bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of mineralization and developmental stage of homologues mandibular first and second molars using panoramic radiographs and Demirjian's method in 5 to 12 years old children
Authors: Shamsi Aria , Esmaili Sara , Ashtiani Gelareh Haghi , Mokhtari Nasim , Mahmudi Samira
Published: June 2022

Background: Assessment of dental developmental stage is more valuable than tooth eruption because the duration of tooth eruption is short and is determined by the appearance of tooth in the oral cavity. Among the different methods that could be used to determine the developmental stage of teeth, the Demirjian’s method has been extensively applied. This study aimed to assess the developmental stage of homologous mandibular first and second molars in 5 to 12-year olds using the Demirjian’s method.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 panoramic radiographs of 5 to 12-year-old Iranians obtained from the Radiology Department of Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences from March 2019 to April 2020. The developmental stage of homologous mandibular first and second molars teeth were scored based on Demirjian’s stages. The observers were first calibrated for use of the Demirjian’s method and then the inter- and intra-examiner reliability and the respective kappa values were calculated after observing 300 panoramic radiographs. The radiographs were assessed twice with a one-month interval. The collected data was analysed using SPSS version 22 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL).Results: Significant difference was noted in the developmental stage of the first and second molars in the right and left side among the different age groups. According to the results, there was not a significant difference in the developmental stage of the first molars in right and left side between two genders while the difference in this regard between the mandibular right and left second molars between two genders was significant. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the development of the first and second molars in the right and left side between the four distributed age groups for each gender.Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, evolution of mandibular first and second molar is not an appropriate indicator for gender segregation in children under 12 years old, but it can be used in ages estimation. Therefore, it can be concluded that gender is an impactful factor on the growth process of the second molar on the left and right in this age group.
Extreme indices of temperature and precipitation in South America: trends and intercomparison of regional climate models.
Authors: Lagos-Zúñiga Miguel A. , Balmaceda-Huarte Rocío , Regoto Pedro , Torrez Limbert , Olmo Matías , Lyra André , Pareja-Quispe David , Bettolli María Laura
Published: June 2022

Regional Climate Models (RCMs) provide climate information required for the evaluation of vulnerability, impacts, and adaptation at finer scales than their global driving models. As they explicitly resolve the basic conservation and state equations, they solve physics with more detail, conserving teleconnection of larger scales provided by GCMs. In South America (SA), the regional simulations have been historically evaluated principally on climatological aspects, but the representativeness of extremes still needs a deeper assessment. This study aims to analyze three RCMs driven by different GCMs: RegCM4-7, REMO2015, and Eta in the CORDEX SA region with focus on their capacity to reproduce extreme ETCCDI historical indices of daily precipitation and extreme temperature. Rx5day, CDD, TXx, and TNn were evaluated regarding the historical spatio-temporal variability and trends and climate change projections for the 2071–2099 period in the RCP8.5 were provided. The historical behavior of RCMs (1981–2005) was compared with two gridded products: CPC and Agrometeorological indicators derived from ERA5 reanalysis, previously compared with records from meteorological stations to assess potential observational biases. The results show that the highest observational uncertainty is observed in the regions with more scarce surface stations (North and West of SA) and with complex topography, being more pronounced in the precipitation-based indices. We found that RCMs generally show more agreement in the spatial variability than in the inter-annual variability for all the indices and SA regions. When analyzing the observed trends, all models better reproduce the long term variability of extreme temperature indices. More disagreement is present for Rx5day and CDD indices trends, including substantial spatial heterogeneities in both magnitude and sign of tendency. Climate change projections exhibited significant agreement to warmer conditions in TXx and TNn, but precipitation signals differed between RCMs and the driving GCM within each regional model. Maximum dry spells are expected to increase in almost all SA regions whereas the climate change signals in extreme precipitation events are more consistent over southeastern SA (northern and southwestern SA) with positive (negative) changes by the end of the century.
Melatonin reverted apoptosis induced by chicken house PM2.5 in A549 cell via oxidation resistance
Authors: Dai Pengyuan , Shen Jiakun , Shen Dan , Li Xiaotong , Li chunmei
Published: June 2022

The particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) from the chicken production system attaching large amounts of harmful substances and microbes, can cause lung injury and reduce productivity through prolonged breath. Here, the basal epithelial cell of human lung adenocarcinoma (A549 cell) were subjected to PM2.5 from the broiler breeding house to investigate the apoptosis induced by PM2.5 as well as the anti-apoptotic effect of melatonin. The data showed that PM2.5 (6.25, 12.5, and 25 μg/ml) increased the number of apoptotic cells substantially. The relative mRNA expression of Bcl-2, Bad, Bax, PERK and CHOP increased dramatically in PM2.5 treated groups. Furthermore, PM2.5 exposure upregulated the level of cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3 as well as the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) related protein including ATF6 and CHOP. Melatonin increased the viability of A549 cells and declined the relative mRNA expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Bad, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 in comparison with that exposed to PM2.5. Importantly, melatonin decreased the level of Nrf2, MDA, and enhanced the intracellular content of T-SOD and CAT after treatment by PM2.5. Collectively, our study proved that PM2.5 from chicken house induced A549 cell apoptosis, and melatonin exerted an anti-apoptotic role on A549 cells by enhancing their antioxidative ability.
FSTL1 Promotes Alveolar epithelial cells Aging and Worsens Pulmonary Fibrosis by Affecting SENP1-Mediated DeSUMOylation
Authors: Sun Wei , Yang Xiaoyu , Duan Chunyan , Jing Xiaoyan , Gao Lingyun , Huang Hui , Guo Lu , Yang Yang , Xu Zuojun
Published: June 2022

Background
Alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) senescence-induced changes of lung mesenchymal cells are the key link to starting the progress of pulmonary fibrosis. Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) plays a central regulatory role in the complex process of senescence and pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) signal pathway activity. Activation of Smad4 and Ras rely on SENP1 (SUMO-specific peptidase 1)-mediated deSUMOylation during TGFβ signaling pathway activation. We hypothesized that SENP1-mediated deSUMOylation may be a potential therapeutic target by modulating FSTL1-regulated cellular senescence in pulmonary fibrosis.
Methods
Lung tissues of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients were used to observe the expression of FSTL1 in and SENP1 in AECs senescence. Lentivirus-packaged short hairpin RNA against SENP1 (LV-SENP1shRNA) was constructed to intervene in FSTL1-induced aging model both in vitro and in vivo. The phenomenon of FSTL1 promoting AECs senescence was evaluated and the mechanism of LV-SENP1shRNA affecting FSTL1 promoting pulmonary fibrosis was elucidated.
Results
FSTL1 expression was upregulated in the lung tissues of patients with IPF and that SENP1 was overexpressed in senescent AECs. TGFβ1-induced FSTL1 not only promoted AECs senescence, but also upregulated SENP1 expression. Interfering SENP1 expression inhibited FSTL1 promotion of AECs senescence and improved pulmonary fibrosis in mouse lungs. FSTL1 enhancement of TGFβ1 signaling pathway activation was dependent on SENP1 in AECs senescence.
Conclusions
Our work identified a novel mechanism by which FSTL1 is involved in AECs senescence. Inhibition of SENP1 in epithelial cells alleviated pulmonary fibrosis by blocking FSTL1-enhanced TGF signaling pathway.
Interlaminar microstructure and mechanical properties of narrow gap laser welding of 40-mm-thick Ti-6Al-4V alloy
Authors: Liu Xing , Ling Wanli , Li Yue , Wang Jianfeng , Zhan Xiaohong
Published: June 2022

Narrow gap laser welding (NGLW) is a common solution for the welding of thick structures. NGLW was carried out on narrow-gap butt joints of 40-mm-thick Ti-6Al-4V alloy plates with U-shaped groove. The distribution characteristics of interlaminar microstructure in different height ranges of the joint were investigated, and the evolution behavior and formation mechanism of interlaminar microstructure of the joint were also clarified. It is found that a large number of short needle martensite nucleate and grow up near the fusion line and the upper boundary of the remelting zone. The “softening” phenomenon occurs in all welds except the cover layer weld. The microstructure evolution and defect migration induced by multiple welding thermal cycles in the upper weld forming process are the main reasons for the "softening" of the lower weld. The tensile strength of each sample changes in the range of 920 ~ 990 MPa and the fracture mode of the sample belongs to transgranular ductile fracture. In addition, compared with the upper part of the joint, the plasticity and toughness of the weld area in the lower part of the joint is improved.
Rab26 restricts insulin secretion via sequestering Synaptotagmin-1
Authors: Zhuang Ruijuan , Zhou Yuxia , Wang Ziyan , Cao Yating , Xu Liju , Ren Yandan , Zheng Yige , Wei Ziheng , Chen Jun , Qiu Hantian , Li Liangcheng , Han Yang , Yun Ye , Chen Xin , Hong Wanjin , Wang Tuanlao
Published: June 2022

Rab26 is known to regulate multiple membrane trafficking events, but its role in insulin secretion of pancreatic β-cells remains unclear despite it was first identified in the pancreas. In this study, we generated Rab26−/− mice through CRISPR/Cas9 technique. Surprisingly, insulin levels in the blood of the Rab26−/− mice do not decrease upon glucose stimulation, but conversely increases. Deficiency of Rab26 promotes insulin secretion, which was independently verified by Rab26 knockdown in pancreatic β-cells. Conversely, over-expression of Rab26 suppresses insulin secretion in both β-cell lines and isolated mouse islets. Islets over-expressing Rab26, upon transplantation, also failed to restore glucose homeostasis in type 1 diabetic mice. Immuno-fluorescence microscopy revealed that over-expression of Rab26 results in clustering of insulin granules. GST-pulldown experiments reveal Rab26 interacts with synaptotagmin-1(Syt1) through directly binding to its C2A domain. This interaction interferes with the interaction between Syt1 and SNAP25. TIRF microscopy revealed Rab26 inhibits the exocytosis of newcomer insulin granules. Our results suggest that Rab26 serves as a negative regulator of insulin secretion, via suppressing insulin granule fusion with plasma membrane through sequestering Syt1.
Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis and virtual screening of ripped fruit of Dialium guineense for potential inhibitors of integrase, cycloxygenase-1, and xanthine oxidase
Authors: Aja Patrick Maduabuchi , Agu Peter Chinedu , Ale Boniface Anthony , Awoke Joshua Nonso , Ogwoni Hilary Akobi , Muhammad Akram , Ekpono Ezebuilo Ugbala , Igwenyi Ikechuku Okorie , Ogbu Patience N , Ibiam Udu Ama , Ifie Josiah Esoghene , Etumah Sandra Ifie , Aboyomi Emmanuel Adegboyega , Muhammad Daniyal , Ezeh Emmanuel Maduabuchi , Ani Onyedika Gabriel
Published: June 2022

Dialium guineense has a long history of medicinal use. This study evaluated the chemical constituents of the fruits using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and virtual screening for potential inhibitors of three enzymes, integrase, cycloxygenase-1, and xanthine oxidase, to identify some of their therapeutic targets via bioinformatics tools. The results of the GC-MS revealed seventeen chemical constituents: 2,4-Dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (DG1), 3,5-Dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran-4-one (DG2), 5-Hydrxoymethylfurfural or 5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-carbaldehyde (DG3), 4-[(E)-(methoxyimino)methyl]phenol (DG4), 2,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran-4-one (DG5), Lauric acid (DG6), Ethyl 5-methylnonanoate (DG7), Myristic acid, methyl ester (DG8), n-Tridecanoic acid methyl ester (DG9), Methyl 14-methylpentadecanoate (DG10), Palmitic acid, ethyl ester (DG11), Undecanoic acid (DG12), Stearic acid, ethyl ester (DG13), cis-11-Hexadecenal (DG14), 2-chloro-N-[(2-chlorophenyl)carbonyl]-N-(2methylpropyl)benzamide (DG15), Butyl-5-oxo-1-(trifluoroacetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylate (DG16), and Glutaric acid, decylpentafluorobenzyl ester (DG17). Fifteen of these compounds, already deposited in the ChemSpider database, were retrieved and screened. Standard inhibitors of the enzymes validated the molecular docking. Only DG compounds that bind at the same site with the inhibitors were considered the potential enzyme inhibitors. DG1-17 demonstrated promising inhibition for at least one of the enzymes. The results also showed that DG1, 7, 11, 12, and 17 are integrase inhibitors, and DG1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 12 are cycloxygenase-1 inhibitors, while DG1, 3, and 9 are xanthine oxidase inhibitors. The potential inhibitors' drug-likeness and ADMET properties revealed that DG11 and DG17 violated one of the Lipinski rules of five. All the Dialium guineense compounds showed good physiological and pharmacokinetic properties and were neither promiscuous to cytochrome p450 nor p-glycoprotein enzymes. Except for DG3, others are toxic to at least one of the organs, endocrines, and genomics. Our findings show that biologically active compounds may be responsible for the ethnomedical and nutritional uses of the fruits. Although some constituents have toxic effects, potential inhibitors can be optimized and synthesized as analogs of these standard inhibitors used in their chemotherapeutic targets.
Effects of 60 days of 6 degrees head down bed rest on the composition and function of the human gut microbiota
Authors: Liu Zizhong , Li Yixuan , Luo Gui , Lan Haiyun , Chen Pu , Du Ruikai , Jing Gongchao , Liu Lu , Cui Xiaohan , LI Yongzhi , Han Yanping , Xu Jian , Zhu Hongwei , Ling Shukuan , Li Yingxian
Published: June 2022

Spaceflight is rigorous and dangerous environment which can negatively affect astronauts’ health and the entire mission. Recently studies showed that the human gut microbiota were enormously affected by spaceflight. The 60 days of 6 degrees head down bed rest(HDBR) experiment provided us with an opportunity to trace the change of gut microbiota under simulated microgravity. The gut microbiota of volunteers was analyzed and characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. Our results showed that the composition and function of the volunteers’ gut microbiota were markedly affected by 60 days of 6 degrees HDBR. We further confirmed the species and diversity fluctuations. Resistance and virulence genes in the gut microbiota were also affected by 60 days of 6 degrees HDBR, but the species attributions remained stable. The human gut microbiota affected by 60 days of 6 degrees HDBR which was partially consistent with the effect of spaceflight, implying that HDBR can be used as the spaceﬂight simulation model in terms of gut microbiota.
Identification and Characterization of Sticky Contaminants in Multiple Recycled Paper Grades
Authors: Wang Yun , Marcello Cornellius , Sawant Neha , Salam Abdus , Abubakr Said , Qi Dewei , Li Kecheng
Published: June 2022

Organic sticky contaminants represent one of the biggest technical challenges in the paper recycling process. These contaminants reduce paper strength, cause plugging of wires and felts, and stick to or deposit on machine parts affecting the runnability of the paper machine. The removal of these sticky contaminants is difficult to achieve along the process due to the heterogeneous nature of these organic contaminants. In this study, the nature of sticky contaminants in multiple wastepaper grades was analyzed and characterized using screening, solvent extraction with subsequent analysis such as FT-IR, GC-MS, and SEM. The content of stickies in wastepaper varies among different paper grades and their recovery methods. The majority of wastepaper grades collected from a recycled paper mill contains 3–5 wt% stickies, while a sample from a curb side collection from a residential area contains about 15 wt% stickies. Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) polymers, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), paraffin waxes and polyamines are the major components in the extracted sticky contaminants. In addition, these stickies deposit heavily on fibers surface leading to high negative charge in fibers suspension ranging between 2 ~ 4.5 µeq/L. It is expected that these findings will assist addressing the knowledge gaps in understanding the nature of stickies and their behaviors, and to eventually develop highly efficient technologies for contamination removal in the paper recycling process.
Repellency, Toxicity and Chemical Composition of Different Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Parts Against Rice Weevil (Sitophilus oryzae)
Authors: Bandara Pramod , Senevirathne Mahinda
Published: June 2022

The post-harvest loss of rice during storage due to insect infestation, particularly by rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae), and the utilization of synthetic insecticides for pest management are two major concerns in the current world. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) part formulations as alternatives to S. oryzae management. The contact repellent activity of clove part essential oils was tested by the filter paper impregnated method. The fumigation mortality of essential oils was tested, and mortality percentage & LD50 values were computed. Further, the composition of essential oils was analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. The yield of clove stem essential oil (5.52%) was significantly higher than leaf essential oil (3.92%). Among two essential oils, stem oil with a 100 µL dose showed the highest repellency (100.00±0.00%) and mortality (96.67±3.33%) while 50 and 75 µL doses caused similar mortality (83.30±3.33%) after 5 days. The lowest LD50 (28.06 µLL-1) was observed on day 5, indicating the higher toxicity of stem oil. Eugenol (73.73 & 82.56%), β-caryophyllene (24.84 & 16.67%), α.-humulene (0.82 & 0.33%) and 1S, CIS-calamenene (0.14 & 0.03%) were detected as the major components responsible for the repellent and insecticidal potential of stem and leaf essential oils. Hence, clove parts could be potential biopesticides, and clove stem essential oil could be the most effective alternative for rice weevil management.
Autapse-induced logical resonance in the FitzHugh–Nagumo neuron
Authors: Yao Yuangen , Yao Chenggui
Published: June 2022

It was demonstrated that the chaos-driven FitzHugh–Nagumo (FHN) neuron can be considered as a logic system to implement the reliable logic operation through logical resonance. Signal transmission between neurons is dependent on an essential component called synapse. Autapse (meaning the self-synapse) widely exists in various kinds of neurons, and it significantly affects the neuronal dynamics and functionalities. However, the effects of autapse on logical resonance have not been reported yet. Here, we explore the effects of autapse on the reliability of logical operation based on the autaptic FHN neuron with time-dependent coupling intensity. Our results demonstrate that there are the optimal ranges of autaptic time delay τ, the amplitude and frequency of coupling intensity, and phase fluctuation at which the reliability of logical operation can be maximized. That is, autapse-induced logical resonance can be realized in the autaptic FHN neuron. More interestingly, multiple logical resonance can be observed by regulating time delay, frequency ratio between oscillating coupling intensity and external input, and phase fluctuation. The results presented here provide the novel phenomena, and may have implications in understanding the logic gate-like functionalities in the nervous systems.
A novel machine learning approach on texture analysis for automatic breast microcalcification diagnosis classification of mammogram images
Authors: Sarvestani Zahra Maghsoodzadeh , Jamali Jasem , Taghizadeh Mehdi , Dindarloo Mohammad Hosein Fatehi
Published: June 2022

Screening programs use mammography as a diagnostic tool for the early detection of breast cancer. Mammogram enhancement is used to increase the local contrast of the mammogram so that the lesions are more visible in the advanced image. For accurate diagnosis in the early stage of breast cancer, the appearance of masses and microcalcification on the mammographic image are two important indicators. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of automatic separation of images of breast tissue microcalcifications and also to evaluate its accuracy by using two techniques of image enhancement and highlighting of breast tissue microcalcifications for the desired areas by regional ROI based on fuzzy system and also Gabor filtering method. After determining the clusters of breast tissue microcalcifications, the clusters are classified using the decision tree classification algorithm. Then, for segmentation, samples suspected of microcalcification are highlighted and masked, and in the last stage, tissue characteristics are extracted. Subsequently, with the help of artificial neural network (ANN), determining the benign and malignant types of segmented ROI clusters was accomplished. The proposed system is trained with a Digital Database for Screening Mammography (DDSM) developed by the University of South Florida, USA, and the simulations are performed under MATLAB software and the results are compared with previous work. The results of this training performed under this work show an accuracy of 93% and an improvement of sensitivity above 95%, which indicates that the proposed approach can be applied to ensure breast cancer diagnosis.
Coronary computed tomography angiography as a screening tool for moderate-high risk asymptomatic type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Liu Qiaolu , Qiu Jianfeng , Sun Shuxin , Zhao Huihui
Published: June 2022

Background
There are few data on the clinical significance of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in asymptomatic type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate coronary heart disease screening in asymptomatic patients with T2DM using CCTA and coronary heart disease risk stratification prediction.
Methods
Data from 141 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (58 ± 8 years, 57% males) without known symptoms suggestive of coronary heart disease who underwent CCTA were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were classified into three subgroups based on United Kingdom prospective diabetes study (UKPDS) coronary heart disease risk stratification prediction. Ninety-three patients without diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease who underwent CCTA successively were chosen as the control group. The segment involvement score (SIS), segment stenosis score (SSS), stenosis coefficient (SC) and severe proximal plaque (SPP) positive ratio based on CCTA data were evaluated and compared among the groups.
Results
Compared with the patients in the control group, patients in the moderate-high risk DM groups had higher scores on the SIS, SSS and SC and a higher SPP positive ratio (all p values < 0.001), and no difference was observed between the low-risk group and the control group (p = 0.147, p = 0.116, p = 0.132, p = 0.663, respectively). Compared with patients in the control group, the patients in the moderate-high risk DM groups had increased odds of SIS > 3 (OR = 7.838, p < 0.001; OR = 5.325, p < 0.001, respectively), SSS > 5 (OR = 6.750, p < 0.001; OR = 6.027, p < 0.001, respectively) and obstructive stenosis (OR = 7.900, p < 0.001; OR = 6.320, p < 0.001, respectively).
Conclusions
The moderate-high coronary heart disease risk patients had increased odds of obstructive coronary artery stenosis, and the distribution of coronary artery stenosis was more extensive and more severe in that group compared to the patients without diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease can be effectively screened in moderate-high risk asymptomatic type 2 diabetes mellitus patients using CCTA.
Effects of Fluoxetine on gut Microbiota in Chronic Unpredictable Stress-Induced Depressive-Like Rats
Authors: Dong Hui , Tang Xiaowei , Ye Jie , Xiao Wenhuan
Published: June 2022

Objectives: Gut microbiota is relevant to the pathogenesis of mental disorders including depression. This study aimed to investigate the influence of fluoxetine (FLX) on gut microbiota in rats with chronic unpredictable mild stresses (CUMS)-induced depression. Results: We confirmed that the 28-day CUMS induced depression rat model. Chronic FLX administration weakly improved depressive-like behaviors in rats. Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing on rat feces showed CUMS increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes (60.31% vs. 48.09% in Control, p <0.05) and Lactobacillus genus (21.06% vs. 6.82% in control, p <0.05); FLX and CUMS increased Bacilli class (20.00% ~ 24.08% vs. 10.31% in control, p <0.05). Conclusions: Collectively, our study showed that both CUMS and FLX changed the compositions of gut microbiota in rats. FLX and CUMS distinctly regulated the gut microbiota in depressed rats.
Palbociclib induces the apoptosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma cells via Rb-independent STAT3 phosphorylation
Authors: Xiang Wenjing , Qi Wanchen , Li Huayu , Sun Jia , Dong Chao , Ou Haojie , Liu Bing
Published: June 2022

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) treatment response is poor and treatment alternatives are limited. Palbociclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor, has recently been approved for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients and applied in multiple preclinical models, but its use for LUSC therapy remains elusive. Here, we investigated whether palbociclib induced cell apoptosis and dissected the underlying mechanism in LUSC. We found that palbociclib induced LUSC cell apoptosis through inhibition of Src tyrosine kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). Interestingly, palbociclib reduced STAT3 signaling in LUSC cells interfered by retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene (RB), suggesting that pro-apoptosis effect of palbociclib was independent of classic CDK4/6-RB signaling. Furthermore, palbociclib could suppress IL-1β and IL-6 expression, and therefore blocked Src/STAT3 signaling, which were rescued by either recombinant human IL-1β or IL-6. Moreover, Myc mediated the sensitivity of LUSC cells to palbociclib. Our findings that palbociclib induces apoptosis of LUSC cells through the Src/STAT3 axis in RB-independent manner, and provide options for clinical LUSC patients.
MR imaging characteristics of slow- and rapid-growing meningiomas: a cohort study of 165 cases
Authors: He Lei , Liang Yuchao , Fan Ziwen , Liu Yukun , Zhou Chunyao , Zhu Qiang , Zhang Hong , Li Tianshi , Yang Jianing , Zhou Yanpeng , Wang Jiaxiang , Wang Lei
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The growth rate of meningiomas varies greatly (0.01 to 2.58 cm3/year).An inappropriate ‘wait and see’ treatment strategy, such as a follow-up interval of MRI longer than 2 years, for rapid growing meningioma (RGM) may seriously increase the risk of subsequent surgery and may eliminate the opportunity for operation. Our purpose was to compare the MR imaging features of slow-growing meningiomas (SGMs) and RGMs and identify the factors that could predict RGM.Methods: We retrospectively collected SGM and RGM data between 2016 and 2021 in Beijing Tiantan Hospital and then used IBM SPSS software to analyze the clinical and MR imaging features between the two groups.Results: Eighty-seven SGM and 78 RGM were collected in our study. Male sex had a 2.896-fold risk of predicting RGM in multivariate analysis (P = 0.048). Patient age, tumor shape and location showed no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.562, P = 0.514, P = 0.094, respectively). Meningiomas with diameters > 2.5 cm had a higher risk of growing rapidly (multivariate analysis, HR: 3.484, P = 0.006). The presence of peritumoral edema and absence of hypointensity on T2W-MRI were significantly associated with RGM (multivariate analysis; HR: 6.990, P < 0.001; HR: 3.753, P = 0.008;, respectively).Conclusions: Male sex, peritumoral edema, tumor size > 2.5 cm and absence of hypointensity on T2W-MRI may indicate the potential for rapid growth of meningiomas.
Narrative Visualizations Best Practices and Evaluation: A Systematic Mapping Study
Authors: Airaldi Andrea Lezcano , Irrazábal Emanuel , Diaz-Pace Jorge Andrés
Published: June 2022

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in integrating data visualizations into narrative stories to effectively convey information and knowledge. By leveraging the best practices established in the literature, narrative visualizations can reduce the cognitive workload associated with chart comprehension. However, since it is critical and challenging to assess the results, several methodologies have been proposed in this regard. In this article, we present a systematic mapping study of ninety-five data storytelling and information visualization studies. Our goal is to collect and summarize current definitions of “data storytelling” reported in the literature, the best practices for designing narrative visualizations, and evaluation criteria and methods to assess them. As main contributions, we derive a working definition of data storytelling, distinguishing among the concepts involved, and provide an overview of design guidelines to assist practitioners and researchers in creating narrative visualizations. In addition, we characterize the main evaluation criteria and methods. Our findings highlight the need for more out-of-the-box, ready-to-use evaluation tools that allow a rapid and iterative assessment of narrative visualizations.
Spectral Variability of the Uranyl Silicates Uranophane-alpha and Uranophane-beta: Polymorphism and Luminescence
Authors: Stark Martin , Noller Markus
Published: June 2022

The luminescence of the uranyl cation UO22+ depends on the local crystalline environment and is sensitive to structural influences. Luminescence spectra of the related uranyl silicates uranophane-α, uranophane-β, sklodowskite and haiweeite from various locations are presented and discussed in the light of structure-property relation. The four mineral species were chosen for their close relationships: uranophane-α and uranophane-β are polymorphs and share the underlaying topology with sklodowskite. Haiweeite, of different topology, shares the composing elements Ca, U, Si, O with uranophane, while in sklodowskite Mg replaces Ca. All species show some variability in their spectra, parameterized as variation of centroid wavelength. Importantly, a prominent – partly dominating – double peak-structure occurs in the case of uranophane-α only, while it is absent in the spectra of the other species. Considering a model of luminescent transitions in the uranyl-ion in more detail, this observation is discussed in the light of the polymorphism of uranophane. We show evidence that variable amounts of uranophane-β phase embedded in uranophane-α are possibly at the origin of this spectral signature. Growth of those uranophane-β clusters might be induced by defects in the uranophane-α lattice and further promoted by the polymorphism of uranophane.
Vitamin D receptor gene variants and serum vitamin D in Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Zhang Zengyu , Liu Jun , Jiang Guojun , Yu Hong
Published: June 2022

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the correlation between polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and serum vitamin D, and to determine their role in predicting childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). METHODS: A total of 269 children with ASD and 320 age- and gender- matched healthy controls were recruited from the Chinese Han population. Their serum 25(OH) vitamin D was measured using competitive chemiluminescent immunoassays. The TaqMan probe approach was applied to analyze the common VDR SNPs rs731236 (Taq1), rs11568820 (Cdx2), rs1544410 (BsmI), rs2228570 (FokI) and rs7975232 (API). Both linear and logistic regressions were applied in data analysis.RESULTS: Children with ASD had significantly lower levels of serum vitamin D and a significantly higher rate of vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) compared to healthy controls (67.7% vs 34.1%). All these examined VDR SNPs were not correlated with serum vitamin D concentrations or vitamin D deficiency. Logistic regression analysis revealed that rs731236 and serum vitamin D were associated with childhood ASD. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.7285 for serum vitamin D. Children with both T/C genotype of rs731236 and vitamin D deficiency had a higher risk of being diagnosed with ASD. CONCLUSION: All examined common VDR SNPs are not correlated with serum vitamin D concentrations or vitamin D deficiency. The combination of T/C phenotype of rs731236 and vitamin D deficiency are associated with a higher risk of childhood ASD. Vitamin D is a promising target in the prevention and treatment of this disease.
Physical Properties, UV Stability, Biodegradability, and DFT Study of Chicken Feather Fiber Based Composites Crosslinked with Rosin Derivative
Authors: Gogoi Gitashree , Joarder Arpita , Bardhan Pritam , Dowerah Dikshita , Mandal Manabendra , Deka Ramesh C. , Maji Tarun K.
Published: June 2022

Composites due to its advantageous properties for different construction purposes and outdoor applications have gained significant popularity in recent years. Biocomposites had gained importance, mainly due to their eco-friendly and processibility profile. Chicken Feather Fiber (CFF) composite based on modified epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and natural crosslinker was prepared via compression molding technique. Methacrylic anhydride epoxidized soybean oil (MAESO) as resin, chicken feather fiber flour as a reinforcing agent, and rosin derivative as crosslinker was used to develop the final bio-composite. The fiber/resin ratio was maintained at 30:70 and the percentage of rosin derivative was varied from 0–40 (wt%). The resulting bio-composites were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy also supported by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was done to observe the thermal stability of the bio-composites. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showed the morphology of the biocomposites. Hardness Test, limiting oxygen index (LOI), chemical resistance, water absorption behavior was checked for the prepared bio-composites. An enhanced UV resistance was observed for the composites loaded with rosin derivative as supported by lower weight loss, carbonyl index, and SEM analysis. Composite based on 30 wt% of TM revealed highest enhancement in all the properties.
Alteration in subclinical lesions of epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated non-small cell lung cancer transplanted tumors in nude mice suggest the delineation of clinical targets volume Changes of subclinical lesions after EGFR-TKI treatment
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhang Wei , Su Shengfa , Li Qingsong , Geng Yichao , Yang Wengang , Chen Xiaxia , Ouyang Weiwei , Ma Zu , Lu Bing
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate the alteration of subclinical lesions of subcutaneous xenograft tumors in nude mice after EGFR-TKI treatment. MethodsHuman lung adenocarcinoma cell lines were subcutaneously transplanted on the right hind legs of the nude mice in control and treatment groups. Three-dimensional pathological section was taken to observe the subclinical lesion areas when the tumors’ long diameters in the control group grew to specified length. In the Gefitinib treatment group, the subclinical lesions were observed likewise after tumor shrinkage. The results were compared. ResultsThe long diameters of transplanted tumors in group C were 5, 10, 15, and 20mm, the smallest infiltration range of subclinical lesions was 0.23, 0.78, 1.24, and 2.98mm. The edge of transplanted tumor was extended 5.14mm, to include 95% of subclinical lesions. The long diameter of the transplanted tumor in the T group shrank to 15, 10, 5, and 0mm, the smallest infiltration range was 5.74, 2.13, 2.13, and 0.11mm, the edge of the transplanted tumor was extended 8.99mm to include 95% of subclinical lesions. The extended range in T group was significantly larger than group C (P=0.000). ConclusionThe subclinical lesion receded after gefitinib treatment, but was wider than that of tumor of subclinical lesion without treatment. Even if the complete imaging response was achieved, there were still small infiltrating lesions.
Midcortical-line is More Reliable than T-line in Predicting Stem Anteversion in Patients with Developmental Hip Dysplasia after Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Jiang Ziang , Cheng Rongshan , Kernkamp Willem Alex , Xia Chunjie , Liang Junjie , Wang Liao , Tsai Tsung-Yuan
Published: June 2022

Background: Precise preoperative planning improves postoperative outcomes in total hip arthroplasty (THA), especially in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) cases. Previous studies used the T-line and midcortical-line (at different femoral neck levels) as preoperative landmarks to predict postoperative stem anteversion (PSA). However, the most reliable landmark in predicting PSA in DDH patients remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether the midcortical-line or T-line is more reliable in predicting PSA, and to find the optimal femoral neck level for predicting PSA in DDH patients.Methods: Pre- and postoperative Computed Tomography (CT) scans of 28 hips in 21 DDH patients who received THA were obtained for three-dimensional femoral models. On the preoperative CT scan, the anteversion of the midcortical-line on the axial cross-sectional plane images (AM-CT), the anteversion of the midcortical-line from 3D models (AM-3D), and the T-line from 3D models (AT-3D) were measured at simulated osteotomy planes at 5 and 10 mm heights proximal to the base of the lesser trochanter. The correlation between the preoperative femoral anteversion (AM-CT, AM-3D, AT-3D) and the PSA was assessed to evaluate the prediction accuracy.Results: The correlations between the AM-CT and the PSA were 0.86 (mean difference (MD) = 1.9o) and 0.92 (MD = -3.0o) at 5 and 10 mm height, respectively. The correlation between the AM-3D and the PSA were 0.72 (MD = -8.0o) and 0.61 (MD = -9.3o) at 5 and 10 mm cutting height. The AT-3D was significantly greater (MD = 19.0o, 11.3o) than the PSA (p-value < 0.01 and p-value = 0.010) at both 5 mm and 10 mm cutting height.Conclusions: The AM-CT at 10 mm height had a strong correlation with the PSA and was more reliable in predicting the PSA when compared with the AM-3D and the AT-3D in DDH patients.
Ameliorative Effects of Ethanolic Leaf extract of Diodia sarmentosa on high fat induced cardiac tissue injury in male wistar albino rats
Authors: Korie Stephen Chinedumije , Ezejiofor Tobias I.N
Published: June 2022

Background: Diodia sarmentosa is a native straggling herb found in Nigeria, especially in evergreen forest, bushland, and riverine areas. In folklore medicine, it has been used to treat ailments like diabetes, ulcers, etc. This study investigated the ameliorative effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Diodia sarmentosa on high-fat diet-induced cardiac tissue injury in male albino Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty (30) male Wistar rats (150g-200g) were divided into five (5) groups namely; Negative control (NC) group which was not induced nor treated, Positive control (PC) was induced but not treated, Low dose extract (LDE) was treated with 250mg/kg of the extract, High dose extract (HDE) was treated with 500mg/kg of the extract and SIM group treated with 5mg/kg of Simvastatin. Cardiac tissue injury was induced by feeding the rats with high-fat diet (Ghee and Coconut oil in the ratio of 3:1) for six (6) weeks. The administration of the treatments (extract and drug) at the appropriate doses started from the 4th week till the 6th week. Parameters like Total protein concentration, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, Malondialdehyde level, Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, Catalase (CAT) activity, Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were carried out in the cardiac tissue of the test rats to determine the ameliorative effects of Diodia sarmentosa. Results: Results obtained showed that high-fat diet reduced antioxidant enzymes, protein levels, and caused lipid peroxidation indicating injury in the cardiac tissue of the test rats. However, the extract at high dose significantly reduced (p<0.05) lipid peroxidation and high GST activity in the cardiac tissue caused by high-fat diet. Protein levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in SOD, CAT, GPx, and LDH were all significantly increased (p<0.05), when compared to the positive group. The extract at high dose possesses similar efficacy to the standard drug simvastatin used to compare the efficacy of the extract.Conclusions: Thee evidence from this study shows Diodia sarmentosa has the potential to improve and reverse the injury in the cardiac tissue caused by high-fat diet administration in the test rats, by reducing lipid peroxidation, and increasing antioxidant enzymes and total protein concentration. This makes the plant a potential new natural product for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Exact number of positive solutions of a rational-function model equation in Born-Infeld theory
Authors: Ye Yuling , Zhang Ruifeng
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we consider a rational-function model of Born-Infeld type in Minkowski spacetime. By using time map method, we obtain an exact number of the positive solutions of model with general nonlinearities.
Dynamics of wage inequality during the pro-long economic transformation: The case of Vietnam
Authors: Doan Tinh
Published: June 2022

Using the RIF-decomposition to explore changes in wage inequality during the economic transformation in Vietnam, we find that real wages increased substantially during the period 1998-2010, but wage growth slowed down in the following period 2010-2020. Wage inequality increased in the former period, but declined considerably in the later one. Overall changes in wage inequality over the former period was mainly contributed by changes in labor market, job and workers’ observed characteristics, but in the later period the change was mainly contributed by the changes in returns to job and workers’ observed characteristics (wage structure effect). The economic structure change and increased supply of higher educated workforce have substantially contributed to the changing wage inequality over the past two decades. A rapid increase in supply of higher educated workers in the later stage of economic transformation has resulted in declining returns to education and thus has contributed to a decline in wage inequality.
Low Quality of life (QoL) in Indian breast cancer patients: a critical analysis of UP
Authors: Srivast Sanjiv , Srivast Alpana , Tiwari Sandeep
Published: June 2022

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women worldwide, and India is no exception to this devastating disease. Cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which are complex and others which are not. Quality of Life is a word that encompasses physical, psychological, spiritual, and social components of quality of life. ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to evaluate quality of life in breast cancer patients who are getting treatment with various modalities at various stages of the disease.MethodsA total of 150 breast cancer patients were included in this cross-sectional investigation. Ferrel's Quality of Life Instrument-Breast Cancer Patient Version was used to assess patients' quality of life, and the instrument has already been validated by Ferrel BR et al (2012). General well-being, psychological well-being, distress, fearfulness, social concerns, and spiritual well-being are all included in these questions. ResultsThere was a link discovered between the type of cancer, the quantity of discomfort, and exhaustion (tiredness). However, no demographic factors (age, married status, or income) were shown to be significantly associated to QoL. Education and treatment type were found to be linked to QoL. ConclusionIn breast cancer patients, influencing quality of life (QoL) is a major concern. Apart from the effect of treatment, there are additional elements such as socioeconomic position, psychological well-being, fear of recurrence, and so on, which all play a role in a patient's well-being and can be improved if counselled at many levels such as family, hospital, and society.
Faxinais e Caívas em Santa Catarina no Contexto dos Conflitos Ambientais
Authors: Grava Diego da Silva , Florit Luciano Félix , Föetsch Alcimara Aparecida , Ramos Cristhine Fabiola de
Published: June 2022

Resumo: O artigo incide sobre a temática da injustiça ambiental envolvendo povos e comunidades tradicionais, com foco no Estado de Santa Catarina (SC). O objetivo foi refletir criticamente sobre o processo de desagregação dos faxinais e o surgimento das caívas naquele Estado, considerando o papel dos conflitos ambientais nesse processo. O estudo baseou-se em revisão bibliográfica, em informações coletadas em levantamento sistemático concluído em 2019 e em dados de campo de uma pesquisa em andamento, efetuando-se uma reflexão crítica à luz das perspectivas da ecologia política e da justiça ambiental. O trabalho sugere que a desagregação dos faxinais foi resultado de conflitos ambientais, caracterizando-se como uma forma de injustiça ambiental. Conclui-se que as caívas revelam um potencial de reinvenção e resistência diante dos processos de modernização, com base em um uso não meramente instrumental da natureza. Ressalta-se a relevância de se conhecer melhor o modo de vida nas caívas e a necessidade de formulação de políticas públicas que, em vez de ameaçá-lo, sejam capazes de acolhê-lo numa concepção inclusiva do desenvolvimento territorial.
ATATÜRK DÖNEMİ DIŞ TİCARET DENGESİ POLİTİKASINA BİR ÖRNEK: TÜRKİYE-BREZİLYA KAHVE MUKAVELESİ VE MODUS VİVENDİ
Authors: SARIGÜZEL Nedim
Published: June 2022

Türkiye, 1929 Dünya Ekonomik Krizinin etkisi ile iktisadi yapısını korumak amacıyla 1930’lu yıllarda daha korumacı politikalara yönelmek zorunda kalmıştır. Kriz nedeniyle tarım ürünlerinin fiyatının düşmesi, gelir kaynağı büyük oranda tarım üretimine bağlı olan Türkiye’yi olumsuz etkilemiştir. Buna istinaden dış ticaret açığının ortaya çıkması Türk parasının kıymetini düşürmüştür. Dolayısıyla krizle mücadele etmek ve paranın değerini korumak için dış ticaret dengesini sağlamak Türkiye’nin en önemli iktisadi hedeflerinden biri haline gelmiştir. Türkiye bu dönemde ticari çıkarlarını korumak adına önemli kararlar almış ve ticarette para ödemek yerine mal karşılığı mal satmak anlayışı benimsenmiştir.
Bu süreçte bazı ülkeler Türkiye ile ticari ilişkilerinin az olması ya da menfaatlerini korumak adına ticari bir anlaşma yapmamışlardır. Bu devletlerden biri de Brezilya’dır. Brezilya, yıllardır Türkiye’ye önemli miktarda kahve ihraç etmesine rağmen Türkiye’den neredeyse hiç mal almamıştır. Krizin etkisi ile yeniden gözden geçirilen ticari ilişkilere istinaden Brezilya’nın tek taraflı kâr amaçlı yürüttüğü ticaret anlayışı dikkat çekmiştir. Dış ticaret dengesini sağlamayı en önemli iktisadi politikası olarak kabul eden Türkiye, 1933 yılından itibaren Brezilya ile yeni anlaşmalar yapmıştır. Atatürk döneminde dış ticaret dengesi açısından Türkiye-Brezilya ticari ilişkisi ilgi çekici bir gelişim göstermiştir. Bu çalışmada Atatürk döneminde iki ülke arasındaki ticari ilişkinin nasıl bir gelişim gösterdiği ortaya konmaya çalışılmıştır.