bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploratory Principal Component Analysis of Body Morphometric Traits as Affected by Age and Sex in Donkeys
Authors: Ibrahim Onoruoyiza Asuku , Olutunmogun Kayode Anthony , Iliya Mallam , Umego Chima Martin , Alao Opeyemi Rachel , Umar Umar Aliyu
Published: June 2021

An experiment was conducted to determine the principal component analysis of body morphometric traits as affected by age and sex in donkeys reared on a research station in the National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria. This was based on the objective of classifying age and sex using the multivariant method of principal component analysis (PCA) on morphometric traits of donkeys. Data were collected from a total of 101 donkeys based on age and sex on body wright, heart girth, body length, height at withers, tail length, shoulder width, head width, ear length, head length, neck circumference and neck length. The data obtained were subjected to multivariate factor analysis with varimax rotation using IBM® SPSS® Version 21. The results obtained revealed that the age group ≤ 1 year had one PCA, 2–3 years age group had four PCA, 4–5 years group had three PCA while those ≥ 6 years had two PCA. Most of the variables in combination with age largely formed the block of PC1 while other PCA had one or two variables correlating with them. Most of the variables formed PC1 for the Jacks while head width (HW) and ear length (EL) formed PC2. The Jennies had its entire variable in one PCA. Therefore, PC1 had the highest loading for the variables both by age and by sex as the animals are relatively well adapted to their environment. It can be concluded that donkeys between 2-3years have more PC correlation proportions.
Foot Orthotics with Morton's Extension doesn't Affects the Forces inside First Metatarsophalangeal Joint in Osteoarthritis Pathology.
Authors: Sanchez-Gomez Ruben , Lopez-Alcorocho Juan Manuel , Romero-Morales Carlos , Gomez-Carrion Alvaro , Zaragoza-García Ignacio , Martinez-Sebastian Carlos , Ortuño-Soriano Ismael , Cruz-Torres Blanca De la
Published: June 2021

Study designCase-control studyBackgroundRigid Morton’s extension (ME) are a kind of orthotics that have been used as conservative treatments of hallux rigidus (HR) named osteoarthritis, but only their effects on first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) mobility and position in healthy subjects have been studied, but not on its applied forces neither in HR subjects.ObjectivesThis study sought to understand how ME orthotics with three different thicknesses could influence the kinetic first MPJ, measured dorsally using the Jack maneuver and comparing subjects with normal first MPJ mobility versus those with HR. We aimed to clarify whether tension values were different between healthy and HR subjects.Methods Fifty-eight healthy subjects were selected, of which 30 were included in the case group according to HR criteria, and 28 were included in the control group. A digital algometer was used to assess the pulled tension values (kgf) of the first MPJ during the Jack maneuver (2-mm, 4-mm, and 8-mm ME thicknesses) versus the first MPJ in the weight-bearing resting position (WRP).ResultsThe pulled tension values were reliable (ICC > 0.963). There were no statistically significant differences between the pulled tension values for the different WRP and ME conditions in the case (p = 0.969) or control (p = 0.718) groups. ConclusionsDifferent ME thicknesses had no influence on the pulled tension applied during the simulated dorsiflexion Jack maneuver.Clinical Relevance This research aims to highlight the importance of the force effects of ME when treating hallux rigidus conservatively. Our results indicate that the tension values of the first MPJ during Jack maneuver had no significant pulling force effects on ME in healthy and hallux rigidus subjects, which suggests that its prescription can be made without danger of joint overload.
Epidemiology of Cervical Spine Injuries in The Emergency Department at The University Hospital of The West Indies, Jamaica and The Use of Clinical Decision Rules, A Retrospective Review.
Authors: Author) Olsheath Bowen (First , Walters C , Williams Eric Wilson , Graham Leohrandra , author) Jean Williams-Johnson (last
Published: June 2021

Background: Cervical spine injuries are myriad and ubiquitous, however the related demographic information has not been documented for the Jamaican or Caribbean population. These injuries can be life threatening and so it is important for the Emergency Physician to adhere to guidelines which direct management decisions including the need for imaging. This study therefore is an effort to report on the epidemiology of patients with cervical spine injuries presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) and the use of clinical rules in the diagnosis of these injuries.This was a retrospective study. The log books from the ED at the UHWI were used to identify patients presenting with possible cervical spine injuries from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied to select study patients. Demographical and clinical information was collected and evaluated.Results: 1,380 charts were identified as possible subjects. Of these, 887 charts were located and 806 (90.9%) were eligible. Ages ranged from 16 to 101 years with an average of 37.5 years. The majority of subjects were male, with a male to female ratio of 3:1. The main causes of these injuries were motor-vehicle collision (46.4%), motor-bike collision (23.8%) and fall from elevation (13.1%). Cervical spine injuries were identified in 20 (2.48%) subjects where motor-vehicle collision (45%) and motor-bike collisions (25%) were the main cause for injuries. Documentation of clinical rules applied to determine the need for radiological testing were present for 37.7% of the study population (NEXUS 36.2%, CCR 0.4% and combination 1.1%)Conclusion: The main source of injuries was due to road traffic accidents. This suggests more needs to be done regarding road safety. There is also room for improvement as it relates to the use of decision rules which may reduce the occurrence of unnecessary imaging.
Preterm-Term Birth Classification Using EMD-Based Time-Domain Features of Single-Channel Electrohysterogram Data
Authors: Janjarasjitt Suparerk
Published: June 2021

The preterm birth anticipation is a crucial task that can reduce the rate of preterm birth and also the complications of preterm birth. Electrohysterogram (EHG) or uterine electromyogram (EMG) data have been evidenced that they can provide an information useful for preterm birth anticipation. Four distinct time-domain features, i.e., mean absolute value, average amplitude change, difference absolute standard deviation value, and log detector, commonly applied to EMG signal processing are applied and investigated in this study. A single-channel of EHG data is decomposed into its constituent components, i.e., intrinsic mode functions, using empirical mode decomposition (EMD) before their time-domain features are extracted. The time-domain features of intrinsic mode functions of EHG data associated with preterm and term births are applied for preterm-term birth classification using support vector machine (SVM) with a radial basis function. The preterm-term classifications are validated using 10-fold cross validation. From the computational results, it is shown that the excellent preterm-term birth classification can be achieved using a single-channel of EHG data. The computational results further suggest that the best overall performance on preterm-term birth classification is obtained when thirteen (out of sixteen) EMD-based time-domain features are applied. The best accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score achieved are, respectively, 0.9382, 0.9130, 0.9634, and 0.9366.
Comparison of Forces Applied During Inserting A Cementless Femoral Stem Versus A Test To Failure: A Pilot Trial
Authors: Wendler Toni , Schleifenbaum Stefan , Prietzel Torsten , Möbius Robert , Roth Andreas , Zajonz Dirk
Published: June 2021

Background

The increasing number of total hip arthroplasties (THA) and the more common use of uncemented stems are leading to an increasing incidence of intraoperative proximal femoral fractures (IPFF), making them a clinically relevant complication. When inserting the stem, the surgeon has to find a compromise between sufficient anchorage and the risk of fracture. Only a few biomechanical studies investigated forces that are necessary, or already risky, when inserting a femoral stem. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the forces occurring during the insertion of the stem and the forces that lead to IPFF.
Methods

Two female chemically untreated fresh-frozen human cadavers, aged 71 and 83 years and weighed 54 kg and 65 kg respectively, underwent left and right implantation of a THA stem by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon. The insertion of the stem was followed by a failure test, in which the surgeon hit the stem so hard that a fracture occurred. The forces, occurred while insertion and test to failure, were measured using an impulse hammer.
Results

The observed forces varied greatly. Over the four performed implantations, the forces ranged from 1317.7 N to 4347.5 N during insertion, and from 526.5 N to 7383.9 N during the failure test. The comparison between insertion versus failure test showed significantly higher peak forces (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.002) in the failure test for implantations 1, 3 and 4. The comparison was not possible for implantation 2 because of a sensor error.
Conclusions

The biomechanical experiments presented in this study have shown that even with the small number of implantations, significantly higher hammering forces were required to cause a visually or acoustically perceptible IPFF than were necessary for adequate seating of the femoral stem. However, as fractures often cannot be perceived intraoperatively, it is important to advance the development of supporting systems for intraoperative use.
Unveiling of Unique Microbiome Resource Having High Antimicrobial Peptide Activity Endowed With Agriculture and Industrial Applications From Pukzing Cave
Authors: Iquebal Mir Asif , Passari Ajit Kumar , Jagannadham Jaisri , Ahmad Farzana , Leo Vincent Vineeth , Singh Garima , Jaiswal Sarika , Rai Anil , Kumar Dinesh , Singh Bhim Pratap
Published: June 2021

Cave ecosystems are considered as a specific niche for the presence of the endemic and extremophilic microorganism. In this study, Pukzing cave documented as the biggest cave of Mizoram, Northeast India was explored for bacterial diversity using both culture-based and culture-independent methods. Culture dependent method revealed 235 bacterial isolates using three different treatments i.e. heat, cold and normal. The highest bacterial population was recovered from heat treatment (n=97; 41.2%) followed by normal (n=79; 33.6%) and cold treatment (n=59; 25.1%) which clearly indicates the dominance of extremophiles. The antimicrobial potential of all the isolates was checked and found that 48 (20.4%) isolates showing antimicrobial ability against all tested pathogens. Phylum Actinobacteria was found to be dominant and showed antimicrobial potential. Modular biosynthetic genes like PKS type II, PKS type I and NRPS genes were detected in 37, 46 and 57 respectively. Similarly, the community-based analysis also predicted the dominance of phylum Actinobacteria using the sequencing of both hyper-variable regions (HVR) i.e. V3 and V4. Subsystem annotation using the V4 region predicted two functions associated with amino acid and its derivatives and cofactors, vitamins, prosthetic groups, pigments functions. A positive strong correlation in relative abundance at the phylum level using Spearman correlation was observed in the V4 region. We conclude that the cave environment harbors unique microbial flora and hypervariable region V4 is more informative as compared to hyper-variable region III. These six microbial pathogens i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans was selected for screening as they are well known for different disease cause organism in various fields such as agriculture, domestic animals and human health. Higher activity of AMP assay against these microbes indicates that cave microbial communities could be a potential source of future genomic resources.
Both E6 and E7 in HPV16 Promote the Glucose Uptake of GLUT1 in Lung Cancer Cells By Repressing NDRG2 Expression and Further Nuclear Translocation of β-Catenin
Authors: Wang Xin , Wu Ming-Zhe , Gu Na-Jin , Wang Shi-Yu , Xu Hong-Tao , Li Qing-Chang , Wu Guang-Ping
Published: June 2021

Background: HPV16 is the most common infection subtype, among which E6 and E7 proteins are the most common carcinogenic proteins. Our previous studies found that E6 and E7 proteins regulated the expression of GLUT1 through multiple molecular signaling pathways in lung cancer. However, whether they can regulate the glucose uptake of GLUT1 and the underlying molecular mechanism has not been identified. Methods: The modulating effects of E6 or E7, NDRG2, β-catenin, and GLUT1 were detected by double directional genetic manipulations in lung cancer cell lines; The immunofluorescence was used to detect the effect of NDRG2 on the nuclear translocation of β-catenin; The glucose uptake level of GLUT1 was observed under the confocal microscope.Results: We demonstrated for the first time that E6 and E7 had inhibitory effects of NDRG2 which further resulted in increased β-catenin expression and promoted β-catenin nuclear translocation, furthermore promoted the expression and glucose uptake of GLUT1. Therefore, we hypothesized both E6 and E7 in HPV16 promoted the expression and glucose uptake of GLUT1 through HPV-NDRG2- β-catenin-GLUT1 axis. Conclusion: Our findings confirmed the regulatory role of tumor suppressor NDRG2 in the pathogenesis of lung cancer, and we further demonstrate the detail relationships among E6 and E7, NDRG2, β-catenin, and GLUT1; which provided a novel therapeutic target for tumor treatment.
The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Metabolic Parameters of Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sadeghiyan Sajedeh , Ghafari Mahdi , Faramarzi Mohammad , Moghaddam Masoud , Baghurst Timothy
Published: June 2021

Many studies have investigated the effect of aerobic exercise on factors associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Aerobic exercise is an essential component in the management and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise on fasting blood glucose, Insulin, Insulin resistance, Glycosylated hemoglobin (Hemoglobin A1C), Lipid profile as important indicators of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.Methods: This research is a systematic review and meta-analysis that was conducted in 2021. For the present study, databases, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, science of Web, SID, Magiran and Google Scholar from 2010 to 2021, were searched along with keywords. After the initial screening, the full text of the articles was evaluated and the articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. A total of 120 articles were reviewed, of which 16 articles met the criteria for entering the systematic review and meta-analysis. Accordingly, 710 people with fatty liver disease were divided into two groups of control and experimental group of 307 and 403 people, respectively. The mean age of the subjects in the present study was 52±10 years. The intervention effects were evaluated using the mean difference (MD) and the random effects model. Data were analyzed using effect size tests, bias analysis and heterogeneity analysis and by STATA software.Results: Meta-analysis results indicated that endurance training in general significantly reduced glucose levels (P = 0.004, SDM = -0.26, SE = 0.09), insulin (P = 0.01, SDM = -0.29, SE = 0.11), HOMA-IR (P = 0.01, SDM = -0.28, SE = 0.11), Hba1c (P = 0.001, SDM = -0.33, SE = 0.12), triglycerides (P = 0.02, SDM = -0.31, SE = 0.13) and LDL (P = 0.03, SDM = -0.21, SE = 0.1). The results of meta-analysis did not show a significant effect on HDL levels after aerobic exercise in patients with fatty liver (P = 0.97, SDM = 0, SE = 0.09).Conclusion: Endurance training improves the levels of glucose, insulin, Hba1c, Homa-IR, triglyceride, and LDL; although, there was no significant change in HDL levels due to endurance training. However, there is still a need for more and higher quality research in this area.
Impact of Infertility Duration on Female Sexual Health
Authors: Dong Meng , Xu Xiaoyan , Li Yining , Wang Yixian , Jin Zhuo , Tan Jichun
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAs an important source of stress, infertility may affect the quality of sexual life, with extensive studies believing that the incidence of sexual dysfunction in infertile women is highly prevalent. As the years of infertility increase, the greater this stress is likely to increase, which may aggravate psychological pain and cause sexual dysfunction. However, the effect of infertility duration on sexual health is unclear.Methods We performed a case-control study, and a total of 715 patients participated in this research between September 1, 2020, and December 25, 2020. Patients diagnosed with infertility (aged between 20 to 45 years) were included. Patients with infertility were divided into four groups according to infertility duration: ≤ 2 years (Group I, n=262), 2< infertility duration ≤5 years (Group II, n=282), 5 < infertility duration ≤8 years (Group III, n=97), and infertility duration > 8 years (Group IV, n=74). A questionnaire survey of female sexual function and psychological depression of patients with infertility was performed. The female sexual function was measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), depression status was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).ResultsAnalysis of the relevant factors that affect sexual function using a multivariable logistic regression model revealed that infertility duration of less than 8 years was not a risk factor for sexual dysfunction. However, when infertility duration was greater than 8 years, the incidence of sexual dysfunction (AOR=5.158,95%CI: 1.935-13.746, P=0.001) and 3 domains [arousal disorder (AOR=2.955 ,95%CI: 1.194-7.314, P=0.019, coital pain (AOR=3.811 ,95%CI: 1.045-13.897, P=0.043), and lubrication disorder (AOR=5.077 ,95%CI: 1.340-19.244, P=0.017)] increases. ConclusionsThe multivariate regression equation model reveals that the infertility duration is more than 8 years, which is a risk factor for the occurrence of sexual dysfunction. As the infertility duration increases, the incidence of female sexual dysfunction and psychological distress may increase.
Discontinuation of Azathioprine Could Be Considered in Pediatric Patients with Crohn’s Disease who Have Sustained Clinical and Deep Remission
Authors: Jeong Tae Jong , Kim Eun Sil , Kwon Yiyoung , Kim Seonwoo , Seo Sang Won , Choe Yon Ho , Kim Mi Jin
Published: June 2021

Few studies have demonstrated treatment strategies about the duration and cessation of medications in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). We investigated factors affecting clinical relapse after infliximab (IFX) or azathioprine (AZA) withdrawal in pediatric patients with CD on combination therapy. Pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe CD receiving combination therapy were analyzed retrospectively and factors associated with clinical relapse were investigated. Discontinuation of IFX or AZA was performed in patients who sustained clinical remission (CR) for at least two years and achieved deep remission. A total of 75 patients were included. Forty-four patients (58.7%) continued with combination therapy and 31 patients (41.3%) discontinued AZA or IFX (AZA withdrawal 10, IFX withdrawal 15, both withdrawal 6). Cox proportional-hazards regression identified four factors associated with clinical relapse: IFX cessation (hazard ratio; HR 2.982, P=0.0081), formation of antibody-to-IFX (ATI) (HR=3.12, P=0.0373), IFX trough level (TL) (HR=0.581, P=0.003) and 6-thioguanine nucleotide (6-TGN) level (HR=0.978, P<0.001). However, AZA cessation was not associated with clinical relapse (P=0.9021). Even when applied in pediatric patients who meet stringent criteria, IFX cessation increased the relapse risk. However, withdrawal of AZA could be contemplated in pediatric patients with CD who have sustained CR for at least two years and achieved deep remission.
Anchoring Copper Single Atoms on Porous Boron Nitride Nanofiber to Boost Selective Reduction of Nitroaromatics
Authors: Liang Jianli , Song Qianqian , Wu Jianghua , Lei Qi , Huang Zhongming , Kang Tianxing , Xu Hui , Wang Peng , Zhou Xingtai , Wong Po Keung , Jiang Zhifeng , Lee Chun-Sing
Published: June 2021

Single atom catalysts have received widespread attention for their fascinating performance in terms of metal atom efficiency as well as their unique catalysis mechanisms comparing to conventional catalysts. Here, we prepared a high-performance catalyst of single-Cu-atom-decorated boron nitride nanofibers (BNNF-Cu) via a facile calcination method for the first time. The as-prepared catalyst shows excellent catalytic activity and good stability for converting different nitro compounds into their corresponding amines both with and without photoexcitation. By combined studies using synchrotron radiation analysis, high-resolution high-angle annular dark-field transmission electron microscopy studies and DFT calculation, dispersion and coordination of Cu atoms as well as their catalytic mechanisms are explored. The BNNF-Cu catalyst is found to have a record high turn-over frequency comparing to previously reported nonprecious-metal-based catalysts. While the performance of the BNNF-Cu catalyst is only of the middle range level among the state-of-the-art precious-metal-based catalysts, due to the much lower cost of the BNNF-Cu catalyst, its cost-efficiency is the highest among these catalysts. This work provides a new choice of support material which can promote the development of single atoms catalysts.
The Association Between Breastfeeding Duration and Language Development Survey (LDS) Score in Children Aged 18 - 35 months
Authors: Faradilah Andi , Rusyaidi Andi Musafir , Jalaluddin Syatirah , Savitri Ary I
Published: June 2021

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) campaign on breastfeeding as the best source of nourishment for new-born and young children has contributed to increase public’s concern about the practice. Furthermore, several medical studies showed the benefit of breastfeeding on children’s cognitive function, including language development. However, most of the language assessment tools used in such studies had limited ability in identifying children’s language delay. Language Development Survey (LDS), as a recently developed assessment tool, is expected to provide more detailed information in the area especially related to treatment strategy purposes. This study was aimed to examine the association between breastfeeding duration and children’s LDS score. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from 286 breastfeeding mothers with children aged 18-35 months old. Children with delayed growth were excluded from the study. Data on breastfeeding duration (BF) and subjects’ characteristics were obtained using a questionnaire. Mother’s Body mass index (BMI) and children’s weight-for-age were measured as proxies for nutritional status. The LDS-word checklist was administered to assess children’s vocabulary and phrase development. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association. Results: The findings revealed that 158 children (55.2%) were breastfed for more than 18 months (BF > 18 mos), 78 children (27%) for 7-18 months (BF 7-18 mos) and 50 children (17.5%) for 6 months or less (BF B 6 mos). Language delays were detected in 91 (31.8%) children (scores on LDS-vocabulary) and in 51 (35.7%) children (scores on LDS-phrase). Breastfeeding duration did not associate with the occurrence of language delay based either on LDS-vocabulary or on LDS-phrase score criteria. In comparison with BF a 6 mos, BF 7-18 mos had adjusted OR (aOR) for language delay of 0.86 (0.30 to 2.47, p 0.79) based on vocabulary score and aOR 0.8 (0.18 to 3.55, p 0.78) based on phrase score, while > 18 months had aOR of 0.57 (0.23 to 1.42, p 0.23) and aOR 0.46 (0.14 to 1.67, p 0.25), respectively. Conclusion: Breastfeeding duration was not associated with the occurrence of language delay. This observation merits further investigations on duration in each breastfeeding time and prospective studies to investigate its association with children language development.
Retrospective Analysis of Cancer-Specific Gene Expression Panel for Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration Specimens.
Authors: Wang Yongchun , McKelvey Brittany Avin , Liu Zhiyang , Rooper Lisa , Cope Leslie M. , Zeiger Martha A. , Umbricht Christopher
Published: June 2021

Background: While molecular testing is a promising strategy for preoperative assessment of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules, thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) presents unique challenges for molecular assays, including contaminating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and variable numbers of evaluable epithelial thyroid cells. Moreover, the newly recognized entity, noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), has added an additional challenge to the currently available molecular diagnostic platforms. New diagnostic tools are still needed to correctly distinguish benign and malignant thyroid nodules preoperatively.Methods: Twenty-two transcript splice variants from 12 genes we previously identified as discriminating benign from malignant thyroid nodules were characterized in 80 frozen thyroid tumors from 8 histological subtypes. Isoforms detectable in PBMC were excluded, and the 5 most discriminating isoforms were further validated by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) on intraoperative FNA samples from 59 malignant tumors, 55 benign nodules, and 23 NIFTP samples. The qPCR threshold cycle values for each transcript were normalized to the thyrocyte-specific thyroid peroxidase isoform 1 (TPO1) and z-transformed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses of the composite transcript scores were used to evaluate classification of thyroid FNAs by the 5-gene isoform expression panel.Results: A molecular signature was developed by combining expression levels of specific isoforms of CDH3, FNDC4, HMGA2, KLK7, and PLAG1. FNAs containing at least 12-36 thyrocytes were sufficient for this assay. The 5-gene composite score achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.86 for distinguishing malignant from benign nodules, with a specificity of 91%, sensitivity of 75%, negative predictive value of 91% and positive predictive value of 74%.Conclusion: Our newly developed 5-gene isoform expression panel distinguishes benign from malignant thyroid tumors and, may help distinguish benign from malignant thyroid nodules in the context of the new NIFTP subtype.
Human Amniotic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibit aGVHD in Humanized Mice by Regulating the Balance of Treg and T Effector Cells
Authors: Gao Ya , Li Wei-Ru , Bu Xiao-Yin , Xu Ying , Cai Sheng-Chun , Zhong Jin-Man , Du Mei-Xue , Sun Hai-Tao , Huang Li-Ping , He Yong-Jian , Hu Xiu-Mei , Liu Qi-Fa , Jin Hua , Wang Qian , Ping Bao-hong
Published: June 2021

Background: Acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) remains a leading cause of transplant-related mortality following allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation(allo-HCT). Although previous studies indicated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be a salvage therapeutic agent for aGVHD, the mechanism is not yet fully clear. Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) is a novel MSCs, compared with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, it has the advantage of being non-invasive, and also has stronger proliferation ability than that of BM-MSCs and equivalent immune regulation ability as BM-MSCs. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells transplantation for the humanized aGVHD mouse model.Methods: We established a humanized aGVHD mouse model by transplanting human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into NOD-PrkdcscidIL2rγnull (NPG) mice, hAMSCs collected from discarded placenta of healthy pregnant women after delivery. Mice were divided into control group (untreated), aGVHD group, and hAMSCs treatment group, the hAMSCs labeled with GFP were administered to aGVHD mice to explore the homing ability of hAMSCs. T effector and Treg cell levels and cytokines of each group in target organs were detected by flow cytometry and cytometric bead array (CBA) respectively.Results: We successfully established a humanized aGVHD mouse model using NPG mice. The hAMSCs have the ability to inhibit aGVHD in this mouse model through reduced villous blunting and lymphocyte infiltration into the lamina propria of the gut while reducing vascular endothelialitis and lymphocyte infiltration into the parenchyma of the liver and lung. hAMSCs suppressed xenogenesis CD3+CD4+ T and CD3+CD8+ T cell expression and increased the proportion of Treg cells, and besides, hAMSCs can reduce the levels of IL-17A, INF-γ, TNF, and IL-2 in aGVHD target organs.Conclusions: The NPG murine environment was capable of activating human T cells to produce aGVHD pathology to mimic aGVHD as in humans. The hAMSCs controlled aGVHD by decreasing inflammatory cytokine secretion within target organs by modulating the balance of Treg and T effector cells in humanized mice.
Construction of a Competitive Endogenous RNA Network Associated with Angiogenesis in Ischemic Stroke Using a Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Wang Jia , Zhang Xuxiang , Xie Yibo , Li Jiachen , Wang Xiaokun , yang chunxiao
Published: June 2021

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, and angiogenesis is an important target for its treatment. However, the mechanism of angiogenesis of endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in IS remains poorly understood. This study aims to explore the role of ceRNA in the angiogenesis of IS, to provide a possible target for the treatment of IS. First, GSE22255 (mRNA), GSE55937 (miRNA) and GSE102541 (lncRNA) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, a total of 21 mRNA modules were identified by WGCNA analysis, among which NR4A1, PTGS2, ERG3, and VEGFA in cyan module were identified as key genes for angiogenesis. Subsequently, 1454 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) were screened and a lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network consisting of 40 lncRNAs and 4 mRNAs was constructed by correlation analysis. Then, 16 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were screened and the online database was used to predict the interaction information between miRNAs, lncRNAs and mRNAs. The angiogenesis-related ceRNA network was finally constructed based on ceRNA theory, in which 1 DEL was predicted as a ceRNA for 2 DEMs to regulate 4 hub genes, specifically, HCG18-has-let-7i-5p-NR4A1/PTGS2/ERG3, HCG18-miR-148a-3p-PTGS2/ERG3/VEGFA interaction axis. The results of gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) suggest that HCG18 may regulate angiogenesis through NF-kB-TNFA signaling pathway, hypoxia and other pathways. In conclusion, the above genes may be new biomarkers and potential targets for the treatment of IS.
Joint Analysis as an Important Tool for an Optimizing Block Extraction of Natural Stones
Authors: Schneider-Löbens Christiane , Siegesmund Siegfried , Stein Karl-Jochen , Lebens Stefan
Published: June 2021

The steadily increasing demand on the natural stone market is accompanied by a predominantly poor economic balance in the extraction of the raw material "ornamental stone". Thus, the net production of raw blocks is far too low in relation to the resulting overburden, which is often the result of insufficient geoscientific input and evaluation of the deposit itself and the deposit-controlling factors.Under these conditions, the investigation pursued the goal of capturing an essential part of the geological conditions with the analytical observation of the fractures systems, in order to contribute to an optimized stone extraction. Only by critically derived constraints on the quarrying process based on the geological situation can the economic viability of natural stone deposits be maintained or increased in the long term, and this from an environmentally friendly point of view.Profitable dimensional stone production mainly depends on the number of extracted blocks. Compared to statistical approaches the application of the 3D-BlockExpert computer code is based on modelling the block sizes on the discontinuity system such as fracture spacing and fracture orientation. The assessment of all joint and fracture systems provides a forwards-looking approach for sustainable quarry management. It is essential to make the best possible use of high-quality material and to minimize the impact of quarrying activities to nature. Investigations were carried out in quarry areas of different lithologies in Germany and Spain like sandstones, limestones, slate and granites. The block sizes, the irregularity of acute-angled blocks and the waste to block ratio controls the economic success by avoiding time- and cost-consuming procedures based on geoscientific considerations.
Evidence for Mediating Role of Affective Commitment on Green Human Resource Management and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour
Authors: Manita Kusi  , Fuqiang Zhao  , Maroy Prisca Rasoanirina
Published: June 2021

Exploring management fields in terms of green policies is essential to create a footprint on today’s global corporate world; it is very important for all staff, employers, stakeholders, and other customers. This work attempts to study the relationship between the management of green human resources and the actions of organisational citizenship with the mediating role of affective commitment. The analysis relied on the emerging theory of abilitymotivation- opportunity (AMO) to use all the green human resource management (GHRM) attributes. Well renowned secondary school of Kathmandu Valley staff participated in the data collection. Three hundred and fifty fully-filled questionnaires were returned through a self-structured sampling tool. Staff having academic qualifications of at least graduate degrees were preferred for better understanding and effective data quality. A widely used PLS-SEM method was applied to analyse small sample-sized studies and ensures the normal distribution of data. The research highlights the GHRM method and its effect on the engagement of workers to their actions in the organisation. In addition, concerning GHRM and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB), affective commitment (AC) has formed a mediating role. Only secondary schools are included in the study; the outcome is a fruitful review of the effects of GHRM implementation in the education sector. Numerous studies have reconnoitered various variables to link the GHRM with the organisational studies. The complementary partial mediation effect of AC to OCB is an attempt of showing novelty in the field of education sector in the study. The study suggests a globalised study regarding GHRM for future endeavours.
Topological states between inversion symmetric atomic insulators
Authors: Silva Ana , van Wezel Jasper
Published: June 2021

One of the hallmarks of topological insulators is the correspondence between the value of its bulk topological invariant and the number of topologically protected edge modes observed in a finite-sized sample. This bulk-boundary correspondence has been well-tested for strong topological invariants, and forms the basis for all proposed technological applications of topology. Here, we report that a group of weak topological invariants, which depend only on the symmetries of the atomic lattice, also induces a particular type of bulk-boundary correspondence. It predicts the presence or absence of states localised at the interface between two inversion-symmetric band insulators with trivial values for their strong invariants, based on the space group representation of the bands on either side of the junction. We show that this corresponds with symmetry-based classifications of topological materials. The interface modes are protected by the combination of band topology and symmetry of the interface, and may be used for topological transport and signal manipulation in heterojunction-based devices.
Henri Fayol na encruzilhada da terceira via: organização da grande corporação e conflito social na forja do ideário fayolista
Authors: Cunha Elcemir Paço
Published: June 2021

O objetivo do presente artigo é delimitar os fatores fundamentais na origem do pensamento fayolista. A pesquisa teórico-histórica realizada está inserida na problemática da sociologia do conhecimento e foi realizada com fundamentos no materialismo científico para o qual uma formação ideal está ativamente ligada a condições objetivas reais. O artigo identifica as limitações da busca das “afinidades eletivas” e sua contribuição está em estabelecer as condicionantes no contexto da França para o período mais ativo de Fayol, além de realizar análise imanente ao texto do autor permitindo sua consideração em relação a outros ideários da época. A pesquisa conclui que o ideário fayolista é uma resposta ao desenvolvimento da grande corporação capitalista em meio à crise econômica do século XIX e ao aguçamento do conflito social durante todo o período entre 1893 e 1920, aproximadamente. Pela feição do ideário, foi possível aproximá-lo das ideias corporativistas enquadradas na ideologia da “terceira via” que, diante do conflito social, assumiu posição conservadora entre os limites identificados do capitalismo e a recusa peremptória ao socialismo de então.
O cotidiano e a territorialização dos idosos em um asilo do Norte do Paraná
Authors: Callefi Jéssica Syrio , Ichikawa Elisa Yoshie
Published: June 2021

O objetivo desta pesquisa é compreender como o cotidiano impacta a territorialização dos idosos de um asilo no Norte do Paraná. Foram discutidos elementos teóricos do cotidiano certeauniano e da territorialização, que são a base analítica para esta investigação. Em termos metodológicos, foram utilizadas as técnicas da observação participante e da entrevista de história oral de vida. Os resultados mostram que, mesmo de forma quase invisível, os moradores do asilo se utilizam de diversas práticas, tais como estratégias, táticas e conveniências para territorializar o espaço que habitam. As histórias de vida mostram que não somente as práticas cotidianas atuais dos velhos estão relacionadas com as ações de territorialização, mas tudo o que já foi vivido por esses indivíduos no passado, seus costumes, suas tradições e, principalmente, o modo pelo qual lidaram anteriormente com suas perdas e suas mudanças influenciam no processo de territorialização dos velhos no asilo.
Algumas notas para a salvação do mundo
Authors: Martelo Rosa Maria
Published: June 2021

What world or worlds do we have in mind when we talk about saving the world? And what kind of salvation can we hope for? The dualistic perception of the relationship between humankind and nature as well as the acceptance of an ontological exceptionality of the humankind make more difficult the struggle for an ecological balance. This article aims at articulating some proposals for the recentering of the human species’ place in the world
Evaluation of spin in the abstracts of systematic reviews focused on analgesic opioids for non-cancer chronic pain management: A cross sectional analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Claassen Analise , Staheli Jonathan , Ottwell Ryan , Arthur Wade , Roberts Will , Hartwell Micah , Wright Drew N. , Puljak Livia , Zhu Lan , Khojasteh Jam , Vassar Matt
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic, non-cancer pain are frequently prescribed opioids, often due to favourable results from systematic reviews. However, even studies with high-quality evidence can suffer from spin, which includes misleading reporting, interpretation, and extrapolation of study results.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated spin in systematic review abstracts concerning analgesic opioids for non-cancer, chronic pain management and the relationship between its presence and study characteristics.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE and Embase for systematic reviews pertaining to analgesic opioids for non-cancer, chronic pain management. Screening and data extraction were done in a masked, duplicate fashion. Abstracts were evaluated for the presence of the nine most-severe types of spin.

RESULTS

Our search returned 1,109 articles; of which, 53 systematic reviews met our eligibility criteria. We found at least one type of spin in 30.2% of the included systematic review abstracts. Spin type 5 was the most common type of spin in our sample and occurred in 17% of abstracts. Spin types 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 were not detected. Abstracts of systematic reviews published in journals that recommend PRISMA adherence were 9.33 times more likely to contain spin compared to those published in journals without specific PRISMA guidelines. The remaining study characteristics were not significantly associated with spin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that nearly one-third of the 53 included systematic reviews contained at least one type of spin in their abstract. Based on our results, systematic reviews about managing chronic, non-cancer pain with opioids require improvements in their abstract reporting.
Inference for Step-Stress Partially Accelerated Life Test Model with an Adaptive Type-I Progressively Hybrid Censored Data
Authors: Lone Showkat Ahmad , Rahman Ahmadur , Tarray Tanveer A.
Published: June 2021

Consider estimating data of failure times under step-stress partially accelerated life tests based on adaptive Type-I hybrid censoring. The mathematical model related to the lifetime of the test units is assumed to follow Rayleigh distribution. The point and interval maximum-likelihood estimations are obtained for distribution parameter and tampering coefficient. Also, the work is conducted under a traditional Type-I hybrid censoring plan (scheme). A Monte Carlo simulation algorithm is used to evaluate and compare the performances of the estimators of the tempering coefficient and model parameters under both progressively hybrid censoring plans. The comparison is carried out on the basis of mean squared errors and bias.
Generalized Ratio-cum-Product Estimator for Finite Population Mean under Two-Phase Sampling Scheme
Authors: Vishwakarma Gajendra Kumar , Zeeshan Sayed Mohammed
Published: June 2021

A method to lower the MSE of a proposed estimator relative to the MSE of the linear regression estimator under two-phase sampling scheme is developed. Estimators are developed to estimate the mean of the variate under study with the help of auxiliary variate (which are unknown but it can be accessed conveniently and economically). The mean square errors equations are obtained for the proposed estimators. In addition, optimal sample sizes are obtained under the given cost function. The comparison study has been done to set up conditions for which developed estimators are more effective than other estimators with novelty. The empirical study is also performed to supplement the claim that the developed estimators are more efficient.
Extending Singh-Maddala Distribution
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed Ali
Published: June 2021

A new distribution, the exponentiated transmuted Singh-Maddala distribution (ETSM), is presented, and three important special distributions are illustrated. Some mathematical properties are obtained, and parameters estimation method is applied using maximum likelihood. Illustrations based on random numbers and a real data set are given.
JMASM 57: Bayesian Survival Analysis of Lomax Family Models with Stan (R)
Authors: Abujarad Mohammed H. A. , Khan Athar Ali
Published: June 2021

An attempt is made to fit three distributions, the Lomax, exponential Lomax, and Weibull Lomax to implement Bayesian methods to analyze Myeloma patients using Stan. This model is applied to a real survival censored data so that all the concepts and computations will be around the same data. A code was developed and improved to implement censored mechanism throughout using rstan. Furthermore, parallel simulation tools are also implemented with an extensive use of rstan.
The Politics of Russian Memory: The Great War in the European Context
Authors: Porshneva Olga S.
Published: June 2021

This article examines how the historical memory of World War I emerged and developed in Russia, and also compares it to how Europeans have thought about the conflict. The author argues that the politics of memory differed during the Soviet and post-Soviet periods. In the wake of the 1917 Revolution, Bolshevik efforts to re-format the memory of the Great War were part of its attempt to create a new society and new man. At the same time, the regime used it to mobilize society for the impending conflict with the 'imperialist' powers. The key actors that sought to inculcate the notion of the war with imperialism into Soviet mass consciousness were the Central Committee of the Bolshevik Communist Party, the Department of Agitation and Propaganda, and, in particular, the Red Army and Comintern. The latter two worked together to organize the major campaigns dedicated to war anniversaries, which were important both to reinforce the concept of imperialist war as well as to involve the masses in public commemorations, rituals and practices. The Soviet state also relied on organizations of war veterans to promote such commemorative practices while suppressing any alternative narratives. The article goes on to explain how, under Stalin, the government began to change the way it portrayed the Great War in the mid-1930s. And after the Second World War, Soviet politics of memory differed greatly from those in the West. In the USSR the Great Patriotic War was sacralized, while the earlier conflict remained a symbol of unjust imperialist wars.
Conflictos de valoración y uso del patrimonio religioso con fines turísticos en el centro histórico de la ciudad de Toluca, México
Authors: Rosas Candelas Carlos Antonio , López Ojeda Andrés , Favila Cisneros Héctor Javier , Hernández López Ricardo
Published: June 2021

El texto tiene como objetivo un acercamiento general a la manera en que se lleva a cabo la gestión del patrimonio religioso con fines turísticos en el centro histórico de la ciudad de Toluca, México. Se considera su valoración en términos de sus alcances, problemáticas y limitaciones, con base en el marco explicativo de Thompson (2006), quien argumenta que una consecuencia de la contextualización de las formas simbólicas es que están sujetas a complejos procesos de evaluación y conflicto, distinguiéndose dos tipos de valoración particularmente importantes: la simbólica y la económica. Se parte de la hipótesis de que la gestión de los bienes patrimoniales religiosos orientados al turismo constituye un campo de disputa simbólica y funcional entre los diversos grupos de interés involucrados, que conlleva una gestión diferenciada derivada de los distintos tipos de apropiación del patrimonio, lo cual incide en su aprovechamiento.
Training Future Family Physicians to Become Master Adaptive Learners
Authors: Edje Louito , Price David W.
Published: June 2021

This article examines the use of a concept that teaches learners how to learn in the context of family medicine residency training. We describe the four phases of this master adaptive learning framework and its place in educational theory and adaptive expertise, its implications for graduate medical education training and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education competencies, as well as its role in imprinting family medicine residents for career-long learning. We lay out pragmatic strategies supporting this concept with a proposed curricular format for training in family medicine, including small group teaching methods, didactics, the clinic visit, faculty development and an optimal learning environment.