bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thomas Kuhn’s Theory of Scientific Revolutions in the Social Context of Cold War
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Argamakova Alexandra A.
Published: January 2021

The concepts of “scientific paradigm” and “scientific revolution” have received many interpretations in philosophical tradition. They are taken as a starting point in studies of scientific theories change. However, the uncertainty of notions and stan­dards for demarcation between normal and revolutionary sciences influence the pro­liferation of philosophical ideas, though it does not contribute to the better under­standing of “Structure”. The truth is that scientific revolutions do not possess the strict structure. They start from theoretical or empirical anomalies and end as a social ceremony – by accepting the new basic theories and research strategies within a scientific community. Kuhn intentionally uses the term “revolution”, mean­ing a radical social activity for rebuilding the existing order of things. Moreover, par­adigms reproduce the features of competing social systems and political camps at the cold war period. Analogy between the change of scientific paradigms and social sys­tems is not absolutely strict. While it contributes to understanding of the nature of in­commensurability and “gestalt switch” which accompany scientific development. What was more important for Kuhn – the image of revolutionary or normal science? The paradigm change appears as a natural order of things. Each type of science is not more normal than another one. But the revolutionary science is more creative and confesses the principle of “creative destruction”. Regimes of normal science might be described in terms and images of virtue epistemology. Only if Thomas Kuhn does not resist to these normative prescriptions of the philosophers of science.
The Revolutionary Conservatism of Normal Science
Authors:   Interregional Non-Governmental Organization “Russian Society for History and Philosophy of Science”, Maslanov Evgeniy V.
Published: January 2021

The article analyzes the functioning of normal science. It has conservative fea­tures and implies the restriction of research practices to solving puzzle, rarely reflects on the ontological assumptions of its own paradigm. Such functioning of normal science allows it to solve a large number of various scientific and sci­entific-technical problems. As a result, normal science is developing quite rapidly. At the same time, revolutionary features can be distinguished in its func­tioning. They are associated with the struggle of each specific normal science for its position in the field of science, in the desire, through the dissemination of the results of its research beyond the scientific community and active participa­tion in the examination, to enlist the support of extra-scientific actors. Alliances with extra-scientific actors allow normal sciences to actively participate in the struggle for the redistribution of public attention and the financing of scientific research. With the help of such alliances, they are trying to introduce the results of their research into industry and public life. The success of such implementa­tions leads to an active redistribution of positions in the field of science. In this case, the revolutionary element of normal science is associated not with the de­sire to reconsider the fundamental ideas underlying it, but in the desire to rebuild the system of relations within the field of science, to take a leading position in it. As a result, it is concluded that the successful functioning of normal science is associated with the desire to make permanent micro-revolutions in the field of science, subject to a conservatively protective attitude to the fundamental as­sumptions of its own paradigm.
T. Kuhn on Interpretation and Understanding
Authors:   Interregional Non-Governmental Organization “Russian Society for History and Philosophy of Science”, Nikiforov Alexander L.
Published: January 2021

The author of the article emphasizes that, although before Kuhn, philosophers talked about theories, fundamental principles, or laws, about research methods, all these concepts expressed only one side of science. The concept of “paradigm”, despite its natural vagueness, very successfully unites all these aspects: a paradigm is a set of theories, laws, methods, and research models recognized by the scientific community at a certain period. The article considers the question of how T. Kuhn interpreted in­terpretation and understanding in the natural and human sciences. It is shown that Kuhn identified the interpretation of sensory impressions though natural language with the interpretation of human behavior, and therefore did not see the fundamental difference between the natural sciences and the humanities. From his point of view, the astronomer interprets the objects he observes in exactly the same way as the hu­manist interprets text or human behavior. However, the interpretation of human be­havior is ascribing to the observed actions of a persona certain intention – motive, goal, motivation. We do not ascribe any intentions to natural objects, and this is fun­damental difference between the natural sciences and humanities. Kuhn does not see this difference, since he identifies the “natural interpretation”of sensory impressions through everyday language with the theoretical interpretation of observable objects through myth, religion, scientific theory.
Hegel’s Philosophy of Spirit in New Sense (Reflection on the Book Hegel’s Philosophy of Spirit: A Critical Guide)
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tatarenko Natalia A.
Published: January 2021

The article comprehends the features of Hegel’s philosophy of the late period, presented in the book “Hegel’s Philosophy of Spirit: A Critical Guide” edited by M.F. Bykova. The author analyses the key points of Hegel’s philosophical sys­tem and demonstrates that the combination of careful textual work and, on its ba­sis, the interpretation of philosophical ideas considered in the context of specific historical eras, plays an important role in conducting research in the field of Hegel studies. Since the philosophical works of Hegel are assessed as very diffi­cult for reading and interpretation, and the principles of building his philosophi­cal system and the development of the absolute spirit, as a result, are often mis­understood, it is not always possible to successfully accomplish such a task. The reviewed collective monograph serves as a good example of research work combining reliance on authorized text sources and grounded interpretations of Hegel’s philosophy within the framework of modern scientific and sociocultural knowledge. The articles collected in the book are devoted to various problems of Hegel’s philosophy of the spirit, presented mainly in the “Encyclopaedia of Philosophical Sciences”, and reasonably show the relevance and importance of Hegel’s philosophy in our days.
International Congress of Philosophy As a Space for Personal Communication
Authors:   Institute of Social and Humanitarian Education, Shchedrina Tatiana G.
Published: January 2021

The article looks into the World Philosophical Congress as a space for personal communication. The author examines the archival (primary epistolary) legacy of the organizers and participants of the Second Congress (Édouard Claparède, Henri Bergson, Vladimir Nikolaevich Ivanovsky, Georgy Ivanovich Chelpanov). H. Bergson’s letters to Ed. Claparède show us how the topics of speeches formed, what role journals played in organizing congresses, and how the partici­pants of this event reacted to the publication of reports and speeches. It is return­ing to the history (to the handwritten and published materials) of international philosophical congresses of the beginning of XX century, that allows us today to comprehend the trends in the development of Philosophical issues, to record the successive thematic areas that have not lost their relevance for modern intellec­tual culture, and also to show the existential specifics of reflection about con­gresses, which manifested itself in reviews of V.N. Ivanovsky and G.I. Chel­panov. Their discourse about plenary and sectional reports, evaluations of speeches, as well as general conclusions about the strength and weaknesses of this intellectual event in the life of the world (international) philosophical com­munity, resulted from their own philosophical interests. The most significant at­tention is paid to the “fatal flaws” of any philosophical congress (according to Chelpanov’s apt remark): lack of live communication (debate on reports), as well as “the lack of one language, equally accessible to all participants”. Both of these flaws are genuinely unavoidable. Even with the expansion of the technical possi­bilities of transferring information, the monologue of speakers and terminological pluralism persist throughout the existence of World philosophical congresses.
Two Anthropological Receptions of Freud’s Ideas: Semyon L. Frank and Ludwig Binswanger
Authors:   St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University, Antonov Konstantin M. , Chentsova Daria A. ,   St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University
Published: January 2021

The aim of the paper is to compare Semyon Frank’s and Ludwig Binswanger’s reception of Freudian ideas, represented in published works and correspondence (mostly unpublished) of the both thinkers. The essence of this reception is anthropological one. In a positive perception of psy­choanalysis and in its criticism Frank and Binswanger strive to formulate a new understanding of Man, which overcome nihilistic tendencies and is irreducible to either traditional religious anthro­pology or secular humanism. From their point of view, the anthropological discoveries of psycho­analysis cannot receive an appropriate interpretation within the framework of its own naturalistic schemes.
O princípio da separação de línguas no teletandem: o que as teorias propõem e como ele funciona na prática
Authors: Picoli Fabiana , Salomão Ana Cristina Biondo
Published: January 2021

Baseando-se na modalidade de aprendizagem em tandem, Telles e Vassallo (2006) propuseram o Teletandem, que ocorre por meio de ferramentas digitais na internet com foco na comunicação oral. O princípio da separação de línguas (TELLES; VASSALLO, 2006) é denominado, neste estudo, princípio da igualdade. Nesse artigo, buscamos refletir sobre os fatores que envolvem o seguimento desse princípio durante a realização do teletandem a partir de discussões teóricas sobre suas diferentes denominações e conceituações, assim como por meio da análise de dados empíricos de interações entre três pares de participantes. Nossos resultados demonstram a necessidade de renomeação desse princípio no teletandem e uma reconceitualização que reconheça as características do uso de duas línguas nesse contexto de acordo com as necessidades, objetivos e intenções dos falantes.
Propostas de produção de textos em material didático e a noção de “escrita como trabalho”
Authors: Mendonça Marina Célia
Published: January 2021

Este trabalho se insere no contexto das pesquisas das ciências da linguagem sobre a produção textual como processo e sua inserção em atividades didático-pedagógicas. Considerando essa problemática, o objetivo é colocar em foco escritos de pesquisadores brasileiros, nas áreas da Linguística e da Linguística Aplicada, discutindo sua atualização no discurso sobre a produção textual em material didático – é enfocada, especificamente, a noção de “escrita como trabalho”, atualizada por uma coleção didática direcionada ao Ensino Médio intitulada Veredas da Palavra. O suporte teórico-metodológico da pesquisa são os estudos bakhtinianos do discurso. O procedimento metodológico central é o cotejamento de textos, comparando discursos produzidos em esferas de atividade diferentes. O pressuposto teórico de que se parte é o de que, ao migrar de uma esfera de atividade para outra, o discurso sofre modificações decorrentes de novas relações discursivas estabelecidas na nova esfera e de valores que são predominantes nela.
Dissecting Salience Network Responsivity to Evoked Nociception and Pain: Model Free Analyses
Authors: Becerra Lino , Borsook David
Published: January 2021

Dissecting the responses of brain changes to acute nociceptive stimuli includes understanding networks that dynamically interact to produce the experience of pain. Among these networks the salience, default, sensory, and cognitive/central executive networks are known to interact in monitoring external stimuli, assigning salience and diverting activity from self-reflection (default mode) to cognitive integration and planning potential reaction to pain (executive). Several studies of acute evoked pain report a pattern of activity reflecting the involvement of these networks. However, it has also been proposed that much of the activity seems to reflect a response to the saliency of pain rather than pain/nociceptive processing itself. These results stem from the assumption that the evoked fMRI signal arises from a single, canonical hemodynamic response induced by the stimuli. Using a model-free analysis we demonstrate that the observed fMRI response has a complex, dynamic nature not captured by model-based analysis. We provide evidence that these and other networks have a distinct temporal response. Results presented here suggest that proper modeling and characterization of the brain response is fundamental for a correct interpretation of brain activity in response to phasic/evoked noxious stimuli.
A mammalian commensal of the oropharyngeal cavity produces antibiotic and antiviral valinomycin in vivo
Authors: Gaiser Rogier , Ferrando Maria , Oddo Alberto , Pereira Milton , Guan Xiaonan , Molist Francesc , Fernandez-Gutierrez Marcela , Fredriksen Simen , Bryant Clare , Petras Daniel , Dorrestein Pieter , Boeren Sjef , Medema Marnix , Hill Colin , Kleerebezem Michiel , Baarlen Peter van , Wells Jerry
Published: January 2021

Around weaning, piglets are susceptible to infection by bacterial pathobionts, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. We identified isolates of Rothia nasisuis in the upper respiratory tract of weaned healthy piglets that produce valinomycin in vitro and in vivo via its vlm-encoded non-ribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS) enzyme complex. Valinomycin is an antiviral and antibiotic ionophore that shuttles potassium ions across membranes and is capable of inflammasome activation and apoptosis in LPS-primed macrophages at concentrations of 1 uM. Polarized monolayers of epithelial cells were much less sensitive to valinomycin but concentrations ≥ 10 µM decreased trans-epithelial resistance. R. nasisuis inhibited growth of closely related species of Rothia. Deliberate inoculation of valinomycin-producing R. nasisuis into newborn piglets suggested this species can shape the microbiota post weaning. Our findings support the idea that valinomycin is a competitive niche factor potentially also compromising epithelial integrity to gain access to (micro)nutrients.
Intramuscular Neural Distribution of the Sartorius Muscles: Treating Spasticity With Botulinum Neurotoxin
Authors: Yi Kyu-Ho , Lee Ji-Hyun , Seo Kyle , Kim Hee-Jin
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to detect the idyllic locations for botulinum neurotoxin injection by analyzing the intramuscular neural distributions of the sartorius muscles. A altered Sihler’s staining was conducted on sartorius muscles (15 specimens). The nerve entry points and intramuscular arborization areas were measured as a percentage of the total distance from the most prominent point of the anterior superior iliac spine (0%) to the medial femoral epicondyle (100%). Intramuscular neural distribution were densely detected at 20–40% and 60–80% for the sartorius muscles. The result suggests that the treatment of sartorius muscle spasticity requires botulinum neurotoxin injections in particular locations. These locations, corresponding to the locations of maximum arborization, are suggested as the most safest and effective points for botulinum neurotoxin injection.
Comparative Genetic Diversity and Structure of the Rhus Gall Aphid Schlechtendalia Chinensis and Its Host-Plant Rhus Chinensis
Authors: Ren Zhu , He Hong , Zhang Yang , Su Xu
Published: January 2021

Studying the population genetic structure of both parasites and their host-plants is expected to yield new valuable insights into their coevolution. In this study, we examined and compared the population genetic diversity and structure of 12 populations of the Rhus gall aphid, Schlechtendalia chinensis, and its host-plant, Rhus chinensis, using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. AMOVA analysis showed that the genetic variance of the aphid and its host-plant were both higher within populations compared to that among them, suggesting that a co-evolutionary history has yielded similar patterns of population genetic structure. We did not detect significant correlation between genetic and geographic distance for either the aphid or host-plant populations, therefore rejecting an isolation by distance model for the demographic histories of the two species. However, our results appeared to suggest that genetically diverse host -plant Rhus populations correlated to similarly genetically diverse populations of gall aphid parasites.
Role of Mitochondrial Dynamics in Microglial Activation and Metabolic Switch
Authors: Montilla Alejandro , Ruiz Asier , Marquez Mar , Sierra Amanda , Matute Carlos , Domercq Maria
Published: January 2021

Microglia act as sensors of injury in the brain, favouring its homeostasis. Their activation and polarization towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype are associated to injury and disease. These processes are linked to a metabolic reprogramming of the cells, characterized by high rates of glycolysis and suppressed oxidative phosphorylation. This metabolic switch can be reproduced in vitro by microglial stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus interferon-γ (IFNγ). In order to understand the mechanisms regulating mitochondrial respiration abolishment, we examined potential alterations in mitochondrial features during this switch. Cells did not show any change in mitochondrial membrane potential, suggesting a limited impact in the mitochondrial viability. We provide evidence that reverse operation of F0F1-ATP synthase contributes to mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, we studied the possible implication of mitochondrial dynamics in the metabolic switch using the mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 (Mdivi-1), which blocks Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission. Mdivi-1 significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory markers in LPS+IFNγ-treated microglia. However, this inhibition did not lead to a recovery of the oxidative phosphorylation ablation by LPS+IFNγ or to a microglia repolarization. Altogether, these results suggest that Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission, although potentially involved in microglial activation, does not play an essential role in metabolic reprogramming and repolarization of microglia.
The Influence of Lobe-based Radiotherapy Plan Optimization Method on Different Lymph Node Irradiation Schemes for Operable LA-NSCLC Patients
Authors: Gu Hengle , Li Hongxuan , Fu Xiaolong , Xu Zhiyong
Published: January 2021

Purpose
Various target volume delineation schemes differ greatly for stage IIIa NSCLC radiotherapy. Although tightened target volume may give patients the opportunity to receive radiotherapy, it is not absolutely safe to narrow the irradiation area. For IIIa NSCLC patients who will undergo lobectomy, a new neoadjuvant radiotherapy based on sparing preserved lung lobes may improve the dose distribution of the preserved lobe, and provide freedom for physicians in optimizing treatment strategies.

Materials and methods
Computed tomography imaging data of 20 IIIA- p N2 NSCLC patients were used to produce conventional IMRT(IMRT) and Preserved Lobe based IMRT(P-IMRT) plan respectively according to two different target volume delineation schemes(OPT1 and OPT2). Dose results of target coverage, Total lung, Ipsilateral lung, Preserved Total Lung, Preserved Ipsilateral Lung, Contralateral Lung, Resected Lobe and other OARs in the four groups were analyzed.

Results
All plans met dose limits. Lobe-based IMRT significantly reduce the irradiated dose of Lung lobes, especially Preserved Total Lung and Preserved Ipsilateral Lung, for both delineation schemes. Mean Dose of Preserved Total Lung decreased from 819.93 cGy to 690.98 cGy (OPT1) and 542.47 cGy to 469.62 cGy (OPT2), Mean Dose of Preserved Ipsilateral Lung decreased from 1282.95 cGy to 1068.55 cGy (OPT1) and 955.83 cGy to 795.97 cGy (OPT2), respectively. While the dose indices of Resected Lobe increased slightly for only about 1%. Comparing the four groups of plans, it’s more effective in optimizing the dose of lung lobes by this method for the delineation scheme with a large target volume. The lung dose metrics in P-IMRTOPT1 can be reduced to a value very close to that in IMRTOPT2, and some values are even lower than that in IMRTOPT2.
Conclusion
For IIIA-N2 NSCLC patients who will undergo lobectomy, no matter which target delineation scheme is chosen, preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy using a lobe -based planning can significantly reduce the radiation dose that preserves the lobes. Especially for the large-scale lymph node irradiation scheme, this method can also reduce the dose of preserved lung lobe to a level that is comparable to or lower than that of the conventional IMRT small-area lymph node irradiation scheme, and reduce the obstacles for clinicians in selecting the optimal individualized scheme.
Colorectal Cancer in Iran: A Retrospective, Comparative Study of Early-onset and Late-onset Cases in north-eastern Iran based on the Iranian Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Registry
Authors: Hoseini Benyamin , Rahmatinejad Zahra , Goshayeshi Ladan , Bergquist Robert , Rahmatinejad Fatemeh , Golabpour Amin , Ghaffarzadegan Kamran , Darrudi Reza , Eslami Saeid
Published: January 2021

Background: Generally, the incidence rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing among young patients (aged <49 years), while the reasons for the rising incidence are unclear. Indicative variables, such as tumour location, gender preference and genetic preponderance have not been followed up in a consistent manner. The current study was primarily conducted to improve the hereditary CRC screening programme by assessing the demographic and pathological characteristics of early-onset CRC compared to late-onset CRC in northeast Iran. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out over a three-year follow-up period (2014-2017) and included 562 CRC patients in three Mashhad City hospital laboratories in north-eastern Iran. We applied comparative analysis of pathological and familial features together with information on the presence of genetic mismatch repair-deficiency in relation to final patient status (surviving versus deceased cases). Analyses using R studio software were performed on early-onset CRC (n=222) and late-onset CRC (n=340) groups produced by division at the age of 50 years. Results: From an age-of-onset point of view, the distribution between the genders differed with females showing a higher proportion of early-onset CRC compared to men (56% vs. 44 %) , while the late-onset CRC disparity was less pronounced (48% vs. 52%). The mean age of all participants was 55.6 ± 14.8 years, while it was 40.3 ± 7.3 years for early-onset CRC and 65.1 ± 9.3 years for late-onset CRC. With respect to anatomical tumour location (distal, rectal, and proximal), the frequencies were 61%, 28% and 11%, respectively, but the variation did not reach statically significance. There was a dramatic difference with regard to the history of CRC in second-degree relatives (SDR) and that of the combination of first-degree relatives and SDR (p=0.001 and p=0.03, respectively). Expression of the MLH1 and PMS2 genes were significantly different between survivors and deceased, however this finding was not observed with regard to the MSH6 and the MSH2 genes. Conclusion: The variation of demographic, pathological and genetic characteristics of CRC between early-onset and late-onset cancers of this kind emphasizes the need for a well-defined algorithm to identify high-risk patients.
WITHDRAWN: Sleep Treatment Improves Neuropsychological Symptoms and Reduces Blood Aβ42/pTau Protein in Alzheimer's Disease Patients: a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Li Benyi , Huang Haihua , Li Mingqiu , Zhang Menglin , Qiu Jiang , Chen Haiyan , Mou Xin , Chen Qinghong , Li Ting C. , Peng Jun
Published: January 2021

Background: Amyloid β peptide-42 (Aβ42) and phosphorylated Tau on Threonine 181 (Tau-pT181) are the core biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease. Accumulated evidence showed an aberrant elevation of these biomarkers due to sleep disturbance. However, it is not clear if improving sleep quality reduces Aβ42 and Tau-pT181 in Alzheimer’s disease patients.Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted on 126 patients with mild-moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Behavioral and neuropsychological assessment was conducted using multiple self-reporting questionnaire score systems. Aβ42 and Tau-pT181 levels in blood specimens were measured using an ELISA assay kit. All patients received Donepezil treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep disorders were individually managed with either medication or physical therapy according to their symptom categories.Results: Of the 126 cases, 93 (73.8%) patients were diagnosed with sleep disorders. The PSQI scores significantly correlated with depression and anxiety scores, as well as Aβ42 and Tau-pT181 levels. Also, a significant correlation was found among depression, anxiety, Aβ42 and Tau-pT181 in all patients. Sleep intervention drastically reduced PSQI score, as well as Aβ42 and Tau-pT181 levels, in parallel with improved cognition, deterioration and anxiety scores. Dementia and depression scores were improved only in patients who completely recovered (PSQI < 7) after sleep treatment. There was a 35.9% reduction of Aβ42 levels and a 32.8% reduction of Tau-pT181 levels in this subgroup of patients (56 cases). Conversely, the reduction extent was only 6.9% for Aβ42 and 12.2% for Tau-pT181 in patients who did not completely recover (PSQI ≥ 7 post treatment, 37 cases). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that Aβ42 level is the strongest risk factor for sleep disorder incidence and incomplete recovery after sleep treatment.Conclusion: Sleep quality score is associated with patient depression and anxiety status, as well as blood Aβ42 and Tau-pT181 levels. A complete recovery is critical for a full improvement of all behavioral and neuropsychological assessments, which is also associated with a deep reduction of Aβ42 and Tau-pT181 levels. Aβ42 level is a prognostic factor for a diagnosis of sleep disorder and treatment responsiveness.
Bibliometric Analysis of Publication Hot Topics of Smartphones in the Field of Health and Medical Services
Authors: Tian Zhiqiang , Wang Yanjun , Lu Jiao , Wang Chunfang , Zheng Jianzhong
Published: January 2021

Background: Smartphones have captured the attention of many researchers in the field of health and medical services. This study aimed to quantify research ‘hotspots’ in this field, analyse the relationship between research hotspots and the resulting knowledge groups, and provide visual representations of the findings. Methods: Using bibliometric analysis software tools for keyword frequency analysis, we identified research hotspots using keywords from PubMed entries from a 14-year period. The analyses of hotspots were performed using keyword co-occurrence analysis, social network analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), multidimensional scaling analysis, and network visualization technology. Results: The results confirmed that the number of articles has been increasing each year. The topics of mobile applications, telemedicine, self-care, Diabetes Mellitus, treatment outcomes, health promotion, and patient satisfaction associated with smartphones were highlighted. The 35 high-frequency keywords that were extracted constituted five principal components of research related to information technology and telemedicine, diabetes, t-health promotion, and smartphones/handheld computers. Figures of knowledge network maps and perceptual maps show the relationship between the high-frequency keywords. Conclusions: The research of smartphones for health and medical services has experienced significant growth and expansion in knowledge in the last 14 years. Research hotspots for smartphone-related information technology, telemedicine, and health promotion have broad prospects for development. Moreover, this study provides directions for research hotspots and future research in the field of smartphone applications for health and medical services.
Molecular Characterization of Advanced Colorectal Cancer Using Serum Proteomics and Metabolomics
Authors: Rao Jun , Wan Xianghui , Tou Fangfang , He Qinsi , Xiong Aihua , Chen Xinyi , Hou Li , Zheng Zhi
Published: January 2021

Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing public health concern with high mortality rate. However, there are no valid diagnostic biomarkers and few therapeutic strategies available for CRC, especially advanced CRC, since the pathogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood. Objective To comprehensively reveal molecular characterization of advanced CRC, we applied integrated proteomic and metabolomic analyses on serum samples from 20 patients with CRC at stage III or IV. Methods In the present study, we took advantage of nanoscale liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS) and ultraperformance LC/Q-TOF-MS/MS technologies. Results Overall, 551 proteins and 719 metabolites were identified in those serum samples, respectively. Hierarchical clustering analysis indicated much more remarkable diversity in proteomic profiles than metabolomic profiles. Further functional analysis suggested that ten key pathways associated with cancer cell metabolism were dissected including glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, biosynthesis of amino acids, glutathione metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism, based on which protein-protein interaction network analysis was thus constructed with 80 proteins and 21 metabolites. Moreover, the regulatory network in advanced CRC was established according to correlation analysis, indicating conserved roles of metabolome and lipids & lipid like molecules in human serum. Nevertheless, three metabolites and two proteins including hydroquinone, leucenol and sphingomyelin were supposed to be potential biomarkers, which were determined to be positively and significantly correlated with CEA and/or CA 19-9.Conclusions Altogether, our work not only extended our understanding on the physiopathology of advanced CRC, but provided potential biomarkers to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis and monitoring of the syndrome.
WITHDRAWN: A Cohort Study of Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis in Taiwan: An Under-recognized Entity
Authors: Lin Hsuan-Yu , Lin Ching-Yeh , Shen Ming-Ching
Published: January 2021

Background: Inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVCT) is a rare clinical condition. Herein, we report eight cases of IVCT in Taiwanese patients.Methods: Eight Taiwanese patients diagnosed with IVCT between May 2012 and December 2019 were included in this study. The patients’ demographics, presenting characteristics, additional sites of venous thromboembolism, extent of IVCT, prothrombotic risk factors, and IVCT-related adverse events were evaluated.Results: All eight patients with IVCT presented with other coexisting venous thromboembolic manifestations, such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT, 100%) or pulmonary embolism (62.5%). The clinical presentations, including DVT in both lower extremities coexisting with the dilatation of the superficial veins of the abdominal wall (50%), were reported. No congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) were noted. Various thromboembolic risk factors, such as unretrieved IVC filters (25%), pregnancy (37.5%), lupus anticoagulants (37.5%), surgery (25%), antithrombin deficiency (12.5%), hemoglobin H disease (12.5%), and essential thrombocythemia (12.5%), were identified. All patients were administered anticoagulants. One patient (12.5%) developed post-thrombotic syndrome. No mortality was reported in our cohort. Conclusions: This is the first report of IVCT in Taiwanese patients. Typical clinical features of IVC occlusion coexisting with predisposing factors of venous thrombosis, such as lupus anticoagulants, pregnancy, or unretrieved IVC filters, could indicate a diagnosis of IVCT. Moreover, IVCT presenting as a complication resulting from the unretrieved IVC filter was observed, highlighting the potential risks of chronic indwelling filters.
Comparison of Recurrence of Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Carcinoma after Transurethral Resection with Hexaminolevulinate Photodynamic Diagnosis or Regular Cystoscopy
Authors: Hoogeveen Fokke , Blanker Marco , Cauberg Evelyne , Steffens Martijn
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Comparison of recurrence of non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma after transurethral resection with hexaminolevulinate photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) or regular white light cystoscopy (WLC).Methods: We included patients with newly suspected non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma in this retrospective cohort study and compared those undergoing transurethral resection by WLC and PDD. The primary outcome was the difference in the recurrence rate after 60 months’ follow-up, but we also stratified recurrence by risk groups. The mean recurrence-free survival was compared between the cohorts. Odds ratios or hazard ratios are reported with 95% confidence intervals.Results: The WLC and PDD cohorts comprised 124 and 91 subjects, respectively. There were no significant differences in recurrence rates at 6 months (recurrence rate 9/123; 7.3%), 12 months (17/118; 14.4%), or 60 months (39/102; 38.2%), with odds ratios of 1.23 (0.48–3.25; P=0.64), 1.32 (0.67–2.62; P=0.42), and 1.12 (0.70–1.79; P=0.65), respectively. Further analysis showed no significant effect of PDD on recurrence by risk group or on mean recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 1.12; 0.70–1.79).Conclusion: Photodynamic diagnosis with hexaminolevulinate did not reduce the recurrence of non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma compared to standard white light cystoscopy when used for transurethral resection.
Evolution Characteristics and Simulation Prediction of Forest and Grass Landscape Fragmentation Based on the “Grain for Green” Projects on the Loess Plateau, P.R. China
Authors: Gu Li , Gong Zhiwen , Bu Yuankun
Published: January 2021

Forest fragmentation is one of the major environmental issues that the international community is generally concerned about under the background of global climate change. Studying the impact and the interaction mechanism of land use change processes on landscape fragmentation is important to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem response to human activities and global climate change. Based on the implementation background for the “Grain for Green” Project, we selected the Loess Plateau as the research area and used the coupled future land use simulation (FLUS) model and landscape fragmentation model to explore the temporal and spatial changes in forest and grass landscape fragmentation. The results showed that (1) Woodland, grassland, and cropland are the main landscape types, accounting for about 90% of the total area. In addition, the area of cropland initially increased and then decreased, while the area of woodland and grassland exhibited the opposite trend Oover the last 35 years. In particular, the period from 2000 to 2015 was a forest and grass restoration stage, and the average annual rate of forest and grass restoration reached 0.56%. (2) The FLUS model was used to predict the land use on the Loess Plateau in 2030. The kappa coefficient was 0.85, and the figure of merit coefficient (FOM) was 0.11 for a 1% random sampling, which are within a reasonable range, and the simulation results are also consistent with the objective change in the current social and economic development. (3) The fragmentation of woodland and grassland were dominated by edge type and core type. The core type had a concentrated distribution and an absolute advantage, accounting for more than 75% of the total area. It is predicted that the landscape fragmentation will gradually slowdown in 2030 under different intensities of the “Grain for Green” project. The dynamics of landscape fragmentation based on land use changes are conducive to the reasonable planning and objective evaluation of woodland and grassland spatial allocation and quality improvement, and provide an important basis for the formulation of ecological protection and land management policies.
Candidate Genes Identified by Constructing a Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network and Key Prognostic Factors of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Peng , Wang Shanjuan , Wang Yongchen
Published: January 2021

BackgroundPancreatic adenocarcinoma(PAAD) is a kind of terribly malignant tumor of the digestive tract with high mortality globally, however, the pathogenic molecular mechanisms of which remain unclear currently. Therefore, it is very important to explore the underlying mechanisms and screen for novel prognostic markers and treatment targets. We performed a weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA) to identify hub genes associated with clinical parameters of interest using The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) data. In addition, Gene ontology(GO) enrichments and survival analyses were conducted.MethodsThe 14 datasets including gene expression profiles and clinical phenotypes for PAAD patients in TCGA were analyzed by WGCNA in R. After constructing the scale-free network of gene co-expression, modules with clinical significance were distinguished, and hub genes were validated, which also key genes regulated relevant traits. GO enrichments were performed on the modules. Furthermore, the significance of hub genes was confirmed via survival analysis.ResultsWe discovered 12 candidate genes in total which had significant effects on the overall survival of PAAD patients. The expression of DUSP26, TCEAL2, CELF3, CDK5R2, NAP1L2, INA had strong and positive influences on the pathological T stage, while the expression of CEP55, HJURP, KIF23, CDCA5, SAC3D1, ATP6L had great negative impacts on the histological stage. Meanwhile, we also found that the tumor primary location and age of onset were key factors affecting the prognosis of PAAD.ConclusionThese candidate genes probably play important roles in proliferation, differentiation and metastasis of PAAD cells, which may be acted as novel prognostic markers and effective therapeutic targets. Besides, most of them are first reported in PAAD and deserved in-depth research.
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor-Induced TAF9 Modulates P53-TRIAP1-CASP3 Axis to Prevent Retinal Ganglion Cell Death after Optic Nerve Ischemia
Authors: Wen Yao-Tseng , Lin Keh-Liang , Huang Chin-Te , Tsai Rong Kung
Published: January 2021

BackgroundOptic nerve head (ONH) infarct can result in progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Some evidences indicated that the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) provides positive effects against ischemic damage on RGCs. However, protective mechanisms of the GCSF after ONH infarct are complex and remain unclear. MethodsTo investigate the complex mechanisms, the transcriptome profiles of the GCSF-treated retinas were examined using microarray technology. The retinal mRNA samples on days 3 and 7 post rat anterior ischemic optic neuropathy model (rAION) were analyzed by microarray and bioinformatics analyses. To evaluate the TAF9 function in RGC apoptosis, GCSF plus TAF9 siRNA-treated rats were evaluated using retrograde labeling with FluoroGold assay, TUNEL assay, and Western blotting in a rAION.ResultsGCSF treatment influenced 3101 genes and 3332 genes on days 3 and 7 post rAION, respectively. ONH infarct led to changes in 702 and 179 genes on days 3 and 7 post rAION, respectively. After cluster analysis, the TATA box-binding protein (TBP)-associated factor levels were significantly reduced after ONH infarct but significantly increased after GCSF treatment. The network analysis revealed that TBP associated factor 9 (TAF9) can bind to TP53 to induce TP53 regulated inhibitor of apoptosis 1 (TRIAP1) expression. The RGC density in the GCSF plus TAF9 siRNA-treated group was 1.95-fold (central retina) and 1.75-fold (midperipheral retina) lower than that in the GCSF-treated group (p < 0.05). The number of apoptotic RGC in the GCSF plus TAF9 siRNA-treated group is threefold higher than that in the GCSF-treated group (p < 0.05). Treatment with TAF9 siRNA significantly reduced GCSF-induced TP53 and TRIAP1 expression by 2.4-fold and 4.7-fold, respectively, in the rAION model. Overexpression of TAF9 significantly reduced apoptotic RGC and CASP3 levels and induced TP53 and TRIAP1 expression in the rAION model. ConclusionOur in vivo study is the first to report that GCSF is able to induce TAF9 expression to control RGC death and survival after ON infarct. Besides, the binding of TAF9 and TP53 is crucial to inhibit TP53 degradation and to modulate TRIAP1-CASP3 axis. Thus, we considered that TAF9 is a potential drug for patient with NAION.
Synthesis of SPIO nanoparticles and the subsequent applications in stem cell labeling for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yu Shuang , An Li , Tao Qing , Wu Yue , Wang Nana , Liu Yan , Wang Feifei , Zhang Lixing , Shi Aihua , Zhou Xiumin , Zhang Jingzhong
Published: January 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain, and the stem cell transplantation method provides a promising strategy for the treatment. In these studies, tracking the biological behaviors of the transplanted cells in vivo, is essential for a basic understanding of stem cell function and evaluation of clinical effectiveness. In the present study, we developed a novel ultras-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coating with the polyacrylic acid (PAA) and methoxypolyethylene glycol amine (PEG) by thermal decomposition method and a two-step modification. The USPIO-PAA/PEG NPs have a uniform diameter of 10.07 ± 0.55 nm and proper absorption peak of the corresponding ligands, as showed by TEM and FTIR. MTT showed that the survival of cells incubated with USPIO-PAA/PEG NPs remained above 96%. The synthesized USPIO-PAA/PEG had a good relaxation rate of 84.65 s-1 Mm-1, indicating that they could be efficiently uptake and traced by MRI. Furthermore, the primary human adipose-derived stem cells (HADSCs) were characterized, labeled with USPIO-PAA/PEG and transplanted into the striatum of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induced PD rat models. The labeled cells could be traced by MRI for up to 3 weeks after the transplantation surgery, moreover, transplantation with the labeled HADSCs significantly attenuated apomorphine-induced rotations in PD models, and increased the number of the dopaminergic neurons in the substania nigra. Overall, the development of USPIO-PAA/PEG NPs provides a promising tool for in vivo tracing technique of cell therapy, and identify a novel strategy to track stem cells with therapeutic potential in PD.
Fatigue Property of Additively Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V under Non-proportional Multiaxial Loading
Authors: Kimura Yuya , Ogawa Fumio , Itoh Takamoto
Published: January 2021

Low cycle fatigue strength properties of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V alloy were experimentally investigated under proportional and non-proportional multiaxial loading. Fatigue tests have been conducted by means of hollow cylinder specimens with and without heat treatments, at room temperature in air. Fatigue tests with proportional loading represented by a push-pull strain path and non-proportional loading represented by a circle strain path were conducted, respectively. The fatigue lives of additively manufactured specimens were drastically reduced obviously by internal voids and defects in comparison with the specimens used in the previous study [1]. In addition, the defect size is measured, and the defect does not cause fatigue strength reduction above some size. The fracture surface was observed using SEM to investigate fracture mechanism of additively manufactured specimens under two types of strain path. Different fracture patterns are recognized for the two strain paths; however, both showed the retention of the crack propagation in spite of the presence of numerous defects. The crack propagation properties of the materials with numerous defects under non-proportional multiaxial loading were elucidated to increase the reliability of additive manufactured components.
Novel Ring Compression Test Method to Determine the Stress-strain Relations and Mechanical Preperties of Metallic Materials
Authors: Han Guang-Zhao , Cai lixun , Bao Chen , Liang Bo , Lv Yang , Huang Mao-Bo , Liu Xiao-Kun
Published: January 2021

Although there are methods for testing the stress–strain relation and strength, which are the most fundamental and important properties of metallic materials, their application to small size specimens is limited. In this study, a new dimensionless elastoplastic load–displacement (EPLD-Ring) model for compressed metal rings with isotropy and constitutive power law is proposed to describe the relation between the geometric dimensions, Hollomon law parameters, load, and displacement based on energy density equivalence. Furthermore, a novel test method for the rings is developed to obtain the elastic modulus, stress–strain relation, yield strength, and tensile strength. The universality and accuracy of the model are verified within a wide range of imaginary materials via finite element analysis (FEA), and the results show that the stress–strain relations obtained with the model are more consistent with those inputted in the FEA software. Additionally, for seven metallic materials, a series of ring compression tests with various dimensions were performed. It was found that the stress–strain relations and mechanical properties predicted by the model are in agreement with the normal tensile test results. It is believed that the new method is reliable and effective for testing the mechanical properties of small size materials and tube components.
A Note on COVID-19 Diagnosis Number Prediction Model in China
Authors: Li Yi , Yin Xianhong , Liang Meng , Liu Xiaoyu , Hao Meng , Wang Yi
Published: January 2021

Objective: In December 2019, pneumonia infected with the novel coronavirus burst in Wuhan, China. We aimed to use a mathematical model to predict number of diagnosed patients in future to ease anxiety on the emergent situation. Methods: According to all diagnosis number from WHO website and combining with the transmission mode of infectious diseases, the mathematical model was fitted to predict future trend of outbreak. Our model was based on the epidemic situation in China, which could provide referential significance for disease prediction in other countries, and provide clues for prevention and intervention of relevant health authorities. In this retrospective, all diagnosis number from Jan 21 to Feb 10, 2020 reported from China was included and downloaded from WHO website. We develop a simple but accurate formula to predict the next day diagnosis number: ，where N i is the total diagnosed patient till the i th day, and was estimated as 0.904 at Feb 10. Results: Based on this model, it is predicted that the rate of disease infection will decrease exponentially. The total number of infected people is limited; thus, the disease will have limited impact. However, new diagnosis will last to end of March. Conclusions: Through the establishment of our model, we can better predict the trend of the epidemic in China.