bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract B64: Targeting the pH regulators in the tumor microenvironment for ovarian cancer treatment
Authors: Kulshrestha Arpita , Katara Gajendra K. , Schneiderman Sylvia , Riehl Valerie E. , Young Alexandria N. , Levine Shayna , Ibrahim Safaa , Bilal Mahmood , Gilman-Sachs Alice , Beaman Kenneth D.
Published: September 2020

The high mortality rate in ovarian cancer (OVCA) is currently the most pressing concern despite the research advancements. It is still not clear how to effectively treat OVCA patients to prevent a relapse or to treat the relapse tumors that display a drug-resistant profile. To address this issue, this study targets a uniquely expressed pH regulator in the tumor microenvironment as a strategy to treat ovarian cancer. In order to survive the metabolic acidosis, cancer cells overexpress pH regulators on their surface to pump out excess protons/lactic acid. This, in turn, acidifies the tumor microenvironment and promotes tumor invasion/chemoresistance. The a2-Vacuolar-ATPases (V-ATPases) are the major pH-sensing unit of the V-ATPase proton pumps and are abundantly expressed on the surface of ovarian cancer cells. To establish the clinical importance, our findings show that a2-V-ATPases are overexpressed in all morphologic subtypes and stages of human OVCA and are absent on normal ovarian tissues. We further examined the therapeutic potential of monoclonal antibody against a2-V-ATPase (V0a2-mab) in controlling tumor growth in the preclinical mouse model. In vivo V0a2-mab treatment (300μg in PBS; i.p) resulted in a significantly delayed tumor growth compared to control, with no apparent in vivo toxicity in athymic nude mice xenograft model. The delayed tumor growth was attributed to high immune infiltration with increased leukocyte population and an enhanced iNOS expression compared to control mice. These results show that V-ATPases are overexpressed in the tumor microenvironment and their inhibition impairs OVCA growth by interfering with tumor acidification that enhances the antitumor responses. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that targeting V-ATPase pH regulators is an effective treatment strategy in ovarian cancer.

Citation Format: Arpita Kulshrestha, Gajendra K. Katara, Sylvia Schneiderman, Valerie E. Riehl, Alexandria N. Young, Shayna Levine, Safaa Ibrahim, Mahmood Bilal, Alice Gilman-Sachs, Kenneth D. Beaman. Targeting the pH regulators in the tumor microenvironment for ovarian cancer treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr B64.
Abstract B71: Investigating the role of PAX8 in modulating the tumor microenvironment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Salvi Amrita , Hardy Laura , Watry Samantha , Pergande Melissa , Cologna Stephanie M. , Burdette Joanna E.
Published: September 2020

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), the most common and lethal form of ovarian cancer, is a highly heterogeneous disease. HGSOC is rarely detected early, and likely arises from the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube epithelium (FTE), and in some cases, the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE). PAX8 is a commonly used biomarker for ovarian serous tumors and is expressed in 80-96% of HGSOC. Although the OSE does not express PAX8, murine models of HGSOC derived from the OSE acquire PAX8, suggesting that it is not only a marker of Müllerian origin, but also an essential part of HGSOC progression, potentially from both the OSE and FTE. Previously, we showed that PAX8 deletion by CRISPR and shRNA in HGSOC cell lines caused apoptosis and reduced cell migration and invasion. We performed secretome analysis of PAX8 deleted cells and found a reduction of the extracellular matrix (ECM) component fibronectin. This finding was validated by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence in PAX8 deleted HGSOC cells. We have generated several murine FTE-derived tumor models (PTEN/KRAS/p53 alterations) and knocked down PAX8 in these models. These syngeneic fallopian tube-derived tumor models will be allografted into immune intact FVB mice and the tumors will be used to determine if PAX8 loss impacts immune cell infiltration via changes in ECM. Additionally, we are using a novel high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to identify small molecules that can function to inhibit PAX8 promoter activation and lead to reduced PAX8 expression. We have generated a stable cell line using murine FTE cells expressing the PAX8 promoter-luciferase reporter, which will be used to screen a library of FDA-approved drugs (Prestwick Library, ca. 1,200 members). Overall, this study would help us to validate PAX8 as a regulator of ECM deposition in the tumor microenvironment and identify an effective drug for treatment of ovarian cancers derived from both the FTE and OSE.

Citation Format: Amrita Salvi, Laura Hardy, Samantha Watry, Melissa Pergande, Stephanie M. Cologna, Joanna E. Burdette. Investigating the role of PAX8 in modulating the tumor microenvironment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr B71.
Abstract B73: The search for EGFL6 receptor: Implications for tumor angiogenesis
Authors: Taki Mana , Noh Kyung Hee , Mangala Lingegowda S. , Zhang Ningyan , An Zhiqiang , Sood Anil K.
Published: September 2020

Objective: EGFL6, epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain multiple 6, has been found to be an important target for antiangiogenesis approaches. However, its receptor is not fully known and is the focus of the current work.

Method: We first isolated endothelial cells from 10 high-grade serous ovarian cancers, 5 normal ovarian tissues, and 7 healing wound patient samples, and searched for genes selectively expressed in tumor endothelial cells. For receptor studies, we performed an unbiased antibody array for human phospho-RTKs with EGFL6 treatment.

Results: EGFL6 was found to be highly expressed in tumor endothelial cells, but not in wound endothelial cells. EGFL6 promoted tumor angiogenesis by increasing tube formation and migration ability of tumor endothelial cells via Tie2, which is expressed on tumor endothelial cells. Moreover, we developed new EGFL6-blocking antibodies, which reduced tumor angiogenesis and in vivo tumor growth without impairing wound healing. Human phospho-RTK array showed that EGFR could be a candidate receptor for EGFL6. Furthermore, EGL6 activated EGFR expressed on tumor cells and promoted invasion ability of tumor cells by 2-fold. Interestingly, EGFL6 secreted from tumor endothelial cells increased the mRNA expression of EGFL6 in tumor cells, which suggests that there may be a positive regulatory loop between endothelial and tumor cells.

Conclusion: EGFL6 could be a promising target for development of antiangiogenesis therapies.

Citation Format: Mana Taki, Kyung Hee Noh, Lingegowda S. Mangala, Ningyan Zhang, Zhiqiang An, Anil K. Sood. The search for EGFL6 receptor: Implications for tumor angiogenesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr B73.
Abstract IA04: Drug resistance in end-stage high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Christie Elizabeth L. , Alsop Kathryn , Au-Yeung George , Pandey Ahwan ,   Australian Ovarian Cancer Study, Bowtell David D.L.
Published: September 2020

Background: Acquired drug resistance is the major obstacle in controlling high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) and leads to poor overall survival. Comparatively little massively parallel sequencing data exist from HGSC patients with recurrent or end-stage disease who have been extensively treated with chemotherapy or newer targeted agents, such as antiangiogenics or PARP inhibitors (PARPi). We previously identified four mechanisms of acquired resistance from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 23 HGSC patients with recurrent disease; a resistance mechanism of any kind was only identified in half of the patients.

Aim: To characterize genomic features and identify mechanisms of acquired drug resistance in end-stage HGSC patients.

Methods: Since 2012, we have collected tumor samples from 19 HGSC patients through our rapid-autopsy program. On average, we collect 17 tumor sites per patient during the autopsy, which is performed a median 6 hours after death. SNP array, WGS, and RNA sequencing were performed to detect germline and somatic mutations, copy number alterations and gene expression patterns.

Results: A total of 89 end-stage tumor samples from 15 patients with germline or somatic mutations in components of the homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair pathway have been analyzed by SNP array, and a subset of those have undergone WGS (n=44) and RNAseq (n=47). As expected, all samples had a somatic pathogenic TP53 mutation and have highly aberrant somatic copy number profiles. Prominent mutational signatures (single- and double-base substitutions) are associated with defective HR and prior treatment with platinum drugs. The total single-base substitution mutation burden is similar across tumor samples within patients; however, many mutations are unique to individual tumor samples. Currently, reversion mutations, which are secondary mutations in HR genes, are the most common resistance mechanism identified in our cohort of end-stage patients.

Conclusion: Our data are allowing us to understand HGSC at end stage, by examining the catalogue of resistance mechanisms within an individual patient and reconstructing the natural history of HGSC.

Citation Format: Elizabeth L. Christie, Kathryn Alsop, George Au-Yeung, Ahwan Pandey, Australian Ovarian Cancer Study, David D.L. Bowtell. Drug resistance in end-stage high-grade serous ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr IA04.
Abstract IA14: Integrated molecular characterization of the genome, transcriptome, and immune microenvironment in oviductal high-grade serous carcinomas arising in genetically engineered mice
Authors: Cho Kathleen R.
Published: September 2020

Robust preclinical models of ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) are needed to advance our understanding of HGSC pathogenesis and to test novel strategies aimed at improving clinical outcomes for women with the disease. Genetically engineered mouse models of HGSC have been developed that recapitulate the likely cell of origin (fallopian tube epithelium), underlying genetic defects, histology, and biologic behavior of human HGSCs, but the degree to which the mouse tumors acquire the somatic genomic changes, gene expression profiles, and immune microenvironment that characterize human HGSCs remains unclear. We used integrative molecular characterization of oviductal HGSCs arising in the context of Brca1, Trp53, Rb1, and Nf1 (BPRN) inactivation to determine whether the mouse tumors recapitulate human HGSCs across multiple domains of molecular features. Targeted DNA sequencing showed that the mouse BPRN tumors, but not endometrioid carcinoma-like tumors based on different genetic defects (e.g., Apc, Pten, Arid1a), acquire somatic mutations and widespread copy number alterations similar to those observed in human HGSCs. RNA sequencing showed that the mouse HGSCs most closely model the immunoreactive and mesenchymal subsets of human HGSCs. A combined immunogenomic analysis showed that the immune microenvironment of BPRN tumors models key aspects of tumor-immune dynamics in human HGSC, with enrichment of immunosuppressive cell subsets (myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells) as observed in the immunoreactive and mesenchymal subsets of human tumors. These findings, as well as early proof-of-principle studies, support the BPRN model as a robust preclinical experimental platform to help overcome barriers to clinical success in preventing, diagnosing, and treating this lethal cancer.

Citation Format: Kathleen R. Cho. Integrated molecular characterization of the genome, transcriptome, and immune microenvironment in oviductal high-grade serous carcinomas arising in genetically engineered mice [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr IA14.
Abstract IA17: PARP inhibition modulates the tumor immune microenvironment in Brca1-deficient ovarian tumor
Authors: Ding Liya , Wang Qiwei , Kearns Michael , Jiang Tao , Konstantinopoulos Panagiotis , Matulonis Ursula , Zhao Jean
Published: September 2020

Poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have shown promising clinical activities for patients with BRCA mutations and are changing the landscape of ovarian cancer treatment. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of action for PARP inhibition in the interaction of tumors with the tumor microenvironment and the host immune system remain unclear. We recently reported that inhibition with a PARP inhibitor (olaparib) triggers robust local and systemic antitumor immunity involving both adaptive and innate immune responses through a STING-dependent antitumor immune response in Brca1-deficient ovarian tumors. This effect is further augmented when olaparib is combined with PD-1 blockade. However, all PBM-bearing mice treated with olaparib alone or in combination with PD-1 blockade eventually succumbed to the disease. These data indicate that although multiple PARP inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of BRCA-deficient ovarian cancers, eradication of this type of cancer remains a challenge. I will discuss our recent efforts on identifying resistance mechanisms to PARP inhibition and developing potential therapeutic strategy that overcomes the resistance to improve the treatment outcome.

Citation Format: Liya Ding, Qiwei Wang, Michael Kearns, Tao Jiang, Panagiotis Konstantinopoulos, Ursula Matulonis, Jean Zhao. PARP inhibition modulates the tumor immune microenvironment in Brca1-deficient ovarian tumor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr IA17.
Orbital Metastasis from Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: El Bakraoui Kamal , El Morabit Badr
Published: September 2020

Orbital metastases are rare. Breast cancer represents the first etiology to be evoked in carcinomas. We report a rare case of a young 43-year-old patient who developed significant orbital metastasis 2 months after the end of adjuvant treatment for triple-negative breast cancer. Good partial response was shown with an improvement of symptoms under chemotherapy (docetaxel combined with carboplatin), zoledronic acid and palliative radiotherapy. The patient quickly progressed in the pulmonary, hepatic and lymph nodes with mucocutaneous jaundice related to hepatic dysfunction after which she died within 20 days. Different etiologies are responsible for the orbital tumor syndrome. This orbital metastasis may constitute an inaugural mode of expression of the tumor affection. The frequency of metastases of breast cancer overexpressing estrogen receptor can be explained biologically by the presence of estrogen receptors in hormone acting as target choroid tissue steroids for lacrimal secretion. On the other hand, in triple-negative breast cancer, since the hormone receptors are negative, the pathophysiology of these orbital metastases remains unknown. At this stage, the treatment remains palliative, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and bisphosphonates, and the prognosis is grim.
Myelography and the 20th Century Localization of Spinal Cord Lesions
Authors: Lutters Bart , Groen Rob J.M. , Koehler Peter J.
Published: September 2020

In this article, we commemorate the centenary of myelography, a neuroradiological procedure that, despite certain disadvantages, significantly contributed to the diagnosis and localization of spinal cord lesions during the 20th century. From the start, the use of myelography was characterized by different views regarding the potential dangers associated with the prolonged exposure of a “foreign body” to the central nervous system. Such differences in attitude resulted in divergent myelography practices; its precise indications, technical performance, and adopted contrast material remaining subject to variability until the procedure were eventually replaced by MRI at the close of the 20th century.
“Terzo Mondo” em transe
Authors: Barbosa Cairo De  Souza
Published: September 2020

O objetivo do artigo é discutir a relação entre a participação de Antonio Candido no congresso “Terzo Mondo e Comunità Mondiale” (Itália, 1965), e um esboço de mudança teórico-conceitual de sua obra a partir da segunda metade dos anos 1960, especialmente no ensaio “Literatura de dois gumes” (1966). Esse evento foi fulcral na articulação das nações terceiro-mundistas daquele contexto por contar com a presença de importantes intelectuais africanos e latino-americanos e pelo ensaio de uma crítica pós-colonial ao eurocentrismo. Nossa hipótese é que, nos anos seguintes, Candido incorpora às suas leituras parte das discussões realizadas no encontro a partir de uma reformulação de algumas de suas categorias analíticas e perspectivas teórico-conceituais e da expansão do escopo de análise do Brasil para a América Latina.
Racismo, corpo e liberdade
Authors: Bisol Benedetta
Published: September 2020

O artigo investiga o nexo entre corpo e liberdade como questão norteadora para pensar o racismo. Partindo das reflexões desenvolvidas por Emanuel Levinas, mostra como o antissemitismo nacional-socialista reaproveita o modelo de raça conceituado no começo da época moderna e discute as ligações entre discurso racista moderno e o mito da democracia racial no Brasil. Finalmente trata de uma possível apropriação do pensamento de Levinas no debate contemporâneo brasileiro sobre racismo.
Arquitetura brasileira
Authors: Guerra Abilio
Published: September 2020

O artigo estabelece relação entre o modernismo artístico brasileiro dos anos 1920 e a arquitetura moderna brasileira. A apropriação das referências externas e sua síntese com elementos autóctones propostos pelo ideário de Oswald de Andrade têm como desdobramento o enfrentamento de interditos culturais predominantes desde o século XIX, em especial a miscigenação racial, a natureza tropical e a cultura ingênua. A natureza exuberante e a cultura popular, elementos definidores da nacionalidade, tornam-se estruturadores de um ramo da arquitetura moderna brasileira.
Roger Bastide e Sérgio Milliet
Authors: Gonsales Patricia  Cecilia
Published: September 2020

O texto trata dos cruzamentos entre as obras de Sérgio Milliet, o crítico de arte paulistano e integrante do grupo de intelectuais modernistas, e Roger Bastide, docente integrante da Missão Francesa de professores da USP, catedrático em Sociologia. O texto identifica e analisa cruzamentos entre as obras de ambos, além de textos de jornais e artigos de circunstância. Os cruzamentos deixam entrever as concordâncias, discordâncias e abordagens diversas dos dois intelectuais, tanto no papel de intelectuais e sociólogos, como na crítica literária e na crítica de arte, assim como as visões sobre a brasilidade.
A questão da resistência cultural, contracultural e política durante o regime militar brasileiro – Grupo Arquitetura Nova
Authors: Carranza Edite Galote
Published: September 2020

Na década de 1960, a questão da resistência cultural e política durante o regime militar brasileiro motivou intensos debates e manifestações culturais em várias áreas do conhecimento. Com objetivo de aprofundar os estudos sobre essa questão no campo da arquitetura, elegemos o Grupo Arquitetura Nova (GAN) como vertente de transformação naquele contexto de profundas transformações socioculturais, quando emergiu a contracultura brasileira.
Categorized Genetic Analysis in Childhood-Onset Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Al-Hassnan Zuhair N. , Almesned Abdulrahman , Tulbah Sahar , Alakhfash Ali , Alhadeq Faten , Alruwaili Nadiah , Alkorashy Maarab , Alhashem Amal , Alrashdan Ahmad , Faqeih Eissa , Alkhalifi Salwa M. , Al humaidi Zainab , Sogaty Sameera , Azhari Nawal , Bakhaider Abdulrahman M. , Al asmari Ali , Awaji Ali , Albash Buthaina , Alhabdan Mohammed , Alghamdi Malak A. , Alshuaibi Walaa , Al-Hassnan Raghad Z. , Alshenqiti Abduljabbar , Alqahtani Aisha , Shinwari Zarghuna , Rbabeh Monther , Takroni Saud , Alomrani Ahmed , Albert Brotons Dimpna C. , AlQwaee Abdullah M. , Almanea Waleed , Alfadley Fadel A. , Alfayyadh Majid , Alwadai Abdullah
Published: September 2020

Background:

Childhood-onset cardiomyopathy is a heterogeneous group of conditions the cause of which is largely unknown. The influence of consanguinity on the genetics of cardiomyopathy has not been addressed at a large scale.

Methods:

To unravel the genetic cause of childhood-onset cardiomyopathy in a consanguineous population, a categorized approach was adopted. Cases with childhood-onset cardiomyopathy were consecutively recruited. Based on the likelihood of founder mutation and on the clinical diagnosis, genetic test was categorized to either (1) targeted genetic test with targeted mutation test, single-gene test, or multigene panel for Noonan syndrome, or (2) untargeted genetic test with whole-exome sequencing or whole-genome sequencing. Several bioinformatics tools were used to filter the variants.

Results:

Two-hundred five unrelated probands with various forms of cardiomyopathy were evaluated. The median age of presentation was 10 months. In 30.2% (n=62), targeted genetic test had a yield of 82.7% compared with 33.6% for whole-exome sequencing/whole-genome sequencing (n=143) giving an overall yield of 53.7%. Strikingly, 96.4% of the variants were homozygous, 9% of which were found in 4 dominant genes. Homozygous variants were also detected in 7 novel candidates (
ACACB, AASDH, CASZ1, FLII, RHBDF1, RPL3L, ULK1
).

Conclusions:

Our work demonstrates the impact of consanguinity on the genetics of childhood-onset cardiomyopathy, the value of adopting a categorized population-sensitive genetic approach, and the opportunity of uncovering novel genes. Our data suggest that if a founder mutation is not suspected, adopting whole-exome sequencing/whole-genome sequencing as a first-line test should be considered.
Deliberating across Difference
Authors: Afsahi Afsoun
Published: September 2020

This paper examines two cases of deliberation on the issue of religious arbitration in Canada: first, the Sharia law debate in Ontario (deliberation in the larger public sphere); and second, a deliberation on religious arbitration in British Columbia (deliberation in a small-scale structured setting). Relying on both secondary and original data, this article demonstrates that while the Sharia law debate failed to fulfill the key functions of a deliberative engagement, the small-scale deliberation was able to achieve all three functions: participants had the chance to express their opinions; there was ample dialogue and communication evident by increased empathy, perspective-taking ability, and knowledge gains; and finally, participants were able to come to a decision, however broad, together. Through this comparison, the article highlights key barriers to deliberation across differences and concludes with some suggestions for carrying out such engagements in the future.
Analytical Investigation of Nusselt Number and Skin Friction of Fluid Flow Over a Stretching Sheet Using Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method
Authors: Aliannejadi Zohreh
Published: September 2020

In many cases such as production of metal sheets, the behavior of fluid flow and heat transfer in the neighborhood of a hot plate is very important. The CFD simulation of fluid flow is a widespread study that reveals detail information about the fluid flow in the calculated domain.
In this study, the flow and heat transfer of a specific fluid in the above area of a stretching plate is examined analytically to find the variation of skin friction and Nusselt number. For this purpose, the similarity transformations can be employed to achieve the ordinary differential equations
from the governing partial differential equations. The optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM) is used to solve the ordinary differential equations which is applicable in solving of nonlinear equations. The effects of magnetic field on the analytical results from solving the equations are
evaluated in detail. It is found that the thickness of the flow boundary layer decreases and the thickness of the thermal boundary layer increases by increasing in the magnetic field. Moreover, the Nusselt number is lower and skin friction is higher for the higher values of the magnetic field.
Green Synthesis of Antibacterial Cotton Nanocomposites with In Situ Generation of Copper Nanoparticles Using Senna auriculata Leaf Extract as Reductant
Authors: Prasad Akepogu , Umamahesh Mallavarapu , Venkata Subba Reddy Gopiredddy , Jaswanth Seetha , Ramanamurthy Gollapudi Venkata , Varaprasad Duddela
Published: September 2020

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were bio synthesized instantaneously in nanocomposite cotton fabrics (NCFs), utilizing aqueous Senna auriculata (SA) plant leaves solution as reductant. These NCFs with in situ generation of CuNPs were analyzed with different spectrophotometers
such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) combined with electron dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Thermogravimetric and Derivative thermogravimetric analysis (TGA and DTA), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The formed CuNPs were
tested for their antibacterial and mechanical properties. The SEM results revealed that the bio synthesized CuNPs were spherical in shape and most of them with a mean size of 100 nm. The XRD studies explained the crystalline nature of CuNPs. These NCFs exhibited high thermal stability, good
induced mechanical properties and acted as pathogenic killing agent against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The Young's modulus value was found to be 65.81 MPa. The enhanced properties and immediate generation of CuNPs in NCFs can be utilized in medical applications such as antibacterial
beds in hospitals, napkins and to make packing materials.
CARES Act Provider Relief Fund Aid to Otolaryngologists in Small Practices
Authors: Xiao Roy , Rathi Vinay K.
Published: September 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has placed unprecedented financial strain on otolaryngologists. Otolaryngologists employed by small practices may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of ongoing losses because these organizations often have limited financial reserves. We performed a retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of federal direct aid provided to small practices (defined as ≤15 clinicians) employing otolaryngologists, using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Physician Compare National Downloadable File and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Provider Relief Fund database. As of June 18, 2020, the HHS had allocated nearly $80 million to 966 (88.9%) of 1087 small practices employing 2455 otolaryngologists. The median amount of aid per clinician was $7909 (interquartile range, $4409‐$12,710). These findings suggest that the majority of small practices have received direct aid through the HHS Provider Relief Fund, but aid amounts have thus far been modest relative to the fixed costs of practice.
Artificial intelligence tools and perspectives of university librarians: An overview
Authors: Ali Muhammad Yousuf , Naeem Salaman Bin , Bhatti Rubina
Published: September 2020

The main purpose of this paper is to assess and examine the possible application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in Pakistani academic libraries, particularly those areas of library technical and library user services where AI could be applied in the near future. A secondary purpose is to bring the library perspective on AI to the forefront of the scholarly world. This is a self-exploratory study, in which a qualitative approach interview has been conducted with 10 chief librarians/library heads (5 public + 5 private sectors) from universities regarding their views on the adoption of artificial intelligence tools in Pakistani academic libraries. Results are tabulated in a descriptive format. Librarians are aware of AI technologies. Services based on Natural Language Processing (NLP) are used in libraries, e.g. Google Assistant, Voice Searching, and Google Translate. Pattern recognition methods, such as text data mining, are also used to retrieve library material and conduct online searching. Big data is accessed via services such as cloud computing, OneDrive, and Google Drive. There is a very low level of awareness of robotics and chatbots. This study provides librarians with suggestions as to how AI tools could be used in libraries which either have yet to adopt AI technologies or wish to implement more advanced tools. Pakistani library schools could collaborate with computer science departments to establish AI Labs in the respective library and information science (LIS) departments/libraries. AI challenges funding and technological skills are the key problem to implement with AI in the University Libraries.
Emerging functions of PRKDC in the initiation and progression of cancer
Authors: Yin Yuting , He Qinglian , Li Yuling , Long Jiali , Lei Xue , Li Ziqi , Zhu Wei
Published: September 2020

The DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) is encoded by the protein kinase, DNA-activated, catalytic polypeptide ( PRKDC) gene. DNA-PKcs plays a major role in nonhomologous end joining DNA repair, and it has been identified to be an important factor in tumor progression and metastasis. DNA-PKcs may have opposite effects in diseases, depending on the cell and tissue types. In this review, we discuss its role in various tumors. High levels of DNA-PKcs are directly associated with prognosis, neoplasm recurrence rates, and overall survival. Our results suggest that DNA-PKcs may serve as a therapeutic target for advanced malignancies.
Imago diaboli? Luther’s Anthropological Holism
Authors: Mattox Mickey L.
Published: September 2020

The Flacian controversy in mid-16th century Lutheranism turned on the question whether as a consequence of original sin the image of God in humankind has been lost and replaced by the image of the devil. Is the fallen human being evil per se? Examining Martin Luther’s comments on the story of creation and fall in his Genesis Lectures (1535-1545), I argue that Luther’s insistence on the loss of the imago dei results in an anthropology closer to that of Thomas Aquinas than to Luther’s uncompromising disciple, Matthias Flacius Illyricus. For both Thomas and Luther, original sin is a holistic term that reflects the absence of original righteousness in the essence of the soul. Luther rejects any substantial reading of original sin that would ontologize it as the very substance of the human being. His anthropological holism means that sin has a deleterious effect on the whole human being, including all the powers of body and soul. Sin is privative, a spiritual leprosy that corrupts the whole human being.
The Maternal Frame and the Rise of the Counterpublic Among Naga Women
Authors: Ghosh Payel
Published: September 2020

Nagaland has witnessed violent conflict for over five decades. It is a heavily militarized space where draconian laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act allow army personnel to go unchallenged even after committing violent crimes. Few women have used their tradition-specific gendered role strategically to subvert gender norms and exhibit agency against violence within the conflict situation and the systemic violence that bars them from entering the public-political sphere. This article studies how women from the Naga tribal communities use their tradition-specific gender roles of motherhood to gain agency and resist the formation of a hostile, gendered social space.
Students’ perceptions on ethnic tolerance in Malaysia: A study in three public universities
Authors: Wan Husin Wan Norhasniah , Halim Norhana Abdul , Zul Kernain Nur Farahana
Published: September 2020

This study is an attempt to develop an index on ethnic tolerance among the Malay, Chinese and Indian undergraduate students of three Malaysian public universities. It focuses on three main domains: religious practices, ethnic‒cross relationship and governance. The data of 378 respondents were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software version 22. The calculation and the measurement of the index are based on the method and equations used in calculating the index among Malaysian youths in 2015 that were capable of incorporating many domains. All the domains are significant in contributing to ethnic tolerance the composite index value of 4.13 out of 5 was obtained which shows the students are at the level of highly tolerant.
The Transformative Potential of Kaupapa Māori Research and Indigenous Methodologies: Positioning Māori Patient Experiences of Mental Health Services
Authors: Haitana Tracy , Pitama Suzanne , Cormack Donna , Clarke Mauterangimarie , Lacey Cameron
Published: September 2020

This article presents a description of a specific Indigenous research methodology, Kaupapa Māori Research (KMR), followed by a discussion of the potential contribution that KMR and other Indigenous frameworks make toward understanding and addressing widespread mental health inequities affecting the world’s Indigenous peoples. The contribution of existing qualitative KMR to the fields of health and mental health in New Zealand is discussed, and innovative approaches employed within these studies will be outlined. This paper describes the utility of KMR methodology which informed the development of qualitative interviews and the adaptation of an analytic framework used to explore the impact of systems on the experiences of Māori (the Indigenous peoples of New Zealand) with bipolar disorder (BD). This paper adds to others published in this journal that describe the value, inherent innovation, and transformative potential of KMR methodologies to inform future qualitative research with Indigenous peoples and to enact systemic change. Transformation is achieved by privileging the voices of Māori describing their experiences of mental health systems; presenting their expert critique to those responsible for the design and delivery of mental health services; and ensuring equal weight is given to exploring the clinical, structural and organizational changes required to achieve health equity. It is proposed that this approach to research praxis is required to ensure that studies do not perpetuate institutional racism, which requires close adherence to Indigenous research priorities and partnership with Indigenous peoples in all steps of the research process.
Indoor Finish Material Influence on Contamination, Transmission, and Eradication of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Authors: Harris Debra , Taylor Keyanna P. , Napierkowski Katie , Zechmann Bernd
Published: September 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate environmental surface materials used in healthcare environments for material composition, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) viability, and a comparison of two disinfectants, a bleach germicidal cleaner and Decon7, a novel disinfectant.

Background:

Contaminated environmental surfaces have been associated with outbreaks of healthcare-associated illness (HAIs). One in every 20 patients in U.S. acute care hospitals acquire a healthcare-associated illness, leading to consequences such as elevated morbidity, mortality, and a decrease in quality of life. In the patient environment, MRSA can remain viable from hours to up to 14 days.

Methods:

Environmental surface materials were evaluated as new and worn. Material composition and properties were assessed to evaluate surface integrity and the influence on the disinfection of MRSA. Inoculated materials were used to assess MRSA viability over time and the efficacy of a manufacturer’s recommended cleaning and disinfection product compared to a novel disinfectant.

Results:

Environmental surface materials respond differently in appearance and roughness, when mechanically worn. When measuring MRSA survival, at 24 hr, MRSA colony forming unit (CFU) counts were reduced on the copper sheet surface and solid surface with cupric oxide. By 72 hr, all MRSA counts were zero. Bleach and the novel disinfectant were equally effective at disinfecting MRSA from all surface types.

Conclusions:

This study highlights a gap in knowledge about the impact of type and wear of environmental surface materials used in healthcare environments on contamination with epidemiologically important organisms. In conclusion, environmental surface material wear, properties, and cleaning and disinfection efficacy are important factors to consider when addressing HAIs.
Blend of cassava starch and high-density polyethylene with green tea for food packaging
Authors: Romagnolli Cassiano MN , Leite Gabriela P , Rodrigues Tiago AR , Morelli Carolina L
Published: September 2020

Plastic packagings are widely used for several food products. Considering the relatively short service lifetime of this application, it is important to perceive in the search of eco-friendly alternatives to this market, such as polymers from renewable sources, as thermoplastic starch and “green” polyethylene. The incorporation of an antibacterial agent to the packaging can extend food shelf life. Camellia sinensis is a plant with known antibacterial properties used in the preparation of “green tea.” In the present work, green tea was incorporated to a blend of cassava thermoplastic starch and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) by melt extrusion, aiming application as active packaging. Films were obtained by thermopressing and characterized through infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and tensile tests. Their antibacterial properties were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results indicated that the material developed has potential for food packaging applications. Moreover, the methodology applied for green tea incorporation in the Starch/HDPE films can be extended for many extracts from natural components, contributing to the advancement of research in the development of active packaging for food products. To the best of our knowledge, no previous work studied the properties of starch/HDPE blend with green tea.
Grguricite, CaCr2(CO3)2(OH)4.4H2O, a new alumohydrocalcite analogue
Authors: Rumsey Michael S. , Welch Mark D. , Spratt John , Kleppe Annette K.
Published: September 2020

The occurrence and characterisation of a new member of the dundasite group are reported. Grguricite, ideally CaCr2(CO3)2(OH)4⋅4H2O, is the Cr analogue of alumohydrocalcite, CaAl2(CO3)2(OH)4⋅4H2O and occurs as lilac crusts of very fine-grained crystalline aggregates in the Pb–Ba–V mineralisation found at the Adeghoual Mine, Mibladen, Morocco (32°46′0″N, 4°37′59″W). The identification was based upon a close match with the powder X-ray diffraction data for alumohydrocalcite, the confirmation of anion components identified by Raman spectroscopy and the cation composition determined by electron-probe microanalysis. The empirical formula based upon 14 oxygen atoms per formula unit is Ca0.84Pb0.03Cr1.65Al0.39Mg0.02(CO3)2(OH)4⋅4H2O, with carbonate, hydroxyl and water contents set to those of the alumohydrocalcite stoichiometry. The fine-grained nature of the crystals (c. 0.5 μm × 0.1 μm × 5 μm) precluded a single-crystal X-ray study and both density and optical determinations. Grguricite is triclinic with space group P${\bar 1}$. Unit-cell parameters refined from the powder diffraction data are: a = 5.724(2), b = 6.5304(9), c = 14.646(4) Å, α = 81.682(1), β = 83.712(2), γ = 86.365(2)°, V = 537.8(2) Å3 and Z = 2. The five strongest peaks in the powder pattern are [dhkl, Å (I/Imax)(hkl)]: 6.222(100)(011), 3.227(87)(020), 6.454(63)(010), 2.883(58)(005, 023, 121) and 7.208(45)(002). The mineral is named after Australian geologist Ben Grguric.
Applying health, safety, and environmental risk assessment at academic settings
Authors: Dehdashti Alireza , Fatemi Farin , Jannati Muhammadreza , Asadi Fatemeh , Kangarloo Marzieh Belji
Published: September 2020

Background

Students, staff, and faculties are involved in activities that exposed them to a range of minor to severe or even fatal accidents in academic settings. Managing work environment risks is crucial to any safety and health prevention program. This study developed a risk assessment using combinations of hazards and risk factors to establish a scale of measures in a risk reduction action plan.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in an Iranian medical sciences university in 2018. A structured method of risk assessment was developed, applying a three-step procedure to identify hazards, consequences, and risk evaluation. Data were collected through detailed health, safety, and environment checklist in 38 different sites. Finally, the risks quantified, prioritized, and control measures proposed accordingly. Chi-square and correlation tests assessed how environmental factors were associated with hazard consequences. The analysis results were evaluated at the significance level of 0.05.

Results

The frequencies of moderate and high-risk levels were 22.7 and 2.9%, respectively. Thus, corrective measures should be considered as soon as possible and immediately for these risk groups. Facilities and functions within laboratories, library, and powerhouse were more vulnerable to serious risks. The type of hazard had associated with the sites and total risk score at the significance level of 0.05 (P-value = 0.017). Similarly, risk severity was significantly related to the sites (P-value = 0.003). Safety hazards had a statistically higher contribution to the total risk score when compared to health and environmental hazards.

Conclusion

The study revealed complex risks and hazardous circumstances with significant variances in academic sites and activities. Universities should provide training in risk reduction programs to increase the awareness of students, staff, and faculties, which can improve life safety in a university environment.
Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among domestic gas workers and staff of works department in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Oluka Chinenye Doris , Obidike Esther , Ezeukwu Antoninus Obinna , Onyeso Ogochukwu Kelechi , Ekechukwu Echezona Nelson Dominic
Published: September 2020

Background

The impact of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSS) permeates various occupations.

Objective

To compare WMSS and associated risk factors among domestic gas workers (DGWs) and staff of Works Department (SWD) in Enugu.

Methods

One-hundred adults (DGW = 50, SWD = 50) participated in this cross-sectional study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and a demographics questionnaire were used to assess the prevalence of WMSS and related risk factors. Data were analysed using independentt-test or Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and logistic regression atp < 0.05.

Results

The DGWs (86%) had a significantly (χ2 = 24.45,p < 0.001) higher WMSS than the SWD (38%). Lower-back (54%) and shoulder (52%) were the most affected body parts among the DGWs in comparison to the hips/thighs (20%) among the SWD. Work-related factors such as daily work-duration (χ2 = 75.44,p < 0.001), lifting training (χ2 = 96.24,p < 0.001), and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) of facemask (χ2 = 100.0,p < 0.001) and gloves (χ2 = 96.09,p < 0.001) were significantly associated with general WMSS among the DGWs. However, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (OR = 1.29,p = 0.018), work duration > 8 h/day (OR = 0.001,p = 0.028), female gender (OR = 6.98–10.26,p < 0.05), sleep duration < 6 h/day (OR = 0.56–0.73,p < 0.05) and poor exercise behaviour (OR = 0.15,p = 0.013) were the identified independent risk factors of WMSS among DGWs, while DBP (OR = 0.99,p = 0.012) and female gender (OR = 6.47,p = 0.032) were the only identified independent risk factors for SWD.

Conclusion

WMSS is significantly higher among DGWs than the SWD. High DBP, female gender, working beyond 8 h per day, sleeping less than 6 h per day, and insufficient exercise increase the risks of WMSDs, especially among the DGWs. To mitigate the adverse effects of WMSDs, SWD and DGWs require break and leave periods, PPE and assistive devices, exercise, medical check-up, and workplace ergonomics.
Longitudinal observation of solitary fibrous tumor translation into malignant pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma
Authors: Luo Rui , Jiang Yingshuo , Huang Yue , Chen Xin , Wang Feng
Published: September 2020

Background

Pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma (PAIS) is a rare malignant tumor that was usually misdiagnosed as chronic pulmonary thromboembolism.

Case presentation

We previously reported a solitary fibrous tumor in the pulmonary artery presented with acute pulmonary embolism, which was identified by 99mTc-Galacto-RGD2 imaging. However, this patient had a recurrence in situ two-year after surgery, post-operative pathology revealed pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma. At one-year post-operation, 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed for exclusion of tumor metastasis, which showed FDG avid lesion in the T5, T10, and L5 vertebral bodies, as well as in bilateral ilium and right ischium.

Conclusions

This is the first longitudinal observation of a solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) development into a pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma (PAIS) and presented with multiple bone metastases.
Chidamide, decitabine, cytarabine, aclarubicin, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (CDCAG) in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia: a single-arm, phase 1/2 study
Authors: Wang Lixin , Luo Jianmin , Chen Guofeng , Fang Meiyun , Wei Xudong , Li Yinghua , Liu Zhuogang , Zhang Yin , Gao Sujun , Shen Jianliang , Wang Xin , Gao Xiaoning , Zhou Wei , Ma Yigai , Liu Hui , Li Xinquan , Yang Linhua , Sun Kai , Yu Li
Published: September 2020

Background

Epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in the chemoresistance of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The clinical response to epigenetic modifier-based chemotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory AML (r/r AML) is unclear. This multicenter clinical trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of epigenetic modifiers (chidamide and decitabine) in combination with aclarubicin, cytarabine, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in patients with r/r AML.

Results

Adult patients with r/r AML were treated with chidamide, decitabine, cytarabine, aclarubicin, and G-CSF (CDCAG). The primary measures were overall response (OR), overall survival (OS), and safety. Next-generation sequencing was performed to analyze the correlation between gene mutations and response. A total of 93 patients with r/r AML were enrolled. Overall, 24 patients had a complete remission (CR) and 19 patients achieved CR with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi). The overall response rate (ORR) was 46.2%. The overall survival of these 43 patients who achieved CR/CRi was significantly longer than that of patients who failed to achieve remission (563 vs 152 days, P < 0.0001). Of the patients with mutations in epigenetic and transcription factor-related genes, but without internal tandem duplications in FMS-like tyrosine kinase3 (FLT3-ITDs), 55.6% achieved CR/CRi, whereas the ORR was 28.2% for patients with mutations in other genes.

Conclusions

The CDCAG regimen was well tolerated and effective in r/r AML. Patients with epigenetic and transcription factor-related gene mutations, but without FLT3-ITD mutations, may benefit from this regimen.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials, NCT02886559. Registered 01 September 2016