bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The roles of employers and trade unions in immigration and welfare state policymaking
Authors: Knotz Carlo , Fossati Flavia , Scalise Gemma , Hooijer Gerda
Published: November 2020

Whether and under which conditions immigrants should be admitted and obtain access to employment and social security is an issue of continuously high political salience across the advanced democracies. Unions and employers, as traditionally influential actors in immigration and social policymaking, have important roles to play in this area, but their exact preferences, strategies and behaviour are theoretically difficult to determine and are still only partly understood. This article outlines a series of research problems regarding the roles of social partners in the social and economic integration of immigrants and discusses how the articles contained in this special issue address these problems.
Experimental investigation on the mechanical properties of aluminium sandwiched sisal/kenaf/aloevera/jute/flax natural fibre-reinforced epoxy LY556/GY250 composites
Authors: Arputhabalan Jeswin , Karunamoorthy L , Palanikumar K
Published: November 2020

In engineering, composites have indicated a more profound influence in the recent development of materials with high strength to weight ratio. The purpose of this work is to identify the different and specific properties which a composite possesses when various reinforcement fibres are used in different epoxy matrix material. Composite materials have a major role to play with meeting that requirement. Many natural fibre composite materials possess good mechanical properties but still lack in satisfying applications requirements and alternate for which is seen as sandwich natural fibre composites. In this investigation, an effort has been made to study the mechanical properties exhibited by sandwich epoxy composite reinforced with various commonly used natural fibres, namely Aloevera, Kenaf, Sisal, Jute and Flax. The polymer resin used as matrix is also varied using Epoxy LY556 and Epoxy GY250. The originality of this work is in the use of Epoxy GY250 to fabricate sandwich composites with five commonly available natural fibres and compare its performance to the more widely used Epoxy LY556. It has been determined through various mechanical tests, which particular epoxy resin bonds better with the natural fibres namely, jute, sisal, aloe vera, kenaf and flax thereby providing better tensile, impact and flexural properties. The investigation is hoped to provide an insight into how the environmentally friendly natural fibres interact with the varying matrix resins and how this interaction affects the mechanical properties of said composites.
The fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product level on arrival in trauma patients is a better predictor of a fatal outcome than physiological or anatomical severity: A retrospective chart review
Authors: Nagasawa Hiroki , Omori Kazuhiko , Nojiri Shuko , Muramatsu Ken-Ichi , Kushida Yoshihiro , Takeuchi Ikuto , Jitsuiki Kei , Shitara Jun , Ohsaka Hiromichi , Oode Yasumasa , Yanagawa Youichi
Published: November 2020

Aim

We performed a retrospective investigation to determine the factors, including vital signs, severity of traumatic anatomical abnormality and biochemical data, which are most useful for predicting the outcomes of trauma patients after admission.

Methods

A retrospective medical chart review was performed for all trauma patients who were admitted to our department from September 2017 to August 2019. These subjects were then divided into two groups according to whether they survived to hospital discharge or not.

Results

During the investigation period, 790 patients were enrolled as subjects (Death group, n = 34; survival group, n = 756). The injury severity score, serum glucose level, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product level in the Death group were significantly greater than those in the Survival group. A multivariate analysis showed that the fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product level was a significant predictor of a fatal outcome (odds ratio 1.00, 95% confidence interval 1.0008-1.0040, p value = 0.0008).

Conclusions

The fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product levels on arrival may be a better predictor of a fatal outcome in trauma patients than physiological or anatomical severity.
The quadruple burden: Reproductive labor & prison visitation in Venezuela
Authors: Fischer-Hoffman Cory
Published: November 2020

Utilizing the Feminist-Marxist lens of reproductive labor, I examine how the caring work and bodies of women who visit prisons are central to an analysis of the relationship of incarceration and social reproduction under capitalism. My research is based on participant observation and interviews with women prison visitors in 2014–2015 in Venezuela. I analyze how women bring food, clean laundry and otherwise approved items; they take long journeys, wait in lines for hours and pass through an invasive strip search so that they can visit their loved ones in prisons. This work is even more burdensome because the prisons operating under carceral self-rule—run by armed organizations of inmates through a de-facto privatization that centers not just survival but profit —fail to provide even the most basic necessities. I argue that the work of caring for a loved one in this context creates an additional burden on top of a job, housework, and community activism. This fourth shift requires that women’s labor be incorporated into a neoliberal carceral apparatus and also demonstrates that while the carceral zone is porous, the bodies of poor racialized women are used to enforce the prison border.
Fear and loathing on the Eastern Front: Soviet forests and the memory of Western Europeans in the German military forces, 1941-1944
Authors: Alegre Lorenz David
Published: November 2020

Combatant perceptions of the landscape in which soldiers fight constitute a central element of their memory, especially in the frame of military invasions and occupations. This article addresses the war experience of the Spanish, French, and Walloon volunteers who enlisted in the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS. Their views of the Eastern Front were heavily influenced by the close, dense forests that covered much of Eastern Europe. Fear of autochthonous nature was fed by a very specific image of Soviet civilians and soldiers, which ended up conditioning the modus operandi on the front lines and in the rearguard.
The impact of NOS3 gene polymorphism on papillary thyroid cancer susceptibility in patients undergoing radioiodine therapy
Authors: Cerqueira Adara Rodrigues Damasceno , Fratelli Caroline Ferreira , Duarte Ligia Canongia de Abreu Cardoso , Pereira Alexandre Sampaio Rodrigues , Morais Rafael Martins de , Sobrinho Alaor Barra , Silva Calliandra Maria de Souza , Silva Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da , Oliveira Jamila Reis de
Published: November 2020

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer in the world. Noting that the NOS3 gene polymorphism interferes with nitric oxide production, this study aims to identify and analyze the NOS3 gene polymorphism in the intron 4 region in patients with papillary thyroid cancer. A case-control study was conducted with 31 papillary thyroid cancer patients of both genders who underwent thyroidectomy and treatment with sodium iodide radiopharmaceutical (131I) compared with 81 control patients. Through papillary thyroid cancer, the results were observed, compiled, and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The significance level of 5% was adopted. Genotypic frequencies of healthy subjects were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium ( P = 0.503). There was a significant genotypic difference between papillary thyroid cancer and healthy individuals ( P <0.001). The BB genotype conferred a protective factor for papillary thyroid cancer ( P <0.001, odds ratio (OR) 0.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06, 0.42), while the presence of the A allele appears to be a risk factor for papillary thyroid cancer ( P <0.001, OR 3.54; 95% CI 1.86, 6.73). The intron 4 polymorphism of the NOS3 gene was associated with susceptibility to papillary thyroid cancer. Thus, future research into the effects of this polymorphism is essential.
The effects of immediate versus delayed feedback on complex concept learning
Authors: Corral Daniel , Carpenter Shana K , Clingan-Siverly Sam
Published: November 2020

We report three experiments that examine whether immediate versus delayed feedback produce differential concept learning. Subjects were shown hypothetical experiment scenarios and were asked to determine whether each was a true experiment. Correct-answer feedback was used for all three experiments; Experiments 2 and 3 also included detailed explanations. In all three experiments, subjects who received immediate feedback were shown the correct answer after each response. In Experiments 1 and 2, subjects in the delayed feedback condition were shown feedback after responding to all of the scenarios. All subjects then completed a posttest with novel scenarios. Experiment 3 was three parts (each session was 2 days apart). Subjects in the immediate feedback condition completed the posttest on the second session; subjects in the delayed feedback condition were given feedback on the second session and completed the posttest on the third session. Although no posttest differences were observed between the feedback conditions in Experiments 1 and 2, a delayed feedback advantage was found in Experiment 3. We propose that longer intervals in delayed feedback (relative to shorter intervals) might allow learners to forget the incorrect hypotheses they form during learning, which might thereby enhance the processing of feedback.
Rapid test detection of anti-infliximab antibodies: performance comparison with three different immunoassays
Authors: Rocha Cátia , Lago Paula , Fernandes Samuel , Correia Luís , Portela Francisco , Vieira Ana Isabel , Patita Marta , Arroja Bruno , Ministro Paula , Alves Catarina , Dias Cláudia Camila , Magro Fernando
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims:

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of infliximab (IFX) and anti-infliximab antibodies (ATIs) is essential for treatment optimisation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. The aim of this study was to estimate and compare the agreement and accuracy between a new rapid test and three established enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to quantify ATIs levels, and to evaluate the impact of exogenous IFX on the performance of these assays.

Methods:

We analysed 200 serum samples from 57 IBD outpatients in IFX induction or maintenance therapy at six IBD centres in Portugal. ATI levels were quantified using the rapid test Quantum Blue® (QB) Anti-Infliximab (Bühlmann) and three established ELISAs: In-House, Theradiag (Lisa Tracker Anti-Infliximab), and Immundiagnostik (IDKmonitor Infliximab). ATIs were quantified in patients’ serum samples and spiked samples with exogenous IFX, based on analytical and clinical cutoffs. Qualitative agreement and accuracy were estimated by Cohen’s kappa ( k) with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

ATIs quantification with clinical cutoffs showed a slight agreement between QB rapid test and In-House [ k = 0.163 (0.051–0.276)] and Immundiagnostik [ k = 0.085 (0.000–0.177)]. Regarding IFX/ATIs status, the QB rapid test showed a substantial agreement with Theradiag [ k = 0.808 (0.729–0.888)] and a fair agreement with In-House [ k = 0.343 (0.254–0.431)] and Immundiagnostik [ k = 0.217 (0.138–0.297)]. The QB rapid test could not detect ATI-positive levels in samples with exogenous IFX at 5–300 µg/ml. Interference on ATIs detection was observed at exogenous IFX ⩾30 µg/ml for In-house and Immundiagnostik assays.

Conclusion:

QB rapid test is only suitable to detect ATI-positive levels in the absence of IFX.
Tumour‐stroma ratio has poor prognostic value in nonpedunculated T1 colorectal cancer: A multicentre case‐cohort study
Authors: Dang Hao , van Pelt Gabi W. , Haasnoot Krijn J. C. , Backes Yara , Elias Sjoerd G. , Seerden Tom C. J. , Schwartz Matthijs P. , Spanier Bernhard W. M. , de Vos tot Nederveen Cappel Wouter H. , van Bergeijk Jeroen D. , Kessels Koen , Geesing Joost M. J. , Groen John N. , Borg Frank ter , Wolfhagen Frank H. J. , Seldenrijk Cornelis A. , Raicu Mihaela G. , Milne Anya N. , van Lent Anja U. G. , Brosens Lodewijk A. A. , Johan A. Offerhaus G. , Siersema Peter D. , Tollenaar Rob A. E. M. , Hardwick James C. H. , Hawinkels Lukas J. A. C. , Moons Leon M. G. , Lacle Miangela M. , Mesker Wilma E. , Boonstra Jurjen J. ,   the Dutch T1 CRC Working Group
Published: November 2020

Background

Current risk stratification models for early invasive (T1) colorectal cancer are not able to discriminate accurately between prognostic favourable and unfavourable tumours, resulting in over‐treatment of a large (>80%) proportion of T1 colorectal cancer patients. The tumour‐stroma ratio (TSR), which is a measure for the relative amount of desmoplastic tumour stroma, is reported to be a strong independent prognostic factor in advanced‐stage colorectal cancer, with a high stromal content being associated with worse prognosis and survival. We aimed to investigate whether the TSR predicts clinical outcome in patients with non‐pedunculated T1 colorectal cancer.

Methods

Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained tumour tissue slides from a retrospective multicentre case cohort of patients with nonpedunculated surgically treated T1 colorectal cancer were assessed for TSR by two independent observers who were blinded for clinical outcomes. The primary end point was adverse outcome, which was defined as the presence of lymph node metastasis in the resection specimen or colorectal cancer recurrence during follow‐up.

Results

All 261 patients in the case cohort had H&E slides available for TSR scoring. Of these, 183 were scored as stroma‐low, and 78 were scored as stroma‐high. There was moderate inter‐observer agreement κ = 0.42). In total, 41 patients had lymph node metastasis, 17 patients had recurrent cancer and five had both. Stroma‐high tumours were not associated with an increased risk for an adverse outcome (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.37–1.18; p = 0.163).

Conclusions

Our study emphasises that existing prognosticators may not be simply extrapolated to T1 colorectal cancers, even though their prognostic value has been widely validated in more advanced‐stage tumours.
Effect of coronavirus disease 2019 on urological surgery services and training up to the peak of the pandemic in South East England
Authors: Folkard Samuel Stephen , Sturch Paul , Mahesan Tharani , Garnett Stephen
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having significant effects on health services globally, including on urological surgery for which the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) has provided national guidance. Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS) is one of the regions most affected by COVID-19 in the UK to date.

Methods:

An anonymous online survey of all KSS urology trainees was conducted. The primary outcome was to assess the effects on urology services, both malignant and benign, across the region in the acceleration phase and at the peak of the pandemic compared to standard care. The second was to quantify the effects on urology training, especially regarding operative exposure.

Results:

There were significant decreases in urological services provided at the peak of the pandemic across KSS compared to standard care ( p<0.0001). Only 22% of urology units were able to continue operating for low-risk cancer and to continue cystoscopy for two-week wait non-visible haematuria referrals in line with BAUS escalation guidelines. A third (33%) did not complete any prostate biopsies at the peak. The majority of urology units continued clinics by telephone. Urology trainees reported completing substantially fewer operating procedures and workplace-based assessments. A third (33%) had moved to consultant-only operating by the peak.

Conclusions:

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes to urological surgery services and training in KSS, with heterogeneity across the region. We suggest further work to quantify the effects nationally.

Level of evidence:

4.
Visualisation of fetal meconium on post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging scans: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Hyde Georgia , Fry Andrew , Raghavan Ashok , Whitby Elspeth
Published: November 2020

Background

Less invasive techniques for fetal post-mortems are increasingly used to correlate with parental wishes. With the use of post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), normal appearance of the organs must be established.

Purpose

To investigate the after death appearance of the fetal meconium throughout gestation using the hyperintense appearance of meconium on T1 weighted MRI.

Material and Methods

This was a retrospective study that took place in a tertiary referral centre radiology department. Sixty-two fetal body post-mortem MRI scans (January 2014 to May 2018) between 12 and 41 weeks gestation were reviewed. Signal intensity of meconium at the rectum, sigmoid colon, splenic flexure and hepatic flexure was evaluated and correlated with gestational age. Interrater reliability was calculated.

Results

Meconium did not consistently have high signal intensity on T1 scans and was not always obvious. Rectal meconium had the highest intensity, and the more proximal the bowel the lower the intensity. The meconium had higher intensity at earlier gestations. Interrater reliability for rectal meconium gradings was excellent.

Conclusion

This study provides the first published primary research on the appearance of fetal meconium on post-mortem MRI. Overall, results were variable and suggest an alteration of bowel contents after death, but further investigation is needed to effectively inform practice.
Long-term Stress Distribution Patterns Across the Ankle Joint in Soccer Players: A Computed Tomography Osteoabsorptiometry Study
Authors: Shiota Junki , Momma Daisuke , Yamaguchi Takayoshi , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: November 2020

Background:

The distribution pattern of subchondral bone density is considered to accurately reflect the stress distribution over a joint under long-term physiologic loading. The biomechanical characteristics of the surface of the ankle joint in soccer players can be determined by measuring this distribution pattern under long-term loading.

Purpose:

To evaluate the distribution of subchondral bone density across the ankle joint in soccer players and to determine the effects of soccer activities, including kicking motion, on the ankle joint surface under long-term loading conditions by computed tomography (CT) osteoabsorptiometry (CTOAM).

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

CT imaging data were obtained from both ankles of 10 soccer players (soccer group) and 10 nonathletic volunteers (control group). The distribution patterns of subchondral bone density across the articular surface of the ankle joints were assessed by CTOAM. Quantitative analysis was performed of the locations and percentages of high-density areas on the articular surface.

Results:

Stress distribution patterns over the ankle joint differed between the soccer players and controls. In the soccer players, the high-density areas were found in the anterior part of the distal tibia and proximal talus as well as the distal fibula. The percentages of high-density areas were greater in the soccer players compared with controls ( P < .0001).

Conclusion:

Stress distribution over the articular surface of the ankle joint was affected by soccer activities. A high stress concentration was seen in soccer players in the anterior part of the tibia and talus and in the fibula; such excessive stress may lead to anterior impingement.
Incidence of Medial and Lateral Meniscal Tears After Delayed Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Kawashima Itaru , Hiraiwa Hideki , Ishizuka Shinya , Kawai Ryosuke , Kusaka Yoshiaki , Ohtomo Katsuyuki , Tsukahara Takashi
Published: November 2020

Background:

The treatment of pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries is controversial, and no clear management guidelines have been established.

Purpose:

To evaluate the association between elapsed time from ACL injury to surgery and the incidence of meniscal tears and chondral injuries in patients aged ≤16 years.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Between December 2012 and April 2019, a total of 207 consecutive knees in 207 patients aged ≤16 years underwent primary ACL reconstruction and were included in this study. Patients were divided into 1 of 2 groups (early group [≤150 days] and delayed group [>150 days]) based on the time between injury and surgery. Patient records, including arthroscopic findings identified by 2 experienced knee surgeons at the time of surgery, were reviewed for demographic information, incidence and types of medial and lateral meniscal tears, and chondral injuries and their locations in each group.

Results:

There were 180 knees in the early group and 27 knees in the delayed group. The delayed group showed a significantly higher rate of medial meniscal tears than the early group: 16 of 27 (59.2%) and 46 of 180 (25.6%), respectively (odds ratio [OR], 4.24 [95% CI, 1.83-9.33]; P = .0011). The delayed group had a significantly lower rate of lateral meniscal tears than the early group: 6 of 27 (22.2%) and 90 of 180 (50.0%), respectively (OR, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.11-0.70]; P = .007). The delayed group had significantly higher rates of chondral injuries in the medial femoral condyle and the medial tibial plateau than the early group: 8 of 27 (29.6%) and 25 of 180 (13.9%), respectively (OR, 2.61 [95% CI, 1.03-6.62]; P = .049), and 2 of 27 (7.4%) and 1 of 180 (0.6%), respectively (OR, 14.32 [95% CI, 1.58-208.10]; P = .045).

Conclusion:

Delayed ACL reconstruction was associated with an increased incidence of medial chondral injuries and medial meniscal tears but with a decreased incidence of lateral meniscal tears.
Healthy, Housed, and Well-Fed: Exploring Basic Needs Support Programming in the Context of University Student Success
Authors: Balzer Carr Brandon , London Rebecca A.
Published: November 2020

Meeting college students’ basic needs is the goal of a new set of student success initiatives that address students’ urgent food, housing, or financial hardships in an effort to help them remain and succeed in college. Focusing on one California public university, we describe one such basic needs program, identifying the students who participate, their hardships and services received, and their retention over time. Students presented with issues in four main areas: food insecurity, mental health, multiple severe hardships, and need for one-time supports. In general, participants were retained at lower rates than the campus average, which is to be expected given their severe hardships. However, those who enrolled in the Supplementation Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were retained at higher rates, on par with or higher than university-wide retention. California has amended SNAP regulations to waive work requirements for low-income students, making it easier for college students to qualify.
Do Business Graduates Intend to Adopt the Social Business Model? A Perspective of Developing Country
Authors: Hossain Muhammad Ismail , Akter Nasrin
Published: November 2020

Social business model (SBM) although presumed to be a saviour of businesses and the world in terms of reach, frequency and impact on society, is yet to be adopted by countries around the world including the developing countries, which potentially could enjoy the greatest benefits from adopting this business model. This study contributes to this end by testing the adoption intention of SBM by applying the theory of planned behaviour from a developing country perspective that happens to be the birthplace of SBM. Drawing on the data collected from the largest university of a developing country that houses over 40,000 students and the future business leaders, this paper presents the underlying psychological drivers behind adopting SBM. Findings show that SBM adoption intention is facilitated by attitude and subjective norms; however, constrained by perceived behavioural control, which contrasts the existing entrepreneurial intention-based findings. Explanations and implications of such findings are provided.
The quest for resilience: The Chilean practice of seismic design for reinforced concrete buildings
Authors: Lagos René , Lafontaine Mario , Bonelli Patricio , Boroschek Rubén , Guendelman Tomas , Massone Leonardo M , Saragoni Rodolfo , Rojas Fabián , Yañez Fernando
Published: November 2020

The satisfactory structural behavior observed during large earthquakes and the high seismicity of the country has conditioned the Chilean society to expect immediate occupancy performance level for their buildings under these extreme events, although the seismic design code in Chile mandates only a scope of life safety performance level. Based on observational and statistical evidence from recent strong earthquakes in Chile, it is concluded that the observed seismic resilience of buildings is a consequence of limiting damage, considering that operational performance and life safety are different challenges that require different approaches; furthermore, to provide society with resilient and safe buildings, both challenges must be met simultaneously and not alternatively. The present article describes the concepts, strategies, and future challenges in the context of the Chilean practice, and the authors describe several lessons learned from the design of thousands of concrete buildings that have experienced earthquakes with a magnitude of 8.0 and higher with limited damage; these lessons have proven to be effective in ensuring resilient structural performance under extreme seismic events.
The interpretation of cumulative damage from the building response observed in Mexico City during the 19 September 2017 earthquake
Authors: Rodriguez Mario E
Published: November 2020

This work evaluates the damage to and collapse of a set of buildings in the September 2017 earthquake in Mexico City; these buildings were also subjected to the September 1985 Mexico City earthquake. These buildings were located in the area of the highest rate of damage or collapse in 1985, but buildings exhibiting significant damage or collapse in 2017 did not possess any retrofitting. The spectral demands for these buildings, based on typical records registered in the earthquakes of 1985 and 2017, were not much different, suggesting the need to explain why the buildings that collapsed suffered severe damage in 2017 but not in 1985. This building behavior was analyzed using a seismic damage index Id, previously proposed by the author, which considers the effect of cumulative damage. The results indicated that the observed damage to and collapse of these buildings in the September 2017 earthquake can be explained by the effect of cumulative seismic damage. Recommendations are given for possible improvements to the seismic building codes in Mexico.
Genomic and transcriptomic correlates of Richter transformation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Klintman Jenny , Appleby Niamh , Stamatopoulos Basile , Ridout Katie , Eyre Toby A. , Robbe Pauline , Pascua Laura Lopez , Knight Samantha J. L. , Dreau Helene , Cabes Maite , Popitsch Niko , Ehinger Mats , Martín-Subero Jose I. , Campo Elías , Månsson Robert , Rossi Davide , Taylor Jenny C. , Vavoulis Dimitrios V. , Schuh Anna
Published: November 2020

The transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to high-grade B-cell lymphoma is known as Richter syndrome (RS), a rare event with dismal prognosis. In this study, we conducted whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of paired circulating CLL (PB-CLL) and RS biopsies (tissue-RS) from 17 patients recruited into a clinical trial (CHOP-O). We found that tissue-RS was enriched for mutations in poor-risk CLL drivers and genes in the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. In addition, we identified genomic aberrations not previously implicated in RS, including the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor (PTPRD) and tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 3 (TRAF3). In the noncoding genome, we discovered activation-induced cytidine deaminase–related and unrelated kataegis in tissue-RS affecting regulatory regions of key immune-regulatory genes. These include BTG2, CXCR4, NFATC1, PAX5, NOTCH-1, SLC44A5, FCRL3, SELL, TNIP2, and TRIM13. Furthermore, differences between the global mutation signatures of pairs of PB-CLL and tissue-RS samples implicate DDR as the dominant mechanism driving transformation. Pathway-based clonal deconvolution analysis showed that genes in the MAPK and DDR pathways demonstrate high clonal-expansion probability. Direct comparison of nodal-CLL and tissue-RS pairs from an independent cohort confirmed differential expression of the same pathways by RNA expression profiling. Our integrated analysis of WGS and RNA expression data significantly extends previous targeted approaches, which were limited by the lack of germline samples, and it facilitates the identification of novel genomic correlates implicated in RS transformation, which could be targeted therapeutically. Our results inform the future selection of investigative agents for a UK clinical platform study. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03899337.
A validated pediatric disease risk index for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Qayed Muna , Ahn Kwang Woo , Kitko Carrie L. , Johnson Mariam H. , Shah Nirali N. , Dvorak Christopher , Mellgren Karin , Friend Brian D. , Verneris Michael R. , Leung Wing , Toporski Jacek , Levine John , Chewning Joseph , Wayne Alan , Kapoor Urvi , Triplett Brandon , Schultz Kirk R. , Yanik Gregory A. , Eapen Mary
Published: November 2020

A disease risk index (DRI) that was developed for adults with hematologic malignancy who were undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation is also being used to stratify children and adolescents by disease risk. Therefore, to develop and validate a DRI that can be used to stratify those with AML and ALL by their disease risk, we analyzed 2569 patients aged <18 years with acute myeloid (AML; n = 1224) or lymphoblastic (ALL; n = 1345) leukemia who underwent hematopoietic cell transplantation. Training and validation subsets for each disease were generated randomly with 1:1 assignment to the subsets, and separate prognostic models were derived for each disease. For AML, 4 risk groups were identified based on age, cytogenetic risk, and disease status, including minimal residual disease status at transplantation. The 5-year leukemia-free survival for low (0 points), intermediate (2, 3, 5), high (7, 8), and very high (>8) risk groups was 78%, 53%, 40%, and 25%, respectively (P < .0001). For ALL, 3 risk groups were identified based on age and disease status, including minimal residual disease status at transplantation. The 5-year leukemia-free survival for low (0 points), intermediate (2-4), and high (≥5) risk groups was 68%, 51%, and 33%, respectively (P < .0001). We confirmed that the risk groups could be applied to overall survival, with 5-year survival ranging from 80% to 33% and 73% to 42% for AML and ALL, respectively (P < .0001). This validated pediatric DRI, which includes age and residual disease status, can be used to facilitate prognostication and stratification of children with AML and ALL for allogeneic transplantation.
Obstructive sleep apnoea and the progression of thoracic aortic aneurysm: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Gaisl Thomas , Rejmer Protazy , Roeder Maurice , Baumgartner Patrick , Sievi Noriane A. , Siegfried Sandra , Stämpfli Simon F. , Thurnheer Robert , Stradling John R. , Tanner Felix C. , Kohler Malcolm
Published: November 2020

Background

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with an increased prevalence of aortic aneurysms and it has also been suggested that severe OSA furthers aneurysm expansion in the abdomen. We evaluated whether OSA is a risk factor for the progression of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA).

Methods

Patients with TAA underwent yearly standardised echocardiographic measurements of the ascending aorta over 3 years and two level III sleep studies. The primary outcome was the expansion rate of TAA in relation to the apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI). Secondary outcomes included surveillance for aortic events (composite end-points of rupture/dissection, elective surgery or death).

Results

Between July 2014 and March 2020, 230 patients (median age 70 years, 83.5% male) participated in the cohort. At baseline, 34.8% of patients had AHI ≥15 events·h−1. There was no association between TAA diameter and AHI at baseline. After 3 years, mean±sdexpansion rates were 0.55±1.25 mm at the aortic sinus and 0.60±1.12 mm at the ascending aorta. In the regression analysis, after controlling for baseline diameter and cardiovascular risk factors, there was strong evidence for a positive association of TAA expansion with AHI (aortic sinus estimate 0.025 mm, 95% CI 0.009–0.040 mm; p<0.001 and ascending aorta estimate 0.026 mm, 95% CI 0.011–0.041 mm; p=0.001). 20 participants (8%) experienced an aortic event; however, there was no association with OSA severity.

Conclusion

OSA may be a modest but independent risk factor for faster TAA expansion and thus potentially contributes to life-threatening complications in aortic disease.
DNA methylation at birth is associated with lung function development until age 26 years
Authors: Mukherjee Nandini , Arathimos Ryan , Chen Su , Kheirkhah Rahimabad Parnian , Han Luhang , Zhang Hongmei , Holloway John W. , Relton Caroline , Henderson A. John , Arshad Syed Hasan , Ewart Susan , Karmaus Wilfried
Published: November 2020

Little is known about whether DNA methylation (DNAm) of cytosine–phosphate–guanine (CpG) sites at birth predicts patterns of lung function development. We used heel prick DNAm from the F1-generation of Isle of Wight birth cohort (IOWBC-F1) for discovery of CpGs associated with lung function trajectories (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, their ratio, and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of forced vital capacity) over the first 26 years, stratified by sex. We replicated the findings in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) using cord blood DNAm.

Epigenome-wide screening was applied to identify CpGs associated with lung function trajectories in 396 boys and 390 girls of IOWBC-F1. Replication in ALSPAC focussed on lung function at ages 8, 15 and 24 years. Statistically significantly replicated CpGs were investigated for consistency in direction of association between cohorts, stability of DNAm over time in IOWBC-F1, relevant biological processes and for association with gene expression (n=161) in IOWBC F2-generation (IOWBC-F2).

Differential DNAm of eight CpGs on genesGLUL, MYCN, HLX, LHX1, COBL, COL18A1, STRA6,andWNT11involved in developmental processes, were significantly associated with lung function in the same direction in IOWBC-F1 and ALSPAC, and showed stable patterns at birth, aged 10 and 18 years between high and low lung function trajectories in IOWBC-F1. CpGs onLHX1andCOL18A1were linked to gene expression in IOWBC-F2.

In two large cohorts, novel DNAm at birth were associated with patterns of lung function in adolescence and early adulthood providing possible targets for preventative interventions against adverse pulmonary function development.
Revisiting the mechanism of β-O-4 bond cleavage during acidolysis of lignin VII: acidolyses of non-phenolic C6-C2-type model compounds using HBr, HCl and H2SO4, and a proposal on the characteristic action of Br− and Cl−
Authors: Ye Qiaoqiao , Yokoyama Tomoya
Published: November 2020

A non-phenolic C6-C2-type lignin model compound with theβ-O-4 bond, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanol (I), was acidolyzed in aqueous 82% 1,4-dioxane containing HBr, HCl, or H2SO4with a concentration of 0.2 mol/L at 85 ℃ to examine the differences between these acidolyses. Compound Iprimarily converted to an enol ether compound, 1-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethene (II), via the benzyl cation followed by acidolyticβ-O-4 bond cleavage regardless of the acid-type, although the disappearance rates of compoundIwere remarkably different (HBr > HCl >> H2SO4). Acidolyses of compoundIIusing these acids under the same conditions showed a similar tendency, but the rate differences were much smaller than in the acidolyses of compound I. Acidolyses of theα-methyl-etherified derivative of compoundI(I-α-OMe) using these acids under the same conditions suggested that the formation rates of the benzyl cation from compoundI-α-OMe (also from compoundI) are not largely different between the acidolyses using these acids, but those of compoundIIfrom the benzyl cation are remarkably different. Acidolysis of theα-bromo-substituting derivative of compoundI(I-α-Br) using HBr under the same conditions showed a characteristic action of Br¯ in the acidolysis. Br¯ adds to the benzyl cation generated from compoundIorI-α-OMe to afford unstable compoundI-α-Br, resulting in acceleration of the formation of compound IIand of the whole acidolysis reaction.
Labour mobility as an adjustment mechanism to asymmetric shocks in Europe: evidence from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia
Authors: Nchor Dennis
Published: November 2020

This paper assesses the nature and correlation of shocks in Visegrad countries and investigates the role of labour mobility in the process of adjustment to the effects of asymmetric shocks. Structural vector autoregression (SVAR) models are employed to assess the nature and correlation of shocks while dynamic cointegrated panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models are used to determine the role of labour mobility in the adjustment process. The dataset for the SVAR models is quarterly time series and covers the period 2000–2020. The dataset for the cointegrated panel ARDL models is annual and covers the period 2000–2019. The results show more asymmetries in external supply, domestic supply, demand and monetary shocks before the financial crisis. The findings also show that more symmetries occurred in Visegrad countries after the financial crisis in relation to external and domestic supply shocks. Asymmetries persisted with regard to demand and monetary shocks after the financial crisis. With labour mobility as an adjustment mechanism to asymmetric shocks, the paper finds that the capacity of labour mobility is very low. The percentage of net migration in the total population is less than 1% in the four countries compared to 15% in the United States. The size of the adjustment coefficients shows that it takes 3–5 years for countries to adjust to asymmetric shocks through labour mobility.
Targeted mutagenesis of ∆5 and ∆6 fatty acyl desaturases induce dysregulation of lipid metabolism in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Jin Yang , Datsomor Alex K. , Olsen Rolf E. , Vik Jon Olav , Torgersen Jacob S. , Edvardsen Rolf B. , Wargelius Anna , Winge Per , Grammes Fabian
Published: November 2020

Background

With declining wild fish populations, farmed salmon has gained popularity as a source for healthy long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids (LC-HUFA). However, the introduction of plant oil in farmed salmon feeds has reduced the content of these beneficial LC-HUFA. The synthetic capability for LC-HUFAs depends upon the dietary precursor fatty acids and the genetic potential, thus there is a need for in-depth understanding of LC-HUFA synthetic genes and their interactions with other genes involved in lipid metabolism. Several key genes of LC-HUFA synthesis in salmon belong to the fatty acid desaturases 2 (fads2) family. The present study applied whole transcriptome analysis on two CRISPR-mutated salmon strains (crispants), 1)Δ6abc/5Mtwith mutations inΔ5fads2, Δ6fads2-a, Δ6fads2-b and Δ6fads2-cgenes,and 2)Δ6bcMtwith mutations inΔ6fads2-b and Δ6fads2-cgenes. Our purpose is to evaluate the genetic effectfads2mutations have on other lipid metabolism pathways in fish, as well as to investigate mosaicism in a commercial species with a very long embryonal period.

Results

BothΔ6abc/5MtandΔ6bcMtcrispants demonstrated high percentage of indels within all intended target genes, though different indel types and percentage were observed between individuals. TheΔ6abc/5Mtfish displayed several disruptive indels which resulted in over 100 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in lipid metabolism pathways in liver. This includes up-regulation ofsrebp1genes which are known key transcription regulators of lipid metabolism as well as a number of down-stream genes involved in fatty acidde-novosynthesis, fatty acidβ-oxidation and lipogenesis. Bothelovl5andelovl2genes were not changed, suggesting that the genes were not targeted by Srebp1. The mutation ofΔ6bcMtsurprisingly resulted in over 3000 DEGs which were enriched in factors encoding genes involved in mRNA regulation and stability.

Conclusions

CRISPR-Cas9 can efficiently mutate multiplefads2genes simultaneously in salmon. The results of the present study have provided new information on the transcriptional regulations of lipid metabolism genes after reduction of LC-HUFA synthesis pathways in salmon.
Sex and FOXP3 gene rs2232365 polymorphism may be associated with the clinical and pathological aspects of chronic viral diseases
Authors: Pereira Leonn Mendes Soares , da Silva Madureira Max Willy , de Castro Renata Bezerra Hermes , Abreu Isabella Nogueira , da Silva Conde Simone Regina Souza , Demachki Sâmia , de Sousa Maisa Silva , Queiroz Maria Alice Freitas , Rangel da Silva Andrea Nazaré M. , Lima Sandra Souza , de Oliveira Guimarães Ishak Marluísa , Ishak Ricardo , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário
Published: November 2020

Background

The forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) transcription factor is one of the main markers of immunological suppression in different pathological profiles, and the presence of polymorphic variants may alter the gene expression of this factor. Despite descriptions of an association between the presence of the rs2232365 polymorphism and chronic diseases, the role of the sex variant in this context has not yet been elucidated, as theFOXP3gene is located on the human sex chromosome X.

Results

To contribute to this topic, 323 women and 373 men were enrolled in the study, of which 101 were diagnosed with chronic viral liver diseases (39 women and 62 men), 67 with HTLV-1 infection (44 women and 23 men), 230 with coronary artery disease (91 women and 139 men) and 298 healthy and uninfected blood donors (149 women and men). They were genotyped for the rs2232365 polymorphism. The rs2232365 polymorphism was associated with clinical and pathological aspects and biomarkers of viral infections only in men, with functional differences between different infections.

Conclusions

A relationship is suggested between sex andFOXP3rs2232365 polymorphism, resulting in different biological repercussions.
Endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric ectopic splenic nodules
Authors: Zheng Linfu , Li Dazhou , Wang Wen
Published: November 2020

Background

Ectopic spleen is extremely rare. Most cases are congenital, acquired ectopic spleen may be a consequence of surgery or trauma to the spleen. The ectopic spleen in the gastric wall we reported is even rarer.

Case presentation

We report a 41-year-old female patient, with a past history of splenectomy, who presented with heartburn. Gastroscopy revealed a swelling in the fundus in the stomach. Ultrasonography and computed tomographic examination suggested the possibility of gastrointestinal stromal tumor. We performed endoscopic resection of the mass. Pathological examination of the resected mass showed ectopic spleen.

Conclusion

When a patient with a history of splenectomy presents with a gastric submucosal tumor, ectopic spleen should also be considered in the differential diagnoses. And minimally invasive endoscopic treatment can achieve the purpose of diagnosis and treatment for unobvious submucosal tumors.
Prevalence and associated factors of undernutrition among pregnant women visiting ANC clinics in Silte zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Muze Mohammed , Yesse Mubarek , Kedir Shemsu , Mustefa Abdilmejid
Published: November 2020

Background

Maternal undernutrition is highly prevalent in underdeveloped countries. Hence, this study was intended to determine the prevalence and associated factors of undernutrition among pregnant women visiting ANC clinics in Silte Zone.

Method

Facility-basedcross-sectional study was conducted from July to January 2019. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select 422 study participants from 11 randomly selected health facilities. Data was collected by using a structured-interviewer administered questionnaire. Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) was measured by standard non stretchable MUAC tape. Data was entered into a computer using Epi data 3.1 and edited, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Both bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with maternal undernutrition.

Result

In this study, the overall prevalence of undernutrition among study subjects was 21.8%. Age greater than 31 years of women (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.93), Birth intervals > 2 years (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.76), good nutritional knowledge (AOR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.67), and having no dietary change as a result of current pregnancy AOR = 6.02; 95% CI: 2.99, 12.14) were significantly associated with undernutrition.

Conclusions

The prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women was 21.8%. Current estimate is lower than previously reported in the study area but higher than reported in developed country. Age of women, Birth intervals, and Dietary change as a result of current pregnancy and Nutrition knowledge were important risk factors/ predictors of undernutrition (MUAC < 23 cm). Interventions targeting maternal nutrition education and child spacing with giving special emphasis to adolescent pregnant women are recommended.