bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing rt-PA Analogs to Release its Trapped Thrombolytic Activity
Authors: Li Wei
Published: October 2021

Recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA, alteplase) is an FDA-approved thrombolytic drug. Designing rt-PA analogs to suppress its inhibition by plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) without compromising its pharmacological activity has been a continued effort because rt-PA is rapidly inactivated by endogenous PAI-1, leading to the thrombolytic activity of rt-PA being trapped by endogenous PAI-1. Here, incorporating currently available structure of the rt-PA-PAI-1 Michaelis complex structures, this paper uncovers the interstructural biophysics underlying the rt-PA-PAI-1 binding interface, and puts forward a structural biophysical basis for the design of a previously reported rt-PA analogue (T103N, N117Q, KHRR (296-299) AAAA). In addition, this paper proposes a set of rt-PA analogs with lower or higher affinity to PAI-1, including rt-PA (alanine scanning for E_60A, D_189 and R_39), rt-PA (Q60E) and rt-PA (Q60E-F150H-Y151K), towards the release of the trapped thrombolytic activity of rt-PA, and also in the hope that there is still room for the improvement of the efficacy-safety balance of rt-PA in future.
Under the Radar: Strategies Used by Helicobacter pylori to Evade Host Responses
Authors: Prashar Akriti , Capurro Mariana I. , Jones Nicola L.
Published: October 2021

The body depends on its physical barriers and innate and adaptive immune responses to defend against the constant assault of potentially harmful microbes. In turn, successful pathogens have evolved unique mechanisms to adapt to the host environment and manipulate host defenses. Helicobacter pylori ( Hp), a human gastric pathogen that is acquired in childhood and persists throughout life, is an example of a bacterium that is very successful at remodeling the host-pathogen interface to promote a long-term persistent infection. Using a combination of secreted virulence factors, immune subversion, and manipulation of cellular mechanisms, Hp can colonize and persist in the hostile environment of the human stomach. Here, we review the most recent and relevant information regarding how this successful pathogen overcomes gastric epithelial host defense responses to facilitate its own survival and establish a chronic infection.
Strategies to foster group cohesion in online learning environments: use of crossword and Hybrid Medical Pictionary
Authors: Hirkani Munira , Hegde Geeta , Kamath Ramakrishna , Sonwane Tejaswini , Angane Esha , Gajbhiye Riya
Published: October 2021

Developing group cohesiveness in the online environment is important for a satisfying learning experience. This article describes an innovative use of crosswords as a “group” activity along with a hybrid version of Medical Pictionary and Medical Charades, in a medical school in India, to engage the learners, encourage interactions and collaboration, and develop group cohesiveness.
Applying Deep Learning Technologies to Evaluate the Patent Quality with the Collaborative Training
Authors: You Xindong , Liu Jiaqi , Wang Zhe , Liu Zhaonan , Lv Xueqiang , Kim Jung Yoon
Published: October 2021

As the country vigorously promotes the development of science and technology and tries to enhance independent innovation capabilities, more and more attention is paid on the protection of technology ownership. In recent years, China has developed rapidly in many scientific and technological fields, and the number of patent applications increased year by year. However, various patent quality problems including immature patent technology and low patent authorization rate appear. The indicators of patent quantification and quality evaluation are studied in this paper. First, we quantify the patent quality evaluation indicators and combine the content of the patent text to build a patent evaluation model. US patents with patent grade labels are used for training with multitask learning technology. Second, the evaluation model is transferred from the English patents to the Chinese patents, in which the active learning technology and transfer learning technology are used to minimize the work of manual labeling. Finally, a Chinese patent quality evaluation model based on collaborative training was designed and implemented. Methods used in this experiment have notably improved the prediction effect of the model and achieved a better migration effect. A large number of experimental results show that the Chinese patent quality evaluation model has achieved good evaluation results. This research uses deep learning and natural language processing technology to carry out research on patent quality evaluation models from different perspectives, to provide patent decision support for related companies, and to point out research directions for research institutions and patent inventors.
Reliable Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearing Based on Ensemble Modified Deep Metric Learning
Authors: Xu Zengbing , Li Xiaojuan , Wang Jinxia , Wang Zhigang
Published: October 2021

A novel ensemble Yu’s norm‐based deep metric learning (DMLYu) is proposed to diagnose the fault of rolling bearing in this paper, which can diagnose the fault classes through the information fusion method that combines the different diagnosis results produced by several Yu’s norm‐based deep metric learning models with different scale signals. The suggested method is composed of three steps: firstly the vibration signal is decomposed into multiple IMF components by the EEMD method, then these IMF components are input into the DMLYu models which is called the modified deep metric learning model based on Yu’s norm‐based similarity measure, respectively, to extract the feature parameters to diagnose the fault of rolling bearings from the different scales, and finally the final diagnosis decision is made by fusion strategy based on Bayesian belief method (BBM). At last, through a multifaceted diagnosis test of rolling bearing on different datasets, the effectiveness of the proposed ensemble DMLYu based on BBM is verified, and the superiority of the proposed diagnosis method is validated by comparing its diagnosis accuracy and generalization with DMLYu based on voting method and the individual DMLYu model.
Evaluation of Corrosion Inhibition Efficiency of Aluminum Alloy 2024 by Diaminostilbene and Azobenzene Schiff Bases in 1 M Hydrochloric Acid
Authors: Bhaskara Shobha , Fakrudeen Sanaulla Pathapalya , Desalegn Tegene , Murthy H. C. Ananda , Bheemaraju V.
Published: October 2021

The Schiff base compounds N,N

′

-bis(salicylidine)-4,4

′

–diaminostilbene(SDS) and N,N

′

-bis(salicylidine)-4,4

′

-diamino azobenzene(SDA) were synthesized, and their molecular structure was determined by FT-IR and 1H NMR. The corrosion inhibitions of Schiff base compounds on aluminum alloy 2024 in 1 M hydrochloric acid were evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization, impedance techniques, weight loss method, and scanning electron microscopic technique. The potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) studies revealed that SDS and SDA compounds acted predominantly as cathodic inhibitors. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) parameters confirmed the adsorption of SDS and SDA molecules over the surface of aluminum alloy 2024 alloy by forming an inhibitive layer. The weight loss studies showed that the inhibition efficiency of these compounds increases directly with concentration and decreases with an increase in solution temperature and immersion time. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated to investigate the mechanism of corrosion inhibition. The SDA was found to be more effective than SDS and followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results revealed that the deterioration of the alloy surface is minimal in the presence of an inhibitor. Both Schiff base molecules exhibited superior corrosion inhibition for aluminum alloy 2024 alloy in HCl medium.
Experimental Centrifuge Study of the Effects of Valley Topography on the Behavior of a Concrete Face Rockfill Dam
Authors: Tian Chao , Zhang Xuedong , Wen Lifeng
Published: October 2021

The recent focus on water conservancy projects globally has resulted in the construction of increased numbers of concrete face rockfill dams in narrow valleys. However, valley topography impacts the deformation of a dam and further influences the distribution of stress and position of cracks on the face slab. This study conducted two centrifuge experiments to study the influence of the valley topography on the behavior of a concrete face rockfill dam from construction to impoundment. Experimental models of concrete face slab sand‐gravel dams with “U”‐type and “V”‐type valley topographies were established. The settlement of the dam crest, the displacement of the upstream slope of the dam, and the stress on both sides of the face slab were observed. The experiment also represented the cracking of the face slab during impoundment. The results showed that the “V”‐type valley topography effectively reduced the progression of dam crest settlement and influenced stress on the slab resulting from impounded water pressure. Furthermore, the flexural form of the face slab in the “U”‐type valley topography took on a “D” shape and cracks progressively developed on the face slab with increased water load. The flexural form of the face slab in the “V”‐type valley topography showed a “B” shape, and cracks occurred under a particular water impoundment pressure.
Composition Regulation and Microstructure Characterization of Fe100-xGax Films in the Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Shen Zhi , Yan Jian-Wu , Jin Kang , Fu Kai , Zhou Ying-Li
Published: October 2021

Fe100-xGax giant magnetostrictive films (GMF) are attracting ever increasing attention for their potential application to manufacturing integrated magnetostrictive displacement sensors. However, it is difficult to fabricate Fe100-xGax thin films with different compositions at will. The influence of compositions on alloy phases, grain sizes, film surface roughness, and magnetic domains of the films and magnetization of magnetron sputtered Fe100-xGax films was investigated. Changing the ratio of the pure iron slice areas to alloy target areas, the desired film composition was achieved by the improved Mosaic method. The morphologies, magnetic domain structure, microstructure, and compositions of Fe100-xGax films revealed by SEM, EDS, XRD, MFM, VSM, and TEM. The results show that there are <1 1 0 > texture in magnetron sputtered Fe100-xGax films. The sharp peak attributed to the A2 microstructure suggests that the film is crystalline. The magnetic domain structure of Fe100-xGax films presents a network form, and the domain width decreases with the decrease of gallium content. It is also found that the magnetic domains of the films are not uniform. The TEM result shows that there are some strip patterns in the films, and the diffraction ring is discontinuous because of the structure extinction. For a suitable candidate of microdevice applications in MEMS, the optimum composition film should be Fe83.25Ga16.75 film.
Makespan Optimisation in Cloudlet Scheduling with Improved DQN Algorithm in Cloud Computing
Authors: Chraibi Amine , Ben Alla Said , Ezzati Abdellah
Published: October 2021

Despite increased cloud service providers following advanced cloud infrastructure management, substantial execution time is lost due to minimal server usage. Given the importance of reducing total execution time (makespan) for cloud service providers (as a vital metric) during sustaining Quality-of-Service (QoS), this study established an enhanced scheduling algorithm for minimal cloudlet scheduling (CS) makespan with the deep Q-network (DQN) algorithm under MCS-DQN. A novel reward function was recommended to enhance the DQN model convergence. Additionally, an open-source simulator (CloudSim) was employed to assess the suggested work performance. Resultantly, the recommended MCS-DQN scheduler revealed optimal outcomes to minimise the makespan metric and other counterparts (task waiting period, resource usage of virtual machines, and the extent of incongruence against the algorithms).
Investigation of Baryons in the Hypercentral Quark Model
Authors: Tazimi N. , Sadeghi Alavijeh P.
Published: October 2021

In the present study, we consider baryons as three-body bound systems according to the hypercentral constituent quark model in configuration space and solve the three-body Klein-Gordon equation. Then, we analyze perturbative spin-dependent and isospin-dependent interaction effects. To find the analytical solution, we use screened potential and calculate the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of some baryons. We consider exclusive semileptonic decays of bottom and charm baryons and apply the differential decay width with the Isgur-Wise function and arrive at the rates for some semileptonic baryon decays. The results prove more enhanced compared to recent works and comply well with the experimental data.
Preconditioning with Cathodal High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Sensitizes the Primary Motor Cortex to Subsequent Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation
Authors: Dai Wenjun , Geng Yao , Liu Hao , Guo Chuan , Chen Wenxiang , Ma Jinhui , Chen Jinjin , Jia Yanbing , Shen Ying , Wang Tong
Published: October 2021

Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can induce long-term potentiation-like facilitation, but whether the combination of TMS and tDCS has additive effects is unclear. To address this issue, in this randomized crossover study, we investigated the effect of preconditioning with cathodal high-definition (HD) tDCS on intermittent theta burst stimulation- (iTBS-) induced plasticity in the left motor cortex. A total of 24 healthy volunteers received preconditioning with cathodal HD-tDCS or sham intervention prior to iTBS in a random order with a washout period of 1 week. The amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) was measured at baseline and at several time points (5, 10, 15, and 30 min) after iTBS to determine the effects of the intervention on cortical plasticity. Preconditioning with cathodal HD-tDCS followed by iTBS showed a greater increase in MEP amplitude than sham cathodal HD-tDCS preconditioning and iTBS at each time postintervention point, with longer-lasting after-effects on cortical excitability. These results demonstrate that preintervention with cathodal HD-tDCS primes the motor cortex for long-term potentiation induced by iTBS and is a potential strategy for improving the clinical outcome to guide therapeutic decisions.
The Hybrid Traffic Offloading Mode for Disaster‐Resilient Communication Networks Based on User Mobility
Authors: Tsai Ang-Hsun , Tsai Chung-Hsien
Published: October 2021

Emergency communication systems play a major role in disaster‐relief environments. In terms of the public safety research, the emergency relief communication system can provide a high system capacity for networks based on the development of Long‐Term Evolution. However, in the event of a disaster, mass traffic information can cause congestion in the core network, and communications between relief workers may be limited. Consequently, spectrum efficiency can be very weak. This paper provides a hybrid traffic offloading mechanism combining Device‐to‐Device (D2D) and Local IP Access (LIPA) modes for the disaster‐resilient network. With receiving power, the distance between relief workers and the distance between relief workers and the vehicular eNodeB (VeNB) as the LIPA/D2D switching criteria, the network can select an appropriate mode to prevent core network congestion. This paper also considers the effects of the mobility models (i.e., random walk and random direction) on the spectrum efficiency of the disaster‐resilient communication system. The proposed hybrid LIPA/D2D traffic offloading mechanism can prevent the local communication traffic from flowing into the core network and significantly improve the system spectrum efficiency when the core network is under congestion. Therefore, the proposed mechanism can effectively improve the quality of the communication between relief workers served by the same VeNB for performing rescue operations. Moreover, the hybrid LIPA/D2D traffic offloading mechanism can be applied to the smart city and smart home in the future.
Alternative Design Procedure for RC‐Braced Long Columns Based on New Moment Magnifiers Matrix
Authors: Farouk Mohamed , Alzara Majed , Ehab A. , Yosri A. M.
Published: October 2021

Based on modified methods for the results of first‐order analysis of RC columns, different codes approximate the second‐order effects by using equations focusing on the maximum additional moment through the column height. These equations did not refer to the additional moments between the column and the connected beam, only the effect of the connected beams is taken into consideration by dealing with the effective length of the column, not the total length. Moreover, these equations did not take into account the second‐order effect, which is caused by axial force and the inverse moments due to beam restriction for the column ends. This paper presents a new moment magnifiers matrix for the additional moments at the connection between braced columns and the connected beams as a simplified computation that can be used in the design procedure. That is through an equation based on transforming the original long column in second‐order analysis to an equivalent isolated column. The equivalent column was represented as an element restricted with rotational spring support at its ends, and it is subjected to lateral distributed loads that have the same influence of the second‐order effect on the induced additional moments in the long column. The suggested equivalent column can be used to form the additional bending moment diagram, also to compute the additional deformations as well. Numerous factors were analyzed linearly by using the presented new moment magnifiers matrix and finite element method, and the results proved the efficiency of the proposed model. Although the presented suggested model is based on the isolated analysis of the long column, the effect of the additional moments in the adjacent long column can be considered by presented two suggestions to improve the model. Also, development was proceeded on the model by modifying the flexural rigidity (EI) which is recommended in ACI to appropriate the time of failure. The additional moment values of the developed model were close to the values calculated by the ACI equation.
FGFR4 and Klotho Polymorphisms Are Not Associated with Cardiovascular Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Sellier Alexander B. , Seiler-Mußler Sarah , Emrich Insa E. , Böhm Michael , Fliser Danilo , Zawada Adam M. , Heine Gunnar H.
Published: October 2021

Introduction: High plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) predicts cardiovascular events in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Experimental evidence suggests FGF receptor 4 (FGFR4) activation by FGF-23, and deficiency of the soluble form of its co-receptor Klotho promotes left-ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). To evaluate the clinical relevance of these findings, a Mendelian randomization study analyzed the association of genetic variants of FGFR4 and Klotho with echocardiographic parameters and cardiac events in CKD patients. Methods: The prospective Cardiovascular and Renal Outcome in CKD 2–4 Patients–The Fourth Homburg Evaluation study recruited CKD G2–G4 patients, of whom 519 consented to SNP genotyping (FGFR4: rs351855; Klotho: rs9536314). Echocardiographic examinations at baseline and 5 years later assessed prevalence of LVH by measurement of left-ventricular mass index (LVMI). Patients were followed for 5.1 ± 2.1 years for the primary endpoints of cardiac decompensation and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Results: Carriers of the different alleles did neither differ in baseline LVMI (rs351855: p = 0.861; rs9536314: p = 0.379) nor in LVMI changes between baseline and follow-up (rs351855: p = 0.181; rs9536314: p = 0.995). Hundred and four patients suffered cardiac decompensation, and 144 patients had ASCVD. Time to cardiac decompensation (rs351855: p = 0.316; rs9536314: p = 0.765) and ASCVD (p = 0.508 and p = 0.800, respectively) did not differ between carriers of different alleles. Discussion/Conclusion: rs351855 and rs9536314 were not associated with LVMI or cardiac events. These findings do not provide evidence for a relevant clinical role of either FGFR4 stimulation or soluble form of Klotho deficiency in LVH development.
Diabetes As an Independent Risk Factor for Stroke Recurrence in Ischemic Stroke Patients: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Li , Li Xianqi , Wolfe Charles D.A. , O’Connell Matthew D.L. , Wang Yanzhong
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Stroke and its recurrence and diabetes will increase in incidence as the population ages globally. This study explores the relationship between diabetes and stroke recurrence to understand if diabetes is an independent predictor for stroke recurrence in ischemic stroke (IS) patients. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the effect of diabetes on stroke recurrence among patients with IS. We searched population-based studies published before 15th February 2021 in PubMed and EMBASE following PRISMA guidelines. Random-effects estimates of the pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of each study were generated. A funnel plot and an Egger test were performed to evaluate publication bias. All statistical analyses were conducted in the R software 4.0.1 and Stata 16.0. Results: The search identified 3,121 citations, of which 27 studies met inclusion criteria. Diabetes was associated with a significant risk of stroke recurrence in all IS patients (pooled HR, 1.50; 95% CI: 1.36–1.65; I2 = 61.0%). Similar results were found in lacunar stroke patients with diabetes (pooled HR, 1.65; 95% CI: 1.41–1.92; I2 = 22.0%). Moreover, we found that the risk of recurrent IS among patients of IS with diabetes was higher than that in those without diabetes (pooled HR, 1.53; 95% CI: 1.30–1.81; I2 = 74.0%). Conclusion: Diabetes is an independent risk factor for stroke recurrence among patients with IS.
Mini Review: Reappraisal of Uric Acid in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Goldberg Avi , Garcia-Arroyo Fernando , Sasai Fumihiko , Rodriguez-Iturbe Bernardo , Sanchez-Lozada Laura Gabriela , Lanaspa Miguel A. , Johnson Richard J.
Published: October 2021

Hyperuricemia predicts the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and metabolic complications, but whether it has a causal role has been controversial. This is especially true given the 2 recently conducted randomized controlled trials that failed to show a benefit of lowering uric acid in type 1 diabetes-associated CKD and subjects with stage 3–4 CKD. While these studies suggest that use of urate-lowering drugs in unselected patients is unlikely to slow the progression of CKD, there are subsets of subjects with CKD where reducing uric acid synthesis may be beneficial. This may be the case in patients with gout, hyperuricemia (especially associated with increased production), and urate crystalluria. Here, we discuss the evidence and propose that future clinical trials targeting these specific subgroups should be performed.
CCM3 Loss-Induced Lymphatic Defect Is Mediated by the Augmented VEGFR3-ERK1/2 Signaling
Authors: Qin Lingfeng , Zhang Haifeng , Li Busu , Jiang Quan , Lopez Francesc , Min Wang , Zhou Jenny Huanjiao
Published: October 2021

Objective:

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) can happen anywhere in the body, although they most commonly produce symptoms in the brain. The role of CCM genes in other vascular beds outside the brain and retina is not well-examined, although the 3 CCM-associated genes (
CCM1
,
CCM2
, and
CCM3
) are ubiquitously expressed in all tissues. We aimed to determine the role of
CCM
gene in lymphatics.

Approach and Results:

Mice with an inducible pan–endothelial cell (EC) or lymphatic EC deletion of
Ccm3
(
Pdcd10
ECKO
or
Pdcd10
LECKO
) exhibit dilated lymphatic capillaries and collecting vessels with abnormal valve structure. Morphological alterations were correlated with lymphatic dysfunction in
Pdcd10
LECKO
mice as determined by Evans blue dye and fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)-dextran transport assays.
Pdcd10
LECKO
lymphatics had increased VEGFR3 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3)-ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) signaling with lymphatic hyperplasia. Mechanistic studies suggested that VEGFR3 is primarily regulated at a transcriptional level in Ccm3-deficient lymphatic ECs, in an NF-κB (nuclear factor κB)–dependent manner. CCM3 binds to importin alpha 2/KPNA2 (karyopherin subunit alpha 2), and a CCM3 deletion releases KPNA2 to activate NF-κB P65 by facilitating its nuclear translocation and P65-dependent VEGFR3 transcription. Moreover, increased VEGFR3 in lymphatic EC preferentially activates ERK1/2 signaling, which is critical for lymphatic EC proliferation. Importantly, inhibition of VEGFR3 or ERK1/2 rescued the lymphatic defects in structure and function.

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate that CCM3 deletion augments the VEGFR3-ERK1/2 signaling in lymphatic EC that drives lymphatic hyperplasia and malformation and warrant further investigation on the potential clinical relevance of lymphatic dysfunction in patients with CCM.
Trees as Village Protectors, Guru Rinpoche’s Wayfinders and Adopted Family Members
Authors: Bhutia Kalzang Dorjee
Published: October 2021

Forests occupy a large amount of territory in the contemporary state of Sikkim. However, their ubiquitousness should not be interpreted as a signal that Sikkimese communities are inherently environmentally friendly. Historically trees have been exploited as fuel for human use; but they have also fueled forms of interspecies relationality and sustained ecosystems, health for multiple species, folklore, history and ritual life. Just as trees have different parts—the roots, the trunk, the branches, and the foliage—so do Sikkimese relationships with trees. In this paper, I will draw on Buddhist ritual literature, oral sources related to traditional forest management, and state-level forest management materials to examine the complexity of tree traditions in conversation with other global examples of tree veneration traditions. In Sikkim, human-tree relationality evades politicization and state control in the Anthropocene, and offers an alternative local environmental ethics.
India, the Rome Statute, and the International Criminal Court
Authors: Hall Ian , Jeffery Renée
Published: October 2021

Despite its long-standing rhetorical support for an international criminal justice regime, India continues to resist signing the 1998 Rome Statute that created the International Criminal Court. This article explores the reasons for this reluctance. It observes that during the negotiations that led to the Rome Statute, India voiced multiple objections to the design of the ICC, to how it was to function, and to the crimes that it was to address. It argues that analyzing the negotiating strategy India employed during those talks allows us to discern which reasons mattered more to New Delhi and what accounts for India’s ongoing refusal to sign the Rome Statute.
Are SDG s Counting What Counts?
Authors: Novovic Gloria
Published: October 2021

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Agenda 2030) encompasses social, economic, and environmental commitments within a single global framework. However, experts have been warning that the ambitious nature of Agenda 2030’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG s) might be lost in indicator-driven implementation. This article examines the assumption that SDG indicators result in policy shrinking (offering a less ambitious framing) by exploring how the framing of Agenda 2030’s gender commitments shifts from SDG s to their indicators. Employing critical frame analysis, this article shows that SDG global indicators result in policy shrinking of gender-specific targets in terms of their 1) human rights framing 2) overall scope, and 3) inclusivity of target groups. This policy shrinking does not necessarily undermine Agenda 2030, but it does call for greater attention, especially by actors promoting gender equality, to national interpretations of specific SDG targets and the inclusivity of otherwise marginalized policy target groups.
Gender Entrepreneurs in the Adoption of the Brazilian National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security
Authors: Rebelo Tamya , Drumond Paula
Published: October 2021

On 8 March 2017, International Women’s Day, Brazil adopted a two-year National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) with a clear commitment by the government for integrating gender perspectives in peace and security policies. With this decision, Brazil responded to the UN Security Council’s call for all Member States to develop national strategies to allow for successful implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000). Considering that it took almost two decades for Brazil to consider adopting its own plan, the driving forces behind this decision beg further exploration. This article draws on the concept of gender entrepreneurs to argue that the emergence of the Brazilian NAP was the result of an informal network of like-minded women, positioned inside and outside the government’s structures, who teamed up to harness political opportunities for change and push for the adoption of WPS global norms into a formal national commitment.
A review of the ecology, genetics, evolution, and magnetosome–induced behaviours of the magnetotactic bacteria
Authors: Mandal Fatik Baran
Published: October 2021

The discovery of magnetosome and magnetotaxis in its most simple form in the magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) had created the tremendous impetus. MTB, spanning multiple phyla, are distributed worldwide, and they form the organelles called magnetosomes for biomineralization. Eight phylotypes of MTB belong to Alphaproteobacteria and Nitrospirae. MTB show preference for specific redox and oxygen concentration. Magnetosome chains function as the internal compass needle and align the bacterial cells passively along the local geomagnetic field (GMF). The nature of magnetosomes produced by MTB and their phylogeny suggest that bullet-shaped magnetites appeared about 3.2 billion years ago with the first magnetosomes. All MTB contains ten genes in conserved mamAB operon for magnetosome chain synthesis of which nine genes are conserved in greigite-producing MTB. Many candidate genes identify the aero-, redox-, and perhaps phototaxis. Among the prokaryotes, the MTB possess the highest number of O2-binding proteins. Magnetofossils serve as an indicator of oxygen and redox levels of the ancient environments. Most descendants of ancestral MTB lost the magnetosome genes in the course of evolution. Environmental conditions initially favored the evolution of MTB and expansion of magnetosome-formation genes. Subsequent changes in atmospheric oxygen concentration have led to changes in the ecology of MTB, loss of magnetosome genes, and evolution of nonMTB.
A new subgenus of the genus Amara Bonelli, 1810 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from northeastern Tibet, China
Authors: MAKAROV KIRILL V. , SUNDUKOV YURII N.
Published: October 2021

A new monotypic subgenus, Tibetamara subgen. n., is established for Amara validula Tschitschérine, 1898, from Tibet. It shows some features unique among Amara: a very short right paramere with a simple tip and groups of long setae on the plantar surface of the tarsi. The position of the new subgenus within the genus Amara is discussed.
Morphological description of immature stages of Trichophoromyia brachipyga (Mangabeira) (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae)
Authors: DEL VALLE SÁNCHEZ UZCÁTEGUI YETSENIA , DOS SANTOS THIAGO VASCONCELOS , PÓVOA MARINETE MARINS
Published: October 2021

Trichophoromyia brachipyga (Mangabeira) (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) is a widely distributed species that has been recently regarded as a putative vector of Leishmania (Viannia) lainsoni Silveira, Shaw, Braga & Ishikawa in the Brazilian Amazon region. Currently, no immature stages of the genus Trichophoromyia Barretto have been morphologically described. The present study provided, for the first time, using a light microscopy morpho-taxonomical approach, the description of the egg, fourth-instar larva, and pupa of Th. brachipyga, with comparison of their morphological traits with other phlebotomine species, particularly those of the subtribe Psychodopygina, which is closely related.
Scolytus jiulianshanensis, a new species of bark beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) from elm in China
Authors: ZHANG LING , LI YOU , SMITH SARAH M. , WANG JIANGUO
Published: October 2021

A new species of bark beetle, Scolytus jiulianshanensis Zhang, Li & Smith sp. nov., from Jiangxi, China is described and illustrated. This new species was collected from dead elm (Ulmus sp.) trees. A DNA barcoding sequence of this species is provided. The new species is distinguished from other Asian Scolytus species by the apical margins of ventrites 3 and 4 of the male each armed with a broad median tubercle and lacking ventral spines.
Description of five new species of Amblyseiinae (Acari: Phytoseiidae) associated with medicinal plants from the Northern Himalayan Zone of West Bengal, India
Authors: MOLLA MD. IFTIAR HOSSAIN , KARMAKAR KRISHNA
Published: October 2021

Five new species of phytoseiid mites in the subfamily Amblyseiinae are described from specimens collected from princess flower (Tibouchina urvilleana Cogn.: Melastomataceae), datura (Datura metel L.: Solanaceae), rose (Rosa chinensis Jacq.: Rosaceae), and cinchona (Cinchona officinalis L.: Rubiaceae) from the northern hill zone of West Bengal in the Central Himalayan Mountain region, namely Amblyseiulella tibouchina sp. nov., Amblyseius rishyapensis sp. nov., Okiseius ramdhuracus sp. nov., Okiseius roseus sp. nov., and Typhlodromips cinchonai sp. nov.
Comparability of reference-based and reference-free transcriptome analysis approaches at the gene expression level
Authors: Lee Sung-Gwon , Na Dokyun , Park Chungoo
Published: October 2021

Background

Lately, high-throughput RNA sequencing has been extensively used to elucidate the transcriptome landscape and dynamics of cell types of different species. In particular, for most non-model organisms lacking complete reference genomes with high-quality annotation of genetic information, reference-free (RF) de novo transcriptome analyses, rather than reference-based (RB) approaches, are widely used, and RF analyses have substantially contributed toward understanding the mechanisms regulating key biological processes and functions. To date, numerous bioinformatics studies have been conducted for assessing the workflow, production rate, and completeness of transcriptome assemblies within and between RF and RB datasets. However, the degree of consistency and variability of results obtained by analyzing gene expression levels through these two different approaches have not been adequately documented.

Results

In the present study, we evaluated the differences in expression profiles obtained with RF and RB approaches and revealed that the former tends to be satisfactorily replaced by the latter with respect to transcriptome repertoires, as well as from a gene expression quantification perspective. In addition, we urge cautious interpretation of these findings. Several genes that are lowly expressed, have long coding sequences, or belong to large gene families must be validated carefully, whenever gene expression levels are calculated using the RF method.

Conclusions

Our empirical results indicate important contributions toward addressing transcriptome-related biological questions in non-model organisms.
Feasibility & Efficacy of Deprescribing rounds in a Singapore rehabilitative hospital- a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wong Andrew Peng Yong , Ting Tan Wan , Charissa Ee Jia Ming , Boon Tan Wee , Heng Kwan Yu , Leng Low Lian
Published: October 2021

Background

Deprescribing is effective and safe in reducing polypharmacy among the elderly. However, the impact of deprescribing rounds remain unclear in Asian settings. Hence, we conducted this study.

Methods

An open label randomised controlled trial was conducted on patients of 65 years and above, under rehabilitation or subacute care and with prespecified medications from a Singapore rehabilitation hospital. They were randomised using a computer generated sequence.

The intervention consisted of weekly multidisciplinary team-led deprescribing rounds (using five steps of deprescribing) and usual care. The control had only usual care.

The primary outcome is the percentage change in total daily dose (TDD) from baseline upon discharge, while the secondary outcomes are the total number of medicine, total daily cost and TDD up to day 28 postdischarge, overall side-effect rates, rounding time and the challenges. Efficacy outcomes were analysed using intention-to-treat while other outcomes were analysed as per protocol.

Results

260 patients were randomised and 253 were analysed after excluding dropouts (female: 57.3%; median age: 76 years). Baseline characteristics were largely similar in both groups. The intervention arm (n = 126) experienced a greater reduction of TDD on discharge [Median (IQR): − 19.62% (− 34.38, 0.00%) versus 0.00% (− 12.00, 6.82%);p < 0.001], more constipation (OR: 3.75, 95% CI:1.75–8.06, p < 0.001) and laxative re-prescriptions (OR: 2.82, 95% CI:1.30–6.12,p = 0.009) though death and hospitalisation rates were similar. The median rounding time was 7.09 min per patient and challenges include the inconvenience in assembling the multidisciplinary team.

Conclusion

Deprescribing rounds can safely reduce TDD of medicine upon discharge compared to usual care in a Singaporean rehabilitation hospital.

Trial registration

This study is first registered atClinicaltrials.gov(protocol number:NCT03713112) on 19/10/2018 and the protocol can be accessed onhttps://www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Prognostic nutritional index predicts clinical outcomes in patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Zhao Jiawei , Liu Kai , Li Shen , Gao Yuan , Zhao Lu , Liu Hongbing , Fang Hui , Wu Jun , Sun Shilei , Li Yusheng , Song Bo , Xu Yuming
Published: October 2021

Background

Lower prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is related to the poor prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about PNI and its relationship with the prognosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).

Methods

CVST patients were retrospectively identified from January 2013 till June 2019. Patients in the acute / subacute phase were selected as subjects. Poor prognosis was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 3–6. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to confirm if lower PNI was associated with a poor prognosis.

Results

A total of 297 subjects with follow-up data were enrolled. Thirty-three (11.1%) had a poor outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that PNI was an important predictive factor of poor outcome in acute/subacute CVST (odds ratio, 0.903; 95% CI, 0.833–0.978; P = 0.012). The optimal cut-off value for predicting the poor prognosis of PNI was 44.2. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test suggested that the lower the PNI value, the higher the mortality rate (P < 0.001). In addition, the nomogram that was set up showed that lower PNI was an index of poor prognosis. The c-index for acute/subacute patients with CVST was 0.872.

Conclusion

Lower PNI is correlated with a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with acute/subacute CVST.
Improving consultations for persistent musculoskeletal low back pain in orthopaedic spine settings: an intervention development
Authors: Braeuninger-Weimer Kathrin , Anjarwalla Naffis , McGregor Alison , Roberts Lisa , Sell Philip , Pincus Tamar
Published: October 2021

Background

There is a need to improve consultations between patients with persistent musculoskeletal low back pain and orthopaedic spine clinicians when surgery is not indicated. Poor communication and lack of education about self- management in these consultations have been shown to be associated with increased distress and higher subsequent health care seeking.

Aim

To develop a standardised intervention to improve spine care consultations for patients for whom surgery is not beneficial.

Method

The intervention was developed in six stages. The first three stages included: interviews with patients, an interactive workshop with clinicians from a mix of disciplines, and interviews with spine clinicians about their perspective of the recommendations, their perceived difficulties and potential improvements. Information from these stages was synthesised by an expert panel, creating a draft intervention structure and content. The main features of the intervention and the materials developed were then reviewed by patients and spine clinicians. Finally, the research team incorporated the recommended amendments to produce the intervention.

Results

In total, 36 patients and 79 clinicians contributed to the development of the intervention. The final intervention includes three components: a pre-consultation letter with information suggesting that surgery is one possible intervention amongst many, introducing the staff, and alerting patients to bring with them a potted history of interventions tried previously. The intervention includes short online training sessions to improve clinicians’ communication skills, during the consultation, in reference to listening skills, validation of patients’ pain, and use of appropriate language. Clinicians are also supplied with a list of evidence-based sources for advice and further information to share with patients. Finally, post consultation, a follow up letter includes a short summary of the patients’ clinical journey, the results of their examination and tests, and a reminder of recommendations for self-management.

Conclusion

The intervention includes aspects around patient education and enhanced clinician skills. It was developed with input from a multitude of stakeholders and is based on patients’ perceptions of what they would find reassuring and empowering when surgery is excluded. The intervention has the potential to improve the patients care journey and might lead to changes in practice in spine clinicians.
Measuring care coordination in German primary care – adaptation and psychometric properties of the Medical Home Care Coordination Survey
Authors: Ringwald Aleida , Goetz Katja , Steinhaeuser Jost , Fleischmann Nina , Schüssler Alexandra , Flaegel Kristina
Published: October 2021

Background

Continuity of care is associated with many benefits for patients and health care systems. Therefore measuring care coordination - the deliberate organization of patient care activities between two or more participants - is especially needed to identify entries for improvement. The aim of this study was the translation and cultural adaptation of the Medical Home Care Coordination Survey (MHCCS) into German, and the examination of the psychometric properties of the resulting German versions of the MHCCS-P (patient version) and MHCCS-H (healthcare team version).

Methods

We conducted a paper-based, cross-sectional survey in primary care practices in three German federal states (Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Baden-Württemberg) with patients and health care team members from May 2018 to April 2019. Descriptive item analysis, factor analysis, internal consistency and convergent, discriminant and predictive validity of the German instrument versions were calculated by using SPSS 25.0 (Inc., IBM).

Results

Response rates were 43% (n = 350) for patients and 34% (n = 141) for healthcare team members. In total, 300 patient questionnaires and 140 team member questionnaires could be included into further analysis. Exploratory factor analyses resulted in three domains in the MHCCS-D-P and seven domains in the MHCCS-D-H: “link to community resources”, “communication”, “care transitions”, and additionally “self-management”, “accountability”, “information technology for quality assurance”, and “information technology supporting patient care” for the MHCCS-D-H. The domains showed acceptable and good internal consistency (α = 0.838 to α = 0.936 for the MHCCS-D-P and α = 0.680 to α = 0.819 for the MHCCS-D-H).

As 77% of patients (n = 232) and 63% of health care team members denied to have or make written care plans, items regarding the “plan of care” of the original MHCCS have been removed from the MHCCS-D.

Conclusions

The German versions of the Medical Home Care Coordination Survey for patients and healthcare team members are reliable instruments in measuring the care coordination in German primary care practices. Practicability is high since the total number of items is low (9 for patients and 27 for team members).
Germline Pathogenic Variants in Cancer Predisposition Genes Among Women With Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast
Authors: Yadav Siddhartha , Hu Chunling , Nathanson Katherine L. , Weitzel Jeffrey N. , Goldgar David E. , Kraft Peter , Gnanaolivu Rohan D. , Na Jie , Huang Hongyan , Boddicker Nicholas J. , Larson Nicole , Gao Chi , Yao Song , Weinberg Clarice , Vachon Celine M. , Trentham-Dietz Amy , Taylor Jack A. , Sandler Dale R. , Patel Alpa , Palmer Julie R. , Olson Janet E. , Neuhausen Susan , Martinez Elena , Lindstrom Sara , Lacey James V. , Kurian Allison W. , John Esther M. , Haiman Christopher , Bernstein Leslie , Auer Paul W. , Anton-Culver Hoda , Ambrosone Christine B. , Karam Rachid , Chao Elizabeth , Yussuf Amal , Pesaran Tina , Dolinsky Jill S. , Hart Steven N. , LaDuca Holly , Polley Eric C. , Domchek Susan M. , Couch Fergus J.
Published: October 2021

PURPOSE

To determine the contribution of germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in hereditary cancer testing panel genes to invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) of the breast.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 2,999 women with ILC from a population-based cohort and 3,796 women with ILC undergoing clinical multigene panel testing (clinical cohort). Frequencies of germline PVs in breast cancer predisposition genes ( ATM, BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CDH1, CHEK2, PALB2, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, and TP53) were compared between women with ILC and unaffected female controls and between women with ILC and infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC).

RESULTS

The frequency of PVs in breast cancer predisposition genes among women with ILC was 6.5% in the clinical cohort and 5.2% in the population-based cohort. In case-control analysis, CDH1 and BRCA2 PVs were associated with high risks of ILC (odds ratio [OR] > 4) and CHEK2, ATM, and PALB2 PVs were associated with moderate (OR = 2-4) risks. BRCA1 PVs and CHEK2 p.Ile157Thr were not associated with clinically relevant risks (OR < 2) of ILC. Compared with IDC, CDH1 PVs were > 10-fold enriched, whereas PVs in BRCA1 were substantially reduced in ILC.

CONCLUSION

The study establishes that PVs in ATM, BRCA2, CDH1, CHEK2, and PALB2 are associated with an increased risk of ILC, whereas BRCA1 PVs are not. The similar overall PV frequencies for ILC and IDC suggest that cancer histology should not influence the decision to proceed with genetic testing. Similar to IDC, multigene panel testing may be appropriate for women with ILC, but CDH1 should be specifically discussed because of low prevalence and gastric cancer risk.