bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transpalpebral approach for microsurgical removal of tuberculum sellae meningiomas
Authors: Dzhindzhikhadze Revaz , Dreval Oleg , Lazarev Valeriy , Polyakov Andrey , Kambiev Renat , Salyamova Elvira
Published: February 2020

Background: The evolution of skull base approaches associated with individualization of surgical corridor and minimizing the collateral damage. Achieving the radical removal of tumor and preserving the neurological status of the patient is possible, both with the traditional approaches and keyhole approaches. Our work presents experience using the transpalpebral approach (TPA) for microsurgical removal of tuberculum sellae meningioma (TSM). Materials and Methods: A total of 15 patients with meningiomas underwent microsurgical removal of TSM through TPA. Ten patients were women and five were men. The standard preoperative diagnostic protocol includes magnetic resonance imaging with contrast enhancement, brain computed tomography for neuronavigation. We assess surgical complications, functional and cosmetic outcomes, and surgical parameters, including the time of surgery and intraoperative blood loss. Results: Visual impairment was finding in 100% patients, including slight decrease of vision (46,7%, seven patients), partial vision field loss (six patients, 40%), and serious visual impairment (two patients 13.3%). Visual improvement was noted in ten cases (66.7%), there was no improvement in four cases (26.7%), and one case (6.6%) had transient visual worsening for 4 days and slow improvement in 1 month. Headache disappeared in three patients (50%). There were no cases of cerebrospinal fluid leak. Transient frontal hypoesthesia was noted in all patients (100%) without permanent deficit. Transient palsy of the frontal muscle was noted in four patients for 4–6 months. Histological examination revealed WHO Grade I meningioma in 14 cases and in 1 case WHO Grade II meningioma. No deaths were identified in follow-up at 12 months. The average value of the Modified Rankin Scale was 1.4. The mean length of stay in hospital was 5. Conclusion: TPA is technically difficult and requires some experience to work in deep structures in a small surgical corridor. This technique can be good alternative to traditional fronto-lateral, supraorbital keyhole craniotomies, and endoscopic endonasal approaches.
Custom-made hydroxyapatite cranioplasty: Radiological and histological evidence of bone-biomaterial osteointegration in five patients
Authors: Bruno Zanotti , Angelo Nataloni , Riccardo Spaggiari , Nicola Zingaretti , Stefano Pizzolitto , Camillo Parodi , Federico Nicolosi , Carlotta Morselli
Published: February 2020

Custom-made cranial implants facilitate the surgical reconstruction of destructive pathologies of the skull or extensive demolitive skull surgery. Customized cranioplasty allows for an immediate restoration of the functional integrity of the cranial defect (restitutio ad integrum), with excellent functional and esthetic outcome and a quick, safe, and simple procedure. In this context, bioceramics like hydroxyapatite (HA) claim high biocompatibility and bone-binding capability. The osteoconductive properties of the HA have been reported in animal models and humans. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate with radiological and histological examination and how HA prosthesis may integrate after their implantation showing data related to five patients that needed primary HA cranial reconstruction with secondary removal after few years. The histological examination showed neo-formed lamellar/trabecular bone tissue fragments accompanied by the amorphous reticular tissue (HA prosthesis) revealing diffuse ossification sites in all included cases.
Spontaneous cerebral spinal fluid rhinorrhea with meningocele secondary to congenital foramen rotundum defect: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Scott Kyle , Tavanaiepour Daryoush , Tavanaiepour Kourosh , Halawi Akaber , Rao Dinesh , Rahmathulla Gazanfar
Published: February 2020

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is a rare occurrence. We present a case of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea in a 57-year-old patient secondary to a sphenoid osseous defect involving the foramen rotundum and maxillary nerve with an associated arachnoid cyst and meningocele compressing the maxillary nerve. The location of the defect made correction amenable to an open skull-based approach. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a spontaneous meningocele herniating into the sphenoid osseous defect through the medial aspect of the foramen rotundum. Early detection of these defects, open or endoscopic approaches and definitive treatment by closing the defect can result in excellent outcomes.
Anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula with pial arterial supply
Authors: Yamano Akinari , Nakamura Kazuhiro , Watanabe Daisuke , Onuma Kuniyuki , Sato Masayuki , Matsumaru Yuji , Yanaka Kiyoyuki , Ishikawa Eiichi , Matsumura Akira
Published: February 2020

Anterior cranial fossa (ACF) dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are mainly fed by the ethmoidal arteries and sometimes have pial arterial feeders. DAVFs with pial arterial supply in ACF are extremely rare because most of the reported cases of DAVFs with pial arterial supply are located at the transverse sigmoid sinus and tentorium. A 68-year-old male presented with dizziness. Angiography showed cortical venous reflex (CVR) through an ACF DAVF fed by both bilateral ethmoidal arteries and by the right orbitofrontal artery as a pial feeder. The ethmoidal feeders were disconnected by craniotomy. The pial arterial feeder from the anterior cerebral artery was not found during surgery, and disconnection of the draining vein was not performed. CVR showed a significant reduction after the surgery. After 2 years of follow-up, angiography revealed an increased shunt flow from the pial feeder. Endovascular treatment using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was performed, resulting in the complete occlusion of the fistula. DAVFs with pial supply are reported to carry a high risk of perioperative complications because of the restriction of the venous outflow and retrograde thrombosis of the pial artery. Endovascular pial feeder occlusion after surgical dural arterial feeder disconnection might achieve a safe and effective outcome. With close follow-up, the recurrence of increased shunt flow may be an appropriate timing for additional treatment. This rare condition may offer a new insight into the mechanisms of pial feeder development.
Reversible thalamic dementia caused by venous hypertension of bilateral thalami resulting from multiple intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas successfully obliterated by endovascular treatment using liquid embolic materials: A case report and literature review
Authors: Iampreechakul Prasert , Lertbutsayanukul Punjama , Wattanasen Yodkwhan , Thiraworawong Thon , Komonchan Surasak , Siriwimonmas Somkiet
Published: February 2020

We describe a patient with multiple cranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) presenting with thalamic dementia. A 52-year-old man experienced progressive dementia and behavioral change for 1 month. Cranial computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral thalamic edema with subsequent hemorrhagic transformation. Cerebral angiography demonstrated multiple cranial DAVFs at the straight sinus and posterior part of the superior sagittal sinus. The symptomatic fistula was the straight sinus DAVF, Cognard Type II a + b, supplied by meningeal branches of the left superior cerebellar artery, the left ascending pharyngeal artery originating from the left occipital artery, and multiple tiny branches of the left occipital artery with retrograde venous drainage into the straight sinus and vein of Galen. In addition, there was probable thrombosis at the middle part of the straight sinus associated with anatomical variation of the dural venous sinuses at the torcular herophili. The patient underwent successfully endovascular treatments in a two-staged embolization using liquid embolic materials. The patient has gradually recovered and could get back to the activities of daily living at home within 2 months. Follow-up MRI of the brain at 6 months revealed nearly complete resolution of the bilateral thalamic congestion. Cerebral angiography, obtained 1 year after endovascular treatment, confirmed complete obliteration of both DAVFs. We also reviewed the literature of thalamic dementia caused by intracranial DAVFs.
Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for resection of tuberculum sella and planum sphenoidale meningiomas: A snapshot of our institutional experience
Authors: Salek Md , Faisal Md , Manik Md , Choudhury Ahmed-Ul-Mursalin , Chowdhury Rukun , Islam Md
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Meningiomas of the tuberculum sellae and planum sphenoidale represent a subgroup of anterior skull base tumors that comprise approximately 5%–10% of all intracranial meningiomas. Most of the patients report with failing vision, so early surgical decompression either transcranial and/or endonasal approach is recommended. The endonasal route allows for direct coagulation of the tumor meningeal supply and extensive resection of dural attachments, and importantly, provides an inferior to superior access to the infrachiasmatic region that facilitates complete tumor removal without encountering the optic nerve. This article describes our institutional experience for the endonasal resection of tuberculum sellae and planum sphenoidale meningiomas. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed eight cases of tuberculum sellae and planum sphenoidale meningiomas who selectively underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection between 2015 and 2018. All patients had ophthalmological, endocrinological, and radiological evaluation both preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: Among the study group, we found age range 22–68 years, male:female 1:2. Among the radiological findings, there were five cases of tuberculum sellae meningioma, while three cases were of planum sphenoidale meningioma. In tumor resection status, we found gross total resection in six cases and debulking in two cases. Postoperative analysis of visual outcome revealed improvement in four cases, constant in three cases, and worsening in one case. We also found the post of nasal complications in four cases, cerebrospinal fluid leak in two cases and transient diabetes insipidus in one case. Conclusion: In this study, we highlighted our experience of a very small group of patients with anterior fossa meningioma specific to tuberculum sella and planum sphenoidale origin.
Laboratory surveillance of chikungunya in Madhya Pradesh, India (2016-2017)
Authors: Joshi Piyush , Yadav Pragya , Mourya Devendra , Sahare Lalit , Ukey Mahendra , Khedekar Rameshwar , Patil Deepak , Barde Pradip V.
Published: February 2020

Background & objectives:

Chikungunya (CHIK) is a neglected, re-emerging arboviral disease. Limited information on CHIK-confirmed cases during interepidemic period is available from India. This surveillance study was conducted in Madhya Pradesh (MP), India, during the years 2016-2017, to provide information about CHIK cases.

Methods:

Blood samples collected from patients suspected having CHIK were tested by immunoglobulin (Ig) IgM ELISA or real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) for the detection of CHIK virus (CHIKV)-specific IgM antibodies or viral RNA, respectively. Partial envelope-1 gene sequencing was done. Clinical and demographic data were collected and analyzed.

Results:

Of the 4019 samples tested, 494 (12.2%) were found positive for CHIKV infection. The positivity was detected in both rural and urban areas. The mean age of CHIK-positive cases was 33.12±18.25 yr. Headache and joint pain were the most prominent symptoms, 34.6 per cent (171/494) of the CHIK cases required hospitalization and six patients with CHIKV infection died. The East/Central/South African genotype of CHIKV was found to be circulating in the study area.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our study recorded a higher CHIK positivity during 2016-2017 in comparison to earlier reports from MP, India. A high proportion of CHIK cases required hospitalization and deaths were also reported, which indicated the severity of the disease in the study area. In-depth molecular analysis of the virus and other risk factors is essential to understand the trends in disease severity.
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis
Authors: Verma Vishesh , Kumar Yogesh , Kotwal Narendra , Upreti Vimal , Hari Kumar K.V.S. , Singh Yashpal , Menon Anil S.
Published: February 2020

Background & objectives:

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is an endocrine emergency presenting with acute-onset flaccid paralysis in a patient having thyrotoxicosis accompanied by hypokalaemia. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical profile of patients with TPP presenting to three centres in India.

Methods:

This retrospective, observational study was conducted at three tertiary care Armed Forces medical centres, located at Lucknow, Kolkata and Delhi. The history, clinical features, treatment details and outcomes were evaluated.

Results:

Of the 244 patients with thyrotoxicosis, 15 were diagnosed with TPP and included in the study. These 15 patients (14 male and 1 female) had 32 episodes of TPP which were analyzed. The mean age was 30.2±6.2 yr (range: 21-39), and overt thyrotoxicosis was seen in all patients except one who had subclinical hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease was the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis (13/15) and the remaining two patients had subacute thyroiditis and gestational thyrotoxicosis. Hypokalaemia (serum potassium <3.5 mmol/l) was seen in 12 patients, and the mean serum potassium was 3.2±0.9 mmol/l (range: 2.1-4.9). All patients had flaccid weakness, predominantly involving the lower limb with no bulbar, respiratory or cranial nerve involvement. The average duration of paralysis was 10.6±5.7 h (range: 3-28 h).

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our study demonstrated an early age of presentation and presence of clinical and biochemical thyrotoxicosis in majority of patients with TPP. Hypokalaemia may not always be evident in patients with TPP.
Molecular confirmation & characterization of Rickettsia conorii in north India
Authors: Biswal Manisha , Zaman Kamran , Suri Vikas , Gopi Srikanth , Kumar Abhay , Gopi T. , Vig Shashi , Sharma Navneet , Bhalla Ashish
Published: February 2020

Background & objectives:

In India, spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) are an underdiagnosed cause of acute febrile illness (AFI). The non-specific Weil-Felix test is the first diagnostic modality for the diagnosis of SFGR in many laboratories due to the lack of advanced diagnostic facilities in developing countries. The aim of this study was to detect SFGR using molecular methods in the patients, presenting with AFI in a tertiary care centre in north India.

Methods:

Consecutive patients (>14 yr of age) with AFI were enrolled over a six month period. Standard investigations for common pathogens causing AFI in India (malaria, dengue, scrub typhus, leptospirosis and enteric fever) were carried out. In patients who were negative for all of the above investigations, blood was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene of Rickettsia.

Results:

Of the 51 patients with an undiagnosed aetiology, three were positive by ompA PCR. Two of the PCR products produced good sequences and BLAST identification confirmed them as Rickettsia conorii. The sequences of R. conorii reported from south India clustered with two previously reported novel rickettsial genotypes. The study sequences clustered in a group different from that of Rickettsia spp. of the south Indian sequences reported earlier.

Interpretation & conclusions:

This study showed the existence of R. conorii in north India. Testing for SFGR may be included in the diagnostic workup of AFI for better disease management.
Incidence of Travelers’ Diarrhea among Adult Foreign Travelers in Thailand: A Prospective Study
Authors: Sharma Chollasap , Poovorawan Kittiyod , Piyaphanee Watcharapong , Soonthornworasiri Ngamphol , Angsuwatcharakon Piyada , Phumratanaprapin Weerapong , Leowattana Wattana , Wilairatana Polrat
Published: February 2020

Travelers’ diarrhea (TD) is common among foreign travelers to Thailand. We performed a prospective cohort study to determine the TD incidence among foreign adult travelers to Thailand. We retrieved baseline demographic data, travel plans, and health history on enrolling individuals and collected follow-up questionnaires on days 7, 14, and 28 from the day of arrival. We analyzed data from 349 eligible participants. The mean participants’ age was 32.3 years; 55.4% were men. Most of the participants had visited a travel clinic for vaccinations and counseling after arrival in Thailand. The cumulative incidences of the participants developing TD were 14.0% (49/349), 23.5% (82/349), and 33.0% (115/349) at 7, 14, and 28 days, respectively. The median time to develop TD was 9 days (interquartile range 5–18 days) post-arrival. Of 115 participants with TD, 64.3% (74/115) consulted a physician, 1.7% (2/115) were hospitalized, and 11.3% (13/115) had to change their travel plans. We identified young age, eating street food, and not routinely washing hands after using a toilet as risk factors significantly associated with the incidence of TD using the log-rank test in our survival analysis. Up to one-third of foreign travelers developed diarrhea during the first month, and some cases were severe. Although no highly effective TD prevention method exists, the practice of good personal hygiene and avoidance of food and drinks derived from unsanitary sources are still recommended to reduce the risk of travelers’ TD.
Optical Diagnostics Investigation on the Effect of Fuel Injection Timing on Partially Premixed Combustion Stratification and Soot Formation in a Single-Cylinder Optical Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: Touloupis Dimitrios P. , Vourliotakis George , Keramiotis Christos , Ramaswamy Kumara Gurubaran , Hardalupas Yannis , Taylor Alexander
Published: February 2020

The present work investigates the effect of fuel injection timing on combustion stratification and soot formation in an optically accessible, single cylinder light duty diesel engine. The engine operated under low load and low engine speed conditions, employing a single injection scheme. The conducted experiments considered three different injection timings, which promoted Partially Premixed Combustion (PPC) operation. The fuel quantity of the main injection was adjusted to maintain the same Indicated Mean Effective Pressure (IMEP) value among all cases considered. Findings were analysed via means of pressure trace and apparent heat transfer rate (AHTR) analyses, as well as a series of optical diagnostics techniques, namely flame natural luminosity, CH* and C2* chemiluminescence high-speed imaging, as well as planar Laser Induced Incandescence (pLII). For the chemiluminescence high-speed imaging a novel methodology was developed to acquire the net spatially resolved chemiluminescence signal, using combustion spectroscopy to remove the background chemiluminescence and thermal radiation signal. The analysis suggests that when the injection timing advanced, the stratification of the combustion became weaker, as indicated by the natural luminosity signal, due to the better pre-mixing between the injected fuel and the surrounding air. The enhanced premixing resulted in lower levels of in-cylinder soot late in the combustion cycle and, presumably the lowest engine-out soot emissions, because of the limited formation of locally fuel-rich areas inside the cylinder. This came at the price of increased fuel consumption.
Dynamic Thermal Behavior of a GDI Spray Impacting on a Heated Thin Foil by Phase-Averaged Infrared Thermography
Authors: Contino Mattia , Allocca Luigi , Montanaro Alessandro , Cardone Gennaro , Zaccara Mirko
Published: February 2020

The regulations about pollutant emissions imposed by Community’s laws encourage the investigation on the combustion optimization in modern engines and in particular in those adopting the gasoline direct injection (GDI) or direct injection spark-ignited (DISI) configuration. It is known that the piston head and cylinder surface temperatures, coupled with the fuel injection pressure, strongly influence the interaction between droplets of injected fluid and the impinged wall. In the present study, the Infrared (IR) thermography is applied to investigate the thermal footprint of an iso-octane spray generated by a multi-hole GDI injector impinging on a heated thin foil. The experimental apparatus includes an Invar foil (50 μm in thickness) heated by Joule effect, clamped within a rigid frame, and the GDI injector located 11 mm above the surface. Thermal images of the impinging spray are acquired from the dry side of the foil at several time delays after the impact instant at two different injection pressures (10 and 20 MPa). The temperature difference distributions are employed to describe the unsteady dynamics of the impingement.
Assessing Exhaust Toxicity with Biological Detector: Configuration of Portable Air-Liquid Interface Human Lung Cell Model Exposure System, Sampling Train and Test Conditions
Authors: Vojtisek-Lom Michal , Pechout Martin , Macoun David , Rameswaran Rajesh , Praharaj Kalpita Kumar , Cervena Tereza , Topinka Jan , Rossner Pavel
Published: February 2020

Air pollution remains to be one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide, with significant share attributed to particulate matter and reactive nitrogen compounds from mobile sources. Due to discrepancies between legislative metrics and health effects, and between laboratory tests and real driving, health-relevant metric applicable to real driving conditions are sought to evaluate the effects of emerging legislation, technologies and fuels. Models of human lung air-liquid interface have been recently explored to simulate effects of exposure to the whole exhaust. In this study, a compact exposure system, utilizing commercially available inserts with 3D in-vitro model of human lung cells, has been designed and fabricated in-house with the vision of mobile use, minimizing size and power consumption. Preliminary tests were done on a Euro 6 direct injection spark ignition engine operating at speeds and throttle positions corresponding to the WLTC cycle. A sample of diluted exhaust was taken from two systems offering dynamic variation of dilution ratio to account for variable exhaust flow: a proportional sampling gravimetric system and from a rotating disc diluter. As expected, nucleation of ~10 nm particles took place at lower (10:1) dilution ratios, however, low dilution ratios may be necessary as the exposure duration is limited to a maximum of hours to several days. The highest particle losses - around 40 % - were in a membrane humidifier, a part of the effort to maintain incubator conditions of 37 C, 80-95 % relative humidity and around 5 % CO2 at the cells. Two types of cell cultures have been exposed over a period of 5 days, with daily exposure consisting of two runs of WLTC, first with a cold start, active cooling of the engine for two hours, and two additional runs of WLTC, with acceptable rate of cell survival. The compact design and choice of components offers a promise for implementation during common laboratory tests and also on the road.
Immunity to Radiated Electromagnetic Fields - Bulk Current Injection (BCI) Method
Authors:   Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards
Published: February 2020

This SAE Standard defines a method for evaluating the immunity of automotive electrical/electronic devices to radiated electromagnetic fields coupled to the vehicle wiring harness. The method, called bulk current injection (BCI), uses a current probe to inject RF onto the wiring harness in the frequency range of 1 to 400 MHz. BCI is one of a number of test methods that can be used to simulate the electromagnetic field.

The test method refers to ISO 11452-4 (please refer to ISO 11452-4 for test procedures).

In addition to ISO 11452-4, this test method also includes a differential bulk current injection (DBCI) test. DBCI is described in Section 4 of this document.
Downregulated expression of lncRNA TUBA4B predicts unfavorable prognosis and suppresses glioma progression by sponging miR-183 to regulate SMAD4 expression
Authors: Bao Xing-Na , Wang Shang-Wei , Li Yongfeng
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Accumulating evidence has proved that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in progression of glioma. Nevertheless, the role of TUBA4B in glioma remains unclear.

Material and methods

The expression of the target gene was measured by quantitative RT-PCR. The prognostic role of TUBA4B was analyzed by Meier survival analysis. Cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration and invasion were detected by MTS, soft agar colony forming assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay. The target interaction of the target gene was validated by the luciferase reporter assay, biotin pull-down assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation.

Results

We found that the expression of TUBA4B was lower in glioma tissues and cells. Moreover, patients with a low TUBA4B expression level exhibited poorer prognosis than those with high TUBA4B expression. Meanwhile, ROC analysis revealed that TUBA4B had diagnostic value to distinguish tumor patients from the healthy population. Overexpression of TUBA4B prohibited the malignancy of glioma, such as inhibition of proliferation, decrease of colony formation, arrest of the cell cycle, decline of migration and invasion, and promotion of cell apoptosis. In addition, we found that TUBA4B directly interacted with miR-183 and negatively regulated the expression of miR-183. We also observed that SMAD4 was a downriver target of miR-183 and TUBA4B subsequently exerted its tumor-suppressive effects by coordinating the expression of SMAD4 in glioma.

Conclusions

This study revealed for the first time that TUBA4B could be a tumor suppressor gene in glioma by adjustment of the TUBA4B/miR-183/SMAD4 axis, which may provide a useful prognostic biomarker and promising therapeutic target for glioma treatment.
miR-106a mimics the nuclear factor-B signalling pathway by targeting DR6 in rats with osteoarthritis
Authors: Cui Luping , Han Yongbin , Dong Zhijie
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common inflammatory joint disease characterised by progressive cartilage destruction. Management of this condition remains a significant challenge, and new therapies are required. We investigated the protective effects of miR-106a mimics in a murine model of OA.

Material and methods

This study was performed using both in vitro and in vivo OA models. Primary chondrocytes were isolated from female rats, with inflammation induced via treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Then the effects of a miR-106a mimic were examined based on the level of inflammatory cytokine production and apoptotic signalling following LPS stimulation. An in vivo rat model of OA was generated by injecting LPS into the anterior cruciate ligament, followed by treatment with miR-106a mimics. Then, inflammatory and apoptotic protein expression was assessed in the cartilage tissue.

Results

Treatment with miR-106a mimic reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic proteins in cartilage tissues following LPS-induced inflammation. Furthermore, the mimic ameliorated the expression of DR-6 mRNA and DR6, IB, and p65 proteins in chondrocytes. Similar effects were seen in the in vivo model, with the mimic attenuating expression of NF-B, p65, IB, and DR6 proteins and improving histopathological outcomes in the chondrocytes of OA rats.

Conclusions

Treatment with miR-106a mimic ameliorates inflammation in cartilage tissues of OA subjects by activating death receptor 6 via the NF-B signalling pathway.
MicroRNA-325 targets lipocalin 15 to suppress proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells
Authors: Liu Zhuangkai , Xu Hong , Li Xiang , Zhang Ruishan , Bai Jinghui , Zhang Xinfeng
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Recent studies have proved the diverse roles of miRs in different cancer-related processes. This study was undertaken to determine the therapeutic implications of miR-325-3p in breast cancer.

Material and methods

Expression analysis was carried out by qRT-PCR. Transfections were performed by Lipofectamine 2000 reagent. MTT assay was used for cell viability. Transwell assays were used for cell migration and invasion. Western blot analysis was used for protein expression analysis.

Results

Gene expression analysis revealed miR-325 to be significantly suppressed in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Nonetheless, ectopic expression of miR-325 resulted in suppression of the growth and colony development potential of the SK-BR-3 and CAMA-1 cells. Transwell assays showed that miR-325 overexpression also resulted in the decline of the migration and invasion of the SK-BR-3 and CAMA-1 cells. Bioinformatic analysis showed that miR-325 targets lipocalin 15 (LNC15) in breast cancer cells. LNC15 was also overexpressed in the breast cancer tissues and cell lines. However, overexpression of miR-325 caused a significant decline in the LNC15 expression in SK-BR-3 cells. Additionally, silencing of LNC15 resulted in inhibition of the growth, migration and invasion of the SK-BR-3 cells. Rescue assay showed that overexpression of LNC15 could promote the growth, migration and invasion of the miR-325 overexpressing effects.

Conclusions

Taken together, the evidence shows that miR-325 acts as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer and may be used in the treatment of breast cancer.
The impact on health-related quality of life of mixed mental and physical multimorbidity in adults aged 60 years and older: secondary analysis of primary care data
Authors: Prazeres Filipe , Santiago Luiz , Simões José
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Given the number of patients with mental conditions who receive treatment within the primary care (PC) context, and the high prevalence of multimorbidity (especially in older people), there is a need to study mental-physical multimorbidity (MPM) in this population and context. This study sought to identify the impact on health-related quality of life (QoL) of MPM in adults aged 60 years and older.

Material and methods

Secondary analysis of data derived from 251 primary health individuals. Data were collected via a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. Health-related QoL was assessed using the SF-12 instrument. Multiple linear regressions were performed for physical and mental health in MPM patients and in patients with physical-only multimorbidity.

Results

Mean age of participants was 70.6 years; 57.8% were female. Quali¬ty of life was lower in MPM patients than in those with physical-only multimorbidity. Regarding MPM patients, female sex, 75 years and over, and low income were associated with worse physical health. Female sex was also associated with worse mental health.

Conclusions

This study contributes to the global knowledge of MPM in older people, illuminates health-related QoL differences among MPM and physical- only multimorbidity patients, and highlights the importance of non-modi-fiable characteristics associated with deterioration of health-related QoL. Team collaboration between primary care physicians, psychiatrists (and other mental health providers), and social workers may be necessary to assess psychiatric and physical symptoms and provide for the care needs of older people with MPM.
Twelve-month clinical results from the new cobalt-chromium sirolimus-eluting dedicated bifurcation stent BiOSS LIM C Registry
Authors: Gil Robert J. , Kern Adam , Pawłowski Tomasz , Bil Jacek
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in bifurcations are still challenging and are associated with higher risks of periprocedural complications as well as restenosis and stent thrombosis. The aim of this paper was to summarize 12 months of clinical results of the prospective, first-in-man registry assessing the BiOSS LIM C stent (Balton, Poland).

Material and methods

In the prospective two-center registry we enrolled patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) and stable coronary artery disease. Provisional T-stenting was the default treatment strategy. The primary endpoint was defined as the rate of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI) and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) in 12-month follow-up.

Results

The study population consisted of 95 patients (mean age: 66.8 ±9.8 years, 17.9% were females). A BiOSS LIM C stent was implanted in the left main (LM) in 53 (55.8%) cases. There were 25.2% of patients with NSTE-ACS, 33.7% with diabetes, 90.5% with hypertension, and 53.7% had previous MI. The device success rate was 100%. An additional regular drug-eluting stent was deployed in the side branch in 18.9% of cases. Proximal optimization technique and final kissing balloon (FKB) technique were used in 53.7% and 30.5% of cases, respectively. MI type 4a was registered in 4 (4.2%) cases. At 12 months the MACE rate was 9.5%, cardiac death 1.1%, MI 2.1% and clinically driven TLR 6.3%. All incidents, apart from one TLR, appeared in the LM subgroup.

Conclusions

Our registry might suggest that PCI using the BiOSS LIM C in coronary bifurcations is feasible and might be an option for percutaneous revascularization.
Enoxolone suppresses apoptosis in chondrocytes and progression of osteoarthritis via modulating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway
Authors: Hong Gang
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory disorder of synovial joints which is mainly treated with therapeutic agents showing side effects associated with the gastrointestinal (GI) and metabolic system. Consequently, there is urgent need for a potent, safe and novel agent for treating OA and related disorders. Enoxolone is a pentacyclic triterpenoid obtained from the herb liquorice. Based on earlier findings, we postulated that enoxolone may produce chondroprotective activity by exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic and oxidative stress-decreasing effects.

Material and methods

The chondrocytes were extracted from the femoral head articular cartilage of healthy rats. Immunofluorescence staining was done for identification of chondrocytes. Cell viability and proliferation studies were done using Cell Counting Kit-8. Apoptotic cells were identified by TUNEL assay and flow cytometry analysis. Autophagy was assessed by monodansylcadaverine assay. Western blot analysis was done for expression of proteins.

Results

In the present study we investigated the protective effect of enoxolone on interleukin 1β (IL-1β) treated Iry chondrocytes in vitro. Treatment with IL-1β resulted in a significant reduction in cell viability of cells in increasing dose and time. Treatment with enoxolone along with IL-1β caused a significant decrease in growth inhibition. Also, enoxolone inhibited the IL-1β mediated apoptosis and activation of caspase-3 in cells. We also observed that enoxolone elevated the levels of p-ERK1/2, light chain 3 (LC3)-II and Beclin-1 (autophagy markers) in chondrocytes. The expression of (LC3)-II and Beclin-1 was decreased when the cells were treated with U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that enoxolone could suppress inflammatory signaling and apoptosis via the ERK1/2 pathway in chondrocytes.
mRNA-103 inhibition attenuates autophagy and inflammation in myocardial infarction by regulating the TLR4 pathway
Authors: Li Fan , Ma XiaoHui , Liu Tong , Wang Yang , Xie Xin , Xin Yi , Cheng Kang
Published: February 2020

Introduction

This investigation determined the cardioprotective activity of mRNA-103 inhibitor against myocardial infarction (MI) and also evaluated its molecular mechanism.

Material and methods

MI was induced in rats by inducing myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R), and left ventricular (LV) mRNA-103 (1 × 107 TU) was injected into the myocardium around the infarcted area. The effect of mRNA-103 inhibitor was assessed by determining the levels of myocardial enzymes and cytokines in the serum, the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and the levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor κ-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and MyD88 mRNAs in the myocardial tissues of MI rats. Immunocytochemical analysis and a histopathology study were also performed.

Results

The levels of myocardial enzymes and cytokines were lower in the mRNA-103 inhibitor-treated group than in the group in which the only treatment was the induction of MI. There was a lower percentage of infarcted area and a lower apoptosis index in the mRNA-103 inhibitor-treated group compared to the MI-only. The levels of TLR4, NF-B, and MyD88 mRNAs were lower in the myocardial tissues of the mRNA-103 inhibitor-treated group than in the MI-only group. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that treatment with mRNA-103 inhibitor ameliorated the expression of TLR4 in the myocardial tissues of MI rats.

Conclusions

The data revealed that inhibition by mRNA-103 protects against myocardial injury in MI rats by regulating the inflammasome pathway.
Bourdieu in de buurt: Sociale klassendebat en de klassenstructuur van Rotterdam
Authors: Custers Gijs , Engbersen Godfried
Published: February 2020

Studies by Savage et al. (2013) and Vrooman, Gijsberts and Boelhouwer (2014) introduce new class typologies that combine Bourdieu’s work with latent class analysis. This paper identifies this new research approach as Bourdieusian latent class analysis. We discuss the role of these studies within the social class debate and we review the merits and limitations of this approach. In addition, we show how the class structure of Rotterdam can be empirically established by studying the distribution of economic, social and cultural capital. We use the Neighbourhood Profile data (N = 14,040; 71 neighbourhoods) to develop a class typology that includes eight social groups. This class typology complements conventional indicators of neighbourhood socioeconomic status and can be used to study ‘social mix’ and gentrification.
Dagcrème voor mannen, bier voor vrouwen: Voorbij genderstereotypen in reclame?
Authors: Bicqué Dagmar , Houtman Dick
Published: February 2020

This paper studies representations of gender in television commercials that advertise products like beer and cosmetics to the gender they are traditionally not associated with. More specifically the question is whether, as literature about advertising and gender suggests, such commercials do indeed break with traditional gender stereotypes. A qualitative content analysis of ten commercials of this type reveals that this is not the case. Precisely because they need to try and bring about recognition and positive appreciation among the new target group, these commercials rather reproduce traditional gender stereotypes. So just like in ‘ordinary’ commercials men are represented here, too, as confident, active and interested in functionality, and women as insecure, passive and interested in aesthetics.
Gepopulariseerde cultuur, ritueel en het maken van erfgoed
Authors: Stengs Irene
Published: February 2020

The global interest in the search for and rescue of the Thai youth football team ‘the Wild Boars’, or the nationwide interest in the non-stop fundraising swimming-tour of Dutch swimmer Maarten van der Weijden, are examples of what in this lecture is called high density events: intense, often emotional occurrences, of an almost entertainment-like character, followed continuously by many. High density events shape and articulate ideas about who belong or do not belong to the (national) community. During such events, cultural forms, objects and practices are popularized, transferred and exchanged at a high pace, processes in which virtually anybody may become involved. Taking high-density events as object of research implies a focus on the making of heritage. In the repetitious, ritualized contexts of such events, certain cultural forms, practices and objects may become magnified and sacralised, to become heritage. Although any object or practice may be made heritage, the analysis should situate this making in its societal context, asking such questions as who were involved in the selection process, and why certain practices or objects are self-evidently attributed a heritage status and others not. With cultural identity becoming an ever more explicitly political issue, research into the making of heritage is the more urgent.
Migranten van het eerste uur: Een verloren generatie op leeftijd?
Authors: Fokkema Tineke
Published: February 2020

Scholarly attention for the position of older Moroccan and Turkish migrants has been rising in recent years. The focus lies on their relatively high vulnerability, as compared to non-migrant older Dutch their financial situation and living conditions are less comfortable and they have more physical and psychosocial health problems. Still, they have benefited from taking the step to migrate. Compared to age peers in the home country they are more prosperous and have access to better medical care, their (grand)children can look forward to a better future, and there is more space for personal freedom here. Moreover, the general picture of vulnerability does not do justice to the many older Moroccan and Turkish migrants who do have the right resources to grow old in a resilient manner. There is also increasing attention for the best type of care for those who need it the most. The dominant norm within the Moroccan and Turkish communities of children being their parents’ caregivers is increasingly clashing with the busy professional and family lives of the informal carers. One has to learn to accept that informal care is not always the only good or even the most suitable type of care. The current problem is that although there are culture-specific and multicultural (residential) care facilities, these are not enough to meet future care demands. Structurally fostering cultural sensitivity in regular care institutions is really needed too. A hallmark showing that migrant-friendly policies are being implemented can speed up this process.
Sociologisch denken is nooit gemakkelijk
Authors: de Olde Clemens
Published: February 2020

Boekbespreking van: Mark van Ostaijen (2018) Wij zijn ons: Een kleine sociologie van grote denkers.
Revisiting the Eastonian Framework on Political Support: Assessing Different Measures of Regime Support in Mainland China
Authors: Lu Jie , Dickson Bruce
Published: February 2020

Easton’s framework for theorizing political support continues to be influential for pertinent research. However, due to the complexity of Easton’s arguments, there is some confusion on how to classify and measure political support in existing research. Building upon Easton’s arguments, we propose a two-dimensional cognitive framework to examine political support, which not only adequately captures Easton’s essential arguments but also effectively incorporates recent findings in cognitive psychology. Using the framework and multiple national surveys, we assess different instruments widely used to measure regime support in China. We clarify some confusion in the operationalization of political support, establish the salience of institutional settings in shaping its latent structure, assess key survey instruments of regime support, and offer guidelines on how to appropriately interpret related findings.
Shipping emissions in the Iberian Peninsula and its impacts on air quality
Authors: Nunes Rafael A. O. , Alvim-Ferraz Maria C. M. , Martins Fernando G. , Calderay-Cayetano Fátima , Durán-Grados Vanessa , Moreno-Gutiérrez Juan , Jalkanen Jukka-Pekka , Hannuniemi Hanna , Sousa Sofia I. V.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Marine traffic has been identified as a relevant source of pollutants, which cause known negative effects on air quality. The Iberian Peninsula is a central point in the connection of shipping traffic between the Americas and Africa and the rest of Europe. To estimate the effects of shipping emissions inland and around the Iberian Peninsula, EMEP MSC-W model was run considering and not considering shipping emissions (obtained with STEAM3 model). Total estimated emissions of CO, CO2, SOx, NOx and particulate matter (subdivided in elementary carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), sulphate and ash) for the study domain in 2015 were, respectively, 49 ktonnes y-1, 30000 ktonnes y-1, 360 ktonnes y-1, 710 ktonnes y-1, 4.5 ktonnes y-1, 11 ktonnes y-1, 32 ktonnes y-1 and 3.3 ktonnes y-1. Shipping emissions increased SO2 and NO2 concentrations especially near port areas and also increased the O3, sulphate, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations around all over the Iberian Peninsula coastline (especially in the south coastal region). Shipping emissions were responsible for exceedances of WHO air quality guideline for PM2.5 in areas far from the coastline, which confirms that shipping emissions can contribute negatively to air quality, both in coastal and in inland areas.
Resolving the timescales of magmatic and hydrothermal processes
associated with porphyry deposit formation using zircon U-Pb
petrochronology
Authors: Large Simon J. E. , Wotzlaw Jörn F. , Guillong Marcel , von Quadt Albrecht , Heinrich Christoph A.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Understanding the formation of economically important porphyry-Cu-Au deposits requires the knowledge of the magmatic-to-hydrothermal processes that act within the much larger underlying magmatic system and the timescales on which they occur. We apply high-precision zircon geochronology (CA-ID-TIMS) and spatially resolved zircon geochemistry (LA-ICP-MS) to constrain the magmatic evolution of the magma reservoir at the Pliocene Batu Hijau porphyry-Cu-Au deposit. We then use this extensive dataset to assess the accuracy and precision of different U-Pb dating methods of the same zircon crystals. Emplacement of the oldest pre- to syn-ore tonalite (3.736 ± 0.023 Ma) and the youngest tonalite porphyry cutting economic Cu-Au mineralisation (3.646 ± 0.022 Ma) is determined by the youngest zircon grain from each sample, which constrains the duration of metal precipitation to less than 90 ± 32 kyr. Overlapping spectra of single zircon crystallisation ages and their trace element distributions from the pre-, syn and post-ore tonalite porphyries reveal protracted zircon crystallisation together with apatite and plagioclase within the same magma reservoir over > 300 kyr. The presented petrochronological data constrains a protracted early > 200 kyr interval of melt differentiation and cooling within a large heterogeneous magma reservoir leading up to ore formation, followed by magma storage in a highly crystalline state and chemical and thermal stability over several 10s of kyr. Irregular trace element systematics suggest magma recharge or underplating during this final short time interval. The comparison of high precision CA-ID-TIMS results with in-situ U-Pb geochronology data from the same zircon grains allows a comparison of the applicability of each technique as a tool to constrain dates and rates on different geological timescales. All techniques provide accurate dates with variable precision. Highly precise dates derived by the calculation of the weighted mean and standard error of the mean of zircon dates obtained by in-situ techniques can lead to significantly older suggested emplacement ages than those determined by high-precision CA-ID-TIMS geochronology. This lack in accuracy of the weighted means is due to the protracted nature of zircon crystallisation in upper crustal magma reservoirs, suggesting that standard errors should not be used as a mean to describe the uncertainty in those circumstances. Thus, geologically rapid events or processes or the tempo of magma evolution are too fast to be reliably resolved by in-situ U-Pb geochronology and require ID-TIMS geochronology.