bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Las narrativas nacionales en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la historia: Una revisión sobre los libros de texto y las narrativas de los estudiantes
Authors: López Rodríguez César
Published: February 2021

Tradicionalmente, las narrativas nacionales han jugado un papel central en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la historia. Sin embargo, desde finales del siglo XX, existe un énfasis en señalar lo inadecuado de estas narrativas para el desarrollo del pensamiento histórico. Este artículo, mediante una revisión sistemática, analiza la evolución del papel de las narrativas nacionales en los últimos 25 años. Para ello, se analiza por un lado el papel de las narrativas nacionales en los manuales de historia. Por otro lado, se recogen los principales avances producidos en cómo los estudiantes narran la historia de su nación. Las investigaciones muestran una pervivencia de estas narrativas nacionales en la transmisión y comprensión del pasado, si bien continúan surgiendo proyectos relevantes para desnacionalizar la enseñanza del pasado. Finalmente, se discuten algunos de los retos futuros que se plantean para este tipo de investigaciones.

Traditionally, national narratives have played a central role in the teaching and learning of history. However, since the end of the 20th century, history educators have pointed out how these narratives can hinder the development of historical thinking. Through a systematic literature review, this article analyses the role of national narratives as it has evolved in the last 25 years. On the one hand, studies focused on the role of national narratives in history textbooks are analysed. On the other hand, the article reflects on the advances in research on how the students narrate the past of their nation. In general, research shows the relevance of these national narratives in the way the past is produced and consumed. Nevertheless, new projects continue to emerge which propose to denationalize the past. Finally, some of the new challenges for this line of research are discussed.
Household weights and measures (2004 edition)
Authors:   National Institute of Standards
            and Technology Weights and Measures Division
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this publication is to present, in a convenient form, the weights
and measures tables most useful for household purposes, together with associated weights
and measures information of general household interests. It also provides basic metric
information for consumer use. This publication is an updated version of the NIST SP430
of 1978.
The Advent of Europe’s Industrial Heritage as a Field of Research
Authors: Belot Robert
Published: February 2021

Maurice Daumas (1910-1984) was a founder, but whose name is now forgotten. He was a curator at the Conservatoire national des Arts & Métiers (Paris), then holder of the first Chair in the history of techniques, and he directed the monumentalHistoire générale des techniques. It was him who brought industrial heritage into the French academic field by founding the journalL’Archéologie industrielle en Franceand by publishing in 1980 a book with the same title. In this book, Daumas evokes in particular the glorious timesof industrial history in the Saint-Étienne region. Following the recent discovery of the archives of the national survey that he conducted over several years to document his book, I propose to examine the way in which he approached the industrial heritage of Saint-Étienne, the first French industrial city for a long time, by updating the methodology he used and the local networks on which it relied. In sum, this contribution is about the birth of a field of research in France and in Europe: industrial archeology.
Héritage industriel et systèmes paysagers
Authors: Fluck Pierre
Published: February 2021

Dans cette contribution, nous interrogeons l’héritage de la pratique de l’industrie à travers les paysages qu’elle nous a laissés, visibles ou plus subtils, patrimoniaux ou repoussants, ce qui nous conduit à en proposer une typologie. Une mise en garde s’impose sur les marques du temps appliquées aux réalisations humaines, qui ont comme corollaire la transformation de la quasi-totalité des « paysages » nés de l’industrie, sous l’action des effets de la nature quelquefois secondée par les êtres humains. Manifestation de l’Anthropocène, cette rétroaction aboutit à des « méta-paysages » dont le déchiffrage est l’affaire du chercheur. Celui-ci remonte ainsi aux « paléo-paysages » qui se révèlent pourtant en mouvement quasi-perpétuel dans l’épaisseur du temps. Nous proposons une représentation triangulaire aux fins d’analyser les différents types de systèmes paysagers imposés par l’industrie, en fonction du déterminisme naturel – hydraulique, ressources de la géosphère ou de la biosphère – et de l’organisation des sociétés.
Héritage industriel en Algérie, entre reconnaissance et abandon
Authors: Seif-El-Islam Righi
Published: February 2021

L’héritage industriel minier et agricole de l’Algérie appartient à la période coloniale. Plus de cinquante ans après l’indépendance du pays, se pose la question de sa connaissance et de sa reconnaissance patrimoniale. Cet article essaiera de retracer l’évolution des biens culturels classés pendant et après la colonisation et de leur perception. Pour cela, il est proposé, dans un premier temps, de définir l’importance et les particularités de cet héritage à travers l’impact du processus de l’industrialisation au niveau social, économique et technique dans une période coloniale. Dans un deuxième temps, il analysera les raisons de la faible reconnaissance du patrimoine industriel par les instances culturelles algériennes, ce qui pourrait constituer une menace pour les biens en question, mais aussi un déficit dans l’affirmation et la valorisation de l’identité d’une ville et d’une région.
Les reconversions des manufactures françaises des tabacs
Authors: Smith Paul
Published: February 2021

Depuis la fermeture, en 2017, de l’usine à cigarettes de Riom (Puy-de-Dôme), l’industrie des tabacs n’existe plus en France. Elle remontait au XVIIe siècle et pour la plus grande partie de son histoire elle avait été monopolisée par l’État, un monopole fiscal exploité par des compagnies de fermiers sous l’Ancien Régime puis par une administration placée sous la tutelle du ministère des Finances au XIXe et XXe siècles. Cette industrie d’État nous lègue aujourd’hui un échantillon remarquable d’établissements manufacturiers, témoignant de trois siècles d’architecture industrielle. Notre article porte un regard sur le devenir de ces établissements après leur abandon par l’industrie. Les nouveaux usages insérés dans les murs sont très variés — logements, locaux d’enseignement, équipements culturels, lieux d’activités, hôtels, espaces tertiaires… — mais ils soulèvent tous la question de l’interprétation, sur place, de l’histoire des lieux et celle aussi de la sauvegarde du patrimoine technique de l’industrie. Ces questions sont posées en examinant de plus près quatre opérations de reconversion, à Issy-les-Moulineaux en banlieue parisienne et à Nantes, au début des années 1980, puis, plus récemment, à Morlaix (Finistère) et à Marseille.
Défis de conservation et de réhabilitation du patrimoine industriel bâti face au changement climatique
Authors: Cantin Richard
Published: February 2021

Depuis le XVIIIe siècle, les activités industrielles ont généré un patrimoine industriel bâti dont la richesse architecturale témoigne de nombreuses innovations constructives. En délaissant les matériaux naturels pour recourir aux matériaux artificiels, et en intégrant une nouvelle logique constructive, le secteur du bâtiment s’est industrialisée. Simultanément, l’essor des activités industrielles, fortement consommatrices d’énergies fossiles, a contribué à une augmentation anthropique des émissions de gaz à effet de serre qui ont transformé l’atmosphère terrestre. Aujourd’hui, l’évolution du climat implique des risques variables pour le patrimoine, et les impacts du changement climatique sont déjà nombreux. Ainsi, pendant deux siècles, l’industrialisation a façonné un patrimoine bâti qui aujourd’hui est menacé rétroactivement par le changement climatique qu’il a favorisé.
Les nouvelles perspectives du patrimoine industriel
Authors: Preite Massimo
Published: February 2021

L’évolution enregistrée par la notion de patrimoine industriel ces dernières années implique un réexamen des récits qui vont traditionnellement de pair avec les pratiques de valorisation des sites industriels. Cet article vise à mettre en évidence les principales innovations disciplinaires en référence à trois aspects spécifiques. Avant tout on essayera de signaler l’extension des phénomènes étudiés à de nouveaux domaines. Les nouvelles études thématiques de TICCIH et les récents colloques sur les patrimoines lies à l’énergie atomique et à l’aérospatial ouvrent de nouveaux terrains de recherche qui semblent annoncer un grand élargissement de l’horizon disciplinaire. Un deuxième aspect est celui des nouvelles pratiques de conservation où l’urgence d’assigner des nouvelles fonctions au patrimoine industriel réaffecté implique des approches qui doivent conjuguer protection et transformation. Le dernier aspect est celui des nouvelles valeurs dans les stratégies de patrimonialisation qui visent à faire émerger certains cotés qui souvent n’ont pas trouvé un espace suffisant dans les récits habituels : la question coloniale et la question de l’environnement.
Les confins du patrimoine
Authors: Rautenberg Michel
Published: February 2021

Cet article est une relecture d’un ouvrage collectif paru en 2019, sous un titre éponyme, codirigé par l’auteur. Le patrimoine est aujourd’hui une notion complexe, parfois qualifiée de « nomade » ou de « labile », en tension entre son histoire institutionnelle et ses usages et conceptions sociales qui le transforment en profondeur. L’argument défendu dans l’ouvrage, et repris dans l’article, est que c’est en examinant ses « confins » qu’on approche le mieux aujourd’hui ce qu’il est et quels sont les enjeux qu’il porte, quels que soient les niveaux, depuis le micro local jusqu’au transnational et à l’international. En définitive, le patrimoine interroge le sens et le fonctionnement de nos sociétés contemporaines.
Barcelona y/en el cine: un recorrido histórico
Authors: Antoniazzi Sara
Published: February 2021

Este artículo indaga sobre distintos aspectos de la relación de Barcelona con el cine. En la primera parte, siguiendo el hilo de la película Vida en sombras (1949) del cineasta catalán Llorenç Llobet Gràcia, se evidencia el protagonismo de Barcelona como impulsora del desarrollo del cine y de sus progresos tecnológicos, y como centro de producción, distribución y exhibición cinematográfica. En la segunda parte se aborda el papel de Barcelona como escenario cinematográfico. Adoptando la perspectiva de la cinematic urban archaeology, se comentan, a través de una selección de películas, las transformaciones experimentadas por la capital catalana desde finales del siglo XIX hasta nuestros días. Las películas constituyen un observatorio privilegiado para estudiar la metamorfosis del paisaje urbano barcelonés y los cambios políticos, sociales y económicos más significativos sufridos por la ciudad durante más de un siglo: el imponente desarrollo urbano e industrial entre los siglos XIX y XX, la guerra civil española y la dura posguerra, el boom económico y la expansión urbanística incontrolada bajo el mandato del alcalde franquista José María de Porcioles (1957-1973), la restauración de la democracia y, finalmente, el renacimiento urbano de los años ochenta y noventa, impulsado por la nominación de la ciudad como sede de los Juegos Olímpicos de 1992.
Cuitlahuac. La vida en un entorno lacustre (siglos XVI-XVIII)
Authors: Castañeda de la Paz María
Published: February 2021

Cuitlahuac, la actual Tláhuac, al sur de la Ciudad de México, fue un antiguo señorío asentado en un islote entre los lagos de Xochimilco y Chalco. Ese entorno determinó la vida de sus habitantes, cuya actividad predominante fue la pesca, desde los orígenes de su historia hasta bien entrado el periodo colonial. Fueron las agresiones medioambientales de finales del siglo XIX y principios del siglo XX las que acabaron por transformar significativamente su entorno y medio de vida. Hoy día, Tláhuac se erige como uno de los pueblos originarios de la Ciudad de México que, acosado por la mancha urbana de esta megalópolis, lucha por preservar algunas de sus tradiciones de hondas raíces históricas. El objetivo de este trabajo es ofrecer un panorama de la vida de los pobladores de Cuitlahuac durante la Colonia, en especial en su relación con el agua. Por ello nos centraremos en dos aspectos fundamentales de su economía de subsistencia: a) la pesca con la que sus habitantes se alimentaban y comerciaban; b) la renta de sus ciénagas para el pastoreo de las vacas de los abastecedores de carne de la Ciudad de México. Lo haremos acompañados de algunos casos de estudio que nos permitirán conocer la regulación colonial que existía en torno a la laguna, los contratos de arrendamiento de sus aguas, sus incumplimientos, las disputas que ocasionaban, y cómo estas se dirimían.
Los sustantivos de persona en -nte. El caso de la alternancia -nte/-nta para el femenino
Authors: Ramírez García Jessica
Published: February 2021

En cuanto a los sustantivos de persona que terminan en el sufijo -nte, llaman la atención aquellos que presentan alternancia -nte/-nta, pero que, a su vez, son comunes en cuanto al género, como, por ejemplo, presidente/presidenta al lado de el/la presidente, de manera que alternan para el femenino la terminación -nte/-nta (la presidente/la presidenta). Ahora bien, el objetivo de esta investigación consiste, por un lado, en determinar si en el Diccionario académico (2014-2019) se ha producido un incremento de sustantivos de persona en -nte comunes en cuanto al género o con alternancia de género, ya sea por incorporaciones recientes o por cambios producidos en los masculinos en -nte. Y, por otro lado, en recoger información actual sobre los femeninos en -nta que cuentan con sus correspondientes femeninos en -nte, para lo cual se han realizado consultas en el Corpus del Español del Siglo XXI (CORPES XXI). Los resultados obtenidos confirman que sí se ha producido un incremento de este grupo de voces en -nte en el Diccionario, así como que existe un mayor empleo de los sustantivos en -nta en América, respecto de España, con ciertas excepciones.
El aproximador como que con valor atenuador en el corpus oral PRESEEA-Sevilla
Authors: Repede Doina
Published: February 2021

El presente trabajo se propone realizar un análisis de la función atenuadora de la partícula como que generada a partir de su valor aproximador en el español hablado en la ciudad de Sevilla. Con el fin de llevar a cabo este objetivo, se han utilizado 72 entrevistas sociolingüísticas que constituyen el corpus oral PRESEEA-Sevilla, distribuidas según el sexo de los informantes (mujeres y hombres), el grupo generacional (20-34 años, 35-54 años y 55 años en adelante) y el grado de instrucción (alto, medio y bajo). Asimismo, para ver con qué tipo de función atenuadora se relaciona la partícula como que, se han considerado las tres funciones generales de este fenómeno pragmático, esto es, autoprotección, prevención y reparación de la imagen (Albelda et al. 2014). Los resultados obtenidos dan cuenta de que la locución como que se utiliza ampliamente como atenuador lingüístico en detrimento del valor aproximador en aquellos contextos interactivos donde los hablantes buscan principalmente salvaguardar y proteger la propia imagen. También se pone de manifiesto que el uso atenuador de esta partícula está condicionado por criterios extralingüísticos (edad y sexo) y estilísticos (el tenor).
Analysis of Spatial-Temporal Changes of Agricultural Land Use During the Last Three Decades in the Araban District of Turkey Using Remote Sensing
Authors: Tunc Erdihan , Tsegai Awet Tekeste , Çelik Sevil
Published: February 2021

Agricultural land use and land cover dynamics were investigated in the Araban district of Turkey during the periods 1984–2019 by the use of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Landsat‑TM and Landsat‑TIRS / OLI satellite imageries were used to determine land use and land cover changes. Using unsupervised classification method of ERDAS 8.3 software, three main agricultural activities were identified namely irrigated farming, dry farming, and horticultural / garden farming. The analysis has revealed that during the last three decades dry farming has decreased significantly by 14.69% (3802.14 ha) whereas horticultural/garden crops and irrigated farming lands have increased by 11.32% (667.19 ha) and 2.51% (2929.41 ha) respectively. Araban has been under intensive agricultural use due to its fertile soil and preference for horticultural crops such as pistachio, grapes and olives that provide more profit over dry farming crops such as wheat and barley has changed land use. Decrease in dry farming in a semi‑arid climate where Araban is located, has a potential ecological consequence, including a rapid drop of groundwater level, drying of wetlands and the disappearance of the biodiversity, thus, a necessary measures should be taken to implement an environmentally friendly, sustainable agriculture and settlement plan.
Developing Institutional Arrangements for Sustainable Development within Mineral Rich Resource Countries: the Case of Mongolia
Authors: Burmaa Natsag , Baasanjav Ganbaatar
Published: February 2021

A primary goal of the article is to explore the theoretical understanding among scholars about how institutional arrangements for sustainable local development partnerships in mineral resource‑rich countries are created. A success factor for implementing sustainable development goals (SDGs) is creating a prop‑ er institutional arrangement.Interviews and questionnaires, a mixed research method, were completed with officials and citizens from selected provinces. We reached to the following results: among others there is a weak understanding of partnership‑related local community development among stakeholders. Therefore, long term strategic planning and management which involves all parties in the decision‑making process should be created. In addition, building both horizontal and vertical institutional arrangements that provide for the participation of related stakeholders is an essential element for building successful and sustainable local development partnerships.
An Accuracy Analysis Comparison of Supervised Classification Methods for Mapping Land Cover Using Sentinel 2 Images in the Al‑Hawizeh Marsh Area, Southern Iraq
Authors: Aziz Nadia A. , Alwan Imzahim A.
Published: February 2021

Land cover mapping of marshland areas from satellite images data is not a simple process, due to the similarity of the spectral characteristics of the land cover. This leads to challenges being encountered with some land covers classes, especially in wetlands classes. In this study, satellite images from the Sentinel 2B by ESA (European Space Agency) were used to classify the land cover of Al‑Hawizeh marsh/Iraq‑Iran border. Three classification methods were used aimed at comparing their accuracy, using multispectral satellite images with a spatial resolution of 10 m. The classification process was performed using three different algorithms, namely: Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The classification algorithms were carried out using ENVI 5.1 software to detect six land cover classes: deep water marsh, shallow water marsh, marsh vegetation (aquatic vegetation), urban area (built‑up area), agriculture area, and barren soil. The results showed that the MLC method applied to Sentinel 2B images provides a higher overall accuracy and the kappa coefficient compared to the ANN and SVM methods. Overall accuracy values for MLC, ANN, and SVM methods were 85.32%, 70.64%, and 77.01% respectively.
Vitamin C supplementation reduces expression of circulating miR-451a in subjects with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus and high oxidative stress
Authors: Ruknarong Laongthip , Boonthongkaew Chongchira , Chuangchot Nisa , Jumnainsong Amonrat , Leelayuwat Naruemon , Jusakul Apinya , Gaudieri Silvana , Leelayuwat Chanvit
Published: February 2021

Background

Vitamin C is an essential element required for normal metabolic function. We investigated the effect of vitamin C supplementation on circulating miRNA (miR) expression in subjects with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Changes in miR expression were also correlated with clinical measures of disease.

Methods

Pre- and post-vitamin C supplementation samples from five participants who had increased vitamin C levels, improved oxidative status and polymorphonuclear (PMN) function after receiving 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily for six weeks were screened for miRNA expression using the NanoString miRNA assay. Differences in miRNA expression identified from the miRNA screen were validated by qRT-PCR.

Results

Four miRNAs showed significantly different expression post-vitamin C supplementation relative to baseline, including the down-regulation of miR-451a (−1.72 fold change (FC),p = 0.036) and up-regulation of miR-1253 (0.62 FC,p = 0.027), miR-1290 (0.53 FC,p = 0.036) and miR-644a (0.5 FC,p = 0.042). The validation study showed only miR-451a expression was significantly different from baseline with vitamin C supplementation. MiR-451a expression was negatively correlated with vitamin C levels (r =  − 0.497,p = 0.049) but positively correlated with levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (r = 0.584, p = 0.017), cholesterol (r = 0.564, p = 0.022) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) (r = 0.522, p = 0.037). Bioinformatics analysis of the putative target genes of miR-451a indicated gene functions related to signaling pathways involved in cellular processes, such as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Vitamin C supplementation altered circulating miR-451a expression. The results from this pilot study suggest that miRNAs could be used as biomarkers to indicate oxidative status in subjects with T2DM and with poor glycemic control and could lead to a novel molecular strategy to reduce oxidative stress in T2DM.
DNA methylome signatures as epigenetic biomarkers of hexanal associated with lung toxicity
Authors: Cho Yoon , Song Mi-Kyung , Ryu Jae-Chun
Published: February 2021

Background

Numerous studies have investigated the relationship of environmental exposure, epigenetic effects, and human diseases. These linkages may contribute to the potential toxicity mechanisms of environmental chemicals. Here, we investigated the epigenetic pulmonary response of hexanal, a major indoor irritant, following inhalation exposure in F-344 rats.

Methods

Based on DNA methylation profiling in gene promoter regions, we identified hexanal-characterized methylated sites and target genes using an unpaired t-test with a fold-change cutoff of ≥ 3.0 and a p-value < 0.05. We also conducted an integrated analysis of DNA methylation and mRNA expression data to identify core anti-correlated target genes of hexanal exposure. To further investigate the potential key biological processes and pathways of core DNA methylated target genes, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed.

Results

Thirty-six dose-dependent methylated genes and anti-correlated target genes of DNA methylation and mRNA in lung tissue of hexanal exposed F-344 rats were identified. These genes were involved in diverse biological processes such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, protein kinase cascade, and intracellular signaling cascade associated with pulmonary toxicity. These results suggest that novel DNA methylation-based epigenetic biomarkers of exposure to hexanal and elucidate the potential pulmonary toxicological mechanisms of action of hexanal.
The recognition of gaming disorder in China: a case series of 223 patients
Authors: Shao Tianli , Chen Xinxin , Huang Shucai , Liao Zhenjiang , Lin Shuhong , Qi Jing , Cai Yi , Huang Qiuping , Shen Hongxian
Published: February 2021

Background

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) was listed in the appendix of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a condition requiring further study in 2013, and gaming disorder (GD) was considered a mental disorder and listed in the 11th International Classification of Diseases Manual (ICD-11) in 2018. The study aims to obtain preliminary knowledge of the recognition of GD in China.

Methods

A total of 223 Chinese patients who met both the ICD-11 and DSM-5 criteria for GD participated in the study, and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic information, gaming use characteristics, and previous diagnoses.

Results

The average age of patients with GD was 20.5 years, and 71.3% were male. Most patients were diagnosed with emotion-related disorders at their first psychiatric visit: mood disorders (59.2%), bipolar affective disorder (18.4%), depressive episode (12.6%), and anxiety disorder (4.9%). Among the adolescent patients with a first diagnosis of mood disorders, 71.2% and 33.3% were diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and personality disorders, respectively, at subsequent visits. Overall, after the first visit, the most common diagnosis was bipolar affective disorder (61.0%), followed by personality disorders (34.1%), mood disorders (17.0%), depressive episode (17.0%), and other disorders. Only three patients had Internet overuse.

Conclusion

The identification rate of GD is extremely low in routine psychiatric clinical practice in China. Most patients with GD were previously misdiagnosed with emotion-related disorders. Psychiatrists should be trained to improve their ability to recognize and manage GD.
Role of Plasma Exchange in Steroid Resistant Neuromyelitis Optica with Loss of Vision
Authors: Maheshwari Ashish , Patale Dnyaneshwar Shridharrao , Lokhande Trupti , Chouhan Smita , Mariyam Sana
Published: February 2021

Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is a demyelinating inflammatory disorder of the spinal cord and optic nerve. As per American Society For Apheresis (ASFA) guidelines, Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is considered as a second-line treatment in patients with weak or no response to steroid therapy. A patient of NMO presented to the tertiary care institute with a sudden loss of vision in the right eye. The patient was resistant to steroid treatment and improved significantly with TPE. Hence, TPE may be an effective treatment modality in steroid-resistant NMO with vision loss.
Subtypes of Breast Cancer in Northern India- An Immunohistomolecular Subtypes of Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Sinha Amit Kumar , Ghosh Amrita
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that may differ in therapeutic response and prognosis despite similarities in histopathologic types, grade and stage. Molecular studies have identified distinct subtypes of breast carcinoma each having unique recognisable phenotypes and clinical outcomes. Aim: To study the histomorphological features and Immunohistochemical (IHC) profile of breast cancer, to study the distribution of molecular subclass, and to study the morphological features of different molecular subclasses and to determine the association between the pathological features associated with adverse prognosis with the molecular subclass. Materials and Methods: Present study was a prospective cross-sectional observational study based on mastectomy specimens of 122 cases of consecutive cases of invasive breast cancer submitted from June 2012 to February 2014 in Department of Pathology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. On IHC staining with Estrogen Receptors (ER), Progesterone Receptors (PR), Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2), Cytokeratin (CK5/6) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) these cases were classified into Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2 overexpression, basal like and normal breast like molecular subclass. All statistical analysis were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The proportion of each subytpes detected in present study were: Luminal A-28.69% (35), Luminal B-17.21% (21), HER2 over expressing-25.41% (31), Basal Like Breast Carcinoma (BLBC)-26.23% (32) and the rest unclassified category (normal breast like)-2.46% (3). The following variables were significantly associated with molecular breast cancer subtypes. The tumours of BLBC and HER2 overexpressing were larger, poorly differentiated, higher mitotic index, more number of positive lymph nodes and with more geographic and central necrosis than Luminal A group. These features were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Identification of molecular subtype of breast cancer is extremely important for predicting prognosis and therapeutic response of the breast cancers and thus has role in management of patients of breast cancers. BLBC is a molecular subtype of breast cancer known for its aggressive behaviour and poor prognosis is identified by expression of basal CKs.
Does PCR Cycle Threshold for SARS-CoV-2 have Association with ABO Blood Group Types?
Authors: Tevatia Manvir Singh , Sidhu Avnit , Kalra Dinesh Kumar , Baranwal Ajay Kumar , Pandit Priyanka , Guleria Prerna , Sengupta Prashant
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a global pandemic. Currently, the standard method for the diagnosis of COVID-19 is the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by Reverse Transcriptase Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Lower Cycle threshold (Ct) value of PCR is found to be associated with increased probability of progression to severe disease and infectivity. Blood group A individuals have been found to be more susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2 while that of O blood group have lower risk of infection. There has been growing scientific interest to obtain data which may characterise the susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and determine the risk factors which may be associated with progression and severity of the disease. Aim: To study the association of RT-qPCR Ct values for SARS-CoV-2 with ABO blood group types. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at tertiary care centre in western Maharashtra, India where in a total of 116 symptomatic admitted patients between mid-July to mid-August 2020 and was found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR were enrolled in the study. Ct values for pan-Sarbecovirus E-gene and SARS-CoV-2 specific RdRP gene were recorded for each patient. In addition, all the patients were typed for ABO blood grouping. Distribution of different ABO blood group types in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were analysed and was compared with blood groups in 882 non-COVID-19 blood donors comprising control group. Ct values for E and RdRP gene were also analysed in respect to different age group, gender and blood group types. Blood group records of voluntary healthy blood donors reporting at our centre between September to November 2019 were obtained. Results: Of the 116 patients, 33 (28.45%) comprised of type A, 34 (29.31%) of type B, 41 (35.34%) were of type O and remaining 8 (6.90%) had AB blood group type. Compared to the control group, no significant difference was noted in the distribution of ABO blood types in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. Also, no statistical significance was found in the Ct values with respect to age, gender and different ABO blood group types. Conclusion: RT-qPCR Ct values for SARS-CoV-2 infection have no association with ABO blood group types.
Diagnosis of appendicitis by transvaginal ultrasound examination
Authors: Tahapary Malou , Cornelis Ann , Peersman Benjamin , Van den Bosch Thierry
Published: February 2021

Background

Appendicitis is a frequent cause of abdominal pain. Symptoms may be atypical, and the appendix may not be visualised through abdominal ultrasonography. This case report illustrates the important role transvaginal ultrasound examination may have in the diagnostic workup of abdominal pain.

Methods

A case report focussing on imaging through transvaginal ultrasonography and comparing the ultrasonographic findings with CT‐scan, as well as macroscopic examination and microscopy.

Results

A 33‐year‐old woman presenting at the emergency department with lower abdominal pain since 1 week. Transvaginal ultrasound shows a typical ‘target sign’ together with a blind‐ending fluid‐filled structure posterolateral right of the uterus, suggestive of appendicitis. These findings are confirmed on CT‐scan, and a laparoscopic appendectomy is performed. We present the typical ultrasound imaging alongside the correlates on CT‐scan as well as on macroscopy and on microscopic examination.

Conclusion

As gynaecologists, we must maintain a high degree of suspicion for non‐gynaecological findings. This case report illustrates the value of transvaginal ultrasound in diagnosing appendicitis.
Lower Lymphocyte Count is Associated With Increased Risk of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Jensen Melanie P. , Jacobs Benjamin Meir , Dobson Ruth , Bandres‐Ciga Sara , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Schrag Anette , Noyce Alastair J. ,   The International Parkinson's Disease Genomics Consortium (IPDGC)
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Patients with established Parkinson's disease (PD) display differences in peripheral blood markers of immune function, including leukocyte differential counts, compared with controls. These differences may be useful biomarkers to predict PD and may shed light on pathogenesis. We sought to identify whether peripheral immune dysregulation was associated with increased risk of subsequent PD diagnosis.

Methods

We examined the relationship between incident PD, baseline differential leukocyte count and other blood markers of acute inflammation in UK Biobank (UKB), a longitudinal cohort with ~500,000 participants. We used a range of sensitivity analyses and Mendelian randomization (MR) to further explore the nature of associations.

Results

After excluding individuals with comorbidities which could influence biomarkers of inflammation, 465 incident PD cases and 312,125 controls remained. Lower lymphocyte count was associated with increased risk of subsequent PD diagnosis (per 1‐SD decrease in lymphocyte count odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07–1.32, padjusted = 0.01). There was some evidence that reductions in eosinophil counts, monocyte counts and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were associated with increased PD risk, and that higher neutrophil count was also associated. Only the association between lower lymphocyte count and increased PD risk remained robust to sensitivity analyses. MR suggested that the effect of lower lymphocyte count on PD risk may be causal (per 1‐SD decrease in lymphocyte count; ORMR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.01–1.18, p = 0.02).

Interpretation

We provide converging evidence from observational analyses in UKB and MR that lower lymphocyte count is associated with an increased risk of subsequent PD. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:803–812
Decomposition of Carbonate‐Based Electrolytes: Differences and Peculiarities for Liquids vs. Polymers Observed Using Operando Gas Analysis
Authors: Sångeland Christofer , Sun Bing , Brandell Daniel , Berg Erik J. , Mindemark Jonas
Published: February 2021

Direct tracking of solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) decomposition in comparison to a liquid analogue was accomplished by monitoring the evolution of volatile species using online electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS). Reduction of a poly(trimethylene carbonate)‐based SPE was dominated by CO2 formation. Detection of CO2 and an absence of CO confirms a preferred reduction degradation pathway involving C−O bond cleavage at the carbonyl carbon, in correlation with earlier suggestions. In contrast, the alkyl carbonate‐based liquid electrolyte exhibited extensive ethylene formation. Trace quantities of H2 evolution ascribed to water impurities were also observed in both systems. During oxidation, the SPE and liquid electrolyte exhibited CO2, CO and SO2 evolution synonymous with electrolyte solvent and salt degradation, albeit at different potentials. Overall, gas evolution rates and redox currents were lower in the SPE system. OEMS revealed significant gas formation independent of current response, as such highlighting the limitations of the voltammetry technique commonly used today to assess electrochemical stability.
Task scheduling on heterogeneous multiprocessor systems through coherent data allocation
Authors: Deng Zexi , Shen Hong , Cao Dunqian , Yan Zihan , Huang Huimin
Published: February 2021

Energy consumption has become one of the main bottlenecks that limit the performance improvement of heterogeneous multiprocessor systems. In a heterogeneous distributed shared‐memory multiprocessor system (HDSMS), each processor can access all the memories, and each data can be stored in different memories. This article aims at addressing the problem of task scheduling and data allocation (TSDA) on HDSMS. To minimize the total energy consumption under a time constraint for TSDA, we propose two algorithms: the extended tree assignment for task scheduling incorporating data allocation (ETATS‐DA) and critical path task scheduling and data allocation (CPTSDA). The ETATS‐DA algorithm first utilizes the extended tree assignment to search the near optimal solution for task assignment, and then allocates data to memory based on the result of assignment. The CPTSDA algorithm considers TSDA jointly on a critical path simultaneously. Our proposed algorithms perform coherent data allocation under the consideration of best task scheduling by running two different heuristic strategies, respectively, and taking the best result as the final result. We conduct a large number of simulation experiments to test the performance of our algorithms, and the results validate the higher performance of our methods compared with the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms.
Are paedomorphs actual larvae?
Authors: Tribondeau Alicia , Sachs Laurent M. , Buisine Nicolas
Published: February 2021

Amphibians display very diverse life cycles and development can be direct, where it occurs in ovo and a juvenile hatches directly, or biphasic, where an aquatic larva hatches and later undergoes metamorphosis followed by sexual maturation. In both cases, metamorphosis, corresponds to the post embryonic transition (PETr). A third strategy, only found in Urodeles, is more complex as larvae reach sexual maturity before metamorphosis, which can become accessory. The resulting paedomorphs retain their larval characters and keep their aquatic habitat. Does it mean that paedomorphs do not undergo PETr? Recent work using high throughput technologies coupled to system biology and developmental endocrinology revisited this question and provided novel datasets indicating that a paedomorph's “larval” tissue undergoes a proper developmental transition. Together with historical data, we propose that this transition is a marker of the PETr, which would be distinct from metamorphosis. This implies that (a) complex life cycles would result from the uncoupling of PETr and metamorphosis, and (b) biphasic life cycles would be a special cases where they occur simultaneously.
To what extent are conspiracy theorists concerned for self versus others? A COVID‐19 test case
Authors: Hornsey Matthew J. , Chapman Cassandra M. , Alvarez Belen , Bentley Sarah , Salvador Casara Bruno Gabriel , Crimston Charlie R. , Ionescu Octavia , Krug Henning , Preya Selvanathan Hema , Steffens Niklas K. , Jetten Jolanda
Published: February 2021

We examined whether people who are prone to believe COVID‐19 conspiracy theories are characterised by an especially strong concern for others or an especially strong concern for the self, and whether these orientations are associated with willingness to take a COVID‐19 vaccine. We surveyed 4,245 participants from eight nations; three months later we re‐contacted 1,262 participants from three nations. Belief in COVID‐19 conspiracy theories was related to greater concerns about one's own safety, and lower concerns about the safety of close others. Furthermore, conspiracist ideation at Wave 1 predicted reluctance to take a COVID‐19 vaccine at Wave 2, mediated through relative concern for self versus others. In sum, people who are high in conspiracy beliefs have relatively higher concern for the self relative to others, with troubling implications for public health.
Chemoradiation therapy changes oral microbiome and metabolomic profiles in patients with oral cavity cancer and oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Lim Yenkai , Tang Kai Dun , Karpe Avinash V. , Beale David J. , Totsika Makrina , Kenny Liz , Morrison Mark , Punyadeera Chamindie
Published: February 2021

Background

Patients with oral cavity cancer (OCC) and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) are often seen with locoregionally advanced disease requiring complex multimodality treatments. These treatments may have detrimental effects on the oral microbiome, which is critical to maintaining physiological balance and health.

Methods

The effects of different OCC and OPC treatment types on the oral microbiome and metabolomic profiles for 24‐month post‐treatment in patients with OCC and OPC were investigated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon next‐generation sequencing and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), respectively.

Results

Chemoradiation resulted in oral dysbiosis with specific depletion of genera which regulate the enterosalivary nitrate–nitrite–nitric oxide pathway. These data also correlate with the oral metabolomic profiles with nitric oxide‐related precursor, modulator, or catalyst significantly downregulated in saliva samples from patients' postchemoradiation.

Conclusions

Together, we have shown that oral dysbiosis due to the effects of chemoradiation could potentially have an impact on OCC and OPC patient's quality of life post‐treatment.
New carboline‐based donors for green exciplex‐forming systems
Authors: Chen Chia‐Hsun , Cheng Ju‐Ting , Ding Wen‐Cheng , Lin Zong‐Liang , Chen Yi‐Sheng , Chiu Tien‐Lung , Lo Yuan‐Chih , Lee Jiun‐Haw , Wong Ken‐Tsung
Published: February 2021

The carbazole of a model compound CPTBF was replaced by α‐ and β‐carboline to give donors α‐CPTBF and β‐CPTBF, respectively. The introduction of carboline leads the new donors to have deeper highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels. Different electron acceptors were tested, among them, a new acceptor, 3,4‐CN, was found to give exciplexes with efficient green emissions that are blue‐shifted as compared to that of model CPTBF:3,4‐CN system. The exciplex formations of α‐CPTBF:3,4‐CN and β‐CPTBF:3,4‐CN blends were verified with the significantly red‐shifted emissions different from those of constituent donor and acceptor together with the delayed fluorescent observed by time‐resolved PL decay experiments. The organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) devices with α‐CPTBF:3,4‐CN and β‐CPTBF:3,4‐CN blends as the emitting layer showed a maximum external quantum (EQE) of 7.57 and 7.34%, respectively, which is higher as compared to that (EQE = 6.87%) of the model device employing CPTBF:3,4‐CN. These results were attributed to the higher exciplex photoluminescence quantum yields due to the higher delay fluorescence components, deeper HOMO, and higher triplet energy of the carboline donors. In addition, the β‐CPTBF:3,4‐CN exciplex‐based OLED exhibited better efficiency roll‐off at higher luminesce due to more charge balance with less polaron formation, which was analyzed with time‐resolved EL.
Arhgef6 (alpha-PIX) cytoskeletal regulator signals to GTPases and Cofilin to couple T cell migration speed and persistence
Authors: Mamula Dejan , Korthals Mark , Hradsky Johannes , Gottfried Anna , Fischer Klaus-Dieter , Tedford Kerry
Published: February 2021

Immunity is governed by successful T cell migration, optimized to enable a T cell to fully scan its environment without wasted movement by balancing speed and turning. Here we report that the Arhgef6 RhoGEF (aka alpha-PIX; αPIX; Cool-2), an activator of small GTPases, is required to restrain cell migration speed and cell turning during spontaneous migration on 2D surfaces. In Arhgef6−/− T cells, expression of Arhgef7 (beta-PIX; βPIX; Cool-1), a homolog of Arhgef6, was increased and correlated with defective activation and localization of Rac1 and CDC42 GTPases, respectively. Downstream of Arhgef6, PAK2 (p21-activated kinase 2) and LIMK1 phosphorylation was reduced, leading to increased activation of Cofilin, the actin-severing factor. Consistent with defects in these signaling pathways, Arhgef6−/− T cells displayed abnormal bilobed lamellipodia and migrated faster, turned more, and arrested less than wild-type (WT) T cells. Using pharmacologic inhibition of LIMK1 (LIM domain kinase 1) to induce Cofilin activation in WT T cells, we observed increased migration speed but not increased cell turning. In contrast, inhibition of Cdc42 increased cell turning but not speed. These results suggested that the increased speed of the Arhgef6−/− T cells is due to hyperactive Cofilin while the increased turning may be due to abnormal GTPase activation and recruitment. Together, these findings reveal that Arhgef6 acts as a repressor of T cell speed and turning by limiting actin polymerization and lamellipodia formation.
SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific humoral and cellular immunity in two renal transplants and two hemodialysis patients treated with convalescent plasma
Authors: Lindemann Monika , Krawczyk Adalbert , Dolff Sebastian , Konik Margarethe , Rohn Hana , Platte Maximillian , Thümmler Laura , Schwarzkopf Sina , Schipper Leonie , Bormann Maren , van de Sand Lukas , Breyer Marianne , Klump Hannes , Knop Dietmar , Lenz Veronika , Temme Christian , Dittmer Ulf , Horn Peter A. , Witzke Oliver
Published: February 2021

When patients with chronic kidney disease are infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) they can face two specific problems: virus‐specific immune responses may be impaired and remdesivir, an antiviral drug described to shorten recovery, is contraindicated. Antiviral treatment with convalescent plasma (CP) could be an alternative treatment option. In this case report, we present two kidney transplant recipients and two hemodialysis patients who were infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 and received CP. Antibodies against the receptor‐binding domain in the S1 subunit of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein were determined sequentially by immunoglobulin G (IgG) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and neutralization assay and specific cellular responses by interferon‐gamma ELISpot. Before treatment, in both kidney transplant recipients and one hemodialysis patient antibodies were undetectable by ELISA (ratio < 1.1), corresponding to low neutralizing antibody titers (≤1:40). ELISpot responses in the four patients were either weak or absent. After CP treatment, we observed an increase of SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies (IgG ratio and neutralization titer) and of specific cellular responses. After intermittent clinical improvement, one kidney transplant recipient again developed typical symptoms on Day 12 after treatment and received a second cycle of CP treatment. Altogether, three patients clinically improved and could be discharged from the hospital. However, one 83‐year‐old multimorbid patient deceased. Our data suggest that the success of CP therapy may only be temporary in patients with chronic kidney disease; which requires close monitoring of viral load and antiviral immunity and possibly an adaptation of the treatment regimen.