bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Promote Aggressive Gastric Cancer Phenotypes via Heat Shock Factor 1–Mediated Secretion of Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Grunberg Nil , Pevsner-Fischer Meirav , Goshen-Lago Tal , Diment Judith , Stein Yaniv , Lavon Hagar , Mayer Shimrit , Levi-Galibov Oshrat , Friedman Gil , Ofir-Birin Yifat , Syu Li-Jyun , Migliore Cristina , Shimoni Eyal , Stemmer Salomon M. , Brenner Baruch , Dlugosz Andrzej A. , Lyden David , Regev-Rudzki Neta , Ben-Aharon Irit , Scherz-Shouval Ruth
Published: February 2021

Gastric cancer is the third most lethal cancer worldwide, and evaluation of the genomic status of gastric cancer cells has not translated into effective prognostic or therapeutic strategies. We therefore hypothesize that outcomes may depend on the tumor microenvironment (TME), in particular, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). However, very little is known about the role of CAFs in gastric cancer. To address this, we mapped the transcriptional landscape of human gastric cancer stroma by microdissection and RNA sequencing of CAFs from patients with gastric cancer. A stromal gene signature was associated with poor disease outcome, and the transcription factor heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) regulated the signature. HSF1 upregulated inhibin subunit beta A and thrombospondin 2, which were secreted in CAF-derived extracellular vesicles to the TME to promote cancer. Together, our work provides the first transcriptional map of human gastric cancer stroma and highlights HSF1 and its transcriptional targets as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets in the genomically stable tumor microenvironment.

Significance:

This study shows how HSF1 regulates a stromal transcriptional program associated with aggressive gastric cancer and identifies multiple proteins within this program as candidates for therapeutic intervention.
Virus-positive Merkel Cell Carcinoma Is an Independent Prognostic Group with Distinct Predictive Biomarkers
Authors: Harms Kelly L. , Zhao Lili , Johnson Bryan , Wang Xiaoming , Carskadon Shannon , Palanisamy Nallasivam , Rhodes Daniel R. , Mannan Rahul , Vo Josh N. , Choi Jae Eun , Chan May P. , Fullen Douglas R. , Patel Rajiv M. , Siddiqui Javed , Ma Vincent T. , Hrycaj Steven , McLean Scott A. , Hughes Tasha M. , Bichakjian Christopher K. , Tomlins Scott A. , Harms Paul W.
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma that can be divided into two classes: virus-positive (VP) MCC, associated with oncogenic Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV); and virus-negative (VN) MCC, associated with photodamage.

Experimental Design:

We classified 346 MCC tumors from 300 patients for MCPyV using a combination of IHC, ISH, and qPCR assays. In a subset of tumors, we profiled mutation status and expression of cancer-relevant genes. MCPyV and molecular profiling results were correlated with disease-specific outcomes. Potential prognostic biomarkers were further validated by IHC.

Results:

A total of 177 tumors were classified as VP-MCC, 151 tumors were VN-MCC, and 17 tumors were indeterminate. MCPyV positivity in primary tumors was associated with longer disease-specific and recurrence-free survival in univariate analysis, and in multivariate analysis incorporating age, sex, immune status, and stage at presentation. Prioritized oncogene or tumor suppressor mutations were frequent in VN-MCC but rare in VP-MCC. TP53 mutation developed with recurrence in one VP-MCC case. Importantly, for the first time we find that VP-MCC and VN-MCC display distinct sets of prognostic molecular biomarkers. For VP-MCC, shorter survival was associated with decreased expression of immune markers including granzyme and IDO1. For VN-MCC, shorter survival correlated with high expression of several genes including UBE2C.

Conclusions:

MCPyV status is an independent prognostic factor for MCC. Features of the tumor genome, transcriptome, and microenvironment may modify prognosis in a manner specific to viral status. MCPyV status has clinicopathologic significance and allows for identification of additional prognostic subgroups.
Pulp Vitality and Longevity of Adhesive Restorations Are Not Affected by Selective Carious Removal: A Multicenter Clinical Trial
Authors: Pereira Joanna Tatith , Knorst Jessica Klöckner , Ardenghi Thiago Machado , Piva Fabiane , Imparato José Carlos Pettorossi , Olegário Isabel Cristina , Hermoza Rosa Ana Melgar , Armas-Vega Ana del Carmen , de Araujo Fernando Borba
Published: February 2021

The aim of this multicenter randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the pulp vitality and survival rate of adhesive restorations performed on posterior deciduous teeth after non-selective (NSCR) or selective (SCR) carious tissue removal over 33 months. One hundred and seven children (average age 4–8 years, SD 1.4) with at least two active moderate cavitated lesions in dentin were included. Teeth were randomized and submitted to NSCR or SCR before composite resin restoration. Restorations were clinically and radiographically assessed at baseline, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 33 months by a blinded, trained, and calibrated operator in each center. The characteristics of the restorations were recorded according to FDI criteria and were considered as restorative failures when scores 4 or 5 were presented. Pulp vitality was measured by clinical and radiographic examinations, and those teeth that presented any signs or symptoms of irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis were considered as failure. Data were analyzed by a Cox regression model with shared frailty, considering two outcomes: pulp and restorative. A total of 278 restorations (137 after NSCR and 141 after SCR) were performed at baseline in four different centers and there was no loss in the follow-up period. Survival rate was 97.1 and 87.1% for pulp and for restorative outcome, respectively. The overall annual failure rate was 7%. There were no differences in the failure risk according to the treatment group, center, and all the clinical and demographic variables, regardless of outcome. Composite restorations of active moderate deep carious lesions performed on posterior primary teeth show satisfactory survival for restorative and pulp outcome after a 33-month follow-up, regardless of the technique executed for carious tissue removal.
Suitability of the Subaxial Cervical Laminae for Laminar Screws in the Pediatric Population: A Radiologic Anatomical Study
Authors: Karagoz Guzey Feyza , Gulec Ilker , Eren Burak
Published: February 2021

Introduction: The laminar screw method was popularized during recent years. Since no data exist in the literature on its suitability for subaxial levels in the pediatric population, a radiologic anatomical study was planned to evaluate the suitability of the laminae for laminar screws in children. Methods: The laminar thicknesses from C3 to C7 were measured in axial sections in 120 pediatric patients using computed tomography. The patients were divided into 3 age-groups: ages 4–6, 7–9, and 10–12. Each age-group consisted of 20 boys and 20 girls. The suitability of the laminae was evaluated for 3.5-mm-thick commercially available screws and also for the 3-mm screws that could be produced in the future. If the height of the base of the spinous process is ≥ 9 mm, the segment was accepted as suitable for the bilateral screw, and ≥5 mm is for the unilateral screw. Additionally, laminar thickness and length were measured for possible short screws longer than 15 mm in the laminae that were distally thin but proximally thick. Results: The C4 and C5 levels had the thinnest (2.77 ± 0.6 mm and 2.81 ± 0.6 mm, respectively) and C7 had the thickest laminae (4.66 ± 0.6 mm) in all age-groups. No significant differences were found between boys and girls and right and left laminae. According to the age-groups, an increase in laminar thickness was possible by growing, but only C7 laminae thickness was statistically different between 10–12 and 4–6 age-groups (p < 0.001). The last rate of the suitability was 9.1% for the 3.5-mm-thick screws and 13.75% for the 3-mm-thick screws after deletion of the bilateral insertion due to the short base of the spinous process and adding the possible short screws in the distally thin but proximally thick laminae. The rates increased with age, but the only statistically significant difference was found between 4–6- and 10–12-year-old age-groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Laminar screws may be suitable for some levels of C7, C6, and C3 even in the young pediatric population. The use of thinner screws (3 mm) may increase the suitability rate. Therefore, laminar screw choice may be considered as a salvage method in pediatric patients, and all laminae may be evaluated individually for suitability. This study did not evaluate the safety and efficacy of the method in children, and these issues must be studied further.
Retinal Pigment Epithelium Tears after Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Ahn Jayoung , Hwang Daniel Duck-Jin , Sohn Joonhong , Son Gisung
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the visual prognostic factors of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears and describe their clinical features. Methods: The medical records of treatment-naive neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients who received intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The incidence of RPE tears was 1.36% (10 out of 733 eyes). The type of anti-VEGF agent administered did not affect the incidence (p = 0.985). The median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 10 patients decreased after an RPE tear (0.4–0.6 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]); however, subsequent injections restored the BCVA to a level similar to that before the RPE tear (0.4 logMAR, p = 0.436). Central macular thickness improved significantly during the study (794.4–491.9 μm, p = 0.013). The final BCVA was positively correlated with the BCVA before and immediately after the RPE tear (p = 0.025 and 0.002, respectively) and was weakly correlated with foveal involvement of the RPE tear (p = 0.061). Conclusion: The incidence of RPE tears did not differ according to the type of anti-VEGF agent. The final BCVA was proportional to the BCVA before and after RPE tears. Continuous treatment with anti-VEGF after the occurrence of RPE tears can benefit the final visual acuity and macular anatomy.
A arqueologia de dois santuários cretenses de Zeus Dicteu: o caso de Palaikastro e de Praisos da Idade do Ferro até a época helenística
Authors: Laky Lilian de Angelo
Published: February 2021

A partir dos casos dos santuários de Zeus Dicteu em Palaikastro e Praisos, no leste de Creta, apresentamos, neste artigo, a metodologia da arqueologia dos santuários gregos. A partir de um exame minucioso das fontes arqueológicas (principalmente oferendas votivas) e das fontes literárias, em associação ao espaço dos santuários na paisagem e no território das cidades gregas, discutiremos o papel dos santuários de Zeus Dicteu no contexto da formação da pólis nesse lado de Creta e na articulação dos territórios e da identidade das comunidades políticas dessa região até a época helenística. Em última análise, objetivamos mostrar como fontes diferentes se articulam e podem revelar o papel social dos santuários gregos.
Dinheiro, de Victoria Benedictsson: Uma tradução a quatro mãos e quatro línguas
Authors: Adelgren Astrid , Darmaros Marina
Published: February 2021

Victoria Benedictsson foi uma das figuras-chaves do “Grande Avanço Moderno” sueco, que precedeu mudanças essenciais para que a sociedade escandinava se tornasse mais igualitária – e uma das mais igualitárias do mundo – em termos de gênero. O trecho do romance Pengar (“Dinheiro”) vertido aqui pela primeira vez ao português brasileiro é fundamental para se compreender também o pensamento da autora e seu suicídio, que destituiu a cena literária e feminista prematuramente de um de seus ícones.
dia de fome em Cristiânia: tradução das primeiras páginas do romance Sult, de Knut Hamsun
Authors: Zwick Ludmila Menezes , Zwick Renato
Published: February 2021

Tencionamos, em primeiro lugar, problematizar de modo breve as interferências que as escolhas estilísticas e/ou lexicais do tradutor podem ter sobre a linguagem do autor traduzido, tomando como único exemplo alguns trechos de Fome, de Knut Hamsun, na tradução de Carlos Drummond de Andrade. Tais interferências, neste caso, são amplificadas de modo especial pelo fato de não se tratar de uma versão feita diretamente do idioma do autor, mas a partir do francês. Outrossim, visamos apresentar, como contraponto, uma tradução direta que abrange o trecho inicial do livro e, no tempo da narrativa, corresponde ao primeiro dia vivido pelo protagonista em suas andanças por Cristiânia, a atual Oslo.
Tradução, teorização, traição. Ensaio sobre estudos de tradução, de Gauti Kristmannsson
Authors: Dutra Luciano
Published: February 2021

Nesta colaboração, o leitor encontrará o original islandês do ensaio “Teoría, tryggð og túlkun”, de Gauti Kristmannsson, seguido pela tradução do referido texto para o português.
momenti fotografici
Authors: Putti Riccardo
Published: February 2021

Conversazioni con fotografie nel Mercado Central e nella Avenida Paulista di San Paolo; descrizioni, pensieri e riflessioni sulla fotografia e sull’immagine digitale.
Rediscovery of Martin’s Duskhawker Anaciaeschna martini (Selys, 1897) (Odonata: Aeshnidae) from Western Ghats, peninsular India, with notes on its current distribution and oviposition behavior
Authors: Sadasivan Kalesh , Sethumadhavan Manoj , Jeevith S. , Kochunarayanan Baiju
Published: February 2021

Rediscovery and recent distribution records of Anaciaeschna martini (Selys, 1897) (Odonata: Aeshnidae) from Western Ghats of peninsular India is discussed with notes on oviposition behavior.  Although mentioned in odonate checklists of the region, there are no recent records or photographic evidence of the species from Western Ghats since its last report and collection by F.C. Fraser from Annamalai Hills in 1933.
Abstract 13051: Nourin-dependent
Mirna-137
: A Novel Early Diagnostic Biomarker for Unstable Angina Patients
Authors: Elgebaly Salwa A , Christenson Robert H , Kandil Hossam , El-Khazragy Nashwa , Rashed Laila , Yacoub Beshoy , Sharafieh Roshanak , Klueh Ulrike , Kreutzer Donald L
Published: February 2021

Introduction:
No blood biomarker exits that can diagnose Unstable Angina (UA) patients. Nourin is ischemia-dependent inflammatory mediator rapidly released by reversible ischemic myocardium “before” necrosis, and by necrotic cells. Using Nourin amino acid sequence, Bioinformatics analysis indicated that Nourin is likely regulated by miR-137; a marker of cell damage and a hypoxiaresponsive autophagy-signaling pathway linked to myocardial ischemia and coronary artery disease.

Hypothesis:
That the Nourin-dependent miR-137, is an early biomarker for UA patients when Troponin levels are below the decision limit. The underlying regulatory mechanism involves lncRCTB89H12.4 and mRNA-FTLH-17; also associated with ischemia.

Methods:
We measured serum gene expression profile of lnc-CTB89H12.4/miR-137 and mRNAFTHL- 17 in UA (n=30 - confirmed by invasive coronary angiography and negative Troponin) and STEMI (n=16) patients at presentation, and healthy volunteers (n=16).

Results:
Gene expression of miR-137 was up-regulated by 1,185-fold in UA (median=1,244.41) compared to healthy (1.05), and by 2.5-fold in STEMI (3,162.72) compared to UA (Fig. 1). Receiving Operator Characteristics (ROC) analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in miR-137 that discriminated UA from healthy controls with a test sensitivity & specificity of 96% & 93%, respectively. Diagnostic sensitivity was 75% & specificity was 83% for discriminating UA from STEMI. Additionally, Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a significant association of miR-137 with lncRCTB89H12.4and mRNA-FTHL-17. The down-regulation of lncR-CTB89H12.4 after ischemia resulted in the up-regulation of miR-137 and activation of mRNA-FTLH-17.

Conclusions:
As a marker of cell damage, the Nourin-dependent miR-137 is a promising early diagnostic biomarker indicating UA patients and discriminating between UA and STEMI. Regulations appears to be from lncR-CTB89H12.4 and mRNA-FTLH-17.
Short-Term Outcomes of Transcatheter Versus Isolated Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Mediastinal Radiation-Associated Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Nauffal Victor , Bay Camden , Shah Pinak B. , Sobieszczyk Piotr S. , Kaneko Tsuyoshi , O’Gara Patrick , Nohria Anju
Published: February 2021

Background:

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with radiation-associated aortic stenosis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may improve outcomes in this population.

Methods:

We evaluated 1668 TAVR and 2611 patients with SAVR enrolled in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ database between 2011 and 2018. Multiple logistic regression was used to compare 30- day outcomes between TAVR and SAVR. Propensity-matched analysis was performed to confirm results of the overall cohort. Additionally, the cohort was stratified into early (2011–2014) versus contemporary (2015–2018) TAVR eras, and 30-day outcomes for TAVR and SAVR were compared. Finally, outcomes with transfemoral TAVR versus SAVR were compared.

Results:

In the overall cohort, TAVR was associated with significantly reduced 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR]
TAVR/SAVR
=0.60 [0.40–0.91]). Postoperative atrial fibrillation, pneumonia, pleural effusion, renal failure, and bleeding also occurred less frequently with TAVR. Stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA; OR
TAVR/SAVR
, 2.03 [1.09–3.77]) and pacemaker implantation (OR
TAVR/SAVR
, 1.62 [1.21–2.17]) were higher with TAVR. Propensity-matched analysis yielded similar results as the overall cohort. Following stratification by era, TAVR versus SAVR was associated with reduced 30-day mortality in the contemporary but not early era (OR
Early
, 0.78 [0.48–1.28]; OR
Contemporary
, 0.31 [0.14–0.65]). Pacemaker implantation was higher with TAVR versus SAVR in both eras (OR
Early
, 1.60 [1.03–2.46]; OR
Contemporary
, 1.64 [1.10–2.45]). There was also a nonsignificant trend towards increased stroke/TIA with TAVR during both eras (OR
Early
, 1.39 [0.58–3.36]; OR
Contemporary
, 2.46 [0.99–6.10]). Finally, transfemoral TAVR (N=1369) versus SAVR revealed similar findings as the overall cohort; however, the association of TAVR with stroke/TIA was not statistically significant (OR
Stroke/TIA
, 1.57 [0.79–3.09]).

Conclusions:

TAVR provides an effective and evolving alternative to SAVR for radiation-associated severe aortic stenosis and was associated with lower 30-day mortality and postoperative complications. TAVR was associated with increased pacemaker implantation and a trend towards increased stroke/TIA. In this unique population with extensive valvular and vascular calcifications, the risk of stroke/TIA with TAVR requires careful consideration and further investigation.
Comparison of Investigator-Reported and Clinical Event Committee–Adjudicated Outcome Events in GLASSY
Authors: Leonardi Sergio , Branca Mattia , Franzone Anna , McFadden Eugene , Piccolo Raffaele , Jüni Peter , Vranckx Pascal , Steg Philippe Gabriel , Serruys Patrick W. , Benit Edouard , Liebetrau Christoph , Janssens Luc , Ferrario Maurizio , Zurakowski Aleksander , Diletti Roberto , Dominici Marcello , Huber Kurt , Slagboom Ton , Buszman Pawel , Bolognese Leonardo , Tumscitz Carlo , Bryniarski Krzysztof , Aminian Adel , Vrolix Mathias , Petrov Ivo , Garg Scot , Naber Cristoph , Prokopczuk Janusz , Hamm Christian , Heg Dik , Windecker Stephan , Valgimigli Marco
Published: February 2021

Background:

Event adjudication by a clinical event committee (CEC) provides a standardized, independent outcome assessment. However, the added value of CEC to investigators reporting remains debated. GLASSY (GLOBAL LEADERS Adjudication Sub-Study) implemented, in a subset of the open-label, investigator-reported (IR) GLOBAL LEADERS trial, an independent adjudication process of reported and unreported potential outcome events (triggers). We describe metrics of GLASSY feasibility and efficiency, diagnostic accuracy of IR events, and their concordance with corresponding CEC-adjudicated events.

Methods:

We report the proportion of myocardial infarction, bleeding, stroke, and stent thrombosis triggers with sufficient evidence for assessment (feasibility) that were adjudicated as outcome events (efficiency), stratified by source (IR or non-IR). Using CEC-adjudicated events as criterion standard, we describe sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and global diagnostic accuracy of IR events. Using Gwet AC coefficient, we examine the concordance between IR- and corresponding CEC-adjudicated triggers. There was sufficient evidence for assessment for 2592 (98.3%) of 2636 triggers.

Results:

Overall, the adjudicated end point-to-trigger ratio was high and similar between IR- (88%) and non-IR–reported (87%) triggers. The global diagnostic accuracy and concordance between IR-reported and CEC-adjudicated outcome events was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.65–0.74) and 0.54 (95% CI, 0.45–0.62), respectively, for myocardial infarction; 0.77 (95% CI, 0.75–0.79) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.68–0.74) for bleeding; 0.70 (95% CI, 0.62–0.79) and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.43–0.74) for stroke; 0.59 (95% CI, 0.52–0.66) and 0.39 (95% CI, 0.25–0.53) for stent thrombosis. For IR bleedings, the concordance with the CEC on type of events was generally weak.

Conclusions:

Implementing CEC adjudication in a pragmatic open-label trial with IR events is feasible and efficient. Our findings of modest global diagnostic accuracy for IR events and generally weak concordance between investigators and CEC support the role for CEC adjudication in such settings.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03231059.
Changing Spatiotemporal Trends in County‐Level Heart Failure Death Rates in the United States, 1999 to 2018
Authors: Vaughan Adam S. , George Mary G. , Jackson Sandra L. , Schieb Linda , Casper Michele
Published: February 2021

Background

Amid recently rising heart failure (HF) death rates in the United States, we describe county‐level trends in HF mortality from 1999 to 2018 by racial/ethnic group and sex for ages 35 to 64 years and 65 years and older.

Methods and Results

Applying a hierarchical Bayesian model to National Vital Statistics data representing all US deaths, ages 35 years and older, we estimated annual age‐standardized county‐level HF death rates and percent change by age group, racial/ethnic group, and sex from 1999 through 2018. During 1999 to 2011, ~30% of counties experienced increasing HF death rates among adults ages 35 to 64 years. However, during 2011 to 2018, 86.9% (95% CI, 85.2–88.2) of counties experienced increasing mortality. Likewise, for ages 65 years and older, during 1999 to 2005 and 2005 to 2011, 27.8% (95% CI, 25.8–29.8) and 12.6% (95% CI, 11.2–13.9) of counties, respectively, experienced increasing mortality. However, during 2011 to 2018, most counties (67.4% [95% CI, 65.4–69.5]) experienced increasing mortality. These temporal patterns by age group held across racial/ethnic group and sex.

Conclusions

These results provide local context to previously documented recent national increases in HF death rates. Although county‐level declines were most common before 2011, some counties and demographic groups experienced increasing HF death rates during this period of national declines. However, recent county‐level increases were pervasive, occurring across counties, racial/ethnic group, and sex, particularly among ages 35 to 64 years. These spatiotemporal patterns highlight the need to identify and address underlying clinical risk factors and social determinants of health contributing to these increasing trends.
Modifiable Lifestyle Factors and Risk of Stroke
Authors: Harshfield Eric L. , Georgakis Marios K. , Malik Rainer , Dichgans Martin , Markus Hugh S.
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose:

Assessing whether modifiable risk factors are causally associated with stroke risk is important in planning public health measures, but determining causality can be difficult in epidemiological data. We evaluated whether modifiable lifestyle factors including educational attainment, smoking, and body mass index are causal risk factors for ischemic stroke and its subtypes and hemorrhagic stroke.

Methods:

We performed 2-sample and multivariable Mendelian randomization to assess the causal effect of 12 lifestyle factors on risk of stroke and whether these effects are independent.

Results:

Genetically predicted years of education was inversely associated with ischemic, large artery, and small vessel stroke, and intracerebral hemorrhage. Genetically predicted smoking, body mass index, and waist-hip ratio were associated with ischemic and large artery stroke. The effects of education, body mass index, and smoking on ischemic stroke were independent.

Conclusions:

Our findings support the hypothesis that reduced education and increased smoking and obesity increase risk of ischemic, large artery, and small vessel stroke, suggesting that lifestyle modifications addressing these risk factors will reduce stroke risk.
Plato on Democritean Films
Authors: Hedrick Robert E.
Published: February 2021

Through close reading, I show that in Plato’s discussion of the lover (erastēs) and beloved (eromenos) at Phaedrus 250d-251c we can recognize an overlooked reference to the theories of the early atomist, Democritus. In particular, Plato borrows Democritus’ term for visual images/films, eidōla, while alluding to Empedocles’ similar theory of vision through effluences, aporroai. I also analyze the repeated stress on the adjective, enargēs, within the same context. Like eidōlon, the term enargēs would be picked up by later Hellenistic philosophers and become vital to their theories on criteria of truth and self-evidence, enargeia. By examining Plato’s usage of Democritus’ eidōla coupled with the adjective enargēs, first employed here in a philosophical context, we can not only better understand how Plato adapts contemporary scientific theories to suit his own philosophical principles, but also see how Democritus’ and Plato’s terminology would eventually influence Epicurus and the Stoa.
Les Aspects Productifs De L’économie Informelle. Recherche des Indicateurs Pour une Réponse au Développement en Afrique
Authors: Muheme Bagalwa Basemake Gaspard
Published: February 2021

Productive Aspects of the Informal Economy. Research into the Indicators for an Answer to the Development of Africa

This article aims at deepening our understanding of the concept informal economy. It is the case that definitions with regard to the reality of this phenomenon vary in function of the author and the countries studied. Indeed, the concept needs to be discussed right across the countries of the West, the East European countries under the old system, i.e. until 1990, and the countries of Africa.

With regard to the informal economy in Africa, the characteristics of irrationality and the lack of initiative on the pan of economic agents has often been posited. However, this economic phenomenon is neither exclusive to Africa nor is it confined to the present time. Only a comparative approach will enable one to arrive at some precision with regard to the concepts used in the economic literature.

Our primary goal is to place this informal economy within the global perspective of African development. This informal economy sets itself up as a creative attempt, often able to give efficient answers, whether in the field of agriculture or in other forms of activity, to the challenges of badly mismanaged societies.

The article rests on a number of key-terms:

informal economy; plural activities; integrative economy; petty commodity production and consumption; interdependency of sectors.
Kazanga – Ethnicité en Afrique Entre État et Tradition
Authors: van Binsbergen Wim
Published: February 2021

Kazanga – Ethnicity in Africa Between State and Tradition

The production of cultural forms at the interface between a rural-based tradition and the state is a familiar aspect of ethnicity in contemporary Africa. This paper seeks to identify some of the characteristics of this process, whose products are too often misunderstood, and cherished, as ‘authentic’ forms of ‘tradition’. Highlighting the role of ethnic brokers, of the modem mass media, and of a model of commoditified ‘performance’ as an aspect of contemporary electronic mass culture, the argument explores the production of expressive culture in the context of the Kazanga cultural association and its Kazanga annual festival among the Nkoya people of central western Zambia since the early 1980s, against the background of Nkoya ethnicity and Nkoya expressive and court culture since the 19th century.
Ethnicité, Nourriture et Politique L’exemple des Yasa de la Côte Sud Du Cameroun
Authors: Tiokou Ndonko Flavien
Published: February 2021

Ethnicity, Food, and Politics: The Example of the Yasa in the Cameroonian South Province

In Cameroon, ethnicity is present in food as well as in anthroponymy. Neighbouring populations use it to auto-identify themselves and to indicate their spatial settlement. The ‘leaves’eaters’, the ‘crabs’eaters’ and the ‘“fruits de l’arbre à pain”-eaters’ live together in peace on the Coast of the country by assuming their ethnicity. They even take over new political and administrative structures as guide mark in self presentation. Even the political power who officially tries to 'erase' ethnicity is not able to compose without it. Ethnicity has become a political strategy and is being mobilized or demobilized to balance or control the power.
De Sacrale Wereld van de Turkana. Ritueel, Symbool en Mythe Bij een Nomadenvolk in Noordwest Kenya.
Authors: Wymeersch Patrick , Berben Patrick , Rogers Koen
Published: February 2021

The Sacred World of the Turkana

This article was mostly written by the late Patrick Wymeersch and was meant to be the onset to a broader monographical sketch of the religious world of the Turkana, a nomadic group of north-west Kenya. Attention is drawn to the organisation of the Turkana society and to several rituals which form the basis of the daily life environment. Furthermore the authors looked at the phenomena of the “Ngamoritunga” rocks and the position and the role of “Ang’u”. One last word goes to the value of symbols within that society.
The Pandemic Blenny, Coralliozetus clausus, a new species of tube blenny endemic to Isla del Coco, Costa Rica (Teleostei: Chaenopsidae)
Authors: HASTINGS PHILIP A.
Published: February 2021

Coralliozetus clausus, a new species of chaenopsid blenny, endemic to Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, is described. This small species, not exceeding 15 mm SL, is a short-bodied member of the genus along with Coralliozetus cardonae (Caribbean), Coralliozetus angelicus, and Coralliozetus springeri (both eastern Pacific). It differs from its closest relative, C. springeri, known from mainland waters from Costa Rica to Ecuador, in having a single tiny supraorbital cirrus and dark dots on the operculum and branchiostegal membrane of males while C. springeri has paired supraorbital cirri (one of which is substantial in size) and no dots on the operculum. Although two other species of Coralliozetus have been reported from Isla del Coco, this appears to be only member of the genus present on the island. It is the second chaenopsid endemic to Isla del Coco and brings the number of cryptobenthic fishes endemic to Isla del Coco to twelve.
Descriptions of larvae of Caliphaea angka Hämäläinen, 2003 and Mnais gregoryi Fraser, 1924 (Odonata: Calopterygidae)
Authors: YANG GUO-HUI , ZHANG HAO-MIAO , ORR ALBERT G.
Published: February 2021

The larvae of Caliphaea angka Hämäläinen, 2003 and Mnais gregoryi Fraser, 1924 are described and illustrated for the first time from Erhai lake Basin, Yunnan Province, China. Notes on their habitat are provided. This paper represents the first verified description of the larva of Caliphaea Hagen in Selys, 1859.
A New Horizontal Mixing-Length Formulation for Numerical Simulations of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Wang Weiguo , Liu Bin , Zhu Lin , Zhang Zhan , Mehra Avichal , Tallapragada Vijay
Published: February 2021

A new physically based horizontal mixing-length formulation is introduced and evaluated in the Hurricane Weather and Research Forecasting (HWRF) Model. Recent studies have shown that the structure and intensity of tropical cyclones (TCs) simulated by numerical models are sensitive to horizontal mixing length in the parameterization of horizontal diffusion. Currently, many numerical models including the operational HWRF Model formulate the horizontal mixing length as a fixed fraction of grid spacing or a constant value, which is not realistic. To improve the representation of the horizontal diffusion process, the new formulation relates the horizontal mixing length to local wind and its horizontal gradients. The resulting horizontal mixing length and diffusivity are much closer to those derived from field measurements. To understand the impact of different mixing-length formulations, we analyze the evolutions of an idealized TC simulated by the HWRF Model with the new formulation and with the current formulation (i.e., constant values) of horizontal mixing length. In two real-case tests, the HWRF Model with the new formulation produces the intensity and track forecasts of Hurricanes Harvey (2017) and Lane (2018) that are much closer to observations. Retrospective runs of hundreds of forecast cycles of multiple hurricanes show that the mean errors in intensity and track simulated by HWRF with the new formulation can be reduced approximately by 10%.
GEOLIFE – Geomaterials for the environment, technology and human activities. Preface to the October 2014 special set of papers arising from presentations at the Goldschmidt 2013 conference
Authors: Giere R. , Oberti R. , Quartieri S. , Wogelius R.
Published: February 2021

This special issue of the Mineralogical Magazine springs from the session we organized as part of the Goldschmidt 2013 conference in Florence. The title we proposed “GEOLIFE – Geomaterials for environment, technology and human activities” reflects our feeling that a wise use of the expertise gained by mineralogists while studying the crystal chemistry, as well as the chemical and physical properties of minerals in rocks and soils, still plays an important role in what is called “The cutting edge in Mineralogy and Mineral Physics”.

Indeed, the current expertise in the physical, chemical and structural characterization of geomaterials, i.e. minerals, rocks and their synthetic analogues, now allows us to design innovative applications both for technological and environmental purposes. During the meeting we discussed some frontier work on phases produced naturally by the Earth ‘laboratory’ or fabricated within academic laboratories, which have the potential to improve the quality of life for current and future generations.
Environmental mineralogy, geochemistry and human health
Authors: Valsami-Jones E. , Polya D. A. , Hudson-Edwards K.
Published: February 2021

This issue of Mineralogical Magazine is the 5th in a loosely defined series of special thematic issues (or part issues), deriving from conferences organized by the Mineralogical Society. The associated conference was entitled ‘Environmental Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Human Health’ and took place in January 2005, in Bath. A common thread to all these Mineralogical Society conferences has been the role of mineralogy in applied science and technology and particularly in environmental science, focussing on the multidisciplinarity of modern mineralogy; the conferences (and special issues) have been particularly successful in bringing along scientists from outside traditional Mineralogy/Earth Sciences. Notably, the series comes at a time when the popularity of Mineralogy/Geology, but also science in general, is low, and many, particularly young, scientists are seeking to place themselves in a better position in the eye of the public and the media, and often also to find new focus for their research. A primary ambition for the series is thus to demonstrate Mineralogy's extensive outreach and has so far succeeded in giving the scientific community a sense of the wider role mineralogists can play.
CHEK1 and circCHEK1_246aa Promote Multiple Myeloma Malignancy By Evoking Chromosomal Instability and Bone Lesion
Authors: Yang Ye , Gu Chunyan , Wang Wang , Tang Xiaozhu
Published: February 2021

Key findings

CHEK1 and circCHEK1_246aa induce multiple myeloma cell proliferation, drug resistance, and bone lesion formation

CHEK1 and circCHEK1_246aa evoke myeloma chromosomal instability, partially through CEP170 activation

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by clonal expansion of plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM). Therefore, effective therapeutic interventions must target both myeloma cells and the BM niche. In the present study, we first demonstrated that CHEK1 expression was significantly increased in human MM samples relative to normal plasma cells, and that in MM patients, high CHEK1 expression was associated with poor outcomes. CHEK1 overexpression increased cellular proliferation in MM cells and evoked drug resistance in vitro, while CHEK1 knockdown abrogated this effect. Moreover, CHEK1 was a high-risk gene for poor outcome in MM patients, and, in paired samples from MM patients taken from newly diagnosed and relapsed MM, CHEK1 expression was upregulated. CHEK1-mediated increases in cell proliferation and drug resistance were due in part to CHEK1-induced chromosomal instability (CIN), as demonstrated by Giemsa staining, exon sequencing, and immunofluorescence. CHEK1 activated CIN, partly by phosphorylating CEP170. Interestingly, CHEK1 promoted osteoclast differentiation by direct phosphorylation and activation of NFATc1, indicating that CHEK1 inhibition could target both MM cell proliferation and macrophage osteoclast differentiation in the BM niche. Intriguingly, we also discovered that MM cells expressed circCHEK1_246aa, a circular CHEK1 RNA, which encoded and was translated to the CHEK1 kinase catalytic center. Transfection of circCHEK1_246aa increased MM CIN and osteoclast differentiation similarly to CHEK1 overexpression, suggesting that MM cells could secrete circCHEK1_246aa in the BM niche to increase the invasive potential of MM cells and promote osteoclast differentiation. Finally, we demonstrated in vivo in xenograft models that CHEK1 overexpression prompted MM proliferation and drug resistance, while CHEK1 knockdown conversely inhibited MM growth. Together, these findings suggest that targeting the enzymatic catalytic center encoded by CHEK1 mRNA and circCHEK1_246aa is a promising therapeutic modality to target both MM cells and the BM niche.

Figure

Disclosures

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Short Term Exposure Effects of Trichostatin a
Authors: Przychodzen Bart , Smieszek Sandra , Polymeropoulos Christos , Polymeropoulos Mihales
Published: February 2021

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are small molecules that increase acetylation of lysine residues by ultimately inhibiting the activity of histone deactylase enzymes. These anticancer agents affect epigenetic and non-epigenetic regulation resulting in cell cycle arrest of cancer cell lines. We have conducted high throughput screen to elucidate effect of short term exposure to Trichostatin A on transcriptional activity of a model cell line. We have tested short term exposure (2h) of Trichostatin A (10uM) on ARPE-19 cell line.

In effort to define the molecular signature of TSA we have conducted downstream analyses of transcriptional expression. We have selected genes that showed at least 1.5 fold expression change and were significant (p<0.01). We identified 140 genes that were upregulated and 138 were downregulated. We observe a highly significant enrichment of genes involved dysregulation of p53 pathway (p-value 0.00001). Furthermore we observe a highly significant dysregulation of CREBBP pathway - a protein encoded by this gene has intrinsic histone acetyltransferase activity and also acts as a scaffold to stabilize additional protein interactions with the transcription complex. CREBBP autoacetylation is required for binding to protein substrates, such as acetylated histones and acetylated TP53/p53. KEGG pathways reports aberration of JAK-STAT pathway as well as signaling of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 (FGFR3). Using this gene signature further disease perturbation result in a upregulated signature similar to that of Diamond-Blackfan anaemia (p=1.681e-11, OR=8.35). As an independent confirmation we find similar dysregulation patterns as caused by TSA (p=4.8e-86) from other deposited experiments within GEO Omnibus.

These preliminary signatures offer a glance into the transcriptional landscape as elicited by short-term exposure to TSA. Further experiments warrant a more comprehensive observations into the mode of action as well as biomarkers that may be useful to design optimal, TSA-based treatments.

Disclosures

Przychodzen: Vanda Pharmaceuticals: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Smieszek:Vanda Pharmaceuticals: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Polymeropoulos:Vanda Pharmaceuticals: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Polymeropoulos:Vanda Pharmaceuticals: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company.
Quantifying the phantom jam externality: the case of an Autobahn section in Germany
Authors: Goldmann Kathrin , Sieg Gernot
Published: February 2021

If not restricted by tolls, private decisions to drive on a highway result in inefficiently high usage which leads to traffic jams. When traffic demand is high, traffic jams can occur simply because of the interaction of vehicle drivers on the road, a phenomenon called phantom jam. The probability of phantom jams occurring increases with traffic flow. Unpriced externalities lead to inefficiently high road usage. We offer a method for quantifying traffic jam externalities and identifying and isolating the phantom jam externality. We examine the method by applying it to a specific highway section in Germany. The maximal congestion externality for the analyzed highway section is about 38 cents per vehicle and kilometer. Congestion charges that are calculated ignoring phantom jam externalities, can only internalize two-thirds of the true externality.
CT differentiation of gastric ectopic pancreas from gastric stromal tumor
Authors: Liu Chang , Yang Fang , Zhang Wenming , Ao Weiqun , An Yongyu , Zhang Cui , Dai Bailing , Pu Cailing , Wang Jian
Published: February 2021

Background

Gastric ectopic pancreas (GEPs) is a rare developmental anomaly which is difficult to differentiate it from submucosal tumor such as gastric stromal tumor (GST) by imaging methods. Since the treatments of the GEPs and GST are totally different, a correct diagnosis is essential. Therefore, we retrospectively investigated the CT features of them to help us deepen the understanding of GEPs and GST.

Methods

This study enrolled 17 GEPs and 119 GST, which were proven pathologically. We assessed clinical and CT features to identify significant differential features of GEPs from GST using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

In univariate analysis, among all clinicoradiologic features, features of age, symptom, tumor marker, location, contour, peritumoral infiltration or fat-line of peritumor, necrosis, calcification, CT attenuation value of unenhancement phase/arterial phase/portal venous phase (CTu/CTa/CTp), the CT attenuation value of arterial phase/portal venous phase minus that of unenhanced phase (DEAP/DEPP), long diameter (LD), short diameter (SD) were considered statistically significant for the differentiation of them. And the multivariate analysis revealed that location, peritumoral infiltration or fat-line of peritumor, necrosis and DEPP were independent factors affecting the identification of them. In addition, ROC analysis showed that the test efficiency of CTp was perfect (AUC = 0.900).

Conclusion

Location, the presence of peritumoral infiltration or fat-line of peritumor, necrosis and DEPP are useful CT differentiators of GEPs from GST. In addition, the test efficiency of CTp in differentiating them was perfect (AUC = 0.900).
Genomic and clinical characterisation of multidrug-resistant carbapenemase-producing ST231 and ST16 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates colonising patients at Siriraj hospital, Bangkok, Thailand from 2015 to 2017
Authors: Boonyasiri Adhiratha , Jauneikaite Elita , Brinkac Lauren M. , Greco Chris , Lerdlamyong Kanokorn , Tangkoskul Teerawit , Nguyen Kevin , Thamlikitkul Visanu , Fouts Derrick E.
Published: February 2021

Background

Infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) have continually grown as a global public health threat, with significant mortality rates observed across the world. We examined the clinical data from patients with CPE infections and their outcomes, concentrating on Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. We analysed the clinical information, performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and conducted molecular epidemiological and genomic analyses on the isolates to identify patterns in the data.

Methods

The clinical characteristics of 33 hospitalised patients with confirmed CPE, including patient-related factors associated with the development of CPE infections, were examined. Patients were divided according to whether they were “colonised” or “infected” with CPE and by the timing and frequency of their rectal swab collections, from which 45 swabs were randomly selected for analysis. CPE isolates were purified, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests performed. Whole genome sequences of these isolates were determined and analysed to compute bacterial multilocus sequence types and plasmid replicon types, infer phylogenetic relationships, and identify antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes.

Results

Altogether, 88.9% (40/45) of the CPE isolates were K. pneumoniae. The most abundant carbapenemase gene family in the K. pneumoniae isolates (33/39) was blaOXA-232, with blaNDM-1 additionally identified in 19 of them. All CPE isolates carrying either blaOXA-232 or blaNDM-1 were resistant to meropenem, but only 40 from 45 were susceptible to colistin. Among the CPE-infected patients (n = 18) and CPE-colonised patients who developed CPE infections during the study (n = 3), all but one received standard colistin-based combination therapy. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the polyclonal spread of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (CPKP) within the patient population, with the following two major subclades identified: ST16 (n = 15) and ST231 (n = 14). CPKP-ST231 had the highest virulence score of 4 and was associated with primary bacteraemia. The siderophores yersiniabactin and aerobactin, considered to be important virulence factors, were only identified in the CPKP-ST231 genomes.

Conclusions

This study has revealed the genomic features of colonising CPE isolates, focusing on antimicrobial resistance and virulence determinants. This type of multi-layered analysis can be further exploited in Thailand and elsewhere to modify the regimes used for empirical antibiotic treatment and improve the management strategies for CPE infections in hospitalised patients.