bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between KIT Expression and c-Kit Mutations in 2 Subtypes of Canine Oral Melanocytic Neoplasms
Authors: Smedley Rebecca C. , Thaiwong Tuddow , Deeth Lorna E. , Kiupel Matti
Published: April 2021

c-Kit mutations have been reported in 15% to 40% of certain human melanoma subtypes, including those histologically similar to canine oral malignant melanomas. Therapeutic response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors has been demonstrated in those human patients. As canine oral malignant melanomas tend to have a poor prognosis despite aggressive surgical removal, evaluation of KIT expression and identification of c-Kit mutations in canine oral melanocytic neoplasms was performed to determine if there is any indication that tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs might effectively treat any of these cases. This study evaluated 27 canine oral malignant melanomas and 12 canine histologically well-differentiated oral melanocytic neoplasms for activating c-Kit mutations, determined differences in immunohistochemical expression of KIT and c-Kit mutation status, and determined if KIT expression could predict c-Kit mutation status. Among samples that contained intraepithelial nests of neoplastic melanocytes in the KIT-labeled sections, KIT was expressed within cells in these nests in 22/23 (96%) malignant melanomas and 5/7 histologically well-differentiated neoplasms. KIT was expressed in 10% to 30% of neoplastic melanocytes in the lamina propria in 3/24 (13%) malignant melanomas, but 0/9 (0%) histologically well-differentiated neoplasms. Next-generation sequencing identified 85 variants in c-Kit, including 9 nonsynonymous mutations that resulted in amino acid changes predicted to affect protein function. c-Kit mutations with predicted deleterious protein effects were more common in malignant melanomas (8/27 [30%] vs 1/12 [8%]). There was no apparent relationship between detected c-Kit mutations and KIT expression. These results do not support the use of therapies that target c-Kit.
Learning from emancipation: The Port Royal Experiment and transition theory
Authors: DuPuis E Melanie
Published: April 2021

Over the last decade, transition studies has emerged as an intellectual field aimed at answering the question: How do we get to a more sustainable world? Emerging from a combination of science and technology studies, evolutionary economics, and studies of innovation, transition studies has become a widely used conceptual tool to frame pathways to a more sustainable future. However, its embrace of a systems approach to change, I will argue, transition studies remains unengaged with critical theories of change in sociology, history, and political economy. In addition, geographers have critiqued transition studies for its lack of attention to spatial relationships. Using a particular historical case study of transition in a particular place—the Port Royal “Free Labor” emancipation experiments in the South Carolina Sea Islands during the Civil War—this paper explores both the weaknesses and the strengths of transition studies as a conceptual tool, and how attention to critical and spatial approaches to change can improve our understanding of transitions. In particular, I will show how a political ecology, as a critical and spatial approach, can improve transition studies. I will use a historical case, the Port Royal emancipation experiments, to illustrate how the addition of political ecology to transition studies can improve one’s understanding of sustainable transition pathways.
Measuring Instantaneous Resilience of a Highway Bridge Subjected to Earthquake Events
Authors: Hooman Ghasemi S. , Yun Lee Ji
Published: April 2021

Bridges in a road network play a significant role in supporting the flows of people, goods, and freight during an earthquake event and are expected to maintain their functionality following the event. Thus, measuring the capability of a bridge immediately following an earthquake event is critical for understanding the post-earthquake functionalities of transportation networks and supply chain systems involving highway bridges. To this end, this paper proposes a new metric for measuring the resistant capacity of a highway immediately following an earthquake event, which is here called instantaneous resilience. The proposed metric first compares the reliability indices of a bridge before and following an earthquake event to measure the immediate earthquake impact. Although this comparison (i.e., robustness measure in this paper) indicates the remaining strength of the bridge subjected to a given earthquake event, it does not reflect collapse failure modes appropriately. Therefore, the proposed instantaneous-resilience metric combines the robustness measure with the structural redundancy measure to consider various scenarios of load path distribution. The proposed metric is computationally efficient because, in the process, it utilizes a generalized reliability-intensity (R-I) surface of a bridge which can be used to calculate the pre- and post-earthquake reliabilities of any bridge designed based on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) load and resistance factor design (LRFD). Without developing bridge-specific fragility curves and performing structural analysis of a bridge, the proposed measure enables engineers to make a preliminary assessment of the immediate impact of the earthquake on bridges on a quantitative basis. The step-by-step calculation process of the proposed instantaneous-resilience of a bridge is presented, and its potential use in highway network performance assessment is illustrated with a simple hypothetical network system.
Women’s Vulnerability to the Economic Crisis through the Lens of Part-time Work in Spain
Authors: Insarauto Valeria
Published: April 2021

This article studies women’s vulnerability to the economic crisis of 2008 through the lens of part-time work in Spain. It posits that part-time work made the female employment position more fragile by acting as a transmission mechanism of traditional gender norms that establish women as secondary workers. This argument is tested through an analysis of Labour Force Survey data from 2007 to 2014 that examines the influence of the employment situation of the household on women’s part-time employment patterns. The results expose the limited take-up of part-time work but also persistent patterns of involuntariness and underemployment corresponding to negative household employment situations, highlighting the constraining role of gender norms borne by the relative position of part-time work in the configuration of employment structures. The article concludes that, during the crisis, part-time work participated in the re-establishment of women as a family dependent and flexible labour supply, increasing their vulnerability.
Effectiveness of bilateral single-hinged knee bracing in osteoarthritis: A finite element study
Authors: Haris Andi , Beng Chye Tan Vincent
Published: April 2021

Effectiveness of knee braces remains to be identified. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of bilateral single-hinged knee bracing in knee osteoarthritis (OA) using finite element (FE) method. A three-dimensional FE model consisted of main model (knee-brace structure) and submodel (strap-muscle system) was developed. The submodel was used to convert the elastic strap-muscle interaction into an equivalent stiffness value required by the main model. Adding 100 N · mm/rad torsion spring to the brace with 5 kPa strap pressure lowered maximum von Mises stress in the knee OA components at a flexion angle greater than or equal to 90°. Separately, employing 10% brace pre-tension to the brace with 5 kPa strap pressure started to reduce stresses at a flexion angle of 70°. The configuration involving a combination of 10% brace pre-tension and 300 N · mm/rad torsion spring with 30 kPa strap tightness produced stress reduction over the entire range from 0° to 100° flexion angle. The basic bilateral single-hinged knee brace has shown to reduce stresses in the knee OA at high flexion angles only. Compared to the torsion spring, the brace pre-tension has shown to provide more significant benefits (i.e. stress reduction at lower flexion angles). The most sophisticated effects were achieved when the torsion spring was used in combination with the brace pre-tension. These two features can be potentially used for the development of an active knee brace if they can be modulated at different flexion angles or during the gait cycle.
Enabling participatory planning to be scaled in exclusionary urban political environments: lessons from the Mukuru Special Planning Area in Nairobi
Authors: Horn Philipp
Published: April 2021

Drawing on the Mukuru Special Planning Area in Nairobi (Kenya), this article analyses enabling conditions for scaling participatory planning in otherwise exclusionary urban political environments. It contributes to debates that focus on qualitative changes required to enhance citizen participation and on the integration of low-income residents’ needs, demands and innovations into city-wide planning practices around informal settlement upgrading. The article identifies three conditions that are key to enable and enhance the success of scaling efforts. First, moving to scale requires identifying, generating and making strategic use of political opportunities and building political momentum around them. Second, in addition to mobilizing, organizing and connecting stakeholders at different levels, successful scaling efforts must also promote qualitative changes in the way these stakeholders see themselves, and how they interact with and relate to each other. Third, going to scale requires the capacity to manage conflict successfully and prevent attempts to disrupt, co-opt or halt a scaling process.
Default Risk and Stock Returns: Evidence from Indian Corporate Sector
Authors: Singh Gurmeet , Singla Ravi
Published: April 2021

Default risk is associated with the probability that a leveraged firm is not able to pay its financial obligation on time. Relationship between default risk and stock returns is very important from investor’s point of view because it has important implication for risk and return trade off. Relationship between default risk and returns is debatable issue and contradictory results are found in the literature regarding the relationship between default risk and stock returns. Default risk assessment helps the investors and lenders to accurately assess the risks to which investors or lenders are exposed. There are several models which can be used to assess the probability of default. In the present study, the widely used Altman’s Z-score model is used as a measure of default risk to find out the relationship between default risk and stock returns using simple linear regression analysis. It is found that Altman’s Z-score can be used as a measure of default risk and results indicate the existence of positive relationship between Z-score and stock return and hence a negative relationship between default risk and stock return.
Why Inclusion Matters: Understanding How Types of Disabilities, Socio-demographic Characteristics and Occupational Aspirations Influence Employment Opportunities among Persons Living with Disabilities
Authors: Melugbo Doris Ujunwa , Onwuka Amara Ifunanya , Okoli John Ogonna , Jemisenia John Oluwaseyi , Ugochukwu Simeon Asogwa , Owoeye Gbenga
Published: April 2021

The present study investigated the influence of disability types and socio-demographic status of people living with disabilities on employment opportunities. The study also examined how the career aspirations of people living with disabilities could impact the relationship between the variables in our first objectives. A descriptive survey was used to elicit data from 600 people living with disabilities in six Nigerian states. A logistic regression analysis revealed that having the communicative-vision type of disability, having no educational qualification, being a woman, not belonging to the privileged ethnic group, being middle-aged and having only numeracy skill without oral communication and literacy skills all affected negatively the chances of employment among people living with disabilities. Except for ethnic groups, career aspirations mediated the influence of disability types, gender, age, education and basic skills on employment opportunities. The implications of the findings were thereafter discussed.
Structural Change and Development in India
Authors: Ghose Ajit K.
Published: April 2021

Structural change—reallocation of labour from lower-productivity economic activities to higher-productivity ones—is not just an important contributor to growth but is also the principal route to improvement in employment conditions in developing economies. In history, remote and recent, structural change associated with successful development has involved labour reallocation from agriculture to manufacturing and services at early stages and from agriculture and manufacturing to services at later stages. Structural change in India, however, has been and continues to be very different; even at an early stage of development, labour reallocation has occurred from agriculture to services but not to manufacturing. While this kind of structural change has contributed to growth, its effect on employment has been very weak. The pace of improvement in employment conditions has been very slow. Economic growth, consequently, has not been accompanied by commensurate development. The challenge for the future is one of enhancing the role of manufacturing in the growth process.
Book review: Engagements with the Ordinary: A Reading of Veena Das
Authors: Chatterjee Anasua
Published: April 2021

Veena Das, Textures of the Ordinary: Doing Anthropology after Wittgenstein. Orient Black Swan, 2020, xi + 409 pp., ₹1350, ISBN: 9789390122677 (Hardback).
A hierarchical constraint approach for dynamic modeling and trajectory tracking control of a mobile robot
Authors: Yu Rongrong , Ding Shuhui , Tian Heqiang , Chen Ye-Hwa
Published: April 2021

The dynamic modeling and trajectory tracking control of a mobile robot is handled by a hierarchical constraint approach in this study. When the wheeled mobile robot with complex generalized coordinates has structural constraints and motion constraints, the number of constraints is large and the properties of them are different. Therefore, it is difficult to get the dynamic model and trajectory tracking control force of the wheeled mobile robot at the same time. To solve the aforementioned problem, a creative hierarchical constraint approach based on the Udwadia–Kalaba theory is proposed. In this approach, constraints are classified into two levels, structural constraints are the first level and motion constraints are the second level. In the second level constraint, arbitrary initial conditions may cause the trajectory to diverge. Thus, we propose the asymptotic convergence criterion to deal with it. Then, the analytical dynamic equation and trajectory tracking control force of the wheeled mobile robot can be obtained simultaneously. To verify the effectiveness and accuracy of this methodology, a numerical simulation of a three-wheeled mobile robot is carried out.
Media Use and Well-being: Understanding the Interplay in the Context of Tibetan Youth in India Amid COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Nair Pradeep , Vaishnav Deepak Kumar
Published: April 2021

The advent of the positive psychology has shifted the focus of a wellbeing from a clinical perspective to a social perspective which further complemented the post-modern construction of wellbeing in the form of happiness and positive thinking. The contribution of media in this construction is significant, since media has pervaded each and every aspect of our socio-cultural as well as individual existence at an unprecedented rate during the past few decades.

This study delineates the potential benefits of media exposure on wellbeing within the disciplinary boundaries of media psychology, while looking at the Indian and Tibetan understanding of the wellbeing construct. It explores the intrinsic effects of media usage on social and cultural wellbeing of young Tibetan people living in various settlements in India. The study delves into the ways in which the young Tibetans interact to ensure the wellbeing of their family, relatives and community in a connected, yet physically distant world endeavouring to explore the evolving implications of the media exposure, especially of ‘new media’, on wellbeing.
Using narrative therapy with children experiencing developmental disabilities and their families in India: A qualitative study
Authors: Baldiwala Jehanzeb , Kanakia Trishala
Published: April 2021

Narrative therapy is a respectful and culturally relevant form of psychotherapy. Internationally, there is an increasing use of narrative therapy with diverse populations; however, there is limited documentation within the Indian context. The intention of the study was to understand experiences of children and their families during their participation in narrative therapy at Ummeed Child Development Center in Mumbai, India. Twelve participants were recruited for individual interviews: four children, who received counseling at Ummeed Child Development Center for a minimum of 6 months, and eight family members. Thematic analysis of data revealed three themes: Working In Partnership reflected the value of therapy being a collaborative process; Practices That Open Up Possibilities highlighted skills of children and their families that became visible through counseling; and Taking Control And Advocacy revealed how families experienced a sense of control over their own lives and an interest in advocating for others with similar lived experiences. The study has brought to light how narrative therapy can make possible change in lives of children and their families and wider society. In an international context, these findings serve to document narrative therapy as a beneficial modality for mental health practitioners to use with children experiencing developmental disabilities and their families.
Patients’ perceptions of using artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology to comprehend radiology imaging data
Authors: Zhang Zhan , Citardi Daniel , Wang Dakuo , Genc Yegin , Shan Juan , Fan Xiangmin
Published: April 2021

Results of radiology imaging studies are not typically comprehensible to patients. With the advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology in recent years, it is expected that AI technology can aid patients’ understanding of radiology imaging data. The aim of this study is to understand patients’ perceptions and acceptance of using AI technology to interpret their radiology reports. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 participants to elicit reflections pertaining to the use of AI technology in radiology report interpretation. A thematic analysis approach was employed to analyze the interview data. Participants have a generally positive attitude toward using AI-based systems to comprehend their radiology reports. AI is perceived to be particularly useful in seeking actionable information, confirming the doctor’s opinions, and preparing for the consultation. However, we also found various concerns related to the use of AI in this context, such as cyber-security, accuracy, and lack of empathy. Our results highlight the necessity of providing AI explanations to promote people’s trust and acceptance of AI. Designers of patient-centered AI systems should employ user-centered design approaches to address patients’ concerns. Such systems should also be designed to promote trust and deliver concerning health results in an empathetic manner to optimize the user experience.
Planning out abjection? The role of the planning profession in post-apartheid South Africa
Authors: Jones Phil , Andres Lauren , Denoon-Stevens Stuart , Melgaco Silva Marques Lorena
Published: April 2021

For Kristeva (1982) the abject not only caused visceral disgust but posed a threat to the established order of society. The abject is a product of particular times and places but limited attention has been given to understanding the process of transitioning away from abject status. We address this gap here through an examination of the planning profession in post-apartheid South Africa. The paper examines how the abject is fluid and resilient, evolving to fit a changing planning system and broader political economy where a discourse of abjection by race has been replaced by a focus on poverty.
Personalised Representation in a Weak and Party-Controlled Legislature: Policy Responsiveness in the French Parliament
Authors: Poyet Corentin
Published: April 2021

There is growing interest in personal representation and policy responsiveness in the European literature. The current scholarship mainly focuses on strong legislatures. This article aims to contribute to the discussion about policy responsiveness by investigating the least likely case, France. It asks whether French MPs engage in policy responsiveness, and if they do, how responsiveness interacts with party agenda and electoral vulnerability. Drawing on written parliamentary questions asked by French MPs from 1997 to 2007 ( N = 1172), the article shows that MPs’ behaviour is strongly affected by their district features. Moreover, the article shows that party agenda conditions the impact of district features. MPs are more likely to engage in policy responsiveness when the issue is also essential for the party. In other words, policy responsiveness is not independent of the party agenda. The article thus contributes to a better understanding of the personalisation of political representation and its relationship with political parties.
Medical Education Transformation: Lifestyle Medicine in Undergraduate and Graduate Medical Education, Fellowship, and Continuing Medical Education
Authors: Rea Brenda , Worthman Shannon , Shetty Paulina , Alexander Megan , Trilk Jennifer L.
Published: April 2021

A gaping void of adequate lifestyle medicine (LM) training exists across the medical education continuum. The American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s (ACLM’s) undergraduate medical education (UME) Task Force champions the need for widespread integration of LM curriculum in UME by sharing ideas for catalyzing success, lessons learned, and publishing standards and competencies to facilitate curriculum reform. When it comes to graduate medical education and fellowship, the ACLM and American Board of Lifestyle Medicine have made great strides in filling the void, developing both Educational and Experiential Pathways through which physicians may become certified LM Physicians or LM Specialists (LMSs). The Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum meets the Educational Pathway requirements and prepares resident graduates for the LM Physician board certification. LMS is the second tier of LM certification that demonstrates expertise in disease reversal. The LMS Fellowship is an Educational Pathway intent on American Board of Medical Specialties recognition of LM as a new subspecialty in the near future. Finally, continuing medical education and maintenance of certification equip physicians with LM training to support knowledge, application, and certification in LM.
Improving reading rate prediction with word length information: Evidence from Dutch
Authors: Brysbaert Marc , Sui Longjiao , Duyck Wouter , Dirix Nicolas
Published: April 2021

Previous research in English has suggested that reading rate predictions can be improved considerably by taking average word length into account. In this study, we investigated whether the same regularity holds for Dutch. The Dutch language is very similar to English, but words are on average half a letter longer: 5.1 letters per word (in non-fiction) instead of 4.6. We collected reading rates of 62 participants reading 12 texts with varying word lengths and examined which change in the English equation accounts for the Dutch findings. We observed that predictions were close to the best-fitting curve as soon as the average English word length was replaced by the average Dutch word length. The equation predicts that Dutch texts with an average word length of 5.1 letters will be read at a rate of 238 words per minute (wpm). Texts with an average word length of 4.5 letters will be read at 270 wpm, and texts with an average word length of 6.0 letters will be read at a rate of 202 wpm. The findings are in line with the assumption that the longer words in Dutch do not slow down silent reading relative to English and that the word length effect observed in each language is due to word processing effort and not to low-level visual factors.
Toward a conceptualization of the internet of toys
Authors: Ling Li , Yelland Nicola , Hatzigianni Maria , Dickson-Deane Camille
Published: April 2021

The Internet of Things is reshaping many households’ digital landscape and influencing children’s play and learning, especially in the form of toys that are named the Internet of Toys (IoToys). IoToys may generate a significant influence on children’s growth. While increasing attention is drawn to the IoToys, confusion around their conceptualization and use is evident. Without a thorough understanding of what the IoToys are, the progress of meaningful research on this topic will be greatly hindered. We, thus, conducted a systematic review to determine existing definitions of the IoToys using seven major databases over the past 20 years. After analyzing the definitions identified, we found that the previous definitions neglected the significance of defining “toys” in their work. The review led to a discussion around how to understand “toys” and then a more precise conceptualization of the IoToys, based on which implications for future research are offered.
Animals, Community, and Justice Matters in Critical Times
Authors: Dolby Nadine
Published: April 2021

In this essay, I explore my story as an activist and my current critical community engagement project, Animal Advocates of Greater Lafayette. Animal Advocates merges my activism and my scholarship. I begin by providing stories of my experience as a student and community activist in Boston in the 1980s. I then discuss my more recent volunteer experiences, which led to the formation of Animal Advocates of Greater Lafayette. I share stories of the early challenges and my experiences with this group and how my activism and my scholarship now simultaneously shape and move each other. Through this discussion, I hope to expand the possibilities for being and acting in the world outside of the academy to engage with the communities where we live, thinking about the multiple ways in which justice matters in critical times.
Perspectives of polylactic acid from structure to applications
Authors: Sreekumar Kalyani , Bindhu B , Veluraja K
Published: April 2021

The demand for an adoption of renewable resources rather than finitely available non renewable sources for industrial purposes are rising, with the growing environmental constraints. Polymers being one of the crucial part of almost all the industries, pioneer in the list of sources needed for various applications. This makes polymers that can be obtained from renewable sources being studied widely and are anticipated to make a revolution in the field of packaging industry, medical field, and automobile industry. Polylactic acid (PLA) is one among such biopolymers, which is an aliphatic polyester derived from lactic acid (2-hydroxypropionic acid), that find wide applications in food packaging industry, tissue scaffolding, and biomedical devices. This paper focuses on an in-depth review on polylactic acid, its structure, and various properties of PLA. The details of different polymer blends/composites based on PLA are also discussed here. The fields of applications, where PLA is being utilized and the future scopes of the polymer are also studied.
Iatrogenic ocular trauma associated with infraorbital block performed for rhinoscopy in a cat: case report and preliminary imaging findings
Authors: Pumphrey Stephanie A , Reader Rebecca C , Rosenstein Diana S , Mouser Pamela J , Wetmore Lois A
Published: April 2021

Objectives

This paper describes a case of endophthalmitis in a feline patient caused by globe penetration during an infraorbital block performed to provide analgesia during rhinoscopy, and presents additional imaging and dissection data demonstrating risk of iatrogenic ocular trauma during infraorbital blocks in cats when the infraorbital canal is entered.

Methods

Case records and accompanying histopathologic reports were reviewed for the feline patient. Separately, two feline cadavers were imaged using CT following placement of 5/8" 25 G needles or 1" 22 G over the needle catheters in the infraorbital canal. Infraorbital blocks with injection of trypan blue dye followed by dissection were performed in two further feline cadavers to assess the potential for globe penetration and to provide preliminary information regarding the potential efficacy of infraorbital blocks for analgesia during rhinoscopy.

Results

Clinical and histopathologic findings support inadvertent globe penetration during infraorbital block as the cause for endophthalmitis in the feline patient described. CT imaging and dye injection studies further demonstrate the risks involved with this local anesthetic technique in cats.

Conclusions and relevance

Further study is needed to assess the safety and efficacy of infraorbital blocks performed for rhinoscopy in cats. Catheters may be safer anesthetic delivery devices than needles. Extreme caution should be used when entering the infraorbital canal in cats.
Association of Emergency Department Waiting Times With Patient Experience in Admitted and Discharged Patients
Authors: Nyce Andrew , Gandhi Snehal , Freeze Brian , Bosire Joshua , Ricca Terry , Kupersmith Eric , Mazzarelli Anthony , Rachoin Jean-Sebastien
Published: April 2021

Prolonged waiting times are associated with worse patient experience in patients discharged from the emergency department (ED). However, it is unclear which component of the waiting times is most impactful to the patient experience and the impact on hospitalized patients. We performed a retrospective analysis of ED patients between July 2018 and March 30, 2020. In all, 3278 patients were included: 1477 patients were discharged from the ED, and 1680 were admitted. Discharged patients had a longer door-to-first provider and door-to-doctor time, but a shorter doctor-to-disposition, disposition-to-departure, and total ED time when compared to admitted patients. Some, but not all, components of waiting times were significantly higher in patients with suboptimal experience (<100th percentile). Prolonged door-to-doctor time was significantly associated with worse patient experience in discharged patients and in patients with hospital length of stay ≤4 days. Prolonged ED waiting times were significantly associated with worse patient experience in patients who were discharged from the ED and in inpatients with short length of stay. Door-to-doctor time seems to have the highest impact on the patient’s experience of these 2 groups.
LCM and RNA-seq analyses revealed roles of cell cycle and translational regulation and homoeolog expression bias in cotton fiber cell initiation
Authors: Ando Atsumi , Kirkbride Ryan C. , Jones Don C. , Grimwood Jane , Chen Z. Jeffrey
Published: April 2021

Background

Cotton fibers provide a powerful model for studying cell differentiation and elongation. Each cotton fiber is a singular and elongated cell derived from epidermal-layer cells of a cotton seed. Efforts to understand this dramatic developmental shift have been impeded by the difficulty of separation between fiber and epidermal cells.

Results

Here we employed laser-capture microdissection (LCM) to separate these cell types. RNA-seq analysis revealed transitional differences between fiber and epidermal-layer cells at 0 or 2 days post anthesis. Specifically, down-regulation of putative cell cycle genes was coupled with upregulation of ribosome biosynthesis and translation-related genes, which may suggest their respective roles in fiber cell initiation. Indeed, the amount of fibers in cultured ovules was increased by cell cycle progression inhibitor, Roscovitine, and decreased by ribosome biosynthesis inhibitor, Rbin-1. Moreover, subfunctionalization of homoeologs was pervasive in fiber and epidermal cells, with expression bias towards 10% more D than A homoeologs of cell cycle related genes and 40–50% more D than A homoeologs of ribosomal protein subunit genes. Key cell cycle regulators were predicted to be epialleles in allotetraploid cotton. MYB-transcription factor genes displayed expression divergence between fibers and ovules. Notably, many phytohormone-related genes were upregulated in ovules and down-regulated in fibers, suggesting spatial-temporal effects on fiber cell development.

Conclusions

Fiber cell initiation is accompanied by cell cycle arrest coupled with active ribosome biosynthesis, spatial-temporal regulation of phytohormones and MYB transcription factors, and homoeolog expression bias of cell cycle and ribosome biosynthesis genes. These valuable genomic resources and molecular insights will help develop breeding and biotechnological tools to improve cotton fiber production.
Clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia diagnosed in a primary care practice in Madrid (Spain)
Authors: Guisado-Clavero Marina , Herrero Gil Ana , Pérez Álvarez Marta , Castelo Jurado Marta , Herrera Marinas Ana , Aguilar Ruiz Vanesa , Gefaell Iarrondo Ileana , Menéndez Orenga Miguel , Ares-Blanco Sara
Published: April 2021

Background

Possible cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were diagnosed in primary care in Madrid, some of these cases had pneumonia. Most of the SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia published data came from hospitalised patients. This study set out to describe clinical characteristics of patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia diagnosed in primary care across age groups and type of pneumonia.

Methods

Observational retrospective study obtaining clinical data from the electronic health records of patients who were followed-up by SARS-CoV-2 possible infection in a primary care practice in Madrid. All the cases were collected by in-person or remote consultation during the 10th March to the 7th of April. Exposure: Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia by chest X-ray ordered by the GP. Main outcomes and measures: Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, physical examination and diagnostic tests as a blood test, nasopharyngeal swab results for RT-PCR (Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) and chest X-ray results.

Results

The overall SARS-CoV-2 pneumonias collected were 172 (female 87 [50.6%], mean age 60.5 years standard deviation [SD] 17.0). Comorbidities were body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 (90 [52.3%]), hypertension (83 [48.3%]), dyslipidaemia (68 [39.5%]) and diabetes (33 [19.2%]). The sample was stratified by age groups (< 50 years, 50–75 years and ≥ 75 years). Clinical manifestations at onset were fever (144 [83.7%]), cough (140 [81.4%]), dyspnoea (103 [59.9%]) and gastrointestinal disturbances (72 [41.9%]). Day 7.8 (SD:4.1) from clinical onset was the mean day of pneumonia diagnosis. Bilateral pneumonia was more prevalent than unilateral (126 [73.3%] and 46 [26.7%]). Patients with unilateral pneumonia were prone to higher pulse oximetry (96% vs 94%, p < 0.001). We found differences between unilateral and bilateral cases in C-reactive protein (29.6 vs 81.5 mg/L, p < 0.001), and lymphocytes (1400.0 vs 1000.0E3/ml, p < 0.001). Complications were registered: 42 (100%) of patients ≥ 75 years were admitted into hospital; pulmonary embolism was only present at bilateral pneumonia (7 patients [5.6%]) and death occurred in 1 patient with unilateral pneumonia (2.2%) vs 10 patients (7.9%) with bilateral pneumonia ( p 0.170).

Conclusion

Clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia were fever, cough and dyspnoea; this was especially clear in the elderly. We described different characteristics between unilateral and bilateral pneumonia.
Recovery of new-onset kidney disease in COVID-19 patients discharged from hospital
Authors: Zhang Nan-Hui , Cheng Yi-Chun , Luo Ran , Zhang Chun-Xiu , Ge Shu-Wang , Xu Gang
Published: April 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a major global health threat with a great number of deaths worldwide. Despite abundant data on that many COVID-19 patients also displayed kidney disease, there is limited information available about the recovery of kidney disease after discharge.

Methods

Retrospective and prospective cohort study to patients with new-onset kidney disease during the COVID-19 hospitalization, admitted between January 28 to February 26, 2020. The median follow-up was 4 months after discharge. The follow-up patients were divided into the recovery group and non-recovery group. Descriptive statistics and between-groups comparison were used.

Results

In total, 143 discharged patients with new-onset kidney disease during the COVID-19 hospitalization were included. Patients had a median age was 64 (IQR, 51–70) years, and 59.4% of patients were men. During 4-months median follow-up, 91% (130 of 143) patients recovered from kidney disease, and 9% (13 of 143) patients haven’t recovered. The median age of patients in the non-recovery group was 72 years, which was significantly higher than the median age of 62 years in the recovery group. Discharge serum creatinine was significantly higher in the non-recovery group than in the recovery group.

Conclusions

Most of the new-onset kidney diseases during hospitalization of COVID-19 patients recovered 4 months after discharge. We recommend that COVID-19 patients with new-onset kidney disease be followed after discharge to assess kidney recovery, especially elderly patients or patients with high discharge creatinine.
New insights into patterns of first metastatic sites influencing survival of patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer: a multicenter study of 271 patients
Authors: Yamamura Jun , Kamigaki Shunji , Fujita Junya , Osato Hiroki , Manabe Hironobu , Tanaka Yumiko , Shinzaki Wataru , Hashimoto Yukihiko , Komoike Yoshifumi
Published: April 2021

Background

The initial therapeutic strategy for hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer is based on the first metastatic site; however, little evidence is available regarding the influence of metastatic distribution patterns of first metastatic sites on prognosis. In this study, we aimed to identify the metastatic distribution patterns of first metastatic sites that significantly correlate with survival after recurrence.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of records from 271 patients with recurrent metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2015. We assessed survival after recurrence according to the metastatic distribution patterns of the first metastatic sites and identified significant prognostic factors among patients with single and multiple metastases.

Results

Prognosis was significantly better in patients with a single metastasis than in those with multiple metastases (median overall survival after recurrence: 5.86 years vs. 2.50 years, respectively, p < 0.001). No metastatic organ site with single metastasis was significantly associated with prognostic outcome, although single metastasis with diffuse lesions was an independent risk factor for worse prognosis (HR: 3.641; 95% CI: 1.856–7.141) and more easily progressing to multiple metastases (p = 0.002). Multiple metastases, including liver metastasis (HR: 3.145; 95% CI: 1.802–5.495) or brain metastasis (HR: 3.289; 95% CI: 1.355–7.937), were regarded as significant independent poor prognostic factors; however, multiple metastases not involving liver or brain metastasis were not significantly related to prognosis after recurrence.

Conclusions

Single metastases with diffuse lesions could more easily disseminate systemically and progress to multiple metastases, leading to a poor prognosis similar to multiple metastases. Our findings indicate that the reconsideration of the determinant factors of therapeutic strategies for first recurrence in HR+/HER2- breast cancer may be needed.
Development of cardiorespiratory fitness standards for working memory using receiver operating curves in 15-year-old adolescents
Authors: Weber Vinícius Muller Reis , Fernandes Daniel Zanardini , Volpato Leonardo Alex , de Oliveira Bueno Maria Raquel , Romanzini Marcelo , Castro-Piñero Jose , Ronque Enio Ricardo Vaz
Published: April 2021

Background

Working memory performance is associated with better academic achievements in children and adolescents, and it is positively related to CRF. However, what level of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) discriminates higher working memory performance is not known. The purpose of this study was to identify CRF thresholds linked to working memory in adolescents.

Methods

Data of 141 adolescents (53.2 % girls) were collected (14.9 years) from a cross-sectional study during the year 2019. CRF was assessed by the 20-m shuttle run test, and maximal oxygen uptake was calculated using the Mahar´s equation. Working memory was evaluated by the Corsi blocks test and performance was classified by percentiles. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify CRF thresholds.

Results

The ROC analysis indicated that CRF could be used to discriminate working memory in adolescents. CRF thresholds of ≥45.03 ml.kg− 1.min− 1for boys and ≥36.63 ml.kg− 1.min− 1for girls were found to be indicative of “normal” working memory performance.

Conclusions

CRF could discriminate low and normal working memory performance in 14-16- year-old adolescents. These thresholds could allow for earlier identification and intervention of low working memory performance using CRF.
Validation of the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to screen mental health problems among school-age children in Mongolia
Authors: Aoki Ai , Ganchimeg Togoobaatar , Naranbaatar Nyam , Khishigsuren Zuunnast , Gundegmaa Lkagvasuren , Bat-Erdene Shagdar , Munkhbaatar Bolorchimeg , Mori Rintaro , Kikuchi Akihito , Soya Hideaki , Kasai Kiyoto , Takehara Kenji
Published: April 2021

Background

Child and adolescent mental health problems are urgent health issues in low- and middle-income countries. To promote child and adolescent mental health services, simple validated screening tools are helpful. In Mongolia, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), an internationally used child and adolescent mental health screening tool for children aged 4–17, was translated but not yet validated. To use the questionnaire appropriately, validation is necessary.

Methods

Children at 4th year at elementary school (community sample) and children visited psychiatric outpatient service (clinical sample) were recruited and their parental version of the SDQ was compared. The discriminating ability of the parental version of the SDQ was examined using Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis on the SDQ total difficulties score. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used as a measure. Cut-off score was determined by normative banding that categorizes children with the highest 10% score range as abnormal and the second highest 10% as borderline following the original method; this cut-off score was compared with the cut-off score candidates with good balance between sensitivity and specificity using ROC analysis.

Results

We included 2301 children in the community sample, and 429 children in the clinical sample. Mean age was 9.7 years (SD 0.4, range 8.3–12.0) among the community sample and 10.4 years (SD 3.8, range 4.0–17.8) among the clinical sample. The mean total difficulties score was 12.9 (SD 4.8) among the community sample and 20.4 (SD 6.2) among the clinical sample. A total of 88.8% of the community sample and 98.8% of the clinical sample answered the SDQ. Using ROC analysis, the AUC was 0.82 (95% confident interval 0.80–0.85), which meant moderate discriminating ability. Using normative banding, the borderline cut-off score was 16/17 and abnormal cut-off score was 19/20. For cut-off scores of 16/17 and 19/20, sensitivity was 71.9 and 53.8% and specificity was 78.5 and 90.5%, respectively. The cut-off score candidates by ROC analysis were 16/17 and 17/18.

Conclusions

The parental version of the SDQ had moderate discriminating ability among Mongolian school-age children. For the screening of mental health problems among community children, cut-off score of 16/17 is recommended.
Therapeutic drug monitoring of anti-TNF drugs: an overview of applicability in daily clinical practice in the era of treatment with biologics in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
Authors: Nassar-Sheikh Rashid A. , Schonenberg-Meinema D. , Bergkamp S. C. , Bakhlakh S. , de Vries A. , Rispens T. , Kuijpers T. W. , Wolbink G. , van den Berg J. M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs have improved the prognosis for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) significantly. However, evidence for individual treatment decisions based on serum anti-TNF drug levels and the presence of anti-drug antibodies (ADAbs) in children is scarce. We aimed to assess if anti-TNF drug levels and/or ADAbs influenced physician’s treatment decisions in children with JIA.

Methods

Patients’ records in our center were retrospectively screened for measurements of anti-TNF drug levels and ADAbs in children with JIA using etanercept, adalimumab or infliximab. Clinical characteristics and disease activity were retrieved from patient charts.

Results

We analyzed 142 measurements of anti-TNF drug levels in 65 children with JIA. Of these, ninety-seven (68.3%) were trough concentrations. N = 14/97 (14.4%) of these showed trough concentrations within the therapeutic drug range known for adults with RA and IBD. ADAbs against adalimumab were detected in seven patients and against infliximab in one patient. Seven (87,5%) of these ADAb-positive patients had non-detectable drug levels. A flowchart was made on decisions including rational dose escalation, stopping treatment in the presence of ADAbs and undetectable drug levels, showing that 45% of measurements influenced treatment decisions, which concerned 65% of patients (n = 42/65).

Conclusions

In the majority of patients, measurement of anti-TNF drug levels led to changes in treatment. A wide variation of anti-TNF drug levels was found possibly due to differences in drug clearance in different age groups. There is need for determination of therapeutic drug ranges and pharmacokinetic curves for anti-TNF and other biologics in children with JIA.