bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ellagic Acid Cytotoxic and Metalloproteinases Inhibitory Effects Against Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An in Vitro Study
Authors: Zago Patricia Maria Wiziack , Hellmeister Luiza Rodrigues , Teixeira Lucas Novaes , Junior Rui Barbosa de Brito , Martinez Elizabeth Ferreira
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antitumoral potential of different concentrations of EA against two OSCC cell lines with distinct tissue invasiveness profiles. Material and methodsNormal keratinocytes (NOK) and OSCC´s cells CAL-27 and SCC-9 were treated with concentrations of EA varying from 5 to 662 µM during 24, 48 or 72h. After each time of treatment, cells were submitted to viability analysis using MTT and the secretion of metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and tissue metalloproteinases inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) were performed by Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA). Data were submitted to ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni´s test, considering 5% as significance level. ResultsEA was cytotoxic to OSCC cells in all exposure times, rarely affecting normal cell viability, except for concentrations higher than 82 µM and after 72h treatment. For OSCC cells, EA decreased MMPs and increased TIMPs´s expression without effect on those enzymes for normal cell lines during all times of exposure. ConclusionEA is a promising therapeutic adjuvant to treat oral cancer, however, further in vivo studies are required to clinically validate its potential. Clinical RelevanceThe in vitro anticancer properties showed by Ellagic acid, a phenolic compound that could easily be accessed by oral cancer patients, provides data to base future clinical studies intended to develop a safe topical oral anticancer product.
Rutin Reverses Abnormal Autophagy in Hypoxic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension via Regulation of Mitofusin 1
Authors: Huang Ming-xue , Wang Man , Song Yu-wei , Song Yan , Jing Ling
Published: September 2021

Background:Recently, rutin, a citrus flavonoid occurring in many plants, has been found to be beneficial in preventing hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) from proliferating via scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, rutin’s underlying mechanism of action against PASMCs in the context of hypoxia is still unclear. Autophagy, the main intracellular degradation and recycling process, exerts a critical adaptive effect on the pathological angiogenesis associated with hypoxic pulmonary arterial hypertension (HPAH) by removing damaged mitochondria and regulating ROS production and cell proliferation. It would be useful to identify the role of rutin and its interaction with autophagy in exerting protective effects against HPAH.Methods:We chose 21 SD rats and randomly and equally divided them into three groups of normoxia, hypoxia, and hypoxia + rutin. At the end of the exposure period, we measured the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), the weight of right ventricle (RV), and the ratio of RV weight to left ventricular (LV) weight plus septum (RV/LV+S) of each rat. PASMCs of the three groups of rats were isolated and cultured, and the effect of rutin on autophagy-related protein expression under hypoxia was analyzed using immunofluorescence analysis, transmission electron microscopy, western blot (WB) analysis, and siRNA design and transfection.Results:We found RVSP, RV/LV+S, and pulmonary artery wall thickness were reduced by rutin in the pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) animal model. WB results showed that rutin regulated expression of autophagy-related proteins. Moreover, rutin downregulated Mitofusin 1 (Mfn1) over-expression induced by hypoxia. But when Mfn1 was silenced, there was little difference in the expressions of beclin-1 (BECN-1), and other marker proteins with or without rutin.Conclusions:Rutin suppressed the abnormal autophagy of hypoxia-induced PASMCs via the regulation of the target, Mfn1. This revealed the protective effect of rutin on vascular remodeling caused by hypoxia and demonstrated how rutin could slow down the development of HPAH.
Crack Detection in Folded Plates With Back-Propagated Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Gonenli Can , Das Oguzhan , Das Duygu Bagci
Published: September 2021

Engineering structures may face various damages such as crack, delamination, and fatigue in several circumstances. Localizing such damages becomes essential to understand the health of the structures since they may not be able to operate anymore. Among the damage detection techniques, non-destructive methods are considerably more preferred than destructive methods since damage can be located without affecting the structural integrity. However, these methods have several drawbacks in terms of detecting abilities, time consumption, cost, and hardware or software requirements. Employing artificial intelligence techniques could overcome such issues and could provide a powerful damage detection model if the technique is utilized correctly. In this study, the crack localization in flat and folded plate structures has been conducted by employing a Back-propagated Artificial Neural Network (BPANN). For this purpose, cracks with 18 different dimensions have been modeled in flat and four different folded structures by utilizing the Finite Element Method. The dataset required to perform the crack localization procedure includes the first ten natural frequencies of all structures as input variables. As output variables, the dataset contains a total of 500 crack locations for five structures. It is concluded that the BPANN can localize all cracks with an average accuracy of 95.12%.
A Clinical Predictive Model of Progesterone Elevation on the Day of HCG Administration Was Establish Based on the Basal P, BMI and Ovarian Induction Regimen
Authors: yu chunmei , zhou chao , dai xiuliang , zhou jianmei , yang haiyan , wang yufeng , Chen li
Published: September 2021

Background The progesterone elevation (PE) on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is associated with a significant decrease in the probability of clinical pregnancy after fresh embryo transfer. The goal of this study was to develop a nomogram to explore the baseline indexes to predict the occurrence of PE (0.9ng/ml) on the day of HCG administration before IVF/ICSI treatment.Methods The patients who were performed a GnRH agonist or antagonist pituitary suppression protocol during controlled ovulation stimulation(COS) in reproductive center of Changzhou maternal and child health care hospital from 2017-2019 were included. The nomogram was built from all participants.Results Three variates significantly associated with the PE occurrence on the HCG administration of infertility women were the type ovulation regiment, basal P and BMI. This predictive model showed good calibration and discriminatory abilities, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.639（95%CI 0.596~0.681）. Hosmer and Leme show test were performed for evaluating both calibration and discrimination and confirmed our nomogram is a user-friendly graphical representation of the model (χ2= 4.750，P=0.784)Conclusion The nomogram presents graphically association factors (type ovulation regiment, basal P and BMI) and prediction models which can offer simple and useful guidance to avoid the PE occurrence on the HCG administration for clinicians and infertility patients.
The Colonization of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE): Prevalence, Molecular Epidemiology, and Risk Factors in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units in Beijing.
Authors: Yan Mengyao , He Yuanhui , Ruan Genjie , Xue Feng , Zheng Bo , Lv Yuan
Published: September 2021

Background: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), as an important nosocomial pathogens, can be carried in gut for a long period and its colonization status associated with the subsequent infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of intestinal VRE colonization and identify the risk factors associated with VRE carriage in intensive care patients.Methods: We conducted a 4-week cross-sectional study at six hospitals in Beijing, China. Patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) were screened for intestinal colonization of VRE every Tuesday morning. Rectal swabs were selectively cultured for VRE, then the identified strains were analyzed by PCR to detect the glycopeptide resistance gene and were characterized by MLST. Risk factors were recorded to assess their effect on VRE acquisition during ICUs stay.Results: Of 148 patients recruited, 46 (31.1%) were colonized with VRE, with the majority (n=42) being Enterococcus faecium. In total, 78.3% of the VRE were vanA positive and 15.2% vanM positive, while 6.5% undetected glycopeptide resistance gene. The predominant ST was ST78 (47.6%) followed by ST192 (14.3%), ST555 (9.5%), ST789 (9.5%), ST547 (4.8%), and ST922 (4.8%). Risk factors associated with VRE carriage were age of >65 years, a longer length of ICU stay, use of an endotracheal tube, and prior glycopeptides use.Conclusions: The overall incidence proportion of VRE colonization at ICUs was relatively high in Beijing, and clonal expansion and horizontal transmission of resistant genes were both found here. Routine screening is necessary to prevent the dissemination of VRE.
Long-term Metal Fume Exposure Assessment of Workers in a Shipbuilding Factory
Authors: Wang Ying-Fang , Kuo Yu-Chieh , Wang Lin-Chi
Published: September 2021

This study aims to assess the metal fume exposure of welders and to determine exposure rates for similar exposure groups in a shipyard through the use of Near-field/Far-field (NF/FF) mathematical models and Bayesian decision analysis (BDA) technique. Emission rates of various metal fumes (i.e., total chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni)) were experimentally determined for the gas metal arc welding and flux cored arc welding processes, which are commonly used in shipyards. Then the NF/FF field model which used the emission rates were further validated by welding simulation experiment, and together with long-term operation condition data obtained from the investigated shipyard, the predicted long-term exposure concentrations of workers was established and used as the prior distribution in the BDA. Along with the field monitoring metal fume concentrations which served as the likelihood distribution, the posterior decision distributions in the BDA were determined and used to assess workers’ long-term metal exposures. Results show that welders’ Fe, Mn and Pb exposures were found to exceed their corresponding action levels with a high probability, indicating preventive measures should be taken immediately. The proposed approach provides a universal solution for conducting exposure assessment with usual limited number of personal exposure data.
Effect of Cleft Lip With or Without Palate on Pediatric General and Dental Growth in Korea: a Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Ryu Jeong Yeop , Park Tae Hyun , Lee Joon Seok , Yang Jung Dug , Chung Ho Yun , Cho Byung Chae , Choi Kang Young
Published: September 2021

There are very few nationwide studies discussing the height, weight, head circumference, and dental screening of children with cleft lip with or without palate (CL/P), with most reports on this subject based on a 1900s cohort. This study aimed to characterize CL/P children in the 2000s in terms of height, weight, head circumference, and dental screening. This nationwide population-based study evaluated the National Health Insurance Service-Infants and Children’s Health Screening (NHIS-INCHS), specifically the height, weight, and head circumference of millions of children. Dental screening data, including the status of each tooth and comprehensive dental judgment, were also evaluated. Syndromic and nonsyndromic CL/P children had lower height, weight, and head circumference than no CL/P children until the age of 66–71 months. Children with cleft palate only or both cleft lip and palate showed similar results. Regarding dental screening, the primary teeth of CL/P children erupted later and fell out faster than no CL/P children. Dental caries was also more common in CL/P children. Children with CL/P had inferior general growth, regardless of palatoplasty surgery. More aggressive dental treatment was required for CL/P children due to the instability of primary teeth and tendency for caries.
Simulation of the Thermal Aberration of Fused Silica Reflective Optics Under High-power Laser Irradiation
Authors: Li Yuan , Yu HongMing , Yin XinQi , Wu Juan , Wang Feng , Zou Kai , Yan Hong , Li JianMin , Luo Jia
Published: September 2021

The output beam quality of high-power laser systems is limited by laser-induced thermal aberration of fused silica reflective optics. A numerical model for the simulation of thermal aberration was proposed and verified by the experimental results. Simulations on the thermal aberration of fused silica optics under 3~10 kW laser irradiation with laser beam diameters of 5 mm ~ 45 mm were carried out with the verified model. The simulation results showed that the peak-valley (PV) value of thermal aberration increases with increasing incident laser power under the same incident laser spot size and reduces with increasing incident laser spot size under the same incident laser power. There are the same PV values of thermal aberration under different incident power or power densities. An analytic formula of thermal aberration PV as a function of incident laser power and beam spot size was proposed. The analytic results are in good agreement with the simulations. With these conclusions, the thermal aberration of fused silica optics under high incident power and power density can be evaluated by that under low incident power and power density. It is helpful for the design of high-power laser systems to obtain reasonable output beam quality.
Performance comparison and in-silico harmonization of commercial platforms for DNA methylome analysis by targeted bisulfite sequencing
Authors: Tanic Miljana , Moghul Ismail , Rodney Simon , Dhami Pawan , Vaikkinen Heli , Ambrose John , Barrett James , Feber Andrew , Beck Stephan
Published: September 2021

DNA methylation is a key epigenetic modification in the regulation of cell fate and differentiation, and its analysis is gaining increasing importance in both basic and clinical research. Targeted Bisulfite Sequencing (TBS) has become the method of choice for the cost-effective, targeted analysis of the human methylome at base-pair resolution. Here we benchmarked five commercially available TBS platforms, including three hybridization capture-based (Agilent, Roche, and Illumina) and two RRBS-based (Diagenode and NuGen), across 11 samples. A subset of these were also compared to whole-genome DNA methylation sequencing with the Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms. We assessed performance with respect to workflow complexity, on/off-target performance, coverage, accuracy, and reproducibility. We find all platforms able to produce usable data but with major differences for some performance criteria, especially in the number and identity of the CpG sites covered, which affects the interoperability of datasets generated on these different platforms. To overcome this limitation, we used imputation and show that it improves the interoperability from an average of 10.35% (0.8M CpG sites) to 97% (7.6M CpG sites). Our study provides cross-validated guidance on which TBS platform to use for different features of the methylome and offers an imputation-based harmonization solution for improved interoperability between platforms, allowing comparative and integrative analysis.
An analysis of the risk factors for falls, recurrent falls, and fall-related injuries among the elderly in senior Chinese apartments: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Su Qingqing , Song Mi , Zhang Jie , Mao Yazhan , Song Jie , Pi Hongying
Published: September 2021

Objective
Falls, recurrent falls, and fall-related injuries among the elderly are severe problems that seriously threaten the quality of life and health in old age. However, there are few studies on fall risks among the elderly living in senior apartments in China. Our study aims to investigate the factors and differences in falls, recurrent falls, and fall-related injuries among these elderly residents, providing a reference for screening those with high fall risks.
Method
Face-to-face structured interviews were conducted on 331 older adults over 65 years of age living in four senior apartments. We performed comparative analyses on the results of fall events with two separate criteria (falls vs. no falls; number of falls ≤ 1 and without injury vs. fall-related injuries or number of falls ≥ 2). Several significant variables were involved in a logistic model for regression analysis.
Results
Falls, recurrent falls, and fall-related injuries among the elderly in senior apartments were independently associated with gender (female), urinary incontinence/frequency, and conscious unsteady gait. Furthermore, fall risks increased with age and the number of risk factors. The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of the fall risk prediction model were 0.749, 82.4%, and 57.1%, respectively.
Conclusions
Falls among the elderly in senior apartments are affected by several factors. Female elderly with urinary incontinence/frequency and conscious unsteady gait should be prioritized for fall prevention interventions.
Drug Resistance in NSCLC is Associated with Tumor Micro-environment
Authors: Ke Yizhong , Huang Pinzheng , Li Lixi , Jin Mingming , Huang Gang
Published: September 2021

IntroductionTumor cell resistance to chemotherapy is the most critical factor that influences the prognosis of cancer patients. It is generally believed that drug resistance is caused by genetic alterations in tumor cells; however, the relationship between drug resistance and the tumor microenvironment (TME) has not been adequately studied.MethodsHerein, we successfully identified drug resistance and sensitivity clusters using single-cell transcriptome sequencing data from GSE149383 and established a proportional hazards model to find genes that affected prognosis.ResultsThe results showed that marker genes between resistant and sensitive clusters were significantly associated with the TME; additionally, the model showed good reliability. Furthermore, we used bulk RNA-seq data to analyze the expression of CD24 and CYP1B1, which revealed little difference in the levels of the two genes in normal and tumor tissues but a significant difference in their expression between drug-resistant and -sensitive cells.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study demonstrated a link between drug resistance and the TME, and we found that CD24 and CYP1B1 may be key regulators of drug resistance development in tumor cells via altering the TME.
Fretting Wear Mechanical Analysis of Double Rough Surfaces Based on Energy Method
Authors: Li Ling , Li Ganghua , Wang JingJjing , Shi Xiaohui , Cai Anjiang
Published: September 2021

A fretting wear model of rough surface that conforms to the actual situation is established to accurately reveal the wear mechanism of the connection structure. In the ABAQUS software, the UMESHMOTION subroutine and the energy dissipation model are used to simulate the fretting wear of double rough surfaces. The new model, a single rough surface model, and a smooth model are compared to analyze the differences between them. In addition, the influence of surface roughness, material, and friction coefficient on the fretting wear of rough surfaces is systematically explored through finite element simulation. The results show that the reliability of the model has been verified through Hertz’s theory and experiments. The stress and wear of the contact surface are more realistically reflected by the double roughness model. Besides, with the increase of surface roughness and material rigidity and the decrease of friction coefficient, the wear of the double rough surface model becomes more severe. The research work provides a theoretical basis for the design and performance prediction of the connection structure.
How deep is your thought? The relations between intolerance of uncertainty, worry and weight and shape concerns in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Bijsterbosch Jojanneke , Keizer Anouk , Boelen Paul , Danner Unna , Sternheim Lot
Published: September 2021

Background
Inherent to anorexia nervosa (AN) are repetitive thoughts about weight and shape. Growing research suggests the relevance of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and worry in maintaining these types of repetitive thoughts. The relation between these cognitive processes and weight and shape concerns in adolescents with AN is understudied. This study aims to investigate associations between prospective and inhibitory IU, worry, and weight and shape concerns.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study, 93 adolescent girls with AN completed three questionnaires, measuring prospective and inhibitory IU, worry, and weight and shape concerns, respectively. A mediation model with worry as a mediator between inhibitory IU and prospective IU and weight and shape concerns was tested.
Results
A direct and total effect of inhibitory IU on weight and shape concerns was found. Worry did not mediate the relation between inhibitory or prospective IU and weight and shape concerns.
Conclusions
These results confirm the importance of inhibitory IU in adolescents with AN, more specifically to weight and shape concerns. This group may benefit from intervention strategies targeting IU. Worry seems less relevant to weight and shape concerns in adolescents.
Ablation of Hypoxia-induced mitogenic factor promotes cardiac repair after myocardial infarction by downregulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in macrophage
Authors: Feng Li , Wang Qing , Li Yanjiao , Cheng Wanwen , Liu Jie , Liu Wenjuan
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) functions as a collagenase, it promotes the infarct expansion and cardiac rupture after myocardial infarction (MI). This study sought to identify the mechanism mediating MI-induced MMP9 expression, and explore the new therapeutic target improving healing process after MI.
Materials and Methods

HIMF expression is manipulated by genetic ablation of HIMF in mice (Himf−/−), and adenoviral overexpression of HIMF by recombinant adenovirus encoding a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged mouse HIMF in cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs), cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and the murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. The mouse model of left descending coronary artery ligation was established to investigate the expression of MMP9 and HIMF.
Results

MMP9 was predominantly expressed in macrophages of MI hearts, and positively correlated to the expression of HIMF, a marker for anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization. HIMF deficiency (Himf−/−) results in significantly decreased MMP9 expression, increased collagen deposition, reduced infarction size and improved cardiac contraction. Mechanistic analysis reveals that HIMF increases MMP9 expression by activating STAT3 signaling in murine macrophage RAW264.7. This was verified by the inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation in the MI heart of Himf−/− mouse.
Conclusions

This study identified a novel HIMF-STAT3-MMP9 regulation module in macrophages that influences collagen deposition in infarct heart, providing a new sight for MI treatment.
From education to welfare – A historical-exploratory approach for examining the role of madrassas
Authors: Mumtaz zahid
Published: September 2021

Much is written on the history of madrassas and their contributions to scholarship. In addition, several scholars have done considerable research to identify the causes of madrassas' growth, determine the linkage of madrassa education with breeding extremist ideologies and suggested possible areas for reforms. This particular aspect has been the topic of scholarly debates and a policy problem faced by many governments and international agencies, i.e., how madrassas can be reformed. However, not much literature could be located that draws parallels and dissimilarities between the madrassas of the golden age and the current era. This is important because any reform or policy is unlikely to succeed without considering a problem's historical and contextual factors. Hence this study adopts a historical-exploratory approach to identify the similarities and differences between the madrassas of the golden age of Islam and present times and explore the causes of such differences by utlising the case study of madrassas in Pakistan. Addressing these issues will make the following contributions: First, identifying the similarities and dissimilarities between the madrassas of the golden age and modern times requires a detailed exploration of madrassas' current state and their role, of which little is known. Second, identifying the factors responsible for the differences in madrassas' role from the golden age to modern times will help understand the implications of such differences on madrassas and society. Lastly, such implications will answer the repeated calls in the literature of formulating policies for reforming the madrassas that have been a significant policy problem faced by many countries.
Changes in cortical auditory evoked potentials in response to auditory training in elderly hearing aid users
Authors: ALCÂNTARA YARA BAGALI , TOLEDO WILLIANS WALACE FANTE , DE LIMA KAROLINE RIBEIRO , CARNAÚBA ALINE TENÓRIO LINS , CHAGAS EDUARDO FEDERIGHI BAISI , FRIZZO ANA CLAUDIA FIGUEIREDO
Published: September 2021

Objective

To compare the cortical auditory evoked potential responses pre-and post-Auditory Musical Training associated with hearing aid adaptation in elderly people with presbycusis. Design: this is a prospective, randomized, single-blind study. Study Sample: eight presbiacusis elderly people between 65 and 80 years, new hearing aid users, divided into two groups participated in the study: Hearing Aid Group: use of hearing aid; and Auditory Training Group: use of hearing aid in addition to musical auditory training for 16 sessions. All participants were submitted to cortical auditory evoked potential tests with verbal stimulation in two different moments: Initial assessment, carried out before hearing aid adaptation and auditory training, and after three months, final assessment at the end of the auditory training sessions. All participants were adapted bilaterally with digital mini hearing aids. Results: There was a decrease in the P3a latency component for the Auditory Training Group when initial and final assessment were compared. Conclusion: There was a change in the CAEP in elderly people with presbycusis in response to the Musical Auditory Training associated with the use of hearing aids in elderly people with presbycusis.
Peptides derived from gp43, the most antigenic protein from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, form amyloid fibrils in vitro: implications for vaccine development
Authors: Cardim-Pires Thyago R. , Sant’Anna Ricardo , Foguel Debora
Published: September 2021

Fungal infection is an important health problem in Latin America, and in Brazil in particular. Paracoccidioides (P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii) is responsible for paracoccidioidomycosis, a disease that affects mainly the lungs. The glycoprotein gp43 is involved in fungi adhesion to epithelial cells, which makes this protein an interesting target of study. A specific stretch of 15 amino acids that spans the region 181-195 (named P10) of gp43 is an important epitope of gp43 that is being envisioned as a vaccine candidate. Here we show that synthetic P10 forms typical amyloid aggregates in solution in very short times, a property that could hamper vaccine development. Seeds obtained by fragmentation of P10 fibrils were able to induce the aggregation of P4, but not P23, two other peptides derived from gp43. In silico analysis revealed several regions within the P10 sequence that are capable of forming amyloid with steric zipper architecture. Besides, in-silico proteolysis studies with gp43 revealed that aggregation-prone, P10-like peptides could be generated by several proteases, which suggests that P10 could be formed under physiological conditions. Considering our data in the context of a potential vaccine development, we redesigned the sequence of P10, maintaining the antigenic region (HTLAIR), but drastically reducing its aggregation propensity.
Efficacy and safety of Dabigatran vs. Rivaroxaban among Asians with non-valvular atrial fibrillation：Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jia Li , Zhou Mingming , Sun Li , Yu Luhai , He Xiangyan
Published: September 2021

Atrial fibrillation(AF) increases the risk of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in patients. Moreover, Asian patients with AF are more likely to have ischemic stroke than non-Asian patients. Oral anticoagulants could effectively prevent thrombotic events. Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban are two most commonly used novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in Asia, but those clinicial studies in relation with them are mostly in American and European countries. Therefore, whether there are differences between Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban among Asian patients with AF in terms of efficacy and safety is still unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis will mainly assess clinical efficacy and safety of Dabigatran versus Rivaroxaban in Asian patients with AF by a pooled analysis. We will follow the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) and the reporting MOOSE (Meta-analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) when performing this study. Then Cochrane Library,Web of Science, PubMed and China national knowledge infrastructure will be searched for eligible retrospective investigation that report the efficacy and safety outcomes of AF patients who utilised Dabigatran or Rivaroxaban for stroke prevention in Asian countries. The abovementioned database will be comprehensively searched from inception to September 30, 2019 to locate all potentially eligible studies. Outcome measures will include safety and efficacy indicators. Safety indicators include intracranial hemorrhage, major bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeding. Efficacy indicators include systemic embolism and stroke. New evidence for clinical profile of Dabigatran versus Rivaroxaban in AF patients will be provided for decision-making of Asian patients.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020156197
Formative Evaluation Prior to Implementation of a Brief Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Primary Care
Authors: Valentine Sarah E. , Fuchs Cara , Sarkisova Natalya , Olesinski Elyse A. , Elwy A. Rani
Published: September 2021

Background
Successful implementation of evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in primary care may address treatment access and quality gaps by providing care in novel and less stigmatized settings. Yet, PTSD treatments are largely unavailable safety net primary care settings. We aimed to collect data on four potential influences on implementation, including the degree of less-than-best practices, determinants of the current practice, potential barriers and facilitators of implementation, and the feasibility of a proposed strategy for implementing a brief treatment for PTSD.
Methods
Our mixed-methods developmental formative evaluation (Stetler et al., 2006) was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), including a) surveys assessing implementation climate and attitudes towards evidence-based treatments and behavioral health integration and b) semi-structured interviews to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation and need for intervention and system augmentation. Participants were hospital employee stakeholders (N = 22), including primary care physicians, integrated behavioral health clinicians, community wellness advocates, and clinic leadership. We examined frequency and descriptive data from surveys and conducted directed content analysis of interviews. We used a concurrent mixed-methods approach, integrating survey and interview data collected simultaneously using a joint display approach to inform implementation efforts. We utilized a primary care community advisory board (CAB) comprised of employee stakeholders to refine interview guides, and apply findings to the specification of a revised implementation plan.
Results
Stakeholders described strong attitudinal support, yet therapist time and capacity restraints are major PTSD treatment implementation barriers. Patient engagement barriers such as stigma, mistrust, and care preferences were also noted. Recommendations based on findings included tailoring the intervention to meet existing workflows, system alignment efforts focused on improving detection, referral, and care coordination processes, protecting clinician time for training and consultation, and embedding a researcher in the practice.
Conclusions
Our evaluation identified key factors to be considered when preparing for implementation of PTSD treatments in safety net integrated primary care settings. Our project also demonstrated that successful implementation of EBTs for PTSD in safety net hospitals necessitates strong stakeholder engagement to identify and mitigate barriers to implementation.
Malaria Care-Seeking and Treatment Ideation among Gold Miners in Guyana
Authors: Olapeju Bolanle , Adams Camille , Wilson Sean , Simpson Joann , Hunter Gabrielle , Davis TrishAnn , Mitchum Lindsey , Cox Horace , James Kashana , Orkis Jennifer , Storey Douglas
Published: September 2021

Background
Although miners are a priority population in malaria elimination in Guyana, scant literature exists on the drivers of malaria-related behaviour. This study explores the relationship between gold miners’ malaria-related ideation and the adoption of malaria care-seeking and treatment behaviours including prompt care-seeking, malaria testing, and self-medication.
Methods
Data are from a cross-sectional quantitative survey of 1685 adult miners between the ages of 18–59 years who live in mining camps in Regions 1, 7, and 8. The analysis focused on miners who reported an episode of fever in the past year (n = 745). Malaria care-seeking and treatment ideation was defined as a composite additive score consisting of the following variables: general malaria knowledge, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, beliefs, perceived self-efficacy, perceived norms, interpersonal communication, and perceived response efficacy. Multivariable logistic regressions explored the relationship between ideation on care-seeking/treatment behaviours, controlling for confounding variables.
Results
Most miners with a recent episode of fever had perceived risk (92%), self-efficacy (67%), susceptibility (53%) and high malaria knowledge (53%). Overall, miners' care-seeking/treatment ideation score ranged from 0 to 8 with a mean of 4.1. Ideation scores were associated with higher odds of care-seeking for fever (aOR:1.19; 95% CI: 1.04–1.36), getting tested for malaria (aOR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.07–1.38) and lower odds of self-medication (aOR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77–0.99).
Conclusions
A national community case management initiative is using study findings as part of its scale-up, using volunteers to make testing and treatment services more accessible to miners. This is complemented by a multi-channel mass media campaign to improve miners’ ideation. Communication messages focus on increasing miners’ knowledge of malaria transmission and symptoms, encourage positive beliefs about malaria testing and volunteer testers, promote evidence about the effectiveness of testing, and reminders of how quick and easy it is to get a malaria test with the community case management initiative. Study findings also have implications for efforts to eliminate malaria across the Guiana Shield.
Comprehensive genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of CCHC zinc finger gene family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Sun Aolong , Li Yongliang , Zou Xiaoxiao , Chen Fenglin , Cai Ruqiong , Xie Hai , Xiao Wenjun , Guo Xinhong
Published: September 2021

Background: The CCHC zinc finger proteins (CCHC-ZFPs) are transcription factors that play versatile roles in plant growth, development, and responses to biotic/abiotic stress. However, little is known about the CCHC-ZF genes in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), an important food crop.
Results: In this study, 50 TaCCHC-ZF genes were identified and distributed unevenly on 21 wheat chromosomes. According to the phylogenetic features, the 50 TaCCHC-ZF genes were classified into eight groups with specific motifs and gene structures. 43 TaCCHC-ZF genes were identified as segmentally duplicated genes that formed 36 segmental duplication gene pairs. Additionally, the collinearity analyses between wheat and eight other representative plant species showed that wheat had closer phylogenetic relationships with monocots compared to dicots. A total of 636 cis-elements related to environmental stress and phytohormone responsiveness were identified in the promoter of TaCCHC-ZF genes. Moreover, GO enrichment results revealed that all 50 TaCCHC-ZF genes were annotated under metal ion binding and nucleic acid binding. 91 miRNA binding sites within the 34 TaCCHC-ZF genes were identified by miRNA targets analyses, indicating that the expression of TaCCHC-ZF genes could be regulated by the miRNAs. Based on published transcriptome data, 38 TaCCHC-ZF genes were identified as DEGs, and 15 TaCCHC-ZF genes among them were verified by qRT-PCR assays, which showed response to drought, heat, or simultaneous response of them.
Conclusions: This study systematically explored the gene structures, evolutionary characteristics, and potential roles during environmental responses of TaCCHC-ZF genes, providing a foundation for further investigation and application of TaCCHC-ZF genes in the molecular breeding of T. aestivum.
Keywords: Wheat, CCHC-ZFP genes, Structural analysis, Evolution, Abiotic stress, Expression patterns
Internal Friction of Angle Model of Particles
Authors: Zegzulka Jiri , Necas Jan , Rozbroj Jiri , Gelnar Daniel , Gomes Alvaro , Jezerska Lucie
Published: September 2021

Currently, pressure from industry to streamline processes by creating their simulation models, and thus to gradual digitization is increasing. The essence of representative simulation models of bulk materials is to understand the principles and laws of the real behavior of particles. The aim of this study is therefore to find and quantify the possibilities and principles of how particles can change their position relative to other particles. The possibilities of particle displacements were expressed using their specific trajectories and work ratios, or internal friction angle values. This created a new comprehensive model of the internal friction angle of particles independent of particle size. It enables the interpretation of the determined values of the angles of internal friction of particles and its application in the field of simulations of mass and process models. The model can be used to determine the basic composition of particles in volume and the dominant ways of their mutual displacements.
Evaluation of ATAD2 As a Potential Target in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ekin Umut , Yuzugullu Haluk , Ozen Cigdem , Korhan Peyda , Bagirsakci Ezgi , Yilmaz Funda , Yuzugullu Ozge Gursoy , Uzuner Hamdiye , Alotaibi Hani , Kirmizibayrak Petek Ballar , Atabey Nese , Karakülah Gökhan , Ozturk Mehmet
Published: September 2021

Purpose
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide with. lack of effective systemic chemotherapy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the value of ATPase family AAA domain-containing protein 2 (ATAD2) as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Methods
The expression of ATAD2 was tested in different HCC patient cohorts by immunohistochemistry and comparative transcriptional analysis. The co-expression of ATAD2 and proliferation markers was compared during liver regeneration and malignancy with different bioinformatics tools. The cellular effects of ATAD2 inactivation in liver malignancy was tested on cell cycle, apoptosis and colony formation ability as well as tumor formation using RNA interference. The genes affected by ATAD2 inactivation in three different HCC cell lines were identified by global gene expression profiling and bioinformatics tools.
Results
ATAD2 is overexpression is closely correlated with HCC tumor stage. There was gradual increase from dysplasia, well differentiated and poorly differentiated HCC, respectively. We also observed transient upregulation of ATAD2 expression during rat liver regeneration in parallel to changes in Ki-67 expression. ATAD2 knockdown resulted in apoptosis and decreased cell survival in vitro and decreased tumor formation in some HCC cell lines. However, three other HCC cell lines tested where not affected. Similarly, gene expression response to ATAD2 inactivation in different HCC cell lines was highly heterogeneous.
Conclusions
ATAD2 is a potential proliferation marker for liver regeneration and HCC. It may also serve as a therapeutic target despite heterogeneous response of malignant cells.
Combined effect of Ilizarov technique, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, and teriparatide for limb reconstruction of Gustilo–Anderson type IIIc open tibial fracture with a large bone defect in elderly patients with severe osteoporosis: A case report
Authors: Nozaka Koji , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Mita Motoki , Shimada Yoichi
Published: September 2021

Background Gustilo–Anderson type IIIc tibial open fracture with large bone defects in severely osteoporotic elderly patients is a rare injury that may be a challenging clinical scenario.Case presentation This study presents the case of a 68-year-old man who sustained a Gustilo–Anderson type IIIc open tibial fracture with a large bone defect. The patient had severe osteoporosis and the bone was contaminated; therefore, we determined that the bone could not be returned to the tibia. The patient underwent acute limb shortening and gradual lengthening with an Ilizarov external fixator combined with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and teriparatide administration for limb reconstruction, which allowed immediate full weight-bearing capacity. The fixator was removed at 12 months postoperatively, and by this time, the fracture had completely healed. At the most recent 5-year follow-up after the injury, the patient reported fully weight-bearing capacity without walking aids and had full knee and ankle range of motion.Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the use of combined Ilizarov technique, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, and teriparatide for limb reconstruction of Gustilo–Anderson type IIIc open tibial fractures with large bone defects in elderly patients with severe osteoporosis.
Efecto del número de plantas por golpe, en diferentes distanciamientos, en el rendimiento de dos híbridos de maíz amarillo duro (Zea mays L. (Poaceae)
Authors: Rodríguez Luciana
Published: September 2021

El presente trabajo de investigación se realizó en el Campus II de la Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego - Trujillo, La Libertad. Tuvo como objetivo determinar el efecto de dos densidades de siembra (D1: 88867 plantas/ha y D2: 66665 plantas/ha) en el rendimiento de dos híbridos de maíz amarillo duro (H1: INIA 605 Y H2: DK 7508), a partir de diferentes distanciamientos entre golpes y número de plantas por golpe: 15 cm (1 planta/golpe), 20 cm (1 planta/golpe), 30 cm (2 plantas/golpe) y 40 cm (2 plantas/golpe) a un distanciamiento entre surcos de 75 cm. El diseño experimental utilizado fue Parcelas Divididas, con 8 tratamientos y 4 repeticiones. En el estudio se observó que en promedio la densidad de 88867 plantas/ha obtuvo mayor rendimiento que la densidad de 66665 plantas/ha, con una diferencia de 1.16 t/ha. El híbrido que obtuvo mejores rendimientos fue DK 7508 con un promedio de 13.36 t/ha. El tratamiento que logró un mayor rendimiento fue la combinación H2G3 (DK 7508 x 30 cm – 2 plantas/golpe, 88867 plantas/ha) con 14.56 t/ha, sin diferencias estadísticas con los tratamientos del mismo híbrido, pero superiores a las combinaciones del híbrido INIA 605. En las mediciones de mazorca como: longitud de mazorca, perímetro de mazorca, ancho de grano, grosor de grano y longitud de grano no se encontraron diferencias estadísticas, en el factor densidad, al igual que en floración masculina, floración femenina y altura de planta. Sin embargo, en diámetro basal de planta se encontraron efectos altamente significativos, mientras que en altura de mazorca y diámetro medio de planta hubo diferencias significativas en las densidades estudiadas.
Desgaste profesional y cumplimiento de objetivos de los trabajadores de una institución pública peruana
Authors: Mariaca Alda , Estrada Edwin
Published: September 2021

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la relación que existe entre el desgaste profesional y el cumplimiento de objetivos de los trabajadores de la Unidad de Gestión Educativa Local de Tambopata, 2020. La investigación fue cuantitativa, el diseño fue no experimental, correlacional y transversal. La muestra fue conformada por 38 trabajadores de la UGEL Tambopata a quienes se les aplicaron el Cuestionario de Desgaste Profesional y el Cuestionario sobre el Cumplimiento de Objetivos, instrumentos con la validez y confiabilidad requerida. Los hallazgos indican que existe una relación inversa y significativa entre el desgaste profesional y el cumplimiento de objetivos (rho= -0,462; p=0,004<0,05). Se concluyó que los altos niveles de desgaste profesional están relacionados con el limitado cumplimiento de objetivos y viceversa.
Quantitative assessment of ecological operation effects based on flood pulses and ecology-economic coupling model: a case study of Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Li Jiqing , Huang Jing , Xue Zhiming , Liang Pengteng , Wu Yueqiu
Published: September 2021

Flood pulses are closely related to river ecosystem health. Reservoirs bring many benefits to flood control, power generation, shipping etc., but their attenuation effects on runoff flood pulses should not be ignored. Ecological operation can effectively reduce some negative ecological impacts brought by the reservoir. However, the inability to quantitatively assess ecological effects hinders the promotion of ecological operation in reservoir management. To solve this problem, we proposed 11 flood pulse indicators (FPI), a random simulation method and an ecology-economy coupling model in this study. In addition, we used four major Chinese carps as indicator species and the Three Gorges Reservoir as a case study to test the role of flood pulses in improving the ecological operation effects of the reservoir from the fish protection perspective. The results show that: (1) FPI can be controlled by the reservoir and reflect the flood pulse characteristics of runoff. (2) Random simulation method guides managers to optimize the discharge and formulate eco-friendly operation schemes. (3) Ecology-economy coupling model helps managers analyze the relationship between ecological operation effects and economic benefits. A comprehensive assessment can improve the acceptance of ecological operation, which is conducive to the sustainable development of river ecosystem.