bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of PI3K and MAPK pathways along with KIT inhibitors as a strategy to overcome drug resistance in gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Gupta Anu , Ma Shuang , Che Kepeng , Pobbati Ajaybabu V. , Rubin Brian P.
Published: July 2021

Activating mutations in KIT/PDGFRA receptor tyrosine kinases drive gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). KIT/PDGFRA inhibitors, such as imatinib do not evoke an effective cytocidal response, leaving room for quiescence and development of multiple secondary resistance mutations. As the majority of the secondary resistance clones activate PI3K and MAPK pathways, we investigated whether combined targeting of KIT/PI3K/MAPK (KPM) pathways overcomes drug resistance and quiescence in GIST cells. We monitored the proliferation of imatinib–sensitive and–resistant GIST cell lines after treating them with various combinations of drugs to inhibit KPM pathways. Cytocidal response was evaluated through proliferation, apoptosis and colony outgrowth assays. Combined inhibition of KPM signaling pathways using a KPM inhibitor cocktail decreased the survival of drug-resistant GIST cells and dramatically reduced their proliferation. Downstream pathway analysis showed that the residual PI3K/MAPK signaling observed after KIT inhibitor treatment plays a role in mediating quiescence and drug resistance. The KPM inhibitor cocktail with sunitinib or regorafenib effectively induced apoptosis and prevented colony outgrowth after long-term drug removal, suggesting that it can be used as an effective strategy against quiescence and drug resistance in metastatic GIST.
The transcriptome of rabbit conjunctiva in dry eye disease: Large-scale changes and similarity to the human dry eye
Authors: Master Adam , Kontzias Apostolos , Huang Liqun , Huang Wei , Tsioulias Anna , Zarabi Samaneh , Wolek Michael , Wollocko Brian M. , Honkanen Robert , Rigas Basil
Published: July 2021

The pathophysiology of dry eye disease (DED) remains largely unknown, accounting in part for the lack of successful treatments. We explored the pathophysiology of DED using a rabbit model of chronic DED induced with 3 weekly injections of Concanavalin A into the periorbital lacrimal glands. The transcriptome of full-thickness’s conjunctival tissue from rabbits with DED and from normal controls was determined using microarrays and, as needed, confirmatory real-time polymerase chain reactions. Results were subjected to bioinformatic analysis. DED induced large-scale changes in gene transcription involving 5,184 genes (22% of the total). Differentially expressed genes could be segregated into: functional modules and clusters; altered pathways; functionally linked genes; and groups of individual genes of known or suspected pathophysiological relevance to DED. A common feature of these subgroups is the breadth and magnitude of the changes that encompass ocular immunology and essentially all aspects of cell biology. Prominent changes concerned innate and adaptive immune responses; ocular surface inflammation; at least 25 significantly altered signaling pathways; a large number of chemokines; cell cycle; and apoptosis. Comparison of our findings to the limited extant transcriptomic data from DED patients associated with either Sjogren’s syndrome or non-Sjogren’s etiologies revealed a significant correlation between human and rabbit DED transcriptomes. Our data, establishing the large-scale transcriptomic changes of DED and their potential similarity to the human, underscore the enormous complexity of DED; establish a robust animal model of DED; will help expand our understanding of its pathophysiology; and could guide the development of successful therapeutic strategies.
Explainable models for forecasting the emergence of political instability
Authors: Baillie Emma , Howe Piers D. L. , Perfors Andrew , Miller Tim , Kashima Yoshihisa , Beger Andreas
Published: July 2021

Building on previous research on the use of macroeconomic factors for conflict prediction and using data on political instability provided by the Political Instability Task Force, this article proposes two minimal forecasting models of political instability optimised to have the greatest possible predictive power for one-year and two-year event horizons, while still making predictions that are fully explainable. Both models employ logistic regression and use just three predictors: polity code (a measure of government type), infant mortality, and years of stability (i.e., years since the last instability event). These models make predictions for 176 countries on a country-year basis and achieve AUPRC’s of 0.108 and 0.115 for the one-year and two-year models respectively. They use public data with ongoing availability so are readily reproducible. They use Monte Carlo simulations to construct confidence intervals for their predictions and are validated by testing their predictions for a set of reference years separate from the set of reference years used to train them. This validation shows that the models are not overfitted but suggests that some of the previous models in the literature may have been. The models developed in this article are able to explain their predictions by showing, for a given prediction, which predictors were the most influential and by using counterfactuals to show how the predictions would have been altered had these predictors taken different values. These models are compared to models created by lasso regression and it is shown that they have at least as good predictive power but that their predictions can be more readily explained. Because policy makers are more likely to be influenced by models whose predictions can explained, the more interpretable a model is the more likely it is to influence policy.
The experiences of trained breastfeeding support providers that influence how breastfeeding support is practised: A protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Chesnel Mary Jo , Healy Maria , McNeill Jenny
Published: July 2021

Background

Many women stop breastfeeding before they intend to as they cannot overcome breastfeeding difficulties. Breastfeeding support, as an evidence-based intervention by trained lay or professional breastfeeding support providers, can prevent early unintended cessation. Yet some women report dissatisfaction with support and reluctantly stop breastfeeding despite receiving this intervention. Understanding the experiences which shape how support is provided can inform effective implementation of breastfeeding support interventions. This review aims to synthesise experiences of trained breastfeeding support providers in high income settings and how these may influence their breastfeeding support practices.

Methods

A qualitative systematic review of trained breastfeeding supporters’ experiences of supporting women to breastfeed, as part of a generic healthcare role or focused breastfeeding support role, will be conducted. A systematic search will be performed of the databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL +), MEDLINE ALL, Maternity and Infant Care, EMBASE, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus. Title and abstract screening using eligibility criteria will be conducted usingCovidencesoftware. Eligible papers will be agreed by the review team following full text screening and reported using PRISMA guidelines. CASP and COREQ tools will assess study methodological quality and quality of reporting. Data will be extracted using a bespoke form and coded, using Excel software for data management. Analysis will involve the three stages of thematic synthesis: initial free coding, development of descriptive and subsequent analytical themes. Confidence in findings will be assessed using the CERQual framework.

Discussion

This review is the first to date to synthesise qualitative evidence on experiences which influence how trained lay and professional providers support women with breastfeeding. Findings will enable deeper understanding of the underpinning mechanisms of breastfeeding support provision and inform the development of tailored interventions to improve breastfeeding rates.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registration number:CRD42020207380
Exploring predictors at toddler age of distinct profiles of attentional functioning in 6-year-old children born moderate-to-late preterm and full term
Authors: Bogičević Lilly , Verhoeven Marjolein , van Baar Anneloes L.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Examining relationships of toddler abilities in attention, cognitive, motor, and language development, and behavioral problems, with distinct attention profiles at 6 years of age in children born moderate-to-late preterm and full term.

Method

Longitudinal study with a cohort of 88 moderate-to-late preterm and 83 full term born children. At 18 months attention abilities were assessed. At 24 months cognitive, motor, and language development was examined and behavioral problems were screened. At 6 years ten measures of attention were administered, which were used to classify children in one of four attentional functioning profiles (normal attention, overall poorer attention, poorer cognitive attention, and behavioral attention problems). Performance at 18 and 24 months was examined in relation to these four distinct attention profiles, as well as in relation to normal (first profile) versus subaverage attention (second, third, and fourth profiles) using multinomial logistic regressions.

Results

Orienting and alerting attention, and receptive language were related to distinct attention profiles. Specifically, children with an overall poorer attention profile at 6 years were differentiated by lower orienting attention and receptive language scores at toddler age, while those with a poorer cognitive attention profile showed lower early alerting attention at 18 months. Children with a behavioral attention problems profile at 6 years were differentiated by lower orienting attention but higher alerting attention scores at toddler age. Orienting attention and receptive language, but not alerting attention, at toddler age were related to normal versus subaverage attention, with lower scores predicting subaverage attention.

Conclusions

Children at risk of poorer attentional functioning at school-age, expressed in distinct attention profiles, already showed differentiated functioning in attention abilities and in language comprehension as toddlers. Distinguishing distinct attention profiles could be important for future research and clinical practice, as is early monitoring of attention and language abilities in children at risk.
Streamlining brain tumor surgery care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case-control study
Authors: Mallari Regin Jay , Avery Michael B. , Corlin Alex , Eisenberg Amalia , Hammond Terese C. , Martin Neil A. , Barkhoudarian Garni , Kelly Daniel F.
Published: July 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a reconsideration of surgical patient management in the setting of scarce resources and risk of viral transmission. Herein we assess the impact of implementing a protocol of more rigorous patient education, recovery room assessment for non-ICU admission, earlier mobilization and post-discharge communication for patients undergoing brain tumor surgery.

Methods

A case-control retrospective review was undertaken at a community hospital with a dedicated neurosurgery and otolaryngology team using minimally invasive surgical techniques, total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and early post-operative imaging protocols. All patients undergoing craniotomy or endoscopic endonasal removal of a brain, skull base or pituitary tumor were included during two non-overlapping periods: March 2019–January 2020 (pre-pandemic epoch) versus March 2020–January 2021 (pandemic epoch with streamlined care protocol implemented). Data collection included demographics, preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status, tumor pathology, and tumor resection and remission rates. Primary outcomes were ICU utilization and hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were complications, readmissions and reoperations.

Findings

Of 295 patients, 163 patients were treated pre-pandemic (58% women, mean age 53.2±16 years) and 132 were treated during the pandemic (52% women, mean age 52.3±17 years). From pre-pandemic to pandemic, ICU utilization decreased from 92(54%) to 43(29%) of operations (p<0.001) and hospital LOS≤1 day increased from 21(12.2%) to 60(41.4%), p<0.001, respectively. For craniotomy cohort, median LOS was 2 days for both epochs; median ICU LOS decreased from 1 to 0 days (p<0.001), ICU use decreased from 73(80%) to 29(33%),(p<0.001). For endonasal cohort, median LOS decreased from 2 to 1 days; median ICU LOS was 0 days for both epochs; (p<0.001). There were no differences pre-pandemic versus pandemic in ASA scores, resection/remission rates, readmissions or reoperations.

Conclusion

This experience suggests the COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for implementing a brain tumor care protocol to facilitate safely decreasing ICU utilization and accelerating discharge home without an increase in complications, readmission or reoperations. More rigorous patient education, recovery room assessment for non-ICU admission, earlier mobilization and post-discharge communication, layered upon a foundation of minimally invasive surgery, TIVA anesthesia and early post-operative imaging are possible contributors to these favorable trends.
Can we predict the severe course of COVID-19 - a systematic review and meta-analysis of indicators of clinical outcome?
Authors: Katzenschlager Stephan , Zimmer Alexandra J. , Gottschalk Claudius , Grafeneder Jürgen , Schmitz Stephani , Kraker Sara , Ganslmeier Marlene , Muth Amelie , Seitel Alexander , Maier-Hein Lena , Benedetti Andrea , Larmann Jan , Weigand Markus A. , McGrath Sean , Denkinger Claudia M.
Published: July 2021

Background

COVID-19 has been reported in over 40million people globally with variable clinical outcomes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed demographic, laboratory and clinical indicators as predictors for severe courses of COVID-19.

Methods

This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO under CRD42020177154. We systematically searched multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, MedRvix and bioRvix) for publications from December 2019 to May 31st 2020. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to calculate pooled odds ratios and differences of medians between (1) patients admitted to ICU versus non-ICU patients and (2) patients who died versus those who survived. We adapted an existing Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool for outcome studies.

Results

Of 6,702 unique citations, we included 88 articles with 69,762 patients. There was concern for bias across all articles included. Age was strongly associated with mortality with a difference of medians (DoM) of 13.15 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 11.37 to 14.94) between those who died and those who survived. We found a clinically relevant difference between non-survivors and survivors for C-reactive protein (CRP; DoM 69.10 mg/L, CI 50.43 to 87.77), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; DoM 189.49 U/L, CI 155.00 to 223.98), cardiac troponin I (cTnI; DoM 21.88 pg/mL, CI 9.78 to 33.99) and D-Dimer (DoM 1.29mg/L, CI 0.9 to 1.69). Furthermore, cerebrovascular disease was the co-morbidity most strongly associated with mortality (Odds Ratio 3.45, CI 2.42 to 4.91) and ICU admission (Odds Ratio 5.88, CI 2.35 to 14.73).

Discussion

This comprehensive meta-analysis found age, cerebrovascular disease, CRP, LDH and cTnI to be the most important risk-factors that predict severe COVID-19 outcomes and will inform clinical scores to support early decision-making.
The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is likely comodulated by temperature and by relative humidity
Authors: Raines Kevin S. , Doniach Sebastian , Bhanot Gyan
Published: July 2021

Inferring the impact of climate upon the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been confounded by variability in testing, unknown disease introduction rates, and changing weather. Here we present a data model that accounts for dynamic testing rates and variations in disease introduction rates. We apply this model to data from Colombia, whose varied and seasonless climate, central port of entry, and swift, centralized response to the COVID-19 pandemic present an opportune environment for assessing the impact of climate factors on the spread of COVID-19. We observe strong attenuation of transmission in climates with sustained daily temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius and simultaneous mean relative humidity below 78%, with outbreaks occurring at high humidity even where the temperature is high. We hypothesize that temperature and relative humidity comodulate the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 within respiratory droplets.
Negative regulation of melatonin secretion by melatonin receptors in ovine pinealocytes
Authors: Lépinay Julie , Taragnat Catherine , Dubois Jean-Philippe , Chesneau Didier , Jockers Ralf , Delagrange Philippe , Bozon Véronique
Published: July 2021

Melatonin (MLT) is a biological modulator of circadian and seasonal rhythms and reproduction. The photoperiodic information is detected by retinal photoreceptors and transmitted through nerve transmissions to the pineal gland, where MLT is synthesized and secreted at night into the blood. MLT interacts with two G protein-coupled receptors, MT1 and MT2. The aim of our work was to provide evidence for the presence of MLT receptors in the ovine pineal gland and define their involvement on melatonin secretion. For the first time, we identified the expression of MLT receptors with the specific 2-[125I]-MLT agonistic radioligand in ovin pinealocytes. The values of Kd and Bmax are 2.24 ± 1.1 nM and 20 ± 6.8 fmol/mg. MLT receptors are functional and inhibit cAMP production and activate ERK1/2 through pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi/o proteins. The MLT receptor antagonist/ inverse agonist luzindole increased cAMP production (189 ± 30%) and MLT secretion (866 ± 13%). The effect of luzindole on MLT secretion was additive with the effect of well-described activators of this pathway such as the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol and the α-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine. Co-incubation of all three compounds increased MLT secretion by 1236 ± 199%. These results suggest that MLT receptors are involved in the negative regulation of the synthesis of its own ligand in pinealocytes. While adrenergic receptors promote MLT secretion, MLT receptors mitigate this effect to limit the quantity of MLT secreted by the pineal gland.
Long-term effects of coronavirus disease 2019 on the cardiovascular system, CV COVID registry: A structured summary of a study protocol
Authors: Arévalos Victor , Ortega-Paz Luis , Fernandez-Rodríguez Diego , Alfonso Jiménez-Díaz Víctor , Rius Jordi Bañeras , Campo Gianluca , Rodríguez-Santamarta Miguel , de Prado Armando Pérez , Gómez-Menchero Antonio , Díaz Fernández José Francisco , Scardino Claudia , Gonzalo Nieves , Pernigotti Alberto , Alfonso Fernando , Jesús Amat-Santos Ignacio , Silvestro Antonio , Ielasi Alfonso , María de la Torre José , Bastidas Gabriela , Gómez-Lara Josep , Sabaté Manel , Brugaletta Salvatore ,   on behalf of the CV COVID-19 Registry Investigators
Published: July 2021

Background

Patients presenting with the coronavirus-2019 disease (COVID-19) may have a high risk of cardiovascular adverse events, including death from cardiovascular causes. The long-term cardiovascular outcomes of these patients are entirely unknown. We aim to perform a registry of patients who have undergone a diagnostic nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 and to determine their long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Study and design

This is a multicenter, observational, retrospective registry to be conducted at 17 centers in Spain and Italy (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT04359927). Consecutive patients older than 18 years, who underwent a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV2 in the participating institutions, will be included since March 2020, to August 2020. Patients will be classified into two groups, according to the results of the RT-PCR: COVID-19 positive or negative. The primary outcome will be cardiovascular mortality at 1 year. The secondary outcomes will be acute myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure hospitalization, pulmonary embolism, and serious cardiac arrhythmias, at 1 year. Outcomes will be compared between the two groups. Events will be adjudicated by an independent clinical event committee.

Conclusion

The results of this registry will contribute to a better understanding of the long-term cardiovascular implications of the COVID19.
The impact of periodontal disease and dental cleaning procedures on serum and urine kidney biomarkers in dogs and cats
Authors: Hall Jean A. , Forman Franci J. , Bobe Gerd , Farace Giosi , Yerramilli Murthy
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits and inherent risks of dental cleaning procedures, based on serum and urine biomarkers for kidney function and tissue damage, in dogs and cats. Thirty-one asymptomatic, mostly older dogs (14 neutered male and 17 ovariohysterectomized female dogs of various breeds between 3 and 14 years old) and cats (19 neutered male and 12 ovariohysterectomized female domestic short hair cats between 2 and 16 years old) diagnosed with periodontal disease on physical exam, and recommended by their veterinarian to have dental cleaning under general anesthesia were evaluated in a prospective study. Serum and urine samples were collected from dogs and cats 1 week before, 6 hours after, and again 1 week after the dental cleaning procedure. Samples were analyzed for biomarkers of kidney function [serum creatinine (Cr), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and urine for specific gravity (USG) and protein:creatinine (UPC) ratio]. A panel of biomarkers for renal tissue damage was also assessed [serum β-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIB), and urine cystatin B and clusterin]. Samples collected one week before dental cleaning procedures showed that increased age and severity of dental disease were linked to abnormal kidney function biomarker values (age: elevated SDMA and Cr concentrations and isosthenuric USG values; disease severity: elevated UPC ratios) as well as elevated urine cystatin B and clusterin concentrations. Directly after the dental cleaning procedure, an increased number of cats with elevated SDMA concentrations was observed (specifically in cats with longer duration of dental procedures). Extended duration of dental procedures (≥60 min) was linked to increased urine cystatin B and clusterin concentrations, whereas shorter duration procedures was linked to decreased urine cystatin B and clusterin. Higher SDMA concentrations persisted in cats one week after the dental cleaning procedures and were linked to elevated UPC ratios one week before cleaning procedures. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate a link between severity of dental disease, renal tissue injury, and impaired renal function. Longer duration dental procedures in cats may carry inherent risks of kidney injury and impaired renal function.
Validity and reliability of a novel monitoring sensor for the quantification of the hitting load in tennis
Authors: Hadžić Vedran , Germič Aleš , Filipčič Aleš
Published: July 2021

Wearable sensor systems are a emerging tools for the evaluation of the sport’s activity and can be used to quantify the external workload of the athlete. The main goal of this paper was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the “Armbeep inertial measurement unit” (IMU) sensor both in a closed tennis exercise and in open matchplay. Twentyfour junior tennis players performed a baseline drill and played matches, during which they wore a combined accelerometer and gyroscope sensor. Video footage was concomitantly recorded using a digital video camera. The agreement between the measurements was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the standard error of measurement (SEM). A simple linear regression was used to predict the number of shots registered from the video and from the Armbeep IMU sensor’s data. The number of total forehand and backhand shots during the drill repetitions showed an excellent test and re-test reproducibility (ICC≥0.90). There was a significant relationship between the Armbeep IMU sensor’s number of contacts and the total number of shots (R2 = 0.938) which indicated the excellent reliability of the tested Armbeep IMU sensor for those parameters. Considering the accuracy of the total tennis shots and the small magnitude of error for wrist speed and acceleration, the Armbeep IMU sensor appears to be an appropriate on-court tool that can be used to monitor the hitting load during tennis practice and matches.
Inclusion of photoautotrophic cultivated diatom biomass in salmon feed can deter lice
Authors: Eilertsen Hans Chr. , Elvevoll Edel , Giæver Ingeborg Hulda , Svenning Jon Brage , Dalheim Lars , Svalheim Ragnhild Aven , Vang Birthe , Siikavuopio Sten , Dragøy Ragnhild , Ingebrigtsen Richard A. , Hansen Espen , Hustad Anette , Eilertsen Karl-Erik
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of diatom (microalgae) biomass as a lice-reducing ingredient in salmon feed. The original hypothesis was based on the fact that polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUAs), e.g. 2-trans, 4-trans decadenial (A3) produced by diatoms can function as grazing deterrents and harm copepod development. Salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) is a copepod, and we intended to test if inclusion of diatom biomass in the feed could reduce the infestation of lice on salmon. We performed experiments where salmon kept in tanks were offered four different diets, i.e. basic feed with diatoms, fish oil,Calanussp. oil or rapeseed oil added. After a feeding period of 67 days a statistically representative group of fishes, tagged with diet group origin, were pooled in a 4000L tank and exposed to salmon lice copepodites whereafter lice infestation was enumerated. Salmon from all four diet groups had good growth with SGR values from 1.29 to 1.44% day-1(increase from ca. 130 g to 350 g). At the termination of the experiment the number of lice on salmon offered diatom feed were statistically significantly lower than on salmon fed the other diets. Mean lice infestation values increased from diatom feed throughCalanusand fish oil to standard feed with terrestrial plant ingredients. Analysis of the chemical composition of the different diets (fatty acids, amino acids) failed to explain the differences in lice infestation. The only notable result was that diatom andCalanusfeed contained more FFA (free fatty acids) than feed with fish oil and the control feed. None of the potential deleterious targeted polyunsaturated aldehydes could be detected in skin samples of the salmon. What was exclusive for salmon that experienced reduced lice was diatom inclusion in the feed. This therefore still indicates the presence of some lice deterring ingredient, either in the feed, or an ingredient can have triggered production of an deterrent in the fish. An obvious follow up of this will be to perform experiments with different degrees of diatom inclusion in the feeds, i.e. dose response experiments combined with targeted PUA analyses, as well as to perform large scale experiments under natural conditions in aquaculture pens.
A seroprevalence survey of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals 18 years of age or older living in a vulnerable region of the city of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Miraglia João Luiz , Nascimento Monteiro Camila , Giannecchini Romagnolo Alexandre , Xavier Gomes Rafaela , Pitangueiras Mangueira Cristóvão , Aparecida Rosseto-Welter Eliane , Gabriel Souza Juliana , da Gloria dos Santos Marina , Nogueira dos Santos Ranier , I. Carvalho Karina , Bonfim Daiana
Published: July 2021

A second wave of COVID-19 has demonstrated how challenging it will be to achieve sustained control of the disease, even with vaccination underway in many countries. Therefore, it remains relevant to keep improving our understanding of the distribution of COVID-19, especially of asymptomatic individuals, among different populations, and particularly in vulnerable regions. Hence, this population-based serosurvey had the objective of estimating the prevalence of individuals 18 years of age or older infected by SARS-CoV-2, and the proportion of asymptomatic individuals, among a vulnerable population living in an urban setting. This was a cross-sectional single-stage cluster sampling serosurvey conducted between September and December of 2019, in a vulnerable region of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Families covered by three public primary healthcare units represented the selected clusters. After study inclusion, participants were asked about signs and symptoms related to COVID-19, and had collected 10 mL of blood for serology testing. A total of 272 individuals from 185 families were included in the study, out of the 400 eligible individuals for inclusion, resulting in a non-response rate of 32%. The post stratified prevalence of individuals infected by SARS-CoV-2 was 45.2% (95% CI: 39.4–51.0%), with a proportion of asymptomatic cases of 30.2% (95% CI: 23.3–38.0%). This population-based serosurvey identified a greater prevalence of infected individuals by SARS-CoV-2 compared to data from the beginning of the pandemic, and from a recent citywide serosurvey, with a similar proportion of asymptomatic individuals. It demonstrated the value of primary healthcare services for disease surveillance activities, and the importance of more focused serosurveys, especially in vulnerable locations, and the need to evaluate new surveillance strategies to take into account asymptomatic cases.
Magnetic resonance radiomics features and prognosticators in different molecular subtypes of pediatric Medulloblastoma
Authors: Chang Feng-Chi , Wong Tai-Tong , Wu Kuo-Sheng , Lu Chia-Feng , Weng Ting-Wei , Liang Muh-Lii , Wu Chih-Chun , Guo Wan Yuo , Chen Cheng-Yu , Hsieh Kevin Li-Chun
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a highly malignant pediatric brain tumor. In the latest classification, medulloblastoma is divided into four distinct groups: wingless (WNT), sonic hedgehog (SHH), Group 3, and Group 4. We analyzed the magnetic resonance imaging radiomics features to find the imaging surrogates of the 4 molecular subgroups of MB.

Material and methods

Frozen tissue, imaging data, and clinical data of 38 patients with medulloblastoma were included from Taipei Medical University Hospital and Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Molecular clustering was performed based on the gene expression level of 22 subgroup-specific signature genes. A total 253 magnetic resonance imaging radiomic features were generated from each subject for comparison between different molecular subgroups.

Results

Our cohort consisted of 7 (18.4%) patients with WNT medulloblastoma, 12 (31.6%) with SHH tumor, 8 (21.1%) with Group 3 tumor, and 11 (28.9%) with Group 4 tumor. 8 radiomics gray-level co-occurrence matrix texture (GLCM) features were significantly different between 4 molecular subgroups of MB. In addition, for tumors with higher values in a gray-level run length matrix feature—Short Run Low Gray-Level Emphasis, patients have shorter survival times than patients with low values of this feature (p = 0.04). The receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed optimal performance of the preliminary prediction model based on GLCM features for predicting WNT, Group 3, and Group 4 MB (area under the curve = 0.82, 0.72, and 0.78, respectively).

Conclusion

The preliminary result revealed that 8 contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging texture features were significantly different between 4 molecular subgroups of MB. Together with the prediction models, the radiomics features may provide suggestions for stratifying patients with MB into different risk groups.
Targeting human langerin promotes HIV-1 specific humoral immune responses
Authors: Kervevan Jérôme , Bouteau Aurélie , Lanza Juliane S. , Hammoudi Adele , Zurawski Sandra , Surenaud Mathieu , Dieudonné Lydie , Bonnet Marion , Lefebvre Cécile , Hocini Hakim , Marlin Romain , Guguin Aurélie , Hersant Barbara , Hermeziu Oana , Menu Elisabeth , Lacabaratz Christine , Lelièvre Jean-Daniel , Zurawski Gerard , Godot Véronique , Henri Sandrine , Igyártó Botond Z. , Levy Yves , Cardinaud Sylvain
Published: July 2021

The main avenue for the development of an HIV-1 vaccine remains the induction of protective antibodies. A rationale approach is to target antigen to specific receptors on dendritic cells (DC) via fused monoclonal antibodies (mAb). In mouse and non-human primate models, targeting of skin Langerhans cells (LC) with anti-Langerin mAbs fused with HIV-1 Gag antigen drives antigen-specific humoral responses. The development of these immunization strategies in humans requires a better understanding of early immune events driven by human LC. We therefore produced anti-Langerin mAbs fused with the HIV-1 gp140z Envelope (αLC.Env). First, we show that primary skin human LC and in vitro differentiated LC induce differentiation and expansion of naïve CD4+ T cells into T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Second, when human LC are pre-treated with αLC.Env, differentiated Tfh cells significantly promote the production of specific IgG by B cells. Strikingly, HIV-Env-specific Ig are secreted by HIV-specific memory B cells. Consistently, we found that receptors and cytokines involved in Tfh differentiation and B cell functions are upregulated by LC during their maturation and after targeting Langerin. Finally, we show that subcutaneous immunization of mice by αLC.Env induces germinal center (GC) reaction in draining lymph nodes with higher numbers of Tfh cells, Env-specific B cells, as well as specific IgG serum levels compared to mice immunized with the non-targeting Env antigen. Altogether, we provide evidence that human LC properly targeted may be licensed to efficiently induce Tfh cell and B cell responses in GC.
Dear Andreja
Authors: Kajba Suzana
Published: July 2021

This letter was sent from the distanced spectator Suzana Kajba to the creator of the video scenes Things and Substances Andreja Rauch Podrzavnik who composed them together with Maja Dekleva Lapajne in the middle of the closure of public life due to the coronavirus epidemic. Video scenes were edited by Andreja Rauch Podrzavnik, music and sound design by Christopher Benstead. Things and Substances was produced by Federacija and co-produced by Španski borci and is available at: www.zavod.federacija.si/aktualno-reci-snovi/.
Independent, alternative, cultural, specialised, niche: How the press can survive without the market and state (or with them)
Authors: Smokvina Tanja Kerševan
Published: July 2021

The financing of media has become a prime political and public topic in Slovenia. In light of the government’s financial draining of the Slovenian Press Agency, a politically motivated distribution of funds for public interest media, and advertising commissioned by state institutions and companies, attention has primarily focused on the media aimed at the general public. Specialised magazines have more limited access to both the market and public funds. Despite public support, demonstrated by the campaign #zaobSTAnek (#forsurvival), crowdsourcing is not a viable solution for public media and even less so for media aimed at more narrow audiences.
Sexual violence: What do we talk about when we talk about systemic solutions?
Authors: Radaljac Anja
Published: July 2021

Sexual violence is increasingly recognised as “a problem”, even as “a systemic problem”. This attitude is found predominantly on the leftwing, but it is also appropriated and used as a tool of xenophobic policies by the right-wing. The perception of the issue itself in the process of addressing it is thus becoming less and less sufficient. This contribution provides an overview of some attempts to address this issue through concrete actions, explores the question of the relationship between the protection mechanisms available to victims of sexual violence as opposed to perpetrators, and attempts to build on successful past projects to suggest some possible concrete actions or projects that might bring the perception of the issue closer to its resolution.
Independent culture up a blind alley of politicised culture and commercialised student organisations
Authors: Zaniuk Tomaž
Published: July 2021

The disintegration of the decades-old cultural model of interdependence between the public and non-governmental sectors and the self-employed and other individuals in culture coincides with the commercialisation of student forms of organisation, within the framework of which many independent cultural institutions were established and professionalised, such as ŠKUC, Radio Študent, Beletrina Publishing House, Kapelica Gallery... They are thus increasingly dependent on the measures adopted by cultural policy, which has regressed during the epidemic, and the situation of those working in the field of independent, non-governmental culture has further deteriorated. It is time to reflect on the exit strategies beyond the existing cultural model.
“Who should we hate today?”: Notes from an illiberal laboratory
Authors: Miklósvölgyi Zsolt , Nemes Márió Z.
Published: July 2021

Similarly to other ethnofuturistic movements (e.g. Afrofuturism, Blaccelerationism, Sinofuturism, Gulf-Futurism, Baltic Ethnofuturism) Hungarofuturism is an experiment in identity-poetical imagination, based on a radically ironic exaggeration of minority identity. As opposed to notions of Hungarianness currently hegemonic in Hungary, this is an alternative concept of what it means to be Hungarian, the discovery of a post-Hungarianism. The Hungarofuturist reprogramming of the hegemonic “nation-machine” does not create organic knowledge and narratives, but anachronisms, phantom-like events in which the incompatibility of the various elements hybridizes history and the cosmos until the very moment of “overidentification” (Slavoj Žižek). One of the primary examples of Hungarofuturist “overidentification” is best demonstrated in the example of hijacking and appropriating the most common pseudo-myth of the esoteric subcultures of the Hungarian far-right: Hungarians—as the so-called “chosen ones”—originating from outer space, namely from the Sirius star system. One of the primary aims of this article is to decipher, hijack, and deweaponize the core of this conspiracy theory, thus demonstrating how Hungarofuturist’s ways of (counter-) narrative-making are capable of deconstructing the phantoms of 1 This essay is partially based on our following previous texts: “Hungarofuturist Manifesto”, in Technologie und das Unheimliche, 2017; “Terraforming PostHungarianness”, WUK, 2020; “Parapolitik der Außerirdischen Interessen”, Kunst und Kirche, 2021. ethnographic authenticity promoted not only by FIDESZ, but by contemporary nationalist political agendas all over the world.
Alfa-sinukleina biomarkatzaile gisa Parkinson gaixotasunaren diagnostikoan
Authors: Murueta-Goyena Ane , Zubelzu Maider , Morera-Herreras Teresa
Published: July 2021

Parkinson gaixotasuna ohiko gaixotasun neurodegeneratiboa da, patologikoki Lewy gorputzen presentziagatik eta neurona dopaminergikoen galera progresiboagatik bereizten dena. Gaur egun, Parkinson gaixotasunaren diagnostikoa irizpide klinikoetan oinarrituta dago; hau da, gorputz-adarren dardara, mugimenduen moteltasuna edo muskuluen gogortasuna bezalako sintoma motorrak agertzen direnean diagnostikatzen da. Hala ere, sintoma motorrak azaleratzen direnerako, mesentzefaloko neurona dopaminergikoen erdia baino gehiago galdu direla uste da. Gainera, Parkinsonaren diagnostiko klinikoa erronka bat denez, ohikoak dira diagnostiko okerrak. Horrek argi uzten du gaixotasunaren berariazko diagnostikorako biomarkatzaileak behar direla, batez ere fase goiztiarretan. Lewyren gorputzak aberatsak dira alfa-sinukleina (α-sinukleina) proteinatan, eta hauek funtsezko eginkizuna dute Parkinson gaixotasunaren patogenesian. Hori dela eta, α-sinukleina baliagarria izan daiteke Parkinsonaren biomarkatzaile gisa. Berrikuspen honen helburua, beraz, gorputzeko fluido desberdinetan α-sinukleinaren eta haren proteoformen neurketaren erabilgarritasun-diagnostikoari buruzko ebidentzia laburbiltzea da. Izan ere, espezifikoak, sentikorrak eta eskuragarriak diren biomarkatzaileak identifikatzea ezinbestekoa da Parkinson gaixotasuna aldatzeko dauden eta etorkizunean izango diren tratamenduei dagokienez. Nahiz eta hautagai nagusia α-sinukleina likido zefalorrakideoan (LZR) neurtzea izan den, LZR biltzeko prozedura nahiko inbaditzailea da, eta ez da egokia ingurune kliniko gehienetan. Ondorioz, odol-plasma, listua eta malkoa bezalako biofluidoetan ikertu da proteina honen eta haren proteoformen presentzia. Ikerketa hauen emaitzen arabera, α-sinukleina fosforilatua eta oligomerikoa izan daitezke hautagai egokienak Parkinson gaixotasunaren diagnostikorako. Orain arte α-sinukleinaren neurketak muga tekniko anitz izan dituen arren, azken urteetan sortutako tekniken bitartez entseguen errepikakortasuna eta fidagarritasuna nabarmen areagotu da. Beraz, hautagai nagusiek Parkinsonaren diagnostikorako biomarkatzailegisa izan dezaketen potentziala hurrengo urteetan egiaztatzea espero da.
Industria farmazeutikoak ingurumenean duen inpaktua murrizteko estrategiak
Authors: Matxain Maialen , Igartua Manoli , Hernández Rosa María , Santos-Vizcaíno Edorta
Published: July 2021

Industria farmazeutikoa, bere ekoizpen-bolumena kontuan izanda, gehien kutsatzen duten industriako sektoreen artean kokatzen da. Hori dela eta, lan honetan, egun martxan dagoen Nazio Batuen Erakundearen (NBE) 2030 Agendarekin lerrokatuz, eta bertan aipatzen diren helburuak betetzeko asmoz, industria farmazeutikoak ingurumenean duen inpaktua murrizteko hainbat estrategia aztertuko dira, arreta medikamentuen ekoizpenari jarriz batez ere. Lehenik, ekoizpen iraunkorra bultzatu nahian, disolbatzaile edo eszipiente organikoak fluido superkritiko eta likido ionikoen bidez ordezkatzea proposatuko da. ondoren, medikamentu edo materia organikoek ingurune urtarrean duten bilakaera aztertuko da. Horren konponbide gisa eta baliabide hidrikoen eraginkortasuna bultzatuz, oxidazio-teknika bidezko erreakzioen erabilera proposatuko da, ur-hondakinen tratamenduan konposatu kimikoak ezabatu ahal izateko. Horrez gain, eta egungo aldaketa klimatikoak ingurumenean duen inpaktua aintzat hartuz, berotegi-efektua duten gasen isurketa murrizteko energia berriztagarrien erabilera bultzatu eta erabiltzen den energiaren efizientziaren hobekuntzarako hainbat estrategia aipatuko dira. Horretaz gain, beste zenbait etapa ere dira, medikamentua sortzen denetik medikamentua birziklatua izan arte. Hortaz, ekoizpen eta kontsumo arduratsuago baten bila, etapa horietako inpaktua ere murriztea beharrezkoa litzateke, medikamentuen kutxen diseinua aldatuz, kutxa ekologikoagoak lortzeko eta garraiorako furgoneta ekologikoen erabilera bultzatuz, besteak beste. Amaitzeko, industria farmazeutikoa I+G+b-n gehien inbertitzen duen sektorea dela aintzat hartuz, hausnarketa txiki bat egiten da, baliabide eta teknologia horiek etorkizunean ekar ditzaketen onurak azpimarratuz.
El uso de la protección del diseño industrial como medio de apropiación de los grafismos indígenas Wajãpi
Authors: Pereira Peralta Patricia , Ranzemberger Gomes Juliane Pereira
Published: July 2021

La pintura corporal Wajãpi ha sido reconocida como patrimonio inmaterial de Brasil. Dicho reconocimiento tiene como objetivo, de alguna manera, proteger este conocimiento tradicional. Sin embargo, existen limitaciones para que esa consagración como patrimonio inmaterial sirva de garantía efectiva para evitar la expropiación de los grafismos. Por esa razón, se cuestiona el uso de los derechos de propiedad intelectual como una forma de proteger los conocimientos tradicionales. En este sentido, este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir el uso del diseño industrial, uno de los derechos de propiedad industrial, como una forma de proteger los grafismos Wajãpi. La metodología utilizada se basa en el método deductivo, a través de la valoración de la literatura relevante al objeto de estudio. Se concluye que el derecho de diseño industrial no es aplicable a la protección de la pintura Wajãpi.
La tortuga y la caída del cielo: mímesis, memoria y performance yanomami
Authors: Dawsey John C.
Published: July 2021

Cuando el chamán yanomami, Davi Kopenawa, vio un coche por primera vez, se preguntó si no sería una tortuga de hierro. Partiendo de la curiosidad inicial sobre cómo sería un coche yanomami, este ensayo es el resultado de la escucha de las palabras de Kopenawa grabadas por el antropólogo Bruce Albert en el libro La caída del cielo. La atención se centra en cómo la capacidad mimética yanomami activa los sujetos y puntos de vista, o cuerpos, en riesgo de desaparecer o caer en el olvido. La fuerza creadora de la mímesis brilla con luz propia en los relatos del chamán sobre su experiencia en el bosque y en las ciudades. Y, de manera extraordinaria, en los relatos de la llegada de los xapiri, los espíritus del bosque. De la intersección de lecturas teóricas de Benjamin, Schechner y Viveiros de Castro surge la noción de un campo de energía, o circuito mimético, que abarca a los Yanomami y a los espíritus xapiri. También se formula una hipótesis sobre los instantes de f(r)icción que despiertan las performances amerindias cuando, detrás de los cuerpos-máscaras, destellan imágenes de sujetos de los seres del bosque. Por el contrario, en las cosmologías occidentales, los cuerpos se revelan detrás de máscaras-personas. Si bien el objetivo se extiende más allá de la pregunta inicial, la curiosidad sobre cómo sería un coche yanomami se mantiene, como hilo conductor, de los subtemas de este ensayo: a) ciudades; b) bosque; y c) xapiri.
Memorias de los “afectados” por la central hidroeléctrica de Tucuruí (Pará, Brasil)
Authors: Matos Pereira José Carlos
Published: July 2021

El artículo aborda la lucha del Movimiento de Expropiados por la central hidroeléctrica de Tucuruí, que, en los años 1970-1980, resistió a la acción del Estado y del capital que demandaban energía para los grandes proyectos de la Amazonia brasileña. Así, se presentan los hechos ocurridos en aquella época, desde el punto de vista de los afectados. Se trata de un trabajo que busca rescatar la memoria de ese movimiento a partir de testimonios, documentos, artículos periodísticos y registros fotográficos, con el objetivo de acercar las luchas, la resistencia y las dificultades de los “excluidos de la historia”, silenciados por el poder hegemónico y penalizados por la implantación de ese emprendimiento. El análisis realizado ha permitido recomponer una parte de la historia silenciada durante décadas, contribuyendo al cuestionamiento de la “jerarquía de credibilidad” y propiciando, a través de la investigación, el derecho a la voz de estos sujetos.
El lugar de la Amazonia en los libros de texto de historia en Brasil: sobre historia, narrativa y enseñanza
Authors: Vicente Cavalcanti Erinaldo
Published: July 2021

El artículo propone analizar cómo se representa la Amazonia brasileña en los libros de texto de historia de los últimos cursos de educación primaria, aprobados por el Programa Nacional de Libros de Texto (PNLD) 2020. Con este fin, se seleccionaron 40 libros publicados en 10 colecciones que compiten como opción para la adquisición de los libros de texto que serán utilizados por miles de estudiantes y profesores que trabajan en el sistema público de enseñanza. Los análisis muestran una narrativa que presenta a la Amazonia habitada por personas sin nombre, representada de manera generalizada y asociada a los tiempos de la aparición de los primeros habitantes en las Américas y a la época de la colonización portuguesa.