bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Graft modification of carboxymethyl chitosan with styrene and its biological applications
Authors: Abdel Gawad Omayma F. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) is a water-soluble chitosan derivative and it has been widely used in biomedical applications due to its unique properties. Modification of CMCh by graft copolymerization with different monomers is done in order to enhance its applications.

Results
Graft copolymerization of styrene (S) onto CMCh using ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator was successfully done with optimization of grafting parameters. The new materials were prepared in nano size. The antibacterial activities against Streptococcus pneumonia (RCMB 010010), Staphylococcus aureus (RCMB 010028) as Gram-positive and Escherichia coli (RCMB 010052) as Gram-negative bacteria and antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigates (RCMB 02568), Candida albicans (RCMB 05036), Syncephalastrum racemosum (RCMB 05922), and Geotricum candidum (RCMB 05097) were examined using the diffusion agar technique. Also, the cytotoxicity effect against mammalian cell lines (MCF-7cells (human breast cancer) and HTC-116 (colon carcinoma)) was evaluated.

Conclusions
The obtained data proved that grafted carboxymethyl chitosan with styrene (CMCh-g-S) shows better antimicrobial activities, while parent carboxymethyl chitosan showed higher activity than new grafted materials. Also the nano scaled grafted CMCh showed higher activities than grafted carboxymetyl chitosan in macro scale.
Knockdown of lncRNA BLACAT1 enhances radiosensitivity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells by regulating PSEN1
Authors: Gou Caixia , Han Pengbing , Li Jin , Gao Liying , Ji Xuejuan , Dong Fang , Su Qun , Zhang Yanping , Liu Xiaofeng 
Published: January 2020

Objective:
This work focused on the function role and underlying mechanism of BLACAT1 in regulating the radiosensitivity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells via PSEN1.

Methods:
BLACAT1 and PSEN1 expression in HNSCC tissues and cells were measured by qRT-PCR. Kaplan–Meier method and Spearman’s correlation analysis determined the prognostic roles and association of BLCAT1 and PSEN1 in HNSCC. The impacts of BLACAT1 and PSEN1, alone and in combination, on radiosensitivity of HNSCC cells were separately assessed through CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, western blot and γH2AX foci staining assays.

Results:
Our study disclosed that BLACAT1 and PSEN1 were both in association with poor prognosis and radioresistance of HNSCC cells. BLACAT1 knockdown improved the radiosensitivity of HNSCC cells by changing cellular activities containing repressed cell viability, accelerated cell apoptosis, induced cell cycle arrest, and stimulated DNA damage response. Further, we found that PSEN1 was positively correlated with BLACAT1. Rescue assays confirmed that BLACAT1 regulated the radiosensitivity of HNSCC cells by modulating PSEN1.

Conclusion:
We revealed that BLACAT1 knockdown enhanced radioresistance of HNSCC cells via regulating PSEN1, exposing the probable target role of BLACAT1 in HNSCC.

Advances in knowledge:
This was the first time that the pivotal role of BLACAT1 was investigated in HNSCC, which provided a novel therapeutic direction for HNSCC patients.
The effect of anaemia on normal tissue toxicity and survival outcomes in prostate cancer treated with radical radiotherapy and neo-adjuvant androgen deprivation
Authors: Keenan Lorna G. , Ibrahim Nazir , Dunne Mary T. , Finn Marie , Armstrong John G. 
Published: January 2020

Objective:
It has been established that survival and toxicity outcomes in some cancer types could be influenced by haemoglobin (Hb) levels. This study aims to determine if pre-treatment Hb is associated with late toxicity or survival outcomes in prostate cancer.

Methods:
Data from one Phase III randomised controlled trial and one single arm translational trial were analysed. Patients had localized prostate cancer and received ≥70 Gy radiotherapy and neo-adjuvant androgen deprivation between 1997 and 2013.

Results:
302 males were included. Median follow-up was 6.8 years for toxicity and 10.3 years for survival outcomes. Patients with Hb below the reference range were more likely to experience Grade 2–3 late gastrointestinal toxicity than patients with Hb within the range (p = 0.050). Neither late genitourinary toxicity, erectile function toxicity, prostate-specific antigen relapse free survival nor overall survival of patients were statistically significantly different between groups.

Conclusion:
Anaemia in prostate cancer is found in the minority of patients and is usually mild. Prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy with low Hb were more likely to experience Grade 2–3 late gastrointestinal toxicity.

Advances in knowledge:
This study is one of the first in the published literature to investigate the role of Hb in prostate cancer toxicity and survival. We have found an association between Hb below the reference range and late GI toxicity. Consideration should be given to further investigating patients with iron deficiency anaemia to guide management options and outrule underlying GI pathology before proceeding with radiotherapy treatment.
Dual energy CT: a step ahead in brain and spine imaging
Authors: Nair Jaykumar Raghavan , Burrows Claire , Jerome Sue , Ribeiro Luciana , Larrazabal Ramiro , Gupta Rajiv , Yu Eugene 
Published: January 2020

Objective:
The purpose of this pictorial essay is to illustrate the utility of dual energy CT as an adjunct or alternative to routine single energy CT (SECT) scan of the brain and spine in emergency neuroradiology practice.

Conclusion:
Dual energy CT can be used as a problem-solving tool in brain and spine imaging. It enables one to make a confident and accurate diagnosis for a variety of clinical conditions thereby impacting patient management.
New Mediterranean Biodiversity Records 2019
Authors: DRAGIČEVIĆ BRANCO , ANADOLI OLGA , ANGEL DROR , BENABDI MOULOUD , BITAR GHAZI , CASTRIOTA LUCA , CROCETTA FABIO , DEIDUN ALAN , DULČIĆ JAKOV , EDELIST DOR , GEROVASILEIOU VASILIS , GIACOBBE SALVATORE , GORUPPI ALENKA , GUY-HAIM TAMAR , KONSTANTINIDIS EVANGELOS , KUPLIK ZAFRIR , LANGENECK JOACHIM , MACALI ARMANDO , MANITARAS IOANNIS , MICHAILIDIS NIKOLAS , MICHALOUDI EVANGELIA , OVALIS PANAYOTIS , PERDIKARIS COSTAS , PILLON ROBERTO , PIRAINO STEFANO , RENDA WALTER , RIZGALLA JAMILA , SPINELLI ANDREA , TEMPESTI JONATHAN , TIRALONGO FRANCESCO , TIRELLI VALENTINA , TSIAMIS KONSTANTINOS , TURAN CEMAL , UYGUR NECDET , ZAVA BRUNO , ZENETOS ARGYRO 
Published: January 2020

This paper is a collection of novel distributional records of 20 species belonging to 8 phyla (Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta, Cnidaria, Ctenophora, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda and Chordata) from 11 Mediterranean countries, namely, Spain: an additional record of the Canary dentex Dentex canariensis is reported from Spain (Valencia), this is the northernmost record of this species in the Mediterranean; Algeria: the first documented record of Caulerpa chemnitzia is reported from the Algerian coast; France: the first record of the Spotted sea hare Aplysia dactylomela is reported from the eastern coast of Corsica; Italy: the first records of the Lessepsian polychaete Dorvillea similis and the alien bivalve Isognomon legumen are reported from Italian waters while additional records of Mnemiopsis leidyi in the south Adriatic are provided; Libya: the first record of an alien mollusc Crepidula fornicata is reported from Libyan waters; Malta: multiple sightings of gelatinous species Apolemia uvaria, Phacellophora camtschatica and Physophora hydrostatica are reported for the first time from Maltese waters, as well as the first tentative record of the Orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus cfr. coioides; Greece: an occurrence of a rare Bigeye thresher shark Alopias superciliosus is reported from Hellenic Ionian waters, while the first records of the alien Mertens’ prawn-goby Vanderhorstia mertensi, the recently described cyclopoid copepod Oithona davisae and the alien red seaweed Asparagopsis armata are reported from the Aegean Sea. The presence of the micromollusc Euthymella colzumensis is confirmed for Greece; Cyprus: the first record of the red cornetfish Fistularia petimba is reported from Cyprus; Turkey: the first record of the alien jellyfish Marivagia stellata is reported from south-eastern Turkey; Israel: the first records of the sea nettle Chrysaora sp. in the Levant are reported.
Preliminary in vitro antimicrobial potential and phytochemicals study of some medical plants
Authors: Nwonuma Charles O. , Adelani-Akande Tabitha A. , Osemwegie Omorefosa O. , Olaniran Abiola F. , Adeyemo Toluwani A. 
Published: January 2020

Background: Plants in traditional healthcare services in West Africa were selected based on ethnobotanical data for this study. Aqueous and ethanol extracts from these plants’ parts were comparatively screened for phytochemicals and in vitro antimicrobial activity. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of five medicinal plants’ extracts (aqueous and ethanol) were evaluated against Proteus mirabilis (LHC201), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (LHC181) and Aspergillus fumigates (LUML56) using the agar-well diffusion protocol. Retailed chloramphenicol and griseofulvin were used as positive controls respectively. Phytochemicals and percentage yield were determined by modified standard methods. Results: The target bacteria showed varied degrees of susceptibility to both aqueous and ethanol extracts. A. fumigates was insensitive to the treatments. The ethanol extracts of the sampled plants’ parts showed better inhibitory performance against the target bacteria compared to aqueous extracts. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Aframomum melegueta, Moringa oleifera and Cola nitida showed marginal difference in inhibitory activity with higher inhibition zones observed for the ethanol extracts of A. melegueta seed and M. oleifera pod against the target bacteria. Phytochemicals composition and density observed in extractants and plants’ parts also varied. Phenols were detected in both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. nitida and C. acuminata, but appeared relatively richer in extracts of A. melegueta seeds and C. albidium fruits. C. nitida, C. acuminate and A. melegueta extracts were positive for flavonoids which were undetected in C. albidium fruits, M. oleifera seeds and pod extracts. No single extract had all the phytochemicals assayed. Conclusions: Screened extracts of medicinal plants’ parts used for this study showed promise antibacterial and resource for developing safer pharmaceutics. Optimization of the antibacterial potential of the extracts for commercial exploitation requires further studies. This study has provided information on the antibacterial property of C. albidum fruits which was hitherto underutilized for traditional medicine purpose.
Burden and risk factors for snakebite in India: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Bhaumik Soumyadeep , Norton Robyn , Jagnoor Jagnoor 
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Snakebites are a neglected tropical disease with a high burden in South and South-East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a roadmap which aims for a 50% reduction in death and disability due to snakebite globally by 2030. It is estimated that India has the highest number of snakebite deaths in the world. Objective: To synthesize evidence on the burden (incidence/ prevalence, mortality, morbidity, health facility and economic), and risk factors for snakebite in India. Methods: We will search for peer-reviewed literature and grey literature in six electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, PsychInfo, CENTRAL, SafetyLit) and hand-search IndMed, conference abstracts, relevant websites and citation tracking. Two reviewers will screen and extract data independently with a third reviewer acting as an arbiter for any inconsistencies. Quality of the included studies will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. For burden, data from facility based and community-based studies will be synthesised and reported separately, except in the case of studies conducted concurrently. We will conduct narrative analyses with the aim of understanding patterns in data through tabulation for both burden and risk factors evidence synthesis. The PROGRESS Plus lens will be used to explore equity pertaining to burden of snakebites. Analyses for each individual risk factor-outcome pair will be conducted and reported separately. If appropriate, meta-analyses will be conducted as per JBI guidelines, assessing heterogeneity using Tau-squared, Cochran’s Q test and Chi-squared (p > 0.05) tests. We plan to conduct sub-group analyses based on setting, study design, sex/gender, age-groups, tribal people and occupation. A funnel plot will be generated if there are more than nine studies included in a specific meta-analysis, to assess publication bias. Asymmetry of the funnel plot will be adjudged using the Egger, Begg and Harbord tests.
Cirkuške koreografije teles in predmetov
Authors: Arhar Nika 
Published: January 2020

Povzetek
Prispevek se refleksije 12. festivala novega cirkusa in sodobne klovnade Klovnbuf loteva skozi prizmo značaja sodobnega cirkusa in njegove izmuzljive lege znotraj sodobnih uprizoritvenih praks. Po kratkem pregledu razvoja, ki sooblikuje današnji kontekst, se analiza uprizoritev osredotoča predvsem na tiste tendence, ki v svoje izvajanje vključujejo kritično mišljenje in raziskovanje lastne forme, sredstva (izurjenega cirkuškega telesa) ter njunih pogojev in s koreografskimi pristopi širijo perspektive tega umetniškega polja. Naslavlja tudi problematiko umestitve sodobnega cirkusa v lokalnem okolju z ozkim krogom akterjev, izvedbeno zahtevnostjo, produkcijsko ranljivostjo in šibkim strokovnim diskurzom.
Dangerous promises
Authors: Smole Simon 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The article aims to look at the current Serbian theatre scene from several perspectives; in addition to its poetic and culturological level, it highlights the relations of domination in theatre and, more broadly, within the transitional and post-transitional cultural model of Serbia. It finds the novelty of the so-called »new Serbian drama« in its break with the Serbian theatre tradition and its representational and aesthetic conventions, while at the same time taking a critical stance on the lack of changes to the paradigm of how theatre works (its manners of directing, acting, organization and production).
Maja Smrekar: K-9_topology
Authors: Smrekar Eva 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

K-9_topology, a unit of four art projects created by Maja Smrekar, deals with relevant problems of contemporary society. The cohesive thread which serves as a link between the dramaturgy of every single project is a state of becoming: becoming-animal, becoming-Other. It deals with Deleuzian idea of desubjectivation, social constructs of humanity and interspecies interaction. The basis of her artistic narrative is her own background and special attachment to dogs, which perform as the main actors of K-9_topology. Her projects are an answer to the hopeless state of the Anthropocene. The article aims to deepen the discussion, brought by Maja Smrekar.
Oncomir MicroRNA-346 Is Upregulated in Colons of Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Kempinska-Podhorodecka Agnieszka , Blatkiewicz Malgorzata , Wunsch Ewa , Krupa Lukasz , Gutkowski Krzysztof , Milkiewicz Piotr , Milkiewicz Malgorzata 
Published: January 2020

INTRODUCTION:
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a cholestatic liver disorder that is frequently associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). Patients with PSC and UC (PSC-UC) have a higher risk of colorectal neoplasia compared with patients with UC. The oncogenic properties of microRNA-346 (miR-346) have been recently reported. We investigated the expression of miR-346 and its 2 target genes, the receptor of vitamin D (VDR), and the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which are known to modulate carcinogenesis.

METHODS:
Ascending and sigmoid colon biopsies were obtained from patients with PSC, PSC and UC (PSC-UC), UC, and healthy controls (n = 10 in each group). Expressions of VDR, TNF-α, 18S RNA, p27Kip1, miR-346, and reference microRNA, miR-191, were evaluated by real-time PCR using human TaqMan Gene Expression and TaqMan MicroRNA Assays. Functional studies with miR-346 mimic and inhibitor were conducted in HepG2 and Caco-2 cells. The effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on miR-346 expression was examined in Caco-2 cells.

RESULTS:
An increased expression of miR-346 in the ascending colon of PSC-UC was observed (P < 0.001 vs all groups). In patients with UC, an exceptionally low colonic expression of miRNA-346 was accompanied by the extensive upregulation of VDR and TNF-α genes. A functional in vitro analysis demonstrated that inhibition of miR-346 resulted in the upregulation of VDR and TNF-α, whereas the induction of miR-346 activity suppressed VDR, TNF-α, and p27Kip1.

DISCUSSION:
The upregulation of miRNA-346 in the colon of patients with PSC may be responsible for the disturbance of VDR and TNF-α signaling pathway, which could result in an inadequate suppression of neoplasia.
Application of Behavioral Economics Principles Improves Participation in Mailed Outreach for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Bakr Omar , Afsar-Manesh Nasim , Raja Naveen , Dermenchyan Anna , Goldstein Noah J. , Shu Suzanne B. , May Folasade P. 
Published: January 2020

INTRODUCTION:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in the United States. Although various interventions have improved screening rates, they often require abundant resources and can be difficult to implement. Social psychology and behavioral economics principles offer an opportunity for low-cost and easy-to-implement strategies but are less common in clinical settings.

METHODS:
We randomized 2,000 patients aged 50–75 years eligible for CRC screening to one of the 2 mailed interventions: a previously used text-based letter describing and offering fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) and colonoscopy (usual care arm); or a letter leveraging social psychology and behavioral economics principles (e.g., implied scarcity and choice architecture), minimal text, and multiple images to offer FIT and colonoscopy (intervention arm). We compared total screening uptake, FIT uptake, and colonoscopy uptake at 1-month intervals in each group.

RESULTS:
There were 1,882 patients included in the final analysis. The mean age was 69.3 years, and baseline characteristics in the 2 groups were similar. Screening completion at 26 weeks was 19.5% in the usual care arm (16.3% FIT vs 3.2% colonoscopy, P < 0.01) and 24.1% in the intervention arm (22.1% FIT vs 2.0% colonoscopy, P < 0.01) (P = 0.02).

DISCUSSION:
Among primary care patients aged 50–75 years in an academic setting, mailed CRC outreach employing social psychology and behavioral economics principles led to a higher participation in CRC screening than usual care mailed outreach.

TRANSLATIONAL IMPACT:
Mailed interventions to increase CRC screening should incorporate social psychology and behavioral economics principles to improve participation.
Effects of High-Fiber Diets and Macronutrient Substitution on Bloating: Findings From the OmniHeart Trial
Authors: Zhang Mingyu , Juraschek Stephen P. , Appel Lawrence J. , Pasricha Pankaj Jay , Miller Edgar R. , Mueller Noel T. 
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVES:
To examine the effects of high-fiber, isocaloric, macronutrient substitutions on bloating.

METHODS:
The OmniHeart study is a randomized 3-period crossover feeding trial conducted from April 2003 to June 2005. Participants were provided 3 isocaloric versions of high-fiber (∼30 g per 2,100 kcal) diet, each different in carbohydrate, protein, and unsaturated fat composition. Each feeding period lasted for 6 weeks with a 2- to 4-week washout period between diets. Participants reported the presence and severity of bloating at baseline (participants were eating their own diet) and at the end of each feeding period.

RESULTS:
One hundred sixty-four participants were included in the analysis (mean age: 53.1 years; 45% women; 55% black). The prevalence of bloating at baseline and at the end of the carbohydrate-rich, protein-rich, and unsaturated fat-rich diet period was 18%, 24%, 33%, and 30%, respectively. Compared with baseline, the relative risk of bloating for the carbohydrate-rich, protein-rich, and unsaturated fat-rich high-fiber diet was 1.34 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93, 1.92), 1.78 (95% CI: 1.32, 2.40), and 1.63 (95% CI: 1.17, 2.26), respectively. The protein-rich diet increased the risk of bloating more than the carbohydrate-rich diet (relative risk = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.88). Bloating did not significantly vary between protein-rich vs unsaturated fat-rich or unsaturated fat-rich vs carbohydrate-rich diets. Black participants compared with non-black participants had a higher risk of bloating after all 3 versions of the high-fiber OmniHeart diet (P-value for interaction = 0.012).

DISCUSSION:
Substitution of protein with carbohydrate may be an effective strategy to decrease bloating among individuals experiencing gastrointestinal bloating from a high-fiber diet.
Delivered by Midwives
Authors: Luke Jenny M. 
Published: January 2020

Delivering babies was merely one aspect of the broad role of African American midwives in the twentieth-century South. Yet little has been written about the type of care they provided, or how midwifery and maternity care evolved under the increasing presence of local and federal health care structures. Using evidence from nursing, medical, and public health journals of the era; primary sources from state and county departments of health; and personal accounts from varied practitioners, Delivered by Midwives: African American Midwifery in the Twentieth-Century South provides a new perspective on the childbirth experience of African American women and their maternity care providers during the twentieth century. Moving beyond the usual racial dichotomy, the monograph exposes a more complex shift in childbirth culture to reveal the changing expectations and agency of African American women in their rejection of a two-tier maternity care system, and their demands to be part of an inclusive, desegregated society. This book identifies valuable aspects of a maternity care model that were discarded in the name of progress. Today concern about maternal mortality and persistent racial disparities have forced a reassessment of maternity care and elements of the long-abandoned care model are being reincorporated into modern practice, answering current health care dilemmas by heeding lessons from the past.