The Evolution of Interpretive Contexts in Stories

Modeling the effect of context on interpretation, for the purposes of building intelligent systems, has been a long-standing problem: qualities of logic can restrict accurate contextual interpretation, even when there is only one context to consider. Stories offer a range of structures that could extend formal theories of context, indicating how arrays of inferred contexts are able to knit together, making an ontological reference that is specific to the particular set of circumstances embodied in the tale. This derived ontology shifts as the text unfolds, enabling constant revision and the emergence of unexpected meanings. The described approach employs dynamic knowledge representation techniques to model how these structures are built and changed. Two new operators have been designed for this purpose: governance and causal conceptual agents. As an example, a few lines from the story Red Riding Hood As a Dictator Would Tell It are used to demonstrate how a story interpretive framework can be continually re-made, in a way that produces unexpected interpretations of terms

Variations in AXIN2 predict risk and prognosis of colorectal cancer

Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) and hypodontia are frequent and different diseases with common genes are involved in their etiology. The objective of this study was to identify the association between AXIN2 rs2240308 with hypodontia and CRC. Patients and methods: This study consisted of 50 individuals with hypodontia, 50 individuals with CRC, and 155 healthy individuals from Colombia. SNP genotyping assays of rs2240308 were performed and family history of cancer in individuals with hypodontia was documented. In silico analysis was implemented to define the genomic profile of the AXIN2 gene associated with CRC. Multivariate analysis, chi square, odd ratio tests, and R software were used for statistical analysis. Results: AXIN2 rs2240308 showed association with CRC (OR = 5.4 CI: 2.7–10.4; p < 0.001) and with other familial cancer in individuals with hypodontia (p < 0.005 OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.22–6.91). In silico analysis showed that variations in AXIN2 found in CRC patients, were more frequently in earlier stages of tumor and patients who carry variations in the AXIN2 gene have a worse prognosis (p < 0.05). The association between AXIN2 rs2240308 with hypodontia was not significant. Conclusions: These results suggest that AXIN2 rs2240308 polymorphism is associated with CRC and AXIN2 could be a risk marker for predisposition and prognosis of CRC.Fil: Otero, L.. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana; ColombiaFil: Lacunza, Ezequiel. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Centro de Investigaciones Inmunológicas Básicas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Vasquez, V.. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana; ColombiaFil: Arbelaez, V.. No especifíca;Fil: Cardier, F.. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana; ColombiaFil: González, F.. No especifíca

Análisis del estado final de alineación dental y oclusión de los tratamientos ortodóncicos realizados en la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana evaluado mediante el sistema de Calificación Objetiva

Determinar el estado final de alineación dental y oclusión de los tratamientos ortodóncicos realizados en la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, evaluados mediante el Sistema de Calificación Objetiva (índice OGS), en el periodo 2015 a 2016. Método: El estudio se desarrolló a través del diseño observacional descriptivo de corte transversal. Se analizaron 95 registros finales de acuerdo con los ocho parámetros considerados por el índice OGS: alineación, rebordes marginales, inclinación vestíbulo-lingual, relación oclusal, contactos oclusales, sobremordida horizontal, contactos proximales y angulación radicular. Se identificó el diente y el parámetro que presentó mayor dificultad en la finalización del tratamiento, y se determinó la relación entre el tiempo total de tratamiento y el número de controles ortodóncicos realizados con el OGS. Se empleó estadística descriptiva y ANOVA de dos vías con una corrección post-hoc mediante la prueba de Bonferroni. Resultados: El OGS promedio para los casos seleccionados fue de 19.4 ± 10.2, es decir, aceptables en su tratamiento de acuerdo con lo establecido por el ABO. La duración de tratamiento promedio fue de 33.9 ± 18.93 meses, con un número de controles promedio de 22.3 ± 8.6. Los dientes que más puntos aportaron al OGS fueron los segundos premolares (6.7%) y los segundos molares (6.4%). Los parámetros que presentaron mayor dificultad se relacionaron con la inclinación vestíbulo-lingual (19.4%) y los contactos oclusales (13.1%). Conclusiones: De los 95 registros evaluados, el 65.26% (n=62) obtuvo un OGS aceptable en su tratamiento. Una mejor finalización del caso no se relaciona estadísticamente con una mayor duración de tratamiento. No se debe considerar la angulación radicular como único método para indicar la remoción de los aparatos, se recomienda la evaluación minuciosa de los modelos de estudio.To determine the final state of dental alignment and occlusion in patients treated by the Orthodontics Graduate Program at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, the treatments were evaluated by the Objective Grading System (OGS), during the period 2015 to 2016. Method: The study was developed through descriptive observational cross-sectional design. 95 final cast models were evaluated according to the eight parameters considered by the OGS: alignment, marginal ridges, buccolingual inclination, occlusal relationship, occlusal contacts, overjet, interproximal contacts and root angulation. Results identified the tooth and the parameter which presented the greatest difficulty in the completion of the treatment, and determined the relationship between the total treatment time and the number of orthodontic controls performed with the OGS. This protocol included the use of Descriptive Statistics and ANOVA with a post-hoc correction performing Bonferroni test. Results: The average OGS score for was 19.4 ± 10.2, an acceptable result in treatment according to ABO standards. The duration of the treatment was 33.9 ± 18.93 months, with an average number of controls of 22.3 ± 8.6. The scores improved significantly in the second premolars (6.7%) and in the second molars (6.4%). The parameters that presented the greatest difficulty were the buccolingual inclination (19.4%) and the occlusal contacts (13.1%). Conclusions: Out of the 95 records evaluated, 65.26% (n=62) obtained an acceptable OGS score in their treatment. Better results of this case are not statistically related to a longer course of treatment. Consider root angulation as the only method to indicate the removal of the orthodontic appliances is not recommendable, a meticulous measurement of the cast models should be a requirement.Especialista en OrtodonciaEspecializació

Las células mesenquimales del estroma olfatorio humano coexpresan proteínas de las células basales horizontales y de recubrimiento neural en cultivo.

Introduction: The olfactory neuro-epithelium has an intrinsic capability of renewal during lifetime provided by the existence of globose and horizontal olfactory precursor cells. Additionally, mesenchymal stromal olfactory cells also support the homeostasis of the olfactory mucosa cell population. Under in vitro culture conditions with Dulbecco modified eagle/F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, tissue biopsies from upper turbinate have generated an adherent population of cells expressing mainly mesenchymal stromal phenotypic markers. A closer examination of these cells has also found co-expression of olfactory precursors and ensheathing cell phenotypic markers. These results were suggestive of a unique property of olfactory mesenchymal stromal cells as potentially olfactory progenitor cells.Objective: To study whether the expression of these proteins in mesenchymal stromal cells is modulated upon neuronal differentiation.Materials and methods: We observed the phenotype of olfactory stromal cells under DMEM/F12 plus 10% fetal bovine serum in comparison to cells from spheres induced by serum-free medium plus growth factors inducers of neural progenitors.Results: The expression of mesenchymal stromal (CD29+, CD73+, CD90+, CD45-), horizontal basal (ICAM-1/CD54+, p63+, p75NGFr+), and ensheathing progenitor cell (nestin+, GFAP+) proteins was determined in the cultured population by flow cytometry. The determination of Oct 3/4, Sox-2, and Mash-1 transcription factors, as well as the neurotrophins BDNF, NT3, and NT4 by RT-PCR in cells, was indicative of functional heterogeneity of the olfactory mucosa tissue sample. Conclusions: Mesenchymal and olfactory precursor proteins were downregulated by serum-free medium and promoted differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells into neurons and astroglial cells.Introducción. El recambio celular del neuroepitelio olfatorio ocurre durante la vida del individuo gracias a precursores olfatorios. Además, las células mesenquimales del estroma también contribuyen a la homeostasis de la mucosa. Cuando un explante de una biopsia de mucosa se cultiva en un medio esencial mínimo, se genera una población predominante de células adherentes que expresan proteínas típicas de las células mesenquimales del estroma. La coexpresión de marcadores fenotípicos de precursores olfatorios y de células del recubrimiento del nervio olfatorio constituiría una propiedad única de las células mesenquimales del estroma.Objetivo. Determinar si la diferenciación celular de las células mesenquimales hacia fenotipos neurales modula la expresión de los marcadores mesenquimales característicos.Materiales y métodos. Se compararon las células aisladas de la mucosa olfatoria en un medio de cultivo con suplemento de 10 % de suero fetal bovino con esferas generadas en un medio sin suero más factores de crecimiento.Resultados. Se determinó la expresión de proteínas de las células mesenquimales del estroma (CD29+, CD73+, CD90+, CD45-), de las basales horizontales (ICAM-1/CD54+, p63+, p75NGFr+), y de las del recubrimiento del nervio olfatorio (nestin+, GFAP+) en la misma población cultivada. La determinación de Oct 3/4, Sox-2 y Mash-1, así como de las neurotrofinas BDNF, NT3 y NT4, sugirió que las células del estroma son funcionales. La expresión de las proteínas de las células mesenquimales y los precursores olfatorios, disminuyó en las células de las mesenesferas inducidas por ausencia de suero en el medio de cultivo.Conclusión. Las células mesenquimales del estroma de la mucosa olfatoria presentan una tendencia dominante hacia la diferenciación neural

Variations in <i>AXIN2</i> predict risk and prognosis of colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) and hypodontia are frequent and different diseases with common genes are involved in their etiology. The objective of this study was to identify the association between AXIN2 rs2240308 with hypodontia and CRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study consisted of 50 individuals with hypodontia, 50 individuals with CRC, and 155 healthy individuals from Colombia. SNP genotyping assays of rs2240308 were performed and family history of cancer in individuals with hypodontia was documented. In silico analysis was implemented to define the genomic profile of the AXIN2 gene associated with CRC. Multivariate analysis, chi square, odd ratio tests, and R software were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: AXIN2 rs2240308 showed association with CRC (OR = 5.4 CI: 2.7–10.4; p < 0.001) and with other familial cancer in individuals with hypodontia (p < 0.005 OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.22–6.91). In silico analysis showed that variations in AXIN2 found in CRC patients, were more frequently in earlier stages of tumor and patients who carry variations in the AXIN2 gene have a worse prognosis (p < 0.05). The association between AXIN2 rs2240308 with hypodontia was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that AXIN2 rs2240308 polymorphism is associated with CRC and AXIN2 could be a risk marker for predisposition and prognosis of CRC.Facultad de Ciencias MédicasCentro de Investigaciones Inmunológicas Básicas y Aplicada

Severe thrombocytosis and anemia associated with celiac disease in a young female patient: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Platelet counts exceeding 1.000 × 10³/μl are usually considered secondary to another cause, particularly to chronic myeloproliferative disease (CMPD). Reactive thrombocytosis due to iron deficiency rarely exceeds platelet counts of 700 × 10³/μl.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>Here we report the case of a young woman presenting with clinical signs of severe anemia. Laboratory findings confirmed an iron-deficiency anemia associated with severe thrombocytosis of 1703 × 10³/μl. Macroscopic gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract bleeding was excluded. The excessive elevation of platelets, slightly elevated lactate dehydrogenase and slightly elevated leukocytes along with the absence of other inflammation parameters raised the suspicion of an underlying hematological disease. However, bone marrow evaluation could not prove the suspected diagnosis of a CMPD, especially essential thrombocythemia (ET). In the further clinical course the platelet count returned to normal after raising the hemoglobin to a level close to normal range with erythrocyte transfusion, and normalization of serum iron and decline of erythropoietin. Finally, following small bowel biopsy, despite the absence of typical clinical signs, celiac disease was diagnosed. After discharge from hospital the patient was commenced on a gluten-free diet and her hemoglobin almost completely normalized in the further follow-up period.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This case illustrates the rare constellation of an extreme thrombocytosis most likely secondary to iron deficiency due to celiac disease. This represents, to the best of the authors' knowledge, the highest reported platelet count coincident with iron deficiency. A potential mechanism for the association of iron-deficiency anemia and thrombocytosis is discussed. Even in the presence of 'atypically' high platelets one should consider the possibility of reactive thrombocytosis. Extreme thrombocytosis could emerge in the case of iron deficiency secondary to celiac disease.</p

Effect of Tea Polyphenol on Oxidative Injury in S180 Cells Induced Hepatocarcinoma Mice

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant nature of tea polyphenol on S180 cells induced liver cancer in mice. In the present study, hepatocellular carcinoma was induced by tumor transplantation of liver in situ. The antitumor activity of tea polyphenol has been determined in vivo in hepatocellular carcinoma mice after treatment of drug (50, 100, 150 mg/kg body weight) by gavage for 20 days. Results showed that a significant increase in serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransfere (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA) level, decrease in serum white blood cells (WBC), serum total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), A/G, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), liver reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were observed. In addition, the levels of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants were decreased when subjected to S180 cells induction. These altered enzyme levels were ameliorated significantly by administration of tea polyphenol at the concentration of 50, 100, 150 mg/kg body weight in drug-treated animals. These results indicate that the protective effect of tea polyphenol was associated with inhibition of MDA induced by S180 cells and to maintain the antioxidant enzyme levels

Characterization of early host responses in adults with dengue disease

BACKGROUND: While dengue-elicited early and transient host responses preceding defervescence could shape the disease outcome and reveal mechanisms of the disease pathogenesis, assessment of these responses are difficult as patients rarely seek healthcare during the first days of benign fever and thus data are lacking. METHODS: In this study, focusing on early recruitment, we performed whole-blood transcriptional profiling on dengue virus PCR positive patients sampled within 72 h of self-reported fever presentation (average 43 h, SD 18.6 h) and compared the signatures with autologous samples drawn at defervescence and convalescence and to control patients with fever of other etiology. RESULTS: In the early dengue fever phase, a strong activation of the innate immune response related genes were seen that was absent at defervescence (4-7 days after fever debut), while at this second sampling genes related to biosynthesis and metabolism dominated. Transcripts relating to the adaptive immune response were over-expressed in the second sampling point with sustained activation at the third sampling. On an individual gene level, significant enrichment of transcripts early in dengue disease were chemokines CCL2 (MCP-1), CCL8 (MCP-2), CXCL10 (IP-10) and CCL3 (MIP-1α), antimicrobial peptide β-defensin 1 (DEFB1), desmosome/intermediate junction component plakoglobin (JUP) and a microRNA which may negatively regulate pro-inflammatory cytokines in dengue infected peripheral blood cells, mIR-147 (NMES1). CONCLUSIONS: These data show that the early response in patients mimics those previously described in vitro, where early assessment of transcriptional responses has been easily obtained. Several of the early transcripts identified may be affected by or mediate the pathogenesis and deserve further assessment at this timepoint in correlation to severe disease