bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on balance control strategy of lithium-ion battery energy storage system
Authors: Xu Shujuan , Sun Zhenbao
Published: August 2022

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in grid energy storage, electric vehicles and other occasions because of their excellent performance. Passive equalization is widely used because of its high performance, but traditional passive equalization control strategies do not perform well. This paper proposes a new control strategy, which divides the battery pack into three state of charge (SOC) ranges according to the different SOC of the battery pack and different performance requirements. When the SOC of the battery pack is high, the maximum rechargeable capacity needs to be considered and the battery balancing should be realized in advance; and when the SOC of the battery is low, the maximum discharge capacity needs to be considered, the battery balancing should be delayed and, in other areas, it is the same as the traditional balancing control strategy. Moreover, the balance control strategy proposed in this paper keeps the high-performance battery at a lower voltage and the low-performance battery at a higher voltage; the low-performance battery works with more favorable conditions, so that the battery pack is in a more balanced state. The experimental results show that the battery pack consisting of four cells in series can be almost fully charged and the battery pack voltage is ~16.788 V; during the discharge process, the equalization system hardly operates to ensure its maximum discharge capacity. The strategy proposed in this paper is simple and easy to implement and has better performance.
Potted plants and ventilation effectively remove pollutants from tobacco smoke
Authors: Liu Chao , Zhang Nan , Sun Limei , Gao Weijun , Zang Qiuyun , Wang Xuening
Published: August 2022

The air pollutants in tobacco smoke cause serious harm to human health. To study the influence of plants and ventilation on the concentrations of air pollutants in tobacco smoke, three different experimental chambers were established to simulate different smoking environments: ventilated Form-1 with plants, closed Form-2 with plants and closed Form-3 without plants. The concentrations of four pollutants produced by a lit cigarette were measured. The results showed that the concentrations of pollutants in the chambers with plants were the lowest. The concentration of CO2 in Form-1 decreased the most quickly. The times required for the concentrations of formaldehyde and particulate matter to decrease to standard values was 2.3 and 8.3 hours shorter in Form-1 than Form-2, respectively. However, the concentration of total volatile organic compounds in the three chambers was consistently above the standard value at 12 hours. The removal efficiency was stable after 6 hours in Form-1, and it may take longer than 12 hours to remove pollutants in Form-2. The removal efficiency of pollutants in Form-1 was consistently higher than that in Form-2 and Form-3, indicating that the removal was more effective when the chambers were ventilated. Among CO2, HCHO, TVOCs and PM, the removal efficiency of PM was the highest. It is recommended to increase the leaf area and guide the airflow to bring the pollutants into contact with the plants to improve the removal effect.
On a tumor growth model with brain lactate kinetics
Authors: Cherfils Laurence , Gatti Stefania , Guillevin Carole , Miranville Alain , Guillevin Rémy
Published: August 2022

Our aim in this paper is to study a mathematical model for high grade gliomas, taking into account lactates kinetics, as well as chemotherapy and antiangiogenic treatment. In particular, we prove the existence and uniqueness of biologically relevant solutions. We also perform numerical simulations based on different therapeutical situations that can be found in the literature. These simulations are consistent with what is expected in these situations.
Transcriptome analysis reveals candidate genes of the synthesis of branched-chain fatty acids related to mutton flavor in the lamb liver using Allium mongolicum Regel extract
Authors: Zhao Yabo , Zhang Yanmei , Khas Erdene , Bai Chen , Cao Qina , Ao Changjin
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to identify candidate genes via which Allium mongolicum Regel ethanol extract (AME) affects the synthesis of branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) related to mutton flavor by transcriptome analysis in the lamb liver. Thirty male Small-tailed Han sheep (3 mo old; 33.6 ± 1.2 kg) were randomly divided into two groups and fed for 75 d with a basal diet containing no AME (CON, control group) or 2.8 g·lamb−1·d−1 AME (AME group). Twelve sheep, CON (n = 6) and AME (n = 6), were selected for slaughter at the end of the trial period, and liver samples were subsequently collected. There was no difference in 4-ethyloctanoic acid content among treatments. The 4-methyloctanoic acid and 4-methylnonanoic acid levels were significantly lower in the AME group than in the CON group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 461 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the CON and AME groups, of which 182 were upregulated and 279 were downregulated in the AME group. The DEGs were enriched in three pathways, namely, glutathione metabolism, ECM–receptor interaction, and steroid hormone biosynthesis, as determined by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. Finally, CYP2B6, ACOT12, THEM4, ACSF2, LPIN1, and ADCY4 were identified as candidate genes that might be involved in regulating the BCFAs synthesis in the sheep liver.
Identification of unannotated coding sequences and their physiological functions
Authors: Ichihara Kazuya , Nakayama Keiichi I , Matsumoto Akinobu
Published: August 2022

Most protein-coding sequences (CDSs) are predicted sequences based on criteria such as a size sufficient to encode a product of at least 100 amino acids and with translation starting at an AUG initiation codon. However, recent studies based on ribosome profiling and mass spectrometry have shown that several RNAs annotated as long as noncoding RNAs are actually translated to generate polypeptides of fewer than 100 amino acids and that many proteins are translated from near-cognate initiation codons such as CUG and GUG. Furthermore, studies of genetically engineered mouse models have revealed that such polypeptides and proteins contribute to diverse physiological processes. In this review, we describe the latest methods for the identification of unannotated CDSs and provide examples of their physiological functions.
ʿAbd al-Mājid Daryābādī and reforming institutional Sufism in Colonial India
Authors: Mian Ali Altaf
Published: August 2022

This article examines the reformation of the Sufi tradition in the writings of the Urdu journalist and Qurʾān translator and exegete ʿAbd al-Mājid Daryābādī (1892–1977), especially as articulated in relation to his spiritual connection with the colonial-era Sufi master and Ḥanafī jurist Mawlānā Ashraf ʿAlī Thānavī (1863–1943). Daryābādī’s balanced, pragmatic approach to the meaning and practice of the master–disciple relationship reflected, on the one hand, the South Asian reception of Enlightenment rationalism and epistemic democratization, and, on the other, certain discursive and practical developments internal to Thānavī’s sub-branch of the Chishtī Sufi order. This article contributes to scholarship on religious authority in modern South Asian Islam by underscoring the interplay between affect and reason, arguing that it is not mere feeling that structures Sufi communities but something like rationalized affect, a strategic use of feelings and emotions to construct, transmit, and contest religious authority. Thānavī and Daryābādī re-articulate the master–disciple relationship to affirm both personal freedom and communitarian belonging; in so doing they posit traditionalist Islam as an effective alternative to colonial (and now postcolonial) governmentality.
Prediction of the future leg length after rotationplasty in a 3-year-old boy with extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma and long follow-up until skeletal maturity: a case report
Authors: Yao Hana , Hoshi Manabu , Okamoto Takashi , Takami Masatsugu , Ieguchi Makoto , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: August 2022

Rotationplasty is a useful option for limb salvage surgery in pediatric patients with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors. However, bone growth after rotationplasty remains poorly characterized. We present a case of a 3-year-old boy with extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma who underwent multidrug chemotherapy (vincristine, doxorubicin, ifosfamide and etoposide), wide resection and functional reconstruction with rotationplasty. No radiotherapy was administered during the treatment course and the patient has been followed up for 16 years after rotationplasty. Leg length at skeletal maturity was predicted using postoperative radiograph measurements of the affected leg at the age of 4 years. Two conventional prediction methods, the multiplier and straight-line graph methods were used for prediction. The predicted leg length was compared with the actual leg length to assess bone growth after rotationplasty. Immediately after surgery, the lengths of the affected lower leg, femur and tibia were 32.5, 15.0 and 17.6 cm, respectively, and the predicted leg length of the affected leg at skeletal maturity using the multiplier and straight-line graph methods was 44.6 and 44.2 cm, respectively. However, the actual length of the affected leg at skeletal maturity was 49.8 cm, and the gap between actual and predicted lengths was more than 5 cm. In conclusion, the affected leg after rotationplasty showed more than expected bone overgrowth compared with the predictions of the conventional methods.
Longevity of Trichuris trichiura infection in the human host
Authors: Akelew Yibeltal , Whitehead Bradley , Nejsum Peter
Published: August 2022

In this research, we present evidence-based data for the longevity of Trichuris trichiura on a healthy volunteer who had ingested eggs of T. trichiura. Hence, T. trichiura lives in a human host for at least 6 years and 5 months. Concurrently, this study highlighted consideration for returning travellers and migrants.
Tissue-specific mRNA profiling of theBrassica napus–Sclerotinia sclerotioruminteraction uncovers novel regulators of plant immunity
Authors: Walker Philip L , Girard Ian J , Becker Michael G , Giesbrecht Shayna , Whyard Steve , Fernando W G Dilantha , de Kievit Teresa R , Belmonte Mark F
Published: August 2022

White mold is caused by the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and leads to rapid and significant loss in plant yield. Among its many brassicaceous hosts, including Brassica napus (canola) and Arabidopsis, the response of individual tissue layers directly at the site of infection has yet to be explored. Using laser microdissection coupled with RNA sequencing, we profiled the epidermis, mesophyll, and vascular leaf tissue layers of B. napus in response to S. sclerotiorum. High-throughput tissue-specific mRNA sequencing increased the total number of detected transcripts compared with whole-leaf assessments and provided novel insight into the conserved and specific roles of ontogenetically distinct leaf tissue layers in response to infection. When subjected to pathogen infection, the epidermis, mesophyll, and vasculature activate both specific and shared gene sets. Putative defense genes identified through transcription factor network analysis were then screened for susceptibility against necrotrophic, hemi-biotrophic, and biotrophic pathogens. Arabidopsis deficient in PR5-like RECEPTOR KINASE (PR5K) mRNA levels were universally susceptible to all pathogens tested and were further characterized to identify putative interacting partners involved in the PR5K signaling pathway. Together, these data provide insight into the complexity of the plant defense response directly at the site of infection.
Essential Thrombocythemia and Post-Essential Thrombocythemia Myelofibrosis: Updates on Diagnosis, Clinical Aspects, and Management
Authors: Puglianini Omar Castaneda , Peker Deniz , Zhang Linsheng , Papadantonakis Nikolaos
Published: August 2022

Although several decades have passed since the description of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), many aspects of their pathophysiology have not been elucidated. In this review, we discuss the mutational landscape of patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), prognostic scores and salient pathology, and clinical points. We discuss also the diagnostic challenges of differentiating ET from prefibrotic MF.

We then focus on post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis (post-ET MF), a rare subset of MPN that is usually studied in conjunction with post-polycythemia vera MF. The transition of ET to post-ET MF is not well studied on a molecular level, and we present available data. Patients with secondary MF could benefit from allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and we present available data focusing on post-ET MF.
GECEM Project Database: A digital humanities solution to analyse complex historical realities in early modern China and Europe
Authors: Perez-Garcia Manuel , Diaz-Ordoñez Manuel
Published: August 2022

The GECEM Project Database stands out as a new Digital Humanities solution to accurately order and analyse the new historical Big Data gathered in Chinese and European historical archives. Traditional challenges such as capture, storage, analysis, data curation, searching, sharing, transfer, visualization, querying, updating, and information privacy are being tackled and solved within the design of this new multi-relational database. The implementation of this database has as its main innovative elements the capability of coding and cross-referring historical data in Chinese and Western languages. Thus, we present a new database as a digital solution to solve the long-lasting problem in historical research: the maximization and optimization of data collection when analysing historical sources and how to make use of a large amount of registers and information when developing case studies and work hypotheses for historical research. In this paper, we present a solution for data collection and analysis of probate inventories and trade records which is a relevant source when determining changes in patterns of consumption and global trade through the introduction of Chinese goods into Europe and vice versa during the early modern period.
Exposure Therapy for Child and Adolescent Anxiety and OCD
Authors: Whiteside Stephen P. , Ollendick Thomas H. , Biggs Bridget K.
Published: August 2022

Exposure is the most important component of therapy for anxiety disorders and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents. Unfortunately, few clinicians offer this treatment, making it very difficult for youth and their families to seek effective care. In this installment of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy’s Series on Implementation of Clinical Approaches, Whiteside, Ollendick, and Biggs deliver a succinct yet comprehensive guide to the use of exposure therapy with youth suffering from anxiety and OCD. Within the heart of this book, clinicians will discover a clear step-by-step model, illustrated with sample dialogue, for engaging their young patients in this most effective treatment. Detailed case examples bring to life the application of all forms of exposure (in vivo, imaginal, and interoceptive) to a wide range of anxiety and OCD presentations. Beyond teaching the mechanics for implementing exposure, the authors present a clinical model for understanding how exposure works, synthesizing the key issues from current competing theories. This model can enhance the ability of clinicians to apply exposure to new and more challenging presentations. In addition, the authors review common challenges to implementing exposure in real-world settings to assist clinicians in overcoming frequently encountered barriers. Clinicians can feel confident in the validity of the approach as the authors concisely review the foundation of history and research supporting exposure. Within this compact book, clinicians will find a comprehensive guide to build their expertise in the delivery of exposure therapy for children and adolescents suffering from anxiety disorders or OCD.
A census of post-AGB stars in Gaia DR3: evidence for a substantial population of Galactic post-RGB stars
Authors: Oudmaijer René D , Jones Emma R M , Vioque Miguel
Published: August 2022

This paper presents the first census of Galactic post-asymptotic giant branch (post-AGB) stars in the Hertzsprung–Russell (HR) diagram. We combined Gaia DR3 parallax-based distances with extinction corrected integrated fluxes and derived luminosities for a sample of 185 stars that had been proposed to be post-AGB stars in the literature. The luminosities allow us to create an HR diagram containing the largest number of post-AGB candidate objects to date. A significant fraction of the objects fall outside the typical luminosity range as covered by theoretical evolutionary post-AGB tracks as well as observed for planetary nebula central stars. These include massive evolved supergiants and lower luminosity objects. Here, we highlight the fact that one-third of the post-AGB candidates are underluminous and we identify these with the recently recognized class of post-red giant branch objects thought to be the result of binary evolution.
Alteration of RNA modification signature in human sperm correlates with sperm motility
Authors: Guo Huanping , Shen Xipeng , Hu Hua , Zhou Peng , He Tong , Xia Lin , Tan Dongmei , Zhang Xi , Zhang Yunfang
Published: August 2022

RNA modifications, which are introduced post-transcriptionally, have recently been assigned pivotal roles in the regulation of spermatogenesis and embryonic development. However, the RNA modification landscape in human sperm is poorly characterized, hampering our understanding about the potential role played by RNA modification in sperm. Through our recently developed high-throughput RNA modification detection platform based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectroscopy, we are the first to have characterized the RNA modification signature in human sperm. The RNA modification signature was generated on the basis of 49 samples from participants, including 13 healthy controls, 21 patients with asthenozoospermia (AZS) and 15 patients with teratozoospermia (TZS). In total, we identified 13 types of RNA modification marks on the total RNA in sperm, and 16 types of RNA modification marks on sperm RNA fragments of different sizes. The levels of these RNA modifications on the RNA of patients with AZS or TZS were altered, compared to controls, especially on sperm RNA fragments >80 nt. A few types of RNA modifications, such as m1G, m5C, m2G and m1A, showed clear co-expression patterns as well as high linear correlations with clinical sperm motility. In conclusion, we characterized the RNA modification signature of human sperm and identified its correlation with sperm motility, providing promising candidates for use in clinical sperm quality assessment and new research insights for exploring the underlying pathological mechanisms in human male infertility syndromes.
Alternative dietary protein sources to support healthy and active skeletal muscle aging
Authors: van der Heijden Ino , Monteyne Alistair J , Stephens Francis B , Wall Benjamin T
Published: August 2022

To mitigate the age-related decline in skeletal muscle quantity and quality, and the associated negative health outcomes, it has been proposed that dietary protein recommendations for older adults should be increased alongside an active lifestyle and/or structured exercise training. Concomitantly, there are growing environmental concerns associated with the production of animal-based dietary protein sources. The question therefore arises as to where this dietary protein required for meeting the protein demands of the rapidly aging global population should (or could) be obtained. Various non-animal–derived protein sources possess favorable sustainability credentials, though much less is known (compared with animal-derived proteins) about their ability to influence muscle anabolism. It is also likely that the anabolic potential of various alternative protein sources varies markedly, with the majority of options remaining to be investigated. The purpose of this review was to thoroughly assess the current evidence base for the utility of alternative protein sources (plants, fungi, insects, algae, and lab-grown “meat”) to support muscle anabolism in (active) older adults. The solid existing data portfolio requires considerable expansion to encompass the strategic evaluation of the various types of dietary protein sources. Such data will ultimately be necessary to support desirable alterations and refinements in nutritional guidelines to support healthy and active aging, while concomitantly securing a sustainable food future.
Intertemporal planning with subjective uncertainty: anticipating your lazy, disorganized self
Authors: Chatterjee Kalyan , Krishna R Vijay , Sopher Barry
Published: August 2022

We investigate intertemporal planning problems as a way of gaining understanding of the characteristics of individual decision-makers and the choice options presented to them. A frequent simplifying assumption that is made in studies of this sort is that choice of options that yield lower monetary payments than other available options is suboptimal, but consideration of subjective uncertainty in fulfilling requirements to obtain future payments easily disposes of this notion. For example, if one chooses an option in which one pays zero interest for a year on a purchase but then fails to pay the item off before high interest charges kick in, this would be considered suboptimal, compared with paying the item off up front, or in some other fashion. The important point is that what makes an action optimal or suboptimal is often contingent on information that is essentially unobservable, specifically, the probability that one will fail to pay the item off in time. In the experiment, we make inferences about subjective uncertainty based on the choices one makes.
Mathematical Progress — On Maddy and Beyond
Authors: Weisgerber Simon
Published: August 2022

A key question of the ‘maverick’ tradition of the philosophy of mathematical practice is addressed, namely what is mathematical progress. The investigation is based on an article by Penelope Maddy devoted to this topic in which she considers only contributions ‘of some mathematical importance’ as progress. With the help of a case study from contemporary mathematics, more precisely from tropical geometry, a few issues with her proposal are identified. Taking these issues into consideration, an alternative account of ‘mathematical importance’, broadly within the framework of progress Maddy offers, is developed with a special focus on mathematicians’ peer-review practice.
A gain-of-function allele of a DREB transcription factor gene ameliorates drought tolerance in wheat
Authors: Mei Fangming , Chen Bin , Du Linying , Li Shumin , Zhu Dehe , Chen Nan , Zhang Yifang , Li Fangfang , Wang Zhongxue , Cheng Xinxiu , Ding Li , Kang Zhensheng , Mao Hude
Published: August 2022

Drought is a major environmental factor limiting wheat production worldwide. However, the genetic components underlying wheat drought tolerance are largely unknown. Here, we identify a DREB transcription factor gene (TaDTG6-B) by genome-wide association study that is tightly associated with drought tolerance in wheat. Candidate gene association analysis revealed that a 26-bp deletion in the TaDTG6-B coding region induces a gain-of-function for TaDTG6-BDel574, which exhibits stronger transcriptional activation, protein interactions, and binding activity to dehydration-responsive elements (DRE)/CRT cis-elements than the TaDTG6-BIn574 encoded by the allele lacking the deletion, thus conferring greater drought tolerance in wheat seedlings harboring this variant. Knockdown of TaDTG6-BDel574 transcripts attenuated drought tolerance in transgenic wheat, whereas its overexpression resulted in enhanced drought tolerance without accompanying phenotypic abnormalities. Furthermore, the introgression of the TaDTG6-BDel574 elite allele into drought-sensitive cultivars improved their drought tolerance, thus providing a valuable genetic resource for wheat breeding. We also identified 268 putative target genes that are directly bound and transcriptionally regulated by TaDTG6-BDel574. Further analysis showed that TaDTG6-BDel574 positively regulates TaPIF1 transcription to enhance wheat drought tolerance. These results describe the genetic basis and accompanying mechanism driving phenotypic variation in wheat drought tolerance, and provide a novel genetic resource for crop breeding programs.
Type one protein phosphatase regulates fixed-carbon starvation-induced autophagy in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Qiuling , Qin Qianqian , Su Meifei , Li Na , Zhang Jing , Liu Yang , Yan Longfeng , Hou Suiwen
Published: August 2022

Autophagy, a conserved pathway that carries out the bulk degradation of cytoplasmic material in eukaryotic cells, is critical for plant physiology and development. This process is tightly regulated by ATG13, a core component of the ATG1 kinase complex, which initiates autophagy. Although ATG13 is known to be dephosphorylated immediately after nutrient starvation, the phosphatase regulating this process is poorly understood. Here, we determined that the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) septuple mutant (topp-7m) and octuple mutant (topp-8m) of TYPE ONE PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE (TOPP) exhibited significantly reduced tolerance to fixed-carbon (C) starvation due to compromised autophagy activity. Genetic analysis placed TOPP upstream of autophagy. Interestingly, ATG13a was found to be an interactor of TOPP. TOPP directly dephosphorylated ATG13a in vitro and in vivo. We identified 18 phosphorylation sites in ATG13a by LC-MS. Phospho-dead ATG13a at these 18 sites significantly promoted autophagy and increased the tolerance of the atg13ab mutant to fixed-C starvation. The dephosphorylation of ATG13a facilitated ATG1a-ATG13a complex formation. Consistently, the recruitment of ATG13a for ATG1a was markedly inhibited in topp-7m-1. Finally, TOPP-controlled dephosphorylation of ATG13a boosted ATG1a phosphorylation. Taken together, our study reveals the crucial role of TOPP in regulating autophagy by stimulating the formation of the ATG1a-ATG13a complex by dephosphorylating ATG13a in Arabidopsis.
Antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with calcific aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Plunde Oscar , Svenungsson Elisabet , Ferrannini Giulia , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Bäck Magnus
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The antiphospholipid syndrome is defined by antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) together with arterial and/or venous thromboembolism and/or obstetric morbidities. aPL are overrepresented in SLE and acute myocardial infarction, but it is unknown whether aPL are associated with calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) in the general population. The prevalence of aPL and other SLE-associated autoantibodies and their impact on aortic valve transcriptomics were therefore determined.

Methods

A total of 233 tricuspid CAVS cases (median age 74, 69% male) and an age- and sex-matched control population were included. aPL were measured as anti-cardiolipin and anti-β2Glycoprotein-I of IgG/M/A isotypes. Resilient, thickened and calcified aortic valve (AV) tissue derived from five aPL positive and five matched aPL negative CAVS patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement were analysed by microarrays.

Results

The prevalence of positivity for any aPL (IgG/M/A) in patients with CAVS was 6.4% (95% CI 3.6% – 10.4%: n = 233). aPL IgG was significantly more prevalent in CAVS cases vs controls (4.6% vs 0.6%, P = 0.04). AV tissue from aPL IgG/IgM-positive patients was negatively enriched in pathways related to interferon signalling. One hundred differentially expressed genes could predict local AV CAVS progression with supervised machine learning algorithms.

Conclusions

aPL IgG was more common in CAVS patients compared with matched controls and aPL positivity was associated with altered AV transcriptomics related to local disease progression and interferon pathways. Further studies should aim to establish aPL as a possible risk marker and/or causal factor for CAVS and could offer new precision therapeutic targets.
Method for reproducible automated bacterial cell culture and measurement
Authors: Ross David , Tonner Peter D , Vasilyeva Olga B
Published: August 2022

Microbial cell culture is one of the most commonly performed protocols for synthetic biology, and laboratories are increasingly using 96-well plates and laboratory automation systems for cell culture. Here, we describe a method for reproducible microbial culture using laboratory automation systems, including automated liquid handling, automated plate sealing and de-sealing, automated incubation and measurement of growing cultures. We discuss the key considerations that, in our experience, are important for reproducibility and present statistical analyses of data from 150 automated microbial growth experiments performed over 27 months using our automated method.
Androgen receptor splicing variant 7 (ARv7) promotes DNA damage response in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Luo Haoge , Liu Yanan , Li Yang , Zhang Chaoke , Yu Bingbing , Shao Chen
Published: August 2022

In the treatment of patients with locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa), androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) significantly enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy by weakening the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. Recently, several studies have suggested that androgen receptor splicing variants (ARvs) may mediate a compensatory DDR pathway when canonical androgen receptor (AR) signaling is inhibited, thus contributing to the resistance of some patients to this combinational treatment. However, the specific roles of certain ARvs as well as the detailed mechanism of how ARvs regulate the DDR are not well understood. Here, we demonstrated that AR splicing variant 7 (ARv7), which is the most abundant form of ARvs, significantly promotes the DDR of PCa cells under severe DNA damage independent of its parental AR by using the ionizing radiation (IR) and doxorubicin (Dox)‐treated cell models. Mechanistically, ARv7 is sufficient to upregulate both the homologous recombination (HR) and the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways by forming a positive regulatory loop with poly ADP‐ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1). Moreover, the presence of ARv7 impairs the synergistic effect between AR antagonists and poly ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, which has been recently shown to be a promising future treatment strategy for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Combined, our data indicate that constitutively active ARv7 not only contributes to radioresistance after ADT, but may also serve as a potential predictive biomarker for assessing the efficacy of novel PARP inhibitor‐based therapy in PCa.
Interprofessional Education Innovation: Telehealth Objective Structured Clinical Examination With Family Nurse Practitioner and Pharmacy Students
Authors: Gilbert Bethany McNatt , Budisalich Kimberly , Morgan Tracie Clark
Published: August 2022

Interprofessional education (IPE) is required in the advanced nursing practice curriculum to promote collaboration between health care professionals. Time constraints, accessibility, and geographical locations are common barriers to overcome when considering implementing IPE experiences. Utilizing virtual modalities to develop these experiences can increase IPE opportunities. An innovative approach was taken to incorporate a telehealth Objective Structured Clinical Examination involving family nurse practitioner and pharmacy students from different academic institutions for an IPE virtual simulation. Faculty evaluated student performance based on competencies. Faculty and student feedback regarding the IPE experience was positive.
Blue Skies With Clouds: Envisioning the Future Ideal State and Identifying Ongoing Tensions in the UME–GME Transition
Authors: Hauer Karen E. , Williams Pamela M. , Byerley Julie S. , Swails Jennifer L. , Barone Michael A.
Published: August 2022

The transition from medical school to residency in the United States consumes large amounts of time for students and educators in undergraduate and graduate medical education (UME, GME), and it is costly for both students and institutions. Attempts to improve the residency application and Match processes have been insufficient to counteract the very large number of applications to programs. To address these challenges, the Coalition for Physician Accountability charged the Undergraduate Medical Education to Graduate Medical Education Review Committee (UGRC) with crafting recommendations to improve the system for the UME–GME transition. To guide this work, the UGRC defined and sought stakeholder input on a “blue-skies” ideal state of this transition. The ideal state views the transition as a system to support a continuum of professional development and learning, thus serving learners, educators, and the public, and engendering trust among them. It also supports the well-being of learners and educators, promotes diversity, and minimizes bias. This manuscript uses polarity thinking to analyze 3 persistent key tensions in the system that require ongoing management. First, the formative purpose of assessment for learning and growth is at odds with the use of assessment data for ranking and sorting candidates. Second, the function of residents as learners can conflict with their role as workers contributing service to health care systems. Third, the current residency Match process can position the desire for individual choice—among students and their programs—against the workforce needs of the profession and the public. This Scholarly Perspective presents strategies to balance the upsides and downsides inherent to these tensions. By articulating the ideal state of the UME–GME transition and anticipating tensions, educators and educational organizations can be better positioned to implement UGRC recommendations to improve the transition system.
The effect of angiotensin receptor blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on progression of gastric cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mehrdad Seyed Ali , Mirzavi Farshad , Seyedi Seyed Mohammad Reza , Asoodeh Ahmad
Published: August 2022

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), are mostly used as therapy for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, they can increase the risk of cancer progression including gastric cancer. Here we aimed to analyze the assessment between ARB and ACEI on the progression of gastric cancer. Cochrane Library, PubMed and EMBASE were searched for articles and abstracts describing ARBs, ACEIs, and incidence of gastric cancer. Risk ratio, hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were extracted from each outcome by using a random-effects model. Six studies met our inclusion criteria. These results demonstrated that there is a significant association between ARB with gastric cancer progression (risk ratio = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.5–0.7; P = 0.00; I

2
 = 27.299; df (Q) = 2; Q-value = 2.75). However, there was not any link between ACEIs and gastric cancer development (risk ratio = 1.1; 95% CI, 0.92–1.31; P = 0.26; I

2
 = 0.00; df (Q) = 3; Q-value = 1.26). All these findings indicated that using the ARBs has raised the progression of gastric cancer in these patients.
Novel airway-cartilage combined model for medialization laryngoplasty and laryngotracheal reconstruction surgery planning
Authors: Huang Chien-Yu , Chang Ting-Shou , Alice Hwang Lisa , Lin Yaoh-Shiang
Published: August 2022

Background:

The clinical outcomes of surgical treatments for vocal cord paralysis and tracheal stenosis, such as medialization laryngoplasty and laryngotracheal reconstruction, vary owing to the complex anatomy and physiology of the human upper airway. However, advances in three-dimensional (3D) simulation and printing ushered its use on an office-based workstation to aid in several surgical areas.

Methods:

The preoperation neck computed tomography image was loaded into the InVesalius 3.0 software for manual segmentation of airway and nearby important anatomic landmarks including hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, and cricoid cartilage. The 3D model of the desired anatomy structure was manufactured and used for presurgical planning and rehearsal of the surgery.

Results:

We review cases of four patients: two cases of unilateral vocal palsy undergoing medialization laryngoplasty and two cases of tracheal stenosis patients who used the air-cartilage combined model

Conclusion:

Preoperation planning of the medialization thyroplasty could be more precise by prevision of the paralyzed vocal cord plane. Tracheal surgery could benefit from a preoperative design of segmented length. The novel airway-cartilage combined model offers new insight into vocal cord and trachea surgery.
Impella 5.5 Support beyond 50 Days as Bridge to Heart Transplant in End-Stage Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Zaky Mina , Nordan Taylor , Kapur Navin K. , Vest Amanda R. , DeNofrio David , Chen Frederick Y. , Couper Gregory S. , Kawabori Masashi
Published: August 2022

Prolonged mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for severe left ventricular dysfunction in cardiogenic shock as a bridge to heart transplantation (HTx) generally requires a surgical procedure. Typically, a surgically implanted temporary extracorporeal left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is chosen because of superior flow and durability compared with a percutaneously delivered endovascular LVAD (pVAD). However, compared with its predecessors, the Impella 5.5 trans-valvular pVAD provides higher hemodynamic support and features improved durability. Here, we present four successful cases with prolonged Impella 5.5 support as a bridge to HTx, with a mean support duration of 70 days (maximum 83 days). These cases highlight several potential benefits of Impella 5.5. The minimally invasive implantation procedure of the device reduces bleeding, decreases the postoperative recovery period, and enables early patient ambulation to reduce physical deconditioning before HTx surgery. Furthermore, Impella 5.5 adequately unloads the left ventricle and provides hemodynamic support to maintain end-organ function to further optimize hemodynamics before HTx. The evolution of Impella 5.5 technology may provide an alternative bridging strategy to traditional surgically implanted temporary MCS in select cases.
Successful pregnancy via in vitro fertilization in a primary infertile woman with primary lymphoma of the fallopian tube after surgery: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Jie , Hou Zhen , Huang Jie , Xu Wei , Wang Cong , Ma Xiang , Lu Nan , Liu Jiayin , Mao Yundong , Qian Yi
Published: August 2022

Rationale:

Primary extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas of the fallopian tube is extremely rare. It is a great challenge for fertility and gynecology doctors to manage such cases and also fulfil the reproductive demands of these young women.

Patient concerns:

A 30-year-old woman consulted for a 5-year primary infertility.

Diagnosis:

According to the Ann Arbor staging system, a stage IE extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma was diagnosed for this patient based on tumor pathology, bone marrow biopsy, hysteroscopy and whole-body positron emission tomography imaging. She also had endometriosis based on laparoscopy.

Interventions:

The patient underwent a laparoscopic bilateral salpingostomy without additional surgery or radiotherapy and chemotherapy for fertility preservation, and received 5 months of long-acting gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist treatment for endometriosis.

Outcomes:

Two years after the surgery, the patient delivered a healthy neonate through in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer procedures. The patient is now 3 years post-op and 1 year post-delivery, long-term follow-up suggested that the patient remained cancer-free up till now.

Lessons:

More care should be taken when the newly diagnosed mass is combined with a rather high serum CA-125 level. Although endometriosis and ovarian cancer are more common, lymphoma cannot be ruled out.
Decreased door-to-balloon time in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction during the early COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea: An observational study
Authors: Ryu Sukhyun , Kim Dasom , Jung Lae Young , Kim Baekjin , Lee Chang-Seop
Published: August 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in a marked decrease in the number of patient visits for acute myocardial infarction and delayed patient response and intervention in several countries. This study evaluated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of patients, patient response time (pain-to-door), and intervention time (door-to-balloon) for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Patients with STEMI or NSTEMI visiting a hospital in South Korea who underwent primary coronary intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic (January 29, 2020, to December 31, 2020) were compared with those in the equivalent period from 2018 to 2019. Patient response and intervention times were compared for the COVID-19 pandemic window (2020) and the equivalent period from 2018 to 2019.

We observed no decrease in the number of patients with STEMI (P = .88) and NSTEMI (P = 1.00) during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to that in the previous years. Patient response times (STEMI: P = .39; NSTEMI: P = .59) during the overall COVID-19 pandemic period did not differ significantly. However, we identified a significant decrease in door-to-balloon time among patients with STEMI (14%; P < .01) during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

We found that the number of patients with STEMI and NSTEMI was consistent during the COVID-19 pandemic and that no time delays in patient response and intervention occurred. However, the door-to-balloon time among patients with STEMI significantly reduced during the early COVID-19 pandemic, which could be attributed to decreased emergency care utilization during the early pandemic.
Unusual presentations of thoracic disc herniation treated by thoracic epidural block: Case reports
Authors: Ki Min Jong , Woo Cheol Jong , Oh Yu Jin , Nam Seon Hwa , Doo A Ram
Published: August 2022

Rationale:

Herniation of the thoracic intervertebral disc (HTD) is a rare disease that accounts for <1% of all disc herniations. Physicians may make diagnostic errors due to the variable clinical features and limited experience of HTD. In this report, we present 2 unusual cases of HTD.

Patient concerns:

A 72-year-old woman (case 1) visited our pain clinic because of chronic abdominal discomfort with visible bulging on the left side. Atrophy of the abdominal wall muscle and quadratus lumborum was observed. The therapeutic effect of interfascial plane block to exclude the possibility of truncal neuropathy following muscular atrophy was temporary. The other patient, a 75-year-old man (case 2) complained of aggravation of previously diagnosed postherpetic neuralgia. An extension of the previously symptomatic area of the forward upper dermatome was observed. Radiofrequency treatment on the symptomatic dorsal root ganglion failed to relieve symptoms.

Diagnoses:

Two patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the spine for further evaluation. The patients were diagnosed with multilevel HTD and foraminal herniated disc, compatible with their symptoms and without myelopathy.

Interventions:

Two patients were conservatively treated with a fluoroscopy-guided transforaminal epidural block.

Outcomes:

The 2 patients experienced significant pain reduction up to 50% on a numeric rating scale after repeated treatment.

Lessons:

Multilevel HTD of the mid- to lower-thoracic spine may present as abdominal bulging with atrophy of the abdominal wall muscles. We also report another case of concomitant symptomatic thoracic radiculopathy from HTD and postherpetic neuralgia at the adjacent level. Thoracic transforaminal epidural block may be considered a conservative therapeutic approach for HTD.
GIV is a promising novel poor prognostic factor in liver hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zou Zhenzhen , Sun Yibin , Wang Lin , Ma Sai , Sun Chunrong , Zhou Yu , Yang Guorong
Published: August 2022

Numerous studies have implicated Gα-interacting, vesicle-associated protein (GIV) in the development and metastasis of various cancers. However, its role remains unclear in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). We aimed to demonstrate the relationship between GIV and LIHC based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database. We use the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis and UALCAN to explore the expression of GIV and the survive analysis of GIV in patients with LIHC, genetic alteration analysis, immune infiltration analysis, functional enrichment, protein-protein interaction network analyses, and transcription factor targets of GIV-correlated genes and GIV-interacting genes were performed this study. GIV expression was significantly elevated in LIHC tissues. Remarkable correlation was established between GIV expression and LIHC pathological stage. Low expression of GIV in tumor tissues had a better prognosis than GIV-high expression. GIV alteration frequency was 1.44% in patients with LIHC. GIV-unaltered patients had better survival than GIV-altered ones. Moreover, GIV expression level in LIHC significantly correlated with the infiltration level of immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. The functions of differentially expressed GIVs are associated with the cell cycle pathway. Our data imply that E2F4, E2F1, MYC, and MYCN are key transcription factors for GIV-correlated genes and GIV-interacted genes. GIV may be an adverse prognostic factor for patients with LIHC; it also can be a potential therapeutic target against LIHC. Further studies are required to validate our findings.
Application of oxycodone in anesthesia induction and overall management of Da Vinci robot-assisted nephrectomy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Haihong , Qiu Yuanli , Zheng Qiang , Chen Yijiao , Ma Liang
Published: August 2022

Background:

This study aimed to evaluate the application of oxycodone in anesthesia induction and overall management of Da Vinci robot-assisted nephrectomy.

Methods:

A total of 42 patients undergoing Da Vinci robot-assisted nephrectomy with general anesthesia were selected. They were randomly divided into 2 groups: patients were induced with oxycodone (oxycodone group) and were induced with sufentanil (sufentanil group). The vital signs at the following time points were recorded: after injection of induced drugs (T1), during glottis exposure (T2), immediately after intubation (T3), 1 minute (T4), 2 minute (T5), 3 minute (T6), 5 minute (T7), 10 minute (T8) after intubation, during skin incision (T9), at the end of suturing skin (T10), during extubation (T11), and during hemodynamic fluctuations intraoperatively (T`). Numerical rating scale, facial affective scale and monitoring of adverse events (visual analogue scale, NVAS) were evaluated postoperatively at 1 hour (T’“1), 3 hours (T”“2), 6 hours (T”“3), 12 hours (T”“4), 24 hours (T”“5), and 48 hours (T”‘6).

Results:

The systolic blood pressure, the diastolic blood pressure and the mean arterial blood pressure showed no statistically different changes between the 2 groups. There were no statistical differences in heart rate and respiratory rate among various timepoints intraoperatively. There were statistical differences in Bispectral index (BIS) scores in T6 between the 2 groups. The numerical rating scale and facial affective scale scores were significantly lower in oxycodone group. Anesthetized with oxycodone, the pain did not affect the sleep of patients after operation. Also, the postoperative QoR-40 scores were lower in oxycodone group.

Conclusion:

Compared with sufentanil, anesthesia induction with 0.3 mg/kg oxycodone in Da Vinci robot-assisted nephrectomy can achieve mild pain and mild adverse responses in patients postoperatively.