bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twisted cohomological equations for translation flows
Authors: FORNI GIOVANNI
Published: October 2021

We prove by methods of harmonic analysis a result on the existence of solutions for twisted cohomological equations on translation surfaces with loss of derivatives at most$3+$in Sobolev spaces. As a consequence we prove that product translation flows on (three-dimensional) translation manifolds which are products of a (higher-genus) translation surface with a (flat) circle are stable in the sense of A. Katok. In turn, our result on product flows implies a stability result of time-$\tau $maps of translation flows on translation surfaces.
HATRA: THREE NOTES, HISTORICAL, ICONOGRAPHICAL, AND RELIGIOUS
Authors: al-Salihi Wathiq
Published: October 2021

Historical Note

The chronological table of rulers of Hatra includes an ambiguous person named Wrwd mrya, who supposedly succeeded Nshryhb mrya. Is he the latter's younger brother or older son? The epigraphical and sculptural evidence suggest that Nşru mrya, who followed Wrwd, is the son of Nshryhb mrya and was in fact Wrwd himself, who acquired the epithet or appellative Nşru, meaning the winner, protector, and defender. This epithet reflects that he led the Hatrenes and Arab tribes in their defence against the Roman army of Trajan in 116/117 A.D. Wrwd/Nsru commemorated his victory in a relief lintel in Shrine V at Hatra.

Iconographical Note

The excavators of Shrine I discovered the famous sculptured slab known as the Cerberus relief, depicting a god of the underworld with snakes and scorpions, thought to be an image of Nergal. However, the excavation of Shrine II revealed an altar, one side of which is carved in relief with a similar underworld deity with snakes. The other side of the altar is incised with an inscription mentioning a god Zqyqa. Thus, Zqyqa at Hatra is the god of the underworld, rather than Nergal.

Religious Note

An enigmatic statue was discovered in Shrine I, depicting a standing horned male. On the base is an Aramaic inscription mentioning the name Kenzw; he was identified as an ‘unknown god’. The excavation of Building A by an Italian team discovered a horned male statue with an inscription that referred to him as Hpyzw. It was originally placed on a podium set against the façade of the house courtyard. In front of the podium was an altar and evidence of ashes and burnt offerings. This context indicates that the horned statue of Hpyzw was worshipped and offerings were presented to him as a founder of the household. The similarity of the two statues suggests that a type of ancestor worship was practised at Hatra.
CAN ECONOMIC INTEGRATION REDUCE SOCIAL UNREST? EVIDENCE FROM CHINA, HONG KONG, AND MACAU
Authors: Chan Hei Yin Kyle
Published: October 2021

When dealing with autonomous regions, states may utilize Unionist Economic Integration (UEI) programs to forge a stronger sense of unionism. However, the literature has not been able to explain why UEIs work differently across regions. With the identical UEI implemented in Macau and Hong Kong, Macau seems to be firmly within Beijing's grasp, yet protests in Hong Kong are still intensive. Why is economic integration effective in appeasing some regions, but not others in the same polity?

I argue that what makes UEI effective in appeasing a region is the region's economic dependence on the national center. UEIs add to the expected cost of contention, and thus high economic dependence sets that baseline to a higher degree, leading to effective appeasement with UEIs. I illustrate my argument with empirical analyses of two original datasets of protest counts and discontent with authoritarian institutions in Hong Kong, Macau, and Chinese provinces.
A tentative tale of Stone Age human dynamics in Pleistocene south-western Libya (central Sahara)
Authors: Cancellieri Emanuele
Published: October 2021

The area encompassing the Acacus and Messak mountains in South Western Libya, similarly to the other central Saharan massifs, is characterized by a deeply eroded landscape where Quaternary geo-archaeological archives are rare, especially Pleistocene ones, making it difficult to understand and contextualize past human dynamics within a solid chrono-paleoenvironmental framework. Except for the few caves and open-air contexts where Pleistocene sedimentary sequences are preserved, the vast majority of archaeological evidence from the region is represented by lithic artefacts found on the surface of deflated open-air sites. Nonetheless, artefacts still stand as the main references used to build a rough framework for population dynamics through time. Although the evidence is not as solid as we would like, it allows us to at least reconsider connecting the human presence solely to ‘green’ phases, as a number of population dynamics related to arid landscapes have inferably occurred in the late Middle Pleistocene and in the Late Pleistocene. Coping with changing or difficult ecological settings could have been a driver at different times for behavioral adjustment, large scale displacement, increased interactions between populations and diffusion of technological innovations.
Re-remembering the Holocaust in Eastern Europe
Authors: Dragojević Mila
Published: October 2021

Jelena Subotić’s book is an important contribution to memory studies scholarship because it shows how the mechanism of memory appropriation connects state-led remembrance practices with the processes of national identity formation. Through the comparative analysis of Serbia, Croatia, and Lithuania, Subotić argues that Holocaust remembrance in these states is less about remembering the Holocaust – or acknowledging the states’ own responsibilities for the forced displacement and mass killing of the Jewish population on their territories – and more about the political use of the memory of the Holocaust in the context of the postcommunist transition and national identity insecurities. Yellow Star, Red Star, and particularly its chapters on Serbia and Croatia, nicely complement the existing literature – such as the work of Keith Brown, Siniša Malešević, Vjekoslav Perica, Dejan Jović, Emil Kerenji, Vjeran Pavlaković, Jelena Đureinović, Tamara Banjeglav, and Ana Ljubojević, among others – analyzing linkages between nationalism and state-sponsored memorialization practices in the post-Yugoslav states.
COVID-19 and Sudan: The Impact on Economic and Social Rights in the Context of a Fragile Democratic Transition and Suspended Constitutionalism
Authors: Babiker Mohamed Abdelsalam
Published: October 2021

This article argues that the lockdown imposed in Sudan due to the COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected the livelihood of vulnerable populations and their right to live a dignified life. It explores how emergency measures were aimed at containing the spread of the pandemic. The article argues that these measures have seriously affected the enjoyment of core economic and social rights, particularly in the context of a weak legislative framework of social protection. It concludes by arguing that Sudan's transitional government is not subject to parliamentary scrutiny and exercises legislative and executive powers that are de facto illegitimate, as they are not subject to review by the courts and because of the current suspension of constitutional organs and governance structures. This incomplete governance structure is concerning from a rule of law perspective and has prevented scrutiny of COVID-19 emergency measures, particularly those affecting the basic rights of vulnerable groups.
The Failure of Cotton Imperialism in Africa: Seasonal Constraints and Contrasting Outcomes in French West Africa and British Uganda
Authors: de Haas Michiel
Published: October 2021

Cash-crop diffusion in colonial Africa was uneven and defied colonizers’ expectations and efforts, especially for cotton. This study investigates how agricultural seasonality affected African farmers’ cotton adoption, circa 1900–1960. A contrast between British Uganda and the interior of French West Africa demonstrates that a short rainy season and the resulting short farming cycles generated seasonal labor bottlenecks and food security concerns, limiting cotton output. Agricultural seasonality also had wider repercussions, for colonial coercion, investment, and African income-earning strategies. A labor productivity breakthrough in post-colonial Francophone West Africa mitigated the seasonality constraint, facilitating impressive cotton output growth post-1960.
Red ear syndrome presenting with vestibular migraine: case study and review of the literature
Authors: Kaneda S , Goto F , Teramura T , Okami K
Published: October 2021

Background

Red ear syndrome is a rare disorder in which the colour of the ear suddenly becomes red, with discomfort, pain and a burning sensation. This paper reports a case of primary red ear syndrome presenting with vestibular migraine.

Case report

A 39-year-old woman from Bangladesh reported dizziness and repeated headaches experienced since 18 years of age. She initially attended our hospital with dizziness aged 34 years. When dizzy, the colour of her right ear sometimes became red. Therefore, she was diagnosed with red ear syndrome with vestibular migraine.

Conclusion

This patient experienced repeated episodes of a red ear with discomfort, leading to the diagnosis of red ear syndrome. In addition, she had repeated dizziness and headaches, and was also diagnosed with vestibular migraine. The diagnosis of red ear syndrome with vestibular migraine should be considered in cases of dizziness and headache with recurrent redness of the ear.
Potassium titanyl phosphate laser surface tympanoplasty as a novel treatment for chronic granular myringitis in a series of 14 patients
Authors: Ghedia R , Sutton L , Hogan C , Seymour K , Wareing M
Published: October 2021

Objective

Granular myringitis is a chronic and difficult-to-treat condition of the tympanic membrane. This paper presents a minimally invasive treatment technique using the potassium titanyl phosphate laser.

Design

A retrospective case review of patients who underwent potassium titanyl phosphate laser treatment between 2015 and 2020 was performed. All patients underwent final telephone follow up in 2020 to ascertain whether they had any ongoing myringitis symptoms, and all were offered further face-to-face follow up.

Results

Fourteen patients with myringitis were identified, with one patient having both ears affected. Of the 15 affected ears, 2 required a second treatment, resulting in a total of 17 laser treatment cases. At the first post-operative review, the appearance of the drum had improved in 10 out of 17 treatments (59 per cent).

Conclusion

Potassium titanyl phosphate laser surface tympanoplasty may provide safe, quick and effective resolution of myringitis.
A review of methods for preserving male fertility
Authors: Aliakbari Fereshteh , Taghizabet Neda , Azizi Faezeh , Rezaei-Tazangi Fatemeh , Samadee Gelehkolaee Keshvar , Kharazinejad Ebrahim
Published: October 2021

Male infertility is responsible for 50% of men’s health problems and has always been a concern for personal and social issues. A survey of global statistics suggests an increase in infertility rate as one of the critical issues documented in studies. There are different ways of maintaining fertility in men, depending on their age. In this paper, we review the preservation methods used for fertility treatment in Iran and other countries. Available data were reviewed from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IranMedex, MEDLIB, IranDoc and Scientific Information Database and searched for articles published up to 2018, using the medical subject heading (MeSH) terms for cryopreservation, sperm, testicular, spermatogonia stem cell, male infertility and/or Iranian and in the world, to provide evidence from evaluation of fertility preservation the methods. Based the search strategy, 274 manuscripts were found. After reviewing the titles, abstracts and manuscripts in their entirety, 119 articles were obtained and selected according to the eligibility criteria. The 85 studies mentioned above were divided into three categories (sperm, testis, and spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs)), and methods of fertility preservation were investigated. Ways to maintain male fertility were different depending on age, and included sperm, testicular, and SSC freezing. The number of studies on testicular tissue and SSCs was low for human samples, and more studies are still needed. Sperm freezing at infertility centres is the top for male fertility preservation.
Toxic effects of methomyl on mouse oocytes and its possible mechanisms
Authors: He Daohong , Xu Yongnan , Hou Lina , Wang Jing , Yang Shaoying , Wang Yu , Zhang Shurui , Jin Qingguo , Gao Qingshan
Published: October 2021

Methomyl is a broad-spectrum carbamate insecticide that has a variety of toxic effects on humans and animals. However, there have been no studies on the toxicity of methomyl in female mammalian oocytes. This study investigated the toxic effects of environmental oestrogen methomyl exposure on mouse oocyte maturation and its possible mechanisms. Our results indicated that methomyl exposure inhibited polar body extrusion in mouse oocytes. Compared with that in the control group, in the methomyl treatment group, superoxide anion free radicals in oocytes were significantly increased. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane potential of metaphase II stage oocytes in the methomyl treatment group was significantly decreased, resulting in reduced mouse oocyte quality. After 8.5 h of exposure to methomyl, metaphase I stage mouse oocytes displayed an abnormal spindle morphology. mRNA expression of the pro-apoptotic genes Bax and Caspase-3 in methomyl-treated oocytes increased, which confirmed the apoptosis. Collectively, our results indicated that mouse oocyte maturation is defective after methomyl treatment at least through disruption of spindle morphology, mitochondrial function and by induction of oxidative stress.
Suicide Bombing Terrorism
Authors: Tin Derrick , Galehan Jordan , Markovic Vesna , Ciottone Gregory R.
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

While suicide bombings in the context of warfare have existed throughout history, there was an exponential rise in such attacks in the decade following the initiation of the War on Terror. The health care implications of such attacks are a growing concern across the emergency response sector, and this study is an epidemiological examination of all terrorism-related bombings sustained from 1970-2019, comparing the rates of fatal injuries (FI) and non-fatal injuries (NFI) between suicide bombing attacks (SBA) versus non-suicide bombing attacks (NSBA).

Method:

Data collection was performed using a retrospective database search through the Global Terrorism Database (GTD). The GTD database was downloaded and searched using the internal database search functions for all events that occurred from January 1, 1970 - December 31, 2019. Bombing/explosion as a primary “attack type” and explosives as a primary “weapon type” were selected for the purpose of this study, and events were further sub-classified as either “suicide attack” or “non-suicide attack.” Results were exported into an Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft Corp.; Redmond, Washington USA) for analysis.

Findings:

There were 82,217 bombing/explosion terrorist attacks using explosives documented during the study period with 135,807 fatalities and 352,500 NFI.

A total of 5,416 events (6.59% of all events) were sub-classified as SBA causing 52,317 FI (38.52% of all FI) and 107,062 NFI (30.37% of all NFI).

Mean SBA FI was 9.66 per event and mean SBA NFI was 19.77 per event compared to a mean NSBA FI of 1.09 per event and mean NSBA NFI of 3.20 per event.

Conclusion:

Suicide bombing attacks are a unique terrorist methodology that can inflict wide-spread psychological damage as well as significantly higher death and injury tolls when compared to more traditional NSBA. They have been increasing in popularity amongst terrorist organizations and groups, and Counter-Terrorism Medicine (CTM) specialists need to be aware of the unique injury patterns and potential risk mitigation strategies associated with SBA depending on the target type, location, and gender of the perpetrator.
Scientists Call for Policies to Buffer Agricultural Runoff
Authors: Carmichael Jady
Published: October 2021

By reviewing 44 studies, researchers make a scientific case for regulating agricultural pollution of streams and rivers by implementing conservation practices, including riparian buffer zones.
Empirical Modeling of Ionospheric Current Using Empirical Orthogonal Function Analysis and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Owolabi Charles , Ruan Haibing , Yamazaki Yosuke , Li Jinfeng , Zhong Jiahao , Eyelade A. V. , Priyadarshi Shishir , Yoshikawa Akimasa
Published: October 2021

Given the potential importance of solar quiet (Sq) ionospheric current in geomagnetic field modeling, it is vital to obtain accurate parameters characterizing its variations, particularly the spatial and temporal variations. In this paper, we derived the Sq current function based on the spherical harmonic analysis (SHA) technique using a 14‐year (2006–2019) quiet geomagnetic field record over the American sector. The empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis was then applied to deduce temporal and spatial variations of the Sq current. It is observed that the first EOF mode of the Sq current function is dominated by solar activity, while the second and third EOF modes exhibit annual and semiannual variations, respectively. Also, the artificial neural network (ANN) model of Sq current function was constructed to validate the EOF model predictions. While the Sq current intensity predicted by the ANN model is underestimated by 2.83%, the EOF model underpredicted the Sq current intensity by 1.92% relative to the observation. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the EOF model is 0.64 kA. This RMSE is about 79% smaller than that of the ANN model. In addition, both the EOF and ANN models capture the variation of the total Sq current (Jtotal) intensity with respect to solar activity. In principle, the EOF model had an optimal performance at nearly 98% accuracy, with the ANN model exhibiting almost the same degree of accuracy, which appears to be a reference point for ionospheric conditions when looking for space weather applications.
The emerging roles of Gα12/13 proteins on the hallmarks of cancer in solid tumors
Authors: Rasheed Suhail Ahmed Kabeer , Subramanyan Lalitha Vaishnavi , Lim Wei Kiang , Udayappan Udhaya Kumari , Wang Mei , Casey Patrick J.
Published: October 2021

G12 proteins comprise a subfamily of G-alpha subunits of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) that link specific cell surface G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to downstream signaling molecules and play important roles in human physiology. The G12 subfamily contains two family members: Gα12 and Gα13 (encoded by the GNA12 and GNA13 genes, respectively) and, as with all G proteins, their activity is regulated by their ability to bind to guanine nucleotides. Increased expression of both Gα12 and Gα13, and their enhanced signaling, has been associated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression of multiple cancer types over the past decade. Despite these strong associations, Gα12/13 proteins are underappreciated in the field of cancer. As our understanding of G protein involvement in oncogenic signaling has evolved, it has become clear that Gα12/13 signaling is pleotropic and activates specific downstream effectors in different tumor types. Further, the expression of Gα12/13 proteins is regulated through a series of transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, several of which are frequently deregulated in cancer. With the ever-increasing understanding of tumorigenic processes driven by Gα12/13 proteins, it is becoming clear that targeting Gα12/13 signaling in a context-specific manner could provide a new strategy to improve therapeutic outcomes in a number of solid tumors. In this review, we detail how Gα12/13 proteins, which were first discovered as proto-oncogenes, are now known to drive several “classical” hallmarks, and also play important roles in the “emerging” hallmarks, of cancer.
ACTL6A suppresses p21Cip1 tumor suppressor expression to maintain an aggressive mesothelioma cancer cell phenotype
Authors: Shrestha Suruchi , Adhikary Gautam , Naselsky Warren , Xu Wen , Friedberg Joseph S. , Eckert Richard L.
Published: October 2021

Mesothelioma is a poor prognosis cancer of the mesothelial lining that develops in response to exposure to various agents including asbestos. Actin-Like Protein 6A (ACTL6A, BAF53a) is a SWI/SNF regulatory complex protein that is elevated in cancer cells and has been implicated as a driver of cancer cell survival and tumor formation. In the present study, we show that ACTL6A drives mesothelioma cancer cell proliferation, spheroid formation, invasion, and migration, and that these activities are markedly attenuated by ACTL6A knockdown. ACTL6A expression reduces the levels of the p21Cip1cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor and tumor suppressor protein. DNA binding studies show that ACTL6A interacts with Sp1 and p53 binding DNA response elements in the p21Cip1gene promoter and that this is associated with reduced p21Cip1promoter activity and p21Cip1mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, ACTL6A suppression of p21Cip1expression is required for maintenance of the aggressive mesothelioma cancer cell phenotype suggesting that p21Cip1is a mediator of ACTL6A action. p53, a known inducer of p21Cip1expression, is involved ACTL6A in regulation of p21Cip1in some but not all mesothelioma cells. In addition, ACTL6A knockout markedly reduces tumor formation and this is associated with elevated tumor levels of p21Cip1. These findings suggest that ACTL6A suppresses p21Cip1promoter activity to reduce p21Cip1protein as a mechanism to maintain the aggressive mesothelioma cell phenotype.
Activity-based, genome-resolved metagenomics uncovers key populations and pathways involved in subsurface conversions of coal to methane
Authors: McKay Luke J , Smith Heidi J , Barnhart Elliott P , Schweitzer Hannah D , Malmstrom Rex R , Goudeau Danielle , Fields Matthew W
Published: October 2021

Microbial metabolisms and interactions that facilitate subsurface conversions of recalcitrant carbon to methane are poorly understood. We deployed an in situ enrichment device in a subsurface coal seam in the Powder River Basin (PRB), USA, and used BONCAT-FACS-Metagenomics to identify translationally active populations involved in methane generation from a variety of coal-derived aromatic hydrocarbons. From the active fraction, high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were recovered for the acetoclastic methanogen, Methanothrix paradoxum, and a novel member of the Chlorobi with the potential to generate acetate via the Pta-Ack pathway. Members of the Bacteroides and Geobacter also encoded Pta-Ack and together, all four populations had the putative ability to degrade ethylbenzene, phenylphosphate, phenylethanol, toluene, xylene, and phenol. Metabolic reconstructions, gene analyses, and environmental parameters also indicated that redox fluctuations likely promote facultative energy metabolisms in the coal seam. The active “Chlorobi PRB” MAG encoded enzymes for fermentation, nitrate reduction, and multiple oxygenases with varying binding affinities for oxygen. “M. paradoxum PRB” encoded an extradiol dioxygenase for aerobic phenylacetate degradation, which was also present in previously published Methanothrix genomes. These observations outline underlying processes for bio-methane from subbituminous coal by translationally active populations and demonstrate activity-based metagenomics as a powerful strategy in next generation physiology to understand ecologically relevant microbial populations.
Ice nucleation in a Gram-positive bacterium isolated from precipitation depends on a polyketide synthase and non-ribosomal peptide synthetase
Authors: Failor Kevin C , Liu Haijie , Llontop Marco E Mechan , LeBlanc Sophie , Eckshtain-Levi Noam , Sharma Parul , Reed Austin , Yang Shu , Tian Long , Lefevre Christopher T , Menguy Nicolas , Du Liangcheng , Monteil Caroline L , Vinatzer Boris A
Published: October 2021

Earth’s radiation budget and frequency and intensity of precipitation are influenced by aerosols with ice nucleation activity (INA), i.e., particles that catalyze the formation of ice. Some bacteria, fungi, and pollen are among the most efficient ice nucleators but the molecular basis of INA is poorly understood in most of them. Lysinibacillus parviboronicapiens (Lp) was previously identified as the first Gram-positive bacterium with INA. INA of Lp is associated with a secreted, nanometer-sized, non-proteinaceous macromolecule or particle. Here a combination of comparative genomics, transcriptomics, and a mutant screen showed that INA in Lp depends on a type I iterative polyketide synthase and a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (PKS-NRPS). Differential filtration in combination with gradient ultracentrifugation revealed that the product of the PKS-NRPS is associated with secreted particles of a density typical of extracellular vesicles and electron microscopy showed that these particles consist in “pearl chain”-like structures not resembling any other known bacterial structures. These findings expand our knowledge of biological INA, may be a model for INA in other organisms for which the molecular basis of INA is unknown, and present another step towards unraveling the role of microbes in atmospheric processes.
Immune and nonimmune mechanisms mediate the mental stress-induced tumor growth in a xenograft model of breast cancer
Authors: Ma Wenjing , Liu Pengfei , Zheng Jie , Lü Jinhui , Zhao Qian , Li Danni , Guo Yuefan , Qian Lu , Wang Qiong , Miao Xinman , Yu Zuoren
Published: October 2021

Excess mental stress may harm health, and even accelerate cancer initiation and progression. One fourth of breast cancer patients suffer mental stress including anxiety, sadness, or depression, which negatively affect prognosis and survival. However, the regulatory mechanism is yet to be determined. Herein, we applied unpredictable stress stimuli to the breast tumor-bearing mice to establish a xenograft model of breast cancer suffering mental stress, followed by behavioral tests, tumor growth tracking, immune analysis, miRNA screening, and tumor cell proliferation analysis as well. As a result, increased stress hormone levels in serum, decreased percentage of T and NK cells in both blood and tumor samples and accelerated tumor growth in vivo were observed in the mice exposed to mental stress. Promoted cell proliferation was observed in both primary tumor cells derived from the stressed mice and 4T1 breast cancer cells treated with stress hormone corticosterone. In addition, a subset of miRNAs including miR-326, 346, 493, 595, 615, and 665 were identified through a miRNA screening with downregulation in tumors of the stressed mice. CCND1 was identified as a common target gene of miR-346 and miR-493, the top two most significantly downregulated miRNAs by stress exposure. The stress-miRNA-CCND1 signaling regulation of the tumor cell proliferation was further validated in 4T1 cells treated with corticosterone in vitro. GO terms and KEGG pathways analyses on the target genes of miR-346 and miR-493 revealed their involvement in the regulation of human cancer and neuron system, indicating the importance of non-coding genome in mediating the mental stress-induced cancer regulation. In conclusion, this study not only explored immune and nonimmune mechanisms through which mental stress exposure contributes to tumor growth in breast cancer, but also suggested a new therapeutic strategy for cancer patients suffering mental stress.
Over-expression of lncRNA TMEM161B-AS1 promotes the malignant biological behavior of glioma cells and the resistance to temozolomide via up-regulating the expression of multiple ferroptosis-related genes by sponging hsa-miR-27a-3p
Authors: Chen Qiudan , Wang Weifeng , Wu Zhong , Chen Shuying , Chen Xiaotong , Zhuang Shihao , Song Guanglei , Lv Yuan , Lin Yong
Published: October 2021

A growing body of evidence suggests that long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important role in the malignant biological behavior and drug resistance of glioblastoma (GBM) cells. In this study, we analyzed the role and potential mechanism of lncRNA TMEM161B-AS1 in the malignant biological behavior of GBM cells and temozolomide (TMZ) resistance. Studies have found that FANCD2 and CD44 are significantly related to the occurrence of GBM, TMZ resistance and the survival of GBM patients. Knockdown of TMEM161B-AS1 down-regulated the expression of FANCD2 and CD44 by sponging hsa-miR-27a-3p, inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted apoptosis, ferroptosis of U87 cells and U251 cells. Down-regulation of lncRNA TMEM161B-AS1 and/or over-expression of hsa-miR-27a-3p down-regulated the expression of FANCD2 and CD44, and inhibited the tumor growth in nude mice. These results demonstrated that the lncRNA TMEM161B-AS1-hsa-miR-27a-3p-FANCD2/CD44 signal axis regulated the malignant biological behavior of GBM and TMZ resistance. These findings were expected to provide promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of glioma.
PRIMA: a rapid and cost-effective genotyping method to detect single-nucleotide differences using probe-induced heteroduplexes
Authors: Kakui Hiroyuki , Yamazaki Misako , Shimizu Kentaro K.
Published: October 2021

Targeted mutagenesis by programmable site-specific nucleases like CRISPR typically produce 1-base pair (bp) insertion or deletion (indel) mutations. Although several methods have been developed to detect such 1-bp indels, each method has pros and cons in terms of cost and/or resolution. Heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA) is a traditional technique detecting small base pair differences but it has a limited resolution of mutation size and the band patterns are often complex. Here, we developed a new method called PRIMA (Probe-Induced HMA) using a short single-stranded DNA molecule as a probe in HMA. By utilizing a 40-mer probe containing a 5-nucleotide deletion, we assessed the mobility of a heteroduplex with a target DNA fragment from a plant, bacterium, and human. This method allowed us to detect a 1-bp indel mutation consistently. We also showed that SNPs can be detected using PRIMA. PRIMA provides a rapid and cost-effective solution for the genotyping.
In situ monitoring of the effect of Cu2+ on the membrane permeability of a single living cell with a dual-electrode tip of a scanning electrochemical microscope
Authors: Wu Tao , Xiong Qiang , Song Ranran , Wang Qingjiang , Zhang Fan , He Pingang
Published: October 2021

A scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) combined with an Au–Cu dual-electrode tip was used to in situ monitor the effect of Cu2+ on the membrane permeability of a single living cell.
Origin of the difference in thermal conductivity and anharmonic phonon scattering between LiNbO3 and LiTaO3
Authors: Fu Yangbin , Wei Hui , Wei Lei , Zhang Huadi , Wang Xuping , Liu Bing , Zhang Yuanyuan , Lv Xianshun , Zhou Jixue , Yu Huajian
Published: October 2021

The origin of the different thermal conductivities between LiNbO3 and LiTaO3 stems from the different scattering channels throughout the whole Brillouin zone, as well as the different emission channels of the LA branch along the Γ–F direction.
Coupling external and internal pressure for the structural transition of MIL-53(Cr)
Authors: Zheng Bin , Wang Jinlei , Zhang Li , Wang Lianli
Published: October 2021

We present the coupling external and internal pressure stimuli-induced structure transition of MIL-53 applied as actuator or sensor within broad pressure range.
The anti-infective activity of Salvia miltiorrhiza against Staphylococcus aureus by attenuating accessory gene regulator system-mediated virulence
Authors: Jiang Jia-Ming , Chen Gan , Chen Yu-Yu , Wan Shi-Jie , Chen Si-Min , Ren Han-Gui , Lin Zhi-Xiu , Feng Hui , Zhang Hong , Xu Hong-Xi
Published: October 2021

Tanshinone IIB isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza exhibits an antivirulence effect against S. aureus by acting on the agr system.
High precision Rb isotope measurements by MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Hu Xia , Nan Xiao-Yun , Yu Hui-Min , Huang Fang
Published: October 2021

We developed a high precision Rb isotope analytical method using MC-ICP-MS and obtained Rb isotope data for geological standards.
Effect of single electrons on the excited state dynamics of rod-shaped Au25 nanoclusters
Authors: Kong Jie , Huo Dayujia , Jie Jialong , Wu Yanzhen , Wan Yan , Song Yongbo , Zhou Meng
Published: October 2021

A single electron can have a significant influence on the excited state dynamics of rod-shaped Au25 nanoclusters.
Comparison of Various Modalities Utilized for Preoperative Planning in Microsurgical Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Nassar Amer H. , Maselli Amy M. , Manstein Samuel , Shiah Eric , Slatnick Brianna L. , Dowlatshahi Arriyan S. , Cauley Ryan , Lee Bernard T.
Published: October 2021

Background The benefits of preoperative perforator imaging for microsurgical reconstruction have been well established in the literature.

Methods An extensive literature review was performed to determine the most commonly used modalities, and their applicability, advantages and disadvantages.

Results The review demonstrated varioius findings including decreases in operative time and cost with the use of CT angiography to identification of perforators for inclusion in flap design with hand-held Doppler ultrasound. Modalities like MR angiography offer alternatives for patients with contrast allergies or renal dysfunction while maintaining a high level of clarity and fidelity. Although the use of conventional angiography has decreased due to the availability of less invasive alternatives, it continues to serve a role in the preoperative evaluation of patients for lower extremity reconstruction. Duplex ultrasonography has been of great interest recently as an inexpensive, risk free, and extraordinarily accurate diagnostic tool. Emerging technologies such as indocyanine green fluorescence angiography and dynamic infrared thermography provide real-time information about tissue vascularity and perfusion without requiring radiation exposure.

Conclusion This article presents an in-depth review of the various imaging modalities available to reconstructive surgeons and includes hand held Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, MR angiography, conventional angiography, duplex ultrasonography, Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography and Dynamic Infrared Thermography.
Beschaffungen im Rahmen des KHZG: Spannungsfeld zwischen Innovation und Vergabeverfahren
Authors: Gross Benedict , Binger Peter
Published: October 2021

Die aus dem Krankenhauszukunftsfonds geförderten Projekte werden Prozesse in Krankenhäusern verändern: Patientenportale, elektronische Dokumentation, Order-Entry-Systeme und Entscheidungsunterstützung sind nur einige davon. Was bisher nur bei einzelnen Vorreitern im Einsatz war, wird nun in der gesamten Krankenhauslandschaft ausgerollt.
Parental Life Span and Polygenic Risk Score of Longevity Are Associated With White Matter Hyperintensities
Authors: Dong Chao , Thalamuthu Anbupalam , Jiang Jiyang , Mather Karen A , Brodaty Henry , Sachdev Perminder S , Wen Wei
Published: October 2021

Human longevity is moderately heritable and is hence influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. However, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding its relationship with brain aging. Here, we used a discovery sample (N = 19 136, aged 45–81 years) from the UK Biobank and a replication sample (N = 809, aged 66–93 years) from the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study and the Older Australian Twins Study to investigate the associations between both parental life span (parental age at death) and polygenic risk score (PRS) for longevity (longevity-PRS) and structural magnetic resonance imaging brain metrics, which are considered to reflect the brain aging process, namely white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), total gray matter, and cortical volumes. We found lower volumes of WMHs to be significantly associated with longer parental life span in the discovery (whole WMH, β = −0.0323, padj = .0002) and replication samples (whole WMH, β = −0.0871, padj = .0208) and higher longevity-PRS in the discovery sample (whole WMH, β = −0.0331, padj = .0015) and a similar trend in the replication sample (significant before multiple comparison adjustment). The association of longevity-PRS with WMH remained significant after removing the influence of the apolipoprotein E locus (whole WMH, β = −0.0297, padj = .0048). While total gray matter and cortical volumes were related to parental life span in the discovery sample, they were not significantly associated with longevity-PRS. Additionally, the effects of longevity-PRS on the association were more prominent in males. Our findings suggest that enrichment of longevity-related alleles may provide some protection against WMH burden and highlight the important aspect of genetic relationship between longevity and WMH.
Effects of fermented wheat bran and yeast culture on growth performance, immunity, and intestinal microflora in growing-finishing pigs
Authors: He Wei , Gao Yanan , Guo Zhiqiang , Yang Zheng , Wang Xiaoxu , Liu Honggui , Sun Haoyang , Shi Baoming
Published: October 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding fermented wheat bran (FWB) and yeast culture (YC) on growth performance, immune levels, and intestinal microflora in growing-finishing pigs. In total, 96 crossbred pigs were randomly distributed into four treatments with four replicates pens and six pigs per pen. This study was performed using a 2 × 2 factor design: 1) CON (basal diet), 2) FWB (basal diet + 5% FWB), 3) YC (basal diet + 2% YC), and 4) FWB + YC (basal diet + 5% FWB + 2% YC). Dietary FWB supplementation significantly increased the average daily gain and significantly decreased the feed gain ratio of growing-finishing pigs (P < 0.05). Supplementation of FWB and YC improved the immune capacity and reduced the inflammation level of growing-finishing pigs (P < 0.05). In addition, pigs fed FWB, YC, and FWB + YC diets showed better intestinal development and morphology compared with those CON pigs. The relative abundance of Streptococcus in the FWB group was significantly lower than that in the CON group (P < 0.05), and the relative abundance of probiotics (unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, Turicibacter) increased significantly (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the relative abundance of probiotics (Lactobacillus, norank_f_Muribaculaceae) in the YC group was significantly increased compared with the CON group (P < 0.05). The results of this study observed positive effects of FWB and YC on growing-finishing pigs, which provides insights into the application of biological feed in swine industry.
The British Orthopaedic Oncology Management audit protocol
Authors: Archer James E , Chauhan Govind S , Osman Khabab , Thomson Calum , Dewan Varun , Nandra Rajpal , Stevenson Jonathan
Published: October 2021

Metastatic bone disease (MBD) is a frequently encountered condition in trauma and orthopaedic practice, and delayed or inappropriate management may lead to worse oncological outcomes, dysfunction and reoperation. Updated guidance from the British Orthopaedic Oncology Society (BOOS) and British Orthopaedic Association (BOA), in 2015, aimed to raise awareness of such risks and to set clear standards for the provision of care in MBD patients. However, it is unclear whether these recommendations have been routinely adopted into clinical practice. BOOS and BOA aim to revise and update this guidance, and British Orthopaedic Association Standard for Trauma (BOAST) guidelines relating to MBD management are due to be published. The aim of this collaborative audit is to evaluate and benchmark current practice in the management of MBD prior to the publication of these BOAST guidelines, providing a baseline comparison for further future re-audit.
Predicted free–free emission at radio wavelengths from Coronal Mass Ejections: event on 2011 March 7
Authors: Montes-Doria Daniela , González Ricardo F , Cantó Jorge , Kurtz Stanley
Published: October 2021

We present an analytical model for the free–free emission at radio wavelengths produced by the interaction of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) with the ambient solar wind. Using our previous models, we show that a dense shell bounded by two shock fronts is formed from this interaction, whose dynamical evolution can be calculated based on considerations of the mass and momentum conservation for the shell. This structure undergoes two stages in its dynamical evolution: (1) A first one of constant velocity, when the shell is bounded by two shock fronts, and (2) a second one, in which a one-shock structure (the leading shock) is decelerated. Here, we compute the emission produced by these shocks, and present a comparison with synthetic observations of the 2011 March 7 CME. Our simplified model gives a physical insight into the free–free emission produced by shocks of CMEs.
Sensor-guided Knee Balancing in Posterior-stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Surgical Description and Report of Medium-term Patient Outcomes
Authors: Cohen Daniel A. , Wood Jil A. , MacDessi Samuel J.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Intraoperative pressure sensors provide the ability to quantify soft tissue balance (STB) and guide balancing interventions in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to validate a sensor-guided knee balancing algorithm for posterior-stabilized TKA and then report medium-term patient-reported outcome measures from a consecutive series of surgeries using this algorithm.

Materials and Methods:

An algorithm is described for sensor-guided soft tissue releases and bone recuts aiming for quantitative knee balance. The coprimary endpoints were the proportion of TKAs in which quantitative STB was achieved using the sensor-guided balancing algorithm and the number of balancing interventions required. Secondary outcomes included change in Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) components, rates of manipulations for stiffness, and revision surgery.

Results:

In a consecutive series of 210 knees, quantitative STB was achieved in 91.9% of cases. Balancing procedures were required in 57.2% (n=120), with 84.3% (n=177) requiring up to 2 balancing interventions to achieve balance. Angular bone recuts were required in 22.9% (n=48) of TKAs. At a minimum of 2 years, there was a statistically significant, clinically meaningful increase in mean KOOS4 of 40.8 (SD=17.5). All ΔKOOS subscales improved. The incidence of manipulation for stiffness and revision surgery at up to 4 years were 3.3% (7/210) and 1.4% (3/210), respectively.

Conclusions:

Quantitative sensor-guided assessment allows precise attainment of STB using a balancing algorithm of both bone recuts and soft tissue releases. Excellent medium-term improvement in patient-reported outcome measures was achieved with posterior-stabilized TKA using intraoperative sensor-guided balancing interventions.
Machine learning for the identification of decision boundaries during the transition from radial to vertical growth phase superficial spreading melanomas
Authors: Moglia Andrea , Cerri Amilcare , Moglia Alessandra , Berchiolli Raffaella , Ferrari Mauro , Betti Roberto
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to compute threshold values for the diameter of superficial spreading melanomas (SSMs) at which the radial growth phase (RGP) evolves into an invasive vertical growth phase (VGP). We examined reports from 1995 to 2019 of 834 primary SSMs. All the patients underwent complete surgical removal of the tumor and the diagnosis was confirmed after histologic examination. Machine learning was used to compute the thresholds. For invasive non-naevus-associated SSMs, a threshold for the diameter was found at 13.2 mm (n = 634). For the lower limb (n = 209) the threshold was at 9.8 mm, whereas for the upper limb (n = 117) at 14.1 mm. For the back (n = 106) and the trunk (n = 173), the threshold was at 16.2 mm and 17.1 mm, respectively. When considering non-naevus-associated and naevus-associated SSMs together (n = 834) a threshold for the diameter was found at 16.8 mm. For the lower limb (n = 248) the threshold was at 11.7 mm, whereas for the upper limb (n = 146) at 16.4 mm. For the back (n = 170) and the trunk (n = 236), the threshold was at 18.6 mm and 14.1 mm, respectively. Thresholds for various anatomic locations and for each gender were defined. They were based on the diameter of the melanoma and computed to suggest a transition from RGP to VGP. The transition from a radial to a more invasive vertical phase is detected by an increase of tumor size with a numeric cutoff. Besides the anamnestic, clinical and dermatoscopic findings, our proposed approach may have practical relevance in vivo during clinical presurgical inspections.
SMOKING, RURAL RESIDENCE AND DIABETES AS RISK FACTORS FOR PRESUMED OCULAR HISTOPLASMOSIS SYNDROME
Authors: Richey Brad F. , Obrock Rachel S. , Gee Zachary M. , Lu David Y. , Jacobsen Gordon , Richards Scott C.
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

To investigate the relationship of smoking, urbanicity, and diabetes to presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) and associated choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Methods:

Medical records of 751 adult patients with POHS were reviewed, including 603 patients without CNV and 148 patients with CNV. Age-matched and gender-matched controls were randomly selected from the same practice for comparison. Statistical comparisons of smoking history, urbanicity, and diabetic history were performed using chi-square and conditional logistic regression analyses.

Results:

Increased rates of current or former smoking, rural residence, and diabetes were found in patients with POHS compared with controls. POHS patients with CNV had increased rates of current or former smoking and rural residence as compared with controls.

Conclusion:

A history of current or past smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing both POHS alone and POHS with CNV. We did not find a significant additional risk of smoking on the development of CNV in patients with POHS. Patients living in rural locations are more likely than those in urban locations to develop both POHS and POHS with CNV. Diabetics may be more likely to develop POHS than nondiabetics.
Surgical Techniques and Adjuvants for the Management of Pterygium
Authors: Patel Ekta D. , Rhee Michelle K.
Published: October 2021

Objective:

To provide an updated review of surgical techniques and adjuvants for the management of pterygium.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted in PubMed for studies published since January 2011. “Pterygium surgery” and the MeSH term “Pterygium/surgery” was used. The results were filtered for randomized controlled trials in English, yielding 60 citations.

Results:

One study compared topical anesthetic agents. One study compared methods of corneal polishing of the corneoscleral bed after pterygium excision. Numerous studies evaluated the use of conjunctival autograft versus amniotic membrane, superior versus inferior conjunctival autograft, and conjunctival versus limbal–conjunctival autograft. Many studies evaluated graft fixation methods. Several studies evaluated the adjuvant use of mitomycin C, 5-fluorouracil, and bevacizumab. A few studies evaluated the adjuvant use of steroids. Eleven studies evaluated various methods of postoperative management.

Conclusions:

Current evidence supports pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft fixation using fibrin glue, followed by patching until the first postoperative visit. Surgical adjuvants and postoperative use of artificial tears and topical cyclosporine 0.05% may further reduce recurrence. Postoperative use of topical steroids is highly variable because there is no consensus regarding the optimal dose, frequency, and duration of treatment.