bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upper cervical range of rotation during the flexion-rotation test is age dependent: an observational study
Authors: Schäfer Axel Georg Meender , Schöttker-Königer Thomas , Hall Toby Maxwell , Mavroidis Ilias , Roeben Christoph , Schneider Martina , Wild Yorick , Lüdtke Kerstin
Published: October 2020

Background:

The flexion-rotation test (FRT) is widely used to detect movement dysfunction in the spinal segment C1/C2, especially in patients with cervicogenic headache. The current published literature indicates that range recorded during the FRT is not age dependent. This is questionable, considering the well documented relationship between aging and degeneration in the cervical spine and loss of cervical movement in older people. The present study therefore aims to examine the influence of age on FRT mobility, and to provide normative values for different age groups. An additional aim is to examine the influence of age on the ratio between lower and upper cervical rotation mobility.

Methods:

For this cross-sectional, observational study, healthy subjects aged from 18 to 90 years were recruited. The upper cervical range of rotation during the FRT was measured using a digital goniometer. Personal data including age, weight, height, and lifestyle factors were also assessed.

Results:

A total of 230 (124 male) healthy, asymptomatic subjects, aged between 18 and 87 years were included. Regression analysis showed that 27.91% ( p < 0.0001) of the variance in FRT mobility can be explained by age alone, while 41.28% ( p < 0.0001) of the variance in FRT mobility can be explained by age and total cervical range of motion (ROM). Normative values for different age decades were calculated using regression analysis. No significant influence of age on the ratio between ROM of lower and upper cervical rotation was found. There was no relevant impact of personal (gender, height, and weight) and lifestyle (smartphone and PC use) factors on ROM during the FRT.

Conclusion:

Upper cervical rotation mobility determined by the FRT correlates strongly with age; hence, the results of the FRT have to be interpreted taking into account the individual age of the tested subject. The ratio between lower and upper cervical rotation mobility is maintained in all age groups.
Evaluating the resistance of metal reinforced multi-layer textile structure against penetration of sharp objects
Authors: Amirshirzad Forough , Mousazadegan Fatemeh , Ezazshahabi Nazanin
Published: October 2020

One of the common applications of textile protective structures is making barriers against penetration of sharp objects. Multilayer fabrics can absorb energy and are a proper candidate to be used in body armors. In this study, a three-layer textile structure which is reinforced by metal threads has been designed and produced. Metal reinforced layer was woven through a particular weaving system. Force and energy of penetration in each layer and also the three-layer textile structure was measured. The test results revealed that the layer resistance against penetration of sharp objects varied depending on the strucure of each layer. The metal reinforced layer had the highest penetration force and energy. In the three-layer textile structure, the resistance behavior of each layer was observed separately and stepwise. Thus, the force peaks in the three-layer textile structure were related to the peak forces in each layer, and the maximum penetration force of three-layer structure was similar to penetration force of metal-reinforced layer. When putting three layers on each other, the penetration energy has increased, and the designed multi-layer textile structure has performed efficiently in absorbing the penetration energy of sharp objects. Due to the stepwise resistance of three-layered textile structure, its obtained penetration energy, was divided into two energy values of external layer and both middle and inner layers. Thus, accumulation of penetration energy of single external, middle and inner layers was in good agreement with penetration energy of three-layer textile structure.
3D-printable zwitterionic nano-composite hydrogel system for biomedical applications
Authors: Sällström Nathalie , Capel Andrew , Lewis Mark P , Engstrøm Daniel S , Martin Simon
Published: October 2020

Herein, the cytotoxicity of a novel zwitterionic sulfobetaine hydrogel system with a nano-clay crosslinker has been investigated. We demonstrate that careful selection of the composition of the system (monomer to Laponite content) allows the material to be formed into controlled shapes using an extrusion based additive manufacturing technique with the ability to tune the mechanical properties of the product. Moreover, the printed structures can support their own weight without requiring curing during printing which enables the use of a printing-then-curing approach. Cell culture experiments were conducted to evaluate the neural cytotoxicity of the developed hydrogel system. Cytotoxicity evaluations were conducted on three different conditions; a control condition, an indirect condition (where the culture medium used had been in contact with the hydrogel to investigate leaching) and a direct condition (cells growing directly on the hydrogel). The result showed no significant difference in cell viability between the different conditions and cells were also found to be growing on the hydrogel surface with extended neurites present.
Tolvaptan-induced hypernatremia related to low serum potassium level accompanying high blood pressure in patients with acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Fukuoka Hidetada , Tachibana Koichi , Shinoda Yukinori , Minamisaka Tomoko , Inui Hirooki , Ueno Keisuke , Inoue Soki , Mine Kentaro , Ueda Kumpei , Hoshida Shiro
Published: October 2020

Backgrounds

Tolvaptan significantly increases urine volume in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF); serum sodium level increases due to aquaresis in almost all cases. We aimed to elucidate clinical factors associated with hypernatremia in ADHF patients treated with tolvaptan.

Methods

We enrolled 117 ADHF patients treated with tolvaptan in addition to standard therapy. We examined differences in clinical factors at baseline between patients with and without hypernatremia in the initial three days of hospitalization.

Results

Systolic (p = 0.045) and diastolic (p = 0.004) blood pressure, serum sodium level (p = 0.002), and negative water balance (p = 0.036) were significantly higher and serum potassium level (p = 0.026) was significantly lower on admission day in patients with hypernatremia (n = 22). In multivariate regression analysis, hypernatremia was associated with low serum potassium level (p = 0.034). Among patients with serum potassium level ≤ 3.8 mEq/L, the cutoff value obtained using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, those with hypernatremia related to tolvaptan treatment showed significantly higher diastolic blood pressure on admission day (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

In tolvaptan treatment combined with standard therapy in ADHF patients, serum potassium level ≤ 3.8 mEq/L may be a determinant factor for hypernatremia development. Among hypokalemic patients, those with higher diastolic blood pressure on admission may be carefully managed to prevent hypernatremia.
Chronic disorders of consciousness: a case report with longitudinal evaluation of disease progression using 7 T magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , Tan Xufei , Wang Pinyi , Hu Xiaohua , Dong Yan , Zhang Xiaotong , Luo Benyan
Published: October 2020

Background

Outcome prediction for patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) is essential yet challenging. Evidence showed that patients with DOC lasting 1 year or longer after a brain injury were less likely to recover. However, the reasons why outcomes of DOC patients differ greatly remain unclear. With a variety of analytical methods and through quantitative behavioral assessments, we aimed to track the progression of a patient with severe brain injury, in order to advance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of DOC.

Case presentation

We performed a longitudinal study for a 52-year-old male DOC patient who has remained in the state for 1.5 years with comprehensive rehabilitative therapies. The patient underwent 3 times of assessments of Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) and ultra-high-field 7 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both topologic properties and brain microstructure were analyzed to track disease progression. We observed dynamic increases of fiber densities with measurements at three time points (t1:1.5 M, t2:7.5 M t3:17.5 M). Specifically, fiber densities of the superior longitudinal fasciculus and arcuate fasciculus nerve fiber bundles improved mostly in the visual, verbal, and auditory subscales, which was consistent with the CRS-R scores. Moreover, the graph-theory analyses demonstrated that network topologic properties showed an improvement although the disease duration exceeded 1 year.

Conclusions

DOC patients with a course longer than 1 year remain possible to improve, and including evaluation methods such as WM connectome analysis and graph theory could be potentially valuable for a more precise assessment of patients with a longer course of DOC.
Effectiveness and safety of high dose clopidogrel plus aspirin in ischemic stroke patients with the single CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele: a randomized trial
Authors: Wu Hongliang , Song Huiqun , Dou Lianwei , Gao Bo , Pan Yan , Dong Mei , Chen Qi , Li Jiazhen , Song Lixiang , Liu Chuanyu , Li Bing , Chu Wenzheng
Published: October 2020

Background

Dual antiplatelet aggregation therapy leads to better outcomes in patients with carotid artery stenosis, intracranial artery stenosis, minor strokes, or transient ischaemic attacks. However, carriers of the CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele may not experience the desired effects. We attempted to increase the clopidogrel dose to determine whether it would improve the outcomes of stroke patients who carry a single loss-of-function allele.

Methods

We recruited 131 patients with minor ischaemic stroke, within less than 7 days of stroke onset and a CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele, who had moderate-to-severe cerebral artery stenosis. Patients were divided into the high dose group (clopidogrel 150 mg per day + aspirin 100 mg per day over 21 days.) and a normal dose group (clopidogrel 75 mg per day + aspirin 100 mg per day over 21 days). The reported outcomes included any vascular or major bleeding events as the primary and safety endpoints, respectively.

Results

One and six vascular events occurred in the high dose and normal dose groups during the 3-months follow-up period, respectively. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups when adjusted for history of diabetes (hazard ratio, 5482; 95% confidence interval, 0.660 to 45.543; P = 0.115). No major bleeding events occurred.

Conclusions

In patients with ischaemic stroke who had a single CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele and moderate to severe cerebral stenosis, fewer vascular events occurred within 3 months with high dose of clopidogrel and aspirin than with normal dose of clopidogrel and aspirin. However, the difference between the two groups was not significant.

Trial registration

Clinical study of clopidogrel in the treatment of patients with symptomatic moderate to severe cerebral artery stenosis with intermediate metabolites of CYP2C19, URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/. Unique identifier: ChiCTR1800017411, 07/28/2018;
Live birth rate and neonatal outcomes of different quantities and qualities of frozen transferred blastocyst in patients requiring whole embryo freezing stratified by age
Authors: Chen Shiping , Du Hongzi , Liu Jianqiao , Liu Haiying , Li Lei , He Yuxia
Published: October 2020

Background

Multiple pregnancies are associated with significant complications and health risks for both mothers and infants. Single blastocyst transfer (SBT) is a logical and effective measure to reduce the incidence of multiple pregnancy with assisted reproductive technology (ART). Whether it is suitable for everyone undergoing SBT was inconclusive, in view of the consideration of embryo quality and patients’ age. Therefore, this study aimed to explore live birth rate (LBR) and neonatal outcomes of different quantities and qualities of blastocysts in patients stratified by age, using a cutoff of 35 years, who required whole embryo freezing and underwent a subsequent frozen thawed transfer (FET) cycle.

Methods

Atotal of 3,362 patients were divided into five groups: group A (n=1569) received a single good-quality blastocyst, group B (n=1113) received two good-quality blastocysts, group C (n=313) received one good-and one average-quality blastocyst, group D (n=222) received two average-quality blastocysts, and group E (n=145) received one average-quality blastocyst.

Results

For patients who received good-quality blastocysts, irrespective of age, the LBR of double blastocyst transfer (DBT) was about 50–65% and the multiple pregnancy rate (MPR) was 40–60%; however, the LBR of SBT was 40–55%, and the MPR was 3.5–6.3%. For patients who only had average-quality blastocysts, the MPR of double average-quality blastocyst transfer was as high as 30–50%. Moreover, about 70–90% of preterm births resulted from multiple pregnancies, and about 85–95% of low birth weight babies come from multiple pregnancies. The neonatal outcomes (gestational age, birth weight, and birth height) of DBT were significantly lower than those of SBT regardless of age, and this statistical difference disappeared if the patients were subgrouped by singleton or twin. There is no significant difference in neonatal outcomes between single good-quality blastocyst and single average-quality blastocyst transfer.

Conclusions

SBT is a preferable option for patients regardless of age when good-quality blastocysts are available. For patients who only had average-quality blastocysts, they should be informed that DBT was associated with higher multiple pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcomes when compared with SBT regardless of age, suggesting that the practice of SBT is also feasible for these patients.
Verteporfin inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in different subtypes of breast cancer cell lines without light activation
Authors: Wei Changran , Li Xiangqi
Published: October 2020

Background

Breast cancer (BC) can be divided into five subtypes: Lumina1A, Lumina1B, HER-2 overexpression, Basal-like and Normal breast-like subtype, based on the differently expressed genes in breast cancer tissue. The Hippo signaling pathway plays an indispensable role in BC. The YAP gene is a terminal effector of Hippo pathway, and hyperactivation of YAP mediates tumorigenesis. As an inhibitor of YAP, non-photoactivated verteporfin (VP) can inhibit YAP-mediated tumor proliferation and angiogenesis by eliminating its interaction with TEAD. This study aimed to determine the effect and molecular mechanisms of VP-mediated inhibition of YAP in different subtypes of BC.

Methods

Luminal A, Luminal B and Basal-like BC cells were cultivated in vitro to study effects of VP on proliferation and apoptosis of these three molecular BC subtypes.

Results

Our experimental results showed that VP inhibited cell proliferation, YAP-TEAD interaction and expression of its downstream targets. VP also induced tumor cell apoptosis, and promoted the cleavage of Caspase-9 and PARP in the cells of various molecular subtypes of BC.

Conclusion

These findings provide a basis for the use of VP as a potential anti-tumor therapeutic for BC by targeting the Hippo pathway effector YAP.
Evaluation of associations between asthma exacerbations and distance to roadways using geocoded electronic health records data
Authors: He Jingyi , Ghorveh Mohsen Ghiasi , Hurst Jillian H. , Tang Monica , Alhanti Brooke , Lang Jason E. , Goldstein Benjamin A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Asthma exacerbations in children often require medications, urgent care, and hospitalization. Multiple environmental triggers have been associated with asthma exacerbations, including particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and ozone, which are primarily generated by motor vehicle exhaust. There is mixed evidence as to whether proximity to highways increases risk of asthma exacerbations.

Methods

To evaluate the impact of highway proximity, we assessed the association between asthma exacerbations and the distance of child’s primary residence to two types of roadways in Durham County, North Carolina, accounting for other patient-level factors. We abstracted data from the Duke University Health System electronic health record (EHR), identifying 6208 children with asthma between 2014 and 2019. We geocoded each child’s distance to roadways (both 35 MPH+ and 55 MPH+). We classified asthma exacerbation severity into four tiers and fitted a recurrent event survival model to account for multiple exacerbations.

Results

There was a no observed effect of residential distance from 55+ MPH highway (Hazard Ratio: 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.94, 1.01)) and distance to 35+ MPH roadway (Hazard Ratio: 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.83, 1.15)) and any asthma exacerbation. Even those children living closest to highways (less 0.25 miles) had no increased risk of exacerbation. These results were consistent across different demographic strata.

Conclusions

While the results were non-significant, the characteristics of the study sample – namely farther distance to roadways and generally good ambient environmental pollution may contribute to the lack of effect. Compared to previous studies, which often relied on self-reported measures, we were able to obtain a more objective assessment of outcomes. Overall, this work highlights the opportunity to use EHR data to study environmental impacts on disease.
Mediation effect of body mass index on the association between spicy food intake and hyperuricemia in rural Chinese adults: the Henan rural cohort study
Authors: Dong Xiaokang , Li Yuqian , Yang Kaili , Zhang Lulu , Xue Yuan , Yu Songcheng , Liu Xiaotian , Tu Runqi , Qiao Dou , Luo Zhicheng , Liu Xue , Wang Yan , Li Wenjie , Zheng Zhaohui , Wang Chongjian
Published: October 2020

Background

The relationship of spicy food intake with hyperuricemia remains unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the association between spicy food intake and hyperuricemia, and whether this association was mediated by body mass index (BMI) in Chinese rural population.

Methods

38, 027 adults aged 18–79 years were recruited from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Information on spicy food intake was obtained using a validated questionnaire survey. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between spicy food intake and hyperuricemia, multiple linear regression model was performed to estimate the relationships between spicy food intake, BMI and serum urate level. BMI was used as a mediator to evaluate the mediation effect.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with no spicy food flavor, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of mild, middle, and heavy flavor for hyperuricemia were 1.09 (1.00–1.19), 1.10 (0.97–1.24), and 1.21 (1.10–1.46), respectively (Ptrend = 0.017). Similarly, compared with those without intake in spicy food, the multivariable adjusted OR (95% CI) of 1-2 days/week, 3–5 days/week, and 6–7 days/week were 1.15 (1.01–1.31), 1.14 (1.01–1.30) and 1.15 (1.05–1.26), respectively (Ptrend = 0.007). However, when we further controlling for BMI, the associations were substantially attenuated. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that BMI play a full mediating role in the relationship of spicy food intake with hyperuricemia.

Conclusion

Spicy food flavor and intake frequency are positively related with hyperuricemia in Chinese rural population. BMI may play a full mediating role in the relationship.

Trial registration

The Henan Rural Cohort Study registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). Date of registration: 2015-07-06.
Living donor liver transplantation for idiopathic portal hypertension with extrahepatic portal vein stenosis and splenic artery aneurysms: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kawachi Shigeyuki , Chiba Naokazu , Nakagawa Masashi , Kobayashi Toshimichi , Hikita Kosuke , Sano Toru , Tomita Koichi , Hirano Hiroshi , Abe Yuta , Obara Hideaki , Shimazu Motohide
Published: October 2020

Background

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) generally has a good prognosis and rarely results in liver transplantation. Furthermore, there are few reports of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for IPH with extrahepatic portal vein stenosis.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 51-year-old female patient diagnosed with IPH more than 20 years ago. She suffered severe jaundice, massive ascites, and encephalopathy at the time of her visit to our hospital. The patient’s extrahepatic portal vein showed a scar-like stenosis, and the portal flow was completely hepatofugal. Collateral circulation such as the splenorenal shunt was well developed, and multiple splenic artery aneurysms up to 2 cm were observed in the splenic hilum. Her Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score increased to over 40 because of renal dysfunction, requiring temporary dialysis. We performed LDLT using her husband’s right lobe graft and splenectomy. The extrahepatic stenotic portal vein was completely resected, and the superficial femoral vein (SFV) graft collected from the recipient’s right leg was used for portal reconstruction as an interposition graft. Although the clinical course after LDLT had many complications, the patient was discharged on postoperative day 113 and has been fine for 2 years after LDLT. Histopathologically, the explanted liver had obliterative portal venopathy, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, and incomplete septal cirrhosis.

Conclusion

This case showed that severe IPH is occasionally associated with extrahepatic portal vein stenosis and can be treated with LDLT with portal vein reconstruction using an interposition graft. It was also suggested that the SFV is a useful choice for the interposition graft.
Marginal adaptation, solubility and biocompatibility of TheraCal LC compared with MTA-angelus and biodentine as a furcation perforation repair material
Authors: Alazrag M. A. , Abu-Seida A. M. , El-Batouty K. M. , El Ashry S. H.
Published: October 2020

Background

This study evaluated the marginal adaptation, solubility and biocompatibility of TheraCal LC compared with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA-Angelus) and Biodentine when used as a furcation perforation repair material.

Methods

The marginal adaptation was assessed by scanning electronic microscope and presence of any gap between the dentin surface and filling material in each quadrant of the sample was analyzed at 1000 X magnification. The solubility was measured after one week by the ISO standard method. Biocompatibility was evaluated by the inflammatory response and radiography after one month and three months of repair of experimental furcation perforations in dog's teeth.

Results

There were significant differences in the marginal adaptation, solubility and biocompatibility of the tested materials (P < 0.05). TheraCal LC showed the highest frequency distribution of gap presence that was followed by the MTA-Angelus then Biodentine. The least soluble material after one week was TheraCal LC that was followed by the MTA-Angelus and Biodentine. After one month and three months, TheraCal LC showed the highest inflammatory response and highest frequency distribution of radiolucency that was followed by the Biodentine then MTA-Angelus.

Conclusion

Unlike Biodentine, TheraCal LC is incapable of alternating the MTA in furcation perforation repair due to its poor biocompatibility and poor marginal adaptation.
Accompaniment to healthcare visits: the impact of sensory impairment
Authors: Reed Nicholas S. , Assi Lama , Pedersen Emily , Alshabasy Yasmeen , Deemer Ashley , Deal Jennifer A. , Willink Amber , Swenor Bonnielin K.
Published: October 2020

Background

Millions of older adults in the United States experience hearing, vision, and dual sensory impairment (concurring hearing and vision impairment) yet little research exists on their needs in interactions with the healthcare system. This piece aims to determine the use of accompaniment in healthcare interactions by persons with sensory impairment.

Methods

These cross-sectional analyses included data from the 2015 Medicare Current Beneficiaries Survey and survey weighting provided by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Adjusted odds of reporting accompaniment to healthcare visits and given reasons for accompaniment among United States Medicare beneficiaries with self-reported sensory impairment (hearing, vision, and dual sensory impairment) were examined.

Results

After excluding observations with missing data, 10,748 Medicare beneficiaries remained representing a 46 million total weighted nationally representative sample, of which 88.9% reported no sensory impairment, 5.52% reported hearing impairment, 3.56% reported vision impairment, and 0.93% reported dual sensory impairment. Those with vision impairment and dual sensory impairment had 2.139 (95% confidence interval [CI] =1.605–2.850) and 2.703 (CI = 1.549–4.718) times the odds of reporting accompaniment to healthcare visits relative to those without sensory impairment. A secondary analysis suggests communication needs as the primary reason for accompaniment among persons with hearing loss, while those with vision impairment were more likely to indicate transportation needs.

Conclusions

Healthcare accompaniment is common for persons with sensory loss and healthcare systems should consider accommodations for and leveraging accompaniment to improve healthcare for persons with sensory impairments. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, as hospitals limit visitors to reduce the spread of infection, arrangements should be made to ensure that the communication and transportation needs of those with sensory impairment are not neglected.
Protein kinase function of pyruvate kinase M2 and cancer
Authors: Chen Xun , Chen Shangwu , Yu Dongsheng
Published: October 2020

Pyruvate kinase is a terminal enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, where it catalyzes the conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate and production of ATP via substrate level phosphorylation. PKM2 is one of four isoforms of pyruvate kinase and is widely expressed in many types of tumors and associated with tumorigenesis. In addition to pyruvate kinase activity involving the metabolic pathway, increasing evidence demonstrates that PKM2 exerts a non-metabolic function in cancers. PKM2 has been shown to be translocated into nucleus, where it serves as a protein kinase to phosphorylate various protein targets and contribute to multiple physiopathological processes. We discuss the nuclear localization of PKM2, its protein kinase function and association with cancers, and regulation of PKM2 activity.
Circ0120816 acts as an oncogene of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting miR-1305 and releasing TXNRD1
Authors: Li Xiaoyong , Song Laichun , Wang Bo , Tao Chao , Shi Lei , Xu Ming
Published: October 2020

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been discovered to participate in the carcinogenesis of multiple cancers. However, the role of circRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression is yet to be properly understood. This research aimed to investigate and understand the mechanism used by circRNAs to regulate ESCC progression.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis was first performed to screen dysregulated circRNAs and differentially expressed genes in ESCC. The ESCC tissue samples and adjacent normal tissue samples utilized in this study were obtained from 36 ESCC patients. All the samples were subjected to qRT-PCR analysis to identify the expression of TXNRD1, circRNAs, and miR-1305. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay and RNA pull-down assay were later conducted to verify the existing relationship among circ0120816, miR-1305 and TXNRD1. CCK-8, BrdU, cell adhesion, cell cycle, western blot and caspase 3 activity assays were also employed to evaluate the regulation of these three biological molecules in ESCC carcinogenesis. To evaluate the effect of circ0120816 on ESCC tumor growth and metastasis, the xenograft mice model was constructed.

Results

Experimental investigations revealed that circ0120816 was the highest upregulated circRNA in ESCC tissues and that this non-coding RNA acted as a miR-1305 sponge in enhancing cell viability, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion as well as repressing cell apoptosis in ESCC cell lines. Moreover, miR-1305 was observed to exert a tumor-suppressive effect in ESCC cells by directly targeting and repressing TXNRD1. It was also noticed that TXNRD1 could regulate cyclin, cell adhesion molecule, and apoptosis-related proteins. Furthermore, silencing circ0120816 was found to repress ESCC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo.

Conclusions

This research confirmed that circ0120816 played an active role in promoting ESCC development by targeting miR-1305 and upregulating oncogene TXNRD1.
Unravelling the expression of interleukin-9 in chronic rhinosinusitis: A possible role for Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Delemarre Tim , De Ruyck Natalie , Holtappels Gabriele , Bachert Claus , Gevaert Elien
Published: October 2020

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a Th2 biased inflammation, associated with nasal colonization of Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. Interleukin (IL)-9 is a pro-inflammatory Th2 cytokine with a pivotal role in asthma, allergy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but is less studied in CRSwNP. We aimed to characterize the expression and cellular source of IL-9 and examined S. aureus as potential local trigger in CRSwNP. We showed increased numbers of interleukin-9 producing neutrophils and mononuclear cells in the tissue of CRSwNP patients. This interleukin-9 production was stimulated by S. aureus and its enterotoxin B in vitro. These findings underline the contribution of S. aureus and define IL-9 as another relevant cytokine in type 2 CRSwNP.
TBCRC 048: Phase II Study of Olaparib for Metastatic Breast Cancer and Mutations in Homologous Recombination-Related Genes
Authors: Tung Nadine M. , Robson Mark E. , Ventz Steffen , Santa-Maria Cesar A. , Nanda Rita , Marcom Paul K. , Shah Payal D. , Ballinger Tarah J. , Yang Eddy S. , Vinayak Shaveta , Melisko Michelle , Brufsky Adam , DeMeo Michelle , Jenkins Colby , Domchek Susan , D’Andrea Alan , Lin Nancy U. , Hughes Melissa E. , Carey Lisa A. , Wagle Nick , Wulf Gerburg M. , Krop Ian E. , Wolff Antonio C. , Winer Eric P. , Garber Judy E.
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE

Olaparib, a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor (PARPi), is approved for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in germline (g) BRCA1/ 2 mutation carriers. Olaparib Expanded, an investigator-initiated, phase II study, assessed olaparib response in patients with MBC with somatic (s) BRCA1/ 2 mutations or g/s mutations in homologous recombination (HR)–related genes other than BRCA1/2.

METHODS

Eligible patients had MBC with measurable disease and germline mutations in non- BRCA1/ 2 HR-related genes (cohort 1) or somatic mutations in these genes or BRCA1/ 2 (cohort 2). Prior PARPi, platinum-refractory disease, or progression on more than two chemotherapy regimens (metastatic setting) was not allowed. Patients received olaparib 300 mg orally twice a day until progression. A single-arm, two-stage design was used. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR); the null hypothesis (≤ 5% ORR) would be rejected within each cohort if there were four or more responses in 27 patients. Secondary endpoints included clinical benefit rate and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients enrolled. Seventy-six percent had estrogen receptor–positive HER2-negative disease. Eighty-seven percent had mutations in PALB2, s BRCA1/ 2, ATM, or CHEK2. In cohort 1, ORR was 33% (90% CI, 19% to 51%) and in cohort 2, 31% (90% CI, 15% to 49%). Confirmed responses were seen only with g PALB2 (ORR, 82%) and s BRCA1/ 2 (ORR, 50%) mutations. Median PFS was 13.3 months (90% CI, 12 months to not available/computable [NA]) for g PALB2 and 6.3 months (90% CI, 4.4 months to NA) for s BRCA1/ 2 mutation carriers. No responses were observed with ATM or CHEK2 mutations alone.

CONCLUSION

PARP inhibition is an effective treatment for patients with MBC and g PALB2 or s BRCA1/ 2 mutations, significantly expanding the population of patients with breast cancer likely to benefit from PARPi beyond g BRCA1/ 2 mutation carriers. These results emphasize the value of molecular characterization for treatment decisions in MBC.
Proper mTORC1 Activity Is Required for Glucose Sensing and Early Adaptation in Human Pancreatic β Cells
Authors: Ni Qicheng , Song Jiaxi , Wang Yichen , Sun Jiajun , Xie Jing , Zhang Jun , Ning Guang , Wang Weiqing , Wang Qidi
Published: October 2020

Context

The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex I (mTORC1) is crucial for β-cell identity and function in rodents. However, its possible relevance to the physiopathology of diabetes in humans remains unclear.

Objective

This work aimed to understand the participation of mTORC1 in human β cells in prediabetes and diabetes.

Design

We evaluated the PS6 immunofluorescence intensity in islets of pancreatic sections from 12 nondiabetic (ND), 11 impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and 11 glycemic-controlled type 2 diabetic (T2D) individuals. We also assessed the dynamic change of mTORC1 activity in β cells of db/db mice with new-onset diabetes.

Results

There exists intercellular heterogeneity of mTORC1 activities in human islets. Islet mTORC1 activity was independently and positively correlated with FBG in ND, but not in IFG and T2D. Moreover, we did not detect significant change in mTORC1 activities between T2D and ND. Of note, the islet mTORC1 activities were significantly higher in IFG than in ND. We further stratified IFG individuals according to their islet PS6 levels and found that IFG-PS6high exhibited remarkably higher urocortin3 and glucose transporter 2 expression in their β cells compared to IFG-PS6low. Consistently, we also detected a significant increase in mTORC1 activities in prediabetic db/db mice compared to nondiabetic littermates. Interestingly, mTORC1 activities determined β-cell adaptation or failure in db/db mice: A strong negative correlation was found between islet mTORC1 activities and fasting glucose levels in db/db mice during their diabetes progression.

Conclusions

Our finding highlights a dynamic islet mTORC1 response in β-cell adaption/failure in human T2D.
Before Trans Studies
Authors: Adair Cassius , Awkward-Rich Cameron , Marvin Amy
Published: October 2020

In conversation with Emmett Harsin Drager and Andrea Long Chu's “After Trans Studies,” this collaborative essay also turns to questions of field formation and the ethos of trans studies. Situating the growth of the field in the material conditions of precarity under which trans knowledge-workers work, the authors argue that trans studies can't be “over” because, in fact, it isn't yet here. Rather than viewing this as only a dismal proposition, however, they insist that the tenuousness of trans studies provides us with the opportunity to envision and enact more sustaining ways of being “in the field.”
Nice Trannies
Authors: Halberstam Jack
Published: October 2020

Is trans studies over? Some scholars claim it was over before it began, swallowed whole by queer studies. Rather than doubling down on a small territorial struggle, this essay tries to make sense of the appeal of such claims on the one hand and the futility of them on the other. Offering a reading of Andrea Long Chu's recent book Females and situating that book within its rather narrow North American context, this essay offers a different view of the present, past, and future of trans studies.
Trans Studies and Resistance in an Academy Based on Masculinity Contest Culture
Authors: Travers
Published: October 2020

Trans studies is a burgeoning and global interdisciplinary field of scholarship. Although trans people in general continue to remain on the margins of the academy in Canada and the United States, some of the trans scholars who contribute to the field of trans studies are in continuing faculty (tenure-track and tenured) positions. Trans women in general and trans women and trans feminine people of color, in particular, however, are particularly underrepresented in this labor pool. The author brings together a theoretical pastiche consisting of a Black feminist analysis of patriarchy as a layered phenomenon, trans necropolitics, and a masculinity contest culture paradigm to trouble this limit to representation within trans studies in Canada and the United States.
Comportamento sedentário em adolescentes brasileiros: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Silva Filho Rodolfo Carlos dos Santos , Lemes Thiago Matheus Mendes Alves e , Sasaki Jeffer Eidi , Gordia Alex Pinheiro , Andaki Alynne Christian Ribeiro
Published: October 2020

Objetivou-se descrever aspectos metodológicos da pesquisa em comportamento sedentário e identificar intervenções para redução do comportamento sedentário em adolescentes brasileiros. A busca de dados foi de outubro de 2014 a abril de 2019. As bases de dados utilizadas foram LILACS, Pubmed, SciELO e Scopus. Foram critérios de inclusão artigos originais publicados em revistas nacionais e internacionais, teses e dissertações completas disponíveis para download, com amostras que incluíssem adolescentes brasileiros. Encontrou-se 491 estudos e 38 foram incluídos na síntese qualitativa. Somente 13,1% dos trabalhos apresentaram desenho experimental. O tempo de tela foi o indicador mais utilizado para caracterizar o comportamento sedentário. O ponto de corte mais frequente foi o de 2 horas/dia, entretanto, identificou-se 17 pontos de corte diferentes. Apenas 13,1% das pesquisas utilizaram medidas objetivas para mensurar o comportamento sedentário. Conclui-se que a falta de padronização nos indicadores e pontos de corte do comportamento sedentário dificultam a comparação entre os resultados das pesquisas. É necessária a utilização de medidas objetivas para informações mais fidedignas. Há carência de estudos de intervenção na redução do comportamento sedentário em adolescentes brasileiros.
ANÁLISE DO DESEMPENHO DOS GRÁFICOS DE CONTROLE CUSUM E EWMA: ESTUDO COMPARATIVO COM USO DE SIMULAÇÃO
Authors: Werner Liane , Argenta Aline Da Silva , Soares Felipe
Published: October 2020

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo comparativo dos gráficos de controle de soma cumulativa (CUSUM) e de médias móveis exponencialmente ponderadas (EWMA). O objetivo principal é o de estudar a influência dos parâmetros de controle de ambos os gráficos no desempenho de detecção de situações fora de controle, definido pelo Average Run Length (ARL). Simulações computacionais são efetuadas considerando diversos cenários, alterando os parâmetros das cartas de controle e também os parâmetros do processo, investigando o ARL. Verificou-se que o CUSUM obteve desempenho superior ao EWMA para pequenas alterações na média, até um desvio padrão do processo, enquanto o EWMA mostrou-se mais eficaz para alterações de maior magnitude. Além disso, foi verificado que o EWMA é superior quando há alterações simultâneas na média do processo e na sua variabilidade. As rotinas de simulação provaram-se úteis para estudar o comportamento do ARL de acordo com os parâmetros das cartas de controle e dos processos, sendo uma abordagem válida para o estudo e escolha dos parâmetros em aplicações reais.
A crítica de Heidegger ao primado da lógica e o caráter científico-primordial da filosofia
Authors: Gonçalves Lucas De Lima Cavalcanti , Trindade Rogério Galdino
Published: October 2020

O presente trabalho trata do modo como o primeiro Heidegger concebe a tarefa da filosofia entendida como ciência primordial. Em preleção de 1919 intitulada “A ideia de filosofia e o problema da visão de mundo”, ele estabelece um diálogo crítico com a proposta neokantiana de filosofia como ciência do valor. A pergunta a ser feita é: qual o objeto de algo como uma ciência primordial? O método indutivo e o teleológico-crítico se configuram como meios historicamente disponíveis de realização da atividade filosófica. Não obstante, Heidegger argumenta contra a possibilidade de compreensão da filosofia como ciência primordial a partir de uma atitude teorética. Ele aponta, finalmente, para a necessidade de inclusão do domínio pré-teorético da vida na consideração do objeto da filosofia, fazendo, portanto, da opção pelas “coisas elas mesmas”, uma atitude de escuta compreensiva da imediaticidade da vida, a partir da qual brota e para a qual retorna toda operação de significação.
Técnica, liberdade e vontade em Heidegger e Cassirer
Authors: Ferreira Alexandre De Oliveira
Published: October 2020

O artigo busca confrontar as posições de Heidegger e Cassirer sobre a técnica. Veremos que ambos os filósofos partem de um diagnóstico semelhante com relação a técnica, vendo-a como um destino do ocidente com o qual precisamos nos reconciliar sob o risco de perdermos nossa liberdade e nos afastarmos de nossa essência. Entretanto, os dois filósofos indicarão caminhos diametralmente opostos sobre a possibilidade de uma existência humana livre na época da técnica.  Cassirer, com base em sua filosofia das formas simbólicas, acredita que a técnica deve ser posta a serviço do ser humano mediante o cultivo de uma nova força da vontade e da edificação de um outro reino dos fins. O Heidegger tardio, ao contrário, vê como única possibilidade de liberdade diante da técnica o abandono da vontade e o cultivo de um não-querer, expresso na palavra Gelassenheit. Assim, para Heidegger a posição de Cassirer apenas reproduziria a metafísica da subjetividade e da “vontade de vontade” que se esconde na técnica. Cassirer, por sua vez, identificará na postura heideggeriana diante da técnica com uma mitologia moderna, que estaria nas bases do culto ao estado totalitário.
Heidegger e a técnica como acabamento da metafísica e possibilidade de um novo início
Authors: Dos Santos Fábio Candido
Published: October 2020

O artigo em questão se propõe mostrar, a partir da obra de Heidegger, como a técnica, derradeira manifestação da vontade de vontade e último estágio da metafísica, pode ser, a despeito de seu caráter corruptor do real, o único caminho para a reconexão do homem ao ser em sua relação originária com o ente. Entendida como “novo início” por Heidegger, esta configuração dependeria de uma recuperação do sentido originário de técnica enquanto te/xnh para abrir ao homem, por meio do pensamento e da arte, um retorno a si mesmo e o desnivelamento dos entes em seu ser. A título de fundamentação, a tarefa em questão também se compromete a discutir os princípios histórico-metafísicos da técnica, resguardados no aparecimento do niilismo decorrente do evento da morte de Deus e do estabelecimento do cogito como fundamento ôntico-ontológico do real na modernidade.
Autumn parasite review
Authors: Stokes Laura , Wright Ian
Published: October 2020

The year 2020 has been an ongoing struggle for many of us, especially for those of us working in veterinary practices. But although our lives seemingly stood still for much of the spring and summer, parasites did not stop! This article will provide a brief overview of some of the current parasite hot topics and threats to the UK, taking information from the quarterly Parasite Forecast published on the ESCCAP UK & Ireland website: www.esccapuk.org.uk .
Controlling disease to save species
Authors: MacLachlan Linda
Published: October 2020

Disease surveillance has a vital role to play in species conservation. Wlidlife Vets International collaborates with and trains a wide range of veterinary professionals to ensure they know how to monitor the level of disease in the animal populations with which they work.
Perceptions, Beliefs, and Attitudes Toward Various Hearing Conservation Approaches Reported by Indiana College Agriculture Students
Authors: Bielko Sylvanna L. , Khan Khalid M. , Weigel M. Margaret
Published: October 2020

Highlights

Noise-measuring applications (apps) and in-person classroom presentation were identified as the most preferred approaches by the college agriculture students.

Multiple features of noise apps and in-person intervention were identified as beneficial.

A subset of participants reported that a combination of approaches could influence hearing protection use.

Abstract. Noise-induced hearing loss is a major public health challenge for agricultural communities. However, there is limited hearing conservation research addressing the issue, especially for youth and young adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions and practices of Indiana undergraduate students who lived or worked on a farm. The students were asked to rank the most common and current hearing conservation educational approaches, including in-person classroom presentation, mailers, and technology-based approaches, i.e., computer-based training, interactive websites, static websites, and smartphone noise-measuring applications (apps). A total of 91 undergraduate students enrolled in agriculture classes at four Indiana higher educational institutions participated in the study. They completed a sociodemographic and farm activity survey, followed by a 30-minute in-person presentation on hearing health conservation. After the presentation, each participant completed a questionnaire that included items about their perceptions of the feasibility, sustainability, rankings, and preferences of the various educational approaches discussed in the presentation. Participants ranked the noise-measuring app and in-person classroom presentation as their most preferred educational approaches for hearing conservation (39% and 28%, respectively). They identified multiple features of these two intervention approaches as beneficial. Sixty-four percent of participants indicated that a combination of approaches could influence hearing protection use and should include in-person classroom presentation and one of the technology-based approaches (noise-measuring apps, 37.3%). These findings are expected to assist health interventionists and program designers in developing future hearing protection education programs for farm youth, who may otherwise lack access to resources for preventing premature hearing loss due to loud noise exposure. Keywords: Agricultural workers, Hearing conservation, Hearing protection, Undergraduate college students, Youth education.
Toothache and incapacity
Authors: Wheeler Robert
Published: October 2020

Each month we take a close look at a recent legal case with implications for the surgical profession.