bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proof-of-Concept of a Quasi-2D Water-Quality Modelling Approach to Simulate Transverse Mixing in Rivers
Authors: Sabokruhie Pouya , Akomeah Eric , Rosner Tammy , Lindenschmidt Karl-Erich
Published: September 2021

A quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) modelling approach is introduced to mimic transverse mixing of an inflow into a river from one of its banks, either an industrial outfall or a tributary. The concentrations of determinands in the inflow vary greatly from those in the river, leading to very long mixing lengths in the river downstream of the inflow location. Ideally, a two-dimensional (2D) model would be used on a small scale to capture the mixing of the two flow streams. However, for large-scale applications of several hundreds of kilometres of river length, such an approach demands too many computational resources and too much computational time, especially if the application will at some point require ensemble input from climate-change scenario data. However, a one-dimensional (1D) model with variables varying in the longitudinal flow direction but averaged across the cross-sections is too simple of an approach to capture the lateral mixing between different flow streams within the river. Hence, a quasi-2D method is proposed in which a simplified 1D solver is still applied but the discretisation of the model setup can be carried out in such a way as to enable a 2D representation of the model domain. The quasi-2D model setup also allows secondary channels and side lakes in floodplains to be incorporated into the discretisation. To show proof-of-concept, the approach has been tested on a stretch of the lower Athabasca River in Canada flowing through the oil sands region between Fort McMurray and Fort MacKay. A dye tracer and suspended sediments are the constituents modelled in this test case.
Geometric Basis of Action Potential of Skeletal Muscle Cells
Authors: Li Qing
Published: September 2021

Abstract Although we know something about single cell neuromuscular junction, It is still mysterious how multiple skeletal muscle cells coordinate to complete the intricate spatial curve movement. Here I propose a hypothesis that skeletal muscle cell populations with action potentials are alligned according to a curved manifolds on space(a curved shape on space) and the skeletal muscle also moves according to this corresponding shape(manifolds) when an specific motor nerve impulses are transmitted. the action potential of motor nerve fibers has the characteristics of time curve manifold and this time manifold curve of motor nerve fibers come from visual cortex in which a spatial geometric manifolds are formed within the synaptic connection of neurons. This spatial geometric manifolds of the synaptic connection of neurons orginate from spatial geometric manifolds in outside nature that are transmitted to brain through the cone cells and ganglion cells of the retina.Further,the essence of life is that life is an object that can move autonomously and the essence of life's autonomous movement is the movement of proteins. theoretically, due to the infinite diversity of geometric manifold shapes in nature, the arrangement and combination of 20 amino acids should have infinite diversity, and the geometric manifold formed by protein three-dimensional spatial structure should also have infinite diversity.
RELASI KUASA PADA PERNIKAHAN POLIGAMI DALAM PERSPEKTIF KEKERASAN SIMBOLIK
Authors: Maulana Hazmi
Published: September 2021

This research is based on the researcher's interest in how the relationship between men and women in polygamous marriages. This study aims to describe what makes women willing to be polygamous and what kind of relationship exists between husband and wife in a polygamous family. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data collection techniques used are through observation techniques, in-depth interviews, documentation and literature study on related documents. The results showed that in a polygamous family there is a discourse battle, this discourse battle is won by the husband, so that the husband has the right to determine the values ​​used in the family. In polygamous marriages, religion is used and believed to be the dominant discourse. Capital accumulation also affects the position of husband and wife in the family, including economic, social, cultural and symbolic capital. This form of domination carried out by the husband and not being aware of the domination by the wife who works subtly is called by Bourdieu as a form of symbolic violence.
How to Seal Hydraulic Fracturing Boreholes in the Large-Size HDR Rocks under HTHP Conditions
Authors: Hongwei Zhang , Zhijun Wan , Zhao Yixin , Changbing Zhou , Chuanqi Zhu , Shuaifeng Lu
Published: September 2021

The hydraulic fracturing (HF) is a key technique to enhance the permeability and heat production of hot-dry-rock (HDR) geothermal reservoirs. Normally, laboratory HF tests should be preconducted to understand the HF characteristics of HDR samples. However, in the laboratory test, sealing failure between boreholes and injection pipes always limits the experimental efficiency and data accuracy, especially for the HF tests under high-temperature and high-pressure (HTHP) conditions. Traditional sealing methods, such as rubber and cement sealing, are easy to be failed because of their poor load and/or thermal bear performance under HTHP conditions. Therefore, in this study, we proposed a novel HTHP seal by using wedge-buckled copper components and steel rings. The sealing efficiency was verified by successfully conducting the HF tests of HDR rocks with a dimension of φ200×400 mm under various high temperatures ranging from 100°C to 400°C. As expected, the unfavorable factors such as HTHP and high injection pressure could be turned into favorable ones during the introduced seal method. By this investigation, we expect to provide some sealing solutions for researchers when conducting HF tests under HTHP environments.
Oligocene Planktic Foraminiferal Taxonomy and Evolution: An Illustrated Revision of Ocean Drilling Program Site 803
Authors: Fraass Andrew J. , Leckie R. Mark
Published: September 2021

The Oligocene (33.9–23.0 Ma) has historically proven to be a difficult interval to examine with respect to planktic foraminifera; the tendency for many of the taxa to be basically globigerine in shape, with 4 or 5 chambers in the final whorl means differences between species are limited. Recently, an international working group has attempted to clarify the Oligocene planktic foraminiferal taxonomy, with the goal of establishing phylogenetically-consistent generic and species concepts. A relatively expanded and continuous Oligocene section recovered at Ocean Drilling Program Site 803 in the western equatorial Pacific was previously studied by Leckie et al. (1993) using fairly conservative species concepts. Since 1993, foraminiferal biostratigraphic datum age calibrations have changed, and so revised sedimentation rates for the 220-m thick Oligocene sequence are actually more constant than previously thought. As a part of the recent taxonomic revision, this site was reevaluated and numerous additional taxa are recorded at this location. Macroevolutionary rates are calculated from the occurrences, and increased extinction is found within the late Oligocene, counter to the expectations laid out in broader-scale macroevolutionary studies. An effort is made here to describe the diagnostic features, which can be used to distinguish all taxa under a standard binocular microscope. Finally, several figures of scanning electron microscope photomicrographs (from Site 803 and tropical Atlantic Ocean ODP Site 628) depict features used to describe and differentiate important, but difficult or homeomorphic taxa, with the hope that these figures can be used by other workers at the microscope attempting to do Oligocene taxonomy-based studies.
Growth and Fecundity of Marginopora Vertebralis and Amphistegina Lobifera in Laboratory Culture
Authors: Naidu Roselyn , Ford Murray , Kench Paul , Hallock Pamela , Prasad Rajesh
Published: September 2021

The shells of large benthic foraminifers (LBF) are key contributors to the development and maintenance of coastal landforms in the Pacific as well as to Paleogene and Miocene carbonates deposited along the Neotethys Seaway and tropical Pacific islands. The current study assessed growth and fecundity of two species, Marginopora vertebralis and Amphistegina lobifera, collected from sites in Viti Levu, Fiji, based on shell diameter, shell weight, fecundity, and survival. Specimens were cultured without supplemental nutrients or food for 15 months under controlled laboratory conditions. Physicochemical parameters, including salinity, alkalinity, pH, and temperature, varied by <5% throughout the experiment. Asexual reproduction by M. vertebralis produced ∼270 offspring per brood, while A. lobifera produced ∼500 offspring per brood. The minimum size at reproduction for M. vertebralis was 15 mm, and A. lobifera reproduction occurred at diameters ≥0.9 mm. These observations were consistent with those of previous studies that predicted asexual fecundity related to parent size. Four non-linear mathematical functions (exponential, Gompertz, logistic, and von Bertalanffy) were compared to describe the age-weight relationship for each species. Results revealed that the logistic model best fits M. vertebralis growth, and von Bertalanffy model best fits A. lobifera growth. The growth model for A. lobifera predicted trends in juvenile growth and maximum size consistent with a previously published von Bertalanffy model based on cultures in which the foraminifers were provided nutrient sources and grew much faster than those observed in this study. These observations support published hypotheses that many LBF are exceptionally well-adapted to extreme oligotrophy, a characteristic that accounted for their dominance as carbonate producers in the Paleogene and Miocene of the Neotethys and Pacific islands.
DETERMINANTES DO GASTO PÚBLICO COM SAÚDE NAS CIDADES SUL-MATO-GROSSENSES
Authors: Santos Edicreia Andrade dos , Sallaberry Jonatas Dutra , Henrique da Silva Melo Pereira Pedro , Ocampos Macedo Ferreira Weslley , Oliveira Ribeiro Flávia
Published: September 2021

Este estudo analisa a relação dos fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos e sociopolíticos no gasto público em saúde das cidades sul mato-grossenses no período de 2010-2018. Os dados coletados foram analisados com modelagem de dados em painel. A população é composta pelos 79 municípios sul mato-grossenses, utilizando a variável dependente o gasto público em saúde municipal e como determinantes os anos eleitorais, a população, PIB local, número de leitos e número de médicos. Dentre os resultados observa-se que o ano eleitoral municipal, PIB, leitos não possuem capacidade explicativa para os gastos em saúde, contudo o ano eleitoral geral, a população e número de médicos no sus apresentaram-se estatisticamente significantes nos municípios sul mato-grossenses. Destaca-se que o estudo quanto a relação entre o gasto público em saúde pode melhorar a alocação de custos e o emprego de recursos nos serviços de saúde, como forma de proporcionar uma maior eficiência ao atendimento de demandas sociais.
COOPERAÇÃO INTERORGANIZACIONAL
Authors: Frias Rafael Pena Cerqueira , Siqueira Rafaela da Costa , Xavier Filho José Lindenberg Julião , Fernandes Nelson Monteiro
Published: September 2021

Este estudo se propôs a investigar as contribuições dos Acordos de Cooperação Técnica Interorganizacionais para o alcance da Missão de uma Instituição Federal de Ensino situada no Agreste de Pernambuco. Foram realizadas entrevistas e mapeamento de documentos que culminaram num conjunto de 8 (oito) Termos de Acordos de Cooperação Técnica analisados. Constataram-se proposições de contribuições ao cumprimento da Missão nas áreas de Ensino, Extensão e Pesquisa, através do compartilhamento/redução de custos, compartilhamento de experiências, poder de mercado, acesso a soluções e capital social. O estudo fornece informações úteis à gestão das Instituições Federais de Ensino, além de alavancar novas pesquisas no campo das experiências colaborativas.

 

Palavras-Chave: Acordos de Cooperação Técnica; Missão; Instituições Federais de Ensino; Apoio a Gestão; Experiências colaborativas.
SUPERANDO O CETICISMO DO CONSUMIDOR RELATIVO À PROPAGANDA COM ANÚNCIOS MISTERIOSOS
Authors: Hernandez José Mauro da Costa , Da Costa Filho Murilo Carrazedo Marques
Published: September 2021

Cresce o ceticismo dos consumidores em relação a propagandas, uma dificuldade a mais a enfrentar num mercado competitivo e fragmentado. Esse ceticismo torna os consumidores mais propensos a ignorar as mensagens publicitárias, ou mesmo evitá-las. Ademais, consumidores céticos tendem a formar atitudes menos favoráveis e menores intenções de compra dos produtos anunciados. Neste artigo, exploramos a utilização de anúncios misteriosos, tática que pode mitigar os efeitos negativos do ceticismo em relação à propaganda. Anúncios misteriosos retardam a apresentação da identidade do objeto-alvo da publicidade, despertando a curiosidade do consumidor, o que aumenta a atenção ao anúncio. Em dois estudos experimentais, o presente artigo evidencia que os consumidores prestam mais atenção a anúncios misteriosos. Com o aumento de processamento da mensagem, crescem as intenções de compra do produto anunciado. A tática revelou-se especialmente efetiva junto a consumidores altamente céticos em relação à propaganda. Por outro lado, consumidores com ceticismo menor, que naturalmente prestam atenção às mensagens publicitárias, não foram afetados por anúncios misteriosos. O estudo contribui para a literatura de publicidade, revelando uma tática para capturar a atenção de um público mais cético e resistente à persuasão.
WITHDRAWN: IL-31, IL-32 and IL-33 May Serve as Diagnosis Biomarkers in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Qinghua , Zhang Jiwei , Xia Lei , Wise Steven G , Hambly Brett D. , Tao Kun , Bao Shisan
Published: September 2021

To determine whether IL-31, IL-32 and IL-33 can be used as biomarkers for the detection of gastric cancer (GC), via evaluating the correlations between IL-31, IL-32 and IL‑33 expression and clinicopathological parameters of GC patients. Tissue array (n=180) gastric specimens were utilised. IL-31, IL-32 and IL-33 in GC and non-GC tissues were detected immunohistochemically. The correlations between IL-31, IL-32 and IL-33 in GC and severity of clinicopathological parameters were evaluated. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier/Cox regression. IL-31, IL-32 and IL-33 in circulation were detected by ELISA. We found that IL-31, IL-32 and IL-33 were all lower in GC than that in adjacent non-GC gastric tissue (p all <0.05). IL-33 in peripheral blood of GC patients was significantly lower than that of healthy individuals (1.50 ± 1.11 vs 9.61 ± 8.00 ng/ml) (p<0.05). Decreased IL-31, IL-32 and IL-33 in GC were observed in younger patients (<60 years), and IL-32 and IL-33 were lower in female patients (p all <0.05). Higher IL-32 correlated with longer survival in two GC subgroups: T4 invasion depth and TNM I-II stage. Univariate/multivariate analysis revealed that IL-32 is an independent prognostic factor for GC within the T4 stage subgroup. Circulation IL-33 was significantly lower in GC patients than healthy people (p <0.05). Our findings provide new insights into the roles of IL-31, IL-32 and IL-33 in carcinogenesis of GC and demonstrate their relative usefulness as prognostic markers for GC. The underlying mechanism of IL-31, IL-32 and IL-33 in GC is further discussed.
Transcriptomic and Histological Analysis of Exposed Facial Skin Areas Wrinkled or Not and Unexposed Skin
Authors: Martin Renan , Varela Patricia , Gomes Caio Peres , Marins Maryana Mara , Filippelli-Silva Rafael , Yarak Samira , Soares Juliana L.M. , Sanudo Adriana , Idkowiak-Baldys Jolanta , Chen Siming , Hwang Cheng , Zhuang Yong , Lyga John , Pesquero João Bosco , Bagatin Ediléia
Published: September 2021

Skin aging involves genetic, environmental and hormonal factors. Facial wrinkles also depend on muscular activity. Gene expression investigation may be useful for new anti-aging products. To evaluate structure and gene expression differences among exposed and unexposed skin in menopausal women. Cross-sectional study, including 15 menopausal women, 55-65yo, phototype III; photo-exposed, periorbital wrinkles (A1), preauricular, not wrinkled (A2), and unexposed gluteal (A3) areas were described and compared by non-invasive measures, histology, immunohistochemistry and gene expression (RNASeq); participants mean age was 61yo, presenting moderate periorbital wrinkles and light facial photodamage. Higher roughness, wrinkles number and echogenicity were observed in A1 and A2 versus A3. Decreased epidermal thickness and dermal collagen IV were demonstrated in A1 versus A2 and A3. Exposed areas impacted different pathways compared to unexposed. Exposed wrinkled skin (A1) showed impact on cell movement with decreased inflammatory activation state. Pathways related to lipid and aminoacids metabolism were modulated in non-wrinkled exposed (A2) compared to unexposed (A3) skin. Expected histological findings and gene expression differences among areas were observed. Photoaging in menopausal women may modulate lipid and aminoacids metabolism and decrease inflammatory and keratinization pathways, cellular homeostasis, immune response, fibrogenesis and filament formation. These findings may help development of new therapies for skin health and aging control.
The Impact of Multidisciplinary Pre-Dialysis Care on the Outcomes of Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Wang I-Kuan , Yu Tung-Min , Yen Tzung-Hai , Yip Hei-Tung , Lai Ping-Chin , Li Chi-Yuan , Sun Kuo-Ting , Sung Fung-Chang
Published: September 2021

Background

This study aims to evaluate the impact of multidisciplinary pre-dialysis care (MDPC) on the risks of peritonitis, technique failure and mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.
Methods

Incident end-stage renal disease patients who received peritoneal dialysis (PD) for more than 90 days were recruited in this study from 1 January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2018. Patients were classified into two groups, the MDPC group and the control group, that received the usual care by nephrologists. Risks of the first episode of peritonitis, technique failure and mortality were compared between the two groups.
Results

There were 126 patients under the usual care and 546 patients under the MDPC. Patients in the MDPC group initiated dialysis earlier than those in the non-MDPC group. There was no significant difference between these two groups in time to the first episode of peritonitis. Compared to the non-MDPC group, the MDPC group was at similar risks of technique failure (adjusted HR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.64–1.15) and mortality (adjusted HR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.42–1.02). Among patients with diabetes, the risk of mortality was significantly reduced in the MDPC group with an adjusted HR of 0.45 (95% CI = 0.25–0.80).
Conclusions

There was no significant difference in time to develop the first episode of peritonitis, and risks of technique failure and mortality between these two groups. Diabetic PD patients under MDPC had a lower risk of mortality than those under the usual care.
The epidemiological characteristics of pediatric Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from inpatients and outpatients at Beijing Children’s Hospital
Authors: Lyu shuang , Shi Wei , Dong Fang , Xu Baoping , Liu Gang , Wang Quan , Yao Kaihu , Yang YongHong
Published: September 2021

Background : The epidemiological data of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates are important for the practice of treatment and prevention. This research aimed to explore the epidemiological characteristics of pediatric S. pneumoniae isolated from outpatients and inpatients. Methods: S. pneumoniae were isolated from unsterile samples of inpatients and outpatients younger than five years old between March 2013 and February 2014. The serotypes were determined by diagnostic pneumococcal antisera, and resistance against 13 antibiotics was tested by either the E-test or the disc diffusion method. The sequence types (STs) were analyzed with multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Results: The five dominant serotypes obtained from inpatients were 19F(32.9%), 19A(20.7%), 23F(10.7%), 6A(10.0%), and 14 (8.6%), while those in the outpatients were 19F (13.6%), 23F (12.9%), 6A (10.0%), 6B (10.0%), and 19A (7.9%). The coverage rates of the 7-, 10- and 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine formulations were high. The non-susceptibility to penicillin, cefuroxime, imipenem, erythromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole among the inpatient isolates were 7.1%, 92.8%, 65.7%, 100%, and 85.0%, respectively, while those among the outpatient isolates were 0.7%, 50.0%, 38.6%, 96.4%, and 65.7%, respectively. There were 45 and 81 STs detected from the pneumococci isolated from inpatients and outpatients, respectively. CC271 was more prevalent in inpatients. Conclusions : The pneumococcal vaccine related serotypes were still prevalent either in inpatient department or in outpatient department, which with serious antibiotic resistance. These results might be helpful for understanding the epidemiology of S. pneumoniae in Beijing. PCVs can prevent vaccine related serotypes. Therefore, universal immunization of PCVs should be implemented to prevent the spread of vaccine related serotypes of S. pneumoniae .
MRI Assessment of Degeneration of Multifidus and Erector Spinae Muscles in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Yazici Alikemal , Yerlikaya Tuba , Oniz Adile
Published: September 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to examine degeneration in the lumbar musculus multifidus (L.MF) and lumbar musculus erector spina (L.ES) muscles in patients with mechanical chronic low back pain, non-radiculopathy chronic low back pain with discopathy, and healthy individuals. The relationships with low back pain were examined by comparing the results according to gender, pain, and lumbar segments.
Material and Method:

Evaluation was made of 36 healthy control subjects (Group 1), 37 patients with mechanical low back pain (Group 2) and 41 non-radiculopathy, lumbar discopathy patients (Group 3). On axial magnetic resonance images at the L3-S1 level, asymmetry between the left and right sides was examined in respect of L.MF and L.ES surface cross-sectional areas (CSA), total surface cross-sectional area (TCSA = L.MF + L.ES), and fat infiltration.
Results

The mean CSA values showed a significant difference only in the right L.MF in the healthy control group (p = 0.011). No statistically significant difference was seen between the groups in the comparisons of TCSA, and a statistically significant difference was determined in respect of fat infiltration in the right and left L.MF and the left L.ES (p = 0.011, p = 0.001, p = 0.027, respectively). When the CSA and TCSA were examined according to gender within the groups, the values were found to be statistically significantly higher in males (p < 0.001). The CSA and TCSA values of the L.MF and L.ES showed a significant difference between segments (L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1) (p < 0.001). No asymmetry was observed between the left /right CSA and TCSA values of the groups. Fat infiltration showed a significant difference according to gender and segments (p < 0.001).
Conclusion

Fat infiltration in the L.MF muscle is related to mechanical low back pain and lumbar discopathy. That there was no difference between the groups in the CSA and TCSA values demonstrates the need for measurement of muscle atrophy associated with fat infiltration or functional cross-section area rather than CSA and TCSA.
Efficacy of Thunder-Fire Moxibustion In Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis of Kidney Deficiency And Governor Meridian Cold And Its Influence On Bone Metabolism：Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Pei , Sun Yanyan , Qu Jing , Li Min
Published: September 2021

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis(AS) is a common chronic inflammatory spondyloarthropathy,.It is considered in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) that the pathogenesis of AS is mainly due to Yang deficiency of kidney governor meridian and internal prosperity of cold evil. Thunder-fire moxibustion is a kind of moxibustions and characterized in abundance in drug composition, high heat radiation and strong penetration. Thunder-fire moxibustion on spinal segment of governor meridian in treating AS seems compatible with the main pathogenesis of kidney deficiency and governor meridian cold. The Trial aims to explore the efficacy of thunder-fire moxibustion in patients with AS of kidney deficiency and governor meridian cold and its influence on bone metabolism, through a prospective randomized trial. Methods: Sixty patients with AS of kidney deficiency and governor meridian cold will be recruited and randomly assigned to the treatment group （thunder-fire moxibustion three times a week plus basic treatment）and the control group (basic treatment) at the Center of TCM of Beijing Luhe Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University (Beijing, China), Each patient will be treated for 4 weeks.Primary outcome indexes will include efficacy of TCM syndrome,Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI),with observation once respectively prior to the treatment, 2 weeks post to the treatment, and at the end of the treatment. Secondary outcome indexes will include tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand(RANKL), which will be determined once respectively before and after treatment.Side effects during the treatments will be recorded and analyzed as well. Inter-group comparison and analysis will be performed based on intention-to-treat set and per-protocol set. Discussion: This prospective randomized trial will help verify the efficacy of thunder-fire moxibustion in treating AS of kidney deficiency and governor meridian cold, discuss preliminarily its mechanism in treating this disease, and provide high-quality evidences for scientific researches on clinical treatment with thunder-fire moxibustion against AS. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100044227 . Registered on 12 March 2021.
Improved Gait Recognition Accuracy Based on DFT- GEI
Authors: Sriniva Lavanya
Published: September 2021

Person identification is a challenging task in computer vision. Identify a person from different cameras due to changes in appearance based on cofactors. Cofactors such as changing clothes, a suitcase, backpack, etc. The gait biometric is used to identify a person vary with different cofactors at different backgrounds. The person's gait can be identified at a distance, based on a walking pattern, without any physical contact. In this work, the videos are recorded using Infrared and Visible cameras at different locations such as urban and rural environments. The pre-processing includes the recorded videos are converted into frames, person identification using deep learning techniques, background subtraction, artifacts removal, silhouettes extraction, calculating gait cycle, and synthesis frequency domain gait energy image by averaging the silhouettes. The moving features are extracted from the frequency domain gait energy image and gait energy image are dimensionally reduced by principal component analysis, recognized using different classifiers and results are compared. Experiments are conducted on urban and rural datasets recorded using Long Wave Infrared and Visible cameras.
Optimizing the Treatment Mode for De Novo Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma With Bone-only Metastasis
Authors: Lin Cheng , Lin Sheng , Zhu lili , Pan JianJi , Xu Yun , lin shaojun
Published: September 2021

Purpose: No standard radiotherapy regimens was established in the treatment of de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC) with bone-only metastasis. The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of palliative chemotherapy (PCT) plus locoregional radiotherapy (LLRT) with or without local radiotherapy (RT) to bone metastatic lesions in mNPC, and identify the optimal candidates.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 141 de novo mNPC patients with bone-only metastasis who received at least two cycles of PCT with or without LLRT and RT to bone metastasis. The difference in survival was evaluated by the log-rank test. Univariable and multivariable analysis was made by Cox regression. Results: Patients who received PCT plus LLRT had significantly longer overall survival (OS) (45.0 months vs 13.5 months, HR = 0.30 , p = 0.001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (29.0 months vs 11.0 months, HR = 0.34, p = 0.014), especially in patients who had less than 3 metastatic bone lesions. Multivariate analysis confirmed that LRRT, more chemotherapy cycles (≥ 4) and limited number of bone metastasis (≤ 3) were favorable prognostic factors for OS. Subgroup analysis revealed that RT to metastatic bones had a tendency to prolong the survival time in the unselected population who received PCT plus LLRT (p > 0.05), while further data suggested that RT to metastatic bones dramatically improve OS (72.0 months vs 26.0 months, p = 0.002) and PFS (60.0 months vs 20.0 months, p = 0.006) for mNPC with less than 3 metastatic bone lesions.Conclusions: LLRT and RT to bone metastatic lesions followed by PCT in de novo mNPC with bone-only metastasis significantly prolonged survival in patients with less than 3 metastatic bone lesions.
Exosomes Derived from miR-214-3p Overexpressing Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Myocardial Repair
Authors: Zhu Wenwu , Wang Qingjie , Zhang Jian , Sun Ling , Du Wei , Wu Yujie , Cao Yue , Chi Boyu , Li Jing , Feng Yueyue , Zou Ailin , Mao Lipeng , Jiang Jianguang , Ji Yuan , Han Bing
Published: September 2021

Aims Exosomes are known as nanovesicles that are naturally secreted，playing an essential role in stem-mediated cardioprotection. This study mainly focused on investigating if exosomes derived from miR-214 overexpressing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show more valid cardioprotective ability in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its potential mechanisms.Methods Exosomes were isolated from control MSCs (Ctrl-Exo) and miR-214 overexpressing MSCs (miR-214OE-Exo) and then they were delivered to cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells in vitro under hypoxia and serum deprivation (H/SD) condition or in vivo in an acutely infarcted Sprague-Dawley rat heart. Regulated genes and signal pathways by miR-214OE-Exo treatment were explored using western blot analysis and luciferase assay.Results In vitro, miR-214OE-Exo enhanced migration, tube-like formation in endothelial cells. In addition, miR-214OE-Exo ameliorated the survival of cardiomyocytes under H/SD. In the rat AMI model, compared to Ctrl-Exo, miR-214OE-Exo reduced myocardial apoptosis, and therefore reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function. Besides, miR-214OE-Exo accelerated angiogenesis in peri-infarct region. Mechanistically, we identified that exosomal miR-214-3p promoted cardiac repair via targeting PTEN and activating p-AKT signal pathway. Conclusion Exosomes derived from miR-214 overexpressing MSCs have greatly strengthened the therapeutic efficacy for treatment of AMI by promoting cardiomyocyte survival and endothelial cell function.
The Effects of Press Needle on Immune Function and Quality of Life Among Female Breast Cancer Patients After Radical Mastectomy: Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Gao Ying , Wang Yao , Chen Hongchu , Yan Ran , Liu Tao , Li Zhuohong , Zeng Jinhao
Published: September 2021

BackgroundRadical mastectomy may lead to suppression of cellular immune function in patients with malignant tumors, and affect the quality of life (QOL) of patients. Immune suppression is a common cause of complications and adverse reactions in adjuvant therapy after radical mastectomy of breast cancer. Currently, there are few proven effective treatments for immune suppression. Therefore, it’s necessary to develop a new treatment method. Press needle is widely used in clinical practice. However, there have been relatively few studies that evaluate the effects of press needle on postoperative immune function. The aim of the present study is to assess the effects of press needle on immune function and QOL in female breast cancer patients undergoing radical mastectomy.MethodsThis study will be a single-center, randomized and single-blinded trial. 78 eligible patients will be randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to the press needle group or the sham press needle group. During the treatment phase, patients will undergo five times weekly of verum press needle or sham press needle for 2 weeks, and then they will be followed-up for 2 weeks. The primary outcome measures will be the peripheral blood levels of CD8+, CD4+, CD3+, and CD4+/CD8+ T cells. The secondary outcome measures will be the changes of patients’ QOL, evaluated by the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score and the EORTC core quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Safety and adverse events will be assessed at each visit. DiscussionThe results of this on-going study will provide clinical evidence for the effects and safety of press needle on immune function and QOL in patients after breast cancer resection compared with sham press needle.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000040100. Registered on 21 November 2020.
FOXO3a-ROS Pathway is Involved in Androgen-Induced Proliferation of Prostate Cancer Cell
Authors: Tao Yan , Lu Jianzhong , Fu Shengjun , Li Lanlan , Liu Shanhui , Zhang Jing , Wang Zhiping , Hong Mei
Published: September 2021

Background: Although FOXO3a can inhibit the cell proliferation of prostate cancer, its relationship with reactive oxygen species (ROS) in prostate cancer(PCa) has not been reported. Methods: We analyzed the correlation between the expression of FOXO3a and the antioxidant enzyme catalase in prostate cancer through the UALCAN and GEPIA databases. We also constructed a PPI network of FOXO3a via the STRING database. The mRNA and protein expression of FOXO3a and catalase in LNCaP cells after DHT treatment were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. The effects of FOXO3a on catalase expression were tested by over-expression and siRNA interference respectively. At the same time, the catalase activity and ROS level in LNCaP cells after DHT treatment were detected. The changes of cell proliferation and ROS in LNCaP by antioxidant were also analyzed.Results: We found that the catalase expression was down-regulated and has positively correlation with FOXO3a in PCa by public databases. The results of qRT-PCR and western blot showed that the mRNA and protein expression of FOXO3a and catalase were significantly reduced after DHT treatment in the LNCaP cells. Over-expression and knockdown of FOXO3a can also induce the change of catalase expression. DHT treatment can inhibit catalase activity and increase ROS level. We found that antioxidant treatment reduced DHT-induced proliferation and ROS production.Conclusions: Our data show that the mechanisms by which DHT promotes PCa cell proliferation is that FOXO3a suppresses catalase expression and activates ROS signaling.
Clinicopathological Features, Clinical Efficacy on 101 Cases of Rectal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors, and the Significance of Neoadjuvant Therapy
Authors: Yang Hongxin , Shen Chaoyong , Yin Xiaonan , Cai Zhaolun , Wang Qian , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2021

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, clinical efficacy on 101 cases of rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and the significance of Imatinib Mesylate (IM) neoadjuvant therapy.Methods: The clinicopathological features, treatment methods, peri-operative data, and prognosis of the patients were summarized and analyzed on 101 patients with rectal GISTs, who received treatment in the Gastrointestinal Department of West China Hospital of SichuanUniversity and the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from August 2002 toNovember 2020 in China. Results: A total of 101 patients, including 64 males and 37 females, were aged from 22 to 79 years (55.4±12.2 years). Among 70 patients with direct surgery, which included 8 very low risk cases, 10 low risk cases, 7 intermediate risk cases, and 45 high risk cases. Cox regression analysis showed that post-operative IM adjuvant treatment improved disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of 52 intermediate and high risk patients. Among the 31 patients who received neoadjuvant therapy, the objective response rate (ORR) was 83.9% (26/31), and the disease control rate (DCR) reached 96.8% (30/31). Diameter subgroup analysis: (1) Among the 36 patients with a diameter ≤ 5 cm, two patients received IM neoadjuvant therapy, while 34 patients received direct surgery. Both univariate and Cox regression analysis did not find that neoadjuvant therapy affects DFS and OS. (2) Among the 65 patients of diameter >5 cm, 29 received IM neoadjuvant therapy and 36 received direct surgery. Patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy had less blood loss (P=0.022) , shorter post-operative hospital stay (P=0.001), increased anal preservation proportion (93.1% VS72.2% , P=0.031), decreased enterostomy proportion (10.3% VS 33.3%, P=0.037) than those who underwent direct surgery. Cox regression analysis suggested that neoadjuvant therapy and post-operative IM adjuvant therapy improved DFS. Conclusion: Rectal GISTs is relatively rare and is a highly malignant tumor, post-operative oral IM therapy can improve DFS and OS of intermediate and high risk patients. In patients with rectal GISTs with diameter > 5 cm, IM neoadjuvant therapy can improve the anal preservation proportion , preserve the structure and function of the organs, reduce enterostomy proportion, and improve prognosis.
The Effect of Combined Internet Diet Behavior Intervention On School-Age Children
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , Liu Xiaoran , Gao Lin , Li Xiaomei
Published: September 2021

Background

With the development of the economy and the improvement of people's quality of life, the problem of children's eating behavior is a common phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined internet dietary behavior intervention on the dietary behavior of school-age children.
Methods

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted among school-age children aged 6–12 years and their parents. A total of 480 children participated, 240 in the experimental group and 240 in the control group. The children in the experimental group were given dietary behavior intervention for 2 months. The intervention was conducted through face-to-face lectures and WeChat; the children in the control group did not make any intervention. The school-age children’s eating behavior scale (CSCEBQ) was used to evaluate the eating behavior of all children at baseline and 2 months. The rank-sum test and X2 test were used to analyze the data.
Results

At baseline, the experimental group and the control group had no significant differences in the scores of the six dimensions of food fussiness, food responsiveness, satiety responsiveness, unhealthy eating habits, external eating, craving for junk food (p > 0.05). After 2 months, in addition to the food preference dimension, the dietary behavior scores of the children in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group in other dimensions (p ≤ 0.01).
Conclusions

Compared with the control group, the children in the experimental group improved in food fussiness, food responsiveness, unhealthy eating habits, external eating, dietary restriction, craving for junk food. This study increases the knowledge of using WeChat to intervene, and evaluated the impact of using CSCEBQ on children’s diet, and provides a more scientific and effective basis for the clinical intervention of children with eating behavior problems.
Dexmedetomidine Reduces Propofol-Induced Hippocampal Neuron Injury by Modulating the miR-377-5p/Arc Pathway
Authors: Chen Zong , Ding Yong , Zeng Ying , Zhang Xue-Ping , Chen Jian-Yan
Published: September 2021

BackgroundPropofol and dexmedetomidine (DEX) are widely used in general anesthesia, and exert toxic and protective effects on hippocampal neurons, respectively. The study sought to investigate the molecular mechanisms of DEX-mediated neuroprotection against propofol-induced hippocampal neuron injury in mouse brains.MethodsHippocampal neurons of mice were treated with propofol, DEX, and propofol+DEX in vitro and in vivo. Neuronal apoptosis was evaluated by a means of TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) or Hochest 33258 staining; Arc positive expression in hippocampus tissues was detected using a microscope in immunohistochemistry assays; miRNA-377-5p expression levels were quantified by RT-PCR; the protein levels of Arc, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B were determined using western blot; CCK-8 kit was used to evaluated neuron viability; methylation analysis in miR-377-5p promoter was performed through the methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) assay; luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm whether Arc was under targeted regulation of miR-377-5p.Results In the current study, both in vitro and in vivo, propofol treatment induced hippocampal neuron apoptosis and suppressed cell viability. DNMT3A and DNMT3B expression levels were decreased following propofol treatment, resulting in lowered methylation in the miR-377-5p promoter region and then enhanced expression of miR-377-5p, leading to a decrease in the expression level of downstream Arc. Conversely, the expression levels of DNMT3A and DNMT3B were increased following DEX treatment, thus methylation in miR-377-5p promoter region was improved, and miR-377-5p expression levels were decreased, leading to an increase in the expression level of downstream Arc. Finally, DEX pretreatment protected hippocampal neurons against propofol-induced neurotoxicity by recover the expression levels of DNMT3A, miR-377-5p, and Arc to the normal levels.ConclusionsDEX reduced propofol-induced hippocampal neuron injury via the miR-377-5p/Arc signaling pathway.
Sex Differences in Treatment Strategy and Adverse Outcomes Among Patients 75 and Older With Atrial Fibrillation in the MarketScan Database
Authors: Subramanya Vinita , Claxton J’Neka S. , Lutsey Pamela L. , MacLehose Richard F. , Chen Lin Y. , Chamberlain Alanna M. , Norby Faye L. , Alonso Alvaro
Published: September 2021

Background: Women with atrial fibrillation (AF) experience greater symptomatology, worse quality of life, and have a higher risk of stroke as compared to men, but are less likely to receive rhythm control treatment. Whether these differences exist in elderly patients with AF, and whether sex modifies the effectiveness of rhythm versus rate control therapy has not been assessed.Methods: We studied 135,850 men and 139,767 women aged ≥75 years diagnosed with AF in the MarketScan Medicare database between 2007-2015. Anticoagulant use was defined as use of warfarin or a direct oral anticoagulant. Rate control was defined as use of rate control medication or atrioventricular node ablation. Rhythm control was defined by use of anti-arrhythmic medication, catheter ablation or cardioversion. We used multivariable Poisson and Cox regression models to estimate the association of sex with treatment strategy and to determine whether the association of treatment strategy with adverse outcomes (bleeding, heart failure and stroke) differed by sex. Results: At the time of AF, women were on average (SD) 83.8 (5.6) years old and men 82.5 (5.2) years, respectively. Compared to men, women were less likely to receive an anticoagulant or rhythm control treatment. Rhythm control (vs. rate) was associated with a greater risk for heart failure with a significantly stronger association in women (HR women = 1.41, 95%CI 1.34-1.49; HR men= 1.21, 95%CI 1.15-1.28, p <0.0001 for interaction). No sex differences were observed for the association of treatment strategy with the risk of bleeding or stroke. Conclusion: Sex differences exist in the treatment of AF among patients aged 75 years and older. Women are less likely to receive an anticoagulant and rhythm control treatment. Women were also at a greater risk of experiencing heart failure as compared to men, when treated with rhythm control strategies for AF. Efforts are needed to enhance use AF therapies among women. Future studies will need to delve into the mechanisms underlying these differences.
Competency Assessment for Community Health Nurses:A Focus Group Expert Panel Discussion
Authors: Kisut Ramlah , Sulaiman Hajah Jamilah Haji Awang , Rahman Hanif Abdul , Abdul-Mumin Khadizah H.
Published: September 2021

Background: General Practice setting in the Primary Health Care Services are the utmost visited by the public. It is important that the nurses’ competencies in this area be assessed to ensure provision of safe and quality services.Aim/objective: To explore perceptions and experiences of competencies assessment tool for community health nurses working at the General Practice setting in the Primary Health Care Services.Methods: An exploratory qualitative study utilizing focus group discussions were conducted on purposive sample of 12 officers with expertise in competency assessment and community health nursing from higher nursing education institutions, the Nursing Training and Development Centre, the Nursing Board and the Community Health Nursing Services in Brunei Darussalam. The existing competencies assessment tool was revised, the participants were divided into two groups of expert panel review team and two focus group discussions were held with each team. The focus group discussions encompassed components and methods of assessment; methods of grading; and overall organization and structure of the revised competency assessment tool. Findings: Four themes emerged: 1) International equivalent core competencies components; 2) Multi-methods approach to assessment; 3) Definitive guidelines as framework for assessment; and 4) Understanding and acceptability of the competency assessment tool. Conclusions/Implications to practice: The expert panel reviews provide practical input that were inculcated in the preliminary developed competencies assessment tool. Identification of eligible assessors were recommended based on standardized criteria, and socialization and training held to set direction and guidance for implementing the utilization of the competencies assessment tool. Further studies are deemed important to critically evaluate and validate the preliminary competencies assessment tool for development of a more robust assessment instrument.