bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Holocene history of monkey puzzle tree (pehuén) in northernmost Patagonia
Authors: Nanavati William , Whitlock Cathy , Outes Valeria , Villarosa Gustavo
Published: December 2020

Aim

Although it is established that climate and fire have greatly influenced the long‐term ecosystem dynamics of Patagonia south of 40°S, the environmental history from northernmost Patagonia (37–40°S), where endemic and endangered monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) occurs, is poorly known. Here we ask: (a) What is the Holocene vegetation and fire history at the north‐eastern extent of A. araucana forest? (b) How have climate and humans influenced the past distribution of A. araucana?

Location

Northernmost Patagonia, Argentina and Chile (37–40°S).

Taxa

Araucaria araucana, Nothofagus, Poaceae.

Methods

Sedimentary pollen and charcoal from Laguna Portezuelo (37.9°S, 71.0°W; 1,730 m; 11,100 BP) were evaluated using statistical methods and compared with other palaeoecological, independent palaeoclimate, and historical records to assess how changes in climate and land use influenced local‐to‐regional environmental history.

Results

An open forest‐steppe landscape persisted at L. Portezuelo throughout the Holocene with generally low‐to‐moderate fire activity. Increased Nothofagus pollen after ~6,590 BP suggests increases in shrubland and moisture in association with cooler conditions and greater seasonality and ENSO activity. Araucaria pollen appeared at L. Portezuelo at ~6,380 BP, but was low in abundance until ~370 BP, when it rose with charcoal levels. This increase in Araucaria and fire coincided with a regional influx of Mapuche American Indians. Nothofagus deforestation and Pinus silviculture marked Euro‐American settlement beginning in the 19–20th century.

Main conclusions

(a) Rapid postglacial warming and drying limited the distribution of Araucaria in the central valley of Chile. In the middle and late Holocene, decreased temperatures and greater seasonality and ENSO activity increased precipitation variability allowing Araucaria expansion at its north‐eastern limit. (b) Greater abundance of Araucaria and heightened fire activity at L. Portezuelo after 370 BP coincided with increased Mapuche‐Pehuenche American Indian land use, suggesting that Araucaria may have been managed in a human‐altered landscape.
ZCCHC14 regulates proliferation and invasion of non–small cell lung cancer through the MAPK‐P38 signalling pathway
Authors: Shi Xiuying , Han Xu , Cao Yu , Li Cheng , Cao Yaming
Published: December 2020

ZCCHC14 is a CCHC‐type zinc finger protein which is expressed in tissues in human and mouse. The function of ZCCHC14 in tumours remains unclear. In this research, we explored the expression, function and related molecular mechanisms of ZCCHC14 in human non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Immunochemistry staining showed that ZCCHC14 was low‐expressed or absent in NSCLC tissues. In NSCLC patients, the low expression of ZCCHC14 in tumour tissues was significantly correlated with TNM stage, differentiation degree and adverse clinical outcome (P < .05). The proliferation and invasion ability of cancer cells transfected with ZCCHC14 CRISPR/Ca9 KO plasmids was significantly enhanced (P < .05). Immunoblotting analysis indicated that the expression of p‐P38, cyclinD1 and MMP7 were significantly up‐regulated after disabling ZCCHC14 (P < .05). We used MAPK‐P38 pathway inhibitor doramapimod (BIRB 796) to inhibit P38 signalling pathway activity and determined that the agent significantly disrupted the function of ZCCHC14 and hindered the proliferation and invasion of the tumour. The finding revealed that ZCCHC14 can regulate proliferation and invasion of NSCLC through the P38 pathway. ZCCHC14 plays a crucial regulatory role in the development of NSCLC and may become a zinc finger target for clinical treatment.
Does shelter influence the metabolic traits of a teleost fish?
Authors: Chrétien Emmanuelle , Cooke Steven J. , Boisclair Daniel
Published: December 2020

Availability of shelter is an important component of habitat selection for animals as it can influence survival (protection against harsh physical conditions and predation) and growth (energy acquisition and expenditure). Few studies address the effect of shelter on metabolic expenditures associated with non‐mechanical tasks (excluding station holding or movement). The main goal of this study was to investigate the influence of shelter use on metabolic traits of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) from two populations (Kiamika River and Lake Long). Respirometry experiments on smallmouth bass were conducted to measure standard metabolic rate (SMR), resting metabolic rate (RMR), aerobic scope (AS), recovery time (RT) and excess post‐exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) in the presence or absence of shelter. The presence of shelter did not affect most metabolic traits, except for RMR, which was reduced in the presence of shelter for Lake Long fish. The results of this study also show that larger fish had lower SMR in the presence of shelter than when it was absent. When accounting for social hierarchy, there were no differences in most metabolic traits in dominant or subordinate fish in the presence or absence of shelter, except for RT, which was significantly lower in the presence of shelter for dominant fish. These results do not support the existence of an unequivocal relationship between individual metabolic traits and the presence of shelter. If physiological motives may influence the use of shelter, sheltering in itself might not have important consequences on energy expenditures required for non‐mechanical tasks.
Exploring the ontogenetic development of the inner ear in Aardvarks
Authors: Berlioz Emilie , Cornette Raphaël , Lenoir Nicolas , Santin Mathieu D. , Lehmann Thomas
Published: December 2020

The aardvark is the last living Tubulidentata, an order of afrotherian mammals. Afrotheria is supported strongly by molecular analyses, yet sparingly by morphological characters. Moreover, the biology of the aardvark remains incompletely known. The inner ear, and its ontogeny in particular, has not been studied in details yet, though it bears key ecomorphological characters and phylogenetical signal. The aim of this study is to decipher and discuss the ontogenetic development of the different areas of the inner ear of Orycteropus afer. We focused in particular on their relative size and morphological rates of development. Specimens were scanned with 3D imaging techniques. 3D and 2D geometric morphometrics coupled with qualitative descriptions of the petrosal ossification allowed us to evidence several stages through development. Based on our sample, the cochlea is the first structure of the inner ear to reach adult size, but it is the last one to acquire its adult morphology close to parturition. In contrast, after a delayed growth spurt, the semicircular canals reach their mature morphology before the cochlea, concomitantly with the increase of petrosal ossification. The ontogeny of the aardvark inner ear shows similarities with that of other species, but the apex of the cochlea presents some autapomorphies.

This work constitutes a first step in the study of the ontogeny of this sensorial organ in Afrotheria.
Surgical repair for luxation of the superficial digital flexor tendon using a temporary restraining pin
Authors: Jury A.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

(1) To report the clinical features of luxation of the superficial digital flexor tendon in dogs and (2) to report the outcome and complications of a novel surgical technique where postoperative immobilisation was not used.

Materials and Methods

Medical records from one Swedish veterinary hospital were retrospectively reviewed for cases of superficial digital flexor tendon treated by the author, between July 2007 and August 2019, where a temporary restraining pin was used as part of the surgical repair.

Results

Twenty‐three procedures were performed in 19 dogs. Fourteen of the dogs were Shetland Sheepdogs with five other breeds represented. Lateral luxation occurred in all but one case. Minor complications occurred in eight cases (35%). Major complications requiring unplanned surgery occurred in three cases (13%). All cases ultimately returned to their pre‐injury level of activity.

Clinical Significance

The use of a temporary restraining pin is useful in the surgical repair of superficial digital flexor tendon luxation. All cases were successfully treated without using post‐operative immobilisation of the tarsal joint. Plain radiography is unreliable in the identification of morphological defects of the calcaneus.
Exosome‐derived differentiation antagonizing non‐protein coding RNA with risk of hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence
Authors: Wang Shu‐Chi , Li Chia‐Yang , Chang Wen‐Tsan , Cheng Wei‐Chung , Yen Chia‐Hung , Tu Wen‐Yu , Lin Zu‐Yau , Lin Ching‐Chih , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Huang Chung‐Feng , Huang Jee‐Fu , Dai Chia‐Yen , Chuang Wan‐Long , Chen Yao‐Li , Yu Ming‐Lung
Published: December 2020

Background & Aims

Differentiation antagonizing non‐protein coding RNA is associated with various types of neoplasms. Hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma has a high risk of recurrence. Here we determined the role of differentiation antagonizing non‐protein coding RNA in hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocarcinogenesis and identified potential therapeutic targets and non‐invasive prognostic markers for long‐term outcome of hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection.

Methods

Differentiation antagonizing non‐protein coding RNAs relevant to hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma were identified through comparative RNA‐sequencing of tumour and adjacent non‐tumour (ANT) tissues in a screening set, and were validated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Target long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tissues and serum exosomes were used to predict the recurrence of hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma after curative surgical resection in a large application cohort from 2005 to 2012.

Results

We confirmed that differentiation antagonizing non‐protein coding RNA was upregulated following hepatitis C virus infection and identified as the lncRNA most relevant to hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma in tumour tissues as compared to that in ANT tissues. In 183 hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma patients followed for 10 years after curative HCC resection, the expression level of circulating exosomal differentiation antagonizing non‐protein coding RNA was positively associated with HCC recurrence and was the most predictive factor associated with HCC recurrence and mortality (hazard ratio/95% confidence intervals: 7.0/4.3‐11.6 and 2.7/1.5‐5.1 respectively).

Conclusions

Differentiation antagonizing non‐protein coding RNA is highly relevant to disease progression of hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma. Our finding indicated that circulating exosomal differentiation antagonizing non‐protein coding RNA might serve as a non‐invasive prognostic biomarker for hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma.
Patient and family involvement in escalating concerns about clinical deterioration in acute adult wards: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: McKinney Aidín , Fitzsimons Donna , Blackwood Bronagh , McGaughey Jennifer
Published: December 2020

Background

Despite international standards for recognition and response to deterioration, warning signs are not always identified by staff on acute hospital wards. Patient and family‐initiated escalation of care schemes have shown some benefit in assisting early recognition, but are not widely used in many clinical practice areas.

Objectives

To explore (a) patients' and relatives' experiences of acute deterioration and (b) patients', relatives' and healthcare professionals' perceptions of the barriers or facilitators to patient and family‐initiated escalation of care in acute adult hospital wards.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative review using Cochrane methodology. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and appraised the quality using a qualitative critical appraisal tool. Findings were analysed using thematic synthesis and confidence in findings was assessed using GRADE‐CERQual.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychINFO databases and grey literature from 2005 to August 2019.

Inclusion criteria

Any research design that had a qualitative element and focused on adult patients' and relatives' experiences of deterioration and perceptions of escalating care.

Results

We included five studies representing 120 participants and assessed the certainty of evidence as moderate using GRADE‐CERQual. Findings indicated that a number of patients/relatives have the ability to detect acute deterioration, however, various factors act as both barriers and facilitators to being heard. These include personal factors, perceptions of role, quality of relationships with healthcare staff, and organisational factors. Theoretical understanding suggests that patient and relative involvement in escalation is dependent on both inherent capabilities and the factors that influence empowerment.

Conclusion

This review highlights that patient and family escalation of care interventions need to be designed with the aim of improving patient/relative—clinician collaboration and the sharing of responsibility.

Relevance to practice

These factors need to be addressed to promote more active partnerships when designing and implementing patient and family‐initiated escalation of care interventions.
The fate of melanocyte: Mechanisms of cell death in vitiligo
Authors: Wu Xiuyi , Yang Yiwen , Xiang Leihong , Zhang Chengfeng
Published: December 2020

Loss of melanocytes (MCs) is the most notable feature of vitiligo. Hence, it is critical to clarify the mechanisms of MC destruction in vitiligo. Apoptosis is most widely studied cell death pathways in vitiligo. In addition, the other two forms of cell death, conventional necrosis and autophagy seem to be involved in the death of vitiligo MCs under certain situations. Moreover, new types of regulated cell death including necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis may also participate in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Anoikis is likely to be connected with the death of detached MCs, which is provoked specifically by loss of anchorage. Primary phagocytosis, later called phagoptosis can execute death of viable cells, probably partly responsible for the loss of MCs in vitiligo. In this review, we aim to summarize the latest insights into various forms of MC death in vitiligo and discuss the corresponding mechanisms.
The Feasibility of Collecting Longitudinal Cardiovascular and Fitness Outcomes From a Neighborhood Park-Based Fitness Program in Ethnically Diverse Older Adults: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Kling Hannah E. , D’Agostino Emily M. , Booth Ja’mese , Hansen Eric , Hawver Emily , Mathew M. Sunil , Messiah Sarah E.
Published: December 2020

This proof-of-concept study examined feasibility of assessing longitudinal changes in body mass index, strength, mobility, and cardiovascular health outcomes in older, racial/ethnic minority adults participating in a park-based physical activity program. Study feasibility was based on follow-through data collection procedures and ability to manage and implement data collection, enrollment, and repeated measures data collection in older adults (≥50 years; n = 380; 45% Hispanic, 41% non-Hispanic Black) over a 28-month period. Mixed models were developed to estimate the effects of program participation over time on participant cardiovascular and fitness outcomes and across poverty and age subgroups. Model estimates adjusted for individual-level sociodemographics showed improvements across each 4 month time point in arm strength (0.55 arm curl; 95% confidence interval [0.33, 0.77]) and systolic (−0.68 mmHg; 95% confidence interval [−1.22, −0.13]) and diastolic (−0.47 mmHg; 95% confidence interval [−0.79, −0.16]) blood pressure. An Age × Poverty interaction found greater improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure among younger participants living in low poverty (vs. older in higher poverty). Study of the longitudinal association between fitness class participation and health outcomes was feasible in park-based settings.
Relative DNA Methylation and Demethylation Efficiencies during Postnatal Liver Development Regulate Hepatitis B Virus Biosynthesis
Authors: Oropeza Claudia E. , Tarnow Grant , Taha Taha Y. , Shalaby Rasha E. , Hyde Marieta V. , Maienschein-Cline Mark , Green Stefan J. , McLachlan Alan
Published: December 2020

HBV biosynthesis begins at birth and increases during early postnatal liver development in the HBV transgenic mouse model of chronic infection. The levels of viral RNA and DNA synthesis correlate with pioneer transcription factor FoxA transcript plus Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase-generated 5hmC abundance but inversely with Dnmt transcript levels and HBV DNA methylation.
Traditional Human Populations and Nonhuman Primates Show Parallel Gut Microbiome Adaptations to Analogous Ecological Conditions
Authors: Sharma Ashok K. , Petrzelkova Klara , Pafco Barbora , Jost Robinson Carolyn A. , Fuh Terence , Wilson Brenda A. , Stumpf Rebecca M. , Torralba Manolito G. , Blekhman Ran , White Bryan , Nelson Karen E. , Leigh Steven R. , Gomez Andres
Published: December 2020

The results of this study highlight parallel gut microbiome traits in human and nonhuman primates, depending on subsistence strategy. Although these similarities have been reported before, the functional and ecological bases of this convergence are not fully understood.
Body Mass Index and Its Association with Genetically Transmitted Traits
Authors: Alasmari Sultan Z. , Eisa Nashwa , Alshahrani Saeed Mastour , Alam Mohammad Mahtab , Rajagopalan Prasanna , Makkawi Mohammed
Published: December 2020

Background. Body mass index (BMI) is a metric widely used to measure the healthy weight of an individual and to predict a person’s risk of developing serious illnesses. Study the statistical association between genetically transmitted traits and BMI might be of interest. Objectives. The present study designed to extend the inadequate evidence concerning the influence of some genetically transmitted traits including ABO blood type, Rh factor, eye color, and hair color on BMI variation. Methods. A total of 142 undergraduate female students of the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia, were participated to investigate the possible linkage between genetic traits and BMI variations. Height and weight are collected from participants for BMI measurement. ABO blood type and Rh factor were determined by antisera. Results. Out of 142 female students, 48 were categorized in the first tertile (T1: less than 19.8 kg/m2), 50 were categorized in the second tertile (T2: between 19.8 and 23.7 kg/m2), and 44 were categorized in the third tertile (T3: greater than 23.7 kg/m2). Chi‐square analysis shows that there were no associations of genetic traits including hair color, eye color, ABO blood type, and Rh blood type with BMI. However, a significant association between hair color and BMI was observed using multinomial logistic regression analysis. Conclusions. Our data provides a more robust prediction of the relative influence of genetic effects such as hair color on BMI. Future studies may contribute to identifying more association between genes involved in hair pigmentation and BMI variation.
C‐Reactive Protein +1444C/T Polymorphism Is Associated with the Susceptibility to Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Xu Yuzhong , Cheng Minggang , Wang Xiong
Published: December 2020

Objective. The T allele of C‐reactive protein (CRP) +1444C/T (rs1130864) polymorphism was associated with increased risk for some inflammatory conditions. The objective of the study was to explore the association between the CRP +1444C/T polymorphism with the susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in a Chinese population. Methods. This case‐control study enrolled 480 PTB patients and 480 healthy controls. The CRP +1444C/T polymorphism was determined using Sanger sequencing. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were assessed to examine the strength of genetic correlation. Results. The genotype and allele frequencies of PTB patients differed from controls (CT vs. CC, OR = 1.924, 95% CI: 1.099‐3.371, adjusted P value = 0.022; T vs. C, OR = 1.884, 95% CI: 1.085‐3.273, adjusted P value = 0.024). Stratified analysis by sex found that PTB patients’ genotype and allele frequencies differed from controls in the male subgroup but not the female subgroup. Conclusion. In conclusion, the minor T allele of CRP +1444C/T polymorphism was associated with increased PTB risk.
Experimental Study on Shear Behavior and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Nonpersistent Joints
Authors: Jiang Yujing , Chen Yongqiang , Cheng Xianzhen , Luan Hengjie , Zhang Sunhao , Zhao Qizheng , Han Wei
Published: December 2020

The shear behavior of rock discontinuities controls the stability of rock masses to a great extent. In this paper, laboratory shear tests were performed on rock-like materials with different cracks to study the effect of nonpersistent joints on the shear behavior of rock masses. The results show that the variation trends of the shear stress-displacement curves of specimens with different cracks are generally similar and have the same stage characteristics. When the crack length is relatively short, the elastic stage is prolonged, the peak shear strength decreases, and the shear displacement corresponding to the peak shear strength and the residual shear strength increases with the increase of the crack length. When the crack length is relatively long, the elastic stage is shortened, the peak shear strength decreases, and the shear displacement corresponding to the peak shear strength increases with the increase of the crack length. The peak shear stress gradually decreases with the increase of the crack length. The shear strength of the specimens with unilateral cracks is much higher than that of the specimens with bilateral cracks. The shear strength of the specimens is affected not only by the crack length but also by the crack distribution. The acoustic emission (AE) count peak occurs when the shear stress drops sharply and has an inverse “S”-type variation trend with the increase of the crack length. The inclination angle of the fracture decreases, the roughness of the fracture surface decreases, and the proportion of the wear area on the fracture surface increases gradually with the increase of the crack length. The AE source decreases with the increase of the crack length, and their locations are obviously asymmetric. This work can greatly contribute to the insight into the shear failure mechanism of rock discontinuities with nonpersistent joints.
Construction of Virtual Reality-Interactive Classroom Based on Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Chen Weijie , Liu Xiaoxi , Qiao Lei , Wang Jian , Zhao Yanheng
Published: December 2020

The traditional classroom has been impacted by the digital teaching resources. Students are no longer satisfied with the traditional teaching mode of teacher teaching and student learning. Combined with the characteristics of a virtual reality-interactive classroom, the design of a virtual reality-interactive classroom based on the deep learning algorithm is proposed. This paper divides the teaching activities of the VR-interactive classroom into two parts: in-class learning activities and after-class learning activities. The software is used to design the interactive test. The emphasis and difficulty in the virtual reality-interactive classroom are taken as the development object to realize the construction of the virtual reality-interactive classroom. The simulation results show that the statistical output of teaching quality evaluation can be obtained from the quantitative regression analysis of the factors involved in VR classroom participation.
Safety of 3‐Month Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Implantation of Ultrathin Sirolimus‐Eluting Stents With Biodegradable Polymer (Orsiro): Results From the SMART‐CHOICE Trial
Authors: Yun Kyeong Ho , Lee Seung‐Yul , Cho Byung Ryul , Jang Woo Jin , Song Young Bin , Oh Ju‐Hyeon , Chun Woo Jung , Park Yong Hwan , Im Eul‐Soon , Jeong Jin‐Ok , Oh Seok Kyu , Cho Deok‐Kyu , Lee Jong‐Young , Koh Young‐Youp , Bae Jang‐Whan , Choi Jae Woong , Lee Wang Soo , Yoon Hyuck Jun , Lee Seung Uk , Cho Jang Hyun , Choi Woong Gil , Rha Seung‐Woon , Lee Joo Myung , Park Taek Kyu , Yang Jeong Hoon , Choi Jin‐Ho , Choi Seung‐Hyuck , Lee Sang Hoon , Gwon Hyeon‐Cheol , Hahn Joo‐Yong , Kim Dong‐Bin , Cho Sang Cheol , Hwang Sun‐Ho , Jeon Dong Woon , Ryu Jae Kean , Kim Moo‐Hyun , Chae In‐Ho , Kim Sang‐Hyun , Kim Hack‐Lyoung , Jin Dong Kyu , Suh Il Woo , Park Jong Seon , Shin Eun‐Seok , Kim Shin‐Jae , Cheong Sang‐Sig , Ho Kyeong , Lee Sung Yun , Lee Jong‐Young , Chae Jei Keon , Yang Yong Mo , Jeong Jin‐Ok , Bae Jang‐Whan , Choi Joon‐Hyouk
Published: December 2020

Background

This study sought to investigate the safety of 3‐month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients receiving ultrathin sirolimus‐eluting stents with biodegradable polymer (Orsiro).

Methods and Results

The SMART‐CHOICE (Smart Angioplasty Research Team: Comparison Between P2Y12 Antagonist Monotherapy vs Dual Anti‐ platelet Therapy in Patients Undergoing Implantation of Coronary Drug‐Eluting Stents) randomized trial compared 3‐month DAPT followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy with 12‐month DAPT in 2993 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The present analysis was a prespecified subgroup analysis for patients receiving Orsiro stents. As a post hoc analysis, comparisons between Orsiro and everolimus‐eluting stents were also done among patients receiving 3‐month DAPT. Of 972 patients receiving Orsiro stents, 481 patients were randomly assigned to 3‐month DAPT and 491 to 12‐month DAPT. At 12 months, the target vessel failure, defined as a composite of cardiac death, target vessel–related myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization, occurred in 8 patients (1.7%) in the 3‐month DAPT group and in 14 patients (2.9%) in the 12‐month DAPT group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.58; 95% CI, 0.24–1.39;
P
=0.22). In whole population who were randomly assigned to receive 3‐month DAPT (n=1495), there was no significant difference in the target vessel failure between the Orsiro group and the everolimus‐eluting stent group (n=1014) (1.7% versus 1.8%; HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.41–2.22;
P
=0.92).

Conclusions

In patients receiving Orsiro stents, clinical outcomes at 1 year were similar between the 3‐month DAPT followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy and 12‐month DAPT strategies. With 3‐month DAPT, there was no significant difference in target vessel failure between Orsiro and everolimus‐eluting stents.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02079194.
Introduction
Authors: Akhtar Rajnaara C. , Al-Sharmani Mulki , Moors Annelies
Published: December 2020

Muslim marriages are far from homogeneous, and the inherent variability of norms and practices is often missing in the framing of such marriages in Western societies. Marriage and family laws in Muslim-majority contexts are sights of contention, debate, and development. These debates often centre around family as a site of state governance driven by overlapping national and international agendas; gender equality and calls for marriage law reform; and tensions between Islamic jurisprudence, state laws, and lived realities. This introductory article sets the scene for this special issue focussing on the plurality of norms and practices in Muslim marriages within Muslim-majority jurisdictions.
Juvenile spider riding a bug—phoresy in Baltic amber?

Authors: HEISS ERNST
Published: December 2020

Phoretic dispersal of arachnids (e.g., Araneae, Pseudoscorpions, mites) clinging to insects (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera etc.) are reported from extant species and fossil inclusions preserved in amber. A Baltic amber piece contains a piesmatid (Heteroptera, Piesmatidae) carrying a juvenile spider (Araneae, cf. Clubionidae) on its back. This is the first report of such an association between a bug and a spider and it is questioned herein, what might be the reason for the documented assemblage.
Nanoliposomal Cercodemasoide A and Its Improved Activities Against NTERA-2 Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Nga Nguyen Thi , Phuong Do Thi , Cuc Nguyen Thi , Phuong Trieu Ha , Huong Pham Thi Mai , Cuong Nguyen Xuan , Huu Tai Bui , Van Kiem Phan , Thao Do Thi
Published: December 2020

Recently, saponins derived from marine sources have received much attention because of their promising bioactivities, such as anticancer, anti-angiogenesis, and anti-inflammation. In particular, a triterpene saponin from the sea cucumber Cercodemas anceps Selenka, cercodemasoide A (CAN1), showed potent cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines. Recent evidence has indicated that cancer stem cells (CSCs) could be a novel target for efficient cancer therapies. In order to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of CAN1, the compound was loaded into nanoliposomes as an ideal drug carrier. CAN1 was successfully incorporated into nanoliposomes as small unilamellar liposome vesicles with an average size of 73.39 ± 1.57 nm, zeta potential of −0.299 ± 0.046 mV, polydispersity index of 0.336 ± 0.038, and with an encapsulation efficiency of up to 62.9%. For the first time, CAN1 and its nanoliposomal forms have been shown to have a promising cytotoxic activity against NTERA-2 CSCs, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) =1.03 ± 0.04 and 0.41 ± 0.03 µM, respectively. The CAN1 nanoliposomes also presented significantly improved activities in suppressing the growth of NTERA-2 3-dimensional tumorspheres (IC50 = 1.71 ± 0.06 µM) in comparison with the free form ( P < .05). The anti-CSC effects of CAN1 nanoliposomes on NTERA-2 cells were due to their apoptotic induction through enhancing caspase-3 activity (more than 2-fold) and arresting the cell cycle at the S phase ( P < .05). The obtained CAN1-encapsulated nanoliposomes suggest valuable applications in CSC-targeting treatment for more efficient clinical therapy.
A comprehensive evaluation of long read error correction methods
Authors: Zhang Haowen , Jain Chirag , Aluru Srinivas
Published: December 2020

Background

Third-generation single molecule sequencing technologies can sequence long reads, which is advancing the frontiers of genomics research. However, their high error rates prohibit accurate and efficient downstream analysis. This difficulty has motivated the development of many long read error correction tools, which tackle this problem through sampling redundancy and/or leveraging accurate short reads of the same biological samples. Existing studies to asses these tools use simulated data sets, and are not sufficiently comprehensive in the range of software covered or diversity of evaluation measures used.

Results

In this paper, we present a categorization and review of long read error correction methods, and provide a comprehensive evaluation of the corresponding long read error correction tools. Leveraging recent real sequencing data, we establish benchmark data sets and set up evaluation criteria for a comparative assessment which includes quality of error correction as well as run-time and memory usage. We study how trimming and long read sequencing depth affect error correction in terms of length distribution and genome coverage post-correction, and the impact of error correction performance on an important application of long reads, genome assembly. We provide guidelines for practitioners for choosing among the available error correction tools and identify directions for future research.

Conclusions

Despite the high error rate of long reads, the state-of-the-art correction tools can achieve high correction quality. When short reads are available, the best hybrid methods outperform non-hybrid methods in terms of correction quality and computing resource usage. When choosing tools for use, practitioners are suggested to be careful with a few correction tools that discard reads, and check the effect of error correction tools on downstream analysis. Our evaluation code is available as open-source athttps://github.com/haowenz/LRECE.
Knowledge of dentists, dental auxiliaries, and students regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Shahin Suliman Y. , Bugshan Amr S. , Almulhim Khalid S. , AlSharief Mishali S. , Al-Dulaijan Yousif A. , Siddiqui Intisar , al-Qarni Faisal D.
Published: December 2020

Background

This study aimed to assess the knowledge of dental professionals in Saudi Arabia regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

A questionnaire was developed to assess various dental professionals from both governmental and private sectors through online and social media outlets.

Results

A total of 1,033 questionnaires were collected (273 dental students, 193 dental auxiliary personnel, 544 dentists). In all, 63.4% of the respondents worked in hospitals. Of all the respondents, 44.9%, 33.4%, and 21.7% worked in governmental clinics, academia, and the private sector, respectively. Overall knowledge of the incubation period and route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was consistent across all dental professions. Knowledge of hand-soap cleaning time was significantly different among dental professionals (p < 0.001). Dental professionals displayed significant disagreement on the survival of SARS-CoV-2 outside the host (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 75.1% of the respondents were reluctant to treat a suspected COVID-19 patient, and 92% of the participants believed that the mode of transmission was droplet inhalation. Fever, coughing, and shortness of breath were identified as the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Most standard methods of prevention in the dental office were selected by at least 50% of the participants.

Conclusions

Dental professionals seem to be consistent regarding their knowledge of the incubation period of SARS-CoV-2. However, knowledge of viral survivability and recommended hand-soap washing time was significantly variable among the professionals. A high degree of apprehension toward suspected COVID-19 patients existed among all dental professionals. Pandemic-awareness campaigns are essential among healthcare providers.
Correction to: Status of racial disparities between black and white women undergoing assisted reproductive technology in the US
Authors: Seifer David B. , Simsek Burcin , Wantman Ethan , Kotlyar Alexander M.
Published: December 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
The epidemiological characteristics of deaths with COVID-19 in the early stage of epidemic in Wuhan, China
Authors: Bai Jianjun , Shi Fang , Cao Jinhong , Wen Haoyu , Wang Fang , Mubarik Sumaira , Liu Xiaoxue , Yu Yong , Ding Jianbo , Yu Chuanhua
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 related deaths in Wuhan, China and comprehend the changing trends of this epidemic along with analyzing the prevention and control measures in Wuhan.

Methods

Through the China’s Infectious Disease Information System, we collected information about COVID-19 associated deaths from December 15, 2019 to February 24, 2020 in Wuhan. We analyzed the patient’s demographic characteristics, drew epidemiological curve and made geographic distribution maps of the death toll in each district over time, etc. ArcGIS was used to plot the numbers of daily deaths on maps. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS and @Risk software.

Results

As of February 24, 2020, a total of 1833 deaths were included. Among the deaths with COVID-19, mild type accounted for the most (37.2%), followed by severe type (30.1%). The median age was 70.0 (inter quartile range: 63.0–79.0) years. Most of the deaths were distributed in 50–89 age group, whereas no deaths occurred in 0–9 age group. Additionally, the male to female ratio was 1.95:1. A total of 65.7% of the deaths in Wuhan combined with underlying diseases, and was more pronounced among males. Most of the underlying diseases included hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The peak of daily deaths appeared on February 14 and then declined. The median interval from symptom onset to diagnosis was 10.0 (6.0–14.0) days; the interval from onset to diagnosis gradually shortened. The median intervals from diagnosis to death and symptom onset to deaths were 6.0 (2.0–11.0), 17.0 (12.0–22.0) days, respectively. Most of the disease was centralized in central urban area with highest death rate in Jianghan District.

Conclusion

COVID-19 poses a greater threat to the elderly people and men with more devastating effects, particularly in the presence of underlying diseases. The geographical distributions show that the epidemic in the central area of Wuhan is more serious than that in the surrounding areas. Analysis of deaths as of February 24 indicates that a tremendous improvement of COVID-19 epidemic in Wuhan has achieved by effective control measures taken by Wuhan Government.
Effect of epigallocatechin gallate on aluminum chloride-induced changes in behavior, biochemical parameters, and spermatogenesis of Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Parasuraman Subramani , Qin Brenda Ngu Yen , Hui Lam Chew , Beng James Yu Kar
Published: December 2020

Background

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) acts as an antioxidant by preventing oxidative stress. The effect of EGCG on aluminum-induced testicular injury is not clear. Hence, the present study is planned to investigate the effect of EGCG on aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced changes in behavior, biochemical parameters, and spermatogenesis in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were divided into six groups with six animals each. All the animals were administered with respective assigned treatment once daily for 28 days. The animals in groups I to VI were administered with drug vehicle, AlCl3, vitamin C, EGCG, vitamin C, and EGCG, respectively. The animals in groups V and VI were additionally challenged with AlCl3 (10 mg/kg) immediately after vitamin C and EGCG administration, respectively. Changes in behavior were measured on day 1, 14 and 28. At the end of the study, the blood sample was collected from all the animals, and the serum was separated and used for biochemical analysis. Later, the rats were subjected to bilateral orchiectomy; sperm was collected from the cauda epididymis for microscopic examination. Then, the animals were sacrificed, and the organs such as the brain, lungs, heart, liver, kidney, spleen, and testis were collected for organ weight analysis.

Results

The animal administered with AlCl3 showed a reduction in locomotor activity, grip strength, and escape latency time whereas vitamin C prevented the effect of AlCl3. But, EGCG did not show any significant changes in AlCl3-induced behavioral and biochemical changes. At the end of the study, vitamin C prevented AlCl3-induced behavioral and biochemical changes. The group of animals administered with AlCl3 showed a reduction in the number of spermatozoa whereas AlCl3 + vitamin C and AlCl3 + EGCG did not show any significant changes in the number of spermatozoa when compared to the control group.

Conclusion

EGCG prevented AlCl3-induced reduction in epididymal sperm count of male rats and did not show any significant effect on AlCl3-induced changes in behavior and biochemical parameters, whereas vitamin C had an ameliorative effect on AlCl3-induced changes in behavior, biochemical parameter, and spermatogenesis.

Graphical abstract
Extraosseous Ewing sarcoma presenting as recurrent intergluteal pilonidal disease
Authors: Sewell Marisa A. , Hulka Frieda M. , Zucker Jacob P.
Published: December 2020

Background

Pilonidal disease classically presents as an abscess or soft tissue swelling which classically occurs in the intergluteal cleft, just above the anus. Risk factors for this disease include obesity, prolonged sitting, and abundance of gluteal hair. Treatment options are extensive but most often include incision and drainage with antibiotic treatment. Presentation of recurrent intergluteal pilonidal disease in a young, active female would then be unusual. We present a case of a 17-year-old female presenting with what appeared to be intergluteal pilonidal disease. Definitive excision with histopathology revealed a diagnosis of extraosseous Ewing sarcoma.

Case presentation

An otherwise healthy and active 17-year-old female presented to our Pediatric Oncology clinic with a 2-month history of recurrent painful soft tissue swelling of the intergluteal cleft. At that time, she had been diagnosed with pilonidal abscess and had already undergone three incision and drainage procedures. A definitive excision with pathology was performed within weeks of her initial presentation. Immunohistochemical evaluation confirmed a diagnosis of extraosseous Ewing sarcoma.

Conclusion

This unusual case underlies the importance of considering a broad differential when evaluating potential pilonidal abscess in a patient who otherwise has no risk factors. Additionally, definitive excision with pathology is critical in a patient with unusually recurrent disease as this can be crucial in the identification of an alternative, and potentially devastating, diagnosis.
Plasma Bile Acids More Closely Align With Insulin Resistance, Visceral and Hepatic Adiposity Than Total Adiposity
Authors: Bishay Ramy H , Tonks Katherine T , George Jacob , Samocha-Bonet Dorit , Meyerowitz-Katz Gideon , Chisholm Donald J , James David E , Greenfield Jerry R
Published: December 2020

Context

The etiological mechanism of bile acid (BA) effects on insulin resistance and obesity is unknown.

Objective

This work aimed to determine whether plasma BAs are elevated in human obesity and/or insulin resistance.

Methods

This observational study was conducted at an academic research center. Seventy-one adult volunteers formed 4 groups: lean insulin-sensitive (body mass index [BMI] ≤ 25 kg/m2, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR] < 2.0, n = 19), overweight/obese nondiabetic who were either insulin sensitive (Obsensitive, BMI > 25 kg/m2, HOMA-IR < 1.5, n = 11) or insulin resistant (Obresistant, BMI > 25 kg/m2, HOMA-IR > 3.0, n = 20), and type 2 diabetes (T2D, n = 21). Main outcome measures included insulin sensitivity by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, body composition by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, abdominal fat distribution, and liver density by computed tomography and plasma BA.

Results

In the Obresistant group, glucose infusion rate/fat-free mass (GIR/FFM, an inverse measure of insulin resistance) was significantly lower, and visceral and liver fat higher, compared to lean and Obsensitive individuals, despite similar total adiposity in Obresistant and Obsensitive. Total BA concentrations were higher in Obresistant (2.62 ± 0.333 mmol/L, P = .03) and T2D (3.36 ± 0.582 mmol/L, P < .001) vs Obsensitive (1.16 ± 0.143 mmol/L), but were similar between Obsensitive and lean (2.31 ± 0.329 mmol/L) individuals. Total BAs were positively associated with waist circumference (R = 0.245, P = .041), visceral fat (R = 0.360, P = .002), and fibroblast growth factor 21 (R = 0.341, P = .004) and negatively associated with insulin sensitivity (R = –0.395, P = .001), abdominal subcutaneous fat (R = –0.352, P = .003), adiponectin (R = –0.375, P = .001), and liver fat (Hounsfield units, an inverse marker of liver fat, R = –0.245, P = .04). Conjugated BAs were additionally elevated in T2D individuals (P < .001).

Conclusions

BA concentrations correlated with abdominal, visceral, and liver fat in humans, though an etiological role in insulin resistance remains to be verified.
Microwave-specific Enhancement of Nazarov Cyclization
Authors: Kubota Yusuke , Kawanori Tatsuki , Sawada Taichi , Saito Kodai , Yamada Tohru
Published: December 2020

A copper-catalyzed Nazarov cyclization was carried out under conventional heating conditions and microwave conditions. Under strictly temperature-controlled conditions, the use of microwave irradiation improved the chemical yields. Consequently, the kinetic rate of the microwave irradiation was 5.8 times higher than that of the conventional heating conditions. These observations suggested that the microwave specific effects enhanced the efficiency of the Nazarov reaction.
Covalent Organic Frameworks for Sunlight-driven Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Huang Xiaofeng , Zhang Yue-Biao
Published: December 2020

An energy crisis is presently encountered with a promising opportunity for the rise of hydrogen technology, while feasible production of hydrogen calls for sophisticated structural design of water-splitting photocatalysts in terms of light harvesting and photogenerated exciton separation. Tuning to these can be anticipated from reticular synthesis of a newly emerging porous crystalline materials, covalent organic frameworks (COFs). In this review, we highlight synthetic strategies to modulate the photocatalytic water splitting performance. Future investigations regarding mechanistic aspects of the photocatalytic process of COFs are also outlined.
ЦВЕТОВЫЕ МЕТАФОРЫ В РЕКЛАМНОМ ТУРИСТИЧЕСКОМ НАРРАТИВЕ
Authors: Menshikova Ekaterina Evgen’evna
Published: December 2020

Цель. Настоящее исследование посвящено выявлению особенностей метафоризации цветообозначений в рекламном туристическом нарративе.Метод или методология проведения работы. Методами исследования послужили описательный метод, включающий приёмы наблюдения, обобщения, когнитивной интерпретации и классификации; метод сплошной выборки и анализа лексических единиц.Результаты. В ходе анализа материала установлено, что вторичные цветообозначения в рекламном туристическом нарративе в большинстве своем являются адъективными метафорами цвета. Автором представлена классификация адъективных метафор по основному цвету, а также классификация цветовых метафор по мотивировочным признакам. Показано, что лексические единицы с вторичной цветовой номинацией активно используются для образования сравнительных конструкций, окказиональных цветовых метафор. Выявлено, что характерным является использование прецедентных феноменов, имеющих в своем составе вторичные цветообозначения. Сделан вывод о том, что метафора выступает продуктивным способом формирования вторичных цветообозначений в рекламном туристическом нарративе.Область применения. Материалы могут включаться в курсы и модули преподавания языкознания и лексикологии. Практическая значимость исследования заключается также в возможности применения изложенных теоретических положений и практических результатов в лекционных курсах некоторых разделов по лингвокультурологии и межкультурной коммуникации.