bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breaking cancer diagnosis news remotely during the Covid pandemic
Authors: John Babbin S , Bhudoye Joshila , Lynch Mark F
Published: March 2021

Breaking bad news is challenging in most circumstances, and informing a patient that they have a cancer diagnosis more so. Therefore, most patients have a face-to-face meeting with their doctor to get their cancer diagnosis with many advantages to this method. The SARS-Covid pandemic has forced cancer specialists to change their approach to giving cancer news and telemedicine is being utilised more than ever before. We describe the satisfaction outcomes of a series of patients who were given their cancer diagnosis by telephone during the pandemic. Our evaluation shows that cancer diagnosis can be safely given over the telephone and moreover the results can be used to design a bespoke cancer clinic of the future.

Level of evidence: 4
The Influence of Defendant Race/Ethnicity and Police Body-Worn Cameras on Traffic Case Processing
Authors: Huff Jessica , White Michael D. , Padilla Kathleen E.
Published: March 2021

The current study evaluates the impact of defendant race/ethnicity and police body-worn cameras (BWCs) on dismissals and guilty pleas in traffic violations. Despite the frequency of traffic violations and the potential for racial/ethnic bias in these incidents, researchers have yet to examine the outcomes of these violations in court. Research is also needed to assess the potential for BWCs to provide evidence and reduce charging disparities and differential pleas for minority defendants. Traffic violations processed in the Tempe, Arizona Municipal Court before and after BWC deployment were examined using logistic regression. Black and Hispanic defendants were less likely to have their violations dismissed than White defendants, regardless of the presence of a BWC. Hispanic defendants were significantly more likely to plead guilty to traffic violations than White defendants, and BWCs did not eliminate this disparity. BWCs did significantly reduce the likelihood of a guilty plea for Black and White defendants, but the finding was not robust to the inclusion of an interaction term between race and BWCs. BWCs did not significantly moderate the impact of defendant race/ethnicity on either dismissals or guilty pleas. Overall, the results suggest that BWCs have little impact on reducing racial/ethnic disparities in traffic violation processing.
Research Strategies to Discern Active Psychological Therapy Components: A Scoping Review
Authors: Leijten Patty , Weisz John R. , Gardner Frances
Published: March 2021

Some clinical scientists are shifting from research on complete named therapy protocols to a more elemental approach—research on specific therapy components that contribute to therapy goals. To characterize and evaluate this emerging field, we systematically searched PsycINFO and Medline for studies evaluating therapy components. We identified 208 studies. In a scoping review, we map, explain, and critically appraise the seven research strategies employed: (a) expert opinion, (b) shared components, (c) associations between the presence of components and therapy effects, (d) associations between fidelity to components and therapy effects, (e) microtrials, (f) additive and dismantling trials, and (g) factorial experiments. Our examination reveals a need for (a) renewed emphasis on experimental trials (vs. meta-analyses testing associations less rigorously), (b) expanded efforts to locate components within the emerging fields of process-based and principle-guided psychotherapy, and (c) a shift from innovative stand-alone studies to development of a coherent science of therapy components.
Emotion Regulation Diversity in Current and Remitted Depression
Authors: Wen Alainna , Quigley Leanne , Yoon K. Lira , Dobson Keith S.
Published: March 2021

Depression is associated with reduced flexibility in emotion regulation (ER). Diversity in the use of ER strategies is crucial for ER flexibility. In this study, we examined associations between depression and ER diversity and proposed a novel measure: the ER diversity index. Currently depressed ( n = 58), remitted depressed ( n = 65), and healthy control participants ( n = 55) rated their use of nine ER strategies. Four ER measures were computed (diversity index, sum score, flexibility score, intraindividual standard deviation), and their association with diagnostic group was compared. The ER diversity index was associated with depression status more strongly than all other ER measures. Currently and remitted depressed individuals exhibited greater diversity in ER strategies overall and maladaptive ER strategies but less diversity in adaptive ER strategies compared with healthy individuals. Thus, the ER diversity index may be a valid measure of ER diversity, and ER diversity may have an important role in depression.
Association of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis With Panhypopituitarism Due to Pituitary Macroadenoma: A Case Report
Authors: Harris James B. , Sunil Bhuvana , Ryan Michael K. , Beauchamp Giovanna
Published: March 2021

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) commonly occurs in overweight or obese adolescents, but can also be associated with endocrine disorders including hypothyroidism, pituitary tumors, and growth hormone deficiency. In this article, we present a case of panhypopituitarism that initially presented with SCFE. A 16-year-old male presented with right SCFE. After a right hip open reduction and percutaneous pinning procedure, findings of skeletal maturity that lagged behind his chronologic age and a delayed Tanner stage resulted in a referral to an endocrine specialist. Endocrine laboratory evaluation identified elevated prolactin levels (1493 ng/mL), hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and central adrenal insufficiency as evidenced by low morning cortisol level of 1.0 µg/dL. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large pituitary T2 isointense mass measuring 1.8 × 2.7 × 2.3 cm. The patient was diagnosed with panhypopituitarism due to a pituitary macroadenoma. Multidisciplinary collaboration for treatment of this patient consisted of oral cabergoline, oral levothyroxine, oral hydrocortisone therapy, intramuscular testosterone therapy, and a prophylactic closed reduction percutaneous pinning of the left hip due to high risk of also developing SCFE of the left hip. Panhypopituitarism should be considered as a diagnosis after atypical presentations of SCFE. In our case, an astute clinical assessment resulted in prompt endocrine referral and management of panhypopituitarism. Our report highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaborations to guarantee early detection of endocrinopathies in patients with SCFE undergoing surgical interventions in order to avoid potential complications, such as adrenal crisis during surgery.
Operative Treatment Options for Patellofemoral Arthritis: An Expert Recommendation of the AGA Patellofemoral Committee
Authors: Keshmiri Armin ,   the AGA Patellofemoral Committee, Dirisamer Florian , Liebensteiner Michael , El Attal Rene , Pagenstert Geert , Seitlinger Gerd , Wagner Daniel , Balcarek Peter , Kappel Paola , Schöttle Philip , Frings Jannik , Tscholl Philippe , Becher Christoph
Published: March 2021

Background:

The operative therapy of patellofemoral arthritis requires an individual approach depending on the underlying injury. However, the literature lacks recommendations for its course of action.

Purpose:

To generate an expert recommendation of therapy for different patellofemoral abnormalities in patients suffering from isolated patellofemoral arthritis.

Study Design:

Consensus statement.

Methods:

To generate recommendations, the AGA Patellofemoral Committee performed a consensus process using the Delphi method based on the available literature on isolated patellofemoral arthritis.

Results:

In most statements and recommendations, a high percentage of consensus could be found. However, also in the expert group of the AGA Patellofemoral Committee, some controversies on the treatment of patellofemoral arthritis exist.

Conclusion:

The operative therapy of isolated patellofemoral arthritis is a challenging topic that leads to controversial discussions, even in an expert group. With this consensus statement of the AGA Patellofemoral Committee, recommendations on different operative treatment options were able to be generated, which should be considered in clinical practice.
The Socioeconomic Attainments of Second-Generation Nigerian and Other Black Americans: Evidence from the Current Population Survey, 2009 to 2019
Authors: Sakamoto Arthur , Amaral Ernesto F. L. , Wang Sharron Xuanren , Nelson Courtney
Published: March 2021

Second-generation black Americans have been inadequately studied in prior quantitative research. The authors seek to ameliorate this research gap by using the Current Population Survey to investigate education and wages among second-generation black Americans with a focus on Nigerian Americans. The latter group has been identified in some qualitative studies as having particularly notable socioeconomic attainments. The results indicate that the educational attainment of second-generation Nigerian Americans exceeds other second-generation black Americans, third- and higher generation African Americans, third- and higher generation whites, second-generation whites, and second-generation Asian Americans. Controlling for age, education, and disability, the wages of second-generation Nigerian Americans have reached parity with those of third- and higher generation whites. The educational attainment of other second-generation black Americans exceeds that of third- and higher generation African Americans but has reached parity with that of third- and higher generation whites only among women. These results indicate significant socioeconomic variation within the African American/black category by gender, ethnicity, and generational status that merits further research.
You Have Options: Implementing and evaluating a contraceptive choice social marketing campaign
Authors: Sundstrom Beth , DeMaria Andrea L , Ferrara Merissa , Meier Stephanie , Vyge Kerri , Billings Deborah , DiBona Dee , McLernon Sykes Bridget M
Published: March 2021

Background:

Up to two-thirds of pregnancies among young, unmarried women in the United States are unintended, despite increased access to highly effective contraceptive options.

Aim:

This study implemented and evaluated a social marketing campaign designed to increase access to a full range of contraceptive methods among women aged 18–24 years on a southeastern university campus.

Methods:

Researchers partnered with Choose Well and Student Health Services to design, implement, and evaluate You Have Options, a 10-week multi-media social marketing campaign. The campaign aimed to raise awareness, increase knowledge, and improve access to contraceptive options, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods among college women. A pretest-posttest web-based survey design measured campaign awareness and recognition, as well as attitudes, subjective norms, and behavior.

Results:

Participants demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge about intrauterine devices (IUDs) between pretest ( M = 2.66, SD = 1.30) and posttest ( M = 3.06; SD = 1.96); t(671) = −2.60, p < .01). Analysis revealed that frequent exposure to the campaign prompted participants to engage in discussions about LARC with friends ( p < .05). In addition, 20- to 24-year-olds who reported seeing the campaign messages were more likely to seek out information ( p < .01) and adopt a LARC method ( p = .001) than 18- or 19-year-olds who saw the campaign messages.

Conclusion:

Findings from the study offer practical recommendations for implementing social marketing campaigns aimed at increasing access to LARC and reducing unintended pregnancy.
Vitrectomy for Symptomatic Asteroid Hyalosis
Authors: Marlow Elizabeth , Hassan Tarek , Faia Lisa , Drenser Kimberly , Garretson Bruce
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

Acute vision loss may accompany complete or partial posterior vitreous separation in asteroid hyalosis (AH), and pars plana vitrectomy may resolve these symptoms.

Methods:

Six individuals with AH and acute vision loss associated with diagnosed posterior vitreous separation were treated with pars plana vitrectomy, and visual acuity (VA) recovery was monitored for 3 months.

Results:

The study patients’ preoperative VA ranged from 20/25 to 20/2500 (mean, 20/150; logMAR, 0.88). The average decrease in VA with anterior progression of the hyaloid was logMAR 0.70. Following surgical clearance of the asteroid bodies, VA returned to baseline within 1 month following vitrectomy in 2 eyes, and within 3 months in all eyes. Final VA was 20/20 to 20/200 (mean, 20/35; logMAR, 0.24).

Conclusions:

Patients with AH may present with acute onset of severe vision loss in association with posterior vitreous separation. Vitrectomy may be curative and restore vision.
Case report: Therapeutic response for new daily persistent headache by a tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonist, lithium
Authors: Bancalari Ernesto M , Wicht Astrid
Published: March 2021

New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is an uncommon, treatment-resistant primary headache disorder that was first describe by Vanast in 1986 as a benign syndrome. Elevated TNF-alpha levels on CSF of NDPH patients as a possible cause of this disease. TNF-alpha inhibitors like doxycycline, venlafaxine and montelukast have been used in the past with relative good success. Lithium, used in Cluster Headache, has anti-inflammatory effects by inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3). This mechanism of action reduces production of inflammatory IL-6, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha production by microglia, astrocytes and other immune cells. We report a NDPH patient that responded successfully to the administration of lithium after trying multiple treatments. We propose lithium, a TNF-alpha Inhibitor, as an effective treatment for refractory cases of NDPH.
Differential influences of (±) anatoxin-a on photolocomotor behavior and gene transcription in larval zebrafish and fathead minnows
Authors: Lovin Lea M. , Kim Sujin , Taylor Raegyn B. , Scarlett Kendall R. , Langan Laura M. , Chambliss C. Kevin , Chatterjee Saurabh , Scott J. Thad , Brooks Bryan W.
Published: March 2021

Background

Though anatoxin-a (antx-a) is a globally important cyanobacterial neurotoxin in inland waters, information on sublethal toxicological responses of aquatic organisms is limited. We examined influences of (±) antx-a (11–3490 µg/L) on photolocomotor behavioral responses and gene transcription associated with neurotoxicity, oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity, in two of the most common alternative vertebrate and fish models, Danio rerio (zebrafish) and Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow). We selected environmentally relevant treatment levels from probabilistic exposure distributions, employed standardized experimental designs, and analytically verified treatment levels using isotope-dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Caffeine was examined as a positive control.

Results

Caffeine influences on fish behavior responses were similar to previous studies. Following exposure to (±) antx-a, no significant photolocomotor effects were observed during light and dark transitions for either species. Though zebrafish behavioral responses profiles were not significantly affected by (±) antx-a at the environmentally relevant treatment levels examined, fathead minnow stimulatory behavior was significantly reduced in the 145–1960 µg/L treatment levels. In addition, no significant changes in transcription of target genes were observed in zebrafish; however, elavl3 and sod1 were upregulated and gst and cyp3a126 were significantly downregulated in fathead minnows.

Conclusion

We observed differential influences of (±) antx-a on swimming behavior and gene transcription in two of the most common larval fish models employed for prospective and retrospective assessment of environmental contaminants and water quality conditions. Sublethal responses of fathead minnows were consistently more sensitive than zebrafish to this neurotoxin at the environmentally relevant concentrations examined. Future studies are needed to understand such interspecies differences, the enantioselective toxicity of this compound, molecular initiation events within adverse outcome pathways, and subsequent individual and population risks for this emerging water quality threat.
Evidence of past forest fragmentation in the Congo Basin from the phylogeography of a shade-tolerant tree with limited seed dispersal: Scorodophloeus zenkeri (Fabaceae, Detarioideae)
Authors: Vanden Abeele Samuel , Janssens Steven B. , Piñeiro Rosalía , Hardy Olivier J.
Published: March 2021

Background

Comparative phylogeographic studies on rainforest species that are widespread in Central Africa often reveal genetic discontinuities within and between biogeographic regions, indicating (historical) barriers to gene flow, possibly due to repeated and/or long-lasting population fragmentation during glacial periods according to the forest refuge hypothesis. The impact of forest fragmentation seems to be modulated by the ecological amplitude and dispersal capacities of each species, resulting in different demographic histories. Moreover, while multiple studies investigated the western part of Central Africa (Lower Guinea), few have sufficiently sampled the heart of the Congo Basin (Congolia). In this study, we look for genetic discontinuities between populations of the widespread tropical treeScorodophloeus zenkeriHarms (Fabaceae, Detarioideae) in Central Africa. Additionally, we characterize genetic diversity, selfing rate and fine-scale spatial genetic structure within populations to estimate the gene dispersal capacity of the species.

Results

Clear intraspecific genetic discontinuities occur throughout the species’ distribution range, with two genetic clusters in Congolia and four in Lower Guinea, and highest differentiation occurring between these bioregions. Genetic diversity is higher in Lower Guinea than Congolia. A spatial genetic structure characteristic of isolation by distance occurs within the genetic clusters. This allowed us to estimate gene dispersal distances (σg) for this outcrossing species with ballistic seed dispersal, which range between 100 and 250 m in areas whereS. zenkerioccurs in high densities, and are in the low range of σgvalues compared to other tropical trees. Gene dispersal distances are larger in low density populations, probably due to extensive pollen dispersal capacity.

Conclusions

Fragmentation ofS. zenkeripopulations seems to have occurred not only in Lower Guinea but also in the Congo Basin, though not necessarily according to previously postulated forest refuge areas. The lower genetic diversity in Congolia compared to Lower Guinea parallels the known gradient of species diversity, possibly reflecting a stronger impact of past climate changes on the forest cover in Congolia. Despite its bisexual flowers,S. zenkeriappears to be mostly outcrossing. The limited dispersal observed in this species implies that genetic discontinuities resulting from past forest fragmentation can persist for a long time before being erased by gene flow.
Hyperphosphatemia with elevated serum PTH and FGF23, reduced 1,25(OH)2D and normal FGF7 concentrations characterize patients with CKD
Authors: Kritmetapak Kittrawee , Losbanos Louis , Berent Taylor E. , Ashrafzadeh-Kian Susan L. , Algeciras-Schimnich Alicia , Hines Jolaine M. , Singh Ravinder J. , Kumar Rajiv
Published: March 2021

Background

Hyperphosphatemia confers adverse cardiovascular outcomes, and commonly occurs in late-stage CKD. Fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) is a phosphaturic peptide which decreases renal phosphate transport in vitro and in vivo. Serum FGF7 concentrations are reduced in hyperphosphatemic patients with hypophosphatasia and are elevated in some hypophosphatemic patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia. No data, however, are available on whether circulating FGF7 concentrations increase to compensate for phosphate retention in CKD patients.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study performed among 85 adult patients with varying estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). We measured serum intact FGF7 (iFGF7) concentration using an iFGF7 immunoassay and determined its associated factors. Relationships between eGFR and mineral metabolism biomarkers [phosphate, iFGF7, iFGF23, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D)] were explored.

Results

For eGFRs of ≥ 60 (n = 31), 45–59 (n = 16), 30–44 (n = 11), 15–29 (n = 15), and < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 12), median (IQ25-75) iFGF7 concentrations were 46.1 (39.2–56.9), 43.1 (39.0-51.5), 47.3 (38.3–66.5), 47.7 (37.7–55.8), and 49.6 (42.5–65.6) pg/mL, respectively (P = 0.62). Significant increases in serum iFGF23, PTH, and phosphate were observed at eGFRs of < 33 (95 % CI, 26.40-40.05), < 29 (95 % CI, 22.51–35.36), and < 22 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95 % CI, 19.25–25.51), respectively, while significant decreases in serum 1,25(OH)2D were observed at an eGFR of < 52 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95 % CI, 42.57–61.43). No significant correlation was found between serum iFGF7 and phosphate, iFGF23, PTH or 1,25(OH)2D. In multivariable analyses, body mass index (per 5 kg/m2 increase) was independently associated with the highest quartile of serum iFGF7 concentration (OR, 1.20; 95 % CI, 1.12–1.55).

Conclusions

Compensatory decreases in circulating 1,25(OH)2D and increases in circulating iFGF23 and PTH, but not iFGF7, facilitate normalization of serum phosphate concentration in early stages of CKD. Whether other circulating phosphaturic peptides change in response to phosphate retention in CKD patients deserves further study.
Hidden Markov Model: a shortest unique representative approach to detect the protein toxins, virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes
Authors: Xie Gary , Fair Jeanne M.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Currently, next generation sequencing (NGS) is widely used to decode potential novel or variant pathogens both in emergent outbreaks and in routine clinical practice. However, the efficient identification of novel or diverged pathogenomic compositions remains a big challenge. It is especially true for short DNA sequence fragments from NGS, since sequence similarity searching is vulnerable to false negatives or false positives, as is mismatching or matching with unrelated proteins. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a bioinformatics approach that can generate unique motif sequences for profiling searching, resulting in high specificity and sensitivity.

Results

In this study, we introduced a Shortest Unique Representative Hidden Markov Model (HMM) approach to identify bacterial toxin, virulence factor (VF), and antimicrobial resistance (AR) in short sequence reads. We first construct unique representative domain sequences of toxin genes, VFs, and ARs to avoid potential false positives, and then to use HMM models to accurately identify potential toxin, VF, and AR fragments. The benchmark shows this approach can achieve relatively high specificity and sensitivity if the appropriate cutoff value is applied. Our approach can be used to recognize the protein sequences of known toxins and pathogens, identifies their common characteristics and then searches for similar sequences in other organisms.
Detection of multi-drug resistance and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from retail meat in Tamaulipas, Mexico
Authors: Martínez-Vázquez Ana Verónica , Guardiola-Avila Iliana Berenice , Flores-Magallón Rebeca , Rivera Gildardo , Bocanegra-García Virgilio
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Among the principal microorganisms transmitted to humans by foods of animal origin, Staphylococcus aureus stands out, causing a variety of diseases and with a wide potential for acquiring antimicrobial resistance. This work aimed to determine the prevalence of S. aureus, its multi-drug resistance (MDRSA), and the identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in retail beef and pork in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Methods

S. aureus strains isolated from retail meat were characterized by microbiological and molecular methods to determine phenotypic drug-resistance and detect MRSA strains.

Results

Of the 106 samples (54 from beef and 52 from pork) from 11 different cities, we detected a prevalence of S. aureus of 44.3% (47/106). A total of 87 S. aureus strains were identified; these presented 54 resistance patterns to different antimicrobials with a high prevalence of MDRSA (85%) and a low prevalence of MRSA strains (3%).

Conclusion

These results indicate the presence of MDRSA and MRSA in retail beef and pork in Tamaulipas, representing a high risk for consumer health.
Retraction Note to: Exercise-induced mitochondrial p53 repairs mtDNA mutations in mutator mice
Authors: Safdar Adeel , Khrapko Konstantin , Flynn James M. , Saleem Ayesha , De Lisio Michael , Johnston Adam P. W. , Kratysberg Yevgenya , Samjoo Imtiaz A. , Kitaoka Yu , Ogborn Daniel I. , Little Jonathan P. , Raha Sandeep , Parise Gianni , Akhtar Mahmood , Hettinga Bart P. , Rowe Glenn C. , Arany Zoltan , Prolla Tomas A. , Tarnopolsky Mark A.
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Involvement of HECTD1 in LPS-induced astrocyte activation via σ-1R-JNK/p38-FOXJ2 axis
Authors: Tang Ying , Zhou Mengchun , Huang Rongrong , Shen Ling , Yang Li , Zhou Zhongqiu , Ren Hui , Bai Ying
Published: March 2021

Background

Astrocytes participate in innate inflammatory responses within the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). HECT domain E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (HECTD1) functions during microglial activation, suggesting a connection with neuroinflammation. However, the potential role of HECTD1 in astrocytes remains largely unknown.

Results

Here, we demonstrated that HECTD1 was upregulated in primary mouse astrocytes after 100 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Genetic knockdown of HECTD1 in vitro or astrocyte-specific knockdown of HECTD1 in vivo suppressed LPS-induced astrocyte activation, whereas overexpression of HECTD1 in vitro facilitated LPS-induced astrocyte activation. Mechanistically, we established that LPS activated σ-1R-JNK/p38 pathway, and σ-1R antagonist BD1047, JNK inhibitor SP600125, or p38 inhibitor SB203580 reversed LPS-induced expression of HECTD1, thus restored LPS-induced astrocyte activation. In addition, FOXJ2 functioned as a transcription factor of HECTD1, and pretreatment of primary mouse astrocytes with BD1047, SB203580, and SP600125 significantly inhibited LPS-mediated translocation of FOXJ2 into the nucleus.

Conclusions

Overall, our present findings suggest that HECTD1 participates in LPS-induced astrocyte activation by activation of σ-1R-JNK/p38-FOXJ2 pathway and provide a potential therapeutic strategy for neuroinflammation induced by LPS or any other neuroinflammatory disorders.
A role for bronchial epithelial autotaxin in ventilator-induced lung injury
Authors: Nikitopoulou Ioanna , Ninou Ioanna , Manitsopoulos Nikolaos , Dimopoulou Ioanna , Orfanos Stylianos E. , Aidinis Vassilis , Kotanidou Anastasia
Published: March 2021

Background

The pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may eventually result in heterogeneous lung collapse and edema-flooded airways, predisposing the lung to progressive tissue damage known as ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Autotaxin (ATX; ENPP2), the enzyme largely responsible for extracellular lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) production, has been suggested to play a pathogenic role in, among others, pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were subjected to low and high tidal volume mechanical ventilation using a small animal ventilator: respiratory mechanics were evaluated, and plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were obtained. Total protein concentration was determined, and lung histopathology was further performed

Results

Injurious ventilation resulted in increased BALF levels of ATX. Genetic deletion of ATX from bronchial epithelial cells attenuated VILI-induced pulmonary edema.

Conclusion

ATX participates in VILI pathogenesis.
Nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling of murine RBPJ by Hairless protein matches that of Su(H) protein in the model system Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Wolf Dorina B. , Maier Dieter , Nagel Anja C.
Published: March 2021

CSL transcription factors are central to signal transduction in the highly conserved Notch signaling pathway. CSL acts as a molecular switch: depending on the cofactors recruited, CSL induces either activation or repression of Notch target genes. Unexpectedly, CSL depends on its cofactors for nuclear entry, despite its role as gene regulator. InDrosophila, the CSL homologue Suppressor of Hairless (Su(H)), recruits Hairless (H) for repressor complex assembly, and eventually for nuclear import. We recently found that Su(H) is subjected to a dynamic nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling, thereby strictly following H subcellular distribution. Hence, regulation of nuclear availability of Su(H) by H may represent a new layer of control of Notch signaling activity. Here we extended this work on the murine CSL homologue RBPJ. Using a ‘murinized’ fly model bearingRBPJwtin place ofSu(H)at the endogenous locus we demonstrate that RBPJ protein likewise follows H subcellular distribution. For example, overexpression of aH*NLS3protein variant defective of nuclear import resulted in a cytosolic localization of RBPJ protein, whereas the overexpression of aH*NESprotein variant defective in the nuclear export signal caused the accumulation of RBPJ protein in the nucleus. Evidently, RBPJ is exported from the nucleus as well. Overall these data demonstrate that in our fly model, RBPJ is subjected to H-mediated nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling as is Su(H). These data raise the possibility that nuclear availability of mammalian CSL proteins is likewise restricted by cofactors, and may hence present a more general mode of regulating Notch signaling activity.

Graphical abstract
lincR-Ccr2-5′AS and THRIL as potential biomarkers of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Shaker Olfat Gamil , Hassan Amr , Mohammed Asmaa Mohammed , Mohammed Shereen Rashad
Published: March 2021

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders including MS. lincR-Ccr2-5′AS is expressed in the T helper2 (Th2) lineage. TNF-α heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (THRIL) causes the induction of TNF-α and regulates innate immune response and inflammation. We investigated the expression of lincR-Ccr2-5′AS and THRIL in MS to clarify their association with MS risk and the clinical features.

Results

LincR-Ccr2-5′AS was significantly downregulated in MS patients (fold change = 0.43±0.29, p = 0.03). The expression level was significantly low in patients with motor weakness and optic neuritis, patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≥5.5, and treatment-naïve patients. THRIL was significantly upregulated in MS patients (fold change = 6.18±2, p = 0.02). Its expression was significantly higher in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), patients with motor weakness, patients with EDSS ≤5, and patients who received interferon.

Conclusion

Our results showed the downregulation of lincR-Ccr2-5′AS and the upregulation of lncRNA THRIL in MS patients. This differential expression of both lncRNAs may have an important role in MS pathogenesis.
Comparative study of various glomerular filtration rate estimating equations in Egyptian patients with hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis: a single-center observational study
Authors: El-Makarem Mona Abd El-Rahman Abu , Mousa Mahmoud Mohamed , Ayaad Lion Azer , Keryakos Hesham K. H.
Published: March 2021

Background

Accurate assessment of GFR is critical in patients with chronic liver disease for early detection of renal disease. Cystatin C is a marker of GFR that seems to be more accurate than creatinine. The aim of the study is to assess of the performance of creatinine and cystatin C-based GFR equations in Egyptian patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis as compared to measured creatinine clearance. GFR was estimated using five equations; three that were based on serum creatinine, another that was based on serum cystatin C, and a third that was based on both in 120 patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis as well as 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The bias, precision, and accuracy of each equation were determined as compared to measured creatinine clearance using the traditional equation U*V/P.

Results

The mean measured creatinine clearance was 51.39 ± 16.05 ml/min per 1.73 m2. The CKD-EPI creatinine-cystatin C equation had the greatest precision (7.5 ml/min per 1.73 m2), and highest accuracy (68 and 93% within 10% and 30% of measured GFR, respectively), but not the lowest bias (5.4 ml/min per 1.73 m2). The CKD-EPI creatinine-cystatin C equation remained accurate even in both males (69 and 90% within 10% and 30% of measured GFR, respectively) and females (68 and 97% within 10% and 30% of measured GFR, respectively). The CKD-EPI creatinine-cystatin C equation remained accurate even when the measured GFR was ≥ 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (60 and 90% within 10% and 30% of measured GFR, respectively with precision 10.5 ml/min per 1.73 m2).

Conclusion

CKD-EPI creatinine-cystatin C equation is more accurate at predicting GFR in HCV-related liver cirrhosis than creatinine- and cystatin-C alone based equations.
Mending a broken heart: In vitro, in vivo and in silico models of congenital heart disease
Authors: Rufaihah Abdul Jalil , Chen Ching Kit , Yap Choon Hwai , Mattar Citra N. Z.
Published: March 2021

Birth defects contribute to ∼0.3% of global infant mortality in the first month of life, and congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect among newborns worldwide. Despite the significant impact on human health, most treatments available for this heterogenous group of disorders are palliative at best. For this reason, the complex process of cardiogenesis, governed by multiple interlinked and dose-dependent pathways, is well investigated. Tissue, animal and, more recently, computerized models of the developing heart have facilitated important discoveries that are helping us to understand the genetic, epigenetic and mechanobiological contributors to CHD aetiology. In this Review, we discuss the strengths and limitations of different models of normal and abnormal cardiogenesis, ranging from single-cell systems and 3D cardiac organoids, to small and large animals and organ-level computational models. These investigative tools have revealed a diversity of pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to CHD, including genetic pathways, epigenetic regulators and shear wall stresses, paving the way for new strategies for screening and non-surgical treatment of CHD. As we discuss in this Review, one of the most-valuable advances in recent years has been the creation of highly personalized platforms with which to study individual diseases in clinically relevant settings.
Modulation of serotonin in the gut-liver neural axis ameliorates the fatty and fibrotic changes in non-alcoholic fatty liver
Authors: Ko Masayoshi , Kamimura Kenya , Owaki Takashi , Nagoya Takuro , Sakai Norihiro , Nagayama Itsuo , Niwa Yusuke , Shibata Osamu , Oda Chiyumi , Morita Shinichi , Kimura Atsushi , Inoue Ryosuke , Setsu Toru , Sakamaki Akira , Yokoo Takeshi , Terai Shuji
Published: March 2021

The etiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) consists of various factors, including neural signal pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms of the autonomic neural signals influencing NAFLD progression have not been elucidated. Therefore, we examined the involvement of the gut-liver neural axis in NAFLD development and tested the therapeutic effect of modulation of this axis in this study. To test the contribution of the gut-liver neural axis, we examined NAFLD progression with respect to body weight, hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, intestinal tight junction, microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in NAFLD models of choline-deficient defined L-amino-acid and high-fat diet-fed mice with or without blockades of autonomic nerves from the liver. Blockade of the neural signal from the liver to the gut in these NAFLD mice models ameliorated the progression of liver weight, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis by modulating serotonin expression in the small intestine. It was related to the severity of the liver pathology, the tight junction protein expression, microbiota diversity and short-chain fatty acids. These effects were reproduced by administrating serotonin antagonist, which ameliorated the NAFLD progression in the NAFLD mice models. Our study demonstrated that the gut-liver neural axis is involved in the etiologies of NAFLD progression and that serotonin expression through this signaling network is the key factor of this axis. Therefore, modulation of the gut-liver neural axis and serotonin antagonist ameliorates fatty and fibrotic changes in non-alcoholic fatty liver, and can be a potential therapeutic target of NAFLD.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Epigenetic potential affects immune gene expression in house sparrows
Authors: Hanson Haley E. , Zimmer Cedric , Koussayer Bilal , Schrey Aaron W. , Maddox J. Dylan , Martin Lynn B.
Published: March 2021

Epigenetic mechanisms may play a central role in mediating phenotypic plasticity, especially during range expansions, when populations face a suite of novel environmental conditions. Individuals may differ in their epigenetic potential (EP; their capacity for epigenetic modifications of gene expression), which may affect their ability to colonize new areas. One form of EP, the number of CpG sites, is higher in introduced house sparrows (Passer domesticus) than in native birds in the promoter region of a microbial surveillance gene, Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4), which may allow invading birds to fine-tune their immune responses to unfamiliar parasites. Here, we compared TLR4 gene expression from whole blood, liver and spleen in house sparrows with different EP, first challenging some birds with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to increase gene expression by simulating a natural infection. We expected that high EP would predict high inducibility and reversibility of TLR4 expression in the blood of birds treated with LPS, but we did not make directional predictions regarding organs, as we could not repeatedly sample these tissues. We found that EP was predictive of TLR4 expression in all tissues. Birds with high EP expressed more TLR4 in the blood than individuals with low EP, regardless of treatment with LPS. Only females with high EP exhibited reversibility in gene expression. Further, the effect of EP varied between sexes and among tissues. Together, these data support EP as one regulator of TLR4 expression.
Multiscale analysis of nano-composites using surrogate models
Authors: Σοϊμοίρης Γεώργιος
Published: March 2021

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή μελετά την ανάπτυξη υποκατάστατων μοντέλα με χρήση νευρωνικών δικτύων για την μοντελοποίηση της γεωμετρικώς μη-γραμμικής συμπεριφοράς νανοσωλήνων άνθρακα. Για τον σκοπό αυτό, προτείνεται η μέθοδος του ισοδύναμου στοιχείου δοκού με νευρωνικά δίκτυα, η οποία είναι ικανή να προβλέψει φαινόμενα δεύτερης τάξης που παρουσιάζουν οι νανοσωλήνες άνθρακα στην νανο-κλίμακα και που μπορούν μέχρι στιγμής να προβλεφθούν μόνο από λεπτομερή μικρομηχανικά μοντέλα. Η βασική ιδέα είναι να προσεγγιστεί το διάνυσμα των υπολοιπόμενων δυνάμεων των πεπερασμένων στοιχείων δοκού Euler ή Timoshenko, κατά την επαναληπτική διαδικασία επίλυσης μη-γραμμικών συστημάτων Newton-Raphson, μέσω ενός νευρωνικού δικτύου, το οποίο βασίζεται στην συμπεριφορά του λεπτομερούς μοντέλου της Μοριακής Δομικής Μηχανικής ενός νανοσωλήνα άνθρακα. Επιπλέον, αναπτύσσεται μια στοχαστική μη-γραμμική μέθοδος για την υπολογιστική ομογενοποίηση στα πλαίσια της ανάλυσης πολλαπλών κλιμάκων, για την εξαγωγή ενός μη-γραμμικού καταστατικού νόμου νανο-σύνθετων υλικών από νανοσωλήνες άνθρακα. Για τον λόγο αυτό, αναλύονται με την μέθοδο των μη-γραμμικών πεπερασμένων στοιχείων στοχαστικοί - ως προς την γεωμετρία των νανοσωλήνων άνθρακα - πεπερασμένοι όγκοι του νανο-σύνθετου υλικο. Στα πλαίσια αυτών των αναλύσεων, για να ληφθεί υπόψη η σχετική ολίσθηση μεταξύ των νανοσωλήνων άνθρακα και του υλικού της μήτρας, δηλ. η διεπιφάνεια ή διεπαφή μεταξύ των δύο υλικών, αναπτύσσεται ένα επιπλέον στοιχείου δοκού - το ενσωματωμένο-συνεκτικό στοιχείο δοκού, το οποίο βασίζεται στην θεωρία της συνεκτικής ζώνης.
Προφορικός λόγος και ψυχοκοινωνική προσαρμογή σε παιδιά πρώτης σχολικής ηλικίας με διαφορετικά αναπτυξιακά γλωσσικά προφίλ
Authors: Ράλλη Ασημίνα Μ. , Καζάλη Έλενα , Καρατζά Ελισσάβετ
Published: March 2021

The role of language in children’s psychosocial competence is fundamental, as it contributes to the emotional and behavioral self-regulation as well as to the interpersonal relationships. In line, recent research evidence emphasizes that children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), who have significant language deficiencies, often face psychosocial difficulties that challenge academic/school achievement. The aim of the present study is to provide the most detailed description of oral skills (phonology, semantics, morphology, pragmatics and narrative discourse) and psychosocial adaptation (social, school, emotional, and behavioral problems) as well as to investigate the interaction of the above skills, which has not yet been adequately studied in children with and without language deficits. Thirty-six children aged 6 years participated in the study. Half of the participants were children with DLD and half were typically developing children. All the children were evaluated on their non-verbal intelligence as well as on vocabulary, phonological awareness, morphology, pragmatic and narrative skills with the use of a standardized language assessment battery, LOGOMETRO. The children’s psychosocial competence was assessed with the Psychosocial Competence Test, which was completed by the teachers of the children who participated in the study. Mixed variance analysis was applied to test (a) the main effects of the group of children and the type of measurement as well as (b) the interaction of these two. The results showed statistically significant differences in the areas of oral language and psychosocial skills between and within the groups. In addition, there were significant correlations between the language performance and the psychosocial skills in children with DLD. The findings are discussed in terms of their theoretical and educational implications for early detection and intervention.
Krypta unter der Vierung des Basler Münsters: Eine neue Informationsstelle
Authors: Bernasconi Marco , Hagendorn Andrea , Lassau Guido , Von Harten Beate
Published: March 2021

Zum 1000-jährigen Jubiläum des Heinrichsmünsters hat die Archäologische Bodenforschung im Mai 2019 in der bisher unzugänglichen Krypta unter der Vierung die Archäologische Informationsstelle «Basel, 820–1500 n. Chr. – Krypta unter der Vierung des Münsters» eröffnet. Sie ist seither die Hauptattraktion des Rundgangs zu Originalfundplätzen der keltischen, römischen und mittelalterlichen Stadtgeschichte, zu denen u. a. auch mittels GPS eine dreisprachige App führt.

Die Krypta unter der Vierung war im 19. Jahrhundert während Umbaumassnahmen zugunsten einer grosszügigeren Nutzung des Mittelschiffs für Gottesdienste und Konzerte abgebrochen und zugeschüttet worden. Erst 1966 wurde sie bei archäologischen Ausgrabungen wieder freigelegt und mit einer Betondecke versehen. Der Raum blieb danach über 50 Jahre lang unberührt. Er ist der einzige Ort im Münster, an dem Baureste aller Vorgängerbauten zu sehen sind.
A Syntactical Analysis of Lewis’s Triviality Result
Authors: Pizzi Claudio E. A.
Published: March 2021

The first part of the paper contains a probabilistic axiomatic extension of the conditional system WV, here named WVPr. This system is extended with the axiom (Pr4): PrA = 1 ⊃ □A. The resulting system, named WVPr∗, is proved to be consistent and non-trivial, in the sense that it does not contain the wff (Triv): A ≡□A. Extending WVPr∗ with the so-called Generalized Stalnaker’s Thesis (GST) yields the (first) Lewis’s Triviality Result (LTriv) in the form (◊(A ∧ B) ∧◊(A ∧ ¬B)) ⊃ PrB|A = PrB. In §4 it is shown that a consequence of this theorem is the thesis (CT1): ¬A ⊃ (A > B ⊃ A ⥽ B). It is then proven that (CT1) subjoined to the conditional system WVPr∗ yields the collapse formula (Triv). The final result is that WVPr∗+(GST) is equivalent to WVPr∗+(Triv). In the last section a discussion is opened about the intuitive and philosophical plausibility of axiom (Pr4) and its role in the derivation of (Triv).
A sociological treatment exploring the medical model in relation to the neurodiversity movement with reference to policy and practice
Authors: Casanova Emily L. , Widman Cheryl J.
Published: March 2021

Background:

The Medical Model of disability focuses on diagnosed conditions. It is used in policy particularly to categorise people. This enables predictions and forecasting about the size of policy needs but tends to homogenise disability representations, assigning a negative evaluation to illness that may be irrespective of patho-anatomical correlates. The Social Model considers disability as imposed by society through attitudes and barriers. The Neurodiversity Model is a type of social and cultural model with biological implications; it states that differences in brain and behaviour lie on a non-pathological spectrum. Critics say this whitewashes lived experience. Policymakers may devalue the Neurodiversity Model’s origins within activist neurodiverse communities. The model that policy and practice decision makers use has fundamental effects on their impacts.

Aims and objectives:

The Medical and Neurodiversity Models are reviewed in reference to their politicisation as ways to characterise disability, and identity politics. The implications socially and for disability policy and practice and evidence use are considered.

Key conclusions:

Both models fall short in addressing the needs of the broad community of the disabled, yet both have useful features. We propose the Biological Gradient Model (BGM), which integrates scientific theory while avoiding pathology-based concepts and value-laden judgments concerning ‘deficiency’. Its usefulness is demonstrated; it resolves some of the ambiguity and tensions that exist in the way people with disability are viewed by different groups and treated within policy. It has the potential to reduce issues of partial representation, where the voices of those who cannot self-advocate may be less heard.
Frequency modulation nonlinear correction and range-extension method based on laser frequency scanning interference
Authors: Zhang Xuebingqing , Kong Ming , Guo Tiantai , Zhao Jun , Wang Daodang , Liu Lu , Liu Wei , Xu Xinke
Published: March 2021

A phase spread frequency sampling method is proposed. This method can be used to correct the nonlinearity in the beat frequency of a measurement signal. The proposed method expands the phase of the auxiliary interference beat signal, thereby satisfying the Nyquist sampling theorem, correcting the nonlinearity in the beat frequency of the measured signal, and solving the problem of limited range. The conditions over which the frequency sampling method can be applied are expanded. The measurement range is flexibly expanded by performing multiple phase expansions.