bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of pepsinogen A (PGA/PG I) in breast cancer and non-cancer tissues and its relationship with clinicopathological parameters of breast cancer
Authors: Lu Xiaodong , Zhai Qixi , Chen Jing , Li Yizhi , Yuan Yuan
Published: February 2022

Background

Human pepsinogens (PGs) are inactive pro-enzymes for the specific digestive enzyme--pepsin originating from the gastric mucosa, Pepsinogens A (PGA) is one of pepsinogens family members. In the past, relevant studies in PGA mainly focused on gastric diseases, but there were few reports outside the stomach. Further understanding of the relationship between PGA and extra-gastric diseases, especially cancer, is helpful to fully understand the role and function of PGA.
Methods

Total of 362 patients with different breast disease after surgery were registered in the study. Immunohistochemical staining was used for PGA expression. GEO, and a series of software packages based on R language were used for further validation as well as function analysis of PGA in breast cancer.
Results

There were significant statistical differences of PGA expression between breast cancer and non-cancer tissues including different benign breast diseases. The results of correlation between PGA expression and clinicopathological parameters of breast cancer showed that there was no significant correlation between PGA expression and general clinicopathological parameters except molecular classification of breast cancer. Analysis with GEO showed that higher PGA expression may indicate a poor prognosis of breast cancer. GO and KEGG analysis showed that PGA may be involved in PPAR signaling pathway and AMPK signaling pathway regulation mechanisms.
Conclusions

The expression of PGA in breast cancer was significantly higher than that of non-cancer tissues, and it was related to molecular classification of breast cancer. the prognosis of patients with higher PGA mRNA expression was poorer. PGA may function through interactions with PPAR signaling pathway and AMPK signaling pathway in breast cancer.
FGW1, a protein containing DUF630 and DUF632 domains, regulates grain size and filling in Oryza sativa L.
Authors: Xianchun Sang , He Peilong , Wang Xiaowen , Chen Hongyan , Ni Jile , Tian Weijiang , Li Yangyang , Zhang Xiaobo , Cui Zhibo , he Guanghua
Published: February 2022

Grain filling is a crucial trait that influences grain size and quality in cereal crops. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate endosperm development remain elusive. In this study, we characterize a filling-defective and grain width mutant fgw1, which increased rice seed width mainly by influencing cell division and expansion in the glumes. Sucrose contents were higher, whereas starch contents were lower, in the fgw1 mutant during the grain-filling stage, which resulted in inferior endosperm of opaque, white appearance with loosely packed starch granules. Map-based cloning revealed that FGW1 encoded a protein containing DUF630/DUF632 domains, localized in the plasma membrane with preferential expression in the panicle. RNA interference of FGW1 resulted in increased grain width and weight, whereas overexpression of FGW1 led to a slightly narrower grain with better grain quality. A yeast two-hybrid assay showed that FGW1 can directly interact with the 14-3-3 protein GF14f, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation verified that the site of interaction was the membrane, and the mutated FGW1 protein failed to interact with GF14f. The expression of GF14f was down-regulated in fgw1, and the activities of AGPase, StSase and SuSase in the endosperm of fgw1 increased significantly just as those of reported GF14f-RNAi. Transcriptome analysis indicated that FGW1 also regulates cellular processes and carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore, this study showed that FGW1 regulated grain formation by the GF14f pathway.
Mitochondrial damage activates the NLRP10 inflammasome
Authors: Latz Eicke , Próchnicki Tomasz , Vasconcelos Matilde B. , Mangan Matthew , Robinson Kim , Rösing Sarah , Duthie Fraser , Standke Lena , Kaiser Romina , Rothe Maximilian , Wachten Dagmar , Günther Claudia , Kufer Thomas , Zhong Franklin
Published: February 2022

Upon detecting pathogens or cell stress, several NOD-like receptors (NLRs) form inflammasome complexes with the adaptor ASC and caspase-1, inducing activation of IL-1β and IL-18, and gasdermin D-dependent cell death. The triggers and activation mechanisms of several inflammasome-forming sensors remain poorly understood. Here, we found that mitochondrial damage activates the NLRP10 inflammasome, leading to ASC speck formation and caspase-1-dependent cytokine release. Unlike AIM2, NLRP10 monitors mitochondrial integrity in a mitochondrial DNA-independent manner, suggesting the detection of distinct molecular entities displayed by the damaged organelles. NLRP10 is highly expressed in differentiated human keratinocytes, where it also senses mitochondrial damage. Our study reveals a novel inflammasome that surveils mitochondrial integrity, which could lead to further understanding of inflammatory diseases.
Maternal Supplementation With a Casein Hydrolysate and Yeast Beta-glucan From Late Gestation Through Lactation Improves Gastrointestinal Health of Piglets at Weaning
Authors: Dowley Alison , O’Doherty John V. , Mukhopadhya Anindya , Conway Eadaoin , Vigors Stafford , Maher Shane , Ryan Marion T. , Sweeney Torres
Published: February 2022

Improving maternal nutrition during pregnancy/lactation is a promising strategy to maximise the intestinal health of piglets undergoing abrupt weaning under commercial production conditions. This experiment investigated the effects of maternal supplementation of a casein hydrolysate and yeast β-glucan (CH-YBG) from d83 of gestation until weaning (d28) on sow faecal microbial populations and measures of piglet gastrointestinal health parameters at weaning. Sows (n = 10 sows/group) were assigned to: 1) control diet, and 2) control diet + CH-YBG. Maternal supplementation increased the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes, including members Lactobacillus and Christensella in the sows faeces, with a concomitant increase in the caecal and colonic abundance of Lactobacillus and caecal abundance of Christensella in the weaned piglets compared to the controls. Piglets weaned from the supplemented sows had increased villus height in the duodenum (P < 0·05) and increased villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum, as well as a decreased expression of the proinflammatory cytokine genes (IL6/TNF/TGFB), the tight junction gene CLDN3 and the mucin gene MUC2 in the duodenum/jejunum compared to the controls (P < 0.05). In conclusion, maternal CH-YBG supplementation during pregnancy/lactation improved microbial, structural, and inflammatory measures of gastrointestinal health of piglets at weaning. This is a promising strategy to alleviate the challenges that occur with early abrupt weaning in commercial pig production.
Three-Dimensional CT Mapping and Anatomy for the Avulsion Fracture of the Fifth Metatarsal Base
Authors: He Wenbao , Zhou Haichao , Zhang Yingqi , Yu Tao , Xia Jiang , Zhao Youguang , Yang Yunfeng , Li Bing
Published: February 2022

Background: To clarify the injury mechanism of the avulsion fracture of the fifth metatarsal combining 3-dimensional (3D) fracture mapping with anatomical measurements. Materials and Methods: 222 patients with the fifth metatarsal base avulsion fractures, who were admitted to our hospital from August 2015 to August 2020. The 3D images of all mapped fracture lines for the fifth metatarsal base avulsion fractures were compiled in an overall 3D image. The fifth metatarsal base of 8 unpaired lower limbs of adult Asian frozen cadaveric specimens were also dissected to observe and measure the specific locations of the attachment points of the peroneus brevis, lateral band of the plantar fascia, and peroneus tertius to the fifth metatarsal base. Results: Based on the type of fracture line produced and the specific locations of the attachment points of the tendons, the fifth metatarsal base avulsion fractures can be classified into three types: type I predominantly involves the action of the lateral band of the plantar fascia; type II predominantly involves the action of the peroneus brevis; type IIIA involves the joint action of the peroneus brevis and lateral band of the plantar fascia with one fracture line; type IIIB involves the joint action of the peroneus brevis and lateral band of the plantar fascia with two fracture lines. Conclusion: The lateral band of the plantar fascia and peroneus brevis play a major role in the fifth metatarsal base avulsion fracture together or separately and proposed a novel classification based on the injury mechanism, which can serve as a reference for clinical treatment and diagnosis.Level of Evidence: Level Ⅲ, retrospective case series.
Impact of COVID-19 Among People Who Use Drugs: A Qualitative Study With Harm Reduction Workers and People Who Use Drugs
Authors: Conway Fiona N. , Samora Jake , Brinkley Katlyn , Jeong Haelim , Clinton Nina , Claborn Kasey R.
Published: February 2022

Background: Fatal drug overdoses in the United States hit historical records during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, people who used drugs had greater odds of contracting COVID-19, increased drug use due to COVID-related stress, and heightened levels of anxiety and depression. This exploratory qualitative study examined the specific ways the pandemic negatively impacted people who use drugs. Methods:Qualitative interviews with 24 people who use drugs and 20 substance use harm reduction workers were conducted. Data from the qualitative interviews were analyzed using applied thematic analysis to identify emergent themes based on the a priori research goals. Results:Thematic analysis identified several common experiences during the pandemic among people who use drugs. These included mental distress due to financial strain and social isolation; increased drug use; increased risky drug-seeking and use behaviors due to changes in the drug markets; and reduced access to harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services.Conclusions:Our study highlighted critical systemic failures that contributed to the rise in overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing these challenges through policy reform and improved funding models will ensure the sustainability of harm reduction services and increase access to substance use treatment among highly vulnerable people who use drugs.
Minimally invasive plating of midshaft clavicle fractures with distal clavicle anatomic locking plate
Authors: Liu Qing , Dong Wenwei , Mao Haijiao , Yao Liwei , Wu Zeting
Published: February 2022

Background: Minimally invasive plating has been widely applied to treat long bone shaft fractures. But it was rarely used in clavicle fractures because of the technical difficulties of closed reduction and fixation. We report our improved techniques of minimally invasive treatment for midshaft clavicle fractures using distal clavicle anatomic locking plate and compare its result with that of open reduction and internal fixation.Materials and methods: A retrospective comparative study was performed in our institution from Jan 2019 to May 2020. Patients with acute midshaft clavicle fractures that were treated with minimally invasive technique or open reduction and internal fixation using distal clavicle anatomic locking plate were included. According to the included and excluded criteria, a total of 58 patients were included and divided into two groups based on the operation technique. We compared the two groups in surgical duration, fracture reduction, time for union, Constant-Murley score, cosmetic result and other complications.Results: There was no signiﬁcant difference in quality of reduction between the two groups. The mean surgical duration in minimally invasive group was longer than that in open group (59.5±8.9 min vs. 52.2±7.2 min, P< 0.05). The mean incision length in minimally invasive group was shorter than that in open group (2.1±0.5 cm vs. 11.6±2.0 cm, P< 0.05). In minimally invasive group the mean union time was 3.3±1.1months, no patient complained of paresthesia on subclavicular region, and all patients were satisfied with the cosmesis of the wounds and showed excellent shoulder joint function with a mean Constant-Murley score of 93.8±3.8 at sixth month after the operation. In open reduction group the mean union time was 4.3±0.8months, 8 patients complained of paresthesia on subclavicular region, and only 5 patients were satisfied with the cosmesis of the wounds with a mean Constant-Murley score of 90.6±4.0 at sixth month after the operation. There was a significant difference in statistic by comparing union time, cosmetic result, Constant-Murley score and other complications (P＜0.05).Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery using distal clavicle anatomic locking plate seems to be a good option for the treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures with satisfactory cosmetic result and excellent return to function.
Wedelolactone promotes the chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by suppressing EZH2 in both methyltransferase activity-dependent and -independent manner
Authors: Qin wei , Yang Lin , Chen Xiaotong , Ye Shanyu , Liu Aijun , Chen Dongfeng , Hu Kunhua
Published: February 2022

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that leads to the progressive destruction of articular cartilage. Current clinical therapeutic strategies are moderately effective at relieving pain, but often cannot induce chondrocyte differentiation and achieve cartilage regeneration. Wedelolactone, an active chemical ingredient derived from Eclipta alba, has been reported to facilitate osteoblastogenesis but inhibits adipogenesis in MSCs. However, the effects of wedelolactone on chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs remain largely unknown. Methods: Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MSCs and rat bone marrow MSCs were treated with wedelolactone. Then, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemical staining, and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the effects of wedelolactone on chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. To explore the potential mechanism of the effects of wedelolactone on chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs, we performed RNA-seq, miRNA-seq, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) analysis, and ChIP-qPCR. Results: We demonstrated that wedelolactone had a beneficial effect on the chondrogenic differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and rat bone marrow MSCs. Notably, the forkhead box O (FOXO) signaling pathway was upregulated by wedelolactone during chondrogenic differentiation. The FOXO1 inhibitor attenuated the effect of wedelolactone on chondrocyte differentiation. Mechanistically, wedelolactone reduced the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2)-mediated histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) on the promoter region of FOXO1 to increase its transcription. Additionally, wedelolactone repressed microRNA (miR)-1271-5p expression in an EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 independent manner. Further, miR-1271-5p post-transcriptionally suppressed FOXO1 expression dependent on the binding of miR-1271-5p to the FOXO1 3′-UTR. Conclusion: These results indicate that wedelolactone suppresses EZH2 to facilitate the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs by activating the FOXO1 signaling pathway, suggesting that wedelolactone might improve cartilage regeneration in diseases characterized by inflammatory tissue destruction, such as OA.
Inference and Validation of an Integrated Regulatory Network of Autism
Authors: Ganji Maedeh , Emadi-Baygi Modjtaba , Mohammadtaheri Farnaz , Mirmohammadsadeghi Nahid , Malek Maryam , Nikpour Parvaneh
Published: February 2022

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which non-coding transcripts influence its pathobiology. Using the data provided by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, we composed a three-component regulatory network. Functional analysis and phenotype annotation of mRNAs and miRNAs in the network showed strong involvement of these elements in autism-related pathways and validated behavioral phenotypes reported in mouse models of autism. Four candidate lncRNAs were confirmed through quantitative real-time RT-PCR in the brain of valproic acid-exposed autistic mice. We further identified a novel splice variant, designated as Gm10033-ΔEx2, which was expressed in various mouse tissues. This integrative approach combines the analysis of a three-component regulatory network with experimental validation of targets in an animal model of autism. We prioritized a set of candidate autism-associated lncRNAs which add to a common understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that are involved in disease etiology, specifically in autism.
Extrapolating contaminant effects from individuals to populations: a case study on nanoparticle toxicity to Daphnia
Authors: Stevenson Louise , Krattenmaker Katherine , McCauley Edward , Nisbet Roger
Published: February 2022

Ecological risk assessment (ERA) is charged with assessing the likelihood a chemical will have adverse environmental or ecological effects. When assessing the risk of a potential contaminant to biological organisms, ecologists are most concerned with the sustainability of populations of organisms, rather than protecting every individual. However, ERA most commonly relies on data on the effect of a potential contaminant on individuals because these experiments are more feasible than costly population-level exposures. In this work, we address the challenge of extrapolating these individual-level results to predict population-level effects. Previous per-capita population growth rate estimates calculated from individual-level exposures of Daphnia pulicaria to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at different food rations predict a critical daily food requirement for daphnid populations exposed to 200 μg/L AgNPs to avoid extinction. To test this, we exposed daphnid populations to the same AgNP concentration at three different food inputs, with the lowest ration close to the extinction threshold predicted from data on individuals. The two populations with the higher food inputs persisted, and the population with the lowest food input went extinct after 50 days but did persist through two generations. We demonstrate that we can extrapolate between these levels of biological organization by parameterizing an individual-level biomass model with data on individuals’ response to AgNPs and using these parameters to predict the outcome for control and AgNP-exposed populations. Key to successful extrapolation is careful modeling of temporal changes in resource density, driven by both the experimental protocols and feedback from the consumer. The implication for ecotoxicology is that estimates of extinction thresholds based on studies of individuals may be reliable predictors of population outcomes, but only with careful treatment of resource dynamics.
Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat as a Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Asensio Joana , García Rodrigo D. , Benitez Sergio G , Valdez Susana R , Seltzer Alicia Mabel
Published: February 2022

Intrauterine growth restriction or foetal growth restriction (IUGR/FGR), is a condition associated to motor and cognitive deficits in which a foetus fails to achieve its genetically determined growth potential due to placental insufficiency. Spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is a strain that endure pregnancy with placental insufficiency and their offspring are currently considered as an experimental model for ADHD and potentially for IUGR. Our study confirmed a delay in physical and neurological development, decreased brain genomic expression of IGF-1, alterations in cerebellar corticogenesis, foliation and Bergmann glia (fragmentation of GFAP labelling) during the immediate postnatal period. In the cerebellar cortex and white matter, using the isolectin B4, we observed the presence of microglial cells of amoeboid phenotype at P14. In most brain areas, including the meninges, we observed a marked number of dilated blood vessels. The cerebral cortex microvasculature analysis with CAV-1 presented a large index of Lacunarity and reduced expansion all through the brain parenchyma. On the basis of the present results, we reinforce the proposal of considering the pregnant SHR rat as a suitable experimental model of asymmetric IUGR and neurodevelopmental delay. The offspring of these rats display useful cellular and molecular markers for the monitoring of therapeutic interventions that could prevent or attenuate the disturbances initiated during the gestational stage.
Penetrating renal injuries: an observational study of non operative management and the impact of opening Gerota’s fascia
Authors: Clements Thomas West , Ball Chad Geoffrey , Nicol Andrew J , Edu Sorin , Kirkpatrick Andrew W , Navsaria Pradeep
Published: February 2022

Background: Non-operative management has become increasingly popular in the treatment of renal trauma. While data is robust in blunt mechanisms, the role of non-operative management in penetrating trauma is less clear. Additionally, there is a paucity of data comparing gunshot and stab wounds.Methods: A retrospective review of patients admitted to a high-volume level 1 trauma center (Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town) with penetrating abdominal trauma was performed. Patients with renal injuries were identified and compared based on mechanism (gunshot (GSW) versus stab) and management strategy (operative vs non operative). Primary outcomes of interest were mortality and failure of non-operative management. Secondary outcomes of interest were nephrectomy rates, Clavien-Dindo complication rate, hospital length of stay, and overall morbidity rate.Results: A total of 150 patients with renal injuries were identified (82 GSW, 68 stab). Overall, 55.2% of patients required emergent/urgent laparotomy. GSWs were more likely to cause grade V injury and concurrent intra-abdominal injuries (p>0.05). The success rate of non-operative management was 91.6% (89.9% GSW, 92.8% stab, p=0.64). The absence of hematuria on point of care testing demonstrated a negative predictive value of 98.4% (95% CI=96.8%-99.2%). All but 1 patient who failed non-operative management had associated intra-abdominal injuries requiring surgical intervention. Opening of Gerota’s fascia resulted in nephrectomy in 55.6% of cases. There were no statistically significant risk factors for failure of non-operative management identified on univariate logistic regression. Conclusions: NOM of penetrating renal injuries can be safely and effectively instituted in both gunshot and stab wounds with a very low number of patients progressing to laparotomy. Most patients fail NOM for associated injuries. During laparotomy, the opening of Gerota’s fascia may lead to increased risk of nephrectomy. Ongoing study with larger populations is required to develop effective predictive models of patients who will fail NOM.
Suppression of the Transfer Efficiency in the Disordered LH1-RC Photosynthetic Unit
Authors: Andrews Roger , Wyke Ethan , Aiyejina Abuenameh
Published: February 2022

The single-photon transfer efficiency of a disordered LH1-RC complex was investigated. In contrast to uniform couplings, photon-ring coupling disorder significantly suppressed the transfer efficiency within a finite photon-detuning range, while intra-ring coupling disorder had a negligible effect. The lifetimes of the photon, ring excitation, and acceptor-site excitation were also numerically determined. It was found that the minimum in the transfer efficiency for photon-ring disorder decreased exponentially with increasing disorder strength, and was associated with the shortest lifetimes and the absence of a dark-state channel. A phonon dephasing bath decreased the transfer efficiency, except in the near-resonant detuning region where it was enhanced in the presence of photon-ring disorder.
Non-executive Director Compensation and Financial Distress in China and South Africa: A Comparative Analysis in State-Owned Enterprises
Authors: Emuron Abraham Otim , Yixiang Tian , Coffie Cephas
Published: February 2022

The 21st century has witnessed the rise of new and major economic regions that were initially overlooked by traditional economic superpowers. This study examines two such economies namely: China and South Africa. Certain attributes of the agency theory are examined. Henceforth, the research investigates the relationship between non-executive directors (NEDs) compensation and financial distress within listed firms. Emphasis is placed on the operations of listed state-owned enterprises (SOEs). NEDs play a vital role in reducing agency costs through the advising and monitoring of the firm’s senior management, thereby aligning shareholder interests with those of senior management. This study therefore attempts to explore these aspects through the use of quantitative research methods and comparative analysis. The revised Altman Z-score model which incorporates features unique to emerging markets is used to measure financial distress. The findings indicate that in both countries financial distress will result in a reduction in NEDs pay.
Combined proton and carbon ion radiotherapy for uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Yu Zhan , Hong Zhengshan , Li Ping , Wang Zheng , Cai Xin , Jiang Guoliang , Zhang Qing
Published: February 2022

Background: To skip brachytherapy from external radiation and brachytherapy for cervical carcinomas, a combined proton and carbon ion radiotherapy (PCRT) was used. This retrospective study reported the toxicity and short-term outcome. Methods: 16 cervical SCC patients were consecutively treated with PCRT in our center from August 2016 to July 2019. The acute and late toxicities, overall survival (OS), local control rate (LC), progression-free survival (PFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were analyzed.Results: For 16 cervical SCC, the prescribed dose for tumor was 76 Gy to 85.6 Gy (relative biologic efficacy (RBE)). With a median follow-up of 34.3 (range, 20.7-56.8) months, all of the acute toxicity were grade1-2 with 12.5% of hepatic toxicity, 75% of hematological toxicity and 18.8% of gastroenteric toxicity. No acute urinary toxicity occurred. No severe late toxicity was observed during the follow-up period. At the last follow-up visit, 11 patients were alive, 4 patients died and 1 lost for follow-up; 3 patients had local recurrences and 6 patients had distant metastases. OS, LC, PFS, and DMFS at 1-year, 2-year and 3-year were 100%, 100% and 77.9%; 86.7%, 86.7% and 78.0%; 75.0%, 68.8% and 61.9%; and 87.5%, 81.3% and 75.0%, respectively. Conclusions: PCRT was feasible to deliver high dose to cervical SCC, and the outcome was quite good. We thought that brachytherapy had the potential to be skipped when PCRT was used and long term results need to be further investigated.Trial registration: This was a retrospective analysis and it was retrospectively registered. The registration number was NCT05141825 and the date of registration was November 30th, 2021.
Rolling e-learning courses on COVID-19: an Italian experience
Authors: Fabrizio Pregliasco , Rosa Valetto Maria , Filippo Anelli , Andrea Mandelli , Nicoletta Scarpa , Pietro Dri
Published: February 2022

Background
We report the results of an e-learning project focused on the progressively acquired knowledge on Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19), targeted to Italian healthcare professionals. and funded by the Italian National Federation of the Associations of Doctors, Surgeons and Dentists (FNOMCeO) and the Federation of Orders of Italian Pharmacists (FOFI).
Methods
The core course was launched as soon as the first cases of COVID-19 occurred in Italy. Several courses have been published throughout 2020 to meet the pandemic-related educational needs and offer continuously updated and evidence-based contents, supported by evidence-based scientific information and institutional sources.
Results
From February 22nd to December 31st, 2020, 70,825 health professionals enrolled in the main course and 67,103 (94.7%) passed, obtaining the Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. The participants accounted for approximately 19% and 12% of all Italian practising physicians/dentists and pharmacists, respectively. Over 99.5% of participants considered the contents of high quality, relevant and appropriate for their immediate educational needs.
Conclusion
The Italian e-learning offer developed in the first nine months of the pandemic achieved wide dissemination and excellent acceptance by healthcare professionals working in the field. This educational model provides healthcare professionals with evidence-based and tailored information. During pandemics it offers several advantages: time flexibility, remote participation, continuous updating following the emerging evidence.
Application of tunnel mathematics for solving the steady Lamé and Navier-Stokes equations.
Authors: Shvydkyi O. G.
Published: February 2022

The theory of functions of a complex variable is a hybrid of vector algebra and ordinary algebra. It makes it possible to work with vector quantities as with algebraic ones. The modern theory of functions of a complex variable was created by the French mathematician Augustin Cauchy (1789-1857), later it was rapidly developed and found its application in solving various problems of physics - in aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, elasticity theory, etc. However, this theory is used exclusively for solving problems on the plane. Therefore, the next natural step is to extend this theory into space, so that we can obtain the solution of physical problems directly in space. The creation of such a theory is associated with some serious problems, for example, the appearance of so-called zero divisors, spatial complex numbers that are not equal to zero but when multiplying for some reason give zero. There is also a Frobenius theorem which prohibits the propagation of complex numbers into a space without abandoning some ordinary algebraic operations (for example, commutative multiplication). In this article an attempt is made to construct a theory of spatial complex functions (shortly, tunnel mathematics) in which zero divisors do not appear and all the usual algebraic operations are preserved. The possibility of applying this theory to some problems of the theory of elasticity and hydrodynamics (the steady Lamé and Navier-Stokes equations) is also considered.
Fabrication of C6-Fluorocarbon-dendrimer based superhydrophobic cotton fabrics for multifunctional aspects
Authors: Mondal Md. Ibrahim H. , Saha Joykrisna
Published: February 2022

C6-Fluorocarbon-dendrimer has been applied to the cotton knit fabric to develop oil-water repellent, oil-water separation, acid-resistant, self-cleaning, flame retardant, UV resistant, and antibacterial properties. The C6-Fluorocarbon (FC)-dendrimer-coated 100% cotton single jersey knitted fabric samples were prepared using the “pad-dry-cure” method. The 90 g/L and 100 g/L FC-dendrimer-treated cotton fabrics showed excellent water repellency and oil-water separation as well as good self-cleaning performance. However, air permeability and heat conductivity were reduced by 13%, 15%, and 40%, 54%, for 90 g/L and 100 g/L FC-dendrimer-treated cotton fabrics compared to untreated fabrics. The presence of FC-dendrimer in the treated fabric was confirmed by FTIR, SEM, EDS, and XRD analyses. SEM analysis was employed to study the morphology of deposited FC-dendrimer particles on the fabric surface. TGA and DTA evaluated thermal performance. The FC-dendrimer-treated fabric also showed acid resistance, self-cleaning performance, and UV resistant attribute. In addition, Bacterial population growth appears to be less on the FC-dendrimer-treated sample than on the untreated sample. Overall, the result suggests that FC-dendrimer can be a valuable ingredient in the manufacture of multifunctional products.
Discriminators of pseudoprogression and true progression in high-grade gliomas: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Taylor Christopher , Ekert Justyna , Sefcikova Viktoria , Fersht Naomi , Samandouras George
Published: February 2022

BackgroundHigh-grade gliomas remain the most common primary brain tumour with limited treatments options and early recurrence rates following adjuvant treatments. However, differentiating true tumour progression (TTP) from treatment-related effects or pseudoprogression (PsP), may critically influence subsequent management options. Structural MRI is routinely employed to evaluate treatment responses, but misdiagnosis of TTP or PsP may lead to continuation of ineffective or premature cessation of effective treatments, respectively. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) method. The entirety of the Embase and MEDLINE databases were searched for methods differentiating PsP and TTP, and studies were selected using pre-specified eligibility criteria. The sensitivity and specificity of included studies were summarised in a forest plot. Three of the identified methods were assessed in a separate subgroup meta-analysis.ResultsTwenty-six studies assessing seven distinct neuroimaging methods in 1145 patients were included in the systematic review. 18F-fluoroethyltyrosine PET (FET PET) and amide proton transfer-weighted MRI (APTw-MRI) showed high diagnostic accuracy, but results were based on single low-powered studies. The highest performing methods in the subgroup analysis were DWI (AUC = 0.95 [0.92 – 0.96]) and DSC-pMRI (AUC = 0.94 [0.91 – 0.95]), compared to DCE-pMRI (AUC = 0.90 [0.87 – 0.93]).ConclusionsBoth DWI and DSC-pMRI performed with high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating PsP from TTP. Considering the technical parameters and feasibility of each identified method, DSC-pMRI was found to be the most promising technique.
Impacto del ciberbullying en la depresión de estudiantes universitarios del distrito de Lima
Authors: Valle Gonzales Betzabeth Rosella
Published: February 2022

La investigación presentada a continuación planteó como propósito conocer el impacto del ciberbullying sobre la construcción y desarrollo de la depresión en población universitaria de Lima. Se usaron análisis de correlación y regresión múltiple. El sector de la población considerado para dicho estudio, se constituyó por 150 universitarios del distrito de Lima cuyas edades oscilaron entre los 16 y los 19 años. Se emplearon escalas de tipo Likert para la recopilación de la información; así mismo, a través del análisis de los datos, se determinó la incidencia del ciberbullying, sobre la depresión en los estudiantes encuestados (F (2, 114) = 22,748, p < .001; R2 ajustado = 0.272). El análisis de correlación demostró la relación significativa y positiva de la Cibervictimización verbal – escrita (ρ = 0.45, p = .02) con la depresión y el análisis de regresión evidenció que dicho constructo se relaciona con el 23% de la varianza de la depresión (B = 0.771, t = 3.231, p < .01) y con el 8% de la exclusión online (B = 1.956, t = 2.756, p < .01). Respecto a los otros tipos de ciberbullying: cibervictimización visual, exclusión y suplantación, pese que el análisis de correlación presentó coeficientes significativos que oscilaron entre ρ = 0.37 y el ρ = 0.45, el análisis de regresión múltiple no los incluyó dentro del modelo como variables predictoras.
Funcionamento familiar e dependência da internet em adolescentes
Authors: Araújo Rodrigues Daisy , Carvalho Relva Inês , Monteiro Fernandes Otília
Published: February 2022

O presente estudo teve como objetivo principal explorar de que forma variáveis do funcionamento familiar se relacionam com a dependência da internet. A amostra final foi constituída por 568 participantes, com idades compreendidas entre os 14 e 18 anos, que frequentam o Ensino Secundário, num distrito da região Norte de Portugal. Foi usado um Questionário Sociodemográfico, o Internet Addiction Test (IAT) e o Systemic Clinical Outcome Routine Evaluation (SCORE-15). Verificou-se que 73.1% dos participantes apresentaram dependência leve a moderada, mas não foram encontradas diferenças na dependência da internet entre o sexo masculino e o feminino. Por outro lado, verificaram-se diferenças a nível de funcionamento familiar, sendo que o sexo masculino apresentou, ligeiramente, mais dificuldades na comunicação na família e dificuldades familiares. Observaram-se diferenças entre os grupos em estudo (utilizadores normais, utilizadores com dependência leve e utilizadores com dependência moderada) em todas as dimensões do funcionamento familiar. Para além disso, foi possível observar associações positivas entre as dimensões do funcionamento familiar e a dependência da internet. Por fim, verificou-se que a comunicação na família foi a única variável do funcionamento familiar que apresentou um papel preditor na dependência da internet. Portanto, as dificuldades no funcionamento familiar, sobretudo na comunicação na família, parecem apresentar um papel fundamental no desenvolvimento da dependência da internet, sendo que se considera importante o desenvolvimento de ações preventivas, com vista a promoção do funcionamento familiar saudável, assim como do uso saudável da internet.
Prediction of hydraulic conductivity of porous media using a statistical grain-size model
Authors: Chandel Abhishish , Sharma Shivali , Shankar Vijay
Published: February 2022

Hydraulic conductivity (K) estimation of porous media is of great significance in contaminant movement and groundwater investigations. The present study examines the influence of effective grain size (d10) and standard deviation (σ) on the K value of borehole soil samples using 5.08, 10.16, and 15.24 cm diameter permeameters. A statistical grain size model was developed and the feasibility of seven empirical equations was evaluated with the measured K values. The K of soil samples increases with the increase in the d10 grain size and decreases with the increase in the σ value. Evaluation of K using empirical equations establishes that the Hazen equation shows relatively good agreement with the measured K values. The study substantiates the efficacy of the developed model as the Kmodel and Kmeasured based R2 (determination coefficient), MAE (mean absolute error), and RMSE (root mean square error) values are (0.982, 0.007, and 0.008), (0.972, 0.005, and 0.007), (0.953, 0.004, and 0.005) for 5.08, 10.16, and 15.24 cm diameter permeameters respectively. The developed model was validated by assessing its efficiency in the prediction of K values for independent soil samples. The developed model-based K accedes to the precise computation of the aquifer yield and groundwater recharge.
Experimental and numerical study of flow at a 90 degree lateral turnout with enhanced roughness coefficient and invert level changes
Authors: Bagheri Maryam , Ali Zomorodian Seyed M. , Zolghadr Masih , Azamathulla H. Md. , Venkata Siva Rama Prasad C.
Published: February 2022

Flow separation at the upstream side of lateral turnouts (intakes) is a critical issue causing eddy currents at the turnout entrance. It reduces the effective width of flow, turnout capacity and efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to identify the dimensions of the separation zone and propose remedies to reduce its dimensions. Installation of 7 types of roughening elements at the turnout entrance and 3 different bed invert levels, with 4 different discharges (making a total of 84 experiments) were examined in this study as a method to reduce the dimensions of the separation zone. Additionally, a 3-D Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model was utilized to evaluate the flow pattern and dimensions of the separation zone. Results showed that enhancing the roughness coefficient can reduce the separation zone dimensions up to 38% while the drop implementation effect can scale down this area differently based on the roughness coefficient used. Combining both methods can reduce the separation zone dimensions up to 63%.
PARA TY:
Authors: LOBO HAZIEL PEREIRA , CANUTO ROBSON , HAGEMEISTER NICOLE , CARVALHO PEDRO HENRIQUE DIAS DE , NASCIMENTO IZABELE FREITAS , SILVEIRA LUIZ FELIPE DE LOURENÇO
Published: February 2022

Este artigo apresenta o trabalho resultante de um concurso de ideias para um módulo habitacional desenvolvido no contexto do International Virtual Architectural Design Studio - IVADS (Ateliê Virtual Internacional de Projeto de Arquitetura) - PROJETANDO ON-LINE 2021. O ateliê foi organizado pelo Grupo Projetar da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) em parceria com a Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa) e envolveu estudantes de graduação e pós-graduação (doutorandos), sob a tutela de professores de cursos de arquitetura da UFRN, ULisboa, IFSP, UNICAMP e UFPB. O concurso teve como objetivo desenvolver um projeto de abrigo para situação de catástrofe climática, sanitária ou acidental, tais como terremotos, secas, enchentes, pandemias, guerras atômicas e outros. Neste contexto, propôs-se como abordagem para o problema projetual o desenvolvimento de um abrigo emergencial para situações de enchentes e alagamentos, que foi desenvolvido em ateliê virtual para uma proposta preliminar que fosse de fácil compreensão e execução, enfatizando os sistemas de encaixe e materiais aplicados. Parte-se do pressuposto que a Mudança Climática é uma realidade em muitas regiões do planeta, tendendo ao agravamento nas próximas décadas.
Distribution, Biotransformation, Pharmacological Effects, Metabolic Mechanism and
Safety Evaluation of Platycodin D: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Li Qianqian , Yang Tan , Zhao Shuang , Zheng Qifeng , Li Yaxin , Zhang Zhiyuan , Sun Xiuyan , Liu Yan , Zhang Yanqing , Xie Junbo
Published: February 2022

Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng), the dried root of Platycodon grandiflorum, is a traditional herb used as both
medicine and food. Its clinical application for the treatment of cough, phlegm, sore throat, pulmonary and respiratory
diseases has been thousands of years in China. Platycodin D is the main active ingredient in Platycodonis Radix,
which belongs to the family of pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins because it contains an oleanolane type aglycone
linked with double sugar chains. Modern pharmacology has demonstrated that Platycodin D displays various biological
activities, such as analgesics, expectoration and cough suppression, promoting weight loss, anti-tumor and immune
regulation, suggesting that Platycodin D has the potential to be a drug candidate and an interesting target as a
natural product for clinical research. In this review, the distribution and biotransformation, pharmacological effects,
metabolic mechanism and safety evaluation of Platycodin D are summarized to lay the foundation for further studies.
Recent Advances in PI3 Kinase Inhibitors: Anticancer Activities and Structure-Activity Relationships
Authors: Asati Vivek , Bharti Sanjay Kumar , Anant Arjun , Mahapatra Debarshi Kar
Published: February 2022

Phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase (PI3K) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for the development of novel anticancer drugs. The dysregulation of PI3K has been associated with many human malignancies such as breast, colon, endometrial, brain, and prostate cancers. The PI3K kinases in their different isoforms, namely α, β, δ, and γ, encode PIK3CA, PIK3CB, PIK3CD, and PIK3CG genes. Specific gene mutation or overexpression of the protein is responsible for the therapeutic fail-ure of current therapeutics. Recently, various PI3K signaling pathway inhibitors have been identified, which showed promising therapeutic results by acting on specific isoforms of the kinase too. Several inhibitors containing medicinally privileged scaffolds like oxadiazole, pyrrolotriazine, quinazoline, quinazolinone, quinazoline-chalcone hybrids, quinazoline-sulfonamide, pyrazolochalcone, quinolone hydroxamic acid, benzofuropyridinone, imidazopyridine, benzoxazines, dibenzoxanthene, indolode-rivatives, benzimidazole, and benzothiazine derivatives have been developed to target the PI3K path-way and/or a specific isoform. The PI3K inhibitors under clinical trial studies include GDC-0032, INK1117 for PI3K-α, and AZD8186 for PI3K-β. This review primarily focuses on the structural in-sights, anticancer activities, and structure-activity relationship (SARs) studies of recent PI3K inhibi-tors, including their clinical stages of development and therapeutic values.
Low Intensity Electromagnetic Fields Act via Voltage-Gated Calcium
Channel (VGCC) Activation to Cause Very Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease:
18 Distinct Types of Evidence
Authors: Pall Martin L.
Published: February 2022

Electronically generated electromagnetic fields (EMFs), including those used in wireless
communication such as cell phones, Wi-Fi and smart meters, are coherent, producing very high electric
and magnetic forces, which act on the voltage sensor of voltage-gated calcium channels to produce increases
in intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i. The calcium hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has shown
that each of the important AD-specific and nonspecific causal elements is produced by excessive
[Ca2+]i. [Ca2+]i acts in AD via excessive calcium signaling and the peroxynitrite/oxidative
stress/inflammation pathway, which are each elevated by EMFs.An apparent vicious cycle in AD involves
amyloid-beta protein (Aβ) and [Ca2+]i. Three types of epidemiology suggest EMF causation of
AD, including early onset AD. Extensive animal model studies show that low intensity EMFs cause neurodegeneration,
including AD, with AD animals having elevated levels of Aβ, amyloid precursor protein
and BACE1. Rats exposed to pulsed EMFs every day are reported to develop universal or near universal
very early onset neurodegeneration, including AD; these findings are superficially similar to humans
with digital dementia. EMFs producing modest increases in [Ca2+]i can also produce protective, therapeutic
effects. The therapeutic pathway and peroxynitrite pathway inhibit each other. A summary of 18
different findings is provided, which collectively provide powerful evidence for EMF causation of AD.
The author is concerned that smarter, more highly pulsed “smart” wireless communication may cause
widespread very, very early onset AD in human populations.
Hospitalization Costs for Diabetes Related Lower Extremity Amputation
at a Referral Hospital in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Authors: Mtshali Sifiso , Hongoro Charles , Mahomed Ozayr
Published: February 2022

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for lower extremity amputations
(LEA), both alone and in combination with peripheral vascular disease and infection. Currently,
in Africa, more than half of the cases do not meet the recommended blood glucose control levels
to prevent complications suggesting that the risk of complications is high.

Objective:

The study aims to estimate hospitalization costs of diabetes-related lower extremities
amputation for patients consulted at a referral hospital in 2015/16.

Methods:

The study was a retrospective analysis using a mixed costing approach and based on
2015/16 financial year data inflated to 2020 at a 32-bed vascular unit of a quaternary care health facility.
Patient level data were extracted from the hospital information system for length of stay,
medication provided, laboratory and radiological investigations, and other clinical services offered.

Results:

The total summative cost for managing all 34 patients amounted to $ 568 407 or a mean
unit cost per patient of $ 16 718 based on 2015/16 prices, and when adjusted to 2020, prices
amounted to $ 728 997 or $ 21 441 per patient. The mean unit cost per patient for foot amputation
was $ 12 598 based on 2015/16 prices, and when adjusted to 2020, prices amounted to $ 16 157
per patient, whilst the mean cost per patient for lower limb amputation was $ 16 718 based on
2015/16 prices, and when adjusted to 2020 prices, amounted to $ 21 441 per patient.

Conclusion:

Hospital costs associated with diabetes related amputation varied by whether the patient
was admitted to intensive care unit or not, and the major cost drivers were general ward costs,
compensation of employees, and radiology services. A comprehensive audit of the referral process
and care process at the facility level as well as technical efficiency analysis, is required to identify
inefficiencies that could reduce hospital costs for managing diabetes complications.