bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Runt-related transcription factor 1 promotes apoptosis and inhibits neuroblastoma progression in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Hong Mei , He Jing , Li Duo , Chu Yuanyuan , Pu Jiarui , Tong Qiangsong , Joshi Harish C. , Tang Shaotao , Li Shiwang
Published: March 2020

Background

Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) is a heterodimeric transcription factor that binds to the core element of many enhancers and promoters and can accelerate apoptosis in various tumors. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying RUNX1 expression in neuroblastoma (NB), a highly malignant tumor in childhood, remain largely unclear. In this study, we aimed to assess the role of RUNX1 in NB and to reveal the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to finding a potential therapeutics strategy against NB.

Methods

Growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) immunocytochemistry, and studies involving soft agar, cell invasion, tube formation and whole animals. The levels of expression were measured using real-time quantitative PCR for RNA, Western blot and immunostaining analyses for proteins. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that RUNX1 directly binds within the BIRC5, CSF2RB and NFKBIA promoter regions to facilitate transcription. The level of apoptosis was assessed by determining mitochondrial membrane potential and flow cytometry.

Results

RUNX1 was highly expressed in ganglioneuroma (GN) and well-differentiated (WD) tissues relative to the poorly differentiated (PD) and undifferentiated (UD) ones. Moreover, RUNX1 effectively reduced cell viability, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and promoted apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. RUNX1 reduced BIRC5 transcription and increased CSF2RB and NFKBIA transcription by directly binding BIRC5, CSF2RB and NFKBIA promoters. In addition, cytotoxic drugs, especially cisplatin, significantly increased RUNX1 expression in NB cells and promoted apoptosis.

Conclusions

These data show that RUNX1 is an independent surrogate marker for the progression of NB and it can be used for monitoring NB prognosis during therapy.
Monocytic HLA-DR expression kinetics in septic shock patients with different pathogens, sites of infection and adverse outcomes
Authors: Leijte Guus P. , Rimmelé Thomas , Kox Matthijs , Bruse Niklas , Monard Céline , Gossez Morgane , Monneret Guillaume , Pickkers Peter , Venet Fabienne
Published: March 2020

Background

Decreased monocytic (m)HLA-DR expression is the most studied biomarker of sepsis-induced immunosuppression. To date, little is known about the relationship between sepsis characteristics, such as the site of infection, causative pathogen, or severity of disease, and mHLA-DR expression kinetics.

Methods

We evaluated mHLA-DR expression kinetics in 241 septic shock patients with different primary sites of infection and pathogens. Furthermore, we used unsupervised clustering analysis to identify mHLA-DR trajectories and evaluated their association with outcome parameters.

Results

No differences in mHLA-DR expression kinetics were found between groups of patients with different sites of infection (abdominal vs. respiratory, p = 0.13; abdominal vs. urinary tract, p = 0.53) and between pathogen categories (Gram-positive vs. Gram-negative, p = 0.54; Gram-positive vs. negative cultures, p = 0.84). The mHLA-DR expression kinetics differed between survivors and non-survivors (p < 0.001), with an increase over time in survivors only. Furthermore, we identified three mHLA-DR trajectories (‘early improvers’, ‘delayed or non-improvers’ and ‘decliners’). The probability for adverse outcome (secondary infection or death) was higher in the delayed or non-improvers and decliners vs. the early improvers (delayed or non-improvers log-rank p = 0.03, adjusted hazard ratio 2.0 [95% CI 1.0–4.0], p = 0.057 and decliners log-rank p = 0.01, adjusted hazard ratio 2.8 [95% CI 1.1–7.1], p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Sites of primary infection or causative pathogens are not associated with mHLA-DR expression kinetics in septic shock patients. However, patients showing delayed or no improvement in or a declining mHLA-DR expression have a higher risk for adverse outcome compared with patients exhibiting a swift increase in mHLA-DR expression. Our study signifies that changes in mHLA-DR expression over time, and not absolute values or static measurements, are of clinical importance in septic shock patients.
Generation of functional salivary gland tissue from human submandibular gland stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Sui Yi , Zhang Siqi , Li Yongliang , Zhang Xin , Hu Waner , Feng Yanrui , Xiong Jingwei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wei Shicheng
Published: March 2020

Background

Organ replacement regenerative therapy based on human adult stem cells may be effective for salivary gland hypofunction. However, the generated tissues are immature because the signaling factors that induce the differentiation of human salivary gland stem cells into salivary glands are unknown.

Methods

Isolated human submandibular gland stem/progenitor cells (hSMGepiS/PCs) were characterized and three-dimensionally (3D) cultured to generate organoids and further induced by fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) in vitro. The induced spheres alone or in combination with embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) mouse salivary gland mesenchyme were transplanted into the renal capsules of nude mice to assess their development in vivo. Immunofluorescence, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, calcium release analysis, western blotting, hematoxylin–eosin staining, Alcian blue–periodic acid-Schiff staining, and Masson’s trichrome staining were performed to assess the structure and function of generated tissues in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The isolated hSMGepiS/PCs could be long-term cultured with a stable genome. The organoids treated with FGF10 [FGF10 (+) group] exhibited higher expression of salivary gland–specific markers; showed spatial arrangement of AQP5+, K19+, and SMA+ cells; and were more sensitive to the stimulation by neurotransmitters than untreated organoids [FGF10 (−) group]. After heterotopic transplantation, the induced cell spheres combined with mouse embryonic salivary gland mesenchyme showed characteristics of mature salivary glands, including a natural morphology and saliva secretion.

Conclusion

FGF10 promoted the development of the hSMGepiS/PC-derived salivary gland organoids by the expression of differentiation markers, structure formation, and response to neurotransmitters in vitro. Moreover, the hSMGepiS/PCs responded to the niche in mouse embryonic mesenchyme and further differentiated into salivary gland tissues with mature characteristics. Our study provides a foundation for the regenerative therapy of salivary gland diseases.
High cholesterol induces apoptosis and autophagy through the ROS-activated AKT/FOXO1 pathway in tendon-derived stem cells
Authors: Li Kaiqun , Deng Ye , Deng Ganming , Chen Pengyu , Wang Yutian , Wu Hangtian , Ji Zhiguo , Yao Zilong , Zhang Xianrong , Yu Bin , Zhang Kairui
Published: March 2020

Background

Hypercholesterolemia increases the risk of tendon pain and tendon rupture. Tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) play a vital role in the development of tendinopathy. Our previous research found that high cholesterol inhibits tendon-related gene expression in TDSCs. Whether high cholesterol has other biological effects on TDSCs remains unknown.

Methods

TDSCs isolated from female SD rats were exposed to 10 mg/dL cholesterol for 24 h. Then, cell apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope. RFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus transfection was used for measuring autophagy. Signaling transduction was measured by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. In addition, Achilles tendons from ApoE −/− mice fed with a high-fat diet were histologically assessed using HE staining and immunohistochemistry.

Results

In this work, we verified that 10 mg/dL cholesterol suppressed cell proliferation and migration and induced G0/G1 phase arrest. Additionally, cholesterol induced apoptosis and autophagy simultaneously in TDSCs. Apoptosis induction was related to increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 and BAX and decreased expression of Bcl-xL. The occurrence of autophagic flux and accumulation of LC3-II demonstrated the induction of autophagy by cholesterol. Compared with the effects of cholesterol treatment alone, the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) enhanced apoptosis, while the apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK diminished cholesterol-induced autophagy. Moreover, cholesterol triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and activated the AKT/FOXO1 pathway, while the ROS scavenger NAC blocked cholesterol-induced activation of the AKT/FOXO1 pathway. NAC and the FOXO1 inhibitor AS1842856 rescued the apoptosis and autophagy induced by cholesterol. Finally, high cholesterol elevated the expression of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, LC3-II, and FOXO1 in vivo.

Conclusion

The present study indicated that high cholesterol induced apoptosis and autophagy through ROS-activated AKT/FOXO1 signaling in TDSCs, providing new insights into the mechanism of hypercholesterolemia-induced tendinopathy.

Graphical abstract

High cholesterol induces apoptosis and autophagy through the ROS-activated AKT/FOXO1 pathway in tendon-derived stem cells.
Therapeutic efficacy of catalpol against apoptosis in cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Yang Lingchao , Feng Xiangfei , Li Yigang , Zhang Song , Ying Yu
Published: March 2020

Cardiac arrhythmia is an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to serious heart conditions and various organ disorders, and may cause sudden cardiac death. Catalpol belongs to the iridoid glycoside family and is highly abundant in Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. The study included five groups such as group I (normal control), group II (treatment control), group III (low-dose treatment), group IV (medium-dose treatment) and group V (high-dose treatment). We investigated the therapeutic effects of catalpol on cardiac arrhythmia in human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity, and caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities and protein levels were measured in normal control, treatment control, and treated (1, 10, and 100 µM) iPSC groups. Compared with the treatment control group, catalpol supplementation (1, 10, and 100 µM) increased iPSC cell viability by 7.5, 27.3, and 65.8%, respectively; reduced the LDH levels by 10.4, 31.3, and 75.2%, respectively; and reduced the lipid peroxidation levels by 7.7, 33.0, and 62.6%, respectively. The antioxidant levels were significantly higher in the treatment control group than in the normal control group. Catalpol (100 µM) reduced the caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities by more than 30% and increased expression of the corresponding proteins by more than 50%. These findings suggest that the naturally occurring iridoid glycoside catalpol is effective against aconitine-induced cardiac arrhythmia in iPSCs.
Minimization of total harmonic distortions of cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter by utilizing bio inspired AI algorithm
Authors: Salman Muhammad , Haq Inzamam Ul , Ahmad Tanvir , Ali Haider , Qamar Affaq , Basit Abdul , Khan Murad , Iqbal Javed
Published: March 2020

Minimizing total harmonic distortion (THD) with less system complexity and computation time is a stringent constraint for many power systems. The multilevel inverter can have low THD when switching angles are selected at the fundamental frequency. For low-order harmonic minimization, selective harmonic elimination (SHE) is the most adopted and proficient technique but it involves the non-linear transcendental equations which are very difficult to solve analytically and numerically. This paper proposes a genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization technique to minimize the THD of cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter. The GA is the finest approach for solving such complex equations by obtaining optimized switching angles. The switching angles are calculated by the genetic algorithm by solving the nonlinear transcendental equations. This paper has modeled and simulated a five-level inverter in MATLAB Simulink. The THD comparison is carried out between step modulation method and optimization method. The results reveal that THD has been reduced from 17.88 to 16.74% while third and fifth harmonics have been reduced from 3.24%, 3.7% to 0.84% and 3.3%, respectively. The optimization method along with LC filter significantly improves the power quality providing a complete sinusoidal signal for varying load.
Physical activity and exercise for older people living with HIV: a protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Chetty Levin , Cobbing Saul , Chetty Verusia
Published: March 2020

Background

Older people living with HIV (OPLWH) are expected to live longer in the era of antiretroviral treatment, but at the same time, they are at risk for developing various health complications as a consequence of a life with the infection, exposure to medications that carry their own toxicity and side effects, and the natural effects of aging on the immune system. Because senescence is an inherent process that can be accelerated by HIV, it is important to identify strategies that can modify this phenomenon. Emerging data suggests that while physical activity and exercise may not have a positive impact on viral replication and on the immune system of people living with HIV, it can elicit improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, body composition, and overall quality of life. The purpose of this study is to map out empirical evidence on the effects of physical activity and exercise in OPLWH.

Methods

The scoping review methods will be guided by the framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Literature searches will be conducted in the following electronic databases (from inception onwards): PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed journal papers will be included if they are written in English, involved human participants aged 50 years, and older with HIV and described a measure for physical, mental, or functional status of physical activity/exercise and/or the recommendations in OPLWH. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies will be included in order to consider different aspects of measuring the effects of physical activity and exercise (e.g., quality of life, functional status, activities of daily living). Two reviewers will screen all citations and full-text articles. We will abstract data, organize them into themes and sub-themes, summarize them, and report the results using a narrative synthesis. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using a Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Discussion

The evidence gathered from the selected studies will be discussed in relation to the research questions using a narrative to identify and explore emergent themes. The review will provide a baseline of evidence on exercise and physical activity interventions for OPLWH. It will highlight gaps regarding the use of exercise and physical activity and contribute to the design of an effective intervention approach to the rehabilitation of OPLWH.

Systematic review registration

Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/728kp/).
Retraction Note to: Existence of weak solutions for two point boundary value problems of Schrödingerean predator-prey system and their applications
Authors: Lü Fengjiao , Ülker Tanriver
Published: March 2020

The Editors-in-Chief have retracted this article [1] because it significantly overlaps with an article by different authors that was simultaneously under consideration with another journal [2]. In addition, the identity of the corresponding author could not be verified: Universidad Austral confirmed that Tanriver Ülker was never affiliated to this institution. The authors have not responded to any correspondence regarding this retraction.
The CARESSES study protocol: testing and evaluating culturally competent socially assistive robots among older adults residing in long term care homes through a controlled experimental trial
Authors: Papadopoulos Chris , Hill Tetiana , Battistuzzi Linda , Castro Nina , Nigath Abiha , Randhawa Gurch , Merton Len , Kanoria Sanjeev , Kamide Hiroko , Chong Nak-Young , Hewson David , Davidson Rosemary , Sgorbissa Antonio
Published: March 2020

Background

This article describes the design of an intervention study that focuses on whether and to what degree culturally competent social robots can improve health and well-being related outcomes among older adults residing long-term care homes. The trial forms the final stage of the international, multidisciplinary CARESSES project aimed at designing, developing and evaluating culturally competent robots that can assist older people according to the culture of the individual they are supporting. The importance of cultural competence has been demonstrated in previous nursing literature to be key towards improving health outcomes among patients.

Method

This study employed a mixed-method, single-blind, parallel-group controlled before-and-after experimental trial design that took place in England and Japan. It aimed to recruit 45 residents of long-term care homes aged ≥65 years, possess sufficient cognitive and physical health and who self-identify with the English, Indian or Japanese culture (n = 15 each). Participants were allocated to either the experimental group, control group 1 or control group 2 (all n = 15). Those allocated to the experimental group or control group 1 received a Pepper robot programmed with the CARESSES culturally competent artificial intelligence (experimental group) or a limited version of this software (control group 1) for 18 h across 2 weeks. Participants in control group 2 did not receive a robot and continued to receive care as usual. Participants could also nominate their informal carer(s) to participate. Quantitative data collection occurred at baseline, after 1 week of use, and after 2 weeks of use with the latter time-point also including qualitative semi-structured interviews that explored their experience and perceptions further. Quantitative outcomes of interest included perceptions of robotic cultural competence, health-related quality of life, loneliness, user satisfaction, attitudes towards robots and caregiver burden.

Discussion

This trial adds to the current preliminary and limited pool of evidence regarding the benefits of socially assistive robots for older adults which to date indicates considerable potential for improving outcomes. It is the first to assess whether and to what extent cultural competence carries importance in generating improvements to well-being.

Trial registration

Name of the registry: ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial registration number: NCT03756194.

Date of registration: 28 November 2018. URL of trial registry record.
Learning to rank spatio-temporal event hotspots
Authors: Mohler George , Porter Michael , Carter Jeremy , LaFree Gary
Published: March 2020

Background

Crime, traffic accidents, terrorist attacks, and other space-time random events are unevenly distributed in space and time. In the case of crime, hotspot and other proactive policing programs aim to focus limited resources at the highest risk crime and social harm hotspots in a city. A crucial step in the implementation of these strategies is the construction of scoring models used to rank spatial hotspots. While these methods are evaluated by area normalized Recall@k (called the predictive accuracy index), models are typically trained via maximum likelihood or rules of thumb that may not prioritize model accuracy in the top k hotspots. Furthermore, current algorithms are defined on fixed grids that fail to capture risk patterns occurring in neighborhoods and on road networks with complex geometries.

Results

We introduce CrimeRank, a learning to rank boosting algorithm for determining a crime hotspot map that directly optimizes the percentage of crime captured by the top ranked hotspots. The method employs a floating grid combined with a greedy hotspot selection algorithm for accurately capturing spatial risk in complex geometries. We illustrate the performance using crime and traffic incident data provided by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, IED attacks in Iraq, and data from the 2017 NIJ Real-time crime forecasting challenge.

Conclusion

Our learning to rank strategy was the top performing solution (PAI metric) in the 2017 challenge. We show that CrimeRank achieves even greater gains when the competition rules are relaxed by removing the constraint that grid cells be a regular tessellation.
Dietary supplement for relieving menopausal symptoms in Egyptian perimenopausal women
Authors: El Shebini Salwa Mostafa , Fouad Suzanne , Abdel-Moaty Maha , Ahmed Nihad Hassan , Hussein Ahmed Mohamed Saied , Essa Hend Abass , Tapozada Salwa Tawfic
Published: March 2020

Background

Women experience various menopausal symptoms during the menopause; these symptoms can affect their quality of life and health. The aim of this study was to help females around this time to relief their symptoms by natural safe product.

Subjects and methods

Forty-two women participated as volunteers, who are suffering from different symptoms of menopause with mean age 45.36 ± 0.98 years. Full clinical examination, anthropometric parameters, dietary recalls, and Menopause Rating Scale evaluation were recorded. Blood sampling and biochemical analysis was done including important sex hormones. Participants daily consumed 45 g of supplement made from raw unsalted crashed peanut, raw sesame, dry coriander, and dry thyme that were made in the form of blend. Study period lasted for 8 weeks. Chemical composition of the blend was assessed.

Results

All participants showed marked improvement in psychological, urogenital, and somatic symptoms after intervention.

Conclusion

Data of this study showed that the blend had a beneficial impact on the physical, psychological, and mental health in perimenopausal women. So, functional foods must be considered in controlling different menopausal annoying symptoms; perimenopausal women can use this blend as a safe and effective food supplement.
Under false flag: using technical artifacts for cyber attack attribution
Authors: Skopik Florian , Pahi Timea
Published: March 2020

The attribution of cyber attacks is often neglected. The consensus still is that little can be done to prosecute the perpetrators – and unfortunately, this might be right in many cases. What is however only of limited interest for the private industry is in the center of interest for nation states. Investigating if an attack was carried out in the name of a nation state is a crucial task for secret services. Many methods, tools and processes exist for network- and computer forensics that allow the collection of traces and evidences. They are the basis to associate adversarial actions to threat actors. However, a serious problem which has not got the appropriate attention from research yet, are false flag campaigns, cyber attacks which apply covert tactics to deceive or misguide attribution attempts – either to hide traces or to blame others. In this paper we provide an overview of prominent attack techniques along the cyber kill chain. We investigate traces left by attack techniques and which questions in course of the attribution process are answered by investigating these traces. Eventually, we assess how easily traces can be spoofed and rate their relevancy with respect to identifying false flag campaigns.
Outcome of Oncology Patients Infected With Coronavirus
Authors: Jazieh Abdul-Rahman , Alenazi Thamer H. , Alhejazi Ayman , Al Safi Faisal , Al Olayan Ashwaq
Published: March 2020

PURPOSE

This study investigated the features of oncology patients with confirmed Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) at the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs-Riyadh during the outbreak of June 2015 to determine the clinical course and outcome of affected patients.

METHODS

The patients’ demographic information, cancer history, treatment pattern, information about MERS-coronavirus (CoV) infection, history of travel, clinical symptoms, test results, and outcome were collected and analyzed as part of a quality improvement project to improve the care and safety of our patients. Only patients with confirmed infection were included.

RESULTS

A total of 19 patients were identified, with a median age of 66 years (range, 16-88 years), and 12 patients (63%) were males. The most common underlying disease was hematologic malignancies (47.4%), followed by colorectal cancer (21%) and lung cancer (15.8%). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common comorbidities (57.9% and 52.6%, respectively). Infection was diagnosed by nasopharyngeal swab in all patients. All patients contracted the infection during their hospitalization for other reasons. Sixteen patients (80%) were admitted to the intensive care unit; 13 patients (81%) had acute respiratory distress syndrome, 11 were intubated (68.75%), 9 had acute renal injury (56.25%), and 3 required dialysis (18.75%). Only 3 patients (15.8%) with early-stage cancers survived. Patients with hematologic malignancies and advanced solid tumors had a 100% case fatality rate. The majority of the causes of death were due to multi-organ failure and septic shock.

CONCLUSION

MERS-CoV infection resulted in a high case fatality rate in patients with malignancy. Therefore, it is critical to implement effective primary preventive measures to avoid exposure of patients with cancer to the virus.
Diagnostic Value of Anthropometric Measurements for Familial Partial Lipodystrophy, Dunnigan Variety
Authors: Vasandani Chandna , Li Xilong , Sekizkardes Hilal , Adams-Huet Beverley , Brown Rebecca J , Garg Abhimanyu
Published: March 2020

Context

Familial partial lipodystrophy, Dunnigan variety (FPLD2) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder resulting from LMNA causal variants, which is characterized by loss of subcutaneous fat from the extremities and predisposition to metabolic complications. The diagnostic value of various anthropometric measurements for FPLD2 remains unknown.

Objective

To determine specificity and sensitivity of anthropometric measurements for the diagnosis of FPLD2.

Methods

We measured skinfold thickness and regional body fat by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 50 adult females and 6 males with FPLD2 at UT Southwestern and compared their data with the sex- and age-matched controls from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2010. We further compared data from 1652 unaffected females from the Dallas Heart Study and 23 females with FPLD2 from the National Institutes of Health with the NHANES data.

Results

The DXA-derived lower limb fat (%) had the best specificity (0.995) and sensitivity (1.0) compared with the upper limb fat, truncal fat, the ratio of lower limb to truncal fat, and triceps skinfold thickness for adult females with FPLD2. The lower limb fat below 1st percentile of NHANES females had a false-positive rate of 0.0054 and a false negative rate of 0. The diagnostic value of anthropometric parameters could not be determined for males with FPLD2 due to small sample size.

Conclusions

The lower limb fat (%) is the best objective anthropometric measure for diagnosing FPLD2 in females. Women with below the 1st percentile lower limb fat should undergo genetic testing for FPLD2, especially if they have metabolic complications.
Fast analysis of scATAC-seq data using a predefined set of genomic regions
Authors: Giansanti Valentina , Tang Ming , Cittaro Davide
Published: March 2020

Background: Analysis of scATAC-seq data has been recently scaled to thousands of cells. While processing of other types of single cell data was boosted by the implementation of alignment-free techniques, pipelines available to process scATAC-seq data still require large computational resources. We propose here an approach based on pseudoalignment, which reduces the execution times and hardware needs at little cost for precision.

Methods: Public data for 10k PBMC were downloaded from 10x Genomics web site. Reads were aligned to various references derived from DNase I Hypersensitive Sites (DHS) using kallisto and quantified with bustools. We compared our results with the ones publicly available derived by cellranger-atac.

Results: We found that kallisto does not introduce biases in quantification of known peaks and cells groups are identified in a consistent way. We also found that cell identification is robust when analysis is performed using DHS-derived reference in place of de novo identification of ATAC peaks. Lastly, we found that our approach is suitable for reliable quantification of gene activity based on scATAC-seq signal, thus allows for efficient labelling of cell groups based on marker genes.

Conclusions: Analysis of scATAC-seq data by means of kallisto produces results in line with standard pipelines while being considerably faster; using a set of known DHS sites as reference does not affect the ability to characterize the cell populations
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in treatment of psychiatric disorders – review of current studies
Authors: Wieczorek Tomasz , Kobyłko Agnieszka , Stramecki Filip , Fila-Witecka Karolina , Beszłej Jan , Jakubczyk Marta , Piotrowski Patryk , Senczyszyn Adrianna , Siwicki Damian , Szcześniak Dorota , Rymaszewska Joanna
Published: March 2020

Psycho- i farmakoterapia zaburzeń psychicznych mają niewątpliwie swoje ograniczenia. Dzięki rozwojowi nauk podstawowych oraz klinicznych w medycynie, metody stymulacji mózgu znajdują coraz szersze zastosowanie terapeutyczne w leczeniu wielu zaburzeń centralnego układu nerwowego, zarówno o charakterze neurologicznym, jak i psychiatrycznym. Niniejszy przegląd ma za zadanie przybliżyć obecny stan wiedzy dotyczący praktycznego aspektu jednej z tych nowych metod terapeutycznych - przezczaszkowej stymulacji magnetycznej (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, TMS). Praca powstała w oparciu o najnowszą literaturę obejmującą tematykę wykorzystania TMS w różnych jednostkach chorobowych, z uwzględnieniem przede wszystkim aktualnych wytycznych i rekomendacji oraz przeglądów systematycznych, publikowanych po roku 2000. TMS jest nowoczesną, nieinwazyjną metodą stymulacji CUN, bardzo dobrze tolerowaną przez pacjentów, obarczoną niewielką liczbą przemijających działań niepożądanych i powikłań. Dzięki dokonującemu się postępowi w zakresie opracowywania nowych protokołów terapeutycznych TMS znajduje zastosowanie kliniczne w coraz szerszym spektrum zaburzeń psychicznych takich jak depresja nawracająca, choroba afektywna dwubiegunowa, schizofrenia, ale również zaburzenia funkcji poznawczych czy zespół stresu pourazowego. W przypadku depresji weszła do standardów leczenia. W Polsce jej dostępność jest nadal ograniczona, jednak przybywa ośrodków dysponujących odpowiednim sprzętem i wyszkolonym personelem.
Efeito agudo do exercício físico aeróbio de diferentes intensidades na proliferação linfocitária de adultos
Authors: Guedes Amanda Archeleiga , Pozzolo Beatriz Augusta , Fonseca Vanessa Ferrari da , Coutinho Debora Sales Silva , Iagher Fabiola , Ulbrich Anderson Zampier
Published: March 2020

O exercício físico gera um desvio da homeostase e a reorganização das respostas de diversos sistemas, entre eles o sistema imune. A resposta aguda do sistema imune pode estar sujeita a mudanças de acordo com a intensidade do exercício praticado. O objetivo do estudo é observar a resposta da proliferação linfocitária à prática de sessões de exercício físico aeróbio de diferentes intensidades. Para tal, foram avaliados dez voluntários (23,50 ± 3,43 anos), que realizaram sessões de exercício aeróbio em bicicleta indoor nas intensidades moderada (40-59% da frequência cardíaca de reserva - FCr) e vigorosa (60-89% da FCr). Houve coleta de sangue venoso para análise da proliferação linfocitária antes (baseline) e após cada uma das sessões. A proliferação linfocitária foi estimulada através de Concanavalina A e mensurada através do ensaio de Alamar Blue® por análise fluorimétrica após 24h, 48h e 72h de cultivo. A análise estatística compreendeu comparações repetidas entre as diferentes sessões e o baseline por ANOVA two-way, considerando um p < 0,05. A sessão de exercício de intensidade vigorosa apresentou diminuição significativa da proliferação linfocitária basal de 21,96% (p = 0,011) em 24h, 37,46% (p = 0,001) em 48h e 27,61% (p = 0,005) em 72h quando comparada com o baseline. A sessão de exercício de intensidade moderada mostrou um aumento de 42,17% (p = 0,001), 36,89% (p = 0,011) e 30,84% (p = 0,001) para os mesmos tempos. Houve diferença significativa no delta de variação na comparação entre as intensidades (p < 0,005). A prática aguda de exercício físico aeróbio em intensidades moderada e vigorosa foi associada ao aumento e diminuição, respectivamente, da proliferação linfocitária de adultos.
An Educational Game with Dragons’ Den Experiences for Supply Chain Management Training
Authors: Feng Yan , Audy Jean-François , Rönnqvist Mikael , D’Amours Sophie
Published: March 2020

This article presents an educational game to engage university and industrial stakeholders in collaborative training for supply chain management courses. The game will help students learn complex supply chain management issues. There are two integrated parts: a case ethod through an industrial case and an activity-based game featuring role plays based on international television shows such as Dragons’ Den in Canada or Shark Tank in the United States. We developed a game framework to illustrate how the game can be prepared and played in classrooms. Although the game is primarily developed for classroom teaching, it may be adapted to other training environments. We have provided two examples to demonstrate how the game can be played as a short game in conference environments. Game experiences and feedback are presented with comments from various game participants. By interacting with stakeholders and tackling a real-world business case, students can better understand stakeholders’ business goals, the importance of supply chain collaboration, and the impacts on supply chain decisions.
Visit to Singapore Medical Journal during COVID-19 outbreak: learning “beyond” the expectation
Authors: Widjaja Felix Firyanto , Suryaningrat Windu Cahyaningrum Handayani Notonagoro
Published: March 2020

[No abstract available]
Risk factor for Mycobacterium leprae detection in household contacts with leprosy patients: a study in Papua, East Indonesia
Authors: Krismawati Hana , Oktavian Antonius , Maladan Yustinus , Wahyuni Tri
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND In the era of leprosy eradication, Jayapura is still one of the biggest leprosy pockets in Papua, Indonesia. The trend for leprosy case detection rate has remained relatively stable over recent years. This study was aimed to detect Mycobacterium leprae in household contacts and to evaluate the associated factors with the detection. METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited household contacts of leprosy patients who were diagnosed consecutively from March to August 2015 in Hamadi Point of Care, Jayapura. The leprosy patients were diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For each leprosy patient, up to four household contacts that had no symptom were included. Every household contact received screening through DNA detection of M. leprae extracted from nasal swab specimens and examined using PCR. Factors for bacteria detection included intensity, time duration and number of contacts living together in the same house, and random blood glucose levels were evaluated. Bivariate analysis was used to associate them with M. leprae detection in household contacts. RESULTS From 107 household contacts of 35 patients who had leprosy, M. leprae was detected in 19.6%. Household contacts with leprosy patients for >1 year was a risk factor for detection (OR = 12.45; 95% CI = 1.595–97.20; p = 0.002). Blood glucose (p = 0.444), ethnic (p = 0.456), sleeping proximity to leprosy case (p = 0.468) and relatives (p = 0.518) give no effect to M. leprae detection in household contacts. CONCLUSIONS Among the various risk factors studied, duration of living together with the patient significantly increased the risk of M. leprae transmission.
Focal shift of an axisymmetric Bessel–Gaussian beam under Airy mixing modulation
Authors: Ding Sitong , Li Yue , Li Ziyan , Wang Guanxue , Xu Jitong , Li Yang , Dong Xiangmei , Gao Xiumin
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the focusing characteristics of Bessel–Gaussian beams are studied by means of vector diffraction theory. The vector field distribution of the axisymmetric Bessel–Gaussian beam of a cylindrical vector is derived by calculating and adding Airy mixing modulation to the Bessel–Gaussian beam. It is found that with a series of regular focusing change characteristics, the focusing presents strong stability of the optical chain structure, and the number of optical chain links can be adjusted. At the same time, it is pointed out that in the case of a tightly focused helically polarized beam, the polarization in the focal region is not uniform, but there was a similar horizontal shift in focus. Finally, the relevant practical application scenarios are briefly introduced. The correlation focus shift conversion can be widely used in electronic acceleration, optical sampling and operation, and biological imaging.
Designing an anamorphic illumination system with an RTIR prism for a tilt-and-roll-pixel-type projector
Authors: Chen Yu-Jia , Pan Jui-wen
Published: March 2020

A relay lens system design for a mini-projector with telecentric illumination is described. The reverse total internal reflection (RTIR) prism for angular magnification and lateral magnification is discussed in detail, and magnifications under different digital micromirror devices (DMD) are compared. The tilt-and-roll pixel (TRP) DMD chip (tilt angle is

±
17

∘

) is the latest spatial light modulator, and the f-number of the illumination system is 1.71. Using the TRP DMD, the lateral magnification and the angular magnification for the RTIR prism can be increased by 3.77% and 8.73% over that obtainable using the conventional DMD chip (tilt angle is

±
12

∘

). In order to solve for the angular magnification of an RTIR prism, the baffle is set at the aperture stop of the relay lens system. There is a trade-off between the efficiency and the contrast ratio with the baffle. When B (the position of the baffle) is at 0.11, the contrast ratio of the illumination system is 7590:1 and the efficiency is 57%. The spot size at the edge and corner of the DMD active area is controlled to be less than 250 µm, and the optical distortion is less than 1%.
Active vibration isolation system based on the LADRC algorithm for atom interferometry
Authors: Zhou Yin , Luo Dongyun , Wu Bin , Cheng Bing , Lin Qiang
Published: March 2020

A new, to the best of our knowledge, method based on the linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) algorithm is proposed to design and build a vertical vibration isolator below

0.1

H
z

for cold-atom interferometry. This system combines the control system that is used to process and to reduce feedback vibrations measured by a seismometer and a voice coil that is used to cancel the motion of a commercial passive vibration isolation platform. When the feedback is on, the vertical vibration is reduced by an additional factor of up to 1000 from 0.1 to

5

H
z

, while the system has a steady oscillation with a natural period of 66 s. The experimental results show that the LADRC is an effective control algorithm for this application and performs better than the classic lag compensation filters in our case. In addition, there are fewer parameters to adjust in this method, and we only need to tune the feedback gain of the system state error for its application.
Auger-type process in ultrathin ReS2
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Saifeng , Huang Jiawei , Mao Yu , Dong Ningning , Zhang Xiaoyan , Kislyakov Ivan M. , Wang Hongqiang , Wang Zixin , Chen Chenduan , Zhang Long , Wang Jun
Published: March 2020

The dramatic enhancement of charge carrier interaction makes many-body effects of great prominence in two-dimensional materials. Here we report the defect-assisted Auger scattering combined with band-to-band Auger recombination as playing the dominant recovery mechanism in the charge carriers of atomically thin-layered ReS2. Time resolved transient absorption spectra investigation reveals two different decay processes over the visible and near- infrared range, which is attributed to the shallow and deep defects introduced by the existence of sulfur (S) vacancy. A rate equation system is invoked to rationalize our peculiar pump and temperature dependence of carrier dynamics quantitatively. These findings provide theoretical insights into the significant role played by nonradiative Auger processes and may pave the way for the development of diverse ReS2-based high performance photonic and optoelectronic devices.
REFÚGIOS
Authors: Marnoto Rita
Published: March 2020

Este 4.º número da 3.ª série de Biblos. Revista da Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Coimbra reúne um conjunto de contributos dedicado ao tema do refúgio. Ímpeto de fuga desencadeado por uma ameaça iminente, o refúgio, ao instigar a procura de segurança, leva à demanda de um outro tempo ou de um outro lugar, susceptíveis de oferecerem acolhimento e abrigo, desencadeando, da mesma feita, a oportunidade de reconstrução de novas esferas. Perante a imensidão de mundos e perspetivas implicados pelo conceito, optou-se, pois, pela declinação no plural — refúgios.
Música contrafeita. A partitura como autenticidade falsa
Authors: Neves Margarida Teixeira
Published: March 2020

Este artigo discute a hipótese da falsificação da Western Art Music (WAM) partindo da interrogação acerca da autenticidade da partitura. Na contemporaneidade, em que a prática performativa da WAM, sobretudo a “nova música” composta desde a primeira metade do século XX, não entusiasma audiências, é imprescindível uma reflexão crítica que seja promotora de mudança e que procure contestar os gestos calcificados do trabalho do músico intérprete. Questionar a autenticidade da escrita musical é, assim, o mote para pensar e fazer a crítica a uma contrafação da art music que não se fecha na partitura e que vai para o palco, pela mão do intérprete, falsificando o acontecimento da obra musical para o público que a ouve.
A história de um homem deitado: (Paludes de André Gide e a primeira écloga de Virgílio)
Authors: De Vasconcelos José Manuel
Published: March 2020

Tomando como ponto de partida os aspectos mais inovadores de Paludes de André Gide, que fazem dele uma das portas de entrada da novelística contemporânea, nomeadamente a temática do «romance dentro do romance», e o tom satírico que percorre a obra, o presente artigo faz considerações comparativas e estabelece paralelos com as personagens e situações da primeira écloga de Virgílio, que serve de ponto de partida para o romance in progress que o narrador se propõe escrever.
O uso e o significado do termo dactilioteca em Portugal nos registos latinos e modernos
Authors: Oliveira Amélia , Morais Rui
Published: March 2020

Estuda‑se a utilização do termo dactilioteca nos autores da antiguidade clássica romana e o seu uso e significado nos registos latinos e modernos em algumas obras de referência europeias. Constata‑se que este termo começa a ganhar maior popularidade no século XVIII e vai sofrendo uma alteração do seu significado como resultado do estudo das gemas, cada vez mais popular. Entre nós, este termo, já utilizado em dicionários em latim, pelo menos a partir do século XVI, vai sendo referido na dicionarística portuguesa, ainda que cada vez de forma mais sucinta.
Oficinas de didática do latim: uma proposta de materiais e recursos
Authors: Balula Ana , Bravo Cláudia , Marques Susana
Published: March 2020

Como é do conhecimento geral, o ensino das Línguas Clássicas tem vindo a perder expressão no contexto português. A recente oficialização da disciplina de “Introdução à Cultura e às Línguas Clássicas” para o Ensino Básico, como oferta de escola, veio ajudar a revitalizar o interesse nesta área. Consequentemente, têm sido promovidas algumas iniciativas de formação para apoiar os professores envolvidos.Este foi, assim, um dos principais objetivos subjacentes à criação das Oficinas de Didática do Latim, que se realizaram em e-learning e agregaram professores de todo o país. Neste trabalho, apresenta-se em detalhe um dos produtos destas Oficinas, mais concretamente um conjunto de materiais e recursos especialmente dirigido a Clubes e Projetos de Escola. Além disso, a título de exemplo, também se avança com possibilidadesde didatização, tendo em conta as Metas Curriculares definidas para algumas disciplinas de 5.º ano, numa perspetiva de interdisciplinaridade.
Narcissus Circaeus ou o trágico em Il Compleanno de Marco Filiberti
Authors: Rodrigues Nuno Simões
Published: March 2020

Matteo e Francesca e Shary e Diego constituem dois casais amigos, quarentões, que decidem passar um Verão juntos, numa casa de praia no sopé do Monte Circeu, em Itália. O segundo casal tem um filho, David, que está de regresso dos Estados Unidos, para celebrar o seu aniversário com a família. Quando chega, o jovem David depara com duas relações em crise, uma desgastada pelo afastamento dos cônjuges, a outra pela rotina do casal. Mas é a Matteo, o amigo dos pais de David, que cabe entrar num dilema interno que afecta a sua estabilidade emocional e que o atira para o domínio do tabu a vários níveis. Matteo sente-se profundamente atraído pelo jovem David, que, no entanto, parece oscilar entre a obsessão por si próprio e a atenção que o homem mais velho lhe dedica. A Matteo resta decidir se cede à tentação ou se lhe resiste. O certo é que, cedendo à passio, haverá que lidar com as consequências da decisão que farão entrar todos os caracteres numa espiral de tragédia de contornos euripidianos e senequianos, em que não faltam muitos outros ecos da nossa herança clássica. São precisamente esses contornos que esta comunicação pretende analisar.
Aristóteles e o desenvolvimento da filologia grega e da história literária
Authors: Santos Alexandra
Published: March 2020

Aristóteles e o seu círculo Peripatético desenvolveram um vasto trabalho no que respeita à filologia Grega e história literária, a partir do estudo das obras épicas de Homero, e que foram posteriormente utilizados na interpretação de outros poetas. Pretende, assim, este artigo dar conta dos trabalhos desenvolvidos no âmbito da análise, interpretação e crítica textuais, aliadas a investigações históricas, que permitiram uma abordagem ampla e construtiva nos campos filológico e literário.
O Crítias oracular e a psicologia de Sócrates: temperança no Cármides de Platão
Authors: Coutinho Luciano
Published: March 2020

A temperança é, sem dúvida, uma das principais temáticas no Cármides de Platão. Nesse diálogo, entram em tensão as noções oracular e realista, defendidas por Crítias e por Sócrates respectivamente, acerca das capacidades do temperante. É sob esse embate que Platão fundamenta sua teoria da necessidade da constante busca do conhecimento. A psyche é, portanto, dimensionada segundo sua capacidade de ação para a busca da temperança por meio do que seria um tipo de encantamento filosófico. Pretende-se, portanto, neste trabalho, observar essa tensão criada entre Crítias e Sócrates, a fim de averiguar a temperança filosófica como uma consequência psíquica do encantamento filosófico.
Páginas de Suetónio: a morte ignóbil de Vitélio
Authors: Brandão José Luís
Published: March 2020

A fechar o ciclo de conflitos que se sucede à morte de Nero, a narrativa da execução pública de Vitélio transmitida por Suetónio constituiu o relato de morte onde mais ostensivamente se manifesta a hostilidade do biógrafo para com um imperador. Suetónio escolhe os elementos mais aviltantes que encontra na tradição, de modo a transformar os últimos momentos daquele imperador no merecido castigo de uma vida indigna.
Os manuais de retórica entre os séculos xvi e xviii: apontamentos para um itinerário a partir do espólio da BPE
Authors: Martins Armando Senra , Teixeira Cláudia , Amado Casimiro
Published: March 2020

Este texto pretende divulgar um conjunto de manuscritos, depositados nos fundos da Biblioteca Pública de Évora, escritos entre os séculos xvi e xviii, que ilustram a evolução no ensino da retórica.