bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Coenzyme Q Protects Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Activating PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/mTOR Pathway in Rats
Authors: Li Ruirui , Ren Tao , Zeng Jianqiong
Published: November 2019

The aim of our study was to assess the effects of mitochondrial coenzyme Q (MitoQ) on sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and investigate its possible mechanisms. The cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method was used to establish a septic ALI model. Rats were randomly divided into Con group, CLP group, MitoQ group, and MitoQ + LY294002 group. The survival rate of the rats was recorded, and the survival rate curve was plotted. Moreover, the ratio of wet/dry weight (W/D) in lung tissue was measured. The activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured by using the MPO colorimetric activity assay kit. The levels of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP2), and keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) were analyzed by ELISA. The histopathological changes were measured by HE staining, and the lung injury was scored. TUNEL assay was applied to detect the apoptotic cells in lung tissue. The protein expressions were detected by western blot. MitoQ increased the survival rate and alleviated pulmonary edema in septic ALI rats. In addition, MitoQ inhibited the MPO activity and decreased the levels of HMGB1 and IL-6. After treatment with MitoQ, alveolar wall edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and red blood cell exudation were relieved. MitoQ inhibited cell apoptosis in lung tissue of septic ALI rats. Meanwhile, MitoQ treatment remarkedly increased the expression of p-Akt, p-GSK-3β, and p-mTOR but decreased Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, Beclin-1, and LC-3II/LC-3I. The effects of MitoQ were significantly reversed by the PI3K inhibitor (LY294002). Our study demonstrated that MitoQ could protect sepsis-induced acute lung injury by activating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/mTOR pathway in rats.
Protective Role of mTOR in Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: Involvement of Inflammation and Autophagy
Authors: Zhang Tao , Guo Jianrong , Gu Jian , Chen Ke , Li Huili , Wang Jiliang
Published: November 2019

Liver ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury is a common phenomenon after liver resection and transplantation, which often results in liver graft dysfunction such as delayed graft function and primary nonfunction. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an evolutionarily highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinase, which coordinates cell growth and metabolism through sensing environmental inputs under physiological or pathological conditions, involved in the pathophysiological process of IR injury. In this review, we mainly present current evidence of the beneficial role of mTOR in modulating inflammation and autophagy under liver IR to provide some evidence for the potential therapies for liver IR injury.
Inclusion of hnRNP L Alternative Exon 7 Is Associated with Good Prognosis and Inhibited by Oncogene SRSF3 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Lingfeng , Shen Jiaoxiang , Jia Jun , Jia Rong
Published: November 2019

Background and Objectives. Alternative splicing is increasingly associated with cancers. HnRNP L is a splicing factor that promotes carcinogenesis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and other cancers. Alternative exon 7 of hnRNP L contains an in-frame stop codon. Exon 7-included transcripts can be degraded via nonsense-mediated decay or encode a truncated hnRNP L protein. Exon 7-excluded transcripts can encode full-length functional hnRNP L protein. HnRNP L has an autoregulation mechanism by promoting the inclusion of its own exon 7. This study aimed to understand the relationship between the alternative splicing of exon 7 and HNSCC. Oncogenic splicing factor SRSF3 has an alternative exon 4 and similar autoregulation mechanism. HnRNP L promotes SRSF3 exon 4 inclusion and then inhibits SRSF3 autoregulation. Materials and Methods. The relationship between alternative splicing of hnRNP L exon 7 and clinical characteristics of HNSCC in a TCGA dataset was analyzed and confirmed by RT-PCR in a cohort of 61 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. The regulators of exon 7 splicing were screened in 29 splicing factors and confirmed by overexpression or silencing assay in HEK 293, CAL 27, and SCC-9 cell lines. Results. The inclusion of hnRNP L exon 7 was significantly negatively associated with the progression and prognosis of HNSCC, which was confirmed in the cohort of 61 OSCC patients. SRSF3 inhibited exon 7 inclusion and hnRNP L autoregulation and then promoted the expression of full-length functional hnRNP L protein. SRSF3 exon 4 inclusion was correlated with hnRNP L exon 7 inclusion in both HNSCC and breast cancer. HNSCC patients with both low hnRNP L exon 7 and SRSF3 exon 4 inclusion show poor overall survival. Conclusions. Inclusion of hnRNP L alternative exon 7 is associated with good prognosis and inhibited by oncogene SRSF3 in HNSCC.
Dysregulation of Glutamate Transport Enhances Treg Function That Promotes VEGF Blockade Resistance in Glioblastoma
Authors: Long Yu , Tao Haipeng , Karachi Aida , Grippin Adam J. , Jin Linchun , Chang Yifan (Emily) , Zhang Wang , Dyson Kyle A. , Hou Alicia Y. , Na Meng , Deleyrolle Loic P. , Sayour Elias J. , Rahman Maryam , Mitchell Duane A. , Lin Zhiguo , Huang Jianping
Published: November 2019

Anti-VEGF therapy prolongs recurrence-free survival in patients with glioblastoma but does not improve overall survival. To address this discrepancy, we investigated immunologic resistance mechanisms to anti-VEGF therapy in glioma models. A screening of immune-associated alterations in tumors after anti-VEGF treatment revealed a dose-dependent upregulation of regulatory T-cell (Treg) signature genes. Enhanced numbers of Tregs were observed in spleens of tumor-bearing mice and later in tumors after anti-VEGF treatment. Elimination of Tregs with CD25 blockade before anti-VEGF treatment restored IFNγ production from CD8+ T cells and improved antitumor response from anti-VEGF therapy. The treated tumors overexpressed the glutamate/cystine antiporter SLC7A11/xCT that led to elevated extracellular glutamate in these tumors. Glutamate promoted Treg proliferation, activation, suppressive function, and metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGlutR1) expression. We propose that VEGF blockade coupled with glioma-derived glutamate induces systemic and intratumoral immunosuppression by promoting Treg overrepresentation and function, which can be pre-emptively overcome through Treg depletion for enhanced antitumor effects.

Significance:

Resistance to VEGF therapy in glioblastoma is driven by upregulation of Tregs, combined blockade of VEGF, and Tregs may provide an additive antitumor effect for treating glioblastoma.
Novel Mechanisms of Cancer Emerge When Accounting for Sex as a Biological Variable
Authors: Wilson Melissa A. , Buetow Kenneth H.
Published: November 2019

There is a large gap between the aspiration of considering sex as biological variable and the execution of such studies, particularly in genomic studies of human cancer. This represents a lost opportunity to identify sex-specific molecular etiologies that may underpin the dramatic sex differences in cancer incidence and outcome. There are conceptual and practical challenges associated with considering sex as a biological variable, including the definition of sex itself and the need for novel study designs. A better understanding of cancer mechanisms, resulting in improved outcomes, will reward the effort invested in incorporating sex as a biological variable.
Let-7e Suppresses DNA Damage Repair and Sensitizes Ovarian Cancer to Cisplatin through Targeting PARP1
Authors: Xiao Man , Guo Jianfeng , Xie Lisha , Yang Chun , Gong Lanqing , Wang Zehua , Cai Jing
Published: November 2019

Increased DNA damage repair is one of the mechanisms implicated in cisplatin resistance. Our previous study indicated that the deregulation of let-7e promoted cisplatin resistance and that let-7e could suppress DNA double-strand break repair in ovarian cancer. In this study, we further characterized the role of let-7e in DNA damage repair and cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer, and investigated the underlying mechanisms. The alkaline and neutral comet assay indicated that let-7e impeded both DNA single- and double-strand break repairs through downregulating its target gene PARP1. In vitro and in vivo experiments provided evidence that the let-7e–PARP1–DNA repair axis was involved in the modulation of cisplatin sensitivity in ovarian cancer. Contrary to let-7e, PARP1 was overexpressed in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer tissues, and patients with high PARP1 expression exhibited poor progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses showed that let-7e and FIGO stage were independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS, whereas let-7e and PARP1 were able to independently predict chemotherapy response. Taken together, our results indicated that low expression of let-7e promoted DNA single- and double-strand break repairs and subsequently contributed to cisplatin resistance by relieving the suppression on PARP1 in ovarian cancer.

Implications:

Targeting the let-7e–PARP1–DNA repair axis might be an effective strategy for the treatment of chemoresistant ovarian cancer.
Percepção do familiar sobre o tratamento de usuários de drogas
Authors: Araujo Cristiana Nelise de Paula , Corradi-Webster Clarissa Mendonça
Published: November 2019

Objetivo: realizar revisão integrativa da literatura nacional sobre os tratamentos de usuários de álcool e outras drogas a partir da perspectiva de seus familiares. Método: trata-se de um estudo de revisão integrativa da literatura nacional, nos portais Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior e nas bases de dados Web of Science, The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature e PsycINFO. Após o processo de análise dos estudos recuperados, foram selecionados 21 estudos. Resultados: na literatura demonstrou-se que os familiares reconheceram os serviços extrahospitalares como importantes para melhorar as relações familiares e as condições de saúde do usuário, sendo importante a inclusão dos familiares nos espaços de tratamento para ajudar os usuários de drogas. Contudo, foram apontados, em estudos, fatores como a insuficiência desses serviços em atender a demanda apresentada, as barreiras no acesso ao tratamento e o desconhecimento desses serviços, contribuindo para a busca de internações – algumas, inclusive, forçadas. Conclusão: é necessária a ampliação dos serviços extrahospitalares, com o oferecimento de apoio aos familiares de usuários de drogas.
Representação social do consumo de álcool em idosos de uma população quilombola
Authors: Neves Bruna Ramos , Franklin Thainara Araujo , Nascimento Tito Lívio Ribeiro Gomes do , Adorno Soraya Mendes Rodrigues , Vilela Alba Benemérita Alves
Published: November 2019

Objetivo: compreender as palavras evocadas por idosos de uma população quilombola acerca do consumo de álcool. Método: trata-se de uma pesquisa de abordagem mista (quanti-qualitativa). Utilizou-se a Técnica de Evocação Livre de Palavras com o termo indutor “Consumo de bebidas alcoólicas”. A análise foi realizada através do software EVOC 2005. Utilizou-se um formulário com questões sociodemográficas, com análise no software SPSS, versão 21. Resultados: foram entrevistados 60 idosos, a maioria do sexo feminino e com baixa escolaridade. Conclusão: as representações sociais acerca do consumo de bebidas alcoólicas se mostraram negativas, o que emerge significações atreladas ao alto consumo de álcool e à problematização advinda com este.
Cardiomyocyte‐Specific
Snrk
Prevents Inflammation in the Heart
Authors: Thirugnanam Karthikeyan , Cossette Stephanie M. , Lu Qiulun , Chowdhury Shreya R. , Harmann Leanne M. , Gupta Ankan , Spearman Andrew D. , Sonin Dmitry L. , Bordas Michelle , Kumar Suresh N. , Pan Amy Y. , Simpson Pippa M. , Strande Jennifer L. , Bishop Erin , Zou Ming‐Hui , Ramchandran Ramani
Published: November 2019

Background

The
SNRK
(sucrose‐nonfermenting–related kinase) enzyme is critical for cardiac function. However, the underlying cause for heart failure observed in
Snrk
cardiac conditional knockout mouse is unknown.

Methods and Results

Previously, 6‐month adult mice knocked out for
Snrk
in cardiomyocytes (
CM
s) displayed left ventricular dysfunction. Here, 4‐month adult mice, on angiotensin
II
(Ang
II
) infusion, show rapid decline in cardiac systolic function, which leads to heart failure and death in 2 weeks. These mice showed increased expression of nuclear factor κ light chain enhancer of activated B cells (
NF
‐κB), inflammatory signaling proteins, proinflammatory proteins in the heart, and fibrosis. Interestingly, under Ang
II
infusion, mice knocked out for
Snrk
in endothelial cells did not show significant systolic or diastolic dysfunction. Although an
NF
‐κB inflammation signaling pathway was increased in
Snrk
knockout endothelial cells, this did not lead to fibrosis or mortality. In hearts of adult mice knocked out for
Snrk
in
CM
s, we also observed
NF
‐κB pathway activation in
CM
s, and an increased presence of Mac2
+
macrophages was observed in basal and Ang
II
–infused states. In vitro analysis of
Snrk
knockdown
HL
‐1
CM
s revealed similar upregulation of the
NF
‐κB signaling proteins and proinflammatory proteins that was exacerbated on Ang
II
treatment. The Ang
II
–induced
NF
‐κB pathway–mediated proinflammatory effects were mediated in part through protein kinase B or
AKT
, wherein
AKT
inhibition restored the proinflammatory signaling protein levels to baseline in
Snrk
knockdown
HL
‐1
CM
s.

Conclusions

During heart failure,
SNRK
acts as a cardiomyocyte‐specific repressor of cardiac inflammation and fibrosis.
Sphingomyelin Synthase 2 Inhibition Ameliorates Cerebral Ischemic Reperfusion Injury Through Reducing the Recruitment of Toll‐Like Receptor 4 to Lipid Rafts
Authors: Xue Jing , Yu Yang , Zhang Xiangjian , Zhang Cong , Zhao Yanan , Liu Boyan , Zhang Lan , Wang Lina , Chen Rong , Gao Xuan , Jiao Peng , Song Guohua , Jiang Xian‐Cheng , Qin Shucun
Published: November 2019

Background

Inflammation is recognized as an important contributor of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage after ischemic stroke. Sphingomyelin synthase 2 (
SMS
2), the key enzyme for the biosynthesis of sphingomyelin, can function as a critical mediator of inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the role of
SMS
2 in a mouse model of cerebral I/R.

Methods and Results

Cerebral I/R was induced by 60‐minute transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in
SMS
2 knockout (
SMS
2
‐/‐
) mice and wild‐type mice. Brain injury was determined by neurological deficits and infarct volume at 24 and 72 hours after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Microglia activation and inflammatory factors were detected by immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, western blot, and
RT
‐
PCR
.
SMS
2 deficiency significantly improved neurological function and minimized infarct volume at 72 hours after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. The neuroprotective effects of
SMS
2 deficiency were associated with (1) suppression of microglia activation through Toll‐like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells pathway and (2) downregulation of the level of galactin‐3 and other proinflammatory cytokines. The mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of
SMS
2 deficiency may include altering sphingomyelin components in lipid raft fractions, thus impairing the recruitment of Toll‐like receptor 4 to lipid rafts and subsequently reducing Toll‐like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 2 complex formation on the surface of microglia.

Conclusions

SMS
2 deficiency ameliorated inflammatory injury after cerebral I/R in mice, and
SMS
2 may be a key modulator of Toll‐like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells activation by disturbing the membrane component homeostasis during cerebral I/R.
Pigment Epithelium–Derived Factor Increases Native Collateral Blood Flow to Improve Cardiac Function and Induce Ventricular Remodeling After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Liu Xiucheng , Liu Zhiwei , Chen Jiali , Zhu Lidong , Zhang Hao , Quan Xiaoyu , Yuan Yanliang , Miao Haoran , Huang Bing , Dong Hongyan , Zhang Zhongming
Published: November 2019

Background

We previously found that the structural defects of the coronary collateral microcirculation reserve (
CCMR
) prevent these preformed collateral vessels from continuously delivering the native collateral blood and supporting the ischemic myocardium in rats. Here, we tested whether these native collaterals can be remodeled by artificially increasing pigment epithelium–derived factor (
PEDF
) expression and demonstrated the mechanism for this stimulation.

Methods and Results

We performed intramyocardial gene delivery (
PEDF
‐lentivirus, 2×10
7
 TU) along the left anterior descending coronary artery to artificially increase the expression of
PEDF
in the tissue of the region for 2 weeks. By blocking the left anterior descending coronary artery, we examined the effects of
PEDF
on native collateral blood flow and
CCMR
. The results of positron emission tomography perfusion imaging showed that
PEDF
increased the native collateral blood flow and significantly inhibited its decline during acute myocardial infarction. In addition, the number of
CCMR
vessels decreased and the size increased. Similar results were obtained from in vitro experiments. We tested whether
PEDF
induces
CCMR
remodeling in a fluid shear stress–like manner by detecting proteins and signaling pathways that are closely related to fluid shear stress. The nitric oxide pathway and the Notch‐1 pathway participated in the process of
CCMR
remodeling induced by
PEDF
.

Conclusions

PEDF
treatment activates the nitric oxide pathway, and the Notch‐1 pathway enabled
CCMR
remodeling. Increasing the native collateral blood flow can promote the ventricular remodeling process and improve prognosis after acute myocardial infarction.
Differences in Inpatient Outcomes After Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement at Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) and Non‐TAVR Centers
Authors: Jack Godly , Arora Sameer , Strassle Paula D. , Sitammagari Kranthi , Gangani Kishorbhai , Yeung Michael , Cavender Matthew A. , O'Gara Patrick T. , Vavalle John P.
Published: November 2019

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has solidified the importance of a heart team and revolutionized patient selection for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). It is unknown if hospital ability to offer TAVR impacts SAVR outcomes. We investigated outcomes after SAVR between TAVR and non‐TAVR centers.

Methods and Results

Hospitalizations of patients aged ≥50 years, undergoing elective SAVR between January 2012 and September 2015, in the National Readmission Database (NRD) were included. Multivariable logistic, linear, and generalized logistic regression models were used to adjust for patient and hospital characteristics and estimate association between undergoing SAVR at a TAVR center, compared with a non‐TAVR center. The association between TAVR volumes and these outcomes were also assessed. SAVR hospitalizations (n = 32 198) were identified; 22 066 (69%) at TAVR and 10 132 (31%) at non‐TAVR centers. SAVRs at TAVR centers had lower odds of inpatient mortality (odds ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.55–0.82) and discharge to skilled nursing facility (odds ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.85–0.99), compared with non‐TAVR centers. There was no difference in LOS (change in estimate −0.09, 95% CI −0.26 to 0.08) or 30‐day re‐admission (odds ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.88–1.03). SAVRs performed at the highest TAVR volume centers had the lowest inpatient mortality, compared with non‐TAVR centers (odds ratio 0.43 95% CI 0.29–0.63).

Conclusions

Patients undergoing SAVR at TAVR centers are more likely to survive and have better discharge disposition than patients undergoing SAVR at non‐TAVR centers. Whether this represents benefits of a heart‐team approach to care or differences in patient selection for SAVR when TAVR is unavailable requires further study.
Journal Initiatives to Enhance Preclinical Research: Analyses of
Stroke, Nature Medicine, Science Translational Medicine
Authors: Ramirez F. Daniel , Jung Richard G. , Motazedian Pouya , Perry-Nguyen Dylan , Di Santo Pietro , MacDonald Zachary , Clancy Aisling A. , Labinaz Alisha , Promislow Steven , Simard Trevor , Provencher Steeve , Bonnet Sébastien , Graham Ian D. , Wells George A. , Hibbert Benjamin
Published: November 2019

Background and Purpose—

Preclinical research using animals often informs clinical trials. However, its value is dependent on its scientific validity and reproducibility, which are, in turn, dependent on rigorous study design and reporting. In 2011,
Stroke
introduced a Basic Science Checklist to enhance the reporting and methodology of its preclinical studies. Except for
Nature
and
Science
journals, few others have implemented similar initiatives. We sought to estimate the impact of these journal interventions on the quality of their published reports.

Methods—

All articles published in
Stroke
,
Nature Medicine
, and
Science Translational Medicine
over 9 to 18 years and in 2 control journals without analogous interventions over a corresponding 11.5 years were reviewed to identify reports of experiments in nonhuman mammals with proposed clinical relevance. The effect of journal interventions on the reporting and use of key study design elements was estimated via interrupted time-series analyses.

Results—

Of 33 009 articles screened, 4162 studies met inclusion criteria. In the 3.5 to 12 years preceding each journal’s intervention, the proportions of studies reporting and using key study design elements were stable except for blinding in
Stroke
and randomization in
Science Translational Medicine
, which were both increasing. Post-intervention, abrupt and often marked increases were seen in the reporting of randomization status (level change: +17% to +44%,
P
≤0.005), blinding (level change: +20% to +40%,
P
≤0.008), and sample size estimation (level change: 0% to +40%,
P
≤0.002 in 2 journals). Significant but more modest improvements in the use of these study design elements were also observed. These improvements were not seen in control journals.

Conclusions—

Journal interventions such as
Stroke
’s author submission checklist can meaningfully improve the quality of published preclinical research and should be considered to enhance study transparency and design. However, such interventions are alone insufficient to fully address widespread shortcomings in preclinical research practices.
Building Social Enterprises Identity: A Comparative Analysis of Social Enterprises Certification Practice in China’s Mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan
Authors: Luo Wenen , Huang Ying
Published: November 2019

Social enterprises (SE) certification is a process of labeling SE and distinguishing them from other types of organizations. This article centers on the SE certification practices in China’s Mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan, analyzes their development conditions and compares them in the three areas. The research has found that there are many similarities in certification organizers, essential criteria, SE qualifications, government role, the application of certification results in such areas. Meanwhile, evident differences have also been found, which can be explained from the institutional contexts within which social enterprises grow and the maturity of non-profit sectors in these regions. Through the analysis of SE certification practice in the three areas, this article points out that SE certification practice varies in different institutional contexts, but in general it helps social enterprises to construct a unique and distinct identity so as to better acquire support from the market, government and other entities. At the same time, we should be alert to the “fence effect” when endorsing social enterprises, and avoid setting fine-grained indicators which may bring damage to the diversified ecology of social entrepreneurship.
Effective typification of Galium verum var. hallaensis, a replacement name for the Korean G. pusillum (Rubiaceae)

Authors: SON DONG CHAN , CHANG KAE SUN
Published: November 2019

The genus Galium Linnaeus (1753: 105), a well-known member of the madder family, consists of around 650 perennial and annual herbaceous species widely distributed in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions worldwide (Ehrendorfer et al. 2005, Chen & Ehrendorfer 2011). This genus is distinguished from other genera belonging to Rubiaceae by several morphological characteristics including the leaves in whorls of 2–8, 3 or 4-lobed corollas, rudimentary corolla tubes, and dry mericarps (Yamazaki 1993, Ehrendorfer et al. 2014, Elkordy & Schanzer 2015).
Neowollea manoromense gen. & sp. nov. (Nostocales, Cyanobacteria), a novel geosmin producer isolated from Thailand

Authors: TAWONG WITTAYA , PONGCHAROEN PONGSANAT , PONGPADUNG PIYAWAT , PONZA SUPAT
Published: November 2019

In the present study, two new filamentous cyanobacterial strains (NUACC12 and NUACC15) were described based on a comprehensive study of morphological characteristics and molecular analyses. The novel strains were isolated from a shallow freshwater pond in the central region of Thailand. The morphological features of both strains are similar to those of Wollea species, W. ambigua, but are different in the dimensions of heterocyte and akinete cells as well as the absence of a sheath around the trichome. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rDNA and 16S–23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer sequences (ITS) revealed that new strains formed a robust supported clade which does not belong to the same clade with the type species of other cyanobacterial genera. Moreover, 16S rDNA sequence similarity between new strains and other putatively related taxa such as Wollea, Amphiheterocytum, Sphaerospermopsis, and Raphidiopsis raciborskii ranged from 96.1–97.4%, a level of similarity low enough for separating species differences. The unique patterns of the ITS secondary structure also clearly support two new strains representing a distinct cyanobacterial species. Considering all the results obtained in the present study, we here name the new genus Neowollea gen. nov., with the type species N. manoromense sp. nov. Based on morphology, ecology, 16S rDNA data and D1–D1′ helix structure, we also propose N. salina comb. nov. (basionym Wollea salina) as an additional species in the novel genus. Furthermore, the results of PCR amplification and GC/MS/MS analysis confirmed that two N. manoromense strains could produce an odorous compound, geosmin.
Type material of land snails (Mollusca: Gastropoda) described from New Zealand by taxonomists in Europe and North America between 1830 and 1934, and the history of research on the New Zealand land snail fauna from 1824 to 1917
Authors: BROOK FRED J. , ABLETT JONATHAN D.
Published: November 2019

Details are provided on 124 land snail species and varieties from New Zealand, and a further 14 species putatively from New Zealand, all of which were described by European and North American taxonomists between 1830 and 1934, based on specimens collected between 1824 and 1924. Primary type material of 95 of these taxa was located in Northern Hemisphere museums during the present study. Lectotypes are designated for: Helix chimmoi Pfeiffer, 1857, Helix glabriuscula Reeve, 1852, Helix (Paryphanta) gilliesi Smith, 1880, Nanina ? celinde Gray, 1850, Zonites chiron Gray, 1850 and Zonites coma Gray, 1843. Neotypes are designated for Helix conella Pfeiffer, 1861 and Helix tau Pfeiffer, 1861. Primary type material of the following taxa is figured herein for the first time: Bulimus? (Laoma) leimonias Gray, 1850, Cyclophorus cytora Gray, 1850, Cyclostoma (Cyclophorus?) lignarium Pfeiffer, 1857, Helix chimmoi Pfeiffer, 1857, Helix egesta Gray, 1850, Helix fatua Pfeiffer, 1857, Helix greenwoodi Gray, 1850, Helix guttula Pfeiffer, 1853, Helix kermandeci Pfeiffer, 1857, Helix portia Gray, 1850, Helix sciadium Pfeiffer, 1857, Helix venulata Pfeiffer, 1857, Helix (Paryphanta) gilliesi Smith, 1880, Hydrocena (Omphalotropis) vestita Pfeiffer, 1855, Nanina ? celinde Gray, 1850, Nanina erigone Gray, 1850, Nanina mariae Gray, 1843, Patula modicella var. vicinalis Mousson, 1873, Realia egea Gray, 1850, Vitrina kermadecensis Smith, 1873 and Zonites chiron Gray, 1850. New taxonomic combinations introduced herein include: Allodiscus nematophora (Reeve, 1854), Cavellia biconcava (Reeve, 1852), Charopa chimmoi (Pfeiffer, 1857), Coneuplecta regularis (Reeve, 1854), Delos jeffreysiana (Reeve, 1852), Fectola tau (Pfeiffer, 1861), Fectola varicosa (Reeve, 1852), Flammulina crebriflammea (Reeve, 1852), Lyrotropis vestita (Pfeiffer, 1855), ?Neophenacohelix ziczac (Gould, 1846), Parabalea peregrina (Gould, 1847), Phacussa hypopolea (Reeve, 1852), Phenacharopa novoseelandica (Küster, 1852), Phrixgnathus glabriusculus (Reeve, 1852), Phrixgnathus poecilostictus (Reeve, 1852), Thalassohelix obnubila (Reeve, 1852), Tornatellinops novoseelandica (Küster, 1852) and Wainuia urnula (Reeve, 1854). Helix collyrula Reeve, 1852 and Nanina tullia Gray, 1850 are treated as junior synonyms of Phenacohelix (Neophenacohelix) giveni Cumber 1961 nomen protectum and Helix (Huttonella) pseudoleioda Suter, 1890 nomen protectum, respectively. A brief account is given of the history of research on the New Zealand land snail fauna from 1824 to 1917.
Comparative Study of Iris and Retinal Images for Early Detection of Diabetic Mellitus
Authors: Padmasini N. , Umamaheswari R. , Kalpana R. , Sikkandar Mohamed Yacin
Published: November 2019

The recent increase in the number of diabetic cases due to genetic reasons or sedentary lifestyle, necessitates urgent need for an effective glucose monitoring system. Certainly, periodic glucose level monitoring in the blood will prevent from entering chronic diabetic condition and
a noninvasive monitoring tool leads to a simple and automated diagnosis procedure. In this present work, an iridology-based diagnosis of diabetes has been discussed and is compared with a standard retinal imaging modality. Two subject groups, one group of 30 subjects without diabetes, the
other group with 20 subjects of controlled diabetes with less than two years duration and 25 subjects with more than two years of uncontrolled diabetes were evaluated. Iris images are acquired using an iriscope and subsequently compared it with that of retinal spectral domain optical coherence
tomography (SDOCT) images of the same subjects. The segmentation of the pancreas region in the iris images and the retinal layers in the SDOCT retinal images are performed automatically to predict Diabetic Mellitus (DM). The selected features of the segmented region are given as input to k-Nearest
Neighbor, Support Vector Machine and Random Forest classifiers for discriminating diabetic and non-diabetic normal cases. The results showed that iris images are able to reveal the diabetic condition of the subjects even before their retina could reveal the same. However, elaborate extensive
studies have to be carried out in order to validate iridology as a best noninvasive tool for detection of diabetes at the early stage itself.
Deaths, Borders, and the Exception: Humanitarianism at the Spanish–Moroccan Border
Authors: Gazzotti Lorena
Published: November 2019

This essay questions the rise of border humanitarianism in the North-Eastern Moroccan borderlands. The increasing presence of humanitarian organizations in contexts marked by border violence has raised the attention of a number of critical migration scholars. Observers, however, have failed to problematize the presence of humanitarian activities, traditionally connected to emergency contexts, in sites integrated in the “routinary” regulation of mobility. Building on 8 months of fieldwork conducted in 2016 and 2017, the article addresses this gap, taking the working of border humanitarianism as a vantage point to reflect on the relation of borders to the exception, on the role of violence in border maintenance and, ultimately, on the politics of life and death at the frontier. Drawing on the work of Salter and Vaughan Williams on exceptionalism and biopolitics at the border, the article makes two points. First, I argue that the ordinary functioning of the Spanish–Moroccan border is founded on the bestialization and devaluation of Black lives, often to the point of death. Second, I contend that the integration of the “exception” in border normalcy activates, challenges, and endlessly reproduces the need for emergency interventions. In this dystopian framework, humanitarianism becomes a tool for the ordinary maintenance of migrants’ degraded life, transformed by the border into a less-than-citizen, less-than-human form of existence.
College Ready at a Cost: Underrepresented Students Overwhelmed, Scared, Increasingly Stressed, and Coping
Authors: Martinez Melissa A. , Lewis Katherine , Marquez Jocabed
Published: November 2019

As the push and expectation to attend college continues to increase, making the process of getting into college more competitive than ever before, there is a need to interrogate whether and how efforts to create a college-going culture and increase college readiness among students, particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds, might have an adverse impact on students. This study illuminates 59 students’ voices who participated in a multisite descriptive case study examining the strong college-going culture and college readiness efforts at three racially and economically diverse urban public high schools in different regions of Texas. Although students revealed positive aspects of their schools’ efforts, this study focuses on some of the negative, unintended consequences related to how students felt and coped with being overwhelmed, scared, and increasingly stressed as a result of the narrow focus on college readiness. Such findings must be considered by scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike.
Money and modernism: The rise of a theme in early 20th-century Italy
Authors: Cangiano Mimmo
Published: November 2019

The primary purpose of this article is to examine how the theme of money developed in the work of the key early 20th-century Italian modernist writers Giovanni Papini, Aldo Palazzeschi, Giovanni Boine, and Carlo Michelstaedter. It also studies the connection between the theme of money and two central concepts in modernist literature: the crisis in the concept of objectivity, and the interpretation of reality as a continuous flow that rejects every possible conceptualization. I argue that money was a metaphor for the crisis of objective truth, a symbol for an existence that had lost all perspective from which to judge and order reality.
Ownership and Use of Mobile Devices Among Adolescents in Indonesia
Authors: Pratama Ahmad R. , Scarlatos Lori L.
Published: November 2019

This article offers insights into the ownership and use of mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) among Indonesian middle and high school students. The study is based on primary data collected from a survey of 1,157 students at two middle schools and two high schools from two different regions in Indonesia. Data analysis includes multiple correspondence analysis and logistic regression models. The findings show that both ownership and use of mobile devices varies significantly among students of different sex, age, location, and most importantly socioeconomic status. This article also reports the use of mobile apps in three separate categories (i.e., educational apps, social media, and mobile games), showing some differences in duration and frequency of mobile apps use between different group of students. These findings can serve as a foundation for further research on how mobile technology can be used to improve educational attainment in Indonesia and other developing countries.
Black Caribbean Immigrants: A Qualitative Study of Experiences in Mental Health Therapy
Authors: Venner Heather , Welfare Laura E.
Published: November 2019

Black Caribbeans seeking mental health treatment in the United States may be mistakenly identified as African American because of their shared skin tone and features. This racial consolidation does not take into account their distinct histories, immigrant experiences, and cultural separateness and may be particularly problematic in therapy. We explored the mental health therapy experiences of eight Black Caribbeans in the United States in this phenomenological qualitative study. We highlight themes that bring to life the client experiences and reveal if and how the counselors addressed the client’s cultural distinctiveness. Implications for mental health counselors include the importance of respectful inquisitiveness about cultural identities and immigration experiences and the importance of inviting Black Caribbean clients by mentioning knowledge of Caribbean cultures in one’s practice information.
DESerting clients? A Study Investigating Evidence-based Measures Supporting the Long-term Employment of Neurodiverse Australians
Authors: Mellifont Damian
Published: November 2019

Employment outcomes for Australians with disability are weak and worsening. Aiming to assist in better understanding and redressing this troubling policy issue, this investigative research aims to (a) determine as to whether or not a significant relationship exists between disability type (i.e., physical or psychiatric) and long-term employment; and (b) identify evidence-based measures that might assist to improve the long-term employment of neurodiverse disability employment services (DES) clients. Addressing the first of these aims, an IBM SPSS-based chi-square analysis was conducted utilizing disability employment data sourced from the Australian Government. Targeting the second aim, a literature search was conducted utilizing Google Scholar, and thematic analysis was, then, applied on the results of this enquiry. Results of the chi-square analysis reveal that a DES client’s disability type appears to be associated with whether or not they attain long-term employment. From the 79 possibly relevant articles obtained from the Google Scholar enquiry, 13 were deemed relevant after applying the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis constructed themes of resourcing, personalized support and education. In addition to offering a good practice employment guide based upon these themes, the study concludes by challenging Australian policymakers to consider the kinds of DES provider results that might not warrant reward.
What could be a cancer mission objective if we join our forces in the fight against cancer?
Authors: Philip Thierry , Karjalainen Sakari , De Lorenzo Francesco , Apostolidis Kathi , Lombardo Claudio , Nilbert Mef , Lacombe Denis , Poortmans Philip , Albreht Tit , Kearns Pamela , Vassal Gilles
Published: November 2019

The European cancer burden is growing rapidly, with an estimated 2 million deaths a year according to the latest research. As almost half of cancers are diagnosed after the age of 65, and considering the aging European population, a tidal wave of cancer cases will sweep across Europe within the coming decades. Without major action, the additional number of annual cancer cases is expected to rise from 4.2 million to 5.2 million by 2040. If we are to reach plateauing numbers by 2040 (as a minimum goal), this would require 0.75% annual reduction in risk and 1% reduction in risk of death. These challenges call for attack from various angles, coordinated efforts, rational strategies, initiatives throughout the cancer trajectory, activities to reduce inequities, and implementation of evidence-based measures. In order to defeat the societal challenges of cancer through innovation, Europe will need to join forces and connect the European Commission and the member states, politicians and citizens, industries and patient associations. A cancer mission should thus unite the public and patient viewpoint to the perspective of cancer professionals. The authors describe a plan that has been agreed upon among some of the major European Cancer organizations and associations. This plan uses a cancer mission as a tool and must deliver robust medical evidence to patients and doctors through high-quality research delivering sustainable and affordable strategies for prevention, treatment, and follow-up.
Use of the Progressive Return to Activity Guidelines May Expedite Symptom Resolution After Concussion for Active Duty Military
Authors: Bailie Jason M. , Remigio-Baker Rosemay A. , Cole Wesley R. , McCulloch Karen L. , Ettenhofer Mark L. , West Therese , Ahrens Angelica , Sargent Paul , Cecchini Amy , Malik Saafan , Mullins Lynita , Stuessi Keith , Qashu Felicia M. , Gregory Emma
Published: November 2019

Background:

Clinical recommendations for concussion management encourage reduced cognitive and physical activities immediately after injury, with graded increases in activity as symptoms resolve. Empirical support for the effectiveness of such recommendations is needed.

Purpose:

To examine whether training medical providers on the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center’s Progressive Return to Activity Clinical Recommendation (PRA-CR) for acute concussion improves patient outcomes.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

This study was conducted from 2016 to 2018 and compared patient outcomes before and after medical providers received an educational intervention (ie, provider training). Patients, recruited either before or after intervention, were assessed at ≤72 hours, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after a concussion. The participant population included 38 military medical providers and 106 military servicemembers with a diagnosed concussion and treated by one of the military medical providers: 58 patient participants received care before the intervention (ie, provider training) and 48 received care after intervention. The primary outcome measure was the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory.

Results:

The patients seen before and after the intervention were predominantly male (89.7% and 93.8%, respectively) of military age (mean ± SD, 26.62 ± 6.29 years and 25.08 ± 6.85 years, respectively) and a mean ± SD of 1.92 ± 0.88 days from injury. Compared with patients receiving care before intervention, patients receiving care after intervention had smaller increases in physical activities (difference in mean change; 95% CI, 0.39 to 6.79) and vestibular/balance activities (95% CI, 0.79 to 7.5) during the first week of recovery. Although groups did not differ in symptoms at ≤72 hours of injury ( d = 0.22; 95% CI, –2.21 to 8.07), the postintervention group reported fewer symptoms at 1 week ( d = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.52 to 10.92). Postintervention patients who completed the 6-month study had improved recovery both at 1 month ( d = 1.55; 95% CI, 5.33 to 15.39) and 3 months after injury ( d = 1.10; 95% CI, 2.36 to 11.55), but not at 6 months ( d = 0.35; 95% CI, 5.34 to 7.59).

Conclusion:

Training medical providers on the PRA-CR for management of concussion resulted in expedited recovery of patients.
Engaging in Community Dialogues on Low-Risk Alcohol Use Guidelines for Older Adults
Authors: Canham Sarah L. , Humphries Joe , Kupferschmidt Anthony L. , Lonsdale Emily
Published: November 2019

Despite widespread use and acceptance of alcohol, discussions of age-related changes that impact alcohol consumption behaviors are rare. The objective of this community-engaged qualitative research study was to gain insight into how to promote knowledge dissemination regarding newly developed low-risk drinking guidelines for older adults. A convenience sample of 66 older adults and service providers participated in three Knowledge Café dialogue workshops and discussed their opinions about alcohol use in later life and ideas for sharing alcohol-related research evidence with the community. Participants discussed (a) low-risk drinking knowledge dissemination, (b) personal choice in drinking alcohol and adherence to low-risk drinking guidelines, and (c) preferences for engaging in discussions about alcohol use. Community dialogues fostered knowledge dissemination while participants engaged in rich conversations about a rarely discussed topic. Sharing evidence-based clinical advice with community stakeholders through dialogue events offers an innovative opportunity for health promotion efforts.
Associations among Distance, Quality, and Safety When Walking from a Park-and-Ride Facility to the Transit Station in the Twin Cities
Authors: Cao Jason , Duncan Michael
Published: November 2019

Planners are interested in moving park-and-ride facilities away from transit stations and leaving space nearby for development. However, the literature offers no indication on how park-and-riders would tolerate longer walking distances. This study applies stated preference surveys to examine park-and-riders’ walking tolerance and other influential factors. We found that park-and-riders overwhelmingly prefer short walking distances but a pedestrian-friendly environment can offset the disutility of walking distances. With safe intersections, good pedestrian infrastructure, and an attractive building appearance, this study indicates that park-and-riders will walk up to two blocks more than they otherwise would. They stated that security, sidewalk, and crosswalk conditions are the most critical.
“This Is a Head, Hearts, and Hands Enterprise”: Adult Learning in Interfaith Dialogue
Authors: Pope Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine an interfaith dialogue group to understand how adults learn through such an environment. In this qualitative case study, I worked with a group of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim adults located in the southeastern United States. In investigating adult learning through interfaith dialogue, I found that members experience communicative, instrumental, relational, personal, and transformative learning. The findings from this study may help practitioners in both participating in and facilitating interfaith dialogue groups with the intent of learning about other religious traditions. It may also benefit scholars in providing an understanding of how these groups can be intentional learning environments.