bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural Local Government Finance and Its Management in Thailand: Reflections and Prospective Through Tambon Administrative Organisations
Authors: Meesook Kanokwan , K. Routray Jayant , M. Ahmad Mokbul
Published: August 2020

This research article attempts to study and analyse different sources of revenue, pattern of expenditure and revenue-generating capacity and overall financial management assessment by different sizes of Tambon Administrative Organizations (TAOs). In the light of decentralised administrative and development practices of Thailand, particularly generating and managing local financial resources is the key for meeting people’s needs and executing their projects. TAO members and peoples in general are well aware of the need of adopting an efficient financial management system while generating more financial resources to fulfil the local development needs. Irrespective of revenue size and economic base of TAOs, it is not so easy to expand areas for generating local revenue. However, large Tambons have relatively advantage over small and medium ones. Similarly, the mixed economy type of TAOs has better scope than the agriculture type. Small TAOs have managed the financial resources better than others. Local revenue generation and efficient management of available resources is the key to support local development.
A man with headache and vertigo
Authors: Eid Mustafa Mahmood
Published: August 2020

A 63-year-old man presented to the emergency department with headache, vertigo, and inability to walk. The computed tomography scan was reported as a normal study by the radiologist despite showing an early sign of infarction. Nevertheless, the magnetic resonance imaging confirmed an acute infarction of the basilar artery. Thus, the patient received thrombolytic therapy with good prognosis.
Perceiving Leadership Structures in Teams: Effects of Cognitive Schemas and Perceived Communication
Authors: Cook Alexandra (Sasha) , Zill Alexander , Meyer Bertolt
Published: August 2020

We investigate whether individual differences predict perceptions of leadership patterns during teamwork. Building on information processing theories, we show that team members’ individual cognitive schemas regarding the distribution of leadership in teams, leadership structure schemas, predict the centralization of individual perceptions of team leadership. Team members’ individual perceptions of communication network centralization partially mediates, and team member’s affective motivation to lead moderates this relationship. Our results indicate that leadership structure schemas, as well as motivation to lead, affect perceived patterns of interpersonal communication as well as the centralization of the individually perceived team leadership structure.
Shared Identities: Intersectionality, Linked Fate, and Perceptions of Political Candidates
Authors: Bejarano Christina , Brown Nadia E. , Gershon Sarah Allen , Montoya Celeste
Published: August 2020

Scholars of gender and race have long acknowledged the importance that descriptive representation plays for marginalized groups, if not substantively than symbolically. Yet, as candidate pools diversify to better reflect the population, it becomes less clear which among intersecting and overlapping identities will matter and how. Employing data from the 2016 Collaborative Multiracial Post-Election Survey, we explore the association between minority voters’ sense of linked fate and their beliefs about candidates who share (or do not share) their gender and racial identities. Using this timely and unique data, collected immediately after the 2016 election when race and gender were of particular salience, we examine whether shared racial and gender identity is associated with Black and Latina/o voters’ beliefs about how well different candidates will represent their interests. We conclude by discussing the implications of our research for the changing face of American political candidates and voters.
D-Dimer to Fibrinogen Ratio as a Novel Prognostic Marker in Patients After Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bai Yan , Zheng Ying-Ying , Tang Jun-Nan , Yang Xu-Ming , Guo Qian-Qian , Zhang Jian-Chao , Cheng Meng-Die , Song Feng-Hua , Wang Kai , Zhang Zeng-Lei , Liu Zhi-Yu , Jiang Li-Zhu , Fan Lei , Yue Xiao-Ting , Dai Xin-Ya , Zheng Ru-Jie , Zhang Jin-Ying
Published: August 2020

The role of activation of the coagulation and fibrinolysis system in the pathogenesis and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has drawn wide attention. Recently, the D-dimer to fibrinogen ratio (DFR) is considered as a useful biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of ischemic stroke and pulmonary embolism. However, few studies have explored the relationship between DFR and cardiovascular disease. In our study, patients were divided into 2 groups according to DFR value: the lower group (DFR < 0.52, n = 2123) and the higher group (DFR ≥ 0.52, n = 1073). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiac mortality (CM). The average follow-up time was 37.59 ± 22.24 months. We found that there were significant differences between the 2 groups in term of ACM (2.4% vs 6.6%, P < 0.001) and CM (1.5% vs 4.0%, P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier analyses showed that elevated DFR had higher incidences of ACM (log rank P < 0.001) and CM (log rank P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that DFR was an independent predictor of ACM (HR = 1.743, 95%CI: 1.187-2.559 P = 0.005) and CM (HR = 1.695, 95%CI: 1.033-2.781 P = 0.037). This study indicates that DFR is an independent and novel predictor of long-term ACM and CM in post-PCI patients with CAD.
Vibration frequency of thick functionally graded material cylindrical shells with fully homogeneous equation and third-order shear deformation theory under thermal environment
Authors: Hong Chih-Chiang
Published: August 2020

The effects of third-order shear deformation theory and varied shear correction coefficient on the vibration frequency of thick functionally graded material cylindrical shells with fully homogeneous equation under thermal environment are investigated. The nonlinear coefficient term of displacement field of third-order shear deformation theory is included to derive the fully homogeneous equation under free vibration of functionally graded material cylindrical shells. The determinant of the coefficient matrix in dynamic equilibrium differential equations under free vibration can be represented into the fully fifth-order polynomial equation, thus the natural frequency can be found. Two parametric effects of environment temperature and functionally graded material power law index on the natural frequency of functionally graded material thick cylindrical shells with and without the nonlinear coefficient term of displacement fields are computed and investigated.
Hospital- and System-Wide Interventions for Health Care-Associated Infections: A Systematic Review
Authors: Maurer Nicholas R. , Hogan Tory H. , Walker Daniel M.
Published: August 2020

Hospitals face increasing pressure to reduce health care-associated infections (HAI) due to their costs and evidence of preventability. However, there is limited synthesis of evidence regarding interventions that can be successfully implemented hospital- or system-wide. Using Donabedian’s structure-process-outcome model, we conducted a systematic literature review from 2008 to early 2019, identifying 96 studies with 214 outcomes examining the relationship between hospital- or system-wide interventions and HAIs. This literature’s methodologic and reporting quality was generally poor. The most common HAIs studied were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (22%) and Clostridium difficile (21%). 97 outcomes showed a desirable change, 72 showed no significant effect, 17 showed conflicting effects, and 3 found undesirable effects; 25 outcomes were from studies without a statistical analysis. Our findings highlight structural and process approaches meriting additional research and policy exploration, and identify recommendations for future investigation and reporting of hospital and system-wide HAI interventions to address gaps in existing literature.
Parental ADHD Knowledge in Latinx Families: Gender Differences and Treatment Effects
Authors: Gerdes Alyson C. , Malkoff Anne , Kapke Theresa L. , Grace Margaret
Published: August 2020

Objective

The current study aimed to extend findings of a study comparing two psychosocial treatments for ADHD in Latinx youth by examining if parental ADHD knowledge improves following treatment and if parental gender differences in ADHD knowledge exist.

Method

Following a comprehensive ADHD assessment, 58 Latinx families of school-aged children (mean age of 8 years) were randomly assigned to either culturally-adapted treatment (CAT) or standard evidence-based treatment (EBT). Parents completed an ADHD Knowledge measure both pre- and post-treatment.

Results/Conclusion

Latinx mothers demonstrated greater knowledge of ADHD symptomatology than fathers at pre-treatment. CAT resulted in improvements in parental knowledge of ADHD for both mothers and fathers, whereas standard EBT resulted in no change in maternal knowledge and reduced paternal knowledge of ADHD symptomatology. Clinical implications will be discussed.
Enhancing Competences For Co-Creating Appealing and Meaningful Cultural Heritage Experiences in Tourism
Authors: Kastenholz Elisabeth , Gronau Werner
Published: August 2020

Co-creation in tourism is a powerful way of developing involving and meaningful experiences of services, places, and cultures that tourists have contact with when traveling. Cultural heritage should thus not only attract the passive “tourist gaze” but rather stimulate the curious visitor to engage creatively with this heritage in ways that cultural heritage providers may creatively imagine. This is easier to say than do. This article discusses the role of higher education in improving students’ competences regarding the development of co-creation opportunities with cultural heritage. Results of a survey and additional interviews directed at those involved in cultural heritage management and training identified challenges for improving higher education curricula in tourism and heritage management. Additional research and respective teaching and management efforts need to overcome not only national borders in cultural heritage provision for tourists but also borders between teachers and students, academia and practitioners, heritage and tourism, and global and local themes and experiences.
Effect of Obesity on Cognitive Impairment in Vascular Dementia Rat Model via BDNF-ERK-CREB Pathway
Authors: Kim Yoonju , Kim Youn-Jung
Published: August 2020

The prevalence of vascular dementia continues to increase with no cure. Thus, it is important identify the aggravating factors of vascular dementia to delay disease progression in patients. Obesity is a well-known risk factor for vascular dementia and causes mild cognitive impairment. In the present study, we evaluated whether obesity exacerbates cognitive impairment in vascular dementia rats and how it affects synaptic plasticity through the BDNF pathway. We randomly assigned 30 Wistar male rats to three groups: sham surgery (Sham), vascular dementia (VaD), and vascular dementia with obesity (OB + VaD). We fed rats a 60% high-fat diet to establish obesity; we then induced vascular dementia using bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. After 6 weeks, we evaluated cognitive function using the Morris water maze and radial arm maze tests. We analyzed post-synaptic density-95 (PSD95) and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP43) to confirm synaptic plasticity. We also evaluated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK), and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (pCREB) in the hippocampus. The OB + VaD group showed the most impaired cognitive function on behavioral tests, with decreases in PSD95. The VaD group showed increased levels of BDNF, pERK, and pCREB, while the OB + VaD group displayed decreased levels. We suggest that obesity exacerbates cognitive impairment in vascular dementia by inhibiting the compensatory increases of BDNF-ERK-CREB pathway.
Pigment-induced glaucoma secondary to bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation
Authors: Da Silva Maria Valeria , Rose Kalpana , Krema Hatem
Published: August 2020

We report the first case of pigment-induced glaucoma in a patient presenting with bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (BDUMP) syndrome. Despite treatment with plasma exchange, the patient developed progression of her lesions and bilateral glaucoma. Surgical treatment with Ahmed valve implant was performed to control her increased intra-ocular pressure. This case demonstrates that BDUMP can be a cause of a refractory pigment-induced glaucoma.
What does it mean to be a feminist MP? A comparative analysis of the Swedish and Danish parliaments
Authors: Dahlerup Drude , Karlsson David , Stensöta Helena Olofsdotter
Published: August 2020

The issue of whether political interests are gendered, and if so, how, has been a recurrent theme in research. While there have been several attempts recently to address gendered political interests theoretically, the central concept of feminism has not been explored in any depth in this context. This article uses unique data pertaining to self-identification as a “feminist” MP, and explores how it relates to gender, party and certain policy issues previously connected to women in Sweden and Denmark. The two neighboring countries both have a high representation of women, but while the Swedish government called itself “feminist,” this was unthinkable in the Danish case. Our main finding is that in both countries male feminist MPs deviate from their female counterparts by not supporting “acting for women” which indicates a separate and gendered understanding of what being a male feminist implies. However, no strong association addressing intrinsic feminist male concerns such as parental leave, was found. Another possibility could be that male feminists refrain from taking agency from females, which the “acting for” option could imply. We conclude that the concept of “acting for women” needs to be abducted from its central stance in feminism as a category of representation to mirror the multifaceted contemporary landscape.
Prepared in pots, served in plastics: Rural Ethiopian women’s responses to the global economy
Authors: Wayessa Bula Sirika
Published: August 2020

This paper discusses the decline of traditional pottery making in rural southwestern Ethiopia and its causes and looks at the potters’ responses to socio-economic and cultural shocks that have been instigated by the decline. Pottery making in southwestern Ethiopia forms a distinct female-only occupational identity, and potters are socially marginalized and forced into endogamous social groups. Recent government land policies have limited their already meager access to clay resources, while imported plastic and enamel objects offer comparative advantages over locally made ceramics. However, potters have not passively accepted the shocks brought about by the land policy and the influx of imported objects. Instead, they have devised strategies to obtain clay and have included imported foreign objects into their technology, despite the fact that these new objects are not part of their technological traditions.
A Beam-Angle-Selection Method to Improve Inter-Fraction Motion Robustness for Lung Tumor Irradiation With Passive Proton Scattering
Authors: Zhang Yawei , Ho Meng Wei , Li Zuofeng
Published: August 2020

In terms of dose distribution, protons are more sensitive to range variations than photons due to their unique properties. The aim of this study was to develop a method to identify patient-specific robust proton beam angles for lung tumor irradiation by investigating the association between water equivalent thickness (WET) variation and inter-fraction motion-induced target dose degradation. Using 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) images, the impact of WET variations on the target dose coverage of a series of coplanar proton beams was evaluated for 4 patients with lung cancer. Using ray tracing, WET maps, or WET baseline, were estimated for the internal target volume (ITV) at every 5° gantry interval in the axial plane. After calculating the WET baseline, the planning CT was shifted 5 mm in each anterior-posterior (AP), superior-inferior (SI), and left-right (LR) direction, yielding a total of 6 shifted CTs, and differential WET maps between the planning CT and each shifted CT were calculated. Target dose differences were associated with the average WET change between the original planning CT and the shifted CTs for all 360° gantry rotation beams. Target and OAR dose metrics in the ΔWET-guided plans were compared with those of the clinical plans. The WET variation maps showed areas of both high and low WET variations, with overall similar patterns yet individual differences reflecting tumor position differences. For all 4 patients investigated in this study, the coplanar plans demonstrated a strong correlation between WET changes and ITV dose reductions. Target dose coverage was more stable with the ΔWET-guided plan while OAR doses were comparable to the clinical plan. The WET variation maps have been used in this pilot study to identify proton beam angles that are either sensitive or robust to WET changes in proton passive scattering. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using WET variation maps to assist the planner in inter-fraction motion-robust proton beam angle selection.
Hispanics, Mental Health, and the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide: Brief Report
Authors: Brenes Francisco
Published: August 2020

Suicide is a public health concern in the United States, particularly among Hispanics. Research indicates a number of social factors negatively contribute to the problem, including stigma of psychiatric illness in the Hispanic culture. A paucity of research in this area exists, and if not addressed, then suicide rates could continue to increase among Hispanics. The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide could be used by clinicians and researchers to explore the phenomenon of suicide among Hispanics. Such research could potentially meet national suicide prevention goals and guide clinicians in creating culturally sensitive suicide outreach programs for at-risk Hispanics. Multicultural strategies aimed to serve minority, underserved, and vulnerable populations could also reduce mental health disparities. Recommendations for clinical practice, research, and health care policy are included in this report.
Evaluation of chemical and physical properties of biodegradable gum Arabic/PVA/Ag nanofibrous membranes as a potential wrapping material
Authors: Ibrahim Mayza , Krejčík Michal , Havlíček Karel , Petrík Stanislav , Eldessouki Mohamed
Published: August 2020

There is a growing public interest in utilizing biomass and biomaterials to obtain products with high sustainability and less harm to the environment. This study reports on using electrospinning technique to produce nanofiber membranes based on homogeneous polymeric blends of gum Arabic, polyvinyl alcohol, and silver nanoparticles. The produced interconnected membranes were cross-linked via heat and plasma treatments, and the membranes were characterized for their chemical and physical characteristics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows a cross-linking of gum Arabic and polyvinyl alcohol through esterification during the heat treatment, and through graft polymerization with methyl groups after methane plasma treatment. The mechanical performance of the membranes showed an increase in the modulus of elasticity in the longitudinal direction (parallel to electrospun nanofibers) from 85 ± 4 MPa to 148 ± 5 MPa compared with the transverse direction. Also, well-dispersed nanoparticles in the spinning solution tend to increase the elasticity from 41 ± 3 MPa to 148 ± 5 MPa, while the agglomeration of these nanoparticles decreases the mechanical properties of the nanofibers. Results of the biodegradation tests confirmed the significant biodegradable nature of the produced nanofibers, where 99.09% of the material was degraded within 28 days. Moreover, samples showed significant bactericidal activity against Micrococcus luteus with significantly less-observed bacteria in the measured plate, while the inhibition zone for Escherichia coli was 1 cm. The produced biodegradable electrospun membranes have multiple potential applications in many fields; especially for medical, antibacterial, and food packaging. This work reports the results for moisture and oxygen transfer of the membranes as a proposed application in food wrapping.
Solitaire AB stent-angioplasty for stenoses in perforator rich segments: A single-center experience
Authors: Cao Xiangyu , Wang Jun , Tian Chenglin , Du Zhihua , Su Hui , Liu Xinfeng , Lv Bin , Yu Shengyuan , Chen Xing , Hui Ferdinand
Published: August 2020

Background

Vascular angioplasty and stenting of middle cerebral artery (MCA) and basilar artery (BA) stenoses are associated with poor clinical outcomes and high mortality rates thought to be related to the abundance of perforating arteries in those segments. This study explores the use of Solitaire AB as an off-label vascular stent to treat stenoses in the MCA and BA.

Methods

Solitaire AB stents were placed during angioplasty and stenting of MCA and BA stenoses in patients at our department between January 2015 and May 2017 with 6-36 months follow-up. Operative results were assessed by follow-up angiography and transcranial doppler after the procedure. Neurologic status was evaluated before and after treatment according to the modified Ranking Scale (mRS).

Results

A total of 32 patients were included in the study. Seventeen (53.12%) patients presented with MCA stenosis and 15 (46.87%) with BA stenosis. The 30-day rate of procedure-related complications was 3.1% (1/32). Post-stenting residual stenosis degrees ranged from 0% to 40% (mean 13.44% ± 10.66%). Mean degree of residual stenosis in 26 patients followed up by DSA was 8.64% ± 9.67%. The mRS 0-2 was achieved in all (100%) patients at 6-12 months post-procedure.

Conclusions

Our study indicates the off-label use of Solitaire AB for stenting is effective and safe for MCA and BA stenoses with high technical success and low complications. We recommend that lesion-specific therapy with an anatomically fitted stent design enables optimal treatment for intracranial stenosis.
New Neolignan and Dihydrostilbene Derivatives from Pouzolzia sanguinea Inhibit NO Production in LPS-Activated BV2 Cells
Authors: Nhung Le Thi Hong , Quyen Phan Thi , Thuy Trinh Thi , Tam Nguyen Thanh , Anh Nguyen Thi Hoang , Xuan Do Thi Thanh , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Huu Tai Bui , Van Kiem Phan
Published: August 2020

Three dihydrostilbene derivatives (1-3) and 5 neolignans (4-8) were isolated from the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of Pouzolzia sanguinea. Two new compounds (1 and 4) were obtained. Their structures, as well as their absolute configuration, were elucidated by means of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and circular dichroism spectral data. Compounds 1-8 inhibited NO production in lipopolysaccharide-activated BV2 cells with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 22.7 ± 1.5 to 61.2 ± 3.1 µM. Of these, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited the most NO inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 22.7 ± 1.5 and 25.1 ± 2.1 µM, respectively, in comparison with the positive control, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, IC50 value 22.1 ± 1.2 µM.
The Association Between Sports- or Physical Activity–Related Concussions and Suicidality Among US High School Students, 2017
Authors: Miller Gabrielle F. , DePadilla Lara , Jones Sherry Everett , Bartholow Brad N. , Sarmiento Kelly , Breiding Matthew J.
Published: August 2020

Background:

This study examined the association between sports- or physical activity–related concussions and having seriously considered attempting suicide, made a suicide plan, or attempted suicide (ie, suicidality), and tested potential moderators of the association.

Hypothesis:

Risk factors such as persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, low academic grades, few hours of sleep, and current alcohol or marijuana use will increase the odds of suicidality among those who self-reported sports- or physical activity–related concussions, while protective factors such as physical activity and having played on a sports team will decrease the odds.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

This study used data from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a biennial, school-based, nationally representative survey of US students in grade levels 9 to 12 (N = 14,765). Logistic regression models examined associations between self-reported sports- or physical activity–related concussions and suicidality among the students, and whether physical activity, having played on a sports team, persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, academic grades, hours of sleep, or current alcohol or marijuana use moderated those associations.

Results:

Sports- or physical activity–related concussions were found to be associated with suicidality. The associations remained significant in models that adjusted for demographic characteristics, and they did not appear to be moderated by physical activity, having played on sports team, academic grades, or sleep.

Conclusions:

Given the findings of this study and others, health care providers are advised to ask students who have experienced a concussion about their emotional well-being as part of their symptom-based assessment, using validated, age- appropriate concussion symptom scales. Comprehensively assessing students who have experienced a sports- or physical activity–related concussion for persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness may alert providers to thoughts of suicidal ideation and will allow for earlier intervention.

Clinical Relevance:

If thoughts of suicide are discovered among adolescents with a concussion, or if other risk factors are observed, referrals to medical and mental health providers for a more comprehensive assessment may be warranted.
Evaluation of vancomycin initial trough levels in children: A 1-year retrospective study
Authors: Salem Muhammad , Khalil Ahmed , Mohamed Asmaa , Elmasoudi Ahmed
Published: August 2020

Background and objectives:

Achieving vancomycin therapeutic levels is essential for antibacterial success and resistance prevention. Multiple studies have shown that most of the children fail to reach therapeutic trough levels (10–20 µg/mL). This study aims to determine the frequency of achieving therapeutic vancomycin initial trough levels in children, evaluate the effect of age on that achievement and the mean initial trough levels, and the frequency of supratherapeutic levels.

Methods:

Children aged 1 month to 12 years who received three or more vancomycin doses 15 mg/kg every 6 h while admitted at our hospital from February 2016 to January 2017, and had a level before the fourth dose were included. Cases with high baseline serum creatinine, acute kidney injury, and congenital heart disease were excluded.

Results:

Out of 75 included cases, one third, 28/75 (37.3%), achieved goal. The lowest frequency was 6/28 (21.4%) of the 2–5 years group, which were statistically less likely to achieve, and had significantly lower mean initial trough than the 1–23 months group ( P = 0.026 and 0.013, respectively). Mean initial trough levels were 10.1, 7.3, and 8.2 µg/mL in the 1–23 months, 2–5 years, and 6–12 years groups, respectively ( P = 0.014). No supratherapeutic levels were observed.

Conclusion:

Vancomycin dose of 60 mg/kg/day is insufficient to attain target levels for most of the children. Children aged 2–5 years are the least likely to achieve and have the lowest mean levels. More intensified doses are warranted to be studied prospectively to identify the most effective empiric dose for children.
Colonizing cuts of labyrinth mythology, a tangling parable of white sensibilities
Authors: Keeling Diane Marie
Published: August 2020

This article demonstrates the way wounds, and affects generally, are figured by the writing of history. It traces patterns of thinking about the labyrinth primarily in histories, theories, and myths of the past 150 years to demonstrate how the labyrinth has been cut by colonization. From the Mycenaean colonization of Indigenous Cretans (inaccurately named “Minoans”) to the emergence of white feminism and its present day practice, figures of the labyrinth iteratively cut history to perpetuate the un/common loss of colonized communities and to enact white racist sensibilities of exclusion. Entangling Karen Barad’s cutting together-apart and Kent Ono’s colonial amnesia, colonizing cuts are constitutive exclusions that wound and exclude colonized communities from history and world making.
Diagnostic value of 3D dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in lymph node metastases of head and neck tumors: a correlation study with histology
Authors: Treutlein Christoph , Stollberg Adrian , Scherl Claudia , Agaimy Abbas , Ellmann Stephan , Iro Heinrich , Lell Michael , Uder Michael , Bäuerle Tobias
Published: August 2020

Background

Accurate staging of cervical lymph nodes (LN) is pivotal for further clinical management of patients with head and neck cancer. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) such as three-dimensional (3D) dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) acquisition might improve the diagnosis of cervical LN metastases.

Purpose

To evaluate the additional diagnostic value of high-resolution 3D T1-weighted DCE in detecting LN metastasis compared to standard morphological imaging criteria in patients with head and neck tumors as correlated to histopathology.

Material and Methods

Standard MRI with 3D DCE acquisition at voxel sizes of 1 × 1×1 mm was performed in 15 patients before surgery; 92 LN of the head and neck were histopathologically analyzed. A logistic regression analysis of semi-quantitative DCE parameters, time-intensity curve (TIC) shapes, and morphological criteria was performed to differentiate benign from malignant LN.

Results

Standard MRI was sufficient for diagnosis of malignancy in LN with a short-axis diameter ≥ 15 mm (n = 17). For LN metastases with a short-axis diameter <15 mm (n = 12), however, the combination of 3D DCE MRI parameters, TIC shapes, and LN diameter significantly increased the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing metastases (DCE + TIC shape + LN diameter: 92% and 88% vs. DCE only: 83% and 68% ( P < 0.01) vs. LN diameter only: 83% and 77% ( P = 0.04).

Conclusion

MRI including isotropic high-resolution 3D DCE acquisition combined with morphological criteria allows an accurate assessment of small cervical LN metastases in patients with head and neck cancer. For LN ≥ 15 mm diameter, morphologic imaging may suffice to diagnose metastatic disease to the LN.
A New Framework for Understanding Memories and Preference for Music
Authors: Lamont Alexandra , Loveday Catherine
Published: August 2020

What can musical memories tell us about preference, and what can musical preferences tell us about memory? In this article we contrast the two perspectives using a dialogic conversation, drawing on insights brought into relief at the recent Music and Lifetime Memories conference. We use dialogue to present two different bodies of relevant background literature and theory and consider their overlaps, interactions, and contradictions in depth. We then compare our two different approaches to the same dataset – the Desert Island Discs archive – which provide complementary perspectives and insights. We interpret each other’s analyses from our own perspectives, and finally conclude with reflections on future directions for the field.
Measuring School Climate: Validating the Education Department School Climate Survey in a Sample of Urban Middle and High School Students
Authors: Ryberg Renee , Her Sarah , Temkin Deborah , Madill Rebecca , Kelley Claire , Thompson Joy , Gabriel Alexander
Published: August 2020

The U.S. Department of Education’s School Climate Survey (EDSCLS) is a free, open-source school climate survey available for any local or state education agency to use to measure three domains of school climate: engagement, safety, and environment. The present study leverages EDSCLS data from 3,416 students from 26 middle and high schools in Washington, DC to confirm the factor structure of the survey using both single-level and multilevel confirmatory factor analyses. At the individual level, our findings paralleled those from the original validation study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education. At the school level, our findings suggested a simpler factor structure for the engagement and environment domains, and could not identify a reasonable well-fitting model for the safety domain. Particularly, as more states are considering school climate measurement for accountability systems, these findings suggest that simply using the individual-level structure may not yield valid measurement.
International Cultural Heritage Conventions and the Central Asian Region: Current Framework and Future Perspectives
Authors: Frigerio Alberto
Published: August 2020

Acknowledging the value and importance of culture at local, national and global levels, the international community has progressively developed a series of conventions for the protection, preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage. Each of these conventions provides a unique set of binding principles and practices that member-states must follow in order to strengthen the protection of the heritage at stake. Still, while some of these laws have been enthusiastically embraced by Central Asian countries, others have been mostly ignored or avoided. This article aims to briefly examine three issues. First, the current rate of ratification of these conventions in the Central Asian region. Second, the main reasons why some of these legal documents have not received a spread endorsement in Central Asia. Third, a tentative interpretation of Central Asian states’ intentions over the next years.
Tracing institutional surprises in the water–energy nexus: Stalled projects of Chile’s small hydropower boom
Authors: Kelly Sarah H. , Negroni José Miguel Valdés
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we examine small hydropower trends in Chile through institutional and ethnographic research and we reflect on what lessons this case provides for scholarship on the water–energy nexus. Contrary to the tendency in water–energy nexus scholarship to advocate for further integration of water and energy management, this paper explains an approach to investigation that answers recent calls to politicize the nexus by examining inequity and inefficiency. Methodologically, we trace institutional surprises in water–energy nexus interactions. Internationally, small hydropower growth is part of a boom in renewable energy, yet in Chile the reality is more complicated. We examine the paradoxical trend of hundreds of stalled small hydropower projects that remain incomplete throughout central to southern Chile. These stalled projects indicate unexpected behavior in how water, energy, and environmental institutions interact, in Mapuche Indigenous territory specifically where projects are highly conflictive. A fantastical materialism is also visible. Government and private sector ambitions of organized, massive, and lucrative small hydropower development are resulting in unruly material realities, yet over time capital finds an unforeseen way to produce value. In this case, water rights are being sold with approved environmental impact studies on the water market. Overall, our findings challenge the assumptions that commodifying water can be done equitably and efficiently for all parties involved, in particular for the Mapuche people. Findings also question hydropower’s future viability as a sustainable renewable energy endeavor in a market-driven system.
Spontaneous resolution of optic pit maculopathy: an OCT report
Authors: Lorusso Massimo , Zito Roberta , Micelli Ferrari Luisa , Nikolopoulou Eleni , Cicinelli Maria Vittoria , Borrelli Enrico , Querques Giuseppe , Micelli Ferrari Tommaso
Published: August 2020

The separation of the vitreous from the optic nerve head and the macula plays a primary role in the spontaneous resolution of optic disc pit (ODP) maculopathy. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) helps in the non-invasive monitoring of this condition, when treated conservatively. The aim of this report was to describe a pediatric case of spontaneously resolved ODP maculopathy, managed conservatively and monitored by means of spectral domain (SD)-OCT. A 14-year-old girl presented with severe visual loss in the right eye (RE). Fundus examination demonstrated a temporal ODP with altered foveal reflex. The SD-OCT B-scans revealed severe intraretinal schisis-like changes, broad vitreal adhesion in the optic nerve head area, posterior hyaloid thickening, and vitreal entrapment in the premacular space. The patient was managed conservatively. Spontaneous resolution of ODP maculopathy took place over 3 months, with vision improved up to 1.0 (Snellen charts). The macular schisis progressively resolved after posterior vitreous detachment. In conclusion, in our report, a complete restoration of the foveal anatomy was achieved without any surgical intervention. This OCT-based report confirms the role of the vitreomacular abnormalities in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Preparing the sample of integrated labour market biographies (SIAB) for scientific analysis: a guide
Authors: Dauth Wolfgang , Eppelsheimer Johann
Published: August 2020

Preparing the Sample of Integrated Labour Market Biographies (SIAB) for scientific analysis is a complicated and error-prone task. This paper elaborates on the steps necessary to prepare the SIAB and provides examples of how the preparation can be done. Among other topics covered, we show how to generate and merge additional variables, impute right-censored wages, deal with parallel employment episodes, and clean the dataset. Finally, we present a case study on the individual long-term effects of job loss from plant closure to demonstrate how our prepared version of the SIAB can be used to carry out an empirical analysis. The supplementary material of this paper contains extensively commented Stata do-files to replicate our data preparation and the subsequent analysis.
Genetic control of temperament traits across species: association of autism spectrum disorder risk genes with cattle temperament
Authors: Costilla Roy , Kemper Kathryn E. , Byrne Enda M. , Porto-Neto Laercio R. , Carvalheiro Roberto , Purfield Deirdre C. , Doyle Jennifer L. , Berry Donagh P. , Moore Stephen S. , Wray Naomi R. , Hayes Ben J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Temperament traits are of high importance across species. In humans, temperament or personality traits correlate with psychological traits and psychiatric disorders. In cattle, they impact animal welfare, product quality and human safety, and are therefore of direct commercial importance. We hypothesized that genetic factors that contribute to variation in temperament among individuals within a species will be shared between humans and cattle. Using imputed whole-genome sequence data from 9223 beef cattle from three cohorts, a series of genome-wide association studies was undertaken on cattle flight time, a temperament phenotype measured as the time taken for an animal to cover a short-fixed distance after release from an enclosure. We also investigated the association of cattle temperament with polymorphisms in bovine orthologs of risk genes for neuroticism, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and developmental delay disorders in humans.

Results

Variants with the strongest associations were located in the bovine orthologous region that is involved in several behavioural and cognitive disorders in humans. These variants were also partially validated in independent cattle cohorts. Genes in these regions (BARHL2, NDN, SNRPN, MAGEL2, ABCA12, KIFAP3, TOPAZ1, FZD3, UBE3A, and GABRA5) were enriched for the GO term neuron migration and were differentially expressed in brain and pituitary tissues in humans. Moreover, variants within 100 kb of ASD susceptibility genes were associated with cattle temperament and explained 6.5% of the total additive genetic variance in the largest cattle cohort. The ASD genes with the most significant associations were GABRB3 and CUL3. Using the same 100 kb window, a weak association was found with polymorphisms in schizophrenia risk genes and no association with polymorphisms in neuroticism and developmental delay disorders risk genes.

Conclusions

Our analysis showed that genes identified in a meta-analysis of cattle temperament contribute to neuron development functions and are differentially expressed in human brain tissues. Furthermore, some ASD susceptibility genes are associated with cattle temperament. These findings provide evidence that genetic control of temperament might be shared between humans and cattle and highlight the potential for future analyses to leverage results between species.
MCC-SP: a powerful integration method for identification of causal pathways from genetic variants to complex disease
Authors: Zhu Yuchen , Ji Jiadong , Lin Weiqiang , Li Mingzhuo , Liu Lu , Zhu Huanhuan , Xue Fuzhong , Li Xiujun , Zhou Xiang , Yuan Zhongshang
Published: August 2020

Background

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified genetic susceptible variants for complex diseases. However, the underlying mechanism of such association remains largely unknown. Most disease-associated genetic variants have been shown to reside in noncoding regions, leading to the hypothesis that regulation of gene expression may be the primary biological mechanism. Current methods to characterize gene expression mediating the effect of genetic variant on diseases, often analyzed one gene at a time and ignored the network structure. The impact of genetic variant can propagate to other genes along the links in the network, then to the final disease. There could be multiple pathways from the genetic variant to the final disease, with each having the chain structure since the first node is one specific SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) variant and the end is disease outcome. One key but inadequately addressed question is how to measure the between-node connection strength and rank the effects of such chain-type pathways, which can provide statistical evidence to give the priority of some pathways for potential drug development in a cost-effective manner.

Results

We first introduce the maximal correlation coefficient (MCC) to represent the between-node connection, and then integrate MCC with K shortest paths algorithm to rank and identify the potential pathways from genetic variant to disease. The pathway importance score (PIS) was further provided to quantify the importance of each pathway. We termed this method as “MCC-SP”. Various simulations are conducted to illustrate MCC is a better measurement of the between-node connection strength than other quantities including Pearson correlation, Spearman correlation, distance correlation, mutual information, and maximal information coefficient. Finally, we applied MCC-SP to analyze one real dataset from the Religious Orders Study and the Memory and Aging Project, and successfully detected 2 typical pathways from APOE genotype to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) through gene expression enriched in Alzheimer’s disease pathway.

Conclusions

MCC-SP has powerful and robust performance in identifying the pathway(s) from the genetic variant to the disease. The source code of MCC-SP is freely available at GitHub (https://github.com/zhuyuchen95/ADnet).
Detection of clinically important non tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from pulmonary samples through one-step multiplex PCR assay
Authors: Singh Kamal , Kumari Richa , Tripathi Rajneesh , Gupta Smita , Anupurba Shampa
Published: August 2020

Background

The burden of non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease is increasing worldwide but still its diagnosis is delayed and it is mistaken as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).The present study was performed to develop a multiplex PCR assay for detection and identification of clinically most common NTM to the species level from pulmonary samples.

Results

Out of 50 isolates, 26 were identified as Mycobacterium kansasii (MK), 20 were identified as Mycobacterium abscessus (MA) and 4 were identified as Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) through multiplex PCR and further confirmed by sequencing.

Conclusion

Our study showed that multiplex PCR assay is a simple, convenient, and reliable technique for detection and differential identification of major NTM species.
A member of wheat class III peroxidase gene family, TaPRX-2A, enhanced the tolerance of salt stress
Authors: Su Peisen , Yan Jun , Li Wen , Wang Liang , Zhao Jinxiao , Ma Xin , Li Anfei , Wang Hongwei , Kong Lingrang
Published: August 2020

Background

Salt and drought are the main abiotic stresses that restrict the yield of crops. Peroxidases (PRXs) are involved in various abiotic stress responses. Furthermore, only few wheat PRXs have been characterized in the mechanism of the abiotic stress response.

Results

In this study, a novel wheat peroxidase (PRX) gene named TaPRX-2A, a member of wheat class III PRX gene family, was cloned and its response to salt stress was characterized. Based on the identification and evolutionary analysis of class III PRXs in 12 plants, we proposed an evolutionary model for TaPRX-2A, suggesting that occurrence of some exon fusion events during evolution. We also detected the positive selection of PRX domain in 13 PRXs involving our evolutionary model, and found 2 or 6 positively selected sites during TaPRX-2A evolution. Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) results showed that TaPRX-2A exhibited relatively higher expression levels in root tissue than those exhibited in leaf and stem tissues. TaPRX-2A expression was also induced by abiotic stresses and hormone treatments such as polyethylene glycol 6000, NaCl, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), salicylic acid (SA), methyljasmonic acid (MeJA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Transgenic wheat plants with overexpression of TaPRX-2A showed higher tolerance to salt stress than wild-type (WT) plants. Confocal microscopy revealed that TaPRX-2A-eGFP was mainly localized in cell nuclei. Survival rate, relative water content, and shoot length were higher in TaPRX-2A-overexpressing wheat than in the WT wheat, whereas root length was not significantly different. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) were enhanced in TaPRX-2A-overexpressing wheat compared with those in the WT wheat, resulting in the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The expression levels of downstream stress-related genes showed that RD22, TLP4, ABAI, GST22, FeSOD, and CAT exhibited higher expressions in TaPRX-2A-overexpressing wheat than in WT under salt stress.

Conclusions

The results show that TaPRX-2A plays a positive role in the response to salt stress by scavenging ROS and regulating stress-related genes.