bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The combination of β-asarone and icariin inhibits amyloid-β and reverses cognitive deficits by promoting mitophagy in models of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang Nanbu , Wang Haoyu , Pan Qi , Kang Jian , Liang Ziwen , Zhang Ronghua
Published: April 2021

Background: β-Asarone is the main constituent of Acorus tatarinowii Schott and exhibits important effects in diseases such as neurodegenerative and neurovascular diseases. Icariin (ICA) is a major active ingredient of Epimedium that has attracted increasing attention because of its unique pharmacological effects in degenerative disease. In this paper, we primarily explored the effects of the combination of β-asarone and ICA in clearing noxious proteins and reversing cognitive deficits. The accumulation of damaged mitochondria and mitophagy are characteristics of ageing and age-related neurodegeneration, including AD.Methods: APP/PS1 mice and in Aβ1-42-induced PC12 cell models were used. The groups were divided into five: normal group, model group (above animals and cells), icariin combined with β-asarone group, A3 and CSA group. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe brain tissues (hippocampus and temporal lobe)/cell mitochondria, autophagosomes and other structures. IF and WB were used to detect the expression of Beclin-1, LC3, p62, Pink1, Parkin and p-Parkin. Dal-autophagy combined with LSCM was used to detect the occurrence of Autophagy. Mitophagy Detection Kit combined with LSCM was used to detect the occurrence of mitochondrial autophagy, and the effects of icariin combined with β-asarone on mitochondrial autophagy in AD animal and cell model were investigated.Results: We showed evidence that autophagy/mitophagy is damaged in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice and in Aβ1-42-induced PC12 cell models. Then, we found that the combination therapy can reduce the cytotoxicity caused by Aβ1-42, increase cell viability, inhibit the expression of Aβ, APP, PS1 and BACE1, and promote the expression of SYN. The efficacy of the combination is better than that of the single drug. What’s more, it also promoted the expression of Beclin-1, LC3 Ⅰ/ in, Pink1, Parkin and p-parkin while inhibited p62. Conclusion: These conclusions suggest that weakened removal of defective mitochondria is a pivotal event in AD pathogenesis and that combination treatment with mitophagy inducers represents a potential strategy for therapeutic intervention.
Retrospective analysis of video-instructed dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Seoul, a metropolitan city
Authors: Lee Hee Soon , You Kicheol , Jeon Jin Pyeong , Kim Chulho , Kim Sungeun
Published: April 2021

We aimed to investigate whether video-instructed dispatcher-assisted (DA)-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improved neurologic recovery and survival to discharge compared to audio-instructed DA-CPR in adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients in a metropolitan city with sufficient experience and facilities. A retrospective cohort study was conducted for adult bystander-witnessed OHCA patients administered DA-CPR due to presumed cardiac etiology between January 2018 and October 2019 in Seoul, Korea. The primary and secondary outcomes were the differences in favorable neurologic outcome and survival to discharge rates in adult OHCA patients in the two instruction groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the outcome predictors after DA-CPR. A total of 2109 adult OHCA patients with DA-CPR were enrolled. The number of video and audio instructed DA-CPR procedures was 387 (18.3%) and 1722 (81.7%), respectively. Elderly patients and those outside the home or medical facility were more likely to receive video instruction. Favorable neurologic outcome was observed more in patients who received video-instructed DA-CPR (n = 75, 19.4%) than in patients who received audio-instructed DA-CPR (n = 117, 6.8%). The survival to discharge rate was also higher in video-instructed DA-CPR (n = 105, 27.1%) than in audio-instructed DA-CPR (n = 211, 12.3%). Video-instructed DA-CPR was significantly associated with neurologic recovery (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.48–3.01) and survival to discharge (aOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.33–2.46) compared to audio-instructed DA-CPR in adult OHCA patients. Video-instructed DA-CPR was associated with favorable outcomes in adult patients with OHCA in a metropolitan city equipped with sufficient experience and facilities.
Ischemic post-conditioning promotes mitochondrial translocation of DJ-1 and stabilizes binding to Bcl- xL to attenuate myocardial ischemic-reperfusion injury in STZ-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Li Wei , Xiong Yong-Hong , Leng Yan , Li Wen-Yuan , Cheng Rong , Xue Rui , Meng Qing-Tao , Xia Zhong-Yuan
Published: April 2021

Background Ischemic post-conditioning (IPO) is a strategy in reducing myocardial ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury, but its specific molecular mechanism is incompletely understood. Deletions or mutations in the DJ-1 gene are directly linked to the cardiovascular system. DJ-1 plays a critical role in regulating mitochondrial homeostasis in response to stress through translocation of DJ-1 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. Meanwhile, how the DJ-1 is removed in myocardial I/R injury and regulating apoptosis is needed to further verified. Given the discovery mentioned above, we hypothesize that DJ-1 translocate to mitochondria recover IPO induced cardioprotection in STZ-induced diabetic rats. To evaluate our hypothesis, we overexpressed the DJ-1 protein under high glucose condition, subjected IPO or not. And then measure the expression of DJ-1 in mitochondria and cytoplasm after myocardial I/R. Results We found that DJ-1 translocated to mitochondria combined with Bcl-xL was reduced cardiomyocyte injury and apoptosis in diabetic myocardial I/R heart. Additionally, the binding of DJ-1 and Bcl-xL is dependent on the oxidative state of DJ-1(oxidation of DJ-1 at Cys-106 is important for its protective effect). Conclusions If our hypothesis is correct, promote DJ-1 mitochondrial transfer may be critical with respect to restoring myocardial responsiveness to IPO in diabetes.
Propagatory dynamics of nucleus-acoustic waves excited in gyrogravitating degenerate quantum plasmas electrostatically confined in curved geometry
Authors: Dasgupta Sayanti , Karmakar Pralay Kumar
Published: April 2021

A theoretic model to investigate the dynamics of the longitudinal nucleus-acoustic waves (NAWs) in gyrogravitating electrostatically confined degenerate quantum plasma (DQP) system in spherically symmetric geometry is constructed. The model setup consists of non-degenerate heavy nuclear species (HNS), lighter nuclear species (LNS), and quantum degenerate electronic species (DES). It specifically considers the influences of the Bohm potential, Coriolis rotation, viscoelasticity, and electrostatic confinement pressure (ECP, scaling quadratically in density). A standard normal spherical mode analysis gives a generalized dispersion relation (septic). It highlights the dependency of various atypical instability response on the equilibrium plasma parameters. A numerical illustrative platform portrays that the relative nuclear charge-to-mass coupling parameter (β) acts as a destabilizing agency and the heavy-to-light nuclear charge density ratio (µ) acts as a stabilizing agency in both the non-relativistic (NR) and ultra-relativistic (UR) limits. Another interesting conjuncture is that the Coriolis rotation introduces a destabilizing influence on the system in both the limits. The progressive analysis presented herein has correlations and consistencies in the dynamic growth backdrop of various compact astroobjects and their circumvent atmospheres, such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, etc.
Association Between Cortisol and Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Control Study
Authors: SAGARA RIKAKO , Inoue Tomoaki , Sonoda Noriyuki , Yano Chieko , Motoya Misato , Umakoshi Hironobu , Sakamoto Ryuichi , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is characterized by left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). It has been reported that excess cortisol found in patients with Cushing’s syndrome was associated with the development of LVDD. However, the relationship between cortisol concentration and LVDD in patients with DM has not been addressed.
Research Design and Methods:

We enrolled 109 patients with DM and 104 patients without DM who had undergone echocardiographic examination at Kyushu University Hospital, Japan, between November 2016 and March 2019. Left ventricular function was evaluated and the ratio of early diastolic velocity from transmitral inflow to early diastolic velocity (E/eʹ) was used as an index of diastolic function. Plasma cortisol concentrations, glycemic control, lipid profiles, treatment with anti-diabetic drugs, and other clinical characteristics were evaluated, and their associations with E/eʹ were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses.
Results

Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that log E/eʹ was positively correlated with age (p = 0.017), log systolic blood pressure (p = 0.004), and cortisol (p = 0.037) and negatively correlated with eGFR (p = 0.016) and the usage of SGLT2 inhibitors (p = 0.042) in patients with DM. Multivariate analysis showed that cortisol was positively correlated with age (p = 0.016) and HbA1c (p = 0.011). There was no association between E/eʹ and cortisol in patients without DM.
Conclusions

Increased cortisol levels may increase the risk of developing LVDD in DM patients.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding the Impact of SNPs on Biological Pathways in the Fetal and Adult Cortex
Authors: Golovina Evgeniia , Fadason Tayaza , Lints Thierry Jean , Walker Caroline , Vickers Mark Hedley , O’Sullivan Justin Martin
Published: April 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant and complex genetic etiology. GWAS studies have identified genetic variants associated with ASD, but the functional impacts of these variants remain unknown. Here, we integrated four distinct levels of biological information (GWAS, eQTL, spatial genome organization and protein-protein interactions) to identify potential regulatory impacts of ASD-associated SNPs (p < 5×10-8) on biological pathways within fetal and adult cortical tissues. We found 80 and 58 SNPs that mark regulatory regions (i.e. expression quantitative trait loci or eQTLs) in the fetal and adult cortex, respectively. These eQTLs were also linked to other psychiatric disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, ADHD, bipolar disorder). Functional annotation of ASD-associated eQTLs revealed that they are involved in diverse regulatory processes. In particular, we found significant enrichment of eQTLs within regions repressed by Polycomb proteins in the fetal cortex compared to the adult cortex. Furthermore, we constructed fetal and adult cortex-specific protein-protein interaction networks and identified that ASD-associated regulatory SNPs impact on immune pathways, fatty acid metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and spliceosome in the fetal cortex. By contrast in the adult cortex, they largely affect immune pathways. Overall, our findings highlight potential regulatory mechanisms and pathways important for the etiology of ASD in early brain development and adulthood. This approach, in combination with clinical studies on ASD, will contribute to individualized mechanistic understanding of ASD development.
Gene Panel Screening Across Canine Eye Disorders Highlights Genetic Heterogeneity and the Need for Molecular Discoveries
Authors: Pettinen Inka-Tuulevi , Donner Jonas , Turunen Joni A. , Kaukonen Maria , Lohi Hannes
Published: April 2021

Blinding inherited eye diseases affect millions of people worldwide. Despite a large number of gene discoveries, many patients lack the molecular description of their condition. The domestic dog has become a widely used model to study inherited eye disease genetics and therapeutics during the past 15 years, and nearly 50 genes have been implicated across breeds. Despite a continuous discovery of new causative variants across canine eye disease groups, the genetic cause in most cases is expected to remain unknown. We tested this hypothesis by screening 49 known variants in 194 dogs from 71 breeds affected with progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), glaucoma, or lens luxation and validated the results in additional 1180 dogs. We found that eleven variants in ten genes explained 28% of the studied cases. We also observed new PRA-affected breeds for the RPGRIP1 c.340_341insA29GGAAGCAACAGGATG variant, and clinical support for the pathogenicity of the PDE6A c.1940delA and ADAMTS10 c.2231G>A variants for PRA and glaucoma in two new breeds, respectively. Our findings indicate extensive genetic heterogeneity and the lack of molecular descriptions in more than two-thirds of the LL, glaucoma, and PRA cases by the current gene tests. There is an urgent need for discoveries that would be critical not only for veterinary molecular diagnostics and breeding programs but also for establishing models to characterize pathophysiology and new therapeutic options for the corresponding human eye disorders.
Barriers and Facilitators to Identify and Discuss Depression and Anxiety in Visually Impaired Adults: A Qualitative Study on the Service User’s Perspective
Authors: Munster Edine P.J. van , Aa Hilde P.A. van der , Verstraten Peter , Nispen Ruth M.A. van
Published: April 2021

Background. Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent, but often unrecognized in adults with visual impairment (VI). The purpose of this study was to explore service users’ views on facilitators and barriers in identifying and discussing mental health problems in adults with VI. Methods. Semi-structured interviews, based on the Integrated Model for Change, were conducted with 16 service users from three Dutch low vision service organizations. Interview data was analyzed using the framework approach. Results. Prominent themes in service users’ cognitions and skills were their focus on VI, lack of health literacy, misattribution of symptoms and difficulties in acknowledging their VI and mental health problems. Informal and formal support were seen as facilitators. However, participants mentioned the need of improving healthcare providers’ knowledge, skills and attitude to increase the likelihood of detection and communication about depression and anxiety. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that, compared to barriers experienced in general population, adults with VI face additional barriers in identifying and discussing mental health problems, partly caused by their impairment and increased vulnerability. Healthcare providers and social support systems seem essential for them in reducing these barriers. However, there might be a mismatch between service users’ needs and healthcare providers’ knowledge, skills and attitude. Training healthcare providers may improve detection of depression and anxiety in adults with VI.
Lipids, Anthropometric Measures, Smoking and Physical Activity Mediate the Causal Pathway from Education to Breast Cancer in Women: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Li Hongkai , Hou Lei , Yu Yuanyuan , Sun Xiaoru , Liu Xinhui , Yan Ran , Yu Yifan , Wu Sijia , He Yina , Wu Yutong , He Li , Xue Fuzhong
Published: April 2021

Background
Our objective is to investigate whether obtaining a higher level of education was causally associated with lower breast cancer risk and to identify the causal mechanism linking them.
Methods
Firstly, we performed a meta-analysis for educational attainment on breast cancer using 33 MR studies, including 15 case-control studies, 10 cross-sectional studies, and 8 cohort studies. Secondly, the main data analysis used publicly available summary-level data from two large GWAS consortia (Breast Cancer Association Consortium [BCAC] and the Social Science Genetic Association Consortium [SSGAC]). Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis used 65 genetic variants derived from the SSGAC as instrumental variables for years of schooling. The outcomes were the overall breast cancer risk (122,977 cases/105,974 controls in women) and its two subtypes: estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer (ER+: 69,501 cases) and ER-negative breast cancer (ER-: 21,468 cases). Furthermore, six additional consortia were analyzed to investigate the causal pathways from education to breast cancer. The fixed and random effects inverse variance weighted methods were used to estimate the causal effects, along with other additional MR methods as sensitivity analyses.
Results
The results showed that each additional standard deviation of 4.2 years of education was causally associated with a 27% lower risk of ER- (OR 0.73, 95% CI [0.64, 0.84]; P-value < 0.001). However, very weak causal relationship was found with overall breast cancer and no causal association with ER + risk, consistent with the sensitivity analyses. A genetic predisposition for higher education was causally associated with lower ER- risk and was found to be partially related to hip circumference, body mass index, triglyceride and HDL levels, smoking, and physical activity.
Conclusion
A low level of education is a causal risk factor in the development of ER- as it is associated with a poor lipid profile, anthropometric measurements, smoking, and types of physical activity.
Trigonelline regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling in glomerular mesangial cells under high glucose conditions
Authors: Chen Chen , Shi Yan , Chen Zhen , Li Xiangjun , Sun Bo , Yu Xiaoyan , Ma Jiulong , Zhang Huayu , Ren Xinran , Zhang Ming , Zhao Yan
Published: April 2021

Background: Trigonelline have hypoglycemic effects. In previous animal experiments, we observed that trigonelline (TRL) treat-ment attenuated metabolic abnormalities associated with hyperglycemic conditions in the experimental DN model. In streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rats, TRL treatment reduced albuminuria, lowered blood sugar, improved renal function and alleviated the pathological alterations within the glomerulus. Methods: We stimulated human mesangial cells (HMC) with high glucose (30 mmol / L) medium. HMCs were transfected with β-catenin plasmid or siRNA to investigate the effect of trigonelline on high glucose-induced excessive proliferation and apoptosis of HMCs, and to understand its mechanism of action. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry and terminal dUTP transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Protein and mRNA expression of β-catenin, Wnt5a, TCF4, Cyclin D1, and CDK4 were detected by western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. Results: Trigonelline inhibited cell proliferation by blocking cell-cycle progression at the G1 phase and decreased apoptosis via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Elevated glucose levels enhanced the expression of β-catenin, an important modulator of diabetic nephropathy, while trigonelline restored up-regulation. Conclusions: High glucose and high expression of β-catenin could lead to cell injury; however, this effect was mitigated by trigonelline via managing the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Understanding Therapists’ Perceived Determinants of Trauma Narrative Use
Authors: Frank Hannah E , Last Briana S , AlRabiah Reem , Fishman Jessica , Rudd Brittany N , Kratz Hilary E , Harker Colleen , Fernandez-Marcote Sara , Jackson Kamilah , Comeau Carrie , Shoyinka Sosunmolu , Beidas Rinad
Published: April 2021

Background: Trauma narratives are a critical, exposure-based component of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, yet community therapists do not always use them. Given evidence that intentions to deliver elements of cognitive behavioral therapy vary by component, and that intentions to deliver exposure are the weakest, this study focused specifically on trauma narratives. We drew on a social psychology causal theory (Theory of Planned Behavior; TPB) and an implementation science framework (the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research; CFIR) to glean insight into multilevel influences on trauma narrative use. While the CFIR offers a broad list of factors potentially affecting implementation, the TPB offers causal pathways between constructs that predict behavior, including the uptake of an evidence-based intervention. The integration of these approaches may provide a comprehensive understanding of factors affecting therapists’ use of TNs.Methods: Therapists (n=65) trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy completed a survey about their use of and beliefs about trauma narratives. Content analysis was used to identify common beliefs about trauma narratives. A subset of participants (n=17) completed follow-up qualitative interviews, which were analyzed using an integrated approach informed by the CFIR.Results: While most participants reported high intentions to use TNs, nearly half reported that they did not use TNs in the last six months. Survey data indicate a number of TPB-related determinants to using on trauma narratives. Qualitative interviews identified CFIR-relevant contextual factors that may influence constructs central to TPB. ﻿Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of integrating approaches that address multiple theoretical determinants of therapist behavior, including therapist, organizational, and client factors with causal explanations.
Race Disparities in Mortality By Breast Cancer From 2000 to 2017 in São Paulo, Brazil: A Time-Series Study
Authors: Marcelino Ana Cláudia , Gozzi Bruno , Cardoso-Filho Cássio , Machado Helymar , Zeferino Luiz Carlos , Vale Diama Bhadra
Published: April 2021

Background In Brazil, inequalities in access to care are present. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of race on breast cancer mortality in the state of São Paulo, from 2000 to 2017, contextualizing with other causes of death. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional time-series study using age and race as variables. Information on deaths was collected from the Ministry of Health Information System. Only white and black/brown categories were used. Mortality rates were age-adjusted by the standard method. For statistical analysis, trend-tests were carried out. Results: There were 60,940 deaths registered as breast cancer deaths, 46,365 in white and 10,588 in black women. The mortality rates for 100,000 women in 2017 were 16.46 in white and 9.57 in black women, a trend to reduction in white (p=0.002), and to increase in black women (p=0.010). This effect was more significant for white women (p<0.001). The trend to reduction was consistent in all age groups in white women, and the trend to increase was observed only in the 40-49 years group in black women. For 'all-cancer causes', the trend was to a reduction in white (p=0.031) and to increase in black women (p<0.001). For 'ill-defined causes' and 'external causes', the trend was to reduce both races (p<0.001). Conclusion The declared race influenced mortality rates due to breast cancer in São Paulo. The divergences observed between white and black women also were evident in all cancer causes of death, which may indicate inequities in access to highly complex health care in our setting.
WITHDRAWN: Experimental study and numerical simulation of uniaxial compression on artiﬁcial rock samples with Z-shaped fractures
Authors: Zhou Tao , Chen Haijun , Xiong Liangxiao , Xu Zhongyuan , Yang Jie , Xue Maolin , Deng Licheng
Published: April 2021

To study the influence of the inclination and length of Z-shaped fissures on the mechanical properties and failure characteristics of the rock mass, this study conducts a series of uniaxial compression tests on rock-like materials with prefabricated Z-shaped fractures. In addition, two-dimensional Particle Flow Code software is used to perform uniaxial compression numerical simulations. The results show that when the specified inclination angle γ (γ = 0°, 30° or 45°) of the parallel cracks on both sides remains unchanged, the peak strength and elastic modulus of the sample show an M-shaped change trend with an increase in the inclination angle β of the middle connection crack. When γ = 60° or 90°, however, the peak strength and elastic modulus of the sample show a trend of decreasing, increasing, and then decreasing as β increases. In addition, the peak strength and elastic modulus of the sample decrease with an increase in the crack length. The influence of crack length on the elastic modulus is less than that of compressive strength. Further, the main failure mode of specimens with Z-shaped cracks is determined to be tension–shear mixed failure manifested by crack propagation from the tip of the prefabricated crack to the upper and lower boundaries of the sample. As a result, a through failure surface is formed with the prefabricated crack, which destroys the sample.
Prognostic Nomograms for Predicting Overall Survival and Cancer-Specific Survival in Patients with Angiosarcoma, a SEER population-based study
Authors: Jiang Ting , Ye Zixiang , Shao TianYu , Luo YiYang , Wang BinBin
Published: April 2021

Backgrounds: Angiosarcoma (AS) is a kind of highly aggressive cancer with high occurrence and mortality rates. This study aimed to establish a comprehensive and validated prognostic nomogram with various clinical indicators in patients with AS.Methods: Data of patients with AS diagnosed after surgery between 2010 and 2015 was retrieved from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed to identify the independent prognostic factors associated with survival to construct the predictive nomogram of 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates. Concordance-index(C-index), calibration plots and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the predictive ability of the nomograms. The further decision curve analysis (DCA) was drawn to confirm the clinical usefulness of the nomograms.Results: 323 patients in total with AS were divided into the training group (N =226) and the validation group (N = 97). After the multivariate Cox regression analysis, gender, age, AJCC stage group 7th ed, T, N and M stage 7th ed, histologic grade and primary site were statistically identified as independent factors with OS and CSS (P<0.05). The C-index of the nomograms for OS and CCS in the training cohort was 0.760 (95%CI: 0.674–0.847) and 0.793 (95%CI: 0.687–0.898), meanwhile, the C-index of those in the validation cohort was 0.790 (95%CI: 0.725–0.855) and 0.888 (95%CI: 0.799–0.976) respectively. The results of calibration plots and ROC curve showed the nomograms qualified to measure the risk and prognosis. DCA exhibited good clinical utility of nomograms.Conclusion: Our study has developed novel and practical nomograms for predicting prognosis in patients with AS contributing to cancer management.
Long-term Prognostic Outcomes in Patients With Hemoptysis
Authors: Mondoni Michele , Carlucci Paolo , Cipolla Giuseppe , Pagani Matteo , Tursi Francesco , Fois Alessandro , Pirina Pietro , Canu Sara , Gasparini Stefano , Bonifazi Martina , Marani Silvia , Comel Andrea Claudio , Saderi Laura , De Pascalis Sabrina , Alfano Fausta , Centanni Stefano , Sotgiu Giovanni
Published: April 2021

Background: Hemoptysis is a challenging symptom which can be associated with potentially life-threatening medical conditions. Follow-up is key in these patients to early detect new or misdiagnosed pathologic findings. Few prospective studies evaluated long-term prognostic outcomes. Furthermore, the role played by antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs on mortality and recurrence rates is unclear.The aim of the study was to assess the mortality after 18 months of follow-up; furthermore, it was evaluated the incidence of recurrences and the factors associated with both recurrence and death (including the role played by anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs).Methods: Observational, prospective, multicentre, Italian study.Results: 451/606 (74.4%) recruited patients with hemoptysis completed the 18 months follow-up.22/604 (3.6%) diagnoses changed from baseline to the end of the follow-up. 83/604 (13.7%) patients died. In 52/83 (62.7%) patients, death was the outcome of the disease which caused hemoptysis at baseline. Only the diagnosis of lung neoplasm was associated with death (OR (95%CI): 38.2 (4.2-347.5); p-value: 0.0001).166 recurrences were recorded in 103/604 (17%) patients. The diagnosis of bronchiectasis was significantly associated with the occurrence of a recurrence (OR (95% CI): 2.6 (1.5-4.3)); p-value <0.0001).Anticoagulant, antiaggregant, and anticoagulant plus antiaggregant drugs were not associated with an increased risk of death and recurrence.Conclusions: Our study showed a low mortality rate in patients with hemoptysis followed-up for 18 months. Pulmonary malignancy is the main etiology and the main predictor of death, whereas bronchiectasis is the most frequent diagnosis associated with recurrence. Antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy do not change the risk of death or recurrence. Follow-up is recommended in patients initially diagnosed with lower airways infections and idiopathic bleedings.Clinical trial registration: NCT02045394.
Regime Transition Shapes the Composition, Assembly Processes and Co-Occurrence Pattern of Bacterioplankton Community in a Large Eutrophic Freshwater Lake
Authors: Cao Xinyi , Zhao Dayong , Röttjers Lisa , Faust Karoline , Zhang Hongjie
Published: April 2021

At certain nutrient concentrations, shallow freshwater lakes are generally characterized by two contrasting ecological regimes with disparate patterns of biodiversity and biogeochemical cycles: a macrophyte-dominated regime (MDR) and a phytoplankton-dominated regime (PDR).To reveal ecological mechanisms that affect bacterioplankton along the regime shift, Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene combined with a novel network clustering tool (Manta) were used to identify patterns of bacterioplankton community composition across the regime shift in Taihu Lake, China. Marked divergence in the composition and ecological assembly processes of bacterioplankton community were observed under the regime shift. The alpha diversity of bacterioplankton community was observed to consistently and continuously decrease with the regime shift from MDR to PDR, while the beta diversity presents the opposite. Moreover, as the regime shifted from MDR to PDR, the contribution of deterministic processes first decreased and then increased again closer to the PDR, most likely as a consequence of differences in nutrient concentration. The topological properties of bacterioplankton co-occurrence networks along the regime shift differed, and the co-occurrences among species changed in structure and were significantly shaped by the environmental variables along the regime transition from MDR to PDR. The divergent environmental state of the regimes with diverse nutritional status may be the most important factor that contributes to the dissimilarity of bacterioplankton community composition along the regime shift and could be represented by phosphorus concentrations as well as several indicator species.
Effects of Telerehabilitation on Occupational Therapy Services in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Era: An Umbrella and Mapping Review with Meta–Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alageel Sara Mohammad
Published: April 2021

PurposeTelerehabilitation (TR) is a medical option that should be embraced in contemporary society to curb the spread of coronavirus. An umbrella along with mapping review based on a meta-meta-analysis (MMA) has recently been conducted using available scientific revelations to establish whether TR could be a critical option for traditional rehabilitation systems in occupational therapy practices [1].MethodsA systematic review of reviews along with previous and current studies on the objectives and systematic evidence based on an MMA and visual maps was conducted. A systematic search was then initiated in the Google Scholar, MEDLINE (PubMed), and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR). Accordingly, two independent reviewers scrutinized and examined all obtained data and simultaneously analysed the authenticity of the reviews included while evaluating the bias risks using ROBIS. ResultsTwenty-five articles that met the inclusion thresholds were selected and grouped based on the conditions of the patients on rehabilitation, which constituted musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and neurological conditions. The MMA linked to occupational functioning between normal care rehabilitation and TR failed to indicate a statistical difference among patients with musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory conditions [2]. The MMA showed statistically significant results among patients with neurological conditions but with negligible impacts in six reviews on TR. The standardized mean difference was 0.18 with a 95-confidence interval of 0.03–0.34.ConclusionThese results suggest that TR provides admirable results that in many ways can be compared with face-to-face rehabilitation processes.ImpactTR has the advantage of reducing costs that work along with its minimal interruptions on a patient’s contemporary interactions, suggesting that it helps current medical setups when society requires minimal interactions to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Heat source-free water-floating carbon nanotube thermoelectric generators
Authors: Chiba Tomoyuki , Amma Yuki , Takashiri Masayuki
Published: April 2021

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) produce electric power from environmental heat energy and are expected to play a key role in powering the Internet of things. However, they require a heat source to create a stable, irreversible temperature gradient. Overcoming these restrictions will allow the use of TEGs to proliferate. To this end, we propose heat source-free water-floating carbon nanotube (CNT) TEGs. Here, thermopower is generated by the temperature gradient in the CNT films in which water pumping via capillary action leads to water evaporation-induced cooling occurs in selected areas. Furthermore, the thermoelectric power increases when the films are exposed to sunlight and wind flow. These water-floating CNT TEGs demonstrate a pathway for developing wireless monitoring systems for water environments.
SHP-2 deletion in CD4+ chondrocyte precursors leads to tumor development with wrist tropism
Authors: Brossay Laurent , McNamara Jeffrey , Huntington Kelsey , Borys Samantha , Jayasuriya Chathuraka
Published: April 2021

Due to redundancy with other tyrosine phosphatases, the ubiquitously expressed tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 (encoded by Ptpn11) is not required for T cell development. However, Ptpn11 gene deletion driven by CD4 Cre recombinase leads to cartilage tumors in the wrist. Using a fate mapping system, we demonstrate that wrist tumor development correlates with increased frequency and numbers of non-hematopoietic CD45 negative cells with a bone chondrocyte stromal cell precursor cell (BCSP) phenotype. Importantly, the BCSP subset has a history of CD4 expression and a marked wrist location tropism, explaining why the wrist is the main site of tumor development. Mechanistically, we found that in SHP-2 absence, SOX-9 is no longer regulated, leading to an uncontrolled proliferation of the BCSP subset. Altogether, these results identify a unique subset of chondrocyte precursors tightly regulated by SHP-2. These findings underscore the need for the development of methods to therapeutically target this subset of cells, which could potentially have an impact on treatment of SHP-2 dysfunction linked debilitating diseases.
Comparison of Insertion Time, Pull-out Strength, and Screw-media Interface Area of Customized Pedicle Screw With Different Core and Thread Design Against Commercial Pedicle Screw
Authors: Magetsari Rahadyan , Rukmoyo Tedjo , Saputra Marda Ade , Sakti Yudha Mathan
Published: April 2021

Objective: This research aimed to developing customized pedicle screw based on Indonesian vertebral anatomy and compare the insertion time, pull-out strength, and screw-media interface area of different screw design. We have developed 3 different types of pedicle screws (v-thread cylinder-core, square-thread cylinder-core and square-thread conical-core). The thread diameter was calculated from pedicle width of Indonesian population (6 mm). We used commercially available pedicle screw as control group (6.2 mm). Result: The insertion time were significantly difference between v-thread cylinder-core pedicle screw (22,94 s) with commercially available pedicle screw (15.86 s) (p<0.05). The pull-out strength was significantly difference between commercially available pedicle screw (408.60 N) with square-thread conical pedicle screw (836.60 N) (p<0.05). The square-thread conical-core group have the highest interface area (1486.21 mm2). The data comparison showed that the square-thread conical-core customized pedicle screw group has comparable insertion time and has better pull-out strength than commercially available pedicle screw.
Impacts of Parental Technoference on Parent-Child Relationships and Child Health and Developmental Outcomes: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: MacKay Lyndsay Jerusha , Komanchuk Jelena , Hayden K. Alix , Letourneau Nicole
Published: April 2021

Background: With increases in the use of technological devices worldwide, parental technoference is a potential threat to quality of parent-child relationships and children’s health and development. Parental technoference refers to disrupted interactions between a parent and child due to a parent’s use of a technological device. The aim of this scoping review is to map, describe and summarize existing evidence from published research studies on the impacts of parental technoference on parent-child relationships and children’s health and development and to identify limitations in the studies and gaps in the literature. Methods: This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. A search for relevant research studies will be undertaken in APA PsycInfo, MEDLINE, Central, Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews, JBI EBP and Embase (OVID). CINAHL (Ebsco) and Scopus will also be searched. Grey and popular literature will be excluded. This review will include primary research studies and review papers published in English with no time limit that identify the impacts of technoference on parent-child relationships and child health and developmental outcomes. Parent participants include primary caregivers, either biological, adopted or foster parents, of children under the age of 18 who engage in technoference. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts and full texts of studies according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Disagreements will be resolved through discussion with a third researcher. Data will be extracted into a data charting table including; author(s), year of publication, country, research aim, methodology/design, population and sample size, variables/concepts and corresponding measures and main results. Data will be presented in tables and figures accompanied by a narrative summary. Discussion: The goal of this scoping review is to present an overview of the evidence on impacts of parental technoference on parent-child relationships and child and health developmental outcomes, highlighting the current risk of children of today. It will identify gaps in the literature, inform future research, advise recommendations for parents on technological device use and possibly guide the development of interventions aimed at addressing parental technoference. Systematic review registration: Open Science Framework (10.17605/OSF.IO/QNTS5)
Bcl-2-associated Transcription Factor 1 Phosphorylation Mediated DNA Damage Response in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Jia , Li Jingyi , Sun Zhao , Duan Yangmiao , Wang Fengqin , Wei Guangwei , Yang Jing-Hua
Published: April 2021

Background: DNA damage response plays critical roles in tumor pathogenesis and radiotherapy resistance. Various cellular activities including the initiation and major steps DNA damage response are regulated by protein phosphorylation, whereas the molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. Methods: A quick label-free phosphoproteomics using high-resolution mass spectrometry and an open search approach was applied to paired tumor and adjacent tissues from five patients with gastric cancer. The dysregulated phosphoproteins were identified and their associated-pathways analyzed using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The mostly regulated phosphoproteins and their potential functions were validated by the specific antibodies against the phosphorylation sites. Specific protein phosphorylation was further analyzed by functional and clinical approaches. Results: 832 gastric cancer-associated unique phosphorylated sites were identified, among which 25 were up- and 52 down-regulated. Markedly, the dysregulated phosphoproteins were primarily enriched in DNA-damage-response-associated pathways. Particularly, the phosphorylation of Bcl-2-associated transcription factor 1 (BCLAF1) at Ser290 was significantly upregulated in tumor. The upregulation of BCLAF1 Ser290 phosphorylation (pBCLAF1(Ser290)) in tumor was confirmed by tissue microarray studies and further indicated in association with poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Eliminating the phosphorylation of BCLAF1 at Ser290 suppressed gastric cancer (GC) cell proliferation. Upregulation of pBCLAF1(Ser290) was found in association with irradiation-induced γ-H2AX expression in the nucleus, leading to an increased DNA damage repair response, and a marked inhibition of irradiation-induced cancer cell apoptosis. Conclusions: The phosphorylation of BCLAF1 at Ser290 is involved in the regulation of DNA damage response, indicating an important target for the resistance of radiotherapy.
Does Demography & Socio-Economic Status Influence Investment Motives?
Authors: K Riyazahmed
Published: April 2021

Research studies in the past have analyzed the significance of demographic and socioeconomic status influencing investment preference and behavior. However, no study has focused on analyzing their impact on ‘Investment motives’. Hence, this study examines the investment motives and analyzes the significance of the impact of demographic and socioeconomic factors on investment motives. The study uses factor analysis and Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) for this purpose. The data are collected from 753 investors through a structured questionnaire. Results of the study show that investment motives are grouped into six categories i.e., nature of the investment, future financial needs, investor characteristics, safety and stability, investor behavior, and investor options. Further, there exists a main effect of employment, marital status, location, and the number of earning members on investment motives. Likewise, there exists an interaction effect of age and location, gender and income, and age and income on investment motives. The study adds to the existing literature by comprehensively analyzing all the demographic, socioeconomic status with the investment motives.
Attribute Based Collusion Resistant Controlled Secure Data Processing System Using Node Insertion Method
Authors: P. Dhanalakshmi , S Rajarajeswari , Das Nripendra Narayan , C Karthikeyan , Reddy L. Chandra Sekhar , Jain Parita
Published: April 2021

In the fast-developing technological world, a large number of informational data is obtained out of different software applications and hardware sources. Data storing, sharing of data, and then processing is more effective through the cloud computing method. In practice, the issue faced is a lack of security where the user details are leaked due to the exposure of software and hardware conflict. Among different data sharing technique, cloud computing is the most convenient method to be adapted due to service satisfying features and economy. Attribute-Based-Encryption (ABE) has the potential to detect even a narrow-drawn data sharing. The drawback of the conventional attribute-based encryption (ABE) poor data security and high over-head computation. The customer side satisfaction is not achieved because of security lacking in narrow-drawn informational data sharing as well as processing. The difficulty in achieving a standardized form of data sharing is an unsolved challenge for secured data processing. The attribute-based data sharing method is more effective for secured data processing in cloud computing. Customer satisfaction can be achieved through the secured services of cloud. The customer’s data should be secured and also the customer’s data is under an authorized access. The protection of data in cloud computing includes the usage of hardware solutions for a secured data operation, provides support in data storage, access, sharing, and automated detecting of risk during data processing.
Bioinformatics Analysis of Circular RNA Expression Profiles in HBx-Transfected HepG2 Cells by Transcriptional Sequencing
Authors: Liu Luzheng , Chen Jiacheng , Chen Liang , Chen Cheng , Xu Dafeng , Lin Shixun , Luo Xiangxiang , Wu Jincai
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Circular RNA (CircRNA) and HBx genes separately play essential roles in the occurrence and development of hepatitis B (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether HBx expression in HCC is co-related to differential circRNA patterns remains unknown.
METHODS

HCC cell lines with HBx overexpression (HepG2 H6679) and empty vector control (HepG2 H5298) were successfully constructed. The high-throughput second-generation transcriptome sequencing technology (RNA-seq) was employed to sequence the two cell lines, and the selected circRNAs were verified by qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR). The differentially expressed circRNAs were analyzed. Bioinformatics analyses, including clustering, differential expression, GO analysis, and KEGG pathway, were performed. Target Scan and Miranda software were employed to predict miRNAs corresponding with circRNAs.
RESULTS

We identified 1120 circRNAs upregulated and 1447 circRNAs downregulated in HepG2 cell lines with HBx overexpression compared to its control. We selected 36 circRNAs with significant differences (also consistent with log2fold change absolute value ≥ 1.0 or P ≤ 0.05) displayed by cluster analysis and then performed qPCR validation. Among them, 15 circRNAs (hsa_circ_0005603, hsa_circ_0004448, hsa_circ_0006845, hsa_circ_0064654, hsa_circ_0006460, hsa_circ_0045350, hsa_circ_0000824, hsa_circ_0005227, hsa_circ_0067991, hsa_circ_0064656, hsa_circ_0005224, circRNA11716, circRNA759, circRNA14848 and circRNA13751) are consistent with sequencing results. Hsa_circ_0005603 and hsa_circ_0006845 showed significant differences and were chosen for further study. GO analysis shows that many target genes are involved in biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Nearly 193 target genes were enriched on KEGG pathways analysis. Actin cytoskeleton regulation, tight junction, and FoxO signaling pathway are among the top three pathways involved in most genes. We predicted that hsa_circ_0005603 might interact with micro-RNAs, including miR-182-5p, hsa-miR-27a-3p, hsa-miR-98-5p, and hsa-miR-198, that might thereby regulate downstream genes involved in tumor progression. Similarly, hsa_circ_0006845 was predicted to be referred to HBV-related HCC by acting as a sponge for hsa-miR-106a-3p and hsa-miR-198. Furthermore, we discovered two novel circular RNAs (circRNA11716 and circRNA13751) which might be involved in HCC occurrence.
CONCLUSION

In this study, we comprehensively explored the differentially expressed circRNAs in HepG2 cells with different HBx expression, and our results indicate that hsa_circ_0005603, hsa_circ_0006845, and novel circular RNAs (circRNA11716 and circRNA13751) might play an important role in HBV-related HCC, deserving further research.