bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Comic-based Learning Module in Physics in Enhancing Students’ Achievement and Motivation
Authors:   Science Education Department, Br. Andrew Gonzalez, FSC College of Education De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines, Badeo Jeah May O. , Koc Bee Ching U. Ong Kian ,   Science Education Department, Br. Andrew Gonzalez, FSC College of Education De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
Published: June 2021

This study investigated the effect of using a comic-based learning module in Physics as a learning tool on students’ conceptual understanding and motivation. A mixed method approach using a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design was used in this study. An adapted 50-multiple choice test items and the physics version of the “Science Motivation Questionnaire-II’ (SMQ-II) were used to measure changes of students” conceptual understanding and motivation respectively. Two intact classes of 68 Grade 8 students in a public school in Cavite, the Philippines participated in this study with corresponding parental consent. Quantitative data were analyzed using Paired-Sample t-test and qualitative data were gathered from students’ interviews. After the integration of the comic-based learning module for 4 weeks, results showed that it provided significant increase on students’ conceptual understanding in Physics. Meanwhile, the four components of students’ motivation such as intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, self-determination, and grade motivation showed significant increase. Finally, students’ learning experience on the use of the module as revealed on focus group discussion showed that the module helped them to understand better the Physics topics being discussed and to become more motivated to learn Physics. Future studies would have to consider the appropriateness and suitability of comic-based learning module in other subject areas and grade levels.
Toll-Like Receptor 4 as a Favorable Prognostic Marker in Bladder Cancer: A Multi-Omics Analysis
Authors: Lu Jun-Lin , Xia Qi-Dong , Sun Yi , Xun Yang , Hu Heng-Long , Liu Chen-Qian , Sun Jian-Xuan , Xu Jin-Zhou , Hu Jia , Wang Shao-Gang
Published: June 2021

Background

The toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist, Bacille Calmette-Guérin, has exhibited gratifying effects in treating bladder cancer. The study aims to explore the expression pattern, prognostic value, and potential mechanism of TLR4 in bladder cancer.

Methods

The transcriptome file from the GSE13507 dataset in the Gene Expression Omnibus database and the promoter methylation file from the bladder cancer dataset in The Cancer Genome Atlas database were downloaded for analysis. The prognostic value of the TLRs was assessed by univariate Cox regression. Immunohistochemistry was applied to verify the expression of TLR4 in bladder cancer. The drug response is estimated through the R package “pRRophetic.” The CIBERSORT algorithm was carried out to estimate the infiltrating immune cells of samples. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify the pathways involved under varied TLR4 expression levels.

Results

TLR4 is decreased in tumor tissues compared with surrounding tumor tissues or normal tissue, which is also positively correlated to the overall survival rate (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.38) and cancer-specific survival rate (HR = 0.15) of patients with bladder cancer. Low expression of TLR4 is observed in tumors with malignant performance (high pathological grade, higher tumor stage, and progression). Patients with low TLR4 levels are more sensitive to gemcitabine rather than cisplatin. The promoter methylation level of TLR4 is positively associated with TLR4 expression (P< 0.001). The cg14629571 methylation site largely contributes to the overall methylation level. The CIBERSORT analysis shows that high TLR4 expression is associated with lower levels of plasma cells, M0 macrophages, and M1 macrophages. The GSEA results indicate that the TGF-β pathway and apoptosis are activated in high TLR4 bladder cancer, while G2M checkpoint and E2F targets pathways are enriched in low TLR4 bladder cancer.

Conclusion

This research discusses the abnormal expression and prognostic value of TLR4 in bladder cancer. The TLR4 expression can effectively predict oncological outcomes and drug sensitivity of bladder cancer patients. TLR4 is also associated with infiltrating immune cell variation and cancer pathway dysregulation. The results provide a novel prognostic marker and potential drug targets for bladder cancer.
Exosomal miR-2276-5p in Plasma Is a Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Glioma
Authors: Sun Jingxian , Sun Zhenying , Gareev Ilgiz , Yan Tao , Chen Xin , Ahmad Aamir , Zhang Daming , Zhao Boxian , Beylerli Ozal , Yang Guang , Zhao Shiguang
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential role in near and distant intercellular communication and are potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for various cancers. This study focused on evaluation of exosomal miR-2276-5p in plasma as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for glioma.

Methods

Plasma exosomes from 124 patients with glioma and 36 non-tumor controls were collected and subjected to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis for the exosomal miR-2276-5p expression. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to identify a gene target, and CGGA and TCGA databases were checked for evaluation of prognostic relevance.

Results

The exosomal miR-2276-5p in glioma patients had a significantly decreased expression, compared with non-glioma patients (p < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses were observed to regulate the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of miR-2276-5p in glioma; the area under the curve (AUC) for miR-2276-5p was 0.8107. The lower expression of exosomal miR-2276-5p in patients with glioma correlated with poorer survival rates. RAB13 was identified as the target of miR-2276-5p which was high in glioma patients, especially those with higher tumor grades and correlated with poor survival.

Conclusion

The circulating exosomal miR-2276-5p is significantly reduced in the plasma of glioma patients, and thus, it could be a potential biomarker for patients with glioma for diagnostic and/or prognostic purposes.
Endosomes as Signaling Platforms for IL-6 Family Cytokine Receptors
Authors: Schmidt-Arras Dirk , Rose-John Stefan
Published: June 2021

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is the name-giving cytokine of a family of eleven members, including IL-6, CNTF, LIF, and IL-27. IL-6 was first recognized as a B-cell stimulating factor but we now know that the cytokine plays a pivotal role in the orchestration of inflammatory processes as well as in inflammation associated cancer. Moreover, IL-6 is involved in metabolic regulation and it has been shown to be involved in major neural activities such as neuroprotection, which can help to repair and to reduce brain damage. Receptor complexes of all members formed at the plasma membrane contain one or two molecules of the signaling receptor subunit GP130 and the mechanisms of signal transduction are well understood. IL-6 type cytokines can also signal from endomembranes, in particular the endosome, and situations have been reported in which endocytosis of receptor complexes are a prerequisite of intracellular signaling. Moreover, pathogenic GP130 variants were shown to interfere with spatial activation of downstream signals. We here summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying spatial regulation of IL-6 family cytokine signaling and discuss its relevance for pathogenic processes.
Considering Young People’s Dislocation From STEM Education: Looking Beyond the Narrow Focus of Teaching and Learning Practice Within School
Authors: Fraser Sharon , Barnes Nicoli , Kilpatrick Sue , Guenther John , Nutton Georgie
Published: June 2021

Rural, regional and remote (RRR) communities and industries in Australia cannot currently produce or attract the workforce needed to survive, making skills and qualifications in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) increasingly important. Yet student engagement in STEM education in RRR schools remains low, with limited numbers of young people either moving into further STEM education post-secondary, or accessing readily available STEM-related jobs in RRR areas. Currently many rural children and young people are not exposed to, nor recognize the diverse ways in which STEM knowledge is required and used in their world. We propose that if young people are to increasingly engage with STEM and continue onto STEM-related careers, they must be able to see connections between their “school” learning of STEM and the STEM knowledge that is enacted in rural work and life. We also suggest that for this to change, there should be increased visibility of “place-based” knowledges, including Aboriginal STEM knowledges, in RRR communities to promote enhanced student engagement with STEM. In this paper we explore these ideas by drawing on Foucault and Bourdieu understandings to develop a methodological framework – thePlace-based STEM- alignment Frameworkfor the purposes of exposing alternate STEM knowledges. We argue that the nuanced and critical methodological approach applied in the development of thePlace-based STEM-alignment Framework, is necessary in order to generate this analytical tool and provide data that will allow us the scope to “reset” current understandings of STEM knowledges. The framework design provides us with the methodological vehicle to identify possible reasons for the invisibility of STEM knowledge and practices in the local fabric of RRR communities and to examine enablers and/or barriers to engagement in STEM learning. The framework must be a practical tool for use in the field, one that can be used in RRR communities to engage, children and young people, in STEM, in a way that is meaningful and that aligns with their everyday experience of RRR life. Finally, the framework has to work to enable alternative perspectives to be exposed that will advance methodological considerations of STEM.
Premature Senescence and Increased Oxidative Stress in the Thymus of Down Syndrome Patients
Authors: Marcovecchio Genni Enza , Ferrua Francesca , Fontana Elena , Beretta Stefano , Genua Marco , Bortolomai Ileana , Conti Anastasia , Montin Davide , Cascarano Maria Teresa , Bergante Sonia , D’Oria Veronica , Giamberti Alessandro , Amodio Donato , Cancrini Caterina , Carotti Adriano , Di Micco Raffaella , Merelli Ivan , Bosticardo Marita , Villa Anna
Published: June 2021

Down syndrome (DS) patients prematurely show clinical manifestations usually associated with aging. Their immune system declines earlier than healthy individuals, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and higher incidence of autoimmune phenomena. Clinical features of accelerated aging indicate that trisomy 21 increases the biological age of tissues. Based on previous studies suggesting immune senescence in DS, we hypothesized that induction of cellular senescence may contribute to early thymic involution and immune dysregulation. Immunohistochemical analysis of thymic tissue showed signs of accelerated thymic aging in DS patients, normally seen in older healthy subjects. Moreover, our whole transcriptomic analysis on human Epcam-enriched thymic epithelial cells (hTEC), isolated from three DS children, which revealed disease-specific transcriptomic alterations. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of DS TEC revealed an enrichment in genes involved in cellular response to stress, epigenetic histone DNA modifications and senescence. Analysis of senescent markers and oxidative stress in hTEC and thymocytes confirmed these findings. We detected senescence features in DS TEC, thymocytes and peripheral T cells, such as increased β-galactosidase activity, increased levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p16, telomere length and integrity markers and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), all factors contributing to cellular damage. In conclusion, our findings support the key role of cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of immune defect in DS while adding new players, such as epigenetic regulation and increased oxidative stress, to the pathogenesis of immune dysregulation.
Vascular Endothelial Galectins in Leukocyte Trafficking
Authors: Lightfoot Abbey , McGettrick Helen M. , Iqbal Asif J.
Published: June 2021

Leukocyte recruitment to the site of injury is a crucial event in the regulation of an inflammatory response. Tight regulation of interactions between the endothelium and circulating leukocytes is necessary to ensure a protective response to injury does not result in inflammatory disease. Rising interest in the broad immunoregulatory roles displayed by members of the glycan-binding galectin family suggests that these proteins could be an attractive target for therapeutic intervention, since their expression is significantly altered in disease. The focus of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the role of galectins in leukocyte trafficking during inflammation and the clinical approaches being taken to target these interactions for treatment of inflammatory disease.
Propionic Acid Rescues High-Fat Diet Enhanced Immunopathology in Autoimmunity via Effects on Th17 Responses
Authors: Haase Stefanie , Mäurer Jonas , Duscha Alexander , Lee De-Hyung , Balogh Andras , Gold Ralf , Müller Dominik N. , Haghikia Aiden , Linker Ralf A.
Published: June 2021

High-fat diets (HFD) are linked to obesity and associated comorbidities and induce pathogenic T helper (Th) 17 cells while decreasing regulatory T cells (Treg). This pro-inflammatory environment also aggravates immunopathology in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as a prototype model of T cell mediated autoimmunity. The strong association of HFD to obesity as well as the increasing risk of autoimmunity in the Western world stresses the importance to identify compounds that counteract this metabolically induced pro-inflammatory state in humans. One prominent candidate is the short-chain fatty acid propionate (PA) that was recently identified as potent therapy in the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis by enhancing Treg cell frequencies and functionality. Mice were fed a HFD rich lauric acid (LA) and treated either with water or PA during MOG35-55-EAE. We analyzed Treg and Th17 cell frequencies in different tissues, antigen-specific cell proliferation and cytokine secretion, investigated Treg cell functionality by suppression assays and IL-10 signaling blockade and employed Western blotting to investigate the involvement of p38-MAPK signaling. Finally, we performed an explorative study in obese and non-obese MS patients, investigating fecal PA concentrations as well as peripheral Th17 and Treg frequencies before and after 90 days of daily PA intake. As compared to controls, mice on a HFD displayed a more severe course of EAE with enhanced demyelination and immune cell infiltration in the spinal cord. PA treatment prevented this disease enhancing effect of HFD by inhibiting Th17 mediated inflammatory processes in the gut and the spleen. Blocking experiments and signaling studies revealed p38-MAPK and IL-10 signaling as important targets linking the beneficial effects of PA treatment and reduced inflammation due to enhanced Treg frequency and functionality. An explorative study in a small group of MS patients revealed reduced PA concentrations in fecal samples of obese MS patients compared to the non-obese group, coinciding with increased Th17 but decreased Treg cells in obese patients. Importantly, PA intake could restore the Treg-Th17 homeostasis. Our data thus identify Th17 responses as an important target for the beneficial effects of PA in HFD and obesity in addition to the recently identified potential of PA as a Treg inducing therapy in T cell mediated autoimmunity.
Observational Evidence and Open Questions on the Role of Internal Tidal Waves on the Concentration and Transport of Floating Plastic Debris
Authors: Shanks Alan L.
Published: June 2021

Tidal currents flowing over benthic relief (e.g., banks, shelf break) can produce large internal waves. These waves propagate away from their origin and are capable of crossing the continental shelf and seas. Studies of shoreward transport of larval invertebrates and fish by these internal waves unintentionally tested whether they can capture, concentrate and transport floating plastic. Plastic surface drifters deployed in front of sets of internal wave convergences were often captured (>90% captured) and transported kilometers by the waves. There are, however, few investigations into how internal tidal waves may affect the fate and distribution of floating plastic waste. A number of areas of future research are suggested: (1) How much floating plastic is found in internal wave convergences? (2) How buoyant must floating plastic be to be captured by internal waves? (3) Why did only some sets of internal waves cause concentration and transport of surface material? (4) Do concentration and transport of floating plastic vary over the spring/neap tidal cycle? (5) Do seasonal changes in the depth of the pycnocline alter the transport of floating plastic by internal waves? (6) Plastic debris deposited on shore may not be evenly distributed, but may be more abundant landward of sites on the shelf break that more readily generate large internal waves. (7) Internal waves that travel long distances (10–100 s of km) have the potential to accumulate large amounts of plastic debris. (8) At locations where internal waves cross the continental shelf, how far offshore does transport commence?
Transcriptional Activity of the Bacterial Replication Initiator DnaA
Authors: Menikpurage Inoka P. , Woo Kristin , Mera Paola E.
Published: June 2021

In bacteria, DnaA is the most conserved DNA replication initiator protein. DnaA is a DNA binding protein that is part of the AAA+ ATPase family. In addition to initiating chromosome replication, DnaA can also function as a transcription factor either as an activator or repressor. The first gene identified to be regulated by DnaA at the transcriptional levels was dnaA. DnaA has been shown to regulate genes involved in a variety of cellular events including those that trigger sporulation, DNA repair, and cell cycle regulation. DnaA’s dual functions (replication initiator and transcription factor) is a potential mechanism for DnaA to temporally coordinate diverse cellular events with the onset of chromosome replication. This strategy of using chromosome replication initiator proteins as regulators of gene expression has also been observed in archaea and eukaryotes. In this mini review, we focus on our current understanding of DnaA’s transcriptional activity in various bacterial species.
Nano-Medicines a Hope for Chagas Disease!
Authors: Choudhury Satabdi Datta
Published: June 2021

Chagas disease, is a vector-mediated tropical disease whose causative agent is a parasitic protozoan namedTrypanosoma cruzi.It is a very severe health issue in South America and Mexico infecting millions of people every year. ProtozoanT. cruzigets transmitted to human throughTriatominae, a subfamily of the Reduviidae, and do not have any effective treatment or preventative available. The lack of economic gains from this tropical parasitic infection, has always been the reason behind its negligence by researchers and drug manufacturers for many decades. Hence there is an enormous requirement for more efficient and novel strategies to reduce the fatality associated with these diseases. Even, available diagnosis protocols are outdated and inefficient and there is an urgent need for rapid high throughput diagnostics as well as management protocol. The current advancement of nanotechnology in the field of healthcare has generated hope for better management of many tropical diseases including Chagas disease. Nanoparticulate systems for drug delivery like poloxamer coated nanosuspension of benzimidazole have shown promising results in reducing toxicity, elevating efficacy and bioavailability of the active compound against the pathogen, by prolonging release, thereby increasing the therapeutic index. Moreover, nanoparticle-based drug delivery has shown promising results in inducing the host’s immune response against the pathogen with very few side effects. Besides, advances in diagnostic assays, such as nanosensors, aided in the accurate detection of the parasite. In this review, we provide an insight into the life cycle stages of the pathogen in both vertebrate host and the insect vector, along with an overview of the current therapy for Chagas disease and its limitations; nano carrier-based delivery systems for antichagasic agents, we also address the advancement of nano vaccines and nano-diagnostic techniques, for treatment of Chagas disease, majorly focusing on the novel perspectives in combating the disease.
Amygdala Allostasis and Early Life Adversity: Considering Excitotoxicity and Inescapability in the Sequelae of Stress
Authors: Hanson Jamie L. , Nacewicz Brendon M.
Published: June 2021

Early life adversity (ELA), such as child maltreatment or child poverty, engenders problems with emotional and behavioral regulation. In the quest to understand the neurobiological sequelae and mechanisms of risk, the amygdala has been of major focus. While the basic functions of this region make it a strong candidate for understanding the multiple mental health issues common after ELA, extant literature is marked by profound inconsistencies, with reports of larger, smaller, and no differences in regional volumes of this area. We believe integrative models of stress neurodevelopment, grounded in “allostatic load,” will help resolve inconsistencies in the impact of ELA on the amygdala. In this review, we attempt to connect past research studies to new findings with animal models of cellular and neurotransmitter mediators of stress buffering to extreme fear generalization onto testable research and clinical concepts. Drawing on the greater impact of inescapability over unpredictability in animal models, we propose a mechanism by which ELA aggravates an exhaustive cycle of amygdala expansion and subsequent toxic-metabolic damage. We connect this neurobiological sequela to psychosocial mal/adaptation after ELA, bridging to behavioral studies of attachment, emotion processing, and social functioning. Lastly, we conclude this review by proposing a multitude of future directions in preclinical work and studies of humans that suffered ELA.
Neural Oscillation During Mental Imagery in Sport: An Olympic Sailor Case Study
Authors: Budnik-Przybylska Dagmara , Kastrau Adrian , Jasik Patryk , Kaźmierczak Maria , Doliński Łukasz , Syty Paweł , Łabuda Marta , Przybylski Jacek , di Fronso Selenia , Bertollo Maurizio
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the current study was to examine the cortical correlates of imagery depending on instructional modality (guided vs. self-produced) using various sports-related scripts. According to the expert-performance approach, we took an idiosyncratic perspective analyzing the mental imagery of an experienced two-time Olympic athlete to verify whether different instructional modalities of imagery (i.e., guided vs. self-produced) and different scripts (e.g., training or competition environment) could differently involve brain activity. The subject listened to each previously recorded script taken from two existing questionnaires concerning imagery ability in sport and then was asked to imagine the scene for a minute. During the task, brain waves were monitored using EEG (32-channel g. Nautilus). Our findings indicate that guided imagery might induce higher high alpha and SMR (usually associated with selective attention), whereas self-produced imagery might facilitate higher low alpha (associated with global resting state and relaxation). Results are discussed in light of the neural efficiency hypothesis as a marker of optimal performance and transient hypofrontality as a marker of flow state. Practical mental training recommendations are presented.
Frontal EEG-Based Multi-Level Attention States Recognition Using Dynamical Complexity and Extreme Gradient Boosting
Authors: Wan Wang , Cui Xingran , Gao Zhilin , Gu Zhongze
Published: June 2021

Measuring and identifying the specific level of sustained attention during continuous tasks is essential in many applications, especially for avoiding the terrible consequences caused by reduced attention of people with special tasks. To this end, we recorded EEG signals from 42 subjects during the performance of a sustained attention task and obtained resting state and three levels of attentional states using the calibrated response time. EEG-based dynamical complexity features and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) classifier were proposed as the classification model, Complexity-XGBoost, to distinguish multi-level attention states with improved accuracy. The maximum average accuracy of Complexity-XGBoost were 81.39 ± 1.47% for four attention levels, 80.42 ± 0.84% for three attention levels, and 95.36 ± 2.31% for two attention levels in 5-fold cross-validation. The proposed method is compared with other models of traditional EEG features and different classification algorithms, the results confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method. We also found that the frontal EEG dynamical complexity measures were related to the changing process of response during sustained attention task. The proposed dynamical complexity approach could be helpful to recognize attention status during important tasks to improve safety and efficiency, and be useful for further brain-computer interaction research in clinical research or daily practice, such as the cognitive assessment or neural feedback treatment of individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and other diseases which affect the sustained attention function.
Proteomic Characterization of Cytoplasmic Lipid Droplets in Human Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Zembroski Alyssa S. , Andolino Chaylen , Buhman Kimberly K. , Teegarden Dorothy
Published: June 2021

One of the characteristic features of metastatic breast cancer is increased cellular storage of neutral lipid in cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CLDs). CLD accumulation is associated with increased cancer aggressiveness, suggesting CLDs contribute to metastasis. However, how CLDs contribute to metastasis is not clear. CLDs are composed of a neutral lipid core, a phospholipid monolayer, and associated proteins. Proteins that associate with CLDs regulate both cellular and CLD metabolism; however, the proteome of CLDs in metastatic breast cancer and how these proteins may contribute to breast cancer progression is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the proteome and assess the characteristics of CLDs in the MCF10CA1a human metastatic breast cancer cell line. Utilizing shotgun proteomics, we identified over 1500 proteins involved in a variety of cellular processes in the isolated CLD fraction. Interestingly, unlike other cell lines such as adipocytes or enterocytes, the most enriched protein categories were involved in cellular processes outside of lipid metabolism. For example, cell-cell adhesion was the most enriched category of proteins identified, and many of these proteins have been implicated in breast cancer metastasis. In addition, we characterized CLD size and area in MCF10CA1a cells using transmission electron microscopy. Our results provide a hypothesis-generating list of potential players in breast cancer progression and offers a new perspective on the role of CLDs in cancer.
Silencing of the Long Non-Coding RNA TTN-AS1 Attenuates the Malignant Progression of Osteosarcoma Cells by Regulating the miR-16-1-3p/TFAP4 Axis
Authors: Meng Xianghai , Zhang Zhenjun , Chen Lin , Wang Xi , Zhang Qingguo , Liu Shuheng
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a type of bone malignancy. This study attempted to explore the effect of long non-coding RNA TTN-AS1 (TTN-AS1) on OS and to determine its molecular mechanisms.

Methods

The expression of TTN-AS1, microRNA-16-1-3p (miR-16-1-3p), and transcription factor activating enhancer binding protein 4 (TFAP4) in OS was assessed using qRT-PCR. The OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were measured using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), wound-healing, and transwell assays. N-cadherin and MMP-2 protein level was determined with western blot. Interactions between TTN-AS1 and miR-16-1-3p or TFAP4 and miR-16-1-3p were confirmed using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, an OS xenograft tumor model was constructed to assess the effect of TTN-AS1 on tumor growth.

Results

TTN-AS1 and TFAP4 expression was increased in OS, while miR-16-1-3p expression was decreased. TTN-AS1 silencing restrained OS cell proliferation, migration, invasion, N-cadherin and MMP-2 protein expression, and hindered tumor growth. MiR-16-1-3p overexpression retarded the malignant behavior of OS cells. TTN-AS1 played a carcinostatic role by down-regulating miR-16-1-3p in the OS cells. Moreover, miR-16-1-3p inhibition or TFAP4 elevation weakened the suppressive effect of TTN-AS1 silencing on OS cell tumor progression.

Conclusion

TTN-AS1 promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OS cells via mediating the miR-16-1-3p/TFAP4 axis. TTN-AS1 may be a critical target for improving OS.
A Machine Learning Model for Predicting a Major Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chen Yonghe , Wei Kaikai , Liu Dan , Xiang Jun , Wang Gang , Meng Xiaochun , Peng Junsheng
Published: June 2021

Aims

To develop and validate a model for predicting major pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) based on a machine learning algorithm.

Method

A total of 221 patients who underwent NAC and radical gastrectomy between February 2013 and September 2020 were enrolled in this study. A total of 144 patients were assigned to the training cohort for model building, and 77 patients were assigned to the validation cohort. A major pathological response was defined as primary tumor regressing to ypT0 or T1. Radiomic features extracted from venous-phase computed tomography (CT) images were selected by machine learning algorithms to calculate a radscore. Together with other clinical variables selected by univariate analysis, the radscores were included in a binary logistic regression analysis to construct an integrated prediction model. The data obtained for the validation cohort were used to test the predictive accuracy of the model.

Result

A total of 27.6% (61/221) patients achieved a major pathological response. Five features of 572 radiomic features were selected to calculate the radscores. The final established model incorporates adenocarcinoma differentiation and radscores. The model showed satisfactory predictive accuracy with a C-index of 0.763 and good fitting between the validation data and the model in the calibration curve.

Conclusion

A prediction model incorporating adenocarcinoma differentiation and radscores was developed and validated. The model helps stratify patients according to their potential sensitivity to NAC and could serve as an individualized treatment strategy-making tool for AGC patients.
Clinical Characteristics and Survival Outcomes in Neuroblastoma With Bone Metastasis Based on SEER Database Analysis
Authors: He Bin , Mao Jianshui , Huang Leyi
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Clinical features and survival analysis of neuroblastoma (NB) are well explored. However, clinical research of NB patients with bone metastasis is rarely reported. Thus, the current study was performed to analyze the clinical features, survival outcome, and risk factors in those patients.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to select cases diagnosed with NB with bone metastasis from 2010 to 2016. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were analyzed through univariate Cox regression analysis. Subsequently, we performed multivariate analysis to determine independent predictors of survival. The Kaplan–Meier method was applied to intuitively show differences in prognostic value between independent risk factors.

Results

We finally identified 393 NB patients with bone metastasis who were selected for survival analysis. Nearly half of the patients (47.3%) were aged >3 years. The adrenal gland was the primary tumor site, accounting for approximately two thirds of cases (66.2%). The 5-year OS and CSS rates of all patients were 62.1% and 64.1%, respectively. The univariate analysis indicated that age, lung metastasis, and tumor size were significantly associated with OS and CSS. Based on the multivariable analysis, age at 2 and 3 years, lung metastasis, and tumor size >10 cm remained significant negative predictors of OS and CSS.

Conclusion

For NB patients with bone metastasis, three independent prognostic risk factors (age, lung metastasis, and tumor size) are helpful to clinicians for predicting prognosis and guiding treatment. Reasonable treatment modalities for these patients should be further investigated to prolong survival.
Typical Modes of the Wind Speed Diurnal Variation in Beijing Based on the Clustering Method
Authors: Yan Pengcheng , Zuo Dongdong , Yang Ping , Li Suosuo
Published: June 2021

Wind speed is an important meteorological condition affecting the urban environment. Thus, analyzing the typical characteristics of the wind speed diurnal variation is helpful for forecasting pollutant diffusion. Based on the K-means clustering method, the diurnal variation characteristics of the wind speed in Beijing during 2008–2017 are studied, and the spatiotemporal characteristics of the wind speed diurnal variations are analyzed. The results show that there are mainly five to seven clusters of typical characteristics of the wind speed diurnal variation at different stations in Beijing, and the number of clusters near the city is smaller than that in the suburbs. The typical number of the wind speed diurnal variation during 2013–2015 is smaller than that in other periods, which means the anomalous clusters of the diurnal variation are reduced. Besides, the numbers of different clusters in different years are often switched. Especially, the switch between clusters five and six and the switch between clusters six and seven are frequent. Based on the second cluster analysis of the clustering results at the Beijing station, we find 12 clusters of the diurnal variation, including nine clusters of “large in the daytime, while small at night,” two clusters of “monotonous,” and one cluster of “strong wind.” Furthermore, the low-speed clusters of wind mainly locate in the city with a significant increasing trend, while the high-speed clusters and the monotonous clusters of wind locate in the suburbs with a decreasing trend.
Effects of Understory or Overstory Removal on the Abundances of Soil Nematode Genera in a Eucalyptus Plantation
Authors: Gao Dandan , Wan Songze , Fu Shenglei , Zhao Jie
Published: June 2021

In south China, eucalyptus plantations typically consist of a single-species overstory (a eucalyptus monoculture) and a dense understory of a dominant fern species. In the current study, we assessed the effects of four treatments [control (CK), understory removal (UR), tree removal (TR), and all-plant removal (PR)] on the abundances of soil nematode genera, which can provide insight into the ecological functions of understory plants and trees. Soil nematodes were sampled six times (once before and five times after treatments were implemented) at 0–5 and 5–10 cm soil depths. The temporal dynamics of nematode genera were analyzed by the principle response curves (PRC) method. At 0–5 cm depth, the abundances of most nematode genera rapidly increased shortly after vegetation removal but then gradually decreased; the effects of UR were stronger than the effects of TR. The results might be explained by the pulsed input of plant debris to soil and its subsequent depletion. At 5–10 cm depth, the nematode communities were relatively unaffected by vegetation removal within the first 162 days, but the abundances of most genera sharply decreased on day 258 and then sharply increased on day 379 (the last sampling time). The results indicated that most nematode genera, evenr-selected genera, were sensitive to vegetation removal in the upper soil layer and that understory vegetation can greatly affect soil nematode communities and presumably soil food webs. The nematode generaPrismatolaimusandDiphtherophoramay be good indicators of the effects of vegetation removal. The results increase our understanding of the relationships between soil nematode genera and forest plant communities and of how soil biota is affected by forest management practices.
Halophytes Differ in Their Adaptation to Soil Environment in the Yellow River Delta: Effects of Water Source, Soil Depth, and Nutrient Stoichiometry
Authors: Li Tian , Sun Jingkuan , Fu Zhanyong
Published: June 2021

The Yellow River Delta is water, salt, and nutrient limited and hence the growth of plants depend on the surrounding factors. Understanding the water, salt, and stoichiometry of plants and soil systems from the perspective of different halophytes is useful for exploring their survival strategies. Thus, a comprehensive investigation of water, salt, and stoichiometry characteristics in different halophytes and soil systems was carried out in this area. Results showed that the oxygen isotopes (δ18O) of three halophytes were significantly different (P < 0.05). Phragmites communis primarily used rainwater and soil water, while Suaeda salsa and Limonium bicolor mainly used soil water. The contributions of rainwater to three halophytes (P. communis, S. salsa, and L. bicolor) were 50.9, 9.1, and 18.5%, respectively. The carbon isotope (δ13C) analysis showed that P. communis had the highest water use efficiency, followed by S. salsa and L. bicolor. Na+ content in the aboveground and underground parts of different halophytes was all followed an order of S. salsa > L. bicolor > P. communis. C content and N:P in leaves of P. communis and N content of leaves in L. bicolor were significantly positively correlated with Na+. Redundancy analysis (RDA) between plants and each soil layer showed that there were different correlation patterns in the three halophytes. P. communis primarily used rainwater and soil water with low salt content in 60–80 cm, while the significant correlation indexes of C:N:P stoichiometry between plant and soil were mainly in a 20–40 cm soil layer. In S. salsa, the soil layer with the highest contribution of soil water and the closest correlation with the C:N:P stoichiometry of leaves were both in 10–20 cm layers, while L. bicolor were mainly in 40–80 cm soil layers. So, the sources of soil water and nutrient of P. communis were located in different soil layers, while there were spatial consistencies of soils in water and nutrient utilization of S. salsa and L. bicolor. These results are beneficial to a comprehensive understanding of the adaptability of halophytes in the Yellow River Delta.
Does Health Literacy Make a Difference? Comparing the Effect of Conventional Medicine Versus Homeopathic Prescribing on Treatment Credibility and Expectancy
Authors: Wilhelm Marcel , Euteneuer Frank
Published: June 2021

Objective

While homeopathic remedies are often used to treat non-specific complaints such as headaches, empirical evidence suggests their treatment effect is due to the placebo effect. Low health literacy seems to be connected to higher use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The aim of this study was to examine what people with occasional headaches expect from conventional medicine or homeopathic remedies and if health literacy interacts with this expectation.

Methods

In this experimental study, n = 582 participants with occasional headaches were randomized to read one of two vignettes, which described the prescription of either conventional medicine or a homeopathic remedy. Subsequently, the participants were asked to rate treatment credibility and expectancy with regard to their assigned vignette. Health literacy was assessed as a potential moderator.

Results

Participants in the conventional medicine group rated treatment credibility and expectancy higher than in the homeopathic remedy group. Moderation analysis revealed that when being offered conventional medicine, participant reports of treatment credibility and expectancy decreased with lower health literacy, while these outcomes increased with lower health literacy for homeopathic remedies.

Discussion

People with occasional headaches estimate the effectiveness of conventional medication properly. However, health care professionals should pay special attention to patients with low health literacy, as they might need more time and information to give their informed consent.
Effects of Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Anxiety and Eating Behavior—A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Freitas Fernanda da Fonseca , de Medeiros Anna Cecília Queiroz , Lopes Fívia de Araújo
Published: June 2021

As social animals, humans need to live in groups. This contact with conspecifics is essential for their evolution and survival. Among the recommendations to reduce transmission of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for COVID-19 are social distancing and home confinement. These measures may negatively affect the social life and, consequently, the emotional state and eating behavior of individuals. We assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the anxiety, premenstrual symptoms, and eating behavior of young women. Data collection was conducted in person (prepandemic—from March to December 2019) and online (during the pandemic—August 2020). A total of 71 participants, average age of 21.26 years (SD = 0.41), took part in the study. Trait anxiety during the pandemic was significantly lower than in the prepandemic period. Investigation of the “anxiety/stress” symptom of the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) revealed that this symptom was more severe before the pandemic. There was a decline in the desire for sweet and fatty foods during the pandemic. However, craving for traditional foods rose significantly in the same period. Uncontrolled and emotional eating were significantly lower during the pandemic. The results suggest that the pandemic may have had a positive impact on anxiety and eating behavior of the participants, which may be due to differences between urban and rural populations and the latter living with their families. These findings are important for raising a discussion regarding the effects of the current environment on the regulation of cognitive and dietary adaptations.
Assessing Vocal Chanting as an Online Psychosocial Intervention
Authors: Simpson Felicity Maria , Perry Gemma , Thompson William Forde
Published: June 2021

The ancient practice of chanting typically takes place within a community as a part of a live ceremony or ritual. Research suggests that chanting leads to improved mood, reduced stress, and increased wellbeing. During the global pandemic, many chanting practices were moved online in order to adhere to social distancing recommendations. However, it is unclear whether the benefits of live chanting occur when practiced in an online format. The present study assessed the effects of a 10-min online chanting session on stress, mood, and connectedness, carried out either in a group or individually. The study employed a 2 (chanting vs. control) × 2 (group vs. individual) between-subjects design. Participants (N= 117) were pseudo-randomly allocated across the four conditions. Before and after participation, individuals completed the Spielberg’s State Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, the Social Connectedness Scale and Aron’s Inclusion of Self in Other Scale. Online chanting led to a significant reduction in stress and an increase in positive affect when compared to the online control task. Participants who took part in group chanting also felt more connected to members of their chanting group than participants in the control group. However, feelings of general connectedness to all people remained similar across conditions. The investigation provides evidence that online chanting may be a useful psychosocial intervention, whether practiced individually or in a group.
Indifferent or Enthusiastic? Virtual Audiences Animation and Perception in Virtual Reality
Authors: Glémarec Yann , Lugrin Jean-Luc , Bosser Anne-Gwenn , Collins Jackson Aryana , Buche Cédric , Latoschik Marc Erich
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we present a virtual audience simulation system for Virtual Reality (VR). The system implements an audience perception model controlling the nonverbal behaviors of virtual spectators, such as facial expressions or postures. Groups of virtual spectators are animated by a set of nonverbal behavior rules representing a particular audience attitude (e.g., indifferent or enthusiastic). Each rule specifies a nonverbal behavior category: posture, head movement, facial expression and gaze direction as well as three parameters: type, frequency and proportion. In a first user-study, we asked participants to pretend to be a speaker in VR and then create sets of nonverbal behaviour parameters to simulate different attitudes. Participants manipulated the nonverbal behaviours of single virtual spectator to match a specific levels of engagement and opinion toward them. In a second user-study, we used these parameters to design different types of virtual audiences with our nonverbal behavior rules and evaluated their perceptions. Our results demonstrate our system’s ability to create virtual audiences with three types of different perceived attitudes: indifferent, critical, enthusiastic. The analysis of the results also lead to a set of recommendations and guidelines regarding attitudes and expressions for future design of audiences for VR therapy and training applications.
Toward More-Than-Human Understandings of Sport and the Environment: A New Materialist Analysis of Everyday Fitness Practices
Authors: Brice Julie E. , Thorpe Holly
Published: June 2021

Sport and fitness have long been linked with healthy lifestyles, yet most sporting events and consumption practices are highly detrimental to the environment. While academics have examined the harmful effects of sporting mega-events and the production and consumption of sport equipment and clothing, there has been less engagement with the “mundane,” everyday activities of consuming, laundering, and recycling of fitness objects. In this paper, we explore the potential in feminist new materialisms for rethinking the complex relationships between sport, fitness, and the environment. In particular, we explain how our engagement with Karen Barad's theory of agential realism led us to rethink women's habitual fitness practices as connected to environmental degradation. Working with Barad's concept of entanglement, we came to notice new human-clothing-environment relationships, focusing on how athleisure clothing itself is an active, vital force that intra-acts with other non-human (and human) matter within the environment. Adopting a diffractive methodology that included reading interviews with women about their activewear practices, our own experiences, new materialist theory, and environmental literature through each other, we focus on two examples that emerged through this process: laundering and disposal practices. Through these examples, we demonstrate the ways in which new materialisms encouraged us to move toward non-anthropocentric understandings of the sport-environment relationship and toward new ethical practices in our everyday fitness lifestyles.