainly by the presence of broad ochraceous-orange patches on the sides of the muzzle, a gray-based ochraceous buff ventral fur, a thick hamular process of the squamosal, an opened ectotympanic ring, and a narrow anterocone of M1. The species is recovered as a clearly divergent and well-supported monophyletic group in the phylogenies, which implies it is not closely related to any other species in the genus and probably represents an early radiation within it. The new species of Neacomys constitutes the only rodent described from Colombia in more than 50 years and brings the list of mammals of the country to 529 species. Its discovery evidences that Trans-Andean region could be an important source of hidden diversity for the genus, and in Colombia, for rodents in general. Thus, further inventories, especially into remote areas, are needed to unveil this diversity. The fact that the new species seems to be endemic to an isolated mountain range implies it merits attention in terms of conservation.
A new of species of the Agama lionotus Boulenger, 1896 complex (Squamata: Agamidae) from northern Kenya
Authors: MALONZA PATRICK K. , SPAWLS STEPHEN , FINCH BRIAN , BAUER AARON M.
Published: February 2021

Kenya has a high diversity of agamid lizards and the arid northern frontier area has the highest species richness. Among the Kenyan agama species, Agama lionotus has the widest distribution, occurring from sea level to inland areas in both dry and moist savanna as well as desert areas. This species mostly prefers rocky areas, both in granitic/metamorphic and volcanic rocks, although it also makes use of tree crevices as well as man-made structures. Recently in Marsabit, northern Kenya, a small-sized agama species, distinct from A. lionotus, was collected within a rocky lava desert area. This new species is characterized by its small size (mean SVL ~83 mm) as compared to typical A. lionotus (mean SVL ~120 mm). Past studies have shown the value of adult male throat coloration for the identification of species within the A. lionotus complex. Herein we also highlight female dorsal color pattern, which is a key character for distinguishing the new species from others in the group, including the similar A. hulbertorum. As in A. lionotus, displaying adult males have an orange to yellow head, a vertebral stripe, a bluish body coloration and an annulated white/blue tail. But the most diagnostic character is the coloration of females and non-displaying males, which exhibit a series of regular pairs of dark spots along the vertebrae as far posterior as the tail base. In addition, females have a pair of elongated orange or yellow marks on the shoulders and another on the dorsolateral margins of the abdomen. This study shows that more cryptic species in the Agama lionotus complex may still await discovery. The new species was found inhabiting dark desert lava rocks but should additionally be present in suitably similar sites in the northern frontier area. This underscores the need to re-examine populations of Agama lionotus from different microhabitats in this country.
Ten new species of Phyllodoce Lamarck, 1818 (Phyllodocidae, Annelida)
from Brazil
Authors: DE OLIVEIRA VERÔNICA MARIA , MAGALHÃES WAGNER F. , LANA PAULO DA CUNHA
Published: February 2021

Herein we provide a taxonomic revision of Phyllodoce species from Brazil, describing 10 new species in addition to two new records, Phyllodoce longipes Kinberg, 1866 and Phyllodoce cf. madeirensis Langerhans, 1880. Phyllodoce sp. A. and Phyllodoce sp. B. are probably new but the number and condition of available specimens do not provide adequate and reliable diagnostic features for a formal description. These species have been collected in diverse marine and estuarine environments from shallow estuarine bottoms to continental shelf and slope sediments and submarine canyons from off southern and southeastern Brazil. A key to the fourteen species of Phyllodoce occurring in Brazil is also given.
The Strong Upwelling Event off the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka in 2013 and Its Relationship with Indian Ocean Dipole Events
Authors: Li Yuhui , Qiu Yun , Hu Jianyu , Aung Cherry , Lin Xinyu , Jing Chunsheng , Zhang Junpeng
Published: February 2021

Multisource satellite remote sensing data have been used to analyze the strong upwelling event off the southern coast of Sri Lanka in 2013 and its relationship with Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) events. The upwelling area in 2013 is 5.7 times larger than that in a normal year and lasts from June to August, with the peaks of the cooling anomaly reaching −1.5°C and the positive chlorophyll a concentration anomaly exceeding 3.1 mg m−3. In 2013, the negative unseasonable IOD (IODJJA) event enhances the southwest monsoon, while the blocking of the monsoon wind by the island results in a stronger westerly/northwesterly wind stress off the southern coast of Sri Lanka and a weaker westerly/northwesterly wind stress over the eastern Sri Lanka waters. This causes stronger offshore transport and positive Ekman pumping off the southern coast, forming a strong upwelling event there. Further analysis indicates that the interannual variability of the upwelling, as represented by a newly constructed index based on satellite observations, is primarily caused by the variations of local wind associated with the IOD. The upwelling off the southern coast of Sri Lanka weakens (strengthens) in the positive (negative) IOD years. However, an analysis based on 21 IOD events during 1982–2019 demonstrates that the effects of the three types of IOD events, including IODJJA, prolonged IOD (IODLONG), and normal IOD (IODSON), on the upwelling are different. Compared to the IODSON events, the IODJJA and IODLONG events tend to have stronger influences due to their earlier developing phases.
Effect of Obesity on Early, In-Hospital Amputation Risk Following Popliteal Artery Injury Using an Analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank
Authors: Watras Jill B. , Collins Devon T. , Newcomb Anna , Liu Chang , Griffen Margaret M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Popliteal artery injury is associated with a high risk of limb loss; identifying factors associated with increased morbidity and mortality is hampered by its rare occurrence and confounding factors. Anecdotal observations suggest delay in diagnosis of obese patients may be associated with amputation. We aimed to determine whether there is an increased risk of early amputation and if diagnosis is delayed in obese patients with popliteal artery injuries.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) data from 2013 to 2017. We extracted those sustaining popliteal artery injury, assigning obesity class based on body mass index. We included select demographic and clinical variables, using time to imaging as a surrogate for time to diagnosis. Statistical models were used to calculate the impact of obesity on amputation rates and time to diagnosis.

Results

We identified 4803 popliteal artery injuries in the data set; 3289 met inclusion criteria. We calculated an 8.5% overall amputation rate, which was not significantly different between obese (N = 1305; 39.7%) and nonobese (N = 1984; 60.3%) patients. Statistical analysis identified peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, and smoking as risk factors for amputation. Time to imaging was similar for obese and nonobese patients.

Conclusions and Relevance

Analysis of NTDB data suggests that obesity is associated with neither increased early amputation rate nor longer time to imaging in patients with popliteal artery injury. However, our study suggests that underlying comorbidities of peripheral vascular disease and diabetes are associated with an increased risk for amputation in these patients.
Preschool children deliver stroke knowledge to their families with the FAST 112 Heroes educational programme
Authors: Tsakpounidou Kalliopi , Proios Hariklia
Published: February 2021

Background:

FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) 112 Heroes is an educational programme that delivers information to children and their extended families helping them identify the principal signs of stroke and informing them how to respond appropriately in the event of a stroke.

Objectives:

To examine the baseline stroke literacy that extended families possess, as well as to assess whether children enrolled in FAST 112 Heroes programme effectively convey stroke knowledge to their extended family.

Design:

Field trial.

Setting:

Four schools in Northern Greece – two public and two private.

Methods:

Parents of preschool aged (5–7 years) children completed stroke knowledge questionnaires, before the programme began and one week after the completion of the FAST 112 Heroes programme. Findings were analysed.

Results:

In total, 240 parents of kindergarten children (146 women, 94 men; 20–59 years old; mean age: 38.81) completed the pre-programme questionnaire, whereas only 80 of them (33.33%) completed the post-programme questionnaire. Before the programme started, 30 out of 80 parents (37.5%) recognised the three rudimentary stroke symptoms, compared to 68 out of 80 (85%) after the completion of the programme ( p = .00). Parental awareness of the emergency number 112 and of the FAST acronym before programme implementation was relatively poor.

Conclusions:

Improvement of stroke knowledge post-implementation was observed in the extended family of preschool children enrolled in the FAST 112 Heroes programme which suggests that the latter delivered stroke information to their families effectively.
A Scoping Review of the Use of Social and Behavioral Change in Acute Care Antimicrobial Stewardship Initiatives
Authors: Hemenway Alice N. , DuBois David L.
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Antimicrobial stewardship (AS) initiatives are implemented with a goal of reducing antimicrobial resistance. It is unknown exactly how many acute care AS initiatives have since been based on social and behavioral theory. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide an updated review of theory-informed acute care AS initiatives in the published literature, including how social and behavioral theories have been used in the described interventions. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ProQuest Dissertations were searched using a combination of AS, acute care, and social and behavioral theory search terms from April 2011 to November 2019. Using both an initial review of titles and abstracts and a second review of full text, a total of 4 articles were identified after a review of 2014 records. Each article was coded using a guide that abstracted details of study methods, the AS intervention, and use of theory based on a validated theory coding scheme. Results: The interventions included combinations of decision-making tools, provider education, and prospective audit and feedback. Two studies included an evaluation of the described initiative, with findings indicating improvement in antimicrobial use. All interventions utilized theory in developing AS interventions. However, gaps were evident in the use of theory in the evaluations, including inconsistent measurement of theory constructs and lack of testing of the theory. Conclusion: AS interventions are frequently published; however, theory-based acute care AS interventions are not commonly described. More consistent and comprehensive utilization of social and behavioral theories may enhance effectiveness of AS programs.
The Effect of the Affordable Care Act Dependent Coverage Mandate on Health Insurance and Labor Supply: Evidence from Alternative Research Designs
Authors: Kim Daeho
Published: February 2021

This article examines the effect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) dependent coverage mandate on health insurance and labor supply. The author applies three research designs—difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, and regression kink designs—and conducts extensive robustness checks and falsification tests, along with a formal test for the location of discontinuity and kink. The author finds no discernible evidence of the labor supply impact of the ACA dependent coverage mandate during the first three years after its implementation (2011–2013), despite its substantial impact on health insurance coverage for the eligible young adults. The author attributes this finding to the fact that until 2014, grandfathered plans were not required to provide dependent coverage to those young adult workers who obtained insurance through their own employer.