bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colorectal Cancer-Associated Smad4 R361 Hotspot Mutations Boost Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling through Enhanced Smad4–LEF1 Binding
Authors: Lanauze Claudia B. , Sehgal Priyanka , Hayer Katharina , Torres-Diz Manuel , Pippin James A. , Grant Struan F.A. , Thomas-Tikhonenko Andrei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

About 10% to 30% of patients with colorectal cancer harbor either loss of or missense mutations in SMAD4, a critical component of the TGFβ signaling pathway. The pathophysiologic function of missense mutations in Smad4 is not fully understood. They usually map to the MH2 domain, specifically to residues that are involved in heterodimeric complex formation with regulatory Smads (such as Smad2/3) and ensuing transcriptional activation. These detrimental effects suggest that SMAD4 missense mutations can be categorized as loss-of-function. However, they tend to cluster in a few hotspots, which is more consistent with them acting by a gain-of-function mechanism. In this study, we investigated the functional role of Smad4 R361 mutants by re-expressing two R361 Smad4 variants in several Smad4-null colorectal cancer cell lines. As predicted, R361 mutations disrupted Smad2/3-Smad4 heteromeric complex formation and abolished canonical TGFβ signaling. In that, they were similar to SMAD4 loss. However, RNA sequencing and subsequent RT-PCR assays revealed that Smad4mut cells acquired a gene signature associated with enhanced Lef1 protein function and increased Wnt signaling. Mechanistically, Smad4 mutant proteins retained binding to Lef1 protein and drove a commensurate increase in downstream Wnt signaling as measured by TOP/FOP luciferase assay and Wnt-dependent cell motility. Consistent with these findings, human colorectal cancers with SMAD4 missense mutations were less likely to acquire activating mutations in the key Wnt pathway gene CTNNB1 (encoding β-catenin) than colorectal cancers with truncating SMAD4 nonsense mutations.

Implications:
Our studies suggest that in colorectal cancer hotspot mutations in Smad4 confer enhanced Wnt signaling and possibly heightened sensitivity to Wnt pathway inhibitors.
Sacode Brasil!!! Assim começou a Lava Jato
Authors: Silva Paulo Celso da 
Published: February 2021

O ano de 2019 ficou marcado pelo turbilhão que abalou as certezas de que a corrupção seria punida. O jornal online The Intercept Brasil publica no meio do ano, a primeira matéria na qual indica que a imparcialidade e a honestidade das investigações da Operação Lava Jato estavam comprometidas pela série de atitudes, mandos e desmandos de seu comando, o ex-juiz e ex-ministro Sergio Moro e do ex-procurador e ex-coordenador da Operação, Deltan Dallagnol. O livro dividido em dois momentos o primeiro narrado pela jornalista Letícia Duarte e o segundo com matérias veiculadas, inclusive duas inéditas, apresenta parte do cotidiano dos jornalistas que protagonizaram os acontecimentos que sacudiram o meio jornalístico e político internacional.
Memoria Dictatorial en el Discurso de la Gestión Macri (Argentina, 2015-2019)
Authors: Di Stefano Mariana 
Published: February 2021

El presente trabajo analiza, desde un enfoque glotopolítico, la presencia de la memoria dictatorial en el discurso de la gestión macrista, en la zona temática de la llamada “seguridad interior”. El objetivo ha sido identificar los distintos modos a través de los cuales se hace presente esa memoria dictatorial y los sentidos que encierra. Partimos de la hipótesis de que esa memoria funcionó como reguladora de la construcción de objetos de discurso en esa área temática, como el de “enemigo interior”.
Desde un punto de vista metodológico, dado que el objetivo ha sido poner a prueba la presencia de una regularidad, se han tomado enunciaciones diversas producidas en distintos momentos de la gestión por distintos enunciadores. Entre los resultados, hemos observado que la memoria dictatorial emerge a través de un género discursivo, como el protocolo de actuación de las fuerzas de seguridad, y en la configuración de objetos de discurso, entre los que hemos destacado el de “orden público” y especialmente el de “enemigo interior”. En este último, la enunciación macrista recupera la característica de la fórmula dictatorial “subversión marxista/comunista” de acusar a su enemigo por las acciones que realiza y por su pensamiento político.

Palabras clave: glotopolítica; memoria discursiva; objetos de discurso; enemigo interior
Techniques for Egyptian Eyes: Diplomacy and the Transmission of Cosmetic Practices between Egypt and Kerma
Authors: Walsh Carl 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This article examines the context and distribution of Egyptian eye cosmetic equipment, kohl pots and sticks, found at Classic Kerma (c. 1650–1550 BCE) sites in Upper Nubia in modern-day Sudan. It is argued that these cosmetic assemblages, which included the body techniques, etiquettes, and embodied experiences involved in its application, display, and removal, were forms of courtly habitus adopted from Egypt. Diplomacy is suggested to be the primary process through which these objects and practices were transmitted, as diplomatic visits facilitated the performance of court habitus in intercultural encounters. Kerman agency in consuming and adapting these forms of habitus were negotiated through personal relationships and interactions with Egyptian diplomats that worked to create shared forms of interregional court identities.
Settler Colonialism and the Path toward Cultural Genocide in Xinjiang
Authors: Clarke Michael 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (xuar) is the site of the largest mass repression of an ethnic and/or religious minority in the world today characterised by extra-judicial detention of Uyghurs in ‘re-education’ centres, pervasive surveillance, and repression of Uyghur ethnic identity. While Beijing frames such draconian measures as necessary ‘counter-terrorism’ measures, the intersection between concern for the ‘welfare’ of subject populations and the desire to eradicate ‘defective’ elements of cultural identity central to the ‘re-education’ system in Xinjiang betray the fundamentally colonial nature of the Chinese Communist Party’s (ccp) endeavours in the region.
R2P Sidelined: The International Response to China’s Repression of Muslim Minorities in Xinjiang
Authors: Foot Rosemary 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
There has been a lack of recourse to the language of ‘The Responsibility to Protect’ (R2P) in respect of reports that the Chinese government is perpetrating mass atrocity crimes against the Muslim minorities that reside in Xinjiang. What does this suggest about the overall normative power of R2P, and is the neglect of R2P reflective of a more general weakening in provisions designed to deal with wide-scale human rights abuses?
Beyond the Veto
Authors: Gifkins Jess 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The formal rules governing the UN Security Council offer little insight into how negotiations are conducted on a day-to-day basis. While it is generally assumed that permanent members dominate negotiations, this article investigates avenues for influence for elected members and the UN Secretariat. Institutional power is used to show how permanent members adopt dominant positions in negotiations extending far beyond their Charter-given privileges. Dominance of permanent members is moderated, however, by the legitimacy that support from elected members brings to a resolution. Similarly, the UN Secretariat can use its legitimated authority to influence decisions. The article argues that informal practices are key in understanding how power and influence are allocated in the Council and it forms a building block for future analyses of Security Council practices. This argument also has implications for the perennial reform debates and the prospects for informal reform.
Who Controls Multilateral Development Finance?
Authors: Ray Rebecca 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Multilateral development banks (MDB s) are a growing source of development finance, with nearly two trillion dollars in assets. They have developed a wide array of governance structures, with implications for the distribution of members’ control over those assets. This paper measures that power distribution in 28 MDB s using Penrose-Banzhaf and Shapley-Shubik power indices and members’ relative voting power on MDB governance boards. It uses these calculations to create a typology of MDB governance structures: creditor-led MDB s distribute power among non-borrowers, core borrower-led MDB s distribute power among a few central borrowers, and mutual aid-oriented MDB s distribute power among a wide group of borrowers. Finally, it explores the impact of the creation of two new MDB s, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the New Development Bank, and finds that while they do not dramatically alter the global landscape they do allow significantly greater access to capital for some borrowers.
Five-year Outcomes of Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: El Moussaoui Imad , Van Vyve Etienne , Johanet Hubert , Dabrowski André , Piquard Arnaud , Delaunay Thierry , Navez Benoît , Hauters Philippe , Sirisier Frank , Loi Patrizia , Closset Jean 
Published: February 2021

Background Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most frequently performed bariatric procedure in the world. Our purpose was to evaluate the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), resolution of obesity-related comorbidities after SG, and identify predictive factors of weight loss failure. Methods A prospective cohort study of adults who underwent SG during 2014 in 7 Belgian-French centers. Their demographic, preoperative, and postoperative data were prospectively collected and analyzed statistically. Results Overall, 529 patients underwent SG, with a mean preoperative weight and body mass index (BMI) of 118.9 ± 19.9 kg and 42.9 ± 5.5 kg/m2, respectively. Body mass index significantly decreased to 32.2 kg/m2 at 5 years ( P < .001). The mean %EWL was 63.6% at 5 years. A significant reduction in dyslipidemia (28.0%-18.2%), obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) (34.6%-25.1%), and arterial hypertension (HTN) (30.4%-21.5%) was observed after 5 years, but not for diabetes and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). At multivariate analysis, age >50 years old, BMI >50 kg/m2, and previous laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) remained independent predictors of weight loss failure. Conclusions Five years after SG, weight loss was satisfactory; the reduction of comorbidities was significant for dyslipidemia, OSAS, and HTN, but not diabetes and GERD. Age >50 years old, BMI >50 kg/m2, and previous LAGB were independent predictors of weight loss failure.
COVID-19 and Perioperative Management Strategies for Gastrointestinal Surgery: An Experience From Jiaxing, China
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Cen Lusha 
Published: February 2021

Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was leading to a worldwide pandemic, which affected surgical operation. This study assessed the efficacy of perioperative management of patients scheduled for gastrointestinal surgery during COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 188 patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery during the COVID-19 outbreak in Jiaxing, China. Perioperative data were collected, including data on pre-, intra-, and postoperative management strategies. The same data over the same period in 2019 were also collected for comparison. Results A total of 117, 63, and 8 patients underwent emergency, semi-elective, and elective surgeries, respectively. The locals: nonlocals ratio was significantly higher during this investigation period in 2020 than during the same period in 2019 ( P < .05). After screening, 12 patients were identified as unqualified. The number of gastrointestinal surgeries was reduced in 2020. There were no differences in the ratio of emergency surgery or semi-elective surgery between in 2020 and in 2019. The elective surgery ratio between January 27 and February 28 was found to be lower in 2020 than in 2019 ( P < .05). The disease spectra of emergency surgery and semi-elective surgery were similar. A total of 31 elective surgeries were postponed. There were five cases of short-term complications for emergency surgeries and two cases of short-term complications for semi-elective surgeries. No long-term complications or COVID-19 infection occurred in any of the cases, and no medical staff member was infected. Conclusion Perioperative management strategies minimize the risk of nosocomial infection and reduce the influence of epidemics on gastrointestinal surgery.
Traumatic events, post-traumatic stress disorders, and gender among Yazidi population after ISIS invasion: A post conflict study in Kurdistan – Iraq
Authors: Al Shawi Ameel F , Hassen Suzan Mohammed 
Published: February 2021

Background: Traumatic experiences can lead to a range of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder depends on the cumulative exposure to traumatic stress. The Yazidis (Êzidî) are a Kurdish religious minority living in the north of Iraq, western Iran, eastern Turkey, and northern Syria. Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) had sought to destroy the Yazidis population through killings; sexual slavery, enslavement, torture, degrading treatment, and forcible migration causing serious physical and mental disorders. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder among Yazidi population in Yazidi community and to assess the association between post-traumatic stress disorder and gender. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during period from June to August 2019. The participants were chosen by a random sampling method from Chammshko camp in Zakho district that it’s a city in Kurdistan region – Iraq. The questionnaire consisted of questions for demographical characteristics (e.g., gender, age, marital status, education, and job), and PTSD symptoms was assessed by using Harvard Trauma Questionnaire. Results: The females consisted 54.7% of the subjects. The majority of the participants were married (54.1%) and 98 (54.1%) of them were uneducated. About 79% of the subjects had PTSD symptoms. There was a statistically significant association between gender and PTSD, the female subjects had higher mean of trauma and PTSD symptoms scores (17.84 ± 3.5), (117.34 ± 13.8) respectively compare to that of male subjects (15.95 ± 3.1), (104.61 ± 18.8) respectively ( p < .001) Conclusion: High rate of PTSD among Yazidi population, Female subjects highly suffered from trauma and PTSD.
Developing National Genotype-Independent Indicators for Recent Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Transmission Using Pediatric Cases—United States, 2011-2017
Authors: Harrist Alexia V. , McDaniel Clinton J. , Wortham Jonathan M. , Althomsons Sandy P. 
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Pediatric tuberculosis (TB) cases are sentinel events for Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission in communities because children, by definition, must have been infected relatively recently. However, these events are not consistently identified by genotype-dependent surveillance alerting methods because many pediatric TB cases are not culture-positive, a prerequisite for genotyping. Methods: We developed 3 potential indicators of ongoing TB transmission based on identifying counties in the United States with relatively high pediatric (aged <15 years) TB incidence: (1) a case proportion indicator: an above-average proportion of pediatric TB cases among all TB cases; (2) a case rate indicator: an above-average pediatric TB case rate; and (3) a statistical model indicator: a statistical model based on a significant increase in pediatric TB cases from the previous 8-quarter moving average. Results: Of the 249 US counties reporting ≥2 pediatric TB cases during 2009-2017, 240 and 249 counties were identified by the case proportion and case rate indicators, respectively. The statistical model indicator identified 40 counties with a significant increase in the number of pediatric TB cases. We compared results from the 3 indicators with an independently generated list of 91 likely transmission events involving ≥2 pediatric cases (ie, known TB outbreaks or case clusters with reported epidemiologic links). All counties with likely transmission events involving multiple pediatric cases were identified by ≥1 indicator; 23 were identified by all 3 indicators. Practice Implications: This retrospective analysis demonstrates the feasibility of using routine TB surveillance data to identify counties where ongoing TB transmission might be occurring, even in the absence of available genotyping data.
Incidence of Complete Insertion in Cochlear Implant Recipients of Long Lateral Wall Arrays
Authors: Canfarotta Michael W. , Dillon Margaret T. , Brown Kevin D. , Pillsbury Harold C. , Dedmon Matthew M. , O’Connell Brendan P. 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveHigh rates of partial insertion have been reported for cochlear implant (CI) recipients of long lateral wall electrode arrays, presumably caused by resistance encountered during insertion due to cochlear morphology. With recent advances in long‐electrode array design, we sought to investigate (1) the incidence of complete insertions among patients implanted with 31.5‐mm flexible arrays and (2) whether complete insertion is limited by cochlear duct length (CDL).Study DesignRetrospective review.SettingTertiary referral center.MethodsFifty‐one adult CI recipients implanted with 31.5‐mm flexible lateral wall arrays underwent postoperative computed tomography to determine the rate of complete insertion, defined as all contacts being intracochlear. CDL and angular insertion depth (AID) were compared between complete and partial insertion cohorts.ResultsMost cases had a complete insertion (96.1%, n = 49). Among the complete insertion cohort, the median CDL was 33.6 mm (range, 30.3‐37.9 mm), and median AID was 641° (range, 533‐751°). Two cases of partial insertion had relatively short CDL (31.8 mm and 32.3 mm) and shallow AID (542° and 575°). Relatively shallow AID for the 2 cases of partial insertion fails to support the idea that CDL alone prevents a complete insertion.ConclusionComplete insertion of a 31.5‐mm flexible array is feasible in most cases and does not appear to be limited by the range of CDL observed in this cohort. Future studies are needed to estimate other variations in cochlear morphology that could predict resistance and failure to achieve complete insertion with long arrays.
Complications Secondary to Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: DeVictor Sam , Ong Adrian A. , Sherris David A. 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveThe popularity of nonsurgical rhinoplasty with injectable fillers continues to rise, and it is important to understand the scope of potential adverse outcomes. The purpose of our study is to determine the prevalence and types of adverse outcomes secondary to nonsurgical rhinoplasty.Data SourcesPubMed, Cochrane, Embase.Review MethodsThe data sources were explored using the following combination of terms: ((“inject*” OR “nonsurgical” OR “augmentation” OR “filler”) AND “rhinoplast*”) AND (“complication” OR “adverse” OR “embol*”). Studies on human nonsurgical rhinoplasty using injectable fillers were included. A quantitative meta‐analysis was performed on articles with low risk of bias.ResultsThe search yielded 37 publications for review, with 23 included cohort studies and 14 case reports with 8604 patients undergoing nonsurgical rhinoplasty with reported complications. The overall rate of adverse outcome across all cohort studies was 2.52%. The most commonly reported complications were bruising (1.58%) and hematoma (0.13%). While uncommon, there are several reports of major complications including 30 episodes of vessel occlusion (0.35%), 7 reports of skin necrosis (0.08%), 8 reports of vision loss (0.09%), and 6 reports of infection (0.07%).ConclusionOverall, nonsurgical rhinoplasty with injectable fillers is safe with low rates of complications. However, serious complications, such as vision loss, skin necrosis, and vessel occlusion, can occur. Further studies are needed to optimize delivery of injectable fillers in the nose to decrease the rate of adverse outcomes.
Outcomes from adult veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a cardiovascular disease center from 2009 to 2019
Authors: Gao Sizhe , Liu Gang , Yan Shujie , Lou Song , Gao Guodong , Hu Qiang , Zhang Qiaoni , Qi Jiachen , Yan Weidong , Wang Qian , Wang Jian , Ji Bingyang 
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an imperative short-term cardiopulmonary support device now. We aimed to provide a single-center experience of veno-arterial (V-A) ECMO management and identify the risk factors of in-hospital mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of adult patients who received V-A ECMO between 2009 and 2019 in a cardiovascular disease center. The risk factor analysis of in-hospital mortality was conducted. Results: The study reviewed 236 patients, with an overall survival rate of 68.2%. The survivors’ blood lactate concentration is significantly lower than non-survivors [7.4 (7.8) vs 11.1 (9.7), p = 0.002]. Patients who received heart transplantation were with higher in-hospital survival rate. Survivors developed less hepatic dysfunction, acute kidney injury and myocardial damage [23 (14.3%) vs 19 (25.3%), p = 0.039; 81 (50.3%) vs 51 (68%), p = 0.011; 24 (14.9%) vs 22 (29.3%), p = 0.009, respectively], with higher rate of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) [56 (34.8%) vs 53 (70.7%), p < 0.001]. Fewer survivors’ 24 hours and total chest drainage was over 1000 mL, and the rate of re-exploration as well as red blood cell and platelet transfusion were lower in survivors. In multivariate analysis, female, pre-ECMO blood lactate concentration, hyperlipidemia, CRRT, and 24 hours chest drainage ⩾ 1000 mL were risk factors of early mortality. Conclusions: By providing a general description of V-A ECMO practice at a single-center in China. Post-heart transplant graft failure was associated with numerically, the greatest survival in our practice. Furthermore, female sex, pre-ECMO blood lactate concentration, hyperlipidemia, CRRT, and high blood loss in chest drains are predictors of mortality in patients who undergo V-A ECMO.
Association between lower extremity venous insufficiency and duration of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yapan Emren Zeynep , Emren Sadık Volkan , Ada Fatih , Ömür Sefa Erdi , Dindaş Ferhat 
Published: February 2021

Objective Physiologic studies have shown that atrium has an active role in venous blood return from lower extremity. In this context we investigated the association between AF and chronic venous disease (CVD). Methods In this observational study we included 392 AF patients which were divided into two groups (chronic AF, 218 (56%)) and non-chronic. AF, 174 (44%)). These two groups were compared in terms of CVD after matching conventional risk factors for CVD. Results CEAP classification was different between chronic and non-chronic patients (C0–C2: 72% vs 47%; C3–C6: 28% vs 53% <0.001). Chronic AF patients had also higher rate of venous reflux on Doppler ultrasound (38% vs 16% P < 0.05). There was a correlation between AF duration, right atrial volume index and CEAP classification respectively (rho:0.314 p < 0.001), (rho:0.258, p < 0.001). Conclusion Prevalence of CVD is higher in patients with chronic AF. In addition, atrial volume is directly correlated with CVD.