bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilateral and Multifocal Acquired Cystic Disease–Associated Renal Cell Carcinomas in Patient With End-Stage Renal Disease Caused by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Chrabańska Magdalena , Jakub Ryszawy , Bogna Drozdzowska
Published: June 2020

The disease entity of acquired cystic disease–associated renal cell carcinoma (ACD-RCC) has been recently incorporated into the international renal tumor classification. We performed a clinicopathologic study of a patient with bilateral and multifocal ACD-RCCs. The patient received long-term hemodialysis in the end-stage renal disease caused by systemic lupus erythematous. First left-sided nephrectomy and after 6 months right-sided nephrectomy was performed. None of the preoperative radiologic examinations revealed lesions suspected of malignancy. All of the 6 tumors were incidentally found on grossing radical nephrectomy specimens. Histologically, tumors consisted of a variety of growth patterns (including papillary and cribriform) of neoplastic cells with granular eosinophilic cytoplasm and intratumoral oxalate crystals. Neoplastic cells were positive for AMACR, CK AE1/AE3, and CD10; focally positive for CK7; and negative for PAX8. Seven months after the first nephrectomy, the patient still receives dialysis. There was no evidence of lymph node or distant metastases.
Nonlinear dynamic characteristics of symmetric rectangular honeycomb sandwich thin panel
Authors: Li Yongqiang , Yao Wenkai , Zhang Yingjie
Published: June 2020

In the present work, nonlinear dynamics of symmetric rectangular honeycomb sandwich thin panel is investigated. The nonlinear governing equations of the thin panel are derived by using Hamilton’s principle and Reddy’s third-order shear deformation theory. After that, the Galerkin method is used to discretize the equation of motion, resulting in a set of ordinary differential equations with respect to time. The ordinary differential equations are solved analytically by utilizing the homotopy analysis method. The influence of structural parameters to the nonlinear frequencies of the symmetric rectangular honeycomb sandwich panel with simply supported boundaries along all four edges is discussed by using the analytic approximation method. Our findings demonstrate that the nonlinear frequency ratio decreases first and then increases with the increase of the width-to-length ratio and thickness-to-length ratio. When the width-to-length ratio is greater than 10, the nonlinear frequency ratio remains almost unchanged with the further increase of width-to-length ratio.
Cataract surgery and dry eye disease: A review
Authors: Naderi Khayam , Gormley Jack , O’Brart David
Published: June 2020

Aim

To review published literature concerning cataract surgery and dry eye disease (DED).

Methods

A search was undertaken using the following: PubMed (all years), Web of Science (all years), Ovid MEDLINE(R) (1946 to 12 December 2019), Ovid MEDLINE(R) Daily Update 10 December 2019, MEDLINE and MEDLINE non-indexed items, Embase (1974–2019, week 49), Ovid MEDLINE (R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily (1946 to 12 December 2019), CENTRAL (including Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; Cochrane Library: Issue 12 of 12 December 2019), metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) ( www.controlled-trials.com ), ClinicalTrials.gov ( www.clinicaltrial.gov ) and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform ( www.who.int/ictrp/search/en ). Search terms included ‘cataract surgery’, ‘phacoemulsification’ and ‘cataract extraction’, combined with ‘dry eyes’ and ‘ocular surface’. Relevant in-article references not returned in our searches were also considered.

Results

Publications identified included systematic reviews, meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case series and laboratory-based studies. Published data highlighting the burden of DED both prior and following cataract surgery were reviewed as well as studies highlighting the effects of cataract surgery on the ocular surface, intra-operative measures to reduce deleterious effects on the ocular surface and current evidence on the management options of post-operative DED.

Conclusions

DED is common and can be exacerbated by cataract surgery. Ophthalmologists need to assess for pre-existing DED and instigate treatment before surgery; be aware of reduced accuracy of measurements for surgical planning in the presence of DED; limit intra-operative surgical factors damaging to the ocular surface; and consider management to reduce DED post-operatively.
Ideology of simulation: The material-semiotic production of the surrogate in the web worldings of Russian surrogacy
Authors: Kirpichenko Maria
Published: June 2020

This article examines the webpages of Russian reproductive clinics and surrogacy agencies that offer surrogacy to foreign clients. Theoretically and analytically, the article is anchored in the works of Donna Haraway and Jean Baudrillard. While the websites are conceptualised as worldings, context-dependent ensembles of practices and possibilities articulated via images and text, the main focus of the analysis is the material-semiotic production of the surrogate in these worldings. The analysis reveals material-semiotic eugenics that render the surrogate a simulacrum, thus challenging her status as human.
Is there a non-socialist Swedish feminism?
Authors: Molina Irene
Published: June 2020

Based on a narrative of the recent history of postcolonial feminism within and outside the Swedish academic world, this article discusses the controversial relationship between feminism and politics. Installing a socialist inspired perspective on intersectionality in Swedish feminist debates and in gender research has been a hard task for postcolonial feminists in a society whose self-imagination excludes the recognition of racism as a fundamental component of the national identity. Moreover, as the country moves rapidly towards a neoliberalization of the former Keynesian Swedish welfare state, racism and homo-nationalism spreads out and permeates the political sphere and state institutions. The author emphasizes the importance for postcolonial feminists to continuously highlight the chasm that exists between neoliberal understandings of gender equality, which are not meant to eradicate structural class, gender, racial or other social inequalities, and those emanating from socialist and anti-racist feministic ontologies.
The effects of β-Si3N4 whiskers and Fe–Cr–C alloy on the tribological properties of bronze matrix composites
Authors: Pan Jiaming , Yin Jinwei , Xia Yongfeng , Yao Dongxu , Liang Hanqin , Zuo Kaihui , Zeng Yuping
Published: June 2020

In order to improve the wear resistance, Fe–Cr–C alloy and β-Si3N4 whiskers were chosen as the hard phases in bronze-graphite to prepare self-lubricating composite. Friction behaviors were tested with counter material 45# steel to evaluate the tribological properties of composites. The results indicated that Fe–Cr–C alloy and β-Si3N4 whiskers played different roles in composites. β-Si3N4 whiskers can obviously decrease the wear rate by excellent wear resistance. While the Fe–Cr–C alloy had better wettability with matrix, which improved the interfacial bonding and provided a continuous wear resistance. Moreover, Fe–Cr–C alloy also played a role in maintaining the friction coefficient stability, and this effect was more significant in the conditions of high rotational speeds. The composite containing 12.5 vol.% β-Si3N4 whiskers and 2.5 vol.% Fe–Cr–C alloy in this research showed good friction performance.
Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of telemedicine-administered cognitive behavioral therapy for adherence and depression among African American women living with HIV in the rural South
Authors: Junkins Anna , Psaros Christina , Ott Corilyn , Azuero Andres , Lambert Crystal Chapman , Cropsey Karen , Savage Robert , Haberer Jessica E , Safren Steven A , Kempf Mirjam-Colette
Published: June 2020

Women living with HIV are disproportionally affected by depression and mental healthcare access. A pilot feasibility trial using videoconferencing compared cognitive behavioral therapy for antiretroviral therapy adherence and depression ( N = 11) to supportive psychotherapy ( N = 11). Participants completed 10–12 weekly therapy sessions and 6-month follow-up. Retention at 6 months was 95 percent. Depression symptoms significantly decreased in both arms; antiretroviral therapy adherence remained high as measured via self-report and Wisepill. Satisfaction with intervention components was high; videoconferencing was highly acceptable and comparable to face-to-face counseling. This study demonstrates the feasibility of telemedicine-administered psychotherapy addressing mental health needs among women living with HIV.
Elastic properties of graphene-reinforced aluminum nanocomposite: Effects of temperature, stacked, and perforated graphene
Authors: Kumar Srivastava Ashish , Kumar Pathak Vimal
Published: June 2020

In this article, the elastic and shear moduli of the graphene sheet-reinforced aluminum nanocomposite have been investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. Different models have been simulated to study the effect of multilayer graphene sheet, perforation of GS, and temperature on the elastic and shear moduli of resulting nanocomposite. The simulation results show that the elastic and shear moduli of graphene sheet-reinforced aluminum are sensitive to the temperature changes, multilayer, and perforated graphene sheets. The temperature and perforation of graphene sheets exert adverse effects on the elastic and shear moduli of graphene sheet-reinforced aluminum nanocomposites. However, the multilayer graphene sheet leads to favorable effects on the stiffness properties of the nanocomposite. It is also observed that there is only a marginal effect of the chirality of graphene sheet on the out-of-plane shear moduli of the nanocomposite.
Multi-pass laser cutting of carbon/Kevlar hybrid composite: Prediction of thermal stress, heat-affected zone, and kerf width by thermo-mechanical modeling
Authors: Moghadasi K , Tamrin KF
Published: June 2020

Numerical modeling offers considerable promise to reduce costs associated with trial-and-error process in the manufacturing industry. In laser cutting of fiber-reinforced composites, the developed thermal stress in the cut region has considerable inﬂuence on the application of the machined composite and the end product quality. Nevertheless, measurement of the thermal stress is quite challenging in practice. Here, an uncoupled thermo-mechanical finite element model is developed to accurately predict formation of heat-affected zone, kerf width, thermal field, and thermal residual stress of an anisotropic carbon/Kevlar fiber reinforced composite during multi-pass laser cutting process. A novel approach of element deletion incorporating temperature-dependent Hashin failure criteria and VUMAT subroutine is proposed. The study is carried out using Abaqus interlinked with Fortran compiler to define laser Gaussian beam (DFLUX subroutine) and material removal (VUMAT subroutine) for determining the temperature gradient and cut characteristics, respectively. The numerical results agree well with the experimental scanning electron micrographs of heat-affected zone and kerf width. In addition, residual temperature after subsequent pass results in greater temperature distribution and heat accumulation. It has also been established that the strength of composite gradually decays with the increase of temperature due to stiffness (elastic moduli) degradation in the area of the cutting zone, accelerating damage initiation in both fibers and matrix.
(Re)writing history: Examining the cultural work of the obituary and journalists’ construction of a former president’s legacy
Authors: Adams Kirsten
Published: June 2020

This study provides an empirical and analytical look at how obituaries, as a relatively unexplored form of journalism, illuminate the long-term and conscious cultural work that journalists do. Through in-depth qualitative interviews with the elite political journalists who wrote and produced news obituaries for former US President George H. W. Bush, I offer a framework for understanding how journalists rewrite, and ‘recast’, drafts of history and Bush’s legacy. Results show how the obituary form, and the process involved in its creation, functions as a unique opportunity for political journalists – who have, perhaps for decades, covered a politician according to the norms of the profession – to now write about him in a way that they are keenly aware will become part of history. This research illustrates how the role of political or ‘hard-news’ journalism shifts when reporters write their final story about a president.
Ethnographic Upscaling: Exploring and Testing Hypotheses Drawn from In-depth Ethnographic Findings in Spatially Continuous Cases
Authors: Bollig Michael , Schnegg Michael , Schwieger Diego A. Menestrey
Published: June 2020

This article introduces ethnographic upscaling, an innovative procedure to explore and test hypotheses drawn from in-depth ethnographic findings in spatially continuous cases. The approach combines the strength of localized ethnographic descriptions with questionnaire-based regional surveys to study the distribution of ethnographic findings across social groups by comparison. The approach was designed in the Local Institutions in Globalized Societies project. This anthropological long-term research project ran from 2010 to 2019 to explore institutional regimes for managing water in arid Namibia. The article describes how the ethnographic upscaling approach was developed and implemented, discusses some exemplary results, and offers a critical reflection on its shortcomings and potentials.
Oral intake of lipopolysaccharide regulates toll-like receptor 4-dependent granulopoiesis
Authors: Märklin Melanie , Bugl Stefanie , Wirths Stefan , Frick Julia-Stefanie , Müller Martin R , Kopp Hans-Georg , Schneidawind Dominik
Published: June 2020

While neutrophil production in emergency states has been extensively studied, regulation of neutrophil homeostasis in the steady-state remained incompletely understood. We have shown that innate immune receptor toll-like receptor (TLR)4 and downstream TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) are indispensable for the generation of a granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)-dependent regulatory feedback loop upon antibody-induced neutropenia. These findings demonstrated that steady-state granulopoiesis is a demand-driven process, which may rely on differential triggering of innate immune receptors by microbial cell wall constituents such as lipopolysaccharide. Herein, we present further evidence on underlying mechanisms: oral intake of highly endotoxic lipopolysaccharide, but not TLR-antagonistic lipopolysaccharide derived from Rhodobacter sphaeroides, induces hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell fate decisions toward the neutrophil lineage independent of G-CSF. TLR4 has been identified as the indispensable sensor for oral lipopolysaccharide-modulated steady-state granulopoiesis. These results have important implications: food lipopolysaccharide content or the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome may be strongly underrated as determinants of peripheral blood neutrophil levels. Both neutrophilia and neutropenia are associated with drastically worse outcomes in epidemiological studies of the general population as well as in diseased states.

Impact statement

In our present study, we investigated the impact of LPS on neutrophil homeostasis and found that oral intake is sufficient to induce hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell fate decisions towards the neutrophil lineage independent of G-CSF. In addition, TLR4 has been identified as the indispensable sensor for oral LPS-modulated steady-state granulopoiesis. We provide evidence that the gastrointestinal microbiome is critical for neutrophil homeostasis, which has implications for patients being treated with chemotherapy or antimicrobial therapy, since both are significantly influencing the composition of the intestinal microbiome.
Metabolic alterations caused by the mutation and overexpression of the Tmem135 gene
Authors: Lee Wei-Hua , Bhute Vijesh J , Higuchi Hitoshi , Ikeda Sakae , Palecek Sean P , Ikeda Akihiro
Published: June 2020

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that undergo fission and fusion. While they are essential for cellular metabolism, the effect of dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics on cellular metabolism is not fully understood. We previously found that transmembrane protein 135 ( Tmem135) plays a role in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics in mice. Mice homozygous for a Tmem135 mutation ( Tmem135FUN025/FUN025) display accelerated aging and age-related disease pathologies in the retina including the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We also generated a transgenic mouse line globally overexpressing the Tmem135 gene ( Tmem135 TG). In several tissues and cells that we studied such as the retina, heart, and fibroblast cells, we observed that the Tmem135 mutation causes elongated mitochondria, while overexpression of Tmem135 results in fragmented mitochondria. To investigate how abnormal mitochondrial dynamics affect metabolic signatures of tissues and cells, we identified metabolic changes in primary RPE cell cultures as well as heart, cerebellum, and hippocampus isolated from Tmem135FUN025/FUN025 mice (fusion > fission) and Tmem135 TG mice (fusion < fission) using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Metabolomics analysis revealed a tissue-dependent response to Tmem135 alterations, whereby significant metabolic changes were observed in the heart of both Tmem135 mutant and TG mice as compared to wild-type, while negligible effects were observed in the cerebellum and hippocampus. We also observed changes in Tmem135FUN025/FUN025 and Tmem135 TG RPE cells associated with osmosis and glucose and phospholipid metabolism. We observed depletion of NAD+ in both Tmem135FUN025/FUN025 and Tmem135 TG RPE cells, indicating that imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics to both directions lowers the cellular NAD+ level. Metabolic changes identified in this study might be associated with imbalanced mitochondrial dynamics in heart tissue and RPE cells which can likely lead to functional abnormalities.

Impact statement

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles undergoing fission and fusion. Proper regulation of this process is important for healthy aging process, as aberrant mitochondrial dynamics are associated with several age-related diseases/pathologies. However, it is not well understood how imbalanced mitochondrial dynamics may lead to those diseases and pathologies. Here, we aimed to determine metabolic alterations in tissues and cells from mouse models with over-fused (fusion > fission) and over-fragmented (fusion < fission) mitochondria that display age-related disease pathologies. Our results indicated tissue-dependent sensitivity to these mitochondrial changes, and metabolic pathways likely affected by aberrant mitochondrial dynamics. This study provides new insights into how dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics could lead to functional abnormalities of tissues and cells.
A Mixed Methods–Grounded Theory Design for Producing More Refined Theoretical Models
Authors: Shim Minjung , Johnson Burke , Bradt Joke , Gasson Susan
Published: June 2020

Current literature lacks explication of how traditional grounded theory and mixed methods–grounded theory (MM-GT) are similar/different and specific explication of how to construct MM-GT designs—our purpose is to do this. We illustrate the design process using a published study. Exploratory Phase 1 involves creation of a formative–theoretical model based on multiple implicit or explicit models identified in the literature, which are then combined into a single model using meta-modeling integration. Also, in Phase 1, a traditional grounded theory is developed “independently” using interview data. These two models are integrated into a combined/meta-model at the end of Phase 1. Confirmatory Phase 2 involves testing of the final Phase 1 meta-model using a mixed methods experiment. In Phase 3, the Phase 1 and Phase 2 results are integrated, producing the “final” meta-model. This article contributes to the field of mixed methods research by showing how to design an MM-GT study that is focused on theory development and testing.
How to Capture Motivation in Pictures? Visual Methods in Research on Young People’s School Life and Motivation
Authors: Pless Mette , Katznelson Noemi
Published: June 2020

Voicing and exploring young pupils’ motivation for learning is a central ambition within the field of education research, which can be strengthened through the use of visual methods. Based on a specific research project on motivation for learning and participation in and outside of school, this article explores both analytical opportunities and challenges concerning the use of visual material, such as everyday-life snapshots, as starting points for individual qualitative interviews focusing on perspectives, experiences, and everyday practices of secondary school pupils. The article shows that visual methods (participant-directed photo elicitation) in educational studies can provide access to situated narratives about both motivation and motives for (non)participation that can supplement methodological approaches such as observations and traditional qualitative interviews.
Intelligent diagnosis of rolling bearing compound faults based on device state dictionary set sparse decomposition feature extraction–hidden Markov model
Authors: Wang HongChao , Du WenLiao
Published: June 2020

Identification of rolling bearing fault patterns, especially for the compound faults, has attracted notable attention and is still a challenge in fault diagnosis. Intelligent diagnosis method is an effective method for compound faults of rolling element bearing, and effective fault feature extraction is the key step to decide the intelligent diagnosis result to some extent. The sparse decomposition method could capture the complex impulsive characteristic components of rolling bearing more effectively than the other time–frequency analysis method when compound fault arises in rolling bearing. Based on the self-learning dictionary under different operating states of the device corresponding to the special features modes, an intelligent diagnosis method of rolling bearing compound faults based on device state dictionary set sparse decomposition feature extraction–hidden Markov model is proposed in the article. First, characteristic dictionaries of rolling bearing under different operating conditions are extracted by sparse decomposition self-learning method, and state dictionary set of rolling bearing is constructed. Then, the compound fault signals of bearing are transformed into sparse domain using the constructed dictionary set to extract sparse features. At last, the extracted sparse features are used as training and testing vectors of hidden Markov model, and satisfactory intelligent diagnosis results are obtained. The validity of the proposed method is verified by compound faults of rolling element bearing. In addition, the advantages of the proposed method are also verified by comparing with the other feature extraction and intelligent diagnosis methods, and the proposed method provides a feasible and efficient solution for fault diagnosis of rolling bearing compound faults.
The Primacy of Gender: Gendered Cognition Underlies the Big Two Dimensions of Social Cognition
Authors: Martin Ashley E. , Slepian Michael L.
Published: June 2020

It is notable that across distinct, siloed, and disconnected areas of psychology (e.g., developmental, personality, social), there exist two dimensions (the “Big Two”) that capture the ways in which people process, perceive, and navigate their social worlds. Despite their subtle distinctions and nomenclature, each shares the same underlying content; one revolves around independence, goal pursuit, and achievement, and the other revolves around other-focus, social orientation, and desire for connection. Why have these two dimensions emerged across disciplines, domains, and decades? Our answer: gender. We argue that the characteristics of the Big Two (e.g., agency/competence, communion/warmth) are reflections of psychological notions of masculinity and femininity that render gender the basis of the fundamental lens through which one sees the social world. Thus, although past work has identified the Big Two as a model to understand social categories, we argue that gender itself is the social category that explains the nature of the Big Two. We outline support for this theory and suggest implications of a gendered cognition in which gender not only provides functional utility for cognitive processing but simultaneously enforces gender roles and limits men and women’s opportunities. Recognizing that the Big Two reflect masculinity and femininity does not confine people to act in accordance with their gender but rather allows for novel interventions to reduce gender-based inequities.
Lys694Arg polymorphism leads to blunted responses to LPS by interfering TLR4 with recruitment of MyD88
Authors: Yang Yajie , Hu Yan , Zhou Yile , Liang Tao , Tang Haihong , Ju Huihui , Shi Qiqing , Fang Hao
Published: June 2020

TLR4 polymorphisms such as Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile related to Gram-negative sepsis have been reported to result in significantly blunted responsiveness to LPS. Our study group previously screened other TLR4 polymorphic variants by checking the NF-κB activation in comparison to wild type (WT) TLR4 in human embryonic kidney 293T cells. In this study, we found that the Lys694Arg (K694R) polymorphism reduced the activation of NF-κB, and the production of downstream inflammatory factors IL-1, TNF-α and IL-6, representing the K694R polymorphism, led to blunted responsiveness to LPS. Then, we examined the influence of the K694R polymorphism on total and cell-surface TLR4 expression by Western blotting and flow cytometry, respectively, but observed no differences between the K694R polymorphism and WT TLR4. We also used co-immunoprecipitation to determine the interaction of the K694R polymorphism and WT TLR4 with their co-receptor myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) and their downstream signal adaptor MyD88. We found that K694R reduced the recruitment of MyD88 in TLR4 signalling but had no impact on the interaction with MD2.
Stereo-crossed ablation guided by stereoelectroencephalography for epilepsy: comprehensive coagulations via a network of multi-electrodes
Authors: Wei Peng-Hu , Fan Xiao-Tong , Wang Yi-He , Lu Chao , Ou Si-Qi , Meng Fei , Li Mu-Yang , Zhang Hua-Qiang , Chen Si-Chang , An Yang , Yang Yan-Feng , Ren Lian-Kun , Shan Yong-Zhi , Zhao Guo-Guang
Published: June 2020

Background:

Introducing multiple different stereoelectroencephalography electrodes in a three-dimensional (3D) network to create a 3D-lesioning field or stereo-crossed radiofrequency thermocoagulation (scRF-TC) might create larger lesioning size; however, this has not been quantified to date. This study aimed to quantify the configurations essential for scRF-TC.

Methods:

By using polyacrylamide gel (PAG), we investigated the effect of electrode conformation (angled/parallel/multiple edges) and electrode distance of creating an electrode network. Volume, time, and temperature were analyzed quantitatively with magnetic resonance imaging, video analysis, and machine learning. A network of electrodes to the pathological left area 47 was created in a patient; the seizure outcome and coverage range were further observed.

Results:

After the compatibility test between the PAG and brain tissue, the sufficient distance of contacts (from different electrodes) for confluent lesioning was 7 mm with the PAG. Connection to the lesioning field could be achieved even with a different arrangement of electrodes. One contact could achieve at least six connections with different peripheral contacts. Coagulation with a network of electrodes can create more significant lesioning sizes, 1.81–2.12 times those of the classic approaches. The confluent lesioning field created by scRF-TC had a volume of 38.7 cm3; the low metabolic area was adequately covered. The representative patient was free of seizures throughout the 12-month follow up.

Conclusion:

Lesioning with electrodes in a network manner is practical for adequate 3D coverage. A secondary craniotomy could be potentially prevented by combining both monitoring and a large volume of lesions.
Time in Specific Glucose Ranges, Glucose Management Indicator, and Glycemic Variability: Impact of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System Model and Sensor on CGM Metrics
Authors: Pleus Stefan , Kamecke Ulrike , Waldenmaier Delia , Link Manuela , Zschornack Eva , Jendrike Nina , Haug Cornelia , Freckmann Guido
Published: June 2020

Background:

International consensus recommends a set of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics to assess quality of diabetes therapy. The impact of individual CGM sensors on these metrics has not been thoroughly studied yet. This post hoc analysis aimed at comparing time in specific glucose ranges, coefficient of variation (CV) of glucose concentrations, and glucose management indicator (GMI) between different CGM systems and different sensors of the same system.

Method:

A total of 20 subjects each wore two Dexcom G5 (G5) sensors and two FreeStyle Libre (FL) sensors for 14 days in parallel. Times in ranges, GMI, and CV were calculated for each 14-day sensor experiment, with up to four sensor experiments per subject. Pairwise differences between different sensors of the same CGM system as well as between sensors of different CGM system were calculated for these metrics.

Results:

Pairwise differences between sensors of the same model showed larger differences and larger variability for FL than for G5, with some subjects showing considerable differences between the two sensors. When pairwise differences between sensors of different CGM models were calculated, substantial differences were found in some subjects (75th percentiles of differences of time spent <70 mg/dL: 5.0%, time spent >180 mg/dL: 9.2%, and GMI: 0.42%).

Conclusion:

Relevant differences in CGM metrics between different models of CGM systems, and between different sensors of the same model, worn by the same study subjects were found. Such differences should be taken into consideration when these metrics are used in the treatment of diabetes.
Selinexor in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Richter Joshua , Madduri Deepu , Richard Shambavi , Chari Ajai
Published: June 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM) represents an incurable hematologic malignancy. Despite significant advances over the past decade, with the advent of multiple new classes of anti-myeloma agents, including immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, patients ultimately relapse. Selinexor is a first-in-class exportin-1 inhibitor with activity in these multiply relapsed and refractory patients. Although the current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval is for the doublet of Selinexor in combination with dexamethasone, ongoing clinical trials are evaluating a number of combination regimens. These triplet and quadruplet, selinexor-based, regimens are showing significant activity in “triple-class” refractory patients. With appropriate combination drug choice, drug dosing, and supportive measures, patients with previously no viable options for therapy, now have multiple potential regimens to control their disease.
Modelling epidemics: Technical and critical issues in the context of COVID-19
Authors: Brunsdon Chris
Published: June 2020

This commentary reflects upon my experiences modelling epidemics from a geographical perspective. In particular, I consider different approaches to the modelling of epidemics and other forms of data analysis relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic within a geographical context, especially with respect to the need for ‘just in time’ policy-relevant research.
Are We Conditioning EBM Researchers to be Innovative or Narrow?
Authors: Seery Samuel
Published: June 2020

This short essay considers preferential publication and impact factor as stimuli, instrumentally conditioning medical researchers. The author postulates that publication houses emphasising publication of the highest levels of evidence (ie, meta-analyses) at the detriment of other levels of evidence, is inadvertently guiding researchers to overlook necessary research for more individualised care. The author recommends preferential publication and impact factor should be openly discussed by medical educators to ensure we are training researchers to conduct meaningful, high quality, innovative research.
Prefrontal–hippocampal interaction during the encoding of new memories
Authors: Takehara-Nishiuchi Kaori
Published: June 2020

The hippocampus rapidly forms associations among ongoing events as they unfold and later instructs the gradual stabilisation of their memory traces in the neocortex. Although this two-stage model of memory consolidation has gained substantial empirical support, parallel evidence from rodent studies suggests that the neocortex, in particular the medial prefrontal cortex, might work in concert with the hippocampus during the encoding of new experiences. This opinion article first summarises findings from behavioural, electrophysiological, and molecular studies in rodents that uncovered immediate changes in synaptic connectivity and neural selectivity in the medial prefrontal cortex during and shortly after novel experiences. Based on these findings, I then propose a model positing that the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus might use different strategies to encode information during novel experiences, leading to the parallel formation of complementary memory traces in the two regions. The hippocampus captures moment-to-moment changes in incoming inputs with accurate spatial and temporal contexts, whereas the medial prefrontal cortex may sort the inputs based on their similarity and integrates them over time. These processes of pattern recognition and integration enable the medial prefrontal cortex to, in real time, capture the central content of novel experience and emit relevancy signal that helps to enhance the contrast between the relevant and incidental features of the experience. This hypothesis serves as a framework for future investigations on the potential top-down modulation that the medial prefrontal cortex may exert over the hippocampus to enable the selective, perhaps more intelligent encoding of new information.
Nucleus–Plasma Membrane Contact Sites Are Formed During Spermiogenesis in the Acoel Symsagittifera roscoffensis
Authors: Hayes Matthew J. , Zakrzewski Anne-C. , Levine Timothy P. , Telford Maximilian J.
Published: June 2020

Symsagittifera roscoffensis is a small marine worm found in the intertidal zone of sandy beaches around the European shores of the Atlantic. S. roscoffensis is a member of the Acoelomorpha, a group of flatworms formerly classified with the Platyhelminthes, but now recognized as Xenacoelomorpha, a separate phylum of disputed affinity. We have used electron microscopy to examine the process of spermiogenesis (the final stage of spermatogenesis) in S. roscoffensis, by which spermatids form highly elongated spermatozoa. Their nuclei are long and thread-like, running most of the cell’s length, and during the process, a pair of flagella are fully incorporated into the cell body. Two previously undescribed interorganelle contact sites form at different stages of spermiogenesis. Strikingly, there is an extensive nucleus–plasma membrane contact site. Golgi-derived granules containing electron-dense filaments line up along the spermatid plasma membrane, undergo a conformational change, and donate material that forms a perinuclear layer that cements this contact site. We also show in spermatids at an earlier stage that the same granules are associated with microtubules, presumably for traffic along the elongating cell. We identify a second spermiogenesis-specific contact site where sheaths engulfing each internalizing flagellum contact the nuclear envelope.
ABVD followed by BV consolidation in risk-stratified patients with limited-stage Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Park Steven I. , Shea Thomas C. , Olajide Oludamilola , Reddy Nishitha M. , Budde Lihua E. , Ghosh Nilanjan , Deal Allison M. , Noe Jeanne F. , Ansell Stephen M.
Published: June 2020

Approximately 90% of limited-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients are projected to be cured with standard therapy, but many do not live their expected life span because of late treatment–related complications. New treatment paradigms are needed to reduce the use of radiation therapy (RT) as well as conventional chemotherapy drugs while improving upon current standard-of-care survival outcomes. In this phase 2 multicenter study, patients with non-bulky limited-stage HL received doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) followed by brentuximab vedotin (BV) consolidation. Forty-one patients were enrolled, and patient characteristics included median age of 29 years (range, 19 to 67 years), 58% were female, 45% had unfavorable disease, and 98% had stage II disease. Based on positron emission tomography (PET)–based risk stratification, patients received 2 to 6 cycles of ABVD followed by 6 cycles of BV. After ABVD followed by BV, 95% of evaluable patients (37 out of 39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 83%-99%) achieved PET-negative status. In the intent-to-treat patient population, the estimated 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 92%, and the overall survival (OS) rate was 97%, with a median follow-up of 47 months. All 37 patients who achieved negative PET status after BV consolidation effectively avoided RT and remain in remission with estimated 3-year PFS and OS rates of 100%. In conclusion, BV demonstrates encouraging clinical activity when it follows ABVD therapy in limited-stage HL. Early incorporation of BV may reduce the use of RT as well as conventional chemotherapy drugs while achieving favorable survival outcomes in risk-stratified patients with non-bulky limited-stage HL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01578967.
The usefulness of lactate dehydrogenase measurements in current oncological practice
Authors: Forkasiewicz Agata , Dorociak Maja , Stach Kamilla , Szelachowski Piotr , Tabola Renata , Augoff Katarzyna
Published: June 2020

One of the hallmarks of cancer cells is increased energy requirements associated with the higher rate of cellular proliferative activity. Metabolic changes in rapidly dividing cancer cells are closely associated with increased uptake of glucose and abnormal activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which regulates the processing of glucose to lactic acid. As serum LDH levels were found to be commonly increased in cancer patients and correlated with poor clinical outcome and resistance to therapy, the determination of LDH has become a standard supportive tool in diagnosing cancers or monitoring the effects of cancer treatment.

The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about methods and the practical utility for measuring both the total LDH and LDH isoenzymatic activities in the diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of cancer diseases.
Teaching evolution in U.S. public schools: a continuing challenge
Authors: Plutzer Eric , Branch Glenn , Reid Ann
Published: June 2020

Background

Over a decade ago, the first nationally representative probability survey concerning the teaching of evolution revealed disquieting facts about evolution education in the United States. This 2007 survey found that only about one in three public high school biology teachers presented evolution consistently with the recommendations of the nation’s leading scientific authorities. And about 13% of the teachers emphasized to their students that creationism was a valid scientific alternative to modern evolutionary biology. In this paper, we investigate how the quality of evolution teaching, as measured by teachers’ reports of their teaching practices with regard to evolution and creationism, has changed in the intervening 12 years.

Results

We find substantial reductions in overtly creationist instruction and in the number of teachers who send mixed messages that legitimate creationism as a valid scientific alternative to evolutionary biology. We also report a substantial increase in the time that high school teachers devote to human evolution and general evolutionary processes. We show that these changes reflect both generational replacement—from teachers who are new to the profession—and changes in teaching practices among those who were teaching in the pre-Kitzmillerera.

Conclusion

Adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards, along with improvements in pre-service teacher education and in-service teacher professional development, appears to have contributed to a large reduction in both creationist instruction and mixed messages that could lead students to think that creationism is a scientific perspective. Combined with teachers devoting more hours to evolution—including human evolution—instruction at the high school level has improved by these measures since the last national survey in 2007.
Tolfenamic acid inhibits GSK-3β and PP2A mediated tau hyperphosphorylation in Alzheimer’s disease models
Authors: Zhang Huiming , Wang Xiaojuan , Xu Pu , Ji Xuefei , Chi Tianyan , Liu Peng , Zou Libo
Published: June 2020

Tolfenamic acid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, alleviated learning and memory deficits and decreased the expression of specificity protein 1 (SP1)-mediated cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (CDK5), a major protein kinase that regulates hyperphosphorylated tau, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) transgenic mice. However, whether tolfenamic acid can regulate the major tau protein kinase, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), or tau protein phosphatase, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), further inhibiting hyperphosphorylation of tau, remains unknown. To this end, tolfenamic acid was administered i.p. in a GSK-3β overactivation postnatal rat model and orally in mice after intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of okadaic acid (OA) to develop a PP2A inhibition model. We used four behavioural experiments to evaluate memory function in ICV-OA mice. In this study, tolfenamic acid attenuated memory dysfunction. Tolfenamic acid decreased the expression of hyperphosphorylated tau in the brain by inhibiting GSK-3β activity, decreasing phosphorylated PP2A (Tyr307), and enhancing PP2A activity. Tolfenamic acid also increased wortmannin (WT) and GF-109203X (GFX) induced phosphorylation of GSK-3β (Ser9) and prevented OA-induced downregulation of PP2A activity in PC12 cells. Altogether, these results show that tolfenamic acid not only decreased SP1/CDK5-mediated tau phosphorylation, but also inhibited GSK-3β and PP2A-mediated tau hyperphosphorylation in AD models.
Substance P enhances the local activation of NK1R-expressing c-kit+ cardiac progenitor cells in right atrium of ischemia/reperfusion-injured heart
Authors: Jeong Yun-Mi , Cheng Xian Wu , Lee Kyung Hye , Lee Sora , Cho Haneul , Kim Weon
Published: June 2020

Background

Localization of neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R), the endogenous receptor for neuropeptide substance P (SP), has already been described for the right atrium (RA) of the heart. However, the biological role of SP/NK1R signal pathways in the RA remains unclear.

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 22 each); subjected to sham, ischemia/reperfusion-injury (I/R), I/R with 5 nmole/kg SP injection (SP + I/R), and SP + I/R with 1 mg/kg RP67580 injection (RP, a selective non-peptide tachykinin NK1R antagonist) (RP/SP + I/R). The left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for 40 min followed by 1 day reperfusion with SP or SP + RP or without either. After 1 day, both atria and ventricles as well as the heart apexes were collected.

Results

SP promoted the expression of c-Kit, GATA4, Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2 in only the RA of the SP + I/R rats via NK1R activation. In agreement with these observations, NK1R-expressing c-Kit+ Nkx2.5+GATA4+ cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) in the ex vivo RA explant outgrowth assay markedly migrated out from RA1 day SP + I/R approximately 2-fold increase more than RA1 day I/R. Treatment of SP promoted proliferation, migration, cardiosphere formation, and potential to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. Using RP inhibitor, NK1R antagonist not only inhibited cell proliferation and migration but also reduced the formation of cardiosphere and differentiation of c-Kit+ CPCs.

Conclusion

SP/NK1R might play a role as a key mediator involved in the cellular response to c-Kit+ CPC expansion in RA of the heart within 24 h after I/R.
Core competencies for health headquarters: a systematic review and meta-synthesis
Authors: Fattahi Hamed , Abolghasem Gorji Hasan , Bayat Mahboubeh
Published: June 2020

Background

The availability of human resources for the health sector is not enough requirement for addressing health needs. Instead, it is necessary to take effective steps to meet the requirements of the health care system in case the system has the necessary competencies. This study was performed to identify the competencies of health headquarters in meeting the needs of the health system.

Methods

This thematic synthesis was performed to develop a set of central themes that summarize all the topics raised in the articles reviewed in this study. The quality of the articles was assessed by the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research.

Results

We included 12 articles from seven countries. Seven central themes were inductively developed from the analysis: (1) Leadership and management, (2) Analyzing, interpreting, and reporting, (3) Public health knowledge, (4) Interpersonal relationship, (5) Personality competencies, (6) Cultural and community competencies, and (7) International/Global health competencies.

Conclusion

The findings of this review may help to address how to recruit and retain health headquarters, optimize the headquarters ability and expertise, and develop some approaches to promote their scientific, practical, and professional levels. These issues can drive the organization toward their visions, strategies, and great objectives.
Giant recurrent left inguinal hernia with femoral nerve injury: a report of a rare case
Authors: Lin Manzhou , Long Guojie , Chen Ming , Chen Weice , Mo Jian , Chen Nianping
Published: June 2020

Background

Giant inguinal hernia(GIH), a rare disease, has brought great challenges to surgeons. GIH is defined as an inguinal hernia that extends below the midpoint of the inner thigh in standing position. However, a giant recurrent inguinal hernia resulting from previous operations that destroy the anatomical structure of the inguinal region is extremely rare. Nerve injury, a complication following inguinal hernia repair, is mostly found in ilioinguinal nerve and iliohypogastric nerve, which often presents as numbness and acute or chronic pain, while postoperative muscular dysfunction results from femoral nerve injury is rare.

Case presentation

A 77-years-old woman presented with a complaint of a reducible mass in the left inguinal of duration 1 year. The patient had three previous inguinal hernia repairs. Physical examination and auxiliary examination indicated a giant inguinal hernia with femoral nerve injury. After preoperative evaluation and preparation, a transabdominal partial extraperitoneal(TAPE) repair have performed. Finally, the patient recovered and was discharged.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we reported a rare case of a giant recurrent inguinal hernia with femoral nerve injury and made a successful treatment for the patient via transabdominal partial extraperitoneal(TAPE) repair.