bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths among Cancer Patients Who Are under Chemotherapy at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Oncology Clinic, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Sitotaw Elsa , Sitotaw Adino , Aleka Yetemwork , Lemma Mulualem
Published: April 2022

Background. In developing countries, environmental and personal hygiene is playing a great role in the increasing of intestinal helminth infection. In countries with limited resources and poor hygiene practices, there is a substantial overlap of intestinal helminthic and chronic infections like HIV, TB, and cancer. Intestinal helminths like Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm cause malnutrition and induce a type-2 immune response that could worsen the severity and clinical outcomes of patients with cancer. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths among cancer patients who are under chemotherapy. Methodology. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in volunteer cancer patients. Clinical information were collected from study participants using a structured questioner. Stool sample was collected for parasitological examination. Formol-ether concentration technique was done, and then, two microscopic slides were prepared. Examination was done by two laboratory technicians for the detection of helminths. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis, and simple descriptive statistical analysis was done for data presentation. Result. The total study participants were 41, of these 31 (75.6%) were females and 10 (24.4%) were male. Breast cancer and colonic cancer were the highest proportion with the others, 43.9% and 17.1%, respectively. The prevalence of intestinal parasites were 7/41 (17%). Hookworm 3/41(7.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides 3/41(7.3%), and Hymenolepis nana 1/41(2.4%) are the isolated parasite. Conclusions and Recommendations. The prevalence of intestinal helminths in cancer is lower than HIV and DM in the study area. However, the prevalence in these cancer patients is still high and needs deworming and health education for the better management of these cancer patients.
Prognostic Biomarker NUMB Is Inhibited by Breast Cancer Cell Exosomes to Promote Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Qin Xue , Cao Youde
Published: April 2022

Objective. To clarify the regulation of breast cancer cell-derived exosomes on breast cancer and the expression of the NUMB endocytic adaptor protein (NUMB) protein. Methods. The exosomes of breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 were isolated. The exosomes were subsequently labeled with PKH67 and added to breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells cultured in vitro. Transwell and clone formation assays were performed to detect cell migration, invasion, and clone formation. Meanwhile, Western blot and qPCR were conducted to determine the regulation of NUMB expression by exosomes in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, NUMB overexpressed lentivirus was supplemented to validate the recovery. Results. The number of migrating and invasive breast cancer cells in the exosome-treated group was significantly increased compared with the control group. Moreover, the number of breast cancer cell clones in the exosome-treated group was increased than in the control group. However, the NUMB expression in breast cancer cells treated with exosomes revealed a substantial decrease, indicating that the exosomes of breast cancer cells could inhibit NUMB expression. NUMB overexpressed lentivirus supplementation markedly suppressed cell migration, invasion, and proliferation of breast cancer cells compared with exosome group. Conclusion. Taken together, the exosomes of breast cancer cells could inhibit the expression of NUMB and promote the migration, invasion, and cell clone formation of breast cancer cells.
E-LPDAE: An Edge-Assisted Lightweight Power Data Aggregation and Encryption Scheme
Authors: Wu Junhua , Xu Zhuqing , Li Guangshun , Fan Cang , Jin Zhenyu , Zheng Yuanwang
Published: April 2022

In smart grid systems, electric utilities require real-time access to customer electricity data; however, these data might reveal users’ private information, presenting opportunities for edge computing to encrypt the information while also posing new challenges. In this paper, we propose an Edge-assisted Lightweight Power Data Aggregation Encryption (E-LPDAE) scheme for secure communication in a smart grid. First, in the edge privacy aggregation model, the data of smart meters are rationally divided and stored in a distributed manner using simulated annealing region division, and the edge servers of trusted organizations perform key one-time settings. The model encrypts the data using Paillier homomorphic encryption. It then runs a virtual name-based verification algorithm to achieve identity anonymization and verifiability of the encrypted data. The experimental results indicate that the E-LPDAE scheme reduces overall system power consumption and has significantly lower computation and communication overhead than existing aggregation schemes.
Numerical Simulation of Vapor-Liquid Two-Phase Saturated Steam Fluent Flow and Atomizing Jet Cleaning
Authors: Yan Feng , Pi Yehua
Published: April 2022

In order to reduce the serious impact of polluting particles on the performance and quality of high-precision machinery and equipment, a cleaning system that uses saturated steam to clean the surface of parts and components is designed to achieve high cleanliness requirements. Based on the standard k-ε model, the large-scale fluid simulation software ANSYS is used to simulate the flow pattern of the steam nozzle to obtain the best distance for steam cleaning. According to the simulation results, a steam cleaning machine was developed and put into an automated cleaning production line to clean three different types of aviation parts. The residual masses of the parts were 0.1 mg, 0.1 mg, and 0.2 mg, and the maximum particle diameters were 549.461 μm, 275.464 μm, and 399.660 μm. The cleaning results show that the saturated steam cleaner can meet the cleaning requirements and get better surface quality parts after cleaning.
Common Fixed Point Theorems forF‐Kannan–Suzuki Type Mappings in TVS‐Valued Cone Metric Space with Some Applications
Authors: Wangwe Lucas , Kumar Santosh
Published: April 2022

This research paper generalizes and extends various fixed‐point results that demonstrate common fixed‐point theorems forF‐Kannan–Suzuki type mappings in TVS‐valued cone metric spaces. The results are supported using interpretative exemplifications and applications that include nonlinear fractional as well as two‐point periodic ordinary differential equations.
An Improved Efficient Certificateless Hybrid Signcryption Scheme for Internet of Things
Authors: Wu Yong , Gong Bei , Zhang Yu
Published: April 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a vast perceptual network formed by a variety of IoT devices connected to each other. In IoT, various devices cooperate with each other to collect and transmit private data of IoT and sustain the efficient and orderly operation of IoT. However, in the complex security situation of IoT, due to the resources of IoT devices being limited, it is difficult for IoT devices to afford the heavy resource consumption of sophisticated data encryption and decryption mechanism, which brings certain security risk to data transmission of IoT. To ensure safe and efficient data transmission, we propose an improved efficient certificateless hybrid signcryption scheme for IoT, which satisfies confidentiality, unforgeability, forward security, public verification, and known session-specific temporary information security; meanwhile, we prove them in random oracle model (ROM). In addition, through simulation experiment, we find that our scheme has higher communication efficiency and computational efficiency compared with existing schemes.
Screening of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Coexpression Regulatory Networks Involved in Acute Traumatic Coagulation Dysfunction Based on CTD, GeneCards, and PharmGKB Databases
Authors: Luo Yong , Fu Yong , Tan Taifa , Hu Jun , Li Fang , Liao Zhanchen , Peng Jian
Published: April 2022

Competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks play crucial roles in multiple biological processes and development of diseases. They might serve as diagnostic and prognosis markers as well as therapeutic targets. The purpose of this study was to identify a novel ceRNA network involving KCNQ1OT1, hsa-miR-24-3p, and VWF in acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) based on databases search. We searched the CTD, GeneCards, and PharmGKB databases for ATC-related target genes using Coagulopathy as a keyword. Upstream miRNAs and lncRNAs of the candidate target VWF were then explored using the miRWalk, microT, TargetScan, RNA22 and Tarbase, and DIANA-LncBase and Starbase databases, respectively. A KCNQ1OT1-hsa-miR-24-3p-VWF ceRNA network was constructed by

R

“ggalluvial” package. Interaction between KCNQ1OT1, hsa-miR-24-3p, and VWF was examined, and their expression was quantified in the peripheral blood samples from 30 ATC patients and liver tissues of ATC rat models. Forty-one ATC-related target genes were identified following data retrieval from publicly available databases, of which VWF was selected as the target and used for the subsequent analysis. KCNQ1OT1 and hsa-miR-24-3p were confirmed to be the key upstream regulatory factors of VWF. KCNQ1OT1-hsa-miR-24-3p-VWF coexpression regulatory network was constructed where KCNQ1OT1 competitively bound to hsa-miR-24-3p and attenuated its binding to VWF. Both the liver tissues of ATC rats and peripheral blood samples from ATC patients showed increased hsa-miR-24-3p expression and decreased VWF and KCNQ1OT1 expression. Collectively, we described the KCNQ1OT1-hsa-miR-24-3p-VWF ceRNA network in the development of ATC. We propose a new ceRNA that could help in the diagnosis and treatment of ATC.
Application Research of Deep Learning Technology in Natural Landscape Animation Design
Authors: Xu Lili , Wen Lilei
Published: April 2022

Due to the limitation of technology and cost, the animation design of natural landscape in the past was often dealt with relative simplicity. With the increasing level of audience appreciation and the continuous development of animation technology, new requirements are put forward for the design of natural landscape animation. In order to make the animation design effect of natural landscape more real, the synthetic aperture radar image is firstly analyzed to obtain the location of mountains, farmland, rivers, villages, roads, and buildings. Considering the superiority of U-Net network in image semantic segmentation, this paper constructs a semantic segmentation model based on U-Net structure. In this model, dense connection module is introduced in downsampling, and spatial void pyramid structure is introduced in upsampling to retain more image features, to achieve accurate segmentation of satellite images. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has higher segmentation accuracy than other algorithms. After accurate classification of natural scene images, it can provide a guarantee for designing more real natural landscape animation design effects.
Long Noncoding RNA ENSG00000254693 Promotes Diabetic Kidney Disease via Interacting with HuR
Authors: Yu Qun , Lin Jiangong , Ma Qiqi , Li Yanmei , Wang Qianhui , Chen Huimin , Liu Yue , Liu Bing
Published: April 2022

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), without suitable therapies, causing end-stage renal diseases (ESRDs) ultimately. Moreover, there is increasing evidence demonstrating that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the development of DKD. Our RNA sequencing data revealed a large group of differentially expressed lncRNAs in renal tissues of DKD, of which lncRNA ENSG00000254693 (lncRNA 254693 for short) changed drastically. In this study, we found that the expression of lncRNA 254693 was increased in both DKD patients and high-glucose-induced human podocytes. 5

′

/3

′

RACE and Northern blot assays were used to find the full length of lncRNA ENSG00000254693 which is 558 nucleotides and nonisoform that existed in human podocyte. Downregulation of lncRNA 254693 remarkably reversed the elevation of inflammation, apoptosis, and podocyte injury caused by high glucose. Then, we did bioinformatics analysis via RBPDB and found that lncRNA 254693 can combine with HuR, a RNA binding protein. Meanwhile, immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization double staining was used to prove the existence of colocalization between them. Intriguingly, lncRNA 254693 knockdown decreased HuR levels, while HuR knockdown also decreased the level of lncRNA 254693 and its stability. After this, RNA immunoprecipitation assay results confirmed the binding association between them again. In addition, we found that HuR was increased in high glucose-induced podocytes, and the silence of HuR could alleviate podocyte injury, inflammation, and apoptosis. These results together suggested a novel feedback regulation between lncRNA 254693 and HuR which could involve in podocyte injury and may serve as a predicted target for DKD therapies.
Two Myricetin-Derived Flavonols from Morella rubra Leaves as Potent α-Glucosidase Inhibitors and Structure-Activity Relationship Study by Computational Chemistry
Authors: Liu Yilong , Wang Ruoqi , Ren Chuanhong , Pan Yifeng , Li Jiajia , Zhao Xiaoyong , Xu Changjie , Chen Kunsong , Li Xian , Gao Zhiwei
Published: April 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress is an important cause and therapeutic target of DM. Phytochemicals such as flavonols are important natural antioxidants that can be used for prevention and treatment of DM. In the present study, six flavonols were precisely prepared and structurally elucidated from Morella rubra leaves, which were screened based on antioxidant assays and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of different plant tissues. Myricetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-α-L-rhamnoside (2) and myricetin-3-O-(4″-O-galloyl)-α-L-rhamnoside (3) showed excellent α-glucosidase inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 1.32 and 1.77 μM, respectively, which were hundredfold higher than those of positive control acarbose. Molecular docking simulation illustrated that the presence of galloyl group altered the binding orientation of flavonols, where it occupied the opening of the cavity pocket of α-glucosidase along with Pi-anion interaction with Glu304 and Pi-Pi stacked with His279. Pi-conjugations generated between galloyl moiety and key residues at the active site of α-glucosidase reinforced the flavonol-enzyme binding, which might explain the greatly increased activity of compounds 2 and 3. In addition, 26 flavonols were evaluated for systematic analysis of structure-activity relationship (SAR) between flavonols and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. By using their pIC50 (-log IC50) values, three-dimensional quantitative SAR (3D-QSAR) models were developed via comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative similarity index analysis (CoMSIA), both of which were validated to possess high accuracy and predictive power as indicated by the reasonable cross-validated coefficient (

q

2

) and non-cross-validated coefficient (

r

2

) values. Through analyzing 3D contour maps of both CoMFA and CoMSIA models, QSAR results were in agreement with in vitro experimental data. Therefore, such results showed that the galloyl group in compounds 2 and 3 is crucial for interacting with key residues of α-glucosidase and the established 3D-QSAR models could provide valuable information for the prediction of flavonols with great antidiabetic potential.
Review on the Impacts of Community-Based Ecotourism on Household Financial Asset Improvement and Its Determinants in Ethiopia
Authors: Mazengiya Melsew Nibret
Published: April 2022

Community-based ecotourism has been recognized as an important factor for households’ livelihood. Rural households normally have a problem of getting access to participate in ecotourism activities and making family better livelihood status in rural areas. The paper was aimed to review the impacts of community-based ecotourism on household financial asset improvement and its determinants in Ethiopia. Community-based ecotourism has been contributing to employment and income-generating activities. To achieve this objective, the published journal articles and reports were reviewed. As empirical review indicates that, institutional factors such as access to training and distance to the park, economic factors such as annual income, and demographic factors determine the participation of households in community-based ecotourism in Ethiopia. Therefore, the tourism extension expert should create awareness for local communities towards participation in community-based ecotourism in Ethiopia.
Interaction of Hypertension and Insulin Resistance Exacerbates the Occurrence of Diabetes Mellitus in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Wang Baomin , Yang Yumei , Li Xiaomu
Published: April 2022

Objective. Hypertension and type 2 diabetes are common complications. Patients with hypertension often show insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations between different blood pressure levels and different degrees of insulin resistance, as well as their interactions, with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. Methods. We conducted a retrospective study on 1251 adult medical examiners who were examined in the Physical Examination Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (Shanghai, China) during 2015. All human subjects had no history of diabetes. General clinical data, including blood pressure, fasting glucose and 2-h post-load glucose levels, and lipid profiles, were collected. HOMA-IR was separately calculated. Statistical analyses were carried out by using SPSS software (version 13.0). Results. In 1251 physical examination subjects, a total of 166 cases of newly diagnosed diabetes were detected, with a total detection rate of 13.3%. The rates of newly diagnosed diabetes in the normal blood pressure group, high-normal blood pressure group, and hypertension group were 4.9%, 10.6%, and 19.0%, respectively. Compared with the normal blood pressure group, the proportion of newly diagnosed diabetes in the hypertension group was significantly increased [OR: 2.956, 95% CI 1.736-5.032,

P
<
0.001

]. According to the stratification of HOMA-IR level, with the first quartile group (HOMA-IR<1.21) as a reference, the risk of newly diagnosed diabetes in the fourth quartile group (HOMA-IR ≥2.68) was significantly increased. After adjusting for gender and age, for every unit increase in HOMA-IR, the risk of developing newly diagnosed diabetes increased 9.67 times [OR: 9.670, 95% CI 5.086-18.384,

P
<
0.001

]. When hypertension was combined with insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ≥2.68), the risk of newly diagnosed diabetes was 38.32 times compared with the control group [OR: 38.315, 95% CI 9.227-159.108,

P
<
0.001

]. Conclusions. Elevated blood pressure levels and insulin resistance levels were associated with the risk of newly diagnosed diabetes. Hypertension was an independent risk factor for newly diagnosed diabetes, and the combination of hypertension with insulin resistance further increased the risk of newly diagnosed diabetes.
Health Effects of Social Capital and Psychological Capital Based on Data Simulation Model
Authors: He Yiqing , Guo Siping , Guo Ruitong
Published: April 2022

In order to improve the intelligence of the analysis of the health effects of social capital and psychological capital, this paper combines the data simulation model for data processing and makes a detailed analysis of the cloud model-related theories from the aspects of concept, digital characteristics, normal cloud, cloud generator, and so on. Moreover, this paper uses the cloud model to make a fuzzy data classification method, including the identification of knowledge features, the construction of fuzzy cloud model, the calculation of data attribution to the constructed cloud model, and the classification of knowledge and data. In addition, this paper verifies the health effect model of social capital and psychological capital based on the data simulation model proposed in this paper through experiments. The research results show that the intelligent model proposed in this paper has a good effect in the intelligent analysis of the health effects of social capital and psychological capital.
H2SA-ALSH: A Privacy-Preserved Indexing and Searching Schema for IoT Data Collection and Mining
Authors: Wu Guangjun , Zhu Bingqing , Li Jun , Wang Yong , Jia Yungang
Published: April 2022

Currently, smart devices of Internet of Things generate massive amount of data for different applications. However, it will expose sensitive information to external users in the process of IoT data collection, transmission, and mining. In this paper, we propose a novel indexing and searching schema based on homocentric hypersphere and similarity-aware asymmetric LSH (H2SA-ALSH) for privacy-preserved data collection and mining over IoT environments. The H2SA-ALSH collects multidimensional data objects and indexes their features according to the Euclidean norm and cosine similarity. Additionally, we design a

c

-

k

-AMIP searching algorithm based on H2SA-ALSH. Our approach can boost the performance of the maximum inner production (MIP) queries and top-

k

queries for a given query vector using the proposed indexing schema. Experiments show that our algorithm is excellent in accuracy and efficiency compared with other ALSH-based algorithms using real-world datasets. At the same time, our indexing scheme can protect the user’s privacy via generating similarity-based indexing vectors without exposing raw data to external users.
Neoadjuvant Intravenous Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus Therapy Promotes Anticancer Immunity in Patients
Authors: Samson Adel , West Emma J. , Carmichael Jonathan , Scott Karen J. , Turnbull Samantha , Kuszlewicz Bethany , Dave Rajiv V. , Peckham-Cooper Adam , Tidswell Emma , Kingston Jennifer , Johnpulle Michelle , da Silva Barbara , Jennings Victoria A. , Bendjama Kaidre , Stojkowitz Nicolas , Lusky Monika , Prasad K.R. , Toogood Giles J. , Auer Rebecca , Bell John , Twelves Chris J. , Harrington Kevin J. , Vile Richard G. , Pandha Hardev , Errington-Mais Fiona , Ralph Christy , Newton Darren J. , Anthoney Alan , Melcher Alan A. , Collinson Fiona
Published: April 2022

Improving the chances of curing patients with cancer who have had surgery to remove metastatic sites of disease is a priority area for cancer research. Pexa-Vec (Pexastimogene Devacirepvec; JX-594, TG6006) is a principally immunotherapeutic oncolytic virus that has reached late-phase clinical trials. We report the results of a single-center, nonrandomized biological end point study (trial registration: EudraCT number 2012-000704-15), which builds on the success of the presurgical intravenous delivery of oncolytic viruses to tumors. Nine patients with either colorectal cancer liver metastases or metastatic melanoma were treated with a single intravenous infusion of Pexa-Vec ahead of planned surgical resection of the metastases. Grade 3 and 4 Pexa-Vec–associated side effects were lymphopaenia and neutropaenia. Pexa-Vec was peripherally carried in plasma and was not associated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Upon surgical resection, Pexa-Vec was found in the majority of analyzed tumors. Pexa-Vec therapy associated with IFNα secretion, chemokine induction, and resulted in transient innate and long-lived adaptive anticancer immunity. In the 2 patients with significant and complete tumor necrosis, a reduction in the peripheral T-cell receptor diversity was observed at the time of surgery. These results support the development of presurgical oncolytic vaccinia virus-based therapies to stimulate anticancer immunity and increase the chances to cure patients with cancer.
T Cell–Mediated Targeted Delivery of Anti–PD-L1 Nanobody Overcomes Poor Antibody Penetration and Improves PD-L1 Blocking at the Tumor Site
Authors: Petit Pierre-Florent , Bombart Raphaële , Desimpel Pierre-Hubert , Naulaerts Stefan , Thouvenel Laurie , Collet Jean-François , Van den Eynde Benoit J. , Zhu Jingjing
Published: April 2022

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) blocking immune checkpoints such as programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) have yielded strong clinical benefits in many cancer types. Still, the current limitations are the lack of clinical response in a majority of patients and the development of immune-related adverse events in some. As an alternative to PD-L1–specific antibody injection, we have developed an approach based on the engineering of tumor-targeting T cells to deliver intratumorally an anti–PD-L1 nanobody. In the MC38-OVA model, our strategy enhanced tumor control as compared with injection of PD-L1–specific antibody combined with adoptive transfer of tumor-targeting T cells. As a possible explanation for this, we demonstrated that PD-L1–specific antibody massively occupied PD-L1 in the periphery but failed to penetrate to PD-L1–expressing cells at the tumor site. In sharp contrast, locally delivered anti–PD-L1 nanobody improved PD-L1 blocking at the tumor site while avoiding systemic exposure. Our approach appears promising to overcome the limitations of immunotherapy based on PD-L1–specific antibodies.
In vivo Evidence of Arterial Dynamic Properties Alteration in Atherosclerotic Rabbit
Authors: Vayssettes-Courchay Christine , Ragonnet Christophe , Isabelle Marc , Bourguignon Marie-Pierre , Chimenti Stefano
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Atherosclerosis severely damages the arterial wall. The aim of this study was to assess in vivo, for the first time, arterial dynamic properties, reactivity, and stiffness in atherosclerotic (ATH) rabbits. Methods: The rabbits were fed with 0.3% cholesterol diet. Femoral artery (FA) or abdominal aorta (AA) diameter was recorded by echotracking, together with blood pressure. Arterial reactivity after local administration of agents and stiffness were measured as diameter or pulsatile diameter changes. Results: FA dilation induced by acetylcholine was reduced in the function of diet duration (9–65 weeks). With mid-term diet duration (35–45 weeks), the dilation to nitroprusside was greatly reduced; the constriction to norepinephrine was reduced but not that to serotonin, thromboxane agonist, or angiotensin II. After 17- and 28-week diet AA and FA stiffness were increased while distensibility was reduced. Arterial stiffness measured by regional pulse wave velocity was unaltered. We observed that after 28-week diet, FA exhibited a stiffened wall at the plaque level and higher distensibility at the upstream site. Discussion/Conclusion: Arterial reactivity and compliance were greatly modified by atherosclerosis, at various degrees dependent on diet duration. ATH rabbit is therefore a suitable model for in vivo investigations of treatments targeting dynamic properties of arterial wall.
Analyzing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among University Students in UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nizam Anjala , Iqbal Tarab , Mashood Haala , El Nebrisi Eslam
Published: April 2022

Introduction: While vaccines may be a key measure in overcoming the pandemic, their hesitancy among the population may impede the ongoing efforts of governments and health authorities in a country. Universities are considered the hubs of the transition of individuals to young adults, understanding the hesitancy of this population stratum and addressing apprehensions that may exist is of utmost importance. This study aims to explore the attitude and hesitancy of students in UAE universities toward the COVID-19 vaccines along with comparing two particular demographics to see if there exists a difference in outcomes-medical and nonmedical students. Methods: A web-based self-administered questionnaire was sent following Ethics Committee approval, to students at various universities in the UAE containing questions regarding general demographic data, COVID-19 related anamnestic characteristics as well as questions on motivational factors and refusal factors regarding the vaccine. Using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 28, descriptive analyses were performed for the demographic variables and inferential statistics were carried out using Pearson’s Chi-squared (χ2) test. Results: A total of 385 participants consented to the survey, with a majority of female respondents (76.6%). In our demographics which included respondents of an average age of 21 years, 91.4% were expatriates, and 48.1% were based in Dubai. Approximately 67% of those surveyed had been vaccinated, with Sinopharm being the most commonly taken vaccine (70.4%). “Concerns over side effects” seems to be the most common reason for vaccine refusal (58.7%) among all demographics whether vaccinated or not. Our sample included a majority of students with a medical and health sciences background (58.7%), who disagreed more often with the belief that they were completely protected by receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as compared to the nonmedical students. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination rates among university students in UAE are lower than the national average, demonstrating the importance of integrating a specific awareness program for this group. Preparing medical students for the future is a beneficial long-term strategy, and hence, further research regarding vaccine hesitancy must be done focusing primarily on them to ensure their future patients receive the best vaccine-related recommendations.
KLF7 Alleviates Atherosclerotic Lesions and Inhibits Glucose Metabolic Reprogramming in Macrophages by Regulating HDAC4/miR-148b-3p/NCOR1
Authors: Chen Fangyuan , Li Juanli , Zheng Tao , Chen Tao , Yuan Zuyi
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Atherosclerosis (AS) remains a major contributor to death worldwide. This study sought to explore the role of Krüppel-like factor 7 (KLF7) in AS lesions via regulating glucose metabolic reprogramming (GMR) in macrophages. Methods: AS mouse and cell models were established via high-fat-diet feeding and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induction. KLF7, histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4), miR-148b-3p, and nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCOR1) expressions in aortic tissue and cells were detected via reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction or Western blotting. Parameters of AS lesions and mouse metabolism were detected via hematoxylin-eosin, oil red O, and Masson staining, assay kits, glucose tolerance test, and enzymatic analysis. Peritoneal macrophages of mice were isolated and cellular metabolism was detected via Seahorse metabolic flux analysis, assay kits, ELISA, and Western blotting. Bindings among KLF7, HDAC4, microRNA (miR)-148b-3p, and NCOR1 were testified via the dual-luciferase assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Results: KLF7 was poorly expressed in AS mice and ox-LDL-induced RAW264.7 cells. KLF7 overexpression attenuated AS lesions and rescued metabolic abnormities in AS mice, and reduced glucose intake and GMR in ox-LDL-induced RAW264.7 cells. Mechanically, KLF7 bound to the HDAC4 promoter to activate HDAC4. HDAC4 reduced H3 and H4 acetylation levels in the miR-148b promoter to inhibit miR-148b-3p and promote NCOR1 transcription. HDAC4 downregulation abolished the protective role of KLF7 overexpression in AS mice and ox-LDL-induced RAW264.7 cells via the miR-148b-3p/NCOR1 axis. Conclusion: KLF7 bound to the HDAC4 promoter to activate HDAC4, inhibit miR-148b-3p via reducing acetylation level, and promote NCOR1 transcription, thereby limiting GMR in macrophages and alleviating AS lesions.
Prognostic Factors Affecting Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer in Older Patients
Authors: Tsuchiya Nobuhiro , Kunisaki Chikara , Kondo Hiroki , Sato Sho , Sato Kei , Watanabe Jun , Takeda Kazuhisa , Kosaka Takashi , Akiyama Hirotoshi , Endo Itaru
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The benefits of surgery in older patients with gastric cancer are controversial. This single-institution retrospective study in Japan aimed to evaluate the impact of gastrectomy in older patients with gastric cancer. Methods: A series of 234 patients aged ≥80 years with histologically confirmed gastric cancer had indications for surgical treatment at the Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, between April 2002 and December 2018. Patients who were lost to follow-up (n = 27), had tumors not eligible for surgery (n = 14), and could not achieve R0 resection (n = 7) were excluded from this retrospective study. The remaining 186 patients were included. Patient characteristics, intraoperative outcomes, postoperative complications, and long-term survival were evaluated. Results: The incidence of postoperative complications with Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ II was observed in 61 patients (32.8%). The 5-year relapse-free survival and overall survival (OS) rates were 84.2% and 63.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that geriatric nutritional risk index (<98) (odds ratio, 1.97; p = 0.047), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (>2.36) (odds ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–3.67; p = 0.043), and total gastrectomy (TG) (odds ratio, 1.97; p = 0.042) significantly predicted postoperative complications. Moreover, TG (hazard ratio, 1.91; p = 0.036) was an independent prognostic factor of OS. Conclusions: Poor immunonutritional status and TG led to worse short-term outcomes. Moreover, TG was an independent prognostic factor of OS in older patients with gastric cancer. It is necessary to provide effective perioperative care, including nutritional support, to clarify whether short-term outcomes would be improved.
The RAISE Trial: A Novel Device and First-in-Man Trial
Authors: Sun Wei , Zou Huayiyang , Yong Yonghong , Liu Boxun , Zhang Hao , Lu Jieyu , Shen Yihui , Li Peng , Xu Tianhua , Chen Xuguan , Du Anning , Jiang Ming , Hua Yang , Sheng Yanhui , Zhou Bin , Lotan Chaim , Kong Xiangqing
Published: April 2022

Background:

Currently, standard medical therapies have limited effects on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which impacts on the life quality and survival of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation–based interatrial shunting for HFpEF with a novel atrial septostomy device.

Methods:

A preclinical study in 11 normal domestic pigs and the first-in-man study in 10 patients with HFpEF were performed. The major safety events and interatrial shunt performance were evaluated at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-procedure in both animals and human patients. The clinical functional status was also assessed in the first-in-man study.

Results:

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation–based interatrial shunting therapy was performed successfully both in animals and patients. In the animal study, a left-to-right interatrial shunt was created with a mean defect size of 5.5±2.2 mm without procedure-related safety events. Seven pigs showed the continuous shunting with a mean defect size of 4.1±1.5 mm at 6 months. In the first-in-man study, a median interatrial defect diameter of 5.0 (4.0–6.0) mm was measured immediately. No major safety events including death and thromboembolism were observed. The continuous shunting with the defect size of 4.0 (3.0–4.0) mm could still be observed in 7 patients at 6 months. The clinical status was significantly improved with NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) reduced by 2149 pg/mL ([95% CI, 204–3301]
P
=0.028), with 6-minute walk distance increased by 88 m ([95% CI, 50–249]
P
=0.008) and with New York Heart Association class improved in 8 patients at 6 months.

Conclusions:

The present results showed that percutaneous radiofrequency ablation–based interatrial shunting was a safe and potentially effective therapy for HFpEF, providing a nonpharmacological and nonimplanted option for HFpEF management.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.chictr.org.cn
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1900027664.
Progressive Reduction in Right Ventricular Contractile Function Attributable to Altered Actin Expression in an Aging Mouse Model of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Camors Emmanuel M. , Roth Alyson H. , Alef Joseph R. , Sullivan Ryan D. , Johnson Jason N. , Purevjav Enkhsaikhan , Towbin Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited genetic disorder of desmosomal dysfunction, and PKP2 (plakophilin-2) has been reported to be the most common disease-causing gene when mutation-positive. In the early concealed phase, the ACM heart is at high risk of sudden cardiac death before cardiac remodeling occurs because of mistargeted ion channels and altered Ca
2+
handling. However, the results of pathogenic PKP2 variants on myocyte contraction in ACM pathogenesis remain unknown.

Methods:

We studied the outcomes of a human truncating variant of PKP2 on myocyte contraction using a novel knock-in mouse model with insertion of thymidine in exon 5 of
Pkp2
, which mimics a familial case of ACM (PKP2-L404fsX5). We used serial echocardiography, electrocardiography, blood pressure measurements, histology, cardiomyocyte contraction, intracellular calcium measurements, and gene and protein expression studies.

Results:

Serial echocardiography of Pkp2 heterozygous (Pkp2-Het) mice revealed progressive failure of the right ventricle (RV) in animals older than 3 months. By contrast, left ventricular function remained normal. ECGs of 6-month-old anesthetized Pkp2-Het mice showed normal baseline heart rates and QRS complexes. Cardiac responses to β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (2 mg/kg) plus caffeine (120 mg/kg) were also normal. However, adrenergic stimulation enhanced the susceptibility of Pkp2-Het hearts to tachyarrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Histological staining showed no significant fibrosis or adipocyte infiltration in the RVs and left ventricles of 6- and 12-month-old Pkp2-Het hearts. Contractility assessment of isolated myocytes demonstrated progressively reduced Pkp2-Het RV cardiomyocyte function consistent with RV failure measured by echocardiography. However, aging Pkp2-Het and control RV myocytes loaded with intracellular Ca
2+
indicator Fura-2 showed comparable Ca
2+
transients. Western blotting of Pkp2-RV homogenates revealed a 40% decrease in actin, whereas actin immunoprecipitation followed by a 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine staining showed doubled oxidation level. This correlated with a 39% increase in troponin-I phosphorylation. In contrast, Pkp2-Het left ventricular myocytes had normal contraction, actin expression and oxidation, and troponin-I phosphorylation. Last, Western blotting of cardiac biopsies revealed that actin expression was 40% decreased in RVs of patients with end-stage ACM.

Conclusions:

During the early concealed phase of ACM, reduced actin expression drives loss of RV myocyte contraction, contributing to progressive RV dysfunction.
Catalog of type specimens of the fish collection of the Núcleo de Pesquisas em Limnologia, Ictiologia e Aquicultura (NUP), Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: DE OLIVEIRA RIANNE C. , OTA RENATA R. , DEPRÁ GABRIEL C. , ZAWADZKI CLÁUDIO H. , PAVANELLI CARLA S. , GRAÇA WEFERSON J. DA
Published: April 2022

This study aims to provide an annotated list of the type-material housed in the fish collection of the Núcleo de Pesquisas em Limnologia, Ictiologia e Aquicultura (NUP), Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Paraná, Brazil. NUP’s fish type collection hosts type-material of 157 species, distributed in 503 lots (11 holotypes and 492 lots of paratypes) totalling 2,915 specimens. For each species, catalog numbers of all available lots are provided, and for each lot, total number of specimens, range of variation of standard length, number of cleared and stained specimens (when any), locality data, collectors, and date of collection, are provided.
Lacustricola margaritatus, a new species of lampeye from the Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga basins in eastern Africa (Cyprinodontiformes: Procatopodidae)
Authors: NAGY BÉLA , WATTERS BRIAN R.
Published: April 2022

Lacustricola margaritatus, a new species inhabiting small streams and swamps in the Lake Victoria basin in north-western Tanzania and southern Uganda, and the Lake Kyoga basin in central Uganda, is described. Lacustricola margaritatus is a small species with a moderately deep body, moderate dimorphism and pronounced dichromatism. It is distinguished from all other Procatopodidae by the following unique combination of characters: live male body colour pattern with vertically-elongated iridescent light blue patches at scale centres, forming a striped appearance of dotted longitudinal lines on the flanks, particularly evident in the two or three series below the mid-longitudinal line; male having deeply coloured unpaired fins with orange-brown in the proximal and median parts and a narrow black distal band; male with a yellow base along the pectoral fin; female with dark grey scale margins and dark grey patches on scales along mid-longitudinal series creating a narrow dark grey stripe; both sexes showing inconspicuous postopercular blotch; and in both sexes, the cephalic sensory system is entirely situated in open grooves at all levels. The new species has previously often been misidentified as L. pumilus, originally described as inhabiting the Lake Tanganyika basin in north-eastern Zambia, or 'L.' centralis, from the Lake Rukwa basin in south-western Tanzania. Lacustricola margaritatus differs from the above two species by morphometric and meristic characters, body and fin colouration, and in arrangement of the cephalic sensory system.
A new species of Apisa Walker, 1855 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) from Uganda with remarks on the apomorphies of the genus
Authors: PRZYSTAŁKOWSKA ANNA
Published: April 2022

A new species of Apisa Walker, 1855 from Uganda (East Africa) and Gabon (Central Africa) is described according to morphological characters and DNA barcode information. A diagnosis, detailed description, distribution, and illustrations of specimens and the male genitalia are provided. Diagnostic characters are found in wing shape, strongly marked wing venation and details of the male genital apparatus.

                The DNA barcode sequences of twelve specimens of A. atrovenosa sp. n. are compared with other members of Apisa. Diagnostic characters of the genus are summarised and discussed for the first time with an emphasis on the lack of arolium as the obvious autapomorphy. This character is shown by SEM photographs.
Two new species of sea cucumbers (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) from the seagrass meadow of Penang, Malaysia
Authors: TEOH VINCENT YONG JIAN , WOO SAU PINN
Published: April 2022

Two new species of sea cucumber, Euthyonidiella zulfigaris sp. nov. and Acaudina spinifera sp. nov. were described. The specimens were collected from the seagrass meadow of Pulau Gazumbo and Middle Bank, located east of Penang Island, Malaysia. E. zulfigaris sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners based on the presence of table ossicles with round disc, spires formed with four pillars, and absence of modified support tables in tube feet. A. spinifera sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners based on the presence of spinose doughnut-shaped ossicles in the body wall.
Review of the leafhopper genus Drabescus Stål (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) in the Indian subcontinent with description of one new species
Authors: VIRAKTAMATH C.A. , WEBB M. D. , YESHWANTH H. M.
Published: April 2022

The leafhopper genus Drabescus Stål is reviewed for the Indian subcontinent with one new species described, D. austroindicus sp. nov. (India: Tamil Nadu). A checklist and key to the species from the Indian subcontinent are given.
The Charitable Terrorist: State Capacity and the Support for the Pakistani Taliban
Authors: Masera Federico , Yousaf Hasin
Published: April 2022

Violent organizations are often providers of many social services in competition with the state. We provide evidence that these organizations use the provision of social services to gain support. This strategy is only effective when it fills the void left by a weak state. We show this by studying the provision of natural disaster relief by the Pakistani state and the Taliban. We first analyze the floods of 2010 that received an inadequate response from the government and show that support for the Taliban increased in the areas affected by the flood. These effects were concentrated in places where the Taliban likely provided help and where the state under-delivered. We then study the 2005 earthquake that instead received a swift government response and show that the Taliban lost support in the affected areas. Results cannot be explained by alternate mechanisms as anger against incumbents, political competition, electoral participation, and religiosity.
An Integrative Review of Interprofessional Teamwork and Required Competence in Specialized Palliative Care
Authors: Kesonen Pauliina , Salminen Leena , Kero Johanna , Aappola Johanna , Haavisto Elina
Published: April 2022

To deliver quality care, social and healthcare professionals should be competent both in their own professional work and interprofessionally. The aim of this integrative review was to describe interprofessional teamwork and the required competencies for teamwork in specialized palliative care. Totally 14 studies published between 2003 and 2020 were included in the review. Interprofessional teamwork was described from the patients and professionals’ perspective. The required interprofessional competencies were described as teamwork knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values. Interprofessional teamwork is one of the essential factors in providing holistic and ethically sustainable care to palliative patients. The way how professionals confront death and dying effects the whole team; this suggests that support practices are important in palliative care settings. Ascertaining the interprofessional competence in palliative care will produce better collaborative practices and increase the care outcomes. The findings can be used as a framework when developing interventions to promote clinical and educational practices.
Establishing Social, Cognitive, and Teaching Presence in Online Learning—A Panacea in COVID-19 Pandemic, Post Vaccine and Post Pandemic Times
Authors: Singh Jitendra , Singh Lovely , Matthees Barbara
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed instructors, academicians, and administrators working at institutions of higher education to re-evaluate and re-envision teaching and learning processes. While literature surrounding issues associated with transition to online learning and students’ satisfaction with online courses has started to emerge, there is paucity of work that addresses the gap in research—importance of faculty presence in online classes and how to build strong presence to create meaningful learning experiences for students especially as we continue to adapt to new normal and prepare for post-COVID world. With the primary focus on faculty presence in online classes, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of the effect of the pandemic on teaching and learning and how it influenced academic institutions worldwide. The importance of social, cognitive and teaching presence in online learning and how instructors can work towards building presence in online classes have been presented. The community of inquiry (COI) framework and how instructors can integrate this framework to build faculty presence in online classes has been described. Furthermore, research/evidence-based tips to engage learners and provide optimal learning experiences is presented. These findings may help faculty in applying COI to teaching and learning practices in the post-COVID educational world. This work is of value to faculty, administrators, and instructional designers who are preparing to teach and facilitate academic processes during the pandemic, post-vaccine stage and in the post-pandemic world.