bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of river-reservoir hybrid system on zooplankton community and river connectivity
Authors: Ko Eui-Jeong , Jung Eunsong , Do Yuno , Joo Gae-Jae , Kim Hyun-Woo , Jo Hyunbin
Published: November 2021

Semi-permanent anthropogenic connectivity regulation in rivers, such as via weirs and dams, affects the plankton community. We hypothesised that the longitudinal similarity of the zooplankton community in a river could change in a river-reservoir hybrid system (RRHS). The impact of weir construction on zooplankton communities in terms of species diversity, abundance, and community structure was examined biweekly at six sites on the Nakdong River main channel for 14 years (before construction: 2002–2008; after construction: 2012–2018). We checked time series alignment using dynamic time warping between longitudinal survey sites, regardless of RRHS. Before and after RRHS, the zooplankton community showed an increasing number of species. RRHS decreased the longitudinal connectivity in terms of zooplankton species number and population density. Our study demonstrates that longitudinal zooplankton community trends can be used to study the connectivity of rivers and that longitudinal characteristics are disrupted in RRHSs.
Reinforcement Learning based Optimal Control for Constrained Nonlinear System via A Novel State-Dependent Transformation
Authors: Yan Lei , Liu Zhi , Chen C. L. Philip , Zhang Yun , Wu Zongze
Published: November 2021

This paper focus on developing an optimal controller for the strict-feedback nonlinear systems with or without asymmetric time-varying full state constraints. A novel nonlinear state-dependent transformation function is presented, by which the strict-feedback nonlinear systems with state constraints is transformed into a new strict-feedback where the state constraints is implicit in. Optimized backstepping technique is utilized to develop the optimal controller for the new strict-feedback system to track the desired reference signal without the feasibility conditions. Reinforcement learning (RL) is exploited to implement the optimal control in every step, where identifier, critic and action network are used to estimate the unknown system dynamics and generate the control output, respectively. It is theoretically proved that all the signals in the close loop system are bounded and the proposed optimal controller can track the desired signal with or without time-varying asymmetric full state constraints. Two simulation examples are presented demonstrating the efficacy of the proposed scheme.
Clinical Significance of Long Non-Coding RNA HCG18, OIP5-AS1, FGD5-AS1 and LINC00657 Expression in Human Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zareh Ali , Rabani Elmira , Zare Hamed , Heiat Mohammad , Bakherad Hamid
Published: November 2021

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a major health problem and the third cause of cancer-induced deaths globally. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are new cellular regulators in cancers whose contribution to GC carcinogenesis is still unknown to a large extent. This study aimed to investigate expression levels of bioinformatically ranked lncRNAs in GC tissues.
Methods

Using a bioinformatic approach, lncRNAs supposed to be involved in GC tumorigenesis were prioritized. Further, the top-ranked lncRNAs including HCG18, OIP5-AS1, FGD5-AS1, and LINC00657 were selected for experimental validation. Moreover, qPCR was used to validate bioinformatics findings in 35 GC and 35 paired adjacent normal gastric tissue samples (ANGTs). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were generated to assess the diagnostic values of the lncRNAs.
Results

lncRNA-HCG18 showed to be the top-ranked lncRNA involved in GC, as identified by bioinformatics analysis. Additionally, HCG18, OIP5-AS1, FGD5-AS1, and LINC00657 expression levels significantly increased in GC tissue samples compared to ANGTs. The area under the curve (AUC) of HCG18, OIP5-AS1, FGD5-AS1, and LINC00657 were 0.80, 0.74, 0.73, and 0.71, respectively. Considering the findings, it was concluded that HCG18, OIP5-AS1, FGD5-AS1, and LINC00657 lncRNAs may contribute to GC tumorigenesis.
Conclusion

This study also found that the bioinformatic approach could be applied as an efficient approach to finding candidate lncRNAs relevant to GC progression.
Assessing the Integrative Framework for the Implementation of Change in Nursing Practice: Comparative Case Studies in French Hospitals
Authors: SALMA Israa , WAELLI Mathias
Published: November 2021

Background
Quality improvement initiatives in healthcare often require change in nursing practices. Implementing such change into routine practice is challenging, often with unpredictable outcomes. Extensive research in this area has documented effective implementation change in clinical practice and identified barriers and facilitators at strategic levels, e.g. leadership, culture, and technical factors, which are common across most organizations. However, other research avenues have investigated different perspectives, e.g., the impact of local work contexts on implementation processes and the overlap of local social and material factors in appropriation processes. Therefore, considering both perspectives is essential for effective implementation. However, strategic and socio-material factors have only been investigated as distinct perspectives. In previous work, we developed an Integrative Framework for Implementation of change in Nursing Practices (IFINP) based on certification procedure implementation at a French hospital. In this current study, we assess the generalizability of our framework in other organizational settings and explore links between strategic and socio-material factors during implementation.
Methods
We used comparative qualitative case studies at three French hospitals to assess the implementation of certification procedures. Data were collected from 33 semi-structured interviews with managers and nurses. Narratives reflecting actions and interactions were extracted and deductively analyzed using IFINP components.
Results
The framework was flexible and captured all the different aspects of implementation actions and interactions at the three hospitals. Strong interferences were identified between mobilization mechanisms and strategic elements. Interference was observed mostly between ‘reflexive monitoring and work articulation’, and ‘reflexive monitoring and sense-making’ mechanisms. Leadership was integrated into the different mechanisms, especially the ‘translation’ mechanism.
Conclusion
The IFINP facilitated a greater understanding of strategic elements and associated relationships with social and material factors during implementation. Our results support the non-linearity aspect of implementation processes and highlight the importance of leadership roles in translating change in practice. This provides a clear definition of the managers’ role when implementing new nurse practices. Therefore, we advocate the IFINP as a practical managerial framework supporting implementation initiatives in nursing.
Adaptive Dose Escalated Radiotherapy in Oropharyngeal Cancers: A Treatment Planning Feasibility Study
Authors: Grocutt Laura , Paterson Claire , Valentine Ronan M
Published: November 2021

Background: A significant proportion of patients with poor prognosis squamous cell cancer of the oropharynx relapse loco-regionally despite radical (chemo)radiotherapy. If a predictive biomarker for disease control can be identified during treatment then individualised and adaptive treatment strategies may be employed. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of adaptive and dose-escalated RT to the gross tumour volume without increasing surrounding planning target volume doses and maintaining clinically acceptable organs at risk doses.Materials and methods: Twenty representative patients with poor prognosis locally advanced OPSCC who were known to have relapsed post RT, were re-planned retrospectively using Eclipse TPS v15.5, RapidPlanTM and multi-criteria optimisation. In our centre, areas of gross disease (PTV65) are treated with 65Gy in 30# while areas at risk of containing microscopic disease (PTV54) are treated synchronously to 54Gy in 30#. The original clinical plans were re-optimised to act as controls (Group I). These plans were split into two plans of 15# each, with the latter 15# used to escalate the dose to the GTV to 73Gy (Group II) and 82Gy (Group III). Plan sums were created for the total 30# to record plan evaluation parameters along with assessments of plan deliverability.Results: For all groups, the dose coverage at D98% and D50% for the PTVs were comparable. As expected, the D2% dose levels for PTV65 increased. All dose levels associated with PTV54 remained largely unaffected by the dose escalation regimens. Conformity indices for PTV65 and PTVAll reveal comparable conformity across all three groups. Despite the GTV being escalated by 12.3% and 26.2% in groups II and III, the volume of GTV receiving > 84 Gy was considerably less than 1.75 cc. While OAR doses increased for the escalated groups, these increases were not clinically significant. Conclusion: This planning feasibility study exploring RapidPlanTM combined with multi-criteria optimisation has demonstrated that doses to the GTV may be escalated without increasing PTV or OAR doses considerably, suggesting an interventional clinical trial using this approach would be feasible. Given loco-regional control remains an unmet need, response-adaptive dose-escalated RT has the potential to improve outcomes for poor-prognosis patients.
The Effects of COVID-19 On The Quality of Life Among a Sample of The General Lebanese Population
Authors: HADDAD Chadia , Malhab Sandrella Bou , SACRE Hala , THEBIAN Rasha , SALAME Hassan , HLEYHEL Mira , HAMIEH Hussein , Chahine Nazih Bou , HOTEIT Maha , Souheil Anwar Al , SALAMEH Pascale
Published: November 2021

Background: Infectious illness outbreaks, such as COVID-19, have a devastating impact on physical health and social and psychological well-being. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) after the COVID-19 outbreak in a sample of the Lebanese population and compare sociodemographic factors associated with QOL among COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted between January and March 2021 during the lockdown imposed by the Lebanese Government enrolled 2349 Lebanese adults. The major dependent variable was the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12), often used as a QOL measure for assessing the impact of health on an individual's everyday life.Results: In participants with non-positive PCR, linear regression showed that higher income (Beta=2.224) is associated with a higher QOL score. Whereas higher household crowding index (Beta=-0.537), older age (Beta=-0.109), being married (Beta=-1.308), having hypertension (Beta=-2.479), and other chronic diseases (Beta=-3.704) were associated with a lower QOL score.In participants with positive PCR, linear regression showed that the female gender (Beta=2.416) and a higher income (Beta=4.856) were associated with a higher QOL score. Whereas shortness of breath (beta=-2.607), sore throat (Beta=-5.654), sneezing (Beta=-3.761), and having a chronic disease other than hypertension (Beta=-3.181) were associated with a lower QOL score.Conclusion: Overall, factors such as age, male gender, married status, crowded household, low monthly income, high BMI, the presence of chronic disease, and severe COVID-19 symptoms were related to lower QOL after the covid-19 pandemic.
Some New Logarithmic Aggregation Operators and their Application to Group Decision Making Problem Based on t-Norm and t-Conorm
Authors: Rahman khaista
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a logarithmic operational law for intuitionistic fuzzy numbers is defined, in which the based1 is a real number such that1 ∈(0,1) with condition1 ≠ 1. Some properties of logarithmic operational laws have been studied and based on these, several Einstein averaging and Einstein geometric operators namely, logarithmic intuitionistic fuzzy Einstein weighted averaging (LIFEWA) operator, logarithmic intuitionistic fuzzy Einstein ordered weighted averaging (LIFEOWA) operator, logarithmic intuitionistic fuzzy Einstein hybrid averaging (LIFEHA) operator, logarithmic intuitionistic fuzzy Einstein weighted geometric (LIFEWG) operator, logarithmic intuitionistic fuzzy Einstein ordered weighted geometric (LIFEOWG) operator, and logarithmic intuitionistic fuzzy Einstein hybrid geometric (LIFEHG) operator have been introduced, which can overcome the weaknesses of algebraic operators. Furthermore, based on the proposed operators a multi-attribute group decision-making problem is established under logarithmic operational laws. Finally, an illustrative example is used to illustrate the applicability and validity of the proposed approach and compare the results with the existing methods to show the effectiveness of it.
Use of eco-benign periwinkle shell particle for making composites and study their effect on the thermal and mechanical properties of novel HDPE composites
Authors: Valsadwala Abbas Saifee , Sriniva Sriram , Balachandran Surya Rajan , Begum Shamshath , Samui Asit Baran , Shukla Sandeep Kumar
Published: November 2021

In this investigation, the shell powder of Littorina littorea commonly called periwinkle was used as an eco-benign filler in High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) to form periwinkle/HDPE composites (PHPC). Understanding the effect of different particle sizes of periwinkle shell powder (PSP) and optimizing their influence on PHPC is the main scope of work. Periwinkle shell (PS) particle sizes from <53 μm to 150 μm were chosen as reinforcement. The different PSP size like <53 μm, 53 μm, 75 μm, 90 μm, 105 μm and 150 μm chosen in this study were named as PHPCL53, PHPC53, PHPC75, PHPC90, PHPC105, and PHPC150 respectively. The composites were fabricated by incorporating 1 weight % of PSP into HDPE matrix using compression molding technique and then subjected to morphological, thermal, and mechanical characterizations. Morphology studies using scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirms 150 μm PSP had best dispersion whereas 75 μm PSP resulted with agglomeration. PSP had little influence on the thermal stability of HDPE except for PHPC150 which showed rise in degradation temperature when compared to the neat sample. Mechanical properties such as hardness, Young’s modulus, impact strength, and flexural modulus were enhanced by the addition of PSP. Whereas, a decrease was noted in elongation at break (%) and flexural strength of PHPC indicating the stiffening effect of filler on HDPE. In order to understand the particle size influence better, the extension evaluation method (EEM) was performed for all samples and PHPC150 was found to be the best performing among all particle sizes.
Impact of Tourniquet During Total Knee Arthroplasty when Tranexamic Acid was used: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Sun Changjiao , Zhang Xiaofei , Ma Qi , Tu Yan , Cai Xu , Zhou Yonggang
Published: November 2021

Introduction：The efficacy of tourniquet use during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is thought to reduce intraoperative blood loss, improve surgical exposure, and optimize cement fixation. Tranexamic acid（TXA）use can decrease postsurgical blood loss and transfusion requirements. This review aimed to appraise the effects of tourniquet use in TKA for patients with tranexamic acid use.Methods：A meta-analysis was conducted to identify relevant randomized controlled trials involving TXA plus a tourniquet（TXA-T group）and use of TXA plus no tourniquet（TXA-NT group） in TKA. Web of Science，PubMed, Embase，Cochrane Controlled Trials Register,、Cochrane Library、Highwire、CNKI, and Wanfang database were searched from 2010 through October 2021.Results: We identified 1720 TKAs (1690 patients) assessed in 14 randomized controlled trials. Compared with the TXA-NT group, the TXA-T group resulted in less intra-operative blood loss (P＜0.00001) and decreased duration of surgery (P＜0.00001), however more hidden blood loss(P=0.0004) and less knee range of motion (P＜0.00001). No significant differences were found between two groups in terms of decrease in hemoglobin (P=0.84), total blood loss (P=0.79), transfusion rate( P=0.18) ,drainage volume(P=0.06) , Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) at either the day of surgery (P=0.2)、1 day(P=0.25)、2 day(P=0.39)、3 day(P=0.21)、5 day(P=0.21)、7day (P=0.06)or 1 month after surgery(P=0.16), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score at either 7 day （P=0.10)、 1month（P=0.08)、 3 month（P=0.22) or 6 month after the surgery（P=0.92), Knee circumference（P=0.28）,length of hospital(P=0.12), and complications such as intramuscular venous thrombosis(P=0.81), deep venous thrombosis(P=0.10), superficial infection(P=0.45), deep wound infection(P=0.64) and delayed wound healing(P=0.65).Conclusion: No big differences could be found by using or not tourniquet when use the TXA, though some benefits are related to operation time and less intra-operative blood loss by using tourniquet and TXA, Using the tourniquet was related to more hidden blood loss and less knee range of motion. More adequately powered and better-designed randomized controlled trials （RCTs）studies with long-term follow-up are required to validate this study.
First Description of a Multisystemic and Lethal SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern P.1 (Gamma) Infection in a FeLV-Positive Cat: New Concerns Regarding Viral Re-emergence and Adaption to Pets
Authors: Carneiro Rodrigo Lima , Farias Jessica Pires , Pinheiro Josilene Ramos , Farias Jackson , Vielmo Andre Carloto , Birbrair Alexander , Belmok Aline , Melo Fernando Lucas , Ribeiro Bergmann Moraes , Chaves Gepoliano , Vidal Paloma Oliveira , Luiz Wilson Barros , Amorim Jaime Henrique
Published: November 2021

Background: Coronaviruses are recognized for their ability to cross the species barrier and infect new hosts. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). It remains unclear whether other animals, including pets, are crucial in the spread and maintenance of COVID-19 worldwide. Methods: In this study, we analysed the first fatal case of a SARS-CoV-2 and FeLV (Feline leukemia virus) co-infection of an eight-year-old male cat. We carried out a clinical evaluation, pathological analysis, and viral genomic analysis. Results: As main results, we observed an animal presenting severe acute respiratory syndrome and lesions in several organs, which led to animal’s death. The causative agent was confirmed to be SARS-CoV-2, variant of concern P.1 (Gamma). The virus presented a pattern of mutations potentially associated with feline infection. In addition, the virus was detected by RT-qPCR in the spleen, liver, heart, lungs, trachea, intestines and kidneys, indicating a multisystemic viral infection. The virus was found in a high load in the trachea, suggesting a capacity of transmitting the virus. Conclusion: Our data show that felines, such as FeLV-positive cats, are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and may be intermediate hosts in this pandemic.
WITHDRAWN: Implementing Health Related Social Needs Screening in an Outpatient Clinic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nohria Raman , Xiao Nan , Guardado Rubeen , Drainoni Mari-Lynn , Smith Cara , Nokes Keith , Byhoff Elena
Published: November 2021

BackgroundTo date, health-related social needs (HRSN) screening implementation efforts have reported high rates of identified social needs. However, little is known about how screening processes may fail to leverage implementation strategies to optimize reach, and thereby unintentionally target non-representative groups for screening and referral programs. MethodsElectronic medical data were abstracted from 2016-2020 for 4,731 screened patients from 7 affiliated clinics of a federally-qualified health center (FQHC). Unscreened patients were pulled first as a random sample from the study period, then matched based on clinic site and clinic visit frequency. Sociodemographic traits, comorbid conditions, and outpatient encounter type and frequency were compared between the screened and unscreened patient cohorts using descriptive statistics.ResultsScreened patients (n-4731) had a median of 3.3 (+/- 2.5) unmet HRSN. Compared to a random sample of unscreened FQHC patients, screened patients had significantly more clinic visits (26.8 vs 16.3; p<0.05) and carried a higher comorbid disease burden (3+ conditions: 8% vs 2%; p<0.05). When the unscreened cohort was matched to the screened cohort for clinic site, these findings remained constant. Due to high visit frequency in the screened cohort, our analysis was matched for clinic visit frequency. Screened patients continued to demonstrate a higher comorbid disease burden (3+ conditions, 8% vs 3%; p<0.05), but only had a higher prevalence of 4 chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and anxiety/depression). ConclusionsWithout an a priori plan for implementation, we have found a predisposition to screen patients who visit outpatient services more often and have a higher comorbid disease burden. HRSN screening processes will benefit from implementation strategies to improve reach and to ensure maximal uptake of screening.
Forest Malaria and Prospects for Antimalarial Chemoprophylaxis Among Forest Goers: Findings From a Qualitative Study in Lao PDR
Authors: Jongdeepaisal Monnaphat , Inthasone Soulixay , Khonputsa Panarasri , Malaphone Vilayvone , Pongsoipetch Kulchada , Pongvongsa Tiengkham , Mayxay Mayfong , Chindavongsa Keobouphaphone , Pell Christopher , Maude Richard James
Published: November 2021

Background Despite significant decline in malarial incidence and mortality in countries across the Greater Mekong Subregion, the disease remains a public health challenge. Transmission continues mainly among people who visit forests in remote areas, often along international borders, where access to primary healthcare is limited. In the absence of effective vector-control measures and limited periods of exposure, malaria chemoprophylaxis has been proposed as a strategy to protect forest goers. As a rarely used approach for indigenous populations, questions remain about its feasibility and acceptability. Drawing on in-depth interviews with forest goers and stakeholders, this article examines opportunities and challenges for implementation of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis for forest goers in Lao PDR.Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 forest goers and 15 stakeholders in Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. Interview topics included experience of malaria prevention and health services, and perceptions of prophylaxis as a potential component of malaria elimination strategy. The interviews were transcribed and coded using inductive and deductive approaches for qualitative thematic analysis.Results In ethnically and geographically diverse villages, awareness of malaria risk prompts forest goers to protect themselves, albeit suboptimality using available preventive measures. Stakeholders highlighted challenges for targeting at-risk populations and approaches to address forest malaria in southern Laos. Among policymakers, choice and cost of antimalarials, particularly their efficacy and source of funding, were key considerations for the feasibility of malaria prophylaxis. Acceptability of prophylaxis among forest goers was also influenced by the complexity of the regimen, including the number of tablets and timing of doses. Implementation of prophylaxis may be affected by a lack of transportation and communication barriers in remote communities. Conclusion Adding prophylaxis to existing malaria control activities requires strengthening the capacity of local health workers in Lao PDR. Ideally, this would be part of an integrated approach that includes strategies to address the other febrile illnesses that forest goers describe as priority health concerns. The prophylactic regimen also requires careful consideration in terms of effectiveness and simplicity of dosing.
Immortalization-Upregulated Protein Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Progression By Regulating NPM1/FHL1-Mediated Cell-Cycle-Checkpoint Protein Activity
Authors: Luo Qiankun , Pan Yanfeng , Fu Qiang , Zhang Xu , Zhou Shuai , Yu Pengfei , Tian Huiyuan , Liu Pan , Chen Song , Zhang Hongwei , Qin Tao
Published: November 2021

Immortalization-upregulated protein (IMUP) plays a vital role in cell proliferation and tumor progression. However, its role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear. Here, we select IMUP as an alternative gene based on GeneChip analysis of clinical PDAC tissues and transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. IMUP expression is upregulated in PDAC tumor tissues. Moreover, high IMUP expression correlates with poor prognosis, while IMUP depletion inhibits PDAC cell proliferation and colony formation capacity in vitro, and decreases xenograft tumor growth in vivo. IMUP downregulation leads to cell-cycle arrest in the S phase. IMUP Knockdown increases the expression of four-and-a-half LIM domain protein 1 (FHL1), which regulates the phosphorylation of cell division cycle 25A (CDC25A) by cycle checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) and promotes cytoplasmic distribution of CDC25A by interaction with 14-3-3ξ. Furthermore, FHL1 knockdown restores the effects induced by IMUP depletion. liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation analysis further show that IMUP interacts directly with nucleophosmin (NPM1) and enhances its stability. DNA methylation sequencing shows that FHL1 promoter methylation decreases when IMUP is downregulated. Overexpression of NPM1 can increase the methylation level of FHL1, thereby decreasing its expression. Our study provides a novel perspective on IMUP/NPM1/FHL1-mediated cell-cycle arrest by regulating CDC25A phosphorylation in PDAC. These findings may provide a new therapeutic target for PDAC.
Seismic Performance of Pre-Fabricated Segmental Bridges With An Innovative Layered-UHPC Connection
Authors: WANG Ruilong , MA Biao , CHEN Xu
Published: November 2021

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has been regarded as promising alternative to provide reliable connections between difference segments (e.g., columns and pier footing/cap) during accelerated bridge construction (ABC) procedures. This paper proposes an innovative layered-UHPC connection for the pre-fabricated segmental (PFS) pier, whose seismic performance was validated through quasi-static experiment. The corresponding design procedure for PFS pier with this type of connections is presented based on the test results. The layered-UHPC connection ensures the emulative performance of pre-fabricated bridge as cast-in-place (CIP) ones, as well as provides greater economic efficiency than traditional UHPC connections. Based on experimental results, key issues concerning this connection, including the tensile behavior of UHPC, height of connection region, thickness of UHPC layer and steel bars in grouting bed, are presented and discussed. Then a seismic design procedure is proposed utilizing the capacity protection philosophy widely adopted in design specifications. The layered-UHPC connection is expected as capacity-protected component without damage, since it provides anchorage for steels extended from columns and pier cap/footing. While the pre-fabricated region is designed as ductile component undergoing nonlinearity during strong earthquakes. Following the detailed elaborations about the design philosophy, requirement and implementation steps, this procedure is further presented through illustration examples using PFS piers with various heights. The results show that PFS piers designed according to this procedure could meet the requirement under both frequent and rare earthquakes. Note that the PFS piers with this layered-UHPC connections could be designed similar to and emulative as CIP ones, which is believed friendly to designers in engineering practice.
The Long-term Outcome of CyberKnife-Based Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Intra/ Extracranial Non-Vestibular Schwannomas: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Hong Sukwoo , Kagawa Kenji , Sato Kengo , Nomura Ryutaro , Ichi Shunsuke
Published: November 2021

Background

The long-term outcomes of CyberKnife-based hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for intra/ extracranial non-vestibular schwannomas (nVS) need to be accumulated.
Method

Patients who received SRT by CyberKnife for nVS from 2010 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed.
Results

A total of 45 patients with nVS were identified. The mean age was 53 (± 18) years old, and 23 patients (51%) were female. Twenty-nine patients (64%) had previous procedures. As for the tumor extension, 22 (49%) nVS were classified as primary intracranial, five (11%) were classified as intra/ extracranial (dumbbell shape), and 18 (40%) were classified as primary extracranial. The median prescribed dose, covering 95% of the planning target volume, was 21 (IQR 21 – 25) Gy, and the median target volume was 7 (IQR 3.6-13.1) cm3. The local control rate of nVS for patients without neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) was 100%. Old age (OR 0.92, p-value 0.03) and previous surgery (OR 0.02, p-value 0.02) were significant risk factors for no symptomatic improvement. The progression-free survival was 74 (±33) months clinically and 69 (IQR 36 – 94) months radiologically. During follow-up, two cases (4%) with NF2 resulted in treatment failure, 13 cases (41%) resulted in transient tumor expansion (TTE), 10 (22%) suffered from transient adverse radiation effect (ARE), and two (4%) resulted in permanent ARE.
Conclusions

Hypofractionated SRT for head, neck, and spine nVS was an effective treatment regardless of tumor extension relative to the cranium. Although the risk of permanent ARE was low, some patients experienced transient clinical worsening due to TTE.
Techno-Economic Analysis for Fertilizer House Using Hybrid Power Stations
Authors: Bihari Shiv Prakash , Sadhu Pradip Kumar
Published: November 2021

Renewable energy sources are not necessarily declining carbon sources. A hybrid generation network may be used in the power market to maximize the usage of renewable energy sources. The aim is to model hybrid power station and to determine the most effective system design through cost estimation. The power consumption of an agricultural device illustrates fertilizer house electricity needs and agricultural land irrigated pumps providing an average of 165.44 kWh / h of electricity per hour, an overall energy use of 7.12 kW and a total load of operation of 19.57 kW. The standard radiation intensity is 5.35 kWh per m2 per day, the luminosity amount is an around 0.534, and the maximum wind velocity is 4.60 m/s. Electricity generation is $323,659.25 and the gross electricity expense (Co2) is $1,325 and reflects an annual monthly power consumption of 21,264 kWh (47.1 %) and 12,756 kWh/yr (36.8 %).
Biochemical and Cytological Interactions Between Callose Synthase and Microtubules in the Tobacco Pollen Tube
Authors: PARROTTA LUIGI , Faleri Claudia , Casino Cecilia Del , Mareri Lavinia , Aloisi Iris , Guerriero Gea , Hausman Jean-Francois , Duca Stefano Del , Cai Giampiero
Published: November 2021

Callose is a cell wall polysaccharide involved in several fundamental biological processes, ranging from plant development to response to abiotic and biotic stresses. To understand how callose deposition is regulated, it is important to know how its synthesizing enzyme, i.e., callose synthase, is regulated and if it interacts with vesicular-cytoskeletal system of plant cells. Actin filaments are thought to determine the long-range distribution of callose synthase through transport vesicles. Unlike other enzymes (such as cellulose synthase) that synthesize cell wall polysaccharides, the spatial and biochemical relationships between callose synthase and microtubules are poorly understood. Some experimental evidence already support the association between callose synthase and tubulin, however, despite its importance in maintaining plant integrity, knowledge about regulation of callose biosynthesis is still limited. Here we investigated the association between callose synthase and cytoskeleton by biochemical and ultrastructural analyses in a model system, pollen tube, where callose is an essential cell wall component. Native 2-D electrophoresis and isolation of the callose synthase complex confirmed that callose synthase is associated with tubulin and can interface with cortical microtubules. In contrast, actin and sucrose synthase (which supplies UDP-glucose to callose synthase) are not permanently associated with callose synthase. Immunogold labeling showed strong colocalization of the enzyme and microtubules; this association is occasionally mediated by vesicles. The association between callose synthase and vesicles was also demonstrated by co-distribution between the enzyme and Rab11b; in addition, the not homogeneous distribution of callose synthase in cell membranes is also shown by analysis of membrane microdomains.
IFT20 confers paclitaxel resistance by triggering β-arrestin-1 to modulate ASK1 signaling in breast cancer
Authors: Qiu Ni , Jin Huan , Cui Lulu , Zhan Yong-tao , Xia Hao-ming , Jiang Ming , Zhou Jie , Liang Hong-ling , Ao Xiang , He Zhi-min , Li Hong-sheng
Published: November 2021

Background: System paclitaxel-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment regimen of defense against breast cancer, but inherent or acquired chemotherapy resistance remains a major obstacle in breast cancer therapy. Elucidating the molecular mechanism of chemoresistance is essential to improve the outcome of patients with breast cancer.
Methods: Paclitaxel sensitivity was first evaluated using models of IFT20 deletion and overexpression of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo studies to identify the effect of IFT20 on paclitaxel chemoresistance. To delineate the molecular mechanism of IFT20 contributions to paclitaxel chemoresistance, changes in ASK signaling and its downstream JNK cascades expression were quantified using western blots, and the potential involvement of β-arrestin-1 was investigated using co-IP studies.
Results: IFT20 is positively associated with shorter relapse-free survival in patients with system paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. High expressed IFT20 in breast cancer cells increases resistance to cell death upon paclitaxel treatment; in contrast, IFT20 knockdown enhances apoptosis in breast cancer cells in response to paclitaxel. Mechanistically, IFT20 triggers β-arrestin-1 to bind with ASK1 and promotes the ubiquitination of ASK1 degradation, leading to attenuating ASK1 signaling and its downstream JNK cascades, which helped cells to escape from cell death during paclitaxel treatment.
Conclusion: IFT20 confers to paclitaxel chemoresistance. It interacts with β-arrestin-1 to mediate ubiquitination of ASK1 for feedback inhibition of ASK1/JNK signaling and restrains paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. These findings identify IFT20 as a promising novel target for overcoming paclitaxel resistance in breast cancer.
Effectiveness of a Prerequisite Histological Course for Eight-year Programme Students in China: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Ruan Yan , Zhang Junlei , Cai Qiyan , Wang Jiali , Liu Gaoke , Liu Yunlai , Mei Feng , Niu Jianqin , Xiao Lan , Li Hongli , Tian Yanping
Published: November 2021

Background: Due to their lack of basic medical knowledge and learning strategies different from that of high school, it is more difficult for students of 8-year medical programme to adapt to study in the initial stage of basic medicine. This study was to determine whether a prerequisite course can provide an opportunity to adjust learning strategies and improve basic medicine learning performance in order to adapt to study in medical college earlier for achieving the goals of 8-year programme. Methods: A prerequisite course of histology was conducted by a two-round modified Delphi study. 74 students of 8-year medical programmeme were subjected randomized to two groups: the prerequisite course group (PC group) and non-prerequisite course group (NPC group). The PC group take part in the prerequisite course by student-centred blended learning approach. The NPC group, taught by the same teachers, underwent requisite histology teaching activities directly with no prerequisite course. Examination of the prerequisite course and requisite histology course were carried out. Effect of the prerequisite course was evaluated by an empirical method using a questionnaire-based approach. Results: No significant difference was found in baseline admission characteristics between the two groups (P>0.05). Students' scores of the PC group were significantly higher than those of students of NPC group in both prerequisite course and requisite histology examinations (P < 0.05). The results of questionnaires showed that the PC students reported positive effects of the blended learning (P<0.05). Students were satisfied with the prerequisite course, which was beneficial for the adaptation in learning strategies, the uptake in medical knowledge and cultivation of scientific research ability (P<0.01). Furthermore, our prerequisite course is conducive to the study of subsequent courses, especially for pathology.Conclusion: Our prerequisite course for students of the long-term medical education model could effectively adapt their learning strategies, enhance their knowledge of basic medicine, and improve their scientific research capacity. These findings suggest that the prerequisite course is useful and should be incorporated into the initial stage of basic medicine in future medicine curriculum reform for Chinese students.
Effects of Surgical Facemasks on Perceived Exertion During Submaximal Exercise in Healthy Children
Authors: Reychler Gregory , Standaert Marie , Audag Nicolas , Caty Gilles , Robert Annie , Poncin William
Published: November 2021

BackgroundOnly a few data associated to wearability of facemask during exercise are available in children. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of wearing a facemask on perceived exertion (primary aim), dyspnea, physical performance, and cardiorespiratory response during a submaximal exercise test in children aged between 8 and 12 years. MethodThis study was performed in 2021 in healthy volunteer children from 8 to 12 years. They performed prospectively two one-minute sit-to-stand test (STST), with or without a surgical facemask. The perceived exertion (modified Borg scale), dyspnea (Dalhousie scale), heart rate and pulsed oxygen saturation were recorded before and after STST. The STST measured the submaximal performance. ResultsThirty-eight healthy children were recruited (8-9 years: n=19 and 10-11 years: n=19). After the STST, the perceived exertion increased with or without a facemask (8-9 years group: +1 [0.6; 1.4] and +1.6 [1.0; 2.1]) –10-11 years group: +1.3 [0.7; 1.8]) and +1.9 [1.3; 2.6]) and it was higher with the facemask. The difference between the two conditions in perceived exertion was not clinically relevant in any group (mBorgf: 0.56 pts and 0.68 pts, respectively). The different domains of dyspnea assessed with Dalhousie scale were not influenced by the facemask. The submaximal performance measured by the STST was not changed by the mask whatever the age group. The cardio-respiratory demand was not clinically modified.ConclusionThe surgical facemask had no impact on dyspnoea, cardiorespiratory parameters, and exercise performance during a short submaximal exercise in healthy children.
Humoral Immune Response in a Mouse Model Induced With Dengue Virus-like Particles Serotypes 1 and 4 Produced in Silkworm Larvae
Authors: Irawan Doddy , Pambudi Sabar , Park Enoch Y.
Published: November 2021

Dengue is an arboviral disease, which threatens almost half the global population, and has emerged as the most significant of current global public health challenges. In this study, we prepared dengue virus-like particles (DENV-LPs) consisting of Capsid-Premembrane-Envelope (CprM/E) and Premembrane-Envelope (prM/E) polypeptides from serotype 1 and 4, which were expressed in the silkworms using Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) bacmid. 1CprME, 1prME, 4CprME, and 4prME expressed proteins in hemolymph and molecular weight of the purified proteins were 55 kDa, respectively. The purified polypeptides formed spherical Dengue virus-like particles (DENV-LPs) with approximately 30–55 nm in diameter. The immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) images revealed antigens to the surface of a lipid bilayer of DENV-LPs. The heparin-binding assay shows a positive relationship between absorbance and the quantity of E protein domain III (EDIII), which was supported by the isothermal titration calorimetry assay, showing a moderate binding affinity between heparin and DENV-LP. The high correlation between patient sera and DENV-LP reactivities revealed that these DENV-LPs shared similar epitopes with the natural dengue virus. IgG elicitation studies in mice have demonstrated that DENV-LP/CPrMEs elicits a stronger immune response than DENV-LP/prMEs, which lends credence to this claim.
Effects of Fertilization On The Growth Dominance of Inland Northwest Forests of The United States
Authors: Chen Cen , Nelson Andrew S. , Shaw Terry , Kimsey Mark
Published: November 2021

Large trees have disproportionally large competitive advantage in access to light, which has been proposed to increase growth dominance of large trees (e.g., accounting for a larger proportion of growth than volume of a stand). Tree growth may also be limited by the availability of other resources besides light. Nutrient deficiency, especially of nitrogen, is considered common among temperate forests, including mixed-conifer forests of the Inland Northwest of the United States. Data from a long-term forest nutrition study across four Inland Northwest states were analyzed to evaluate nitrogen × potassium fertilization's effects on growth dominance over an eight-year period following treatment in a region of complex forest vegetation types and site conditions. Our results show that growth dominance varied substantially across similar plots in each fertilization treatment, and its mean values generally were at minuscule magnitudes, negative, and not significantly different from zero. We propose that this lack of a clear pattern in growth dominance was the result of the mixed-species composition where shade-tolerant species remained in lower crown positions, yet their relative growth kept pace with large trees. Limited moisture availability at dry sites may have hampered the development of growth dominance. Growth dominance also was lowered by mortality observed among relatively large trees. The largely negative growth dominance across fertilization treatments indicates that small trees maintained higher relative growth rates than large trees, even if absolute growth and size was concentrated in large trees. In the case fertilization does improve stand growth, a significant part of this improved growth will be lost in density-dependent mortality over time if not captured through biomass removals.
Finite Time Consensus Control for Nonlinear Heterogeneous Multi-agent Systems With Disturbances
Authors: Ji Lianghao , Lv Donglin , Yang Shasha , Guo Xing , Li Huaqing
Published: November 2021

This paper discusses the finite time consensus (FTC) issue of nonlinear heterogeneous multi-agent systems (HMASs) by combining integral sliding-mode control (SMC), event-triggered control (ETC) and pinning control methods. The SMC is constructed separately for first-order and second-order agents to assure that the system is not interfered by the nonlinearities and disturbances when the state trajectory of the system moves on the sliding surface. To stimulate the FTC of system, a novel control protocols are designed and a fully distributed ETC with adjustable trigger frequency only rely on the local information is introduced. Moreover, the Zeno behavior is eliminated and the range of pinning gain of each agent under directed topology is determined. Meanwhile, we also give the conditional criteria for the system to achieve FTC. Eventually, the correctness of the obtained conclusion is illustrated by several simulation examples.
Adolescent Cannabis Users Who Have Never Smoked A Combustible Cigarette: Trends and Level of Addictive Drug Use from 1976 to 2020
Authors: Miech Richard A.
Published: November 2021

Background. Adolescents cannabis users are at a substantially elevated risk for use of highly addictive drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and nonmedical use of prescription drugs. Unknown is whether this elevated risk applies to adolescent cannabis users who have never smoked a combustible cigarette, a group that has grown considerably in size in recent years. This study documents the recent growth in the proportion of adolescent cannabis users who abstain from combustible cigarette use, and examines their probability for use of addictive drugs. Methods. Data are annual, cross-sectional, nationally-representative Monitoring the Future surveys of 607,932 U.S. 12th grade students from 1976-2020. Results. Among ever cannabis users, the percentage who had never smoked a combustible cigarette grew from 11% in 2000 to 58% in 2020. This group had levels of addictive drug use that were 8% higher than their peers. In comparison, adolescents who had ever used cannabis – regardless of whether they had ever smoked a cigarette – had levels of addictive drug use 500% higher than their peers.Conclusions. Adolescent cannabis users who have not smoked a combustible cigarette have much lower levels of addictive drug use than the group of cannabis users as a whole. These results suggest policies and laws aimed at reducing adolescent prevalence of addictive drugs may do better to focus on cigarette use of adolescent cannabis users rather than cannabis use per se.
The Expression And The Tumor Suppressor Role of CLDN6 In Colon Cancer
Authors: Qu Huinan , Wang Min , Wang Miaomiao , Liu Yuanyuan , Quan Chengshi
Published: November 2021

As a member of the tight junction family, CLDN6 is a tumor suppressor gene in breast cancer, but its role in colon cancer is unknown. In this research, we aimed at revealing the function of CLDN6 in colon cancer. We found that CLDN6 expressed lower in colon cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues and the low expression of CLDN6 was correlated with lymph node metastasis. Similarly, CLDN6 expressed lower in the colon cancer cell line SW1116 compared with the normal human colon epithelial cell line NCM460. Upon CLDN6 overexpression in SW1116 cells, the proliferation of cells was suppressed in vitro and in vivo. Consistently, the migration and invasion abilities of cells were significantly inhibited after CLDN6 overexpression. Furthermore, the TYK2/STAT3 pathway was activated in SW1116/CLDN6 cells, and inhibition of this pathway with AG490 reversed the inhibition of migration and invasion of SW1116 cells by CLDN6. Therefore, our data indicated that CLDN6 acted as a tumor suppressor and had the potential to be regarded as a biomarker for the progression of colon cancer.