bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How I investigate difficult cells at the optical microscope
Authors: Zini Gina
Published: December 2020

Blood cell morphological identification on the peripheral blood and bone marrow films remains a cornerstone for the diagnosis of hematological neoplasms to be integrated with immunophenotyping, molecular genetics, and histopathology. Although standardization is still far from being achieved, with high interobserver variability, in recent years, several classification approaches, from the 1976 FAB to the 2016 WHO classification, have provided hematologists with detailed morphological descriptions for a large number of diseases. Counting blasts and detecting dysplastic specimens are two cornerstones of morphological diagnosis. This review deals with identifying difficult cells, with particular reference of those with relevant diagnostic implications.
Towards a definition for returnees' reintegration processes in the context of rural Ethiopia
Authors: Tizazu Ashenafi T. , Derluyn Ilse , Lietaert Ine
Published: December 2020

Although there is a substantial and growing volume of research on the return and reintegration processes of migrants, insufficient attention has been paid to the contextual meaning of reintegration, in particular for those returning to rural areas. Accordingly, based on an extensive literature review complemented with insights from forced returnees and stakeholders working with this population in rural Ethiopia, the current article disentangles the contextual meaning returnees give to reintegration, its dimensions and the indicators determining success. By doing this, we highlight crucial environmental and social factors within these reintegration processes that have been omitted in previous operationalizations. We conclude with a concrete operationalization of reintegration in the context of rural Ethiopia and reflect on the implication of these findings for theory contextualization and for policymakers and people who implement reintegration support.
Epidemiology and microbiology of severe community‐acquired pneumonia in Central Australia: a retrospective study
Authors: Tsai Danny , Chiong Fabian , Secombe Paul , Hnin Khin Moe , Stewart Penny , Goud Rajendra , Woodman Richard , Lipman Jeffrey , Roberts Jason , Hewagama Saliya
Published: December 2020

Background

Severe community‐acquired pneumonia (SCAP) has high mortality and morbidity.

Aims

To describe the epidemiology and microbiology of SCAP in Central Australia.

Methods

A retrospective epidemiological study describing the characteristics, incidence rates (IR) and microbiological aetiology of SCAP in Central Australia. Adult patients admitted to Alice Springs Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between 2011 and 2014 that fitted the Infectious Diseases Society of America and American Thoracic Society definition of SCAP were included. Medical records were reviewed and compared between indigenous and non‐indigenous patients. Primary outcomes were incidence rate and microbiological aetiology of SCAP. Secondary outcomes were 30‐day mortality, and ICU and hospital length of stay (LoS).

Results

A total of 185 patents were included (156 indigenous; 29 non‐indigenous). The overall SCAP IR per 1000 person‐years was 3.24 (3.75 indigenous; 1.87 non‐indigenous) with an IR difference of 2.71 after adjustment (P < 0.001). Those aged ≥50 years had an IR 74.8% higher than those younger. Male IR was 50% higher than females. There was a significant difference between indigenous and non‐indigenous groups for age (48 vs 64 years), but not for 30‐day mortality (7.7% vs 10.3%), ICU LoS (4.8 vs 4.6 days) and hospital LoS (10.9 vs 15.1 days) respectively. Likely causative pathogen(s) were identified in 117 patients; Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen (28.2%), followed by Haemophilus influenzae (19.7%), Influenza A/B (16.2%) and Staphylococcus aureus (14.5%).

Conclusion

A high incidence of SCAP was observed in Central Australia, disproportionately affecting the indigenous population. Prevention strategies are imperative, as well as early identification of SCAP and appropriate empiric antibiotic regimens.
Single‐run DSC method for determining surface crystal growth rate in glasses generalized for samples of different shapes
Authors: Midea Cuccovia Vasconcelos Reis Raphael , Ghussn Luciana
Published: December 2020

We propose a new generalized method for the determination of surface crystallization growth rates in a wide temperature range using a single Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) experiment. It can be applied to different sample geometries—we have tested the method for powdered and millimetric cubic samples. The crystal growth rate is calculated from the DSC crystallization peak profile and the average particle size. The method was successfully tested using diopside (MgO·CaO·SiO2) glass powders and a sodium disilicate glass (Na2O·2SiO2) millimetric cube, which undergoes exclusive stoichiometric surface crystallization. The resulting crystal growth rates spanned ranges of approximately 60 K for diopside glass and 170 K for sodium disilicate. The method is very convenient, requiring a single DSC run and simple sample preparation. The crystal growth rates,, proved to be accurate when compared to literature optical microscopy measurements, with a root mean square deviation of 0.22 infor diopside glass.
Sintering mechanism of low‐temperature co‐fired alumina featuring superior thermal conductivity
Authors: Shigeno Koichi , Kuraoka Yuto , Asakawa Tadashi , Fujimori Hirotaka
Published: December 2020

Densely sintered alumina is produced with a 5 wt% addition of a CuO‐TiO2‐Nb2O5‐Ag2O sintering aid under a firing temperature of only 835°C with a prolonged holding time of 96 hours. The sintered material exhibits a thermal conductivity of 20 W/mK, which is significantly greater than that of conventional low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) materials (~2‐7 W/mK). Additionally, suitable dielectric characteristics are observed, such as a relative dielectric constant εr of 11.3, quality factor–resonant frequency product Q × f of 4700 GHz, and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency τf of −87 ppm/K. The low‐temperature densification is revealed to occur mainly in the solid state, before liquid phase formation. Lattice constant measurements, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy reveal an increase in unit cell volume upon densification and the incorporation of Cu2+ and Ti4+ ions into the alumina lattice, which promotes densification. The diffusion speeds of Cu2+ and Ti4+ ions are indirectly affected by Nb and Ag atoms by lowering the additive melting temperature. Therefore, sintering additives with low melting points and elements that incorporate into the lattice of the base material are effective for low‐temperature sintering of aluminum‐based oxides.
Tailorable thermal expansion in leucite‐pollucite materials derived from geopolymers for environmental barrier coatings
Authors: Steveson Andrew J. , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: December 2020

The K[AlSi2O6]‐Cs[AlSi2O6] pseudo‐binary system was synthesized by geopolymer crystallization. The thermal expansion properties of these materials were studied by in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction to characterize thermal expansion behavior for potential application as environmental barrier coatings. Tailorable thermal expansion through changing cation stoichiometry allowed reduced thermal expansion mismatch with SiCf/SiC composites compared to rare‐earth‐based coatings.
CircPUM1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through the miR‐1208/MAP3K2 axis
Authors: Zhang Yaqiong , Wang Dongguo , Zhu Tao , Yu Jin , Wu Xiaoyu , Lin Weidong , Zhu Minqi , Dai Yingjie , Zhu Jie
Published: December 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common disease with a significant mortality, and there is no effective treatment for advanced patients. Growing evidence indicates that circRNAs are closely related to HCC progression, may be used as biomarkers and targets for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Recent researches have shown that circPUM1 may play an oncogene role in a variety of human cancers, but its role in HCC development has not been reported. Our study found that circPUM1 could promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro. In addition, in vivo studies showed that circPUM1 could increase the development of HCC tumours and regulate the expression of EMT‐related proteins. Furthermore, we demonstrated that circPUM1 could promote the development of HCC by up‐regulating the expression of MAP3K2 via sponging miR‐1208. Our study suggested that circPUM1 may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Effect of porcine corneal stromal extract on keratocytes from SMILE‐derived lenticules
Authors: Li Shenyang , Cui Zekai , Gu Jianing , Wang Yini , Tang Shibo , Chen Jiansu
Published: December 2020

Propagating large amounts of human corneal stromal cells (hCSCs) in vitro while maintaining the physiological quality of their phenotypes is necessary for their application in cell therapy. Here, a novel medium to propagate hCSCs obtained from small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)‐derived lenticules was investigated and the feasibility of intrastromal injection of these hCSCs was assessed. Primary hCSCs were cultured in porcine corneal stroma extract (pCSE) with RIFA medium including ROCK inhibitor Y27632, insulin‐transferrin‐selenium, fibroblast growth factor 2, L‐ascorbate 2‐phosphate and 0.5% FBS (RIFA medium + pCSE). Protein profiling of the pCSE was identified using nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (nano LC‐MS/MS). After subculturing in RIFA medium + pCSE or 10% FBS normal medium (NM), hCSCs at P4 were transplanted into mouse corneal stroma. Compared with NM, ALDH3A1, keratocan and lumican were significantly more expressed in the RIFA medium + pCSE. ALDH3A1 was also more expressed in the RIFA medium + pCSE than in the RIFA medium. Fibronectin and α‐SMA were less expressed in the RIFA medium + pCSE than in the NM. Using Metascape analysis, the pCSE with its anti‐fibrosis, pro‐proliferation and anti‐apoptosis activities, was beneficial for hCSC cultivation. The intrastromally implanted hCSCs in the RIFA medium + pCSE had positive CD34 expression but negative CD45 expression 35 days after injection. We provide a valuable new medium that is advantageous for the proliferation of hCSCs with the properties of physiological keratocytes. Intrastromal injection of hCSCs in RIFA medium + pCSE has the potential for clinical cell therapy.
The preventive and therapeutic effects of AAV1‐KLF4‐shRNA in cigarette smoke‐induced pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Sun Desheng , Ding DanDan , Li Qinghai , Xie Min , Xu Yongjian , Liu Xiansheng
Published: December 2020

We found previously that KLF4 expression was up‐regulated in cultured rat and human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) exposed to cigarette smoke (CS) extract and in pulmonary artery from rats with pulmonary hypertension induced by CS. Here, we aim to investigate whether CS‐induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) is prevented and ameliorated by targeted pulmonary vascular gene knockdown of KLF4 via adeno‐associated virus 1 (AAV1)‐KLF4‐shRNA in vivo in rat model. The preventive and therapeutic effects were observed according to the different time‐point of AAV1‐KLF4‐shRNA intratracheal administration. We tested haemodynamic measurements of systemic and pulmonary circulations and observed the degree of pulmonary vascular remodelling. In the preventive experiment, KLF4 expression and some pulmonary circulation hemodynamic measurements such as right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), mean right ventricular pressure (mRVP), peak RV pressure rate of rise (dP/dt max) and right ventricle (RV) contractility index were increased significantly in the CS‐induced PH model. While in the prevention group (AAV1‐KLF4‐shRNA group), RVSP, mRVP, dP/dt max and RV contractility index which are associated with systolic function of right ventricle decreased and the degree of pulmonary vascular remodelling relieved. In the therapeutic experiment, we observed a similar trend. Our findings emphasize the feasibility of sustained pulmonary vascular KLF4 gene knockdown using intratracheal delivery of AAV1 in an animal model of cigarette smoke‐induced PH and determined gene transfer of KLF4‐shRNA could prevent and ameliorate the progression of PH.
The lipid phosphatase‐like protein PLPPR1 associates with RhoGDI1 to modulate RhoA activation in response to axon growth inhibitory molecules
Authors: Agbaegbu Iweka Chinyere , Hussein Rowan K. , Yu Panpan , Katagiri Yasuhiro , Geller Herbert M.
Published: December 2020

Phospholipid Phosphatase‐Related Protein Type 1 (PLPPR1) is a member of a family of lipid phosphatase related proteins, integral membrane proteins characterized by six transmembrane domains. This family of proteins is enriched in the brain and recent data indicate potential pleiotropic functions in several different contexts. An inherent ability of this family of proteins is to induce morphological changes, and we have previously reported that members of this family interact with each other and may function co‐operatively. However, the function of PLPPR1 is not yet understood. Here we show that the expression of PLPPR1 reduces the inhibition of neurite outgrowth of cultured mouse hippocampal neurons by chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and the retraction of neurites of Neuro‐2a cells by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Further, we show that PLPPR1 reduces the activation of Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) by LPA in Neuro‐2a cells, and that this is because of an association of PLPPR1with the Rho‐specific guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDI1). These results establish a novel signaling pathway for the PLPPR1 protein.

image
Gastrointestinal bleeding in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients: a propensity score matched cohort study
Authors: Trindade Arvind Julius , Izard Stephanie , Coppa Kevin , Hirsch Jamie S. , Lee Calvin , Satapathy Sanjaya K. ,   the Northwell COVID‐19 Research Consortium
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding has been observed amongst patients hospitalized with COVID‐19. Recently, anticoagulation has shown to decrease mortality, but it is unclear whether this contributes to increased GI bleeding. The aims of this study are: (i) to examine whether there are risk factors for GI bleeding in COVID‐19 patients and (ii) to study whether there is a mortality difference between hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 with and without GI bleeding.

Methods

This is a propensity score matched case–control study from a large health system in the New York metropolitan area between March 1st and April 27th. COVID‐19 patients with GI bleeding were matched 1:1 to COVID‐19 patients without bleeding using a propensity score that took into account comorbidities, demographics, GI bleeding risk factors and length of stay.

Results

Of 11, 158 hospitalized with COVID‐19, 314 patients were identified with GI bleeding. The point prevalence of GI bleeding was 3%. There were no identifiable risk factors for GI bleeding. Use of anticoagulation medication or antiplatelet agents was not associated with increased risk of GI bleeding in COVID‐19 patients. For patients who developed a GI bleed during the hospitalization, there was an increased mortality risk in the GI bleeding group (OR 1.58, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Use of anticoagulation or antiplatelet agents was not risk factors for GI bleeding in a large cohort of hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. Those with GI bleeding during the hospitalization had increased mortality.
An intersectional analysis of the feminization of homelessness and mothers’ housing precarity
Authors: Bullock Heather E. , Reppond Harmony A. , Truong Shirley V. , Singh Melina R.
Published: December 2020

A network of interlocking systems of racialized, classed, and gendered oppression contributes to the “feminization of homelessness.” Unequal and low pay, unpaid caregiving, lack of affordable housing, discrimination, a weak safety net, punitive welfare and public housing policies, and intimate partner violence (IPV) are among the many factors that contribute to women's homelessness. Despite their intersections, these factors are often considered in isolation. Arguing for movement away from single‐axis conceptualizations of women's homelessness, we offer an intersectional analysis of mothers’ pathways into homelessness that foregrounds structural inequalities, highlights relational power dynamics, and reveals multilevel intersections of identity and experience. Drawing on two complementary interview studies, we explore two interrelated pathways into homelessness: (1) IPV as a gendered, racialized, and classed experience that contributes to economic and housing precarity; and (2) intersections of weak and restrictive safety net programs with raced, classed, and gendered “discipline.” We trace how privilege and disadvantage cumulate across women's lives and how institutional and relational power intersect with common “shocks” (e.g., eviction, loss of employment). We attend closely to the racialized and gendered dynamics of economic abuse; how gender, race, class, and motherhood shape pathways into homelessness; and how these intersections inform institutional responses to economic and housing precarity.
A critical deconstructed quantitative analysis: Sexual and gender minority stress through an intersectional lens
Authors: Williams Stacey L. , Job Sarah A. , Todd Emerson , Braun Kelsey
Published: December 2020

This study puts forth a critical deconstructed quantitative analysis process that systematically interrogated elements of a quantitative study (research questions/hypotheses, sample, measures, analysis, interpretation) in an effort to evaluate and improve intersectional research on sexual and gender minority stress and mental health. Our quantitative study used minority stress processes (anticipated discrimination, social support) as indirect explanations for mental health disparities found between: (1) sexual and gender minorities (n = 167), and (2) sexual minorities only (n = 148) and explored community connectedness as a moderator of these processes. We then applied Cole's (2009) intersectionality framework questions in our critical deconstructed analysis to evaluate our study. Our quantitative results revealed sexual and gender minorities (compared to sexual minorities only) were at risk for worse mental health due to increased exposure to minority stress processes. However, findings were tempered by limitations, which became evident when systematically evaluating our study using an intersectionality framework. We offer recommendations for future minority stress research and policy, including that researchers implement a critical deconstructed quantitative analysis a priori when designing quantitative studies, in order to better apply an intersectionality framework and improve research.
Intersectionality as a radical framework for transforming our disciplines, social issues, and the world
Authors: Overstreet Nicole M. , Rosenthal Lisa , Case Kim A.
Published: December 2020

In this introduction to the special issue on Applications of Intersectionality to Critical Social Issues, we assert that a psychological study of social issues that seeks to move toward social justice, equity, and liberation must embrace intersectionality's radical core. This requires constant critical inquiry and praxis centered on power, including how we shape power and how power shapes us. The both/and logics of intersectionality are particularly essential, as we can exist in both oppressive and liberatory ecosystems simultaneously, and we must reflect and act on this to achieve intersectionality's transformative potential. We outline ways that the articles in this special issue offer ways of “doing” intersectionality in psychology and allied fields, while also acknowledging the issue's limitations and potential replication of the status quo. We also offer personal reflections on our journeys with intersectionality in hopes of contributing to radical transformation of ourselves, our disciplines, social issues, and the world.
TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF ORIGINAL SOURCE ROCK POTENTIAL IN UPPER JURASSIC – LOWERMOST CRETACEOUS MARINE SHALES, DANISH CENTRAL GRABEN, NORTH SEA
Authors: Petersen Henrik I. , Hertle Michael
Published: December 2020

The Danish Central Graben, North Sea, is a mature oil‐ and gas‐producing basin in which the principal source rocks are the Upper Jurassic – lowermost Cretaceous marine shales of the Farsund Formation (Kimmeridge Clay Formation equivalent), with possible additional potential in the directly underlying Lola Formation. This study investigates the initial source rock potential of the basin by evaluating the original (back‐calculated) source rock properties (TOCo, S2o, HIo) of the shales in the Farsund and Lola Formations within a temporal and spatial framework. About 4800 samples from 81 wells regionally distributed in the Danish Central Graben were included in the study. Samples for source rock analysis were in general collected with varying sampling density from the entire shale section. The shale section has been divided into seven units (referred to as pre‐FSU1 to FSU6; FSU: Farsund Seismic Unit) which are delineated by mappable, regional‐scale seismic markers. For the pre‐FSU1 and FSU2–FSU6 units, the number of available samples ranged from 608 to 1145, while 433 samples were available for FSU1. Good source rock quality varies through space and time and reflects both the structural development of the basin and the effects of the Late Jurassic transgression, with primary kitchen areas developing in the Tail End Graben, Feda Graben, Gertrud Graben and the Rosa Basin. The source rock quality of the shales increases gradually through time and reaches a maximum in FSU6 which includes the “hot shales” of the Bo Member. The maximum source rock quality appears to correspond to an original Hydrogen Index (HIo) of approximately 675 mg HC/g TOC. The proportion of oil‐prone samples per unit (with HIo >350 mg HC/g TOC) ranges from 7 to 11% in the pre‐FSU1 to FSU2 units (Lower Kimmeridgian – Lower Volgian), increasing to 18 – 22% in FSU3 and FSU4/FSU5 (Lower Volgian – Middle Volgian), and reaching a maximum of 53% in FSU6 (Upper Volgian – Ryazanian). FSU6 is the most prolific oil‐prone source rock interval, but the presence of oil‐prone intervals in older and deeper parts of the shale succession is important for assessing the generation potential of the Upper Jurassic petroleum system. The breakdown of the Upper Jurassic – lowermost Cretaceous shale section into mappable seismic units with assigned original source rock properties will contribute to a considerably improved understanding of the temporal and spatial distributions of source rock quality in the Danish Central Graben.
THE PROSPECT AREA YIELD (PAY) METHOD: A REMEDY FOR OVER‐OPTIMISTIC VOLUMETRIC ESTIMATIONS IN CONVENTIONAL PETROLEUM EXPLORATION
Authors: Quirk D. G. , Schmid D. W.
Published: December 2020

The frequently stated problem of under‐delivery in oil and gas exploration is largely due to overprediction in the volumetric size of prospects rather than to the misinterpretation of risk. In an effort to deal with the significant degree of uncertainty inherent in sub‐surface evaluations, the standard method involves building a stochastic volumetric model of the potential container by choosing distributions and probabilities of the gross rock volume, the simulated column height, and the average 3D net/gross, as well as of other reservoir and fluid parameters. Unfortunately, prior to drilling, the three main inputs to the model are difficult to constrain as they are closely tied to the seismic interpretation rather than to historical information. By contrast, a source of hard data is available from existing discoveries and wells in the form of statistics for the play or analogue play, the most useful of which are: (i) the footprint area of the discoveries; (ii) the properties of net reservoir, encapsulated in an area yield parameter MMboe/km2; and (iii) the downside size of the discoveries, specifically the inferred P99 recoverable resource. In this paper, we propose a method called Prospect Area Yield (PAY) to assess the potential size of an exploration prospect which simply integrates these statistical data with the most reliable information from seismic mapping. The main step involves calculating an upside volume by multiplying a mid‐case MMboe/km2 yield with a mapped reasonable closure area for the prospect. This upside volume is assigned a probability which is currently assumed to be P10, implying that 90% of discovery outcomes will be smaller. A probabilistic distribution of the recoverable resource for the prospect is then produced by using the upside volume (P10) and the inferred P99 to construct a lognormal trend. The method can be tested by companies using lookbacks to fine‐tune the probability of the upside volume to ensure that exploration predictions effectively match historical reality. In the meantime, it is recommended that the PAY method, which is available as a free online tool, is used as a check on the results of stochastic models.
Meaningful Engagement to Save Lives ‐ Working relationship of a service user organisation with police and mental health services
Authors: Chambers Jennifer
Published: December 2020

Accessible Summary

What is known?

Police and mental health services benefit from meaningful service user engagement.

Partnerships with organizations that are representative of community members—such as service users—are the most empowering model of collaboration.

What this paper adds?

Describes how a service user organization can effectively advocate for change in the policing and mental health systems through both mutual collaboration and external pressure.

Implications for practice?

Methods of creating change that can save lives through partnerships with service user organizations can be applied by service user organizations, police and mental health services.

The methods described have the potential to reduce deaths and injury as a result of police action or mental healthcare practices
PTX3 gene polymorphism associated with cryptococcosis in HIV‐uninfected Chinese patients
Authors: Zhang Weili , Liao Quanfeng , Liu Ya , Wu Siying , Deng Jin , Xiao Yuling , Ma Ying , Xie Yi , Kang Mei
Published: December 2020

Background

For Chinese Han populations, cryptococcosis are more likely to occur in HIV‐uninfected patients instead of HIV‐infected patients compared with other countries and regions, implying that there may be genetic predisposing factors for cryptococcosis in the Chinese Han populations. However, the retail mechanism has not been clarified.

Objectives

We aimed to conduct an association analysis between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of pattern recognition receptors (PRR) genes and the susceptibility to cryptococcosis in HIV‐uninfected Chinese patients, which may provide new genetic predisposing factors for early‐risk prediction of disease, individualised treatment and prognosis monitoring.

Patients/methods

Using the SNaPshot SNP typing technique, eight SNPs of PRR genes (Dectin‐2, Dectin‐1, PTX3, CXCL8, IL12B, IFIH1, TLR1 and CD209) were typed on 97 HIV‐uninfected cryptococcosis patients and 120 healthy controls who admitted to West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China, from 1 March 2018 to 30 December 2018. The results were analysed by the SHEsis software and SPSS 20.0 software.

Results

It was found that that PTX3 rs2305619 polymorphism was associated with cryptococcosis in HIV‐uninfected patients. Compared with the GG genotype, AA genotype increased the risk of cryptococcosis in HIV‐uninfected patients (p = .015, OR, 2.579; 95% CI, 1.202–5.535). In the immunocompetent patients, the AA genotype had a higher risk (p = .002, OR, 4.399; 95% CI, 1.745–11.088). Further verification found that the plasma PTX3 level of the AA genotype was significantly higher than the GA or GG genotype (60.28 ± 16.12 vs 7.32 ± 0.79, p < .001).

Conclusions

PTX3 rs2305619 polymorphism was associated with cryptococcosis in HIV‐uninfected Chinese patients. The AA genotype increased the risk of cryptococcosis, and its plasma PTX3 level was significantly higher than that of GA or GG genotype.
Genetic knockdown of Klk8 has sex‐specific multi‐targeted therapeutic effects on Alzheimer’s pathology in mice
Authors: Herring Arne , Kurapati Nirup K. , Krebs Sofia , Grammon Nils , Scholz Luisa M. , Voss Gerrit , Miah Muhammad R. , Budny Vanessa , Mairinger Fabian , Haase Katharina , Teuber‐Hanselmann Sarah , Dobersalske Celia , Schramm Sara , Jöckel Karl‐Heinz , Münster Yvonne , Keyvani Kathy
Published: December 2020

Aims

Previous work in our lab has identified the protease kallikrein‐8 (KLK8) as a potential upstream mover in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We showed pathologically elevated levels of KLK8 in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood of patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to AD, and in brains of patients and transgenic CRND8 (TgCRND8) mice in incipient stages of the disease. Furthermore, short‐term antibody‐mediated KLK8 inhibition in moderate stage disease alleviated AD pathology in female mice. However, it remains to be shown whether long‐term reversal of KLK8 overexpression can also counteract AD. Therefore, the effects of genetic Klk8‐knockdown were determined in TgCRND8 mice.

Methods

The effects of heterozygous ablation of murine Klk8 (mKlk8) gene on AD pathology of both sexes were examined by crossbreeding TgCRND8 [hAPP+/−] with mKlk8‐knockdown [mKlk8+/−] mice resulting in animals with or without AD pathology which revealed pathologically elevated or normal KLK8 levels.

Results

mKlk8‐knockdown had negligible effects on wildtype animals but led to significant decline of amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau pathology as well as an improvement of structural neuroplasticity in a sex‐specific manner in transgenics. These changes were mediated by a shift to non‐amyloidogenic cleavage of the human amyloid precursor protein (APP), recovery of the neurovascular unit and maintaining microglial metabolic fitness. Mechanistically, Klk8‐knockdown improved Aβ phagocytosis in primary glia and Aβ resistance in primary neurons. Most importantly, transgenic mice revealed less anxiety and a better memory performance.

Conclusions

These results reinforce the potential of KLK8 as a therapeutic target in AD.
Applied Anthropology, Activism, and Loss: Experiences from highland Guatemala
Authors: Hall‐Clifford Rachel
Published: December 2020

In this essay, I contemplate the ethics of community engagement based on my work as an applied medical anthropologist in Guatemala. During my dissertation fieldwork in a highland community, I lived with a local Mayan family, and our lives together centered on discussing their goals, community organizing, and strategies for improving indigenous rights. I describe how the relationships I built with this family and the social justice work happening in the community gave me a sense of purpose as an applied anthropologist. At the time, it seemed like participatory and collaborative research at its best. A year later, an adult son of the local family was murdered for his community work, calling into question the notions of progress and advocacy. Here, I discuss my struggle with the moral imperative of applied anthropologists to support the human rights of local communities in counterbalance to our ethical obligation to protect research collaborators.
Negotiation Pedagogy as Democratic Praxis
Authors: Mamo Andrew
Published: December 2020

This article urges a fresh reconsideration of John Dewey’s theories of education and democracy as applied to negotiation pedagogy. While negotiation instruction generally follows Dewey’s model in placing experiential education at its center, Dewey offers more for us in this moment: a foundation for making the study of these negotiation experiences a basis for cultivating democratic practices in the classroom. Prioritizing the agency and responsibility of students in the service of democratizing the classroom requires ceding a degree of control and bringing the lessons of negotiation and collaboration to bear on the design of the classroom itself. This approach offers the possibility that negotiation pedagogy can be a key component of education in democratic practices for our polarized times.
Rapid responses of root traits and productivity to phosphorus and cation additions in a tropical lowland forest in Amazonia
Authors: Lugli Laynara F. , Rosa Jessica S. , Andersen Kelly M. , Di Ponzio Raffaello , Almeida Renata V. , Pires Maria , Cordeiro Amanda L. , Cunha Hellen F.V. , Martins Nathielly P. , Assis Rafael L. , Moraes Anna C.M. , Souza Sheila T. , Aragão Luiz E.O.C. , Camargo Jose. L. , Fuchslueger Lucia , Schaap Karst J. , Valverde‐Barrantes Oscar J. , Meir Patrick , Quesada Carlos A. , Mercado Lina M. , Hartley Iain P.
Published: December 2020

Soil nutrient availability can strongly affect root traits. In tropical forests, phosphorus (P) is often considered the main limiting nutrient for plants. However, support for the P paradigm is limited, and N and cations might also control tropical forests functioning.

We used a large‐scale experiment to determine how the factorial addition of nitrogen (N), P and cations affected root productivity and traits related to nutrient acquisition strategies (morphological traits, phosphatase activity, arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation and nutrient contents) in a primary rainforest growing on low‐fertility soils in Central Amazonia after 1 yr of fertilisation.

Multiple root traits and productivity were affected. Phosphorus additions increased annual root productivity and root diameter, but decreased root phosphatase activity. Cation additions increased root productivity at certain times of year, also increasing root diameter and mycorrhizal colonisation. P and cation additions increased their element concentrations in root tissues. No responses were detected with N addition.

Here we showed that rock‐derived nutrients determined root functioning in low‐fertility Amazonian soils, demonstrating not only the hypothesised importance of P, but also highlighting the role of cations. The changes in fine root traits and productivity indicated that even slow‐growing tropical rainforests can respond rapidly to changes in resource availability.
Evaluation of modified cold‐atmospheric pressure plasma (MCAP) for the treatment of peri‐implantitis in beagles
Authors: Zhou Xincai , Wu Donglei , Liang Defeng , Zhang Wenhao , Shi Qi , Cao Yingguang
Published: December 2020

Objective

To assess the effect of adjunctive use of modified cold‐atmospheric pressure plasma (MCAP) to surgically mechanical debridement (MD) on peri‐implantitis (PI) in beagles.

Material and Methods

Bilateral mandibles of beagles with PI, which induced by cotton ligature twined with steel in sub‐marginal around the implant, were randomly divided into two groups: MD in conjunction with 2% CHX irrigation (control group) and MD with adjunctive intervention of MCAP (plasma group). Sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing depth (PD) and bone height (BH) were examined before and after intervention using computed tomography and histological staining. Additionally, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐17 levels in peri‐implant sulcular fluid (PISF) were measured by ELISA.

Results

A significant improvement in SBI, PD and BH was found in the plasma group (p < .05) when compared with the control group after three months of intervention. In addition, IL‐1β and IL‐17, but not IL‐6 levels decreased (p < .05) in the plasma group compared with the control group after intervention.

Conclusions

The adjunctive use of MCAP to MD for PI can enhance bone formation around the implant and inhibit the inflammatory response. The application of MCAP could be considered a favourable adjunct to MD for PI.
Quantitative Sensory Testing Discriminates Central Sensitization Inventory Scores in Participants with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Zafereo Jason , Wang‐Price Sharon , Kandil Enas
Published: December 2020

Background

The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) is often used in clinical settings to screen for the presence of central sensitization. However, various cutoff scores have been reported for this tool, and scores have not been consistently associated with widespread pain sensitivity as measured with quantitative sensory testing (QST). The purpose of this study was to compare QST profiles among asymptomatic controls and participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP), and to determine the association between self‐report questionnaires and QST in participants with CMP.

Methods

Twenty asymptomatic controls and 46 participants with CMP completed the CSI, PROMIS‐29, and QST assessments of mechanical and thermal pain thresholds remote to the area of pain. Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis revealed a cutoff score of 33.5 for the CSI. PROMIS‐29 Quality of Life (QOL) inventory and QST measures were compared between low and high CSI groups.

Results

The high CSI group (n = 19) had significantly lower mechanical and thermal pain thresholds, and larger impairments in QOL measures, compared to the low CSI group (n = 27) and asymptomatic controls. Participants with CSI scores < 33.5 presented similarly to asymptomatic controls. Anxiety, pain interference, and CSI scores demonstrated the highest number of significant associations to QST measures.

Conclusion

A cutoff score of 33.5 on the CSI may be useful for discriminating widespread pain sensitivity and quality of life impairments in participants with CMP. Future studies should consider how the presence of high or low CSI may impact differential diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment responsiveness for patients with primary or secondary CMP.
Strategic use of Iranian bread wheat landrace accessions for genetic improvement: Core set formulation and validation
Authors: Vikram Prashant , Franco Jorge , Burgueño Juan , Li Huihui , Sehgal Deepmala , Saint‐Pierre Carolina , Ortiz Cynthia , Singh Vaibhav Kumar , Sneller Clay , Sharma Achla , Tattaris Maria , Guzman Carlos , Pena Javier , Sansaloni Carolina Paola , Serna Jaime Amador Campos , Thiyagarajan Karthikeyan , Fuentes Davila Guillermo , Reynolds Matthew , Sonder Kai , Govindan Velu , Ellis Marc , Bhavani Sridhar , Jalal Kamali Mohammad R. , Roosatei Mozaffar , Singh Sanjay , Basandrai Daisy , Bains Navtej Singh , Basandrai Ashwani , Payne Thomas , Crossa José , Singh Sukhwinder
Published: December 2020

Iranian wheat landrace accessions (IWAs) were collected from country‐wide farm fields and market places in 1935 by a professor at the University of Tehran and shared with University of California at Davis, California. IWAs were further submitted to the genebank of International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico. 2,403 IWAs from CIMMYT’s genebank were assayed by DArT‐seq technology to assess genetic diversity. No apparent ecogeographic patterns related to genetic diversity were detected, probably due to long‐term transport and frequent interchange of landraces among farmers. A multivariate clustering procedure combining genotypic and phenotypic information was used in selecting a core‐set, which represented 15% of the hexaploid wheat accessions included in this study. This subset captured an estimated 93% of rare (frequency <0.05) alleles. Multisite phenotypic data (India, Mexico) validated the ability of the core‐set in detecting useful variants. Potential donor accessions for multiple traits (disease resistance, zinc concentration) were identified from the core‐set for wheat‐breeding. This report illustrates a breeder friendly robust core‐set formulation strategy for harnessing the useful genetic variation stored in the genebanks.
Molecular basis of Iron Biofortification in crop plants; A step towards sustainability
Authors: Rehman Attiq ur , Masood Sara , Khan Naqib Ullah , Abbasi Muhammad Ejaz , Hussain Zawar , Ali Ihtisham
Published: December 2020

Iron is one of the most important micronutrients for crop plants due to its use in important physiological processes such as photosynthesis, mitochondrial respiration, metal homeostasis, and chlorophyll synthesis. Crop plants have adapted different strategies for uptake, transport, accumulation, and storage of iron in tissues and organs which later can be consumed by humans. Estimates indicate that about 2 billion people (33% of human population) are at risk of iron deficiency in which infants, children, and pregnant women are potentially compromised. Biofortification refers to the increase in concentration of micronutrients in edible parts of plants and understanding the pathways for iron accumulation in plants is necessary for breeding iron‐enriched crops. Iron‐biofortified crops are also one of the key factors in achieving multiple United Nations Sustainable Development goals. This review article covers different strategies of iron acquisition and transport in plants, its bioavailability, coping with the iron deficiency as a global perspective, the current status of iron biofortification, and how breeding future biofortified crops could be helpful in combating the said issue in a sustainable manner.
Tinea pedis in a child: How reflectance confocal microscopy can help in diagnosis of dermatophytosis
Authors: Cantelli Mariateresa , Capasso Gianmarco , Costanzo Luca , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Gallo Lucia
Published: December 2020

A 7‐year‐old girl presented with a hyperkeratotic scale on the plantar surface of her left foot. A microscopic potassium hydroxide examination was performed and negative. Reflectance confocal microscopy was performed showing fungal hyphae and an inflammatory infiltrate confirming a diagnosis of tinea pedis.
Prognostic factors for survival in children who relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute leukemia
Authors: Hazar Volkan , Tezcan Karasu Gülsün , Öztürk Gülyüz , Küpesiz Alphan , Aksoylar Serap , Özbek Namık , Uygun Vedat , İleri Talia , Okur Fatma Visal , Koçak Ülker , Kılıç Suar Çakı , Akçay Arzu , Güler Elif , Kansoy Savaş , Karakükcü Musa , Bayram İbrahim , Aksu Tekin , Yeşilipek Akif , Karagün Barbaros Şahin , Yılmaz Şebnem , Ertem Mehmet , Uçkan Duygu , Fışgın Tunç , Gürsel Orhan , Yaman Yöntem , Bozkurt Ceyhun , Gökçe Müge ,   the Turkish Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Study Group
Published: December 2020

Background

Post‐transplant relapse has a dismal prognosis in children with acute leukemia undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Data on risk factors, treatment options, and outcomes are limited.

Procedure

In this retrospective multicenter study in which a questionnaire was sent to all pediatric transplant centers reporting relapse after allo‐HSCT for a cohort of 938 children with acute leukemia, we analyzed 255 children with relapse of acute leukemia after their first allo‐HSCT.

Results

The median interval from transplantation to relapse was 180 days, and the median follow‐up from relapse to the last follow‐up was 1844 days. The 3‐year overall survival (OS) rate was 12.0%. The main cause of death was disease progression or subsequent relapse (82.6%). The majority of children received salvage treatment with curative intent without a second HSCT (67.8%), 22.0% of children underwent a second allo‐HSCT, and 10.2% received palliative therapy. Isolated extramedullary relapse (hazard ratio (HR): 0.607, P = .011) and relapse earlier than 365 days post‐transplantation (HR: 2.101, P < .001 for 0‐180 days; HR: 1.522, P = .041 for 181‐365 days) were found in multivariate analysis to be significant prognostic factors for outcome. The type of salvage therapy in chemosensitive relapse was identified as a significant prognostic factor for OS.

Conclusion

A salvage approach with curative intent may be considered for patients with post‐transplant relapse, even if they relapse in the first year post‐transplantation. For sustainable remission, a second allo‐HSCT may be recommended for patients who achieve complete remission after reinduction treatment.
Protective role of fat hen (Chenopodium album L.) extract and gamma irradiation treatments against fusarium root rot disease in sunflower plants
Authors: Abu‐Tahon M. A. , Isaac G. S. , Mogazy A. M.
Published: December 2020

One of the most drastic diseases causing economic losses in sunflower crops is fusarium root rot caused by Fusarium solani. Plant extracts and ionizing radiation provide alternative environmentally safe control agents that have a significant role in controlling and overcoming this fungal plant pathogen.

In the present study, the effect of different concentrations of aqueous Chenopodium album extract (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0%) and gamma radiation at a dose of 6 Gy were examined for their efficacy in inducing resistance of sunflower plants against fusarium root rot caused by F. solani MG‐3 by evaluation of some physiological and biochemical parameters of infected and healthy plants under greenhouse conditions.

The pre‐treatment of sunflower seeds with 6% C. album extract and 6 Gy gamma radiation reduced fusarium incidence from 47.49% to 28.25%. Also, nucleic acid content, ascorbic acid, α‐tocopherol, anthocyanin, total flavonoids, proline, glycine betaine and lipid components significantly increased in irradiated infected plants treated with C. album extract, while H2O2 content and lipid peroxidation markedly decreased as compared with healthy control plants. Moreover, treatment with gamma radiation reduced the amount of unsaturated fatty acids through accumulation of saturated fatty acids compared with non‐irradiated plants; treatment with C. album extract also enhanced the content of unsaturated fatty acids, with a noticeable decrease in saturated fatty acid content.

Hence, C. album extract and gamma radiation can be used to enhance biological control of fusarium root rot of sunflower plants.
Expression profile of developmental competence gene markers in comparison with prostaglandin F2α synthesis and action in the early‐ and late‐cleaved pre‐implantation bovine embryos
Authors: Suwik Katarzyna , Boruszewska Dorota , Sinderewicz Emilia , Kowalczyk‐Zieba Ilona , Staszkiewicz‐Chodor Joanna , Woclawek‐Potocka Izabela
Published: December 2020

The kinetics of early cleavage stages can affect embryo quality. The bovine model of early‐ and late‐cleaved embryos has been described in the literature and is deemed a useful tool in the field of oocyte developmental competence studies. The expression of genes demonstrating developmental potential differs between early‐ and late‐cleaved embryos. Previously, we demonstrated that prostaglandin F2α synthase (PGFS) and prostaglandin F2α receptor (PTGFR) expression depend on the developmental stage and embryo quality. In the present study, we used the same model to determine the mRNA expression profile of developmentally important genes (IGF1R, IGF2R, PLAC8, OCT4, SOX2) in early, expanded and hatched blastocysts obtained from the early‐ and late‐cleaved group of embryos, as well as to correlate the transcription levels of these embryonic gene markers with the transcription levels of PGFS and PTGFR. The mRNA expression of PGFS, PTGFR and factors described as gene markers of embryonic implantation ability and developmental competence genes was determined by real‐time PCR. The obtained results were analysed using statistical software GraphPad prism 6.05. During the course of our analyses, we observed that the transcript abundance of most analysed genes tends to be higher in the late—rather than in the early cleaved group of embryos, as well as in B and/or C grade embryos rather than in A grade embryos. On the other hand, for the early cleaved group of blastocysts with cavity, we detected higher PLAC8 mRNA expression for grade A embryos compared with grade C embryos. It suggests that the mRNA expression level of genes depends on the quality of embryos but differs according to various factors including the method of production or culture method. Moreover, numerous correlations between analysed gene markers and PGF2α synthase and PGF2α receptor suggest that PGF2α plays a role in the crucial steps of bovine embryo development.