bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
180-day readmission risk model for older adults with acute myocardial infarction: the SILVER-AMI study
Authors: Dodson John A , Hajduk Alexandra M , Murphy Terrence E , Geda Mary , Krumholz Harlan M , Tsang Sui , Nanna Michael G , Tinetti Mary E , Ouellet Gregory , Sybrant Deborah , Gill Thomas M , Chaudhry Sarwat I
Published: January 2021

Objective

To develop a 180-day readmission risk model for older adults with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) that considered a broad range of clinical, demographic and age-related functional domains.

Methods

We used data from ComprehenSIVe Evaluation of Risk in Older Adults with AMI (SILVER-AMI), a prospective cohort study that enrolled participants aged ≥75 years with AMI from 94 US hospitals. Participants underwent an in-hospital assessment of functional impairments, including cognition, vision, hearing and mobility. Clinical variables previously shown to be associated with readmission risk were also evaluated. The outcome was 180-day readmission. From an initial list of 72 variables, we used backward selection and Bayesian model averaging to derive a risk model (N=2004) that was subsequently internally validated (N=1002).

Results

Of the 3006 SILVER-AMI participants discharged alive, mean age was 81.5 years, 44.4% were women and 10.5% were non-white. Within 180 days, 1222 participants (40.7%) were readmitted. The final risk model included 10 variables: history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, history of heart failure, initial heart rate, first diastolic blood pressure, ischaemic ECG changes, initial haemoglobin, ejection fraction, length of stay, self-reported health status and functional mobility. Model discrimination was moderate (0.68 derivation cohort, 0.65 validation cohort), with good calibration. The predicted readmission rate (derivation cohort) was 23.0% in the lowest quintile and 65.4% in the highest quintile.

Conclusions

Over 40% of participants in our sample experienced hospital readmission within 180 days of AMI. Our final readmission risk model included a broad range of characteristics, including functional mobility and self-reported health status, neither of which have been previously considered in 180-day risk models.
VENTURE ACCELERATION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL GROWTH IN CENTRAL AMERICA
Authors: RAWHOUSER HANS , SUTTER CHRISTOPHER , McDONOUGH IAN
Published: January 2021

Intermediaries such as accelerators support entrepreneurial activity in developing countries by connecting entrepreneurs to critical resources and by reshaping the entrepreneurial ventures so they can better participate in larger markets. Existing research has examined the activities intermediaries undertake and how these activities influence intermediary effectiveness. However, we know much less about which entrepreneurial ventures benefit from intermediation. Using 24 months of pre- and post-intervention sales data for 139 ventures working with a business accelerator in Central America, we find that facilitating resource acquisition is less important than the constraints to change within the entrepreneurial ventures themselves. Thus, our study suggests that although facilitating resource acquisition through venture acceleration is important, it may be insufficient for increasing venture growth. Rather, the malleability of the venture may play a more important role in intermediation effectiveness.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 channel participates in mouse ventricular electrical activity
Authors: Chaigne Sebastien , Cardouat Guillaume , Louradour Julien , Vaillant Fanny , Charron Sabine , Sacher Frederic , Ducret Thomas , Guinamard Romain , Vigmond Edward , Hof Thomas
Published: January 2021

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is expressed at the membrane of mouse ventricular myocytes and colocalizes with non-T-tubular L-type calcium channels. Deletion of trpv4 gene in mice results in shortened QT interval on electrocardiogram and reduced action potential duration of ventricular myocytes. Pharmacological activation of TRPV4 channel leads to increased action potential duration and increased calcium transient amplitude in trpv4−/− but not in trpv4−/− ventricular myocytes. To the contrary, TRPV4 channel pharmacological inhibition reduces action potential duration in trpv4+/+ but not in trpv4−/− myocytes. Integration of TRPV4 channel in a computational model of mouse action potential shows that the channel carries an inward current contributing to slowing down action potential repolarization and to increase calcium transient amplitude, similarly to what is observed experimentally. This study highlights for the first time the involvement of TRPV4 channel in ventricular electrical activity.
Pannexin 1 channels control the hemodynamic response to hypoxia by regulating O2-sensitive extracellular ATP in blood
Authors: Kirby Brett S. , Sparks Matthew A. , Lazarowski Eduardo R. , Lopez Domowicz Denise A. , Zhu Hongmei , McMahon Timothy J.
Published: January 2021

Export of vasodilator ATP from red blood cells requires pannexin 1. Blood plasma ATP elevations in response to hypoxia in mice require pannexin 1. Hemodynamic responses to hypoxia are accompanied by increased plasma ATP in mice in vivo and require pannexin 1.
The impact of the 24-h movement spectrum on vascular remodeling in older men and women: a review
Authors: Williams Jennifer S. , Dunford Emily C. , Cheng Jem L. , Moncion Kevin , Valentino Sydney E. , Droog Connor A. , Cherubini Joshua M. , King Trevor J. , Noguchi Kenneth S. , Wiley Elise , Turner Joshua R. , Tang Ada , Al-Khazraji Baraa K. , MacDonald Maureen J.
Published: January 2021

Aging is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, which are preceded by early, negative remodeling of the vasculature. Low physical activity is a well-established risk factor associated with the incidence and development of disease. However, recent physical activity literature indicates the importance of considering the 24-h movement spectrum. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to examine the impact of the 24-h movement spectrum, specifically physical activity (aerobic and resistance training), sedentary behavior, and sleep, on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes in older adults, with a focus on recent evidence (<10 yr) and sex-based considerations. The review identifies that both aerobic training and being physically active (compared with sedentary) are associated with improvements in endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and cerebrovascular function. Additionally, there is evidence of sex-based differences in endothelial function: a blunted improvement in aerobic training in postmenopausal women compared with men. While minimal research has been conducted in older adults, resistance training does not appear to influence arterial stiffness. Poor sleep quantity or quality are associated with both impaired endothelial function and increased arterial stiffness. Finally, the review highlights mechanistic pathways involved in the regulation of vascular and cerebrovascular function, specifically the balance between pro- and antiatherogenic factors, which mediate the relationship between the 24-h movement spectrum and vascular outcomes. Finally, this review proposes future research directions: examining the role of duration and intensity of training, combining aerobic and resistance training, and exploration of sex-based differences in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes.
Clinical and Microbiological Profile of Bacterial and Fungal Suspected Corneal Ulcer at University of Gondar Tertiary Eye Care and Training Centre, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Wuletaw Tarekegn , Geta Mekuanint , Bitew Adane , Mulugeta Wossen , Gelaw Baye
Published: January 2021

Background. A corneal ulcer is a major cause of monocular blindness in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Its etiology varies based on its geographical location and climatic conditions. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to assess the clinical and microbiological profile of suspected bacterial and fungal corneal ulcers at the Tertiary Eye Care and Training Centre at Gondar University. Methods. A cross-sectional hospital-based study of corneal ulcer cases was performed from February to October 2019. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Corneal scrapings were used to classify bacterial and fungal pathogens. The specimens were inoculated on BHI media and sub-cultured on culture media for the separate cultivation of bacteria and fungi. Biochemical tests have been carried out to classify bacteria. Following CLSI, the antimicrobial resistance pattern of bacterial isolates was carried out. Wet mounting, Lactophenol cotton blue staining, and colony characteristics on SDA were used to classify fungal species. The data were analyzed with version 20 of the SPSS. Results. A total of 30 suspected bacterial and fungal keratitis patients have been enrolled in this study. The visual acuity presented in 90% of the affected eyes was in the category of blindness (<3/60). In 71% of the cases, clinically presumed risk factors were identified. Trauma was the most common risk factor found in 46% of cases, followed by keratitis exposure (13%). Of the corneal scrape tests, 76.6% were positive for bacteria and fungi. Fungi were identified in 53.3% of corneal ulcers followed by 33.3% of bacterial growth. The commonest fungi and bacteria isolated were Aspergillus species (69%) and S. aureus, respectively. The prevalence of Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was 2 (40%). The identified Pseudomonas species were susceptible to Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin but resistant to Ceftriaxone. Conclusion. The primary microbial agents for corneal ulcers were fungi, and trauma was the most significant risk factor associated with corneal ulcers. To avoid chronic ocular morbidity and blindness, early identification of the etiologic agent and the provision of adequate management are recommended.
Stress CMR in Known or Suspected CAD: Diagnostic and Prognostic Role
Authors: Baessato Francesca , Guglielmo Marco , Muscogiuri Giuseppe , Baggiano Andrea , Fusini Laura , Scafuri Stefano , Babbaro Mario , Mollace Rocco , Collevecchio Ada , Guaricci Andrea I. , Pontone Gianluca
Published: January 2021

The recently published 2019 guidelines on chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) focus on the need for noninvasive imaging modalities to accurately establish the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and assess the risk of clinical scenario occurrence. Appropriate patient management should rely on controlling symptoms, improving prognosis, and guiding each therapeutic strategy as well as monitoring disease progress. Among the noninvasive imaging modalities, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has gained broad acceptance in past years due to its unique features in providing a complete assessment of CAD through data on cardiac anatomy and function and myocardial viability, with high spatial and temporal resolution and without ionizing radiation. In detail, evaluation of the presence and extent of myocardial ischemia through stress CMR (S‐CMR) has shown a high rule‐in power in detecting functionally significant coronary artery stenosis in patients suspected of CCS. Moreover, S‐CMR technique may add significant prognostic value, as demonstrated by different studies which have progressively evidenced the valuable power of this multiparametric imaging modality in predicting adverse cardiac events. The latest scientific progress supports a greater expansion of S‐CMR with improvement of quantitative myocardial perfusion analysis, myocardial strain, and native mapping within the same examination. Although further study is warranted, these techniques, which are currently mostly restricted to the research field, are likely to become increasingly prevalent in the clinical setting with the scope of increasing accuracy in the selection of patients to be sent to invasive revascularization. This review investigates the diagnostic and prognostic role of S‐CMR in the context of CAD, by analysing a strong, long‐standing, scientific evidence together with an appraisal of new advanced techniques which may potentially enrich CAD management in the next future.
Starvation Survival and Biofilm Formation under Subminimum Inhibitory Concentration of QAMs
Authors: Tiwari Sanjay Kumar , Wang Suping , Huang Yannan , Zhou Xuedong , Xu Hockin H. K. , Ren Biao , Peng Xian , Xiao Yan , Li Mingyun , Cheng Lei
Published: January 2021

Quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs) are useful antimicrobial compounds against oral bacteria. Here, we investigated the effects of two QAMs, dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) and dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM), on biofilm formation, survival and development of tolerance by biofilm, and survival and development of tolerance against QAMs after prolonged starvation. Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), Streptococcus gordonii (S. gordonii), Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), and Actinomyces naeslundii (A. naeslundii) were used. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of QAMs against multispecies biofilm was determined. Biofilm formed under sub‐MIC was observed by crystal violet staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Metabolic activity was assessed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and lactic acid production measurement. Development of tolerance was determined by MIC values before and after exposure to QAMs or after prolonged starvation. It was found that E. faecalis and S. gordonii could survive and form biofilm under sub‐MIC of QAMs. Lactic acid production from biofilms formed under sub‐MIC was significantly higher than control specimens (p < 0.05). The exposure to sub‐MIC of QAMs promoted biofilm formation, and prolonged starvation or prolonged contact with sub‐MIC helped bacteria develop tolerance against killing by QAMs.
Roles of Bile‐Derived Exosomes in Hepatobiliary Disease
Authors: Yao Yuan , Jiao Dechao , Li Zhaonan , Zhou Xueliang , Li Jing , Liu Zaoqu , Han Xinwei
Published: January 2021

Exosomes are vesicles with a diameter of 30‐150 nm produced by living cells and secreted into the extracellular matrix. Exosomes mediate cellular communication by carrying active molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and liposomes. Although exosomes are found in various body fluids, little is known about bile‐derived exosomes. This review is the first to summarize the methods of bile storage and isolation of biliary exosomes, highlighting the roles of bile‐derived exosomes, especially exosomal noncoding RNAs, in physiological and disease states and discussing their potential clinical applications.
An Improved Nonlinear Settlement Calculation Method for Soft Clay considering Structural Characteristics
Authors: Ma Binhui , Li Zhuo , Cai Kai , Hu Zhiyong , Zhao Minghua , He Chengbin , Chen Bingchu , Huang Xiaocheng
Published: January 2021

The settlement calculation model for soft clay foundation is established based on Hooke’s law and the Duncan-Chang model. By introducing the concept of damage ratio, the method for determining the deformation modulus of soil before and after damage under load is presented, and a nonlinear settlement calculation method which considers the structural characteristics of soft clay is proposed. In the end, a practical engineering example is analyzed with the proposed method and some current methods for soft clay settlement calculation. The results indicated that the proposed method is feasible and applicable in practical engineering.
Functional lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA Networks in Response to Baicalein Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Xin , Tang Dongyang , Chen Xiaofei , Chen Shaoqing , Wang Cheng
Published: January 2021

Introduction. Baicalein has been shown to have antitumor activities in several cancer types. However, its acting mechanisms remain to be further investigated. This work is aimed at exploring the functional long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)/microRNA (miRNA)/messenger RNA (mRNA) triplets in response to baicalein in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell to understand the mechanisms of baicalein in HCC. Methods. Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and miRNAs (DEMs) in HCC cell treated with baicalein were first screened using GSE95504 and GSE85511, respectively. miRNA targets for DELs were predicted and intersected with DEMs, after which the miRNA expression was validated using ENCORI and its prognostic value was assessed using Kaplan‐Meier plotter. Potential miRNA targets were predicted by 3 prediction tools, after which expression level was validated at UALCAN and Human Protein Atlas. Kaplan‐Meier plotter was used to evaluate the effects of these genes on overall survival and recurrence‐free survival of HCC patients. Enrichment analyses for these genes were performed at DAVID. Results. Here, we identified 14 overlapping DELs and 26 overlapping DEMs in the baicalein treatment group than those in the DMSO treatment group. Subsequently, by analyzing expression and clinical significance of miRNAs, hsa‐miR‐4443 was found as a highly potential miRNA target. Then, targets of hsa‐miR‐4443 were predicted and analyzed, and we found AKT1 was the most potential target for hsa‐miR‐4443. Hence, the lncRNAs‐hsa‐miR‐4443‐AKT1 axis that can respond to baicalein was established. Conclusion. Collectively, we elucidated a role of lncRNAs‐hsa‐miR‐4443‐AKT1 pathway in response to baicalein treatment in HCC, which could help us understand the roles of baicalein in inhibiting cancer progression and may provide novel insights into the mechanisms behind HCC progression.
Lax Representation and Darboux Solutions of the Classical Painlevé Second Equation
Authors: Mahmood Irfan , Waseem Muhammad
Published: January 2021

In this article, we present Darboux solutions of the classical Painlevé second equation. We reexpress the classical Painlevé second Lax pair in new setting introducing gauge transformations to yield its Darboux expression in additive form. The new linear system of that equation carries similar structure as other integrable systems possess in the AKNS scheme. Finally, we generalize the Darboux transformation of the classical Painlevé second equation to the

N

-th form in terms of Wranskian.
Rutaecarpine Ameliorates Pressure Overload Cardiac Hypertrophy by Suppression of Calcineurin and Angiotensin II
Authors: Li Shujun , Huang Bo , Zhou Changfei , Shi Jingshan , Wu Qin , Jiang Qingsong
Published: January 2021

Cardiac hypertrophy is a major pathological process to result in heart failure and sudden death. Rutaecarpine, a pentacyclic indolopyridoquinazolinone alkaloid extracted from Evodia rutaecarpa with multiple pharmacological activities, yet the underlying protective effects and the mechanisms on cardiac hypertrophy remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of rutaecarpine on pressure overload cardiac hypertrophy. Cardiac hypertrophy in rat was developed by abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) for 4 weeks, which was improved by rutaecarpine supplementation (20 or 40 mg/kg/day, i.g.) for another 4 weeks. The level of angiotensin II was increased; the mRNA expression and the activity of calcineurin in the left ventricular tissue were augmented following cardiac hypertrophy. Rutaecarpine administration decreased angiotensin II content and reduced calcineurin expression and activity. Noteworthily, in angiotensin II-induced cardiomyocytes, rutaecarpine ameliorated the hypertrophic effects in a dose-dependent manner and downregulated the increased mRNA expression and activity of calcineurin. In conclusion, rutaecarpine can improve cardiac hypertrophy in pressure overload rats, which may be related to the inhibition of angiotensin II-calcineurin signal pathway.
Tofacitinib Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Blocking the JAK‐STAT1/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yun Yang , Chen Jingyu , Wang Xuejiao , Li Yingzhuo , Hu Zhifan , Yang Pingting , Qin Ling
Published: January 2021

Septic acute kidney injury (AKI) is the most common AKI syndrome in the intensive care unit (ICU), and it accounts for approximately half of AKI cases. Tofacitinib (TOFA) is a pan‐Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that exhibits potent anti‐inflammatory activity in rheumatoid arthritis. However, no study has examined the functional role of TOFA in septic AKI. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of TOFA on septic AKI and the underlying mechanisms. A lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) induced AKI model was established in C57BL/6 mice via an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg). One hour after LPS challenge, the mice were orally administered TOFA (5, 10, or 15 mg/kg) every 6 h until sacrifice at 24 h. We found that TOFA significantly ameliorated LPS‐induced renal histopathological changes and dysfunction. TOFA also suppressed the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IFN‐γ) and the parameters of oxidative stress (MDA, GSH, SOD, and CAT) in kidney tissues. These results may be associated with the inhibitory effect of TOFA on the JAK‐STAT1/STAT3 pathway, which was significantly activated by LPS challenge. TOFA treatment also inhibited LPS‐induced activation of the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway. In conclusion, we revealed that TOFA had a protective effect on LPS‐induced AKI, and it may be a promising therapeutic agent for septic AKI.
OPPNets and Rural Areas: An Opportunistic Solution for Remote Communications
Authors: Jesús-Azabal Manuel , Herrera Juan Luis , Laso Sergio , Galán-Jiménez Jaime
Published: January 2021

Many rural areas along Spain do not have access to the Internet. Despite the huge spread of technology that has taken place during recent years, some rural districts and isolated villages have a lack of proper communication infrastructures. Moreover, these areas and the connected regions are notably experiencing a technological gap. As a consequence of this, the implementation of technological health solutions becomes impracticable in these zones where demographic conditions are especially particular. Thus, inhabitants over 65 suppose a large portion of such population, and many elderly people live alone at their homes. These circumstances also impact on local businesses which are widely related to the agricultural and livestock industry. Taking into account this situation, this paper proposes a solution based on an opportunistic network algorithm which enables the deployment of technological communication solutions for both elderly healthcare and livestock industrial activities in rural areas. This way, two applications are proposed: a presence detection platform for elderly people who live alone and an analytic performance measurement system for livestock. The algorithm is evaluated considering several simulations under multiple conditions, comparing the delivery probability, latency, and overhead outcomes with other well‐known opportunistic routing algorithms. As a result, the proposed solution quadruples the delivery probability of Prophet, which presents the best results among the benchmark solutions and greatly reduces the overhead regarding other solutions such as Epidemic or Prophet. This way, the proposed approach provides a reliable mechanism for the data transmission in these scenarios.
SESCF: A Secure and Efficient Supply Chain Framework via Blockchain-Based Smart Contracts
Authors: Lou Menghui , Dong Xiaolei , Cao Zhenfu , Shen Jiachen
Published: January 2021

The demands for the fairness, security, and efficiency of the supply chain have grown significantly due to the rise of globalization. However, some problems of the information flow, logistics, and capital flow in the supply chain remain a challenge, such as the information asymmetry between upstream and downstream, substandard quality of goods, difficulty in traceability, and default of payment. Therefore, this paper proposes a blockchain-based supply chain framework (SESCF), which solves the supply chain problems securely and efficiently. First, the use of blockchain and smart contracts ensures the information symmetry in the supply chain system. Second, the radio frequency identification (RFID) provides a unique identity of goods, which helps in real-time quality monitoring. Additionally, the immutability and distributed storage of the blockchain play an important role in tracking the origin of goods. Third, the efficient payment channel is used to solve the problem of payment defaults. Furthermore, simulations of smart contracts along with the security analyses are presented in this paper. We also implement a blockchain-based supply chain system (SescfDapp), which is built upon a Consortium blockchain. Large-scale experiments and detailed analysis prove the feasibility and efficiency of our proposed system.
(Oligo)metastasis as a Spectrum of Disease
Authors: Gutiontov Stanley I. , Pitroda Sean P. , Tran Phuoc T. , Weichselbaum Ralph R.
Published: January 2021

Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and most patients with metastases from solid tumors have historically been considered incurable. Here, we discuss the evolution of our understanding of the oligometastatic state with an emphasis on the view that cancer metastasis represents a spectrum of disease. We highlight several recently published prospective clinical trials demonstrating improvements in cancer-specific outcomes with the utilization of metastasis-directed local therapies. We discuss biological aspects of oligometastases, including genetic, epigenetic, and immune determinants of the metastatic spectrum. Finally, we propose future considerations regarding clinical trial design for patients with oligometastatic disease.
A Bispecific Single-Domain Antibody Boosts Autologous Vγ9Vδ2-T Cell Responses Toward CD1d in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: de Weerdt Iris , Lameris Roeland , Ruben Jurjen M. , de Boer Renate , Kloosterman Jan , King Lisa A. , Levin Mark-David , Parren Paul W.H.I. , de Gruijl Tanja D. , Kater Arnon P. , van der Vliet Hans J.
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

Although considerable progress has been made with autologous T cell–based therapy in B-cell malignancies, application in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) lags behind due to disappointing response rates as well as substantial toxicity that is of particular concern in the elderly CLL population. Vγ9Vδ2-T cells form a conserved T-cell subset with strong intrinsic immunotherapeutic potential, largely because of their capacity to be triggered by phosphoantigens that can be overproduced by CLL and other malignant cells. Specific activation of Vγ9Vδ2-T cells by a bispecific antibody may improve the efficacy and toxicity of autologous T-cell–based therapy in CLL.

Experimental Design:

We evaluated CD1d expression in a cohort of 78 untreated patients with CLL and generated and functionally characterized a CD1d-specific Vγ9Vδ2-T cell engager based on single-domain antibodies (VHH).

Results:

CD1d was expressed by CLL in the majority of patients, particularly in patients with advanced disease. The CD1d-specific Vγ9Vδ2-T cell engager induced robust activation and degranulation of Vγ9Vδ2-T cells, enabling Vγ9Vδ2-T cells from patients with CLL to lyse autologous leukemic cells at low effector-to-target ratios. Expression of CD1d on CLL cells is upregulated by all-trans retinoic acid, and sensitizes the malignant cells to bispecific VHH-induced lysis. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the Vγ9Vδ2-T cell receptor retains responsiveness to phosphoantigens when the bispecific VHH is bound, and aminobisphosphonates can therefore enhance bispecific Vγ9Vδ2-T cell engager–mediated tumor-specific killing.

Conclusions:

Collectively, our data demonstrate the immunotherapeutic potential of this novel CD1d-specific Vγ9Vδ2-T cell engager in CLL.
O papel das comunidades para a construção de cidades resilientes: o caso do Jardim de chuva do Largo das Araucárias, Pinheiros-SP
Authors: Santos Elis Cristina Morales dos
Published: January 2021

Atualmente a maioria dos grandes centros urbanos, a exemplo da cidade de São Paulo, têm enfrentado desafios como enchentes recorrentes, aumento das ilhas de calor, contaminação do solo, desigualdade social, dentre outros, os quais resultam da somatória da história local aos crescentes efeitos das Mudanças Climáticas, fazendo com que cidades e seus habitantes experienciem seus limites físicos e anímicos, colocando à prova suas capacidades de resiliência. Frente a esta realidade, nascem novas formas de se pensar e construir as cidades, como o conceito de biofilia, e também de reivindicação, com crescente participação dos moradores, os quais respondem aos desafios através de intervenções urbanísticas que transformam significativamente a paisagem e a dinâmica local. Assim, este artigo tem como objetivo analisar o papel de intervenções paisagísticas originárias de coletivos e comunidades locais para construção de cidades resilientes. E ao trazer uma análise do Largo das Araucárias, faz ainda um paralelo com o conceito de cidades biofílicas.
Advancing Stroke Recovery Through Improved Articulation of Nonpharmacological Intervention Dose
Authors: Hayward Kathryn S. , Churilov Leonid , Dalton Emily J. , Brodtmann Amy , Campbell Bruce C.V. , Copland David , Dancause Numa , Godecke Erin , Hoffmann Tammy C. , Lannin Natasha A. , McDonald Matthew W. , Corbett Dale , Bernhardt Julie
Published: January 2021

Dose articulation is a universal issue of intervention development and testing. In stroke recovery, dose of a nonpharmaceutical intervention appears to influence outcome but is often poorly reported. The challenges of articulating dose in nonpharmacological stroke recovery research include: (1) the absence of specific internationally agreed dose reporting guidelines; (2) inadequate conceptualization of dose, which is multidimensional; and (3) unclear and inconsistent terminology that incorporates the multiple dose dimensions. To address these challenges, we need a well-conceptualized and consistent approach to dose articulation that can be applied across stroke recovery domains to stimulate critical thinking about dose during intervention development, as well as promote reporting of planned intervention dose versus actually delivered dose. We followed the Design Research Paradigm to develop a framework that guides how to articulate dose, conceptualizes the multidimensional nature and systemic linkages between dose dimensions, and provides reference terminology for the field. Our framework recognizes that dose is multidimensional and comprised of a duration of days that contain individual sessions and episodes that can be active (time on task) or inactive (time off task), and each individual episode can be made up of information about length, intensity, and difficulty. Clinical utility of this framework was demonstrated via hypothetical application to preclinical and clinical domains of stroke recovery. The suitability of the framework to address dose articulation challenges was confirmed with an international expert advisory group. This novel framework provides a pathway for better articulation of nonpharmacological dose that will enable transparent and accurate description, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, in stroke recovery research.
The Draft Convention Ecocide and the Role for Corporate Remediation. Some Insights from the International Monsanto Tribunal and a Recent Research Proposal
Authors: Colacurci Marco
Published: January 2021

The debate on introducing the international crime of ecocide and corporate liability at the international level has been intense during the last fifty years. A recent research project elaborated two draft conventions on the supranational crime of ecocide and transnational crimes (eco-crimes), both acknowledging corporate liability. Also in recent years, the International Monsanto Tribunal – an opinion tribunal – found the Monsanto multinational enterprise responsible for ecocide: although not binding, its advisory opinion tackles most of the critical issues arising from corporate environmental crime. After a review of the case, the article analyses the Draft Convention Ecocide, focusing on the main features of this crime and the corporate liability system provided. Albeit some aspects could be subject to critics, the project has several strengths, particularly for its pragmatic approach to corporate remediation, and also aimed at fostering the dialogue between the national States through the approval of a specific convention.
Global Perspectives on Religion, Media and Public Scholarship
Authors: Hutchings Tim , Asamoah-Gyadu Kwabena , Evolvi Giulia , Han Sam
Published: January 2021

This article encourages researchers of religion, media and culture to develop new, global, comparative conversations about the meaning and purpose of public scholarship. Key terms like “religion”, “media”, “publicness” and “scholarship” can be understood and articulated differently in different social, cultural and geographical locations, and dialogue across our academic contexts is needed to help explore these parallels and divergences. This article shares three reflections from scholars who have lived and worked in west Africa, southern Europe and south-east Asia. Each contributor has been asked to address two questions: How do religious communities engage public audiences? And how can (or should) scholars communicate with the public? The conclusion to the article identifies some of the central themes of their responses: secularity, colonial legacies, globalization, power, vulnerability, and the intended audience of our public interventions.
Interleukin-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Expression Levels in Prostate Cancer Tissues and Their Effects on Epithelial Interstitial Transformation, Migration and Invasion in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Desheng , Zhang Shanbin , Zuo Minfang , Hu Xinming , He Shuming
Published: January 2021

Background: To investigate the expression of Interleukin-6, Interleukin-6 in prostate cancer tissues and its effect on migration and evasiveness of cancer cells. Material and Methods: The releasing of Interleukin-6, Tumor necrosis factor-α in prostate cancer
cells was detected by ELISA method. For prostate cancer cells after knockout, additional Interleukin-6 or Tumor necrosis factor-α induction was given in vitro. After 12 h of culture, the effects of Interleukin-6, Tumor necrosis factor-α on the migration and
evasiveness of prostate cancer cells were observed by Western blot method and matrices invasion experiment. Results: The expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition-related proteins, the migration and invasion ability of prostate cancer cells in each gene knockout group were significantly
reduced. After induction of inflammatory factors (Interleukin-6 or Tumor necrosis factor-α) in the gene knockout group for 12 h, the expression levels of epithelial mesenchymal transition-related proteins, the migration and aggressiveness of prostate cancer were significantly
higher than those after knockout. Conclusion: Interleukin-6 and Tumor necrosis factor-α can induce epithelial mesenchymal transition in LNCaP and PC3 cells, promote cell invasion and metastasis, and provide a new direction for future research.
HailTrack—Improving Radar-Based Hailfall Estimates by Modeling Hail Trajectories
Authors: Brook Jordan P. , Protat Alain , Soderholm Joshua , Carlin Jacob T. , McGowan Hamish , Warren Robert A.
Published: January 2021

A spatial mismatch between radar-based hail swaths and surface hail reports is commonly noted in meteorological literature. The discrepancy is partly due to hailstone advection and melting between detection aloft and observation at the ground. This study aims to mitigate this problem by introducing a model named HailTrack, which estimates hailfall at the surface using radar observations. The model operates by detecting, tracking, and collating hailstone trajectories using dual-polarized, dual-Doppler radar retrievals. Notable improvements in hailfall forecasts were observed through the use of HailTrack, and initializing the model with radar retrievals of hail differential reflectivity HDR was found to produce the most accurate hailfall estimates. The analysis of a case study in Brisbane, Australia, demonstrated that trajectory modeling significantly improved the correlation between hail swaths and hail-related insurance losses, increasing Heidke skill scores from 0.48 to 0.58. The accumulated kinetic energy of hailstone impacts also showed some skill in identifying areas that were exposed to particularly severe hailfall. Other unique impact estimates are presented, such as hailstone advection information and hailstone impact angle statistics. The potential to run the model in real time and produce short-term (10–15 min) nowcasts is also introduced. Model applications include improving radar-based hail climatologies, validating hail detection techniques and insurance claims data, and providing real-time hail impact maps to improve public awareness of hail risk.
Climatology of Estimated Altimeter Error due to Nonstandard Temperatures
Authors: Guinn Thomas A. , Halperin Daniel J. , Herbster Christopher G.
Published: January 2021

General aviation (GA) accidents involving controlled flight into terrain often occur when pilots are unaware that their aircraft’s true altitude is lower than the altitude indicated by the pressure altimeter as a result of colder-than-standard temperatures. However, little guidance is available that quantifies the magnitude of these altimeter errors and their variation with season. In this study, the fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts atmospheric reanalysis of the global climate (ERA5) dataset is combined with the pressure–altitude equation to construct a 30-yr monthly climatology, covering much of the United States and Canada, of D value (i.e., true altitude minus pressure altitude) corrected for the standard-atmosphere height separation between the altimeter setting and standard mean sea level pressure. This “corrected” D value therefore provides a useful estimate of the error between true and altimeter-indicated altitude. During winter, the mean corrected D values reach values as low as −350 m (~−1200 ft) in northern, low-terrain regions for flights near a pressure altitude of 3600 m, meaning the aircraft would be nearly 350 m lower than the altimeter indicates. Furthermore, the minimum (i.e., maximum negative) corrected D values are nearly double their mean values for the same time period. In addition, the reanalysis-based corrected D values are compared with estimated values calculated using a simple rule of thumb that is based solely on the air temperature at altitude and the surface elevation. The rule of thumb tends to underpredict the magnitude of the estimated error, in some cases by 70 m (~200 ft), and therefore gives a lower margin of safety.
Narratives of the mystical among users of psychedelics
Authors: Pedersen Willy , Copes Heith , Gashi Liridona
Published: January 2021

We are now witnessing a radical revival in clinical research on the use of psychedelics (e.g. LSD and psilocybin), where ‘mystical’ experiences are at the centre. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 50 psychedelic drug users, we document how they draw on archetypical mystical narratives, comprising three key dimensions: (1) the transcendence of time and space; (2) deep euphoria; and (3) the perception of being at one with ‘a larger whole’. We suggest that the evolving new cultures around the use of psychedelics contain a variety of narratives, with clear roots in traditional mystical thinking. At the same time, these narratives reflect current cultural and political influences, including the narratives of oneness with plants and animals and our perceived need to protect nature. We conclude that the way people experience mystical occasions due to psychedelic use have archetypical patterns, but culturally specific storylines.
Immigrant Sanctuary Policies and Crime-Reporting Behavior: A Multilevel Analysis of Reports of Crime Victimization to Law Enforcement, 1980 to 2004
Authors: Martínez-Schuldt Ricardo D. , Martínez Daniel E.
Published: January 2021

Sanctuary jurisdictions have existed in the United States since the 1980s. They have recently reentered U.S. politics and engendered contentious debates regarding their legality and influence on public safety. Critics argue that sanctuary jurisdictions create conditions that threaten local communities by impeding federal immigration enforcement efforts. Proponents maintain that the policies improve public safety by fostering institutional trust among immigrant communities and by increasing the willingness of immigrant community members to notify the police after they are victimized. In this study, we situate expectations from the immigrant sanctuary literature within a multilevel, contextualized help-seeking framework to assess how crime-reporting behavior varies across immigrant sanctuary contexts. We find that Latinos are more likely to report violent crime victimization to law enforcement after sanctuary policies have been adopted within their metropolitan areas of residence. We argue that social policy contexts can shift the nature of help-seeking experiences and eliminate barriers that undermine crime victims’ willingness to mobilize the law. Overall, this study highlights the unique role social policy contexts can serve in structuring victims’ help-seeking decisions.
Colchicine Use in Acute Coronary Syndromes: An Update
Authors: Tapoi Laura , Benchea Laura , Siriopol Dimitrie , Kanbay Mehmet , Covic Adrian
Published: January 2021

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and its main pathological substrate is represented by atherosclerosis. Inflammation is a major promoter of the atherosclerotic process and is involved in both the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, as well as in the occurrence of fatal complications. Until the present moment, Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial is the largest trial to demonstrate a major benefit of low-dose colchicine on major adverse cardiac events in patients with recent myocardial infarction (MI), but the mechanisms behind this relation are not completely known. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the possible pathways through which colchicine improves the clinical outcomes in the acute setting of acute coronary syndromes by referring to the results of the studies published in the past 5 years. Aside from its stated systemic anti-inflammatory effect, colchicine could be a valuable addition to the therapeutic approach of acute MI by reducing the infarct size, stabilizing the coronary plaque, as well as reducing platelet aggregation. Moreover, colchicine may improve endothelial function, reduce the transcoronary release of cytokines, and prevent a rise in inflammatory markers after percutaneous coronary intervention, thus diminishing the residual inflammatory risk.
Otolaryngology Applicant Characteristics and Trends: Comparing OTO-HNS with Peer Specialties
Authors: Salehi Parsa P. , Heiser Alyssa , Salehi Pauniz , Torabi Sina J. , Fine Rebecca L. , Judson Benjamin , Azizzadeh Babak , Lee Yan H.
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate the recent Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OTO-HNS) applicant characteristics, to identify which applicant characteristics are associated with successful match into OTO-HNS, and to compare OTO-HNS applicant trends and characteristics to that of peer surgical specialties (PS).

Materials and Methods:

Data were obtained from official reports by the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) for OTO-HNS, plastic and reconstructive surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and dermatology from 2006 to 2019. Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) membership, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores, research productivity, graduation from a top-40 NIH-funded U.S. medical school, and additional graduate degree were recorded. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to evaluate the relationship between applicant qualifications and match success.

Results:

From 2014 to 2018, the OTO-HNS applicant pool shrunk from 443 to 333, representing the largest drop of all PS. Furthermore, OTO-HNS reported the most unfilled positions and highest match rates in 2017 (n = 14; 92.1%) and 2018 (n = 12; 94.6%) among any PS. Despite recent trends, 2019 NRMP data revealed a 38.74% increase in OTO-HNS applicant numbers compared to 2018. AOA membership (OR, 7.3; P = .030), USMLE Step 2 scores between 241 and 260 (OR, 6.5; P = .009), and research productivity (OR, 5.6; P = .005) significantly increased the odds of matching into OTO-HNS.

Conclusions:

Despite recent fluctuations in application trends, OTO-HNS continues to successfully match highly qualified applicants, including applicants with AOA membership, high Step 2 scores, and high research productivity. An understanding of the qualifications used to evaluate residency applicants may be helpful to both applicants and residency programs of OTO-HNS.
The oral language productive vocabulary profile of children starting school: A resource for teachers
Authors: Green Clarence
Published: January 2021

The oral language proficiency of students in early education is crucial as teachers draw on this as a resource when developing literacy. There is a need to better understand what this oral language resource consists of at school entry, particularly the diversity amongst children so as to address inequalities. This article reports a study on a key component of oral language, namely productive vocabulary. It profiles the oral language vocabulary in approximately 3.6 million words produced by a large sample of almost 800 children under the age of five. The results are reported in a productive vocabulary resource, structured as a list of 2767 vocabulary targets. This profile represents highly productive vocabulary presumably known by most children as well as more advanced vocabulary not part of every child’s oral language. The article demonstrates the pedagogical implications of this research in the context of the National Literacy Learning Progressions of the Australian National Curriculum.
Not transaction but service? Interrogating the multiple surrogacy narratives in India
Authors: Sarkar Sucharita
Published: January 2021

The asymmetrical commercial surrogacy industry in India has been subject to media scrutiny and scholarly debate focusing on biomedical, legal, ethical and feminist concerns. Since 2016, this discourse has taken a contested turn, as the new Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill bans commercial surrogacy and allows only altruistic surrogacy for heteronormative, married, clinically-infertile Indian couples/women. This Bill has been passed by Parliament’s lower house, but is still being debated in the upper house. One recurrent trope underpinning the surrogacy rhetoric is the Hindu figuration of the sacrificing mother, as iconified in the mythical Yashoda. Altruistic surrogacy is usually framed as an ethical extension of selfless motherhood; and commercial surrogacy stakeholders also use the same trope to validate surrogacy. This article critiques how Hindu constructs of motherhood impact the rhetoric and politics of surrogacy in India. Using a three-part analysis, the author discusses a Hindu surrogacy myth, investigates government and media texts on the new Bill, and explores select testimonials of surrogates (sourced through secondary research). The research question in the article is: how are the rights of surrogates being addressed (or diminished) through the use of Hindu motherhood tropes and the framing of surrogacy as gift-giving or unpaid service rather than transaction?