bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CircPTK2 (hsa_circ_0005273) as a novel therapeutic target for metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Yang Hongbao , Li Xiaobo , Meng Qingtao , Sun Hao , Wu Shenshen , Hu Weiwei , Liu Guilai , Li Xianjing , Yang Yong , Chen Rui
Published: January 2020

Background

As a novel class of noncoding RNAs, circRNAs have been recently identified to regulate tumorigenesis and aggressiveness. However, the function of circRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis remains unclear. We aimed to identify circRNAs that are upregulated in CRC tissues from patients and study their function in CRC metastasis.

Methods

We compared six pairs of CRC tissues and their matched adjacent non-tumor tissues by using circRNA microarray. We first evaluated the expression of circPTK2 (hsa_circ_0005273) in fresh tissues from CRC tumors and corresponding adjacent tissues by qPCR analysis. CircPTK2 expression levels in the tissue microarray with 5 years of survival information were determined by RNA-ISH analysis. Meanwhile, the expression levels of circulating circPTK2 were further analyzed according to the patients’ clinical features. We analyzed cell apoptosis, colony formation, migration, and invasion in CRC cells. To further elucidate the effect of circPTK2 in CRC metastasis, we also conducted a colon cancer hepatic and pulmonary metastasis experiment. We used RNA biotin-labeled pull down and mass spectrometry to identify the target of circPTK2. We established a PDTX model to evaluate the effect of shRNA specifically targeting circPTK2 on tumor metastasis.

Results

We identified a novel circRNA, circPTK2, which is back-spliced of three exons (exons 27, 28 and 29) of PTK2 by using circRNA microarray, bioinformatics and functional studies. CircPTK2 was elevated in CRC tissues and positively associated with tumor growth and metastasis. CRC patients with increased circPTK2 expression were positively correlated with poorer survival rates. Furthermore, our studies showed that circPTK2 could promote EMT of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo by binding to vimentin protein on sites Ser38, Ser55 and Ser82. We further demonstrated the interaction of circPTK2 and vimentin mediated the regulation of CRC by knockdown or overexpression of vimentin. In addition, we revealed that tail vein injection of shRNA specifically targeting circPTK2 blunt tumor metastasis in a patient-derived CRC xenograft model.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results demonstrate that circPTK2 exerts critical roles in CRC growth and metastasis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for CRC metastasis, and also a promising biomarker for early diagnosis of metastasis.
Pregnancy outcomes and perinatal complications of Asian mothers with juvenile idiopathic arthritis – a case-control registry study
Authors: Zhang-Jian Shang Jun , Yang Huang-Yu , Chiu Meng-Jun , Chou I-Jun , Kuo Chang-Fu , Huang Jing-Long , Yeh Kuo-Wei , Wu Chao-Yi
Published: January 2020

Backgrounds

In order to provide juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients with better pre-conceptional and prenatal counselling, we investigated the obstetrical and neonatal outcomes among women with Asian descent.

Methods

Through the linkage of Taiwan National Health Insurance database and National Birth Registry, we established a population-based birth cohort in Taiwan between 2004 and 2014. In a case control study design, first children born to mothers with JIA are identified and matched with 5 non-JIA controls by maternal age and birth year. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for maternal and neonatal outcomes crude and with adjustment.

Results

Of the 2,100,143 newborn, 778 (0.037%) were born to JIA mothers. Among them, 549 first-born children were included in this research. Our result suggested that babies born to mothers with JIA were more likely to have low birth body weight, with an adjusted OR of 1.35(95% CI: 1.02 to 1.79) when compared to babies born to mothers without. No differences were observed in other perinatal complications between women with and without JIA including stillbirth, prematurity, or small for gestational age. The rate of adverse obstetrical outcomes such as caesarean delivery, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, postpartum hemorrhage and mortality were also similar between the two.

Conclusions

Adverse obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were limited among Asian mothers with JIA. Intensive care may not be necessary for JIA mothers and their newborns.
Computer vision and machine learning enabled soybean root phenotyping pipeline
Authors: Falk Kevin G. , Jubery Talukder Z. , Mirnezami Seyed V. , Parmley Kyle A. , Sarkar Soumik , Singh Arti , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Singh Asheesh K.
Published: January 2020

Background

Root system architecture (RSA) traits are of interest for breeding selection; however, measurement of these traits is difficult, resource intensive, and results in large variability. The advent of computer vision and machine learning (ML) enabled trait extraction and measurement has renewed interest in utilizing RSA traits for genetic enhancement to develop more robust and resilient crop cultivars. We developed a mobile, low-cost, and high-resolution root phenotyping system composed of an imaging platform with computer vision and ML based segmentation approach to establish a seamless end-to-end pipeline - from obtaining large quantities of root samples through image based trait processing and analysis.

Results

This high throughput phenotyping system, which has the capacity to handle hundreds to thousands of plants, integrates time series image capture coupled with automated image processing that uses optical character recognition (OCR) to identify seedlings via barcode, followed by robust segmentation integrating convolutional auto-encoder (CAE) method prior to feature extraction. The pipeline includes an updated and customized version of the Automatic Root Imaging Analysis (ARIA) root phenotyping software. Using this system, we studied diverse soybean accessions from a wide geographical distribution and report genetic variability for RSA traits, including root shape, length, number, mass, and angle.

Conclusions

This system provides a high-throughput, cost effective, non-destructive methodology that delivers biologically relevant time-series data on root growth and development for phenomics, genomics, and plant breeding applications. This phenotyping platform is designed to quantify root traits and rank genotypes in a common environment thereby serving as a selection tool for use in plant breeding. Root phenotyping platforms and image based phenotyping are essential to mirror the current focus on shoot phenotyping in breeding efforts.
Digital screen time and its effect on preschoolers’ behavior in China: results from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xie Guodong , Deng Qianye , Cao Jing , Chang Qing
Published: January 2020

Background

The aims of the study were to determine the effects of electronic exposure on behaviors of preschoolers, which could provide scientific grounds to the control of digital screen time and usage of electronics.

Methods

Children of 3–6 years of age (n = 1897) and their families were included in this study. The daily screen time were recorded for seven days. Children were grouped based on daily screen time of < 60 min or > 60 min. Socio-demographic characteristics of the children were acquired by parental questionnaires. Analyses were made based on the CBCL/1.5–5 results. Chi-square test, t-test and Nonparametric correlation analyses were used to determine the correlation between strength, direction and significance of the relations between the variables. Rates of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) of children in two groups were compared using χ2test.

Results

Our results indicate that screen time is closely correlated with gender of children, household location, maternal education. We observed that preschoolers with screen time of > 60 min tend to have more behavioral problems than those with screen time of < 60 min (total problem: 35.84 vs. 32.76,p = 0.024; externalizing: 11.54 vs. 9.08,p = 0.016).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that excessive screen time may be a detrimental factor in the development of preschoolers. Caution should be taken in shortening the screen time of preschoolers.
Systematic assessment of fluid responsiveness during early septic shock resuscitation: secondary analysis of the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK trial
Authors:   The ANDROMEDA-SHOCK Investigators, Kattan Eduardo , Ospina-Tascón Gustavo A. , Teboul Jean-Louis , Castro Ricardo , Cecconi Maurizio , Ferri Giorgio , Bakker Jan , Hernández Glenn
Published: January 2020

Background

Fluid boluses are administered to septic shock patients with the purpose of increasing cardiac output as a means to restore tissue perfusion. Unfortunately, fluid therapy has a narrow therapeutic index, and therefore, several approaches to increase safety have been proposed. Fluid responsiveness (FR) assessment might predict which patients will effectively increase cardiac output after a fluid bolus (FR+), thus preventing potentially harmful fluid administration in non-fluid responsive (FR−) patients. However, there are scarce data on the impact of assessing FR on major outcomes.

The recent ANDROMEDA-SHOCK trial included systematic per-protocol assessment of FR. We performed a post hoc analysis of the study dataset with the aim of exploring the relationship between FR status at baseline, attainment of specific targets, and clinically relevant outcomes.

Methods

ANDROMEDA-SHOCK compared the effect of peripheral perfusion- vs. lactate-targeted resuscitation on 28-day mortality. FR was assessed before each fluid bolus and periodically thereafter. FR+ and FR− subgroups, independent of the original randomization, were compared for fluid administration, achievement of resuscitation targets, vasoactive agents use, and major outcomes such as organ dysfunction and support, length of stay, and 28-day mortality.

Results

FR could be determined in 348 patients at baseline. Two hundred and forty-two patients (70%) were categorized as fluid responders. Both groups achieved comparable successful resuscitation targets, although non-fluid responders received less resuscitation fluids (0 [0–500] vs. 1500 [1000–2500] mL; p 0.0001), exhibited less positive fluid balances, but received more vasopressor testing. No difference in clinically relevant outcomes between FR+ and FR− patients was found, including 24-h SOFA score (9 [5–12] vs. 8 [5–11], p = 0.4), need for MV (78% vs. 72%, p = 0.16), need for RRT (18% vs. 21%, p = 0.7), ICU-LOS (6 [3–11] vs. 6 [3–16] days, p = 0.2), and 28-day mortality (40% vs. 36%, p = 0.5). Only thirteen patients remained fluid responsive along the intervention period.

Conclusions

Systematic assessment allowed determination of fluid responsiveness status in more than 80% of patients with early septic shock. Fluid boluses could be stopped in non-fluid responsive patients without any negative impact on clinical relevant outcomes. Our results suggest that fluid resuscitation might be safely guided by FR assessment in septic shock patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03078712. Registered retrospectively on March 13, 2017.
Gene content evolution in the arthropods
Authors: Thomas Gregg W. C. , Dohmen Elias , Hughes Daniel S. T. , Murali Shwetha C. , Poelchau Monica , Glastad Karl , Anstead Clare A. , Ayoub Nadia A. , Batterham Phillip , Bellair Michelle , Binford Greta J. , Chao Hsu , Chen Yolanda H. , Childers Christopher , Dinh Huyen , Doddapaneni Harsha Vardhan , Duan Jian J. , Dugan Shannon , Esposito Lauren A. , Friedrich Markus , Garb Jessica , Gasser Robin B. , Goodisman Michael A. D. , Gundersen-Rindal Dawn E. , Han Yi , Handler Alfred M. , Hatakeyama Masatsugu , Hering Lars , Hunter Wayne B. , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Jayaseelan Joy C. , Kalra Divya , Khila Abderrahman , Korhonen Pasi K. , Lee Carol Eunmi , Lee Sandra L. , Li Yiyuan , Lindsey Amelia R. I. , Mayer Georg , McGregor Alistair P. , McKenna Duane D. , Misof Bernhard , Munidasa Mala , Munoz-Torres Monica , Muzny Donna M. , Niehuis Oliver , Osuji-Lacy Nkechinyere , Palli Subba R. , Panfilio Kristen A. , Pechmann Matthias , Perry Trent , Peters Ralph S. , Poynton Helen C. , Prpic Nikola-Michael , Qu Jiaxin , Rotenberg Dorith , Schal Coby , Schoville Sean D. , Scully Erin D. , Skinner Evette , Sloan Daniel B. , Stouthamer Richard , Strand Michael R. , Szucsich Nikolaus U. , Wijeratne Asela , Young Neil D. , Zattara Eduardo E. , Benoit Joshua B. , Zdobnov Evgeny M. , Pfrender Michael E. , Hackett Kevin J. , Werren John H. , Worley Kim C. , Gibbs Richard A. , Chipman Ariel D. , Waterhouse Robert M. , Bornberg-Bauer Erich , Hahn Matthew W. , Richards Stephen
Published: January 2020

Background

Arthropods comprise the largest and most diverse phylum on Earth and play vital roles in nearly every ecosystem. Their diversity stems in part from variations on a conserved body plan, resulting from and recorded in adaptive changes in the genome. Dissection of the genomic record of sequence change enables broad questions regarding genome evolution to be addressed, even across hyper-diverse taxa within arthropods.

Results

Using 76 whole genome sequences representing 21 orders spanning more than 500 million years of arthropod evolution, we document changes in gene and protein domain content and provide temporal and phylogenetic context for interpreting these innovations. We identify many novel gene families that arose early in the evolution of arthropods and during the diversification of insects into modern orders. We reveal unexpected variation in patterns of DNA methylation across arthropods and examples of gene family and protein domain evolution coincident with the appearance of notable phenotypic and physiological adaptations such as flight, metamorphosis, sociality, and chemoperception.

Conclusions

These analyses demonstrate how large-scale comparative genomics can provide broad new insights into the genotype to phenotype map and generate testable hypotheses about the evolution of animal diversity.
Investigation of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 inhibitor TAK-242 as a new potential anti-rheumatoid arthritis drug
Authors: Samarpita Snigdha , Kim Joo Young , Rasool Mahaboob Khan , Kim Kyoung Soo
Published: January 2020

Background

Proper blocking of toll-like receptor (TLR) activation during disease progression has been reported to have inhibitory effect on the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We tested whether the TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242 had potential as a remedy for rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

The therapeutic effect of TAK-242 was tested in vitro using the human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) line MH7A or primary human FLS and in an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model.

Results

TAK-242 dose dependently inhibited the increased expression of IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, and VEGF in LPS-stimulated MH7A cells. It also inhibited the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in poly(I:C), TLR3 activator-stimulated primary FLS, but not in IL-1β-stimulated primary FLS. These findings suggest that TAK-242 blocks a specific signaling pathway to some degree. Further, TAK-242 slightly inhibited mobilization of NF-κB into nuclei. In the AIA rat model, TAK-242 significantly reversed the body weight and paw thickness of AIA rats to the normal state at a dose of 5 mg/kg, but not at 3 mg/kg, and reduced the increased serum level of IL-6 and VEGF in AIA rats. It also significantly ameliorated inflammatory symptoms of joint tissues at day 21 of treatment, according to histology and RT-PCR.

Conclusions

Based on the drug repositioning concept, TAK-242, which is used for the treatment of TLR4-mediated inflammatory diseases, shows potential for cost-effective development as a remedy for rheumatoid arthritis or to control the progression of RA.
Non-convex block-sparse compressed sensing with coherent tight frames
Authors: Luo Xiaohu , Yang Wanzhen , Ha Jincai , Ai Xing , Tian Xishan
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we present a non-convex ℓ2/ℓq(0<q<1)-analysis method to recover a general signal that can be expressed as a block-sparse coefficient vector in a coherent tight frame, and a sufficient condition is simultaneously established to guarantee the validity of the proposed method. In addition, we also derive an efficient iterative re-weighted least square (IRLS) algorithm to solve the induced non-convex optimization problem. The proposed IRLS algorithm is tested and compared with the ℓ2/ℓ1-analysis and the ℓq(0<q≤1)-analysis methods in some experiments. All the comparisons demonstrate the superior performance of the ℓ2/ℓq-analysis method with 0<q<1.
Characteristic features of the insertions of the distal tibiofibular ligaments on three-dimensional computed tomography- cadaveric study -
Authors: Kikuchi Sho , Tajima Goro , Sugawara Atsushi , Yan Jun , Maruyama Moritaka , Oikawa Shinya , Saigo Takaaki , Oikawa Ryunosuke , Doita Minoru
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to clarify the insertion sites of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) and posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL) and related osseous landmarks on three-dimensional computed tomography images.

Methods

Twenty-nine non-paired, formalin-fixed human cadaveric ankles were evaluated. The tibial and fibular insertion sites of the AITFL and PITFL were identified. The morphology and location of the insertion sites and their positional relationships with osseous structures were analyzed on three-dimensional computed tomography images.

Results

The AITFL had a trapezoidal shape, with fibers that ran obliquely lateral from a wider insertion at the lateral distal tibia to the medial distal fibula. The PITFL had a similar shape to the AITFL; however, it ran more horizontally, with fibers running in the same direction. In the tibia, the anterior capsular ridge and the Chaput’s and Volkmann’s tubercles were useful osseous landmarks for the insertion sites. In the fibula, the centers of the insertion sites of the AITFL and PITFL were located on the edges of the distal anterior and posterior fibula, which were useful osseous landmarks. The mean distances between the center points of the tibial and fibular insertion sites of the AITFL and PITFL were 10.1 ± 2.4 mm and 11.7 ± 2.6 mm, respectively.

Conclusions

The relationships between the characteristic features of the distal tibia and fibula and the insertions of the AITFL and PITFL were consistent. The present findings improve the understanding of the anatomy of the insertions of the distal tibiofibular syndesmotic joint.
Evaluation of acetone as a solvent for the Ames test
Authors: Shibata Tomomi , Yamagata Takeshi , Kawade Akihiro , Asakura Shoji , Toritsuka Naoki , Koyama Naoki , Hakura Atsushi
Published: January 2020

Background

Acetone is a common alternative solvent used in the Ames test when test chemicals are unstable or poorly soluble in water or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Yet, there is a very limited number of studies evaluating acetone as a solvent in the modified Ames test with preincubation (preincubation test).

Results

We evaluated the acetone as a solvent for the preincubation test. Fourteen mutagens dissolved in acetone was added each to the reaction mixture at 2 different volumes (25 or 50 μL) to examine mutagenicity using bacterial test strains recommended in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) test guideline 471, and compared with DMSO (100 μL). Cytotoxicity of acetone was also examined in these bacterial strains. TA1537 was most sensitive to the cytotoxicity of acetone, the degree of which was moderate and similar to DMSO in TA1537 without S9 mix. In other strains, cytotoxicity was limited to a mild degree with or without S9 mix. Cytotoxicity of acetone did not affect detection of mutagenicity of any mutagens; many of them being comparable or less mutagenic than those with DMSO.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that acetone is a viable candidate as a solvent for the preincubation test in the 5 bacterial strains.
Synthesis and validation of [18F]mBPET-1, a fluorine-18 labelled mTOR inhibitor derivative based on a benzofuran backbone
Authors: Wichmann Christian W. , Goh Yit Wooi , Parslow Adam C. , Rigopoulos Angela , Guo Nancy , Scott Andrew M. , Ackermann Uwe , White Jonathan M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Targeted therapy of HER2 positive breast cancer has led to clinical success in some cases with primary and secondary resistance being major obstacles. Due to the substantial involvement of mTOR kinase in cell growth and proliferation pathways it is now targeted in combination treatments to counteract HER2 targeted therapy resistance. However, the selection of receptive patient populations for a specific drug combination is crucial. This work aims to develop a molecular probe capable of identifying patients with tumour populations which are receptive to RAD001 combination therapy. Based on the structure of a mTOR inhibitor specific for mTORC1, we designed, synthesised and characterised a novel benzofuran based molecular probe which suits late stage fluorination via Click chemistry.

Results

Synthesis of the alkyne precursor 5 proceeded in 27.5% yield over 7 linear steps. Click derivatisation gave the non-radioactive standard in 25% yield. Radiosynthesis of [18F]1-((1-(2-Fluoroethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl) methyl)-4-((5-methoxy-2-phenylbenzofuran-4-yl) methyl) piperazine ([18F]mBPET-1) proceeded over two steps which were automated on an iPhase FlexLab synthesis module. In the first step, 2-[18F]fluoroethylazide ([18F]6) was produced, purified by automated distillation in 60% non-decay-corrected yield and subjected to Click conditions with 5. Semi-preparative RP-HPLC purification and reformulation gave [18F]mBPET-1 in 40% ± 5% (n = 6) overall RCY with a process time of 90 min. Radiochemical purity was ≥99% at end of synthesis (EOS) and ≥ 98% after 4 h at room temperature. Molar activities ranged from typically 24.8 GBq/μmol (EOS) to a maximum of 78.6 GBq/μmol (EOS). Lipophilicity of [18F]mBPET-1 was determined at pH 7.4 (logD7.4 = 0.89). [18F]mBPET-1 showed high metabolic stability when incubated with mouse S9 liver fractions which resulted in a 0.8% drop in radiochemical purity after 3 h. Cell uptake assays showed 1.3–1.9-fold increased uptake of the [18F]mBPET-1 in RAD001 sensitive compared to insensitive cells across a panel of 4 breast cancer cell lines.

Conclusion

Molecular targeting of mTOR with [18F]mBPET-1 distinguishes mTOR inhibitor sensitive and insensitive cell lines. Future studies will explore the ability of [18F]mBPET-1 to predict response to mTOR inhibitor treatment in in vivo models.
Does response shift impact interpretation of change even among scales developed using item response theory?
Authors: Schwartz Carolyn E. , Stucky Brian D. , Michael Wesley , Rapkin Bruce D.
Published: January 2020

Background

Response-shift effects impact the interpretation of change in quality-of-life (QOL) measures developed with classical test theory (CTT) methods. This study evaluated the impact of response shift on measures developed using Item Response Theory (IRT), as compared to CTT.

Methods

Chronically ill patients and caregivers (n = 1481) participated in a web-based survey at baseline and 17 months later. Patients completed the IRT-based PROMIS-10; NeuroQOL Applied Cognition, Positive Affect & Well-Being short-forms; and the CTT-based Ryff Environmental Mastery subscale. Response-shift effects were evaluated using regression residual modeling and the QOL Appraisal Profile-v2. The sample was divided into positive and negative catalyst groups on the basis of marital, work, job-status, and comorbidity change. Regression models predicted residualized QOL change scores as a function of catalysts and appraisal changes.

Results

In this sample 859 (58%) reported a catalyst. No catalyst was associated with change in scales developed using IRT, but positive work change was associated with the CTT-based measure. Catalyst variables were associated with changes in appraisal, which in turn were related to all outcomes, particularly for global mental health after a positive work-change.

Conclusions

Appraisal processes are relevant to interpreting IRT measures, particularly for global mental health in the face of life changes.
Thirty-day clinical outcome of traumatic brain injury patients with acute extradural and subdural hematoma: a cohort study at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Ssebakumba Mbaaga K. , Lule Herman , Olweny Francis , Mabweijano Jacqueline , Kiryabwire Joel
Published: January 2020

Background

Increasing traumatic brain injury (TBI) has paralleled the need for decompression surgery for acute subdural (ASDH) and acute extradural haematoma (AEDH). Knowledge of key determinants of clinical outcomes of such patients is mandatory to guide treatment protocols.

Objective

To determine the 30-day clinical outcomes and predictor variables for patients with extra-axial hematomas at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda.

Methods

Prospective observational cohort study of 109 patients with computed tomography (CT) confirmed extra-axial hematomas. Ethical clearance was obtained from the School of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee of College of Health Sciences, Makerere University (REC REF. 2018-185). Admitted patients were followed-up and reassessed for Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and final disposition. Multivariate regression analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 (StataCorp. 2015) at 95% confidence interval, regardingp< 0.05 as statistically significant.

Results

The overall proportion of favorable outcome was 71.7% (n= 71), with 42.3% (n= 11) and 81.7% (n= 58) for ASDH and AEDH, respectively (p= 0.111). Factors associated with a favorable outcome were admission systolic BP > 90 mmHg [IRR = 0.88 (0.26–0.94) 95%CI,p= 0.032), oxygen saturation > 90% [IRR = 0.5 (0.26–0.94) 95%CI,p= 0.030] and diagnosis AEDH [IRR = 0.53 (0.30–0.92) 95%CI,p= 0.025). Moderate TBI [IRR = 4.57 (1.15–18.06) 95%CI,p= 0.03] and severe TBI [IRR = 6.79 (2.32–19.86) 95%CI,p< 0.001] were significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes.

Conclusion

The study revealed that post resuscitation GCS, systolic BP, oxygen circulation, and diagnosis of AEDH at admission are the most important determinants of outcome for patients with extra-axial intracranial hematomas. These findings are valuable for the triaging teams in resource-constrained settings.
Removal of ammonia from leachate by using thermophilic microbial fuel cells equipped with membrane electrode
Authors: Chen Kuo-Ti , Bai Min-Der , Yang Hui-Yun , Chen Yu-Ching , Lu Wen-Jang , Huang Chihpin
Published: January 2020

In wastewater treatment, biological nitrogen removal is an important topic, and the optimal condition for it is a mesophilic environment. This study developed a thermophilic microbial fuel cells (thermo-MFCs) equipped with a hydrophobic membrane electrode to remove and recover ammonia and water from leachate. The results were compared with those of the mesophilic MFCs (meso-MFCs) and they show that the current and power densities for meso-MFCs are higher. The ammonia removal efficiencies of thermo-MFCs are 83% (closed circuit) and 60% (open circuit), higher than those of closed- and open-circuit meso-MFCs (48 and 38%, respectively). Water vapor, the main recovery water flux for the thermo-MFCs, provided 36.5 L m− 2 d− 1 using the closed-circuit mode without applied energy. Moreover, thermo-MFCs and meso-MFCs can be restored within 24 h even under inhibition by using 7200 mg L− 1 ammonia. The proposed process presents an economic and ecofriendly method to not only recover water and ammonia from leachate but also alleviate ammonia inhibition.
Population-based Data at Ages 31 and 46 Show Decreased HRQoL and Life Satisfaction in Women with PCOS Symptoms
Authors: Karjula Salla , Morin-Papunen Laure , Franks Stephen , Auvinen Juha , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Tapanainen Juha S , Jokelainen Jari , Miettunen Jouko , Piltonen Terhi T
Published: January 2020

Context

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but longitudinal data beyond the reproductive years are lacking, and the impact of isolated PCOS symptoms is unclear.

Objective

To study generic HRQoL using the 15D questionnaire, life satisfaction, and self-reported health status in women with PCOS symptoms at ages 31 and 46 years.

Design

A longitudinal assessment using the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966.

Setting

General community.

Participants

The 15D data were available for women reporting isolated oligo-amenorrhea (OA; at age 31 years, 214; and 46 years, 211), isolated hirsutism (H; 31 years, 211; and 46 years, 216), OA + H (PCOS; 31 years, 74; and 46 years, 75), or no PCOS symptoms (controls; 31 years, 1382; and 46 years, 1412). Data for life satisfaction and current health status were available for OA (31 years, 329; and 46 years, 247), H (31 years, 323; and 46 years, 238), PCOS (31 years, 125; and 46 years, 86), control (31 years, 2182; and 46 years, 1613) groups.

Intervention(s)

None.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

15D HRQoL, questionnaires on life satisfaction, and self-reported health status.

Results

HRQoL was lower at ages 31 and 46 in women with PCOS or H than in the controls. PCOS was an independent risk factor for low HRQoL, and the decrease in HRQoL in PCOS was similar to that of women with other chronic conditions, such as asthma, migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression. The risk for low HRQoL in PCOS remained significant after adjusting for body mass index, hyperandrogenism, and socioeconomic status. Mental distress was the strongest contributing factor to HRQoL. PCOS was also associated with a risk for low life satisfaction and a 4-fold risk for reporting a poor health status.

Conclusions

Women with PCOS present with low HRQoL, decreased life satisfaction, and a poorer self-reported health status up to their late reproductive years. Assessments and interventions aiming to improve HRQoL in PCOS should be targeted beyond the fertile age.
2002: A Reading Appeal
Authors: Vasa Samia
Published: January 2020

In 2002, the state of Gujarat in India erupted in extreme anti-Muslim violence. The sexual violence against Muslim women and girls was particularly brutal. Survivors bore witness not only to the violence and destruction but also to the intense sexual enjoyment of the Hindu rapists and rioters. My essay returns to the survivor testimonies of 2002 in an effort to rethink, on the one hand, the status of sexual pleasure/sexual violence in the riots and, on the other, the limits of feminist identification with the Muslim victim-survivors. I argue that sexuality was crucial to all the violence of 2002. My account demonstrates the value—and the terrifying consequences—of learning to read the multiple scenes of pleasure in 2002 for feminist politics against sexual violence.
Toward Mythic Feminist Theorizing: Simone Leigh and the Power of the Vessel
Authors: Musser Amber Jamilla
Published: January 2020

Simone Leigh’s eponymous show at the Luhring Augustine gallery in New York from September 6 to October 20, 2018 features a sculptural gathering of vessels, which themselves are a mode of black feminist theorizing. Working through the sculptural, this essay uses the materiality of the vessels to illuminate multiple possibilities of thinking with race and aesthetics to remake feminist theory. This turn toward form, assemblage, and sensation, in turn, critiques notions of subjectivity that revolve around desire. Studying these vessels refracts feminist theorizing through multiple lenses of black feminism, bringing us toward a new story—a myth of feminist theory.
The End of the Story: Patriarchy
Authors: Brown Kimberly Juanita
Published: January 2020

This essay examines the iterations of patriarchy that seamlessly appear in heteronormative familial structures. Specifically, the paper illuminates the practice of patronymic naming—from surnames to name duplications (juniors) in the overarching framework of patriarchy. Such a framework contributes to the ubiquity and rigidity of naming practices and resists alternate ways of presenting generational offspring. Popular culture reinforces patriarchal normalcy via the ritual of representation. This essay explores the ritualized cementing of generational naming and the reverberations of masculine identity it encloses.
Multivalent nephrin–Nck interactions define a threshold for clustering and tyrosine-dependent nephrin endocytosis
Authors: Martin Claire E. , New Laura A. , Phippen Noah J. , Keyvani Chahi Ava , Mitro Alexander E. , Takano Tomoko , Pawson Tony , Blasutig Ivan M. , Jones Nina
Published: January 2020

Assembly of signaling molecules into micrometer-sized clusters is driven by multivalent protein-protein interactions, such as those found within the nephrin–Nck (Nck1 or Nck2) complex. Phosphorylation on multiple tyrosine residues within the tail of the nephrin transmembrane receptor induces recruitment of the cytoplasmic adaptor protein Nck, which binds via its triple SH3 domains to various effectors, leading to actin assembly. The physiological consequences of nephrin clustering are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that nephrin phosphorylation regulates the formation of membrane clusters in podocytes. We also reveal a connection between clustering and endocytosis, which appears to be driven by threshold levels of nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation and Nck SH3 domain signaling. Finally, we expose an in vivo correlation between transient changes in nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation, nephrin localization and integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier during podocyte injury. Altogether, our results suggest that nephrin phosphorylation determines the composition of effector proteins within clusters to dynamically regulate nephrin turnover and podocyte health.
Cofilin1-driven actin dynamics controls migration of thymocytes and is essential for positive selection in the thymus
Authors: Salz Andree , Gurniak Christine , Jönsson Friederike , Witke Walter
Published: January 2020

Actin dynamics is essential for T-cell development. We show here that cofilin1 is the key molecule for controlling actin filament turnover in this process. Mice with specific depletion of cofilin1 in thymocytes showed increased steady-state levels of actin filaments, and associated alterations in the pattern of thymocyte migration and adhesion. Our data suggest that cofilin1 is controlling oscillatory F-actin changes, a parameter that influences the migration pattern in a 3-D environment. In a collagen matrix, cofilin1 controls the speed and resting intervals of migrating thymocytes. Cofilin1 was not involved in thymocyte proliferation, cell survival, apoptosis or surface receptor trafficking. However, in cofilin1 mutant mice, impaired adhesion and migration resulted in a specific block of thymocyte differentiation from CD4/CD8 double-positive thymocytes towards CD4 and CD8 single-positive cells. Our data suggest that tuning of the dwelling time of thymocytes in the thymic niches is tightly controlled by cofilin1 and essential for positive selection during T-cell differentiation. We describe a novel role of cofilin1 in the physiological context of migration-dependent cell differentiation.
Chemoradiation and granulocyte-colony or granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factors (G-CSF or GM-CSF): time to think out of the box?
Authors: Benna Marouan , Guy Jean-Baptiste , Bosacki Claire , Jmour Omar , Ben Mrad Majed , Ogorodniitchouk Oleksandr , Soltani Saïd , Lan Meiling , Daguenet Elisabeth , Mery Benoîte , Sotton Sandrine , Magné Nicolas , Vallard Alexis
Published: January 2020

Concerns have been raised about potential toxic interactions when colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) and chemoradiation are concurrently performed. In 2006, the ASCO guidelines advised against their concomitant use. Nevertheless, with the development of modern radiotherapy techniques and supportive care, the therapeutic index of combined chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and CSFs is worth reassessing. Recent clinical trials testing chemoradiation in lung cancer let investigators free to decide the use of concomitant CSFs or not. No abnormal infield event was reported after the use of modern radiotherapy techniques and concomitant chemotherapy regimens. These elements call for further investigation to set new recommendations in favour of the association of chemoradiation and CSFs. Moreover, radiotherapy could induce anticancer systemic effects mediated by the immune system in vitro and in vivo. With combined CSFs, this effect was reinforced in preclinical and clinical trials introducing innovative radioimmunotherapy models. So far, the association of radiation with CSFs has not been combined with immunotherapy. However, it might play a major role in triggering an immune response against cancer cells, leading to abscopal effects. The present article reassesses the therapeutic index of the combination CSFs-chemoradiation through an updated review on its safety and efficacy. It also provides a special focus on radioimmunotherapy.
Iatrogenic chylous collection post laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Tawfeeq Haseeba , Lim Su W , Lapsia Snehal , Al-Islam Shofiq
Published: January 2020

With the increasing number of laparoscopic nephrectomies, trauma to lymphatic channels has become an increasingly recognised complication. Early diagnosis and prompt management are key to avoid highly morbid sequelae including severe malnutrition and immunodeficiency. This case reviews the important complication of a retroperitoneal chylous collection following laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.
Human Rights and Surrogacy – Association between Human Rights Approaches and Ethical Approaches
Authors: Sakellaraki Kalomoira K.
Published: January 2020

The main problems that Modern Bioethics faces concern mainlythe terms of rights, which feature prominently in the theoreticalisttheories. If classical theories of deontocracy and utilitarianism areapplied to surrogate motherhood, we will be led not only to different butalso opposing decisions. Bioethics, nevertheless, ought to make the bestpossible decisions and take into consideration moral aspects and valuesby prioritizing the importance of rights. The correlation between humanrights and ethical approaches is particularly convoluted. Both of them areestablished on the respect of human dignity, the individual’s importanceand the moral integrity of human existence. As regards the moral dilemmasthat arise as to the moral permissiveness of surrogacy, it behoves us toapply a particular ethical theory that wil be uesd as a method of justifyinga certain decison. Therefore, in the case of surrogate motherhood, basicethical theories refer to Intuitionism and Ethical Ethics. A morality whichis reliant foremost on the notion of duty, imperative and obligation. Itexamines the ethical dilemmas and answers the question of what one hasto do based on their individual imperatives and duties.
Ο χορός ως αντικείμενο επιστημονικής έρευνας και φιλοσοφίας. Προλεγόμενα
Authors: Lazou Anna
Published: January 2020

The art of dance is now studied in the sciences and philosophy. From the time of the ancient Greek thinkers to the modern era, dance has never ceased to be considered a way of expressing multiple potentialities of culture. The way that man danced in history is also a reflection on every era of man's relationship with nature, the universe and social structures.By selecting the most significant of all references to dance that the modern reader may encounter today, we locate the wealth and variety of information and approaches as well as the interdisciplinary nature of the studies provided. However, both the historical as well as the literary sources and the more recent ethnological and anthropological approaches do not cease to remain in an informational and encyclopedic field, without completing the theoretical explanation and understanding of the phenomenon unless and until specific philosophical questions are answered. These latter ones have to do with the identity of dance experience – based on data about the nature of learning, the relation of dance to language, science or sciences (history, philology, natural sciences), metaphysics and cosmology, the functionality and applicability of dance uses in society, religion and politics. Even the meaning of dance itself or the aesthetic principles as well as the moral and educational values of the ancient dance activity fall within traditional areas of philosophical contemplation or at least are not sufficiently systematized in the direction of methodical research unless they are subject to philosophical inquiry. We will focus on those facts which can show that orchesis/dance is treated by philosophy as an anthropological and at the same time cosmological concept referring to the relation of the human being to its inner psyche and to the environment. The "intelligence" of ancient Greek dance culture that has unfolded over many centuries, in various shapes and types of music poetry, but also with a rich social, educational and therapeutic functionality, is yet another discovery of the Greeks from their earliest history.
Blood making: learning what to put into the dish
Authors: Freire Ana G , Butler Jason M
Published: January 2020

The generation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from pluripotent stem cell (PSC) sources is a long-standing goal that will require a comprehensive understanding of the molecular and cellular factors that determine HSC fate during embryogenesis. A precise interplay between niche components, such as the vascular, mesenchymal, primitive myeloid cells, and the nervous system provides the unique signaling milieu for the emergence of functional HSCs in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region. Over the last several years, the interrogation of these aspects in the embryo model and in the PSC differentiation system has provided valuable knowledge that will continue educating the design of more efficient protocols to enable the differentiation of PSCs intobona fide, functionally transplantable HSCs. Herein, we provide a synopsis of early hematopoietic development, with particular focus on the recent discoveries and remaining questions concerning AGM hematopoiesis. Moreover, we acknowledge the recent advances towards the generation of HSCsin vitroand discuss possible approaches to achieve this goal in light of the current knowledge.
Decision-making in the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Boyles Tom H. , Lynen Lutgarde , Seddon James A. ,   Tuberculous Meningitis International Research Consortium
Published: January 2020

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most devastating form of tuberculosis (TB) but diagnosis is difficult and delays in initiating therapy increase mortality. All currently available tests are imperfect; culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is considered the most accurate test but is often negative, even when disease is present, and takes too long to be useful for immediate decision making. Rapid tests that are frequently used are conventional Ziehl–Neelsen staining and nucleic acid amplification tests such as Xpert MTB/RIF and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra. While positive results will often confirm the diagnosis, negative tests frequently provide insufficient evidence to withhold therapy. The conventional diagnostic approach is to determine the probability of TBM using experience and intuition, based on prevalence of TB, history, examination, analysis of basic blood and CSF parameters, imaging, and rapid test results. Treatment decisions may therefore be both variable and inaccurate, depend on the experience of the clinician, and requests for tests may be inappropriate. In this article we discuss the use of Bayes’ theorem and the threshold model of decision making as ways to improve testing and treatment decisions in TBM. Bayes’ theorem describes the process of converting the pre-test probability of disease to the post-test probability based on test results and the threshold model guides clinicians to make rational test and treatment decisions. We discuss the advantages and limitations of using these methods and suggest that new diagnostic strategies should ultimately be tested in randomised trials.
A PHYSICAL MODEL FOR ESTIMATING THE INTENSITY OF SINGLE EVENTS WHEN EXPOSED TO INDIVIDUAL NUCLEAR PARTICLES
Authors: Savchenko Andrey , Kulay A. , Strukov I. , Chubur K. , Grechanyy Sergey , Zolnikov Konstantin
Published: January 2020

individual nuclear particles, single events, heavy charged particles, integrated circuits (IC), stability, linear energy losses, physical model
DEVELOPMENT OF A METHODOLOGY FOR PREDESIGN INSPECTION OF MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OF THE INSTITUTION OF THE CRIMINAL EXECUTIVE SYSTEM
Authors: Sumin Viktor , Ivanov S.
Published: January 2020

The article deals with the problem of improving the efficiency of pre-design inspection of management systems (MS) of the institution of the Criminal Executive system (CES). It is proposed to carry out an initial survey with a thorough analysis of the functioning of the MS institution of the CES. To do this, it is necessary to develop a methodology that would identify objectively processed information and would allow you to build an information model of this institution. The objective processed information determined on the basis of this technique after primary processing can be used as a base and will allow to describe information flows and to develop a program-oriented management system of the MS of the CES institution.
El precedente administrativo en Colombia: consolidación e implementación
Authors: Quecan Gamba Ricardo
Published: January 2020

El concepto del precedente administrativo es una institución jurídica reciente para el ordenamiento jurídico colombiano, su incorporación legal es producto de la jurisprudencia de la Corte Constitucional de la última década, que impulsó al legislador a incorporar esta figura por medio de las Leyes 1340 de 2009 –Ley de protección de competencia- y 1437 de 2011-Código de Procedimiento Administrativo y de lo Contencioso Administrativo-. Esta institución jurídica en la actualidad representa grandes desafíos tanto teóricos como pragmáticos, ya que al otorgarle fuerza vinculante a las decisiones adoptadas por la administración en ocasiones pasadas, con el ánimo de aplicar uniformemente la misma decisión cuando se presente una similitud de circunstancias fácticas y jurídicas, le permite a dichas entidades ser directamente una fuente de Derecho, y con ello, generar todas las  consecuencias que ello implica.
La Rebelión de la Prisión de Attica (Nueva York, 1971): opresión racial, encarcelamiento en masa y la retórica de la igualdad.
Authors: Piza Duarte Evandro , Lustosa Queiroz Marcos Vinícius , De Deus García Rafael
Published: January 2020

El presente artículo pretende comprender el fenómeno de encarcelamiento en masa de los Estados Unidos iniciado a partir de la década de 1970, por medio del filme “Attica – Against the Wall”, el cual retrata la rebelión de los presos de dicho establecimiento carcelario, en la lucha por el reconocimiento de derechos y mejores condiciones de trato. Teniendo en cuenta este episodio como punto interpretativo del giro de las políticas sociales y criminales estadounidenses, se busca comprender cuales discursos, ideas y prácticas fueron articuladas para vaciar la esfera pública de los movimientos reivindicatorios de las décadas de los años 50 y 60, que permitieron justificar el crecimiento exponencial del poder punitivo y de la vigilancia, así como entender de qué forma el avance del Estado penal actúa como dispositivo esencial para la no concretización de la ciudadanía negra. Finalmente, se harán aproximaciones entre la realidad estadounidense y la brasileña a partir de dicho episodio.