bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuinn Cagarach (Whispering Waves): A Sketch for a Sound Archive-led Feature documentary film
Authors: Cole Alastair
Published: May 2021

Tuinn Cagarach (Whispering Waves) is a 20 minute proof of concept for a feature length documentary set in the Outer Hebrides in north west Scotland. It aims to explore the role of the Scottish Gaelic language, and its historically recorded stories, songs and retelling of events, in the understanding of the contemporary significance of the sea and fishing industries to the island’s cultural, and particularly linguistic futures. The film combines Gaelic language sound archive recorded by ethnographers in the middle of the 20th century with contemporary observational documentary images filmed with the fishing community in the islands today. The project aims to both examine the links between Gaelic and fishing, as well as explore of the capacity of sound archive led creative documentary filmmaking to foster connections between the past and present for audiences.
X for Methotrexate: Groundedness Filmed from the Rheumatic Body
Authors: Ulrikke Andersen Anna
Published: May 2021

This film and statement looks at the different sites involved in the research, development, production and use of the medication Methotrexate. Initially used to treat childhood leukaemia in Boston in the late 1940s, this chemotherapy proved successful in treating autoimmune illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis. After a series of trials conducted by Michael Weinblatt (MD), Methotrexate became the most commonly used medication for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis from 1990s and onward, replacing or substituting alternative treatment forms such as climatic or hydrotherapy. Whereas most countries have ventured away from these alternative therapies, Norway still has a governmental funded programme offering climatic therapy, where patients are sent for rehabilitation in warm climates. Aiming at engaging with the sites that relates to this medication, my research uncovered a series of places from Norway to Boston and Puerto Rico. Based on archival research, oral history, site-visits and film production, my film X for Methotrexate (Andersen, 2019, 16mm, 05:59, produced at the Harvard Film Study Center) addresses the theme Grounded Place by juxtaposing the chronically ill and disabled body’s embodied connection to place, with a global network of pharmaceutical production, experienced and seen from the disabled body.
Antibiotic-Resistant Profiles of Bacteria Isolated from Cesarean and Surgical Patients from Kasese District Hospitals Western Uganda
Authors: Muhindo Abraham Bwalhuma , Aliero Adamu Almustapha , Odoki Martin , Ntulume Ibrahim , Eilu Emmanuel , Mutebi Joe , Boum II Yap , Apecu Richard Onyuthi
Published: May 2021

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are challenging to treat and often associated with much higher extended stays, morbidity, and mortality, higher treatment costs, especially when the causative agent is multidrug resistance (MDR). This study was designed to determine the prevalence of nosocomial infections and susceptibility profiles of bacteria isolated from Cesarean section (C-section) and surgical patients from Kasese District Hospitals in Western Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to September 2016 involving 303 patients with SSIs in obstetrics & gynecology; and general surgery wards in three health facilities. Clinical-demographic characteristics of patients were obtained using structured questionnaires before surgery. Bacterial analysis of the air and floor of the theatre room was done using the standard culture method. Of the 303 patients enrolled with SSIs (median age 34 years), 71.6% were female, and 28.4% were males. Only 14.5% developed SSIs, with predominant isolates being Staphylococcus aureus 33.33% and Escherichia coli 24%. The majority of recruited participants underwent a C-section of 58% and the least amputations of 0.3%. Duration of operation or surgery, p-value 0.002 (95% CI 1.599-7.667) was significantly associated with SSIs. Gram-negative bacteria were found resistant (50-100%) to ampicillin, gentamycin, and ciprofloxacin, the commonly used post-operative drugs of choice. Hospital-acquired infections were common with emerging antibiotic-resistant strains isolated in most SSIs at Kasese hospitals. The development of resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin, gentamycin, and ciprofloxacin than previously reported calls for laboratory-guided SSIs therapy and strengthening infection control policies.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease: An Overview of the Clinical Approach to Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: Nimesh Saurabh , Ahmad Md. Iftekhar , Dhama Shikhka , Kumar Pradeep , Akram Muhammad , Hasaroeih Neda Esmaeili Nejad
Published: May 2021

The systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as Lupus, is a rare and complex multisystem autoimmune disease where one’s immune system is overactive, and the body attacks its organ systems. SLE is a historically old disease described already in antiquity; it is an example of a chronic disease with physical, psychological, financial, and social implications for individuals diagnosed. It has inspired medical and basic biological scientists that focus on molecular biology, basic immunology, immunopathology, clinical science, genetics, and epidemiology. The syndrome is real in its existence-although hidden behind obstacles, cumbersome for patients and clinicians, and rebellious for scientists. There is currently no cure for SLE. The goal of treatment is to ease symptoms. This article will review information on the general approach to SLE therapy, focusing on currently approved therapies and novel approaches that might be used in the future.
An Overview on Patient-Centered Clinical Services
Authors: Joshi Gaurav , Kabra Atul , Goutam Nishant , Sharma Alka
Published: May 2021

Drug-related problems (DRPs) had often been a concern in the system that needed to be detected, avoided, and addressed as soon as possible. The need for a clinical pharmacist becomes even more important. He is the one who can not only share the load but also be an important part of the system by providing required advice. They fill out the patient's pharmacotherapy reporting form and notify the medical team's head off any drug-related issues. General practitioners register severe adverse drug reactions (ADRs) yearly. As a result of all of this, a clinical pharmacist working in and around the healthcare system is expected to advance the pharmacy industry. Its therapy and drugs can improve one's health quality of life by curing, preventing, or diagnosing a disease, sign, or symptom. The sideshows, on the other hand, do much harm. Because of the services they offer, clinical pharmacy has grown in popularity. To determine the overall effect and benefits of the emergency department (ED) clinical pharmacist, a systematic review of clinical practice and patient outcomes will be needed. A clinical pharmacist's anatomy, toxicology, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry expertise significantly improves a patient's therapy enforcement. It is now important to examine the failure points of healthcare systems as well as the individuals involved.
КОДИФІКАЦІЯ ТРУДОВОГО ЗАКОНОДАВСТВА В КОНТЕКСТІ ОСТАННІХ ЗАКОНОДАВЧИХ НАПРАЦЮВАНЬ
Authors: Татаренко Г. В. , Татаренко Д. В.
Published: May 2021

Необхідність внесення змін до трудового законодавства носить тривалий характер. Чинний Кодекс законів про працю (КЗпП) з моменту свого прийняття у 1971 році неодноразово редагувався, деякі з його положень через свою неоднозначність тлумачилися рішеннями Конституційного Суду. Актуальність прийняття нового трудового законодавства має політичну спрямованість, що підтверджується тим, що різні політичні сили пропонують свої варіанти змін. Реформи у сфері трудового законодавства стають важелями передвиборчих програм та обіцянок. Наразі парламентом зареєстровано декілька конкурентних законопроєктів у тому числі урядовий законопроєкт "Про працю" №2708, який активно обговорювався та критикувався громадськістю, особливо профспілками. До того ж постійні намагання прийняти новий головний нормативно-правовий акт в сфері трудових відносин підштовхують до аналізу відповідних проєктів з точки зору їх відповідності засадничим принципам кодифікації, що їх вивчають науковці, задля визначення помилок цих напрацювань та вироблення рекомендацій щодо їхнього усунення.У статті аналізуються наукові підходи до визначення переліку та сутності принципів і особливостей кодифікації трудового законодавства, що дозволило зробити висновки про непридатність окремих положень проєктів Трудового Кодексу для ефективного регулювання суспільних відносин.

Ключові слова: трудове право, законотворчість, Кодекс законів про працю України, Трудовий Кодекс, соціально-трудові відносини, кодифікація трудового законодавства.
ЗЛОВЖИВАННЯ ПРОЦЕСУАЛЬНИМИ ПРАВАМИ: ПУБЛІЧНО-ПРАВОВИЙ АСПЕКТ
Authors: Капліна Г. А. , Лєонова Д. О.
Published: May 2021

У статті проаналізовані публічно-правові наслідки зловживання процесуальними правами у цивільному судочинстві. Встановлено зв’язок між зловживанням сторонами процесуальними правами та нівелюванням деяких основних завдань судочинства.

Робиться висновок, що проблема зловживання процесуальними правами повинна розглядатися не лише як порушення прав іншої сторони, але і як нанесення репутаційної та матеріальної шкоди судовій владі.

Ключові слова: зловживання процесуальними правами, затягування цивільного процесу, недобросовісне користування процесуальними правами, публічно-правовий інтерес держави.
Blast Injuries In Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman M Hasibur
Published: May 2021

Abstract not available

CBMJ 2014 January: Vol. 03 No. 01 P: 1-3
Controllability and Accumulation of Errors Arising in a General Iteration Method
Authors: GÜRSOY Faik , KHAN Abdul Rahim , DOĞAN Kadri
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we propose and analyze a three-step general iteration method which is a special case of an iteration method proposed in (S. Thianwan and S. Suantai, Convergence criteria of a new three-step iteration with errors for nonexpansive nonself-mappings, Comput. Math. Appl. 52 (2006), 1107-1118). Here we intend to study directly the accumulation, estimation and control of random errors in the newly proposed general iteration method. We give conditions under which the accumulated-error in our iteration method is bounded and controllable in a permissible range.
A Data-Driven Analysis of Youth Turnout Impact on U.S. Presidential Elections
Authors: Zhu Claire
Published: May 2021

Youth voters between 18 and 29 years of age have consistently had the lowest turnout among all age groups in U.S. presidential elections. This research was designed to study whether the number of votes from this age group would make a difference on the election results, had young voters participated more actively. An original method was devised to do so by simulating higher-than-actual youth voter turnout using various voting scenarios – combinations of voting rates and voter choices derived from past elections. The findings are: When 18- to 29-year olds participate in the election as actively as the entire voting population, they are definitely a formidable force in influencing the presidential election results. If either party energizes those young voters to participate and earns their votes with the margin it saw in its past wins in key states, the party stands a much better chance to win the election.
Toxic Chemicals and their Neutralising Agents in Porous Media
Authors: Dalwadi Mohit , Dubrovina Elizaveta , Eisenträger Almut , Lee Alpha , Maestri Joseph , Matejczyk Bartlomiej , O'Kiely Doireann , Stamper Megan , Thomson Stuart
Published: May 2021

The UK Government Decontamination Service (UKGDS) advise Government on the national capability for the decontamination of buildings, infrastructure, transport and the open environment. Additionally, UKGDS are a source of expertise in the event of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incidents, and in the major release of hazardous materials. In the first part of the report, the study group derive and solve mathematical models to investigate the depth to which toxic chemicals may seep into dry porous substrates. This involved applying Darcy's law to an unsaturated porous medium for a sharp interface, and Richards' equation for a diffuse interface. In the second part, the group investigated the key cleanser properties to consider when choosing decontaminants for the neutralisation process between a decontaminant and an imbibed chemical, where the reaction product is soluble and insoluble in the cleanser phase. This involved solving reaction-diffusion equations with fixed and moving boundaries.
Measuring Vibrations from Video Feeds
Authors: Brambley Ed
Published: May 2021

Can videos of minute vibrations of objects in a room be a practical means of recovering intelligible speech? Several aspects of the problem were investigated, including: how much an object vibrates due to sound; what can be done to maximize the vibration; how the MIT technique detects minute vibrations in videos; what affects the quality of the resulting recording; and how good a recording is needed for intelligible speech. The success of earlier experiments depended on loud sounds and prior knowledge. Additional, previously ignored, factors are expected to be significant, but they can be accommodated. Other possibilities for enhancing the technique, by exploiting resonances or reflections, are discussed. A high-speed low-noise camera is essential, and any existing video footage (such as from CCTV) is unlikely to be of sufficient quality. Further experiments with high-end high-speed cameras are needed to assess the practical feasibility of the technique.
Underweight Sebagai Faktor Resiko Osteoporosis Pada Lansia
Authors: Setiyoargo Arief , Sigit Nanta , Maxelly Richard One
Published: May 2021

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by decreased bone density. The incidence of osteoporosis increases with age, especially age ≥ 50 years. Research from the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) revealed that 1 in 4 women in Indonesia with an age range of 50-80 years have a risk of osteoporosis, where the risk of osteoporosis in women in Indonesia is 4 times higher than that of men. This study aims to determine the relationship between body mass index with the incidence of osteoporosis in Panti Nirmala Hospital Malang. The design of this study was case control with sample consisting of 40 case group and 40 control group. Data analysis used logistic regression. The results showed that in the underweight group, the percentage experiencing osteoporosis was greater by 62.5% when compared to non-underweight who had osteoporosis by 37.5%. After being controlled by osteoporosis family history variables and female gender, the characteristics of a body mass index of underweight have a 3.4 times greater chance of having osteoporosis than non-underweight characteristics. It is recommended that the public go on a healthy diet and regular physical activity to balance BMI and regular health checks at health service facilities to measure body health.

Keywords: underweight; osteoporosis; elderly

ABSTRAK

Osteoporosis merupakan penyakit tulang yang ditandai dengan menurunnya kepadatan tulang akibat ketidakmampuan tubuh dalam mengatur kandungan mineral dalam tulang dan mengakibatkan pengeroposan tulang. Angka kejadian osteoporosis meningkat seiring dengan peningkatan usia, khususnya usia ≥ 50 tahun. Penelitian dari International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) mengungkapkan bahwa 1 dari 4 perempuan di Indonesia dengan rentang usia 50-80 tahun memiliki resiko terkena osteoporosis, dimana resiko osteoporosis pada perempuan di Indonesia 4 kali lebih tinggi dibandingkan laki-laki. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara indeks massa tubuh dengan kejadian osteoporosis di Rumah Sakit Panti Nirmala Malang. Desain penelitian ini adalah case control. Sampel berjumlah 80 data, terdiri dari 40 data kelompok kasus dan 40 data kelompok kontrol. Analisis data menggunakan regresi logistik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada kelompok underweight, persentase yang mengalami osteoporosis lebih besar sebesar 62,5% jika dibandingkan pada non-underweight yang mengalami osteoporosis sebesar 37,5%. Setelah dikontrol oleh variabel riwayat keluarga osteoporosis dan jenis kelamin perempuan, karakteristik indeks massa tubuh underweight memiliki odds 3,4 kali lebih besar untuk mengalami osteoporosis dibandingkan karakteristik non underweight. Dianjurkan kepada masyarakat untuk melakukan diet sehat dan aktivitas fisik yang teratur untuk menyeimbangkan indeks massa tubuh dan pemeriksaan kesehatan secara berkala pada fasilitas pelayanan kesehatan untuk mengukur kesehatan tubuh.

Kata kunci: underweight; osteoporosis; lansia
Pelatihan Peningkatan Kemampuan Ibu Hamil dalam Deteksi Dini Kegawatdaruratan Maternal Neonatal di Puskesmas Jagir, Surabaya
Authors: Kasiati Kasiati , Sukesi Sukesi , Jeniawaty Sherly
Published: May 2021

The health condition of each family member is one of the requirements for a quality family. This study aims to increase the knowledge and commitment of pregnant women about early detection of maternal and neonatal emergencies. The location of the activity was the Jagir Health Center working area, Surabaya with participants consisting of health cadres and pregnant women who were in the Jagir Surabaya Health Center Work Area. This activity was able to increase the knowledge of pregnant women by 80% about the knowledge of early detection of maternal neonatal emergencies; able to increase knowledge of health cadres by 90% about early detection of maternal neonatal emergencies. Cadre mothers were committed to assisting pregnant women until the postpartum period as well as monitoring the growth and development of toddlers. Pregnant women were committed to always consulting health workers, cadres either directly or through online media that have been established.

Keywords: community service; health education; pregnant mother; health cadres

ABSTRAK

Kondisi kesehatan dari tiap anggota keluarga merupakan salah satu syarat dari keluarga yang berkualitas. Studi ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan komitmen ibu hamil tentang deteksi dini kegawatdaruratan maternal dan neonatal. Lokasi kegiatan adalah wilayah kerja Puskesmas Jagir, Surabaya dengan peserta terdiri atas para kader kesehatan dan ibu hamil yang berada di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Jagir Surabaya. Kegiatan ini mampu meningkatkan pengetahuan ibu hamil sebesar 80% tentang pengetahuan deteksi dini kegawatdaruratan maternal neonatal; mampu meningkatkan pengetahuan kader kesehatan sebesar 90% tentang deteksi dini kegawatdaruratan maternal neonatal. Ibu kader berkomitmen untuk mendampingi ibu hamil sampai dengan masa nifas serta pemantauan tumbuh kembang balita. Ibu hamil berkomitmen untuk selalu berkonsultasi kepada petugas kesehatan, kader baik langsung maupun melalui media online yang sudah dibentuk.

Kata kunci: pengabdian kepada masyarakat; pendidikan kesehatan; ibu hamil; kader kesehatan
Assessing Physiological and Genetic Evidence for Evolution of Shared Weedy Rice Traits at the Vegetative Growth Stage
Authors: Huang Zhongyun , Rodriguez Jorge Andres , Matsuo Rika , Caicedo Ana L.
Published: May 2021

Weedy rice (Oryza spp.) has successfully adapted to invasion of cultivated rice (O. sativa L.) fields by being a strong competitor from the early vegetative growth stages to crop harvest. While seed shattering and seed dormancy have been shown to contribute to competitiveness at the reproductive stage, much less is known about the traits that could contribute to weedy rice adaptation at the vegetative stage. We examined several growth and physiological traits in five different weedy rice lineages with different ancestral origins, and found that no single vegetative phenotype characterizes all weedy rice. Divergence in growth and physiological traits between weedy rice groups and their putative cultivated ancestors has been limited, suggesting that altered vegetative traits have not been a common path to weed adaptation. There is a lack of convergence in patterns of gene expression in two independent weedy rice lineages, suggesting that there are few shared genetic mechanisms in the evolution of vegetative traits. We conclude that it must not be assumed that all weedy rice groups necessarily have altered vegetative growth or physiological mechanisms compared to their ancestors, that facilitate their invasion of crop fields.
Further Biochemical Profiling of Hypholoma fasciculare Metabolome Reveals Its Chemogenetic Diversity
Authors: Al-Salihi Suhad A. A. , Bull Ian D. , Al-Salhi Raghad , Gates Paul J. , Salih Kifah S. M. , Bailey Andy M. , Foster Gary D.
Published: May 2021

Natural products with novel chemistry are urgently needed to battle the continued increase in microbial drug resistance. Mushroom-forming fungi are underutilized as a source of novel antibiotics in the literature due to their challenging culture preparation and genetic intractability. However, modern fungal molecular and synthetic biology tools have renewed interest in exploring mushroom fungi for novel therapeutic agents. The aims of this study were to investigate the secondary metabolites of nine basidiomycetes, screen their biological and chemical properties, and then investigate the genetic pathways associated with their production. Of the nine fungi selected, Hypholoma fasciculare was revealed to be a highly active antagonistic species, with antimicrobial activity against three different microorganisms: Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genomic comparisons and chromatographic studies were employed to characterize more than 15 biosynthetic gene clusters and resulted in the identification of 3,5-dichloromethoxy benzoic acid as a potential antibacterial compound. The biosynthetic gene cluster for this product is also predicted. This study reinforces the potential of mushroom-forming fungi as an underexplored reservoir of bioactive natural products. Access to genomic data, and chemical-based frameworks, will assist the development and application of novel molecules with applications in both the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries.
CircRNA DOCK1 Regulates miR-409-3p/MCL1 Axis to Modulate Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Brain Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Ding Xinmin , Wang Xiaolong , Han Li , Zhao Zhiyu , Jia Shuai , Tuo Yuanzhao
Published: May 2021

Background

Intracranial aneurysm is an abnormal expansion in the intracranial arteries, which is associated with growth and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have implicated in the progression of intracranial aneurysms. The purpose of this paper is to study the function and mechanism of circRNA dedicator of cytokinesis 1 (circ_DOCK1) in regulating proliferation and apoptosis of human brain vascular smooth muscle cells (HBVSMCs).

Methods

HBVSMCs were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry, respectively. Circ_DOCK1, microRNA (miR)-409-3p, and myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (MCL1) levels were examined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or western blotting. The target association was assessed by dual-luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays.

Results

Exposure to H2O2decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of HBVSMCs. Circ_DOCK1 expression was reduced in H2O2-treated HBVSMCs. Circ_DOCK1 overexpression rescued H2O2-caused reduction of proliferation and PCNA expression and attenuated H2O2-induced apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved PARP. MiR-409-3p was targeted by circ_DOCK1 and upregulated in H2O2-treated HBVSMCs. MiR-409-3p upregulation mitigated the role of circ_DOCK1 in proliferation and apoptosis of H2O2-treated HBVSMCs. MCL1 was targetedviamiR-409-3p and downregulatedviaH2O2treatment. Circ_DOCK1 overexpression enhanced MCL1 expressionviamodulating miR-409-3p. MiR-409-3p knockdown weakened H2O2-induced proliferation reduction and apoptosis promotionviaregulating MCL1.

Conclusion

Circ_DOCK1 overexpression mitigated H2O2-caused proliferation inhibition and apoptosis promotion in HBVSMCs by modulating miR-409-3p/MCL1 axis.
BRD7 Promotes Cell Proliferation and Tumor Growth Through Stabilization of c-Myc in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhao Ran , Liu Yukun , Wu Chunchun , Li Mengna , Wei Yanmei , Niu Weihong , Yang Jing , Fan Songqing , Xie Yong , Li Hui , Wang Wei , Zeng Zhaoyang , Xiong Wei , Li Xiaoling , Li Guiyuan , Zhou Ming
Published: May 2021

BRD7 functions as a crucial tumor suppressor in numerous malignancies. However, the effects of BRD7 on colorectal cancer (CRC) progression are still unknown. Here, based on the BRD7 knockout (BRD7–/–) and BRD7flox/flox (BRD7+/+) mouse models constructed in our previous work, we established an azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)-induced mouse model. BRD7+/+ mice were found to be highly susceptible to AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated CRC, and BRD7 significantly promoted cell proliferation and cell cycle G1/S transition but showed no significant effect on cell apoptosis. Furthermore, BRD7 interacted with c-Myc and stabilized c-Myc by inhibiting its ubiquitin–proteasome-dependent degradation. Moreover, restoring the expression of c-Myc in BRD7-silenced CRC cells restored cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. In addition, BRD7 and c-Myc were both significantly upregulated in CRC patients, and high expression of these proteins was associated with clinical stage and poor prognosis in CRC patients. Collectively, BRD7 functions as an oncogene and promotes CRC progression by regulating the ubiquitin–proteasome-dependent stabilization of c-Myc protein. Targeting the BRD7/c-Myc axis could be a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC.
Updates on Clinical Use of Liquid Biopsy in Colorectal Cancer Screening, Diagnosis, Follow-Up, and Treatment Guidance
Authors: Mazouji Omayma , Ouhajjou Abdelhak , Incitti Roberto , Mansour Hicham
Published: May 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, being the third most diagnosed in the world and the second deadliest. Solid biopsy provides an essential guide for the clinical management of patients with colorectal cancer; however, this method presents several limitations, in particular invasiveness, and cannot be used repeatedly. Recently, clinical research directed toward the use of liquid biopsy, as an alternative tool to solid biopsy, showed significant promise in several CRC clinical applications, as (1) detect CRC patients at early stage, (2) make treatment decision, (3) monitor treatment response, (4) predict relapses and metastases, (5) unravel tumor heterogeneity, and (6) detect minimal residual disease. The purpose of this short review is to describe the concept, the characteristics, the genetic components, and the technologies used in liquid biopsy in the context of the management of colorectal cancer, and finally we reviewed gene alterations, recently described in the literature, as promising potential biomarkers that may be specifically used in liquid biopsy tests.
Near-Infrared Photoactivatable Immunomodulatory Nanoparticles for Combinational Immunotherapy of Cancer
Authors: Yu Ningyue , Ding Mengbin , Li Jingchao
Published: May 2021

As a promising treatment option for cancer, immunotherapy can eliminate local and distant metastatic tumors and even prevent recurrence through boosting the body’s immune system. However, immunotherapy often encounters the issues of limited therapeutic efficacy and severe immune-related adverse events in clinical practices, which should be mainly due to the non-specific accumulations of immunotherapeutic agents. Activatable immunomodulatory agents that are responsive to endogenous stimuli in tumor microenvironment can afford controlled immunotherapeutic actions, while they still face certain extent of off-target activation. Since light has the advantages of noninvasiveness, simple controllability and high spatio-temporal selectivity, therapeutic agents that can be activated by light, particularly near-infrared (NIR) light with minimal phototoxicity and strong tissue penetrating ability have been programmed for cancer treatment. In this mini review, we summarize the recent progress of NIR photoactivatable immunomodulatory nanoparticles for combinational cancer immunotherapy. The rational designs, constructions and working mechanisms of NIR photoactivatable agents are first briefly introduced. The uses of immunomodulatory nanoparticles with controlled immunotherapeutic actions upon NIR photoactivation for photothermal and photodynamic combinational immunotherapy of cancer are then summarized. A conclusion and discussion of the existing challenges and further perspectives for the development and clinical translation of NIR photoactivatable immunomodulatory nanoparticles are finally given.
Functional Load and the Teaching-Learning Relationship in L2 Pronunciation
Authors: Sewell Andrew
Published: May 2021

Though frequent recourse has been made to the functional load (or FL) principle in establishing priorities for L2 pronunciation teaching, it remains an under-theorized and relatively under-utilized concept. This is despite the existence of empirical evidence pointing to correlations between the FL ranking of phonemic contrasts and a) the effect that the absence of particular contrasts has on the comprehensibility of speech, and b) their occurrence at different levels of proficiency. Previous studies have found that errors involving high FL sound contrasts are linked with educed comprehensibility, and have also found that high FL errors are less common in learners at higher proficiency levels. Taken together, these findings suggest that language learners tend to pay more attention to high FL contrasts and incorporate them into their repertoires more readily than low FL contrasts, possibly because the high FL contrasts are more salient in terms of contrastive potential and frequency of occurrence. The concept of FL therefore appears to be relevant in considering the relative ease (or difficulty) of learning and teaching particular features, and in understanding the relationship between learning and teaching. Frequent calls have been made for FL considerations to inform the setting of priorities in L2 pronunciation teaching, for example. In this mini-review I will explore and re-evaluate the concept of FL in terms of both theoretical formulation and empirical application, aiming to identify both its contributions and its limitations.
Meaning and Measures: Interpreting and Evaluating Complexity Metrics
Authors: Ehret Katharina , Blumenthal-Dramé Alice , Bentz Christian , Berdicevskis Aleksandrs
Published: May 2021

Research on language complexity has been abundant and manifold in the past two decades. Within typology, it has to a very large extent been motivated by the question of whether all languages are equally complex, and if not, which language-external factors affect the distribution of complexity across languages. To address this and other questions, a plethora of different metrics and approaches has been put forward to measure the complexity of languages and language varieties. Against this backdrop we address three major gaps in the literature by discussing statistical, theoretical, and methodological problems related to the interpretation of complexity measures. First, we explore core statistical concepts to assess the meaningfulness of measured differences and distributions in complexity based on two case studies. In other words, we assess whether observed measurements are neither random nor negligible. Second, we discuss the common mismatch between measures and their intended meaning, namely, the fact that absolute complexity measures are often used to address hypotheses on relative complexity. Third, in the absence of a gold standard for complexity metrics, we suggest that existing measures be evaluated by drawing on cognitive methods and relating them to real-world cognitive phenomena. We conclude by highlighting the theoretical and methodological implications for future complexity research.
Prognostic Role of High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyuan , Wang Shanjie , Fang Shaohong , Yu Bo
Published: May 2021

Background: High sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) has attracted intense interest in risk assessment. We aimed to explore its prognostic value in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods and Results: We enrolled 4,504 consecutive AMI patients in this prospective cohort study. The associations between hs-CRP levels with the incidence of in-hospital HF was evaluated by logistic regression analysis. The association between hs-CRP levels and the cumulative incidence of HF after hospitalization were evaluated by Fine-Gray proportional sub-distribution hazards models, accounting for death without HF as competing risk. Cox proportional hazards regression models were constructed to estimate the association between hs-CRP levels and the risk of all-cause mortality. Over a median follow-up of 1 year, 1,112 (24.7%) patients developed in-hospital HF, 571 (18.9%) patients developed HF post-discharge and 262 (8.2%) patients died. In the fully adjusted model, the risk of in-hospital heart failure (HF) [95% confidence intervals (CI)] among those patients with hs-CRP values in quartile 3 (Q3) and Q4 were 1.36 (1.05–1.77) and 1.41 (1.07–1.85) times as high as the risk among patients in Q1 (p trend < 0.001). Patients with hs-CRP values in Q3 and Q4 had 1.33 (1.00–1.76) and 1.80 times (1.37–2.36) as high as the risk of HF post-discharge compared with patients in Q1 respectively (p trend < 0.001). Patients with hs-CRP values in Q3 and Q4 had 1.74 (1.08–2.82) and 2.42 times (1.52–3.87) as high as the risk of death compared with patients in Q1 respectively (p trend < 0.001).

Conclusions: Hs-CRP was found to be associated with the incidence of in-hospital HF, HF post-discharge and all-cause mortality in patients with AMI.
Lack of Evidence for a Relationship Between the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal and the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis in Adolescent Depression
Authors: Hirtz Raphael , Libuda Lars , Hinney Anke , Föcker Manuel , Bühlmeier Judith , Antel Jochen , Holterhus Paul-Martin , Kulle Alexandra , Kiewert Cordula , Hebebrand Johannes , Grasemann Corinna
Published: May 2021

In adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), a dysfunction between the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis has been shown, but the interaction of both axes has not yet been studied in adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD). Data from 273 adolescents diagnosed with MDD from two single center cross-sectional studies were used for analysis. Serum levels of thyrotropin (TSH), free levothyroxine (fT4), and cortisol were determined as indicators of basal HPT and HPA axis functioning and compared to that of adolescent controls by t-tests. Quantile regression was employed in the sample of adolescents with MDD to investigate the relationship between both axes in the normal as well as the pathological range of cortisol levels, considering confounders of both axes. In adolescent MDD, cortisol levels and TSH levels were significantly elevated in comparison to controls (p = <.001, d = 1.35, large effect size, and p = <.001, d = 0.79, moderate effect size, respectively). There was a positive linear relationship between TSH and cortisol (p = .003, d = 0.25, small effect size) at the median of cortisol levels (50th percentile). However, no relationship between TSH and cortisol was found in hypercortisolemia (cortisol levels at the 97.5th percentile). These findings imply that HPT and HPA axis dysfunction is common in adolescents with MDD and that function of both axes is only loosely related. Moreover, the regulation of the HPA and HPT axis are likely subjected to age-related maturational adjustments since findings of this study differ from those reported in adults.
Hematopoietic Wnts Modulate Endochondral Ossification During Fracture Healing
Authors: Chua Kenon , Lee Victor K. , Chan Cheri , Yew Andy , Yeo Eric , Virshup David M.
Published: May 2021

Wnt signaling plays a critical role in bone formation, homeostasis, and injury repair. Multiple cell types in bone have been proposed to produce the Wnts required for these processes. The specific role of Wnts produced from cells of hematopoietic origin has not been previously characterized. Here, we examined if hematopoietic Wnts play a role in physiological musculoskeletal development and in fracture healing. Wnt secretion from hematopoietic cells was blocked by genetic knockout of the essential Wnt modifying enzyme PORCN, achieved by crossing Vav-Cre transgenic mice with Porcnflox mice. Knockout mice were compared with their wild-type littermates for musculoskeletal development including bone quantity and quality at maturation. Fracture healing including callus quality and quantity was assessed in a diaphyseal fracture model using quantitative micro computer-assisted tomographic scans, histological analysis, as well as biomechanical torsional and 4-point bending stress tests. The hematopoietic Porcn knockout mice had normal musculoskeletal development, with normal bone quantity and quality on micro-CT scans of the vertebrae. They also had normal gross skeletal dimensions and normal bone strength. Hematopoietic Wnt depletion in the healing fracture resulted in fewer osteoclasts in the fracture callus, with a resultant delay in callus remodeling. All calluses eventually progressed to full maturation. Hematopoietic Wnts, while not essential, modulate osteoclast numbers during fracture healing. These osteoclasts participate in callus maturation and remodeling. This demonstrates the importance of diverse Wnt sources in bone repair.
Challenges in Measuring AMH in the Clinical Setting
Authors: Li Hang Wun Raymond , Robertson David Mark , Burns Chris , Ledger William Leigh
Published: May 2021

Serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a widely used marker of functional ovarian reserve in the assessment and treatment of infertility. It is used to determine dosing of gonadotropins used for superovulation prior to in vitro fertilization, as well as to determine the degree of damage to ovarian reserve by cytotoxic treatments such as chemotherapy. AMH is also now used to predict proximity to menopause and potentially provides a sensitive and specific test for polycystic ovarian syndrome. Twenty one different AMH immunoassay platforms/methods are now commercially available. Of those compared, the random-access platforms are the most reliable. However, to date there has not been an agreed common international AMH reference preparation to standardize calibration between the various immunoassays. Recently, a purified human AMH preparation (code 16/190) has been investigated by the World Health Organization as a potential international reference preparation. However, this was only partially successful as commutability between it and serum samples was observed only in some but not all immunoassay methods. Development of a second generation reference preparation with wider commutability is proposed.
Numerical Study of the Impingement of Water Film on a Small Attached Bulging Plate on a Vertical Plane
Authors: Hu Po , Hu Zhen
Published: May 2021

In the passive containment cooling system of AP1000, the condensed water is expected to flow down on the inner surface of the steel wall of the containment, and recover to the in-containment refueling water storage tank (IRWST), therefore, to maintain the long-term coolability of the passive residual heat removal system. However, there are attached bulging plates on the inner surface for various engineering needs, such as supporting, and the impingement of condensed water film on these bulging plates can reduce the amount of the recovered water. In this article, a 3-D Eulerian wall film model in FLUENT was used to study a series of flow behaviors when a water film impinged on the bulging plate on a plane surface. The loss ratio of falling film impinging on attached plates of different sizes under different flow rates were calculated and in good agreement with the experiment results. Four stages of the film behavior during the impingement were identified and analyzed; in addition, the influences of the bulging height of attached plate and flow rate were studied. And a correlation between the loss ratio of impinging water film, the bulging height of the attached plate, and the Weber number was obtained.
Small Landscape Elements Double Connectivity in Highly Fragmented Areas of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Siqueira Flávia Freire , de Carvalho Dulcineia , Rhodes Jonathan , Archibald Carla L. , Rezende Vanessa Leite , van den Berg Eduardo
Published: May 2021

The Atlantic Forest in Brazil is a biodiversity hotspot, yet its diverse ecosystems and species are becoming increasingly threatened by habitat loss and extreme habitat fragmentation. Most habitat patches of Atlantic Forest are dispersed across agricultural landscapes (e.g., grazing and cropping) in relatively small and isolated fragments (80% < 50 ha). Forest fragments < 1 ha, scattered trees in pastures, tree lines on trenches and fences, and remnant riparian forest, collectively called here Small Landscape Elements (SLEs), are very common in this context. While these SLEs make up much of the Atlantic Forests footprint, very little is known about their role or impact on the persistence and conservation of species. In this study, we investigate the role of SLEs on landscape configuration, particularly their contribution toward landscape connectivity of individual species and the genetic flow of species between larger forest fragments. We randomly selected 20 buffers of 707 hectares within a 411,670 hectare area of the Atlantic Forest that was completely covered by forest in the past located in the south of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The forest cover randomly varied between these buffers. We used graph theory to measure landscape connectivity as the probability of connectivity for different disperser movement types between landscape knots (habitat patches). We used three estimated dispersal distances in the models: pollen disperser insect (50 m), low-mobility seed disperser bird (100 m) and high-mobility seed disperser bird (760 m). The SLEs together increased the probability of connection by roughly 50%, for all model dispersers, if compared to a theoretical baseline landscape containing no SLEs. Of all SLEs, riparian forests contribute the most toward enhancing landscape connectivity. In these highly fragmented landscapes, such as the Atlantic Forest (>70%), the position of SLEs within the landscapes was more important than their respective areas for connectivity. Although the landscapes were deeply fragmented, we showed that the presence of SLEs can increase connectivity and reduce further biodiversity loss in the Atlantic Forest.
Ants’ Personality and Its Dependence on Foraging Styles: Research Perspectives
Authors: Reznikova Zhanna
Published: May 2021

The paper is devoted to analyzing consistent individual differences in behavior, also known as “personalities,” in the context of a vital ant task—the detection and transportation of food. I am trying to elucidate the extent to which collective cognition is individual-based and whether a single individual’s actions can suffice to direct the entire colony or colony units. The review analyzes personalities in various insects with different life cycles and provides new insights into the role of individuals in directing group actions in ants. Although it is widely accepted that, in eusocial insects, colony personality emerges from the workers’ personalities, there are only a few examples of investigations of personality at the individual level. The central question of the review is how the distribution of behavioral types and cognitive responsibilities within ant colonies depends on a species’ foraging style. In the context of how workers’ behavioral traits display during foraging, a crucial question is what makes an ant a scout that discovers a new food source and mobilizes its nestmates. In mass recruiting, tandem-running, and even in group-recruiting species displaying leadership, the division of labor between scouts and recruits appears to be ephemeral. There is only little, if any, evidence of ants’ careers and behavioral consistency as leaders. Personal traits characterize groups of individuals at the colony level but not performers of functional roles during foraging. The leader-scouting seems to be the only known system that is based on a consistent personal difference between scouting and foraging individuals.
Programmed Cell Death 10 Mediated CXCL2-CXCR2 Signaling in Regulating Tumor-Associated Microglia/Macrophages Recruitment in Glioblastoma
Authors: Zhang Quan , Wang Junwen , Yao Xiaolong , Wu Sisi , Tian Weidong , Gan Chao , Wan Xueyan , You Chao , Hu Feng , Zhang Suojun , Zhang Huaqiu , Zhao Kai , Shu Kai , Lei Ting
Published: May 2021

Background

Programmed cell death 10 (PDCD10) plays a crucial role in regulating tumor phenotyping, especially in glioblastoma (GBM). Glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs) in tumor pathological microenvironment contribute to GBM progression. We previously found that the infiltration of GAMs was associated with PDCD10 expression in GBM patients. The present study aims to further explore the regulation of PDCD10 on GAMs in GBM.

Methods

Overexpression of PDCD10 in human- and murine-GBM cells was established by lentiviral transduction. Cell behaviors and polarization of primary microglia, microglia- and macrophage-like cells were investigated through indirect co-culture with GBM cells in vitro respectively. The PDCD10-induced release of chemokines was identified by a chemokine protein array. The cross-talk between GBM and microglia as well as macrophages was further studied using selective antagonist SB225002. Finally, an orthotopic homograft mouse model was employed to verify the results of in vitro experiments.

Results

Indirect co-culture with PDCD10-overexpressed GBM cells promoted proliferation and migration of microglia- and macrophage-like cells, and stimulated pro-tumorigenic polarization of primary microglia, microglia- and macrophage-like cells. Pdcd10-upregulated GBM cells triggered a nearly 6-fold increase of CXC motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2) release, which in turn activated CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) and downstream Erk1/2 and Akt signaling in primary microglia, microglia- and macrophage-like cells. The blockage of CXCR2 signaling with specific inhibitor (SB225002) abolished microglia- and macrophage-like cell migration induced by PDCD10-upregulated GBM cells. Moreover, Pdcd10-upregulated GL261 cells promoted GAMs recruitment and tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that overexpression of PDCD10 in GBM recruits and activates microglia/macrophages, which in turn promotes tumor progression. CXCL2-CXCR2 signaling mediated by PDCD10 is potentially involved in the crosstalk between GBM cells and GAMs.