bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells promotes c-Jun-dependent secretion of interleukin 8 and mediates the migration and differentiation of CD4+ T cells
Authors: Ye Feng , Li Jinteng , Xu Peitao , Xie Zhongyu , Zheng Guan , Liu Wenjie , Ye Guiwen , Yu Wenhui , Lin Jiajie , Su Zepeng , Che Yunshu , Zhang Zhaoqiang , Wang Peng , Wu Yanfeng , Shen Huiyong
Published: February 2022

Background

The immune system and the skeletal system have complex interactions in the bone marrow and even in the joints, which has promoted the development of the concept of osteoimmunology. Some evidence has indicated that T cells and B cells contribute to the balance between the resorption and formation of bone. However, there has been little discussion on the regulation of CD4+ T lymphocytes by cells involved in bone metabolism. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which exert core functions related to immunoregulation and osteogenic differentiation, are crucial cells linked to both bone metabolism and the immune system. Previous studies have shown that the immunoregulatory capacity of MSCs changes following differentiation. However, it is still unclear whether the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs affects the migration and differentiation of CD4+ T cells.

Methods

MSCs were cultured in growth medium or osteogenic medium for 10 days and then cocultured with CD4+ T cells. CD4+ T cell migration and differentiation were detected by flow cytometry. Further, gene expression levels of specific cytokines were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. A Proteome Profiler Human XL Cytokine Array Kit was used to analyze supernatants collected from MSCs. Alizarin red S staining and Alkaline phosphatase assay were used to detect the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.

Results

Here, we found that the migration of CD4+ T cells was elevated, and the capacity to induce the differentiation of regulatory T (Treg) cells was weakened during MSC osteogenic differentiation, while the differentiation of T helper 1 (Th1), T helper 2 (Th2) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells was not affected. Further studies revealed that interleukin (IL)-8 was significantly upregulated during MSC osteogenic differentiation. Both a neutralizing antibody and IL-8-specific siRNA significantly inhibited the migration of CD4+ T cells and promoted the differentiation of Treg cells. Finally, we found that the transcription factor c-Jun was involved in regulating the expression of IL-8 and affected the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, thereby mediating the migration and differentiation of CD4+ T cells.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that MSC osteogenic differentiation promoted c-Jun-dependent secretion of IL-8 and mediated the migration and differentiation of CD4+ T cells. These results provide a further understanding of the crosstalk between bone and the immune system and reveal information about the relationship between osteogenesis and inflammation in the field of osteoimmunology.
Hospital unit costs in Jordan: insights from a country facing competing health demands and striving for universal health coverage
Authors: Hammad Eman A. , Alabbadi Ibrahim , Taissir Fardos , Hajjwi Malek , Obeidat Nathir M. , Alefan Qais , Mousa Rimal
Published: February 2022

Background

Public providers in Jordan are facing increasing health demands due to human crises. This study aimed to benchmark the unit costs of hospital services in public providers in Jordan to provide insights into the outlook for public health care costs.

Methods

The unit costs of hospital services per admission, inpatient days, outpatient visits, emergency visits and surgical operations were estimated using the standard average costing method (top-down) for the fiscal year 2018–2019. The unit costs per inpatient day were estimated for nine specialities and staff in Jordanian dinars (exchange rate JOD 1 = USD 1.41).

Results

The average unit cost per admission in Jordan was JOD 782.300 (USD 1101.80), the per inpatient day cost was JOD 236.600 (USD 333.20), the per bed day cost was JOD 172.900 (USD 244.90), the per outpatient visit cost was JOD 58.400 (USD 82.30), the per operation cost was JOD 449.600 (USD 633.20) and the per emergency room visit cost was JOD 31.800 (USD 44.80). The specialities of ICU/CCU and OB/GYN presented the highest unit costs per inpatient day across providers: JOD 377.800 (USD 532.90) and JOD 362.600 (USD 510.70), respectively. The average salaried unit cost of staff depended mainly on year of employment. Nonetheless, the unit costs varied depending on the service utilization, type of service and organizational outlet.

Conclusions

Knowledge of how unit costs vary across public providers in Jordan is essential to outline cost control strategies and inform future research. Institutionalization of the cost information system and high-level governmental support are necessary to generate a routine practice of collecting and sharing cost information.
Staphylococcus aureus mediates pyroptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cell via activation of NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Wang Xiaozhou , Liu Mingchao , Geng Na , Du Yongzhen , Li Zhaoming , Gao Xin , Han Bo , Liu Jianzhu , Liu Yongxia
Published: February 2022

Cell death and inflammation are intimately linked during mastitis due to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Pyroptosis, a programmed necrosis triggered by gasdermin protein family, often occurs after inflammatory caspase activation. Many pathogens invade host cells and activate cell-intrinsic death mechanisms, including pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. We reported that bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T) respond to S. aureus by NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation through K+ efflux, leading to the recruitment of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) and the activation of caspase-1. The activated caspase-1 cleaves gasdermin D (GSDMD) and forms a N-terminal pore forming domain that drives swelling and membrane rupture. Membrane rupture results in the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-18 and IL-1β, which are activated by caspase-1. Can modulate GSDMD activation by NLRP3-dependent caspase-1 activation and then cause pyroptosis of bovine mammary epithelial cells.
On multiple solutions to a nonlocal fractional $p(\cdot )$-Laplacian problem with concave–convex nonlinearities
Authors: Lee Jongrak , Kim Jae-Myoung , Kim Yun-Ho , Scapellato Andrea
Published: February 2022

The aim of this paper is to examine the existence of at least two distinct nontrivial solutions to a Schrödinger-type problem involving the nonlocal fractional $p(\cdot )$
p
(
⋅
)
-Laplacian with concave–convex nonlinearities when, in general, the nonlinear term does not satisfy the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition. The main tools for obtaining this result are the mountain pass theorem and a modified version of Ekeland’s variational principle for an energy functional with the compactness condition of the Palais–Smale type, namely the Cerami condition. Also we discuss several existence results of a sequence of infinitely many solutions to our problem. To achieve these results, we employ the fountain theorem and the dual fountain theorem as main tools.
Hydrological alteration and biodiversity change along the river network caused by anthropogenic activities and climate variability
Authors: Zolfagharpour Farshid , Saghafian Bahram , Delavar Majid
Published: February 2022

Background

Population growth and intensified human activities in conjunction with climate variability continue to affect the hydrologic cycle, aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna. In this regard, understanding interactions among ecosystem functions, impacts of anthropogenic interventions and those of climate variability is vital for projecting future ecosystem responses to human activities and climate forcing. The objectives of this study are to determine the ecological flow state via eco-flow index based on discharge hydrograph, to model the ecological diversity through the Shannon diversity index, and to assess the degree of hydrologic alteration using indicators of hydrologic alteration and range of variability approach in six hydrometric stations along the Zayandeh-Rud River in central Iran. The river drains into Gavkhuni Marsh. Also, the streamflow-induced potential changes for Capoeta damascina (a cyprinid fish species of the genus Capoeta), Petroleuciscus esfahani (a small cyprinid fish) and Aphanius isfahanensis (a Cyprinodontid fish) are evaluated. The outcome is expected to assist managers with understanding the effects of anthropogenic activities and climate variability on Gavkhuni aquatic ecosystems so that management options that enhance species resilience and adaptability are outlined.

Results

Human activities, a primary factor influencing the natural flow regime, caused a significant increase in the minimum flow, July to March streamflow, low pulse number, and the number of reversals in most studied stations. On the contrary, some other hydrologic indices declined in value. Reservoir impoundment, the most prominent factor among human interventions, resulted in an overall alteration degree of 74.8% in streamflow. Climate variability impacted the natural flow regime in the range of low degree hydrologic alteration (27.3%). In addition, the biodiversity of the study basin, as modeled by the Shannon diversity index, had strong relevance to the annual eco-surplus and was more sensitive to summer floods and autumn hydrological droughts than other factors.

Conclusions

This study corroborates the effectiveness of scenario-based hydrological modeling framework in evaluating the impacts of climate variability and human activities imposed on natural flow metrics. Additionally, the recently introduced eco-flow metrics based on discharge hydrographs and the Shannon diversity index based on indicators of hydrological alteration may be adopted in basins lacking ecological data. These two indices can effectively identify the most prominent factors in hydrological alteration and biodiversity change through a river network and may provide scientific decision-making support for water resource management in the study area.
Impact of respirator versus surgical masks on SARS-CoV-2 acquisition in healthcare workers: a prospective multicentre cohort
Authors: Haller Sabine , Güsewell Sabine , Egger Thomas , Scanferla Giulia , Thoma Reto , Leal-Neto Onicio B. , Flury Domenica , Brucher Angela , Lemmenmeier Eva , Möller J. Carsten , Rieder Philip , Rütti Markus , Stocker Reto , Vuichard-Gysin Danielle , Wiggli Benedikt , Besold Ulrike , Kuster Stefan P. , McGeer Allison , Risch Lorenz , Schlegel Matthias , Friedl Andrée , Vernazza Pietro , Kahlert Christian R. , Kohler Philipp
Published: February 2022

Background

There is insufficient evidence regarding the role of respirators in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We analysed the impact of filtering facepiece class 2 (FFP2) versus surgical masks on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 acquisition among Swiss healthcare workers (HCW).

Methods

Our prospective multicentre cohort enrolled HCW from June to August 2020. Participants were asked about COVID-19 risk exposures/behaviours, including preferentially worn mask type when caring for COVID-19 patients outside of aerosol-generating procedures. The impact of FFP2 on (1) self-reported SARS-CoV-2-positive nasopharyngeal PCR/rapid antigen tests captured during weekly surveys, and (2) SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion between baseline and January/February 2021 was assessed.

Results

We enrolled 3259 participants from nine healthcare institutions, whereof 716 (22%) preferentially used FFP2. Among these, 81/716 (11%) reported a SARS-CoV-2-positive swab, compared to 352/2543 (14%) surgical mask users; seroconversion was documented in 85/656 (13%) FFP2 and 426/2255 (19%) surgical mask users. Adjusted for baseline characteristics, COVID-19 exposure, and risk behaviour, FFP2 use was non-significantly associated with decreased risk for SARS-CoV-2-positive swab (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.0) and seroconversion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–1.0); household exposure was the strongest risk factor (aHR 10.1, 95% CI 7.5–13.5; aOR 5.0, 95% CI 3.9–6.5). In subgroup analysis, FFP2 use was clearly protective among those with frequent (> 20 patients) COVID-19 exposure (aHR 0.7 for positive swab, 95% CI 0.5–0.8; aOR 0.6 for seroconversion, 95% CI 0.4–1.0).

Conclusions

Respirators compared to surgical masks may convey additional protection from SARS-CoV-2 for HCW with frequent exposure to COVID-19 patients.
Calcined Attapulgite Clay as Supplementary Cementing Material: Thermal Treatment, Hydration Activity and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Shi Tao , Liu Yanming , Zhang Yanlin , Lan Yingjia , Zhao Qifan , Zhao Yujing , Wang Haobo
Published: February 2022

The present paper studied the effects of calcination temperatures (200–800 °C) on the appearance, mineral composition, and active SiO2 content in attapulgite and investigated the effects of attapulgite before and after calcination on the chemically bonded water content, the degree of reaction of cement paste, and the mechanical properties such as the flexural strength, compressive strength, and splitting-tensile strength of cement mortar. The results indicate that the calcination temperature changes the mineral composition of attapulgite, thereby affecting the hydration activity of cement-based materials. The attapulgite calcined at 500 °C (AT500) has the best enhancement on the hydration activity of cement-based materials. The calcination at 500 °C is most beneficial to the dissolution of SiO2, and the content of SiO2 reaches 20.96%. The contents of chemically bonded water in the samples incorporated with calcined attapulgite reduced and that of the samples incorporated with AT500 at 28 d is the same as that of the control group. The reaction degree of AT500 is 78.61% at 28 days. Calcined attapulgite clay can reduce the energy consumption of the cement industry and promote the sustainable development of attapulgite clay.
Routine and preventive health care use in the community among women sentenced to probation
Authors: Lorvick Jennifer , Hemberg Jordana L. , Browne Erica N. , Comfort Megan L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Women involved in the criminal legal (CL) system in the United States have much higher levels of chronic and infectious illness than women in the general population. Over 80% of women in the CL system are on community supervision, which means they receive health care in community settings. While the use of Emergency Department care among CL involved populations has been examined fairly extensively, less is known about engagement in routine and preventive medical care among people on community supervision.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study of health care utilization among women with Medicaid who were currently or previously sentenced to probation in Alameda County, CA (N = 328). At baseline, 6- and 12-months, we interviewed participants about every medical care visit in the six months prior, and about potential influences on  health care utilization based on the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations (BMVP). Associations between BMVP factors and utilization of routine or preventive care were estimated using Poisson regression models with robust standard errors. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used account for repeated measures over time.

Results

A diagnosis of one or more chronic illnesses was reported by 82% of participants. Two-thirds (62%) of women engaged in routine or preventive care in the six months prior to interview. A quarter of women engaging in routine or preventive care did not have a primary care provider (PCP). Having a PCP doubled the likelihood of using routine or preventive care (adjusted Relative Risk [adjRR] 2.27, p < 0.001). Subsistence difficulty (adjRR 0.74, p = 0.01) and unmet mental health care need (adjRR 0.83, p = 0.001) were associated with a lower likelihood of using routine or preventive care.

Conclusion

Findings underscore the importance of meeting the basic needs of women on community supervision and of connecting them with primary health care providers.
Landscape characteristics influence ranging behavior of Asian elephants at the human-wildlands interface in Myanmar
Authors: Chan A. N. , Wittemyer G. , McEvoy J. , Williams A. C. , Cox N. , Soe P. , Grindley M. , Shwe N. M. , Chit A. M. , Oo Z. M. , Leimgruber P.
Published: February 2022

Context

Asian elephant numbers are declining across much of their range driven largely by serious threats from land use change resulting in habitat loss and fragmentation. Myanmar, holding critical range for the species, is undergoing major developments due to recent sociopolitical changes. To effectively manage and conserve the remaining populations of endangered elephants in the country, it is crucial to understand their ranging behavior.

Objectives

Our objectives were to (1) estimate the sizes of dry, wet, and annual ranges of wild elephants in Myanmar; and quantify the relationship between dry season (the period when human-elephant interactions are the most likely to occur) range size and configurations of agriculture and natural vegetation within the range, and (2) evaluate how percentage of agriculture within dry core range (50% AKDE range) of elephants relates to their daily distance traveled.

Methods

We used autocorrelated kernel density estimator (AKDE) based on a continuous-time movement modeling (ctmm) framework to estimate dry season (26 ranges from 22 different individuals), wet season (12 ranges from 10 different individuals), and annual range sizes (8 individuals), and reported the 95%, 50% AKDE, and 95% Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) range sizes. We assessed how landscape characteristics influenced range size based on a broad array of 48 landscape metrics characterizing aspects of vegetation, water, and human features and their juxtaposition in the study areas. To identify the most relevant landscape metrics and simplify our candidate set of informative metrics, we relied on exploratory factor analysis and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Based on this analysis we adopted a final set of metrics into our regression analysis. In a multiple regression framework, we developed candidate models to explain the variation in AKDE dry season range sizes based on the previously identified, salient metrics of landscape composition.

Results

Elephant dry season ranges were highly variable averaging 792.0 km2and 184.2 km2for the 95% and 50% AKDE home ranges, respectively. We found both the shape and spatial configuration of agriculture and natural vegetation patches within an individual elephant’s range play a significant role in determining the size of its range. We also found that elephants are moving more (larger energy expenditure) in ranges with higher percentages of agricultural area.

Conclusion

Our results provide baseline information on elephant spatial requirements and the factors affecting them in Myanmar. This information is important for advancing future land use planning that takes into account space-use requirements for elephants. Failing to do so may further endanger already declining elephant populations in Myanmar and across the species’ range.
Hereditary oral squamous cell carcinoma associated with CDKN2A germline mutation: A case report
Authors: Jeong Ah-Reum , Forbes Kimberly , Orosco Ryan K. , Cohen Ezra E. W.
Published: February 2022

Background

Germline CDKN2A mutations are a well-known cause of familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (OMIM #155601) and melanoma-pancreatic cancer syndrome (OMIM #606719). Increased risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in those with germline CDKN2A mutations, has been described. However, screening for HNSCC is not a routine practice in patients with CDKN2A germline mutations and these mutations are not a conventional test for HNSCC patients without obvious risk factors.

Case presentation

We describe a female with no smoking history who developed oral squamous cell carcinoma at age 39 and had a complex clinical course of recurrent multifocal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and carcinoma in situ of the oral cavity and oropharynx. Detailed family history demonstrated that her mother was diagnosed with OSCC and melanoma in her 40 s, and her maternal grandfather was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in his 40 s. Genetic testing of the patient and her mother revealed CDKN2A c.301G>T mutation. She was referred to genetic counseling as well as to dermatology, gastroenterology, and neurology for cancer surveillance. She was treated with resections and has no evidence of disease 3 years after diagnosis.

Conclusions

We report a family with a CDKN2A c.301 G>T mutation who also have significant history of OSCC, adding to the growing body of literature suggesting increased risk of HNSCC, particularly OSCC, in CDKN2A germline mutation carriers. It is important to consider CDKN2A mutation testing in familial HNSCC and young patients without obvious risk factors. Moreover, surveillance for HNSCC should be routine practice in those with a CDKN2A germline mutation.

Graphical abstract
Normal range of motion at the hip show different pressure behavior in the lateral and acetabular compartments: a cadaveric investigation
Authors: St-Pierre Marc-Olivier , Lavoie Félix-Antoine , Hoffmann Marion , Begon Mickaël , Bertrand-Grenier Antony , Sobczak Stéphane
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The techniques used previously to assess intracapsular pressures did not allow the assessment of pressure variations in both compartments throughout the entire range of motion without puncturing the capsular tissue. Our hypothesis was that the intra-capsular pressure would be different in the lateral and acetabular compartment depending on the movement assessed.

Methods

Eight hip joints from four cadaveric specimens (78.5 ± 7.9 years) were assessed using intra-osseous tunnels reaching the lateral and acetabular compartments. Using injector adaptors, 2.7 ml of liquid were inserted in both compartments to simulate synovial liquid. Optic pressure transducers were used to measure pressure variations. We manually performed hip adduction, abduction, extension, flexion and internal rotation at 90° of flexion.

Results

Hip extension and internal rotation show the highest intra-capsular pressures in the lateral compartment with increases of 20.56 ± 19.29 and 19.27 ± 18.96 mmHg, respectively. Hip abduction and hip internal rotation showed depressurisations of − 16.86 ± 18.01 and − 31.88 ± 30.71 mmHg in the acetabular compartment, respectively. The pressures measured in the lateral compartment and in the acetabular compartment were significantly (P < 0.05) different for the hip abduction, 90° of flexion and internal rotation. Pressure variations showed that maximum intracapsular fluid pressures in the lateral compartment occur at maximum range of motion for all movements.

Conclusion

As an increase in pressure may produce hip pain, clinician should assess pain at maximum range of motion in the lateral compartment. The pressure measured in the acetabular compartment vary depending on the hip position. The movements assessed are used in clinical practice to evaluate hip integrity and might bring pain. The pressure variations throughout the entire range of motion are a relevant information during hip clinical assessment and might help clinicians to better understand the manifestations of pain.
Performance evaluation of the IRIS XL-220 PET/CT system, a new camera dedicated to non-human primates
Authors: Boisson Frédéric , Serriere Sophie , Cao Liji , Bodard Sylvie , Pilleri Alessandro , Thomas Lionel , Sportelli Giancarlo , Vercouillie Johnny , Emond Patrick , Tauber Clovis , Belcari Nicola , Lefaucheur Jean-Luc , Brasse David , Galineau Laurent
Published: February 2022

Background

Non-human primates (NHP) are critical in biomedical research to better understand the pathophysiology of diseases and develop new therapies. Based on its translational and longitudinal abilities along with its non-invasiveness, PET/CT systems dedicated to non-human primates can play an important role for future discoveries in medical research. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a new PET/CT system dedicated to NHP imaging, the IRIS XL-220 developed by Inviscan SAS. This was performed based on the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU 4-2008 standard recommendations (NEMA) to characterize the spatial resolution, the scatter fraction, the sensitivity, the count rate, and the image quality of the system. Besides, the system was evaluated in real conditions with two NHP with18F-FDG and (-)-[18F]FEOBV which targets the vesicular acetylcholine transporter, and one rat using18F-FDG.

Results

The full width at half maximum obtained with the 3D OSEM algorithm ranged between 0.89 and 2.11 mm in the field of view. Maximum sensitivity in the 400–620 keV and 250–750 keV energy windows were 2.37% (22 cps/kBq) and 2.81% (25 cps/kBq), respectively. The maximum noise equivalent count rate (NEC) for a rat phantom was 82 kcps at 75 MBq and 88 kcps at 75 MBq for energy window of 250–750 and 400–620 keV, respectively. For the monkey phantom, the maximum NEC was 18 kcps at 126 MBq and 19 kcps at 126 MBq for energy window of 250–750 and 400–620 keV, respectively. The IRIS XL provided an excellent quality of images in non-human primates and rats using18F-FDG. The images acquired using (-)-[18F]FEOBV were consistent with those previously reported in non-human primates.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results showed that the IRIS XL-220 is a high-resolution system well suited for PET/CT imaging in non-human primates.
Might Gendering Ski Binding Settings be Helpful for the Prevention of ACL Injuries Among Female Recreational Alpine Skiers?
Authors: Posch Markus , Ruedl Gerhard , Tecklenburg Katja , Burtscher Martin
Published: February 2022

When interpreting sex differences in the injury risk during sport activities, potential gender effects are often overlooked. This might actually be the case with regard to the higher injury risk of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in female skiers. A higher failure rate of ski binding releases has been suggested at least partly to explain the more frequent ACL injuries in female skiers. However, as males seem to be predominantly responsible for the development of standards for ski binding settings, one might speculate that they could rather make standards for males than females. If true, the inclusion of female engineers could actually represent an appropriate approach to reduce ACL injures in female recreational skiers.
Treatment of bladder cancer by geoinspired synthetic chrysotile nanocarrier-delivered
circPRMT5
siRNA
Authors: Yu Chunping , Zhang Yi , Wang Ning , Wei Wensu , Cao Ke , Zhang Qun , Ma Peiying , Xie Dan , Wu Pei , Liu Biao , Liu Jiahao , Xiang Wei , Hu Xing , Liu Xuewen , Xie Jianfei , Tang Jin , Long Zhi , Wang Long , Zeng Hongliang , Liu Jianye
Published: February 2022

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have important functions in many fields of cancer biology. In particular, we previously reported that the oncogenic circRNA,
circPRMT5
, has a major role in bladder cancer progression. Therapy based on circRNAs have good prospects as anticancer strategies. While anti-circRNAs are emerging as therapeutics, the specific in vivo delivery of anti-circRNAs into cancer cells has not been reported and remains challenging.

Methods

Synthesized chrysotile nanotubes (SCNTs) with a relatively uniform length (~ 200 nm) have been designed to deliver an siRNA against the oncogenic circPRMT5 (si-circPRMT5) inhibit circPRMT5. In addition, the antitumor effects and safety evaluation of SCNTs/si-circPRMT5 was assessed with a series of in vitro and in vivo assays.

Results

The results showed that SCNTs/si-circPRMT5 nanomaterials prolong si-circPRMT5’s half-life in circulation, enhance its specific uptake by tumor cells, and maximize the silencing efficiency of
circPRMT5
. In vitro, SCNTs encapsulating si-circPRMT5 could inhibit bladder cancer cell growth and progression. In vivo, SCNTs/si-circPRMT5 inhibited growth and metastasis in three bladder tumor models (a subcutaneous model, a tail vein injection lung metastatic model, and an in situ model) without obvious toxicities. Mechanistic study showed that SCNTs/si-circPRMT5 regulated the miR-30c/SNAIL1/E-cadherin axis, inhibiting bladder cancer growth and progression.

Conclusion

The results highlight the potential therapeutic utility of SCNTs/si-circPRMT5 to deliver si-circPRMT5 to treat bladder cancer.
The impact of maritime transport financing on total trade in South Africa
Authors: Matekenya W. , Ncwadi R.
Published: February 2022

The study explored the impact of maritime transport financing on trade in South Africa. Using the Autoregressive Distribution lag model, we examine the impact of maritime transport financing on total trade in South Africa during the period 1994 to 2019. The results confirm a long and short-run positive relationship between maritime transport financing and total trade. The findings suggest an overall, substantial investment in maritime transport has the potential to promote trade flows in South Africa. We recommend more investments towards maritime transport infrastructure to ensure a significant increase in exports, and to stimulate economic development in South Africa.
Do COVID-19 containment measures work? Evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Pleninger Regina , Streicher Sina , Sturm Jan-Egbert
Published: February 2022

We study the interplay of non-pharmaceutical containment measures, human behavior, and the spread of COVID-19 in Switzerland. First, we collect sub-national data and construct indices that capture the stringency of containment measures at the cantonal level. Second, we use a vector autoregressive model to analyze feedback effects between our variables of interest via structural impulse responses. Our results suggest that increases in the stringency of containment measures lead to a significant reduction in weekly infections as well as debit card transactions, which serve as a proxy for behavioral changes in the population. Furthermore, analyzing different policy measures individually shows that business closures, recommendations to work from home, and restrictions on gatherings have been particularly effective in containing the spread of COVID-19 in Switzerland. Finally, our findings indicate a sizeable voluntary reduction in debit card transactions in response to a positive infection shock.
Relation between Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera/Noctuidae) mortality and entomopathogenic fungi persistence in soybean leaflets
Authors: de Souza Tamires Doroteo , Fernandes Fabricio Oliveira , Sanches Ariadne Costa , do Nascimento Joacir , Pinto Antonio Alves , Polanczyk Ricardo Antônio
Published: February 2022

​Background

Entomopathogenic fungi have low persistence in the field because of UV light, high temperatures and low humidity. Thus, this study's objective was to correlate the persistence of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae in soybean leaf by measuring the mortality and sub-lethal effects of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera/Noctuidae). In the 2017–2018 and 2019–2020 soybean seasons, the experiments were conducted on plots subdivided in a completely randomized design. After spraying each plot with the fungal, either B. bassiana or M. anisopliae, leaves were collected hourly for 8 h after application and transferred to the laboratory. The local air temperature was recorded each time. For persistence assessment, the fungal suspension was prepared from the leaf disks; thereafter, 150 µl of the suspension was removed and poured into a plate. After 72 h of inoculation, colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted. For the mortality test, the leaf disks were placed individually in pots and offered to second instar larvae of H. armigera. The surviving larvae were evaluated for sub-lethal effects and biological parameters.

Results

Beauveria bassiana was more persistent than M. anisopliae, which persisted for 3 h in the first year and 5 h in the second year when temperatures were milder; B. bassiana persisted throughout the evaluation period (8 h). The mortality of H. armigera decreased with an increase in the time since application fungal suspension, presenting a range of 86–30% for B. bassiana and 78–4.2% for M. anisopliae.

Conclusion

Assessments of sublethal effects showed an inverse correlation between CFUs and parameters such as fertility and weight.
Whole lung lavage in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: anesthetic management and challenges
Authors: Manohar Manisha , Bansal Priyanka
Published: February 2022

Background

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a rare disorder characterized by alveolar obstruction secondary to the collection of lipoproteinaceous material in the alveoli leading to a spectrum of respiratory illness ranging from mild to severe respiratory failure. Whole lung lavage considered the gold standard for the treatment of PAP is performed under general anesthesia and presents a unique set of challenges to the anesthesiologist. The procedure involves manually removing the lipoproteinacious material by repeating aliquots of fluids and draining periodically after percussion. When done effectively it is quite effective and life-saving procedure.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old female presented with history of gradually progressive shortness of breath, diagnosed to have primary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis for which bilateral whole lung lavage was planned. During the lavage cycles, patient had episodes of desaturation to 60% during which the double lung ventilation was resumed. Her serial ABG revealed a deteriorating oxygenation. In view of increased oxygen requirements, the procedure was carried out in two stages. She made a complete recovery after the procedure.

Conclusions

A multidisciplinary team working with good communication, use of adequate back up plans, meticulous lung separation with double lumen tube, vigilant intraoperative monitoring, short-term postoperative ventilation go a long way in achieving adequate gas exchange in patients with respiratory failure due to pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.
“Smart” greenhouses and pluridisciplinary spaces: supporting adolescents’ engagement and self-efficacy in computation across disciplines
Authors: Jackson David W. , Cheng Yihong , Meng Qi , Xu Yang
Published: February 2022

Educational designers are working to embed computation in required classes outside of computer science (CS) courses, to promote equitable access for all students. While many studies embed computation in one discipline, few include projects that substantively involve many disciplines. We conducted a mixed methods case study with a sequential design to explore adolescents’ self-efficacy and engagement in computational practices, along with practices in several disciplines of science and engineering. In partnership with two eighth-grade environmental science teachers in a culturally and linguistically diverse urban-ring city of the Northeast US, students (N = 199) worked in teams to design, assemble, and code for “smart”, or automated, miniature greenhouses. We report on successes in engagement, along with tensions in self-efficacy, namely relating to generality, social factors, and emotive sources. Specifically, we elaborate on tensions related to (1) engagement via fun and camaraderie vs. disaffection per anxiety and stress; (2) practices as sequential vs. simultaneous; (3) prior experience with coding vs. present application; and (4) disciplinary pre-conceptions vs. expansion. We conclude with implications for educational design of pluridisciplinary spaces, especially for those including computation, and which seek to leverage interest and engagement to develop self-efficacy. Also, we discuss how our study extends self-efficacy theory through its finer-grained analyses with more diverse participants. Ultimately, our work builds on and extends current educational designs for embedding computational practices in required, non-CS classes, a vital concern for adolescents’ present and future civic participation, in personal, social, and professional ways.
Plasmacytoma of the larynx: case report and literature review of laryngeal extra-medullary plasmacytoma
Authors: Cherrabi Kaoutar , Benmansour Najib , El Alami Mohamed Noureddine
Published: February 2022

Background

Monoclonal plasma cell neoplasms are rare; laryngeal solitary plasmacytoma is very rare.

Case presentation

This is the case of a 46-year-old man who has been treated for chronic laryngitis for 8 months; he presented first with dysphonia, dyspnea, and dysphagia. The initial tests showed normal erythrocyte counts, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, elevated CRP, and a thrombocytopenia at 40.000. The rest of the test panel was without incidence. Whole body MRI was performed which showed no additional lesion besides the laryngeal location. Bone marrow biopsy was normal. The patient underwent pan-endoscopy under general anesthesia. The biopsy result showed plasmacytoma. The patient had radiotherapy, after which the patient needed tracheotomy with a good outcome. This work presents a very rare case of laryngeal solitary plasmacytoma, with a literature review of differential diagnosis, as well as current trends in diagnosis, and therapy.

Conclusion

The essential take-home message is that however, this is a rare entity, it should be considered and treated as a malignant disease that could progress to diseases with worse diagnoses. Timely diagnosis and treatment can allow good outcomes and prevention of progression.
Cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential in children with sensorineural hearing loss with and without cochlear implant: a systematic review
Authors: Apeksha Kumari , Devananda Darshan
Published: February 2022

Background

Children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) form a major chunk of the population with hearing difficulty. Since the auditory system is close to the vestibular system and shares the common fluid, the abnormality in the auditory system might impair the functioning of the vestibular system.

Main body of the abstract

The present systematic review aimed at studying the application of cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential responses (cVEMP and oVEMP) during assessment and rehabilitation of children with SNHL with and without a cochlear implant. A systematic search was done across databases on cVEMP and oVEMP findings in children with SNHL. Out of 92 articles retrieved, 21 articles were found to be appropriate as per our inclusion criteria. Significant vestibular abnormality was seen in children with SNHL as shown on cVEMP and oVEMP test reports. The cVEMP and oVEMP abnormalities seen were more in children with SNHL using a cochlear implant. Pre- and post-implantation studies showed a significant reduction in measures of cVEMP and oVEMP after implantation.

Short conclusions

Studies in the last decade reported abnormal cVEMP and oVEMP response in children with SNHL with and without cochlear implantation. cVEMP and oVEMP response is also associated with poor motor development in children with SNHL. Thus, emphasis should be given to assessing vestibular functioning in children with SNHL to rehabilitate them early in life.
Long noncoding RNA RP11-241J12.3 targeting pyruvate carboxylase promotes hepatocellular carcinoma aggressiveness by disrupting pyruvate metabolism and the DNA mismatch repair system
Authors: Cheng Liuliu , Hu Shichuan , Ma Jinhu , Shu Yongheng , Chen Yanwei , Zhang Bin , Qi Zhongbing , Wang Yunmeng , Zhang Yan , Zhang Yuwei , Cheng Ping
Published: February 2022

Accumulating evidence indicates that hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays a key role in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) aggressiveness; however, the underlying mechanisms are not entirely clear. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which participate in the regulation of diverse biological processes, may be critical for the function of HBx. Our research indicated that HBx induced changes in the expression of numerous lncRNAs and implicated the novel lncRNA RP11-241J12.3 in HBx-mediated HCC aggressiveness. Although RP11-241J12.3 expression was downregulated in transient HBx-expressing HCC cells (similar to the early stage of HBV infection), its oncogenic properties remained. The results showed that RP11-241J12.3 not only accelerated DNA synthesis and upregulated the expression of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) and MSH3, which is a key protein in pyruvate metabolism and DNA mismatch repair (MMR), but also promoted tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, thus promoting HCC aggressiveness. More importantly, we revealed that RP11-241J12.3 may interact with PC and identified its location in the cytoplasm close to the nucleus using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We also observed RP11-241J12.3 expression was upregulated in HCC tissues compared with the paracarcinomatous tissues. Furthermore, RP11-241J12.3 expression levels showed a close relationship with clinical stage and tumor size and that low RP11-241J12.3 expression was significantly correlated with longer HCC patient survival. These results further our understanding of the lncRNAs regulated by HBx in HCC, and provide evidence that dysregulation of RP11-241J12.3 contributes to HCC aggressiveness.
Functional Status and Survival in Older Nursing Home Residents With Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A SEER-Medicare Analysis
Authors: Liu Michael A. , Keeney Tamra , Papaila Alexa , Ogarek Jessica , Khurshid Humera , Wulff-Burchfield Elizabeth , Olszewski Adam , Bélanger Emmanuelle , Panagiotou Orestis A.
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE:

Many older patients with advanced lung cancer have functional limitations and require skilled nursing home care. Function, assessed using activities of daily living (ADL) scores, may help prognostication. We investigated the relationship between ADL impairment and overall survival among older patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving care in nursing homes.

METHODS:

Using the SEER-Medicare database linked with Minimum Data Set assessments, we identified patients age 65 years and older with NSCLC who received care in nursing homes from 2011 to 2015. We used Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival curves to examine the relationship between ADL scores and overall survival among all patients; among patients who received systemic cancer chemotherapy or immunotherapy within 3 months of NSCLC diagnosis; and among patients who did not receive any treatment.

RESULTS:

We included 3,174 patients (mean [standard deviation] age, 77 [7.4] years [range, 65-102 years]; 1,664 [52.4%] of female sex; 394 [12.4%] of non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity), 415 (13.1%) of whom received systemic therapy, most commonly with carboplatin-based regimens (n = 357 [86%] patients). The median overall survival was 3.1 months for patients with ADL score < 14, 2.8 months for patients with ADL score between 14 and 17, 2.3 months for patients with ADL score between 18-19, and 1.8 months for patients with ADL score 20+ (log-rank P < .001). The ADL score was associated with increased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.20; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.25 per standard deviation). One standard deviation increase in the ADL score was associated with lower overall survival rate among treated (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.27) and untreated (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.26) patients.

CONCLUSION:

ADL assessment stratified mortality outcomes among older nursing home adults with NSCLC, and may be a useful clinical consideration in this population.
Efficient geometric random walks for high-dimensional sampling from convex bodies
Authors: Χαλκής Απόστολος
Published: February 2022

Η δειγματοληψία υψηλών διαστάσεων είναι ένα θεμελιώδες πρόβλημα με πολλές εφαρμογές στην επιστήμη των υπολογιστών, την εφαρμοσμένη στατιστική και τη μηχανική. Πολλά προβλήματα είναι υπολογιστικά δύσκολα για γενική διάσταση, και ως εκ τούτου, έχει καταβληθεί μεγάλη προσπάθεια στην ανάπτυξη προσεγγιστικών τυχαιοκρατικών αλγορίθμων που βασίζονται σε δειγματοληψία και επιλύουν το εκάστοτε προβλήματα σε πολυωνυμικό χρόνο. Σε αυτή τη διατριβή, παρουσιάζουμε αποτελέσματα αλγοριθμικής πολυπλοκότητας και υλοποίησης για το πρόβλημα της δειγματοληψίας από μια λογαριθμική κοίλη κατανομή όταν ο δειγματικός χώρος είναι ένα κυρτό πολύτοπο -την εφικτή περιοχή ενός γραμμικού προγράμματος- ή ένα σπεκτράεδρο -την εφικτή περιοχή ενός ημικαθορισμένου προγράμματος (ΗΜΠ). Αναπτύσσουμε πρακτικούς πολυβηματικούς αλγόριθμους Monte Carlo για να επιλύσουμε το πρόβλημα της προσέγγισης του όγκου ενός κυρτού σώματος, τη δειγματοληψία από τον χώρο καταστάσεων ενός μεταβολικού δικτύου στη Βιολογία Συστημάτων, και την εκτίμηση της βέλτιστης λύσης ενός ΗΜΠ. Οι αντίστοιχες υλοποιήσεις πραγματοποιούν υπολογισμούς σε χιλιάδες ή εκατοντάδες διαστάσεις, ανάλογα με το πρόβλημα. Επιπλέον, χρησιμοποιούμε αυτές τις μεθόδους και αναπτύσσουμε νέα γεωμετρικά και μαθηματικά εργαλεία για την επίλυση τριών σημαντικών προβλημάτων της χρηματοοικονομικής επιστήμης: (i) την αξιολόγηση χαρτοφυλακίων, (ii) τη βελτιστοποίηση της απόδοσης χαρτοφυλακίων και (iii) την ανίχνευση κρίσεων στα χρηματιστήρια. Για το πρόβλημα (i) εισάγουμε ένα πρωτότυπο υπολογιστικό και μαθηματικό πλαίσιο για τη μοντελοποίηση στρατηγικών επένδυσης, το οποίο έχει ανεξάρτητο ενδιαφέρον για τη χρηματοοικονομική επιστήμη και τις εφαρμογές της. Για το πρόβλημα (ii) αναπτύσσουμε νέα μαθηματικά και υπολογιστικά εργαλεία για τη μοντελοποίηση της κατανομής των αποδόσεων χαρτοφυλακίων. Χρησιμοποιούμε αυτά τα εργαλεία για να ορίσουμε νέα μέτρα (συναρτήσεις) απόδοσης χαρτοφυλακίου που οδηγούν άμεσα σε νέα βέλτιστα χαρτοφυλάκια. Για το πρόβλημα (iii) χρησιμοποιούμε μια γεωμετρική αναπαράσταση μιας χρηματιστηριακής αγοράς για να υπολογίσουμε την από κοινού κατανομή μεταξύ της απόδοσης και του ρίσκου στο χώρο των χαρτοφυλακίων όταν οι περιθώριες κατανομές ακολουθούν την ομοιόμορφη κατανομή. Η ανάλυση αυτών των κατανομών οδηγεί σε έναν νέο δείκτη που εντοπίζει με επιτυχία όλες τις προηγούμενες ιστορικά οικονομικές κρίσεις.
“The Power of Language”: Young People in Greece as “Scapegoats” in Covid-19 Crisis
Authors: Alexopoulou Sofia
Published: February 2022

Governments around the globe take measures to protect citizens against the coronavirus threat. At the end of the day, security becomes a top priority issue and therefore is included in almost every policy agenda. In light of this, some governments seem to victimize certain social groups when they are incapable of addressing successfully the health crisis of Covid-19. An indicative example is the Greek government’s tactic (New Democracy Party) to blame young people for the spread of the virus, while the real ‘culprit’, according to some (Tziantzi & Papadopoulou, 2020), was the restart of tourist industry that resulted in a sharp rise of the Corona incidents. In doing so, language was the key ‘vehicle’ for this purpose along with statistical numbers, but the latter is a whole different discussion that this paper is not going to open. On the contrary, this paper constitutes a problematization on the usage of language for political reasons. Language is not a neutral tool but plays the games of political elites, while it has the power to create new scapegoats. Is this a wise political choice when Greek society encounters so many problems related to the Covid-19 pandemic? Logical reasoning says no. Will young people be the only exception to this rule? Certainty not, today new scapegoats come into light: citizens who refuse to be vaccinated and/or the sprayed’ ones.