bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shallow slow earthquakes to decipher future catastrophic earthquakes in the Guerrero seismic gap.
Authors: Plata-Martínez Raymundo , Ide Satoshi , Shinohara Masanao , Mortel Emmanuel Soliman Garcia , Mizuno Naoto , Ramirez Luis Antonio Dominguez , Taira Taka’aki , Yamashita Yusuke , Toh Akiko , Yamada Tomoaki , Pérez Jorge Arturo Real , Husker Allen Leroy , Atienza Victor Manuel Cruz , Ito Yoshihiro
Published: November 2020

The Guerrero seismic gap is presumed to be a major source of seismic and tsunami hazard along the Mexican subduction zone. Until recently, there were limited observations to describe the shallow portion of the plate interface in Guerrero. For this reason, we deployed offshore instrumentation to gain new seismic data and identify the extent of the seismogenic zone inside the Guerrero gap. We discovered episodic shallow tremors and potential slow slip events which, together with repeating earthquakes, seismicity, residual gravity and residual bathymetry suggest that a portion of the shallow plate interface in the Guerrero seismic gap undergoes stable slip. This mechanical condition may not only explain the long return period of large earthquakes with origins inside the Guerrero seismic gap, but also reveal why the rupture from past M<8 earthquakes on adjacent megathrust fault segments did not propagate into the gap to encompass a larger slip area. Nevertheless, a large enough earthquake initiating nearby could rupture through the entire Guerrero seismic gap if driven by dynamic rupture effects.
Gualou Guizhi Granule Suppresses LPS-induced Inflammatory Response of Microglia and Protects Against Microglial-Mediated Neurotoxicity in HT22 via Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhang Yuqin , Liu Yaojun , Fan Liming , Nan Lihong , Xu Wei , Chu Kedan , Yan Guohong , Lin Yu
Published: November 2020

Background Neuroinflammation plays a crucial part in the commence and advancement of ischemic stroke. Gualou Guizhi Granule (GLGZG) is known to exhibit well neuroprotective effect, but it is not known whether GLGZG can regulate inflammatory process at the cellular level in BV2 microglia cells and protect against microglial-mediated neurotoxicity in neurons. Herein, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of GLGZG on BV2 microglia cells and protection against microglial-mediated neurotoxicity in neurons. Methods Cell model of neuroinflammation was constructed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to observe the effect of GLGZG in the presence or absence of GLGZG. The production of nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory mediators were detected. Moreover, potential mechanisms associated with anti-inflammatory effect, such as inhibition of microglial activation, the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were also investigated. In addition, to prove whether GLGZG protects against microglial-mediated neurotoxicity, neuronal HT22 cells were cultured in conditioned medium. And cell survivability, neuronal apoptosis of HT22 were evaluated. Results It was found that a main regulator of inflammation, NO, is suppressed by GLGZG in BV2 microglial cells. Moreover, GLGZG dose-dependently decreased the mRNA and protein levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Additionally, GLGZG inhibited the expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in BV2 microglial cells. And, GLGZG inhibited LPS-activated nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in BV2 microglial cells at the intracellular level. GLGZG negatively affected Akt phosphorylation: phosphorylated forms of Akt decreased. To check whether GLGZG protects against microglial-mediated neurotoxicity, neuronal HT22 cells were incubated in the conditioned medium. GLGZG showed a neuroprotective effect by promoting cell survivability, suppressing neuronal apoptosis. Conclusions GLGZG exerted its potential effects on suppressing inflammatory responses in LPS-induced BV2 cells by attenuating NF-κB and Akt pathways. In addition, GLGZG could protect against microglial-mediated neurotoxicity in HT22.
Functional Connection Changes among Cerebral Regions and between Hemispheres in the Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated by Scalp Acupuncture: A Rs-fMRI Study
Authors: Liu Huacong , Jiang Yijing , Wang Ningning , Chen Lanpin , Gao Jingchun , Zhang Jiping , Qu Shanshan , Liu Songyan , Liu Gang , Huang Yong , Chen Junqi
Published: November 2020

Objective: Resting State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Rs-fMRI) was used to explore the changes on the functional connections between cerebral hemispheres and local functional activities in patients with acute ischemic stroke dysfunction treated by International Standard Scalp Acupuncture.Methods: 30 patients of acute ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery supply area of the dominant hemisphere were selected and randomly divided into treatment group and control group at a ratio of 1:1 according to the random number table method, with 15 patients in each group. Patients in the control group were treated with conventional western medicine, while patients in the treatment group combined the International Standard Scalp Acupuncture (MS5, MS6 and MS7). All the patients were evaluated for efficacy and received whole brain fMRI scan before and after the treatment. The observation indicators included (1) NHISS score and its sub-item scores related to dyskinesia before and after treatment. (2) the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and voxel-mirror homotopy connection (VMHC) analyzed based on Matlab 2012a platform, SPM12, and REST1.8 before and after treatment.Results: 1. The difference of NHISS scores between the two groups was statistically significant before and after treatment (P<0.05), indicates that patients in the treatment group were improved better. 2. The changes in brain area activation between the two groups of patients were as follows: (1) The values of VMHC increased in brain regions dominated by bilateral BA6 and BA8; (2) The values of ALFF increased mainly in the left BA39 and the adjacent superior temporal gyrus and middle temporal gyrus . (3) The values of ReHo increased in the brain region of left middle temporal gyrus (including BA21) and its extending to BA37, and the left BA40 and angular gyrus and its extending to BA7. Conclusion: Scalp acupuncture can help the recovery of the patients with acute infarction of superior middle cerebral artery and its mechanism possibly related to the special changes in the regional functional activities of sensory integration, language processing and motor coordination, also the bilateral motor control of frontal lobe.Trial registration: Trial Registration Number: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IOR-15007672. Registration date: November 7, 2015.
Thirty-Three Long-Term Survivors After Cytoreductive Surgery in Patients With Peritoneal Metastases From Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Descriptive Study
Authors: Kamada Yasuyuki , Hida Koya , Ishibashi Haruaki , Sako Shouzou , Mizumoto Akiyoshi , Ichinose Masumi , Padmanabhan Naveen , Yoshida Shinya , Yonemura Yutaka
Published: November 2020

BackgroundCytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) improves survival in selected patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM) from colorectal cancer (CRC). However, little has been reported on characteristics and clinical course of long-term survivors with CRC-PM beyond 5 years. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and oncological features affecting long-term survival of CRC-PM after comprehensive treatment.MethodsBetween January 1990 and April 2015, CRC-PM patients who underwent CRS with or without HIPEC in two Japanese tertiary hospitals and who survived longer than 5 years after the first CRS for PM were retrospectively investigated. Clinicopathological parameters and therapeutic details involved in long-term survival were reviewed. Patients were defined as cured if the recurrence-free interval was > 5 years after the last operation for metastases.ResultsThirty-three patients with a median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) of 4 (range, 1–27) were included. Complete cytoreduction was achieved in all 33 patients, and none had a rectal primary. Recurrence was observed in 19 patients (57.6%) at a median of 2.6 (range, 0.7–7.4) years. Sixteen patients (48.5%) were considered cured, of whom two never developed re-recurrence after the second surgery. The median PCI of cured group was 2 (range, 1–8).ConclusionsLong-term survival and cure were obtained after CRS in selected patients with CRC-PM. Low PCI, complete cytoreduction, and non-rectal primary are associated with long-term survival and cure in PM from CRC.
Should We Think More About Chronic Osteomyelitis After Trauma? A Case Report of Osteomyelitis of the Cuboid Bone
Authors: Zhang Guang-hui , Wang Hong-jun , Song Bing , Wang Hong-bin
Published: November 2020

Osteomyelitis is a refractory infectious disease in surgery, which takes a long time to be treated and the condition is easy to be repeated, which causes a heavy burden to individuals and families. Actively looking for the cause is the key to the treatment of osteomyelitis. In our work, we encountered a patient with cuboid osteomyelitis who had forgotten the history of injury and had received surgical treatment before seeing a doctor in our hospital, which caused great difficulties to our work. In the work of diagnosis and treatment, we constantly adjust the treatment plan and treatment ideas, and finally remove the branches from the infected focus, and obtain satisfactory treatment results.
Three-Month Outcomes of Aortic Valve Reconstruction Using Collagenous Membranes (Biosheets) Produced by in Body Tissue Architecture in A Goat Model: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Okamoto Keitaro , Umeno Tadashi , Wada Tomoyuki , Shuto Takashi , Anai Hirofumi , Nishida Haruto , Nakayama Yasuhide , Miyamoto Shinji
Published: November 2020

Background: Autologous pericardium is widely used as a plastic material in intracardiac structures, in the pulmonary artery, and in aortic valve leaflets. For aortic valve reconstruction (AVRec) using the Ozaki procedure, it has produced excellent clinical results within a 10-year period. In-body tissue architecture (iBTA), which is based on the phenomenon of tissue encapsulation of foreign materials, can be used to prepare autologous prosthetic tissues. In this preliminary study, we examined whether biosheets can be used as valve leaflet material for glutaraldehyde-free AVRec by subchronic implantation experiments in goats and evaluated its performance compared with glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium for AVRec. Methods: Biosheets were prepared by embedding molds for two months into the dorsal subcutaneous spaces of goats. Allogenic biosheets (n=4) cut into the shape of the valve were then implanted to the aortic valve annulus of four goats for three months without glutaraldehyde treatment. Autologous pericardium (n=4) was used as a control. Valve function was observed using echocardiography. Results: All goats survived the three-month study period. In biosheets, the leaflet surfaces were very smooth and, on histology, partially covered with a thin neointima (including endothelial cells). Biosheets were more thoroughly assimilated into the aortic root compared with autologous pericardium.Conclusions: For the first time, biosheets could be used for large animal AVRec without glutaraldehyde fixation. In this limited preliminary study, it was found that biosheets had superior engraftment and regeneration performance as an aortic valve leaflet material compared with autologous pericardium.
Morphology and Size Distribution of Naturally Occurring Asbestos using TEM in Landscape Rock in Parks
Authors: Chung Sook-Nye , Kim Jisung , Im Gikyo , Won Sunjung , Lee Jiyoung , Kim Gwangrae , Shin Jinho , Shin Yongseung
Published: November 2020

BackgroundAsbestos is a silicate mineral that is naturally generated by geological processes in the Earth's crust. The six types of commercially used asbestos each display the asbestiform crystal habit that is characterized by fibrous aggregates of extremely long, thin crystals. This study provided data that can be used to discriminate asbestiform and non-asbestiform amphiboles contained in landscaping rocks in parks. MethodIn five of the 21 parks, two or more landscaping rocks were found to contain asbestos. These five were selected for additional study. The length and width of fibers being at least 5 ㎛ long and with a minimum aspect ratio of 3:1 were measured using a Transmission Electron Microscope(TEM) and compared to a standard asbestos sample.ResultsThe park samples were thicker than 1 ㎛(average 1.9 ㎛) while the Health and Safety Executive(HSE) reference sample averaged 0.3 ㎛ in width with 100 % thinner than 1.0 ㎛. The average aspect ratios were 7.1 for the park samples and 67.1 for the HSE reference sample. The actinolite contained in the landscape rocks of the five selected parks did not show the typical asbestiform structure that was observed in the standard asbestos sample.ConclusionsBased on these distributions, the amphibole fibers in sampled landscape rocks were found to be thicker and lower aspect ratio than those of the standard sample. The result of this study can contribute to the public policy for managing and controlling of landscaping rocks containing naturally occurring asbestos(NOA) and also to communicate about the possible health risk resulting from NOA contained in landscaping rocks.
Is anti-HMGB1 Antibody a Potential Characteristic Autoantibody for Sjögren's Syndrome?
Authors: Chen Mingkun , Zhou Yi , Xue Miao , Zhu Rongrong , Jing Liling , Lin Liling , Qin Yanghua
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a common chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, affects about 0.33% to 0.77% population in China. The positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is one of the key features of SS, which show typical granular pattern in indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IIFT). About 70% SS patients have the anti-SS-A and/or SS-B antibodies, which indicates other autoantibodies in SS patients.METHODS: The anti-HMGB1 antibody in 93 SS patients and 96 healthy controls were investigated with in-house built ELISA and immunoblotting; and the location of HMGB1 and fluorescent pattern of anti-HMGB1 antibody were investigated with IIFT. The contribution of anti-HMGB1 antibody in ANA-IF with Cas9-induce HMGB1 knockout cells were also detected.RESULTS: The anti-HMGB1 antibody in SS patients (9.96±5.55 VS 4.9±1.4 RU/ml RU/ml compared to healthy controls) increased. With ROC curve analysis, when taking 8 RU/ml as the cutoff value, the sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve were 64.5%, 96.9% and 0.83, respectively. A total of 18 patients (20.7%) with granular pattern in ANA-IF test were anti-HMGB1 antibody positive only. With commercial antibody, the fluorescent pattern of anti-HMGB1 antibody showed typical granular pattern. The serum from ANA-IF (+), SS-A (-), and SS-B (-) SS patients showed typical granular pattern in wildtype B16 cells, but no fluorescence in HMGB1 knockout B16 cells.CONCLUSIONS: Anti-HMGB1 antibody may be one of the characteristic autoantibodies of SS except anti-SS-A and SS-B. The detection of anti-HMGB1 antibody can provide more laboratory evidence for clinical diagnosis of SS.
Clinical Relevance for Circulating Cold Inducible RNA-Binding Protein (CIRP) in Patients with ASD
Authors: Fujita Yuya , Yago Toru , Asano Tomoyuki , Matsumoto Haruki , Matsuoka Naoki , Temmoku Jumpei , Sato Shuzo , Furuya Makiko , Suzuki Eiji , Watanabe Hiroshi , Kawakami Atsushi , Migita Kiyoshi
Published: November 2020

Background: Adult Still’s disease (ASD) is a systemic autoinflammatory disease, in which danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)-mediated inflammasome activation seems to be involved in the disease pathogenesis. Cold inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) belongs to a family of cold-shock proteins that respond to cellular stress and has been identified as a DAMP that triggers the inflammatory response. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of serum CIRP levels in ASD.Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 42 patients with active ASD or 50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 15 healthy control patients (HCs). Serum levels of CIRP and IL-18 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared with 42 patients with ASD or 50 patients with RA and 15 HCs. Results were also analyzed according to the clinical features of ASD.Results: Serum CIRP levels were significantly higher in patients with ASD compared with patients with RA (median: 9.6 ng/mL, IQR [5.7–14.4] versus 3.2 ng/mL, IQR [1.9–3.8]; p < 0.001) and with HCs (2.8 ng/mL, [IQR; 1.4–4.9], p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between serum CIRP levels and ASD disease activity score (Pouchet’s score r=0.45, p=0.003) as well as between ASD-specific biomarkers ferritin and IL-18. However, there was no significant difference in the serum CIRP levels among ASD patients with three different disease phenotypes. Intracellular CIRP expression on CD14+ monocytes was elevated in patients with ASD compared with those in patients in RA.Conclusion: These results suggest that CIRP may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of ASD and could be a potential biomarker for monitoring the disease activity of ASD.
TIMP-2 Regulates 5-Fu Resistance via the ERK/MAPK Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Guolin , Luo Xin , Xu Jianbin , Zhang Wei , Chen Engeng , Meng Qing , Wang Di , Huang Xuefeng , Zhou Wei , Song Zhangfa
Published: November 2020

Background: 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) is the first-line chemotherapeutic drug in the treatment of colorectal cancer. The efficiency of 5-Fu is limited by drug resistance in colorectal cancer patients. This study was aimed to define the functions of tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP-2) in the 5-Fu resistance to colorectal cancer and investigate its potential mechanism.Methods: Cytokine array, ELISA and RT-qPCR were performed to detect cytokine expression levels. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to show the differential expression of proteins. In addition, cell viability was detected by CCK-8.Results: We established that there is an up-regulation in the expression of the TIMP-2 in colorectal cancer patients. This up-regulation in TIMP-2 expression was evident in 5-Fu resistant colorectal cancer patients and resulted in a poor prognosis. Besides, in vivo, clinical studies and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models confirmed that TIMP-2 was highly expressed in the 5-Fu-resistant colorectal cancer. We deduced an autocrine mechanism through which elevated TIMP-2 protein levels sustained colorectal cancer cell resistance to 5-Fu by constitutively activating the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway via an autocrine mechanism. The 5-Fu resistance could overcome by the inhibition of TIMP-2 by anti-TIMP-2 antibody or ERK/MAPK by U0126.Conclusion: Our findings identify a TIMP-2-ERK/MAPK mediated 5-Fu resistance mechanism in colorectal cancer. Moreover, we recommend the use of an ERK/MAPK signal pathway inhibitor or TIMP-2-mediated immunotherapy for 5-Fu resistant colorectal cancer.
A Novel Recombinant Protein Vaccine Containing the Different E7 Proteins of the HPV16, 18, 6, 11 E7 Linked to the HIV-1 Tat (47-57) Improve Cytotoxic Immune Responses
Authors: Mousavi Tahoora , Valadan Reza , Rafiei Alireza , Abbasi Ali , Haghshenas Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2020

Objective: Human papillomavirus infection (HPV) is the most common viral infection which is causes of cervical, penal, vulvar, anal and, oropharyngeal cancer. E7 protein of HPV is a suitable target for induction of T cell responses and controlling HPV-related cancer. The aim of the current study was to designed and evaluated a novel fusion protein containing the different E7 proteins of the HPV 16, 18, 6 and 11, linked to the cell-penetrating peptide HIV-1 Tat 49-57, in order to improve cytotoxic immune responses in in-vitro and in-vivo. Methods: In this study whole sequence of HPV16,18,6,11 E7-Tat (47-57) and HPV16,18,6,11 E7 cloned into the vector and expressed in E.coli (BL21). The purified protein was confirmed by SDS page and western blotting and then injected into the C57BL/6 mice. The efficiency of the fusion protein vaccine was assessed by antibody response assay, cytokine assay (IL-4 and IFN-γ), CD+8 cytotoxicity assay and tumor challenge experiment. Results: Result showed that fusion proteins containing Adjuvant (IFA,CFA) could express higher titer of antibody. Also, we showed that vaccination with E7-Tat and, E7-Tat-ADJ induced high frequencies of E7-specific CD8+ T cells and CD107a expression as well as IFN-γ level and enhanced long-term survival in the therapeutic animal models. Conclusion: Our finding suggested that this novel fusion protein vaccine was able to induce therapeutic efficacy and immunogenicity by improving CD8+ T cell in TC-1 tumor bearing mice; so this vaccine may be appreciated for research against HPV and tumor immunotherapies.
SUMO-Activating Enzyme Subunit 1 (SAE1) is A Promising Diagnostic Cancer Metabolism Biomarker of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ong Jiann Ruey , Bamodu Oluwaseun Adebayo , Khang Nguyen Viet , Lin Yen-Kuang , Yeh Chi-Tai , Lee Wei-Hwa , Cherng Yih-Giun
Published: November 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most diagnosed malignancies and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. This is exacerbated by its highly aggressive phenotype, and limitation in early diagnosis and effective therapies. The SUMO-activating enzyme subunit 1 (SAE1) is a component of a heterodimeric small ubiquitin-related modifier that plays a vital role in SUMOylation, a post-translational modification involving in cellular events such as regulation of transcription, cell cycle and apoptosis. Reported overexpression of SAE1 in glioma in a stage-dependent manner suggests it probable role in cancer initiation and progression. Methods: In this study, hypothesizing that SAE1 is implicated in HCC metastatic phenotype and poor prognosis, we analyzed the expression of SAE1 in several cancer databases. Results: Here, we demonstrated that SAE1 is overexpressed in HCC samples compared to normal liver tissue, and this observed SAE1 overexpression is stage and grade-dependent and associated with poor survival. The receiver operating characteristic analysis of SAE1 in TCGA-LIHC patients (n=421) showed an AUC of 0.925, indicating an excellent diagnostic value of SAE1 in HCC. Our protein-protein interaction analysis for SAE1 showed that SAE1 interacted with and activated oncogenes such as PLK1, CCNB1, CDK4 and CDK1, while simultaneously inhibiting tumor suppressors including PDK4, KLF9, FOXO1 and NEDD4. Immunohistochemical staining and clinicopathological correlate analysis of SAE1 in our TMU-SHH HCC cohort (n =54) further validated the overexpression of SAE1 in cancerous liver tissues compared with ‘normal’ paracancerous tissue, and high SAE1 expression was strongly correlated with metastasis and disease progression. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that SAE1 is a targetable molecular biomarker with high potential diagnostic and prognostic implications for patients with HCC.
Attitudes Towards and Compliance with the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist in China: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tan Jie , Ngwayi James Reeves Mbori , Ding Zhaohan , Zhou Yufa , Li Ming , Chen Yujie , Hu Bingtao , Liu Jingping , Porter Daniel Edward
Published: November 2020

Background: Ten years after the introduction of Chinese Ministry of Health (MoH) version of Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) we wished to assess the ongoing influence of the World Health Organisation (WHO) SSC by observing all three sections during elective surgical procedures in China, as well as to survey operating room staff more widely about the WHO SSC.Methods: A questionnaire was designed to gain authentic views on the WHO SSC. We also conducted a prospective cross-sectional study at five level 3 hospitals. Local data collectors were trained to document specific item performance. Adverse events which delayed the operation were recorded as well as the professionals leading or participating in the three SSC phases.Results: A total of 846 operating room professionals from 138 hospitals representing every mainland province responded to the survey. There was widespread acceptance of the checklist and its value in improving patient safety. 860 operations were observed for SSC compliance. Overall compliance was 79.8%. The ‘time-out’ phase compliance in surgeon-dependent items reduced when it was nurse-led (p<0.0001). WHO SSC interventions which are omitted from the MoH SSC continued to be discussed over half the time. Overall adverse events rate was 2.7%. One site had near 100% compliance in association with a circulating inspection team which had power of sanction.Conclusion: The WHO SSC remains a powerful tool for patient safety in China. Changes in behaviour for nurses (assertiveness) and surgeons (teamwork) could improve compliance. Random checks of compliance may have merit.
Plurilingualism and Monolingualism in Foreign Language Classrooms: The Perspective of EFL Teachers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsaawi Ali
Published: November 2020

The idea of teaching a target language via a monolingual medium of instruction in the classroom has long predominated in the pedagogical context. In Saudi Arabia, excluding the students’ mother tongue (Arabic) in the foreign language classroom has been seen as a tool that accelerates the acquisition of the target language (English). This is widely viewed as the most practical and effective method of language learning, especially in the Gulf region, where English is a foreign language employed in the fields of economics and business. The recent academic argument that exploiting the students’ linguistic repertoire, including the mother tongue, in the target language classroom boosts and fosters the students’ learning cycle is still encountering huge resistance, especially among second/foreign language teachers. To explore this dispute from the perspective of English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers in intermediate and secondary schools, a case study was conducted with 34 teachers in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, through questionnaires and a focus group interview. The study found that most teachers believe that the policy of using the target language (English) only is the most effective method of language learning. They employed the students’ mother tongue (Arabic) on an ad hoc basis to ensure complete comprehension, organize classroom tasks or convey personal remarks. In addition, the study revealed that teachers’ understanding of plurilingualism was unclear and limited to the verbal use of two languages, and that EFL teachers need more clarification on its application in the classroom.
A Functional Variant of CXCL16 Is Associated with Predisposition to Sepsis and MODS in Trauma Patients
Authors: Sun Jianhui , Zhang Huacai , Liu Di , Cui Li , Wang Qiang , Gan Lebin , Wen Dalin , Wang Jun , Du Juan , Huang Hong , Zhang Anqiang , Deng Jin , Jiang Jianxin , Zeng Ling
Published: November 2020

Background: CXC chemokine famliy genes play an important role in inflammatory and immune diseases. CXCL16 affects the occurrence and development of inflammation through leukocyte chemotaxis, leukocyte adhesion and endotoxin clearance. In this study, we selected a set of tag SNPs in the CXCL16 gene and investigated their clinical relevance to the development of sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in patients with major trauma in three independent Chinese Han populations.Methods: A total of 1,620 major trauma patients were enrolled in this study. Among these patients, 920 came from Chongqing in western China, 350 came from Zhejiang Province in eastern China, and 350 came from Guizhou Province in southern China. The improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) method was employed in the genotyping and genetic association analyses to determine the associations between CXCL16 haplotypes and sepsis morbidity rate and higher MOD scores in three cohorts.Results: The CXCL16 T123V181 haplotype was determined to be associated with increased risk for sepsis morbidity and higher MOD scores in the three cohorts. In vitro chemotactic experiments demonstrated that the T123V181 protein enhanced the chemotaxis of immunocytes. The adhesion ability of THP-1 cells expressing T123V181 to immunocytes was also stronger than those of cells with the other three haplotypes. T123 and V181 altered the structure of the CXCL16 active center, which resulted in changes in protein function and changes in the adhesion and chemotaxis of CXCL16-expressing immunocytes. These structural changes might be responsible for the increased incidence of sepsis and the higher MODS scores.Conclusions: We demonstrate that genetic variations in the CXCL16 gene regulate the sepsis morbidity rate, and we explore a paradigm for the prewarning diagnosis of sepsis tailored to the genetic information of individual patients.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01713205.
Antibiotic Exposure and Growth Patterns in Preterm, Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Pyle Alaina K. , Cantey Joseph B. , Brown L. Steven , Heyne Roy , Wozniak Phillip S. , Heyne Elizabeth , Holcombe Amy , Brammer Elizabeth M. , Lair Cheryl S. , Sanchez Pablo J
Published: November 2020

Background. Antibiotic exposure in term infants has been associated with later obesity. Premature, very-low-birth-weight (birth weight ≤1500 grams) infants in the neonatal intensive care unit frequently are exposed to antibiotics. Our hypothesis was that in preterm infants, there is a positive linear and dose-dependent relationship between antibiotic exposure and growth from birth through 12 months’ corrected age.Methods. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all antibiotic use among inborn, preterm (≤32 weeks’ gestation), very-low-birth-weight infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Parkland Memorial Hospital and followed in the Low Birth Weight Clinic at Children’s Medical Center, Dallas, TX. Antibiotic use was quantified by days of therapy which was compared with weight and length parameters at birth, 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age, and 2, 4, 6, and 12 months’ corrected age. The change in weight and length z-scores from birth to all subsequent age points was calculated. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis was performed for weight, length, and weight-for-length delta z-scores at each age point. Results. During the 18-month study, 161 infants received a median of 11 (IQR, 5.5-19.5) antibiotic days of therapy which was not associated with weight or length delta z-scores from birth through 12 months’ corrected age.Conclusion. Association of prolonged antibiotic use and neonatal morbidities and mortality may override the potential association with increased weight gain in the NICU and beyond.
Applying Human-centered Design to Maximize Acceptability, Feasibility, and Usability of Mobile Technology Supervision in Kenya: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study Protocol
Authors: Triplett Noah , Munson Sean , Mbwayo Anne , Mutavi Teresia , Weiner Bryan , Collins Pamela , Amanya Cyrilla , Dorsey Shannon
Published: November 2020

Background: Although research continues to support task-shifting as an effective model of delivering evidence-based practices (EBPs), little scholarship has focused how to scale up and sustain task-shifting in low- and middle-income countries, including how to sustainably supervise lay counselors. Ongoing supervision is critical to ensure EBPs are delivered with fidelity; however, the resources and expertise required to provide ongoing supervision may limit the potential to scale up and sustain task shifting. Opportunities may exist to leverage mobile technology to replace or supplement in-person supervision in low-resource contexts, but contextual variables, such as network connectivity and lay counselor preferences surrounding mobile technology, must be examined and considered when designing and implementing mobile technology supervision.Methods: This study builds from an existing randomized trial in Kenya, wherein teachers and community health volunteers have been trained to provide trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy as lay counselors. The study will use an iterative and mixed methods approach, with qualitative interviews and a Human-Centered Design (HCD) workshop informing a non-randomized pilot trial. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with lay counselors and supervisors to understand how mobile technology is currently being used for supervision and determine the barriers and facilitators to mobile technology supervision. Data from these interviews will inform an HCD workshop, where lay counselors and supervisors “re-design” supervision to most effectively leverage mobile technology. Workshop participants will also participate in focus groups to gather perceptions on the use of HCD techniques. The final outcome of the workshop will be a set of refined workflows, which will be tested in a mixed method, nonrandomized pilot with newly trained lay counselors and existing supervisors. The pilot trial will evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and usability of mobile technology supervision through self-report questionnaires as well as perceptions of effectiveness through qualitative interviews with a subset of lay counselors and all supervisors.Discussion: This study will provide a launching point for future research on supervision and methods to engage stakeholders to design and tailor interventions and implementation supports to fit low-resourced contexts.
Relationship Between the Factors of Spirituality and Self-Esteem in Nurses Working in Palliative Care Wards: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Chugoku Region
Authors: KIYOKO NAGAISHI , Hidemi Sasaki , Yumi Maenobu
Published: November 2020

BackgroundSpirituality in nurses is considered an important aspect of nursing care today. Often, the palliative care ward environment teaches nurses the philosophies of life of dying patients but can leave them feeling powerless from the impact of facing death, which can place them in a state of crisis. However, there are no existing studies that have examined the relationship between the factors of spirituality and self-esteem in nurses working in palliative care wards. This study thus aimed to investigate the relationship between spirituality and self-esteem and to identify the factors of spirituality in nurses working in a palliative care ward.MethodsA survey was conducted on 300 nurses working in a palliative care ward in the Chugoku Region[1]. This study is a cross-sectional study using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Higa’s spirituality rating scale A (SRS-A) and a self-esteem scale was used. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank correlation. ResultsThe nurses surveyed and analyzed had long experience as nurses and all demonstrated motivation in palliative care and were highly interested in spirituality. Among SRS-A subscales, they scored highest for “motivation (M = 9.41 ± 2.04),” and they were strongly affected by items “I want to fulfill my dreams and wishes” about self-realization and “I can choose the way I live.” There were significant differences in transfer to the palliative care ward (self-requested or ordered) (p < 0.01) and whether they had training (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between spiritual and self-esteem (r = .518, p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe survey outcomes suggested that the important factors of spirituality intrinsic to nurses working in palliative care wards were a sense of purpose and will to envision self-realization; motivation, which is the source of energy; self-esteem, which increases self-affirmation and self-acceptance; and “educational support,” which translates “experience” into experiential knowledge. Nurses working in palliative care words possess the viewpoints on mortality and life developed through a wealth of experiences in palliative care. Educational support should aim to allow nurses to integrate their experiential knowledge with theoretical knowledge. [1] Chugoku Region: a region of Japan located in the western part of Honshu with area ‎31,921.87 km2, population = ‎7,251,351, and 30 facilities with palliative care wards (as of June 1, 2020).
Proteasome Inhibitor Drives an Anti-tumor Effects of Human Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: Correlate with the Emerging Role of Nrf2/Keap1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xu Jiazhi , Wu Haiwei , Sun Jiatong , Gong Zhiyuan , Lu Xiaoya , Yang Enli , Chen Yi , Chen Zhanwei , Huang Shengyun , Zhang Dongsheng
Published: November 2020

Background：Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is one of the most common malignant salivary gland tumors. Its unique biological characteristics and complex structures contribute to its poor survival rates. Recently, proteasome inhibitors have shown to elicit satisfactory therapeutic effects in the treatment of certain solid tumors, but few studies have been implemented to investigate the effects of proteasome inhibitor therapy for ACC. Methods：In this present study, cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry assay were performed to determine the effects of proteasome inhibitor (MG132) on cell viability and apoptosis. We applied western blot and immunofluorescence staining to explore the expression of Nrf2/Keap1 pathway and P62, and utilized Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) to evaluate the role of Nrf2/Keap1 pathway in MG132 induced cell apoptosis.Results： We discovered that MG132 significantly suppressed the growth of ACC-83 cells and induced apoptosis. The application of MG132 induced the up-regulation of Nrf2/Keap1 pathway. Furthermore, inhibition of Nrf2 attenuated the therapeutic effects of MG132 for ACC.Conclusion：our results revealed that proteasome inhibitors might potentially be useful as a promising agent in cancer chemotherapy to treat ACC through activating Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.
Towards an Integrated Animal Health Surveillance System in Tanzania: Making Better use of Existing and Potential data Sources for Early Warning Surveillance
Authors: George Janeth , Häsler Barbara , Komba Erick , Sindato Calvin , Rweyemamu Mark , Mlangwa James
Published: November 2020

Background: Effective animal health surveillance systems require reliable, quality, and timely data for decision-making. The animal health surveillance system in Tanzania has been relying on a few data sources, which suffer from delays in reporting, underreporting, and high cost of data collection and transmission. The integration of data from multiple sources can enhance early detection and response to animal diseases and consequently facilitate the early control of outbreaks. The study aimed to identify and assess the existing and potential data sources for animal health surveillance system in Tanzania and how they can better be used for early warning surveillance. The study used mixed-method design to identify and assess data sources. Data were collected through document reviews, internet search, cross-sectional survey, key informant interviews, site visits, and non-participant observation. The assessment was done using pre-defined criteria.Results: A total of 13 data sources were identified and assessed. Most surveillance data came from livestock farmers, slaughter facilities, and livestock markets, while animal dip sites were the least used sources. Commercial farms and veterinary shops, electronic surveillance tools like AfyaData and Event Mobile Application (EMA-i) and information systems such as Tanzania National Livestock Identification and Traceability System (TANLITS) and Agricultural Routine Data System (ARDS) show potential to generate relevant data for the national animal health surveillance system. The common variables found across most sources were: the name of the place (12/13), animal type/species (12/13), syndromes (10/13) and number of affected animals (8/13). The majority of the sources had good surveillance data contents and were accessible with medium to maximum spatial coverage. However, there was significant variation in terms of data frequency, accuracy and cost. There were limited integration and coordination of data flow from the identified sources with minimum to non-automated data entry and transmission. Conclusion: The study demonstrated how the available data sources have great potential for early warning surveillance in Tanzania. Both existing and potential data sources had complementary strengths and weaknesses; a multi-source surveillance system would be best placed to harness these different strengths.
WITHDRAWN: Responses of the Ecological Characteristics and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Rotaria Rotatoria to UV-B Radiation
Authors: Zhu Ling-yun , Huang Rong , Chen Ye , Zhou Li-bin , Xi Yi-long , Xiang Xian-ling
Published: November 2020

Background: UVB radiation is an increasing threat to aquatic organisms, and also a potential driving force for zooplankton population dynamics. The bdelloid rotifer, for its parthenogenesis and high resistance to stress, can be used as an excellent model in ecology and evolutionary biology. Given the strong tolerance of bdelloid rotifer to stressors, we hypothesized that it could hold the ability to tolerate significant UV radiation, and this capacity may be associated with the trade-off strategies among life historic components. With this study, to estimate the ecological effects and responses of antioxidant system against UV radiation, the acute lethal, life history strategies, population growth, and antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed in the bdelloid Rotaria rotatoria after exposure to UV-B radiation. Results: The persistence of tolerance (evaluating by LT50) in rotifer to stress was playing a more vital role than the radiation dose (LD50) in survival, with a significant negative correlation between the radiation intensity and LT50. The larger the culture volume, the weaker the lethal effect. Rotifers prolonged their first reproductive time (JP), and shortened their reproductive period (RP) and longevity with the increasing of radiation dose, and the fecundity was significant inhibited by UV-B radiation. These responses can be taken as energy trade-off to retard their mortality. The population density of rotifers increased at the lowest dose of radiation, and then descended with the increasing of UVR dose, and this pattern was also corroborated by detecting the content of SOD and CAT, which suggested that hormesis also applies to R. rotatoria under UV-B radiation stress. The enzyme SOD has higher level of content and more sensitive to low UVR than CAT.Conclusions: The lethal effects of UV-B radiation to organisms depends not only on the conditions they exposed to, like as intensity and time of exposure, but also combination of factors namely, the type and effectiveness of the strategy they employ to cope with the changed environment. The species specificity, ages and physiological status also could be the regulating factors under the stresses, also in this case there was the strategy of energy trade-off between reproduction and survival in rotifers.
Defining Kawasaki Disease and Pediatric Multi-Inflammatory Syndrome During SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic in Italy: Results From A National, Multicenter Survey.
Authors: Cattalini Marco , Paolera Sara Della , Zunica Fiammetta , Bracaglia Claudia , Giangreco Manuela , Verdoni Lucio , Meini Antonella , Sottile Rita , Caorsi Roberta , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Fabi Marianna , Montin Davide , Meneghel Alessandra , Consolaro Alessandro , Dellepiane Rosa Maria , Maggio Maria Cristina , Torre Francesco La , Marchesi Alessandra , Simonini Gabriele , Villani Alberto , Cimaz Rolando , Ravelli Angelo , Taddio Andrea
Published: November 2020

Background: There is mounting evidence on the existence of a Pediatric Multi-inflammatory Syndrome related to SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS), sharing similarities with Kawasaki Disease (KD). The main outcome of the study were to better characterize the clinical features and the treatment response of PIMS-TS and to explore its relationship with KD determining whether KD and PIMS are two distinct entities.Methods: The Rheumatology Study Group of the Italian Pediatric Society launched a survey to enroll patients diagnosed with KD (Kawasaki Disease Group – KDG) or KD-like (Kawacovid Group - KCG) disease. Demographic, clinical, laboratory data, treatment information, and patients’ outcome were collected in an online anonymized database (RedCAP). Relationship between clinical presentation and SARS-CoV-2 infection was also taken into account. Chi square test or exact Fisher test and non-parametric Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test were used to study differences between two groupsResults: One-hundred-forty-nine cases were enrolled, (96 KDG and 53 KCG). KCG children were significantly older and presented more frequently from gastrointestinal and respiratory involvement. Cardiac involvement was more common in KCG, with 60,4% of patients with myocarditis and 37,8% with hypotension/non-cardiogenic shock. Coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) were more common in the KDG. The risk of ICU admission were higher in KCG. Lymphopenia, higher CRP levels, elevated Ferritin and Troponin-T characterized KCG. KDG received more frequently immunoglobulins (IVIG) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (81,3% vs 66%; p=0.04 and 71,9% vs 43,4%; p=0.001 respectively) as KCG more often received glucocorticoids (56,6% vs 14,6%; p<0.0001). SARS-CoV-2 assay more often resulted positive in KCG than in KDG (75,5% vs 20%; p<0.0001). Short-term follow data showed minor complications. Comparing KDG with a KD-Historical Italian cohort (598 patients), no statistical difference was found in terms of clinical manifestations and laboratory data.Conclusion: Our study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection might determine two distinct inflammatory diseases in children: KD and PIMS-TS. Older age at onset and clinical peculiarities like the occurrence of myocarditis characterize this multi-inflammatory syndrome. Our patients had an optimal response to treatments and a good outcome, with few complications and no deaths.