bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of AgNPs on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth: A Focus Study on Its Antibacterial Potential againstClavibacter michiganensissubsp.michiganensisInfection inSolanum lycopersicum
Authors: Noshad Asma , Hetherington Crispin , Iqbal Mudassar
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the effect of biogenic AgNPs on seed germination and seedling growth ofSolanum lycopersicum. Treatment with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) showed a significantly high germination rate and seedling growth compared to untreated seeds. Furthermore, its bactericidal effect against bacterial pathogenClavibacter michiganensissubsp.michiganensis(cmm) infection inSolanum lycopersicumwas also determined. Bacterial canker of tomato (BCT) caused bycmmresults in reduced plant growth and production leading to considerable economic losses. Herein, fungal extracts ofT. harzianumandA. fumigatuswere used separately as a reducing agent to synthesize AgNPs of varying concentrations (0.088 mg/L, 0.176 mg/L, and 0.44 mg/L). Results suggested that the biosynthesized AgNPs not only worked as bactericide but also completely inhibited the incidence ofcmminfection even at the lowest concentration of 0.088 mg/L under greenhouse conditions. Plants treated with AgNPs showed significantly enhanced growth parameters including plant height (cm), tomato yield/plant (g), fresh biomass (g), number of shoots/plant, root weight (g), and dry biomass (g). So, in order to reduce the toxic effects of chemical-based bactericides, biobased AgNPs are recommended, not only to control but also to prevent the bacterial infection in agriculture.
Automatic Measuring Approach and Device for Mature Rapeseed’s Plant Type Parameters
Authors: Xu Shengyong , Wang Jinming , Tian Hao , Wang Bo
Published: December 2019

The plant type parameters, which can be used to track and study the morphological changes of crop organs, are of great importance for breeders and testers. Based on the structural characteristics of mature rapeseed, an automatic measuring system for rapeseed plant type parameters was studied, through which the parameters of primary branches including their quantity, position, and branching angle and the geometric parameters such as plant height, main stem width, main raceme length, and the first branch height were measured. The system hardware includes a manual cutting-short device, an image acquisition darkroom, and a control circuit, used for capturing videos of a stably rotating rapeseed plant in a darkroom with an adjustable light source. The system software is used to connect and control CCD camera and other hardware and run specific image processing algorithms to process and analyze videos to obtain plant type parameters. The human-machine interface provided by the system can be used to set working parameters and display and process measurement results. To evaluate the accuracy of this prototype, batches of rapeseed plants were tested. The results showed that the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for the system was about 2.74%, and the automatic measurements had a good agreement with manual measurements. The measuring efficiency was approximately 2.1 times over manual method. In conclusion, the system, which automatically extracts plant type parameters with high throughput and high precision, is of practical value as it can effectively reduce the labor intensity of researchers and provide important basic data for the research of rapeseed breeding and agricultural machinery design.
Circulating Hsp90 Isoform Levels in Overweight and Obese Children and the Relation to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bălănescu Anca , Stan Iustina , Codreanu Ioana , Comănici Valentina , Bălănescu Eugenia , Bălănescu Paul
Published: December 2019

Background. Obesity prevalence is increasing in children. It is associated with various comorbidities including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hsp90 isoforms were identified in previous proteomic studies as potential biomarkers for NAFLD. The aim of the study was to analyze circulating levels of Hsp90α and Hsp90β in overweight and obese children. In addition, Hsp90α and Hsp90β were evaluated as biomarkers for NAFLD in overweight and obese children. Methods. 68 overweight and obese children and ten age- and gender-matched controls were recruited. Hsp90α and Hsp90β levels were analyzed from serum in both controls and overweight and obese children by ELISA. Results. Serum Hsp90β and total Hsp90 levels were statistically significantly higher in overweight and obese children compared to controls. On the contrary, there was no difference in Hsp90α levels between overweight and obese children and healthy controls. Hsp90 isoforms had different expression in NAFLD patients. Hsp90β levels were higher in overweight and obese NAFLD patients while Hsp90α levels were lower. Hsp90α to Hsp90β ratio had better accuracy for NAFLD diagnosis in obese and overweight patients compared to individual biomarkers. Conclusion. Hsp90 isoforms were confirmed on an independent cohort as biomarkers for NAFLD in overweight and obese children. In these patients, it seems to be more useful to separately analyze Hsp90 isoforms rather than total Hsp90 as the isoforms have greater discriminative capacity.
Comprehensive Study of Kinetics of Processes Competing during PECVD Ultrathin Silicon Layer High-Temperature Annealing
Authors: Beck Romuald B. , Ber Kamil
Published: December 2019

Application of low-temperature PECVD is a very tempting option for formation of ultrathin silicon layers for nanoelectronic and nanophotonic applications, as followed by annealing of this layer, regardless if executed as individual process performed in controlled ambient or during following high-temperature processes, allows for phase and content changes in the silicon layer. Understanding complex changes that can take place during such process, which depend on its temperature, conditions (e.g., oxygen availability), and timeframe, is a fundamental requirement for conscious application of such technology. It is worth realizing that nanodevices with their unprecedented variety of structures and devices require many different fabrication technologies. Hence, depending on the application in mind, different results of ultrathin silicon layer annealing may appear advantageous. During high-temperature processing (e.g., annealing) of PECVD ultrathin silicon layer, three competing effects have to be taken into account. These are amorphous silicon recrystallization and oxidation of amorphous and crystalline (as-deposited or just recrystallized from as-deposited amorphous phase) silicon (both of which by nature exhibit different kinetics). So far, most of attention has been paid to silicon recrystallization, which was justified by the fact that under experimental conditions studied (silicon multilayers) oxidation was certainly of less importance. In certain applications, the required device structure consists of single (and not multiple) ultrathin silicon layer, and thus, oxidation effects certainly have to be included into considerations. Understanding dynamics and very complex relations between these individual effects is thus mandatory for using consciously this technique and achieving needed properties of the layer. It has to be stated clearly that although the achieved results, presented in this study, refer to the silicon layers fabricated under certain conditions (particular type of PECVD reactor and process parameters), they can, however, be easily extrapolated for similar cases too. The presented below results are, to our knowledge, the first successful attempt to address these issues.
Targeting the KIF4A/AR Axis to Reverse Endocrine Therapy Resistance in Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cao Qi , Song Zhengshuai , Ruan Hailong , Wang Cheng , Yang Xiong , Bao Lin , Wang Keshan , Cheng Gong , Xu TianBo , Xiao Wen , Xiong Zhiyong , Liu Di , Yang Ming , Zhou Diwei , Yang Hongmei , Chen Ke , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

Emerging evidence indicates that castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is often driven by constitutively active androgen receptor (AR) or its V7 splice variant (AR-V7) and commonly becomes resistant to endocrine therapy. The aim of this work is to evaluate the function of a kinesin protein, KIF4A, in regulating AR/AR-V7 in prostate cancer endocrine therapy resistance.

Experimental Design:

We examined KIF4A expression in clinical prostate cancer specimens by IHC. Regulated pathways were investigated by qRT-PCR, immunoblot analysis, immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. A series of functional analyses were conducted in cell lines and xenograft models.

Results:

Examination of the KIF4A protein and mRNA levels in patients with prostate cancer showed that increased expression of KIF4A was positively correlated with androgen receptor (AR) levels. Patients with lower tumor KIF4A expression had improved overall survival and disease-free survival. Mechanistically, KIF4A and AR form an auto-regulatory positive feedback loop in prostate cancer: KIF4A binds AR and AR-V7 and prevents CHIP-mediated AR and AR-V7 degradation; AR binds the promoter region of KIF4A and activates its transcription. KIF4A promotes castration-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer cell growth through AR- and AR-V7-dependent signaling. Furthermore, KIF4A expression is upregulated in enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells, and KIF4A knockdown effectively reverses enzalutamide resistance and enhances the sensitivity of CRPC cells to endocrine therapy.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate that KIF4A plays an important role in the progression of CRPC and serves as a crucial determinant of the resistance of CRPC to endocrine therapy.
Exposure–Toxicity Association of Cyclophosphamide and Its Metabolites in Infants and Young Children with Primary Brain Tumors: Implications for Dosing
Authors: Campagne Olivia , Zhong Bo , Nair Sreenath , Lin Tong , Huang Jie , Onar-Thomas Arzu , Robinson Giles , Gajjar Amar , Stewart Clinton F.
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

To characterize the population pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide, active 4-hydroxy-cyclophosphamide (4OH-CTX), and inactive carboxyethylphosphoramide mustard (CEPM), and their associations with hematologic toxicities in infants and young children with brain tumors. To use this information to provide cyclophosphamide dosing recommendations in this population.

Patients and Methods:

Patients received four cycles of a 1-hour infusion of 1.5 g/m2 cyclophosphamide. Serial samples were collected to measure cyclophosphamide, 4OH-CTX, and CEPM plasma concentrations. Population pharmacokinetic modeling was performed to identify the patient characteristics influencing drug disposition. Associations between drug exposures and metrics reflecting drug-induced neutropenia, erythropenia, and thrombocytopenia were investigated. A Bayesian approach was developed to predict 4OH-CTX exposure using only cyclophosphamide and CEPM plasma concentrations.

Results:

Data from 171 patients (0.07–4.9 years) were adequately fitted by a two-compartment (cyclophosphamide) and one-compartment model (metabolites). Young infants (<6 months) exhibited higher mean 4OH-CTX exposure than did young children (138.4 vs. 107.2 μmol/L·h, P < 0.0001). No genotypes exhibited clinically significant influence on drug exposures. Worse toxicity metrics were significantly associated with higher 4OH-CTX exposures. Dosing simulations suggested decreased cyclophosphamide dosage to 1.2 g/m2 for young infants versus 1.5 g/m2 for children to attain similar 4OH-CTX exposure. Bayesian-modeled 4OH-CTX exposure predictions were precise (mean absolute prediction error 14.8% ± 4.2%) and had low bias (mean prediction error 4.9% ± 5.1%).

Conclusions:

A 4OH-CTX exposure–toxicity association was established, and a decreased cyclophosphamide dosage for young infants was suggested to reduce toxicity in this population. Bayesian modeling to predict 4OH-CTX exposure may reduce clinical processing–related costs and provide insights into further exposure–response associations.
Building on the Promise of Cancer Vaccines for Solid Tumors
Authors: Slingluff Craig L.
Published: December 2019

A novel telomerase vaccine (INVAC-1) has been evaluated in a phase I clinical trial (n = 26). It induced CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell responses and reduced circulating regulatory T cells. The findings support further development, especially in combination with vaccine adjuvants, plus therapies to increase immune infiltrates into solid tumor metastases.

See related article by Teixeira et al., p. 588
Combination Immunotherapy with Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte–Associated Antigen-4 and Programmed Death Protein-1 Inhibitors Prevents Postoperative Breast Tumor Recurrence and Metastasis
Authors: Sun Ting , Zhang Wenjia , Li Yuan , Jin Zhengyu , Du Yang , Tian Jie , Xue Huadan
Published: December 2019

Postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis remain an extreme challenge in breast cancer. Therapies that target cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) have provided unprecedented clinical benefits in various types of cancer. The aim of this study was to determine whether the combination of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 could prevent postoperative breast tumor recurrence and metastasis in breast tumor–bearing mice. The results indicated that the combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors was more effective compared with single inhibitors for mammary tumor growth and prevention of postsurgical tumor recurrence and pulmonary metastasis (P < 0.05), which resulted in prolonged survival (P < 0.05). Analysis of the underlying mechanism revealed that anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 in combination synergistically promoted the infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells into tumors (P < 0.05 vs. single inhibitors), thus boosting the antitumor immune responses. In summary, our results revealed that combination immunotherapy with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 may present a new, promising regimen to inhibit postoperative breast cancer relapse and lung metastasis and improve patient outcomes, which warrants further investigation in clinical settings.
Comparisons of Voxel-Based Morphometric Brain Volumes of Individuals with Methamphetamine-Induced Psychotic Disorder and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder and Healthy Controls
Authors: Farnia Vahid , Farshchian Firoozeh , Farshchian Nazanin , Alikhani Mostafa , Sadeghi Bahmani Dena , Brand Serge
Published: December 2019

Background: Several psychological and neurological pathways are described to explain the emergence and maintenance of psychiatric disorders, and changes in brain volumes and brain activity are observed as correlates of psychiatric disorders. In the present study, we investigated if and to what extent specific voxel-based morphometric brain volume differences could be observed among individuals with methamphetamine-induced psychosis (MAIP) and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) compared to healthy controls. Methods: A total of 69 individuals took part in the present study. Of those, 26 were diagnosed with MAIP, 23 with SSD, and 20 were healthy controls. After a thorough psychiatric assessment, participants underwent brain volume measurement. Results: Compared to healthy controls, participants with MAIP had smaller volumes for left caudate and left and right parahippocampal gyrus. Compared to healthy controls, participants with SSD had smaller volumes for the gray and white matter, left amygdala, left hippocampus, left parahippocampal gyrus, left putamen, and the total volume. Compared to individuals with MAIP, individuals with SSD had a lower white matter brain volume. Conclusions: The pattern of results suggests that individuals with MAIP and SSD showed specific and regional brain atrophies on the left hemisphere, always compared to healthy controls. Given the cross-sectional design, it remains undisclosed if specific and regional brain atrophies were the cause or the consequence of the psychiatric issues.
Efeitos da corrupção nas bolsas de valores na Crise Financeira de 2008
Authors: Rodrigues Ronaldo dos Santos Alves , Clemente Ademir
Published: December 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é averiguar se os níveis diferenciados de corrupção se refletiram no comportamento das bolsas de valores ao redor do Mundo na Crise Financeira de 2008. A Teoria da Escolha Institucional indica que se generalizaram práticas financeiras proporcionadoras de grandes ganhos, as quais escondiam elevado risco, no período anterior à Crise. Foram utilizadas informações da Transparency International e do Banco Mundial sobre a corrupção percebida e o nível de governança para uma amostra final de 56 (cinquenta e seis) países. Para esses países, foi identificada a principal bolsa de valores e, para cada uma, o principal índice de bolsa, cujas cotações diárias de final de pregão foram levantadas para o período de 2007 a 2009. Os principais resultados evidenciam que em países com maior corrupção percebida e menor governança a Crise Financeira de 2008 acarretou maior queda acumulada das bolsas de valores, seguida de quebra estrutural mais profunda, aumento da volatilidade e menor previsibilidade da queda. Conclui-se que, de modo geral, os efeitos da Crise Financeira de 2008 foram diferenciados conforme o nível de corrupção percebida e de governança, sendo mais graves nos países em que a corrupção se apresentava mais institucionalizada.
Jazz em cisma
Authors: Brandão Ricardo Augusto
Published: December 2019

Este trabalho parte da percepção de que a obra do pianista e compositor de jazz Thelonious Monk, para além de sua grande relevância musical, pode ser vista em uma dimensão canônica e simbólica que, através de suas composições, do seu jeito de fazer música e, também, de sua personalidade marcante que beira a excentricidade, Monk parece ter se tornado uma espécie de mito, um emblema capaz de influenciar e pautar as discussões ligadas ao jazz. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho é observar como este emblema parece, de certa forma, ser um elemento em disputa, uma espécie de capital simbólico usado para validar diversas correntes musicais, especialmente a vanguarda e o neoclassicismo, que parecem disputar uma certa hegemonia dentro do campo da musicologia do jazz. Muito desta discussão pode ser visto nas obra de autores como Daniel McClure (2006), David Ake (2002), que discutem a consolidação do cânone jazzístico e as disputas dentro deste campo, e Robin Kelley (1999), que discute como a obra e a imagem de Monk foram apropriadas por grupos, de ambos os lados, que tentavam consolidar uma tradição e uma narrativa sobre o que é o jazz. Além destes autores é conveniente trazer à discussão algumas percepções ligadas ao campo neoclássico a partir de textos como The Jazz Tradition (1993), escrito por Martin Williams, e os textos do trompetista Wynton Marsalis (2008). Por fim, através das gravações de releituras feitas das composições de Thelonious, será possível, sonoramente, observar como cada um destes campos se apropria deste repertório e quais discursos musicais eles tentam validar a partir dele.
Personalised video instruction
Authors: Kean Emily , Robinson Cayla
Published: December 2019

The liaison librarian to a college with a substantial and growing online learning population began using asynchronous, personalised video instruction as an online replacement for the traditional face-to-face, one-on-one bibliographic instruction reference appointment. This project was informed by the framework of metaliteracy and the “See One, Do One, Teach One” instruction methodology utilised by the health sciences. While formal outcomes assessment has yet to be conducted, unsolicited comments from students are overwhelmingly positive, and preliminary data analysis of usage and engagement reveals several promising trends. 65% of all watched videos were watched for the entire duration of the video, and the liaison librarian found video creation to be less time-consuming than scheduling appointments. The liaison librarian to a university with a substantial and growing online learning population began using asynchronous, personalised video instruction as an online replacement for the traditional face-to-face, one-on-one bibliographic instruction reference appointment. This project was informed by the framework of metaliteracy and the ‘See One, Do One, Teach One’ instruction methodology utilised by the health sciences. While formal outcomes assessment has yet to be conducted, unsolicited comments from students are overwhelmingly positive, and preliminary data analysis of usage and engagement reveals several promising trends. Of all watched videos 65% were watched for the entire duration, and the liaison librarian found video creation to be less time-consuming than scheduling appointments. Providing personalised video instruction tailored to the individual student’s information literacy need is a novel approach that may benefit online learners and librarians alike.
Contribution to the knowledge of the dentipes group of the genus Brachiacantha (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: NESTOR-ARRIOLA JORGE ISMAEL , TOLEDO-HERNÁNDEZ VÍCTOR HUGO
Published: December 2019

New synonyms and new data are presented on Brachiacantha Dejean, 1837, species belonging to the dentipes group. Coccinella laevis Thunberg, 1781, nomen oblitum and Brachiacantha decora Casey, 1899, syn. nov. are recognized as synonyms of B. bistripustulata (Fabricius, 1801); B. dentipes americana Leng, 1911, syn. nov. is synonymized with B. dentipes (Fabricius, 1801); new Neotropical localities are included for B. barberi Gordon, 1985, B. quadrillum LeConte, 1858, B. subfasciata Mulsant, 1850, and B. tau LeConte, 1859. Brachiacantha erythrura Mulsant, 1850, is added to the dentipes group and redescribed, the male genitalia are illustrated and a map of the distribution of this species is provided. A key to all species of the group is included. New data about hosts and prey are added for B. bistripustulata and other species.
Role of the Surface Boundary Conditions in Boreal Spring on the Interannual Variability of the Multistage Evolution of the East Asian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Oh Hyoeun , Ha Kyung-Ja
Published: December 2019

The seasonal movement of the upper-level jet plays a key role in the evolution of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM). However, it remains unresolved how interannual changes in surface boundary conditions can influence the upper-level flow over East Asia, thereby modulating the onset of the EASM. Here we capture the timing of multistage evolution over East Asia using the upper-level zonal wind in a two-phase linear regression model. In addition, we show the impact of two surface boundary conditions on the timing of the EASM onset related to the strength of the upper-level zonal wind: 1) eastern Eurasian snow cover and 2) western North Pacific (WNP) sea surface temperature (SST) tendency. The eddy heat fluxes induced by the enhanced eastern Eurasian snow cover develop an anomalous anticyclonic circulation to the northwest, which causes anomalous warm southwesterly flow toward the north. These can make a reversal of the meridional temperature gradient, which results in the early monsoon onset via changes in the upper-level jet. The upper-level jet also responds to the SST tendency in April over the WNP via thermal wind balance and the resultant changes in transient eddy-induced heat transport. Our findings suggest potential sources for seasonal predictability in the interannual EASM onset dates.
The Trampoline of death: Infrastructural violence in Colombia’s Putumayo frontier
Authors: Uribe Simón
Published: December 2019

Roads are usually conceived as technologies aimed at improving peoples’ economic and social welfare. As they are commonly portrayed as synonymous with mobility and with access to markets, jobs and services, their existence tends to be assumed as a major catalyst for development. This view often obscures the ways in which they affect people’s lives. This article seeks to shed light on this dimension of transport infrastructure through a historical account of a road in Colombia’s Andean-Amazon region. Infamously known as the Trampoline of death, this road has turned into an infrastructural landscape heavily invested with feelings of fear, isolation, disconnection and abandonment. Although these feelings are usually assumed as expressions of political and territorial exclusion, I will argue that, at deeper level, they reflect the violent ways in which this region has been discursively and materially included into the state.
International Political Economy (IPE) meets International Political Sociology (IPS)
Authors: Graz Jean-Christophe , Kessler Oliver , Kunz Rahel
Published: December 2019

This forum opens a debate that is long overdue: for far too long, the fields of international political sociology (IPS) and international political economy (IPE) have been standing apart. Discussions take place in different conference sections, in different networks that publish in different journals. Yet, this divide is surprising given that the two fields share similar trajectories, theoretical concerns, problématiques, and conceptual challenges. This forum starts exploring this shared terrain: we believe that there is no a priori reason to separate the sociocultural, the political and the economic when we aim at making sense of the world in any meaningful way. We propose that bridging the IPE-IPS divide has tremendous potential for the development of a socio-political economy analysis that, we believe, has two benefits. First, it allows for the opening of new empirical terrains or deepening and widening existing ones. Second, bringing IPE/S back together creates reflexive spaces for more holistic, embodied and contextualised conceptual innovation. The contributors to this forum show each in their own way such empirical and conceptual added value of moving beyond the IPE and IPS divide in order to develop what we call here a socio-political economy of the globe. They focus on various issues, such as the transformation of capitalism from an oil- to a data-dependent accumulation regime with the rising of the so-called ‘digital age’ (Chenou); the profound social, economic and political transformation triggered by urbanisation in the development world (Elias, Rethel and Tilley); emerging global risks and the neglected role of the insurance industry (Lobo-Guerrero); regional development-security nexuses (Lopez Lucia); and business power in climate change diplomacy (Moussu).
A fuzzy logic-based autonomous car control system for the JavaScript Racer game
Authors: Etlik Ugur Bugra , Korkmaz Berk , Beke Aykut , Kumbasar Tufan
Published: December 2019

In this study, we propose a fuzzy logic-based autonomous car control system and its deployment into the JavaScript Racer game. The main design goal of the self-driving car control system is to end up with an intelligent vehicle control system that is capable to keep the car finish race in the shortest time as possible while keeping the car on the road course regardless the road conditions. To accomplish such a design goal, the proposed intelligent driving system takes up and merges the frameworks of control theory, fuzzy logic and image processing. The proposed structure is composed of vision-based lane detection system, fuzzy logic-based position reference (FPR) generator, fuzzy logic-based velocity reference (FVR) generator, low level position and velocity controllers. The vision-based lane detection system solves the road curve estimation problem in real time and provides this estimation feedback for the FPR and FVR to generate appropriate position and velocity reference signals. The design of the intelligent FPR and FVR generators is accomplished by converting expert knowledge into fuzzy rules. The generated reference signals from the FPR and FVR are then tracked by low level position and velocity controllers. The proposed structure is capable to percept the environment (i.e. road tracking), make decisions (reference signal generation) and control car dynamics (i.e. speed and position) as expected from an autonomous system. The paper presents the structure and design of the intelligent driving system by providing all the design steps in detail. The efficiency of the fuzzy logic-based car control system is shown with results collected from the game environment. It is revealed that the developed intelligent system can successfully operate in various racetracks and different operating points.
The other within: Agency and resistance under conditions of exclusion
Authors: Medina José
Published: December 2019

This essay puts in conversation some of Seyla Benhabib’s insights about exiled, stateless and migrant populations with ongoing discussions in critical race theory about the racial exclusions of indigenous populations and populations of colour not only in the foundations of Western modern states but also in their contemporary functioning today. The essay locates these exclusions not only in the failures of states but also in their proper functioning, that is, in their very design and constitutive structures, focusing for this purpose on what is described as constitutive exclusions. The essay argues that the relationship between legal agency and social and political agency needs further articulation within Benhabib’s jurisgenerative politics in order to properly address constitutive exclusions.
A combination of Deferoxamine mesylate and minimally invasive surgery with hematoma lysis for evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Pandey Aditya S , Daou Badih J , Chaudhary Neeraj , Xi Guohua
Published: December 2019

Intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Some clinical trials demonstrated a trend towards benefit with surgical evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage, without strong statistically significant results. Subsequent studies focused on minimally invasive techniques. Improved outcomes were more likely with surgical reduction of intracerebral hemorrhage volume to ≤15 mL. Deferoxamine is currently being evaluated as a therapeutic tool in intracerebral hemorrhage with promising results. There continues to be a lack of level I evidence supporting medical and surgical tools for intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation. Could a combination of minimally invasive surgery with hematoma lysis and Deferoxamine result in more effective hematoma evacuation?
Characteristics of Disclosing Childhood Victimization and Risk of Revictimization in Young Adulthood
Authors: Desir Michelle P. , Karatekin Canan
Published: December 2019

Experiencing victimization in childhood increases risk of adulthood revictimization, and it is important to understand what may contribute to such risk. One factor that may help to explain the increased risk of future victimization is disclosure. However, the literature is mixed as to whether disclosure of prior victimization is helpful for protecting against adverse outcomes, and much of the research on disclosure focuses solely on sexual victimization. The current study examines the relationship between various forms of childhood and adulthood victimization and whether disclosure moderates this relationship. In addition, this study investigates whether characteristics of disclosure are associated with revictimization risk. The sample included 275 undergraduates ( M age = 19.52 years; 75.6% female, 77.5% non-Hispanic White or Caucasian). Participants reported on previous history of various forms of childhood and adulthood victimization. They also reported whether or not they had disclosed childhood victimization, and, if so, characteristics related to disclosure. Results revealed that number of childhood victimization experiences significantly predicted number of adulthood victimization experiences, and nearly every type of childhood victimization significantly increased risk of experiencing each type of adulthood victimization. Disclosure did not moderate the relationship between childhood and adulthood victimization. Participants who disclosed were more likely to disclose crime and peer/sibling victimization and disclose to parents or friends. Positive reactions to disclosure were more common than negative reactions; however, 75% of disclosers received at least one negative reaction. Finally, revictimized individuals received more overall negative reactions than nonrevictimized individuals. They also received more reactions characterized by the person they disclosed to trying to take control of their decisions or treating them differently. Results highlight the importance of examining relationships between various forms of victimization, considering how characteristics of disclosure relate to risk of revictimization, and the importance of educating potential support networks about appropriate responses to disclosure.
Incremental housing as a node for intersecting flows of city-making: rethinking the housing shortage in the global South
Authors: Van Noorloos Femke , Cirolia Liza Rose , Friendly Abigail , Jukur Smruti , Schramm Sophie , Steel Griet , Valenzuela Lucía
Published: December 2019

Incremental housing drives urbanization worldwide, and is recognized as the basis for socially relevant solutions to housing shortages in the global South. However, scholarship on incremental housing continues to focus largely on tenure, building materials and housing conditions at a local level, while incremental housing is embedded in – and dependent on – larger urban and regional systems and flows. We argue that a further reconceptualization of incremental housing is needed that acknowledges the embeddedness of local incremental building practices within broader industries, markets and practices of city-making. Starting from this observation, we suggest an extended framework for understanding the city-wide industries and flows around incremental housing, in relation to five dimensions: 1) land, 2) finance, 3) infrastructure, 4) building materials and 5) labour. Mapping these dynamics is necessary to understand fundamental questions of where, how and why initiatives aimed at improving or developing incremental housing advance or get stuck.
Drug use and the influence on kissing among men who have sex with men in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Chow Eric PF , Ong Jason J , Vodstrcil Lenka A , Fairley Christopher K
Published: December 2019

The use of drugs is not uncommon among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Kissing has been recently identified as a risk factor for gonorrhoea. This study aimed to examine the proportion of MSM who used drugs and how specific drugs influence the likelihood of kissing. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between March 2016 and February 2017. Participants reported their use of eleven specific drugs in the last three months and whether they felt the drug influenced them to kiss someone. Four thousand, three hundred and ninety-one MSM were included in the analysis; 63.1% ( n =  2772) used at least one drug in the last three months and 36.6% ( n =  1605) used ≥2 drugs. Poppers (44.8%), marijuana (30.8%) and ecstasy (19.1%) were the three most common drugs used among MSM in the last three months. 80.4% of ecstasy users and 74.3% of gammahydroxybutyrate users reported the drug made them much more likely to kiss someone. The majority of MSM reported that the use of heroin (63.6%) and Viagra/Cialis (60.7%) did not influence their kissing behaviour. Drug use is common among sexually active MSM in Melbourne. Most reported the use of ecstasy would increase their likelihood of kissing someone.
The 2018–19 International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections European Collaborative Clinical Group report on the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea in Europe
Authors: Clarke E , Patel C , Patel R , Unemo M ,   on behalf of the European Collaborative Clinical Group (ECCG)
Published: December 2019

The European Collaborative Clinical Group (ECCG) has been surveying clinical management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Europe since its inauguration in 2011. The ECCG is a network of nearly 130 STI specialists from 34 European countries who conduct questionnaire-based research across the European region. The research of ECCG focuses on providing data regarding clinical practice to inform European STI guideline development and revisions. The present paper describes the results of the 2018–19 ECCG survey regarding diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea in Europe.
Recovery of renal function in patients with lupus nephritis and reduced renal function: the beneficial effect of hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Lee J S , Oh J S , Kim Y-G , Lee C-K , Yoo B , Hong S
Published: December 2019

Background

Reduced renal function is associated with worse renal outcome in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). However, there is insufficient knowledge regarding renal function recovery in patients with LN with reduced baseline renal function. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate renal function recovery and related factors in patients with reduced baseline renal function.

Methods

The present retrospective longitudinal cohort study included patients with LN and reduced renal function. Reduced renal function was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Recovery of renal function was determined by an eGFR of >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at six months after baseline, and factors associated with it were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

We included 90 patients with LN, with a mean eGFR value of 37.2 ± 13.9 mL/min/1.73 m2. Forty-six (51.1%) patients recovered their renal function after six months. On multivariate analysis, hydroxychloroquine use (odds ratio (OR) = 3.891, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.196–12.653, p = 0.024), prolonged LN (OR = 0.926, 95% CI 0.874–0.981, p = 0.009) and high-grade tubular atrophy (OR = 0.451, 95% CI 0.208–0.829, p = 0.013) were associated with renal function recovery. During follow up, 25 patients were on end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that renal function recovery after six months and lower probability of ESRD are associated.

Conclusions

In patients with LN and reduced renal function, renal function recovery at six months was associated with use of hydroxychloroquine and inversely related to longer duration of LN and higher grade of tubular atrophy.
Engagement barriers and service inequities in the NHS Breast Screening Programme: Views from British-Pakistani women
Authors: Woof Victoria G , Ruane Helen , Ulph Fiona , French David P , Qureshi Nadeem , Khan Nasaim , Evans D Gareth , Donnelly Louise S
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Previous research has largely attempted to explore breast screening experiences of South Asian women by combining opinions from Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian women. This research often fails to reach the most underserved sub-groups of this population, with socioeconomic status not routinely reported, and English fluency being a participation requirement. With uptake low amongst British-Pakistani women, this study explores the experiences these women encounter when accessing the NHS Breast Screening Programme.

Methods

19 one-to-one semi-structured interviews were carried out with British-Pakistani women from East Lancashire, UK. 14 interviews were conducted via an interpreter.

Results

Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: ‘Absence of autonomy in screening and healthcare access’ describes how currently the screening service does not facilitate confidentiality or independence. Access requires third-party intervention, with language barriers preventing self-expression. ‘Appraisal of information sources’ makes distinctions between community and NHS communication. Whereas community communication was invaluable, NHS materials were deemed inaccessible due to translation incongruences and incomprehensible terminology. ‘Personal suppositions of breast screening’ explores the subjective issues associated with disengagement, including, the cultural misalignment of the service, and perceiving screening as a symptomatic service.

Conclusions

British-Pakistani women face some unique challenges when accessing breast screening. To promote uptake, the service needs to address the translation of screening materials and optimize upon community networks to disseminate knowledge, including knowledge of the screening environment within the context of culture to promote informed choice about attendance.
Selinexor: A First-in-Class Nuclear Export Inhibitor for Management of Multiply Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Peterson Tim J. , Orozco Jennifer , Buege Michael
Published: December 2019

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of selinexor for management of relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). Data Sources: A literature search was performed of PubMed and MEDLINE databases (January 1, 2000, to November 14, 2019), abstracts from the American Society of Hematology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and ongoing studies from US National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov. Queries were performed using key words selinexor, SINE, XPO1, and Xpovio. Study Selection/Data Extraction: Human and animal studies related to the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of selinexor were identified. Data Synthesis: Although numerous advances have been made in MM management, there remains an unmet need for treatment of heavily relapsed/refractory disease. Selinexor is a first-in-class selective inhibitor of nuclear export, which, through inhibition of exportin-1, causes accumulation of tumor suppressor proteins, reduction in oncoproteins, and apoptosis of plasma cells. Selinexor exhibited an overall response in 26% of patients with multiply relapsed MM. Median progression-free survival was 3.7 months, and overall survival was 8.6 months. Common adverse effects include thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, fatigue, and nausea. Ongoing studies are investigating combination therapies utilizing selinexor. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review describes the efficacy, safety, and clinical applicability of selinexor, a novel agent with potential to meet an unmet need in refractory MM. Conclusion: Selinexor has demonstrated activity in a heavily refractory patient population. Given the adverse effect profile and associated costs, additional studies are needed to further elucidate the appropriate clinical scenario and combinations for selinexor use.
Diagnosis of Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: Ambartsumyan Lusine , Smith Caitlin , Kapur Raj P
Published: December 2019

Diagnosis or exclusion of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a frequent exercise in any pediatric hospital. Although HSCR may present at different ages and with varied clinical findings, the most common presentation is a neonate with severe constipation or signs of intestinal obstruction. A variety of diagnostic tests including contrast enema and anorectal manometry may be used as diagnostic screens, but diagnosis ultimately rests upon histopathological evaluation of a rectal biopsy. For the experienced pathologist, conventional hematoxylin-and-eosin-stained sections often suffice to exclude HSCR or establish the diagnosis. However, ancillary diagnostic tests such as acetylcholinesterase histochemistry or calretinin immunohistochemistry are complementary and extremely helpful in some cases. In this Perspectives article, we review the clinical and pathological features of HSCR, highlight those that are found in most patients, and discuss how to address particularly challenging aspects of the diagnostic workup.
Regional changes in thalamic shape and volume are related to cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bisecco Alvino , Capuano Rocco , Caiazzo Giuseppina , d’Ambrosio Alessandro , Docimo Renato , Cirillo Mario , Russo Antonio , Altieri Manuela , Bonavita Simona , Rocca Maria A , Filippi Massimo , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Gallo Antonio
Published: December 2019

Background:

The relationship between cognitive performance and regional thalamic atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been investigated in recent studies.

Objective and methods:

To further assess this relationship, 118 relapsing-remitting MS patients and 52 healthy controls underwent a neuropsychological assessment and a 3T-MRI (3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging). Cognitive performances were correlated with thalamic shape changes by using Vertex Analysis.

Results:

Information processing speed performance correlated with atrophy of frontal/motor-connected thalamic sub-regions. Inhibitory control performance correlated with atrophy of all thalamic sub-regions. Global cognitive status correlated with atrophy of frontal/temporal-connected sub-regions.

Conclusions:

These findings support the hypothesis that, within the thalamus, the damage of the anterior regions is most relevant for cognitive dysfunction.
“If only I had . . .”: Regrets from women with an unplanned cesarean delivery
Authors: Konheim-Kalkstein Yasmine L , Miron-Shatz Talya
Published: December 2019

Two hundred twenty-seven women with an unplanned cesarean delivery as their only birth were surveyed on their regrets during childbirth, their personality, childbirth preparation, labor and delivery support, and birth satisfaction. Seventy-three percent of women reported regret which mostly centered on inaction, particularly not advocating for the self. Those with regrets reported lower birth satisfaction ( t(220) = 4.84, p < .001). Only emotional support was associated with lower likelihood of experiencing regret ( p < .001). Our results suggest the role of support in ameliorating regret and illustrate a need for further study on the role of advocacy in regret and in birth.
Neural dynamics of executive function in cognitively able kindergarteners with autism spectrum disorders as predictors of concurrent academic achievement
Authors: Kim So Hyun , Buzzell George , Faja Susan , Choi Yeo Bi , Thomas Hannah R , Brito Natalie Hiromi , Shuffrey Lauren C , Fifer William P , Morrison Frederick D , Lord Catherine , Fox Nathan
Published: December 2019

Although electrophysiological (electroencephalography) measures of executive functions (e.g. error monitoring) have been used to predict academic achievement in typically developing children, work investigating a link between error monitoring and academic skills in children with autism spectrum disorder is limited. In this study, we employed traditional electrophysiological and advanced time–frequency methods, combined with principal component analyses, to extract neural activity related to error monitoring and tested their relations to academic achievement in cognitively able kindergarteners with autism spectrum disorder. In total, 35 cognitively able kindergarteners with autism spectrum disorder completed academic assessments and the child-friendly “Zoo Game” Go/No-go task at school entry. The Go/No-go task successfully elicited an error-related negativity and error positivity in children with autism spectrum disorder as young as 5 years at fronto-central and posterior electrode sites, respectively. We also observed increased response-related theta power during errors relative to correct trials at fronto-central sites. Both larger error positivity and theta power significantly predicted concurrent academic achievement after controlling for behavioral performance on the Zoo Game and intelligence quotient. These results suggest that the use of time–frequency electroencephalography analyses, combined with traditional event-related potential measures, may provide new opportunities to investigate neurobiological mechanisms of executive function and academic achievement in young children with autism spectrum disorder.