bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support for Single Ventricle Patients
Authors: Stephens Elizabeth H. , Shakoor Aqsa , Jacobs Shimon E. , Okochi Shunpei , Zenilman Ariela L. , Middlesworth William , Kalfa David , Chai Paul J. , Chaves Diana Vargas , Bacha Emile , Cheung Eva W.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can provide crucial support for single ventricle (SV) patients at various stages of palliation. However, characterization of the utilization and outcomes of ECMO in these unique patients remains incompletely studied.

Methods:

We performed a single-center retrospective review of SV patients between 2010 and 2017 who underwent ECMO cannulation with primary end point of survival to discharge and secondary end point of survival to decannulation or orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). Multivariate analysis was performed for factors predictive of survival to discharge and survival to decannulation.

Results:

Forty SV patients with a median age of one month (range: 3 days to 15 years) received ECMO support. The incidence of ECMO was 14% for stage I, 3% for stage II, and 4% for stage III. Twenty-seven (68%) patients survived to decannulation, and 21 (53%) patients survived to discharge, with seven survivors to discharge undergoing OHT. Complications included infection (40%), bleeding (40%), thrombosis (33%), and radiographic stroke (45%). Factors associated with survival to decannulation included pre-ECMO lactate (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41-0.90, P = .013) and post-ECMO bicarbonate (HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.0-1.5, P = .018). Factors associated with survival to discharge included central cannulation (HR: 40.0, 95% CI: 3.1-500.0, P = .005) and lack of thrombotic complications (HR: 28.7, 95% CI: 2.1-382.9, P = .011).

Conclusions:

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be useful to rescue SV patients with approximately half surviving to discharge, although complications are frequent. Early recognition of the role of heart transplant is imperative. Further study is required to identify areas for improvement in this population.
A Tribute to the Pioneers of Right Heart Bypass: An Historical Review
Authors: Stellin Giovanni
Published: February 2020

Cavopulmonary anastomosis was first described by Carlon, Mondini, De Marchi in a canine model in 1951 and later, in the clinical practice, by Glenn in 1958. Total right heart bypass was first introduced by Fontan and Kreutzer in 1971, in each instance as treatment for tricuspid atresia. Several modifications of such a procedure followed the initial concept of the right atrium as a pumping chamber, including modifications aimed to minimize energy loss at the anastomotic level and arrhythmias. Tribute is given to our pioneers who developed such an operation aimed to treat any child with functionally univentricular hearts.
Clinical Presentation and Outcomes Associated With Fabellectomy in the Setting of Fabella Syndrome
Authors: Dekker Travis J. , Crawford Matthew D. , DePhillipo Nicholas N. , Kennedy Mitchell I. , Grantham W. Jeffrey , Schairer William W. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Clinical outcomes pertaining to isolated lateral fabellectomy in the setting of fabella syndrome are limited to small case reports at this time.

Purpose:

To assess the most common presenting symptoms, clinical outcomes, and satisfaction after fabella excision in the setting of fabella syndrome.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with a minimum of 21-month follow-up after isolated fabellectomy for fabella syndrome were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical outcome scores of the following domains were collected: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and Lysholm knee survey, along with a simple numeric patient satisfaction score (range, 1-10; 10 = “very satisfied”). Statistical analysis was performed using paired t tests for all clinical outcome data.

Results:

A total of 11 isolated fabella excisions were included in 10 patients with isolated lateral-sided knee pain in the setting of fabella syndrome (8 males, 2 females), with a mean age of 36.9 years (range, 23-58 years) and a mean follow-up of 2.4 years (range, 21-47 months). A total of 8 patients (80%) were able to return to full desired activities, including sports. Only 5 of 11 (45%) excisions had concomitant lateral femoral condyle cartilage pathology. There were significant improvements across multiple WOMAC domains, and the WOMAC total score improved from 28.5 ± 17.6 preoperatively to 11.6 ± 10.2 postoperatively ( P < .05). Lysholm scores significantly improved from 66.6 ± 23.1 preoperatively to 80.2 ± 13.9 postoperatively ( P = .044). Overall patient-reported satisfaction was 8.8 ± 1.6.

Conclusion:

Fabella excision in the setting of fabella syndrome demonstrated improvements in clinical outcome scores, high rate of returning to preinjury level of activities, and low risk of complications or need for additional surgical procedures.
Site-specific methylation of 18S ribosomal RNA by SNORD42A is required for acute myeloid leukemia cell proliferation
Authors: Pauli Cornelius , Liu Yi , Rohde Christian , Cui Chunhong , Fijalkowska Daria , Gerloff Dennis , Walter Carolin , Krijgsveld Jeroen , Dugas Martin , Edemir Bayram , Pabst Caroline , Müller Lutz P. , Zhou Fengbiao , Müller-Tidow Carsten
Published: February 2020

Noncoding RNAs, including small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), play important roles in leukemogenesis, but the relevant mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We performed snoRNA-focused CRISPR-Cas9 knockout library screenings that targeted the entire snoRNAnome and corresponding host genes. The C/D box containing SNORD42A was identified as an essential modulator for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell survival and proliferation in multiple human leukemia cell lines. In line, SNORD42A was consistently expressed at higher levels in primary AML patient samples than in CD34+ progenitors, monocytes, and granulocytes. Functionally, knockout of SNORD42A reduced colony formation capability and inhibited proliferation. The SNORD42A acts as a C/D box snoRNA and directs 2′-O-methylation at uridine 116 of 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Deletion of SNORD42A decreased 18S-U116 2′-O-methylation, which was associated with a specific decrease in the translation of ribosomal proteins. In line, the cell size of SNORD42A deletion carrying leukemia cells was decreased. Taken together, these findings establish that high-level expression of SNORD42A with concomitant U116 18S rRNA 2′-O-methylation is essential for leukemia cell growth and survival.
Stem cell donors should be screened for CHIP
Authors: DeZern Amy E. , Gondek Lukasz P.
Published: February 2020

This article has a companion Counterpoint by Gibson and Lindsley.
Dietary habits and psychological disorders in a large sample of Iranian adults: a population-based study
Authors: Sangsefidi Zohreh Sadat , Lorzadeh Elnaz , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh , Mirzaei Masoud
Published: February 2020

Background

Since an association has been found between diet and psychological problems, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between dietary habits and psychological problems among Iranian adults.

Methods

Data on dietary habits and psychological problems among 9965 adults were provided from the recruitment phase of Yazd Health Study, a population-based cohort research on Iranian adults. The association between dietary habits and psychological problems was assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

After the adjustment for confounders, fast food and fried food consumptions were associated with increased depressive [odds ratio (OR) = 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–2.20] and stress symptoms (OR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.46–4.18), respectively. Eating breakfast had a protective role on stress features (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.39–0.92), while snack intake was related to higher odds of depressive (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.01–1.84), anxiety (OR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.55–2.56) and stress symptoms (OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.23–2.54). There was also an inverse association between sweetened drink consumption and depressive (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.59–0.96), anxiety (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.62–0.93), and stress features (OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.97; OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.48–0.82).

Conclusions

Even though an inverse relationship was found between sweetened drinks intake and psychological problems, snack consumption was associated with higher chances of them. Eating breakfast had a protective effect on stress symptoms, while fast food and fried food intakes were related to increased depressive and stress features chances, respectively.
Improving prediction with enhanced Distributed Memory-based Resilient Dataset Filter
Authors: Narayanan Sandhya , Samuel Philip , Chacko Mariamma
Published: February 2020

Launching new products in the consumer electronics market is challenging. Developing and marketing the same in limited time affect the sustainability of such companies. This research work introduces a model that can predict the success of a product. A Feature Information Gain (FIG) measure is used for significant feature identification and Distributed Memory-based Resilient Dataset Filter (DMRDF) is used to eliminate duplicate reviews, which in turn improves the reliability of the product reviews. The pre-processed dataset is used for prediction of product pre-launch in the market using classifiers such as Logistic regression and Support vector machine. DMRDF method is fault-tolerant because of its resilience property and also reduces the dataset redundancy; hence, it increases the prediction accuracy of the model. The proposed model works in a distributed environment to handle a massive volume of the dataset and therefore, it is scalable. The output of this feature modelling and prediction allows the manufacturer to optimize the design of his new product.
Increased C-reactive protein is associated with the severity of thoracic radiotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Canada Justin M. , Thomas Georgia K. , Trankle Cory R. , Carbone Salvatore , Billingsley Hayley , Van Tassell Benjamin W. , Evans Ronald K. , Garten Ryan , Weiss Elisabeth , Abbate Antonio
Published: February 2020

Background

Irradiation of the heart during cancer radiotherapy is associated with a dose-dependent risk of heart failure. Animal studies have demonstrated that irradiation leads to an inflammatory response within the heart as well as a reduction in cardiac reserve. In the current study we aimed to evaluate whether inflammatory biomarkers correlated with changes in cardiac function and reserve after radiotherapy for breast or lung cancer.

Methods and results

We studied 25 subjects with a history of breast or lung cancer without a prior diagnosis of cardiovascular disease or heart failure, 1.8 years [0.4–3.6] post-radiotherapy involving at least 5 Gray (Gy) to at least 10% of the heart. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) was abnormal (≥2 mg/L) in 16 (64%) subjects. Cardiac function and reserve was measured with Doppler echocardiography before and after exercise and defined as left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (e’), and increase in LV outflow tract velocity time integral cardiac output (cardiac reserve) with exercise. Subjects with abnormal CRP had significantly lower LVEF (51 [44–59] % vs 61 [52–64] %, P = 0.039), lower e’ (7.4 [6.6–7.9] cm/sec vs 9.9 [8.3–12.0] cm/sec, P = 0.010), and smaller cardiac reserve (+ 1.5 [1.2–1.7] L/min vs + 1.9 [1.7–2.2] L/min, P = 0.024).

Conclusion

Elevated systemic inflammation is associated with impaired left-ventricular systolic and diastolic function both at rest and during exercise in subjects who have received radiotherapy with significant incidental heart dose for the treatment of cancer.
Fitness scale-4 item (FS4) to predict six-month postoperative mortality of cancer patients aged 75.
Authors: Shahrokni Armin , Sarraf Saman , Downey Robert J. , Alexander Koshy , Korc-Grodzicki Beatriz
Published: February 2020

11542

Background: We have been prospectively collecting Geriatric Assessment (GA) data on patients aged 75+ undergoing oncologic surgery at a single institution. We aimed to to determine if a fitness scale based on a limited number of easily captured datafields can be developed, validated, and associated with 6 month postoperative mortality. Methods: From patients referred to Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Geriatrics Service for preoperative GA since 2015, we have selected patients who were aged 75+, had elective surgery, with hospital length of stay (LOS) of ≥1 day, and had at least 6-month follow up. The Fitness Scale-4 item (FS4) is composed of 3 variables from the GA; Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), ability to walk outside, ability to perform housekeeping, and additional variable of preoperative albumin level. The FS4 total score ranges from 0-8 (frail = 0-2, vulnerable = 3-5, and fit = 6+). We validated this scale against prevalence of geriatric syndromes in each fitness category. We performed multivariable regression (MVR) analysis to assess the odds of six-month postoperative mortality among vulnerable and frail patients vs. fit patients. Results: Out of 1270 patients (median age 79, IQR 77-83), 792 (61.4%), 327 (25.7%) and 151 (11.9%) were fit, vulnerable, and frail, respectively. All of the geriatric syndromes were more prevalent among frail and vulnerable patients than fit patients. Six-month mortality rate was 4.7%, 12.5%, and 21.2% for fit, vulnerable, and frail patients, respectively. In the MVR analysis, and after adjustment for age, gender, ASA PS, LOS, operation time, KPS, and preoperative albumin, the odds of six-month mortality among frail (OR = 4.58, p = 0.004) and vulnerable patients (OR = 2.63, p = 0.004) vs. fit patients were much higher. Conclusions: Frail and vulnerable patients based on FS4 are at significantly higher risk for six-month postoperative mortality vs. fit patients. Future studies should assess the external validation of FS4, and its impact on surgical decision making, and perioperative care of older cancer patients.
Brentuximab vedotin with chemotherapy for stage 3/4 classical Hodgkin lymphoma: Three-year update of the ECHELON-1 study.
Authors: Straus David J. , Długosz-Danecka Monika , Alekseev Sergiy , Illés Árpád , Picardi Marco , Lech-Maranda Ewa , Feldman Tatyana , Savage Kerry J. , Smolewski Piotr , Bartlett Nancy L. , Gallamini Andrea , Walewski Jan Andrzej , Ramchandren Rod , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Connors Joseph M. , Jolin Hina , Liu Rachael , Fenton Keenan , Fanale Michelle , Radford John A.
Published: February 2020

7532

Background: The phase 3 ECHELON-1 study demonstrated that BV with AVD (A+AVD) was superior to ABVD for the frontline treatment of Stage 3/4 cHL. Maturing data from RATHL and SWOG S0816 show limitations to PET2-adapted strategies, including short and long-term toxicities in PET2+ patients (pts) switched to BEACOPP and still frequent relapse in PET2- pts. Pts in the RATHL trial with Stage 3/4 disease ≤60 yrs had a 3-yr PFS of 79.8% (82.1% PET2-); SWOG S0816 reported a 5-yr PFS of 74% (76% PET2-) in the same population. As an alternative to PET-adapted therapy, here we present a 3-year update of the ECHELON-1 study, including ITT PFS and outcomes by PET status. Methods: Pts with Stage 3/4 cHL were randomized 1:1 to receive up to six cycles of A+AVD (n=664) or ABVD (n=670). Interim PET scan after cycle 2 was conducted. All analyses of PFS are exploratory and per investigator assessment. Results: At a median follow-up of 37 months, analysis of PFS in the ITT population favors the A+AVD treatment arm (Table), with a 3-yr PFS of 83.1% for A+AVD vs 76.0% for ABVD; the 3-yr PFS for PET2- pts <60 yrs was 87.2% vs 81.0%, respectively. Trend toward benefit for PET2+ pts <60 yrs treated with A+AVD was also observed, with a 3-yr PFS of 69.2% vs 54.7% with ABVD. Data from prespecified subgroups and safety follow-up, including peripheral neuropathy, will be presented. Conclusions: Follow-up at 3-yrs demonstrates that frontline treatment of Stage 3/4 cHL with A+AVD provides a durable treatment benefit vs ABVD that is independent of PET2 status. While direct comparisons cannot be made, A+AVD compares favorably to PET-adapted strategies without requiring interim PET assessment, escalation of therapy, or bleomycin. Clinical trial information: NCT01712490. [Table: see text]
Tissue-based molecular and histological landscape of acquired resistance to osimertinib given initially or at relapse in patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancers.
Authors: Schoenfeld Adam Jacob , Chan Joseph Minhow , Rizvi Hira , Rekhtman Natasha , Daneshbod Yahya , Kubota Daisuke , Chang Jason C. , Arcila Maria E. , Ladanyi Marc , Somwar Romel , Kris Mark G. , Pe'er Dana , Riely Gregory J. , Yu Helena Alexandra
Published: February 2020

9028

Background: Even though osimertinib (osi) is now the initial treatment for patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancers, our knowledge about mechanisms of resistance (MOR) is largely derived from patients who received osi after developing acquired resistance to initial EGFR inhibitor. Further, studies of osi resistance to date have mainly reported genotyping of plasma which suboptimally detects lineage plasticity, copy number changes, and chromosomal rearrangements. Methods: To identify MOR to osi and characterize clinical, molecular and histologic factors associated with duration of response, we identified patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancers who had next-generation sequencing performed on tumor tissue after developing acquired resistance to osi. Results: From January 2016 to December 2018, post-osi tumor tissue was collected from 71 patients (42 with paired pre-treatment specimens). See mechanisms of resistance below. Histologic transformation was identified in 19% of initial cases and 14% of all cases. When osi is given as initial treatment, with median follow up of 17 months, early emerging MOR rarely included on-target resistance mechanisms (1/16 cases of acquired EGFR G724S). Acquired alterations representing potential resistance mechanisms included CCNE1 and MYC amplifications, and mutations in MTOR and MET H1094Y. We confirmed in preclinical studies that an amino acid substitution at MET H1094 can reduce sensitivity to osi. Conclusions: In this analysis of MOR identified on NGS from tumor tissue, we found a different spectrum of resistance mechanisms to initial and later-line osi, with histologic transformation (including squamous cell transformation) a dominant MOR, particularly in the first-line setting, that cannot be identified on plasma testing. Subsequent studies are needed to assess patients with a longer time on initial osi as there may be a temporal bias to MOR, with off-target MOR emerging earlier and on-target resistance mutations later. [Table: see text]
Estimation of the Number of Brazilian Women Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Reinert Tomás , Pellegrini Rodrigo , Rol Rodrigo , Werutsky Gustavo , Barrios Carlos Henrique
Published: February 2020

PURPOSE

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. The number of women living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in Brazil is unknown. The objective of this article was to use population-based data to estimate the prevalence of MBC in Brazil.

METHODS

Using 4 different sources and cancer registries (DataSUS, Registro Hospitalar de Câncer, the Brazilian National Health Agency, and the National Geography and Statistics Institute) with data from 2008 to 2018, we built a database that represents Brazilian MBC cases. The current number of women in the model living with MBC was considered the prevalence (recurrent or de novo), and new cases in the year 2018 represented the incidence. In each of these outcomes, we were able to separate our population on the basis of cancer subtype, age, and time from diagnosis.

RESULTS

We estimate that 44,642 women currently live with MBC in Brazil. This accounts for one in every 2,409 Brazilian women and approximately 41 women per 100,000. A total of 58% have hormone receptor–positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative tumors, 25% are human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive, and 16% have triple-negative breast cancer. According to our methodology, the estimated median overall survival of Brazilian women after diagnosis of MBC is 26.2 months.

CONCLUSION

The significant number of patients living with MBC should inform and raise the interest of the many stakeholders involved. This collaborative effort is a clear requirement to improve the lives of these patients as well as to prepare for future challenges related to the trend of a progressive increase in MBC prevalence.
Theses on the Commons
Authors: Hitchcock Peter , Haines Christian P.
Published: February 2020

These theses are meant not as the final word on the concept or praxis of the commons but as words inspiring readers to imagine alternatives to the status quo. They cover topics including social reproduction, the knowledge economy, cultural heritage, affective attachments to property, the Anthropocene or Capitalocene, the legacy of communism, and the politics of institution building.
Commonists like Us
Authors: Hitchcock Peter
Published: February 2020

This article explores the continuities and schisms between the politics of the commons and communism. Broadly, it aims to challenge the assumption that commons discourse is a subsumption or overcoming of the communist idea. Instead it offers the material possibilities of “common singularity” to entwine and illuminate specific traditions of radical thought, which might speak to a commonism in more than name.
The transcription factor spalt and human homologue SALL4 induce cell invasion via the dMyc-JNK pathway in Drosophila
Authors: Sun Jie , Zhang Junzheng , Wang Dan , Shen Jie
Published: February 2020

Cancer cell metastasis is a leading cause of mortality in cancer patients. Therefore, revealing the molecular mechanism of cancer cell invasion is of great significance for the treatment of cancer. In human patients, the hyperactivity of transcription factor Spalt-like 4 (SALL4) is sufficient to induce malignant tumorigenesis and metastasis. Here, we found that when ectopically expressing the Drosophila homologue spalt (sal) or human SALL4 in Drosophila, epithelial cells delaminated basally with penetration of the basal lamina and degradation of the extracellular matrix, which are essential properties of cell invasion. Further assay found that sal/SALL4 promoted cell invasion via dMyc-JNK signaling. Inhibition of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway through suppressing matrix metalloprotease 1 or basket can achieve suppression of cell invasion. Moreover, expression of dMyc, a suppressor of JNK signaling, dramatically blocked cell invasion induced by sal/SALL4 in the wing disc. These findings reveal a conserved role of sal/SALL4 in invasive cell movement and link the crucial mediator of tumor invasion, the JNK pathway, to SALL4-mediated cancer progression.
Membrane expression of the estrogen receptor ERα is required for intercellular communications in the mammary epithelium
Authors: Gagniac Laurine , Rusidzé Mariam , Boudou Frederic , Cagnet Stephanie , Adlanmerini Marine , Jeannot Pauline , Gaide Nicolas , Giton Frank , Besson Arnaud , Weyl Ariane , Gourdy Pierre , Raymond-Letron Isabelle , Arnal Jean-Francois , Brisken Cathrin , Lenfant Francoise
Published: February 2020

17β-Estradiol induces the postnatal development of mammary gland and influences breast carcinogenesis by binding to the estrogen receptor ERα. ERα acts as a transcription factor but also elicits rapid signaling through a fraction of ERα expressed at the membrane. Here, we have used the C451A-ERα mouse model mutated for the palmitoylation site to understand how ERα membrane signaling affects mammary gland development. Although the overall structure of physiological mammary gland development is slightly affected, both epithelial fragments and basal cells isolated from C451A-ERα mammary glands failed to grow when engrafted into cleared wild-type fat pads, even in pregnant hosts. Similarly, basal cells purified from hormone-stimulated ovariectomized C451A-ERα mice did not produce normal outgrowths. Ex vivo, C451A-ERα basal cells displayed reduced matrix degradation capacities, suggesting altered migration properties. More importantly, C451A-ERα basal cells recovered in vivo repopulating ability when co-transplanted with wild-type luminal cells and specifically with ERα-positive luminal cells. Transcriptional profiling identified crucial paracrine luminal-to-basal signals. Altogether, our findings uncover an important role for membrane ERα expression in promoting intercellular communications that are essential for mammary gland development.
Acclimatization in the physiological performance of an introduced ectotherm
Authors: Neel L. K. , Curlis J. D. , Kinsey C. K. , Cox C. L. , McBrayer L. D.
Published: February 2020

Phenotypic flexibility may facilitate range expansion by allowing organisms to maintain high levels of performance when introduced to novel environments. Phenotypic flexibility, such as reversible acclimatization, permits organisms to achieve high performance over a wide range of environmental conditions, without the costly allocation or acquisition tradeoffs associated with behavioral thermoregulation, which may expedite range expansions in introduced species. The northern curly-tailed lizard, Leiocephalus carinatus, was introduced to the United States in the 1940s and is now established in southern Florida. We measured bite force and the thermal sensitivity of sprinting of L. carinatus during the winter and spring to determine how morphology and performance varied seasonally. We found evidence of seasonal variation in several aspects of physiological performance. Lizards sampled in spring sprinted faster and tolerated higher temperatures, while lizards sampled in winter had high performance over a wider range of temperatures. Furthermore, seasonal differences in physiology were only detected after generating thermal reaction norms. Both sprint and bite force performance did not differ seasonally when solely comparing performance at a common temperature. No seasonal relationships between morphology and performance were detected. Our results suggest that L. carinatus may use reversible acclimatization to maintain high levels of performance across seasons not typically experienced within their native range. Thermal physiology plasticity may ameliorate the impacts of sub-optimal temperatures on performance without the cost of behavioral thermoregulation. Our work highlights the importance of utilizing reaction norms when evaluating performance and the potential ecological impacts of introduced species.
Neev, a novel long non-coding RNA, is expressed in chaetoblasts during regeneration of Eisenia fetida
Authors: Singh Patel Surendra , Zunjarrao Sanyami , Pillai Beena
Published: February 2020

Eisenia fetida, the common vermicomposting earthworm, shows robust regeneration of posterior segments removed by amputation. During the period of regeneration, the newly formed tissue initially contains only undifferentiated cells but subsequently differentiates into a variety of cell types including muscle, nerve and vasculature. Transcriptomics analysis, reported previously, provided a number of candidate non-coding RNAs that were induced during regeneration. We found that one such long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is expressed in the skin, only at the base of newly formed chaetae. The spatial organization and precise arrangement of the regenerating chaetae and the cells expressing the lncRNA on the ventral side clearly support a model wherein the regenerating tissue contains a zone of growth and cell division at the tip and a zone of differentiation at the site of amputation. The temporal expression pattern of the lncRNA, christened Neev, closely resembled the pattern of chitin synthase genes, implicated in chaetae formation. We found that the lncRNA harbours 49 sites for binding a set of four miRNAs while the Chitin Synthase 8 mRNA comprises 478 sites. The over-representation of shared miRNA sites suggests that lncRNA Neev may act as a miRNA sponge to transiently de-repress chitin synthase 8 during formation of new chaetae in the regenerating segments of Eisenia fetida.
Evaluation of Standing Balance Performance in Indian Classical Dancers
Authors: Bharnuke Juhi K. , Mullerpatan Rajani P. , Hiller Claire
Published: February 2020

Indian classical dance involves a constant change of the base of support from stance to low jumps and spins along with intricate footwork. Graceful movement of the torso, shifting from side to side and turning around the axis of the spine, challenges balance. Yet, balance performance
remains unexplored in Indian classical dancers. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the standing balance of 36 active female dancers (18 to 25 years of age) who had performed Indian classical dance for a minimum of 10 years with 36 healthy age-matched women not involved in regular
physical activity. Balance was evaluated in static and dynamic conditions of single and dual-limb stance on a force plate using center-of-pressure trajectory and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Dancers demonstrated better balance on both instrumented and non-instrumented outcome variables:
wide base of support with eyes open and with eyes closed; for 30-second single limb stance with eyes open and with eyes closed; for 13-second dual task in single limb stance; and for 22-second dual task in wide base of support. The SEBT revealed significantly better balance performance of
dancers in the three directions tested: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. There was also a strength component of the study on which the dancers achieved significantly higher scores than controls for the three muscle groups tested (gastrocsoleus, gluteus medius, and quadriceps),
which can be attributed to their training. These findings can be used to recommend classical dance training to achieve the dual purpose of deriving better balance and stronger bodies and maintaining the Indian dance heritage.
Studies of Classical Ballet Dancers' Equilibrium at Different Levels of Development and Versus Non-Dancers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rangel Jéssica Gaspar , Divino Nilo dos Santos Wanderson , Viana Ricardo Borges , Silva Maria Sebastiana , Vieira Carlos Alexandre , Campos Mario Hebling
Published: February 2020

In classical ballet, the execution of extreme movements on small bases of support causes the dancers constantly to seek balance. The objective of this systematic literature review was to evaluate the effects of classical ballet training on static and dynamic balance in order to emphasize
the differences between dancers and non-dancers and between dancers with different levels of experience. Searches for scientific papers were conducted by two independent researchers in the PubMed, Science Direct, and LILACS databases. A secondary search was carried out by "snowballing" references
in the selected studies. A modified Downs and Black checklist and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) scale were used to evaluate the methodological quality and evidence strength of the included studies, respectively. From 364 initial studies, nine
were found to be eligible (five did analyses in static situations, two in dyna- mic situations, and two in both). With a maximum potential of 10 points, the methodological quality ranged from 6 to 8 on the Downs and Black checklist. It was found that the level of experience in ballet makes
for better balance. However, there are indications that classical ballet dancers become more dependent on vision to control balance compared to non-dancers.
Recent advances in pediatric bladder malignancies
Authors: Lopes Roberto Iglesias , Mello Marcos Figueiredo , Lorenzo Armando J.
Published: February 2020

Urothelial pediatric neoplasms are relatively rare. Papillary urothelial neoplasms of low malignant potential (PUNLMPs) and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) are the most common bladder malignancies in the pediatric population. Clinical presentation encompasses macroscopic hematuria or lower urinary tract symptoms (or both) or is detected incidentally at imaging. Tumors arising from the bladder can originate from any of its four histological layers (urothelium, lamina propria, detrusor, and adventitia) and are divided into tumors that have an epithelial origin (arising from the urothelium) and those that have a non-epithelial origin (mesenchymal neoplasms). RMS is the most common malignant tumor of the urinary bladder in children younger than 10 years. Deriving from the embryonic mesenchymal cell, the histopathologic subtypes of RMS are embryonal RMS (>90%) and alveolar histology (<10%). Pre-treatment imaging should be carried out by computed tomography (CT) or at present is more likely with magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis. Chest CT and bone scintigraphy are used to screen for metastases. In selected cases, a positron emission tomography scan may be recommended to evaluate suspicious lesions. The current prognostic classification considers age, histologic subtype, tumor site, size, and extent (nodal or distant metastases). Staging is based on pre-operative findings, group is based on intra-operative findings and pathology, and risk stratification is derived from both stage and group data. Pre-operative chemotherapy is the most common first-line intervention for bladder/prostate RMS, before surgery or radiation therapy. Collaborative groups such as the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee of the Children’s Oncology Group and the European Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Study Group endorse this therapy. PUNLMPs are generally solitary, small (1–2 cm), non-invasive lesions that do not metastasize. Therapy is usually limited to a transurethral resection of the bladder tumor. About 35% are recurrent and around 10% of them increase in size if they are not treated.
Pulsed actomyosin contractions in morphogenesis
Authors: Sutherland Ann , Lesko Alyssa
Published: February 2020

Cell and tissue shape changes are the fundamental elements of morphogenesis that drive normal development of embryos into fully functional organisms. This requires a variety of cellular processes including establishment and maintenance of polarity, tissue growth and apoptosis, and cell differentiation, rearrangement, and migration. It is widely appreciated that the cytoskeletal networks play an important role in regulating many of these processes and, in particular, that pulsed actomyosin contractions are a core cellular mechanism driving cell shape changes and cell rearrangement. In this review, we discuss the role of pulsed actomyosin contractions during developmental morphogenesis, advances in our understanding of the mechanisms regulating actomyosin pulsing, and novel techniques to probe the role of pulsed actomyosin processes inin vivomodel systems.
Audit of Material and Production Stocks: Main Stage of Check
Authors: Zolotareva G. , Denisenko Galina , Erygina L.
Published: February 2020

To ensure eff ective audit, it is necessary to plan the main audit procedures in such a way as to avoid duplication and reduce ineffi cient labor costs. Th e article discusses the content of the main stage of verifi cation using the example of inventories. Th e author’s diagram of the stages of the audit is presented.
Philosophical and Cybernetic Approaches to the Definition of the Term «Virtual Reality»
Authors: Kochkin D.
Published: February 2020

In modern scientifi c Russian discourse, there are two approaches to the study of virtual reality and the terms associated with its technologies: philosophical and cybernetic. The problems arising for researchers of virtual reality in the context of the educational process are often due to the inability to identify which of the provisions is based on a particular approach, which leads to diffi culties in solving the tasks. Philosophical conclusions about the nature of reality will be less suitable for solving applied problems in the fi eld of information technology, and vice versa, technical and quantitative measurements of the cybernetic approach will less likely answer ethical questions on the use of virtual reality. Based on the analysis of the above approaches and the identifi cation of their diff erences, a conclusion is drawn on the need for a cybernetic approach in organizing virtual reality software and hardware systems for the educational process.
Sheltered employment in schizophrenia is related to disorganization symptoms, processing speed and metaphor comprehension
Authors: Daren Artur , Adamczyk Przemysław , Błądziński Piotr , Sułecka-Stelmach Aleksandra , Starowicz-Filip Anna , Gawęda Łukasz , Kalisz Aneta , Cechnicki Andrzej
Published: February 2020

Cel pracy

Znaczenie deficytów funkcjonowania poznawczego w schizofrenii jest obecnie powszechnie uznawane. Niemniej, związki pomiędzy umiejętnościami poznawczymi niższego i wyższego rzędu oraz ich związek z posiadaniem pracy są stosunkowo słabiej przebadane. Przeprowadzenie analizy dotyczącej tych kwestii było celem niniejszego badania.

Metoda

Badanie objęło 62 osoby chorujące na schizofrenię, w tym 33 pracujące w ramach zatrudnienia chronionego a 29 uczestniczących w terapii zajęciowej. Zostały one przebadane za pomocą testów funkcji poznawczych z uwzględnieniem umiejętności komunikacyjnych. Objawy psychopatologiczne oceniono za pomocą skali PANSS.

Wyniki

Badane obszary funkcjonowania poznawczego okazały się być powiązane zarówno między sobą jak i z objawami pozytywnymi, negatywnymi i dezorganizacji. Z kolei analiza regresji wykazała, że posiadanie zatrudnienia chronionego związane jest z krótszym czasem reakcji, lepszym rozumieniem metafor oraz mniejszym nasileniem objawów dezorganizacji.

Wnioski

Liczne powiązania pomiędzy podstawowymi i wyższymi funkcjami poznawczymi podtrzymują koncepcję zgeneralizowanej dysfunkcji poznawczej w schizofrenii. Poza objawami psychopatologicznymi, z posiadaniem pracy przez osoby chorujące związane są także ich podstawowe i wyższe umiejętności poznawcze. Sugeruje to potencjalne obszary dla rehabilitacji poznawczej, które mogłyby wpłynąć na zatrudnialność osób chorujących.
Relationship between levels of Copeptin, NTproBNP and structural functional parameters of the heart in patients with acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation complicated by pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Syvolap Victor , Zemlianiy Yaroslav , Brick Andrey , Bryleva Vera
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Acute Myocardial Infarction with ST-Segment Elevation (STEMI) - one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in Ukraine. The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in STEMI significantly is not known due to lack of epidemiological studies in this area. Currently, the prognostic significance of PH in patients with STEMI is not set.Objective: To evaluate the levels of NTproBNP and Copeptin and their relationship with structural and functional features of the heart in patients with STEMI complicated by PH.Materials and Methods: The study involved 85 patients (49 men and 36 women) with STEMI who were treated in intensive care and emergency cardiology for the treatment of patients with myocardial infarction communal non-profit enterprise "City hospital and emergency ambulance" Zaporizhia city council. Patients were divided into two groups: 53 patients with STEMI in the presence of PH (mean age 72,40 ± 2,26 years), 32 patients with STEMI without PH (mean age 67,30 ± 2,12 years).Results: In assessing the clinical anamnesis (Table 1) found that PH mainly develops in the anterior localization of  STEMI (73,6%). In patients with STEMI in the presence of PH compared with patients without significant PH frequently observed violations systolic function (64,2%). Significant increasing in the level of  copeptin (p <0,05) were found in the serum of patients with acute myocardial infarction in the presence of PH compared with patients with normal pressure in the pulmonary artery (PA). NTproBNP level was also higher in patients with STEMI and PH compared with patients without PH. In patients with STEMI and PH we found reliable positive correlation between the NTproBNP and copeptin level (+0,31; p <0,05), systolic pressure in PA (0,41; p <0,05) and negative correlation between NTproBNP level and ejection fraction (-0,41; p <0,05), stroke volume (-0,42; p <0,05). Copeptin positively correlated with the level of NTproBNP (+0,31; p <0,05), systolic pressure in PA (0,37; p <0,05) and negatively correlated with ejection fraction (-0,30; p <0,05 ).Conclusions: Pulmonary hypertension develops mainly in the anterior localization of STEMI (73,6%) in the presence of systolic dysfunction (64,2%). In patients with STEMI and PH level of NTproBNP and copeptin in serum were increased compared than patients without PH. In patients with STEMI and PH NTproBNP and copeptin levels correlated with decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and increased pressure in the pulmonary artery.
Research Roundup
Authors: Dening Karen Harrison
Published: February 2020

Karen Harrison Dening provides a synopsis and brief review of a selection of recently published research articles that are of interest to neuroscience nurses, highlighting key points to keep you up to date. A full reference is provided for those who wish to read the research in more detail.
Impact of Slatted Floor Configuration on Manure Drainage and Growth Performance of Finishing Pigs
Authors: Wang Hao , Zeng Yaqiong , Pu Shihua , Yang Feiyun , Shi Zhengxiang , Liu Zuohua , Long Dingbiao
Published: February 2020

Highlights

Under the same conditions of cast-iron usage, increasing the width of the gap and slat width within a certain range can enhance the bearing capacity of the slatted floors.

Variations in the gap and slat width do not significantly affect pig growth performance.

The recommended gap width of a cast-iron slatted floor in a fattening pig house is 15 mm.

Abstract.Slatted flooring is an important part of the structure of pig houses and can aid in the removal of pig manure to underground ditches via gravity and locomotion. In this study, four different cast-iron slatted floor configurations with different gap widths (10, 15, and 20 mm) and slat widths (10 and 15 mm) were set up in 11 partially slatted-floor pig pens of the same size, each housing 10 fattening pigs with body weights of approximately 63 kg. The residual manure on the solid concrete floor area and a cast-iron slatted floor area were collected at different time intervals (24, 48, and 72 h) and weighed. According to previous studies on total manure and total urine production of pigs, the manure drainage capacity of four types of slatted floor was calculated. The growth performance of all of the pigs was monitored throughout the experiment. The ultimate bearing capacity of the four types of slatted floors was measured by a third-party professional testing organization. The results showed that the gap width and slat width of the cast-iron slatted floor had significant effects on its ultimate bearing capacity and manure drainage capacity (P<0.05) but had no significant effect on pig growth performance (P>0.05). The recommended gap width of a cast-iron slatted floor in a fattening pigs house is 15 mm. These findings can be used to optimize the design of cast-iron slatted flooring for fattening pigs, which must also be safe, economical, and efficient. Keywords: Cast iron, Dimensions, Fattening pig, Manure drainage, Slatted floor.
Duas propostas possíveis: a Linguística e a Desenhística aplicadas à Análise da imagem de capas de livros
Authors: Rios Amanda Freire da Costa
Published: February 2020

Este trabalho apresenta uma proposta metodológica para analise do desenho, embusca de compreender o desenho e suas relações com o texto a partir das capasde livros didáticos de língua francesa. A proposta está embasada nos metodos deanálise da linguística, ciência que estuda a linguagem humana em seus diversosaspectos e da desenhística, a ciência da arte de projetar desenhando. A pesquisade aspectos qualitativos, tendo como base o método dedutivo e exploratório. Osconceitos de Gomes e Meideros, Saussure, Müller dentre outros, constituíramalgumas das postulações, nas quais este estudo está arrimado.
A GEOMETRIA E O DESENHO GEOMÉTRICO NOS LIVROS DIDÁTICOS DE MATEMÁTICA EM BRAILE
Authors: Moreira Soane da Silva
Published: February 2020

Esse texto mostra como se processa o ensino e a aprendizagem em alunos cegos, a partir da análise dos capítulos de Geometria e o Desenho Geométrico dos livros didáticos de Matemática do ensino fundamental escritos em braile, a saber, Matemática - Pode contar comigo! A pesquisa documental deu suporte para a análise de entrevistas semiestruturadas aplicadas em sete alunos cegos e a metodologia qualitativa possibilitou a realização dessas entrevistas e de conversas informais com a direção e a professora de Matemática do Centro Integrado de Educação Municipal Professor Joselito Falcão de Amorim, na cidade de Feira de Santana/BA. As imagens mentais já construídas pelos alunos cegos e experiências de vida são suportes valiosos nesse processo educacional. Os resultados mostram que as formas geométricas presentes nos livros didáticos de Matemática em braile auxiliam bastante no ensino/aprendizado da Geometria/Desenho Geométrico, e que o estudo conjunto é capaz de desenvolver o aluno de maneira interdisciplinar. Os estudantes cegos conseguem perceber as formas geométricas pelo tato e são capazes de adquirir novos conhecimentos através de outros sentidos, mas existem algumas figuras geométricas trabalhadas nesses livros que por si sós não conseguem fazer com que isso aconteça, sendo necessário o uso de outros recursos didáticos.
Imaging of polarimetric-phase object through scattering medium by phase shifting
Authors: Chen Li , Chen Ziyang , Singh Rakesh Kumar , Pu Jixiong
Published: February 2020

Light propagating through a scattering medium generates a random field, which is also known as a speckle. The scattering process hinders the direct retrieval of the information encoded in the light based on the randomly fluctuating field. In this study, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a method for the imaging of polarimetric-phase objects hidden behind a scattering medium based on two-point intensity correlation and phase-shifting techniques. One advantage of proposed method is that it does not require mechanical rotation of polarization elements. The method exploits the relationship between the two-point intensity correlation of the spatially fluctuating random field in the observation plane and the structure of the polarized source in the scattering plane. The polarimetric phase of the source structure is determined by replacing the interference intensity in traditional phase shift formula with the Fourier transform of the cross-covariance of the intensity. The imaging of the polarimetric-phase object is demonstrated by comparing three different phase-shifting techniques. We also evaluated the performance of the proposed technique on an unstable platform as well as using dynamic diffusers, which is implemented by replacing the diffuser with a new one during each phase-shifting step. The results were compared with that obtained with a fixed diffuser on a vibration-isolation platform during the phase-shifting process. A good match is found among the three cases, thus confirming that the proposed intensity-correlation-based technique is a useful one and should be applicable with dynamic diffusers as well as in unstable environments.
Misalignment sensing with a moiré beat signal for nanolithography
Authors: Wang Nan , Jiang Wei , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2020

Our group proposes an improved misalignment measurement scheme using the moiré beat signal. Compared with the coarse-fine moiré-based alignment methods, this scheme could complete the nanometer-scale alignment within a centimeter-scale scope in one step. Moreover, it could also fundamentally eliminate the influence from the field of view of the observation lens. These merits make it suitable for the high-precision large-scope misalignment sensing in the proximity, x-ray, and nanoimprint lithographies. The experimental results are given to verify the feasibility and rationality.