bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing Adrenocortical Carcinoma Specific Prognostic Genes Signature
Authors: Patil A R , Dabrowski D S , Cotelingam J , Veillon D , Ong M , Dela Cruz N , Wei E , Tirupathi R , Ganti N , Vanga P , Otohinoyi D
Published: October 2020

Introduction/Objective

Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant neoplasms originating from adrenal cortical tissue with an annual incidence rate of 1 to 2 cases per million individuals. These tumors have poor prognosis with 5-year disease free survival being 30% after complete resection in Stage I to Stage III patients. Hence, there is a need for identifying prognostic markers for effective management of disease in these patients.

Methods

We analyzed the data in The Cancer Genome Atlas of 1141 ACC individuals, using cbioportal.org, a web- based platform for analysis of large-scale cancer genomics data sets, and derived correlation between prognosis and genetic alterations in approximately 51,309 genes.

Results

We identified 15 signature genes (NOTCH1, TP53, ZNRF3, LRP1, KIF5A, MDM2, LETMD1, MTOR, NOTCH3, RERE, SMARCC2, LDLR, HRNR, AVPR1A and PCDH15), alterations in which indicated a poor prognosis for ACC individuals. Analysis of 15 signature genes demonstrated that disease specific median survival for the patients with ACC, was reduced to 39.5 months (p value < 8 x 10 -9 and sensitivity of 93%) when any one or more of these genes was altered. Whereas, disease specific median survival was greater than 180 months (90% survival being 180 months) with no alteration in our signature genes. In addition, our analysis of our signature genes demonstrates reduced overall survival, disease free survival and progression free survival in individuals having alterations in our signature genes. Moreover, our set of 15 genes belonged mainly to MDM2-TP53, NOTCH and mTOR pathways, and small molecule modulators of these pathways are in process of development.

Conclusion

Our 15 gene signature was not only able to predict poor prognosis in ACC, but also has the potential to serve as a molecular marker set for initiation of NOTCH and mTOR specific targeted therapies in these patients.
Family History of Crohn’s Disease (CD) May Be a Risk Factor for Developing de novo CD following Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis (IPAA) for Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Authors: Li H , Arslan M , Fu Z , Lee H , Mikula M
Published: October 2020

Introduction/Objective

A subset of patients with an established diagnosis of UC develops signs of CD (de novo CD) following IPAA. While the etiology and risk factors of de novo CD remain largely unknown, preliminary studies have shown controversial results regarding family history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and smoking history.

Methods

Patients that underwent IPAA for UC, with at least 1 year of follow-up, were identified (n=161; 1996 to 2018). We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records. Patients that were diagnosed with de novo CD during the follow-up period were further identified. Smoking history and family history of IBD were evaluated. Chi square test was performed to compare the frequencies. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by logistic regression model. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

29 de novo CD were identified. At the time of proctocolectomy, the family history of IBD and smoking history was documented in 152 UC patients including 27 that subsequently developed de novo CD. 23 of 152 had a family history of IBD (12 UC, 9 CD and 2 IBD, NOS). 19/129 (14.7%) UC patients without a family history of any type of IBD, 4/9 (44.4%) with a family history of CD, and 4/12 (33.3%) with a family history of UC developed de novo CD. Patients with a family history of CD were more likely to develop de novo CD post IPAA than those without a family history of any type of IBD (OR 4.63, 95% CI 1.14-18.82, p=0.03). Family history of UC did not correlate with development of de novo CD (OR 2.90; 95% CI 0.79-10.57, p=0.108). At the time of proctocoletomy, 11 were current smokers, 25 were former smokers, and 116 never smoked. In de novo CD group, there were 4/27 (14.8 %) former smokers and 23/27 (85.2 %) never smokers. No de novo CD patient was current smoker. In the UC group that remained as UC following IPAA, 11/125 (8.8%) were current smokers, 21/125 (16.8 %) former smokers, and 93/125 (74.4 %) were never smokers. Current smoking status was not associated with development of de novo CD (p = 0.214).

Conclusion

Family history of CD may be a risk factor for developing de novo CD following IPAA for UC. Current smoking status was not associated with development of de novo CD following IPAA for UC.
Histologic Correlation of Breast Biopsies Presenting as Non-Mass Enhancing Lesions on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Contemporary Single Institutional Series
Authors: Gruenberg J , Ravindran A , Visscher D , Valencia E , Wickre M
Published: October 2020

Introduction/Objective

Non-mass enhancement (NME) in breast tissue is an area of enhancement on MRI that appears distinct from background breast parenchyma, but lacks definitive features of a mass. NME is characterized by its internal enhancement pattern and distribution, and can represent benign, high risk, or malignant pathology. Given this considerable overlap, a core biopsy is often necessary for diagnosis and management. We aimed to elucidate the most frequent histologic findings found on breast biopsies for MRI NME.

Methods

Using our institutional database we identified 70 female patients with high risk status for breast cancer with MRI screen detected NME (BIRADS-4-suspicious for malignancy) that underwent subsequent biopsy procedure during the period of 01/2016-12/2017. Primary pathologic diagnoses were subcategorized as follows: malignant, atypical, benign mass-like lesions, fibrocystic changes (proliferative, nonproliferative), or “other” primary diagnoses.

Results

The median age of patients was 48 years (range: 22-76 years). Of the 70 patients, 66 underwent MRI-guided core biopsy, 3 underwent ultrasound-guided core biopsy and 1 underwent excisional biopsy. The primary diagnosis was analyzed. Of these 70 cases, 8 (11.4%) were malignant (7 with ductal carcinoma in situ and 1 with invasive ductal carcinoma), 1 (1.4%) had atypical lobular hyperplasia, and the remaining 61 (87.1%) showed benign findings (36 with fibrocystic changes (FCC), 22 benign mass-like lesions, 3 with other non-specific findings). The FCC were subcategorized as proliferative (usual ductal hyperplasia, columnar cell change, incidental radial scar, incidental intraductal papilloma, sclerosing adenosis, focal pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH)) or nonprolifeative (stromal fibrosis, duct ectasia, apocrine metaplasia). Majority (61.1%) of FCC were both proliferative and nonproliferative, 22.2% proliferative only and 16.7% nonproliferative only. Benign mass-like lesions included PASH (45.4%), fibroadenomatoid nodule (22.7%), fat necrosis (18.2 %) and remaining had the diagnosis of clustered apocrine cysts, papillomatosis, and radial sclerosing lesion.

Conclusion

Less than a third of cases showed malignant findings and more than two-third of cases showed benign findings with a high rate of detection of proliferative lesions and PASH.
Overall Survival Of Extraosseous Plasmacytoma: An Updated Analysis Of National Cancer Institute Database
Authors: Deb P Q , Heller D S , Jiang J
Published: October 2020

Introduction/Objective

Plasma cell neoplasms arising outside of bone are known as extraosseous/extramedullary plasmacytoma. Although they constitute about 1% of all plasma cell neoplasms, updated epidemiological data are lacking in the current literature. Here, we have analyzed the incidence provided by the national cancer institute (SEER database) from 1975 – 2016 to shed light on the incidence, demographics, and survival of extraosseous plasma cell neoplasms.

Methods

We selected all cases of plasma cell neoplasms from the data provided by the national cancer institute (SEER database) from 1975 – 2016. We excluded all cases designated with the primary site as bone or bone marrow. We analyzed the data using SPSS statistics 20. We compared overall survival among different demographic groups and performed the log-rank test to see differences in overall survival.

Results

A total of 731 cases were found with extraosseous plasmacytoma in the United States with a male: female ratio of 1.85:1. The age range was from 9 to 92 years with a median age of 61. Younger age of diagnosis was associated with better overall survival. Overall survival was not significantly different between males and females (p = 0.4). The majority of the patients were Caucasian and overall survival was significantly better in this group (p = 0.028). Consistent with the current literature, the primary sites of the majority of cases were head and neck (44.5%) and soft tissue (15.7%). Overall survival was significantly different between different primary sites (p < 0.05) with primary sites of soft tissue, thorax (including lung, mediastinum, and pleura), and CNS showing particularly poor survival.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the prognosis of extraosseous plasma cell neoplasm is site-specific and a better understanding of tumor microenvironment in plasmacytoma arising in different primary sites is warranted.
Adequacy And Rate Of Atypical Cytology On Fine Needle Aspiration Technique Using Suction (FNA-S) – A Quality Assurance Study At CMCVAMC
Authors: Dalal S , Jhala D
Published: October 2020

Introduction/Objective

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common prevailing conditions. Both genetic and environmental risk factors play a role in causation of thyroid cancers, with agent orange being the most documented risk factor in Veteran patient population. Based on the ultrasonographic appearance, thyroid nodules can be further investigated by minimally invasive fine needle cytology. This can be done by either of two available techniques, Fine needle aspiration with suction (FNA-S) and Fine needle capillary cytology without using suction (FNC), depending upon the preference of practicing endocrinologist. We aim to compare both cytology techniques for comparing the diagnostic yield and rate of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) or Follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS), requiring repeat FNA in approximately three months.

Methods

Retrospective study was conducted by searching the cases performed by an endocrinologist at Corporal Michael J Crescenz VA Medical Center between the period of January 1, 2015 and July 2, 2015. 30 nodules from 11 patients were tested by Fine needle capillary cytology technique (FNC). Yield for the diagnosis with rates of atypical (AUS) cytology were compared. On second set of the 29 patients with 38 nodules, both techniques - FNA-S versus FNC were carried out. Adequacy and rate of AUS/FLUS were calculated.

Results

Out of 30 total nodules performed by fine needle aspiration (FNA-S), all cases yielded diagnostic material. Of them, 14 (46.6%) were diagnosed as AUS and 16 (53.33%) were benign. On the follow-up/re-aspiration by FNC technique, all these 14 nodules were diagnosed benign. On second set of patients on whom both techniques (FNA-S and FNC) were used alternatively, 13 of 38 nodules (34.21%) were diagnosed as AUS/FLUS, 23 (60.52%) were benign/nodular goiter and 2 were non-diagnostic/inadequate (5.2%).

Conclusion

FNA-S (with suction) yields adequate diagnostic material, however, also has greater number of atypical cytology results requiring repeat patient visit which may increase morbidity with a burden on total health care cost.

FNC (without suction) has low rates of AUS/FLUS, is diagnostically superior with excellent smear quality, less blood clots, time savings, and less inconvenience of patients/physician. FNC (without suction) is a modality of choice for an effective screening of thyroid nodules in veterans.
Unusually Severe Course of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia / Cold Agglutinin Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Yilmaz M M , Tanhehco Y
Published: October 2020

Introduction/Objective

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a group of disorders with limited epidemiological and clinical data, characterized by hemolysis due to autoantibodies against red blood cell surface antigens. Cold agglutinins account for about 25% of all AIHA, which can agglutinate erythrocytes at 0-4 °C. Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a self limited disease and usually does not cause significant hemolysis. Here, we report a case with an unusually severe course for secondary CAD and role of plasma exchange in the management.

Methods

A 53-year-old male patient with no known past medical history presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath and syncope after a week of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. The patient became profoundly anemic (presented with 8.1 g/dL hemoglobin level and progressively decline to 4.2 g/dL) in a short period of time. Upon initial evaluation, his peripheral blood smear demonstrated clumps of RBCs. Direct anti-globulin testing was negative for IgG but positive for C3 which is consistent with CAD. A respiratory PCR panel detected Rhinovirus. Mycoplasma and EBV IgM were negative. Additionally, chest X-ray showed right middle lobe pneumonia that was treated with antibiotics. Patient received multiple transfusions of pre-warmed pRBCS and showed initial improvement but eventually went into respiratory failure and cardiac arrest with return of spontaneous circulation after 8 minutes of CPR. Subsequently, plasma exchange was started. Only after intiation of plasma exchange, the patient’s ongoing hemolysis was stabilized.

Conclusion

This case report presents a patient with unexpectedly rapid and severe hemolysis from secondary cold agglutinin disease. Interestingly, the case appeared not to be caused by EBV or Mycoplasma pneumonia infection but Rhinovirus. Further studies confirmed patient had no autoimmune disorder or lymphoid malignancy that may had initiated secondary CAD. On the management aspect, pre-warmed RBC transfusions were not sufficient to stabilize the patient’s condition. Plasma exchange was able to control ongoing hemolysis within 2 sessions successfully.
Frugivory and seed dispersal in a hyperdiverse plant clade and its role as a keystone resource for the Neotropical fauna
Authors: Messeder João Vitor S , Silveira Fernando A O , Cornelissen Tatiana G , Fuzessy Lisieux F , Guerra Tadeu J
Published: October 2020

Background and Aims

Much of our understanding of the ecology and evolution of seed dispersal in the Neotropics is founded on studies involving the animal-dispersed, hyperdiverse plant clade Miconia (Melastomataceae). Nonetheless, no formal attempt has been made to establish its relevance as a model system or indeed provide evidence of the role of frugivores as Miconia seed dispersers.

Methods

We built three Miconia databases (fruit phenology/diaspore traits, fruit–frugivore interactions and effects on seed germination after gut passage) to determine how Miconia fruiting phenology and fruit traits for >350 species interact with and shape patterns of frugivore selection. In addition, we conducted a meta-analysis evaluating the effects of animal gut passage/seed handling on Miconia germination.

Key Results

Miconia produce numerous small berries that enclose numerous tiny seeds within water- and sugar-rich pulps. In addition, coexisting species provide sequential, year long availability of fruits within communities, with many species producing fruits in periods of resource scarcity. From 2396 pairwise interactions, we identified 646 animal frugivore species in five classes, 22 orders and 60 families, including birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and ants that consume Miconia fruits. Endozoochory is the main dispersal mechanism, but gut passage effects on germination were specific to animal clades; birds, monkeys and ants reduced seed germination percentages, while opossums increased it.

Conclusions

The sequential fruiting phenologies and wide taxonomic and functional diversity of animal vectors associated with Miconia fruits underscore the likely keystone role that this plant clade plays in the Neotropics. By producing fruits morphologically and chemically accessible to a variety of animals, Miconia species ensure short- and long-distance seed dispersal and constitute reliable resources that sustain entire frugivore assemblages.
DNA damage and mitochondria in cancer and aging
Authors: Patel Jaimin , Baptiste Beverly A , Kim Edward , Hussain Mansoor , Croteau Deborah L , Bohr Vilhelm A
Published: October 2020

Age and DNA repair deficiencies are strong risk factors for developing cancer. This is reflected in the comorbidity of cancer with premature aging diseases associated with DNA damage repair deficiencies. Recent research has suggested that DNA damage accumulation, telomere dysfunction and the accompanying mitochondrial dysfunction exacerbate the aging process and may increase the risk of cancer development. Thus, an area of interest in both cancer and aging research is the elucidation of the dynamic crosstalk between the nucleus and the mitochondria. In this review, we discuss current research on aging and cancer with specific focus on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer and aging as well as how nuclear to mitochondrial DNA damage signaling may be a driving factor in the increased cancer incidence with aging. We suggest that therapeutic interventions aimed at the induction of autophagy and mediation of nuclear to mitochondrial signaling may provide a mechanism for healthier aging and reduced tumorigenesis.
Determination of Potential Genotoxic Impurity, 5-Amino-2-Chloropyridine, in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Using the HPLC-UV System
Authors: Soyseven Murat , Keçili Rüstem , Aboul-Enein Hassan Y , Arli Göksel
Published: October 2020

A novel analytical method, based on high-performance liquid chromatography with a UV (HPLC-UV) detection system for the sensitive detection of a genotoxic impurity (GTI) 5-amino-2-chloropyridine (5A2Cl) in a model active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) tenoxicam (TNX), has been developed and validated. The HPLC-UV method was used for the determination of GTI 5A2Cl in API TNX. The compounds were separated using a mobile phase composed of water (pH 3 adjusted with orthophosphoric acid): MeOH, (50:50: v/v) on a C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm i.d., 2.7 μm) at a flow rate of 0.7 mL min−1. Detection was carried out in the 254 nm wavelength. Column temperature was maintained at 40°C during the analyses and 10 μL volume was injected into the HPLC-UV system. The method was validated in the range of 1–40 μg mL−1. The obtained calibration curves for the GTI compound was found linear with equation, y = 40766x − 1125,6 (R2 = 0.999). The developed analytical method toward the target compounds was accurate, and the achieved limit of detection and limit of quantification values for the target compound 5A2Cl were 0.015 and 0.048 μg mL−1, respectively. The recovery values were calculated and found to be between 98.80 and 100.03%. The developed RP-HPLC-UV analytical method in this research is accurate, precise, rapid, simple and appropriate for the sensitive analysis of target GTI 5A2Cl in model API TNX.
Impact of Nonpharmaceutical Interventions on the Incidence of Respiratory Infections During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak in Korea: A Nationwide Surveillance Study
Authors: Huh Kyungmin , Jung Jaehun , Hong Jinwook , Kim MinYoung , Ahn Jong Gyun , Kim Jong-Hun , Kang Ji-Man
Published: October 2020

Background

Many countries have implemented nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to determine whether NPIs led to the decline in the incidences of respiratory infections.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, ecological study using a nationwide notifiable diseases database and a respiratory virus sample surveillance collected from January 2016 through July 2020 in the Republic of Korea. Intervention period was defined as February–July 2020, when the government implemented NPIs nationwide. Observed incidences in the intervention period were compared with the predicted incidences by an autoregressive integrated moving average model and the 4-year mean cumulative incidences (CuIs) in the same months of the preintervention period.

Results

Five infectious diseases met the inclusion criteria: chickenpox, mumps, invasive pneumococcal disease, scarlet fever, and pertussis. The incidences of chickenpox and mumps during the intervention period were significantly lower than the prediction model. The CuIs (95% confidence interval) of chickenpox and mumps were 36.4% (23.9–76.3%) and 63.4% (48.0–93.3%) of the predicted values. Subgroup analysis showed that the decrease in the incidence was universal for chickenpox, while mumps showed a marginal reduction among those aged <18 years, but not in adults. The incidence of respiratory viruses was significantly lower than both the predicted incidence (19.5%; 95% confidence interval, 11.8–55.4%) and the 4-year mean CuIs in the preintervention period (24.5%; P < .001).

Conclusions

The implementation of NPIs was associated with a significant reduction in the incidences of several respiratory infections in Korea.
Improved File-injection Attacks on Searchable Encryption Using Finite Set Theory
Authors: Wang Gaoli , Cao Zhenfu , Dong Xiaolei
Published: October 2020

Searchable encryption (SE) allows the cloud server to search over the encrypted data and leak information as little as possible. Most existing efficient SE schemes assume that the leakage of search pattern and access pattern is acceptable. A series of work was proposed, instructing malicious users to use this leakage to come up with attacks. Especially, with a devastating attack proposed by Zhang et al., the cloud server can reveal the keywords queried by normal users by using some injected files. From the method of constructing uniform $(k,n)$-set of a finite set $A$ proposed by Cao, we put forward a new file-injection attack. In our attack, the server needs fewer injected files than the previous attack when the size of $T$ is larger than 9 and the size of keyword set is larger than $2T$, where $T$ is the threshold of the number of keywords in each injected file. Our attack is more practical and easier to implement in the real scenario.
Cell senescence: basic mechanisms and the need for computational networks in vascular ageing
Authors: Regnault Véronique , Challande Pascal , Pinet Florence , Li Zhenlin , Lacolley Patrick
Published: October 2020

This review seeks to provide an update of the mechanisms of vascular cell senescence, from newly identified molecules to arterial ageing phenotypes, and finally to present a computational approach to connect these selected proteins in biological networks. We will discuss current key signalling and gene expression pathways by which these focus proteins and networks drive normal and accelerated vascular ageing. We also review the possibility that senolytic drugs, designed to restore normal cell differentiation and function, could effectively treat multiple age-related vascular diseases. Finally, we discuss how cell senescence is both a cause and a consequence of vascular ageing because of the possible feedback controls between identified networks.
Nestedness and underlying processes of bird assemblages in Nanjing urban parks
Authors: Tan Xinwei , Yang Xueru , Chen Chuanwu , Wang and Yanping
Published: October 2020

Nestedness is an important pattern frequently reported for species assemblages on islands or fragmented systems. However, to date, there are few studies that comprehensively investigated faunal nestedness and underlying processes in urbanized landscapes. In this study, we examined the nestedness of bird assemblages and its underlying causal mechanisms in 37 urban parks in Nanjing, China. We used the line-transect method to survey birds from April 2019 to January 2020. We used the Weighted Nestedness metric based on Overlap and Decreasing Fill (WNODF) to estimate the nestedness of bird assemblages. We applied spearman partial correlation test to examine the relationships between nestedness ranks of sites and park characteristics (area, isolation, anthropogenic noise, number of habitat types, and building index), as well as between nestedness ranks of species and their ecological traits (body size, geographic range size, clutch size, minimum area requirement, dispersal ratio, and habitat specificity). We found that bird assemblages in urban parks were significantly nested. Park area, habitat diversity, building index, habitat specificity, and minimum area requirement of birds were significantly correlated with nestedness. Therefore, the nestedness of bird assemblages was caused by selective extinction, habitat nestedness, and urbanization. However, the nestedness of bird assemblages did not result from passive sampling, selective colonization, or human disturbance. Overall, to maximize the number of species preserved in our system, conservation priority should be given to parks with large area, rich habitat diversity, and less building index. From a species perspective, we should focus on species with large area requirement and high habitat specificity for their effective conservation.
Of Tactics, Illegal Occupation and the Boundaries of Legal Capability: A Reply to Ardi Imseis
Authors: Hughes David
Published: October 2020

This contribution engages with Ardi Imseis’s article ‘Negotiating the Illegal: On the United Nations and the Illegal Occupation of Palestine, 1967–2020’. In reply, I contemplate whether an occupation’s legal status can or should affect the requirement that an occupying power must withdraw from the territory that it controls. I consider Imseis’s claim that it is necessary to declare that an occupation has become illegal to move beyond the tension that exists between the requirements of state responsibility and a political preference for negotiations. I question the effectiveness of Imseis’s proposed approach, argue that the duty to terminate an occupation is a positive legal duty that exists regardless of an occupation’s legal status and suggest that the negotiation process cannot be completely uncoupled from the withdrawal requirement. In conclusion, I suggest that grounding calls to terminate occupation in the principle of temporality and the international consensus prohibiting the acquisition of territory by force better reflects international law’s capacity to contribute to an occupation’s termination.
Comparative performance of data-poor CMSY and data-moderate SPiCT stock assessment methods when applied to data-rich, real-world stocks
Authors: Bouch Paul , Minto Cóilín , Reid Dave G
Published: October 2020

All fish stocks should be managed sustainably, yet for the majority of stocks, data are often limited and different stock assessment methods are required. Two popular and widely used methods are Catch-MSY (CMSY) and Surplus Production Model in Continuous Time (SPiCT). We apply these methods to 17 data-rich stocks and compare the status estimates to the accepted International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) age-based assessments. Comparison statistics and receiver operator analysis showed that both methods often differed considerably from the ICES assessment, with CMSY showing a tendency to overestimate relative fishing mortality and underestimate relative stock biomass, whilst SPiCT showed the opposite. CMSY assessments were poor when the default depletion prior ranges differed from the ICES assessments, particularly towards the end of the time series, where some stocks showed signs of recovery. SPiCT assessments showed better correlation with the ICES assessment but often failed to correctly estimate the scale of either F/FMSY of B/BMSY, with the indices lacking the contrast to be informative about catchability and either the intrinsic growth rate or carrying capacity. Results highlight the importance of understanding model tendencies relative to data-rich approaches and warrant caution when adopting these models.
Congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm with unexpected course of left anterior descending coronary artery
Authors: Low Zhao Kai , Yap Kok Hooi , Fortier Marielle Valerie , Nakao Masakazu
Published: October 2020

The left atrial appendage (LAA) aneurysm is a rare condition that can produce local compressive effects and complications including supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, thromboembolic events and myocardial ischaemia. We present a rare case of a neonate with a congenital LAA aneurysm which resulted in local compressive effects on the left ventricle, severe mitral regurgitation and malposition of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. Intraoperatively, the LAD was found to be within the aneurysmal wall exterior to the left ventricular epicardium and was inadvertently injured during LAA aneurysm resection. Retrospective review of the preoperative computed tomography and echocardiography scans demonstrated the LAD lying within the wall of the LAA aneurysm, although this had not been well appreciated at that time. This highlights the importance of thorough multimodal preoperative imaging and intraoperative assessment for recognition of this rare association between the LAA aneurysm and LAD malposition, and prevention of inadvertent LAD injury during aneurysm resection.
Same as the Old Boss? Domestic Politics and the Turnover Trap
Authors: Wu Cathy Xuanxuan , Licht Amanda A , Wolford Scott
Published: October 2020

Leadership turnover brings to office new leaders with private reputational incentives to bluff about their resolve, incentivizing both incumbents and their foreign rivals to take steps that increase the risk of war. Some leader changes, however, are more dangerous than others. The turnover trap arises when there is sufficient uncertainty about a new leader's resolve and expectations of future interactions, and whether those factors coincide depends on how new leaders come to power and the political system in which its turnover occurs. We expect that those instances of leader change most likely to generate turnover traps entail (1) democratic incumbents unconnected to their predecessor's support coalition and (2) autocratic incumbents that inherit their predecessors' coalitions. In a sample of strategic rivals from 1918-2007, we find that the probability of dispute escalation declines over leaders' tenure, but only for the two types of turnover we identify as most dangerous.
Using electronic health records for population health sciences: a case study to evaluate the associations between changes in left ventricular ejection fraction and the built environment
Authors: Zhang Yiye , Tayarani Mohammad , Al’Aref Subhi J , Beecy Ashley N , Liu Yifan , Sholle Evan , RoyChoudhury Arindam , Axsom Kelly M , Gao Huaizhu Oliver , Pathak Jyotishman , Ancker Jessica S
Published: October 2020

Objective

Electronic health record (EHR) data linked with address-based metrics using geographic information systems (GIS) are emerging data sources in population health studies. This study examined this approach through a case study on the associations between changes in ejection fraction (EF) and the built environment among heart failure (HF) patients.

Materials and Methods

We identified 1287 HF patients with at least 2 left ventricular EF measurements that are minimally 1 year apart. EHR data were obtained at an academic medical center in New York for patients who visited between 2012 and 2017. Longitudinal clinical information was linked with address-based built environment metrics related to transportation, air quality, land use, and accessibility by GIS. The primary outcome is the increase in the severity of EF categories. Statistical analyses were performed using mixed-effects models, including a subgroup analysis of patients who initially had normal EF measurements.

Results

Previously reported effects from the built environment among HF patients were identified. Increased daily nitrogen dioxide concentration was associated with the outcome while controlling for known HF risk factors including sex, comorbidities, and medication usage. In the subgroup analysis, the outcome was significantly associated with decreased distance to subway stops and increased distance to parks.

Conclusions

Population health studies using EHR data may drive efficient hypothesis generation and enable novel information technology-based interventions. The availability of more precise outcome measurements and home locations, and frequent collection of individual-level social determinants of health may further drive the use of EHR data in population health studies.
Involvement of GcvB small RNA in intrinsic resistance to multiple aminoglycoside antibiotics in Escherichia coli
Authors: Muto Akira , Goto Simon , Kurita Daisuke , Ushida Chisato , Himeno Hyota
Published: October 2020

Deleting the gene for small RNA GcvB in Escherichia coli was found to increase the sensitivity to several aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as neomycin, streptomycin, kanamycin, kasugamycin and spectinomycin, at low concentrations. GcvB, conserved in gram-negative enteric bacteria, is known to negatively control the expression of many genes for amino acid incorporation systems, especially the periplasmic ABC-transporter proteins. Deletions of several amino acid transporter genes in ΔgcvB cells decreased the antibiotic sensitivity to the wild-type level, suggesting that those genes are involved in uptake of aminoglycosides into the cell. Since GcvB is constitutively synthesized in growing cells, repressing synthesis of amino acid transporters, it contributes to the intrinsic resistance to several aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Possible Effects of Climate Change on Ixodid Ticks and the Pathogens They Transmit: Predictions and Observations
Authors: Ogden Nicholas H , Ben Beard C , Ginsberg Howard S , Tsao Jean I
Published: October 2020

The global climate has been changing over the last century due to greenhouse gas emissions and will continue to change over this century, accelerating without effective global efforts to reduce emissions. Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) are inherently climate-sensitive due to the sensitivity of tick lifecycles to climate. Key direct climate and weather sensitivities include survival of individual ticks, and the duration of development and host-seeking activity of ticks. These sensitivities mean that in some regions a warming climate may increase tick survival, shorten life-cycles and lengthen the duration of tick activity seasons. Indirect effects of climate change on host communities may, with changes in tick abundance, facilitate enhanced transmission of tick-borne pathogens. High temperatures, and extreme weather events (heat, cold, and flooding) are anticipated with climate change, and these may reduce tick survival and pathogen transmission in some locations. Studies of the possible effects of climate change on TTBDs to date generally project poleward range expansion of geographical ranges (with possible contraction of ranges away from the increasingly hot tropics), upslope elevational range spread in mountainous regions, and increased abundance of ticks in many current endemic regions. However, relatively few studies, using long-term (multi-decade) observations, provide evidence of recent range changes of tick populations that could be attributed to recent climate change. Further integrated ‘One Health’ observational and modeling studies are needed to detect changes in TTBD occurrence, attribute them to climate change, and to develop predictive models of public- and animal-health needs to plan for TTBD emergence.
On the long-term evolution of rotating radio transients
Authors: Gençali A A , Ertan Ü
Published: October 2020

Investigation of the long-term evolution of rotating radio transients (RRATs) is important to understand the evolutionary connections between the isolated neutron star populations in a single picture. The X-ray luminosities of RRATs (except one source) are not known. In the fallback disc model, we have developed a method to estimate the dipole field strengths of RRATs without X-ray information. We have found that RRATs could have dipole field strengths, B0, at the poles ranging from ∼7 × 109 to ∼6 × 1011 G which fill the gap between the B0 ranges of central compact objects (CCOs) and dim isolated neutron stars (XDINs) estimated in the same model. In our model, most of RRATs are evolving at ages (∼2–6) × 105 yr, much smaller than their characteristic ages, such that, cooling luminosities of a large fraction of relatively nearby RRATs could be detected by the eROSITA all-sky survey. Many RRATs are located above the upper border of the pulsar death valley with the fields inferred from the dipole-torque formula, while they do not show strong, continuous radio pulses. The B0 values estimated in our model, place all RRATs either into the death valley or below the death line. We have tentatively proposed that RRATs could be the sources below their individual death points, and their short radio bursts could be ignited by the disc-field interaction occasionally enhancing the flux of open field lines through the magnetic poles. We have also discussed the evolutionary links between CCOs, RRATs, and XDINs.
Impact of cosmological signatures in two-point statistics beyond the linear regime
Authors: Gomez-Navarro D V , Mead A J , Aviles A , de la Macorra A
Published: October 2020

Some beyond ΛCDM cosmological models have dark-sector energy densities that suffer phase transitions. Fluctuations entering the horizon during such a transition can receive enhancements that ultimately show up as a distinctive bump in the power spectrum relative to a model with no phase transition. In this work, we study the non-linear evolution of such signatures in the matter power spectrum and correlation function using N-body simulations, perturbation theory, and hmcode– a halo-model-based method. We focus on modelling the response, computed as the ratio of statistics between a model containing a bump and one without it, rather than in the statistics themselves. Instead of working with a specific theoretical model, we inject a parametric family of Gaussian bumps into otherwise standard ΛCDM spectra. We find that even when the primordial bump is located at linear scales, non-linearities tend to produce a second bump at smaller scales. This effect is understood within the halo model due to a more efficient halo formation. In redshift space, these non-linear signatures are partially erased because of the damping along the line-of-sight direction produced by non-coherent motions of particles at small scales. In configuration space, the bump modulates the correlation function reflecting as oscillations in the response, as it is clear in linear Eulerian theory; however, they become damped because large-scale coherent flows have some tendency to occupy regions more depleted of particles. This mechanism is explained within Lagrangian Perturbation Theory and well captured by our simulations.
Targeting OGG1 arrests cancer cell proliferation by inducing replication stress
Authors: Visnes Torkild , Benítez-Buelga Carlos , Cázares-Körner Armando , Sanjiv Kumar , Hanna Bishoy M F , Mortusewicz Oliver , Rajagopal Varshni , Albers Julian J , Hagey Daniel W , Bekkhus Tove , Eshtad Saeed , Baquero Juan Miguel , Masuyer Geoffrey , Wallner Olov , Müller Sarah , Pham Therese , Göktürk Camilla , Rasti Azita , Suman Sharda , Torres-Ruiz Raúl , Sarno Antonio , Wiita Elisée , Homan Evert J , Karsten Stella , Marimuthu Karthick , Michel Maurice , Koolmeister Tobias , Scobie Martin , Loseva Olga , Almlöf Ingrid , Unterlass Judith Edda , Pettke Aleksandra , Boström Johan , Pandey Monica , Gad Helge , Herr Patrick , Jemth Ann-Sofie , El Andaloussi Samir , Kalderén Christina , Rodriguez-Perales Sandra , Benítez Javier , Krokan Hans E , Altun Mikael , Stenmark Pål , Berglund Ulrika Warpman , Helleday Thomas
Published: October 2020

Altered oncogene expression in cancer cells causes loss of redox homeostasis resulting in oxidative DNA damage, e.g. 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG), repaired by base excision repair (BER). PARP1 coordinates BER and relies on the upstream 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase (OGG1) to recognise and excise 8-oxoG. Here we hypothesize that OGG1 may represent an attractive target to exploit reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation in cancer. Although OGG1 depletion is well tolerated in non-transformed cells, we report here that OGG1 depletion obstructs A3 T-cell lymphoblastic acute leukemia growth in vitro and in vivo, validating OGG1 as a potential anti-cancer target. In line with this hypothesis, we show that OGG1 inhibitors (OGG1i) target a wide range of cancer cells, with a favourable therapeutic index compared to non-transformed cells. Mechanistically, OGG1i and shRNA depletion cause S-phase DNA damage, replication stress and proliferation arrest or cell death, representing a novel mechanistic approach to target cancer. This study adds OGG1 to the list of BER factors, e.g. PARP1, as potential targets for cancer treatment.
Images
Authors: Kulvicki John
Published: October 2020

Natural languages, numerals, formal languages, maps, diagrams, graphs, and pictures are all representations. Traditionally, philosophical discussion has divided these representations into two groups: imagistic and linguistic. Just as there are many natural and formal languages that fit on the linguistic side of this divide, there are many kinds of images. In what follows, then, “image” is meant to refer to the broad class of nonlinguistic representations that all seem to have much in common. There might be representations that are neither imagistic nor linguistic, and many representations are hybrids that partake of more than one kind. Focusing on images is not the same thing as focusing on pictures. (See the separate Oxford Bibliographies in Philosophy entry on “Depiction.”) Pictures are images, but so are maps, graphs, radar images, and the like. So an account of pictures can be consistent with many accounts of images, just as an account of images can be consistent with more than one theory of pictures. There are very few accounts of images in this general sense, so the following does not include a section devoted to that topic. Instead, this entry traces the evolving interest in images and looks at the most prominent topics that have occupied philosophers over the last half century or so. One topic not covered here is the use of images in science. For that topic, see the separate Oxford Bibliographies in Philosophy entry on “Scientific Representation.”
Narrative Analysis
Authors: Shenhav Shaul
Published: October 2020

One may plausibly assume that the current academic interest in narrative research stems from a growing awareness that human beings are by their very nature storytellers, and that the stories we make become part of who we are, be it as individuals or groups. Indeed, narrative analysis has gained wide ground in many fields of the humanities and social sciences. This bibliography article is intended primarily for students and scholars of politics, but it can be of use for readers and researchers from other disciplinary backgrounds in the social sciences. While political scholars may not be among the pioneers that embraced “the narrative turn,” the connection between politics and narratives is of very long standing. A common reference in this regard is Plato’s discussion on the education of the guardians in the third book of his Republic. For all that, scholars and students of politics who wish to get acquainted with seminal works in narrative research should venture beyond political science into literature studies, sociology, communication, linguistics, historiography, psychology, and many other fields. In fact, the leading approach to systematic study of narratives, known as “narratology,” was developed mainly by literary scholars and is yet to be adapted to questions salient to politics. Therefore it is only right that scholars who wish to engage in narrative study should be able to familiarize themselves with works outside their particular field of expertise. Even a cursory overview of the use of narratives in political science reveals a wide diversity of epistemological and ontological trajectories. The reason is that narrative analysis in political science does not emanate from a preexisting tradition or stream of research, but rather is based on an adaptation of various narrative elements to address an array of questions related to that discipline. Moreover, the variety of assumptions regarding the concept of narrative, manifested in other disciplines, is typical of political studies as well. Such a plurality of definitions and concepts makes the review of selected narrative studies a veritably daunting task. Given the rich, broad, and diverse contents, issues, and methodologies addressed and utilized by scholars who apply narrative analysis in political science, organizing the body of narrative research into clear-cut sections and avoiding overlaps is not always feasible. It is possible, however, to map main trends in the study of narrative analysis in political science. This bibliography begins with a General Overviews and Methodological Sources section. The next several sections largely proceed from studies that emphasize individual perspectives, to research targeting groups and national states, to examinations of the international arena. Several subsequent sections cite mainly investigations concerned with theoretical issues regarding the use of narrative approaches in the political domain. The concluding section comprises a list of fundamental methodological sources and journals relevant for scholars interested in narrative and politics.
Identity Work in Organizations
Authors: Vough Heather C. , Caza Brianna Barker , Puranik Harshad
Published: October 2020

As research on identity has expanded exponentially, the research on identity work has followed suit. Scholars of identity work focus on the underlying dynamics of identity with the recognition that one’s sense of self at a given time and in a given context is the result of an effortful, though not necessarily conscious, identity construction process. As research on identity work has grown, scholars have identified a wide array of ways in which individuals develop, grow, change, and exit their various identities. Further, while presumably all identities may be worked upon, some specific identities—such as gender, entrepreneur, manager, or professional—have been emphasized in the existing organizational literature. In addition, while, up to this point, the emphasis in the identity work research has typically been identifying the nature of changes to the self, a growing body of literature points to the individual, relational, and organizational implications of identity work.