bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silicone ring tourniquet could be a substitute for a conventional tourniquet in distal femur surgeries with a longer surgical field: A prospective comparative study in simultaneous total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Lee Tae sung , Park Kwan Kyu , Cho Byung Woo , Lee Woo-Suk , Kwon Hyuck Min
Published: October 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of silicon ring tourniquets and conventional pneumatic tourniquets in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study compared the operation time, total bleeding amount, length from the tourniquet distal end to the patella superior pole (L_TP), and complications related to the two tourniquet application methods and attempted to determine whether the silicon ring tourniquet has advantages over conventional pneumatic tourniquets.

Material and Methods

This prospective comparative study included 30 patients who underwent bilateral simultaneous TKA for degenerative osteoarthritis in August to December 2021. All patients underwent TKA on one side with a conventional pneumatic tourniquet, while TKA on the other side with a silicon ring tourniquet. The primary outcomes were the L_TP, operation time, tourniquet time, total bleeding amount, total drainage amount, and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score at 6, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. The secondary outcome was tourniquet-related complications in both groups.

Results

L_TP was significantly longer in the silicon ring tourniquet group compared with that in the pneumatic tourniquet group (20.22 ± 2.74 cm versus 15.12 ± 2.40, p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in other results. The tourniquet applied site pain was less in the silicon ring tourniquet group (p = 0.037).

Conclusions

Silicon ring tourniquet application resulted in better clinical outcomes than conventional pneumatic tourniquets in TKA. Because we can obtain a wider surgical field using silicon ring tourniquets without complications, silicon ring tourniquets could be a substitute for conventional pneumatic tourniquets in distal femoral surgeries.
River Bank Erosion and Vulnerability Assessment for the Alluvial section of Barak River in North-East India by In-situ Approach
Authors: DAS TINKLE , ASHWINI KUMAR , Sil BRITI Sundar
Published: October 2022

In the floodplains of alluvial rivers, riverbank erosion is one of the most significant geomorphological problems. The Barak River is one of the critical river basins of North-East India. During the monsoon, the river is subject to regular catastrophic floods and erosion, which significantly impact the state's overall development. Embankment breaches induced by riverbank erosion have become a frequent occurrence. This study aims to determine the annual riverbank erosion and identify the locations most vulnerable to erosion of the Barak River by in-situ submerged Jet Erosion apparatus. 40 in-situ submerged jet experiments were conducted to determine the erodibility parameters of the bank soil. The results show that the spatial variation in erosion parameters of river banks varies significantly, with a magnitude of \({\tau }_{c}\) (critical shear stress) range from 0.1 to 55 Pa, and the values of \({K}_{d}\)(erodibility coefficient) range from 0.1 to 10 cm3/N.s. Annual River bank erosion at the study sites was estimated using measured erosion parameters, and the results fell within the ranges previously reported. The JET test result indicated that a highly erodible to resistant vulnerability condition exists within the selected location. The most erodible sites are Sonai, Tarapur Nathpara, and Panchgram. The actual bank erosion of the chosen reach was checked by comparing the estimated bank erosion to the observed satellite images. The findings of this study demonstrate that the soil erosion parameters of the river bank are location specific; and therefore, it needs to be tested locally for precise estimation of stream bank erosion.
The clinical manifestation and outcome of COVID-19 in patients with a history of ischemic heart disease (IHD); a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Tajmirriahi Marzieh , Sami Ramin , Mansourian Marjan , Khademi Niloufar , Hosseini Nastaran-sadat , Dehghan Mehrneagar , Soltaninejad Forogh
Published: October 2022

Background
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is considered an independent risk factor for COVID-19. However, no study has specifically examined the clinical manifestations and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with ischemic heart disease.
Methods
In a retrospective case-control study between 20 March 2020 to 20 May 2020, the medical record of 1611 patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was reviewed. Ischemic heart disease was defined as an abnormal coronary angiography, coronary angioplasty, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), or chronic stable angina. Demographic data, past medical history, drug history, symptoms, vital signs, laboratory findings, outcome, and death were investigated from medical records.
Results
1518 Patients (882 men (58.1%)) with a mean age of 59.3 ± 15.5 years were included in the study. Patients with IHD (n = 300) were significantly less likely to have fever (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.42–0.78, P < 0.001), chills (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.47–0.86, P < 0.001) and diarrhea (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.48–0.91, P = 0.010). The mean symptoms duration was 7.74 ± 5.67 days and 8.23 ± 6.12 days in patients with IHD and without IHD, respectively (P = 0.219). Patients with IHD were 1.57 times more likely to have hypoxia (83.3% vs. 76%, OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.13–2.19, P = 0.007). There was no significant difference in terms of WBC, platelets, lymphocyte, LDH, AST, ALT, and CRP between the two groups (P > 0.05). After adjusting for age, and underlying disease by Cox proportional hazards regression models and unstandardized confidants by linear regression models, the frequency of ICU admission, length of ICU admission, the frequency of mechanical ventilation, length of mechanical ventilation, death, and time from admission to death were not statistically different between the two groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
In comparison with non-IHD, the symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection such as fever, chills and diarrhea were less common among patients with a history of IHD. Although the frequency of hypoxemia was significantly higher in patients with IHD, the rate of adverse outcomes and mortality were not significantly different between the groups.
Predicting Lung Cancer Survival after Curative Surgery Using Deep Learning of Diffusion MRI
Authors: Moon Jung Won , Yang Ehwa , Kim Jae-Hun , Kwon O Jung , Park Minsu , Yi Chin A
Published: October 2022

The survival of lung cancer patients is expected differently according to the stage at diagnosis. However, each individual patient experiences different survival results even in the same stage group. DWI and ADC are two of widely used prognostic indicators for the prediction of survival in cancer patients. This study aims to develop a deep learning model that predicts the overall survival of non-small cell lung cancer patients using diffusion MRI. The study adapted a VGG-16 network and investigated the model’s performance using different combinations of DWI with/without ADC images. The survival model using deep learning of both DWI and ADC accurately predict the possibility of survival in five years after surgical treatment of NSCLC (up to 92%). The accuracy of results produced by the deep learning model can be enhanced by inputting precedented, proven functional parameters of ADC including the original images of DWI in survival prediction.
Recovery of physical function, muscle mass and quality of life in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Takekiyo Takahiro , Utsunomiya Atae , Nara Souichiro , Mori Nozomi , Nakashima Norihisa , Okamura Toshiyuki , Tokunaga Masahito , Miyazono Takayoshi , Nakano Nobuaki , Ito Yoshikiyo , Dozono Koichiro
Published: October 2022

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the recovery of physical function, muscle mass, and quality of life (QOL) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) patients 1 year after the procedure.
Methods
A total of 71 patients who underwent allo-HSCT at our institution between February 2010 and June 2020, for whom a physical therapy assessment could be performed before allo-HSCT, at discharge, and 1 year after allo-HSCT, were included. Exercise therapy during hospitalization was provided individually by a physical therapist, and exercise was self-administered after discharge.
Results
One year after allo-HSCT, handgrip strength and results of the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) recovered to pre-HSCT levels. Muscle mass 1 year after allo-HSCT showed slight improvement after discharge from the hospital but did not reach the pre-HSCT level. All subscales of QOL, 1 year after allo-HSCT, recovered to pre-HSCT levels, but only two of the eight subscales recovered to the national norm of 50. Multivariate analysis revealed factors associated with the recovery of physical function and QOL, including improved hemoglobin levels, albumin levels, and adherence to exercise therapy. In contrast, factors that negatively affected recovery were steroid administration and pre-HSCT intensity conditioning.
Conclusion
The results suggest that continued exercise therapy may contribute to the recovery of muscle strength, endurance, and QOL 1 year after allo-HSCT.
Procedure for the implementation of VR/AR learning scenarios for method training - Presentation of the Assisted Reality Implementation Model (ARIM).
Authors: Karcher Amelie , Arnold Dominik , Prinz Christopher , Kuhlenkötter Bernd
Published: October 2022

Virtual - and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) based assistance systems represent a growing technology approach for the sustainable communication of quality methods for further education offers. To create virtual learning environments as standardized and efficient as possible, a uniform approach is required. This paper focuses on the development of the Assisted Reality Implementation Model (ARIM) for the selection of Lean Management and Six Sigma quality methods that are suitable to be taught using augmented and virtual reality learning environments. Furthermore, the ARIM enables meaningful guidance for the implementation of the virtual learning environments, as well as subsequent validation. The model will be applied and evaluated within the research project WILLEN.
New observations on the Antarctic Asteromphalus darwinii/ hookeri diatom species-complex (Asterolampraceae)
Authors: Hallegraeff Gustaaf , LeBlanc Karine
Published: October 2022

Antarctic diatom populations of Asteromphalus hookeri and related species such as A. hyalinus and A. parvulus exhibit a highly variable number of hyaline rays ranging from 3 broad + 1 narrow (3 + 1) in the smallest valves, with 4 + 1 (27%) and 5 + 1 rays (35%) most common, and 6 + 1, 7 + 1, and rarely 8 + 1 rays only in larger cells. During December 1959 to April 1960 in the southern sector of the Atlantic Ocean, 6% of valves occurred as “double forms” with epitheca and hypotheca of the same cell exhibiting 4 + 1/3 + 1, 5 + 1/4 + 1, 6 + 1/5 + 1 and 7 + 1/6 + 1 ray combinations. Smaller cells (3 + 1, 4 + 1) always exhibited jagged separation lines in the central area, but larger cells (7 + 1, 8 + 1) had mostly smooth lines, and either jagged or smooth separation lines occurred in intermediate 5 + 1 and 6 + 1 forms, respectively. Epitheca and hypotheca of one and the same cell always exhibited jagged or smooth separation lines, but never mixtures. Observations of silica deposition during October to November 2011 around the Kerguelen Island plateau using the PDMPO fluorescent marker suggest that Asteromphalus separation lines play a key role in silica cell wall development. We discuss implications for taxonomy and our understanding of ecophysiology of what we designate as two highly variable and often confused and overlapping diatom taxa, A.darwiniii (jagged separation lines; synonyms A. beaumontii, A. hyalinus, A. leboimei, A. parvulus, A. rossii) and A. hookeri (smooth separation lines; synonym A. antarcticus, A.buchii, ?cuvierii, ?humboldtii).
Home range and habitat selection of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in rural landscape
Authors: Ikeda Takashi , Higashide Daishi , Suzuki Takaaki , Asano Makoto
Published: October 2022

Wild boars are cause crop damage and are vectors causing infectious diseases in humans and livestock, thus wild boar population management is essential to control the damage. Because information on mammal home range and habitat selection is important for the management of target species, accurate spatial data would provide valuable information to establish population management scheme and infectious diseases countermeasure. In this study, we aimed to understand the home range of wild boars and their habitat selection during the daytime and nighttime. We captured seven wild boars in in central Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and monitored each individual from October 2020 to June 2022. We calculated the 95% and 50% home range of each individual for the entire monitoring period and for short-term period. Additionally, we investigated environmental characteristics at GPS locations during daytime and nighttime. In this study, the home range sizes from the minimum convex polygon method ranged from 0.32 to 28.51 km2, and the maximum distance between the location points was 7.6 km. Moreover, wild boars avoided anthropogenic environments during the daytime and selectively used cropland category during the nighttime. Therefore, wild boars had narrow home ranges depending on the anthropogenic environments. Consequently, wildlife managers could reduce agricultural damage caused by wild boars by managing bamboo forests and abandoned cultivated lands in the rural landscape. For infectious diseases, moreover, they should implement countermeasures against wild boars that are within 8 km of pig farms.
Traditional and New Lifestyle Interventions to Prevent Breast Cancer Recurrence (TANICA): A qualitative study
Authors: Aflague Tanisha F. , Esq Monica K. , Hammond Kristi , Reyes Bernice Delos , Kaholokula Joseph Keawe
Published: October 2022

Purpose: Breast cancer is the second cause of death from cancer in Guam and Hawai‘i and disproportionately impacts Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino women. Although a few culturally informed interventions addressing breast cancer survivorship exist, none have been developed or tested for Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino women. To address this, the TANICA study began with key informant interviews in 2021.
Methods: Purposive sampling and grounded theory approaches were used to conduct semi-structured interviews with individuals experienced in providing healthcare or implementing community programs and/or research with ethnic groups of interest in Guam and Hawai‘i. A literature review and expert consultation identified intervention components, engagement strategies, and settings. Interview questions aimed to understand the relevance of evidence-based interventions and explored socio-cultural factors. Participants completed demographics and cultural affiliation surveys. Interviews were independently analyzed by trained researchers. Themes were mutually agreed upon by reviewers and key themes were identified based on frequencies.
Results: Nineteen interviews were conducted in Hawai‘i (n=9) and Guam (n=10). Interviews confirmed the relevance of most of the previously identified evidence-based intervention components for Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino breast cancer survivors. Ideas around culturally responsive intervention components and strategies emerged that were shared across and unique to each ethnic group and site.
Conclusion: Evidence-based intervention components appear relevant, yet cultural and place-based strategies are needed for Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino women in Guam and Hawai‘i. Future research should triangulate these findings with the lived experiences of Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino breast cancer survivors to develop culturally informed interventions.
Doublecortin-expressing neurons in human cerebral cortex layer II and amygdala from infancy to 100 year-old
Authors: Li Ya-Nan , Hu Dan-Dan , Cai Xiao-Lu , Wang Yan , Yang Chen , Jiang Juan , Zhang Qi-Lei , Tu Tian , Wang Xiao-Sheng , Wang Hui , Tu Ewen , Wang Xiao-Ping , Pan Aihua , Yan Xiao-Xin , Wan Lily
Published: October 2022

A cohort of morphologically heterogenous doublecortin immunoreactive (DCX+) “immature neurons” has been identified in the cerebral cortex largely around layer II and the amygdala largely in the paralaminar nucleus (PLN) among various mammals. To gain a wide spatiotemporal view on these neurons in humans, we examined layer II and amygdalar DCX + neurons in the brains of infants to 100 year-old individuals. Layer II DCX + neurons occurred throughout the cerebrum in the infants/toddlers, mainly in the temporal lobe in the adolescents and adults, and only in the temporal cortex surrounding the amygdala in the elderly. Amygdalar DCX + neurons occurred in all age groups, localized primarily to the PLN, and reduced in number with age. The small-sized DCX + neurons were unipolar or bipolar, and formed migratory chains extending tangentially, obliquely and inwardly in layers I-III in the cortex, and from the PLN to other nuclei in the amygdala. Morphologically mature-looking neurons were lightly labeled and co-expressed the neuron-specific nuclear antigen, glutamic acid decarboxylase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase. Taken together, we consider that the layer II and amygdalar DCX + neurons form a slowly developing interneuron system that supports inhibitory network plasticity in the cerebrum in an age/region-dependent manner.
Effects of bacterial inoculants on microbial community, mycotoxin contamination, and aerobic stability of corn silage infected in field by toxigenic fungi during aerobic exposure
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Wang Wenkang , Shao Tao , Ma Pengfei , Li Junfeng , Zhao Jie , Gallo Antonio , Yuan Xianjun
Published: October 2022

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of inoculants on the microbial community and mycotoxins contamination during aerobic exposure of corn silage. Whole-crop corn infected with or without mycotoxigenic fungi were ensiled with Lactobacillus buchneri (LB, 1.0×106 cfu g− 1 fresh weight (FW)), Lactobacillus plantarum (LP, 1.0×106 cfu g− 1 FW), or LBLP at 1.0× 106 cfu g− 1 FW each. The higher concentration of AcA (P < 0.05) in LB and LBLP silages than C and LP of NFI silages. Fungal infection resulted in a larger increase of zearalenone (ZEN, P = 0.01), fumonisin B1 (FUB1, P = 0.02), and fumonisin B2 (FUB2, P = 0.02). The RA of Issatchenkia in NFI was higher (P < 0.001) than FI silages, whereas the RA of Kazachstania (P < 0.001), Zygosaccharomyces (P = 0.047), and Candida (P = 0.025) in NFI were lower than these of FI silages. The aerobic stability was improved by the application of LB and LBLP as compared with C of NFI silages. The LB and LBLP had the potential to improve aerobic stability and alleviate mycotoxins contamination of non-fungal infected corn silages, but did not mitigate the negative effect of fungal infection in corn silages.
In Silico Track to Reveal a Translational Potential of Porphyrin-c60 Nanoparticles in the Ischemic Stroke Related Preclinical Studies
Authors: Fursov Valentin , Namestnikova Daria , Kuznetsov Dmitriy A.
Published: October 2022

The In Silico study on neuropharmacokinetiks of some novel porphyrin-fullerene based 25Mg2+ - nanocarriers was performed with an aim to optimize the preclinical research path required for both prevention and correction of the brain ischemic stroke related metabolic disorders such us ATP deplete and its direct consequences. Thus, the local brain tissue hypoxia scenario are in a focus of this novel analytical approach suitable for prediction of some parameters of the 25Mg – magnetic isotope effect promoted antihypoxic activities as long as they relates upon delivery, distribution and intralization of the low toxic/amphiphilic Mg2+ – releasing nanoparticles of PMC16 type. This is the first report ever on mathematical model applied to predict and to prove a mere phenomenon of the “cellular pump” keeping the constant traffic of PMC16 particles towards a brain hypoxia area even when/if lowest concentration of pharmacophore were the case. For experimental verifications of the In Silico platform proposed, a combination of (a) the rat brain occlusion – promoted ischemic stroke model and (b) the capillary zone electrophoretic (CZE) quantification of PMC16-RX nanoparticles in cytosol fractions isolated from intact / penumbra / stroke brain areas, has been employed.
Induction of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein by miR-200c-3p restores sensitivity to anti-androgen therapy in androgen-refractory prostate cancer and inhibits the cancer progression via down-regulation of integrin α3β4
Authors: Dahal Sadan , Chaudhary Prakash , Kim Jung-Ae
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Androgen-refractory prostate cancer (ARPC) is one of the aggressive human cancers with metastatic capacity and resistance to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The present study investigated the genes responsible for ARPC progression and ADT resistance, and their regulatory mechanisms.
Methods
Transcriptome analysis, co-immunoprecipitation, confocal microscopy, and FACS analysis were performed to determine differentially-expressed genes, integrin α3β4 heterodimer, and cancer stem cell (CSC) population. miRNA array, 3′-UTR reporter assay, ChIP assay, qPCR, and immunoblotting were used to determine differentially-expressed microRNAs, their binding to integrin transcripts, and gene expressions. A xenograft tumor model was used to assess tumor growth and metastasis.
Results
Metastatic ARPC cell lines (PC-3 and DU145) exhibiting significant downregulation of ZBTB16 and AR showed significantly upregulated ITGA3 and ITGB4. Silencing either one of the integrin α3β4 heterodimer significantly suppressed ARPC survival and CSC population. miRNA array and 3′-UTR reporter assay revealed that miR-200c-3p, the most strongly downregulated miRNA in ARPCs, directly bound to 3′-UTR of ITGA3 and ITGB4 to inhibit the gene expression. Concurrently, miR-200c-3p also increased PLZF expression, which, in turn, inhibited integrin α3β4 expression. Combination treatment with miR-200c-3p mimic and AR inhibitor enzalutamide showed synergistic inhibitory effects on ARPC cell survival in vitro and tumour growth and metastasis of ARPC xenografts in vivo, and the combination effect was greater than the mimic alone.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that miR-200c-3p treatment of ARPC is a promising therapeutic approach to restore the sensitivity to anti-androgen therapy and inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.
Predicting the dietary fiber content of fresh-cut bamboo shoots using a visible and near-infrared hyperspectral technique
Authors: Xu Xiao-Yan , Xie Wei-Guang , Xiang Cheng , You Qian , Tian Xing-Guo
Published: October 2022

The dietary fiber content in fresh-cut bamboo shoots is considered crucial for the quality of processed bamboo shoots products. This study aimed to explore the potential of applying two different hyperspectral techniques, namely visible near infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy and near infrared (NIR) in the quick and non-destructive prediction of the dietary fiber content of fresh-cut bamboo shoots. The Vis-NIR and NIR hyperspectral data were collected to establish partial least square regression (PLSR) and principal component regression (PCR) calibration model for the average spectrum of fresh-cut bamboo shoots and their corresponding dietary fiber content. Subsequently, data fusion analysis, various pre-processing methods, and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to optimize the model. The results indicated that superior models were obtained based on low-level fusion data when compared with the corresponding methods based on single spectral data. The optimal SNV-PCA-PLSR model achieved a good performance with coefficient of determination of prediction (R2p) of 0.902, and root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.135. Therefore, hyperspectral technique combined with data fusion analysis can be a promising approach for non-invasive quality supervision of bamboo shoots products in varied processing states.
Influence of Bovine Arch Anatomy on Surgical Outcomes of Coarctation of the Aorta
Authors: Miwa Koji , Iwai Shigemitsu , Tsumura Sanae , Kanaya Tomomistu , Tominaga Yuji , Kawai Shota , Teguri Yuta
Published: October 2022

The study aimed to evaluate the outcome of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) repair with special interest in bovine arch anatomy. Fifty-six patients who underwent CoA repair between 2010 and 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Of these, 11 patients had bovine arch anatomy. Surgical outcomes were reviewed. Computed tomography was used to analyze aortic arch geometry routinely prior to surgery. The gap between anastomotic sites was calculated at the linear region of the lesser curvature of the aortic arch between the distal ascending aorta and the proximal descending aorta. CoA repair was performed at median age of 39 days (body weight, 3.3 kg). Thirty-two patients underwent extended direct anastomosis, 22 patients underwent direct anastomosis, and 2 patients underwent lesser curvature patch augmentation. The median follow-up period was 47 months. There were no early deaths. In patients who underwent direct and extended direct anastomosis, 6 recoarctation and 1 left pulmonary venous obstruction events occurred. Moreover, freedom from adverse events was 81 % in normal arch and 50 % in bovine arch cases at 10 years (P = 0.04). Two patients with a bovine arch anatomy who underwent lesser curvature patch augmentation had good outcomes. The distal arch was narrower and longer, and the gap between anastomotic sites was longer in patients with a bovine arch anatomy than with a normal arch (P< 0.01). In CoA with a bovine arch anatomy, the gap between anastomotic sites was long. This adversely influenced the outcomes of direct anastomosis.
DDX39B facilitates the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via activation of SREBP1- mediated de novo lipid synthesis
Authors: feng tianyu , Li Siqi , Zhao Gang , Li Qin , Yuan Hang , Zhang Jie , Gu Rui , Ou Deqiong , Guo Yafei , Kou Qiming , Wang Qijing , Li Kai , Lin Ping
Published: October 2022

Purpose
The detailed molecular mechanisms of aberrant lipid metabolism in HCC remains unclear. Herein, we focused on the potential role of DDX39B in aberrant lipogenesis and malignant development in HCC.
Methods
DDX39B expression in HCC and para-cancer tissues was measured by immunohistochemistry. CCK-8, clone formation and transwell assays were utilized to detect HCC cells proliferation, migration and invasion in virto. Oil red O, nile red staining, triglyceride and cholesterol detections were used to measure lipogenesis. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to detect interactions between DDX39B and SREBP1. Fractionation and immunofluorescence assays were performed to investigate the impact of DDX39B on SREBP1 nuclear translocation. Luciferase assay was used to explore transcriptional activity of SREBP1. Nude mice subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft models were performed to verify the contribution of DDX39B/SREBP1 axis in tumor growth, lung metastasis and lipid synthesis in vivo.
Results
DDX39B is upregulated in HCC tissues and predicts worse prognosis. Upregulated DDX39B contributes to the proliferation, metastasis and lipogenesis of HCC cells. Mechanistically, DDX39B directly interacts with SREBP1 and silencing DDX39B impairs the stabilization of the SREBP1 protein through FBXW7-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of SREBP1. Furthermore, DDX39B deficiency decreases the nuclear translocation and activation of SREBP1 and transcription of SREBP1 downstream genes, resulting in reduced lipid accumulation.
Conclusions
Our study reveals a novel mechanism by which DDX39B facilitates the malignant progression of HCC via activation of SREBP1-mediated de novo lipogenesis, implicating DDX39B as both a potential predictor of recurrence and prognosis and a promising therapeutic target.
Effects of intermittent starvation on growth performance, precocity, digestive enzyme activity and body chemical composition of juvenile Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Li Xiaowu , Zhang Tanglin , Li Wei , Liu Jiashou
Published: October 2022

The effects of intermittent starvation on the growth, precocity, digestive enzyme activity, feeding and body chemical composition of juvenile Chinese mitten crabEriocheir sinensiswere investigated in two independent experiments. Crabs were reared individually during Experiment I and cultured in aggregate during Experiment Ⅱ. Five treatments were involved in both experiments: crabs in the control group (Group C) were fed continuously; crabs in Group S3, S6, S10 and S15 were starved for 3, 6, 10 and 15 days and then re-fed for 3, 6, 10 and 15 days, respectively. Procedures were then repeated. The precocity rate of Group C was significantly higher than that of the other groups. In Experiment I, the final mean body weight and the mean specific growth rate in dry matter (SGRdm) of groups C and S3 was significantly higher than that of the other groups. In Experiment Ⅱ, the mean specific growth rate in body weight (SGRw) in Group C was similar to that of groups S3, S6 and S10, but significantly higher than S15. Crabs in groups S3, S6 and S10 compensated for starving-induced growth depression after being re-fed, and compensatory growth was realized by both higher feeding rate and improved feed efficiency. There was no significant difference in trypsin and alkaline phosphatase activity among treatment groups and the control. However, steapsin and amylase activity were significantly affected by starvation period. There was no significant difference in dry matter, ash and protein content among groups C, S3, S6 and S10 in Experiment I. Collectively, results demonstrated that proper intermittent starvation was sufficient for reducing the precocity rate of cultured juvenileE. sinensis, and we recommend subjecting juvenile crabs to intermittent fasting for 6 to 10 days to maintain precocity rates at acceptable levels without inhibiting growth and yield.
Multi-Fractal Detrended Cross-Correlation Heatmaps for Time Series Analysis
Authors: Junior Paulo Roberto de Melo Barros , Bunge Kianny Lopes , Rodrigues Vitor Hugo Serravalle  Reis , Santiago Michell Thompson Ferreira , Marinho Euler Bentes dos Santos , Silva Jose Luis Lima de Jesus
Published: October 2022

Complex systems in biology, climatology, medicine, and economy hold emergent properties such as non-linearity, adaptation, and self-organization. These emergent attributes can derive from large-scale relationships, connections, and interactive behavior despite not being apparent from their isolated components. It is possible to better comprehend complex systems by analyzing cross-correlations between time series. However, the accumulation of non-linear processes induces multiscale structures, therefore, a spectrum of power-law exponents (the fractal dimension) and distinct cyclical patterns. We propose the Multifractal Detrended Cross-Correlation Heatmaps (MF-DCCHM), a new method to map the relationships between fluctuations of signals on different time scales and regimes. Our dataset is composed of sales and inventory from the Brazilian automotive sector and macroeconomic descriptors, namely the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, Nominal Exchange Rate (NER), and the Nominal Interest Rate (NIR) from the Central Bank of Brazil. Our results indicate cross-correlated patterns that can be directly compared with the power-law spectra for multiple regimes. We have also identified cyclical patterns of high intensities that coincide with the Brazilian presidential elections. The MF-DCCHM uncovers non-explicit cyclic patterns, quantifies the relations of two non-stationary signals (noise effect removed), and has outstanding potential for mapping cross-regime patterns in multiple domains.
Evaluating the quality of daily rainfall observations from third- party stations based on multiple reference data
Authors: Li Ming , Shao Quanxi , Dabrowski Joel Janek , Rahman Ashfaqur , Powell Andrea , Henderson Brent , Hussain Zachary , Steinle Peter
Published: October 2022

Third-party rainfall observations could provide an improvement of the current official observation network for rainfall monitoring. Although third-party weather stations can provide large quantities of near-real-time rainfall observations at fine temporal and spatial resolutions, the quality of these data is susceptible because of there is a need to provide greater confidence in them due to variations in quality control applied. In this study, we develop a statistical method for an automated quality control system to evaluate daily rainfall observations collected from third-party stations in near real time. Australian Gridded Climate Data (AGCD) and radar Rainfields data have been identified as two reliable data sources that can be used for assessing third-party observations in Australia. To achieve better model interpretability and scalability, the reference data sources are used to provide three separate tests rather than a complex single test on a third-party data point. Based on the assumption that the error of a data source follows a Gaussian distribution after a log-sinh transformation, each test issues a p-value-based confidence score as a measure of quality and the confidence of the third-party data point. The maximum of confidence scores from individual tests is used to merge these tests into a single result which provides overall assessment. We validate our method with synthetic datasets based on high-quality rainfall observations from 100 Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) of Australia stations across Australia and apply it to evaluate real third-party rainfall observations owned by the Department of Primary Industries and regional development (DPIRD) of Western Australia. Our method works well with the synthetic datasets and can detect 76.7% erroneous data while keeping the false alarm rate as low as 1.7%. We also discuss the possibility of using other reference datasets, such as numerical weather prediction data and satellite rainfall data.
Siamese Tracker with “Dynamic-static” Dual-template Fusion and Dynamic Template Adaptive Update
Authors: Sun Dongyue , Wang Xian , Man Yingjie , Deng Ningdao , Peng Zhaoxin
Published: October 2022

In recent years, most visual tracking algorithms based on Siamese network have attracted much attention for its desirable balance between speed and accuracy. The performance of such tracking methods relies heavily on target templates, and there will appear some problems in the application whether dynamic or static templates are used. Based on DaSiamRPN and UpdateNet template update network, a Siamese tracker with “dynamic-static” dual-template fusion and dynamic template adaptive update is proposed in this paper. The new method combines a static template and a dynamic template that is updated in real time for object tracking. An adaptive update strategy is adopted when updating the dynamic template, which can not only help adjust to the changes in the object appearance but also suppress the adverse effects of noise interfering and contaminating the template. Experimental results show that the robustness and EAO of the proposed method are 23% and 9.0% higher than the basic algorithm on the VOT2016 dataset respectively and that the precision and success are increased by 0.8% and 0.4% on the OTB100 dataset respectively. The best comprehensive performance is obtained on the above two large public datasets, and the anti-interference capability is significantly improved.
Bradykinin-pretreated human cardiac-specific c-kit + cells enhance exosomal miR-3059-5p and promote angiogenesis against hindlimb ischemia in mice
Authors: Li Jingzhou , Song Fei , Chen Ruolan , Liu Jie , Huang Li , Duan Fuyu , Kou Meng , Lian Boon Xuan , Zhou Xiaoxia , Han Weimin , Mao Liang , Wu Chan , Wu Weiyin , TSE Hung-Fat , Lian Qizhou , Li Gang , Wang Yan
Published: October 2022

Aims: Protection of cardiac function following myocardial infarction was largely enhanced by bradykinin-pretreated cardiac-specific c-kit+ (BK-c-kit+) cells, even without significant engraftment, indicating that paracrine actions of BK-c-kit+ cells play a pivotal role in angiogenesis. Nevertheless, the active components of the paracrine actions of BK-c-kit+ cells and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study aimed to define the active components of exosomes from BK-c-kit+ cells and elucidate their underlying protective mechanisms.
Methods and results: Matrigel tube formation assay, cell cycle, and mobility in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and hindlimb ischemia (HLI) in mice were applied to determine the angiogenic effect of condition medium (CM) and exosomes. Proteome profiler, microRNA sponge, Due-luciferase assay, microRNA-sequencing, qRT-PCR, and Western blot were used to determine the underlying mechanism of the angiogenic effect of exosomes from BK-c-kit+. As a result, BK-c-kit+ CM and exosomes promoted tube formation in HUVECs and the repair of HLI in mice. Angiogenesis-related proteomic profiling and microRNA sequencing revealed highly enriched miR-3059-5p as a key angiogenic component of BK-c-kit+ exosomes. Meanwhile, loss- and gain-of-function experiments revealed that the promotion of angiogenesis by miR-3059-5p was mainly through suppression of TNFSF15 (VEGI)-inhibited effects on vascular tube formation, cell proliferation and cell migration. Moreover, enhanced angiogenesis of miR-3059-5p-inhibited TNFSF15 has been associated with Akt/Erk1/2/Smad2/3-modulated signaling pathway.
Conclusion: Our results demonstrated a novel finding that BK-c-kit+ cells enrich exosomal miR-3059-5p to suppress TNFSF15 and promote angiogenesis against hindlimb ischemia in mice.
A hybrid multi-particle approach to range assessment-based treatment verification in particle therapy
Authors: Meric Ilker , Alagoz Enver , Hysing Liv , Kögler Toni , Lathouwers Danny , Lionheart William , Mattingly John , Obhodas Jasmina , Pausch Guntram , Pettersen Helge , Ratliff Hunter , Rovituso Marta , Schellhammer Sonja , Setterdahl Lena , Skjerdal Kyrre , Sterpin Edmond , Sudac Davorin , Turko Joseph , Ytre-Hauge Kristian
Published: October 2022

Particle therapy (PT) used for cancer treatment can spare healthy tissue and reduce treatment toxicity. However, full exploitation of the dosimetric advantages of PT is not yet possible due to range uncertainties, warranting development of range-monitoring techniques. This study proposes a novel range-monitoring technique introducing the yet unexplored concept of simultaneous detection and imaging of fast neutrons and prompt-gamma rays produced in beam-tissue interactions. A quasi-monolithic organic detector array is proposed, and its feasibility for detecting range shifts in the context of proton therapy is explored through Monte Carlo simulations of realistic patient models. The results indicate that range shifts of 1 mm can be detected at relatively low proton intensities (6 million/spot) when spatial information obtained through imaging of both particle species are used simultaneously. This study lays the foundation for multi-particle
detection and imaging systems in the context range verification in PT.
Kooperative Schulentwicklung im digitalen Kontext
Authors: Hasselkuß Marco , Heinemann Anna , Endberg Manuela , Van Ackeren Isabell
Published: October 2022

Die digitale Transformation in der Schule gilt es aktiv im Sinne der Schulentwicklung zu gestalten. Dazu sind Prozesse und Massnahmen auf verschiedenen Entwicklungsebenen anzustossen, um den Schulentwicklungsprozess ganzheitlich auffassen zu können. Der Beitrag stellt ausgehend von theoretischen Ansätzen der Schulentwicklung, der Kooperation von Lehrkräften sowie unter Berücksichtigung einer Schulnetzwerkperspektive beispielhafte Schulentwicklungsprozesse im Kontext der Digitalisierung vor. Auf der Grundlage von Interview- sowie egozentrierten Netzwerkanalysedaten werden dazu fiktive Fallvignetten aufbereitet, wobei jedes Beispiel für einen eigenen Schwerpunkt der Schulentwicklung im Kontext der Digitalisierung steht. In der ersten Vignette wird eine besonders ausgeprägte schulinterne Kooperation hervorgehoben, in der zweiten eine besonders ausgeprägte Kultur distributiver Führung in den Blick genommen und schliesslich werden im dritten Fall die Möglichkeiten einer besonders ausgeprägten schulexternen Kooperation fokussiert. Die fiktiven Fallvignetten stellen keine Handlungsrezepte dar, sondern geben Hinweise auf mögliche Wege der Ausgestaltung, bei denen nicht etwa eine Facette wichtiger wäre als eine andere. Der Beitrag schliesst mit einem Ausblick auf Möglichkeiten, die fiktiven Fallvignetten in weiteren Kontexten anzuwenden, beispielsweise in der schulischen Praxis oder der Lehrkräftebildung, sowie auf weiteren Forschungsbedarf.
Can Private Public Partnership Pullout Lebanon Out of Its Worst Economic Crisis?
Authors: Nsouli Zaher F.
Published: October 2022

Lebanon is grappling with the worst economic crisis in decades. One cannot escape the reality that Lebanon is broke and is set to face an even more agonizing economic downturn. While Lebanon has lost many past opportunities to develop its infrastructure including its energy, waste management, water, and transport, it is high time that authorities roll up their sleeves and give development a fillip in the country through Public Private Partnership (PPP). Financing a project through a public-private partnership can allow a project to be completed sooner or make it a possibility in the first place. Public-private partnerships allow large-scale government projects to be completed with private funding. The success of PPP project is defined on the basis of repayment of loans without recourse to public sector guarantees or tax revenues and the provision of public services without inflicting a direct or indirect burden on the population, that is already encumbered with huge debt as in the case of Lebanon. On one hand, establishing a railway network in Lebanon via PPP will not only enable mass public transportation but will add significantly to economic growth in the country. Electricity, as well, in the heart of the economic crisis, the government should consider partnering with green power producers via PPP to resolve this issue. Furthermore, Lebanon had two oil refineries, renovating those refineries will allow Lebanon to secure its needs of oil and then eventually to export its surplus. Likewise, Special Economic Zones play a key role in rapid economic development of a country. Hence, upgrading the infrastructure of Tripoli and its port has numerous benefits especially with the intent of reconstructing Syria.
A Defense on Accounting Discretion: An Empirical Inquiry based on Users’ Awareness
Authors: Macc Afaf M. Alharbi* , Al-Adeem Khalid Rasheed
Published: October 2022

Corporate performance is a key in corporate accounting. One of the earliest accounting measures of corporate performance is accounting income. Accrual accounting enables the measurement of changes in net assets of an entity. Accounting income is neither scientifically determined nor proven. Accounting information often results from approximation and estimation when choice among alternatives is professionally judged, rather than exact measures and perceptions. Divergence in application of accounting policies in corporations under similar conditions may present different results. Some criticize corporate accounting, particularly after scandals related to financial statement fraud, for choices among procedures that accounting standards permit. However, choices in the application of accounting permitted procedures that accounting standards allow are based on professional judgment. Professional judgment enables accounting as a profession and allows accounting professionals to claim status in their respective communities. Exploring users’ awareness of corporate reports in Saudi Arabia in terms of flexibility in using accounting methods when preparing corporate reports and analyzing their understanding of corporate reports, this study surveyed 72 financial statement users. Research has found that sufficient efforts must be made to obtain information when making investment decisions. As accounting income is a result of applied accounting procedures and methods, users perceive information published in the financial reports, including notes, as understandable. Flexibility in applying accounting standards is imperative for adapting to changes in the entity’s business environment. Potential capital market investors must maintain a minimum level of knowledge; otherwise, they might be gambling their wealth or savings against the odds.
Effects of Cultivar and Cropping Type on the Growth and Yield of Female and Male Asparagus Plants
Authors: Motoki Satoru , Okada Kazuki , Imai Shumpei , Taguchi Takumi , Kanno Akira
Published: October 2022

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) is a dioecious perennial plant. Male plants have a higher yield than female plants; therefore, all-male cultivars are more commonly produced. In contrast, female plants have a higher spear weight than that of male plants. To increase profitability, selective cultivation of only female plants would increase the yield of asparagus with a thick spear, which has a higher unit price. However, the effects of cultivar and cropping type on the growth and yield of male and female asparagus plants have rarely been examined. This study compared the growth and yield of female and male plants of three cultivars grown under various cropping types: a rootstock planting forcing culture; a long-term harvest production system in an open field; and a semi-forcing culture. As a measurement of growth, the rootstock weight was significantly higher for female plants compared with that of male plants with the rootstock planting forcing culture. Regarding yield measurements, the spear weight and yield were not significantly different with the rootstock planting forcing culture. However, with the long-term harvest production system in the open field and semi-forcing cultures, the weight and yield of female plants were equivalent to or significantly higher than those of male plants, regardless of the cultivar, except during some harvest periods. These results indicated that the selective production of female plants may be advantageous in terms of growing heavier spears with a higher unit price in a long-term harvest production system in the open field and semi-forcing cultures in Japan. Additionally, the development of a simple and low-cost method for sex identification would be beneficial.