bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal transplantation at the Singapore General Hospital: a miracle in the making over 50 years
Authors: Shern Terence Kee Yi
Published: September 2020

Background:

This paper documents the history of the renal transplant programme at Singapore General Hospital. Renal transplantation in Singapore was born out of a necessity to offer a cheaper alternative to the expensive and scarce dialysis treatments in the 1970s. As a result, the first deceased kidney donor transplant was performed in 1970 at what Singapore General Hospital was then called ‘the Outram General Hospital’. However, deceased donation rates were dismal and prompted the start of a living kidney donor transplant programme in 1976 at Singapore General Hospital. Unfortunately, the prevalent population of patients with end-stage renal failure rapidly grew while kidney donation rates remain poor despite active efforts to raise awareness and even importing unwanted kidneys from other countries.

Discussion:

As a result, an opting-out legislation called the Human Organ Transplant Act was introduced in 1987 and increased the rate of deceased kidney donor transplantation in Singapore. Over the next two decades, access to kidney transplantation was further expanded with the introduction of living unrelated kidney donor transplantation and laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. In the past 10 years, there have been further advances in kidney transplantation with the introduction of newer immunosuppressive agents and technologies to perform incompatible kidney transplantation. The Human Organ Transplant Act has also been amended to allow the use of older deceased donors and permit paired kidney donor exchanges.

Conclusion:

Despite these many advances, kidney donation rates remain low and are even declining. This would certainly be the major challenge for the renal transplant programme in the next 50 years to come.
In vivo combinatory gene therapy synergistically promotes cardiac function and vascular regeneration following myocardial infarction
Authors: Lee Sunghun , Park Bong-Woo , Lee Yong Jin , Ban Kiwon , Park Hun-Jun
Published: September 2020

Since myocardial infarction (MI) excessively damage the myocardium and blood vessels, the therapeutic approach for treating MI hearts should simultaneously target these two major components in the heart to achieve comprehensive cardiac repair. Here, we investigated a combinatory platform of ETV2 and Gata4, Mef2c and Tbx5 (GMT) transcription factors to develop a strategy that can rejuvenate both myocardium and vasculatures together in MI hearts. Previously ETV2 demonstrated significant effects on neovascularization and GMT was known to directly reprogram cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes under in vivo condition. Subsequently, intramyocardial delivery of a combination of retroviral GMT and adenoviral ETV2 particles into the rat MI hearts significantly increased viable myocardium area, capillary density compared to ETV2 or GMT only treated hearts, leading to improved heart function and reduced scar formation. These results demonstrate that this combinatorial gene therapy can be a promising approach to enhance the cardiac repair in MI hearts.
COVID-19 Pandemic Highlights the Need for Teaching Health Communication to Public Health Students
Authors: Mandelbaum Jennifer
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated a deluge of scholarly publications and scientific outreach. Information about the novel coronavirus has spread rapidly through both traditional news and social media platforms. Timely scientific literature is paramount to public health, but it must be paired with nuanced and tailored outreach and messaging. Despite being a core public health competency, not all public health science students receive training in these skills. The media response to the COVID-19 pandemic reveals a fundamental misunderstanding by the general public about the scientific process and cultivates a narrative that too often places blame on individuals for structural inequities. An influx of research without audience-appropriate interpretations, coupled with a lack of representation in the news media, threatens to erode trust in science. To address these challenges, schools and programs of public health might reflect on their curricula and consider placing a greater emphasis on health communication.
Novel imaging biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema
Authors: Markan Ashish , Agarwal Aniruddha , Arora Atul , Bazgain Krinjeela , Rana Vipin , Gupta Vishali
Published: September 2020

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. The most common causes of vision loss in diabetic retinopathy are diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Recent developments in ocular imaging have played a significant role in early diagnosis and management of these complications. Color fundus photography is an imaging modality, which is helpful for screening patients with diabetic eye disease and monitoring its progression as well as response to treatment. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) is a dye-based invasive test to detect subtle neovascularization, look for areas of capillary non-perfusion, diagnose macular ischemia, and differentiate between focal and diffuse capillary bed leak in cases of macular edema. Recent advances in retinal imaging like the introduction of spectral-domain and swept source-based optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), OCT angiography, and ultrawide field imaging and FFA have helped clinicians in the detection of certain biomarkers that can identify disease at an early stage and predict response to treatment in diabetic macular edema. This article will summarize the role of different imaging biomarkers in characterizing diabetic retinopathy and their potential contribution in its management.
Primary vaginal calculus in a woman with urogenital sinus anomaly: a case report
Authors: Xu Qiong , Zou Yu
Published: September 2020

Background

Primary vaginal calculus is rare and often misdiagnosed due to its low incidence. The formation of primary vaginal calculus is mainly due to the pooling and stasis of urine within the vagina, and associated with urogenital tract abnormalities.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 23-year-old woman with urogenital sinus anomaly who presented with a vaginal calculus. The patient was not suspected of a calculus in the vagina until the patient suffered amenorrhea and dyspareunia. Pelvic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the patient had urogenital sinus anomaly with vaginal calculus. For the reason, the calculus was removed by surgery, and the reconstruction of vagina and urethra was performed. The postoperative recovery and follow-up were uneventful.

Conclusions

Although vaginal calculus and urogenital sinus anomaly are extremely rare in literature, the radiologist should be familiar with the imaging appearance of urogenital sinus anomaly, and be aware of the possibility of vaginal calculus.
Usefulness of surgical lung biopsies after cryobiopsies when pathological results are inconclusive or show a pattern suggestive of a nonspecific interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Bondue Benjamin , Leduc Dimitri , Froidure Antoine , Pieters Thierry , Taton Olivier , Heinen Vincent , Alexander Patrick , Hoton Delphine , Dome Florence , Remmelink Myriam
Published: September 2020

Background

Although increasing data supports the use of transbronchial lung cryobiopsies (TBLCs) for the diagnosis of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLDs), its role as an alternative to surgical lung biopsy (SLB) is still under debate. The aim of this study was to assess the benefit of additional SLBs performed in selected patients after TBLCs.

Method

We conducted a multicentric Belgian prospective trial in which SLBs were performed after TBLCs when the pathological diagnosis was uncertain or if a nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) pattern was observed hypothesizing that SLB could provide additional information and that a co-existent UIP pattern could be missed.

Results

Eighty-one patients with TBLCs performed for a DPLD were included in the study between April 2015 and December 2019. A specific histological diagnosis was obtained in 52 patients (64%) whereas no pathological diagnosis following TBLCs was obtained in 13 patients (16%) and a pattern suggestive of a NSIP was observed in 16 patients (20%). Fourteen out of these 29 patients had SLBs after TBLCs. SLBs showed a UIP pattern in 11 (79%), a pattern suggestive of a hypersensitivity pneumonitis in two (14%) and a NSIP pattern in one patient (7%). Among the 16 patients with pathological NSIP following TBLCs, six underwent a SLBs showing a UIP in five and confirming a NSIP in one patient only. A retrospective pathological analysis of patients having both procedures showed a lower diagnostic confidence and agreement among pathologists for TBLCs compared to SLBs. Major factors underlying the added value of SLBs were the bigger size of the sample as well as the subpleural localization of the biopsies.

Conclusions

TBLCs are useful in the setting of DPLDs with a good diagnostic yield. However, our study suggests that SLB provides critical additional information in case TBLCs are inconclusive or show a pattern suggestive of a NSIP, questioning the accuracy of TBLC to adequately identify this histological pattern.
A new 3D printing porous trabecular titanium metal acetabular cup for primary total hip arthroplasty: a minimum 2-year follow-up of 92 consecutive patients
Authors: Geng Xiao , Li Yang , Li Feng , Wang Xinguang , Zhang Ke , Liu Zhongjun , Tian Hua
Published: September 2020

Background

Aseptic cup loosening is still one of the main reasons leading to acetabular cup failures. 3D printing porous trabecular titanium metal acetabular cup may provide good initial stability and secondary fixation because of its highly interconnected, porous structure. Few large sample studies have reported the clinical outcomes of electron beam melting (EBM) porous titanium acetabular cup in Chinese population.

Methods

We retrospectively collected and analyzed the clinical data of a total of 92 consecutive patients between January 2013 and November 2017, with an average follow-up of 48.2 ± 3.6 months. Clinical outcomes included Harris Hip Score (HHS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index, satisfaction rate, and cup survival rate were evaluated. Radiographic assessments were conducted to evaluate osteointegration.

Results

HHS scores improved significantly while the WOMAC score decreased significantly at the latest follow-up (p< 0.001). The satisfaction rate (prevalence of satisfied or very satisfied) was 91.3%. No acetabular cup failures occurred. Radiolucent lines appeared in 15 cases (18 hips) and disappeared in 6 months. No cup loosening signs found until the last follow-up. The overall survival rate of implantation is 99.1% (cup survival rate 100%).

Conclusion

The new EBM-produced 3D ACT™ cup demonstrated us its favorable short- to mid-term clinical outcomes in Chinese THA patients. It can provide high acetabular cup survival rate, great clinical improvements and excellent biological fixation. Further investigations are needed to confirm its long-term outcomes.
Exploring the protective effect of Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction against hepatic steatosis and inflammation by network pharmacology and validation in ageing rats
Authors: Gao Siting , Wang Tongzhuang , Huang XueKuan , Jin Yaqian , Xu Yu , Xi Yumeng , Zhang Jun , Luo Yan , Xu Hongling , Guo Hongli , Ke Dazhi , Wang Jianwei
Published: September 2020

Background

Based on therapy with syndrome differentiation and clinical studies on Xiaochaihu decoction (XCHD), we hypothesize that Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction (MXD) has an ability to ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aims to elucidate the pharmacological efficacy of MXD and its mechanism in the treatment of NAFLD by network pharmacology and experimental validation.

Methods

The active ingredients in MXD and their potential targets were identified using network analysis followed by experimental validation. First, we used data on the ingredients and targets obtained from professional database and related literature to do PPI network analysis, GO functional analysis, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Core targets identified by network pharmacology were then tested in natural ageing female rats model. Indexes of lipid and glucose homeostasis were determined enzymatically and/or histologically. Gene expression was analyzed by real-time PCR and/or Western blot (WB).

Results

In total, 4009 NAFLD-related targets and 1953 chemical ingredients of MXD were obtained. In-depth network analysis of 140 common targets indicated that MXD played a critical role in anti-NAFLD via multiple targets and pathways. Based on the data of PPI analysis, GO functional enrichment analysis, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and literatures on the mechanism of NAFLD, we chose the core targets related to lipid metabolism (SREBP-1c, ChREBP, FASN, PPARα, and ACACA) and inflammation (IL-6 and NF-κB) to do further study. Significantly, in further animal verification experiment we using naturally ageing rats with NAFLD as a model, we found that MXD administration ameliorated age-related NAFLD and mechanistically down-regulated the mRNA/protein expression of core targets in lipid metabolism and inflammation related pathways such as FASN, ACACA, IL-6, and NF-κB. In addition, 12 of 24 potential ingredients acting on verified targets came from BC, and 11 of 24 potential ingredients acting on verified targets were derived from SM, implying that both BC and SM served as the key role in MXD against NAFLD.

Conclusion

The bioinformatics data and in vivo experimental results suggest that the MXD-induced amelioration of NAFLD may be predominantly related to modulation of lipid metabolism and inflammation. Both BC and SM serve as the key role in MXD against NAFLD. These results may provide novel evidence for clinical implication of MXD.
Microbiological assessment of sheep lymph nodes with lymphadenitis found during post-mortem examination of slaughtered sheep: implications for veterinary-sanitary meat control
Authors: Didkowska Anna , Żmuda Piotr , Kwiecień Ewelina , Rzewuska Magdalena , Klich Daniel , Krajewska-Wędzina Monika , Witkowski Lucjan , Żychska Monika , Kaczmarkowska Aleksandra , Orłowska Blanka , Anusz Krzysztof
Published: September 2020

Background

Microbiological examination of lesions found in slaughtered animals during meat inspection is an important part of public health protection as such lesions may be due to zoonotic agents that can be transmitted by meat. Examination of inflamed lymph nodes also plays a particular important role, as lymphadenitis may reflect a more widespread infection. Such lesions in sheep are mainly caused by pyogenic bacteria but also mycobacteria are occasionally found. Meat inspection data from 2017 to 2018 from southern Poland, especially from the Małopolska region, indicate that purulent or caseous lymphadenitis involving the mediastinal and tracheobronchial lymph nodes (MTLNs) is a common finding. The primary aim of the current study was to determine the aetiology of these lesions. Furthermore, it was investigated how presence of lesions was correlated with age and grazing strategy of affected sheep.

Results

Post-mortem examination revealed purulent or caseous lymphadenitis in the MTLNs of 49 out of 284 animals (17.3%). Subsequent microbiological examination revealed the presence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (34.7%), Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (34.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (8.2%), Enterococcus spp. (2.0%), Trueperella pyogenes (2.0%), and β-haemolytic strains of Escherichia coli (2.0%). Mycobacterium spp. and Rhodococcus equi were not detected. In older sheep, the probability of the presence of purulent or caseous lymphadenitis was higher than in younger, and the risk was increasing by 1.5% with each month of life. Sheep grazing locally had 4.5-times greater risk of having purulent or caseous lymphadenitis than individuals summer grazing in the mountains.

Conclusion

The most common aetiological agents of purulent or caseous lymphadenitis in the MTLNs of sheep in the Małopolska region were C. pseudotuberculosis and S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis. Particular attention during post-mortem examination should be paid to the carcasses of older sheep and sheep grazing on permanent pastures, as they seem more prone to develop purulent or caseous lymphadenitis.
Sole trisomy 6 an uncommon finding in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia, probably associated to bad prognosis
Authors: Brukman-Jimenez Sinhue Alejandro , Bobadilla-Morales Lucina , Corona-Rivera Jorge Román , Chávez-Panduro Pablo Alejandro , Ortega-de-la-Torre Citlalli , Santana-Bejarano Uriel Francisco , Torres-Anguiano Elizabeth , Mendoza-Maldonado Lucero , Sánchez-Zubieta Fernando Antonio , Corona-Rivera Alfredo
Published: September 2020

Background

Acute leukemias represent the main malignancies occurring among children under the age of 15 years. Around 17% corresponds to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow complements the diagnosis of hematological malignancies, therefore finding chromosomal aberrations provides a more reliable prognosis of the disease. Among the cytogenetic aberrations, sole trisomy is frequent in malignant neoplasias, but few cases related to AML have been reported.

Case presentation

We report a sole trisomy 6 in a pediatric patient diagnosed as AML M4 and poor progression. We carried out a literature review of AML patients with sole trisomy 6 and compared their evolution against AML patients with normal karyotype.

Conclusions

This is the first case of pediatric AML M4 with this cytogenetic finding. Sole trisomy 6 is infrequently reported in AML but scarce in pediatric cases. Based on overall survival analysis, we suggest that sole trisomy 6 could be associated with poor prognosis, in both, adult as well as pediatric AML.
tRNA-derived RNA fragments in cancer: current status and future perspectives
Authors: Yu Mengqian , Lu Bingjian , Zhang Jisong , Ding Jinwang , Liu Pengyuan , Lu Yan
Published: September 2020

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been the focus of many studies over the last few decades, and their fundamental roles in human diseases have been well established. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are housekeeping ncRNAs that deliver amino acids to ribosomes during protein biosynthesis. tRNA fragments (tRFs) are a novel class of small ncRNAs produced through enzymatic cleavage of tRNAs and have been shown to play key regulatory roles similar to microRNAs. Development and application of high-throughput sequencing technologies has provided accumulating evidence of dysregulated tRFs in cancer. Aberrant expression of tRFs has been found to participate in cell proliferation, invasive metastasis, and progression in several human malignancies. These newly identified functional tRFs also have great potential as new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. In this review, we focus on the major biological functions of tRFs including RNA silencing, translation regulation, and epigenetic regulation; summarize recent research on the roles of tRFs in different types of cancer; and discuss the potential of using tRFs as clinical biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis and as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Can polymorphisms of AMH/AMHR2 affect ovarian stimulation outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Di , Zhu Xiangyu , Wu Jielei
Published: September 2020

Background

Previous studies have investigated the effects of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and AMH type II receptor (AMHR2) polymorphisms on ovarian stimulation outcomes, but the results were inconsistent.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for the literature used in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was performed with a random effects model with RevMan 5.3.5. Results were expressed as the relative risk (RR) for discrete data and the mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Seven studies with 2078 participants were included. More metaphase II (MII) oocytes were retrieved in the T allele carrier of AMH (rs10407022) in the dominant model (MD: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.76 to 1.65, I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001), homozygote model (MD: 1.68, 95% CI: 0.35 to 3.01, I2 = 70%, P = 0.01) and heterogeneity model (MD: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.74 to 1.66, I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001). Oocytes retrieved from the Asian region in the TT carrier were significantly lesser than those in the GG/GT carrier in AMH (rs10407022) (MD: -1.41, 95% CI: − 1.75 to − 1.07, I2 = 0%). Differences in the stimulation duration, gonadotropin (Gn) dosage, and pregnancy rate were insignificant.

Conclusions

Our analysis indicated that the polymorphisms of AMH/AMHR2 could influence the ovarian stimulation outcomes. Prospective studies with a larger sample size and more rigorous design are needed in the future to further confirm these findings.
Ultrastructural patterns of the excretory ducts of basal neodermatan groups (Platyhelminthes) and new protonephridial characters of basal cestodes
Authors: Poddubnaya Larisa G. , Kuchta Roman , Scholz Tomáš
Published: September 2020

Background

The flatworms (Lophotrochozoa: Platyhelminthes) are one of the major phyla of invertebrates but their interrelationships are still not well understood including unravelling the most closely related taxon of the Neodermata, which includes exclusively obligate parasites of all main groups of vertebrates with some 60,000 estimated species. Recent phylogenomic studies indicate that the freshwater ‘microturbellarian’ Bothrioplana semperi may be the closest ancestor to the Neodermata, but this hypothesis receives little morphological support. Therefore, additional morphological and ultrastructural characters that might help understand interrelations within the Neodermata are needed.

Methods

Ultrastructure of the excretory ducts of representatives of the most basal parasitic flatworms (Neodermata), namely monocotylid (Monopisthocotylea) and chimaericolid (Polyopisthocotylea) monogeneans, aspidogastreans (Trematoda), as well as gyrocotylidean and amphilinidean tapeworms (Cestoda), were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Results

The present study revealed the same pattern of the cytoarchitecture of excretory ducts in all studied species of the basal neodermatans. This pattern is characterised by the presence of septate junctions between the adjacent epithelial cells and lateral ciliary flames along different levels of the excretory ducts. Additionally, a new character was observed in the protonephridial terminal cell of Gyrocotyle urna, namely a septate junction between terminal and adjacent duct cells at the level of the distal extremity of the flame tuft. In Amphilina foliacea, a new type of protonephridial cell with multiple flame bulbs and unique character of its weir, which consists of a single row of the ribs, is described. A remarkable difference has been observed between the structure of the luminal surface of the excretory ducts of the studied basal neodermatan groups and B. semperi.

Conclusions

The present study does not provide ultrastructural support for a close relationship between the Neodermata and B. semperi.
Orthogonal approach to independent component analysis using quaternionic factorization
Authors: Borowicz Adam
Published: September 2020

Independent component analysis (ICA) is a popular technique for demixing multichannel data. The performance of a typical ICA algorithm strongly depends on the presence of additive noise, the actual distribution of source signals, and the estimated number of non-Gaussian components. Often, a linear mixing model is assumed and source signals are extracted by data whitening followed by a sequence of plane (Jacobi) rotations. In this article, we develop a novel algorithm, based on the quaternionic factorization of rotation matrices and the Newton-Raphson iterative scheme. Unlike conventional rotational techniques such as the JADE algorithm, our method exploits 4×4 rotation matrices and uses approximate negentropy as a contrast function. Consequently, the proposed method can be adjusted to a given data distribution (e.g., super-Gaussians) by selecting a suitable non-linear function that approximates the negentropy. Compared to the widely used, the symmetric FastICA algorithm, the proposed method does not require an orthogonalization step and is more accurate in the presence of multiple Gaussian sources.
Secure neural network watermarking protocol against forging attack
Authors: Zhu Renjie , Zhang Xinpeng , Shi Mengte , Tang Zhenjun
Published: September 2020

In order to protect the intellectual property of neural network, an owner may select a set of trigger samples and their corresponding labels to train a network, and prove the ownership by the trigger set without revealing the inner mechanism and parameters of the network. However, if an attacker is allowed to access the neural network, he can forge a matching relationship between fake trigger samples and fake labels to confuse the ownership. In this paper, we propose a novel neural network watermarking protocol against the forging attack. By introducing one-way hash function, the trigger samples used to prove ownership must form a one-way chain, and their labels are also assigned. By this way, an attacker without the right of network training is impossible to construct a chain of trigger samples or the matching relationship between the trigger samples and the assigned labels. Our experiments show that the proposed protocol can resist the watermark forgery without sacrificing the network performance.
Survey on RNN and CRF models for de-identification of medical free text
Authors: Leevy Joffrey L. , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M. , Villanustre Flavio
Published: September 2020

The increasing reliance on electronic health record (EHR) in areas such as medical research should be addressed by using ample safeguards for patient privacy. These records often tend to be big data, and given that a significant portion is stored as free (unstructured) text, we decided to examine relevant work on automated free text de-identification with recurrent neural network (RNN) and conditional random field (CRF) approaches. Both methods involve machine learning and are widely used for the removal of protected health information (PHI) from free text. The outcome of our survey work produced several informative findings. Firstly, RNN models, particularly long short-term memory (LSTM) algorithms, generally outperformed CRF models and also other systems, namely rule-based algorithms. Secondly, hybrid or ensemble systems containing joint LSTM-CRF models showed no advantage over individual LSTM and CRF models. Thirdly, overfitting may be an issue when customized de-identification datasets are used during model training. Finally, statistical validation of performance scores and diversity during experimentation were largely ignored. In our comprehensive survey, we also identify major research gaps that should be considered for future work.
Treatment of visceral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms with the use of cerebral flow diverting stents: initial experience
Authors: Rabuffi Paolo , Bruni Antonio , Antonuccio Enzo Gabriele Maria , Ambrogi Cesare , Vagnarelli Simone
Published: September 2020

Background

Flow-diverter stents (FDS) are designed to maintain laminar flow in the parent artery and sidebranches and to promote thrombosis of the aneurysm. Although these devices were developed for use in intracranial circulation, FDS could be employed to treat aneurysms regardless of their location, when anatomic factors may limit the efficacy of classic endovascular techniques. The objective of this study is to describe the initial experience of a single center in the treatment of visceral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms (VAA-VAP) with cerebral FDS, analyzing safety, efficacy and 1-year outcome. Between 2016 and 2018 six patients (4 women, mean age 57.6) underwent treatment with FDS of 4 VAA and 2 VAP located in renal (4), hepatic (1) and splenic arteries (1). Mean aneurysm diameter was 14.3 mm (range 8–22). All the aneurysms had sidebranches arising from the neck or had an unfavorable dome-to-neck ratio. Technical success, safety, efficacy and 1-year outcome were analyzed. Follow-ups (FU) with Color-Doppler US and CTA ranged from 12 to 36 (mean 20) months.

Results

Technical success was achieved in all cases. There were no aneurysm rupture nor reperfusion after exclusion. Five out of six (83.3%) FDS were patent at each FU; all the aneurysms showed shrinkage with a mean dimensional reduction rate of 55.8%. Sac thrombosis was observed in 4 aneurysms at 1 (n = 3) and at 12-month FUs. There was one sidebranch occlusion with evidence of a small area of kidney hypoperfusion at the 12-month FU, which was asymptomatic. In one patient, a reintervention was needed because CTA showed a severe in-stent stenosis, which was symptomatic. Mean hospitalization was 4.1 days.

Conclusions

Treatment of morphologically complex VAA and VAP with cerebral FDS proved to be safe and efficient. Stronger evidence from larger populations are required.
Superior hypogastric nerve block (SHNB) for pain control after uterine fibroid embolization (UFE): technique and troubleshooting
Authors: Pereira Keith , Morel-Ovalle Louis Maurice , Taghipour Mehdi , Sherwani Afsheen , Parikh Roshni , Kao Jerome , Vaheesan Kirubahara
Published: September 2020

Background

Superior Hypogastric nerve Block (SHNB) has been shown to be an effective pain management technique after Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), reducing the need for opiates and allowing same-day discharge after UFE. In this technical note we discuss relevant anatomy and technical details in performing SHNB.

Main body

The Superior hypogastric plexus (SHP) is the part of the abdominopelvic sympathetic nervous system that provides a targeted intervention to sympathetic-mediated pain pathways of pelvic organs and a target for an anterior approach Superior Hypogastric nerve Block after embolization. Vascular structures are in close relation to the intended site of target of the SHP at the L5 vertebral body include aortic bifurcation and IVC confluence, hence a detailed knowledge of this is essential. A step by step technical approach to SHNB includes patient positioning for the block, image guidance and needle positioning, choice and technique of anesthetic injection. Traversing a large fibroid uterus, inadvertent vascular opacification and Local anesthetic systemic toxicity present challenges to performing the block and are addressed.

Conclusion

Superior Hypogastric nerve Block (SHNB) can be a useful tool in the Interventional armamentarium to make UFE a better experience for patients with fibroids, allowing for better pain control as well as facilitating same day discharge. Performing SHNB appear to be can be performed with technical ease for an interventional radiologist.
White, everything white? Josef Frank’s Villa Beer (1930) in Vienna, and its materiality in the context of the discourse on ‘white cubes’
Authors: Hammer Ivo B.
Published: September 2020

In 2017 a group of conservators-restorers conducted a conservation-science study of the materials used in the construction of Josef Frank’s main work, the Villa Beer (1930) in Vienna-Hietzing, and of the building’s surfaces. The study was an opportunity to find evidence indicating whether the contemporary description of the wall colour as a non-colour white corresponded to physical reality. The notion ‘Weiss, alles Weiss’ (‘white, everything white’), celebrated as ‘an expression of values and of the times’ (Hammann, 1930), will be identified as a cultural construct that stands in contradiction to the actual materiality of the buildings of the period. We must rewrite the colour history of Modern Movement architecture. The ‘White Cubes’ were never white.
Circulating Tumor DNA and Biomarker Analyses From the LOTUS Randomized Trial of First-Line Ipatasertib and Paclitaxel for Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Wongchenko Matthew J. , Kim Sung-Bae , Saura Cristina , Oliveira Mafalda , Lipson Doron , Kennedy Mark , Greene Mandy , Breese Virginia , Mani Aruna , Xu Na , Dent Rebecca
Published: September 2020

PURPOSE

Combining the oral AKT inhibitor ipatasertib with paclitaxel as first-line therapy for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) in the placebo-controlled, randomized, phase II LOTUS trial, with a more pronounced effect in patients with PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN-altered tumors. We report findings from the extensive translational research program.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Pretreatment plasma and tumor samples were evaluated for genetic alterations using FoundationACT and FoundationOne (Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA) hybrid capture next-generation sequencing assays, respectively. Prevalences of the most common mutations and PIK3CA/AKT1 mutation status were determined using both assays, and concordance was assessed. In longitudinal analyses, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) mutations were quantified in baseline and on-treatment (cycle 3, day 1 [C3D1]) samples. The relationship between outcomes and ctDNA fraction (CTF; highest variant allele frequency) and CTF ratio (C3D1 CTF to baseline CTF) was explored.

RESULTS

Among 89 patients evaluable for ctDNA sequencing, 81 patients (91%) had 149 detectable mutations. There was high agreement between plasma- and tissue-based sequencing for known or likely short variant mutations but not amplifications. There was 100% concordance between ctDNA and tissue sequencing in patients with activating PIK3CA or AKT1 mutations. High baseline CTF was associated with shorter PFS in both treatment arms. Longitudinal analyses showed more favorable outcomes with lower absolute CTF at C3D1 and, to a lesser extent, greater CTF decreases.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that plasma ctDNA sequencing may allow reliable and convenient assessment of prognosis and identification of genetic markers associated with increased benefit from ipatasertib. On-treatment CTF showed a meaningful association with objective response and PFS.
Policy Evaluation Network (PEN): Protocol for systematic literature review examining the evidence for impact of school policies on physical activity
Authors: Volf Kevin , Kelly Liam , García Bengoechea Enrique , Casey Blathin , Gobis Anna , Lakerveld Jeroen , Zukowska Joanna , Gelius Peter , Messing Sven , Forberger Sarah , Woods Catherine
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Over 40 million deaths annually are due to noncommunicable diseases, 15 million of these are premature deaths and physical inactivity attributes an estimated 9% to this figure. Global responses have included the sustainable development goals and the global action plan on physical activity. Both point to policy action in physical activity (PA) to address change, yet the impact of policy is unknown.  The protocol described outlines a systematic literature review that will be undertaken by the Policy Evaluation Network to address this knowledge gap.

Protocol: This review of school PA policies is the first of seven planned reviews. The seven best investments for promotion of population PA identified in the Toronto Charter (whole-of-school programmes, transport policy, urban design policy, primary health care policy, public education policy, community programmes and sport programmes) will form the basis of these reviews. Seven individual scientific literature searches across six electronic databases, using key concepts of policy, PA, evaluation and a distinct concept for each area will be conducted. This will be supplemented with a search of the reference list of included articles. Methodological quality will be assessed and overall effectiveness for each included study will be described according to pre-determined categories.

Conclusions: The review will provide policy makers with a list of policy statements and corresponding actions which the evidence has determined impact on PA directly or indirectly. By collating the evidence, and demonstrating the depth of the science base which informs these policy recommendations, this review will provide guidance to policymakers to use evidence-based or evidence-informed policies to achieve the 15% relative reduction in physical inactivity as defined by the ‘Global Action Plan on Physical Activity’.

Registration:  PROSPERO CRD42020156630 (10/07/2020).
HALO: Study protocol for a single-case experimental design study evaluating the moderating impact of a befriending intervention on the association between loneliness and health in older adults
Authors: Hannigan Caoimhe , Hanly Paul , Kee Frank , Lawlor Brian , Holton Eimile , Walsh Cathal , Scharf Thomas , Coen Robert , Leatham Vicky , Moynihan Sean , Lane Keith , McHugh Power Joanna
Published: September 2020

Background: Loneliness in later life is often addressed with befriending interventions, yet evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Meanwhile it is known that loneliness has a deleterious impact on health. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether a befriending service for older adults mitigates the impact of loneliness on health outcomes, and to identify mechanisms through which befriending interventions might impact upon health.

Methods: A mixed methods design is used. The quantitative component utilises an AB single-case experimental design, to gather intensive longitudinal data. These data will be analysed using a generalised additive modelling approach. The qualitative component of the study uses semi-structured dyadic interviews, structured and analysed according to the principles of constructivist grounded theory. Findings will then be triangulated according to an existing mixed methods integration protocol.

Discussion: This mixed methods design has the potential to inform national and international policy in relation to befriending interventions for older adults. In addition, there is the potential for study results to inform our theoretical understanding of the nature of the relationship between loneliness and health.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04301167 (10th March 2020). Protocol version 1.1, 26th June 2020.
Could personalised risk prediction for type 2 diabetes using polygenic risk scores direct prevention, enhance diagnostics, or improve treatment?
Authors: Boecker Mathilde , Lai Alvina G.
Published: September 2020

Over the past three decades, the number of people globally with diabetes mellitus has more than doubled. It is estimated that by 2030, 439 million people will be suffering from the disease, 90-95% of whom will have type 2 diabetes (T2D). In 2017, 5 million deaths globally were attributable to T2D, placing it in the top 10 global causes of death. Because T2D is a result of both genetic and environmental factors, identification of individuals with high genetic risk can help direct early interventions to prevent progression to more serious complications. Genome-wide association studies have identified ~400 variants associated with T2D that can be used to calculate polygenic risk scores (PRS). Although PRSs are not currently more accurate than clinical predictors and do not yet predict risk with equal accuracy across all ethnic populations, they have several potential clinical uses. Here, we discuss potential usages of PRS for predicting T2D and for informing and optimising interventions. We also touch on possible health inequality risks of PRS and the feasibility of large-scale implementation of PRS in clinical practice. Before PRSs can be used as a therapeutic tool, it is important that further polygenic risk models are derived using non-European genome-wide association studies to ensure that risk prediction is accurate for all ethnic groups. Furthermore, it is essential that the ethical, social and legal implications of PRS are considered before their implementation in any context.
TILLAGE SYSTEMS IN THE CROP ROTATION IN THE CENTRAL CAUCASIA
Authors: Kuzychenko Yuriy
Published: September 2020

The research was carried out in order to analyze the development of various systems of basic tillage (moldboard, non-moldboard, surface) for row crops for the period from 2010 to 2018 in the zone of unstable moisture in Stavropol kray with the development of a soil cultivation system for corn for grain according to the predecessor winter wheat. The soil of the experimental plot is ordinary chernozem, medium loamy, with a humus content of 3.9%, Р2О5 - 36.2 mg/kg; К2О - 162.8 mg/kg. The research was carried out in the link of crop rotation winter wheat - corn for grain. The experimental scheme included eight options for the main processing: moldboard (control), moldless (plow with SibIME tines, “Paraplau” type, chisel, flat cutter), milling, shallow (10 ... 12 cm in combination with Roundup herbicide) and combined (moldboard under winter wheat, chisel-making for grain corn). The area of the plot is 240 m2, the arrangement of the plots is two-tiered, randomized, the replication is four times. During the study period, the area cultivated without moldboard to a depth of 20 ... 22 cm, on average, grew by 4.3 thousand hectares annually. The average soil density in the options with moldboard and combined (plowing by 20 ... 22 cm for winter wheat, non-moldboard loosening by 23 ... 25 cm for corn for grain) processing is almost the same as after sowing (1.10 and 1.11 g/cm3) and before harvesting (1.19 g/cm3). The soil water permeability after the main processing with the chisel plow PCh-4.5 was 291 mm/h, plowing - 241 mm/h, which is 15% less. The average for crops in the crop rotation link in the variant with moldboard and combined tillage were practically the same - 136 and 134.6 mm, respectively. Against the fertilized background, the costs for combined tillage versus moldboard tillage (control) decreased by 2300 rubles per hectare, and the profitability of production of the crop rotation link is 89%.

Key words: tillage systems, crop rotation, row-crop link, ordinary chernozem, Central Ciscaucasia
INFLUENCE OF PRECURSES AND SOWING DATE ON OVER-WINTERING AND WINTER WHEAT PRODUCTIVITY UNDER CHANGING REGIONAL CONDITIONS
Authors: Sharipova Rezeda , Hakimov Robert , Hakimova Natal'ya
Published: September 2020

The research was carried out in order to determine the optimal time for sowing winter wheat according to various predecessors in the changing climate of Volga forest-steppe. The work was carried out in 2013–2019 in Ulyanovsk region on heavy loamy leached chernozem using conventional techniques. The experimental scheme provided for the study of two predecessors (peas and pure fallow) of winter soft wheat of Marafon variety, sown at 6 sowing dates with an interval of 10 days (from August 20 to October 10). The seeding rate for pure fallow is 5.0 million viable seeds per hectare, for peas - 5.5 million viable seeds per hectare. Average annual air temperature for 1961–2018 increased by 1.8°С. Its most significant increase was noted in the last twenty-five year period of time in the winter months. The increase in the frequency of extremely warm winters and temperature variability in the winter period significantly changed the conditions for overwintering winter crops. The danger of the development of wintering weeds, damping diseases, and soaking of winter crops has increased, and the conditions for overwintering pests have improved. It is possible to mitigate the danger of the natural and climatic vulnerability of crops during the wintering period by observing the optimal sowing dates, which should be postponed to a later period (7 ... 12 days), compared with the previously recommended ones. The optimal sowing period for winter wheat in Ulyanovsk region is from August 30 to September 10. Earlier crops are more intensively affected by diseases (powdery mildew and brown rust), and later crops, which have left in the winter in the germination phase, form a low density, form a small ear and provide low productivity or completely die
Um caso de sororidade literária: Narcisa Amália e Amália Figueiroa em jornais e revistas do século XIX
Authors: Pietrani Anélia
Published: September 2020

A partir da recolha de textos publicados na imprensa do século XIX brasileiro sobre as poetas Narcisa Amália (1852-1924) e Amália Figueiroa (1845-1878), este artigo pretende examinar a recepção crítica das duas autoras nos jornais e nas revistas da época, de modo a reunir elementos sobre como elas eram apresentadas aos leitores ou às leitoras, como suas obras eram abordadas, que aspectos comuns às duas eram aludidos, que relações eram estabelecidas entre suas obras e a experiência de cada poeta, que diferenças se evidenciam entre o ponto de vista de redatores masculinos e femininos. Além disso, pretende-se interpretar os textos críticos publicados por Narcisa Amália, dando destaque a seu ensaio sobre a poesia de Amália Figueiroa, como um modelo de sororidade literária em defesa da emancipação e educação da mulher. Busca-se, desse modo, propor reflexões que levem à discussão e compreensão do esquecimento ou apagamento das escritoras no cânone historiográfico da literatura brasileira.
José de Alencar no Diário do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Soares Marcus Vinicius Nogueira
Published: September 2020

Entre outubro de 1855 e julho de 1858, José de Alencar ocupou o cargo de redator em chefe do jornal Diário do Rio de Janeiro. Durante esse período, foi responsável pela publicação de diversas obras, sobretudo de sua própria autoria, nas páginas do Diário, contemplando vários gêneros discursivos, de crítica literária a romance, passando por libreto de ópera, biografia, entre outros. Considerando as condições materiais de produção e difusão que tornaram possível a experiência pública dessas obras, o presente artigo analisa a importância desse momento inicial da carreira de José de Alencar para a compreensão de sua trajetória intelectual e literária.
Interviewing Roomba: A posthuman study of humans and robot vacuum cleaners
Authors: Gross Jennifer
Published: September 2020

Roomba, the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner sold by iRobot since 2002, is now a taken-for-granted household helper in many homes. In this study that cross-cuts phenomenology, postphenomenology, actor–network theory and media ecology, I utilize four heuristics for interviewing digital objects. I interview Roomba and utilize qualitative research methods to theorize about the complexities of the entanglements and relationships between human beings and their robot vacuum cleaners. Conclusions connect to critical theory and feminism and also question justifications of anthropocentrism in a posthuman world.