bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CAR expression in invasive breast carcinoma and its effect on adenovirus transduction efficiency
Authors: Phung Abraham T. , Shah Jaimin R. , Dong Tao , Reid Tony , Larson Christopher , Sanchez Ana B. , Oronsky Bryan , Trogler William C. , Kummel Andrew C. , Aisagbonhi Omonigho , Blair Sarah L.
Published: September 2024

Background

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women, with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) as the two most common forms of invasive breast cancer. While estrogen receptor positive (ER+) IDC and ILC are treated similarly, the multifocality of ILC presents challenges in detection and treatment, worsening long-term clinical outcomes in patients. With increasing documentation of chemoresistance in ILC, additional treatment options are needed. Oncolytic adenoviral therapy may be a promising option, but cancer cells must express the coxsackievirus & adenovirus receptor (CAR) for adenoviral therapy to be effective. The present study aims to evaluate the extent to which CAR expression is observed in ILC in comparison to IDC, and how the levels of CAR expression correlate with adenovirus transduction efficiency. The effect of liposome encapsulation on transduction efficiency is also assessed.

Methods

To characterize CAR expression in invasive breast carcinoma, 36 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human breast tumor samples were assayed by CAR immunohistochemistry (IHC). Localization of CAR in comparison to other junctional proteins was performed using a multiplex immunofluorescence panel consisting of CAR, p120-catenin, and E-cadherin. ILC and IDC primary tumors and cell lines were transduced with E1- and E3-deleted adenovirus type 5 inserted with a GFP transgene (Ad-GFP) and DOTAP liposome encapsulated Ad-GFP (DfAd-GFP) at various multiplicities of infection (MOIs). Transduction efficiency was measured using a fluorescence plate reader. CAR expression in the human primary breast carcinomas and cell lines was also evaluated by IHC.

Results

We observed membranous CAR, p120-catenin and E-cadherin expression in IDC. In ILC, we observed cytoplasmic expression of CAR and p120-catenin, with absent E-cadherin. Adenovirus effectively transduced high-CAR IDC cell lines, at MOIs as low as 12.5. Ad-GFP showed similar transduction as DfAd-GFP in high-CAR IDC cell lines. Conversely, Ad-GFP transduction of ILC cell lines was observed only at MOIs of 50 and 100. Furthermore, Ad-GFP did not transduce CAR-negative IDC cell lines even at MOIs greater than 100. Liposome encapsulation (DfAd-GFP) improved transduction efficiency 4-fold in ILC and 17-fold in CAR-negative IDC cell lines.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that oncolytic adenoviral therapy is less effective in ILC than IDC due to differences in spatial CAR expression. Liposome-enhanced delivery may be beneficial for patients with ILC and tumors with low or negative CAR expression to improve adenoviral therapeutic effectiveness.
Spectrofluorimetric determination of tapinarof via Zn (II) complexation and assessment of its topical dosage application
Authors: Salem Hesham , Abdelmajed Mahmoud A. , Madian Hoda , Emad Nadeen , Osama Sara , Ata Amir , Samir Ebtihal
Published: September 2024

Topical tapinarof is used to treat plaque psoriasis (a skin disease in which red and scaly patches form are appeared on some areas of the body). The goal of the current research is to establish a facile and rapid fluorimetric technique for tapinarof analysis. The approach relied on the reaction between the drug and zinc ion through metal complexation to produce a highly-fluorescent product. The fluorescence was further enhanced by adding sodium dodecyl sulfate, and it was observed at 542 nm following excitation at 497 nm. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9997, the association between emission intensity and tapinarof concentration was linear between 2.0 and 120 ng mL−1. 1.021 ng mL−1 was the quantitation limit while 0.366 ng mL−1 was the detection limit. The buffer type, pH and concentration, type of surfactant and concentration, and finally the diluting solvent were among the reaction conditions that were closely examined and it was found that the optimum conditions were obtained upon employing teorell-stenhagen buffer optimized at pH 6.0, 1.38 × 10–2 M SDS and distilled water as a solvent are the suitable choice. With great precision and reliability, the drug under study was quantified using this method in ointment formulations. The proposed method's level of greenness was assessed using two methodologies: the analytical greenness metric (AGREE) and the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), with good recovery results ensuring high efficiency of the proposed approach on analysis of ointment without any interference from additives and excipients.
Identification of proliferative hepatocellular carcinoma using the SMARS score and implications for microwave ablation
Authors: Zhou Peng , Bao Yan , Chang De-Hua , Li Jun-Xiang , An Tian-Zhi , Shen Ya-Ping , Cai Wen-Wu , Wen Lu , Xiao Yu-Dong
Published: September 2024

Objective

To compare therapeutic outcomes of predicted proliferative and nonproliferative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after microwave ablation (MWA) using a previously developed imaging-based predictive model, the SMARS score.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study included consecutive 635 patients with unresectable HCC who underwent MWA between August 2013 and September 2020. Patients were stratified into predicted proliferative and nonproliferative phenotypes according to the SMARS score. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between the predicted proliferative and nonproliferative HCCs before and after propensity score matching (PSM). OS and RFS were also compared between the two groups in subgroups of tumor size smaller than 30 mm and tumor size 30–50 mm.

Results

The SMARS score classified 127 and 508 patients into predicted proliferative and nonproliferative HCCs, respectively. The predicted proliferative HCCs exhibited worse RFS but equivalent OS when compared with nonproliferative HCCs before (p < 0.001 for RFS; p = 0.166 for OS) and after (p < 0.001 for RFS; p = 0.456 for OS) matching. Regarding subgroups of tumor size smaller than 30 mm (p = 0.098) and tumor size 30–50 mm (p = 0.680), the OSs were similar between the two groups. However, predicted proliferative HCCs had worse RFS compared to nonproliferative HCCs in the subgroup of tumor size 30–50 mm (p < 0.001), while the RFS did not differ in the subgroup of tumor size smaller than 30 mm (p = 0.141).

Conclusion

Predicted proliferative HCCs have worse RFS than nonproliferative ones after MWA, especially in tumor size larger than 30 mm. However, the phenotype of the tumor may not affect the OS.

Critical relevance statement

Before performing microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma, the tumor phenotype should be considered because it may affect the therapeutic outcome.

Key Points

Proliferative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may be identified using the SMARS score, an imaging-based predictive model.

SMARS predicted proliferative HCCs have worse recurrence-free and equivalent overall survival compared to nonproliferative HCC after microwave ablation.

Tumor phenotype should be considered before performing microwave ablation.

Graphical Abstract
Physics-constrained adaptive kernel interpolation for region-to-region acoustic transfer function: a Bayesian approach
Authors: Ribeiro Juliano G. C. , Koyama Shoichi , Saruwatari Hiroshi
Published: September 2024

A kernel interpolation method for the acoustic transfer function (ATF) between regions constrained by the physics of sound while being adaptive to the data is proposed. Most ATF interpolation methods aim to model the ATF for fixed source by using techniques that fit the estimation to the measurements while not taking the physics of the problem into consideration. We aim to interpolate the ATF for a region-to-region estimation, meaning we account for variation of both source and receiver positions. By using a very general formulation for the reproducing kernel function, we have created a kernel function that considers both directed and residual fields as two separate kernel functions. The directed field kernel considers a sparse selection of reflective field components with large amplitudes and is formulated as a combination of directional kernels. The residual field is composed of the remaining densely distributed components with lower amplitudes. Its kernel weight is represented by a universal approximator, a neural network, in order to learn patterns from the data freely. These kernel parameters are learned using Bayesian inference both under the assumption of Gaussian priors and by using a Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation method to perform inference in a more directed manner. We compare all established kernel formulations with each other in numerical simulations, showing that the proposed kernel model is capable of properly representing the complexities of the ATF.
Predicting how varying moisture conditions impact the microbiome of dust collected from the International Space Station
Authors: Nastasi Nicholas , Bope Ashleigh , Meyer Marit E. , Horack John M. , Dannemiller Karen C.
Published: September 2024

Background

The commercialization of space travel will soon lead to many more people living and working in unique built environments similar to the International Space Station, which is a specialized closed environment that contains its own indoor microbiome. Unintended microbial growth can occur in these environments as in buildings on Earth from elevated moisture, such as from a temporary ventilation system failure. This growth can drive negative health outcomes and degrade building materials. We need a predictive approach for modeling microbial growth in these critical indoor spaces.

Results

Here, we demonstrate that even short exposures to varying elevated relative humidity can facilitate rapid microbial growth and microbial community composition changes in dust from spacecraft. We modeled fungal growth in dust from the International Space Station using the time-of-wetness framework with activation and deactivation limited growth occurring at 85% and 100% relative humidity, respectively. Fungal concentrations ranged from an average of 4.4 × 106 spore equivalents per milligram of dust in original dust with no exposure to relative humidity to up to 2.1 × 1010 when exposed to 100% relative humidity for 2 weeks. As relative humidity and time-elevated increased, fungal diversity was significantly reduced for both alpha (Q < 0.05) and beta (R2 = 0.307, P = 0.001) diversity metrics. Bacteria were unable to be modeled using the time-of-wetness framework. However, bacterial communities did change based on constant relative humidity incubations for both beta (R2 = 0.22, P = 0.001) and alpha diversity decreasing with increasing moisture starting at 85% relative humidity (Q < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that moisture conditions can be used to develop and predict changes in fungal growth and composition onboard human-occupied spacecraft. This predictive model can be expanded upon to include other spacecraft environmental factors such as microgravity, elevated carbon dioxide conditions, and radiation exposure. Understanding microbial growth in spacecraft can help better protect astronaut health, fortify spacecraft integrity, and promote planetary protection as human activity increases in low-Earth orbit, the moon, Mars, and beyond.
The effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 criterion in patients with major depressive disorder without psychotic features: a systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies
Authors: Hassanzadeh Elham , Moradi Ghobad , Arasteh Modabber , Moradi Yousef
Published: September 2024

Aim

In line with the publication of clinical information related to the therapeutic process of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and the updating of relevant treatment guidelines, the present meta-analysis study was designed and conducted to determine the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) criterion in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) without psychotic features.

Methods

In this study, a systematic search was conducted in electronic databases such as PubMed [Medline], Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials. gov using relevant keywords. The search period in this study was from January 2000 to January 2022, which was updated until May 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that determined the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) criterion in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) without psychotic features were included in the analysis. The quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias checklist. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA (Version 16) and RevMan (Version 5).

Results

Following the combination of results from 16 clinical trial studies in the present meta-analysis, it was found that the mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) decreases by an average of 1.46 units (SMD: -1.46; % 95 CI: -1.65, -1.27, I square: 45.74%; P heterogeneity: 0.56). Subgroup analysis results indicated that the standardized mean difference of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) varied based on the number of treatment sessions: patients receiving 10 or fewer repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) sessions showed a mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) reduction of 2.60 units (SMD: -2.60; % 95 CI: -2.86, -2.33, I square: 55.12%; P heterogeneity: 0.55), while those receiving 11 to 20 sessions showed a mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) reduction of 0.28 units (SMD: -0.28; % 95 CI: -0.65, -0.09, I square: 39.91%; P heterogeneity: 0.89).

Conclusion

In conclusion, our meta-analysis demonstrates the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in reducing depressive symptoms in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. The complex results of subgroup analysis revealed insight on the possible benefits of a more focused strategy with fewer sessions, as well as the impact of treatment session frequency. These findings add to our understanding of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a therapeutic intervention for the treatment of major depressive illnesses.
Evaluating the effectiveness and adverse effects of oral versus transdermal estradiol for endometrial preparation in frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tran Thuy Thi-Thanh , Tran Huy Phuong , Ly Loc Thai , Hoang Tuyet Thi-Diem , Huynh Trang Nguyen-Khanh , Dang Son Truong
Published: September 2024

Background

Endometrial preparation significantly influences the success of embryo transfer procedures. Although both oral and transdermal estradiol are common methods for endometrial priming, their efficacy and potential side effects remain uncertain. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of oral and transdermal estradiol in endometrial preparation, while also evaluating their respective side effects in patients undergoing assisted reproduction treatments.

Method

This randomized clinical trial (ISRCTN15301227) was conducted at Hung Vuong Hospital between July 2020 and March 2022. Among 550 eligible patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer cycles, we included 380 patients for the study. The study protocol and all materials received approval from the Ethics Committee of Hung Vuong Hospital (1315/CN-HĐĐĐ). Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A (n =190) received oral estradiol at an initial dose of 4 mg per day for 7 days, with the dose increased according to clinical response. Group B (n =190) received transdermal estradiol at an initial dose of 2 measures of 2.5 g estradiol gel per day for 7 days, with the dose similarly increased according to clinical response. Treatment in both groups began on days 2–3 of the menstrual cycle, with the maximum duration of estradiol administration being 27 days. We compared estradiol levels on the day of progesterone administration, duration of treatment, total estradiol dose, endometrial thickness, pregnancy outcomes, and any observed side effects between the two groups.

Results

Group A exhibited significantly higher estradiol levels on the day of progesterone administration compared to Group B (270.5 pg/ml versus 186.5 pg/ml, p < 0.001). However, the comparison revealed no significant difference in endometrial thickness between the two groups (10.5 mm versus 10.6 mm, p = 0.85). Furthermore, pregnancy rates including positive human chorionic gonadotropin, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, live birth, and pregnancy failure were also found to be similar between the two groups. Notably, a greater proportion of patients in Group A experienced mild side effects compared to those in Group B (20.3% versus 10.1%, respectively; n =37 versus n =18), and this discrepancy was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Transdermal estradiol offers comparable endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes, along with improved patient compliance and fewer side effects compared to oral estradiol.
The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among school students and its association with physical fitness in Guwahati urban society: a cross sectional study
Authors: Gogoi Pranjal , Bhattacharyya Nirmal Chandra , Saikia Kabul Chandra
Published: September 2024

Introduction and background

The musculoskeletal pain (MSK) develops at an early age and pains in adolescence dispose to subsequent pain episodes in adulthood. High physical fitness levels in childhood and adolescence are linked to favorable health outcomes.

This study has evaluated the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among school students. Additionally, it examines the existing physical fitness of those children and explores potential associations between musculoskeletal pain and physical fitness.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted in the Guwahati urban area, a capital city of North East India, in different schools. The mean and standard deviation of age was 9.49 ± 2.53. Prevalence of MSK pain was determined by the Faces Pain Scale–Revised and pediatric Gait Arm Leg Spine (pGALS) assessment, whereas physical fitness was assessed by Fitnessgram test battery.

Statistical analysis

Paired “t” test and logistic regression analysis were used. The level of significance was set at 0.05 for all tests performed, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used in all cases.

Results

The percentage of musculoskeletal pain is 38.28% where female school students have 40.33% and the male students have 36.52%. The odd ratio of 0.934 (CI = 0.916–0.972) was found between pain occurrence and aerobic capacity. The odd ratio of 0.72 (CI = 0.704–0.761) was found between the chances of pain onset and abdominal strength and endurance. The odd ratio of 0.859 (CI = 0.831–0.899) was found between pain occurrence and trunk extensor muscle strength and endurance.

Conclusion

The prevalence of the musculoskeletal pain in school students is found to be 38.28%. The incidence of musculoskeletal pain and the physical fitness of a child has a significant relationship, with children who have poor physical fitness being more likely to develop musculoskeletal pain.
Impact of storage conditions on the shelf life of aflatoxin biocontrol products containing atoxigenic isolates of
Aspergillus flavus
as active ingredient applied in various countries in Africa
Authors: Ortega-Beltran Alejandro , Aikore M. O. Samuel , Kaptoge Lawrence , Agbetiameh Daniel , Moral Juan , Bandyopadhyay Ranajit
Published: September 2024

Aflatoxin contamination significantly threatens food safety and security, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical regions where staple crops such as maize, groundnut, and sorghum become frequently affected. This contamination is primarily caused by the fungus
Aspergillus flavus
. The contamination causes adverse health effects, reduced income, and trade restrictions. In response to this challenge, various technologies have been developed to mitigate the impacts of aflatoxin. Among these, biocontrol products containing atoxigenic isolates of
A. flavus
as the active ingredient can effectively reduce aflatoxin levels both at pre- and post-harvest. A notable example of such products is Aflasafe, which contains four atoxigenic isolates native to specific target regions. These products have undergone rigorous testing, have received regulatory approval, and are commercially available in multiple African countries. However, their manufacturing processes have evolved, and comprehensive shelf life studies for current formulations are lacking. Evaluations of the spore production ability of atoxigenic
A. flavus
isolates in Aflasafe products over 4 years, under various storage conditions, revealed a significant linear decrease in sporulation with storage months (
P
 < 0.001;
R

2

 = 0.203), with no significant differences observed between treatments. However, this marginal decline (
P
 = 0.398) is unlikely to be sufficient to prevent the effectiveness in limiting aflatoxin. In addition, storing the products for 2 weeks at 54 °C did not affect (
P
 > 0.05) the ability of the coated fungi to produce spores compared to when the products were stored at 24 °C. The findings contribute valuable insights for manufacturers and users of atoxigenic-based aflatoxin biocontrol products, informing best practices for product storage and utilization to ensure prolonged effectivenes in aflatoxin mitigation efforts.
Ascending aortic aneurysm after acute aortic dissection in a case with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sasaki Hanae , Kowatari Ryosuke , Imamura Yuki , Goto Shintaro , Kurose Akira , Minakawa Masahito
Published: September 2024

A 50-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and a history of aortic arch replacement surgery for Stanford type A aortic dissection experienced a reoccurrence of an ascending aortic aneurysm and coronary artery occlusion. Computed tomography revealed that the aneurysm was compressing the superior vena cava and right atrium. The patient underwent urgent surgery to repair the aneurysm. This case highlights that aortic aneurysms can reoccur even after total arch replacement in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
Limiting Premenstrual Endometrial Hypoxia Inducible Factor 2 Alpha May Fine-Tune Endometrial Function at Menstruation
Authors: Martínez-Aguilar Rocío , Rowley Bethan M , Walker Catherine , Critchley Hilary O D , Carmeliet Peter , Maybin Jacqueline A
Published: September 2024

Context

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is common and debilitating, but the precise endometrial mechanisms causing increased menstrual blood loss (MBL) remain undefined. We have previously identified a role for hypoxia in endometrial repair following progesterone withdrawal.

Objective

As hypoxia inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF2A) is known to alter vascular function in other tissues, we hypothezised that endometrial HIF2A is involved in premenstrual optimization of endometrial function during the secretory phase to limit MBL.

Results

Women with objective HMB had higher endometrial HIF2A during the mid-secretory phase when compared to those with normal MBL (P = 0.0269). In a mouse model of simulated menses, genetic or pharmacological manipulation of HIF2A did not significantly affect endometrial breakdown/repair, volume of MBL or endometrial hypoxia. However, 88% of Hif2a heterozygote mice reached early-full repair by 24 hours vs only 65% of wild-type mice. Mean MBL was 0.39 μL (±0.67) in Hif2a heterozygote mice vs 0.98 μL (±0.79) in wild-type mice. Conversely, when we increased HIF2A before menstruation, 11% reached early repair by 8 hours vs 30% of vehicle-treated mice. Mean MBL was 2.61 μL (±1.10) in mice with HIF2A stabilization and 2.24 μL (±1.14) in vehicle-treated mice. These nonsignificant but consistent trends indicate that increased endometrial HIF2A may contribute to delayed endometrial repair and HMB.

Conclusions

Increased HIF2A in the secretory endometrium is unlikely to be sufficient to account for the phenotype of HMB, but limitation of HIF2 levels may optimize endometrial function at menstruation.
MED12 and CDK8/19 Modulate Androgen Receptor Activity and Enzalutamide Response in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Andolfi Chiara , Bartolini Caterina , Morales Elisa , Gündoğdu Büşra , Puhr Martin , Guzman Juan , Wach Sven , Taubert Helge , Aigner Achim , Eder Iris E , Handle Florian , Culig Zoran
Published: September 2024

Prostate cancer progression is driven by androgen receptor (AR) activity, which is a target for therapeutic approaches. Enzalutamide is an AR inhibitor that prolongs the survival of patients with advanced prostate cancer. However, resistance mechanisms arise and impair its efficacy. One of these mechanisms is the expression of AR-V7, a constitutively active AR splice variant. The Mediator complex is a multisubunit protein that modulates gene expression on a genome-wide scale. MED12 and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)8, or its paralog CDK19, are components of the kinase module that regulates the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. In this study, we investigated how MED12 and CDK8/19 influence cancer-driven processes in prostate cancer cell lines, focusing on AR activity and the enzalutamide response. We inhibited MED12 expression and CDK8/19 activity in LNCaP (AR+, enzalutamide-sensitive), 22Rv1 (AR-V7+, enzalutamide-resistant), and PC3 (AR−, enzalutamide-insensitive) cells. Both MED12 and CDK8/19 inhibition reduced cell proliferation in all cell lines, and MED12 inhibition reduced proliferation in the respective 3D spheroids. MED12 knockdown significantly inhibited c-Myc protein expression and signaling pathways. In 22Rv1 cells, it consistently inhibited the AR response, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) secretion, AR target genes, and AR-V7 expression. Combined with enzalutamide, MED12 inhibition additively decreased the AR activity in both LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells. CDK8/19 inhibition significantly decreased PSA secretion in LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells and, when combined with enzalutamide, additively reduced proliferation in 22Rv1 cells. Our study revealed that MED12 and CDK8/19 regulate AR activity and that their inhibition may modulate response to enzalutamide in prostate cancer.
Characterization of FGF21 Sites of Production and Signaling in Mice
Authors: Sullivan Andrew I , Jensen-Cody Sharon O , Claflin Kristin E , Vorhies Kai E , Flippo Kyle H , Potthoff Matthew J
Published: September 2024

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 is an endocrine hormone that signals to multiple tissues to regulate metabolism. FGF21 and another endocrine FGF, FGF15/19, signal to target tissues by binding to the co-receptor β-klotho (KLB), which then facilitates the interaction of these different FGFs with their preferred FGF receptor. KLB is expressed in multiple metabolic tissues, but the specific cell types and spatial distribution of these cells are not known. Furthermore, while circulating FGF21 is primarily produced by the liver, recent publications have indicated that brain-derived FGF21 impacts memory and learning. Here we use reporter mice to comprehensively assess KLB and FGF21 expression throughout the body. These data provide an important resource for guiding future studies to identify important peripheral and central targets of FGFs and to determine the significance of nonhepatic FGF21 production.
Deletion of Nuclear Progesterone Receptors From Kisspeptin Cells Does Not Impair Negative Feedback in Female Mice
Authors: Dillon Kendra M , Lohr Dayanara B , Novak Alyssa G , Petriv Anna-Maria V , Neifert Nicole T , Moore Aleisha M
Published: September 2024

Reproductive function in mammals depends on the ability of progesterone (P4) to suppress pulsatile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in a homeostatic-negative feedback loop. Previous research identified that cells upstream from GnRH neurons expressing the nuclear progesterone receptor (PGR) are required for P4-negative feedback. However, the identity of these cells and the mechanism by which they reduce GnRH/LH pulsatile secretion is unknown. We aimed to address the hypothesis that PGR expressed by a neural population in the arcuate nucleus recently identified as the GnRH pulse generator, cells expressing kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin (KNDy cells), mediate P4-negative feedback. To achieve this, we used female mice with the PGR gene conditionally deleted from kisspeptin cells (KPRKO mice) and observed a substantial decrease in the percentage of KNDy neurons coexpressing PGR messenger RNA (mRNA) (11% in KPRKO mice vs 86% in wild-type [WT] mice). However, KPRKO mice did not display changes in the frequency or amplitude of LH pulses in diestrus or estrus, nor in the ability of exogenous P4 to blunt a postcastration increase in LH. Further, mRNA expression of arcuate kisspeptin and dynorphin, which are excitatory and inhibitory to GnRH secretion, respectively, remained unaltered in KPRKO mice compared to WT controls. Together, these findings show that the near-complete loss of PGR signaling from KNDy cells does not affect negative feedback regulation of GnRH pulse generation in mice, suggesting that feedback through this receptor can occur via a small number of KNDy cells or a yet unidentified cell population.
The Book of Politics
Authors: Dutton Michael
Published: September 2024

In The Book of Politics, Michael Dutton offers an affective theorization of the political and a political theorization of affect. Drawing on Western and Chinese social theory and practice, Dutton rethinks Carl Schmitt’s insistence that the political can be thought of only within the antagonistic pairing of friend and enemy. Dutton shows how the power of the friend/enemy binary must be understood by conceptualizing the political as the channeling, harnessing, and transforming of affective energy flows in relation to that binary. Given this affective nature of politics, Dutton contends that to rethink the political means moving away from a political science toward an art of the political. Such an art highlights fluidity and pulls away from Eurocentric political theory, requiring a conceptualization of the political as global. He juxtaposes ancient Chinese cosmology, medicine, and Maoism against the monuments of early capitalist modernity such as the Crystal Palace and the Eiffel Tower to highlight the differences in political investments and intensities. From the Chinese revolution to the global rise of right-wing movements, Dutton rethinks politics in the contemporary world.
Immersive Photorealistic Three-Dimensional Neurosurgical Anatomy of the Cerebral Arteries: A Photogrammetry-Based Anatomic Study
Authors: Spiriev Toma , Körner Kay M. , Steuwe Andrea , Wolf-Vollenbröker Michael , Trandzhiev Martin , Nakov Vladimir , Cornelius Jan Frederick
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Neurosurgeons need a profound knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the cerebral arteries to safely treat patients. This is a challenge because of numerous branches, segments, and tortuosity of the main blood vessels that supply the brain. The objective of this study was to create high-quality three-dimensional (3D) anatomic photorealistic models based on dissections of the brain arterial anatomy and to incorporate this data into a virtual reality (VR) environment.

METHODS:

Two formaldehyde-fixed heads were used. The vessels were injected with radiopaque material and colored silicone and latex. Before the dissections, the specimens were computed tomography scanned. Stratigraphical anatomic dissection of the neck and brain was performed to present the relevant vascular anatomy. A simplified surface scanning method using a mobile phone-based photogrammetry application was used, and the data were incorporated into a VR 3D modeling software for post-processing and presentation.

RESULTS:

Fifteen detailed layered photorealistic and two computed tomography angiography-based 3D models were generated. The models allow manipulation in VR environment with sufficient photographic detail to present the structures of interest. Topographical relevant anatomic structures and landmarks were annotated and uploaded for web-viewing and in VR. Despite that the VR application is a dedicated 3D modeling platform, it provided all necessary tools to be suitable for self-VR study and multiplayer scenarios with several participants in one immersive environment.

CONCLUSION:

Cerebral vascular anatomy presented with photogrammetry surface scanning method allows sufficient detail to present individual vessel's course and even small perforating arteries in photorealistic 3D models. These features, including VR visualization, provide new teaching prospects. The whole study was done with simplified algorithms and free or open-source software platforms allowing creation of 3D databases especially useful in cases with limited body donor-based dissection training availability.
Η κατοίκηση σε συνθήκες έκτακτης ανάγκης
Authors: Μπαρκούτα Ιωάννα
Published: September 2024

Με αφετηρία και κατάληξη την αρχιτεκτονική η διδακτορική διατριβή θέτει το θέμα της σχέσης της κατοίκησης με την πρακτική. Σε αυτό προστίθεται η διπλή διερώτηση του κατά πόσο «χωρούν» οι σύγχρονες χωρικές πρακτικές στους καθιερωμένους χώρους της κατοικίας και της πόλης αλλά και του τρόπου με τον οποίο μπορούμε να επανασχεδιάσουμε το υπάρχον οικιστικό απόθεμα. Έχοντας ως πεδίο μελέτης κατοικίες στην πόλη της Αθήνας, η έρευνα επιδιώκει να μελετήσει και να ερμηνεύσει τις σύγχρονες ανασημασιοδοτήσεις του κατοικείν για να ριζώσει στην υλικότητα των χώρων κατοίκησης. Από την αμφισβήτηση των αρχιτεκτονικών εργαλείων έως την εκδήλωση της στεγαστικής κρίσης, η διδακτορική διατριβή οργανώνεται γύρω από τη θεωρητική έρευνα, την καταγραφή και την μελέτη των διαφαινόμενων χωρικών και ερμηνευτικών μετατοπίσεων που λαμβάνουν χώρα στο πεδίο της κατοίκησης και των χώρων κατοικίας στο σύγχρονο συγκείμενο της «κρίσης». Ως μια μετατόπιση της εστίασης, οι χώροι κατοίκησης μεγεθύνονται, παρακάμπτοντας ή υπονομεύοντας την «αυτονόητη» σταθερότητα του κελύφους και της κατασκευής, δίνοντας έμφαση στην κλίμακα εκείνη που μπορεί να προδώσει μετατοπίσεις του αστικού και του οικιακού συντακτικού.
A 32-year-old man with plexiform schwannoma of the thyroid gland: a case report
Authors: Park Il Rae , Kim Min Chong , Chung Seung Min , Song Si Youn
Published: September 2024

Plexiform schwannomas representing a rare subset, comprise 5% of all schwannomas. However, their occurrence in the thyroid gland is exceptionally rare. A 32-year-old male presented with an incidentally discovered, asymptomatic thyroid mass. Imaging revealed an approximately 5 cm heterogeneous solid mass on the right thyroid lobe extending to the upper mediastinum and directly invading the upper trachea. Under the suspicion of thyroid malignancy, the patient underwent right thyroidectomy. Histological examination confirmed a plexiform schwannoma with S100-positive spindle cells. Currently, the patient is undergoing outpatient follow-up, with no reported complications. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of plexiform schwannoma of the thyroid gland within the English literature. This case highlights the diverse and unpredictable clinical manifestations of thyroid masses, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosing and managing rare entities, such as thyroid gland schwannomas.
A Value-Oriented Educational Environment Is a Key Factor in Raising Children and Youth
Authors: Ivanova Irina
Published: September 2024

The article contains selected results of the scientific research, conducted at the scientific school of existential pedagogy by Professor M.I. Rozhkov, and consisting in the development, theoretical justification and experimental testing of a reflexive-value approach to the organization of the educational process of children and youth. The leading idea of the methodological approach is that the development of the value-semantic and reflective spheres of personality are interconnected and determined by the situation of overcoming, which has a practice-oriented application in creating and maintaining a value-oriented educational environment in educational settings. The article reveals the key factors and principles of creating such an environment in the conditions of additional education, and reveals the specifics of their implementation in working with children and youth. Turning to the methodological aspects of the implementation of the reflexive-value approach opens up the possibility of disseminating the results of the scientific research conducted in educational organizations of various types and types, taking into account the specifics of the educational process in specific educational conditions.
Oblicza Natalii Gorbaniewskiej
Authors: Przebinda Grzegorz
Published: September 2024

Artykuł stanowi pierwszą, jak dotąd, próbę opisu biografii Natalii Gorbaniewskiej (1936–2013) jeszcze z lat przed emigracją (do końca 1975), z uwzględnieniem jej najważniejszej twórczości poetyckiej, translatorskiej i publicystycznej. Przedstawiony został zarówno jej okres młodzieńczy do 1956 roku, gdy dopiero dojrzewała w sensie politycznym i twórczym, jak i lata po tymże roku 1956, w którym Związek Radziecki najechał militarnie na próbujące uwolnić się z komunizmu Węgry. W tekście podjęta została także próba opisu najbardziej znanego w politycznej biografii Gorbaniewskiej faktu, a mianowicie jej wyjścia wraz z siódemką innych odważnych ludzi 25 sierpnia 1968 roku na plac Czerwony w Moskwie, tym razem w proteście przeciwko inwazji wojsk Układu Warszawskiego na Czechosłowację. Osobne partie tekstu poświęcone zostały działalności Gorbaniewskiej w ruchu dysydenckim w ZSRR od 1965 roku, a w szczególności założeniu przez nią i redagowaniu pierwszych dziesięciu 10 numerów czasopisma samizdatowego „Kronika Wydarzeń Bieżących”. Ważne miejsce w jej biografii zajmowały jeszcze w latach sześćdziesiątych, a potem siedemdziesiątych owocne kontakty z kulturą literaturą polską, która zaczęła też tłumaczyć. W artykule opisany został także sąd nad Natalią Gorbaniewską – w Moskwie, w lipcu 1970 roku, a potem jej ponad dwuletni pobyt w moskiewskim więzieniu na Butyrkach oraz w karnym szpitalu psychiatrycznym w Kazaniu. Niezwykły w sensie twórczym emigracyjny okres życia (1976–2013) wymaga opisu odrębnego.
A RELATIVIZAÇÃO DA SOBERANIA ESTATAL DIANTE DAS MIGRAÇÕES INTERNACIONAIS E A RESSURGÊNCIA DO DIREITO DE ENTRADA - DOI: 10.12818/P.0304-2340.2024v84p191
Authors: Bichara Jahyr-Philippe
Published: September 2024

O direito natural das pessoas de deixar seu país de origem e de a ele regressar de acordo com sua conveniência encontra fundamentação sólida no Direito Internacional. Entretanto, esse direito internacionalmente reconhecido de partir não implica no direito entrar e permanecer em outro Estado, devido ao exercício do princípio de sua soberania, na ocasião do controle do acesso ao seu território. Contudo, verifica-se na presente reflexão, que a soberania do Estado em matéria de controle migratório não é mais absoluta, vez que os numerosos compromissos internacionais assumidos pelos Estados visam a garantir a proteção dos migrantes, sejam eles regulares ou irregulares, impondo limitações consideráveis. Resulta-se da análise da dogmática moderna e do direito material aplicável à mobilidade das pessoas e à proteção dos seus direitos, uma ressurgência do direito de entrada.
Temporal Miscoupling: The Challenges and Consequences of Enacting a Practice in Decline
Authors: Casillas Samantha Ortiz , Huising Ruthanne
Published: September 2024

A practice firmly entrenched in one period can experience decline or even deinstitutionalization in another. However, at the organization level, practice abandonment can be a slow process. Organizations may continue to use a practice that is in decline or out of date, coupling asynchronously with a prior institutional environment. In this paper we develop the concept of temporal miscoupling and examine the challenges of performing a practice under this condition. Drawing on a field study of a labor strike in Canada, we examine the difficulties of inhabiting the practice of striking—picketing a workplace—with eroding political, legal, and cultural support; declining familiarity with the practice; and fading narratives to motivate and justify the practice. We show how strikers developed extemporaneous resources that gave local meaning and form to the practice. These improvised resources supported the practice but distorted historical meanings and performances. Our study expands the analytical repertoire of inhabited institutionalism by problematizing the temporal lag between institutional conditions and organizational practices for the on-the-ground enactment of practices. The extemporaneous resources generated in the context of temporal miscoupling threaten future enactments, indicating an important role for practice enactment in processes of decline and revitalization.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.16026 .
sobre la necesidad de una filosofía para/con madres y padres en el programa de filosofía para/con niñas y niños
Authors: Sarmiento Juan carlos
Published: September 2024

este artículo es un ejercicio de reflexión crítica y propositiva en torno a algunos de los fundamentos, intereses, supuestos y prácticas en desarrollo del programa de filosofía para/con niñas y niños (FpcN). Las críticas y las propuestas aquí sugeridas son el resultado de la mirada de un extraño, de un auténtico foráneo que ha observado y pensado desde los lindes de otra alameda los orígenes y algunos de los desarrollos del trabajo de Mattew Lipman y sus colaboradores. Es la mirada de quien no ha estado en una comunidad de investigación del programa FpcN. Es la expresión de un infante, que no es infante porque carezca de habla sino porque habla en lengua extranjera, con las ventajas que pueda tener esa extranjeridad ‘a la Kohan’ cuando se torna dialogante con otras comunidades epistémicas. Así, a partir de nuevas indagaciones, el autor propone: 1) desarrollar una filosofía para/con madres y padres (FpcMP) como parte fundamental del programa de FpcN; 2) hacer inclusión y desarrollo de lógicas no-ortodoxas y lógicas informales dentro del mismo programa para comprender de manera más clara, eficiente y enriquecida el pensamiento de las niñas y los niños; 3) fortalecer los vínculos entre la FpcN (incluida FpcMP) y la filosofía de la infancia; 4) incrementar las experiencias del programa con la literatura clásica infantil y juvenil, especialmente con aquella que favorezca más el empoderamiento de las niñas y los niños con respecto a sus madres, padres, cuidadores, maestras y maestros, compañeras y compañeros; y 5) favorecer también, con todos estos elementos, la formación ciudadana de las niñas y los niños.
Estudo da dinâmica das águas subterrâneas usando tecnologias geoespaciais e hidrofísica em algumas áreas costeiras de Cuba
Authors: García Pérez Pedro Luis , Chaves Joselisa Maria , Iribarren Mondejar Javier , Batista González Luis Ernesto , Leal Santos Rosangela
Published: September 2024

O estudo da dinâmica das águas subterrâneas é um grande desafio para a comunidade científica, no objetivo de garantir o uso adequado deste essencial recurso natural para manter a vida em nosso planeta. Aqui propomos implementar um sistema de informação geográfica (SIGs) e um banco de dados (BD), para monitorar e controlar a gestão sustentável das águas subterrâneas, nas regiões costeiras de Havana, Artemisa e Mayabeque em Cuba. A aplicação das tecnologias geoespaciais são fundamentais na gestão de recursos hídricos, permitindo a integração e a análises de dados complexos para a tomada de decisões. Destacamos o caráter interdisciplinar da proposta que incluem a geomática, o sensoriamento remoto, a hidrologia e a gestão ambiental. A futura implementação desta nova proposta representará um avanço significativo na gestão e gerenciamento dos recursos hídricos, oferecendo ferramentas tecnológicas e científicas que aumentam a eficiência, a precisão e a sustentabilidade no uso desses recursos vitais para a comunidade.
The shadowy boundaries of obstetric violence
Authors: Goudsmit Samaritter Marthe , Herring Jonathan , Pickles Camilla
Published: September 2024

Obstetric violence is a term that has sparked considerable debate. It represents a range of harmful practices around unwanted intimate examinations. This article explores the contested boundaries of obstetric violence, examining both overtly abusive actions and more routine, yet potentially harmful, medical practices during childbirth and beyond. By delving into the underlying patriarchal and misogynistic structures within healthcare, the article challenges traditional understandings of care in childbirth. It argues for a broader, more nuanced recognition of obstetric violence, emphasising its connection to gender-based violence and the need for a more context-sensitive approach in both legal and medical frameworks. The aim is to expand the discourse on obstetric violence to include often overlooked and normalised practices that contribute to the mistreatment and dehumanisation of women, birthing people, and transgender people receiving gender-affirming care.
Optical design and coating optimization of the Wolter-I X-ray telescope
Authors: Geng Yujia , Yang Yanji , Zheng Renzhou , Li Yue , Yan Yongqing , Yang Bingqing , Zhou Qingyong , Qiang Pengfei , Sheng Lizhi
Published: September 2024

The optical design of the nested paraboloid and hyperboloid Wolter I
X-ray telescope of the eXTP satellite in the 1–8 keV band was
systematically studied. The recursive relationship of nested
structures is derived, and an analysis is conducted on the influence
of initial parameters on performance. Considering the requirements of
X-ray astronomical observation in China, we propose the initial
structure of the model and design seven groups of Au/C/Ni non-periodic
dual-layer coatings between the innermost and outermost layers of the
mirror. The effective area, half-power diameter, and stray light were
calculated in the simulation. The results show that the effective area
can reach 1000cm2 at 2 keV, the effective area
can reach 890cm2 at 6 keV without hub
obscuration, the half-power diameter is 10 arcsec, and the
proportion of stray light is 4.2%.
Attenuation coefficient as a tool to detect changes in the white matter of the rat brain caused by different types of gliomas and irradiation
Authors: Achkasova Ksenia A. , Kiseleva Elena B. , Potapov Arseniy L. , Kukhnina Liudmila S. , Moiseev Alexander A. , Yashin Konstantin S. , Polozova Anastasia V. , Komarova Anastasia D. , Gladkova Natalia D.
Published: September 2024

In the present work, we carried out a comparative study of the attenuation coefficient of the white matter of the rat brain during the growth of glial tumors characterized by different degrees of malignancy (glioblastoma 101/8, astrocytoma 10-17-2, glioma C6) and during irradiation. We demonstrated that some tumor models cause a pronounced decrease in white matter attenuation coefficient values due to infiltration of tumor cells, myelinated fiber destruction, and edema. In contrast, other tumors cause compression of the myelinated fibers of the corpus callosum without their ruptures and prominent invasion of tumor cells, which preserved the attenuation coefficient values changeless. In addition, for the first time, the possibility of using the attenuation coefficient to detect late radiation-induced changes in white matter characterized by focal development of edema, disruption of the integrity of myelinated fibers, and a decrease in the amount of oligodendrocytes and differentiation of these areas from tumor tissue and healthy white matter has been demonstrated. The results indicate the promise of using the attenuation coefficient estimated from OCT data for in vivo assessment of the degree of destruction of peritumoral white matter or its compression, which makes this method useful not only in primary resections but also in repeated surgical interventions for recurrent tumors.