bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Mental Health Survey for Addressing Psychosocial Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia: Instrument Evaluation
Authors: Sunjaya Deni , Sumintono Bambang , Gunawan Elvine , Herawati Dewi , Hidayat Teddy
Published: January 2021

Background: Regular monitoring of the pandemic’s psychosocial impact could be conducted among the community but is limited through online media. This study aims to evaluate the self-rating questionnaire commonly used for online monitoring of the psychosocial implications of the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: The data was taken from the online assessment results of two groups, with a total of 765 participants. The instruments studied were: Self-Rating Questionnaire (SRQ-20), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10 (CESD-10), used in the online assessment. Data analysis used Rasch modeling and Winsteps applications. Validity and reliability were tested, data were fit with the model, rating scale, and item fit analysis.Results: All the scales for outfit mean square (MnSq) were very close to the ideal value of 1.0, and the Chi-square test was significant. Item reliability was greater than 0.67, item separation was greater than 3, and Cronbach’s alpha was greater than 0.60; all the instruments were considered very good. The raw variance explained by measures for the SRQ-20, PTSD, and CESD-10 was 30.7%, 41.6%, and 47.6%, respectively. The unexplained Eigen-value variances in the first contrast were 2.3, 1.6, and 2.0 for the SRQ-20, PTSD, and CESD-10, respectively. All items had positive point-measure correlations. Conclusions: The internal consistency of all the instruments was reliable. Data were fit to the model as the items were productive for measurement and had a reasonable prediction. All the scales are functionally one-dimensional.
Stress-induced Alterations of Mesocortical and Mesolimbic Dopaminergic Pathways
Authors: Quessy Francis , Bittar Thibault , Blanchette Léa-Jeanne , Lévesque Martin , Labonte Benoit
Published: January 2021

Our ability to develop the cognitive strategies required to deal with daily-life stress is regulated by region-specific neuronal networks. Experimental evidences suggest that prolonged stress in mice induces depressive-like behaviors via morphological, functional and molecular changes affecting the mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic pathways. Yet, the molecular interactions underlying these changes are still poorly understood and whether they affect males and females similarly is unknown. Here, we used chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) to induce depressive-like behaviors in male and female mice. Density of the mesolimbic and cortical projections was assessed via immuno-histochemistry combined with Sholl analysis along with the staining of the activity-dependent markers pERK and c-Fos in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). We showed that social stress decreases the density of dopaminergic axonal projections to the mPFC but not to the NAc in susceptible and resilient mice. This was accompanied by sex-specific alterations of pERK and c-Fos expression in the VTA of susceptible but not resilient mice. Our results indicate that social defeat stress impacts the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways by altering the molecular interactions regulating somatic and axonal plasticity differently in males and females.
FXYD2 mRNA Expression Represents a New Independent Factor That Affects Survival of Glioma Patients and Predicts Chemosensitivity of Patients to Temozolomide
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhou Kaijia , Jiang Tao , Liang Hui , Zhang Ming
Published: January 2021

Glioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor. Owing to the poor prognosis associated with high-grade gliomas, there is an urgent need to identify biomarkers related to prognosis and treatment sensitivity. Clinical features, FXYD2 mRNA expression levels, and survival data were analyzed for 1265 glioma samples from the Chinese Glioma Genome Map Project and two independent databases. The expression patterns for FXYD2 mRNA were compared using the chi-square test, and overall survival (OS) of glioma patients was evaluated according to FXYD2 mRNA expression levels. The factors affecting glioma survival were evaluated by Cox univariate and multivariate regression analysis. We found patients with primary oligodendroglioma, low World Health Organization (WHO) grade, low WHO molecular grade, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation, and combined deletion of 1p19q showed higher FXYD2 mRNA expression and longer survival times. Moreover, temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy was found to be an independent factor affecting survival in patients with high FXYD2 mRNA expression, but not in patients with low expression. So FXYD2 mRNA expression represents a new independent factor affecting the survival of glioma patients and may serve as an independent prognostic indicator to predict the sensitivity of gliomas to TMZ.
Comparative Analysis of Arterial Stiffness Between Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Healthy People
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Hui , Liu Peng , Huang Qiu-Ling , Liu Yun-Qiu , Zhang Sheng-Tao
Published: January 2021

Background: Analyze and compare the difference in arterial stiffness between patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy people. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 83 patients with COPD who were treated the observation group; 80 healthy people were selected as the control group during the same period. Pearson correlation analysis software was used to analyze the correlation between arterial stiffness and ultrasound index in COPD patients. Results: The ultrasound RI and PI level of observation group were lower than those of control group and PI level (t=6.326, 8.321, P=0.000). Observation group IMT (1.36±0.13) mm, total plaque area (19.75±2.19) cm2, plaque number (1.67±0.64) were higher than control group IMT (0.94±0.10) mm, total plaque area (5.84±1.32) cm2, number of plaques (0.82±0.30) (t=4.574, 7.493, 5.093, P=0.000). The arterial stiffness (1585.49±14.36) cm/s and ABI level (1.63±0.24) of the observation group were higher than the arterial stiffness (1142.45±10.77) cm/s and ABI level (1.12±0.16) of the control group (t=6.392, 5.109, P=0.000). Arterial stiffness in COPD patients was negatively correlated with ABI, RI, PI levels (P<0.05); positively correlated with IMT, total plaque area, and plaque number (P<0.05). Conclusion The arterial stiffness of COPD patients is higher than that of healthy people; the ultrasound index can be used as an auxiliary indicator for clinical prediction of arterial stiffness, which is helpful to improve the accuracy of prediction and thus better guide clinical intervention in high-risk groups of COPD in time.
Observations from the Hydrolysis of the Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus Droebachiensis)
Authors: Solstad Runar Gjerp , James Philip
Published: January 2021

There is a large amount of co-product generated by the sea urchin fisheries around the world, as well as a growing interest in removing large quantities of undersize and low value sea urchins from barren areas in the northern Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The authors believe there is scope to develop a hydrolysate product from this and this study gives preliminary observations on the characteristics of hydrolysate from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis. The biochemical composition for S. droebachiensis were; water 64.1%, protein 3.4%, oil 0.9% and ash 29.8%. Amino acid composition, molecular weight distribution, lipid-class and fatty acid composition are also presented. The authors suggest a sensory-panel mapping be undertaken on future sea urchin hydrolysates. Possible uses for the hydrolysate are unclear at this stage but the combination of amino acids and the relatively high levels of Glycine, Aspartic acid, and Glutamic acid should be further investigated.
Intermedin promotes breast cancer metastasis via Src/c-Myc-mediated ribosome production and protein translation
Authors: Kong Lingmiao , Xiao Fei , Wei Yong'gang , Feng Zhongxue , Li Min , Huang Luping , Zhang Haili , Wang Denian , Li Hongyu , Liu Fei , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2021

Background
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in women worldwide. Intermedin (IMD) is an endogenous peptide that belongs to the calcitonin gene-related peptide family and has been reported to play important roles in several types of cancers, including breast cancer. In this study, we sought to investigate how IMD affects the behavior of breast cancer cells, the underlying mechanism of these effects, and whether blockade of IMD has a therapeutic effect against breast cancer.
Methods
Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), cell biological experiments, Western blotting (WB), immunoprecipitation (IP), and animal tumor models were used.
Results
IMD expression was significantly increased in breast cancer samples, and the IMD level was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis and Ki67 expression. Cell biological experiments showed that IMD promoted the anchorage-independent growth, migration, and invasive ability of breast cancer cells. Inhibiting IMD activity with an anti-IMD monoclonal antibody blocked these tumor-promoting effects. In addition, blockade of IMD reduced in situ tumor growth and significantly decreased lung metastasis of 4T1 breast cancer in vivo. IMD induced Src kinase phosphorylation, which triggered the transcription of c-Myc, a major oncoprotein controlling the expression of genes that encode ribosomal components. Our data suggest that IMD is involved in breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis, potentially through increasing ribosome biogenesis and protein translation via the Src/c-Myc signaling pathway.
Conclusion
These results suggest that IMD may be a novel target for the treatment of breast cancer.
LDH-A Knockdown: Changes in The LDH Isoenzyme Profile and Variability in Glioma Response
Authors: Shindo Masahiro , Maeda Masatomo , Myat Ko , Mane Mayuresh , Cohen Ivan J. , Vemuri Kiranmayi , Albeg Avi S. , Serganova Inna , Blasberg Ronald G
Published: January 2021

Background: Lactate metabolism in tumors is now recognized as a major energy source and a major gluconeogenic precursor for many tumors, as well as shown to exhibit signaling properties. There is less information on the role of the LDH/lactate axis in brain tumors, although lactate formation in gliomas is associated with poor survival. Methods: Three murine glioma cell lines (GL261, CT2A, and ALTS1C1) were transduced to knockdown (KD) expression of the murine LDH-A gene. The effects of the LDH-A KD were compared to those in control (NC) cells and tumors. Results: Differences in the expression of LDH-A and LDH-B mRNA, protein, and enzymatic activity were observed in the six cell lines. LDH zymography showed a major difference in LDH subunit distribution between GL261 LDH-A KD and NC tumors, whereas little or no effect of LDH-A KD was observed in CT2A and ALTS1C1 tumors. Tumors LDH-A and LDH-B immunohistochemistry and a Weka segmentation analysis were consistent with isoenzyme patterns and the above analyses. An “inverse” LDH-A/LDH-B staining relationship (high vs low) was observed in many local GL261 tumor regions. In contrast, CT2A tumors showed a more “direct” local LDH-A/LDH-B staining relationship. LDH-A KD prolonged the doubling time of GL261 cells in culture and prevented the formation of subcutaneous flank tumors in immune-competent C57BL/6 mice (GL261 NC tumors had a prolonged growth delay). In nude mice, both LDH-A KD and NC GL261 tumors grew more rapidly than GL261 NC tumors in C57BL/6 mice. No differences between NC and KD cell proliferation (in vitro) and tumor growth in C57BL/6 mice (doubling time) were observed for CT2A and ALTS1C1 cells and tumors, consistent with the absence of a difference in their LDH isoenzyme profiles. Conclusions: These results show the combined impact of a genetic alteration (LDH-A depletion) on the LDH isoenzyme profile, expression of LDH-A vs LDH-B and LDH enzymatic activity, and the immune system (C57BL/6 vs nude mice) on the growth of s.c. located tumors.
Dysfunction of EAAT3 Enhances LPS-Induced Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Ma Yulong , Hou Aisheng , Song Yuxiang , Sui Xin , Liu Wengang , Liu Min , Wang Yongan , Cao Jiangbei , Mi Weidong
Published: January 2021

Background: Studies have shown that excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3) function inhibition is related to several neurodegenerative diseases. Our previous studies also found that the EAAT3 function is intimately linked to learning and memory. In this study, we examined the role of EAAT3 in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and explored the potential benefit of riluzole against POCD. Methods: We performed mutation analysis of SLC1A1 (encoding EAAT3) gene exons in patients of different age groups and measured EAAT3 protein expression in hippocampus of mice at different ages. Next, we established a recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV)-mediated shRNA to knockdown EAAT3 expression in the hippocampus of adult male mice. And then the mice received 2μg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intracerebroventricular microinjection to construct the POCD model. In addition, we intraperitoneally injected 4mg/kg of riluzole 2 days before LPS microinjection for consecutive 3 days in elderly male mice. Cognitive function was assessed using a Morris water maze 24h after LPS microinjection. Animal behavioral tests, as well as pathological and biochemical assays, were performed to clarify the role of EAAT3 function in POCD and evaluate the effect of activation of EAAT3 function by riluzole. Results: We found that point mutation of SLC1A1 gene exon in elderly patients was significantly different from children and adult people, and expression of EAAT3 was significantly decreased in old mice. And EAAT3 knockdown in hippocampus aggravated LPS-induced learning and memory deficits in adult male mice, and LPS significantly inhibited hippocampal EAAT3 membrane protein expression and GluA1 protein phosphorylation level in adult male mice. Moreover, riluzole pretreatment significantly increased hippocampal EAAT3 membrane protein expression and ameliorated LPS-induced cognitive impairment in old male mice. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that the dysfunction of EAAT3 is an important risk factor for POCD susceptibility and riluzole may be a promising strategy for prevention and treating of POCD in the elderly people.
Association of Chinese Visceral Adiposity Index with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Individuals with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Wu Xunan , Sha Yujing , Li Yanyan , Chen Ke , Qiu Yue , Zhang Panpan , Wei Weiping , Yang Ling , Wang Dong , Zhao Li , Yuan Guoyue
Published: January 2021

Background Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI), a reliable indicator of visceral adiposity, was associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Chinese population. However, little is known regarding association between CVAI and presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in T2DM patients. Here, we investigated whether CVAI could identify NAFLD among T2DM patients.Methods A total of 504 T2DM patients were recruited in this cross-sectional survey. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. Binary logistic regression was used to assess association between CVAI and occurrence of NAFLD in T2DM patients. The predictive power of CVAI for NAFLD was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) method. ResultsCVAI levels were significantly elevated in T2DM patients with NAFLD (102.68±32.34 vs 133.10±28.44, P<0.001). Compared with the lowest CVAI quartile, the highest quartile showed worse metabolic features, including waist circumference, body mass index, liver enzymes and lipid parameters (P<0.01). The incidence of NAFLD among T2DM patients increased significantly across CVAI quartiles (36.5%, 57.9%, 78.6%, 86.5%, respectively, P<0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis adjusted for multiple factors showed that the odds ratio of having NAFLD was 9.004 (95%CI, 4.441-18.256) in the highest CVAI quartile. ROC analyses showed that the area under the curve of CVAI for diagnosing NAFLD was 0.756 (95% confidence interval: 0.716-0.792), which was better than visceral adiposity index, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio(P<0.05). The cut-off value of CVAI for identifying NAFLD in Chinese T2DM population was 111.975 (sensitivity = 0.761, specificity = 0.627).Conclusions Elevated CVAI levels were independently associated with presence of NAFLD in T2DM patients. CVAI might be a reliable and convenient index for incident NAFLD in T2DM patients.
Does LDL-C or its phenotype actually predict the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the immediate future? An observational study
Authors: Ibrahim Sufyan , Udupi Anurupa , Rebeiro Cleeta , S Varashree B , Kamath Asha , Shenoy Revathi P
Published: January 2021

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disability across the world. Dyslipidemia, and more specifically, elevated LDL-C has been historically attributed to be one of the key modifiable risk factors associated with atherogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine LDL-C and sdLDL-C, for establishment of their predictive value in the development of CVDs, in order for them to be used as clinical tools to guide the management of CVDs. Material and Methods: One hundred sixty-two (162) serum samples sent for the analysis of lipid profile parameters were studied, which were classified into tests and controls based on the values of calculated LDL-C obtained by Friedewald formula. These samples were then anonymized, and direct LDL-C was estimated using assay kits automatically. Then, sdLDL-C was calculated for all the samples using the arithmetic formula. After a period of six months, the samples were then deanonymized, and the various laboratory lipid profile parameters were correlated with the clinical outcomes in the form of cardiovascular events in the patients, to find out which parameter showed the best correlation.Results: It was observed from the present study that, neither calculated LDL-C (p=0.468) nor direct LDL-C (p=0.615) could be used singly as potential marker for the occurrence of a cardiovascular event in the immediate future. The calculated sdLDL-C also failed to demonstrate any such significance (0.642). Instead, the % sdLDL-C, both with respect to calculated and direct LDL-C, proved to be of higher predictive value. Conclusions:It can be concluded that LDL-C levels alone or the levels of its individual phenotypes cannot be singly used as surrogate markers suggestive of occurrence of any CVDs in the immediate future.
Impact of Uric Acid on the Relationship between Waist Circumference and Insulin Resistance: Results from CHARLS
Authors: Zheng Jia , Jiang Min , Xie Yanxia
Published: January 2021

BackgroundWaist circumference (WC) and uric acid (UA) are significantly related. Still, their temporal sequence and how the sequence works on future risk of insulin resistance (IR) are unknown, especially in the Chinese population. MethodsCross-lagged panel model was used to analyze the reciprocal, longitudinal relationships between a set of inter-related variables. The mediation model was constructed to test the impact of the relationship between WC and UA on IR.ResultsA total of 5,727 subjects in our study population were enrolled, of which 53.5% were women, and the mean age was 59.0 (SD, 8.62) years. After adjusting for traditional confounding factors, we found that a higher level of baseline WC was significantly associated with a higher level of follow-up UA (β = 0.003, P = 0.031) and follow-up triglycerides glucose index (TyG) (β = 0.003, P < 0.001);. Simultaneously, there was no statistical association between the level of baseline UA and the level of follow-up WC (β = -0.009, P = 0.951). Besides, the cross-lagged panel model showed that the baseline WC had influenced the level of follow-up UA. The mediation effects of UA on WC-IR were estimated to be 18.1% in general adults, and 36.2% in women.ConclusionsThe current study demonstrated that the higher WC levels probably preceded UA in general population, and UA mediated the relationship of WC to TyG, especially among females. However, the mediation effect was different between men and women, and the possible mechanism would require further clarification.
Implementing specialized vestibular physiotherapy in an emergency department: A process evaluation
Authors: Ip Kelvin , Lloyd Melanie , Luscombe Allison , Hitch Danielle
Published: January 2021

Background:Dizziness and vertigo-like symptoms, often caused by common peripheral vestibular disorders such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), may have a significant detrimental impact on function and quality of life. The impact of these symptoms often result in Emergency Department (ED) presentations. Evidence based clinical practice guidelines strongly recommend the use of physical assessment and treatment maneuvers for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of these symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the process of implementing specialized vestibular physiotherapy in an emergency department, from the clinician perspective. Methods:This implementation study utilized a retrospective mixed methods process evaluation to understand how specialized vestibular physiotherapy operated in an Australian emergency department. The PARiHS Framework was embedded within the methodology and analytical approach of the study, to ensure a comprehensive approach which was closely aligned to implementation science. Nine clinicians retrospectively completed the Organizational Readiness for Change Assessment (ORCA), Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM) and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM). Seven clinicians also participate in a focus group or interview. Results: A range of barriers and facilitators to the implementation process were identified by participants, some of which spanned multiple domains of the PARiHS framework. Relationships with service leaders, champions and medical staff were found to be a key facilitator to implementation, along with a generally held perception that specialized vestibular physiotherapy was acceptable and feasible. The main barrier identified was a lack of capacity to deliver and support this innovation, both within the physiotherapy workforce and the broader multidisciplinary team. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the process of implementation of a specialized vestibular physiotherapy team in an ED setting was generally well received by clinicians, but also involved some challenges and barriers. Services looking to implement specialized vestibular physiotherapy in the ED may refer to the recommendations arising from the findings of this study to guide their approach to innovation.
Application of Modified Closed Biopsy in Rabbit Model of VX2 Transplanted Bone Tumor
Authors: Lei-peng BAI , xing Lv Jia , wei Kong Ling , ying Cao Hai , Yu Jin
Published: January 2021

Aim To explore the application value of modified closed biopsy technique in puncture biopsy of rabbit VX2 transplanted bone tumor model.Methods VX2 tumor was transplanted into the bilateral tibia of 30 rabbits through the tibial plateau to make the model of VX2 transplanted bone tumor. Seven days after modeling, the proximal tibia biopsy was performed under the guidance of X-ray, and the biopsy specimen was examined pathologically. The left leg was biopsied with modified closed biopsy technique (experimental group) and the right leg was biopsied with hollow needle (control group). After 14 days of modeling, all rabbits were killed after X-ray examination around the puncture hole, and the soft tissue around the puncture hole was taken for pathological examination, and the expression levels of PCNA and CD34 in the tissue extract were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results By the end of the experiment, a total of 3 rabbits died, and finally 27 rabbits were included in the study. Tumor cells were detected in all the intramedullary specimens obtained by puncture biopsy. On the 14th day after modeling, X-ray showed that the occurrence rate of periosteal reaction and extraosseous high density shadow around the puncture hole was 14.81% (4/27) in the experimental group and 40.74% (11/27) in the control group. the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The pathological results of soft tissue around the puncture hole showed that the tumor cell metastasis rate was 29.63% (8/27) in the experimental group and 100% (27/27) in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).The expression levels of PCNA and CD34 in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Both the modified closed biopsy technique and needle aspiration biopsy can provide sufficient biopsy tissue for the diagnosis of VX2 transplanted bone tumor in rabbits. At the same time, the improved closed biopsy technique has a certain application value in preventing local metastasis of tumor cells along the puncture channel.
Postoperative Survival of Breast Cancer Patients Aged 85 Years or Older: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Enomoto Katsuhisa , Fukumoto Satsuki , Hara Kaori , Mori Satoshi , Hara Yukiko , Tada Keiichiro
Published: January 2021

Background: Data on the postoperative outcomes of extremely elderly patients with breast cancer are lacking. Methods: We evaluated a series of 46 breast cancer patients aged 85 years or older (mean age: 87.4 years) who underwent surgical treatment, accumulated over the past 10 years. Results: The most common comorbidity was hypertension. Sixteen patients (34.8%) did not receive axillary treatment. The mean hospital stay was 12.8 days, and no in-hospital deaths were recorded. The 5-year overall survival rate was 78.2% (95% confidence interval: 63.5–96.3) over a median follow-up of 41 months.Conclusions: Surgical treatment of breast cancer patients aged 85 years or older is warranted.
Changes in Self-Efficacy in Japanese School-Age Children With and Without High Autistic Traits after the Universal Unified Prevention Program: A Single-Group Pilot Study
Authors: Oka Takuya , Ishikawa Shin-ichi , Shioiri Toshiki , Maruo Kazushi , Stickley Andrew , Saito Aya , Watanabe Norio , Sasamori Hiroki , Kamio Yoko
Published: January 2021

Background: Research has shown the efficacy of school-based programs for mental health problems in children. However, few studies have focused on the strengths of children, such as resilience, which is essential in preventing mental health problems. Moreover, no research has investigated the effect of a universal school-based program on children with increased autistic traits in mainstream classes. We examined the changes in children's self-efficacy, social skills, and general mental health after the implementation of a newly developed universal program, the Universal Unified Prevention Program for Diverse Disorders (Up2‐D2), and whether similar changes occurred in children with and without higher autistic traits. Methods: To assess possible changes associated with the program, questionnaires were collected from 396 children (207 boys and 189 girls) aged 9-12 years old before (T1), immediately after (T2), and three months after (T3) the implementation of the program. Results: Results from a linear mixed-effects model showed a significant increase in children's self-efficacy at T2 (adjusted difference 0.49, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.94; p < 0.05) and T3 (0.78, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.23; p < 0.001). There were also significant positive changes in social skills and general mental health. Similar changes were observed in children with high autistic traits. Autistic traits at T1 did not contribute to the degree of change in self-efficacy. Conclusions: Our pilot study suggests that a universal program has the potential to promote positive attitudes and mental health in both at-risk and not-at-risk children.
Exosomes Secreted by Epidural Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Promote Malignancy and EMT in B Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma by Increasing S100A4 Expression
Authors: Wang Yan , Guo Zhu , Zhang Guoqing , Shang Baoxin , Wu Xiaolin , Qiu Chensheng , Xiang Hongfei , Chen Bohua
Published: January 2021

Our previous study revealed that epidural adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) respond to lung cancer cells and are involved in forming premetastatic niches. The biological functions of epidural ADSCs in lymphoma are still unclear. In this study, we first confirmed the B cell lymphoma-promoting effects of epidural ADSC exosomes and then compared differentially expressed genes in lymphoma cells before and after exosome treatment. In ADSC exosome-treated lymphoma cells, S100A4 expression was much higher than that in cells cultured alone. S100A4 levels had a direct relationship with EMT in cells and were also associated with the survival of lymphoma patients. Then, we tested the roles of ADSC exosomes and S100A4 in the lymphoma-promoting impacts of ADSCs. Our results showed that ADSC exosomes could foster the proliferation, EMT and invasion of lymphoma cells, as could the increase in S100A4 expression. S100A4 inhibition in two lymphoma cell lines suppressed the lymphoma cell proliferation’s ADSC exosome-mediated promotion, invasion and EMT in vitro. Moreover, S100A4 inhibition attenuated metastasis and tumour growth, and ADSC exosomes promoted tumour progression, as demonstrated in a nude mouse model of lymphoma. On the basis of these data, ADSC exosomes foster B cell lymphoma progression by increasing S100A4 expression in lymphoma cells.
Geotechnical Investigation for the Groundwater Damage Analysis of the Shahe Ancient Bridge Site in Xi’an, China
Authors: Cao Jing , Mai Bingjie , Chen Hua , Li Yuhu , Wang Juanli
Published: January 2021

In terms of cultural ruins, the earthen ruins and its subsurface environment were acted either as a carrier or supports above ground cultural heritage, the groundwater was found to be the greatest factor that affected and accelerated destruction of the ruins without any doubt. This paper presents an approach that achieved geochemical data and hydrological processes occurring of the ruins and surrounding area by the data analysis of geotechnical investigation, it is found that the fluctuations in groundwater level affected the movement of water and salt, thereby influenced and accelerate the deterioration, and also caused microbes, creatures, and plants to erode the ruins. The stratigraphy revealed good correlation with the status of the ruins, the scientific analysis of the samples, the damage mechanism. These monitoring data will be used to discuss and predict the effects of various types of damage factors on long term preservation and proposed feasible for longer countermeasures in preservation studies. This paper takes the Xianyang Shahe Ancient Bridge site as the research object, to be precise, it takes the wooden structure site as the research object, through the methods of geotechnical survey and site sample analysis, the relationship between the environment of the site and the cause of disease is explored.
Postpartum Septic Symphysitis, a Rare Condition With Possible Long-Term Consequences: A Cohort Study With Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Elden Helen , Olsen Monika Fagevik , Hussein Nasrin Farah , Axelsson Lisa Wibeck , Sengpiel Verena , Ullman Michael
Published: January 2021

BackgroundPostpartum septic symphysitis (PPSS) is defined as acute onset of severe pain around the symphysis, restricted movement, fever and elevated inflammatory parameters. It is a rare but serious condition requiring urgent diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and long-term follow-up of PPSS.MethodsThis was a follow-up study including 19 women diagnosed with PPSS from 1989 to 2017 at one tertiary care hospital in Sweden. Clinical data were retrieved from hospital records and compared to those retrieved from a regional registry. Women completed a postal questionnaire, and those who reported lumbo-pelvic pain (LPP) were offered a clinical examination.Results1) PPSS was diagnosed after a normal postpartum period of 24 to 50 hours by blood tests (n=19); MRI, (n=13/19); ultrasonography (n=8 /19) or CT (n=3/19). Treatment included aspiration of symphyseal abscesses, i.v. antibiotics and physiotherapy. Women with PPSS more frequently were primiparous (n=14/19, p=0.001), had an instrumental delivery (n=14/19, p=0.003), had a longer time of active labour (p=0.01) and second stage of labour (p=0.001) than women in the regional registry. 2) Ten out of nineteen (52%) women reported LPP at follow-up. These women more often suffered impaired function related to LPP (Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire, 27 versus 0, p<0.0001), a poorer health-related quality of life (EuroQol-5 dimensions p=0.001 and EuroQol-visual analogue scale, 65 mm versus 84 mm, p=0.022) and higher levels of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS)-A, 7 versus 2, p=0.010; and HADS-D, 1 versus 0, p=0.028) than women with no pain. 3). Of the eight women who received a clinical assessment, one had lumbar pain and seven had PGP.ConclusionsIn the largest cohort of patients with PPSS to date, primiparas and women with instrumental vaginal delivery were overrepresented, indicating that first and complicated deliveries might be risk factors. Approximately half of the women reported PGP, with considerable consequences affecting health-related quality of life and function decades after delivery. Prospective multicentre studies are needed to establish risk factors for, long-term consequences of and adequate treatment for this rare pregnancy complication.
Clinical Characteristics of Pregnant Women With Epilepsy-A Retrospective Multi Center Study
Authors: Cheng Huan , Wu Dongyan , Li Lin , Fan Qinyi , Tang Xinghua , Liu Zhenguo
Published: January 2021

Background: Many women with epilepsy (WWE) become pregnant, so the control of seizures during pregnancy and the use of anti-epileptic drug (AED) may directly affect the outcome of pregnancy. This study retrospectively analyzed seizures, medications and pregnancy outcomes of WWE, in order to provide clinical basis for reasonable management of pregnancy in these women. Methods: Information, including seizures, medications during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes of WWE, was collected through telephonic follow-up and retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among the 61 WWE, 26 cases had seizures during pregnancy. Among the WWE treated with monotherapy, the most commonly used AEDs were carbamazepine (29.27%), levetiracetam (31.71%) and lamotrigine (14.63%). Nine WWE had adverse pregnancy outcomes. The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in WWE who had seizures within one year before pregnancy was significantly higher than WWE who were seizure-free within one year before pregnancy (c2=5.355, p=0.021). The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in WWE who had seizures during pregnancy was also significantly higher than WWE without seizures during pregnancy (c2=7.155, p=0.007).Conclusions: A small number of WWE had adverse pregnancy outcomes, while the majority of them had relatively stable epilepsy control during pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy offspring. The main therapeutic drugs for WWE are new AEDs, represented by levetiracetam and lamotrigine, and the use of valproate sodium has been significantly reduced. Seizures within one year before pregnancy may be able to predict seizures during pregnancy.
Obesity, Fasting Blood Sugar, Triglyceride and Physical Activity in Association With Sleep Quality in Iranian Adults in 2019
Authors: Haghgoo Mazyar , Saidpour Atoosa , Sadeghzadeh Hakimeh , Rabiei Samira
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesSleep is an essentially biological process for health and the pattern of sleep. Poor sleep quality is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for poor health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the association between sleep quality, body mass index (BMI) and glycemic and lipid profiles in Iranian adults in 2020.This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on adults aged 18-60 years from both sexes. Participants were selected from those who referred to community centers in Tehran Municipality. Three hundred and fifty-three Volunteers who had inclusion criteria entered the study by convenience sampling. Information on anthropometric measurements, Physical Activity and dietary intake were collected. Sleep quality was assessed through PSQI questionnaire. Biochemical analysis was also conducted to investigate FBS, Insulin and lipid profile.ResultsBMI had positive correlation with subscale of “sleep disturbances” and “use of sleep medication” (P-value <0.001). Physical activity had a significant negative correlation with subscales of “subjective sleep quality” and “sleep latency”. FBS and TG had positive correlation with “sleep latency” and “Subjective sleep quality”, respectively (p-value<0.05). Weak sleep quality has association with obesity, disorder of glucose and triglyceride metabolism and lower level of physical activity.
Minimally Invasive Surgery Versus Open Surgery for the Treatment of Rectal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis of Short- and Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Xie Yi-Lin , Tan Feng-bo , Liu Sheng , Liao Guo-qing , Qi Jing
Published: January 2021

BackgroundsRectal GISTs are relatively rare and surgical resection is the potential curative treatment for rectal GISTs. However, limited studies addressing the outcomes of minimally invasive surgery for rectal GIST. MethodsA total of 32 rectal GIST patients were retrospective from January 2010 to December 2019 at Xiangya hospital Central South University. The demographic and clinicopathologic data were supplemented by our clinic and pathologic system. Selection bias was eliminated using the propensity score matching (PSM) methods ResultsAfter PSM, 22 patients were finally enrolled in our cohorts, with 11 patients in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) group and 11 patients in open surgery(OPEN) group randomly matched (1:1) by age, gender, body mass index, tumor size, tumor distance above the anal edge. MIS group recived a shorter operating time (108.45±31.56min vs 136.18±28.58min, P=0.043) and lesser blood less(67.27±54.97mL vs 194.55±115.96mL, P=0.004) than OPEN group during the operation. Besides, the MIS group seemed to gain a shorter time to resume borborygmus after operation, flatus passage, resuming oral diet, and hospital stay, but no significantly statistic difference(P＞0.05). Moreover, no differences in rate of 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year Progression Free Survival and overall survival was found between two groups.ConclusionCompared with open surgery, minimally invasive surgery benefits a shorter operating time and lesser blood less in operation in rectal GISTs. Moreover, similar oncologic outcome was found both in minimally invasive surgery and open surgery in rectal GISTs.
The Corrosion Degradation Characters of the Secondary Loop Piping in Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Zhao Liang , Luo Kunjie , Li Guangfu , Tu Shantung
Published: January 2021

Fully understanding the corrosion damage characteristics of the secondary loop pipeline plays an important role in ensuring the safe, stable and economic operation of a nuclear power plant. flow accelerated corrosion(FAC), erosion corrosion(EC), high temperature corrosion(HTC) and under insulation corrosion(UIC) are the main corrosion damage forms of secondary loop pipeline. The damage characteristics of FAC in liquid single-phase flow and vapor-liquid two-phase flow are obviously different. Under specific operating conditions, different EC damages such as flash evaporation, droplet impact, HTC erosion, cavitation corrosion, jet cutting, etc may occur. In this paper, the formation conditions, damage morphology, wall thickness distribution, thinning rate and other characteristics of corrosion damage of secondary loop pipeline in nuclear power plant are compared and analyzed. On this basis, these corrosion damages of the secondary loop pipeline in nuclear power plant could be effectively identified and targeted managed.
A Numerical Study about the Effect of Non-uniform CMAS Penetration on the TGO Growth and Interface Stress Behavior of APS TBCs
Authors: CAI Zhenwei , ZHANG Zifan , Liu Yingzheng , Zhao Xiaofeng , Wang Weizhe
Published: January 2021

The penetration of calcium-magnesium-alumino-silicate (CMAS) is one of the most vital factors inducing the failure of air plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings (APS TBCs). The CMAS penetration into the porous microstructures of TBCs changes the thermal/mechanical properties of top coat (TC) material, this brings about considerable thermal mismatch stress at the TC/bond coat (BC) interface, and accelerates the growth of the thermally grown oxide (TGO), finally leading to more complicated stress state at the interface. In present study, a two-dimensional global model of APS TBCs with half of the TC penetrated by CMAS is built to study effect of non-uniform CMAS penetration. Then, a local model extracted from the global are built to investigate the effect of interface morphologies and CMAS penetration depth. The results showed that non-uniform CMAS penetration in APS TBCs causes non-uniform TGO growth, which further leads to more complicated interface stress distribution. The CMAS penetration depth had a greater effect on the TC/TGO interface stress behavior, while the interface roughness had an more obvious influence on the stress level at BC/TGO interface under CMAS penetration.
Scientific and Experimental Substantiation of the Key Geometric and Kinematic Parameters of Vibrocutting Machines
Authors: Altunyan Artur , Tarverdyan Arshaluys
Published: January 2021

The process of cutting with a blade is largely applied in technological equipment used in the agricultural production complex and is used to process raw materials with different physical and mechanical properties. Nonetheless, the relation between the parameters of processing with vibroblade and the rheological properties of the processed material is insufficiently studied, while it is an important issue of practical significance.As a result of laboratory experiments, it became possible to obtain the power characteristics of vibrocutting of common reed, establish an optimal combination of factors: vibration amplitude, frequency and the speed of the blade delivery to ensure the minimum vibro-cutting force. As a desirable kinematic regime, 𝐾 =𝑉/𝑉𝜏 , the following relation of speed of delivery and vibration speed of the toothed blade: ≅ 0.004.
Autocompensating Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Cryptography in Space Division Multiplexing Optical Fibers
Authors: Liñares Jesús , Carral Gabriel M. , Prieto-Blanco Xesús , Balado Daniel
Published: January 2021

Single photon or biphoton states propagating in optical bers or in free space are affected by random perturbations or imperfections along optical bers or free space that disturb the information encoded in such states and accordingly quantum key distribution is prevented. We propose three different systems for autocompensating such random perturbations and imperfections when a measurement-device-independent protocol is used. These systems correspond to different optical bers intended for space division multiplexing and supporting collinear modes, polarization modes or codirectional modes such as few-mode optical bers and multicore optical bers. Accordingly, we propose different Bell-states measurement devices. Finally, these types of optical bers allow the use of several transmission channels what compensates the reduction of the bit rate due to losses.
Podcasting and Vocabulary Learning in an EFL Context: a Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Ghoorchaei Behrooz , Rastegar Hashem , Shomoossi Nematullah , Amiri Mostafa
Published: January 2021

The study investigated the impact of using podcasts as instructional tools on EFL learners’ vocabulary learning, and to evaluate their attitude towards listening to podcasts. A vocabulary pre-test was given to 60 male intermediate-level EFL learners which indicated that they were homogeneous regarding their vocabulary knowledge. The participants were divided into two groups; the experimental group were instructed by podcasts, but the control group continued with the routine instruction. The results revealed that the podcast group outperformed those in the control group in the post-test. To find out the students' attitudes towards podcasting, an 8-item Likert-type questionnaire was given to the participants in the podcasting group; through face-to-face interviews with 8 participants from the same group, a thematic analysis was conducted and four themes emerged: (1) vocabulary achievement, (2) learning by listening, (3) learner choice and flexibility, and (4) podcasts as useful instructional tools. The findings suggest that podcasts enhance learners’ vocabulary learning, thus emphasizing the pedagogical merits of podcasts on the enrichment of EFL classes. The results may provide implications for curriculum development and L2 vocabulary teaching and learning.
Untangling Covid-19 Pathophysiology Part I: Oligomeric (Soluble) Fibrin Forming Transient Microclots Enhances the Lethality of Covid-19
Authors: Bull Brian , Hay Karen
Published: January 2021

We propose that in severely ill patients the SARS-CoV-2 virus expropriates an anomalous variant of clotting. This clotting variant produces a “bloodstream blizzard” of short-chain, soluble, fibrin molecules. If clotting continues, additional polymerization occurs and the molecular chains lengthen. With this lengthening fibrin becomes insoluble and microclots form. These microclots transiently or permanently occlude arterioles, venules and capillaries in widely separated regions throughout the body. The tissue supplied by these vessels dies. A 5-7 fold increase in circulating oligomeric fibrin typically presents about a week into severe Covid-19 pneumonia. If such patients are not immediately anticoagulated, whole body defibrination and death is the likely result.
Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer Cells HT-29 by Secretome and Extraction of Human Umbilical Cord Wharton’s Jelly Stem Cells
Authors: Jadid Mahdieh Farhoudi Sefidan , Emami Parisa , Goleij Pouya , Karamad Vahidreza , Khorrami Afshin , Jahangirzadeh Gholamreza , Moghadami Mona , Isazadeh Alireza , Hajazimian Saba
Published: January 2021

Background and aim: Colorectal cancer (CC) is aggressive cancer and the major cause of death worldwide that need the development of novel and effective therapeutic methods. Recently suggested that the human Wharton’s jelly stem cells (hWJSCs) have an anti-proliferation activity against of several cancer cells through apoptosis induction. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of conditioned medium and cell lysate of human umbilical cord hWJSCs against the HT-29 cancer cell line and mechanisms of apoptosis induction.Methods: In this study, the hWJSCs conditioned medium and cell lysate were prepared from 10 human umbilical cord samples. The effects of hWJSCs conditioned medium and cell lysate were evaluated on the viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of HT-29 CC cell line. The expression of apoptosis related BAX, BCL2, SMAC, SURVIVIN, and Cas9 genes were evaluated in CC cells treated with hWJSCs conditioned medium and cell lysate.Results: We observed that conditioned medium and cell lysate of hWJSCs decrease CC cells viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, conditioned medium and cell lysate increased apoptosis rate of CC cells, which can be due to increase BAX, SMAC, and Cas9 genes, as well as decrease BCL2 and SURVIVIN genes.Conclusions: Our study suggest that conditioned medium and cell lysate of hWJSCs can inhibit CC cells through induction of apoptosis. However, further studies on are required to more accurate results.