bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultivation of Osmundea pinnatifida (Hudson) Stackhouse in the Algem® Photobioreactor System
Authors: Biancacci Cecilia , McDougall Gordon J. , Day John G. , Stanley Michele S.
Published: July 2022

Cultivation of Osmundea pinnatifida (Hudson) Stackhouse in flasks and/or tanks has yet to be developed beyond the lab scale. However, establishment of a methodology for the supply of this red seaweed has great potential, considering that it can be exploited either as food or as a source of biologically active compounds with potential nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. This study investigates the possibility of growing O. pinnatifida in the Algem® photo bioreactor (PBR) system, normally utilised for microalgae cultivation, and examines the antioxidant content of the biomass. The cultures were incubated in the Algem® PBRs under a set of environmental parameters established in a previous seasonality study at a single location in the west of Scotland. The growth of the cultures in the PBR was monitored, the biomass assessed for antioxidant content, and results compared with seasonal samples, to assess how the PBR system affects the biochemistry of the species. Analyses centred on antioxidant activity and included Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Ferric Iron Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). A significant increase in the antioxidant content, two to five-time higher compared to wild samples, was achieved by cultivating the biomass in the PBR. This study highlights that the production of antioxidant compounds in O. pinnatifida can be improved by increasing photoperiod and light intensity and manipulating the wavelength. This information provides important insights into how cultivation conditions for this species can be tailored to increase production and improve the composition of the final product.
Comparison of frailty in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease and bronchiectasis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Fujita Kohei , Ito Yutaka , Yamamoto Yuki , Kanai Osamu , Imakita Takuma , Oi Issei , Ito Takanori , Saito Zentaro , Mio Tadashi
Published: July 2022

Background: The incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTM-LD) peaks in middle- and old age groups, coinciding with senescence; thus, chronic infectious diseases can accelerate frailty and worsen mental health in the elderly. In this study, we aimed to compare the prevalence of physical and psychiatric frailty between patients with NTM-LD and bronchiectasis (BE).Methods: The Kihon Checklist Questionnaire (KCQ) was used to assess physical and psychiatric frailties and identify those at risk of requiring care among patients with newly diagnosed NTM-LD and BE. Additionally, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores and chronic inflammatory biomarkers of the alveolar region (surfactant protein [SP]-A, SP-D, and human cationic antibacterial protein [hCAP]/LL-37) were assessed and compared between NTM-LD and BE patients.Results: There were no significant differences in the background characteristics between the 33 NTM and 36 BE patients recruited. The KCQ revealed that the proportion of frail NTM patients at diagnosis was higher than that of frail BE patients (48.5% vs. 22.2%, p=0.026). HADS scores were significantly higher in the NTM group than in the BE group (p<0.01). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) hCAP/LL-37 and SP-D levels were significantly higher (p=0.001), but serum hCAP/LL-37 levels were significantly lower in the NTM group than in the BE group (p=0.023). However, there were no significant differences in the BALF and serum SP-D levels between the two groups.Conclusions: The number of frail NTM patients at diagnosis was significantly higher than that of frail BE patients. Biomarker analysis suggested that the former had more localized lung inflammation than the latter.Trial registration: This trial was prospectively registered in the Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN 000027652).
Comprehensive study of anomalous hysteresis behavior in perovskite-based solar cells
Authors: Minbashi Mehran , Yazdani Elnaz
Published: July 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown remarkable progress with the rapid increase in power conversion efficiency to reach 25.7% over the last few years. However, it is difficult to precisely determine the energy conversion efficiency for PSC, because of anomalous current density- voltage (J-V) hysteresis. Normal J-V hysteresis has been reported in many papers, where the backward scan (BS) performance is higher than the forward scan (FS) one. In this work, using Drift-Diffusion Modeling (DDM), normal hysteretic behavior associated with ion migration with different scanning rates, pre-bias voltages, and charge-carrier mobility is studied. In addition, the inverted J − V hysteresis by modification of the simulation model, where anions and cations flux towards the transport layers and are accumulated simultaneously on both sides, is achieved. It is also found that the flux parameter values (gae and gch) play a critical role in the reduction of inverted hysteresis and the efficiency enhancement. It is suggested from the current studies that perovskite interfaces encapsulation, which prevents ions migration, could be of great importance for achieving hysteresis-free PSCs and reliable device characteristics.
A rare case of well-differentiated liposarcoma with CDK4 amplification but without MDM2 amplification
Authors: Xu Dan , Wang Zhuo , Cao Huiping , Qiu Xueshan
Published: July 2022

Background: Well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDL)/atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT) and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDL) together comprise the largest subgroup of liposarcomas, and constitute up to 20% of all soft tissue sarcomas. WDL shares a common genetic feature characterized by high-level amplifications in the chromosome 12q13-15 region which contains the murine double minute-2 (MDM2), cyclin-dependent kinase-4 (CDK4) genes, and high mobility group protein AT-hook 2 (HMGA2). This is the first time we report a rare case of WDL with CDK4 amplification but without MDM2 amplification.Case presentation: A 61-year-old male presented with increased urine volume at night without fever, backache, abdominal distension, hematuria, urine pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Abdominal computed tomography revealed an uneven density, 6.6*6.3*6.1cm mass in the right renal inferior retroperitoneum. The patient was treated with the right retroperitoneal tumor resection. Light microscopy revealed a large number of necrotic areas, fibers separated into leaflets of varying size, fat-like cell sizes differences, with enlarged, deep stained, irregular nuclei, and scattered irregular spindle cells within the fiber septum. The MDM2 gene was not amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) which was considered the gold standard. A FISH assay with break-apart probes to detect DDIT3 gene rearrangement was negative. CDK4 gene amplification was detected by FISH. The diagnosis of the mass was WDL with CDK4 amplification but without MDM2 amplification. The patient was followed up for three months without symptoms and residual/recurrent tumors.Conclusions: WDL usually has MDM2, CDK4 gene amplification, and in some cases can have only MDM2 gene amplification without CDK4 gene amplification, but also note that this WDL with CDK4 amplification but no MDM2 amplification. Therefore, this case is of great significance to the clinical work of the pathologists.
A case report about infective endophthalmitis caused by Ochrobactrum anthropic after glaucoma and cataract surgery
Authors: zhu xiaomin , du qian , xiao minghe , lin qianyi , li xiangji , xie lin
Published: July 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to report an unusual case of infective endophthalmitis one week after Glaucoma and cataract surgery in her left eye. That caused by multidrug-resistant Ochrobactrum anthropic. Findings: Intravitreal fluid culture confirmed multidrug-resistant Ochrobactrum anthropic. Drug sensitivity indicated that it was sensitive to aminoglycosides, quinolones and imipenem. After two times of intravitreal and anterior chamber injection of moxifloxacin combined with imipenem, as well as intravenous and ocular medication, bacterial endophthalmitis was successfully relieved.Conclusions: The persistent and refractory multidrug-resistant Ochrobactrum anthropic endophthalmitis is a clinical rare entity, often due to indolent pathogens that water and Iatrogenic instruments, etc. Combined with vitreous fluid drug sensitivity test and related literature, A combination of intravitreal injection moxifloxacin and imipenem, as well as systemic intravenous therapy, eventually brought endophthalmitis under control and restored vision.
WITHDRAWN: Exploring Barriers to Dementia Screening and Management Services by General Practitioners in China: A qualitative study using the COM-B model
Authors: Yang Dan , Zou Jianfeng , He Qianyu , Hu Lei , Liao Jing , Gong Ni
Published: July 2022

Background
Dementia has become a global public health problem, and general practitioners (GPs) play a key role in the diagnosis and management of dementia. However, in Chinese primary care, dementia is under-diagnosed and inefficiently managed, and the dementia services provided by GPs are suboptimal. However, the reasons underlying this dementia service gap among GPs are poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the barriers that hinder GPs from actively promoting dementia services, and thereby provide insights for successful promotion of primary health care dementia services.
Methods
Group discussions and in-depth interviews were used for data collection. Inductive content analysis was used for data analysis, in combination with the Capability/Opportunity/Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model as the framework for data analysis.
Results
Fifty-two GPs from the whole district of a city in southern China were included in this study. The COM-B model identified nine barriers: (1) capability: lack of systematic knowledge of dementia and difficulty in localizing and commissioning screening tools; (2) opportunity: insufficient time for dementia services, lack of dementia-specific leaders, unclear pathways for referral, no guarantee of service continuity; and (3) motivation: low sense of identity, psychological stress, and insufficient financial incentives.
Conclusions
The COM-B model could conceptually clarify the reasons underlying the suboptimal provision of dementia services by GPs in China. Under the influence of these barriers of capability, opportunity, and motivation, GPs not only failed to perform well in their role at the frontline of dementia prevention and treatment, but even had a sense of distrust in the practices they were expected to promote. Thus, standardization of the delivery of dementia services in primary care requires complex solutions, including standardized dementia training programs, standardized community-based dementia guidelines, expansion of primary care workforces, development of dedicated leaders, and universal dementia health education to bridge the gap between the expectations and reality of dementia services in primary care.
Proteome profiles of two Eucalyptus species during the early stage of somatic embryogenesis
Authors: Chen Bowen , Li Changrong , Chen Yingying , Chen Shengkan , Xiao Yufei , Wu Qi , Zhong Lianxiang , Huang Kaiyong
Published: July 2022

BackgroundEarly somatic embryogenesis (SE) has been recognized as an important tool for plants to propagate in vitro. However, our knowledge about the proteins involved in early SE including the callus dedifferentiation is still limited, especially in the economic woody tree – Eucalyptus.ResultsWe performed the data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass-spectrometry (MS) to study the proteins involved in early SE of two Eucalyptus species - E. camaldulensis (high regeneratively potential) and E. grandis x urophylla (low regenerative potential). Initially, the data-dependent acquisition MS produced 44,451 peptides and 9,142 proteins. While the DIA MS identified 35,207 peptides and 7,077 proteins in the stem and tissue-culture induced callus of the two Eucalyptus species. MSstat identified 2,078 and 2,807 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in early SE of E. camaldulensis and E. grandis x urophylla, respectively. They shared 760 upregulated and 420 downregulated proteins, including 4 transcription factors, 31 ribosomal proteins, 1 histone, 3 zinc finger proteins (ZFPs), ARF19, WOX8 and PIN1. Further, 27 and 4 DEPs were found to be involved in “photosynthesis” (ko00195) and “two-component system” (ko02020), respectively. Notably, SERK, WRKY, ZFP and ABC transporter proteins were analyzed to be related with high SE potential. By combining the miRNA and RNA-Seq results, some miRNA-mRNA/protein regulation networks might be involved in early SE of Eucalyptus, like miR160~TPP2, miR164~UXS2, miR169~COX11 and miR535~ Eucgr.E01067.ConclusionsThis is the first study of proteome profiles in early SE of Eucalyptus. The findings will improve our understanding of molecular changes and regulatory networks in early SE of Eucalyptus.
A novel group decision-making method for complex fuzzy information using extended power average operator and Frank operation
Authors: Xu Wuhuan , Yao Zhong , Wang Jun
Published: July 2022

The interval-valued q-rung dual hesitant fuzzy sets (IVq-RDHFSs) has been proposed for effectively representing complex fuzzy information. IVq-RDHFSs can describe the membership degree and non-membership degree respectively through interval value set, and can flexibly adjust the space of information expression, which makes them surpass most existing fuzzy sets. Nevertheless, the main shortage of the existing multi-attribute group decision making (MAGDM) methods based on IVq-RDHFSs is that the functions of operation rules and aggregation operators (AOs) are very limited. Therefore, this paper investigates a new MAGDM under IVq-RDHFSs, established on the powerful Frank t-norm and t-conorm (FTT) operation and extended power average (EPA) operator. With the help of FTT, the basic operation of IVq-RDHFSs is redefined, then the interval-valued q-rung dual hesitant fuzzy Frank extended power average operator and the interval-valued q-rung dual hesitant fuzzy Frank weighted extended power average (IVq-RDHFFWEPA) operator are developed by combining FTT and EPA. Likewise, the desirable properties and special cases of the new AOs are explored. Afterwards, a novel MAGDM framework is constructed on the foundation of IVq-RDHFFWEPA operator. Compared with most existing approach, the proposed MAGDM in this paper possesses prominent ability in controlling the effect of extreme evaluation as well as modeling the risk attitude of decision-makers, so it is more appropriate for practical application. Finally, diverse experiments are devised to analyze the use and advantages of our method.
Dho-gml Optimization Approach for Thyroid Classification Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Dhivya P. , Bazilabanu A.
Published: July 2022

Disease classification using Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the emerging areas for medical professionals to diagnose the disease. Thyroid is a common disease which is faced by most of the people that produce severe health problems. As a second opinion to medical professionals, various classification models are used such as Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, K Nearest Neighbor and gradient boosting algorithms.An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is a part of AI mainly used to identify the nonlinear relationship among the features for better prediction. However, there are some common problems like under fitting and overfitting that occur during the analysis and prediction. The present study suggests the Deep Hyper Optimization (DHO) - Genetic Meta Learning (GML) technique to increase the accuracy and reduce the elapsed time of execution without overfitting. In the first phase, DHO is used to fine tune the weight, bias and identify the optimal number of parameters in the hidden layer using DHO. The performance of various algorithms are observed and compared with Deep Hyper Optimization (DHO) technique. It chooses the best parameter for classification based on the highest probability of particular value in the parameters after performing the divide and conquer approach. In the second phase, GML technique is used to identify the optimal model for classification. It uses the crossover to select the best model and generate offspring population. The performance of each method is observed based on the accuracy, elapsed time, precision, recall, and F1 score, FPR, FNR, TNR and Area under Curve (AUC).
Dysregulation of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate (S1P) and S1P Receptor 1 Signaling in the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Jung Younghun , Lopez-Benitez Jonathan , Tognoni Christina M. , Carreras Isabel , Dedeoglu Alpaslan
Published: July 2022

Sphingolipid-1-phosphate (S1P) and S1P receptors (S1PRs) play crucial roles in cellular events in the brain. Aberrant S1P metabolism has been identified in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Our recent studies have shown that treatment with fingolimod, an analog of sphingosine known to activate S1PRs in vivo, provides neuroprotective effects in 5xFAD mice, resulting in the reduction of Aβ neurotoxicity, inhibition of activation of microglia and astrocytes, and increased hippocampal neurogenesis. However, the pathways by which dysfunctional S1P and S1PR signaling may associate with the development of AD-like pathology remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the alteration of S1P and S1PR1 signaling in the brain of 5xFAD transgenic mice compared to non-transgenic wildtype (WT) littermates at 3, 8, and 14 months of age. Compared to WT mice, we found significantly decreased levels of S1P concomitant with decreased sphingosine kinases (SphKs), increased S1P lyase (S1PL), and increased S1PR1 in 8- and 14-month-old, but not in 3-month-old 5xFAD mice. Furthermore, we detected increased activation of the S1PR1 downstream pathway of Akt/mTor/Tau signaling in aging 5xFAD mice. Treatment with fingolimod from 1 to 8 months of age reversed the levels of S1P, SphKs, and S1PL, and that of S1PR1 and its downstream pathway of Akt/mTor/Tau signaling. Together the data reveal that dysregulation of S1P and S1PR signaling may associate with the development of AD-like pathology through Akt/mTor/Tau signaling.
Knockdown of Musashi-1 enhances chemotherapeutic sensitivity and apoptosis in Group 3/4 medulloblastomas cells
Authors: Chagas Pablo Shimaoka , Veronez Luciana Chain , de Sousa Graziella Ribeiro , Cruzeiro Gustavo Alencastro Veiga , Corrêa Carolina Alves Pereira , Saggioro Fabiano Pinto , Queiroz Rosane Gomes de Paula , Marie Suely Kazue Nagahashi , Brandalise Silvia Regina , Cardinalli Izilda Aparecida , Yunes José Andres , Júnior Carlos Gilberto Carlotti , Machado Hélio Rubens , Santos Marcelo Volpon , Scrideli Carlos Alberto , Tone Luiz Gonzaga , Valera Elvis Terci
Published: July 2022

Groups (Grp) 3 and 4 are aggressive molecular subgroups of medulloblastoma (MB), with high rates of leptomeningeal dissemination. To date, there is still a paucity of biomarkers for these subtypes of MBs. The RNA-binding protein Musashi-1 (MSI1) is a neural stem cell marker, characterized as a gene translation regulator and associated with high oncogenicity in several human cancers. In this study, we investigated the clinical significance and biological functions of MSI1 in Grp3/Grp4-MBs. First, we assessed the expression profile of MSI1 in 59 primary MB samples (15-WNT, 18-SHH, 9-Grp3, 17-Grp4 subgroups) by qRT-PCR. MSI1 mRNA expression levels were also validated in an additional public dataset of MBs (GSE85217). The ROC curve was used to validate the diagnostic standards of MSI1 expression. Cell cycle, cell viability, and apoptosis were evaluated in D283 Med cell-line (Grp3/Grp4/MBs) after shRNA-mediated knockdown of MSI1 plus cisplatin treatment. We identified an overexpression of MSI1 with a high accuracy to discriminate Grp3/Grp4-MBs from non- Grp3/Grp4-MBs. In addition, MSI1 knockdown promoted cell cycle interruption in the G1/S transition and, consequently, decreased the number of cells in the G2/M phase, repressed cell proliferation and sensitized D283 Med cells to cisplatin treatment by enhancing cell apoptosis. The results of the present study are the first to demonstrate that MSI1 may play a role as biomarker for Grp3/Grp4-MBs. In addition, MSI1 knockdown combined with cisplatin may offer a potential strategy to be further explored in Grp3/Grp4-MBs.
Optimizing pediatric asthma education using virtual platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Radhakrishnan Dhenuka , Higginson Andrea , Thipse Madhura , Tessier Marc , Radhakrishnan Arun
Published: July 2022

Background
We compared patient and caregiver knowledge and confidence for managing asthma, and participant experiences when comprehensive asthma education was delivered in person versus in the virtual setting.
Methods
We performed a multi-methods study using structured surveys and qualitative interviews to solicit feedback from patients and caregivers following participation in a comprehensive asthma education session between April 2018 to October 2021. We compared participant knowledge and confidence for managing asthma as well as user experience when the education was attended in-person or virtually. Quantitative responses were summarized descriptively, and qualitative feedback was analyzed for major themes.
Results
Of 100 caregivers/patients who completed post education satisfaction surveys and interviews, 52 attended in person and 48 virtually, with the mean age of patients being 6.7 years (range: 1.2–17.0). Participant reported gains in knowledge and confidence for asthma management were not different between groups and 65.2% preferred attending virtual asthma education. The majority of participants described virtual education as a safer modality that was more convenient and accessible.
Conclusions
We demonstrated the successful implementation of a novel, virtual asthma education program for patients and caregivers of children with asthma. Both virtual and in-person delivered asthma education were equally effective for improving perceived knowledge and confidence for asthma self-management and virtual education was considered safer, more convenient and accessible. Virtual asthma education offers an attractive and effective option for improving the reach of quality asthma education programs and may allow more children/patients to benefit.
New understanding of SPAG4 as a potential tumor prognostic and immunotherapeutic marker
Authors: Feng Wanjiang , Wang Guowei , Zhang Xiaobo , Cheng Sha , Song Xiaoyue , Zhang Pan , Wang Jianlong
Published: July 2022

Human sperm-associated antigen 4 (SPAG4), as a member of the cancer-testis antigen(CTA) family, is considered to be a potential cancer marker. However, It is not known whether SPAG4 functions in the tumor immune microenvironment through some common mechanism. Here, we explored the oncogenic role of SPAG4 in 33 human tumors based on TCGA and GEO databases using web-based tools such as TIMER2.0, GEPIA2, TISIDE, ROC plotter, TIDE, and Western Blot experiments. The results showed that SPAG4 was highly expressed in 21 tumors and predicted a poor clinical prognosis in most tumors. Moreover, SPAG4 has an important role in the tumor microenvironment and is likely to be involved in the regulation of the immune microenvironment. Most importantly, SPAG4 expression was significantly associated with drug resistance and immune checkpoint blockade therapy in tumor patients, and could potentially regulate the occurrence of immune escape. In conclusion, our study suggests that SPAG4 is an immune oncogenic molecule that can be used as a biomarker for cancer detection, prognosis, treatment design and follow-up.
Phenomenological Support for Escape Theory: A Qualitative Study Using Explicitation Interviews with Emotional Eaters
Authors: Shireen Huma , Castelli Samantha , Legault Maurice , Dor-Ziderman Yair , Milad Julia , Knäuper Bärbel
Published: July 2022

The current study explored the phenomenology of emotional eating, that is, the descriptive knowledge of what one perceives, senses, and knows in one's immediate awareness and experience during emotional eating. Eight individuals with emotional eating were interviewed twice using explicitation interviewing. Thematic analysis resulted in nine themes describing the diachronic (or temporal) unfolding of emotional eating and several sub-themes that described various synchronic (or experiential) dimensions of this unfolding. The core findings of this study support the escape theory of emotional eating and recommend future directions to investigate the self-related shifts proposed by this theory. Namely, the findings show that individuals tend to use food to regulate their emotions by reducing the unpleasant experience of negative emotions and the associated unpleasant narrative processing or ruminations about stressors that caused the negative emotions. This then leads to an urge to eat associated with a desire for the sensory experience of eating. Eating then enables individuals to reduce thoughts about their stressors and bring themselves into the present moment through embodiment. Future quantitative research could investigate this mechanism of shifting from narrative to embodied processing to regulate emotions in emotional eating to develop treatment programs, such as mindfulness-based programs, that could encourage such a shift and emotion regulation without the use of food.
Improvements in survival and early retirement rates – real-world evidence for Danish breast cancer patients 2004-2018
Authors: Khan Humma , Rudolfsen Jan Håkon , Olsen Jens , Borgquist Signe , Poulsen Peter Bo
Published: July 2022

BackgroundHistorically, Denmark has had poor survival for cancer patients relative to other western countries with comparable healthcare systems. The associated adverse outcomes may have been attributed to lifestyle factors or healthcare system weaknesses. In this study, we examine the long-term cancer impact of a nationwide reform addressing all cancer diagnostics, implemented in 2006. Our analyses include patients diagnosed with breast cancer and their spouses (informal caregivers). Patients and their spouses diagnosed before and after the reform was compared. Focus is on the potential impact on overall survival, early retirement, sick leave, unemployment as well as earnings (income).MethodsIn a nationwide retrospective cohort study of real-world data utilizing the Danish National Patient Register we identified 77,474 breast cancer patients between 1st January 2002 and 31st December 2018. Data was merged with the National Cancer Register, the Central Person Register, the Education Register, the DREAM Register and the Income Register using citizens’ personal identification number. Spouses of patients were identified through the Central Person Register. Propensity score matching was applied to match populations before and after the reform. Analyses on matched and unmatched populations were performed.ResultsIn a matched sample of cases diagnosed before and after the reform, we found a 15% reduction in risk of mortality for breast cancer patients after the reform. Moreover, there was a 15% reduced risk of early retirement. The patients diagnosed after the reform had reduced income three to five years after diagnosis relative to those diagnosed before the reform, likely due to survival bias and labour market conditions, such as the financial crisis (2008– 2009). In an unmatched sample of patients diagnosed two years before or after the reform, we found a 7% reduction in mortality.ConclusionImplementation of the nationwide cancer reform together with advancement in new cancer treatments had a positive impact on the survival of breast cancer patients. The patients diagnosed after the reform also had reduced risk of early retirement, indicating reduced burden of disease relative to those diagnosed before the reform. The results from our study are reassuring that relevant healthcare reforms improve cancer outcome.
Using social media for health education and promotion: a pilot of WeChat-based prize quizzes on China National Malaria Day
Authors: Wang Yi , Li Chengyuan , Zhang Jiayao , Yang Mengmeng , Zhu Guoding , Liu Yaobao , Cao Jun
Published: July 2022

Background: Imported malaria cases remains a key health concern, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing accurate health information is important to improving people’s awareness of malaria. WeChat is an excellent social media tool for health information dissemination, especially during the pandemic. This study explored the effect of malaria knowledge dissemination via a WeChat public account.Methods: A questionnaire for data collection was constructed using the online survey tool Sojump. Questionnaires were sent to users who followed the Jiangsu institute of Parasitic Disease WeChat public account during the National Malaria Day 2021 period. A small incentive (WeChat Red Packet) was distributed to everyone who answered the questionnaire correctly on time.Results: A total of 13,169 valid questionnaires were collected during the China National Malaria Day period. Questions in which participants focused mainly on information pertaining to themselves, such as infection, symptoms, and epidemic areas, reached highest accuracy (above 90%). Questionnaires were submitted through smartphones and most of them were completed during the period of 4 days from April 23 to April 26, 2021 when a WeChat Red Packet was offered. The accuracy of responses was related to bolded words and location and number of knowledge points that were shown at the beginning of the questionnaire. The number of users of the WeChat public account in question increased from 5961 to 12,339 in just 4 days of the activity.Conclusion: A WeChat public account is a convenient and accessible tool for spreading malaria-related health information to the public. Distribution of incentives (Red Packets) can effectively increase public attention to popular science and health information and activities.
The role of transanal tube after low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Pyo Dae Hee , Huh Jung Wook , Lee Woo Yong , Yun Seong Hyeon , Kim Hee Cheol , Cho Yong Beom , Park Yoon Ah , Shin Jung Kyong
Published: July 2022

PurposeThe protective efficacy of transanal tube (TAT) for anastomosis was compared with that of diverting stoma (DS) in rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.MethodsWe included consecutive locally advanced rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and curative surgery from January 2013 to December 2019. The patients were grouped into TAT or DS, according to the protection methods they received. Propensity score-matching with 1:1 ratio was done. The primary outcome was the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL).ResultsOf the 656 eligible patients, 207 (31.6%) and 385 (58.7%) patients were grouped into TAT and DS, respectively, and 64 (9.7%) patients who did not undergo either TAT or DS were excluded. After matching, the incidence of AL was 9.7% and 10.6% in DS and TAT, respectively (P = 0.871). The overall morbidity was 23.2% and 15.0% in DS and TAT, respectively (P = 0.045). In the multivariate analysis, tumor size greater than 2.5 cm and level of anastomosis lower than 4 cm were significant risk factors for AL. In subgroup analysis for patients with the level of anastomosis higher than 4cm, the incidence of AL was not significantly different between the TAT and DS group. However, for patients with a level of anastomosis lower than 4cm, the incidence of grade C AL was significantly greater in TAT than in DS group (2.5% vs. 9.9%, P = 0.040).ConclusionThe protective efficacy of TAT may be comparable to DS, especially for those with a level of anastomosis higher than 4cm.
Computer or Human: A Comparative Study of Automated Evaluation Scoring and instructors’ feedback on Chinese College Students’ English Writing
Authors: Chen Huimei , Pan Jie
Published: July 2022

The role of internet technology in higher education and particularly in teaching English as a Foreign language is increasingly prominent because of the interest in the ways in which technology can be applied to support students. The automated evaluation scoring system is a typical demonstration of the application of network technology in the teaching of English writing. Many writing scoring platforms have been developed and used in China, which can provide on-line instant and corrective feedback on students’ writing. However, the validity of Aim Writing, a product developed by Microsoft Research Asia, which claims to be the best tool to facilitate Asian EFL learners, has not been tested in previous studies. In this mixed methods study, the feedback and effect of Aim Writing on college students’ writing will be investigated and compared to instructor’s feedback. The results indicate that Aim Writing’s performance is insufficient to support all students’ needs for writing and that colleges should encourage a hybrid model that contains both AES and instructor’s feedback in writing.
Shear strength model of large-scale reinforced concrete rectangular columns with light transverse reinforcement
Authors: Pham Phu Anh Huy
Published: July 2022

Columns with low transverse reinforcement, i.e., poor detail, small size, wide spacing are used commonly in the old buildings. It is often failed in shear with brittle mode that can lead to suddenly collapse entire building. Therefore, the exact determination of shear strength is significant for estimating the response of reinforced concrete (RC) columns under earthquake events. Based on four large full scale RC columns (800⋅800⋅3200)mm with low transverse reinforcement, the paper pointed out the factors that effect on shear strength, and proposed the revised shear strength equation, also the interaction diagram between bending moment (M) – shear force (V)- axial compression force (N) to design or check the shear ability of RC columns. Yet, the simple process to build the backbone curves and hysteretic loops was proposed and compared with tested results and test database.
Statistical methods for enhanced reporting and analysis of COVID-19 survey data sets generated by internal public health bodies in Saudi Arabia: a biostatistical study
Authors: Alqahtani Haifa
Published: July 2022

By late December 2019, incepted in Yuhang, China, COVID-19 started to affect the entire world, including Saudi Arabia. The outbreak and effect of this highly infectious disease can be bio-statistically objectively measured and evaluated in terms of infection, hospitalization and loss of life as the disease has already claimed the lives of more than 7500 Saudis and residents. The impact of the disease on the Saudi public health, economy, education and the general workplace has been tremendous over the early stages of the outbreak. This bio-statistical study aimed to develop a statistical and deterministic analysis of the spread of COVID-19 within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The statistical analysis and subsequent model was based on data collected over a period of seven hundred and twenty six days and the fitting of this data using some statistical distributions to measure the averages for deaths, recovered and infected patients. The resultant simple SIR mathematical model in this study is based on the concept of piecewise modeling, specifying the intervals to define borderlines of the spread of the disease on Saudi lands. The developed prediction model could be used to assist the government and the concerned healthcare providers and personnel to plan for the impending situation and to make sure that they are well prepared to address the pandemic and any other related medical conditions.
Commercial civet farming practices and conservation impacts on wild civet populations in central Vietnam
Authors: Thi Mai Trinh , Gray Russell , Pham Thong , Thuy Hang Tran Thi , Kim Long Le , Nhat Long Cao , Nguyen Thai
Published: July 2022

Demand for luxury wild meat and civet coffee has driven the establishment of civet farms in South-east Asia, including in Vietnam. However, little is known about the impacts of these farms on wild civet populations. In 2020, semi-structured interviews were used to explore the status and trade dynamics of 57 commercial civet farms in Lam Dong and Dak Lak provinces, Vietnam. Interviewees comprised civet farm owners as well as local government staff that were mandated to monitor these facilities. The results show that the surveyed civet farms are poorly managed by the authorities in these two provinces and that these operations pose a high level of risk to both wild civet populations and to public health. 64% of interviewed farms reported that they restocked using wild-caught civets and 63% reported disease as a cause of captive mortality, and in one instance a farm reported ~ 200 individuals died at once. A fifth of the farms interviewed kept more civets than registered with the government. High mortality and low breeding success rates were reported by 74% owners; this probably explains some of the reported dependency on using wild-caught civets for restocking. Civet farms in these two provinces are an ongoing threat to wild civet populations and also to public health; farms may currently be beyond regulatory control, and the commercial farming of civets for their meat and for civet coffee should be phased out both as a conservation and pandemic prevention mechanism.
eEF2K knockdown synergizes STS to inhibit the angiogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma via TG2/IL-6/VEGFR2 pathway
Authors: Wang Bu , Zou Fang , Xin Gu , Xiang Bao-Li , Zhao Jian-Qing , Yuan Sheng-Fang , Zhang Xiu-Long , Zhang Zhi-Hua
Published: July 2022

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most popular type of lung cancer. Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) is considered to be a carcinogen, and Sulfotanshinone IIA sodium (STS) has been proved to have anticancer effect. However, their role in LUAD and its underlying mechanism remains unclear.Objective: To figuring out the roles of eEF2K and STS in angiogenesis of LUAD and their underlying mechanism.Methods: The mRNA levels of genes were detected by qRT-PCR. The levels of proteins were measured by Western blot. The secretion of IL-6 was assessed by ELISA. The proliferation and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were detected by EdU assay and tubule formation assay, respectively.Results: Our results illustrated that eEF2K knockdown-LUAD cells synergize STS inhibited the proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs, eEF2K knockdown synergized STS inhibited the secretion of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in LUAD cells, and eEF2K knockdown-LUAD cells synergized STS to inhibit the proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs, which were dependent on IL-6 secretion and Transglutaminase 2 (TG2). Moreover, eEF2K knockdown-LUAD cells synergized STS inhibited IL-6/STAT3/VEGFR2 pathway depended on TG2. Conclusion: Our research ultimately illustrated that eEF2K knockdown synergized STS to inhibit the angiogenesis of LUAD via TG2/IL-6/VEGFR2 pathway.
Phenological changes and driving forces of lake ice in Central Asia from 2002 to 2020
Authors: Hou Guanyu , Wu Shixin , Ma Xiaofei , Zhang Zihui , Cao Xingwen , Xie Conghui , Ling Qing , Long Weiyi , Luo Geping
Published: July 2022

Lake ice phenology is an indicator to the past and present climates which responds to regional and global climate change sensitively. The climate in Central Asia significant changes over the past few decades due to global warming and anthropogenic activity. How ever, there are few studies specially on the lake ice phenology in Central Asia. In this study, lake ice phenology of 53 lakes in Central Asia was extracted using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) daily LST products for the period from 2002 to 2020. The results showed that MODIS-derived lake ice phenology was overall consistent with Landsat-derived and AVHRR-derived lake ice phenology. Generally, lakes in Central Asia start to freeze from October to December. The trend of each lake ice phenology variables showed a strongly regional difference. Lakes distributed along Kunlun Mountains showed an over all delaying trend in all lake ice phenology variables, while lakes located in the south west part of Central Asia showed an obivious advancing trend of FUS (7.06 days) and BUE (6.81 days). A correlation between lake ice phenology variables and parameters describing local and climatic conditions showed that break up process and ice completely cover duration is more thermal dependent and precipitation mainly affect the freeze up duration. Wind speed mainly affects ice completely frozen duration. Generally, break up process are more easily affected by climatic factors, while local factors have great impact on freeze up process.
Objective lessons from a chylothorax protocol: identifying specific mediators of chest tube duration
Authors: Loomba Rohit S. , Heenan Brian , Ogden Tracey , Davis Megan , Wong Joshua
Published: July 2022

Background
Chylothorax after pediatric cardiothoracic surgery is associated with increased morbidity and resource utilization. There is limited data on optimal management of chylothorax as well as effectiveness of individual components of previously reported management protocols. A chylothorax clinical management protocol was implemented at Advocate Children’s Hospital as a quality improvement initiative with the primary objective of determining the association of protocol implementation with chest tube duration. Secondary objectives were to determine the association of individual protocol elements with chest tube duration.
Methods
The clinical management protocol was developed by a multidisciplinary work group after reviewing internal practice patterns as well as published data. Patient data was compared 21 months before and 21 months after implementation of the protocol in April 2019. Data collected included patient demographics, chest tube duration, and medical and dietary interventions such as use of steroids and low fat diet. Outcomes analyzed included death, surgery, duration of chest tube, and hospital length of stay.
Results
A total of 15 and 27 patients were analyzed before and after protocol implementation respectively. There was no significant difference in demographic data. Protocol adherence was 96%. Methylprednisolone was used exclusively after protocol implementation. Patients tended to receive lower maximum doses of furosemide and chlorothiazide after protocol implementation. Multivariable analysis showed that duration of chest tube after onset of chylous output decreased by 3 days after protocol implementation. A cutoff of 10 mL/kg per 24 hours of chest tube output was shown to predict high volume chest tube output above the median.
Conclusion
A chylothorax management protocol was associated with a 3-day decrease in chest tube output in pediatric cardiac patients. Review of the protocol components demonstrates that a 5-day course of steroids may be beneficial while a low-fat diet may not. This initiative demonstrates how a quality improvement initiative can be successfully utilized in the clinical setting and provide not only protocol level data but also component-specific data.
CircFOXK2 Functions as a Protein Encode and a microRNA Sponge to Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression and Lead a Poor Clinical Prognosis via Regulating the Warburg Effect
Authors: Zheng Jun , Pan Zihao , Lu Tongyu , Song Wen , Liang Jinliang , Zhang Jiebin , Cai Jianye , Sui Xin , Xiao Jiaqi , Chen Haitian , Chen Guihua , Liu Yubin , Zhang Qi , Zheng Kanghong , Yang Yang
Published: July 2022

Background
The Warburg effect is essential for tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance, causing poor clinical outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as important regulators in HCC development and progression. However, limited circRNAs involved in the Warburg effect of HCC have been investigated. Herein, we aimed to explore the contribution of a novel circRNA that derived from the FOXK2 gene locus, circFOXK2, to the reprogramming of glucose metabolism of HCC.
Methods
Firstly, we constructed divergent primers to identify 14 circRNAs originated from FOXK2 gene followed by investigating their differential expression between HCC specimens and the adjacent normal tissues (ANTs), and circFOXK2 (has_circ_0000817) was screened for further research. Next, the clinical significance of circFOXK2 for the patients with HCC was evaluated, coupled with evaluating its onco-promoting activity and the affection to the Warburg effect in both HCC cell lines and animal xenograft. Finally, the molecular mechanisms underlying circFOXK2 regulating the Warburg effect of HCC were explored.
Results
We showed that circFOXK2 was aberrantly upregulation in HCC tissues, and its expression was positively correlated with poor clinical outcomes in patients receiving radical hepatectomy. And silenced circFOXK2 remarkably suppressed the progression of HCC both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we unveiled that circFOXK2 not only encoded a novel protein, FOXK2-142aa, to promote LDHA phosphorylation but also inactivated miR-484 and subsequently promoted Fis1 expression leading to mitochondrial fission, which activate the Warburg effect in HCC.
Conclusions
CircFOXK2, a prognostic biomarker of the disease, exerts critical roles in promoting the Warburg effect through its roles in protein encode and miRNA sponge so that leading tumor progression, indicating that circFOXK2 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for patients with HCC.
Antifungal synergistic effect of paprika and cinnamon oleoresins and their coencapsulation by spray chilling technique to produce a carotenoid-cinnamaldehyde rich food powder
Authors: Procopio Fernanda Ramalho , Ferraz Mariana Costa , Prado-Silva Leonardo Do , Paulino Bruno Nicolau , Sant’Ana Anderson S. , Pastore Glaucia Maria , Sobral Paulo José do Amaral , Hubinger Miriam Dupas
Published: July 2022

Oleoresins are natural extracts obtained from plants and spices. Cinnamaldehyde and carotenoids are the main compounds found in cinnamon and paprika oleoresins, respectively, and exhibit pronounced antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. The coencapsulation of the two oleoresins can promote greater stability and synergism between them. Microencapsulation by spray chilling generates solid lipid microparticles when the atomized matrix crystallizes in contact with the cold chamber. This technique allows greater trapping of volatile compounds as they are more soluble in lipid materials. This work's main objective was to evaluate the synergistic antifungal effect between cinnamon and paprika oleoresins and their coencapsulation by spray chilling. Cinnamon:Paprika (1:1 and 2:1) mixture showed a synergistic effect against Penicillium paneum and Aspergillus niger. The extracts also prevented the growth of microorganisms without direct contact with the agar. The microparticles showed a spherical surface and polymorphic β' characteristic. Particles containing paprika oleoresin presented orange color, while samples with only cinnamon were off white. The size distribution was multimodal with (D0.5) ranging from 13.6 µm for samples containing only cinnamon to 1152.7 µm for samples containing only paprika oleoresin. The storage temperature (5 and 25°C) affected the release of cinnamaldehyde from the microparticles. Regarding the first 14 days, samples stored at 5°C released more cinnamaldehyde compared to that stored at 25°C. Nevertheless, at the end of the 49 days, the content of cinnamaldehyde retained in the particles was practically the same. The concentration of carotenoids in the particles remained constant throughout the 49 days of storage for both temperatures. The co-encapsulation of oleoresin from paprika and cinnamon made it possible to obtain a lipid coloring powder that may have antimicrobial properties.