bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Group self-identification, drug use and psychosocial correlates among Spanish adolescents
Authors: Gonzálvez María T. , Espada José P. , Fernández-Martínez Iván , Orgilés Mireia , Sussman Steve
Published: April 2020

Teens tend to identify with social groups that characterize their lifestyles, interest in different musical styles and preference in specific activities. Previous studies conclude that group identification is a significant prospective predictor of drug use and other problematic behaviors but may not operate the same way in all cultures. There are no such studies that have been conducted in Spanish adolescents. This study examines the prevalence of self-identified group name research among Spanish adolescents, and its relationship between substance use and psychosocial constructs. The sample consisted of 791 Spanish adolescents from six secondary schools, aged between 14 to 18 years (M = 15.03; SD = 1.01). The results support the existence of group self-identification by youth. The High risk group reported significantly higher monthly cigarette and alcohol use, and the Others group reported higher monthly marijuana use. Regarding psychosocial correlates, youth with higher drug use report greater sensation seeking preference and higher levels of depression. Group self-identification is a consistent phenomenon among teens in different countries but, contrary to previous work, those youth not falling into a clearly defined group (“Others”) were the most likely to use marijuana
Novel mutations of the SRF gene in Chinese sporadic conotruncal heart defect patients
Authors: Mengmeng Xu , Yuejuan Xu , Sun Chen , Yanan Lu , Fen Li , Kun Sun
Published: April 2020

Background: Conotruncal heart defects (CTDs) are a group of congenital heart malformations that cause anomalies of cardiac outflow tracts. In the past few decades, many genes related to CTDs have been reported. Serum response factor (SRF) is a ubiquitous nuclear protein that acts as transcription factor, and SRF was found to be a critical factor in heart development and to be strongly expressed in the myocardium of the developing mouse and chicken hearts. The targeted inactivation of SRF during heart development leads to embryonic lethality and myocardial defects in mice. Methods: To illustrate the relationship between SRF and human heart defects, we screened SRF mutations in 527 CTD patients, a cross sectional study. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood target sequencing. The mutations of SRF were detected and validated by Sanger sequencing. The affection of the mutations on wild-type protein was analyzed by in silico softwares. Western blot and real time PCR were used to analyze the changes of the expression of the mutant mRNA and protein. In addition, we carried out dual luciferase reporter assay to explore the transcriptional activity of the mutant SRF. Results: Among the target sequencing results of 527 patients, two novel mutations (Mut1: c.821A>G p.G274D , the adenine(A) was mutated to guanine(G) at position 821 of the SRF gene coding sequences (CDS), lead to the Glycine(G) mutated to Asparticacid(D) at position 274 of the SRF protein amino acid sequences; Mut2: c.880G>T p.G294C , the guanine(G) was mutated to thymine (T) at position 880 of the SRF CDS, lead to the Glycine(G) mutated to Cysteine (C) at position 294 of the SRF protein amino acid sequences.) of SRF (NM_003131.2) were identified. Western blotting and RT-PCR showed that there were no obvious differences between the protein expression and mRNA transcription of mutants and wild-type SRF. Dual luciferase reporter assay showed that both SRF mutants (G274D and G294C) impaired SRF transcriptional activity at the SRF promoter and atrial natriuretic factor ( ANF ) promoter ( p <0.05), additionally, the mutants displayed reduced synergism with GATA4. Conclusion: These results suggest that SRF-p.G274D and SRF-p.G294C may have potential pathogenic effects.
Genome-wide Identification, characterization and expression analysis of the effector-triggered immunity (ETI) pathway-mediated defense responsive genes in grapes against powdery and downy mildew infections
Authors: Goyal Neetu , Bhatia Garima , Garewal Naina , Upadhyay Anuradha , Singh Kashmir
Published: April 2020

Grapevine productivity is severely affected by fungal diseases worldwide and for the diseases control in eco-friendly way, it is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms of fungal resistance in grapes. Therefore, we performed genome-wide identification of various Resistance (R) genes expressed during PM and DM infection in grapevine. Consequently, we identified 6, 21, 2, 5, 3 and 48 EDS1, NDR1, PAD4, NPR, RAR and PR genes respectively in the grapevine genome. Further, differential expression analysis resulted in identification of 2, 4, 7, 2, 4, 1 and 7 differentially expressed PM-responsive Resistance (R) genes (NBS-LRR, EDS1, NDR1, PAD4, NPR, RAR1 and PR) and 28, 2, 5, 4, 1 and 19 differentially expressed DM-responsive Resistance (R) genes (NBS-LRR, EDS1, NDR1, NPR, RAR1 and PR) in V. vinifera. These genes are involved in salicylic acid mediated Effector-triggered immunity (ETI) pathway, therefore, we examined their co-expression to determine the sequence of events that occurs during a signaling cascade in order to respond against PM and DM-infection. Altogether, the PM and DM responsive R genes of ETI pathway found in this study can be used in future to produce new and improved grape varieties that are immune to biotic stresses.
Changing Clinical Characteristics of Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis in Children
Authors: Erdem Ela , Gokdemir Yasemin , Atag Emine , Ikizoglu Nilay Bas , Ergenekon Pinar , Yilmaz Cansu Yegit , Kut Arif , Ersu Refika , Karakoc Fazilet , Karadag Bulent
Published: April 2020

Background: The prevalence of non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis is increasing in both developed and undeveloped countries in recent years. Although the main features remain similar, etiologies seem to change. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of our recent non-CF bronchiectasis patients and to compare these with our historical cohort in 2001. Methods: 104 children with non-CF bronchiectasis followed between 2002 and 2019 were enrolled. Age of diagnosis, underlying etiology and microorganisms in sputum culture were recorded. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of lung function tests and annual pulmonary exacerbation rates at presentation and within the last 12 months. Results: Mean FEV1 and FVC %predicted at presentation improved compared to historical cohort (76.6±17.1 vs. 63.3±22.1 and 76.6±15.1 vs. 67.3±23.1, respectively; p<0.001). There was a significant decrease in pulmonary exacerbation rate from 6.05±2.88 at presentation to 3.23±2.08 during follow-up (p<0.0001). In 80.8% of patients, an underlying etiology was identified. There was an increase in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) (32.7% vs. 6.3%;p=0.001), decrease in idiopathic cases (19.2% vs. 37.8%;p=0.03) with no change in postinfectious and immunodeficiencies as underlying etiology. Sputum cultures were positive in 77.9% of patients which was 46.9% in the historical cohort (p=0.001). Conclusion: Baseline pulmonary function tests were better and distribution of underlying etiology had changed with a remarkable increase in diagnosis of PCD in the recent cohort.
An Evaluation of a Peer Supervision Pilot Project among Community Health Workers in Rural Uganda
Authors: WATSEMBA AGNES , Nakibaala Grace , Ssali Brian Stephen , Namugera Frank , Katushabe Phionah , Loiseau Justin , Zzimbe Edward , Kaddu Peter
Published: April 2020

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends use of community health workers (CHWs) as a strategy to address the growing shortage of health workers. High-quality, regular supervision can help CHWs reach their full potential. Living Goods operates a community health program in 19 districts of Uganda. In the standard supervision model for the program, CHWs are supervised by a full time Community Health Supervisor (CHS) who reviews performance, coaches and mentors the CHWs. Whereas this model has proven to be effective, it is very expensive. Evidence indicates that peer supervision can be a substitute for standard supervision. In this paper, we describe our experience and program outcomes while implementing a peer supervision model among 211 CHWs in Mayuge district between January and December 2019.Objectives1. To describe the peer supervision model used. 2. To compare health services delivery outcomes. 3. To compare costs of delivery of the two supervision models.MethodsInternal organization records from January to December 2019 were reviewed. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 29 CHWs were also conducted. Qualitative analysis was conducted using thematic content analysis while quantitative data was summarized to generate averages, percentages and graphs.FindingsCHWs under the peer supervision model performed better than those under the standard supervision model against all key performance indicators (KPIs). The total cost to maintain the peer supervision model for 1 year was $176 per CHW vs $273 among CHWs under the standard supervision model. Peer supervision thus resulted in an overall saving of 36% of direct operations costs. There was lower attrition among CHWs under peer supervision vs non-peers (10% vs 17%). Strengths of peer supervision included: improved CHW teamwork and motivation, optimization of supervisor time, as well as reduced program costs.ConclusionsPeer supervision is a feasible and more affordable model of supervising CHWs.
Identification of RAGE and OSM as new prognosis biomarkers of severe pneumonia
Authors: Wang Li , Tan Yan , Zhao Jiangnan , Gao Lin , Lei Jing , Shi Yi
Published: April 2020

BackgroundPatients with severe pneumonia complicated with hypoxic respiratory failure often associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. It is critical to discover more sensitive and specific markers for early identification of such high risk patients thus specific and timely treatment can be adjusted.MethodsThis retrospective study was performed in the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) of Nanjing First Hospital and Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University. Clinical data of patients admitted to the RICU and diagnosed with pneumonia from January 2017 to October 2019 was retrospectively reviewed. The eligible patients were classified into hypoxemia and non hypoxemia groups according to oxygenation index of 250 mmHg. In the meantime, the same cohort was separated into survival and deceased groups after 30 days post hospital admission. The related risk factors in these two classifications were examined separately.ResultsA total of 828 patients were screened for eligibility, and eventually 130 patients with pneumonia were included in our final analysis. Among the patients, 16 passed away despite exhausting standard treatments. The comparison between hypoxemia and non hypoxemia groups suggested that gender, diabetes mellitus status, count of white blood cell(WBC), neutrophils, neutrophils/Lymphocyte, lactic acid, creatinine, D-dimer, procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), PH, Lymphocyte, albumin and RAGE were significantly different.ConclusionsPrevious studies have suggested that the APACHE II score, LIS, SOFA, Nutric scores, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocyte counts and albumin levels were independent risk factors for severe pneumonia. Our study indicated that RAGE should be a new biomarker to predict poor prognosis in pneumonia. In addition, we also showed that LIS, SOFA, lactate, lymphocyte, platelet, BUN, total bilirubin, and PCT levels before treatment were independent factors that associated with 30 days survival rate. In addition, we proposed that OSM should be considered as a new prognosis marker for pneumonia patients.
Prevalence and predictors of HIV-syphilis co-infection among HIV-infected pregnant women in China, 2011-2018
Authors: Wang Qian , Wang Xiao-Yan , Ma Xiaomeng , Newman Lori M , Dou Li-Xia , Qiao Ya-Ping , Chen Xiang-Sheng , Jin Xi , Wang Ai-Ling
Published: April 2020

Background

The co-infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and syphilis is risky for pregnant women and their expected children. In 2015, the Integrated Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (iPMTCT) programwas established to offer all pregnant women with free screening, counseling, and testing of HIV and syphilis during regular obstetric inspections. To summarize the phase progress of this program, we reported the trends of maternal HIV-syphilis co-infection in China. We tried to socioeconomic factors associated with HIV-syphilis co-infection to inform the stratified control strategy for future work.
Methods

We obtained the prevalence data of HIV and syphilis over 2011–2018 by reviewing the Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) monthly update reporting to the central surveillance system. With health status, background characteristics, and health outcomes reported, we collected the case reports from 2,578 HIV-positive pregnant women who accepted the screening at the local clinic. The trends of HIV and syphilis prevalence were examined using the Cochran-Armitage trend test. Logistic regression was applied to detect the features associated with syphilis infection among HIV-positive women and the potential risk factor to neonatal death.
Results

The prevalence of HIV decreased from 0.076–0.039% among registered pregnant women but increased slightly to 0.054% in 2018. The trend of syphilis prevalence in HIV-infected pregnant women fluctuated slightly around an average of 1.80% (p = .378). Multivariate logistic regression indicated finishing education of junior high school or below (aOR: 1.79, 95%CI: 1.31–2.43; p < .001), on regular Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) (aOR: 1.89, 95%CI: 1.47–2.45; p < .001) and exposed HIV from injective drug use (aOR: 5.49, 95%CI: 3.51–8.61; p < .001) are associated with high syphilis infection risk. Syphilis co-infection with HIV (aOR: 2.81, 95%CI: 1.32–5.96; p < .007) significantly increases the risk of newborns death.
Conclusion

Syphilis infection is still very prevalent in HIV-positive pregnant women five years after the implementation of iPMTCT program. Promoting the health education for maternal infection of STIs and increasing the availability of early intervention to link more marginalized women with care service should be the focuses of work in the next stage.
Influence of self-management on patient-reported outcomes for individuals with chronic heart failure: a multilevel model approach from a longitudinal study
Authors: Tian Jing , Zhao Jinghua , Zhang Qing , Ren Jia , Han Linai , Li Jing , Zhang Yanbo , Han Qinghua
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Self-management is highly heterogenous in quality of life in individuals with chronic heart failure. The distributions, the extents of self-management strategies and changes over time of these may play a role in this uncertainty. The aim of this study was to identify clinically meaningful strategies that improve quality of life reflected by patient-reported outcomes in those with chronic heart failure.Methods: A multicenter, prospective cohort study of 555 patients with heart failure were enrolled from May 2017 to May 2019. Self-management advice was provided in written form at discharge to all patients. Information regarding chronic heart failure in patient-reported outcomes and self-management were collected during follow-up. Multilevel models were applied to dynamically evaluate the effects of self-management strategies for patient-reported outcome of chronic heart failure (CHF-PRO) scores, as well as its physical and psychological domains. Minimal clinically important difference was introduced to further evaluate clinical significance.Results: Scores for CHF-PRO improved significantly after discharge. A regular schedule, avoidance of over-eating, and a low-sodium diet increased scores on patient-reported outcomes, including overall scores and physical and psychological scores. In addition, exercise improved patient-reported outcomes and its physical domain. The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors also increased physical scores. Among these variables, a regular daily schedule and avoidance of over-eating almost every day reached clinical significance for CHF-PRO scores, as well as its physical and psychological domains. Conclusions: Self-management, especially the avoidance of over-eating and maintenance of a regular schedule will improve patient-reported outcomes in those with chronic heart failure.Trial registration: 2018LL128, January 2, 2018.
The health-related quality of life and anxiety for childhood intermittent exotropia before and after surgical correction
Authors: mao danyi , lin jing , chen lina , luo jiying , yan jianhua
Published: April 2020

Purposes:To assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) in Chinese children with intermittent exotropia (IXT) before and after strabismus surgery.Patients and Methods: The records of children with IXT who underwent strabismus surgery at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, of Sun Yat-sen University, China over the period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. All children underwent ophthalmic and orthoptic examinations including the prism and alternate cover test, fusion function by synoptophore, stereoacuity and Newcastle control score. With use of the Intermittent Exotropia Questionnaire (IXTQ), the pre- and post-operative HRQOL and pre-operative HADS were assessed within these children and their parents.Results: A total of 389 children were eligible for inclusion (47.8% male, 52.2% female, mean + SD age = 8.17 ± 2.81). Pre-operative IXTQ scores in both children and their parents were significantly correlated with near stereoacuity (P = 0.029 and P = 0.015, respectively). The angle of deviation at near vision showed a negative linear relationship with visual function (P = 0.026) and psychological (P = 0.019) scores and opinions regarding surgery(P = 0.024). HADS scores were also related with near stereoacuity (P < 0.05). After surgery, both children’s and parents’ IXTQs significantly improved (p༜0.01). Children’ IXTQ scores were related to the angle of deviation at distance and their psychological and visual function scores showed a negative relationship with the angle of deviation at near vision (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Children and parents HRQOL and HADS were associated with near stereoacuity. Parents usually attend more readily to the angle of deviation at near in their IXT children. HRQOL improved significantly after surgery and can be used as one of the indices for pre-operative evaluation, but is not recommended as a criteria for surgical intervention.These first two authors contributed equally to this work
Potential impact of application to the Z0011 trial on the omission of axillary lymph node dissection in women undergoing sentinel node biopsy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shinzato Julia Yoriko , Serra Katia Piton , Eugeni Caroline , Cabello César , Cardoso-Filho Cassio , Zeferino Luiz Carlos
Published: April 2020

Objectives: To evaluate the number of patients with early-stage breast cancer who could benefit from the omission of axillary surgery following the application of ACOSOG Z0011 trial criteria.Results: A total of 384 patients underwent breast-conserving surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy. Of the total number of patients, 86 women underwent axillary lymph node dissection for metastatic sentinel lymph nodes. One patient underwent axillary node dissection due to a suspicious SLN intra-operatively. Among these patients, 82/87 (94.3%) had one to two involved sentinel lymph nodes and met criteria for the ACOSOG Z0011 trial with the omission of axillary lymph node dissection. Among the 82 eligible women, there were only 13 cases (15.9%) of lymphovascular invasion and 62 cases (75.6%) of tumors measuring up to 2cm in diameter (T1). The high rate of patients who met criteria for the ACOSOG Z0011 trial may be explained by the large number of patients with disease of a favorable prognosis. ACOSOG Z0011 trial criteria can be applied to a select group of SLN-positive patients, reducing the costs and morbidities of breast cancer surgery.
The Effect of Neuromuscular Training on Functional Movement Screen Scores in Injury-Prone Military Athletes
Authors: Nari Seyyed Mojtaba Soltandoost , Alizadeh Mohammad Hosein , shamsoddini alireza
Published: April 2020

Background

Pre-participation examinations are the standard approach for assessing poor movement quality that would increase musculoskeletal injury risk. On the other hand, the neuromuscular control plays a significant role in the prevention of injury and rehabilitation. The main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an 8-week neuromuscular training on functional movement screen (FMS) in injury-prone military athletes.
Methods

In the present quasi-experimental study, forty injury-prone male military athlete were identified by functional movement Screen. Functional Movement screen were assessed before and after the 8-week program. Participants were placed into 1 of the 2 groups: intervention (n = 20) and control (n = 20). The intervention group was required to complete a neuromuscular training program that met 3 times per week for 8-week. Data analysis was done using the independent t-test and analysis of covariance at the significant level of p < 0.05.
Results

The comparison of total FMS score indicated a significant difference (P < 0.05 and effect size = 0.83) between intervention (17.75 ± 1.55) and control (11 ± 1.55) groups. A significant improvement in mobility (p < 0.05 and effect size = 0.39), stability (p < 0.05 and effect size = 0.77) and advanced movement (p < 0.05 and effect size = 0.75) were also found.
Conclusion

An 8-week neuromuscular training program enhances functional movement screen in military athletes. It seems that this training program can minimize injury risk in injury-prone individuals.
Oncologic outcomes after resection of para-aortic lymph node metastasis in left-sided colon and rectal cancer
Authors: Sakamoto Junichi , Ozawa Heita , Nakanishi Hiroki , Fujita Shin
Published: April 2020

Background The optimal surgical management strategy for para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastasis has not attracted as much attention as surgery for liver or lung metastasis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the oncologic outcomes after synchronous resection of PALN metastasis in left-sided colon and rectal cancer.Methods Between January 1986 and August 2016, 29 patients with pathologically positive PALN metastasis who underwent curative resection at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. We examined clinicopathological characteristics, long-term oncologic outcomes, and factors related to favorable prognosis in patients with PALN metastasis.Results The 3-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 50.5% and 17.2%, respectively. Six (20.7%) patients experienced no recurrence in the three years after surgery. Postoperative complications were seen in nine (31.0%) patients. The three-year RFS rate was significantly better in the pM1a group than in the pM1b/pM1c group (26.3% and 0.0%, respectively, p = 0.032).Conclusions PALN dissection for left-sided colon or rectal cancer with synchronous PALN metastasis can be a feasible treatment option in selected patients.
TRPM2-AS promotes bladder cancer-genesis by targeting miR-22-3p thus releasing GINS2 mRNA
Authors: Tian Yudong , Guan Yanbin , Su Yang , Yang Tao , Yu Haizhou
Published: April 2020

Background: We aimed to study the effects of lncRNA TRPM2-AS in bladder cancer (BLCA) by interacting with its downstream effectors miR-22-3p and GINS2 mRNA.Methods: Online bioinformatic tools were used to identify the key lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA of interest in BLCA. TRPM2-AS, miR-22-3p and GINS2 mRNA expression was measured by qRT-PCR in bladder tissues and selected cell lines. Subcellular localization of TRPM2-AS in T24 and 5637 cell lines was identified using a cellular fractionation method. Luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay and RNA pull-down assay were employed to validate the direct binding relationship between TRPM2-AS, miR-22-3p and GINS2 mRNA. Cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were measured by a series of cell functional experiments in T24 and 5637 cells.Results: TRPM2-AS was primarily located in cell cytoplasm and significantly up-regulated in BLCA tissues and cell lines. TRPM2-AS knockdown significantly inhibited cell viability and proliferation, but promoted cell apoptosis. miR-22-3p, a significant downstream target of TRPM2-AS, showed a lower expression level in BLCA tissues and cell lines. miR-22-3p inhibition resulted in a significant enhancement of BLCA cancer cell phenotypes. Lastly, GINS2 mRNA was a downstream target of miR-22-3p, and was significantly up-regulated in BLCA. The knockdown of GINS2 led to a significant suppression of BLCA cancer cell phenotypes.Conclusions: TRPM2-AS was a tumor promoter and fulfilling its role through binding to miR-22-3p to increase GINS2 expression. This novel interactome in BLCA might become a new therapy in BLCA.
Exosome-transmitted LINC00960 and LINC02470 promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and aggressiveness of bladder cancer cells
Authors: Huang Cheng-Shuo , Ho Jar-Yi , Chiang Jung-Hwa , Yu Cheng-Ping , Yu Dah-Shyong
Published: April 2020

Background

Exosomes are essential for several tumor progression-related processes, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise a major group of exosomal components and regulate the neoplastic development of several cancer types; however, the progressive roles of exosomal lncRNAs in bladder cancer have rarely been addressed. In this study, we identified two potential aggressiveness-promoting exosomal lncRNAs, LINC00960 and LINC02470; we found that these lncRNAs potently induced EMT during bladder cancer progression.
Methods

Low-grade bladder cancer cells (TSGH-8301) were treated with conditioned media or exosomes derived from high-grade bladder cancer cells (T24 or J82), and the aggressiveness-promoting effects were evaluated. Cell viability, cell migratory/invasive activities and clonogenicity were compared to assess the response to these intercellular transmissions. Exosome-transmitted lncRNA candidates were screened with bioinformatic pipelines, and their expression levels were validated in bladder cancer cells and exosomes. Two novel lncRNAs, LINC00960 and LINC02470, were selected, and their roles and regulatory mechanisms in inducing the aggressiveness of bladder cancer cells were investigated.
Results

Exosomes derived from high-grade bladder cancer cells enhanced the viability, migration, invasion and clonogenicity of recipient low-grade bladder cancer cells and activated major EMT-upstream signaling pathways, including β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, and Smad2/3 signaling pathways. Nevertheless, LINC00960 and LINC02470 were expressed at significantly higher levels in T24 and J82 cells and their secreted exosomes than in TSGH-8301 cells. Moreover, exosomes derived from LINC00960 knockdown or LINC02470 knockdown T24 cells significantly attenuated the ability of exosomes to promote cell aggressiveness and activate EMT-related signaling pathways in recipient TSGH-8301 cells.
Conclusion

Our findings indicate that exosome-transmitted LINC00960 and LINC02470 from high-grade bladder cancer cells promotes the malignant behaviors of recipient low-grade bladder cancer cells and induces EMT by upregulating β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, and Smad2/3 signaling. Both lncRNAs may serve as potential liquid biomarkers for the prognostic surveillance of bladder cancer progression.
ASXL2 promotes colorectal cancer tumorigenesis by inducing cell proliferation
Authors: Cui Ran , Yang Ludi , Wang Yiwei , Zhong Ming , Yu Minhao , Chen Bo
Published: April 2020

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. ASXL2 is an enhancer of trithorax and polycomb gene, which have been proved to act in many tumor types. The role of ASXL2 in the occurrence and development of tumors have been extensively studied in recent years. However the relationship between ASXL2 and the prognosis of CRC is still unclear.Methods: In this study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to examine the expression of ASXL2 in CRC tissues. Cells were transfected with siRNAs or lentivirus to regulate the expression of ASXL2. The effects of ASXL2 on proliferation of CRC cells were determined by CCK8 assay.Results: This study demonstrated that ASXL2 was significantly more expressed in CRC specimens relative to the normal adjacent tissues. The upregulation of ASXL2 was related to advanced clinical stages. Patients who exhibited high expression levels of ASXL2 had poorer overall survival, whereas those with low expression of ASXL2 survived longer. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed ASXL2 expression could be considered as an independent prognostic factor for CRC. Inhibition or overexpression of ASXL2 markedly influenced the proliferation of CRC cells.Conclusion: These results showed that ASXL2 could induce cell proliferation which is associated with poor prognosis of CRC patients and might be a new therapeutic target for CRC.
The novel MET inhibitor, HQP8361, possesses single agent activity and enhances therapeutic efficacy of osimertinib, against NSCLC cells with acquired resistance to osimertinib due to MET amplification
Authors: Yu Danlei , Li Yiting , Sun Kevin D-H , Gu Jiajia , Chen Zhen , Omonikoko Taofeek K , Ramalingam Suresh S , Sun SHi-Yong
Published: April 2020

Background The oncogenic protein, MET (or c-MET), is involved in the positive regulation of cell survival and proliferation and in mediating acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs including AZD9291 (osimertinib). Thus, MET inhibition is a promising strategy for overcoming acquired EGFR-TKI resistance due to MET amplification. HQP8361 (MK8033) is a novel and selective MET kinase inhibitor that has completed a phase I clinical trial. The current study focuses on determining the activity and mechanism of action of HQP8361 as a single agent and in combination with AZD9291 against human NSCLC cells, particularly EGFR-mutant NSCLCs with acquired resistance to AZD9291. Methods Drug effects on cell growth in vitro were evaluated by measuring cell number alterations and colony formation and in vivo with mouse xenogtaft models, respectively. Apoptosis was assessed with annexin V/flow cytomentry and protein cleavage. Protein alterations were detected with Western blotting. Protein degradation was determined by comparing protein half-lives and inhibiting proteasome. Gene overexpression and knockout were achieved with lentiviral infection and CRISPR/Cas9, respectively. Significance of differences between two tested groups was analyzed with two-sided unpaired Student's t tests. Results The majority of human NSCLC cell lines tested, including those harboring EGFR-activating mutations with acquired resistance to AZD9291, had very low or undetectable levels of MET and p-MET and were insensitive to HQP8361. However, AZD9291-resistant (AR) cell lines derived from the EGFR-mutant HCC827 cell line possessed high levels of MET and p-MET and responded to HQP8361 single agent and particularly to the combination of HQP8361 and AZD9291. The HQP8361 and AZD9291 combination synergistically decreased the survival of these HCC827/AR cell lines with enhanced induction of apoptosis that involved alteration of Bim and Mcl-1 levels via modulating their degradation. Moreover, the combination also very effectively inhibited the growth of HCC827/AR xenografts in nude mice. Conclusions These preclinical findings support the potential of HQP8361 in the treatment of NSCLCs with MET amplification or highly activated MET protein and, when combined with AZD9291, in overcoming acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs due to MET amplification.
Herd immunity is not a realistic exit strategy during a COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Slot Ed , Hogema Boris M. , Reusken Chantal B.E.M. , Reimerink Johan H. , Molier Michel , Karregat Jan H.M. , IJlst Johan , Novotný Věra M.J. , Lier René A.W. van , Zaaijer Hans L.
Published: April 2020

The world is combating an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic1-4. Health-care systems, society and the economy are impacted in an unprecedented way. It is unclear how many people have contracted the causative coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) unknowingly. Therefore, reported COVID-19 cases do not reflect the true scale of outbreak5-9. Natural herd immunity has been suggested as a potential exit strategy during COVID-19 outbreaks, which may arise when 50-67% of a community has been infected10. Here we present the prevalence and distribution of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in a healthy adult population of a highly affected country using a novel immunoassay, indicating that one month into the outbreak (i) the seroprevalence in the Netherlands is 2.7% with substantial regional variation, (ii) the hardest-hit areas show a seroprevalence of up to 9.5%, (iii) the seroprevalence is sex-independent throughout age groups (18-72 years), (iv) antibodies are significantly more often detected in younger people (18-30 years), and (v) the number of immune individuals in the current epidemic stage is far below the herd immunity threshold. This study provides vital information on the extent of virus spread in a country where social distancing is in place, concluding that herd immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is not a realistic short-term exit strategy option.
Veränderung von Einstellungen und Verhaltensdeterminanten mittels videobasierter Narrationen mit parallelen Erklärungen
Authors: Sick Christina
Published: April 2020

Einstellungen werden als Kompetenzdimension in Bildungsprozessen bisher kaum adressiert. Bei der gezielten Veränderung von Einstellungen durch (mediale) kommunikative Mittel (‹Persuasion›) weist ‹Edutainment› einige Erfolge vor. Während argumentbasierte Persuasion eine intensive Auseinandersetzung mit Inhalten und Argumenten erfordert (‹Elaboration›), setzt die Persuasion mit Geschichten darauf, dass sich Rezipientinnen und Rezipienten die gezeigten Verhaltensweisen und Einstellungen u.a. über die Erfahrung, in die Story einzutauchen, und Identifikation mit den Figuren aneignen. In der Praxis kombiniert Edutainment Film-Geschichten oft auch mit expliziten Informationen oder Argumenten. Da hier verschiedene Mechanismen greifen, soll in dieser experimentellen Studie geklärt werden, wie Medienangebote mit ‹hybridem› Inhaltsformat, die Geschichten und Argumente parallel darbieten, auf Einstellungen und andere Verhaltensdeterminanten wirken. Im Vergleich mit einem rein narrativen Format wird (1) die Wirksamkeit des hybriden Formats geprüft und anhand von Modellen Narrativer Persuasion erstmalig (2) dessen Wirkweise exploriert. Die Befunde zeigen, dass das hybride Format signifikant höhere Persuasionswirkung entfaltet in den Bereichen, die die zusätzlichen parallelen Erklärungen inhaltlich abdecken, und dass v.a. Personen mit schlechteren kognitiven Voraussetzungen (z.B. geringe Aufmerksamkeit, wenig Interesse,…) davon profitieren. Die Erkenntnisse zur Wirkweise synchron-hybrider Inhaltsformate geben wertvolle Hinweise zur Weiterentwicklung der Theorie in diesem Bereich. Zugleich besteht weiterer Forschungsbedarf zur komplexen Rolle von Widerstand und sozialem Druck im Persuasionsprozess.
The Concept of Employment Strategy for the Digital Economy
Authors: Novikova Irina
Published: April 2020

The Monograph presents a Holistic Concept of Employment Strategy in the Digital Economy. The Concept is based on the Methodology of Dr. Vladimir L. Kvint. The Concept includes new Economic Categories: Information Potential of Employment, Employee Information Competencies, Workplace Information Components. This Work is of Interest to a Wide Range of Experts, Researchers, Government Officials interested in Issues of Employment Strategy and Human Resources Management in the Digital Economy.
Association between drought and agricultural productivity using remote sensing data: a case study of Gujarat state of India
Authors: Sur Koyel , Lunagaria M. M.
Published: April 2020

Drought is a complex hazard which directly affects the water balance of any region. It impacts agricultural, ecological and socioeconomical spheres. It is a global concern. The occurrence of drought is triggered by climatic phenomena which cannot be eliminated. However, its effect can be well managed if actual spatio-temporal information related to crop status influenced by drought is available to decision-makers. This study attempted to assess the efficiency of remote sensing products from space sensors for monitoring the spatio-temporal status of meteorological drought in conjunction with impact on vegetation condition and crop yield. Time series (2000–2019) datasets of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) were used to compute Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and MODIS (MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) was used to compute Vegetation Condition Index (VCI). Association between SPI and VCI was explored. YAI was calculated from the statistical data records. Final observations are that the agricultural crop yield changed as per the climate variability specific to location. The study indicates drought indices derived from remote sensing give a synoptic view because of the course resolution of the satellite images. It does not reveal the precise relationship to the small-scale crop yield. Remote sensing can be an effective way to monitor and understand the dynamics of the drought and agriculture pattern over any region.
The effect of atmospheric rivers on cold-season heavy precipitation events in Iran
Authors: Esfandiari Neda , Lashkari Hassan
Published: April 2020

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) as massive and concentrated water vapour paths can have a critical impact on extreme events in arid and semi-arid areas. This study investigated the effect of ARs on heavy precipitation events during the cold, rainy months (November–April) in Iran for 11 years. The results showed that 107 ARs had an influence on heavy precipitation, which providing partial moisture for Iran's precipitation. On average, 11 heavy precipitation days were linked to the presence of ARs in the six cold months of each year. During the study period, ARs accounted for almost 20–50% of the country's total heavy precipitation monthly. Although most ARs entered the country from the south through coastal areas, the western part of Iran, especially elevated stations along the western slope of the Zagros Mountains, received the highest heavy precipitation. Accordingly, about 66% of ARs directly originated from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Moreover, December experienced the highest frequency of ARs linked to heavy precipitation during the statistical period.
Hydrogeochemical evolution under a changing environment: a case study in Jilin, China
Authors: Li Mingqian , Xiao Changlai , Liang Xiujuan , Cao Yuqing , Hu Shuya
Published: April 2020

Groundwater is an important component of the global water cycle, and acts as a receptor and information carrier of global environmental changes. Therefore, it is of great importance to research the chemical evolution of groundwater under a changing environment. Historical data shows that groundwater hydrochemical types are becoming more complicated, groundwater quality is deteriorating and the scope of pollution is expanding. This is attributed to an increasingly dry climate and the gradual deterioration of the original ecological environment, together with the unreasonable groundwater exploitation and intense agricultural activities of the past 30 years. Climate change and human activities are intertwined, and are responsible for changing the original groundwater system and forming a new evolutionary system.
Multi-grained cascade forest for effluent quality prediction of papermaking wastewater treatment processes
Authors: Xin Chen , Shi Xueqing , Wang Dongsheng , Yang Chong , Li Qian , Liu Hongbin
Published: April 2020

The real time estimation of effluent indices of papermaking wastewater is vital to environmental conservation. Ensemble methods have significant advantages over conventional single models in terms of prediction accuracy. As an ensemble method, multi-grained cascade forest (gcForest) is implemented for the prediction of wastewater indices. Compared with the conventional modeling methods including partial least squares, support vector regression, and artificial neural networks, the gcForest model shows prediction superiority for effluent suspended solid (SSeff) and effluent chemical oxygen demand (CODeff). In terms of SSeff, gcForest achieves the highest correlation coefficient with a value of 0.86 and the lowest root-mean-square error (RMSE) value of 0.41. In comparison with the conventional models, the RMSE value using gcForest is reduced by approximately 46.05% to 50.60%. In terms of CODeff, gcForest achieves the highest correlation coefficient with a value of 0.83 and the lowest root-mean-square error value of 4.05. In comparison with the conventional models, the RMSE value using gcForest is reduced by approximately 10.60% to 18.51%.
Chemical precipitation of heavy metals from wastewater by using the synthetical magnesium hydroxy carbonate
Authors: Zhang Yue , Duan Xiumei
Published: April 2020

Heavy metal pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems today. The preparation of magnesium hydroxy carbonate from low-grade magnesite, and the chemical precipitation of heavy metal wastewater with magnesium hydroxy carbonate as precipitating agent were undertaken. The removal efficiencies of heavy metals were improved by increasing the dose of magnesium hydroxy carbonate, and the applicable dose of magnesium hydroxy carbonate was 0.30 g for 50 mL of the wastewater (6,000 mg/L). The precipitation reactions proceeded thoroughly within 20 min. At this time, the removal efficiencies of heavy metals were above 99.9%. The final pH value was 7.1, the residual VO2+, Cr3+ and Fe3+ concentrations were 0.01, 0.05 and 1.12 mg/L, respectively, which conformed to the limit of discharge set by China (0.5–2.0 mg/L, GB 8978–1996). The precipitate was mainly composed of Fe2O3, V2O5 and Cr2O3, which can be recycled as secondary raw material for metallurgical industry. The treatment of the heavy metal wastewater with magnesium hydroxy carbonate was successful in decreasing the concentrations of VO2+, Cr3+ and Fe3+ in wastewater.
Synthesis, Cr(VI) removal performance and mechanism of nanoscale zero-valent iron modified potassium-doped graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Guo Jing , Chen Tao , Zhou Xiaohui , Xia Wenning , Zheng Tao , Zhong Chubin , Liu Yaochi
Published: April 2020

A novel composite (nZVI@K-GCN) was firstly synthesized by liquid phase reducing nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) on potassium-doped graphitic carbon nitride (K-GCN). The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) suggested that nZVI@K-GCN possessed abundant active functional groups such as terminal amino-groups (-NH or -NH2 groups) and -OH, and the specific surface area and pore volume from BET of nZVI@K-GCN were 4.7 times and 3.7 times higher than that of graphitic carbon nitride (GCN), respectively. These properties showed that the composite was especially suitable for heavy metal treatment. The application of the composite in the removal of chromium(VI) from aqueous solution showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of nZVI@K-GCN towards Cr(VI) was 68.6 mg/g at 308 K when the initial concentration of Cr(VI) was 30 mg/L, and more than 99% removal was obtained at pH = 3. This adsorption was an endothermic and spontaneous process. XPS patterns and batch experiments proved that complexation, electrostatic attraction and reduction precipitation were the main adsorption mechanism for Cr(VI) on nZVI@K-GCN.
Aspectos estructurales del comercio fronterizo entre México y Estados Unidos
Authors: González-Aréchiga Bernardo
Published: April 2020

El objetivo de esta presentación es discutir algunos aspectos estructurales de la frontera y someter a discusión la estrategia de investigación del Departamento de Estudios Económicos de CEFNOMEX. Aquí se explica cómo la frontera norte cuenta con una estructura comercial dual con patrones variables de consumo de servicios en Estados Unidos, tales como los educacionales, médicos, asistenciales, etc., que han afectado a la creación de una infraestructura local, y que la zona fronteriza del norte de México exhibe importantes distorsiones estructurales que deben estudiarse para entender sus funcionamiento económico. Es importante mejorar la base informativa con recolección directa. La investigación económica de la región requiere tanto del estudio de sus instituciones, como del monitoreo constante y cuidadoso de sus signos vitales. Una estrategia adecuada de investigación debe combinar ambos y aprovechar las complementariedades de los dos tipos de estudio.
Frontera política y fronteras de colonización: las márgenes occidentales de la Cuenca de Maracaibo
Authors: Ramousse Didier
Published: April 2020

El objeto de estudio se ubica en los límites entre Venezuela y Colombia, los cuales han permanecido durante mucho tiempo confusos y ciertas zonas en el golfo de Venezuela fueron siempre el objeto de discusiones. Estos dos países comparten una zona fronteriza de 250 kilómetros, la cual es una frontera de colonización y política entremezcladas donde los fenómenos tienen significación geopolítica, la cual se revela con bastante claridad a través de las tensiones existentes entre los dos estados. Hasta el momento los propósitos realizados para eliminar las posibilidades de conflicto no han encontrado eco, o bien han contribuido a aumentar el debate. Se ponen de relieve los mecanismos de ese conflicto fronterizo y sus repercusiones sobre la población y la puesta en valor con respecto a las regiones estudiadas.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Tovoli Francesco , Ferri Silvia , Piscaglia Fabio
Published: April 2020

Background:

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global epidemic involving 20-40% of the
general population. NAFLD is rapidly becoming the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide.
Knowledge about NAFLD-HCC peculiar features is needed to understand this emerging disease better.

Objective:

To review the current literature about the epidemiological, pathogenic and clinical features characterising
the NAFLD and distinguishing it from HCC of other etiologies.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature (PubMed and Medline) using the following string ("Non-alcoholic
Fatty Liver Disease"[Mesh] and "Carcinoma, Hepatocellular"[Mesh]). Particular relevance was given to papers
published in the last five years as well as previously published manuscript very relevant to this topic according to
the experience of the authors.

Results:

A total of 244 original papers in humans in English literature were analysed. Inherent difficulties in the
identification of high-risk subjects and the possibility of occurrence in non-cirrhotic livers are peculiar characteristics
of NAFLD-HCC hampering surveillance programs. The consequently delayed diagnosis limits access to
surgical procedures and impacts on survival. After correction for tumour burden, however, the survival is not
different from that of viral HCC, suggesting that NAFLD-HCC is not intrinsically a more aggressive malignancy.

Conclusions:

A great deal of effort is needed to improve the clinical outcome of NAFLD-HCC, especially in
terms of prevention, surveillance protocols, and identification of drug modifying the natural history of the underlying
liver disease. The outcome of these efforts will significantly impact global HCC-related costs and mortality.