bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) enhances androgen receptor splice variant (ARv7) and drives androgen-independent growth in prostate cancer
Authors: Alhawas Lama , Amin Karishma S , Salla Bharath , Banerjee Partha P 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Despite impressive advances in the treatment of prostate cancer with various efficacious inhibitors along the androgen/androgen receptor axis, eventual development of incurable metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) is inevitable and remains a major clinical challenge. Constitutively active androgen receptor (AR) spliced variants have emerged as primary means of resistance to anti-androgens and androgen synthesis inhibitors. The alternatively spliced AR variant, ARv7, has attracted significant interest due to its constitutively active status in CRPC that drives androgen-independence. Factors that are involved in regulating ARv7 levels in CRPC are not clearly known. We recently demonstrated that a protein kinase, T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) level correlates with the aggressiveness of prostate cancer and its invasive behavior. In this study, we investigated whether TOPK plays a role in driving androgen-independence in prostate cancer cells. Our data demonstrate that TOPK overexpression in androgen-dependent LNCaP and VCaP induces ARv7 and drives androgen-independent growth. On the other hand, pharmacological inhibition of TOPK in androgen-independent LNCaP95 and 22Rv1 represses AR transactivation, and AR stability. In summary, this study illustrates a direct role of TOPK in regulating ARv7 and driving androgen-independence in prostate cancer cells.
Infective endocarditis complicating COVID-19 pneumonia: a case report
Authors: Spinoni Enrico Guido , Degiovanni Anna , Della Corte Francesco , Patti Giuseppe 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
During the COVID-19 outbreak, cardiovascular imaging, especially transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), may expose healthcare personnel to virus contamination and should be performed only if strictly necessary. On the other hand, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and TOE represent the first-line imaging exams for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE). To date, this is the first case of COVID-19 complicated by IE.

Case summary
We present the case of a 57-year-old man with severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation. During the intensive care unit (ICU) stay, he developed fever and positive haemocoltures for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. TTE did not identify endocardial vegetations. TOE was then performed and outlined IE of the aortic valve on the non-coronary cusp. Antibiotic therapy was given with progressive resolution of the septic state and improvement of inflammatory signs. After 30 days of ICU stay, the patient was transferred to the Sub-ICU and then to a rehabilitation hospital. A close follow-up has been scheduled: after full recovery, a new echocardiography will be performed (TTE and TOE, if the former is non-conclusive) to consider surgical valve repair in the case of persistence/progression of the valvular lesion or deterioration of the valve function.

Discussion
In COVID-19 patients, echocardiography remains the leading imaging exam for the diagnosis of IE. If the suspicion of IE is high, even in this setting of patients, TTE or TOE (if TTE is non-conclusive) are mandatory. A high degree of attention must be paid and appropriate preventive measures taken to avoid contamination of healthcare personnel.
Zinc finger proteins in the host-virus interplay: multifaceted functions based on their nucleic acid-binding property
Authors: Wang Guanming , Zheng Chunfu 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) are a huge family comprised of massive, structurally diverse proteins characterized by zinc ion coordinating. They engage in the host-virus interplay in-depth and occupy a significant portion of the host antiviral arsenal. Nucleic acid-binding is the basic property of certain ZFPs, which draws increasing attention due to their immense influence on viral infections. ZFPs exert multiple roles on the viral replications and host cell transcription profiles by recognizing viral genomes and host mRNAs. Their roles could be either antiviral or proviral and were separately discussed. Our review covers the recent research progress and provides a comprehensive understanding of ZFPs in antiviral immunity based on their DNA/RNA binding property.
Refrigeration temperature enhanced synergistic interaction of curcumin and 460 nm light-emitting diode against Staphylococcus saprophyticus at neutral pH
Authors: Wang Ziyuan , Han Lin , Liu Jie , Yao Mingfei 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objectives
As considered highly resistant to antibiotics like mecillinam, the rise of Staphylococcus saprophyticus (S. saprophyticus) contamination of fresh foods and food processing environments necessitates the development of a new antimicrobial approach for food safety control. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of food-grade curcumin (CUR) and blue light-emitting diode (LED) on S. saprophyticus.

Materials and Methods
S. saprophyticus was subjected to the synergistic treatment at 4 and 25 °C. The influence of parameters, including CUR concentration, light dose, and pH incubation time on the inactivation of S. saprophyticus was characterized through plate counting method.

Results:
The combined treatment of CUR and blue light irradiation significantly (P &lt; 0.05) reduced bacterial counts and the antimicrobial effect was in a CUR concentration and light dose-dependent manner. Moreover, refrigeration temperature (4 °C) significantly (P &lt; 0.05) enhanced the antibacterial effect at neutral pH condition (6.2–7.2), resulting in approximately 6.0 log reductions. Under acidic condition (pH 2.2–5.2), there was no significant difference in bacterial population reduction between treatments at both temperatures.

Conclusions
These findings proposed that synergistic interaction of CUR and 460 nm LED under refrigerated temperature could enhance the inactivation of S. saprophyticus at neutral pH condition.
An adaptive BDF2 implicit time-stepping method for the phase field crystal model
Authors: Liao Hong-lin , Ji Bingquan , Zhang Luming 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
An adaptive BDF2 implicit time-stepping method is analyzed for the phase field crystal model. The suggested method is proved to preserve a modified energy dissipation law at the discrete levels when the time-step ratios satisfy $r_k:=\tau _k/\tau _{k-1}&lt;3.561$, which is the zero-stability restriction of the variable-step BDF2 scheme for ordinary differential equations. With the help of discrete orthogonal convolution kernels and corresponding convolution inequalities, an optimal $L^2$ norm error estimate is established under the weak step-ratio restriction $0&lt;r_k&lt;3.561$ to ensure energy stability. As far as we know, this is the first time that such an error estimate is theoretically proved for a nonlinear parabolic equation. Based on tests on random temporal meshes an effective adaptive time-stepping strategy is suggested to efficiently capture the multi-scale behavior and accelerate the numerical simulations.
Beyond Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: Developing Drugs from the Microbiome
Authors: Gerardin Ylaine , Timberlake Sonia , Allegretti Jessica R , Smith Mark B , Kassam Zain 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe transfer of live gut microbes may transform patient care across a range of autoimmune, metabolic, hepatic, and infectious diseases. One early approach, fecal microbiota transplantation, has shown promise in Clostridiodes difficile infection and the potential for improving clinical and public health outcomes for other antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These clinical successes have motivated the development of microbiome drugs, which will need to address challenges in safety, uniformity, and delivery while seeking to preserve the benefits of using whole microbiome communities as novel therapeutics and an innovative platform for drug discovery.
Fumigant Toxicity and Oviposition Deterrent Activity of Volatile Constituents from Asari Radix et Rhizoma against Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Wu Mei , Xiong Yan , Han Rui , Dong Wenxia , Xiao Chun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) is a worldwide pest of potato. Plant-borne chemicals would be potential alternatives of synthetic chemical fumigants against P. operculella in the storage. Asari Radix et Rhizoma is derived from the dry roots and rhizomes of Asarum heterotropoides Fr. Schmidt var. mandshuricum, A. sieboldii Miq. var. seoulense, or A. sieboldii. In this study, fumigant toxicity and oviposition deterrent of volatile constituents from ARR, δ-3-carene, γ-terpinene, terpinolene, eucarvone, 3,5-dimethoxytoluene, and methyleugenol were tested against P. operculella. The preliminary verification of preventive and control effects of eucarvone, 3,5-dimethoxytoluene and methyleugenol on P. operculella was carried out by simulating warehouse experiments. The results indicated that the six compounds above had fumigation toxic effects on the adults and eggs of P. operculella. Among them, δ-3-carene, γ-terpinene, and terpinolene had weaker fumigation effects than those of eucarvone, 3,5-dimethoxytoluene, and methyleugenol. The LC50 values of eucarvone, 3,5-dimethoxytoluene, and methyleugenol against adult P. operculella were 1.01, 1.78, 1.51 mg/liter air, respectively. The LC50 values against egg P. operculella were 1.09, 0.55, 0.30 mg/liter air, respectively. The oviposition deterrent experiment showed that only methyleugenol (at 5 and 1 mg/ml) and eucarvone (5 mg/ml) had a substantial oviposition deterrent effect. The simulated warehouse experiment verified that methyleugenol, eucarvone, and 3,5-dimethoxytoluene protected potatoes from P. operculella and demonstrated that methyleugenol had the best preventive and control effects. It was concluded that methyleugenol was the active ingredient with the most potential in the volatiles from ARR on P. operculella control and merit further study as botanic fumigant.
A surveillance study of patterns of reirradiation practice using external beam radiotherapy in Japan
Authors: Yamazaki Hideya , Suzuki Gen , Aibe Norihiro , Nakamura Satoaki , Yoshida Ken , Oh Ryoongjin ,   JReRT Group
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study was to survey the present status and patterns of reirradiation (Re-RT) practice using external beam radiotherapy in Japan. We distributed an e-mail questionnaire to the Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology partner institutions, which consisted of part 1 (number of Re-RT cases in 2008–2012 and 2013–2018) and part 2 (indications and treatment planning for Re-RT and eight case scenarios). Of the 85 institutions that replied to part 1, 75 (88%) performed Re-RTs. However, 59 of these 75 institutions (79%) reported difficulty in obtaining Re-RT case information from their databases. The responses from 37 institutions included the number of Re-RT cases, which totaled 508 in the period from 2009 to 2013 (institution median 3; 0–235), and an increase to 762 cases in the period from 2014 to 2018 (12.5; 0–295). A total of 47 physicians responded to part 2 of the survey. Important indications for Re-RT that were considered were age, performance status, life expectancy, absence of distant metastases and time interval since previous radiotherapy. In addition to clinical decision-making factors, previous total radiation dose, volume of irradiated tissue and the biologically equivalent dose were considered during Re-RT planning. From the eight site-specific scenarios presented to the respondents, &gt;60% of radiation oncologists agreed to perform Re-RT. Re-RT cases have increased in number, and interest in Re-RT among radiation oncologists has increased recently due to advances in technology. However, several problems exist that emphasize the need for consensus building and the establishment of guidelines for practice and prospective evaluation.
V772 Cas: an ellipsoidal HgMn star in an eclipsing binary
Authors: Kochukhov O , Johnston C , Labadie-Bartz J , Shetye S , Ryabchikova T A , Tkachenko A , Shultz M E 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
The late B-type star V772 Cas (HD 10260) was previously suspected to be a rare example of a magnetic chemically peculiar star in an eclipsing binary system. Photometric observations of this star obtained by the TESS satellite show clear eclipses with a period of 5.0137 d accompanied by a significant out-of-eclipse variation with the same period. High-resolution spectroscopy reveals V772 Cas to be an SB1 system, with the primary component rotating about a factor two slower than the orbital period and showing chemical peculiarities typical of non-magnetic HgMn chemically peculiar stars. This is only the third eclipsing HgMn star known and, owing to its brightness, is one of the very few eclipsing binaries with chemically peculiar components accessible to detailed follow-up studies. Taking advantage of the photometric and spectroscopic observations available for V772 Cas, we performed modelling of this system with the phoebe code. This analysis provided fundamental parameters of the components and demonstrated that the out-of-eclipse brightness variation is explained by the ellipsoidal shape of the evolved, asynchronously rotating primary. This is the first HgMn star for which such variability has been definitively identified.
New measurements of the cyclotron line energy in Cen X-3
Authors: Tomar Gunjan , Pradhan Pragati , Paul Biswajit 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
We report results from the analysis of data from two observations of the accreting binary X-ray pulsar Cen X-3 carried out with the broad-band X-ray observatories Suzaku and NuSTAR. The pulse profile is dominated by a broad single peak and show some energy dependence with two additional weak pulse peaks at energies below 15 and 25 keV, respectively. The broad-band X-ray spectrum for 0.8–60.0 keV for Suzaku and 3.0–60.0 keV for NuSTAR is fitted well with high-energy cut-off power-law model along with soft-excess, multiple iron emission lines and a cyclotron absorption. The cyclotron line energy is found to be $30.29^{+0.68}_{-0.61}$ and $29.22^{+0.28}_{-0.27}$ keV, respectively, in the Suzaku and NuSTAR spectra. We make a comparison of these two measurements with four previous measurements of Cyclotron Resonant Scattering Feature (CRSF) in Cen X-3 obtained with Ginga, BeppoSAX, and RXTE. We find no evidence for a dependence of the CRSF on luminosity. Except for one CRSF measurement with BeppoSAX , the remaining measurements are consistent with a CRSF energy in the range of 29.5–30.0 keV over a luminosity range of 1.1–5.4 × 1037 erg s−1 different from several other sources that show considerable CRSF variation in the same luminosity range.
Night-time monitoring of the aerosol content of the lower atmosphere by differential photometry of the anthropogenic skyglow
Authors: Kocifaj Miroslav , Bará Salvador 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
Night-time monitoring of the aerosol content of the lower atmosphere is a challenging task, because appropriate reference natural light sources are lacking. Here, we show that the anthropogenic night-sky brightness due to city lights can be successfully used for estimating the aerosol optical depth of arbitrarily thick atmospheric layers. This method requires measuring the zenith night-sky brightness with two detectors located at the limiting layer altitudes. Combined with an estimate of the overall atmospheric optical depth (available from ground-based measurements or specific satellite products), the ratio of these radiances provides a direct estimate of the differential aerosol optical depth of the air column between these two altitudes. These measurements can be made with single-channel low-cost radiance detectors widely used by the light pollution research community.
Telomere length in peripheral blood lymphocytes related to genetic variation in telomerase, prognosis and clinicopathological features in breast cancer patients
Authors: Kroupa Michal , Rachakonda Sivaramakrishna , Vymetalkova Veronika , Tomasova Kristyna , Liska Vaclav , Vodenkova Sona , Cumova Andrea , Rossnerova Andrea , Vodickova Ludmila , Hemminki Kari , Soucek Pavel , Kumar Rajiv , Vodicka Pavel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDisruption of telomere length (TL) homeostasis in peripheral blood lymphocytes has been previously assessed as a potential biomarker of breast cancer (BC) risk. The present study addressed the relationship between lymphocyte TL (LTL), prognosis and clinicopathological features in the BC patients since these associations are insufficiently explored at present. LTL was measured in 611 BC patients and 154 healthy controls using the monochrome multiplex quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction assay. In addition, we genotyped nine TL-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms that had been identified through genome-wide association studies. Our results showed that the patients had significantly (P = 0.001, Mann–Whitney U-test) longer LTL [median (interquartile range); 1.48 (1.22–1.78)] than the healthy controls [1.27 (0.97–1.82)]. Patients homozygous (CC) for the common allele of hTERT rs2736108 or the variant allele (CC) of hTERC rs16847897 had longer LTL. The latter association remained statistically significant in the recessive genetic model after the Bonferroni correction (P = 0.004, Wilcoxon two-sample test). We observed no association between LTL and overall survival or relapse-free survival of the patients. LTL did not correlate with cancer staging based on Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), The tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging system classification, tumour grade or molecular BC subtypes. Overall, we observed an association between long LTL and BC disease and an association of the hTERC rs16847897 CC genotype with increased LTL. However, no association between LTL, clinicopathological features and survival of the patients was found.
Properties and biological impact of RNA G-quadruplexes: from order to turmoil and back
Authors: Kharel Prakash , Becker Gertraud , Tsvetkov Vladimir , Ivanov Pavel 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Guanine-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical four-stranded structures that can be formed in guanine (G) rich nucleic acid sequences. A great number of G-rich sequences capable of forming G4 structures have been described based on in vitro analysis, and evidence supporting their formation in live cells continues to accumulate. While formation of DNA G4s (dG4s) within chromatin in vivo has been supported by different chemical, imaging and genomic approaches, formation of RNA G4s (rG4s) in vivo remains a matter of discussion. Recent data support the dynamic nature of G4 formation in the transcriptome. Such dynamic fluctuation of rG4 folding-unfolding underpins the biological significance of these structures in the regulation of RNA metabolism. Moreover, rG4-mediated functions may ultimately be connected to mechanisms underlying disease pathologies and, potentially, provide novel options for therapeutics. In this framework, we will review the landscape of rG4s within the transcriptome, focus on their potential impact on biological processes, and consider an emerging connection of these functions in human health and disease.
Hypofractionated stereotactic re-irradiation with pembrolizumab and bevacizumab in patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas: results from a phase I study
Authors: Sahebjam Solmaz , Forsyth Peter A , Tran Nam D , Arrington John A , Macaulay Robert , Etame Arnold B , Walko Christine M , Boyle Theresa , Peguero Edwin N , Jaglal Michael , Mokhtari Sepideh , Enderling Heiko , Raghunand Natarajan , Gatewood Tyra , Long Wendy , Dzierzeski Jennifer L , Evernden Brittany , Robinson Timothy , Wicklund Melissa C , Kim Sungjune , Thompson Zachary J , Chen Dung-Tsa , Chinnaiyan Prakash , Yu Hsiang-Hsuan Michael 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Radiotherapy may synergize with programmed cell death 1 (PD1)/PD1 ligand (PD-L1) blockade. The purpose of this study was to determine the recommended phase II dose, safety/tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of combining pembrolizumab, an anti-PD1 monoclonal antibody, with hypofractionated stereotactic irradiation (HFSRT) and bevacizumab in patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas (HGGs).

Methods
Eligible subjects with recurrent glioblastoma or anaplastic astrocytoma were treated with pembrolizumab (100 or 200 mg based on dose level Q3W) concurrently with HFSRT (30 Gy in 5 fractions) and bevacizumab 10 mg/kg Q2W.

Results
Thirty-two patients were enrolled (bevacizumab-naïve, n = 24; bevacizumab-resistant, n = 8). The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were proteinuria (40.6%), fatigue (25%), increased alanine aminotransferase (25%), and hypertension (25%). TRAEs leading to discontinuation occurred in 1 patient who experienced a grade 3 elevation of aspartate aminotransferase. In the bevacizumab-naïve cohort, 20 patients (83%) had a complete response or partial response. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 13.45 months (95% CI: 9.46–18.46) and 7.92 months (95% CI: 6.31–12.45), respectively. In the bevacizumab-resistant cohort, PR was achieved in 5 patients (62%). Median OS was 9.3 months (95% CI: 8.97–18.86) with a median PFS of 6.54 months (95% CI: 5.95–18.86). The majority of patients (n = 20/26; 77%) had tumor-cell/tumor-microenvironment PD-L1 expression &lt;1%.

Conclusions
The combination of HFSRT with pembrolizumab and bevacizumab in patients with recurrent HGG is generally safe and well tolerated. These findings merit further investigation of HFSRT with immunotherapy in HGGs.
Procedural skill needs for Canadian paediatricians: A national profile
Authors: White Jessica , Rowan-Legg Anne , Writer Hilary , Chanchlani Rahul , Gupta Ronish 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesProcedural practice by paediatricians in Canada is evolving. Little empirical information is available on the procedural competencies required of general paediatricians. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to conduct a needs assessment of Canadian general paediatricians to identify procedural skills required for practice, with the goal of informing post-graduate and continuing medical education.MethodsA survey was sent to paediatricians through the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) (www.cpsp.cps.ca/surveillance). In addition to demographic information about practice type and location, participants were asked to indicate the frequency with which they performed each of 32 pre-selected procedures and whether each procedure was considered essential to their practice.ResultsThe survey response rate was 33.2% (938/2,822). Data from participants who primarily practice general paediatrics were analyzed (n=481). Of these, 71.0% reported performing procedures. The most frequently performed procedures were: bag-valve-mask ventilation of an infant, lumbar puncture, and ear curettage, being performed monthly by 40.8%, 34.1%, and 27.7% of paediatricians, respectively. The procedures performed by most paediatricians were also those found most essential to practice, with a few exceptions. Respondents performed infant airway procedures with greater frequency and rated them more essential when compared to the same skill performed on children. We found a negative correlation between procedures being performed and difficulty maintaining proficiency in a skill.ConclusionsThis report of experiences from Canadian general paediatricians suggests a wide variability in the frequency of procedural performance. It helps establish priorities for post-graduate and continuing professional medical education curricula in the era of competency-based medical education.