bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and treatment of headache associated with moyamoya disease – a narrative review
Authors: Chiang Chia-Chun , Shahid Adnan H , Harriott Andrea M , Tietjen Gretchen E , Savastano Luis E , Klaas James P , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: November 2021

Background

Headache in patients with moyamoya disease is an under-addressed topic in the medical literature. Delay in the diagnosis of moyamoya disease or inappropriate treatment of headache could lead to devastating cerebrovascular outcome. With the evolving understanding of moyamoya disease, migraine pathophysiology, and various migraine-specific medications that have become available, it is crucial to provide an updated overview on this topic.

Methods

We searched PubMed for keywords including moyamoya disease, moyamoya syndrome, headache in moyamoya, surgical revascularization, surgical bypass, migraine and moyamoya, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). We summarized the literature and provide a comprehensive review of the headache presentation, possible mechanisms, the impact of various surgical revascularizations on headache in patients with moyamoya disease, and the medical management of headache incorporating novel migraine-specific treatments. Results and conclusion: The most common headache phenotype is migraine; tension-type headache, hemiplegic migraine, and cluster headache have also been reported. Most patients experience improvement of headache after surgical revascularization, though some patients report worsening, or new-onset headache after surgery. Given the complexity of moyamoya disease, careful consideration of different types of medical therapy for headache is necessary to improve the quality of life while not increasing the risk of adverse cerebrovascular events. More prospective studies are warranted to better understand and manage headache in patients with moyamoya disease.
Co-morbidity between trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias and complex regional pain syndrome: Two case reports
Authors: Drummond Peter D , Finch Philip M
Published: November 2021

Background

Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias and complex regional pain syndrome are rare conditions, and their co-occurrence has not been reported previously. Clinical findings: In two patients, ipsilateral trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias developed after the onset of upper limb complex regional pain syndrome. Hyperalgesia to thermal and mechanical stimuli extended beyond the affected limb to encompass the ipsilateral forehead, and was accompanied by ipsilateral hyperacusis and photophobia. In addition, examination of the painful limb and bright light appeared to aggravate symptoms of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. Detailed examination of the association between facial and upper limb pain indicated that both sources of pain cycled together. Furthermore, in one case, stellate ganglion blockade inhibited pain for an extended period not only in the affected limb but also the face.

Conclusions

These findings suggest some overlap in the pathophysiology of complex regional pain syndrome and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. Specifically, central sensitization and/or disruption of inhibitory pain modulation on the affected side of the body in complex regional pain syndrome might trigger ipsilateral cranial symptoms and increase vulnerability to trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias.
Household Dysfunction Is Associated With Bullying Behavior in 10-year-old Children: Do Socioeconomic Circumstances Matter?
Authors: Fraga Sílvia , Soares Sara , Peres Flávia Soares , Barros Henrique
Published: November 2021

This study measured the prevalence of bullying behavior in 10-year-old children and investigated the effect of the socioeconomic context on the impact of household dysfunction on bullying. We studied 5,338 members of the Portuguese Generation XXI birth cohort. Information on involvement in bullying, socioeconomic characteristics, and household dysfunction was collected by trained interviewers using structured questionnaires. Being a victim of bullying was reported by 14.4% of participants, being a bully by 1.4%, and being a bully-victim by 3.9%. Being a victim or both bully-victim, simultaneously, was more frequent among children from medium-high income families. Also, children from low-income families who reported household substance abuse, witnessed parents’ intimate partner violence, and were victims of physical violence, were more frequently victims of bullying; and those who experienced family violence were more frequently involved as bully-victims. Among children from medium-high income families, all these household adversity experiences significantly increased the odds of being victim, bully, or bully-victim. Thus, although children from medium-high income families are less likely to experience adversity at home, when it happens, there is a greater effect on their behavior, suggesting that better socioeconomic circumstances do not seem to act as a protective factor.
Objectification Found in High School Girls’ Experience With Dress Code Enforcement
Authors: Lim Heejin , Lennon Sharron , Jones Domenique
Published: November 2021

Grounded in objectification theory, this study was conducted to uncover adolescent girls’ experience of dress regulations in US public schools. We conducted in-depth personal interviews with thirteen high school girls to explore internal, interpersonal, and contextual factors that might aggregate or alleviate objectifying conditions. Three overarching thematic categories emerged including (1) dressing as a life skill, (2) experiencing a sexually objectifying environment, (3) coping with the sexually objectifying environment. Eight subthemes captured under these thematic categories depicted how the school dress code is experienced and embodied by adolescent girls in their daily lives. Our findings demonstrated how the methods of school dress code enforcement and sex education promote a sexually objectifying environment in which girls feel physically and psychologically unsafe. Also, the findings of this study revealed that girls experience body shame, self-objectification, and powerlessness through dress code enforcement and sex education in school. Implications are discussed.
Effect of curcumin on lung epithelial injury and ferroptosis induced by cigarette smoke
Authors: Tang Xin , Li Zhenyu , Yu Zhi , Li Jinna , Zhang Jinbang , Wan Nansheng , Zhang Jing , Cao Jie
Published: November 2021

Cigarette smoke (CS)-caused ferroptosis was involved in the pathogenesis of COPD, but the role of ferroptosis in lung epithelial injury and inflammation is not clear. Rats were treated with CS or CUR and BEAS-2B cells were exposed to CS extract (CSE), ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), deferoxamine (DFO), or CUR to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, lipid peroxidation, iron overload, and ferroptosis-related protein, which were the characteristic changes of ferroptosis. Compared with the control group, CSE-treated BEAS-2B cells had more cell death, higher cytotoxicity, and lower cell viability. The infiltration of inflammatory cell around the bronchi in the CS group of rats was more than that in the normal group. Meanwhile, CSE/CS elevated the levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in BEAS-2B cells and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of rats. Besides, accumulative ROS and depleted glutathione was observed in vitro. In BEAS-2B cells and lung tissues of rats, CSE/CS increased malondialdehyde and iron; down-regulated solute carrier family 7, glutathione peroxidase 4, and ferritin heavy chain levels; and up-regulated transferrin receptor level. These changes were rescued by pretreatment of Fer-1 or DFO in vitro, and mitigated by CUR in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, this study reveals that ferroptosis was involved in lung epithelial cell injury and inflammation induced by CS, and CUR may alleviate CS-induced injury, inflammation, and ferroptosis of lung epithelial cell.
Foraging the Future: Forest Baths, Engaged Pedagogy, and Planting Ourselves Into the Future
Authors: Ware Syrus Marcus
Published: November 2021

This chapter explores the concept of forest bathing and a “cripped” walking pedagogy immersed in a disability justice lens as a strategy for revolutionary prep and community building with youth from an urban center. Mixing personal reflections from childhood and with nature, the author weaves this with a reflection on a day-long artistic exploration on the Bruce Trail, in Ontario, on Northern Turtle Island with youth from Lawrence Heights in T’karon:to. This chapter considers the radical possibilities of sharing drawing practice with environmental knowledge to ensure the next generation survives any future changes or revolutions.
Effect of ofatumumab versus placebo in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients from Japan and Russia: Phase 2 APOLITOS study
Authors: Kira Jun-ichi , Nakahara Jin , Sazonov Denis V , Kurosawa Takayoshi , Tsumiyama Isao , Willi Roman , Zalesak Martin , Pingili Ratnakar , Häring Dieter A , Ramanathan Krishnan , Kieseier Bernd C , Merschhemke Martin , Su Wendy , Saida Takahiko
Published: November 2021

Background:

Ofatumumab, the first fully human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has been developed as a treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) which can be self-administered at home.

Objective:

To investigate the efficacy and safety of ofatumumab in RMS patients from Japan and Russia.

Methods:

APOLITOS included a 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled core-part followed by an open-label extension-part. Patients were randomized (2:1) to subcutaneous ofatumumab 20 mg or placebo. Primary outcome was the number of gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) T1 lesions per scan over 24 weeks.

Results:

Sixty-four patients were randomized (ofatumumab, n = 43; placebo, n = 21). Primary endpoint was met; ofatumumab reduced Gd + T1 lesions versus placebo by 93.6% ( p < 0.001) and the results were consistent across regions (Japan/Russia). Ofatumumab reduced annualized T2 lesion and relapse rate versus placebo by week 24. Both groups showed benefit from ofatumumab in the extension-part. Incidence of adverse events was lower with ofatumumab versus placebo (69.8% vs 81.0%); injection-related reactions were most common. No deaths, opportunistic infections, or malignancies were reported.

Conclusion:

Ofatumumab demonstrated superior efficacy versus placebo, with sustained effect through 48 weeks in RMS patients from Japan/Russia. Switching to ofatumumab after 24 weeks led to rapid radiological and clinical benefits. Safety findings were consistent with pivotal trials.
The separation between ethics and politics: Max Weber on ancient Judaism and modernity
Authors: Chowers Eyal
Published: November 2021

For Max Weber, modernity is characterized by a tragic conflict among value spheres, each claiming to possess the ‘true meaning’ of human life. In particular, Weber argues that while the political sphere is dominated by the unifying, exclusionary, power-driven, and war-prone nation state, the ethical sphere is characterized by the universalization of individually based, deontological norms. For Weber, I argue, the modern separation between the ethical and political spheres originates in ancient Judaism. His work on Judaism, mostly neglected by political theorists, describes the emergence of politics as an autonomous, naturalistic sphere with the establishment of kingship. Biblical prophets, simultaneously, were the inventors of an idealistic, mulish, universal ethics Weber termed the ‘ethics of ultimate ends’. Thus, against the Greek model harmonizing ethics and politics, Judaism invented an antagonistic model of the two. This Jewish imagination lay dormant for almost two millennia but returned to the stage in secularized modernity.
Battle of the hearts: China’s aim to become a soft (super)power and Europe’s response
Authors: Leino Janne
Published: November 2021

While China has made remarkable advances in its economic, technological and military development over the past decades, its perceived influence and reputation are declining in some parts of the world. This poses a problem for Chinese decision-makers as the country’s self-proclaimed goal to become a leading global power relies on its build-up of soft power, that is, the ability to influence others by persuasion rather than coercion. The article examines why China, despite the increasingly nationalist tendencies at home, will continue its international push to become a soft (super)power, and discusses how the EU should react.
Rentier capitalism in question
Authors: Cox Kevin
Published: November 2021

Rentier capitalism is an idea that has been drawing increasing attention. This article identifies the incoherence of the idea and then addresses its weaknesses as a critique of contemporary political economy. In the first place, it derives from a view of capitalism which privileges exchange rather than production. This explains its view of the relation between the monopoly control of assets and competition. While there may indeed be a current tendency to invest in assets, that does not necessarily act as a deadweight on production; rather it can act as an incentive to rationalize the labor process with a view to increasing the extraction of surplus value. It is suggested that one of the ways in which industrial capital accommodates itself to increasing rents, license fees and the like, is through a turn to extracting value in its absolute form; which may in then shed light on the stagnation of wage levels that has accompanied the turn to investing in assets.
Trade Relations Between Mauritius and China: A Gravity Model Approach
Authors: Guan Zhijie , Zhang Yue , Kwee Fat Ip Ping Sheong Jim
Published: November 2021

Trade between Mauritius and China has been increasing at a rapid pace. As there are only few studies about Sino-Mauritian trade, there is therefore a need to study the determinants affecting trade flows between the two countries. This paper uses the “Gravity Model” with a sample data of 23 years (1997–2019) to analyze the trade between Mauritius and China. The results show that GDP’s growth rate, exchange rate, and FDI both have significant effects on Mauritian trade; however the former has a positive effect while the latter two has a negative one. The economic mass of the two countries have promoted trade, while an appreciation in Chinese currency and large amounts of direct investment have on the other side hindered Mauritian trade. A concrete trade agreement between the two sides can help in reducing the costs of trade between the two countries and improve the situation.
Evaluation of Nurses’ Job Engagement as an Outcome of Experienced Compassion in the Workplace, Using the Lens of Affective Event Theory
Authors: Nadim Muhammad , Zafar Mueen Aizaz
Published: November 2021

This study examined an integrated model encompassing supervisor undermining, experienced compassion, state optimism, regulatory emotional self-efficacy, and job engagement using the affective event theory. We tested the propensity toward supervisor undermining as an environmental factor to trigger a compassionate response in the workplace, viewing the resulting effects of compassion as a form of job engagement. We also examined the mediating role of state optimism in the relationship between experienced compassion and job engagement, and the moderating role of regulatory emotional self-efficacy between experienced compassion and state optimism. We collected data in four-time lags from 406 nurses in public sector hospitals in Pakistan. The findings indicate that supervisor undermining triggers compassionate responses in the workplace. Furthermore, the results show that experienced compassion in the workplace increases job engagement, which is mediated through state optimism. Regulatory emotional self-efficacy moderated the relationship between experienced compassion and state optimism. Implications and future directions are highlighted.
Unpacking Peer Collaborative Experiences in Pre-Class Learning of Flipped Classroom With a Production-Oriented Approach
Authors: Zhao Shu-Rong , Li Hong
Published: November 2021

In flipped learning (FL), the pre-class section plays an important role and determines whether meaningful and deep-level learning can take place in the following in-class section. However, previous studies focus on in-class learning and research little on the pre-class section. In order to explore an interactive mode which can ensure the effect of pre-class learning, a production-oriented peer collaboration FL framework was proposed and applied to the Business English course. Mixed research methods including questionnaire and focus group interview were used to test the effectiveness of the framework and explore effective forms of interaction. Data analysis shows that the FL framework improved significantly social interaction self-efficacy, help-seeking, and self-evaluation in self-regulated learning, thus ensured quality pre-class learning. As to interaction, eight collaboration forms were found through thematic analysis, namely comparison, correction, reaching agreement, supervision, inspiration, complementation, negotiation, and emotional support. Among them, comparison is the most beneficial and frequently mentioned collaborative behavior. This research provides an empirical case for peer interaction based on online learning tasks. It helps enrich interactive research in FL and provides teaching reference for practitioner teachers by offering a feasible framework.
Procedures and Principles of Disposal of Research Misconduct in Japan From the Perspective of Case Analysis
Authors: Yuan Cao , Yong Zhao
Published: November 2021

Increased focus on scientific developments and technological innovations and continuously rising research funding have led to numerous cases of research misconduct that blurs the boundaries between ethics, science, and culture. In our paper, we aim to develop a framework for understanding management and governance in the self-discipline stance, based on case studies from Japan. We adopted a quantity approach by examining cases from 2015 to 2019 provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan (MEXT), seeking to analyze the relationship between the handling of research misconduct in Japan and the relevant national regulations from the perspective of behavior definition, investigation process, responsibility, the process of the investigator, and handling measures. The results of this analysis will help to determine improved methods for processing and making decisions, and conducting assessments while examining cases of research misconduct.
Book review: Antonio Gramsci, Selections from the Prison Notebooks
Authors: Habib Irfan
Published: November 2021

Antonio Gramsci, Selections from the Prison Notebooks, ed. & tr. Quintin Hoare and Geoffrey Nowell-Smith, Indian reprint of original English ed., London, 1971, now reprinted in India by Orient BlackSwan Private Ltd., Hyderabad, 2021, Paperback, 483 pp., ₹695.
Identifying Archaeological Cultures in India: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Gurukkal Rajan
Published: November 2021

From a critical review of excavation reports and narratives on the Bronze Age sites, it turns out that archaeological cultures in Indian civilisation are mostly archaeologists’ constructions, resulting from the archaeologists’ subjective classification and typology. It notes inconsistencies of typologies, their ineffectiveness in comprehending the past and failure to establish the structure of the total culture as well as the main features of people’s conditions of life. Archaeologists’ constructs of multiple micro-cultures of ceramic identity may thus tend to obfuscate the macro-picture of larger composite cultures in the long process of the formation of Indian civilisation.
A contribution to the mineralogy of Sicily, Italy – Kintoreite from the Tripi mine, Peloritani Mountains: occurrence and crystal structure
Authors: Mauro Daniela , Biagioni Cristian , Zaccarini Federica
Published: November 2021

A new occurrence of kintoreite, ideally PbFe3(PO4)(PO3OH)(OH)6, is described from the Tripi mine, Alì, Peloritani Mountains, northeastern Sicily, Italy. Kintoreite occurs as yellow equant crystals, up to 0.05 mm in size, on quartz, associated with another alunite-supergroup mineral currently under study. The studied grains of kintoreite are chemically zoned, showing the occurrence of two distinct domains. Electron microprobe analyses gave (in wt.%): SO3 5.47(27), P2O5 17.55(14), Al2O3 7.81(35), Fe2O3 23.81(44), PbO 35.11(41), H2Ocalc 9.93, total 99.68 (darker domains) and SO3 6.03(5), P2O5 16.66(23), Al2O3 4.22(2), Fe2O3 27.31(6), PbO 33.78(22), H2Ocalc 10.25, total 98.25 (brighter domains). On the basis of 14 O atoms per formula unit (apfu) and (P+S) = 2 apfu, the darker and brighter domains have chemical formula Pb1.00(Fe3+1.89Al0.97)Σ2.86[P1.57S0.43O7.43(OH)0.57][(OH)5.58(H2O)0.42]Σ6.00 and Pb0.98(Fe3+2.21Al0.53)Σ2.74[P1.51S0.49O7.49(OH)0.51][(OH)5.18(H2O)0.82]Σ6.00, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was performed on a grain extracted from the same sample. Unit-cell parameters are a = 7.2191(10), c = 16.834(3) Å, V = 759.8(3) Å3 and Z = 3; space group R$\bar{3}$m. The crystal structure was refined on the basis of 226 unique reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo) and 31 least-square parameters to R1 = 0.0415. Kintoreite is isotypic with other alunite-supergroup minerals. Micro-Raman spectroscopy suggests the possible occurrence of H2O groups, supporting the possible protonation of (OH) groups as a charge-balance mechanism in this mineral. Kintoreite may play an environmental role in the Alì area, where previous authors detected high concentrations of potentially toxic elements in soils.
Mast cell activation may explain many cases of chemical intolerance
Authors: Miller Claudia S. , Palmer Raymond F. , Dempsey Tania T. , Ashford Nicholas A. , Afrin Lawrence B.
Published: November 2021

Background

This paper explores the relationship between chemical intolerance (CI) and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Worldwide observations provide evidence for a two-stage disease process called toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT) as a mechanism for CI. TILT is initiated by a major exposure event or a series of lower-level exposures. Subsequently, affected individuals report that common chemical inhalants, foods, and drugs (i.e., various xenobiotics) trigger multi-system symptoms.

Purpose

To determine whether MCAS provides a plausible biological mechanism for CI/TILT.

Methods

Using the validated Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI), we compared patients diagnosed with MCAS (n = 147) to individuals who reported chemical intolerances (CI/TILT) following various exposures (n = 345) and to healthy controls (n = 76). Using ANOVA, we compared QEESI scores across groups. Clinical scores for the MCAS patient group were used to predict CI status using logistic regression.

Results

More than half (59%) of the MCAS group met criteria for CI. A logistic regression model illustrates that as the likelihood of patients having MCAS increased, their likelihood of having CI/TILT similarly increased, to a near-perfect correspondence at the high ends of the QEESI and clinical MCAS scores. Symptom and intolerance patterns were nearly identical for the CI and MCAS groups.

Discussion

We present data suggesting that xenobiotic activation of mast cells may underlie CI/TILT. The strikingly similar symptom and intolerance patterns for MCAS and TILT suggest that xenobiotics disrupt mast cells, leading to either or both of these challenging conditions. Faced with patients suffering from complex illness affecting multiple organ systems and fluctuating inflammatory, allergic, and dystrophic symptoms, clinicians can now ask themselves two questions: (1) Could MCAS be at the root of these problems? (2) Could environmental exposures be driving MC activation and mediator release? Increasing our understanding of the connection between TILT and MCs has the potential to expose a new link between environmental exposures and illness, offering new opportunities for improving individual and public health.

Conclusion

The close correspondence between QEESI scores and symptom patterns for MCAS and TILT patients supports xenobiotic-driven mast cell activation and mediator release (i.e., MCAS) as a plausible unifying biological mechanism for CI/TILT, with profound implications for medicine, public health, and regulatory toxicology.
Predictive value of chest HRCT for survival in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Kacprzak Aneta , Burakowska Barbara , Kurzyna Marcin , Fijałkowska Anna , Florczyk Michał , Wieteska-Miłek Maria , Darocha Szymon , Torbicki Adam , Szturmowicz Monika
Published: November 2021

Background

Little attention has been paid to chest high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients so far, while a couple of small studies suggested that presence of centrilobular ground-glass opacifications (GGO) on lung scans could have a significant negative prognostic value. Therefore, the aims of the present study were: to assess frequency and clinical significance of GGO in IPAH, and to verify if it carries an add-on prognostic value in reference to multidimensional risk assessment tool recommended by the 2015 European pulmonary hypertension guidelines.

Methods

Chest HRCT scans of 110 IPAH patients were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into three groups: with panlobular (p)GGO, centrilobular (c)GGO, and normal lung pattern. Association of different GGO patterns with demographic, functional, haemodynamic, and biochemical parameters was tested. Survival analysis was also performed.

Results

GGO were found in 46% of the IPAH patients: pGGO in 24% and cGGO in 22%. Independent predictors of pGGO were: positive history of haemoptysis, higher number of low-risk factors, and lower cardiac output. Independent predictors of cGGO were: positive history of haemoptysis, younger age, higher right atrial pressure, and higher mixed venous blood oxygen saturation. CGGO had a negative prognostic value for outcome in a 2-year perspective. This effect was not seen in the longer term, probably due to short survival of cGGO patients.

Conclusions

Lung HRCT carries a significant independent prognostic information in IPAH, and in patients with cGGO present on the scans an early referral to lung transplantation centres should be considered.
The impact of chronic mild hypoxia on cerebrovascular remodelling; uncoupling of angiogenesis and vascular breakdown
Authors: Halder Sebok K. , Milner Richard
Published: November 2021

Background

Chronic mild hypoxia (CMH, 8% O2) stimulates robust vascular remodelling in the brain, but it also triggers transient vascular disruption. This raises the fundamental question: is the vascular leak an unwanted side-effect of angiogenic remodelling or is it a pathological response, unrelated to endothelial proliferation, in which declining oxygen levels trigger endothelial dysfunction?

Methods

To answer this question, mice were exposed to CMH (8% O2) for periods up to 14 days, after which, brain tissue was examined by immunofluorescence (IF) to determine which type of blood vessel (arteriole, capillary or venule) was most commonly associated with endothelial proliferation and vascular leak and how this correlated with tight junction protein expression. Vascular perfusion was examined using DiI. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison post-hoc test.

Results

The following was observed: (1) most endothelial proliferation and extravascular fibrinogen leak occurred in capillaries and to a lesser degree in venules, (2) much to our surprise, endothelial proliferation and extravascular fibrinogen leak never colocalized, (3) interestingly however, endothelial proliferation was strongly associated with an intravascular fibrinogen staining pattern not seen in stable blood vessels, (4) DiI perfusion studies revealed that angiogenic vessels were adequately perfused, suggesting that fibrinogen retention in angiogenic vessels is not due to temporary closure of the vessel, but more likely because fibrinogen is retained within the vessel wall, (5) bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling as a means to more permanently label proliferating endothelial cells, confirmed lack of any connection between endothelial proliferation and extravascular fibrinogen leak, while (6) in contrast, proliferating microglia were detected within extravascular leaks.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings support the concept that in the short-term, hypoxia-induced endothelial proliferation triggers transient fibrinogen deposition within the walls of angiogenic blood vessels, but no overt vascular leak occurs in these vessels. Importantly, endothelial proliferation and extravascular fibrinogen leaks never co-localize, demonstrating that extravascular leak is not an unwanted side-effect of angiogenic endothelial proliferation, but rather a dysfunctional vascular response to hypoxia that occurs in a distinct group of non-angiogenic blood vessels.
Honey bee genetics shape the strain-level structure of gut microbiota in social transmission
Authors: Wu Jiaqiang , Lang Haoyu , Mu Xiaohuan , Zhang Zijing , Su Qinzhi , Hu Xiaosong , Zheng Hao
Published: November 2021

Background

Honey bee gut microbiota transmitted via social interactions are beneficial to the host health. Although the microbial community is relatively stable, individual variations and high strain-level diversity have been detected across honey bees. Although the bee gut microbiota structure is influenced by environmental factors, the heritability of the gut members and the contribution of the host genetics remains elusive. Considering bees within a colony are not readily genetically identical due to the polyandry of the queen, we hypothesize that the microbiota structure can be shaped by host genetics.

Results

We used shotgun metagenomics to simultaneously profile the microbiota and host genotypes of bees from hives of four different subspecies. Gut composition is more distant between genetically different bees at both phylotype- and “sequence-discrete population” levels. We then performed a successive passaging experiment within colonies of hybrid bees generated by artificial insemination, which revealed that the microbial composition dramatically shifts across batches of bees during the social transmission. Specifically, different strains from the phylotype of Snodgrassella alvi are preferentially selected by genetically varied hosts, and strains from different hosts show a remarkably biased distribution of single-nucleotide polymorphism in the Type IV pili loci. Genome-wide association analysis identified that the relative abundance of a cluster of Bifidobacterium strains is associated with the host glutamate receptor gene specifically expressed in the bee brain. Finally, mono-colonization of Bifidobacterium with a specific polysaccharide utilization locus impacts the alternative splicing of the gluR-B gene, which is associated with an increased GABA level in the brain.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that host genetics influence the bee gut composition and suggest a gut-brain connection implicated in the gut bacterial strain preference. Honey bees have been used extensively as a model organism for social behaviors, genetics, and the gut microbiome. Further identification of host genetic function as a shaping force of microbial structure will advance our understanding of the host-microbe interactions.
The role of federal and state policy in addressing early childhood achievement gaps: parent perceptions and student outcomes related to 21st Century Learning Centers programming in the United States
Authors: Williams Heather P.
Published: November 2021

As policymakers and school communities work to address underlying causes of achievement gaps and access to quality early childhood education, this study considers the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers to address early childhood education needs on western U.S. state, Idaho. The study sought to understand the relationship between federal and state policies related to out-of-school opportunities to enhance early childhood education. Utilizing data from a statewide evaluation of Idaho’s 21st Century Learning Centers, the study examined 92 centers providing after school, before school, or summer programs in grades preschool through the third grade to predominately at-risk children. Data collection included quantitative data from a survey given to parents (n = 183), as well as qualitative data collected through site-based interviews, focus groups and observations. Data included a review of historical and current data on participation rates; attendance rates; standardized test scores for program participants in grades PK-3 (n = 3258). Data were analyzed for themes and transfer. The study findings provide further insight into understanding possible relationships between U.S. federal and state policy regarding 21st Century Community Learning Centers on both students’ outcomes and parent satisfaction. The findings further support the role of out-of-school time (OST) experiences in the larger ecosystem of learning and provides insight into understanding how the OST activities are carried over into family life.
DataStory™: an interactive sequential art approach for data science and artificial intelligence learning experiences
Authors: Maxwell Daniel , Meyer Sarah , Bolch Charlotte
Published: November 2021

Technical training in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence has recently become a highly desirable skill for industry positions as well as a focus of STEM education programs in higher education. However, most of the educational training and courses in data science and artificial intelligence are abstract and highly technical which is not appropriate for all audiences. In this paper, we propose a sequential art approach that uses visual storytelling with integrated coding learning experiences to teach data science concepts. A scoping literature review was conducted to answer the following question: does sufficient evidence exist in the literature to support a sequential art approach to data science and A.I. education? The learning science, sequential art, and dual coding literature bases were then interrogated to answer that question. With knowledge gained from this review, an initial DataStory™ prototype was constructed, using a technical platform capable of delivering an engaging and interactive sequential art learning experience. And finally, findings from a focus group study using the DataStory™ prototype are discussed in which participant feedback to this new learning experience is reported.
Postural analysis in female Bharatanatyam dancers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Panhale Vrushali P. , Walankar Prachita P. , Sridhar Aishwarya
Published: November 2021

Background

Gaining proficiency in Bharatanatyam dance form necessitates maintenance of different postures for prolonged duration. These repetitive movements place tremendous physical demands on the body at young age and may alter the postural profile of the dancer. The study aimed to evaluate the differences in terms of posture between female Bharatanatyam dancers and age-matched non-dancers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 40 female Bharatanatyam dancers and 40 age-matched female non-dancers in the age group of 18 to 30 years. Analysis of erect standing posture of dancers and non-dancers was conducted in a reserved environment using a photogrammetric method. Static photographs of the subjects were taken in the sagittal plane. The measurement of the angles of the digitized photographs was performed using KINOVEA 0.8.15 software. Head protrusion angle, cervical lordosis angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, and pelvic tilt angle were evaluated.

Results

There was no significant difference between the dancers and non-dancers with respect to head protrusion angle (p= 0.081), cervical lordosis (p= 0.15), and thoracic kyphosis (p= 0.33). Significant differences were identified between the dancers and non-dancers for lumbar lordosis (p= 0.00) and pelvic tilt (p= 0.00) using independentttest with dancers. Higher values of lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt were observed in dancers.

Conclusion

Increased lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt were observed in Bharatanatyam dancers as compared to non-dancers. Hence, it is vital to establish preventive measures like postural re-education, muscular balance, and flexibility to prevent erroneous postural patterns capable of causing pain and injuries.
KRAS A146 Mutations Are Associated With Distinct Clinical Behavior in Patients With Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: van 't Erve Iris , Wesdorp Nina J. , Medina Jamie E. , Ferreira Leonardo , Leal Alessandro , Huiskens Joost , Bolhuis Karen , van Waesberghe Jan-Hein T. M. , Swijnenburg Rutger-Jan , van den Broek Daan , Velculescu Victor E. , Kazemier Geert , Punt Cornelis J. A. , Meijer Gerrit A. , Fijneman Remond J. A.
Published: November 2021

PURPOSE

Somatic KRAS mutations occur in approximately half of the patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Biologic tumor characteristics differ on the basis of the KRAS mutation variant. KRAS mutations are known to influence patient prognosis and are used as predictive biomarker for treatment decisions. This study examined clinical features of patients with mCRC with a somatic mutation in KRAS G12, G13, Q61, K117, or A146.

METHODS

A total of 419 patients with colorectal cancer with initially unresectable liver-limited metastases, who participated in a multicenter prospective trial, were evaluated for tumor tissue KRAS mutation status. For the subgroup of patients who carried a KRAS mutation and were treated with bevacizumab and doublet or triplet chemotherapy (N = 156), pretreatment circulating tumor DNA levels were analyzed, and total tumor volume (TTV) was quantified on the pretreatment computed tomography images.

RESULTS

Most patients carried a KRAS G12 mutation (N = 112), followed by mutations in G13 (N = 15), A146 (N = 12), Q61 (N = 9), and K117 (N = 5). High plasma circulating tumor DNA levels were observed for patients carrying a KRAS A146 mutation versus those with a KRAS G12 mutation, with median mutant allele frequencies of 48% versus 19%, respectively. Radiologic TTV revealed this difference to be associated with a higher tumor load in patients harboring a KRAS A146 mutation (median TTV 672 cm3 [A146] v 74 cm3 [G12], P = .036). Moreover, KRAS A146 mutation carriers showed inferior overall survival compared with patients with mutations in KRAS G12 (median 10.7 v 26.4 months; hazard ratio = 2.5; P = .003).

CONCLUSION

Patients with mCRC with a KRAS A146 mutation represent a distinct molecular subgroup of patients with higher tumor burden and worse clinical outcomes, who might benefit from more intensive treatments. These results highlight the importance of testing colorectal cancer for all KRAS mutations in routine clinical care.
2-DOF robot modelling by SimMechanics and PD-FL integrated controller for position control and trajectory tracking
Authors: Lee Tian Soon , Alandoli Esmail Ali , Vijayakumar V
Published: November 2021

Background Due to the high demand of robots to perform several industrial tasks, such as welding, machining, pick and place, position control in robotics has attracted high attention recently. Controllers’ improvement is also continuous specifically in terms of design simplicity and performance accuracy. This research plans to obtain the SimMechanics model of a two-degree of freedom (DOF) robot and to propose an integrated controller of a proportional–derivative (PD) controller and a fuzzy logic (FL) controller.

Methodology The SimMechanics model of the 2-DOF robot is obtained using MATLAB SimMechanics toolbox from a CAD assembly design of the 2-DOF robot. Then, the proposed PD-FL integrated controller is designed and simulated in MATLAB Simulink. The PD controller is widely used for its simplicity, but it doesn’t have a satisfactory performance in difficult tasks. Furthermore, the FL controller is also easy for design and implementation even by non-experts in control theory, but it has the disadvantage of long computational time for multi-input systems due to the increased fuzzy rules.

Results The FL controller is integrated with the PD controller for enhanced performance of the 2-DOF robot. The PD-FL integrated controller is developed and tested to control the 2-DOF robot for point-to-point position control and also tip trajectory tracking (TTT) such as triangular TTT and rhombic TTT.

Conclusion The PD-FL integrated controller demonstrates enhanced performance compared to the conventional PD controller in both point-to-point position control and TTT. Furthermore, the PD-FL integrated controller has the advantage of less fuzzy rules which helps to overcome the computational time issue of the FL controller.
Pattern changes of cutaneous dermatoses among Iraqi women preceding and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: A. Abdullah Galawish
Published: November 2021

Background: We compared the pattern of cutaneous dermatoses among Iraqi females of all ages between 4 months preceding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and the same months 1 year later within the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, that targeted all female patients attending an outpatient clinic for dermatology and venereology in Al-Kindy teaching hospital, Baghdad between October 2019 to the end of January 2020, and the same 4-month duration 1 year later (October 2020 to the end of January 2021) after the COVID-19 peak period had passed and there was no or partial curfew to exclude seasonal impact.

Results: A total of 2657 female-patients of all ages were enrolled in this study with 1314 females during the 4 months pre COVID-19, and 1343 females during the pandemic. The mean age of patients presented before the pandemic was 27.2±16.6 years, while the mean age of patients during the pandemic was 28.1±15.6 years with no statistically significant difference in mean ages (P >0.05). Hair loss in general with telogen effluvium specifically increased significantly. Cutaneous contagious viral infections were reduced significantly and specifically of these molluscum contagiosum and condylomata accuminata. Other forms of infections including bacterial and parasitic were also reduced while dermatophytosis was increased but not to a significant level. Acne vulgaris, rosacea, lichen planus, urticaria, pityriasis rosea, seborrheic dermatitis, and vitiligo were increased, but psoriasis, alopecia areata, other types of dermatitis, and melasma were reduced but none to a significant level.

Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in changes in the pattern of diseases presented to an out-patient clinic for dermatology and venereology. This could be either related to COVID-19 infection or stress associated with the pandemic, because of curfew, or wearing facemasks which may cause a decrease or increase in certain diseases.
Data from a survey on the impact of the pandemic on early-stage academics
Authors: Swider-Cios Edyta , Solymosi Katalin , Srinivas Mangala
Published: November 2021

We would like to share data from a survey run by the Young Academy of Europe (YAE) from June to October 2020, with questions aiming to unravel the situation of early-career researchers (including early stage group leaders) working in Europe, during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were particularly interested in the impact of care activities (related to young children or other family members), and the impact of gender. We include the online survey and collected data, without identifying information. The survey is published in Nature Career Column (July, 2021) (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01952-6).
Ecriture-reportage et vision impressionniste dans Vers Ispahan, de Pierre Loti
Authors: Anghel Liliana
Published: November 2021

This article emphasizes Pierre Loti’s manner of revealing, in the beginning of the 20th century, to the European readers, an unknown country. The text emphasizes Pierre Loti’s manner of revealing an unknown country to European readers at the beginning of the 20th century. It is Peris, so distant on geographic and cultural level. Loti’s book, Towards Isfahan, proves both his skill in report writing and his painting talent as he creates unforgettable descriptions following his truly impressionist sensibility.
Panorama sociolinguístico de Timor-Leste
Authors: Czopek Natalia
Published: November 2021

The present work aims to present the results of sociolinguistic interviews of four Timorese students with whom we had the opportunity to work during our annual stay in Mindelo, Cape Verde. The interviews were conducted between June and September 2017, with the main focus on the analysis of the linguistic reality in which the informants live in four different municipalities of East Timor. To this end, we focused on the identification of the contexts of use of the languages known by the participants and the factors that determine their linguistic choices, always trying to highlight the situation of the Portuguese language and adding personal opinions about its importance and usefulness as well as about the pluri-/ multilingualism that the informants witness every day.
« Peut-être penserais-je autrement si j’étais polygame, mahométan et demi-sauvage ! » Le dialogue interculturel dans les Tableaux Algériens de Gustave Guillaumet
Authors: Sokołowicz Małgorzata
Published: November 2021

The present paper focuses on the presence (and quality) of intercultural dialogue in Tableaux algériens (1888), a collection of travel memories and impressions, written by the orientalist painter Gustave Guillaumet (1840-1887). By analyzing the selected examples of dialogues, reported and indirect speeches present in the text, we will show the attitude of the painter towards the Algerians and the image of those people (and their culture) he wanted to transfer to his French readers.
Raoultella ornithinolytica in MALT-type non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Seixas Rui , Alves Adelaide , Selaru Aurelia , Vanzeller Manuela , Shiang Teresa , Conde Sara
Published: November 2021

Raoultella ornithinolytica is a bacterium that belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family. The most frequently reported infections are gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary. Urinary tract infections are very rarely reported and bloodstream infections are usually reported without an identified source. This bacterium is responsible for an increasing number of infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. The authors describe the first case ever reported of an immunocompromised patient due to non-Hodgkin lymphoma MALT type and corticotherapy, who developed urinary tract infection and subsequently bacteriemia due to this pathogen.
A filtration on the ring of Laurent polynomials and representations of the general linear Lie algebra
Authors:   Korea University, Choi C. , Kim S. ,   Korea University, Seo H. ,   University of Maryland
Published: November 2021

We first present a filtration on the ring Ln of Laurent polynomials such that the direct sum decomposition of its associated graded ring grLn agrees with the direct sum decomposition of grLn, as a module over the complex general linear Lie algebra gl(n), into its simple submodules. Next, generalizing the simple modules occurring in the associated graded ring grLn, we give some explicit constructions of weight multiplicity-free irreducible representations of gl(n).
Diagonal torsion matrices associated with modular data
Authors:   University of Regina, Singh G.
Published: November 2021

Modular data are commonly studied in mathematics and physics. A modular datum defines a finite-dimensional representation of the modular group SL2(Z). Cuntz (2007) defined isomorphic integral modular data. Here we discuss isomorphic integral and non-integral modular data as well as non-isomorphic but closely related modular data. In this paper, we give some insights into diagonal torsion matrices associated to modular data.
Free abelian trioids
Authors:   Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Zhuchok Yu. V.
Published: November 2021

We construct a free abelian trioid and describe the least abelian congruence on a free trioid.