bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epithelial downgrowth after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Le Viet Nhat Hung , Wabnig Florian , Bachmann Bjoern , Cursiefen Claus
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

To describe a patient with epithelial downgrowth after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 73-year-old woman underwent triple Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty for cataract and corneal edema secondary to Fuchs endothelial dystrophy in the left eye elsewhere. Three years later, Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty was performed at our department due to graft failure. One month after the operation, her vision improved to 20/32 and maintained stable. At the 14-month visit, her visual acuity decreased, and a routine examination revealed epithelial downgrowth at the posterior surface of the cornea and partly beneath the graft, accompanied by presumed graft rejection. Therefore, repeat Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty with epithelial scraping and intracameral injection of 5-fluorouracil was indicated. She recovered 20/25 vision by 1 month after the surgery. However, small sheet-like epithelial downgrowth recurred 1 month later. The epithelial downgrowth was limited to the peripheral margin of the Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty graft and did not affect the visual axis. Epithelial downgrowth showed “islands” with connection between epithelial downgrowth and clear corneal incision on anterior segment optical coherence tomography images. Histopathologic evaluation of the removed Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty graft confirmed conjunctival epithelium as the source. Under close observation at the current 4-year follow-up, the epithelial downgrowth remained stable and localized and her vision increased to 20/20.

Conclusion:

Epithelial downgrowth can occur after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty. The limited progression of epithelial downgrowth in this patient suggests that this condition after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty even in the recurrence stage may cause less damage than expected and may only need to be observed closely if no progression occurs.
Challenges in multiple sclerosis diagnosis: Misunderstanding and misapplication of the McDonald criteria
Authors: Solomon Andrew J , Pettigrew Roman , Naismith Robert T , Chahin Salim , Krieger Stephen , Weinshenker Brian
Published: March 2020

Objective:

To assess comprehension and application of the McDonald criteria.

Background:

Studies suggest that knowledge gaps for specific core elements of the McDonald criteria may contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) misdiagnosis.

Methods:

Neurology residents (NR) and multiple sclerosis specialists (MSS) in North America completed a web-based survey.

Results:

A total of 160 participants were included: 72 NR and 88 MSS. Syndromes incorrectly identified as typical of MS included: complete transverse myelopathy (35% NR and 15% MSS), intractable vomiting/nausea/hiccoughs (20% NR and 5% MSS), and bilateral optic neuritis/unilateral optic neuritis with poor visual recovery (17% NR and 10% MSS). Periventricular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions were correctly identified by 39% NR and 52% MSS, and juxtacortical lesions were correctly identified by 28% NR and 53% MSS. The correct definition of “periventricular” was chosen by 38% NR and 61% MSS, and that of “juxtacortical” was chosen by 19% NR and 54% MSS. Regions incorrectly identified for MRI dissemination in space fulfillment included the optic nerve (31% NR and 26% MSS) and the subcortical white matter (11% NR and 18% MSS). The majority of participants assessed previous non-specific neurological symptoms without objective evidence of a central nervous system (CNS) lesion as sufficient for clinical dissemination in time.

Conclusion:

The McDonald criteria are often misunderstood and misapplied. Concerted educational efforts may prevent MS misdiagnosis.
Combined Influences of Dementia Exposure and Personality on Self-Reported Memory Problems
Authors: Mogle Jacqueline , Hill Nikki L. , Bell Tyler Reed , Bhargava Sakshi , Bratlee-Whitaker Emily , Wion Rachel K. , Tiwari Pooja Anushka
Published: March 2020

The current study investigated whether having a first-degree relative with dementia influenced older adults’ self-reported memory, if personality traits moderated these associations, and whether these associations differed by the type of item asked (ie, frequency of memory problems vs perceived memory decline). Data drawn from the Einstein Aging study included 454 older adults ( M age = 76.64, standard deviation = 4.77, 66.96% white, and 63% female). Multilevel modeling analyses showed participants who had a first-degree relative with dementia reported more frequent memory problems and were more likely to report memory decline over the past year. Among participants with a first-degree relative with dementia, higher levels of neuroticism were related to reports of more frequent memory problems at baseline, whereas higher levels of conscientiousness and lower levels of extraversion were related to reports of more frequent memory problems over time. Future research should consider personality traits and family history of dementia as potential contributors to self-reported memory problems.
Strategy mediation in working memory training in younger and older adults
Authors: Forsberg Alicia , Fellman Daniel , Laine Matti , Johnson Wendy , Logie Robert H
Published: March 2020

Working memory (WM) training with the N-Back task has been argued to improve cognitive capacity and general cognitive abilities (the Capacity Hypothesis of training), although several studies have shown little or no evidence for such improvements beyond tasks that are very similar to the trained task. Laine et al. demonstrated that instructing young adult participants to use a specific visualisation strategy for N-back training resulted in clear, generalised benefits from only 30 min of training (Strategy Mediation Hypothesis of training). Here, we report a systematic replication and extension of the Laine et al. study, by administering 60 younger and 60 older participants a set of WM tasks before and after a 30-min N-back training session. Half the participants were instructed to use a visualisation strategy, the others received no instruction. The pre-post test battery encompassed a criterion task (digit N-back), two untrained tasks N-back tasks (letters and colours), and three structurally different WM tasks. The instructed visualisation strategy significantly boosted at least some measures of N-back performance in participants of both age groups, although the strategy generally appeared more difficult to implement and less beneficial for older adults. However, the strategy did not improve performance on structurally different WM tasks. We also found significant associations between N-back performance and the type and level of detail of self-generated strategies in the uninstructed participants, as well as age group differences in reported strategy types. WM performance appeared to partly reflect the application of strategies, and Strategy Mediation should be considered to understand the mechanisms of WM training. Claims of efficient training should demonstrate useful improvement beyond task-specific strategies.
Mitigating cue competition effects in human category learning
Authors: Lau Jonas Sin-Heng , Casale Michael B , Pashler Harold
Published: March 2020

When people learn perceptual categories, if one feature makes it easy to determine the category membership, learning about other features can be reduced. In three experiments, we asked whether this cue competition effect could be fully eradicated with simple instructions. For this purpose, in a pilot experiment, we adapted a classical overshadowing paradigm into a human category learning task. Unlike previous reports, we demonstrate a robust cue competition effect with human learners. In Experiments 1 and 2, we created a new warning condition that aimed at eradicating the cue competition effect through top-down instructions. With a medium-size overshadowing effect, Experiment 1 shows a weak mitigation of the overshadowing effect. We replaced the stimuli in Experiment 2 to obtain a larger overshadowing effect and showed a larger warning effect. Nevertheless, the overshadowing effect could not be fully eradicated. These experiments suggest that cue competition effects can be a stubborn roadblock in human category learning. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
A derivatization-directed three-component synthesis of fluorescent spiro [dihydropyridine-4,3ʹ-indoline]s
Authors: Najafizadeh Faranak , Rad-Moghadam Kurosh , Yaghoubi Kalurazi Soraya
Published: March 2020

The synthesis of spiro[chromeno[4,3- b]pyrazolo[4,3- e]pyridine-7,3ʹ-indoline]s is achieved via three-component reactions of 5-amino-3-methylpyrazole, 4-aminocoumarin, and isatin derivatives. This protocol provides expedient synthesis of 10-unsubstituted derivatives of the parent heterocyclic spiro framework and does not lead to coumarin ring opening. The synthesis is highly convergent as no by-products are present in the reaction mixtures. The spiro products show violet fluorescence emissions depending on the nature of their substituents.
Basal thumb osteoarthritis surgery improves health state utility irrespective of technique: a study of UK Hand Registry data
Authors: Lane Jennifer C. E. , Rodrigues Jeremy N. , Furniss Dominic , Burn Edward , Poulter Robert , Gardiner Matthew D.
Published: March 2020

We used UK Hand Registry data to study two aspects of basal thumb osteoarthritis surgery: first, whether health-related quality of life improves after surgery. Second, whether results from trials comparing simple trapeziectomy and trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition are reproducible in routine clinical practice. Prospectively collected EQ5D index and Patient Evaluation Measure part 2 data were compared at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively in 1456 patients (median age 67 years; 78% female). A mixed-effects regression model was also used to determine the postoperative trajectory of these variables. There was a significant improvement in the EQ5D index (median + 0.15; (interquartile range 0 to 0.40)) and Patient Evaluation Measure (–22; (–33 to –10)) by 1 year postoperatively and with no meaningful difference between the two techniques. This study demonstrates health state utility gains after basal thumb osteoarthritis surgery regardless of surgical techniques used.

Level of evidence: III
Size-Tunable Paclitaxel Nanoparticles Stabilized by Anionic Phospholipids for Transdermal Delivery Applications
Authors: Uchida Noriyuki , Yanagi Masayoshi , Hamada Hiroki
Published: March 2020

Composite nanoparticles composed of an anionic phospholipid of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylglycerol (DPPG) and paclitaxel (PTX) were successfully prepared by mixing them in water followed by a subsequent heating/cooling process. The size of DPPG-PTX nanoparticle could be easily tuned by ultrasonic fragmentation. Upon addition of small-sized fluorescently labeled paclitaxel (FLPTX) nanoparticles with DPPG (DPPG-FLPTX) to rat skin tissue, part of the FLPTX molecules permeated to the stratum corneum.
A New Chlorinated Phenolic Compound From the Antarctic Lichen, Pertusaria dactylina
Authors: Koo Man H. , Kim Min J. , Seo Jae E. , Kim Ji H. , Han Se J. , Kim Il C. , Lee Jun H. , Youn Ui J.
Published: March 2020

A new chlorinated phenolic compound, methyl-3-chloro-2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-pentylbenzoate (1) and 4 known compounds (2-5) were isolated from the Antarctic lichen, Pertusaria dactylina ( Pertusariaceae). The structure of the new compound was determined by means of One-dimensional and two dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (1D and 2D NMR) and high-resolution fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (HRFABMS) experiments. The antimicrobial activities of compounds 1 to 5 against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were evaluated. The results showed that compound 1 exhibited a weak inhibitory effect against C. albicans with an IC50 value of 67 ± 7 μg/mL.
Misassigned Polyoxygenated Sterols and Reassignments of Their Structures
Authors: Yaoita Yasunori , Machida Koichi
Published: March 2020

This review will summarize the authors’ studies on the reassignments of structures of 9 natural polyoxygenated sterols (24 S)-24-ethylcholest-8-ene-3β,5α,6β,7α-tetrol (1), (24 S)-24-ethylcholest-8(14)-ene-3β,5α,6β,7α-tetrol (2), (22 E)-24-methylcholesta-8(14),22-diene-3β,5α,6β,7α-tetrol (3), 5β,6β-epoxy-(22 E)-ergosta-8,22-diene-3β,7β-diol (4), (22 E)-ergosta-7,22-diene-3β,5α,6β,9α,14α-pentol (5), 3β,5α,6β,8β,14α-pentahydroxy-(22 E)-ergost-22-en-7-one (6), 5β,6β-epoxy-24-methylenecholesta-8,24(28)-diene-3β,7α,11α-triol (7), 6β-acetoxy-(22 E)-10α-ergosta-7,22-diene-3β,5α-diol (8), and 8α,9α-epoxy-(22 E)-ergosta-6,22-diene-3β,5α,14α-triol (9). The structures of 1 to 9 have been reassigned as (24 S)-5α,6α-epoxy-24-ethylcholest-8-ene-3β,7α-diol (16), (24 S)-5α,6α-epoxy-24-ethylcholest-8(14)-ene-3β,7α-diol (17), 5α,6α-epoxy-(22 E)-ergosta-8(14),22-diene-3β,7α-diol (13), 5α,6α-epoxy-(22 E)-ergosta-8,22-diene-3β,7α-diol (12), (22 E)-ergosta-7,22-diene-3β,5α,6β,9α,14β-pentol (25), 5α,6α;8α,14α-diepoxy-3β-hydroxy-(22 E)-ergost-22-en-7-one (18), 5α,6α-epoxyergosta-8,24(28)-diene-3β,7α,11α-triol (21), 6β-acetoxy-(22 E)-ergosta-7,22-diene-3β,5α-diol (26), and 8α,14α-epoxy-(22 E)-ergosta-6,22-diene-3β,5α,9α-triol (28), respectively, from the results of careful reexamination of the published 1H and 13C NMR spectral data.
Protective Effect of Curcumin on Acrylamide-Induced Hepatic and Renal Impairment in Rats: Involvement of CYP2E1
Authors: Sun Rui , Chen Wenhui , Cao Xiaolu , Guo Jie , Wang Jun
Published: March 2020

As a chemical extensively used in industrial areas and formed during heating of carbohydrate-rich foods and tobacco, acrylamide (ACR) has been demonstrated to exert a variety of systemic toxic effects including hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound in a popular spice known as turmeric, on the hepatic and renal impairment caused by ACR exposure to 40 mg/kg for 4 weeks in rats. The administration of curcumin at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg to ACR-intoxicated rats significantly decreased the serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, creatinine, and urea; improved the histological changes of liver and kidney caused by ACR; reduced the number of apoptotic cells; as well as relieved ACR-induced hepatic and renal oxidative stress. Moreover, curcumin inhibited the CYP2E1 overexpression induced by ACR in the liver and kidney tissues. Therefore, curcumin could be applied as a potential strategy for the intervention of ACR-induced systemic toxicity. The inhibition of CYP2E1 might be involved in the protection of curcumin against ACR-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
Prenylated Flavonoids as Antioxidant and Melanin Inhibitors From Stingless Bee (Wallacetrigona incisa) Propolis
Authors: Arung Enos Tangke , Syafrizal  , Pasedan Whicliffe Fiernaleonardo , Tandirogang Nataniel , Sukemi  , Allam Ahmed E. , Amen Yhiya , Shimizu Kuniyoshi , Ishikawa Hiroya
Published: March 2020

Propolis from 4 stingless bees ( Homotrigona apicalis, Wallacetrigona incisa, Tetragonula fuscobalteata, and Tetragonula fuscibasis) was investigated in the search for medicinal and cosmetic materials from tropical rainforest resources. Methanol extracts of the propolis were screened using antioxidant and antimelanogenesis assays (tyrosinase enzyme activity and melanin inhibitor in B16 melanoma). The extract of H. apicalis showed the strongest antioxidant activity, both in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of 0.72 ± 0.01 (mg/mL) and 0.26 ± 0.00 (mg/mL), respectively. The H. apicalis extract also displayed the strongest inhibition of tyrosinase (53% at 100 µg/mL). In the B16 melanoma cell assay, the W. incisa extract showed the strongest inhibition of melanin (21%) and was less cytotoxic. The W. incisa extract was fractioned to isolate the compounds with biological activities. Two prenylated flavonoids were obtained, named broussoflavonol F and glyasperin A. Both showed potent antioxidant activities, as well as inhibiting melanin in B16 melanoma, but not tyrosinase activity. These results indicated the potential of methanol extract of W. incisa to be developed for cosmetic material, but further experiments are needed to verify the function.
A Cross-Cultural Study of Justice Sensitivity and Its Consequences for Cooperation
Authors: Baumert Anna , Maltese Simona , Reis Dorota , MacLeod Colin , Tan-Mansukhani Roseann , Galang Adrianne John R. , Salanga Maria Guadalupe C. , Schmitt Manfred
Published: March 2020

In Western samples, individuals differ systematically in the importance they assign to matters of justice and injustice, and dispositional Justice Sensitivity can be differentiated according to the perspectives of victim, observer, beneficiary, and perpetrator. In a cross-cultural comparison between the Philippines, Germany, and Australia ( N = 677 students), we investigated whether Justice Sensitivity can be equivalently described by these four perspectives, whether measurement instruments have invariant psychometric properties, and whether the psychological relevance of the Justice Sensitivity perspectives for cooperation behavior differs between these cultural contexts. The results of multigroup confirmatory factor analyses support weak measurement invariance and invariant associations between Justice Sensitivity perspectives and trust game decisions. Across cultures, victim sensitivity predicted reluctance to cooperate under threat of exploitation, and observer, beneficiary, and perpetrator sensitivities predicted cooperation under temptation. Our study extends insight into Justice Sensitivity to underresearched cultural contexts of urban and rural Philippines.
Unpacking the Mascot Debate: Native American Identification Predicts Opposition to Native Mascots
Authors: Fryberg Stephanie A. , Eason Arianne E. , Brady Laura M. , Jessop Nadia , Lopez Julisa J.
Published: March 2020

While major organizations representing Native Americans (e.g., National Congress of American Indians) contend that Native mascots are stereotypical and dehumanizing, sports teams with Native mascots cite polls claiming their mascots are not offensive to Native people. We conducted a large-scale, empirical study to provide a valid and generalizable understanding of Native Americans’ ( N = 1,021) attitudes toward Native mascots. Building on the identity centrality literature, we examined how multiple aspects of Native identification uniquely shaped attitudes toward mascots. While Native Americans in our sample generally opposed Native mascots, especially the Redskins, attitudes varied according to demographic characteristics (e.g., age, political orientation, education) and the strength of participants’ racial–ethnic identification. Specifically, stronger Native identification (behavioral engagement and identity centrality) predicted greater opposition. Results highlight the importance of considering the unique and multifaceted aspects of identity, particularly when seeking to understand Native people’s attitudes and experiences.
(Not) Lost in Translation: Psychological Adaptation Occurs During Speech Translation
Authors: Meier Tabea , Boyd Ryan L. , Mehl Matthias R. , Milek Anne , Pennebaker James W. , Martin Mike , Wolf Markus , Horn Andrea B.
Published: March 2020

While language style is considered to be automatic and relatively stable, its plasticity has not yet been studied in translations that require the translator to “step into the shoes of another person.” In the present study, we propose a psychological model of language adaptation in translations. Focusing on an established interindividual difference marker of language style, that is, gender, we examined whether translators assimilate to the original gendered style or implicitly project their own gendered language style. In a preregistered study, we investigated gender differences in language use in TED Talks ( N = 1,647) and their translations ( N = 544) in same- versus opposite-gender speaker/translator dyads. The results showed that translators assimilated to gendered language styles even when in mismatch to their own gender. This challenges predominating views on language style as fixed and fosters a more dynamic view of language style as also being shaped by social context.
The rise and fall of movement for change in the Kurdistan region of Iraq (2009–2018)
Authors: Hama Hawre Hasan
Published: March 2020

The Change Movement, also known in Kurdish as Gorran, was founded in 2009 to address the political demands of some parts of the public in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) for political and economic reform. Corruption, lack of transparency in government and financial affairs revenue and expenditure, the lack of legitimate and effective institutions, the existence of political party interference in all sectors of society, and the power-sharing agreement between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) had all contributed to widespread feelings of discontent among members of the public. Gorran took advantage of these feelings of disenfranchisement to demand a complete change in the political structure that had been built by the KDP and the PUK in the Region. Using this message, Gorran’s first election as an organized party in 2009 saw it become the second biggest political force in the Kurdistan Region and the biggest political party in the PUK’s traditional stronghold in Sulaymaniyah and the Garmian area. This research divides the Gorran Movement’s performance and effectiveness into three primary stages: (1) the opposition stage, which can be described as Gorran’s golden period; (2) the government participation stage after 2013, which can be described as the Movement’s period of weakness; and (3) the post-Nawshirwan Mustafa stage, which can be described as the Gorran Movement’s period of political exhaustion. The central argument of this research is that the Gorran Movement’s fundamental problem is that it became a part of the very structure that it had for many years campaigned against and is no longer a catalyst for reform.
The Intersection of HIV, Diabetes, and Race: Exploring Disparities in Diabetes Care among People Living with HIV
Authors: Galaviz Karla I. , Varughese Rincy , Agan Brian K. , Marconi Vincent C. , Chu Xiuping , Won Seung Hyun , Ganesan Anuradha , Ali Mohammed K. , Colasanti Jonathan
Published: March 2020

In a setting of universal health care access, we compared diabetes control between Caucasians and African Americans (AA) living with HIV. This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from a cohort study among military members living with HIV and diabetes. Using adjusted logistic regression models, we compared proportions of Caucasians and AA meeting the following diabetes treatment goals: hemoglobin A1c <7.0%, blood pressure (BP) <140/90 mm Hg, low density lipoprotein cholesterol <100 mg/dL, and not smoking. We included 107 Caucasian (mean age 37 years) and 126 AA (mean age 33 years) participants. A similar proportion of Caucasians and AA were prescribed diabetes (∼60%) and BP (∼80%) medications. Yet, more Caucasians met the BP treatment goal (77% [54%, 90%]) than AA (61% [36%, 82%]). Thus, more Caucasians met the combined A1c, BP, and cholesterol goals for diabetes control (25% [10%, 49%]) than AA (13% [5%, 31%]). Despite having equal access to health care, AA in this study have poorer diabetes control than Caucasians.
Associations of Early Sport Specialization and High Training Volume With Injury Rates in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Athletes
Authors: Ahlquist Seth , Cash Brian M. , Hame Sharon L.
Published: March 2020

Background:

There are 60 million US youth who participate in organized athletics, with large increases in both sport participation and specialization during the past 2 decades. There is some evidence that increased sport specialization and training volumes may be associated with increased injuries in adolescent populations. This study examines these variables in a population of elite college athletes.

Hypothesis:

Early sport specialization (ESS) and a high training volume are risk factors for injury and/or surgery in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

All Division I athletes at a single institution were surveyed regarding demographics, scholarship status, reason for specialization, age at specialization, training volume, and injury history. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to identify significant differences.

Results:

Athletes who specialized in their eventual varsity sport before age 14 years were more likely to report a history of injuries (86.9% vs 71.4%), multiple injuries (64.6% vs 48.8%), multiple college injuries (17.2% vs 6.0%), a greater number of total injuries (2.0 vs 1.0), and require more time out for an injury (15.2 vs 6.5 weeks) than those who did not. They were also more likely to be recruited (92.9% vs 82.1%) and receive a scholarship (82.8% vs 67.9%). Athletes who trained for greater than 28 hours per week in their eventual varsity sport before high school were more likely to report multiple injuries (90.0% vs 56.3%), multiple college injuries (40.0% vs 12.5%), a surgical injury (60.0% vs 22.9%), multiple surgical injuries (30.0% vs 4.7%), a greater number of total injuries (2.5 vs 2.0), and more time out for an injury (36.5 vs 11.0 weeks) than those who did not (all P < .05). However, these athletes were not more likely to be recruited (90.0% vs 89.8%) or receive a scholarship (80.0% vs 74.5%).

Conclusion:

NCAA Division I athletes with ESS and/or a high training volume sustained more injuries and missed more time because of an injury, but those with ESS were more likely to be recruited and receive a college scholarship. This knowledge can help inform discussions and decision making among athletes, parents, coaches, trainers, and physicians.
Reframing After-School Programs as Developing Youth Interest, Identity, and Social Capital
Authors: Philp Katherine D. , Gill Michele Gregoire
Published: March 2020

An increasing focus on academics in after-school programs overlooks the substantial potential for such spaces to support populations of students who are also most likely to disengage from traditional schooling, including low-income students of color. This misplaced focus further ignores significant disparities in the types of services offered after-school. For wealthier students, after-school programs often serve as enrichment experiences in preparation for college and career, not as extended forms of child care or schooling. All students deserve access to after-school spaces that support individual interest and identity development and link them to the social resources that can promote upward mobility. Given their non-academic benefits, we recommend that policy makers and researchers reframe their understanding of after-school programs to support more equitable outcomes for marginalized youth.
Leveraging Social Capital to Broaden Participation in STEM
Authors: Saw Guan K.
Published: March 2020

Broadening participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is critical to the nation’s economic growth and national security. In K–12 and higher education, researchers and educators increasingly employ the concept of social capital to develop programs for improving STEM learning, motivation, and participation of young students. STEM social capital in education comprises STEM-oriented resources—whether instrumental, informational, or emotional—that students access through their social networks. Major theoretical perspectives, research evidence, and promising practices are associated with the concepts of social capital in STEM education. Students’ social capital in STEM education (derived from families, peers, teachers, and professional networks) demonstrably promotes their STEM educational outcomes and career paths. Inclusive STEM schools, mentoring, and after-school programs are some promising approaches that can enhance STEM social capital and outcomes of underrepresented students, particularly women, Blacks/Hispanics/Native Americans, youth with low socioeconomic status, and persons with disabilities.
School-Based Practices for the 21st Century: Noncognitive Factors in Student Learning and Psychosocial Outcomes
Authors: Frank Jennifer L.
Published: March 2020

Noncognitive skills—such as motivation, perseverance, social abilities, and self-control—drive long-term student success in school and in life. Although recognized as an important causal factor in student success, these skills show considerable variability in how much time and financial resources schools invest developing them. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) now requires states to include at least one nonacademic measure in their student accountability system and funding the implementation of new models to support student learning. We review the evidence for several malleable noncognitive skills that benefit student learning and long-term psychosocial outcomes. We recommend educational stakeholders take advantage of the increased flexibility ESSA provides to cultivate noncognitive skills that yield meaningful long-term educational, economic, and social benefits for students.
A triad of cluster-like headaches with delayed development of a macroscopic prolactinoma: A case report
Authors: Ihezie Stephanie A , Chandalia Manisha , Burish Mark J
Published: March 2020

Pituitary hormone testing is recommended in refractory cluster headache (CH), but supporting evidence is limited. We present a patient with cluster-like headaches and a negative brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 1 year after headache onset. He failed multiple medication trials. Three years after headache onset, additional workup showed abnormal pituitary labs including hyperprolactinemia and a brain MRI with a 15 × 15 × 14 mm3 enhancing pituitary lesion. With cabergoline 0.25 mg twice weekly, the patient has been headache-free for over 2 years. This case supports the recommendations for pituitary testing in refractory CH, even if imaging is initially negative for a pituitary tumor.
Does treatment guided by exhaled nitric oxide fraction improve outcomes in subgroups of children with asthma?
Authors: Fielding Shona S. , Pijnenburg Marielle , de Jongste Johan , Pike Katherine , Roberts Graham , Petsky Helen , Chang Anne B. , Fritsch Maria , Frischer Thomas , Szefler Stanley J. , Gergen Peter , Vermeulen Francoise , Vael Robin , Turner Steve S.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FENO), a biomarker of eosinophilic airway inflammation, may be useful to guide asthma treatment.FENO-guided treatment may be more effective in certain subgroups for improving asthma outcomes compared to standard treatment.

Methods

An individual patient data analysis was performed using data from seven randomised clinical trials (RCTs) which usedFENOto guide asthma treatment. The incidence of an asthma exacerbation and loss of control, and the time to first exacerbation and loss of control were described between five subgroups of RCT participants.

Results

Data were available in 1112 RCT participants. Among those not treated with leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA), but not among those who were treated with LTRA,FENO-guided treatment was associated with reduced exacerbation risk (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49–0.94), longer time to first exacerbation (hazard ratio (HR) 0.76, 95% CI 0.57–0.99) and borderline reduced risk for loss of control (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.49–1.00). Nonobese children, compared to obese children, were less likely to lose asthma control when treatment was guided byFENO(OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.48–0.99) and time to loss of control was longer (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61–0.99).

Conclusions

Asthma treatment guided byFENOmay be more effective in achieving better asthma outcomes for patients who are not treated with LTRA and who are not obese, compared to standard practice.
Oral corticosteroid prescription patterns for asthma in France, Germany, Italy and the UK
Authors: Tran Trung N. , King Elizabeth , Sarkar Rajiv , Nan Cassandra , Rubino Annalisa , O'Leary Caroline , Muzwidzwa Ruvimbo , Belton Laura , Quint Jennifer K.
Published: March 2020

Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are used to manage asthma exacerbations and severe, uncontrolled asthma, but OCS use is associated with adverse effects. We aimed to describe the patterns of OCS use in the real-world management of patients with asthma in western Europe.

We used electronic medical records from databases in France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom from July 2011 through February 2018. Patients aged ≥12 years with an asthma diagnosis, at least one non-OCS asthma medication within ±6 months of diagnosis, and available data ≥6 months prior to and ≥90 days after cohort entry were included. High OCS use was defined as OCS ≥450 mg prescribed in a 90-day window during follow-up. Baseline characteristics and OCS use during follow-up were described overall and by OCS use status.

Of 702 685 patients with asthma, 14–44% were OCS users and 6–9% were high OCS users at some point during follow-up. Annual prevalence of high OCS use across all countries was ∼3%. High OCS users had a mean of between one and three annual OCS prescriptions, with an average daily OCS dosage of 1.3–2.2 mg. For patients who continued to meet the high-use definition, daily OCS exposure was generally stable at 5.5–7.5 mg for ≥2 years, increasing the risk of adverse effects.

Our study demonstrates that OCS use is relatively common across the four studied European countries. Data from this study may provide decisive clinical insights to inform primary care physicians and specialists involved in the management of severe, uncontrolled asthma.
Clinical considerations in individuals with α1-antitrypsin PI*SZ genotype
Authors: McElvaney Gerard N. , Sandhaus Robert A. , Miravitlles Marc , Turino Gerard M. , Seersholm Niels , Wencker Marion , Stockley Robert A.
Published: March 2020

α1-Antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), characterised by reduced levels or functionality of α1-antitrypsin (AAT), is a significantly underdiagnosed genetic condition that predisposes individuals to lung and liver disease. Most of the available data on AATD are based on the most common, severe deficiency genotype (PI*ZZ); therefore, treatment and monitoring requirements for individuals with the PI*SZ genotype, which is associated with a less severe AATD, are not as clear. Recent genetic data suggest the PI*SZ genotype may be significantly more prevalent than currently thought, due in part to less frequent identification in the clinic and less frequent reporting in registries. Intravenous AAT therapy, the only specific treatment for patients with AATD, has been shown to slow disease progression in PI*ZZ individuals; however, there is no specific evidence for AAT therapy in PI*SZ individuals, and it remains unclear whether AAT therapy should be considered in these patients. This narrative review evaluates the available data on the PI*SZ genotype, including genetic prevalence, the age of diagnosis and development of respiratory symptoms compared with PI*ZZ individuals, and the impact of factors such as indexversusnon-index identification and smoking history. In addition, the relevance of the putative 11 µM “protective threshold” for AAT therapy and the risk of liver disease in PI*SZ individuals is explored. The purpose of this review is to identify open research questions in this area, with the aim of optimising the future identification and management of PI*SZ individuals.
Orthotropic hygro-mechanical behavior of Chinese fir during cyclical relative humidity variation
Authors: Peng Hui , Jiang Jiali , Lu Jianxiong , Cao Jinzhen
Published: March 2020

The orthotropic free swelling–shrinkage and mechano-sorptive creep (MSC) during cyclical relative humidity (RH) variation (0–80% RH) and time-dependent viscoelastic creep (VEC) in a steady state (0% RH) were examined in Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata). During RH changing, the occurrences of local maximum or minimum strains of the free swelling–shrinkage and MSC lagged behind the corresponding maximum or minimum RH. The lagged time decreased with increasing cyclical times. Furthermore, the lagged time exhibited an orthotropic behavior: the longer lagged time was found in longitudinal specimen compared to transverse specimens. MSC exhibited a more pronounced anisotropy than VEC. According to the three tests, the performance of free swelling–shrinkage and the mechano-sorptive effect on the orthotropic MSC behavior was addressed. The free swelling–shrinkage mainly dominated the creep strain during cyclic RH variation, especially for longitudinal specimen. The mechano-sorptive effect on the MSC behavior exerted more influence on tangential specimen compared to radial and longitudinal specimens. The mechano-sorptive limit was observed for all specimens. Longitudinal specimen required more cyclic times to approach the mechano-sorptive limit than transverse specimens.
Selective Growth of WSe2 with Graphene Contacts
Authors: Lin Yu-Ting , Zhang Xin-Quan , Chen Po-Han , Chi Chong-Chi , Lin Erh-Chen , Rong Jian-Guo , Ouyang Chuenhou , Chen Yung-Fu , Lee Yi-Hsien
Published: March 2020

Nanoelectronics of two-dimensional (2D) materials and related applications are hindered with critical contact issues with the semiconducting monolayers. To solve these issues, a fundamental challenge is selective and controllable fabrication of p-type or ambipolar transistors with a low Schottky barrier. Most p-type transistors are demonstrated with tungsten selenides (WSe2) but a high growth temperature is required. Here, we utilize seeding promoter and low pressure CVD process to enhance sequential WSe2 growth with a reduced growth temperature of 800 °C for reduced compositional fluctuations and high hetero-interface quality. Growth behavior of the sequential WSe2 growth at the edge of patterned graphene is discussed. With optimized growth conditions, high-quality interface of the laterally stitched WSe2-graphene is achieved and characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Device fabrication and electronic performances of the laterally stitched WSe2-graphene are presented.
Urinary proteomics of Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis in children using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Fang Xiang , Wu Heyan , Lu Mei , Cao Yan , Wang Ren , Wang Meiqiu , Gao Chunlin , Xia Zhengkun
Published: March 2020

Background

Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP). However, the criteria for risk assessment currently used is not satisfactory. The urine proteome may provide important clues to indicate the development of HSPN.

Methods

Here, we detected and compared the urine proteome of patients with HSPN and healthy controls by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) in the data-independent acquisition (DIA) mode. The differentially expressed proteins were analysed by gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. For validation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyse the selected proteins.

Results

A total of 125 proteins (29 upregulated and 96 downregulated) were found to be differentially expressed in children with HSPN compared with the controls. Forty-one proteins were predicted to have direct interactions. The enriched pathways mainly included focal adhesion, cell adhesion molecules, the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, ECM-receptor interactions and so on. Cell adhesion related to the pathogenesis of HSPN was the main biological process identified in this study. The decrease in two proteins (integrin beta-1 and tenascin) was validated by ELISA.

Conclusions

Our study provides new insights into the assessment of HSPN progression in children, as well as new potential biomarkers. The data confirm the value of the urinary proteome in capturing the emergence of HSPN.
Identification and Characterization of a Large Effect QTL from Oryza glumaepatula Revealed Pi68(t) as Putative Candidate Gene for Rice Blast Resistance
Authors: Devi S. J. S. Rama , Singh Kuldeep , Umakanth B. , Vishalakshi B. , Rao K. Vijaya Sudhakara , Suneel B. , Sharma S. K. , Kadambari Gopala Krishna Murthy , Prasad M. S. , Senguttvel P. , Syamaladevi Divya P. , Madhav M. S.
Published: March 2020

Background

Field resistance is often effective and durable as compared to vertical resistance. The introgression line (INGR15002) derived from O. glumaepatula has proven broad spectrum field resistance for both leaf and neck blast.

Results

Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) analysis of INGR15002, led to the identification of two major QTL - qBL3 contributing about 34% and 32% phenotypic variance towards leaf and neck blast resistance, respectively and qBL7 contributing about 25% of phenotypic variance for leaf blast. Further, qBL3 was fine mapped, narrowed down to 300 kb region and a linked SNP maker was identified. By combining mapping with microarray analysis, a candidate gene, Os03g0281466 (malectin-serine threonine kinase), was identified in the fine mapped region and named as Pi68(t). The nucleotide variations in the coding as well as upstream region of the gene was identified through cloning and sequence analysis of Pi68(t) alleles. These significant variations led to the non-synonymous changes in the protein as well as variations (presence/absence) in four important motifs (W-box element; MYC element; TCP element; BIHD1OS) at promoter region those are associated with resistance and susceptible reactions. The effect of qBL3 was validated by its introgression into BPT5204 (susceptible variety) through marker-assisted selection and progeny exhibiting resistance to both leaf and neck blast was identified. Further, the utility of linked markers of Pi68(t) in the blast breeding programs was demonstrated in elite germplasm lines.

Conclusions

This is the first report on the identification and characterization of major effect QTL from O. glumaepatula, which led to the identification of a putative candidate gene, Pi68(t), which confers field resistance to leaf as well as neck blast in rice.
Forgotten ureteral double-J stents and related complications: a real-world experience
Authors: Patil Sachin , Raghuvanshi Kshitij , Jain Devendra Kumar , Raval Abid
Published: March 2020

Background

Double-J (DJ) stents are among the basic and commonly used tools in urology. The DJ stent generally needs to be replaced or removed within 6 weeks to 6 months to avoid complications like encrustations, stone formation, fractures and blockades of stents. However, in many cases the stent is forgotten. In this retrospective study, we report our experience in the management of forgotten stents and steps taken by us in preventing DJ stent-related morbidity.

Results

Of the total of 30 patients, 80% (n = 24) underwent previous procedures in other hospitals and the remaining 20% (n = 6) were from our hospital. The mean age of the patients was 56.66 years. The mean duration of the indwelling stent in situ was 13.83 months. The indications of indwelling stents included ureteroscopic lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Presenting complaints for which patients visited hospital were flank pain (n = 10; 33.33%), dysuria (n = 9; 30%), hematuria (n = 3, 10%) and fever (n = 2; 6.66%).

Conclusion

Forgotten DJ stents can be a source of severe morbidity. Patients’ and relatives’ educational level and counseling before and after the procedure may play a significant role in reducing stent-related complications.
A big data approach to metagenomics for all-food-sequencing
Authors: Kobus Robin , Abuín José M. , Müller André , Hellmann Sören Lukas , Pichel Juan C. , Pena Tomás F. , Hildebrandt Andreas , Hankeln Thomas , Schmidt Bertil
Published: March 2020

Background

All-Food-Sequencing (AFS) is an untargeted metagenomic sequencing method that allows for the detection and quantification of food ingredients including animals, plants, and microbiota. While this approach avoids some of the shortcomings of targeted PCR-based methods, it requires the comparison of sequence reads to large collections of reference genomes. The steadily increasing amount of available reference genomes establishes the need for efficient big data approaches.

Results

We introduce an alignment-free k-mer based method for detection and quantification of species composition in food and other complex biological matters. It is orders-of-magnitude faster than our previous alignment-based AFS pipeline. In comparison to the established tools CLARK, Kraken2, and Kraken2+Bracken it is superior in terms of false-positive rate and quantification accuracy. Furthermore, the usage of an efficient database partitioning scheme allows for the processing of massive collections of reference genomes with reduced memory requirements on a workstation (AFS-MetaCache) or on a Spark-based compute cluster (MetaCacheSpark).

Conclusions

We present a fast yet accurate screening method for whole genome shotgun sequencing-based biosurveillance applications such as food testing. By relying on a big data approach it can scale efficiently towards large-scale collections of complex eukaryotic and bacterial reference genomes. AFS-MetaCache and MetaCacheSpark are suitable tools for broad-scale metagenomic screening applications. They are available at https://muellan.github.io/metacache/afs.html
(C++ version for a workstation) and https://github.com/jmabuin/MetaCacheSpark
(Spark version for big data clusters).
Combined application of Ascophyllum nodosum extract and chitosan synergistically activates host-defense of peas against powdery mildew
Authors: Patel Jai Singh , Selvaraj Vinodkumar , Gunupuru Lokanadha Rao , Rathor Pramod Kumar , Prithiviraj Balakrishnan
Published: March 2020

Background

Powdery mildew (PM) is an important disease of pea that reduce yield.Ascophyllum nodosumextract (ANE) and chitosan (CHT) are biostimulants used to improve plant health. Efficacy of ANE and CHT was assessed individually and in combination against pea powdery mildew.

Results

Combined applications of ANE and CHT had a significant inhibitory effect on pathogen development and it reduced disease severity to 35%, as compared to control (90.5%). The combination of ANE and CHT enhanced the activity of plant defense enzymes; phenylalanine ammonia lyases (PAL), peroxidase (PO) and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Further, the treatment increased the expression of a number of plant defense genes in jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway such asLOX1andCOIand salicylic acid (SA)-mediated signaling pathway such asNPR1andPR1. Other genes involved in defense mechanisms likeNADPH oxidaseandC4Hwere also upregulated by the combination treatment.

Conclusion

The combination of ANE and CHT suppresses pea powdery mildew largely by modulating JA and SA-mediated signaling pathways.