bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells alleviate osteoarthritis of the knee in mice model by interacting with METTL3 to reduce m6A of NLRP3 in macrophage
Authors: Zhou Hao , Shen Xun , Yan Chen , Xiong Wu , Ma Zemeng , Tan Zhenggang , Wang Jinwen , Li Yao , Liu Jiuxiang , Duan Ao , Liu Feng
Published: July 2022

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that not only significantly impairs the quality of life of middle-aged and elderly individuals but also imposes a significant financial burden on patients and society. Due to their significant biological properties, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have steadily received great attention in OA treatment. This study aimed to investigate the influence of EVs on chondrocyte proliferation, migration, and apoptosis and their protective efficacy against OA in mice.

Methods

The protective impact of EVs derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs-EVs) on OA in mice was investigated by establishing a mouse OA model by surgically destabilizing the medial meniscus (DMM). Human chondrocytes were isolated from the cartilage of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and cultured with THP-1 cells to mimic the in vivo inflammatory environment. Levels of inflammatory factors were then determined in different groups, and the impacts of EVs on chondrocyte proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism were explored. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) level of mRNA and methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) protein expression in the cells was also measured in addition to microRNA analysis to elucidate the molecular mechanism of exosomal therapy.

Results

The results indicated that hucMSCs-EVs slowed OA progression, decreased osteophyte production, increased COL2A1 and Aggrecan expression, and inhibited ADAMTS5 and MMP13 overexpression in the knee joint of mice via decreasing pro-inflammatory factor secretion. The in vitro cell line analysis revealed that EVs enhanced chondrocyte proliferation and migration while inhibiting apoptosis. METTL3 is responsible for these protective effects. Further investigations revealed that EVs decreased the m6A level of NLRP3 mRNA following miR-1208 targeted binding to METTL3, resulting in decreased inflammatory factor release and preventing OA progression.

Conclusion

This study concluded that hucMSCs-EVs inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors and the degradation of cartilage ECM after lowering the m6A level of NLRP3 mRNA with miR-1208 targeting combined with METTL3, thereby alleviating OA progression in mice and providing a novel therapy for clinical OA treatment.
Prostaglandin E1 reduces apoptosis and improves the homing of mesenchymal stem cells in pulmonary arterial hypertension by regulating hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha
Authors: Jiang De-Tian , Tuo Lei , Bai Xiao , Bing Wei-Dong , Qu Qing-Xi , Zhao Xin , Song Guang-Min , Bi Yan-Wen , Sun Wen-Yu
Published: July 2022

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with oxidative stress and affects the survival and homing of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as well as cytokine secretion by the MSCs, thereby altering their therapeutic potential. In this study, we preconditioned the MSCs with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and performed in vitro and in vivo cell experiments to evaluate the therapeutic effects of MSCs in rats with PAH.

Methods

We studied the relationship between PGE1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression, and C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression in MSCs and MSC apoptosis as well as migration through the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway in vitro. The experimental rats were randomly divided into five groups: (I) control group, (II) monocrotaline (MCT) group, (III) MCT + non-preconditioned (Non-PC) MSC group, (IV) MCT + PGE1-preconditioned (PGE1-PC) MSC group, and (V) MCT+PGE1+YC-1-PCMSC group. We studied methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) levels, MSC homing to rat lungs, mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy index, wall thickness index (%WT), and relative wall area index (%WA) of rat pulmonary arterioles.

Results

Preconditioning with PGE1 increased the protein levels of HIF-1 alpha (HIF-1α) in MSCs, which can reduce MSC apoptosis and increase the protein levels of CXCR4, MSC migration, and vascular endothelial growth factor secretion. Upon injection with PGE1-PCMSCs, the pulmonary artery systolic pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy index, %WT, and %WA decreased in rats with PAH. PGE1-PCMSCs exhibited better therapeutic effects than non-PCMSCs. Interestingly, lificiguat (YC-1), an inhibitor of the HIF pathway, blocked the effects of PGE1 preconditioning.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that PGE1 modulates the properties of MSCs by regulating the HIF pathway, providing insights into the mechanism by which PGE1 preconditioning can be used to improve the therapeutic potential of MSCs in PAH.
Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis on the associations between shift work and sickness absence
Authors: Sunde Erlend , Harris Anette , Nielsen Morten Birkeland , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Lie Stein Atle , Holmelid Øystein , Vedaa Øystein , Waage Siri , Pallesen Ståle
Published: July 2022

Background

Shift work, i.e., non-standard work hours, has been associated with both short- and long-term sickness absence. However, findings are inconsistent and inconclusive. Thus far, no comprehensive meta-analytic synthesis on the relationship between shift work and sickness absence has been published. The aims of the planned systematic review and meta-analysis are (1) to establish whether shift work is associated with sickness absence, (2) to determine if specific shift work characteristics relate to sickness absence (e.g., length and frequency of spells), and (3) to identify moderating factors affecting the relationship between shift work and sickness absence.

Methods

Eligible studies will be identified using a predefined search strategy in several electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsychInfo, EMBASE, and ProQuest) and comprise peer-reviewed papers reporting original empirical findings on the association between shift work and sickness absence. Mainly observational studies with cross-sectional, prospective, or retrospective research design and case-control studies will be included. Risk of bias will be assessed using an adapted checklist previously employed to evaluate studies on sickness absence. To carry out the meta-analytic synthesis, a random effects meta-analysis will be conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The review and meta-analysis will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Heterogeneity will be evaluated by Cochran’s Q test and the I2 statistics.

Discussion

The review and meta-analysis will be the first to conduct a meta-analytic synthesis of the evidence on the association between exposure to shift work and sickness absence, as well as identify relevant moderators affecting the relationship between shift work and sickness absence. Aggregation of the existing evidence will improve the knowledge on the association between shift work and sickness absence. Such knowledge can be used to guide scheduling of shift work to promote work schedules that are less detrimental to health and contribute to reduced sickness absence and higher work- and leisure-time productivity.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42022301200
COLGALT1 is a potential biomarker for predicting prognosis and immune responses for kidney renal clear cell carcinoma and its mechanisms of ceRNA networks
Authors: Liu Shiwei , Yu Yang , Wang Yi , Zhu Bingye , Han Bangmin
Published: July 2022

Background

As precision medicine gradually played an inaccessible role in cancer treatment, there was an urgent need to explore biomarkers or signatures for predicting cancer prognosis. Currently, little was known about the associations between COLGALT1 and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Hence, this study was performed to reveal its roles in KIRC and to identify potential mechanisms of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks.

Methods

R 4.1.1 software was utilized to conduct bioinformatics analyses with the data derived from online databases. Difference analysis, survival analysis, univariate/multivariate cox regression analysis and correlation analysis were carried out successively in this article. Besides, we also investigated potential effects and mechanisms of COLGALT1 in KIRC.

Results

COLGALT1 expression was overexpressed in KIRC samples compared with the normal samples and it was associated with poor OS (P < 0.001). COLGALT1 was also found to be significantly related to clinicopathological characteristics such as grade, T, N, M, stage and Cox regression analysis with univariate and multivariate data suggested it might be an independent prognostic parameter in KIRC (P < 0.001). Furthermore, Seven significantly enriched pathways were identified. Interestingly, correlation analyses revealed an association between COLGALT1 and microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor mutational burden (TMB) and immunity (P < 0.001). In addition, we used TIDE and TCIA databases to predict the immune response of COLGALT1 in KIRC and it suggested low expression of COLGALT1 is more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. Besides, we identified a ceRNA network of SLC16A1-AS1/hsa-mir-502-3p/COLGALT1 for its potential mechanism. Finally, experiments in vitro indicated that COLGALT1 was significantly related to cell proliferation.

Conclusions

COLGALT1 could act as a valid immune-related prognostic indicator for KIRC and participated in a ceRNA network of SLC16A1-AS1/hsa-mir-502-3p/COLGALT1, offering one potential biomarker to investigate the mechanism and clinical therapeutic value of KIRC.
MiR-199a/b-3p inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion through targeting PAK4 and BCAR3
Authors: Hou Junjie , Mi Xuguang , Liu Ning , Li Xiaonan , Li Xiao-nan , Yang Ying , Lu Xiaodan , Fang Yanqiu , Jin Ning-Yi
Published: July 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. P21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and Breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance 3 (BCAR3) have been reported to be involved in numerous aspects in tumorous progression. In this study, we propose to screen multi-targeted microRNAs. (miRNAs), which simultaneously inhibit neoplastic evolution through suppressing the transcription of target genes.

Methods

MTT and Colony formation assays measured cell’s viability and proliferation. Scratch wound and Transwell assays detected the ability in migration and invasion for SW116 cells. The multi-targeted microRNAs of PAK4 and BCAR3 were predicted using bioinformatics analysis and verified by conducting dual luciferase reporter assay, western blot and qRT-PCR that could detect the expression levels of miR-199a/b-3p.

Results

The knockdown of PAK4 significantly impeded proliferation and colony formation of SW1116 cells when the knockdown of BCAR3 hindered migration and invasion of SW1116 cells. MiR-199a/b-3p directly targeted the 3'-UTR of PAK4 and BCAR3, further effected proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of SW1116 cells. PAK4 or BCAR3 overexpression could partially reversed inhibitory effects of miR-199a/b-3p.

Conclusions

These results provided a new multi-targeted cite for cancerous suppressant to improve the prognosis of CRC inpatients.
Reduced chemodiversity suppresses rhizosphere microbiome functioning in the mono-cropped agroecosystems
Authors: Li Pengfa , Liu Jia , Saleem Muhammad , Li Guilong , Luan Lu , Wu Meng , Li Zhongpei
Published: July 2022

Background

Rhizodeposits regulate rhizosphere interactions, processes, nutrient and energy flow, and plant-microbe communication and thus play a vital role in maintaining soil and plant health. However, it remains unclear whether and how alteration in belowground carbon allocation and chemodiversity of rhizodeposits influences microbiome functioning in the rhizosphere ecosystems. To address this research gap, we investigated the relationship of rhizosphere carbon allocation and chemodiversity with microbiome biodiversity and functioning during peanut (Arachis hypogaea) continuous mono-cropping. After continuously labeling plants with 13CO2, we studied the chemodiversity and composition of rhizodeposits, along with the composition and diversity of active rhizosphere microbiome using metabolomic, amplicon, and shotgun metagenomic sequencing approaches based on DNA stable-isotope probing (DNA-SIP).

Results

Our results indicated that enrichment and depletion of rhizodeposits and active microbial taxa varied across plant growth stages and cropping durations. Specifically, a gradual decrease in the rhizosphere carbon allocation, chemodiversity, biodiversity and abundance of plant-beneficial taxa (such as Gemmatimonas, Streptomyces, Ramlibacter, and Lysobacter), and functional gene pathways (such as quorum sensing and biosynthesis of antibiotics) was observed with years of mono-cropping. We detected significant and strong correlations between rhizodeposits and rhizosphere microbiome biodiversity and functioning, though these were regulated by different ecological processes. For instance, rhizodeposits and active bacterial communities were mainly governed by deterministic and stochastic processes, respectively. Overall, the reduction in carbon deposition and chemodiversity during peanut continuous mono-cropping tended to suppress microbial biodiversity and its functions in the rhizosphere ecosystem.

Conclusions

Our results, for the first time, provide the evidence underlying the mechanism of rhizosphere microbiome malfunctioning in mono-cropped systems. Our study opens new avenues to deeply disentangle the complex plant-microbe interactions from the perspective of rhizodeposits chemodiversity and composition and will serve to guide future microbiome research for improving the functioning and services of soil ecosystems.
DNA methylation alterations across time and space in paediatric brain tumours
Authors: Wenger Anna , Ferreyra Vega Sandra , Schepke Elizabeth , Löfgren Maja , Olsson Bontell Thomas , Tisell Magnus , Nilsson Daniel , Kling Teresia , Carén Helena
Published: July 2022

DNA methylation is increasingly used for tumour classification and has expanded upon the > 100 currently known brain tumour entities. A correct diagnosis is the basis for suitable treatment for patients with brain tumours, which is the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. DNA methylation profiling is required for diagnosis of certain tumours, and used clinically for paediatric brain tumours in several countries. We therefore evaluated if the methylation-based classification is robust in different locations of the same tumour, and determined how the methylation pattern changed over time to relapse. We sampled 3–7 spatially separated biopsies per patient, and collected samples from paired primary and relapse brain tumours from children. Altogether, 121 samples from 46 paediatric patients with brain tumours were profiled with EPIC methylation arrays. The methylation-based classification was mainly homogeneous for all included tumour types that were successfully classified, which is promising for clinical diagnostics. There were indications of multiple subclasses within tumours and switches in the relapse setting, but not confirmed as the classification scores were below the threshold. Site-specific methylation alterations did occur within the tumours and varied significantly between tumour types for the temporal samples, and as a trend in spatial samples. More alterations were present in high-grade tumours compared to low-grade, and significantly more alterations with longer relapse times. The alterations in the spatial and temporal samples were significantly depleted in CpG islands, exons and transcription start sites, while enriched in OpenSea and regions not affiliated with a gene, suggesting a random location of the alterations in less conserved regions. In conclusion, more DNA methylation changes accumulated over time and more alterations occurred in high-grade tumours. The alterations mainly occurred in regions without gene affiliation, and did not affect the methylation-based classification, which largely remained homogeneous in paediatric brain tumours.
Tracheostomy decannulation protocol in patients with prolonged tracheostomy referred to a rehabilitation hospital: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Ting , Wang Jianjun , Zhang Chenxi , Zhang Bin , Guo Haiming , Yang Bo , Li Qing , Ge Jingyi , Li Yi , Niu Guangyu , Gao Hua , Jiang Hongying
Published: July 2022

Background

The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of a standardized tracheostomy decannulation protocol in patients with prolonged tracheostomy referred to a rehabilitation hospital.

Methods

This prospective cohort study recruited conscious patients with prolonged tracheostomy who were referred to the pulmonary rehabilitation department of a tertiary rehabilitation hospital between January 2019 and December 2021. A pulmonary rehabilitation team used a standardized tracheostomy decannulation protocol developed by the authors. The primary outcome was the success rate of decannulation. Secondary outcomes included decannulation time from referral and reintubation rate after a follow-up of 3 months.

Results

Of the 115 patients referred for weaning from mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy decannulation over the study period, 80.0% (92/115) were finally evaluated for tracheostomy decannulation. The mean time of tracheostomy in patients transferred to our department was 70.6 days. After assessment by a multidisciplinary team, 57 patients met all the decannulation indications and underwent decannulation. Fifty-six cases were successful, and 1 case was intubated again. The median time to decannulation after referral was 42.7 days. Reintubation after a follow-up of 3 months did not occur in any patients.

Conclusions

A standardized tracheostomy decannulation protocol implemented by a pulmonary rehabilitation team is associated with successful tracheostomy decannulation in patients with prolonged tracheostomy. Not every tracheostomy patient must undergo upper airway endoscopy before decannulation. Tolerance of speaking valve continuously for 4 h can be used as an alternative means for tube occlusion. A swallow assessment was used to evaluate the feeding mode and did not affect the final decision to decannulate.

Trial registration: 2018bkky-121.
Impact of machined versus structured implant shoulder designs on crestal bone level changes: a randomized, controlled, multicenter study
Authors: Rothamel Daniel , Heinz Maria , Ferrari Daniel , Eissing Alfons , Holtmann Henrik , Schorn Lara , Fienitz Tim
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The collar region of an implant is its connection to the oral cavity. A balance between osseointegration on one hand and the absence of plaque accumulation on the other hand is necessary for successful implantation. It is yet to be determined which implant collar design, polished or rough, is best to stabilize the crestal bone level, avoiding peri-implantitis and subsequent risk of implant loss. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the architecture of the collar region on marginal bone and soft tissue response.

Methods

This prospective, randomized, clinically controlled multicenter study included 58 patients undergoing dental implant treatment using a pair of dental implants with either machined or rough-surfaced shoulder regions. Patients were clinically and radiologically examined for bone level height and signs of inflammation after 6, 12 and 24 months.

Results

No implant was lost within the 2 years of follow-up (100% survival rate). No significant differences on crestal bone loss (machined neck: 0.61 mm ± 0.28 mm, rough neck 0.58 mm ± 0.24 mm) and on soft tissue response (probing depth 3–6 mm with bleeding on probing 7.6% in machined-neck implants and in 8.3% in rough neck implants) were observed between implants with machined and roughened neck after 2 years.

Conclusions

Machined and roughened neck implants achieved equally good results concerning peri-implant bone loss, the rate of peri-implantitis and implant survival rate/hard and soft tissue integration. None of the two collar designs showed a clear advantage in peri-implant reaction.

Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register, DKRS00029033. Registered 09 May 2022—Retrospectively registered, http://www.dkrs.de
A Validated Injury Surveillance and Monitoring Tool for Fast Jet Aircrew: Translating Sports Medicine Paradigms to a Military Population
Authors: Wallace James , Osmotherly Peter , Gabbett Tim , Spratford Wayne , Niyonsenga Theo , Newman Phil
Published: July 2022

Background

Military populations, including fast jet aircrew (FJA - aka fighter aircrew/pilots), commonly suffer from musculoskeletal complaints, which reduce performance and operational capability. Valid surveillance tools and agreed recordable injury definitions are lacking. Our objective was to develop and then evaluate the validity of a musculoskeletal complaints surveillance and monitoring tool for FJA.

Methods

A Delphi study with international experts sought consensus on recordable injury definitions and important content for use in a surveillance and monitoring tool for FJA. Using these results and feedback from end-users (FJA), the University of Canberra Fast Jet Aircrew Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (UC-FJAMQ) was developed. Following its use with 306 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) FJA over 4 × five-month reporting periods, validity of the UC-FJAMQ was evaluated via multi-level factor analysis (MFA) and compared with routine methods of injury surveillance.

Results

Consensus was achieved for: eight words/descriptors for defining a musculoskeletal complaint; six definitions of recordable injury; and 14 domains important for determining overall severity. The UC-FJAMQ was developed and refined. MFA identified three distinct dimensions within the 11 items used to determine severity: operational capability, symptoms, and care-seeking. MFA further highlighted that symptom severity and seeking medical attention were poor indicators of the impact musculoskeletal complaints have upon operational capability. One hundred and fifty-two episodes of time loss were identified, with the UC-FJAMQ identifying 79% of these, while routine methods identified 49%. Despite modest weekly reporting rates (61%), the UC-FJAMQ outperformed routine surveillance methods.

Conclusions

The UC-FJAMQ was developed to specifically address the complexities of injury surveillance with FJA, which are similar to those noted in other military and sporting populations. The results demonstrated the UC-FJAMQ to be sensitive and valid within a large group of FJA over 4 × five-month reporting periods. Adoption of consistent, sensitive, and valid surveillance methods will strengthen the FJA injury prevention literature, ultimately enhancing their health, performance, and operational capability.
Relationship between gene expression profile class and tumor thickness regression after plaque brachytherapy for choroidal melanoma
Authors: Sharma Arjun , Mignano John E. , Duker Jay S.
Published: July 2022

Background and objective

To examine the relationship between gene expression profile class and tumor thickness reduction as measured by ultrasonography in response to plaque brachytherapy using a single-center, retrospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 15 patients with choroidal melanoma who underwent biopsy for gene expression profiling and were treated with plaque brachytherapy from a single institution from 12/8/14 through 12/19/19 were retrospectively reviewed for clinical characteristics and rate of tumor regression. Ultrasonographic B-scan tumor height was recorded just prior to plaque placement and following plaque removal in the patient’s chart to assess percent reduction in tumor thickness from baseline.

Results

A total of 15 patients met inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this study. Minimum follow-up was 6 months after plaque removal. The percent regression in tumor thickness from baseline as measured by ultrasonography was greater for class 2 tumors than for class 1 tumors at 12-month follow up after treatment, and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.012). There was no statistical significance in reduction at 3 months (P = 0.46) and 9 months (P = 0.10) after plaque brachytherapy. Although not statistically significant, class 2 tumors appeared to regress more rapidly than class 1 tumors in response to radiation.

Conclusions

In this study, class 2 choroidal melanoma tumors show a more rapid anatomic response to treatment than class 1 tumors at 12 months post plaque brachytherapy.
Detection of inadvertent passage of guide wire into the false lumen during thoracic endovascular aortic repair of Type B aortic dissection by transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Eissa Mohamed , Mir-Ghassemi Asadollah , Nagpal Sudhir , Talab Hesham F.
Published: July 2022

Background

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become a widely accepted treatment strategy for patients with thoracic aortic pathologies. We present a case of TEVAR where transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) played a crucial role for adequate placement of an endovascular stent graft.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old male received TEVAR for type B aortic dissection. TEE detected both true/false lumens with an intimal tear. A guidewire was inserted into the descending aorta via the left femoral artery; however, angiography failed to identify the precise location of the tip of the guidewire. TEE detected the guide wire passing through the intimal tear into the false lumen, promoted the surgeon to manipulate and advance it to the true lumen, followed by placement of a stent graft. The patient was hemodynamically stable through the whole procedure.

Conclusion

TEE was crucially important for detecting the precise location of the guidewire and preventing complications during TEVAR.
Diagnosis and management of intraoperative thyroid storm in a child with undiagnosed Graves’ disease: a case report
Authors: Schaefer Amanda W. , Solorzano Pedro J. , Mavarez Ana C. , Muñoz-Monaco Gustavo M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Thyroid storm is a life-threatening manifestation of thyrotoxicosis and presents with fever, diaphoresis, tachycardia, hypertension, and widened pulse pressure.

Case presentation

We present a case of intraoperative thyroid storm in a 12-year-old female undergoing posterior spinal fusion. Despite adequate depth of anesthesia and analgesia, the patient was persistently tachycardic and hypertensive. The surgical procedure was uneventful. A thyroid panel drawn immediately after surgery showed undetectable thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and high free thyroxine (T4) consistent with thyroid storm.

Conclusions

Intraoperative thyroid storm in a pediatric patient is extremely rare with nonspecific clinical symptoms. Low to undetectable TSH and elevated free T4 is diagnostic.
The engagement of students when learning to use a personal audio classifier to control robot cars in a computational thinking board game
Authors: Hsu Ting-Chia , Chen Mu-Sheng
Published: July 2022

This research explored the creative thinking, learning achievement, and engagement of students when they integrated the application of the personal audio classifier (PAC) into the competition of a computational thinking (CT) board game (i.e., the experimental group), or did not integrate it into the competition but only collaborated with peers to test the function of the program which they had developed (i.e., the control group). The students had experienced popular speech recognition usage in their daily life, such as Siri and Google Assistant; therefore, this study developed instructional material for university freshmen to learn to develop their own artificial intelligence (AI) application (app) on a smart phone with PAC in MIT App Inventor. The PAC platform and the learning material cultivated students to train their own voice classification model, which is a form of supervised machine learning in the AI domain. The results showed that both groups, who had successfully trained computers to distinguish received voice commands with PAC receiving the human voice spectrogram via the cloud platform developed by MIT, made significant progress in their learning effectiveness in AI education. When the students employed the AI app on smartphones in the CT board game, the students’ voice commands could be classified, and then the corresponding command could be executed through the program to control the action of the robot car on the map, regardless of whether they were competing or not. This study not only successfully provided the students with simple AI learning material, but also cultivated their creative thinking, as identified in the survey of the computational thinking self-efficacy scale. During the process of completing a mobile phone application with AI, students should know and use the function of voice classification to achieve goals and expand their cognition of AI applications. This study concluded that the AI learning material for general students rather than students in the department of computer science facilitated the students’ engagement.
Characterization of a small molecule modulator of inflammatory cytokine production
Authors: Kudchodkar Sagar B , Fagone Paolo , Kawalekar Omkar U , Jeong Moonsup , Roberts Christine C , Lee Hyojin , Cho Youngran , Gil Areum , Oh Yeeun , Jeon Bohyun , Park Gee Ho , Park Young K , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Maslow Joel N , Muthumani Kar
Published: July 2022

In the present study, the effect(s) of the immunomodulatory drug GLS-1027 on various cell types involved in inflammation were investigated. GLS-1027 reduced LPS-stimulated secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by macrophage or monocytic cells and cell lines. This reduction was likely due in part to decreased activation of NF-κB family transcription factors and inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling in GLS-1027-treated cells. Independent from its effects on macrophages, GLS-1027 inhibited dendritic cell maturation and differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells, reducing the production of typical pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with both processes. In vivo administration of GLS-1027 prevented the development of type 1 diabetes in NOD mice which correlated with reduced serum levels of IL17A in GLS-1027 treated animals and reduced ex vivo production of IL17A from both spleen and lymph-node cells. Overall, our data show that GLS-1027 can reduce inflammation through multiple actions, including the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine production by innate immune cells, the inhibition of dendritic cells maturation, and the inhibition of Th17 cells polarization.
Framing cognitive offloading in terms of gains or losses: achieving a more optimal use of reminders
Authors: Fröscher Lea , Friedrich Ann-Kathrin , Berentelg Max , Widmer Curtis , Gilbert Sam J. , Papenmeier Frank
Published: July 2022

Nowadays individuals can readily set reminders to offload intentions onto external resources, such as smartphone alerts, rather than using internal memory. Individuals tend to be biased, setting more reminders than would be optimal. We address the question whether the reminder bias depends on offloading scenarios being framed as either gains or losses, both between-participants (Experiment 1) and within-participants (Experiment 2). In both experiments, framing of reminders in terms of gains resulted in participants employing a risk-averse strategy and using more reminders than would be optimal. Importantly, however, participants used reminders more optimally and were more willing to choose the risk-seeking option of remembering internally when reminders implied a loss. Based on metacognitive measures in Experiment 2, the reminder bias increased the more underconfident participants were about their memory abilities in both framing scenarios. Framing did not alter this relationship between erroneous metacognitive underconfidence and reminder bias but provides an additional influence. We conclude that emphasizing the losses (costs) associated with external reminders helps in achieving more optimal decisions in offloading situations, and that in addition to cognitive effort and metacognitive judgments, framing needs to be considered in improving individuals’ offloading behavior.
Even affective changes induced by the global health crisis are insufficient to perturb the hyper-stability of visual long-term memory
Authors: Zhao Chong , Fukuda Keisuke , Park Sohee , Woodman Geoffrey F.
Published: July 2022

Past studies of emotion and mood on memory have mostly focused on the learning of emotional material in the laboratory or on the consequences of a punctate catastrophic event. However, the influence of a long-lasting global condition on memory and learning has not been studied. The COVID-19 pandemic unfortunately offered a unique situation to observe the effects of prolonged, negative events on human memory for visual information. One thousand online subjects were asked to remember the details of real-world photographs of objects to enable fine-grained visual discriminations from novel within-category foils. Visual memory performance was invariant across time, regardless of the infection rate in the local or national population, or the subjects’ self-reported affective state using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Thus, visual memory provides the human brain with storage that is particularly resilient to changes in emotional state, even when those changes are experienced for months longer than any imaginable laboratory procedure.
Providing “a beam of light to see the gaps”: determinants of implementation of the Systems Analysis and Improvement Approach applied to the pediatric and adolescent HIV cascade in Kenya
Authors: Beima-Sofie Kristin , Wagner Anjuli D. , Soi Caroline , Liu Wenjia , Tollefson Deanna , Njuguna Irene N. , Ogutu Emily , Gaitho Douglas , Mburu Nancy , Oluoch Geoffrey , Mwaura Peter , Cherutich Peter , Oyiengo Laura , John-Stewart Grace C. , Nduati Ruth , Sherr Kenneth , Gimbel Sarah
Published: July 2022

Background

Children and adolescents living with HIV have poorer rates of HIV testing, treatment, and virologic suppression than adults. Strategies that use a systems approach to optimize these multiple, linked steps simultaneously are critical to close these gaps.

Methods

The Systems Analysis and Improvement Approach (SAIA) was adapted and piloted for the pediatric and adolescent HIV care and treatment cascade (SAIA-PEDS) at 6 facilities in Kenya. SAIA-PEDS includes three tools: continuous quality improvement (CQI), flow mapping, and pediatric cascade analysis (PedCAT). A predominately qualitative evaluation utilizing focus group discussions (N = 6) and in-depth interviews (N = 19) was conducted with healthcare workers after implementation to identify determinants of implementation. Data collection and analysis were grounded in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results

Overall, the adapted SAIA-PEDS strategy was acceptable, and the three tools complemented one another and provided a relative advantage over existing processes. The flow mapping and CQI tools were compatible with existing workflows and resonated with team priorities and goals while providing a structure for group problem solving that transcended a single department’s focus. The PedCAT was overly complex, making it difficult to use. Leadership and hierarchy were complex determinants. All teams reported supportive leadership, with some describing in detail how their leadership was engaged and enthusiastic about the SAIA-PEDS process, by providing recognition, time, and resources. Hierarchy was similarly complex: in some facilities, leadership stifled rapid innovation by insisting on approving each change, while at other facilities, leadership had strong and supportive oversight of processes, checking on the progress frequently and empowering teams to test innovative ideas.

Conclusion

CQI and flow mapping were core components of SAIA-PEDS, with high acceptability and consistent use, but the PedCAT was too complex. Leadership and hierarchy had a nuanced role in implementation. Future SAIA-PEDS testing should address PedCAT complexity and further explore the modifiability of leadership engagement to maximize implementation.
Intervention, individual, and contextual determinants to high adherence to structured family-centered rounds: a national multi-site mixed methods study
Authors: Knighton Andrew J. , Bass Ellen J. , McLaurin Elease J. , Anderson Michele , Baird Jennifer D. , Cray Sharon , Destino Lauren , Khan Alisa , Liss Isabella , Markle Peggy , O’Toole Jennifer K. , Patel Aarti , Srivastava Rajendu , Landrigan Christopher P. , Spector Nancy D. , Patel Shilpa J.
Published: July 2022

Background

Effective communication in transitions between healthcare team members is associated with improved patient safety and experience through a clinically meaningful reduction in serious safety events. Family-centered rounds (FCR) can serve a critical role in interprofessional and patient-family communication. Despite widespread support, FCRs are not utilized consistently in many institutions. Structured FCR approaches may prove beneficial in increasing FCR use but should address organizational challenges. The purpose of this study was to identify intervention, individual, and contextual determinants of high adherence to common elements of structured FCR in pediatric inpatient units during the implementation phase of a large multi-site study implementing a structured FCR approach.

Methods

We performed an explanatory sequential mixed methods study from September 2019 to October 2020 to evaluate the variation in structured FCR adherence across 21 pediatric inpatient units. We analyzed 24 key informant interviews of supervising physician faculty, physician learners, nurses, site administrators, and project leaders at 3 sites using a qualitative content analysis paradigm to investigate site variation in FCR use. We classified implementation determinants based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Results

Provisional measurements of adherence demonstrated considerable variation in structured FCR use across sites at a median time of 5 months into the implementation. Consistent findings across all three sites included generally positive clinician beliefs regarding the use of FCR and structured rounding approaches, benefits to learner self-efficacy, and potential efficiency gains derived through greater rounds standardization, as well as persistent challenges with nurse engagement and interaction on rounds and coordination and use of resources for families with limited English proficiency.

Conclusions

Studies during implementation to identify determinants to high adherence can provide generalizable knowledge regarding implementation determinants that may be difficult to predict prior to implementation, guide adaptation during the implementation, and inform sustainment strategies.
Empowerment resources, decision-making and gender attitudes: which matter most to livestock keepers in the mixed and livestock-based systems in Ethiopia?
Authors: Kinati Wole , Baker Derek , Temple Elizabeth C. , Najjar Dina , Mulema Annet Abenakyo
Published: July 2022

Background

Women's empowerment constitutes an important aspect of the development agenda. Although it is highly contextual in nature, empowerment literature so far has focussed on identifying factors associated with empowerment, neglecting the importance of understanding which empowerment resources and agency dimensions are more important for whom and under what contexts. This is important, because we cannot talk of empowerment for those who are not in a disempowered condition or who do not value it. We examine the gender differences in the relative valuations of empowerment resources and decision-making areas across different farming systems, and examine the most valued empowerment resources.

Methods

Using a mixed methods approach, data on major household decisions, empowerment resources, and their relative importance were collected. Pairwise ranking methods were used to assess their gendered relative importance. Individual interviews using Ryff’s psychological well-being (PWB) items were conducted to obtain quantitative data on the key empowerment resource, which emerged as an important aspect of empowerment from the pairwise ranking exercises. Drawing on the empowerment framework and self-determination theory, we analysed the data.

Results

Our results show that the major empowerment resources and decision-makings that are valuable to men and women vary across gender and farming systems. In general, men place a greater importance on decisions about livestock, crop and finances. The women valued decisions regarding crop, livestock and social relations. Regarding empowerment resources, psychological well-being was found to be one of the most important resources, for women as well as men. Assessment of the basic psychological needs―autonomy, self-acceptance, and positive relations―statistically yielded no significant differences between the gender groups. However, the effects of location and the intersection of location with gender were both found to be statistically significant, suggesting that being men and from Horo is associated with higher scores on self-acceptance and personal relation subscales.

Conclusions

We conclude that gender and location play important roles in forming contextual conditions for empowerment and agency implying that empowerment efforts need to consider both. More specifically, policies and intervention efforts to empower individuals or groups must begin by first building their psychological assets and consider contextual gendered perceptions of resources.
Results of transanal endoscopic resections in rectal cancer
Authors: Nikitenko R. , Vorotyntseva K. , Degtiarenko S. , Mishchenko V. , Stepanovichus E.
Published: July 2022

Introduction. Rectal cancer is the most widespread form of cancer in different countries of the world, without regard to gender, and reaches 8–9% of the total number of all cancers. It is necessary to further improve and study modern methods of both surgical and combined integrated approach to the treatment of patients with rectal cancer. Lymphatic cancer spread is one of the most important causes of local recurrence of rectal cancer and an unfavorable prognostic.

Aim of the study: to study and improve the results of treatment of patients with rectal cancer during transanal endoscopic microsurgery with staining “sentinel” lymph nodes.

Materials and methods. In the period from 2009 to 2021, 92 patients with rectal cancer were operated on at the Odessa Regional Clinical Hospital using transanal endoscopic resections. All 92 patients were divided into 2 groups. In group I, 45 patients were diagnosed stage I rectal cancer (T1-2N0M0. In group II, 47 patients were diagnosed stage II rectal cancer (T3N0M0) before surgery. In group I, a standard TEM procedure was performed. In group II, taking into account the presence of stage II RC in patients, and the high possibility of recurrence and metastasis, after performing local excision of tumors using the TEM method, we improved this method.

Results. The average time of the hospital stay was (3.4±1.7) days (from 2 to 6 days). The lower edge of the tumor was at the average height of (9.5±4.2) cm from the anal canal (from 5 to 18 cm), the average size of the tumor was from (2.8±1.7) cm (from 1.5 to 4 cm). The average follow-up period ranged from 12 to 60 months. Recurrence of rectal cancer was found in 6 (6.5%) patients, group I.

Conclusions. One of the most important prognostic factors of the development of the RC local recurrence is the regional lymph nodes involvement. Identification and target study of the “sentinel” LN in patients with RC most likely make it possible to assess the stage of the disease and apply an adequate scheme of the complex treatment.
On the kernels of higher R-derivations of R[x1,…,xn]
Authors:   Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Kour S.
Published: July 2022

Let R be an integral domain and A=R [x1, . . . ,xn] be the polynomial ring innvariables. In this article, we studythe kernel of higher R-derivation D of A. It is shown that if R isa HCF ring and tr. degR (AD)⩽1 then AD=R[f] for some f ∈ A.
S-second submodules of a module
Authors:   Farhangian University, Farshadifar F.
Published: July 2022

Let R be a commutative ring with identity and let M be an R-module. The main purpose of this paper is to introduce and study the notion of S-second submodules of an R-module M as a~generalization of second submodules of M.
Some commutativity criteria for 3-prime near-rings
Authors:   Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Raji A.
Published: July 2022

In the present paper, we introduce the notion of∗-generalized derivation in near-ring N and investigate some properties in volving that of∗-generalized derivation of a∗-prime near-ring N which forces N to be a commutative ring. Some properties of generalized semiderivations have also been given in the context of 3-prime near-rings. Consequently, some well known results have beengeneralized. Furthermore, we will give examples to demonstratethat the restrictions imposed on the hypothesis of various resultsare not superŕuous.
On the character tables of symmetric groups
Authors:   Naresuan University, Kawsathon K. , Rodtes K. ,   Naresuan University
Published: July 2022

In this paper, some zeros and non-zeros in the character tables of symmetric groups are displayed in the partition forms. In particular, more zeros of self conjugate partitions beside odd permutations are heavily investigated.
Maximal subgroup growth of a few polycyclic groups
Authors:   Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Kelley A. , Wolfe E. ,   Colorado College
Published: July 2022

We give here the exact maximal subgroup growthof two classes of polycyclic groups. LetGk=⟨x1, x2, . . . , xk|xixjx−1ixjfor alli < j⟩, soGk=Z ⋊(Z ⋊(Z ⋊· · ·⋊ Z)). Then forall integersk⩾2, we calculatemn(Gk), the number of maximalsubgroups ofGkof indexn, exactly. Also, for inőnitely many groupsHkof the form Z2⋊G2, we calculatemn(Hk)exactly.
A study on dual square free modules
Authors:   Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Medina-Bárcenas M. , Keskin Tütüncü D. ,   Hacettepe University, Kuratomi Y. ,   Yamaguchi University
Published: July 2022

Let M be an H-supplemented coatomic module with FIEP. Then we prove that M is dual square free if and only if every maximal submodule of Mis fully invariant. Let M=Li∈I Mi be a direct sum, such that M is coatomic. Then we prove that M is dual square free if and only if each Mi is dual square free for all i ∈ I and, Mi and Lj=iMj are dual orthogonal. Finally we study the endomorphism rings of dual square free modules. Let M be a quasi-projective module. If End R(M) is right dual square free, then M is dual square free. In addition, if M is finitely generated, then End R(M) is right dual square free whene ver M is dual square free. We give several examples illustrating our hypotheses.
Central and non central codes of dihedral 2-groups
Authors:   Punjabi University, Gupta Shalini , Rani Priya ,   Punjabi University
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the central and non central codesof semisimple dihedral group algebra FqG, over a finite field Fq, are constructed. Further the distances of these central and non central codes are computed.
On Herstein's identity in prime rings
Authors:   Patel Memorial National College, Sandhu Gurninder Singh
Published: July 2022

A celebrated result of Herstein [10, Theorem 6] states that a ring R must be commutative if[x,y]n(x,y)=[x,y] for all x, y ∈ R, wheren (x,y)>1 is an integer. In this paper, we investigate the structure of a prime ring satisfies the identity F([x,y])n=F([x,y]) and σ([x,y])n=σ([x,y]), where F and σ are generalized derivation and automorphism of a prime ring R, respectively and n>1a fixed integer.