bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Health Belief Model on the Participation in Fobt Crc Screening Programme: Case/Control Study
Authors: Rodríguez Martín Menéndez , García-Morales Natalia , Pillado Teresa Seoane , Ramírez Jorge Garau , Salvador Alba Traver , Jiménez Yésica Hervás , Vieito Noel Pin , Rodríguez Luis Menéndez , Cubiella Joaquín
Published: November 2021

BackgroundColorectal cancer is the second cancer-related cause of death in the world. Tumor stage at diagnosis is the principal prognosis factor of survival. However, the participation in the program is around 50%. The aim of the study was to identify the benefits and barriers perceived by the population when participating in a colorectal cancer screening program with faecal occult blood test.MethodsWe carried out a cases-controls study with 408 participants. We analyzed epidemiological and social variables associated with lifestyle and behavioral factors based in the Health Belief Model. We conducted a descriptive analysis, and identified variables associated to adherence by a logistic regression. ResultsVariables independently associated with the participation in a colorectal cancer screening program were age (OR 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01-1.11), having a stable partner (OR 1.96; 95% CI: 1.20-3.18), the level of education (OR 1.59; 95% CI:1.02-2.47) and two of the barriers to participate in the faecal occult blood test screening: “not to know how to do it” (OR=0.46; 95% CI: 0.23-0.93) and “to take the test is currently not a major problem” (OR=0.43; 95% CI: 0.24-0.78).Conclusion The existing barriers for screening with faecal occult blood test are the best factor predicting. This is relevant when designing the intervention programs, as they should focus on reducing perceived barriers to increase the participation in colorectal cancer screening, thereby reducing colorectal cancer mortality.
Effects of Tumor-Rib Distance and Dose-Dependent Rib Volume on Radiation-Induced Rib Fractures in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Lee Sang Mi , Lee Jeong Won , Kim Woo Chul , Min Chul Kee , Kim Eun Seog , Jo In Young
Published: November 2021

Background
Radiation-induced rib fracture (RIRF) is one of the adverse effects of conventional radiotherapy on breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tumor-rib distance and dose-dependent rib volume on RIRFs in patients with breast cancer.
Methods
We retrospectively included 510 women with breast cancer who underwent curative surgical resection with subsequent adjuvant radiotherapy and were followed up using bone scintigraphy. Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered to the whole breast at 50 Gy in 25 fractions for 5 weeks and to the tumor bed at 10–16 Gy in 5–8 fractions. The tumor-rib distance was measured using preoperative computed tomography (CT) images. Postoperative chest wall thickness and dose-dependent rib volumes, which are absolute rib volumes receiving >20 Gy (V20), 30 Gy (V30), 40 Gy (V40), 45 Gy (V45), and 50 Gy (V50), were measured from the stimulation CT images for radiation treatment planning. RIRFs were identified using follow-up bone scintigraphy images. We assessed the relationship of RIRF with tumor-rib distance, postoperative chest wall thickness, and dose-dependent rib volumes.
Results
The median follow-up duration was 58.8 months, and 92 patients (18.0%) experienced RIRF. Univariate analysis revealed that osteoporosis, surgery type, radiation field, tumor-rib distance, postoperative chest wall thickness, V20, V30, V40, V45, and V50 were risk factors for RIRF (p<0.05). Patients with high values of tumor-rib distance and postoperative chest wall thickness had significantly lower risks of RIRF than those with low values. Patients with high values of V20, V30, V40, V45, and V50 had significantly higher risks of RIRF than those with low values. In multivariate analysis, tumor-rib distance and all five dose-dependent rib volumes, as well as osteoporosis and radiation field, were independent risk factors for RIRF (p<0.05).
Conclusions
Tumor-rib distance and dose-dependent rib volume were independent risk factors for RIRF in patients with breast cancer. Restriction of the absolute rib volumes in the radiation field could be effective in reducing the risk of RIRF.
A preliminary study for an intraoperative 3D bioprinting treatment of severe burn injuries.
Authors: Albouy Marion , Desanlis Adeline , Brosset Sophie , Auxenfans Celine , Courtial Edwin-Joffrey , Eli Kyle , Cambron Scott , Palmer Justin , Vidal Luciano , Thépot Amélie , Santos Morgan Dos , Christophe Marquette
Published: November 2021

Background: Intraoperative three-dimensional (3D) fabrication of living tissues could be the next biomedical revolution in patient treatment. Approach: We developed a surgery-ready robotic 3D bioprinter and demonstrated that a bioprinting procedure using medical grade hydrogel could be performed using a 6-axis robotic arm in vivo for treating burn injuries.Results: We conducted a pilot swine animal study on a deep third-degree severe burn model. We observed that the use of cell-laden bioink as treatment substantially affects skin regeneration, producing in situ fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), necessary for tissue regeneration and re-epidermalization of the wound. Innovation and Conclusion: We described an animal study of intraoperative 3D bioprinting living tissue. This emerging technology brings the first proof of in vivo skin printing feasibility using a surgery-ready robotic arm-based bioprinter. Our positive outcome in skin regeneration, joined with this procedure's feasibility, allow us to envision the possibility of using this innovative approach in a human clinical trial in the near future.
What Facets of Picky Eating Relate To Eating Concerns in Undergraduate Students?: The Moderating Effects of Inflexible Eating and Mental Health Concerns
Authors: Barnhart Wesley R. , Dial Lauren A. , Jordan Amy K. , Studer-Perez Emma I. , Kalantzis Maria A. , Musher-Eizenman Dara R.
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Picky eating (PE) can occur in adulthood and is associated with mental health concerns. PE is often conceptualized as distinct from disordered eating, but recent research maps positive relationships between these maladaptive eating phenotypes. Relatedly, recent research suggests PE is more strongly related to eating concerns, a facet of disordered eating, via inflexible eating and mental health concerns, but precisely what PE facets explain these relations remain unknown.Methods: A large, undergraduate sample (N=509) completed an online survey assessing PE facets (Adult Picky Eating Questionnaire; meal presentation, food variety, meal disengagement, and taste aversion), disordered eating (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire), specifically eating concerns, mental health concerns (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items), and inflexible eating (Inflexible Eating Questionnaire).Results: Positive relationships emerged between PE facets, eating concerns, inflexible eating, and mental health concerns. Meal disengagement was more strongly associated with eating concerns when inflexible eating was higher, whereas food variety and meal presentation were more strongly associated with eating concerns when mental health concerns was higher. Inflexible eating and mental health concerns did not significantly interact with taste aversion to explain variance in eating concerns.Conclusions: Considering PE multidimensionally may yield important insights beyond the broader construct. Mental health concerns and inflexible eating may be treatment and research targets in addressing the overlap between PE facets such as meal presentation, meal disengagement, and food variety and eating concerns. Level of Evidence: Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
Smad Interacting Protein-1 is Essential for Oligodendrocyte Differentiation
Authors: Chen Ziwei , Wang Yuanmei , Fan Xiaobin , Huang Jufang , Fan Chunling
Published: November 2021

Precursor/stem cell substitutive therapy to promote remyelination is an ideal strategy for central nervous system demyelinating diseases such as spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the microenvironment of the injured area is not conducive to the survival, differentiation, and functions of the transplanted cells. Identifying and regulating the key inhibitory factors might be an important target for the treatment of demyelinating diseases. Smad interacting protein-1 (Sip1) is a transcription factor that binds to phosphorylated R-Smad in the nucleus, which promotes remyelination by inducing the differentiation of oligodendrocytes. In this study, we show that the expression of Sip1 is up-regulated and peaks by 1 day and then returns to normal levels 7 days after SCI. Most Sip1 positive cells were oligodendrocytes. In vitro, Sip1 was weakly expressed in the cytoplasm of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), significantly up-regulated in immature oligodendrocytes, and showed significant nuclear transposition. In contrast, Sip1 expression levels in mature oligodendrocytes decreased to levels similar to those in OPCs. The RNA interference of Sip1 in OPCs reduced the level of myelin basic protein (a mature oligodendrocyte marker protein, MBP) and pERK1/2 (a key molecule of the ERK/MAPK pathway) in oligodendrocytes. These findings suggest that Sip1 is essential for oligodendrocyte differentiation and might affect the ERK/MAPK signal pathway. The results provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of demyelinating lesions such as spinal cord injury by regulating Sip1 expression in oligodendrocytes.
Depression Scores and Quality of Life of Vertiginous Patients, Suffering from Different Vestibular Disorders
Authors: Molnár András , Maihoub Stefani , Mavrogeni Panayiota , Tamás László , Szirmai Ágnes
Published: November 2021

Background:Vertigo complaints are strongly associated with deterioration of patients’ quality of life (QoL). Vertigo and dizziness can result in depression and anxiety; therefore, the diagnosis and management of these concomitant psychiatric disorders can improve the patients’ quality of life. The aim of the present study was to contrast the QoL impairment and depression scores of patients suffering from different vestibular disorders. Methods:301 patients were examined due to vertiginous complaints at the Neurotologic Tertiary Rereferral Centre of the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of Semmelweis University. These patients completed the Hungarian version of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Symptom-Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) questionnaires. Results:According to neurotologic examination, the distribution of the different diagnoses was as follows: Ménière’s disease (n= 101), central vestibular disorders (n= 67), benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (n= 47), vestibular neuritis (n= 39), other unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy (n= 18), Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (n= 16), vestibular migraine (n= 8), and vestibular Schwannoma (n= 5). The results of the DHI questionnaire have indicated worsened QoL in 86.4%, out of which 33.6% was defined as severe. The Beck scale has shown depressive symptoms in 42.3% of the cases, with severe symptoms in 6.3%. Significantly higher total DHI and Beck scale results were observed in patients with central vestibular disorders, vestibular migraine, Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness and unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy, contrasted to the results of the other four diagnosis groups. The onset of the symptoms did not significantly affect the severity of QoL worsening and depression symptoms.Conclusion:In this study, the QoL of vertiginous patients was worse in general, with the occurrence of depression symptoms. Difference was observed in case of the values of patients with different vestibular disorders, indicating the importance of different factors, e.g., central vestibular compensation, behavioural strategies and psychological factors.
Synthesis of typical sulfonamide antibiotics with [14C]- and [13C]-labelling on phenyl ring for environmental studies
Authors: Wu Xuan , Yao Yao , Wang Lianhong , Zhou Dashun , Sun Feifei , Chen Jianqiu , Corvini Philippe Francois-Xavier , Ji Rong
Published: November 2021

Background

As a kind of widely used antibiotics, sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) has become ubiquitous environmental contaminants that caused public concerns. The behavior of SAs in complex environmental system need to be elucidated, which is hampered by unavailability or high cost of isotope-labelled SAs.
Results

Using commercially available uniformly [l4C]- and [l3C]-labelled aniline as starting material, we synthesized [phenyl-ring-14C]- and [phenyl-ring-l3C]-labelled sulfamethoxazole (SMX), sulfamonomethoxine (SMM), and sulfadiazine (SDZ) using four-step (via condensation of labelled N-acetylsulfanilyl chloride and aminoheterocycles) or five-step (via condensation of labelled N-acetylsulfonamide and chloroheterocycles) reactions in good yields (5.0−22.5% and 28.1−54.1% for [14C]- and [13C]-labelled SAs, respectively) and high purities (> 98.0%).
Conclusion

The synthesis of [l4C]-labelled SAs could be completed on milligram-level, being feasible for preparation of labelled SAs with high specific radioactivity. This study provides efficient and maneuverable methods to obtain a variety of [14C]- or [13C]-labelled SAs for studies on their environmental behavior, such as fate, transformation, and bioaccumulation.
Culture and Identification of Multipotent Stem Cells in Guinea Pig Sclera
Authors: Chen Kaichuan , Zhou Yanping , Sheng Minjie , Li Min
Published: November 2021

Background: to investigate whether the sclera of guinea pig contains stem cells with multiple differentiation potentials.Methods: Scleral tissue from guinea pig was separated from the retina and choroid and digested to release single cells. The cells cultured was identified as stem cells by flow cytometric analysis, semiquantitative RT-PCR. Abilities for multipotent differentiation were analyzed by histochemical staining technique (oil-red-O staining, alcian blue staining and alizarin red staining). Results: The cultured scleral stem cells were positive for CD44 and CD105 (mesenchymal stem cell surface markers) by flow cytometry. The cells cultured expressed stem cell markers ABCG2, Notch1, Six2 and Pax6, and the most important component of sclera type I collagen. The positive staining informed that the cells cultured were able to differentiate to adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic lineages.Conclusion: The guinea pig sclera contained stem cells with multiple differentiation potentials. The cells were also related to scleral collagen and cartilage related proteins. The finding may provide a new tool to help clarify mechanisms of sclera related disease in further studies.
Parental, Gestational, and Early-life Exposure to Indoor Environmental Hazardous Facto Rs on Allergic Rhinitis Among Preschool Children in Urumqi City: A Case-control Study
Authors: Shi Haonan , Qi Huizhen , Jiang Lan , Lin Yuting , Wang Tingting , Yao Jian , Dong Huijuan , Lu Junwen , Wang Yue , Yin Zhe , Qi Xinyu , Yan Qi
Published: November 2021

BackgroundAllergic rhinitis is a disease associated with impaired quality of life and heredity. This study aimed to investigate the association of allergic rhinitis (AR) in preschool children with exposure to indoor environment-related factors early in life. MethodsIn August 2019, we implemented a study among 2020 preschool children in Urumqi City using a case-control design. The study included parental reports for the occurrence of AR in children, parental history of respiratory disease, and indoor environmental correlates of maternal exposure from 1 year prior to pregnancy until the child's age of 0-1 years.ResultsMode of birth (caesarean section) (OR=1.31, 95%CI=1.02~1.67), father with AR (OR=2.67, 95%CI=2.08~3.44), mother with AR (OR=3.70, 95%CI=2.88~4.74), mother with asthma (OR=3.11, 95%CI=1.18~8.20), and mother with newly purchased furniture in the parents' residence during pregnancy (OR=1.49, 95%CI=1.03~2.14) were risk factors for AR in children. ConclusionsThe focus of allergic rhinitis should should be on children with a family history of AR and asthma and caesarean delivery. Primary prevention efforts for AR in preschool children are avoiding exposure of children to indoor environmental hazardous factors early in life.
A Study and Assessment of the Carbon Footprint of Tianjin University’s Weijin Road and Peiyangyuan Campuses, China
Authors: zayit abduxukur , Song Kun , Ghengare Antariksh Bhagwan , Gao Feng
Published: November 2021

BackgroundA living University campus is like a model city; its energy and carbon auditing can also model how energy and carbon can be studied and analyzed in a city. China’s colleges and universities face grave problems, now and in the future - from declining quality of campus environments to deteriorating building performance, antiquated facilities, and inefficient energy and resources consumption. While research and discussion exists on improving existing university buildings’ energy performance and evaluation standards - much of that research focuses on energy savings, rather than on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Calculation of campus carbon emissions is the first step for transforming and planning each existing university to carbon neutral campus. Some researchers of campus carbon emissions in China have made calculations, which, although as yet unpublished, create an initial framework for carbon-neutral campus plan targets. The present research gives an overview of universities’ drive towards sustainability in China and in other countries. The paper then details carbon footprint accounting steps, quantifying major carbon emission sources and carbon sequestration by vegetation inside the Tianjin University’s Weijin Road and Peiyangyuan Campuses. Results from China’s universities are compared with international results in the scientific literature. In this paper, based on this data, we suggest strategies and show preliminary target settings for how to transform Weijin Road into a carbon-neutral campus. ResultsAnnual carbon emissions for 2019 of the Weijin Road campus were 58,172.68 tonnes, (2.60 tonnes per person), and Peiyangyuan campus, 55,213.75 tonnes (2.46 tonnes per person). The largest sources of the two campuses’ greenhouse gas emissions were electricity and gas; Weijin Road campus; electricity = 61.42%, gas = 20.73%, and Peiyangyuan campus electricity = 69.32%, gas = 11.60%. Carbon sequestered in the two campuses by vegetation are 11,257.34 tonnes and 27,856.51 tonnes respectively. The renewable energy contribution to carbon reduction in Peiyangyuan campus is 50.85 tonnes.ConclusionPer person carbon emissions of Tianjin University’s two campuses are below the average for some US campuses, but are also greater than some in European countries. Research may investigate methods used by successful campuses towards becoming carbon neutral.
Asiatic Acid Attenuates Aluminium Chloride-Induced Behavioral Changes, Neuronal Loss and Astrocyte Activation in Rats
Authors: Suryavanshi Jyoti , Prakash Chandra , Sharma Deepak
Published: November 2021

Aluminium (Al) is a potent neurotoxic metal known to cause neurodegeneration. Al exposure generates oxidative stress by accumulation of reactive oxygen species in the brain that is followed by the activation of neuronal cell death. Asiatic acid (AA), the major bioactive compound of Centella asiatica (a medicinal plant), act as multifunctional drug as well as an antioxidant. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of AA against Al neurotoxicity. Rats were orally administered with 100 mg/kg b. wt. of aluminium chloride (AlCl3) dissolved in distilled water for 8 weeks or AA (75 mg/kg b. wt.) in combination with Al. The results showed that AlCl3-intoxication caused significantly impaired memory, enhanced anxiety-like behavior, increased acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity and higher level of malondialdehydes (MDA) along with concomitantly decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain. In addition, Al exposure caused neuronal loss and enhanced reactive astrogliosis in both regions. However, co-administration of AA with AlCl3 significantly attenuated behavioral alterations, improved AChE, SOD and CAT activities and decreased MDA level. Further, the study demonstrated that AA attenuated neuronal loss and reactive astrogliosis in rat brain. In conclusion, AA could protect rat brain from Al toxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress, neuronal loss and reactive astrogliosis.
The Vastus Medialis Oblique Compensates in Current Patellar Dislocation Patients with The Increased Femoral Anteversion
Authors: Dong Conglei , Zhao Chao , Wang Fei
Published: November 2021

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) compensates in patella dislocation patients with the increase of femoral anteversion angle (FAA).Methods From January 2016 to January 2021, a total of 30 knees of 27 patients with recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD Group) were reviewed for this study. Among these patients, 13 patients with patellar dislocation and excessive FAA, >30° were assigned to A Group, and 17 patients with the patellar dislocation without excessive FAA,≤30 were assigned to B Group. And 27 age and sex matched knees without patellofemoral disorders were enrolled as control (C Group). The area of the VMO and vastus lateralis muscle (VLM) was measured 20 mm above the upper edge of the patella, and the ratio of the VMO and VLM area was calculated. The correlation relationship of FAA and VMO, VLM was analyzed.Results Comparing with the C Group, the RPD Group had a significantly larger FAA (30.10± 9.61°vs 15.00± 1.85°, P< 0.05), and smaller VMO/VLM ratio (3.49±1.00/4.18±1.51, P< 0.05), and the VMO/VLM ratio was significantly greater in A Group than the B Group (3.97±1.11 vs3.12±0.70, P< 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in VMO/VLM ratio among A Group and C Group (3.12±0.70/3.97±1.11, P> 0.05). And the VMO/VLM ratio was decreased in the B Group compared with the C Group (3.12±0.70/4.18±1.51, P< 0.05). The VMO/VLM ratio was positively correlated with the FAA(r=0.42) in the RPD Group.Conclusion Compared with the C Group, the patients with recurrent patellar dislocation had a smaller VMO/VLM ratio. Moreover, the FAA was positively correlated with the VMO/VLM in patients with patella dislocation. This finding explained the compensatory thickening of the VMO in response to excessive FAA in patients with patella dislocation.
Naturalistic Driving Measures of Route Selection Associate With Resting State Networks in Older Adults
Authors: Wisch Julie K. , Roe Catherine M. , Babulal Ganesh M. , Metcalf Nicholas , Johnson Ann M. , Murphy Samantha , Hicks Jamie , Doherty Jason M. , Morris John C. , Ances Beau M.
Published: November 2021

Within a cohort of cognitively normal older individuals, we compared performance on naturalistic driving with resting state functional connectivity using machine learning. Functional networks associated with the ability to interpret and respond to external sensory stimuli and the ability to multi-task were associated with measures of route selection. Maintenance of these networks may be important for continued preservation of driving abilities. It is possible that targeted interventions could be developed to train these networks.
The Impact of Anastomosis Location in Patients with Lower Thoracic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Zhai Wenyu , Fu Shenshen , Li Xiaoqiang , Duan Fangfang , Liao Hongying , Wang Junye
Published: November 2021

BackgroundSeveral kinds of anastomoses with varying locations that can be performed after the surgical resection of lower thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic impact of anastomosis locations in these patients who underwent radical esophagectomy.MethodsLower thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients which underwent radical esophagectomy and confirmed as microscopically complete resection were retrospectively enrolled. Anastomoses below the aortic arch or below the azygos arch were defined as low anastomosis. Other anastomoses were defined as high anastomosis. Overall survival of these two kinds of anastomoses were analyzed using the log-rank test and Cox regression model.ResultsOf the 781 patients enrolled, 196 and 585 were classified as the low anastomosis and high anastomosis groups, respectively. Overall, the survival time in low anastomosis group (median OS, 36.1 versus 65.4; P=0.01) was shorter than high anastomosis group but no statistical difference was observed in multivariate analysis (P=0.195). Again, no significant difference in survival between low anastomosis and high anastomosis group (median OS, 140.9 versus 124.8; P=0.345) were observed in pT1-T2 subgroup. In pT3-T4 subgroups, patients with low anastomosis group had significantly poorer survival that those with high anastomosis (median OS, 27.1 versus 42.9, P=0.003), even after controlling for other confounders (P=0.026). Notably, the impact of anastomosis location on long-term survival in pT3-4 patients was not significantly modified by nodal status. The internal validation of patients undergoing Sweet approach shown that pT3-T4 patients with high anastomosis had survival advantages (adjusted HR=0.711, 95%CI, 0.601 0.990, P=0.041)ConclusionsFor lower thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with declared T3-4 status, low anastomosis is associated with worse prognosis and should be avoided.
Clinicopathologic Features and Prognostic Value of DNA Mismatch Repair Statues for Stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ Colorectal Cancer in Northeast China.
Authors: Shang An , Zhao Zeyun , Wang Zhaoyong , Li Donglin , Guo Yu , Qi Rui , Yang Yang , Wang Min
Published: November 2021

Background MSI CRCs were associated with better prognosis and limited predictive value for adjuvant chemotherapy. However, whether the same is true in Northeastern China is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of clinicopathologic features and MMR/MSI status determined with immunohistochemistry analysis in Northeast China patients with stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ CRCs. Particularly, we sought to detect the relationship between MMR/MSI status and efficacy of oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine based adjuvant chemotherapy.MethodsIn total, 476 pathological specimens from eligible stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ CRCs were analyzed with IHC between 2016 and 2018, of which 63 CRCs were diagnosed with MMR protein deficiency. Clinicopathological features and overall survival (OS) were compared between these above two groups. Result The incidence of dMMR CRCs in our cohort was 13.2 % (63/476). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed two common dMMR IHC patterns in 63 dMMR CRCs. And dMMR type1 showed a higher proportion of women (P=0.001) and earlier pathological N stage (P=0.075). In the multivariate Cox regression model, POC and dMMR were associated with a favor prognosis in CRC patients with stage II/III (HR 0.47, 95%CI 0.30-0.74, P=.001; HR 0.34, 95%CI 0.14-0.79, P=.013). However, adjuvant chemotherapy based on oxaliplatin and fluorouracil cannot prolong the OS of dMMR CRCs (P=0.182). Conclusions MMR protein appeared distinct associations with tumor staging, serum CEA level and tumor size. And MMR protein was an independent prognostic marker in patients with stage Ⅱ CRC, whereas dMMR CRC patients did not seem to benefit from oxaliplatin combined with fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy.
Barley Seedlings in Response to Salinity And Artemisinin Stress in The Present of Freeze-Thaw Stress
Authors: Wei Zhang , Guozhang Bao , Wenyi Tang , Gejun Dai , Jing Xiao , Jiapeng Liu , Zhao Wang , Xi Jinghui
Published: November 2021

In the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, both the large daily temperature difference and soil salinization make plants susceptible to abiotic stresses such as freeze-thaw and salinity. Meanwhile, crops in this area could be subjected to the influence of artemisinin, an allelochemical exuded by Artemisia annua. In the context of freeze-thaw and salinity stresses, artemisinin was induced as an allelopathy stress factor to explore the physiological response of highland barley, including the relative electrical conductivity (RC), soluble protein (SP) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and water use efficiency (WUE).There data suggested that artemisinin weakened the self-osmotic adjustment ability of seedlings, reducingthe SOD activity in scavenging efficiency of reactive oxygen species, then causing oxidative damage to cell membrane of seedlings, which significantly increases the content of RC and MDA. Artemisinin stress can reduce the WUE of seedlings and weaken the photosynthesis intensity of seedlings as well. In a word, salinitystress and artemisinin respectively showed a synergistic compound relationship with freeze-thaw stress.
MiR-937-3p Promotes Metastasis and Angiogenesis and is Activated by MYC in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ma Zijian , Chen Ganyi , Chen Yiqian , Guo Zizhang , Chai Hao , Tang Yu , Zheng Lin , Wei Ke , Pan Chunfeng , Ma Zhifei , Zhang Aiping , Xia Yang
Published: November 2021

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still one of the diseases with the highest mortality and morbidity, and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the majority of NSCLC. miRNA can be used as a potential biological marker and treatment for lung adenocarcinoma. However, the effect of miR-937-3p to the invasion and metastasis of LUAD cells is not clear.Methods: miRNA microarray is used to analyze the expression of miRNA in lung adenocarcinoma tissue. Transwell, Wound-healing assay and Western blot analysis are used to analyze cell migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) capabilities. Tubeformation is used to assess angiogenesis ability. In addition, dual luciferase reporter gene detection is used to identify the potential binding between miRNA and target mRNA. In vitro experiments were performed on male BALB/c nude mice by tail vein injection to establish a transplanted tumor model. The CHIP experiment is used to verify the transcription factors of miRNA.Result: In our study, miR-937-3p was high-regulated in LUAD cell lines and tissues, and its expression level was related to tumor progression. We found that miR-937-3p high-expression has an effect on cell invasion and metastasis. In molecular mechanism, miR-937-3p causes SOX11 reduction by directly binding to the 3'-UTR of SOX11.In addition, MYC affects miR-937-3p transcription by binding to its promoter region.Conclusion: Our research shows that miR-937-3p is mediated by MYC and can control the angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis of LUAD by regulating SOX11, which is a therapeutic target and potential biomarker for LUAD.
Soil and Vegetation Patterns Along a Toposequence in a Dolomite Peak-cluster Depression Catchment
Authors: Meng Qingmei , Fu Zhiyong , Wang Sheng , Chen Hongsong
Published: November 2021

AimA deeper understanding of relationships between soil and vegetation is a prerequisite for accelerating karst area vegetation restoration. Remarkable achievements have been made at regional and individual plant scales, but research on the relationship between soil and vegetation is insufficient at the hillslope catena scale in karst areas.MethodsSoils and vegetation were investigated along a toposequence (upper-, middle-, lower-slope, and depression) of a dolomite peak-cluster depression catchment.ResultsA continuous soil catena pattern was developed along the toposequence. From the top to bottom of soil catena, soil thickness, fine soil mass ratio, nutrient stocks, and epikarst thickness gradually increased, while gravel mass ratio, pH, and saturated hydraulic conductivity gradually decreased. However, nutrient contents showed no significant change trends along the soil catena. There was a strong spatial association between soil types and dominant vegetation communities. The associations were as follows: herbs associated with entisols in the upper-slope; herbs and shrubs with inceptisols in the middle-slope; shrubs with semi-alfisols in the lower-slope; and trees with alfisols in the depression. ConclusionsThe dolomite rocks displayed an evenly progressive karstification process. This led to an undeveloped underground karstic network incapable of transporting soil materials into underground. Soil materials still accumulated at different topographic positions surface and formed a continuous catena. Parameters for nutrient stock may be more suitable for assessing soil productivity and to guide vegetation restoration key factors in karst regions than nutrient content parameters.
A Giant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of Duodenal Origin with Spontaneous Rupture Bleeding: A Case Report
Authors: Han Zheqi , Lu Baochun , Yu Jianhua , Zhu Zhiyang
Published: November 2021

BackgroundThe duodenum is a rare site of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). The unique anatomical characteristics and rich blood supply of the duodenum make it difficult to treat duodenal GISTs in patients with bleeding.Case presentationHere we report a case of a 76-year-old female was hospitalized with a large GIST that originated in the duodenum. Imaging assessment suggested that the tumor could not be radically resected. However, the tumor was rupturing and bleeding, and therefore pancreaticoduodenectomy had to be performed. After receiving imatinib postoperatively, the patient has recovered during the 1 year after the operation.ConclusionThe results of this case suggest that pancreaticoduodenectomy may be a better choice for duodenal GISTs with rupture and bleeding.
Assessment of Adherence to Guidelines for Testing and Treatment of Pharyngitis Among Children in Palestine: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Najjar Shahenaz , Falana Hiba H , Sultan Haya O , Dreidi Mutaz , Ata Razan O , Manasrah Maryam A , Naseef Hani A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Acute Pharyngitis is a common upper respiratory tract infection, and is considered to be one of the leading causes for paediatric outpatient visits. Bacterial pharyngitis is less common and is mainly caused by Group A Beta haemolytic streptococcus (GABHS), also known as Streptococcus pyogenes. Accurate diagnosis guided by appropriate diagnostic tools is essential in managing paediatric pharyngitis as antibiotics are indicated only for documented bacterial cases. This researched aimed to assess the extent of physicians’ adherence to clinical guidelines regarding the testing and management of pharyngitis among children in Palestine.
Method

A retrospective, observational study that was conducted at the Palestine Medical Complex (PMC). Data were collected from the emergency department between June and December 2019. The Modified Centor score was used to assess the extent of physicians’ adherence to guidelines regarding pharyngitis testing and management among children 3 to 13 years old. It included assessing throat swab collection and antibiotics prescribing. SPSS was used for data analysis.
Results

A total of 290 cases were collected. 217 patients (74 .8 %) had a Modified Centor score of ≥ 2; 126 of them received antibiotics and swab was taken for only 8 of them. On the other hand, 73 cases (25.2 %) had a Modified Centor score of < 2; 34 of them received antibiotics. Azithromycin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic (41.3%), followed by Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (38.1%). The frequency of empirical antibiotics prescribing was significantly higher among children with Centor score >2, elder children and those presenting with fever.
Conclusion

Pharyngitis management should include appropriate swab collection and antibiotic selection. Prescribing antibiotics empirically early on for most patients with pharyngitis will hasten the development of bacterial resistance and will increase the cost of treatment without adding any benefit in terms of protecting patients from pharyngitis complications.
Left Ventricular Myocardial T1 Values and Extracellular Volume Fraction in Asymptomatic Subjects: Variations According to Left Ventricular Segments and Correlation with Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Kim Moon Young , Cho Soo Jin , Kim Hae Jin , Kim Sung Mok , Lee Sang-Chol , Paek MunYoung , Choe Yeon Hyeon
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the normal range and variation in pre-contrast (preT1) and post-contrast (postT1) myocardial T1 values and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) according to left ventricular (LV) segments and to check for correlations between them and known cardiovascular risk factors.Methods: This study included 233 asymptomatic subjects (210 men and 23 women; aged 54.1±6.0 years) who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with preT1 and postT1 mapping on a 1.5-T scanner. T1 values and ECVs were compared among LV segments, age groups, and sex, and correlated with renal function. Based on the presence of hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM), the subjects were subdivided into the control (n=121), HTN (n=58), DM (n=25), and HTN and DM (HTN-DM) groups (n=29).Results: T1 values and ECV showed significant differences between the basal septal and lateral segments (p≤0.001) and between the mid-septal and mid-lateral segments (PreT1 p≤0.003, postT1 and ECV p<0.001). Among subgroups according to the HTN and DM status, the HTN-DM group showed a significantly higher ECV (0.260±0.023) than the control (0.240±0.021, p=0.011) and HTN (0.241±0.024, p=0.041) groups. Overall postT1 and ECV of the LV had significant correlation with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.19, p=0.038 for postT1; r = -0.23, p=0.011 for ECV).Conclusion: Septal segments show higher preT1 and ECV but lower postT1 than lateral segments at the mid-ventricular and basal levels. ECV is significantly affected by cardiovascular risk factors such as HTN, DM, and decreased renal function, even in asymptomatic subjects.
IgA Vasculitis and COVID-19 in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lecea Eva Maria Glenn , Abisad Daniela Aguilar , Paredes Ana , Hay Arielle
Published: November 2021

Background: Immunoglobulin A vasculitis is the most common form of vasculitis in children. The diagnosis is made clinically and patients will present with a rash, together with gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and renal system involvement. Progress in the classification of the systemic vasculitides has facilitated better understanding of the pathogenesis underlying these inflammatory conditions. Over the past year, several cases of IgA vasculitis have been reported in both children and adults in association with SARS-CoV2 infection, raising the question of whether there is any causal or even a synergistic association.Methods: This systematic review was performed following the guidelines of Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, SciELO and Google Scholar using the search terms “COVID-19” or “SARS-CoV-2" in combination with “IgA vasculitis”, or “Henoch-Schonlein Purpura”. We considered articles to be eligible for inclusion if they reported a case report or series of cases of IgA vasculitis associated with proven COVID-19 infection. We excluded cases from further review if the case reported was a patient older than 18 years. WHO causality assessment categories were used to standardize case causality. Results: After reviewing the complete article and applying our exclusion criteria, 12 articles describing 12 cases of COVID-19 associated IgA vasculitis in children were included. In 83% of the cases the diagnosis of COVID-19 was made on presentation of IgA symptoms or on presentation to seek medical care. In 17% of cases the SARS Cov-2 test was positive before IgA vasculitis symptoms presentation. The mean age of the patients was 7.3 years of age (SD ±4.8). Male to female ratio was 3:1. Lower extremity purpura was present in all 12 patients. Gastrointestinal manifestations were present in 7 patients. Oligoarthritis was present in 7 patients. Three patients presented renal involvement with hematuria/proteinuria. Conclusions: During the pandemic, several autoimmune phenomena have been described to co-occur with or following COVID-19. The exact role of COVID-19 in the development of these IgA-related diseases is still being explored. Our review of case series and case reports with standardized causality assessment identified 12 cases of IgA vasculitis associated with COVID-19 infection in children.
Alterations in Cortisol and Interleukin-6 Secretion in Patients With COVID-19 Suggestive of Neuroendocrine-Immune Adaptations
Authors: Yavropoulou Maria P. , Filippa Maria G. , Mantzou Aimilia , Ntziora Fotinie , Mylona Maria , Tektonidou Maria G. , Vlachogiannis Nikolaos I. , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Kaltsas Gregory A. , Chrousos George P. , Sfikakis Petros P.
Published: November 2021

Purpose: The beneficial effect of glucocorticoids in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is established, but whether adrenal cortisol secretion is impaired in COVID-19 is not fully elucidated. In this case-control study we investigated the diurnal free bioavailable salivary cortisol secretion in COVID-19 patients.Methods: Fifty-two consecutive COVID-19 patients -before dexamethasone treatment- recruited between April 15th -June15th-2021, (NCT04988269) at Laikon Athens University-Hospital, and 33 healthy age- and sex-matched controls were included. Diurnal salivary cortisol (8am, 12, 6, and 10pm), plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and aldosterone, and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were assessed. Diurnal salivary dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and IL-6 were also assessed in subgroups of patients.ResultsMedian CRP and IL-6 measurements were about 6-fold higher in patients than controls (both p<0.001) Morning salivary cortisol levels did not differ between the two groups, but patients exhibited higher median levels of evening and nocturnal salivary cortisol compared to controls [0.391(0.054, 0,663) vs. 0.081(0.054, 0.243)μg/dl, p<0.001 and 0.183(0.090, 0.834) vs. 0.054(0.054, 0.332)μg/dl, p<0.001, respectively], resulting in higher time-integrated area under the curve (AUC) (4.81±2.46 vs. 2.75±0.810, respectively, p<0.001). Circulating ACTH, DHEA, and aldosterone levels were similar in patients and controls. Serum IL-6, but not ACTH levels, WAS strongly correlated with nocturnal cortisol salivary levels (rho=0.555, p<0.001) in patients.ConclusionIncreased evening and nocturnal but not morning cortisol secretion occur in even clinically mild COVID-19. In the context of acute viral infection (Covid-19), IL-6 may partially replace ACTH as a stimulus of the glucocorticoid-secreting adrenal zona-fasciculata without influencing the secretion of DHEA and aldosterone.
Altered Effective Connectivity in Migraine Patients During Emotional Stimuli: a Multi-frequency Magnetoencephalography Study.
Authors: Ren Jing , Yao Qun , Tian Minjie , Li Feng , Chen Yueqiu , Chen Qiqi , Xiang Jing , Shi Jingping
Published: November 2021

Background: Migraine is a common and disabling primary headache associated with a wide range of psychiatric comorbidities. However, the mechanisms of emotion processing in migraine are not fully understood yet. The present study was designed to investigate the neural network during neutral, positive，and negative emotional stimuli in migraine suffers.Methods: We enrolled 24 migraine suffers and 24 age- and sex-matched controls in this study. Neuromagnetic brain activity was recorded by using a whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG) system towards human faces expression pictures. MEG data were analyzed in the multi-frequency band of 1–100 Hz.Results: Migraine patients exhibited significantly enhanced effective connectivity from the prefrontal lobe to the temporal cortex during negative emotional stimuli in the gamma band(30-90Hz). Graph theory analysis revealed that patients had (1) an increased degree and clustering coefficient of connectivity in the delta band(1-4Hz) during positive emotional stimuli; (2) an increased degree of connectivity in the delta band(1-4Hz) during negative emotional stimuli.Conclusion: The results suggested individuals with migraine showed deviant effective connectivity when viewing human facial expressions in multi-frequency. The prefrontal-temporal pathway might be related to the altered negative emotion modulation in migraine. These findings may contribute to understanding the mechanism of the comorbidity of depression and anxiety in migraine and provide references for the comprehensive therapeutic plan.
Integration of Heavy Metal Pollution Indices and Health Risk Assessment of Groundwater in Semi-arid Coastal Aquifers, South Africa
Authors: Mthembu Philisiwe P , Elumalai Vetrimurugan , Li Peiyue , Uthandi Sivakumar , Anderson William P.
Published: November 2021

The metal contaminated groundwater results in serious health issues and hence this study attempts to address metal contamination and its sources by using integrated techniques including indexed and statistical methods and its related health hazards. Groundwater pH varied from 5.3 to 8.3 indicating acidic to alkaline in nature. Heavy metal evaluation index and degree of contamination reveal that all the groundwater samples fall under low pollution and are appropriate for human consumption. According to the pollution index majority of the samples fall in the insignificant pollution zone. Water quality index reveal that 19% and 2% of the groundwater samples belong to the poor and very poor water quality category and are spatially situated on the central, northern and southern parts of the study region. Correlation matrix and principal component analysis reveal that weathering of aquifer matrix and anthropogenic activities are accountable for the release of heavy metals into groundwater. Furthermore, R-mode and Q-mode cluster analysis revealed two clusters which are linked to mixed sources including weathering and anthropogenic activities. Based on the hazard quotient the order of heavy metal impact is: Co>Pb>Cd>Zn>As>Mn>Cu>Cr>Fe>Ni for both children and adult. The hazard index values varied from 0.06 to 8.16 for children and from 0.02 to 2.14 for adult. In this study, it is discovered that 43% and 26% of groundwater samples pose non-carcinogenic health risk in children and adult, respectively. This study highly recommends treatment of contaminated groundwater before consumption in order to protect and maintain the public health.