bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editors’ Choice—Review—Activated Carbon Electrode Design: Engineering Tradeoff with Respect to Capacitive Deionization Performance
Authors: Ntakirutimana Samuel , Tan Wei , Anderson Marc A. , Wang Yang
Published: October 2020

Design and optimization of electrode materials plays the pivotal role on the performance of capacitive deionization (CDI). Activated carbon (AC) has been a workhorse material for electrode fabrication in capacitive technologies. Several modification methods have been reported with enhanced activity and versatility attributes. Undeniably, tuning and tailoring AC properties have opened avenues for broadening the scope of applications, by meeting necessary features of electrodes for a given CDI cell configuration. This review traces the beneficial and also detrimental effects from various modifiers on AC electrodes with respect to CDI performance. Furthermore, a comprehensive classification of CDI cells based on different architectural aspects with a comparative performance is presented. On this basis, the tradeoff between physical, chemical, electrochemical properties in the course of electrode modification and the interdependence between electrode design and CDI cell configuration are discussed with disclosing some prospective guidelines on AC electrode design. It is important to evaluate the electrode materials and modifications in the way of practical including not only the electrode design, but also the cell architecture and operational parameters. This review aims to raise the attention on the rational electrode design by taking into account all necessary features of electrode in a given cell configuration.
Carbon Nanosheets Decorated Activated Carbon Derived from Borassus Flabellifer Fruit Skin for High Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Potphode Darshna , Saha Shalakha , Sharma Chandra S.
Published: October 2020

Here, we present an ingenious approach to convert bio-waste into porous carbon to fabricate a working electrode for the development of sustainable energy storage devices. Carbonization of Borassus Flabellifer fruit skin (BFFS) in an inert atmosphere was followed by KOH activation to synthesize partially graphitic carbon nanosheets attached to the porous carbon. Surface chemistry and porosity were tuned by varying the carbonization and activation temperature to achieve excellent control of the studied physiochemical properties. The as-obtained ABFFS-derived porous carbon exhibited a specific surface area of 1750 m2 g−1 with distinctive morphology, showing great prospects for energy storage. The unique content of minerals in BFFS led to a highly porous architecture with a substantial volume fraction having micro- and meso-porosity. Symmetric supercapacitors were fabricated with 1 M H2SO4 and EmimBF4 (ionic liquid) as electrolytes, and the specific capacitance reached values of 202 and 208 F g−1, respectively. The cycling stability of up to 94% at a current density of 2 A g−1 established a fairly stable performance for the supercapacitors based on biomass-derived carbon electrodes, and therefore, confirms the potential of BFFS-derived activated carbon for the advancement of supercapacitors based on bio-waste electrodes.
Elastin haploinsufficiency in mice has divergent effects on arterial remodeling with aging depending on sex
Authors: Hawes Jie Z. , Cocciolone Austin J. , Cui Amy H. , Griffin Diana B. , Staiculescu Marius Catalin , Mecham Robert P. , Wagenseil Jessica E.
Published: October 2020

A comprehensive study on arterial mechanical behavior as a function of elastin content, aging, and sex in mice. Elastin haploin-sufficient arteries start at a different homeostatic set point for mechanical parameters such as circumferential stress, stretch, and material stiffness. Structural stiffness of the arterial wall greatly increases with aging, as expected, but there are interactions between sex and aging for most of the mechanical parameters that are important to consider in future work.
“Effects of Tobacco Smoke on Aeroallergen Sensitization and Clinical Severity among University Students and Staff with Allergic Rhinitis”
Authors: Songnuy Theerapan , Scholand Stephen J. , Panprayoon Sarawut
Published: October 2020

Allergic diseases, affecting a variety of organs, have continuously increased both in developed and developing countries. Tobacco smoke exposure increases prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) and may affect allergic sensitization. This study was designed to compare indoor-aeroallergen sensitization between those not exposed and exposed to tobacco smoke in university students and staff with allergic rhinitis. A cross-sectional descriptive study among university students and staff with allergic rhinitis was performed from February 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019. Questionnaires regarding demography, clinical symptoms, and tobacco smoke exposure were implemented. A current smoker was defined as using, at least, 1 cigarette per day for, at least, 1 month. A secondhand smoker was defined as the one who never smoked, but lived with a current smoker, at least, for 1 month. A skin prick test for eight common indoor aeroallergens, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Periplaneta americana, cat dander, dog dander, para grass, careless weed, and Cladosporium spp., was performed. Sensitization was defined as positivity to, at least, 1 aeroallergen. One hundred and twenty-eight adult patients were eligible participants for the study, and 68 cases (53.10%) were classified as having tobacco smoke exposure. Among these, most of them were secondhand smokers (50 cases, 73.50%). There was no statistically significant difference between exposure and nonexposure to tobacco smoke and indoor aeroallergen sensitization, except for the Periplaneta americana antigen (p=0.013). Most of those in the nonexposure group (34 cases, 56.70%) were classified as having intermittent allergic rhinitis, whereas the tobacco exposure group had significantly more prevalence of severe clinical symptoms. In conclusion, tobacco smoke exposure did not appear to have much influence on aeroallergen sensitization for 7 of the 8 antigens examined. However, for the Periplaneta americana antigen, there was a highly significant correlation with patients experiencing worsened allergic rhinitis symptoms. Overall, it was observed that allergic rhinitis patients exposed to tobacco smoke had more severe clinical symptoms. Future studies should look for other potential antigens of interest, such as mould. Implementation of public health practices reducing exposure to tobacco smoke could have benefits in allergic rhinitis patients.
Identification of Potential Biomarkers and Immune Features of Sepsis Using Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Gong Fang-Chen , Ji Ran , Wang Yu-Ming , Yang Zhi-Tao , Chen Ying , Mao En-Qiang , Chen Er-Zhen
Published: October 2020

Sepsis remains a major global concern and is associated with high mortality and morbidity despite improvements in its management. Markers currently in use have shortcomings such as a lack of specificity and failures in the early detection of sepsis. In this study, we aimed to identify key genes involved in the molecular mechanisms of sepsis and search for potential new biomarkers and treatment targets for sepsis using bioinformatics analyses. Three datasets (GSE95233, GSE57065, and GSE28750) associated with sepsis were downloaded from the public functional genomics data repository Gene Expression Omnibus. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using R packages (Affy and limma). Functional enrichment of the DEGs was analyzed with the DAVID database. Protein-protein interaction networks were derived using the STRING database and visualized using Cytoscape software. Potential biomarker genes were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in the R package (pROC). The three datasets included 156 whole blood RNA samples from 89 sepsis patients and 67 healthy controls. Between the two groups, 568 DEGs were identified, among which 315 were upregulated and 253 were downregulated in the septic group. These genes were enriched for pathways mainly involved in the innate immune response, T-cell biology, antigen presentation, and natural killer cell function. ROC analyses identified nine genes—LRG1, ELANE, TP53, LCK, TBX21, ZAP70, CD247, ITK, and FYN—as potential new biomarkers for sepsis. Real-time PCR confirmed that the expression of seven of these genes was in accordance with the microarray results. This study revealed imbalanced immune responses at the transcriptomic level during early sepsis and identified nine genes as potential biomarkers for sepsis.
Button Gastrostomy Tubes for Pediatric Patients: A Tertiary Care Center Experience
Authors: Haider Fayza , Isa Hasan Mohamed Ali , Al Awadhi Mohamed Amin , Ayoub Barrak , Bakhsh Ezat , Al Aradi Husain , Juma Shahraban Abdulla
Published: October 2020

Background and Objective. Gastrostomy tube insertion is one of the most common procedures performed as a radical choice to overcome feeding difficulty in children. This study is aimed at describing the replacement of a button tube instead of the long tube for feeding infants and children requiring gastrostomies in a tertiary care hospital. Design and Setting. This retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between January 2009 and August 2019 at Salmaniya Medical Complex which is a tertiary health care institute in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Subjects and Methods. Both charts and electronic health records of pediatric patients between the ages of 0 and 14 years were reviewed. Data were collected including age, sex, nationality, diagnosis, surgical information (procedure center and procedure performed), complications, and follow-up. Results. Out of 34 patients who underwent gastrostomy tube insertion, 30 patients had their long tube replaced by a button gastrostomy. Majority were males (N=18, 60%). Prolonged nasogastric tube feeding was the main indication of referral (N=17, 56%) followed by feed intolerance (N=6, 17%) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (N=5, 16%). The main underlying diseases at referral were neurological impairment (N=19, 63%) and metabolic disorders (N=4, 13%). There was no significant difference between patients with neurological disorders and other diseases in terms of gender, nationality, or age. Laparotomy with gastrostomy is the main approach used (N=18, 60%). No reported complications of button tubes in 50% of the patients (N=15). Conclusions. Prolonged nasogastric tube feeding is the main indication of referral for gastrostomy tube insertion. Neurological disorders are the main diagnosis for the cases operated upon. Laparotomy with gastrostomy is the procedure of choice at our center. Majority of patients had no reported complications of button tube replacement. These children are likely to benefit from the button tube with fewer complications.
Association Use of Bisphosphonates with Risk of Breast Cancer: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Peng Rui , Liang Xingzhong , Zhang Gang , Yao Yuan , Chen Zhen , Pan Xiaojuan , Wang Jinshan , Liu Genglong
Published: October 2020

Background. Previous studies have investigated the association between the use of bisphosphonates and the development of breast cancer, which presented controversial results. Thus, this meta‐analysis was conducted to summarize the current evidence of the association of bisphosphonate use with breast cancer risk. Methods. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, the Cochrane Library, and Embase from inception to March 2019 by two researches, who independently selected trials, retrieved relevant data, and assessed study quality. The summary relative risk (RR) for the use of bisphosphonates on the risks of developing breast cancer was calculated using a random‐effect model. Results. The present meta‐analysis, which included four case‐control studies, involving 55052 breast cancer cases, and seven retrospective cohort studies, involving 14641 breast cancer cases, assessed the effect of bisphosphonates on breast cancer risk. The random‐effect model meta‐analysis found a reduced risk of breast cancer with exposure to bisphosphonates with pooled RR of 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80 to 0.94). The short‐term use of bisphosphonates (<1 year) did not render significant alteration (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.03), while a significant 26% risk reduction of breast cancer was noted with long‐term use (>1 year) (RR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.62 to 0.90). A protective effect of bisphosphonates was shown in contralateral breast cancer (RR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.84). In terms of the type of bisphosphonates, a significant inverse relationship was noted for etidronate, with pooled RR of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.80 to 0.96). Conclusion. This meta‐analysis suggested that the use of bisphosphonates was associated with reduced risk of breast cancer, including contralateral breast cancer. Compared to other types of bisphosphonates, only etidronate showed a significant inverse relationship. Additionally, the long‐term use (>1 year) of bisphosphonates was more significant in lowering breast cancer risk. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to verify this association. This trial is registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42018105024) (registered on 29 August 2018).
Single-Fed Broadband CP Bidirectional Antenna with Double-Layer Diagonally Aligned Plates for Universal UHF-RFID Applications
Authors: Dentri Sitthichai , Pookkapund Khanet , Luadang Bancha , Akkaraekthalin Prayoot , Phongcharoenpanich Chuwong
Published: October 2020

This research proposes a single-fed broadband circularly polarized (CP) bidirectional antenna operable in 840–960 MHz frequency band for readers of universal UHF-RFID applications. The proposed antenna is comprised of upper-layer conductor, lower-layer conductor, and wall patches. The upper-layer conductor consists of two diagonally aligned rectangular copper plates with a feeding gap at the center, and the lower-layer conductor is of two diagonally adjoined rectangular plates. The upper- and lower-layer conductors are adjoined with the wall patches. The diagonal alignment technique of the upper- and lower-layer plates was used to realize circular polarization and improve 3-dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth. The double layers were deployed to improve impedance bandwidth (|S11| < −10 dB) and achieve bidirectional radiation pattern. The simulated impedance bandwidth and 3-dB AR bandwidth were 772.19–1014.6 MHz (27.13%) and 675–1000 MHz (38.80%), and the corresponding measured results were 759–1011 MHz (28.47%) and 648–1110 MHz (52.55%). The simulated LHCP/RHCP half-power beamwidth (HPBW), 3-dB AR beamwidth, and gain were 56° – 90°/54° – 92°, 60° – 104°, and 4.94 – 5.89 dBic, while the corresponding measured results were 52° – 98°/62° – 97°, 96° – 126°, and 4.28 – 5.72 dBic. As a result, the single-fed broadband CP bidirectional antenna is applicable to universal UHF-RFID readers. Besides, the novelty of this research lies in the use of diagonal alignment of conducting plates to achieve circular polarization and wider AR bandwidth.
A Case of Pulmonary Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma with Literature Review
Authors: Aung Thu Thu , Chu Andrew , Kondapi Divya , Markabawi Danny , Mirchia Kanish , Kaul Pratibha
Published: October 2020

Pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare vascular tumor and infrequently described in medical literature as case reports and case series. Diagnosis is often incidental with high index of histopathological suspicion from clinical pathologist. The pathological pattern is quite unique with distinct immunohistochemical stains. Up to this day, there is no established standard treatment owing to the scarcity of this tumor. In this case report, we describe a case of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma unexpectedly diagnosed with transthoracic needle biopsy, along with a review of the current literature.
A Design Method for Rail Profiles in Switch Panel of Turnout Based on the Contact Stress Analysis
Authors: Chen Dilai , Shen Gang , Mao Xin , Chen Buchen
Published: October 2020

Contact stress between wheel and rail is believed to cause damage to the rail. The relationship between the contact stress and the radius of the rail is initially based on the Hertz contact theory. By adjusting its radius, the rail profile is designed with an objective of reducing the maximal contact stress between wheel and rail. The rail profile of turnout is parameterized by defining several control cross sections along the switch. The experiment of dynamic vehicle-turnout interaction is also carried out to investigate the effect of the improved rail profile on the dynamical behavior of the vehicle. The method is then verified through examples using rail profile with a switch width of 20 mm and LM worn-type tread at the CN60-350-1:12 turnout. The results show that the designed rail has a higher matching degree with the wheel profile. It can reduce the contact stress, improve the wheel-rail contact state, and prolong the service life of the rail without deteriorating the dynamic performance of the vehicle passing through the turnout.
Noninvasive Detection of Urothelial Carcinoma by Cost-effective Low-coverage Whole-genome Sequencing from Urine-Exfoliated Cell DNA
Authors: Zeng Shuxiong , Ying Yidie , Xing Naidong , Wang Baiyun , Qian Ziliang , Zhou Zunlin , Zhang Zhensheng , Xu Weidong , Wang Huiqing , Dai Lihe , Gao Li , Zhou Tie , Ji Jiatao , Xu Chuanliang
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

Urothelial carcinoma is a malignant cancer with frequent chromosomal aberrations. Here, we investigated the application of a cost-effective, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing technology in detecting all chromosomal aberrations.

Experimental Design:

Patients with urothelial carcinomas and nontumor controls were prospectively recruited in clinical trial NCT03998371. Urine-exfoliated cell DNA was analyzed by Illumina HiSeq XTen, followed by genotyping with a customized bioinformatics workflow named Urine Exfoliated Cells Copy Number Aberration Detector (UroCAD).

Results:

In the discovery phase, urine samples from 126 patients with urothelial carcinomas and 64 nontumor disease samples were analyzed. Frequent chromosome copy-number changes were found in patients with tumor as compared with nontumor controls. A novel diagnosis model, UroCAD, was built by incorporating all the autosomal chromosomal changes. The model reached performance of AUC = 0.92 (95% confidence interval, 89.4%–97.3%). At the optimal cutoff, |Z| ≥ 3.21, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 82.5%, 96.9%, and 89.0%, respectively. The prediction positivity was found correlated with tumor grade (P = 0.01). In the external validation cohort of 95 participants, the UroCAD assay identified urothelial carcinomas with an overall sensitivity of 80.4%, specificity of 94.9%, and AUC of 0.91. Meanwhile, UroCAD assay outperformed cytology tests with significantly improved sensitivity (80.4% vs. 33.9%; P < 0.001) and comparable specificity (94.9% vs. 100%; P = 0.49).

Conclusions:

UroCAD could be a robust urothelial carcinoma diagnostic method with improved sensitivity and similar specificity as compared with cytology tests. It may be used as a noninvasive approach for diagnosis and recurrence surveillance in urothelial carcinoma prior to the use of cystoscopy, which would largely reduce the burden on patients.
Project Orbis: Global Collaborative Review Program
Authors: de Claro R. Angelo , Spillman Dianne , Hotaki Lauren Tesh , Shum Michael , Mouawad Laila Sofia , Santos Gustavo Mendes Lima , Robinson Kelly , Hunt Melissa , Healy Caroline , Chan Agnes , Looi Yee Hoo , Rodrigues Clare , Rohr Ulrich-Peter , Walther Chantal , Pazdur Richard
Published: October 2020

In 2019, the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence launched Project Orbis, a global collaborative review program to facilitate faster patient access to innovative cancer therapies across multiple countries. Project Orbis aims for concurrent submission, review, and regulatory action for high-impact clinically significant marketing applications among the participating partner countries. Current Project Orbis partners (POP) include the regulatory health authorities (RHA) of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Singapore, and Switzerland. Project Orbis leverages the existing scientific and regulatory partnerships between the various RHA under mutual confidentiality agreements. While FDA serves as the primary coordinator for application selection and review, each country remains fully independent on their final regulatory decision. In the first year of Project Orbis (June 2019 to June 2020), a total of 60 oncology marketing applications were received, representing 16 unique projects, and resulting in 38 approvals. New molecular entities, also known as new active substances, comprised 28% of the received marketing applications. The median time gap between FDA and Orbis submission dates was 0.6 months with a range of −0.8 to 9.0 months. Across the program, the median time-to-approval was similar between FDA (4.2 months, range 0.9–6.9, N = 18) and the POP (4.4 months, range 1.7–6.8, N = 20). Participating countries have signified a strong commitment for continuation and growth of the program. Project Orbis expansion considerations include the addition of more countries and management of more complex applications.
Selective Tumor Cell Apoptosis and Tumor Regression in CDH17-Positive Colorectal Cancer Models using BI 905711, a Novel Liver-Sparing TRAILR2 Agonist
Authors: García-Martínez Juan Manuel , Wang Shirley , Weishaeupl Cordula , Wernitznig Andreas , Chetta Paolo , Pinto Catarina , Ho Jason , Dutcher Darrin , Gorman Philip N. , Kroe-Barrett Rachel , Rinnenthal Joerg , Giragossian Craig , Impagnatiello Maria Antonietta , Tirapu Iñigo , Hilberg Frank , Kraut Norbert , Pearson Mark , Kuenkele Klaus Peter
Published: October 2020

Activation of TRAILR2 has emerged as an important therapeutic concept in cancer treatment. TRAILR2 agonistic molecules have only had limited clinical success, to date, due either to lack of efficacy or hepatotoxicity. BI 905711 is a novel tetravalent bispecific antibody targeting both TRAILR2 and CDH17 and represents a novel liver-sparing TRAILR2 agonist specifically designed to overcome the disadvantages of previous strategies. Here, we show that BI 905711 effectively triggered apoptosis in a broad panel of CDH17-positive colorectal cancer tumor cells in vitro. Efficient induction of apoptosis was dependent on the presence of CDH17, as exemplified by the greater than 1,000-fold drop in potency in CDH17-negative cells. BI 905711 demonstrated single-agent tumor regressions in CDH17-positive colorectal cancer xenografts, an effect that was further enhanced upon combination with irinotecan. Antitumor efficacy correlated with induction of caspase activation, as measured in both the tumor and plasma. Effective tumor growth inhibition was further demonstrated across a series of different colorectal cancer PDX models. BI 905711 induced apoptosis in both a cis (same cell) as well as trans (adjacent cell) fashion, translating into significant antitumor activity even in xenograft models with heterogeneous CDH17 expression. In summary, we demonstrate that BI 905711 has potent and selective antitumor activity in CDH17-positive colorectal cancer models both in vitro and in vivo. The high prevalence of over 95% CDH17-positive tumors in patients with colorectal cancer, the molecule preclinical efficacy together with its potential for a favorable safety profile, support the ongoing BI 905711 phase I trial in colorectal cancer and additional CDH17-positive cancer types (NCT04137289).
Molecular Characterization of Appendiceal Goblet Cell Carcinoid
Authors: Arai Hiroyuki , Baca Yasmine , Battaglin Francesca , Kawanishi Natsuko , Wang Jingyuan , Soni Shivani , Zhang Wu , Millstein Joshua , Johnston Curtis , Goldberg Richard M. , Philip Philip A. , Seeber Andreas , Xiu Joanne , Hwang Jimmy J. , Shields Anthony F. , Marshall John L. , Korn W. Michael , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: October 2020

Goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) is a distinct subtype of appendiceal neoplasm that exhibits unique clinical and pathologic features. We aimed to reveal the molecular profiles of GCC compared with other appendiceal tumors, such as adenocarcinomas and neuroendocrine tumors. A total of 495 appendiceal tumor samples (53 GCCs, 428 adenocarcinomas, and 14 neuroendocrine tumors) were tested with next-generation sequencing (NGS) on a 592-gene panel and IHC. Microsatellite instability (MSI)/mismatch repair (MMR) status was tested with a combination of NGS, IHC, and fragment analyses. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) was evaluated by NGS, and PD-L1 expression was tested by IHC (SP142). The most prevalent mutated genes within GCCs were TP53 (24.0%), ARID1A (15.4%), SMAD4 (9.4%), and KRAS (7.5%). Pathway-specific alterations were dominantly observed in cell cycle, MAPK, epigenetic, and TGFβ signaling pathways. GCCs as compared with adenocarcinomas exhibited significantly lower mutation rates in KRAS, GNAS, and APC, and significantly higher mutation rates in CDH1, CHEK2, CDC73, ERCC2, and FGFR2. GCCs as compared with neuroendocrine tumors showed significantly lower mutation rates in KRAS, APC, BRCA2, and FANCA. In GCCs, MSI high/MMR deficient, TMB high (≥17 mutations/Mb), and PD-L1 expression were seen in 0.0%, 0.0%, and 2.0% of tumors, respectively. No significant differences were observed in any immunotherapy-related markers examined when compared with adenocarcinomas and neuroendocrine tumors. In conclusion, GCCs had considerably distinct mutational profiles compared with appendiceal adenocarcinomas and neuroendocrine tumors. Understanding these molecular characteristics may be critical for the development of novel and more effective treatment strategies for GCC.
PCBP2Posttranscriptional Modifications Induce Breast Cancer Progression via Upregulation of UFD1 and NT5E
Authors: Wang Xiaonan , Guo Qianying , Wang Hao , Yuan Xiaodong , Wang Bijun , Lobie Peter E. , Zhu Tao , Tan Sheng , Wu Zhengsheng
Published: October 2020

It is commonly accepted that cellular protein levels are primarily determined by mRNA levels. However, discordance between protein and mRNA expression has been implicated in many pathologic conditions including oncogenesis. The mechanisms involved in this discordance are complicated and far from understood. In this study, it was observed that the expression levels of poly(C) binding protein 2 (PCBP2) mRNA and protein were diametric in breast normal and cancer cell lines, paraffin-embedded and fresh tissue specimens, consistent with data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium. Moreover, PCBP2 protein expression was significantly associated with disease progression and poor outcome in patients with breast cancer. Depletion of PCBP2 protein inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and in vivo tumor growth and metastasis. Forced expression of PCBP2 exhibited the opposite effect. Mechanistically, it was demonstrated that PCBP2 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) was subject to alternative splicing and polyadenylation (APA) in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Non-full-length 3′UTR PCBP2 transcripts yielded more protein than the full-length 3′UTR transcripts and enhanced the oncogenic and metastatic capacities of human breast cancer cells. Furthermore, UFD1 and NT5E were identified as genes downstream of PCBP2. PCBP2 promoted oncogenicity of breast cancer cells via upregulation of the expression of UFD1 and NT5E by direct binding to their 3′UTR-B portions.

Implications:

Findings demonstrate that APA of PCBP2 3′UTR contributes to its increased expression with subsequent promotion of breast cancer progression by regulating UFD1 and NT5E.

Visual Overview:

http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/19/1/86/F1.large.jpg.
Avoiding Anchoring Bias in the Times of the Pandemic!
Authors: Yousaf Zohaib , Siddiqui Mohammed Yaseen Ahmed , Mushtaq Kamran , Feroz Sayeda Efath , Aboukamar Mohamed , Mohamedali Mohamed Gaafer Hussein , Chaudhary Haseeb
Published: October 2020

COVID-19 has a broad spectrum of clinical presentations, including central nervous system manifestations that are not uncommon. The high pretest probability of COVID-19 in pandemic can lead to anchoring. We present a patient of COVID-19 pneumonia who presented with dyspnea and acute confusional state. His initial workup was suggestive of tuberculous meningoencephalitis with lymphocytic pleocytosis, high protein in CSF analysis, and suspicious MRI findings, which was later confirmed with a positive CSF culture. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first such case. Anchoring to the diagnosis of COVID-19 may deter clinicians from considering other concurrent diagnoses and a poor outcome consequently.
Left Ventricular Unloading Is Associated With Lower Mortality in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock Treated With Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Schrage Benedikt , Becher Peter Moritz , Bernhardt Alexander , Bezerra Hiram , Blankenberg Stefan , Brunner Stefan , Colson Pascal , Cudemus Deseda Gaston , Dabboura Salim , Eckner Dennis , Eden Matthias , Eitel Ingo , Frank Derk , Frey Norbert , Funamoto Masaki , Goßling Alina , Graf Tobias , Hagl Christian , Kirchhof Paulus , Kupka Danny , Landmesser Ulf , Lipinski Jerry , Lopes Mathew , Majunke Nicolas , Maniuc Octavian , McGrath Daniel , Möbius-Winkler Sven , Morrow David A. , Mourad Marc , Noel Curt , Nordbeck Peter , Orban Martin , Pappalardo Federico , Patel Sandeep M. , Pauschinger Matthias , Pazzanese Vittorio , Reichenspurner Hermann , Sandri Marcus , Schulze P. Christian , H.G. Schwinger Robert , Sinning Jan-Malte , Aksoy Adem , Skurk Carsten , Szczanowicz Lukasz , Thiele Holger , Tietz Franziska , Varshney Anubodh , Wechsler Lukas , Westermann Dirk
Published: October 2020

Background:

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly used to treat cardiogenic shock. However, VA-ECMO might hamper myocardial recovery. The Impella unloads the left ventricle. This study aimed to evaluate whether left ventricular unloading in patients with cardiogenic shock treated with VA-ECMO was associated with lower mortality.

Methods:

Data from 686 consecutive patients with cardiogenic shock treated with VA-ECMO with or without left ventricular unloading using an Impella at 16 tertiary care centers in 4 countries were collected. The association between left ventricular unloading and 30-day mortality was assessed by Cox regression models in a 1:1 propensity score–matched cohort.

Results:

Left ventricular unloading was used in 337 of the 686 patients (49%). After matching, 255 patients with left ventricular unloading were compared with 255 patients without left ventricular unloading. In the matched cohort, left ventricular unloading was associated with lower 30-day mortality (hazard ratio, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.63–0.98];
P
=0.03) without differences in various subgroups. Complications occurred more frequently in patients with left ventricular unloading: severe bleeding in 98 (38.4%) versus 45 (17.9%), access site–related ischemia in 55 (21.6%) versus 31 (12.3%), abdominal compartment in 23 (9.4%) versus 9 (3.7%), and renal replacement therapy in 148 (58.5%) versus 99 (39.1%).

Conclusions:

In this international, multicenter cohort study, left ventricular unloading was associated with lower mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock treated with VA-ECMO, despite higher complication rates. These findings support use of left ventricular unloading in patients with cardiogenic shock treated with VA-ECMO and call for further validation, ideally in a randomized, controlled trial.
Expanding Stroke Preparedness to Vulnerable Populations: A Music Video for the Deaf Community
Authors: Springer Mellanie V. , Corches Casey L. , McCracklin Bernadette , Scott Melecia , Robles Maria Cielito , Skolarus Lesli E.
Published: October 2020

Background

Acute stroke treatments reduce disability after stroke, but eligibility for these treatments depends on rapid hospital arrival after symptom onset. Stroke preparedness interventions teach stroke symptoms and the importance of calling 911, thereby increasing patient eligibility for stroke treatments. Stroke preparedness interventions for the Deaf community are lacking. We sought to adapt a stroke preparedness music video, which was initially created for the hearing, for the Deaf community.

Methods and Results

We used a community‐engaged approach, partnering with members of the Deaf community, to adapt the video over 4 months. Adaptation involved assessing the comprehensibility and appropriateness of the video and interpreting the song lyrics into American Sign Language.

Conclusions

We collaborated with the Deaf community to create a stroke preparedness video for the Deaf. Future research will involve refining the video and testing its efficacy to increase stroke symptom recognition and intent to call 911.
FAM83H and Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcified Amelogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Wang S.K. , Zhang H. , Hu C.Y. , Liu J.F. , Chadha S. , Kim J.W. , Simmer J.P. , Hu J.C.C.
Published: October 2020

Autosomal dominant hypocalcified amelogenesis imperfecta (ADHCAI; OMIM #130900) is a genetic disorder exhibiting severe hardness defects and reduced fracture toughness of dental enamel. While the condition is nonsyndromic, it can be associated with other craniofacial anomalies, such as malocclusions and delayed or failed tooth eruption. Truncation mutations in FAM83H (OMIM *611927) are hitherto the sole cause of ADHCAI. With human genetic studies, Fam83h knockout and mutation–knock-in mouse models indicated that FAM83H does not serve a critical physiologic function during enamel formation and suggested a neomorphic mutation mechanism causing ADHCAI. The function of FAM83H remains obscure. FAM83H has been shown to interact with various isoforms of casein kinase 1 (CK1) and keratins and to mediate organization of keratin cytoskeletons and desmosomes. By considering FAM83H a scaffold protein to anchor CK1s, further molecular characterization of the protein could gain insight into its functions. In this study, we characterized 9 kindreds with ADHCAI and identified 3 novel FAM83H truncation mutations: p.His437*, p.Gln459*, and p.Glu610*. Some affected individuals exhibited hypoplastic phenotypes, in addition to the characteristic hypocalcification enamel defects, which have never been well documented. Failed eruption of canines or second molars in affected persons was observed in 4 of the families. The p.Glu610* mutation was located in a gap area (amino acids 470 to 625) within the zone of previously reported pathogenic variants (amino acids 287 to 694). In vitro pull-down studies with overexpressed FAM83H proteins in HEK293 cells demonstrated an interaction between FAM83H and SEC16A, a protein component of the COP II complex at endoplasmic reticulum exit sites. The interaction was mediated by the middle part (amino acids 287 to 657) of mouse FAM83H protein. Results of this study significantly extended the phenotypic and genotypic spectrums of FAM83H-associated ADHCAI and suggested a role for FAM83H in endoplasmic reticulum–to–Golgi vesicle trafficking and protein secretion (dbGaP phs001491.v1.p1).
Involving Sales Managers in Sales Force Compensation Design
Authors: Waiser Rob
Published: October 2020

Sales force incentive design often involves significant participation by sales managers in designing the compensation plans of salespeople who report to them. Although sales managers hold valuable territory-level information, they may benefit from misrepresenting that information given their own incentives. The author uses a game theoretic model to show (1) how a firm can efficiently leverage a manager’s true knowledge and (2) the conditions under which involving the manager is optimal. Under the proposed approach, the firm delegates sales incentive decisions to the manager within restrictive constraints. She can then request relaxed constraints by fulfilling certain requirements. The author shows how these constraints and requirements can be set to ensure the firm’s best possible outcome given the manager’s information. Thus, this “request mechanism” offers an efficient, reliable alternative to approaches often used in practice to incorporate managerial input, such as internal negotiations and behind-the-scenes lobbying. The author then identifies the conditions under which this mechanism outperforms the well-established theoretical approach of offering the salesperson a menu of contracts to reveal territory-level information.
Neighbourhood and school effects on educational inequalities in the transition from primary to secondary education in Amsterdam
Authors: Kuyvenhoven Joeke , Boterman Willem R.
Published: October 2020

Drawing on an advanced analysis of individual longitudinal register data of school careers of four cohorts of children in Amsterdam, this article suggests that school advice is highly differentiated between children of different migrant and socioeconomic backgrounds. Moreover, apart from these individual characteristics, we demonstrate that the socioeconomic composition of neighbourhoods and schools is important for understanding differences in school advice. The analysis shows that neighbourhood and school socioeconomic disadvantage negatively affects the school advice of children with highly educated parents, while socioeconomic advantage positively affects all children and especially children of lower- and intermediate-educated parents. The positive neighbourhood effects are, however, mediated by primary school context. We suggest that while most of the educational inequalities may be explained by individual characteristics, residential and school segregation intensify these inequalities, especially through the beneficial effects of neighbourhood and school advantage.
The Continuing Relevance of Morris Janowitz’s The Professional Soldier for the Education of Officers
Authors: Nielsen Suzanne C. , Liebert Hugh
Published: October 2020

In the current strategic environment, Morris Janowitz’s The Professional Soldier deserves renewed emphasis, especially from the military’s senior leaders who are responsible for the education and development of the country’s officer corps. Janowitz’s work is an especially valuable guide to the education of officers today because of his focus on the need for military officers to understand the political impact of military posture and military operations. The education of U.S. military officers to meet the country’s national security needs in the 21st century must go beyond Huntington’s formulation of expertise to an appreciation, in Janowitz’s terms, of “the political and social impact of the military establishment on international security affairs” across the spectrum of conflict. Janowitz’s formulation is the better guide because military means serve political purposes, and ultimately, a country’s strategic success will be judged in political terms.
Specific Detriment: Barriers and Opportunities for Non-Binary Inclusive Sports in Scotland
Authors: Erikainen Sonja , Vincent Ben , Hopkins Al
Published: October 2020

While non-binary gender identities have become increasingly visible in recent years, little research currently exists on the experiences that non-binary people have in sport, where most opportunities to participate are limited to two, mutually exclusive female and male categories. This article provides a starting point for addressing this gap, by reporting findings from a participatory scoping study that explored the barriers that non-binary people face in accessing sporting spaces, communities, and competitions. This study also identified strategies through which these barriers could be overcome, and non-binary inclusion facilitated. Taken together, these strategies suggest that genuine inclusion entails not only new ways of thinking about how gender operates in sport but also alternative ways of thinking about the meaning and value of sport itself.
Disjunctive Globalization in the Era of the Great Unsettling
Authors: Steger Manfred , James Paul
Published: October 2020

Globalization is now at its most disjunctive phase in human history. The planetary COVID-19 crisis has combined with the vulnerabilities of global capitalism to break down social routines. Yet, the current moment of the Great Unsettling also offers a critical opportunity to take stock of the present state of globalization. To this end, this article revisits and re-engages some pertinent themes raised in the pathbreaking 1990 TCS Global Culture issue. In particular, the article explores the crucial role of structural divergences that have been developing among major formations of globalization. Gaining a better understanding of the current globalization system requires a new conceptual framework that captures different formations of globalization, ranging from the embodied to the disembodied. The multiple disjunctive relationships that have developed among and within these formations shape not only the morphology of the contemporary globalization system but also cast a long shadow on its future dynamics.
Social media: A challenge to identity and relational desistance
Authors: Rutter Natalie
Published: October 2020

Society has witnessed a rapid growth in the prevalence and use of social media. The influence and impact of this expansion has sparsely, if at all, been considered within the context of desistance from crime. This article draws upon the narratives of male and female service users subject to community supervision by a Community Rehabilitation Company, collected as part of a doctoral thesis. Evidence demonstrates how social media plays a largely negative role, with some gendered difference on a service user’s identity and relational desistance, alongside individual agency and wider social structures. This enables the article to develop the evidence base of interactionist perspectives of desistance, while also recognising gender.
Reading the Book of Habakkuk through a Lens of Cultural Trauma
Authors: Kim Chwi-Woon
Published: October 2020

Despite numerous helpful efforts to ascertain Habakkuk’s historical context, few scholars ask how Habakkuk addresses itself to audiences across varying contexts. Employing Jeffrey Alexander’s concept of cultural trauma, this essay argues that Habakkuk’s portrait of victims and perpetrators facilitates a didactic representation of ancient Israel’s collective trauma beyond its original settings. Examining Habakkuk’s trans-historical nature, this study demonstrates that the book’s portrayal of the prophet and the Babylonians communicates cultural trauma in two ways: through the personalization of trauma and through the universalization of evil. The prophet’s direct speeches to YHWH personalize trauma by deepening the identification to victims of trauma from earlier generations, while representing the prophet as an archetype of victims. Simultaneously, Habakkuk’s moral and religious critiques of past perpetrators of trauma correspond to the cultural phenomenon of universalizing evil, which raises readers’ moral awareness and increases resistance to re-traumatization.
Inviting the stranger in: Intimacy, digital technology and new geographies of encounter
Authors: Koch Regan , Miles Sam
Published: October 2020

Digital technologies are profoundly reshaping how people relate to unknown others, yet urban studies and geographies of encounter have yet to adequately incorporate these changes into theory and research. Building on a longstanding concern with stranger encounters in social and urban theory, this paper explores how digital technology brings new possibilities and challenges to urban life. With examples ranging from GPS-enabled apps for sex and dating to sharing economy platforms that facilitate the peer-to-peer exchange of services, new practices mediated by digital technology are making many stranger encounters a matter of choice rather than chance, and they are often private as much as they are public. This paper examines these changes to develop a conceptualisation of stranger intimacy as a potentially generative form of encounter involving conditional relations of openness among the unacquainted, through which affective structures of knowing, providing, befriending or even loving are built. We offer an agenda for researching stranger intimacies to better understand their role in generating new kinds of social and economic opportunity, overcoming constraints of space and place, as well as generating dynamics of inclusion and exclusion, privilege and disadvantage. The paper concludes by considering what critical attention to these encounters can offer geographical scholarship and how an emphasis on digital mediation can push research in productive directions.
Utility of gas inlet pressure monitoring in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Nakamura Yuki , Nakakita Takafumi , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Kamada Aki , Iguchi Shinichi , Umimoto Koichi
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

Purpose: Condensation that clogs the hollow fibers of the oxygenation and accumulation of plasma leaks reduces oxygenated lung capacity. In this study, artificial We evaluated whether monitoring changes in lung gas inlet pressure was a way to predict these complications.

Methods:

Changes in gas inlet pressure and oxygenation capacity of three different prostheses (BIOCUBE6000, EXCELUNG PRIME, and Capiox-LX) Evaluated the relationship. When simulating plasma leakage using BIOCUBE6000, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) (1%, 0.1%, A solution of 0.01%, and RO water) reduced surface tension. During 120 minutes of circulation, changes in gas inlet pressure and leakage from the membrane into the gas flow path The amount of fluid was measured.

Results:

There was a significant negative correlation between the gas inlet pressure changes and the oxygenation capacity of all three oxygenators (BIOCUBE6000: R2 = 0.957, EXCELUNG PRIME: R2 = 0.946, Capiox-LX: R2 = 0.878). After 120 min of SDS solution circulation using the BIOCUBE6000, both the gas inlet pressure and the volume of fluid leaking from the membrane into the gas flow path increased in proportion to the SDS solution concentration: RO water (0.56 ± 0.11 mmHg and 16.67 mL ± 0.94 mL), 0.01% SDS (0.98 ± 0.11 mmHg and 23.3 ± 0.47 mL,) 0.1% SDS (1.64 ± 0.21 mmHg and 29.0 ± 1.63 mL), and 1%SDS (14.3 ± 0.27 mmHg and 36.7 ± 0.47 mL) (n = 3).

Conclusion:

This study confirmed that monitoring the gas inlet pressure changes of an oxygenator during ECMO is clinically useful.
Racist Encounters: A Pragmatist Semiotic Analysis of Interaction
Authors: Timmermans Stefan , Tavory Iddo
Published: October 2020

Complementing discourse-analytic approaches, we develop C. S. Peirce’s semiotic theory to analyze how racism is enacted and countered in everyday interactions. We examine how the semiotic structure of racist encounters depends on acts of signification that can be deflected and that take shape in the ways actors negotiate interactions in situ. After outlining the semiotic apparatus Peirce pioneered, we trace the dynamic processes of generalization and specification in recorded racist encounters as specific forms of semiotic upshifting and downshifting. We demonstrate how attending to racist encounters and engaging the sociology of race sharpen key assumptions that pragmatist semiotics makes about the structure of signification, as it forces one to examine the interplay of marked and unmarked categories and identities in interaction, and to take the differential power to signify into account in shaping the potential effects of semiotic strategies.