bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetes mellitus induces a novel inflammatory network involving cancer progression: Insights from bioinformatic analysis and in vitro validation
Authors: Tan Yejun , Kang Jin , Li Hongli , Zhong Aifang , Liu Yaqiong , Zhang Zheyu , Huang Roujie , Cheng Xin , Peng Weijun
Published: November 2022

Background
The diabetes patients have a higher incidence of malignant tumors than people without diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms of the relationship between diabetes and malignant tumors remain largely unknown.
Methods
By exploiting available public databases, diabetes and cancer-related genes (DCRGs) were screened, and a diabetes-based cancer-associated inflammation network (DCIN) was constructed. Then, the role of DCRGs in different tumors were analyzed from various perspectives. Additionally, drug sensitivity and single-cell sequencing data were analyzed using colon cancer (COAD) as an example. Finally, the expression of DCRGs and arachidonic acid metabolism pathway was verified in vitro.
Results
Seven identified DCRGs, including PPARG, MMP9, CTNNB1, TNF, TGFB1, PTGS2, and HIF1A, were integrated to construct a DCIN. The bioinformatics analysis showed that the expression of the seven DCRGs in different tumors was significantly different, which had varied effects on diverse perspectives. Single-cell sequencing analyzed in COAD showed that the activity of the DCRGs was highest in M1 macrophage and the lowest in Plasma B. In vitro experiments showed that the DCRGs verified by western bolt and PEG2 verified by ELISA were all highly expressed in COAD epithelial cells stimulated by high glucose.
Conclusion
This study, for the first time, constructed a DCIN, which provides novel insights into the underlying mechanism of how diabetes increases the occurrence and development of tumors. Although further research is required, our results offer clues for new potential therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat malignant tumors.
Experimental Investigation on the Durability of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Concrete in Aggressive Environments
Authors: Jounaghani Miad Forouzandeh , Jahangiri Alireza , Jamekhorshid Ahmad
Published: November 2022

The properties and performance of geopolymer concrete have been evaluated in numerous studies in recent decades. One of the fields of study is the evaluation of the durability of geopolymer concrete in aggressive environments. In this study, the influence of four experimental factors, including curing temperature (T), the weight ratio of sand to metakaolin (S/M), aggressive environment type (AE), and aggressive environment exposure time (Et) were investigated on the durability and mechanical properties of metakaolin-based geopolymer concrete (MGPC). Moreover, 5% sulfuric acid solution, 5% sodium chloride solution, and Persian Gulf seawater were used as aggressive environments. Response surface methodology (RSM) was implemented to statistically design and analyze the experiments. Mathematical models were derived for the prediction of residual compressive strength (RFc), weight changes (∆W), and compressive strength changes (∆Fc) of MGPC. The analysis of variance showed that all four factors had a significant effect on the responses, while only AE-S/M and AE-ET factors had an interaction. Design-Expert software (DX7) was employed for the optimization of design factors. Results revealed that the use of the optimum weight ratios of S/M (2.52, 2.07, and 1.29) at a curing temperature of 46 °C and an exposure time of 56 days led to RFc values of 34.12, 43.60, and 44.15 for sulfuric acid, sodium chloride, and Persian Gulf seawater aggressive environments, respectively. These results, which are higher than the minimum required compressive strength of concrete, along with the ∆Fc and ∆W values, confirm the acceptable durability of MGPC.
Treatment of Granulomatous Mastitis with steroids: Should the decision to end the treatment be made radiologically?
Authors: Çetin Kenan , Sıkar Hasan Ediz , Feratoğlu Fatih , Taşdoğan Bağış , Rona Günay , Güllüoğlu M. Bahadır
Published: November 2022

Purpose: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign inflammatory breast disease of unknown etiology that affects women in their reproductive ages. The most preferred option as first-line treatment is steroids, but the lack of standard treatment protocol and high recurrence rate after treatment constitutes a recurring challenge during its management. This study aimed to find an answer to the question of whether the decision to end the treatment should be made radiologically or clinically.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study included IGM patients who had complete clinical recovery with steroids and were followed for a minimum of 30 months. Patients’ demographics, disease severity and findings, treatment regimens and duration, and MRI findings at clinical recovery were assessed for their relation to recurrence.
Results: Eighty-nine patients who were clinically completely healed after steroids were included in the study. At the time of clinical healing, 51(57.3%) patients had a complete radiological response and 38(42.7%) had a partial radiological response (PRR) on MRI. Overall, recurrence developed in 22(27.4%) patients after a median 38.6-month follow-up. Patients who experienced recurrence were significantly older and had PRR when their treatment was stopped upon clinical healing.
Conclusions: During the process of clinical healing, the imaging findings revealed that the remained disease seems to be a significant predictor for recurrence in IGM patients. In patients with partial radiological response, extending the treatment with either prolonged steroid therapy or by surgical excision of the occult residual disease may prevent recurrences in IGM patients.
Prognostic Significance of Preoperative Perihematomal Edema in Spontaneous Cerebellar Hemorrhage After Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Liu Haixiao , Li Dongbo , Cai Yaning , Zheng Longlong , Tan Zhijun , Liu Feng , Gao Fei , Zhang Hui , Du Yong , Zhou Gaoyang , Sun Feifei , Fan Ruixi , Wang Ping , Wang Lei , Ge Shunnan , Zhao Tianzhi , Zhang Tao , Zhang Rongjun , Xie Guoqiang , Qu Yan , Guo Wei
Published: November 2022

Background Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), including endoscopic evacuation and minimally invasive catheter (MIC) evacuation, has been widely used in spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage (SCH) patients. However, the long-term prognosis varies widely. Herein, we aimed to explore the prognostic risk factors of neurological outcome, including peri-operative hematoma and perihematomal edema (PHE), in SCH patients after MIS.
Methods
Eighty consecutive SCH patients, who underwent MIS between July 2019 and Nov. 2021 from 4 neurosurgical centers were enrolled prospectively. Patients were dichotomized into good (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤ 3) and poor neurological outcome (mRS score ≥ 4) groups. Peri-operative CT scans were assessed by two independent raters. Hematoma and PHE volume were calculated using 3D Slicer software. Predictors of poor neurological outcome were assessed in logistic regression models.
Results Among the enrolled patients, 44 underwent endoscopic evacuation and 36 underwent MIC evacuation. The overall poor neurological outcome rate was 23.8%. Older patients, underwent MIC evacuation, large postoperative PHE, and large preoperative PHE (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.20–1.90) were independently associated with poor neurological outcome. According to the restricted cubic splines analysis, patients were divided into large preoperative PHE subgroup (PHE ≥ 10 ml) and small preoperative PHE subgroup (PHE < 10 ml). In small preoperative PHE subgroup, 1 patient (2.4%) had poor neurological outcome. However, in large preoperative PHE subgroup, 18 patients (47.4%) had poor neurological outcome.
Conclusion Large preoperative PHE is an independent risk factor for poor neurological outcome among SCH patients after MIS, especially when the preoperative PHE ≥ 10 ml.
Exploration of Common Genomic Signatures of Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Zheng Jie , Hu Jun
Published: November 2022

Objective
To explore the genetic characteristics of systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (sJIA) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D).
Methods
The microarray data of sJIA and T1D from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were analyzed. The shared differentially expressed genes (SDEGs) were identified by the GEO2R tool, and genes of extracellular proteins were identified. Then, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the shared immune-related genes (IRGs) that are associated with pJIA and T1D. In addition, transcription factors (TFs) and their target genes in SDEGs were obtained by comparing databases from HumanTFDB, ENCODE, JASPAR, and TRRUST. Finally, functional enrichment analyses of the previously identified gene sets were performed by g: Profiler.
Results
We found 285 up-regulated and 97 down-regulated SDEGs via GEO2R, and by constructing a TFs-targeted SDEGs network, 5 key TFs (KLF9, ARID3A, ZNF639, NEF2, MYB) were screened. Functional enrichment analyses of SDEGs, IRGs, and TFs-targeted SDEGs suggested the important role of the innate immune system, JAK-STAT and Ras-MAPK-ERK signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of sJIA and T1D, involving biological processes such as neutrophils and mononuclear cells, phosphorylation, transcellular signaling, and transferase activity, etc.
Conclusion
Innate immune abnormalities play important roles in sJIA and T1D, and the JAK-STAT and Ras-MAPK-ERK pathways, which are closely related to inflammation and immune regulation, may be involved. The regulatory roles of KLF9, ARID3A, ZNF639, NEF2, and MYB in this network need to be further investigated.
Social Disparity in Climate Change Perception and Related Coping Strategies: The Case of Haitian Farmers.
Authors: ELUSMA Manassé , LIN Thung-Hong , LEE Chun-Yin
Published: November 2022

Climate change perception among farmers is a subject of considerable research since sufficient knowledge is essential to making effective adaptation decisions. However, some social disparities such as class and gender inequalities might undermine this perception and shape the adaptation decisions in developing countries. Thus, this study examined the social disparities in climate change perception and related coping strategies between male and female farmers by comparing two farming areas in Haiti. We further explored the differences in the climate change perception and adaptation strategies of male and female farmers in these areas. We collected data through fieldwork and a household survey of 670 farmers, of whom 75% were men. Consistent with the majority of existing sociology of science research, the results revealed that the poor and female farmers had a stronger climate change perception than did the rich and male farmers, respectively. The survey population generally adopted similar strategies to cope with climate change. However, the poor were more likely to rely on off-farm strategies, whereas the female farmers were more likely to use on-farm versus off-farm strategies. Although the female farmers had less education, land, and resources, in contrast to the male farmers, they exhibited greater overall awareness of climate change and engagement in finding new alternatives to cope with this threat. Our findings suggest that the empowerment of women can be an effective strategy for improving agricultural resilience in response to climate change in a developing country such as Haiti.
Chaihu Guizhi Decoction (CGD) Ameliorates Chronic Pancreatitis (CP) -induced Mechanical Allodynia by Inhibiting Microglia P2X7R-NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: LI Sainan , Zhang Guixian , Wang Manxue , Shen Hongsheng , Li Xijing , Li Xia , Li Wenchang , Xiao Yi , Wang Shun , Liu Hongbin
Published: November 2022

Background We have previously shown that P2X7R/NLRP3-mediated signaling pathway plays an important role in CP chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Inspired by the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory “Chaihu Guizhi Decoctio(CGD)for the treatment of Sudden pain in the heart or abdomen". Targeting in central sensitization(CS) may explain the treatment of Chaihu Guizhi Decoction (CGD) on CP-induced pain. Methods Fifty male SD rats were randomly and equally divided into two groups based on table of random numbers: TNBS group (n = 40) and sham group (n = 10). At 4w after TNBS model, rats in TNBS (n = 40) and sham group (n = 10) were each further divided for drug injection: TNBS-CGD medium dose(n = 10) and TNBS-CGD high dose group(n = 10):The rats were intragastrically treated with CGD(8g,16g.kg− 1,2W, twice a day). TNBS-BBG group(n = 10), the rats were repeated intraperitoneal injection of BBG (P2X7R inhibitor, dissolved in normal saline, 100 ug/10 mL per rat) or sham operated rats (n = 10) were given 0.9% saline solution.After behavioral tests, at 6 weeks, all the rats including TNBS, and sham rats were sacrificed for further experiments. Pancreatic histology was evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin staining, The expression of PGP9.5, α-SMA, NLRP3 and P2X7R proteins and their molecular effects were detected by immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence, Western blot. Results Behavioral study indicated that compared to the sham, CGD significantly decreased TNBS-induced mechanical allodynia at 2w after administration and this effect was dose-dependent(response frequencies: 71 ± 20% vs 28 ± 13%). CGD alleviated pancreatic injury in chronic pancreatitis rat, including atrophy, inflammatory cells infltration, fibrosis, the infiltration of inflammatory cells around pancreatic nerves (PGP9.5)and α-SMA expressions (2.5 ± 0.7 vs 1.5 ± 0.6,3.1 ± 0.8 vs 1.6 ± 0.7,3.2 ± 1.0 vs 1.8 ± 1.3, 20.6 ± 4.2 vs 3.0 ± 1.4, 23.8 ± 7.8% vs 4.9 ± 1.6% ). Western blot, IHC and IF data showed that CGD could significantly block expressions P2X7R,NLRP3 protein (P2X7R: 5.1 ± 0.5% vs 3.2 ± 0.1%,NLRP3:28.0 ± 4.3% vs 12.3 ± 1.5%). Conclusions Our findings indicated that CGD could be a novel and effective treatment for CP-induced chronic pain.
Long-term adverse influence of smoking during pregnancy on height and body size of offspring at ten years old in the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Wu Yuxuan , Hao Xingjie , Zhu Kexuan , Zheng Chu , Guan Fengjun , Wang Ting , Zeng Ping
Published: November 2022

Background To explore the long-term relation between smoking during pregnancy and early childhood growth in the UK Biobank cohort. Methods To estimate the effect of smoking during pregnancy on offspring height and body size at ten years old, we performed a cross-population comparison to examine whether such influence could be repeatedly observed among three different ethnic groups in the UK Biobank cohort (n = 22,140 for European,n = 7,094 for South Asian, andn = 5,000 for African). Especially, we applied the UK Biobank European sibling cohort (n = 9,953 for height andn = 7,239 for body size) to control for unmeasured familial confounders and incorporated a polygenic risk score to adjust for potential genetic effect. Results We discovered that children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy had greater risk of being shorter or fatter at age ten in the full UK Biobank European cohort, with 15.3% (95% confidence intervals (CIs): 13.0 ~ 17.7%) higher risk for height and 32.4% (95%CIs: 29.5 ~ 35.4%) larger risk for body size. Similar associations were identified in the South Asian and African populations. These associations were robust and remained significant in the European sibling cohort (12.6% [95%CIs: 5.0 ~ 20.3%] for height and 36.1% [95%CIs: 26.3 ~ 45.9%] for body size) after controlling for family factors or genetic influence. Conclusion Smoking during pregnancy can promote offspring's height defect and obesity in childhood.
Few interventions support the affected other on their own: A systematic review of individual level psychosocial interventions to support those harmed by others’ alcohol drinking
Authors: Shorter Gillian W , Campbell Kerry BD , Miller Nicole M , Epton Tracy , O'Hara Leeanne , Millen Sharon , Gunnarsson Katarina Ulfsdotter , Berry Emma , Bendtsen Marcus
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Over 100 million individuals worldwide experience negative outcomes as a function of a family member's substance use. Other reviews have summarized evidence on interventions; however, success often depends on the behavior of the individual causing harm, and they may not be ready or able to change. Aim: To identify and describe evaluations of psychosocial interventions which can support those affected by alcohol harm to others independent of their drinking relative or friend.
Methods: A systematic review/narrative synthesis of articles from 11 databases pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021203204).
Results: Those experiencing the harm were spouses/partners, or adult children/students who have parents with alcohol problems. Studies (n=7) are from the UK, USA, Korea, Sweden, Mexico, and India. Most participants were female (71-100%). Interventions varied from guided imagery, cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and anger management. Independent interventions may support those affected by another's alcohol use, although there was considerable variation in outcomes targeted by the intervention design.
Conclusions: Small-scale studies suggest brief interventions ease suffering from alcohol's harm to others, independent of the drinking family member. Understanding affected others’ experience and need is important given the impact of alcohol’s harm to others; however, there is a lack of quality evidence informing strategies to support these individuals.
Reduced olfactory performance is associated with changed microbial diversity, oralization and accumulation of dead biomaterial in the nasal olfactory area
Authors: Kumpitsch Christina , Fischmeister Florian Ph. S. , Lackner Sonja , Holasek Sandra , Madl Tobias , Habisch Hansjörg , Wolf Axel , Schöpf Veronika , Moissl-Eichinger Christine
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND The partial or complete loss of the sense of smell, which affects about 20% of the population, impairs the quality of life in many ways. Dysosmia and anosmia are mainly caused by aging, trauma, infections, or even neurodegenerative disease. Recently, the olfactory area – a site containing the olfactory receptor cells responsible for odor perception – was shown to harbor a complex microbiome that reflects the state of olfactory function. This initially observed correlation between microbiome composition and olfactory performance needed to be confirmed using a larger study cohort and additional analyses. METHODS A total of 120 participants (middle-aged, no neurodegenerative disease) were enrolled in the study to further analyze the microbial role in human olfactory function. Olfactory performance was assessed using the Sniffin’ Stick battery, and participants were grouped accordingly (normosmia:n = 93, dysosmia:n = 27). The olfactory microbiome was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and supplemented by metatranscriptomics in a subset (Nose 2.0). Propidium monoazide (PMA) treatment was performed to distinguish between intact and non-intact microbiome components. The gastrointestinal microbiome of these participants was also characterized by amplicon sequencing and metabolomics, then correlated with food intake. RESULTS Our results confirm that normosmics and dysosmics indeed possess a distinguishable olfactory microbiome. Alpha diversity (i.e., richness) was significantly increased in dysosmics, reflected by an increase in the number of specific taxa (e.g.,Rickettsia,Spiroplasma, andBrachybacterium). Lower olfactory performance was associated with microbial signatures from the oral cavity and periodontitis (Fusobacterium,Porphyromonas, andSelenomonas). However, PMA treatment revealed a higher accumulation of dead microbial material in dysosmic subjects. The gastrointestinal microbiome partially overlapped with the nasal microbiome but did not show substantial variation with respect to olfactory performance, although the diet of dysosmic individuals was shifted towards a higher meat intake. CONCLUSION Dysosmia is associated with a higher burden of dead microbial material in the olfactory area, indicating an impaired clearance mechanism. As the microbial community of dysosmics appears to be influenced by the oral microbiome, further studies should investigate the microbial oral-nasal interplay in individuals with partial or complete olfactory loss.
Dietary Supplementation of Chromium and Yeast in Deccani Sheep: Effect on Nutrient Digestibility, Nitrogen Balance and Plane of Nutrition
Authors: Mohanty Preeti Puspa , Venkateswarlu Mallishetty , Nagalakshmi Devanaboyina , Panigrahi Subhashree , Chandra A. Sarat
Published: November 2022

The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary inclusion of chromium (Cr) and yeast individually and in-combination on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and plane of nutrition in Deccani sheep. Thirty-six adult Deccani rams of 2-3 yrs of age with an average body weight of 27.68±1.08 kg were randomly divided into 6 groups consisting of 6 animals each in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were as follows: 1. Control: Basal diet (BD) without any supplement, 2. 0.5 Cr: BD + 0.5 ppm Cr supplementation, 3. 1 Cr: BD + 1.0 ppm Cr supplementation, 4. Y: BD + Yeast supplementation (5×109 CFU/kg feed), 5. 0.5Cr+Y: BD+ 0.5 ppm Cr + Yeast supplementation (5×109 CFU/kg feed), and 6. 1Cr + Y: BD + 1.0 ppm Cr + Yeast supplementation (5×109 CFU/kg feed). A metabolism trial was carried out for 5 days after adapting the rams in cages for two days. During metabolic trial period, daily feed offered, feed residue left, fecal and urine output for 24 h were recorded. Body weight and feed intake were similar (P>0.05) among the six experimental groups.
The result suggested that Cr supplementation alone did not have significant effect on digestibility coefficient (%) of proximate and cell wall constituents, nitrogen balance and nutrient intake of adult sheep. Significantly (P<0.05 or <0.01) higher nutrient (Dry matter, Organic matter, Crude protein, Crude fibre and Cellulose) digestibility coefficients were observed in Y, 0.5Cr+Y and 1Cr+Y. Though there was no significant (P>0.05) effect was not observed in nitrogen balance and nutrient intake, but Y, 0.5Cr+Y and 1Cr+Y showed numerically higher nitrogen balance than control. It could be concluded that, individual Cr supplementation had no effect on nutrient intake and utilization. However, improvement in nutrient utilization and nutrient intake observed with supplementation of yeast with or without Cr in Deccani sheep.
Diet and Multiple Sclerosis: a population-based study in the city of Biancavilla
Authors: Toscano Simona , Chisari Clara Grazia , Arena Sebastiano , Colandonio Salvatore , Iudica Maria Luisa , Fiore Maria , Ferrante Margherita , Nicoletti Alessandra , Zappia Mario , Patti Francesco
Published: November 2022

Background
The influence of dietary habits on the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been a topic of interest for years. The municipality of Biancavilla, in Southern Italy, is considered a high-risk area for MS, with a prevalence of 292.3/100,000 persons and an incidence of 16.8/100,000/year. We investigated the nutritional habits of this population to clarify the reasons of the increased incidence rate of MS recorded in this area in the last decades.
Methods
In this population-based case-control study conducted in the municipality of Biancavilla, we evaluated the intake frequency of different food products of 60 patients with MS and 174 sex-matched and age-matched controls. A semi-structured standardized questionnaire was administered to explore the weekly consumption of four categories of food (meat, fish, milk/dairy products, fat dressings of vegetable origin) during the periods of childhood-early adolescence (before the age of 15) and during late adolescence-adulthood (after 15 years).
Results
The intake of meat was not different between cases and controls, nor globally neither considering each type of meat (beef, pork, sheep meat, horse meat, cold meats, sausages, smoked meat, brain). Similarly, no differences were detected in the intake frequency of fish (bluefish, riverfish, smoked fish, crustaceans, mollusks), milk and dairy products of different animal origin, nor in the consumption of fat products of vegetable origin (margarine, olive and seed oils) between cases and controls.
Conclusion
The results of our study clearly indicate no association between the intake frequency of different food products and MS in the town of Biancavilla.
The Individual and Community Level Women Empowerment and Utilization of Maternity Care Services in Afghanistan: A Multilevel Cross-Validation Study
Authors: Dadras Omid , Dadras Mohammadyasin , Jafari Leila , Dadras Fateme
Published: November 2022

Background: No study has ever reported on the impact that women's empowerment could have on the utilization of maternity care services in Afghanistan using a country-specific scale. This study aimed to explore the relationship between women empowerment and utilization of maternity care for married Afghan women aged 15-49 years in Afghanistan, assessing the convergence validity of the survey-based women empowerment index in Afghanistan (SWEI-A).
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using secondary data from Afghanistan demographic health survey 2015. The utilization of the maternity continuum of care was measured by three indices including antenatal care, institutional delivery, and postnatal care. Women empowerment was measured using the country-specific index; namely, SWEI-A across seven suggested domains. The association of different domains with the utilization of maternity care was estimated by multilevel Poisson regression at both individual and community levels.
Results: In general, the results showed that the utilization of maternity services is considerably higher among women with high scores as compared to those with low scores in almost all domains of SWEI-A, except for property-owning in which women with high scores appeared to have lower rates of utilization of such service as compared to those with low scores. Although the rate of adequate ANC, institutional delivery, and PNC appeared to be higher in women with high scores as compared to those with low scores at the individual level; at the community level, the communities with high participation of women in the labor force were less likely to have adequate ANC, institutional delivery, and PNC. Likewise, for the literacy domain, individual-level literacy was associated with higher utilization of ANC, institutional delivery, and PNC contrary to community-level literacy.
Conclusion: Except for property-owning, the high score in almost all other domains was associated with higher utilization of maternity care which indicates an acceptable level of convergence validity for the developed index (SWEI-A) in measuring women empowerment among married Afghan women aged 15-49 years. The index could inform future policies and interventions regarding women empowerment dimensions in the country and guide future studies to produce comparable results.
Monalizumab efficacy correlates with HLA-E surface expression and NK cell activity in head and neck squamous carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Lee Jeongjae , Keam Bhumsuk , Park Ha-Ram , Park Ji-Eun , Kim Soyeon , Kim Miso , Kim Tae Min , Kim Dong-Wan , Heo Dae Seog
Published: November 2022

Purpose NKG2A, an inhibitory receptor expressed on NK cells and T cells, leads to immune evasion by binding to HLA-E expressed on cancer cells. Here, we investigated the relationship between HLA-E surface expression on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines and the efficacy of monalizumab, an NKG2A inhibitor, in promoting NK cell activity. Methods Six HNSCC cell lines were used as target cells. After exposure to IFN- γ, HLA-E surface expression on HNSCC cell lines was measured by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors and isolated NK cells were used as effector cells. NK cells were stimulated by treatment with IL-2 and IL-15 for 5 days, and NK cell-induced cytotoxicity was analyzed by CD107a degranulation and51Cr release assays. Results We confirmed that HLA-E expression was increased by IFN-γ secreted by NK cells and that HLA-E expression was different for each cell line upon exposure to IFN-γ. Cell lines with high HLA-E expression showed stronger inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity, and efficacy of monalizumab was high. Combination with cetuximb increased the efficacy of monalizumab. In addition, stimulation of isolated NK cells with IL-2 and IL-15 increased the efficacy of monalizumab, even in the HLA-E low groups. Conclusion Monalizumab efficacy was correlated with HLA-E surface expression and was enhanced when NK cell activity was increased by cetuximab or cytokines. These results suggest that monalizumab may be potent against HLA-E-positive tumors and that monalizumab efficacy could be improved by promoting NK cell activity.
Effect of Immersive Virtual Mirror Visual Feedback on Mu Suppression and Coherence in Motor and Parietal Cortex in Stroke
Authors: Chang Won Kee , Lim Hyunmi , Park Seo Hyun , Lim Chaiyoung , Paik Nam-Jong , Kim Won-Seok , Ku Jeonghun
Published: November 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate the activation pattern of the motor cortex (M1) and parietal cortex during immersive virtual reality (VR)-based mirror visual feedback (MVF) of the upper limb in patients with chronic stroke.
Methods: Fourteen patients with chronic stroke with severe upper limb hemiparesis (Brunnstrom stage of hand 1-3) and 21 healthy controls were included. The participants performed wrist extension tasks with their unaffected wrists (or the dominant side in controls). In the MVF condition, the movement of the affected hand was synchronized with that of the unaffected hand. In contrast, only the movement of the unaffected hand was shown in the no-MVF condition. Electroencephalography was obtained during experiments with two conditions (MVF vs no-MVF). Mu suppression in the bilateral M1 and parietal cortex and mu coherence between the ipsilateral M1 and parietal cortex in each hemisphere and interhemispheric M1 were used for analyses.
Results: In patients with stroke, MVF induced significant mu suppression in both the ipsilesional M1 and parietal lobes (p=0.006 and p=0.009, respectively), while significant mu suppression was observed in the bilateral M1 (p=0.003 for ipsilesional and p=0.041 for contralesional M1, respectively) and contralesional (contralateral hemisphere to the moving hand) parietal lobes in the healthy controls (p=0.036). The ipsilesional mu coherence between the M1 and parietal cortex in patients with stroke was stronger than that in controls regardless of MVF condition (p<0.001), while mu coherence between interhemispheric M1 cortices was significantly weaker in patients with stroke (p=0.032).
Conclusion: In patients with stroke, MVF using immersive VR induces mu suppression in the ipsilesional M1 and parietal lobe. Our findings provide evidence of the neural mechanism of MVF using immersive VR and support its application in patients with stroke with severe hemiparesis.
The reuse of Lisbon convent typologies into collective housing
Authors: Silva José Miguel
Published: November 2022

The present proposal is about the reuse of the built heritage, considering in this embryonic phase the old convents in Lisbon, with the aim of understanding their resilience to be reuse as collective houses. The study is part of a scientific project about the built heritage reuse, particularly focused on the ability of this specific type of buildings to be adapted into new ways of housing, in an inclusive and social way, for example as “nests of [social] houses”. The intention is to make use of the unoccupied urban built heritage as a response to the lack of social housing in the particular context of Lisbon. Methodologically, the study seeks to establish a reconstructive and morphological analysis of old convents, documenting its successive composition stages until our days, especially its resilience to the introduction of a new houses. The study aspires to conceived an instrument that elects the existing city as a historical and model reference to professionals and academics. A systemic inventory of the built heritage on adaptive reuse, hopping to result in a useful tool first for understanding the different existent (re)uses, as well as for the conception of new housing programs.
Efficacy and Safety of Vilazodone treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): A 3390 patients' meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Authors: Gbreel Mohamed Ibrahim , Al-Kafarna Mohammed , Almaghary Bashar Khaled , Elsnhory Ahmed Bostamy , Sabra Hamdy Khaled , Adwan Mustafa , Abdelgawad Osama Khalid , Elsheikh Fatma , Amer Esraa Abdelhameid , Abdullah Ahmed Mahmoud , Almadhoon Hossam Waleed
Published: November 2022

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a global health condition related to mental and physical consequences, functional impairment, and medical expenses. A wide range of antidepressant drugs could be prescribed for MDD patients. In this study, we aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of Vilazodone treatment for relieving MDD symptoms upon valid scores. Methods Five databases were searched for literature search and seven included randomized clinical trials were finally meta-analyzed. All data were presented either as a mean difference (MD) in pooling continuous outcomes or risk ratio (RR) in pooling dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results We included 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total number of 3804 patients; 3390 of them were eligible to be pooled in our analysis. Patients' ages ranged from 13 to 42.4 years. vilazodone was given orally once a day with different doses throughout the included trials ranging from 10 to 40 mg for the duration of 8 to 12 weeks. The results significantly favored vilazodone over the placebo regarding the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) (MD =-4.69, 95% CI: [-6.83, -2.55],P < 0.0001), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) severity (MD=-0.29, 95% CI: [-0.41, -0.17], P < 0.00001), and CGI improvement (MD =-0.36, 95% CI: [-0.44, -0.28],P < 0.00001). The pooled effect size significantly favored Vilazodone in terms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, somnolence, dry mouth, insomnia, and dizziness compared to controls. Conclusion Vilazodone treatment is an effective, well-tolerated, and safe drug for MDD patients in terms of multiple outcomes.
The association of racism and discrimination in disparities of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: an analysis of PRAMS data
Authors: Lee Kiara , Pellowski Jennifer , Brayboy Lynae , Dunsiger Shira
Published: November 2022

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal mortality. Racial disparities in maternal mortality in the United States are well-documented, but the role of racism and/or discrimination in affecting one’s risk of developing a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is not well-studied.
Methods: Data from 17 sites that asked questions regarding experiences with racism and/or discrimination during pregnancy via the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Phase 8 (2016-2020) from was used. Regression models were used to estimate odds of hypertensive disorder diagnosis in pregnancy using adjusted models controlling for cofounders: biological risk factors, socioeconomic factors, and experiences of racism and/or discrimination.
Results: Among participants with live births (N = 69,751), 14.9% of participants stated they were diagnosed with hypertension during pregnancy with non-Hispanic and Hispanic Black individuals having the highest rates (19.8%). 13.1% of participants experienced racism and 15.6% of participants experienced discrimination. Experiencing racism or discrimination increased one’s odds of having hypertension during pregnancy by 1.14 times (CI: 1.00 - 1.31) and 1.30 times (CI: 1.02 - 1.65), respectively. When experiences with discrimination were included, non-Hispanic and Hispanic Black individuals did not have statistically significantly higher odds of having hypertension during pregnancy compared to non-Hispanic White individuals.
Conclusions: Experiences of racism and/or discrimination drive racial disparities in hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.
Public Health Implications: It is vital to eliminate racist and discriminatory practices in healthcare to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
Motivation for learning among medical students and related aspects
Authors: Manfroi Angélica , Kobayasi Renata , Olivo Clarice Rosa , Martins Milton de Arruda , Tempski Patrícia Zen
Published: November 2022

INTRODUCTION: intrinsic motivation of medical students results in improvements in learning, technical competence and the doctor-patient relationship.
OBJECTIVES: verify the motivation of medical students and the association with variables related.
METHODS: A transversal study using: visual analogue scale for self-perception of motivation, Academic Motivation Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure, Resilience Scale and grade point average.
RESULTS: 627 (55.68%) students, with a mean age of 23 years, being 72.90% female, with a mean of 8.49 ± 1.62 for self-perception of motivation. The intrinsic motivation to know and extrinsic motivation for identified regulation showed higher averages, both being higher in females. Amotivation had the lowest overall averages, being more common in males. Clinical phase and clerkship had higher means for extrinsic motivation by external regulation. Educational environment had moderate association with intrinsic motivations to accomplish things and to experience stimulation. Resilience showed moderate association with the three types of intrinsic motivation, and negative moderate association with amotivation. The practice of religion had higher averages for intrinsic motivations to accomplish things and to experience stimulation. Physical activity showed higher means for extrinsic motivation by external regulation. Students without previous graduation had higher averages for extrinsic motivations to introjected regulation and by external regulation. Practicing extracurricular activities showed higher averages for the three types of intrinsic motivation and for extrinsic motivation by identification. Students who do not work showed higher averages for extrinsic motivations to introjected regulation and to external regulation.
CONCLUSION: Students demonstrated high global motivation to continue their studies, predominance of intrinsic motivation to know, with low rates of amotivation. There was an increase in extrinsic motivation from the third year of the course. It's important to rethink the teaching and learning processes and to invest in strategies that encourage students' autonomy, resulting in an increase in intrinsic motivation.
Genetic relationships among laboratory lines of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus from native and adventive populations
Authors: Abram Paul K. , Nelson Tyler D. , Marshall Valerie , Gariepy Tara D. , Haye Tim , Zhang Jinping , Hueppelsheuser Tracy , Acheampong Susanna , Moffat Chandra E.
Published: November 2022

Biological control agents of invasive insect pests are increasingly being found in new geographic regions as a result of unintentional introductions. However, testing the degree of genetic differentiation among adventive and native-range populations of these agents is rarely done. We used reduced-representation sequencing of genomic DNA to investigate the relationships among laboratory lines of Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), an egg parasitoid and biological control agent of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). We compared sequences from multiple adventive populations in North America (Canada, USA) and Europe (Switzerland) with populations sourced from part of its native range in China. We found considerably more genetic variation among lines sourced from adventive populations than among those within native populations. In the Pacific Northwest of North America (British Columbia, Canada and Washington State, USA), we found preliminary evidence of three distinct genetic clusters, two of which were highly dissimilar from all other lines we genotyped. In contrast, we found that other adventive lines with close geographic proximity (two from Ontario, Canada, three from Switzerland) had limited genetic variation. These findings provide a basis for testing biological differences among lines that will inform their use as biological control agents, and build evidence to support of a hypothesis of several independent introductions of T. japonicus in western North America from different source areas.
Viabilidad de un centro de escritura digital universitario: perspectiva estudiantil
Authors: Chaverra-Fernández Dora Inés , Calle-Álvarez Gerzon Yair , Hurtado Vergara Rubén Darío , Bolívar-Buriticá Wilson Antonio
Published: November 2022

Este artículo expone los hallazgos derivados de una investigación orientada a fundamentar los componentes técnicos y pedagógicos involucrados en el diseño y la operación de un Centro de Escritura Digital (CED). A partir de un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con carácter mixto, fueron analizadas las percepciones, los saberes, la opinión y la experiencia de estudiantes de pregrado de tres sedes de la Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia; en un primer momento de indagación inicial, desde un cuestionario diagnóstico aplicado a 58 educandos y un segundo momento de exploración de operación de la plataforma, con el registro de 122 usuarios participantes de talleres de escritura. Los resultados evidencian el potencial del CED para el acompañamiento de la escritura académica; las posibilidades y las limitaciones para su implementación desde lo didáctico, técnico y académico; y las características que contribuyen con el diseño de un modelo para su funcionamiento. En conclusión, el CED se asume como una estrategia transversal e institucional que supera la perspectiva remedial de los problemas de escritura académica de los universitarios, centrándose en las dimensiones humana, académica y científica propias de la formación profesional.
Instituciones informales, emprendimiento y progreso social: un estudio comparativo y correlacional
Authors: León Quillas César Ignacio , Rueda Rodríguez Héctor Fernando , Hernández Rodríguez Alejandra
Published: November 2022

Este artículo expone una comparación entre seis países; por un lado, Australia, Canadá, Estados Unidos, Finlandia, Reino Unido y Suecia y, por el otro, Chile, Colombia, México y Perú; seleccionados a partir de las diferencias que presentan en cuanto al nivel de progreso social, emprendimiento y cultura. Como objetivo, se plantea encontrar relaciones entre determinadas instituciones informales, el nivel de emprendimiento y el progreso social. El tipo de estudio es descriptivo y exploratorio, con alcances correlacionales; donde se utiliza información de las dimensiones culturales de Hofstede Insights (2018), el Índice Global de Emprendimiento de 2018 y el Índice de Progreso Social de 2018. Los resultados muestran correlaciones que, a nivel general, revelan la tendencia de los países más desarrollados a registrar una menor distancia de poder, menor aversión a la incertidumbre y una preferencia hacia el individualismo, además de mayores niveles de emprendimiento, mayor progreso social y una mejor calidad ambiental.
Estado del arte de la investigación sobre escuelas normales superiores en Colombia 1995-2022
Authors: Orozco Gómez William
Published: November 2022

Las Escuelas Normales son instituciones dedicadas a la formación docente en Colombia desde inicios del siglo XIX, siendo predecesoras de las facultades de educación y desempeñando un papel crucial en la institucionalización de la profesión docente. Dado que en las últimas décadas pululan publicaciones sobre estos institutos, el presente artículo de revisión procura levantar un estado del arte al respecto. Para tal fin, fueron analizados los hallazgos reportados en esta área durante el período 1995-2022, con los que se determinaron, además de recurrencias en asuntos investigativos, las características de estas entidades. Metodológicamente, se empleó la revisión sistemática mediante el establecimiento de una pregunta de indagación, la definición de unos criterios de búsqueda, la pesquisa, la selección y codificación de estudios, la evaluación de calidad, el síntesis y reporte de resultados. Dentro de los hallazgos, se encontraron seis grandes núcleos que han movilizado la producción investigativa sobre Escuelas Normales: historicidad, naturaleza y sentidos de las Escuelas Normales, procesos de investigación en la formación docente, saberes pedagógicos y formas de producción, prácticas pedagógicas en la formación docente, formación ciudadana y relaciones Escuelas Normales/contextos socioculturales. Se concluye con el papel histórico de las Escuelas Normales en la apropiación y reproducción de discursos pedagógicos, la correspondencia a dispositivos de poder como el Estado o la Iglesia y presuntos modos específicos de apropiación de la pedagogía y producción de saberes al respecto. Así mismo, se advierte la supremacía del concepto de enseñanza en las dinámicas de estas instituciones, que refieren la existencia de una supuesta impronta normalista que hace distintiva la identidad de los maestros normalistas.
Regulación emocional y habilidades de afrontamiento en profesores colombianos de educación básica primaria
Authors: Hewitt Ramírez Nohelia , Rueda Prada Claudia Milena , Vega Ruiz Ángela Milena , Alarcón Jordán María Alejandra , Velandia Archila Sandra Patricia , Villamil Huertas Rocío del Pilar
Published: November 2022

La regulación emocional y las habilidades de afrontamiento de los profesores influyen en el bienestar y el ajuste psicológico de sus estudiantes. Este estudio identificó la relación entre las características sociodemográficas, la regulación emocional y las habilidades de afrontamiento en 112 docentes de Educación Básica Primaria, seleccionados intencionalmente de cuatro regiones de Colombia. Mediante una investigación empírico analítica, con un diseño descriptivo correlacional transaccional, se aplicó la ficha sociodemográfica, el inventario expresión de ira estado-rasgo y la escala de estrategias de afrontamiento Coping modificada. Los análisis descriptivos y de asociación evidencian una población con bajos niveles de ira estado e ira rasgo que evita respuestas agresivas. Los educadores con mayor edad y experiencia presentan niveles más bajos de ira estado, mientras que los de más experiencia, mayor control externo de la ira. Los que trabajan en zona urbana, con más de 30 educandos muestran puntajes bajos en ira rasgo y las profesoras manifiestan más control interno de la ira. Quienes tienen pareja eluden la habilidad de afrontamiento de negación; los que trabajan en el área urbana y cuentan con mayor experiencia y los que tienen mayor nivel de formación emplean la resolución de conflictos; y las profesoras utilizan la religión y la autonomía. Se concluye que los participantes usan habilidades de afrontamiento positivas, aunque reprimen expresar la ira, lo que está determinado por el contexto y la historia de aprendizaje. Los resultados indican que los entrenamientos en regulación emocional y las habilidades de afrontamiento en maestros favorecen la estabilidad socioemocional en los estudiantes.