bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symbols of Hope on Pediatric Oncology Ward: Children's Perspective Using Photovoice
Authors: Ebrahimpour Fatemeh , Mirlashari Jila , Hosseini Akram Sadat Sadat , Zarani Fariba , Thorne Sally
Published: September 2021

Background Hope nurtures confidence and enhances positivity. It is known to be a critical factor in illness, recovery and healing. This study aimed to identify the views of hospitalized children with cancer about the circumstances and factors that create hope for them in the oncology ward. Methods: This qualitative study explored children's experiences using Photovoice, which is an arts-based approach. Twenty children aged 6–12 years diagnosed with various cancers at a Pediatric Hospital in Tehran, Iran, participated in this study. Participants were requested to take photographs of objects, circumstances, or anything that gave them hope or represented a sign of hope in the oncology ward. The photographs were then used to facilitate face-to-face interviews with these children. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Data analysis revealed six main themes: emotional connectedness with nursing staff; the playroom as a means to soften the hospital space; the presence of a parent; symbols of recovery; a touch of nature in the hospital setting; and escaping the hospital cage. Discussion: Hopefulness among children can emanate from diverse events and circumstances within the hospital environment. Nurses and physicians need an understanding of children's perspectives to design interventions to improve hopefulness among hospitalized children with cancer.
The impact of positioning on click-through-rates in hotel metasearch engines
Authors: Anguera-Torrell Oriol , Langer Claudia
Published: September 2021

The recent arrival of the metasearch as a distribution channel within the hotel industry has the potential to provide hotels less dependency on online travel agencies. Metasearch engines display different reservation options for the same hotel in the same interface, which might include online travel agencies and the official hotel website, establishing an apparent level playing field. In this context, it remains unclear if there will be a presentation-order effect of the different options when price and cancellation policy are the same due to two reasons. First, hotels compete against popular and trustworthy online travel agencies. Second, the minimalist and functional design of metasearch platforms might help consumers differentiate among the options, possibly impacting the decision-making process. Accordingly, the present study aims at investigating the relationship between a hotel's site position and a higher click-through rate in a metasearch whilst competing directly and on the same page with a well-known online travel agency. To this end, an experiment was conducted in which participants had to finish the booking process for a given hotel on a major metasearch engine, where they could choose between the hotel's official site and a leading online travel agency. The main finding implies that occupying the top position increases the click-through rate for unknown hotels, whilst hotels associated with well-known chains are not subject to this effect.
Affective polarization in the digital age: Testing the direction of the relationship between social media and users’ feelings for out-group parties
Authors: Nordbrandt Maria
Published: September 2021

There is considerable disagreement among scholars as to whether social media fuels polarization in society. However, a few have considered the possibility that polarization may instead affect social media usage. To address this gap, the study uses Dutch panel data to test directionality in the relationship between social media use and affective polarization. No support was found for the hypothesis that social media use contributed to the level of affective polarization. Instead, the results lend support to the hypothesis that it was the level of affective polarization that affected subsequent use of social media. The results furthermore reveal heterogeneous patterns among individuals, depending on their previous level of social media usage, and across different social media platforms. The study gives reason to call into question the predominating assumption in previous research that social media is a major driver of polarization in society.
HGAL inhibits lymphoma dissemination by interacting with multiple cytoskeletal proteins
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyu , Lu XiaoQing , Gentles Andrew J. , Zhao Dekuang , Wander Seth A. , Zhang Yu , Natkunam Yasodha , Slingerland Joyce , Reis Isildinha M. , Rabinovich Brian , Abdulreda Midhat H. , Moy Vincent T. , Lossos Izidore S.
Published: September 2021

Human germinal center–associated lymphoma (HGAL) is an adaptor protein specifically expressed in germinal center lymphocytes. High expression of HGAL is a predictor of prolonged survival of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and classic Hodgkin lymphoma. Furthermore, HGAL expression is associated with early-stage DLBCL, thus potentially limiting lymphoma dissemination. In our previous studies, we demonstrated that HGAL regulates B-cell receptor signaling and cell motility in vitro and deciphered some molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. By using novel animal models for in vivo DLBCL dispersion, we demonstrate here that HGAL decreases lymphoma dissemination and prolongs survival. Furthermore, by using an unbiased proteomic approach, we demonstrate that HGAL may interact with multiple cytoskeletal proteins thereby implicating a multiplicity of effects in regulating lymphoma motility and spread. Specifically, we show that HGAL interacts with tubulin, and this interaction may also contribute to HGAL effects on cell motility. These findings recapitulate previous observations in humans, establish the role of HGAL in dissemination of lymphoma in vivo, and explain improved survival of patients with HGAL-expressing lymphomas.
CombiFlow: combinatorial AML-specific plasma membrane expression profiles allow longitudinal tracking of clones
Authors: Houtsma Roos , van der Meer Nisha K. , Meijer Kees , Morsink Linde M. , Hogeling Shanna M. , Woolthuis Carolien M. , Ammatuna Emanuele , Nijk Marije T. , de Boer Bauke , Huls Gerwin , Mulder André B. , Schuringa Jan Jacob
Published: September 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) often presents as an oligoclonal disease whereby multiple genetically distinct subclones can coexist within patients. Differences in signaling and drug sensitivity of such subclones complicate treatment and warrant tools to identify them and track disease progression. We previously identified >50 AML-specific plasma membrane (PM) proteins, and 7 of these (CD82, CD97, FLT3, IL1RAP, TIM3, CD25, and CD123) were implemented in routine diagnostics in patients with AML (n = 256) and myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 33). We developed a pipeline termed CombiFlow in which expression data of multiple PM markers is merged, allowing a principal component–based analysis to identify distinctive marker expression profiles and to generate single-cell t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding landscapes to longitudinally track clonal evolution. Positivity for one or more of the markers after 2 courses of intensive chemotherapy predicted a shorter relapse-free survival, supporting a role for these markers in measurable residual disease (MRD) detection. CombiFlow also allowed the tracking of clonal evolution in paired diagnosis and relapse samples. Extending the panel to 36 AML-specific markers further refined the CombiFlow pipeline. In conclusion, CombiFlow provides a valuable tool in the diagnosis, MRD detection, clonal tracking, and understanding of clonal heterogeneity in AML.
Investigation into the Independent Metering Control Performance of a Twin Spools Valve with Switching Technology-controlled Pilot Stage
Authors: Zhong Qi , Bao Huiming , Li Yanbiao , Hong Haocen , Zhang Bin , Yang Huayong
Published: September 2021

In hydraulic area, independent metering control (IMC) technology is an effective approach to improve system efficiency and control flexibility. In addition, digital hydraulic technology (DHT) has been verified as a reasonable method to optimize system dynamic performance. Integrating these two technologies into one component can combine their advantages together. However, few works focused on it. In this paper, a twin spools valve with switching technology-controlled pilot stage (TSVSP) is presented, which applied DHT into its pilot stage while appending IMC into its main stage. Based on this prototype valve, a series of numerical and experiment analysis of its IMC performance with both simulated load and excavator boom cylinder are carried out. Results showed fast and robust performance of pressure and flow compound control with acceptable fluctuation phenomenon caused by switching technology. Rising time of flow response in excavator cylinder can be controlled within 200 ms, meanwhile, the recovery time of rod chamber pressure under suddenly changed condition is optimized within 250 ms. IMC system based on TSVSP can improve both dynamic performance and robust characteristics of the target actuator so it is practical in valve-cylinder system and can be applied in mobile machineries.
Characterization of the chicken T cell receptor γ repertoire by high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Zhang Tongtong , Li Qian , Li Xiaoqing , Kang Li , Jiang Yunliang , Sun Yi
Published: September 2021

Background

As one of “γδ-high” species, chicken is an excellent model for the study of γδ T cells in non-mammalian animals. However, a comprehensive characterization of the TCRγδ repertoire is still missing in chicken. The objective of this study was to characterize the expressed TCRγ repertoire in chicken thymus using high-throughput sequencing.

Methods

In this study, we first obtained the detailed genomic organization of the TCRγ locus of chicken based on the latest assembly of the red jungle fowl genome sequences (GRCg6a) and then characterized the TCRγ repertoire in the thymus of four chickens by using 5′ Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (5′ RACE) along with high-throughput sequencing (HTS).

Results

The chicken TCRγ locus contains a single Cγ gene, three functional Jγ segments and 44 Vγ segments that could be classified into six subgroups, each containing six, nineteen, nine, four, three and three members. Dot-plot analysis of the chicken TCRγ locus against itself showed that almost all the entire zone containing Vγ segments had arisen through tandem duplication events, and the main homology unit, containing 9 or 10 Vγ gene segments, has tandemly duplicated for four times. For the analysis of chicken TCRγ repertoire, more than 100,000 unique Vγ-region nucleotide sequences were obtained from the thymus of each chicken. After alignment to the germline Vγ and Jγ segments identified above, we found that the four chickens had similar repertoire profile of TCRγ. In brief, four Vγ segments (including Vγ3.7, Vγ2.13, Vγ1.6 and Vγ1.3) and six Vγ-Jγ pairs (including Vγ3.7-Jγ3, Vγ2.13-Jγ1, Vγ2.13-Jγ3, Vγ1.6-Jγ3, Vγ3.7-Jγ1 and Vγ1.6-Jγ1) were preferentially utilized by all four individuals, and vast majority of the unique CDR3γ sequences encoded 4 to 22 amino acids with mean 12.90 amino acids, which exhibits a wider length distribution and/or a longer mean length than CDR3γ of human, mice and other animal species.

Conclusions

In this study, we present the first in-depth characterization of the TCRγ repertoire in chicken thymus. We believe that these data will facilitate the studies of adaptive immunology in birds.
The burden of neck pain in Brazil: estimates from the global burden of disease study 2019
Authors: de Melo Castro Deligne Lucas , Rocha Maria Clara Brant , Malta Deborah Carvalho , Naghavi Mohsen , de Azeredo Passos Valéria Maria
Published: September 2021

Background

This study analyzed neck pain estimates in Brazil and its states between 2000 and 2019, in view of the country’s lacking epidemiological data.

Methods

An analysis was performed of the GBD 2019 estimates by location, sex, and age, per 100,000 population, with uncertainty intervals (95% UI). Brazilian estimates were compared to global, Mexican, English, and American rates.

Results

Global, Brazilian, and Mexican prevalence numbers were statistically homogeneous and stable in the period. Throughout the period analyzed in the study, Brazilian neck pain prevalence (2241.9; 95%UI 1770.5–2870.6) did not show statistical differences when compared to global (2696.5; 95%UI 2177.0–3375.2) or Mexican (1595.9; 95%UI 1258.9–2058.8) estimates. Estimates observed in the USA (5123.29; 95%UI 4268.35–6170.35) and England (4612.5; 95%UI 3668.8–5830.3) were significantly higher. In 2019, when compared to the USA and England, age-standardized prevalences were lower globally, in Brazil, and in Mexico. Prevalences in Brazilian states were similar, being that Roraima (1915.9; 95%UI 1506.5–2443.1) and the Federal District (1932.05; 95%UI 1515.1–2462.7) presented the lowest and highest values respectively. The exception was the state of São Paulo (3326.5; 95%UI 2609.6–4275.5). There was no statistical difference by sex, but the prevalence tended to increase with aging. In 2019, the Brazilian prevalence was 2478.6 (95% UI 1791.0–3503.8), 5017.2 (95%UI 3257.26–7483.8), and 4293.4 (95% UI 2898,8–6343.9), for those aged 15 to 49, 50 to 69, and 70+ years. There was no statistical difference among the YLDs in all locations and times.

Conclusions

Brazil is going through a fast-paced process of populational aging; a higher prevalence of neck pain in middle-aged individuals and the elderly highlights the need for lifelong prevention initiatives. The higher rates observed among higher-income populations and the homogeneity of the Brazilian estimates suggest a lack of robust epidemiological data in lower-income countries.
Femoral neck fracture combined with anterior dislocation of the femoral head: injury mechanism and proposed novel classification
Authors: Liu Jichao , Li Zhengwei , Ding Jie , Huang Bingzhe , Piao Chengdong
Published: September 2021

Background

Femoral neck fracture combined with anterior dislocation of the femoral head is very rare. To our knowledge, there is no classification system yet for this rare form of injury, and the injury mechanism of femoral neck fracture combined with obturator head dislocation has not been described in the literature. In this study, we systematically reviewed the literature and the cases treated in our hospital, and identified and classified all injury types according to the injury mechanism of femoral neck fracture combined with anterior dislocation of the femoral head. Further, based on the experience of treating a patient with femoral neck fracture and obturator dislocation of the femoral head, a theoretical hypothesis was proposed for the injury mechanism of this rare type of injury.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, WOS, CNKI database. These fractures were classified according to the dislocation site and injury mechanism (one injury or two injuries).

Results

1891 articles were initially identified through PubMed and other databases, and after bibliographic research, study screening, and removing duplicates, 1455 articles were selected. After applying the exclusion criteria, a total of 18 full-text articles describing femoral neck fractures combined with anterior dislocation of the femoral head. Different dislocation sites have different injury mechanisms. Our classification system, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, allowed us to include all types of femoral neck fractures combined with anterior dislocation of the femoral head from the literature. According to the proposed classification system, the morphological features of femoral neck fracture combined with anterior dislocation of the femoral head can be accurately conveyed between doctors.

Conclusions

All injury patterns can likely be identified using the proposed classification system. This can help avoid confusion in the nomenclature of femoral neck fractures combined with anterior dislocation of the femoral head and help surgeons to more accurately detect lesions, thereby guiding surgical treatment.
A predictive nomogram: a cross-sectional study on a simple-to-use model for screening 12-year-old children for severe caries in middle schools
Authors: Duan Shaoying , Li Meng , Zhao Jialiang , Yang Huiyu , He Jinfeng , Lei Lei , Cheng Ran , Hu Tao
Published: September 2021

Background

A nomogram is a tool that transforms complex regression equations into simple and visual graphs and enables clinicians and patients to conveniently compute output probabilities without needing medical knowledge and complex formulas. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a predictive nomogram to screen for severe caries among 12-year-old children based on risk factors in Sichuan Province, China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 4573 12-year-olds was conducted up to May 2016 in middle schools from three districts and three counties in Sichuan Province, China. All the children underwent oral examinations and completed questionnaires to assess general information, oral impacts on daily performance, dietary habits, subjective health conditions, history of dental trauma, frequency of toothache, dental visits, and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours toward oral hygiene. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine which variables were significantly associated with severe caries (operationalized as DMFT ≥ 3). A nomogram was developed and validated by using the ‘rms’ package and two cross-validation methods.

Results

Severe caries was found in 537 of the 4573 children (11.74%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the following variables predicted a higher risk of severe caries: ‘female’ [odds ratio (OR) = 1.985, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.63–2.411], ‘urban’ (OR = 2.389, 95% CI: 1.96–2.91), ‘non-only child’ (OR = 1.317, 95% CI: 1.07–1.625), ‘very poor self-assessment of oral health status’ (OR = 2.157, 95% CI: 1.34–3.467) and ‘visited a dentist less than 6 months’ (OR = 1.861, 95% CI: 1.38–2.505). Multivariate logistic regression analysis also indicated that the following variables predicted a lower risk of severe caries: ‘middle level of urbanization’ (OR = 0.395, 95% CI: 0.32–0.495) and ‘high level of urbanization’ (OR = 0.466, 95% CI: 0.37–0.596). Both the fivefold and leave-one-out cross-validation methods indicated that the nomogram model built by these 6 variables displayed good disease recognition ability.

Conclusions

The nomogram was a simple-to-use model to screen children for severe caries. This model was found to facilitate non-dental professionals in assessing risk values without oral examinations and making referrals to dental professionals.
Online class or flipped-jigsaw learning? Which one promotes academic motivation during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Haftador Alireza Mortezaei , Shirazi Fatemeh , Mohebbi Zinat
Published: September 2021

Background

Due to the progress in COVID-19, education has undergone a huge change all around the world, leading all universities to move towards distance learning. In this context, the majority of instructors tend to make use of the educational methods that maintain and improve students’ motivation and, consequently, promote their academic performance. This study aimed to compare the effects of synchronous online class and the combination of flipped and jigsaw methods on students’ academic motivation.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 84 BSc nursing students who had entered Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in two different years. One group was educated in a synchronous online class, while the other group was educated using a combination of flipped and jigsaw methods. Both classes were enrolled in online classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants’ academic motivation was evaluated using Harter’s Academic Motivation Scale.

Results

The results revealed no significant difference in the intrinsic and extrinsic dimensions of academic motivation in the synchronous online class group before and after the intervention. However, a significant increase was observed in the mean scores of academic motivation (p = 0.002) and its intrinsic (p = 0.003) and extrinsic (p = 0.031) dimensions in the flipped-jigsaw method group after the intervention. Moreover, the mean scores of academic motivation (p = 0.007) and its intrinsic (p = 0.038) and extrinsic (p = 0.010) dimensions were significantly higher in the flipped-jigsaw method group compared to the synchronous online class group after the intervention.

Conclusions

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has led educational institutions to use virtual education methods, the combination of flipped and jigsaw methods may improve students’ academic motivation in distance learning.
Examining the cost-effectiveness of personal protective equipment for formal healthcare workers in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kazungu Jacob , Munge Kenneth , Werner Kalin , Risko Nicholas , Vecino-Ortiz Andres I. , Were Vincent
Published: September 2021

Background

Healthcare workers are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection during care encounters compared to the general population. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) have been shown to protect COVID-19 among healthcare workers, however, Kenya has faced PPE shortages that can adequately protect all healthcare workers. We, therefore, examined the health and economic consequences of investing in PPE for healthcare workers in Kenya.

Methods

We conducted a cost-effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) analysis using a decision-analytic model following the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) guidelines. We examined two outcomes: 1) the incremental cost per healthcare worker death averted, and 2) the incremental cost per healthcare worker COVID-19 case averted. We performed a multivariate sensitivity analysis using 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations.

Results

Kenya would need to invest $3.12 million (95% CI: 2.65–3.59) to adequately protect healthcare workers against COVID-19. This investment would avert 416 (IQR: 330–517) and 30,041 (IQR: 7243 – 102,480) healthcare worker deaths and COVID-19 cases respectively. Additionally, such an investment would result in a healthcare system ROI of $170.64 million (IQR: 138–209) – equivalent to an 11.04 times return.

Conclusion

Despite other nationwide COVID-19 prevention measures such as social distancing, over 70% of healthcare workers will still be infected if the availability of PPE remains scarce. As part of the COVID-19 response strategy, the government should consider adequate investment in PPE for all healthcare workers in the country as it provides a large return on investment and it is value for money.
Determinants of the postprandial triglyceride response to a high-fat meal in healthy overweight and obese adults
Authors: Wilson Stephanie M. , Maes Adam P. , Yeoman Carl J. , Walk Seth T. , Miles Mary P.
Published: September 2021

Background

Dyslipidemia is a feature of impaired metabolic health in conjunction with impaired glucose metabolism and central obesity. However, the contribution of factors to postprandial lipemia in healthy but metabolically at-risk adults is not well understood. We investigated the collective contribution of several physiologic and lifestyle factors to postprandial triglyceride (TG) response to a high-fat meal in healthy, overweight and obese adults.

Methods

Overweight and obese adults (n = 35) underwent a high-fat meal challenge with blood sampled at fasting and hourly in the 4-hour postprandial period after a breakfast containing 50 g fat. Incremental area under the curve (iAUC) and postprandial magnitude for TG were calculated and data analyzed using a linear model with physiologic and lifestyle characteristics as explanatory variables. Model reduction was used to assess which explanatory variables contributed most to the postprandial TG response.

Results

TG responses to a high-fat meal were variable between individuals, with approximately 57 % of participants exceeded the nonfasting threshold for hypertriglyceridemia. Visceral adiposity was the strongest predictor of TG iAUC (β = 0.53, p = 0.01), followed by aerobic exercise frequency (β = 0.31, p = 0.05), insulin resistance based on HOMA-IR (β = 0.30, p = 0.04), and relative exercise intensity at which substrate utilization crossover occurred (β = 0.05, p = 0.04). For postprandial TG magnitude, visceral adiposity was a strong predictor (β = 0.43, p < 0.001) followed by aerobic exercise frequency (β = 0.23, p = 0.01), and exercise intensity for substrate utilization crossover (β = 0.53, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Postprandial TG responses to a high-fat meal was partially explained by several physiologic and lifestyle characteristics, including visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, aerobic exercise frequency, and relative substrate utilization crossover during exercise.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04128839, Registered 16 October 2019 – Retrospectively registered.
Low CCL19 expression is associated with adverse clinical outcomes for follicular lymphoma patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Zhou Yu , Wang Shasha , Tao Yunxia , Chen Haizhu , Qin Yan , He Xiaohui , Zhou Shengyu , Liu Peng , Yang Jianliang , Yang Sheng , Gui Lin , Lou Ning , Zhang Zhishang , Yao Jiarui , Han Xiaohong , Shi Yuankai
Published: September 2021

Background

This study aimed to recognize the hub genes associated with prognosis in follicular lymphoma (FL) treated with first-line rituximab combined with chemotherapy.

Method

RNA sequencing data of dataset GSE65135 (n = 24) were included in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied for exploring the coexpression network and identifying hub genes. Validation of hub genes expression and prognosis were applied in dataset GSE119214 (n = 137) and independent patient cohort from Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (n = 32), respectively, by analyzing RNAseq expression data and serum protein concentration quantified by ELISA. The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichments analysis were performed. CIBERSORT was applied for tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) subset analysis.

Results

A total of 3260 DEGs were obtained, with 1861 genes upregulated and 1399 genes downregulated. Using WGCNA, eight hub genes, PLA2G2D, MMP9, PTGDS, CCL19, NFIB, YAP1, RGL1, and TIMP3 were identified. Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariate COX regression analysis indicated that CCL19 independently associated with overall survival (OS) for FL patients treated with rituximab and chemotherapy (HR = 0.47, 95% CI [0.25–0.86], p = 0.014). Higher serum CCL19 concentration was associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS, p = 0.014) and OS (p = 0.039). TIICs subset analysis showed that CCL19 expression had a positive correlation with monocytes and macrophages M1, and a negative correlation with naïve B cells and plasma cells.

Conclusion

CCL19 expression was associated with survival outcomes and might be a potential prognostic biomarker for FL treated with first-line chemoimmunotherapy.
p16 is superior to Stathmin-1 and HSP27 in identifying cervical dysplasia
Authors: Liou Sofia , Nilforoushan Neshat , Kang Yuna , Moatamed Neda A.
Published: September 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to determine how Stathmin-1 and Heat Shock Protein 27 (HSP27) can be used as adjunctive biomarkers to differentiate high-grade dysplasia from benign/reactive lesions in cervical tissues. In addition, we aimed to see if any of these markers can differentiate endometrial from endocervical adenocarcinomas.

Methods

Fifty cases including benign cervical tissue, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), adenocarcinoma in situ of the endocervix, invasive endocervical adenocarcinoma, and endometrial adenocarcinoma were selected. Stathmin-1 and HSP27 immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed for each case and the results were compared to the previously available p16 IHC stains.

Results

p16 stained positively in 100% of HSIL, endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ, and invasive endocervical cases. Stathmin-1 stained positively in 43% of HSIL and 90% of endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ and all invasive endocervical cases. Stathmin-1 and p16 were negative in all benign cervical samples. Stathmin-1, HSP27, and p16 stained 100% of LSIL cases. HSP27 stained indiscriminately, including 100% of benign cervical tissue. 87% of the endometrial adenocarcinomas stained positively for p16, Stathmin-1, and HSP27.

Conclusion

p16 remains superior to both Stathmin-1 and HSP27 in differentiating dysplasia from benign, reactive changes of the cervix.
Complete root specimen of plants grown in soil-filled root box: sampling, measuring, and staining method
Authors: Koyama Takuya , Murakami Shun , Karasawa Toshihiko , Ejiri Masato , Shiono Katsuhiro
Published: September 2021

Background

Detailed datasets containing root system and its architecture in soil are required to improve understanding of resource capture by roots. However, most of the root study methods have paid little attention to make and preserve whole root specimens. This study introduces root system sampling equipment that makes the entire root specimen with minimum impairment and without displacement of the spatial arrangement of the root system in root boxes. The objectives are to assess: whether the equipment can rapidly sample the entire root system; whether root surface area is measurable from a scanned digital image of the root specimen; and whether staining of the entire root specimens would provide multidimensional visual information on the interaction between soil and physiological function of root system architecture (RSA). For validation, we examined the root response of two soybean cultivars to arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) inoculation and the effect of waterlogging stress on the physiological activity of buckwheat RSA.

Results

The root boxes allowed soybean and buckwheat plants to grow uniformly across the replications. Both species showed significant differences between cultivars and/or among treatments in shoot and root traits. The equipment enabled to sample the whole-root specimens of soybean and buckwheat, where the tips of the fine roots were alive (diameter < 0.2 mm). Also, the whole root specimens of soybean were made in about 7 min. The root surface area calculated from the scanned soybean specimens showed a significant correlation with that calculated from the roots spread out in water (a common method). Staining of the soybean root specimens enabled us to observe the localized root proliferation induced by AM colonization. Moreover, staining of the buckwheat root specimens made it possible to examine the respiratory activity of each root at different depths.

Conclusions

The present method realized: fast and accurate production of the whole root specimen and precise calculation of the specimens’ root surface area. Moreover, staining of the root specimens enabled analyzing the interaction between soil and physiological function of RSA. The evaluation of root traits, using our methods, will contribute to developing agronomic management and breeding program for sustainable food production.
Increased risk of cerebrovascular mortality in head and neck cancer survivors aged ≥ 65 years treated with definitive radiotherapy: a population-based cohort study
Authors: He Qing-Song , Wang Zhen-Ping , Li Zhao-Jun , Zhou Ping , Lian Chen-Lu , Wu San-Gang , Chen Si-Fang
Published: September 2021

Background

To investigate the relationship between radiotherapy (RT) and the risk of cerebrovascular mortality (CVM) in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors aged ≥ 65 years.

Methods

Patients with HNC survivors aged ≥ 65 years diagnosed between 2000 and 2012 were included from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Kaplan–Meier analysis, Log-rank tests, and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were performed for statistical analyses.

Results

We included 16,923 patients in this study. Of these patients, 7110 (42.0%) patients received surgery alone, 5041 (29.8%) patients underwent RT alone, and 4772 (28.2%) patients were treated with surgery and RT. With a median follow-up time of 87 months, 1005 patients died with cerebrovascular disease. The 10-years CVM were 13.3%, 10.8%, and 11.2% in those treated with RT alone, surgery alone, and surgery plus RT, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean time for CVM was shorter in RT alone compared to surgery alone and surgery plus RT (52 months vs. 56–60 months). After adjusting for covariates, patients receiving RT alone had a significantly higher risk of developing CVM compared to those receiving surgery alone (hazard ratio [HR] 1.703, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.398–2.075, P < 0.001), while a comparable risk of CVM was found between those treated with surgery alone and surgery plus RT (HR 1.106, 95% CI 0.923–1.325, P = 0.274). Similar trends were found after stratification age at diagnosis, gender, tumor location, and marital status.

Conclusions

Definitive RT but not postoperative RT can increase the risk of CVM among older HNC survivors. Long-term follow-up and regular screening for CVD are required for HNC patients who received definitive RT to decrease the risk of CVM.
Anterolateral minithoracotomy versus median sternotomy for the surgical treatment of atrial septal defects: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Lei Yu-Qing , Liu Jian-Feng , Xie Wen-Peng , Hong Zhi-Nuan , Chen Qiang , Cao Hua
Published: September 2021

Background

To compare the short-term safety and efficacy of right anterolateral minithoracotomy (ALMT) and median sternotomy (MS) for the surgical treatment of atrial septal defects (ASDs).

Methods

The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for comparative studies focusing on surgical repair of ASDs via ALMT or MS published up to the end of April 27, 2020. We used random-effect or fixed-effect models to obtain pooled estimates.

Results

A total of 7 publications, including 665 patients (ALMT 296 and MS 369), were included. Age (WMD: 1.80 years, 95% CI 0.31–3.29), weight (WMD: − 0.91 kg, 95% CI − 5.57 to 3.75), sex distribution (OR: 1.00, 95% CI 0.74–1.35) and surgical type (patch or direct closure) (OR: 1.00, 95% CI 0.67–1.49) were comparable in the ALMT group and MS group. No significant differences in the success rate (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.05–1.07) or severe complication rate (OR 1.46; 95% CI 0.41–5.22) were found between the ALMT group and the MS group. In addition, the differences in the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (WMD 6.33; 95% CI − 1.92 to 14.58 min, p = 0.13) and the operation time (WMD 5.23; 95% CI − 12.49 to 22.96 min, p = 0.56) between the ALMT group and the MS group were not statistically significant. However, the ALMT group had a significantly longer aortic cross-clamp time (2.37 min more, 95% CI 1.07–3.67 min, p = 0.0003). The intubation time was 1.82 h shorter (95% CI − 3.10 to − 0.55 h; p = 0.005), the intensive care unit (ICU) stay was 0.24 days shorter (95% CI − 0.44 to − 0.04 days; p = 0.02), and the postoperative hospital stay was 2.45 days shorter (95% CI − 3.01 to − 1.88 days; p < 0.00001) in the ALMT group than in the MS group. Furthermore, the incision length was significantly shortened by 8.97 cm in the ALMT group compared with the MS group (95% CI − 9.36 to − 8.58 cm; p < 0.00001).

Conclusions

In the surgical treatment of ASD, ALMT and MS are equally safe and effective in terms of success rates and severe complication rates. The surgical procedures are equally difficult, but ALMT is associated with a faster functional recovery and better cosmetic results. Compared to MS, ALMT is the better choice for select ASD patients.
Histone modification of pain-related gene expression in spinal cord neurons under a persistent postsurgical pain-like state by electrocautery
Authors: Katsuda Yosuke , Tanaka Kenichi , Mori Tomohisa , Narita Michiko , Takeshima Hideyuki , Kondo Takashige , Yamabe Yoshiyuki , Matsufuji Misa , Sato Daisuke , Hamada Yusuke , Yamaguchi Keisuke , Ushijima Toshikazu , Inada Eiichi , Kuzumaki Naoko , Iseki Masako , Narita Minoru
Published: September 2021

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a serious problem. We developed a mouse model of CPSP induced by electrocautery and examined the mechanism of CPSP. In this mouse model, while both incision and electrocautery each produced acute allodynia, persistent allodynia was only observed after electrocautery. Under these conditions, we found that the mRNA levels of Small proline rich protein 1A (Sprr1a) and Annexin A10 (Anxa10), which are the key modulators of neuropathic pain, in the spinal cord were more potently and persistently increased by electrocautery than by incision. Furthermore, these genes were overexpressed almost exclusively in chronic postsurgical pain-activated neurons. This event was associated with decreased levels of tri-methylated histone H3 at Lys27 and increased levels of acetylated histone H3 at Lys27 at their promoter regions. On the other hand, persistent allodynia and overexpression of Sprr1a and Anxa10 after electrocautery were dramatically suppressed by systemic administration of GSK-J4, which is a selective H3K27 demethylase inhibitor. These results suggest that the effects of electrocautery contribute to CPSP along with synaptic plasticity and epigenetic modification.
Interactions between caveolin 1 polymorphism and the Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet (MIND) diet on metabolic dyslipidemia in overweight and obese adult women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khatibi Nasim , Mirzababaei Atieh , Shiraseb Farideh , Abaj Faezeh , Koohdani Fariba , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: September 2021

Objective

The increased prevalence of metabolic dyslipidemia (MD) and its association with a variety of disorders raised a lot of attention to its management. Caveolin 1 (CAV1) the key protein in the caval structure of plasma membranes is many cell types that play an important role in its function. (CAV1) is a known gene associated with obesity. Today, a novel diet recognized as the Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet (MIND) is reported to have a positive effect on overall health. Hence, we aimed to investigate the interactions between CAV1 polymorphism and MIND diet on the MD in overweight and obese patients.

Results

Remarkably, there was a significant interaction between the MIND diet and CAV1 rs3807992 for dyslipidemia (β = − 0.25 ± 132, P = 0.05) in the crude model. Whereby, subjects with dominant alleles had a lower risk of dyslipidemia and risk allele carriers with higher adherence to the MIND diet may exhibit the lower dyslipidemia. This study presented the CAV1 gene as a possible genetic marker in recognizing people at higher risks for metabolic diseases. It also indicated that using the MIND diet may help in improving dyslipidemia through providing a probable interaction with CAV1 rs3807992 polymorphism.
Description of breed ancestry and genetic health traits in arctic sled dog breeds
Authors: Thorsrud Joseph A. , Huson Heather J.
Published: September 2021

Background

This study describes the presence and frequency of health traits among three populations of dogs traditionally used for sledding and explores their ancestry and breed composition as provided by the commercially available Embark dog DNA test. The three populations include the purebred Siberian Husky and the admixed populations of Alaskan sled dogs and Polar Huskies. While the Siberian Husky represents a well-established breed with extensive historical and health data, the Alaskan sled dog is less studied but has been the subject of nutritional, physiological, and genetic studies related to ancestry and performance. In contrast, the Polar Husky is a relatively obscure and rare group of dogs used for arctic exploration with very little-known information. The three populations were compared using Embark results, providing new insight into the health traits circulating within the populations and the potential ancestral linkage of the health traits between the sledding populations. Embark results are based upon 228,588 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the canine genome, characterized using a custom-designed Illumina beadchip array.

Results

Specifically, breed composition was summarized for the two admixed populations with most of the dogs being predominantly categorized as Alaskan husky- type dog or “Supermutt”. Mitochondrial and Y chromosome haplogroups and haplotypes were found with Alaskan sled dogs carrying most of the haplogroups and types found in Siberian and Polar Huskies. Genomic principal component analysis reflected population structure corresponding to breed and substructure within the Alaskan sled dogs related to sprint or distance competition. Genetic markers associated with Alanine Aminotransferase activity, Alaskan Husky Encephalopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, Collie eye anomaly, degenerative myelopathy, ichthyosis, and factor VII deficiency were identified in the populations of sledding breeds.

Conclusion

These results provide a preliminary description of genetic characteristics found in sledding breeds, improving the understanding and care of working sled dogs.
Egg rejection and egg recognition mechanisms in Oriental Reed Warblers
Authors: Ma Laikun , Liang Wei
Published: September 2021

Background

Nest parasitism by cuckoos (Cuculus spp.) results in enormous reproductive failure and forces hosts to evolve antiparasitic strategies, i.e., recognition of own eggs and rejection of cuckoo eggs. There are often sexual conflicts between male and female individuals in the expression of antiparasitic behavior due to the differences in reproductive inputs and division of labor.

Methods

By adding a foreign egg made of blue soft clay to the host nest during early incubation period in the field, and by removing several host eggs and adding experimental eggs to control the proportion of two egg types in the nest, we examined egg rejection ability, egg recognition mechanism and sexual difference in egg rejection of the Oriental Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis), one of the major hosts of Common Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus).

Results

Our results indicated that Oriental Reed Warblers can recognize and reject nearly 100% (73/75) of the non-mimetic eggs made of blue soft clay, and they could reject foreign eggs with 100% accuracy, regardless of the ratio of experimental eggs and its own eggs in the nest. Furthermore, all cases of egg rejections recorded by videos were only carried out by females.

Conclusions

Oriental Reed Warblers have a high egg recognition ability and show a true recognition mechanism. Only female warblers perform egg rejection, suggesting that the sex for host egg incubation seems to play an important role in the evolution of egg recognition mechanisms.
Application of fuzzy evaluation technique and grey clustering method for water quality assessment of the coastal and estuaries of selected rivers in Sarawak
Authors: Asare Ebenezer Aquisman , Assim Zaini Bin , Wahi Rafeah Binti , Tahir Rajuna Bin , Droepenu Eric Kwabena
Published: September 2021

Background

Estuarine and marine water quality has remarkable importance because these water resources are used for multiple reasons for instance: transportation, tourism, recreation, and other human or economic ways to use water. The objective of the study was to assess the water quality of the coastal and estuaries of the Rambungan, Sibu, Salak, and Santubong rivers in Sarawak, Malaysia. Water samples were collected from 10 locations and analyzed by employing standard techniques. A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, grey clustering evaluation methods, Thailand Marine Water Classification System, and the Malaysian Marine Water Quality Index (MMWQI) and its classification system were applied to compute the index of each water quality parameter.

Results

The results showed that all the analyzed water quality parameters were within the allowable threshold levels. The results obtained by the application of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and grey clustering evaluation methods proved that the coastal and the estuaries waters were clean with exception of coastal location CZ9 and the estuary of Salak river which showed slight pollution. Based on the Malaysian Marine Water Quality Index, it was observed that all the locations were in the classification group of moderate (i.e. 50–79%). This suggests that the estuaries of selected rivers can be used for natural resource conservation, while the coastal regions are good for fish farming.

Conclusion

It can be deduced that the suggested techniques were workable and logical. The method developed and the information in this study can serve as a reference and decision support for scientists and policymakers of concern.
Landscape Analysis of Breast Cancer and Acute Myeloid Leukemia Trials Using the My Cancer Genome Clinical Trial Data Model
Authors: Jain Neha M. , Holt Marilyn , Micheel Christine , Levy Mia
Published: September 2021

PURPOSE

The field of oncology is expanding rapidly. New trials are opening as an increasing number of therapeutic agents are being investigated before they can become approved therapies. Aggregate views of these data, particularly data associated with diseases, biomarkers, and drugs, can be helpful in understanding the trends in current research as well as existing gaps in cancer care.

METHODS

In this paper, we performed a landscape analysis for breast cancer and acute myeloid leukemia related trials with structured, curated data from clinical trials using the My Cancer Genome clinical trial knowledgebase.

RESULTS

We have performed detailed analytics on breast cancer (N = 1,128) and acute myeloid leukemia trial sets (N = 483) to highlight the top biomarkers, drug classes, and drugs—thereby supporting a full view of biomarkers, biomarker groups, and drugs that are currently being explored in these respective diseases.

CONCLUSION

Analysis and data visualization of the cancer clinical trial landscape can inform strategic planning for new trial designs and trial activation at a particular site.