bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of a new triterpenoid disaccharide saponin from sequential glycosylation of ganoderic acid A by 2 Bacillus glycosyltransferases
Authors: Chang Te-Sheng , Chiang Chien-Min , Wu Jiumn-Yih , Tsai Yu-Li , Ting Huei-Ju
Published: February 2021

Ganoderic acid A (GAA) is a lanostane-type triterpenoid, isolated from medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum, and possesses multiple bioactivities. In the present study, GAA was sequentially biotransformed by 2 recently discovered Bacillus glycosyltransferases (GT), BtGT_16345 and BsGT110, and the final product was purified and identified as a new compound, GAA-15,26-O-β-diglucoside, which showed 1024-fold aqueous solubility than GAA.
NMCMDA: neural multicategory MiRNA–disease association prediction
Authors: Wang Jingru , Li Jin , Yue Kun , Wang Li , Ma Yuyun , Li Qing
Published: February 2021

Motivation

There is growing evidence showing that the dysregulations of miRNAs cause diseases through various kinds of the underlying mechanism. Thus, predicting the multiple-category associations between microRNAs (miRNAs) and diseases plays an important role in investigating the roles of miRNAs in diseases. Moreover, in contrast with traditional biological experiments which are time-consuming and expensive, computational approaches for the prediction of multicategory miRNA–disease associations are time-saving and cost-effective that are highly desired for us.

Results

We present a novel data-driven end-to-end learning-based method of neural multiple-category miRNA–disease association prediction (NMCMDA) for predicting multiple-category miRNA–disease associations. The NMCMDA has two main components: (i) encoder operates directly on the miRNA–disease heterogeneous network and leverages Graph Neural Network to learn miRNA and disease latent representations, respectively. (ii) Decoder yields miRNA–disease association scores with the learned latent representations as input. Various kinds of encoders and decoders are proposed for NMCMDA. Finally, the NMCMDA with the encoder of Relational Graph Convolutional Network and the neural multirelational decoder (NMR-RGCN) achieves the best prediction performance. We compared the NMCMDA with other baselines on three experimental datasets. The experimental results show that the NMR-RGCN is significantly superior to the state-of-the-art method TDRC in terms of Top-1 precision, Top-1 Recall, and Top-1 F1. Additionally, case studies are provided for two high-risk human diseases (namely, breast cancer and lung cancer) and we also provide the prediction and validation of top-10 miRNA–disease-category associations based on all known data of HMDD v3.2, which further validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
Procne in Toni Morrison’s Beloved
Authors: Cullhed Sigrid Schottenius
Published: February 2021

Sethe Suggs, the protagonist in Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved, is often compared to Medea. The same analogy with the Colchian princess was often made by contemporaries in relation to Margaret Garner, the historical person on whose life the novel is loosely based. An enslaved African-American woman in the mid-nineteenth century, Garner killed her own daughter after being found by her former owner and was styled a ‘Modern Medea’ in the press. Despite Morrison’s dislike of the comparison as well as its obvious asymmetries, it has become so prominent in recent scholarship on Beloved that it tends to eclipse other elements of classical mythology in the novel. This article explores the hermeneutic productivity of reading Sethe’s infanticide against the backdrop of the myth of Procne and Philomela.
The reduced left ventricular stroke volume does not fully recover after pulmonary valve replacement in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Yasukawa Takashi , Hoashi Takaya , Imai Kenta , Okuda Naoki , Fukuda Tetsuya , Ohuchi Hideo , Kurosaki Kenichi , Ichikawa Hajime
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVES

The present study was conducted to investigate the decrease in left ventricular stroke volume index (LVSVI) that is caused by pulmonary regurgitation-induced right heart dysfunction and its clinical implications before and after pulmonary valve replacement (PVR).

METHODS

Between January 2010 and December 2019, 30 adults who underwent surgical PVR for chronic pulmonary regurgitation with right ventricular dilation late after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair were included. All patients were evaluated using cardiac magnetic resonance before PVR. The median interval from TOF repair to PVR was 29 [25th, 75th percentile: 25, 37] years. The median pulmonary regurgitation fraction and right ventricular end-diastolic volume index were 56 [48, 66] % and 203 [187, 239] ml/m2. Twenty-three patients (76.7%) were re-evaluated 1 year after PVR.

RESULTS

Before PVR, the median LVSVI was 40 [35, 46] ml/beat/m2. A lower LVSVI was associated with a longer interval from TOF repair to PVR (r = −0.40, P = 0.029) and a lower right ventricular ejection fraction (r = 0.52, P = 0.004). A lower LVSVI was not associated with a higher right ventricular end-diastolic volume index. LVSVI remained unchanged after PVR. The patients were subdivided into Normal-stroke volume index (SVI) and Subnormal-SVI groups using the preoperative LVSVI cut-off value of 35 mL/beat/m2. Compared with the Normal-SVI group, the Subnormal-SVI group had a higher incidence of ablation therapy before PVR (4.7 vs 2.3 patient-years, P = 0.044). After PVR, LVSVI in the Subnormal-SVI group was still lower (40 [34, 42] vs 44 [42, 47] ml/beat/m2, P = 0.038) despite the right ventricular end-diastolic volume index normalization. There was no difference in the clinical event incidence between the 2 groups during the follow-up period. Brain natriuretic peptide level in the Subnormal-SVI group was higher within 3 years after PVR (P = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced left ventricular stroke volume did not fully recover after PVR. PVR for patients with repaired TOF should be performed before the left ventricular stroke volume begins to decrease.
Using metaphor elicitation with pre-primary children learning English
Authors: Ellis Gail , Ibrahim Nayr
Published: February 2021

This article reports on a study that investigates children’s experiences and perceptions of English language learning by using a metaphor elicitation technique. Giving children a voice in the early years recognizes children as individuals and as active and capable participants in their own learning. It gives both children and teachers an insight into the language learning process and contributes to a more learner-centred pedagogy. Previous studies using this technique have shown that children are creative and capable of giving their own metaphorical representations of their English language learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom. This study includes bilingual and EFL four- and five-year-olds’ representations in the form of a ‘My learning English senses’ zig-zag book, which provides an affective, personal record of their early English language learning experiences. The findings confirm the extent to which children of this age group operate mainly in the ‘here and now’.
Rates of gene conversions between Escherichia coli ribosomal operons
Authors: Gifford Isaac , Dasgupta Aurko , Barrick Jeffrey E
Published: February 2021

Due to their universal presence and high sequence conservation, ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences are used widely in phylogenetics for inferring evolutionary relationships between microbes and in metagenomics for analyzing the composition of microbial communities. Most microbial genomes encode multiple copies of rRNA genes to supply cells with sufficient capacity for protein synthesis. These copies typically undergo concerted evolution that keeps their sequences identical, or nearly so, due to gene conversion, a type of intragenomic recombination that changes one copy of a homologous sequence to exactly match another. Widely varying rates of rRNA gene conversion have previously been estimated by comparative genomics methods and using genetic reporter assays. To more directly measure rates of rRNA intragenomic recombination, we sequenced the seven Escherichia coli rRNA operons in 15 lineages that were evolved for ∼13,750 generations with frequent single-cell bottlenecks that reduce the effects of selection. We identified 38 gene conversion events and estimated an overall rate of intragenomic recombination within the 16S and 23S genes between rRNA copies of 3.6 × 10−4 per genome per generation or 8.6 × 10−6 per rRNA operon per homologous donor operon per generation. This rate varied only slightly from random expectations at different sites within the rRNA genes and between rRNA operons located at different positions in the genome. Our accurate estimate of the rate of rRNA gene conversions fills a gap in our quantitative understanding of how ribosomal sequences and other multicopy elements diversify and homogenize during microbial genome evolution.
Linking anthocyanin diversity, hue, and genetics in purple corn
Authors: Chatham Laura A , Juvik John A
Published: February 2021

While maize with anthocyanin-rich pericarp (purple corn) is rising in popularity as a source of natural colorant for foods and beverages, information on color range and stability—factors associated with anthocyanin decorations and compositional profiles—is currently limited. Furthermore, to maximize the scalability and meet growing demands, both anthocyanin concentrations and agronomic performance must improve in purple corn varieties. Using the natural anthocyanin diversity present in a purple corn landrace, Apache Red, we generated a population with variable flavonoid profiles—flavanol–anthocyanin condensed forms (0–83%), acylated anthocyanins (2–72%), pelargonidin-derived anthocyanins (5–99%), C-glycosyl flavone co-pigments up to 1904 µg/g, and with anthocyanin content up to 1598 µg/g. Each aspect of the flavonoid profiles was found to play a role in either the resulting extract hue or intensity. With genotyping-by-sequencing of this population, we mapped aspects of the flavonoid profile. Major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for anthocyanin type were found near loci previously identified only in aleurone-pigmented maize varieties [Purple aleurone1 (Pr1) and Anthocyanin acyltransferase1 (Aat1)]. A QTL near P1 (Pericarp color1) was found for both flavone content and flavanol–anthocyanin condensed forms. A significant QTL associated with peonidin-derived anthocyanins near a candidate S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase was also identified, warranting further investigation. Mapping total anthocyanin content produced signals near Aat1, the aleurone-associated bHLH R1 (Colored1), the plant color-associated MYB, Pl1 (Purple plant1), the aleurone-associated recessive intensifier, In1 (Intensifier1), and several previously unidentified candidates. This population represents one of the most anthocyanin diverse pericarp-pigmented maize varieties characterized to date. Moreover, the candidates identified here will serve as branching points for future research studying the genetic and molecular processes determining anthocyanin profile in pericarp.
Transposable Element Mobilization in Interspecific Yeast Hybrids
Authors: Smukowski Heil Caiti , Patterson Kira , Hickey Angela Shang-Mei , Alcantara Erica , Dunham Maitreya J
Published: February 2021

Barbara McClintock first hypothesized that interspecific hybridization could provide a “genomic shock” that leads to the mobilization of transposable elements (TEs). This hypothesis is based on the idea that regulation of TE movement is potentially disrupted in hybrids. However, the handful of studies testing this hypothesis have yielded mixed results. Here, we set out to identify if hybridization can increase transposition rate and facilitate colonization of TEs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae × Saccharomyces uvarum interspecific yeast hybrids. Saccharomyces cerevisiae have a small number of active long terminal repeat retrotransposons (Ty elements), whereas their distant relative S. uvarum have lost the Ty elements active in S. cerevisiae. Although the regulation system of Ty elements is known in S. cerevisiae, it is unclear how Ty elements are regulated in other Saccharomyces species, and what mechanisms contributed to the loss of most classes of Ty elements in S. uvarum. Therefore, we first assessed whether TEs could insert in the S. uvarum sub-genome of a S. cerevisiae × S. uvarum hybrid. We induced transposition to occur in these hybrids and developed a sequencing technique to show that Ty elements insert readily and nonrandomly in the S. uvarum genome. We then used an in vivo reporter construct to directly measure transposition rate in hybrids, demonstrating that hybridization itself does not alter rate of mobilization. However, we surprisingly show that species-specific mitochondrial inheritance can change transposition rate by an order of magnitude. Overall, our results provide evidence that hybridization can potentially facilitate the introduction of TEs across species boundaries and alter transposition via mitochondrial transmission, but that this does not lead to unrestrained proliferation of TEs suggested by the genomic shock theory.
The rates of introgression and barriers to genetic exchange between hybridizing species: sex chromosomesvsautosomes
Authors: Fraïsse Christelle , Sachdeva Himani
Published: February 2021

Interspecific crossing experiments have shown that sex chromosomes play a major role in reproductive isolation between many pairs of species. However, their ability to act as reproductive barriers, which hamper interspecific genetic exchange, has rarely been evaluated quantitatively compared to Autosomes. This genome-wide limitation of gene flow is essential for understanding the complete separation of species, and thus speciation. Here, we develop a mainland-island model of secondary contact between hybridizing species of an XY (or ZW) sexual system. We obtain theoretical predictions for the frequency of introgressed alleles, and the strength of the barrier to neutral gene flow for the two types of chromosomes carrying multiple interspecific barrier loci. Theoretical predictions are obtained for scenarios where introgressed alleles are rare. We show that the same analytical expressions apply for sex chromosomes and autosomes, but with different sex-averaged effective parameters. The specific features of sex chromosomes (hemizygosity and absence of recombination in the heterogametic sex) lead to reduced levels of introgression on the X (or Z) compared to autosomes. This effect can be enhanced by certain types of sex-biased forces, but it remains overall small (except when alleles causing incompatibilities are recessive). We discuss these predictions in the light of empirical data comprising model-based tests of introgression and cline surveys in various biological systems.
Associations Between Potentially Modifiable and Nonmodifiable Risk Factors and Gait Speed in Middle- and Older-Aged Adults: Results From the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Figgins Erica , Choi Yun-Hee , Speechley Mark , Montero-Odasso Manuel
Published: February 2021

Background

Gait speed is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Understanding the factors associated with gait speed and the associated adverse outcomes will inform mitigation strategies. We assessed the potentially modifiable and nonmodifiable factors associated with gait speed in a large national cohort of middle and older-aged Canadian adults.

Methods

We examined cross-sectional baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) Comprehensive cohort. The study sample included 20 201 community-dwelling adults aged 45–85 years. The associations between sociodemographic and anthropometric factors, chronic conditions, and cognitive, clinical, and lifestyle factors and 4-m usual gait speed (m/s) were estimated using hierarchical multivariable linear regression.

Results

The coefficient of determination, R 2, of the final regression model was 19.7%, with 12.9% of gait speed variability explained by sociodemographic and anthropometric factors, and nonmodifiable chronic conditions and 6.8% explained by potentially modifiable chronic conditions, cognitive, clinical, and lifestyle factors. Potentially modifiable factors significantly associated with gait speed include cardiovascular conditions (unstandardized regression coefficient, B = −0.018; p < .001), stroke (B = −0.025; p = .003), hypertension (B = −0.007; p = .026), serum Vitamin D (B = 0.004; p < .001), C-reactive protein (B = −0.005; p = .005), depressive symptoms (B = −0.003; p < .001), physical activity (B = 0.0001; p < .001), grip strength (B = 0.003; p < .001), current smoking (B = −0.026; p < .001), severe obesity (B = −0.086; p < .001), and chronic pain (B = −0.008; p = .018).

Conclusions

The correlates of gait speed in adulthood are multifactorial, with many being potentially modifiable through interventions and education. Our results provide a life-course-perspective framework for future longitudinal assessments risk factors affecting gait speed.
Age-Related Changes in the Role of Social Motivation: Implications for Healthy Aging
Authors: Isaacowitz Derek M , Freund Alexandra M , Mayr Ulrich , Rothermund Klaus , Tobler Philippe N
Published: February 2021

Prior research has established the importance of social relations and social embeddedness for motivation in healthy aging. Thus, social orientation appears to be essential for understanding healthy aging. This article focuses particularly on age-related changes in goals concerning social orientation, such as increased prioritization of emotional goals, increased prosociality/altruistic motives, generativity, and ego transcendence. We then consider open questions regarding gaps in the links between goals related to social orientation and healthy aging, as well as the implications of theories and research on social goals for leveraging motivation to promote healthy aging. In particular, interventions to promote healthy behavior in late life may be most effective when they match the themes of older adults’ strivings to find meaning and purpose in their personal goals.
Late results after mitral valve replacement with Mosaic bioprosthesis in patients aged 65 years or younger
Authors: Chiariello Giovanni A , Beraud Anne-Sophie , Vahdat Olivier , Van Rothem Jérôme , Garcia Olivier , Soula Philippe , Berthoumieu Pierre , Abouliatim Issam
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVES

Although in younger patients indications for biological prosthesis implantation in mitral valve replacement remain controversial, recently bioprostheses use increased considerably. We present late results obtained with the Medtronic Mosaic bioprosthesis in patients aged 65 years or younger.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2017, 67 mitral Mosaic bioprostheses were implanted in patients aged 65 years or younger (58.5 ± 6.4 years). Follow-up extended up to 13 years. Survival, freedom from structural valve degeneration, endocarditis, thromboembolic events and reoperation were considered as main clinical end points evaluated at 1, 5 and 10 years.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 4.7 ± 2.8 years. Overall mortality rate was 12%. At 1, 5 and 10 years, survival was 94 ± 3%, 89 ± 4% and 77 ± 9%, respectively. Freedom from structural valve degeneration was 100%, 94 ± 4% and 71 ± 21%. Freedom from endocarditis was 95 ± 3%, 90 ± 6% and 84 ± 8%. Freedom from thromboembolic events was 94 ± 3%, 90 ± 5% and 90 ± 5%. Freedom from reoperation was 94 ± 3%, 87 ± 5% and 65 ± 19%.

CONCLUSIONS

Mosaic bioprosthesis appears a valid mitral valve substitute even when employed in ≤65-year-old patients.
Global trends in sustainability rating assessment systems and their role in achieving sustainable urban communities in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hegazy Ibrahim , Helmi Mansour , Qurnfulah Emad , Maddah Rahif , Samir Ibrahim Hossam
Published: February 2021

Sustainability as a concept is tackled a lot in contemporary urbanism due to its importance; consequently, this led to the development of global trends toward achieving it. The current research attempts to identify how sustainability could be achieved in urban design and how to comply with the global concerns. This paper tackles the experiences of the global trends toward sustainability concepts in terms of its application by examining a range of contemporary global urban examples. It depends on a comparative analytical assessment using the ‘Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Neighborhood Development, LEED-ND’ assessment system in order to address the criteria measuring the sustainability indicators for these examples. These criteria are mainly grouped under the following categories: sustainable planning and design, water management, energy management, waste management, transportation and construction materials and resources. The research mainly aims to identify strategies and criteria assisting in achieving sustainability concept and implementation in urbanism at international level and their role in achieving sustainable urban settlements in Saudi Arabia. In order to achieve this aim, the research methodology includes the following: review of the global sustainability assessment tools, review of the ‘LEED-ND’ assessment system, analytical comparative assessment of ‘King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’ and ‘Masdar City’ according to the ‘LEED-ND’ system as case studies and identifying strategies and criteria that achieve sustainability in urban design and planning.
Influence of Irradiation on the Biology of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Nguyen H N , Stringer L D , Hong K-J
Published: February 2021

Fifth-instar brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys Stål) nymphs were treated by gamma-radiation 60Co at different doses of 8–64 Gy to investigate their irradiation biology and potential for the sterile insect technique (SIT). At adult emergence, males were mated with non-irradiated virgin females to assess the longevity of both sexes, female fecundity, and egg sterility. Biological parameters of their F1 progeny were investigated to determine whether negative effects from parental exposure to radiation were inherited. Results showed that irradiation significantly reduced the lifespan of male insects at doses above 20 Gy. Irradiated males did not affect the longevity and fecundity of their female partners, nor of their resulting adult progenies, but it did reduce the developmental duration of nymphs as well as weight gain of male F1 offspring. Egg hatch was significantly reduced at all tested doses and reached complete sterility at 64 Gy. Low hatch of eggs produced by F1 or F1 crossed adults indicated that negative effects from radiation were inherited by the subsequent generation. But F1 male offspring were not less fertile than their irradiated male parent, unlike what was observed in Lepidoptera. The results support the potential for the use of SIT for H. halys management by irradiating the fifth-instar male nymphs at doses from 16 Gy to 64 Gy.
Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Flupyradifurone onBemisia tabaciMED (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Feeding Behavior and TYLCV Transmission in Tomato
Authors: Liu Baiming , Preisser Evan L , Jiao Xiaoguo , Xu Weihong , Zhang Youjun
Published: February 2021

Pesticides primarily affect target organisms via direct toxicity, but may also alter the feeding behaviors of surviving individuals in ways that alter their effect on host plants. The latter impact is especially important when pests can transmit plant pathogens. The Mediterranean (MED) population of the sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) transmits Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a pathogen that can be economically devastating in field and greenhouse cropping systems. We first assessed the impact of sublethal (LC15) and label concentrations of flupyradifurone, a butenolide-derived insecticide, on the feeding behavior of TYLCV-infected MED on tomato. We next measured the effect of flupyradifurone on plant TYLCV load, vector transmission efficiency, and MED survival. Both the LC15 and label flupyradifurone concentrations dramatically altered MED feeding and caused the near cessation of both salivation and phloem ingestion (necessary for viral transmission and acquisition, respectively). Both concentrations also significantly reduced plant TYLCV load, and the label rate of flupyradifurone sharply decreased TYLCV transmission while killing >99% of MED. As the first report of pesticide-induced changes in the feeding behavior of viruliferous Bemisia, our findings highlight the potential importance of chemically driven feeding cessation in the control of TYLCV and other Bemisia-transmitted plant pathogens.
Small, low-grade ampullary neuroendocrine tumor presenting with metastasis and multiple synchronous tumors in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report with literature review
Authors: Xiao Kevin , Swierczynski Sharon , Xiao Gary
Published: February 2021

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a tumor syndrome and one of the most common genetic disorders. Patients have an increased risk of developing neurologic and gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms, but GI lesions are often underrecognized since most cases are asymptomatic. It is extremely rare to see multiple types of abdominal tumors synchronously in NF1. In this case, we describe a patient presenting with a small, low-grade periampullary neuroendocrine tumor (NET) that underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection and later pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure). This led to findings of lymph node and distant metastasis of her NET, and the incidental discovery of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, extensive pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and main duct and side branch intraductal pancreatic mucinous neoplasm. The synchronous presence of these lesions has not been reported in the literature.
Predictors of Symptom Increase in Subsyndromal PTSD Among Previously Deployed Military Personnel
Authors: Highfill-McRoy Robyn M , Levine Jordan A , Larson Gerald E , Norman Sonya B , Schmied Emily A , Thomsen Cynthia J
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Subsyndromal PTSD (sub-PTSD) is associated with functional impairment and increased risk for full PTSD. This study examined factors associated with progression from sub-PTSD to full PTSD symptomatology among previously deployed military veterans.

Materials and Methods

Data were drawn from a longitudinal survey of Navy and Marine Corps personnel leaving military service between 2007 and 2010 administered immediately before separation (baseline) and ~1 year later (follow-up). Survey measures assessed PTSD symptoms at both times; the baseline survey also assessed potential predictors of symptom change over time. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of progression from sub-PTSD to full PTSD status.

Results

Compared to those with no or few PTSD symptoms at baseline, individuals with sub-PTSD were almost three times more likely to exhibit full PTSD symptomatology at follow-up. Risk factors for symptom increase among those with sub-PTSD included moderate or high levels of combat exposure and utilization of fewer positive coping behaviors. Use of prescribed psychotropic medication was protective against symptom increase.

Conclusion

This study identified several predictors of symptom increase in military veterans with sub-PTSD. Interventions targeting modifiable risk factors for symptom escalation, including behavioral and pharmacological treatments, may reduce rates of new-onset PTSD in this population.
The EDGE–CALIFA survey: the local and global relations between Σ*, ΣSFR, and Σmol that regulate star formation
Authors: Sánchez S F , Barrera-Ballesteros J K , Colombo D , Wong T , Bolatto A , Rosolowsky E , Vogel S , Levy R , Kalinova V , Alvarez-Hurtado P , Luo Y , Cao Y
Published: February 2021

We present a new characterization of the relations between star-formation rate, stellar mass, and molecular gas mass surface densities at different spatial scales across galaxies (from galaxy-wide to kpc scales). To do so, we make use of the largest sample combining spatially resolved spectroscopic information with CO observations, provided by the Extragalactic Database for Galaxy Evolution (EDGE)–Calar Alto Legacy Integral Field Area (CALIFA) survey, together with new single-dish CO observations obtained by the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX). We show that these relations are the same at the different scales explored, sharing the same distributions for the explored data, with similar slope, intercept, and scatter (when characterized by a simple power law). From this analysis, we propose that these relations are the projection of a single relation between the three properties that follows a distribution described well by a line in three-dimensional parameter space. Finally, we show that observed secondary relations between the residuals and the parameters considered are explained fully by the correlation between the uncertainties, and therefore have no physical origin. We discuss these results in the context of the hypothesis of self-regulation of the star-formation process.
Systematic review on the use of patient-reported outcome measures in brain tumor studies: part of the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Patient-Reported Outcome (RANO-PRO) initiative
Authors: Dirven Linda , Vos Maartje E , Walbert Tobias , Armstrong Terri S , Arons David , van den Bent Martin J , Blakeley Jaishri , Brown Paul D , Bulbeck Helen , Chang Susan M , Coens Corneel , Gilbert Mark R , Grant Robin , Jalali Rakesh , Leach Danielle , Leeper Heather , Mendoza Tito , Nayak Lakshmi , Oliver Kathy , Reijneveld Jaap C , Le Rhun Emilie , Rubinstein Larry , Weller Michael , Wen Patrick Y , Taphoorn Martin J B
Published: February 2021

Background

The Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Patient-Reported Outcome (RANO-PRO) working group aims to provide guidance on the use of PROs in brain tumor patients. PRO measures should be of high quality, both in terms of relevance and other measurement properties. This systematic review aimed to identify PRO measures that have been used in brain tumor studies to date.

Methods

A systematic literature search for articles published up to June 25, 2020 was conducted in several electronic databases. Pre-specified inclusion criteria were used to identify studies using PRO measures assessing symptoms, (instrumental) activities of daily living [(I)ADL] or health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult patients with glioma, meningioma, primary central nervous system lymphoma, or brain metastasis.

Results

A total of 215 different PRO measures were identified in 571 published and 194 unpublished studies. The identified PRO measures include brain tumor-specific, cancer-specific, and generic instruments, as well as instruments designed for other indications or multi- or single-item study-specific questionnaires. The most frequently used instruments were the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BN20 (n = 286 and n = 247), and the FACT-Br (n = 167), however, the majority of the instruments were used only once or twice (150/215).

Conclusion

Many different PRO measures assessing symptoms, (I)ADL or HRQoL have been used in brain tumor studies to date. Future research should clarify whether these instruments or their scales/items exhibit good content validity and other measurement properties for use in brain tumor patients.
Highly Selective Partial Neurectomy for Lower-Extremity Spasticity: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Abou-Al-Shaar Hussam , Mahan Mark A
Published: February 2021

Spasticity is a common debilitating condition after central nervous system injury. The principal therapies—sedating antispasticity medications and focal therapies (eg, botulinum toxin)—may not provide sufficient reduction in tone, have intolerable side effects, and lose efficacy over time. Selective neurectomy is a surgical option for durable reduction in tone.
1-6
Although commonly performed internationally, neurectomies are used less often within the USA. We present the surgical case of a 23-yr-old woman with cerebral palsy and severe spastic diplegia. Medications, injections, and tendon surgeries had failed to relieve her spastic lower extremities. She presented with crouch gait, adductor scissoring, and bilateral equinovarus. She had previously benefitted significantly from bilateral hamstring and obturator neurectomies, with improvement in mobility. She desired tibial neurectomies for her bilateral equinovarus, which impacted her gait substantially. To reduce unwanted plantarflexion and internal rotation tone, selective neurectomies of the motor nerves to the medial and lateral gastrocnemius, soleus, and posterior tibialis muscles were performed. The surgical video details a technique for longitudinally opening the epineurium, separating small nerves into their individual fascicles, and subdividing submillimeter fascicles by approximately 50% to 60% of the fascicle cross-sectional area. She reported significant improvement in gait, her modified Ashworth score dropped from 3 to 0, and her motor power remained unchanged, which is equivalent or better than most published results.
2,7
Neurectomies are a highly effective procedure for focal extremity spasticity. Additional clinical series or trials would help establish the appropriate indications and durability and quantify the risks and benefits. The patient consented to treatment and publication.
Countering social stigma and discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic through solidarity
Authors: Balingue Ariel C
Published: February 2021

A recent article highlighted the difference between the attitude and mental health of domestic and overseas Chinese college students. It suggests that this difference is due to the social stigma and discrimination inflicted on overseas Chinese students. In this correspondence, the author proposes solidarity, analogous to the Chinese notion of ren, as a means of countering social stigma and discrimination.
The possible threat of faking Covid-19 diagnostic tests and vaccination certifications: a call to an immediate action
Authors: Deguma Melona C , Deguma Jabin J
Published: February 2021

The pandemic’s recessive effect on the global economy created a ‘de-globalized’ process that detrimentally causes financial turmoil to countries whose economy depends on tourism, urban passenger transport services and civil aviation, among others. The need to help the most vulnerable industries non-resilient to the pandemic reopen to aid economic recovery amid the pandemic’s threat is a very urgent concern. With the move to start the vaccination program against the threat of Covid-19, faking Covid-19 diagnostic testing certification pose a severe problem to matters of ethics and economics. If not taken seriously, falsifying documents that certify a person who has undergone Covid-19 vaccination could also happen. This paper argues that everyone’s collective effort could be the real embodiment of hope toward a new normal world immune from the virus and malpractices.
Peroral iron supplementation can be provided to piglets through a milk cup system with results comparable to parenteral iron administration
Authors: Jakobsen Nadia , Pedersen Marie Louise M , Amdi Charlotte
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate if iron can be allocated to piglets through sow milk replacer fed in a milk cup system with efficacies comparable to intramuscular (IM) administration of 200 mg gleptoferron. Two hundred and ninety-four piglets from 21 litters were allocated to three different iron treatments (n = 98). The treatments were 1) Control (CON) provided no supplemental iron, 2) Injected iron (II) provided 200 mg gleptoferron IM on day 3 postpartum, and 3) Milk iron (MI) provided sow milk replacer “DanMilk Supreme” added 1 % “Piglet Boozt” ad libitum from day 0 until 21 days postpartum. All piglets had access to dry feed from day 6. Initial and final body weight was registered and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were analyzed on day 0, 3, 7, 10, 17, and 21 after farrowing. In order to correlate drinking pattern with Hb level and growth, video cameras were installed, and drinking pattern was recorded on day 18 postpartum. A blood sample was drawn from piglets from three litters per treatment on day 21 for a complete hematology profile. The results showed that iron treatment had an effect on Hb levels (P < 0.001) that were different between all groups from day 10, resulting in a mean Hb level of 76.2 g/L (CON), 120.9 g/L (II), and 105.4 g/L (MI) on day 21. The mean Hb level for both MI and II was above the anemia threshold of 90 g/L and the Hb level of the II group was above 110 g/L and the piglets thus defined as normal. Treatment had a significant effect on Hb, hematocrit (hct), mean corposcular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), lymphocytes (%), neutrophils (bill/L) (P < 0.05), neutrophils (%) (P < 0.01), with CON being significantly different from MI and II that were similar or tended to differ. Total visits at the cup was not correlated to Hb level (r = 0.08) and growth was not affected by treatment (P = 0.99). It is concluded that iron can be supplemented to piglets through a milk cup system with efficacies comparable to parenteral administration of 200 mg gleptoferron.
Coronatine Contributes to Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis Virulence by Overcoming Both Stomatal and Apoplastic Defenses in Dicot and Monocot Plants
Authors: Sakata Nanami , Ishiga Takako , Masuo Shunsuke , Hashimoto Yoshiteru , Ishiga Yasuhiro
Published: February 2021

Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis is a causative agent of bacterial blight of crucifers including cabbage, radish, and broccoli. Importantly, P. cannabina pv. alisalensis can infect not only a wide range of Brassicaceae spp. but, also, green manure crops such as oat. However, P. cannabina pv. alisalensis virulence mechanisms have not been investigated and are not fully understood. We focused on coronatine (COR) function, which is one of the well-known P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 virulence factors, in P. cannabina pv. alisalensis infection processes on both dicot and monocot plants. Cabbage and oat plants dip-inoculated with a P. cannabina pv. alisalensis KB211 COR mutant (ΔcmaA) exhibited reduced virulence compared with P. cannabina pv. alisalensis wild type (WT). Moreover, ΔcmaA failed to reopen stomata on both cabbage and oat, suggesting that COR facilitates P. cannabina pv. alisalensis entry through stomata into both plants. Furthermore, cabbage and oat plants syringe-infiltrated with ΔcmaA also showed reduced virulence, suggesting that COR is involved in overcoming not only stomatal-based defense but also apoplastic defense. Indeed, defense-related genes, including PR1 and PR2, were highly expressed in plants inoculated with ΔcmaA compared with WT, indicating that COR suppresses defense-related genes of both cabbage and oat. Additionally, salicylic acid accumulation increases after ΔcmaA inoculation compared with WT. Taken together, COR contributes to causing disease by suppressing stomatal-based defense and apoplastic defense in both dicot and monocot plants. Here, we investigated COR functions in the interaction of P. cannabina pv. alisalensis and different host plants (dicot and monocot plants), using genetically and biochemically defined COR deletion mutants.

[Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law, 2021.
A Hyperspectral Library of Foliar Diseases of Wheat
Authors: Bohnenkamp David , Behmann Jan , Paulus Stefan , Steiner Ulrike , Mahlein Anne-Katrin
Published: February 2021

This work established a hyperspectral library of important foliar diseases of wheat induced by different fungal pathogens, representing a time series from infection to symptom appearance for the purpose of detecting spectral changes. The data were generated under controlled conditions at the leaf scale. The transition from healthy to diseased leaf tissue was assessed, and spectral shifts were identified and used in combination with histological investigations to define developmental stages in pathogenesis for each disease. The spectral signatures of each plant disease that indicate a specific developmental stage during pathogenesis, defined as turning points, were combined into a spectral library. Machine learning analysis methods were applied and compared to test the potential of this library to detect and quantify foliar diseases in hyperspectral images. All evaluated classifiers had high accuracy (≤99%) for the detection and identification of both biotrophic and necrotrophic fungi. The potential of applying spectral analysis methods in combination with a spectral library for the detection and identification of plant diseases is demonstrated. Further evaluation and development of these algorithms should contribute to a robust detection and identification system for plant diseases at different developmental stages and the promotion and development of site-specific management techniques for plant diseases under field conditions.
A nurse's guide to intimate partner violence
Authors: Thomas Laura
Published: February 2021

Learn what you can do to screen patients and reduce this public health issue that affects millions of women worldwide.
Bridging Healing and Therapy
Authors: Gönen Şentürk Seher , Küçükgüçlü Özlem
Published: February 2021

The support group process effect on caregiver burden on family members of dementia patients based on Watson's theory of human caring was that a significant difference was found between caregivers and control groups. Qualitatively, the support group process could reduce caregiver burden and improve coping skills.
The Effect of Acupressure on Daytime Sleepiness and Sleep Quality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Derya Ister Emine , Citlik Saritas Seyhan
Published: February 2021

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of acupressure applied to hemodialysis patients on the level of daytime sleepiness and sleep quality. The data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. In the study, a total of 12 sessions of acupressure were applied to the Shenmen (HT7), Sanyingjao (Sp6), and Yungquan (KI1) points in the experimental group for 4 weeks. No intervention was applied to the control group. After the acupressure, it was determined that the sleep quality of the experimental group was better than that of the control group and that daytime sleepiness was less compared with the control group. After the acupressure, it was determined that the sleep latency of the experimental group was statistically significantly less and their total sleep duration was higher compared with the control group (P < .05). Although there was a decrease in the sleep quality of the experimental group 1 month after the cessation of the acupressure, it was determined that the sleep quality of the experimental group was better than that of the control group (P < .05). It was concluded that acupressure was an effective nursing intervention in increasing sleep quality and decreasing daytime sleepiness of hemodialysis patients.
The Silva Pattern-based Classification for HPV-associated Invasive Endocervical Adenocarcinoma and the Distinction Between In Situ and Invasive Adenocarcinoma: Relevant Issues and Recommendations From the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists
Authors: Alvarado-Cabrero Isabel , Parra-Herran Carlos , Stolnicu Simona , Roma Andres , Oliva Esther , Malpica Anais
Published: February 2021

The Silva pattern-based classification for human papilloma virus–associated invasive adenocarcinoma has emerged as a reliable system to predict risk of lymph node metastasis and recurrences. Although not a part of any staging system yet, it has been incorporated in synoptic reports as established by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR). Moreover, the current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines include this classification as an “emergent concept.” In order to facilitate the understating and application of this new classification by all pathologists, the ISGyP Endocervical Adenocarcinoma Project Working Group presents herein all the current evidence on the Silva classification and aims to provide recommendations for its implementation in practice, including interpretation, reporting, and application to biopsy and resection specimens. In addition, this article addresses the distinction of human papilloma virus–associated adenocarcinoma in situ and gastric type adenocarcinoma in situ from their invasive counterparts.
Grading of Endocervical Adenocarcinomas: Review of the Literature and Recommendations From the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists
Authors: Talia Karen L. , Oliva Esther , Rabban Joseph T. , Singh Naveena , Stolnicu Simona , McCluggage W. Glenn
Published: February 2021

There is a lack of consensus regarding the prognostic value of grading endocervical adenocarcinomas and currently, no universally applied, validated system for grading exists. Several grading schemes have been proposed, most incorporating an evaluation of tumor architecture and nuclear morphology and these are often based on the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) system for endometrial endometrioid carcinoma, although some schemes modify the proportion of solid tumor required to separate grades 1 and 2 from 5% to 10%. In the absence of a validated system, we endorse this approach for most human papillomavirus–associated endocervical adenocarcinomas and, based on the available evidence, recommend that tumors with ≤10% solid growth be designated grade 1, 11% to 50% solid growth grade 2 and >50% solid growth grade 3. Tumors should be upgraded in the presence of marked nuclear atypia involving the majority (>50%) of the tumor. Grading is not recommended for human papillomavirus-independent adenocarcinomas, since no validated system has been suggested and most of these neoplasms exhibit intrinsically aggressive behavior regardless of their morphologic appearance. Importantly, grading should not be performed for gastric-type adenocarcinomas, particularly as these tumors may appear deceptively “low-grade” yet still exhibit aggressive behavior. Recently devised, validated and reproducible etiology and pattern-based tumor classification systems for endocervical adenocarcinomas appear to offer more effective risk stratification than tumor grading and, in the future, these systems may render the provision of a tumor grade redundant.
Survey Results on Pathologic Aspects of Endocervical Adenocarcinoma by the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists
Authors: McCluggage W. Glenn , Rabban Joseph T. , Singh Naveena , Oliva Esther
Published: February 2021

The International Society of Gynecological Pathologists (ISGyP) undertook a project to provide evidence-based recommendations for pathologic reporting of all aspects of endocervical adenocarcinoma. The first step in the process was the design of an extensive survey to collect baseline information on existing practices regarding grossing, processing, diagnosing, and reporting of endocervical adenocarcinoma among the members of the society. The web-based survey of 98 questions was emailed to all members of ISGyP and there were 175 respondents (38.5% of ISGyP members). The responses, as expected, revealed areas of uniformity but also areas of substantial variation. The results of the survey are presented herein and assisted in developing the recommendations presented in the other reviews in this issue.