bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The usefulness of symptoms alone or combined for general practitioners in considering the diagnosis of a brain tumour: a case-control study using the clinical practice research database (CPRD) (2000-2014)
Authors: Ozawa Mio , Brennan Paul M , Zienius Karolis , Kurian Kathreena M , Hollingworth William , Weller David , Grant Robin , Hamilton Willie , Ben-Shlomo Yoav
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the utility of different symptoms, alone or combined, presented to primary care for an adult brain tumour diagnosis.

Design and setting

Matched case-control study, using the data from Clinical Practice Research Datalink (2000–2014) from primary care consultations in the UK.

Method

All presentations within 6 months of the index diagnosis date (cases) or equivalent (controls) were coded into 32 symptom groups. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPVs) and positive likelihood ratios were calculated for symptoms and combinations of symptoms with headache and cognitive features. Diagnostic odds ratios were calculated using conditional logistic regression, adjusted for age group, sex and Charlson comorbidity. Stratified analyses were performed for age group, sex and whether the tumour was of primary or secondary origin.

Results

We included 8,184 cases and 28,110 controls. Seizure had the highest PPV of 1.6% (95% CI 1.4% to 1.7%) followed by weakness 1.5% (1.3 to 1.7) and confusion 1.4% (1.3 to 1.5). Combining headache with other symptoms increased the PPV. For example, headache plus combined cognitive symptoms PPV 7.2% (6.0 to 8.6); plus weakness 4.4% (3.2 to 6.2), compared with headache alone PPV 0.1%. The diagnostic ORs were generally larger for patients <70 years; this was most marked for confusion, seizure and visual symptoms.

Conclusion

We found seizure, weakness and confusion had relatively higher predictive values than many other symptoms. Headache on its own was a weak predictor but this was enhanced when combined with other symptoms especially in younger patients. Clinicians need to actively search for other neurological symptoms such as cognitive problems.
The use of triclosan-coated sutures to prevent surgical site infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature
Authors: Ahmed Imran , Boulton Adam Jonathan , Rizvi Sana , Carlos William , Dickenson Edward , Smith NA , Reed Mike
Published: September 2019

Introduction and objectives

Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a common and serious complication of all surgical interventions. Microorganisms are able to colonise sutures that are implanted in the skin, which is a causative factor of SSIs. Triclosan-coated sutures are antibacterial sutures aimed at reducing SSIs. Our objective is to update the existing literature by systematically reviewing available evidence to assess the effectiveness of triclosan-coated sutures in the prevention of SSIs.

Methods

A systematic review of EMBASE, MEDLINE, AMED (Allied and complementary medicine database) and CENTRAL was performed to identify full text randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on 31 May 2019.

Intervention

Triclosan-coated sutures versus non-triclosan-coated sutures.

Primary outcome

Our primary outcome was the development of SSIs at 30 days postoperatively. A meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model.

Results

Twenty-five RCTs were included involving 11 957 participants. Triclosan-coated sutures were used in 6008 participants and non triclosan-coated sutures were used in 5949. Triclosan-coated sutures significantly reduced the risk of SSIs at 30 days (relative risk 0.73, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.82). Further sensitivity analysis demonstrated that triclosan-coated sutures significantly reduced the risk of SSIs in both clean and contaminated surgery.

Conclusion

Triclosan-coated sutures have been shown to significantly reduced the risk of SSIs when compared with standard sutures. This is in agreement with previous work in this area. This study represented the largest review to date in this area. This moderate quality evidence recommends the use of triclosan-coated sutures in order to reduce the risk of SSIs particularly in clean and contaminated surgical procedures.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42014014856
Trends and predictors of biomedical research quality, 1990–2015: a meta-research study
Authors: Catillon Maryaline
Published: September 2019

Objective

To measure the frequency of adequate methods, inadequate methods and poor reporting in published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and test potential factors associated with adequacy of methods and reporting.

Design

Retrospective analysis of RCTs included in Cochrane reviews. Time series describes the proportion of RCTs using adequate methods, inadequate methods and poor reporting. A multinomial logit model tests potential factors associated with methods and reporting, including funding source, first author affiliation, clinical trial registration status, study novelty, team characteristics, technology and geography.

Data

Risk of bias assessments for random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of participants and personnel, blinding of outcome assessment, incomplete outcome data and selective reporting, for each RCT, were mapped to bibliometric and funding data.

Outcomes

Risk of bias on six methodological dimensions and RCT-level overall assessment of adequate methods, inadequate methods or poor reporting.

Results

This study analysed 20 571 RCTs. 5.7% of RCTs used adequate methods (N=1173). 59.3% used inadequate methods (N=12 190) and 35.0% were poorly reported (N=7208). The proportion of poorly reported RCTs decreased from 42.5% in 1990 to 30.2% in 2015. The proportion of RCTs using adequate methods increased from 2.6% in 1990 to 10.3% in 2015. The proportion of RCTs using inadequate methods increased from 54.9% in 1990 to 59.5% in 2015. Industry funding, top pharmaceutical company affiliation, trial registration, larger authorship teams, international teams and drug trials were associated with a greater likelihood of using adequate methods. National Institutes of Health funding and university prestige were not.

Conclusion

Even though reporting has improved since 1990, the proportion of RCTs using inadequate methods is high (59.3%) and increasing, potentially slowing progress and contributing to the reproducibility crisis. Stronger incentives for the use of adequate methods are needed.
Comparison of Taiji and aerobic exercise for functional constipation: study protocol for a randomised controlled neuroimaging trial
Authors: Yang Sha , Chen Jingwen , Guo Yuyi , Teng Yuke , Liu Tianyu , Ying Rongtao , He Zhaoxuan , Wu Jianwei , Yu Shu-Guang , Zeng Fang
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Taiji has been proven to be effective for regulating both the physical and mental state compared with simple aerobic exercise. However, whether the improvement of Taiji for constipation is related to regulate imbalanced brain–gut axis and emotional disorder for functional constipation (FC) remains uncertain. The results of the study will demonstrate the differences in regulation brain–gut balance between Taiji and simply aerobic exercise for patients with FC and provide a potential therapy for clinical treatment of FC, and a new approach for the research of mind–body exercise.

Methods and analysis

In this randomised controlled neuroimaging trial, 80 patients with FC will be allocated into two groups: Taiji group and aerobic exercise group. The two groups will receive 10 weeks of Taiji exercise or aerobic exercise, respectively. The stool diary, Cleveland Constipation Score and Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptom, Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire will be used to evaluate the clinical efficacy, the Self-rating Depression Scale, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, Eysenck Personality Questionnaires and Mini-Mental State Examinations will be used to assess the mental state at the baseline, the 5-week intervention and the end of intervention. The 24-hour heart rate variability will be used for assessing the autonomic nervous function, functional MRI and positron emission tomography-CT will be performed for detecting the cerebral functional changes at the baseline and the end of the intervention. The clinical data and multimodal imaging data will be analysed, respectively. Correlation analysis will be conducted to investigate the relationship between cerebral functional changes and symptom improvement.

Ethics and dissemination

The procedures have been approved by the Sichuan Regional Ethics Review Committee on Traditional Chinese Medicine (No. 2018KL-047) and conformed to the Declaration of Helsinki. Results will be disseminated through policy briefs, workshops, peer-reviewed publications and conferences.

Trial registration number

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800019781).
Assessment of peritoneal elastic laminal invasion improves survival stratification of pT3 and pT4a colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Odate Toru , Vuong Huy Gia , Mochizuki Kunio , Oishi Naoki , Kondo Tetsuo
Published: August 2019

Evaluating peritoneal elastic laminal invasion (ELI) has been proposed as an additional assessment for pT3 colorectal cancers (CRC). Its clinical significance has not yet been established. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the prognostic impact of ELI assessment for subcategorisation of pT3 CRC. We performed a search in three electronic databases. HR and its 95% CI for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated using the random effects model weighted by the inverse variance method. We identified six studies that met inclusion criteria out of an original 703 studies found with our database search terms. Our meta-analysis included 1925 patients with pT3 and pT4a CRCs. The presence of ELI in pT3 CRC was associated with shortened OS compared with ELI negative pT3 CRC (HR=1.76; 95% CI 1.21 to 2.55); whereas the DFS was not statistically significant (HR=1.79; 95% CI 0.91 to 3.52). Furthermore, pT4a patients’ OS (HR=1.84; 95% CI 1.41 to 2.40) and DFS (HR=1.88; 95% CI 1.17 to 3.04) were even worse than the OS and DFS of pT3 ELI (+) patients. ELI is a useful marker for stratifying patients with pT3 or pT4a CRCs into three prognostically distinct groups. We recommend the subcategorisation of pT3 CRC by ELI for better prognostic assessment and treatment strategy of patients with CRC.
Change in the direction of the polarization vector and redshift of an incoming light ray as observed from a rotating frame
Authors: Ghosh T. , Sen A.K.
Published: August 2019

In the present work, the change in the direction of the polarization vector of an incoming light ray is extensively calculated for a rotating observer. The change in the direction of the polarization vector calculated here is only due to the effect of the non-inertial rotating frame, considering that the light source is at a distance and it is emitting plane-polarized light. The metric tensors for a rotating observer have been collected from existing literature. Accordingly, the electric displacement and magnetic induction values as applicable for a rotating observer have been calculated. These values are used to calculate the change in the orientation of the electric vector of an incoming plane-polarized light ray. Earth has been taken as an example of a rotating frame and the calculated amount of change in the direction of the polarization vector has been found to be dependent on the azimuthal and polar coordinates of the rotating frame. The present work also discusses the redshift as observed by a rotating observer and the value of the redshift has been calculated for an observer sitting on a rotating earth.
Assessment of germination, phytochemicals, and transcriptional responses to ethephon priming in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]
Authors: Manoharlal Raman , Saiprasad G.V.S.
Published: September 2019

The present work aims to dissect the underlying signaling pathways associated with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] seed hormo-priming with ethephon (Eth). Our results demonstrated that soybean germination improved significantly upon Eth priming (Ethp). Phytohormone quantification shows relative enhanced endogenous gibberellin A4 (GA4) levels concomitant with impaired biogenesis and signaling of auxin, viz., indole acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Phytochemical analysis revealed relative reduced levels of individual and total raffinose family oligosaccharide (RFO) components, starch, soluble sugars, and sucrose concomitant with enhanced levels of reducing sugars, glucose, cellular ATP, and acetyl-CoA pools. Secondary metabolite analysis revealed the activation of the mevalonate (MVA) pathway with a concomitant suppression of the plastidal 2-methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate/1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate (MEP/DOX) and phenylpropanoid pathways, substantiated by relative reduced levels of total phenolics, tannins, and proanthocyanidin. Ethp also enhances the in vitro antioxidative activity (viz., 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) and endogenous antioxidants levels (viz., flavonoids, isoflavones, β-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E). Further quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis showed transcriptional pattern of representative genes in agreement with these metabolic alterations.
Structural, elastic, electronic and thermoelectric properties of XPN2 (X = Li, Na): First-principles study
Authors: Ghellab T. , Baaziz H. , Charifi Z. , Bouferrache K. , Uğur Ş , Uğur G. , Ünver H.
Published: September 2019

Based on the density functional theory (DFT) implemented by the wien2k code which uses the full potential linearized augmented plane wave plus local orbitals (APW + lo) method, we have been able to study different physical properties of X[Formula: see text]PN2 (X = Li, Na) chalcopyrite such as structural, electronic, elastic and thermoelectric properties. According to our calculations, we have found that our structural and electronic parameters, such as the lattice parameter, energy bandgap, the tetragonal ratio, the displacement of the anions, are in very good agreement with the previous experimental and theoretical results. Based on the Voigt–Reuss–Hill approximations, we were able to compute the elastic constants: the compressibility, Young’s and the shear’s moduli, the average velocity of the elastic waves, the Debye temperature and the Poisson’s coefficient of the chalcopyrite LiPN2 and NaPN2. The elastic anisotropy is estimated and further illustrated by the three-dimensional (3D) direction of Young’s and Bulk’s moduli. Finally, using the semi-classical Boltzmann theory implemented in the BolzTraP code, we calculated the transport properties such as the Seebeck coefficient, the thermal electrical conductivity and the figure of merit of these materials.
Hybrid Model for Credit Risk Prediction: An Application of Neural Network Approaches
Authors: Chi Guotai , Uddin Mohammad Shamsu , Abedin Mohammad Zoynul , Yuan Kunpeng
Published: August 2019

Credit risk prediction is essential for banks and financial institutions as it helps them to evade any inappropriate assessments that can lead to wasted opportunities or monetary losses. In recent times, the hybrid prediction model, a combination of traditional and modern artificial intelligence (AI) methods that provides better prediction capacity than the use of single techniques, has been introduced. Similarly, using conventional and topical artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, researchers have recommended hybrid models which amalgamate logistic regression (LR) with multilayer perceptron (MLP). To investigate the efficiency and viability of the proposed hybrid models, we compared 16 hybrid models created by combining logistic regression (LR), discriminant analysis (DA), and decision trees (DT) with four types of neural network (NN): adaptive neurofuzzy inference systems (ANFISs), deep neural networks (DNNs), radial basis function networks (RBFs) and multilayer perceptrons (MLPs). The experimental outcome, investigation, and statistical examination express the capacity of the planned hybrid model to develop a credit risk prediction technique different from all other approaches, as indicated by ten different performance measures. The classifier was authenticated on five real-world credit scoring data sets.
Future Prospects of Superconducting RF for Accelerator Applications
Authors: Padamsee Hasan
Published: August 2019

Part I of this article provides a status update on the ongoing projects for both high-beta and low-beta applications. Some of these projects are already under production, others are perfecting prototypes and future plans. We first cover the funded projects and continue with the planned projects. The update naturally captures the state-of-the-art for superconducting RF (SRF) performance for applications in progress. Part II goes on to present a vision for future prospects for performance progress in the field, along with some advice about the likely fruitful R&D paths to follow. In general, the R&D paths chosen for discussion will benefit most SRF-based accelerators.
The Future Prospects of Muon Colliders and Neutrino Factories
Authors: Boscolo Manuela , Delahaye Jean-Pierre , Palmer Mark
Published: August 2019

The potential of muon beams for high energy physics applications is described along with the challenges of producing high quality muon beams. Two proposed approaches for delivering high intensity muon beams, a proton driver source and a positron driver source, are described and compared. The proton driver concepts are based on the studies from the Muon Accelerator Program (MAP). The MAP effort focused on a path to deliver muon-based facilities, ranging from neutrino factories to muon colliders, that could span research needs at both the intensity and energy frontiers. The Low EMittance Muon Accelerator (LEMMA) concept, which uses a positron-driven source, provides an attractive path to very high energy lepton colliders with improved particle backgrounds. The recent study of a 14-TeV muon collider in the LHC tunnel, which could leverage the existing CERN injectors and infrastructure and provide physics reach comparable to the 100[Formula: see text]TeV FCC-hh, at lower cost and with cleaner physics conditions, is also discussed. The present status of the design and R&D efforts towards each of these sources is described. A summary of important R&D required to establish a facility path for each concept is also presented.
Social Control Theory: The Legacy of Travis Hirschi'sCauses of Delinquency
Authors: Costello Barbara J. , Laub John H.
Published: September 2019

The publication of Travis Hirschi's Causes of Delinquency in 1969 was a watershed moment in criminology. There are many reasons for the work's lasting influence. Hirschi carefully examined the underlying assumptions of extant theories of crime in light of what was known about the individual-level correlates of offending. He then developed critical tests of hypotheses derived from social control theory and competing perspectives and empirically assessed them using original self-report delinquency data. Many of his key findings, such as the negative correlation between attachment to parents and delinquency, are now established facts that any explanation of crime must consider. Causes of Delinquency is still cited hundreds of times per year, and it continues to spark new research and theoretical development in the field. Perhaps the most lasting legacy is the volume of criticism it has attracted and fended off, leading to its enduring contribution to the study of crime and delinquency.
A Bird's-Eye View of Pollination: Biotic Interactions as Drivers of Adaptation and Community Change
Authors: Pauw Anton
Published: September 2019

Nectarivorous birds and bird-pollinated plants are linked by a network of interactions. Here I ask how these interactions influence evolution and community composition. I find near complete evidence for the effect of birds on plant evolution. Experiments show the process in action—birds select among floral phenotypes in a population—and comparative studies find the resulting pattern—bird-pollinated species have long-tubed, red flowers with large nectar volumes. Speciation is accomplished in one “magical” step when adaptation for bird pollination brings about divergent morphology and reproductive isolation. In contrast, evidence that plants drive bird evolution is fragmentary. Studies of selection on population-level variation are lacking, but the resulting pattern is clear—nectarivorous birds have evolved a remarkable number of times and often have long bills and brush-tipped or tubular tongues. At the level of the ecological guild, birds select among plant species via an effect on seed set and thus determine plant community composition. Plants simultaneously influence the relative fitness of bird species and thus determine the composition of the bird guild. Interaction partners may give one guild member a constant fitness advantage, resulting in competitive exclusion and community change, or may act as limiting resources that depress the fitness of frequent species, thus stabilizing community composition and allowing the coexistence of diversity within bird and plant guilds.
Long noncoding RNA LINC00342 promotes growth of infantile hemangioma by sponging miR-3619-5p from HDGF
Authors: Liu Zhen , Kang Zhenming , Dai Yujian , Zheng Huiming , Wang Yingjun
Published: August 2019

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are a type of benign vascular neoplasm that may cause permanent scarring. Hemangioma-derived endothelial cells (HemECs) are commonly used as an in vitro model to study IH. Long noncoding RNA is a type of RNA transcript longer than 200 nucleotides that does not encode any protein. LINC00342 was discovered to regulate proliferation and apoptosis in nonsmall cell lung cancer. However, the role of LINC00342 in IH has never been reported before. Expressions of LINC00342 and miR-3619-5p were detected in proliferating versus normal skin tissues. Colony formation and Cell-Couting Kit 8 assays were carried out to study the effects on cell proliferation after knockdown and overexpression of LINC00342, respectively. Meanwhile caspase-3 activity and nucleosomal fragmentation assay were applied to detect cell apoptosis. Micro-RNA binding sites on LINC00342 and hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) were predicted and confirmed via dual-luciferase reporter assay. Biotin RNA pulldown assay was used to verify the direct binding between RNA molecules. LINC00342 enhanced proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in HemECs. MiR-3619-5p targeted both LINC00342 and HDGF, where LINC00342 sponged miR-3619-5p and positively regulated HDGF. HDGF knockdown rescued the effects of LINC00342 on HemECs. The LINC00342-miR-3619-5p-HDGF signaling pathway could regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis in HemECs.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The role of LINC00342 in infantile hemangiomas has not yet been elucidated. This paper highlights the regulatory role of LINC00342 in cell proliferation and apoptosis in hemangioma-derived endothelial cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The findings would provide potential target for treatment of infantile hemangiomas.
Preeminent role of the cardiorenal axis in the antihypertensive response to an arteriovenous fistula: an in silico analysis
Authors: Clemmer John S. , Pruett W. Andrew , Hester Robert L. , Lohmeier Thomas E.
Published: August 2019

Percutaneous creation of a small central arteriovenous (AV) fistula is currently being evaluated for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension (HT). Although the mechanisms that contribute to the antihypertensive effects of the fistula are unclear, investigators have speculated that chronic blood pressure (BP) lowering may be due to 1) reduced total peripheral resistance (TPR), 2) increased secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and/or 3) suppression of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). We used an established integrative mathematical model of human physiology to investigate these possibilities from baseline conditions that mimic sympathetic overactivity and impaired renal function in patients with resistant HT. After a small fistula was stimulated, there were sustained increases in cardiac output, atrial pressures, and plasma ANP concentration (3-fold), without suppression of RSNA; at 8 wk, BP was reduced 14 mmHg along with a 32% fall in TPR. In contrast, when this simulation was repeated while clamping ANP at baseline BP decreased only 4 mmHg, despite a comparable fall in TPR. Furthermore, when chronic resetting of atrial mechanoreceptors was prevented during the fistula, RSNA decreased 7%, and along with the same threefold increase in ANP, BP fell 19 mmHg. This exaggerated fall in BP occurred with a similar decrease in TPR when compared with the above simulations. These findings suggest that ANP, but not TPR, is a key determinant of long-term BP lowering after the creation of an AV fistula and support a contribution of suppressed RSNA if resetting of the atrial-renal reflex is truly incomplete.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The mechanisms that contribute to the antihypertensive effects of a small arteriovenous (AV) fistula comparable to the size used by the ROX coupler currently in clinical trials are unclear and not readily testable in clinical or experimental studies. The integrative mathematical model of human physiology used in the current study provides a tool for understanding key causal relationships that account for blood pressure (BP) lowering and for testing competing hypotheses. The findings from the simulations suggest that after creation of a small AV fistula increased ANP secretion plays a critical role in mediating long-term reductions in BP. Measurement of natriuretic peptide levels in hypertensive patients implanted with the ROX coupler would provide one critical test of this hypothesis.
Emerging Roles of Synapse Organizers in the Regulation of Critical Periods
Authors: Ribic Adema , Biederer Thomas
Published: September 2019

Experience remodels cortical connectivity during developmental windows called critical periods. Experience-dependent regulation of synaptic strength during these periods establishes circuit functions that are stabilized as critical period plasticity wanes. These processes have been extensively studied in the developing visual cortex, where critical period opening and closure are orchestrated by the assembly, maturation, and strengthening of distinct synapse types. The synaptic specificity of these processes points towards the involvement of distinct molecular pathways. Attractive candidates are pre- and postsynaptic transmembrane proteins that form adhesive complexes across the synaptic cleft. These synapse-organizing proteins control synapse development and maintenance and modulate structural and functional properties of synapses. Recent evidence suggests that they have pivotal roles in the onset and closure of the critical period for vision. In this review, we describe roles of synapse-organizing adhesion molecules in the regulation of visual critical period plasticity and we discuss the potential they offer to restore circuit functions in amblyopia and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Classification of Visual Cortex Plasticity Phenotypes following Treatment for Amblyopia
Authors: Balsor Justin L. , Jones David G. , Murphy Kathryn M.
Published: September 2019

Monocular deprivation (MD) during the critical period (CP) has enduring effects on visual acuity and the functioning of the visual cortex (V1). This experience-dependent plasticity has become a model for studying the mechanisms, especially glutamatergic and GABAergic receptors, that regulate amblyopia. Less is known, however, about treatment-induced changes to those receptors and if those changes differentiate treatments that support the recovery of acuity versus persistent acuity deficits. Here, we use an animal model to explore the effects of 3 visual treatments started during the CP (n=24, 10 male and 14 female): binocular vision (BV) that promotes good acuity versus reverse occlusion (RO) and binocular deprivation (BD) that causes persistent acuity deficits. We measured the recovery of a collection of glutamatergic and GABAergic receptor subunits in the V1 and modeled recovery of kinetics for NMDAR and GABAAR. There was a complex pattern of protein changes that prompted us to develop an unbiased data-driven approach for these high-dimensional data analyses to identify plasticity features and construct plasticity phenotypes. Cluster analysis of the plasticity phenotypes suggests that BV supports adaptive plasticity while RO and BD promote a maladaptive pattern. The RO plasticity phenotype appeared more similar to adults with a high expression of GluA2, and the BD phenotypes were dominated by GABAAα1, highlighting that multiple plasticity phenotypes can underlie persistent poor acuity. After 2-4 days of BV, the plasticity phenotypes resembled normals, but only one feature, the GluN2A:GluA2 balance, returned to normal levels. Perhaps, balancing Hebbian (GluN2A) and homeostatic (GluA2) mechanisms is necessary for the recovery of vision.
Plasma Medicine: Applications of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma in Dermatology
Authors: Bernhardt Thoralf , Semmler Marie Luise , Schäfer Mirijam , Bekeschus Sander , Emmert Steffen , Boeckmann Lars
Published: September 2019

The ability to produce cold plasma at atmospheric pressure conditions was the basis for the rapid growth of plasma-related application areas in biomedicine. Plasma comprises a multitude of active components such as charged particles, electric current, UV radiation, and reactive gas species which can act synergistically. Anti-itch, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, tissue-stimulating, blood flow-enhancing, and proapoptotic effects were demonstrated inin vivoandin vitroexperiments, and until now, no resistance of pathogens against plasma treatment was observed. The combination of the different active agents and their broad range of positive effects on various diseases, especially easily accessible skin diseases, renders plasma quite attractive for applications in medicine. For medical applications, two different types of cold plasma appear suitable: indirect (plasma jet) and direct (dielectric barrier discharge—DBD) plasma sources. The DBD device PlasmaDerm® VU-2010 (CINOGY Technologies GmbH), the atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) kINPen® MED (INP Greifswald/neoplas tools GmbH), and the SteriPlas (Adtec Ltd., London, United Kingdom) are CE-certified as a medical product to treat chronic wounds in humans and showed efficacy and a good tolerability. Recently, the use of plasma in cancer research and oncology is of particular interest. Plasma has been shown to induce proapoptotic effects more efficiently in tumor cells compared with the benign counterparts, leads to cellular senescence, and—as shownin vivo—reduces skin tumors. To this end, a world-wide first Leibniz professorship for plasmabiotechnology in dermatology has been introduced to establish a scientific network for the investigation of the efficacy and safety of cold atmospheric plasma in dermatooncology. Hence, plasma medicine especially in dermatology holds great promise.
Aberrant KIF20A Expression Is Associated with Adverse Clinical Outcome and Promotes Tumor Progression in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Chai Ciman , Shen Tianyu , Li Xiaoqing , Ji Junpeng , Li Changying , Shang Zhiqun , Niu Yuanjie
Published: September 2019

Purpose. KIF20A is essential in the process of spindle assembly and cytokinesis regulation. The role of KIF20A during tumorigenesis and tumor development has been well studied in several cancers. But the association between the KIF20A clinical role and prostate cancer (PCa) has not been reported yet. In this study, we investigated its potential prognostic effect and its role in progression of prostate cancer. Methods. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blots were used to investigate the KIF20A transcription and translation levels in 7 pairs of fresh PCa tissue and adjacent normal prostate tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to investigate the KIF20A protein level in 114 PCa tissue samples. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze the effect of KIF20A in oncologic prognosis in PCa patients. MTT assay, transwell assay, and colony formation assay in vitro and tumor formation assay in vivo were performed to evaluate the biological behavior of KIF20A in prostate cancer. Results. KIF20A was significantly elevated in tumor tissue compared with normal prostate tissue at both the mRNA and the protein level. High expression of KIF20A at the protein level was correlated with adverse clinicopathological features. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the high KIF20A expression group has a poor biochemical recurrence- (BCR-) free survival. Knocking down KIF20A suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of the prostate cancer cell both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions. Our data demonstrated that the high expression of KIF20A was associated with poor clinical outcome and targeting KIF20A could reduce proliferation, migration, and invasion of the prostate cancer cell, indicating that KIF20A might be a potential prognostic and therapeutic target for PCa patients.
Stimulus- and Neural-Referred Visual Receptive Field Properties following Hemispherectomy: A Case Study Revisited
Authors: Halbertsma Hinke N. , Haak Koen V. , Cornelissen Frans W.
Published: September 2019

Damage to the visual system can result in (a partial) loss of vision, in response to which the visual system may functionally reorganize. Yet the timing, extent, and conditions under which this occurs are not well understood. Hence, studies in individuals with diverse congenital and acquired conditions and using various methods are needed to better understand this. In the present study, we examined the visual system of a young girl who received a hemispherectomy at the age of three and who consequently suffered from hemianopia. We did so by evaluating the corticocortical and retinocortical projections in the visual system of her remaining hemisphere. For the examination of these aspects, we analyzed the characteristics of the connective fields (“neural-referred” receptive fields) based on both resting-state (RS) and retinotopy data. The evaluation of RS data, reflecting brain activity independent from visual stimulation, is of particular interest as it is not biased by the patient’s atypical visual percept. We found that, primarily when the patient was at rest, the connective fields between V1 and both early and late visual areas were larger than normal. These abnormally large connective fields could be a sign either of functional reorganization or of unmasked suppressive feedback signals that are normally masked by interhemispheric signals. Furthermore, we confirmed our previous finding of abnormal retinocortical or “stimulus-referred” projections in both early and late visual areas. More specifically, we found an enlarged foveal representation and smaller population receptive fields. These differences could also be a sign of functional reorganization or rather a reflection of the interruption visual information that travels, via the remainder of the visual pathway, from the retina to the visual cortex. To conclude, while we do find indications for relatively subtle changes in visual field map properties, we found no evidence of large-scale reorganization—even though the patient could have benefitted from this. Our work suggests that at a later developmental stage, large-scale reorganization of the visual system no longer occurs, while small-scale properties may still change to facilitate adaptive processing and viewing strategies.
Prognostic Value of Lymphovascular Invasion in Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma after Radical Nephroureterectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Wen , Sun Lijiang , Guan Fengju , Wang Fangming , Zhang Guiming
Published: September 2019

This study was performed to identify the prognostic impact of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). A systematic search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify relevant studies. The outcomes of interest, including progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS), were extracted, and the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for effect size estimation. Subgroup, metaregression, and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore potential origins of heterogeneity. Publication bias was estimated by Egger’s linear regression and funnel plot. Our meta-analysis included a total of 27 studies involving 17,453 patients. The pooled HRs were statistically significant for PFS (HR=1.73, 95%CI=1.41–2.11), CSS (HR=1.87, 95%CI=1.54–2.27), and OS (HR=1.56, 95%CI=1.29–1.87), with high heterogeneity (I2=77.8%, 70.3%, and 59.2%, respectively). Four studies explored the prognostic value of LVI in patients with advanced tumor stages (T3–T4). The fixed effects model (I2=33.9%) showed that the pooled HR was 1.64 (95%CI=1.35–1.99) for CSS. Egger’s plots showed no significant publication bias (PFS: P=0.443, CSS: P=0.096, and OS: P=0.894). Our meta-analysis demonstrated that LVI is a poor prognostic factor for UTUC and is strongly associated with disease recurrence, cancer-specific mortality, and overall mortality.
Notoginsenoside Fc Accelerates Reendothelialization following Vascular Injury in Diabetic Rats by Promoting Endothelial Cell Autophagy
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Jiang Chunyu , Ma Xu , Feng Lishuai , Wang Jianbo
Published: September 2019

Interventional therapies, such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and endovascular stent implantation, are used widely for the treatment of diabetic peripheral vascular complications. Reendothelialization is an essential process in vascular injury following interventional therapy, and hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus (DM) plays an important role in damaging endothelial layer integrity, leading to the retardance of reendothelialization and excessive neointimal formation. Notoginsenoside Fc (Fc), a novel saponin isolated fromPanax notoginseng, effectively counteracts platelet aggregation. Nevertheless, the potential effects and molecular mechanisms of Fc on reendothelialization have yet to be explored. In this study, we present novel findings that show the benefit of Fc in accelerating reendothelialization and alleviating excessive neointimal formation following carotid artery injury in diabetic Sprague–Dawley ratsin vivo. Simultaneously, the decreased autophagy of the injured carotid artery in diabetic rats was restored by Fc treatment. Ourin vitroresults also demonstrated that Fc promoted endothelial cell proliferation and migration under high-glucose treatment by increasing autophagy. In summary, this study supported the notion that Fc could accelerate reendothelialization following vascular injury in diabetic rats by promoting autophagy, suggesting that Fc may exert therapeutic benefits for early endothelial injury and restenosis following intervention in diabetes-associated vascular diseases.
Unconventional T Cells in the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment: Thinking Outside the Box
Authors: Banerjee Sulagna , Dudeja Vikas , Saluja Ashok
Published: September 2019

Unlike conventional MHC-reactive T cells, unconventional T cells have emerged as an abundant component of the human immune system because of their role in tumor immunology. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Hundeyin and colleagues have identified a population of unconventional T cells in pancreatic tumors that can reprogram the immune evasive components of the tumor to promote immunogenicity and thus are critical for the development of novel cell-based therapy in pancreatic cancer.

See related article by Hundeyin et al., p. 1288.
Immune-Modulation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Current Concepts and Future Strategies
Authors: van Eeden Stephan F. , Hogg James C.
Published: September 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by the chronic inhalation of toxic particles and gases that are primarily but not exclusively derived from cigarette smoke that may be either actively or passively inhaled, which initiates a persistent innate and adaptive immune response in the lung. This immune response is associated with an aberrant tissue repair and remodeling process that results in varying degrees of chronic inflammation with excess production of mucus in the central airways and permanent destruction of the smaller conducting airways and gas exchanging surface in the peripheral lung. Currently, the primary aims of treatment in COPD are bronchodilation (inhaled short- and long-acting β-agonist and antimuscarinic therapies), to control symptoms and nonspecific broad-acting anti-inflammatory agents (inhaled and oral corticosteroids, phosphor-di-esterase inhibitors, and macrolides). That provide symptomatic relief but have little or no impact on either disease progression or mortality. As our understanding of the immune pathogenesis of the COPD improves, available immune modulation therapies have the potential to alter or interfere with damaging immune pathways, thereby slowing relentless progression of lung tissue destruction. The purpose of this brief review is to discuss our current understanding of the immune pathogenesis of both the airways and parenchymal injury as well as the dysfunctional tissue repair process to propose immune modulating interventions in an attempt to stabilize or return these pathological changes to their normal state. The ultimate goal of the immune modulation therapy is to improve both morbidity and mortality associated with COPD.
International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research Practice Guidelines for Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Guu Ta-Wei , Mischoulon David , Sarris Jerome , Hibbeln Joseph , McNamara Robert K. , Hamazaki Kei , Freeman Marlene P. , Maes Michael , Matsuoka Yutaka J. , Belmaker R.H. , Jacka Felice , Pariante Carmine , Berk Michael , Marx Wolfgang , Su Kuan-Pin
Published: September 2019

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex mental illness with unmet therapeutic needs. The antidepressant effects of ω–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n–3 PUFAs) have been widely reported. The subcommittee of the International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research organized an expert panel and conducted a literature review and a Delphi process to develop a consensus-based practice guideline for clinical use of n–3 PUFAs in MDD. The guideline focuses on 5 thematic areas: general concepts, acute treatment strategy, depression recurrence monitoring and prevention, use in special populations, and potential safety issues. The key practice guidelines contend that: (1) clinicians and other practitioners are advised to conduct a clinical interview to validate clinical diagnoses, physical conditions, and measurement-based psychopathological assessments in the therapeutic settings when recommending n–3 PUFAs in depression treatment; (2) with respect to formulation and dosage, both pure eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or an EPA/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) combination of a ratio higher than 2 (EPA/DHA >2) are considered effective, and the recommended dosages should be 1–2 g of net EPA daily, from either pure EPA or an EPA/DHA (>2:1) formula; (3) the quality of n–3 PUFAs may affect therapeutic activity; and (4) potential adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal and dermatological conditions, should be monitored, as well as obtaining comprehensive metabolic panels. The expert consensus panel has agreed on using n–3 PUFAs in MDD treatment for pregnant women, children, and the elderly, and prevention in high-risk populations. Personalizing the clinical application of n-3 PUFAs in subgroups of MDD with a low Omega-3 Index or high levels of inflammatory markers might be regarded as areas that deserve future research.
Stanislavski e a formação do ator
Authors: Carvalho Sergio
Published: September 2019

O artigo examina os sentidos da ideia de formação no conjunto da prática pedagógica do diretor russo Constantin Stanislavski como uma procura de ativação de dinâmicas relacionais capazes de se contraporem à lógica do efeito estético e mercantil. A postura implica reflexões de sentido ético e mesmo político apenas lateralmente nomeadas em sua obra.
Nós, o público
Authors: Romano Lucia Regina Vieira
Published: September 2019

Este texto analisa espetáculos apresentados na Mostra Internacional de Teatro de São Paulo 2019, evidenciando os modos diversos como as obras reinventam o papel do púbico e instituem novas relações entre arte e política, assim como revigoram o papel social da arte. Real Magic, Boca de Ferro, Cria e MDLSX_Motus, em nossa leitura, são obras de resistência à lógica neoliberal, que vem interferindo na fruição do espetáculo performativo e determinando limites para a construção da cena contemporânea. Assumimos, portanto, um tipo de análise das obras teatrais e de dança que expande os elementos da performance para outras instâncias, considerando aspectos menos tangíveis no momento mesmo da apresentação, abrangendo o que não está amplamente visível ali, mas que não deixa de interferir nas dinâmicas de recepção. Colaboram para as análises as escritas de Arthur Danto, Claire Bishop, Jacques Rancière, Jill Dollan, Milton Santos e Walter Benjamin, ao lado de relatos dos e das artistas em quadro; fontes que nos permitem descrever algumas prerrogativas dessas ações diferenciadas em frente ao espetáculo cênico, baseadas em modalidades de criação colaborativas na exposição dos recursos de produção e instituições envolvidas, na densidade estética da cena, na valorização do inacabamento, na diferenciação produtiva da comunidade de espectadores e no dissenso, entre outras operações de compartilhamento. Defendemos que são obras como estas que podem questionar a evidência do que percebemos e entendemos como o real, revogando a separação entre aqueles e aquelas que ditam o que deve ou não ser pensado e aqueles e aquelas que devem pensar em acordo com os primeiros.
Antropofagia Distópica de um País em Crise
Authors: Azevedo Beatriz
Published: September 2019

Este é um ensaio sobre antropofagia distópica em um país perpetuamente em crise, partindo da peça teatral O rei da vela, procurando revelá-la enquanto versão “em negativo” das utopias do Manifesto Antropófago de 1928. Expondo a concepção de Oswald de Andrade sobre aquilo que chamou de “baixa antropofagia”, este ensaio diferencia a Antropofagia (em sentido ritual como economia simbólica da alteridade) do Canibalismo (em sentido de degradação e exploração capitalista).
O movimento auto-organizado e o teatro de agitprop nos primeiros anos da Revolução Russa (1917-1921)
Authors: Nascimento Rodrigo Alves do
Published: September 2019

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar o surgimento, características e impasses do teatro de agitprop russo, dentro do movimento auto-organizado dos primeiros anos da Revolução Russa (1917-1921). Menos do que um aparelho da cúpula partidária, tal teatro de início foi fruto de movimento mais variado, que englobou trabalhadores, estudantes, militares e artistas de vanguarda. Redefiniu as formas de se conceber a relação entre ator e plateia, fez profunda revisão da tradição do teatro popular e ganhou alcance massivo inédito na história teatral russa e europeia – características que vigoraram mais intensamente até a implantação da Nova Política Econômica (NEP), em 1921.