bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detoxifying and antioxidant effect of ellagic acid nano particles in rats intoxicated with sodium nitrites
Authors: EL Barky Amira Ragab , Mohamed Tarek Mostafa , Ali Ehab Mostafa Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Sodium nitrite is used as a preservative in food products to stabilize color and reduce rancidity. Its absorption into the body causes many diseases. Ellagic acid is a natural polyphenol that contains powerful antioxidants, but it is taken as a poorly absorbed food. Therefore, chitosan-coated nanoparticles (EANP@CS) were loaded to enhance their bioactivity and bioavailability after oral administration. EANP@CS was administrated in rats given water containing sodium nitrite to reduce toxins. Ellagic acid was extracted from pomegranate and manufactured EANP@CS. EANP@CS was identified by FT-IR, UV, X-ray diffraction and TEM. Average EANP@CS size ranges from 20–62 nm. Rats were divided into five groups: normal, treated using EANP@CS; rats were receiving nitrite for 8 weeks, and the last two groups were treated with EANP@CS. Serum and liver NO, MDA, and DNA fragmentation were reduced. Liver thiol and GSH levels, and Gpx, catalase and GST activities increased in rats treated with EANP@CS rats compared to rats drinking nitrites. Liver NOS activity was reduced 7 and 4.9 times in rats treated with EANP@CS during or after discontinuation of nitrite administration, respectively. Liver arginase activity was raised in rats that drink nitrite or were treated using EANP@CS. Inflammatory infiltrations of the liver, kidney, and spleen were observed in the tissues of rats that received nitrites and improved when the rats were given EANP@CS. EANP@CS improved oral bioavailability and reduce the risk of sodium nitrite in rats. EANP@CS can be used as a therapeutic goal to detoxify any unwanted toxic substance in food.
The east coast districts are the possible epicenter of severe dengue in Sabah
Authors: Kaur Narinderjeet , Rahim Syed Sharizman Syed Abdul , Jaimin Joel Judson , Dony Jiloris Julian Frederick , Khoon Koay Teng , Ahmed Kamruddin
Published: August 2020

Background

Malaysia recorded the highest number of dengue cases between 2014 and 2017. There are 13 states and three federal territories in Malaysia, and each area varies in their prevalence of dengue. Sabah is one of the states situated in Borneo, Malaysia. Although dengue has been increasing for the last several years, no study was being done to understand the burden and serotype distribution of the dengue virus (DENV) in Sabah. Therefore, the present study was carried out to understand the epidemiology of the dengue infection and the factors responsible for severe dengue in Sabah.

Methods

Data on dengue infection were extracted from the dengue database of the state of Sabah from 2013 through 2018. DENV NS-1-positive serum samples from multiple sites throughout Sabah were sent to the state public health laboratory, Kota Kinabalu Public Health Laboratory, for serotype determination. The analysis of factors associated with severe dengue was determined from the data of 2018 only.

Results

In 2013, there were 724 dengue cases; however, from 2014, dengue cases increased exponentially and resulted in 3423 cases in 2018. Increasing dengue cases also led to increased dengue mortality. The number of dengue deaths in 2013 was only five which then gradually increased, and in 2018, 29 patients died. This is an increase of 580% from 2013 to 2018. Deaths were considerably more in the districts of the east coast of Sabah compared with districts in the west coast. During the study period, all DENV serotypes could be identified as serotypes circulating in Sabah. In 2018, the predominant serotype was DENV-3. The monthly peak of dengue infection varied in different years. In the logistic regression analysis, it was identified that children were 6.5 times, patients infected with mixed serotype of DENV were 13 times, and cases from the districts of the east coast were 5.2 times more likely to develop severe dengue.

Conclusions

An increasing trend of dengue infection has been observed in Sabah. The burden of dengue, severe dengue, and mortality was noted especially in the districts of the east coast of Sabah. Severe dengue was most likely developed in children, cases from the east coast, and patients infected with mixed serotype of DENV.
Dietary L-arginine supplementation reduces lipid accretion by regulating fatty acid metabolism in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Li Senlin , Zhang Yunchang , Liu Ning , Chen Jingqing , Guo Lina , Dai Zhaolai , Wang Chao , Wu Zhenlong , Wu Guoyao
Published: August 2020

Background

Excessive white fat accumulation in humans and other animals is associated with the development of multiple metabolic diseases. It is unknown whether dietary L-arginine supplementation reduces lipid deposition in high fat diet-fed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Results

In the present study, we found that dietary supplementation with 1% or 2% arginine decreased the deposition and concentration of fats in the liver; the concentrations of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein in the serum; and the diameter of adipocytes in intraperitoneal adipose tissue. Compared with the un-supplementation control group, the hepatic activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase, and hepatic concentration of malondialdehyde were reduced but these for catalase and superoxide dismutase were enhanced by dietary supplementation with 2% arginine. Arginine supplementation reduced the total amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids, while increasing the total amounts of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the liver. These effects of arginine were associated with reductions in mRNA levels for genes related to lipogenesis (sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, acetyl-CoA carboxylase α, stearoyl-CoA desaturase, and fatty acid synthase) but increases in mRNA levels for genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α). In addition, hepatic mRNA levels for Δ4 fatty acyl desaturase 2 and elongase 5 of very long-chain fatty acids were enhanced by arginine supplementation.

Conclusion

These results revealed that dietary L-arginine supplementation to tilapia reduced high fat diet-induced fat deposition and fatty acid composition in the liver by regulating the expression of genes for lipid metabolism.
Living with pathological narcissism: a qualitative study
Authors: Day Nicholas J. S. , Townsend Michelle L. , Grenyer Brin F. S.
Published: August 2020

Background

Research into the personality trait of narcissism have advanced further understanding of the pathological concomitants of grandiosity, vulnerability and interpersonal antagonism. Recent research has established some of the interpersonal impacts on others from being in a close relationship with someone having such traits of pathological narcissism, but no qualitative studies exist. Individuals with pathological narcissism express many of their difficulties of identity and emotion regulation within the context of significant interpersonal relationships thus studying these impacts on others is warranted.

Method

We asked the relatives of people high in narcissistic traits (indexed by scoring above a cut-off on a narcissism screening measure) to describe their relationships (N = 436; current romantic partners [56.2%]; former romantic partners [19.7%]; family members [21.3%]). Participants were asked to describe their relative and their interactions with them. Verbatim responses were thematically analysed.

Results

Participants described ‘grandiosity’ in their relative: requiring admiration, showing arrogance, entitlement, envy, exploitativeness, grandiose fantasy, lack empathy, self-importance and interpersonal charm. Participants also described ‘vulnerability’ of the relative: contingent self-esteem, hypersensitivity and insecurity, affective instability, emptiness, rage, devaluation, hiding the self and victimhood. These grandiose and vulnerable characteristics were commonly reported together (69% of respondents). Participants also described perfectionistic (anankastic), vengeful (antisocial) and suspicious (paranoid) features. Instances of relatives childhood trauma, excessive religiosity and substance abuse were also described.

Conclusions

These findings lend support to the importance of assessing the whole dimension of the narcissistic personality, as well as associated personality patterns. On the findings reported here, the vulnerable aspect of pathological narcissism impacts others in an insidious way given the core deficits of feelings of emptiness and affective instability. These findings have clinical implications for diagnosis and treatment in that the initial spectrum of complaints may be misdiagnosed unless the complete picture is understood. Living with a person with pathological narcissism can be marked by experiencing a person who shows large fluctuations in affect, oscillating attitudes and contradictory needs.
Desire for and barriers to obtaining effective contraception among women experiencing homelessness
Authors: Corey Elizabeth , Frazin Stephanie , Heywood Samantha , Haider Sadia
Published: August 2020

Background

Homelessness is a significant and growing problem in the United States. Women experiencing homelessness face unique challenges as they have high rates of unintended pregnancy. They often face significant barriers to obtaining effective contraception. This study aimed to explore the contraceptive preferences, desire for, and barriers to obtaining effective contraception among women experiencing homelessness.

Study design

In this cross-sectional study, 54 women experiencing homelessness in Chicago who were at risk for unintended pregnancy were surveyed.

Results

While 94% of the women experiencing homelessness surveyed desired avoiding pregnancy, most were using the least effective contraceptive methods. Among participants, 80% had health insurance, 75% had a high school diploma, and 90% knew where to obtain birth control. Despite these factors, participants faced barriers to obtaining contraception. One significant barrier was lack of comprehensive contraceptive counseling as 62% report a physician had never counseled them on LARC methods. Approximately half of participants desired or would consider using a LARC in the future.

Conclusions

Women experiencing homelessness in our study demonstrate significant unmet needs for effective contraception. Women experiencing homelessness would benefit from comprehensive contraceptive counseling and improved access to effective forms of contraception.
Halo score (temporal artery, its branches and axillary artery) as a diagnostic, prognostic and disease monitoring tool for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
Authors: Sebastian Alwin , van der Geest Kornelis S. M. , Coath Fiona , Gondo Prisca , Kayani Abdul , Mackerness Craig , Hadebe Bernard , Innes Sue , Jackson Jo , Dasgupta Bhaskar
Published: August 2020

Background

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a common large vessel vasculitis of the elderly, often associated with sight loss. Glucocorticoids (GC remain the mainstay of treatment, although biologic treatments have been approved. Biomarkers predicting disease severity, relapse rates and damage are lacking in GCA.

EULAR recommends ultrasound (US) as the first investigation for suspected GCA. The cardinal US finding, a non-compressible halo, is currently categorised as either negative or positive. However, the extent and severity of this finding may vary.

In this study, we hypothesise whether the extent and severity of the halo sign [calculated as a single composite Halo score (HS)] of temporal and axillary arteries may be of diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring importance; whether baseline HS is linked to disease outcomes, relapses and damage; whether HS can stratify GCA patients for individual treatment needs; whether HS can function as an objective monitoring tool during follow up.

Methods

This is a prospective, observational study. Suspected GCA Participants will be selected from the GCA FTC at the participating centres in the UK. Informed consent will be obtained, and patients managed as part of standard care. Patients with GCA will have HS (temporal and axillary arteries) measured at baseline and months 1,3,6 and 12 long with routine clinical assessments, blood sampling and patient-reported outcomes (EQ5D). Non-GCA patients will be discharged back to the referral team and will have a telephone interview in 6 months.

We aim to recruit 272 suspected GCA referrals which should yield 68 patients (25% of referrals) with confirmed GCA. The recruitment will be completed in 1 year with an estimated total study period of 24 months.

Discussion

The identification of prognostic factors in GCA is both timely and needed. A prognostic marker, such as the HS, could help to stratify GCA patients for an appropriate treatment regimen. Tocilizumab, an IL-6R blocking agent, switches off the acute phase response (C-Reactive Protein), making it difficult to measure the disease activity. Therefore, an independent HS, and changes in that score during treatment and follow-up, maybe a more objective measure of response compare to patient-reported symptoms and clinical assessment alone.
Polymerization of deoxygenated sickle hemoglobin in the presence of fractionated leaf extracts of Anacardium occidentale, Psidium guajava, and Terminalia catappa
Authors: Chikezie Paul C. , Ekeanyanwu Raphael C. , Chile-Agada Adaeze B.
Published: August 2020

Background

The present study evaluated levels of polymerization of deoxygenated sickle hemoglobin molecules (poly-dHbS-M) in the presence of fractionated leaf extracts of Anacardium occidentale Linn., Psidium guajava Linn., and Terminalia catappa Linn in vitro as well as identified, quantified, and characterized the phytocomponents from fractionated leaf extracts that exhibited comparatively high potency to impede poly-dHbS-M. Non-hemolyzed sickle erythrocytes were premixed with 40, 60, and 80 mg/100 mL of each of the separate fractionated leaf extracts of A. occidentale, P. guajava, and T. catappa in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; pH = 7.4), osmotically equivalent to 9.0 g/L NaCl. Poly-dHbS-M was induced by adding 2.0 g/100 mL Na2S2O5 to the erythrocyte suspension. The absorbance of the erythrocyte suspension was measured at regular intervals of 30 s for 180 s. Identification, quantification, and characterization of phytocomponents from fractionated leaf extracts were carried out using GC-MS, FT-IR, and UV-visible systems protocols.

Results

The level of poly-dHbS-M of the control sample was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the samples containing 40, 60, and 80 mg/100 mL ethylacetate extracts of A. occidentale at t < 60 s. The relative cumulative polymerization index (RCPI%) of dHbS-M in the presence of fractionated leaf extract of A. occidentale varied within a wide range of 3.8–59.4%. A. occidentale (petroleum ether and ethylacetate extracts), P. guajava (n-hexane, chloroform, and ethylacetate extracts), and T. catappa (ethylacetate extract) exhibited comparatively high potency to inhibit poly-dHbS-M.

Conclusion

The fractionated leaf extracts of A. occidentale, P. guajava, and T. catappa exhibited differential capacities to impede poly-dHbS-M. The combinations of aliphatic hydrocarbons, methylated esters, methylated fatty acids, aliphatic alcohols, d-erythro-sphinganine, aromatic derivatives, cycloalkanes, phthalates, isothiocyanates, aminated sugars, cyclo-alcohols, and nitro-compounds impeded poly-dHbS-M.
Antibiotics stewardship in Ghana: a cross-sectional study of public knowledge, attitudes, and practices among communities
Authors: Jimah Tamara , Fenny Ama P. , Ogunseitan Oladele A.
Published: August 2020

Background

Antibiotic resistance is a major contributing factor to global morbidity and mortality and is associated with inappropriate medication use. However, the level of antibiotic consumption and knowledge about antibiotic resistance in Ghana is inadequately quantified. Our study identifies strategies for improved stewardship of antibiotics to prevent the proliferation of resistant pathogens by assessing the level of antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and consumption behaviors by region, gender, age, and education in rural and urban Ghana.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 communities in the urban Greater Accra and rural Upper West regions of Ghana. A questionnaire survey was administered to 400 individuals aged 18 years and older in selected locations during September–October 2018 to collect data on individual knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Multivariate analysis was used to investigate the association between demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and related behaviors.

Results

Over 30% (125/400) had not received a doctor’s prescription during their last illness. Seventy percent (278/400) had taken at least one antibiotic in the year prior to the survey. The top five frequently used antibiotics were Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, and Metronidazole. Women and older adults had higher knowledge compared to their respective counterparts (p < 0.01). Furthermore, prudent antibiotic use was significantly more prevalent in women than men (p < 0.05). Although no regional differences were found in overall knowledge, compared to urban residents, individuals residing in rural settings exhibited higher knowledge about the ineffectiveness of antibiotics for viruses like the cold and HIV/AIDS (p < 0.001). Two hundred and fifty-two (63%) respondents were unaware of antibiotic resistance. There was generally a low level of self-efficacy among participants regarding their role in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Conclusion

Antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and use varied significantly across demographics, suggesting a context-specific approach to developing effective community interventions.
Universal orbital angular momentum spectrum analyzer for beams
Authors: Fu Shiyao , Zhai Yanwang , Zhang Jianqiang , Liu Xueting , Song Rui , Zhou Heng , Gao Chunqing
Published: August 2020

The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of beams provides a new dimension, and have already found lots of applications in various domains. Among such applications, the precisely and quantitatively diagnostic of intensity distributions among different OAM modes, namely the OAM spectrum of a beam, is of great significance. In this paper we propose and experimentally validate a simple interferential method to achieve this goal. By analyzing the interference pattern formed by the beam and a reference field, the OAM spectrum can be obtained instantaneously. Furthermore, the proposed method is also available for more complex light fields, for instance, the multi-ring optical vortices. In the proof-of-concept experiment, the OAM spectra of both single-mode and N-fold multiplexed OAM modes with various intensity distributions are well detected. Our work offers a new way to precisely measure the OAM spectra of beams and will advance the development of many applications ranging from classical to quantum physics as the OAM based large-capacity data transmissions, rotation detection, quantum manipulation and so on.
Rucaparib in Men With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Harboring aBRCA1orBRCA2Gene Alteration
Authors: Abida Wassim , Patnaik Akash , Campbell David , Shapiro Jeremy , Bryce Alan H. , McDermott Ray , Sautois Brieuc , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Bambury Richard M. , Voog Eric , Zhang Jingsong , Piulats Josep M. , Ryan Charles J. , Merseburger Axel S. , Daugaard Gedske , Heidenreich Axel , Fizazi Karim , Higano Celestia S. , Krieger Laurence E. , Sternberg Cora N. , Watkins Simon P. , Despain Darrin , Simmons Andrew D. , Loehr Andrea , Dowson Melanie , Golsorkhi Tony , Chowdhury Simon ,   on behalf of the TRITON2 investigators
Published: August 2020

PURPOSE

BRCA1 or BRCA2 ( BRCA) alterations are common in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and may confer sensitivity to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. We present results from patients with mCRPC associated with a BRCA alteration treated with rucaparib 600 mg twice daily in the phase II TRITON2 study.

METHODS

We enrolled patients who progressed after one to two lines of next-generation androgen receptor–directed therapy and one taxane-based chemotherapy for mCRPC. Efficacy and safety populations included patients with a deleterious BRCA alteration who received ≥ 1 dose of rucaparib. Key efficacy end points were objective response rate (ORR; per RECIST/Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Working Group 3 in patients with measurable disease as assessed by blinded, independent radiology review and by investigators) and locally assessed prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response (≥ 50% decrease from baseline) rate.

RESULTS

Efficacy and safety populations included 115 patients with a BRCA alteration with or without measurable disease. Confirmed ORRs per independent radiology review and investigator assessment were 43.5% (95% CI, 31.0% to 56.7%; 27 of 62 patients) and 50.8% (95% CI, 38.1% to 63.4%; 33 of 65 patients), respectively. The confirmed PSA response rate was 54.8% (95% CI, 45.2% to 64.1%; 63 of 115 patients). ORRs were similar for patients with a germline or somatic BRCA alteration and for patients with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 alteration, while a higher PSA response rate was observed in patients with a BRCA2 alteration. The most frequent grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse event was anemia (25.2%; 29 of 115 patients).

CONCLUSION

Rucaparib has antitumor activity in patients with mCRPC and a deleterious BRCA alteration, but with a manageable safety profile consistent with that reported in other solid tumor types.
CD133 Expression in Medullary Thyroid Cancer Cells Identifies Patients with Poor Prognosis
Authors: Cordero-Barreal Alfonso , Caleiras Eduardo , López de Maturana Evangelina , Monteagudo María , Martínez-Montes Ángel M , Letón Rocío , Gil Eduardo , Álvarez-Escolá Cristina , Regojo Rita M , Andía Víctor , Marazuela Mónica , Guadalix Sonsoles , Calatayud María , Robles-Díaz Luis , Aguirre Miguel , Cano Juana M , Díaz José Ángel , Saavedra Pilar , Lamas Cristina , Azriel Sharona , Sastre Julia , Aller Javier , Leandro-García Luis J , Calsina Bruna , Roldán-Romero Juan María , Santos María , Lanillos Javier , Cascón Alberto , Rodríguez-Antona Cristina , Robledo Mercedes , Montero-Conde Cristina
Published: August 2020

Context

The identification of markers able to determine medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) patients at high-risk of disease progression is critical to improve their clinical management and outcome. Previous studies have suggested that expression of the stem cell marker CD133 is associated with MTC aggressiveness.

Objective

To evaluate CD133 impact on disease progression in MTC and explore the regulatory mechanisms leading to the upregulation of this protein in aggressive tumors.

Patients

We compiled a series of 74 MTCs with associated clinical data and characterized them for mutations in RET and RAS proto-oncogenes, presumed to be related with disease clinical behavior.

Results

We found that CD133 immunohistochemical expression was associated with adverse clinicopathological features and predicted a reduction in time to disease progression even when only RET-mutated cases were considered in the analysis (log-rank test P < 0.003). Univariate analysis for progression-free survival revealed CD133 expression and presence of tumor emboli in peritumoral blood vessels as the most significant prognostic covariates among others such as age, gender, and prognostic stage. Multivariate analysis identified both variables as independent factors of poor prognosis (hazard ratio = 16.6 and 2; P = 0.001 and 0.010, respectively). Finally, we defined hsa-miR-30a-5p, a miRNA downregulated in aggressive MTCs, as a CD133 expression regulator. Ectopic expression of hsa-miR-30a-5p in MZ-CRC-1 (RETM918T) cells significantly reduced CD133 mRNA expression.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that CD133 expression may be a useful tool to identify MTC patients with poor prognosis, who may benefit from a more extensive primary surgical management and follow-up.
11-Oxygenated C19 Steroids Do Not Distinguish the Hyperandrogenic Phenotype of PCOS Daughters from Girls with Obesity
Authors: Torchen Laura C , Sisk Ryan , Legro Richard S , Turcu Adina F , Auchus Richard J , Dunaif Andrea
Published: August 2020

Context

Hyperandrogenemia (HA) is a consistent reproductive phenotype in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their relatives. Increased testosterone levels are present in premenarchal daughters of affected women (PCOS-d). Obese girls (OB-g) without a family history of PCOS also have peripubertal HA. The sources and significance of HA in these groups remains unknown.

Objective

11-oxygenated 19-carbon (C19) steroids are adrenally derived androgens that are elevated in hyperandrogenic disorders, including PCOS. We performed this study to test the hypothesis that peripheral serum 11-oxygenated steroids would differ in PCOS-d compared with OB-g suggesting distinct etiologies of HA in affected girls.

Design, Setting, and Participants

We compared peripheral serum 11-oxygenated steroid levels in 21 PCOS-d, 29 OB-g, and 17 lean control girls (LC) of comparable age at an academic medical center.

Results

Body mass index (BMI) differed by design (P < 0.001). 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione, 11-ketoandrostenedione, and 11β-hydroxytestosterone levels did not differ between the groups. Compared with LC, PCOS-d and OB-g had similar elevations in 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) (analysis of variance [ANOVA] P = 0.03; PCOS-d vs LC, P = 0.04; OB-g vs LC, P = 0.05; PCOS-d vs OB-g, P = 0.97). In multivariate regression, 11KT levels were associated with DHEAS (P = 0.008), but not with BMI z score, breast Tanner stage, testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone or sex hormone–binding globulin levels.

Conclusions

Circulating 11KT levels were similarly elevated in peripubertal PCOS-d and OB-g, suggesting an adrenal component of HA in both groups. We found that 11-oxygenated 19-carbon steroid profiles did not identify subtypes of HA girls.
Genetic Variation and Hot Flashes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Crandall Carolyn J , Diamant Allison L , Maglione Margaret , Thurston Rebecca C , Sinsheimer Janet
Published: August 2020

Context

Approximately 70% of women report experiencing vasomotor symptoms (VMS, hot flashes and/or night sweats). The etiology of VMS is not clearly understood but may include genetic factors.

Evidence Acquisition

We searched PubMed and Embase in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance. We included studies on associations between genetic variation and VMS. We excluded studies focused on medication interventions or prevention or treatment of breast cancer.

Evidence Synthesis

Of 202 unique citations, 18 citations met the inclusion criteria. Study sample sizes ranged from 51 to 17 695. Eleven of the 18 studies had fewer than 500 participants; 2 studies had 1000 or more. Overall, statistically significant associations with VMS were found for variants in 14 of the 26 genes assessed in candidate gene studies. The cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1 (CYP1B1) gene was the focus of the largest number (n = 7) of studies, but strength and statistical significance of associations of CYP1B1 variants with VMS were inconsistent. A genome-wide association study reported statistically significant associations between 14 single-nucleotide variants in the tachykinin receptor 3 gene and VMS. Heterogeneity across trials regarding VMS measurement methods and effect measures precluded quantitative meta-analysis; there were few studies of each specific genetic variant.

Conclusions

Genetic variants are associated with VMS. The associations are not limited to variations in sex-steroid metabolism genes. However, studies were few and future studies are needed to confirm and extend these findings.
DPP-4 Inhibition with Anagliptin Reduces Lipotoxicity-Induced Insulin Resistance and Steatohepatitis in Male Mice
Authors: Sakai Yuriko , Chen Guanliang , Ni Yinhua , Zhuge Fen , Xu Liang , Nagata Naoto , Kaneko Shuichi , Ota Tsuguhito , Nagashimada Mayumi
Published: August 2020

Excessive hepatic lipid accumulation drives the innate immune system and aggravates insulin resistance, hepatic inflammation, and fibrogenesis, leading to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) regulates glucose metabolism and is expressed in many different cell types, including the cells of the immune system. In addition, DPP-4 may be involved in macrophage-mediated inflammation and insulin resistance. This study investigated the effects of anagliptin (Ana), an inhibitor of DPP-4, on macrophage polarity and phenotype in the livers of mice with steatohepatitis. We investigated the effects of Ana on steatohepatitis induced via a high-cholesterol high-fat (CL) diet or a choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined, high-fat (CDAHF) diet. DPP-4 activity, liver histology, and insulin sensitivity were evaluated, and liver DPP-4+ macrophages were quantified using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Liver and plasma DPP-4 activity increased significantly in mice on both diets. FACS revealed that, compared with chow-fed mice, the CL-fed mice exhibited a significant increase in the proportion of DPP-4+ liver macrophages, particularly the M1-type macrophages. Ana decreased hepatic lipid and M1 macrophage accumulation and stimulated M2 macrophage accumulation in the liver, thereby attenuating insulin resistance, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. Importantly, Ana alleviated hepatic fibrosis and steatohepatitis in mice fed CL diet and CDAHF diet. Using Ana to inhibit DPP-4 reduced lipotoxicity-induced hepatic insulin resistance through regulating the M1/M2 macrophage status.
Complex Glycerol Kinase Deficiency (Xp21 Deletion Syndrome): A Case Report of a Contiguous Gene Disorder Necessitating Creative Anesthetic Planning
Authors: Rossell Baptiste , Godart Juliette , Petyt Caroline , Veyckemans Francis
Published: August 2020

We report a case of Xp21 deletion syndrome, a contiguous gene syndrome associating glycerol kinase deficiency, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and congenital adrenal hypoplasia. This results in a contraindication to the use of all halogenated agents and of propofol. We used regional anesthesia combined with dexmedetomidine and ketamine. Previously, the patient had received inadvertently a propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with no clinical side effects. We were unfortunately unable to document the metabolic consequences of this glycerol load. We suggest that if propofol is deemed necessary in such cases, it should only be used as a bolus dose of a 2% solution.
“The Finest Men We Have Ever Seen”: Jefferson, the Osages, and the Mirror of Nativism
Authors: Warrior Robert
Published: August 2020

Noting the entwined histories of settler colonialism and racial capitalism, Robert Warrior investigates the place of Native Americans in colonial hierarchies manifest across US history, from an 1804 encounter in Washington, DC, between the Osage people and Thomas Jefferson—in which Jefferson claims that the Osage were among “the finest men we have ever seen”—to the January 2019 media event surrounding Nathan Phillips and Nicholas Sandmann on the National Mall. Drawing from the work of Arica Coleman, he notes that Jefferson’s seeming high regard for the Osage people masks his ideological commitment to racial purity, and he casts these reflections alongside movements such as Standing Rock and Black Lives Matter.
The Afterlives of Odette and Albertine in Lolita’s Final Chapters
Authors: Dragunoiu Dana
Published: August 2020

The article contributes to the long-standing debate about Lolita’s final nine chapters by arguing for a much tighter connection than previously acknowledged between Nabokov’s most famous novel and Proust’s À la recherche du temps perdu. Turning on the claim that Dolly’s alleged letter from Coalmont has a precedent in the Recherche, the essay proposes that Humbert fabricates the letter from Dolly for similar reasons that Proust’s Narrator makes himself believe that a telegram he receives from Gilberte is a missive from Albertine. The phantom letter in Lolita and the garbled telegram in the Recherche are psychologically therapeutic exercises in misreading and gestures toward paths not taken. But in Nabokov’s case, it is also an experiment in writing the kind of literary freedom he theorized in his 1941 lecture on drama titled “The Tragedy of Tragedy.” The article argues that Dolly’s potential vanishing act pays homage to the mercurial personalities that Nabokov encountered in Proust’s novel and the unconventional literary structures he admired in the works of Pushkin and Chekhov.
Root system architecture analysis in Mesembryanthemum crystallinum (ice plant) seedlings reveals characteristic root halotropic response
Authors: Otsuka Mayuko , Kato Hikaru , Yamada Shyota , Nakayama Tatsuhiko , Sakaoka Satomi , Morikami Atsushi , Tsukagoshi Hironaka
Published: August 2020

One of the major environmental stress factors that affect root growth is salinity. Arabidopsis thaliana, a glycophyte, shows halotropism, whereby it alters the direction of root growth in a non-gravitropic pattern to evade high soil salinity. Asymmetric auxin distribution regulated by the relocation of auxin-efflux carrier proteins is a key cellular event in the halotropic response. However, there are no reports of halotropism in halophytes. Here, we investigated root growth traits in Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, ice plant, under high salinity conditions. We hypothesized that ice plant roots would show halotropic responses different from those of Arabidopsis. Notably, similar to halotropism observed in Arabidopsis, ice plant roots showed continuous root bending under salinity stress. However, the root elongation rate did not change in ice plants. Expression analyses of several genes revealed that auxin transport might be partially involved in ice plant halotropism. This study enhances our understanding of halophyte root adaptation to high salinity stress.
Transcriptional adaptation: a mechanism underlying genetic robustness
Authors: Sztal Tamar E. , Stainier Didier Y. R.
Published: August 2020

Mutations play a crucial role in evolution as they provide the genetic variation that allows evolutionary change. Although some mutations in regulatory elements or coding regions can be beneficial, a large number of them disrupt gene function and reduce fitness. Organisms utilize several mechanisms to compensate for the damaging consequences of genetic perturbations. One such mechanism is the recently identified process of transcriptional adaptation (TA): during this event, mutations that cause mutant mRNA degradation trigger the transcriptional modulation of so-called adapting genes. In some cases, for example when one (or more) of the upregulated genes is functionally redundant with the mutated gene, this process compensates for the loss of the mutated gene's product. Notably, unlike other mechanisms underlying genetic robustness, TA is not triggered by the loss of protein function, an observation that has prompted studies into the machinery of TA and the contexts in which it functions. Here, we review the discovery and current understanding of TA, and discuss how its main features appear to be conserved across species. In light of these findings, we also speculate on the importance of TA in the context of human disease, and provide some recommendations for genome-editing strategies that should be more effective.
DMM Outstanding Paper Prize 2019 winner: Alessandro Bailetti
Authors: Hackett Rachel
Published: August 2020

Disease Models & Mechanisms (DMM) is delighted to announce (with apologies for the delay) that the winner of the DMM Prize 2019 is Alessandro Bailetti, for his paper entitled ‘Enhancer of Polycomb and the Tip60 complex repress hematological tumor initiation by negatively regulating JAK/STAT pathway activity’ (Bailetti et al., 2019). The prize of $1000 is awarded to the first author of the paper that is judged by the journal's editors to be the most outstanding contribution to the journal that year. To be considered for the prize, the first author must be a student or a postdoc of no more than 5 years standing.
Amino acid homeostatic control by TORC1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under high hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Uemura Satoshi , Mochizuki Takahiro , Amemiya Kengo , Kurosaka Goyu , Yazawa Miho , Nakamoto Keiko , Ishikawa Yu , Izawa Shingo , Abe Fumiyoshi
Published: August 2020

Mechanical stresses, including high hydrostatic pressure, elicit diverse physiological effects on organisms. Gtr1, Gtr2, Ego1 (also known as Meh1) and Ego3 (also known as Slm4), central regulators of the TOR complex 1 (TORC1) nutrient signaling pathway, are required for the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells under high pressure. Here, we showed that a pressure of 25 MPa (∼250 kg/cm2) stimulates TORC1 to promote phosphorylation of Sch9, which depends on the EGO complex (EGOC) and Pib2. Incubation of cells at this pressure aberrantly increased glutamine and alanine levels in the ego1Δ, gtr1Δ, tor1Δ and pib2Δ mutants, whereas the polysome profiles were unaffected. Moreover, we found that glutamine levels were reduced by combined deletions of EGO1, GTR1, TOR1 and PIB2 with GLN3. These results suggest that high pressure leads to the intracellular accumulation of amino acids. Subsequently, Pib2 loaded with glutamine stimulates the EGOC–TORC1 complex to inactivate Gln3, downregulating glutamine synthesis. Our findings illustrate the regulatory circuit that maintains intracellular amino acid homeostasis and suggest critical roles for the EGOC–TORC1 and Pib2–TORC1 complexes in the growth of yeast under high hydrostatic pressure.
Radiology teaching improves Anatomy scores for medical students
Authors: Chew C , O’Dwyer P J , Young David , Gracie J A
Published: August 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate if small group teaching in Radiology impacted Anatomy scores in the summative end of year examination.

Methods:

Small group teaching in Radiology was incorporated into Anatomy of year one medical students during the academic years 2016/17 and 2017/18. Examination outcome for 2 years before and 1 year after the study period were compared.

Question papers for end of year summative examinations were retrieved; questions relating to Anatomy were identified and anonymised scores for students were obtained.

Results:

Student numbers ranged 238 to 290/year. Mean Anatomy scores ranged 62–74%, this compared with mean total exam score of 62–65%. No significant difference in Anatomy and Total examination scores for 2015, 2016 and 2019. Mean (SD) Anatomy scores were significantly higher than the Total examination scores for the study period of 2017 and 2018 [68.97 (17.32) vs 63.12 (11.51) and 73.77 (17.85) vs 64.99 (10.31) (p < 0.001)]. Combined Anatomy scores 2017 and 2018 were significantly higher than 2015 and 2016, difference of 5.50 (95% C.I. 3.31–7.70; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

This is the first study to objectively demonstrate Radiology small group teaching significantly improved Anatomy scores for medical students in the summative end of year examination.

Advances in knowledge:

No evidence in the literature that Radiology teaching improves examination outcomes for medical students.

This is the first study to directly link Radiology teaching with improved Anatomy examination result.

Small group teaching in Radiology is a feasible way to teach Anatomy.
Χαρισματικότητα και φιλοσοφείν
Authors: Αναγνώστου Μαρία
Published: August 2020

Η συγκεκριμένη εισήγηση περιγράφει την απόπειρα διδακτικής παρέμβασης σε μαθητή ΥΨΙΜ, που φοιτά στην Πέμπτη τάξη του Δημοτικού Σχολείου, κατά το διδακτικό έτος 2018-19, η οποία βασίστηκε στις αρχές της διευρυμένης μάθησης, στη θεωρία της πολλαπλής νοημοσύνης του Gardner (1993) και εμπνεύστηκε από το κίνημα “Φιλοσοφία για παιδιά” του Lippman(1988). To εξατομικευμένο πρόγραμμα διδασκαλίας του μαθητή,το οποίο πραγματοποιούνταν εκτός σχολικής τάξης, είχε ως στόχο τον εμπλουτισμό των μαθησιακών εμπειριών του (Cutts & Moseley, 1957), αντλώντας ως θέματα επεξεργασίας έννοιες των Μαθηματικών και της Φυσικής,οι οποίες εξακτινώνονταν διαθεματικά (Ματσαγγούρας 2003).Η κάθε δραστηριότητα είχε ως υπόβαθρο την αρχαία ελληνική φιλοσοφία, στηριζόταν στη θεωρία μάθησης του J.Dewey (1982) για την ενεργητική πρόσκτηση της γνώσης, αποσκοπούσε στην καλλιέργεια της κριτικής-δημιουργικής σκέψης του μαθητή και διαμορφωνόταν με βάση τα ενδιαφέροντα του, ώστε να είναι ελκυστική και να προκαλεί το ενδιαφέρον του (Keller 2008).Ως κομβικό σημείο της παρούσας αποτέλεσε η εξέταση της συμβολής της φιλοσοφικής παιδείας και σκέψης στη διαμόρφωση διαφοροποιημένων εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων για χαρισματικά παιδιά.Τα διαθεματικά σχέδια εργασίας που πραγματευτήκαμε, αύξησαν το ενδιαφέρον του μαθητή για έρευνα, συνέτειναν στην εύστοχη χρήση των νοητικών συλλογισμών και τη μαθησιακή του χειραφέτηση και καλλιέργησαν την παιγνιώδη θέαση του κόσμου.
Διαπολιτισμική Επικοινωνία στα πλαίσια του σχολείου
Authors: Ανδρουλιδάκη Κατερίνα
Published: August 2020

Είναι γεγονός ότι η διαπολιτισμική επικοινωνία δεν είναι κάτι νέο, καθώς υπάρχει απο τότε που άνθρωποι από διαφορετικούς πολιτισμούς έρχονται σε επαφή μεταξύ τους. Στις μεταναστευτικές κοινωνίες, όπως πλέον είναι και η χώρα μας, η διαπολιτισμική επικοινωνία είναι ένα καθημερινό φαινόμενο που συνοδεύεται από διαφορετικά είδη δυσκολιών που τα άτομα καλούνται να αντιμετωπίσουν. Η ανάλυσή του απαιτεί τη γνώση του τρόπου ζωής, των συνηθειών, των συνθηκών διαβίωσης και της ευαισθησίας προς αυτούς, καθώς ακόμη και στις αλληλεπιδράσεις μεταξύ ανθρώπων της ίδιας μητρικής γλώσσας μπορούν συχνά να προκύψουν απογοητεύσεις, δυσκολίες στην κατανόηση ή παρερμηνείες. Ωστόσο η παρούσα εισήγηση δεν ασχολείται με κάθε είδους αλληλεπίδραση, αλλά μόνο με τη σχέση παιδιών και νέων, μέσα στα πλαίσια του σχολείου, καθώς στις μέρες μας, σχεδόν όλες οι σχολικές τάξεις έχουν μαθητές διαφορετικής πολιτισμικής και κοινωνικής καταγωγής. Ξεκινώντας από τον ορισμό της διαπολιτισμικής επικοινωνίας και χωρίζοντας τον στα λεξικά συστατικά του, συνειδητοποιούμε ότι οι δυο βασικοί όροι, αυτός του πολιτισμού και αυτός της επικοινωνίας είναι άρρηκτα συνδεδεμένα μεταξύ τους. Αυτό συνήθως έχει σαν αποτέλεσμα συχνά την εμφάνιση παρεξηγήσεων, παρερμηνείας και συγκρούσεων ακόμα και στο σχολικό χώρο. Η LaRay M. Barna συγκεκριμένα, μελέτησε πιο προσεχτικά τα προβλήματα της διαπολιτισμικής επικοινωνίας και κατέληξε σε έξι εμπόδια που δυσκολεύουν την αμοιβαία κατανόηση. Στα πλαίσια της εισήγησης αυτής θα εστιάσουμε κυρίως στο τέταρτο εμπόδιο αυτό των στερεοτύπων και προκαταλήψεων ειδικά μεταξύ παιδιών και νέων διαφορετικών πολιτισμών στο σχολικό περιβάλλον, θεωρώντας ότι έχουν μεγάλο ρόλο στην επιλογή και δημιουργία φιλικών σχέσεων. Στη συνέχεια θα γίνει αναφορά σε κάποια σχέδια δράσης που έλαβαν χώρα στη Γερμανία σχετικά με την προώθηση της καλύτερης δυνατής επικοινωνίας και την εξάλειψη των στερεοτύπων, του ρατσισμού και της ξενοφοβίας.
Εφαρμογή του Gamification στην Ειδική Αγωγή: Αξιοποίηση δημοφιλών επιτραπέζιων παιχνιδιών.
Authors: Βαρέλη Βασιλική , Σκαναβή Ευαγγελία
Published: August 2020

Στις μέρες μας τα παιδιά ακολουθώντας τα πρότυπα του οπτικοποιημένου πολιτισμού έχουν ενσωματώσει τις νέες τεχνολογίες στην καθημερινότητα τους. Η εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία προκειμένου να ανταποκριθεί στις καινούργιες διαμορφούμενες ανάγκες, αξιοποιεί τεχνικές, όπως το Gamification, δημιουργώντας ένα σύγχρονο, διαδραστικό, βιωματικό και ελκυστικό τρόπο μάθησης. Η εφαρμογή αυτής της εκπαιδευτικής τεχνικής ακολουθεί το μαθητοκεντρικό μοντέλο διδασκαλίας, το οποίο μετασχηματίζει το μαθησιακό περιβάλλον χωρίς όμως να υποκαθιστά την ίδια τη μάθηση ( Lee & Hammer, 2011). Η συγκεκριμένη εργασία θα εστιάσει στην ένταξη στοιχείων του Gamification στην Δευτεροβάθμια Ειδική Εκπαίδευση. Αναλυτικά, θα παρουσιαστεί η αξιοποίηση γνωστών επιτραπέζιων παιχνιδιών προσαρμοσμένων στις εξατομικευμένες μαθησιακές ανάγκες παιδιών Ειδικής Αγωγής. Τα εκπαιδευτικά παιχνίδια έχουν εφαρμοστεί είτε σε ατομικό επίπεδο, είτε στα πλαίσια ομάδας. Εναρμονιζόμενοι με τις σύγχρονες τάσεις στην εκπαίδευση, όπου η εισαγωγή του παιχνιδιού ως βασικό εργαλείο διδασκαλίας καθιστά τη μάθηση αποτελεσματικότερη, τροποποιήσαμε ήδη γνώριμες δομές επιτραπέζιων παιχνιδιών προκειμένου να επιτευχθούν συγκεκριμένοι εκπαιδευτικοί στόχοι. Επιπλέον, θα προταθούν περαιτέρω τροποποιήσεις παιχνιδιών με στόχο την εξατομίκευση, αλλά και τη διαφοροποίηση της διδασκαλίας. Σκοπός της παρούσας εργασίας είναι τόσο να δηλώσει πώς η μάθηση έχει τη δυνατότητα να γίνει μια ευχάριστη διαδικασία για το σύνολο των μαθητών, όσο και να αναδείξει την σημασία της πρακτικής εφαρμογής του Gamification στην Ειδική Αγωγή.
Γλωσσική ποικιλότητα και εκπαίδευση: διγλωσσία, κοινωνική διγλωσσία, γλωσσικές στάσεις και προκαταλήψεις, ποικιλότητα και εκπαίδευση
Authors: Δρεμέτσικα Βασιλεία
Published: August 2020

Κάθε εθνική γλώσσα αποτελείται από πολλές ομιλούμενες ποικιλίες, ιδιώματα και ύφη, η χρήση των οποίων είναι κατάλληλη για διαφορετικές καταστάσεις επικοινωνίας, εφόσον παράγει διαφορετικές σημασίες. Σύμφωνα με την επιστήμη της γλωσσολογίας, καμία γλώσσα καμιάς ομόγλωσσης κοινότητας δεν είναι πλουσιότερη ή σωστότερη από καμία άλλη. Ωστόσο, το σχολείο δείχνει να αγνοεί το πόρισμα αυτό, καθώς διδάσκει μια από τις παραλλαγές της εθνικής γλώσσας, θεωρώντας την ως τη μοναδική άρτια εκδοχή του λόγου.Σκοπός του άρθρου είναι να εξετάσει το θέμα της γλωσσικής ποικιλότητας, της διγλωσσίας, της κοινωνικής διγλωσσία, των γλωσσικών στάσεων και προκαταλήψεων στην εκπαίδευση, καθώς και τα οφέλη που προκύπτουν στη διδασκαλία όταν οι μαθητές αποκτούν γνώσεις για τη γλώσσα.Αρχικά, περιγράφονται οι κεντρικές έννοιες- γλωσσικές ποικιλίες, διγλωσσία, κοινωνική διγλωσσία, γλωσσικές στάσεις και προκαταλήψεις, ποικιλότητα και εκπαίδευση. Ακολούθως, παρουσιάζονται οι ομοιότητες και οι διαφορές ως προς τις δυσκολίες που αντιμετωπίζουν ο αλλόγλωσσος και ο Έλληνας μαθητής ομιλητής τοπικής ή κοινωνικής διαλέκτου.Στη συνέχεια, αναλύεται η μελέτη περίπτωσης περιστατικού κοινωνικής διγλωσσίας στο χώρο της εκπαίδευσης και προτείνεται διδακτική παρέμβαση, που θα συμβάλει στην ενημερότητα των μαθητών για τις γλωσσικές ποικιλίες και στην ένταξη μαθητή που ομιλεί κοινωνική διάλεκτο.Τέλος, προκύπτει ως συμπέρασμα ότι το σχολείο, αντί να στιγματίζει και να ακυρώνει τη «μητρική» γλώσσα, να την αξιοποιήσει ως βάση, πάνω στην οποία θα στηριχθεί η εκμάθηση της πρότυπης γλώσσας του σχολείου. Ο δάσκαλος πρέπει να στηρίζεται στις γλωσσικές γνώσεις που κατέχουν ήδη τα παιδιά, να καλλιεργεί αυτές τις κατακτημένες γλωσσικές και επικοινωνιακές ικανότητες και να τις διευρύνει προσθέτοντας καινούριες.
Κίνητρα και αντιλήψεις μαθητών/τριών για το περιεχόμενο του βιβλίου των μαθηματικών της Γ΄ τάξης του Δημοτικού Σχολείου
Authors: Θεοφανίδου Ιωάννα , Βάσιου Αικατερίνη , Λεμονίδης Χαράλαμπος
Published: August 2020

Σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν να εξετάσει την κινητοποίηση των μαθητών/τριών στα μαθηματικά, καθώς και τις αντιλήψεις τους για το σχολικό βιβλίο των μαθηματικών. Στην έρευνα συμμετείχαν 46 μαθητές/τριες της Γ΄ δημοτικού (8 ετών), από σχολεία Α/θμιας Εκπ/σης του Νομού Φλώρινας, που απάντησαν σε δύο ανοιχτού τύπου ερωτήσεις: 1. Γιατί διαβάζεις μαθηματικά; και 2. Αν μπορούσες να αλλάξεις κάτι στο βιβλίο των μαθηματικών, τι θα ήθελες να αλλάξεις ή να προσθέσεις; Η ανάλυση περιεχομένου στις ερωτήσεις ανοιχτού τύπου έδειξε, ότι οι μαθητές/τριες, παρόλο που θεωρούν το βιβλίο τους των μαθηματικών εύκολο και ευχάριστο, ωστόσο διαβάζουν τα μαθηματικά γιατί είναι χρήσιμα και για να ικανοποιήσουν τους άλλους (γονείς, εκπαιδευτικούς). Τα αποτελέσματα προτείνουν τη δυνατότητα ενίσχυσης των κινήτρων των μαθητών με βάση τις αντιλήψεις τους για το περιεχόμενο του βιβλίου των μαθηματικών της τάξης που παρακολουθούν.