bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thirty Years of HER3: From Basic Biology to Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Haikala Heidi M. , Jänne Pasi A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHER3 is a pseudokinase member of the EGFR family having a role in both tumor progression and drug resistance. Although HER3 was discovered more than 30 years ago, no therapeutic interventions have reached clinical approval to date. Because the evidence of the importance of HER3 is accumulating, increased amounts of preclinical and clinical trials with HER3-targeting agents are emerging. In this review article, we discuss the most recent HER3 biology in tumorigenic events and drug resistance and provide an overview of the current and emerging strategies to target HER3.
Short-Chain Fatty Acids Outpace Ketone Oxidation in the Failing Heart
Authors: Carley Andrew N. , Maurya Santosh K. , Fasano Matthew , Wang Yang , Selzman Craig H. , Drakos Stavros G. , Lewandowski E. Douglas 
Published: February 2021

Background:
The failing heart is energy starved with impaired oxidation of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) at the level of reduced CPT1 (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1) activity at the outer mitochondrial membrane. Recent work shows elevated ketone oxidation in failing hearts as an alternate carbon source for oxidative ATP generation. We hypothesized that another short-chain carbon source, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that bypass carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, could similarly support energy production in failing hearts.

Methods:

Cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction were induced in rats by transverse-aortic constriction (TAC). Fourteen weeks after TAC or sham operation, isolated hearts were perfused with either the 4 carbon,
13
C-labeled ketone (D3-hydroxybutyrate) or the 4 carbon,
13
C-labeled SCFA butyrate in the presence of glucose and the LCFA palmitate. Oxidation of ketone and SCFA was compared by in vitro
13
C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, as was the capacity for short-chain carbon sources to compensate for impaired LCFA oxidation in the hypertrophic heart. Adaptive changes in enzyme expression and content for the distinct pathways of ketone and SCFA oxidation were examined in both failing rat and human hearts.

Results:

TAC produced pathological hypertrophy and increased the fractional contributions of ketone to acetyl coenzyme-A production in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (0.60±0.02 sham ketone versus 0.70±0.02 TAC ketone;
P
<0.05). However, butyrate oxidation in failing hearts was 15% greater (0.803±0.020 TAC SCFA) than ketone oxidation. SCFA was also more readily oxidized than ketone in sham hearts by 15% (0.693±0.020 sham SCFA). Despite greater SFCA oxidation, TAC did not change short-chain acyl coenzyme-A dehydrogenase content. However, failing hearts of humans and the rat model both contain significant increases in acyl coenzyme-A synthetase medium-chain 3 enzyme gene expression and protein content. The increased oxidation of SCFA and ketones occurred at the expense of LCFA oxidation, with LCFA contributing less to acetyl coenzyme-A production in failing hearts perfused with SCFA (0.190±0.012 TAC SCFA versus 0.3163±0.0360 TAC ketone).

Conclusions:
SCFAs are more readily oxidized than ketones in failing hearts, despite both bypassing reduced CPT1 activity and represent an unexplored carbon source for energy production in failing hearts.
Towards More Effective Environmental Risk Regulation
Authors: Gilissen Herman Kasper , de Jong Elbert , van Rijswick Helena F.M.W. , van Wezel Annemarie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The precautionary and prevention principles require that environmental risks should timely and adequately be regulated before potentially harmful activities are undertaken. The system of administrative environmental law provides ample instruments for such regulation. However, scientific uncertainties about environmental risks could complicate the formulation and implementation of effective environmental risk management strategies. This could lead to systemic imperfections and regulatory gaps which, in turn, undermine the system’s effectiveness and increase the need for regulatory ‘back-ups’. The system of private law is often seen as a potential back-up. In analyzing the complementary effects between both systems and using environmental risks of chemical mining activities in the (deep) subsoil as an example, this article concludes that the actual regulatory effect of tort law should not be overestimated. The complementary role of tort law in regulating environmental risks is mostly limited to the specification and on some occasions enforcement of environmental responsibilities.
Environmental Forensic Examinations in Poland: a Case Study
Authors: Zębek Elżbieta , Solodov Denis 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In environmental criminal cases, forensic examinations are of particular relevance and create the basis for judicial decisions. In the article, four criminal cases concerning different types of environmental crimes were described to show current challenges and shortcomings in the area of environmental protection through criminal law in Poland, and the role of the experts in the process of proof. Special attention was paid to the forensic examinations of the plant and animal world within Nature 2000 sites, which are appeared to be the most challenging. The authors also addressed the issue of the compliance of domestic criminal law and its enforcement with the provisions of the Directive 2008/99/ec of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on the protection of the environment through criminal law.
Snowfall in the Northern Great Lakes: Lessons Learned from a Multisensor Observatory
Authors: Kulie Mark S. , Pettersen Claire , Merrelli Aronne J. , Wagner Timothy J. , Wood Norman B. , Dutter Michael , Beachler David , Kluber Todd , Turner Robin , Mateling Marian , Lenters John , Blanken Peter , Maahn Maximilian , Spence Christopher , Kneifel Stefan , Kucera Paul A. , Tokay Ali , Bliven Larry F. , Wolff David B. , Petersen Walter A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA multisensor snowfall observational suite has been deployed at the Marquette, Michigan, National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office (KMQT) since 2014. Micro Rain Radar (MRR; profiling radar), Precipitation Imaging Package (PIP; snow particle imager), and ancillary ground-based meteorological observations illustrate the unique capabilities of these combined instruments to document radar and concomitant microphysical properties associated with northern Great Lakes snowfall regimes. Lake-effect, lake-orographic, and transition event case studies are presented that illustrate the variety of snowfall events that occur at KMQT. Case studies and multiyear analyses reveal the ubiquity of snowfall produced by shallow events. These shallow snowfall features and their distinctive microphysical fingerprints are often difficult to discern with conventional remote sensing instruments, thus highlighting the scientific and potential operational value of MRR and PIP observations. The importance of near-surface lake-orographic snowfall enhancement processes in extreme snowfall events and regime-dependent snow particle microphysical variability controlled by regime and environmental factors are also highlighted.
A Study of Extrapolation Nowcasting Based on IVAP-Retrieved Wind
Authors: Luo Yi , Liang Xudong , Wang Gang , Cao Zheng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this study, we propose a new way to obtain motion vectors using the integrating velocity–azimuth process (IVAP) method for extrapolation nowcasting. Traditional tracking methods rely on tracking radar echoes of a few time slices. In contrast, the IVAP method does not depend on the past variation of radar echoes; it only needs the radar echo and radial velocity observations at the latest time. To demonstrate it is practical to use IVAP-retrieved winds to extrapolate radar echoes, we carried out nowcasting experiments using the IVAP method, and compared these results with the results using a traditional method, namely, the tracking radar echoes by correlation (TREC) method. Comparison based on a series of large-scale mature rainfall cases showed that the IVAP method has similar accuracy to that of the TREC method. In addition, the IVAP method provides the vertical wind profile that can be used to anticipate storm type and motion deviations.
Clinical and molecular findings in children and young adults with persistent low alkaline phosphatase concentrations
Authors: Araci Mehmet Bilal , Akgun Bilcag , Atik Tahir , Isik Esra , Ak Gunes , Barutcuoglu Burcu , Ozkinay Ferda 
Published: February 2021

Background Hypophosphatasia is a rare inherited metabolic disease resulted by ALPL gene mutations. It is characterized by defective bone and teeth mineralization. The phenotypic spectrum is highly variable ranging from lethal perinatal form to mild forms which are only diagnosed in adulthood or remain undiagnosed despite persistently low concentrations of ALP. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical phenotype and frequency of ALPL mutations in a group of patient with hypophosphatasaemia. Methods Thirty individuals with alkaline phosphatase values below 40 IU/L in at least two assessments and having no alternative explanation for their low ALP concentrations were included in the study. The clinical features and radiological data of the study group were re-investigated for hypophosphatasia-related findings. ALPL sequence analysis was performed using Sanger sequencing. Results No patient in the study group had severe symptoms, nor had they initially been diagnosed as having hypophosphatasia. Four different heterozygous ALPL mutations (c.542C>T, c.648 + 1G>A, c.657G>T and c.862 + 1G>C) were found in four patients. One splice site mutation (c.862 + 1G>C) was reported for the first time in this study. Conclusion ALPL sequence analysis may help to diagnosing genetic defects in individuals with persistently low ALP concentrations and provide to take preventive measures before symptoms appear. As in the other populations, HPP displays allelic heterogeneity in our population.
Establishing an Epidemiologic Profile of Hepatitis C Virus Infection at the Los Angeles County Jail
Authors: Qureshi Nazia , Tadesse Martha , Tran NgocDung , Henderson Sean 
Published: February 2021

Objective The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States. Although 2% to 3% of the global population is estimated to be infected with HCV, an estimated 18% of the US prison population may be infected. The objective of this study was to establish an epidemiologic profile of HCV infection in the largest urban jail system in the United States. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 20 years of data on demographic characteristics, risk factors, and HCV positivity among 80 681 individuals incarcerated at the Los Angeles County Jail who were tested for HCV infection from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2019. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine predictors of HCV positivity. Results Of the 80 681 individuals tested, 27 881 (34.6%) had positive test results for HCV infection. In the multivariate analysis, HCV positivity was most strongly associated with injection drug use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 34.9; 95% CI, 24.6-49.5) and being born during 1946-1955 (aOR = 13.0; 95% CI, 11.9-14.2). Men were more likely than women to have HCV infection (aOR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3-1.5), and Hispanic (aOR = 4.2; 95% CI, 3.9-4.4) and non-Hispanic White (aOR = 3.8; 95% CI, 3.5-4.0) individuals were more likely than non-Hispanic African American individuals to have HCV infection. Noninjection drug use, homelessness, and mental health issues were also significantly associated with HCV positivity. Conclusion Even in the absence of resources for universal screening for HCV infection, the creation of a risk profile and its implementation into a screening program may be a beneficial first step toward improving HCV surveillance and establishing an accurate estimate of HCV infection in the incarcerated population.
A Community Participation Initiative During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study From India
Authors: Jagannathan Aarti , Thekkumkara Sreekanth Nair , Thirthalli Jagadisha , Kasi Sekar 
Published: February 2021

Background: A community participation initiative of stitching personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, and face shields for healthcare professionals working in the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted using a case study design. Methods: The hospital tailoring unit was used to cater to the in-house demand for stitching safety gear kits for healthcare professionals. A transect walk was conducted to survey hospitals for selecting material for stitching the safety gears and to draw up a plan to meet future demand. The psychiatric social worker induced a community participatory initiative using the method of social work of community organization. A flyer was prepared to invite participants with prior experience in tailoring for this initiative. All participants were trained by the master trainers of the tailoring unit. The participants were also interviewed about their views on this initiative in an informal interview. Results: A total of 83 participants, including 26 individuals (8 volunteers and 18 who received an honorarium), 2 boutiques ( n = 12), and 1 government organization, participated in the activity ( n = 45). A total of 1700 complete PPE kits and 13,000 masks were stitched during this period. The participants reported that the benefit of being a part of this initiative was reduced boredom, sense of purpose and satisfaction, and improved mental health due to structured activity. Conclusions: A community participation initiative using the principles of community organization, a method of social work, can help produce desired outputs and improve the well-being of the participants.
Kinematic Differences Exist Between the Fastball, Changeup, Curveball, and Dropball Pitch Types in Collegiate Softball Pitchers
Authors: Downs Jessica L. , Bordelon Nicole M. , Friesen Kenzie B. , Shannon David M. , Oliver Gretchen D. 
Published: February 2021

Background: A majority of softball literature focuses on the mechanics associated with pain and injury within a single pitch type per study; however, the generalizability of these findings is unknown since a kinematic comparison has yet to be performed between pitch types. Understanding kinematic differences between pitch types can be used to identify risk factors for injury, improve safety guidelines, and improve performance by linking specific mechanics with desired pitch outcomes. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare kinematics between the fastball, changeup, curveball, and dropball pitch types in collegiate softball pitchers. It was hypothesized that there would be significant kinematic differences between pitch types. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 28 female collegiate softball pitchers pitched 3 trials of each pitch type to a catcher at regulation distance. Pitch speed, stride length, trunk extension, trunk rotation, trunk lateral flexion, elbow flexion, and center of mass for each trial were calculated using an electromagnetic motion capture system and were averaged for analysis. A 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to investigate pitch speed differences between the 4 pitch types. A 4 (pitch type) × 5 (event) within-athlete multivariate ANOVA was also used to determine kinematic differences. Results: The results revealed a significant difference in pitch speed between pitch types; a pitch type main effect for trunk extension, trunk rotation, trunk lateral flexion, and center of mass; and an event main effect for all variables except stride length. The results also revealed a pitch type by event interaction for trunk flexion, trunk lateral flexion, and center of mass. Specifically, the dropball type had less trunk extension than the fastball at all pitching events. Similarly, the curveball type had a more posteriorly shifted center of mass than the dropball at the last 3 pitching events of foot contact, ball release and follow-through. Conclusion: Significant kinematic differences exist between pitch types, but these differences may be necessary to execute desired pitch outcomes. Clinical Relevance: This is the first study to analyze kinematic differences between pitch types in softball pitchers. Understanding the effects of different pitch types on kinematic parameters may enhance injury prevention and performance strategies for softball pitchers.
The Impact of Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy on Executive Functions
Authors: Koganti Haritha , Paneyala Shasthara , Sundaramurthy Harsha , SC Nemichandra , Kashyap Rithvik S , Joshi Siddharth , Colaco Vimala 
Published: February 2021

Background: Idiopathic generalized epilepsy is defined as seizures with a possible hereditary predisposition without an underlying cause or structural pathology. Assessment of executive dysfunction in idiopathic generalized epilepsies based on standard Indian battery is not available in the literature. Aims and Objectives: To assess specific executive functions affected in patients with idiopathic epilepsy and their association with various variables. Materials and Methods: Type of observational cross-sectional study, where clinical profile of all idiopathic epilepsy patients attending the neurology OPD was studied and their executive higher mental functions were assessed using the NIMHANS battery. Results: A total of 75 idiopathic generalized epilepsy patients were included in the study. Executive functions that were commonly found abnormal in our study were word fluency ( P ≤ .001), category fluency ( P < .001), verbal n-back ( P < .001), Tower of London ( p < 0.01), and Stroop test ( P < 0.01). Executive functions showed a significant correlation with age at symptom onset, duration of epilepsy, and in those with uncontrolled seizures. Conclusion: Patients of idiopathic generalized epilepsy according to the present study were found to have significant executive dysfunction in multiple domains. This necessitates the screening for executive dysfunctions, which if detected should prompt the clinician to initiate cognitive retraining.
Comparison of CT features of 79 cats with intranasal mass lesions
Authors: Bouyssou Sarah , Hammond Gawain J , Eivers Caroline 
Published: February 2021

Objectives This retrospective multicentre study compared the CT characteristics of cats diagnosed with intranasal mass lesions to determine if defining imaging features exist between different tumour types and between neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. Methods The medical records of two institutions were reviewed for cats with CT findings consistent with an intranasal mass lesion with subsequent histopathological examination. For each CT scan the mass location, growth pattern, margin distinction, contrast enhancement pattern and presence of intralesional areas of mineralisation or necrosis were recorded. The presence of facial deformity, the location and type of bone changes, extranasal extension of the mass lesion and the regional lymph nodes size, contrast pattern and hilus visibility were also documented. Results Thirty-five cats with nasal lymphoma, 28 cats with non-lymphomatous nasal neoplasia (carcinoma or sarcoma) and 16 cats with inflammatory lesions met the inclusion criteria. Cats with non-lymphomatous nasal neoplasia were more likely to show unilateral nasal changes (odds ratio [OR] 3.9), areas of intralesional calcification (OR infinity) and extension of the mass lesion within the frontal sinus (OR 4.5), while cats suffering from nasal lymphoma were more likely to show a mixed (OR 4.5) and expansile growth pattern (OR 7.8), and a regional lymphadenomegaly (OR 2.4). The CT findings in cats diagnosed with inflammatory mass-like lesions were highly variable and overlapped with findings for nasal neoplasms but were significantly associated with the absence of bony changes to the nasal cavity boundaries (OR 10.2). Conclusions and relevance Findings from the current study support the ability of CT to aid in the discrimination of tumour type in cats presented with an intranasal mass lesion.
Rubeosis iridis and macular hemorrhages from multiple Corkscrew retinal vessels in a patient with NF1
Authors: Márquez Marilyn A , Juárez Claudio P , Sánchez Maria C , Luna Jose D 
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To report a case of a patient with NF1 presenting with ocular findings of AV malformation, multiple retinal hemorrhages, and neovascular glaucoma in the absence of retinal ischemia. Methods: Review of the medical record was conducted in accordance with the local IRBt. Results: A 60-year-old female patient with diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis type1 (NF1) and sudden decrease of vision in her left eye was found to have rubeosis iridis and high intraocular pressure (IOP). On fundus exam multiple corkscrew retinal vessels and retinal hemorrhages were present in her left eye. On Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) the foveal hemorrhages appeared as outer layer hyperreflective retinal infiltrates whereas in the parafoveal area the hyperreflectivity was present between the RPE and neurosensory retina. Fluorescein Angiogram (FA) showed normal perfusion and no areas of leakage or ischemia. Treatment with anti-angiogenics in a timely manner correlated with a good visual outcome. Conclusions: We present a unique patient with NF1, rubeosis iridis, high IOP, and macular hemorrhages from multiple corkscrew retinal vessels in a well perfused retina, who underwent treatment with a single dose of intravitreal Bevacizumab and had an excellent response
Pupillometry: An objective test to assess endocular hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Marques João Heitor , Malheiro Luísa , Malheiro Jorge , Oliveira Luís , Menéres Maria João , Beirão João Melo 
Published: February 2021

Objective: To automatically study the pupillary light reflex in patients with hereditary transthyretin-associated amyloidosis (hATTR). Methods: Prospective cross-sectional observational study in patients with hATTR with unilateral scalloped iris. Pupillary light reflex of scalloped iris eyes (21 eyes) were compared with non-scalloped iris eyes (21 eyes, paired eyes of the same patients) and also with a control group of 20 healthy eyes, using static and dynamic pupillometry with the Metrovision® MonPack One. Results: No patient presented evident neurological involvment of the cranial nerves. No significant differences were found in the pupillary diameters under standardized lighting conditions (static pupillometry) among groups. In dynamic pupillometry, the amplitude of contraction, the velocity of contraction and the velocity of dilation were statistically significantly lower in eyes with scalloped iris, comparing both with the contralateral non-scalloped iris eyes ( p < 0.001 for all) and with eyes from healthy subjects ( p < 0.05 for all). Conclusion: A scalloped iris reflects a more advanced endocular hATTR and it is associated with an altered pupillary light reflex. Pupillometry may be a quick, simple, and portable test to objectively evaluate ocular amyloid deposition in hATTR eyes. Pupillary light reflex may not be reliable to evaluate neurological dysfunction in these patients.