bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced expression of miR-889 forecasts an unfavorable prognosis and facilitates cell progression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang He , Wang Huiwen , Cui Wenyu , Zhang Qiao , Li Jing , Zhang Qi
Published: June 2021

Background

As a new type of molecular marker, microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of malignant tumors, and has broad clinical application prospects. This paper mainly studies the important role of miR-889 in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma and the prognostic significance of miR-889 in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

Quantitative real-time PCR analysis detected the expression levels of miR-889 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cell lines. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analysis were used to explore the prognostic significance of miR-889 in hepatocellular carcinoma. The CCK-8 and Transwell assays assay were used to assess cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities ability.

Results

The expression of miR-889 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues. Overexpression of miR-889 was significantly associated with TNM stage, hepatitis B virus infection, and cirrhosis. Patients with high miR-889 expression had shorter overall survival than those with low miR-889 expression. And functional studies in two hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines have shown that overexpression of miR-889 significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro.

Conclusions

Overall, miR-889 was upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cell lines, and overexpression of miR-889 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Based on our findings, high expression of miR-889 may promote the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, and high expression of miR-889 is also forecasted for an unfavorable prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Dual inhibition of complement component 5 and leukotriene B4 by topical rVA576 in atopic keratoconjunctivis: TRACKER phase 1 clinical trial results
Authors: Sánchez-Tabernero Sara , Fajardo-Sanchez Julia , Weston-Davies Wynne , Parekh Mohit , Kriman Jaime , Kaye Stephen , Ahmad Sajjad
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of topical rVA576, a dual inhibitor of complement component 5 (C5) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), in patients with recalcitrant atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) in the open label phase 1 TRACKER clinical trial.

Methods

Three patients diagnosed with moderate or severe AKC who had been on maximal topical treatment (antihistamines and ciclosporin) for at least three months prior to entry, and showed persistent symptoms and signs of inflammation, were recruited into the trial. Patients received rVA576 eye drops twice a day for 8 weeks. Patients were seen at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8. Safety data was recorded and a composite sum score of symptoms and signs was obtained. This score comprised symptoms such as itching, mucous discharge and photophobia, and conjunctival and corneal signs such as hyperemia, tarsal papillae, punctate keratitis and corneal neovascularization, all rated individually from 0 to 3 for a maximum score of 33.

Results

Two of the three patients completed the initial open label phase of the trial. The third patient was unable to attend appointments and terminated the study early at day 14. Topical rVA576 was well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported. There was an average improvement in overall clinical score of 53%, composed of an improvement in symptoms of 65% [63.64–66.67%] and signs of 40% [40–40.12%] by day 56.

Conclusions

In this open label phase 1 TRACKER trial, rVA576 eye drops were well tolerated and showed a response across signs and symptoms of active inflammation. This study is exploratory but supports topical rVA576 safety and shows promising efficacy for recalcitrant AKC. A phase 2 randomised control trial is currently underway.
Feasibility of achieving different protein targets using a hypocaloric high-protein enteral formula in critically ill patients
Authors: Singer Pierre , Bendavid Itai , BenArie Ilana , Stadlander Liran , Kagan Ilya
Published: June 2021

Background and aims

Combining energy and protein targets during the acute phase of critical illness is challenging. Energy should be provided progressively to reach targets while avoiding overfeeding and ensuring sufficient protein provision. This prospective observational study evaluated the feasibility of achieving protein targets guided by 24-h urinary nitrogen excretion while avoiding overfeeding when administering a high protein-to-energy ratio enteral nutrition (EN) formula.

Methods

Critically ill adult mechanically ventilated patients with an APACHE II score > 15, SOFA > 4 and without gastrointestinal dysfunction received EN with hypocaloric content for 7 days. Protein need was determined by 24-h urinary nitrogen excretion, up to 1.2 g/kg (Group A, N = 10) or up to 1.5 g/kg (Group B, N = 22). Variables assessed included nitrogen intake, excretion, balance; resting energy expenditure (REE); phase angle (PhA); gastrointestinal tolerance of EN.

Results

Demographic characteristics of groups were similar. Protein target was achieved using urinary nitrogen excretion measurements. Nitrogen balance worsened in Group A but improved in Group B. Daily protein and calorie intake and balance were significantly increased in Group B compared to Group A. REE was correlated to PhA measurements. Gastric tolerance of EN was good.

Conclusions

Achieving the protein target using urinary nitrogen loss up to 1.5 g/kg/day was feasible in this hypercatabolic population. Reaching a higher protein and calorie target did not induce higher nitrogen excretion and was associated with improved nitrogen balance and a better energy intake without overfeeding. PhA appears to be related to REE and may reflect metabolism level, suggestive of a new phenotype for nutritional status.

Trial registration 0795-18-RMC.
Perioperative liberal versus restrictive fluid strategies and postoperative outcomes: a systematic review and metanalysis on randomised-controlled trials in major abdominal elective surgery
Authors: Messina Antonio , Robba Chiara , Calabrò Lorenzo , Zambelli Daniel , Iannuzzi Francesca , Molinari Edoardo , Scarano Silvia , Battaglini Denise , Baggiani Marta , De Mattei Giacomo , Saderi Laura , Sotgiu Giovanni , Pelosi Paolo , Cecconi Maurizio
Published: June 2021

Background

Postoperative complications impact on early and long-term patients’ outcome. Appropriate perioperative fluid management is pivotal in this context; however, the most effective perioperative fluid management is still unclear. The enhanced recovery after surgery pathways recommend a perioperative zero-balance, whereas recent findings suggest a more liberal approach could be beneficial. We conducted this trial to address the impact of restrictive vs. liberal fluid approaches on overall postoperative complications and mortality.

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We performed a systematic literature search using MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid) and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical trials register databases, published from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2019. We included RCTs enrolling adult patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery and comparing the use of restrictive/liberal approaches enrolling at least 15 patients in each subgroup. Studies involving cardiac, non-elective surgery, paediatric or obstetric surgeries were excluded.

Results

After full-text examination, the metanalysis finally included 18 studies and 5567 patients randomised to restrictive (2786 patients; 50.0%) or liberal approaches (2780 patients; 50.0%). We found no difference in the occurrence of severe postoperative complications between restrictive and liberal subgroups [risk difference (95% CI) = 0.009 (− 0.02; 0.04); p value = 0.62; I2 (95% CI) = 38.6% (0–66.9%)]. This result was confirmed also in the subgroup of five studies having a low overall risk of bias. The liberal approach was associated with lower overall renal major events, as compared to the restrictive [risk difference (95% CI) = 0.06 (0.02–0.09); p value  = 0.001]. We found no difference in either early (p value  = 0.33) or late (p value  = 0.22) postoperative mortality between restrictive and liberal subgroups

Conclusions

In major abdominal elective surgery perioperative, the choice between liberal or restrictive approach did not affect overall major postoperative complications or mortality. In a subgroup analysis, a liberal as compared to a restrictive perioperative fluid policy was associated with lower overall complication renal major events, as compared to the restrictive.

Trial Registration

CRD42020218059; Registration: February 2020, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=218059.
Therapeutic potential of targeting Tfr/Tfh cell balance by low-dose-IL-2 in active SLE: a post hoc analysis from a double-blind RCT study
Authors: Miao Miao , Xiao Xian , Tian Jiayi , Zhufeng Yunzhi , Feng Ruiling , Zhang Ruijun , Chen Jiali , Zhang Xiaoying , Huang Bo , Jin Yuebo , Sun Xiaolin , He Jing , Li Zhanguo
Published: June 2021

Objective

To investigate the regulation of T follicular regulatory (Tfr) and T follicular (Tfh) cell subtypes by low-dose IL-2 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Methods

A post hoc analysis was performed in a randomized cohort of SLE patients (n=60) receiving low-dose IL-2 therapy (n=30) or placebo (n=30), along with the standard of care treatment. The primary endpoint was the attainment of SLE responder index-4 (SRI-4) at week 12 in the trial. Twenty-three healthy controls were enrolled for T cell subset detection at the same time as the trial. The t-stochastic neighbor embedding (tSNE) analysis of CD4 T subsets based on immune cells flow cytometry markers was performed to distinguish Tfh, Tfh1, Tfh2, Tfh17, and Tfr cell subsets.

Results

Compared with HC, the frequency of Tfr (CXCR5+PD-1low Treg and CXCR5+PD-1high Treg) cells was significantly reduced, while the pro-inflammatory Tfh cells were increased in patients with SLE. The imbalanced Tfh cell was associated with several pathogenic factors (anti-dsDNA antibodies (r=0.309, P=0.027) and serum IL-17 (r=0.328, P=0.021)) and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score (r=0.273, P=0.052). Decreased CXCR5+PD-1low Treg/Tfh and CXCR5+PD-1low Treg/Tfh17 were both associated with increased immunoglobulin M (IgM) (r=−0.448, P=0.002 and r=−0.336, P=0.024, respectively). Efficacy of low-dose IL-2 therapy was associated with a restored Tfr/Tfh cell balance.

Conclusion

These data support the hypothesis that promotion of Tfr is associated with decreased disease activities and that low-dose IL-2 therapy can recover Tfr/Tfh immune balance.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registries (NCT02465580).
Chlamydia pecorum detection in aborted and stillborn lambs from Western Australia
Authors: Clune Tom , Besier Shane , Hair Sam , Hancock Serina , Lockwood Amy , Thompson Andrew , Jelocnik Martina , Jacobson Caroline
Published: June 2021

Lamb survival is an important welfare and productivity issue for sheep industries worldwide. Lower lamb survival has been reported for primiparous ewes, but the causes of this are not well studied. The aim of this study was to determine causes of perinatal deaths for lambs born to primiparous ewes in Western Australia, and identify if infectious diseases are implicated. Lamb mortality from birth to marking were determined for 11 primiparous ewe flocks on 10 farms in Western Australia. Lamb mortality from birth to marking averaged 14% for single-born and 26% for multiple-born lambs. Lamb necropsies (n = 298) identified starvation–mismosthering–exposure (34%), dystocia (24%) and stillbirth (15%) as the most common causes of perinatal lamb death. There was no evidence of exotic abortigenic pathogens in aborted and stillborn lambs (n = 35). Chlamydia pecorum was detected by qPCR in 15/35 aborted and stillborn lambs on 5/6 farms. Preliminary molecular characterisation of C. pecorum detected in samples from aborted and stillborn lambs (n = 8) using both Multilocus Sequence Typing and ompA genotyping indicated all strains were genetically identical to previously described pathogenic livestock strains, denoted ST23, and dissimilar to gastrointestinal strains. High frequency of detection of a pathogenic C. pecorum strains ST23 associated with ovine abortion and stillbirth on multiple farms located across a wide geographic area has not been previously reported. Chlamydia pecorum may contribute to reproductive wastage for primiparous sheep in Western Australia. Further investigation to understand C. pecorum epidemiology and impact on sheep reproduction is warranted.
Seven-year follow-up of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens with central port design
Authors: Fernández-Vega-Cueto Luis , Alfonso-Bartolozzi Belén , Lisa Carlos , Madrid-Costa David , Alfonso José F.
Published: June 2021

Background

To assess the clinical outcomes of the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) with a central port throughout 7 years of follow-up.

Methods

Eighty-four eyes of 52 patients were evaluated over a follow-up period of 7 years after V4c ICL implantation. Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, refraction, intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell density (ECD) and vault were analysed.

Results

The mean postoperative UDVA (logMAR) was 0.04 ± 0.11, 0.13 ± 0.19 and 0.17 ± 0.23 at 1-, 5- and 7-years, respectively (P < 0.0001). The mean CDVA (logMAR) remains unchanged throughout a 7-year follow-up period (0.02 ± 0.08 and 0.02 ± 0.08, at 5- and 7-years, respectively, P = 0.2). At all follow-up visits, more than 95% of the eyes achieved a CDVA of 20/25 or better and more than 85% a CDVA of 20/20. At the end of the follow-up (7 years), no eye lost more lines of CDVA, 56 eyes (66.7%) and 28 eyes (33.3%) gained lines of CDVA. At 7-years, the spherical equivalent was − 0.62 ± 0.62 D. No significant increase in IOP (> 20 mmHg or an increase higher than 5 mmHg) occurred in any case throughout the 7-year of follow-up. The loss in ECD from the preoperative baseline at the last follow-up visit was 2.6%. No intraoperative or postoperative complications or adverse events occurred during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

The outcomes of this study show the long-term viability of the V4c ICL implantation as a surgical option for the correction of myopia.
COVID-19 and Undergraduates with Disabilities: Challenges Resulting from the Rapid Transition to Online Course Delivery for Students with Disabilities in Undergraduate STEM at Large-Enrollment Institutions
Authors: Gin Logan E. , Guerrero Frank A. , Brownell Sara E. , Cooper Katelyn M.
Published: June 2021

This article explores how the rapid transition to online instruction as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic affected students with disabilities. Findings suggest challenges related to access to existing accommodations, unique challenges in the online environment, and factors that prevented students from being properly accommodated in STEM courses.
Augmented Package of Palliative Care for Women With Cervical Cancer: Responding to Refractory Suffering
Authors: Krakauer Eric L. , Kane Khadidjatou , Kwete Xiaoxiao , Afshan Gauhar , Bazzett-Matabele Lisa , Ruthnie Bien-Aimé Danta Dona , Borges Lawrence F. , Byrne-Martelli Sarah , Connor Stephen , Correa Raimundo , Devi C. R. Beena , Diop Mamadou , Elmore Shekinah N. , Gafer Nahla , Goodman Annekathryn , Grover Surbhi , Hasenburg Annette , Irwin Kelly , Kamdar Mihir , Kumar Suresh , Nguyen Truong Quynh Xuan , Randall Tom , Rassouli Maryam , Sessa Cristiana , Spence Dingle , Trimble Ted , Varghese Cherian , Fidarova Elena
Published: June 2021

The essential package of palliative care for cervical cancer (EPPCCC), described elsewhere, is designed to be safe and effective for preventing and relieving most suffering associated with cervical cancer and universally accessible. However, it appears that women with cervical cancer, more frequently than patients with other cancers, experience various types of suffering that are refractory to basic palliative care such as what can be provided with the EPPCCC. In particular, relief of refractory pain, vomiting because of bowel obstruction, bleeding, and psychosocial suffering may require additional expertise, medicines, or equipment. Therefore, we convened a group of experienced experts in all aspects of care for women with cervical cancer, and from countries of all income levels, to create an augmented package of palliative care for cervical cancer with which even suffering refractory to the EPPCCC often can be relieved. The package consists of medicines, radiotherapy, surgical procedures, and psycho-oncologic therapies that require advanced or specialized training. Each item in this package should be made accessible whenever the necessary resources and expertise are available.
In the Wake of Visual Failure
Authors: Sung Wendy
Published: June 2021

This article examines the role of the visual in instances of recorded anti-Black racial violence and pushes against dominant discourses of the technological rescue narrative—that technology and more visibility will lead to different outcomes of accountability, protection, and safety. Instead, this article argues that the tightly bound association of anti-Black racial violence's recognizability to the visual has created a dynamic that simultaneously moves us closer to and further away from its ontological truths. Examining Twitter as a multisensorial platform and its users’ imaginative engagements with the #IfIDieInPoliceCustody hashtag memorializing Sandra Bland's death, the author identifies that users craft an anticipatory nonspectatorship, a mode of imaginative witnessing arising from the contexts of technological and visual failure and the situated imaginations of Black epistemologies. These users register a deep suspicion of the evidentiary and refuse the spectacular of racial violence's visual form, instead highlighting its ubiquitous and quotidian nature by asserting themselves into their own scenes of visual failure and becoming witnesses to their own imagined deaths. Finally, in identifying the visual failures surrounding Sandra Bland's jail cell, the author illuminates how the ontology of the glitch can demonstrate the mechanics of white supremacy's operations.
Social Reading? On the Rise of a “Bookish” Reading Culture Online
Authors: Birke Dorothee
Published: June 2021

While the internet is often seen as having destroyed book culture, this article is interested in those areas in our contemporary media environment where book and internet culture actually converge. Focusing on the example of BookTube, the author examines how book culture is “done” on the internet and analyzes the values attached to the media practices involved. In particular, in millennial book culture, social aspects of reading are often emphasized. This trend is usually associated with the new affordances of social media and either assessed positively (e.g., by proponents of the internet as a democratizing force) or negatively (e.g., by detractors of the internet as fostering superficiality). The author argues that such a simplistic binary view can be transcended if one takes a historical perspective, reflecting on how sociality and self-fashioning have been integral aspects of book culture for centuries. At the same time, she shows the extent to which BookTube provides new opportunities to socialize around reading.
The Den of Theoretical Monsters
Authors: Tenev Darin
Published: June 2021

The essay questions the leading role of literary theory throughout the twentieth century and the reason why Theory with a capital T was born out of the field of literary theory rather than out of any other discipline, such as sociology, history, psychoanalysis, and so on. The author argues that literature–in the modern sense of the term–necessitated literary theory from its very beginnings because of the manner in which it was constituted, namely as a conditioned opening of unconditionality, a fragile, not predetermined potentiality that calls for ever new theorizations in such a way as to incessantly cross its own boundaries. From such a perspective, literary theory can be reenvisioned as having always been multiple and inherently divided, a conglomerate of monsters, a differential force field destined to move beyond its “proper” object and to integrate different approaches and disciplines, generating new fields of research. Because of the changing status of literature today, however, and due to theory’s inherent self-destructive tendencies, the fragile unconditionality that makes us free is in danger of being lost.
Literary Theory as Radical Historicism?
Authors: Stoyanov Enyo
Published: June 2021

This article highlights how the premises of the radical historicism of Galin Tihanov’s book The Birth and Death of Literary Theory (2019) are conditioned by developments within literary theory itself. For Tihanov, changes in literature’s perceived usefulness undermine the dominance of its perceived uniqueness, bringing about the demise of theoretical discourses aimed at determining that uniqueness. Exploring the tensions within Russian formalism and Prague structuralism that made possible the abandonment of the adherence to the doctrine of literary autonomy through specific uses of language, the author connects Tihanov’s notion of “regimes of relevance” with the concept of “regime” developed by Jacques Rancière. The intersection of these two theorizations of “regime” pinpoint the paradox at the heart of literary theory: the attempt to pose the question of artistic autonomy and specificity produces the dissipation of what was holding this autonomy together.
In Search of Pure Sound: Sanqu Songs, Genre Aesthetics, and Translation Tactics
Authors: Sieber Patricia , De Grandis Mario , Wang Ke , Yao Hui , Gao Jingying , McNally Ian , Yichun Xu , Nunes Jenn Marie
Published: June 2021

This article consists of an introduction by Patricia Sieber and six short essays on translation approaches together with actual translations of sanqu songs by Mario De Grandis, Ke Wang, Hui Yao, Jingying Gao and Ian McNally, Xu Yichun, and Jenn Marie Nunes. The introduction provides a short history of the translation of sanqu songs into English, followed by a reflection on which distinctive features of the genre beg for attention in the translation process. In particular, it argues that the different sonic features of sanqu merit close consideration, the loss of the notational contours of the original tunes notwithstanding. Rather than bemoaning the absence of the underlying music, it suggests that, in keeping with Walter Benjamin's vision of the “task of the translator,” translation into another language can be an opportunity to reinvent that musicality in different ways. The six short essays that follow consider sanqu songs from the corpus of diasporic writers from the Yuan dynasty, with a view toward enriching the repertoire of translation strategies for sanqu in terms of musicality and other salient features of the genre. The six essays discuss, respectively, pronouns, rhyme, punctuation, language registers, allusion, and citational practice. In contextualizing such strategies theoretically and illustrating them with examples, the short essays seek to contribute more broadly to the theory and practice of the literary translation of Chinese poetic forms.
Super-resolution microscopy reveals the arrangement of inner membrane protein complexes in mammalian mitochondria
Authors: Palmer Catherine S. , Lou Jieqiong , Kouskousis Betty , Pandzic Elvis , Anderson Alexander J. , Kang Yilin , Hinde Elizabeth , Stojanovski Diana
Published: June 2021

The mitochondrial inner membrane is a protein-rich environment containing large multimeric complexes, including complexes of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, mitochondrial translocases and quality control machineries. Although the inner membrane is highly proteinaceous, with 40-60% of all mitochondrial proteins localised to this compartment, little is known about the spatial distribution and organisation of complexes in this environment. We set out to survey the arrangement of inner membrane complexes using stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM). We reveal that subunits of the TIM23 complex, TIM23 and TIM44 (also known as TIMM23 and TIMM44, respectively), and the complex IV subunit COXIV, form organised clusters and show properties distinct from the outer membrane protein TOM20 (also known as TOMM20). Density based cluster analysis indicated a bimodal distribution of TIM44 that is distinct from TIM23, suggesting distinct TIM23 subcomplexes. COXIV is arranged in larger clusters that are disrupted upon disruption of complex IV assembly. Thus, STORM super-resolution microscopy is a powerful tool for examining the nanoscale distribution of mitochondrial inner membrane complexes, providing a ‘visual’ approach for obtaining pivotal information on how mitochondrial complexes exist in a cellular context.
Substratum stiffness tunes membrane voltage in mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Silver Brian B. , Zhang Sherry X. , Rabie Emann M. , Nelson Celeste M.
Published: June 2021

Membrane voltage (Vm) plays a critical role in the regulation of several cellular behaviors, including proliferation, apoptosis and phenotypic plasticity. Many of these behaviors are affected by the stiffness of the underlying extracellular matrix, but the connections between Vm and the mechanical properties of the microenvironment are unclear. Here, we investigated the relationship between matrix stiffness and Vm by culturing mammary epithelial cells on synthetic substrata, the stiffnesses of which mimicked those of the normal mammary gland and breast tumors. Although proliferation is associated with depolarization, we surprisingly observed that cells are hyperpolarized when cultured on stiff substrata, a microenvironmental condition that enhances proliferation. Accordingly, we found that Vm becomes depolarized as stiffness decreases, in a manner dependent on intracellular Ca2+. Furthermore, inhibiting Ca2+-gated Cl− currents attenuates the effects of substratum stiffness on Vm. Specifically, we uncovered a role for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the regulation of Vm by substratum stiffness. Taken together, these results suggest a novel role for CFTR and membrane voltage in the response of mammary epithelial cells to their mechanical microenvironment.
An optogenetic model reveals cell shape regulation through FAK and fascin
Authors: Castillo-Badillo Jean A. , Gautam N.
Published: June 2021

Cell shape regulation is important, but the mechanisms that govern shape are not fully understood, in part due to limited experimental models in which cell shape changes and underlying molecular processes can be rapidly and non-invasively monitored in real time. Here, we used an optogenetic tool to activate RhoA in the middle of mononucleated macrophages to induce contraction, resulting in a side with the nucleus that retained its shape and a non-nucleated side that was unable to maintain its shape and collapsed. In cells overexpressing focal adhesion kinase (FAK; also known as PTK2), the non-nucleated side exhibited a wide flat morphology and was similar in adhesion area to the nucleated side. In cells overexpressing fascin, an actin-bundling protein, the non-nucleated side assumed a spherical shape and was similar in height to the nucleated side. This effect of fascin was also observed in fibroblasts even without inducing furrow formation. Based on these results, we conclude that FAK and fascin work together to maintain cell shape by regulating adhesion area and height, respectively, in different cell types.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Evidence for the use of a high-resolution magnetic map by a short-distance migrant, the Alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris)
Authors: Diego-Rasilla Francisco J. , Phillips John B.
Published: June 2021

Newts can use spatial variation in the magnetic field (MF) to derive geographic position, but it is unclear how they detect the ‘spatial signal’, which, over the distances that newts move in a day, is an order of magnitude lower than temporal variation in the MF. Previous work has shown that newts take map readings using their light-dependent magnetic compass to align a magnetite-based ‘map detector’ relative to the MF. In this study, time of day, location and light exposure (required by the magnetic compass) were varied to determine when newts obtain map information. Newts were displaced from breeding ponds without access to route-based cues to sites where they were held and/or tested under diffuse natural illumination. We found that: (1) newts held overnight at the testing site exhibited accurate homing orientation, but not if transported to the testing site on the day of testing; (2) newts held overnight under diffuse lighting at a ‘false testing site’ and then tested at a site located in a different direction from their home pond oriented in the home direction from the holding site, not from the site where they were tested; and (3) newts held overnight in total darkness (except for light exposure for specific periods) only exhibited homing orientation the following day if exposed to diffuse illumination during the preceding evening twilight in the ambient MF. These findings demonstrate that, to determine the home direction, newts require access to light and the ambient MF during evening twilight when temporal variation in the MF is minimal.
Efficacy of low-dose radiotherapy (2 Gy × 2) in the treatment of marginal zone and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas
Authors: Cerrato Marzia , Orlandi Erika , Vella Angelisa , Bartoncini Sara , Iorio Giuseppe C , Bongiovanni Diego , Capriotti Francesco , Boccomini Carola , Vassallo Francesco , Cavallin Chiara , De Luca Viola , Giglioli Francesca R , Ricardi Umberto , Levis Mario
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

To investigate the efficacy of a schedule of low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) with 4 Gy (2 Gy x 2) in a cohort of unselected MALT or MZL patients.

Methods:

We retrospectively collected all patients receiving LDRT, either for cure or palliation, for a stage I–IV histologically proven MALT or MZL between 2016 and 2020. Response to LDRT was evaluated with the Lugano criteria. Local control (LC), distant relapse-free survival (DRFS), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were stratified for treatment intent (curative vs palliative) and estimated by the Kaplan-Meier product-limit.

Results:

Among 45 consecutively enrolled patients with a median age of 68 years (range 22–86), 26 (58%) were female. Thirty-one patients (69%) with a stage I–II disease received LDRT as first line therapy and with a curative intent. Overall response rate was 93%, with no significant difference among curative and palliative intent. With a median follow-up of 18 months, LC, DRFS, PFS and OS at 2 years were 93, 92, 76 and 91%, respectively, in the overall population. Patients receiving curative LDRT had a better PFS at 2 years (85% vs 54%, p < 0.01) compared to patients receiving palliative treatment. LDRT was well tolerated in all patients, without any significant acute or chronic side-effect.

Conclusions:

LDRT is effective and well tolerated in patients affected with MALT or nodal MZL, achieving high response rates and durable remission at 2 years.

Advances in knowledge:

This study shows the efficacy of LDRT in the treatment of MALT and MZL.
Serous borderline ovarian tumours: an extensive review on MR imaging features
Authors: Sahin Hilal , Akdogan Asli Irmak , Smith Janette , Zawaideh Jeries Paolo , Addley Helen
Published: June 2021

Serous borderline ovarian tumours (SBOTs) are an intermediate group of neoplasms, which have features between benign and malignant ovarian tumours and for which, fertility-sparing surgery can be offered. MRI in imaging of SBOTs is, therefore, crucial in raising the possibility of the diagnosis, in order to present the patient with the most appropriate treatment options. There are characteristic MRI features that SBOTs demonstrate. In addition, recent advanced techniques, and further classification into subtypes within the borderline group have been developed. The aim of this article is to review the MRI features of SBOT and provide the reporter with an awareness of the imaging tips and tricks in the differential diagnosis of SBOT.
Deep inspiration breath-hold for patients with left-sided breast cancer – A one-fits-all approach? A prospective analysis of patient selection using dosimetrical and practical aspects
Authors: Schröder Christina , Kirschke Sebastian , Blank Eyck , Rohrberg Sophia , Förster Robert , Buchali André
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To prospectively analyze the feasibility of an algorithm for patient preparation, treatment planning, and selection for deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) treatment of left-sided breast cancer.

Methods:

From February 2017 to July 2019, 135 patients with left-sided breast cancer were selected and prepared for radiotherapy in DIBH. 99 received radiotherapy for the breast alone and 36 for the breast including the lymphatic drainage (RNI). Treatment plans DIBH and free breathing (FB) were calculated. Dosimetrical analyses were performed, and criteria were defined to assess whether a patient would dosimetrically profit from DIBH.

Results:

Of the 135 patients, 97 received a DIBH planning CT and 72 were selected for treatment in DIBH according to predefined criteria. When using DIBH, there was a mean reduction of the DmeanHeart of 2.8 Gy and DmeanLAD of 4.2 Gy. seven patients did not benefit from DIBH regarding DmeanHeart, 23 regarding DmeanLAD. For the left lung, the V20Gy was reduced by 4.9%, the V30Gy by 2.7% with 15 and 29 patients not benefiting from DIBH, respectively. In the 25 patients treated in FB, the benefit of DIBH would have been lower than for patients treated with DIBH (ΔDmeanHeart0.7 Gy vs 3.4 Gy).

Conclusion:

Dosimetrically, DIBH is no “one-fits-all” approach. However, there is a statistically significant benefit when looking at a larger patient population. DIBH should be used for treatment of left-sided breast cancer in patients fit for DIBH.

Advances in knowledge:

This analysis offers a well-designed dosimetrical analysis in patients treated with DIBH radiotherapy in an “every day” cohort.
Intercultural Communication and the Clash of Ideologies in the Era of Globalism
Authors: Dyagilev V. , Laamarti Yuliya
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to the problems of intercultural communication in the era of globalization. The possibilities of dialogue and communication in the context of opposition to the theory of globalism, national ideology and national values are considered. The paper analyzes the opportunity of the existence of the so-called "universal" values, the potential of their combination and coexistence with traditional and national values. The article substantiates the interference in the affairs of other states of safe democratic values, leads not only to a poor standard of living of these states but also to the denial of the very idea of "democracy". In modern conditions of economic and, above all, financial globalization, the social self-determination of states, their elaboration of sustainable development goals and means of achieving them, will play an important role. This is the task of ideology, which must be rationally substantiated before its concrete implementation. Only in this case fruitful communication and dialogue between countries are possible.

The paper points out that the very concept of "globalization" is often interpreted in completely different ways, there is no scientific approach to its measurement. The national idea, however, cannot rely on abstractions that cannot be realized with the benefit of society. The paper concludes that the clash of civilizations and ideological rapprochement are temporary phenomena and, although multidirectional, but also mutually conditioned. It is on this basis that intercultural communication between states and representatives of different civilizations should be built, even despite the differences in valuation approaches.
Methods for the isolation and identification of triterpenes and sterols in medicinal plants
Authors: Gołembiewska Ewelina , Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna , Głowniak Kazimierz
Published: June 2021

Scientists around the world are constantly working on new drugs to fight many incurable diseases. Great hopes come with triterpene compounds and sterols. Refinement and selection of the appropriate techniques of isolation and identification, allows for a more satisfactory recovery sought from plant matter. This paper presents the most commonly used techniques for the isolation and identification of triterpenes and sterols.
Osteoporosis – causes, epidemiology and symptoms
Authors: Celej-Szuster Jolanta , Muzyczka Katarzyna , Tarczyńska Marta , Celej Mariola , Kociuba-Adamczuk Katarzyna , Turowski Krzysztof , Prystupa Andrzej , Stanisławek Andrzej
Published: June 2021

Osteoporosis is an extensive disease of the skeletal system, causing a decrease in the mineral density of bones and a disruption of their microarchitecture. Progressing pathological changes lead to increased bone brittleness and the risk of spontaneous fractures. Osteoporosis mainly affects women aged over 60. Statistical data reveal rather alarming tendencies, i.e. one in five elderly persons who has experienced hip fracture will die within 6 months from the incident. In turn, one in three people who have sustained a femoral neck fracture does not return to normal health and requires assistance on a daily basis. The costs of treating osteoporotic fractures are also on the rise. Hence, the disease constitutes a substantial social problem, especially that the number of patients has not been precisely specified, as for some of them clinical diagnosis is only made after a low-energy bone fracture occurs.
Osteoporosis – risk factors, prophylaxis, diagnostic tests and pharmacotherapy
Authors: Celej-Szuster Jolanta , Muzyczka Katarzyna , Tarczyńska Marta , Celej Mariola , Kociuba-Adamczuk Katarzyna , Turowski Krzysztof , Prystupa Andrzej , Stanisławek Andrzej
Published: June 2021

Progressing osteoporosis is a pathological process, which leads to increased bone brittleness and the risk of spontaneous fractures. The prophylaxis of osteoporosis is aimed at preventing its development. It is important to adjust prophylactic measures to each patient’s needs and capabilities. In the case of osteoporosis, the procedure involves taking the medical history, physical examination, densitometry, radiological examination and analytical tests. The following drugs are used in the treatment of osteoporosis: bisphosphonates, calcitonin, estrogens, tibolone, drugs from the SERM group (raloxifen), fluoride, parathormone, strontium. Furthermore, osteoporosis treatment is supplemented with calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus.
High hopes for world-leading genomic healthcare in the UK Government's policy paper
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: June 2021

In this monthly feature, Sarah Jane Palmer delves into topical news, the latest research and what the experts are saying on subjects related to cardiology and cardiac nursing practice.
On the tensor rank of the 3 x 3 permanent and determinant
Authors: Krishna Siddharth , Makam Visu
Published: June 2021

The tensor rank and border rank of the $3 \times 3$ determinant tensor are known to be $5$ if the characteristic is not two. In characteristic two, the existing proofs of both the upper and lower bounds fail. In this paper, we show that the tensor rank remains $5$ for fields of characteristic two as well.
Higher-order harmonic generation and strong field ionization with Bessel–Gauss beams in a thin jet geometry
Authors: Davino Michael , Summers Adam , Saule Tobias , Tross Jan , McManus Edward , Davis Brandin , Trallero-Herrero Carlos
Published: June 2021

A promising alternative to Gaussian beams for use in strong field
science is Bessel–Gauss (BG or Bessel-like) laser beams, as they are
easily produced with readily available optics and provide more
flexibility of the spot size and working distances. Here we use BG
beams produced with a lens-axicon optical system for higher-order
harmonic generation (HHG) in a thin gas jet. The finite size of the
interaction region allows for scans of the HHG yield along the
propagation axis. Further, by measuring the ionization yield in unison
with the extreme ultraviolet (XUV), we are able to distinguish regions
of maximum ionization from regions of optimum XUV generation. This
distinction is of great importance for BG fields, as the generation of
BG beams with axicons often leads to oscillations of the on-axis
intensity, which can be exploited for extended phase-matching
conditions. We observed such oscillations in the ionization and XUV
flux along the propagation axis for the first time. As is the case for
Gaussian modes, the harmonic yield is not maximum at the point of
highest ionization. Finally, despite Bessel beams having a hole in the
center in the far field, the XUV beam is well collimated, making BG
modes a great alternative when spatial filtering of the fundamental is
desired.
Coherent detection schemes for subcarrier wave continuous variable quantum key distribution
Authors: Samsonov E. , Goncharov R. , Fadeev M. , Zinoviev A. , Kirichenko D. , Nasedkin B. , Kiselev A. D. , Egorov V.
Published: June 2021

We examine different methods to implement coherent detection in subcarrier wave quantum key distribution (SCW QKD) systems. For classical wave fields, we present the models describing homodyne-type and heterodyne-type coherent detection schemes needed to extract information from the quadrature phase-coded multimode signals used in SCW QKD. Practical feasibility of the proposed schemes is corroborated by experiments.
Optically controlled THz power tuning based on interference at transmission line
Authors: Che Ming , Kanaya Haruichi , Kato Kazutoshi
Published: June 2021

We have proposed an optically controlled THz power tuning method based on THz wave interference. Through interfered THz waves at the T-junction transmission line, adjustment of the THz power is achieved, and tuning control is attained by varying the optical time delay of the beat-note lightwaves. To demonstrate and verify THz power tuning with an optical delay line, we have also fabricated a monolithic chip on an InP substrate, which integrates arrayed uni-traveling-carrier photodiodes and a planar slot antenna array for 300GHz wave generation. The experimental results reveal that the power transmission of this THz power tuner can be continuously adjusted with a wider tuning range than 7 dB at 300 GHz band. It should be a promising solution for the integration of compact THz wave planar photonic circuits.
3D super-resolution microscopy based on nonlinear gradient descent structured illumination
Authors: Zhu Hongfei , Sun Yile , Yin Lu , Han Jiaxiao , Cai Mingxuan , Liu Qiulan , Kuang Cuifang , Hao Xiang , Liu Xu
Published: June 2021

Three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) is an essential tool for volumetric fluorescence imaging, which improves both axial and lateral resolution by down-modulating high-frequency information of the sample into the passband of optical transfer function (OTF). And when combining with the 4Pi structure, the performance of 3D-SIM can be further improved. The reconstruction results of generally used linear 3D algorithm, however, are lack of high-fidelity and proneess to generate artifacts. In this paper, we proposed a novel iterative algorithm based on gradient descent combined with a nonlinear optimizer, which can be applied to all 3D-SIM setups (including I5S setup). We verified through simulation that the proposed solution, termed as nonlinear gradient descent structured illumination microscopy (NGD-SIM), achieves more fidelity results which can reach the limitation of theoretical resolution improvement of SIM. Moreover, it can be firmly validated on simulation that this algorithm can effectively reduce the amount of raw data in the case of sinusoidal-pattern illumination, i.e., the algorithm doesn’t need five-step phase shifting; data with any number of phases can theoretically be reconstructed. Our method also provides the possibility to extend the application of sinusoidal-pattern illumination to any kind of interference fringe, which is generated by diversified types of illumination mode.
Two-channel six degrees of freedom grating-encoder for precision-positioning of sub-components in synthetic-aperture optics
Authors: Yu Kangning , Zhu Junhao , Yuan Weihan , Zhou Qian , Xue Gaopeng , Wu Guanhao , Wang Xiaohao , Li Xinghui
Published: June 2021

We investigate a novel two-channel grating encoder that can perform simultaneous measurements of six-degree-of-freedom (DOF) motions of two adjacent sub-components of synthetic-aperture optics such as pulse-compression gratings(PCGs) and telescope-primary mirrors. The grating encoder consists of a reading head and two separate gratings, which are attached to the back of the sub-components, respectively. The reading head is constructed such that there two identical optical probes can share the same optical components. The two probes are guided to hit each of the two gratings and can detect six-DOF motions simultaneously and independently. For each probe, the incident beam propagates through both a three-axes grating interferometry module and a three-axes diffraction integrated autocollimator-module, which detects translational and rotational movement, respectively. By combining the two modules it is possible to perform six-DOF measurement for a single point. The common-path configuration of the two probes enable identical responses to environmental variation, which ensures high accuracy.
Frequency tuning behaviour of terahertz quantum cascade lasers revealed by a laser beating scheme
Authors: Guan Wen , Liao Xiaoyu , Li Ziping , Wan Wenjian , Zhou Kang , Zhao Yiran , Wang Chenjie , Ma Xuhong , Wang Shumin , Cao J. C. , Xu Dong , Zhang Junwen , Chi Nan , Li Hua
Published: June 2021

In the terahertz frequency range, the commercialized spectrometers, such as the Fourier transform infrared and time domain spectroscopies, show spectral resolutions between a hundred megahertz and a few gigahertz. Therefore, the high precision frequency tuning ability of terahertz lasers cannot be revealed by these traditional spectroscopic techniques. In this work, we demonstrate a laser beating experiment to investigate the frequency tuning characteristics of terahertz quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) induced by temperature or drive current. Two terahertz QCLs emitting around 4.2 THz with identical active regions and laser dimensions (150 µm wide and 6 mm long) are employed in the beating experiment. One laser is operated as a frequency comb and the other one is driven at a lower current to emit a single frequency. To measure the beating signal, the single mode laser is used as a fast detector (laser self-detection). The laser beating scheme allows the high precision measurement of the frequency tuning of the single mode terahertz QCL. The experimental results show that in the investigated temperature and current ranges, the frequency tuning coefficients of the terahertz QCL are 6.1 MHz/0.1 K (temperature tuning) and 2.7 MHz/mA (current tuning) that cannot be revealed by a traditional terahertz spectrometer. The laser beating technique shows potential abilities in high precision linewidth measurements of narrow absorption lines and multi-channel terahertz communications.