bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Illustrious influence of amino acid L-threonine (LT) on structural and optical insights of Zinc Thiourea Sulphate (ZTS) crystal
Authors: Kulkarni R. B. , Anis M. , Hussaini S. S. , Shirsat M. D. 
Published: February 2019

Mentioned communication explores the modification in properties of Zinc Thiourea Sulphate (ZTS) crystal due to L-Threonine (LT) addition. Superior quality LT-doped ZTS crystal with 0.5 M% concentration of LT was grown by the slow evaporation solution growth technique. Powder X-ray diffraction technique was applied to study the cell parameters which confirmed orthorhombic crystal structure of both pure and LT-ZTS crystal with slight variation in cell parameters. Shimatzu make spectrophotometer confirmed the UV-Visible spectral analysis in the range of 200–900 nm which affirmed the 94% transmittance, enhanced bandgap value (4.72 eV), lower cut-off value (246 nm) and lower optical constants viz. extinction coefficient, polarizability, refractive index, and reflectance of LT-ZTS crystal. The higher second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of LT-doped ZTS was pointed by Kurtz Perry powder method (3.06 times of pure ZTS crystal and 3.62 times of KDP crystal) using Nd: YAG laser. The colour centered emission and electronic purity of parent and doped ZTS crystals were examined which resulted in the violet emission in visible region for both pure and LT-ZTS crystals. Z-scan technique is used to identify the Kerr lensing nonlinearity in pure and LT-doped ZTS crystal. Close aperture Z-scan curve demonstrated negative refraction nonlinearity (self-defocusing nature) for pure and positive refraction nonlinearity (self-focusing nature) for LT-ZTS crystal. Calculated value of refraction nonlinearity n2 is −2.2 × 10[Formula: see text] cm2/W for pure ZTS and [Formula: see text]4.99 × 10[Formula: see text] cm2/W for LT-ZTS crystal. Open aperture Z-scan showed reverse saturable absorption effect (RSA) in pure ZTS and saturable absorption effect (SA) in LT-ZTS crystal. The [Formula: see text] value is 2.85 × 10[Formula: see text] cm/W for pure ZTS and 3.92 × 10[Formula: see text] cm/W for LT-ZTS crystal. The [Formula: see text]3 of ZTS crystal is 6.133 × 10[Formula: see text] cm/W and 1.655 × 10[Formula: see text] cm2/W for LT-ZTS crystal. The transition in TONLO parameters is observed due to doping of LT in ZTS. The obtained parameters indicated the superiority of LT-ZTS for application in distinct laser stabilization systems, UV shelter and NLO applications.
Acidification of Tumor at Stromal Boundaries Drives Transcriptome Alterations Associated with Aggressive Phenotypes
Authors: Rohani Nazanin , Hao Liangliang , Alexis Maria S. , Joughin Brian A. , Krismer Konstantin , Moufarrej Mira N. , Soltis Anthony R. , Lauffenburger Douglas A. , Yaffe Michael B. , Burge Christopher B. , Bhatia Sangeeta N. , Gertler Frank B. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Acidosis is a fundamental feature of the tumor microenvironment, which directly regulates tumor cell invasion by affecting immune cell function, clonal cell evolution, and drug resistance. Despite the important association of tumor microenvironment acidosis with tumor cell invasion, relatively little is known regarding which areas within a tumor are acidic and how acidosis influences gene expression to promote invasion. Here, we injected a labeled pH-responsive peptide to mark acidic regions within tumors. Surprisingly, acidic regions were not restricted to hypoxic areas and overlapped with highly proliferative, invasive regions at the tumor–stroma interface, which were marked by increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases and degradation of the basement membrane. RNA-seq analysis of cells exposed to low pH conditions revealed a general rewiring of the transcriptome that involved RNA splicing and enriched for targets of RNA binding proteins with specificity for AU-rich motifs. Alternative splicing of Mena and CD44, which play important isoform-specific roles in metastasis and drug resistance, respectively, was sensitive to histone acetylation status. Strikingly, this program of alternative splicing was reversed in vitro and in vivo through neutralization experiments that mitigated acidic conditions. These findings highlight a previously underappreciated role for localized acidification of tumor microenvironment in the expression of an alternative splicing-dependent tumor invasion program.

Significance:
This study expands our understanding of acidosis within the tumor microenvironment and indicates that acidosis induces potentially therapeutically actionable changes to alternative splicing.
Immunotherapeutic Blockade of Macrophage Clever-1 Reactivates the CD8+ T-cell Response against Immunosuppressive Tumors
Authors: Viitala Miro , Virtakoivu Reetta , Tadayon Sina , Rannikko Jenna , Jalkanen Sirpa , Hollmén Maija 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Purpose:
As foremost regulators of cancer-related inflammation and immunotherapeutic resistance, tumor-associated macrophages have garnered major interest as immunotherapeutic drug targets. However, depletory strategies have yielded little benefit in clinical studies to date. An alternative approach is to exploit macrophage plasticity and “reeducate” tumorigenic macrophages toward an immunostimulatory phenotype to activate the host's antitumor immunity.
Experimental Design: We investigated the role of the macrophage scavenger receptor common lymphatic endothelial and vascular endothelial receptor-1 (Clever-1) on tumor growth in multiple mouse cancer models with inflammatory and noninflammatory characteristics by using conditional knockouts, bone marrow chimeras, and cell depletion experiments. In addition, the efficacy of immunotherapeutic Clever-1 blockade as monotherapy or in combination with anti-PD-1 was tested.

Results:
Genetic deficiency of macrophage Clever-1 markedly impaired solid tumor growth. This effect was mediated by macrophages that became immunostimulatory in the absence of Clever-1, skewing the suppressive tumor microenvironment toward inflammation and activating endogenous antitumor CD8+ T cells. Comparable effects were achieved with immunotherapeutic blockade of Clever-1. Notably, these effects were similar to those achieved by PD-1 checkpoint inhibition. Moreover, combining anti-Clever-1 with anti-PD-1 provided synergistic benefit in aggressive, nonresponsive tumors.

Conclusions:
These findings demonstrate the importance of macrophages in mediating antitumor immune responses and support the clinical evaluation of immunotherapeutic Clever-1 blockade as a novel cancer treatment strategy.
See related commentary by Mantovani and Bonecchi, p. 3202
O Atlântico Sul no espelho da tradução
Authors: Camargo Raquel Peixoto do Amaral , Botaro Mirella 
Published: February 2019

Este artigo pretende articular o eixo “sul-sul” (Brasil-África) ao eixo “norte-sul” (Brasil-França) lançando uma reflexão sobre a tradução de dois romances francófonos no Brasil: Pelourinho (1995, Seuil), do Guineano Tierno Monénembo, e Là où les tigres sont chez eux (2008, Zulma), do Francês Jean-Marie Blas de Roblès. Considerado como simplista, quando não redutor ou preconceituoso, o uso do cliché não costuma ser bem visto nos textos literários. Nestes dois romances, no entanto, o papel que ele desempenha parece ir além daquele previsto pelo seu “lugar comum”, que é o da imagem desgastada e repetida. O que diz o “Brasil” que se desvela nos romances a respeito de sua relação com o Outro, seja ele africano, europeu ou, particularmente, francês? Que inflexões os clichés sobre o Brasil podem adquirir uma vez transplantados no próprio Brasil? Que transformações o trabalho de tradução implica quanto ao seu tratamento literário? A tradução pode/deve agir sobre as imagens e/ou leituras “estigmatizantes” ou “culturalistas” produzidas em/por textos francófonos (França, África)? Estas questões serão centrais para a reflexão que desejamos lançar sobre o Atlântico-sul, reflexão esta situada entre o “clichê” e a sua tradução.
Atividades em Sala de Aula
Authors: Itacarambi Ruth Ribas 
Published: February 2019

“Estamos passando de uma sociedade com sistema educativo para uma sociedade do conhecimento e aprendizagem contínua. Assim o que outrora foi um lugar de densa socialização converteu-se em um espaço cada vez mais dedicado à administração de saberes, estes que agora os especialistas dos ministérios pretendem “modernizar” chamando-os de competências...” Barbero, 2014
Cenas de microcefalia, de cuidado, de antropologia (Recife, setembro de 2017)
Authors: Fleischer Soraya 
Published: February 2019

Desde 2016, eu e equipes compostas por pesquisadoras de graduação, mestrado e doutorado temos visitado o Recife/PE. A cada semestre, passamos uma quinzena (re)encontrando, acompanhando e conversando um mesmo conjunto de mulheres que tiveram filhos com a síndrome congênita do vírus Zika entre 2015 e 2016. Escrevemos diários de campo individuais durante o período da noite, após as atividades de pesquisa de campo durante o dia. Depois, circulamos versões editadas desses diários entre nós. Circular esse material dentro da equipe funciona como um importante passo metodológico e pedagógico e permite criar um corpus empírico que pode ser (re)utilizado por essa e também equipes futuras. As cenas da montagem apresentada nesse artigo vêm, especificamente, do período mais recente de pesquisa de campo, realizada em setembro de 2017, quando dessa vez, excepcionalmente, viajei sozinha. Nesse estilo narrativo, trago trechos – ou cenas, como prefiro caracterizá-las – diretamente desses diários de campo mais recentes. Há alguma edição para resguardar anonimato, para as frases fazerem sentido quando retiradas de um contexto mais amplo, para que a situação dramática central fique um pouco mais evidenciada. Aqui, o pleito é reunir e apresentar cenas vívidas e vividas por “mães de micro” no Recife/PE; valorizar o diário de campo como material empírico e reflexivo; por experimentar o efeito da montagem como prática de análise antropológica; por deslocar o epicentro e a onipresença da autoria em antropologia.
Rho Kinase Inhibition Blunts Lesion Development and Hemorrhage in Murine Models of Aggressive
Pdcd10/Ccm3
Disease
Authors: Shenkar Robert , Peiper Amy , Pardo Heidy , Moore Thomas , Lightle Rhonda , Girard Romuald , Hobson Nicholas , Polster Sean P. , Koskimäki Janne , Zhang Dongdong , Lyne Seán B. , Cao Ying , Chaudagar Kiranj , Saadat Laleh , Gallione Carol , Pytel Peter , Liao James K. , Marchuk Douglas , Awad Issam A. 
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose—

Previously, murine models
Krit1

+/−

Msh2

−/

−

and
Ccm2

+/

−

Trp53

−/

−

showed a reduction or no effect on cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) burden and favorable effects on lesional hemorrhage by the robust Rock (Rho-associated protein kinase) inhibitor fasudil and by simvastatin (a weak pleiotropic inhibitor of Rock). Herein, we concurrently investigated treatment of the more aggressive
Pdcd10/Ccm3
model with fasudil, simvastatin, and higher dose atorvastatin to determined effectiveness of Rock inhibition.

Methods—

The murine models,
Pdcd10

+/

−

Trp53

−/

−

and
Pdcd10

+/

−

Msh2

−/

−

, were contemporaneously treated from weaning to 5 months of age with fasudil (100 mg/kg per day in drinking water, n=9), simvastatin (40 mg/kg per day in chow, n=11), atorvastatin (80 mg/kg per day in chow, n=10), or with placebo (n=16). We assessed CCM volume in mouse brains by microcomputed tomography. Lesion burden was calculated as lesion volume normalized to total brain volume. We analyzed chronic hemorrhage in CCM lesions by quantitative intensity of Perls staining in brain sections.

Results—

The
Pdcd10

+/

−

Trp53

−/

−

/Msh2

−/

−

models showed a mean CCM lesion burden per mouse reduction from 0.0091 in placebos to 0.0042 (
P
=0.027) by fasudil, and to 0.0047 (
P
=0.025) by atorvastatin treatment, but was not changed significantly by simvastatin. Hemorrhage intensity per brain was commensurately decreased by Rock inhibition.

Conclusions—
These results support the exploration of proof of concept effect of high-dose atorvastatin on human CCM disease for potential therapeutic testing.
Automated Smartphone Audiometry: A Preliminary Validation of a Bone-Conduction Threshold Test App
Authors: Dewyer Nicholas A. , Jiradejvong Patpong , Lee David S. , Kemmer Jacquelyn D. , Henderson Sabes Jennifer , Limb Charles J. 
Published: February 2019

Objective: To develop and validate an automated smartphone app that determines bone-conduction pure-tone thresholds. Methods: A novel app, called EarBone, was developed as an automated test to determine best-cochlea pure-tone bone-conduction thresholds using a smartphone driving a professional-grade bone oscillator. Adult, English-speaking patients who were undergoing audiometric assessment by audiologists at an academic health system as part of their prescribed care were invited to use the EarBone app. Best-ear bone-conduction thresholds determined by the app and the gold standard audiologist were compared. Results: Forty subjects with varied hearing thresholds were tested. Sixty-one percent of app-determined thresholds were within 5 dB of audiologist-determined thresholds, and 79% were within 10 dB. Nearly all subjects required assistance with placing the bone oscillator on their mastoid. Conclusion: Best-cochlea bone-conduction thresholds determined by the EarBone automated smartphone audiometry app approximate those determined by an audiologist. This serves as a proof of concept for automated smartphone-based bone-conduction threshold testing. Further improvements, such as the addition of contralateral ear masking, are needed to make the app clinically useful.
Genomewide analysis of 6-methyladenine DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zheng F , Tang D , Xu H , Xu Y , Dai W , Zhang X , Hong X , Liu D , Dai Y 
Published: February 2019

Aim The aim of this paper is to explore the expression of 6-methyladenine (6mA) DNA and to elucidate its gene regulation role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Twenty SLE patients and 20 normal control healthy individuals (HCs) were included in this study. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and subsequently underwent 6mA-immunoprecipitation-sequencing (6mA-IP-Seq) after DNA quality control and 6mA precipitation. Bioinformation analysis was applied to the raw data comparing 6mA levels between SLE patients and HCs. Results We identified 5462 hypermethylation and 431 hypomethylation genes in PBMCs of individuals with SLE, which indicated that a high level of 6mA participates in the pathogenesis of SLE. Gene ontology analysis revealed that hypermethylation genes might regulate the inflammatory process, which has been well documented in the pathogenesis of SLE. Conclusion 6mA may be involved in the initial development of SLE, which may lead to its potential use as an early diagnostic marker and therapeutic target.
Effect of pericardial effusion on outcomes in children admitted with systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicenter retrospective cohort study from the United States
Authors: Dalby S T , Tang X , Daily J A , Sukumaran S , Collins R T , Bolin E H 
Published: February 2019

Objective We sought to describe characteristics of children admitted with pericardial effusion (PCE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and determine the association between PCE and outcomes of interest. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS). Patients were included if they were admitted to a PHIS participating hospital from 2004 to 2015 with a diagnosis of SLE and age ≤18 years. Children with congenital heart disease or who had undergone heart surgery were excluded. PCE was the primary predictor variable; multivariable analysis was used to evaluate the effect of PCE on the following outcomes: mortality, length of stay (LOS), and readmission within 30 days. Results There were 5679 admissions, of which 705 (12.4%) had PCE. Median age at admission was 15 years (interquartile range: 13–17). There were no significant differences for age or sex between patients admitted either with or without PCE. A significantly higher percentage of children in the PCE group were black compared with those without PCE (43% vs. 31%, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, the odds of a black patient having PCE were 1.7 higher than non-black patients ( p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 2.5 times higher in children with PCE compared with those without PCE ( p = 0.027). Those with PCE also had 1.5 greater odds of readmission within 30 days ( p < 0.001). PCE was not associated with increased LOS (0.99, p = 0.753). Conclusion PCE is common in admissions of children with SLE. There are disproportionately more black patients with SLE affected by PCE than non-black. PCE is associated with significantly higher mortality and rates of readmission.
Physical, cognitive and psychosocial effects of telerehabilitation-based motor imagery training in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Kahraman Turhan , Savci Sema , Ozdogar Asiye Tuba , Gedik Zumrut , Idiman Egemen 
Published: February 2019

Introduction Motor imagery training delivered at home via telerehabilitation is a novel rehabilitation concept. The aim was to investigate the effects of telerehabilitation-based motor imaging training (Tele-MIT) on gait, balance and cognitive and psychosocial outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Methods This randomized, controlled pilot trial included pwMS and healthy individuals. pwMS were randomly divided into two groups, intervention and control. The intervention group received Tele-MIT twice a week for 8 weeks. The control group was a wait-list group without any additional specific treatment. Healthy participants served as a baseline comparison. The Dynamic Gait Index, used to assess dynamic balance during walking, was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included assessments of walking speed, endurance and perceived ability, balance performance assessed by a computerized posturography device, balance confidence, cognitive functions, fatigue, anxiety, depression and quality of life. Results Baseline comparisons with healthy individuals revealed that motor imagery abilities were preserved in pwMS ( p > 0.05). The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in dynamic balance during walking ( p = 0.002), walking speed ( p = 0.007), perceived walking ability ( p = 0.008), balance confidence ( p = 0.002), most cognitive functions ( p = 0.001–0.008), fatigue ( p = 0.001), anxiety ( p = 0.001), depression ( p = 0.005) and quality of life ( p = 0.002). No significant changes were observed in the control group in any of the outcome measures ( p > 0.05). Discussion Tele-MIT is a novel method that proved feasible and effective in improving dynamic balance during walking, walking speed and perceived walking ability, balance confidence, cognitive functions, fatigue, anxiety, depression and quality of life in pwMS.
Inflammatory activity and vitamin D levels in an MS population treated with rituximab
Authors: Linden Johan , Granåsen Gabriel , Salzer Jonatan , Svenningsson Anders , Sundström Peter 
Published: February 2019

Background Most multiple sclerosis patients on disease-modifying treatment at Umeå University Hospital are treated with rituximab and the prevalence of vitamin D supplementation has increased over time. Follow-up studies of these off-label treatments are needed. Objective To study inflammatory activity and adverse effects in rituximab-treated multiple sclerosis patients, and associations with 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels. Methods Retrospectively collected data on repeated estimates of relapses, disability, side effects, magnetic resonance imaging, laboratory measures including 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels and self-perceived health. Results In 272 multiple sclerosis patients with a mean follow-up of 43 months, we identified seven possible relapses during active rituximab treatment. On magnetic resonance imaging examination, new T2 lesions were seen in 1.3% (10 out of 792 scans), and 0.25% (two out of 785 scans) showed contrast enhancement. Adjusted 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels in samples drawn close to all magnetic resonance images with new T2 lesions were lower compared to the remainder (62 vs. 81 nmol/l; P = 0.030). Levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D were associated with self-perceived health ( r = 0.18, P = 0.041, n = 130) and C-reactive protein ( r = –0.13, P = 0.042) but not with the risk of side effects. Conclusion The inflammatory activity in this rituximab-treated multiple sclerosis population that increasingly used vitamin D supplementation was extremely low. Higher 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels were associated with beneficial outcomes.
Outcomes of Halo Immobilization for Cervical Spine Fractures
Authors: Isidro Stacey , Molinari Robert , Ikpeze Tochukwu , Hernandez Cesar , Mahmoudi Mohamed Salah , Mesfin Addisu 
Published: February 2019

Study Design: Retrospective. Objectives: To evaluate complications and outcomes of halo immobilization in patients with cervical spine fractures treated at a level I trauma center. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of patients treated at a single institution with halo immobilization from August 2000 to February 2016 was performed. Demographic information, mechanism of injury, level and type of spine fracture, length of halo immobilization, complications associated with halo immobilization, and length of patient follow-up were collected. Results: A total of 189 patients treated with halos were identified. Of the 189 patients, 121 (64%) received halos for the management of cervical spine fractures and were included in the study. A total of 49.6% were males and 50.4% were females. The average age was 50.8 years (range 1-89 years). Overall, 10.7% sustained C1 fractures, 71.1% C2 fractures, and 18.2% subaxial spine (C3-C7) fractures. In all, 47.1% of the upper cervical fractures were either odontoid or hangman-type fractures. A total of 25.1% of patients had multiple cervical fractures. At latest follow-up, 81% had healed fractures with good alignment, minimal pain, and return to normal activities. There was an 8.3% mortality rate. The mortality group had an average age of 64.7 years (range 19-84 years). A total of 10.7% of patients failed halo immobilization and 46.3% of patients had complications such as pin site infections (5.8%), loose pins (1.7%), neck pain (20.7%), decreased range of motion (14%), thoracic skin ulcers (2.4%), and dysphagia (1.7%). Conclusions: The use of halo immobilization for cervical spine fractures resulted in clinical success in 81% of patients. Complication rates in geriatric patients were lower than previously reported in the literature.