bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Romantic Partnership Dynamics in Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Case Files
Authors: Twis Mary K. , Gillespie Lynzee , Greenwood Don
Published: September 2020

Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is the commercial sexual exploitation of a minor citizen or legal resident within the United States. Previous research suggests that although DMST is often discussed as though it is a uniform phenomenon, traffickers may use different tactics and exploit different victim vulnerabilities depending upon their established relationships with those who are at-risk for trafficking. The purpose of this qualitative study, therefore, is to explore the relationship patterns and dynamics that emerge between DMST victims and their romantic partner traffickers. This study utilizes the secondary case files of 38 domestic minors who were trafficked for sex by their romantic partners in one state in the United States between 2012 and 2017. The study is conceptualized according to the principles of directed content analysis and multiple case study design and relies heavily on previous research findings related to victim-trafficker relationship typology. The authors conducted two rounds of coding before applying themes to the case files. The analysis revealed that DMST victims trafficked by romantic partners are often influenced by environmental circumstances, such as gang involvement and family systems involvement. Romantic partner traffickers use specific recruitment tactics to entrap their victims, and exercise methods such as caregiving, sexual violence, and psychological violence to maintain control over their victims. Study results provide a significant extension to the anti-trafficking field’s understanding of DMST and the romantic partner relationships that underpin it. The results suggest that anti-trafficking advocates should screen at-risk adolescents for gang involvement, family involvement in the sex industry. They should also educate at-risk adolescents about DMST as a potential component of teen dating violence.
Theoretical research on magnetization and demagnetization process of electrohydraulic servo valve with permanent magnet torque motor
Authors: Tai Minghao , Jiang Yulei , Chen Long , Zhu Yuchuan
Published: September 2020

The magnetization and demagnetization process of electrohydraulic servo valve with permanent magnet torque motor is the last manufacturing process of electrohydraulic servo valve before its service, which has a significant effect on the output characteristics and magnetic stability of both torque motor and electrohydraulic servo valve. However, the previous studies mainly focus on the static state of the magnetic circuit instead of the changes of the magnetic steel’s states while operating magnetization and demagnetization process of torque motor, which causes many issues such as the unpredictability and inaccuracy of magnetization and demagnetization process. In this paper, a set of theoretical models are proposed to describe this entire magnetization and demagnetization process more accurately aiming at this issue. Firstly, a detailed magnetic circuit mathematical model of permanent magnet torque motor before demagnetization is established according to two kinds of magnetic circuits. Secondly, different from the existing research, in this paper, taking the variety of internal reluctance and magnetomotive force of magnetic steel into consideration, an equivalent method is presented by dividing the B-H curve of the magnetization and demagnetization process into several segments. Finally, the finite element method is used to verify the accuracy of the proposed mathematical model. The research results show the proposed model can accurately calculate the magnetic flux density of magnetic steel at any time and even the air gap’s magnetic flux and the output torque after the magnetization and demagnetization process. This research can help to design the magnetization and demagnetization process such as demagnetizing current to make sure the toque motor meets the requirements, which has an important guiding significance to design and conduct the magnetization and demagnetization process of electrohydraulic servo valve with permanent magnet torque motor.
Effect of port injection of ethanol on engine performance, exhaust emissions and environmental factors in a dual-fuel diesel engine
Authors: Gürbüz Habib , Demirtürk Selim , Akçay İsmail Hakkı , Akçay Hüsameddin
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates the effect of ethanol addition and hot exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on engine performance, exhaust emissions, and air-pollution damage-cost in a dual-fuel diesel engine. The ethanol is injected at low pressure into the intake manifold using a port-fuel injector while diesel fuel is injected directly into the cylinder. Only the duration of the ethanol injection is changed in the dual-fuel injection system while the diesel injection parameters are not changed. Ethanol fuel is added by port injection in such amounts as to provide additional heat energy in the range of 0–40% to the heat energy of the diesel fuel taken to the engine for any engine operating conditions. Moreover, 5%, 10%, and 15% rates exhaust gas recirculation (hot EGR) for each engine operating conditions are applied. The engine is operated at 1400, 1600, 1800 and 2000 rpm engine speeds at full load (≈40 Nm). In this paper, the highest improvement in engine performance and environmental factors is obtained with ethanol addition of 40% without the hot EGR at 1400 rpm. Under these conditions, the brake engine power ( BEP) and brake engine torque ( BET) increase of 6.9% and 8.1% while NOx emission and air-pollution damage-cost decreased of 32% and 23.9%, respectively. However, CO, HC, and smoke ( FSN number) emissions increased significantly. On the other hand, the brake thermal efficiency ( BTE) and brake specific energy consumption ( BSEC) are negatively affected by the ethanol addition and hot EGR.
History of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy as a predictive factor for transfusion requirement in elderly trauma patients in intensive care: A retrospective registry–based cohort analysis
Authors: Kim Se Heon , Sul Young Hoon , Lee Jin Young , Ye Jin Bong , Lee Jin Suk , Kim Hong Rye , Yoon Soo Young , Kim Joong Suck
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

With increased life expectancy, the proportion of elderly trauma admissions has increased. Elderly patients frequently have underlying diseases necessitating anticoagulant/antiplatelet medication, which worsens coagulopathy. We ascertained the relationship between preinjury anticoagulants/antiplatelet medication use and transfusion requirements in patients older than 65 years.

Methods:

This retrospective study enrolled patients admitted to the trauma intensive care unit of Chungbuk National University Hospital during January 2016 to June 2019. Data on medication history, clinical features, and component transfusions were analyzed with the chi-square test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance.

Results:

Overall, 142 and 324 (overall 466) patients did and did not receive anticoagulant/antiplatelet medication, respectively. Falls were more frequent ( p < 0.001) in the medicated group ( n = 36; 25.4% vs n = 25; 7.7%). Head and neck injuries were more frequent among patients in the medicated group (58.5% vs 46.6%, p = 0.02), and they had a lower Injury Severity Score (ISS; 18.2 vs 20.2, p = 0.03), with no difference in serum hemoglobin level and coagulation function. The non-medicated group received more red blood cell transfusions within 4 h of arrival (2.24 vs 1.42 units, p = 0.03). Post hoc analysis revealed differences in red blood cell transfusions within 4 h of arrival between the non-medicated and warfarin groups (2.24 vs 0.33 units). Patients with head and neck injuries received less red blood cells than patients with other injuries (head and neck 1.07; chest and abdomen 2.73; pelvic and extremity 3.34 units, p < 0.001). On linear regression analysis, the Injury Severity Score and Glasgow Coma Scale score influenced the transfusion volume. Multivariate analysis controlled for Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and main injury site showed no intergroup differences in transfusion requirements.

Conclusion:

Preinjury anticoagulant/antiplatelet medication use was not significantly associated with transfusion amounts in patients older than 65 years.
Using Item Response Theory to Develop Revised (SSOSH-7) and Ultra-Brief (SSOSH-3) Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scales
Authors: Brenner Rachel E. , Colvin Kimberly F. , Hammer Joseph H. , Vogel David L.
Published: September 2020

The current research developed ultra-brief (SSOSH-3) and revised (SSOSH-7) versions of the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help scale. Item response theory was used to examine the amount of information each item provided across the latent variable scale and test whether items functioned differently across women and men. In a sample of 857 community adults, results supported removal of three reverse-scored items to create the SSOSH-7. The three most informative items were retained to create the SSOSH-3. Differential item functioning testing supported the use of both versions across women and men. Results replicated in an undergraduate student sample ( n = 661). In both samples, the SSOSH-3 (αs = .82-.87) and SSOSH-7 (αs = .87-.89) demonstrated evidence of internal consistency. The SSOSH-3 ( rs ≥ .89) and SSOSH-7 ( rs ≥ .97) were highly correlated with the original SSOSH across samples and demonstrated significant correlations with help-seeking constructs and in similar magnitude to the original SSOSH.
Safety Assessment of 2-Amino-3-Hydroxypyridine as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Burnett Christina L. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Gill Lillian J. , Heldreth Bart
Published: September 2020

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 2-Amino-3-Hydroxypyridine, which is reported to function as an oxidative hair dye ingredient. The Panel reviewed relevant animal and human data provided in this safety assessment, and concluded that 2-Amino-3-Hydroxypyridine is safe in the present practices of use and concentration for use in oxidative hair dye formulations.
Vancomycin Dosing Practices among Critical Care Pharmacists: A Survey of Society of Critical Care Medicine Pharmacists
Authors: Flannery Alexander H , Hammond Drayton A , Oyler Douglas R , Li Chenghui , Wong Adrian , Smith Andrew P , Yeo Qiu Min , Chaney Whitney , Pfaff Caitlin E , Plewa-Rusiecki Angela M , Juang Paul
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Critically ill patients and their pharmacokinetics present complexities often not considered by consensus guidelines from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists. Prior surveys have suggested discordance between certain guideline recommendations and reported infectious disease pharmacist practice. Vancomycin dosing practices, including institutional considerations, have not previously been well described in the critically ill patient population.

Objectives:

To evaluate critical care pharmacists’ self-reported vancomycin practices in comparison to the 2009 guideline recommendations and other best practices identified by the study investigators.

Methods:

An online survey developed by the Research and Scholarship Committee of the Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology (CPP) Section of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) was sent to pharmacist members of the SCCM CPP Section practicing in adult intensive care units in the spring of 2017. This survey queried pharmacists’ self-reported practices regarding vancomycin dosing and monitoring in critically ill adults.

Results:

Three-hundred and sixty-four responses were received for an estimated response rate of 26%. Critical care pharmacists self-reported largely following the 2009 vancomycin dosing and monitoring guidelines. The largest deviations in guideline recommendation compliance involve consistent use of a loading dose, dosing weight in obese patients, and quality improvement efforts related to systematically monitoring vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity. Variation exists regarding pharmacist protocols and other practices of vancomycin use in critically ill patients.

Conclusion:

Among critical care pharmacists, reported vancomycin practices are largely consistent with the 2009 guideline recommendations. Variations in vancomycin dosing and monitoring protocols are identified, and rationale for guideline non-adherence with loading doses elucidated.
Fixed Intelligence Mindset Moderates the Impact of Adverse Academic Experiences on Students’ Self-Esteem
Authors: Gál Éva , Tóth-Király István , Szamosközi István , Orosz Gábor
Published: September 2020

The present research, by using cross-sectional (Study 1, N = 413) and daily diary methods (Study 2, N = 95) aimed to investigate the way intelligence mindset influences students’ self-esteem and emotional experiences when they are confronting academic adversities (i.e., failures and difficulties). Although fixed intelligence mindset showed no association with students’ daily positive or negative emotions, results consistently indicated that fixed intelligence mindset moderated the effect of academic failures (Study 1) and daily difficulties (Study 2) on their self-esteem. Academic adversities reduced students’ self-esteem, and fixed intelligence mindset amplified this effect.
Microbiota and Its Antibiotic Susceptibility in Diabetic Foot Infections: Observations From Polish Nonmetropolitan Hospital, 2015-2016
Authors: Michalek Irmina Maria , Mitura Kryspin , Krechowska Agnieszka , Caetano dos Santos Florentino Luciano
Published: September 2020

In current clinical practice, in case of symptoms-based suspicion of diabetic foot infection, immediate empiric antibiotic therapy is recommended. Prevailing guidelines do not provide region-specific therapy schemes. To validate existing recommendations, there is an urgent need for a report on diabetic foot infection microbiota patterns in Central Europe. This study aimed to describe diabetic foot infections microbiota and its antibiotic susceptibility in Poland. We conducted a single-center descriptive study at the General Surgery Department, Siedlce Hospital, Poland. Data for all patients diagnosed with diabetic foot infection between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2016, and corresponding antimicrobial susceptibility tests were extracted. A total of 54 patients were included in the study, with a total of 102 microbiological samples. Among 81 positive samples, 77.1% of the isolated bacteria were Gram-negative. A total of 93.4% of the isolates were facultatively anaerobic bacteria. No obligatory anaerobic bacteria and no yeasts were isolated. Facultatively anaerobic, Gram-negative bacteria, mainly Proteus spp and Escherichia coli, were the most common organisms cultured in diabetic foot infections. This study suggests that the currently implemented treatment recommendations might not be adequate in Poland.
Informed Consent for Mobile Phone Health Surveys in Colombia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Rodriguez-Patarroyo Mariana , Torres-Quintero Angelica , Vecino-Ortiz Andres I. , Hallez Kristina , Franco-Rodriguez Aixa Natalia , Rueda Barrera Eduardo A. , Puerto Stephanie , Gibson Dustin G. , Labrique Alain , Pariyo George W. , Ali Joseph
Published: September 2020

Public health surveys deployed through automated mobile phone calls raise a set of ethical challenges, including succinctly communicating information necessary to obtain respondent informed consent. This study aimed to capture the perspectives of key stakeholders, both experts and community members, on consent processes and preferences for participation in automated mobile phone surveys (MPS) of non-communicable disease risk factors in Colombia. We conducted semi-structured interviews with ethics and digital health experts and focus group discussions with community representatives. There was meaningful disagreement within both groups regarding the necessity of consent, when the purpose of a survey is to contribute to the formulation of public policies. Respondents who favored consent emphasized that consent communications ought to promote understanding and voluntariness, and implicitly suggested that information disclosure conform to a reasonable person standard. Given the automated and unsolicited nature of the phone calls and concerns regarding fraud, trust building was emphasized as important, especially for national MPS deployment. Community sensitization campaigns that provide relevant contextual information (such as the name of the administering institution) were thought to support trust-building. Additional ways to achieve the goals of consent while building trust in automated MPS for disease surveillance should be evaluated in order to inform ethical and effective practice.
Modern trabecular metal-backed glenoid components in total shoulder arthroplasty: What is the evidence? A systematic review
Authors: Malahias Michael-Alexander , Chytas Dimitrios , Kostretzis Lazaros , Trellopoulos Angelos , Brilakis Emmanouil , Antonogiannakis Emmanouil
Published: September 2020

Background

A number of papers have been published reporting on the clinical performance of modern trabecular metal-backed glenoid components in total shoulder arthroplasty. However, no systematic review of the literature has been published to date.

Methods

The US National Library of Medicine (PubMed/MEDLINE), and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and EMBASE were queried for publications from January 1980 to October 2019 utilizing keywords pertinent to total shoulder arthroplasty, trabecular metal, and clinical outcomes.

Results

Overall, seven articles were included for analysis (322 operated shoulders, mean follow-up range: 2–4 years). The survival rate of modern trabecular metal-backed glenoid components was 96% (309 out of 322 cases) at 43 months mean follow-up, while the rate of aseptic loosening was 0.3% (1 out of 322 cases). There were 35 cases (10.9%) with glenoid component radiolucency (one of them required revision), and 37 cases (11.5%) of metal debris formation, with four of them undergoing revision.

Conclusions

There was low quality evidence to show that the use of modern trabecular metal-backed glenoid components in total shoulder arthroplasty may be safe and effective at short-term follow-up. However, this analysis showed alarmingly high rates of both radiolucency of the glenoid component and metal debris formation which raise concern for potential failure of this glenoid component in the long term. Therefore, we feel that modern trabecular metal-backed glenoid components should be still used with caution as part of a structured surveillance or research program until we know if there is a detriment to the prosthesis in the medium to long term. Level: Systematic review, IV.
Is Less Really More? Economic Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Chung Andrew S. , Ballatori Alexander , Ortega Brandon , Min Elliot , Formanek Blake , Liu John , Hsieh Patrick , Hah Raymond , Wang Jeffrey C. , Buser Zorica
Published: September 2020

Study Design:

Review.

Objective:

A comparative overview of cost-effectiveness between minimally invasive versus and equivalent open spinal surgeries.

Methods:

A literature search using PubMed was performed to identify articles of interest. To maximize the capture of studies in our initial search, we combined variants of the terms “cost,” “minimally invasive,” “spine,” “spinal fusion,” “decompression” as either keywords or MeSH terms. PearlDiver database was queried for open and minimally invasive surgery (MIS; endoscopic or percutaneous) reimbursements between Q3 2015 and Q2 2018.

Results:

In general, MIS techniques appeared to decrease blood loss, shorten hospital lengths of stay, mitigate complications, decrease perioperative pain, and enable quicker return to daily activities when compared to equivalent open surgical techniques. With regard to cost, primarily as a result of these latter benefits, MIS was associated with lower costs of care when compared to equivalent open techniques. However, cost reporting was sparse, and relevant methodology was inconsistent throughout the spine literature. Within the PearlDiver data sets, MIS approaches had lower reimbursements than open approaches for both lumbar posterior fusion and discectomy.

Conclusions:

Current data suggests that overall cost-savings may be incurred with use of MIS techniques. However, data reporting on costs lacks in uniformity, making it difficult to formulate any firm conclusions regarding any incremental improvements in cost-effectiveness that may be incurred when utilizing MIS techniques when compared to equivalent open techniques.
Acute kidney injury following supine mini-PNL versus retrograde intrarenal surgery in patients with renal stones < 3 cm: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Yığman Metin , Tangal Semih , Candar Tuba , Gökçe Mehmet İlker
Published: September 2020

Background

The purpose of the current study was to prospectively compare mini-PNL and RIRS for development of acute kidney injury (AKI), success, and complication rates in a cohort of patients with kidney stones less than 3 cm.

Methods

In this prospective study, data of 60 consecutive patients underwent mini-PNL (n = 31) or RIRS (n = 29) was investigated. Urinary NGAL levels were measured preoperatively and at postoperative 6th hour to evaluate AKI. Success and complication rates were also compared.

Results

The mean stone size was significantly higher in the mini-PNL group (24.6 mm vs. 18.2 mm, p = 0.02). The mean postoperative NGAL levels were 45.6 ± 12.4 and 48.1 ± 13.6 for the mini-PNL and RIRS groups, respectively. The increase was statistically significant for both groups (p: 0.01). The difference between the two groups for mean postoperative NGAL measurements was not statistically significant (p = 0.47). The SFR was significantly higher in the mini-PNL group (96.7% vs. 79.3%, p = 0.04). The complication rates were similar for the two groups (p = 0.99). The mean duration of operation was 48.2 ± 22.5 min in the mini-PNL group and 62.6 ± 18.1 min in the RIRS group (p = 0.03). The median duration of hospitalization was 1 day for both groups.

Conclusions

In patients with renal stones < 3 cm in diameter, mini-PNL in supine position provides higher SFR and shorter operative times with similar rates of complications and AKI when compared with RIRS. Mini-PNL should be considered as the primary treatment option together with RIRS for renal stones and should not be ruled out for being a more invasive option.
Regulation of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression: cholesterol-dependent and – independent signaling pathways with relevance to inflammatory lung disease
Authors: He Patrick , Gelissen Ingrid C. , Ammit Alaina J.
Published: September 2020

The role of the ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in maintaining cellular lipid homeostasis in cardiovascular disease is well established. More recently, the important beneficial role played by ABCA1 in modulating pathogenic disease mechanisms, such as inflammation, in a broad range of chronic conditions has been realised. These studies position ABCA1 as a potential therapeutic target in a diverse range of diseases where inflammation is an underlying cause. Chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are driven by inflammation, and as such, there is now a growing recognition that we need a greater understanding of the signaling pathways responsible for regulation of ABCA1 expression in this clinical context. While the signaling pathways responsible for cholesterol-mediated ABCA1 expression have been clearly delineated through decades of studies in the atherosclerosis field, and thus far appear to be translatable to the respiratory field, less is known about the cholesterol-independent signaling pathways that can modulate ABCA1 expression in inflammatory lung disease. This review will identify the various signaling pathways and ligands that are associated with the regulation of ABCA1 expression and may be exploited in future as therapeutic targets in the setting of chronic inflammatory lung diseases.
Mass radical treatment of a group of foreign workers to mitigate the risk of re-establishment of malaria in Sri Lanka
Authors: Marasinghe Manonath M. , Karunasena Vissundara M. , Seneratne Arundika S. , Herath Hema D. B. , Fernando Deepika , Wickremasinghe Rajitha , Mendis Kamini N. , Ranaweera Dewanee
Published: September 2020

Background

Following malaria elimination, Sri Lanka was free from indigenous transmission for six consecutive years, until the first introduced case was reported in December 2018. The source of transmission (index case) was a member of a group of 32 migrant workers from India and the location of transmission was their residence reporting a high prevalence of the primary vector for malaria. Despite extensive vector control the situation was highly susceptible to onward transmission if another of the group developed malaria. Therefore, Mass Radical Treatment (MRT) of the group of workers for Plasmodium vivax malaria was undertaken to mitigate this risk.

Method

The workers were screened for malaria by microscopy and RDT, their haemoglobin level assessed, and tested for Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) using the Care Start RDT and Brewers test prior to treatment with chloroquine (CQ) 25 mg/kg body weight (over three days) and primaquine (PQ) (0.25 mg/kg/day bodyweight for 14 days) following informed consent. All were monitored for adverse events.

Results

None of the foreign workers were parasitaemic at baseline screening and their haemoglobin levels ranged from 9.7–14.7 g/dl. All 31 individuals (excluding the index case treated previously) were treated with the recommended dose of CQ. The G6PD test results were inconclusive in 45% of the RDT results and were discrepant between the two tests in 31% of the remaining test events. Seven workers who tested G6PD deficient in either test were excluded from PQ and the rest, 24 workers, received PQ. No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

Mass treatment may be an option in prevention of reintroduction settings for groups of migrants who are likely to be carrying latent malaria infections, and resident in areas of high receptivity. However, in the case of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale, a more reliable and affordable point-of-care test for G6PD activity would be required. Most countries which are eliminating malaria now are in the tropical zone and face considerable and similar risks of malaria re-introduction due to massive labour migration between them and neighbouring countries. Regional elimination of malaria should be the focus of global strategy if malaria elimination from countries is to be worthwhile and sustainable.
Prognostic biomarkers related to breast cancer recurrence identified based on Logit model analysis
Authors: Zhou Xiaoying , Xiao Chuanguang , Han Tong , Qiu Shusheng , Wang Meng , Chu Jun , Sun Weike , Li Liang , Lin Lili
Published: September 2020

Background

This study intended to determine important genes related to the prognosis and recurrence of breast cancer.

Methods

Gene expression data of breast cancer patients were downloaded from TCGA database. Breast cancer samples with recurrence and death were defined as poor disease-free survival (DFS) group, while samples without recurrence and survival beyond 5 years were defined as better DFS group. Another gene expression profile dataset (GSE45725) of breast cancer was downloaded as the validation data. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between better and poor DFS groups, which were then performed function enrichment analysis. The DEGs that were enriched in the GO function and KEGG signaling pathway were selected for cox regression analysis and Logit regression (LR) model analysis. Finally, correlation analysis between LR model classification and survival prognosis was analyzed.

Results

Based on the breast cancer gene expression profile data in TCGA, 540 DEGs were screened between better DFS and poor DFS groups, including 177 downregulated and 363 upregulated DEGs. A total of 283 DEGs were involved in all GO functions and KEGG signaling pathways. Through LR model screening, 10 important feature DEGs were identified and validated, among which,ABCA3,CCL22,FOXJ1,IL1RN,KCNIP3,MAP2K6, andMRPL13, were significantly expressed in both groups in the two data sets.ABCA3,CCL22,FOXJ1,IL1RN, andMAP2K6were good prognostic factors, whileKCNIP3andMRPL13were poor prognostic factors.

Conclusion

ABCA3,CCL22,FOXJ1,IL1RN, andMAP2K6may serve as good prognostic factors, whileKCNIP3andMRPL13may be poor prognostic factors for the prognosis of breast cancer.
Image quality of 4D in-treatment CBCT acquired during lung SBRT using FFF beam: a phantom study
Authors: Kim Jihun , Keum Ki Chang , Lee Ho , Hong Chae-Seon , Park Kwangwoo , Kim Jin Sung
Published: September 2020

Background

Rotational beam delivery enables concurrent acquisition of cone-beam CT (CBCT), thereby facilitating further geometric verification of patient setup during radiation treatment. However, it is challenging to acquire CBCT during stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using flattening-filter free X-ray beams, in which a high radiation dose is delivered. This study presents quantitative evaluation results of the image quality in four-dimensional (4D) in-treatment CBCT acquired during SBRT delivery.

Methods

The impact of megavoltage (MV) scatter and acquisition parameters on the image quality was evaluated using Catphan 503 and XSight lung tracking phantoms. The in-treatment CBCT images of the phantoms were acquired while delivering 16 SBRT plans. The uniformity, contrast, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the in-treatment CBCT images were calculated and compared to those of CBCT images acquired without SBRT delivery. Furthermore, the localizing accuracy of the moving target in the XSight lung phantom was evaluated for 10 respiratory phases.

Results

The CNR of the 3D-reconstucted Catphan CBCT images was reduced from 6.3 to 2.6 due to the effect of MV treatment scatter. Both for the Catphan and XSight phantoms, the CBCT image quality was affected by the tube current and monitor units (MUs) of the treatment plan. The lung target in the XSight tracking phantom was most visible for extreme phases; the mean CNRs of the lung target in the in-treatment CBCT images (with 40 mA tube current) across the SBRT plans were 3.2 for the end-of-exhalation phase and 3.0 for the end-of-inhalation phase. The lung target was localized with sub-millimeter accuracy for the extreme respiratory phases.

Conclusions

Full-arc acquisition with an increased tube current (e.g. 40 mA) is recommended to compensate for degradation in the CBCT image quality due to unflattened MV beam scatter. Acquiring in-treatment CBCT with a high-MU treatment beam is also suggested to improve the resulting CBCT image quality.
The forgotten people with thalassemia in the time of COVID-19: South Asian perspective
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Sorowar , Raheem Enayetur , Siddiqee Mahbubul H.
Published: September 2020

South Asia is the hotspot of beta-thalassemia, with an estimated 200,000 patients whose lives depend on regular blood transfusion. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have adopted unprecedented lockdown to minimize the spread of transmission. Restriction of nationwide human mobility and fear of COVID-19 infection has put thalassemia patients in a life-threatening situation because of an acute shortage of blood supply. As a public health preparedness strategy during a crisis like COVID-19 pandemic, the plights of thalassemia patients should be considered. Government-sponsored community blood-banks needs to be established or coverage expanded as a safety net for the thalassemia patients in lower- and middle-income countries.
The VEGF inhibitor vatalanib regulates AD pathology in 5xFAD mice
Authors: Jeon Seong Gak , Lee Hyun-ju , Park HyunHee , Han Kyung-Min , Hoe Hyang-Sook
Published: September 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative disease characterized by Aβ accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation. Epidemiological evidence for a negative correlation between cancer and AD has led to the proposed use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as dasatinib and masitinib for AD, with reported beneficial effects in the AD brain. The TKI vatalanib inhibits angiogenesis by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). Although changes in VEGF and VEGFR have been documented in AD, the effect of vatalanib on AD pathology has not been investigated. In this study, the effects of vatalanib on tau phosphorylation and Aβ accumulation in 5xFAD mice, a model of AD, were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Vatalanib administration significantly reduced tau phosphorylation at AT8 and AT100 by increasing p-GSK-3β (Ser9) in 5xFAD mice. In addition, vatalanib reduced the number and area of Aβ plaques in the cortex in 5xFAD mice. Our results suggest that vatalanib has potential as a regulator of AD pathology.
Integrative analysis of the common genetic characteristics in ovarian cancer stem cells sorted by multiple approaches
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Su Yue , Wu Xue , Xiao Rourou , Wu Yifan , Yang Bin , Wang Zhen , Guo Lili , Kang Xiaoyan , Wang Changyu
Published: September 2020

Background

Ovarian cancer is the second fatal malignancy of the female reproductive system. Based on the cancer stem cell (CSC) theory, its poor prognosis of ovarian cancer attributed to tumor recurrence caused by CSCs. A variety of cell surface-specific markers have been employed to identify ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs). In this study, we attempted to explore the common feature in ovarian cancer stem cells sorted by multiple approaches.

Methods

We collected the gene expression profiles of OCSCs were from 5 public cohorts and employed R software and Bioconductor packages to establish differently expressed genes (DEGs) between OCSCs and parental cells. We extracted the integrated DEGs by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction and explored potential treatment by the Cellminer database.

Results

We identified and integrated the DEGs of OCSCs sorted by multiple isolation approaches. Besides, we identified OCSCs share characteristics in the lipid metabolism and extracellular matrix changes. Moreover, we obtained 16 co-expressed core genes, such asFOXQ1, MMP7, AQP5, RBM47, ETV4, NPW, SUSD2, SFRP2, IDO1, ANPEP, CXCR4, SCNN1A, SPP1andIFI27(upregulated) andSERPINE1, DUSP1, CD40,andIL6(downregulated). Through correlation analysis, we screened out ten potential drugs to target the core genes.

Conclusion

Based on the comprehensive analysis of the genomic datasets with different sorting methods of OCSCs, we figured out the common driving genes to regulating OCSC and obtained ten new potential therapies for eliminating ovarian cancer stem cells. Hence, the findings of our study might have potential clinical significance.
The evolution of TNF signaling in platyhelminths suggests the cooptation of TNF receptor in the host-parasite interplay
Authors: Bertevello Claudio R. , Russo Bruno R. A. , Tahira Ana C. , Lopes-Junior Ednilson Hilário , DeMarco Ricardo , Oliveira Katia C.
Published: September 2020

Background

The TNF signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes (such as apoptosis and cell proliferation). Previous reports indicated the effect of human TNF-α on metabolism, physiology, gene expression and protein phosphorylation of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni and suggested that its TNF receptor was responsible for this response. The lack of an endogenous TNF ligand reinforced the idea of the use of an exogenous ligand, but also opens the possibility that the receptor actually binds a non-canonical ligand, as observed for NGFRs.

Methods

To obtain a more comprehensive view, we analyzed platyhelminth genomes deposited in the Wormbase ParaSite database to investigate the presence of TNF receptors and their respective ligands. Using different bioinformatics approaches, such as HMMer and BLAST search tools we identified and characterized the sequence of TNF receptors and ligand homologs. We also used bioinformatics resources for the identification of conserved protein domains and Bayesian inference for phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Our analyses indicate the presence of 31 TNF receptors in 30 platyhelminth species. All platyhelminths display a single TNF receptor, and all are structurally remarkably similar to NGFR. It suggests no events of duplication and diversification occurred in this phylum, with the exception of a single species-specific duplication. Interestingly, we also identified TNF ligand homologs in five species of free-living platyhelminths.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the TNF receptor from platyhelminths may be able to bind canonical TNF ligands, thus strengthening the idea that these receptors are able to bind human TNF-α. This also raises the hypothesis that an endogenous ligand was substituted by the host ligand in parasitic platyhelminths. Moreover, our analysis indicates that death domains (DD) may be present in the intracellular region of most platyhelminth TNF receptors, thus pointing to a previously unreported apoptotic action of such receptors in platyhelminths. Our data highlight the idea that host-parasite crosstalk using the TNF pathway may be widespread in parasitic platyhelminths to mediate apoptotic responses. This opens up a new hypothesis to uncover what might be an important component to understand platyhelminth infections.
UTX/KDM6A suppresses AP-1 and a gliogenesis program during neural differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Xu Beisi , Mulvey Brett , Salie Muneeb , Yang Xiaoyang , Matsui Yurika , Nityanandam Anjana , Fan Yiping , Peng Jamy C.
Published: September 2020

Background

UTX/KDM6A is known to interact and influence multiple different chromatin modifiers to promote an open chromatin environment to facilitate gene activation, but its molecular activities in developmental gene regulation remain unclear.

Results

We report that in human neural stem cells, UTX binding correlates with both promotion and suppression of gene expression. These activities enable UTX to modulate neural stem cell self-renewal, promote neurogenesis, and suppress gliogenesis. In neural stem cells, UTX has a less influence over histone H3 lysine 27 and lysine 4 methylation but more predominantly affects histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation and chromatin accessibility. Furthermore, UTX suppresses components of AP-1 and, in turn, a gliogenesis program.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that UTX coordinates dualistic gene regulation to govern neural stem cell properties and neurogenesis–gliogenesis switch.
Epigenomics and transcriptomics of systemic sclerosis CD4+ T cells reveal long-range dysregulation of key inflammatory pathways mediated by disease-associated susceptibility loci
Authors: Li Tianlu , Ortiz-Fernández Lourdes , Andrés-León Eduardo , Ciudad Laura , Javierre Biola M. , López-Isac Elena , Guillén-Del-Castillo Alfredo , Simeón-Aznar Carmen Pilar , Ballestar Esteban , Martin Javier
Published: September 2020

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a genetically complex autoimmune disease mediated by the interplay between genetic and epigenetic factors in a multitude of immune cells, with CD4+ T lymphocytes as one of the principle drivers of pathogenesis.

Methods

DNA samples exacted from CD4+ T cells of 48 SSc patients and 16 healthy controls were hybridized on MethylationEPIC BeadChip array. In parallel, gene expression was interrogated by hybridizing total RNA on Clariom™ S array. Downstream bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify correlating differentially methylated CpG positions (DMPs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were then confirmed utilizing previously published promoter capture Hi-C (PCHi-C) data.

Results

We identified 9112 and 3929 DMPs and DEGs, respectively. These DMPs and DEGs are enriched in functional categories related to inflammation and T cell biology. Furthermore, correlation analysis identified 17,500 possible DMP-DEG interaction pairs within a window of 5 Mb, and utilizing PCHi-C data, we observed that 212 CD4+ T cell-specific pairs of DMP-DEG also formed part of three-dimensional promoter-enhancer networks, potentially involving CTCF. Finally, combining PCHi-C data with SSc GWAS data, we identified four important SSc-associated susceptibility loci, TNIP1 (rs3792783), GSDMB (rs9303277), IL12RB1 (rs2305743), and CSK (rs1378942), that could potentially interact with DMP-DEG pairs cg17239269-ANXA6, cg19458020-CCR7, cg10808810-JUND, and cg11062629-ULK3, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study unveils a potential link between genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional deregulation in CD4+ T cells of SSc patients, providing a novel integrated view of molecular components driving SSc pathogenesis.
The association of asthma and its subgroups with osteoporosis: a cross-sectional study using KoGES HEXA data
Authors: Wee Jee Hye , Min Chanyang , Park Min Woo , Byun Soo Hwan , Lee Hyo-Jeong , Park Bumjung , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: September 2020

Background

A few studies have reported the association between asthma and osteoporosis. We aimed to analyze the association of asthma and its subgroups with osteoporosis in the Korean adult population.

Methods

We used the health examinee (HEXA) data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) obtained between 2004 and 2016. We included 162,579 participants (n = 3,160 with asthma; n = 159,419 controls) who reported their previous histories of asthma and osteoporosis. The participants were categorized into 3 groups based on asthma management: participants who did not need further treatment due to controlled symptoms (well controlled); participants with ongoing treatment (being treated); participants who were not treated even though they had symptoms (not being treated). Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for osteoporosis. Subgroup analyses for age and sex were conducted.

Results

The prevalence of osteoporosis was higher in patients with asthma (13.6%) than in controls (6.8%). In the full-adjusted model, the aORs for osteoporosis were 1.74 (95% CI 1.55–1.94, P < 0.001) in patients with asthma compared to controls. There were consistent findings across the age and sex subgroups. The aORs for osteoporosis were 1.43 (95% CI 1.10–1.86, P = 0.008) in the well-controlled asthma group; 1.55 (95% CI 1.28–1.89, P < 0.001) in the being treated asthma group; and 1.96 (95% CI 1.66–2.31, P < 0.001) in the not being treated asthma group compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Asthma was associated with osteoporosis in the Korean adult population. Patients with asthma not being treated showed the highest ORs for osteoporosis.
Immunosuppressive effects of mesenchymal stem cells on lung B cell gene expression in LPS-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Feng Bing , Zhu Jiaqi , Xu Yanping , Chen Wenyi , Sheng Xinyu , Feng Xudong , Shi Xiaowei , Liu Jingqi , Pan Qiaoling , Yang Jinfeng , Yu Jiong , Li Lanjuan , Cao Hongcui
Published: September 2020

Background

Immune system disorders play important roles in acute lung injury (ALI), and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment can reduce inflammation during ALI. In this study, we compared the changes in lung B cells during MSC treatment.

Methods

We investigated the effects of MSCs on lung B cells in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. MSCs were administered intratracheally 4 h after LPS. As vehicle-treated controls, mice were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 2% C57BL/6 (PBS group). Histopathological changes, survival rate, inflammatory factor levels, and the number of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) analysis was performed to evaluate the transcriptional changes in lung B cells between the PBS, LPS, and LPS/MSC groups on days 3 and 7.

Results

MSC treatment ameliorated LPS-induced ALI, as indicated by the reductions in mortality, the levels of chemokines and cytokines in BALF, and the severity of lung tissue histopathology in ALI mice. Lung B cells in the PBS group remained undifferentiated and had an inhibitory phenotype. Based on our scRNA-Seq results, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in lung B cells in both the PBS group and LPS group were involved in chemotaxis processes and some proinflammatory pathways. MSC treatment inhibited the expression of chemokine genes that were upregulated by LPS and were related to the recruitment of neutrophils into lung tissues. Immunoglobulin-related gene expression was decreased in lung B cells of mice treated with LPS/MSC for 7 days. The DEGs regulated by MSCs were enriched in biological processes, including humoral immune response and apoptotic signaling.

Conclusions

Lung B cells played an important role in the effects of treatment of ALI with MSCs. These observations provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the effects of MSC treatment for ALI.
Autoantibodies directed against α1-adrenergic receptor and endothelin receptor A in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Wallukat Gerd , Jandrig Burkhard , Becker Niels-Peter , Wendler Johann J. , Göttel Peter , Müller Johannes , Schostak Martin , Schimke Ingolf
Published: September 2020

Background

For prostate cancer, signaling pathways induced by over-boarding stimulation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) such as the endothelin, α1- and β-adrenergic, muscarinic and angiotensin 1 receptors were accused to support the carcinogenesis. However, excessive receptor stimulation by physiological receptor ligands is minimized by a control system that induces receptor sensitization and down-regulation. This system is missing when so-called “functional autoantibodies” bind to the GPCR (GPCR-AAB). If GPCR-AAB were found in patients with prostate cancer, uncontrolled GPCR stimulation could make these autoantibodies an additional supporter in prostate cancer.

Methods

Using the bioassay of spontaneously beating cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes, GPCR-AAB were identified, quantified and characterized in the serum of 25 patients (aged 56–78 years, median 70 years) with prostate cancer compared to 10 male patients (aged 48–82 years, median 64) with urinary stone disorders (controls).

Results

Of the cancer patients, 24 (96%) and 17 (68%), respectively, carried autoantibodies directed against the α1-adrenergic receptor (α1-AAB) and endothelin receptor A (ETA-AAB). No patient was negative for both GPCR-AAB. In contrast, ETA-AAB and α1-AAB were absent in all (100%) and 9 (90%) of the 10 control patients, respectively. While α1-AAB targeted a specific epitope of the first extracellular loop of the α1-adrenergic receptor subtype A, an epitope of the second extracellular loop of the ETA receptor was identified as a target of ETA-AAB. As demonstrated in vitro, the functional activity of both autoantibodies found in prostate cancer can be neutralized by the aptamer BC007.

Conclusions

We hypothesized that α1-AAB and ETA-AAB, which are highly present in prostate cancer patients, could by their functional activity support carcinogenesis by excessive receptor stimulation. The in vitro demonstrated neutralization of α1- and ETA-AAB by the aptamer BC007 could open the door to complement the treatments already available for prostate cancer.