bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does social cohesion mediate neighbourhood effects on mental and physical health? Longitudinal analysis using German Socio-Economic Panel data
Authors: Kress Sara , Razum Oliver , Zolitschka Kim Alexandra , Breckenkamp Jürgen , Sauzet Odile
Published: July 2020

Background

Neighbourhood has risen as a relevant determinant of health. While there is substantial evidence that environmental factors affect health, far less evidence of the role of social mechanisms in the causal chain between neighbourhood characteristics and health is available.

Method

To evaluate the role of social cohesion as a mediator between four different neighbourhood characteristics and health using data from German Socio-Economic-Panel (SOEP), a longitudinal mediation analysis was performed. Multilevel linear regression models adjusted for socio-economic variables involved three time points and two measures of physical and mental health (physical and mental component scores (PCS and MCS) of the SF12 Questionnaire. Participants were followed-up for 4 and 10 year starting in 2004.

Results

A total of 15,518 measures of MCS and PCS on 10,013 participants living in 4985 households were included. After adjusting for values of MCS and PCS at baseline and demographic/socio-economic variables, social cohesion was a significant positive predictor of both MCS and PCS (β-coefficient MCS: 1.57 (0.27); PCS: 1.50 (0.24)). Interaction between social cohesion and follow-up were significant for PCS. The effect of environmental and built characteristics on health was consistently mediated by social cohesion with proportion varying between 10 and 23%.

Discussion

We show that social cohesion is part of the causal chain between environmental and built characteristics of a neighbourhood and health, with increasing mediation effect over time for physical health. Social mechanisms should be considered when studying the effect of neighbourhood characteristics on health inequalities making social cohesion as a legitimate target of public health interventions at neighbourhood level.
Experiences and needs concerning health related information for newly arrived refugees in Sweden
Authors: Mårtensson L. , Lytsy P. , Westerling R. , Wångdahl J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Owing to communication challenges and a lack of knowledge about the health care system, refugees may be at risk of having limited health literacy, meaning that they will have problems in achieving, understanding, appraising and using health information or navigating in the health care system. The aim of this study was to explore experiences and needs concerning health related information for newly arrived refugees in Sweden.

Methods

A qualitative design with a focus group methodology was used. The qualitative content analysis was based on seven focus group discussions, including 28 Arabic and Somali speaking refugees.

Results

Four categories emerged. ‘Concrete instructions and explanations’ includes appreciation of knowledge about how to act when facing health problems. ‘Contextual knowledge’ comprises experienced needs of information about the health care system, about specific health risks and about rights in health issues. ‘A variation of sources’ describes suggestions as to where and how information should be given. ‘Enabling communication’ includes the wish for more awareness among professionals from a language and cultural point of view.

Conclusion

Concrete instructions and explanations are experienced as valuable and applicable. Additional information about health issues and the health care system is needed. Information concerning health should be spread by a variety of sources. Health literate health organizations are needed to meet the health challenges of refugees, including professionals that emphasize health literacy.
Correction to: Differences in factors influencing the use of eRehabilitation after stroke; a cross-sectional comparison between Brazilian and Dutch healthcare professionals
Authors: Brouns Berber , van Bodegom-Vos Leti , de Kloet Arend J. , Vliet Vlieland Thea P. M. , Gil Ingrid L. C. , Souza Lígia M. N. , Braga Lucia W. , Meesters Jorit J. L.
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Working together in Aboriginal health: a framework to guide health professional practice
Authors: Wilson Annabelle M. , Kelly Janet , Jones Michelle , O’Donnell Kim , Wilson Sandra , Tonkin Emma , Magarey Anthea
Published: July 2020

Background

Working effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is important for maximising the effectiveness of a health care interaction between and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and a health professional. This paper presents a framework to guide health professional practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

Methods

This qualitative study was based in a social constructionist epistemology and was guided by a critical social research methodology. Two methods were employed: interviews with Aboriginal health workers and allied health professionals about their experiences of working together in Aboriginal health, and an auto-ethnography conducted by the researcher, a non-Aboriginal dietitian and researcher who worked closely with two Aboriginal communities while undertaking this research.

Results

Interviews were conducted with 44 allied health professionals and Aboriginal health workers in 2010. Critical Social research, which involves the deconstruction and reconstruction of data, was used to analyse data and guided the evolution of themes. Strategies that were identified as important to guide practice when working respectfully in Aboriginal health included: Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people working with Aboriginal health workers, using appropriate processes, demonstrating commitment to building relationships, relinquishing control, having an awareness of Aboriginal history, communication, commitment, flexibility, humility, honesty, and persistence. Reciprocity and reflection/reflexivity were found to be cornerstone strategies from which many other strategies naturally followed. Strategies were grouped into three categories: approach, skills and personal attributes which led to development of the Framework.

Conclusions

The approach, skills and personal attributes of health professionals are important when working in Aboriginal health. The strategies identified in each category provide a Framework for all health professionals to use when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Palbociclib treatment alters nucleotide biosynthesis and glutamine dependency in A549 cells
Authors: Conroy Lindsey R. , Lorkiewicz Pawel , He Liqing , Yin Xinmin , Zhang Xiang , Rai Shesh N. , Clem Brian F.
Published: July 2020

Background

Aberrant activity of cell cycle proteins is one of the key somatic events in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) pathogenesis. In most NSCLC cases, the retinoblastoma protein tumor suppressor (RB) becomes inactivated via constitutive phosphorylation by cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Palbociclib, a small molecule inhibitor of CDK4/6, has shown anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo, with recent studies demonstrating a functional role for palbociclib in reprogramming cellular metabolism. While palbociclib has shown efficacy in preclinical models of NSCLC, the metabolic consequences of CDK4/6 inhibition in this context are largely unknown.

Methods

In our study, we used a combination of stable isotope resolved metabolomics using [U-13C]-glucose and multiple in vitro metabolic assays, to interrogate the metabolic perturbations induced by palbociclib in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Specifically, we assessed changes in glycolytic activity, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), and glutamine utilization. We performed these studies following palbociclib treatment with simultaneous silencing of RB1 to define the pRB-dependent changes in metabolism.

Results

Our studies revealed palbociclib does not affect glycolytic activity in A549 cells but decreases glucose metabolism through the PPP. This is in part via reducing activity of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the rate limiting enzyme in the PPP. Additionally, palbociclib enhances glutaminolysis to maintain mitochondrial respiration and sensitizes A549 cells to the glutaminase inhibitor, CB-839. Notably, the effects of palbociclib on both the PPP and glutamine utilization occur in an RB-dependent manner.

Conclusions

Together, our data define the metabolic impact of palbociclib treatment in A549 cells and may support the targeting CDK4/6 inhibition in combination with glutaminase inhibitors in NSCLC patients with RB-proficient tumors.
Analysis of endothelial-to-haematopoietic transition at the single cell level identifies cell cycle regulation as a driver of differentiation
Authors: Canu Giovanni , Athanasiadis Emmanouil , Grandy Rodrigo A. , Garcia-Bernardo Jose , Strzelecka Paulina M. , Vallier Ludovic , Ortmann Daniel , Cvejic Ana
Published: July 2020

Background

Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) first arise during development in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region of the embryo from a population of haemogenic endothelial cells which undergo endothelial-to-haematopoietic transition (EHT). Despite the progress achieved in recent years, the molecular mechanisms driving EHT are still poorly understood, especially in human where the AGM region is not easily accessible.

Results

In this study, we take advantage of a human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) differentiation system and single-cell transcriptomics to recapitulate EHT in vitro and uncover mechanisms by which the haemogenic endothelium generates early haematopoietic cells. We show that most of the endothelial cells reside in a quiescent state and progress to the haematopoietic fate within a defined time window, within which they need to re-enter into the cell cycle. If cell cycle is blocked, haemogenic endothelial cells lose their EHT potential and adopt a non-haemogenic identity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CDK4/6 and CDK1 play a key role not only in the transition but also in allowing haematopoietic progenitors to establish their full differentiation potential.

Conclusion

We propose a direct link between the molecular machineries that control cell cycle progression and EHT.
Lessons learned through piloting a community-based SMS referral system for common mental health disorders used by female community health volunteers in rural Nepal
Authors: Bhardwaj Anvita , Subba Prasansa , Rai Sauharda , Bhat Chaya , Ghimire Renasha , Jordans Mark J. D. , Green Eric , Vasudevan Lavanya , Kohrt Brandon A.
Published: July 2020

Objective

The Community Informant Detection Tool (CIDT) is a paper-based proactive case detection strategy with evidence for improving help-seeking behavior for mental healthcare. Key implementation barriers for the paper-based CIDT include delayed reporting of cases and lack of active follow up. We used mobile phones and structured text messages to improve timeliness of case reporting, encouraging follow up, and case record keeping. 36 female community health volunteers piloted this mobile phone CIDT (mCIDT) for three months in 2017 in rural Nepal.

Results

Only 8 cases were identified by health volunteers using mCIDT, and only two of these cases engaged with health services post-referral. Accuracy with the mCIDT was considerably lower than paper-based CIDT, especially among older health volunteers, those with lower education, and those having difficulties sending text messages. Qualitative findings revealed implementation challenges including cases not following through on referrals due to perceived lack of staff at health facilities, assumptions among health volunteers that all earthquake-related mental health needs had been met, and lack of financial incentives for use of mCIDT. Based on study findings, we provide 5 recommendations—in particular attitudinal and system preparedness changes—to effectively introduce new mental healthcare technology in low resource health systems.
Expression of the miR-200 family in tumor tissue, plasma and urine of epithelial ovarian cancer patients in comparison to benign counterparts
Authors: Savolainen Kalle , Scaravilli Mauro , Ilvesmäki Antti , Staff Synnöve , Tolonen Teemu , Mäenpää Johanna U. , Visakorpi Tapio , Auranen Annika
Published: July 2020

Objective

Plasma, but also urine sample could represent a simple liquid biopsy for ovarian cancer biomarker detection. The miRNA-200 family has been shown to be dysregulated in ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to isolate three members of miR-200 family from tumor tissue, plasma and urine of high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients in comparison with samples from patients with benign ovarian tumors. This is a methodological pilot study of a prospective ovarian cancer patient cohort investigating the potential of liquid biopsies and the role of miRNAs in ovarian cancer treatment.

Results

MiR-200a, miR-200b and miR-200c were isolated from samples of nine ovarian cancer patients and seven patients with benign ovarian tumor. The most significant finding is that all three miRNAs were detectable in all sample types. Tumor tissue and plasma, but not urine analysis was able to discriminate malignant and benign samples. A correlation between the miRNA-200 expression in urine and plasma was observed in malignant samples only. Plasma and urine with respect to miRNA detection show potential according to this study, but larger studies are needed to clarify the usefulness of these liquid biopsies in ovarian cancer.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02758652, May 2, 2016.
Detection of several carbapenems resistant and virulence genes in classical and hyper-virulent strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from hospitalized neonates and adults in Khartoum
Authors: Albasha Aalaa Mahgoub , Osman Esraa hassan , Abd-Alhalim Saga , Alshaib Elianz F. , Al-Hassan Leena , Altayb Hisham N.
Published: July 2020

Objective

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) involves both community-acquired and nosocomial infections. It is responsible for a wide variety of infections, including infections of the urinary tract, pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis, wound infection and purulent abscesses. We constructed this study to detect several carbapenems resistant and virulence genes in classical and hyper-virulent strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from hospitalized neonates and adults in Khartoum state.

Results

Seventy percent of the isolates were resistant to ceftazidime, 18(30%) to ciprofloxacin, 23(38.3%) to chloramphenicol, 24(40%) to gentamicin and 8% to imipenem, 35% were multidrug-resistant, and 7% extensively drug-resistant, all blood isolates (n = 14) were resistant to ceftazidime. entB was the most predominant virulence gene (93.3%), followed by mrkD (78.3%), kfu (60%), K2 (51.7%), magA (18.3%) and rmpA (5%). blaOXA-48 was the most predominant carbapenem-resistant gene (68.3%), followed by blaNDM (10%), blaKPC (8.3%), and blaIMP (3.3%). Eight hyper-virulent strains were positive for blaOXA-48 and two for blaNDM genes.
Extracellular vesicles from adipose-derived stem cells ameliorate ultraviolet B-induced skin photoaging by attenuating reactive oxygen species production and inflammation
Authors: Xu Peng , Xin Yu , Zhang Zheng , Zou Xiangyu , Xue Ke , Zhang Huizhong , Zhang Wenjie , Liu Kai
Published: July 2020

Background

Large numbers of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are easily obtained and have been demonstrated to protect against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin photoaging. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) exhibit some of the same effects as the cells from which they originate and have many advantages over stem cells. In particular, their application circumvents many safety concerns associated with cell therapy. Thus, as a cell-free agent, adipose-derived stem cell extracellular vesicles (ADSC-EVs) have anti-photoaging potential. However, the protective effects of ADSC-EVs in skin photoaging remain uncertain.

Methods

To investigate the effect of ADSC-EVs on mice with UVB-induced photoaging, 150 μg and 300 μg ADSC-EVs were subcutaneously injected weekly into photoaging mice for 8  weeks. The protective effect was evaluated by gross assessment and hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and β-galactosidase staining. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen, CD68, and dihydroethidium staining were performed to evaluate cell proliferation, inflammation infiltration, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, respectively. In vitro, 100 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL ADSC-EVs were used to treat photoaging fibroblasts (FBs). β-galactosidase staining and collagen 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) expression were analyzed to evaluate FB senescence. To explain the protective mechanism of ADSC-EVs, their role in regulating ROS production, antioxidant enzyme expression, cell cycle arrest, and inflammation was evaluated.

Results

In vivo, we showed that ADSC-EVs decreased skin wrinkles in mice with UVB-induced photoaging, while promoting epidermal cell proliferation and attenuating macrophage infiltration and ROS production. In vitro, we showed that ADSC-EVs increased FB activity and protected FBs from UVB-induced senescence, attenuated raw 264.7 cell differentiation from M0 to M1 macrophages, reduced intracellular ROS production, promoted antioxidant enzyme expression, and rescued FBs from cell cycle arrest.

Conclusion

The anti-photoaging effect of ADSC-EVs was attributed to their ability to attenuate ROS production and the inflammatory response, which are key factors in MMP activation and collagen degradation.

Graphical abstract
Correction to: Determinants of healthcare seeking and out-of-pocket expenditures in a “free” healthcare system: evidence from rural Malawi
Authors: Nakovics Meike Irene , Brenner Stephan , Bongololo Grace , Chinkhumba Jobiba , Kalmus Olivier , Leppert Gerald , De Allegri Manuela
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Downregulated miR-18b-5p triggers apoptosis by inhibition of calcium signaling and neuronal cell differentiation in transgenic SOD1 (G93A) mice and SOD1 (G17S and G86S) ALS patients
Authors: Kim Ki Yoon , Kim Yu Ri , Choi Kyung Won , Lee Mijung , Lee Somyung , Im Wooseok , Shin Je-Young , Kim Jin Young , Hong Yoon Ho , Kim Manho , Kim Jong-Il , Sung Jung-Joon
Published: July 2020

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and are key modulators in neurodegenerative diseases. Overexpressed miRNAs play an important role in ALS; however, the pathogenic mechanisms of deregulated miRNAs are still unclear.

Methods

We aimed to assess the dysfunction of RNAs or miRNAs in fALS (SOD1 mutations). We compared the RNA-seq of subcellular fractions in NSC-34 WT (hSOD1) and MT (hSOD1 (G93A)) cells to find altered RNAs or miRNAs. We identified that Hif1α and Mef2c were upregulated, and Mctp1 and Rarb were downregulated in the cytoplasm of NSC-34 MT cells.

Results

SOD1 mutations decreased the level of miR-18b-5p. Induced Hif1α which is the target for miR-18b increased Mef2c expression as a transcription factor. Mef2c upregulated miR-206 as a transcription factor. Inhibition of Mctp1 and Rarb which are targets of miR-206 induces intracellular Ca2+ levels and reduces cell differentiation, respectively. We confirmed that miR-18b-5p pathway was also observed in G93A Tg, fALS (G86S) patient, and iPSC-derived motor neurons from fALS (G17S) patient.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that SOD1 mutation decreases miR-18b-5p, which sequentially regulates Hif1α, Mef2c, miR-206, Mctp1 and Rarb in fALS-linked SOD1 mutation. These results provide new insights into the downregulation of miR-18b-5p dependent pathogenic mechanisms of ALS.
Health-education to prevent COVID-19 in schoolchildren: a call to action
Authors: Gray Darren J. , Kurscheid Johanna , Mationg Mary Lorraine , Williams Gail M. , Gordon Catherine , Kelly Matthew , Wangdi Kinley , McManus Donald P.
Published: July 2020

Background

There is currently considerable international debate around school closures/openings and the role of children in the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Whilst evidence suggests that children are not impacted by COVID-19 as severely as adults, little is still known about their transmission potential, and with a lot of asymptomatic cases they may be silent transmitters (i.e. infectious without showing clinical signs of disease), albeit at a lower level than adults. In relation to this, it is somewhat concerning that in many countries children are cared for, or are often in close contact with, older individuals such as grandparents ─ the age group most at risk of acquiring serious respiratory complications resulting in death.

Main text

We emphasise that in the absence of a vaccine or an effective therapeutic drug, preventive measures such as good hygiene practices ─ hand washing, cough etiquette, disinfection of surfaces and social distancing represent the major (in fact only) weapons that we have against COVID-19. Accordingly, we stress that there is a pressing need to develop specific COVID-19 prevention messages for schoolchildren.

Conclusion

An entertainment education intervention for schoolchildren systematically implemented in schools would be highly effective and fill this need. With such measures in place there would be greater confidence around the opening of schools.
Pericardial fat pad plombage for pulmonary cavity causing massive air leakage
Authors: Nakano Tomoyuki , Tsubochi Hiroyoshi , Minegishi Kentaro , Endo Shunsuke
Published: July 2020

Background

Secondary pneumothorax after chemotherapy for a malignant pulmonary tumor is a complication from a large cavity causing refractory pneumothorax.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old man was referred due to prolonged air leakage from a pulmonary cavity that developed after treatment for pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma. As air leakage continued after thoracic drainage and endobronchial occlusion, we planned thoracoscopy-assisted surgery. Intraoperatively, a large cavity opening to the pulmonary cavity was found in the left upper lobe. As it was difficult to repair the fistula using staplers or direct sutures because the pleura around the cavity was thick and hard, we attempted to plombage the cavity with a pericardial fat pad. After the operation, air leakage immediately disappeared and no recurrence of the pneumothorax was found.

Conclusion

This novel method can be useful to seal a large bronchopleural fistula that causes refractory pneumothorax.
Reduced Calcium Sensing Receptor (CaSR) Expression Is Epigenetically Deregulated in Parathyroid Adenomas
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Dahiya Divya , Arya Ashutosh Kumar , Saikia Uma Nahar , Sachdeva Naresh , Kaur Jyotdeep , Brandi Maria Luisa , Rao Sudhaker Dhanwada
Published: July 2020

Aim

Reduced calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) expression has been implicated in parathyroid tumorigenesis, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Accordingly, we aimed to explore the epigenetic changes (DNA methylation and histone modifications) involved in CaSR regulation in sporadic parathyroid adenomas and correlate epigenetic state with disease indices.

Experimental Design

Forty sporadic parathyroid adenomas and 10 control parathyroid tissues were studied. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for mRNA and immunohistochemistry for protein expression of CaSR were performed. The methylation status of the CaSR promoter 2 was determined by bisulphite sequencing analysis of sodium bisulphite-converted DNA. To determine the role of histone modifications in the CaSR regulation, chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR assay was performed.

Results

Real-time qPCR revealed reduced CaSR mRNA expression with a fold reduction of 0.12 (P < 0.0001) in parathyroid adenomas. Immunohistochemistry revealed reduced protein expression of CaSR in 90% (36/40) of adenomas. The promoter 2 region of CaSR displayed significant hypermethylation in 45% (18/40) of the adenomas compared with the controls (6.7%; 1 of 10) (P < 0.002). Bisulphite sequencing analysis revealed maximum methylated CpG at glial cell missing 2 binding site on the CaSR promoter 2 compared to other CpG sites. The methylation status of CaSR correlated directly with plasma intact parathyroid hormone levels in patients with parathyroid adenoma. With chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR analysis, H3K9me3 levels showed increased enrichment by 10-fold in adenomas and correlated with CaSR-mRNA expression (r = 0.61; P < 0.003). Treatment with 5-aza-2′deoxycytidine restored the expression of CaSR in a parathyroid cell line.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that hypermethylation and increased H3K9me3 of the CaSR promoter 2 are involved in silencing CaSR expression in sporadic parathyroid adenoma.
Glucocorticoid Excess in Patients with Pheochromocytoma Compared with Paraganglioma and Other Forms of Hypertension
Authors: Constantinescu Georgiana , Langton Katharina , Conrad Catleen , Amar Laurence , Assié Guillaume , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Blanchard Anne , Larsen Casper K , Mulatero Paolo , Williams Tracy Ann , Prejbisz Aleksander , Fassnacht Martin , Bornstein Stefan , Ceccato Filippo , Fliedner Stephanie , Dennedy Michael , Peitzsch Mirko , Sinnott Richard , Januszewicz Andrzej , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin , Zennaro Maria-Christina , Eisenhofer Graeme , Deinum Jaap
Published: July 2020

Context

Catecholamines and adrenocortical steroids are important regulators of blood pressure. Bidirectional relationships between adrenal steroids and catecholamines have been established but whether this is relevant to patients with pheochromocytoma is unclear.

Objective

This study addresses the hypothesis that patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) have altered steroid production compared with patients with primary hypertension.

Design

Multicenter cross-sectional study.

Setting

Twelve European referral centers.

Patients

Subjects included 182 patients with pheochromocytoma, 36 with paraganglioma and 270 patients with primary hypertension. Patients with primary aldosteronism (n = 461) and Cushing syndrome (n = 124) were included for additional comparisons.

Intervention

In patients with PPGLs, surgical resection of tumors.

Outcome measures

Differences in mass spectrometry–based profiles of 15 adrenal steroids between groups and after surgical resection of PPGLs. Relationships of steroids to plasma and urinary metanephrines and urinary catecholamines.

Results

Patients with pheochromocytoma had higher (P < .05) circulating concentrations of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, and corticosterone than patients with primary hypertension. Concentrations of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, and corticosterone were also higher (P < .05) in patients with pheochromocytoma than with paraganglioma. These steroids correlated positively with plasma and urinary metanephrines and catecholamines in patients with pheochromocytoma, but not paraganglioma. After adrenalectomy, there were significant decreases in cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, aldosterone, and 18-oxocortisol.

Conclusions

This is the first large study in patients with PPGLs that supports in a clinical setting the concept of adrenal cortical–medullary interactions involving an influence of catecholamines on adrenal steroids. These findings could have implications for the cardiovascular complications of PPGLs and the clinical management of patients with the tumors.
p21-Activated Kinases in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Bautista Luis , Knippler Christina M , Ringel Matthew D
Published: July 2020

The family of p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are oncogenic proteins that regulate critical cellular functions. PAKs play central signaling roles in the integrin/CDC42/Rho, ERK/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, functioning both as kinases and scaffolds to regulate cell motility, mitosis and proliferation, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and other cellular activities. PAKs have been implicated in both the development and progression of a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, pancreatic melanoma, thyroid cancer, and others. Here we will discuss the current knowledge on the structure and biological functions of both group I and group II PAKs, as well as the roles that PAKs play in oncogenesis and progression, with a focus on thyroid cancer and emerging data regarding BRAF/PAK signaling.
Georg Friedrich Knapp Was Not a “Chartalist”
Authors: Rallo Juan Ramón
Published: July 2020

“Chartalism” is generally conceived as a doctrine that states that money is a creation of the state. The father of chartalism, Georg Friedrich Knapp, even devoted the title of his magnum opus, The State Theory of Money, to highlighting this connection. Our purpose is to show that the chartalist theory, as developed by Knapp in his book, did not really argue that means of payment were necessarily a creation of the state. A close reading of his book reveals that means of payment could emerge outside the state and that even other pay-communities were able to create chartal means of payment. That is the main reason why Knapp’s theory of money was not radically incompatible with Carl Menger’s.
NPC1 deficiency impairs cerebellar postnatal development of microglia and climbing fiber refinement in a mouse model of Niemann-Pick Type C disease
Authors: Boyle Bridget R. , Melli Sierra E. , Altreche Ruth S. , Padron Zachary M. , Yousufzai Fawad A. K. , Kim Sarah , Vasquez Mariella D. , Carone Dawn M. , Carone Benjamin R. , Soto Ileana
Published: July 2020

Little is known about the effects of NPC1 deficiency in brain development and if they contribute to neurodegeneration in Niemann-Pick Type C disease. Since cerebellar Purkinje cells die early and to a higher extent in NPC, here we analyzed the effect of NPC1 deficiency in microglia and climbing fiber synaptic refinement during cerebellar postnatal development using the Npc1nmf164 mouse. Our analysis revealed that NPC1 deficiency leads to early phenotypic changes in microglia that are not associated with an innate immune response. However, the lack of NPC1 in Npc1nmf164 mice significantly affected the early development of microglia by delaying the radial migration, increasing the proliferation and impairing the differentiation of microglia precursor cells during postnatal development. Additionally, increased phagocytic activity of differentiating microglia was found at the end of the second postnatal week in Npc1nmf164 mice. Moreover, significant Climbing-fiber (CF) synaptic refinement deficits along with an increased engulfment of CF synaptic elements by microglia were found in Npc1nmf164 mice, suggesting that profound developmental defects in microglia and synaptic connectivity precede and predispose Purkinje cells to early neurodegeneration in NPC.
School's contribution to prevention of earthquakes
Authors: Drakoulakou Georgia
Published: July 2020

Greece is a highly seismogenic country. To be more specific, it is the 6th most seismically active country worldwide, as well as the very most earthquake-prone country in Europe. Undoubtedly, earthquakes is a natural phenomenon that people can't prevent, or forecast. What we can do, is take appropriate measures in order to be shielded against this phenomenon. We should try to be informed enough and be active to protect ourselves. Prevention is the key word to this venture. And what can school do to make a difference? Of course, educate us the best way possible and care not only for our academic knowledge, but also for the growing of abilities, skills and qualifications that will contribute in our adaptation to the constant social changes, and will help us develop characteristics that will be proven useful in our future.   After all we, students, are the future citizens of our world, and the only way to make it it is to be gifted enough.
Frugivorous butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) as a habitat quality indicator in Cerrado urban fragment
Authors: Porath Ieza Aparecida Teles , Aranda Rodrigo
Published: July 2020

The environmental monitoring programs used to assess the quality of the habitats are often common to insects, mainly as frugivorous butterflies, as easily accessible biological indicators. These have ample availability of information, an easy to perform and low cost study method, in addition to responding easily to environmental changes, making it an efficient tool in environmental diagnosis. The way or objective of this work was to inventory as frugivorous butterflies in two different points, edge and center of an urban fragment belonging to the Universidade Federal de Rondonópolis, state of Mato Grosso, using as an environmental indicator. As a hypothesis, it was believed to detect differences in species richness, the amount of composition and composition between two areas. A sampling was carried out between the months of February and May 2019, using 10 Van Someren-Rydon weapons, of which six were distributed at the edges and four in the center (interior) of the fragment. Take place as trapped collections once a week lasting three days at each event. 105 individuals belonging to nine species of Nymphalidae were captured, respectively, as subfamilies: Biblidinae (71), Satyrinae (31) and Charaxinae (03). There was no significant difference between species richness, quantity and composition in the edge area and in the center of the fragment.
Simultaneidad Histórica y Tratamiento Didáctico del Holocausto.
Authors: Sabido-Codina Judit , Albert Tarragona J.Miquel
Published: July 2020

: The 20th century will be remembered for the great massacres produced by its world wars, especially for the extension of this death off the battlefield and directed towards the civilian population. This phenomenon has developed throughout the century, but there is consensus in stating that one of the worst barbarities the world has ever known has been the Holocaust. As an especially significant genocide it appears as a decisive historical fact in contemporary history that needs to be incorporated in secondary education. In this work we present a proposal for 4th of ESO on the genocide of the Jewish people, extending its didactic treatment to other victim groups, the Spanish republican exiles, the gypsies and political opponents. The curriculum framework focuses on the basic dimensions of social and civic competence in a didactic context that starts from four axes: the historical simultaneity of historical events, the methodology of interactive groups, the use of historical sources in a learning framework by discovery to teach historical thinking and content identification focused on the Holocaust and other genocides and crimes against humanity. The purpose of the proposal is based on the use of active methodologies that facilitate critical thinking from a multidimensional historical perspective that facilitates a citizen training committed to its time.
Rewolucja urbanistyczna na terenie Île de la Cité w Paryżu w XIX w.
Authors: Hryszko Barbara
Published: July 2020

Urban Revolution Of Paris’s Île De La Cité In The 19th Century

Urban changes in Paris taking place in the time of the second Empire were generally viewed as positive. First of all, they solved the problem of old, non-hygienic, overpopulated, and dirty districts of the city and enabled the police to control the area in case of revolutionary movements. Moreover, they created the possibility of placing central, most important offices in prestigious locations, which added authority and splendor to them. As a result, the center of Paris became hygienic, utilitarian, safe and representative. However, these positive aspects of urban changes introduced under Napoleon III soon received severe criticism. The location of the Cité and the island on which it was located proved to be a curse for its urban development. Seeking to squeeze as many monumental governmental objects as possible on a small area resulted in almost complete destruction of the mediaeval urban structure of the district. The urban revolution which changed the Cité became a dramatic symbol of the authoritarian power of the Second Empire.
Józef Piłsudski na progu niepodległości Polski
Authors: Gaul Jerzy
Published: July 2020

Józef Piłsudski At The Wake of Poland's Independence. An Successful Statesman And Lost Politician

Piłsudski’s engagement in the creation of the Polish military and independence movement in the years 1914-1922 established his position not only as a commander, leader, ‘moral dictator’, but also a statesman. Yet, the more Piłsudski let himself be driven by high reasons, instead of personal issues, the more he lost as a soldier and politician. He paid a high price for his moral convictions, which limited the margin of loyalty and the possibility of compromise, as well as removed the possibility of resigning from the program of struggle for the Polish state and its army.
Nazizm w encyklice Piusa XI Mit brennender Sorge
Authors: Szuppe Paweł
Published: July 2020

Nazism in Pius XI's Encyclical Mit brennender Sorge

The article presents Nazism in Pius XI’s encyclical Mit brennender Sorge. The genesis and context of this papal document, which was written in the German language and directed to the German nation, are presented, as well as reactions from the German state it evoked. This encyclical constitutes a synthesis of numerous statements by the Church in its struggle against the anti-Christian ideology and practice. In it we find references to the breaches in the concordatbetween Germany and the Holy See, and falsifications of Church teachings and language undermining the moral order, hope and love, as well as natural law. It is addressed to young people, the clergy and the laity. In it we find attempts to uncover the Nazi bestiality in the time when Hitler was admired and praised by many contemporary politicians. It does express hope that the German nation will return to the true faith and mission prepared for it by God
Small-Data, Large-Scale Linear Optimization with Uncertain Objectives
Authors: Gupta Vishal , Rusmevichientong Paat
Published: July 2020

Optimization applications often depend on a huge number of uncertain parameters. In many contexts, however, the amount of relevant data per parameter is small, and hence, we may only have imprecise estimates. We term this setting—in which the number of uncertainties is large but all estimates have low precision—the small-data, large-scale regime. We formalize a model for this new regime, focusing on optimization problems with uncertain linear objectives. We show that common data-driven methods, such as sample average approximation, data-driven robust optimization, and certain regularized policies, may perform poorly in this new setting. We then propose a novel framework for selecting a data-driven policy from a given policy class. As with the aforementioned data-driven methods, our new policy enjoys provably good performance in the large-sample regime. Unlike these methods, we show that in the small-data, large-scale regime, our data-driven policy performs comparably to an oracle best-in-class policy under some mild conditions. We strengthen this result for linear optimization problems and two natural policy classes, the first inspired by the empirical Bayes literature and the second by regularization techniques. For both classes, the suboptimality gap between our proposed policy and the oracle policy decays exponentially fast in the number of uncertain parameters even for a fixed amount of data. Thus, these policies retain the strong large-sample performance of traditional methods and additionally enjoy provably strong performance in the small-data, large-scale regime. Numerical experiments confirm the significant benefits of our methods.

This paper was accepted by Yinyu Ye, optimization.
Measuring Beliefs Under Ambiguity
Authors: Abdellaoui Mohammed , Bleichrodt Han , Kemel Emmanuel , l’Haridon Olivier
Published: July 2020

People’s beliefs about uncertain events play a pivotal role in real-world decisions. Examples include entrepreneurs who have to assess the chance that their business activities will be successful, patients who have to decide on a risky treatment, and policy makers who have to assess the risks of climate change. Existing methods to measure beliefs are complex and make restrictive assumptions that limit their use in assisting and understanding everyday decision-making. In “Measuring Beliefs under Ambiguity,” Mohammed Abdelloui, Han Bleichrodt, Emmanuel Kemel, and Olivier l’Haridon propose a simple method to measure beliefs that is valid under general assumptions and that requires only three measurements. The ease of the method makes it straightforward to use in practice. An experiment of expected temperatures shows that the beliefs elicited by the method are well calibrated and similar to those elicited by more complex and time-consuming methods. This study provides an easy tool to help both individuals and policy makers make better decisions.
Does prenatal attachment increase over pregnancy?
Authors: Close Charlotte , Bateson Karen , Douglas Hazel
Published: July 2020

Background

Prenatal measurement can highlight early attachment issues in mothers and prenatal attachment could be a predictor of postnatal attachment. It is necessary to better understand prenatal attachment trends in both genders to identify and intervene quicker when attachment issues are present.

Aims

This paper explores the changes in parent-fetal attachment throughout pregnancy, examining attachment score changes and differing gender trends.

Methods

Of the participants, 101 parents (59 female, 42 male) completed the respective Maternal/Paternal Antenatal Attachment Scale ( Condon, 1993 ) at two administrations during pregnancy.

Findings

Paired t-tests revealed a significant increase in female scores (p<0.0001) and a non-significant increase in male scores (p=0.102) from first to second administration.

Conclusion

Female attachment increased in strength as pregnancy progressed, while male attachment remained relatively stable throughout. Further research is needed to examine gender differences across trimesters, the impact of interventions designed to improve attachment and attachment in more diverse populations.
Clinicians' involvement in data collection for portfolio research: impact on their clinical practice and perception of research
Authors: Sweeting David , Daniell Helena , Chester Rachel
Published: July 2020

Background/Aims

Physiotherapists generally have a positive view of research, but have identified a number of barriers to taking part, and have expressed challenges when attempting to integrate research findings into their practice. The aim of this study was to describe the self-reported impact of collecting data for a multicentre research study on physiotherapists' clinical practice.

Methods

Convenience sampling was used to select three of 11 NHS trusts involved in the original data collection. A questionnaire was emailed to the 28 of 34 physiotherapists working within these three Trusts who collected data and for whom contact details were available.

Results

A total of 21 (75%) physiotherapists completed the questionnaire. Out of the 21 physiotherapists, 15 stated they were aware of the study results; all of whom reported subsequent changes in their beliefs about prognostic factors for shoulder pain (subject of the original study) and some alteration in clinical practice. However, barriers to integrating further changes into practice were reported, including lack of time and a perception that patients would not engage with a more (bio)psychosocial approach. Overall, 85% of responders stated data collection had changed their understanding of the research process.

Conclusions

Clinicians' participation in the research process positively influenced practice. However, 29% were unaware of the results and only 33% of physiotherapists accessed the published article. There were perceived barriers to integrating results into practice.
Discoid meniscus: current concepts
Authors: Saavedra Manuel , Sepúlveda Matías , Jesús Tuca María , Birrer Estefanía
Published: July 2020

Discoid meniscus is the most frequent congenital malformation of the menisci, and primarily affects the lateral meniscus; it is highly prevalent in the Asian population. The anatomic, vascular, and ultrastructural features of the discoid meniscus make it susceptible to complex tears. Discoid meniscus anomalies are described according to their shape; however, there is consensus that peripheral stability of the meniscus should also be defined. Initial workup includes plain X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging, while arthroscopic evaluation confirms shape and stability of the meniscus. Clinical presentation is highly variable, depending on shape, associated hypermobility, and concomitant meniscal tears. Treatment seeks to re-establish typical anatomy using saucerization, tear reparation, and stable fixation of the meniscus.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:371-379. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190023
Don't forget the people: protecting labour rights in supply chains is a key part of sustainable healthcare
Authors: Abbott J , Bhutta MF
Published: July 2020

When the wellbeing and health of some cost the wellbeing and health of others.
Sustainable initiatives across non-surgical specialties
Authors: Stancliffe R , Mortimer F
Published: July 2020

A net zero NHS: how can health systems contribute to cutting carbon emissions.
Frugal innovation for global surgery: leveraging lessons from low- and middle-income countries to optimise resource use and promote value-based care
Authors: Steyn A , Cassels-Brown A , Chang DF , Faal H , Vedanthan R , Venkatesh R , Thiel CL
Published: July 2020

Minimising the footprint of cataract surgery: a blueprint for surgical sustainability.
Examining the Specificity of Forms and Functions of Aggressive Behavior in Boys With Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Britton Tobias C. , Wilkinson Ellen H. , Hall Scott S.
Published: July 2020

Limited information is available concerning the specificity of the forms and functions of aggressive behavior exhibited by boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS). To investigate these relationships, we conducted indirect functional assessments of aggressive behavior exhibited by 41 adolescent boys with FXS and 59 age and symptom-matched controls with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) and compared the data between groups. Results showed that boys with FXS were more likely to exhibit specific forms of aggressive behavior (i.e., scratching others and biting others) compared to controls, but the sources of reinforcement identified for aggression were similar across groups. Boys with FXS who were prescribed psychotropic medications were more likely to be older and to exhibit more forms of aggression. The implications for the treatment of aggressive behavior during this critical developmental period in FXS are discussed.
A Cross-Sectional Comparison of the Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Adults With Down Syndrome in Scotland and Japan
Authors: Hill Elizabeth A. , Sawatari Hiroyuki , Nishizaka Mari K. , Fairley Donna M. , Chishaki Akiko , Funakoshi Kouta , Riha Renata L. , Ando Shin-ichi
Published: July 2020

Small studies in Western populations report a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with Down syndrome. To date, ethnic differences have not been explored. A questionnaire sent to 2,752 adults with Down syndrome aged ≥16 years in Scotland and Japan (789 valid responses) estimated OSA prevalence based on reported symptoms. Symptoms were common in both countries, with snoring (p = 0.001) and arousals (p = 0.04) more prevalent in Japan. Estimated OSA prevalence in adults with Down syndrome was similar in the two countries, and raised in comparison with the general adult population (19.6% in Scotland and 14.3% in Japan; p = 0.08), though BMI was a confounder. Identification and treatment of OSA is recommended in adults with Down syndrome, regardless of ethnicity.