bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Warm Needle Acupuncture on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liu Gao-Feng , Gao Zhen , Liu Zheng-Nan , Yang Min , Zhang Sheng , Tan Tai-Peng
Published: November 2021

Background. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are a common and prevalent disease with main symptoms of pain, joint sounds, and mandibular movement disorders, which seriously affects the mental health and quality of life of the sufferers. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of studies utilizing warm needle acupuncture (WNA) for the treatment of TMD, and the quality of the studies has gradually improved. However, evidence from evidence-based medicine is lacking. This study aims to use a systematic review and meta-analysis method to understand the efficacy of WNA for the treatment of TMD. Methods and Analysis. We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of WNA for the treatment of TMD from 9 electronic databases, including 5 English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and MEDLINE) and 4 Chinese databases (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese VIP Information, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM)) from their inception to May 2021. The included RCTs compared WNA with acupuncture, electroacupuncture, pharmacological therapy, or other therapies. And outcome indicators such as total effective rate and cure rate were assessed. All analyses were conducted using RevMan software V5.3 and Stata16. Measurement count data used the relative risk (RR) as the efficacy statistic, and each effect size was given its point estimate value and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. The meta-analysis included 10 studies with a total of 670 patients, which included 340 patients in the experimental group and 330 patients in the control group. The data in this review showed that WNA is superior to treatments such as acupuncture alone, acupuncture therapy combined with TDP, drug therapy, and ultrasonic therapy in terms of effective rate (RR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.35; and P = 0.003) and cure rate (RR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.46 to 2.28; and P < 0.00001) for the treatment of TMD. Conclusions. This systematic review and meta-analysis provides new evidence for the effectiveness of WNA for the treatment of TMD. However, the above conclusions need to be further verified by multicenter prospective studies of larger samples and higher-quality RCTs. Protocol registration number: INPLASY202160030.
Modulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Multiplication, Apoptosis, and Inflammatory Damage by miR-21 in Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Yilin , Zhao Dongming
Published: November 2021

This study is aimed at exploring the role and potential molecular mechanism of microRNA-21 (miR-21) in coronary heart disease (CHD). RT-qPCR analysis was conducted to detect the expression of miR-21, Sprouty 1 (SPRY1), and connexin 43 (CX43). The protein expression of SPRY1 and CX43 was measured by western blot. ELISA was performed for measuring inflammatory factors, including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). The target relationship between miR-21 and SPRY1 was determined by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Cell multiplication and apoptosis were detected using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Our results indicated that miR-21, CX43, and the level of inflammatory cytokines including ICAM-1 and IL-1β were upregulated, while SPRY1 was downregulated in blood samples from CHD patients compared with the controls. Besides, miR-21 directly targeted SRPY-1. miR-21 could suppress SPRY1 expression and enhance CX43 expression in VSMCs. Moreover, miR-21 accelerated cell multiplication and attenuated cell apoptosis in VSMCs. Collectively, these findings suggested that miR-21 could effectively elevate VSMC multiplication and repress apoptosis by targeting SPRY1 in CHD, providing a potential target for therapeutic strategy of CHD.
Sperm Cell Capture Based on ABH Antigen Differences to Separate Two Men in Mixed Seminal Stains
Authors: Sun Mao-ling , Zheng Ji-long , Wang Bao-jie , Yao Jun
Published: November 2021

Personal identification of two individuals in mixed semen samples in forensic DNA testing in general usually involves analysis using autosomal and Y chromosome short tandem repeats (STRs). Results may exclude unrelated donors but cannot identify individuals. In this study, sperm cell capture based on ABH antigen differences was used to obtain the cells with the single ABO blood type. Immunohistochemical staining using labeled anti‐A, anti‐B, and anti‐H antibodies and the laser microdissection system can be used to enrich sperm with different ABO types in mixed seminal stains from two individuals. Then, PCR amplification and capillary electrophoresis were performed to genotype the STR loci. To some extent, after sperm cell capture based on ABH antigen differences, autosomal STR typing using enriched single blood group cells can be utilized to partially identify different individuals in a mixed seminal stain sample from two individuals.
Hub Gene and Its Key Effects on Diffuse Large B‐Cell Lymphoma by Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis
Authors: Ma Chao , Li Haoyu
Published: November 2021

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBC) is a kind of tumor with rapid progress and poor prognosis. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new biomarkers or therapeutic targets to assist in diagnosis or treatment. This study is aimed at screening hub genes by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and exploring the significance of overall survival (OS) in DLBC patients. Statistical data using WGCNA to analyze mRNA expression in DLBC patients came from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. After analyzing with clinical information, the biological functions of hub genes were detected. Survival analysis, Cox regression detection, and correlation analysis of the hub genes were carried out. The potential function of the hub gene related to prognosis was predicted by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The results showed that APOE, CTSD, LGALS2, and TMEM176B expression in normal tissues was significantly higher than that in cancer tissues (P < 0.01). Survival analysis showed that patients with high APOE and CTSD were associated with better OS (P < 0.01). APOE and CTSD genes were mainly enriched in the regulation of ROS and oxidative stress. The two hub genes related to the prognosis of DLBC were identified and verified based on WGCNA. Survival analysis showed that the overexpression of APOE and CTSD in DLBC might be beneficial to the prognosis. These findings identified vital pathways and genes that may become new therapeutic targets and contribute to prognostic indicators.
Research on the Mechanism of Guizhi to Treat Nephrotic Syndrome Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology
Authors: He Dan , Li Qiang , Du Guangli , Sun Jijia , Meng Guofeng , Chen Shaoli
Published: November 2021

Objective. Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common glomerular disease caused by a variety of causes and is the second most common kidney disease. Guizhi is the key drug of Wulingsan in the treatment of NS. However, the action mechanism remains unclear. In this study, network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of Guizhi in treating NS. Methods. The active components and targets of Guizhi were screened by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Hitpick, SEA, and Swiss Target Prediction database. The targets related to NS were obtained from the DisGeNET, GeneCards, and OMIM database, and the intersected targets were obtained by Venny2.1.0. Then, active component‐target network was constructed using Cytoscape software. And the protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was drawn through the String database and Cytoscape software. Next, Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed by DAVID database. And overall network was constructed through Cytoscape. Finally, molecular docking was conducted using Autodock Vina. Results. According to the screening criteria, a total of 8 active compounds and 317 potential targets of Guizhi were chosen. Through the online database, 2125 NS‐related targets were identified, and 93 overlapping targets were obtained. In active component‐target network, beta‐sitosterol, sitosterol, cinnamaldehyde, and peroxyergosterol were the important active components. In PPI network, VEGFA, MAPK3, SRC, PTGS2, and MAPK8 were the core targets. GO and KEGG analyses showed that the main pathways of Guizhi in treating NS involved VEGF, Toll‐like receptor, and MAPK signaling pathway. In molecular docking, the active compounds of Guizhi had good affinity with the core targets. Conclusions. In this study, we preliminarily predicted the main active components, targets, and signaling pathways of Guizhi to treat NS, which could provide new ideas for further research on the protective mechanism and clinical application of Guizhi against NS.
Noscapine, an Emerging Medication for Different Diseases: A Mechanistic Review
Authors: Rahmanian-Devin Pouria , Baradaran Rahimi Vafa , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza , Golmohammadzadeh Shiva , Sanei-far Zahra , Askari Vahid Reza
Published: November 2021

Noscapine is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from poppy extract, used as an antitussive since the 1950s, and has no addictive or euphoric effects. Various studies have shown that noscapine has excellent anti-inflammatory effects and potentiates the antioxidant defences by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) metabolites and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increasing total glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, noscapine has indicated antiangiogenic and antimetastatic effects. Noscapine induces apoptosis in many cancerous cell types and provides favourable antitumour activities and inhibitory cell proliferation in solid tumours, even drug-resistant strains, via mitochondrial pathways. Moreover, this compound attenuates the dynamic properties of microtubules and arrests the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Noscapine can reduce endothelial cell migration in the brain by inhibiting endothelial cell activator interleukin 8 (IL-8). In fact, this study aimed to elaborate on the possible mechanisms of noscapine against different disorders.
Effects of Noninvasive Low-Intensity Focus Ultrasound Neuromodulation on Spinal Cord Neurocircuits In Vivo
Authors: Liao Ye-Hui , Chen Mo-Xian , Chen Shao-Chun , Luo Kai-Xuan , Wang Bin , Liu Yao , Ao Li-Juan
Published: November 2021

Although neurocircuits can be activated by focused ultrasound stimulation, it is unclear whether this is also true for spinal cord neurocircuits. In this study, we used low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to stimulate lumbar 4–lumbar 5 (L4–L5) segments of the spinal cord of normal Sprague Dawley rats with a clapper. The activation of the spinal cord neurocircuits enhanced soleus muscle contraction as measured by electromyography (EMG). Neuronal activation and injury were assessed by EMG, western blotting (WB), immunofluorescence, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Nissl staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry (IHC), somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), motor evoked potentials (MEPs), and the Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan locomotor rating scale. When the LIFU intensity was more than 0.5 MPa, LIFU stimulation induced soleus muscle contraction and increased the EMG amplitudes (

P
<
0.05

) and the number of c-fos- and GAD65-positive cells (

P
<
0.05

). When the LIFU intensity was 3.0 MPa, the LIFU stimulation led to spinal cord damage and decreased SEP amplitudes for electrophysiological assessment (

P
<
0.05

); this resulted in coagulation necrosis, structural destruction, neuronal loss in the dorsal horn by H&E and Nissl staining, and increased expression of GFAP, IL-1β, TNF-α, and caspase-3 by IHC, ELISA, and WB (

P
<
0.05

). These results show that LIFU can activate spinal cord neurocircuits and that LIFU stimulation with an irradiation intensity ≤1.5 MPa is a safe neurostimulation method for the spinal cord.
Anesthesia‐Induced Oxidative Stress: Are There Differences between Intravenous and Inhaled Anesthetics?
Authors: Senoner Thomas , Velik-Salchner Corinna , Luckner Günter , Tauber Helmuth
Published: November 2021

Agents used for the induction of anesthesia have been shown to either promote or mitigate oxidative stress. A fine balance between the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants is crucial for the proper normal functioning of the cell. A basal concentration of ROS is essential for the manifestation of cellular functions, whereas disproportionate levels of ROS cause damage to cellular macromolecules such as DNA, lipids, and proteins, eventually leading to necrosis and apoptosis. Increased ROS has been linked with numerous illnesses, such as cardiovascular, immune system, liver, and kidney, and has been shown to promote cancer and accelerate aging. Knowledge of the various pharmacologic agents that increase or reduce oxidative stress may promote a safer way of inducing anesthesia. Furthermore, surgery itself leads to increased ROS production and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Indeed, increased perioperative oxidative stress has been correlated with increased postoperative complications and prolonged recovery. Anesthesiologists care for patients during the whole spectrum of perioperative care and thus are in a unique position to deliver countermeasures to oxidative stress. Using preferentially an induction agent which reduces oxidative stress might lead to better clinical outcomes and fewer postoperative complications. Propofol has been shown in several studies to reduce oxidative stress, which reduces postoperative complications and leads to a faster recovery, and thus might represent the preferred induction agent in the right clinical setting.
A New Type of Tri-Input TFET with T-Shaped Channel Structure Exhibiting Three-Input Majority Logic Behavior
Authors: Hao Ye , Zhidi Jiang , Jianping Hu
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we propose a new type of tri-input tunneling field-effect transistor (Ti-TFET) that can compactly realize the “Majority-Not” logic function with a single transistor. It features an ingenious T-shaped channel and three independent-biasing gates deposited and patterned on its left, right, and upper sides, which greatly enhance the electrostatic control ability between any two gates of all the three gates on the device channel and thus increase its turn-on current. The total current density and energy band distribution in different biasing conditions are analyzed in detail by TCAD simulations. The turn-on current, leakage current, and ratio of turn-on/off current are optimized by choosing appropriate work function and body thickness. TCAD simulation results verify the expected characteristics of the proposed Ti-TFETs in different working states. Ti-TFETs can flexibly be used to implement a logic circuit with a compact style and thus reduce the number of transistors and stack height of the circuits. It provides a new technique to reduce the chip area and power consumption by saving the number of transistors.
[Retracted] Featureless Blood Pressure Estimation Based on Photoplethysmography Signal Using CNN and BiLSTM for IoT Devices
Authors: Li Yung-Hui , Harfiya Latifa Nabila , Chang Ching-Chun
Published: November 2021

Continuous blood pressure (BP) acquisition is critical to health monitoring of an individual. Photoplethysmography (PPG) is one of the most popular technologies in the last decade used for measuring blood pressure noninvasively. Several approaches have been carried out in various ways to utilize features extracted from PPG. In this study, we develop a continuous systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) estimation mechanism without the need for any feature engineering. The raw PPG signal only got preprocessed before being fed to our model which mainly consists of one‐dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN) and bidirectional long short‐term memory (BiLSTM) network. We evaluate the resulting SBP and DBP value by the root‐mean‐squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). This study addresses the effectiveness of the model by outperforming the previous feature engineering‐based methods. We achieve RMSE of 11.503 and 6.525 for SBP and DBP, respectively, and MAE of 7.849 and 4.418 for SBP and DBP, respectively. The proposed method is expected to substantially enhance the current efficiency of healthcare IoT (Internet of Things) devices in BP monitoring using PPG signals only.
[Retracted] Cultivation of Students’ Painting Appreciation Ability Based on Virtual Reality
Authors: Xu Xi , He Zhenhua
Published: November 2021

The advent of the digital age has had a profound impact on people’s lives, and therefore began to add virtual reality content to the art classes of school students, aiming to continuously adapt to the needs of the times for art classes and aesthetics. In order to explore the status quo of the virtual reality technology based on the modern boom in the students’ appreciation of painting ability, In this paper, literature analysis, collect data from the old model model reconstruction method and questionnaire, analyze the effect of virtual reality technology for students to appreciate the impact of, simplifies the algorithm. And create appreciation for the culture of virtual experiment platform. In studying the impact of virtual reality technology on appreciating ability, 25% of boys are selected and 75% of girls are selected. 85% of the people who own personal computers conducted experiments, and the results showed that 60% of students log in for 1.5‐4 hours, 19% of students log in for 4‐9 hours, and 15% of students log in for 9‐14 hours. The number of students who log in for more than 14 hours only accounts for 6%. Frequent participation in the appreciation ability through the network model is significantly different from the general painting course appreciation ability, and the performance is extremely significant. In addition, the students’ overall affirmation level of information ability is 4.0, which is significantly higher than the even value of the 5.0 scale, which shows that the improvement of college students’ painting appreciation ability through the network virtual platform is huge. It is basically realized that starting from the acquisition and processing of virtual platform information, a virtual platform model that has a substantial improvement in students’ appreciative ability is designed.
The Response of Corneal Endothelial Cells to Shear Stress in an In Vitro Flow Model
Authors: Duan Sujuan , Li Yingjie , Zhang Yanyan , Zhu Xuan , Mei Yan , Xu Dongmei , Huang Guofu
Published: November 2021

Purpose. Corneal endothelial cells are usually exposed to shear stress caused by the aqueous humour, which is similar to the exposure of vascular endothelial cells to shear stress caused by blood flow. However, the effect of fluid shear stress on corneal endothelial cells is still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to explore whether the shear stress that results from the aqueous humour influences corneal endothelial cells. Methods. An in vitro model was established to generate fluid flow on cells, and the effect of fluid flow on corneal endothelial cells after exposure to two levels of shear stress for different durations was investigated. The mRNA and protein expression of corneal endothelium-related markers in rabbit corneal endothelial cells was evaluated by real-time PCR and western blotting. Results. The expression of the corneal endothelium-related markers ZO-1, N-cadherin, and Na+-K+-ATPase in rabbit corneal endothelial cells (RCECs) was upregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels after exposure to shear stress. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that RCECs respond favourably to fluid shear stress, which may contribute to the maintenance of corneal endothelial cell function. Furthermore, this study also provides a theoretical foundation for further investigating the response of human corneal endothelial cells to the shear stress caused by the aqueous humour.
[Retracted] MicroRNA‐133b Inhibition Restores EGFR Expression and Accelerates Diabetes‐Impaired Wound Healing
Authors: Zhong Haobo , Qian Jin , Xiao Zhihong , Chen Yan , He Xiangchun , Sun Chunhan , Zhao Zhiming
Published: November 2021

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are caused by impairments in peripheral blood vessel angiogenesis and represent a great clinical challenge. Although various innovative techniques and drugs have been developed for treating DFUs, therapeutic outcomes remain unsatisfactory. Using the GEO database, we obtained transcriptomic microarray data for DFUs and control wounds and detected a significant downregulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in DFUs. We cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and noted downregulated EGFR expression following high‐glucose exposure in vitro. Further, we observed decreased HUVEC proliferation and migration and increased apoptosis after shRNA‐mediated EGFR silencing in these cells. In mice, EGFR inhibition via focal EGFR‐shRNA injection delayed wound healing. Target prediction analysis followed by dual‐luciferase reporter assays indicated that microRNA‐133b (miR‐133b) is a putative upstream regulator of EGFR expression. Increased miR‐133b expression was observed in both glucose‐treated HUVECs and wounds from diabetes patients, but no such change was observed in controls. miR‐133b suppression enhanced the proliferation and angiogenic potential of cultured HUVECs and also accelerated wound healing. Although angiogenesis is not the sole mechanism affected in DFU, these findings suggest that the miR‐133b‐induced downregulation of EGFR may contribute to delayed wound healing in diabetes. Hence, miR‐133b inhibition may be a useful strategy for treating diabetic wounds.
Structural Predictive Model of Presenilin-2 Protein and Analysis of Structural Effects of Familial Alzheimer’s Disease Mutations
Authors: Soto-Ospina Alejandro , Araque Marín Pedronel , Bedoya Gabriel de Jesús , Villegas Lanau Andrés
Published: November 2021

Alzheimer’s disease manifests itself in brain tissue by neuronal death, due to aggregation of β-amyloid, produced by senile plaques, and hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein, which produces neurofibrillary tangles. One of the genetic markers of the disease is the gene that translates the presenilin-2 protein, which has mutations that favor the appearance of the disease and has no reported crystallographic structure. In view of this, protein modeling is performed using prediction and structural refinement tools followed by an energetic and stereochemical characterization for its validation. For the simulation, four reported mutations are chosen, which are Met239Ile, Met239Val, Ser130Leu, and Thr122Arg, all associated with various functional responses. From a theoretical analysis, a preliminary bioinformatic study is made to find the phosphorylation patterns in the protein and the hydropathic index according to the polarity and chemical environment. Molecular visualization was carried out with the Chimera 1.14 software, and the theoretical calculation with the hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics system from the semi-empirical method, with Spartan18 software and an AustinModel1 basis. These relationships allow for studying the system from a structural approach with the determination of small distance changes, potential surfaces, electrostatic maps, and angle changes, which favor the comparison between wild-type and mutant systems. With the results obtained, it is expected to complement experimental data reported in the literature from models that would allow us to understand the effects of the selected mutations.
Network Performance Metrics for Energy Efficient Scheduling in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs)
Authors: Engmann Felicia , Adu-Manu Kofi Sarpong , Abdulai Jamal-Deen , Katsriku Ferdinand Apietu
Published: November 2021

In Wireless Sensor Networks, sensor nodes are deployed to ensure continuous monitoring of the environment which requires high energy utilization during the data transmission. To address the challenge of high energy consumption through frequent independent data transmission, the IEEE 802.11b provides a backoff window that reduces collisions and energy losses. In the case of Internet of Things (IoTs), billions of devices communicate with each other simultaneously. Therefore, adapting the contention/backoff window size to data traffic to reduce congestion has been one such approach in WSN. In recent years, the IEEE 802.11b MAC protocol is used in most ubiquitous technology adopted for devices communicating in the IoT environment. In this paper, we perform a thorough evaluation of the IEEE 802.11b standard taking into consideration the channel characteristics for IoT devices. Our evaluation is aimed at determining the optimum parameters suitable for network optimization in IoT systems utilizing the IEEE 802.11b protocol. Performance analysis is made on the sensitivity of the IEEE 802.11b protocol with respect to the packet size, packet delivery ratio (PDR), end‐to‐end delay, and energy consumption. Our studies have shown that for optimal performance, IoT devices using IEEE 802.11b channel require data packet of size 64 bytes, a data rate of 11Mbps, and an interpacket generation interval of 4 seconds. The sensitivity analysis of the optimal parameters was simulated using NS3. We observed PDR values ranging between 27% and 31%, an average end‐to‐end delay ranging within 10‐15 ms while the energy remaining was between 5.59 and 5.63Joules. The results clearly indicate that scheduling the rate of packet generation and transmission will improve the network performance for IoT devices while maintaining data reliability.
Static Magnetic Fields Enhance the Chondrogenesis of Mandibular Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Coculture Systems
Authors: Zhang Ming , Li Weihao , He Wei , Xu Yanhua
Published: November 2021

Objectives. Combining the advantages of static magnetic fields (SMF) and coculture systems, we investigated the effect of moderate‐intensity SMF on the chondrogenesis and proliferation of mandibular bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MBMSCs) in the MBMSC/mandibular condylar chondrocyte (MCC) coculture system. The main aim of the present study was to provide an experimental basis for obtaining better cartilage tissue engineering seed cells for the effective repair of condylar cartilage defects in clinical practice. Methods. MBMSCs and MCCs were isolated from SD (Sprague Dawley) rats. Flow cytometry, three‐lineage differentiation, colony‐forming assays, immunocytochemistry, and toluidine blue staining were used for the identification of MBMSCs and MCCs. MBMSCs and MCCs were seeded into the lower and upper Transwell chambers, respectively, at a ratio of 1 : 2, and exposed to a 280 mT SMF. MBMSCs were harvested after 3, 7, or 14 days for analysis. CCK‐8 was used to detect cell proliferation, Alcian blue staining was utilized to evaluate glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and western blotting and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) detected protein and gene expression levels of SOX9, Col2A1 (Collagen Type II Alpha 1), and Aggrecan (ACAN). Results. The proliferation of MBMSCs was significantly enhanced in the experimental group with MBMSCs cocultured with MCCs under SMF stimulation relative to controls (P < 0.05). GAG content was increased, and SOX9, Col2A1, and ACAN were also increased at the mRNA and protein levels (P < 0.05). Conclusions. Moderate‐intensity SMF improved the chondrogenesis and proliferation of MBMSCs in the coculture system, and it might be a promising approach to repair condylar cartilage defects in the clinical setting.
Pamiparib Monotherapy for Patients with Germline BRCA1/2-Mutated Ovarian Cancer Previously Treated with at Least Two Lines of Chemotherapy: A Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase II Study
Authors: Wu Xiaohua , Zhu Jianqing , Wang Jing , Lin Zhongqiu , Yin Rutie , Sun Wei , Zhou Qi , Zhang Songling , Wang Danbo , Shi Hong , Gao Yunong , Huang Yi , Li Guiling , Wang Xiuli , Cheng Ying , Lou Ge , Gao Qinglei , Wang Li , Du Xiuping , Pan Mei , Mu Xiyan , Li Li , Li Miao , Mu Song , Kong Beihua
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

Phase I results of this phase I/II study showed that pamiparib 60 mg twice a day had antitumor activity and an acceptable safety profile in Chinese patients with advanced cancer, including epithelial ovarian cancer.

Patients and Methods:

This open-label phase II study was conducted in China and enrolled adult (≥18 years) patients with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer (PSOC; disease progression occurring ≥6 months after last platinum treatment) or platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC; disease progression occurring <6 months after last platinum treatment). Eligible patients had known or suspected deleterious germline BRCA mutation (gBRCAmut) and had previously received ≥2 lines of therapy. Pamiparib 60 mg orally twice a day was administered until disease progression, toxicity, or patient withdrawal. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) assessed by independent review committee (IRC) per RECIST version 1.1.

Results:

In the total patient population (N = 113; PSOC, n = 90; PROC, n = 23), median age was 54 years (range, 34–79) and 25.6% of patients received ≥4 prior systemic chemotherapy lines. Median study follow-up was 12.2 months (range, 0.2–21.5). Eighty-two patients with PSOC and 19 patients with PROC were evaluable for efficacy. In patients with PSOC, 8 achieved a complete response (CR) and 45 achieved a partial response (PR); ORR was 64.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 53.3–74.9]. In patients with PROC, 6 achieved a PR; ORR was 31.6% (95% CI, 12.6–56.6). Frequently reported grade ≥3 adverse events were hematologic toxicities, including anemia and decreased neutrophil count.

Conclusions:

Pamiparib 60 mg twice a day showed antitumor activity with durable responses in patients with PSOC or PROC with gBRCAmut, and had a manageable safety profile.
Perioperative ctDNA-Based Molecular Residual Disease Detection for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study (LUNGCA-1)
Authors: Xia Liang , Mei Jiandong , Kang Ran , Deng Senyi , Chen Yaohui , Yang Ying , Feng Gang , Deng Yulan , Gan Fanyi , Lin Yidan , Pu Qiang , Ma Lin , Lin Feng , Yuan Yong , Hu Yang , Guo Chenglin , Liao Hu , Liu Chengwu , Zhu Yunke , Wang Wenping , Liu Zheng , Xu Yuyang , Li Kaidi , Li Chuan , Li Qingyun , He Ji , Chen Weizhi , Zhang Xiaolong , Kou Yingli , Wang Yun , Wu Zhu , Che Guowei , Chen Longqi , Liu Lunxu
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

We assessed whether perioperative circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) could be a biomarker for early detection of molecular residual disease (MRD) and prediction of postoperative relapse in resected non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Experimental Design:

Based on our prospective, multicenter cohort on dynamic monitoring of ctDNA in lung cancer surgery patients (LUNGCA), we enrolled 950 plasma samples obtained at three perioperative time points (before surgery, 3 days and 1 month after surgery) of 330 stage I–III NSCLC patients (LUNGCA-1), as a part of the LUNGCA cohort. Using a customized 769-gene panel, somatic mutations in tumor tissues and plasma samples were identified with next-generation sequencing and utilized for ctDNA-based MRD analysis.

Results:

Preoperative ctDNA positivity was associated with lower recurrence-free survival (RFS; HR = 4.2; P < 0.001). The presence of MRD (ctDNA positivity at postoperative 3 days and/or 1 month) was a strong predictor for disease relapse (HR = 11.1; P < 0.001). ctDNA-based MRD had a higher relative contribution to RFS prediction than all clinicopathologic variables such as the TNM stage. Furthermore, MRD-positive patients who received adjuvant therapies had improved RFS over those not receiving adjuvant therapy (HR = 0.3; P = 0.008), whereas MRD-negative patients receiving adjuvant therapies had lower RFS than their counterparts without adjuvant therapy (HR = 3.1; P < 0.001). After adjusting for clinicopathologic variables, whether receiving adjuvant therapies remained an independent factor for RFS in the MRD-positive population (P = 0.002) but not in the MRD-negative population (P = 0.283).

Conclusions:

Perioperative ctDNA analysis is effective in early detection of MRD and relapse risk stratification of NSCLC, and hence could benefit NSCLC patient management.
Follicular Dowling-Degos Disease with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nokdhes Ya-Nin , Rutnumnoi Thanachat , Patthamalai Poramin , Leeyaphan Charussri
Published: November 2021

Dowling-Degos disease (DDD) is an autosomal dominant disorder with variable phenotypic expression. Classically, DDD is characterized by progressive reticulate hyperpigmentation on flexures with perioral pitted scars and comedone-like hyperkeratotic papules. Follicular DDD is a rare variant which was introduced by Singh et al. [Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2013 Nov–Dec;79(6):802–4]. Follicular DDD differs from other variants because of its notable comedone-like hyperkeratotic hyperpigmented papules and a distinct histopathology which demonstrates pigmented filiform and branching rete pegs originating at the follicular infundibulum with many epidermal horn cysts while the interfollicular epidermis is essentially normal. Hereby, we present a case of follicular DDD with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). A 37-year-old Thai man presented with slowly progressive hyperpigmented comedone-like papules on the face, neck, axillae, upper trunk, and buttocks with perioral pitted scars. Punch biopsy from a comedonal lesion on his back was consistent with follicular DDD. He also had recurrent painful nodules and abscess on the back, groin, and buttock which matched the clinical criteria for the diagnosis of HS. To date, a paucity of concurrent DDD with HS has been reported. Recent genetic studies speculate a shared pathophysiologic mechanism of DDD and HS.
Anthropogenic perturbation modifies interactions between mammals and fruits in a tropical forest of southern Mexico
Authors: Zamora-Espinoza Mayra , López-Acosta Juan Carlos , Mendoza Eduardo
Published: November 2021

Studies of tropical mammal defaunation highlight the loss of species as well as their reduction in abundance and diversity; however, there is a complex series of effects associated with this anthropogenic disruption, including increases in the relative abundance of disturbance-tolerant mammals and the arrival of alien mammals whose effects on biotic interactions have been poorly studied. We compared the species richness, composition, interaction strength, and patterns of daily activity of mammals that consume the fruits of Pouteria sapota on the forest floor, both inside and outside of the Los Tuxtlas Field Station (LTFS) in Veracruz, southern Mexico. Using camera traps, we recorded eight mammal species interacting with the fruits inside the LTFS ( trees) and nine species interacting outside ( trees). Alien species such as Canis lupus familiaris were recorded both inside and outside of the LTFS, whereas Bos taurus was only recorded outside. Medium-sized generalist mammals were overrepresented both inside and outside of the LTFS, evidencing an impoverishment of the fauna, when compared to the mammal assemblage reported to interact with P. sapota fruits in a more intact forest. The daily activity patterns of the mammals that interacted strongly with P. sapota fruits were different inside and outside the LTFS, particularly in the case of Cuniculus paca. Our results show that the impact of human activity is highly pervasive, directly affecting the mammalian fauna at different levels and indirectly affecting the biotic interactions in which these animals are involved.
Local traditions v. academic law: collateral rights on movables in Holland (c. 1300-c. 1700)
Authors: De ruysscher Dave , Kotlyar Ilya
Published: November 2021

In the County of Holland, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries the rules regarding security interests in movables changed fundamentally. Rules of doctrine came to be combined with rules found in local law, that is the bylaws of cities and regions. This went together with the re-interpreting of fragments of older bylaws. In 1631 Grotius’ Inleidinghe categorized the lien of the unpaid seller after delivery of the merchandise sold as entailing a reivindicatio. This new rule was adopted in cities in Holland, even though it ran counter the earlier approach that third-party effects of sales in this regard were very limited. Also, the new line of thought that holders with a legitimate title did not respond to pledgees pushed out older conceptions on tracing for some special pledges. In their legal writings Dutch authors after Grotius attempted to construe consistent solutions; in the legislative practice of cities, older rules could be preferred over new ones. Bylaws of cities, to which authors of Roman-Dutch doctrine referred as well, stipulated limits on tracing by unpaid sellers. All the mentioned developments were not determined by changes in the market, even though they could be incited by them. Legal change in Holland, even in the Golden Age of the seventeenth century, was due more to the embracing of academic ideas than to responsiveness to economic conditions.
Regulating Artificial Intelligence through a Human Rights-Based Approach in Africa
Authors: Abe Oyeniyi , Eurallyah Akinyi J.
Published: November 2021

While the dawn of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions have aided in solving some of societal challenges, globalization and technological innovation potentially have the capability to disrupt, suspend, or change existing legal order, preventing the realization of business and human rights principles. For example, with AI-enabled systems, Africans can now access better healthcare, education, health, and transportation. However, AI has the potential to undermine human rights concerns. This article contextualizes the usage of AI systems and its implications for human rights violations. With particular reference to Africa, it gives an overarching context capable of constructing legal reactions to corporate related human rights violations. Some of the questions posed are: What are the ways human rights can be protected from exploitative tendencies of AI companies? How can African states, and businesses respond to regulatory challenges triggered by loss of work due to automation? What innovations and new methodologies are to be designed to engage with a sustainable and automated future? Finally, we propose reforms for corporate entities developing and deploying AI to respect human rights.
A Root Which Never Grew
Authors: Camilleri Mark
Published: November 2021

Prior to the Second World War, Malta appeared vulnerable to fascist influence due to the connections between the Italian Fascist regime and Malta’s irredentist political movement, then led by Nerik Mizzi. In part this Fascist influence was present in cultural propaganda promoting irredentist ideas such as the ‘Mare Nostrum’, which Mizzi and his conservative political party, the Partito Nazionalista, helped propagate. However, previously unseen British documents also reveal significant financial support by the Italian government to Mizzi and his political activities. Mizzi never disclosed this, including the financial support he was granted by Mussolini after having met him personally in Rome on 30 November 1936. Mizzi never openly expounded fascist views, although he consistently supported an irredentist vision of Malta and openly campaigned for Malta to fall under Italy’s jurisdiction. Meanwhile, support for domestic fascist organisations was negligible. At the onset of the War, the Imperial Government started to clamp down on the irredentists, eventually exiling Mizzi and most of his collaborators. The author argues that Mizzi’s dalliance with fascism was not just a convenient relationship for a greater cause, but also a direct acceptance of fascist politics given that making Malta part of Italy’s jurisdiction would also have meant accepting fascist rule.
Creating the Paradigm of ‘New Nation’
Authors: Hruboň Anton
Published: November 2021

Despite its official Catholic nature, Jozef Tiso’s Slovak State apparatus adopted not only the teachings of the eugenic movement but also the racial-hygiene ideology of National Socialist Germany, which it gradually implemented into its political culture. This study presents how eugenic and racial-hygiene thinking was introduced into the structures of Hlinkova slovenská ľudová strana (HSĽS; Hlinka’s Slovak People’s Party), the self-governing party of independent Slovakia during the Second World War, against the backdrop of developmental trends in Europe. What is emphasized here is the gradual formation of the racial paradigm in the spirit of a eugenic and racial-hygiene framework, as well as the formation of a ‘pure Aryan Slovak nation’ cult, physically and mentally contrasting with racially-hygienically ‘unclean and degenerate’ Jews and Roma.
Formation, Thermodynamic Structure, and Airflow of a Japan Sea Polar Airmass Convergence Zone
Authors: West Tyler K. , Steenburgh W. James
Published: November 2021

The Sea of Japan (SOJ) coast and adjoining orography of central Honshu, Japan, receive substantial snowfall each winter. A frequent contributor during cold-air outbreaks (CAOs) is the Japan Sea polar airmass convergence zone (JPCZ), which forms downstream of the highland areas of the Korean Peninsula (i.e., the Korean Highlands), extends southeastward to Honshu, and generates a mesoscale band of precipitation. Mesoscale polar vortices (MPVs) ranging in horizontal scale from tens (i.e., meso-β-scale cyclones) to several hundreds of kilometers (i.e., “polar lows”) are also common during CAOs and often interact with the JPCZ. Here we use satellite imagery and Weather Research and Forecasting Model simulations to examine the formation, thermodynamic structure, and airflow of a JPCZ that formed in the wake of an MPV during a CAO from 2 to 7 February 2018. The MPV and its associated warm seclusion and bent-back front developed in a locally warm, convergent, and convective environment over the SOJ near the base of the Korean Peninsula. The nascent JPCZ was structurally continuous with the bent-back front and lengthened as the MPV migrated southeastward. Trajectories illustrate how air–sea interactions and flow splitting around the Korean Highlands and channeling through low passes and valleys along the Asian coast affect the formation and thermodynamic structure of the JPCZ. Contrasts in airmass origin and thermodynamic modification over the SOJ affect the cross-JPCZ temperature gradient, which reverses in sign along the JPCZ from the Asian coast to Honshu. These results provide new insights into the thermodynamic structure of the JPCZ, which is an important contributor to hazardous weather over Japan.
Whole Blood Versus Conventional Blood Component Massive Transfusion Protocol Therapy in Civilian Trauma Patients
Authors: Lee Janet S. , Khan Abid D. , Wright Franklin L. , McIntyre Robert C. , Dorlac Warren C. , Cribari Chris , Brockman Valerie , Vega Stephanie A. , Cofran Jessica M. , Schroeppel Thomas J.
Published: November 2021

Background

Military data demonstrating an improved survival rate with whole blood (WB) have led to a shift toward the use of WB in civilian trauma. The purpose of this study is to compare a low-titer group O WB (LTOWB) massive transfusion protocol (MTP) to conventional blood component therapy (BCT) MTP in civilian trauma patients.

Methods

Trauma patients 15 years or older who had MTP activations from February 2019 to December 2020 were included. Patients with a LTOWB MTP activation were compared to BCT MTP patients from a historic cohort.

Results

299 patients were identified, 169 received LTOWB and 130 received BCT. There were no differences in age, gender, or injury type. The Injury Severity Score was higher in the BCT group (27 vs 25, P = .006). The LTOWB group had a longer transport time (33 min vs 26 min, P < .001) and a lower arrival temperature (35.8 vs 36.1, P < .001). Other hemodynamic parameters were similar between the groups. The LTOWB group had a lower in-hospital mortality rate compared to the BCT group (19.5% vs 30.0%, P = .035). There were no differences in total transfusion volumes at 4 hours and 24 hours. No differences were seen in transfusion reactions or hospital complications. Multivariable logistic regression identified ISS, age, and 24-hour transfusion volume as predictors of mortality.

Discussion

Resuscitating severely injured trauma patient with LTOWB is safe and may be associated with an improved survival.
I’m Helping My Son Get Into College; He Is My First Priority
Authors: Cochran-Jackson Emmie
Published: November 2021

Black male college graduation gaps pose critical questions for parents, teachers, policymakers, and the Black community. Black males face systemic challenges that derail them from higher education. This research, drawing on a larger study, investigated Black parental expectations, strategies, and activities used to cultivate academic success and foster the development of college aspiration in high schoolaged sons. The findings revealed a central theme of parenting with intent, that Black parents: (1) reinforced the importance of school and learning in a family-school nexus; (2) fostered a strong value of attending and completing college to attain success; (3) held high expectations that “set the bar” for academic excellence; (4) instilled class consciousness to develop an awareness of the utility of college; (5) aided in the development of responsibility, agency, and self-efficacy; and (6) evidenced a commitment to their sons as their “first priority” by helping them navigate the college admissions process.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effect of Oral Exercises on Masticatory Function
Authors: Shu X. , He S. , Lo E.C.M. , Leung K.C.M.
Published: November 2021

The aim of the current systematic review was to summarize and to evaluate the available information on the effectiveness of oral exercise in improving the masticatory function of people ≥18 y. Electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CENTRAL) and gray literatures were searched (up to December 2020) for relevant randomized and nonrandomized controlled clinical trials. Two reviewers independently conducted the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessments. Meta-analysis was conducted for the comparison of bite force and masticatory performance using mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD), respectively. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) assessment was adopted for collective grading of the overall body of evidence. Of the 1,576 records identified, 18 studies (21 articles) were included in the analysis. Results of meta-analysis indicated that oral exercise could significantly improve the mean bite force of the participants (parallel comparison: MD, 41.2; 95% CI, 11.6–70.7, P = 0.006; longitudinal comparison: MD, 126.5; 95% CI, 105.2–144.9, P < 0.001). However, the improvement in masticatory performance was not significant (parallel comparison: SMD, 0.11; 95% CI, –0.20 to 0.42, P = 0.48; longitudinal comparison: SMD, 0.4; 95% CI, –0.11 to 0.91, P = 0.13). Results of meta-regression showed that greater improvements in bite force can be achieved among younger adults and with more intensive exercise. Chewing exercise is the most effective oral exercise, followed by clenching exercise, while simple oral exercise may not have a significant effect. Based on the results of the meta-analysis and GRADE assessment, a weak recommendation for people with declined masticatory function to practice oral exercise is made.