bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive physical interaction map between the Turnip mosaic potyvirus and Arabidopsis thaliana proteomes
Authors: Martínez Fernando , Toft Christina , Hillung Julia , Giménez-Santamarina Silvia , Yenush Lynne , Rodrigo Guillermo , Elena Santiago
Published: January 2021

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that have co-evolved with their hosts to establish an intricate network of protein-protein interactions. Yet, the systems-level mode of action of plant viruses remains poorly understood. Here, we followed a high-throughput yeast two-hybrid screening to identify 378 novel virus-host protein-protein interactions between Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), a representative plant RNA virus, and Arabidopsis thaliana, one of its natural hosts. We found the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase NIb as the virus protein with the largest number of contacts. We verified a subset of 25 selected interactions in planta by bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. We then constructed a comprehensive network comprising 399 TuMV-A. thaliana interactions to perform, together with intravirus and intrahost connections, detailed computational analyses. In particular, we found that the host proteins targeted by the virus participate in a higher number of infection-related functions, are more connected and have an increased capacity to spread information throughout the cell proteome, display higher expression levels, and have been subject to stronger purifying selection than expected by chance. Overall, our results provide a comprehensive mechanistic description of a plant virus-host interplay, with potential impact on disease etiology, and reveal that plant and animal viruses share fundamental features in their mode of action.
Investigation of the Invasion Mechanism Mediated by the Outer Membrane Protein PagN of Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Barilleau Emilie , Védrine Mégane , Koczerka Michael , Burlaud-Gaillard Julien , Kempf Florent , Grépinet Olivier , Virlogeux-Payant Isabelle , Velge Philippe , Wiedemann Agnès
Published: January 2021

Background. Salmonella can invade host cells via a type three secretion system called T3SS-1 and its outer membrane proteins, PagN and Rck. However, the mechanism of PagN-dependent invasion pathway used by Salmonella enterica, subspecies enterica serovar Typhimurium remains unclear.Results. Here, we report that PagN is well conserved and widely distributed among the different species and subspecies of Salmonella. We showed that PagN of S. Typhimurium was sufficient and necessary to enable non-invasive E. coli over-expressing PagN and PagN-coated beads to bind to and invade different non-phagocytic cells. According to the literature, PagN is likely to interact with heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) as PagN-mediated invasion could be inhibited by heparin treatment in a dose-dependent manner. This report shows that this interaction is not sufficient to allow the internalization mechanism. Investigation of the role of β1 integrin as co-receptor showed that mouse embryo fibroblasts genetically deficient in β1 integrin were less permissive to PagN-mediated internalization. Moreover, PagN-mediated internalization was fully inhibited in glycosylation-deficient pgsA-745 cells treated with anti-β1 integrin antibody, supporting the hypothesis that β1 integrin and HSPG cooperate to induce the PagN-mediated internalization mechanism. In addition, use of specific inhibitors and expression of dominant-negative derivatives demonstrated that tyrosine phosphorylation and class I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase were crucial to trigger PagN-dependent internalization, as for the Rck internalization mechanism. Finally, scanning electron microscopy with infected cells showed microvillus-like extensions characteristic of Zipper-like structure, engulfing PagN-coated beads and E. coli expressing PagN, as observed during Rck-mediated internalization.Conclusions. Our results supply new comprehensions into T3SS-1-independent invasion mechanisms of S. Typhimurium and highly indicate that PagN induces a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathway, leading to a Zipper-like entry mechanism as the Salmonella outer membrane protein Rck.
A newly developed polydopamine-coated paper-based microchip for rapid and highly selectivity detection of foodborne pathogens
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , Zhang Mimi , Shen Zhiqiang , Liu Yongxin , Song Yang , Yu Liang , Li Zhende , Nie Lingmei , Fang Yanjun , Zhao Youquan
Published: January 2021

Background

In 2020, Covid-19 pneumonia has had a great impact on human health in although the countries around the world, it brings serious threaten to people’s lives and resulted in serious economic losses. At the same time, a lot news about the detection of Covid-19 in food emerges endlessly, a rapid and high selectivity detection method or technology is in urgent need for its ability to help relevant departments effectively control the epidemic situation and ensuring people’s lives and property safety. In recent years, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has been certified as a quick and highly selective technique to detect foodborne microorganisms.
Results

In this paper, a newly developed microchip with polydopamine-coated paper based on LAMP was fabricated. This microchip consists of nine chambers for sampling and reactions, the targeted nucleic acid of foodborne pathogens was labeled by calcein fluorescence rather than SYBR. The microchip is advantageous of lower cost of materials and simple pretreated methods, and is easy to operate without the need for complex controlled fluid flow. The LAMP procedure and fluorescence detection of pathogens can be carried on the chip without opening the lid, preventing aerosol contamination and reducing the probability of false positives. In experiments, the LAMP reaction conditions including the optimal reaction temperature and reaction time are thoroughly discussed and have been executed for various foodborne bacteria samples, including Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7), Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus). Testing of E. coli O157:H7 proved to be highly selective and sensitive (as low as 0.0134 ng µL− 1). Additionally, experimental test of real milk sample was figured, the complete detection duration time was within 68 min, the limit of detection(LOD) for Salmonella spp. was determined to be lower than 12 CFU mL− 1.
Conclusion

In summary, a newly developed LAMP microchip with polydopamine-coated and calcein fluorescence labeling paper-based provides a lower cost, easy to use, highly selective, and multiplexable pathogen detection capability with great promise as a rapid, highly efficient, and economical solution for future foodborne pathogen testing.
Novel Robust Time Series Analysis for Long-term and Short-term Prediction
Authors: Okamura Hiroshi , Osada Yutaka , Nishijima Shota , Eguchi Shinto
Published: January 2021

Nonlinear phenomena are universal in ecology. However, their inference and prediction are generally difficult because of autocorrelation and outliers. A traditional least squares method for parameter estimation is capable of improving short-term prediction by estimating autocorrelation, whereas it has weakness to outliers and consequently worse long-term prediction. In contrast, a traditional robust regression approach, such as the least absolute deviations method, alleviates the influence of outliers and has potentially better long-term prediction, whereas it makes accurately estimating autocorrelation difficult and possibly leads to worse short-term prediction. We propose a new robust regression approach that estimates autocorrelation accurately and reduces the influence of outliers. We then compare the new method with traditional least squares and least absolute deviations methods using simulated data and real ecological data. Simulations and analysis of real data demonstrate that the new method generally has better long-term and short-term prediction ability for nonlinear estimation problems using spawner--recruitment data. The new method provides nearly unbiased autocorrelation even for highly contaminated simulated data with extreme outliers, whereas the other methods fail to estimate autocorrelation accurately.
Application of Self-Pulling and Latter Transection in Totally Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy
Authors: Zhao Yang , Bai Zhi-Xia , Wang Tao , Song Dong , Li Tao
Published: January 2021

Background: To investigate the safety and efficacy of self-pulling and latter transection in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (SPLT-TLTG). Methods: Eighty patients with gastric cancer who received either SPLT-TLTG or laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) were enrolled for this study from January 2016 to June 2018. Clinical data including clinicopathologic parameters, postoperative conditions and long-term prognosis were collected and compared between patients received different types of surgeries. Results: Compared to LATG, patients who received SPLT-TLTG surgery were associated with shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss and smaller incision lesion. In addition, patients who received SPLT-TLTG surgeries spent significantly less time in bed-rest post-surgically, to first bowel movement, hospital stay and before first oral food-intake (P < 0.05), as long as lower postoperative pain scores. However, no significant difference was observed between SPLT-TLTG and LATG surgeries in terms of how many lymph nodes (LNs) were retrieved during operation, as well as the overall incidence of postoperative complications (P > 0.05). Conclusions: This pilot study provided primary evidence for the application of self-pulling and latter transection in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy in the treatment of gastric cancer.
Policy Discourse: Shifting the burden of healthcare from state to market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Rahman Redwanur , Salam Mohammed Asif
Published: January 2021

Saudi Arabia has modified from a predominantly free, public and comprehensive system under a welfare model to more of a mixed-economy model of healthcare. The welfare state slowly moved to a liberal model, emphasising market forces to dominate, and the private sector was trusted to provide better provision of healthcare. The country has confronting enormous problems in the health sector due to population growth, lifestyle changes, shift of disease pattern, elevated expectations, escalated healthcare costs, limited infrastructure and resources, and poor management practice in the provision of healthcare. Moreover, the government has been emphasizing on the need to bring in private sector investment to improve quality and efficiency, development of manpower, and standardization of services. As the current pattern of healthcare is unsustainable, the country is planning to restructure the present healthcare system towards institutionalizing it to meet the future challenges. The governments must make an appropriate amount of effort to build its healthcare systems by transforming and modifying the challenges faced by the society and its political-economic systems. The government should encourage equity, and fairness in the provision of healthcare.
S100A14 Induces Apoptosis and Negatively Regulates Proliferation of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Xiao Yu , Han Jibo , Li Fen , Zheng Anyuan , Chen Qibing , Chen Fuhai , Cheng Xiang , Tao Zezhang
Published: January 2021

Background: S100A14 is involved in multiple pathological processes; however, its role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is poorly understood. Methods: S100A14 was deleted or upregulated in 6-10B cells. Results: S100A14-knockdown 6-10B cells showed significantly higher optical density values in the CCK-8 assay, smaller scratch width in the scratch experiment, and significantly more invading cells in the transwell assay compared with controls. Compared with the control group, the G2/M and S phase proportions of the S100A14-overexpression group were significantly higher, early apoptosis was observed via JC-1 fluorescence, and flow cytometry showed a significantly higher proportion of apoptotic cells. Protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl decreased significantly, whereas that of Bax, Bad, cleaved-PARP, and cleaved-caspase-3/9 increased. Conclusions: Knockdown of S100A14 promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of 6-10B cells, whereas its upregulation promoted caspase-dependent apoptosis and induced S and G2/M phase arrest, indicating a role of S100A14 as a tumor suppressor gene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
A Transcription Factor Signature Predicts Prognosis of Patients with Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Jianyu , Liu Bo , Li Xiaoping
Published: January 2021

Background: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine cancer that manifests as abdominal masses and excessive steroid hormone levels. Transcription factors (TFs) deregulation is found to be involved in adrenocortical tumorigenesis and cancer progression. This study aimed to construct a TF-based prognostic signature for prediction of survival of ACC patients.Results: We identified a 13-TF prognostic signature comprised of CREB3L3, NR0B1, CENPA, FOXM1, E2F2, MYBL2, HOXC11, ZIC2, ZNF282, DNMT1, TCF3, ELK4, and KLF6 using the univariate Cox analysis and LASSO Cox regression. The risk score based on the TF-signature could classify patients into low- and high-risk group. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that patients in the high-risk group had significantly shorter overall survival compared to the low-risk patients. ROC curves showed that the prognostic signature predicted the overall survival of ACC patients with good sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, the TF-risk score was an independent prognostic factor.Conclusion: Taken together, we identified a 13-TF prognostic marker to predict overall survival in ACC patients.
Association Between Circulating Adiponectin and Heart Rate Recovery in Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Zheng Huan , Li Zhiling , Feng Wei , Liu Bin
Published: January 2021

Background: Imbalance of autonomic nervous system is confirmed as a key contributor for cardiometabolic complications in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) women. Heart rate recovery (HRR) is an easy test for autonomic nervous tone evaluation and a powerful index for predicting cardiovascular events and mortality. Adiponectin (APN) is reported to be correlated closely with autonomic nervous function in different populations.Methods: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum total APN and HRR in PCOS women. A total of 89 PCOS women were enrolled and divided into two groups. Women with HRR values slower than 12 beats were defined as Blunted HRR Group. APN levels were compared between Blunted HRR Group and Normal HRR Group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to determine which clinical variables were independently associated with decreased HRR and the effect of clinical variables on APNlevels, respectively. Results: 23 women were categorized in Blunted HRR Group, in which the APN level was significantly lower than Normal HRR Group (10.2±3.9 ug/ml vs. 13.1±4.1 ug/ml, P=0.015). Age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.21; P = 0.032], BMI (OR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.72-1.08; P = 0.006), hypertension (OR = 1.08; 95%CI = 1.02-1.26; P = 0.025) and APN (OR= 0.61; 95%CI = 0.43-0.88; P = 0.018) were independent factors of attenuated HRR in PCOS women. Meanwhile, multiple linear regression analysis showed only age (β=-0.26; 95%CI =-0.47- -0.03, P= 0.041) and hyperlipemia (β=-0.13; 95%CI =-0.27-0.08, P= 0.024) were closely associated with APN levels in PCOS women.Conclusions: Our findings suggested that decreased APN concentration was closely associated with HRR blunt in PCOS women. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying interactions between APN and autonomic nervous function.
CASK Silence Enhances Chemosensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through activating Apoptosis, Inducing JNK/c-Jun-Mediated Autophagic Cell Death and Decreasing ABCG2
Authors: Ding BiSha , Bao Chang , Jin Luqi , Xu Liang , Dai Zhijun , Fan Weimin , Lou Weiyang
Published: January 2021

Background: Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients usually fail to be treated because of drug resistance, including sorafenib. Methods: The expression and prognostic role of calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (CASK) in HCC were assessed by combination of bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation. The effects of CASK in regulating proliferation, apoptosis and drug resistance of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo were investigated using gain- or loss-of-function strategies by performing lots of specific methods including Cell Counting kit-8 (CCK8), colony formation assay, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescent confocal laser microscopy and tumor xenograft experiments, immunohistochemistry staining. Moreover, the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for CASK’s functions in HCC were also explored. Results: Currently, we discovered that CASK was positively associated with sorafenib resistance of HCC in vitro and in vivo, and was significantly related with poor prognosis in HCC. Moreover, inhibition of CASK can increase the effect of sorafenib partially by promoting apoptosis and autophagy, while CASK overexpression presented the opposite results. Besides, all the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, autophagy inhibitor 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) of LC3B reversed CASK knockout-induced effects with sorafenib treatment, suggesting that both apoptosis and autophagy were involved in CASK-mediated above functions and autophagy played a pro-death role in this research. Intriguingly, similar results were observed in vivo. In molecular level, CASK knockout activated the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, and treatment with JNK inhibitor SP600125 or transiently transfected with si-JNK significantly attenuated CASK knockout-mediated autophagic cell death. Besides, knockout of CASK dramatically inhibited the expression of ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) and reversed of multidrug-resistance (MDR) of HCC. Conclusions: Collectively, all these results together indicated that CASK might be a promising biomarker for HCC patients and a potential therapeutic target for relieving drug resistance of HCC.
Tumor-Stroma Co-Cultures Modify the Invasive Properties of Human Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Cells Through Different Patterns of Cytokine Secretion and Depending on the Type of Cell Lines.
Authors: Prieto-García Elena , Díaz-García C. Vanesa , Agudo-López Alba , Pardo-Marqués Virginia , García-Consuegra Inés , Asensio-Peña Sara , Alonso-Riaño Marina , Pérez Carlos , Gómez Carlos , Adeva Jorge , Paz-Ares Luis , López-Martín José A. , Agulló-Ortuño María Teresa
Published: January 2021

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most lethal cancer worldwide. One key feature of PDAC is a dense desmoplastic reaction that has become recognized to play important roles in tumor growth, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. We aim to study tumor-stromal interactions in an in vitro co-culture model between human PDAC cells and fibroblasts.Methods: Capan-1 or PL-45 human pancreatic tumor cell lines and LC5 fibroblasts were grown in direct or indirect co-cultures, and their relationship regarding migratory and invasive properties were studied by wound-healing and transwell migration assays. Confocal immunofluorescence, ELISA, and western blotting were used to evaluate the expression of activation markers. Cytokines arrays were performed to identify secretome profiles associated to migratory and invasive properties of tumor cells. Extracellular vesicles production was examined by ELISA and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Co-cultures conditions increased FGF-7 secretion and α-SMA expression, characterizing fibroblasts activation; and decreased epithelial marker E-cadherin in tumor cells, suggesting that they suffer epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. The expression pattern of cytokine secretion differed under co-culture conditions versus monocultures, with GM-CSF, GRO a/b/g, GRO-α, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and RANTES being the most affected. A greater number of exosomes with higher amount of proteins was quantified in co-cultures assays. Interestingly, tumor cells and fibroblasts migrate as a package, with tumor cells in the middle surrounded by fibroblasts, and maximizing the contact between cell to cell. Conclusions: We show different migratory properties in tumor and stromal cells, and we draw a different mechanism for tumor spread through a cooperative migration between tumor cells and activated fibroblasts. Furthermore, we found that the level of IL-6 mainly, in addition to other cytokines, change significantly in co-cultures conditions with respect to monocultures, and this could affect the invasive and migratory capacities of cells. Targeting the interaction between tumor cells and tumor microenvironment might represent a novel therapeutic approach to advance pancreatic carcinoma.
Preneoplastic Lesions Fimbria Early Diagnosis Markers Underlying Timeline Mechanisms at The Origin of Ovarian Cancer in BRAC1/2 Patients: Case Reports Based on Proteogenomic Study
Authors: Wisztorski Maxence , Saudemont Philippe , Aboulouard Soulaimane , Cardon Tristan , Narducci Fabrice , Robin Yves-Marie , Lemaire Anne-Sophie , Bertin Delphine , Kobeissy Firas , Leblanc Eric , Fournier Isabelle , Salzet Michel
Published: January 2021

Background : BRCA 1 or 2 mutations have been known to be drivers of high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSC). As no efficient screening is currently available, a bilateral prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy is the recommended procedure to avoid this often lethal carcinomas. However, a proportion of BRCA mutation carriers refuse to undergo this procedure due to significant impacts on quality and quantity of life, especially if a hormone replacement therapy is contra-indicated. Such decision expose them to developing a pelvic serous carcinoma. A better undersanding of high-grade serous cancer pathogenesis, rather stemming from fallopian tubes than from ovary itself, makes interesting a two-step prophylactic strategy in which tubes are removed as soon as possible, followed by oophorectomies at the time of menopause. Thus women are protected against HGSC with no immediate need of an HRT. Following this idea and considering the concept of junctional “hot spots “ (called mesothelo-müllerian junctions) for the development of HGSC, we suggested as first step to perform a bilateral prophylactic radical fimbriectomy rather than salpingectomy with a delayed oophorectomy (RF/DO). This operation was tested in a national phase 2 trial from 2011-2014 (NCT01608074). Radical Fimbriectomy (RF) consists of the surgical removal of both fallopian tubes along with a tiny part of the adherent ovary to suppress the tubal source of possible dysplastic cells from which can stem a high-grade invasive tumor, through stepwise cellular and genomic altereations ranging from p53 signatures to serous tubal intraepithelial carcoinoma (STIC), just before genuine invasive HGSC, through intermediate aspects (STIL) and (TILT). Methods : In this context, we carried out an in-depth proteomics analysis of these “pre-invasive ” epithelial lesions based on spatially resolved proteomic/ and bioinformatics systems biology platforms platform guided by immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique. Results : Specific markers related to each preneoplastic lesions and in particular from normal to p53 signatures were evaluated. We identified EIF3B, MOB1B and Emilin2, CAVIN1 as bad prognosis markers of P53 signature whereas CAVIN2, SPTANi, FBLN5 as good prognosis markers. Among the novel markers identified, mutated proteins as well as hidden proteins translated from alternative ORF Proteome have been sequenced and characterized. Conlusion : In summary, our results represent a novel pioneer approach to identify the unique under investigated markers that can characterize the molecular mechanism occurring in the preneoplastic lesion in fimbria at the origin of the HGSC.
Novel Hybrid Hypercrosslinked Polymer Assisted Highly Efficient Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Liu Changhui , Zhang Jiahao , Liu Jian , Tan Zengyi , Cao Yuqi , Li Xia , Rao Zhonghao
Published: January 2021

Though a range of methods has been dedicated to solving the leakage problems, a versatile method which can meet with the organic and inorganic phase change materials (PCMs) simultaneously still have not been seen. In this work, an organic/inorganic hybrid Silioxyl functional group containing polymer was synthesized and applied to encapsulated PCMs. Owing to the mild hypercrosslinking reaction conditions, which only requires the addition of catalytic amount of aqueous alkali solution, renders it to be tolerance towards both organic and inorganic PCMs. More importantly, the homogeneous state of the initiate state of the mixture allowed the ultimate PCMs encapsulation rate and the uniformly blending of the third nano-additives with the aim of thermal conductivity enhancement. Further study reveals that the presence of this hybrid polymers endows a unique self-cleaning property to the obtained phase change composite that it displays a good hydrophobicity towards water droplets. More importantly, this novel PCMs encapsulation protocol shows a good tolerance with varies of nanoparticles, including carbon based nanomaterial, metal oxide nanoparticles and inorganic oxide nanoparticles, which enables an utmost 600% thermal conductivity enhancement and 93.7% light-to-thermal conversion efficiency with a latent heat of 180 J/g without the observation of any leakage.
An ionising radiation-induced specific transcriptional signature of inflammation-associated genes in human whole blood: a pilot study
Authors: Cruz-Garcia Lourdes , Badie Christophe , Anbalagan Selvakumar , Moquet Jayne , Gothard Lone , O’Brien Grainne , Somaiah Navita , Ainsbury Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2021

This communication reports the identification of a new panel of transcriptional changes in inflammation-associated genes observed in response to ionising radiation received by radiotherapy patients. Peripheral blood samples were taken with ethical approval and informed consent from a total of 20 patients undergoing external beam radiotherapy for breast, lung, gastrointestinal or genitourinary tumours. Nanostring nCounter analysis of transcriptional changes was carried out in samples prior and 24 hours post-delivery of the 1st radiotherapy fraction, just prior to the 5th or 6th fraction, and just before the last fraction. Statistical analysis with BRB Array Tools, GLM MANOVA and nSolver, revealed a radiation responsive panel of genes which varied by patient group (type of cancer) and with time since exposure (as an analogue for dose received), which may be useful as a biomarker of radiation response. Further validation in a wider group of patients is ongoing, together with work towards a full understanding of patient specific responses in support of personalised approaches to radiation medicine.
Food related taboos and misconceptions during pregnancy among rural communities of Illu Aba Bor Zone, Southwest Ethiopia.
Authors: Tsegaye Dereje , Tamiru Dessalegn , Belachew Tefera
Published: January 2021

Background: Poor maternal nutrition adversely affects pregnancy and birth outcomes. In many societies, pregnant women have food taboos and misconceptions which consequently results in the depletion of vital nutrients. These cultural malpractices and beliefs can influence dietary intake of pregnant women which subsequently affects the birth outcome. This study aimed at exploring the extent of food taboos and misconceptions during pregnancy in rural communities of Illu Aba Bor Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews of key informants and focus group discussions among purposefully selected pregnant women and their husbands, elderly people, health workers and health extension workers. Data were transcribed verbatim, thematized; color coded and analyzed manually using the thematic framework method.Result: Thorough reading and review of the transcripts generated three major themes. The first theme was belief and practice of taboos related to the intake of certain food items during pregnancy. Pregnant women, their husbands and mothers- in- law believed that certain foods should be avoided during pregnancy. The second theme was foods that were held as taboo and the reason attached to the food taboos. The most common food items held as taboo were related to the consumption of vegetables like cabbage, pumpkin, milk and milk products, sugar cane, fruit like banana and avocado and egg and the main reasons to avoid these foods were a belief that it can be plastered on the fetal head, making fatty baby which is difficult for delivery. The third theme was the reasons underlying adherence to food taboos which is deeply embedded in the personal believes and attitudes of the pregnant women, who were nested within the influence of the social environment surrounding them and the traditional beliefs and values of the society in general. Conclusions: The results showed a widespread practice of food taboo during pregnancy in the study area. The finding suggested that there is a need for strengthening the nutrition counseling components of antenatal care follow-up and planning comprehensive nutrition education through involving important others to dispel such traditional beliefs and prevent food taboo practices in the study community.
A comparison of the bridge-type ROI-C interbody fusion cage system and ACDF with plating and cage system in 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: A retrospective study
Authors: He Shuangjun , Zhou Zhangzhe , Shao Xiaofeng , Zhang Changhao , Zhou Xinfeng , Wu Shuhua , Chen Kangwu , Wang Yaowei , Qian Zhonglai
Published: January 2021

Objective: A study was conducted to explore the clinical efficacy and radioactive results of the bridge-type ROI-C interbody fusion cage (ROI-C) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating and cage system (ACDF) for cervical spondylopathy.Methods: From January 2014 to January 2018, 45 patients who underwent operations were retrospectively analyzed, including 24 cases of ROI-C (group A) and 21 cases of ACDF (group B). The operation time, blood loss, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (JOA), postoperative complications, imaging results including cervical Cobb angle, and fusion were compared between groups.Results: All patients were successfully treated with surgery. No cerebrospinal fluid leakage, esophageal fistula, or hoarseness occurred after the surgery. The operation time and blood loss in group A were lower than those in group B (P<0.05). During the follow-up period, JOA score increased and NDI score decreased after the operation (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between the groups (P>0.05). In group A, the incidence of postoperative dysphagia was 12.5%, which returned to normal after 1 month. In group B, the incidence of postoperative dysphagia was 38.1%, which was 19% after 1 month and 4.8% at the final follow-up. In group A, the fusion rate was 83.3% at 3 months after surgery and 100% at the last follow-up. The rate of adjacent level ossification development was 12.5%. In group B, the fusion rate was 85.7% at 3 months after surgery and 100% at the last follow-up. The rate of adjacent level ossification development was 23.8%.Conclusion: Both ROI-C and ACDF achieved satisfactory results, but ROI-C had a shorter operation time, less bleeding, and lower incidence of dysphagia in the short term.
Medical Educators’ Beliefs about the Alignment of Learning Goals, Teaching, and Assessment in the Context of Curriculum Changes: A Qualitative Study  Conducted at  an Iranian Medical School
Authors: Karami Morteza , Hashemi Nooriyeh , Merrienboer Jeroen van
Published: January 2021

Background: Achieving changing needs, advancing knowledge, and innovations in higher education require the constant changes of medical school curricula and successfully applying the new reforms requires some modifications in the medical educators' core beliefs. The purpose of this study was to describe the medical educators’ beliefs about the alignment of the learning goals, teaching and assessment in the context of the curriculum changes.Method: A qualitative method was used to study the medical educators' beliefs by selecting the faculty participants via a purposeful sampling strategy. This study was conducted at a Medical School in Iran. For the individual interviews, we invited both the professors of the basic sciences and the clinical professors who had worked with the medical students for at least five years. Ten educators were interviewed.Result: The results of the research show that the professors believe that the development of competencies has been abandoned and this is due to the priority of treatment to education in the clinical course and the limited learning experiences. Moreover, the gap between the content and the context and the practicing in the hospital instead of the clinics has reduced the authenticity of the learning environment this situation, and has affected its quality. The non-systematic assessment has also helped to establish.Conclusion: The compartmentalization of the curriculum and the structure of the medical education have caused the beliefs of the professors to be in line with the past perspectives, despite the change in the curriculum, and a change in the structure of the curriculum is necessary to change them.
Analysis of the Gap in PCR Monitoring Availability for Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in 60 Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Rowley Seth , Garcia-Gonzalez Patricia , Radich Jerald P , Usherenko Irina , Babigumira Joseph B
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To estimate the resource gap in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) monitoring for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: We developed a model of demand and supply of PCR monitoring of CML patients in 60 LMICs. PCR testing was assumed to use Cepheid’s GeneXpert® IV system. We included costs of GeneXpert® instruments, uninterrupted power supplies, warranties, calibration kits, test cartridges, and shipping. We calculated the country-specific monetary gap in PCR monitoring, stratified by country priority defined as the availability of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) through The Max Foundation initiatives. Results: The five-year gap in PCR monitoring was $29.1 million across all countries, 22% ($6.4 million) in countries with all five TKIs available, 20% ($5.7 million) in countries with four TKIs available, 50% ($14.5 million) in countries with three TKIs available, 8% ($2.2 million) in countries with two TKIs available, and 1% ($0.3 million) in countries with one TKI available. The gap was highest in South Asia (52%; $15.1 million) and lowest in Latin America (6%; $1.9 million). Excluding labor costs, the bulk of the resource needs (86%; $25.2 million) were for procurement of BCR-ABL cartridges. Conclusion: Removing the five-year gap in PCR monitoring capacity for CML in LMICs will require the mobilization of significant resources and will likely lead to better treatment outcomes and reduced treatment costs through optimization of treatment, discontinuation of therapy in appropriate patients, and facilitation of clinical research. Development of streamlined monitoring guidelines for resource-limited countries should be considered.
MiR-144-3p-mediated dysregulation of EIF4G2 contributes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma through the ERK pathway
Authors: Li Shuangshuang , Shao Jiajia , Lou Guohua , Wu Chao , Liu Yanning , ZHENG MIN
Published: January 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with high incidence and mortality. However, the underlying mechanisms of HCC still remain unclear. Eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) have a substantial effect on tumor development. In this study, we were aimed to investigate the role of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (EIF4G2) in HCC.Methods: Western blot (WB) of 30 paired HCC tissues and tissue microarrays (TMAs) conducted by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 89 paired HCC samples were performed to assess EIF4G2 expression. Clone formation, real-time cell analysis (RTCA), wound healing and transwell assays were adopted to evaluate the role of EIF4G2 on HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities. The function of EIF4G2 in HCC tumor growth was assessed in a xenograft nude mouse model in vivo. The regulation of EIF4G2 by miR-144-3p was performed by luciferase reporter assay and WB.Results: The EIF4G2 protein was clearly upregulated in HCC tissues, and high EIF4G2 expression was closely related to HCC prognosis. EIF4G2 silencing could inhibit HCC cell growth and metastasis in vitro, and suppress tumorigenesis in vivo by repressing the ERK signaling pathway. The results of luciferase reporter assays, WB and IHC staining verified that EIF4G2 was negatively regulated by miR-144. And re-expression of EIF4G2 could partially reverse the inhibiting effect of miR-144 in HCC.Conclusion: In summary, our study revealed the role of EIF4G2 in HCC development via the activation of the ERK pathway. We also found that EIF4G2 could be negatively regulated by the tumor suppressor miR-144. Our investigations indicated that EIF4G2 might be a promising therapeutic target in HCC.
Motivation, satisfaction and perceived benefits of volunteering with the Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP): A survey of French-speaking volunteers in Quebec
Authors: Kaczorowski Janusz , Moussa Hanaa , Lussier Marie-Thérèse , Girard Magali
Published: January 2021

Background: Locally recruited and trained volunteers are a vital component of the Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP), a community-based cardiovascular disease prevention program that has been implemented across different settings and targeting different populations. As part of expanding and adapting CHAP to new settings, we conducted a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial to implement CHAP targeting French-speaking elderly residents of subsidized social housing buildings in Québec and Ontario. As there is some evidence that the culture of volunteering might be different for English-speakers than their French-speaking counterparts, our objective was to generate a profile of French-speaking CHAP volunteers and to compare it with English-speaking volunteers in Ontario who participated in an earlier community-based CHAP program and with volunteers in Canada as reported in the Statistics Canada's General Social Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating (CSGVP). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered online or by telephone to French-speaking volunteers who participated in at least one CHAP session held in subsidized social housing in Montérégie (Québec, Canada) between March 2018 and June 2019. Results: The response rate was 79% (30/38), majority were female (87%, 26/30), retired or semi-retired (83%; 25/30), almost two-thirds (63%, 19/30) had previous work experience in the healthcare field, and 40% (12/30) had more than 10 years of volunteering experience. These characteristics were similar both to those of general profile of volunteers in Canada and to English-speaking volunteers in Ontario who participated in an earlier pharmacy-based CHAP program. The top 5 reasons for volunteering among French-speaking CHAP volunteers were identical to those reported in CSGVP: making a contribution to the community; using one’s skills and experience; improving one’s sense of well-being or health; exploring one’s own strengths; and networking with or meeting people. The majority of French-speaking CHAP volunteers, like their English counterparts in Ontario, reported a high level of satisfaction with their participation in the program, enjoyed their interaction with participants, and gained new knowledge. Conclusions: French-speaking CHAP volunteers in Quebec share many similarities with English-speaking CHAP volunteers in Ontario and volunteers in Canada in terms of background, motivation, satisfaction and perceived benefits of volunteering.
ON THE LEGAL BASIS OF PLANNING AND FORMING THE DEFENSE BUDGET OF UKRAINE
Authors: Samsin R.I.
Published: January 2021

The article systematically investigates the legal bases of planning and formation of the defense budget of Ukraine. It is stated that the legal bases of the defense budget of Ukraine are the Constitution of Ukraine, the Budget Code of Ukraine, the Law of Ukraine «On National Security of Ukraine», the Strategic Defense Bulletin of Ukraine, the National Security Strategy, the Military Doctrine of Ukraine, the laws of Ukraine on the state budget for the respective year. It is stated that at the legislative level the sources of financing of defense expenditures are fixed: funds of the state budget of Ukraine, charitable donations, income from own economic activity of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The mechanism and conditions for providing charitable assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine are described. The expediency of revising the Concept of economic and economic activity of the Armed Forces of Ukraine approved on April 19, 1997, approved by the President. The current Concept does not meet current conditions. It needs revision, based on Ukraine’s NATO course, of military aggression, reformatting the structure of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It has been determined that the amount of defense expenditures as a percentage of the gross domestic product meets international standards. However, the weakness of the national economy indicates a lack of defense spending in dollar terms and in terms of one soldier. The expediency of optimizing the structure of expenditures, reorientation of creation of new administrative and economic units for project management in the sphere of defense, creation of an effective mechanism of public control over the distribution of defense expenditures is argued.
Keywords: defense budget, legal framework, gross domestic product, national security, defense, budget, charitable donation, economic activity.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR SECURITY OF ROAD TRANSPORT: INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Authors: Ilchenko O.V. , Varava M.
Published: January 2021

The article analyzes the introduction of the European experience for ensuring road safety on the highways of Ukraine. The conclusion is made on the feasibility of introducing such an experience in Ukraine. The basic directions, which should promote the creation of a safe, reliable, stable, stable, and regulated system of road safety in modern living conditions are determined. Analysis of the best European practices for the introduction of modern automated road traffic control systems based on the achievements of European colleagues will significantly improve the situation in the field of road safety. The introduction of innovative management technologies, including road traffic, will provide the necessary sustainable development of the economy and society as a whole. Prevention as the main and priority direction of positive European experience such as clarification in mass media, distribution of information brochures,
promotion of law-abiding drivers, and conducting of explanatory work with youth will allow reducing the number of offenses on the roads of Ukraine. Because safe roads, this is primarily the conscious, but safe behavior of every participant in the traffic, regardless of age, sex or property status. Already the first work on the part of state authorities is the approval of the government program “Strategy for Enhancing the Level of Road Safety in Ukraine until 2020″, which was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 481-r of June 14, 2017. The return of the Tricam radar from October 16, 2018, to fix violations of the high-speed regime will improve the control over compliance with traffic rules, which will result from increased security and a reduction in the number of administrative offenses on the roads of Ukraine. The most effective measure aimed at ensuring road safety is the creation of a Safe City project in cities of Ukraine, which is to introduce video surveillance systems to enhance the safety of road users, control the operation of public utilities, and manage city traffic. Already in some cities, electronic surveillance systems are in place that recognizes the driver’s face and vehicle numbers. Cooperation with operational units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Security Service, and Ministry of Emergencies has been established.
Keywords: safety, road traffic, transport, traffic accident, European experience, speed recorders, automated control systems, analytical and legal support.
TO THE QUESTION ON PRE-CASE SETTLEMENT OF ECONOMIC DISPUTES
Authors: Rudenko L.D. , Semko D.S.
Published: January 2021

The article identifies the nature of pre-trial settlement of an economic dispute, analyzes the features of the pretrial settlement of an economic dispute. Taking into account the provisions of the current Commercial Code and the Commercial Procedure Code of Ukraine, the article examines the procedure for pre-judicial settlement of the economic dispute, including the analysis of the rules of economic law and commercial procedural law, which regulate the general procedure for pre-trial settlement of economic disputes.
It is determined that pre-trial settlement of economic disputes is an independent legal institution, the rules of which are contained in both procedural and material sources of law of different legal force. Specified that pre-trial settlement of economic disputes is a set of actions defined by law and/or contract, On the basis of the conducted analysis, it is concluded that it is advisable to include in the Commercial Code a separate Chapter “Pre-trial settlement of economic disputes”, in which to determine the forms of
pre-trial settlement (negotiations, claim procedure, mediation), the procedure for their application. The necessity to align the requirements of procedural and substantive norms in cases of obligatory application of pre-trial settlement of economic disputes was noted. The imperative prescription regarding the obligation to apply pre-trial settlement of economic disputes is contained in Art. 29, 30 of the International Rail Freight Agreement. In a number of other legal acts, the application of pre-trial dispute
settlement is dispositive. Based on case law and business research, it is proposed to provide for the obligation of pre-trial settlement for transportation contracts, telecommunication services contracts, public procurement contracts.
Keywords: pre-trial settlement, legal institute, economic dispute, parties to the economic dispute, claim, consequences of the pre-judicial settlement of the economic dispute.