bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Noncoding RNA
MIAT
Controls Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesion Formation and Plaque Destabilization
Authors: Fasolo Francesca , Jin Hong , Winski Greg , Chernogubova Ekaterina , Pauli Jessica , Winter Hanna , Li Daniel Y. , Glukha Nadiya , Bauer Sabine , Metschl Susanne , Wu Zhiyuan , Koschinsky Marlys L. , Reilly Muredach , Pelisek Jaroslav , Kempf Wolfgang , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Soehnlein Oliver , Matic Ljubica , Hedin Ulf , Bäcklund Alexandra , Bergmark Claes , Paloschi Valentina , Maegdefessel Lars
Published: October 2021

Background:

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators of biological processes involved in vascular tissue homeostasis and disease development. The present study assessed the functional contribution of the lncRNA myocardial infarction-associated transcript (
MIAT
) to atherosclerosis and carotid artery disease.

Methods:

We profiled differences in RNA transcript expression in patients with advanced carotid artery atherosclerotic lesions from the Biobank of Karolinska Endarterectomies. The lncRNA
MIAT
was identified as the most upregulated noncoding RNA transcript in carotid plaques compared with nonatherosclerotic control arteries, which was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization.

Results:

Experimental knockdown of
MIAT
, using site-specific antisense oligonucleotides (LNA-GapmeRs) not only markedly decreased proliferation and migration rates of cultured human carotid artery smooth muscle cells (SMCs) but also increased their apoptosis.
MIAT
mechanistically regulated SMC proliferation through the EGR1 (Early Growth Response 1)-ELK1 (ETS Transcription Factor ELK1)-ERK (Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase) pathway.
MIAT
is further involved in SMC phenotypic transition to proinflammatory macrophage-like cells through binding to the promoter region of
KLF4
and enhancing its transcription. Studies using
Miat
–/–
and
Miat
–/–
ApoE
–/–
mice, and Yucatan
LDLR
–/–
mini-pigs, as well, confirmed the regulatory role of this lncRNA in SMC de- and transdifferentiation and advanced atherosclerotic lesion formation.

Conclusions:

The lncRNA
MIAT
is a novel regulator of cellular processes in advanced atherosclerosis that controls proliferation, apoptosis, and phenotypic transition of SMCs, and the proinflammatory properties of macrophages, as well.
Accountable Creatures: Primatt’s Dissertation, the Religious Enlightenment, and the Origins of Animal Rights
Authors: Segev Ran
Published: October 2021

Outside the field of animal studies, Humphrey Primatt’s Duty of Mercy has received little attention. This article offers a new perspective on his work by contextualizing Primatt’s ecological worldview within Enlightenment debates about the “essence of mankind.” I argue that Primatt’s call to extend “rights” to all creatures was a deliberate attempt to redraw the contested borders between humans and animals by privileging morality over other characteristics of humanity. The article shows how Primatt, an Anglican vicar, incorporated contemporary ideologies and knowledge into Christian teachings in order to formulate his anthropocentric argument and transform the nature of human-animal interactions.
Early Miocene stalked crinoids (Echinodermata) from the southern Rhodanian basin (southeastern France). Paleoenvironments and taxonomy
Authors: ROUX MICHEL , PHILIPPE MICHEL
Published: October 2021

Using recent samplings and specimens from ancient collections, 14 sites and five species of stalked crinoids have been listed in the Miocene of the southern Rhodanian basin (southeastern France). Three species and two genera are new for science: Papacrinus avignonensis n. gen., n sp. (Balanocrininae), Paraconocrinus rhodanicus n. sp. (Rhizocrinidae) and Gastecrinus vinealis n. gen., n. sp. (Incertae sedis). The identification among the Mediterranean Miocene fauna of the genus Metacrinus, now confined to the Indo-Pacific province, was confirmed by the discovery of brachial ossicles attributed to Metacrinus berthei. The richest and most diversified site was exposed during temporal excavations at the Place du Palais des Papes in Avignon. Four out of the five stalked crinoid species were found in this fossil assemblage in which M. berthei predominates. ?Endoxocrinus gastaldii is associated with M. berthei in several sites. Using dissociated ossicles, differences in quantitative and qualitative characters between these two species are deeply analyzed with their taphonomical, taxonomical and paleoecological consequences. Paleoreliefs and valleys, which had been incised during the Burdigalian, channeled currents. They favored stalked crinoid settlement on various substrates during the late Burdigalian—Lower Langhian transgression. Comparison with the extant fauna allows us to estimate the depth range of the biotopes with stalked crinoids from 100 to 250 m. These estimates are in agreement with those deduced from other paleontological studies.
Effect of Phase Fraction Ratio Between Al3Mg2 and Mg2Si on the Oxidation Behavior of Al–Mg–Si Alloys
Authors: Ha Seong-Ho , Shah Abdul Wahid , Kim Bong-Hwan , Yoon Young-Ok , Lim Hyun-Kyu , Kim Shae K.
Published: October 2021

The effect of the phase fraction ratio between Al3Mg2 and Mg2Si on the oxidation resistance of Al–Mg–Si alloys at high temperatures was investigated. With addition of 1 mass%Si in Al-6 mass%Mg alloy, the as-cast microstructures showed formation
of Mg2Si phase by eutectic reactions. With increasing Si content more than 3 mass%, the Mg2Si and Si are formed as eutectic phases with no β-Al3Mg2 phase. In addition, with an increase in the Si content from 3 mass%, significantly refined
as-cast microstructures and distribution of extended eutectic phase areas were observed. The oxidized cross-sections of Al-6 mass%Mg and Al-6 mass%Mg-1 mass%Si alloys showed coarse and dark areas, which are considered as oxide clusters, nonuniformly grown into the matrix. However, Al-6 mass%Mg-3
mass%Si and Al-6 mass%Mg-5 mass%Si alloys had no significantly grown oxide clusters on the surfaces. Based on the results, it was concluded that the reduction of the ratio between β-Al3Mg2 and Mg2Si phases can reduce the rapid oxidation of Mg.
Core–Shell Structured NiCo2O4@ZnCo2O4 Nanomaterials with High Energy Density for Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Yang Wenduo , Xiang Jun , Loy Sroeurb , Bu Nan , Cui Duo , Guo Yan , Wu Fu-Fa , Zhao Rongda
Published: October 2021

NiCo2O4 as an electrode material for supercapacitors (SCs) has been studied by a host of researchers due to its unique structural characteristics and high capacitance. However, its performance has not yet reached the level of practical applications.it is an effective
strategy to synthesize composite electrode materials for tackling the problem. Herein, NiCo2O4@ZnCo2O4 as a novel core–shell composite electrode material has been fabricated through a two-step simple hydrothermal method. The as-prepared sample
can be directly used as cathode material of a supercapacitor, and its specific capacitance is 463.1 C/g at 1 A/g. An assembled capacitor has an energy density of 77 Wh·kg−1 at 2700 W·kg−1, and after 8000 cycles, 88% of the initial capacity remains.
Design of Photovoltaic Panel-Light-Emitting Diode Spotlight and Its Performance Analysis in Tunnel Buildings
Authors: Zhang Guangjun , Yuan Min , Wang Zheng
Published: October 2021

According to the adaptive characteristics of the entrance and exit sections of tunnel buildings with the intensity of external sunlight, the cost of traditional photovoltaic panel (PV)-light-emitting diode (LED) lighting system increases due to battery. Combined with the structure of sunshine conveyor, a new PV-LED spotlight is proposed. The lighting device uses PV module as the power supply to directly drive the LED light source, which can make the brightness of the tunnel synchronized with the sunlight intensity, avoid the problem that it cannot work stably due to its weather changes, and further save the cost without battery. The main control chip adopts STC12C5A60S2 and supports multiple 10-bits precision A/D conversion channels. It can process the output signal of the light intensity detection circuit and set a threshold circuit to judge the intensity of sunlight, further control the working state of LED lighting device. The LED display module adopts 12864 liquid crystal display (LCD) with built-in T6963C driver to display five kinds of data, including the output voltage of light intensity detection circuit and the corresponding voltage value of four threshold circuits. The circuit resistance can be adjusted to change the light output voltage threshold required by the tunnel. In the test, the PV-LED lighting device is erected in the tunnel building. Compared with the traditional PV-LED lighting device and the new PV-LED spotlight designed, the new PV-LED lighting device in the morning and evening can further improve the efficiency of solar power generation. Meanwhile, the PV plate plane of the designed lighting device is perpendicular to the plane where the sunlight shines. The spectral irradiance and full band spectral irradiance of the lighting device in six bands was calculated and found that the percentage of spectral irradiance in different bands is close to the percentage requirement under AM1.5.
Simsphere: A Downloadable Soil–Vegetation–Atmosphere–Transfer (SVAT) Model for Teaching and Research
Authors: Carlson Toby N. , Person Arthur A. , Canich Thomas J. , Petropoulos George P.
Published: October 2021

Simsphere, a soil–vegetation–atmosphere–transfer (SVAT) model developed at The Pennsylvania State University, can be downloaded from the web for use by students and researchers. In existence for several decades, Simsphere has figured in both the classroom and in research at several universities. As such, Simsphere has been supported by a knowledgeable group of academic users and has been applied in a variety of applications, such as in remote sensing of surface soil water content and in the assessment of water and ozone stresses on plants. This paper describes the model and how it can be downloaded and run.
Hope and Fear in the Midst of Coronavirus: What Accounts for COVID-19 Preparedness?
Authors: Feldman David B.
Published: October 2021

Objective: The present study asks the question: What variables accounted for people’s tendencies to take steps to prepare for COVID-19 during the earliest stage of the pandemic? Data collection took place from March 6 to 11, 2020. In particular, the study examines variables that have been shown to predict health behavior in previous research outside the context of the present pandemic, including hope, optimism, perceived risk, fear, and mental health variables. Method: Participants (222 adults in 39 U.S. states) were recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk. Online surveys included the Adult Hope Scale (AHS), Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Impact of Events Scale (IES-R), and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Also included were items inquiring about COVID-19 perceived mortality risk, fear/anxiety, and preparedness. Results and Conclusion: Participants were asked to imagine that COVID-19 had different hypothetical levels of mortality risk, ranging from 1 to 10 percent mortality (at the time of data collection, the WHO estimated actual mortality of the disease at approximately 3 percent). For each level, participants rated the degree to which they would be willing to take steps to prepare and protect themselves from the disease on a 7-point scale. Nearly 49 percent of participants said they would be relatively unlikely (i.e., provided a rating below the midpoint of the scale) to take steps to protect themselves if the mortality rate were at the 3 percent level. Stepwise multiple regression including the aforementioned predictors showed that three variables accounted for unique variance in participants’ levels of current preparedness: COVID-19 fear/anxiety, posttraumatic stress (as measured by the IES-R), and hope. Implications of these results are briefly discussed in the context of raising preparedness given that future public health crises are likely inevitable.
Increase in Motor Vehicle Crash Severity: An Unforeseen Consequence of COVID-19
Authors: Kaufman Elinore J. , Holena Daniel , Koenig George , Martin Niels D. , Maish George O. , Moran Benjamin J. , Ratnasekera Asanthi , Stawicki Stanislaw P. , Timinski Marie , Brown Joshua
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led to stay-at-home (SAH) orders in Pennsylvania targeted at reducing viral transmission. Limitations in population mobility under SAH have been associated with decreased motor vehicle collisions (MVC) and related injuries, but the impact of these measures on severity of injury remains unknown. The goal of this study is to measure the incidence, severity, and outcomes of MVC-related injuries associated with SAH in Pennsylvania.

Materials & Methods

We conducted a retrospective geospatial analysis of MVCs during the early COVID-19 pandemic using a state-wide trauma registry. We compared characteristics of patients with MVC-related injuries admitted to Pennsylvania trauma centers during SAH measures (March 21-July 31, 2020) with those from the corresponding periods in 2018 and 2019. We also compared incidence of MVCs for each zip code tabulation area (ZCTA) in Pennsylvania for the same time periods using geospatial mapping.

Results

Of 15,550 trauma patients treated during the SAH measures, 3486 (22.4%) resulted from MVCs. Compared to preceding years, MVC incidence decreased 10% under SAH measures with no change in mortality rate. However, in ZCTA where MVC incidence decreased, there was a 16% increase in MVC injury severity.

Conclusions

Stay-at-home orders issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania were associated with significant changes in MVC incidence and severity. Identifying such changes may inform resource allocation decisions during future pandemics or SAH events.
Fall, Crush, Kick: Mechanisms and Outcomes in a Cohort of Equine-Related Injuries
Authors: Bhade Pratik , Parsons Amelia , Smiley Abbey , Shreffler Jacob , Nash Nick , Baker Jeffrey , Harbrecht Brian , Huecker Martin
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The potential for significant traumatic injury to individuals who interact with horses remains high due to animal size, forces applied, and unpredictability. Despite an estimated 30 million riders in the United States annually, few recent publications have addressed this patient population.

Objectives

This study describes characteristics of patients injured in interactions with horses, focusing on mechanism of injury and use of protective equipment.

Methods

We queried our institution’s trauma registry for all patients admitted for equine-related injuries (ERI) between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017. We categorized by specific mechanism of injury (fall, crush, kick, fall + crush, and fall + kick) and presence or absence of protective devices.

Results

We discovered 143 patients admitted for injuries in equine-related accidents. Patients averaged 49.2 years old, and 62.2% were female. Crush injuries resulted in a high rate of rib fractures. Riders who were kicked had an increased chance of solid organ and facial injuries and falls most commonly led to rib fractures and extremity trauma. Despite lack of documentation on most subjects, protective devices were associated with less severe injuries in those with data (n = 36).

Conclusions

In this relatively large series of patients with ERI, we found mechanism differences within injury groups. Providers should more carefully document specific circumstances of ERIs. All individuals working with or around horses should exercise prudence and consider using protective equipment.
Joseph Murray: Pioneering Plastic Surgeon and Father of the First Organ Transplant
Authors: Deivasigamani Shruthi , Phillips Benjamin , Yeo Charles J. , Tholey Renee M.
Published: October 2021

Dr. Joseph Murray was a plastic surgeon who is best known for performing the first successful human organ transplant. After graduating from Harvard Medical School and completing a surgical internship at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Murray enlisted in the US Army Medical Corp and spent 5 years at Valley Forge General Hospital treating World War II soldiers injured in combat. He treated hundreds of burn victims with skin grafts and took an interest in the variable process of graft rejection based on both the patient’s relation to the graft donor and the patient’s level of immunocompetency. His work at Valley Forge set the stage for his research investigating the feasibility of kidney transplantation and immunosuppression. He went on to perform the first successful kidney transplant between identical twins in 1954, between fraternal twins in 1959, and between an unrelated donor and recipient in 1962. For his efforts, he was awarded the 1990 Nobel Prize in Medicine.
The pursuit of inclusion: Conditions for civil society inclusion in peace processes in communal conflicts in Kenya
Authors: Elfversson Emma , Nilsson Desirée
Published: October 2021

Why are some peace processes in communal conflicts more inclusive of civil society actors than others? Inclusion of civil society actors, such as churches and religious leaders, women’s organizations, or youth groups, is seen as important for normative reasons, and studies also suggest that civil society inclusion can improve the prospects for durable peace. Yet, we have a very limited understanding of why we observe inclusion in some communal conflicts but not others. We address this gap by theorizing about various forms of civil society inclusion in local peace processes, and examining to what extent involvement by different types of third-party actors—governments, inter-governmental organizations (IGOs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)—may contribute to inclusion. Empirically, we draw on a combination of cross-case and in-depth data covering peace negotiations in communal conflicts in Kenya. The findings show that civil society was less frequently included as facilitators when the government was involved as a third party, while inclusion in the form of direct participation of civil society in negotiations, or via involvement in the implementation phase, was equally common across different types of third-party actors. Our study thus provides important new insights regarding how inclusion plays out in communal conflicts.
Implementation of Daily Pharmacy Student New Medication Education During Hospitalization to Improve Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Tatara Alexandra Whiddon , Ji Christine , Jacob Susan , Marshall John
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Studies have shown that patients would like to receive more medication education while hospitalized. Higher patient satisfaction has been correlated with lower mortality and fewer hospital readmissions. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study. Four Doctor of Pharmacy students were assigned 1 medicine inpatient unit to provide education on new medications during the study period, June to September. The primary endpoint was the change in HCAHPS scores for the medication communication domain composite for the intervention unit and a similar control unit that was not receiving the intervention from the pre-intervention to the intervention periods. Results: A total of 124 patients were educated during the intervention period, with an average age of 65 and 2.2 new medications. Average HCAHPS scores for the medication communication domain for the intervention unit increased from 68% pre-intervention to 91% during the intervention ( P = .389) while the control unit remained unchanged at 78% both pre- and during the intervention ( P = .13). Conclusion: An increase in the medication communication HCAHPS score for the intervention unit was observed, while the control unit remained stable. This study has the potential to drive change by implementing pharmacy students throughout inpatient units to educate patients on new medications thereby improving patient satisfaction.
Predictors of Early-Onset Cannabis Use in Adolescence and Risks for Substance Use Disorder Symptoms in Young Adulthood
Authors: Merrin Gabriel J. , Leadbeater Bonnie J. , Sturgess Clea M. B. , Ames Megan E. , Thompson Kara
Published: October 2021

Early detection of risks for substance use disorders is essential to lifelong health and well-being for some youth. Very early-onset use is proposed as an indicator of risk for substance use disorders, but risk and protective factors related to early-onset use have not been identified. The current study compared risk and protective factors that distinguish early- and late-onset cannabis users from abstainers using data collected from a large community sample. The study also examined onset-group differences in participants’ reports of substance use disorder symptoms a decade later. Heavy episodic drinking (early-onset: OR = 7.29 CI = [1.60, 33.19]) and engagement with peers involved in deviant behaviors (early-onset: OR = 2.50 CI = [1.50, 4.13]) are risk factors for early-onset cannabis use. Protective factors, including parent monitoring (early-onset: OR = 0.73 CI = [0.58, 0.93]), engagement with peers involved in positive behaviors (early-onset: OR = 0.54 CI = [0.39, 0.76]), school engagement (early-onset: OR = 0.83 CI = [0.72, 0.96]), and academic grades (early-onset: OR = 0.37 CI = [0.21, 0.65]) also predicted early versus later onset-group differences. Early age of onset may be distinctly related to risk and protective factors previously associated with risks for substance use in all adolescents.
“He’s Still There”: How Facebook Facilitates Continuing Bonds With the Deceased
Authors: Akinyemi Charlotte , Hassett Alex
Published: October 2021

This study explored the processes involved when the bereaved use Facebook to continue bonds with the deceased. Grounded theory was used to analyze Facebook pages and interviews with bereaved Facebook users. Individual attempts at connection, such as posting about the deceased person, were bolstered by others witnessing and replying to the posts. Collective reminiscence occurred through the sharing of memories about the deceased, which sometimes led to learning new things about them. These individual and collective processes helped to maintain and transform a connection with the deceased person, who for some participants was “still there” on Facebook.
Let’s Talk about Stats: Revising Our Approach to Teaching Statistics in Psychology
Authors: Reynolds Joshua J.
Published: October 2021

Undergraduate statistics in psychology is an important, often challenging, course for students. The focus in psychology tends to be on hypothesis tests, such as t tests and analysis of variance. While adequate for some questions, there are many other topics we might include that could improve that data analytic abilities of students and improve psychological science in the long run. Topics such as generalized linear modeling, multilevel modeling, Bayesian statistics, model building and comparison, and causal analysis, could be introduced in an undergraduate psychological statistics course. For each topic, I discuss their importance and provide sources for instructor’s continuing education. These topics would give students greater flexibility in analyzing data, allow them to conduct more meaningful analyses, allow them to understand more modern data analytic approaches, and potentially help the field of psychology in the long run, by being one part of the strategy to address the reproducibility problem.
Statics performance of heavy-haul railway low-vibration track (LVT) under varying loading condition with the finite element method
Authors: Zeng Zhiping , Hu Guanghui , Huang Xiangdong , Wang Weidong , Qahtan Ayoub Abdullah Senan , Shuaibu Abdulmumin Ahmed , Wang Jundong
Published: October 2021

Low-Vibration Tracks (LVTs) are widely used in subway tunnels for their excellent performance, but the application in heavy-duty railways still requires a lot of feasibility studies. In this study, the statics performance of LVT under different axle loads, load direction, and load position is explored using the finite element software Abaqus. The Timoshenk beam element and nonlinear spring element 3D solid element are used to represent rails, fasteners, and the other track structure respectively. The paper established the finite element model of LVT to study the mechanical characteristics of low vibration track structure under varying loading condition. The applied loads are determined according to the Heavy-Haul Railway Track Structure Design Code. The results shows: (1) The deformation and stress of the LVT structure show a linear relationship with the increase of the axle load. (2) Slab end loading and lateral load are more unfavorable to the stress and deformation of the track structure. When slab end is loaded with vertical load, the vertical load is distributed on four supporting blocks along the longitudinal direction with a ratio of 1:4:4:1, and the lateral direction is mainly borne by two adjacent fastener nodes with the total load proportion of 47% and 47% respectively. (3) The LVT structure can guarantee the safety of static performance under 30 t axle load and the maximum axle load should not exceed 36 t. The paper provides a guideline for the construction and maintenance of LVT structure in heavy haul railway.
Socialist worldmaking: The political economy of urban comparison in the Global Cold War
Authors: Stanek Łukasz
Published: October 2021

This article revisits comparative urban studies produced during the Cold War in the framework of ‘socialist worldmaking’, or multiple, evolving and sometimes antagonistic practices of cooperation between socialist countries in Eastern Europe and decolonising countries in Africa and Asia. Much like the recent ‘new comparative urbanism’, these studies extended the candidates, terms and positionalities of comparison beyond the Global North. This article focuses on operative concepts employed by Soviet, Eastern European, African and Asian scholars and professionals in economic and spatial planning across diverse locations, and shows how they were produced by means of ‘adaptive’ and ‘appropriative’ comparison. While adaptive comparison was instrumental in the application of Soviet concepts in countries embarking on the socialist development path, appropriative comparison juxtaposed concepts from various contexts – whether the ‘West’ or the ‘East’ – in order to select those best suitable for the means and needs on the ground. This article argues that this conceptual production was conditioned by the political economy of socialist worldmaking and shows how these experiences are useful for a more critical advancement of comparative urban research today.
The Correlation Between Click-Evoked Auditory Brainstem Responses and Future Behavioral Thresholds Determined Using Universal Newborn Hearing Screening
Authors: Cheng Ting-Yu , Tsai Ching-Fang , Luan Chih-Wei
Published: October 2021

This retrospective study was undertaken to assess the correlation between click-evoked auditory brainstem responses and behavioral hearing tests. We recruited a total of 16646 infants born in Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Taiwan, from 2012 to 2018 for such assessment purpose. Their data including the click-evoked auditory brainstem response (ABR), referral, and diagnostic follow-up were collected. Spearman correlation method was employed to assess the relationship between ABR and pure-tone threshold. The correlation between the click-evoked ABR that met the National Health Administration standards and the click-evoked ABR derived from estimates before and after the 2.5 years of age effectively predicted the toddlers’ pure-tone audiometry (PTA) thresholds at 2–4 kHz.
Analysing short-run and long-run causality relationship among public spending, renewable energy consumption, non-renewable energy consumption and economic growth: Evidence from eight of South Mediterranean Countries
Authors: Ifa Adel , Guetat Imène
Published: October 2021

This study aims to analyse the causal link in the short-run and long-run between economic growth, renewable energy, non-renewable energy and public spending in eight countries of the South Mediterranean Countries group during the 1980–2020 periods. Four steps are used: augmented Dickey-Fuller and Phillip Perron unit root tests to check the order of stationarity of variables, bound tests to verify the presence of cointegration, autoregressive distributed lag approach to check the effects of the dependent variables on the independent variable in short run and long run and finally the vector error correction model was used to detect the causal relationships among variables. The results approve the presence of cointegration between variables which confirm the existence of the long-run relationship. In addition, the Granger causality results show varied outcomes and the short-run causal relationships (unidirectional and bidirectional) exist in both countries of South Mediterranean Countries. These results remind the awareness of the South Mediterranean Countries government to revise their energy policy given the cost of energy consumption for importing countries. For the oil-exporting countries (Algeria and Egypt), the international energy market is an unstable market and highly dependent on external factors such as supply and demand and the stability of the world countries. So, it is good that the economies of these countries rely on new sources of energy such as renewable energy.
The structural power of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in multilateral development finance: A case study of the New Development Bank
Authors: Duggan Niall , Ladines Azalia Juan Carlos , Rewizorski Marek
Published: October 2021

The emergence of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) as an alternative force to the West has ignited a debate within the discipline of international political economy on the nature of the group’s rise. Global governance scholars either debate the role of the BRICS in transforming the world order (playing the game) or focus on the domestic sources of the BRICS nations’ preference formation (the position of states within the game). This article goes beyond the game-versus-player debate, by focusing on the structural power of the BRICS to ‘change the rules of the game’. The article investigates how the BRICS-created New Development Bank as an alternative circuit for actors to exchange goods in the area of development finance has been integrated into global governance. The article argues that the New Development Bank does not grant the BRICS the structural power needed to change the rules and norms that underpin the game.
Psychosocial and Mental Health Issues of the Migrants Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic in India: A Narrative Review
Authors: Singh Gurvinder Pal
Published: October 2021

Background:

The objective of this review was to identify and synthesize the findings of the existing literature that highlighted the psychosocial and mental health issues of the migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

Materials and Methods:

An exploration of the PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google search, and some other manual searches was undertaken so that no relevant study was missed. A search on Indian scientific literature and cross-references retrieved was also conducted to get further information. The period of the search has been one year from March 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. The database was searched with the terms “migrants,” “migrant workers,” “COVID-19 pandemic,” “lockdown,” “migrant population,” “mental health issues,” “psychosocial issues” to retrieve the published literature.

Results:

Initially, 48 research articles were retrieved and 10 of them were excluded as they had no sufficient information about mental and psychosocial challenges faced by the migrants. In the remaining 38 articles, 9 articles were original research work ( n = 9) published from India related to the impact of COVID-19 on migrants. The second category consisted of editorials or commentary or letters to the editor or policy paper on psychosocial and mental health aspects of migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic ( n = 17). The third category was 11 articles on perspectives or opinions or viewpoints ( n = 11) related to various psychosocial and mental health issues among migrants in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Predominantly psychosocial issues found among migrants were living conditions, basic needs, family concerns, and joblessness. The mental health issues found among migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic included psychological distress, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders.

Conclusion:

Existing literature from India has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the psychosocial and mental health status of the migrants in India. This review suggests the need for more research work from the affected states of India and the development of psychosocial and mental health intervention strategies to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrants.
Preliminary evidence for an aversion to atheists in long-term mating domains in the Southern United States
Authors: Brown Mitch
Published: October 2021

The centrality of religiosity in selecting long-term mates suggests atheism could be undesirable for that context. Given recent findings suggesting several positive stereotypes about atheists, a largely distrusted group, individuals could prefer atheists in mating domains not emphasizing long-term commitment (i.e., short-term mating). Two studies tasked U.S. participants with evaluating long-term and short-term mating desirability of theists and atheists while assessing perceptions of their personalities. Study 1 indicated atheists were more desirable in short-term mating than long-term mating, though this preference did not translate to being preferred over theists. The pre-registered Study 2 demonstrated this effect is specific to physically attractive targets. Atheists were further perceived as more prone to infidelity, especially when attractive. Results are framed from an evolutionary perspective while discussing anti-atheist prejudice.
Internal Perivenous Compression for venous insufficiency at the Saphenofemoral Junction: Early and Midterm Results and Operative Pain
Authors: Parlar Hakan , Arıkan Ali Ahmet
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To assess the postoperative pain and midterm results of patients undergoing internal perivenous compression with internal compression therapy (ICT) for venous insufficiency at the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ)

Materials and Methods

Patients managed with ICT between April and October 2019 for grade 4 venous reflux at the SFJ were retrospectively evaluated. The venous clinical severity score (VCSS) was calculated preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Postoperative pain was assessed with the visual analog scale (VAS). Control Doppler ultrasound imaging was performed 6 months postoperatively.

Results

Forty-five patients [14 (31%) males and 31 (69%) females; mean age, 47 ± 13 years] were included. The median preoperative VCSS was 7 (5–8.5). The median VCSS at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively was 6 (4–7.5), 4 (3–5.5), and 3 (2–4), respectively, and these values were significantly lower than the preoperative score (p = 0,001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). The postoperative VAS score was 0 in 6 patients (13%), 1 in 17 patients (38%), 2 in 6 patients (13%), 3 in 15 patients (33%), and 4 in 1 patient (2%). At 6 months, reflux was absent in 9 (20%), grade 1 in 20 (44%), and grade 2 in 16 (36%) patients. A vena saphena magna diameter of >6.7 mm predicted grade >1 reflux at 6 months [87.5%, with an area under the curve of 0.78 (p < 0.001)]. No complications occurred.

Conclusion

ICT alleviated symptoms and reduced reflux grade in patients with venous insufficiency at the SFJ. This therapy can be applied with satisfactory patient comfort.
Targeting Pdzrn3 maintains adult blood-brain barrier and central nervous system homeostasis
Authors: Gueniot Florian , Rubin Sebastien , Bougaran Pauline , Abelanet Alice , Morel Jean Luc , Bontempi Bruno , Proust Carole , Dufourcq Pascale , Couffinhal Thierry , Duplàa Cecile
Published: October 2021

Blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a critical component of the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment of vascular etiology (VCI) and associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The Wnt pathway plays a crucial role in BBB maintenance, but there is limited data on its role in cognitive pathologies. The E3 ubiquitin ligase PDZRN3 is a regulator of the Wnt pathway. In a murine model of VCI, overexpressing Pdzrn3 in endothelial cell (EC) exacerbated BBB hyperpermeability and accelerated cognitive decline. We extended these observations, in both VCI and AD models, showing that EC-specific depletion of Pdzrn3, reinforced the BBB, with a decrease in vascular permeability and a subsequent spare in cognitive decline. We found that in cerebral vessels, Pdzrn3 depletion protects against AD-induced Wnt target gene alterations and enhances endothelial tight junctional proteins. Our results provide evidence that Wnt signaling could be a molecular link regulating BBB integrity and cognitive decline under VCI and AD pathologies.
Serotonin 1B receptor density mapping of the human brainstem using positron emission tomography and autoradiography
Authors: Veldman Emma R , Varrone Andrea , Varnäs Katarina , Svedberg Marie M , Cselényi Zsolt , Tiger Mikael , Gulyás Balázs , Halldin Christer , Lundberg Johan
Published: October 2021

The serotonin 1B (5-HT1B) receptor has lately received considerable interest in relation to psychiatric and neurological diseases, partly due to findings based on quantification using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Although the brainstem is an important structure in this regard, PET radioligand binding quantification in brainstem areas often shows poor reliability. This study aims to improve PET quantification of 5-HT1B receptor binding in the brainstem.

Volumes of interest (VOIs) were selected based on a 3D [3H]AZ10419369 Autoradiography brainstem model, which visualized 5-HT1B receptor distribution in high resolution. Two previously developed VOI delineation methods were tested and compared to a conventional manual method. For a method based on template data, a [11C]AZ10419369 PET template was created by averaging parametric binding potential (BPND) images of 52 healthy subjects. VOIs were generated based on a predefined volume and BPND thresholding and subsequently applied to test-retest [11C]AZ10419369 parametric BPND images of 8 healthy subjects. For a method based on individual subject data, VOIs were generated directly on each individual parametric image.

Both methods showed improved reliability compared to a conventional manual VOI. The VOIs created with [11C]AZ10419369 template data can be automatically applied to future PET studies measuring 5-HT1B receptor binding in the brainstem.
Next-generation sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid for diagnosis of atypical herpes simplex encephalitis
Authors: Kang Zhilei , Jin Xin , Wei Na , Ji Ye , Han Jingzhe
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is one of the most common causes of severe viral encephalitis. The characteristic manifestations of HSE include cerebrospinal fluid with mild cytopenia, dominated by lymphocytes, elevated protein, and normal blood glucose values (3.9–6.1 mmol/L). Although it is not difficult to diagnose classical HSE, diagnosing clinically atypical cases is more difficult.

Methods

We reviewed the results of next-generation sequencing (NGS) of CSF in a series of patients diagnosed with atypical HSE.

Results

Four patients lacking classical clinical manifestations of HSE, including no fever, headache, or other typical neurological deficit symptoms, 1–2 × 106 cells/L CSF leucocyte count, and no typical imaging features, were diagnosed with atypical HSE by NGS of CSF. The NGS reads corresponding to herpes simplex virus type 1 ranged from 2 to 13,174.

Conclusions

Mild HSE may not present with classic frontotemporal lobe syndrome and fever may not be an inevitable symptom in patients with immunosuppression. However, the possibility of HSE should be considered in patients with atypical intracranial infection, and these patients should be tested by NGS.
Lasmiditan efficacy in the acute treatment of migraine was independent of prior response to triptans: Findings from the CENTURION study
Authors: Reuter Uwe , Krege John H , Lombard Louise , Gomez Valderas Elisa , Krikke-Workel Judith , Dell-Agnello Grazia , Dowsett Sherie A , Buse Dawn C
Published: October 2021

Background

A significant proportion of triptan users exhibit an insufficient response or inadequate tolerability to a triptan, and some may develop a contraindication. Lasmiditan, a selective 5-HT1F receptor agonist, may be an option for these individuals. We assessed lasmiditan efficacy in a subgroup of patients in CENTURION (Phase 3 migraine consistency study) who exhibited an insufficient response to triptans, including a subgroup with insufficient response due to efficacy only.

Methods

Patients were randomized to lasmiditan 200 mg for four attacks, lasmiditan 100 mg for four attacks, or placebo for three and lasmiditan 50 mg for one attack. Triptan insufficient responders were pre-defined as patients with insufficient efficacy or tolerability, or who developed a contraindication.

Results

In triptan insufficient responders, lasmiditan was superior to placebo ( p < 0.05) for pain freedom beginning at 1 h (both doses); pain relief beginning at 0.5 (200 mg) or 1 h (100 mg); migraine-related disability freedom, much/very much better on the Patient Global Impression of Change, and most bothersome symptom freedom at 2 h; sustained pain freedom; and need for rescue medication. Lasmiditan showed benefit for consistency of effect across attacks for 2-h pain freedom and pain relief. Findings were similar in triptan responders and triptan naïve patients and when the triptan insufficient response definition was based on efficacy only.

Conclusions

Lasmiditan was efficacious across multiple clinically relevant endpoints in the acute treatment of migraine independent of prior response to triptans. Trial Registration: CENTURION (NCT03670810); SAMURAI (NCT02439320); SPARTAN (NCT02605174)
Comparing Midterm Outcomes of High-Level Athletes Versus Nonathletes Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroscopy: A Propensity-Matched Comparison With Minimum 5-Year Follow-up
Authors: Jimenez Andrew E. , Monahan Peter F. , Maldonado David R. , Saks Benjamin R. , Ankem Hari K. , Sabetian Payam W. , Lall Ajay C. , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: October 2021

Background:

High-level athletes (HLAs) have been shown to have better short-term outcomes than nonathletes (NAs) after hip arthroscopy.

Purpose:

(1) To report midterm outcomes of HLAs after primary hip arthroscopy and (2) to compare their results with a propensity-matched cohort of NA patients.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed between February 2008 and November 2015 for HLAs (professional, college, or high school) who underwent primary hip arthroscopy in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). HLAs were included if they had preoperative, minimum 2-year, and minimum 5-year follow-up data for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), and Hip Outcome Score Sports-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS). Radiographic and intraoperative findings, surgical procedures, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and return to sport were reported. The HLA study group was propensity-matched to a control group of NA patients for comparison.

Results:

A total 65 HLA patients (67 hips) were included in the final analysis with mean follow-up time of 74.6 ± 16.7 months. HLAs showed significant improvement in all PROs recorded, achieved high rates of MCID and PASS for mHHS (74.6% and 79.4%, respectively) and HOS-SSS (67.7% and 66.1%, respectively), and returned to sport at high rates (80.4%). When compared with the propensity-matched NA control group, HLAs reported higher baseline but comparable postoperative scores for the mHHS and NAHS. HLA patients achieved MCID and PASS for mHHS at similar rates as NA patients, but the HLA patients achieved PASS for HOS-SSS at higher rates that trended toward statistical significance (66.1% vs 48.4%; P = .07). NA patients underwent revision arthroscopic surgery at similar rates as HLA patients (14.9% vs 9.0%, respectively; P = .424).

Conclusion:

Primary hip arthroscopy results in favorable midterm outcomes in HLAs. When compared with a propensity-matched NA control group, HLAs demonstrated a tendency toward higher rates of achieving PASS for HOS-SSS but similar arthroscopic revision rates at minimum 5-year follow-up.
rAAV-Mediated sox9 Overexpression Improves the Repair of Osteochondral Defects in a Clinically Relevant Large Animal Model Over Time In Vivo and Reduces Perifocal Osteoarthritic Changes
Authors: Lange Cliff , Madry Henning , Venkatesan Jagadeesh K. , Schmitt Gertrud , Speicher-Mentges Susanne , Zurakowski David , Menger Michael D. , Laschke Matthias W. , Cucchiarini Magali
Published: October 2021

Background:

Gene transfer of the transcription factor SOX9 with clinically adapted recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors offers a powerful tool to durably enhance the repair process at sites of osteochondral injuries and counteract the development of perifocal osteoarthritis (OA) in the adjacent articular cartilage.

Purpose:

To examine the ability of an rAAV sox9 construct to improve the repair of focal osteochondral defects and oppose perifocal OA development over time in a large translational model relative to control gene transfer.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Standardized osteochondral defects created in the knee joints of adult sheep were treated with rAAV-FLAG-h sox9 relative to control (reporter) rAAV- lacZ gene transfer. Osteochondral repair and degenerative changes in the adjacent cartilage were monitored using macroscopic, histological, immunohistological, and biochemical evaluations after 6 months. The microarchitecture of the subchondral bone was assessed by micro–computed tomography.

Results:

Effective, prolonged sox9 overexpression via rAAV was significantly achieved in the defects after 6 months versus rAAV- lacZ treatment. The application of rAAV-FLAG-h sox9 improved the individual parameters of defect filling, matrix staining, cellular morphology, defect architecture, surface architecture, subchondral bone, and tidemark as well as the overall score of cartilage repair in the defects compared with rAAV- lacZ. The overexpression of sox9 led to higher levels of proteoglycan production, stronger type II collagen deposition, and reduced type I collagen immunoreactivity in the sox9- versus lacZ-treated defects, together with decreased cell densities and DNA content. rAAV-FLAG-h sox9 enhanced semiquantitative histological subchondral bone repair, while the microstructure of the incompletely restored subchondral bone in the sox9 defects was not different from that in the lacZ defects. The articular cartilage adjacent to the sox9-treated defects showed reduced histological signs of perifocal OA changes versus rAAV- lacZ.

Conclusion:

rAAV-mediated sox9 gene transfer enhanced osteochondral repair in sheep after 6 months and reduced perifocal OA changes. These results underline the potential of rAAV-FLAG-h sox9 as a therapeutic tool to treat cartilage defects and afford protection against OA.

Clinical Relevance:

The delivery of therapeutic rAAV sox9 to sites of focal injuries may offer a novel, convenient tool to enhance the repair of osteochondral defects involving both the articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone and provide a protective role by reducing the extent of perifocal OA.