bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are activated B cells involved in the process of myocardial fibrosis after acute myocardial infarction? -An in vivo experiment
Authors: Mo Fanrui , Luo Ying , Yan Yuluan , Li Juan , Lai Shayi , Wu Weifeng
Published: August 2020

Background: Inflammatory cells infiltrate into the ischemic and hypoxic myocardial tissue after myocardial infarction. B cells gather at the site of myocardial injury and secrete cytokines to regulate immune inflammation and fiber repair processes.Methods: The animal experiment intended to use ligation of the left anterior descending branch of C57BL/6 mice to establish a mice AMI model to observe the changes of activated B cells and cytokines at different time points. 88 12-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were divided into the Sham group (24 mice) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI ) group (64 mice) randomly. Besides, C57BL/6 Bmi-1 knock out (BKO) mice and C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice were used to establish AMI models to observe the expression levels of cardiomyocyte factors including TNF-α and IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β1, COL1-A1, COL3-A1, TIMP-1, and MMP9. Moreover, pathological and collagen changes in the myocardium were analyzed. One-way ANOVA analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the LSD method was used for pairwise comparison between groups. P < 0.05 indicated statistical differences.Results: AMI model of C57BL/6 mice was established successfully. The ratio of activated B cells and expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β1, and BAFF in 5 days subgroup was highest in the myocardium, spleen, and peripheral blood with the most obvious myocardial inflammatory cells infiltration. mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β1 in 5 days subgroup of the BKO group were decreased compared with the WT group (P < 0.05). Among 2 weeks subgroups of Sham, WT, and BKO groups, the LVEDd and LVESd in the BKO and WT groups were less than those in the Sham group (P < 0.05). The LVEDd and LVESd of the BKO group were less than the WT group,EF was higher than the WT group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Activated B cells participated in the sustained state of myocardial inflammation and immune system activation after AMI via promoting the secretion of cytokines, and may affect the metabolism of myocardial collagen. Moreover, B cells could damage the heart structure and left ventricular ejection function by promoting the expression of myocardial collagen Type I and type III.
Validation of the Family Health Behavior Scale for the Brazilian Population
Authors: Preto Luiza T. , Scarpatto Camila H. , Ley Laura Lessa Gaudie , Silveira Carolina , Salerno Margareth Rodrigues , Moreno Jennette Palcic , Castro Stela Maris de Jezus , Booij Linda , Mattiello Rita
Published: August 2020

Background: It is well known that the family environment is associated with child health behavior and outcomes. However, there is a lack of available instruments to measure family health behaviors, even more so in languages other than English. The aim of the present study was to adapt and validate the Family Health Behavior Scale (FHBS) for Brazilian families.Methods: The FHBS was translated and culturally adapted for the Brazilian families. Psychometric properties (content validity, construct validity, and concurrent validity) and reliability (internal consistency, ceiling-floor effect, and test-retest) were evaluated in a sample of healthy community-dwelling children who were between 5 to 12 years old, of both sexes. Caregivers responded to the FHBS. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing the FHBS scale with Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile, percent body fat, and physical activity level.Results: 272 children (54% girls) with a mean age of 7.9 years (SD = 2.0) and their caregivers were tested. Confirmatory analysis of the initial 4-factor structure (as proposed in the original English version of the questionnaire) suggested its performance was below acceptable. Exploratory factor analysis showed however an acceptable fit (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index = 0.79), and the factor loadings suggested a 7-factor model. Children who were considered obese (BMI percentile ≥ 97) had lower mean total FHBS scores than children who had a healthy weight or were overweight. Children who were classified as having a healthy fat percentage had higher FHBS scores than children classified as having an excessively high fat percentage. Children who were physically active had significantly higher total FHBS scores than children who were physically inactive. Cronbach's alpha was 0.81 and we noted acceptable values of the ceiling-floor effect. Test-retest analyses showed lower agreement and intraclass correlation coefficients ​​than expected 0.63 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.78).Conclusion: The adapted Family Health Behavior Scale for the Brazilian population showed adequate psychometric properties.
An Open Label, Pilot Study of Veliparib and Lapatinib in Patients with Metastatic, Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Stringer-Reasor Erica M. , May Jori E. , Olariu Eva , Caterinicchia Valerie , Li Yufeng , Manna Deborah L. Della , Rocque Gabrielle B. , Vaklavas Christos , Falkson Carla I. , Nabell Lisle M. , Acosta Edward P. , Forero-Torres Andres , Yang Eddy S.
Published: August 2020

Background: Poly (ADP-ribose)-polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) have been approved for cancer patients with germline BRCA1/2 (g BRCA1/2 ) mutations, and efforts to expand the utility of PARPi beyond BRCA1/2 are ongoing. In preclinical models of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) with intact DNA repair, we previously showed an induced synthetic lethality with combined EGFR inhibition and PARPi. We report the safety and clinical activity of lapatinib and veliparib in patients with metastatic TNBC. Methods: A first-in-human, pilot study of lapatinib and veliparib was conducted in metastatic TNBC (NCT02158507). The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints were objective response rates and pharmacokinetic evaluation. Gene expression analysis of pre-treatment tumor biopsies was performed. Key eligibility included TNBC patients with measurable disease and prior anthracycline and taxane therapy. Patients with g BRCA1/2 mutations were excluded. Results: Twenty patients were enrolled of which 17 were evaluable for response. Median number of prior therapies in the metastatic setting was 1 (range 0-2). Fifty percent of patients were Caucasian, 45% African-American, and 5% Hispanic. Of evaluable patients, 4 demonstrated a partial response and 2 had stable disease. There were no dose-limiting toxicities. Most AEs were limited to grade 1 or 2 and no drug-drug interactions noted. Gene expression analysis suggest baseline DNA repair pathway score was lower and baseline immunogenicity was higher in the responders compared to non-responders. Conclusions: Lapatinib plus veliparib therapy has a manageable safety profile and promising antitumor activity in advanced TNBC. Further investigation of dual therapy with EGFR inhibition and PARP inhibition is needed.
Associations Between Developmental Timing of Child Abuse and Conduct Problem Trajectories
Authors: Bauer Andreas , Hammerton Gemma , Fraser Abigail , Fairchild Graeme , Halligan Sarah L.
Published: August 2020

Background Although there is strong evidence for a relationship between child maltreatment and conduct problems, associations between child abuse experienced at different developmental stages and developmental trajectories of conduct problems have not been examined. We sought to investigate effects of timing of child abuse on conduct problem trajectories in a large UK-based birth cohort study. Methods We applied latent class growth analysis to identify conduct problem trajectories in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, using parent-rated conduct problems from ages 4-17 years (N=10648). Childhood-only and adolescence-only abuse, in addition to abuse in both developmental periods (‘persistent’ abuse), were assessed by retrospective self-report at age 22 years (N=3345). Results We identified four developmental trajectories: early-onset persistent (4.8%), adolescence-onset (4.5%), childhood-limited (15.4%), and low (75.3%) conduct problems. Childhood-only abuse and ‘persistent’ abuse were associated with increased odds of being on the early-onset persistent and adolescence-onset conduct problem trajectories compared to the low conduct problems trajectory. Adolescence-only abuse was not predictive of trajectory membership. There were no associations between abuse and childhood-limited trajectory membership.Conclusions Early-onset persistent and adolescence-onset conduct problems showed similar patterns of associations with abuse exposure, challenging developmental theories that propose qualitative, as opposed to quantitative, differences in environmental risk factors between these trajectories. The results also highlight that childhood-only and ‘persistent’ abuse were more strongly linked to elevated conduct problem trajectories than adolescence-only abuse, and that ‘persistent’ abuse is particularly detrimental.
Peritumoral Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Predict a Poor Prognosis for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma After Curative Resection
Authors: Hu Zhi-Qiang , Zhou Zheng-Jun , Luo Chu-Bin , Xin Hao-Yang , Li Jia , Yu Song-Yang , Zhou Shao-Lai
Published: August 2020

Background
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are present in various primary and metastatic human neoplasms; however, their clinical significance in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is not clear.
Methods
To evaluate pDCs’ distributions in and around tumors as well as their potential function and predictive value for prognosis in patients undergoing curative resection, we performed immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of pDC marker BDCA2, and CD3, CD4, CD8 and Foxp3 in intratumoral and peritumoral tissues from 359 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and compared with prognostic and clinicopathologic factors.
Results
Results showed that patients with high numbers of BDCA2+ pDCs in peritumoral tissues were more likely to have elevated levels of carbohydrate antigen 19 − 9 and gamma-glutamyl transferase, larger and more tumors, advanced tumor-node-metastasis staging, more vascular/bile duct invasion, and lymphatic metastasis in association with greater chance of recurrence and shorter overall survival. Peritumoral tissues with larger numbers of pDCs also showed increased Foxp3+ regulatory T cell infiltration, both of which were found to be independent factors for predicting time to recurrence and overall survival. By contrast, patient outcomes were not associated with the presence of intratumoral pDCs.
Conclusions
Peritumoral pDC infiltration may indicate an immune tolerogenic peritumor microenvironment and can be used to predict a poor prognosis for patients undergoing curative resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Landscape of Cell Heterogeneity and Evolutionary Trajectory in Ulcerative Colitis-associated Colon Cancer Revealed by Single-cell Rna Sequencing
Authors: Wang Quan , Wang Zhu , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Wei , Zhang Mengmeng , Shen Zhanlong , Ye Yingjiang , Jiang Kewei , Wang Shan
Published: August 2020

Background: Patients with colitis-associated cancer (CAC), a particular kind of colorectal cancer that develops from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), have an earlier morbidity and a poorer prognosis. However, in CAC, single cell transcriptome analysis of the microenvironment composition and characteristics has yet to be performed. To understand the intra-tumor heterogeneity in CAC and to reveal a potential evolutionary trajectory from ulcerative colitis (UC) to CAC at the single cell level. Methods: Fresh samples of tumor- and adjacent tissue, from a CAC patient with pT3N1M0, were examined by single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Human Protein Atlas were used to confirm the different expression levels in normal and tumor tissues and to determine their relationships with prognosis. Results: Ultimately, 4,777 single-cell transcriptomes (1220 genes per cell) were studied, which composed of 2,250 (47%) and 2,527(53%) originated from tumor- and non-malignant tissue, respectively. And we defined the composition of cancer-associated stromal cells and identified six cell clusters included myeloid, T and B cells, fibroblasts, endothelial and epithelial cells. Likewise, the notable pathways and transcription factors (TFs) involved of these cell clusters were analyzed and described. Moreover, we graphed the precise cellular composition and developmental trajectory from UC to UC-associated colon cancer, and predicted that CD74, CLCA1 and DPEP1 had a potential role in the disease progression. Conclusions: scRNA-seq technology could reveal intratumor cell heterogeneity in ulcerative colitis-associated colon cancer, and might provide a promising direction to seek the novel potential therapeutic targets in the evolution from IBD to CAC.
Long Non-Coding RNA LINC00663 Promotes Gliomagenesis and Progression
Authors: Pan Meichen , Shi Jingren , Yin Shangqi , Meng Huan , He Chaonan , Wang Yajie
Published: August 2020

Background: Glioma is the most frequent primary malignant brain tumor, characterized by high morbidity, high mortality and dismal prognosis. Numerous analyses have revealed the abnormal expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in glioma cells. This study aims to explore its role in glioma development and prognosis.Methods: The gene expression in cell lines were measured by qRT-PCR. The role of LINC00663 in glioma was confirmed by CCK8, EdU assay, transwell and western blot as well as by in vivo experiments. Besides, Pearson's correlation analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were also performed as needed.Results: Firstly, data from our preliminary work (NSFC NO. 81572474) showed that LINC00663 might be largely implicated in glioma. Meanwhile, LINC00663 upregulation confirmed in glioma predicted poor clinical outcomes. Functionally, LINC00663 knockdown restrained cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Mechanistic investigations validated that LINC00663 silencing decreased AKT activation in glioma cells.Conclusions: LINC00663 promotes glioma development and progression through regulating AKT pathway, suggesting LINC00663 as a probable target for glioma treatment.
Retrospective Analysis of Paraspinal Muscle-Splitting Microscopic-Assisted Discectomy Versus Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy on Patients in the Treatment of Far-Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Kong Lei , Zhang Wei-Zhi , Xu Hong-Guang
Published: August 2020

Background: Minimally invasive surgery includes percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and the microscopic tubular technique. This study aimed to compare the two techniques and evaluate the outcomes of the procedures.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with far-lateral lumbar disc herniation (FLLDH) from June 2015 to October 2018. Twenty-six patients underwent paraspinal muscle-splitting microscopic-assisted discectomy (MD) and 30 patients underwent percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) surgery by the same surgical team. Data included the duration of the operation, duration of intraoperative radiation exposure, and average duration of hospitalization. Pre- and postoperative pain scores and neurological functions were recorded using a visual analog scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI).Results: 56 patients remained in the study over the 12–24 months period. The mean operating time was 65.83 ± 16.64 min in the PELD group, mean duration of radiation exposure was 2.87 ± 1.19 min, and average of hospitalization was 3.43 days. The mean operating time was 44.96 ± 16.87 min in the MD group, duration of radiation exposure was 0.78 ± 0.32 min, and duration of hospitalization was 4.12 days. There were two patients with postoperative transient dysesthesia and one underwent reoperation 7 months after surgery in the PELD group. One patient had postoperative transient dysesthesia in the MD group. Except low back pain at 3 months (p >0.05), all patients in both groups showed significant improvement in VAS and ODI scores compared with pre-operation and until final follow-up (p<0.05). Although the learning curve of MD is shorter compared with the PELD, beginners should practice on cadavers and receive teaching demonstrations from senior surgeons.Conclusion: Both techniques are minimally invasive, effective, and safe for treating far-lateral lumbar disc herniation in selected patients. Compared with the PELD technique, the MD procedure offers a wider field of vision during operation, shorter operation time, fewer postoperative complications, and shorter learning curve.
Oral Cenesthopathy Proceeding Dementia With Lewy Body: A Case Report
Authors: Sawada Yuta , Konishi Yuki , Ikenouchi Atsuko , Yoshimura Reiji
Published: August 2020

Somatic hallucination is defined as the false sensation of an occurrence in the body. When the hallucination is grotesque and visceral, it is classified as a cenesthopathy (1). Cenesthopathy is likely influenced by culture; one study reported that, of the seven unique countries from which patients were recruited, those from Ghana and those with chronic schizophrenia were significantly more likely to report cenesthesia (2).
Phylogenetic and functional adaption of the gastrointestinal microbiome of goats kept at high altitude (4800 m) under intensive or extensive rearing conditions
Authors: Zhang Ke , He Chong , Xu Yangbin , Zhang Chenguang , Li Chao , Jing Xu , Wang Meili , Yang Yuxin , Suo Langda , Kalds Peter , Song Jiuzhou , Wang Xiaolong , Brugger Daniel , Wu Yujiang , Chen Yulin
Published: August 2020

Background: The gut microbiota composition is influenced by the diet as well as the environment in both wild and domestic animals. Although the rumen microbiome in herbivorous ruminants has been studied intensively, there is a lack of data regarding the simultaneous adaption of the rumen and hindgut metagenome as affected by different feeding systems in extreme environments. Therefore, we studied the effects of two feeding systems, grazing and drylot, on the rumen and hindgut microbiome composition of semi-feral Tibetan goats kept at high altitude (~4800 m). 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic analysis were conducted on DNA extracts from the contents and mucosal layer of different sections of the gastrointestinal tract (rumen, cecum, and colon).Results: Intensive drylot feeding resulted in significantly higher zootechnical performance, narrower ruminal acetate: propionate ratios and a drop in the average rumen pH at slaughter to ~5.04. In response, the ruminal microbiome of drylot goats expressed a significantly lower diversity compared to the grazing animals. Otherwise, hindgut microbial adaption appeared to more diverse in the drylot group suggesting a higher influx of undegraded complex non-starch polysaccharides from the rumen. Despite their higher fiber levels in the diet, grazing goats exhibited lower counts of Methanobrevibacter and genes associated with the hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis pathway, presumably reflecting the scarce dietary conditions (low energy density) when rearing goats on pasture from extreme alpine environments. These conditions appeared to promote a relevant abundance of bacitracin genes, which potentially benefits the host's adaption to harsh environmental conditions. In parallel, we recognized a significant increase in the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in the digestive tracts of drylot animals.Conclusion: In summary, this study provides a deeper insight in the phylogenetic and functional adaption of the gastrointestinal microbiome of goats subject to intensive drylot and extensive pasture rearing conditions at high altitude.
CbPLDγ gene from Chorispora bungeana: Gene cloning, characterization, expression, and expression analysis in drought
Authors: Yang Ning , Liu Bo , Yang Pengjun , Li Hui , Zhou Yaping
Published: August 2020

Background: Chorispora bungeana (C. bungeana) is a typical subnival alpine species, which shows high tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. Phospholipase D (PLD) is a crucial enzyme participated in membrane phospholipid catabolism. In this study, to explore the function of CbPLDγ in drought stress, we cloned and characterized a CbPLDγ gene, which is a part of CbPLD gene family and from C. bungeana.Methods: Use the gateway method for vector construction, using DNAstar software, PCR machine, centrifuge, pipette, electrophoresis, gel imaging system, spectrophotometer, confocal microscope, etc. Spss, Orgin software for statistical analysis.Results: The CbPLDγ gene encodes 859 amino acids containing "FIYIENQYF" domain and two HKD domains. Bioinformatics analyses showed that the CbPLDγ is highly homologous with PLDs from other plant species. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and Beta-glucuronidase (GUS) assay showed that CbPLDγ was accumulated dominantly in roots and stems. Compered with the control, the expression pattern of the CbPLDγ mRNA is in response to low temperature, salt, mannitol, and exogenous ABA have up-regulated. Subcellular localisation analysis showed that the CbPLDγ was localized in the cell membrane. Compared with wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana, CbPLDγ gene overexpression plants showed higher activities of antioxidant enzymes, and lower levels of malonidiadehyde content and electrolyte leakage under drought stress.Conclusions: In this study, novel PLDγ gene was amplification from C. bungeana and was called CbPLDγ. These confirmed that CbPLDγ involved in the response to drought stress, and has the potential to improve the drought tolerance of plants. This is the first report about cloning and characterizing the gene of CbPLDγ from C. bungeana. It laid a foundation for further research and improvement of the PLD gene family of C. bungeana.
Pharmacist Led Homeless Outreach Engagement and Non-Medical Independent Prescribing (Rx) (PHOENIx) Intervention for People Experiencing Homelessness: A Non- Randomised Feasibility Study
Authors: Lowrie Richard , Stock Kate , Lucey Sharon , Knapp Megan , Williamson Andrea , Montgomery Margaret , Lombard Cian , Maguire Donogh , Allan Rachael , Blair Rebecca , Paudyal Vibhu , Mair Frances S
Published: August 2020

BackgroundHomelessness and associated mortality and multimorbidity rates are increasing. Systematic reviews have failed to identify complex interventions that decrease unscheduled emergency health services utilisation or increase scheduled care. Better evidence is needed to inform policy responses. We examined the feasibility of a complex intervention (PHOENIx: Pharmacist led Homeless Outreach Engagement Nonmedical Independent prescribing (Rx)) to inform a subsequent pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT).MethodsNon-randomised trial with comparator group set in Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board, Scotland. Participants were adult inpatients experiencing homelessness in a city centre Glasgow hospital, at the point of hospital discharge. All patients were offered and agreed to receive serial consultations with the PHOENIx team (NHS Pharmacist prescriber working with Simon Community Scotland (third sector homeless charity worker). Patients who could not be reached by the PHOENIx team were allocated to the usual care (UC) group. The PHOENIx intervention included assessment of physical/mental health, addictions, housing, benefits and social activities followed by pharmacist prescribing with referral to other health service specialities as necessary. All participants received primary (including specialist homelessness health service general practitioner care, mental health and addictions services) and secondary care. Main outcome measures were rates of: recruitment; retention; uptake of the intervention; and completeness of collected data, from recruitment to censor date.Results Twenty four patients were offered and agreed to participate; 12 were reached and received the intervention as planned with a median 7.5 consultations (IQR3.0-14.2) per patient. The pharmacist prescribed a median of 2 new (IQR0.3-3.8) and 2 repeat (1.3-7.0) prescriptions per patient; 10(83%) received support for benefits, housing or advocacy. Twelve patients were not subsequently contactable after leaving hospital, despite agreeing to participate, and were assigned to UC. Two patients in the UC group died of drug/alcohol overdose during follow up; no patients in the Intervention group died. All 24 patients were retained in the intervention or UC group until death or censor date and all patient records were accessible at follow up: 11(92%) visited ED in both groups, with 11(92%) hospitalisations in intervention group, 9(75%) comparator group. Eight (67%) intervention group patients and 3(25%) comparator group patients attended scheduled out patient appointments. Conclusions Feasibility testing of the PHOENIx intervention suggests merit in a subsequent pilot RCT.
Circular RNA circ-PAN3 (hsa_circ_0100181) Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth Through Sponging miR-153 to Elevate Cyclin D1 Expression
Authors: Yu Shuo , Wang Min , Li Xu , Guo Xingjun , Qin Renyi
Published: August 2020

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are engaged in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, but the mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to unveil the expression pattern and potential biological mechanisms of a newly indentified circRNA, circ-PAN3, in HCC. Methods: Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK‐8) assay and colony formation assay were used to assess cell proliferation. Transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis and western blot analysis were used to determine the relative expression level of mRNA and protein, respectively. Cell apoptosis assay was used to evaluate the apoptosis rate of transfected cells. CircInteractome and Targetscan were utilized to predict the possible targets of circRNAs and miRNAs, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were used to assess the direct interaction of RNAs. HCC cancer xenograft model was used to evaluate the biological process of circ-PAN3 in vivo. Student’s t test, χ2 test or one-way ANOVA was adopted appropriately.Results: Circ-PAN3 was elevated in HCC tissues, and patients with high Circ-PAN3 expression had a poor survival outcome. Knockdown of circ-PAN3 expression suppressed cell viability, colony formation and cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Circ-PAN3 elevates cyclin D1 expression to promote HCC progression. Subsequently, using CircInteractome, miR-153 were confirmed to interact with circ-PAN3 and was downregulated by circ-PAN3. Further, using Targetscan, cyclin D1 was validated to interact with miR-153 and was downregulated by miR-153. Addition of miR-153 expression with corresponsive mimics significantly reduced the expression of cyclin D1. Notably, the inhibition of cell viability, colony formation and proliferation induced by knockdown of circ-PAN3 were recovered following the combination with miR-153 inhibitor, cyclin D1, respectively. Conclusion: Together, this study demonstrated that a novel circ-PAN3/miR-153/cyclin D1 axis regulatory axis that promoted HCC progression.
Spacecraft Pose Estimation Based on Different Camera Model
Authors: Mo Li-Dong , Chi Guan-Xin , Zhao Zhen-Qing
Published: August 2020

Spacecraft pose estimation is an important technology for spacecraft to maintain or change its orientation in space. For spacecraft pose estimation, when two spacecraft are relatively far away, the depth information of the space point is less than that of measuring distance, so that the camera model can be seen as a weak perspective projection model. In this paper, a spacecraft pose estimation algorithm based on four symmetrical points of the spacecraft outline is proposed. Analytical solution of spacecraft pose is obtained by solving the weak perspective projection model, which can meet the requirements of the measurement model when there is a long measurement distance. Optimal solution is obtained from the weak perspective projection model to the perspective projection model, which can meet the measurement requirement when the measuring distance is close. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can get better results even though the noise is large.
Effects of dietary licorice extract on serum Biochemical index, tissues antioxidant capacity and immunity function of weaned piglets
Authors: Ting You , Yong Tang Jia , Gang Jia , Mang Liu Guang , Gang Tian , Ling Chen Xiao , Yi Cai Jing , Bo Kang , Hua Zhao
Published: August 2020

Background: This study investigated the effects of dietary licorice extract (LE) on antioxidant capacity and immunity in weaned piglets. A total of 96 DLY (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) weaned piglets were randomly assigned to four treatments. The control group were fed a corn–soybean meal-based diet (basal diet, BD), and three LE level groups were fed on BD supplied with 50、150 and 250 mg/kg LE. The trial lasted 5 weeks. At day 35, six piglets per treatment were killed and blood, liver, spleen, and thymus were collected.Results: The result showed that: 1)Dietary LE increased (P < 0.05) activity of the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and reduced (P < 0.05) the activity of glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (AST), 50 mg / kg LE reduced (P < 0.05) total cholesterol (TC) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in serum. 2) The addition of 150 and 250 mg / kg LE increased (P < 0.05) glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in liver and spleen, increased (P < 0.05) the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum and spleen . 50 mg / kg LE increased (P < 0.05) the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in serum. Three doses of LE reduced (P < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde content (MDA). 3) 150 mg / kg LE increased (P < 0.05) serum IgG level. 4) Dietary LE down-regulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA levels of 7 immune-related genes (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1, ICAM-1) in the thymus; 50 mg / kg LE and 150 mg / kg LE down-regulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA levels of TNF-α, while 250 mg / kg LE up-regulated the mRNA levels of 2 inflammatory genes (IL-1β, and ICAM-1) in the spleen; three levels of LE down-regulated (P < 0.05 the mRNA levels of 3 inflammatory genes (IL-6, TNF-α, ICAM-1) in the liver.Conclusions: In summary, LE supplementation regulates the activity of serum biochemical enzyme, improves the antioxidant capacity and immune function of in serum, liver, spleen and thymus, those improvement may contributes to the promotion of growth performance of weaned piglets. In general, 150 mg / kg LE exhibits better effect.
Circulating microRNAs in Early Breast Cancer Patients and Its Association With Lymph Node Metastases
Authors: Escuin Daniel , López-Vilaró Laura , Bell Olga , Mora Josefina , Moral Antonio , Pérez-García José Ignacio , Cajal Teresa Ramón y , Arqueros Cristina , Lerma Enrique , Barnadas Agustí
Published: August 2020

Background: In recent years, miRNAs have emerged as important regulators of many cellular processes, including the various steps of the metastatic process. In addition, circulating miRNAs appear to be surprisingly stable in peripheral blood making them ideal noninvasive biomarkers for disease diagnosis. Here, we investigated the expression profile of circulating miRNAs and their association with the metastatic lymph node status in early breast cancer patients. Methods: We designed a proof-of-principle study using 16 plasma samples from patients with known sentinel lymph node status (n=12 positive and n=4 negative). We performed RNA-sequencing and validated the results by qPCR. Gene Ontology term enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses were carried out using DAVID tools.Results: We found16 differentially expressed miRNAs after adjusting for false discovery correction (q < 0.01) in patients with positive samples. Thirteen miRNAs were down-regulated (miR-339-5p, miR-133a-3p, miR-326, miR-331-3p, miR-369-3p, miR-328-3p, miR-26a-3p, miR-139-3p, miR-493-3p, miR-664a-5p, miR-323b-3pmiR-1307-3p and miR-423-3p) and 3 were up-regulated (miR-101-3p, miR-146a-5p and miR-144-3p). Hierarchical clustering using differentially expressed miRNAs clearly distinguished patients according to their lymph node status. We did not find any difference in the miRNA expression profile between plasma samples associated with macrometastasis or micrometastasis. The expression of 9 miRNAs was validated by qPCR. Moreover, gene ontology analysis showed a significant enrichment of biological processes associated with the regulation of the epithelial mesenchymal transition, cell proliferation and transcriptional regulation. Conclusions: Our results indicated the potential role of several circulating miRNAs as surrogate markers of lymph node metastases in early breast cancer patients. Further validation in a larger cohort of patients will be necessary to confirm our results.
The Value of Different Types of Economic and Budget Analysis for Informing Real World Decision Making: the Case of Cervical Cancer Screening in South Africa
Authors: Rensburg Craig van , Meyer-Rath Gesine , Campos Nicole G. , Miot Jacqui , Lince-Deroche Naomi
Published: August 2020

Objectives South Africa recently updated its cervical cancer screening policy, which we used as a case study to compare the outcomes of different methods of economic evaluation and their potential contributions to decision making.Methods We applied three evaluation methods – cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), budget impact analysis (BIA) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) – to six strategies for screening and treatment of cervical pre-cancer lesions in HIV-positive women. Strategies included screening with visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA); cytology, followed by colposcopic biopsy; and HPV DNA testing. Strategies also differed by number of visits for screening and management, and treatment (cryotherapy or LEEP). Results Ranking of strategies differed by evaluation method. HPV DNA testing with LEEP ranked highest in the CEA but had the largest budget impact. VIA 1- visit ranked highly across the methods. Cytology was dominated in the CEA but was more affordable than HPV DNA testing, and scored lowest on the MCDA despite being the method chosen in the policy for the scale up of services. Conclusions Standard economic evaluations often rely on CEA for priority setting. In our study, the difference in strategy rankings between the evaluation methods demonstrates the tension between CEA, budget constraints, and other decision-maker priorities. While MCDA may be best placed to offer multi-faceted input, it struggles to resolve this tension when policy decisions are made over a number of sequential steps.
Radiographic, Computed Tomographic and Cellular Phenotypic Features of Primary Nasal Transmissible Venereal Tumors in Four Dogs
Authors: Aslam Muhammad Waseem , Lau Seng Fong , Rani Puteri Azaziah Megat Abdul , Azahari Ikhwan Saufi Ahamad
Published: August 2020

Primary nasal canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) is a rare disease, developed by allografted transmission of neoplastic cells in the nasal cavity. The disease reported quite uncommonly in free roaming dogs with social behaviour of excessive licking and vigorously sniffing the affected parts of the other dogs in an endemic community. A non-resolving chronic epistaxis and/or serosanguinous discharge from nares is a common historical complaint. Usually, cytology of the nasal discharge/epistaxis or fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of nasal tissue is sufficient for definitive diagnosis. Currently, computed tomography scan (CT-scan) is the best modality to check the invasiveness of the disease and perform modified Adams staging of canine nasal tumors. In present study, all four dogs have stage-4 nasal tumors, due to the complete or partial lysis of the cribriform plate and lymphocytoid plasmacytoid (mixed) phenotype of the neoplastic cells based on the cellularity of cytological samples. All four dogs responded well to five cycles of vincristine sulphate and recovered completely from presented clinical signs. Prognosis is good based on the findings of present study.
Curative Evaluation of Biological Control Agents and Synthetic Fungicides for Clarireedia jacksonii
Authors: Marvin Jeffery W. , Kerr Robert Andrew , McCarty Lambert B. , Bridges William , Martin S. Bruce , Wells Christina E.
Published: August 2020

Clarireedia jacksonii sp. nov. formerly Sclerotinia homoeocarpa F.T. Bennett, one of the causal agents of dollar spot, is the most widespread pathogen in turfgrass systems. Dollar spot (DS) affects both cool- and warm-season grasses, during a wide range of environmental conditions. Field studies were conducted at Clemson University, Clemson, SC, on a creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds) cv. Crenshaw] putting green for 2 consecutive years from August to October in year 1 and July to September in year 2. The objective of the studies was to evaluate biological control agents (BCAs) and synthetic fungicides at reduced rates for their efficacy controlling dollar spot. Four replications of 1.5 × 1.5-m plots were used in the experimental design. Treatments included the following: Bacillus subtilis (BS); plant extract oils (EO) including clove oil + wintergreen oil + thyme oil; extract of Reynoutria sachalinensis (RS); Bacillus licheniformis (BL); chlorothalonil (CL); and azoxystrobin + propiconazole (AzP). Synthetic fungicides were used at reduced rates in combination with biological control agents, to evaluate curative control efficacy of various combinations. All reduced synthetic programs, except CL + EO, provided acceptable disease severity (≤15%) at the end of year 1 and acceptable (≥7) turfgrass visual quality. Azoxystrobin + propiconazole, CL, AzP + BL, AzP + EO, AzP + BS all provided ≤15% disease severity and ≥7 visual turfgrass quality 14 days after the last application in year 2.
Integrating Assessment and Performance Measurement: A Case of an Academic Course for Quality Improvement Actions at a Saudi University
Authors: MOHİUDDİN Khalid , ISLAM Mohammad Aminul , TALUKDER Shahrear , ALGHOBIRI Mohammed A , MİLADİ Mohamed Nadhmi , AHMED Ahmed
Published: August 2020

This study aims to assess and measure students’ performances using course-key performance indicators (course-KPIs) in an academic course at a Saudi university. The approach includes three aspects of assessment (i) integrating course components and correlating course learning objectives with the program learning domain, (ii) course evaluation using rubrics, and (iii) performance mesurement using a scientific method. Moreover, it presents a novel approach for performance measurement of the course learning skills. In this study, a course has been taken to demonstrate how the KPIs are measured for evaluating students’ performances. This approach relies on several specific documents that are developed for the course delivery by following the National Qualification Framework (NQF) in Saudi Arabia and the guidelines of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The performance evaluation outcomes are useful indicators that guide the teachers to improve course learning skills. It also helps the teachers in the quality delivery of the courses and ensures continuous improvement in learning and teaching. This study concludes with an emphasis on the measuring performance using course-KPIs which can be adopted for quality improvement for any academic course in higher education irrespective of data size.
Mal y Belleza en la Summa Halensis: ¿cooperación u oposición?
Authors: Costarelli Brandi Hugo
Published: August 2020

La especulación filosófica suele observar que lo feo y el mal carecen de entidad y que sólo pueden ser considerados como una belleza y bondad menguadas. Sin embargo, esta disminución entitativa no constituye sólo una carencia, sino que además puede ofrecer en sí la posibilidad de una belleza y un bien mayores. En este sentido, pensar la belleza del mal no ha constituido para muchos autores antiguos y medievales una imposibilidad lógica, sino por el contrario una nueva manera de hablar de la Belleza del Universo. Este ha sido el parecer agustino y dionisiano, y es también el que asume la conocida Summa Halensis, aunque desde una óptica cuya originalidad radica en la integración de esas tradiciones. Analizar cómo la Summa Halensis entiende que la belleza es capaz de integrar a lo malo, es la intención del presente trabajo.
Francisco Suárez, ¿un científico renacentista? Estado de la cuestión en términos de aproximación bibliográfica
Authors: Felipe Mendoza José María
Published: August 2020

El presente trabajo desarrolla una breve introducción a la ausencia u obscurecimiento de la doctrina epistémica de Francisco Suárez bajo una triple restricción especulativa: 1. se referirá exclusivamente a las investigaciones contemporáneas sobre el pensamiento de Suárez, donde se observarían sugerencias y consideraciones generales sobre su epistemología; 2. a las Disputaciones Metafísicas, y a los filósofos y teólogos allí consignados, y en derredor de ello, a la conflictiva relación doctrinal con Tomás de Aquino y su vinculación con Duns Escoto. A su vez tales consideraciones quedarán expuestas al modo de una pesquisa siempre inconclusa, en la medida en que es imposible dar cuenta de la significativa investigación actual en todos sus matices.
Analysis of the integrated reporting use in EU countries
Authors: Bochenek Magdalena
Published: August 2020

Integrated reporting (IR) is an important element in the development of corporate reporting in the European Union (EU). It turns out that stakeholders need not only financial but also non-financial information about the company. Due to changes in the environment, the role of CSR is growing. Enterprises undertake more and more pro-social and pro-environmental activities. European countries and organizations introduce regulations and recommendations that are to improve and standardize IR. The article aims to present IR within the EU and analyze the relationship between the number of reports prepared and the welfare of individual countries. Research methods used in the article are study by action, statistical technique, and critical analysis of literature. The development of IR in the EU is briefly described. It was also analyzed whether there is a correlation between the popularity of IR in a country and its wealth. A high correlation was found between the wealth of a given country and the number of integrated reports prepared. The wealthier the country, the more integrated reports are made there. There is a big difference in the popularity of IR between the EU countries which joined the EU before 2004 and those in the EU from 2004 or later. More than 200 integrated reports are prepared in the countries that joined the EU before 2004 than in the countries that joined the EU in 2004 or later. Although the popularity of IR is growing steadily, there are still a few EU countries where integrated reports are hardly ever present.
A Interação entre as Universidades e o Empreendedorismo
Authors: Bussler Nairana Radtke Caneppele , Storopoli José Eduardo , Martens Cristina Dai Prá , Nassif Vânia Maria Jorge
Published: August 2020

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a interação entre as universidades e o empreendedorismo a partir da relação com a indústria e o conhecimento desenvolvido, por meio de mapeamento científico. Os dados coletados foram de fonte secundária por se tratar de uma pesquisa bibliométrica. A seleção da amostra foi realizada por meio de palavras-chave descritas na base Scopus, sendo elas “knowledg*”, “universit*”, “industr*” e “entrepreneur*”, gerando 249 artigos do período compreendido entre 2009 a 2017. Empregou-se técnicas de bibliometria, especificamente análise de cocitação, acoplamento e coocorrência bibliográfica. As principais contribuições do estudo estão relacionadas a identificação do que já foi abordado, e quais são os campos em ascensão de publicações sobre a relação entre universidades e empreendedorismo.  Compreende-se que o processo empreendedor acadêmico se origina com a motivação dos professores, da universidade, das indústrias e do governo, além do engajamento dos alunos com o objetivo de disseminar e comercializar o conhecimento que se origina dentro do ambiente universitário, por meio de atividades e ferramentas que não podem existir isoladamente sem estarem relacionadas com essas instâncias.
Estudo Comparativo do Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal e Índice Firjan de Desenvolvimento Municipal na Região Metropolitana do Vale do Paraíba - SP
Authors: Fuzaro Paulo Alexandre , Carniello Monica Franchi
Published: August 2020

Os índices de desenvolvimento municipais fundamentam a tomada de decisão de gestores públicos para implementação de políticas públicas e direcionamento de recursos. O uso de métodos distintos para composição dos índices pode gerar resultados diferentes, que nortearão os processos decisórios. O objetivo geral foi comparar os índices – IDH-M e IFDM – dos 39 municípios da RMVale e explorar suas variáveis, de maneira a destacar os municípios e sub-regiões que mais se distinguem da média. Para atingir o objetivo proposto, foi utilizado o software SPSS 25, pautando da análise de estatística descritiva, representado por meio de gráficos de dispersão e tabelas para a visualização dos dados de pesquisa analisados por meio da metodologia quantitativa. Os resultados obtidos identificaram pelo menos cinco municípios em cada área do desenvolvimento humano que se destacaram da média tanto para cima, quanto para baixo. De igual modo, foram identificados três sub-regiões mais vulneráveis e duas sub-regiões com boa avaliação de forma geral. Como conclusão, os resultados apontam que identificar sub-regiões vulneráveis e propor solução generalistas constitui uma fragilidade, pois existem municípios muito bem avaliados em regiões vulneráveis, da mesma forma que existem municípios vulneráveis em sub-regiões bem avaliadas, aspectos que devem ser considerados em uma política regional. Resultados mostram, ainda, que devem ser consideradas o estudo isolado das áreas do desenvolvimento humano para identificar as vulnerabilidades e desigualdades de cada área.
Sustainability and risk assessment matrix (SRAM): pathway to water security
Authors: Odjegba Enovwo , Oluwasanya Grace , Sadiq Adebayo , Brion Gail
Published: August 2020

Water security, as a Sustainable Development Goal, ensures that sustainable water supply is consistently available to every individual. A water supply systems (WSS) assessment matrix was designed as a tool for assessing WSS in low-income countries; with selected urban, peri-urban and rural Nigerian communities as case studies. Sustainability of the WSS was assessed through established criteria against five sustainability factors. Sanitary surveys were conducted to evaluate the risks associated with the WSS using sanitary inspection forms, through which the sanitary risk scores (SRS) were derived. For sustainability, the WSS were ranked as Very High, High, Medium and Low Sustainability, and for SRS as Very High, High, Intermediate and Low Risk. A Sustainability and Risk Assessment Matrix (SRAM) was designed using sustainability evaluation and risk assessment for the WSS. The WSS in the rural areas are more ‘Secure’ than those in urban and peri-urban towns, and boreholes are more ‘Secure’ than hand-dug wells, but none of the public water points are scored ‘Secure’. The paper concludes that SRAM provides a cost-effective method of classification and may serve as a pre-water quality and source sustainability assessment tool, especially in low-income countries, as part of the measures to achieve water security.