bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alantolactone suppresses inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress in cigarette smoke-induced human bronchial epithelial cells through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibition of the NF-κB pathways
Authors: Dang Xiaomin , He Beibei , Ning Qian , Liu Ya , Guo Jianxin , Niu Gang , Chen Mingwei
Published: April 2020

Background

It is well established that airway remodeling and inflammation are characteristics for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Moreover, cigarette smoke extract (CSE) promots inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress in COPD. And, there is evidence suggested that alantolactone (ALT), a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Inula helenium, plays an adverse role in inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress. However, few studies have investigated the function and mechanism of ALT treatment on the COPD pathological process.

Methods

The levels of IL-1 β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ were examined by ELISA. Cells’ apoptosis and caspase-3 activity were detected by Cell Death Detection PLUS enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and caspase-Glo 3/7 Assay, respectively. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined by using MDA and SOD assay kits. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was measured by DCFH-DA assay. Protein expression was assayed by Western blot.

Results

In the present study, we aimed to observe the protective effects of ALT against inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress in human bronchial epithelial Beas-2B and NHBE cells. Our results showed that different doses of CSE exposure induced Beas-2B and NHBE cell inflammatory cytokines IL-1 β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ expression, cell apoptosis, caspase-3 activity and mediated oxidative stress markers MDA, ROS and SOD levels, while ALT treatment counteracted the effects of CSE. Further studies suggested that ALT attenuated NF-κB pathway activation. ALT also activated the Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway through promoting Nrf2 nuclear aggregation and downstream HO-1 protein expression. HO-1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP IX) reversed the effects of ALT on Beas-2B and NHBE cell inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Conclusions

The above results collectively suggested that ALT suppressed CSE-induced inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress by modulating the NF-ĸB and Nrf2/ HO-1 axis.
Correction to: Constraining the carbonate system in soils via testing the internal consistency of pH, pCO2 and alkalinity measurements
Authors: Bargrizan Sima , Smernik Ronald J. , Mosley Luke M.
Published: April 2020

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The presentation of Fig. 4 was incorrect. That is, in Fig. 4, the bottom graph in the figure should be removed.
Incorrect measurements and misleading conclusions in the article “Comparison of the efficacy of tooth alignment among lingual and labial brackets: an in vitro study”
Authors: Wiechmann Dirk , Bantleon Hans-Peter , Melsen Birte , Zachrisson Björn , Hägg Urban , Canal Pierre , Garcia Robert , Barthélemi Stephane , Frapier Laure , Grauer Dan , Sander Christian , Diedrich Peter , Jacobs Collin , Wehrbein Heiner , Hohoff Ariane , Helms Hans-Joachim , Schwestka-Polly Rainer
Published: April 2020

Background/objective

To reproduce the methods and results of the study by Alobeid et al. (2018) in which the efficacy of tooth alignment using conventional labial and lingual orthodontic bracket systems was assessed.

Materials/methods

We used the identical experimental protocol and tested (i) regular twin bracket (GAC-Twin [Dentsply]) and lingual twin bracket systems (Incognito [3M]), (ii) together with NiTi 0.014” wires (RMO), and (iii) a simulated malocclusion with a displaced maxillary central incisor in the x-axis (2 mm gingivally) and in the z-axis (2 mm labially).

Results

The method described by Alobeid et al. (2018) is not reproducible, and cannot be used to assess the efficacy of tooth alignment in labial or lingual orthodontic treatment. Major flaws concern the anteroposterior return of the Thermaloy-NiTi wire ligated with stainless steel ligatures. The reproduced experimental setting showed that a deflected Thermaloy-NiTi wire DOES NOT move back at all to its initial stage (= 0 per cent correction) because of friction and binding (see supplemented video), neither with the tested labial nor with the lingual brackets. Furthermore, an overcorrection of up to 138 per cent, which the authors indicate for some labial bracket-wire combinations and which deserves the characterization “irreal”, stresses the inappropriateness of the method of measurement.Further flaws include: a) incorrect interpretation of the measurement results, where a tooth tripping around (overcorrection) is interpreted as a better outcome than a perfect 100 per cent correction; b) using a statistical test in an inappropriate and misleading way; c) uncritical copying of text passages from older publications to describe the method, which do not correspond to this experimental protocol and lead to calculation errors; d) wrong citations; e)differences in table and bar graph values of the same variable; f) using a lingual mushroom shaped 0.013” Thermaloy-NiTi wire which does not exist; g) drawing uncritical conclusions of so called "clinical relevance" from a very limited in vitro testing.

Conclusions

Clinical recommendations based on in vitro measurements using the Orthodontic Measurement and Simulation System (OMSS) should be read with caution.
Role of the ADCY9 gene in cardiac abnormalities of the Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome
Authors: Wu Yueheng , Xia Yu , Li Ping , Qu Hui-Qi , Liu Yichuan , Yang Yongchao , Lin Jijin , Zheng Meng , Tian Lifeng , Wu Zhuanbin , Huang Shufang , Qin Xianyu , Zhou Xianwu , Chen Shaoxian , Liu Yanying , Wang Yonghua , Li Xiaofeng , Zeng Hanshi , Hakonarson Hakon , Zhuang Jian
Published: April 2020

Background

Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RTS) is a rare, congenital, plurimalformative, and neurodevelopmental disorder. Previous studies have reported that large deletions contribute to more severe RTS phenotypes than those caused by CREBBP point mutations, suggesting a concurrent pathogenetic role of flanking genes, typical of contiguous gene syndromes, but the detailed genetics are unclear.

Results

This study presented a rare case of Rubinstein-Taybi (RT) syndrome with serious cardiac abnormalities. Based on the clinical and genetic analysis of the patient, theADCY9gene deletion was highlighted as a plausible explanation of cardiac abnormalities. Inadcy9morphant zebrafish, cardiac malformation was observed. Immunofluorescence study disclosed increased macrophage migration and cardiac apoptosis. RNA sequencing in zebrafish model highlighted the changes of a number of genes, including increased expression of the mmp9 gene which encodes a matrix metalloproteinase with the main function to degrade and remodel extracellular matrix.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified a plausible new candidate geneADCY9of CHD through the clinical and genetic analysis of a rare case of Rubinstein-Taybi (RT) syndrome with serious cardiac abnormalities. By functional study of zebrafish, we demonstrated that deletion ofadcy9is the causation for the cardiac abnormalities. Cardiac apoptosis and increased expression of the MMP9 gene are involved in the pathogenesis.
Venetoclax in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma harboring t(11,14)(q13;q32): two case reports and a review of the literature
Authors: Abuelgasim Khadega A. , Alherz Noha , Alhejazi Ayman , Damlaj Moussab
Published: April 2020

Background

Multiple myeloma has witnessed significant advances due to the approval of many novel agents. However, in spite of all these new developments, multiple myeloma remains an incurable disease with inevitable relapse in the majority of patients. Venetoclax is a selective antiapoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor that induces cell death in multiple myeloma cells, particularly in those harboring t(11,14)(q13;q32). We report two cases of patients with multiple myeloma with t(11,14)(q13;q32) who were treated with venetoclax/carfilzomib/dexamethasone with rapid initial response; however, the response was short-lived.

Cases presentation

Patient 1 was a 50-year-old Saudi man with International Staging System stage III kappa light chain multiple myeloma with normal karyotype diagnosed in May 2013. He received bortezomib/thalidomide/dexamethasone treatment and underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Three years later, he presented with disease progression and received multiple lines of chemotherapy, including carfilzomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone. Venetoclax/carfilzomib/dexamethasone was started after acquiring t(11,14)(q13;q32) 5 years into his disease course. He achieved complete remission, with disease progression after cycle 6. Patient 2 was a 48-year-old Saudi man with International Staging System stage III immunoglobulin G kappa multiple myeloma with t(11,14)(q13;q32) diagnosed in May 2017. He received bortezomib/thalidomide/dexamethasone treatment and underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Eighteen months later, he had disease progression, and he received multiple lines of chemotherapy, including carfilzomib/dexamethasone. He was shifted to venetoclax/carfilzomib/dexamethasone in April 2019 and had an initial clinical response; two months later, he progressed to plasma cell leukemia with rapid deterioration to multiorgan failure.

Conclusions

Acquired t(11;14)(q13;q32) is unreported in the multiple myeloma literature. In the era of targeted therapy, it is essential to repeat the cytogenetic and multiple myeloma fluorescence in situ hybridization panel with each disease progression. Multiple myeloma remains a challenging hematological malignancy despite advances in personalized/precision medicine.
Macrophage M2 polarization induced by exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells contributes to the exosomal proangiogenic effect on mouse ischemic hindlimb
Authors: Zhu Dihan , Johnson Takerra K. , Wang Yang , Thomas Miracle , Huynh Ky , Yang Qinglin , Bond Vincent C. , Chen Y. Eugene , Liu Dong
Published: April 2020

Background

M2 macrophages and exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are both reported to promote angiogenesis. However, the possible synergistic effects between exogenous exosomes and endogenous M2 macrophages are poorly understood.

Methods

Exosomes were isolated from conditioned medium of normoxic and hypoxic ASCs using the combined techniques of ultrafiltration and size-exclusion chromatography and were identified with nanoparticle tracking analysis and immunoblotting for exosomal markers. Macrophages were collected from the mouse peritoneal cavity. M1 and M2 macrophages were detected by immunoblotting for the intracellular markers inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase-1 (Arg-1) and by flow cytometry for the surface markers F4/80, CD86, and CD206. Murine models of Matrigel plug and hindlimb ischemia were employed as in vivo angiogenic assays.

Results

When M1 macrophages were treated with exosomes from normoxic ASCs (Nor/Exo), and particularly from hypoxic ASCs (Hyp/Exo), the expression of the M1 marker iNOS decreased, and the M2 marker Arg-1 increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Additionally, a decrease in the M1 surface marker CD86 and an increase in the M2 surface marker CD206 were observed, which suggested that M1 macrophages were polarized to an M2-like phenotype. Conditioned medium from these M2-like macrophages presented lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines and higher levels of proangiogenic factors and promoted endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Furthermore, M2 polarization and angiogenesis were induced upon the administration of exosomes in mouse Matrigel plug and hindlimb ischemia (HLI) models. Interestingly, these exosomal effects were attenuated by using a colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) inhibitor, BLZ945, in vitro and in vivo. Downregulation of microRNA-21 (miR-21) in hypoxic ASCs reduced the exosomal effects on M2 polarization, Akt phosphorylation, and CSF-1 secretion. A similar reduction in exosomal activity was also observed when exosomes were administered along with BLZ945.

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence that exosomes from ASCs polarize macrophages toward an M2-like phenotype, which further enhances the exosomal proangiogenic effects. Exosomal delivery of miR-21 and positive feedback of secreted CSF-1 may be involved in macrophage polarization.
CReM: chemically reasonable mutations framework for structure generation
Authors: Polishchuk Pavel
Published: April 2020

Structure generators are widely used in de novo design studies and their performance substantially influences an outcome. Approaches based on the deep learning models and conventional atom-based approaches may result in invalid structures and fail to address their synthetic feasibility issues. On the other hand, conventional reaction-based approaches result in synthetically feasible compounds but novelty and diversity of generated compounds may be limited. Fragment-based approaches can provide both better novelty and diversity of generated compounds but the issue of synthetic complexity of generated structure was not explicitly addressed before. Here we developed a new framework of fragment-based structure generation that, by design, results in the chemically valid structures and provides flexible control over diversity, novelty, synthetic complexity and chemotypes of generated compounds. The framework was implemented as an open-source Python module and can be used to create custom workflows for the exploration of chemical space.
School-based interventions for promoting food and nutrition literacy (FNLIT) in elementary school children: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Doustmohammadian Azam , Omidvar Nasrin , Shakibazadeh Elham
Published: April 2020

Background

Food and nutrition literacy is a newly emerged concept to connect food-related knowledge and skills to healthy diets. Its promotion is important to protect children as they eat too many low-nutrient, high-energy foods. Food and nutrition literacy promotion needs multi-dimensional interventions. In the process of developing an intervention to promote food and nutrition literacy, the present review protocol aims to critically examine the evidence in the area of school-based interventions for promoting food and nutrition literacy (FNLIT) in elementary school children.

Methods

We will search PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and ProQuest (from inception onwards). Additional studies will be identified through manual searching of reference lists. Quantitative studies (e.g., randomized controlled trial, quasi-randomized trials, and cluster randomized trials) evaluating the effect of interventions to promote food and nutrition literacy in elementary school children (5–12 years old) will be included. Main outcomes will be food and nutrition literacy at functional, interactive, and critical levels. Secondary outcomes will be dietary intake indicators (e.g., healthy eating index, DDS) and health outcome measures (e.g., reduction in BMI and less weight gain). Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. Potential conflicts will be resolved through discussion. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using appropriate tools. If feasible, we will conduct random effects meta-analysis. The quality of the included studies will separately evaluate using the validated Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies, developed by the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP). Data will be extracted by two reviewers from the identified relevant literature. Standard data synthesis and analysis will be used for the review.

Discussion

This systematic review will summarize the evidence regarding the components, implementation methods, and effectiveness of the interventions of food and nutrition literacy promotion in elementary school children. The results of this review will provide a useful reference for policymakers and curriculum developers to assess education curricula and develop practical learning and teaching strategies to improve students’ food and nutrition literacy.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO (CRD42019135118)
The interplay of HIV and human papillomavirus-related cancers in sub-Saharan Africa: scoping review
Authors: Lekoane Kabelo Matjie Bridget , Kuupiel Desmond , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani P. , Ginindza Themba G.
Published: April 2020

Background

People living with HIV (PLHIV) are at a high risk of developing HPV-related cancers. HPV-related malignancies occur frequently and/or are high among PLHIV, with cervical cancer as a designated AIDS-defining condition. We aimed to explore the evidence on the interplay of HIV and HPV-related cancers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

The scoping review was guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. We searched for literature from the following databases: PubMed; World Health Organization (WHO) Library; Science Direct; Google Scholar and EBSCOhost (Academic search complete, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, CINAHL). Studies reporting on evidence HIV and HPV-related cancers interplay in SSA were eligible for inclusion in this review. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) tool was used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used for reporting the search results. Thematic analysis used to reveal the emerging themes from the included studies.

Results

A total of 74 potentially eligible articles were screened. Of these, nine (7 reviews, 1 transversal case controls, and 1 quantitative study) were eligible for data extraction. The studies reported about a total of 16,351 participants in different settings. The nine included studies showed evidence of cervical cancer among HIV-infected women and distribution of HPV infection and cervical abnormalities among HIV-positive individuals. In the four studies generalizing about HIV and anal cancer, only one reported about HPV. Two studies generally reported about HIV and head and neck cancers and one reported about interaction of HIV with vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, and penile cancer, respectively.

Conclusion

HIV positivity is associated with increased prevalence of HPV infection on different anatomic sites, which will result in increased burden of HPV-related cancers among PLHIV. Furthermore, primary studies with robust study designs aimed at investigating the risk developing HPV-related cancers among PLHIV are recommended.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42017062403
A B-spline finite element method for solving a class of nonlinear parabolic equations modeling epitaxial thin-film growth with variable coefficient
Authors: Qin Dandan , Tan Jiawei , Liu Bo , Huang Wenzhu
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we propose an efficient B-spline finite element method for a class of fourth order nonlinear differential equations with variable coefficient. For the temporal discretization, we choose the Crank–Nicolson scheme. Boundedness and error estimates are rigorously derived for both semi-discrete and fully discrete schemes. A numerical experiment confirms our theoretical analysis.
Documentary research on social innovation in health in Latin America
Authors: Castro-Arroyave Diana María , Duque-Paz Luisa Fernanda
Published: April 2020

Background

Identifying social innovation in health initiatives, promoting quality of life through them, and transforming current health conditions demand the knowledge, comprehension and appropriation of the theoretical and methodological developments of this concept. Academic developments in social innovation have mainly occurred in and been documented for English-speaking countries, although relevant experiences have been implemented in Latin America. In this article, we describe and analyze how social innovation in health is being approached and understood in this region.

Main text

To identify the theoretical and methodological developments of social innovation in health between 2013 and 2018, a scoping review with a mixed approach was carried out. Eighty texts in English, Spanish and Portuguese were selected for a process of reflexive analysis of intra and intertextual reading. The approaches identified in the studied initiatives were complementary. The most applied approaches were innovation in health, technological innovation in health and social innovation, each with twelve publications, and social innovation in health and ecohealth with ten and seven publications respectively. The approaches showed a general interest in reaching the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Alma Ata Declaration and the Ottawa Letter.

Conclusions

The social innovation in health approach in Latin America adopts educational strategies, identifies risk factors, optimizes resources, promotes interculturality, participation, community empowerment, and enhances intersectorality and interdisciplinarity. As an approach, process, program or solution, social innovation in health is a conceptual category under construction. This research provides a baseline for other systematic reviews on the subject.
Evaluation of CT-based radiomics signature and nomogram as prognostic markers in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Linyan , Wang Haiyang , Zeng Hao , Zhang Yi , Ma Xuelei
Published: April 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of radiomics signature and nomogram based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in patients after surgical resection of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).

Methods

All patients (n = 136) were divided into the training cohort (n = 96) and validation cohort (n = 40). The LASSO regression method was performed to construct radiomics signature from CT texture features. Then a radiomics nomogram incorporating the radiomics signature and clinicopathologic factors was established to predict overall survival (OS). The validation of nomogram was evaluated by calibration curve, concordance index (C-index) and decision curve.

Results

Based on three selected texture features, the radiomics signature showed high C-indexes of 0.782 (95%CI: 0.656–0.909) and 0.752 (95%CI, 0.614–0.891) in the two cohorts. The radiomics nomogram had significantly better discrimination capability than cancer staging in the training cohort (C-index, 0.817 vs. 0.682; P = 0.009) and validation cohort (C-index, 0.913 vs. 0.699; P = 0.019), as well as a good agreement between predicted and actual survival in calibration curves. Decision curve analysis also suggested improved clinical utility of radiomics nomogram.

Conclusions

Radiomics signature and nomogram showed favorable prediction accuracy for OS, which might facilitate the individualized risk stratification and clinical decision-making in LSCC patients.
Review of How Population Change Will Transform Our World by Sarah Harper
Authors: Miccoli Sara
Published: April 2020

In this book, Sarah Harper explores the relevant topic of the shift in the age structure of the world’s population. She addresses this issue by considering the entire world population. In particular, she deeply analyses causes and consequences of the age-structural change highlighting convergences and differences between populations of various geographical areas and focusing on the connections with economic and social factors. Addressed also to a wider audience, this book sheds light about the important changes of the population age structure and about the future of the world population. The author highlights differences and interconnections existing between various populations of the world, without forgetting to stress the importance to consider changes at the individual level within the society. Sarah Harper, through this book, contributes to provide instruments and knowledge to understand the populations and societies of the world.
Synergism of three botanical termiticides as wood protectants against subterranean termites, Macrotermes subhyalinus (Rambur, 1842)
Authors: Oladipo-nee Ajayi Olufunmilayo Eunice , Oyeniyi Emmanuel Ayobami , Elijah Odunayo Aimakhede
Published: April 2020

Background

The increased interest in the harmful effects of most chemical pesticides on the ecosystem has continually served as an impetus to search for safer and eco-friendly pesticides from plant origin. In this study, the termiticidal potentials of extract mixtures ofAzadirachta indica(A. Juss.),Nicotiana tabacum(L.), andJatropha curcas(L.) againstMacrotermes subhyalinus(Rambur, 1842) infestingTriplochiton scleroxylon(K. Schum) wood blocks were investigated in the field (open and under shade) and laboratory conditions. Weight loss in wood blocks, level of wood damage, and termite mortality were used as indices of wood protection potential of the botanical mixtures. The level of repellent ability of the extracts mixture was also determined. For the laboratory bioassays, ten termites (worker/soldier) were used per treatment and each treatment was replicated thrice. Profile of components of the three mixtures was also obtained using head space–solid-phase micro-extraction, gas chromatography–mass spectrophotometry (HS-SPME, GC-MS) analysis.

Results

Extracts ofA.indicaplusN.tabacumachieved 100% mortality of worker within 4 h while those ofN.tabacumplusJ.curcasandA.indicaplusN.tabacumplusJ.curcasachieved 100% mortality of termites at 6 h post-treatment. Also, extract ofA.indicaplusN.tabacumandA.indicaplusN.tabacumplusJ.curcasevoked 100% mortality of soldier termites at 6 h. Termites exposed toN.tabacumplusJ.curcasfor 1, 2, 3, and 4 h were the most repelled at 73, 87, 73, and 73%, respectively. The extract ofJ.curcasplusA.indicaplusN.tabacumoffered the highest protection against termite damage in the open field (6.17%). The botanicals were ineffective under shade. Insecticidal compounds like (S)-3-(1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl) pyridine; Methyl ester, Hexadecanoic acid; (Z, Z)-9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid; Anthracene; 2-Hydroxy-Cyclopentadecanone; and n-Hexadecanoic acid were found in the extracts.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the botanical mixtures could confer some protection against termites. Also, the knowledge about the components and varied level of potency under different conditions may be vital in developing biorationals againstM.subhyalinus.
Comparison of target controlled infusion and manual infusion of propofol for sedation in spinal anesthesia
Authors: Arslan Gülten , Sezen Özlem
Published: April 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of sedation during surgery under spinal anesthesia with propofol using target-controlled infusion versus manual infusion regarding sedation, hemodynamics, recovery pattern, and patient and surgeon satisfaction.

Subjects and methods

This prospective randomized controlled study was performed on 60 ASA I–III patients enrolled for elective surgery under spinal anesthesia. They received propofol infusion for intraoperative sedation using target-controlled infusion or manually. The target-controlled infusion group (n = 30) received propofol with the target-controlled infusion system (Schnider’s model) with the initial target plasma concentration set at 1.5 μg ml−1. The manual infusion group (n = 30) received propofol manually in a bolus of 0.5 mg kg−1 and in maintenance doses of 1.5 mg kg−1 h−1. In both groups, the anesthesiologist adjusted to increase or decrease the infusion rate by 0.2 μg ml−1 to maintain an Observer’s Assessment of Alertness and Sedation Scale of 3–4. We recorded the amount of propofol, hemodynamics, sedation scores, VAS, BIS, patient’s and surgeon’s satisfaction, recovery pattern, and side effects.

Results

Compared with the manual infusion group, the target-controlled infusion group had a faster time to reach OAAS/3 (7.2 ± 3.47 min for the target-controlled infusion group vs 5.8 ± 1.50 min for the manual infusion group; p = 0.04) and recovery time (5.1 ± 1.70 min vs 3.6 ± 1.09 min; p < 0.001); deeper BIS levels in the 10th, 20th, and 30th minutes (p = 0.04, p = 0.03, p = 0.05); and deeper Observer’s Assessment of Alertness and Sedation Scale in the 10th and 40th minutes (p = 0.05, p = 0.03), and more surgeon’s satisfaction (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

It was concluded that propofol at the same doses administered with target-controlled infusion for sedation during spinal anesthesia could be preferred due to faster sedation and recovery and more patient’s satisfaction compared to manual infusion.
Hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Bilezikian John P
Published: April 2020

Background

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by hypocalcemia and low or undetectable levels of parathyroid hormone.

Methods

This review is an evidence-based summary of hypoparathyroidism in terms of relevant pathophysiological, clinical, and therapeutic concepts.

Results

Many clinical manifestations of hypoparathyroidism are due to the lack of the physiological actions of parathyroid hormone on its 2 major target organs: the skeleton and the kidney. The skeleton is inactive, accruing bone without remodeling it. The kidneys lose the calcium-conserving actions of parathyroid hormone and, thus, excrete a greater fraction of calcium. Biochemical manifestations, besides hypocalcemia and low or undetectable levels of parathyroid hormone, include hyperphosphatemia and low levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Calcifications in the kidney, brain, and other soft tissues are common. Removal of, or damage to, the parathyroid glands at the time of anterior neck surgery is, by far, the most likely etiology. Autoimmune destruction of the parathyroid glands and other genetic causes represent most of the other etiologies. Conventional treatment with calcium and active vitamin D can maintain the serum calcium level but high doses may be required, adding to the risk of long-term soft tissue calcifications. The advent of replacement therapy with recombinant human PTH(1-84) represents a major step in the therapeutics of this disease.

Conclusions

Advances in our knowledge of hypoparathyroidism have led to greater understanding of the disease itself and our approach to it.
Long-term Effects of Radioiodine in Toxic Multinodular Goiter: Thyroid Volume, Function, and Autoimmunity
Authors: Roque Catarina , Santos Francisco Sousa , Pilli Tania , Dalmazio Gilda , Castagna Maria Grazia , Pacini Furio
Published: April 2020

Context

Long-term studies evaluating the treatment of toxic multinodular goiter (TMNG) with fixed activities of radioiodine (RAI) are lacking.

Objective

The objective of this work is to describe the effects of 15 mCi on thyroid volume, function, and autoimmunity in the long term.

Design and Setting

A population-based, retrospective analysis with up to 12 years of follow-up was conducted in Siena, Italy.

Participants

Adult patients (n = 153) with TMNG, naive to RAI, were included.

Methods

Evaluation was performed of thyroid function, antithyroid antibodies, and ultrasound scans before and yearly after RAI.

Main Outcome Measures

Evaluations included hyperthyroidism cure, hypothyroidism, volume reduction, nadir and regain, and antibody titer change.

Results

The study revealed mean volume reductions greater than or equal to 50% at 3 years after RAI; the greatest annual reduction was observed during the first year (30 ± 17.8%; P < .001). Most patients (60%) achieved their volume nadir 3 to 6 years after RAI. Although 22% patients showed volume regain, the net reduction was statistically significant as late as 9 years after RAI (P = .005). The mean time to hypothyroidism was 2.7 ± 2.4 years, and it was associated with greater reductions in volume (P = .01). During the first 3 years after treatment, hyperthyroid patients decreased approximately by 50% per year without additional RAI. There was no statistically significant association of antibody titers with thyroid function except for antithyrotropin receptor antibodies and hyperthyroidism (P = .004). At the end of follow-up there were 61.6% euthyroid patients, 11% hyperthyroid (4.8% overt), and 27.4% hypothyroid patients (2.7% overt). Hyperthyroidism was cured in 89%.

Conclusions

The treatment of TMNG with 15 mCi of RAI induced low hypothyroidism rates while providing high cure rates and significant volume reduction, which was maintained in the long term.
Lateness and Lessness
Authors: Brazil Kevin
Published: April 2020

The work of Don DeLillo and Philip Roth has been characterized as a turn to writing novels about lateness in a style that for both authors tends toward “less and less.” Their work manifests a relationship between lateness and style that departs both from canonical accounts of late style and from Theodor W. Adorno’s and Edward Said’s theories of late style as ironic anachronism. By conveying in prose style the relative decline and the contingent reduction that for Roth and DeLillo define lateness as a temporality, their novels find in lessness a motivated style for lateness. Furthermore, by reproducing in style the features of a particular historical temporality, their work suggests a method for reading the historicity of temporality through literary style.
Intimate Connections
Authors: Albu Cristina
Published: April 2020

Through her versatile use of video technology, Nina Sobell explores nonverbal means of communication that interfere with normative modes of behavior and closely regulated interpersonal relationships. Deeply informed by the pursuit of intimate connections, her practice fosters reflection on how we modulate our sense of selfhood through interactions with others. This article examines Sobell’s video performances with chicken carcasses, instantiating the ambiguities of mother- infant relationships, in connection with her Brainwave Drawings, a series of installations based on biofeedback that unveils reciprocal influences between art participants’ psychic states. Even though these sets of works were developed during the same time frame (1974–82) and are equally concerned with bodily communication, they are almost never interpreted as conceptually related. Underscoring their mutual affiliation with a feminist agenda, this article argues that these works are deeply intertwined at the level of their interrogation of socially sanctioned forms of interaction. Embracing the dynamics of open systems, Sobell cultivates fluid forms of communication and exposes the invisible threads that connect us to others. She relies on technological mediation in order to advance a more complex understanding of the biological and social underpinnings of selfhood. Sobell’s works invite viewers to consider interpersonal exchanges that surpass linguistic forms of communication and reveal the porous thresholds between body and mind, self and other, nature and culture.
Pulmonary sarcoidosis masquerading as metastatic cervical cancer: a pitfall in CT scans and positron emission tomography (PET)
Authors: Rubasingham Jeffrey , Marzouk Sherief , Madhavan Krishnaswamy , Sioftanos George , Liyanage Sidath H
Published: April 2020

Sarcoidosis has been associated with co-existing malignancies in several organs, including the breast and thyroid gland as well as lymphomas. However, the occurrence of sarcoidosis with cervical cancer is rare with only nine previous cases reported in the published literature. We present a case of pulmonary sarcoidosis imitating mediastinal lymph node metastases on the staging CT scan and positron emission tomography imaging. The presence of thoracic lymphadenopathy without any pelvic lymphadenopathy prompted histological confirmation of sarcoidosis on endobronchial ultrasound guided biopsy. Misdiagnosing pulmonary sarcoidosis as metastases would have precluded the patient from receiving the curative treatment and likely resulted in suboptimal outcomes.
Benchmarking of long-read assemblers for prokaryote whole genome sequencing
Authors: Wick Ryan R. , Holt Kathryn E.
Published: April 2020

Background: Data sets from long-read sequencing platforms (Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Pacific Biosciences) allow for most prokaryote genomes to be completely assembled – one contig per chromosome or plasmid. However, the high per-read error rate of long-read sequencing necessitates different approaches to assembly than those used for short-read sequencing. Multiple assembly tools (assemblers) exist, which use a variety of algorithms for long-read assembly.

Methods: We used 500 simulated read sets and 120 real read sets to assess the performance of seven long-read assemblers (Canu, Flye, Miniasm/Minipolish, NECAT, Raven, Redbean and Shasta) across a wide variety of genomes and read parameters. Assemblies were assessed on their structural accuracy/completeness, sequence identity, contig circularisation and computational resources used.

Results: Canu v1.9 produced moderately reliable assemblies but had the longest runtimes of all assemblers tested. Flye v2.7 was more reliable and did particularly well with plasmid assembly. Miniasm/Minipolish v0.3 and NECAT v20200119 were the most likely to produce clean contig circularisation. Raven v0.0.8 was the most reliable for chromosome assembly, though it did not perform well on small plasmids and had circularisation issues. Redbean v2.5 and Shasta v0.4.0 were computationally efficient but more likely to produce incomplete assemblies.

Conclusions: Of the assemblers tested, Flye, Miniasm/Minipolish and Raven performed best overall. However, no single tool performed well on all metrics, highlighting the need for continued development on long-read assembly algorithms.
Novel innovations in cell and gene therapies for spinal cord injury
Authors: Zavvarian Mohammad-Masoud , Toossi Amirali , Khazaei Mohamad , Hong James , Fehlings Michael
Published: April 2020

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to chronic and multifaceted disability, which severely impacts the physical and mental health as well as the socio-economic status of affected individuals. Permanent disabilities following SCI result from the failure of injured neurons to regenerate and rebuild functional connections with their original targets. Inhibitory factors present in the SCI microenvironment and the poor intrinsic regenerative capacity of adult spinal cord neurons are obstacles for regeneration and functional recovery. Considerable progress has been made in recent years in developing cell and molecular approaches to enable the regeneration of damaged spinal cord tissue. In this review, we highlight several potent cell-based approaches and genetic manipulation strategies (gene therapy) that are being investigated to reconstruct damaged or lost spinal neural circuits and explore emerging novel combinatorial approaches for enhancing recovery from SCI.
Kaasava hariduse tähendus ja tõhusa rakendamise tegurid Eesti kontekstis: õpetajaid koolitavate või nõustavate spetsialistide vaade
Authors: Kivirand Tiina , Leijen Äli , Lepp Liina , Malva Liina
Published: April 2020

Kaasava hariduse teemalise õpetajakoolituse arendamine on aktuaalne nii Eestis kui ka rahvusvaheliselt. Õpetajate oskuste ja teadmiste kujundamisel on otsustav roll spetsialistidel, kes õpetajaid koolitavad või nõustavad. Seejuures on tähtis, et spetsialistid omaksid ühist arusaama kaasava hariduse tähendusest ning tõhusatest rakendamise viisidest. Siinse uuringu eesmärk oli välja selgitada, kuidas mõistavad õpetajaid koolitavad või nõustavad spetsialistid kaasava hariduse tähendust ja milliseid tegureid nad peavad oluliseks, et tagada kaasava hariduse tõhus rakendumine. Andmeid koguti poolstruktureeritud intervjuudega 15 spetsialistilt. Kvalitatiivse induktiivse sisuanalüüsi tulemused näitasid, et kaasavat haridust mõisteti nii hariduslike erivajadustega laste eraldi õpetamisena eriklassides ja erikoolides kui ka kõigi laste koosõppena. Võtmekomponentidena kaasava hariduse paremal rakendumisel nähti õpetajate koolituse tõhustamist, vajalike ressursside olemasolu, õpetajate toetamist ja motiveerimist ning  poolte senisest suuremat koostööd.

 Summary
Kaasava hariduse rakendamist toetavate hoiakute kujundamine õpetajakoolituse esmaõppes
Authors: Poom-Valickis Katrin , Ulla Triin
Published: April 2020

Õpetajakoolitusel on kaalukas roll kujundada tulevastes õpetajates positiivne hoiak kaasava hariduse suhtes ning oskused ja teadmised, et toetada erinevate õppijate õppimist. Siinse uuringu eesmärk oli kaardistada üliõpilaste hoiakuid kaasava hariduse rakendamise suhtes enne ja pärast õpetajate kutseõpingute mooduli õppeaine "Õppe diferentseerimine" läbimist. Lisaks kaardistati kursuse ülesehitusega seotud aspekte, mis toetasid üliõpilaste arvates enim nende arusaamade, oskuste ja hoiakute kujunemist. Eel- ja järelküsitluse tulemuste analüüs näitas, et üliõpilaste hoiakud muutusid kaasava hariduse rakendamise suhtes positiivsemaks ning kasvas usk enda suutlikkusse toetada erinevate õppijate õppimist. Avatud küsimuste vastuste analüüsist selgus, et üliõpilaste tähenduslikku õppimist mõjutas kõige enam õppetöö korraldus, kus teoreetilised teadmised seoti praktilise võimalusega õpitut töös erivajadustega õppijatega rakendada ning kogemust kaasõppijatega reflekteerida.

 Summary
Õppekava ja õpetaja ajas ja ruumis
Authors: Mikser Rain
Published: April 2020

Raamat "Transnational Perspectives on Curriculum History" ilmus kirjastuses Routledge tänavu aasta algul. Väljaande ühtteistkümmet peatükki ühendab õppekavateemade ajalooline, ühiskondlik ja poliitiline käsitlus. Rõhutatakse, et õppekavad ning nende tavapärased koostisosad – õppeained – ei ole tegelikkuse erapooletu peegeldus, vaid need on inimeste ja inimrühmade loodud avalike ja varjatud püüdluste ning olelusvõitluse tulemusena. Seetõttu tuleb õppekava tegeliku arengu mõistmiseks lisaks hetkeolukorra kriitikale ja soovitavate muutuste kirjeldamisele uurida olusid ja püüdlusi, mis juhtisid varasemate õppekavade teket ja arengut. Eriti tuleb seejuures märgata varjatud seaduspärasusi ning järjepidevusi.
Epicauta vittata (Fabricius): occurrence in tomato plant and weeds in the State of Rondônia
Authors: Turcato Claudemir Schwanz , Toledo Freddy Melo , Sampaio Emanoel Pereira , Alves Cleiton Dias , Rondelli Vando Miossi , Dias Jairo Rafael Machado , Souza Fábio Régis de
Published: April 2020

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plant stands out for being a species cultivated throughout the national territory, being the most important vegetable in Brazil, from the socioeconomic point of view. However, it has been one of the crops most affected by phytosanitary problems. For example, there are the pest insects of the genus Epicauta (Coleoptera: Meloidae). Thus, the objective of this study was to record the occurrence of a pest insect (beetle) harming vegetative growth and productive performance in the fresh-market tomato crop and feeding on weeds. The tomato plants were found on “jurubeba” (Solanum paniculatum L.) rootstock, spaced 1.0 m x 0.5 m, grown in the municipality of Rolim de Moura, Rondônia state. The insect-pest (beetle) was identified as Epicauta vittata (Fabricius). It was observed that the damages caused by the larvae occurred in the main stem of the tomato, only above the grafting site, causing boring, however no damage was observed in the rootstock (“jurubeba”). Adult insects caused defoliation in both tomato plant and joyweed (Alternanthera tenella Colla), slender amaranth (Amaranthus viridis L.), “trapoeraba” (Commelina benghalensis L.) and morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea [L.]). High population of E. vittata causes severe damages to tomato, damaging the vegetative growth and productive performance of the crop, however does not affect the root system when grafted with “jurubeba” (S. paniculatu). Epicauta vittata in the adult phase is fed alternately of weeds.
Técnicas territoriales para la apropiación del bosque seco peruano: El caso de los comuneros de Catacaos frente al avance de la agroindustria en un contexto de emergencia humanitaria
Authors: Burneo María Luisa
Published: April 2020

El artículo analiza las nuevas ocupaciones en tierras comunales del bosque seco de la costa norte peruana, en el contexto del desplazamiento forzado de familias comuneras debido a recientes fenómenos climáticos. Las comunidades del bosque seco tienen una historia que se remonta al siglo xvi y poseen derechos consuetudinarios sobre miles de hectáreas. Sin embargo, en la última década, el avance de empresas agroindustriales sobre estos territorios ha generado nuevas disputas. A partir del estudio de caso de la comunidad campesina de Catacaos y en base a un trabajo de campo que recoge observaciones y entrevistas en profundidad realizadas en diversos periodos entre los años 2013 y 2018, se muestran las técnicas territoriales desplegadas por las empresas para apropiarse de tierras comunales, así como el surgimiento de nuevas narrativas entre las familias comuneras, que buscan legitimar la negociación con la agroindustria y evidencian una pérdida progresiva de control comunal del territorio.
Lifting the Veil: The Benefits of Cost Transparency
Authors: Mohan Bhavya , Buell Ryan W. , John Leslie K.
Published: April 2020

We investigate when and why the disclosure of cost information by firms can increase consumers’ purchase interest.
Welfare Implications of Inventory-Driven Dynamic Pricing
Authors: Stamatopoulos Ioannis , Chehrazi Naveed , Bassamboo Achal
Published: April 2020

We argue that dynamic pricing motivated by the management of inventory holding and ordering costs leads to increased operational efficiencies that could benefit firms without hurting consumers. To demonstrate this point, we equip the traditional economic order quantity (EOQ) setting with a rich set of demand models and compare social outcomes under two alternatives, dynamic and static pricing. We show that dynamic pricing generates higher retailer profits, a lower average price per unit sold, and higher sales volumes than static pricing. The mechanism behind the result is that with dynamic pricing the retailer ties the price of each unit to its holding costs, which allows him to increase the order quantity compared with static pricing and thus save on fixed ordering costs. Some of these cost savings are passed to consumers. Moreover, we demonstrate that this mechanism is robust to the presence of price-anticipating (strategic) consumer behavior.

This paper was accepted by Serguei Netessine, operations management.
Mega-events and regional identities: the 2010 Asian Games language controversy
Authors: Gu Zhonghua , Wissink Bart , Hu Yuan
Published: April 2020

This article argues that mega-events can become important sites for the contestation of a variety of justice claims, including recognition for regional identities. The existing literature explores the potential of mega-events to achieve redistribution but their impact on identity claims is under-researched. Our analysis of the Cantonese language controversy in the run-up to the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games fills this gap by employing a discourse-historical approach. It demonstrates that a range of discursive strategies relating to the Cantonese language played a crucial role in the articulation of a Cantonese regional identity and were, in turn, countered through discursive strategies employed by local government, which argued that Cantonese and Chinese identities are not mutually exclusive. We conclude that scholars need to pay more attention to mega-events that are staged in non-Western countries outside core cities, as well as to the role that they can play in attempts to promote the recognition of regional identities.