bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O uso da técnica de micromarsupialização modificada no tratamento de rânula bilateral: Relato de caso clínico
Authors: Gonzalez Abrian Andre , Nascimento Amanda Silva , Lima Ana Cléa Aguiar de Araújo , Lago Carlos Augusto Pereira do , Brito Felipe Ricardo Cisneiros , Santos Greiciane Miguel de Azevedo , Pinto João Victor Souza , Cabral Leandro Pimentel , Silva Filho Nilton José da , Pinto Priscilla Sarmento , Silva Ronaldo Gabriel Martiniano da , Marinho Neto Walter Ferreira
Published: April 2021

Os fenômenos de extravasamento de muco resultam de um trauma mecânico ao ducto excretor de uma glândula salivar, levando ao acúmulo de mucina no tecido conjuntivo subjacente. São classificados em mucocele e rânula, a depender de sua localização.  O tratamento é cirúrgico, variando da marsupialização, remoção definitiva de lesão, além de outras técnicas de descompressão. Relatar um caso clínico de rânula bilateral tratada através da técnica da micromarsupialização modificada com fio de algodão 0. Paciente do sexo feminino, 84 anos, leucoderma e hipertensa deu entrada no serviço de urgência/emergência do Hospital da Restauração Governador Paulo Guerra – Recife – Pernambuco – Brasil apresentando aumento de volume assintomático bilateral em região de assoalho bucal e discreta disfagia. De acordo com o conjunto de avaliações clínicas (anamnese e exames físicos gerais e loco-regionais) e complementares, obteve-se como diagnóstico uma lesão patológica advinda do extravasamento de muco para os tecidos adjacentes denominada rânula, no qual apresentou uma resposta clínica satisfatória ao tratamento de micromarsupialização modificada com fio de algodão número 0. A técnica da micromarsupialização modificada no tratamento de rânula mostrou sucesso do tratamento, e possui a vantagem de ser um procedimento de simples realização, tempo operatório reduzido, pouco invasivo e com menor risco de danos a estruturas anatômicas.
Döviz Kurlarının Fiyatlara Geçiş Elastikiyeti ve TCMB Para Politikaları
Authors: TÜMTÜRK Oğuz
Published: April 2021

Bu çalışmanın amacı, 2001 krizi sonrası uygulanan dalgalı kur rejimi ile birlikte, Türkiye’deki döviz kuru değişimlerinin iç fiyatlar üzerindeki geçiş etkilerinin boyutunu ve TCMB tarafından uygulanan para politikalarının performansını döviz kuru ve fiyatlar arasındaki karşılıklı etkileşimi de göz önüne alarak incelemektir. Dışsal değişkenler ile birlikte kullanılan VAR analizi (VAR-X) sonrası elde edilen sonuçlara göre, döviz kuru geçiş elastikiyetleri uzun dönemde tüketici fiyatlarında 0.32 olurken üretici fiyatlarında ise 0.51 olmuştur. TÜFE alt grupları incelendiğinde ise, döviz hareketlerinden en çok etkilenen sektör motorlu taşıtlar ile elektrik, gaz ve diğer yakıtlar mal grupları iken ÜFE alt serilerinde ise, en yüksek elastikiyet katsayısı elektrik, gaz, buhar ve iklimlendirme üretimi ve dağıtımında gerçekleşmiştir. İkinci olarak, dönem genelinde döviz kuru şoku karşısında faizler para arzı uyarlamalarına kıyasla çok daha büyük tepkiler vermiştir. Son olarak, para politikası şokları karşısında talep üzerinde istatistiki olarak anlamlı etkiler yaratılamamakta; döviz kurları da istenilen düzeyde etkilenemediğinden döviz kurlarının fiyatlara geçiş etkisinden yararlanılamamakta ve bankanın para politikası etkisiz kalmaktadır. Bu durumda, iç fiyatların etkilenebilmesi ancak banka tarafından kontrol edilemeyen dışsal bir döviz kuru şoku ya da talep şoku ile olacaktır
The Asymmetric Effect of Panic Index on Cryptocurrencies
Authors: Vurur Necmiye Serap
Published: April 2021

The Covid 19 pandemic is the first major crisis facing cryptocurrencies. Therefore, the reaction of the cryptocurrency markets is important. News about epidemics affects investors' decisions. Panic index (PIndex) is an index created from news about the Covid 19 outbreak. In the study, it is used to measure the impact of decisions on the crypto money market. As cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin (BTC), Etherium (ETH), and Ripple (XRP), which have the highest transaction volume in the crypto money market, are included in the analysis. The relationship between Panic Index and the three major cryptocurrencies with the largest share in the cryptocurrency market was investigated by Ardl and Hatemi-J asymmetric causality test. Traditional causality tests acknowledge that the effects of positive and negative changes are the same. However, there may be asymmetric information and different investor behaviors in financial markets. In the study, Hatemi-J [1] Asymmetric Causality Test was conducted to examine the asymmetric relationship and symmetric relationship between Pindex and cryptocurrencies by separating them into positive and negative shocks. According to the results of the Hatemi-J causality analysis, positive shocks in the panic index are the cause of negative shocks for all cryptocurrencies. In other words, increases in the panic index are caused to fall the value of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple cryptocurrencies decrease. The results show that cryptocurrencies were not a safe haven for the investor during the Covid 19 period, as they acted similarly to other financial assets.
Uncertainties in Structural Behavior for Model-Based Occupant Localization Using Floor Vibrations
Authors: Drira Slah , Pai Sai G. S. , Smith Ian F. C.
Published: April 2021

In sensed buildings, information related to occupant movement helps optimize functions such as security, energy management, and caregiving. Due to privacy needs, non-intrusive sensing approaches for tracking occupants inside buildings, such as vibration sensors, are often preferred over intrusive strategies that involve use of cameras and wearable devices. Current sensor-based occupant-localization approaches are data-driven techniques that do not account for structural behavior and limited to slabs on grade. Varying-rigidity floors and inherent variability in walking gaits lead to ambiguous interpretations of floor vibrations when performing model-free occupant localization. In this paper, an extensive analysis of vibrations induced by a range of occupants is described. Firstly, the need for a structural-behavior model for occupant localization is assessed using two full-scale case studies. Structural behavior is found to significantly influence floor vibrations induced by footstep impacts. Since a simple relationship between distances from footstep-impact to sensor locations cannot be assured, the use of physics-based models is necessary for accurate occupant localization. Secondly, measured data are interpreted using physics-based models and information related to uncertainties from multiple sources. There are two types of uncertainties: modelling uncertainties and measurement uncertainties, including variability in walking gaits. Error-domain model falsification (EDMF) and residual minimization (RM) are model-based approaches for data interpretation. Unlike RM, EDMF explicitly accounts for the presence of systematic errors in parameters and overall model bias. In this paper, model-based occupant localization is carried out using EDMF and RM on a full-scale case study. By explicitly accounting for the presence of uncertainties and the influence of structural behavior, EDMF, unlike RM, accurately reveals possible occupant locations on floor slabs.
The Elusive Endometrial Epithelial Stem/Progenitor Cells
Authors: Cousins Fiona L. , Pandoy Ronald , Jin Shiying , Gargett Caroline E.
Published: April 2021

The human endometrium undergoes approximately 450 cycles of proliferation, differentiation, shedding and regeneration over a woman’s reproductive lifetime. The regenerative capacity of the endometrium is attributed to stem/progenitor cells residing in the basalis layer of the tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells have been extensively studied in the endometrium, whereas endometrial epithelial stem/progenitor cells have remained more elusive. This review details the discovery of human and mouse endometrial epithelial stem/progenitor cells. It highlights recent significant developments identifying putative markers of these epithelial stem/progenitor cells that reveal theirin vivoidentity, location in both human and mouse endometrium, raising common but also different viewpoints. The review also outlines the techniques used to identify epithelial stem/progenitor cells, specificallyin vitrofunctional assays andin vivolineage tracing. We will also discuss their known interactions and hierarchy and known roles in endometrial dynamics across the menstrual or estrous cycle including re-epithelialization at menses and regeneration of the tissue during the proliferative phase. We also detail their potential role in endometrial proliferative disorders such as endometriosis.
Inhibition of Host Gene Expression by KSHV: Sabotaging mRNA Stability and Nuclear Export
Authors: Pardamean Carissa Ikka , Wu Ting-Ting
Published: April 2021

Viruses are known for their ability to alter host gene expression. Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus has two proteins that obstruct host gene expression. KSHV SOX, encoded by the open reading frame 37 (ORF37), induces a widespread cytoplasmic mRNA degradation and a block on mRNA nuclear export. The other KSHV protein, encoded by the open reading frame 10 (ORF10), was recently identified to inhibit host gene expression through its direct function on the cellular mRNA export pathway. In this review, we summarize the studies on both SOX and ORF10 in efforts to elucidate their mechanisms. We also discuss how the findings based on a closely related rodent virus, murine gammaherpesvirus-68 (MHV-68), complement the KSHV findings to decipher the role of these two proteins in viral pathogenesis.
High Anti-Leishmania IgG Antibody Levels Are Associated With Severity of Mucosal Leishmaniasis
Authors: de Lima Clara Mônica F. , Magalhães Andrea S. , Costa Rúbia , Barreto Carolina C. , Machado Paulo R. L. , Carvalho Edgar M. , Lessa Marcus M. , Carvalho Lucas P.
Published: April 2021

Background

Mucosal leishmaniasis (ML), the most inflammatory form of tegumentary leishmaniasis, is predominantly caused by Leishmania braziliensis. The disease is characterized by the development of lesions, mainly in the nasal mucosa. An exacerbated inflammatory response has been associated with the presence of destructive and disfiguring lesions, with stages of severity ranging from small nodulations to the complete destruction of the nasal pyramid architecture. As Leishmania is an intracellular parasite, most immunological studies have emphasized the cell-mediated immune response, while relatively few studies aimed to investigate the role antibodies in protection against, or the pathology of ML.

Methods

Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ML were classified according to clinical staging criteria. Serum levels of Leishmania-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies were determined by ELISA before and after treatment with antimony or antimony plus pentoxifylline.

Results

Patients in stages IV and V produced higher concentrations of IgG and IgG1 antibodies when compared to those in stage I and II. Significant reductions were seen in the concentrations of IgG and IgG2 antibodies in most patients who responded well to treatment.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate an association between IgG antibody titers and the severity of mucosal disease. The observed reduction in antibody production after successful treatment in most patients preliminarily indicates that these tests can be used to aid in the assessment of therapeutic response.
Plasmodium Reproduction, Cell Size, and Transcription: How to Cope With Increasing DNA Content?
Authors: Machado Marta , Steinke Salome , Ganter Markus
Published: April 2021

Plasmodium, the unicellular parasite that causes malaria, evolved a highly unusual mode of reproduction. During its complex life cycle, invasive or transmissive stages alternate with proliferating stages, where a single parasite can produce tens of thousands of progeny. In the clinically relevant blood stage of infection, the parasite replicates its genome up to thirty times and forms a multinucleated cell before daughter cells are assembled. Thus, within a single cell cycle, Plasmodium develops from a haploid to a polypoid cell, harboring multiple copies of its genome. Polyploidy creates several biological challenges, such as imbalances in genome output, and cells can respond to this by changing their size and/or alter the production of RNA species and protein to achieve expression homeostasis. However, the effects and possible adaptations of Plasmodium to the massively increasing DNA content are unknown. Here, we revisit and embed current Plasmodium literature in the context of polyploidy and propose potential mechanisms of the parasite to cope with the increasing gene dosage.
Emerging and Established Trends to Support Secure Health Information Exchange
Authors: Spanakis Emmanouil G. , Sfakianakis Stelios , Bonomi Silvia , Ciccotelli Claudio , Magalini Sabina , Sakkalis Vangelis
Published: April 2021

This work aims to provide information, guidelines, established practices and standards, and an extensive evaluation on new and promising technologies for the implementation of a secure information sharing platform for health-related data. We focus strictly on the technical aspects and specifically on the sharing of health information, studying innovative techniques for secure information sharing within the health-care domain, and we describe our solution and evaluate the use of blockchain methodologically for integrating within our implementation. To do so, we analyze health information sharing within the concept of the PANACEA project that facilitates the design, implementation, and deployment of a relevant platform. The research presented in this paper provides evidence and argumentation toward advanced and novel implementation strategies for a state-of-the-art information sharing environment; a description of high-level requirements for the transfer of data between different health-care organizations or cross-border; technologies to support the secure interconnectivity and trust between information technology (IT) systems participating in a sharing-data “community”; standards, guidelines, and interoperability specifications for implementing a common understanding and integration in the sharing of clinical information; and the use of cloud computing and prospectively more advanced technologies such as blockchain. The technologies described and the possible implementation approaches are presented in the design of an innovative secure information sharing platform in the health-care domain.
Characterization of Soiling Bands on the Bottom Edges of PV Modules
Authors: Cui Yong-Qin , Xiao Jian-Hua , Xiang Jin-Li , Sun Jia-Huan
Published: April 2021

Soiling of photovoltaic (PV) modules, especially non-uniform soiling, can lead to PV power loss. For example, soiling bands at the bottom edge of framed modules are caused by the accumulation of water and dirt at a lower tilt angle. However, few studies have investigated this issue. In this study, industrial and commercial metal rooftop PV power stations in central and eastern China were investigated, with a focus in Xi’an and Kaifeng cities. The results show that (1) soiling bands were widespread, even in Guangzhou city, where annual rainfall is approximately 1,800 mm; (2) soiling bands were found during every month in Xi’an city, even from July to September when heavy rainfall occurs frequently; (3) three types of soiling bands were observed on modules (rectangular, transverse trapezoidal, and triangular), with double triangular, arch, and shallow U-shape types also being observed in landscape-oriented modules; (4) the mean relative difference of the maximum direct current due to soiling bands between one maximum power point tracking system and its control from June 19 to October 2, 2019 in Kaifeng city was approximately 4.7%.
Tripartite Coordinated Regulation of New Energy Vehicles Based on Dynamic Bayesian Game
Authors: Liu Changyu , Song Yadong , Chang Le , Dong Guanglong
Published: April 2021

Manufacturers are disseminating false or ambiguous information regarding new energy vehicles (NEVs), which has led to skepticism from consumers about the quality of NEVs. In this research, we simultaneously considered the relationship among manufacturers, consumers, and governments from the perspective of stakeholders, and then we analyzed the tripartite coordinated regulation. In view of the serious information asymmetry of NEVs, we innovatively developed the Bayesian dynamic game model. By solving refined Bayesian equilibrium strategies, this study explores the effects of key influencing factors on strategic choices. On the basis of the conclusion, relevant countermeasures and suggestions are put forward to engender effective regulation by governments.
Challenges and Recommendations for Equitable Use of Aerial Tools for Mangrove Research
Authors: Hsu Astrid J. , Pruckner Sara , Satterthwaite Erin V. , Weatherdon Lauren V. , Hadley Keiran , Nguyen Elizabeth Thanh Tam
Published: April 2021

As the use of aerial tools such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for mangrove monitoring gains in popularity, understanding who leads this research and where is critical for expanding efficient monitoring methods and achieving international commitments to sustainable development, technology transfer and reduced inequality. Between 2000 and 2019, mangrove research using aerial tools was largely conducted in and led by institutions in higher income countries, despite High-income countries accounting for only 9% of global mangrove coverage. Of studies where the country of the lead institution differed from that of the study site, only 38% of the studies included local co-authors. These results echo historical patterns of research conducted by researchers from higher income countries on biodiversity concentrated in lower income countries, frequently with limited involvement of local scientists—known as “helicopter research.” The disconnect between where mangroves are located and where aerial research is conducted may result from barriers such as government restrictions, limited financial and technical resources, language barriers hindering UAV deployment, or hampered findability of local research. Our findings suggest that expertise for aerial surveys currently lies in “High-income, Annex II” and “Upper-middle-income, Non-Annex” countries, and both groups could invest time and resources in building local, long-term technological capacity in Upper-middle, Lower-middle and Low-income countries. We identify strategic partnerships to expand aerial tools for mangrove research that also address commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and potential international collaborations under the framework proposed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Passive Thermography Measurement of Damage Depth During Composites Load Testing
Authors: Zalameda Joseph N. , Winfree William P.
Published: April 2021

Passive thermography is commonly used for composites load testing to detect damage formation as a function of the applied load. The advantages of passive thermography are real time implementation, large area coverage, and noncontact measurement. Passive thermography is able to detect the damage location and size, however, damage depth has been a challenge for quasistatic loading. Recent work has shown that damage formation during loading produces heating that is composed of two heat generation components. The first component is an instantaneous thermal response due to an irreversible thermoelastic strain release due to rapid damage formation. The second component observed is mechanical heating, at the interface of failure, due to fracture damage that produces a transient rise in surface temperature as a function of damage depth. The first component defines the thermal start time for the transient response. A one-dimensional thermal model, that is independent of delamination damage gap spacing, is presented and fitted to the data pixel by pixel, to produce imagery of the damage depth. The percent difference between thermal results, as compared to the ultrasonic measurements of damage length and width, was on average 15%. The percent difference between the thermal results, as compared to the X-ray CT measurements for damage depth was on average 7%. This same processing technique was applied for detection of damage depth during cyclic loading as well.
Synovial Immunohistological Biomarkers of the Classification of Undifferentiated Arthritis Evolving to Rheumatoid or Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Cuervo Andrea , Celis Raquel , Julià Antonio , Usategui Alicia , Faré Regina , Ramírez Julio , Azuaga Ana Belen , Lorenzo Andrés , Sanmartí Raimon , Pablos José L. , Cañete Juan D.
Published: April 2021

Background: Undifferentiated arthritis (UA) is defined as an inflammatory arthritis that does not fulfill criteria for a definite diagnosis. Delay in reaching a specific diagnostic and therapy may lead to impaired functional outcomes. Our aim was to identify synovial biomarkers associated with definitive diagnostic classification in patients with UA.

Methods: DMARD-naïve UA patients with available initial synovial tissue (ST) and a final diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) during follow-up were included and compared with patients with well-defined disease (RA or PsA). Clinical, arthroscopic, and pathological data were compared between groups. Pathology included quantitative immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of cell types and human interferon-regulated MxA. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to extract disease patterns.

Results: One hundred and five patients were included: 31 patients with DMARD-naïve UA (19 evolving to RA and 12 to PsA during a median follow up of 7 years), 39 with established RA, and 35 with established PsA. ST from the UA group showed higher macrophage density compared with the established RA and PsA groups. Patients with UA evolving to RA (UA-RA) showed higher MxA expression and CD3+ T-cell density compared with established RA. UA patients evolving to PsA (UA-PsA) showed increased vascularity and lining synovial fibroblast density compared with established PsA. Synovitis of UA-PsA patients showed more mast cells and lining fibroblasts compared with UA-RA. No between-group differences in local or systemic inflammation markers were found.

Conclusions: Our results show differences in the cellular composition of UA synovium compared with RA and PsA, with higher density of the cellular infiltrate in the UA groups. Initial expression of the interferon inducible gene MxA could be a biomarker of progression to RA, while higher mast cell and fibroblastic density may be associated with PsA progression.
Deep Mutational Scanning of Viral Glycoproteins and Their Host Receptors
Authors: Narayanan Krishna K. , Procko Erik
Published: April 2021

Deep mutational scanning or deep mutagenesis is a powerful tool for understanding the sequence diversity available to viruses for adaptation in a laboratory setting. It generally involves tracking an in vitro selection of protein sequence variants with deep sequencing to map mutational effects based on changes in sequence abundance. Coupled with any of a number of selection strategies, deep mutagenesis can explore the mutational diversity available to viral glycoproteins, which mediate critical roles in cell entry and are exposed to the humoral arm of the host immune response. Mutational landscapes of viral glycoproteins for host cell attachment and membrane fusion reveal extensive epistasis and potential escape mutations to neutralizing antibodies or other therapeutics, as well as aiding in the design of optimized immunogens for eliciting broadly protective immunity. While less explored, deep mutational scans of host receptors further assist in understanding virus-host protein interactions. Critical residues on the host receptors for engaging with viral spikes are readily identified and may help with structural modeling. Furthermore, mutations may be found for engineering soluble decoy receptors as neutralizing agents that specifically bind viral targets with tight affinity and limited potential for viral escape. By untangling the complexities of how sequence contributes to viral glycoprotein and host receptor interactions, deep mutational scanning is impacting ideas and strategies at multiple levels for combatting circulating and emergent virus strains.
A Focus on the Cerebellum: From Embryogenesis to an Age-Related Clinical Perspective
Authors: Amore Greta , Spoto Giulia , Ieni Antonio , Vetri Luigi , Quatrosi Giuseppe , Di Rosa Gabriella , Nicotera Antonio Gennaro
Published: April 2021

The cerebellum and its functional multiplicity and heterogeneity have been objects of curiosity and interest since ancient times, giving rise to the urge to reveal its complexity. Since the first hypothesis of cerebellar mere role in motor tuning and coordination, much more has been continuously discovered about the cerebellum’s circuitry and functioning throughout centuries, leading to the currently accepted knowledge of its prominent involvement in cognitive, social, and behavioral areas. Particularly in childhood, the cerebellum may subserve several age-dependent functions, which might be compromised in several Central Nervous System pathologies. Overall, cerebellar damage may produce numerous signs and symptoms and determine a wide variety of neuropsychiatric impairments already during the evolutive age. Therefore, an early assessment in children would be desirable to address a prompt diagnosis and a proper intervention since the first months of life. Here we provide an overview of the cerebellum, retracing its morphology, histogenesis, and physiological functions, and finally outlining its involvement in typical and atypical development and the age-dependent patterns of cerebellar dysfunctions.
Exploration of High-Grade Transformation and Postoperative Radiotherapy on Prognostic Analysis for Primary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Zhu Yuelu , Zhu Xinyi , Xue Xuemin , Zhang Ye , Hu Chunfang , Liu Wenchao , Lu Haizhen
Published: April 2021

Background

Despite Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) with cribriform or tubular components being recognized as a potentially indolent malignancy, ACC displaying solid or, more rarely, high-grade transformation (HGT) components is considered a more aggressive variant of the disease. As it is difficult to measure the proportion of the solid component objectively, and the role of HGT in the current grading system remains unclear, the prognostic influence of tumor grading remains controversial. In addition, postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) has been proven to be effective in local control of ACC of the head and neck (ACCHN) with a high rate of nerve invasion and close surgical margin. However it remains to be explored that whether PORT could improve the survival of patients with ACC, particularly those with HGT.

Methods

A series of 73 surgically treated primary ACCHN cases were retrospectively accessed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to observe the biphasic ductal-myoepithelial differentiation and to identify the HGT components of ACC for tumor grading. The correlation between tumor grading and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. Univariate and multivariate prognostic analysis were performed for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Of the 73 included cases, 47 were grade I-II ACC and 26 were grade III ACC. Among the grade III cases, 14 with loss of biphasic ductal-myoepithelial differentiation identified by immunostaining were classified as HGT, and could be distinguished from conventional grade III cases. These HGT cases were correlated with a high propensity of lymph node metastases and more advanced stage. Univariate analysis demonstrated that tumor grading, perineural invasion, T stage, stage groups, and PORT were predictors for PFS, whereas tumor grading, margin status, and PORT were predictors for OS. However, only tumor grading and PORT were independent predictors for PFS and OS. The patients with HGT had significantly worse prognosis than those with conventional ACC. Moreover, disease progression tended to occur more frequently in younger patients. Among the patients with HGT, those who received PORT had a longer median survival time than those who did not.

Conclusion

HGT ACC identified by loss of biphasic differentiation should be considered in tumor grading. Tumor grading and PORT were independent predictors for disease progression and OS in surgically treated ACCHN patients.
Long Non-coding RNA LINC02474 Affects Metastasis and Apoptosis of Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting the Expression of GZMB
Authors: Du Tiantian , Gao Qinglun , Zhao Yinghui , Gao Jie , Li Juan , Wang Lili , Li Peilong , Wang Yunshan , Du Lutao , Wang Chuanxin
Published: April 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies. Metastasis is the main event that impedes the therapeutic effect on CRC, and its underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. LINC02474 is a novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) associated with metastasis of CRC, while little is known about how LINC02474 regulates these malignant characteristics.

Methods

Expressions of LINC02474 and granzyme B (GZMB) were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or Western blotting analysis. Cell metastasis was detected by transwell assay and metastatic nude mouse model, and apoptosis was determined by Western blotting analysis and flow cytometry. Besides, the interaction between LINC02474 and GZMB was detected by dual-luciferase reporter assays.

Results

The expression of LINC02474 was significantly up-regulated in CRC tissues. Moreover, depletion of LINC02474 damaged the metastatic abilities of CRC cells in vivo and in vitro while boosting apoptosis. Besides, up-regulation of LINC02474 could promote migration and invasion, while apoptosis was inhibited in CRC cells. Besides, down-regulation of LINC02474 promoted the expression of GZMB, and interference of GZMB could increase the metastatic abilities of CRC cells while reducing apoptosis. Furthermore, LINC02474 was related to the transcriptional repression of GZMB in CRC cells determined by the dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Conclusions

The findings revealed that a novel lncRNA, LINC02474, as an oncogene, could promote metastasis, but limit apoptosis partly by impeding GZMB expression in CRC. Besides, LINC02474 had the potential to be used as a biomarker in the prognosis of CRC.
Low Rate of SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Symptomatic Patients Attending a Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Zurl Christoph , Eber Ernst , Siegl Anna , Loeffler Sabine , Stelzl Evelyn , Kessler Harald H. , Egger Markus , Schweintzger Nina A. , Zenz Werner , Strenger Volker
Published: April 2021

Children and adolescents seem to be at lower risk of developing clinical symptoms of COVID-19. We analyzed the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infections among 3,605 symptomatic children and adolescents at 4,402 outpatient visits presenting to a pediatric emergency department. In a total of 1,105 (32.6%) episodes, the patients fulfilled clinical case definitions for SARS-CoV-2 infection and were tested by nucleic acid testing. A SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed in 10/1,100 episodes (0.3% of analyzed episodes, 0.91% of validly tested patients). Symptoms at presentation did not differ between patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection, apart from the frequency of measured temperature ≥37.5°C at presentation. Three percent of analyzed children reported disturbances of olfactory or gustatory senses, but none of them was infected with SARS-CoV-2. The rate of SARS-CoV-2 infections among symptomatic children and adolescents was low and SARS-CoV-2 infections could not reliably be differentiated from other infections without nucleic acid testing.
Disrupting Reconsolidation by Systemic Inhibition of mTOR Kinase via Rapamycin Reduces Cocaine-Seeking Behavior
Authors: Zhang Fushen , Huang Shihao , Bu Haiyan , Zhou Yu , Chen Lixiang , Kang Ziliu , Chen Liangpei , Yan He , Yang Chang , Yan Jie , Jian Xiaohong , Luo Yixiao
Published: April 2021

Drug addiction is considered maladaptive learning, and drug-related memories aroused by the presence of drug related stimuli (drug context or drug-associated cues) promote recurring craving and reinstatement of drug seeking. The mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway is involved in reconsolidation of drug memories in conditioned place preference and alcohol self-administration (SA) paradigms. Here, we explored the effect of mTOR inhibition on reconsolidation of addiction memory using cocaine self-administration paradigm. Rats received intravenous cocaine self-administration training for 10 consecutive days, during which a light/tone conditioned stimulus was paired with each cocaine infusion. After acquisition of the stable cocaine self-administration behaviors, rats were subjected to nosepoke extinction (11 days) to extinguish their behaviors, and then received a 15 min retrieval trial with or without the cocaine-paired tone/light cue delivery or without. Immediately or 6 h after the retrieval trial, rapamycin (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally. Finally, cue-induced reinstatement, cocaine-priming-induced reinstatement and spontaneous recovery of cocaine-seeking behaviors were assessed in rapamycin previously treated animals, respectively. We found that rapamycin treatment immediately after a retrieval trial decreased subsequent reinstatement of cocaine seeking induced by cues or cocaine itself, and these effects lasted at least for 28 days. In contrast, delayed intraperitoneal injection of rapamycin 6 h after retrieval or rapamycin injection without retrieval had no effects on cocaine-seeking behaviors. These findings indicated that mTOR inhibition within the reconsolidation time-window impairs the reconsolidation of cocaine associated memory, reduces cocaine-seeking behavior and prevents relapse, and these effects are retrieval-dependent and temporal-specific.
Spectroscopic Estimation of N Concentration in Wheat Organs for Assessing N Remobilization Under Different Irrigation Regimes
Authors: Li Wei , Zhou Xiaonan , Yu Kang , Zhang Zhen , Liu Yang , Hu Naiyue , Liu Ying , Yao Chunsheng , Yang Xiaoguang , Wang Zhimin , Zhang Yinghua
Published: April 2021

Nitrogen (N) remobilization is a critical process that provides substantial N to winter wheat grains for improving yield productivity. Here, the remobilization of N from anthesis to maturity in two wheat cultivars under three irrigation regimes was measured and its relationship to organ N concentration was examined. Based on spectral data of organ powder samples, partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were calibrated to estimate N concentration (Nmass) and validated against laboratory-based measurements. Although spectral reflectance could accurately estimate Nmass, the PLSR-based Nmass-spectra predictive model was found to be organ-specific, organs at the top canopy (chaff and top three leaves) received the best predictions (R2 > 0.88). In addition, N remobilization efficiency (NRE) in the top two leaves and top third internode was highly correlated with its corresponding N concentration change (ΔNmass) with an R2 of 0.90. ΔNmass of the top first internode (TIN1) explained 78% variation of the whole-plant NRE. This study provides a proof of concept for estimating N concentration and assessing N remobilization using hyperspectral data of individual organs, which offers a non-chemical and low-cost approach to screen germplasms for an optimal NRE in drought-resistance breeding.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Pediatric Chronic Pain and Outcome of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Authors: Balter Leonie J. T. , Wiwe Lipsker Camilla , Wicksell Rikard K. , Lekander Mats
Published: April 2021

Considerable heterogeneity among pediatric chronic pain patients may at least partially explain the variability seen in the response to behavioral therapies. The current study tested whether autistic traits and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in a clinical sample of children and adolescents with chronic pain are associated with socioemotional and functional impairments and response to acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) treatment, which has increased psychological flexibility as its core target for coping with pain and pain-related distress. Children and adolescents aged 8–18 years (N = 47) were recruited. Patients and their parents completed questionnaires pre- and post-ACT of 17 sessions. Correlational analyses and mixed-effects models were used to assess the role of autistic traits and ADHD symptoms in pretreatment functioning and ACT-treatment response. Outcome variables were degree to which pain interfered with daily activities (i.e., pain interference, sleep, and physical and school functioning), socioemotional functioning (i.e., depressive symptoms, emotional, and social functioning), psychological inflexibility, and pain intensity. Autistic traits and ADHD symptoms, pain frequency, and pain duration were measured at pretreatment only. Higher autistic traits were associated with greater pain interference, higher depression, and greater psychological inflexibility. Higher ADHD symptomatology was associated with greater pretreatment pain interference, lower emotional functioning, greater depression, and longer duration of pain. Across patients, all outcome variables, except for sleep disturbances and school functioning, significantly improved from pre- to post-ACT. Higher autistic traits were associated with greater pre- to post-ACT improvements in emotional functioning and sleep disturbance and non-significant improvements in pain interference. ADHD symptomatology was not associated with treatment outcome. The current results showed that neuropsychiatric symptoms in pediatric chronic pain patients are associated with lower functioning, particularly pain interfering with daily life and lower socioemotional functioning. The results suggest that not only pediatric chronic pain patients low in neuropsychiatric symptoms may benefit from ACT, but also those high in autism traits and ADHD symptoms. With the present results in mind, pediatric chronic pain patients higher in autistic traits may actually derive extra benefit from ACT. Future research could assess whether increased psychological flexibility, the core focus of ACT, enabled those higher in autism traits to cope relatively better with pain-related distress and thus to gain more from the treatment, as compared to those lower in autism traits. Moreover, to address specific effects of ACT, inclusion of an appropriate control group is key.
It Takes Two to Tango: Development, Validation, and Personality Correlates of the Acceptance of Sugar Relationships in Older Men and Women Scale (ASR-OMWS)
Authors: Láng András , Birkás Béla , Zsidó András N. , Ipolyi Dóra , Meskó Norbert
Published: April 2021

Sugar relationships can be considered contemporary forms of transactional sex, that is, offering sexual services for material resources or other benefits. Considering the common age differences in these relationships, sugar relationships might be of relevance for older adults as well on the mating market. As a sequel to Birkás et al. (2020), in the present study, an attitude scale was developed to assess older women’s and men’s acceptance of sugar relationships. We also explored whether the acceptance of sugar relationships was associated with love styles, sociosexual orientation, sexual motivation, and certain socially aversive personality traits. In two online studies with a total number of 836 participants (N = 277 women and 559 men), the results showed that the Acceptance of Sugar Relationships in Older Men and Women Scale (ASR-OMWS) proved to be a reliable and conceptually valid measure of older individuals’ attitude toward sugar relationships. A more accepting attitude toward sugar relationships was found to be associated with more unrestricted sociosexuality, preference to engage in playful love relationships and more self-focused sexual motivation (study 1; N = 481, 167 women and 314 men), and with more pronounced Dark Triad and borderline traits (study 2; N = 355, 110 women and 245 men). Our findings are discussed in an evolutionary framework.
Educational and Social Exergaming: A Perspective on Physical, Social, and Educational Benefits and Pitfalls of Exergaming at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Afterwards
Authors: Rüth Marco , Kaspar Kai
Published: April 2021

Physical inactivity and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) signify two pandemics with negative physical, mental, and economic consequences. Younger and older people have not reached the recommended physical activity level for years. Societal restrictions due to COVID-19 additionally reduce opportunities for physical activity, and they increase social isolation. Here, we outline how playing exergames with others (social exergaming) at home could foster physical and mental health and promote communication and discussions on exergaming. Accordingly, we highlight the educational and social benefits of exergaming at home and delineate the concept of Educational and Social Exergaming (EASE). We outline specific benefits and pitfalls of exergaming regarding its physical and nonphysical effects, including educational values of discussing exergaming experiences and related topics. Moreover, we discuss the relevance of practical guidelines for educational and social exergaming at home as well as prospects for future research. Overall, educational and social exergaming could alleviate several detrimental effects of both pandemics on the health and well-being of people of all ages.
Suffering and Salutogenesis: A Conceptual Analysis of Lessons for Psychiatry From Existential Positive Psychology (PP2.0) in the Setting of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rajkumar Ravi Philip
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a widespread effect on the thoughts, emotions and behavior of millions of people all around the world. In this context, a large body of scientific literature examining the mental health impact of this global crisis has emerged. The majority of these studies have framed this impact in terms of pre-defined categories derived from psychiatric nosology, such as anxiety disorders, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. These constructs often fail to capture the complexity of the actual experiences of the individuals being studied; more specifically, they describe these experiences exclusively in terms of disease, while neglecting their potentially adaptive or “salutogenic” aspects. Similarly, discussion of psychological assistance for these individuals has largely been confined to a reiteration of “evidence-based” psychological or pharmacological techniques which can be delivered using remote access technology. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, these approaches are likely to be of mixed efficacy. Conversely, “negative emotions” or distressing psychological experiences may actually be functional in the setting of a disaster or crisis, serving to minimize harm, maximize social coherence and compliance, and facilitate adherence to safety measures. The limitations of the “conventional” approach are, to a certain degree, inherent to the prevailing medical model of mental health. Beyond these considerations lies the concept of “salutogenesis,” a term which refers to the innate capacity of individuals to create and maintain health and well-being in the face of adversity. Using principles derived from the second wave of positive psychology (PP2.0), particularly its emphasis on the totality of human experience and the possibility of deriving meaning and character growth from suffering, this paper conceptually analyses the relevant aspects of salutogenesis and PP2.0, and proposes an alternate approach for addressing mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such an approach, while acknowledging the utility of the conventional medical-psychotherapeutic model in specific cases, reduces the risk of medicalizing human experience, and provides individuals and communities with opportunities for growth and adaptation. The benefits of this proposal could potentially extend far beyond the current crisis, offering an opportunity for the field of psychiatry and mental health research to move away from a purely “disease-centered” model.
Music Therapy for Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorder and/or Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mayer-Benarous Hanna , Benarous Xavier , Vonthron François , Cohen David
Published: April 2021

Background: Several studies have reported contradictory results regarding the benefits of music interventions in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods: We performed a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. We searched the Cochrane, PubMed and Medline databases from January 1970 to September 2020 to review all empirical findings, except case reports, measuring the effect of music therapy on youths with ASD, intellectual disability (ID), communication disorder (CD), developmental coordination disorder (DCD), specific learning disorder, and attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Results: Thirty-nine studies (N = 1,774 participants) were included in this review (ASD: n = 22; ID: n = 7; CD and dyslexia: n = 5; DCD: n = 0; ADHD: n = 5 studies). Two main music therapies were used: educational music therapy and improvisational music therapy. A positive effect of educational music therapy on patients with ASD was reported in most controlled studies (6/7), particularly in terms of speech production. A positive effect of improvisational music therapy was reported in most controlled studies (6/8), particularly in terms of social functioning. The subgroup of patients with both ASD and ID had a higher response rate. Data are lacking for children with other NDDs, although preliminary evidence appears encouraging for educational music therapy in children with dyslexia.

Discussion: Improvisational music therapy in children with NDDs appears relevant for individuals with both ASD and ID. More research should be encouraged to explore whether oral and written language skills may improve after educational music therapy, as preliminary data are encouraging.