bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Overview of the Available Intervention Strategies for Postural Balance Control in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Hariri Rabeeh , Nakhostin-Ansari Amin , Mohammadi Fatemeh , Memari Amir Hossein , Oskouie Iman Menbari , Haghparast Afarin
Published: November 2022

Background. Postural instability is a prevalent issue among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that affects the development of their perceptual-motor skills and social functioning. Visual and somatosensory processing deficits, hypotonia, basal ganglia dysfunction, and anxiety are some of the concurrent disorders in individuals with ASD. Nevertheless, a definite management protocol for postural instability in ASD has not been introduced yet. Hence, we aim to shed light on the available intervention strategies for postural instability in individuals with ASD. Methods. Even though several studies have been conducted on the effects of various interventions for balance control in individuals with ASD, no study has compared their efficacy, limitations, and clinical implications. Results. This review discusses diverse proposed interventions contributing to ASD postural instability, including martial arts, water-based interventions, animal-assisted therapies, trampoline, balance training, vestibular therapy, transcranial direct current stimulation, sports, play, and active recreation for kids (SPARK), and square-stepping exercise (SSE). Conclusion. Enhancing motor skills, cerebellum function, and sensory input integration were some of the main mechanisms of these interventions to improve balance control in ASD. Some interventions, such as water-based exercises and video games, were enjoyable for children with ASD and could raise their treatment adherence. In most studies, small sample sizes and the lack of a control group represented their major limitations. Therefore, future well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to assess the effects of available interventions on postural control in ASD.
Wenshen Yiqi Keli Mitigates the Proliferation and Migration of Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells through miR-155/FoxO3a Axis
Authors: Dong Lei , Li Hongli , Li Minjing , Zhang Liting , Qiu Chenhui , Chen Ye
Published: November 2022

Some domestic scholars revealed the effectiveness of Wenshen Yiqi Keli (WSYQKL) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the exact mechanism of WSYQKL on COPD is fuzzy and needs further research. We adopted UPLC-Q/TOF-MS to analyze the chemical components of WSYQKL. In in vitro experiments, human airway smooth muscle cells (hASMCs) were intervened with 2.5% cigarette smoke extract (CSE), medicine serum of WSYQKL, miR-155 mimic, and FoxO3a silencing. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, and the expressions of miR-155, PCNA, Ki67, p21, p27, and FoxO3a were examined by cell counting kit-8, EdU staining, Transwell assay, scarification assay, qRT-PCR, immunol cytochemistry, and western blot, respectively. The association between miR-155 and FoxO3a was assessed by database and luciferase reporter gene analysis. We identified 47 kinds of chemical compositions of WSYQKL in ESI+ mode and 42 kinds of components of WSYQKL in ESI− mode. The medicine serum of WSYQKL strongly alleviated the proliferation and migration of hASMCs induced by CSE in a concentration-dependent manner. The medicine serum of WSYQKL enhanced the levels of p21, p27, and FoxO3a and weakened PCNA and Ki67 levels in hASMCs induced by CSE with the increase of concentration. MiR-155 mimic or FoxO3a silencing notably advanced CSE-treated HASMC viability, proliferation, migration, and the levels of PCNA and Ki67 and downregulated the levels of p21, p27, and FoxO3a in CSE-triggered hASMCs, which was reversed by WSYQKL-containing serum. Our results described that WSYQKL alleviated the proliferation and migration of hASMCs induced by CSE by modulating the miR-155/FoxO3a axis.
Progress and Challenges in Electromechanical Coupling of Radio Telescopes
Authors: Yan Yuefei , Xue Song , Hu Xinlan , Lian Peiyuan , Xu Qian , Wang Na , Zhao Wulin , Wu Yang , Duan Baoyan , Wang Congsi
Published: November 2022

Radio astronomy is a discipline of dynamics and wonders. The vast universe has many secrets to unravel. As one of the important facilities in this discipline, radio telescopes play a key role in collecting astronomical data and unraveling mysteries. With the demand of radio astronomy for a higher frequency, wider bandwidth, higher gain, and higher pointing accuracy, the aperture of the radio telescope is gradually increasing, and its electrical performance and structure have become tightly coupled. Therefore, how to ensure the stable and efficient operation of the telescope for the long-term operation has become the urgent demand for large aperture high-performance radio telescopes. Therefore, this paper firstly makes a comparison of the overall condition of large radio telescopes in nearly a decade that are both constructed and operated, including the progress of radio telescopes that are being constructed and the planning for construction. Then, systematically summarized the latest research progress of electromechanical coupling technology from 3 aspects of connotation and application of electromechanical coupling, and performance guarantee under slowly varying load and performance guarantee under rapidly varying load from the perspectives of design, manufacturing, and observation operating. Lastly, the future research direction of electromechanical coupling technology is pointed out according to the development trend of radio astronomy.
Myosin 1b Participated in the Modulation of Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Caused H9c2 Cell Apoptosis and Autophagy
Authors: Xu Jing , Huang Jin , He Xiaojie , Hu Mingshuang , Su Shan , Liu Ping
Published: November 2022

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury seriously threats the health and life of patients with ischemia heart disease. Herein, we probed the potential influence of myosin 1b (myo1b) on hypoxia/reoxygenation- (H/R-) stimulated cardiomyocyte H9c2 cell apoptosis and autophagy. After H/R stimulation, the myo1b mRNA level in H9c2 cells was tested via qRT-PCR. Myo1b overexpression plasmid (OE-myo1b) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting myo1b (si-myo1b) were transfected into H9c2 cells to alter myo1b expression in H9c2 cells. Following H/R stimulation and/or OE-myo1b (or si-myo1b) transfection, H9c2 cell apoptosis, proliferation, and autophagy were detected, respectively. We found that H/R stimulation reduced the mRNA level of myo1b in H9c2 cells and resulted in H9c2 cell apoptosis, proliferation inhibition, and autophagy. Overexpression of myo1b reversed the H/R-resulted H9c2 cell apoptosis, proliferation inhibition, and autophagy. Silence of myo1b had opposite effects, which promoted H9c2 cell apoptosis, reduced cell proliferation, and accelerated cell autophagy. Taken together, Myo1b took part in the modulation of H/R-stimulated cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy, which might be serve as a potential endogenous target for prevention and therapy of I/R injury.
An Improved Chicken Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Solving Multimodal Optimization Problems
Authors: Liang Jianhui , Wang Lifang , Ma Miao
Published: November 2022

To solve the premature convergence problem of the standard chicken swarm optimization (CSO) algorithm in dealing with multimodal optimization problems, an improved chicken swarm optimization (ICSO) algorithm is proposed by referring to the ideas of bacterial foraging algorithm (BFA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. First, in order to improve the depth search ability of the algorithm, considering that the chicks have the weakest optimization ability in the whole chicken swarm, the replication operation of BFA is introduced. In the role update process of the chicken swarm, the chicks are replaced by the same number of chickens with the strongest optimization ability. Then, to maintain the population diversity, the elimination-dispersal operation is introduced to disperse the chicks that have performed the replication operation to any position in the search space according to a certain probability. Finally, the PSO algorithm is integrated to improve the global optimization ability of the algorithm. The experimental results on the CEC2014 benchmark function test suite show that the proposed algorithm has good performance in most test functions, and its optimization accuracy and convergence performance are also better than BFA, artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA), genetic algorithm (GA), and PSO algorithm, etc. In addition, the ICSO is also utilized to solve the welded beam design problem, and the experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm has obvious advantages over other comparison algorithms. Its disadvantage is that it is not suitable for dealing with large-scale optimization problems.
ADGRD1 as a Potential Prognostic and Immunological Biomarker in Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lv Meiwen , Li Xuelian , Tian Wen , Yang He , Zhou Baosen
Published: November 2022

ADGRD1 (GPR133), an adhesion G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR), has been linked to cancer. However, the prognostic value and regulatory function within non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still unclear. This work adopted various bioinformatics methods, including publicly available databases as well as real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR), for detecting ADGRD1 expression level and investigating the correlation between ADGRD1 expression level and prognosis, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), immune infiltrating cells, immune‐related genes, and targeted regulation mechanisms in NSCLC. According to the results, ADGRD1 expression decreased within NSCLC, which might be the factor predicting prognosis of NSCLC. Meanwhile, ADGRD1 showed significant correlation with TMB and MSI, respectively, as well as immune cell infiltrating levels in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), which were primarily linked to macrophage M1, mast cell resting, T cell CD4 memory activated, and T cell CD4 memory resting and were associated with mast cell activated and mast cell resting in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). The most promising upstream regulation pathways of ADGRD1 were likely miR‐142‐5p, miR‐93‐5p, and miR‐17‐5p, which were overexpressed and associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC. ADGRD1 and immune‐related genes correlated with ADGRD1 were shown to be enriched in “positive regulation of leukocyte activation,” “external side of plasma membrane,” “receptor ligand activity,” and “cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction” pathways. ADGRD1 expression and regulation may be critical in determining NSCLC prognosis.
An Improved Object Detection Method for Underwater Sonar Image Based on PP-YOLOv2
Authors: Wang Fang , Li Huitao , Wang Kai , Su Lichen , Li Jing , Zhang Lili
Published: November 2022

Forward-looking sonar is widely used in underwater obstacles and objects detection for navigational safety. Automatic sonar images recognition plays an important role to reduce the workload of staff and subjective errors caused by visual fatigue. However, the application of automatic object classification in forward-looking sonar is still lacking, which is due to small effective samples and low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). This paper proposed an improved PP-YOLOv2 algorithm for real-time detection, called as PPYOLO-T. Specifically, the proposed method first resegments the sonar image according to different aspect ratio and filters the acoustic noise in various ways. Then, attention mechanism is introduced to improve the ability of network feature extraction. Finally, the decoupled head is used to optimize the multiobjective classification. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the accuracy of multitarget detection task, which can meet the requirement of robust real-time detection for both raw and noised sonar targets.
N-GPETS: Neural Attention Graph-Based Pretrained Statistical Model for Extractive Text Summarization
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Alam Iftikhar , Khan Atif , Khan Inayat , Ullah Niamat , Momand Mohammad Yusuf
Published: November 2022

The extractive summarization approach involves selecting the source document’s salient sentences to build a summary. One of the most important aspects of extractive summarization is learning and modelling cross-sentence associations. Inspired by the popularity of Transformer-based Bidirectional Encoder Representations (BERT) pretrained linguistic model and graph attention network (GAT) having a sophisticated network that captures intersentence associations, this research work proposes a novel neural model N-GPETS by combining heterogeneous graph attention network with BERT model along with statistical approach using TF-IDF values for extractive summarization task. Apart from sentence nodes, N-GPETS also works with different semantic word nodes of varying granularity levels that serve as a link between sentences, improving intersentence interaction. Furthermore, proposed N-GPETS becomes more improved and feature-rich by integrating graph layer with BERT encoder at graph initialization step rather than employing other neural network encoders such as CNN or LSTM. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first attempt to combine the BERT encoder and TF-IDF values of the entire document with a heterogeneous attention graph structure for the extractive summarization task. The empirical outcomes on benchmark news data sets CNN/DM show that the proposed model N-GPETS gets favorable results in comparison with other heterogeneous graph structures employing the BERT model and graph structures without the BERT model.
Evaluation of Dentinal Microcracks following Diode Laser- and Ultrasonic-Activated Removal of Bioceramic Material during Root Canal Retreatment
Authors: Barakat Reem M. , Almohareb Rahaf A. , Alsayyar Aljuharh , Almalki Fayruz , Alharbi Hissah
Published: November 2022

This study is aimed at evaluating the use of microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) analysis and the dentinal microcrack formation following retreatment of bioceramic sealer employing adjunct laser-activated irrigation and ultrasonic-activated irrigation. Thirty sound human single-canal teeth (

n
=
30

) obturated using the single-cone technique with bioceramic sealer were retreated using nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files. The sample was randomly divided into three equal groups: group 1, the control group, was not subjected to further treatment; group 2 underwent ultrasonic activation of irrigants; group 3 underwent active irrigation with a diode laser (980 nm wavelength). Using micro-CT, the teeth were scanned before and after retreatment protocols. Two calibrated experienced observers viewed the cross-sectional images and calculated the number of dentinal defects. The presence of any crack or craze line on the external root surface or internal canal wall was counted. Data were analyzed using Friedman’s two-way analysis of variance and Fisher’s exact test. Statistical significance was set at

p
<
0.05

. A significant increase occurred in the number of cracks post retreatment protocols, specifically in the coronal and middle canal thirds, compared to pre- and postinstrumentation (

p
=
0.0001

). However, ultrasonic- or laser-activated irrigation did not result in a significant increase in the number of cracks (

p
=
0.345

). NiTi rotary root canal retreatment was associated with a significant increase in dentinal microcracks. However, employing ultrasonic- or laser-activated irrigation as adjunct retreatment techniques did not reveal a significant increase in dentinal microcracks within the roots.
Feature-Reduced Stability Analysis of Islanded Photovoltaic Microgrid Inverters
Authors: Prakash A. Om , Banu R. Narmatha
Published: November 2022

A smart grid environment is prone to data explosion while controlling a microgrid system. Islanded Microgrid’s stability analysis involves a large number of system state variables thus consuming more computational memory due to parallel connected inverter dynamics. Parallel inverters generate reference voltage and frequency using droop controllers, unlike grid-connected inverters where the primary grid provides the reference voltage and frequency. This paper develops feature-reduced stability analysis of the parallel inverters thus reducing the computational memory of its stability analysis. Principal component analysis being a feature extraction technique is applied to reduce the number of variables determining stability. MATLAB is used to develop the average model of a parallel inverter with an LCL filter and a three-phase AC load. Evaluation of the stability analysis using the state variable analysis with the virtual resistance method is simulated. Simulation validates stability analysis of the model with reduced state variables. An average model developed using MATLAB and PCA carried out using Python clearly indicated the validation of the dimensionality reduction in the stability analysis. The reduced number of variables is validated for a stable range of the parallel inverter droop controller. Both cases validated the dimensionality reduction in the stability analysis of parallel inverters.
rs12329760 Polymorphism in Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 Gene and Risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Mortality
Authors: Beheshti Shirazi Saeedeh Sadat , Sakhaee Fatemeh , Sotoodehnejadnematalahi Fattah , Zamani Mohammad Saber , Ahmadi Iraj , Anvari Enayat , Fateh Abolfazl
Published: November 2022

The protease produced by the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) gene enhances viral infections and has been linked to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pathogenesis. Therefore, this study evaluated the association between TMPRSS2 and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) mortality. TMPRSS2 rs12329760 polymorphism was genotyped using the tetraprimer amplification refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction method in 592 dead and 693 improved patients. In the current study, the frequency of TMPRSS2 rs12329760 CC than TT genotypes was significantly lower in improved patients than in dead patients. According to the findings of the multivariate logistic regression test, higher levels of mean age, creatinine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein, aspartate aminotransferase, lower levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, uric acid, and real‐time PCR Ct values and TMPRSS2 rs12329760 CC genotype were observed to be associated with increased COVID‐19 mortality rates. In conclusion, the TMPRSS2 rs12329760 CC genotype was a polymorphism linked to a significantly higher incidence of severe COVID‐19. Further studies are required to corroborate the obtained findings.
A Generalized Two‐Phase Free Convection Flow of Dusty Jeffrey Fluid between Infinite Vertical Parallel Plates with Heat Transfer
Authors: Dolat Khan  , Asogwa Kanayo Kenneth , Alqahtani Talal , Algarni Salem , Alqahtani Sultan , Akbar M. Ali
Published: November 2022

In blood flow and fluid mechanics, Jeffrey fluid has a vital role because of its viscoelastic characteristics. The application of Caputo–Fabrizio time‐fractional derivatives for dusty‐type Jeffrey fluid is discussed in this article. The concept of free convection flow of dusty Jeffrey fluid between infinite vertical parallel static plates is generalized. Free convection and buoyant force produce the flow. Furthermore, the fluid contains homogeneous dispersion of all spherical dust particles. Heat transmission is therefore taken into account for free convection. Nondimensional variables are used to write the dusty Jeffrey fluid classical model in dimensionless form. Also, the dimensionless model is transformed into a generalized dusty Jeffrey fluid model via a fractional derivative. Using the finite sine and Laplace method, the governing equations of the generalized dusty Jeffrey fluid model have been solved exactly. Numerical computation is used to study the physics of velocity and temperature profiles for a variety of embedded parameters. The collected results are discussed in detail and are shown graphically in this report. Mathcad‐15 is used to plot the graphical outcomes for Jeffrey fluid, dust particle, and temperature profiles. Furthermore, skin friction and the Nusselt number are calculated. Table demonstrates how the rate of heat transmission reduces as the Peclet number’s value rises. Similarly, Table demonstrates that skin friction increases as the fractional parameter rises. By increasing the dusty Jeffrey fluid parameter λ, both velocity profiles are retarded.
Supplementation with the Traditional Thai Polyherbal Medicine NawaTab Ameliorates Lipid Profiles in High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats
Authors: Niyomchan Apichaya , Chatgat Wasapon , Chatawatee Bodin , Keereekoch Thaweeporn , Jaisamut Patcharawalai , Chusri Sasitorn , Kunworarath Nongluk
Published: November 2022

A tablet formulation developed from Nawametho decoction (NawaTab), a traditional Thai herbal mixture described in the Worayokasan scripture, has been used clinically for several years in the management of borderline hyperlipidemic individuals. Nevertheless, scientific evidence supporting its claims has never been identified. This study aimed to describe the antihyperlipidemic properties of NawaTab in a well-described model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Decoction of Nawametho containing equal quantities of Aegle marmelos (L.), Carthamus tinctorius L., Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn., Phyllanthus emblica L., Piper longum L., Piper nigrum L., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., Terminalia chebula Retz., and Zingiber officinale Roscoe were prepared. The HFD-fed rats were administered NawaTab for 4 consecutive weeks starting from the ninth week of HFD treatment at a dose of 125 mg/kg (p.o.). Anthropometric parameters, serum lipid profiles, lipase activity, and liver and renal functional markers were measured. Histopathological examination of the liver and any steatosis was carried out at the end of this study. Consecutive treatment with NawaTab (125 mg/kg/day) in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic rats caused a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, at the tested dose, NawaTab failed to prevent the onset of hepatic steatosis and adipose tissue accumulation. No adverse events due to the consumption of NawaTab on liver and kidney function markers were noted. These findings are the first suggestive evidence for the lipid-lowering capability of NawaTab. However, to promote the use of this formulation in the management of borderline hyperlipidemic patients, elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of action, quantification of biological markers, and clinical trials of NawaTab are urgently needed.
Integration of Lipidomics and Transcriptomics Reveals the Efficacy and Mechanism of Qige Decoction on NAFLD
Authors: Fan Simin , Zhou Zunming , Ye Jintong , Li Yanfang , Huang Keer , Ke Xuehong
Published: November 2022

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing as obesity and diabetes become more common. There are no drugs approved for NAFLD yet. Qige decoction (QGD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for NAFLD and hyperlipidemia treatment in TCM and has shown hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects. This study tried to interpret the pharmacology and molecular mechanisms of QGD in NAFLD rats. Firstly, the therapeutic effects of QGD on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD rats were evaluated. Then, integration of lipidomics and transcriptomics was conducted to explore the possible pathways and targets of QGD against NAFLD. QGD at low dosage (QGL) administration reduced serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (

P
<
0.05

). Liver histopathology indicated that QGL could alleviate hepatic steatosis. The main differential lipids (DELs) affected by QGD were glycerolipids. KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that the main pathways by which QGD improved NAFLD may be cholesterol metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and insulin resistance. Transcriptome sequencing identified 179 upregulated and 194 downregulated mRNAs after QGD treatment. An interaction network based on DELs and differential genes (DEGs) suggested that QGD inhibited hepatic steatosis mainly by reducing hepatic insulin resistance and triglyceride biosynthesis via the PPP1R3C/SIK1/CRTC2 and PPP1R3C/SIK1/SREBP1 signal axis, respectively. These findings indicated that QGD could protect against NAFLD induced by HFD. The improvement of hepatic insulin resistance and the reduction of triglyceride biosynthesis might be the potential mechanisms.
Trends of Blood Transfusion According to Diseases in Korea: A 10-Year Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Hyokee , Ko Sun-Young , Gwon Jun Gyo
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Recent guidelines recommend restrictive red blood cell transfusion; therefore, hospitals have started introducing and implementing patient blood management programs. This is the first study to analyze changes in the trends of blood transfusions in the whole population over the past 10 years according to sex, age group, blood component, disease, and hospital type. Methods: This cohort study analyzed blood transfusion records for 10 years, from January 2009 to December 2018, using nationwide population-based data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort database. Results: The proportion of transfusion procedures conducted in the total population has increased constantly for 10 years. Although its proportion in the age group of 10–79 years decreased, the total number of transfusions increased significantly due to the increase in the population and proportion of transfusions in those aged 80 years or older. Furthermore, the proportion of multicomponent transfusion procedures increased in this age group, which was greater than that of transfusions. The most common disease among transfusion patients in 2009 was cancer, of which gastrointestinal (GI) cancer accounted for more than half, followed by trauma and hematologic diseases (GI cancers > trauma > other cancers > hematologic diseases). The proportion of patients with GI cancer decreased, whereas that of trauma and hematologic diseases increased over the 10 years, with trauma becoming the most common disease type in 2018 (trauma > GI cancers > hematologic diseases > other cancers). Although transfusion rates per hospitalization decreased, the total number of inpatients increased, thus increasing the number of blood transfusions in all types of hospitals. Discussion/Conclusions: The proportion of transfusion procedures in the total population increased owing to the increase in the total number of transfusions in patients aged 80 years or older. The proportion of patients with trauma and hematologic diseases has also increased. Moreover, the total number of inpatients has been increasing, which subsequently increases the number of blood transfusions performed. Specific management strategies targeting these groups may improve blood management.
Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Thickness Correlates with Exercise Tolerance in Patients with COPD
Authors: Shiraishi Masashi , Higashimoto Yuji , Sugiya Ryuji , Mizusawa Hiroki , Takeda Yu , Fujita Shuhei , Nishiyama Osamu , Kudo Shintarou , Kimura Tamotsu , Fukuda Kanji , Tohda Yuji
Published: November 2022

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have difficulties inhaling as the diaphragm becomes flattened and weakened due to lung hyperinflation. This weakened respiratory function is compensated for by the increased activity of the accessory respiratory muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the difference in the SCM thickening fraction (SCM TF) of each respiratory phase (end-expiration, resting inspiration, and end-inspiration), as measured using ultrasonography (US), between patients with COPD and control subjects. We also evaluate the correlation between the SCM TF of each respiratory phase and exercise tolerance in patients with COPD. Methods: Patients with COPD (n = 44) and age-matched controls (n = 20) underwent US for determination of the SCM TF. Ventilation parameters, including the peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and the change in the inspiratory capacity, were measured during cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The SCM thickness and TF was measured during end-expiration, resting breathing, and end-inspiration. Results: The SCM was significantly thinner in patients with COPD than in controls at end-expiration. The increase in the SCM TF from end-expiration to end-inspiration in patients with COPD did not differ significantly from that in control subjects. In contrast, the SCM TF from end-expiration to resting inspiration was significantly greater in patients with COPD than in control subjects. The peak VO2 was strongly positively correlated with the SCM TF from end-expiration to end-inspiration in patients with COPD (r = 0.71, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The SCM may be thinner in patients with COPD than in controls. The SCM TF may also be associated with exercise tolerance.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Accelerates Atherosclerosis by Activating PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Pathway in Mice with Androgen Deprivation
Authors: Piao Jingyu , Yin Yifan , Zhao Yaru , Han Yi , Zhan Huixia , Luo Duosheng , Guo Jiao
Published: November 2022

Objective: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level changes may be another reason for increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of FSH in atherosclerosis and its underlying mechanism. Methods: ApoE−/− mice were divided into 4 groups, namely, the sham group, bilaterally orchidectomized group, FSH group, and testosterone-only group. Blood lipid and hormone levels were tested, aorta Oil Red O staining; the levels of NF-κB, Akt, eNOS, and FSH receptors in the aorta were measured by Western blotting. Expression of VCAM-1 was detected via Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to induce endothelial injury model by adding FSH, and the levels of NF-κB, Akt, eNOS, and FSHR were tested in HUVECs. Results: FSH treatment exacerbated atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE−/− mice. Moreover, FSH could promote the expression of VCAM-1 protein in HUVECs, and this effect was possibly mediated by the activation of NF-κB, while NF-κB activation was further enhanced by the activation of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. FSH failed to activate Akt and NF-κB in the presence of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 in HUVECs. Conclusion: FSH promoted the development of atherosclerosis by increasing VCAM-1 protein expression via activating PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway.
Nuclear Factor-κB Clinical Significance in Breast Cancer: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Al-Mutairi Mashael Saqer , Habashy Hany Onsy
Published: November 2022

Objectives: Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is a superfamily of transcription factors that plays a key role in cancer genesis and progression. The present study aimed to examine the expression of NF-κB/p65 in breast cancer and its relationship with prognostic markers such as tumour grade, tumour size, hormone receptors, and HER-2. Methods: Ninety-nine unselected formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded invasive ductal and lobular tissue sections were evaluated by immunohistochemistry methods to measure the expression of NF-κB/p65, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2), and Ki-67. We assessed the correlation between NF-κB/p65 and clinicopathological parameters. Results: NF-κB/p65 was found only in the cytoplasm and positively correlated with large tumours (≥2 cm) and high-grade tumours (p < 0.001 and p = 0.018, respectively). Other breast cancer markers, such as histological type (p = 0.766), HER-2 (p = 0.416), PR (p = 0.356), and ER (p = 0.606), had no significant link with the expression of NF-κB/p65. Furthermore, no significant relation with the Ki-67 marker was detected (p = 0.117). Conclusions: The current study is indicative of a link between overexpression of NF-κB/p65 and both large tumour size and higher grade. This suggests that the expression of NF-κB/p65 is associated with aggressive biological activity in breast cancer; elucidating the mechanisms that lead to NF-κB/p65 cytoplasmic accumulation could lead to the development of novel therapeutic methods.
Elevated Native T1 Values in the Remote Myocardium Supplied by Obstructive Non-Infarct Related Coronary Arteries in Post-STEMI Cardiac Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Brodov Yafim , Matetzky Shlomi , Konen Eli , Di Segni Mattia , Younis Anan , Massalha Ayas , Berkovitch Anat , Beytelman Arkadi , Chernomordik Fernando , Goitein Orly
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Native T1 mapping values are elevated in acutely injured myocardium. We sought to study whether native T1 values, in the non-infarct related myocardial territories, might differ when supplied by obstructive or nonobstructive coronary arteries. Methods: Consecutive patients (N = 60, mean age 59 years) with the first STEMI following primary percutaneous coronary intervention, underwent cardiac magnetic resonance within 5 ± 2 days. A retrospective review of coronary angiography reports classified coronary arteries as infarct-related coronary artery (IRA) and non-IRA. Obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) was defined as stenosis ≥50%. Native T1 values were presented using a 16-segment AHA model according to the three main coronary territories: left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA). Results: The cutoff native T1 value for predicting obstructive non-IRA LAD was 1,309 msec with a sensitivity and specificity of 67% and 82%, respectively (AUC 0.76, 95% CI: 0.57–0.95, p = 0.04). The cutoff native T1 value for predicting obstructive non-IRA RCA was 1,302 msec with a sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 55%, respectively (AUC 0.7, 95% CI: 0.52–0.87, p = 0.05). Logistic regression model adjusted for age and infarct size demonstrated that native T1 was an independent predictor for the obstructive non-IRA LAD (OR 4.65; 1.32–26.96, p = 0.05) and RCA (OR 3.70; 1.44–16.35, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Elevated native T1 values are independent predictors of obstructive non-IRA in STEMI patients. These results suggest the presence of concomitant remote myocardial impairment in the non-infarct territories with obstructive CAD.
Molecular Mechanisms of Vascular Health: Insights From Vascular Aging and Calcification
Authors: Sutton Nadia R. , Malhotra Rajeev , St. Hilaire Cynthia , Aikawa Elena , Blumenthal Roger S. , Gackenbach Grace , Goyal Parag , Johnson Adam , Nigwekar Sagar U. , Shanahan Catherine M. , Towler Dwight A. , Wolford Brooke N. , Chen Yabing
Published: November 2022

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death worldwide, especially beyond the age of 65 years, with the vast majority of morbidity and mortality due to myocardial infarction and stroke. Vascular pathology stems from a combination of genetic risk, environmental factors, and the biologic changes associated with aging. The pathogenesis underlying the development of vascular aging, and vascular calcification with aging, in particular, is still not fully understood. Accumulating data suggests that genetic risk, likely compounded by epigenetic modifications, environmental factors, including diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and the plasticity of vascular smooth muscle cells to acquire an osteogenic phenotype are major determinants of age-associated vascular calcification. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic and modifiable risk factors in regulating age-associated vascular pathology may inspire strategies to promote healthy vascular aging. This article summarizes current knowledge of concepts and mechanisms of age-associated vascular disease, with an emphasis on vascular calcification.
Law, Adjudication, and the “Experiment of International Administration” (1920–1946)
Authors: Burton Philip
Published: November 2022

The claim that international courts are a necessary precondition for the existence of international law rests on a more general assumption that the way a legal order is institutionalised determines the character of law within that legal order. This article explores the underlying structural association between institution form and the quality of law in the context of the “experiment of international administration”: the concentration, monopolisation and transformation of international authority in the aftermath of the First World War. By examining neglected sites of legal activity, in particular the Advisory Committee on the Traffic of Women and Children and the Permanent Mandates Commission, the article argues that an interwar “administrative turn” opened up new terrain for heterogeneous forms of international legal discourse.
Rethinking Music Education and Aesthetic Education
Authors: Kertz-Welzel Alexandra
Published: November 2022

In recent years, there has been an emphasis on music education for social change in Anglo-American music education. This one-sided focus caused a marginalization of aesthetic aspects. This is problematic since Anglo-American music education is often seen as “international” even though it only represents one part of global thinking. In Northern Europe, aesthetic music education has been a longstanding paradigm, being based on the concept of Bildung. It emphasizes that education is about more than knowledge and skills. It is also about formation, self-actualization and contributing to the welfare of society. In view of the global crises we currently face, it might be time to rethink international music education’s focus on social change and to embrace again music education’s aesthetic dimensions. This could lead to a truly international music education approach, being based on concepts from various countries, including China.
Nietzsche and Foucault on the ‘Aesthetics of Existence’: Education as Self-creation
Authors: Peters Michael A.
Published: November 2022

The Hellenistic ‘arts of the self’ are the inspiration for both Nietzsche and Foucault for ethical-aesthetic self-constitution where individuals problematise the relationship to the self and become adept at practicing a set of creative, experimental processes and techniques to transform themselves into living works of art. This article provides a critical discussion first of Nietzsche’s ‘creative self’ and second of Foucault’s ‘aesthetics of existence’ as a basis for entertaining the notion of education as self-creation.
Music and Aesthetics in Education: Towards a Contemporary View
Authors: Lines David
Published: November 2022

Aesthetics provides an important philosophical and practical dimension to arts and music education. It helps teachers and learners consider art more deeply, and find room to explore artistic meaning about the personal, creative, emotional and transformational aspects of human life. However, aesthetic education has not always achieved what it has potential to do because of its disciplinary orientation. At the same time, attempts to negate aesthetic education have neglected to foreground the creative insights and meanings of personal experience, and as such, have not clearly connected with music (and arts) education. The condition of contemporary education and society necessitates a revision of aesthetics in education that is responsive to the changing nature of art, technology and education. The changing means of music construction and meaning has altered the power and reach of music in society and education. It is proposed that a revised notion of contemporary aesthetics in music education needs to operate on two levels. One, at the personal level, music learners need to be able to articulate and reflect on their music learning experiences. This requires an understanding of aesthetics that is focused on the individual and their discovery of music. At another level, a contemporary aesthetics reaches into places and spaces outside music study. As portrayed in the Nietzschean Dionysian drive, this may include transdisciplinary and exploratory trajectories where music study stands visibly and evocatively alongside other subjects of learning. This involves finding space for the power of music to transform emotion, thinking and action in every area of learning. These two levels and trajectories of contemporary aesthetic education can work together in dialogue despite their intrinsic differences.
Maxine Greene: an Approach to Aesthetic Education and a Vision of Social Imagination
Authors: Gulla Amanda N. , Fairbank Holly C. , Noonan Stephen M.
Published: November 2022

In this article we will introduce the reader to Dr. Maxine Greene and her philosophy of Aesthetic Education developed during her many years of teaching at Columbia University’s Teachers College. Greene saw the arts as “integral to the development of persons – to their cognitive, perceptual, emotional, and imaginative development” (2001, p. 7)+. Her theories about the arts in education were developed into a methodology and practice at the Lincoln Center Institute for the Arts in Education (lci), the educational branch of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. lci was founded in 1975 by Marc Schubart, lci’s Director and Chairman Emeritus, who had the idea to bring together a prominent philosopher of arts and education and a world class arts organization. Schubart and Greene were convinced that the inclusion of and engagement with works of art was vital to student success and would help schools to become authentic spaces for learning. lci was dedicated to developing the possibilities that the arts could offer in educational settings and exploring what Greene’s “Aesthetic Education” might look like in K-12 classrooms. lci was the first arts organization to have an educational philosophy and a “philosopher-in-residence,” a role in which Greene served until the end of her life.
MicroRNA-129-3p Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Proliferation
Authors: Kang Lei , Guo Dongmei , Dong Yanhai , Chen Xiaowei , Yuan Chao
Published: November 2022

MicroRNA-129-3p plays a pro-cancer role in colorectal cancer by down-regulating BIM. This study intends to assess its role in colorectal cancer cells. A total of 30 colorectal cancers and 10 paracancerous samples were obtained to measure MicroRNA-129-3p expression by PCR. Colorectal
cancer cells were transfected with miR-129-3p mimic or inhibitor followed by analysis of cell growth, apoptosis. miR-129-3p expression was significantly lower in colorectal cancer tissues than that in cancer adjacent tissues (P <0.05). miR-129-3p overexpression after mimic transfection
significantly inhibited cancer cell viability and promoted apoptosis (P < 0.05). Moreover, it also significantly downregulated E2F5, BIM and FoxO3a in colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, E2F5 was targeted by miR-129-3p. In conclusion, miR-129-3p inhibits colorectal cancer cell
proliferation via targeting E2F5 to downregulate BIM, indicating that it might be a target for treating colorectal cancer.
MicroRNA-429 Regulates Invasion and Migration of Multiple Myeloma Cells via Bmi1/AKT Pathway
Authors: Yang YongMing , Wu ZhiFeng , Wang Ming , Wu ZuTong , Sun ZhenZheng , Liu Man , Li GuangBao
Published: November 2022

Background: miR-429-mediated progression of multiple myeloma (MM) was studied through mediating B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (Bmi1)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway. Methods: miRNA or siRNA was delivered into MM cell lines to alter cellular
proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration. Measurements of miR-429 and Bmi1 levels were performed. AKT and p-AKT expression change was measured after regulating miR-429. The interaction between miR-429 and Bmi1 was analyzed. Results: miR-429 elevation disrupted proliferation,
anti-apoptosis, migration and invasion properties of MM cells, and inactivated AKT pathway. Bmi1 was a targeting partner of miR-429, which was highly expressed in MM. Bmi1 knockdown phenotyped the effects of overexpressed miR-429 on MM cells. AKT agonist SC70 reversed miR-429-regulated inhibition
of MM cell growth. Conclusion: miR-429 suppresses the activation of Bmi1/AKT pathway to down-regulate the malignant functions of MM cells.
P53 Regulates Osteogenic Differentiation Through miR-153-5p/miR-183-5p-X-Linked IAP (XIAP) Signal in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell (BMSC)
Authors: Kaken Habaxi , Wang Shanshan , Zhao Wei , Asihaer Baoerjiang. , Wang Li
Published: November 2022

This study assessed P53′s role in BMSC osteogenic differentiation. Osteoporosis model was established and P53 expression in the osteogenic differentiation was detected by RT-PCR. BMSC was cultivated and transfected with siRNA followed by measuring presentation of osteogenic differentiation
was detected after cells were. The apoptotic condition of osteogenic differentiation was detected through IF method and protein analysis. The relation between P53 and miR-153-5p/miR-183-5p-XIAP signal axis was detected through bioinformatics and luciferase reporter gene assay. P53 expression
was significantly increased after osteogenic differentiation was induced. There was a binding site between P53 and miR-153-5p/miR-183-5p-XIAP signal axis. The apoptotic ability of osteoblast was enhanced after inhibition of the expression of P53. In conclusion, P53 develops crucial action
on the regulation of BMSC osteogenic differentiation through miR-153-5p/miR-183-5p-XIAP axis.
Analysis of Differential Expression Profiles of Liver Cancer Cell Proteins After Treatment with Bile Acid
Authors: Li Geng , Pu Chao’an , Fang Tao
Published: November 2022

The pathogenesis of liver cancer has not been fully elucidated yet. Bile acids are components of bile, which are inorganic substances and regulate tumor progression. However, the differential expression profile of liver cancer cell proteins after bile acid treatment remains unclear.
Human hepatoma cell line SMMC7721 was cultured and randomly assigned into control group and bile acid group followed by measuring the protein expression profile by protein fingerprinting. SMMC7721 cells were transfected with UGT2B or UGT2B, followed by analysis of UGT2B expression, cell proliferation,
apoptosis, migration and PI3K/AKT signaling protein expression. The most obvious proteins with an increased expression after bile acid treatment were UGT2B, AAP, APLP2, LAPTM4B, NCOA4 with UGT2B being the most significant one. Overexpression of UGT2B decreased cell proliferation, promoted
cell apoptosis, downregulated migration ability and AKT phosphorylation (P <0.05). UGT2B siRNA transfection significantly down-regulated UGT2B expression, promoted cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis rate, increased migration ability and AKT phosphorylation (P <0.05).
In conclusion, bile acid can alter the protein expressions of liver cancer cells, with UGT2B being changed most obviously. UGT2B can affect liver cancer cell behaviors via modulating PI3K/AKT signaling.