bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial
Authors: Kopelman Isa Etel , Possani Maria Alice
Published: November 2020

Nessa edição, a Revista Pitágoras apresenta-se dedicada à produção acadêmica relativa às práticas cênicas afrodescendentes no Brasil, tanto em seus aspectos históricos quanto em reflexões sobre processos artísticos contemporâneos. Em meio à urgência desse momento histórico, os registros dessa publicação testemunham os avanços da pesquisa no campo de uma cena expandida e transdisciplinar e a afirmação do pertencimento da universidade pública no espaço de nossa cidadania. A edição faz eco a uma luta crescente e resiliente de vozes afirmativas e diálogos rebeldes diante da desigualdade e do preconceito racial estrutural vigente em nosso país.
Tıp fakültesi uzmanlık öğrencilerinde mobbingin depresyon belirti insidansına etkisi: Bir kohort çalışması
Authors: ACAR Nur , TURUNÇ Öykü , UÇKU Reyhan
Published: November 2020

Amaç: Depresif bozukluklar sık görülmeleri ve kronikleşme riskleri nedeniyle önemli bir halk sağlığı sorunudur. Hekimlerde yoğun eğitim süreci ve zorlu çalışma koşulları nedeniyle sık görülmektedir. Depresyon gelişimi açısından önemli bir risk etmeni olan mobbinge de sağlık sektöründe oldukça sık rastlanmaktadır. Tıpta uzmanlık eğitimi alan hekimler hem depresyon hem de mobbing açısından risk altındadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi’nde mobbing ile depresyon düzeyleri değerlendirilen ve depresyon belirtisi olmayan tıpta uzmanlık öğrencilerinde, mobbing düzeyine göre bir yıl sonraki depresyon belirti insidansını değerlendirmektir. Yöntem: Kohort tipindeki bu araştırmaya 102 kişi katılmıştır (%63.0). Araştırmanın bağımlı değişkeni depresyon belirti varlığı olup Beck Depresyon Ölçeği ile değerlendirilmiştir. Temel bağımsız değişken mobbing düzeyidir ve başlangıç çalışmasında Leymann’ın Uyarlanmış Psikolojik Yılgınlık Ölçeği ile değerlendirilmiştir. Ayrıca mobbing algısı ve son bir yıldaki mobbing algısındaki değişim değerlendirilmiştir. Bağımlı ve bağımsız değişkenler arasındaki ilişki ki-kare testi ile değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular: Depresyon belirti puan ortalaması 6.2±6.1, ortancası 4.5(0-25)’tir. Depresyon belirti insidansı %8.8’dir. Son bir yıl içinde mobbing algısı artanlarda depresyon gelişme riski azalan veya değişiklik olmayanlardan anlamlı düzeyde daha fazladır (p=0.003, RR=8.3, CI=2.69-25.41). Sonuç: Mobbing iş yaşamında beklenenden daha sık olabilir. Mobbingin belirlenmesi ve önlenmesi tıpta uzmanlık öğrencilerinde depresyon sıklığını azaltmada etkili olabilir.
Combination of pre-fermentative and fermentative strategies to produce Malbec wines of lower alcohol and pH, with high chemical and sensory quality
Authors: Fanzone Martín , Sari Santiago E. , Mestre María V. , Catania Anibal A. , Catelén María J. , Jofré Viviana P. , González-Miret María L. , Combina Mariana , Vazquez Fabio , Maturano Yolanda P.
Published: November 2020

The climatic conditions in some wine regions imply in many cases the important delay in the harvest date to achieve an appropriate phenolic maturity in red grape varieties, leading to wines with high pH and alcohol content. This problem, associated with low acceptation for some consumers and chemical/microbial instability, can be addressed from a viticultural, oenological, or microbiological level. The present study aimed to provide a technological alternative, combining vintages blending and inoculation of native yeasts, for reducing simultaneously the alcohol content and the pH of Malbec wines without altering the chemical and sensory quality. Sauvignon blanc grapes harvested at the beginning of ripening (2017 season) were employed to obtain a wine with high acidity and low alcohol content (LW), that was blending with Malbec grapes of full phenolic maturity. Malbec grapes were harvested at two different moments (1H, 13.0 % v/v; 2H, 14.5 % v/v, probable alcohol), and elaborated following a standard protocol. From 2H, a part of the grape juice was removed and replaced with LW as a strategy for alcohol reduction (2RW). Consequently, it was obtained nine wines by triplicate combining 1H, 2H, 2RW musts with three fermentative strategies: CI, co-inoculation of Hanseniaspora uvarum BHu9/Saccharomyces cerevisiae BSc114 native yeasts; NS, S. cerevisiae BSc114 native yeast; and CS, S. cerevisiae EC 1118 commercial yeast. We found that 2RW wines, fermented with different yeast strains, showed similar levels of total phenols, tannins, anthocyanins, and polymeric pigments concerning control wines (2H). In all cases, those wines presented greater phenolic potential compared to wines from 1H. At the same time, the pre-fermentative strategy of vintages blending produced wines with 1.4 % v/v less alcohol than 2H wines, also achieving a pH decrease of 0.3 units. Combined treatments with native strains, especially as single inoculum (2RW–NS), were the most efficient in reducing both parameters, showed higher tannins, anthocyanins levels, and colour saturation, without affecting the sensory quality, in terms of aromas and mouthfeel. In conclusion, the strategies proposed could be simple and economic tools, for red wines production with low alcohol content, and high chemical and organoleptic quality, capable of competing and satisfying market needs.
Numerical study of nanofluids effect on heat transfer and
pressure drop of triangular microchannel heat sink
Authors: Vinoth R , Parthiban M , Nagalli Naveen Kumar , Prakash S
Published: November 2020

The present work deals with study the heat transfer and pressure drop of the
triangular microchannel heat sink(MCHS), along different working fluids. The nanofluids such
as CuO and Al2O3are used as coolants to enhance the performance of triangular microchannel
heat sinks.The modeling and analysis were done with the help of Solid works. The heat transfer
performance of the triangular fins were studied with the Reynolds number varying from 96 -
460. Thenumerical result shows that the triangular oblique finned microchannel heat sink has
large heat transfer rateof 12.9 % for varying Reynolds number when compared to a straight
channel. Similarly, the pressure drop also increases with 38.2% for triangular microchannel
flowing nanofluid. Consequently triangular microchannel is enhancing the heat removed in
electronics chip cooling
Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Behavior in 3D
Printed PLA Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structure for
Orthopedics
Authors: Nandakumar N. , Raja T.Allwin
Published: November 2020

This project is related to the design, fabrication and characterization of scaffold
structures of different structure Using Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament, the micro bone structures
are manufactured by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). Such morphology is chosen for its
good strength, high porosity leading to good nutrient and waste diffusion, and favorable
mechanical properties. Load vs Displacement values are obtained by taking compression tests
for each as an overall outcome of the research, microstructure with better mechanical properties
to replace the damaged bone tissues is identified.
Synthesis and SAR Evaluation of Mercaptotriazolo
derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents.
Authors: Mamatha S. V , Belagali S. L. , Bhat Mahesh
Published: November 2020

A new series of benzothiazole appended triazole derivatives were synthesized.
Characterization is done by FT-IR, Mass, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques. The
newly synthesized compounds were screened for antioxidant and anti inflammatory activities.
Experimental data hypothesized compound 7b as highly potent cytotoxicant with lengthened
activity. Structure–activity relation interrelates the biological activity and chemical moiety of
the molecule. Structurally, 7b is a benzothiazolyltriazole having a pyrrolidine group (five
membered ring) attached to two CH2 groups and methyl substituent at 7th position of the
benzothiazole ring
Microwave assisted Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of
Substituted Pyrrolidinone derivatives
Authors: Swamy Marapala Kumara , Venkatesh N. , Swapna M. , Venkateswar Rao P.
Published: November 2020

A microwave assisted green synthetic methodoloy was developed for the
synthesis various substituted pyrrolidinones derivatives by the one-pot three component
reaction of aromatic aldehydes, aniline with dialkylbut-2-ynedioate in the presence of p-TsOH
in water medium. The compounds were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity
against four bacterial organism and two fungal organisms, resulted moderate to good activity
with compared to their standard drug.
The Effect of Landscape Altitude on Antibacterial activities in
Ethanolic Extract of Cocoa leaf (Theobroma cacao)
Authors: Rasidah
Published: November 2020

Cocoa is one of the leading plantation commodities in Indonesia. The part of cocoa
trees that can be found in abundance is the leaf. The leaves cut out of cocoa trees are utilized
by some farmers in composting, when in fact cocoa leaves have a great potential to be
processed into health care products. The present study aims to determine the effect of high
altitude landscape on antibacterial activities in ethanolic extract of cocoa leaves (Theobroma
cacao, L). For the experiment, we employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) that is
divided into 3 treatments—Aqua Dest (Control), ethanolic extract of high-altitude cocoa
leaves (P1), and ethanolic extract of low-altitude cocoa leaves (P2)—repeated 5 times. The
results show that the largest resistance zones of Eschericia coli and staphylococcus aureus are
created by ethanolic extract of high-altitude cocoa leaves with the size of 19.96 mm and 20.52
mm, respectively. Our ANOVA test shows that extracts of both high- and low-altitude cocoa
leaves have an effect on the growth of S.aureus (P = 0,000) and E. coli (P = 0,000) bacteria.
From Duncan’s test we can conclude that ethanolic extract of high-altitude cocoa leaves
differs significantly (P<0.05) from its lower altitude counterpart in inhibiting the growth of
E.coli and S.aureus bacteria.
Kinetics Spectrophotometric determination of Ranitidine
based on its Inhibitory effect on the Oxidation Rate of
Malachite green by N-bromosuccinide
Authors: Taha Ashraf M. , Abdel-Hady Alaa Eldin Mokhtar
Published: November 2020

A simple and sensitive kinetic spectrophotometric method is described for the
determination of ranitidine. The method is based on the inhibiting effect of ranitidine on the
rate of oxidation of malachite green (MG+
) with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) The oxidation
reaction was followed spectrophotometrically by measuring the rate of change of the
absorbance of malachite green with time at λ=617nm in the presence of different
concentrations of ranitidine using the recommended procedure. Ranitidine can be determined
from 0.08 to 2.40 g ml-1 with a linear calibration graph and detection limit of 0.026 g ml-1
.
The method was successfully applied for the determination of ranitidine in pure ranitidine
samples and in ranitidine tablets. The recovery of the analyzed samples were 97-100% with
relative standard deviation, sr (%) =1.14 x 10-4
indicating high accuracy and precision of the
suggested method. The interference of various cations and anions in the determination of
ranitidine was studied
Compounds with Anti-Onchocercal Activity from Voacanga africana Stapf (Apocynaceae): Identification and Molecular Modeling
Authors: Babiaka Smith , Simoben Conrad , Abuga Kennedy , Mbah James , Karpoormath Rajshekhar , Ongarora Dennis , Mugo Hannington , Monya Elvis , Cho-Ngwa Fidelis , Sippl Wolfgang , Loveridge Joel , Ntie-Kang Fidele
Published: November 2020

A new iboga-vobasine-type isomeric bisindole alkaloid named voacamine A (1), along with eight known compounds, voacangine (2), voacristine (3), coronaridine (4), tabernanthine (5), iboxygaine (6), voacamine (7), voacorine (8), and conoduramine (9), were isolated from the stem bark of Voacanga africana. The structures of the compounds were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses (1D- and 2D-NMR). Compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 were found to inhibit the motility of both the microfilariae (Mf) and adult male worms of Onchocerca ochengi, in a dose-dependent manner, but were only moderately active on the adult female worms upon biochemical assessment at 30 μM drug concentrations. The IC50 values of the isolates are 2.49-5.49 µM for microfilariae and 3.45-17.87 µM for adult males. Homology modeling was used to generate a 3D model of the the O. ochengi thioredoxin reductase target and docking simulation attempted to offer an explanation of the anti-onchocercal structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the isolated compounds. These alkaloids are new potential leads for the development of antifilirial drugs. The results of this study validate the traditional use of V. africana in the treatment of human onchocerciasis.
UDTN-RS: A New Underwater Delay Tolerant Network Routing Protocol for Facilitating Coastal Patrol and Surveillance Networks
Authors: Neffati Ahmed Ali , Azad Saiful , Mahmud Mufti , Awang Suryanti , Zamli Kamal Z. , Kaiser M. Shamim , Aseeri Mohammed A. , Ahmed Muhammad Raisuddin
Published: November 2020

The Coastal Patrol and Surveillance Application (CPSA) is developed and deployed to detect, track and monitor water vessel traffic using automated devices. Latest advancements of marine technologies, including the Automatic Underwater Vehicles, have allowed the development of this type of applications. To facilitate their operations, installation of a Coastal Patrol and Surveillance Network (CPSN) is mandatory. One of the primary design objectives of this network is to deliver adequate amount of data within an effective time period. This is particularly essential for reporting a detection and notifying the current status of an intruder’s vessel through the adverse underwater communication channels. Additionally, intermittent connectivity of the nodes remain another important obstacle to overcome to allow smooth functioning of CPSA. Taking these objectives and obstacles into account, this work proposes a new protocol, named UDTN-RS, which is developed by ensembling forward error correction technique (namely Reed-Solomon codes or RS) in Underwater Delay Tolerant Network (UDTN) routing protocol with probabilistic spraying technique. In addition, the existing binary packet spraying technique is enhanced for supporting encoded packet exchange between the contacting nodes. A comprehensive simulation campaign is performed in identifying the effectiveness of the proposed protocol. The obtained results suggest that the proposed UDTN-RS protocol can be considered a suitable alternative of the existing protocols for sparse networks like CPSN.
Molecular Epidemiology of Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) Isolates of Hospitalized Children from Bolivia Reveal High Heterogeneity and Multidrug-Resistance
Authors: Joffre Enrique , Iñiguez Volga
Published: November 2020

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is an emerging pathogen frequently associated with acute diarrhea in children and travelers to endemic regions. EAEC was found the most prevalent bacterial diarrheal pathogen from hospitalized Bolivian children less than five years of age with acute diarrhea from 2007 to 2010. Here, we further characterized the epidemiology of EAEC infection, virulence genes, and antimicrobial susceptibility of EAEC isolated from 414 diarrheal and 74 non-diarrheal cases. EAEC isolates were collected and subjected to a PCR-based virulence gene screening of seven virulence genes and a phenotypic resistance test to nine different antimicrobials. Our results showed that atypical EAEC (a-EAEC, AggR-negative) was significantly associated with diarrhea (OR, 1.62, 95% CI, 1.25 to 2.09, P < 0.001) in contrast to typical EAEC (t-EAEC, AggR-positive). EAEC infection was most prevalent among children between 7 - 12 months of age. The number of cases exhibited a biannual cycle with a major peak during the transition from warm to cold season (April – June). Both typical and a-EAEC infections were graded as equally severe; however, t-EAEC harbored more virulence genes. aap, irp2, and pic were the most prevalent genes. Surprisingly, we detected 60% and 52.6% of multidrug resistance (MDR) EAEC among diarrheal and non-diarrheal cases. Resistance to ampicillin, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines was most common, being the corresponding antibiotics, the ones that are frequently used in Bolivia. Our work is the first study that provides comprehensive information on the high heterogenicity of virulence genes in t-EAEC and a- EAEC and the large prevalence of MDR EAEC in Bolivia.
Timoshenko Beam Theory Exact Solution For Bending, Second-Order Analysis, and Stability
Authors: Fogang Valentin
Published: November 2020

This paper presents an exact solution to the Timoshenko beam theory (TBT) for bending, second-order analysis, and stability. The TBT covers cases associated with small deflections based on shear deformation considerations, whereas the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory neglects shear deformations. A material law (a moment-shear force-curvature equation) combining bending and shear is presented, together with closed-form solutions based on this material law. A bending analysis of a Timoshenko beam was conducted, and buckling loads were determined on the basis of the bending shear factor. First-order element stiffness matrices were calculated. Finally second-order element stiffness matrices were deduced on the basis of the same principle.
Web Unevenness due to Thermal Deformation in Roll–to–Roll Manufacturing Process
Authors: Jo Minho , Lee Jongsu , Kim Seongyong , Cho Gyoujin , Lee Taik-min , Lee Changwoo
Published: November 2020

In roll-to-roll (R2R) processing, uniformity of the web is a crucial factor that can guarantee high coating quality. To understand web defects due to thermal deformation, we analyzed the effects of web unevenness on the coating quality of an yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) layer, a brittle electrolyte of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). We used finite element analysis to analyze the thermal and mechanical deformations at different drying temperatures. A YSZ layer was also coated using R2R slot-die coating to observe effects of web unevenness on the coating quality. It was seen that web unevenness was generated by thermal deformation due the conduction and convection heat from the dryer. Owing to varying web unevenness with time, the YSZ layer developed cracks. At higher drying temperatures, more coating defects having larger widths were generated. Results indicated that web unevenness at the coating section led to coating defects, which could damage the SOFC and decrease its yield in the R2R process. From this study, we suggest that coating defects, generated by the web unevenness owing to the convection and conduction heat, should be considered for the high-volume production of brittle electrolytes using the R2R process.
A Comparative Analysis of Different Trust Metrics in User-User Trust-Based Recommender System
Authors: Roy Falguni
Published: November 2020

Information overload is the biggest challenges nowadays for any website, especially the e-commerce website. However, this challenge arises for the fast growth of information on the web (WWW) with easy access to the internet. Collaborative filtering based recommender system is the most useful application to solve the information overload problem by filtering relevant information for the users according to their interests. But, the existing system faces some significant limitations like as data sparsity, low accuracy, cold-start and malicious attacks. To alleviate the mentioned issues, the relationship of trust incorporates in the system where it can be between the users or items, and such system is known as the trust-based recommender system (TBRS). From the user perspective, the motive of the TBRS is to utilize the reliability between the users to generate more accurate and trusted recommendations. However, the aim of the paper is to present a comparative analysis of different trust metrics in the context of the type of trust definition of TBRS. Also, the study accomplishes on twenty-four trust metrics in terms of the methodology, trust properties & measurement, validation approaches, and the experimented dataset.
Identifying personalized metabolic signatures in breast cancer
Authors: Baloni Priyanka , Dinalankara Wikum , Earls John C. , Knijnenburg Theo A. , Geman Donald , Marchionni Luigi , Price Nathan D.
Published: November 2020

Cancer cells are adept at reprogramming energy metabolism and the precise manifestation of this metabolic reprogramming exhibits heterogeneity across individuals (and from cell to cell). In this study, we analyzed the metabolic differences between interpersonal heterogeneous cancer phenotypes. We used divergence analysis on gene expression data of 1156 breast normal and tumor samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and integrated this information with a genome-scale reconstruction of human metabolism to generate personalized, context-specific metabolic networks. Using this approach, we classified the samples into four distinct groups based on their metabolic profiles. Enrichment analysis of the subsystems indicated that amino acid metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, citric acid cycle, androgen and estrogen metabolism and ROS detoxification distinguished these four groups. Additionally, we developed a workflow to identify potential drugs that can selectively target genes associated with the reactions of interest. MG-132 (a proteasome inhibitor) and OSU-03012 (a celecoxib derivative) were the top-ranking drugs identified from our analysis and known to have anti-tumor activity. Our approach has the potential to provide mechanistic insights into cancer-specific metabolic dependencies, ultimately enabling the identification of potential drug targets for each patient independently, contributing to a rational personalized medicine approach.
Tauhid and Taqwa: The Soul in the COSO-ERM Framework -An Imaginary Research Dialogue-
Authors: Djasuli Mohamad
Published: November 2020

This research is an imaginary dialogue between two internal auditors of a state university. They are called as a religious senior auditor and a junior auditor. The imaginary dialogue used spirituality in order to avoid misunderstanding and heartache of each other. Both of them discuss current issues in regard to internal control as a soul and foundation to achieve the organization's objectives. This research is to discuss the concept of internal control built by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), whether is it enough to be the guardian system or is there missing elements that should be discovered? They will use the COSO-ERM (Entreprises Risk Management) as the modification of COSO, as the internal control world considers risk management is the key to prevent an organization from failure nowadays. Finally, this research offer a deconstruction of the COSO-ERM framework to become The Tauhid Taqwa-COSO-ERM Framework with Tauhid and Taqwa as the most foundation of all things in the framework especially for the human as the operator in all level.Keywords: tauhid, taqwa, COSO-ERM, and internal control
Presenilin 2 N141I mutation induces hyperactive immune response through the epigenetic repression of REV-ERBα
Authors: Nam Hyeri , Lee Younghwan , Kim Boil , Lee Ji-Won , An Hyun-Kyu , Chung Kyung Min , Park Youngjin , Hong Jihyun , Kim Kyungjin , Kim Eun-Kyoung , Choe Han Kyoung , Yu Seong-Woon
Published: November 2020

Hyperimmunity drives the development of Alzheimer disease (AD). The immune system is under the circadian control, and circadian abnormalities aggravate AD progress. Here, we investigated how an AD-linked mutation deregulates expression of circadian genes and induces cognitive decline using the knock-in (KI) mice heterozygous for presenilin 2 (Psen2) N141I mutation. This mutation causes overproduction of clock-controlled cytokines through the epigenetic repression of the clock protein REV-ERBα in innate immune cells, which show normal circadian period but lower amplitude. The KI/+ mice displayed normal circadian behaviour patterns, but were vulnerable to an otherwise innocuous, mild immune challenge. The antipsychotic chlorpromazine restored the REV-ERBα level and prevented the overexcitation of innate immune cells and cognitive decline in KI/+ mice. These results highlight a new pathogenic link between this AD mutation and immune cell-intrinsic circadian alteration through the epigenetic suppression of REV-ERBα.
Control of hysteretic sorption of flexible MOF for practical acetylene safe storage
Authors: Bonneau Mickaele , Lavenn Christophe , Sugimoto Kunihisa , Legrand Alexandre , Ogawa Tomofumi , Coudert François-Xavier , Réau Regis , Otake Ken-ichi , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: November 2020

Safe managing and storage of explosive gas, such as acetylene, is essential for industries. The practical pressure and temperature regime is quite narrow for acetylene, and the optimization by complete release of saturated gas remains challenging to control. Here, a novel approach to narrow the pressure range of gas introduction and release for the storage of unstable and pressure-sensitive gas substance is reported. Flexible metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are expected to be an excellent storage adsorbent owing to their gated adsorption/desorption behavior. However, developing such a system in a practical and narrow pressure range remains difficult. Here, we demonstrate that the gate-opening and closing pressures of a solid solution type based on interpenetrated MOF-508 can be optimized by tuning the deformation energy of the framework and the energy of host–guest interactions. These energies were adjusted by changing the functional group on the MOF ligands and its ratio in the mixed-ligand system. The filling and release of acetylene in the practical pressure regions of up to 180 kPa leads to an on-demand porous material for acetylene storage with an usable volumetric capacity of 106 v/v under mild temperature (273–298 K) and pressure (70–120 kPa).
Histopathological Analysis of Mucinous Breast Cancer Subtypes and Comparison with Invasive Carcinoma of no Special Type.
Authors: Budzik Michał Piotr , Fudalej Marta Magdalena , Badowska-Kozakiewicz Anna Maria
Published: November 2020

BackgroundMucinous breast cancer (MBC) is a rare histological type of breast cancer characterized primarily by the production and extracellular presence of mucin and it is usually associated with a better prognosis than other invasive breast neoplasms. Because of the low prevalence, MBC biology is not well understood. MethodsThe aim of the present study was to introduce the last 2-year experience regarding MBC pathological diagnostics in our clinical center and comparison of the obtained data with invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (NST) comprising the most common invasive breast cancer. ResultsWe identified 24 MBC cases representing 3.09% of all 766 invasive breast cancers, including 15 cases of pure type and 9 mixed MBCs. The median MBC patients’ age at presentation was 65.5 years. In comparison to NST, MBC presented a higher T stage with a statistically larger tumor median size, although lower regional lymph node involvement, tumor histological grade and TNM stage. ConclusionMBC is a rare type of breast cancer accounting for about 4% of all diagnosed breast cancers. Our findings are consistent with those published in recent years and show significant differences between MBC and NST cancer patients and also highlight differences between pure and mixed MBC emphasizing the essence of their differentiation. MBC is associated with a better long-term prognosis than NST and is characterized by the less aggressive biological behavior expressed through favorable clinicopathologic features in terms of tumor grade, regional lymph node involvement and hormone receptor status.
Analysis of Influencing Factors of Residual Low Back Pain After PVP
Authors: Qin Fengwei , Wang Shuai , Zhang Wencai , Chen Wen , Feng Yonghui , Zhang Zhaofei , Xie Chunliang , Liu Donghua , Zhang Sineng , Liang Jie
Published: November 2020

Study design: Retrospective studyObjective: The purpose of this paper is to explore the possible risk factors for residual low back pain after PVP and to analyze their correlation.Method: A retrospective study was conducted on 1120 patients hospitalized for OVCF and treated with PVP between from July 2015 to June 2019 at our Hospital. Baseline, clinical and surgical data were collected to analyze the factors associated with residual low back pain after PVP.Results: 61 patients complained of residual low back pain, and the prevalence was 5.4%. Among the observed indexes included, there were significant differences in preoperative Thoracolumbar fascia injury (TFI), a liquefaction signal on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected vertebrae, the number of responsible vertebrae and the distribution of bone cement between the two groups (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative TFI (OR=5.378, 95% CI: 1.713~16.888, P=0.004), a liquefaction signal on MRI of the affected vertebrae (OR=6.111, 95% CI：1.898~19.673, P=0.002), the number of responsible vertebrae (OR=0.098, 95% CI: 0.039~0.249, P=0.004), and the distribution of bone cement (OR=0.253, 95% CI: 0.079~0.810, P=0.021) were risk factors for residual low back pain after PVP.Conclusion: TFI, a liquefaction signal on MRI of the affected vertebrae, the number of responsible vertebrae and the distribution pattern of bone cement may be risk factors for residual low back pain after PVP.
NRAGE, a potential biomarker, induces radioresistance in two- and three-dimensional culture and confers poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Huandi , Wang Guohui , Xiao Zhiqing , Yang Yu , Gao Chen , Han Xuetao , Sun Wei , Hou Liubing , Liu Junling , Xue Xiaoying
Published: November 2020

Background

To explore the mechanism of NRAGE enhancing radioresistance of ESCC in 2D and 3D levels.
Methods

Stably NRAGE-overexpressed ESCC cells and 3D-printing models for ESCC cells were established. Then, cellular malignancy indexes, such as cell morphology, proliferation, radioresistance, motility, apoptosis, cell cycle, and proteins of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, were compared between radioresistant and its parental cells in 2D and 3D levels. Additionally, 44 paraffin ESCC specimens with radical radiotherapy were selected to examine NRAGE and β-catenin protein expression and analyze the clinical correlation.
Results

Experiments in 2D culture showed that Eca109/NRAGE cells’ morphology was more irregular, elongated spindle-shaped and disappeared polarity. It obtained faster growth ability, stronger resistance to irradiation, enhanced motility, reduced apoptosis ratio and cell cycle rearrangement. Moreover, Western blot results showed β-catenin, p-Gsk-3β and CyclinD1 expressions were induced, while p-β-catenin and Gsk-3β expressions decreased in Eca109/NRAGE cells. Experiments in the 3D-printing model showed Eca109/NRAGE cell-laden 3D scaffolds had the advantage on growth and spheroiding according to the brigbtfield observation, scanning electron microscopy and Ki-67 IHC staining, and higher expression at the β-catenin protein. Clinical analysis showed that NRAGE expression was higher in tumor tissues than in control tissues of ESCC patients from the Public DataBase. Compared with radiotherapy effective group, both NRAGE total and nuclear and β-catenin nuclear expressions were significantly upregulated from ESCC specimens in invalid group. Further analysis showed a positive and linear correlation between NRAGE nuclear and β-catenin nuclear expressions. Additionally, results from univariate and multivariate analyses revealed NRAGE nuclear expression could serve as a risk factor for ESCC patients receiving radical radiotherapy.
Conclusion

ESCC cells with NRAGE nuclear accumulation demonstrated greater radioresistance, which may be related to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. It indicated that NRAGE nuclear expression was a potential biomarker for monitoring radiotherapeutic response.
Development of a Structure-Validated Hypersexuality Scale in Chinese University Students
Authors: Jia Yanli , Shao Xu , Shen Chanchan , Wang Wei
Published: November 2020

BackgroundHypersexuality is associated with many psychiatric disorders and creates enormous burden for the affected individual, family and society. However, there is no structure-validated questionnaire available to measure hypersexuality in a comprehensive way, especially in aspects of emotion and stress. MethodsWe designed a matrix of 72 items related to hypersexual experience, and we invited 282 heterosexual university students who experienced hypersexuality at least once life-long to answer the matrix. ResultsThrough exploratory factor analyses and exploratory structural equation modeling, we constructed a Hypersexuality Scale, with a satisfactory model structure of five factors (or scales, 4 items for each scale) of hypersexuality, and named them as the Negative Impact, Emotional Coping, Uncontrolled Behavior, Post-sex Regret, and Increased Interest. Most inter-correlations of these factors were significant but in low or medium levels in all participants. Male students scored significantly higher on Negative Impact and Increased Interest than females did. ConclusionsThe five scales described in this study might help to understand hypersexuality, and the Hypersexuality Scale might be applied to the clinical conditions related to hypersexuality.
Database selection and data gathering methods in systematic reviews on qualitative research regarding diabetes mellitus - An explorative study
Authors: Justesen Tobias , Freyberg Josefine , Schultz Anders Nikolai Ørsted
Published: November 2020

Background

Systematic reviews (SRs) are considered one of the most reliable types of studies in evidence-based medicine. This relies on a comprehensive and systematic search by choosing ideal data gathering methods including selection of databases. The aim of this study was to investigate which combination of databases results in the highest recall of references when conducting SRs on qualitative research regarding diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the current use of databases and the importance of other sources for data collection.
Methods

23 SRs (published between the year 2010 and 2019) on qualitative research regarding diabetes mellitus were located through searching PubMed and met the inclusion criteria. Data, including number of databases searched, names of databases, use of additional data sources and use of information specialists were collected for each SR. The SRs concluded a total of 459 unique, qualitative references on diabetes mellitus. These references were systematically hand searched in the five most searched databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase and PubMed.
Results

The SRs searched four databases on average (range two to eight). CINAHL was the most searched database, (19 of the 23 SRs). Two SRs mentioned the involvement of an information specialist and 16 of 23 (70%) SRs searched reference lists of included references, which on average resulted in 16% more references being included. A total of 36 (8%) references were found only in one of the five databases, with CINAHL retrieving the highest number of unique references. Searching the combination of the three databases PubMed, Embase and CINAHL resulted in an overall recall rate of 99.3%, while adding PsycINFO increased overall recall to 99.8%.
Conclusions

We recommend combining the searches of CINAHL, PubMed, Embase and PsychINFO, and to involve an information specialist to ensure high recall rates, when conducting SRs on qualitative research regarding diabetes mellitus. Especially CINAHL is highly relevant and important to use when searching for qualitative research.
WITHDRAWN: Antitumor Effect of Membrane-type PBLs on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell of ICR Mice
Authors: Cao Junli , Su Peng , Zhang Yuefeng , Wang Xin , Lu Xiwei , Liu Jiao , Xu Hongmei
Published: November 2020

This study aims at probing the inhibitory effect of transmembrane PBLs on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) H446 cells and the potential application of PBLs on immune system of the experimental mice loaded with H446 cells. The changes of the gene expression of microRNA-25 and 223 in ICR mice with NSCLC were also investigated. Sixty ICR mice were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The animal model was established via inoculation of NSCLC H446 cells at the hind thigh of mice. The plasmid PBLs was dissolved in saline solution and injected into the muscle of left thigh of the mice in experimental groups with different doses (0.1 mg, 0.2 mg and 0.3 mg per ICR mouse) using in situ injection method. After injection of PBLs solution, each three mice were killed at 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h, respectively. The expression of microRNA-25 and 223 were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Tumor Necrosis Factor-γ (TNF-γ), Interleukelin-2 (IL-2) and Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of TNF-γ and IL-2 protein in lung tissue were detected by western blotting. The expression of microRNA-25 was up-regulated in the tissues and BALF with a dose- and time-dependent manner while microRNA-223 was down-regulated. The difference were statistically significant comparing the control group (P<0.05). The TNF-γ and IL-2 levels in BALF of ICR mice in experimental group were increased comparing the control group with a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Synergistic effect between PBLs and HSP70 was also studied. It was found that the growth of tumor was significantly suppressed after the transfection of PBLs. In the presence of PBLs, the proliferation of splenocytes and cytolysis in early phase of tumor development was significantly enhanced. Thus, such anti-tumor effect was further improved by the synergistic effect of PBLs with HSP70. The expression of microRNA-25 and 223 are associated with NSCLC in a dose- and time-dependent manner, they might be considered as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of NSCLC.
Implementation research training for learners in low- and middle-income countries: Evaluating behavior change after participating in a massive online open course
Authors: Launois Pascal , Maher Dermot , Certain Edith , Ross Bella , Penkunas Michael J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Implementation research (IR) can play a critical role in the delivery of disease control interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The growing demand for IR training has led to the development of a range of training programs and university courses, the majority of which can not be accessed by learners in LMICs. This article reports on the evaluation of a massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases hosted by the World Health Organization on the topic of IR with a focus on infectious diseases of poverty. This study followed Kirkpatrick’s Model to evaluate training programs with a specific focus on post-training changes in behavior.
Methods

MOOC participants were invited to take part in an anonymous online survey examining their IR knowledge and how they applied it in their professional practice approximately 1-1.5 years after completing the MOOC. The survey contained 43 open-ended, multiple choice and Likert-type questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the quantitative data and responses to the open-ended questions were thematically coded.
Results

A total of 748 MOOC participants responded to the survey. The demographic profile of the survey respondents aligned with that of the MOOC participants, with nearly 70% of respondents originating from Africa. Responses to the quantitative and open-ended survey questions revealed that respondents’ IR knowledge had improved to a large extent as a result of the MOOC, and that they used the knowledge and skills gained in their professional lives frequently. Respondents most often cited changes in their conceptual understanding of IR and understanding of the research process as substantial areas of change influenced by participating in the MOOC.
Conclusions

These findings indicate that the MOOC was successful in targeting learners from LMICs, in strengthening their IR knowledge and in contributing to their ability to apply it in their professional practice. The utility of MOOCs for providing IR training to learners in LMICs, where implementation challenges are encountered often, makes this platform an ideal standalone learning tool or one that could be combined with other training formats.
Identifying predictors to gain sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification tests for Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Hou Xingfang , Guo Qinglong , Lin Qiao , Ye Taosheng , Bi Jing , Bi Jing , Liang Juan , Yang Ke , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Juanjuan , Liang Zhihang , Zhou Xuefeng , Zhang Gengwei , Fu Xiangdong , Zhong Hongjian , Zhang Guoliang
Published: November 2020

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the primary threatening of human health and its diagnosis remains unsatisfactory in clinic. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) showed higher sensitivity than culture for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB (PTB). However, NAAT are expensive and not easily deployable at the peripheral level. To improve the sensitivity of NAAT for the PTB diagnosis, the predictive factors that might be utilized to give the optimized choice of NAAT were investigated.Methods: A total of 1263 PTB suspects were enrolled for evaluation. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of Mtb detection in sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were compared. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess variables that associated with positive NAAT in sputum and BALF of PTB suspects.Results: An significantly enhanced sensitivity was observed when performed on NAAT (61.1%) compared with smear (9.0%) and culture of Mtb (47.8%). We found that erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (+), cavities (+) and IFN-γ release assay (IGRA) (+) are involved in the positivity of Mtb detection through NAAT. Moreover, those who are ESR (+), cavities (+) and IGRA (+), showed 86% diagnostic positivity of Mtb by NAAT.Conclusions: Our study suggested that combination of the results of ESR and IGRA and the presence of pulmonary cavity is helpful to predict the positivity of Mtb detection through NAAT. Those who are ESR (+), cavities (+) and IGRA (+), should perform NAAT for Mtb detection, because they are most likely to be bacteriologically confirmed as TB.
Modified Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure: Suture-button Fixation will not Cause Obvious Increasement of Superior Instability at 5-Year Follow-up
Authors: Liang Daqiang , Liu Haifeng , Liang Xinzhi , Qin Qihuang , Long Lujue , Huang Yong , Lu Wei , Deng Zhenhan
Published: November 2020

Background: Whether coracoacromial ligament (CAL) release during Latarjet procedure will increase superior instability of shoulder joint postoperatively remains controversial. This study aims to observe changes in the acromiaohumeral distance (AHD) of patients who underwent modified double-button Latarjet procedure and provide evidence to address the issue.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted among 155 patients who underwent modified double-button Latarjet procedure in our department from 2013 to 2015. Preoperative CT scan of bilateral shoulders were used for glenoid defect evaluation. CT scans were performed immediately after operation (PO 0) and during the follow-up at 6, 36, and 60 months postoperatively (POM) to observe the healing and remodeling of the graft, and AHD was measured. The intact sides were set as control group. VAS and objective shoulder scores, including ASES, ROWE, and Walch-Duplay scores, were recorded at each time point.Results: A total of 104 cases who met the criteria completed follow up. The average follow-up time was 62.6 ± 2.4 months. Compared with preoperative conditions, the function scores of the shoulders were significantly improved at the last follow-up. There were no statistical differences of the AHD values between bilateral shoulders preoperatively. The AHD values at PO 0 and POM 6 were significantly higher than those of intact side (p < 0.05). The AHD values at POM 36 and 60 were slightly higher than those of intact side and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05).Conclusions: The modified double-button Latarjet procedure not only offers satisfactory therapeutic effect but also will not cause obvious superior instability at the 5-year follow-up.
Fosl1 Targets AMPK to Inhibit Autophagy-Mediated Anti-Apoptotic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zhong Lin , Fang Sheng , Wang An-Quan , Wang Tao , Huang Wei , Pan Zheng-Jun , Zhang Hui , Yin Zongsheng
Published: November 2020

Background: The objective of this study was to delineate the role of Fosl1 in regulating inflammation and apoptosis following spinal cord injury.Methods: GSE45006 datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were explored to analyze Fosl1 gene expression. Next, we established an animal model to assess Fosl1 and AMPK by western blotting, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemical staining and used immunofluorescence staining to check Fosl1 expression in neurons. Fosl1 silencing was used to assess the effect on AMPK, cell viability, autophagy, inflammation and apoptosis. Subsequently, an AMPK activator and inhibitor were added to PC-12 cells with H2O2-induced injury subjected to si-Fosl1 treatment to examine the change in the above indexes and to determine whether the benefits from Fosl1 silencing occurred via AMPK. Moreover, we employed chloroquine (CQ) and rapamycin (RAP) to activate and inhibit autophagy, respectively, and revealed the effects of the upregulation and downregulation of autophagy following AMPK interference. Finally, an animal model was used to identify the effect of si-Fosl1 in vivo.Results: Based on the analysis of the GSE45006 datasets, Fosl1 was found to be highly expressed and was also found to be significantly enhanced in our animal model. Fosl1 knockdown upregulated AMPK at the protein and mRNA levels, promoted autophagic proteins (LC3 II/I, Beclin1) and inhibited inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and apoptosis markers (caspase3, Bax). However, Fosl1 decreased the negatively related autophagic protein p62, the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. By utilizing compound C (com, an AMPK inhibitor), we learned that AMPK inhibition exhibited unfavorable effects on autophagy but promoted inflammation and apoptosis following Fosl1 silencing. AMPK activation showed contrasting effects. Moreover, we used CQ (an autophagic inhibitor), which indicated that CQ reversed the benefits of AMPK activation on inflammation and apoptosis. The autophagic activator RAP attenuated the negative effects after com treatment. In vivo, si-Fosl1 increased BBB scores at 7 d and 14 d and motor neurons, meanwhile, it decreased the number of apoptotic cells, and inflammatory cytokine expression at 14 d postoperation. Conclusion: Fosl1 can suppress AMPK to promote inflammation and apoptosis through autophagy in SCI.