bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of LncRNA MNX1-AS1/PPFIA4 Activates AKT/HIF-1α Signal Pathway to Promote Stemness of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Sun Qi , Gui Zhifu , Zhao Zhenguo , Xu Wenlong , Zhu JunJia , Gao Chundong , Zhao Wei , Hu Hao
Published: October 2022

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of the lncRNA MNX1-AS1 and its related downstream signaling pathways in colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD). Methods. COAD tissues and cells were prepared and treated with sh-MNX1-AS1, pcDNA-MNX1-AS1, sh-PPFIA4, LY29004, and their controls. CCK8 and colony formation assays were undertaken for evaluating cell proliferation. Tumor cell migratory ability was detected by transwell assay. Apoptosis detection was processed by YO-PRO-1/PI Staining. The regulated relationship between lncRNA MNX1-AS1 and PPFIA4 was confirmed by RIP-ChIP assay. Q-PCR was applied to detect genes related to tumor cell stemness, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in each group. Finally, a xenograft tumor model was constructed to verify the result in vivo. Results. COAD patients with high expression of the lncRNA MNX1-AS1 have poor prognosis. LncRNA MNX1-AS1 promotes the stemness of COAD cells. PPFIA4 mediates lncRNA MNX1-AS1 expression and affects COAD cell stemness. LncRNA MNX1-AS1 accelerates proliferation and migration, while it suppresses apoptosis. LncRNA MNX1-AS1/PPFIA4 accelerates tumor growth in COAD model. LncRNA MNX1-AS1/PPFIA4 activates the downstream AKT/HIF-1α signaling pathway to promote COAD development. LY29004 significantly inhibits the tumorigenic ability of lncRNA MNX1-AS1 and PPFIA4. Conclusion. LncRNA MNX1-AS1/PPFIA4 activates AKT/HIF-1α signal pathway to promote the stemness of COAD cells, which could be a new target for COAD treatment.
Ginsenoside Rg1 Inhibits STAT3 Expression by miR-15b-5p to Attenuate Lung Injury in Mice with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-Associated Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Ma Tingxi , Mao Xiaohui , Meng Xiangguo , Wang Qinghu
Published: October 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been regarded as a critical risk factor for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Ginsenoside Rg1 has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent for T2DM by suppressing the inflammatory response. However, the effect of Rg1 on T2DM-associated PTB has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to explore the function of Rg1 in the regulation of T2DM-associated PTB. We established a T2DM-associated PTB mouse model and found that the fibrosis of lung tissues was inhibited by Rg1 in T2DM-associated PTB mice. The lung injury of T2DM-associated PTB mice was repressed by Rg1. Moreover, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the lung tissues and serum were decreased by Rg1 in T2DM-associated PTB mice. The treatment with Rg1 inhibited the levels of free fatty acid and enhanced the expression of miR-15b-5p in lung tissues of T2DM-associated PTB mice. MiR-15b-5p targeted and inhibited the STAT3 expression. The expression of STAT3 was downregulated by Rg1, while the inhibition of miR-15b-5p reversed the downregulation. The expression of miR-15b-5p was reduced, but the expression of STAT3 was upregulated in the lung tissues of T2DM-associated PTB mice. We validated that miR-15b-5p attenuated inflammation and lung injury in the T2DM-associated PTB mouse model. The overexpression of STAT3 or the suppression of miR-15b-5p restored lung fibrosis and injury inhibited by Rg1 in T2DM-associated PTB mice. Meanwhile, the Rg1-repressed levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β were enhanced by the overexpression of STAT3 or the suppression of miR-15b-5p. In addition, the levels of free fatty acid repressed by Rg1 were reversed by STAT3 overexpression and miR-15b-5p inhibition. Thus, we conclude that ginsenoside Rg1 inhibits the STAT3 expression by miR-15b-5p to attenuate lung injury in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus-associated pulmonary tuberculosis.
Research on Application of Ecological Sports Innovation in Efficient Development Based on DCN Deep Learning
Authors: Hu Xueyan
Published: October 2022

With the continuous improvement of social and economic level, the relationship between human and nature is deteriorating. The ecological concept has been attached importance, so the concept of ecological sports has been born. For physical education, if the ecological physical education teaching resources can be effectively developed, it will be a lifelong benefit for students and teachers. Based on the DCN deep learning method, this paper makes an innovative research on ecological sports, aiming to promote the efficient development of sports, train the samples according to the physical quality of different individuals, get the most suitable sports events, and then promote the development of physical education.
Application of Calcium-Based Nanomaterials in Art Sculpture Reinforcement Technology
Authors: Di Kun
Published: October 2022

In order to solve the problem of the reinforcement effect of art sculpture, the author proposes the application of a calcium-based nanomaterial in the reinforcement process of art sculpture. This application mainly passes the unconfined compression test, direct shear test, penetration resistance test, and disintegration test, and an in-depth evaluation of the reinforcement effect of different calcium-based reinforcement agents on the site soil was carried out from the perspective of mechanical strength and water stability. The results showed the following: Compared with the untreated samples, the unconfined compressive strength of the samples treated with nano-calcium oxide and nano-calcium hydroxide increased by 13.5% and 25.9%, respectively, and the cohesion increased by 69.8% and 97.7%. Conclusion. Calcium-based nanomaterials fill in the pores between soil particles to support the soil particles, which greatly improves the mechanical strength and water stability of the specimen.
An Omni-Directional Wideband Patch Antenna with Parasitic Elements for Sub-6 GHz Band Applications
Authors: Paul Liton Chandra , Saha Himel Kumar , Rani Tithi , Mahmud Md. Zulfiker , Roy Tushar Kanti , Lee Wang-Sang
Published: October 2022

An omni-directional inset fed wideband microstrip patch antenna (MPA) for Sub-6 GHz applications has been presented. Initially, a slotted small patch antenna with a full ground plane is designed and then partial ground plane and electromagnetically coupled parasitic elements have been incorporated and optimized to get desired performance. The volume of the studied antenna is 40 × 40 × 1.575 mm3 having a partial ground plane. Rogers RT 5880 is used as the dielectric substrate tier. The simulated operating band of the MPA ranges from 2.67 GHz to 4.20 GHz, covering the N77 and N78 bands with a centre operating frequency of 3.29 GHz. The antenna can also be used for WiMAX rel 2 (3.4–3.6 GHz) applications. After fabrication and testing, the antenna also shows almost the same working band extending from 2.67 GHz to 4.15 GHz. The use of a partial ground plane plays a vital role in making it an omni-directional antenna, and the existence of a rectangular parasitic element in the ground plane influences the improvement of gain and directivity of the antenna. The designed MPA allows it to run as a wide band antenna with a good reflection coefficient profile, high average efficiency, and 1 < VSWR < 2. At a resonant tip of 3.29 GHz, the simulated gain and directivity are 3.16 dB and 3.38 dBi, respectively. The measured gain is slightly higher than the simulated gain. The computer simulation technology (CST) is used for modelling and exploring all the performance matrices of the antenna. The results of the fabricated prototype present very good similarity with the simulated results and both simulated and measured results also support the Sub-6 GHz band. The antenna prototype shows a very well balanced set of radiation characteristics with a miniaturized volume and high efficiency. Therefore, the inset fed MPA can be contemplated as a candid model for Sub-6 GHz band applications.
[Retracted] Retrospective Case Analysis of 104 Cases of Talipes Equinus
Authors: Tan Qian , Yang Ge , Liu Yaoxi , Lei Ting , Ye Weihua , Hu Xin , Mei Haibo
Published: October 2022

A retrospective study of 104 patients (81 male and 23 females, the age range from 2 to 288days) with talipes equinus was conducted to explore the case factors associated with it. We analyzed and discussed the correlation of plaster correction times, age of first visit, gender, and birthplace of patients in the department and understood their correlation and causality. The data were analyzed using frequency analysis, normality test, chi‐square goodness‐of‐fit test, chi‐square test, and PLS regression. The findings are set out below. All the distributions of the number of plaster casts in the samples did not have normality. Therefore, we used the nonparametric test and partial least squares regression (PLS regression) and found that the number of plaster casts was more closely related to the age at first visit, gender, and birthplace and had a strong positive correlation. There was a negative correlation between the times of plaster correction and the compliance of braces. The lower the compliance of patients with braces, the more times the plaster correction will be conducted.
Effectiveness of Oil Filling in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs of Yancheng Formation in Ordos Basin
Authors: Han Yu , Wanyan Peiru , Wang Haoli , Qu Mengfei , Cheng Hanlie , Theon Fahim
Published: October 2022

The Ordos basin is one of the important oil-bearing basins in China, with abundant tight sandstone oil resources, wide distribution, and large thickness. It is the most realistic field of unconventional oil and gas exploration in China, and it is also an important oil and gas replacement resource at present. Oil accumulation in tight reservoirs is obviously different from conventional oil and gas accumulation, and the key lies in studying the effectiveness of oil filling in tight reservoirs. In order to solve this problem, this paper takes the tight sandstone reservoir of Member 7 of the Yancheng Formation in Ordos Basin as the research object, introduces the geological characteristics of this area after sorting out the previous research results, carries out the physical simulation experiment of oil filling, studies the relationship between the filling pressure and the lower limit of the filling throat, analyzes the effective accumulation space of the tight sandstone reservoir, defines the oil filling mechanism of the tight sandstone reservoir, and discusses the effectiveness and reservoir-forming effect of oil filling in different types of reservoirs. The results show that the rock types of tight sandstone reservoirs in the 7th member of the Yancheng Formation are mainly lithic feldspathic sandstone and feldspathic lithic sandstone, and the reservoirs have experienced strong compaction and carbonate cementation. The late iron-bearing carbonate cementation has further strengthened the degree of reservoir densification, and the reservoirs have been densified at the time of large-scale oil and gas filling. Through the simulation experiment of oil filling with natural cores with different physical properties, the relationship model between filling pressure and effective accumulation space of different types of tight sandstone reservoirs in Member 7 of the Yancheng Formation is established. With the change in filling pressure, the change trend and range of effective accumulation space of different types of tight sandstone reservoirs are obviously different. According to the relationship model between the filling pressure and the lower limit of the effective filling pore throat, the oil filling effectiveness of different types of tight sandstone reservoirs in the 7th member of the Yancheng Formation is determined. Class I and class II1 reservoirs are effective reservoirs for oil filling of tight sandstone reservoirs, which constitute the main oil-bearing section of tight sandstone reservoirs in member 7 of the Yancheng formation, while class II2 reservoirs are poor tight reservoirs, and class III reservoirs are basically oil-free, which are noneffective reservoirs for oil filling of tight sandstone reservoirs. The results provide theoretical data support for the next step of oil exploration and exploitation in tight sandstone reservoirs.
Loss of LOXL2 Promotes Uterine Hypertrophy and Tumor Progression by Enhancing H3K36ac-Dependent Gene Expression
Authors: Lu Xufeng , Xin Dazhuan E. , Du Juanjuan K. , Zou Quanli C. , Wu Qian , Zhang Yanan S. , Deng Wenhai , Yue Jicheng , Fan Xing S. , Zeng Yuanyuan , Cheng Xiaju , Li Xue , Hou Zhaoyuan , Mohan Man , Zhao Ting C. , Lu Xiaomei , Chang Zhijie , Xu Liyan , Sun Yu , Zu Xiongbing , Zhang Yu , Chinn Y. Eugene
Published: October 2022

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is a member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) repeat carrying LOX family. Although LOXL2 is suspected to be involved in histone association and chromatin modification, the role of LOXL2 in epigenetic regulation during tumorigenesis and cancer progression remains unclear. Here, we report that nuclear LOXL2 associates with histone H3 and catalyzes H3K36ac deacetylation and deacetylimination. Both the N-terminal SRCR repeats and the C-terminal catalytic domain of LOXL2 carry redundant deacetylase catalytic activity. Overexpression of LOXL2 markedly reduced H3K36 acetylation and blocked H3K36ac-dependent transcription of genes, including c-MYC, CCND1, HIF1A, and CD44. Consequently, LOXL2 overexpression reduced cancer cell proliferation in vitro and inhibited xenograft tumor growth in vivo. In contrast, LOXL2 deficiency resulted in increased H3K36 acetylation and aberrant expression of H3K36ac-dependent genes involved in multiple oncogenic signaling pathways. Female LOXL2-deficient mice spontaneously developed uterine hypertrophy and uterine carcinoma. Moreover, silencing LOXL2 in cancer cells enhanced tumor progression and reduced the efficacy of cisplatin and anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) combination therapy. Clinically, low nuclear LOXL2 expression and high H3K36ac levels corresponded to poor prognosis in uterine endometrial carcinoma patients. These results suggest that nuclear LOXL2 restricts cancer development in the female reproductive system via the regulation of H3K36ac deacetylation.

Significance:

LOXL2 loss reprograms the epigenetic landscape to promote uterine cancer initiation and progression and repress the efficacy of anti–PD-1 immunotherapy, indicating that LOXL2 is a tumor suppressor.
A Randomized Multi-institutional Phase II Trial of Everolimus as Adjuvant Therapy in Patients with Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck
Authors: Nathan Cherie-Ann O. , Hayes D. Neil , Karrison Theodore , Harismendy Olivier , Flores José M. , Moore-Medlin Tara , Vokes Everett E. , Gutkind J. Silvio , Neupane Prakash , Mills Glenn , Sargi Zoukaa , Seiwert Tanguy , Grilley-Olson Juneko , Day Terry , Gillison Maura , Wade James L. , Feldman Lawrence , Jha Gautam , Kozloff Mark , O'Leary Miriam , Worden Francis P. , Cohen Ezra E.W.
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

Investigate whether adjuvant everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, improves progression-free survival (PFS) in advanced-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and provide outcomes related to correlative biological factors associated with disease control.

Patients and Methods:

This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind phase II trial of patients with advanced-stage HNSCC from 13 institutions who were confirmed disease-free post-definitive therapy and enrolled between December 2010 and March 2015. Patients received adjuvant everolimus or placebo daily (10 mg, oral) for a maximum of 1 year. p16 IHC as a surrogate marker for human papillomavirus infection and whole-exome sequencing were performed. Cox proportional hazard models estimated hazard rates. Log-rank tests evaluated differences in survival. The primary endpoint was PFS. Secondary endpoints and objectives included overall survival (OS) and toxicity assessment.

Results:

52 patients [median (range) age, 58 (37–76) years; 43 men (83%), 9 women (17%)] were randomized to placebo (n = 24) or everolimus (n = 28). PFS favored everolimus, but was not significant [log-rank P = 0.093; HR = 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17–1.17]. There was no difference in OS (P = 0.29; HR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.20–16.2). Everolimus resulted in significant improvement in PFS for p16-negative patients (n = 31; P = 0.031; HR = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.07–0.97), although subgroup analysis showed no difference for p16-positive patients (n = 21; P = 0.93). Further, PFS was significantly higher in TP53-mutated (TP53mut) patients treated with everolimus compared with placebo (log-rank P = 0.027; HR = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.06–0.95). No treatment difference was seen in patients with TP53 wild-type tumors (P = 0.79).

Conclusions:

p16-negative and TP53mut patients may benefit from adjuvant treatment with everolimus.
Treatment of Condylomata Acuminata Using a New Non-Vapor-Generating Focused Ultrasound Method following Imiquimod 5% Cream
Authors: Calik Jacek , Zawada Tomasz , Bove Torsten
Published: October 2022

Condylomata acuminata is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. Physical treatments include excision, cryotherapy, electrocautery and ablative CO2, and Nd:YAG laser ablation, while topical treatments include imiquimod immunotherapy and antimitotic podophyllotoxin or sinecatechins. Efficacies of all methods are low, and recurrences are very common. A new combined method is presented as a single case in a 25-year-old male patient diagnosed with numerous condylomas on the penis, scrotum, and lower abdomen. The treatment consisted of a 7-week topical monotherapy using 5% imiquimod cream followed by local treatment with 20 MHz high-intensity focused ultrasound on remaining recalcitrant lesions. Results showed resolution of approximately 70% of the condylomas after imiquimod treatment, and full resolution of all recalcitrant condylomas treated subsequently with high-intensity focused ultrasound. The method is concluded to be safe and effective and, furthermore, presents a new physical method that does not generate airborne infectious human papillomavirus particles that pose a health risk for the medical team performing therapy. Further studies in larger populations are recommended to confirm the combined efficacy of the proposed method.
Intestinal Microbiota in Experimental Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Shah Neal , Rabb Hamid
Published: October 2022

Recent studies have demonstrated an important role played by gut microbiota in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and host immune system function. Gut microbiota have been studied in experimental acute kidney injury (AKI) using different mice and rat models exposed to either ischemia or cisplatin-mediated tubular injury. Differences in inflammatory markers and severity of AKI have been observed between germ-free mice, wild-type mice, and mice treated with antibiotics or specific bacteria. Interventions modifying the gut microbiota after experimental AKI have had either beneficial or harmful effects on kidney tubular injury and recovery. These findings provide strong evidence for a modulatory role of gut microbiota during AKI. Ischemic and cis­platin-induced AKI have distinct stool microbial signatures based on 16s sequencing. Future in-depth studies exploring the mechanisms of how the microbiota influence AKI and development of feasible therapeutic options have the potential to improve outcomes in clinical AKI.
The Role of PSMA PET Imaging in Prostate Cancer Theranostics: A Nationwide Survey
Authors: Borkowetz Angelika , Linxweiler Johannes , Fussek Sebastian , Wullich Bernd , Saar Matthias ,   on behalf of the German Prostate Cancer Consortium (DPKK)
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-based imaging and theranostics have played an important role in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). We aimed to evaluate the acceptance and use of PSMA theranostics among German urologists. Methods: An anonymous online questionnaire was sent via survio.com to the members of the German Society of Urology (DGU). Results: Seventy-two percent of participants performed PSMA positron emission tomography (PET) imaging regularly in biochemically recurrent PCa. Overall, 61% of participants considered PSMA-radioligand therapy to be very useful or extremely useful. PSMA PET imaging in high-risk PCa is more often considered by urologists working in a university setting than in nonuniversity settings or medical practices (51% vs. 25%, p < 0.001). Most perform PSMA-radioligand therapy as an option after all approved systemic treatments for metastatic castration-resistant PCa (56%) or after cabazitaxel (14%). A total of 93.9% and 70.3% of respondents consider the lack of reimbursement by health insurance to be the main obstacle to using PSMA PET imaging or radioligand therapy, respectively. Discussion/Conclusion: PSMA-based imaging/theranostics are already widely applied but would find even more widespread use if reimbursement is clearly regulated by health insurance in Germany.
Responsiveness to Direct Verbal Suggestions and Dissociation Independently Predict Symptoms Associated with Environmental Factors
Authors: Stein Madeline V. , Holt Rebecca , Wieder Lillian , Terhune Devin B.
Published: October 2022

Symptoms associated with environmental factors (SAEF; also known as idiopathic environmental intolerance) include the presentation of various common symptoms that are causally attributed to normally benign environmental triggers, such as electromagnetic fields, odors, and chemicals. SAEF are typically conceptualized as psychogenic in origin, and multiple models have proposed that dissociation and responsiveness to suggestions may contribute to the manifestation or expression of these symptoms. This preregistered study sought to characterize these variables’ independent and interactive predictive utility. Participants (N = 294) completed psychometric measures of dissociative tendencies, trauma, SAEF, and a behavioral scale indexing responsiveness to direct verbal suggestions. Moderation analyses were used to evaluate predictions derived from different models regarding whether these variables would uniquely and interactively predict individual differences in the reporting of SAEF. Responsiveness to verbal suggestions individually predicted SAEF, but no clear evidence was observed for an interaction with dissociation or trauma. Dissociation similarly individually predicted SAEF with additional evidence that this association was moderated by trauma such that the positive association between dissociation and SAEF was only significant in those with moderate-to-high trauma exposure. These results align with the proposal that environmental factors may function as suggestions that trigger involuntary symptoms in some individuals. Our findings further suggest that among individuals with a history of trauma exposure, those with dissociative tendencies may be at an increased risk of experiencing SAEF.
Which Test Is Best? A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial of a Risk Calculator and Recommendations on Colorectal Cancer Screening Behaviour in General Practice
Authors: Trevena Lyndal J. , Meiser Bettina , Mills Llewellyn , Dobbins Timothy , Mazza Danielle , Emery Jon D. , Kirk Judy , Goodwin Annabel , Barlow-Stewart Kristine , Naicker Sundresan
Published: October 2022

Introduction: This cluster-randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effect of the “Which test is best?” tool on risk-appropriate screening (RAS) and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake. Methods: General practices in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, and a random sub-sample of 460 patients (aged 25–74 years) per practice were invited by post. Clusters were computer randomized independently of the researchers to an online CRC risk calculator with risk-based recommendations versus usual care. Primary and secondary outcomes were RAS and screening uptake via self-reported 5-year screening behaviour after 12 months follow-up. The usual care group (UCG) also self-reported 5-year CRC screening behaviour at 12 month post-randomization. Results: Fifty-six practices were randomized (27 to the intervention and 29 to the control, 55 practices participated) with 818 intervention and 677 controls completing the primary outcome measure. The intervention significantly increased RAS in high-risk participants compared with UCG (80.0% vs. 64.0%, respectively; OR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.25–7.96) but not in average-risk (44.9% vs. 49.5%, respectively; OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.99–1.12) or moderate-risk individuals (67.9% vs. 81.1%, respectively; OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.12–1.33). Faecal occult blood testing uptake over 12 months was increased compared with the UCG (24.9% vs. 15.1%; adjusted OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.24–2.22), and there was a non-significant increase in colonoscopies during the same period (16.6% vs. 12.2%; adjusted OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.97–2.08). Conclusion: An online CRC risk calculator with risk-based screening recommendations increased RAS in high-risk participants and improved screening uptake overall within a 12-month follow-up period. Such tools may be useful for facilitating the uptake of risk-based screening guidelines.
IRF4 Gene Expression on the Trail of Molecular Response: Looking at Chronic Myeloid Leukemia from Another Perspective
Authors: Tarantini Francesco , Cumbo Cosimo , Parciante Elisa , Anelli Luisa , Zagaria Antonella , Coccaro Nicoletta , Minervini Crescenzio Francesco , Tota Giuseppina , Redavid Immacolata , Conserva Maria Rosa , Attolico Immacolata , Rossi Antonella Russo , Specchia Giorgina , Musto Pellegrino , Albano Francesco
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a transcriptional factor with a key role in the modulation of inflammation and immune surveillance. The IRF4 gene is downregulated in Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms, and its expression is associated with prognosis and response to treatment. Methods: We evaluated the IRF4 expression kinetics during tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in a cohort of 116 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients to elucidate its role in the disease course. Results: A relationship between the IRF4 expression and the disease burden was observed at various disease stages. A correlation analysis between the International Scale (IS) and IRF4 values confirmed this close association. A significant increase is detected after 3 months of TKI treatment. Patients achieving an early molecular response (EMR) had higher IRF4 values at both diagnosis and after 3 months of therapy as compared to those failing the EMR target. Patients achieving treatment-free remission did not show IRF4 fluctuations during monitoring, while a decreased IRF4 expression emerged at the time of molecular relapse. Conclusion: Our data seem to confirm the relevance of IRF4 in the pathogenesis of CML, suggesting a pivotal role at the disease onset and a predictive value during the CML course.
Trends in Imaging Patterns of Bronchogenic Carcinoma: Reality or a Statistical Variation? A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Analysis of Outcomes
Authors: Reddy Ravikanth , Reddy Sandeep
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Bronchogenic carcinoma accounts for more cancer-related deaths than any other malignancy and is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the world. Bronchogenic carcinoma is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, making up almost 25% of all cancer deaths. The objective of this study was to identify the changing trends, if any, in radiological patterns of bronchogenic carcinoma to document the various computed tomography (CT) appearances of bronchogenic carcinoma with histopathologic correlation. Methods: This was a single-center cross-sectional study on 162 patients with clinical or radiological suspicion of bronchogenic carcinoma with histopathological confirmation of diagnosis. Results: There was a male preponderance with bronchogenic carcinoma and smoking being the most common risk factor. Squamous cell carcinoma followed by adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma is the most common histologic subtype. Squamous cell carcinoma was noted to be present predominantly in the peripheral location (55.5%), and adenocarcinoma was noted to be present predominantly in the central location (68.4%). Conclusion: CT is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating bronchogenic carcinoma and provides for precise characterization of the size, extent, and staging of the carcinoma. Among 162 bronchogenic carcinoma cases evaluated in the current study, a definite changing trend in the radiological pattern of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma was observed. Squamous cell carcinoma was predominantly noted to be a peripheral tumor, and adenocarcinoma is predominantly noted to be a central tumor. Surveillance or restaging scans are recommended, considering the high mortality rate in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma.
Nuevos espacios clínicos para Cannabis sativa y hongos Psilocibe en Chile
Authors: Nazar Pedro Musalem
Published: October 2022

Neste texto, proponho uma reflexão centrada nos novos espaços clínicos, organizados em torno dos usos medicinais da cannabis, durante a última década no Chile, e ultimamente também, em torno dos cogumelos ricos em psilocibina. Esses novos espaços, que pretendem se inscrever no âmbito da medicina científica oficial, emergem nas fronteiras móveis entre duas tendências históricas contrárias – proibição e liberação das drogas. O objetivo deste texto é expor brevemente as condições que permitiram a emergência material desses novos espaços, bem como dar uma ideia do tipo de subjetividade que perpassa a clínica que neles é praticada. O texto propõe algumas tipologias e conceitos provisórios para a compreensão dessa subjetividade. Acompanho e participo diretamente da formação desses espaços clínicos desde sua criação no Chile, e acompanho, há vinte anos, como paciente, médico e antropólogo, usos rituais e terapêuticos dessas e de outras drogas, em outros países latino-americanos.
De ‘Erva do Diabo’ a Panaceia? Biopolíticas da Cannabis no Brasil
Authors: Rodrigues Thiago , Pereira Paulo José dos Reis
Published: October 2022

Nas últimas décadas, a regulação da cannabis tem avançado de maneira expressiva, especialmente para o uso médico, ao mesmo tempo em que o uso recreativo dessa droga tem alcançado um número cada vez maior de pessoas em todo o mundo, inclusive em classes sociais mais altas, em sociedades ocidentais. No Brasil, algumas dessas tendências mundiais legais, científicas e sociais sobre a Cannabis também estão presentes, enquanto outras não. Argumentamos aqui que as tensões e movimentações das práticas relativas à Cannabis no Brasil podem ser compreendidas a partir de uma perspectiva analítica histórico-política. Para tanto, utilizamos a Drug War Analysis (DWA) como instrumento teórico-metodológico. Concluímos que o ritmo relativamente lento das reformas nas políticas sobre Cannabis no país, quando comparado a outras sociedades, é fruto de correlações de forças entre diferentes posições nos campos moral, político, social e econômico (todos eles, níveis analíticos da DWA). A análise das articulações e enfrentamentos entre essas forças fornecem uma promissora lente interpretativa para compreender como e quanto é possível esperar alterações mais ou menos profundas na política sobre Cannabis no Brasil contemporâneo.
Effects of Pulsed Electric Fields on the Coronary Arteries in Swine
Authors: Ladejobi Adetola , Christopoulos Georgios , Tan Nicholas , Ladas Thomas P. , Tri Jason , van Zyl Martin , Yasin Omar , Sugrue Alan , Khabsa Mariam , Uecker Darrin R. , Connolly Richard J. , Danitz David J. , DeSimone Christopher V. , Killu Ammar M. , Maor Elad , Holmes David , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Del-Carpio Munoz Freddy
Published: October 2022

Background:

Previous animal studies have shown no significant vascular injury from pulsed electrical field (PEF) ablation. We sought to assess the effect of PEF on swine coronary arteries.

Methods:

We performed intracoronary and epicardial (near the coronary artery) PEF ablations in swine pretreated with dual antiplatelet and antiarrhythmic therapy. Intracoronary PEF was delivered using MapiT catheters (Biotronik, Berlin), whereas epicardial PEF was delivered using EPT catheters (Boston Scientific, MA). PEF pulse duration was microseconds (Nanoknife 3.0, Angio Dynamics, NY) or nanoseconds (CellFX, Pulse Biosciences, CA).

Results:

We performed 39 intracoronary ablations in 10 swine and 20 epicardial-pericoronary ablations in 4 separate swine. Intracoronary PEF was delivered at higher energy compared with epicardial PEF (46 [interquartile range, IQR 20–85] J versus 10 [IQR 10–11] J,
P
< 0.01). Reversible coronary spasm occurred in 49% intracoronary ablations and 45% epicardial ablations (
P
=0.80). At the end study, fixed coronary stenosis was demonstrated in 44% intracoronary ablations (80% for microsecond PEF and 18% for nanosecond PEF) and 0% epicardial ablations. Visible hemorrhagic and/or fibrotic myocardial lesions were observed at necropsy with similar frequency between intracoronary and epicardial PEF (45% versus 50%,
P
=0.70). Nanosecond PEF (49 ablations in 11 swine), when compared with microsecond PEF (10 intracoronary ablations in 3 swine), resulted in lower energy delivery (21 [IQR 10–46] J versus 129 [IQR 24–143] J,
P
=0.03) and less incidence of fixed coronary stenosis (18% versus 80%,
P
=0.04).

Conclusions:

In the swine model, intracoronary PEF resulted both in significant coronary spasm and fixed coronary stenosis. Epicardial PEF, delivered at lower energy, resulted in reversible spasm but no fixed coronary stenosis.
Relationship Between Preexisting Cardiovascular Disease and Death and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Vasbinder Alexi , Meloche Chelsea , Azam Tariq U. , Anderson Elizabeth , Catalan Tonimarie , Shadid Husam , Berlin Hanna , Pan Michael , O’Hayer Patrick , Padalia Kishan , Blakely Pennelope , Khaleel Ibrahim , Michaud Erinleigh , Huang Yiyuan , Zhao Lili , Pop-Busui Rodica , Gupta Shruti , Eagle Kim , Leaf David E. , Hayek Salim S. ,   for the STOP-COVID Investigators‡
Published: October 2022

Background:

Preexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD) is perceived as a risk factor for poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19. We sought to determine whether CVD is associated with in-hospital death and cardiovascular events in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Methods:

This study used data from a multicenter cohort of adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units at 68 centers across the United States from March 1 to July 1, 2020. The primary exposure was CVD, defined as preexisting coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or atrial fibrillation/flutter. Myocardial injury on intensive care unit admission defined as a troponin I or T level above the 99th percentile upper reference limit of normal was a secondary exposure. The primary outcome was 28-day in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular events (cardiac arrest, new-onset arrhythmias, new-onset heart failure, myocarditis, pericarditis, or stroke) within 14 days.

Results:

Among 5133 patients (3231 male [62.9%]; mean age 61 years [SD, 15]), 1174 (22.9%) had preexisting CVD. A total of 1178 (34.6%) died, and 920 (17.9%) had a cardiovascular event. After adjusting for age, sex, race, body mass index, history of smoking, and comorbidities, preexisting CVD was associated with a 1.15 (95% CI, 0.98–1.34) higher odds of death. No independent association was observed between preexisting CVD and cardiovascular events. Myocardial injury on intensive care unit admission was associated with higher odds of death (adjusted odds ratio, 1.93 [95% CI, 1.61–2.31]) and cardiovascular events (adjusted odds ratio, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.47–2.24]), regardless of the presence of CVD.

Conclusions:

CVD risk factors, rather than CVD itself, were the major contributors to outcomes in critically ill patients with COVID-19. The occurrence of myocardial injury, regardless of CVD, and its association with outcomes suggests it is likely due to multiorgan injury related to acute inflammation rather than exacerbation of preexisting CVD.

Registration:

NCT04343898;
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04343898
.
Residual Risk of Trimethylamine‐N‐Oxide and Choline for Stroke Recurrence in Patients With Intensive Secondary Therapy
Authors: Xue Jing , Xu Jie , Zhao Mingming , Jin Aoming , Cheng Aichun , Jiang Xue , Li Ke , Lin Jinxi , Meng Xia , Li Hao , Zheng Lemin , Wang Yongjun
Published: October 2022

Background

Trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) contributes to cardiovascular disease through its prothrombotic, proatherothrombotic, and proinflammatory effects. We aimed to evaluate whether residual risk of recurrent stroke of TMAO and its precursor choline remain among patients who received dual‐antiplatelet therapy and intensive lipid‐lowering therapy and with a low inflammation level (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein <2 mg/L on admission).

Methods and Results

Patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were enrolled from the CNSR‐III (Third China National Stroke Registry) in China. Plasma TMAO and choline concentrations at baseline were measured in 9793 participants using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The primary outcome was a new stroke within 1 year. Multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios were calculated using Cox regression models to investigate the associations of TMAO and choline with stroke recurrence. Among all patients, elevated TMAO and choline levels were associated with an increased risk of recurrent stroke (adjusted hazard ratios, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.12–1.45]; and 1.50 [95% CI, 1.32–1.71], respectively). Moreover, elevated TMAO and choline levels were associated with an increased risk of recurrent stroke among patients who received dual‐antiplatelet therapy (1.65 [95% CI, 1.28–2.13]; and 1.70 [95% CI, 1.32–2.19], respectively), intensive lipid‐lowering therapy (1.49 [95% CI, 1.15–1.94]; and 1.49 [95% CI, 1.15–1.92], respectively), with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein <2 mg/L (1.39 [95% CI, 1.14–1.69]; and 1.88 [95% CI, 1.53–2.30], respectively), and concurrently received dual‐antiplatelet therapy, intensive lipid‐lowering therapy and with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein <2 mg/L (3.57 [95% CI, 1.73–7.38]; and 2.19 [95% CI, 1.16–4.16], respectively).

Conclusions

TMAO and choline were risk factors for recurrent stroke independent of dual‐antiplatelet therapy, intensive lipid‐lowering therapy at discharge, and low inflammation on admission.
Dig If You Will the Picture…: Reading Prince's Semiotic World
Authors: Toppins Aggie
Published: October 2022

Prince Rogers Nelson (1958–2016) was an innovative American musician whose life and work defied categorization. His music combined the spiritual with the sexual while spanning funk, rhythm and blues, soul, rock and roll, and pop genres. Prince embraced nonbinary gender performance and, as a Black artist of enormous celebrity, exemplified what W. E. B. Du Bois named double-consciousness: a sensibility gained from looking at oneself through the eyes of others; a “two-ness” derived from being both American and Black. Prince used multivalent signs, symbols, and codes to craft an enigmatic personal mythology. In this essay, I use Roland Barthes's poststructuralist theory and Stuart Hall's writing on stereotypes to examine Prince's semiotic world. By studying recurring motifs in his lyrics, fashion, and visual communication design, I show that Prince's signifying practices constitute a sensual text that, through illegibility, catalyzed emancipatory cultural expressions.
Supply-Side Climate Policies in Major Oil-Producing Countries: Norway’s and Canada’s Struggles to Align Climate Leadership with Fossil Fuel Extraction
Authors: Harrison Kathryn , Bang Guri
Published: October 2022

This article considers the puzzle of Norway and Canada, two countries that have adopted ambitious Paris Agreement targets yet are also major fossil fuel exporters. To date, both countries have taken full advantage of the international convention that assigns responsibility only for emissions within a country’s borders. However, climate activists, First Nations, and green politicians increasingly have challenged fossil fuel production via campaigns centered on issues salient to voters in nonproducing regions: opposing new exploration licenses in Norway and pipelines in Canada. While supply-side campaigns have sometimes succeeded in ending expansion, neither country has seriously entertained restricting current production. We attribute these outcomes to continued public support for fossil fuel–driven prosperity; institutions that assign responsibility for production and climate to different government agencies; and the success of counternarratives that unilateral supply restrictions are futile, prosperity from petroleum exports will fund domestic clean-energy transitions, and gas exports advance global climate action.
Recasting the Role of Citizens in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy: Preliminary Insights and a New Research Agenda
Authors: Geis Anna , Opitz Christian , Pfeifer Hanna
Published: October 2022

Over the last decade, relations between the state and its citizens have changed in the fields of diplomacy and, more generally, foreign policy in some Western democracies. Both sides have begun to transform their roles through novel formats of citizen dialogue and participation. The full breadth and depth of these phenomena remain understudied, despite the fact that they constitute an important catalyst of the apparent ‘societisation’, or even further democratisation, of diplomacy. Based on our analyses of participatory formats in German diplomacy, we offer insights into the transformative potential of this development and discuss to what extent it simultaneously perpetuates unequal power relations. In order to further scrutinise these preliminary hypotheses on how the complex relationship between state diplomacy and domestic society is currently changing, we propose a new research agenda on citizen participation in foreign policy.
Unrealised promises and hollow claims: Australia’s failure to enact its international obligations under the CRPD for the education of students with disability
Authors: Malaquias Catia
Published: October 2022

The adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2006 and, in particular, Article 24 was a landmark in the struggle of people with disability for recognition of their fundamental human rights, including their right to education. As a legally binding treaty under international law, imposing obligations on States Parties that signed and ratified it (including Australia), it required those States Parties to bring their domestic legislation into conformity with their CRPD obligations. The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), and the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Standards) made under it, remain the principal Australian statutory protection of the rights of students with disability to access education on the basis of equality and non-discrimination even though the DDA and the Standards preceded the CRPD. This article explores the proposition that the DDA and the Standards do not adequately implement Australia’s international legal obligations in relation to the education of students with disability.

Note: This article makes use of agreed or legally defined terms. These terms are presented in italics throughout.
The Role of Self-Compassion Among Adaptive and Maladaptive Perfectionists in University Students
Authors: Kawamoto Aki , Sheth Reena , Yang Minji , Demps LaTonya , Sevig Todd
Published: October 2022

Using the tripartite model of perfectionism that accounts for combined characteristics of the Perfectionistic Strivings and Perfectionistic Concerns dimensions, this study explored the mediating role of self-compassion to explain differences between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists in four psychological distress domains: depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and academic distress. A sample of 3,112 university students were classified into adaptive, maladaptive, and nonperfectionists. Results of mediation analyses comparing adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists indicated that adaptive perfectionists reported significantly greater self-compassion and lower psychological distress levels in all four areas. Self-compassion significantly mediated the associations between perfectionist groups in all four domains. These findings were largely supported across various ethnic and international student groups in the analyses by subgroups. Furthermore, parallel mediation analyses demonstrated the unique contributions of individual self-compassion subscales as mediators. Implications for clinical practice, training, and future research are discussed.
Analysis and testing of the natural frequencies of the ring-spinning balloon
Authors: Shu Yongping , Tang Yu
Published: October 2022

The development of superconducting magnetic bearings as the twisting element in ring spinning renews the study of the dynamic model of the ring-spinning process. In this paper, the variational equations governing yarn in the balloon are developed using Hamilton’s principle. The balloon curves are represented by the Bezier function, and the semi-analytical steady-state balloon is obtained by the Galerkin method. The linearized equation of motion is completed by elimination of the nonlinear displacement terms and cancellation of the steady-state terms. The displacement field of the balloon yarn about the steady state is expressed by the Bezier polynomial, and the natural frequencies of the balloon yarn are calculated by the Galerkin method. The semi-analytical solution of the steady-state balloon and the natural frequencies of the balloon yarn are in good agreement with those in the experimental measurement. The influences of rotational speed, balloon height, and yarn count on the natural frequencies of the balloon yarn are investigated. For a realistic parameter set, the possible resonances caused by the change of balloon height, which is due to the up-and-down movement of the ring rail, are discussed in more detail.
Simulation of fiber arrangement in slub strands and twisting on the slub yarn with the finite element method
Authors: Wu Shifeng , Li Jiawei , Yu Chongwen
Published: October 2022

Slub yarn is a popular yarn because of its distinctive appearance. In this paper, the simulation of the fiber arrangement in the slub strand is proposed. After twisting, the slub strand is converted into slub yarn. A cylinder with a large length–diameter ratio is used to simulate the fiber, and the random arrangement of the fibers forms the slub strand. Spring-damper-mass models are established to prevent cross-embedding among fibers and gather fibers along the slub strand axis. The slub strand is twisted by the roller-collet twisting model in ABAQUS software. By comparing the twisting effect, it can be seen that the twist distribution of the slub yarn simulated by the finite element method is consistent with the real slub yarn spun on a ring-spinning frame. The work can predict the twist change of slub yarn by the established model. The established model provides the basis for future research work on the properties of slub yarn.