bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new marine epiphytic diatom species, Halamphora yundangensis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae), from Yundang Lake, Southeast coast of China

Authors: WU WEIWEI , LIN HUINA , PATIL VISHAL , KOCIOLEK JOHN PATRICK , SUN LIN , LI XUESONG , LIANG JUNRONG , CHEN CHANGPING , GAO YAHUI
Published: June 2020

Halamphora yundangensis sp. nov. is described as a new species epiphytic on the green seaweed Ulva lactuca, from Yundang Lake, Fujian Province, China. Morphological details of the new species with respect to shape, size and valve ultrastructure are presented, with observations based on light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The main features of Halamphora yundangensis are dorsiventral, semi-lanceolate valves with convex dorsal margin and straight ventral margin, as well as valve ends distinctly protracted and capitate. Externally, a prominent marginal ridge forming the image of a broad hyaline area is present. Internally, dorsal striae are regularly biseriate, and a row of areolae lies along raphe. The new species is compared with similar species in both Amphora and Halamphora.
Genus Vietnamodes Leraut, 2017 (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) new to China, with description of a new species
Authors: QI MUJIE , LI HOUHUN
Published: June 2020

Three species of Vietnamodes are revised from China. Among them, Vietnamodes unicispina Qi et Li, sp. nov. is described as new to science. In addition, the female of V. dogueti Leraut, 2017 is described for the first time. V. dogueti Leraut, 2017 and V. adelinae Leraut, 2017 are newly recorded from China. Photographs of adults and male and female genitalia are provided, along with keys to the species of Vietnamodes in China.
Anchialine cave-dwelling sponge fauna (Porifera) from La Quebrada, Mexico, with the description of the first Mexican stygobiont sponges
Authors: GÓMEZ PATRICIA , CALDERÓN-GUTIÉRREZ FERNANDO
Published: June 2020

Porifera has been relatively well studied from underwater caves worldwide. However, sponges in Mexico are only known from two anchialine caves: La Quebrada and El Aerolito, both in Cozumel Island. An ecological study found that sponges have the second highest species richness and density in La Quebrada. The aim of the present work is to describe the sponge biodiversity inhabiting the dark zone of La Quebrada anchialine cave. A total of ten species were found and are described herein, six are new species to science vis. Calyx maya n. sp. a thinly branched sponge; Haliclona (Reniera) stygobia n. sp. globe-shaped with the thinnest diameter of oxeas in its group; Haliclona (Halichoclona) chankanaabiis n. sp. tubular habit with the smallest oxeas in its group; Neosiphonia microtriaeneae n. sp. characterized by very small dichotriaenes; Svenzea germanyanezi n. sp. a lone conical shape; and Diplastrella cozumella n. sp. for its tri to multilobed tylostyles. The other four species are previously known from open reefs or deep-sea: Discodermia adhaerens, Siphonidium ramosum, Cinachyrella kuekenthali, and Plakinastrella onkodes. This is the only inventory of Porifera in Mexican caves up to now, thus the species here described are the first stygobiont sponges from Mexico with an endemism rate of Porifera in this anchialine cave of 60%. Conservation programs are needed to preserve this unique and special ecosystem.
A new species of the flower fly genus Criorhina Meigen (Diptera: Syrphidae) from mainland China
Authors: LI HU , HUO KE-KE , LI BAO-GUO
Published: June 2020

The genus Criorhina consists of honey-bee and bumblebee mimic flower flies with a strongly produced face. It is widespread in the Holarctic and Oriental Regions. Criorhina adults are usually found flying near white spring flowers in woodlands and shrubs. The Chinese Criorhina fauna is poorly known and includes seven species. In our flower fly collection of Henan Province, northern China, an eighth new species was discovered: Criorhina rostrata Li, Huo & Li sp. nov. This new species is here described and illustrated. The new species possess a very long proboscis, unique amongst the Criorhina species from mainland China. In addition, during the course of this study, Criorhina brevipila Loew, 1871 was also found to be present in mainland China, based on a specimen from our collection. A key to the species of Criorhina from mainland China is given.
Lightning Variability in Dynamically Downscaled Simulations of Alaska’s Present and Future Summer Climate
Authors: Bieniek Peter A. , Bhatt Uma S. , York Alison , Walsh John E. , Lader Rick , Strader Heidi , Ziel Robert , Jandt Randi R. , Thoman Richard L.
Published: June 2020

Lightning is a key driver of wildfire activity in Alaska. Quantifying its historical variability and trends has been challenging because of changes in the observational network, but understanding historical and possible future changes in lightning activity is important for fire management planning. Dynamically downscaled reanalysis and global climate model (GCM) data were used to statistically assess lightning data in geographic zones used operationally by fire managers across Alaska. Convective precipitation was found to be a key predictor of weekly lightning activity through multiple regression analysis, along with additional atmospheric stability, moisture, and temperature predictor variables. Model-derived estimates of historical June–July lightning since 1979 showed increasing but lower-magnitude trends than the observed record, derived from the highly heterogeneous lightning sensor network, over the same period throughout interior Alaska. Two downscaled GCM projections estimate a doubling of lightning activity over the same June–July season and geographic region by the end of the twenty-first century. Such a substantial increase in lightning activity may have significant impacts on future wildfire activity in Alaska because of increased opportunities for ignitions, although the final outcome also depends on fire weather conditions and fuels.
Navigating COVID-19 with emotional intelligence
Authors: Baba Mubashir Majid
Published: June 2020

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. COVID-19 has affected educational systems worldwide, leading to the widespread closure of schools, colleges and universities. The COVID-19 pandemic is also having a dramatic impact on societies and economies around the world. With various measures of lockdowns and social distancing in place, it becomes important to understand emotional intelligence of faculty members working in institutions of higher learning on a large scale in this pandemic.

Aim:

The purpose of this article is to examine the perception of faculty members toward their emotional intelligence during COVID-19 and to study the impact of demographic variables on their emotional intelligence.

Method:

The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The data for the study were collected through both the primary and secondary sources. Online questionnaires were used to gather the primary data. The measuring items used for the study were sourced from existing validated scales and literature. Descriptive statistics was employed to know the descriptive information across various demographic variables on a total sample of 683. The various demographic variables, which were considered for the study, were gender and designation.

Results:

The results revealed that the faculty members perceived their emotional intelligence at an above-average level in the present pandemic, that is, COVID-19. The results also revealed that the perception of the respondent faculty members toward their emotional intelligence from different universities and states is more or less the same and also the demographic variable gender has a significant impact on emotional intelligence during the present pandemic.

Conclusion:

Besides having theoretical implications that open pathways for conducting further research, the findings of the study may serve as a reference for service practitioners in designing strategies that will ensure superior performance of faculty members in higher educational institutions during the pandemic.
Access to drinking water in sub-Saharan Africa: does the developmental state doctrine matter?
Authors: Debela Bacha Kebede , Bouckaert Geert , Troupin Steve
Published: June 2020

Using data from 14 sub-Saharan African countries, this study investigates the relevance of the developmental state doctrine to enhancing access to improved drinking water sources and to reducing urban–rural inequalities in access to improved sources and piped-on premises. Although access to improved water sources and urban–rural inequality seems better in developmental states than in non-developmental states, we have not found sufficient support for the claim that the developmental state approach is the best alternative. The influence of corruption is, unexpectedly, higher in developmental states than in non-developmental states. Moreover, both developmental states and non-developmental states were not significantly investing in access to drinking water supply programs. We find that the total population growth rate is the strongest predictor, rather than regime type. Other factors that explain the variation between all samples of developmental states and non-developmental states are identified and discussed, and implications are outlined.

Points for practitioners

There is significant variation in access to improved drinking water sources and urban–rural inequalities in access to improved sources and piped-on premises between developmental states and non-developmental states. The relevance of the developmental state doctrine to improving access to drinking water, reducing socio-economic inequalities in access to drinking water, and realizing Sustainable Development Goal targets in sub-Saharan Africa is ambiguous. We advise strengthening a functional Weberian bureaucracy and promoting political decentralization.
A Proposed Postural Control Theory Synthesizing Optimal Feedback Control Theory, Postural Motor Learning, and Cerebellar Supervision Learning
Authors: Morelli Nathan , Hoch Matthew
Published: June 2020

Multiple theories regarding motor learning and postural control development aim to explain how the central nervous system (CNS) acquires, adjusts, and learns postural behaviors. However, few theories of postural motor development and learning propose possible neurophysiologic correlates to support their assumptions. Evidence from behavioral and computational models support the cerebellum’s role in supervising motor learning through the production of forward internal models, corrected by sensory prediction errors. Optimal Feedback Control Theory (OFCT) states that the CNS learns new behaviors by minimizing the cost of multi-joint movements that attain a task goal. By synthesizing principles of the OFCT, postural sway characteristics, and cerebellar anatomy and its internal models, we propose an integrated learning model in which cerebellar supervision of postural control is governed by movement cost functions.
Developing Task-based Lessons from PPP Lessons: A Case of Primary English Textbooks in Vietnam
Authors: Le Diem Bui Trang , Newton Jonathan
Published: June 2020

This article provides an account of how presentation-practice-production (PPP) textbook lessons were turned into task-based lessons which were then implemented in three Grade 4 classrooms in primary schools in Vietnam. This account seeks to address a topic of considerable practical value for teachers interested in teaching with tasks, namely, how PPP lessons can be adapted for task-based teaching. The article outlines lesson redesign and key steps in the process. Reflections on the lesson design and implementation provide implications for teachers and teacher educators.
How Language Contributes to Stereotype Formation: Combined Effects of Label Types and Negation Use in Behavior Descriptions
Authors: Burgers Christian , Beukeboom Camiel J.
Published: June 2020

This article focuses on the role of language in social-stereotype formation through interpersonal communication. We conducted a between-subjects experiment ( N = 423), in which participants were exposed to differential remarks about (members of) an unknown social group. Remarks varied in two linguistic devices: (a) label type, by distinguishing between generic and specific labels and (b) behavior descriptions, by contrasting negations and affirmations in descriptions of competent (e.g., not stupid vs. smart) and incompetent behaviors (e.g., not smart vs. stupid). Generic (vs. specific) labels increased perceived entitativity (“groupness” of category members), stereotype content (perceived competence) and perceived essentialism of described behaviors. Compared with affirmations, only the communication pattern with negations in descriptions of competent behaviors (e.g., not stupid) decreased perceived competence of group members, and increased perceived essentialism of incompetent behavior. Label type and negations did not interact, suggesting that these linguistic devices play a distinct, parallel role in stereotype formation.
Novel Framework for the Quantification of Pavement Damages in the Overload Corridors
Authors: Morovatdar Ali , Ashtiani Reza S. , Licon Carlos , Tirado Cesar , Mahmoud Enad
Published: June 2020

Recent traffic trends and permit issuance show significant mobility demands in the energy sectors across the nation. The increase in the axle loads and frequency of operations of over-weight (OW) trucks resulted in severe damage to transportation infrastructures. Traditionally, the damage imparted by OW vehicles has been quantified by means of the equivalent axle load factors (EALFs) concept. However, because of the nature of assumptions in the development of damage equivalency factors, the field distresses substantially deviate from the prediction models. Therefore, this study aimed to bridge this gap by developing a mechanistic framework to determine damage equivalency factors tailored toward the specific characteristics of OW vehicles operating in the OW corridors, while considering the environmental conditions and the unique features of transportation facilities in the network. To achieve this objective, initially, the authors devised a plan to collect traffic information using portable weigh-in-motion devices at two intervals for 10 representative sites in the energy corridors of Eagle Ford Shale region. Subsequently, a series of nondestructive tests were conducted in the field to determine the material properties of the pavement layers for further numerical simulations. This information was further incorporated into a 3D finite element system to calculate critical input parameters in the modified damage factor models. The proposed mechanistic approach confirmed that the modified damage factors were substantially higher compared with traditional industry-standard values. Further investigation of environmental factors and pavement profiles in this study underscored the significance of these components for accurate assessment of the damage equivalency factors.
Challenges in Evaluating Safety and Efficacy in Drug Development for Rare Diseases: A Review for Pharmacists
Authors: Shah Kanya K. , Kogut Stephen , Slitt Angela
Published: June 2020

A rare disease, or orphan disease, in the United States is a condition with a national prevalence of fewer than 200,000 diagnoses. As therapies for rare diseases are developed and brought to market, pharmacists should understand the challenges of drug development for rare diseases and aid in educating patients about the approval process for rare disease therapies. Developing drugs for treating rare diseases presents unique challenges in proving the drug’s safety and efficacy with adequate study design, power, and validity. Results of the clinical trials for rare diseases may be weakened by small patient populations, limited disease information, and difficulty defining end points and biomarkers. In addition to investigational barriers, pharmaceutical companies face financial barriers in justifying the investment of bringing a rare disease therapy to market. Federal programs, such as the Orphan Drug Act of 1983, expedited review, the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Vouchers (RPD PRV) program, and the 21st Century Cures Act, give pharmaceutical companies motivation to develop therapies for rare diseases. The objective of this article is to provide pharmacists with an understanding of the challenges in designing clinical trials for drugs for rare diseases and discuss federal programs that address efforts to develop safe and efficacious drugs for rare diseases.
Investigation of insert-hole interference fit influence on downhole drilling bit failure
Authors: Saeedi R , Sadeghi MH
Published: June 2020

Down-the-hole drilling is a reliable method for drilling in medium-to-hard geological structures. The insert-hole fitting interference value emerges as one of the most important factors of down-the-hole drilling bit life. In this study, fatigue tests were conducted using a tungsten carbide pin press-fitted into a hole in the specimens of DIN 1.6580 steel (which is used for manufacturing the bit body) to quantify the effect of interference value on the bit body failure. Then, the process of bit-rock collision was simulated using three-dimensional finite element method taking into account the residual stresses in the insert and bit body to determine the optimal interference value. Simulations were performed considering the rotary motion of the bit in addition to impact for a single-insert as well as a commercial 3.5 inch bit. Results showed that the interference value influences fatigue life significantly. Also, the velocity and angle of impact have considerable influence on body stresses. Results of this study can greatly assist the design of insert-hole manufacturing tolerances in down-the-hole bits.
A Tabu-GA-based parallel machine scheduling with restrained tool resources
Authors: Wang Shilong , Zou Haixu , Wang Sibao
Published: June 2020

In flexible manufacturing systems, disordered parallel machine scheduling may cause interruptions in the production line; thus, a reasonable scheduling plan beneﬁts proﬁts of manufacturing. In the literature, the operation sequence, the operation assignment, the tool scheduling, and the tool switching problems have been studied with unlimited resources. However, in practical manufacturing process, a scheduling problem along with these problems with restrained resources should be studied to make scheduling solutions more performable. There are a number of operations processed on a group of parallel machines, and each operation requires a set of tools where the tool copy number and tool service life are limited. The objective of this problem is to minimize the make-span with restrained resources. This article studies a parallel machine scheduling problem combining operation scheduling, tool scheduling and restrained resources, which benefit the real industry. A Tabu-Genetic Algorithm is proposed to find the optimal solution. In small size problem, the proposed method can achieve similar results whereas the mixed integer programming approach can obtain the exact solution. However, in large size problem, the latter cannot obtain the solutions within acceptable times, whereas the proposed method can ﬁnd solutions within reasonable times. This algorithm performs better when compared to Tabu search algorithm and genetic algorithm in selecting local and global optima.
Designing nano-aluminum laden fuel pump for aviation applications
Authors: Yan Di , Tang Qian , Kovacevic Ahmed , Zhang Yuanxun , Liu Wei , Liang Pinghua , Zhang Huijun
Published: June 2020

In view of the fact that traditional liquid propellants cannot meet the design requirements of large-thrust flight vehicle, it has become a new trend to add nano-metal powder to liquid propellants to greatly increase density and specific impulse. In order to achieve the variable flow-rate and variable-proportion transportation of aviation fuel with nano-aluminum, a new type of solid-liquid mixing pumping system is designed, including powder conveying device, stirring device, pump and corresponding drive and transmission system. For the purpose of avoiding the frictional contact between the rotors, which will bring potential hazard to nano-aluminum powder, a non-contact twin-screw pump with synchronous gears is designed. Among them, based on the considerations of flow pulsation, volumetric efficiency and manufacturing difficulty, cycloid profile is adopted for screw rotors. After completing the functional design, geometric parameter design, structural design, 3D modeling, prototype manufacturing and preliminary performance estimation of the mixing pumping system, the performance of the screw feeder, agitator, screw pump was tested through experiments to meet the expected design requirements. The designed agitator can achieve sufficient mixing at 500 rpm in less than 10 s. Even though 50-micron clearances are designed with a relatively small rotor diameter, the volumetric efficiency of screw pump can reach above 50% when the discharge pressure is below 450 kPa and the flow rate is set as 10 L/min, the power of the screw pump is less than 700 W. This design facilitates the rapid real-time preparation of metallized propellants and provides a reference for further improving the design and control methods of nanoparticle two-phase flow pumping.
Digital library evaluation measures in academic settings: Perspectives from scholars and practitioners
Authors: Xie Iris , Joo Soohyung , Matusiak Krystyna K.
Published: June 2020

Evaluation criteria and appropriate measures are critical to the success of digital library evaluation. The key problem is a lack of specific measures, especially from a heuristic perspective, corresponding to diverse dimensions and criteria. This study explored a variety of measures for digital library evaluation focusing on their appropriateness. It also compared the similarities and differences in perceptions of the appropriateness of digital library evaluation measures of two groups. Sixty-one participants were recruited representing scholars and academic digital librarians. The participants were instructed to fill in an in-depth survey consisting of 174 measures associated with 10 evaluation dimensions and 82 criteria. The findings of this study highlight the most appropriate measures in each dimension and show significant agreement in identifying appropriate measures by digital library scholars and librarians. Differences in the rating of the measures were found between the two groups in the dimensions of “interface design,” “system and technology,” “effects on users,” “administration,” “user engagement,” and “context.” The significance of this study lies not only in the integration of the perspectives on measures from both researchers and practitioners, but also in providing an inclusive list of measures to guide practitioners to effectively evaluate digital libraries in academic settings.
Personality Disorders in the ICD-11: Spanish Validation of the PiCD and the SASPD in a Mixed Community and Clinical Sample
Authors: Gutiérrez Fernando , Aluja Anton , Ruiz José , García Luis F. , Gárriz Miguel , Gutiérrez-Zotes Alfonso , Gallardo-Pujol David , Navarro-Haro Maria V. , Alabèrnia-Segura Miquel , Mestre-Pintó Joan Ignasi , Torrens Marta , Peri Josep M. , Sureda Bárbara , Soler Joaquim , Pascual Juan Carlos , Vall Gemma , Calvo Natalia , Ferrer Marc , Oltmanns Joshua R. , Widiger Thomas A.
Published: June 2020

The International Classification of Diseases–11th revision (ICD-11) classification of personality disorders is the official diagnostic system that is used all over the world, and it has recently been renewed. However, as yet very few data are available on its performance. This study examines the Personality Inventory for ICD-11 (PiCD), which assesses the personality domains of the system, and the Standardized Assessment of Severity of Personality Disorder (SASPD), which determines severity. The Spanish versions of the questionnaires were administered to a community ( n = 2,522) and a clinical sample ( n = 797). Internal consistency was adequate in the PiCD (α = .75 to .84) but less so in the SASPD (α = .64 and .73). Factor analyses suggested a unidimensional or bidimensional structure for severity, while revealing that the personality trait qualifiers are organized into four factors: negative affectivity, detachment, dissociality, and a bipolar domain of disinhibition–anankastia. The mutual relationships between traits and severity were analyzed, as well as the ability of the whole system to identify clinical subjects. Although further improvements are required, the results generally support the use of the PiCD and the SASPD and help substantiate the new ICD-11 taxonomy that underlies them.
Policy framing and resistance: Gender mainstreaming in Horizon 2020
Authors: Vida Bianka
Published: June 2020

Scholarship on gender mainstreaming (GM) in the European Union (EU) consistently highlights the disappointing implementation of gender mainstreaming. This article contributes to that discussion through the analysis of the first policy frame on gender equality in the work programmes of the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Development, Horizon 2020, from 2014 until 2016. This article analyses how GM as a transformative strategy is contextualised by advisory group experts, and what is being achieved within Horizon 2020 work programmes. In opposition to the Commission’s rhetorical commitment to GM, this article demonstrates that Horizon 2020 work programmes exemplify a failure of implementing GM, further depoliticising gender equality in the Commission’s neoliberal context.
Cultural production and platform mediation: A case in music crowdfunding
Authors: D’Amato Francesco , Cassella Milena
Published: June 2020

Although a great amount of research has been concerned with the growing relevance of crowdfunding for cultural productions, it is still little investigated how the actual functioning of crowdfunding platforms can affect both the way of conceiving and doing crowdfunding and the financing opportunities and performances of different projects. The article illustrates how this occurs in the case of an Italian crowdfunding platform, through activities of project classification and evaluation and campaign consulting it carries out, which are not visible from the outside. It also points out how these activities are shaped through the constant search for a balance between meritocratic principles and company sustainability. Opening what is usually treated as an organizational black box, the article provides an original contribution that enriches the understanding of the ways in which crowdfunding platforms can influence the production of culture as well as the subjectivities characterized by the neoliberal ethos of self-management and self-entrepreneurship.
The parental experiences of caring for children with childhood cancers in Singapore: a pilot focus group study
Authors: Tan Beron Wei Zhong , Clarke Alexis , Teo Lois Ling’en , Tong Jasper Weng Kong , Chan Mei-Yoke
Published: June 2020

Background:

Research on the parental experiences of caring for children diagnosed with cancer in Singapore are limited and not well understood.

Objectives:

We conducted a pilot focus group to understand the experiences of Singaporean parents whose child had survived cancer.

Methods:

Using convenience sampling, five parents were invited to participate in a focus group discussion regarding the psychosocial needs at the time of cancer diagnosis and into survivorship. The discussion was transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s 6-step approach to thematic analysis.

Results:

The analysis revealed three major themes of intrapersonal impact, interpersonal connectedness and financial implications.

Conclusions:

The identified themes indicated some universal and unique caregiving experiences among Singaporean parents and those reported in western and other Asian cultures. In particular, the findings provided an update on the parental experiences of caring for children with cancer in Singapore and highlighted the need for ongoing research and the development of early and holistic psychosocial support services for these parents.
Letermovir and its role in the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection in seropositive patients receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant
Authors: Shigle Terri Lynn , Handy Victoria Wehr , Chemaly Roy F.
Published: June 2020

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is one of the most common infections affecting allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. Although available anti-CMV therapies have been evaluated for the prevention of CMV reactivation, their toxicity profile makes them unfavorable for use as primary prophylaxis; thus, they are routinely reserved for the treatment of CMV viremia or CMV end-organ disease. Pre-emptive CMV monitoring strategies have been widely accepted, and although they have been helpful in early detection, they have not affected the overall morbidity and mortality associated with CMV. Letermovir is a novel agent that was approved for primary prophylaxis in CMV-seropositive adult allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. This review focuses on letermovir’s novel mechanism; clinical trials supporting its United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and subsequent follow-up analyses; clinical considerations, with an emphasis on pharmacology; and lessons learned from solid organ transplant recipients, as well as potential future directions.
Moderate endurance and muscle training is beneficial and safe in patients with quiescent or mildly active Crohn’s disease
Authors: Seeger Wolfgang Alexander , Thieringer Juliane , Esters Philip , Allmendinger Benjamin , Stein Jürgen , Schulze Hermann , Dignass Axel
Published: June 2020

Background and aims

Physical activity is beneficial in several chronic disorders including Crohn′s disease, but the preferred type of exercise is unknown. Our study aimed to examine and compare the safety, feasibility and potential beneficial effects of individual moderate endurance and moderate muscle training in patients with Crohn’s disease.

Methods

Quiescent or mildly active (Crohn’s disease activity index <220) patients with Crohn’s disease were randomly allocated to either a control, endurance, or muscle training group. Participants exercised individually for 3 months three times per week. Endpoints included dropout rate, disease activity, inflammatory parameters including faecal calprotectin, anthropometric data, quality of life, physical activity and strength.

Results

A total of 45 patients with Crohn’s disease were randomly allocated. In the endurance group (n  = 17), the dropout rate was significantly higher (47% vs. 13%) compared with the muscle group (n  = 15). In both groups the maximal and average strength in the upper and lower extremities increased significantly (all P  < 0.04). In the endurance group emotional function was significantly improved (P  = 0.03). Statistically significant changes of disease activity and other outcome parameters were not observed in this pilot cohort.

Conclusion

Both individual moderate endurance and muscle training can be safely performed in patients with mild or quiescent Crohn’s disease. Muscle training appears more feasible and may be favoured. Both forms of exercise have beneficial effects on strength. Quality of life increased in both intervention groups, although statistical significance was only reached in one subgroup.
Digital Resistance: How Online Communication Facilitates Responses to Racial Microaggressions
Authors: Eschmann Rob
Published: June 2020

Recent research finds negative impacts of racial microaggressions, defined as racial slights, on a variety of outcomes. Targets of racial microaggressions often report feeling pressured to remain silent in the face of these subtle interactions, which can be coded as aracial by perpetrators or bystanders. This article explores the ways Internet-based communication can change this dynamic and structure distinct responses to racial microaggressions. Drawing on in-depth interviews with undergraduate students of Color, I find that in some online spaces, students of Color have access to unique technology-based tools that increase their perceived and actual capacity to respond critically to racial microaggressions. I discuss implications for understanding online racial discourse and resistance on college campuses and beyond.
How I treat unexplained arterial thrombosis
Authors: May Jori E. , Moll Stephan
Published: June 2020

Most arterial thrombotic events have a clear atherosclerotic or cardioembolic etiology, but hematologists are frequently asked to assist in the diagnosis and management of a patient with a nonatherosclerotic and noncardioembolic arterial event, referred to here as an unexplained arterial thrombosis. Because there is an assorted list of factors that can precipitate an arterial event, we present a systematic diagnostic approach to ensure consideration of not only primary hypercoagulable disorders, but also pro-thrombotic medications or substances, vascular and anatomic abnormalities, and undiagnosed systemic disorders, such as malignancy and autoimmune diseases. We also review existing literature of the role of hypercoagulable disorders in arterial thrombosis and discuss our approach to thrombophilia workup in patients after an unexplained arterial event. We conclude with 3 representative cases to both illustrate the application of the outlined diagnostic schema and discuss common management considerations, specifically the selection of anticoagulation vs antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention.
Genomic and epigenomic insights into the origin, pathogenesis, and clinical behavior of mantle cell lymphoma subtypes
Authors: Nadeu Ferran , Martin-Garcia David , Clot Guillem , Díaz-Navarro Ander , Duran-Ferrer Martí , Navarro Alba , Vilarrasa-Blasi Roser , Kulis Marta , Royo Romina , Gutiérrez-Abril Jesús , Valdés-Mas Rafael , López Cristina , Chapaprieta Vicente , Puiggros Montserrat , Castellano Giancarlo , Costa Dolors , Aymerich Marta , Jares Pedro , Espinet Blanca , Muntañola Ana , Ribera-Cortada Inmaculada , Siebert Reiner , Colomer Dolors , Torrents David , Gine Eva , López-Guillermo Armando , Küppers Ralf , Martin-Subero Jose I. , Puente Xose S. , Beà Sílvia , Campo Elias
Published: June 2020

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a mature B-cell neoplasm initially driven by CCND1 rearrangement with 2 molecular subtypes, conventional MCL (cMCL) and leukemic non-nodal MCL (nnMCL), that differ in their clinicobiological behavior. To identify the genetic and epigenetic alterations determining this diversity, we used whole-genome (n = 61) and exome (n = 21) sequencing (74% cMCL, 26% nnMCL) combined with transcriptome and DNA methylation profiles in the context of 5 MCL reference epigenomes. We identified that open and active chromatin at the major translocation cluster locus might facilitate the t(11;14)(q13;32), which modifies the 3-dimensional structure of the involved regions. This translocation is mainly acquired in precursor B cells mediated by recombination-activating genes in both MCL subtypes, whereas in 8% of cases the translocation occurs in mature B cells mediated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase. We identified novel recurrent MCL drivers, including CDKN1B, SAMHD1, BCOR, SYNE1, HNRNPH1, SMARCB1, and DAZAP1. Complex structural alterations emerge as a relevant early oncogenic mechanism in MCL, targeting key driver genes. Breakage-fusion-bridge cycles and translocations activated oncogenes (BMI1, MIR17HG, TERT, MYC, and MYCN), generating gene amplifications and remodeling regulatory regions. cMCL carried significant higher numbers of structural variants, copy number alterations, and driver changes than nnMCL, with exclusive alterations of ATM in cMCL, whereas TP53 and TERT alterations were slightly enriched in nnMCL. Several drivers had prognostic impact, but only TP53 and MYC aberrations added value independently of genomic complexity. An increasing genomic complexity, together with the presence of breakage-fusion-bridge cycles and high DNA methylation changes related to the proliferative cell history, defines patients with different clinical evolution.
Maternal hepcidin determines embryo iron homeostasis in mice
Authors: Sangkhae Veena , Fisher Allison L. , Chua Kristine J. , Ruchala Piotr , Ganz Tomas , Nemeth Elizabeta
Published: June 2020

Iron disorders are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet iron homeostatic mechanisms during pregnancy are poorly understood. In humans and rodents, the iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin is profoundly decreased in pregnant mothers, which is thought to ensure adequate iron availability for transfer across placenta. However, the fetal liver also produces hepcidin, which may regulate fetal iron endowment by controlling placental iron export. To determine the relative contribution of maternal vs embryo hepcidin to the control of embryo iron endowment in iron-sufficient or iron-overloaded mice, we generated combinations of mothers and embryos that had or lacked hepcidin. We found that maternal, but not embryonic, hepcidin determined embryo and placental iron endowment in a healthy pregnancy. We further determined that inflammation can counteract pregnancy-dependent suppression of maternal hepcidin. To establish how essential maternal hepcidin suppression is for embryo iron homeostasis, we mimicked the range of maternal hepcidin activity by administering a hepcidin peptide mimetic to pregnant mice. This also allowed us to determine the effect of isolated maternal hepcidin excess on pregnancy, in the absence of other confounding effects of inflammation. Higher doses of hepcidin agonist caused maternal iron restriction and anemia, lower placenta and embryo weight, embryo anemia, and increased embryo mortality. Low agonist doses did not cause maternal anemia but still adversely affected the embryo, causing anemia, tissue iron deficiency (including in the brain), and decreased weight. Our studies demonstrate that suppression of maternal hepcidin during pregnancy is essential for maternal and embryo iron homeostasis and health.
Integrative expression network analysis of microRNA and gene isoforms in sacred lotus
Authors: Zhang Yue , Rahmani Razgar Seyed , Yang Xingyu , Chen Jinming , Shi Tao
Published: June 2020

Background

Gene expression is complex and regulated by multiple molecular mechanisms, such as miRNA-mediated gene inhibition and alternative-splicing of pre-mRNAs. However, the coordination of interaction between miRNAs with different splicing isoforms, and the change of splicing isoform in response to different cellular environments are largely unexplored in plants. In this study, we analyzed the miRNA and mRNA transcriptome from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), an economically important flowering plant.

Results

Through RNA-seq analyses on miRNAs and their target genes (isoforms) among six lotus tissues, expression of most miRNAs seem to be negatively correlated with their targets and tend to be tissue-specific. Further, our results showed that preferential interactions between miRNAs and hub gene isoforms in one coexpression module which is highly correlated with leaf. Intriguingly, for many genes, their corresponding isoforms were assigned to different co-expressed modules, and they exhibited more divergent mRNA structures including presence and absence of miRNA binding sites, suggesting functional divergence for many isoforms is escalated by both structural and expression divergence. Further detailed functional enrichment analysis of miRNA targets revealed that miRNAs are involved in the regulation of lotus growth and development by regulating plant hormone-related pathway genes.

Conclusions

Taken together, our comprehensive analyses of miRNA and mRNA transcriptome elucidate the coordination of interaction between miRNAs and different splicing isoforms, and highlight the functional divergence of many transcript isoforms from the same locus in lotus.
Bacterial diversity associated with the abdomens of naturally Plasmodium-infected and non-infected Nyssorhynchus darlingi
Authors: Oliveira Tatiane Marques Porangaba , Sanabani Sabri Saeed , Sallum Maria Anice Mureb
Published: June 2020

Background

The bacterial community present in the abdomen in Anophelinae mosquitoes can influence mosquito susceptibility to Plasmodium infection. Little is known about the bacteria associated with Nyssorhynchus darlingi, a primary malaria vector in the Amazon basin. We investigated the abdominal bacterial community compositions of naturally Plasmodium-infected (P-positive, n = 9) and non-infected (P-negative, n = 7) Ny. darlingi from the Brazilian Amazon region through massive parallel sequencing of the bacterial V4 variable region of the 16S rRNA gene.

Results

Bacterial richness of Ny. darlingi encompassed 379 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), the majority of them belonging to the Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroides phyla. Escherichia/Shigella and Pseudomonas were more abundant in the P-positive and P-negative groups, respectively, than in the opposite groups. Enterobacter was found only in the P-negative group. The results of statistical analyses conducted to compare bacterial abundance and diversity between Plasmodium-infected and Plasmodium-non-infected mosquitoes were not significant.

Conclusions

This study increased knowledge about bacterial composition in Ny. darlingi and revealed that Plasmodium-positive and Plasmodium-negative groups share a common core of bacteria. The genera Prevotella 9, Sphingomonas, Bacteroides, and Bacillus were reported for the first time in Ny. darlingi.
Reliability and validity of the Greek translation of the patient assessment of chronic illness care + (PACIC-PLUS GR) survey
Authors: Malliarou Maria , Bakola Eleni , Nikolentzos Athanasios , Sarafis Pavlos
Published: June 2020

Background

This study aimed to investigate the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care+ (PACIC+) which is a tool to assess care for Chronic Conditions combining PACIC items with an overall 5As score derived from the ‘5As’ model (ask, advise, agree, assist, and arrange), and is congruent with the Chronic Care Model. In addition, the study at hand aimed to translate the PACIC+ tool into Greek and test its psychometric properties to the Greek patients.

Methods

Questionnaires were collected from 268 chronic patients. Internal consistency and reliability were determined by the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted in order to test the construct validity of the questionnaire. Validity was further examined by investigating the correlation of PACIC+ with SF-36 and its association with sex and age.

Results

Internal consistency reliability was accepted with a Cronbach’s alpha above 0.70 for all PACIC+ dimensions. CFA showed that the 10-dimensional model fitted the data well (RMSEA = 0.059, CFI = 0.91 and GFI = 0.83). Most of the correlations coefficients between PACIC+ and SF-36 dimensions were significant. A significant and negative correlation was found between PACIC+ summary score, Patients’ activation and Goal Setting/ Tailoring with age.

Conclusions

The Greek translation of the PACIC+ questionnaire has good psychometric properties and has proven to be a credible and valid tool to be used by Greek researchers in order to measure patients’ perceived care during treatment. It demonstrated high reliability and internal consistency, extending the applicability of this instrument to Greek speaking chronic patients.
Rapid publications risk the integrity of science in the era of COVID-19
Authors: Bagdasarian N. , Cross G. B. , Fisher D.
Published: June 2020

Background

Preprint manuscripts, rapid publications and opinion pieces have been essential in permitting the lay press and public health authorities to preview data relating to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including the range of clinical manifestations and the basic epidemiology early on in the pandemic. However, the rapid dissemination of information has highlighted some issues with communication of scientific results and opinions in this time of heightened sensitivity and global concern.

Main text

Rapid publication of COVID-19 literature through expedited review, preprint publications and opinion pieces are important resources for the medical scientific community. Yet the risks of unverified information loom large in times when the healthcare community is desperate for information. Information that has not been properly vetted, or opinion pieces without solid evidence, may be used to influence public health policy decisions. We discuss three examples of unverified information and the consequences in this time of high anxiety surrounding COVID-19.

Conclusions

In an era when information can be widely and swiftly disseminated, it is important to ensure that the scientific community is not an inadvertent source of misinformation. This will require a multimodal approach, with buy-in from editors, publishers, preprint servers, authors and journalists. The landscape of medical publications has changed, and a collaborative approach is required to maintain a high standard of scientific communications.
Association between ceramides and coronary artery stenosis in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Tu Chenchen , Xie Lan , Wang Zhenjie , Zhang Lili , Wu Hongmei , Ni Wei , Li Caixia , Li Lin , Zeng Yong
Published: June 2020

Background

Coronary artery stenosis induces heart diseases including acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Some studies reported the ceramide species are associated with the ACS and major adverse cardia and cerebrovascular events (MACE). However, few studies investigated the association between plasma ceramide levels and the severity of stenosis, together with the onset of diseases. This aim of the present study was to investigate the association betweencertain ceramide species, coronary artery stenosis and acute coronary syndrome.

Methods

Five hundred fifty-three patients with definite or suspected CAD were recruited and received angiography. Subjects were assigned into 4 groups according to the severity of coronary artery stenosis. The measurements of 4 plasma ceramide species, namely, Cer (d18:1/16:0), Cer (d18:1/18:0), Cer (d18:1/24:1), Cer (d18:1/24:0) were carried out by Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and the ratio of Cer (d18:1/16:0), Cer (d18:1/18:0) and Cer (d18:1/24:1) to Cer (18:1/24:0), respectively, were calculated as index to evaluate the association between plasma ceramides levels and coronary artery stenosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to establish the prognostic model for the prediction of ACS risk.

Results

After the adjustment by multiple clinical risk factors including age, gender, pre-existing myocardial/cerebral infarction, hemoglobin A1c% (HbA1c%), smoking and the diagnosis during index hospitalization, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the high ratio of Cer (d18:1/24:1) to Cer (d18:1/24:0), female gender, HbA1c%, unstable angina (UAP) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) diagnosis (compared with atherosclerosis) during index hospitalization were associated with more severe coronary artery stenosis. Furthermore, the prognostic model was established after adjustment of risk factors and the area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) for the prognostic model was 0.732 and 95% CI was 0.642–0.822.

Conclusion

The severity of coronary artery stenosis is associated with high ratio of Cer (d18:1/24:1) to Cer (d18:1/24:0), female gender, HbA1c% and AMI. Although the reported prognostic model showed a good discrimination, further investigation on long term MACE is needed to evaluate the role of ceramide for the prediction of MACE risk.