bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract B35: Dietary flaxseed supplementation in ovarian cancer: Elucidating the molecular actions of its biologically derived active compounds
Authors: Pal Purab , Hales Karen , Hales Dale Buchanan
Published: September 2020

The goal of our study is to elucidate the anti-ovarian cancer molecular mechanisms promoted by a flaxseed-supplemented diet in the laying hen. A flaxseed-supplemented diet generates a myriad of biologically active compounds that work synergistically to attack ovarian tumors. Our laboratory has demonstrated that flaxseed diet reduces the occurrence and severity of ovarian cancer in laying hen—the only spontaneous animal model for ovarian cancer. Flax diet in chicken induces the CYP1A1 pathway of estrogen metabolism increasing production of 2-hydroxy and 2-methoxy metabolites. 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME) is produced by the Catechol-O-Methyl transferase (COMT) enzyme from 2-hydroxyestradiol—a pathway that reduces estrogen toxicity, which is protective against ovarian cancer. Flaxseed is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, mostly a-linoleic acid (ALA), which is converted into docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the gut. We have recently shown that flaxseed diet induces apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesis in the chicken ovarian tumors. 2ME promotes apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesis via activation of p38-MAPK; DHA has potent antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory actions, however not dependent on the p38-MAPK pathway. To further investigate the molecular mechanisms of the antiangiogenic actions of flax diet, a qRT-PCR array analyzing 84 key genes involved in angiogenesis was performed. Nine key genes were significantly downregulated with flax diet. These genes are involved in hypoxia-induced endothelial cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and lymphangiogenesis. Using human ovarian cancer cells, DNA damage was studied by TUNEL staining; DNA content and cell cycle progression were studied by PI staining and flow cytometry; apoptosis was measured by cleavage of caspase-3 by Western blot. 2ME treatment induced phosphorylation at ser139 of histone H2A (gH2Ax), a known marker for dsDNA breaks, along with phosphorylation at ser10 of histone H3 (pHH3) and ser14 of histone H2B (pHH2B). 2ME is known to bind at/near the colchicine binding site of the growing microtubules and therefore arresting cells at G2/M phase. 2ME effects were equivalent in ERa positive and negative human ovarian cancer cells. Also, the selective GPR30 agonist and antagonist, G1 and G15, did not modulate the effects of 2ME. Therefore, the anticancer actions of 2ME are not dependent on or mediated through the estrogen receptors. (NIH RO1AT005295)

Citation Format: Purab Pal, Karen Hales, Dale Buchanan Hales. Dietary flaxseed supplementation in ovarian cancer: Elucidating the molecular actions of its biologically derived active compounds [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr B35.
Abstract B60: Pro-HGF and its activator confer a sustained transformation activity in ovulatory follicular fluid
Authors: Huang Hsuan Shun , Chu Tang-Yuan
Published: September 2020

The etiology of ovarian high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSC) originating from the epithelium of fallopian tube fimbriae is elusive. Based on the incessant ovulation hypothesis, our previous studies found that ROS released during ovulation, collaborated with hemoglobin from retrograde menstruation, caused oxidative damage and DNA breaks to the fimbrial epithelial cells. Repeated exposures of ovulatory follicular fluid could induce tumorigenesis of in Trp53-null mice and transform human fimbrial epithelial cells (FE25) immortalized by E6/E7. In addition to mutagenic ROS, we later identified IGF-axis proteins abundantly present in follicular fluid (FF) are largely responsible for the stemness activation and transformation of FE25 cells. However, FF-IGF signal does not confer other key phenotypes induced by FF, such as mitogenesis and cell migration. In this study, we further clarified the role of HGF, another growth factor abundantly present in FF. Treating FE25 cells with pure HGF and IGF2 could fully recapitulate the anchorage-independent growth (AIG) activity of FF with equal colony number of 55±12 and 60±6, respectively. Inhibitor of HGF cMET receptor, AMG337, greatly reduced the AIG activity to 8±5 colonies. HGF is known to be activated by a cascade of activation by cleavage of its precursor pro-HGF and the precursor (pro-HGFA) of its activating protein HGFA. We found FF contains a high level of these pro-form proteins and a low amount of the cleaved active forms. Interestingly, these pro-form HGF axis proteins are extremely stable in FF. After one-month incubation at 37 degrees Celsius, they could still be activated and exerted AIG of FE25 cells. Once encountering the cell surface, protease cleavage is initiated to activated pro-HGFA to HGFA, which then cleaves pro-HGF to HGF. Via the c-MET/AKT/ERK signaling, the activated HGF confers the mitogenic and transformation activity of FF. In FF, HGF seems to cooperate with IGF2 to sustain a long-term proliferation of fimbrial epithelial cells initiated by ROS-induced mutagenesis and clonally expanded by IGF axis signaling. A reservoir of durable pro-forms of HGFA and HGF are responsible for this sustained transformation activity. Thus, the mutagenic, clonogenic, and sustained mitogenic activities in FF strongly support the incessant ovulation theory with ovulatory carcinogens to be the culprit.

Citation Format: Hsuan Shun Huang, Tang-Yuan Chu. Pro-HGF and its activator confer a sustained transformation activity in ovulatory follicular fluid [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr B60.
Abstract B79: Effect of HIPEC on immune microenvironment in epithelial ovary cancer
Authors: Rizwan Arshi , Ray Mukurdipi
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Women with epithelial ovary cancer with impaired immunity develop life-threatening clinical disease, implying that these patients have some form of altered immune response against disease prognosis. Frequent findings of tumor-associated lymphocytes as well as differential immunologic markers from tumor specimen after surgery for EOC are explicit evidence of immunologic sensitivity to this. Despite several treatment modalities, the majority of these patients will eventually relapse. However, several i.p. therapies have been advocated to command the disease progress. In this context, hyperthermia is one of the effective i.p. therapies to boost the therapeutic efficacy, showing its impact by killing tumor cells as well as inducing an efficient anticancer immune response, therefore providing insight into hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)-associated immunotherapy, a new therapeutic treatment for cancer.

Rationale: In a vast majority of the cases the disease is confined to the peritoneal cavity for a long time. Even in recurrent cases, disease remains confined to peritoneal cavity only. Intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapy results in high peritoneal to plasma ratios for pick concentration of chemotherapeutic drugs. Mechanisms of immune activation: Surface molecular expression—Heated tumor cells increase the surface expression of MHC class I, making the tumor cells more sensitive to lysis by CD8+T (T cytotoxic) cells. Expression of HSPs—Heated tumor cells release heat shock protein (HSPs), which activate natural killer (NK) cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs), cross present the antigen to CD8+T cells. Exosome production—Heated tumor cells release exosomes, containing potential antigens, and antigen-presenting cells, cross present the antigen to CD8+ T cells. Direct effect on immune cells, NK cells, CD8+ T cells and dendritic cells (DC), tumor vasculature—Increases the permeability of tumor vasculature. Changed vasculature within the tumor may help immune cell mobilization.

Conclusion: HIPEC elicits antitumor immune responses by enabling tumor cells to stimulate the immune system through increased surface expression of MHC class I, release of HSPs, exosomes, directly activating intratumoral immune cells and improving immune-cell trafficking.

Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference.

Citation Format: Arshi Rizwan, Mukurdipi Ray. Effect of HIPEC on immune microenvironment in epithelial ovary cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr B79.
Abstract IA03: PARP inhibitor and platinum resistance in ovarian cancer-genome wide CRISPR screens
Authors: Chowdhury Dipanjan
Published: September 2020

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) patients with germline mutations in BRCA1/2 exhibit high sensitivity and improved outcome to platinum-based drugs and PARP inhibitors. Three PARP inhibitors (olaparib, rucaparib, niraparib) have recently gained FDA approval for the treatment of HGSOCs. However, de novo and acquired resistance to these agents is common even in the BRCA mutation carriers and pose a significant, unsolved clinical challenge. Here we identify multiple gene complexes involved in PARPi resistance through a loss-of-function CRISPR screen. High-confidence hits include previously identified 53BP1, PARP1, shieldin complex, and ATMIN/DYNLL1 complex. Only for DYNLL1 does low expression correlate with worse outcome in BRCA1-mutant ovarian cancer patients; incidentally, all these patients had platinum-based therapy. In BRCA1-defective HGSOC patients, DNA end resection is greatly compromised and contributes to the loss of HR and PARP inhibitor sensitivity. DNA end resection is a vital process that initiates homologous recombination (HR)-mediated repair of double-stranded DNA breaks and consequently influences genome stability. Loss of DYNLL1 allows DNA end resection and restores HR in BRCA1-mutant cells, thereby inducing resistance to platinum drugs and PARP inhibitors. In primary ovarian carcinomas low BRCA1 expression correlates with increased chromosomal aberrations, and the junction sequences of somatic structural variants indicate the loss of HR. Concurrent decrease in DYNLL1 expression in BRCA1-low ovarian cancers “rescued” this phenotype with reduced genomic alterations and increased homology at putative lesions. From the mechanistic standpoint, we observed that DYNLL1 limits nucleolytic degradation of DNA ends by interacting with the DNA end resection machinery (MRN complex, BLM helicase, and DNA2) in cells. The impact of DYNLL1 on end resection can be recapitulated in vitro; this is dependent on direct interaction with MRE11. Furthermore, DYNLL1 mutants that do not interact with MRE11 phenocopy the PARPi resistance phenotype of DYNLL1/BRCA1-deficient cells. Therefore, we infer that DYNLL1 is an important antiresection factor that significantly influences genomic stability and response to DNA-damaging chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients.

Citation Format: Dipanjan Chowdhury. PARP inhibitor and platinum resistance in ovarian cancer-genome wide CRISPR screens [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr IA03.
Abstract IA06: The Long-Term Ovarian Cancer Survivor Project: A Department of Defense initiative
Authors: Birrer Michael J. , Wenzel Lari , Miller Austin , Lankes Heather , Ramirez Nilsa , Parmigiani Giovanni , Mok Samuel , Nephew Kenneth , Conrads Thomas , Coukos George , Maxwell George L. , Fulci Giulia , Scroggins Mary
Published: September 2020

In 2019 there will be 22,500 new cases of ovarian cancer, resulting in approximately 14,000 deaths. Ovarian cancer remains the highest case fatality rate of any gynecologic cancer. Despite significant improvement in the surgical and chemotherapeutic managements of ovarian cancer patients, the overall survival has not changed in 30 years. However, these new therapies have resulted in a significant improvement in median survival, resulting in increasing numbers of patients surviving greater than 10 years with disease. The clinical and molecular features of these unique patients remain uncharacterized. The Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program (DOD OCRP) funded the creation of our interdisciplinary Long-term Survivor Consortium (LTSC), composed of 6 research sites including MDACC, UAB, IU, UCI, Ludwig Cancer Research, and University Hospitals of Canton Vaud (CHUV) and INOVA, a bioinformatic center at DFCI, and administrative centers at UCI and UAB. The purpose of the consortium is to identify characteristics and predictors of long-term survival in advanced ovarian cancer patients. The consortium is overseen by both a scientific and advocacy advisory board to guide direction and efforts. 285 specimens of advanced-stage high-grade serous ovarian cancers with full clinical annotation including greater than 12 years of follow-up were analyzed for this project. In addition, 340 early-stage high-grade ovarian cancers were available for one of the AIMs of the project. These latter samples were obtained through the creation of an international consortium funded by the DOD OCRP. All specimens were first reviewed for tumor context by H&E staining to determine percentage of tumor. The scientific platforms include whole transcriptome, microRNAs, global proteomics, immune profiling, and methylation. All specimens were analyzed on each individual platform and the results will be integrated in a global process. In parallel with these efforts, a systematic analysis of quality of life of patients at the time of diagnosis and later during the course of their disease based upon patient-reported outcome surveys has been undertaken. These data will also be integrated with genomic results to produce signatures that can further characterize long-term survivors of ovarian cancer.

Citation Format: Michael J. Birrer, Lari Wenzel, Austin Miller, Heather Lankes, Nilsa Ramirez, Giovanni Parmigiani, Samuel Mok, Kenneth Nephew, Thomas Conrads, George Coukos, George L. Maxwell, Giulia Fulci, Mary Scroggins. The Long-Term Ovarian Cancer Survivor Project: A Department of Defense initiative [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr IA06.
Abstract IA15: Modeling the tumor microenvironment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Balkwill Frances
Published: September 2020

Using biopsies of metastatic high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) that ranged from minimal to extensive disease, we defined RNA and protein profiles that evolved with changes in cellularity, architecture, and tissue modulus. This gave new insights into host response to cancer as well as leukocyte, cytokine, and matrisome regulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although we had studied a single metastatic site, we identified an extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression signature, which we named the matrix index, that significantly associated with increased stiffness and disease score. High matrix index distinguished patients with a shorter overall survival in ovarian and twelve other primary cancers, suggesting a common matrix response to human cancer. We used this “deconstruction” analysis of a human TME to build 3D multicellular cultures of human HGSOC cells, primary omental fibroblasts, mesothelial cells, and adipocytes. These cultures reproduce the prognostic matrix index signature, as confirmed by RNAseq and immunofluorescence, of the human cancer biopsies. Using these 3D models, we can study regulation of the matrisome and cancer cell invasion. Similarly, we have conducted multilevel analysis of orthotopic mouse models of HGSOC metastases with relevant oncogenic mutations. This analysis identified significant correlations between the transcriptome, host cell infiltrates, immune response, matrisome, vasculature, and tissue modulus of mouse and human TMEs, with several stromal and malignant cell targets in common. However, each mouse model showed distinct differences and potential vulnerabilities that enabled us to predict response to chemotherapy and an anti-IL-6 antibody. The transcriptional profiles of the mouse tumors that differed in chemotherapy response were able to classify chemotherapy-sensitive and -refractory patient tumors. We believe that these 3D human and mouse models provide useful preclinical tools and may help identify subgroups of HGSOC patients most likely to respond to specific therapies.

Citation Format: Frances Balkwill. Modeling the tumor microenvironment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr IA15.
Abstract IA26: Combined PARP and immune checkpoint inhibition in ovarian cancer
Authors: Konstantinopoulos Panagiotis A.
Published: September 2020

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the few malignancies in which immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors exhibits only modest activity and currently has no FDA-approved indication. Therefore, the development of strategies to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade is a high priority in this disease. Recent studies in OC models have demonstrated that PARP inhibitors (PARPi), besides their direct cytotoxic effects, exhibit antitumor immunity that occurs in a STING-dependent manner and is augmented by immune checkpoint blockade. Based on these studies, combined PARP and immune checkpoint inhibition represents an active area of clinical investigation in OC. The goal of this presentation is to outline the preclinical data behind combined PARP and immune checkpoint inhibition in OC, highlight preliminary results as well as ongoing clinical trials of PARPi/immune checkpoint inhibitor combinations in both first-line and recurrent disease, and discuss emerging biomarkers of response.

Citation Format: Panagiotis A. Konstantinopoulos. Combined PARP and immune checkpoint inhibition in ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr IA26.
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-Positive Lung Cancer with Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Differentiation: A Case Report
Authors: Sakatani Toshio , Masuda Yoshio , Morikawa Teppei , Usui Kazuhiro
Published: September 2020

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the lung is an extremely rare tumor, and a standard chemotherapy has not been established. Furthermore, little work has been conducted on the genetic characteristics of MEC. We herein report the case of a 42-year-old nonsmoking male patient who was referred to our hospital due to cough. Chest computed tomography demonstrated infiltration and atelectasis in the right lower lobe. He was eventually diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with MEC differentiation corresponding to clinical stage IVA (cT4N2M1a[PLE]). Genetic testing for EGFR mutations was negative, but positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion gene. After 2 weeks of first-line treatment with alectinib, the tumor decreased in size and his symptoms improved. Advanced MEC is a rare tumor, and reports on the treatment of ALK-positive NSCLC with MEC differentiation are rare.
Sinais da historicidade revelados em fragmentos de memória
Authors: Dadalto Maria Cristina , Pavesi Patricia Pereira
Published: September 2020

Este artigo tem como proposição a apresentação reflexiva de narrativas de três interlocutoras que possibilitam descortinar fragmentos das relações sociais estabelecidas no ambiente familiar e comunitário em Itapina, distrito de Colatina, Espírito Santo. O lugar, constituído no final do século XIX, se tornou um dos polos comerciais de café mais importantes do estado no primeiro quartel do século XX, com o estabelecimento e o fortalecimento de uma elite econômica, social e cultural no contexto do Noroeste e perdeu seu vigor econômico nos anos de 1960 com a erradicação do café. A partir de então a grande maioria dos moradores migrou para a sede do município ou para outras regiões do país. O texto é ancorado nas perspectivas teórico-metodológicas da memória e da história oral.
Is there a theory of peripheral postmodernism?
Authors: Di Carlo Josnei
Published: September 2020

After Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil performed at the 1967 MPB Festival, there was a change in Brazilian culture. From 1966 to 1968, Mário Pedrosa outlined in his Correio da Manhã columns what he understood by postmodernism by analyzing contemporary visual arts. Despite the contemporaneity between Tropicália and Pedrosa, his analysis is not used to understand the intervention of the two musicians in the Brazilian culture of the 1960s. Thus, we will reconstruct Pedrosa’s concept to investigate Tropicália as a manifestation of postmodernism in the periphery.
Clientelism and Democracy
Authors: Sommer Jamie M.
Published: September 2020

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are rapidly increasing across the world. While national governments are usually seen as having the power, authority, and ability to make significant reductions in their CO2 outputs, cross-national research rarely focuses on the institutional structures of states that moderate their CO2 emissions. Previous research that focuses on internal state factors largely focus on democracy and find wildly conflicting results. This research argues that clientelism is a missing piece of the puzzle in explaining how democracy impacts CO2 emissions. Building on the extant contradictory research, the present study uses two-way fixed effects regression analysis for 150 nations from 1971-2014 to understand how the interaction between clientelism and democracy impacts CO2 emissions. The findings reveal that controlling for clientelism reduces CO2 outputs more in high-income and low-income nations with higher levels of participatory democracy. However, the interaction is not statistically significant for all nations, nor for middle-income nations. These results suggest that reducing clientelist relationships in nations with high- and low-incomes, but not middle incomes will make participatory democracies more effective at reducing CO2 emissions.
Confessionalization, Symphony, or Democratization?
Authors: Tsvietkova Yulianna V.
Published: September 2020

This article analyzes modern religious life in Ukraine, specifically the relations between religious organizations and government bodies in state and social domains. Particular attention is given to the concrete territorial and historical evolution of state Christian doctrines and church relations in Ukrainian lands. The article also examines the main problems and conflicts regarding the registration and functioning of the largest religious organizations in the country, and relations between them. Special attention is paid to the role that religious organizations play in the democratic processes, and to their effect on the relations between state and church. These relations have unfolded against the background of the political events of the last 15 years in Ukraine and the region: internal social conflicts, the general trend toward pro-European democratization, and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
Likay Wik in Bangkok and Their “Imagining Community”
Authors: Deekhuntod Benjaporn
Published: September 2020

This article is a study of Likay Wik, a traditional Thai theatrical drama examined through stage performances and social activities that are shared commonly by Likay performers and the groups of regular audiences. The study aims at acquiring a comprehensive insight into the contemporary life of people in Bangkok society between 2006 and 2007. The conceptual framework is based on Tanabe’s “imagining community” (Tanabe 2008). The findings reveal a type of community that belongs to lower class people and their main method of creating a social network to open space for themselves in city living. There is fictive kinship creation which has emerged within 3 types of social space: 1) the interaction space in the daily life of the performers and the audience, 2) the performance space at the front of stage, and 3) the ritual space.
Thai Gender Ideology: A View from Representations of Social Actors in Crime News Headlines
Authors: Klaisingto Phennapha , Aroonmanakun Wirote
Published: September 2020

This study examines the linguistic structure used for uncovering gender ideologies through crime news headlines. It’s based on the idea that languages represent reality and different linguistic choices indicate different points of view of reality. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) (Fairclough 1990,VanDijk 1995, Simpson 1993) is used in this study. The main objectives of the study are 1) to study the differences of representation between male and female social actors (Van Leeuwan 2008) in crime news headlines and 2) to study power relations, gender identities and the reproduction of patriarchal society through crime news headlines. Samples of 1,815 crime news headlines are analyzed in this study. The result shows that Thai crime news constructs gender identities based on gender ideology. Thai crime news headlines convey a variety of linguistic meanings which allow for varying forms of representation of social actors, including exclusion and inclusion of social actors. The exclusion of male social actors in headlines may be ideologically motivated by obscuring the responsibility of male actors for negative actions, whereas the exclusion of female social actors does not have the same effect because their referents can be inferred from the headline context. In addition, the inclusion of social actors varies according to the social actor’s sex. Male actors are usually referred to using a functionalization form or an appraisement form, whereas female actors are usually referred to using an identification form. These representations reflect the role of masculinity and femininity among men and women in the society.
Phonological Variation in Phuan
Authors: Akharawatthanakun Phinnarat
Published: September 2020

The aim of this paper is to present the phonological variation in Phuan, part of the author’s research. The Phuan language studied in this research project is spoken in Fay Mun village, Pa Kha sub-district, Tha Wang Pha district, Nan province. The findings show that phonological variation in Phuan occurs in all age-groups. The initial consonants /ph, th, kh/ have variants [ph-p, th-t, kh-k-x] respectively. This variation is found mostly in the middle age and the younger groups. The initial consonant /s/ is pronounced as [s], [ch] and [c] while the initial /h/ is pronounced as [h] and [l] in Phuan. These two cases of variation are mostly found in the younger age-group. Concerning the final consonants in Phuan, only one case of variation is found, that is the final consonant /ʔ/ occurring in dead syllables with long vowels (CVːʔ). It is pronounced as [ʔ] or [k] by all three agegroups but the younger group use the variant [k] more than the other two groups. As for the vowels, it is found that the diphthong /iə/ has three variants [iə, ɨə, əː] while /uə/ has two variants [uə, oː]. The vowel /əː/, uniquely found in Phuan, is also in the process of change, i.e. it has two variants: [əː] and [ay]. The variation in both consonants and vowels has been influenced by Kam Mueang/Nyuan, Standard Thai, and Lue via Kam Mueang/Nyuan loanwords. The tonal variation is another interesting phenomenon in Phuan. There are six tones in Phuan and the research findings show that Tone 1 /Low-Rising/ is pronounced as [Low-Rising] by both elder and middle-age groups but consistently as [Low-Falling] by the younger-age group. The other two tones which seem to have variation, though not as clearly as in the case of Tone 1, is that the younger-age group tends to pronounce Tone 2 /Mid-Rising/ as [Low-Rising] and all three age-groups pronounce Tone 6 /High-Falling with glottalization/ in some lexical items as [Mid Level with glottalization]. The variation of Tone 1 is hypothesized to be induced by an internal factor, i.e. tonal simplification, and the variation of Tones 2 and 6 are influenced by Kam Mueang/Nyuan.
Contributions to the knowledge of southern South American species of Astylus Laporte, 1836 (Coleoptera: Melyridae). Re-describing Astylus vittaticollis (Blanchard, 1843) and A. patagonicus (Blanchard, 1843)
Authors: ESTRADA M. PATRICIA
Published: September 2020

Knowledge of the Astylus genus has been limited to descriptions of species and catalogs without a taxonomic review, except for the contributions of Pic (1902, 1919a, b) and Champion (1918), who studied groups of species comparing morphological characters. In the present work, Astylus vittaticollis (Blanchard, 1843) and A. patagonicus (Blanchard, 1843) are redescribed based on the study of their types and additional material. As a result, the synonymy between A. patagonicus and A. steinheili Estrada, 2016 is recognized.
Weakly Nonlinear Mass Transfer in an Internally Soluted and Modulated Porous Layer
Authors: Kiran Palle , Manjula S. H.
Published: September 2020

The effect of solutal modulation on a rotating porous media is studied. Using solvability condition, the finite amplitude equation is derived at third order of the system. A weakly nonlinear analysis is applied to investigate mass transfer in a porous medium. In this article, the stationary
convection is discussed in the presence of solutal Rayleigh number. The amplitude equation (GLE) is solved numerically. Using this GLE the Sherwood number is evaluated in terms of the various system parameters. The effect of individual parameters on mass transport is discussed in detail. It
is found that the mass transfer is more for modulated system than un-modulated case. Further, internal solute number Si enhance or diminishes the mass transfer. Finally it is also found that, solutal modulation can be effectively applied in either enhancing or diminishing
the mass transfer.
Learning in Noisy Classrooms: Children’s Reports of Annoyance and Distraction from Noise are Associated with Individual Differences in Mind-Wandering and Switching skills
Authors: Massonnié Jessica , Frasseto Philippe , Mareschal Denis , Kirkham Natasha Z.
Published: September 2020

Classrooms are noisy, yet little is known about pupils’ subjective reactions to noise. We surveyed 112 children between 8.70 and 11.38 years of age and extracted five dimensions in their reactions to noise by factorial analyses: (1) perceived classroom loudness, (2) hearing difficulties, (3) attention capture, (4) interference, (5) annoyance from noise. Structural Equation Models were run to better understand interindividual differences in noise interference and annoyance. Children reporting hearing and switching difficulties experienced more interference and annoyance from noise. Children who had a greater propensity for mind-wandering also experienced more interference from noise, but were annoyed by noise only to the extent that it produced interference—the relationship between mind-wandering and noise annoyance was indirect, and not direct, as was the case for reported hearing and switching difficulties. We suggest that the distinction between annoyance and interference has theoretical, empirical, and practical relevance for educational research.
Does Psychosocial Ego Development Partially Mediate the Association Between Defense Mechanisms and Death Attitude?
Authors: Sekowski Marcin
Published: September 2020

Some authors suggest the existence of links between the mechanisms of defense and attitude toward death, however, mechanisms underlying these relationships are not well understood. The objective of the present research was to investigate whether psychosocial ego development is a partial mediator in the association between mechanisms of defense and death attitude. The study included participants (N = 382) aged 19–85 (M = 47.02, SD = 16.19). Three measures were used: Defense Style Questionnaire-40, Psychosocial Inventory of Ego Strengths, and Death Attitude Profile-Revised. Findings partly confirmed the hypotheses. Psychosocial ego development is a partial mediator in positive relationships between maladaptive defenses and fear of death, death avoidance, and escape acceptance. Psychosocial ego development is also a partial mediator in the positive association between more adaptive defenses and approach acceptance. The study provides novel information on the mechanisms underlying the association between defense mechanisms and multidimensional death attitude.
Chemosensory Dysfunction in COVID‐19: Prevalences, Recovery Rates, and Clinical Associations on a Large Brazilian Sample
Authors: Brandão Neto Deusdedit , Fornazieri Marco Aurélio , Dib Caroline , Di Francesco Renata Cantisani , Doty Richard L. , Voegels Richard Louis , de Rezende Pinna Fabio
Published: September 2020

Objective

Our study aimed to measure the percentage of reported olfactory or taste losses and their severity, recovery time, and association with other features in a large cohort of patients with COVID‐19.

Study Design

Prospective survey.

Setting

Quaternary medical center and online survey.

Methods

The perceived chemosensory capacities of 655 patients with confirmed COVID‐19 were assessed with 11‐point category rating scales (0, no function; 10, normal function). Patients were contacted in hospital, by phone calls, or by internet regarding their ability to smell or taste, and 143 were interviewed by phone 1 to 4 months later to assess the recovery of their chemosensory abilities.

Results

The prevalence of self‐reported olfactory, general taste, and taste quality–specific disturbances (sweet, sour, bitter, and salty) in the patients with COVID‐19 were 82.4% (95% CI, 79.5%‐85.3%), 76.2% (95% CI, 72.9%‐79.4%), and 52.2% (95% CI, 48.3%‐56.1%), respectively. The majority reported anosmia (42.9%). The presence of chemosensory symptoms was not associated with COVID‐19 severity. At a median time >2 months after the onset of symptoms, rates of total and partial olfaction recovery were 53.8% and 44.7%, while complete or partial return to previous taste function was 68.3% and 27.6%. Less than 5% of the patients reported no chemosensory function improvement at all.

Conclusion

The prevalence of self‐reported chemosensory dysfunction is high among patients with COVID‐19. Almost all patients seem to recover a significant part of their smell and taste abilities in the first 4 months after the onset of symptoms.
A review of the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure trial
Authors: Khan Imran
Published: September 2020

Optimal treatment for patients with ischemic heart disease and severe left ventricular dysfunction is a debatable subject in the literature. The largest and only trial on the subject so far is the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure trial. This trial compared coronary artery bypass grafting with optimal medical treatment in one arm versus coronary artery bypass grafting with surgical ventricular restoration in the second arm. Recently, the 10-year follow-up data of various subsets of the trial have been published. This study reviews various pertinent clinical issues related to the trial and its sub-studies and their relevance in routine modern-day clinical practice.
Conversion to hemi-shoulder arthroplasty or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty after failed plate osteosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures: a retrospective study
Authors: Han Xiulan , Zhuang Jintao , Yu Weiguang , Gao Yixin , Zhao Mingdong , Ye Junxing , Han Guowei , Zeng Xianshang
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess the clinical outcomes of hemi-shoulder arthroplasty (HSA) versus reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) following failed plate osteosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients.

Methods

This retrospective study identified all patients that had a documented failed plate osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fractures treated with revision HSA or RTSA. Follow-up occurred at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery and every year thereafter. The primary outcomes were the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and the University of California, Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale (UCLA SRS) scores. The secondary outcome was the rate of major complications.

Results

A total of 126 patients (126 shoulders) were enrolled in the study. At the final follow-up, the RTSA group had significantly greater improvements in ASES, SST and UCLA SRS scores than the HSA group. The RTSA group had significantly larger decreases in the VAS pain score compared with the HSA group. The rate of major complications was significantly higher in the HSA group than in the RTSA group (44.4% versus 27.5%, respectively).

Conclusion

RTSA provided superior functional outcomes compared with HSA, with a lower rate of major complications after a follow-up period of at least 5 years.
Comment on “Response of a comprehensive cancer center to the COVID-19 pandemic: the experience of the Fondazione IRCCS–Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano”
Authors: Romanzi Andrea , Vannelli Alberto
Published: September 2020

Although European governments have launched the so-called phase 2 in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (a transitional phase of beginning to downsize containment measures), intensive care units are not COVID-19–free and this restricts our therapeutic strategies. Moreover, minimally invasive surgery and general anesthesia are under debate as they are both aerosol-generating procedures and may contribute to contamination spread inside operating theatres. During this pandemic, 13 fragile patients needing abdominal surgery underwent awake open surgery under locoregional anesthesia at our department. This approach was feasible, safe, and, in specific cases, the only viable option. In the COVID-19 era, this approach could allow surgeons to carry out undeferrable surgeries, preventing viral transmission inside the operating room.
Lode angle dependency due to anisotropic damage
Authors: Mattiello A , Desmorat R
Published: September 2020

The lode angle dependency introduced by anisotropic damage evolution laws is analyzed in detail for initially isotropic materials. Many rupture criteria are obtained, under the proportional loading assumption, by the time integration of different anisotropic damage evolution laws [Formula: see text] among the three existing families: strain governed, stress governed and plastic strain governed. The cross-analysis of path independent rupture criteria and of anisotropic damage evolution laws finally allows us to improve the Lode angle dependency of (fully coupled) anisotropic damage models.
A Review of Drug-Drug Interactions for Biologic Drugs Used in the Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Armanious Miriam , Vender Ronald
Published: September 2020

Biologic drugs are increasingly being prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis. Very little information is available in the literature regarding potential drug interactions with these medications. This paper serves as a guide for prescribers to be aware of possible interactions between biologic drugs approved for the treatment of psoriasis in North America and concomitant therapies.

Objective

To provide an overview of reported drug interactions between biologic drugs and concomitant therapies.

Methods

Reports of potential drug interactions were compiled through a search of Micromedex, drug monographs (Canadian, American, and European), as well as a PubMed search of each biologic drug with the term “drug interaction.”

Conclusion

Generally, caution should be exercised when multiple immunosuppressive therapies are prescribed due to increased risk of infection. However, this is more the result of a synergistic effect as opposed to a true drug interaction. There have been cases where multiple biologic therapies have been concomitantly used without adverse events, as their mechanisms involved different pathways. The sources used to compile this guide were often comprised of low levels of evidence, reinforcing the idea that further studies are required to better direct prescribers.
Perinatal epidemiology: Issues, challenges, and potential solutions
Authors: Giannakou Konstantinos
Published: September 2020

Perinatal epidemiology research is concerned with identifying the effects of events during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes that include maternal, fetal, and neonatal health outcomes. Randomized trials in perinatal research face many challenges, including randomization difficulties, ethical considerations, and inadequate statistical power due to the small number of subjects eligible for participation. For these reasons, most epidemiological studies conducted in this research field are observational and include different types of bias. This review describes the key methodological difficulties in the design and analysis of randomized and observational studies in perinatal epidemiology, and provides potential corrective approaches.
Thalassemia: With the “Red” in the Bag Amid COVID-19 Reflections
Authors: Pavate Veeresh
Published: September 2020

This narrative piece written from a patient perspective angle who lives with a chronic condition—Beta thalassemia major (also known as Cooley’s Anemia), a serious, life-long, genetic blood disorder. The narrative portrays how the present situation of COVID-19 pandemic adds an extra layer to the challenges in the lives of people living with thalassemia.
Wood-Related Open-Globe Injuries
Authors: Pfister Tyler , Bohnak Carisa , Patel Shriji
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

This work evaluates the clinical characteristics, visual outcomes, and complications of patients treated for open-globe injuries (OGIs) caused by wooden objects.

Methods:

A retrospective review of medical records was conducted on patients presenting to a tertiary trauma center with an OGI between January 2005 and December 2017. Medical records were isolated for wounds caused by wooden objects. Patient demographics were recorded, with presenting visual acuity (VA), physical examination findings, and wound characteristics. After primary globe repair, secondary complications, need for additional surgery, and visual outcomes were noted until final examination. Main outcome measures were final VA and secondary complications. The Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) was computed and assessed for clinical relevance related to visual outcomes.

Results:

Thirty-two patients met the inclusion criteria, with 15 (47%) being injured by plant material. Thirty of the patients were men (94%). A large portion of patients presented with hand motion or worse vision (48%), and there were high rates of hyphema (59%), vitreous hemorrhage (31%), retinal detachment (28%), and endophthalmitis (9%). Two patients eventually required enucleation. At last follow-up, 19 patients achieved 20/100 VA or better (59.4%), which correlated with their OTS ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Despite the high clinical severity of wood OGIs, the potential for visual recovery remains high. The OTS appropriately assesses the severity of injuries and the likely prognosis in this cohort of patients.
The prevalence of headache disorders in children and adolescents in Mongolia: a nationwide schools-based study
Authors: Luvsannorov Otgonbayar , Anisbayar Tsengunmaa , Davaasuren Munkhzul , Baatar Otgonzaya , Batmagnai Khaliunaa , Tumurbaatar Khulan , Enkhbaatar Sarantuya , Uluduz Derya , Şaşmaz Tayyar , Solmaz Elif Tuğçe , Steiner Timothy J.
Published: September 2020

Background

The Global Campaign against Headache collects data from children (7–11 years) and adolescents (12–17 years) both to inform health and education policies and to contribute to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. This survey in Mongolia was part of this global enquiry.

Methods

Following the generic protocol for the global enquiry, this was a schools-based cross-sectional survey. Self-completed structured questionnaires were administered, within classes, in seven schools in four districts of the Capital city and three rural areas of Mongolia, selected to represent the country’s diversities. Headache diagnostic questions were based on ICHD-3 criteria but for the inclusion of undifferentiated headache (UdH).

Results

Of 4515 potential participants, 4266 completed the questionnaire (children 2241 [52.5%], adolescents 2025 [47.5%]; males 2107 [49.4%], females 2159 [50.6%]). Children were therefore slightly over-represented, although overall mean age was 11.3 ± 3.3 years (range: 6–17; median 11). The non-participation proportion was 4.5%. Observed lifetime prevalence of headache was 81.0%. Gender- and age-adjusted 1-year prevalence was 59.4% (migraine: 27.3%; tension-type headache [TTH]: 16.1%; UdH: 6.6%; all headache on ≥15 days/month: 4.2%; probable medication-overuse headache: 0.7%). All headache types except UdH were more prevalent among females than males, and all were more prevalent among adolescents than children, although UdH represented a higher proportion of all headache in children (13.0%) than in adolescents (10.0%). Headache yesterday was reported by 15.9% of the sample, 26.0% of those with headache.

Conclusions

At least in adolescents, headache in Mongolia is no less common than in adults. The clear difference from similar studies in other countries was a lower prevalence of UdH, perhaps a consequence of reporting bias in a non-troublesome headache (mild and short-lasting by definition). This study informs policy in Mongolia and, with no similar study yet from elsewhere in Western Pacific Region, makes an important contribution to the global enquiry.
The prevalence of headache disorders in children and adolescents in Ethiopia: a schools-based study
Authors: Zewde Yared Zenebe , Zebenigus Mehila , Demissie Hanna , Tekle-Haimanot Redda , Uluduz Derya , Şaşmaz Tayyar , Bozdag Fatma , Steiner Timothy J.
Published: September 2020

Background

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study establishes headache as the second-highest cause of disability worldwide. Because most headache data in GBD are from adults, leading to underestimation of headache-attributed burden, a global schools-based programme within the Global Campaign against Headache is contributing data from children (7–11 years) and adolescents (12–17 years). This national study in Ethiopia is the first in this programme reported from sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey following the generic protocol for the global study was conducted in six schools (urban and rural), in Addis Ababa city and three regions of Ethiopia. Structured questionnaires were self-completed under supervision by pupils within their classes. Headache diagnostic questions were based on ICHD-3 beta criteria but for the inclusion of undifferentiated headache (UdH).

Results

Of 2349 potential participants, 2344 completed the questionnaire (1011 children [43.1%], 1333 adolescents [56.9%]; 1157 males [49.4%], 1187 females [50.6%]), a participation proportion of 99.8%. Gender- and age-adjusted 1-year prevalence of headache was 72.8% (migraine: 38.6%; tension-type headache: 19.9%; UdH: 12.3%; all headache on ≥15 days/month: 1.2%; probable medication-overuse headache: 0.2%). Headache was more prevalent in females (76.2%) than males (71.0%), a finding reflected only in migraine among the headache types. Headache was more prevalent among adolescents (77.6%) than children (68.4%), reflected in all types except migraine, although prevalence of UdH fell sharply after age 14 years to 3.9%.

For headache overall, findings matched those in Turkey and Austria, obtained with the same questionnaire, but the high prevalence of migraine, not increasing with age, was surprising. The study highlighted diagnostic difficulties in young people, especially when poorly educated, with migraine diagnoses driven by improbably high proportions reporting nausea (44.8%) and vomiting (28.0%) as usual symptoms accompanying their headaches.

Conclusions

Headache is very common in children and adolescents in Ethiopia. This has major public-health implications, since half the country’s population are aged under 18 years.