bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring Readiness for Self-Directed Learning in Medical Undergraduates: A Single Institution Study
Authors: Alradini Faten , Ahmad Nadeem , Kahloon Lubna Ejaz , Javaid Amrah , Zamil Norah Al
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUNDSelf-directed learning is believed to impart more efficient learning than the traditional one. However, it requires learners to possess the readiness for it, which varies in individuals. Measuring the readiness for self-directed learning in the indigenous population would help evaluate self-directed learning in a particular setting.OBJECTIVETo measure the readiness for self-directed learning in medical students for its possible impact on their learning.MATERIAL AND METHODSThe study was done during 2017-2018 amongst the medical students of Princess Nourah University, Riyadh, by using the Fisher’s readiness scale. One-way Anova and bivariate and partial correlation were employed for statistical analysis.RESULTSTotal students were 350 with 96 (27.4%) responding - 73 (76%) of preclinical and 23 (24%) of clinical classes.The total mean readiness score was 123.97(SD16.15) versus the desired >150. Mean scores for the domains of self-management, desire-for-learning, and self–control were 37.8(SD5.9), 38.07(SD5.5), 48.09(SD6.7) versus the desired 47.31, 44.26, and 58.98, respectively.In the pre-clinical group, the total mean readiness score was 122.34(SD16.8), and for self-management, desire-for-learning, and self-control, 37.12(SD6.2), 37.52(SD5.6), and 47.69(SD7.1) respectively. In the clinical group, the respective scores were 129.13(SD12.4), 39.95(SD4.7), 39.82(SD5.02), and 49.34(SD5.09).Preclinical and clinical groups differed significantly in the self-management score (P=.04) but not in total readiness (P=.07), desire-for-learning (P=.08), and self–control (P=.3) scores.Self-control and desire-for-learning had a positive correlation, and also self-control and self-management if self-management or desire-for-learning were controlled respectively (P< .05).CONCLUSIONMean scores for readiness for SDL and its three domains were lower than the desired levels. A hybrid system thus seems more appropriate for the setting.
Group Robot Intervention on Paediatric Inpatients and Their Caregivers, Using 'New aibo' by Sony
Authors: Tanaka Kyoko , Makino Hitoshi , Nakamura Kazuaki , Nakamura Akio , Hayakawa Maoko , Uchida Hajime , Kasahara Mureo , Kato Hitoshi , Igarashi Takashi
Published: July 2021

The study on robot-assisted therapy in a pediatric field has not been applied sufficiently in clinical settings. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential therapeutic effects of a group robot intervention (GRI), using dog-like social robot (SR) “aibo” in pediatric ward. GRI by aibo was conducted for those children with chronic illness (127 in total) who are hospitalized in National Center for Child Health and Development (NCCHD), and their caregivers (116 in total), from March to April 2018. The observer made structured behavioural observation records, based on which qualitative research on the features of their words and conducts were carried out. As a result, first, during the GRI, about 2/3 of total expression by children were positive, while about 1/4 were negative or inappropriate. On the other hand, as seen in the “change” group, those children who had originally responded with negative expression eventually came to express positive expression, while getting involved in a ternary relationship or participating in a session more than once. Secondly, as for the expression from the caregivers during the GRI, active expressions such as “participation” and “exploration” accounted for the 2/3, while 1/3 turned out to be rather placid expressions such as “watch over” or “encourage. ” Conclusion: There has not been any precedent study on the features of words and conducts expressed by patients and their caregivers during the GRI by aibo. The outcome suggests that aibo could possibly be used as a tool for group robot-assisted therapy in the pediatric treatment setting.
Breast Ultrasound Reports: Deficiencies and Recommendations
Authors: Sanli Deniz Esin Tekcan , Aydogan Fatih
Published: July 2021

Background: To investigate the compliance of the reports of the breast ultrasound scanned in different hospitals according to the ACR-BIRADS criteria in terms of their content and results.Methods: 230 breast ultrasound scan reports between 2015-2020 were included in this retrospective study. The health centers were evaluated in four categories as university hospital, training and research hospital, state hospital, private hospital. The reports were evaluated according to the ACR-BIRADS 5th edition (2013) standards in terms of technical features, sonographic findings, results and comments.Results: The size of the lesion was reported in 98%, the localization in 99% of the reports. Mentioning rates of the shape, orientation, acoustic feature, vascularity, elasticity properties were below 50% (resp.22%,15%,10%,20%). While the BIRADS classification were reported in the 58% of the reports, comments and suggestions were reported in 52% of them.Conclusion: Arrangement of assessment and reporting standardization according to ACR-BIRADS criteria will contribute to better communication with clinicians as well as making decisions in the patient management process.
Thermohalobaculum Xanthum Gen. Nov., Sp. Nov., A Novel Moderately Thermophilic Bacterium Isolated From Mangrove Sediment
Authors: Pan Xinli , Li Fei , Li Zhe , Huang Yuanlin , Wang Qiaozhen , Huang Shushi , Hu Wenjin
Published: July 2021

A novel moderately thermophilic and halophilic bacterium, designated strain M0105T, was isolated from mangrove sediment collected in the Beibu Gulf, south China. The isolate is Gram-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium with smooth colonies of pale-yellow appearance. Growth occurs at 15-46℃ (optimum 37-40℃) and pH range of 6.0-10.0 (optimum pH 8.0-9.0). It required 1-7% NaCl (optimum 3-5%) for growth. Strain M0105T was affiliated to the family ‘Rhodobacteraceae’, sharing the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Limibaculum halophilum CAU 1123T (96.8%). The major menaquinone Q-10 and the dominant unsaturated fatty acid (C18:1ω7) in this family were also detected in the strain M0105T. The genome sequence possesses a circular 4.1 Mb chromosome with a G+C content of 67.9%. Strain M0105T encoded many genes for cellular stress resistance and nutrient utilization, which could improve its adaptive capacity to the mangrove environment. Values of conserved proteins (POCP), average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI) and DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) between the isolate and closely related species were below the proposed threshold for species discrimination. Information from phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses proposed that strain M0105T should be assigned to a novel genus within the family ‘Rhodobacteraceae’. Thus, we suggested that the strain M0105T represents a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Thermohalobaculum xanthum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is M0105T (=BGMRC 2019T=KCTC 52118T =MCCC 1K03767T=NBRC 112057T).Six supplementary figures and two supplementary tables are available with the online version of this article.
New Method for Calculating Bottom Hole Pressure of Horizontal Well in Fracture-cavity Reservoir Based on Point Source Function
Authors: Liu Hailong
Published: July 2021

Accurate determination of unsteady bottom hole pressure helps to monitor and predict well production in real-time. On the premise of fully considering the seepage characteristics of carbonate rock, a new source function suitable for the seepage of carbonate rock is established. It enlarges the application scope of source function theory and lays a theoretical foundation for solving the seepage problem of carbonate rock. This paper presents the process of solving bottom hole pressure step by step. Step 1: Based on the triple media model, the Pedrosa permeability calculation formula is applied to establish the seepage model of the triple media reservoir considering the formation stress sensitivity. Step 2: By perturbation transform and Laplace transform, the point source function considering stress sensitivity in carbonate reservoir is obtained in Laplace space. The point source function in the infinite plate reservoir is obtained by the principle of mirror image and superposition. Step 3: The method of solving the horizontal well pressure under the constant pressure boundary is established. Through literature comparison and numerical simulation, the rationality of the proposed method is verified. Simultaneously, the sensitivity analysis of pressure and pressure derivative is carried out, and the influences of fracture number, fracture angle, fracture half-length, skin factor, horizontal well segment length, and horizontal well segment spacing on pressure and pressure derivative are analyzed in detail. Considering fracture orientation and stress sensitivity, we divide the triple media fracture-vuggy reservoir fluid flow into five stages. The number of fractures and fracture direction mainly affect stage C. In contrast, the length of horizontal subsection and skin factor mainly affect stage B. Stage D is more obvious when the fracture half-length and the horizontal sublevel interval of the horizontal well are small.
LCE Violation for the Relational to Quantum Transition
Authors: Gupta Chitradeep
Published: July 2021

Quantization historically was never as much a problem as it was a solution to a problem and the problem was the failure of the classical material evolution statement. Under the axiomatic assumption that quantum theory is founded in Heisenberg's principle and Feynman's evolution we show that the QM path integral exists at the negation of the evolution of local conservation of energy(LCE) which in its presence fails with arbitrarily many interference terms. Along with LCE violation we uncover another GR-QM contradiction between the local arrow of time and the uncertainty principle. Every contradiction ~(p) n (q)~ is also a transition in p changing to q. The problem is GR is also caught up in an implication trail and cannot go through multiple parallel changes for LCE violation in presence of the QM path integral. To improve the recovery we go to an alternate projection of GR that has a set of independent frame invariant statements with a Lorentz invariant distinction of space and time.
Validation of the Japanese Version of the Patterns of Activity Measure-Pain in Individuals with Chronic Pain
Authors: Enomoto Kiyoka , Adachi Tomonori , Mibu Akira , Tanaka Katsuyoshi , Fukui Sei , Nakanishi Miho , Iwashita Narihito , Sasaki Jun , Nishigami Tomohiko
Published: July 2021

Background

The Patterns of Activity Measure-Pain (POAM-P) is a self-report questionnaire that measures avoidance, overdoing, and pacing in individuals with chronic pain. We aimed to develop and confirm the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the POAM-P(POAM-P-J) in Japanese individuals with chronic pain.
Methods

We recruited 147 Japanese individuals with chronic pain (106 women; mean age 64.89 ± 12.13 years). The individuals completed the POAM-P-J, the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The following psychometric properties of the POAM-P-J were confirmed: structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity.
Results

We tested factor structure via confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). We chose the 3-factor model with six covariances. The POAM-P-J’s internal consistency and test-retest reliability were acceptable to good (α = 0.79–0.86; ICC = 0.72–0.87). The avoidance and overdoing scales were positively associated with pain severity, pain interference, and anxiety measures (all p < 0.05), but the pacing scale was not significantly associated with these pain-related measures.
Conclusions

Although the structural validity of the POAM-P-J remains questionable, its internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity were confirmed. The POAM-P-J is useful in both research and clinical practice for evaluating the activity patterns of Japanese patients with chronic pain.
Optimal pricing and complex analysis with carbon emission reduction preference in an apparel supply chain
Authors: Ma Junhai , Wang Zongxian
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we study the supply chain competition models that consider consumers' low-carbon consumption preferences. By constructing the supply chain of manufacturers and retailers with different market positions, two game types, decentralized decision making and centralized decision making are proposed, and the static and dynamic game methods are combined respectively for research. Although research has found that centralized decision making is always better than decentralized decision making under the static game mode, when considering the long-term dynamic evolutionary game, the average profit of decentralized decision making may be better than the average profit of centralized decision making. Moreover, there are complex dynamic characteristics under dynamic games. In order to fully understand the nature of the dynamic game systems, we discussed the stability, local bifurcation, and global bifurcation of these dynamic systems. It is found that although dynamic game systems may lose stability with changes in parameters, they are better than static game results in some cases, this is beneficial to decision-makers and has practical management significance.
Short-term Effects of Multiple Ozone Metrics on Outpatient Visits For Urticaria in Lanzhou
Authors: Zhang Jing , He Yuan , Shi chunrui
Published: July 2021

Background Although mounting evidence suggests that short-term exposure to ozone increases the risk of respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and mortality, there are few studies comparing the effects of ozone in relation to urticaria in China.Objective To evaluate the risks for urticaria exacerbations related to ambient ozone measured as 1-h maximum (O3-1 h max), maximum 8-h (O3-8 h max) and 24-h average (O3-24 h avg) concentrations. Methods We calculated three metrics of ozone, 1-h maximum, maximum 8-h and 24-h average based on the hourly data. Generalized additive models with poisson regression incorporating natural spline functions were used to investigate short-term effects on urticaria associated with ambient ozone pollution in Lanzhou, China, using 5 years of daily data (2013-2017). We also examined the association by sex, age and season.Results In all-year analyses, a 10 μg/m3 increase in daily average, O3-1 h max, O3-8 h max and O3-24 h avg at lag2 corresponded to an increase of 0.58%(95%CI：0.26%~0.90%), 0.82% (95%CI：0.47%~1.16%) and 2.17% (95%CI：1.17%~2.79%), respectively. The elderly populations and females were susceptible to O3, and the associations between ozone and urticaria appeared to be more evident during warm season than in the cold season.Conclusion In conclusion, these results indicated that ozone, as a widespread pollutant, affects outpatient visits for urticaria in Lanzhou.
SNARER: New Molecular Descriptors for SNARE Proteins Classification
Authors: Citarella Alessia Auriemma , Biasi Luigi Di , Risi Michele , Tortora Genoveffa
Published: July 2021

Background: SNARE proteins play an important role in different biological functions. This study aims to investigate the contribution of a new class of molecular descriptors (called SNARER) related to the chemical-physical properties of proteins in order to evaluate the performance of binary classifiers for SNARE proteins. Results: We constructed a SNARE proteins balanced dataset, D128, and an unbalanced one, DUNI, on which we tested and compared the performance of the new descriptors presented here in combination with the feature sets (GAAC, CTDT, CKSAAP and 188D) already present in the literature. The machine learning algorithms used were Random Forest, k-Nearest Neighbors and AdaBoost and oversampling and subsampling techniques were applied to the unbalanced dataset. The addition of the SNARER descriptors increases the precision for all considered ML algorithms. In particular, on the unbalanced DUNI dataset the accuracy increases in parallel with the increase in sensitivity while on the balanced dataset D128 the accuracy increases compared to the counterpart without the addition of SNARER descriptors, with a strong improvement in specificity. Our best result is the combination of our descriptors SNARER with CKSAAP feature on the dataset D128 with 92.3% of accuracy, 90.1% for sensitivity and 95% for specificity with the RF algorithm. Conclusions: The performed analysis has shown how the introduction of molecular descriptors linked to the chemical-physical and structural characteristics of the proteins can improve the classification performance. Additionally, it was pointed out that performance can change based on using a balanced or unbalanced dataset. The balanced nature of training can significantly improve forecast accuracy.
Robust Power Allocation for NOMA Heterogeneous Networks with EH under Imperfect CSI
Authors: Song Xin , Huang Xue , Gao Yiming , Qian Haijun
Published: July 2021

A robust power allocation is proposed for downlink non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) heterogeneous networks with EH (Energy harvesting) under imperfect channel state information (CSI). In order to achieve green communication, an EH-aided scheme by leveraging energy from macro base station (MBS) signal and interference signal transmitted from other SBSs is proposed, which reduces the power burden and energy consumption of the SBS. In order to conform to the actual communication scenario, we construct an energy efficiency optimization function under imperfect CSI with considering the constraint of the outage probability interference power in macro cell user (MCU). However, the formulated optimization problem is non-convex due to the fractional form of the objective function and the probabilistic constraints of the outage probability limit. To cope with this problem, we propose a robust power allocation scheme. Firstly, the probabilistic problem is converted into a robust non-probabilistic problem by the minimax probability machine (MPM) and robust optimization theory. Then, the robust non-probabilistic problem can be transformed into the convex optimization problem via Dinkelbach method and sequential convex programming. Finally, the optimal transmission powers of the small cell users (SCUs) are obtained by Lagrange dual approach. The simulation results show that the robust power allocation scheme for NOMA heterogeneous networks with EH under imperfect CSI can significantly improve energy efficiency compared with traditional power allocation algorithms.
Human epidermal growth factor-expressing mesenchymal stem cells reduce matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression via the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells
Authors: Lee Jeong Hyun , Lee Chang Min , Choi Yong Jun , Park See-Hyoung , Nam Myeong Jin
Published: July 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) repair tissue injury by upregulating the paracrine secretion of cytokines and growth factors. In this study, we examined the effect of human epidermal growth factor-transfected MSCs (hEGF MSCs) on human keratinocyte HaCaT cell proliferation and the mechanisms that regulate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression in HaCaT cells. To identify the hEGF plasmid and its transfection into MSCs, we performed gel electrophoresis and quantitative PCR. Proliferation and migration of HaCaT cells were examined using WST-1 and wound-healing assays, respectively. Zymography was performed to investigate the correlation between hEGF MSC-conditioned medium (CM)-treated HaCaT cells and MMP-1 expression. We found that cell viability and wound-healing rates were increased in hEGF MSC-CM-treated HaCaT cells compared to those in MSC-CM-treated cells, and conversely collagenase activity was decreased. The mRNA and protein levels of MMP-1 were also decreased in hEGF MSC-CM-treated HaCaT cells. 2-DE analysis showed that the expression of carboxypeptidase, which promotes growth factors and wound healing, was increased in hEGF MSC-CM-treated HaCaT cells. Finally, western blotting was used to determine whether MMP-1 expression was reduced via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway; the results showed that the levels of MAPK pathway-related proteins (pErk, pJNK, and p-p38) and the levels of transcription factors (pCREB, NFκB, and p-c-Fos) were decreased. In addition, pAkt expression was found to be elevated. The results of our study suggest that hEGF MSCs promote cell proliferation and reduce MMP-1 expression via the MAPK pathway in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells.
Transcriptome analysis identified core genes involved in maize resistance to Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Cao Hongxiang , Yang Zhangshuai , Song Shu , Liu Jiazong , Li Ning
Published: July 2021

Banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB) caused by the necrotrophic fungus Rhizoctonia solani is a devasting disease on maize worldwide, especially in China and Southeast Asia. To explore the maize defense mechanisms against R. solani expansion, the expression profile of maize infected by low virulence strain (LVS) and high virulence strain (HVS) of R. solani for 3 and 5 d was analyzed by RNA-sequencing. A total of 3015 and 1628 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified under LVS and HVS infection, respectively. Meanwhile, these DEGs were classified by Gene Ontology (GO) for biological process analysis. Only defense-related GO terms were commonly enriched in LVS- and HVS-regulated genes. Furthermore, a core set of 388 up-regulated genes that are involved in maize response to R. solani infection were identified. Additionally, among the core genes, overexpressing ZmNAC41 and ZmBAK1 enhanced rice resistance to R. solani. Taken together, our study provides additional insight into maize defense mechanisms against R. solani, and the core genes identified in this study will be important resources for improving BLSB resistance in the future.
miR-375-NAT10 Axis Dysfunction Promotes Oral Cancer Development and Mediates Cdk7 Stabilizing and Cell Cycle Progression
Authors: ZOU Chen , LI Xia , WEI Haigang , WU Siyuan , SONG Jing , TANG Zhe , LUO Hailing , LV Xiaozhi , Ai Yilong
Published: July 2021

Background: Oral cancer is the most common cancer with poor prognosis and outcome for the patients due to the challenging diagnosis and limited treatment possibilities. However, the molecular underpinnings behind the malignant progression of oral cancer remain incompletely understood. Methods: The expression profiling of NAT10 and CDK7 in oral cancer patients were assessed by IHC, qPCR and western blots. ShRNA was used to silence gene expression. The biological function of NAT10 and CDK7 in cholangiocarcinoma was investigated using in vitro and in vivo studies including, transwell cell migration, plate cloning, CCK8, shRNA interference, western blots, flow cytometry and xenograft mouse model. The underlying molecular mechanism was determined by western blots and immunoprecipitation.Results: In this study, we demonstrated that deregulation of miR-375-NAT10 axis is among the most causes in inducing the acquisition of a tumorigenesis phenotype in oral cancer cells. NAT10 is abundant in oral cancer tissue. and its protein level is positively correlated with poor overall survival. Increased the level of NAT10 promotes oral cancer cell proliferation in vitro as well as xenograft tumorigenicity in vivo. Most importantly, NAT10 regulates cancer cell proliferation through stabilizing CDK7 thus regulating the cell cycle. NAT10 as an acetyltransferase is responsible for CDK7 acetylation at lysine 328 (K328Ac). Moreover, it was found that the expression of miR-375 is abnormally alleviated in oral cancer tissues. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a targeted complementary binding site between miR-375 and NAT10. Decreased expression of miR-375 promotes expression of NAT10.Conclusion: Our study showed that NAT10 plays a strong carcinogenic role in oral cancer tumorigenesis by acetylating CDK7 at K382 thus promotion stability. Moreover, NAT10 may serve as a target for miR-375. Therefore, targeting NAT10 may provide a new and effective therapeutic strategy to inhibit the tumorigenicity of oral cancer.
Treatment Strategy of Lung Adenocarcinoma with Concomitant EGFR Mutation and ALK Rearrangement
Authors: Li Li , Liu Wei , Xu Chunhua , Zou Jue
Published: July 2021

Background

The incidence of synchronous mutations of Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was low. Now clinical experience is still insufficient. Simultaneously the treatment of brain metastasis hemorrhage in the acute phase with lung cancer is still controversial. We described the clinical treatment strategy of a patient with synchronous mutations of EGFR and ALK.
Methods

The patient was a 55-year-old man with a mass in the right lower lobe. Pathological examination confirmed adenocarcinoma, tissue molecular examination showed EGFR exon 19 deletion, and ALK rearrangement. The patient received pemetrexed combined with cisplatin chemotherapy, gefitinib targeted therapy, clotriminib targeted therapy, albumin paclitaxel combined with nedaplatin and anlotinib therapy, and seretinib therapy. In the course of treatment, the patients had sudden tumor emergency, extensive hemorrhage and edema of brain metastasis, paralysis occurred in the patients. Subsequently, targeted therapy with ceritinib was given. After 1 month, lung tumors, brain metastases, and cerebral hemorrhage were all significantly improved.
Results

The tumor was well controlled. Progression-free survival (PFS)1 was 4 months, PFS2 was 3 months, PFS3 was 5 months, PFS4 was 5 months, and PFS5 was 9 months. At present, the patient still maintains partial response (PR) status.
Conclusions

Patients with simultaneous mutations choose the correct treatment strategy, which can significantly benefit the patients' PFS and quality of life. Especially for patients with acute hemorrhage of brain metastases, oral ceritinib may be an effective choice.
Long Noncoding RNA TCONS_00027385 Acts as a miR-874-5p Sponge to Suppress the Progression of Prostate Cancer Through Regulating ASCC2 Expression
Authors: han jianxin , Tao Ning , Zhao Zhenlei , Gu Yanpei , Xue Fan , Yan Yali , Chen Lihuan , Xiao Hongrui , Qiu Ruiying , Zhang Ying , An Hengqing , Li Wei
Published: July 2021

Background: A novel pyrrolo indole alkaloids, named Robustanoids A, was isolated from Coffea canephora beans, and it inhibits proliferation of prostate cancer (PCa) cells. However, the molecular mechanism linking Robustanoids A to the tumorigenesis of PCa is not yet clear. Methods: We investigated the expression of lncRNAs in PCa cells with Robustanoids A and control group by microarray analysis. The expression level of TCONS_00027385 in PCa tissues and cell lines was detected by qRT-PCR. Additionally, we conducted functional experiments to investigate the biological effects of TCONS_00027385 on the development of PCa both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, bioinformatic analysis, luciferase reporter experiment, RIP assay, pulldown assay, and protein chip were performed to investigate the oncogenic molecular mechanisms of TCONS_00027385.Results: In our current study, we focused on TCONS_00027385, which was up-regulated in PCa tissues and cell lines. The high expression of TCONS_00027385 was related to the progression of PCa. Function assays revealed that silencing TCONS_00027385 inhibited PCa cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, while over-expression of TCONS_00027385 remarkably played an opposite role. A deeper investigation showed that TCONS_00027385 acted as a sponge for hsa-miR-874-5p in PCa, and ASCC2 was a target of miR-874-5p in the downstream. Moreover, a positive association between TCONS_00027385 with ASCC2 and a negative relationship between miR-874-5p and TCONS_00027385 (or ASCC2) were also founded. According to the rescue assay, inhibiting ASCC2 could partially suppress the oncogenic effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis in PCa caused by the overexpression of TCONS_00027385.Conclusion: TCONS_00027385 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-874-5p to regulate the expression of ASCC2. TCONS_00027385 regulated the miR-874-5p/ASCC2 axis to promote PCa progression.
Undetected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma on CT: Frequency According to CT Scan Protocol
Authors: Iarovich Moran Drucker , Apter Sara , Konen Eli , Inbar Yael , Amitai Marrianne , Klang Eyal
Published: July 2021

Purpose: CT is a main diagnostic modality for detecting pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This study aims to assess the frequency of missed pancreatic adenocarcinoma on CT scans according to different CT protocols.Methods: Consecutive pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients were retrospectively collected (12/2011-12/2015). Patients with abdominal CT scans performed up-to a year prior to cancer diagnosis were included. Two radiologists registered in consensus the presence and radiological signs of missed cancers. The frequency of missed cancers was compared between portal and pancreatic/triphasic CT protocols. Results: Overall, 180 CT scans of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients were retrieved. 126/180 (70.0%) were pancreatic/triphasic protocols and 54/180 (30.0%) were portal protocols. The overall frequency of missed cancers was 6/180 (3.3%). The frequency of missed cancers was higher in portal CT protocols compared to pancreatic/triphasic protocols: 5/54 (9.3%) vs. 1/126 (0.8%), p=0.01. CT signs of missed cancers included: 3 cases of small hypodense lesions, 2 cases with peri-pancreatic fat stranding, 1 case of dilated pancreatic duct with a cut-off sign.Conclusion: The frequency of missed pancreatic adenocarcinoma is higher on portal CT protocols. Physicians should consider the cancer miss rate on different CT protocols.
Evidence for a neuromuscular circuit involving hypothalamic Interleukin-6 signaling in the control of skeletal muscle metabolism
Authors: Katashima Carlos , Micheletti Thayana , Moura-Assis Alexandre , Gaspar Rodrigo , Goeminne Ludger , Braga Renata , Crisol Barbara , Silva Vagner Ramon , Ramos Camila , Rocha Alisson , Tavares Mariana , Simabuco Fernando , Pazos Patricia , Gonzalez-Touceda David , Tovar Sulay , García Maria , Neto José , Curi Rui , Hirabara Sandro , Brum Patrícia , Prada Patrícia , de Moura Leandro , Pauli Jose , Silva Adelino , Cintra Dennys , Velloso Licio , Ropelle Eduardo
Published: July 2021

Hypothalamic interleukin-6 (IL6) exerts a broad metabolic control, including energy expenditure1, food consumption2, glucose homeostasis2, etc. Here we demonstrated that Interleukin-6 (IL6) activates the ERK1/2 pathway in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), stimulating AMPK/ACC signaling and fatty acid oxidation in mice skeletal muscle. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the hypothalamic IL6/ERK1-2 axis is closely associated with firing-rate-related genes in the hypothalamus and with fatty acid oxidation- and mitochondrial-related genes in skeletal muscle of genetically diverse BXD mice strains and humans. Using surgical denervation, pharmacological approaches, and transgenic mice, we showed that the hypothalamic IL6/ERK1/2 pathway requires the a2-adrenergic pathway to modify the fatty acid skeletal muscle metabolism. To address the physiological relevance of these findings, we demonstrated that this neuromuscular circuitry is required to underpin AMPK/ACC signaling activation and fatty acid oxidation post-exercise. Once the selective downregulation of IL6 receptor in VMH abolished the effects of exercise to sustain AMPK and ACC phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation in the muscle post-exercise. Altogether, these data demonstrated that IL6/ERK axis in VMH controls fatty acid metabolism in mice skeletal muscle.
Sensitive Metabolites and Single Nuclear Polymorphisms of OCT1 on Imatinib Meyslate in Patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)
Authors: Chen Yan , Jia Ying , Zhang Rui , Wang Qiuju , Huang Tingwenli , Dong Xinwei , Ma Hongli , Shi Sanjun , Xiao Hongtao
Published: July 2021

Imatinib mesylate (IM) is highly efficacious in the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and pharmacogenetic screening are affirmed for better management of IM therapy. The goal of this study was to explore the most sensitive metabolites and the role of organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) on single nuclear polymorphisms (SNP) of IM treatment, which could supply a greater mechanistic understanding of therapeutic effect or resistance of IM. A total of 40 human serum samples from patients with GISTs were collected for TDM. Basing on the results of TDM, the untargeted metabolomic analysis was to determine characteristics of the serum. Principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least-squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA), and heat map were used for multivariate analysis. In addition, KEGG database were used to identify the pathways of metabolites. Differential metabolites were identified based on a heat map with a t-test threshold (p < 0.05), fold-change (FC) threshold (FC > 1.5 or FC < 2/3) and variable importance (VIP) in the projection (VIP>1). The potential differential metabolites were included D-sphingosine, 1-sphingosine phosphate, phytosphingosine and phosphoethanolamine, which were belonged to the metabolism pathway of sphingolipid. Because of the function of OCT1 transporters was related with drug in the liver, the OCT1 1386C>A (rs 622342) was statistically significant (P<0.05) with IM plasma concentration. Thus, this study demonstrated that sphingolipid metabolism should be considered as the potential pathway of IM treated GISTs, which could bring us a clue to new mechanism for IM treatment of patients with GISTs.
In Children with 46, XY DSD; HCG Testing Is Not Always the Best Answer for Testicular Function Assessment
Authors: Raafat Shaymaa , Khater Doaa
Published: July 2021

Hormonal levels are the hallmark for the assessment of testicular function in XY DSD (Disorders of sex development). Traditionally, it has relied on testosterone level increment after hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) stimulation testing. More recently role of Sertoli cell hormones is more emphasized.Objectives: Evaluating the role of serum anti-mullerian hormone and inhibin B on function of the pre-pubertal testis without the need for hCG stimulation test.Method: The study was conducted in the Endocrinology Clinic in Alexandria University Children's Hospital. All patients who present with XY DSD were tested for testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B. All cases had hCG stimulation test.Results: The hCG stimulation test was done for 32 cases. There was significant positive correlation between serum testosterone levels before and after hCG stimulation test (p <0.001). Similarly, significant correlation was identified between basal AMH and testosterone increment after hCG stimulation (p <0.001) and between basal levels of AMH and inhibin (MCp= 0.025).Conclusion: Single measurement of basal AMH and/or inhibin B can detect the presence and function of testes by a reliable non-invasive way. Basal AMH assessment is an important tool to distinguish between cryptorchidism and anorchia. hCG test is needed in the work-up of patients with inconclusive results.
Exploration of Diaphragm Excursion Inflection Point in Predicting Weaning From Mechanical Ventilation in Critically Ill Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Zhu Zhijing , Wu Yongxing , Bai Jiyu , Zhu XingQing , Gu Yanan
Published: July 2021

ObjectivePressure-supported ventilation is widely used in critically ill patients, and the patient's effort in spontaneous breathing is an important predictor of the success rate of weaning, but this index is difficult to measure accurately under clinical conditions. It has been demonstrated that the absolute value of diaphragm excursion is influenced by multiple factors and cannot be used as a predictor of weaning from mechanical ventilation. This study aims to reveal the characteristics of diaphragm excursion changes (respiratory excursion) at different levels of pressure support, and explore whether it can predict the weaning from mechanical ventilation.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingSingle-center.PatientsPatients admitted to the ICU who were mechanically ventilated and had met the criteria to perform an autonomic breathing test were enrolled. Patients with tracheal obstruction or after thoracic/gastric/esophageal surgery were excluded. InterventionsDifferent levels of pressure support (20,15,10,5 and 0 cm H2O) were applied in pressure-assisted ventilation mode, and the effort of each patient's inspiratory muscles at different support levels was observed by B- and M-mode ultrasonography to assess right side diaphragm mobility. Measurements and Main ResultsRespiratory mechanics parameters under deep/calm breathing, dynamic changes in diaphragm movement, diaphragm excursion inflection points and whether the patients were successfully deconditioned were recorded. Forty-one patients were enrolled, and the results showed that 78.6% (22/28) of patients with a deep breathing inflection point of 10 cmH2O (nadir of 5 cmH2O) and 33.3% (4/12) of patients with a deep breathing inflection point of 15 cmH2O (nadir of 10 cmH2O) successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation, with the former having a significantly higher rate than the latter. The success rate was statistically significant (Chi-square=7.556 P=0.006); 77.8% (21/27) of patients with calm breathing inflection point of 10 cmH2O (lowest point of 5 cmH2O) and 38.5% (5/13) of patients with calm breathing inflection point of 15 cmH2O (lowest point of 10 cmH2O). 13), the former had a statistically significant higher off-boarding success rate than the latter (Chi-square=5.962 P=0.0146).ConclusionsIn the process of weaning from mechanical ventilation patients, when performing a spontaneous breathing test, the right diaphragm excursion inflection point during deep/calm breathing can be measured by ultrasound to assess the patient's spontaneous breathing effort component, and this study found that the weaning success rate was lower in the group with an inflection point of 15 cm H2O than in the group with an inflection point of 10 cm H2O, so the diaphragm excursion inflection point may be a reliable indicator to predict the deconditioning success.
Entomopathogenic Fungi Tested in Planta on Pepper and in Field on Sorghum, to Control Commercially Important Species of Aphids
Authors: Ek-Ramos Maria Julissa , Mantzoukas Spiridon , Tamez-Guerra Patricia , Zavala-Garcia Francisco , Lagogiannis Ioannis
Published: July 2021

Given the aphids high reproductive capacity, assessing their biocontrol by using entomopathogenic fungi is crucial; to determine their potential, fungi were tested in planta and in field conditions. Significant decrease of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) population was observed in planta after applying Beauveria bassiana (strain 7R), Trichoderma gamsii (strain Z) or Metarhizium brunneum (strain Meta Br1) at 1 × 107 or 1 × 108 conidia/mL on pepper plants. Significant differences of aphids’ populations were detected between fungus concentration and control (F = 68.743, df = 6.980, P <0.001), where M. brunneum at 1 × 108 conidia/mL reduced aphids population close to zero. At 20 °C, dead aphids’ mycosis by B. bassiana and T. gamsii was 78% and 84%; at 25 °C was 83% and 88%; and at 30 °C was 75% and 79%, respectively. Mexican PTG4 and commercial GHA B. bassiana strains were tested in field (treating seeds with 1 × 106 conidia/mL) against the Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) aphid populations, on naturally infested sorghum plants. Results showed that plant germination and emergence were not affected, whereas yield (grams of sugar/plant) was significantly higher among treated compared with untreated plants. The aphid population decreased in plants from PTG4 treated seeds; indeed, this treatment had a significant positive effect on the flowering index, whereas the stem fresh weight and juice volume was significantly increased among plants from GHA treated seeds. Taken together, tested strains can be used as a tool to control aphids’ population on several crops such as pepper and even increase the yield in sorghum.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for BRCA Gene Mutation Carriers: a Cost Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Michaan Nadav , Lashno Moshe , Cohen Yoni , Safra Tamar , Peleg-Hasson Shira , Laskov Ido , Grisaru Dan
Published: July 2021

Background: Gynecologic oncologists should be aware of the option of conception through IVF/PGT-M for families with high BRCA related morbidity or mortality. Our objective was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of preimplantation genetic testing for selection and transfer of BRCA negative embryo in BRCA mutation carriers compared to natural conception.Methods: Cost-effectiveness of two strategies, conception through IVF/PGT-M and BRCA negative embryo transfer versus natural conception with a 50% chance of BRCA positive newborn for BRCA mutation carriers was compared using a Markovian process decision analysis model. Costs of the two strategies were compared using quality adjusted life years (QALYs'). All costs were discounted at 3%. Incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) compared to willingness to pay threshold was used for cost-effectiveness analysis.Results: IVF/ PGT-M is cost-effective with an ICER of 150,219 new Israeli Shekels, per QALY gained (equivalent to 44,480 USD), at a 3% discount rate. Conclusions: IVF/ PGT-M and BRCA negative embryo transfer compared to natural conception among BRCA positive parents is cost effective and may be offered for selected couples with high BRCA mutation related morbidity or mortality. Our results could impact decisions regarding conception among BRCA positive couples and health care providers
Close Association Between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament of the Spine
Authors: Endo Tsutomu , Koike Yoshinao , Miyoshi Hideaki , Hisada Yuichiro , Fujita Ryo , Suzuki Ryota , Tanaka Masaru , Tsujimoto Takeru , Shimamura Yukitoshi , Hasegawa Yuichi , Kanayama Masahiro , Hashimoto Tomoyuki , Oha Fumihiro , Noro Naoki , Komano Kiyofumi , Ishii Misaki , Ito Yoichi M. , Iwasaki Norimasa , Takahata Masahiko
Published: July 2021

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the spine is a disease of unknown etiology occurring frequently in individuals with metabolic disturbances. Obesity has been suggested as a potential risk factor for the severity of OPLL. We aimed to investigate whether non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with OPLL severity. We assessed the severity of NAFLD by a liver-to-spleen (L/S) ratio on computed tomography (CT) scans of 85 symptomatic OPLL patients at a single institution in Japan. We also assessed the severity of OPLL by CT reconstruction sagittal and axial images. The prevalence of NAFLD in middle-aged patients (age < 70 years, n = 50) was 80.3%, which was 2.5-8 times higher than that in the general Japanese population (9–30%). The ossification index of the spinal ligaments increased in proportion to the severity of fatty liver. The L/S ratio was revealed as a significant risk factor associated with the total ossification index (standardized β: -0.40, 95% confidence interval: -54.34 to -4.22). This study suggests the potential contribution of NAFLD to the progression of OPLL. The close association between NAFLD and OPLL demonstrated in this study warrants further study to elucidate the causal nature of this relationship.
Spatial Responses of Vegetation-Soil System to Complex Factors in a Sandy-Rocky Island Chain
Authors: Chi Yuan , Xie Zuolun
Published: July 2021

The vegetation-soil system is fundamental to island ecosystem and changes considerably across sandy and rocky islands due to different natural and anthropogenic factors. An island chain, which is characterized by the coexistence of sandy and rocky islands, the connection of the islands by bridges, and complex influencing factors, was used as the study area. The vegetation-soil system was represented using different indicators and three newly-proposed indices, namely, vegetation health index (VHI), soil health index (SHI), and vegetation-soil system health index (VSSHI). The complex factors were identified in aspects of island basic factors, landscape pattern, terrain condition, and ecological indices. Then, the spatial responses of the system to the factors were analyzed at island and site scales. Results indicated that the vegetation-soil system showed similar and different responses to the complex factors across the dual scales. The similarity was represented by the higher sensitivities of VHI and VSSHI compared with that of SHI at both scales, and the difference mainly indicated that the influences of landscape pattern factors distinctly decreased along the scales from island to site. Island area, sea reclamation proportion, vegetation proportion, and natural ecosystem damaged index were the most important factors at island scale, while the ecological indices showed the highest influences at site scale. The study revealed the spatial characteristics of the vegetation-soil system across different types of islands, clarified the spatial responses of the system to complex factors at the dual scales, and identified the main influencing factors of the system.
Glass and Glass-ceramics based on Weathered Basaltic Rock for Radiation Shielding Applications
Authors: khater Gamal , saudi heba , Abd-Allah wesam
Published: July 2021

Different batches of weathered basalt ranging from 100 to 50%, in combination with by-pass cement dust, were used to prepare the glass compositions. Different techniques used, such as differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, density, FTIR, the mass attenuation coefficients, appropriate atomic number (Zeff), and effective electron density (Neff), were examined for the prepared glass and glass-ceramics samples at different photon energies.. In the present study, it was revealed that as the molar volume decreases, the density increases. The experimental and theoretical effects of the mass attenuation component were mostly consistent at different energies. Results revealed that glass samples (WB100) having a higher percentage of basaltic rocks present higher radiation protection than those with a lower rate (WB50). In addition, glass-ceramics displayed enhanced radiation and gamma rays protection than glass. Therefore, we recommend using glass ceramics containing 100% Basalt as a protective shield against rays with less thickness and higher protection.