bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Granular Myringitis Treatment at Siriraj Hospital
Authors: Suvarnsit Kanokrat , Chantarawiwat Thansamorn , Prakairungthong Sarun , Limviriyakul Siriporn , Atipas Suvajana , Pitathawatchai Pittayapon
Published: February 2021

Objective: To review the clinical features and management of patients diagnosed with granular myringitis at Siriraj Hospital, during 2014–2016, and their applications in clinical practice.Methods: The clinical data of 115 patients diagnosed with myringitis at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, between September 1, 2014, and September 30, 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who were lost to follow-up after the first visit or patients who were diagnosed with other diseases, such as bullous myringitis, were excluded, leaving 96 patients included in the study. Patient information and data, including age, gender, underlying disease, history of ear disease and surgery, symptoms, duration, type of treatment, outcome, total follow-up time, complications, and recurrence rate were recorded.Results: In total, 96 patients (27 men (28.10%) and 69 women (71.90%)) were included in the study. Their ages ranged from 3 to 90 years old (mean, 52.88). Sixty-two patients (64.60%) were diagnosed by otologic staff. The average duration of symptoms from onset was 5.6 months (range, 0.03–60.80 months). The most frequent symptom was otorrhea (55.3%). There were 38 treatment regimens applied. The most common medications used were topical antibiotics with steroids (28.11%), topical antibiotics (24.91%), and diluted vinegar (17.08%). There was no significant difference in the curative rate between these regimens (p = 0.261).Conclusion: Granular myringitis is a poorly understood condition and there is no standard treatment regimen. While there is a great variation in the treatment of granular myringitis at Siriraj Hospital, this retrospective review showed there was no statistical significant difference among the different regimens. Further high-value research is needed to further assess the management strategies.
The innate sensor ZBP1-IRF3 axis regulates cell proliferation in multiple myeloma
Authors: Ponnusamy Kanagaraju , Tzioni Maria Myrsini , Begum Murshida , Robinson Mark E. , Caputo Valentina S. , Katsarou Alexia , Trasanidis Nikolaos , Xiao Xiaolin , Kostopoulos Ioannis V. , Iskander Deena , Roberts Irene , Trivedi Pritesh , Auner Holger W. , Naresh Kikkeri , Chaidos Aristeidis , Karadimitris Anastasios
Published: February 2021

Multiple myeloma is a malignancy of plasma cells initiated and driven by primary and secondary genetic events. However, myeloma plasma cell survival and proliferation might be sustained by non-genetic drivers. Z-DNA-binding protein 1 (ZBP1; also known as DAI) is an interferon-inducible, Z-nucleic acid sensor that triggers RIPK3-MLKL-mediated necroptosis in mice. ZBP1 also interacts with TBK1 and the transcription factor IRF3 but the function of this interaction is unclear, and the role of the ZBP1-IRF3 axis in cancer is not known. Here we show that ZBP1 is selectively expressed in late B-cell development in both human and murine cells and it is required for optimal T-cell-dependent humoral immune responses. In myeloma plasma cells, the interaction of constitutively expressed ZBP1 with TBK1 and IRF3 results in IRF3 phosphorylation. IRF3 directly binds and activates cell cycle genes, in part through co-operation with the plasma cell lineage-defining transcription factor IRF4, thereby promoting myeloma cell proliferation. This generates a novel, potentially therapeutically targetable and relatively selective myeloma cell addiction to the ZBP1-IRF3 axis. Our data also show a noncanonical function of constitutive ZBP1 in human cells and expand our knowledge of the role of cellular immune sensors in cancer biology.
Cuidado de enfermagem a mulher vítima de violência sexual: uma revisão integrativa da literatura
Authors: Machado Liandre Padilha , Freitag Vera Lucia
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: investigar na literatura científica o cuidado de enfermagem á mulher vítima de violência sexual. Metodologia: revisão integrativa da literatura. A questão norteadora foi: qual a produção científica acerca do cuidado de enfermagem as mulheres vítimas de violência sexual. Os descritores foram: cuidados de enfermagem; delitos sexuais e mulheres, e, cuidados de enfermagem; mulheres e o termo alternativo, abuso sexual, realizada na Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde (BVS), elencando as bases de dados: Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Biblioteca Virtual de Enfermagem (BDENF), Sistema Online de Busca e Análise de Literatura Médica (MEDLINE) e Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud (IBECS). Após aplicado os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, selecionou-se oito artigos para a amostra final. A partir dos resultados, elaborou-se um tema: Resultados: o cuidado de enfermagem a mulher vítima de violência sexual. Estes mostraram que existem lacunas em relação ao cuidado prestado pelos profissionais de enfermagem, seja pela forma de acolhimento/abordagem/cuidado, bem como a não utilização de protocolos específicos de atendimento, havendo falhas no encaminhamento dos casos. Ainda, observou-se que onde acontecia um acolhimento humanizado, as mulheres sentiam-se mais a vontade para relatar o ocorrido. Conclusão: faz necessário que os profissionais de saúde, em especial a enfermagem, adquiram conhecimento sobre este complexo cuidado, capacitando-se para a efetividade das ações, cuidando na integralidade e expondo a mulher o mínimo possível, compreendendo a complexidade da dor que perpassa o físico, o qual impacta significantemente no emocional e desestrutura sua vida e maneira de viver.
Avaliação da adesão medicamentosa dos pacientes atendidos em uma unidade de saúde da família em uma capital do nordeste, Brasil: Um estudo transversal observacional descritivo
Authors: Pacheco Luciano Vasconcellos , Silva Júnior Geraldo Bezerra da , Bendicho Maria Teresita , Xavier Rosa Malena Fagundes
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: Avaliar a adesão medicamentosa na população atendida em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família em uma capital do nordeste do Brasil. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, observacional, descritivo, com pacientes vinculados à saúde da família entre o período de janeiro de 2017 a janeiro de 2019 em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Foram compilados pelo software EPI INFO os dados dos prontuários dos pacientes referentes ao perfil epidemiológico e às doenças prevalentes. Os dados sobre a adesão medicamentosa foram avaliados mediante o questionário de Morisky-Green. O software Micromedex® foi utilizado para verificação de potenciais interações medicamentosas. Resultados: A população foi constituída de 121 pessoas atendidas na unidade de saúde, predominantemente mulheres pardas (83,6% e 46,3 respectivamente), com prevalência para hipertensão arterial (65,7%) e diabetes mellitus (40,3%). Apenas 37,3% dos pacientes apresentaram máxima adesão medicamentosa, principalmente devido ao esquecimento e ao descuido ao usar o medicamento (41,8%). 37,9% dos pacientes afirmaram ter que arcar financeiramente com a parcialidade ou totalidade do tratamento, mesmo com baixo poder aquisitivo (77,7% com 2 salários mínimos ou menos). A maioria dos medicamentos prescritos foram relacionados ao sistema cardiovascular e 20,9% das prescrições apresentavam potenciais interações medicamentosas. Conclusão: A adesão medicamentosa foi intermediária para uma população com baixa renda e escolaridade média (52,2%), com alta prevalência de doenças que afetam o sistema cardiovascular.
Questões conceituais e metodológicas quanto ao Reforçamento Não Contingente na intervenção de pessoas com desenvolvimento atípico
Authors: Nogueira Claudia Bueno , Lobato Andrea Fonseca Farias , Leão Eugenia Andrea Santos , Barros Romariz da Silva
Published: February 2021

O reforçamento não contingente (non-contingent reinforcement - NCR) é um procedimento da Análise do Comportamento Aplicada baseado na apresentação de itens ou disponibilização de atividades preferidas de acordo com intervalos de tempo pré-estabelecidos e de forma independente da emissão de respostas-alvo. Apesar de frequentemente ser utilizado com sucesso na redução de comportamentos disruptivos ou problemáticos, não há consenso sobre quais os processos envolvidos e responsáveis pelas mudanças comportamentais observadas. Este artigo teórico-conceitual discute cada um dos possíveis processos relacionados ao NCR e elucidados nos primeiros estudos empíricos sobre o assunto publicados no Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA) na década de noventa; também considera as contribuições de meta-análises publicadas no JABA na última década e estudos feitos nos últimos três anos para esclarecer os mecanismos pelos quais o NCR suprime respostas. Conclui-se que os efeitos do NCR derivam de uma combinação de fatores que devem ser considerados na construção do “pacote” de intervenção desenhado para cada indivíduo.
Vivências de prazer e sofrimento no trabalho: um estudo com bancários
Authors: Pena Felipe Gouvêa , Pereira Fernanda de Pádua Cardoso Alves , Oliveira Silvana Alves de , Rocha Simone Aparecida Simões
Published: February 2021

Este artigo teve como objetivo analisar como um grupo de bancários, alocados em uma agência da cidade de Mariana – MG, significa as vivências de prazer e sofrimento no trabalho, a partir da aplicação do Teste de Evocação de Palavras (TEP). Em uma perspectiva qualitativa, os sujeitos de pesquisa foram convidados a evocar um conjunto de palavras diante de duas expressões indutoras. Ademais, foi solicitado que os participantes problematizassem e explicassem os termos citados. Mesmo diante de uma visão utilitarista do que seja o prazer no trabalho, os resultados enfatizam a presença de dinâmicas de sofrimento na atividade laboral. Corroborando estudos contemporâneos, o trabalho no setor bancário tem evidenciado contradições no que se refere à satisfação dos profissionais. Nesses termos, o texto contribui para o campo de estudos e apresenta uma agenda de pesquisa para novas e necessárias investigações sobre prazer e sofrimento no trabalho, ampliando os níveis de problematização.
Elementy obrządku pogrzebowego
Authors: Cieślak-Kopyt Małgorzata
Published: February 2021

A total of 65 Przeworsk culture features were discovered in the Żelazna Nowa cemetery. This number included a rectangular groove feature, urned cremations (6), alleged/damaged urned cremations (14), unurned cremations (14), alleged/fully or partly damaged unurned cremations (27), pits containing no bone material (4), undtermined cremations (2), pits containing no archeological material (1). All of the explored burials are cremations. However, a more detailed analysis encounters problems due to the state of preservation of the graves. Features 3, 19A and 19B, 30, 33, 37, 39 have been confidently identified as urned cremations. In many other features fragments of ceramic vessels were found, which may be remains of damaged urns: 18, 21, 23, 25, 31, 35, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49, 56, 57, and 58. Certain unurned cremations are 4, 6, 7, 8, 11–13, 15–17, 22, 24, 32, and 34. The interpretation of the remaining features is uncertain. Among the features uncovered in the cemetery were pits containing no bones: 5, 60, 61, 62, as well as pits containing no archaeological material at all: 55. The majority of unurned cremations contained pyre debris, while no such remains were observed in the following damaged unurned cremations: 15, 40–42, 45, 61, 62. There were a few cases of double burials identified. Three unurned cremations (6, 13, 15) and one urned cremation (39) contained bones of Infans I and an undetermined individual, while feature 19 contained two urns with individual burials: Infans II and an undetermined individual. Urned cremations, and one alleged unurned cremation (56), are distinguished by a higher standard of furnishing and a considerably larger amount of bone remains. This can be given two interpretations: a higher status of those buried there, or different rituals used for urned and unurned cremations. In two graves the urn was covered with an upturned vessel (features 33 and 37). In one case, an apotropaic behaviour characteristic of the Przeworsk culture was recorded, involving driving sharp objects into the pit’s bottom: in grave 41 these were two spearheads.
Podsumowanie
Authors: Cieślak-Kopyt Małgorzata
Published: February 2021

In light of the research carried out to date, site 2 in Żelazna Nowa ranks among the most interesting discoveries in southern Mazovia region. Even the preliminary dating of the cemetery allows placing it among the longest-functioning Przeworsk culture necropolises (phases A3–C1b/C2). A number of phenomena recorded in the site suggest a unique nature of this necropolis. One can mention here the unique groove feature with a family burial (?), indicative of strong connections with the Celtic traditions spreading from the south along the Vistula River.
Red wine polyphenols affect the collagen composition in the aorta after oxidative damage induced by chronic administration of CCl4.
Authors: Hlavačková L , Janega P , Černá A , Pecháňová O , Andriantsitohaina R , Babál P
Published: February 2021

Increased amount of collagen type I and decreased amount of
type III is described in various pathological processes in the
vascular wall. Polyphenols were shown to have protective effect
on endothelium, decrease blood pressure and prevent oxidative
damage induced by various stimuli. Tetrachlormethane (CCl4) is a
toxic substance with known negative systemic effects induced by
free radicals. Chronic administration of CCl4 for 12 weeks led to
an increase of collagen type I and a decrease of type III in the
wall of aorta. Parallel administration of red wine polyphenols
significantly reduced the increase of collagen type I, at the same
time the content of type III rose to the level above controls. After
4 weeks of spontaneous recovery no changes were observed. If
polyphenols were administered during the recovery period, there
was a decrease of type I and an increase of type III collagen
content in the aorta. It can be concluded that polyphenols have a
tendency to lower the amount of type I and to increase the
proportion of type III collagen in the wall of the aorta. These
changes are significant in prevention or in regression of changes
induced by chronic oxidative stress. This effect of polyphenols is
most likely the result of their influence on MMP-1 and TIMP
activities through which they positively influence the collagen
types I and III content ratio in the vascular wall in favor of the
type III collagen.
Simvastatin alleviates myocardial contractile dysfunction and lethal ischemic injury in rat heart independent of cholesterol-lowering effects
Authors: Adameová A , Harčárová A , Matejíková J , Pancza D , Kuželová M , Čarnická S , Švec P , Barteková M , Styk J , Ravingerová T
Published: February 2021

Statins, the inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A
(HMG-CoA) reductase, are most frequently used drugs in the
prevention of coronary artery disease due to their cholesterollowering activity. However, it is not exactly known whether these
effects of statins or those independent of cholesterol decrease
account for the protection against myocardial ischemiareperfusion (I/R) injury. In this study, we investigated the effect
of 5-day treatment with simvastatin (10 mg/kg) in Langendorffperfused hearts of healthy control (C) and diabetichypercholesterolemic (D-H; streptozotocin + high fat-cholesterol
diet, 5 days) rats subjected to 30-min global ischemia followed
by 40-min reperfusion for the examination of postischemic
contractile dysfunction and reperfusion-induced ventricular
arrhythmias or to 30-min (left anterior descending) coronary
artery occlusion and 2-h reperfusion for the infarct size
determination (IS; tetrazolium staining). Postischemic recovery of
left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) in animals with D-H
was improved by simvastatin therapy (62.7±18.2 % of
preischemic values vs. 30.3±5.7 % in the untreated D-H;
P<0.05), similar to the values in the simvastatin-treated C group,
which were 2.5-fold higher than those in the untreated C group.
No ventricular fibrillation occurred in the simvastatin-treated C
and D-H animals during reperfusion. Likewise, simvastatin
shortened the duration of ventricular tachycardia (10.2±8.1 s and
57.8±29.3 s in C and D-H vs. 143.6±28.6 s and 159.3±44.3 s in
untreated C and D-H, respectively, both P<0.05). The decreased
arrhythmogenesis in the simvastatin-treated groups correlated
with the limitation of IS (in % of risk area) by 66 % and 62 % in
C and D-H groups, respectively. However, simvastatin treatment
decreased plasma cholesterol levels neither in the D-H animals
nor in C. The results indicate that other effects of statins
(independent of cholesterol lowering) are involved in the
improvement of contractile recovery and attenuation of lethal I/R
injury in both, healthy and diseased individuals.
GAMBARAN PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP MASYARAKAT PUCANG SAWIT TENTANG KESIAPSIAGAAN BENCANA BANJIR DI PUCANG SAWIT
Authors: Noorratri Erika Dewi
Published: February 2021

ABSTRAKLatar belakang: Wilayah Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia secara geografis terletak pada wilayah yang rawan terhadap bencana alam. Banjir rmerupakan peristiwa yang terjadi akibat kondisi tata air dan lahan yang kurang baik dan tingginya curah hujan pada bagian hulu dan tengah suatu daerah aliran sungai. Kota Solo merupakan kota yang di kelilingi sungai-sungai, letak geografis kota Solo sangat rentan terhadap banjir. Pengetahuan yang di miliki masyarakat biasanya dapat mempengaruhi sikap dan kepedulian untuk siap dan siaga dalam menghadapi bencana. Tujuan: Mengetahui Gambaran Pengetahuan dan Sikap Masyarakat Pucang Sawit tentang Kesiapsiagaan Bencana Banjir di Pucang Sawit. Metode: Penelitian menggunakan metode diskriptif, tehnik pengambilan data dengan stratified random sampling, sampel 87 responden, instrument penelitian ini adalah   kuesioner. Hasil: Hasil analisis univariat diketahui bahwa dari 87 kepala keluarga di Kelurahan Pucang Sawit gambaran tingkat pengetahuannya 86,2% dalam kategori baik, 2,3% dalam kategori cukup, 11,5% dalam kategori kurang. Gambaran sikap masyarakatnya 98,9% positif dan 1,1% negatif. Kesimpulan: Tingkat pengetahuan masyarakat tentang kesiapsiagaan kepala keluarga di Kelurahan Pucang Sawit mayoritas dalam kategori baik. Sikap masyarakat tentang kesiapsiagaan kepala keluarga di Kelurahan Pucang Sawit mayoritas dalam kategori positif.Kata Kunci: Pengetahuan, Sikap, Banjir, Kesiapsiagaan.                    ABSTRACTBackground: The territory of unitary State of the the Republic of Indonesia is geographically located in areas prone to natural disasters. Flooding is an event that occurs due to poor conditions of water and land and high rainfall in the upstream and middle of a river basin. Solo city is surrounded by river, the geographical location is very vulnerble to flooding. Commuuity Knowledge can ussually influence attitudes and concerns to be preparred to face disasters. Objectives: To know the knowledge and attitude of the people in the Pucang Sawit flood disaster preparedness in there. Methods: Detailed research, data retrieval techniques with stratified random sampling, sampling of 100 respondents, research instrument questionnaire. Results: Univariate analysis results are known that from 87 family heads in the Pucang Sawit village Overview of the knowledge level of 86,2% in good category, 2,3% is enough, 11,5% in the less category. The overview of the community attitude is 98,9% positive and 1,1% negative. Conclusion: the level of public knowledge about the preparedness of head of family in the Pucang Sawit Village majority in good category. The public attitude about the preparedness of the head of the family in the Pucang Sawit village majority in the positive category.of Kata Kunci: Knowledge, attitude, flood, preparedness.
Laser-Induced Shockwave (LIS) to Study Neuronal Ca2+ Responses
Authors: Gomez Godinez Veronica , Morar Vikash , Carmona Christopher , Gu Yingli , Sung Kijung , Shi Linda Z. , Wu Chengbiao , Preece Daryl , Berns Michael W.
Published: February 2021

Laser-induced shockwaves (LIS) can be utilized as a method to subject cells to conditions similar to those occurring during a blast-induced traumatic brain injury. The pairing of LIS with genetically encoded biosensors allows researchers to monitor the immediate molecular events resulting from such an injury. In this study, we utilized the genetically encoded Ca2+ FRET biosensor D3CPV to study the immediate Ca2+ response to laser-induced shockwave in cortical neurons and Schwann cells. Our results show that both cell types exhibit a transient Ca2+ increase irrespective of extracellular Ca2+ conditions. LIS allows for the simultaneous monitoring of the effects of shear stress on cells, as well as nearby cell damage and death.
In vitro and in vivo Study on an Injectable Glycol Chitosan/Dibenzaldehyde-Terminated Polyethylene Glycol Hydrogel in Repairing Articular Cartilage Defects
Authors: Yang Jianhua , Jing Xiaoguang , Wang Zimin , Liu Xuejian , Zhu Xiaofeng , Lei Tao , Li Xu , Guo Weimin , Rao Haijun , Chen Mingxue , Luan Kai , Sui Xiang , Wei Yen , Liu Shuyun , Guo Quanyi
Published: February 2021

The normal anatomical structure of articular cartilage determines its limited ability to regenerate and repair. Once damaged, it is difficult to repair it by itself. How to realize the regeneration and repair of articular cartilage has always been a big problem for clinicians and researchers. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the physical properties and cytocompatibility of hydrogels, and evaluated their feasibility as cell carriers for Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) transplantation. Concentration-matched hydrogels were co-cultured with ADSCs to confirm ADSC growth in the hydrogel and provide data supporting in vivo experiments, which comprised the hydrogel/ADSCs, pure-hydrogel, defect-placement, and positive-control groups. Rat models of articular cartilage defect in the knee joint region was generated, and each treatment was administered on the knee joint cartilage area for each group; in the positive-control group, the joint cavity was surgically opened, without inducing a cartilage defect. The reparative effect of injectable glycol chitosan/dibenzaldehyde-terminated polyethylene glycol (GCS/DF-PEG) hydrogel on injured articular cartilage was evaluated by measuring gross scores and histological score of knee joint articular-cartilage injury in rats after 8 weeks. The 1.5% GCS/2% DF-PEG hydrogels degraded quickly in vitro. Then, We perform in vivo and in vitro experiments to evaluate the feasibility of this material for cartilage repair in vivo and in vitro.
The Potential Role of Bioactive Plasmalogens in Lung Surfactant
Authors: Zhuo Ruijiang , Rong Pu , Wang Jieli , Parvin Rokshana , Deng Yuru
Published: February 2021

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is a type of newborn disorder caused by the deficiency or late appearance of lung surfactant, a mixture of lipids and proteins. Studies have shown that lung surfactant replacement therapy could effectively reduce the morbidity and mortality of NRDS, and the therapeutic effect of animal-derived surfactant preparation, although with its limitations, performs much better than that of protein-free synthetic ones. Plasmalogens are a type of ether phospholipids present in multiple human tissues, including lung and lung surfactant. Plasmalogens are known to promote and stabilize non-lamellar hexagonal phase structure in addition to their significant antioxidant property. Nevertheless, they are nearly ignored and underappreciated in the lung surfactant-related research. This report will focus on plasmalogens, a minor yet potentially vital component of lung surfactant, and also discuss their biophysical properties and functions as anti-oxidation, structural modification, and surface tension reduction at the alveolar surface. At the end, we boldly propose a novel synthetic protein-free lung surfactant preparation with plasmalogen modification as an alternative strategy for surfactant replacement therapy.
FSH Promotes Progesterone Synthesis by Enhancing Autophagy to Accelerate Lipid Droplet Degradation in Porcine Granulosa Cells
Authors: Liu Qiang , Gao Hui , Yang Feng , Zhang Hanxue , Zeng Shenming
Published: February 2021

Little is known about the molecular relationships among follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), lipid droplet (LD) degradation, and autophagy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the pathway by which FSH regulates autophagy and the potential role of autophagy in progesterone production. Our results revealed that FSH stimulated progesterone production in mammalian follicular granulosa cells (GCs) through a non-canonical pathway. In porcine secondary follicles cultured in vitro, FSH treatment increased the level of the autophagic marker, LC3-II, as well as increased the number of autophagic vacuoles in GCs. The underlying molecular mechanism and biological functions were then investigated in porcine GCs. Our results demonstrated that FSH could upregulate Beclin1 levels in porcine GCs; however, this effect was blocked by LY294002 (a PI3K/AKT inhibitor) and SP600125 (SAPK/JNK inhibitor). Further research confirmed that the transcriptional factor, c-Jun, was phosphorylated by FSH, then translocated into the nucleus from the cytoplasm and bound to the BECLIN1 promoter region, and that LY294002, SP600125, or c-Jun knockdown prevented the increase in Beclin1 levels induced by FSH. Interestingly, inhibition of autophagy using chloroquine or SP600125 decreased progesterone production in porcine GCs treated with FSH, although the expression of StAR and P450scc was not disturbed. Moreover, FSH treatment reduced the average number and size of LDs in porcine GCs, but these effects were eliminated by knocking down the key autophagy genes, ATG5 and BECLIN1; in addition, the effect of FSH on promoting progesterone secretion by the cells was also reduced significantly. Based on the above results, we concluded that FSH promoted progesterone production by enhancing autophagy through upregulation of Beclin1 via the PI3K/JNK/c-Jun pathway to accelerate LD degradation in porcine GCs, independent of the classical steroidogenic pathway.
Notch Signaling in Vascular Endothelial Cells, Angiogenesis, and Tumor Progression: An Update and Prospective
Authors: Akil Abdellah , Gutiérrez-García Ana K. , Guenter Rachael , Rose J. Bart , Beck Adam W. , Chen Herbert , Ren Bin
Published: February 2021

The Notch signaling pathway plays an essential role in a wide variety of biological processes including cell fate determination of vascular endothelial cells and the regulation of arterial differentiation and angiogenesis. The Notch pathway is also an essential regulator of tumor growth and survival by functioning as either an oncogene or a tumor suppressor in a context-dependent manner. Crosstalk between the Notch and other signaling pathways is also pivotal in tumor progression by promoting cancer cell growth, migration, invasion, metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, and the expansion of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this review, we provide an overview and update of Notch signaling in endothelial cell fate determination and functioning, angiogenesis, and tumor progression, particularly in the development of CSCs and therapeutic resistance. We further summarize recent studies on how endothelial signaling crosstalk with the Notch pathway contributes to tumor angiogenesis and the development of CSCs, thereby providing insights into vascular biology within the tumor microenvironment and tumor progression.
Audio-Visual Tools in Science Communication: The Video Abstract in Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Authors: Ferreira Miguel , Lopes Betina , Granado António , Freitas Helena , Loureiro João
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the use of videos by the scientific community has evolved continuously. Researchers, communicators, and other players are using audio-visual media to reinvent their stories, to deconstruct complex phenomena and to increase the outreach and impact of their scientific publications. An example of this trend is the video abstract: an audio-visual representation of the key findings described in the written abstract. Much of the research in this area is new and focused on content analysis and classification of online science videos. Furthermore, studies with videos and environmental communication are attached to specific topics like climate change. So far, a small fraction of publications has explored the study of the video abstract, its effects, and its potential, as one general scientific area. This paper provides the first characterization of video abstracts in the areas of Ecology and Environmental Sciences. We identified video abstracts in 29 scientific journals, based on impact, representativeness and visibility criteria. A database of 171 videos, from 7 publishers and 17 different video channels was created. Each video was analyzed for different parameters. The analysis considered not only characteristics of each video, but also characteristics from the corresponding scientific papers. Results indicate that between 2010 and 2018 the number of video abstracts increased sevenfold. Despite this growth, there was no solid strategy for disseminating the videos. While most of them are still associated with classic models, such as documentaries, disruptive formats such as animation are the ones that arouse greater interest. Professional shorter videos (2–3 min in length) showed a significantly higher number of daily views and their papers garnered a higher number of citations per day. This data, combined with future qualitative research, will help to develop a model for validating the quality of an Ecology video abstract and provide new insights into the global study of audio-visual communication of science.
Evaluation of the Performance of CMIP5 Models to Simulate Land Surface Air Temperature Based on Long-Range Correlation
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , He Wenping , Dong Tianyun , Zhou Jie , Xie Xiaoqiang , Mei Ying , Wan Shiquan , Jiang Yundi
Published: February 2021

The daily average land surface air temperature (SAT) simulated by 8 CMIP5 models historical experiments and that from NCEP data during 1960–2005, are used to evaluate the performance of the CMIP5 model based on detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) method. The DFA results of NCEP data show that SAT in most regions of the world exhibit long-range correlation. The scaling exponents of NCEP SAT show the zonal distribution characteristics of larg in tropics while small in medium and high latitudes. The distribution characteristics of the zonal average scaling exponents of CMCC-CMS, GFDL-ESM2G, IPSL-CM5A-MR are similar to that of NCEP data. From the DFA errors of model-simulated SAT, the performance of IPSL-CM5A-MR is the best among the 8 models throughout the year, the performance of FGOALS-g2 is good in spring and summer, GFDL-ESM2G is the best in autumn, CNRM-CM5 and CMCC-CMS is good in winter. The scaling exponents of model-simulated SAT are closer to that of NCEP data in most areas of the mid-high latitude on the northern hemisphere. However, simulations of SAT in East Asia and Central North American are generally less effective. In spring, most models have better performance in Siberian (SIB), Central Asia (CAS) and Tibetan (TIB). SAT in Northern Europe area are well simulated by most models in summer. In autumn, areas with better performance of most models are Mediterranean, SIB and TIB regions. In winter, SAT in Greenland, SIB and TIB areas are well simulated by most models. Generally speaking, the performance of CMIP5 models for SAT on global continents varies in different seasons and different regions.
Co-Reactivation of Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr Virus Was Associated With Poor Prognosis After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Zhou Jing-Rui , Shi Da-Yu , Wei Rong , Wang Yu , Yan Chen-Hua , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Xu Lan-Ping , Liu Kai-Yan , Huang Xiao-Jun , Sun Yu-Qian
Published: February 2021

Reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is common after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Previous researches have demonstrated that either CMV or EBV reactivation is associated with poor outcomes of HSCT. However, few studies investigate the impact of CMV and EBV co-reactivation after HSCT. In this study, we described the clinical characteristics of HSCT recipients with CMV and EBV co-reactivation (defined as CMV and EBV viremia occur at the same period of time). We conducted a longitudinal study of 247 patients who underwent HSCT in our center. A total of 24 (9.7%) patients had CMV and EBV co-reactivation. These patients showed higher incidence of viral pneumonitis (P=0.005). Patients with CMV and EBV co-reactivation had significant lower 1-year overall survival (OS) (P=0.004) and lower 1-year leukemia free survival (LFS) (P=0.016). Our further analysis suggested that duration of CMV (P=0.014), EBV (P<0.001), and CD4+CD25+ T cell counts at day 30 post-transplantation (P=0.05) are independent risk factors of virus co-reactivation. In conclusion, patients who developed co-reactivation of CMV and EBV had poor prognosis in terms of lower 1-year OS and LFS, and the CMV and EBV co-reactivation was associated with prolonged CMV or EBV duration and poor CD4+CD25+ T cell reconstitution at day 30 post-transplantation.
Increasing Knowledge of Biodiversity on the Orphan Seamount: A New Species of Tedania (Tedaniopsis) Dendy, 1924
Authors: Ríos Pilar , Cristobo Javier , Baker Emily , Beazley Lindsay , Culwick Timothy , Kenchington Ellen
Published: February 2021

A new Tedania species (Porifera) was collect using remotely operated vehicles during the Canadian mission HUD2010-029 and the British RRS Discovery Cruise DY081, on the Orphan Seamount near the Orphan Knoll, northwest Atlantic, between 2999.88 and 3450.4 m depth. Orphan Knoll is an isolated, drowned continental fragment 550 km northeast Newfoundland in the Labrador Sea. This region is biologically rich and complex and in 2007, the regional fisheries management organization operating in the area regulated that no vessel shall engage in bottom-contact fishing activities until reviewed in 2020 with a review slated at the end of this year. Members of the genus Tedania are uncommon in the temperate northern hemisphere with only six species known previously: Tedania (Tedania) anhelans; Tedania (Tedania) pilarriosae; Tedania (Tedania) suctoria; Tedania (Tedania) urgorrii; Tedania (Tedaniopsis) gurjanovae; and Tedania (Tedaniopsis) phacellina. The particular features of the new sponge we describe are the very peculiar external morphology which is tree-like with dichotomous branching—a morphology not previously described in this subgenus; and the combination of spicules found: long styles, the typical tornotes of the subgenus and two sizes of onychaetes. Additional information is provided on other species of Tedaniopsis described from the Atlantic Ocean. Based on the characteristics reported, we propose a new species, Tedania (Tedaniopsis) rappi sp. nov. in honor of Prof. Hans Tore Rapp (1972–2020), University of Bergen, Norway, a renowned sponge taxonomist and coordinator of the Horizon 2020 SponGES project. The holotype of T. (T.) phacellinaTopsent, 1912 from the Azores, the only other northern Atlantic species in the subgenus Tedaniopsis, was reviewed for comparison.
Culture System for a Closer Biological Contact Between Macrophages and Microparticles
Authors: Miyamoto Haruki , Higuchi Katsunori , Nakashima Yuta , Fujiwara Yukio , Komohara Yoshihiro , Nakanishi Yoshitaka
Published: February 2021

To investigate the effects of microparticles on the immune system, a device was designed for an optimal culture environment. Macrophages phagocytose microparticles and produce inflammatory cytokines. In a culture environment in which macrophages phagocytose microparticles mixed in a culture medium, it remains unclear whether the macrophages can physically access all the microparticles present in the culture medium. In the culturing of fine particles, such as microparticles, it is necessary to devise methods that can realize a close biological contact between the macrophages and the microparticles. To enable macrophages to appropriately phagocytose microparticles, a microchamber with a glenoid hole for cell culturing was designed and manufactured. To clarify the effects of the size, administration amount, and administration time of the microparticles on the production of inflammatory cytokines, a system that can continuously deliver and collect the culture medium was introduced. The results obtained using these systems helped clarify the aforementioned effects. Our study confirms the possibility of employing a system that can optimally adjust the biological contact between macrophages and microparticles in a culture environment.
The Use of Glucocorticoids in Lupus Nephritis: New Pathways for an Old Drug
Authors: Mejía-Vilet Juan M. , Ayoub Isabelle
Published: February 2021

Glucocorticoids therapy has greatly improved the outcome of lupus nephritis patients. Since their discovery, their adverse effects have counterbalanced their beneficial anti-inflammatory effects. Glucocorticoids exert their effects through both genomic and non-genomic pathways. Differential activation of these pathways is clinically relevant in terms of benefit and adverse effects. Ongoing aims in lupus nephritis treatment development focus on a better use of glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressant drugs and biologics. Newer regimens aim to decrease the peak glucocorticoid dose, allow a rapid glucocorticoid tapering, and intend to control disease activity with a lower cumulative glucocorticoid exposure. In this review we discuss the mechanisms, adverse effects and recent strategies to limit glucocorticoid exposure without compromising treatment efficacy.
E2F1: Cause and Consequence of DNA Replication Stress
Authors: Fouad Shahd , Hauton David , D'Angiolella Vincenzo
Published: February 2021

In mammalian cells, cell cycle entry occurs in response to the correct stimuli and is promoted by the transcriptional activity of E2F family members. E2F proteins regulate the transcription of S phase cyclins and genes required for DNA replication, DNA repair, and apoptosis. The activity of E2F1, the archetypal and most heavily studied E2F family member, is tightly controlled by the DNA damage checkpoints to modulate cell cycle progression and initiate programmed cell death, when required. Altered tumor suppressor and oncogenic signaling pathways often result in direct or indirect interference with E2F1 regulation to ensure higher rates of cell proliferation independently of external cues. Despite a clear link between dysregulated E2F1 activity and cancer progression, literature on the contribution of E2F1 to DNA replication stress phenotypes is somewhat scarce. This review discusses how dysfunctional tumor suppressor and oncogenic signaling pathways promote the disruption of E2F1 transcription and hence of its transcriptional targets, and how such events have the potential to drive DNA replication stress. In addition to the involvement of E2F1 upstream of DNA replication stress, this manuscript also considers the role of E2F1 as a downstream effector of the response to this type of cellular stress. Lastly, the review introduces some reflections on how E2F1 activity is integrated with checkpoint control through post-translational regulation, and proposes an exploitable tumor weakness based on this axis.
A Five Immune-Related lncRNA Signature as a Prognostic Target for Glioblastoma
Authors: Li Xiaomeng , Sun Li , Wang Xue , Wang Nan , Xu Kanghong , Jiang Xinquan , Xu Shuo
Published: February 2021

Background: A variety of regulatory approaches including immune modulation have been explored as approaches to either eradicate antitumor response or induce suppressive mechanism in the glioblastoma microenvironment. Thus, the study of immune-related long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) signature is of great value in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of glioblastoma.

Methods: Glioblastoma samples with lncRNA sequencing and corresponding clinical data were acquired from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Immune-lncRNAs co-expression networks were built to identify immune-related lncRNAs via Pearson correlation. Based on the median risk score acquired in the training set, we divided the samples into high- and low-risk groups and demonstrate the survival prediction ability of the immune-related lncRNA signature. Both principal component analysis (PCA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used for immune state analysis.

Results: A cohort of 151 glioblastoma samples and 730 immune-related genes were acquired in this study. A five immune-related lncRNA signature (AC046143.1, AC021054.1, AC080112.1, MIR222HG, and PRKCQ-AS1) was identified. Compared with patients in the high-risk group, patients in the low-risk group showed a longer overall survival (OS) in the training, validation, and entire TCGA set (p = 1.931e-05, p = 1.706e-02, and p = 3.397e-06, respectively). Additionally, the survival prediction ability of this lncRNA signature was independent of known clinical factors and molecular features. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) and stratified analyses were further performed to verify its optimal survival predictive potency. Of note, the high-and low-risk groups exhibited significantly distinct immune state according to the PCA and GSEA analyses.

Conclusions: Our study proposes that a five immune-related lncRNA signature can be utilized as a latent indicator of prognosis and potential therapeutic approach for glioblastoma.
Automatic Segmentation of Clinical Target Volumes for Post-Modified Radical Mastectomy Radiotherapy Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Liu Zhikai , Liu Fangjie , Chen Wanqi , Liu Xia , Hou Xiaorong , Shen Jing , Guan Hui , Zhen Hongnan , Wang Shaobin , Chen Qi , Chen Yu , Zhang Fuquan
Published: February 2021

Background

This study aims to construct and validate a model based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which can fulfil the automatic segmentation of clinical target volumes (CTVs) of breast cancer for radiotherapy.

Methods

In this work, computed tomography (CT) scans of 110 patients who underwent modified radical mastectomies were collected. The CTV contours were confirmed by two experienced oncologists. A novel CNN was constructed to automatically delineate the CTV. Quantitative evaluation metrics were calculated, and a clinical evaluation was conducted to evaluate the performance of our model.

Results

The mean Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of the proposed model was 0.90, and the 95th percentile Hausdorff distance (95HD) was 5.65 mm. The evaluation results of the two clinicians showed that 99.3% of the chest wall CTV slices could be accepted by clinician A, and this number was 98.9% for clinician B. In addition, 9/10 of patients had all slices accepted by clinician A, while 7/10 could be accepted by clinician B. The score differences between the AI (artificial intelligence) group and the GT (ground truth) group showed no statistically significant difference for either clinician. However, the score differences in the AI group were significantly different between the two clinicians. The Kappa consistency index was 0.259. It took 3.45 s to delineate the chest wall CTV using the model.

Conclusion

Our model could automatically generate the CTVs for breast cancer. AI-generated structures of the proposed model showed a trend that was comparable, or was even better, than those of human-generated structures. Additional multicentre evaluations should be performed for adequate validation before the model can be completely applied in clinical practice.
The Prognostic Value of Retroperitoneal Lymphadenectomy in Apparent Stage IA Endometrial Endometrioid Cancer
Authors: Liu Zhao , Lang Jinghe , Wu Ming , Li Lei
Published: February 2021

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Introduction

Debates remain regarding the role of lymphadenectomy in patients with apparent stage IA endometrial cancer, especially subtypes with a favorable prognosis. This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of staging surgeries in apparent stage IA endometrial endometrioid cancer patients in a retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Cases from June 1, 2010 to June 1, 2017 were reviewed in patients with pathologically confirmed endometrial endometrioid carcinoma limited to <1/2 of the myometrium, without extrauterine metastasis on preoperative evaluation and during surgical inspection. Survival outcomes were compared between patients with and without lymphadenectomy and between patients with and without metastasis to lymph nodes.

Results

In total, 1,312 eligible patients were included, among which 836 underwent staging surgeries and 476 underwent simple hysterectomy. Twenty-eight patients were found with metastasis to retroperitoneal lymph nodes. After a median follow-up of 57.4 months, lost to follow-up, recurrence, death, and cancer-specific death occurred in 28, 39, 24, and 16 patients, respectively. In a univariate analysis, lymphadenectomy of the pelvis with or without para-aortic lymph nodes had no significant impact on disease-free survival, overall survival or cancer-specific overall survival (p values >0.05). However, after adjusting for important baseline risk factors [menopausal status, tumor differentiation, maximum diameter and location, lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI) status, and postoperative adjuvant therapy), lymphadenectomy resulted in significantly improved survival outcomes (p values <0.05). Menopause (odds ratio [OR] 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–16.4, p=0.015), tumor diameter larger than 2 cm (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.3–16.0, p=0.016), grade 3 tumors (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.0–8.5, p=0.042), positive LVSI (OR 8.7, 95% CI 3.7–20.4, p<0.001) and lower uterine segment involvement (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.4–7.2, p=0.007) had more extrauterine metastases.

Conclusion

In cases of apparent stage IA endometrioid endometrial carcinoma, staging surgeries should be considered in patients with larger, higher grade tumors, positive LVSI, or lower uterine segment involvement.
Interventions for Addressing Anemia Among Children and Adolescents: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Mithra Prasanna , Khatib Mahalaqua Nazli , Sinha Anju Pradhan , Kumar Nithin , Holla Ramesh , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Vijayamma Ratheebhai , Nair N. Sreekumaran , Gaidhane Abhay , Quazi Zahiruddin Syed
Published: February 2021

Context: Anemia is a public health problem that can lead to growth, cognitive, and motor impairments.

Objective: To collate evidence on interventions for addressing childhood and adolescent anemia.

Methods: In this overview of systematic reviews, we included Cochrane as well as non-Cochrane systematic reviews (SRs) irrespective of language and publication status. Two sets of review authors independently screened articles for eligibility and extracted data from relevant SRs. We present data in a tabular format and summarize results based on outcome reported, age of participants, and type of interventions. We also adopt a “measurement for change” approach to assess the utility of measurement for development of interventions in childhood and adolescent anemia.

Results: Our search yielded 2,601 records of which 31 SRs were found eligible for inclusion. Results were favorable for fortification and supplementation with clear reduction in the risk of anemia and increase in hemoglobin levels across all age groups. Other interventions reported by the SRs were inconclusive and suggest further research.

Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that fortification or supplementation with iron and micronutrients leads to better reduction in the risk of anemia and improvements in hemoglobin levels among children and adolescents. Results of this overview can help decision makers in informing selection of interventions to address childhood and adolescent anemia.

Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42016053687.