bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apology of Freedom: Book review: Nussberger A. The European Court of Human Rights. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2020
Authors: Filatova Maria
Published: October 2021

The subject of this review is the book written by a famous German legal scholar, Angelika Nussberger, whose name is well known to the Russian legal academic community. Professor Nussberger was a judge in respect of Germany at the European Court of Human Rights from 2011 to 2019, and Vice-President of the Court in 2017–2019. The book, published in Oxford University Press, is a part of their series “Elements of International Law”, which explains its structure and comprehensive approach to the subject. The book embraces all important relevant topics of the Court’s activities, from its conception and the beginning of its activities as an optional jurisdiction up to its transformation to the most authoritative international court in the area of human rights protection. Special attention is paid to the Court’s role in the creation of human rights culture in Europe and worldwide. Other topics covered by the book include its organization and procedure before the Court; the evolution of the Court’s methodology; interaction with other «actors» on human rights law field (national and other international courts); enforcement of the Court’s judgments and its efficiency; the Court’s future: main challenges and perspectives. The book offers a very focused and concentrated narrative combined with a deep analysis and very personal sight of a judge at the Court and of a distinguished scholar. It may serve as a very useful source of information about the Court’s judicial doctrines, vividly discussed by the ECtHR observers. The author gives her own view on these doctrines and reveals many problematic aspects of their application by the Court. The book is abundant in illustrations how the doctrines in question have evolved. The special character of the book is that it combines the overview of the Court’s procedure (composition of the bench, the Registry’s tasks, interaction with the Committee of Ministers related to the execution of judgments) with the analysis of the Court’s role in the modern international law development. It distinguishes the book from other works on the Convention and the European Court of Human Rights. The extensive list of references on the Court and the Convention system makes the book a perfect guide on the matter for specialists and students. It may be concluded that the book will enter the «golden fund» of international law doctrine, and its translation into Russian would be very useful for the Russian legal audience.
Right to a name: cross-border family-legal aspects of implementation
Authors: Voytovich Elena
Published: October 2021

The increase of cross-border contacts of individuals has shifted the emphasis in modern studies of the right to a name in Civil and Family law to Human rights and Private International Law. The article examines the problems of cross-border implementation of the right of an individual to a name, which are a consequence of state control over the circulation of names, as well as conflicts of national laws. The author offers to get acquainted with the practice of the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of the European Union, which serves as an illustration of the peculiarities of the implementation of the right to a surname in the context of convergence of legal systems. The proposed court decisions demonstrate new approaches to protecting the right of an individual to a surname and open the way to the formation of an internally consistent, coherent system of rules governing the right to a name. The article analyzes the international private legal aspects of the implementation of the right to a surname; special attention is paid to the conflicting principles of determining the law to be applied. The author concludes that domestic practice of assigning surnames should seek to achieve legal certainty. Such practice should not interfere with the exercise of the right to respect for private and family life, freedom of movement and choice of place of residence, or discriminate. Taking into account the results of international justice, national rules on names, conflict of laws norms require revision and updating. The consistent application of lex personalis in determining the applicable law can lead to situations in which the identity of the individual will be in doubt. The solution to this problem is seen not only in improving conflict of laws approaches, but also in the mechanism of recognition of foreign administrative acts. The implementation of this proposal will eliminate lame relationships, ensure legal certainty and stability of the person’s status. The author also proposes to distinguish between conflict of laws rules governing family status and conflict of laws rules governing civil status of an individual.
World Health Organization’s dispute settlement in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic: problems and perspectives
Authors: Androsova Arina , Novikova Tatiana
Published: October 2021

In the light of Coronavirus disease pandemic, the question of state responsibility in global health has become actual as never before. Rarely mentioned in the scientific literature, but at the same time, an important problem is the lack of an appropriate dispute settlement body which is competent to consider cases of violation of the World Health Organization’s instructions. The goal of the article is to research different bodies which are potentially competent to resolve disputes regarding violations in the scope of healthcare and to determine the most appropriate one in the light of responsibility of states over the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper analyzes the possibility of resolving a dispute regarding the new pandemic in the International Court of Justice, through arbitration, through negotiations, within an advisory body, and through the World Health Assembly. The article also considers the prospects of other organs of the World Health Organization to perform judicial functions. The paper relies on the analysis of treaty regulations regarding functioning of presented bodies, as well as on enforcement practice of these bodies. Additionally, the authors take into account an attitude of members of the World Health Organization to named bodies. The article shows the advantages and disadvantages of each dispute settlement mechanism. It also develops ways of reforming named bodies to expand their competence to hold states responsible for violations during outbreaks of infectious diseases. The paper concludes that the only body, which is currently able to assign the responsibility of states, is the main organ of the World Health Organization – the World Health Assembly. The absence of an effective way of holding states responsible for violations leads to systematic breaches of their obligations. Today responses of the World Health Organization have become a subject of significant criticism. Furthermore, the World Health Organization’s authority in the international community has been greatly shaken. Thus, effective dispute settlement in the field can solve the burning issue of seeking fairness within violations in the area of global health and also improve the effectiveness of the World Health Organization as a whole.
“If stars are lit, it means — there is someone who needs it”: a new human rights protecting function of bilateral investment treaties
Authors: Rusinova Vera , Tarasov Matvey
Published: October 2021

A new trend in both making and interpreting bilateral investment treaties (BITs) consists in a shift towards the protection of human rights of the host-State population. The authors resort to legal analysis to answer three questions related to this trend. First, how treaties, which are inherently programmed for the protection of investors from host-States, can be used to prevent investors from breaching human rights? Second, are BITs capable to effectively carry out this function? Third, who is the actual beneficiary of the values’ change in BITs? The article identifies three ways how human rights standards are included or respected throughout the BITs’ drating and application processes. First, human rights norms can be explicitly mentioned in a BIT. Second, an investment tribunal can directly apply international human rights law during dispute settlement. Third, human rights norms can impact the interpretation of a BIT, or, vice versa, the BIT provisions can be taken into account when international judicial or quasi-judicial human rights bodies interpret human rights’ conventions. Resorting to one or several of these ways leads to various results of the combination of BITs with human rights standards, that differ by a duty-bearer (a State or an investor) and by the legal mechanism of human rights protection. The authors distinguish four such models. The model analysis reveals restrictions and distortions pertinent to the new way of using BITs. Also, it allows evaluating trends from points of view of different stakeholders — home-States, host-States, and the population of the latter.
Georgia v. Russia (II) and “a context of chaos”: active hostilities and jurisdiction of the state under the European Convention on Human Rights
Authors: Sushkov Sergey
Published: October 2021

In Georgia v. Russia (II), the European Court of Human Rights used the concept of a “context of chaos” to substantiate the lack of state jurisdiction during the active phase of hostilities. This concept is applicable in the establishment of extraterritorial jurisdiction based both on effective control over an area and on the state agent authority and control over individuals. The Court also developed its position on the importance of the “element of proximity” in establishing jurisdiction over the victims of shelling. At the same time, the ECtHR left open the question of the relationship between the concepts of “element of proximity” and “context of chaos” when establishing jurisdiction based on the state agent authority and control over individuals. Meanwhile, active hostilities and “context of chaos” do not affect the existence of State jurisdiction over prisoners of war and detained civilians. The Court’s finding on the lack of jurisdiction during the active phase of hostilities creates a vacuum in the system of human rights protection, which can be explained by the Court’s reasonable unwillingness to apply international humanitarian law or to use it for the interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights. In addition, the ECtHR revised its approach regarding the role of occupation as a factor in establishing jurisdiction over a territory. In accordance with the logic of the ECtHR, the presence of troops on the territory of another state automatically entails the establishment of extraterritorial jurisdiction. Finally, the Court made it clear for the first time that the model of the violation of positive obligations in an extraterritorial context allows the Court to avoid considering the issue of imputing to the state actions that violated human rights. However, in Georgia v. Russia (II), the Court did not conduct a proper analysis of the violation of positive obligations by Russia. The ECtHR found a violation of positive obligations without any reference to the facts of the case. In this paper, the author presents a critical view of the validity of the Court’s conclusions.
Untapping the potential of Preferential Trade Agreements to promote forest protection: A comparison on forest-related provisions and their enforcement in the US and EU PTAs
Authors: Pacheco Yilly Vanessa
Published: October 2021

The EU and the US are the actors with the highest number of environmental provisions in their Preferential Trade Agreements. Since 1999, specific rules on forest governance and Sustainable Forest Management have been incorporated in their PTAs. The implementation of such forest-related provisions in PTAs is mostly linked to cooperation among the Parties. However, in cases of noncompliance, PTAs provide for bilateral consultations, the application of the general dispute settlement mechanism, and even trade sanctions. The enforcement approaches differ in the US and the EU PTAs. This study focuses on the question of the potential of PTAs to contribute to forest governance and SFM and analyses the disputes that arose so far. It shows how forest issues may play a key role in negotiating and implementing PTAs, promoting compliance of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, and promoting public participation in environmental matters. The paper concludes that PTAs provide further options to develop and implement International Forest Law beyond the Multilateral Environmental Agreements.
Enlightenment for Clinicians From the Case of Digestive Tract Metastases From Primary Lung Cancer: a Case Report
Authors: Wang Shaochun , Wang Shuili , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yeqin
Published: October 2021

Background: About 50% of patients with initially diagnosed lung cancer have developed distant metastasis. The probability of occurrence of digestive tract metastases found by autopsy is rarely. This report presents a rare clinical case of small intestinal metastasis from primary squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Case presentation: An 82-year-old male with aggravated cough and more acute shortness of breath than usual was diagnosed with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the lung Stage IV, because of the advanced age, underlying diseases, and poor cardiopulmonary function,the family refused the chemoradiotherapy.One month later, the patient gradually developed right lower quadrant pain. An upright abdominal X-ray suggested small intestinal obstruction and partial resection and anastomosis of the small intestine were performed. Postoperative pathology revealed poorly differentiated squamous-cell carcinoma of the small intestine. The patient died of sudden cardio-respiratory arrest one month later. Conclusions: We conclude that the real incidence of digestive tract metastases from lung cancer may be higher than the reported because of the symptoms of those patients are not obvious. Clinicians should select the appropriate examination methods (such as positron emission tomography) and pay attention to the assessment of abdominal hollow organs.
Upregulated lncARAT in Schwann cells promotes axonal regeneration through recruiting macrophages and inducing macrophages M2 polarization
Authors: Yin Gang , Lin Yaofa , Wang Peilin , Zhou Jun , Lin Haodong
Published: October 2021

BackgroundAxonal regeneration following peripheral nerve injury largely depends on a favorable microenvironment. Schwann cells (SCs) play a crucial role in axonal regeneration by interacting with macrophages, but the mechanisms underlying macrophages recruitment and polarization remain unclear.MethodsThe total RNA of crushed sciatic nerves and intact contralateral nerves was extracted and used to RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). The differentially expressed long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNAs were analyzed using bioinformatics analysis, and were verified using qPCR and western blot analysis. The putative role of lncRNA in nerve regeneration was analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Macrophage polarization phenotype was identified by assessing IL-10, Arg-1, and CD206.ResultsHere we identified an lncRNA, termed Axon Regeneration-Associated Transcript (lncARAT), upregulated in SCs and SCs-derived exosomes after crushed sciatic nerves (CSN). LncARAT contributed to axonal regeneration and improved motor functional recovery. Mechanistically, lncARAT epigenetically activated CCL2 expression by recruiting KMT2A to CCL2 promoter, which resulted in an increased H3K4 trimethylation and CCL2 transcription in SCs. CCL2 upregulation facilitated the infiltration of macrophages into the injured nerves. Meanwhile, lncARAT-enriched exosomes were released from SCs and incorporated into macrophages. Once in macrophage, lncARAT functioned as an endogenous sponge to adsorb miRNA-329-5p, resulting in an increased SOCS2 expression, which facilitated macrophage M2 polarization through a STAT1/6-dependent pathway, thus promoted axonal regeneration.ConclusionsLncARAT may serve as a promising therapeutic avenue for peripheral nerve repair.
Classification Performance and Feature Space Characteristics in Individuals with Upper Limb Loss Using Sonomyography
Authors: Engdahl Susannah , Dhawan Ananya , Bashatah Ahmed , Diao Guoqing , Mukherjee Biswarup , Monroe Brian , Holley Rahsaan , Sikdar Siddhartha
Published: October 2021

Objective: Sonomyography, or ultrasound-based sensing of muscle deformation, is an emerging modality for upper limb prosthesis control. Although prior studies have shown that individuals with upper limb loss can achieve successful motion classification with sonomyography, it is important to better understand the time-course over which proficiency develops. In this study, we characterized user performance during their initial and subsequent exposures to sonomyography. Method: Ultrasound images corresponding to a series of hand gestures were collected from individuals with transradial limb loss under three scenarios: during their initial exposure to sonomyography (Experiment 1), during a subsequent exposure to sonomyography where they were provided biofeedback as part of a training protocol (Experiment 2), and during testing sessions held on different days (Experiment 3). User performance was characterized by offline classification accuracy, as well as metrics describing the consistency and separability of the sonomyography signal patterns in feature space. Results: Classification accuracy was high during initial exposure to sonomyography (96.2 ± 5.9%) and did not systematically change with the provision of biofeedback or on different days. Despite this stable classification performance, some of the feature space metrics changed. Conclusions: User performance was strong upon their initial exposure to sonomyography and did not improve with subsequent exposure. Clinical Impact: Prosthetists may be able to quickly assess if a patient will be successful with sonomyography without submitting them to an extensive training protocol, leading to earlier socket fabrication and delivery.
Evaluation of Staff Satisfaction After Implementation of a Routine Work Checklist in an Oral Outpatient Department and its Effect on Work Efficiency
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ren Lizhi , Wang Xiaojing , Wang Qianqian , Zhang Xiaohong , Li Weili , Zhao Bin , Ren Xiuyun , Li Bing , Qin Haiyun , Ge Xuejun , Zhang Fang , Wang Xiangyu , Meng Xiaorui , Yu Feiyan
Published: October 2021

Background: To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and sustainability of using a checklist in the routine work of a stomatological outpatient department and investigate the satisfaction of the nursing staff with the checklist.Methods: The study was divided into two stages: design and manufacture the checklist and apply the checklist. After the expert group performed stage one, an analysis of work efficiency and work omissions and a survey of staff satisfaction were carried out. The results of the groups either using the checklist (n = 30) or not (n = 30) were analysed and compared. Results: The average time of the checklist group was 15.20±1.70 min, and the average time of the nonchecklist group was 25.30±2.70 min, P < 0.001. The working efficiency of the checklist group was significantly higher than that of the nonchecklist group. The omission rate was 0% in the checklist group and 16.67% in the nonchecklist group. Staff satisfaction with the use of the checklist was high. Conclusion: The checklist can make routine work more efficient and convenient in a stomatological outpatient department. It is recommended for use in stomatological outpatient departments or hospitals.
A pseudo anapole based electromagnetic cloaking scheme using Split Ring Resonators
Authors: VP Sarin , PV Vinesh , M Manoj , P Mohanan , K Vasudevan
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes the first experimental demonstration of a pseudo-anapole-based cylindrical electromagnetic cloaking scheme. The pseudo-anapole state is excited by arranging split-ring resonators around a cylindrical metallic target. We used the multipole scattering theory to identify the actual reason behind the cloaking operation. Pseudo anapole condition is characterized by the scattering minima from toroidal and electric dipole moments, and hence the metallic target is undetectable from backscattering measurements. The results are verified using full-wave simulation software and subsequently validated with backscattering measurements inside an anechoic chamber.
Intraoperative Goal-Directed Therapies in Femoral and Pelvic Osteotomies in Children and In-Hospital Postoperative Outcomes
Authors: Kumba Claudine , Gaume Mathilde , Barbarian Arayik , Péjin Zaga
Published: October 2021

Background: Femoral and pelvic osteotomies are potential hemorrhagic interventions where transfusion requirements can be necessary.Objective: We undertook a secondary analysis of patients who underwent femoral and pelvic osteotomy in the initial cohort. The objective of this secondary analysis was to describe intraoperative and postoperative outcomes and to describe intraoperative management in these patients in terms of blood product management, fluid and hemodynamic therapy with the aim of implementing optimization management protocols for postoperative outcome improvement.Methods: A secondary analysis of patients who underwent femoral and pelvic osteotomy surgery was included in the initial retrospective study.Results: There were eighteen patients with a mean age of 104± 47.1 months. Four (22.2%) patients had intraoperative and/or postoperative complications. One patient (5.6%) had intraoperative hemorrhagic shock, two patients (11.1%) had postoperative neurologic failure, and one patient (5.6%) had postoperative wound sepsis. Transfusion rate was 50% in nine patients.Conclusion: Femoral and pelvic osteotomies are interventions where blood, transfusion and fluid requirements can be increased; thus, this implies the necessity of a global patient blood management protocol with point-of-care tests and fluid- and hemodynamic-guided protocols with validated tools in children for intraoperative and postoperative outcome optimization.
Cycles of Andean Mountain Building Archived in the Amazon Fan
Authors: Mason Cody , Romans Brian , Patterson Molly , Stockli Daniel , Fildani Andrea
Published: October 2021

Detrital zircons (DZs) in terrigenous sediment recovered from the late Pleistocene Amazon Fan have distinct modes of U-Pb crystallization ages and U-Th/He (ZHe) cooling ages that correlate to known South American magmatic and tectonic events. Young ZHe age modes record two phases of Andean exhumation, a late Cretaceous – Paleogene phase, and a late Miocene phase containing the highest density of ZHe age data. Nearly 40% of DZs were found to have Cenozoic ZHe ages, suggesting that the Andes are the main source of clastic detritus in the Amazon Fan. However, Andean upland sediment sources evidently contain a deep-time thermal record of mountain building. Neoproterozoic and early Paleozoic ZHe ages broadly delineate the Cambro-Ordovician Pampean and Famatanian orogenies between ~ 600–400 Ma, while a late Carboniferous to early Permian ZHe age mode (~ 275–300 Ma) likely represents a Paleozoic phase of the Gondwanan orogeny or magmatic arc activity and exhumation along the proto-Andean margin. An ~ 175–225 Ma ZHe mode records Late Triassic – Early Jurassic subduction related magmatism and deformation along the western margin of South America. We also find evidence for recycling and recent exhumation of craton aged DZs, possibly related to the broad drainage reversals experienced by the Amazon River. The first frequency analysis of detrital ZHe age data from the Amazon Fan results in two periods of crustal cooling, one at 57 Ma and another at 92 Ma (90% and 85% confidence, respectively). We attribute this periodicity in ZHe cooling age data to upper and lower plate coupling along the subduction dominated western margin of South America—and more specifically to cycles of orogenesis that include phases of magmatism, orogenic relief construction, and later destruction.
Study on Double-Level Allocation of Irrigation Water Rights
Authors: Guan Xinjian , Du Qiongying , Zhang Wenge , Wang Baoyong
Published: October 2021

Establishing and perfecting the water rights system is an important way to alleviate the shortage of water resources and realize the optimal allocation of water resources. Agriculture is an important user of water in various water-consumption industries, the confirmation of water rights in irrigation districts to farmers is the inevitable requirement for implementing fine irrigation in agricultural production. In this paper, a double-level water rights allocation model of national canals – farmer households in irrigation district is established. It takes into account the current water consumption of the canal system, the future water-saving potential and the constraint of total amount control at the canal level. It takes into account the asymmetric information of farmer households’ population and irrigation area at the farmer household level. Furthermore, the Gini coefficient method is used to construct the water rights allocation model among farmer households based on the principle of fairness. Finally, Wulanbuhe Irrigation Area in the Hetao Irrigation Area of Inner Mongolia is taken as an example. The results show that the allocated water rights of the national canals in the irrigation district are less than the current because of water-saving measures and water rights of farmer household get compensation or cut respectively. The research has fully tapped the water-saving potential of irrigation districts, refined the distribution of water rights of farmers and can provide a scientific basis for the development of water rights allocation in irrigation districts and water rights transactions between farmers.
A Water Resources Collaborative Allocation Model for the Composite Water Resources-Socioeconomic-Eco-Environment System
Authors: Li Liqin , Wang Ting , Xie Xinmin , Pan Xingyao
Published: October 2021

In consideration of the strong mutual exclusion of urban development and ecological environment protection, the coupling relationship of the composite water resources-socioeconomic-eco-environment system is overall recognized on the base, and the key control parameters and order parameters in the collaborative allocation model for the composite system are quantitative characterized. Then, aiming at the coordinated and orderly development of the composite system, the water resources collaborative allocation model is proposed by means of multiple loop iteration technique. At last, the proposed model is successfully applied in the Tarim River in northwest China. The results reveals that when the water frequency is less than or equal to 50%, through an accumulated new water saving irrigation area of 12.76 million mu, an accumulated reduced agricultural irrigation area of 6.22 million mu, as well as an accumulated reduced water usage quantity at 7.5 billion m3 in national economy, which can realize the orderly benign evolution and efficient and balanced development of the water resources, economic society and ecosystem composite system,and verify the feasibility of the method.
The Role of Sense of Coherence in the Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction Survivors; a Two-year Cohort Study
Authors: Roohafza Hamiodreza , Heidari Ramin , Safaei Ali , Masoumi Gholamreza , Soleimani Azam , Sadeghi Masoumeh
Published: October 2021

Background: Survivors of acute myocardial infarction(AMI) struggle with stressful consequences. Sense of coherence(SOC) seems to be associated with a person's capacity to face life incidents. The current study aims to evaluate SOC's correlation with the major adverse cardiac events(MACE) among the AMI survivors. The study was designed and reported following the STROBE guidelines and checklist.Methods: This study was part of the ST-elevated myocardial infarction cohort study in Isfahan(SEMI-CI) conducted on 724 AMI survivors followed for two years. The patients' demographic, medical history and follow-up manifestations were recruited. The 13-item SOC questionnaire was utilized and the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research(DCPR) questionnaire for psychosomatic disorders evaluation, including health anxiety, illness denial, irritable mood, and demoralization. MACE was defined as non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke, and atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease-related death was recorded. Results: Logistic regression assessments showed that the SOC level was an independent predictor for the development of MACE(OR:0.67; 95%CI:0.40-0.85). This finding was confirmed by the controlling factors, including demographic data(OR:0.60; 95%CI:0.35-0.79), demographic factors and medical history(OR:0.62; 95%CI:0.36-0.86), the previous ones plus clinical follow-up assessments(OR:0.59; 95%CI:0.33-0.79), and all the evaluations plus psychosomatic factors(OR:0.76; 95%CI:0.42-0.92). Similar outcomes were achieved using SOC scores.Conclusion: Based on this study, SOC was an independent MACE predictor in a large population of AMI patients through a 2-year-follow-up period.
Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) Reveals The Genetic Basis of Brace Root Angle and Diameter in Maize
Authors: Sun Daqiu , Chen Sibo , Cui Zhenhai , Lin Jingwei , Liu Meiling , Jin Yueting , Zhang Ao , Gao Yuan , Cao Huiying , Ruan Yanye
Published: October 2021

Background:Brace roots are an important part of the maize root system. Among brace root traits, brace root angle (BRA) and brace root diameter (BRD) are important components that affect plant growth and development. However, there are no reports on the genetic basis of maize BRA and BRD. Results:Here, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using 508 associated populations with extensive natural variation. The broad heritability of BRA and BRD reached 0.91 and 0.82, respectively. The analysis of different subgroups showed that there were significant differences in BRA traits in different subgroups, whereas there was no significant difference in BRD. Evaluation of phenotypic diversity in three different environments showed that BRA and BRD exhibit a wide range of natural variability. In the GWAS, the BRA and BRD were combined with 55,8629 single nucleotide polymorphisms, and four candidate genes were found for BRA within the threshold of P < 1.78×10-6 that were significantly related to BRD). These genes may (1) participate in maize brace root cell wall synthesis through cell transport (GRMZM2G479243); (2) involve hormone signaling pathways in the horizontal expansion of brace root cells (GRMZM2G101928 and GRMZM2G174736); or (3) involve the PLETHORA (PLT1/2) gene (GRMZM2G151934) to promote stem cells and transport expanded cells to affect the growth of root meristems.Conclusions:These results provide theoretical information for understanding the genetic basis of brace root development. Further research on candidate genes will help clarify the molecular pathways regulating BRA and BRD in maize.
Evaluation of reversal and transposition generational damages caused by manganese (II) in zebrafish
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriela Zimmermann Prado , Santos Thainá Garbino dos , Finkler Mariana , Burghausen Jorge Henrique , Borba Diulliane de Jesus , Kayser Juliana Machado , Milanesi Bruna Bueno , Schneider Anelise , Linden Rafael , Xavier Léder Leal , Ziulkoski Ana Luiza , de Oliveira Diogo Losch , Gehlen Günther
Published: October 2021

Although manganese (Mn) is a common water pollutant, little is known about the potential for the trans-generational transfer of biological effects in fish exposed to low concentrations in aquatic organisms, or the persistence of these effects. The aim was to identify when biological effects were firstly observed in the brain, liver and intestinal tissues of zebrafish exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of Mn and whether these effects were subject to reversal when exposures ceased. We also aimed to assess whether biological effects observed in zebrafish exposed to Mn for 21-days were also observed in the early life stages of the F1 generation. Behavioral changes were observed in the animals exposed for 14 days to MnCl2 (4.0 mg L-1). There was also an oscillation in the mitochondrial activity and TUNEL positive cells in the telencephalon of exposed fish from all treatments. These results indicated that brain neurogenesis in zebrafish occurred with greater magnitude and speed than the neuronal Mn damage. Histopathological changes were observed in the intestine and liver of zebrafish exposed to Mn for 72 h and 21 days. Behavioral alterations and intestinal histopathological alterations were reversed after the recovery period, although hepatocyte vacuolization persisted. Behavioral alterations were also observed in the early developmental stages of F1 generation larvae of zebrafish parents exposed to Mn, but this profile was normalized throughout the development. In addition to the direct toxic effects of low concentrations of Mn, some changes, such as hepatocyte vacuolization persisted in zebrafish even after the toxicant removal.
Hepatic Artery Lymph Node in Pancreatic Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis of Survival Outcomes
Authors: Conde Danny , Rey Carlos , Pardo Manuel , Recaman Andrea , Olarte Juan Carlos Sabogal
Published: October 2021

BackgroundAfter optimal management, 5 years survival of pancreatic cancer is 12 - 15%. Factors associated with poor prognosis are tumoral histology, harvested regional lymph nodes, and recently, hepatic artery lymph node HLA(8a) involvement. In fact, evidence has shown negative impact of node 8a involvement on overall survival and disease free-survival. Therefore, we aimed to describe the prognostic significance of the HLA(8a) lymph node metastasis in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) on a specific cohort of patients.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted based on a prospective database from the HPB department of patients who underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) due to pancreatic cancer during 2014 - 2021. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were estimated to be associated with positive HLA(8a) using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Log Rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used. Results111 patients were included, 55,4% female. The most frequent pathology was ductal adenocarcinoma (60.3%). Positive rate of the HLA(8a) node was 21.62%. Median OS time was 25.5 months, and median DFS time was 13,8 months. Positive HLA(8a) node, the cutoff of lymph node ratio (LNR) resection, and vascular invasion showed a strong association with OS. (CoxRegression p = 0.03 HR 0.5, p 0.003 HR = 1.8, p = 0.02 HR 0.4 CI 95%). In terms of DFS, lymph node ratio cutoff, tumoral size, and vascular invasion showed a statistically significant association with the outcome (p = 0.008, HR = 1.5; p= 0.04 HR=2.1; p=0.02 HR=0.4 CI 95%).Conclusion In this series of pancreaticoduodenectomies, OS and DFS are significantly reduced in patients with HLA(8a) node compromise in patients with pancreatic cancer. In multivariate analysis, lymph node status remains an independent predictor of OS and DFS. Further studies are needed.
Lilium Regale Wilson WRKY3 Modulates an Antimicrobial Peptide Gene, Lrdef1, During Response to Fusarium Oxysporum
Authors: Wang Zie , Deng Jie , Liang Tingting , Su Linlin , Zheng Lilei , Chen Hongjun , Liu Diqiu
Published: October 2021

Background: WRKY transcription factors (TFs) play vital roles in plant growth and development, secondary metabolite synthesis, and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. In a previous transcriptome sequencing analysis of Lilium regale Wilson, we identified multiple WRKY TFs that respond to exogenous methyl jasmonate treatment and lily Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum).Results: In the present study, the WRKY TF LrWRKY3 was further analyzed to reveal its function in defense response to F. oxysporum. The LrWRKY3 protein was localized in the plant cell nucleus, and LrWRKY3 transgenic tobacco lines showed higher resistance to F. oxysporum compared with wild-type (WT) tobacco. In addition, some genes related to jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis, salicylic acid (SA) signal transduction, and disease resistance had higher transcriptional levels in the LrWRKY3 transgenic tobacco lines than in the WT. On the contrary, L. regale scales transiently expressing LrWRKY3 RNA interference fragments showed higher sensitivity to F. oxysporum infection. Moreover, a F. oxysporum-induced defensin gene, Def1, was isolated from L. regale, and the recombinant protein LrDef1 isolated and purified from Escherichia coli possessed antifungal activity to several phytopathogens, including F. oxysporum. Furthermore, co-expression of LrWRKY3 and the LrDef1 promoter in tobacco evidently up-regulated the expression activity of the LrDef1 promoter.Conclusions: These results clearly indicate that LrWRKY3 is an important positive regulator in response to F. oxysporum infection, and one of its targets is the antimicrobial peptide gene LrDef1.
The Effect of Pilates on Pain in Pregnant Women
Authors: motaghi bahareh , Aein fereshte , Reisi ziba
Published: October 2021

Background and ObjectivesAlthough pregnancy is a joyful period for most women, the physiological, anatomical, and biochemical changes can cause stress among mothers. low back pain (LBP), and pelvic pain (PP) are common in pregnancy. Also, considering that Pilates also has an effect on reducing LBP during non-pregnancy, in order to promote women's health during pregnancy and reduce economic costs, we decided to measure the effect of Pilates on reducing pain in pregnant women.Materials and MethodsIn the present double-blind randomized clinical trial, the effect of Pilates on reducing pain in pregnancy is investigated. The participants include 60 pregnant women who referred to the health care centers in Shahrekord City. The participants are randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group women, who are at 20 weeks of gestation, are required to attend two Pilates sessions per week for 12 weeks. Each session lasted 30 minutes with moderate intensity. Followed by the intervention, pain assessment was carried out using a visual analog scale (VAS). Data are analyzed using independent t-test in SPSS software version 23. The P-values of <0.05 are statistically significant.ResultsTwo groups are matched in terms of their demographic characteristics prior to the intervention. After the intervention, low back pain (0.001) and pelvic pain (P<0.001) are significantly lower in the intervention than the control group.Conclusion﻿Pilates can decrease low back pain and pelvic pain in pregnancy.
Osteoporotic Hip Fractures in the Elderly: Is there a Gender Difference?
Authors: Wan Sharifah Aishah , Tiong Ing Khieng , Chuah Seow Lin , Cheong Yaw Kiet , Singh Benjamin Sachdev Manjit , Lee Kar Hoo , Lee Wendy Wan Hui , Teh Cheng Lay , Tiong Jeh Kiong , Samsudin Affizal , Jobli Ahmad Tirmizi
Published: October 2021

BackgroundOsteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture pose a major public health problem in our aging population. Osteoporotic hip fractures carry an increased morbidity and mortality, with some difference seen between men and women. While overall diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis have improved, osteoporosis in men remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.AimWe aim to describe the difference in clinical characteristics between elderly men and women with osteoporotic hip fractures in Sarawak General Hospital.MethodsAll patients diagnosed with osteoporotic hip fracture admitted to Sarawak General Hospital from June 2019-March 2021 were recruited and demographic data and clinical features were obtained.ResultsThere were 140 patients with osteoporotic hip fracture, and 40 were men (28.6%). The mean age for males were 74.1 ± 9.5 years, while the mean age for females were 77.4 ± 9.1 years (p=0.06). The types of fracture consisted of neck of femur=78, intertrochanteric=61, and subtrochanteric=1. There were 20 men with secondary osteoporosis (50%), while 13 women (13%) had secondary osteoporosis (p<0.001). The causes of secondary osteoporosis among the men were hypogonadism, COPD, GIOP, renal disease, ADT, thyroid disorder, prostate cancer, and previous gastrectomy. There were two deaths among the men and four deaths among the women during the inpatient and 3 months follow up period. There was no statistical significance between the mortality rates between male patients (5%) and female patients (4%) (p=0.55). ConclusionThere were more females with osteoporotic hip fractures, and there were significantly more males with secondary osteoporotic hip fractures.Trial registration: This study (Male osteoporotic hip fracture in Sarawak General Hospital) was registered with the Malaysian National Medical Research Register (NMRR). Trial registration number: NMRR-19-323-46068 IIR
Isolated Metastasis of the Ascending Ramus of the Mandible of Thyroid Follicular Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Siyao , Sun Qingjia , Zhu Dongdong
Published: October 2021

Objectives: The mandibular metastatic spread of carcinoma from the thyroid gland is exceedingly rare. In August 2020, we treated a 69-year-old woman exhibiting thyroid follicular carcinoma metastasis to the ascending ramus region of the mandible showing evidence of detailed radiological and pathological features. Methods: We present a case report of thyroid carcinoma that metastasized to the ascending ramus region of the mandible at 21 years after partial thyroidectomy. We also present relevant information in a literature review of 35 articles, consisting of 43 cases (including our case) of thyroid carcinomas with jaw bone metastasis. We statistically analyzed the demographical and clinical results in terms of age, sex, type of primary cancer, site and time of metastasis, treatment, and outcome.Results: Unlike most of the other cases, in our case, the thyroid cancer had metastasized to the ascending ramus region of the mandible, which made the diagnosis relatively difficult. The patient underwent partial mandibular resection, thyroidectomy, and iodine-131 treatment. The patient was followed up regularly, and no new symptoms were observed at seven months after post-treatment.Conclusions: Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid metastases of the mandible. Clinicians should ask thyroid cancer patients for follow-up to monitor whether any new complications have occurred. Patients must undergo complete examination of the maxillofacial bone for up to 40 years or more. Otolaryngologists and stomatologists should pay extra attention to patients with thyroid cancer or nodules to avoid misdiagnosis or missing the recognition of thyroid metastatic cancer.
Radiomics for Precision Medicine in Glioblastoma
Authors: Aftab Kiran , Aamir Faiqa Binte , Mallick Saad , Mubarak Fatima , Pope Whitney B. , Mikkelsen Tom , Rock Jack P. , Enam Ather
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Being the most common primary brain tumor, glioblastoma presents as an extremely challenging malignancy to treat with dismal outcomes despite treatment. Varying molecular epidemiology of glioblastoma between patients and intra-tumoral heterogeneity explains the failure of current one-size-fits-all treatment modalities. Radiomics uses machine-learning to identify salient features of the tumor on brain imaging and promises patient specific management in glioblastoma patients. Methods: We performed a comprehensive review of the available literature on studies investigating the role of radiomics and radiogenomics models for the diagnosis, stratification, prognostication as well as treatment planning and monitoring of glioblastoma.Results: Classifiers based on combination of various MRI sequences, genetic information and clinical data can predict non-invasive tumor diagnosis, overall survival and treatment response with reasonable accuracy. However, the use of radiomics for glioblastoma treatment remains in infancy as larger sample sizes, standardized image acquisition and data extraction techniques are needed to develop machine learning models that can be translated effectively into clinical practice. Conclusion: Radiomics has the potential to transform the scope of glioblastoma management through personalized medicine.
Modifications in Gamma-aminobutyric Acid type A Receptor Subunit Gene Expression During Macrophage Differentiation and Propofol Administration in THP-1 Cells
Authors: Kochiyama Tsukasa , Kawagoe Izumi , Yamaguchi Ai , Fukuda Masataka , Hayashida Masakazu
Published: October 2021

Background: Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors are thought to play a role in the functioning of the immune system. GABAA receptors have 19 types of subunits, the components of which determine their physiological functions. However, the subunits that are expressed in immune cells during inflammation have not been fully investigated. Recent reports have shown that anesthetic agents may affect the gene expression of GABAA receptors subunits in immune cells. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the changes in GABAA receptor subunit gene expression during macrophage differentiation and propofol administration in order to clarify the relationship between the expression of GABAA receptors and the immunomodulatory effect of propofol.Methods: Human acute monocytic leukemia (THP-1) cells were differentiated into macrophage-like cells (M0 THP-1); subsequently, M0 THP-1 cells were differentiated into inflammatory M1 macrophage-like cells (M1 THP-1). Propofol was administered during the differentiation into M1 THP-1 cells. Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, we examined which GABAA receptor subunit genes were expressed and whether there were changes in the gene expression during macrophage differentiation and propofol administration in THP-1 cells.Results: The expression of the α1, α4, β1, β2, γ1, and γ2 subunits increased during differentiation into M0 THP-1 cells. The expression of the α1, α4, β1, β2, γ2, and δ subunits decreased and that of the γ1 subunit increased during differentiation into M1 THP-1 cells. The gene expression of the α1, α4, and β2 subunits increased upon administering propofol during differentiation into M1 THP-1 cells.Conclusions: The gene expression of GABAA receptor subunits changed during macrophage differentiation in THP-1 cells. The expressions of α1 and α4 increased following propofol administration during the differentiation into M1 THP-1 cells, which may indicate that the GABAA receptor is involved in the immunosuppressive effects of propofol. This study can help in the choice of anesthetic agents for proinflammatory conditions such as highly-invasive surgery.